SU apologizes for the recent lack of postings. I am coming off hip replacement surgery and focusing on the rehab process under the care of Ms. SU to ensure I am at full speed come January. However, as always, SU is keeping tabs on the recent developments in the sports world and has these observations to share this morning:
- Yankees fans are very excited about the Gerret Cole signing. And I mean very excited. Las Vegas’s early betting line has the Yankees as the early favorites – “overwhelming favorites” – to win the 2020 World Series. It’s not hard to see this. First, the Astros are weakened by losing Cole and then they will surely be hit with a major fine/loss of draft picks/suspension (all of the above) for their stealing of signs scandal. So, the addition of Cole is a direct hit on the Astros. Second, in the AL, it’s hard to see anyone in the Yankees’ league for 2020. The Dodgers could retool for next season but SU believes their window may have closer for a couple of years now.
- On paper, SU gets the move. It’s not my money. SU does note that Austin Romine is gone (1-year deal with the Tigers where he can start) and of course, Didi is with the Phillies. He said that Cashman told him that the Yankees’ top priority was Cole and they showed no interest in bringing him back. Both of these were “glue guys” along with CC and they will be missed in 2020. Brett Gardner is back and he fills that void to some degree but we are now entering a new era where Aaron Judge will have to play that role pretty much on his own. Something to watch during the tougher times during the season.
- Rumor has it that the Yankees are in the market for Hader on the Brewers to supplement the bullpen. Betances is all but gone to free agency and with the new rules in play for 2020, teams will want pitchers who are not “specialists” but rather guys who can get lefties and righties out. The Yankees should move Clint Frazier now before his reputation takes any further hits. They have plenty of other attractive prospects to include in a deal with the Brewers and they will clearly be going for it in 2020.
- The line-up is way too right-handed. It’s ridiculous – especially in Yankee Stadium. Now, if MLB unjuices the ball next season, some of the opposite field home runs may not make it out. They will get Stanton back and hopefully he is healthy. Note to SU subscribers: he is untradeable. No-one is taking that contract on. SU continues to not understand how the financials will work going forward but not my problem. They will also have to get a more capable back-up catcher as Sanchez misses at least 2 months every year.
Other notes:
- The College Football championship playoffs are must see TV. All 4 teams are deserving, and LSU and Ohio State are a cut above.
- How crazy is it that Ohio State allowed this year’s Heisman Trophy winner to transfer to LSU but had no problem getting their own transfer from Georgia who is also top tier?
- Urban Meyer to the Cowboys in 2020. It’s time. And SU wants due credit when that happens.
- College basketball is going to be great this year. There is no dominant team and by the time March rolls around, the top schools will have their acts together with their new “1 and done” class players. In the Big Ten, no one can even win on the road this year. SU finds this to be much more interesting and I would rather see more 22-11 teams come March vs. the 30-2 ones. Let’s have a real tournament.
- How do the Patriots continue to get away with cheating?
- It was nice to see Eli Manning get another win but hey, the Giants could have used the loss to bolster their draft ranking. Tanking is an art form. Need to work on that. SU must admit that having a career .500 record is not very inspiring. What is happening there? Giant fans are ready to move on.
SU is ready for the Bowl season. Michigan vs. Alabama on New Year’s Day is already circled on the calendar. Time for the Big Ten to stand up to the SEC. Or not…
OK, let’s hear from you.
Sports Update Intergalactic 
Didi is an everyday player. As is Romine during the weeks/months when Sanchez is inevitably unable to play. They both received contracts that amount to a rounding error in Cole’s deal. It’s pretty hard to understand how they couldn’t make it work with them. It wouldn’t have taken all that much creativity to go to Cole and say, “Will you give us a slight discount on your contract and we’ll make sure the team has an all-star caliber shortstop and a backup/starting catcher that all the pitchers love throwing to?” I know negotiations don’t work this way but Cashman has made multiple signings in a year. He should have been able to figure out how to squeeze in one-year deals for Didi and Romine while still landing Cole.
I have no love for the Astros but am I the only one who doesn’t think the sign-stealing is such a big deal? Isn’t this something that teams try to do? Isn’t it the reason teams use complicated signs and cover their mouths with gloves and so on? If nobody was stealing signs, catchers would just put down one, two or three fingers and be done with it. I see kids in little league trying to figure out signs. I don’t love it but I’m not sure what the Astros did that other teams don’t…other than having it caught on video and shared on twitter.
Seth, I actually agree with you about the Astros sign stealing activities. Somehow the use of technology vs. the human eye has gotten everyone’s attention. But it looks like Manfred wants to make an example here so look out.
Good luck with the rehab.
The Evil Empire is back in strong fashion. Cole is top 5 in the game and kudos to the Yanks for going the extra mile to get what they need. You are spot on with the team missing Didi and Romine and especially CC. We are not playing fantasy ball and a championship team needs more than just stats. It’s the intangibles that win championships and several players will need to step up.
So far I am happy with the Mets moves. Two starters to add depth is just what they needed. They can certainly use another reliable bullpen piece but those are few and far between. After all, the guy who emerged as the World Series closer for the Nats was DFAed and then cut in the spring. Better to spread your bets and maybe convert a starter to find lightning in a bottle. LFGM!
I think the Mets are close. The NL East is very competitive but given how even the teams are, 90 wins can take the division. It does feel like Bodie is active and not afraid to take a risk.
Feel better You never had much lift on your jumper anyway
Dave, always good to hear from a living legend Rye Brook Rec Girls coach. Clearly, guarding you on Saturday morning pick up basketball wore out both my knees and one hip so far.
Urban Meyer has as much of a chance of coaching the Cowboys next year as Oscar Meyer. Do you actually think that someone like him would work for Jerry Jones? No chance. Your note about wanting “due credit” seems like it’s targeted at yours truly, and I will gladly give it, but no way. I do think that there is a legitimate possibility that USC was ready to dump Helton if Meyer was interested, but found out he wasn’t and then stayed pat. I think he’ll coach again, probably waiting for Kelly to leave Notre Dame, or else a different college job, but not to the NFL and DEFINITELY not to the Cowboys.