Cut4 | Adrian Garro: AL Rookie of the Year winner Aaron Judge did not win the AL MVP award. That award went to Jose Altuve. It was slightly expected, considering Judge won the ROTY and Altuve had an incredible year. You know who was a fan of Altuve winning the MVP? Aaron Judge. Our big baseball boy congratulated Altuve, saying there was no one more deserving. On Judge’s instagram, Altuve thanked Judge and continued to call himself Judge’s biggest fan. Both handled this with such class and grace. Just like I’m 100% here for Judge-Altuve photos like the one above, I’m here for their friendship/bromance.
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Now that the award ceremonies are over with, we’re back to waiting on other news. For example, who the next Yankees’ manager will be. Yesterday, Brian Cashman interviewed former Yankee Hensley Meulens. For five hours. (/shudders) Meulens, also known as Bam-Bam, is the current bench coach for the Giants, after spending eight years as their hitting coach. Bam-Bam spoke fondly of his time with the Yankees. He also speaks five languages, including Spanish, Japanese, Dutch, and Papiamento. Aaron Boone is expected to be interviewed tomorrow. I honestly hope Boone’s interview is five hours of him saying “Remember when I sent the Yankees to the World Series in 2003?”
NBC Sports | Bill Baer: The other news we’re waiting on regards Japanese pitcher and hitter Shohei Ohtani. The “Babe Ruth of Japan” wants to come play in the MLB next year. The MLBPA and MLB are currently working on the posting system. Well, “working” might be a strong word. The talks are currently at a standstill. The union is trying to advocate on behalf on him. However, if they don’t come to an agreement by Monday, Ohtani may not be able to be posted. We’ll have to wait and see.
FanRag | Jon Heyman: Jon Heyman also touches on the above point about Ohtani being posted. He claims that if Ohtani is posted, most people agree that the the Yankees are the favorites to sign him. Yay! Heyman also goes into the Giancarlo Stanton situation and other major questions this offseason. You should give this a read.
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Hal Steinbrenner is pleased with the direction the Yankees are heading in. Going with the farm paid dividends, with stars like Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, and Luis Severino delivering incredible seasons. Greg Bird finished off the year healthy and well. Money is coming off the books and more prospects are on the way. Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, and Chance Adams are some names that are expected to play a role in the 2018 Yankees. Hal is also following the AFL right now and is very happy with how players like Justus Sheffield and Albert Abreu are performing. Hal seems as excited about the prospects as we are, perhaps for more than just getting under the luxury tax.
CBS News | Ashley Welch: Finally, David Robertson and his wife Erin Robertson discuss their experience with pancreatic cancer, to help raise awareness for it. A really touching interview here. You should give it a read.