/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53369923/usa_today_9879037.0.jpg)
The past 16 months have offered plenty of changes in the Yankees’ universe, and it was only partially represented by the post I did last year on former Yankees with their new teams. The trade deadline sent a number of players away, and the offseason brought more farewells. There were a couple retirements mixed in, so thankfully, we don’t have to see Alex Rodriguez in a Marlins getup or Mark Teixeira in anything other than Georgia Tech polos.
Nonetheless, there were some shake-ups, so here’s a brief glimpse at some old friends.
Brian McCann
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8027293/usa_today_9887568.jpg)
Well, it is certainly not a shock that McCann returned to his bearded roots after being dealt to the Astros in November. The unsettling part for me though is that he’s now reunited with his old catching teammate in Atlanta, Evan Gattis. They have apparently decided to become twinsies:
Photo day update: There is no discernible difference between McCann and Gattis. https://t.co/559bID4Ecs pic.twitter.com/NlEAcdl7VU
— Pinstripe Alley (@pinstripealley) February 21, 2017
At least McCann avoided both the neck scruff and the Colby Rasmus look. Yikes.
Nathan Eovaldi
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8027563/usa_today_9886995.jpg)
“Yep... the Trop is my home now and I can’t pitch this year. I’m so happy, you guys.”
Carlos Beltran
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8027571/usa_today_9887575.jpg)
Yes, technically Beltran left in July, but he’s wearing another different uniform since then. Although he turns 40 in just two months, he looks ready to hit his share of dingers (and wound Tyler Norton’s soul).
Jacob Lindgren
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8027589/usa_today_9891602.jpg)
From top Yankees draft pick to #Barve in under three years. Woof. Best of luck though, Strikeout Factory.*
*The Yankees themselves have even moved on from Lindgren’s old nickname, as Ian Clarkin referred to James Reeves as “the Strikeout Factory.” Sorry, buddy!
Ivan Nova
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8027949/usa_today_9887598.jpg)
Nice chin beard, weirdo.
Luis Torrens
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8027653/usa_today_9887992.jpg)
It was a bit of a surprise when the Yankees lost Luis Torrens in the Rule 5 Draft since he has yet to play above even Low-A and has to stick on a major-league roster for the full season to stay with the Padres. Look at him! He looks so sad and lost! He’s only 20! Poor guy.
Oh, Angels
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8027807/NYY_Angels.jpg)
So yeah, former Yankees assistant GM Billy Eppler loves to pluck from his old organization! That’s Dustin Ackley, Kirby Yates, and Manny Banuelos in the top row, and Eric Young, Blake Parker, and Vicente Campos in the bottom row. Ramon Flores is in camp, too. Bless their hearts.
It seriously seems like Eppler is trying to wrest the “Most Former Yankees” crown from another old Yankees front office employee, John Coppolella in Atlanta. In a way, I’m shocked that Eppler didn’t end up claiming Richard Bleier.
Ben Gamel
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8027935/usa_today_9889563.jpg)
BENNY WITH THE GOOD HAIR GOING A BIT TOO FAR.
James Pazos
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8027913/usa_today_9889545.jpg)
I now command you to read Lookout Landing’s brochure for a vacation to the island of Pazos.
Bonus Tweets
【オリックス】4番候補ロメロが打倒・大谷誓う…新外国人4選手が入団会見 中継ぎ候補のマット・ウエスト投手28先発としての起用が濃厚なフィル・コーク投手34ダリル・ジョージ内野手23 #StefenRomero #MattWest #PhilCoke #DarrylGeorge pic.twitter.com/7XCGfFwzjC
— 絶縁体800kg (@olex002) January 28, 2017
PHIL COKE.
when you try to look intimidating but you're also Justin Wilson pic.twitter.com/RdsK69kfH1
— Andrew Mearns (@MearnsPSA) February 21, 2017
ahahahahahaha Chris Parmelee, what is that pic.twitter.com/SLoVJ3pnSP
— Pinstripe Alley (@pinstripealley) February 24, 2017