Around the Empire
MLB.com | Josh Horton: In yesterday’s link dump, we talked about how Joe Girardi is “going with the hot hand” with Clint Frazier over Jacoby Ellsbury. That hot hand has done nothing but help the Yankees and yesterday was no exception. Since being called up, Frazier has a slash line of .295/.302/.607. Let’s compare his XBH to Ellsbury’s, shall we?
Clint Frazier: 11 XBH, 60 ABs
— Katie Sharp (@ktsharp) July 23, 2017
Jacoby Ellsbury: 13 XBH, 197 ABs
Nnnneat. The Yankees have some decisions to make going forward. At this point, sending Frazier down should not be an option.
ESPN.com | Buster Olney: The real problem with Jacoby Ellsbury is what to do with him. When Aaron Hicks returns, he will be the fifth best outfielder on the team and the one paid more than the other four combined. Perhaps they could take on another big contract in order to get rid of him? Hey, we can all dream. Here are some “dreamy” scenarios presented by Olney.
Newsday | Erik Boland: Starlin Castro is back on the DL of the 10-Day variety. Once again, his right hamstring is giving him issues. Castro never quite looked right on the bases since coming off the DL. Girardi & friends are concerned that he could really tear it, hence the DL stint. Tyler Wade was recalled to replace him at second base. So, to quickly recap, Castro is hurt and Ellsbury doesn’t really serve a purpose. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just be thinking back to the end of 2013 for a second.
New York Daily News | Mike Mazzeo: Joe Girardi gave an assessment of Gary Sanchez’s season thus far. While the young catcher has done well, Girardi believes there’s definitely some room for improvement, which is true for a lot of young players. Especially catchers, which Girardi knows something about. There’s work to be done offensively and defensively. That’s why he’s here though.
New York Post: Rob Refsnyder was DFA’d by the Yankees after their trade with the White Sox. Yesterday, his career in pinstripes officially came to an end. Refsnyder was traded to the Blue Jays for a minor league first baseman by the name of Ryan McBroom. Expect puns to come. Refsnyder never could quite put it together with the Yankees and will finally get a chance to do so with another organization. Best of luck, Ref.
FanRag Sports | Jon Heyman: The Yankees still need another starter. According to Heyman, they have asked about Yu Darvish of the Texas Rangers, Sonny Gray of the Oakland Athletics, and Jaime Garcia of the Atlanta Braves. Darvish or Gray would most likely cost the Yankees one of their top prospects and Cashman has already expressed that he has no real plans of moving them. Garcia could be someone they can get for cheap, but other teams might be willing to offer more. It’s going to be an interesting week.
Didi Victory Tweet
#startspreadingthenews Yankees win Great job by the bullpen with the solo HR and clutch go ahead 2run double.. WHAT A GAME!!
— Sir Didi Gregorius (@DidiG18) July 23, 2017
For the record, he hit two home runs in this game.