Pinstripe Alley: All Posts by Freeni AragonesBig boi dinger enthusiastshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51961/pinstripe_alley_minimal.png2020-01-23T16:00:00-05:00https://www.pinstripealley.com/authors/freeni-aragones/rss2020-01-23T16:00:00-05:002020-01-23T16:00:00-05:00The Yankees actually have upper-level pitching depth
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: New York Yankees at Texas Rangers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5h2DamBiY9hSRmpqJCEASie_jCQ=/1x0:3600x2399/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66156502/usa_today_13425183.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Yankees have improved their pitching depth for 2020.</p> <p id="TUSp00">The 2019 regular season forced the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> to repeatedly shuffle their active roster with injuries seemingly occurring each day. Quick roster adjustments brought forth surprise performances from unexpected players like <span>Gio Urshela</span>, <span>Mike Ford</span>, <span>Mike Tauchman</span>, and others, while introducing the organization and its fans to the use of the opener. </p>
<p id="JvLUXn">Because the Yankees didn’t have as much depth in the starting pitching department as they did in the outfield and corner infield, they needed to use <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=sta&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2019&month=0&season1=2019&ind=0&team=9&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2019-01-01&enddate=2019-12-31&sort=7,d">Chad Green as an opener 15 times</a> during the regular season and once in the postseason. However, come the 2020 regular season, the Yankees will be able to handle injuries to the rotation in a different manner because of the young starting pitching depth now available to them. <span>Jordan Montgomery</span> has returned from Tommy John surgery, <span>Deivi Garcia</span> was knocking on the door in September, <span>Michael King</span> made his short debut, and Domingo <span>German</span> will be on the roster after his suspension is up.</p>
<p id="4lHR9Q">A plethora of injuries created opportunities for long relief pitchers <span>Luis Cessa</span> and <span>Nestor Cortes Jr.</span>, landing in the <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=rel&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2019&month=0&season1=2019&ind=0&team=9&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2019-01-01&enddate=2019-12-31&sort=7,d">top three for most relief innings pitched during the Yankees 2019 season</a>. Considering the Bombers have one of the top bullpens in the league, both <span>Cessa</span> and Cortes were not expected to receive as much work as they did, and it showed by the end of September as they generated a fWAR of 0.1 and -0.3, respectively. Yes, the Yankees won most of the games <span>Chad Green</span> opened, but we see that the long relief pitchers could have been better. This isn’t to say <span>Montgomery</span>, Garcia, and King will produce better numbers than Cessa and Cortes, but it sets a low bar to surpass.</p>
<p id="e7rawN"><span>Gerrit Cole</span>, Severino, <span>James Paxton</span>, <span>Masahiro Tanaka</span>, and <span>J.A. Happ</span> are the expected starters for the Yankees this coming season, but if any of them suffer any injuries, the Yankees will have reinforcements this time. Montgomery produced a 2.6 fWAR during his rookie season and is once again healthy, while Garcia and King are two of the top prospects currently in the Yankees’ organization. Garcia features a devastating curveball, combined with great speed on his fastball anywhere from 91-96 mph as stated by <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2019/?list=nyy">MLB Pipeline</a>, finding ways to strike hitters out with great frequency. King, on the other hand, relies on control and command to work balls into the ground with his fastballs, possessing a slider and changeup as secondary pitchers.</p>
<p id="0myfx6">The hype around Deivi Garcia and the work he was doing in the minors made many fans impatient for his major league appearance, but we can’t forget that in 2018 Michael King was able to shoot through the minor leagues just as fast Garcia. Both received two promotions in one season working their way up to Scranton. Although an injury isn’t the preferred choice to promote a pitcher into a major league rotation, it’s common to see this happen. Therefore, the much anticipated debuts of Garcia and King in the rotation could come this season if health becomes an issue on the Yankees roster once again.</p>
<p id="RmuKtu">During this offseason, the Yankees strengthened their rotation with the addition of <span>Gerrit Cole</span>, acquiring an ace pitcher who has thrown 200 innings or more for the past three consecutive seasons, while also keeping together a superb bullpen staff. The rotation is now the deepest it has been in recent years, but having protection behind them is just as important. If pieces fall off it’ll be great to see this trio of young pitchers compete, revealing the upside they can provide to the Yankees now and for the future. Whether you believe these pitchers will be starting their own games or coming in after Chad Green, the Yankees have raised the level of their fall-back options for 2020.</p>
<p id="qJ43R5"></p>
<p id="uWWEVu"></p>
<p id="mFrqi3"></p>
<p id="w69IeU"></p>
<p id="R4Olms"></p>
<p id="JGLn86"></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/23/21077986/yankees-starting-pitchers-depth-jordan-montgomery-deivi-garcia-michael-king-luis-cessaFreeni Aragones2020-01-22T10:00:00-05:002020-01-22T10:00:00-05:00The Yankees’ three looming spring training battles
<figure>
<img alt="League Championship Series - New York Yankees v Houston Astros - Game Six" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7_Pbsq-b-NPx4AuhSqWOV0ECxWQ=/0x0:4523x3015/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66144927/1182153044.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Elsa/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Spring training will be a must-watch with regard to a few positions.</p> <p id="60WRLU">With pitchers and catchers <a href="https://www.mlb.com/yankees/schedule/2020-02">scheduled</a> to report to camp in about three weeks, spring training is somehow nearly upon us. Nearly all the top free agents are off the board, and the slate is nearly set for the coming season, pending a potential mega trade or two.</p>
<p id="Dq8TrP">Most things are probably in place for the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>, so we can start to look forward to the biggest upcoming spring training battles. The fifth rotation spot isn’t set in stone, <span>Tyler Wade</span> will be facing off against <span>Thairo Estrada </span>for an infield role, and the last bullpen spot is still up for grabs as well. Each battle is small in terms of the impact it will have on the team, but they will all loom large for the particular players involved.</p>
<h3 id="42YWaG"><strong>Fifth Starter</strong></h3>
<p id="C3ZzCD"><span>J.A. Happ</span> will make $17 million this year and has been a mostly consistent starting pitcher since the 2009 season. His salary and veteran status will make him the front runner for the fifth starter spot, but multiple young pitchers will enter their names into the hat. <span>Jordan Montgomery</span> has returned from Tommy John Surgery, while promising prospects <span>Deivi Garcia</span> and <span>Michael King</span> could end up surprising both southpaws with additional competition.</p>
<p id="MnB5CM">After Happ pitched through a disappointing 2019, questions abound about his possible production, as well as his vesting option for 2021. If the veteran hurler doesn’t improve early this season, he could easily be moved to the bullpen to open the door for Montgomery, Garcia, or King, and also to keep his option from vesting. </p>
<p id="3tUXfP">Montgomery inserted himself into the 2017 rotation with his performance during spring training and featured a curveball that <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jordan-montgomery/16511/stats?position=P">generated impressive numbers for a rookie campaign</a>. While Garcia and King don’t have much experience in the major leagues, their accession through the minors has garnered the attention of the organization and it’s fans. Considering they are both young pitchers who can still work on their craft in the minors, they will most likely begin the season in Scranton, but they could push the envelope and create some tough decisions for the coaching staff with big springs.</p>
<h3 id="zuEnjO"><strong>Last Bullpen Spot</strong></h3>
<p id="Q4Wm0h">The bullpen configuration for the Yankees has been simple over the last few seasons, and for 2020, much hasn't changed. <span>Aroldis Chapman</span>, <span>Zack Britton</span>, <span>Adam Ottavino</span>, <span>Tommy Kahnle</span>, are the elite one-inning performers, while <span>Chad Green</span> and <span>Luis Cessa</span> will be tasked with pitching multiple innings more often. With six spots taken, the Yankees will need one slot for the Scranton Shuttle, leaving one more permanent slot to be determined.</p>
<p id="0B9O14"><span>Jonathan Loaisiga</span>, <span>Jonathan Holder</span>, and <span>Ben Heller</span> will essentially then be fighting for two slots. Considering Holder suffered an injury that made him miss every game after <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jonathan-holder/16588/game-log?position=P&gds=&gde=&season=">August 6th</a>, and <span>Ben Heller</span> returned to the Yankees in September, Loaisiga will come in with the most significant sample of recent performance. Each pitcher does have minor-league options remaining, meaning the Yankees could theoretically use each of the last two bullpen spots as a sort of two-man Scranton Shuttle. </p>
<h3 id="TuVPW5"><strong>The Backup Infielder</strong></h3>
<p id="wfSCkp">This battle is projected to the be the thinnest of them all, with just two players going head-to-head. With a full 40-man roster, Wade and Estrada might not see much competition enter the middle infield soon, unless the Yankees come to terms on a minor-league contract with an available free agent. </p>
<p id="lPvjxj">Both Wade and Estrada will offer different qualities to the mix. Wade is a speed-first left-handed hitter who can cover infield and outfield positions. Estrada doesn’t offer as much speed but showed the ability to cover shortstop at the major league level during his short stint in 2019, and could provide more pop compared to Wade. Estrada is a right-handed hitter, and that could put him at a disadvantage to Wade given the Yankees’ reliance on right-handed hitters, but a month is a long time to prove who will deserve the middle infield backup spot.</p>
<p id="WuEcY6">Having such little depth in the middle infield could even lead to longer looks for <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/kyle-holder/sa857840/stats?position=SS">Kyle Holder</a> and <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/hoy-jun-park/sa877610/stats?position=2B/SS#fielding">Hoy Jun Park</a>, who both have received spring training invitations the two previous seasons, and finished 2019 producing positive numbers for the Trenton Thunder. As they enter camp in 2020, they’re both long shots to make the club, but this will still be their best opportunity yet to stick around. They are both expected to play a significant amount of time in Scranton next season, but great spring training performances could linger in the back of the coaches minds, prompting a surprise mid-season call-up no one might have seen coming.</p>
<p id="qJdpOE"></p>
<p id="qvq10i"></p>
<p id="PT5CrY"></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/22/21075863/yankees-2020-spring-training-happ-montgomery-garcia-king-loaisiga-holder-heller-wade-estradaFreeni Aragones2020-01-21T11:00:00-05:002020-01-21T11:00:00-05:00Yankees Potential Free Agent Target: Wilmer Flores
<figure>
<img alt="Arizona Diamondbacks v New York Mets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WFKk6HGH9Fedmm2TuO8JupAWdgQ=/0x0:4806x3204/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66137590/1173667490.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The veteran middle infielder could find himself in New York once again.</p> <p id="ZCmKth">Throughout this offseason the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> haven’t made many transactions, but have already sealed the deal on what they needed. Areas that deserved attention were covered by the signings of <span>Gerrit Cole</span> and <span>Brett Gardner</span>, and the organization has maintained veteran options behind <span>Gary Sanchez</span> and <span>Kyle Higashioka</span> ready in the minors. </p>
<p id="QOteIO">However, with the first spring training game nearly a month away, the Yankees could still look into acquiring middle infield depth as well. Once you look past <span>Gleyber Torres</span> and <span>DJ LeMahieu</span>, the fall back options are <span>Tyler Wade</span> and <span>Thairo Estrada.</span> Both are talented young players, but adding another piece into the mix could offer the Yankees a veteran player ready to take the stage at any moment.</p>
<p id="Mm9Uak">Enter Wilmer Flores, formerly a <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> regular, looking for an opportunity as he enters his age-28 season. After the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> declined a club option of Flores worth six million dollars, he entered free agency having generated four <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/wilmer-flores/5827/stats?position=2B/SS">consecutive</a> seasons as an above average hitter. His 2019 season has been the most impressive so far after he hit for a 120 wRC+ and produced career highs in batting average and on-base percentage — .317 and .361 respectively. Flores has always possessed a great ability for making contact and his ISO numbers remained slightly above his career average, however what helped Flores have a productive season at the plate was a significant tick in his BABIP output.</p>
<p id="6D31ze">Diving into his batted ball profile the main difference stands out to be his rise in line drive percentage, marking above a five percent increase <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/wilmer-flores/5827/stats?position=2B/SS#battedball">compared</a> to 2017 and 2018. Considering Flores struck out significantly below league average at 10.9% last season and walked 5.3% of the time, he was often putting the ball in play. </p>
<p id="LpiTFg">Flores has never been much of a power threat, therefore you shouldn’t expect his HR/FB rate to be among the top of the league, but one thing he has done well is avoid hitting ground balls. Since 2016, 292 players have accumulated more than 1000 plate appearances, and Flores ranks tied for 33rd with a <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=1000&type=2&season=2019&month=0&season1=2016&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2016-01-01&enddate=2019-12-31&sort=6,a&page=1_50">35.5%</a> ground ball rate, putting him right between solid major-league bats like Eric Thames and Robinson Chirinos. He didn’t <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/wilmer-flores-527038?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb">change</a> his launch angle or generate a significant increase in exit velocity compared to his career, so something else had to change to help Flores find success.</p>
<p id="atQ1c3">For the first time in his career, Flores produced a batting average over .300 and a slugging percentage over .500 against fastballs. According to <a href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/h_tend.php?player=527038&gFilt=regular&&time=year&minmax=ci&var=ld&s_type=16&endDate=01/01/2020&startDate=01/01/2017">BrooksBaseball</a>, last season Flores hit fastballs for line drives 29.30% of the time over a sample size of 667 fastballs faced. That percentage was easily higher than his 2017 and 2018 marks, 24.62% and 22.73% respectively. Considering fastballs accounted for about 60% of the pitches Flores saw, the improvements he made against the pitch was likely the biggest factor in his career year.</p>
<p id="S5FrIM">A change of scenery to a club known for adding power into a hitter’s swing and helped players like <span>Gio Urshela</span>, <span>Mike Tauchman</span> and <span>Cameron Maybin</span> enjoy incredible seasons, could further evolve Flores’ production. He already has a great eye at the plate, can cover the middle infield, and any continuation of his 2019 at the plate would be a welcomed addition.</p>
<p id="ywVa9F"></p>
<p id="RsCE5v"></p>
<p id="bH4fN8"></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/21/21074071/yankees-potential-free-agent-target-wilmer-flores-line-drive-rate-fastballsFreeni Aragones2020-01-15T16:00:00-05:002020-01-15T16:00:00-05:00The Yankees’ rotation appears flexible for the future
<figure>
<img alt="Minnesota Twins v. New York Yankees" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MHC57wPvwOa5ZuknPj-g1ko9h6U=/0x0:3171x2114/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66109456/952168754.jpg.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Several pitching prospects appear capable of going alongside Gerrit Cole and company after 2020.</p> <p id="TFNs4A">For the 2020 season the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> will be running out one of the top starting rotations in all of baseball thanks to this offseason’s addition of Gerrit Cole. His signing immediately made the Yankees rotation better while simultaneously adding stability into a rotation which had an uncertain future. </p>
<p id="3AC0nh"><span>Masahiro Tanaka</span>, <span>James Paxton</span> and <span>J.A. Happ</span> could all become free agents after the post season, and the Yankees only have three pitchers locked down for 2021 who have currently pitched more than 200 innings in the major leagues. With potential vacancies in the Yankees rotation after this season, multiple pitchers within the Yankees organization will be performing a season-long audition to enter the mix.</p>
<p id="w6qfkr"><span>Jordan Montgomery</span> stands out as the top candidate considering his experience as a major-league starter, but his return from Tommy John Surgery is a hurdle he will have to overcome. <span>Jonathan Loaisiga</span> could once again join the rotation in Scranton and be stretched out a starting pitcher, but he has his own injury history to battle on top of ineffectiveness when he faced major-league bats. <span>Loaisiga</span> most likely will be fated to a bullpen role if he gets called-up this season, but his potential could gain him one more opportunity in the rotation if he succeeds early.</p>
<p id="zfg1he">Micheal King enjoyed his cup of tea with the Yankees late last season, keeping a perfect 0.00 Era over two innings. Much like <span>Deivi Garcia</span> did in 2019, King received multiple promotions through the Yankees minor league system in 2018 gaining some much deserved attention. Unfortunately for King, injuries halted what could have been an earlier promotion for the <a href="https://nypost.com/2019/05/06/yankees-prospect-michael-king-is-latest-injury-blow/">Yankees’ 2018 minor league pitcher of the year</a>. </p>
<p id="doEOo9">With renewed health, King could prove to be the top depth pitcher available in the Yankees organization come Spring Training. However, a pair of prospects yet to make their MLB debuts could shake things up. Deivi Garcia and <span>Nick Nelson</span> both started in High-A Tampa last season and worked their way up to Triple-A Scranton, with Garcia in particular nearly breaking through in a September call-up bid. Both pitchers enter 2020 a step away from making it, and could see action this season.</p>
<p id="TsEB06">Assuming that the veteran <span>Happ</span> ends up as the Yankees’ fifth starter in 2020, the Scranton rotation could feature <span>Montgomery</span>, Loaisiga, and three pitchers on the Yankees top 30 prospect list by <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2019?list=nyy">MLB Pipeline</a>. As early as spring training, Garcia, King and Nelson will be must watch as some of the most exciting Yankee pitching prospects the organization has had in years. </p>
<p id="z84F4g">All five will have a legitimate chance of joining the Yankee roster if an injury occurs to any starting pitcher on the major league level. Any opportunity given will have to be taken and run with if these pitchers want to separate themselves from the rest. Given the history of the big-league rotation’s health and the odds of a staff making it through an entire season healthy, there will be several chances available to take. Even if none of them make it up long-term this year, the race will be alive and well in Scranton to make their case. </p>
<p id="pqOMov"></p>
<p id="Ad8BaF"></p>
<p id="GbBaqO"></p>
<p id="H1VZO0"></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/15/21065973/yankees-jordan-mongomery-jonathan-loaisiga-michael-king-deivi-garcia-nick-nelsonFreeni Aragones2020-01-15T00:00:00-05:002020-01-15T00:00:00-05:00NYY news: Trash Day coming soon
<figure>
<img alt="Baseball: World Baseball Classic Exhibion Game-Mexico at Arizona Diamondbacks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iEkPFnTGbaECpH3KmWinRf-j0QU=/0x0:4415x2943/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66103930/usa_today_9926185.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pictured: the trash can being used for a more noble pursuit before its association with the Houston Astros. | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Yankees minor league affiliate giving out trash can promotion; Changes to strength and conditioning department; Boone feels vindicated; CC Sabathia feels cheated; spring training schedule is out</p> <p id="Tp1gFN"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/yankees-minor-league-club-will-give-away-mini-trash-cans-for-game-against-astros-affiliate-this-summer/">CBS Sports | Chris Bengel:</a> The <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> will be taking advantage of the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> sign-stealing investigation by giving away trash can through their minor league affiliate the Stanten Island Yankees. The game will take place September 3rd at 7:00 pm EST if anyone is considering having the prize that will be handed out to the first 500 fans. Most prizes might not convince fans to get on the Staten Island Ferry, but this one might just do it.</p>
<p id="xUBR4J"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-restructure-strength-and-conditioning-program">MLB.com | Bryan Hoch:</a> The Yankees broke the record for most injured club in 2019, so it’s no wonder they have made changes to their strength and conditioning department. Eric Cressey enters as the new director of player health and performance, Donovan Santas as the assistant director of player health and performance, and Brett McCabe as the major league strength and conditioning coach. <span>Jonathan Holder</span>, <span>Michael King</span>, <span>Jordan Montgomery</span> and <span>Adam Ottavino</span> have already been working with Cressey this offseason, and the entire team will eventually get to meet him soon.</p>
<p id="b2mrnX"><a href="https://nypost.com/2020/01/14/astros-cheating-demise-is-sweet-vindication-for-aaron-boone/">New York Post | Greg Joyce:</a> With the Houston Astros investigation now over and actions handed out because of their wrong doing, <span>Aaron Boone</span> may feel better about his suspicions during the 2019 ALCS. He reported the Astros for using whistling as a possible form of sign stealing during the post season. Former Astros manager A.J. Hinch laughed at the allegation, calling them a “joke.” However, looking back, Boone could have been correct all along.</p>
<p id="U0njmL"><a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28486444/cc-sabathia-says-yankees-were-cheated-title">ESPN:</a> After MLB officially came down on punishment for the 2017 Houston Astros, many former and current Yankees will understandably be upset and have to think about what could have been. <span>CC Sabathia</span> commented on the topic explaining the obvious frustration someone would have feeling that they might have been cheated out of a championship. We don’t know what could have happened, but no penalties could erase that feeling of doubt.</p>
<p id="xtTYZf"><a href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20200114&content_id=302201404">YES Network:</a> If anyone is planning to catch some spring training games, the schedule is now up for all of your planning needs.</p>
<div id="26KvVw">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark your calendars, Yankees fans ✍️<br><br>The official 2020 spring training schedule has arrived: <a href="https://t.co/rF8CGe94f1">https://t.co/rF8CGe94f1</a> <a href="https://t.co/DZd9jOmnQk">pic.twitter.com/DZd9jOmnQk</a></p>— YES Network (@YESNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/YESNetwork/status/1217116846073229319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="O2TfqZ"><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/14/21064725/pinstripe-alley-now-hiring-writers-2020-season">Pinstripe Alley | Tyler Norton:</a> Lastly, a reminder to check out the site news that came out yesterday where we’re seeking interested writers for the 2020 season. Submissions are due by January 21st, and if you’re curious see the details here.</p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/15/21065756/yankees-mlb-staten-island-trash-can-promotion-strength-conditioning-boone-sabathia-spring-trainingFreeni Aragones2020-01-13T10:00:00-05:002020-01-13T10:00:00-05:00Miguel Andujar brings a unique mix to the Yankees’ lineup
<figure>
<img alt="Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n9BrPrFFnO2u2BKNKrKPSVTOfQ0=/0x0:2801x1867/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66091490/1138958041.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Miguel Andujar will look to regain his productive, and unique, offensive form in 2020.</p> <p id="VVjOch">All throughout the 2019 season, countless Yankee depth players were given the opportunity to contribute due to injures to regular everyday fielders. These replacements never missed a beat, producing numbers no one saw coming. Still, the injuries sapped the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> of a number of their highest-profile performers. </p>
<p id="xjjHnv"><span>Luis Severino</span>, <span>Giancarlo Stanton</span>, <span>Dellin Betances</span>, and <span>Miguel Andujar</span>, weren’t able to impact the season as they would have liked, but three of them will return to the Yankees in 2020 looking like candidates for the comeback player of the year award. Today, I want to focus on <span>Miguel Andujar</span>, the particular characteristics he can offer the Yankees’ lineup, and how his injury has affected both himself and the players around him.</p>
<p id="QK8W26">Whether you consider Andujar’s power ability, his fundamentally aggressive approach with pitches inside the zone, or his contact skill, it’s no wonder he was runner-up for the Rookie of the Year Award in 2018. His talent for hunting the ball, hitting it hard, and making constant contact led to a healthy .316 BABIP during his rookie season.</p>
<p id="zVYtje">Even though the Yankees had one of the best offensive clubs in baseball last season, it’s easy to dream about how much better they could have been with a healthy Andujar. His balance of power and contact represents a unique player profile within the team’s lineup. For example, right-handed Yankee hitters with more than<a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=400&type=5&season=2019&month=0&season1=2018&ind=0&team=9&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2018-01-01&enddate=2019-12-31&sort=7,d"> 400 plate appearances over the past two seasons and an 80.0% contact rate or higher</a>, include only <span>DJ LeMahieu</span> and Andujar. The rest of the Yankees’ hitters are obviously productive, but Andujar brings a different skillset to the table. </p>
<p id="SHKpxN">In 2018, Andujar proved he is both an aggressive and fairly disciplined hitter, showing an ability to recognize pitches within the zone. That season, Andujar ranked <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=500&type=5&season=2018&month=0&season1=2018&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2018-01-01&enddate=2018-12-31&sort=4,d">21st in zone-swing rate out of 144 players</a> who accumulated more than 500 plate appearances. With his zone discipline, Andujar went on to generate a zone-contact rate of 91.8%, good for <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=500&type=5&season=2018&month=0&season1=2018&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2018-01-01&enddate=2018-12-31&sort=7,d&page=1_30">23rd place</a>, decimal points in front of <span>Mike Trout</span>, and slightly behind <span>Anthony Rendon</span> and <span>Jose Ramirez</span>.</p>
<p id="D8leUQ">Combine that with a .230 IS0 mark that lands him <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=500&type=8&season=2018&month=0&season1=2018&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2018-01-01&enddate=2018-12-31&sort=11,d">26th for his rookie season</a>, and you quickly begin to understand how special of a hitter Andujar is at his peak. Only Mookie Betts, <span>Alex Bregman</span>, and <span>Jose Ramirez</span>, were able to make more contact with pitches inside the zone and hit them harder than Miguel Andujar in 2018. That’s pretty strong company to be around.</p>
<p id="OxenIw">Of course, it stands to reason that Andujar will be impacted by his layoff due to injury. Luckily for Andujar, other players in the past have gone through the same surgery and continued to display the skills that helped them produce previously. <span>Brian McCann</span>, <span>Matt Kemp</span>, and <span>Adrian Gonzalez</span> give us good examples as to what might come 2020 and beyond.</p>
<p id="oG4sWS">Each of those players were able to maintain a similar contact percentage or better the season following their surgery. Moreover, <a href="https://nypost.com/2016/02/02/brian-mccann-explains-what-greg-bird-faces-in-comeback/">McCann</a>, <a href="https://www.dailynews.com/2012/10/05/dodgers-matt-kemp-has-surgery-on-torn-labrum-in-left-shoulder/">Kemp</a>, and <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-gonzalezs-agent-shoulder-surgery-went-very-well-2010oct20-htmlstory.html">Gonzalez</a>, each underwent their surgeries during the offseason, meaning Andujar, who went under the knife last May, will have even more time to recover. Not only does Andujar get more time to heal, but he’s also receiving the surgery much younger than that trio.</p>
<p id="n0zrCt">Each one of these players were National League stars who overcame their injuries, once again becoming productive hitters for their teams. Andujar unsuccessfully attempted to play through his injury early in the 2019 season, but will now get a fresh start to prove he can improve on his rookie campaign. He was one of the key members that carried the Yankees through a rough stretch of injuries during mid-2018 to help the offense continue to function. 2020 is expected to be a big year for the Yankees, and hopefully Andujar can get back to being a big part of the team.</p>
<p id="bOU1c4"></p>
<p id="Cd1pgC"></p>
<p id="lOA6yA"></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/13/21058838/yankees-miguel-andujar-zone-swing-percentage-contact-powerFreeni Aragones2020-01-09T16:00:00-05:002020-01-09T16:00:00-05:00The Yankees haven’t forgotten how great Luis Severino is. Neither should we
<figure>
<img alt="Divisional Series - New York Yankees v Minnesota Twins - Game Three" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vfWZmeoqcoa939Phr4vRGStvUD0=/0x0:3225x2150/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66074239/1179687362.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Elsa/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The young pitcher is looking to rebound in 2020</p> <p id="QUmM55">Over the course of the offseason the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> have promoted six pitchers and outfielder <span>Estevan Florial</span> to the 40-man roster, while signing ace <span>Gerrit Cole</span>. Compared to last winter when the Yankees covered multiple holes on the active roster, this offseason hasn't been all that busy. </p>
<p id="kfdG9Z">It’s important to remember, however, since the pivot point at 2016 trade deadline, Brian Cashman has raised the overall talent level of this club, making it increasingly difficult to designate any player for assignment, as no one seems expendable anymore. So even though the Yankees have only made one impact move this offseason, the truth is the organization remains stacked. In fact, remembering how talented a pitcher like <span>Luis Severino</span> is might help us understand the slow winter.</p>
<p id="EU0XtT">Since making his debut in 2015, Severino has done nothing but impress. When you possess an average 96 mph fourseam fastball, and an 88 mph slider, you are bound to receive a lot of attention. With these two main pitches, Severino finished third in the 2017 Cy Young voting, and he carried that success through the first half of the 2018. He was the <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=sta&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2018&month=0&season1=2017&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2017-01-01&enddate=2018-12-31">fifth best pitcher in that span with an fWAR of 11.0</a>. The biggest obstacle for Severino, who is about to enter his age-26 season, has been his lack of consistency.</p>
<p id="4Gubd8">An underwhelming sophomore season and a 2018 second-half tailspin come to mind, while the majority of 2019 was lost to injuries. With his return towards the end of last season, however, Severino proved he is once again healthy and ready to become a huge piece of the rotation. <span>Cole</span> is the new ace in town, but the staff is so much better with Severino around.</p>
<p id="fEqWs0">Severino’s had the best average fastball velocity in 2018—<a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=FF%7C&hfAB=&hfBBT=&hfPR=&hfZ=&stadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfGT=R%7C&hfC=&hfSea=2018%7C&hfSit=&player_type=pitcher&hfOuts=&opponent=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfInfield=&team=&position=SP&hfOutfield=&hfRO=&home_road=&hfFlag=&hfPull=&metric_1=&hfInn=&min_pitches=0&min_results=1000&group_by=name&sort_col=velocity&player_event_sort=h_launch_speed&sort_order=desc&min_pas=0#results">one mph ahead of Cole</a>. His average spin rate didn’t lead the pack, but it ranked <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=FF%7C&hfAB=&hfBBT=&hfPR=&hfZ=&stadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfGT=R%7C&hfC=&hfSea=2018%7C&hfSit=&player_type=pitcher&hfOuts=&opponent=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfInfield=&team=&position=SP&hfOutfield=&hfRO=&home_road=&hfFlag=&hfPull=&metric_1=&hfInn=&min_pitches=0&min_results=1000&group_by=name&sort_col=spin_rate&player_event_sort=h_launch_speed&sort_order=desc&min_pas=0#results">12th out of 52 qualified pitchers.</a> Having thrown it about <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/luis-severino-622663?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb">50% of the time that season</a>, it contributed to a 10.35 K/9 rate, <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=sta&lg=all&qual=150&type=8&season=2018&month=0&season1=2018&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2018-01-01&enddate=2018-12-31&sort=9,d">14th among 74 starting pitchers</a> who threw more than 150 innings.</p>
<p id="bSkKIW">His slider, which generated a whiff rate of 37.4% in 2018, was even more dangerous to opposing hitters. Severino produced the <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=SL%7C&hfAB=&hfBBT=&hfPR=&hfZ=&stadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfGT=R%7C&hfC=&hfSea=2018%7C&hfSit=&player_type=pitcher&hfOuts=&opponent=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfInfield=&team=&position=SP&hfOutfield=&hfRO=&home_road=&hfFlag=&hfPull=&metric_1=&hfInn=&min_pitches=0&min_results=750&group_by=name&sort_col=velocity&player_event_sort=h_launch_speed&sort_order=desc&min_pas=0#results">second-highest average slider velocity only to Jacob deGrom</a>, and <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_search?hfPT=SL%7C&hfAB=&hfBBT=&hfPR=&hfZ=&stadium=&hfBBL=&hfNewZones=&hfGT=R%7C&hfC=&hfSea=2018%7C&hfSit=&player_type=pitcher&hfOuts=&opponent=&pitcher_throws=&batter_stands=&hfSA=&game_date_gt=&game_date_lt=&hfInfield=&team=&position=SP&hfOutfield=&hfRO=&home_road=&hfFlag=&hfPull=&metric_1=&hfInn=&min_pitches=0&min_results=750&group_by=name&sort_col=spin_rate&player_event_sort=h_launch_speed&sort_order=desc&min_pas=0#results">highest average spin rate ahead of Justin Verlander</a>. Hitters tapped the slider into the ground more than 52.2% of the time, according to BrooksBaseball. <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/luis-severino-622663?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb">And per Statcast</a>, Severino’s slider had 159% greater break in horizontal movement compared to the rest of the league. No wonder the slider generated a batting average of .191 and slugging percentage of .297.</p>
<p id="z6O5Zn">With Severino hopefully entering spring training completely healthy, the Yankees could set Cole up with a second in command. Having friendly in-house competition for best pitcher on the team could even bring forth Severino’s 2017 form or better, and could be a three-horse race considering how <span>James Paxton</span> ended his season. The tools are all there, and we have seen flashes of his greatness. With arguably the best Yankees team on paper since 2017, Severino bouncing back would come at the perfect time. </p>
<p id="pEFEvA"></p>
<p id="79v7m2"></p>
<p id="vgFhdf"></p>
<p id="3QE6rV"></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/9/21054991/yankees-luis-severino-pitching-fourseam-fastball-sliderFreeni Aragones2020-01-07T14:00:00-05:002020-01-07T14:00:00-05:00Tyler Wade could be an everyday sight for the Yankees
<figure>
<img alt="Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gtprO53U3-A2jPXZEkV7p7On0gU=/0x17:3500x2350/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66045718/1190861186.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here’s why Wade will see his best opportunity to become a regular contributor this season.</p> <p id="ohfFpl">Each season brings with it new opportunities for certain depth players to gain larger roles within their baseball club. Whether a reserve piece has benefited from a team member unfortunately joining the injured list or under-performing, it’s always a welcome sight when that player is called upon and beats expectations. </p>
<p id="eJhzBo">For the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> in 2019, multiple players fit this category, among them <span>Gio Urshela</span>, <span>Mike Tauchman</span>, <span>Mike Ford</span>, and many more. One Yankee who has been working his way up the ranks is <span>Tyler Wade</span>, but he didn’t really make an impact the way most of the members of the The Next Man Up cavalcade did. Wade didn’t see all that much playing time until after September call-ups, and didn’t have much on-field success prior to then either. 2020, however, might be the best opportunity for Wade thus far to contribute as a depth piece.</p>
<div id="r3Sz1N">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Early Christmas present... </p>— Tyler Wade (@_tylerwade) <a href="https://twitter.com/_tylerwade/status/939531861889392640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="EPVH1D">At first glance, many Yankee fans could see this tweet simply as Wade being excited for the addition of <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-acquire-giancarlo-stanton-from-marlins-c263175874">Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees</a>, in exchange for <span>Starlin Castro</span> and a couple of prospects. Stanton had just won the National League MVP award for the 2017 season, and the Yankees reached the ALCS to the surprise of many people who expected the <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> to advance instead. The transaction was viewed as a blockbuster trade for the Yankees, but no one could have been more excited than Wade.</p>
<p id="7N546r">With Castro sent to the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Miami Marlins</a>, second base in the Bronx was up for the taking as Wade was given the opportunity right out of Spring Training. But within three weeks, his performance forced him out of the lineup. <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/tyler-wade/15730/game-log?position=2B/OF&gds=2018-03-29&gde=2018-04-19&season=&type=0">Through 38 plate appearances</a>, Wade produced a -19 wRC+, generating a mere three hits while striking out 11 times. </p>
<p id="awx9J0">At the time, <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2017/?list=nyy">Gleyber Torres was ranked the Yankees’ top prospect</a>, and he never looked back once Wade handed over starting second base duties. Fast forward one year later to 2019, and Wade was once again attempting to earn a starting role out of spring training, but this time as an outfielder. However, <span>Mike Tauchman</span> was brought over from the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> late in camp to provide further outfield depth. This move proved prescient, with Tauchman leading the charge of unheralded players off the bunch.</p>
<p id="3qnQC2">With the emergence of <span>Miguel Andujar</span> and <span>Gleyber Torres</span> during the 2018 season, and the trade acquisitions of <span>Tauchman</span> and <span>Cameron Maybin</span> in 2019, Wade rapidly saw his opportunities cut short. After aiming for two starting roles over the past two seasons, 2020 offers Wade his best shot of becoming a consistent presence within the Yankees clubhouse because of his ability to play multiple roles. Not only does the relative lack of middle infielders help Wade’s case, but this coming season, each team will expand their active roster to 26 players.</p>
<p id="HfNEzA">In all, three things count in Wade’s favor. The Yankees hardly have any roster space to add further free agents, which should cap the amount of competition Wade will have. To wit, <span>Brett Gardner</span> has been waiting to sign his contract for about a month now, but the Yankee have yet to designate another player for assignment to officially clear space for their longest-tenured player. </p>
<p id="2Fwtd4">Secondly, with the low possibility of free agents coming into the mix, Wade stands out as one of the most versatile players on the 40-man roster. After the departure of <span>Didi Gregorius</span>, players capable of playing shortstop are Torres, Wade, and Thairo Estrada. Considering Wade is a left-handed bat, has shown the ability to play the outfield, and is quicker than Estrada on the base paths, he already has some ground on Estrada, but needs to put each skill on display come March.</p>
<p id="PxTayZ">Lastly, durability issues arise across the outfield. Gardner was a stalwart all last season, but it’s hard to expect the 36-year-old to play 141 games again. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have injury concerns, and Aaron Hicks is already on the shelf. Tauchman and Clint Frazier will provide the initial depth, but Wade might be the best option after that. Wade also can certainly provide better defense in the outfield than Frazier, meaning Wade could earn appearances as a defensive sub at times.</p>
<p id="txcpev">Until the return of midseason return of <span>Hicks</span>, if any outfielder is injured, Wade could have the opportunity to earn the most playing time he’s had all his career. He’s played for the Yankees organization since 2013, and perhaps seven years into that run, Wade might finally be able to cement a consistent role.</p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/7/21054031/yankees-tyler-wade-gleyber-torres-mike-tauchman-depth-roster-booneFreeni Aragones2020-01-03T10:00:00-05:002020-01-03T10:00:00-05:00How the free agent market changed this offseason
<figure>
<img alt="New York Yankees Introduce Gerrit Cole" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7XHJxfWIKtCXJBOALnJHKHQnwz4=/0x0:4311x2874/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66017802/1189431170.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Top players have set new positional benchmarks, making big strides from recent offseasons.</p> <p id="wnNdec">When the post season comes to an end and free agency begins, everyone’s focus shifts towards offseason transactions. Fans expect the hot stove to simmer in November, then turn hot in December. </p>
<p id="t9oL4V">Luckily that has been the case this offseason, as each top free agent in their respective position has been signed. <span>Gerrit Cole</span>, <span>Anthony Rendon</span> and <span>Yasmani Grandal</span> were not only some of the best players on this market, but some of the best overall players in the league regarding their jobs on the diamond. With each of their signings a new standard has been set for future star players to make their benchmark and surpass.</p>
<p id="frApRc">Compared to the two previous offseasons, this one has been a relief. Not only are players being taken off the board quicker, but more teams are attempting to compete. A clear connection between the competitiveness of front offices and player salary has been observed once again that might have been missing recently. Yes, <span>Mike Trout</span> did sign the biggest contract in baseball history in terms of total money, but the rest of baseball wasn’t treated anywhere close to the best player on the planet.</p>
<p id="mfRafo"><span>Mike Trout</span> was in a position to break contract records no matter what team would have had to ability to sign him, and brought forth the highest annual average of any outfielder just over 35.5 million per year. With much of the noise during last offseason being about <span>Bryce Harper</span> and <span>Manny Machado</span>, what we learned was youth can negotiate big deals in terms of length of contract but not necessarily annual value.</p>
<p id="ri9zC7">Even when organizations are being more careful with how they spend their money, it’s important to have the top players still breaking boundaries on annual value as well. <span>Yasmani Grandal</span> bet on himself last year when he turned down a reported longer offer from the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> that didn’t pay him as well annually, taking a reset deal with the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a>. That gamble allowed <span>Grandal</span> to create a new standard for catchers, getting four years and $73 million from the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a>.</p>
<p id="lKek1u">Players before <span>Trout</span>, <span>Grandal</span>, <span>Rendon</span> and <span>Cole</span> have all been important in what the free agent market is like today. <span>Cole</span> even <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/18/sports/baseball/gerrit-cole-yankees.html">addressed</a> the changes brought forth by Marvin Miller and Curt Floor during his <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> press conference that helped modern free agency come to life. The players have their own interests at stake in these negotiations, but they also assisted the next generation that follows them earn lucrative contracts when it’s their turn to play.</p>
<p id="MC3nnC">Team revenue has continued to rise in baseball while player value has dropped. The qualifying offer dropped for the first time, and teams like the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> and <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> are dropping out of the free agent market because front offices believe their payroll constricts them, but we shouldn’t let what front offices believe convince us into believing players deserve less.</p>
<p id="LWIlK5">Seeing the top players in the league become incredibly rich might not be of interest to many people, but its important to evaluate because these figures effect middle and lower- tier players as well. We never know when more teams will decide to become competitive on the free agent market, or turn to a rebuild and justify cutting their own spending. But what we do know is during this offseason Cole, <span>Rendon</span> and Grandal have set benchmarks that will help players receive what they deserve as organizations continue to see profits.</p>
<p id="JyMOX8"></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/3/21047314/yankees-mlb-gerrit-cole-free-agency-mike-trout-yasmani-grandal-anthony-rendonFreeni Aragones2020-01-02T00:00:00-05:002020-01-02T00:00:00-05:00NYY news: Don Larsen has passed away
<figure>
<img alt="Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nXIi06p8KhlfxuzU9ypTO_vmI8k=/0x95:1900x1362/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66007033/102949015.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Yankee legend Don Larsen passed away; Three Yankee Comeback Player of the Year candidates; Creating the team of the decade.</p> <p id="xxuzvJ"><a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-don-larsen-obituary-20200102-i22va4zqobadbe77lmn4hsrfmy-story.html">NY Daily News | Bill Madden:</a> Yankee legend Don Larsen passed away yesterday. He remains the only man to have ever pitched a perfect game in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a>. This is a fun read about that 1956 World Series and the rest of his career. </p>
<p id="IbmxEp"><a href="https://nypost.com/2020/01/01/the-injury-plagued-yankees-and-mets-who-could-be-2020-difference-makers/">New York Post | Joel Sherman:</a> Injuries were a huge part of the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>’ 2019 season, but the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> had some as well. <span>Luis Severino</span>, <span>Giancarlo Stanton</span>, and <span>Miguel Andujar</span> will all enter 2020 looking to redeem themselves and are large candidates for the Comeback Player of the Year award. For the Mets, <span>Dellin Betances</span>, <span>Jed Lowrie</span>, and <span>Yoenis Cespedes</span>, will not only look to bounce back but push their team into the postseason, which they haven’t been a part of since 2016.</p>
<p id="UkZQD3"><a href="https://www.nj.com/yankees/2020/01/heres-our-yankees-team-of-the-decade-mariano-rivera-makes-cut-but-derek-jeter-doesnt.html">NJ.com | Randy Miller:</a> The Yankees fielded great teams during the beginning and ending of the last decade, which <span>CC Sabathia</span> and <span>Brett Gardner</span> both got to be a part of. Debating who were the best players of each position is tough, but don’t worry because the job has been done. Some roles must have been difficult to decide, like choosing between <span>Mariano Rivera</span> or <span>Aroldis Chapman</span>, while some other decisions couldn’t have been easier.</p>
<p id="bGta2P"></p>
<p id="8szsUi"></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/1/2/21046014/mlb-yankees-news-don-larsen-luis-severino-giancarlo-stanton-miguel-andujar-cc-sabathia-brett-gardnerFreeni Aragones