MLB offseason moves

What do you guys all think about the recent moves made this offseason? Obviously the big ones were made by the Cards and Yanks but I still think there is more to come from those two teams

The Yanks got a steal. Jeter should be shot for giving them away for basically nothing.

Stanton/Judge is going to be one nasty combo. One or the other will have to see him good pitches

Yankees are going to be the team in NY again (unfortunately) I think they should pick up another SP

I'm excited to see Shohei Ohtani

Hopefully the Mets will be healthy this year

Ohtani might not even play this year. What a shame.

Brewers making a big splash acquiring outfielders Cain and Yelich. They now have too many outfield types, and so will be looking to trade for pitching.

So the offseason has been pretty quite as of late with really only 2 significant signings: Lorenzo Cain to the Brewers for 5 years and $80 million and Wade Davis to the Rockies for 3 years and $52 million. What do you think is holding up the signings this offseason? The players and agents are crying collusion. I don't buy that. I honestly feel teams want to get under the luxury tax threshold to reset their penalty and are holding off for next year's free agent class since it'll be potentially the greatest in MLB history. It's as simple as that in my opinion.

Rumor is he'll be in pinstripes next season when he becomes a free agent and appears set on signing with the Evil Empire!

Machado to Yankees?

I don't follow the Pirates anything like I follow my Steelers. However, from what I know, the Pirates have made some suspect moves. For one, I don't understand the logic of trading McCutcheon.

They were smart to trade McCutchen but not sure about the Cole trade. He still has a few years of club control left, although he did post a 4.26 ERA last year pitching in the NL Central and now he's in the American League. It might have been a smart move on Pittsburgh's part to cut ties now and let him be Houston's problem going forward. Only time will tell on that.

No idea what my Yankees are going to do. So conservative so far and I’m sick of it.

Actually, I'm happy they didn't overpay on Corbin or Eovaldi. They didn't want to give them an extra year so they went elsewhere. I wasn't overly impressed with Corbin honestly. He had a good contract year (how many guys can say that). Plus, Eovaldi wasn't great his first go around the Bronx. I'd rather see them get Happ/Keuchel or I've been hearing they may get Syndergaard from the Mets in a 3 team trade with the Marlins. But honestly, I feel he's too injury prone, same as James Paxton. I'm not sure what they're going to do but I'm glad they're not overspending or going sucked in to contracts that'll probably be bad towards the later part of their terms just to get someone in the rotation for next season.

Yankees signed J.A. Happ to a 2 year deal with the third year an option. I'm glad to see their restraint and not give in to Corbin or Eovaldi's demands for an additional year. The rotation now features Severino, Tanaka, Paxton, Happ and CC with Jordan Montgomery coming back from TJ surgery at some point this year. Cashman said he may not be done adding to the rotation. I think he needs to shore up the bullpen as well. Plus, there was that wild rumor about the Yankees getting Noah Syndergaard in a 3-team trade with the Marlins and Mets (that will not happen at all).

If the Yankees don’t sign Harper or Machado then I think that’ll tell us a lot about the front office.

They're showing more restraint under the kids and I'm happy about that. How many of these long term contracts have actually worked out for the Yankees? Just look at Jacoby Ellsbury. I'm glad they didn't overspend on Corbin or Eovaldi.

Seems like they’re going to get Machado. Harper is interested but I don’t see them getting him

I won't believe it until he's signed.

Someone who works for the Orioles said he heard from a reliable source that he will be a Yankee. A friend of Machado. But I’m with you, wait until he’s signed.

They've been saying since the postseason ended that he wanted to be a Yankee and they've been saying the same thing about Harper too for years. Until the pens put to the paper, I take it with a grain of salt, because at the end of the day, money talks.

Can’t argue with you pal. I hope the Yankees go after both. But even if they just get one as well as another pitcher then I’ll be happy.

Yeah but the pitchers market is kinda thin now. I wouldn't have minded getting Keuchel but he wants a 5 year deal and if Houston is passing on him, that speaks volumes to me. I understand we probably need Machado more because of Didi being out and our outfield is set, but part of me is saying to go after Harper more between the 2 of them. His swing and the fact he's a lefty I think could be more beneficial. Machado's just another right handed hitter to add to a heavily right handed hitting lineup.

My Rockies signed Daniel Murphy to play 1B which I think is a good move with him playing in Denver. Looks like D.J. LaMahieu (2B) is gone though. Next season Nolan Arenado becomes a free agent so there will probably be a mad rush of folks after him, the BEST 3rd baseman probably ever! He's won a Gold Glove every year in the league I do believe.

Murphy was great for the Cubs last year, sorry to see him go. Hoping to see the Cubs make a move pretty soon here, they're scaring me. Ha. St. Louis has made some solid offseason moves and Milwaukee looks like they'll be right there this season as well. I really hope they don't go after Harper or Machado. Need Heyward to get on track and Darvish to get healthy. Maybe eat the Chatwood remaining $$$ and get rid of that guy, complete bust.

As long as they hit, I don’t care what side they’re hitting from lol. But I understand your reasoning. I think both players fit in really well for different reasons. The pitching FA market is thin, but they could always try to make a trade for someone big. Would probably have to be a three way trade to get a really big fish like Kluber. Contrary to what people believe though, the Yankees hitting was really underwhelming as a whole and I believe their lack of production outside of the long ball and with runners in scoring position was their downfall. Starting pitching was bad in the ALDS(outside of Tanaka), but the bullpen was great. The offense did not put any pressure on them with their lackadaisical attitude and at bats. Against pitchers that were very hittable as well. It looked like they did not want it bad enough throughout the whole year.

I absolutely agree with you. The problem in the playoffs against Boston was their dug themselves in to too big of a hole that they could never get themselves out of. That and they also didn't get the big hit time and again to either tie the game or put them up. Stanton was in that position a couple of times and choked. It's frustrating not only to lose to Boston, but when you know they could have beat them as well.

Exactly. Stanton let us down but I really do expect him to prove himself. Same with Sanchez, what a horrific year for him. I know Jack Curry on YES kept being positive about his power numbers but when you’re hitting below .200 if you’re not hitting 60-70 home runs then I don’t want to hear about power lol

I'm wondering how he'll bounce back from the shoulder surgery? Maybe it was affecting him, maybe it wasn't? But I'm willing to chalk up last year for Sanchez as an anomaly and I expect him to bounce back this year. Stanton, we'll see. He should be more relaxed in his second year, but he hit 59 homeruns as a member of the Marlins in 2017 and didn't even hit 40 in Yankee Stadium last year. Not to mention he had a career high in strikeouts last year with 211. I'm mostly concerned about Judge. I pray he's 100% going in to next year but wrist/hand injuries can be long, lingering and devastating to a power hitter.

I think he’ll be fine. It appeared that even before the injury, he was a little late on pitches last season. He was definitely the toughest out in the ALDS. In my opinion, he really should shorten his swing or increase his bat speed somehow to cut down on the Ks. Judge went through stretches where he’d barely strikeout and then he’d go through stretches where he’d strikeout 10 times in 3 games or something. Needs to focus on driving the ball up the middle, no need to try to pull all the time. He seems really focused on improving all the time from what the YES commentators say, we will see if he makes the proper adjustments. I think Judge would be even better in previous eras because those hitters at least tried to keep the Ks to a minimum. Strikeouts don’t matter to hitters anymore.

Also, last season I felt Judge was a little too passive early in the count and in hitter’s counts. As for Stanton, he has no excuses this season. I do believe he has something to prove. If he doesn’t play that way and he disappoints then he could very well be moved. Which whether it’s deserved or not would reflect poorly on the front office.

Every year people talk about some hitter with power especially if he’s a lefty that hit 30 HRs the previous year so they can hit 40 plus in Yankee stadium. Never happens when they actually play in Yankee stadium lol. Most of the homers to right are out in any park from what I see.

I think Judge swings the way he does due to launch angles. Those seem to be the latest craze now in the game. But like you, yes, I'd like to see him cut down on his strikeout totals as well. I don't want him to be a feast or famine kinda hitter. As for Stanton, I'm willing to forgive last year. It was his first in New York with a new league, new pitchers, new expectations, etc. However, this year, he needs to at least improve from his 2018 numbers. As with Judge, cut down on the strikeouts. Also, Stanton still has a full no-trade clause so even if the Yankees wanted to trade him, it's not that simple.

I did forget about the no trade clause. But I agree with everything you said. Judge cannot he feast or famine and Stanton must improve from last year(which I believe he will). You think Severino’s issues in the 2nd half came solely from tipping his pitches or do you think his stuff waned a little?

I'm not sure what it was? He may have been gassed, who knows? The first half he was utterly dominant and a Cy-Young contender. Hopefully he can continue his first half performance into 2019 for the entire year. When he's on, he's one of the best pitchers in the game.

Agreed. He’s a big key to our rotation really being something special. If Paxton can stay healthy as well as Tanaka, I think we could have one of the better rotations in the league. Still think we need one more solid starter. If they can go out and get Kluber or maybe surprise us with a top of the line starter under the radar in the trade market, that would be huge.

He'll produce, trust me. People don't realize just how hard it is for a hitter to switch leagues, it's like you're a rookie again no joke. He's a true 300/30/100 any day of the week. I expect him to be much better this year if he stays healthy and y'all know I'm not a Yankees fan, even though Mickey Mantle is my favorite player.

I hope you’re right. Definitely reassuring that you’re a big believer in him lol. I am too.

I agree if everyone stays healthy, the Yankees have one of the better rotations in the league; however, the only problem with that is the "if." I wasn't a huge fan of the Paxton trade when they made it, precisely because the guy threw a career high last year and it was only 160 1/3 innings. Plus, Tanaka might be on the shelf for a period of time which he seems to have done a few times the last few seasons (thankfully nothing major). I honestly wish they would have been able to pry Kluber or one of the other pitchers the Indians were rumored to be parting with. Kluber's an absolute stud, remains healthy, is a Cy Young contender year in and year out. He would have been a big boost for us.

In other news, Britton resigns with the Yankees for 3 years and $39 million. Glad to see them do something with the bullpen after passing over Andrew Miller and letting David Robertson depart for Philly.

I like the move. I’m not too keen on Britton but he could bounce back. I wonder if they’re still in play for Ottavino from Colorado, I doubt it. I think they still try to get Kluber, and I wasn’t a Paxton fan either. I thought them giving up Sheffield for him was a mistake. But IF Paxton is healthy then he could be pretty good for us. Injury prone but maybe he’ll stay healthy.

Ottavino should get a pretty penny this offseason, he was a solid pitcher for Colorado and deserves it. Too bad Denver won't pony up for him.

Rumor is, yes, the Yankees are still in play for Ottavino as well. I heard the Yankees might hold on to Sonny Gray into the season. They're waiting to get a timeline on CC who underwent some type of heart surgery this offseason. If he's delayed in beginning the season, the Yankees may hold on to Gray and trade him during the season. I've also heard they may just pitch him (Gray) on the road as his numbers were drastically better last year away from Yankee Stadium. Glad the Yankees aren't in a rush to trade him and flip him for nothing. Hopefully the patience pays off!

I think it will. The Yankees don’t need to get rid of him. It would just be better if they could get something for him. Worst case scenario is that he stays on the roster as an extra bullpen guy or an emergency starter. But I do think he will be moved before the season. Once machado or Harper signs I think that could open up the flood gates for some big moves to happen.

Or if worse comes to worse, they hang on to him and make him a trade deadline piece for someone who needs pitching. I love the patience being displayed by both Cashman and the Yankees and are waiting for an acceptable package.

I have been hard on the front office but I have to agree, they are handling the Sonny Gray situation correctly I believe.

CC's been cleared to resume baseball activities and the Yankees state he'll start spring training on time so that's good news at least. But I'd still continue to wait for the right deal in regards to Gray. Even if they strictly pitch him on the road, I'm in favor of that.

I hope this signing of LeMahieu doesn’t take them out of a big free agent signing. But it sure looks like it does. I hope I’m not disappointed.

I'm thinking it does. I've heard rumors that Machado might sign with the White Sox as they've offered him $300+ million. Too much money to turn down. I've also heard the Yankees haven't even made him a formal offer yet.

The Yankees have been pretty cheap. And I don’t think it’s to their benefit. Still need pitching and could use another bat that hits for average.

I don't know if they're necessarily being cheap but more smart with their money. $300 million is a huge contract. Not to mention, how many of those 10+ year contracts have actually worked out for any team in the league, not just the Yankees? Not many but yes, growing up in the age of old George, this is definitely not his team.

I don’t think Machado is getting 300. And I do think the Yankees could snag him with an opt out after 3 and a front loaded contract. I just think that if you have 2 young talents like this on the market and you can afford to get at least one of them, then why not go for it?

I agree. I would love to have Machado or Harper's bat in the lineup. However, the Yankees could be thinking long-term here. Remember Stanton's already signed to his albatross contract and he's only 4 years in to a 13-year agreement. Then the Yankees are going to need to sign Aaron Judge long-term and who knows what he'll be looking to get. That takes nothing into account of what it would cost to resign Didi and Severino to long-term deals as well. As much as I would like to add Machado or Harper, I just think the Yankees will have too many pieces coming up soon that they'll maybe want to sign to similar (i.e. $200 million+) contracts.

Good points. I think Judge will get a lot. Sanchez too but do not be surprised if they let him walk if he asks for too much. We will see with that. Would still love to see another big time bat in the lineup to really put us over the top offensively.

I agree but their problem isn't hitting, it's pitching. Plus, with Machado they're way too heavy from the right side (another reason why I wouldn't mind seeing Harper). I expect Sanchez to have a bounce back season but even with Troy and DJ taking over for Didi while he recovers, they don't have the same bat as he does either. Stanton had better bounce back this year as well and if Aaron's healthy, the lineup "should" be fine (not to mention Andujar and Glebyer in the lineup).

I agree. Another key to the lineup is Hicks. He has to be a better contact hitter if they’re really firm on him batting lead off. He gets on base but his batting average was piss poor for someone at the top of the lineup. I think they will still get another pitcher to really refine the staff. And I still have hope that they sign Harper or Machado.

LeMahieu was another good get for the Yanks, will be interesting to see how he hits outside of Denver. He's just a couple of years out from a NL batting title.

I like him. I hope it doesn’t backfire because of him playing outside of Colorado though. I wonder how that would affect Arenado’s stock if LeMahieu’s stats really take a dip.

Yankee Stadium isn't Colorado but it is a hitter friendly park. He's a slap hitter who's a great defender. Think the Yankees might have been wanting his glove more than his bat since his numbers took a pretty good dip last year. But I agree with you Revis, I'd like to see them get another arm as well. I still think they need to add to the bullpen personally. Resigning Britton isn't bad but if history has taught us anything, you can never have too much pitching.

Reports are the White Sox have offered Machado 7 years and $175. Not sure what the Phillies offered and a little surprised it hasn't got to $200 million. Looks like he and possibly Harper will have to take what they can get; and while they're at it, forget those dreams of a $300 or $400 million contract.

This is good news for all Yankee fans who want Machado or Harper. Most likely Machado. I was shocked at that offer personally.

LeMahieu said he was told to bring “a lot of gloves”. Meaning he’ll play multiple positions which makes sense since he’s pretty versatile.

It wouldn't affect Arenado. He's going to get the big bucks and deserves it. Last year I think it was he hit more than half his homeruns on the road instead of at Denver. I expect that trend keeps up this year as well.

Speaking of which, the Yankees got Adam Ottavino at 3 years for $27 million. Glad they fortified their bullpen by resigning Britton and now adding Ottavino.

I'm hoping. Even if he has to take less (maybe 6 years at $150), maybe it would sway him enough to sign with New York rather than Chicago? But who know's what Philly is offering? I still think he's going there because I've heard Philly wants him more than Harper and I believe Philly is going to get at least 1 of them.

And yes, DJ is going to move around the infield.

Damn the Yanks are signing all the Rockies

I noticed that too. Troy hasn't played there in a few years but yeah, they've kind of been plucking them out from there. I just hope these players produce in New York and their stats aren't just due to the "Colorado effect."

Like the Ottavino signing. And this is off topic, but has anyone seen Judge’s home and road splits? Why do you think there’s such a drastic difference? You would think he’s playing in Coors Field if you look at them lol. But it does concern me a little bit.

Yeah his numbers are considerably better at home. Thankfully he plays 81 games there but I agree, his road numbers need to improve as well.

How does everyone feel about the Arenado rumors? I don’t buy them at all.

We’re on the same page

Honestly, I wouldn't mind waiting for him next offseason, as long as they get him. They're both 4 time All-Stars, whereas Manny's won 2 Gold Gloves and a Platinum Glove. Arenado meanwhile is a 6 time Gold Glove winner, 2 time Platinum Glove winner and a 4 time Silver Slugger. Offensively, they're pretty neck and neck. Machado for his career has a WAR of 33.8, 3,720 ABs, 522 runs, 1050 hits, .282 AVG, 175 HR, 513 RBI, 53 SB, .335 OBP, .487 SLG, .822 OPS. Arendao: WAR of 33.1, 3348 ABs (fewer), 524 runs (more), 975 hits (fewer), .291 AVG (higher), 186 HR (higher), 616 RBI (higher), 13 SB (fewer), .346 OBP (higher), .539 SLG (higher), .886 OPS (higher). So basically Arenado is a better defender and as good, if not better hitter without the "I'm not Johnny Hustle" comments. And they're only a year apart in age: Manny's 26 and Nolan's 27.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/...ml&bottom=/players/c/cabremi01.shtml

I can see what you mean. But side note: How about that saints game? Wow the refs really took the game in their owns hands. Always hated that about football. The refs have always had a big influence on the game.

I saw the replay but I don't follow football (in fact I loathe the sport). I watch ESPN/SportsCenter religiously and dread from about August-February because it becomes the NFL Network 2.0. Actually counting down the days until the SuperBowl because once that's over, football's over for another season and baseball is about to pick back up!

I have to agree. ESPN covers basketball way too much as well.

Basketball I don't mind too much, but yes, MLB gets the leftovers except during the summer when they're no other sports going on. Also, a trade between the Reds and Yankees might be going through for Sonny Gray. Cincinnati is engaged with Gray about a contract extension (since he'll be a free agent after the 2019 season). If it goes through, it looks like the Yankees might receive prospect second baseman Shed Long and the Reds 2019 competitive balance pick, which is a sandwich-round selection currently slotted in at No. 36 overall. If the deal falls through, the Yankees will look elsewhere since they had offers from multiple teams they’d have accepted for Gray as of last Friday, so if talks with the Reds don’t pan out, those proposals could once again come into play

It's just breaking but it's official: the Yankees have traded Sonny Gray to the Reds. Still waiting to hear who they got in return but it appears Gray is signing an extension with Cincinnati.

I saw too. I am unsure what draft pick the yanks got. What round that is. They’re making some moves now. Makes me wonder if any big moves are coming soon at all.

What's the rumors? The Rockies will pony up on this one, if he leaves (or more like they let him leave) they wouldn't sell 150 tickets a game.

Yea Tulo proved it's not all the Mile High effect and even Arenado hits most of his homers away from Denver, but they all get tagged with "hitting in Denver". Tulo just can't stay healthy since he left (he wasn't too healthy in Denver either).

The pick is between the first and second round, so it's pick #36 overall. Included in the deal was also Yankee relief prospect Reiver Sanmartin. Gray signed a three year, $30.5 million extension with Cincinnati to facilitate the deal. Can't believe that's what it took to trade Gray since they traded Long immediately off to Seattle for center field prospect Josh Stowers. Seems like they just traded Gray for the pick. Wow, that's not much.

If Colorado is unsuccessful in extending him this season, they could trade him at the deadline. That way they at least get something for him and they can always sign him as a free agent. If Harper doesn't resign in D.C. the front office should be fired. They'll have let him leave without getting ANYTHING in return for him. At least Baltimore smartened up and traded Machado to L.A. before the deadline.

Congratulations to the GOAT. The greatest closer of all-time and the only man to be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame unanimously! There will never be another Mariano Rivera.

Mo was one of a kind on the mound. Every bit deserving of his hall of fame plaque. Class act.

Congrats to the others as well. I wonder if Moose is gonna go in as a Yankee or an Oriole?

I don’t think he’s going in as either. I did not think he wasn’t getting in but there are lesser players in the hall of fame. I don’t think Baines was a hall of fame player at all but he’s in. And Mussina would get my vote over Baines any day. As great as Baines was.

Mussina had the nastiest knuckle curve in the game. The perfect 12 to 6 curve.

Moose wasn't a 20 game winner, never won a Cy Young or a World Series, but I am glad to see him get in. His numbers are impressive, especially during the steroid era which he played in, not to mention the always tough AL East.

Football is officially over. Now let’s see if ESPN focuses on baseball with 2 huge free agents still out there

I can't believe Harper nor Machado haven't signed yet. Crazy

Don't bet on it. I put on SportsCenter this morning and the first half hour was nothing but football. I turned it off after that. Then when it comes time for the draft and the stupid combine, they'll find a way to devote more time to that as well.



That makes 2 of us. Can't believe they're still unsigned and pitchers and catchers report next week.

I have no idea what’s going on with those 2 guys.

MLB Hot Stove season has turned out to be a big dud the last few years. The NFL, NBA the start of free agency is a big deal and it doesn't take long for the top free agents to sign. Adds a lot of intrigue to the offseason that MLB is lacking. I'm a big baseball fan but the offseason it just a whole lot of speculation and it gets old.

Definitely a dud so far.

Right or wrong, I think the market might be correcting itself. I think gone are the days of a player getting a 10-year deal because organizations know, they never work out in the long run. Now Machado and Harper could be exceptions because they're younger hitting free agency (they're both 26) than say Cano or Pujols were when they signed their contracts. Also, this couldn't hurt either

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vHaqtZHiNo

Yanks are still trying to get rid of Ellsbury I see

I'd love it too if they got Cueto. Before he got injured he was having a good season. The money has to match up however. You know who I haven't heard of and I'd still love to see get a shot after all the hubbub that's been made about him: Clint Frazier.

Frazier can solve any problems we may have in the lineup if he turns out to be as good as advertised.

Frazier is also very motivated to prove any doubters wrong. We will see if he does.

I just hope he can stay healthy. Poor kid has had nothing but bad luck and injuries since we got him.

I think the Yankees might try to make a run at Harper

I'm hoping. The more time passes by, I'm hoping either Harper or Machado swallow their pride and sign with the Yankees for fewer dollars. Absolutely surprising however pitchers and catchers report on Thursday and neither of these guys are signed yet!

I’m hoping the same. But we also need another starter. They don’t seem to be concerned about the rotation at the moment unless they’ve got something up their sleeves.

I doubt they've got something big up their sleeve on pitching. A little surprised they haven't gone after Keuchel (that I know about). Rumor is they offered Manny 7-8 years at $220 million.

If they don’t sign him, watch their media manipulation machine convince everyone that they never offered anything.

Crazy how they're still not signed yet!

Did you guys hear the proposed rule changes to MLB? One of them was a universal DH, 20-second pitch clock and any reliever must face at least 3 batters before being removed (unless the inning is already over). That last one I'm not a big fan of at all. It's going to diminish the game I think if the league is almost telling teams to play a specific way. I understand pitching changes slow down the game but baseball is a chess match. You put yourself in the best position possible by making various moves. Could the game be sped up? Sure, but I don't want the quality of the game to suffer as a result to appeal to millennial's who can't sit through a game.

As a pitcher there is no way I would want a 30 second pitch clock, they already have to throw every 90 seconds now. I do like the universal DH.

As for the relievers what they're doing is trying to stop these managers from coming in and changing pitchers 3 times an inning.

I think a pitch clock benefits the batters more as the pitcher might be rushed and not able to get into a rhyme as much. I'm not against a universal DH either, however, I am against forcing a pitcher to face at least 3 batters. I understand the reasoning behind the rule, but again, baseball is a chess match. You're trying to win games and I think it might diminish the product if a pitcher has to face a batter he normally wouldn't of.

I’m all for they universal DH. Everything else they should just keep the same. Baseball has always been played the same way. Make any restrictions to change that? They should be able to put in whoever and whenever they want. Sometimes it backfires and sometimes it works. I think more times than not once batters and teams get used to relievers coming in and out like they did this postseason, it will start to backfire.

Yep I say keep it the same too minus adding the DH for the NL. It really does put the NL at a disadvantage when they play. Nobody cares to see the small ball and double switch anymore anyways. I do believe in a pitch clock, but no shorter than 90 seconds honestly.

The Yankees signed Severino to a 4-year $40 million contract, with an optional 5th year (his first year of free agency) at $12.25 million. Which means the deal could be for 5-years at $52.25 million. I love this deal as it locks down Severino and possibly (more than likely) buys out at least one of his free agent years at a ridiculously low rate.

Great move. Now he just needs to stay consistent. And stop tipping pitches lol

Yes! He admitted he ran out of gas last year and he's changed his diet this year (laying off fried foods and eating more veggies and drinking more water). Kind of a concern for me that it's happening the last 2 seasons. Hopefully if he's still working with Pedro, he can help the kid out.

Welp, Manny's off the board. He's now a Padre for 10 years and $300 million

Happy for Manny. Good for him. Wish the yanks got him or at least were a little more aggressive. Now we will probably see them pass on Harper. Painful to see as these are two very young elite players. I have to wonder if this will be a recurring theme for a while as Steinbrenner has been very tight. Perhaps too tight at times but we will have to determine that based on how they perform this season. If they finish this season having won only 1 WS in the past 11 seasons then that does not look too good if you’re in the Yankee front office.

Hal is a firm believer you don't need a $200 million payroll to win a World Series. I think they still made a solid offer to Manny: 7-8 years at $240 million. I don't want another 10 year contract on the books. Had 2 with A-Rod and have Staton's now. They never work out in the end. Plus, as I've said, they're gonna need money soon to sign Judge, Severino, Didi, Torres, etc. to long-term deals. Those guys aren't going to come cheap.

That’s also a good point. Just look at the Sox, who knows if they’re going to be able to afford Betts? They have so much money tied up in other players right now. And the Sox don’t have money like the Yankees.

I still think that if you have the chance to sign a 26 year old elite talent, then you should take that opportunity. But it’s too late now. I just don’t want it to come back and bite us where we have a big problem with hitting with runners on again. Would look bad.

One more thing, I just want to see them make another move. Not quite sure if what they have right now is enough. On paper, they are a little better than last year. But they were better on paper last season when compared to 2017 as well, and the 2017 team was actually statistically better. All about the actual results.

I think it's a joke he makes $30 million a year, of course I think many salaries are way too high too. Nolan Arenado will break the bank next year unless he gives the Rox a discount which I doubt happens. I think Harper deserves more than Machado but I guess that's just me. Both Harper/Machado are well known for not hustling on the field and both crap on the game in doing so.

The Padres will have a decent lineup now, they could surprise. I think the line on their wins went from 76.5 to 79.5 I think I read, and Machado could be worth more than that win wise. If I'm not mistaken they also met with Harper but surely to God this means the Padres are out of the Harper running. I think this means now that Harper is gone to the Phils but who knows there too.

I’m not sure where Harper is going at this point. I still believe that he will end up with the Nats again.

I think Harper's gonna be a Philly. As for Arenado, there was also a rumor going around that the Yankees might have passed on Manny this offseason to get Nolan next year (granted he doesn't sign an extension with Colorado before then). Time will tell but I'm not overly disappointed we didn't get Manny. He's a great talent but kinda comes off as a diva to me. I'm a firm believer in clubhouse chemistry (especially in baseball) and I'm not quite sure how Manny would have fit in. Rumors now are saying the Yankees never even made him a formal offer. That should tell you everything right there. Not only that but offense wasn't the problem. Pitching is and Manny doesn't pitch.

What are we going to do for starting pitching though? Idk how confident I am in the rotation as it stands. I’m not sure about Arenado, because if they weren’t willing to pay Machado anything close to 300, then I’d be shocked if they decided to pay Arenado that. I’d love to see it, but with this front office it’s just hard to say. Pitching and hitting for average and with runners on were really our biggest problems. In the postseason I think it was more the latter than the former but both hurt. As well as just not wanting to win. No heart shown by the yanks lineup outside of Judge and Didi.

Arenado is the best fielder we have seen in the modern era, not to mention he is a RBI machine and is generally near or a tad over .300, so he'll get damn good money.

If he leaves Denver it will be for the Dodgers. I still think he signs an extension during the season.

Pitching's gonna have to come down to a trade as their isn't much on the market (even with Keuchel still out there). Still surprised by him too and I haven't heard him connected to anyone save Houston. I'd still keep an eye out on Michael Fullmer from Detroit if he can bounce back. Forget the Mets as I'm sure the new GM isn't gonna trade deGrom (who they're trying to sign long-term) or Syndergaard across town. Honestly, I'd love to see some of the kids in the minor leagues step up this year after a taste of the bigs last: Loaisiga, Adams, German, etc. I just hope trading Justus Sheffield doesn't come back to bite us! I think we're both on the same page in terms of the Yankees offseason pitching additions: looks good on paper, but let's see them in action and see if they can stay healthy. Plus, we'll get Montgomery back in the summer but then again, you can't rush him.

I liked Sheffield and was surprised they gave him up for Paxton. If it was for Kluber then I could’ve understood more. Likenive been saying, I just want to see better starting pitching and a better approach up there at the plate. All the talent is there. It’s about wanting it and showing it as well now.

Very true, the Yankees have the talent, they just need to put it together. And yes, had the Yankees traded Sheffield for Kluber I wouldn't be complaining as much either. Just not sold on Paxton. He had a good year last year but do it again (and he's also an injury risk). Kluber isn't and he's a Cy Young contender year in and year out.

I want them to pounce on their problems during the season rather than waiting like they have in the past. Had a chance at the trade deadline to really get verlander but passed. Same with Cole. Someone should be out there.

Yeah but I'm of the mindset Verlander or Cole wouldn't have been as good in New York. Pitching's tough because it's a premium position and teams are gonna ask for a ton for young, highly touted pitchers and I don't want the Yankees trading the farm away for that. The Yankees have some good young pitchers, they just need to start producing!

Who do you think will step up out of the young pitchers? We have not had a dominant home grown starting pitcher in a very long time. Severino is the first I’ve seen in a while but he needs to be more consistent. You looking to go to any games this year?

Exactly, the Yankees for whatever reason can never develop good starting pitching. Prior to Severino I think the last good one was probably Pettitte. As for who I think could step up, I'm hoping either Loaisiga or German. German's got strike out stuff, but gives up too many runs. Loaisiga did pretty well for a kid called up from Double A to assist. Chance Adams I've never been high on. I remember back in 2016 or 2017 he won a lot of games at Triple A but hasn't done anything since. Also, don't sleep on King who we got from Miami (he must have come over in the Stanton trade). His numbers are impressive.

I don't live in New York anymore so I only get to see the Yankees live when they come through once a year but I try to go to all of the games in town. This season I thought it was originally only 3 games but now it might be 4. How about yourself?

I haven’t decided yet. I think I’ll try to catch a game or 2 with the family. Just have to see what games are good. German has potential. Loaisiga looked good but we’ll see if he was a flash or not.

The problem with the Yankees are they're trying to win every year, so they can't really afford these kids time to perform in the majors. When they're called up, they're expected to produce. Those are kinda lofty expectations. I hope they can pan out because at some point, we're gonna need younger arms on the team.

The Yankees resign Aaron Hicks to a 7-year $70 million contract. I'm not a fan of it. Too many years.

It shouldn’t be a hard contract to move should they decide that they want someone else. Frazier’s at bats have not impressed me so far in his career. Very little patience. Maybe he’s just anxious to prove something

Could be. Still young enough to give him a shot. All I've ever heard about him is his "legendary bat speed" so I wanna see what the kid can do.

Looks like the Yankees won't be getting Nolan Arenado next offseason. He resigned with Colorado for 8-years at $260 million with a full no-trade clause and he can opt-out after 3 seasons. With the Yankees passing on Manny Machado, it looks like they're betting the farm on Andujar.

It better pay off at this point. They’ve passed on a lot of talent.

I agree. His offense (Andujar's) isn't the problem but rather his defense. But I've heard Jeter's defense wasn't great either when he was first coming up and look how he turned out. I think I've heard Andujar has a good work ethic/wants to improve/puts the time in and that's so critical. That's something that can't be teached and I pray this move works out for the Yankees.

I knew Arenado would sign an extension in Denver. Nice deal, he can opt out when they go on strike or keep his $32.5 million a year. Not bad options!

Harper's going to the Phillies for 13 years/$330 million!

No opt out! Wow!

No opt out and no trade clause. This will pay him until he's 39? Oof. Pitiful the Nats got nothing for him. A franchise player like that and they let him walk away. Poor decision making from the front office. Should have traded him before the trade deadline and got something for him.

It appeared that they weren’t too stressed over him staying it leaving. They’re loaded without him but it will be hard to replace him. Unless he keeps having seasons like last year. Which I don’t anticipate.

Voit seems to be locking the 1st base spot up

How's his defense been?

Not sure honestly. I think it’s been good enough.