Author Archive
Updates, Takeaways from Masahiro Tanaka’s »
In March, it's common to introduce an opinion of a player or performance by reminding readers that it's very early, spring training statistics don't count and the real games are about a month away from reality. With New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, that edict isn't just necessary—it's vital. In Tampa, Fla., Tanaka's debut was a big [...]
What We Learned About Derek Jeter’s Comeback in »
In a normal year, the first game of Derek Jeter's spring training slate wouldn't be particularly newsworthy for baseball fans. This isn't a normal year.Jeter's 2014 debut—despite the innocuous nature of Grapefruit League games—was important for two distinct reasons: His impending retirement after the season and an injury-plagued [...]
Updates, Takeaways from Spring Training Debuts of »
The New York Yankees shelled out nearly $300 million this winter to procure the talent, leadership and production of Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran. After scoring just 650 runs in 2013—the franchise's lowest output since 1990—reinforcements were needed.With over four weeks until Opening Day, the trio of McCann, [...]
What Brett Gardner’s Big Extension Means for »
For the New York Yankees, there is no time like the present. With a 'win-now' edict superseding the desire to develop and cultivate prospects, the team awarded over $500 million in contracts to veterans this winter. The latest expenditure, Brett Gardner's four-year, $52 million extension, guaranteed a vital cog in New York's outfield for years to [...]
What Brett Gardner’s Big Extension Means for »
For the New York Yankees, there is no time like the present. With a 'win-now' edict superseding the desire to develop and cultivate prospects, the team awarded over $500 million in contracts to veterans this winter. The latest expenditure, Brett Gardner's four-year, $52 million extension, guaranteed a vital cog in New York's outfield for years to [...]
Brett Gardner Deal Gives Yankees Dynamic Post-Jeter »
Derek Jeter has been perched near the top of the New York Yankees batting order for 18 years. At the conclusion of the 2014 season, the Yankees will hand over the top-of-the-order reins to the dynamic and unique duo of Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury. The Yankees made that crystal clear when they afforded over $200 million in long-term contracts [...]
Brett Gardner Deal Gives Yankees Dynamic Post-Jeter »
Derek Jeter has been perched near the top of the New York Yankees batting order for 18 years. At the conclusion of the 2014 season, the Yankees will hand over the top-of-the-order reins to the dynamic and unique duo of Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury. The Yankees made that crystal clear when they afforded over $200 million in long-term contracts [...]
What the Yankees Should Truly Expect from Michael »
When the New York Yankees traded for Michael Pineda in January of 2012, visions of a future top-of-the-rotation arm floated throughout the Bronx. In 2014, providing 20-plus starts and league-average production would be an accomplishment for the 25-year-old. Since arriving in New York, Pineda hasn't thrown a pitch in the big leagues. The [...]
What the Yankees Should Truly Expect from Michael »
When the New York Yankees traded for Michael Pineda in January of 2012, visions of a future top-of-the-rotation arm floated throughout the Bronx. In 2014, providing 20-plus starts and league-average production would be an accomplishment for the 25-year-old. Since arriving in New York, Pineda hasn't thrown a pitch in the big leagues. The [...]
Creating Masahiro Tanaka’s Checklist for a »
In case you haven't heard, New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka is a big deal right now.When the Yankees agreed to pay $175 million—including a $20 million posting fee—for a pitcher with zero innings of experience in Major League Baseball, Tanaka became an instant rock star. Teams make mistakes in free agency on a yearly basis, but [...]