Gertie is the bulldog on the left while Tyson is the handsome gentleman on the right!

While owning these two fur-balls has been a blast, I would have loved the opportunity to have given them some New York Yankees names. With that said, here were some of the names I would consider for a dog!

The Yankees Legends

To start, I would strongly consider a name like Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio or Mantle. These names represent powerful figures. Ruth or Mantle would have a big personality while Gehrig would be the Iron Dog….the strong silent type that’s always ready to play. Meanwhile, a great name of a dog would be Yogi or Dickey and I think number 8 would look great on the back of a dog jersey. Maybe after his unfortunate passing last year, a white furred dog could be name Whitey. For some reason, I think the name DiMaggio would be great for a cat. Something about the strong stoic type with a strong personality.

The Core Four + Bernie

When looking at the more recent Yankees greats, the name Jeter comes to the top of my mind. A good friend from my childhood had a dog named Jeter, and Jorge or Posada would be a fantastic name for a bulldog. Something about the short stature and stocky frame just screams catcher to me. Meanwhile, I would love to meet a pet that loves to run named Bernie and watch him or her dominate the outfield. Finally, a clutch pet could be named Pettitte or Mo, who always saves his best for those crucial moments.

Outside of the Core Four, many great names reside with the late 90s Yankees. A quirky dog could be named Cone while Boomer would be a fantastic choice for a dog, or maybe a potbelly pig? Rocket would have a fiery personality, and hopefully your neighbor’s dog isn’t named Piazza or he may have a bone thrown in his direction.

Current Era

Judge comes immediately to mind for a tall breed like a German Shepard a Golden Retriever while Gleyber would be a scrappy dog who loves to run around. Chapman (or Chappy for short) would be a very strong name while DJ would certainly be man’s or woman’s best friend. Gio would be a fun pup who loves attention and meeting new friends while Cole would have a flamethrower of a personality.

Gary could also be a good name, but sadly it may lead to some very disappointing games of catch.

Off the Field

While Yankees players may be some great name choices, they aren’t the only options. First off, who wouldn’t want to meet a dog named Bronx? How about a vocal dog named Sterling, Kay or Paulie? Also a striped cat named Pinstripe would be a great fit for any home.

For many of us, pets are more than just an animal. They become valued members of their families and fans of the greatest team in sports. Now with that said, please comment with pictures of your furry friends in their pinstripe gear or let us know how their names were inspired by the Yankees!

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This will be our first look at the new expanded playoff format. The first round is a best-of-three series that all 16 playoff teams will participate in. Gerrit Cole and Masahiro Tanaka are locks to start Games 1 & 2 for the Yankees. If there is a Game 3, the decision comes down to two choices. Veteran J.A. Happ, or rookie Deivi Garcia. Even Brian Cashman admitted it.

Gerrit Cole. Masahiro Tanaka. And then… @Yankees | #Yankees | #NYYforNY pic.twitter.com/gGGHIpQDRI

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) September 20, 2020

It’s a two-horse race to see who would start a potential win-or-go-home Game 3 for the Yanks. Let’s weigh the options.

The case for Happ

When I asked Yankees Twitter whether they’d rather have Happ or Garcia start, Happ was the overwhelming favorite. Nearly everyone who chose him mentioned his “experience.” Yes, J.A. Happ has pitched in 14 postseason games, so he is much more experienced than a 21-year-old rookie. But Happ hasn’t been particularly good in the postseason.

In 14 postseason appearances, Happ has made only four starts and pitched to an ERA of 5.04. His last playoff start was in 2018 ALDS Game 1. After being traded to the Yankees, Happ went 7-0 with a 2.69 ERA down the stretch. He was promptly shelled in Game 1, giving up five runs in two innings. As soon as Happ served up a three-run shot to J.D. Martinez, that game felt like it was over. Despite his postseason track record, I do think Happ has a great case to start Game 3. But it isn’t because of experience.

After a poor 2019, Happ started out slow in 2020, struggling in his first two starts. However, Happ quickly turned things around.

Five weeks ago, JA Happ made his 1st start in 11 days. He had a 10 ERA and wasn’t thrilled about being skipped. Since then, Happ has ERA under 2, he’s mixing 4-seam/2-seam effectively and he looks like he could be major playoff factor. In a short time, Happ changed the narrative

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) September 20, 2020

He has been nothing short of great in his last six outings, going 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA. His strikeouts per nine is 8.68 over that span. Even better, Happ’s allowed just four home runs in those six starts. The bottom line is that Happ’s performance the last few weeks gives him a great chance to be tapped in Game 3.

The case for Garcia

If you told me before this season that Deivi could potentially start a playoff game, I’d have thought you were crazy. Yet here we are, considering whether or not he can start a winner-take-all game. Garcia had his first bad start on Sunday against the Red Sox, getting roughed up for six runs in three innings. Despite that, he’s been extremely impressive since he was called up.

He pitched six shutout innings against the Mets in his debut, and tossed a pair of seven-inning gems against the Blue Jays. Most notably, that first Blue Jays start came with the Yanks in the midst of a five-game losing streak. Garcia was the stopper the Yankees needed, and clearly has a presence on the mound. Although Garcia is only 21, he pitches with the confidence of a chizzled veteran.

As much promise as Deivi has shown, is it really the right idea to start him in a must-win game based on three great starts? He’s certainly earned the right to be considered.

Deivi Garcia is excited to pitch in the postseason

"That's why I keep working very hard" pic.twitter.com/6mMd9ww31Y

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) September 19, 2020

Potential opponent factor

With just a week left in the season, it looks as if the Yankees will once again face the Minnesota Twins in the playoffs. Obviously that can change, but as of right now those teams are probably going to be the 4/5 seeds in the AL. All Yankees/Twins jokes aside, you have to figure the matchup will be a huge factor in deciding who gets the nod. I figured that with heavy hitting right-handers like Nelson Cruz and Josh Donaldson, the Twins must crush left-handed pitching. However, I was wrong. The Twins are much better against righty pitching.

The Twins are slugging just .342 with a .651 OPS against left-handers, compared to .462 with a .780 OPS against right handers. It’s not the largest sample size with the shortened season, but that’s a pretty significant difference. In my opinion, that’s probably enough of a factor to give Happ the edge, if he doesn’t already have it.

Who do you think should get the ball in Game 3? Drop a reply below or tweet me @ncostanzo24, tell me why I’m wrong.

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I’m going to wear #59 to honor my brother! It was his college football number at West Point while he was the captain of the football team!

— Luke Voit (@LLVIII40) December 18, 2019

It’s been confirmed: Luke Voit does care about the Yankees!

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Yankees designate Chance Adams for assignment to create room on the 40-man roster for Gerrit Cole.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 18, 2019

He was once a jewel of the organization, with a 2.89 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 103 strikeouts in 115 AAA innings during 2017. He would then have elbow surgery and has since struggled. Adams had 13 MLB appearances last season, giving up 24 runs in 25 innings.

This may not be the end of his Yankees career, however, as he could clear waivers and be sent back to AAA.

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Last season Belt posted a slash line of .234/.339/.403, with an OPS of .742. Belt also belted (pun very much intended) 17 home runs last season.

The 2016 All-Star is also a solid defender, ranking first in total zone runs and fifth in range factor at first base in 2018 and fourth in fielding percentage in 2019.

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Belt, 31, is also a two-time World Series champion.

Yet, in 2019, Belt registered a 0.6 WAR, raking lower than Mike Ford’s 0.9 and Luke Voit’s 1.9.

So the question begs, would the Bronx Bombers be adding a veteran name and his $34.4 million due across the next two seasons in the hopes that the short porch would play much better to his swing than splashing one into McCovey cove?

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The big news of this week was obviously Gerrit Cole, but it looks like GM Brian Cashman made another move as well.

Per Ken Rosenthal, Adam Warren will be returning to the Yankees on a minor league deal.

Tweet from Rosenthal :

Free-agent right-hander Adam Warren to #Yankees on minor-league deal, source tells The Athletic. Salary of $800K in majors plus $100K each for 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 appearances. If not on 26-man roster on Aug. 28, may be released for spot on another club’s 26-man roster.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 16, 2019

“Free Agent right-hander Adam Warren to #Yankees on minor-league deal, source tells the Athletic. Salary of $800k in majors plus $100K each for 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 appearances. If not on 26-man roster on Aug. 28, may be released for spot on another club’s 26- man roster.”

There is a lot to unpack here, but essentially this is a zero risk minor league deal for our old buddy Warren.  Cashman is acquiring him for the third time, so it’s safe to say he likes him. The contract is incentive-laden and the Yankees can terminate the agreement on Aug. 28 if they choose.

Warren pitched for the Yankees from 2012 through 2018 with some stops in a few other cities (Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres) as well. In 2018, Warren pitched to a 2.70 ERA in 30 innings for the Yankees. Warren provides a depth option for Aaron Boone in camp, and he will compete for a major league spot.

Warren, 32, struggled in San Diego last year, sporting a 5.34 ERA across 28 innings.

The Padres declined a $2 million option on Warren and he received a $500K buyout. Warren underwent Tommy John surgery in Sept.

Given that aspect, according to Mark Feinsand, the contract comes out to a two-year-deal, enabling Warren to rehab in 2020, with the club maintaining his rights in 2021.

As has been reported, Adam Warren did indeed have Tommy John surgery in September, so he's unlikely to pitch in 2020. His minor-league deal with the Yankees is actually a two-year deal, per source, so he'll rehab in 2020 and the Yankees will still control his rights for 2021.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 16, 2019

Assuming he makes the roster eventually, Warren would join Bob Cerv, Rick Cerone and Luis Polonia among Yankees with three stints in pinstripes.

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Interesting talks, unlikely deals: What #Padres’ discussions for Lindor and #Yankees’ conversations about Schwarber really mean. https://t.co/2ybnZZG5qK

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 16, 2019

It is important to note that Rosenthal says there is currently “no momentum” towards a deal and there may never be. The two teams have spoken though, making such a trade worthy of some discussion.

The Cubs still hope to contend in 2020 but are also looking for some financial flexibility moving forward. The possible trades of both Schwarber and Kris Bryant, the latter connected by some to the Phillies, would offer help. Someone with a high ceiling like Miguel Andujar would make a cheap replacement to fill the hole left by Bryant.

The Yankees have reportedly been seeking a left-handed bat this winter to balance a righty dominated lineup. Schwarber hit 38 home runs last season and 29 in 2017, when the Yankees requested him in the trade for Aroldis Chapman. The Yankees would eventually “settle” for Gleyber Torres being the centerpiece of the deal.

Unfortunately, I do not believe he solves anything but the “lefty bat” issue and creates more problems moving forward. Once the calendar turns to June or July, the return of Aaron Hicks gives us a team with both outfield punch and defense. Then there is Giancarlo Stanton and Mike Tauchman, the former who is going to play every day even if only because of his contract. Schwarber’s subpar defense in left isn’t a fit.

DH would be a possibility but he is again blocked by Stanton most days. Gardner-Hicks-Judge is the best outfield placement we have, putting Stanton at DH more often than not.

First base has been mentioned as an offensive upgrade even if you are bullish on both Voit and Ford. However, Schwarber has never played the position and would become a huge defensive liability, at least in the short-term until he learns the position.

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The 324 Million Dollar Man was spotted outside the Mandarin Oriental in midtown Manhattan on Monday. It’s expected that Cole will be introduced during a press conference at Yankee Stadium this week.

In order to make the Cole and the Brett Gardner deal official, the Yankees must first make room on the 40 man roster, so expect some moves to be made soon.

Cole will also need a fresh shave and haircut.

The post Our ace has arrived appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

In what will surprise virtually no one, SNY’s Andy Martino reported today that sources familiar with the investigation of the Astro’s cheating scandal have indicated team officials admitted to using a centerfield camera to steal signs in 2017.

Witnesses have told MLB investigators that the Astros stole signs but denied the use of a camera to do so (via @martinonyc) https://t.co/Db6PhNKvEq pic.twitter.com/9zhmJB0Jgc

— SNY (@SNYtv) December 14, 2019

The team, Martino says, claims that they did not feel they were breaking any rules and that other teams use similar means to steal signs. The source also contends that no special camera was put in place to facilitate the process but they did request a live feed and a monitor near the dugout because the video room was too far away. Cameras used for scouting purposes are allowed with MLB approval but cannot provide live feeds.

The admission seems to further verify statements by Mike Fiers and three others who first made the accusations. The claims continued throughout the 2019 season, culminating in the Yankees notifying MLB of possible improprieties during the ALCS  after hearing whistles coming from the Astros dugout. MLB investigated and found no wrongdoing.

This could be just the tip of the iceberg and result in stiff penalties for manager AJ Hinch and the front office as MLB considers the use of any electronic sign stealing illegal. The entire league was put on notice in 2017 by Manfred when the Red Sox were caught using Apple watches in the dugout, threatening “serious consequences.”

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I just woke up to this puppy in my house and we have no idea how it got here. pic.twitter.com/OZMystNsZE

— JJ (@JJFromTheBronx) December 14, 2019

I have a wife and a 1 month old so it became scary fast, but all the doors and windows in the house were closed and locked. Then I found out what happened.

Here is the full story of this dog and next steps.

Please share!! pic.twitter.com/pykm5iAGqa

— JJ (@JJFromTheBronx) December 14, 2019

Since I host “George’s Box” (coming back Jan 1 so subscribe) and my first dog is Jorge Pawsada, we decided to name our 2nd dog after another Yankee great. We now have Suzyn Pupman!

The Yankees gave us Gerrit Cole, so I’ll give this dog a good life. That’s enough karma to win number 28!

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IN:

• Gerrit Cole, 9 years
• Brett Gardner, 1 year with an option

OUT:

• Didi Gregorius signed with the Phillies
• Austin Romine signed with the Tigers
• Edwin Encarnacion is a free agent, the Yankees will not resigning him
• Greg Bird designated for assignment, elected free agency
• Jacoby Ellsbury released, he and the Yankees will duke it out on the legal battle field
• Nestor Cortes Jr. was traded to Seattle for bonus pool money
• Tyler Lyons was released and is a free agent

UP IN THE AIR:

• Dellin Betances

There’s honestly not much left to do. The Yankees 26-man roster (yes, it’s a 26-man roster next season) is all but set. The 40-man will have some changes, but honestly most people don’t care about that.

The Rotation

The rotation will include Cole, Severino, Paxton, Tanaka, and Happ. There is news that the Yankees are shopping Happ to off-load some of his $17M salary for 2020, but for the time being, he’s here.

Jordan Montgomery and Domingo German are also rotation options, but both have questions for different reasons. Monty returned late last year from Tommy John Surgery and German ended last season serving a suspension. His status is still up in the air. We’ve seen other teams dump players with similar off-field issues as German – that’s how the Yankees got Aroldis Chapman from the Reds for pennies on the dollar – but it would surprise me if the Yankees give up German for low-level prospects.

Cole addressed the Yankees #1 need. In recent seasons Cashman addressed the rotation via trade (Gray, Happ, Paxton). This winter he ponied-up the cash for the best guy on the market. With a hopefully healthy Severino, the Yankees now have a formidable top-4 starters with some depth behind them.

If the Yankees can successfully unload Happ it would be to a team looking for veteran rotation help. Here’s a trade idea:

A month ago on @YankeesPodcast, @FrankieMarco and I proposed:

NYY gets: Dinelson Lamet

SDP gets: Clint Frazier, Osiel Rodriguez, JA Happ (NYY pays half of Happ’s $17M) https://t.co/l90uxwIplx

— Andrew (@Andrew_Rotondi) December 10, 2019

Lamet is a 27-year old right handed pitcher in the first year of arbitration with a $1.7M projected salary. He’s been through TJS already and has rotation and/or bullpen upside. In 73 innings last season he struck out 105 and had a 3.91 FIP. So, why would San Diego give up a guy like that?

The Padres rotation is young and inexperienced. Happ at $8.5M would provide veteran experience. Happ was terrible in 2019, but on a National League team in a big ballpark, his fly-ball approach will play better. What San Diego is really getting however is Clint Frazier and the young prospect Osiel Rodriguez. The Padres outfield stunk in 2019 – they produced a whopping 2.3 WAR. Frazier is a young piece they can stick into the OF and know he’ll hit. Rodriguez is the Yankees #28 prospect. He signed as an international FA in 2018 and utilizes a lot of pitches and arm slots.

Oh, San Diego also signed Larry Rothschild this winter so there is experience with Happ (although, now that I think about it that might not be a good thing).

The Bullpen

Like the rotation, the pen is mostly set with Chapman, Britton, Green, Kahnle, and Ottavino. Other arms will include Luis Cessa, who is also a candidate to start, and Ben Heller, Stephen Tarpley, etc., who will ride the Scranton Shuttle.

Betances is still a free agent and reportedly willing to take a one-year “prove me” contract. I know the Yankees are up against the top luxury tax threshold with the signings of Cole and Gardner, but I’d love to see Dellin back in the Bronx. At this point I don’t see it happening.

It was floated that the Yankees have made contact with the Brewers about Josh Hader, but that will cost a hefty sum of prospects. Hader is pure filth and would make the Yankees bullpen downright unfair, but honestly I’d rather just spend money on Betances, who can be just as filthy as Hader.

The Infield

With Didi on his way down the turnpike to Philly, the infield outlook is clear. Gleyber will shift to shortstop, LeMahieu will play second base, and Urshela and Andujar will battle for hot corner duties. Gio is also a candidate to move around the infield if needed, as we saw DJ do last season.

For the fifth season in a row, first base is the real question. I believe Luke Voit’s slump in the second half of last year was injury related, so the job is his at the moment. Mike Ford is another good offensive option, and his lefty bat makes for a nice platoon with Voit. The problem with both is defense. I just hope for a little stability at first base in 2020.

Catcher

Backup catcher is an area the Yankees could make an acquisition. Yesterday I wrote why there are fair questions about Kyle Higashioka replacing Romine as backup catcher. If the Yankees deem Higgy too risky, they could sign Martin Maldonado, who was Cole’s personal catcher in Houston.

The Outfield

Believe it or not, I’m a little concerned about the Yankees outfield. Obviously Judge (ever heard of him?) is the anchor of the team, but he, Stanton, and Hicks have all dealt with serious injuries over the past few years. On paper the outfield is stacked: Judge, Stanton, Gardner, Tauchman and Hicks when he returns, but they all have question marks. I have no clue what the Yankees are doing with Frazier, who can’t seem to get out of his own way. Regardless, no more moves will be made in the outfield.

Other

Players you’ll see contribute in addition to the 26-man roster the Yankees leave Tampa with are: Tyler Wade and Thario Estrada for bench depth and Mike King, Albert Abreu, Chance Adams, and Brooks Kriske for pitching depth.

A name to keep an eye on for the second half is Deivi Garcia, the Yankees #1 pitching prospect.

The post What’s left for the Yankees to do this winter? appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

On social media, Didi said goodbye to the Yankees and their fans:

I want to thank the New York Yankees organization for the awesome 5 season i had there and for letting me grow into myself and be around great group of guys … and to the fans thanks for the boo’s and the cheers and push me to be better
Much love pic.twitter.com/qDfwOv7m54

— Sir Didi Gregorius (@DidiG18) December 13, 2019

Thank you, Didi. Good luck in Philly!

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According to Chris McCosky of Detroit News, the Detroit Tigers have signed Austin Romine to a one-year, $4 million contract. Joel Sherman later confirmed the report.

Romine got a one-year from Tigers, believed to be $4 million

— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) December 12, 2019

#Tigers in a 1-yr agreement with Austin Romine. #Yankees

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 12, 2019

Romine spent eight seasons with the New York Yankees as a backup option to Brian McCann and later Gary Sanchez. In 2019, Romine hit .281/.310/.439 with eight homers and 35 RBI in 72 games.

With Romine gone, the Yankees could either rely on Kyle Higashoka–who is also out of options–or acquire a backup catcher on the free agent market. The Yankees were recently linked to Martin Maldonado, who was Gerrit Cole’s personal catcher while on the Houston Astros.

Romine is expected to be the Tigers starting catcher, and believe it or not has history with the Detroit Tigers as a member of the Yankees.

Remember the infamous brawl involving Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera on Brett Gardner’s 33rd birthday?

I’m sure that is one Gardy Party Romine will never forget.

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Latest notes: The market for Donaldson; the question about #Cubs’ Bryant; interest in #Brewers’ Hader; shrewd moves by #SFGiants; what #Dodgers see in Bumgarner; more. https://t.co/xG1og6PGAM

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2019

However, Rosenthal says, according to his sources, a deal with any club remains “unlikely.”

Hader is an attractive option with four years of team control and an impressive resume in his short career, including the Trevor Hoffman Award in 2018 and 2019. His career 2.42 ERA and 44.6% strikeout rate rank him among the best relievers in his three years. His ERA rose to 2.62 in 2019 but his strikeout rate also increased to 47.8%, the highest in the major leagues of anyone who has pitched 50 plus innings. Although no prospects have been mentioned, his body of work and years of team control would likely bring a steep price. However, he would bring fewer question marks and less payroll demands than Dellin Betances.

The talk around the Yankees is about the starting rotation but Cashman is always looking to improve the already exemplary bullpen. Filling Betances’s spot with Hader accomplishes this for pennies on the dollar.

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Can confirm that the Yankees and Brett Gardner have agreed to a one-year, $12.5 million deal. There is an option for 2021 that is valued at $10 million (not $20M).

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 12, 2019

The Yankees have inked the steady left fielder to a 1-year, $12.5 million deal. There is a $10 million option for 2021 as well, with a $2.5 million buyout, meaning Gardner is guaranteed $12.5 million but can make up to $20 million.

Last year, Gardner had one of the most productive years of his career, slashing .251/.325/.503, good for a 115 wRC+ while bringing his usual above average defense. Per DRS, he saved 5 total runs between left and center last year. He amassed 3.6 WAR, and once again flew under the radar as one of the best left fielders in the league. He was second only to Michael Brantley in WAR in the American League last year. Bet you didn’t know that.

Outlook for 2020

This is a move that simply had to happen. Aaron Hicks is out for at least half the season, and the Yankees only had one option for center field in Mike Tauchman. Brett will probably play the majority of his time in left field, while spelling Tauchman in center a few times a week.

Chances are, Gardner will probably not slug .500 again, however I think he’s a solid bet to put up around 3.0 WAR and contribute to the team in a big way. Every year pundits say that he is over the hill, and every year he proves everyone wrong. Hopefully he gets his second ring this year. LET. BRETT. BANG.

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— Machete Maldonado (@Machete1224) December 11, 2019

Mark Feinsand later reported that the Yankees have interest in Maldonado with their current opening at backup catcher.

The Yankees have interest in C Martin Maldonado, per source. Interesting stats to consider: Maldonado caught Gerrit Cole 10 times in 2019 – and Cole had a 1.57 ERA and .471 opponent OPS in those starts, his lowest numbers with any of Houston's catchers last season.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 11, 2019

If you know me then you know I’m not a fan of personal catchers. I think it creates more problems then it solves, especially when your starting catcher is Gary Sanchez. But there’s no denying Cole’s dominance with Maldonado last season.

• Throwing to Robinson Chirinos: 102.1 innings, 2.46 ERA, 6.1 K/BB
• Throwing to Martin Maldonado: 68.2 innings, 1.57 ERA, 10.4 K/BB
• Throwing to Max Stassi: 29.1 innings, 4.30 ERA, 6.9 K/BB
• Throwing to Garrett Stubbs: 12 innings, 2.25 ERA, 2.4 K/BB

Maldonado started catching Cole in the second half of the season and they never looked back. As good as Cole was with Chirinos, he became super-human with Maldonado. That ERA and K/BB ratio are video game numbers. Cole spoke about the great pre-game prep and in-game communication he and Maldonado have. Clearly, he felt most comfortable throwing to him and the results were evident. But the Astros probably had no problem allowing Cole to have a personal catcher because their starting catcher – Chirinos – is basically a league average offensive player (105 OPS+). When the difference between your starting and backup catcher is not a ton, it’s easier to allow.

Does Maldonado fit on the Yankees?

The Yankees currently have an opening on the roster for a backup catcher. Austin Romine is a free agent and there has not been much talk about bringing him back. Kyle Higashioka is on the 40-man roster but there are fair questions to whether he can handle the backup duties.

Maldonado is a 9-year MLB vet who has played on five teams, three in 2019 alone. He has a career 73 OPS+, which is, well, putrid. But his value is behind the plate, and is seemingly most valuable to the team that also employs Gerrit Cole.

Fangraphs projects Maldonado to sign a 2-year, $9M contract. To me that seems steep to a team still eyeing the top luxury tax threshold. Romine is projected at 1-year, $2.5M. In 2019, Romine out-WAR’d Maldonado 0.9 to 0.8, but again, Maldonado’s relationship with Cole might make him more valuable to the Yankees than Romine.

Unlike in Houston, the Yankees have a clear-cut starting catcher they want playing every day (with the exception of standard rest days). On paper having a starting catcher play 4 out of 5 games, with his one off day being when Cole pitches, make sense. But many obstacles come up during the season and things won’t always line up. There’s also big games and playoffs to worry about, and something tells me the Yankees want Sanchez’ bat and not Maldonado’s (or Romine’s or Higgy’s) in an ALCS game.

We’ve seen personal catcher situations on the Yankees before. Randy Johnson didn’t like throwing to Posada so his personal catcher was John Flaherty. AJ Burnett preferred Jose Molina over Posada, and the Yankees even used that system in the playoffs. We’ve talked at nauseam in recent years about Romine being a personal catcher for Tanaka and Sonny Gray, and while the Yankees never really deployed a set system with those guys, it was a topic of conversation.

Cole is an ace and he’s going to lead the Yankees staff for the next 9-years. I just hope he can do that with or without Maldonado.

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Yankees fans were all excited, but what about the rest of the Yankees?

pic.twitter.com/krh07z13vt

— Luis Severino (@LuisSeverino94) December 11, 2019

pic.twitter.com/6NGjDhILf3

— Gleyber Torres (@TorresGleyber) December 11, 2019

— Aaron Judge (@TheJudge44) December 11, 2019

Just woke up…anything happen last night?

— Mike Tauchman (@MTauchman) December 11, 2019

Between those and Luke Voit offering up the number through a joke, it’s safe to say the whole gang is excited.

I’m thinking the parade is on Halloween and we all get weird.

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A simple quote tweet of “Yes” (that will probably send my follower count to the moon) would pop up as a notification on Cole’s phone and tell him that no matter how badly he wants to be home, he’s got a brother in the Bronx. Where you have a brother, you have family, and if you have family, you’re home.

While Luke didn’t respond to my tweet, to get me a ton of followers…

If @GerritCole45 wants 45 as part of signing with the #Yankees would you switch @LLVIII40?

— JJ (@JJFromTheBronx) December 6, 2019

He did send his own tweet early this morning, joking about the elephant in the room.

@GerritCole45 Hey the number 45 jersey fits really weird and runs really big…not a problem that you will want worry about for 9 years so I’ll take care of it! #Congratsman #letsget28

— Luke Voit (@LLVIII40) December 11, 2019

Luke isn’t flat out saying he’s giving up the number but it’s about the subtext. The subtext of this tweet is “Let’s get dinner on you and the number is yours. Then we’ll have a silly goose time, RANSACKING THE LEAGUE ON OUR WAY TO 28.”

If you need me, I’ll be busy planning the parade.

All #Yankees fan waking up and trying to plan for the 2020 World Series Parade pic.twitter.com/VF30IXXlp5

— JJ (@JJFromTheBronx) December 11, 2019

The post Confirmed: Luke Voit cares about the Yankees!!! appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

ALL T-SHIRT ORDERS PLACED TODAY WILL ARRIVE BEFORE XMAS

GET THOSE LAST MINUTE #YANKEES GIFTS FOR THE WHOLE @GerritCole45 LOVING FAMILY

https://t.co/IqSfYn9H2G
pic.twitter.com/0cUfFDJM9w

— Bronx Pinstripes (@BronxPinstripes) December 11, 2019

As you know, the Yankees signed Gerrit Cole last night, to a 9 year contract for $324mil. Now that that’s out of the way, we don’t have to worry about it as we head into the holidays. What we do have to worry about is Christmas gifts…

We’re two weeks from Christmas and you probably have some Yankee fan in your life that you haven’t bought a gift for. The simple solution to that is to put a little Cole in their stocking.

If you order from the Bronx Pinstripes Shop TODAY (12/11), you will get these shirts for Christmas. That’s a quick turnaround for you to be the hero on Christmas morning to all the Yankee fans in your life.

Also, we sold out the 100 tickets we have for Spring Training on 3/14, but just added 30 more tickets. Grab a shirt or 4, get some tickets and let’s party in Tampa.

https://shop.bronxpinstripes.com/

https://shop.bronxpinstripes.com/

The post Order Gerrit Cole gear today and get it for Christmas appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.