2021-2022 Off Season Thread

[philleotardo]

That would help. Sherman didn't say that though?

I figured the whole speculation was fictitious because there’s nothing else to write about.

[False1]

Wondering should we then ban "shading" by the outfielders? That's a subtle form of shifting and no doubt reduces the number of hits and spectacular catches too by deploying the outfielders toward the area where a batter is more likely to hit. It would be easy enough to draw three circles in straightaway left, center and right and make the outfielders stand in them until contact. More hits, more great catches, win win!

It's not really the same thing. When the left fielder starts playing right center, then perhaps. Also, you shade too far in the OF you could be talking a double, triple or inside the park HR. You beat the shift in the infield? Probably a single.

[yank4life2005]

Rodon on a 1 year deal loaded with incentives would be a good gamble. If he is healthy, it would make a lethal 1-2 combo with Cole.

[sjb23]

Rodon on a 1 year deal loaded with incentives would be a good gamble. If he is healthy, it would make a lethal 1-2 combo with Cole.

can we please start a petition?

[newhampfan]

can we please start a petition?

Only if we know Hal will read it and send a recommendation to his GM pal.

[HelloNewman]

It's not really the same thing. When the left fielder starts playing right center, then perhaps. Also, you shade too far in the OF you could be talking a double, triple or inside the park HR. You beat the shift in the infield? Probably a single.

I didn't say it was the "same" thing but the principles are related in that you are reducing offense (and diminishing spectacular plays) by moving the fielders from their straightaway positions. It's just a matter of degree.

(As an aside, I don't think I've ever seen an inside-the-parker because a LF played too far off the line. They usually happen when two outfielders get too close to the fence and neither is in position to play a hard carom.)

[False1]

I didn't say it was the "same" thing but the principles are related in that you are reducing offense (and diminishing spectacular plays) by moving the fielders from their straightaway positions. It's just a matter of degree.

(As an aside, I don't think I've ever seen an inside-the-parker because a LF played too far off the line. They usually happen when two outfielders get too close to the fence and neither is in position to play a hard carom.)

You've also never seen a ball hit somewhat softly into the left field corner while the left fielder is playing right center field, which would be analogous to a SS playing second secondbase/rightfield. Under those terms, you'd see some triples for sure and possibly some inside the parkers. Ultimately though, we agree they're not the same thing.

I think maybe if there is a disconnect it's that my POV isn't fueled by a desire to reverse a reduction in offense in the purest sense. It's to restore a balance between offense and defense that generates more excitement. If the outcome of a change like the ones proposed was that every single ball that would have been hit into the teeth of the shift was turned into in an incredibly athletic play by an infielder resulting in an out (e.g. no increase in "offense") I'd be 100% fine with that. It's about athleticism and excitement for me, not about more offense (although admittedly, I'd like to see more baserunners).

[Chaz]

If this has been posted already, my apologies but this quote out of the Athletic sums up very accurately the state of the Yankees:

“Hal operates the Yankees like a top Broadway show,” the agent said. “They charge top ticket prices and put the biggest and best stars on the stage. With that said, the show’s primary purpose is to turn a significant profit. If the Broadway show happens to win a Tony for Best Show, all the better.”

These are not the best of times.

[JDPNYY]

If this has been posted already, my apologies but this quote out of the Athletic sums up very accurately the state of the Yankees:

“Hal operates the Yankees like a top Broadway show,” the agent said. “They charge top ticket prices and put the biggest and best stars on the stage. With that said, the show’s primary purpose is to turn a significant profit. If the Broadway show happens to win a Tony for Best Show, all the better.”

These are not the best of times.

They have the top talent, but they have Fred Astaire telling jokes, Elaine Benes dancing, Redd Foxx singing and Mark Wahlberg acting.

[YFIB]

If this has been posted already, my apologies but this quote out of the Athletic sums up very accurately the state of the Yankees:

“Hal operates the Yankees like a top Broadway show,” the agent said. “They charge top ticket prices and put the biggest and best stars on the stage. With that said, the show’s primary purpose is to turn a significant profit. If the Broadway show happens to win a Tony for Best Show, all the better.”

These are not the best of times.

That's an interesting take - in some ways it strikes me more of how his dad ran the team (although GS clearly wanted to win more than anything, he acted like it was more about collecting stars than building a productive organization).

To me, it feels like Hal has a decent cast and wants to keep milking the show, tinkering here and there and adding new members - doing just enough to maintain interest. He doesn't want the Tony as much as one of those Disney-type Broadway spectacles that draws crowds without working too hard.

[NelsonMuntz]

If this has been posted already, my apologies but this quote out of the Athletic sums up very accurately the state of the Yankees:

“Hal operates the Yankees like a top Broadway show,” the agent said. “They charge top ticket prices and put the biggest and best stars on the stage. With that said, the show’s primary purpose is to turn a significant profit. If the Broadway show happens to win a Tony for Best Show, all the better.”

These are not the best of times.

I would argue they're not really putting the "best stars on stage". Other than Stanton, Judge, and Cole there really are no "stars" on this team. They passed on Harper and Machado, and have yet to show interest in any of the elite free agent shortstops despite it being a position of need. Their biggest position player free agent signing since Ellsbury was LeMahieu.

[hhill]

Interest story on STORY(NJ:COM)


That leaves two elite shortstops on the open market: Houston Astros’ Carlos Correa and Colorado Rockies’ Trevor Story. Both have been linked to the Yankees, but based on what the Seattle Times’ Ryan Divish is reporting, Cashman might be wise to pass on Story.

Most scouts believe that the 29-year-old Story would benefit from a shift to second base due to diminished arm strength. He’s dealt with elbow strains over the past few seasons and a shift to second base might reduce the overall wear and tear.

The Yankees are searching for a shortstop after movingGleyber Torres back to second base. Plus DJ LeMahieu can play all four infield positions, so signing Story and moving him to second base won’t fly in the Bronx.

Before free agency began, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel predictedStory would land a five-year, $115 million contract. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden pegged Story at seven years and $204 million.

[Mixwell]

What "best stars" are on the Yankees? Just off the top of my head, none of the 10-20 or so elite players in the league are on the roster of the sport's biggest franchise. There is no one on a Trout, Betts, Acuna, Soto or DeGrom level. No one is even really close.

[ppa79]

What "best stars" are on the Yankees? Just off the top of my head, none of the 10-20 or so elite players in the league are on the roster of the sport's biggest franchise. There is no one on a Trout, Betts, Acuna, Soto or DeGrom level. No one is even really close.

I would say Cole and Judge are top 20 players.

Not in any particular order
Vlad Jr, Machado, Tatis Jr, Scherzer, Soto, Acuna, Freeman, DeGrom, Betts, Altuve, Jose Ramirez, Trout, Ohtani, Harper, Burnes, Bieber, Buelher

[fredgmuggs]

They have the top talent, but they have Fred Astaire telling jokes, Elaine Benes dancing, Redd Foxx singing and Mark Wahlberg acting.

But Jack Benny plays a mean violin.