2021-2022 Off Season Thread

[jpao89]

I guess we will find out. They can't use Covid as an excuse next year. The Yankees were 8th in MLB in attendance in 2021. They were 3rd in 2019. We may have already seen the beginning of what I am talking about. After Covid restrictions were lifted this year (June 18), attendance was not good. Was that impacted by Covid? Probably, but I don't know that we can say to what extent. Next year, we will see if this year was an anomaly or a return to the old days. Looking at game-by-game attendance figures for 2021 and 1992, I am seeing a lot of similarities.

I was just thinking about the early 90’s. I had given up on the Yankees. George was at the height of his madness. The “win now” approach had lead him to strip the farm, fire everyone not nailed down and be such a crazy person as to resemble a mental patient.

The Stadium was empty. The excitement used to be watching the kids race across an empty upper deck to recover a HR ball that Steve Trout had just served up.

I gave up on the Yankees. I had a belief that unless George sold the team the Yankees would never win again.

Of course, the miracle of George’s suspension happened. The rest is history.

But now? It’s like evil mirror Steinbrenner has taken over. Madness replaced by apathy. Fire everyone to keep everyone, “Second place is first loser” by “gee, we accomplished some of our goals and were a contender.”

I don’t think a suspension is coming over the hill to save us this time. Not good.

[Mixwell]

I was just thinking about the early 90’s. I had given up on the Yankees. George was at the height of his madness. The “win now” approach had lead him to strip the farm, fire everyone not nailed down and be such a crazy person as to resemble a mental patient.

The Stadium was empty. The excitement used to be watching the kids race across an empty upper deck to recover a HR ball that Steve Trout had just served up.

I gave up on the Yankees. I had a belief that unless George sold the team the Yankees would never win again.

Of course, the miracle of George’s suspension happened. The rest is history.

But now? It’s like evil mirror Steinbrenner has taken over. Madness replaced by apathy. Fire everyone to keep everyone, “Second place is first loser” by “gee, we accomplished some of our goals and were a contender.”

I don’t think a suspension is coming over the hill to save us this time. Not good.

Is Howie Spira still alive?

[Obnoxio]

This is a great post and I thank you for it. A very sad story regarding your sister, and I hope eventually she matures and you can restore a relationship with her.
I want to share where my story may differ slightly than others. I believe that deep down inside, I actually do owe the Yankees something.

There were some very dark moments for me in the mid and late-90's. During those times, I found myself in a position where my childhood team were my ONLY outlet from grief and literally my only true "friend" in the world. This may be hard to believe, but I think the 1993 team saved my life. Not sure anyone even remembers that team, but I've referenced Spike Owen here before. Not so much for the end outcome, but what that team exhibited and set up for future. I'm certain the 94 team would have won it all and we all know how the franchise went in the next decade from there. The dynasty years again brought me much needed joy and balance.

I'm much older now and in a very good place in my life, so I don't need a baseball team to prop me up. But I will never forget that connection, however meaninglessness it can seem, I don't know I would be here without it. Now I feel like all that is left are those memories. It's so disappointing that the direction of the franchise now is laced with dishonesty, lack of accountability and complacency. I push myself in my career and as a father/husband in the ways I saw modeled by the likes of Don Mattingly, Joe Torre, Bernie Willams, Paul ONeill etc. Real or not, I took those examples and positive behaviors and tried to apply them to myself. I know how stupid that sounds to some. I don't care.

Now I look from ownership, front office and through most of the roster, and frankly... I'm uncomfortable, to put it as kindly as I can. It's truly a shame.

I used to have a video game of MLB. I played in late 90s but game was a few years old.
I would change the line up and start all the players that were batting .300 or better. Spike Owen was always in my starting outfield. I believe I started following him in the college WS in early 80s.

[kan_t]

For anyone buying into Hal's luxury tax garbage. Dated, but drives home the point that this is nonsense:

<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCGVk3kWUAQWUXF?format=jpg&name=medium" />

I still remember how we need to argue with some fans here that the Yankees could afford Harper/ Machado.

[ymike673]

I'm worried you are wrong., because I don't believe that SMYFs (Social Media Yankee Fans) are representative of the population that buys Yankees tickets. We're a sub-group that cares enough about this team to discuss it openly with the world, do research, etc. But there are still plenty of attendees that are the casual fan. Includes tourists from out of town, people from NY who go because its a cool thing to do: casual fans who couldn't pick Brian Cashman out of a lineup, the ones that can but know just enough to buy into his propaganda. They're not going to stop going. And on top of all that, the real revenue comes from the luxury seats they sell to corporations that use them as giveaways to clients and as bonuses. I just don't think there's enough of us to make an impact at the gates, no matter how loud we are on the internet.

Sadly I agree with you. Most casual fans will just go with team has a winning record crap.

[JPPT1974]

Yeah as really it takes a very loyal fan to really stick with the team through thick and thin.

[RoyWilliams]

The only thing good to see right now is the Sox's fans scream only to be let down.

[joshuaeagan]

I believe that Hal could spend $300 million and he would not even feel it. I do not think Cashman however, would spend the $300 mil the right way.

That being said, and looking at the fact that, as another member mentioned earlier in the thread, that the team is a Marketing Organization with a baseball team, I do think they value publicity and player recognition within a demographic.

They have had Puerto RIcan stars, and Japanese stars to appeal to the population of the region. They made Matsui and Tanaka's salaries ten fold in year one - just on marketing.

That being said, I could see them easily signing Correa, because of his Puerto Rican heritage. Again - they want to improve SS but - because of the MARKETING opportunity - they could justify the money.

Same thing with Rizzo - I think his Italian heritage plays a role - but the charity work he does is second to NONE and he is a good fit for the culture of the Yankees (Hope week etc). I think he is worth the MARKETING Investment.

With Rizzo on board, DJ would possibly spell him at 1B against lefties, play 3B 1-2 times a week and 2B 1-2 a week.

[RoyWilliams]

I believe that Hal could spend $300 million and he would not even feel it. I do not think Cashman however, would spend the $300 mil the right way.

That being said, and looking at the fact that, as another member mentioned earlier in the thread, that the team is a Marketing Organization with a baseball team, I do think they value publicity and player recognition within a demographic.

They have had Puerto RIcan stars, and Japanese stars to appeal to the population of the region. They made Matsui and Tanaka's salaries ten fold in year one - just on marketing.

That being said, I could see them easily signing Correa, because of his Puerto Rican heritage. Again - they want to improve SS but - because of the MARKETING opportunity - they could justify the money.

Same thing with Rizzo - I think his Italian heritage plays a role - but the charity work he does is second to NONE and he is a good fit for the culture of the Yankees (Hope week etc). I think he is worth the MARKETING Investment.

With Rizzo on board, DJ would possibly spell him at 1B against lefties, play 3B 1-2 times a week and 2B 1-2 a week.

Rizzo wants huge money. Do you give huge money to a guy you want to platoon?

[Sabbate21]

I haven’t been on here in a while but needed to see what other Yankees fans were thinking and feeling about this team and what needs to be done. I know everyone has their own opinion and mine probably means jack but here’s what I believe needs to happen for this team to win
1. The mindset and philosophy of the “Yankee Brass” needs to change from this know everything our analytics are the smartest and accept that the strikeout or home run approach works Bc It doesnt, getting guys who can hit 300 is better than 200ks, and also stop sucking their farm system off thinking their prospects are untouchable

2. we need to go out and trade for another stud ACE to take pressure off of Cole, my preference (although hurt) would be to trade for Shane Bieber, a 1-2 punch of Cole and Bieber is probably best combo out there, 2/5 of your rotation would be aces that If they gave you let’s say 30 starts each and had better than average season they’d have 35-40 wins and should be able to win 53-58 of their starts. I know everyone will look at me and think i am crazy but i would ask them to ask what it would take to get Bieber and Jose Ramirez, I would trade anything in the farm except Dominguez, including volpe, or any other prospects they think are untouchable. maybe even include Dominguez if It got The trade done, Cleveland is rebuilding and might as well get top prospects in return, if Gleyber is required than he’s gone

3. which brings me to signing Corey Seager to a 6-7 year deal at about $23-26m/year, I think his bat is great, not only for yankee stadium but also having a lefty bat that hits for average, can play a great SS and also has a winning profile.

4. As of right now we have and OF of Gallo/Hicks/Judge Left to right and I believe Gardner should retire and not bring him back, we should call Kansas City and ask what It would It would Take to get Andrew Benintendi, he can play l 3 of positions, high on base, High average, sweet swing that can hit 20+ hrs a year in yankee stadium and have him as your CF and have hicks as 4th OF

5. I would try to trade voit to anyone would be willing to take on his salary and try and resign Anthony Rizzo, I believe Voits comments that he deserved to play rubbed people the wrong way and put players on edge and I don’t think CASHMAN nor Boone were very happy about it

6, Clint frazier and andujar need to be non tendered Bc you will not get anything back in return

Finally we need to stop bargain hunting, These high reward low risk signings rarely work out, Kluber was a nice idea but coming off a 1 inning season we couldn’t expect much Id resign him for 1 year $6m max, and have him as our 5th starter

All these moves would give us a team that should make a World Series appearance at the minimum
A starting lineup of
1. 2B DJ LeMaheiu
2. 3B Jose Ramirez
3. RF Aaron Judge
4. SS Corey Seager
5. DH Giancarlo Stanton
6. 1B Anthony Rizzo
7. LF. Joey Gallo
8. C. Gary Sanchez
9. CF Benintendi/Hicks
Bench
C. Higgy
3B Urshela
INF Wade
OF Hicks/ Beni

Starting rotation of
1. G. Cole
2. S. Bieber
3. J. Montgomery
4. L. Severino
5. C. Kluber
Until Taillon returns from ankle surgery

thank you to anyone who reads this all, I just need to get It off My chest and hope because Cashman is on the hot seat he will make some moves he normally wouldn’t have because he knew he wouldn’t get fired but maybe now he’ll feel like he needs to use all of his resources to get back to the promised land
happy reading, let’s have a great offseason and let’s ................ing go Yankees!

[Obnoxio]

Well Houston is up 9-2 in the 9th.
started the Inning tied 2-2

[joshuaeagan]

Rizzo wants huge money. Do you give huge money to a guy you want to platoon?

I didn’t say platoon. I said against lefties while dj also plays other positions - load management and all. What dj was originally going to be. I would expect Rizzo to play 5-6 times per week for that much.

I also didn’t say I would do it. Just saying - they are more concerned with MARKETING and he is marketable off the field. I think that is key in what they decide to do.

That being said - I would like Rizzo - and I would personally try to sign him - but anything more than 3/45 4/60 I would run from.

At the end of the day - the ROI on a player for us is performance and for Hal I think it’s marketing/business return. The question they will look at is - is Rizzo worth x amount to our BUSINESS (off the field).

Can they cover his $60 mil over 4 years with sponsorships, etc.

I think they could - but I think it will take more to sign him.

[Yankees1962]

Since the Boone announcement, I'm happy to see everyone on this board think Cashman and Boone will fix the Yankees and that 2022, will be much better than the 2021 season. Anyhow, my meds have kicked in, so I can go back to bed now with a smile on my face.

[yank4life2005]

With Boras as Seager's agent, I am sure he will drive for a 10 year deal. He is not an elite defensive SS like Story or Correa ( who I don't want on this club)

[sjb23]

I started thinking about re-signing Rizzo back in late August. At the time I was thinking it will take a 5yr deal - that some team will be willing to offer 5 years. I also figured he's a $20M guy - so 5yrs/$100M should get him signed. I think his presence on this club could be a big positive towards re-shaping this roster.

But the SS situation needs to be addressed first, IMO. The Yanks need to spend some money here and position themselves for the next several years - so I think it makes sense to spend money on......Corey Seager. Can he be pried away from LA? Will it take 8 years or longer to sign him? Are we looking at $300M+ ?

Meanwhile, Volpe & Peraza are waiting in the wings. But if the Yanks (and Seager) can plan for a future move to 3B in 2023, then there's room for either or both prospects @ both SS and 2B.
I doubt the organization spends big bucks on both positions, so if they spend on SS then Rizzo becomes too expensive @ 1B, IMO. Plan B then goes into effect - Let Voit and FA Mitch Moreland cover 1B, trade Gleyber Torres and put DJ @ 2B, with Urshela and Seager on the left side of the infield.

Next up: Who's going to catch? I think the Yanks are done with Sanchez.