Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Dear Clint...

At last, here we go. 

That long-awaited visit to the quantum molecule cyclometer... it's here. According to the undeniable laws of comic book universes, you will either emerge with staggering new super-powers, or your atoms will be smashed and dispersed to Kansas City for a middle-innings villain.

No pressure here. We don't want you overthinking this. It's just joy or doomsday, that's all. The next two weeks will probably decide whether the last four years were a mine-pitted path to Monument Park, or a rocky off-road to Zolio Almonteville. We've been waiting on you since 2016. We've been waiting on the Yankees to give you a chance since 2018. We've been waiting on Giancarlo Stanton's hamstring since Saturday. Our waiting is over. There are no more concerns about the length of your hair, or your inability to play left field. (We've seen Miguel Andujar out there; it's not you we fear.) We remember the concussions, that horror show in RF on national TV, and the ginned-up controversies about your personality, because you didn't handle the Gammonites with rubber gloves. It's time to see what you've got. It's time to see if you can hit. 

I say this with the recognition that, in fact, your chances could unravel quickly. Go 0-5 tonight, and you could be in Scranton by Wednesday, not to see another empty Yankee Stadium this year. That's the stark reality. But something tells me this is it: When bamboo Stanton went down, the brain trust chose you over Miggy, who was slumping. I believe they figure you need 50 at bats to show your stuff. Thus, you might get 30. It's up to you, New York, New York.

At this point, let's recall a little history.


It's worth noting that the numbers for 2019 are deceptive. In the first half of last year, you helped rescue an injury-decimated team - hitting .283 with 11 HRs and 34 RBIs. For that, you were sent to Scranton, where you immediately fell into a slump. Upon returning in September, you hit .176. 

The Yankees need a spark plug. They need the Clint Frazier from last spring. And for all the talk of an overcrowded outfield, there should be enough at-bats to give you an honest audition. After Aaron Judge in right, the OF-DH slot looks open to be claimed. Aaron Hicks has not looked good. Gardy is old. Mike Tauchman might be our best CF, and Mike Ford might be your real competition at DH. Left field is yours for the taking. 

So, no pressure here. But at last, here we go. 


8 comments:

ranger_lp said...

I believe they couldn't bring up Miggy because he was just sent down...which is why Red Thunder got called.

"Once a player is sent down to the minors, they must remain there for at least 10 days before being recalled with the exception of, if they need to return due to an injury. This is to prevent teams from bouncing one or two players up and down depending on the day of the week."

JM said...

If he hits, he stays. Maybe.

el duque said...

Ranger, You're right about the 10-day rule. But I'd argue that Stanton's injury would make Miggy eligible to return.

ranger_lp said...

@el duque...only other reason would be number of games and team control. You need a lawyer and someone versed in advanced calculus to go over all the ramifications of that.

el duque said...

Yeah, I agree. I read a story suggesting the Yankees, by limiting his number of games, are playing contract chicken with Miggy. Very sad. Also, foolish, I believe. Because any day now, another outfielder will go down, paving the way for Miggy's return, arbitration dates be damned.

Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside said...

JM- he already did hit, and he didn’t stay! But I appreciate your optimism.

Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
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