It's fun. It's satisfying. As a generally pessimistic Yankee fan blog, it's the perfect way to enjoy March. Just surf the web, clicking on links that are sure to bring you down. Did you know the measles outbreak will spawn a generation of zombies? Did you know NASA is lying about that 2032 asteroid missing earth? We're all gonna die. Embrace it!
For Yank fans, it's even easier. Pour yourself a stiff glass of Drain-O, position a loaded Luger in your mouth, and Google "Yankee injuries." You'll encounter an all-you-can-eat buffet of woe, beginning with Gerrit Cole, who will miss 2025 and most of 2026 - that is - if he doesn't get measles and die. Love the doom, everybody! It's here to stay.
But but BUT... as strict Yankee contrarians, here are 10 reasons to be hopeful for the team in 2025.
1. Expectations have fallen through the floorboards. Right now, nobody wants to kick the Yankees. They're dead in the water, being dragged to port by people in canoes. All self-respecting sports pundits have moved on to ripping the Jets and Giants. The Yankees won't face the regularly unbearable pressures of hope. That allows them to thrive, to be themselves. Watch them surprise us.
2. The Mets, on the other hand, will generate ridiculous expectations. Let's see Juan Soto improve on last year, without Aaron Judge hitting behind him. Not gonna happen. Also, let's enjoy their grand experiments. For example, Clay Holmes. As a starter, he looks dominant: 8 strikeouts the other day. But he's still Clay Holmes. Last year, he threw 63 total innings. In his four years as a Yankee, he never threw more. What happens in his 13th start, around June 1? We'll see.
4. The Yankees surely have insurance policies on Cole and Giancarlo Stanton. If they both miss the entire 2025 season - (fingers crossed, Liberty-Bibberty) - that's extra money in the pocket of Owner Hal. That buys a ranch in Montana, or an island in the St. Lawrence - or a dozen eggs. We will spend freely next winter on free agents, such as Gleyber Torres.
5. Maybe this is an old-fashioned tank year. We haven't had one in a while. If so embrace the tankiness. It's the summer you read novels, rewatch The Sopranos, go to punk shows and date dangerous vegans. A suggestion: Don't miss the upcoming American tour of Amyl and the Sniffers with the great Sheer Mag. It starts this month. Two great bands, and if you get a chance to see the Mag, tell 'em I said hi.
6. Judge isn't injured... yet. That will likely happen next week. Imagine how, come March 20th, we'll look back on this day, when Judge was healthy, and think of how lucky we are. We'll say, "back in mid-March, weren't we happy?" Enjoy this snapshot of Judgean health.
7. Austin Wells hitting leadoff? Genius! What a concept - take your slowest runner, aside from Giancarlo, and put him in the leadoff slot. Those 100 years of baseball history, when it was assumed that leadoff hitters should be fast? Tony La Russa? Billy Martin? John McGraw? What did those fools know? The algorithm says otherwise. Hooray for money ball!
8. We went through half of 2024 without Cole, and we did just fine. As long as we have Clarke Schmidt, we'll be okay. Schmidt is ready to breakout and challenge for the Cy Y- huh? What's that? He's got a bad back? Um. Carlos Carrasco! What a pickup!
9. DJ LeMahieu could be back by June 1. Should we set up an IT IS HIGH countdown clock?
10. The Martian. Sink or swim, it will be interesting to watch, am I right? He could be a star. He could be a bomb. Even if you ignore the games, you'll want to check his line in the daily box score. This might be a year of box scores. But cheer up, we can doom-scroll all the way until the asteroid. With Alexander Vargas!
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14 comments:
Mediocrity reigns supreme in the AL this year. We’re as mediocre as anyone I guess…
Can the Martian be a star? Really? Does anyone really believe that? It's all been hype. There is no evidence that indicates perennial all-star. He might have a serviceable MLB career. A fine accomplishment, but he's not the next Acuna, Trout, Harper. If he was, he already would be.
Last year, in his biggest sample size, he hit .309 at Scranton over 193 at bats - with 7 HRs in 44 games. There's something there. He's no Trout, Harper, Acuna. Maybe the next Cespedes or Moncata? We just don't know what.
I'm going to buy a Lotto ticket. It's our lucky day.
I haven’t seen enough to make final judgement but IMHO so far I don’t see anything to be excited about. Also, the guy is often hurt, so at least he’ll fit right in.
Playing left field seems to be alien to the Martian.
Try the veal.
May I donate the Veal (as a Parmigiana) to Volpe?
Perhaps it will help him achieve the unachievable!
It might work. Give it a try.
Also in reply toDuque’s post, “Expect The Bayonet” by Sheer Mag is one of the most overlooked rock tracks of the last decade. I saw a familiar name in the songwriting credits?
If I do that I might eat the whole thing.....
Hopeful? What is wrong with you? It's like I don't even know who you are anymore.
One of Bernie's faves
And don't forget, there is someone named Rodriguez on the Yankee spring training roster. Her came to bat yesterday hitting .500 ( 5 for 10 ) and promptly got another hit. Who is he/. Can he pitch?
Jesus! Jesus Rodriquez, a catcher who has compiled a .311 BA in over 1000 minor league plate appearances. The team seems to have been very quiet about him. Still only 22, we should keep an eye on him .
Pitch? Can he play 3B?
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