I raise this issue carefully, keenly aware that it might conflict with the First Two Iron Laws of Juju, which are:
Rule #1: Never talk about juju.
Rule #2: Remember that nothing good ever comes from speaking positively about your team.
That said, Rice is raking. According to The Athletic, our Hulked-up 26-year-old has the highest "Hard Hit Percentage" (whatever that is) in the majors. He's batting .306 with 3 HRs (in 47 plate appearances, small sample.) He has a solid history: Last year, between Somerset and Scranton, he hit .274 with 24 HRs. He showed a glimpse with the Death Barge, homering thrice in one mythic game. He has earned a look, at least equal to the inherited LF fog currently roamed by Jasson Dominguez.
But where does he go? Would the Yankees squander an intriguing young hitter - maybe even more so than The Martian - as a fulltime DH? In the minors, Rice played C and 1B. Neither slot has an opening. And soon, maybe in weeks, Giancarlo Stanton, the limping leviathan, will return as the everyday glump. There won't be a platoon for Rice. Unless somebody gets injured, he's a floater.
In a perfect world, Rice could develop as a catcher, raising his chances for a long and fruitful career. If he can catch, he can write his ticket. But for now, he's stuck in a spot with no long term growth or short term future.
If he keeps hitting - yesterday, his 2-run HR basically doomed Detroit - the Yankees must find a spot for him.
But here's where it sorta gets sad:
That spot will probably be in another city.
The Yankees, as currently constructed, are an airplane with three wings and one propeller. They tilt farther to the left than Susan Sarandon. In fact, Susan could probably throw a solid five against this lineup. The other day, they couldn't figure out Andrew Heaney, a night that surely challenged Cooperstown Cashman's stomach. The Yankees are increasingly desperate for a RH lug nut, preferably a 3B. Unless Trump puts a tariff on Yankee trades - dare we hope? - Rice might hit his way to another team.
I'm often accused of being a prospect hugger. It's true. I drink the Kool-Aid. But other franchises - including those who have won rings since our last (2009) - routinely make room for their young players. That's how they build for the future.
The Yankees use them as trade chips, objects to be hyped and then peddled for second-hand shoes. Yes, they often fail. (Slade Heathcott, wherever you are, I hope life worked out for you.) But I'd still rather watch one Ben Rice than 10 Paul Goldschmidts. And that's not a knock on Goldy. It's just that his story has already played out.
It's the narratives - the story lines - that keep us coming back, year after year. (This just in: actress Sydney Sweeney has been named Grand Marshall of the annual Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend Parade, July 8, in downtown Canastota, outside of Syracuse. Plan your selfies now.) Ben Rice's career, and his life, can go in any direction. He could be a star. He could be a dud. It would be nice if we get to follow it. But for now, he's stuck, and the more he hits, the more likely his future will rise in another uniform. How sad.
Duque, you might have hit the nail on the head about Rice. But I hope not. Here is his scouting report from Baseball America, and you can see they are seemingly high on him:
ReplyDeleteBen Rice, a New York Yankees prospect, is known for his strong plate discipline, bat-to-ball skills, and raw power, particularly from the left side of the plate, with a focus on improving his defensive abilities, especially behind the plate.
Here's a more detailed scouting report:
Offensive Strengths:
Plate Discipline:
Rice consistently demonstrates strong plate discipline, with a high walk rate and a low strikeout rate.
Bat-to-Ball Skills:
He makes consistent contact and hits the ball hard, with good exit velocities.
Raw Power:
Rice possesses significant raw power, especially from the left side of the plate, with the ability to hit for both average and power.
Swing:
He has a smooth swing with quick hands and a compact motion, allowing him to repeat his motions consistently.
Contact:
He is known for making solid contact and spraying the ball across the field.
Launch Angle:
He has worked to improve his launch angles and has shown noticeable improvement in this area.
Defensive Areas:
Versatile Player: Rice has experience at both catcher and first base, but has seen more time as a catcher in the pros.
Catcher: While he has a good one-knee down stance and keeps pitches in front of him, he needs to improve his arm strength to control the running game.
First Base: He is considered a passable player at first base.
Blocking and Receiving: Evaluators have been split on Rice's blocking and receiving skills.
Other Notes:
Path Through the Organization: Rice was drafted by the Yankees in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
Experience: He has gained valuable experience in the minor leagues, with a recent promotion to Triple-A.
Spanish: Rice is fluent in Spanish, which he finds helpful when playing catcher.
Bat Speed: Rice has seen a significant increase in bat speed, adding over 3.5 mph from 2024 to 2025.
Future: Rice is considered a promising prospect with the potential to contribute at the major league level, likely as a first baseman or catcher.
If the Yankees were smart, they'd platoon him more with Wells behind the plate and Goldy at first. But they aren't, so he's likely to be a goner in a trade.
By the way, on your next flight to paradise, Slade might be piloting that Boeing 747 or Airbus 350. But here is his latest LinkedIn position.
Experience
Atomic Stays
Senior Vice President
Atomic Stays · Full-time
Apr 2025 - Present · 1 month
Vail, Colorado, United States · On-site
At Atomic Stays, we elevate the vacation rental experience with white-glove service and a luxury-focused approach to short-term rental management across Colorado. From sourcing premier properties to maximizing returns through strategic pricing, polished listings, and expert revenue management, we handle every detail with precision and care. Our owners enjoy seamless, tech-enabled service, full transparency, and unlimited personal use—all designed to unlock the highest potential of your investment. Discover the Atomic advantage—where sophistication meets performance in Colorado’s most sought-after destinations. At Atomic Stays, we elevate the vacation rental experience with white-glove service and a luxury-focused approach to short-term rental management across Colorado. From sourcing premier properties to maximizing returns through strategic pricing, polished listings, and expert revenue management, we handle every detail with precision and care. Our owners enjoy seamless, tech-enabled service, full transparency, and unlimited personal use—all designed to unlock the highest potential of your investment. Discover the Atomic advantage—where sophistication meets performance in Colorado’s most sought-after destinations.
The Atomic advantage! That's what we need. Give Ben some super sauce. He'll throw the bad guys for a loss, and he will bring them in alive and kicking. Buck-buck-buck-buck.
ReplyDeleteWell we do... think that we're in danger or are threatened by a stranger. and we fear that we will take a lickin'.
DeleteAs to Rice...
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure having him catch every once in a while (by design as opposed to as an emergency catcher) is a good idea.
It's a completely different set of physical demands that could easily lead to tweaks and aches and wreck his ability to hit.
In the brief period in-between Stanton's return and his next injury, Rice can be the lefty DH in platoon with righty Stanton and spell Goldie one game a week. Perhaps more when Goldie's back/shoulder/rheumatoid arthritis etc. acts up.
I don't think Cashman will trade him because he's cheap. Rice not Cashman although Cashman is cheap as well.
We currently have no 1st baseman for next year so there is a place for him. I kinds wanted Murakami to be that guy but maybe it's for the best if Rice is the 1B and we spend the money on Kyle Tucker who is looking at 500M .
The guy who is looking expendable for next year unless he learns to field and hit the curve is actually Jasson. Which makes me sad.
Stanton:
ReplyDeletethe gift that keeps on giving
the turd that won't flush
can't live with him, can't live without him
Doug's right - whenever the big lug returns it'll likely be three, maybe four weeks before he's back on the IL. Not hard to look at that open window and see Cashman flipping Rice for a spoke in the sorry-ass bullpen wheel, maybe a mediocre SP, maybe in a gift box for Arenado.
Brian Cashman's linkedin: "wasting prospects since 1998"
ReplyDeleteAn idea for the next meetup at the stadium (as likely as schroedinger having a cat):
https://x.com/JomboyMedia/status/1910031261449453765
Although those guys failed in the actual execution.
Oh duque, you do make speeches
ReplyDeleteCAUTION: PLEASE HAVE AN AIR SICKNESS (or equivalent)
ReplyDeleteAT THE READY PRIOR TO READING:
https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/brian-cashman-discusses-career-2-500th-win-as-gm
B A G !
DeleteFuck, I just ate...
Delete"Unless somebody gets injured"?
ReplyDelete"Unless"???
Amen, Duque! I'd rather give the rooks a try, too. (Where the hell is Rumfield???) That, to me, is the real pleasure in following the game.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Duque, just want to say thanks for yet another shout-out. You guys are the best. Frankly, without this chain, I don't know how much attention I'd even pay to the game still. Well, all right, too much. But it wouldn't be half as much fun!
ReplyDeleteAs somebody pointed out here a week ago, and I’m sorry I don’t remember who it was, developing young prospects goes against all of Hal’s business sense. That is because you can’t figure out how much you’re gonna have to spend on them. If they turn out to be another Aaron Judge, you’re gonna have to spend a lot of money. As everyone else knows in this particular economy, you need to be able to plan ahead. Getting old, tired, jackass retreads for a specific amount of time at a set number enables you to have a successful business. A rookie that we develop who turns into a superstore it’s not so good for the bottom line. I know this is harsh, but let us not forget, fellow Shriners, this is a business. It’s not about winning. It’s not about our glorious heritage. It’s about how much money we can put into Hal‘s pockets. Have you asked yourself today what you have done for Mr. Steinbrenner? I’m guessing you have not and I’m guessing the answer is “not enough.” Forget about this stupid concept of “winning.“
ReplyDeleteWe have to start celebrating our rich heritage of rich profits. There have been a couple ups and downs, but this franchise has made a lot of money for its various owners over the years.
DeleteBit is right. We should focus on the bottom line and stop all this championship nonsense. Let's see the profit statements of all of the teams and see who's really the king of the hill. Top of the heap. "A" number one. A1 steak sauce. It's all about the money, honey. (If I recall, those two were the last words the young thugs in Central Park said to Charles Bronson before he opened fire...)
Butt, Butt, Butt in that Cashman article link that I posted above - it ends in this way:
ReplyDeleteMLB.com: What’s ahead for Brian Cashman? Are there 2,500 more wins in the tank?
Cashman: The only thing that matters is to get another World Series title.
SEE - He cares - Brain Cares! He says that the only other thing that matters is winning another World Series title.
Just like all the others that he's won for the team.
SEE!
AA - it's in his contract that he MUST say those exact words at least 3 times a year. Not only would he lose his job if he didn't, but a small wizard would also pop up and send a flaming arrow past his left ear as a subtle reminder that he works for Satan.
ReplyDeleteSecond arrows goes straight for the nuts.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the third arrow?
DeleteNah! sit Rice, whrn Tissue Mon Stanton returns. After all the crackpot Yankees are paying him alot. Allow the BS Doofus Manager tell the fans why Rice soes not have a position and why he is sitting.
ReplyDelete