Tuesday, September 24, 2019

The "Who's on first?" Yankee logjam dilemma

Unless someone leaves a strategic banana peel in the Tampa clubhouse, the Yankees expect Edwin Encarnacion back Wednesday. Throughout the nooks and crannies of the Death Star, only one person might rue the addition.

That would be Mike Ford, as his chance to play in October shrinks like Lindsey Graham's stature in history. Ford's season ends this weekend. And he's probably not alone at first base.

The Parrot's return could mean Luke Voit - one of the most emotional Yankees, and a linchpin to the 2019 team - could watch the playoffs in pajamas.

On a five-game roster, it will be hard for Aaron Boone to justify carrying three first-basemen. With almost no opportunities for Voit to pinch hit, the Yanks will likely reserve the 25th spot for Tyler Wade, who plays everywhere, bats LH, and can maybe steal 2B in a critical moment. 

Here are the stats for Yankee first basemen this year. Read it and weep, Luke fans.


Voit has been fine all year. Everybody loves him. His numbers are credible, his haircut a piece of work. But Encarnacion is still Encarnacion - in a Yankee carnation. And when he recently returned, he returned hot. Unless he goes 0-20 this week, or looks hobbled, it's hard to imagine the Yankees not going with him.

The problem for Luke is his defense. He is almost interchangeable with Encarnacion, a career DH, and he's well below LeMahieu, the everywhere gold glove who has played only 38 games at first. LeMahieu makes the plays, though his low range factor - (that's putouts/assists divided by innings) - suggests he's still learning the position.


(It dazzles to remember that a) Kendrys Morales was on this team, b) Gio Urshela could play 1B in a pinch and c) Greg Bird, the lost enigma, remains probably our best fielding 1B; considering how little the Yankees would get in a trade, Bird could return next spring to vie for the job.) 

It's amazing - and sad - to think that Voit might get shelved from the playoffs roster. And my guess is that neither Encarnacion nor Stanton will hold up through an entire month - if the Yankees are lucky enough to play one. So Luke should stay active. He'll probably get his chance.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

According to that chart Yankee 1st baseman have hit a combined 72 Home Runs. That's got to be some kind of record no?

Based on what I've been reading lately the guy who should sit is Didi. But I can't imagine that actually happening. (Especially is we face Minnesota - his HR against hem in the playoffs is one of the great playoff home runs of all time.)

But if Didi sits you get...

Voit
DJ
Gleybar
Urshala (who is reverting to the mean BTW but still love the D)
Stanton
Gardy
Judge
Sanchez
EE

That's a serious line up.

Doug K.

JM said...

Play the hot hand.

You can't predict baseball.

We carry too many pitchers.

Luke isn't fast, but at least he can run.

Sanchez will play hurt and suck.

Gio has slumps just like other humans.

There are some regular season games left. Let's see who gets injured.

We moved to a new NYC apartment and I've done more physical work in the past week than I've done since I was 20. And when I was 20, I wasn't an old bastard yet. This has nothing to do with the Yankees, but I'm throwing it in because I've been scarce for a reason.

13bit said...

Those of us who live and die on a daily basis in Gotham should think about having a viewing party or two during the playoffs. i’m sure there are suitable venues with large televisions and heavy food, stuff to drink, and loose women.

JM said...

Loose women of a certain age, unless some kids have grandfather issues.

Anonymous said...

WE ALL LOVE LUKE, BUT THE PROBLEM I NOTICE FROM HIM IS, NOW, ALL HE THINKS OF, IS THE LONG BALL.

WHEN HE FIRST CAME ON THE SCENE, LAST SEASON, AS HE BEGAN TO FEEL HIS WAY, HE WAS GOING THE OTHER WAY, SPRAYING HITS TO ALL FIELDS.

EVERYONE STARTED TO REALIZE THIS GUY CAN REALLY HIT.

THEN, HE GOT A TASTE OF HITTING THE LONG BALL, AND HIS SKILLS ARE BEING DIMINISHED BECAUSE OF IT.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

JUST LIKE SANCHEZ WHEN HE CAME UP.

SPRAYING THE BALL TO ALL FIELDS, PLUS BEING PATIENT AT THE PLATE. (SANCHEZ COULD BE A .300 HITTER BUT SHOWS ABSOLUTELY NO PATIENT AT THE PLATE, AND GETS HIMSELF OUT REPEATEDLY).

LUKE IS PATIENT UP THERE, BUT LOOK AT HIS SWINGS AND MISSES.

HE IS SWINGING WAY TOO HARD, ALL THE TIME.

STRIKING OUT TOO MUCH.

OUR MANTRA THIS POST SEASON NEEDS TO BE, CONTACT!

TheWinWarblist said...

I can definitely do a viewing and drinking party in Gotham or borough.



Fuck you Hal, you miserly scab on your father's legacy.

Carl J. Weitz said...

13 Bit...I'm all in for meeting at a sports bar in Manhattan. As long as it's not run by the purveyors of food at Yankee Stadium, Hospitality at Legends. Under their egis, the food concessions were found to have over a 70% violation rate!

"Of the 43 outlets inspected at Yankee Stadium, 34 contained high-level violations. The issues in The Bronx included problems with food handling, with investigators finding multiple locations where food was “adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded” properly.

There also were violations with hygiene, including a concession stand in which inspectors discovered “personal cleanliness inadequate” as an “employee’s outer garment was soiled with a possible contaminant. In addition, according to the report, inspectors discovered hot food at improper temperatures (below 140 degrees) and “filth, flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated flies” in food and/or non- food areas at a Legends Club location in 2017."

That being said, there seems to be a large choice of sports bars in Manhattan. Finnerty's, Kelly's. The Grayson,Rathbones and Blondies all seem good but you can google an extensive list.

Carl J. Weitz said...

JM....I hope it's a rent-controlled apartment! My friend has 2 units at The Horizon, across from the Corinthian on First & 37th. They're very nice but he rents out a small-ish 2 BR unit for $ 5500 per month. Ugh.

And if some ladies at the bar have father or grandfather issues, it is more likely they'll have sex with people our age!

13bit said...

“Filth, Flies and Food” is the title of the fourth volume of my life story. What a strange coincidence!

JM said...

Carl, it is not rent controlled or stabilized, but is a great price for a massive full floor on the best block of St. Mark's. I thought our last place was big, but this is a bit bigger, at about the same price.

It's a long walk from the sofa to the kitchen bar, but I'll take it.

JM said...

By the way, I know the Corinthian because it's next to the NYU physical therapy facility. Ours is the same price as the apartments you mentioned but has to be 1300 sq ft or more. Not bad at all.

JM said...

Every time I see Monty I think of "Joahdan" as said by the White Shadow on Jill Hennessey's TV show.

Carl J. Weitz said...

JM....I guess its the price of living in the city with some space, view and amenities.

JM said...

Fucking Cessa.

Isiyku Abdulahi said...


I really want the world to know about this great man who brought back happiness into my life again after my husband left me and the kids 3 years ago for another women online when i contacted Dr Believe he cast a love spell for me within 48 hours my ex husband start calling me and begging for forgiveness for everything that have happened between us. I was so happy to have my family back together with love again here is the email of Dr Believe via believelovespelltemple@gmail.com a man with the great powers you can also call him or add him on Whats-app: +2348156148821
God bless you
I am very grateful for your help in my marriage.