Post Mortem: Two Quick Fixes

El Duque’s all too accurate foretelling of the Yankees off season plans the other day left me empty and angry. Is there no way out of this morass? 

In the past I’ve suggested they bring in a Feng Shui expert like Marie Kondo to help remove all objects that block energy and don’t spark joy – principally Aaron Boone, Brian Cashman, and Gleyber Torrez. Went one for three.   

OT: Did anyone else catch the look of disgust on lifetime cheater A.J. Finch’s face after Gleyber’s at-bats in their win or go home game against the Mariners?  

Fun times.

Bonus: Who else here knew that the Tigers were going to lose the second they saw Tommy Kahnle enter the game? 

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I’d like to see a similar purging of the team’s negative crap but as the post Rufus shared proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the real problem is Hal and he ain’t going nowhere.

So what’s a mother to do?

It doesn't matter how desperately the Yankees need to change all management, Brian and Aaron Boone stay. Sigh.

This year they tied for the best record in the AL and last year they made The Series. 

Boone stays.

BTW there’s a nice article on a potential replacement in Shelly Duncan in today’s Yanks Go Yard. 

Wishful thinking. 

So assuming that Hal and Pals ain’t going anywhere let’s look at some doable moves…  

Volpe Needs To Be Gone  

We all know this but here's the thing... This might be possible. Doesn’t matter how much the front office believes in him.  He is being booed off the field. The only thing he is elite at is getting undeserved at bats.  

It’s gotten so bad that when he makes a slightly above average play he is praised in the broadcast booth like he’s Ozzie Smith. Like we should take a picture of it and put it up on our refrigerator. 

Bottom line, he is openly despised by a large portion of the fan base. Gleyber level stuff.  

But the real reason? The REAL bottom line. 

While the Yankees are not in the business of winning championships they are in the business of selling merch. Volpe no longer does that.

This is a life size cutout of Anthony Volpe. According to Fathead (the official MLB licensee)

“Crafted with attention to detail, the Anthony Volpe size cutout captures the essence of the player in action. Its sturdy foam core construction ensures durability, while the vibrant print brings the athlete to life. This isn't just a decoration; it's a tribute to your passion for baseball and the New York Yankees. Let your fandom shine with this unique piece that celebrates the energy and excitement of America's favorite pastime. Elevate your space and show your support for Anthony Volpe and the Yankees in a big way.”

The player in action? It looks it’s capturing the essence of him watching a third strike right down the middle of the plate.  

The first run sold out. There won’t be a second.

The Yankees will move on.  

Jazz Needs To Be Gone 

More than his errors in the field, the boasts that fail to be backed up, and his horeshit demeanor, Jazz can be summed up by one act, The Yawn. 

Hopefully his “historic” 30-30 year will have some value in the trade market. Hopefully more value than his limited edition Next Stop bobble head. Can’t wait to see the next one. 

GENERAL MANAGEMENT TIP #1 - Trades 

The Yankees should only trade for guys in the minors or proven winners. The Red Sox added Bregman and turned it around. Likewise Springer with the Blue Jays.

No more trades for Marlins or  Rockies. The team should only acquire players who have winning in their DNA.  They are better off with a lesser player who knows how to win than a 30-30 guy like Jazz Chisolm who clearly does not.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT HOT TIP #2 - Free Agents 

No more future HOF players who come here for their final year(s).

No explanation needed.

Speaking of players past thier prime I’ve noticed a pattern when watching the YES broadcasts.  They do bumpers that show a photo of player who played for the team they are playing that day and then a photo of them playing for the Yankees.  In pretty much every one of them the Yankee photo shows an older, slower, version. Doesn’t make them bad per se but it’s interesting that it’s never the other way around.  

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Volpe for anything.  Jazz has real value.  Bullpen help plus a high end minor league player? Whatever, getting rid of both of them is addition by subtraction.  It's a start.