The Scream by Edvard Munch, 1893
No, that was not a pun or self-reference (it’s too obvious for one… >;)
It’s more of a declaration or a plea. The Yanks have been very sucky, as in inconsistent. They won the season opener the way everyone envisioned they wudduh-cudduh-shudduh with a 7-2 easy win over the lowly Orioles, then proceeded to streak like a naked drunk at old Yankee Stadium across several games, losing two of three to both the same Orioles and the wow, there’s a worse team than them Tigers. At home, no less. In front of a whole lot of impatient NYers who already don’t like that the Yanks skipped out on two young All-Stars and a potential one to complement the suddenly rickety rotation. So naturally, they go away to home-away-from-home Camden Yards and beat the crap out of the Orioles to return the favor and then some (they swept them there, so)… but they either left their bullpen prowess at the depot or the Orioles infected them with their Orioleness because now the bullpen sucks and is infecting the some of the rotation (Paxton) and fielders (Frazier, because Gary was already like that).
So here we are on an off-day in April standing at 5-7 with almost half the starters on the injured list and the accountant I mean manager having to make pep talk for the media because God knows basically every decision he’s made lately has been betrayed him faster than ketchup at a dive bar. It’s all his fault, of course, because he was so eager to listen to whatever Cashman told him to do, which is why he got the job in the first place, right?
Yeah, um. Let’s stop right there, because this is panicking for panicking’s sake. Good for headlines, but not for watching baseball. It’s been hard for me personally to follow sports in general because of the micromanaging that analytics has wrought and will continue on until someone manages to figure out how to merge the glory days with the innovations. No more bunts or steals because they aren’t productive; now three or five blasts over a shifted infield, that’s the ticket! Yeah, fun. But whatever, it’s here and in all sports, so I’m rolling with it better than most; particularly the kids who don’t really care for all the standing around doing nothing. And the people who are mad at players who are upset that owners only want to pay several millions as opposed to several more; of course no one says anything about the owners themselves pocketing the millions upon millions they get from TV contracts and revenue sharing, but that’s another rant for another day…
The Yanks are built to last; so to speak as they obviously can’t stay healthy long enough to dominate as envisioned. I mean, if they had Didi, Giancarlo, C.C., Dellin. Miggy, Luis, Hicks and hell, why not Troy and Jordan Montgomery and maybe even Ben Heller and– nah, not him. But if they had at least four of these guys back and in good playing shape, it probably wouldn’t be this bad, would it? Well, that’s one thing. The players can hit when left to their own devices, and they’re talented enough to overcome some of their own missteps. Plus it’s early… 12 games does not a season make. Yet I see people freaking out as though the team just missed the playoffs. Let me remind you all that this is not the team the Yanks intended to start with, and as I had commented during Spring Training, if they falter they pretty much have a built-in excuse: injuries, resulting in playing time for fairly unseasoned youth (just like last season!) who basically have to hold the fort until the starters come back.
Of course it’s easier said than done, but it is what it is, and we see that this team can hit. I worry more about coaching and managing missteps than about the players being able to deliver, and honestly unless they are the reason the players are getting themselves hurt, then there’s really not much to get up in arms about. One could say that Boone, for example, is not really responsible for the decisions he makes because they probably aren’t even his to begin with. The Yankees aren’t all that big on autonomy these days, after all. But they have a helluva lot of talent and youth to spare, regardless of how much of the farm they’ve pawned off in recent seasons. There, another good thing to bear in mind is that the Yanks are not compelled to throw their prospects at other teams right out the gate for a quick pick-me-up. When the previously wounded return to battle, there’s likely going to be a bump in win percentage. And if they don’t, well by that time some of their bluer chips might be primed and ready to throw some support their way. As recent highlight-reliever-making-his-Yankee-debut Joe Harvey would say, it’s gonna get real and it’s gonna be pretty dope.
I wish I had something far more compelling to console you with, but we see the same thing year in and year out. The team stumbles out of the gate and people get all Edvard Munch paintings on you. Please chill. There are plenty of things to be up in arms about right now, but the Yanks being sub-500 after two weeks in April is definitely not one of them.
Wait until mid-May for that…
There was a team that started out 0-3 and 1-4 and then a part of the stadium fell. First year I got the MLB package. The 1998 Yankees turned out to be fairly decent.
[1] Yah think?? >;)
What I remember most about the 98 Yanks was how angry and determined they were to come in and win it all after being tossed by Cleveland in 97. The bad start and with George already breathing down their necks made them even more so, and the rest of the league suffered for that. Those poor Padres...
Thanks, Chyll. Fantastic piece. Equal parts of hilarity, grit and truth. (True Grit the Comedy?). Love it.
[3] Mel Brooks beat me to it...
Thanks Will. I share the optimism and also frustration. It would have been one thing to be blown out by the Stros but all of those games seemed winnable and that I think was the sore spot. Getting swept in 3 games that could have gone either way.
I like the makeup of this team a lot and adversity in April can serve them throughout the rest of the year. It is good that some of these young guys are getting tested early. Maybe they end up as trade bait at the deadline, or come back to help later in the year?
And Gary Sanchez to the "IL". Guy finally starts to hit. Described as a calf strain, but can't help but wonder whether it was that shot to the boys that's the real issue.
Set back for Dellin. Oy
Not good, Bob
Oof, Bird
Better than a GiDP, I suppose.
Bird needs a trip to AAA
[0] Great stuff Chyll!
Bird is just a zero..
DJ! And another base running blunder.
DJ!
[11] Safe to say, he is not the word.
Well, not a word you want to use around children, at least ...
Second and third no outs, how are they going to not score here?
Huh, a RISP hit.
[0] Truth! Opposite field gap double. Smash up the middle. Sac line drive. Hmmmm......
Line drive sac fly from Judge ... amusing.
Hope they can get this one in
Romine know he's a catcher, right?
Goodie. I love walks and 2 out hits. Fucking Bollocks!
Just made it!
I was reading before the game about how terrible the White Sox have been.
Can we just play five and have it cut short by rain?
The vaunted BP lives!
Grrr.
Awwwwww, c'mon. Went downstairs to make dinner and we're up 5-3.
Now it's 7-5???
WTF???
Now it’ll get called on account of rain.
Yankees would damn well deserve it
I like this Frazier kid!
There’s one back.
Just dropped in. Are they really playing in that downpour?
Use the force, Luke. Or up the middle. Whatever drives in a run.
Have to figure the tarp is coming out.
And that may have been our last shot, since the heavy stuff is supposed to arrive around now.
Shit
Field like that is an injury waiting to happen
He's a big dude.
Blech
Shoulda put the tarp on ...
Remember when the Yankees bullpen was good?
Thought the BP was supposed yo be our strength
Really?
So now the tarp comes on. See ya tomorrow
The white sox were on a 3 game losing steak and are 3-8. Oi!
Horror show of a bullpen
I’m out. Gotta help dad on the garage floor in the morning.
To transmogrify the OG Joker ... this team needs an enema
Beautiful spring morning in Tokyo. I thought I'd watch the Bombers blast the White Sox while sipping my coffee. WTF!
Green is absolutely cooked. He's got nothing.
Without Sanchez there's not much pop in this line up.
Calling Mike Stanton, think you could play some baseball for a change?
Aaron Hicks get your ass out of the sticks.
(I know they are being cautiuos but this is CODE RED, FFS.)
I dunno, Judge seems to have a little pop now and then.
The problem (really, truly) isn't the offense, they're averaging 5 runs a game so far ... it's the pitching.
Starters aren't going deep and the bullpen has somehow become populated with arsonists.
[47] I did say "not much" meaning not much else.
But yeah, the starts excluding Tanaka are not doing much.
Yeah it's the pitching. We knew that last year and the year before too. Cashman doing Cashman things is what put us in this mess. Resigning a couple of old starters (i.e. Happ and CC) thinking they'll just keep producing for you late into their 30s is just dumb from a team building / winning perspective, but it helps save money for Hal's yacht.
Looks like the game was called. Good night, all.
Win, lose, injuries. Whatever...it’s a long season, and sometimes the season just doesn’t go according to plan. I'm ok with that.
But paragraph three in Chyll's piece is where it’s at for me. For the last few years building and certainly now, for the first time in my life, baseball bores me. Or at least the baseball product sold by MLB and its MiLB affiliates.
I essentially watch no baseball that isn't Yankees baseball, even in the playoffs. I much prefer watching European football.
I love watching LeMahieu hit. Glad to see he wasn't just a creation of Coors Field.
On the other hand, I'd rather have a root canal than watch Greg Bird "hit" ...
Bird's at bats are perfect for doing anything else than watching baseball.
He's completely lost; frankly, he needs to go down to AAA and regain something resembling confidence (if he can).
Seriously?
Taking CC out after 62 pitches??
FOR THIS BULLPEN???
Actually, German might actually be a good choice here.
That works.
Just got in. I guess C.C. was good?
Yup. Looked sharp, kept them off balance.
I guess Bird will take that
Luuuuuuke!
Acceptable, Higgy
Hey, Tyler Wade did something positive with the bat!
Don't get cute here, Booney, German is cruising.
Judge!
ALL RISE.
NYS RF special!
One down
two
Got back to see Judge enter judgement. Nice to see him play catch with the kid. Sounds like CC had a nice start.
three
Nice win
Good win. Now, let's go CAPS
And tiger, too
Nice quick game, see y'all tomorrow!
And hey, Chris Davis finally got a hit.
[77] He got 3 and 4 RBI. Gotta feel good for him.
Lots of feel good stories today. CC the stoppah, once again.
Let's keep it going with Tanaka tomorrow. He needs some runs this time. Early and often, please.
Hey, I like the line-up today. Finally. Put the best hitters at the top of the line up. That a novel approach. Why did it take so long for that to happen? I'm asking you, Mr. Boone.
Of course, 7,8 and 9 are automatic outs, but beggars can't be choosers.
Hey now, Higgy's batting .500!
HE'S BREAKING OUT!!
[80] Gardner against LHP is pretty weak as well.
Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuke!
Nice start, could been more, but we'll take it. Something to build on.
Nailed him!
Nice break. Weird play.
let's get Tanakasan some more. btw, Tiger is up 2 strokes with 2 holes to go.
Runs without home runs. Love it.
Gotta snooze. Go Yanks. Go Tiger.
Yup, out. Motion fora double is denied
Judge brought the gavel down on Moncada!
Grrrrrr ... how about some outs here Tanaka-san?
Wrong time for #obligatoryhomer
Bad fucking time for the #OBLIGATORYTANAKAHOMERUN
Shit.
Well this blows.
What a shitty inning.
Congrats, Tiger
Meh
Mountain Top - Rock Bottom - Montain Top. Rather crazy journey for Tiger.
Feels like this season is getting late early ...
What the hell happened to Tanaka in this game???
From cruisin' to bruisin'
Nice, Judge
What the hell, Booney?
What was wrong with leaving Cessa out there??
What's with bringing in Tommy "White Flag" Kahnle???
Well, at least I have the new GoT to look forward to in less than 6 hours.
Screw this game, I'm going to go putter about in the garden.
Tanaka is due for the occasional bad inning. Just wish the offense would show up.
Feh
This Yankees organization is failing on so many levels now, it's near impossible to stay optimistic.
Ownership
Management
Coaching
Fitness
Play
The empty luxury seats at every home game are the living example of corporate greed in action, taking fans for granted, refusing to give just a little extra to add the world's best players to support an exciting young core.
I think it is time to panic or even turn away.
Of course, I'm certainly going to keep watching, because I'm weak.
[Sorry for the rant]
If they're doing everythjing by the book, then I think maybe they have the wrong book...
Off topic, but wowzers this is kinda interesting; Mariners reliever Rob Whalen retires at 25 to deal with his mental health, also claiming that the team didn't support him as much as they say. Check out the interview that accompanies the article.
You can draw your own conclusions, but it's not a stretch to think that some of these organizations identify their players more with commodities than with humanity, and quantifying everything they do while leaving inexperienced coaches to "manage" them by a notebook may need some second thoughts.
[111] Good one!
Hey, speaking of that, the Red Sox dropped another to the Birds. Digging their hole deeper. So that's one bright spot in this bleak season so far (if you enjoy rooting for the Sox to lose).
[112] Great point.
Mental health is the forgotten step-child in many industries and walks of life (especially in Japan!). Hearing that the MLB is behind the curve is not a surprise.
In shocking, unexpected news, Greg Bird does to the DL. Doesn't sound short term either.
(115) Bird was limping noticeably in the game a few days ago. I was wondering if he was trying to hide it, so he didn't seem like he was fragile.
Bird's injury is not surprising, but this is not the same team of old guys that they were fielding 8 or 9 years ago.
I wonder if the strength and conditioning guy is going to lose his job?
Thankfully most of the AL East isn't heating up aside from the Rays, and I know we have a lot of depth and we will be getting back some of these guys in the next few weeks, but it takes some time to gel and get in the groove. I hope they can start adding these pieces back in over the next month and stop subtracting.
Not losing much in Bird but Voit is not exactly tearing it up average wise. Perhaps this will allow him to settle in as he is now clearly the starter.
[115] Damn, beat me to it ... torn plantar fascia. He ain't coming back for a while.
Come on down, Mike Ford.
At least he can't be any worse than Bird ... can he?
Not sure what this will do for Voit, if anything, he hasn't been starting at 1st, but he's been in the lineup pretty much every day.
[116] Yanks and other teams have run through strength and conditioning coaches like tissue. There's only so much you can do for a guy before he either has to do some things for himself or call it quits. Bird getting hurt all the time is indicative of a deeper issue that I bet no coach can fix.
That said, other players getting hurt so much and perhaps so easily does not bode well for either him or some of the other coaches and instructors. A lot of these guys are playing fundamentally sloppy baseball, and while most of that belongs to the players themselves, part of coaching is to help correct bad habits and behavior. You have to wonder if the coaching/coaches are:
A. Not effective
B. Not respected
C. Incompatible with the player's skill sets
D. Undermined by powers that be
E. Dealing with bad players or combatting entrenched bad habits
F. Just a helluva lot of bad luck
G. ...and?
We can't say what kind of atmosphere the clubhouse actually has, whether the manager or the coaches are allowing players more or less freedom and whether or not their poor fundamentals are born from an organizational or coaching philosophy (I would have to speculate that Boone's lack of actual coaching experience plays a role), not to mention the dearth of championship experience as CC and Brett are the only players on the roster who've actually been to the World Series, much less having rings to show for it.
But you can't ignore this many injuries and you definitely can't ignore the bad fundamentals. Is it that the players are actually not that good or are they ill-prepared for their games and why? Why such a lack of intensity and focus when they have been a playoff contender for a few years now? Hmmm...
(118) Yeah, I wasn't specifically thinking of Bird and his strength and conditioning, but this many players, after a while you say, maybe it isn't just bad luck.
I understood it when the Yanks had all the grizzled vets, but this is a team with a lot of young guys. Bettances, Andujar, Severino, Sanchez are not old. Hicks and Stanton are both 29.
And when is this Ellsbury guy going to be ready? I'm so glad that the Yanks invested in him instead of Cano.
Greg Bird = Nick Johnson 2.0 Electric Boogaloo
Thing is, I'm not sure how many of Bird's injuries can be blamed on the staff. Take a look at his major injuries:
https://www.nj.com/yankees/2019/04/handle-with-care-yankees-greg-bird-no-stranger-to-injuries.html
None of those are really training staff related. He just appears to be both a) made of glass and b) unlucky.
Anyway, this gets him out of the lineup, which can't possibly be a bad thing ... I hope.
Let's send this Sale chump to an early shower.
Urshela-Gardner-Romine-Tauchmann ... a real "murderer's row" for the Yankees 6-9 ... ugh.
Damn, Pax!
Current injury list:
Miguel Andujar (shoulder)
Dellin Betances (shoulder)
Greg Bird (foot)
Jacoby Ellsbury (hip surgery)
Didi Gregorius (Tommy John surgery)
Ben Heller (Tommy John surgery)
Aaron Hicks (back)
Jordan Montgomery (Tommy John surgery)
Gary Sanchez (calf)
Luis Severino (shoulder)
Giancarlo Stanton (biceps)
Troy Tulowitzki (calf)
Of course, tonight would be the night that Sale un-fucks his mechanics ...
Meet the Feebles (aka that swing by Tauchmann)
What a wonderful piece of hitting by DJ!
Love watching DJ hit.
Ok, done with dinner, dog walked.
Luuuke
Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuke!
Two at bats, two balls barreled up.
110mph and 109mph.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR ... NO. LEADOFF. WALKS.
Blech ... Judge should have played that better.
Maple!
Paxton escapes!
And is topping out at 99! tonight.
Damn ...
SYNDROME!
Be still my heart!
Hell yeah! Loving it!
Hot diggity! Man a back up catcher scores on that
Looked high to me
Judge with the steal.
Bah.
Was listening on the walk to work, is Sale really cooked this year?
How is Big Maple Leaf, BoSox radio announcers are raving about him.
Quality start.
Maple looks great tonight. So Boone will pullhim early and the Vaunted Bullpen will implode.
[144] Sale seem to have the velo tonight, but not the location.
[147] There's a 'That's what SHE said' joke somewhere in there but I can't quite find it..
[146] Better not!
Not much for plays ... but I'd bunt Romine here.
That's fine.
Tauchman!
That was a beaut. Congrats on the 1st homer!
Mike Tauchman...wow.
Where is thelarmis, he will love this run differential beating we're giving the Sawx.
Alright Paxton, 1 more inning and then even *our* bullpen probably can't fuck it up...
Double digits — in strikeouts
Damn fine start.
Gleyber!
Yeeeouch!
Wow. Everything is rolling tonight. Uh-oh, did I just jinx the bullpen?
[157] Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy!
[160] That's what she said!
Sterling: Tauchman the Sockman!
Sorry John, that's a bit weak. How about "that's what I'm Tauching about!
[160] SWEEP THE LEG!
An even dozen in Ks.
"I love it when ya call me Big Maple..."
GREAT game from Paxton
Dare I say, this is a game even Boone can't fuck up.
[166] If he can bring it like that most of the season, until Severino gets back..
Good win. Cheers, y'all.
Well, *that* was a pleasant change ...
Great game! Nice new extension for 0-4 Sale
[171] Yeah. What the hell were they thinking? The writing was on the wall at the end of last year.
As they like to say, This was the day Paxton became a true Yankee. Gave a nice rest to the bullpen and now the Yanks got to keep the Red Sox down and put their foots on their throats and not let them off the mat. Every win we get now is one less we need at the end of the year and the Yanks need to play with urgency.
Sale was limited in his innings in the Spring, and could heat up. I wouldn't write his obituary so soon.
Big Red with the dinger was great, and I like the fire that Frazier brings. Judge taking a base and getting an extra on the throwing error was excellent. Wondering why we don't see Gardner making noise on the basepaths anymore. He needs to use his speed until his bat starts talking.
Let's go Yang-Keys!