It may be slow going in the MLB free agent and trade market, but the New York Yankees are in high gear as we get ready for the start of Spring Training. Here’s some of the latest news from the Bronx Bombers.
Joe Girardi Accepts A New Post With YES
According to an ESPN report, the former manager of the Yankees, Joe Girardi, has accepted a position as a studio analyst for YES, the team’s television network. His first appearance will come tonight. Should be a hoot, no?
Carlos Beltran Says No To Yankees And Trump
New Jersey.com reports that former Yankee, Carlos Beltran, considered but eventually turned down an offer to join the Yankees front office, a position that would have seen him working with Brian Cashman. Commenting on the interview for the manager’s job which went to Aaron Boone and the Yankees offer, Beltran says:
Beltran, who finished last season with the World Champion Houston Astros, also said he will be remaining in New York City when the Astros accept an invitation from Donald Trump to visit the White House during Spring Training. While not directly dissing the President, Beltran has expressed “disappointment” regarding the overall effort of the federal government in assisting storm-ravaged Puerto Rico, Beltran’s native land. FEMA will leave the island at the end of February.
Marcus Thames Earns A Promotion
Marcus Thames is the new hitting coach for the New York Yankees, replacing Alan Cockrell. The promotion of Thames fills out the Yankees coaching staff for 2018.
Pitching coach Larry Rothschild and bullpen coach Mike Harvey remain from manager Joe Girardi’s staff. Boone said in December that Josh Bard is replacing Rob Thomson as bench coach, Phil Nevin takes over from Joe Espada as third-base coach and Reggie Willits follows Tony Peña as first-base coach.
Other appointments include Carlos Mendoza as quality control coach, Jason Brown as catching coach and Radley Haddad will be coaching assistant and bullpen instructor. Bruce Weber remains coaching assistant/instant replay coordinator.
Robertson “Ready For Anything”
The New York Post reports that David Roberton is keeping an open mind regarding his role with the Yankees in 2018.
Robertson, who was recently mentioned in trade talks as a means to get the Yankees payroll in line to sign Yu Darvish, seems to have survived for the moment. A battle-tested warrior for the Yankees, losing him would definitely put a hurt on the team’s bullpen, currently rated as one of the best in baseball, if not the best.
This Video Reminds Of Where We Left Off…
Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal.
