One of the more frustrating aspects of the 2020 season for the Yankees was watching the struggles of Mike Tauchman, who had a breakout 2019. Had Tauchman performed last season the way he did in 2019, the Yankees likely would not have signed Brett Gardner, Derek Dietrich and Jay Bruce – certainly not all of … Continue reading Can Tauchman return to form?

Here’s what we know about 2021: The Yankees are going to score a metric ton of runs, regardless of the simpleton nonsense about “too right handed” and too “all or nothing” we hear from the sports radio and tabloid crowds. They are going to score a lot runs even with a few injuries here and … Continue reading The key to 2021

Out of left field is the occasional post about matters that don’t require 800 words of analysis and commentary, but are interesting enough to address to some extent. In no particular order of importance... As I noted on the MBP Facebook page, the Brett Gardner signing is a win/win/win for the player, team and fans. … Continue reading Out of left field

The Yankees signed Robinson Chirinos to a minor league contract yesterday, which raises a question that has nothing to do with Robinson Chirinos, or even Gary Sanchez for that matter: What is it exactly, that the Yankees don’t like about Kyle Higashioka? 204 plate appearances spread over four seasons in the show doesn’t give us … Continue reading Chirinos and the better question:

The Yankees and Jay Bruce have come to an agreement on a minor league deal. My first question is “Why?” I know the answer is going to be some form of “low risk, high reward” but only one of those things is true. Any reward that comes from Bruce will be much lower than most … Continue reading Jay Bruce (…?)

The key to lineup construction is being aware of what situations each spot in the lineup is most likely to face, and to insert players whose skills are best suited for each of those situations into the the appropriate spots. Obviously a high OBP is necessary for the leadoff hitter as the best hitters in … Continue reading (Not so) crazy NYY lineup

When Hank Aaron passed there was the natural inclination to discuss where he ranks on the best of all-time list. I avoided starting discussions like that as well as getting into them as it’s just better to remember the player and the man upon his passing rather than getting into trivial and judgmental conversations. But … Continue reading MBP’s (updated) best ever list:

It’s Nolan Ryan’s birthday today, so the first order of business is to wish an all-time great a happy 74th. Yet, on a less pleasant note, when I hear Nolan Ryan’s name I always ask the same question: “Why aren’t more questions asked about Nolan Ryan’s extremely suspicious late career performances?” If we’re going to … Continue reading Happy B’day Nolan Ryan. I have questions…

After seeing star player after star player simply given away by his team, and after listening to nonsensical debates about Hall of Fame balloting, I think we all need a few quick reminders about baseball history - specifically with regards to one person, and how much actual damage he’s done to the game we love. … Continue reading History, Cliffs Notes, MBP version:

Yesterday the Yankees and their fans said goodbye to Masahiro Tanaka, a great Yankee by any measurement. Signed as a free agent in January of 2014 for $155 million, Tanaka delivered on the high expectations and then some. Despite pitching with an elbow that was not 100% for a good stretch of those seven seasons, … Continue reading Sayonara Ma-kun