Out of left field is an occasional and informal post where we’ll chat about a few topics that don’t necessarily need 900 words of analysis, but are worth addressing briefly – in no particular order: First, an apology for not posting here as frequently as I’d like over the 2021 season. My gig at Pinstripe … Continue reading Out of left field…

For those of you coming in late, here’s a very quick catch up review: The Twins’ Josh Donaldson recently made note of the fact that Gerrit Cole’s spin rate dropped in his subsequent start after MLB announced it would take the crime of pitchers doctoring balls more seriously. Cole, who’s always been one of the … Continue reading Michael Kay, the brave…

Yesterday an article of mine appeared on Pinstripe Alley, in which I wondered aloud if individual relief pitchers – even very good ones – are replaceable. Of course, I knew the answer was “yes” before I wrote the article because I’ve looked into this before. Bullpen performance as a whole is an important factor in … Continue reading Was Mariano replaceable?

Was Corey Kluber’s first start as a Yankee a good one? If you’re a glass half full person, you could say he threw 74 pitches over four innings, allowed one earned run, his arm doesn’t hurt, and the Yankees won. All good, right? But if we’re being realistic, he wasn’t very good. Allowing eight base … Continue reading Grading Kluber, start #1

Everyone involved with the Yankees understands that the individual contributions of Corey Kluber are going to go a long way towards determining the level of success the Yankees have on a team level this season. Surely no one expects him to be the Kluber of 2017 when he led the American League in eight major … Continue reading Can Kluber stay healthy through ’21? It depends…

Out of left field is an occasional post that covers items that don’t necessarily require 600 words of detail, but should be addressed anyway. In no particular order of importance, regarding yesterday’s game… I’ve covered it at length before, so no need to completely rehash, but just a gentle reminder: If you’re the road team … Continue reading Out of left field…

If you didn’t catch the game yesterday, here’s what you missed: Aaron Boone out-managed Charlie Montoya and the Blue Jays won anyway - because baseball. Don’t let anyone tell you the wackiness in the 9th and 10th cost the Yankees the game – the game turning sequence occurred much earlier… In the top of the … Continue reading Boone > Montoya. Toronto wins. Because baseball.

MLB opens Thursday afternoon with the same display of silliness that occurs every season. Over the winter it seemed we discussed ways to improve the game ad nauseam – we’ve come to the point that numerous changes are being implemented in the minor leagues to see their impact (if any) and feasibility in actuality. Well … Continue reading Hey MLB, Fix THIS:

I’m a skeptic by nature. My default reaction is to question and be dubious more often than not about pretty much everything. Some call this having a “glass half empty” mentality and some call me a “Debbie Downer”. Others just think I’m an a-hole. But you know the carpenter’s credo – measure twice, cut once? … Continue reading Can Gio play SS? It’s complicated…

I think when we discuss players who can play multiple positions - versatile players, or “super-subs” as they’re often called – we have a tendency to underestimate their value to a team over the course of 162 games. Of course it’s good to be able to give regulars days off now and then, and having … Continue reading The value of versatility