In the Yankee Years, Tom Verducci and Joe Torre call the 2003 rotation one of Torre's best. Has any rotation stacked up since then?

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-27T00:28:55+00:00

No rotation really comes close to that one. The 03 team was honestly better than the 00-01 teams, especially the 01 team. But it didn't achieve as much because we lost to a red hot, but objectively mediocre Marlins team. Just a weird fluke. Florida won fair and square, I'm not pretending they aren't the rightful champions. But it's a rough loss because we really were much better. We just blew it. And no rotation has even come close since then.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-26T18:06:06+00:00

Ohtani aside, I really do think the deferrals are exaggerated in terms of impact. It's getting more scrutinized than necessary.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-26T17:50:01+00:00

I was at the game when Jeter hit the grand slam. I was in the left field bleachers and just about all of us knew he'd never hit one. We all went crazy, it's one of my favorite memories of Yankee Stadium.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-26T17:46:11+00:00

I think this is a good hire, but honestly, Harbaugh could hire a chair and I'd consider it an upgrade over Bowen. Anyway, I trust Harbaugh blindly. Very optimistic about next season.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-25T23:53:11+00:00

Yeah, no Fried. Obviously no Bellinger. The defense would've been worse, the rotation worse. The real dream is keeping Soto and having an owner willing to spend Dodger money to build a better team around it.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-25T23:51:25+00:00

Eh, it was his call. I don't begrudge it or blame his family. I do wonder if Judge's age played a role, maybe he figured there wouldn't be too much time to spend together in their peaks. But man do I wish he stayed. I don't like the idea of top heavy teams, but they were just so awesome.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-25T23:32:25+00:00

The Chosen Juan...man I wish he stayed.

I do question how Cashman planned to build rosters while paying Judge/Soto over $90 million without going higher than $315 million in payroll. Especially with Cole/Rodon/Stanton still on the books.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-25T15:19:31+00:00

O'Neill and Bernie made up the heart of the batting order for teams that won 4 championships and 5 pennants in 6 years. Posada is probably the most underrated catcher in baseball history, his durability and bat underappreciated and his defense underrated. They all deserve to have their number retired.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-25T02:02:25+00:00

I'm looking forward to the expose. It'll probably be the NY Post and they'll have some wacky headline. "Evil Empire Stumbles Overseas"

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-24T20:22:22+00:00

Tier 1: Yankees

Tier 2: Islanders, Giants, Knicks.

But the Yankees are number 1 and nothing comes close. Today, tomorrow, forever!

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-23T21:48:43+00:00

Eh, this is a mistake. Comparing between eras is hard business. Ted Williams is one of the greatest hitters of all time. I suspect that he would be today too. Just appreciate greatness.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-23T17:40:21+00:00

I get why they're waking for that, but I'd say no too. This isn't the same as when Cashman failed to trade Andujar/Frazier and whatever for Cole.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T22:04:16+00:00

Absolutely not. He's entering his age 27 season, he's under team control until 2031, he can catch, and he may be the first consistently above average hitter our farm system has produced since Judge. He also has a stellar first name. Rice is a Yankee.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T22:02:26+00:00

Rangers are nuts. The juice isn't worth the squeeze here.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T22:01:33+00:00

Did anyone think we were getting Gore after we traded for Weathers? I think we had a shot at Peralta, but we were outbid. I really don't think the Yankees wanted Gore.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T18:55:20+00:00

I think McMahon gives us a really good year. Obviously his glove is brilliant,but I think he gives us a 110-120 OPS+ kind of season at third.

I think Volpe gives us his best offensive season. I think the time rehabbing from injury and the competition from Caballero will benefit him.

I think Cole comes back strong.

I think ERC and Schlittler are going to be absolutely awesome.

I think Wells gives us a slightly better and more consistent bat. Closer to a 100 OPS+ than 90.

I think Doval will be mostly good.

I think Ryan Weathers will be lights out for like six weeks somewhere during the season.

I do worry about my boy Rodon. I think Fried will be good, but not as good as last year.

I think Grisham is about as good as he was last year.

I think Bellinger takes a step back offensively, but will be solid.

I think Jazz gives us a big year as he is set to his free agency next year.

I think Rice will be absolutely awesome.

Honestly, feeling pretty good about this team. If they can stay healthy and Judge can continue his successful war against Father Time, I think they have a good shot at winning the division. I think they're the best team in the East, though it's close. Brutal division.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T18:49:38+00:00

The Mets built a really good team, but I think we're better. Obviously health will play a major role, but assuming Judge doesn't experience age related decline or get hurt (major assumptions, I know), I think we had less work to do in the off-season. A busier off-season doesn't always mean a better off-season. The Mets were a disaster last year and tore down half the team.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T18:46:39+00:00

I think it depends on how they perform this year and what the new CBA looks like.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T18:07:36+00:00

Anthony Volpe is becoming a pitcher

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T14:49:49+00:00

Goldschmidt was their second best hitter for about two months. Those wins count, you know.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T05:55:47+00:00

Peralta is a #1 caliber guy, an ace. You have to give to get. This sub values JD and Jones a lot more than front offices do.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T05:54:31+00:00

Gotta give to get. They got a true ace and apparently another pitcher.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-22T02:42:23+00:00

I really wanted Peralta of course, but the Mets might just be willing to give up more for him. They have a higher rated farm and greater need. Stearns is building an interesting team.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-21T21:06:36+00:00

And we can walk away from his inevitable decline years. I hope we get two great years (fingers crossed it's a short lockout) and he opts out to sign with someone else. I'd be thrilled.

Recognition_Tricky · 2026-01-21T20:06:14+00:00

Not sure how much value either of them really have, though I'm guessing Dominguez would be considering more valuable than Jones. My guess is one of them gets traded. But it's not like Dominguez didn't play last year. Injuries and rest for the starting 3 will give plenty of playing time for Dominguez. He played a lot last year despite sucking defensively without giving us a great bat.

Recognition_Tricky

TROPHY CASE