Yanks Apparently Sign 16 year old SS Alexander Vargas for 2.5M

Jesse Sanchez is reporting that the Yanks today signed switch-hitting SS Alexander Vargas, which would eat up most of what they traded for. I wonder if they can now replenish it again with more trades. Anyway, for the Yanks to give out a 2.5M in the international market these days attests to great talent and things like huge exit velocity, etc. There are some videos of the kid, but not a lot of pictures to grab, but this is probably a kid to keep an eye on as things get going next season.

Oh, and he's Cuban.  Fangraphs had his ranked as 14th in this IFA class, but the Yanks must have had him much higher if the bonus number is correct.

Yanks Stuff

The non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone and all the high upside prospects are still in the fold.  What's more as much energy was spent adding the maximum allowable IFA money back into the till for the latest class of high upside kids.  They also got two guys who've been poison to the Red Sox and a top tier reliever to extend bullpen coverage by another inning. The targets just weren't there that could justify moving the senior top prospects (though the younger ones have greater ceilings and it was affordable if the right names became available).

Now, Happ has a mild case of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease, which he must have gotten from a midieval baseball Annie or something.  Anyway, he'll mist his scheduled Sox start, but presumably , Lance Lynn, who also owns the Sox, can take it.

We'll see if anything happens during the waiver period, but the most exciting things will be getting Judge and Sanchez back and adding another bunch of top tier IFA's.

UPDATE: Anthony Seigler got promoted to Pulaski and is one for one so far tonight!

Yanks Get Lance Lynn and Cash for Tyler Austin and Luis Rijo

This is kind of gross. Lance Lynn has been a walks machine this year and fricking Rothschild can't fix anyone. What's more, Austin should have been their first look when Judge went down and Luis Rijo is one of the exciting arms from last year's HC17  (Correction he's actually from the less heralded 2015 class). Also, now, the Yanks have 6 starters, and Sonny Gray will probably be off for someone else tomorrow. And Gray, unlike Lynn, seemed to be figuring something out. We'll see what else they do, but they just traded for a number 5.

Yanks With Lots of Moving Parts

Ken Rosenthal just tweeted Adam Warren to the Mariners - of all things.  And not long before that Tyler Austin was lifted, though he's healthy.  Off chance that Tyler's just getting promoted and AJ Cole is taking the Warren innings, but we'll see.

Hayes Gets an Ominous 1 Year Deal

When the Rangers hired Quinn, it looked like the Boston contingent of college players would be safe. Not so. Kevin Hayes, who seemed like a candidate for a letter just got a one year deal.  That makes him trade bait now or at the deadline. Sort of dissapointing, but in a rebuild, Hayes is the kind of guy you dangle, Vesey was the kind of guy who wasn't yet worth dangling, and Skjei was the long hold.  Hayes, like Miller before him, might have his value dinged by playing wing instead of C if he makes it to the regular season.

Yanks Trade Caleb Frare of 1.5M in IFA Dough

Yanks just traded talented but oft injured Caleb Frare to the White Sox for 1.5M in IFA pool money. So that's more than what they've promised Osiel Rodriguez, and combined with whatever they got last night, means they have other targets. This is the fun stuff. Best of luck to Caleb, who will pitch in the majors if his body cooperates.

Yanks Make Another Trade

After a more stressful Saturday than any of deserved, the Yanks traded Chasen Shreve and Gio Gallegos to the Cards for 1B Luke Voit, and international pool money.  They were gonna have to make room tomorrow, so they picked up a slot here, by moving two more pieces off the forty.  Voit is 27, a lefty swinger and has done nothing to distinguish himself with the MLB Cards. Looks like a DFA possibility.  Getting more IFA money was good. But aside from that, I think this was about housekeeping and avoiding DFA'ing a P, rather than the team building they might still hope to accomplish by 4 pm Tuesday.

This Week on the Blog

Alright, the Rangers just signed Brady Skjei for 6/5.25. So he goes on top, and more on the Rangers later. This was a pretty bad week for the Yanks who lost Judge and Sanchez and the Giants who lost Beal.  It was a good week in that Dave Gettleman was back and in remission, and the Yanks have yet to hurt themselves at the deadline. The Knicks are in good shape and we'll get into that.  So let's take a look at the coming week.

Yankeess: The trade deadline is at 4 pm Tuesday.  The Yanks could still be active, especially if they decide to get another bat, as well as adding another C and god knows, another starting P.  We'll see how they work it out, and they have to do it without derailine the new dynasty. In other news, JA Happ will make his debut on Sunday, and Sevy, who's been in the tank, and CC will pitch the split double header today. Sevy needs a bounce back game. He's had three non-Sevy's in a row and knocked him way back in the Cy Young race. With Judge and Sanchez out, Sevy winning his starts is all the more crucial. Fingers crossed that we don't lose any top prospect this week.

Giants: The Beal news was bad, but the Gettleman news is great. In general, there is now a really positive vibe around the the Giants again, and things are looking way up. Seemed like they might have OBJ signed up already, but looks like it will be soon, in any eevent. Players on both sides of the ball seem excited about the new systems - no Rod Rusting going on anywhere. And everyone seems excited about Saquona and Will Hernandez.  Not to mention Lorenzo Cartter who has an explosive first step and a spin move! The Shurmur pressers have been a joy compared to the those sometimes painful McAdoo pressers. In general, I get the feeling that Shurmur is secretly Coughliny. So best of health to them as they continue to move toward the new season.

Rangers: The Rangers just extended Skjei. Skjei's been inconsistent, but at his best he's been just what new Coach David Quinn wants and  it's the coach's job to make his consistent. In general, the NHL trade/FA season hasn't taken off like everyone thought it would after the Tavares deal. They still have to get Hayes done, but I think everyone else is is squared away. Thought the Rangers might make a trade or two, but nothing on that front since the 7th round of the draft.

Knicks: The Knicks are doing everything right. Coach Fizdale spent the past week over in Latvia with KP and his family. He's on it. And I think a bunch of the players are still in Westchester or. like Trey Burke, playng in summer leagues. I'm really not excited about trying the 2 Max Summer thing again. I'd much rather play hard, but lose, and end up back in the lottery and have another great draft. Let's homegrow the coming window. Oh and Happy Birthday, Frank Ntilikina. He's 20.

So there it is, Yanks have to start winning again, regardless of the injuries. The other mandate is that they have to protect the coming dynasty at the deadline.  The Giants need to stay healthy as they head into and through their preseason schedule.  The Rangers need to keep taking care of their housekeeping chores, and the Knicks have to keep being cool like Clyde.

Have a great week!

Yanks Win Game But Lose Judge

Sonny Gray was sharp and won his third straight, but Aaron Judge chipped his right wrist and will miss the next three weeks.  Not sure if there will be surgery, but, remember once Bird had his chip removed he was back pretty quickly. We'll have to see. Gray was also hurt on his right thumb on a comebacker in the 5th inning.  He was able to finish the 5th but his thumb was throbbing so they took him out.  His x-rays were negative. Rings of harmony around Aaron Judge.

Giants Complete Their First Practice

The Giants just wrapped up their first practice and both Landon Collins and Odell Beckham Jr. were full go.  Snacks was out again.  Not sure what's going on there or if it's just veteran body management. We'll see.  Mara spoke and said he expected to get something done with OBJ sooner than later.

JA Happ is a Yankee

Alright, unless there is a painful third piece, JA Happ is a Yankee for Chris Drury and Billy McKinney.  This is fine, and in fact, great for our 40 man roster. I creates 2 spaces now, and brings back just one rental that will open back up in November. So it looks like it's just the two pieces.

Here's the upside, yeah, I don't trust Rothschild to fix him, but I do like the idea of CC and JA talking.  Sort of reminiscent of the mutually fueling relationship CC had with Cliff Lee back when they were both in Cleveland. His FIP is also lower than his ERA, and his K/9 was over 10 last time I checked. Unless he regains the mojo he had last year and till last month, he should still stabilize the rotation and get us to the recently extended bullpen in pretty good shape.  If his switch goes back on, he's our 2 or 3.

Also, if Justus Sheffield comes up, he couldn't have much better support than he will get from CC (which he is already getting) and Happ.

Giants Stuff

Biggest news of the day is that the hilarious Giant GM, Dave Gettleman, is in full remission from his cancer.  Thank goodness and whatever you believe in or pray to. This is terrific news and can't wait to hear his funny pressers again.

In other news, Sam Beal reaggravated a shoulder injury and will either have season ending surgery or learn to play in a harness. Nothing is definite yet. If he misses the season, that would have him ready for all the rookie camps and other work that he missed coming in this year's supplemental draft.  But, it leaves the Giants short of one high upside CB for this year.

Also, the Giants keep adding from 7 pieces and added another DT yesterday.  To do so, they cut a punter and pretty much gave the job to Riley.

I'd have something snarky to say about Quinn being back, but it's to help his sick friend, so best of luck.

Happ Watch

So, JA Happ has left the Blue Jay dugout amid talks that the Yanks, Phills and one or two others are trying to acquire him. If he really has left, someone probably has. If it's the Yanks, it all depends on the cost. He's another rental, but could stabilize the rotation and if he gets hot, could start a playoff game.

No Updates.  But the Yanks have been 14-14 over their last 28 and that just won't work.

Yanks Add Zach Britton

This happened sort of abruptly Tuesday. The Yanks ended up getting Zach Britton, an historically significant reliever for Dillon Tate, Josh Rogers and Cody Carroll. I was hoping they'd get more international room, but they still have time to do that. This trade doesn't bother me because all of the prospects are at least 24. While I think each of them will make it to the majors -- maybe even this year, we didn't give up anything we only had one of, which we sort of did when we threw Solak into the Drury trade. Actually, it would have been nice to keep both of those prospects.

Britton gives the Yanks another elite arm to shorten games. He'll be even more valuable in the playoffs and especially so, if we have to play a play-in game again.

The deadline is 6 days away, now.  What I absolutely don't want to see is the Yanks trading anyone from the 17/18 IFA class, because I think there are future star Yankees there.  So, when they do make the inevitable trade for a starter, let's hope they stick with the older prospects.  Some of the younger guys seem Gleyber-ee.  And we get him back tomorrow, or today, if you're reading this on the East coast.

Dillon Tate Scratched for a Trade

Dillon Tate was just scratched moments before his start tonight, and he's not hurt, don't know what the trade is, but we'll put it together here.

Ken Rosenthal is now linking this Yankee scratch to Zach Britton.

Looks like Yanks are indeed getting Britton.  Got to see if we are also getting the rest of their International money.

So if the deal goes through, it's looking like we're sending 3 pitchers, including Tate and maybe Josh Rogers. The unknown is the worry, and we better be getting more than Britton.

Okay, so it's Dillon Tate, Josh Rogers and Cody Carroll, for Zach Britton and hopefully IFA cash.

Knicks Sign Noah Vonleh

The Knicks have signed the #9 pick from the 2014 draft, Noah Vonleh, he's a PF who will turn 23 later this year.  He's already been on the Bulls and the trailblazer, and doesn't especially fit the description of the veteran big they were looking for. He hasn't played 20 per game yet, but his points and rebounds tend to match up with the veteran big they were looking for to, perhaps steward thngs along.

Also, this puts the Knicks back at 16, so they've got to get rid of someone.

Sanchez Back to the DL

They are saying that El Gary re-injured himself in the first last night.  Not sure if it's the groin again or a great sense of shame.  Anyway, Suboptimal. Yanks get Torres back tomorrow, and that will help.

Also, Brandon Wagner just got promoted to AA, after hitting 20 homers already this season. Big breatk out slugger.

Saquon Signs as Rookies Report

I thought rookies were reporting Thursday, and the veterans had to show up 4 days later.  Instead the rookies are arriving today, along with some veterans, and the veterans show up Thursday. Last time I trust my Giants app.  Anyway, Saquon gets a fully guaranteed 31.2 M 4 year contract, with 15M coming today, and the rest of his 20.76 signing bonus coming in October. Looks like Odell might be signed on Wednesday, btw. That only leaves RJ McIntosh among the unsigned. And he could be headed to the pup list. We may get a full list of the early attendees later. I'll update.

UPDATE: McIntosh has also signed but he is still being held out of practicing.

UPDATE: OBJ will report Wednesday.

UPDATE: The Giants have signed pass rush specialist Connor Barwin. We'll see if he has anything left in the tank. Had 5 last year, and has had a "career" against the Giants in the past.

This Week on the Blog

Alright, the Yanks threw another one away after the break, the Giants continued to get organized, the Rangers took care of some housekeeping, and the Knicks chilled in the knowledge that they now have at least 4 pieces. Big happenings coming this week, so let's take a look.

Yankees: The Yanks sent down Domingo German and called up Domingo Acevedo. Acevedo's been pretty good in AA but his K rate is down from last year. The Yanks say they are going to use him in the pen, so maybe talking to Dellin about his breaking ball will get him back on track. By nature he is a fastball - change guy. When the slider was working last year and the year before, he looked like Big Sevy. On the starter side, Luis Cessa looks like he has found something and will probably make German's next start, barring a trade. The deadline is now 10 days away, and with Machado off the board, the market may be starting early. The Yanks have been 12-12 over their last 24 and that just won't do.

Giants: The Giants open camp on Thursday, with the rookies coming in 4 days earlier than the vets. Obviously, this is huge for the entire class and especially so for CB Sam Beal, who's actually part of next year's class. This will be the first Shurmur/Boetcher camp, and it will be interesting to see how they run things and how spirited things are. It will also be interesting to see how quickly Saquon Barkley can grab the starting tailback roll. You'll remember Fassel kind of jerked Shockey around and TC had to wait out Odell's hammy.  Let's hope this is seemless. Crucially, we'll have to see if the line can gel in time for the season. Having gone for Beal, late as they did, it wouldn't surprise me to see them trade for a C or RT if the need arises in camp. Exciting times.

Rangers: the Rangers have solidified their coaching staff and made a good call on Vesey. It is almost strange that they haven't made a trade since the draft, and it's hard to tell if they are just being patient or there's just nothing out there. They still have to sign or trade the rest of their RFA's so we'll see how that goes.

Knicks: The Knicks this week let Beasley go to the Lakers and waived Troy Williams. This seems like they are putting their foot down about athleticism, they'll only keep that which can be coached, like Knox and Robinson.  Thus, Hardaway had better watch his ass and choose his shots more wisely.  In other news, people are starting to discuss the Knicks 2019 free agency plans. Ugh. Instead, let's see what happens this season and try to hit is big again in the lottery. This is more fun.

So there it is. Yanks need to kick it back into high gear, the Giants need health and improvement, the Rangers need to take care of business and the Knicks are fine.

The British Open rocks, btw, have a great week,

Rangers Stuff

Today, the Rangers announced that they'd extended Jimmy Vesey for two more years. I think this is both fair and appropriate. Everyone wanted Vesey when he left Harvard, and the Rangers got him. Unforunately, they handed him over to AV, who had about as much use for young players as team had for figure skates.  Vesey had moments, but not the seasons the Rangers or the fans expected.  So two year is an excellent second chance under the new youth favorable coaching staff.  Speaking of which...

Today the Rangers also added two new coaches to Quinn's staff.  Greg Brown joins the Rangers after 14 years as an AC, including the last several as Associate Head Coach to The Legend with Boston College. So Quinn might not only be helping the Rangers, but, with this move he has also weakened BU's biggest rival.  Obviously, Brown coached Kreider and Hayes during his time at BC and they've developed a lot of other prospects, as well. Brown, like Quinn, also had exensive experience with Team USA, and even played on the same Bronze medal team with Quinn, Leetch and Richter back in the day.

Former Ranger David Oliver is the other hire.  He's spent the last 11 years with the Avalanche organization, where he was player development coach and where he obviously intersected with Qunn. So Quinn is sticking with guys he knows and and guys who've been heavily involved in player development, just like Quinn.

They also acknowledged that Lindy Ruff with be back with the team. Only 5 coaches have coached more NHL games than Ruff, including Barry Trottz. Perhaps Trotz's success reminded them that old coaches can still have plenty of value. Last year, Trotz didn't appear to achicve much, but it was total disaster from start to finish. Pehaps like Vesey, he deserves a mulligan.

This Week on the Blog

Alright, this week, the Yanks threw away some games, the Giants showed us what's Supp, the Knicks showed vast promise and the Rangers did nothing.  Let's see what's coming up.

Yankees: The Yanks have lost a bunch of games they should have won lately, and the last 3 have featured caught stealings. That just shouldn't be, and they need to cut it out. They're looking a little tired heading into the All-Star Break, so it's a good thing most of them are getting the time off, and none of them are competing in the Home Run Derby. The Yanks really need to get Sanchez and Torres back. Also, it still looks like there's no pitching help that's liable to make a difference out on the market, so they should really consider dealing for Machado and calling up Sheffield. Justus will pitch an inning in the Futures game during All Star Week.  Yanks have signed about 22 IFA's thus far and should start trading for more pool money.

Giants: This week the Giants were proactive, spending next year's 3rd to pick up make-it type CB Sam Beal in the Supplemental Draft. They also marginally improved their guard depth by signing veteran G Zac Kerin. Shurmur knows him from the Vikings. There will probably be more movement at the bottom of the roster has they head toward camp.  Btw, Camp is just 12 Days away.

Knicks: Woo hoo!  If you are not more psyched about the Knicks than you have been in years, you didn't follow Summer League. Kevin Knox dazzled in his first three games before having Luke Kornet and Trier sort of freeze him out in game 4. Mitchell Robinson sort of dazzled throughout the 5 games and, I believe lead the SL in PER. It's increbily clear that the Knicks got 2 pieces instead of one during the draft. That stroke of luck or whatever you want to call it advanced the Knicks rebuild.  If the Knicks can get another lottery pick, that could put them over the top, not even including adding a free agent or two, which I'm not sure they'll need.

Rangers: Rob O'Gara, who's not very good, just accepted his qualifying offer from the Rangers.  Early this week they also added veteran tough guy, Cody McLeod. Neither moves qualifies as doing anything, and the Rangers seem like they'll be young, low on skills, and headed back to another lottery of their own. They didn't have the play right away luck the Knicks had in their draft. But the long game is okay in the rebuild and their luck will come as long as they don't try to rush.

So there it is, the Yanks need a break, the Giants better get ready, the Knicks have HOPE, and the Rangers aren't doing anything right or wrong and that's okay.  Have a a great one, peeps.

Happy Kevin Alcantara Day

Today is Kevin Alcantara's 16th birthday and that means the Yanks can sign him.  Kevin is a 6'5" CF and was one of the top prospects in this IFA class. This is notthe only 6'5" teenager the Yanks got in this IFA class, and it seems clear that they are eager to start building their own Judges and and Stantons.  Not a bad plan.  Not a bad plan at all.

UPDATE: They signed him for 1.2M.  Btw, that's a lot of money under the current rules.  Now the Yanks need to trade for more pool money.

The Giants Nab Sam Beal for Nex Year's 3rd

This is awesome news!  Beal could have been a first or second round pick in next year's draft,and the Giants have blown a ton of 3rd rounders over the years, but here they are getting HUGE VALUE with next year's third!  This adds to the huge draft they already had, and really means they are eager to compete next year and never pick second, overall, again.  You know I was hoping for this so excuse my excitement.

Knox-o-Mania Begins

Holy crap. Okay, I know it's only Summer League but there's something to remember, while Kevin Knox goes off - he's the youngest guy there. After going 22 and 8 and 19 and 7 through the first two games, Knox went 29 and 9 against the Lakers last night. We've spent years talking about youth and upside, but figure this as well, Kevin was a football first athlete until he had his growth spurt a few years ago, so what we're really seeing is a natural scorer who's probably played hundreds of less games than kids who were always hoops first.  We're seeing a kid who picked up enough fundamentals on the fly to get recruited by Kentucky - though they clearly had no idea what he could do. Either that, or he is improving at an exponential rate.

When you watchd pre-injury games of Michael Porter Jr., you saw a kid super well schooled in fundamentals and playing above them.  Danny Manning was like that back in the day.  So was Magic.   Kevin Knox, on the other hand, is nowhere near as schooled in fundamentals, but he is now flying above them against older kids. This means he's going to get better, a lot better and he's starting out great.

While we're at it, Mitchell Robinson sure doesn't look like a G Leaguer to me.  He also thinks Knox is a "good kid."  Robinson is all of 20.

The Knicks may have knocked a year off their rebuild with these two studs.

Giants Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the Supplemental Draft. In April, the Giants had a monstrously impressive draft, but with a limited number of picks, they couldn't grab a suitable CB in any of their windows.  Tomorrow that changes. If the Giants see Western Michigan's Sam Beal as a suitable fit as the 3rd CB in their new 3-4 multiple D, they have all but their 7th pick available to use to get him.  Out of the three DB's in the Supp, Beal looks like the ringer to me. There hasn't been any noise about this, but the Giants were at all the pro-days, and it would make a lot of sense for them to pick one up tomorrow. Hopefully Beal.  Now watch them grab the guy from VaTech.

Kravtsov Goes Back to the KHL

Well, that was quick. Vitali Kravtsov has signed his KHL contract and will play there and not for the Rangers this coming season.  That's too bad, he was one of the few guys who might have made next season something other than a typical Knicks season.  Are they swapping roles?

Knicks Sign Mitchell Robinson to Multi Year Pact

All it took was on 9-8-4 performance and the Knicks have signed Mitchell Robinson to a multi-year deal that, by rule must include a portion of their mid-level exception. They also have to drop a player to add him, and it will be interesting to see how they make room. The deal is complete with team options, which are ideal.

UPDATE: They don't have to get to 15 till the end of preseason.  So Mitchell is on the team and they don't have to make an immediate cut.

This Week on the Blog

Alright, this week saw the Yanks wrap up their draft, and begin their IFA signings, as well as learning more of what they already know about Sonny Gray.  The Knicks start their short Summer League schedule today. The Rangers didn't get much done in the first days of FA, which is fine.  And the Giants are less than three weeks away from starting trainding camp.  Let's take a look at this week.

Yankees: the Yanks have DFA'd David Hale and this time they are calling up Clint Frazier instead of another pitcher.  Let's hope they play him everyday and not just have play one and sit two.  In other news, they really have to do something about the Sonny Gray situation. For reasons they can't control he's become useless, and rolling him out there creates losses - and those can't be tolerated.  In other news, I think they ended up signing 33 or 34 out of 40 draft picks.  That's a far cry from last year, when they signed about 24. Let's see who pops from this one.  The Yanks are now in the easy half of their schedule and it would be good if they made it look that way.

Knicks: The Knicks start their SL schedule in about 5 hours in Vegas. Though Coach Fiz is not coaching the team, Mike Miller is and it should be Fiz's system. Miller sure seems useful. It will give us our first looks at Knox, Robinson and Trier.  Hopefully, Knox looks like a lottery pick right off the bat, and I'm sure we're all hoping Robinson does, too. Trier is an older guy who might excel. We'll also get a first look at bigger, thicker, more aggressing Frank. Btw, it's cool that guys like Mudiay, who can't play during SL, is out in Vegas working out with the team. Fiz is talking about brining in another veteran, but they don't even have contract room for Mitchell Robinson yet, so I don't know how that will work.

Rangers: The Rangers still have their RFA's to finish signing or otherwise dispose of. Late in the week it looked like the Rangers would be the third team in a Tampa/Ottowa deal, but nothing came of it.  I wonder if the market is still being slowed by big names not moving.  I thought the Tavares deal would open things up, but it sure hasn't for the Rangers.

Giants: The Giants are keeping things quiet on most fronts as training camp approaches. As we get closer, to camp, I wouldn't be surprised if OBJ signs his Giant for Life deal.

So, there we are.  The Yanks have to stop losing to bad teams, the Knicks have to look like a team, the Rangers need to keep rebuidling. and the Giants have to stay out of the news till camp.  Have a great one!

Tyler Wade Take 3

Okay, as we expected Tyler Wade got the call up today. This will be Tyler's third chance to prove he belongs, last year, Girardi spot played him to the point where he couldn't gain any traction.  This year, he was terrific in ST, then got sick, struggled, got sent down, struggled some more, regained the weith he had lost and is now hitting .328 in AAA. He's fast as hell and can play pretty much every position. Also, a lefty who might be able to hit some homers in the Bronx. He's a vastly better defender than Drury wherever he's placed, and with any luck, will push Walker off the roster.

Yanks Stuff

Gleyber Torres has a "hip" and was lifted from today's win when it was 5-0.  Doesn't look serious, but it's something to watch. Tyler Wade has been Tyler Wade again, and he should be the call up if they need one, but there is the Cult of Toe that always has to be contended with.  Clint Frazier is still raking, though Gardy is not and that should be the starter/bench move if one is made. Hicks is doing his job, and is the second best CF in the AL behind Trout, this season.

CC is looking good again, and Matsui is throwing a rehab game. Still, I don't think the FO is in the mood to deal with the struggles of German or the innings limits of Johnny Lasagna. While Justus looks just about ready, you have to assume pitching will be added. They've been in the martket since the Stanton trade, and that's too much dilligence for their not to be a trade or two.  That said, Cash hasn't really made the full on unbearable trades -- like the Sox did for Sale, where he lopped off the top of a good farm.

One thing that informs toward the less painful move is that they promoted Kyle Holder to AA earlier today. Holder is an all world glove at short, and since last year, he has hit between injuries.  He ceratinly doesn't seem future core with Gleyber and others in front of him.  Similarly. SS/INF Abiatal Avelino is busting out, complete with homers at age 23.  He's been moving between AAA and AA because of overcrowding, but he is going to be a major leaguer, but probably not Yankee core. Wouldn't mind keeping him, as he is worlds more valuable than Toe.

And there are a bunch of B+ arrms that aren't Jutice or Miranda that could probably fill out a not too painful package.  JA Happ isn't worth including Frazier, and pitchers who are about to be FA and are his age usually go for 2 decent pitching prospects. Also, I still don't see anything worth getting that is worth Frazier being in the package.  I could see them maybe involving Justus for Snell, since they are two age settings of the same fastball/slider lefty starter, though for that reason, I'd just as soon keep Justus.  We'll see. Hope it's reasonable and helpful and not painful and pointless.

UPDATE: Gleyber has been placed on the 10 Day DL.  Damn.  Call up Wade or, let Dury and Walker handle 2nd and call up Frazier.  Doubt that will happen though, since it leaves them with no backup for Didi.

The Yankee 2018-19 IFA Class Begins

Okay, the signing period just started about 2 hours ago, but the Yanks are already credited with 8 signings. Pictured in future Yankee Ace Osiel Rodriguez, and fireballing RHP out of Cuba.  They also signed Denny Larrondo, another RHP out of Cuba. They also bagged both catchers, Antonio Gomez and Augustin Ramirez. Antonio is from Venezuela and Augustin if from the DR. Gomez may have the highest power ceiling of any C we've signed since El Gary. They also grabbed Dominican RHP Juan Carela and OF Mauro Bonifacio. A pair of shortstops from the DR, Maikol Eskotto and Marcos Cabrerra form the rest of the ones who've been announced in the early going. OF Kevin Alcantara is also linkied with the Yankees, but he doesn't turn 16 till July 12.

UPDATE:  Osiel is a guy you should be really excited about. Not only does he touch 96-7, he also has a wipeout slider, a change and split and I think a curveball. In other words, he's a classic "kitchen sink" Cuban pitcher in the El Tiante-El Duque mold, with a little more gas. These guys are not only big winners, but they are wildlu fun to watch work.

Also, Mauro Bonifacio was a top prospect from last year's class, but, I would assume for financial reasons, wasn't signed till today. So, he would have been part of HC17 if the pool money had been enough.

Larrondo started out as a two player, SS and P, but has just been pitching lately.  He has a strong arm and has topped out around 94 and has the advanced feel for a change.  Not a bad place to start.

UPDATE 2: Yanks just signed another Dominican SS, Dayro Perez.

UPDATE 3: They also signed Luis Severino's 19 year old brother, Rafael, as well as C Kevin "We'll see if he's a Macho Man" Camacho.

We are now LOADED at C below A ball.

UPDATE 4: The Yanks have signed C Jesus Rodriguez and LHP Miguel Vargas both from VZ.

UPDATE 5: Yanks have also signed D'Vaughn Knowles, OF, Bahamas (!), Jose Dario Chambuco RHP VZ,  Christopher Familia, Nicolas Garcia, Starling Perez, and Ignacio Radney, I think they are all pitchers, but I'm not sure.

Knicks Sign Mario Hezonja

While the Yanks are kicking ass, the Knicks have signed F Mario Hezonja, the 5th overall pick in the 2015 Draft. The Knicks now have the 4th, 5th and 7th (Mudiay) picks from the 2015 NBA Lottery.  Nice.  I liked this guy back in his draft year, but he never really got it going in Orlando. It's a one year deal worth 6.5 from the larger exception.  He'll be Kevin Knox's training wheels.

Ranger Stuff

Alright, after the Tavares decision the Rangers jumped right in with a 700K one year deal for 3rd pair D  Fedrick Claesson, late of the Sens.  He'll turn 26 late this year, and was effective against the Rangers in the 2017 playoffs. Unexciting, but doesn't take penalties. Next they re-signed C Vladislav Namestnikov for 2 x 4M.  Not a bad term or number but this probably does mean one of the other C's, all of whom I like better than VN is getting dealt. Probably Hayes, so this really depends on what comes back for that. You'll recall VN was having a breakout year with Stamkos, then was less impressive with the post sell-off Rangers. He'll get a better audition now.  I'll keep updating.