About the Off-Season: Meanderings of My Mind
By Tim Kabel
October 21, 2023
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Since the Yankees had such a dismal season and didn't make the playoffs this year, we have no more games to recap. It's the perfect time to discuss multiple topics in a rapid-fire way.
I have read and heard that Buck Showalter is now too old to manage. He is 67 years old. Think about this, the leading contenders to be the president of the United States in the 2024 election are hovering around 80 years of age. We are concerned that the manager of a baseball team is too old at 67, yet it is acceptable to have a president, which is a much more demanding job, presumably, at the age of 80. I guess it shows how seriously we take our sports in this country.
Supposedly, the Yankees are considering trading Gleyber Torres this winter. If that happens, they will probably realign the infield, with both Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe in the middle. Many people feel that Peraza is a superior shortstop to Volpe, and the best combination would be to have him play there with Volpe playing second base. I think the only way that will happen is if the Yankees have a new manager next season. If Aaron Boone tried to make that change, it could cause problems with Volpe. A new manager could make that switch without it becoming a source of friction.
I have read a lot of commentary that the Yankees should get a manager like Billy Martin, Earl Weaver, or someone of that ilk. I don't think that will ever happen. With the way the game and the players are today, you could never have a manager who is that tough on the players. I'm not complaining about it. It's just the way it is. The world has changed. For example, I don't think Don Rickles would have a career today. The world is far too politically correct and sensitive for his type of humor. I also don't think All in the Family would make it onto television these days. Although it was clearly satire, it would not be accepted today, because it would offend too many people.
It would be interesting if Aaron Boone was replaced as manager but Sean Casey was retained as the hitting coach.
If the Yankees do trade Torres and move Peraza to the middle infield, they will need to acquire a third baseman. I do not believe DJ LeMahieu is the everyday answer. He might not even be on the team next year but, if he is, it will most likely be in a roving role. which was the original plan for him anyway.
I think either Kyle Higashioka or Jose Trevino will not be on the team next year. Whichever one is will split time in some fashion with Austin Wells. I think Ben Rortvedt be back in AAA if he is not traded.
Estevan Florian may actually have a role on this team next year, at least until Jasson Dominguez returns.
Apparently, the way the Yankees analytics staff disseminates information to the players, particularly the young ones, is comparable to having them learn the lyrics to Johnny Cash's song I’ve Been Everywhere in 5 minutes.
When I read the following, my head hurt. Apparently, Alex Rodriguez was upset when the Yankees gave Joey Gallo his old number, 13. Rodriguez also believes that his number should be retired, and he should have a plaque in Monument Park. As if that weren't enough, Rodriguez believes that part of the reason this has not happened is because of his tough criticism as a commentator on television. Wow! We know who the United States representative can be to the megalomania festival. Does he really believe that what he says is so important? I know people who avoid watching broadcasts if he's going to be on them. I guess it never occurred to Rodriguez that the fact that he was suspended for an entire season for using PEDs and lied to the team about it might be the reason he is not warmly embraced by the franchise.
In honor of Alex Rodriguez's old number, I will name 13 people who should have either a plaque in Monument Park, their number retired, or both before Alex Rodriguez receives any of those honors. To be clear, I am not saying these individuals should definitely be honored in this way. I am just saying that before the Yankees get to Alex Rodriguez, they need to take care of these people first. I do not list them in any particular order.
1) Roy White
2)Tony Lazzeri
3)C C Sabathia
4)Willie Randolph (He has a plaque but, his number is not retired)
5)Dave Winfield
6)Graig Nettles
7) Mike Mussina
8)Brett Gardner
9)Suzyn Waldman. Obviously, it would be a plaque. She is the first woman to be a full-time Major League broadcaster and is in the National. Radio Hall of Fame.
10)Lou Piniella, especially if he makes it into the Hall of Fame this year.
11) Gene Michael. This would be a plaque only. For his work as an executive with the team.
12) Sparky Lyle
13) Don Zimmer. This would be a plaque only for his role as Joe Torre's bench coach.
14) John Sterling. I know I said 13 but, he has been broadcasting for the Yankees since the Earth's crust was cooling. Like him or not, you have to give him credit for what he's done. He and Suzyn can go into Monument Park together.
I hope I gave you something to think about on this brisk October day when the Yankees are not playing baseball.
