Perspectives: Random Thoughts
- Paul Semendinger
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
by Paul Semendinger
June 3, 2026
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The following, in no particular order, are some random thoughts on the Yankees right now...
Good vs Bad - The 2026 Yankees are defeating bad teams. We saw them do that on the last road trip, but good teams, not even great teams, just good teams, like the Cleveland Guardians, keep giving them trouble. The Yankees are 3-9 against teams with a winning record. A team cannot win a World Series if they cannot defeat winning teams.
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The Trend - If this trend continues, with the Yankees losing to teams with winning records, a few things will play out in 2026... Among these are the Yankees will still win 90+ games, they will end the season with a great run differential, and they will go home without a World Championship. This, by the way, has been the story of the Yankees throughout the Boone Era.
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Good, Not Great - For years I have stated that the Yankees build their teams to be pretty good, just a little better than the kind-of good teams. They don't build their teams to be great. This approach allows the Yankees to be competitive, to win lots of games, to always be in a pennant race, and to have players put up some amazing numbers. It's just not a formula to win championships. I miss the days when the Yankees goal was to win championships.
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The Best - If the Yankees' goal is to win World Series, Brian Cashman is doing a terrible job. But if the Yankees' true goal is to be competitive, and to be just a little better than pretty good, then Brian Cashman is doing an outstanding job because the Yankees are always just a little better than pretty good. They're never great any longer, but they're always pretty good or better. That's the design. That's how the Yankees operate. And Brian Cashman is actually great at what he's doing. I just wish the Yankees wanted to once again win championships. I'd like to see if Brian Cashman is good at that.
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Injuries - So it seems that Aaron Judge has been battling this current injury for weeks. Imagine that. The Yankees played their star player, basically every inning of every game, while he was struggling through an injury. This is also something they often do. The Yankees' approach to player injuries has been terrible, for years. Now Judge is out. For how long, we don't know, but we're told that it shouldn't be long and they hope to avoid the I.L. It's amazing how the Yankees do the same thing year-after-year with injuries. What would be more amazing is if anyone believes anything the Yankees ever report about any player injury. ***
Max? - Max Fried hasn't pitched sine May 13 and hasn't won a game since May 3. Wasn't that injury supposed to minor also?
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Giancarlo - In fact, there have been times we were told that Giancarlo Stanton was close... before being told that he can't even run.
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Patches, Ribbons, And the Like - It's nice that the Yankees wish to honor so much and so many special days, but when a team tries to recognize everything, in the end it recognizes nothing. The Yankees seem to wear a different button, patch, ribbon, or color for every single game. It's gotten to the point where it's too much. I also can't help but wonder if the Yankees do all of this to actually highlight the causes they promote or if is it just a way to sell another item in the team store.
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8 Seconds - Jose Caballero's little game in the batter's box where he refuses to make eye-contact with the pitcher until eight seconds are left on the clock is bush league. It's tired and played out. It's seeking a minor advantage by some technicality in the rules. He should just get in the box and hit like every other player does. I am tired of this silly game he plays.
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That's What You Get - I made the 8-seconds point in the comments last night and a reader stated something along the lines of "That's what you get with Caballero when he plays a lot." Really? The only alternatives are to have a player act annoying or not play him? If Caballero is the team's best shortstop, he should play everyday. The goal of the team should be to play the team's best players at each position. The player's behavior should be kept in check by the manager and the coaches. Part of a leader's job is to manage his employees. If Caballero can't be controlled, part of the blame for that rests on the manager. That's how it works.
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PAUL! - I was not in favor of the Yankees bringing back Paul Goldschmidt, but he has proven me wrong in 2026. Goldy's production may not last, but he's been an important player on the team in 2026. The Yankees, this year, are a better team because he is on the team.
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Cam - Cam Schlittler had his worst game last night. It happens. Every pitcher has bad games. Still, if I were building the team, I'd take a great look at Tarik Skubal if he's available. He's one of the best - and if the Yankees expect to win in the postseason, it will be easier if Skubal is throwing for them and not against them.
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To all writers, announcer, podcasters, and the like - Thanks for reading Start Spreading the News. If you are going to borrow (or use) and of the ideas here, please give credit to the author and this site. Thank you.
For Skubal, the Yankees package should start with Rodriguez and a few lower tier lottery ticket pitchers. Otherwise, who cares. The guy has legit red flag injury related concerns. And, he seems to be unfocused when it matters most. Like, he's not all-in. If he gets traded, his main focus will be on his next payday. Not what is in the Yankees best interests. I actually am not all that enamored with Skubal. In fact, I'd much prefer Mr. Skenes. But alack. That is not to be, with the Pirates somehow in contention presently.
I like all points made in this article. Every, single, one of them! Yes! Spot on! (and everybody knows, I often contend certain opinions or points, if I feel I can contribute some value)
could you explain more what is the problem with Caballero and the 8 seconds?
anything he does comes with a certain personality to it, or you might call it attitude. that seems more than common among Latin players
is he being disrespectful? in my view that does not seem accurate. the time before 8 seconds is his. it limits the pitcher ability to change his timing and hold the ball, etc...
varying timing is a weapon for pitchers. honestly I am more than surprised that a LOT LOT more hitters have not adopted SOME version of the strategy that Caballero is using. take away a tool from the pitcher
none of this is me saying I LOVE IT!! but …
I'm with you, I'm sick of the cabelerro 8 second thing. Im surpised he doesn't get beaned.
your point is OBVIOUSLY valid!! the Yankees have done many MANY terrible things in the area of dealing with and communicating about injuries!!
that said players all over MLB and every other professional sport league do play and have played hurt
is it not very famously understood that Mickey Mantle played basically ALL of his career injured? I think Ronnie Lott chewed one of his fingers off in order to not come out of a game. Emmit Smith had a HUGE game playing with a dislocated shoulder. the list is LONG
I had a MUCH MUCH bigger problem the year that Judge hurt himself at the end of the year making a diving catch and then the team managed to…