Bronx Bomber Ball

BBB Podcasting is back! Tonight we launch the first of many podcast episodes under the name, "Bronx Bomber Babble." This was a bit of a test run with our new podcasting equipment, so it's not as polished as future episodes will be. However, we still covered many topics and had some fantastic conversation about some of the most relevant subjects surrounding the Yankees today!

Since he was acquired in December of 2014, we have watched Didi Gregorius transform from a tentative young prospect tasked with replacing Yankee icon Derek Jeter into one of the energetic faces of this Yankee team and one of the favorites of the fanbase. Didi had a rough start to his Yankee career, but he steadied himself and has improved overall in each of the last three seasons. That tentative prospect is gone now and has been replaced with a comfortable and confident player who has become one of the centerpieces of this Yankee squad. On a team that featured Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez, it was often Didi penciled into the cleanup role and coming up with clutch plays in key moments. After turning in his best season yet in 2017 it leaves us asking, how much better can Sir Didi get? Credit: David Dermer/Associated Press

The bullpen was the key to the New York Yankees success last year, and one of the more important pieces to that arsenal was Chasen Shreve.  Shreve, a Nevada native, was traded to the Yanks in 2015 for prospect Manny Banuelos, who was sent to the Atlanta Braves.  The left-handed pitcher spent some time in the big leagues in the middle of the year, but spent most of his time down in Triple-A.  He has a lot to prove and will come into spring training with a chip on his shoulder.  He didn’t have the best year last year, but when he was called up, he got the job done.  I project him to be the seventh pitcher on the relievers depth chart behind Adam Warren, but can this southpaw prove he is the real deal and can secure Yankees wins? Photo Credit: Getty Images

With 2018 spring training now in full swing, we continue to dive deeper and deeper into our Pinstripe Previews at BBB. Today's feature will focus on 2017 trade deadline addition, Sonny Gray. The 28-year-old right-hander was acquired from Oakland at last year's trade deadline for what many considered to be another fantastic Cashman deal. The Yankees sent rising prospect Jorge Mateo alongside injured prospects James Kaprielian and Dustin Fowler to Oakland in exchange for Gray. The latter two certainly have quite a bit of upside, however each were in the midst of recovery from serious injuries with Kaprielian having undergone Tommy John and Fowler recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon. We certainly wish both a complete recovery and successful careers, but the Yankees felt comfortable parting ways with them to acquire a pitcher in Gray, who had been an ace in past years. Photo Credit: Newsday.com

The Yankees ’ bullpen, which was already an incredible strength in 2017, is going to be an absolute juggernaut in 2018. Yes, I understand the bullpen went unchanged since 2017 concluded, (There ’s really nothing to change about it) but it will be significantly better as a whole in 2018.     Photo Credit: Getty Images

As part of our lead-up to the 2018 Major League Baseball season, the BBB has been rolling out previews for each player on the Yankees' 40-man roster.  Today's preview focuses on MLB's number five overall prospect, New York's number one  overall prospect, and starting second baseman hopeful,  Gleyber  Torres.   Since being acquired back in  2016 in the trade that sent Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs, Torres has been well regarded across Major League Baseball and 2018 is almost assuredly the year he gets his shot at the Major Leagues. Still just 21 years old, he has  an   ultra-bright  future and hopes to take the leap from prospect to MLB stud this season.     Photo Credit: J. Conrad Williams, Jr./Newsday

In recent years, pitching has been a strength for the New York Yankees. They have a deep bullpen, and they have a lot of young and talented prospects in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domingo German, the 25-year-old pitcher from the Dominican Republic was traded to the New York Yankees in the deal that sent David Phelps to the Miami Marlins. He is a solid right-handed pitcher who had some experience on Joe Girardi’s team last year when pitchers hit the disabled list. This year, nothing is certain, as Aaron Boone comes to the Bronx and is looking to pick the Evil Empire right where it left off last season. This year, will German pitch as many innings as he hopes to pitch?   Photo Credit: Mike Stobe | Getty Images

The New York Yankees played a baseball game yesterday. Given it was an exhibition game, it was the first action that the Bronx Bombers have had since the last out was recorded in Houston back in October of 2017. With that being a thing of the past, this first spring training game was a portrayal of the future. Aaron Boone penciled in a plethora of Yankee youngsters in their inaugural contest, and Yankee fans witnessed Giancarlo Stanton in pinstripes for the first time. The Yankees came away with a 3-1 victory, but as everyone knows and constantly reminds me, wins and losses do not matter in the Grapefruit League. They are correct; however, spring training is important, and the games are very telling of what is to come. Here are five observations I made from the Yankees’ “first game.” Photo Credit: Lynn Sladky | AP

I don't have to tell you that that this offseason in baseball has been slow - painfully slow. MLB fans of all teams have been driven mad by the dull proceedings this winter and as a result, even the smallest of moves have been met with far greater reaction than necessary. I'm not sure there's any better example this offseason, than of the reaction of Yankees fans to the acquisition of Brandon Drury. Photo Credit: NJ.com  

Midway through the 2017 season, Robertson was brought back to his former team in a blockbuster trade. He certainly had some lows throughout the season, especially in some big moments, but he was overall exceptional for the Yanks. There were rumors going around this offseason that Robertson could potentially be moved to free up cap room to sign a big name free agent. Although this could've been entertained by the front office, these rumors were likely not at all true as Robertson is a fan favorite and arguably the Yankees best, most consistent reliever. Photo Credit: Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports

“The little engine that could.” Brian Cashman recently said this in regards to a New York Yankee team who battled it out until the seventh and final game of the ALCS as a Wild Card winner.  Just like that, the “thumbs down” run was, well, thumbs down. A bittersweet ending of what was a Cinderella run, the silver lining surrounding the loss was that the Baby Bombers had officially arrived.  Photo Credit: NYDN

So, the inevitable happened. The Red Sox agreed to a five-year deal with slugger JD Martinez. There is no surprise here, it was only a matter of time before the two were united. Photo Credit: Christian Petersen | Getty Images

The Yankees bullpen has been a strength of their team in recent years and thanks to some great work by Brian Cashman last season, the group got even stronger. Although the new faces played an important role in the team’s success down the stretch and in the playoffs some familiar faces remained, led by flame throwing closer Aroldis Chapman. Chapman is entering the second season of his five-year deal with the team and although he had an up and down season plagued by injury and inconsistency, he was eventually able to regain his form and lead the group down the stretch last season. We do not know how Aaron Boone will deploy this Yankee bullpen but it would be a huge boost to the club if he could remain healthy and consistent all season. When he is right, he is electric and one of the best in baseball but heading into this season, which Aroldis Chapman will the Yankees get? Credit: Getty Images

  The New York Yankees have acquired 2B/3B Brandon Drury from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-team deal with the Tampa Bay Rays involved. In return, the Yankees sent second base prospect Nick Solak to Tampa, and they sent right-handed prospect Taylor Widener to Arizona. The deal was first reported by Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports .   Photo Credit: Gary A. Vazquez | USA TODAY Sports

Chad Green was an enormous part of the Yankees ’ success in 2018. The bullpen struggled mightily in the early parts of the season, but eventually became a major strength, and Green was a big reason for that.  Photo Credit: AP

I've made no secret that Clint Frazier is one of my favorite players. The way the kid plays, his hustle, his love of the game, his charisma (which fits perfectly in NYC), and, of course, his bat speed are dynamic components of his game. While the addition of reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton is absolutely awesome, it's just another roadblock to Frazier’s playing time. Frazier currently sixth one line for the Yankees in the outfield depth chart, though, personally I'd rank him higher than Ellsbury, but my opinion is biased.                                                                 Photo via: Getty Images

For all the hype and intrigue surrounding this Yankee team and their young stars as they open spring training, perhaps one of the most intriguing players heading into this season is Greg Bird. After bursting onto the scene in the second half of the 2015 season, Bird has struggled to remain on the field and missed significant portions of the last two seasons. After tearing up spring training 2017, Bird missed most of 2017 with reoccurring foot and ankle injuries but was able to return in August for the stretch run and the playoffs. When he has been on the field Bird has shown solid defensive capabilities and hitting chops that fit Yankee Stadium perfectly. The key question as always is, is this the year he will finally stay healthy? If he can, Bird will be a big addition to a Yankee lineup that already looks loaded. Credit: Rich Schultz/AP Photo

With pitchers and catchers reporting not too long ago, it won't be long before we have live baseball games to watch as spring training games are set to commence. To keep in the spirit of our recent 2018 season prediction articles here at BBB, I thought it would be a fun exercise to predict who will take home the Yankee accolades at the end of the year. Below you will find my predictions for who will be the Yankees' MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year. Via Bostonherald.com

Okay Yankees fans, I am going to discuss a rarely discussed idea. Hold onto your hats... I think the Bombers should utilize a six-man rotation in 2018. In the following article, I'll give my reasons why. Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Yankees’ skipper is in the midst of his first major league spring training since his playing days, but in a role he has never embraced until this season. Spring training will be a huge test for Boone in preparing for the 2018 season and for creating his image and presence in the clubhouse. Here are five keys for Aaron Boone rocking the Grapefruit League.   Photo Credit: Mike Mazzeo | NYDN 1      

In a recent unfortunate turn of events, Yankees #10 prospect Thairo Estrada was shot in the hip during an attempted robbery. He spent three days in the hospital, but has been released and is recovering now. The bullet is still lodged in his hip, however, and there are no plans to remove it in the near future. Estrada is supposed to fully recover and play in 2018, so that is good news for a young prospect who just might be on the doorstep of his first major league call-up. A breakout prospect who can play three infield positions and was recently added to the Yankees’ 40-man roster this offseason is a great candidate as a September call-up at the least. Jennifer Stewart / Getty Images

Next up for the Bronx Bomber Ball’s 2018 Pinstripe Preview is Chad Green. Green was arguably the most valuable player to the Yankees in 2017, or at least second to Aaron Judge. The righty severed as the go-to long reliever for Joe Girardi and the Bombers last year, with a devastating fastball-slider combination that put him as one of the leagues top relievers. Getty Images

With spring training set to begin, the Yankees have openings at 2B and the hot corner.  Speculation is high that two of the organization’s most highly regarded prospects are going to win those jobs. This article isn't about the second base opening; it’s about Miguel Andujar and why he should be the starting third baseman when Opening Day arrives. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Opening day is quickly approaching and the excitement surrounding the Yankees heading into 2018 is at an all-time high. With the addition of Giancarlo Stanton to what was already a powerhouse of a lineup, the Yankees are once again a World Series or bust club. Expectations that George Steinbrenner lived by year in and year out when he was as at the helm. The Yankees are obviously no stranger to these expectations. They are well deserved considering it’s hard to imagine the Yankees not making the postseason in 2018 with the product they will put on the field. Here are five bold predictions that could be the difference between the Yankees being a solid contending team or being far and away the best team in baseball. Photo Credit: Getty Images

In 1997, the Seattle Mariners hit 264 home runs in a single season.  This team was filled with studs, such as Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Paul Sorrento.  They were home run hitting machines, as those three players combined to hit 110 of the team’s 264 long balls, and The Kid had 56 of them alone.  That team will always be known as one of the greatest home run hitting teams, but not for long.  In 2018, the New York Yankees will be the kings of the home run.   Photo Credit: AP

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported today on Twitter that the Yankees may not be done making splashes in free agency, as they are still in contact with former Royals' third baseman Mike Moustakas. The Yankees are currently fine going into the season with rookie Miguel Andujar at third base, but it seems that they are at least open to adding another slugger to their already stellar lineup.  John Sleezer/Getty Images

With Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, and company garnering a multitude of attention as the Yankees’ top infield prospects, second baseman Nick Solak has flown under the radar. A Louisville product, Solak has always possessed the skillset to be a solid prospect, after he was drafted in the second round of the 2016 draft. However, his 2017 season turned a lot of heads in the Yankees’ organization and across the sport. Here is a Baby Bomber Breakdown featuring Solak.   Photo Credit: Martin Griff

Next up on the Bronx Bomber Ball’s 2018 Pinstripe Preview is Chance Adams. While having one of the cooler names in the Yankees farm system, Adams is also one of the crowing jewels of said system. Coming off of a season high in the minors, where he posted a 2.89 ERA, there are high hopes for this man in 2018. Photo Credit: USA Today Sports

With spring training games just eleven days away, opening day of the regular season will be here in the blink of an eye. When camp starts, there will be approximately sixty players vying for 25 spots on the Yankees major league roster. While some of them are extreme longshots and others are merely prospects garnering some experience, there will be a plethora of competition in Yankees camp this spring. Despite the roster not lacking superstars and veterans, there are holes in the roster that need to be filled. In this article, I will predict who will be in the dugout on opening day alongside Aaron Boone and his new coaching staff. Photo Credit: SI.com

The Yankees will head into this years’ spring training with considerably more hype and buzz than previous years. The Yankees look different now than they did in any other time in recent memory. The roster is loaded with young players and budding stars but for the first time in several years, the Yankees will feature a bonafide superstar in the middle of their lineup in Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton is as fearsome a hitter as you’ll find in MLB and is coming off season in which he won the National League MVP award. He will now join Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez in the middle of what should be a really fun lineup to watch every day. For the cost of just Starlin Castro and a few lower level prospects, Stanton will now call Yankee Stadium home. Credit: NYPost.com/Getty Images

Austin Romine will enter the 2018 season as the Yankees primary backup at the catcher position. It will be the seventh season of his major league career and his third in a row as the Yankees’ primary backup catcher. With no clearly better options to push him within the system, Austin’s spot on the roster seems very secure heading into the spring and I wouldn’t expect that to change. With a weak bat, strong defensive skills and a salary of just over a million dollars, Romine is basically the quintessential backup catcher.  Credit: Fanragsports.com

The MLB Network is hiring former Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi as a Studio Analyst and could announce the hiring on Wednesday. Girardi is expected to make his debut on MLB Tonight on Wednesday at 6pm Eastern with Billy Ripken, Mike Lowell and Greg Amsinger. Credit: Matt Rourke/AP Photo

Next up for the Bronx Bomber Ball’s 2018 Pinstripe Preview is Jordan Montgomery. Montgomery burst onto the scene out of nowhere to secure the Yankees fifth rotational spot after Spring Training. A 2014 fourth-round draft pick out of the University of South Carolina, Montgomery showed the Yankees in a short time, that he had what it takes to be a quality starting pitcher in the majors. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

For this addition of the Bronx Bomber Ball’s 2018 Pinstripe Preview, we will feature the Kraken himself, Gary Sanchez. In his first full season for the Yankees, Sanchez proved to everyone that he is here to stay and what we saw out of his brief rookie stint was no fluke. He was able to nab his first All-Star nod, and put himself into the discussion for best catcher in the AL. Photo Credit: Esla/Getty Images 2017 Review Sanchez began his 2017 campaign on a sour note, starting off ice cold at the plate and then landing himself on the DL with a bicep injury. However, once back from the DL, we saw the old Gary that we had fallen in love with the year before. He went on a tear in the heart of the summer (especially August which appears to be his favorite month) and ended the year with 33 home runs, 90 RBIs and a .278 average. With all the successes at the plate, there were some issues behind the plate. Sanchez struggled with his ability to block the ball which showed in his

In this addition of the Bronx Bomber Ball’s 2018 Pinstripe Preview, we will focus on lefty sensation Justus Sheffield. Sheffield was acquired by the Yankees in 2016 in a package with the Cleveland Indians for Andrew Miller. Recently rated as the Yankees number four prospect and the number seven left-handed pitching prospect, there is a lot of hype build around the young man. Photo Credit: Mark J Rebilas -USA TODAY Sports

Acquired in July of 2016 as part of the prospect package the New York Yankees received when they traded stud left-handed reliever Andrew Miller to Cleveland, Ben Heller has quietly risen the ranks in the Yankees minor league system and seems primed for a breakout rookie campaign in the  bigs  in 2018.   Heller first made his Major League debut on August 26th, 2016 and went on to appear in ten games out of the New York bullpen, pitching to a 6.43 ERA over seven innings pitched, with six strikeouts.  He earned his first career win on August 31st   in a 5-4 Yankees win over the Royals in 12 innings.   Heller had a pair of ugly appearances in which he allowed two runs each, but the rest of his performances proved he had the stuff to get big league hitters out.     Photo Credit: John Cordes/Icon Sportswire