The RantBack Digital Mailbag is a periodic feature where SportsRantNY followers get to pose questions, make comments or just get something off their chests. Last names are withheld to protect the innocent.
“At what point is Anthony Volpe considered a bust? Do you think spending a month in Triple A for a “mental reset” would benefit him?” – Thomas D, Pleasantville, NY.
That’s a question lots of fans were probably asking Wednesday (June 18) when Volpe’s 8th inning error allowed the Los Angeles Angels to score what turned out to be the winning run in the New York Yankees 3-2 loss. Volpe also struck out to end the game, and is now, after today’s 7-3 Yankee win in the series finale, hitless in five straight games. He was also caught stealing for the seventh time in his 15 attempts. As a comparison, he was successful in 80% of his attempts in 2024.
In reality, “bust” is way too strong of a word to describe Volpe. The 24-year-old has already won a gold glove and slashed .286/.407/.408 in14 post-season games last fall. Despite his recent slump and baserunning struggles, his current on-base, slugging and OPS numbers are at career best levels.
As for a “mental reset”, Aaron Boone refused to send him to the minors when he struggled as a rookie in 2023 and defended him last season when some called for his benching.
Even if they did send him down, who’d play shortstop? Oswald Peraza is batting .157, Oswaldo Cabrera is out indefinitely with a gruesome left ankle fracture, and top prospect George Lombard, Jr is struggling in Double A – after tearing up A ball earlier this season.
I say with conviction that Anthony Volpe is not a bust. On the flip side, he’s not a star either. However, by all metrics, including his 1.5 WAR in 73 games, he is an above average shortstop who the Yankees need in their lineup.
ICYMI “4 Things About the Yankees 5 Game Losing Streak”
“Will the Jets ever make the playoffs again?” – Laura M, Manhattan, NY.
For your sake, I hope you don’t also root for the Buffalo Sabres, who share the current record with the New York Jets for the longest streak of not making the playoffs in the four major sports. Both teams have missed the postseason 14 seasons in a row.
The Jets have a tough road back because the AFC is stacked with elite QBs – Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and CJ Stroud. That doesn’t include rebounding Trevor Lawrence, ascending Drake Maye, and oft-injured Tua Tagovailoa.
However, there is optimism brewing at One Jets Drive driven by new Head Coach Aaron Glenn, and the anticipation of seeing Justin Fields connect with his old college buddy Garret Wilson.
I advocated for the Jets to sign Justin Fields because he reminded me of Jalen Hurts with his strong arm and elite running skills. Fields needs to make better decisions, but the Jets ultimate fate will be determined by their ability to run the ball, and play solid defense.
The short answer to your question is yes. The Jets will make the playoffs again. Though I’m not ready to bet that it will be in 2025.
“Any clue what the Knicks are doing? The coaching search is a joke.” – Angelo M. Stamford, CT
Ha, I’ve never been able to figure them out! But while I didn’t agree with the decision to fire Tom Thibodeau, the narrative surrounding their coaching search is overblown.
The supposed “outrage” over the New York Knicks asking the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves for permission to talk to their existing head coaches is click-bait and fake news camouflaged as “hot takes”.
If Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens did the exact same thing, he would be called “brilliant” for “looking under every stone”. Instead, we get Charles Barkley saying, “The Knicks got to be the stupidest damn people in the world. Like, you don’t fire no good coach like that and don’t have a plan”.
My “real take” is that GM Leon Rose does have a plan, and it’s to take his time to ensure he makes the right decision. Since there is no other vacancy in the NBA, there’s no rush.
ICYMI “Rangers Retool Series: Time to Import a Captain”
Are there any trade or free agent rumors involving the New York Rangers that we should be keeping our eye on? – Angie, Mahwah, NJ
The good news is that GM Chris Drury seems to have learned his lessons from last summer regarding transparency with his players. It was reported that he not only kept Chris Kreider in the loop in the weeks leading up to his trade, but he also kept the veteran leaders informed.
On the flip side, unlike in his first three seasons when he was as tight-lipped as Lou Lamoriello, this is the second summer in a row when lots of details are “leaking out”. The biggest rumors involve K’Andre Miller.
SportsNet’s Elliot Friedmann, said, “They’ve (the Rangers) indicated if they sign him to an extension, it’s not going to be a long-term extension, and that’s why his name is out there”.
More telling, if true, is Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli saying, “My understanding is back from his days in Pittsburgh, even before he got to New York, that Mike Sullivan in Pittsburgh was not a huge fan of K’Andre Miller’s game”.
We will probably never know if that’s how Sullivan actually feels. However, based on all the noise that is out there, it seems likely to me that Miller, like Brady Skjei, the player he ostensibly replaced, is going to exit New York after five tantalizing years of unfulfilled promise.
