I know it’s early, but the Yankees bullpen and bottom of the order are scaring me. Do you think they should get ahead of it, or wait until the trade deadline? — Poppy M. Long Beach Island, NJ.
Way too early — and that’s coming from someone who wanted to take Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger’s money and invest it in Bo Bichette and Edwin Diaz.
The bullpen is going to need help, but once Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon return to the rotation, they could move Will Warren and Ryan Weathers into relief. Plus, top prospect Carlos Lagrange is considered a candidate to convert into a reliever once he hits his innings goal at Triple A Scranton/Wikes Barre.
Meanwhile, I’m confident that Jazz Chisholm and Austin Wells will get on track. Plus, even 2023 and 2024 Anthony Volpe would be a major upgrade over what we’ve seen to date from Jose Caballero.
Now, third base is another story. The New York Yankees remain confident in Ryan McMahon’s bat, but his Bronx stats leave a lot to be desired — 66 games, .186 batting average, .299 on-base, 4 home runs, 20 RBIs.
While I don’t anticipate the Yankees making any major moves before July, they certainly will monitor the 3B market.
Arvell Reese scares the hell out of me. He’s giving me Vernon Gholston flashbacks! Tony V. Hempstead, NY.
For the kids in the audience — Vernon Gholston was selected by the New York Jets sixth overall in 2008, after wowing NFL scouts with size, speed, strength, and other combine measurables. He was expected to become a dominant edge rusher, but instead was released after three mediocre seasons with Gang Green.
Like Gholston, Reese is from Ohio State, and he is considered the perfect physical specimen to be an exemplary edge rusher. Problem is, he’s never played edge before. And that’s why you are having flashbacks. To be honest, me too.
But I think that’s coming from a place of fear, rather than reality. Yes, there are questions about whether he has the ability to meet expectations as a pass rusher, but he’s already proven to be an outstanding football player. More importantly, his attitude has never been questioned and he is considered a good leader.
That was not the case with Gholston — who famously was accused of not loving football by scouts, pundits and even his New York Jets’ teammates.
I’m going to give the final word to Joe Caporoso and Connor Rodgers. Click on this link to listen to an excerpt from their most recent podcast. It should put you at ease.
The RantBack Digital Mailbag is a periodic feature where SportsRantNY readers get to pose questions, make comments or just get something off their chests. Last names are withheld to protect the innocent.