About the Off-Season: Meanderings of My Mind

About the Off-Season: Meanderings of My Mind

By Tim Kabel

January 13, 2024

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It is hard to believe that we are already almost halfway through January. So far, this winter has been cold, but we haven't had a lot of storms or snow. I hope that continues. We're about a month away from Spring Training, or at least the beginning of it. A lot has occurred so far this off-season but, there is still a bit that needs to be done, not just for the Yankees but for most of the teams in the Major Leagues. Well, today is Monday and it is the off-season. That means I will now move from topic to topic like my new kitten, Clancy, exploring my apartment. Unlike him, I don't plan on getting stuck under the bed.

·      The more the Yankees put out stories that they are prepared to go into the season with DJ LeMahieu playing either third base or second base, the less inclined I am to believe them. I think they still have a few moves to make but, they are in no rush to do so. They don't need to be. They have done most of the “heavy lifting”, as Brian Cashman calls it. They just have a bit more to do. Polishing off the bullpen and acquiring another infielder are the two things they must do., if I know they must do it, then Brian Cashman knows the Yankees must do it as well. They will do it but, i think they are being careful to make the right moves not just any moves.

·      Clancy has been here a week now, and he is really starting to get into the swing of things. He knows his name and unlike most cats, he actually responds to it. When I call him, he comes. The other cats have accepted him, except for my wife's Siamese, Luna, who doesn't like anybody, including me. She can be affectionate when the mood strikes her, but it doesn't strike her very often. She prefers to exist in a state of permanent crankiness. She gets along with the other household members the way that Betty Davis used to get along with Joan Crawford. At least Clancy is affectionate. He purrs constantly and actively seeks out physical contact with all the humans in the house.

·      We are just a couple of days away from the signing period for Roki Sasaki. He can sign with any team from January 15th until January 23rd. Something tells me it will happen much closer to the 15th than the 23rd. I still feel confident that the Yankees will sign him. One way or another, after he signs, the Yankees will have a clearer picture of the composition of the roster. If they sign Sasaki, they can certainly proceed with their plans to trade Marcus Stroman and may shift Clarke Schmidt to the bullpen. They could do the same with Luis GIL, but Schmidt has proven in the past that he could adjust rather nicely to the bullpen. It is possible the Yankees could trade Schmidt as well but, I would prefer to keep him. The point is that if they Yankees do sign Sasaki, they will then be able to make moves to finish off the team. The same would be true if they don't sign him. Either way, they will have a clearer path as to what their next steps are after he signs with whichever team he chooses.

·      In eight days, we will know who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer. I think Ichiro Suzuki will definitely get in. It also seems that CC Sabathia has a very strong case. If Sabathia gets in, I would like to see Andy Pettitte get in as well. His numbers are quite comparable to Sabathia’s and Pettitte had all that tremendous postseason success. I do think CC Sabathia should get in, but I think Andy Pettitte should get in as well. It doesn't have to be an either-or situation.

·      I have been working very hard to build up the strength in my arms. As a result of all the infections I had in my body five years ago, the rotator cuff in my left shoulder was completely destroyed.  My left shoulder is basically dislocated permanently and totally. When I move my arm, my shoulder joint sounds like I’m rolling dice. I'm doing a lot of exercises including using resistance bands to increase my strength. My theory is that if i build the muscle up around the joint, I will have more strength and mobility. It seems to be working so far. Dealing with something like this requires you to accept your limitations and build off them. When I was in my 20’s, I could bench press 360 lbs. Now, I can bench press my cane. It's a start and as with anything else, I just need to keep working. If I’m ever held up, I can almost raise my hands above my head.

·      I would not be at all surprised if Paul Goldschmidt has a big year for the Yankees. I don't mean that he's going to repeat his MVP caliber seasons but, i think he will put up solid numbers. The second half of his season last year was much better than the first half. I recall that before his MVP season in 2022, he worked very hard during the offseason. I would not be at all surprised if he is doing the same thing now. In addition, I think the prospect of making a World Series with the Yankees may motivate him even more. I suppose I could be pessimistic about it but being an optimist makes a lot more sense. Being a realist makes even more sense. If for any reason Goldschmidt struggles, he's not on a five-year contract. It is only a one-year contract and I'm sure he will provide enough offense as well as his defense to make it a workable situation at the very least.

·      I can hardly believe I have been living in this apartment for almost a year. There have been quite a few issues since I moved in. National Geographic has fewer issues than I have had here but all in all, I am happy. I'm still getting used to the family of clog dancers who live above me.  In addition to the running, jumping, shrieking, and screaming that goes on all day long, the little cherub has learned to talk back. “No” is his favorite word.  It is used frequently and at a very high volume.  Let’s just say that does not generate a benevolent response from his parents.  Essentially, I'm living underneath chaos and mayhem. I suppose it could be worse. I have no idea exactly how, but it could be.

·      Until the Yankees finalize their roster, it doesn't make any sense to make big predictions, but I am starting to think about which players on this team might have very big years. Obviously, Aaron Judge will do what he always does. I suspect that Jazz Chisholm, Jr. and Austin Wells will be very productive. Chisholm really seemed to flourish as a Yankee, and I think that will continue. I also believe that if Jasson Dominguez is handled with patience and support, he will show the ability that the Yankees have predicted and expected for years. Remember, he has not even turned 22 yet. I think he will have a very big year.

·      For those of you who are not familiar with Maine coon cats, they have very prominent ears. With kittens, it is even more exaggerated, as it takes them a little while to grow into their ears. Look up a fennec fox on the Internet and you'll have a pretty good idea of what Clancy looks like. One of my great sources of amusement is watching him try to spy on me or the other cats without realizing that his ears give him away.

·      Depending on how the Yankees finalize the roster, the loss of Juan Soto may not be as devastating as we all originally thought it would be. While it is true that he is a generational talent, he is just one player. He also has some flaws, particularly in the areas of fielding and base running. Those aspects of his game will not improve as he ages. This is not sour grapes. It is simply that while the Yankees have lost a tremendous individual player, they have offset that by making overall improvements to the roster. Now, instead of having two consistent threats in the lineup, the Yankees may have multiple threats which will hopefully produce a more well-rounded offense. Again, the finishing touches are very important and could make all the difference.