The Tuesday Discussion: Surprise!
- SSTN Admin
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
April 8, 2025
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This week we asked our writers to respond to the following:
WHICH YANKEES PLAYER HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST THUS FAR THIS SEASON? (Positively or Negatively).
Here are their replies:
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Ed Botti: It’s a little early for me to find a surprise.
I can tell you that I am not surprised by Trent Grisham. I was calling to acquire him as far back as 2022. He’s an excellent fielder, and a professional at bat. No, he is not a starter, but a very solid 4th outfielder.
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Derek McAdam: Trent Grisham has by far been the biggest surprise. He’s put together some good at-bats and has done a nice job in center field, the latter of which was nothing new. But I hope he can continue to play well, as it is a nice touch for the bottom of the lineup.
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Paul Semendinger - He has only pitched a few times and it's not a representative sample, but I thought Devin Williams would have been more overpowering. I think he will do well, but his overall stuff seems a bit less than advertised.
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Ethan Semendinger - I'm most pleasantly surprised by Ben Rice, and I think the duo of Rice and Goldschmidt will be a big advantage for the Yankees in letting Rice mature and learn from a former MVP first baseman, and Goldschmidt getting to preserve himself over the long grind.
On the flip side, I am surprised in a bad way by Carlos Rodon right now. I thought he was really putting it together last year, but this year seems like a regression is already happening back to his 2023 self. I'll say it now: the Yankees will need to significantly bolster their rotation this season.
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Andy Singer - For me, it's Ben Rice. I've been a believer for a while now, but he's been even better than I expected. The guy is raking, and I hope it continues.
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Tim Kabel - I would have to say that the biggest surprise so far has been Trent Grisham. I don’t know how long it will last, but his offensive contributions have been extremely impressive. If this continuous, he will be an excellent fourth outfielder and pinch hitter if the need arises.
Ben Rice has also been very impressive, but I am not as surprised by that, as I felt he would contribute if given the opportunity.
Another surprise is the fact that the Yankees have signed Adam Ottavino, not once, but twice. It seems as if the second incarnation of him on the roster will be even shorter in duration than the first one. I’m not quite sure why they are doing this, but it is surprising.
Frankly, I'm most surprised by Judge. Never, NEVER, EVER expected this kind of start!
the middle infielders have been really good on both O and D.
with Wells and Bellinger/Grisham,
the 2025 club has a solid and strong spine