March 31, 2011

Curtis Granderson goes up to bat to Rebecca Black’s ‘Friday’

Update: He tweets “Friday” was a prank! He doesn’t know who did it yet.

When I posted this video of Curtis Granderson contemplating his pre at-bat music last week, I had no idea he was considering using the final song played, the infamous “Friday” by Rebecca Black.

He only used it for his first at-bat, according to @Fletch788, so we can’t credit the “song” for his game-winning homer. When I’m at the stadium this Sunday, I better not hear this.

Granderson does it all in Opening Day win

A week ago, Curtis Granderson had a 50-50 chance to play on Opening Day. Grandy didn’t just play, though; he started and ended the game with terrific catches in center, and hit a game-winning solo shot in the seventh.

Baseball is back. Boy am I glad.

Scoreboard Says:
Yankees 6, Tigers 3
Win: Joba Chamberlain
Loss: Phil Coke
Save: Mariano Rivera

Perfect ‘Pen:
Chamberlain, Rafael Soriano and  Mo mowed down nine straight Tigers following CC Sabathia’s quality start. In a battle of two of the top bullpens in baseball, the Yankees’ prevailed.

2011 MLB preseason predictions

For the past two years, I’ve provided my forecast for the season. Consume with pleasure. Last year, I *cough* proudly *cough* went 10-for-50 on these calls. This year, I’m striving for perfection.

AL East
1. Red Sox
2. Yankees*
3. Rays
4. Blue Jays
5. Orioles

AL Central
1. White Sox
2. Twins
3. Tigers
4. Indians
5. Royals

AL West
1. Rangers
2. Angels
3. Mariners
4. Athletics

NL East
1. Braves
2. Phillies*
3. Nationals
4. Marlins
5. Mets

NL Central
1. Cardinals
2. Reds
3. Brewers
4. Cubs
5. Pirates
6. Astros

NL West
1. Giants
2. Rockies
3. Dodgers
4. Padres
5. Diamondbacks

*Wild Card Winner

AL Champion: Rangers
NL Champion: Reds
World Series Champion: Reds, 6 games

Awards:
AL MVP: Alex Rodriguez 
NL MVP: Jay Bruce 
AL Cy: Jon Lester 
NL Cy: Cliff Lee
AL RoY: Jesus Montero
NL RoY: Aroldis Chapman 
AL Manager: Ron Washington 
NL Manager: Fredi Gonzalez
 
Yankee Stats: 
Alex Rodriguez RBIs: 148
A.J. Burnett wins: 16 
Derek Jeter AVG: .291
Robinson Cano HR: 33
Brett Gardner R: 123  
CC Sabathia Ks: 200 
Ivan Nova ERA: 4.01
Jorge Posada SB: 0
Jesus Montero GS: 55
-----
2009 predictions 
2009 results
2010 predictions
2010 results

Let the smack talk begin in the comments!

Tigers-Yankees Series Preview: Rain!

New year, new format. Let’s go!

On the Hill:
Thursday: Justin Verlander vs. CC Sabathia
Saturday: Brad Penny vs. A.J. Burnett
Sunday: Max Scherzer vs. Phil Hughes

Players to Watch:
Miguel Cabrera: If he’s sober, he’s dangerous with a bat (and I guess when he isn’t sober too).

Alex Rodriguez: He had the best spring training of any Yankee by far. But six homers and 15 RBIs in 49 at-bats in Florida/Arizona doesn’t guarantee success in New York with 40 degree weather.

All 45 ESPN analysts pick Red Sox to win AL East, 33 pick them to win it all

As I said this morning, the Red Sox are the favorites this year. But how in the world do 45 out of 45 ESPN analysts picked them to win the division? I bet even a NESN analyst didn’t pick them.

Will I pick the upset? Yup, you guessed it: I’m picking the O’s to shock the nation in ‘11. Luke Scott for World Series MVP.

I will reveal my real predictions at 1 p.m. Stay tuned, and start figuring out your own predictions to share in the comments (see prediction questions here).

Why 2011 will be fun

Finally, a season in which the Yankees are not the favorites to represent the American League in the World Series. The Red Sox are. Even though I’m a Yankees fan, I can say that with pleasure.

I like being the underdog, and I like how we don’t know how media will react to that. Initially, I predict the Yankees will be treated the same as usual: a season is considered a failure if they don’t hoist a trophy in late October. But what if the Red Sox get off to a hot start? Then maybe the media will cover this season a bit differently.

Baseball needs this. The rivalry fuels this sport. Don’t give me the “there’s still no parity in baseball” argument. It’s a lot more equal than you think.

March 30, 2011

Mariano Rivera infographic shows why he’s irreplaceable

The Washington Post put together an excellent infographic that shows how many closers other teams have had during Mariano Rivera’s time with the Yankees. At first glance, it’s a bit confusing, but it’s very clear after reading the index at the top.

The Cubs have had 11 saves leaders since 1997, the year Rivera inherited the closer role from John Wetteland, and five other teams had 10 saves leaders in that 14-year span.

Luis Ayala takes Pedro Feliciano’s place on Yankees Opening Day roster

The Yankees had an opportunity to add a second lefty to the bullpen, but they chose spring training star Luis Ayala instead. Steve Garrison would have joined Boone Logan in the bullpen, but Ayala impressed the Yankees enough in spring (11-1/3 IP, 9 H, ER, 0 BB, 9 K) to be chosen over the lefty.

No problems here. It’s not like Ayala or Garrison are likely to stay in the bullpen all season. Thoughts?

(This wouldn’t have been a discussion if Pedro Feliciano had kept healthy.)

March 29, 2011

Pedro Feliciano shut down, will miss Opening Day

Pedro Feliciano has been shut down for 10 days due to a sore pitching arm. The lefty specialist led the league in appearances the last three seasons, pitching in an unmatched 266 games. Go figure, his arm hurts.

Yankees going with two lineups: Gardner leads off vs. righties, Jeter gets lefties

Jack Curry broke the news this morning that Brett Gardner will be the leadoff man against righties with Derek Jeter hitting second. Jeter will remain the leadoff hitter against lefties.

I like the move. I’d rather have Jeter hit toward the bottom, but that’s not realistic unless he’s hitting near the Mendoza Line heading into May.

March 28, 2011

Poll Results: Rafael Soriano to save less than 10 games in 2011

poll results67 Voters in my latest poll concluded newly acquired setup man Rafael Soriano will record between 0-10 saves in 2011. Depending on how you look at it, the question could have been asking you to predict Mariano Rivera’s health.

Rivera is 41 but he hasn’t pitched less than 55 games in a season since 2002. He also has had an ERA in the 1’s in seven of his past eight seasons.

Soriano is coming off a 45-save season, which led the American league, so it will be interesting to see how he’ll react by just collecting holds this season. He’s still getting paid like a closer ($35M/3yrs), but won’t close games unless Rivera is tired or on the DL.

Remember, terms in his contract allow him to leave the Yankees after one season.

New poll: Will Mark Teixeira have a good April for once?

March 26, 2011

Rounding out the roster: 2011 Yankees bench projection

Nine in the lineup, seven in the pen and five in the rotation leaves four spots for the bench. Three of which are made up of a backup catcher, infielder and outfielder, while the last spot is typically for a speedster or a slugger.

  • Backup catcher: Gustavo Molina
  • Backup infielder: Eric Chavez
  • Backup outfielder: Andruw Jones
  • Speedster: Eduardo Nunez
Molina has just 45 major league plate appearances, but he’s the favorite because the Yankees are showing concern for the development of both Jesus Montero and Austin Romine.

Chavez and Jones both provide a ton of experience as backups, and Nunez definitely fits the roll of speedster. Joe Girardi has used Nunez in the outfield this spring, so don’t be surprised to see him playing anywhere on the field this season.

Here’s how the rest of the team shapes up:

Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia make rotation

Joe Girardi made a few roster announcements this morning (via LoHud):

  • Ivan Nova will be the fourth starter.
  • Freddy Garcia will be the fifth starter.
  • Bartolo Colon will be the long man.
  • Pedro Feliciano will “likely” open the season on the DL.
The Yankees must have a really good feeling about Garcia’s background because Colon has done everything in his power to win the fifth spot in the rotation. At least he made the team.

My bench projection comes up next along with a complete roster projection.

March 25, 2011

Have a good laugh at Jonathan Papelbon

Jonathan Papelbon yesterday allowed two runs in a minor league game. Here’s what he had to say after the game (via Craig Calcaterra).

“This was exactly what I wanted.”

Well put, sir. The Red Sox closer sure is getting his work in this spring. In five innings he’s allowed seven earned runs on two homers with five walks and three strikeouts.

The story with the Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is a little different: 4 IP, H, 0 ER, 5 K’s. Just sayin’.

Kevin Millwood & Chris Dickerson in, Sergio Mitre out

After keeping quiet for most of spring training, the Yankees made a couple of moves this morning, less than a week away from Opening Day.

First, they finally signed Kevin Millwood. Second, they traded Sergio Mitre to the Brewers for center fielder Chris Dickerson.

Of course, the Yankees had to stir the pot right after I released my pitching projections.

March 24, 2011

My 2011 Yankees bullpen projection

You’ve seen my lineup projection. You’ve seen my rotation projection. Tomorrow you’ll find my projection for the bench. Now here’s my projected bullpen for the 2011 Yankees.

Most AL teams will use a 12-man pitching staff, which leaves room for seven relievers. Six of which are actually guarantees to make the team: Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano, Boone Logan, Pedro Feliciano, David Robertson, and Joba Chamberlain.

I have Ivan Nova and Bartolo Colon in the rotation, leaving Sergio Mitre, Freddy Garcia and Romulo Sanchez for the final spot in the bullpen. Yes, Garcia would agree to be a long reliever. And with that knowledge, I project Mitre and Sanchez will be the odd men out.

Sean Henn Featured Card of the Week


Remember Henn? I do. Sean Henn actually gave the Yankees 36-2/3 innings in 2007 and about 20 more in the two years prior. But the lefty never figured out how to pitch in the Show, as he’s pitching for the Blue Jays’ Triple-A club.

March 23, 2011

My 2011 Yankees rotation projection

Already, I’ve changed my rotation projection since I spoke on Yankee Roll Call on Saturday. The front three have been set in stone for a while now with CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Phil Hughes (yes, in that order).

But deciding the last two is why we have spring training. The four main candidates are:

  • Ivan Nova
  • Sergio Mitre
  • Freddy Garcia
  • Bartolo Colon

All spring I’ve thought Nova should be the fourth starter. (Really, ever since Andy Pettitte decided to *retire* I’ve thought that.) And I’m sticking with that projection, especially after his six no-hit inning performance. So there were really three guys fighting for one spot. Let’s review.

Curtis Granderson might miss Opening Day

A slight strain in Curtis Granderson’s internal oblique might keep him from playing on Opening Day. Joe Girardi told reporters today the Yankees center fielder has a “chance” to play.

It’s unfortunate the injury bug hit the Yankees late in the spring, but sometimes you have to roll with the punches.

OK, so if not Grandy in center on Opening Day, then who? The top backup outfielder has to be the guy who the Yankees paid $2 million this offseason: Andruw Jones.

Top 10 MLB jersey sales by player and team in ‘10: Jeter and Yanks lead pack

Here are the top 10 MLB jersey sales by player and team for the 2010 season. Yankees fans will be delighted to see both Derek Jeter and the Yankees leading both races.

  • The Phillies led with three players in the top 10 sales and ranked fourth as a team.
  • Alex Rodriguez joined Jeter as the only other Yankee in the top 10 at No. 9.
  • Eleven teams had at least one player in the top 20. The Mets of New York weren’t one of those teams.
Top Jersey Sales by Player Top Jersey Sales by Team
1. Derek Jeter 1. New York Yankees
2. Joe Mauer 2. Boston Red Sox
3. Roy Halladay 3. Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Chase Utley 4. Philadelphia Phillies
5. Cliff Lee 5. Chicago Cubs
6. Albert Pujols 6. St. Louis Cardinals
7. Josh Hamilton 7. Chicago White Sox
8. Dustin Pedroia 8. Atlanta Braves
9. Alex Rodriguez 9. Minnesota Twins
10. Tim Lincecum 10. Detroit Tigers


Which MLB jerseys do you have?

Curtis Granderson having difficulties choosing at-bat music [Video]

I think he should have gone with Jitterbug, no? If not, help Curtis Granderson pick his at-bat song in the comments! This is from Jimmy Traina’s Hot Clicks.

March 22, 2011

My final 2011 Yankees lineup projection

News broke this afternoon that Joe Girardi is considering using two different lineups, one for righties and one for lefties. If he goes through with this idea, Brett Gardner would likely see time as leadoff man against righties (with Derek Jeter hitting second) and Jeter would hit first against lefties (with Gardner hitting ninth).

Either way, Gardner would hit in front of Jeter. Like so:

Yankees vs. Righties Yankees vs. Lefties
Brett Gardner LF Derek Jeter SS
Derek Jeter SS Nick Swisher RF
Mark Teixeira 1B Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF Jorge Posada DH
Jorge Posada DH Curtis Granderson CF
Curtis Granderson CF Russell Martin C
Russell Martin C Brett Gardner LF


I would be OK with Girardi implementing this dual lineup idea, but I’d make a couple changes.

  • Switch Tex and Cano in both lineups. Cano earned it last year.
  • Switch Swisher and Jeter in lineup vs. righties. Again, Swisher earned it.

March 21, 2011

Interview with Jim Bouton on ‘Ball Four’ [Audio]

Last summer I posted a 1963 Topps Jim Bouton card as one of my Featured Cards of the Week. After reading about him, I was curious enough to read his book “Ball Four.” Today, I got the chance to ask him about it in a phone interview.

It was a pleasure talking with him and I’m very thankful he could spare 10 minutes for a fan like me.

Here’s the audio:


Some notable quotes:

  • “People call it a “tell-all” book, but it was really a “tell-some” book.”
  • “I didn’t realize how angry the sportswriters would be about it.”
  • “As far as heroes are concerned, well I don’t think we should really have heroes. I’m against the whole concept. Most people don’t know what other people are really like anyway. But I think he was certainly a hero to his teammates.”
  • “I think the owners and the players made a big mistake by not getting involved in banning those drugs a lot earlier than they did.”
  • “When you are outspoken against the Yankees then you get on their shitlist and you don’t get invited to stuff like [Old Timers Day], so that’s why I haven’t been invited since then.”

You can buy his book “Ball Four” here and the update to it, “Ball Four: The Final Pitch” here

I also transcribed the entire interview below.

Fans want me to burn Fenway Park book

Remembering Fenway Park

Poll Results: Give Mo another four years

poll results66 Mariano Rivera just signed a deal through 2012, but my latest poll results say Rivera’s age won’t catch up with him until 2015. He may need to sign a few more contracts, people.

Forty percent voted Mo’s engine will break down in 2015, 25 percent said he’d falter in 2012, and 22 percent said he never will stop pumping out spectacular seasons.

Remember, he’s 41 years old. Yes, he’s shown no signs of slowing down, and I mean ZERO, even in his first season as a 40-year-old, but we all can see he’s losing velocity in his cutter.

March 20, 2011

A-Rod is absolutely on fire this spring

All indications tell me Alex Rodriguez is bound for a big season.

1. He’s in great shape.
2. He has a hit in all 13 games he’s played this spring.
3. He has five homers to go along with a .432 BA and close to a 1.000 SLG.

Spring training stats aren’t always great indicators for how players will do in April, but after watching him hit he really looks locked in.

Another radio segment on Yankee Roll Call

I love writing about the Yankees and interacting with you faithful readers in the comments and on Twitter, but yesterday I had a chance to talk about the Yankees on the air. Paul Bauer and Joe Castello of Yankee Roll Call — a Yankees radio talk show — gave me that chance. Here’s my segment:



On the show we discussed:

  • Battle for the Rotation — Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia (0:37-3:36)
  • Nova Rules? (3:36-4:19)
  • A.J. Burnett the X-Factor — Phil Hughes (4:32-7:10)
  • Leadoff spot — Derek Jeter, Brett Gardner (7:14-11:08)
  • Backup catcher — Jesus Montero, Francisco Cervelli (11:09-13:06)

Hope you enjoyed it, but I’m always open to constructive criticism! Let me know what you thought of my latest radio appearance in the comments.

Thanks again, Paul and Joe, for giving me the opportunity. Hope to be on again soon!

March 18, 2011

Alex Rodriguez is the only player MLBTR lists under an unknown agency

You would think the more popular a player is, the easier it would be to find the agency that represents him. That’s not the case for Alex Rodriguez, who is the only player listed under an unknown agency in MLB Trade Rumors’ new agency database

To clarify, A-Rod left Scott Boras for Pittsburgh sports attorney Jay Reisinger and Washington lawyer Jim Sharp, but those two represent A-Rod in non-baseball matters, MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes told me in an e-mail.

March 17, 2011

Yankees Battle for the Rotation update

Here we are a little more than halfway through spring training and the battle for the rotation is fiercer than expected. Let’s take a look at how the candidates (that haven’t been cut) are doing.

Pitcher G IP ERA WHIP K/9
Manny Banuelos 4 7.2 0.00 1.17 11.74
Sergio Mitre* 3 5.0 0.00 1.00 7.20
Ivan Nova 4 14.0 1.29 0.71 4.50
Bartolo Colon 3 9.0 3.00 1.00 12.00
Freddy Garcia 3 7.2 4.70 1.30 7.04
Dellin Betances 4 6.0 6.00 2.17 12.00
*Mitre was diagnosed with a minor left oblique injury earlier this week. He’s looked good thus far, but a lack of appearances and health could hurt his chances severely.

Ivan Nova backs up statements on making Yankees rotation

Ivan Nova has been vocal as a candidate to make the Yankees rotation. After faltering in his start against the Blue Jays last Friday, he flat-out said he was “going to win” a place in the rotation. Last night, he backed that up, pitching six no-hit innings against the O’s.

As RAB and The Yankee Analysts have pointed out, Nova thanked his “new toy” for his best outing of the spring. His most consistent and reliable pitch still has to be his fastball, which sits low to mid 90s, but a curveball, changeup and slider make him an unpredictable, four-pitch pitcher.

I like his repertoire, I like his attitude, and, right now, if it were my call, I like Nova as the Yankees’ fourth starter. Thoughts?

March 15, 2011

Manny Banuelos: The Little Lefty

If you still have never heard of Manny Banuelos, you need to add him to your list of must-know Yankees prospects. Why? His spring training numbers tell the story, but the Yankees have also raved of the little lefty constantly — and I’m not just talking about the GM, who always tries to boost all of his prospects’ value. 

Mariano Rivera, someone who rarely says anything quoteworthy, called ManBan the best pitching prospect he’s ever seen.

Just how little is he? He’s listed at 5-foot-11 and 155 pounds. For perspective, Pedro Martinez is 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds. They both share a nice fastball, curveball, changeup repertoire, but ManBan is a lefty and Pedro is a righty.

March 14, 2011

Poll Results: Unhittable Joba to return in 2011

poll results65 I’m not really sure why, but voters seem to think the dominant ‘07 Joba Chamberlain will return this season. My gut says this could be a crucial season for Joba’s future. Will he even finish the year with the Yankees? Can he prove to another team that he’s worthy of starting ballgames? These are questions Yankees bloggers like myself ask themselves every day.

Quickly, I’d have to say no, he won’t finish the year with the Yankees and yes, he will start for another team. Now that the Yankees have a crowded bullpen, I think Joba is going to want out and do what he can to prove his value before the trade deadline at the end of July.

New poll: When will Mo’s age catch up with him?

March 13, 2011

Mariano Rivera debuts, Yanks cut prospects

I wish I could have seen it live. I’ve missed it dearly. Mo’s cutter is a thing of beauty. The placement. The lack of emotion. The hitters’ confusion and their broken bats. After seeing it on replay, nothing’s changed (video), except for maybe the high socks?

I really liked Russell Martin’s reaction to catching the thing.

“When you’re in the box, it’s a nightmare,” Russell Martin said. “When you’re behind the plate, it’s the complete opposite… That’s the best cutter I’ve caught, for sure. It’s cause, normally you see some kind of spin and his, you don’t see the spin. There’s no side spin. It just cuts. I don’t know how he does it.”

It’s nice to get a new opinion on it, and nice to hear the detail about the spin. Sounds unhittable. And it is.

The Yankees slimmed their locker room a tad today, cutting 11 young guys.

March 11, 2011

Don Mattingly Featured Card of the Week


Don Mattingly was one of the most beloved Yankees of all time. He never won, but he was the captain. He was also known as, “The Hit Man” and “Donnie Baseball.” Now, after following Joe Torre to Los Angeles, he enters his first season as a manager of the Dodgers.

Mattingly missed out on the Hall of Fame for the 11th time this year, receiving eight less votes than last year. But Mattingly will always be remembered in New York, as his No. 23 is retired in Monument Park.

March 10, 2011

New York Yankees ticket sales reminder

Via LoHud:

Tickets for individual games to see the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium will go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m. at yankees.com and yankeesbeisbol.com, and via Ticketmaster phone only at (877) 469-9849 and Ticketmaster TTY at (800) 943-4327.

If you’re a Yankee Stadium regular (but don’t have season tickets), don’t forget to buy your tix tomorrow morning.

March 9, 2011

Kevin Long: Derek Jeter will hit in top 3rd

Finally, the Yankees are pondering the idea of moving Brett Gardner to the leadoff spot, as one of my Twitter followers pointed out. My idea was to put Gardner first, Nick Swisher or Curtis Granderson second, and then some combination of Robinson Cano, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. Kevin Long’s idea, however, has Derek Jeter in the top three no matter what.

Mark Feinsand of the Daily News also wrote that he’d expect to see Jeter move down only to the two spot, not seventh like I expected.

March 8, 2011

Q&A with Yankees beat writer

The Yankee Analysts posted a nice Q&A with Yankees.com beat writer Bryan Hoch this morning. DO check it out.

March 7, 2011

Poll Results: Fans excited for Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances

poll results64The Yankees have a few of the best pitching prospects in baseball with their Killer B’s. Two of which, Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances, the ones who have gotten a chance to pitch this spring, excited fans the most in my latest poll. Andrew Brackman, the third B, will likely pitch in his first game this week.

Betances, who turns 22 on March 23, is 6-foot-8 and throws upper-90’s gas. This year will be his second year since recovering from Tommy John surgery. With only a few games started in Trenton last season, expect him to make a return there to start 2011.

March 4, 2011

Francisco Cervelli’s foot injury could open the door for Jesus Montero

Spring training position battles are never fun when one player is forced to concede due to an injury, but such a scenario might be the case with the Yankees backup catcher role. Francisco Cervelli fouled a ball off his foot Wednesday, and after a couple of tests the Yankees don’t know exactly how bad it is. It could be a bruise, but it also could be a hairline fracture.

If it’s the latter, it’s good news for Jesus Montero.

UPDATE: It was the latter. Cervelli is out four to eight weeks.

Billy Martin and 1977 Yankees team Featured Card of the Week

 
Reggie Jackson, Thurman Munson, Ron Guidry, Chris Chambliss, Willie Randolph, Roy White, Sparky Lyle, and Billy Martin. The 1977 Yankees: World Series champs.

The only guy missing from this picture is George Steinbrenner, unless he is that man wearing black standing in the upper-right part of the card.

Note: It’s too bad the card companies don’t put a lot of value into printing team cards any more. They’re pretty cool, I think.

March 3, 2011

Charlie Sheen follows Nick Swisher on Twitter

The one and only Charlie Sheen joined the Twitter craze this week and already accrued 1.3 million followers. He is only following 25 back, one of which is Nick Swisher.

Awesome.

Follow me on Twitter here.

March 2, 2011

Jorge Posada is a little confused right now, and he should be

Via The New York Times:

“I’m going to keep thinking as a DH, keep working as a DH,” Jorge Posada said. “If I start catching in games, it’s not going to help me. I need to concentrate on being a DH, because if I start catching then I won’t be able to put it away. I know I can still catch. But I’m not thinking as a catcher anymore.”

According to the article, Posada still travels with his catching equipment bag too.

Here’s what I should have named this blog

My real name is Leonard, but everyone calls me Lenny. I’ve always liked how New York’s “NY” are also the last two letters of my nickname. But wouldn’t it be cool if I could have used something closer to my real name, but still have the “NY” in it?

Now it’s possible. A Cuban prospect likely to declare free agency this week has this brilliant name: Leon’ys Martin.

If anyone can find a pronunciation guide for “Leon’ys,” please drop me a line in the comments.

So what do you think, time to make a change?

Welcome to LeoN’Ys Yankees — A Bronx Bombers Blog.

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