Detroit Tigers Will be a Pain for the New York Yankees

I realize that it might be humorous to make assumptions for the New York Yankees. This current stretch is by far their worst of the season, having lost seven of their last eight games. However, I’ve been around long enough to realize this too, shall pass and that the Yankees will win the American League East. Despite the other four AL East teams narrowing the gap, I do believe the biggest threat to the Yanks repeating as AL champs lies outside of their division. In fact, it is a team that does have a history of thwarting New York in the playoffs.

Tarik Skubal and the Tigers pose the biggest threat to the Yankees. Credit: Sports Illustrated

The Detroit Tigers can easily derail the Yankees this October.

When the Tigers made their run last year to the divisional round, it was assumed that outside of Tarik Skubal, they were a bunch of no names that got hot at the right time. If that’s your vision of them in 2025, you need a crash course. A pair of former number one overall picks are fueling Detroit’s rise to the largest lead in any of Major League Baseball’s six divisions. First baseman Spencer Torkelson is on pace to set career highs in all offensive categories. He provides a solid #2 option behind CF/LF Riley Greene who will make his second All Star team. Javier Baez, miserable in his first three seasons in Detroit, has moved to the outfield and is hitting close to .300. Old friend Gleyber Torres is thriving outside of the glare of New York, posting a career best .385 on base percentage. As for the other overall #1 pick, Casey Mize is proving to be a tremendous weapon after the lefty Skubal. The right-hander Mize is 7-2 with a 2.96 ERA in 12 starts. Reese Olson, currently on the injured list, will be back within two weeks giving the Tigers another starting pitcher with an under 3.00 ERA. That is a solid rotation heading into any postseason series.

Before the Houston Astros became the Yankees’ playoff kryptonite, there were the Detroit Tigers. Three times (2006, 2011 and 2012) Detroit got the better of New York, ending each season in painstaking fashion. 2006 saw Kenny Rogers and his sticky fingers embarrass the heavily favored Yankees (Alex Rodriguez batted 8th in Game 4). In 2011, Doug Fister and a young Max Scherzer helped hold the Yankees to two runs in a series clinching game 5 win at Yankee Stadium. The Tigers then swept the Yankees in the following year’s ALCS with Derek Jeter missing the entire series with an ankle injury. These teams are far different now than they were then. No one remains from either set of teams so it’s not truly a rematch. However, there will be some painful memories dredged up by the networks should they meet again in October.

I do not take lightly the other teams in the American League East. It won’t be easy for the Yankees to hold on to their ever shrinking lead. Ultimately, I believe they are the best team in the division. Their road back to the World Series will have to go through the Motor City.

The Philadelphia Phillies and Their Big Beautiful Rotation

On Thursday, Cristopher Sanchez tossed eight innings of one run ball, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 victory over the Miami Marlins. The victory allowed Philadelphia to take three out of four games in Miami. The great outing by Sanchez improved his record to 6-2 and lowered his ERA to 2.87. After a rough two week stretch, the Phillies are rolling again with a 45-30 record, and are tied for first place with the New York Mets in the National League East. The team’s place in the standings is not surprising considering they are coming off three consecutive playoff appearances. I’m happy and more importantly, Caitlyn is happy (for now). In my opinion, the best group on this Phillies’ team is its starting rotation.

The ace, Zack Wheeler. Credit: CBS Sports

Notice I did not say the best rotation in baseball. By ERA, that title would belong to the Mets. Philly’s rotation is sixth in ERA at 3.49; New York’s is 3.03. What I love about the Phillies’ rotation is that it feels like one through five (when Aaron Nola is healthy) can go seven innings every time out. Indeed, their rotation leads baseball in innings pitched with 426. Zack Wheeler is the anchor, having finished second in the Cy Young race last year and consistently one of the best pitchers in in the game. He made waves this week by stating that he plans to retire after the 2027 season. Sanchez is a budding star, having tossed two complete games in 2024 and garnering an extension through 2033. Ranger Suarez started 2025 the injured list but has dominated in his return with a 2.20 ERA in nine starts. Jesus Luzardo had two horrendous starts pushing his ERA over 4.00. However, his acquisition ranks as one of the best during the offseason. Mick Abel has a 2.21 ERA in four starts filling in for Nola. Taijuan Walker can make a spot start in a pinch. Top prospect Andrew Painter is on the cusp of a Major League callup.

There is a lot to love about the Phillies’ rotation. That is why I call it “beautiful”. Having their staff work deep into games takes me back to when pitching seven innings was the norm. Though its ERA is sixth, and no starter has not thrown a complete game yet, I would take the Phillies’ rotation over everyone else’s in baseball.

Third Base is a Full House for the New York Mets

The New York Mets’ third base position reminds me of the famous line in Forrest Gump: “Life is like a bunch of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get”. Coming into this season, it looked like Mark Vientos was the answer at the hot corner, with him coming off a 32 home run season. However, Vientos was not looking like the 2024 breakout star and appeared more like……well, a guy that was lost at the plate. At the beginning of June, a hamstring injury forced him to the injured list. Eventually, Brett Baty got some reps at third and after starting slowly, he turned into thumbs up Baty before reverting back to thumbs down Baty. Ronny Mauricio was called and has found most of his Major League time being spent at third. Even Luisangel Acuna has seen action there as a defensive replacement.

It would be nice for Mark Vientos to reclaim the third base job. Credit: Sports Illustrated

Third base is like the village bicycle. Everyone gets a turn.

Vientos is about to begin a rehab assignment and could conceivably rejoin the Mets this weekend. He should be the frontrunner to reclaim the position as he is the one with the best, albeit brief track record of performing at the Major League level. None of the other three players have grabbed a hold of the spot the way Vientos did in 2024. Now does this mean he gets to remain the starter should his on base percentage hover below .300? I would say no considering Baty, Acuna and Muricio are all well thought of in the organization. What the chaos at the corner should do is bring out the best in each player. After all, the other guys that don’t step up at third do have second base to fall back on. Those who lose out on both second and third slide into a utility role or all the way down to Syracuse. In Vientos’s case, he doesn’t have that luxury. It’s either third base or thrown into another crowded space at designated hitter. Talk about a good problem to have. The team has one of the best records in baseball and their biggest worry is to find enough playing time for their youngsters.

The Mets have arguably entered their toughest stretch of the season. They have lost four consecutive games for the first time in 2025 and travel to Philadelphia after finishing up in Atlanta. Now would be the perfect time for someone, anyone to grab a hold of third base for the remainder of the season.

Philadelphia Phillies Can Use Andrew Painter in the Bullpen

A week ago at this time, things were bleak for the Philadelphia Phillies. The team had just been swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates and sat 4.5 games out of first place in the National League East. The deficit would grow to five games after losing 8-4 to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. Now? The Phils are only 2.5 games behind the New York Mets, having just swept the Toronto Blue Jays. Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler all turned in outstanding efforts on the mound this weekend. The rotation is one of baseball’s best and the lineup is deep. The one thing that potentially dampens Philadelphia’s hope for a fourth consecutive playoff season is the bullpen.

Time for Andrew Painter to land in Philadelphia. Credit: The Philadelphia Inquirer

Enter Andrew Painter.

The Phillies’ top prospect should be looked at to bolster a suspect group. Their 4.50 ERA ranks 23rd out of 30 teams. Jose Alvarado, who was the team’s best reliever prior to getting suspended for 80 games for a positive PED test, won’t return until the middle of August. Jordan Romano has not worked out as expected in the closer’s role. Promoting Painter and putting him in the bullpen lessens the need to part with a good prospect for a rental. Despite underwhelming numbers in ten Minor League starts (4.82 ERA and seven home runs allowed), his 98 PMH fastball is the tonic for a struggling unit. Keep in mind that Painter missed all of 2023 and 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. Having him transition to a relief role could be a way to “ease” him into dealing with Major League hitters in preparation for making the big club out of Spring Training in 2026.

There is a precedent for this. In 2008, David Price was the top prospect of the Tampa Bay Rays. In September, he was brought up to the Majors and pitched out of the bullpen. In fact, it was Price that recorded the final out of Game 7 of the American League Championship Series to send the Rays to their first World Series appearance. The Phillies are a win now team and need to exhaust all options in order to return to the playoffs. Andrew Painter pitching out of the bullpen to me seems like a logical move. The resident Philles’ fan in the house also agrees with this assessment. Will Dave Dombrowski listen?

Case Closed: Aaron Judge is the Best

One day last week, I was in the routine of most of my workdays. I left the office around 5:30 and turned to “Evan and Tikki” on WFAN as the soundtrack for my commute home. The guys (Evan Roberts, Tikki Barber, Shaun Morash and Tommy Lugauer) were debating who was the better player, Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani. Lugauer was firmly in Camp Ohtani while the other three gentlemen sided with Judge. At this point, until Ohtani pitches, it’s not even a question of who is better. There is no debate. Anyone can see who is the best player in Major League Baseball.

No debate needed. Aaron Judge is simply the best. Credit: Sports Illustrated

It’s Aaron Judge and it’s not even close.

One thing I hate about these debates is that it is so easy to put down the player you oppose almost as much, if not more than praising the player you favor. In no way should Ohtani be slighted. Judge is simply having one of the most historical seasons in over 130 years of Major League Baseball. We are nearly 42% of the way through the season and Judge still has .400 in his sights, batting .392. If you look on his baseball reference page, most offensive statistics are in bold, an indication that he ranks first in all of these categories. He is on pace to set career highs in nearly every offensive category. Heck, with six stolen bases, he has an outside shot of eclipsing 20 steals for the first time in his career. All of this on top resuming his Gold Glove caliber defense in right field. Some may hit more home runs (hello Cal Raleigh) or could eventually surpass him in batting average (Jacob Wilson, anyone?) but there is not a player alive who will come close to matching Judge’s all around greatness in 2025.

All that could change depending on how often Shohei Ohtani pitches this season and if he can dominate like he did in 2022. If he can sniff those numbers from 2022 or even 2023, then the “no debate” argument will swing the other way. Until that happens, the case is closed: Aaron Judge is the best that Major League Baseball has to offer.

David Peterson Was My Last (Best) Pick

I am currently in third place in my 12 team fantasy baseball league. I will admit I have been pretty fortunate on a week in and week out basis. I only have the sixth highest point total in the league. Part of that can be blamed on Rafael Devers‘s horrific March and early April. I am strong on bats and subpar in the bullpen. The rotation has been improving as of late but by no means would be considered stellar. There has been one guy on my staff who I feel could evolve into my “ace”. He is also considered the Brock Purdy of my team.

David Peterson is one of my best pitchers. Credit: Newsday

David Peterson is blossoming into one of the league’ best pitchers…..and he was my last pick.

Tonight, he threw his first career complete game against the Washington Nationals. Incidentally, the one New York Mets’ game we went to last season also saw Peterson shut out the Nats over seven innings. Peterson is now 4-2 with a 2.80 ERA over 12 starts. He a posted a 2.90 ERA in 21 starts last season, indicating the 29-year old lefty could possible be heading for the best season of his six year career. My other starting pitchers (for now) are Luis Severino, Cristopher Sanchez, Matthew Boyd, Bailey Ober, Zac Gallen and Tanner Bibee. It’s not a stretch to say that Peterson will be my best pitcher by the end of the 2025 season.

If I am going to win my first championship in this league, my starting pitchers have to step up. There will be roster tinkering as no good can come from standing pat. One thing is for certain. Barring injury, David Peterson will be in my rotation for the remainder of the season.

Living With a Rough Phillies’ Month

The Philadelphia Phillies are in the middle of a pretty bad stretch. They just snapped a five game losing streak, have lost eight of their last ten games and were swept this past weekend by the woeful Pittsburgh Pirates. On May 24, they were up by three games in the National League East; today they trail the New York Mets by four games. Bryce Harper is on the ten day injured list with a wrist injury. June has not been a kind month, to say the least, to the Phillies.

It’s making our house both tense and amusing at the same time thanks to a certain Phillies’ fan.

Bryce Harper’s IL stint is compounding the Phillies’ problem. Credit: Seattle Times

You can only imagine the pain Caitlyn is feeling and the endless one liners delivered by her. However, there is only so many, “My team is so bad” and “We stink” sentences a guy can stand. I will say her quote on Sunday of, “It’s ironic that we have a pride logo because we have nothing to be proud of” was a great zinger. We (yes, it’s more than just me) have to remind her how long the baseball season is. I get it. In a division where the Mets seem to be on an endless loop of playing the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox, to her, Philadelphia is heading for a 100 loss season. She also can’t get out of her head the “regression” her team has made: World Series in 2022, NLCS in 2023, Division Series in 2024. Instead of lamenting her current sorry state, Caitlyn should realize that there 96 games left in the season, plenty of time for her beloved team to capture a second straight division title.

At least there is some good news. The Phillies defeated the Chicago Cubs, 4-3 in 11 innings. Also, the Atlanta Braves are ten games under .500. much to Caitlyn’s delight. I hope tonight’s victory kick starts a winning stretch for the Phillies. If not, maybe I can publish more comedic material courtesy of one of their biggest fans.

I Was Wrong About Carlos Rodon

It’s hard to admit publicly when you are wrong abut a take. It happens all the time in the world of sports, both by fans and members of the media. However, it is kind of a good thing to be wrong about something that turns out to be positive. I’d rather be wrong about underestimating the impact of a bullpen arm than be wrong about overestimating a bat in the middle of the lineup. As it relates to this post, I am happy to say my opinion about a free agent pitcher the New York Yankees signed has turned out to be extremely foolish.

Carlos Rodon has been a great free agent acquisition, proving me wrong. Credit: Sports Illustrated

I was wrong about Carlos Rodon.

This blog started in March 2024 so technically my incorrect take on Rodon was not public. I did tell all of my fellow Yankee friends and other baseball acquaintances that the signing was a mistake. It is true that he was coming off back-to-back All Star seasons before inking a six year deal prior to the 2023 season. I saw a guy that made 30 starts only once, ironically, in his walk year. He was hurt many times earlier in his career. Rodon’s first year with the Yankees seemed to verify my suspicions. He first pitched in July and ended the season with a 6.85 ERA in only 14 starts.

2024 was so different in a number of ways. First, he started a career high 32 games with 175 innings pitched. Though his ERA finished near four, he was a reliable number two starter for much of the year. Any thought of Carlos Rodon being a bust has been squashed with his performance in 2025. He carries a 2.49 ERA and is fifth in strikeouts with 98 through 13 starts. He has stepped up enormously in the absence of Gerrit Cole. Max Fried has assumed the mantle of staff ace and has been nearly untouchable so far this season. However, it has been the performance of Rodon as well as the unexpected rise of Ryan Yarbrough that has helped carry the Yankees to a five game lead in the American League East.

I am ecstatic to have whiffed on my Carlos Rodon opinion. If the Yankees win the World Series this year, he will have been a key player. I will also be sure to be a little more careful when making such a bold prediction in the future.

Reflecting on the Colorado Rockies

I have been paying extra attention to the Colorado Rockies recently. After all, each of the teams we root for will have played this woe-filled team by the end of next weekend. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees took turns fattening their records in Colorado earlier this week while the New York Mets will be hosting them next weekend. I don’t think we have to get into how bad the Rockies are except for this one fact. They could eclipse the Cleveland Indians’ (now Guardians) 22 game winning streak by a game and still be 11 games under .500. Perhaps I am in the minority but I don’t think it’s really that funny. Actually, it’s quite sad.

Nothing but love for Brenton Doyle and the Rockies. Credit: MSN.com

I often wonder what goes through the minds of players who are on a histroically bad team. Do they come to the ballpark anticipating a loss that day? How upset are they that by the end of April, they realize they won’t be in the playoffs? Are they saying, “Here we go again” after falling behind early? I have been a fan of some pretty bad teams. The 1990 New York Yankees come to mind. I had no illusions the Yanks were going anywhere. Their eventual 67-95 record bore that out. It’s depressing to know that your favorite team will be toast by June 1. It will be a long Summer. The Rockies are so much worse. They could be 30 games behind those Yankees by the end of the season. What do their fans think? Do they see any hope? After all, Colorado is coming off consecutive 100 loss seasons. Those two teams are miles ahead of the 2025 version.

It’s not as though the Rockies are devoid of talent. Brenton Doyle had 23 home runs, 30 steals and a Gold Glove last year. Ezequiel Tovar‘s 45 doubles led the league in a season ago. Zach Agnos looks promising as a closer. However, the fortunes of the franchise could be summarized with the Kris Bryant contract. His seven year, $182 million dollar contract has defined this era of Rockies’ baseball. He has played no more than 80 games in any season so far and there are still three years left on his deal. I don’t have any real insight or opinions on the state of the organization as I don’t follow it religously. However, this article from Sports Illustrated is pretty insightful about we have arrived at this point.

I really hope the Colorado Rockies don’t finish with the worst record in MLB history. We just went through that with the Chicago White Sox. Yes, the players make more money that we will ever see. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t show sympathy for their losing. The best way they can make us smile is by sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers June 24-26.

MLB Rivalry Weekend: Where Are They?

I love the idea of a Rivalry Weekend in Major League Baseball. It adds a little spice to a regular season that can experience some downtime. With the right matchups, this can be a weekend that baseball fans all over the country can be fired up about just as we get to the start of warmer weather. Because the season is so long, you can actually have two Rivalry Weekends.

The key phrase is “having the right matchups”. This current weekend does not provide them.

Aaron Boone should be leading the Yankees against the Red Sox this weekend. Credit: USA Today

I don’t want to be the guy to pooh-pooh a Yankees-Mets weekend tilt. Anytime they meet during a late Spring or Summer weekend, you are bound for some excitement. However, when I think of a rivalry series the Yankees should be a part of, I’m thinking of the Red Sox. Same goes for the Mets. It’s the Phillies they should be playing this weekend, not the Yankees. Yankees-Red Sox and Mets-Phillies are actually playing for playoff seeding and divisional supremacy. Yankees-Mets, Cubs-White Sox and Dodgers-Angels generate fan excitement for their respective cities but there is not the “hatred” for the Mets for a Yankees fan as there is for the Red Sox. The Dodgers-Giants rivalry is over a century old. Is any Dodgers fan jacked up for three games against the Angels?

That’s the other fault to this particular scheduling of Rivalry Weekend. By having the Mets and Yankees play one another, the Red Sox are facing the Braves while the Phillies are squaring off with the Pirates. Are those really rivals? This weekend would have been perfect for the Dodgers to face either the Giants or the Padres. This could have been the first matchup for the Dodgers and Padres since last year’s playoffs where San Diego almost derailed Los Angeles’s path to a World Championship. How about the Cubs and Cardinals? While the Cubs are hosting their fellow Chicago citizens, the Cardinals are in Kansas City to face the Royals. KC is not a bad substitute but the temperature is much lower for Cardinals’ fans than if they were facing their heated rivals from Chicago’s North Side.

As stated in the beginning of this post, I love the Rivalry Weekend concept. There should be two weekends of these games, one with true divisional rivals and one with the intracity/intrastate state contests. MLB gets an A for effort (most, if not, all games will be free on MLB.TV) but a B for matchups. I advise MLB that in 2026 make one Rivalry Weekend in May at this time and the other in August right before Labor Day. And next time, make the true rivals face one another.