Yankees articles that have produced both humor and incredulity

Yankees commentators write articles both good and bad. But some fans would add a third category: Not worth writing.

Yankees writers often read many stories to write one. In those moments, when you’re reading a great article with insightful information, the line between fan and journalist disappears.

Writers such as Joel Sherman, Randy Miller, and Steve Contursi can usually be counted on to provide prose worth perusing.

But every so often you come across an article that catches you in fan mode, and you have a fan’s reaction. While the vast majority of writers and written pieces is of at least some interest and validity, others just leave you scratching your head.

So here are some of those reactions in honor of the fans who are limited to the comments section.

Free Agents Ain’t Free

Take this piece from NJ.com; while I don’t mind a little playful skewering, naming names just seems so Joe McCarthy.

The title is enticing: 11 free agents for Yankees to Pursue in Offseason.

Okay, that is an article that I am interested in both as a Yankees fan and as a researcher. Faithful readers, let me ask you before we review this article: What would you say is the most important piece the Yankees need to add next year?

Did I hear frontline ace? Corky, I think that was you. And you’re right. The Yankees farm system is overflowing with position players and worthy back-ups. That’s not to say they couldn’t upgrade or get more surety at positions like first and third.

But the Yankees have limited dollars to spend. My estimate, backed up by most other reports, is that the team will have roughly $35-40 million to spend this off-season. So, how could they best improve the team for next year without overspending?

Not by adding an infielder. They currently have Starlin Castro, Didi Gregorius, Chase Headley, Greg Bird, Tyler Austin, Ronald Torreyes, and Tyler Wade on the roster for next year. Add to them Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres, Thairo Estrada, and Nick Solak all waiting in the minors.

I didn’t mention catcher because I’m not convinced there is an upgrade in baseball at the position, but I’m certain that no such free agent will be available this year.

And adding an outfielder seems less than a wise use of limited funds. Yankees lined up for next year include Brett Gardner, Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Jacoby Ellsbury and Clint Frazier.

Either Billy McKinney or Jake Cave is likely to serve as organizational depth next year, while the fast-rising Estevan Florial is probably a 2018 September call-up.

2018 Yankees need Pitching, Pitching, and Pitching

But a front-line pitcher. Now that might tip the balance of power in baseball. That means the Yankees will go after either Jake Arrieta, Alex Cobb, or Yu Darvish.

Imagine the depth it would create. The team would ostensibly have four aces: Tanaka, Severino, Gray, and Darvish. That sounds like a team able and ready to win every night. The fifth starter might be Jordan Montgomery or Chance Adams, with the other waiting in Scranton.

So it was with this line of thinking that I eagerly clicked the link to find, well, I’m not sure.