Yankees: It's time to retire the thumbs down movement

What began as a bonding experiment and morphed into a rallying cry for the 2017 Yankees, should now cease to exist with Todd Frazier’s move to the Mets.

All good things must come to an end. Having not won a World Series Championship since 2009, Yankees fans understand this cold hard truth.

So with the news of Toms Rivers, NJ native Todd Frazier moving to the rival Mets (are they though?) on a two-year, $17 million deal, we can officially close the book on one of the feel-good stories of recent time.

It was clear to see that The Toddfather loved his three months in the Bronx. I mean, why wouldn’t he? Playing for his favorite childhood team, while being a clubhouse leader and helping guide the club within one game of the World Series was a dream come true.

The Hallmark Channel can’t wait to get their hands on the script!

Frazier is a class act, and he’ll be missed by his teammates and a vast majority of fans. With plenty of pop still left his bat (albeit mixed in between high-strikeout total), Frazier plays excellent defense and is versatile enough to warrant $8.5 million per season.

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What’s apparent is that the Yankees were ready to move on. According to Jon Morosi, following successful arbitration hearings, the Yanks still have $15 million left to spend before incurring the $197 million luxury tax threshold.

So if the club really wanted Frazier back, they could have had him. Without shedding another high-priced veteran contract such as Jacoby Ellsbury, Adam Warren or David Robertson (they better not), inking a starting pitcher likely like Yu Darvish or Alex Cobb won’t happen.

I fully expect Cashman to hold off on adding any more salary until the July 31 trade deadline. Let the season play out and reevaluate any missing pieces as you head down the stretch.

Clearly, the Yanks are comfortable going with rookie Miguel Andujar at third base (should he win the job out of camp) or some combination of utility players such as Ronald Torreyes, Tyler Wade or Danny Espinosa.

Following Frazier’s signing, Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard tried his best to reignite the Subway Series when he tweeted the thumbs down emoji. Understandably, this sent Yankee fans up the wall. But I’m here to tell you it’s alright.

Let Thor and the geriatric Amazin’s have the gesture. It’s all used up. We took a negative and turned it into a positive.

Should we even care that the reason behind “thumbs down” — 54-year-old Gary Dunaier happily welcomed Frazier to Flushing?

NOPE. Why’s that you ask? Well, George R.R. Martin’s doppelganger is writing some fiction of his own — as told to the NY Daily News.

"“As a Mets season ticket holder, it is my sincere hope that Todd Frazier can help inspire his new teammates in the clubhouse, and do his part on the field, to help the Mets reach the World Series and earn manager Mickey Callaway a return trip to Cleveland as the manager of the National League All-Stars in 2019,” he said."

Next: CC Sabathia should tread carefully

Similar to last season’s feel-good “Toe-Show,” it’s out with the old and in with the new.

Hey, Didi is a wiz on social media, I’m sure he can come up with something equally inspiring. And if not, don’t worry, the Yankees can always let their winning ways become their calling card.

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Yankees: It’s time to retire the thumbs down movement

By Mike Calendrillo | Feb 6, 2018

What began as a bonding experiment and morphed into a rallying cry for the 2017 Yankees, should now cease to exist with Todd Frazier’s move to the Mets.