MLB Network took the crew out to Spring Training in Tampa Bay, Florida to take a look at how the New York Yankees are preparing for another season with “World Series Or Bust” dreams. It’s been 13 years since the Yankees won a pennant. It’s the third longest drought in franchise history.
Noone knows this better than Aaron Judge, who led the Yankees to a formidable 99 wins and an AL East crown last season before falling to their Achilles heel, Houston Astros in the ALCS. Judge compiled one of the greatest statistical seasons in MLB history. The 2022 AL MVP batted .311 with 62 homers, 131 RBI, a .425 OBP, .686 slugging and 2011 OPS+ in 157 games played. Judge’s OPS + was the highest for a right-handed batter since 1946 (post WW II).
Lauren Shehadi and Carlos Peña interviewed the newly minted Yankees captain who is $360M richer after cashing in this offseason. They covered several topics.
Facets Of His Game That Needs Improving?
“Last year I really tried to focus on base running and getting into scoring position a lot, especially hitting at the top of the lineup,” Judge said. “This year just contact rate, an improved two strike approach in situational hitting. That’s what wins ballgames down the stretch. When you’ve got ducks on a pond you’ve got to drive those guys in.”
Why Is Being An Elite Defender So important?
“I just want to be a complete player,” said Judge. “I know everybody is busting their butts on the field and grinding especially with this pitch clock now we’re going to be working overtime trying to get through innings. I just want to make sure that if a ball is hit my way, I can do everything in my power to make the play for them…Even growing up as a kid it was always about being a complete player.”
Judge also reiterated how much of a blessing it is to be able to wear the legendary pinstripes and perform in front of Yankees fans every night.
MLB Network studio analyst Alex Aliva and Brutha Broadcaster Cameron Maybin offered their two cents on what they predict for the Paul Bunyan of baseball in 2023.
“It’s not unreasonable” that Judge hits 65 homers.” Maybin said. Though he cautioned that Judge’s 2022 is a hard act to follow.
“How can you do better? He says he wants to get on base more if he gets on base anymore, he’s going to score 150 runs. it’s hard for him to duplicate or be better than that.”
More realistically, Maybin said he envisions Judge hitting in the 50-homer range.
“I think he’s that kind of hitter.” Maybin insisted. “He talks about situational hitting and putting the ball in play. These are the things that win you championships. So when you hear Aaron Judge talk about that, he’s creating the mindset for the whole entire team not just himself”
The Yankees have been victims of the swing-and-miss, failing to push runs across at crucial moments late in games through means other than the homerun, so Judge’s comments on situational hitting shows he’s locked in on what the Yankees need to do to get over the hump.
Compares Aaron Judge To Miggy Cabrera
Avila was also very complimentary towards Judge and compared him to Miguel Cabrera at a similar stage in Miggy’s career.
“When you get to the caliber of player that Aaron’s at right now. It reminds me of playing with Miggy when he was in his prime and posting MVP seasons each year. You expect those types of years. For Aaron it’s more about figuring out the little things to win a game – the things that help you win”
Judge does average 49 homers over 162 games, so that projection is not farfetched.
Yankees Soul Patrol Has Life
The Yankees projected starting lineup features three MLBbros in Judge, who will remain the everyday right fielder with Harrison Bader assuming center field duties. MLBbro Giancarlo Stanton and his guaranteed 30 bombs will DH and can pinch in with outfield duty if needed. Aaron Hicks seems to have survived the storm and is slated to return to the starting lineup in leftfield.
Some new faces in new places, but the fate of the Yankees rides on the all-around dominance of Judge.
While baseball’s current labor deal is in effect until 2026, it seems that early negotiations have started in 2023. The fight for position in the paint has begun. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred formed a new Economic Reform Committee. With the explosion of high salaries this offseason led by free agent and player splurges by the New York Mets and San Diego Padres, along with the collapse of regional sports networks, ownership’s first order of business is finding ways to implement a salary cap to try and depress player salaries.
Regional Network Fizzle
According to reports, the 19 Sinclair-owned Bally Sports RSNs are on the verge of bankruptcy, and Warner Bros/Discovery-owned AT&TT-0.6% RSNs shorted payments to the Astros, Rockies, and Pirates.
Attendance Decline
According to Forbes, “Major League Baseball has seen attendance decline nine straight seasons and was down nearly 6% in 2022 compared to 2019, the last season before the pandemic. Before the media rights explosion, the gate was the league’s largest revenue generator. As media rights became a huge cash cow, less strain was placed on attendance numbers.”
Salary Explosion
Baseball deals for superstars have reached the $300M mark and are only getting higher. San Diego just blessed Manny Machado with an 11-year $350M lifetime deal. Of course, if the market didn’t allow it then players wouldn’t be able to make that kind of money, but the owners are pulling in a grip so free enterprise is only right. However, the owners are getting less willing to share the pie and are prepared to play hardball when the next collective bargaining negotiations arise.
MLBbro Tony Clark is ready to stop any movements by the league that hints at a salary cap situation. Last weekend Mr. Clark spoke to the media from the union’s Arizona satellite office to say that despite the committee’s efforts being “focused in on how best to depress players’ salaries” he is prepared for a fight all the way up to the 2026 expiration date of the labor deal.
MLBPA Executive Director, Tony Clark, is adamant that the union will never agree to a salary cap.
Read more of what he has to say on the matter here ⬇️
Tony Clark’s Executive Legacy Tied To Labor Negotiations
This is the time that our highest MLBbro executive can stamp his name in the history of the game. MLB is the only North American sport without a version of a salary cap or a financial plan to budget player salaries. The players union and MLB have gone back and forth over this philosophical difference for decades which caused a work stoppage in 1994, eliminating the World Series and prematurely ending the season for a gang of players who were chasing records that year.
All eyes will be on Tony Clark for the next couple of years. The 2016 negotiations did not go as well as the players would have liked, and it led to the decline of players’ salaries by 6.4 percent from 2017 to 2021 for the first time since 1960. This led to criticism for Clark and the rest of the union leadership.
Clark Against Cutting Minor League Rosters, Salaries
Over 5,500 minor league players formed their own union in September to increase their annual salaries that bottomed out at $10,400. Clark started their negotiations for the first minor league agreement in November. While MLB has proposed ways to contract the minor leagues in exchange for improvements, Clark considers the league’s proposal to reduce the overall roster from 180 to 165 on its four minor league affiliates along with the Arizona and Florida complexes a “nonstarter”.
“The idea,” Clark said, “of the league having the ability to cut minor league jobs and/or contracting teams further on the heels of the 40-plus teams that were contracted a couple of years ago is troublesome.”
Clark is on record stating that he is encouraged with the early part of negotiations citing hope that MLB and the union can hammer out an agreement for the minor leagues in possibly two or three weeks. However, if no deal is made by Opening Day, the season will start under the current economic structure.
As for the majors, with a deal locked in until 2026, that doesn’t mean that Tony Clark will not be prepared for negotiations.
Tony Clark just told reporters: "We're never going to agree to a cap." Spring training headlines have been full of owners bemoaning economic disparity. We are (checks notes) four years away from the next CBA negotiations. If you stay ready you don't have to get ready, amirite.
Clark has spent much of his time as an MLBbro executive advocating and pioneering for the financial advancement of MLB players. In 2019, the baseball union formed a collaboration with the NFL players to create an organization called the One Team Partners. One Team Partners works to help players capitalize on their name, image and likeness. This business deal alone has raised hundreds of millions for the union’s cache. The success has attracted unions from other sports such as Major League Soccer, the WNBA and the US Women’s National Soccer Team.
Having just avoided disaster by settling a 99-day lockout before the regular season in 2022, Clark will be loading up and prepared for the next labor negotiations, which are sure to be contentious and a nightmare for fans.
The 2023 Andre Dawson Classic took place at the University of New Orleans this year on the weekend of February 24th-26th. The annual event, marked its 15th year of showcasing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their baseball programs, coinciding with the start of the college baseball season.
Formerly known as the “Urban Invitational”, the 2023 Andre Dawson Classic features seven HBCUs this year:
Alabama A&M University (Huntsville, Ala.) – 1st appearance
Alabama State University (Montgomery, Ala.) – 7th appearance; 2012-2013, 2018-2020, 2022-2023
Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Fla.) – 3rd appearance; 2019, 2022-2023
Grambling State University (Grambling, La.) – 11th appearance; 2011-2012, 2014-2020, 2022-2023
Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.) – 2nd appearance; 2022-2023
Southern University (Baton Rouge, La.) – 15th appearance; 2008-2020, 2022-2023
University of New Orleans (New Orleans, La.) – a non-HBCU – will co-host games of the tournament as they make their 9th overall appearance (2014-2020, 2022-2023)
The Major League Baseball-hosted event received a national spotlight through a live doubleheader feature simulcasted by MLB Network and MLB.com as part of an initiative to generate interest in baseball among young black athletes.
Andre Dawson, a 2010 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, spoke to MLB Network on what it meant to him for MLB to showcase HBCU talent.
“When Major League Baseball reached out to me it was quite the honor…. I have achieved many accolades and awards in my career, but this is right there at the top.”
MLB Network began its broadcast with Florida A&M taking on Southern. The game was highlighted by an explosive FAMU offense who had fifteen total hits including two home runs. FAMU, who benefited from a five-run 8th inning, won the game 12-6.
Alumni of both MLB Development Initiatives and Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) programs were included on every Andre Dawson Classic roster, most notably including:
42 players who have participated in MLB Development initiatives (such as the Dream Series, Breakthrough Series, and the Hank Aaron Invitational)
A 121% increase from 2022
44 alumni from RBI, a 47% increase from 2022
10 players from the Houston Astros RBI and Youth Academy (across five ADC teams)
5 players from the Ron “Papa Jack” Jackson Baseball Foundation RBI program in Birmingham, AL
5 players from Atlanta Braves RBI
5 players from Puerto Rico RBI
19 alumni of MLB Youth Academies, including 10 from Houston and six from New Orleans
⚾️ is a game of Inches‼️@GoJSUTigersBSB@ColbyGuy15 delivers go ahead RBI against Prairie View to secure a 5️⃣➖4️⃣ victory
MLB also recognized that to increase black participation in baseball the players must be introduced early on at the youth level. In conjunction with the Andre Dawson Classic, a three-day 12u tournament consisting of teams from RBI and/or Youth Academy programs were held.
Throughout the weekend, many of the young players watched the HBCU games while also finding time to mingle with Dawson, who was there in attendance.
“The kids, they’ve got to start young,” Dawson said to MLB Network. “You have to keep it fun for them. They have to get quality coaching, first and foremost, and not this parents coaching stuff.
“Let them play the game and enjoy it for what it is – recreation. But they learn the craft, too. This can take them to the next level. If you can continue to work with them and help them, get better, you increase their interest in the sport.”
The young players experienced the company of the Baseball Hall of Famer, a Black man whose presence offered a level of confidence in their baseball future. The gravity of these moments should not be understated when it comes to representation: if the kids see someone of the same ethnicity make it to the big leagues, it helps them realize that their own goals are attainable.
In addition to Dawson, who is one of only three Baseball Hall of Famers who are HBCU alumni (including Lou Brock and Larry Doby), other special guests in New Orleans will include HBCU alumni and former Big Leaguers Marquis Grissom and Marvin Freeman, former Major League Manager & current MLB Baseball Development Consultant Jerry Manuel, and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick, among others.
The Andre Dawson Classic is a precursor to the HBCU Swingman Classic, which is powered by the MLB- MLBPA Youth Development Foundation and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., scheduled for Friday, July 7th at T-Mobile Park during 2023 MLB All-Star Week in Seattle.
#MLBbro Legend Andre “The Hawk” Dawson signed with the Cubs in 1987.
He won the 1987 NL MVP Award with 49 homers. He was a 5x All-Star, 2x Gold Glover and won a Silver Slugger in 6 seasons with the Cubs.
Major League Baseball’s concerted efforts to make baseball palatable to young Black players not only helps the black youth, but they also help expand the game overall. Inclusion helps baseball evolve and become more innovative rather than stagnant. Bringing in diversity assists the sport in finding a new set of eyes from fans who may have felt ostracized due to a lack of representation.
Diversity Keeps The Sport Alive
Promoting growth is why initiatives such as the Andre Dawson Classic are integral to the game. Many of the college players who competed in the tournament were products of the RBI and Youth Academy pipeline. It is a cause for optimism that the number of players who were alumni of these youth programs played in this year’s Dawson Classic has increased. MLB Development initiatives are working.
In a statement to MLB.com, co-founder and program director of the Chicago White Sox ACE Kenny Fullman expressed joy about the Dawson Classic.
“One of the great things about this tournament, our kids don’t get to watch a lot of college baseball,” said Fullman. “A lot of times our kids don’t get to see people who look like them playing college baseball.
“This is a great opportunity for one, to see college baseball, and two, to see a lot of African-Americans and diverse people playing college baseball at a high level. I’m so thankful for this tournament.”
As the WBC rolls around former MLBbro All-Star centerfielder Adam Jones‘ name makes its way back into the baseball conscience. Jones’ incredible catch, robbing Manny Machado of a sure homer, with the US leading DR 4-2 in the seventh inning of the World Baseball Classic semifinals.
Jones’ all-time great catch stole the momentum back from the tournament favorite enroute to a championship game demolition of Puerto Rico (8-0) to capture Team USA’s first WBC title.
Recently, Jones, who has no problem breaking baseball down like a James Brown bridge for anyone who craves it, offered his thoughts on the mixed emotions towards San Diego Padres star Manny Machado, who has opted out of his contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season. Of course, Padres fans don’t want a player of his ilk to leave, right when the franchise is starting to blossom again. But Jones is a starch defender of players rights as evidenced by his influential role in MLB’s Player’s Alliance.
Jones responded to a Tweet about Manny Machado’s appearance on 97.3 The Fan, where the six-time discussed the tough decision of opting out.
“It’s obviously a hard decision for me and my family, but it’s not about myself or anything. Some people might say, ‘He just wants the money.’ No, we love San Diego. We have a home there. We love this organization, we love the way things have been moving around here, and going in the right direction.
“But at the end of the day, sometimes business is business. And I think it wouldn’t be in my interest if I — you know, the market has changed in five years. In one year it’s changed. You see it in life, you see it in the real world. Let’s take away baseball. The price of eggs is how much? It’s just life. Things change, a lot of things change. Ultimately, the markets change, right?”
Adam Jones Defends Manny Machado Decision To Opt Out
Jones, who amassed more than $100M in salary during his career came to Machado’s defense.
When it comes to Machado opting out, Jones, who had over 160 hits seven times and was once a veteran teammate of a younger (and brasher) Machado, Tweeted:
“As he should. He’s EARNED THE RIGHT. What don’t most get about this. It’s a business. And players have the same right as the owners to make the best BUSINESS DECISION FOR THEMSELVES.”
As he should. He’s EARNED THE RIGHT. What don’t most get about this. It’s a business. And players have the same right as the owners to make the best BUSINESS DECISION for themselves. Like what’s so hard to believe. Get some more years added. Why not. https://t.co/jmjRf0lseE
Jones championing for Machado’s right to free enterprise started a conversation with many showing support for Machado’s decision for the same reasons Jones mentioned.
Not all athletes. But Manny for sure. I mean did u hear what Dustin Johnson said about signing with Liv? Pay more work less. Who wouldn’t signed up for that lol. Exclude the politics in a response hahahaha
Exactly. That’s why they put opt outs. Stanton had one or two in his deal. Ain’t opt out. Arenado had an opt out but didn’t. Had he did NO ONE WOULDVE SAID ANYTHING. But they will always talk when it comes to Manny. And I think he loves it
Jones was also referring to Machado’s love-hate relationship with the media and his early reputation as a cocky but incredibly talented and charismatic “villain of the game.” Machado was 19 when he crashed into MLB and brought all of his competitive spice and youthful exuberance with him. Now 30, he’s still trying to shake the reputation he’s developed among some fans and media in his early days.
As one Tweeter mentioned, “Manny is a superstar and his 10 for 300M deal that he signed five seasons ago, looks like a steal currently with the way the market is paying for MVP caliber superstars so why not, opt out and test it? I don’t get the hate. Me as a Orioles fan I’m more butt hurt my owner didn’t shell out the cash to keep “my guys.”
It’s Just Business: Fans Don’t Want To Hear That
The business of the move is totally understandable, however, that’s not going to make Padres fans feel any less scorned. Machado is only 29 and he’s already an 11-year veteran. He will break the 300-homer mark in the first half of the season, barring a super slow start. He currently sits at 283 and despite the loss of MLBBro slugger Josh Bell and rising star CJ Abrams, there are huge expectations in San Diego, especially with the first Spring Training for Juan Soto and return of Fernando Tatis.
Some fans understand the market, math and motive, but still question why Machado, who already secured a $300M contract in San Diego has to test the market instead of staying loyal to the fan base and continuing to strive for the first World Series title in franchise history. Build his lasting legacy in San Diego. Make that franchise’s hat and jersey the one he wears in Cooperstown, rather than Baltimore, where he spent the first 6.5 years of his career.
I understand looking out for yourself but how much money does 1 person need? When is enough gonna ever be enough? The most $ a person makes in my family is 80,000 a year and she lives comfortably. You can't tell me "Oh, inflation ". If you play in MLB, you make enough to survive
Like it or love it, Jones is a staunch advocate for player’s rights, especially the young Bros coming up the financial ladder. In case anyone was confused, Machado is exercising his, which is very important in a capitalistic business where the owners make 100 times more than the highest-paid player. Reassessing your market value is always a smart play and keeps you from becoming a pawn in the machine. The stars have to strike when the iron is hot. They not only have an obligation to their families, but to the market and how the players who drive the game, connect with the fans, create the interest and perform the feats, are valued in the overall business structure.
As pitchers and catchers prepare to report to Spring Training in less than seven days, teams are also putting the final touches on their coaching staff for the 2023 season. On Monday, the New York Mets helped add a little more diversity to the game, hiring former Big Leaguer Jemile Weeks as their Roving Instructor for Infield and Baserunning for the 2023 season.
Jemile, who was elite at both skills, let the baseball world know about the move via his personal Instagram account. “Thankful and grateful!! I will be your Roving Instructor for Infield and Baserunning all 2023!! Proud to bring the wisdom and knowledge of this game to the HIGHEST levels once again. Mets get ready for another wild run, CHAMPIONSHIP MINDSET.
Jemile Weeks Is Elite Baserunner
Now if the last name looks familiar, that’s because it should be. Jemile is the younger brother of fellow former MLBbro Rickie Weeks. Now his older brother’s name has always had more star power, but Jemile was able to carve out a six-year career in the Big Leagues himself.
Jemile hit over .350 in two of his three seasons at the University of Miami before being taken 12th overall in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. His six-year career in the majors included three years in Oakland, two years in Boston and two brief stops in San Diego and Baltimore.
JEMILE WEEKS💨 5'9", 170 LB Drafted as a 2B by the Oakland Athletics in the 1st round💯of the 2008 MLB Draft from University of Miami. Signed for $1.9 Million💰. Played 2B w/ A's, OrIoles, Red Sox, & Padres from 2011-2016. Oakland 2011: BA.303, H 123, 2B 26, SB 22💨. pic.twitter.com/DbMtSJcsqP
— LOS ANGELES BLACK BASEBALL MUSEUM -#LABBM (@LA_BLACKBALL) December 22, 2021
What Is A Rover Assistant?
Now some may be wondering what exactly a rover assistant does. Per Weeks’ LinkedIn account, Jemile will travel to all Mets affiliates and develop top talent. This is going to be an important role with the Mets, who finished last season with four of their top-ranking prospects being infielders.
The Mets may have missed out on Platinum Glove winner Carlos Correa and lost their dominant but often injured ace Jacob deGrom, but they still have World Series aspirations over in Queens. We know ultimately players win and lose games, but a quality coaching staff is critical to success. Adding a forming big leaguer like Weeks will only strengthen the Mets as they gear up for what should be arguably the toughest division in baseball.
Weeks knows how to work with young talent. He contributes his experience and energy to helping develop the next generation of MLBbros through various developmental programs MLB offers for inner-city and minority talent such as the Hank Aaron invitational and Breakthrough Series.
Rickie Weeks Inducted Into National College Baseball Hall of Fame
This has been a big month for the Weeks brothers, as last Friday in Omaha, Nebraska big bro Rickie was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame. Rickie is one of the most decorated HBCU baseball players of all-time, leading the nation in 2002 and 2003 en route to back-to-back consensus All-American selections before being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers.
In offseason baseball news, World Series champion and outfielder Michael A. Taylor has been traded by the Kansas City Royals to the Minnesota Twins for pitching prospects Evan Sisk and Steven Cruz. This will be the third team for the World Series champion. He played the last two seasons with the Royals after seven with the Washington Nationals.
While being widely known as an immaculate defensive player, his .254/.313/.357 hitting slash with nine home runs and 43 RBI last season shows that his offense will be helpful for the Twins as well next year. MLBbro.com was monitoring his improvement on the offensive side last year starting with a hot start on opening day as MLBro.com content writer Malik Wright covers here…
Taylor is primarily a center fielder and a smart investment plan to back up fellow MLBbro Byron Buxton whose injuries have hampered him to the point that he has not played more than 92 games but once in his career. Michael A. Taylor’s presence will play a big part in the franchise’s overall resting program for Buxton which brought criticism from the fans last season.
Michael A. Taylor An All-Around Player
Taylor came into his own on offense back in 2017, hitting .271 with 19 dingers, knocking in 53 runs with an impressive OPS of .806. But his 2021 Gold Glove winning efforts gives Minnesota three outfielders on the roster with Gold Glove awards in Byron “Big Bux” Buxton (2017) and Joey Gallo (2020 and 2021).
Even though, reports consider Taylor a fourth outfielder and insurance policy for Buxton, we should see him plenty next season. He’s too good for the Twins to waste him on the bench. His ability to get a good read and jump on balls and be able to climb walls to rob extra base hits and homers placed him in the top five outfield assists in the AL during his time in Kansas City over two years.
The Minnesota Twins have acquired maybe the best under the radar acquisition so far this offseason.
