CARLOS CARRASCO & HIS "BIG CHANCE"

Carlos Carrasco knows exactly what this moment means. The veteran right-hander isn’t just taking the mound for the Yankees—he’s seizing a golden chance to prove he’s still got it.

“This is a big chance for me...“I just have to go out there and pitch the same way I did in spring training. Compete every pitch, every out and inning, and go from there.”

That’s the mindset of a guy who’s been through it all—injuries, struggles, even a battle with cancer. And yet, here he is, gearing up for his first start in pinstripes and his second appearance overall since inking a minor league deal and turning heads in spring training (1-0, 1.69 ERA). Sure, his lone relief outing this season was a forgettable one (13.50 ERA), but Carrasco is built for comebacks. After a rough 2023 with Cleveland (3-10, 5.64 ERA), he’s looking to bounce back in a big way. This is a guy who won the Roberto Clemente Award and AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2019 after returning from a midseason cancer diagnosis. Adversity? He eats it for breakfast.

And now, he’s up against Merrill Kelly (1-0, 1.69 ERA) in today's series finale as the Yankees try to avoid a sweep in Arizona. No pressure, right?

Of course, Carrasco isn’t the only one stepping into the spotlight. With Gerrit Cole sidelined, the Yankees are relying on Carrasco and rookie Will Warren to help hold the rotation together. As Empire Sports Media put it:

"Instead of Cole vs. an opposing ace, it’s now Will Warren and 38-year-old Carlos Carrasco being tossed into the fire. Warren has shown flashes of potential, but he’s also a rookie getting his first taste of early-season big-league pressure. That learning curve is steep, especially against elite offenses. He struggled considerably in a small sample in 2024."

Look, nobody said this was going to be easy. But opportunity doesn’t knock—it kicks the door down, and Carrasco and Warren have a chance to prove they belong.

A LOOK AT BASEBALL HISTORY - THE TORPEDO BAT IS THE NEW BOTTLE BAT!

Okay, seriously am I the only one who isn't all fired up about this darn Torpedo bat? I'm of the mindset that the bat isn't magical and the hitter still has to do their job. This Torpedo bat is the new issue that just makes everyone hot blooded and crazy. It just shouldn't be, this isn't a new concept.

We are so accustomed to the traditional baseball bat, so I get that some baseball purists strongly oppose this bat. I can understand the traditional spirit at heart considering I can relate to a lot of that. However, since Rob Manfred took the reigns as MLB Commissioner, he has made it clear that he is looking to change the game and make it more appealing to younger audiences. He's made some stupid rule changes that the purist side in me hates. I hate the pitch clock; I hate the elimination of the shift, and I especially hate the rule of a runner starting at second in extra innings. I hate that more than ANY of his stupid rule changes.

But no matter how much I have hated it, or any of you reading this have hated it Manfred does what Manfred wants. That goes double for these Torpedo bats. This "new" Torpedo Bat isn't really a revolutionary concept....and it isn't illegal either, even though some call it cheating.

Check it out for yourself HERE MLB rule 3.02 The Bat:
"The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood."

As long as the dimensions of the bat meet the rule above.... it's legal. Every single MLB team can use these bats. It just so happens the Yankees have several guys using them, so it becomes a hot topic especially after the series with the Brewers. Jazz Chisholm Jr didn't magically hit his home runs thanks only to his bat. By the way, those bats haven't helped against the Diamondbacks. There is no unfair advantage here, we saw the typical Yankees so far in five games.... they are all or nothing.

So yeah, everyone wants to talk about the Torpedo bats now, but these aren't revolutionary bats. When I was little growing up, I used to hear my uncle tell me stories about Heinie Manush and his infamous "bottle bat" back in the 1930's. I remember he talked about how Manush had a magical bat. It wasn't magical because he hit tons of home runs like Aaron Judge (who isn't using a Torpedo bat). His career best was 14 home runs in a season, but he could hit. He does what the Yankees don't do now, which is hit for average, and he did it consistently until the last couple years of his career.

This bat is just customized to each hitter and I don't think that is a bad thing or a cheating thing. The standard swell of a bat doesn't work for everyone so having more wood in the barrel shifted closer to the hands can also reduce weight which will help players time their swing better. It's purely a customization and one that EVERY MLB TEAM CAN CHOOSE TO USE.

I can appreciate some fans passion. I get it, I have had plenty of issues with some of Manfred's changes but I am okay with this bat. This isn't a corked bat or an aluminum one for crying out loud. At the end of the day you still gotta see the ball and make contact. We've seen the Yankees are still the flawed Yankees with or without it. It's not all about the bat, folks......

The Torpedo bat is the new Bottle bat...and it may be here to stay.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

ONE LAST REQUEST FOR THE YANKEES TO SIGN ANTHONY RIZZO

Anthony Rizzo, once the heart and soul of the Cubs and a beloved Yankee, now finds himself in the baseball wilderness, waiting for a call that may never come. 

Michael Monreal of Just Baseball recently floated the idea that Rizzo might be headed toward retirement, given the sheer lack of interest from MLB teams. "Rizzo is a legend on the north side of Chicago, but his production has fallen off a cliff since leaving," Monreal wrote. "Once a consistent power threat, Rizzo hasn’t hit above .250 since 2019, and his defense has regressed as well. While his leadership and experience could be valuable, his days as an everyday player seem numbered."

And Monreal isn’t wrong. The Yankees were briefly rumored to have considered bringing him back, but then Ben Rice showed up and turned first base into his own personal proving ground. So, what’s left for Rizzo? A desperate team dealing with an injury at first might come knocking with a league-minimum contract, but that’s hardly a fitting sendoff for a guy who’s given so much to the game.

Here’s the thing, though: Rizzo shouldn’t just fade into the baseball ether like a forgotten free agent. No, he deserves better—a proper transition, a farewell tour of sorts, but one with purpose.

Enter: the player-coach role. I know, I know. I've said it before. I need to stress it one last time, folks.

For me, this isn’t some nostalgic gimmick. This is about putting Rizzo in a position where he can still contribute, still lead, and still matter. The Yankees have a clubhouse that could use his steady presence. Aaron Boone can barely manage a lineup card, let alone maintain clubhouse morale. Rizzo, however, is a natural leader, a glue guy who keeps spirits high and egos in check.

Let’s be real—the Yankees can afford this. Giving Rizzo a one-year deal to be a mentor, a backup first baseman, and a dugout presence wouldn’t break the bank. Plus, imagine the impact he could have on the young guys. The man knows what it means to play under the bright lights of New York. He could teach the next generation how to handle the pressure, how to navigate slumps, and most importantly, how to carry yourself in the Bronx.

Rizzo’s playing career might be on its last legs, but his baseball IQ and leadership? Those are still MVP-caliber. If the Yankees are smart (big if), they’d recognize that and give him a role that fits. Let him ride out one last year in pinstripes, easing into retirement while shaping the next wave of Yankees talent.

Because, really, what’s the alternative? Watching him awkwardly hang around free agency until he calls it quits in silence? That’s not the Rizzo way. Give the man his sendoff, and let him do what he does best—lead, inspire, and maybe even crank out a few more homers for old time’s sake.

SOME HARD TALK ABOUT JASSON DOMINGUEZ

Jasson Domínguez is undeniably a special talent at the plate. His ability to hit is what put him on the Yankees' radar early, and there’s no doubt he has the potential to be a game-changer offensively. However, his transition to left field has been an ongoing challenge, one that raises questions about how well-prepared he actually was for the position.

There’s a common perception that moving from center or right field to left shouldn’t be that difficult. After all, it’s still the outfield. But anyone who has watched Domínguez play can see that the adjustment is far from seamless. His instincts and mechanics in left field aren’t quite there yet, and that’s concerning. The Yankees heavily hyped him as a phenom because of his bat, but defensive struggles could limit his role in the long run. If he can’t hold his own in the field, does that mean he’s destined to be a full-time designated hitter by the time he’s 25? That’s not an ideal scenario for the Yankees, who need versatility, not another bat-only player.

Recent decisions by the team indicate they might already be second-guessing his defensive capabilities. According to Max Goodman of NJ.com, “The Yankees pulled Jasson Domínguez out of the game in the late innings in favor of Trent Grisham in both of the two games where he started in left field ...for them to summon Grisham in a three-run game to play defense in the eighth on Thursday, taking Domínguez's bat out of the game when he was due up second in the following half inning, is telling... this could be an indication that the Yankees aren't completely comfortable with Domínguez out there.” That’s an observation worth paying attention to.

Of course, it’s still early, and there’s time for Domínguez to improve. But the fact that the Yankees are making these late-game moves suggests some underlying doubt about his ability to handle the position. If his struggles continue, the Yankees might have to consider alternative plans. One possible scenario? They shift Grisham into a more prominent role while Spencer Jones continues to develop in Double-A, refining his approach at the plate. If Jones makes the necessary improvements, a switch between him and Domínguez could be on the table by May. It's a thought.

For now, Domínguez remains the Yankees' left fielder, and there’s hope that he can refine his defense to match his offensive prowess. But Goodman’s analysis is spot-on—the Yankees' recent decisions suggest concern, and how Domínguez adapts will be a storyline worth following in the coming months.

Like This? READ THIS:

WHY DIDN'T THE YANKEES DEVELOP DOMINGUEZ IN LEFT FIELD BEFORE NOW?

THAT "BO BICHETTE TO THE YANKEES" PREDICTION IS HOT & HEAVY

Jim Bowden strikes again! You’ve got to love the guy. He’s like that friend who confidently predicts lottery numbers every week—never quite right, but always entertaining. The latest gem from The Athletic’s Bowden? “Bo Bichette signs a five-year, $147 million deal to play third base for the Yankees.”

Now, let’s unpack this. First off, Bichette has never played third base in his entire MLB career. Not even once. Zip. Zero. So, sure, the Yankees signing him would likely mean shifting him to third, but honestly? I’d rather see him stay at shortstop. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t get the whole Anthony Volpe obsession. If the Yankees have a chance to snag Bichette, I’d be the first in line screaming, “DO IT!”

The Yankees’ third base situation has been a mess since Alex Rodriguez retired. A revolving door of mediocrity. So, in theory, adding a guy like Bichette—who is in a crucial contract year and looking to rebound from a tough 2024 season—makes a lot of sense. But would the Blue Jays actually let him go? That’s the real question.

Blue Jays Insider recently pointed out that Toronto should be doing everything in their power to lock Bichette into an extension, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr. “With all the uncertainty surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the way Bichette has been playing, it would be foolish for the Blue Jays not to make sure that Bichette is locked into a contract extension before the halfway point of the season.” Sounds like solid advice, but if Bichette is raking this year, he might just feel like it’s time to spread his wings. That’s where the Yankees could swoop in.

Let’s talk numbers. Over six seasons with Toronto, Bichette has hit .290 with 723 hits, 93 home runs, 343 RBIs, and 360 runs scored. That’s veteran production right there. If you’re the Blue Jays, you do everything possible to keep him. But if you’re Jim Bowden? You throw out a wild Yankees prediction just for the fun of it. And honestly? I love it.

This whole Bo Bichette-to-the-Yankees thing isn’t new, though. Back in January, while scrolling through offseason speculation, I came across an article by Nick Prasad over at Last Word on Sports suggesting the very same thing. It was such an outlandish idea at the time that I had to write about it on BYB in a piece titled, BO BICHETTE TO THE YANKEES? COME ON, MAN! My reaction then? Laughter. A lot of it.

I wrote, “Nick Prasad over at Last Word on Sports decided to shake up the offseason boredom with a blockbuster idea that has the Yankees trading for—wait for it—Bo Bichette. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good hot stove debate, but this one? It’s like something cooked up after three espressos and a nap in the Trade Machine.”

At the time, I brushed it off. But now? With Jim Bowden tossing this idea into the universe (probably just for clicks), I’m starting to think… maybe? A trade? A free-agent signing? Something? 

Stay tuned, because if history tells us anything, Jim Bowden’s predictions may not always stick—but they sure are fun to talk about.

THE FIRST MARTIAN DINGER!

We needed a big blast from Jasson Domínguez. We craved it. Yankees fans everywhere have been waiting—no, yearning—for this kid to shine in New York. And now? Oh, it’s happening.

Monday night, bottom of the third, 21-year-old Domínguez stepped up and absolutely turned on a Corbin Burnes fastball. Boom. A smooth 377-foot shot to right field—his first home run of the season. It wasn’t some violent, no-doubt nuke. It was quieter, smoother. The kind of swing that just carries the ball over the fence with an effortless swagger. 100 mph off the bat. All belief. No doubt.

And let’s not gloss over the fact that he did this off Burnes—the ace of the Diamondbacks, a former Cy Young winner. That’s not just a home run, it's important.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Yankees’ handling of Domínguez in left field. Will the homers gloss over the fact that he can't field? Not sure yet. I mean why in the world was he never properly trained there before this season? The guy’s a natural center fielder. Out of 298 games in the minors, he played left field just 58 times. That’s not “development,” that’s neglect. And now, in the majors, he’s basically learning on the fly.

I mentioned this before, but my buddy Dave at the barbershop put it perfectly: “Why the hell didn’t they train Domínguez in left field last year?” Great question, Dave. It’s not like the Yankees didn’t know their outfield situation was going to shift. Did they really think Juan Soto was a long-term lock? Did they not anticipate needing flexibility? Instead of preparing Domínguez for what was clearly a likely role, they let him marinate in center only to now throw him into left at the highest level. Make it make sense.

But you know what? At the end of the day, the kid rakes. He crushed one last night, and that’s what matters. If he keeps hitting dingers, the Yankees will find a way to make it work, and they really need to because I love seeing this kid hit dingers.

ANOTHER TORPEDO BAT & PORTNOY WHINES TOO MUCH

The weekend showdown with the Yankees and the Torpedo Bats was something else. But the most absurd complaint? That honor goes to none other than Dave Portnoy—who, at this point, is just a guy with too much time, too much money, and no idea what to do with either. His entire existence seems to revolve around whining, making his ridiculous "emergency press conference" videos, and, oh yeah, spreading nonsense.

Emergency Press Conference - The Yankees Torpedo bat needs to be banned before it ruins baseball @stoolpresidente pic.twitter.com/04w5Zz1s50

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 30, 2025

Case in point: the man actually claimed Aaron Judge was swinging a Torpedo Bat. Judge, who literally said, "No, I’m not," and, by the way, anyone with functioning eyes could just watch his at-bats and see—no Torpedo Bat. But sure, Dave, let’s run with that. Journalism at its finest. Fake news, bro. Go touch grass.

The best part was when Chisholm wrote back to him on Twitter saying “This is a high school baller talking.” Gotta love that, and Jazz is right.

Now, for the real story. The Yankees aren’t the only ones trying out these new bats, and the latest advocate comes from the Minnesota Twins: catcher Ryan Jeffers. His bat? A fancy new "bowling pin" style version of the Torpedo Bat. And he made a killer point while talking to ESPN’s Jeff Passan:

"There's new pitches getting invented every year. We're just swinging the same broomstick we've swung for the last 100 years."

He’s got a point. Pitchers keep evolving—why shouldn’t hitters? MLB’s rulebook is clear: as long as it’s a single piece of solid wood and within the size limits, it’s fair game. These bats aren’t illegal; they’re just optimized. And isn’t that what baseball is all about? The never-ending chess match between pitcher and batter?

Meanwhile, Portnoy should maybe shift his energy elsewhere if he wants to talk about cheating. Like, say, figuring out why the Red Sox just signed Bregman—a certified cheater—while their actual franchise guy, Rafael Devers, is getting squeezed out. Smart move, Boston. Real smart.

Anyway, back to baseball that actually matters—shoutout to Ryan Jeffers for backing innovation. The game is evolving, and I, for one, am here for it. 

MORE DEVASTATING NEWS IN THE DEATH OF BRETT GARDNER'S SON

The baseball world is reeling as new details emerge regarding the tragic death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of retired New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner. Authorities in Costa Rica now believe carbon monoxide poisoning may have been the cause of Miller’s passing, reversing their earlier claims that food intoxication was to blame.

Miller, the beloved son of Brett and Jessica Gardner, died peacefully in his sleep on March 21 while on a family vacation in Costa Rica. Initially, officials suspected that food toxins led to his asphyxiation, but recent findings suggest otherwise. According to ESPN, Randall Zuniga, director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department, confirmed that high levels of carbon monoxide were detected in Miller’s hotel room. The room was located next to a “machine room,” which investigators now believe may have emitted dangerous amounts of the odorless gas.

While these findings are significant, Zuniga cautioned that they remain preliminary. A final autopsy and toxicology report are still pending, leaving unanswered questions in the wake of this devastating loss.

The news has sent shockwaves through the Yankees community and the baseball world at large. Brett Gardner, a fan favorite and a key part of the Yankees organization for over 17 years, is known for his grit, leadership, and loyalty. His legacy as a player and as a family man has made this tragedy all the more heartbreaking for those who followed his career.

In the wake of Miller’s passing, the New York Yankees released an emotional statement expressing their grief: “Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss. It wasn’t just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years—so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.”

For Yankees fans and baseball lovers everywhere, this news is nothing short of devastating. The Gardner family is in the thoughts and prayers of many who admired Brett not just as a player, but as a devoted husband and father.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on honoring Miller’s memory and supporting the Gardners in this unimaginable time of sorrow. The baseball world stands with them, united in grief and love for one of its own.

AND JUST LIKE THAT, TORRES IS HURT

Well, this isn’t exactly how we envisioned Gleyber Torres’ tenure with the Detroit Tigers getting started. We all want Torres to succeed—his talent is undeniable—but landing on the injured list just a few games into the season? Yeah, that wasn’t in the script.

The Tigers placed Torres on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to March 29, with a left oblique strain. In his absence, Justyn-Henry Malloy has been called up from Triple-A Toledo to fill the roster spot. Not exactly the roster move Tigers fans were hoping for this early in the season.

Torres’ injury came in Friday night’s showdown against the Dodgers, right after he launched a solo home run in the third inning. As he rounded the bases, he reached for his side—a telltale sign something wasn’t right. Despite trying to gut it out on defense, Detroit pulled him from the game the following inning. A tough break, but probably the right call.

It’s especially frustrating because Torres has been locked in to start the season, going 3-for-7 at the plate. Sure, small sample size and all that, but there’s no question he’s been fueled by adrenaline in his new digs. Unfortunately, that same intensity might have contributed to this early setback.

The good news? It doesn’t seem like a long-term issue. Oblique strains can be tricky, but the Tigers aren’t hitting the panic button just yet. Hopefully, this is just a short detour on what should be an exciting ride for Torres in Detroit.

Get well soon, Gleyber. The Tigers need you back on the field, and so does baseball.

YANKEES JUST GOT MORE BULLPEN HELP!

The Yankees are making sure their bullpen stays intact while Devin Williams steps away for paternity leave, and they’re doing it with a familiar face—Adam Ottavino. The veteran right-hander has officially signed a Major League deal and was immediately added to the active roster, bringing some much-needed reinforcement to a pen that’s already been put through the wringer by early-season injuries.

And yes, that’s the Adam Ottavino—the same guy who once boldly declared that he could strike out Babe Ruth if given the chance. Now, while we’ll never know if the Sultan of Swat would have taken him deep or flailed at a nasty slider, what we do know is that Ottavino was lights-out the last time he wore pinstripes. Back in 2019, he was one of the Yankees’ most dominant bullpen arms, posting a ridiculous 1.90 ERA over 66.1 innings and making hitters look silly with his signature sweeping slider.

Since then, he’s bounced around a bit, including a recent stint with the Red Sox—yes, those Red Sox—after signing a minor league deal in February. However, he opted out on March 23 when it became clear Boston wasn’t giving him a big-league spot (which, honestly, is probably for the best for him). Now, he’s back in the Bronx, and the timing couldn’t be better.

With Williams temporarily out of the picture, Luke Weaver is expected to take over ninth-inning duties, while Ottavino slides in as a veteran setup man. It’s a smart, no-nonsense move by the Yankees—one that keeps the bullpen from skipping a beat while also giving fans a chance to once again enjoy Ottavino’s wipeout stuff (and maybe, just maybe, a few more spicy soundbites along the way).

JUDGE IS JUST RACKING UP THE ACCOLADES

Aaron Judge isn’t just the guy who smashes baseballs into orbit—he’s the guy who sets the tone for an entire clubhouse. Leadership isn’t just about putting up numbers; it’s about driving a team forward with motivation, guidance, and a presence that commands respect. And when you lead like Judge, the accolades follow.

On Monday, Major League Baseball recognized Judge as the American League Player of the Week—for the 13th time. That puts him alongside Alex Rodriguez for the third-most in AL history and ties him with A-Rod and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan for sixth place ever. That’s not just good company; that’s baseball royalty.

And let’s talk about what got him there. Judge absolutely crushed the Milwaukee Brewers to start the season, hitting an absurd .545 with four home runs, 11 RBIs, and eight runs scored. 

As FingerLakes1.com noted, “Judge joined Yankees legends Lou Gehrig, Alex Rodriguez, and Joe DiMaggio as one of the few players in franchise history to record at least three three-homer games. His 40 career multi-homer games now rank second among active players, trailing only Manny Machado.” Yeah, that’s kind of a big deal.

Oh, and by the way? The Yankees are 3-0, the last unbeaten team in the AL. Coincidence? Not when Aaron Judge is leading the charge.

YANKS GOT THE POWER, NOW HOW ABOUT SOME SPEED?

The Yankees’ bats are on fire right now—home runs are flying out of the park like they’re on express delivery. But let’s be real, even in the midst of dinger-mania, there’s always room for a little more chaos on the basepaths. You know what could really put this offense over the top? Speed.

Now, I’ll be honest—I wasn’t exactly an Esteury Ruiz expert before today. But thanks to a sharp-eyed piece by Mike DeRosa over at Athlon Sports, I’ve been enlightened. And frankly, it’s a fantastic idea.

Here’s what DeRosa wrote:

"Looking at the Yankees' current roster, it is fair to argue that they could use more speed and outfield depth during the beginning stages of the season. With this, they should seriously consider bringing in outfielder Esteury Ruiz from the Athletics."

Well said, Mike. And he’s absolutely right. Love this.

Ruiz, who just got DFA’d by the A’s, is a menace on the basepaths. Just last season, in 132 games, he swiped 67 bases, setting a new AL rookie stolen base record. You can’t teach that kind of speed, folks.

The Yankees have power for days, but what happens when we don’t hit it 450 feet? What happens when we’re manufacturing runs with doubles, sac flies, and clutch singles? That’s where a speedster like Ruiz could be a game-changer.

If the Yankees are smart, they’ll scoop him up immediately. Because nothing terrifies a pitcher more than a guy who’s already halfway to second before the ball leaves his hand.

Make the call, Cashman.