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I did the math... 163 average.. 2 HRs and a 509. OPS during this stretch

Things just keep getting worse. Friday's loss to the crosstown Mets dropped the Yankees to 48-40 and two games out of first place in the AL East. Goldschmidt went 0-for-4, continuing a stretch where he's only recorded 16 hits in his last 98 at-bats.

If the Yankees feel a lineup overhaul is necessary, could that mean Goldschmidt finds himself on the bench? The Yankees wouldn't really make that move, would they?

No, probably not. Very rarely do the Yankees bench veterans, let alone a former NL MVP like Goldschmidt, amid prolonged slumps. Manager Aaron Boone has instead created the impression that he only sits players if he truly feels they can't turn things around, which is why Joey Gallo barely lasted a year with the Yankees.

His batted ball luck ran out. Not hard to predict. And just 8 HRs. His slugger days are long gone.

scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:44 pm I did the math... 163 average.. 2 HRs and a 509. OPS during this stretch

Things just keep getting worse. Friday's loss to the crosstown Mets dropped the Yankees to 48-40 and two games out of first place in the AL East. Goldschmidt went 0-for-4, continuing a stretch where he's only recorded 16 hits in his last 98 at-bats.

If the Yankees feel a lineup overhaul is necessary, could that mean Goldschmidt finds himself on the bench? The Yankees wouldn't really make that move, would they?

No, probably not. Very rarely do the Yankees bench veterans, let alone a former NL MVP like Goldschmidt, amid prolonged slumps. Manager Aaron Boone has instead created the impression that he only sits players if he truly feels they can't turn things around, which is why Joey Gallo barely lasted a year with the Yankees.

Benching old (great) vets a hard call. You don’t want to embarrass a guy who’s been a face of the game and great ambassador for the sport and you never know if they have a shot of that MVP magic left, like he flashed the first few months.

I’d probably wait and see if he gets back at it after the break. Last 6 weeks in a tight race maybe not.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:52 pm

scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:44 pm I did the math... 163 average.. 2 HRs and a 509. OPS during this stretch

Things just keep getting worse. Friday's loss to the crosstown Mets dropped the Yankees to 48-40 and two games out of first place in the AL East. Goldschmidt went 0-for-4, continuing a stretch where he's only recorded 16 hits in his last 98 at-bats.

If the Yankees feel a lineup overhaul is necessary, could that mean Goldschmidt finds himself on the bench? The Yankees wouldn't really make that move, would they?

No, probably not. Very rarely do the Yankees bench veterans, let alone a former NL MVP like Goldschmidt, amid prolonged slumps. Manager Aaron Boone has instead created the impression that he only sits players if he truly feels they can't turn things around, which is why Joey Gallo barely lasted a year with the Yankees.

Benching old (great) vets a hard call. You don’t want to embarrass a guy who’s been a face of the game and great ambassador for the sport and you never know if they have a shot of that MVP magic left, like he flashed the first few months.

I’d probably wait and see if he gets back at it after the break. Last 6 weeks in a tight race maybe not.

So the contract plays?

scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:58 pm

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:52 pm

scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:44 pm I did the math... 163 average.. 2 HRs and a 509. OPS during this stretch

Things just keep getting worse. Friday's loss to the crosstown Mets dropped the Yankees to 48-40 and two games out of first place in the AL East. Goldschmidt went 0-for-4, continuing a stretch where he's only recorded 16 hits in his last 98 at-bats.

If the Yankees feel a lineup overhaul is necessary, could that mean Goldschmidt finds himself on the bench? The Yankees wouldn't really make that move, would they?

No, probably not. Very rarely do the Yankees bench veterans, let alone a former NL MVP like Goldschmidt, amid prolonged slumps. Manager Aaron Boone has instead created the impression that he only sits players if he truly feels they can't turn things around, which is why Joey Gallo barely lasted a year with the Yankees.

Benching old (great) vets a hard call. You don’t want to embarrass a guy who’s been a face of the game and great ambassador for the sport and you never know if they have a shot of that MVP magic left, like he flashed the first few months.

I’d probably wait and see if he gets back at it after the break. Last 6 weeks in a tight race maybe not.

So the contract plays?

For a minute, maybe. His early season success, and potential refresh at the break probably supports slow rolling the decision for a bit.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:52 pm

scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:44 pm I did the math... 163 average.. 2 HRs and a 509. OPS during this stretch

Things just keep getting worse. Friday's loss to the crosstown Mets dropped the Yankees to 48-40 and two games out of first place in the AL East. Goldschmidt went 0-for-4, continuing a stretch where he's only recorded 16 hits in his last 98 at-bats.

If the Yankees feel a lineup overhaul is necessary, could that mean Goldschmidt finds himself on the bench? The Yankees wouldn't really make that move, would they?

No, probably not. Very rarely do the Yankees bench veterans, let alone a former NL MVP like Goldschmidt, amid prolonged slumps. Manager Aaron Boone has instead created the impression that he only sits players if he truly feels they can't turn things around, which is why Joey Gallo barely lasted a year with the Yankees.

Benching old (great) vets a hard call. You don’t want to embarrass a guy who’s been a face of the game and great ambassador for the sport and you never know if they have a shot of that MVP magic left, like he flashed the first few months.

I’d probably wait and see if he gets back at it after the break. Last 6 weeks in a tight race maybe not.

Disagree.
If the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to bench a player, that reality is not altered by tangential factors.
The game does not care about a player's age.
Or contract.
Or legacy.
Or potential embarrassment.
The game reflects performance only.
And I am only and always about the game.

Melville wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 20:43 pm

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:52 pm

scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:44 pm I did the math... 163 average.. 2 HRs and a 509. OPS during this stretch

Things just keep getting worse. Friday's loss to the crosstown Mets dropped the Yankees to 48-40 and two games out of first place in the AL East. Goldschmidt went 0-for-4, continuing a stretch where he's only recorded 16 hits in his last 98 at-bats.

If the Yankees feel a lineup overhaul is necessary, could that mean Goldschmidt finds himself on the bench? The Yankees wouldn't really make that move, would they?

No, probably not. Very rarely do the Yankees bench veterans, let alone a former NL MVP like Goldschmidt, amid prolonged slumps. Manager Aaron Boone has instead created the impression that he only sits players if he truly feels they can't turn things around, which is why Joey Gallo barely lasted a year with the Yankees.

Benching old (great) vets a hard call. You don’t want to embarrass a guy who’s been a face of the game and great ambassador for the sport and you never know if they have a shot of that MVP magic left, like he flashed the first few months.

I’d probably wait and see if he gets back at it after the break. Last 6 weeks in a tight race maybe not.

Disagree.
If the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to bench a player, that reality is not altered by tangential factors.
The game does not care about a player's age.
Or contract.
Or legacy.
Or potential embarrassment.
The game reflects performance only.
And I am only and always about the game.

Correct baseball decisions aren’t always of the short sighted and cold calculating variety. People, not robots (TLR).

We’re talking about a highly respected player who has performed, and provided value on a contender, THIS season. Maybe he’s a little banged up and the break will do him some good. It’s why it exists. Not talking about guaranteed playing time the rest of the year…just a little more leash.

Your method as a GM would make other veterans that could be useful to your team avoid signing like the plague. I’ve got you back down to 90%. Still really good though.

I get no joy from watching him struggle. He was offered money and he took it.

Even with recent struggles, still has .343 OBP and on pace to score 100 runs and solid defender. 2 of last 3 games multi-hit. Maybe starting to come out of it some? Not exactly useless yet.

I wasn't a bad signing as he simply murders lefties. But he's dismal against righties. Strictly a a platoon player now. In many ways it's a lot like the Yanks signing Johnny Mize, except Mize still murdered righties when he was 37. He really struggled against southpaws. But there are a lot more righties a player will face than a lefty.

ScotchMIrish wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 21:01 pm I get no joy from watching him struggle. He was offered money and he took it.

^ this. Goldy is a true professional who had a great career with AZ, had a great career with Stl. Earlier in the season threads came out stating what a mistake they made by letting him go. He's back down to earth now, and a thread pointing out his struggles. It's pretty simple, like with all players, father time has got a hold of his shirt tail holding him back. It is what it is. PG went to the best fit team for him, and I wish him success, but I can't wish the same for his team. Just can't do it.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 20:58 pm

Melville wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 20:43 pm

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:52 pm

scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 19:44 pm I did the math... 163 average.. 2 HRs and a 509. OPS during this stretch

Things just keep getting worse. Friday's loss to the crosstown Mets dropped the Yankees to 48-40 and two games out of first place in the AL East. Goldschmidt went 0-for-4, continuing a stretch where he's only recorded 16 hits in his last 98 at-bats.

If the Yankees feel a lineup overhaul is necessary, could that mean Goldschmidt finds himself on the bench? The Yankees wouldn't really make that move, would they?

No, probably not. Very rarely do the Yankees bench veterans, let alone a former NL MVP like Goldschmidt, amid prolonged slumps. Manager Aaron Boone has instead created the impression that he only sits players if he truly feels they can't turn things around, which is why Joey Gallo barely lasted a year with the Yankees.

Benching old (great) vets a hard call. You don’t want to embarrass a guy who’s been a face of the game and great ambassador for the sport and you never know if they have a shot of that MVP magic left, like he flashed the first few months.

I’d probably wait and see if he gets back at it after the break. Last 6 weeks in a tight race maybe not.

Disagree.
If the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to bench a player, that reality is not altered by tangential factors.
The game does not care about a player's age.
Or contract.
Or legacy.
Or potential embarrassment.
The game reflects performance only.
And I am only and always about the game.

Correct baseball decisions aren’t always of the short sighted and cold calculating variety. People, not robots (TLR).

We’re talking about a highly respected player who has performed, and provided value on a contender, THIS season. Maybe he’s a little banged up and the break will do him some good. It’s why it exists. Not talking about guaranteed playing time the rest of the year…just a little more leash.

Your method as a GM would make other veterans that could be useful to your team avoid signing like the plague. I’ve got you back down to 90%. Still really good though.

Scouty raised the question of benching a veteran.
Which is the context of my reply.
The discussion is not about the usefulness of veterans to the roster.
They are.
Nor about "respect".
Some have certainly earned it.
And yes, players can be banged up - at any age.
Not the point.
The game does not care about any of those things.
The game is about outcomes -nothing else.
Bottom line - once a manager believes a player should be benched based on lack of productivity, that decision must be made regardless of tangential factors.
Is Goldschmidt at the point?
I don't know.
I would need to watch the Yankees for perhaps 7-10 days to form a conclusion.
Boone, of course, has been observing far longer.
And if, in his judgement, Goldschmidt is not the best starting option to provide production, he should act on that without consideration to the other factors under discussion here.

nighthawk wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 21:27 pm I wasn't a bad signing as he simply murders lefties. But he's dismal against righties. Strictly a a platoon player now. In many ways it's a lot like the Yanks signing Johnny Mize, except Mize still murdered righties when he was 37. He really struggled against southpaws. But there are a lot more righties a player will face than a lefty.

A post based solely on baseball factors.
As it should be.

Melville wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 20:43 pm Disagree.
If the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to bench a player, that reality is not altered by tangential factors.
The game does not care about a player's age.
Or contract.
Or legacy.
Or potential embarrassment.
The game reflects performance only.
And I am only and always about the game.

I agree.
The object of the game is to win. Period.

DRoss wrote: ↑06 Jul 2025 08:42 am

Melville wrote: ↑05 Jul 2025 20:43 pm Disagree.
If the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to bench a player, that reality is not altered by tangential factors.
The game does not care about a player's age.
Or contract.
Or legacy.
Or potential embarrassment.
The game reflects performance only.
And I am only and always about the game.

I agree.
The object of the game is to win. Period.

It really is that simple.

Age for a ballplayer is a beeetch

But

He gave the Yanks an all-star level performance from Opening Day till mid June:

Opening Day - 6/15
.304 .363 .445 .808

But he also turns 38 yrs old in a couple months, the summer heat was bound to get to him and wear him down.