We recap Masahiro Tanaka‘s future with the New York Yankees, the fifth starter competition and the Clint Frazier “No. 7” saga.
After a much-needed off-day, the New York Yankees will square off against the Baltimore Orioles in a three-game set at Camden Yards.
However, Thursday’s off-day was anything but quiet.
It’s no secret the Yankees have relied on ace Masahiro Tanaka ever since they signed him to a seven-year, $155 Million contract during the 2014 offseason. But while the contract guarantees money, it also guarantees a way out.
Following Tanaka’s third year in pinstripes, he has the option of opting out of his current contract. But if the 28-year-old does opt-out, don’t expect the Yankees to renegotiate.
#Yankees won't be inclined to pursue a long-term, costly extension with Masahiro Tanaka if he opts out: team sources https://t.co/lZolqWwWFL
— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzNYDN) April 7, 2017
The Yankees have had bad luck with big-time contracts, notably Mark Teixeira and CC Sabathia. Teixeira ended his Major League Baseball career last season after he spent more time on the disabled list with wrist and leg injuries. Sabathia is entering the final year of his contract, but he’s no longer the power pitcher the Yankees signed. He has since reinvented himself as a finesse pitcher.
Will Tanaka opt out at the end of the year? Well, let’s worry about that at the end of the season. We still have six months of baseball left!
The Yankees resumed the fifth starter competition on Thursday evening, as Jordan Montgomery and Chad Green battled at High-A Tampa; they were supposed to start at Triple-A and Double-A respectfully but weren’t able to due to inclement weather.
So, how did Montgomery and Green fare against the Lakeland Flying Tigers?
#Yankees 5th SP comp
Tonight at High-A Tampa
Chad Green
4IP 2H 1R 1ER 5K 1HR
Jordan Montgomery
5IP 3H 1R 0ER BB 9K#Yankees #NYY— ⚾️ (@YankeesMLBNews) April 7, 2017
Both teammates are scheduled to have one more outing before the Yankees decide on who will be the fifth starter. The decision should happen on Apr. 16.
Finally, we’ve all heard the erroneous report saying Clint Frazier asked for Mickey Mantle‘s No.7, which was started by ‘Ma Yankee’ herself Suzyn Waldman. Since then, Frazier spoke out regarding the false report, and frankly, all he cares about is playing for the Yankees.
Ready to play some baseball. i care more about the front of the jersey than the back.
— Clint Frazier (@clintfrazier) April 5, 2017
Listen, guys, these stories about Frazier’s hair and Frazier wanting No.7 is becoming one huge distraction. But it’s in no way Frazier’s fault. The next time the media writes about him, can it be for his contributions on the field? I’m sure Frazier, and Yankees fans, would appreciate that.
The Yankees will try to win their second game of the season against the Orioles tonight. Luis Severino will start for the Yankees and Ubaldo Jimenez will start for the Orioles.
First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m. ET on the YES Network from Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland.
