Pinstripe Alley
Gary Good, Gleyber Good
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2026 World Series Preview: Pitching
The Pinstripe Alley preview breaks down the Brewers' pitching strengths ahead of the 2026 World Series. Milwaukee’s staff tops MLB in strikeout rate (27.4%) and K‑BB% (19.6%), ranking in the top five for ERA (3.61), FIP (3.73) and fWAR (15.6). Star rookie Jacob Misiorowski, the presumptive NL Cy Young, posted a 1.80 ERA, 252 Ks and a record‑setting 106 mph fastball, but his postseason whiff rate has dropped to 16.1% and he failed to go beyond five innings in the NLCS. Backup starter Logan Henderson (2.33 ERA) and potential Game 3 ace Robert Gasser are also discussed, while the bullpen shines with a 1.33 ERA and standout relievers Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megill.
Yankees Birthday of the Day: Birdie Cree
On October 23, Pinstripe Alley celebrates the birthday of William "Birdie" Cree, a versatile outfielder who played for the New York Highlanders/Yankees from 1908‑1915. Born in 1882 near Pittsburgh, Cree juggled teaching, football and baseball before debuting in September 1908. He posted a breakout .348 average with a .513 slugging rate in 1911, ranking among the AL’s top five in several categories, and recorded the first right‑handed home run at Shibe Park. A wrist injury in 1912 derailed his career, leading to a decline and retirement after a .292 career average. Post‑baseball, Cree worked in banking and enjoyed golf and tennis.
Yankees 2026 Roster Report Cards: Trent Grisham
The Yankees’ 2026 roster report gives outfielder Trent Grisham a D after a season derailed by injury. After a promising start that saw him hit .290/.373/.473 in May‑June, a moderate hamstring strain in mid‑June sidelined him for three weeks. Upon return, his slash line fell to .186/.269/.381 and his defense collapsed, ranking in the bottom 10% of outfielders in range and posting a negative Defensive Runs Saved. He returned for the postseason but went 0‑for‑11 with five strikeouts in the ALDS, prompting questions about the Yankees’ decision to stick with him. Grisham now enters free agency with a $20 million qualifying offer history but a markedly diminished 2026 performance.
Today on Pinstripe Alley – 10/23/26
The blog tees up World Series Game 1 between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, set for 8 p.m. EST at American Family Field. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski will start, while the Rays are expected to go with Nick Martinez instead of top arm Drew Rasmussen, sparking debate among fans. The post also links to pitching and hitting previews, a report‑card on Trent Grisham, a piece on early‑Yankees star Birdie Cree, and a weekly mailbag. Readers get the key matchup details, starter speculation and additional content hooks to prepare for tonight’s championship opener.
Yankees news: Hal mum on labor
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner dodges labor‑talk questions at a press conference, saying he’ll discuss the league’s salary‑cap proposal only after the World Series, though he confirms he helped craft it. Meanwhile, Cody Bellinger wins his third Fielding Bible Award as the top defensive left fielder, tying for third in the majors with 21 DRS despite an injury stint. A critical column in The Athletic blames Steinbrenner’s vague leadership for the Yankees’ October shortcomings, citing a mishandled Jazz Chisholm Jr. situation and a costly ALDS error that hurt the 2026 playoff run.
2026 World Series Preview: Offense
The 2026 World Series pits the Milwaukee Brewers (103‑59, NL Central champs) against the Tampa Bay Rays, the AL's best record, setting up a showdown of two fundamentally sound offenses. In their April regular‑season series, the Brewers swept the Rays with scores of 3‑2, 6‑2 and 8‑2, combining for nine homers. Milwaukee boasts the third‑most position‑player fWAR (26.1), leading the majors in walks (10.6%) and batting average (.258), while posting a postseason .250 average and ten homers—the most in the playoffs. Key threats include William Contreras (212 postseason wRC+, .367 average, 3 HR, 5 RBI) and Jake Bauers (151 wRC+, 1 HR, 6 RBI). The Rays will counter with power pitchers Drew Rasmussen and ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta, likely forcing the Brewers to lean on left‑handed hitters. The preview previews offenses today and pitching tomorrow.
Yankees Birthday of the Day: Robinson Canó
Robinson Canó, born Oct. 22, 1982, made his mark as a homegrown Yankees star from his 2005 debut through a 13‑year tenure. After rising through the farm system and surviving multiple trade talks, he posted a .297 rookie line, earned All‑Star honors in 2006 with a .342 average, and became part of the first middle‑infielder duo with Derek Jeter to each collect 200 hits in a season (2009). Highlights include a walk‑off homer in the 2009 ALDS, a 25‑home‑run, .320 slash line that helped New York win the World Series, and a career‑best .319 average with 29 homers in 2010 that landed him third in MVP voting. The piece reflects on his legacy as the torch‑bearer after Jeter and his historic moments at both Yankee Stadiums.
Yankees 2026 Roster Report Cards: Paul Goldschmidt
The Pinstripe Alley report card gives Paul Goldschmidt a B for his 2026 Yankees season. After a strong start, his overall slash line fell to .252/.313/.452 with 18 homers, 52 RBI and a .967 OPS versus left‑handed pitchers versus .590 against righties over 105 games. Goldschmidt’s June 13 go‑ahead homer off right‑hander Louis Varland secured a win in Toronto. Though solid as a platoon/bench bat, the Yankees used him more than planned and now face roster decisions with Ben Rice’s breakout, Luis García Jr.’s acquisition, and Giancarlo Stanton’s status. Goldschmidt becomes a free agent after the one‑year deal and may find a new team for 2027.
Can Brian Cashman change the narrative in 2027?
Brian Cashman faces a pivotal 2027 season as the Yankees grapple with an aging, veteran‑heavy roster anchored by long‑term deals for Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón—all of whom missed significant time in 2026. With a thin free‑agent market, a depleted farm system and the looming lockout, Cashman must decide whether to double down on homegrown talent or pursue high‑priced stars, a balancing act the author says only a veteran GM could manage. The piece evaluates Cashman's track record since 1998, his recent “middle‑course” strategies, and whether he can finally break the Yankees’ pattern of postseason disappointment.
Today on Pinstripe Alley – 10/22/26
The post previews the final MLB action before a looming lockout, focusing on tomorrow’s Game 3 ALDS clash between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. It highlights Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge watching from the dugout, notes the Yankees’ early exit, and teases analysis pieces on Paul Goldschmidt’s possible final season with the Phillies, Robbie Cano’s legacy, offensive outlook for the upcoming World Series, and Brian Cashman’s recent contract extension. Readers are invited to weigh in on the Brewers vs. Rays outcome and share thoughts on Cashman’s deal.
Yankees news: Steinbrenner, Cashman face the press
In a Zoom press conference, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner publicly backed GM Brian Cashman—who is close to signing a new contract—and manager Aaron Boone for the 2026 season, while blaming the roster’s “detrimental” offense for missing the playoffs. Steinbrenner also pushed for a salary‑cap in upcoming CBA talks and fielded criticism of Aaron Judge’s “all‑in” comments about the franchise’s 17‑year World Series drought. Meanwhile, Judge’s rib injury remains under observation, with tests indicating surgery isn’t needed and a return expected by spring training. The article also notes the Fielding Bible Awards, highlighting Cody Bellinger as the top left‑field defender.
Yankees’ Brian Cashman confirms return as general manager
Yankees GM Brian Cashman confirms a new multi‑year deal with owner Hal Steinbrenner during the October 2026 press conference, solidifying his role as baseball’s longest‑tenured GM. The contract, an extension of the four‑year deal that began after the 2022 season, keeps Cashman at the helm through at least 2027. Under his 29‑year tenure the Yankees have never posted a losing record, captured the 2009 World Series, and consistently made the playoffs, though only three AL East titles have arrived. Cashman also pledges continued support for manager Aaron Boone heading into the 2027 season.
Yankees Birthday of the Day: Whitey Ford
On October 21, Pinstripe Alley celebrates Yankees legend Whitey Ford, the Hall of Fame left‑hander who debuted in 1950 and became the franchise’s top starter. After a rocky rookie outing, Ford refined his game, earning runner‑up Rookie of the Year honors and a postseason debut that helped New York sweep the Phillies. A Korean War draft pause didn’t halt his rise; by 1961 he captured his sole Cy Young Award with a career‑high 283 innings, eight All‑Star selections, ten AL pennants, five World Series rings and a 1961 World Series MVP. Ford’s 13‑year stretch (1953‑65) produced a 2.77 ERA, 17.2 wins per season and 11.3 complete games, cementing his place as the Yankees’ "Chairman of the Board."
Yankees 2026 Roster Report Cards: Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s 2026 season fizzles as he posts a disappointing .232/.213/.399 line with 19 homers, 55 RBIs and 41 steals in 137 games, earning a D+ grade. After a rough start (.188 BA through April) and a sprained thumb in September, his power and batted‑ball metrics plummet, though his baserunning and defense keep him as the second‑best AL second baseman by FanGraphs WAR. With free agency looming, the Yankees are unlikely to tender the $23.15 million qualifying offer, signaling a possible end to his pinstripe tenure.
Today on Pinstripe Alley – 10/21/26
The Knicks celebrated their 2025-26 NBA championship at Madison Square Garden, unveiling a banner, handing out rings, and even adding an NBA Cup banner. The post also recaps Josh Hart’s ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium for the Orioles‑Yankees doubleheader on Sept. 25, 2026, and notes Kevin’s take on Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s disappointing 2026 season. A birthday shout‑out honors Whitey Ford (98) alongside Mickey Mantle, and the site invites readers to answer a trivia question about a player who suited up for both the Brewers and Rays.
Yankees news: Should Yanks stick with Anthony Volpe?
The Yankees must decide whether to keep young shortstop Anthony Volve after his 2026 bounce‑back—posting a 1.4 fWAR in 70 games—but his offense remains underwhelming. Aaron Judge backs Volve, saying he’s vital for a World Series run, while analysts question if his recent surge is real. The piece also notes Aaron Boone will coach through 2027 without a contract extension, amid clubhouse and cultural concerns, and outlines a $200 M‑plus payroll tied to seven big contracts, with Ryan McMahon and Giancarlo Stanton flagged as low‑value. A tweet shows Yankees ambassadors at the Knicks’ championship banner ceremony.
The Sights and Sounds of 20 Games
The author recounts his quest to attend 20 New York Yankees games in the 2026 season, highlighting memorable moments like the Good Friday home opener where Aaron Judge and Ben Rice homered, Gerrit Cole’s surprise appearance, and a rain‑soaked May 6 game that turned into a Knicks‑watching party on the concourse. He reflects on the broader joy of the baseball journey versus postseason hype, noting first‑hand experiences—from field‑level tickets bought on Stubhub to witnessing Will Warren’s outings—while also touching on the cultural love of endings in sports and entertainment.
Yankees Birthday of the Day: Mickey Mantle
Celebrating Mickey Mantle’s October 20 birthday, Pinstripe Alley recounts the legend’s rise from Oklahoma sandlots to Yankee stardom. Despite early setbacks—osteomyelitis, a rookie ACL tear, and a knee injury—Mantle became baseball’s premier switch‑hitter, winning three AL MVPs (1956, 1957, 1962), a 1956 Triple Crown, and playing in every All‑Star Game from 1952‑1965. He helped the Yankees capture seven World Series titles, including four between 1956‑1962, and famously chased Roger Maris’s home‑run record. The piece also touches on his childhood, minor‑league debut, and post‑playing coaching stint, highlighting his charismatic leadership and lasting impact on the game.
Yankees 2026 Roster Report Cards: Paul Blackburn
The Pinstripe Alley report card gives Paul Blackburn an A for 2026, highlighting his breakout as the Yankees' trusted eighth‑inning setup man. After 85 innings he posted a 1.59 ERA (248 ERA+), 3.75 FIP and a 0.7 fWAR, while improving his home‑run rate and generating a 54% ground‑ball rate. Though his strikeout‑to‑walk ratio is modest (2:1) and he remains a free agent, Blackburn’s ability to pitch multiple innings and induce quality contact makes him a tempting target for a 2027 deal, despite the Yankees' recent reluctance to lock up relievers long‑term.
MLB Playoff Roundup: Rays advance to World Series
Freddy Peralta earns ALCS MVP as the Tampa Bay Rays clinch the series 4-2 over the Cleveland Guardians, winning Game 6 7-3 on Oct. 19, 2026. Junior Caminero’s two‑run homer and Yandy Díaz’s two‑run blast power the Rays past a depleted Guardians bullpen, while Peralta’s steady start secures the win. The victory sends the top‑seeded Rays to the World Series against National League champion Milwaukee Brewers, marking Tampa Bay’s third championship attempt after 2008 and 2020. The article details key innings, pitching changes, and the Rays’ offensive surge that capped their comeback season.
Today on Pinstripe Alley – 10/20/26
The Tampa Bay Rays clinch the ALCS by beating the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 at Tropicana Field, securing the franchise’s third pennant and setting up a World Series showdown with the Milwaukee Brewers. Both clubs finished the regular season as No. 1 seeds, dominating their leagues all year. The post also teases Madison’s Game 6 recap, Josh’s review of Paul Blackburn’s 2026 season, Andrés’s tribute to Mickey Mantle’s 95th birth anniversary, and John’s report on attending 20 Yankees home games.
Yankees news: Teruaki Sato will officially be posted
The Hanshin Tigers officially post NPB star Teruaki Sato, the Central League MVP, making him a top target for the Yankees as they look to upgrade third base after a disappointing off‑season. At 28, Sato could join New York next season, but the looming MLB lockout may delay his posting window, possibly extending his stay in Japan. The piece also notes Aaron Boone’s confirmation as Yankees manager for 2027 and highlights catcher Austin Wells’ mid‑season IL stint due to cervical headaches caused by hard foul tips.
How could Teruaki Sato fit in the Yankees’ lineup?
The Hanshin Tigers have posted NPB Triple Crown winner Teruaki Sato, opening the door for a possible Yankees signing. Sato posted a .306/.383/.991 line with 39 homers and 106 RBIs in 2026, and his left‑handed power could slot into the middle of New York’s order behind Aaron Judge, Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger, or serve as a fifth‑hole stabilizer. He also offers a solution at third base, where the Yankees have struggled with Ryan McMahon, José Caballero and Anthony Volpe. While scouts note some defensive transition risk, his bat alone makes him a more attractive option than the current infield options.
Aaron Boone will return as Yankees manager for 2027
Aaron Boone is confirmed to return as New York Yankees manager for the 2027 season, entering the final year of his two‑year, $10.5 million extension signed in 2025. Reported by Jack Curry (citing Pete Caldera), Boone will embark on his 10th season after leading the Yankees to eight playoff appearances in nine years, including a 61st postseason berth despite an injury‑hit roster. Though he has only one AL pennant and a World Series appearance, the club hopes his decision‑making will drive another championship push amid offseason roster uncertainty.
The Yankees have much to consider about Austin Wells
Austin Wells' 2026 season was marred by head injuries from Cam Schlittler’s fastballs, causing headaches, missed pitches and a brief IL stint. He posted a .155 average and .258 slugging through the first half, but surged late, finishing with a .784 OPS and earning a Gold Glove finalist nod. In the postseason he delivered three hits and two runs in the Wild Card, yet went 2-for-9 against the Rays in the ALDS and made a costly baserunning error. With backup catchers J.C. Escarra and Ali Sánchez underperforming, the Yankees are unlikely to replace him, especially as he remains under club control through 2029 and faces a projected $2.6 million arbitration salary, freeing cash for other needs.
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