Uncustomed Heroes of 2017: Yankees

Boy, we sure got close, didn't we?

This was a Yankees team that didn't look like much initially, and looked like they'd do what they usually did this decade for a second...but then they got good, and they got good QUICKLY. By the end of the season they were red-hot, and nearly got to the World Series, if it wasn't for the infinitely better Houston Astros, who were gonna take us out no matter what.

Jacoby Ellsbury, despite his usual mid-year injury, hit well for us, eventually heading to the DH position once the Yankee outfield well got mighty thick. I'm not sure how he's gonna factor into the 2018 season- everything he's done can just be done by someone younger and healthier.

Dellin Betances had another great, ASG-worthy year as set-up man/occasional closer, and cemented his status as being one of the best relievers in the game, even outdoing Aroldis Chapman at some points.

Chase Headley had moments of greatness in pinstripes this year, but for the most part, his performance bled into the usual for Headley- too inconsistent, too ineffective, not worthy of being a Yankee. Once Todd Frazier entered the picture, it was game over for Headley in New York- he's been shipped off to San Diego for Jabari Blash.

Jordan Montgomery, aka Gumby, had a pretty nice rookie season, despite bringing up the rear in the rotation. The guy had a strikeout-heavy year, with a 3.88 ERA and a 9-7 record, which was not bad at all for a guy who essentially snuck into the fifth spot.

Tommy Kahnle was snagged in the Frazier deal, and gave some great numbers in relief, allowing for a great bid for what will surely be an amazing 2018 bullpen. However, his ex-Chicago cohort one-upped him...

..by having a 1 ERA and being an incredible asset in the postseason. It's wonderfully nice to have David Robertson back in the bullpen, and I'm sure he'll be a very nice tool to have next season.

I'd be remiss if I didn't end this year of customs without saying one more thing about Aaron Judge.

This was the year of Aaron Judge, by far. The guy broke out like nobody we've seen in this city in years, with home runs right and left, some incredible plate presence, some great outfield work, and with a hero complex that's satisfying the young fans of the Bronx. What I'm saying is if Aaron Judge can do what he did in 2017 for the rest of his career, we're all gonna be just fine.

Also...I received a Yanks t-shirt for the holidays. And I was happy to find a Judge 99 on the back. Life is good.

That was this year of customs, guys. Expect more of these in Spring Training, but sporadically, as you can never tell when a good photo of someone relevant is gonna pop up. I'll try to fill the void with posts about cards, as tough as that may be. I want this to be worthwhile for you guys, as well as for me.

The One That Got Away

Sometimes late at night, I ponder...after I'm done pondering about actual important stuff....what if the Yankees had never traded Yangervis Solarte away in exchange for Chase Headley.

I look at how things have gone for both parties. In 2014, we needed stability at third base, so we traded Yangervis Solarte away, and ironically he'd be a more stable, consistent third baseman than Headley's been. In 2014, the Padres needed to rebuild and not have singular sources of power, and ironically the guy they traded's a member of a rebuilding team, and the guy they got is one of the singular sources of power on their roster. It honestly couldn't have gone worse for either team.

Except for the fact that both parties have been doing pretty well.

Solarte's been fantastic at third for the Padres, even to the point where they've shifted him to second on account of the fact that they literally have no other stable infielders. Him and Wil Myers are among the few reasons to go to Padres games, which is nice. Meanwhile, Headley is FINALLY coming to his own in the Bronx, after a number of .200-level seasons where he couldn't get things together. Aside from being stymied by Carlos Martinez yesterday, Headley is finally hitting and proving his worth, alongside a younger, but stronger and more balanced, base.

So...pretty much the opposite of what either team wanted back in 2014. Funny, but still productive enough.

Coming Tonight (?)- Former Cardinal. Current Yankee. Oh, how the tables have turned.

And now, a really cool Chase Headley custom

I am posting this because it's been in my 'finished' folder since early May, and it kept getting pushed back a million times, and I feel like it's so awesome that the world needs to see it.

So here's a custom that will likely be hanging on my wall by the end of the summer. Relish it. Enjoy it. Delight in its majesty. I'll get an actual post up later.

A little late, but still worthy of mention

That is what we all needed. Someone that can hit in the clutch and play third base really well. Well done, Chase Headley.

Check Your Headley

Welcome to the Yankees, Chase Headley. Your defensive play and nice hitting will definitely go over well in New York. Besides, we needed a sure thing at third base after the last few crapped out on us.

Well done, Cashman. Now, let's see some results.

Year by Year Customs: 1985

 

I know I missed yesterday, but every rampant customizer needs a day off. Besides, I had a few things that prevented me from getting customs done. Good news is that I have the next few days of customs all completed.

That Ellisbury card is nice. I really don't hate him...as much as I hate Pedroia and Ross.

 

Traded to the ever-growing Nationals

 

 

Coming Tomorrow- Another nice, easy design.