Yamamoto heads for LA 🌴

Plus, Devils beaten, Robinson heartbreak and more!

Author

SportsDraft NY
December 22, 2023

Hey there - get ready for a jam-packed NY sports update that cuts through the noise!

From Yamamoto breaking hearts to more heartbreak for Mitchell Robinson, we've got you covered.

Plus, Devils beaten and what next for the Yankees? Read on for the details!

Let’s Go 👇🏻

Yamamoto's Miss: Mets and Yankees Set Sights on New Pitching Targets

All eyes on the mound, NY sports fans! After their high-profile chase for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Mets and Yankees are adjusting their pitching strategies for the off-season.

Yamamoto, the Japanese pitching sensation, eluded both NY teams, choosing the Dodgers instead. His outstanding skills, including a formidable fastball, splitter, curve, and cutter, alongside impeccable command, made him the most coveted pitcher this off-season. With a career ERA of 1.82 and record-breaking performances in Japan, Yamamoto's potential impact in the majors was a huge draw.

Key Points:

  • Mets' Strategy Shift: Without Yamamoto, the Mets, needing multiple starters, may bypass top-tier market names like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, eyeing alternatives like Lucas Giolito.

  • Yankees' Plan B: Facing rotation uncertainties, the Yankees are considering reuniting with Jordan Montgomery and also showing interest in Shota Imanaga.

What to Look for Next:

  • Both teams diverge in their pitching acquisition strategies, reflecting their distinct team needs and market positions.

  • The Mets' meticulous approach to Japan, including meetings with Yamamoto and his family, showcased their serious intent. Similarly, the Yankees' engagements, including a meeting in the New York area, signaled their commitment. Despite these efforts, both teams now recalibrate their focus to other promising pitchers.

  • This off-season is shaping up to be a strategic chess game for the Mets and Yankees, each maneuvering to strengthen their rosters with impactful pitching talent. Stay tuned as the plot thickens in the Big Apple's baseball narrative!

Oilers' Third-Period Blitz Dismantles Devils in Thrilling 6-3 Victory

Hey there, sports fans! Brace yourselves for an electrifying recap of the Oilers' comeback win over the Devils!

Edmonton Oilers flipped the script with an explosive 69-second performance in the third period, spearheading a 6-3 triumph over the New Jersey Devils. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Adam Erne were the catalysts of this stunning turnaround, snapping a three-game losing skid for the Oilers.

Things to Note:

  • McDavid Magic:* Connor McDavid's 12th goal ignited the Oilers' resurgence, tying the game and setting the stage for Draisaitl and Erne's decisive strikes.

  • Sibling Rivalry: Ryan McLeod shone brightly, scoring twice against his older brother's team, adding a personal touch to the Oilers' victory.

  • Goalie Switch-Up: The Devils' goalie swap, replacing Akira Schmid with Vitek Vanecek, initially seemed promising but ultimately couldn't stem the Oilers' tide.

What to keep an eye on:

  • The Oilers are gearing up to face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, promising another high-octane encounter.

  • Coach Kris Knoblauch of the Oilers praised his team's improved play in the third period, emphasizing adherence to their game plan. On the other side, Devils coach Lindy Ruff pointed to missed opportunities and defensive lapses as key factors in their defeat.

  • Read the full story for more insights on this thrilling match-up and what lies ahead for both teams!

Sport Round-Up 🏈⚾🏒🏀⚽

Mitchell Robinson heartbroken with injury

Robinson suffered a stress fracture to his left ankle in a loss to the Celtics on Dec. 8, and is now expected to miss the season.

“I just don’t get it… I do everything I’m asked when it comes to my body and this s–t still happens like wtf… Another year another disappointment.”

Mitchell Robinson

Sterling Shepard trying to remain positive

Shepard has played next to no time this season and will sure to be gone at when the year ends for the Giants.

“I’m so blessed,’’ the 30-year-old Shepard told The Post. “It’s hard for me to be mad and I definitely can’t be mad at the Giants. I ain’t mad at anybody. It’s hard to say how I feel, I don’t know how to describe it, it’s kinda like up and down but that’s just life and you got to fight through it the best way you can. The way I do it is by enjoying my time with my boys.”

Plan B for Yankees as Yamamoto goes to LA

The Yankees may now switch to Shota Imanaga, a 30-year-old lefty who throws four pitches. Imanaga, who had a 2.66 ERA in 24 starts last year for the Yokohama BayStars, actually had more strikeouts than Yamamoto last season (188 in 159 innings).

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