Schadenfreude 360 (A Continuing Series)

After a long, cold winter, it's heartening to witness the undeniable signs of spring: budding plants peeking and pushing themselves up through the cool soil, daylight lasting longer into the afternoon and evening, and the New York Yankees falling the fuck apart.

Welcome to the Schadenfreude Cafe. . . . Tonight's menu:

Aperitif:

Mark W. Sanchez, Post, March 11, 2025:

The Yankees DH received his third round of PRP shots Monday, manager Aaron Boone said, after the first two sets of injections did not do enough to help his elbows. . . .

Boone . . . was not sure when the slugger would be around the team again.

On Saturday, Stanton called his injuries to both elbows "severe" and said he did not know when he could play or even swing a bat again. . . .

Appetizer:

Special Chef's Treat From The Kitchen:

Main Course:

Mark W. Sanchez, Post, March 10, 2025:

After one Grapefruit League start last spring, Cole's elbow bothered him before he eventually received a diagnosis of nerve inflammation and edema, which called for rest and rehabilitation.

Cole lasted two Grapefruit League starts this spring before the same elbow grew "alarming," Cole said.

The righty was knocked around in an outing Thursday, felt the hinge grow progressively more sore and knew "something wasn't right."

It is difficult to overstate what the loss of Cole means to the player and his Yankees future.

Dessert:

I know there are MANY Yankees fans who are furious at this news. I love it. Boone has shown a remarkable propensity to idiot-manage his team out of the postseason in spectacular fashion. 2025 is the MFY's 16th season without a championship. Assuming Boone sticks around for the whole time, we can count on that streak reaching 18.

After-Dinner Mints:

So Much For Tradition:

More of the Post's sports reporting is now behind a paywall ($5/month). That's not surprising, but it is a drag. I'd get it for the postseason if I have to; I'll see how the regular season goes. (Does anyone out there subscribe?) I hardly bothered with the Daily News last season, because its MFY reporters' writing was less colorful than a bag of air and the website is a ghastly nightmare of popups and other garbage (even with my ad blocker running).