Jose Caballero’s pitch-clock gamesmanship ignited a benches-clearing confrontation with Dennis Santana, but the real controversy came afterward. Santana’s claim that Caballero’s tactics were unnecessary in a three-run game gets ripped as ridiculous, while Caballero earns praise for embracing the villain role and giving the Yankees an edge they have lacked.
The debate also strengthens the case for playing Caballero over Anthony Volpe. Plus, Freddy Peralta’s Mets struggles raise fears that he will rediscover his form after a trade, and the Jets’ defensive talent, new whiteout uniforms and far-fetched AFC Championship hopes come under the microscope.
