Anthony McCarron, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Gift ideas for the Yankees? Sigh.

So much pressure to make another "Cole in their stocking" joke. But since we used that one every single day of the "12 Days of Christmas" (and then some), Baseball Santa needs new material.

We do, however, have a long list of potential presents for the Yanks for 2020 this holiday season. With a loaded roster, strong front office and manager, and a reservoir of prospects, they seem to be the team that has everything. But, much like the work the Yanks have left to do with their roster, we found spots around the margins of their pinstriped tree to leave some gifts.

Cole hard cash (What, you thought the Cole puns were done?): Yes, GM Brian Cashman just gave Gerrit Cole $324 million Yankeebucks. But the Yanks are a lot of fun when they're back in the big free agent mix. We raise a cup of Christmas cheer to the idea they chase another megastar next winter, and that will take money.

Another left-handed bat: Sure, the Yanks have what projects to be a prolific offense. But with only Brett Gardner, Mike Tauchman and Mike Ford as lefty swingers, the club might be too right-handed. Traditionally, the Yankees have delighted in deploying left-handed hitters to take aim at that short right field porch at Yankee Stadium. So few lefty mashers in pinstripes? Seems odd, like wearing a Halloween costume to Christmas dinner.

Gift-wrapping services: When you've got "Savages in the (Gift) Box," you want them nicely wrapped. Isn't that right, Aaron Boone?

Some snappy dad jokes: For Hal Steinbrenner. Might help loosen him up at the next big press conference.

Gorgeous crystal wine glasses: For Cole. Hey, when you're pouring Masseto Merlot at $900 or so a bottle, you need some nice stems. The clever Yanks brought that wine to their meeting with Cole after Cole had told Lou Cucuzza, the visiting clubhouse manager at Yankee Stadium, how much he liked it and how much sentimental value it holds for Cole and his wife.

A healthy supply of clutch October hits: It's great that the Yankees signed Cole to top their rotation. But they lost in the playoffs last year mostly because their juggernaut offense flunked the ALCS against the Astros, scoring only 21 runs and batting .214. Yeah, they out-hit Houston and only scored one fewer run, but it sure seemed like the 'Stros came up with big hits when they needed them. The Yankees, mostly, did not.

A healthy new season: For the Yankees overall, after a 2019 in which they put 30 players on the Injured List for 39 stints, both believed to be MLB records. But especially Aaron Judge, Luis Severino, Giancarlo Stanton, and Miguel Andújar. Love to see what this club can accomplish when those players are on the field all the time.

Telepathy for pitcher-catcher signals: But only when they're playing the Astros. Yep, Baseball Santa's got jokes.

Same again for Gio Urshela: Not an egg nog refill, you Yuletide freaks. But of the terrific season and offensive breakout he authored last year.

Bases-loaded at-bats: For DJ LeMahieu: He led MLB in 2019 by going 10-for-15 (.667) with the sacks juiced and also led MLB with a .389 average with runners in scoring position overall.

An emerging veteran presence for the clubhouse: With CC Sabathia retired, there's a need.

Dugout mistletoe: To kiss and make up with the umpires they battled with throughout last season, of course. It's friendlier than banging a bat on the dugout roof.

Another first-round playoff date with the Twins: You even have to ask?

A gift card to an NYC steakhouse: For Judge, to use for that much-discussed dinner with Pete Alonso of the Mets. They can compare notes on the rookie home run record.

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