Friday, May 4, 2012
Yankees.com: CC wins fourth straight after Yanks erupt late
KANSAS CITY—Eduardo Nunez’s go-ahead RBI triple opened the floodgates in a four-run seventh inning as the Yankees rallied to top the Royals, 6-2, on Friday at Kauffman Stadium.
Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter also homered as New York snapped its three-game losing skid behind eight strong innings from ace CC Sabathia, who won his fourth straight start.
That was a much needed win, more to regain sanity than anything else.
Also, For now, Robertson, Soriano will split ninth.
This seems like a good idea if it means using Robertson in the higher leverage situations.
Monday, March 26, 2012
NYDailyNews: Yankees’ Phil Hughes wraps up spot in starting rotation early: source
TAMPA — The Yankees are unlikely to make anything official for another week or so, but it appears that Phil Hughes has captured a spot in the rotation.
According to a source, “it would be a shock” if Hughes wasn’t one of the Yankees’ five starters when the season opened, as his spring has given the Bombers hope that the 18-game winner of 2010 is back.
Hughes threw six innings of two-run ball in a minor-league game at the Yankees’ complex Monday, continuing his impressive spring and taking another step toward putting his hellish 2011 season behind him.
“I’ve done everything I can do,” Hughes said. “Whatever direction they want to go in, it’s their call. I feel like right now, I’m doing everything I can to make that decision as hard as possible. That’s all I really wanted to do.”
Sunday, March 25, 2012
NYDailyNews: Yankees’ Freddy Garcia a hit again in return to mound vs. Detroit Tigers
Garcia has a 2.91 ERA in four spring starts, allowing 10 hits in 12.1 innings while striking out 11 and walking four. Girardi said he probably won’t decide on the back end of the Yankee rotation until April 3 or 4, meaning there is still time for Garcia to impress.
Garcia says he doesn’t mind the competition for a job, noting that “it’s making my thinking straight you concentrate better on what you’re doing.” But he did admit, “The way I pitched (Saturday), I needed it. I’m glad I pitched good.
“I’m glad I could come back and pitch. That’s really important, because we’re in competition. I don’t want to lose any starts.”
It’s nice to see Freddy Garcia pitching well after getting hit in the hand by a comebacker a couple weeks ago. The Yankees may not have 16 aces, but Freddy and Phil have so far shown they could be in the starting rotation of almost any team outside of New England.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
NY Post: Yankees see ‘night and day’ improvment from Hughes
“Night and day,” manager Joe Girardi said, comparing this year’s Hughes to a year ago. “He looks like the guy we had two years ago ... with an improved changeup.”
Hughes hopes that’s enough to get him back to where he was when he won 18 games. His spring ERA is 2.02 after he gave up two runs — when Matt Joyce launched a cutter over the center-field fence in the second — over five innings in a 5-2 Yankees win.
“There’s always a need for good pitching and as long as I go out and pitch well and am one of those guys, there’s gonna be a spot,” Hughes said. “Andy Pettitte [coming back], I don’t think about that. Six starters for five spots, I don’t think about that.”
That’s easier this year than last, when it appeared his arm was about to fall off. And while his velocity still hasn’t returned to the pre-2011 levels, he did hit 93 mph and also featured an effective changeup, which was consistently 10 mph slower than his fastball.
“I really hadn’t gotten a chance to throw as many changeups as I wanted to,” Hughes said of this spring.
But yesterday, he finished off two of his three strikeouts with the pitch.
“I took a step forward today,” Hughes said. “I haven’t had a great feel of it, ever.”
Last year, Phil Hughes ranked in the bottom 5% in wOBA and bottom 8% in swing-and-miss percentage in two-strike counts. It’s too early to know whether his change is going to be an effective pitch in 2012. But if it is, maybe we won’t be such Negative Nancies when Phil gets to two strikes this year.
Friday, March 16, 2012
TGS NY: Derek Jeter out with calf injury
TAMPA, Fla.—New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter has an injured left calf that will keep him out of spring training until at least next week.
Jeter, who will turn 38 in June, missed nearly a month last season in his pursuit of 3,000 hits with an injury to his right calf.
“My alarm was he hurt his calf last year and even though it is the other calf, we are going to be smart about this,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “I told him, ‘Don’t even go outside today.’ I think he could hit or take BP, but just let it calm down.”
Monday, March 12, 2012
FoxSports: Jeter, Rivera inseparable? Only seems so
Jeter and Rivera have starred in New York for so long that it’s easy to forget they were prospects once, too. Between now and Opening Day, promising players in 30 camps will be summoned to managers’ offices and told that they must go back to the minor leagues.
Jeter and Rivera received the same news after the Yankees’ 10-7 victory over the Seattle Mariners on June 11, 1995. And they handled it with the traits — professionalism and class — that have defined their careers ever since.
“That wasn’t a happy day for us,” Rivera recalled Sunday before pitching a 1-2-3 fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in his spring debut. “It was tough. When you get sent down, you think about it. Your mind starts wandering. We were down. I was down. But that went away after we got where we were supposed to go, with Columbus, and started working. I needed to get my shoulder right. He worked on his stuff. A few weeks later, I was up again.
“Back then, if you had to work on something, The Boss would send you down in a heartbeat. He didn’t mess around.”
Friday, March 2, 2012
Klapisch: Yankees’ Mariano Rivera tried but failed to teach signature pitch
It’s not uncommon for pitchers to teach and enlighten each other. It’s actually a ritual, in fact. Everyone tries to crack the code on the perfect pitch, which is why Mariano Rivera has spent most of his career explaining what makes his cutter so lethal.
But unlike the change-up, which the Yankees believe Pineda will eventually master, it’s unlikely anyone will ever clone Rivera’s cutter. As the Yankees’ closer approaches retirement, the cutter will ride off into the sunset with him. Like some endangered species, the mysterious, awe-inspiring break that has been Rivera’s signature since 1997 will be nothing more than a memory this time next year.
“Anyone who’s ever asked, I show them the grip, the release, how I control it, anything they want,” Rivera said. “But so far, no one’s got it.”
Thinking about a Mo-less Yankees team makes me a sad panda.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
SI.com: Phillies And Yankees Both Interested In Jorge Soler
The Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees are currently interested in 19-year-old Cuban baseball prospect, according to ESPN.com.
Soler is considered a major power hitting prospect, and according to some analysts would be one of the top 50 prospects in baseball immediately after signing with a team. While some believe he isn’t athletic as fellow Cuban defector Yeonis Cespedes, who just yesterday signed a four-year, $36 million deal with the Oakland Athletics, he is seven years younger and may have more upside.
Monday, February 13, 2012
WSJ: Where Burnett Places In the Pantheon of Busts
If his Yankee career is over after three years, a 34-35 record, and a 4.79 ERA, then we can finally assess Burnett’s place in the Yankee pantheon—of free agent busts. Before the 2009 season, the Yankees promised Burnett $82.5 million over five years. Various reports indicate that the Pirates could pick up between $10 million and $13 million of the remaining $33 million the Yankees owe Burnett—meaning the Yankees will pay Burnett roughly $70 million for a total of 3.4 Wins Above Replacement, a stat that measures a player’s total value over that of a triple-A call-up, according to Baseball-Reference.com.
How does that measure up against some of the other long-term, little-return contracts the Yankees have handed out in the Derek Jeter era? Will Burnett be remembered as poorly as big-name busts like Kenny Rogers, Kei Igawa, and Carl Pavano?
This deal seems to be taking too long to materialize, making me think Pittsburgh is starting to get wise. We need more articles written about Game Two to help sway their front office.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
TGS: Pirates lead A.J. Burnett talks
The two teams haven’t agreed on the dollar figure the Yankees will eat to facilitate the trade, and they haven’t agreed on the players that the Pirates will send to the Yankees.
But they have found enough common ground that Pittsburgh is now the clear front-runner.
A source familiar with the negotiations had told ESPNNewYork’s Wallace Matthews on Saturday that the talks had “legs” and were “real.”
But Pirates right fielder Garrett Jones, a left-handed bat whom the Yankees coveted, had been taken off the table, according to the source.
With the serious trade talks going on the Yankees have paused their pursuit of a designated hitter in the free agent market.
They are doing so, a baseball official said, because they want to see if they receive someone who could DH in a possible deal for Burnett.
Apparently, the Yankees “don’t love” the two minor leaguers the Pirates have offered in a potential A.J. Burnett trade.
Friday, February 10, 2012
ESPN: How good will Pineda be?
In a conversation with Wallace Matthews, pitching coach Larry Rothschild wouldn’t declare where Pineda will pitch in the rotation.
“He’s a young kid so I don’t know if we want him coming out second or if it’s beneficial to have somebody else do it,” Rothschild said. “[Ivan] Nova had a fine year for us, so he could be in that spot.”
Pineda, just 23, almost definitely won’t be the No. 2 starter to begin the year. The Yankees will want to temper expectations considering the pressure of being traded for Jesus Montero is on Pineda’s right shoulder. So Pineda probably won’t be on the mound that first weekend in Tampa.
They should probably just designate him as the “Sixth Inning Guy” right now.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Star-Ledger: Yankees’ Manny Banuelos among spring-training invitees again
Yankees pitching prospect Manny Banuelos will be back at spring training this season.
The heralded 20-year-old was one of 14 invitees the team announced today.
The Yankees also officially announced they have signed 13 players to minor-league contracts, including Russell Branyan, Manny Delcarmen, Bill Hall, Hideki Okajima and Dewayne Russell.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
NY Post: Girardi says Yankees need some more offense
“I think it will be helpful,” Girardi said of potentially adding another hitter. “I think we’ve had a good offseason, [but] I think it’s important to our club that you add that other bat.”
General manager Brian Cashman is looking for a designated hitter to replace recently traded Jesus Montero. Former Yankees Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui are among the free-agent possibilities.
“Johnny has been a great player for a long time,” Girardi said. “There’s been a bunch of names talked about, and they’re all good players. [Raul] Ibanez, he’s had a great career, and Matsui has had a great career. Obviously, we know what Johnny and [Matsui] have meant to this organization and Ibanez has had success wherever he’s been. ...”
Well, except when he started out in Seattle. But that was like 12 years ago - he’s just hitting his stride now.
Friday, January 27, 2012
NY Post: Yankees interested in Ibanez
The Yankees have interest in lefty hitting Raul Ibanez, according to sources. Ibanez’s average dropped to .245 last season with the Phillies, but he hit 20 home runs and drove in 84 runs. Ibanez, who will turn 40 in June, has drawn interest from a number of clubs.
Ibanez recently had a productive workout with hitting guru Rudy Jaramillo and believes he has corrected flaws in his swing. Over the past six seasons, he averaged 24 home runs and 100 RBIs.
The Yankees are not expected to pursue Cuban defector Yoennis Cespedes.
When the Yankees are “not expected” to do something, they usually end up doing it.
Friday, January 20, 2012
MLB.com: Slimmer CC plans to watch diet more closely
Participating in Jeter’s annual celebrity golf tournament on a picturesque day at the Avila Golf and Country Club, Sabathia appeared to have slimmed down a bit and said he was already planning adjustments to his routine that will help him stay strong down the stretch. One of those things, he said, is constantly monitoring his diet.
Sabathia lost about 30 pounds last winter and entered Spring Training in excellent shape, but he appeared to have put that weight back on by the end of the year. After posting a 2.72 ERA and 1.160 WHIP the first half of the season, he went 6-4 with a 3.44 ERA and 1.331 WHIP the rest of the way.
A more conditioned CC is obviously a good thing. But I’m not really sold on the idea that weight gain had any significant influence on CC’s second half numbers.
Also, Gardner and Yankees agree to $2.8 million deal.
$2.8 million might cover the value of Gardner’s 2012 defense . . . through May.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Newsday: Jack Cust, Vladimir Guerrero, Raul Ibañez reach out to Yankees
The representatives for Jack Cust, Vladimir Guerrero and Raul Ibañez have reached out to the Yankees, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, joining a list of applicants that also includes former Yankees Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui and former Yankees minor-leaguer Carlos Peña.
I have a feeling that it doesn’t matter much how either Cust or Guerrero project at this point as I doubt the Yankees consider them realistic options. The same probably goes for Ibanez, but maybe SG can add them to the free agency RAJ list from an earlier thread if he deems it interesting enough.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
SportingNews: New York Yankees out on Hiroki Kuroda?
Last week, FoxSports.com reported that both the Yankees and Red Sox were interested in adding righthander Hiroki Kuroda to their rotation, but on Monday morning, ESPNNewYork.com reported the Yankees aren’t likely to make a bid for the former Dodgers starter.
The Yankees have been uncharacteristically quiet this offseason after retaining the services of lefthanded ace CC Sabathia before the start of free agency, and it seems their interest in Kuroda was likely a bluff, the website reports.
Good.
Also, Baseball America’s Top Ten Yankee Prospects.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
ESPN.com: Yanks demand a slimmer Phil Hughes
Last season, Hughes was supposed to graduate to become CC Sabathia’s new wingman, the No. 2 starter the Yankees could turn to in the postseason. Instead, he arrived to spring with a couple of extra pounds on his frame and a few miles per hour missing from his fastball. He finished the year 5-5 with a 5.79 ERA.
“He came him into spring training a little bit out of shape,” Cashman said. “Not grossly, not overly, but he wasn’t in optimal position when spring training opened. That is not going to happen in 2012. He had to deal with it. We have what we call ‘fat camp’ so he went into that program to do the extra work to close the gap. You are in better position if you can get that all taken care of in the wintertime.”
Joba was not invited to the fat camp seeing as how he’s just “big boned”.
Also, A-Rod determined to rebound for Yankees:
“I know Yankees fans were disappointed last year, but [they] won’t be next year,” Rodriguez said.
To that end, what is going on in Miami is more vital to the Yankees than what is going on in The Bronx executive offices. Rodriguez has returned home to rebuild, refashion and rehabilitate himself. Both sickened and motivated by how 2011 played out (“There are nights I still have trouble sleeping — we could have been the St. Louis Cardinals.”), Rodriguez triggered his offseason workouts three weeks earlier than normal.
His initial program has been about strengthening and stabilizing a right knee that underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in mid-July. The knee never did seem right late in the year as Rodriguez lost his power stroke and endured the kind of pre-2009 postseason that made him again the enemy of the Yankees state. He kept refusing excuses, but it was clear that he was not 100 percent. He found the pride to get on the field, but could not revive enough of his skills to make his presence matter.
Rodriguez’s strategy is to lose at least five pounds and shake that robotic feeling that haunted him, particularly late in the 2011 campaign. The mantra is get lighter, more flexible, more agile. The term he repeats is “functional movement,” and he says this was his mindset and body condition in 2007-08, “which were the best years of my career.”
Getting that right knee healthy would go a long way towards Rodriguez regaining his swing. As a righty, that knee endures a lot of pressure and motion with every swing - even a little tweak can throw off a batter’s form.
Of course, Rodriguez will be turning 37 next year. Even if close to optimal health, he may not produce like he did in 2008 or even 2009.
But it sure would be nice to see him try.
NYDailyNews: Safety hits home for Yankees Jesus Montero after Wilson Ramos’ kidnapping
Jesus Montero was overcome with emotion when he learned that Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos had been kidnapped in Venezuela. The Yankees’ top prospect grew up 10 minutes from Ramos, played with him there and considers him a good friend.
“He is my friend,” Montero said Saturday before an appearance at the Last Licks ice cream parlor in Scarsdale. “I felt sad because I’ve known him for a long time. I was really worried when I saw the news. I was crying a little bit. It’s not an easy situation he was living.
“Thank God everything is fine and the police, they took care of it.”
A dramatic rescue operation Friday night that included gunfire between Ramos’ captors and police in the remote mountainous region where Ramos was being held was successful. The rookie backstop was freed unharmed.
It was really great news that Ramos was freed unharmed, as situations like that can easily end very badly.
Also, this from this article:
Montero has been working with a personal trainer since the end of the season to trim down and build muscle. He will continue the training for a month in Venezuela and then return in January to join a handful of players whom Alex Rodriguez will host for workouts in Miami. Montero said he, Eduardo Nunez, Robinson Cano and possibly ex-Yank and current Giant Melky Cabrera could attend. They will be able to work with hitting coach Kevin Long there.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
NY Post: Buehrle could become Yankees’ top target
C.J. Wilson is considered the best pitcher on the free agent market in most circles. Yet, when it comes to fitting inside the often hectic Yankees’ universe, several major-league talent evaluators believe Mark Buehrle might be the better fit.
“If you are looking for value, it’s Buehrle because the Yankees have CC Sabathia and aren’t looking for an ace,’’ an AL Central evaluator said of 32-year-old Buehrle, who finished a four-year, $56 million deal with the White Sox this season.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has spoken briefly with representatives for Roy Oswalt, Edwin Jackson and Wilson, and plans to contact Jeff Berry, who represents Buehrle.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
SportingNews: Yankees’ Cashman contacts C.J. Wilson’s agent
New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman contacted the agent for free agent pitcher C.J. Wilson on Saturday, ESPNNewYork.com reports.
Cashman said the call was just the start of a slow process and that he’s “reaching out to all agents” representing players on the free agent market. No offer was made to Wilson’s agent, Bob Garber.
Friday, November 4, 2011
NY Post: Garcia wants Yankees to bring him back
Freddy Garcia wants to stay in The Bronx, but even he knows he may have to wait to find out if that’s going to happen.
Garcia figures to be a good fit to return to the middle of the Yankees’ rotation, but with the team’s focus on pitching, they could turn their attention to a bigger name to slide in behind CC Sabathia before getting to Garcia.
“I don’t know if the Yankees are going to go for a high-priced guy first,” Garcia’s agent, Peter Greenberg said. “We’ll see what happens.”
Also, Agent for Wilson, Oswalt says pitchers love Yankees. An odd bargaining tactic when compared to the Cliff Lee approach from a year ago.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
NYDailyNews: Yankees’ interest quickly cools on Texas Rangers’ C.J. Wilson
There had been plenty of talk about the Yankees’ interest in [C.J. Wilson], but most of that centered on the Bombers’ nightmare scenario that had Sabathia trading in his pinstripes for a new uniform.
Now that Sabathia is signed up for five more years, Wilson doesn’t seem to be of much interest to the Yankees.
“They don’t think he’s worth the money he’ll get,” one baseball insider said last week. “He just doesn’t have the track record.”
And the games begin.
More than likely, the Yankees are interested in Wilson. But with CC locked up, the pressure to land a top starter isn’t as great. I actually expect C.J. to stay in Texas, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Yankee swoop in with a better offer.
Also, Yankees talk extension with Russell Martin.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
MLB.com: Yanks decline righty Brackman’s option
NEW YORK — Pitcher Andrew Brackman has been released by the New York Yankees, four years after signing a contract for a $3.35 million bonus.
New York drafted Brackman in the first round with the 30th pick in 2007, knowing the 6-foot-10 right-hander from North Carolina State likely would need elbow ligament-replacement surgery. He had the operation that Aug 24.
Brackman made his major league debut on Sept. 22 this year and had three appearances, all against Tampa Bay. He allowed one hit and three walks in 2 1-3 scoreless innings.
Also, the Yankees officially announced they have re-signed Brian Cashman for three years to serve as Senior Vice President and General Manager.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
SI.com: Sabathia to opt out of Yankees contract, become free agent
Left-hander CC Sabathia plans to opt out of his long-term contract with the Yankees by the Monday night deadline and become a free agent, SI.com has learned.
Sabathia, 31, has four years worth $92 million left on his current seven-year, $161 million deal but has the option—until midnight Monday—of voiding the final four years.
NYDailyNews: Yankees pick up Nick Swisher’s $10.25 million option for 2012
The team announced last night that it had exercised the 2012 options for both Robinson Cano and Nick Swisher, locking up both players for next season.
“This is my favorite thing to do in the world and my favorite place to do it,” Swisher told the Daily News last night. “To have another year in pinstripes, I couldn’t be happier.”
Cano’s $14 million option was a mere formality, as the second baseman has blossomed into the best all-around hitter on the team, hitting .314 with an average of 27 home runs and 104 RBI over the past three seasons.
Two more days until CC opts out.
Friday, October 28, 2011
SportingNews: Yankees reportedly agree to deal with GM Brian Cashman
It was only a matter of time, but the Yankees have reportedly reached a deal to retain Brian Cashman as general manager. According to the New York Post, the deal is worth three years.
Now word yet on exactly how long or how much, but hopefully he’ll make enough to buy a new Jeep.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
ESPN: Yanks meet in Tampa, talk CC Sabathia
TAMPA, Fla.—The New York Yankees held their annual organization meeting on Wednesday, and the main topic of discussion was figuring out a way to keep CC Sabathia in pinstripes.
“We’re close to formulating a plan that we think is fair to everyone involved,” said a high-ranking team official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “The idea is to get this done before he goes out on the open market.’‘
Sabathia, who just completed the third year of his seven-year, $161 million contract, has an opt-out clause that allows him to declare himself a free agent four days after the completion of the World Series.
Ideally, the weather in St. Louis keeps the World Series from ever being completed.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
NY Post: Sabathia talks with Yankees could push limits
At this moment, the Yankees rotation for next season is A.J. Burnett, Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes and, perhaps, Hector Noesi — or Three Men and a Maybe. Actually it is more akin to a bunch of backup singers in need of a front man. Sabathia would be the most obvious choice in a return engagement and C.J. Wilson could be added as a sidekick.
. . .
In the last go-around, the Yankees quickly offered six years at $138 million — more than the pitching record total of $137.5 million the Mets had given Santana. Attempting to keep Sabathia, Milwaukee bid five years at $100 million. When word circulated that the Angels were about to enter at the six-year, $125 million range, the Brewers began to fashion an offer for about six years at $112 million, hoping to show how the tax implications made the deal on par with that of the Angels. Remember, a belief existed that Sabathia didn’t want to play in New York and wanted to get back toward his West Coast roots, but loved his brief time in Milwaukee. So the Brewers thought they had a shot competing against the Angels if the Yankees really weren’t a factor.
But the Yankees strategy was to be so aggressive as to signal to the other suitors “no matter what you propose, we will blow it away.” And GM Brian Cashman traveled to Sabathia’s Northern California home to finalize a seven-year, $161 million pact.
A few factors, though, are making the Yankees less zealous this time. They are worried about his weight gain and what it means moving forward for a pitcher who already has had two knee surgeries. And even the more aggressive elements within the Yankees hierarchy are chilled by the ramifications of extending Alex Rodriguez after he opted out; A-Rod still has six years at $143 million left as his body and skills seem to be declining.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
NY Post: Yankees can’t put finger on next start for Garcia
KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The mystery surrounding Freddy Garcia’s cut right index finger didn’t provide any clues to when the veteran right-hander will start again.
In fact, if Garcia can’t throw his signature split-fingered fastball in a bullpen session today at Target Field, he will not be able to start Saturday or Sunday against the Twins.
That would leave the possibility that Garcia could land on the disabled list.
I never thought losing Freddy Garcia for an extended amount of time would hurt this team.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Star-Ledger: Derek Jeter to play in Trenton this weekend before returning to Yankees
NEW YORK — Derek Jeter will play in two rehab games in Trenton this weekend before rejoining the Yankees on Monday in Cleveland in his run for 3,000 hits.
“I feel good now,” Jeter told reporters after working out at the Yankees’ minor-league complex in Tampa, Fla. “I’m ready to get out of here.”
Eduardo Nunez will have three more games to showcase his fielding skills.
Also, here’s a quick look at how Swisher has turned it around in the last month (below the break):
Most of Swisher's success has come off the hard stuff. All 7 of his left-handed home runs have been off fastballs, as have 5 of his 9 doubles.
I also just wanted to let you all know that I'll be covering the first game of the subway series for Stats Inc., and I hope to be able to update the site with anything interesting. I also plan on taking in the second game as well, because I just love interleague play so much....
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
thetimes-tribune.com: Yanks claim Jeff Marquez
According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Yankees have claimed right-hander Jeff Marquez, a one-time farmhand, off waivers from the White Sox.
Hector Noesi is getting sent down to make room on the 25-man roster for Marquez.
UPDATE: Joba placed on DL, Sanit called up.
This gives new meaning to Shutdown Bullpen™.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
NY Post: Yankees’ Soriano to test elbow in bullpen session
Rafael Soriano could get back on a mound today or tomorrow as he tries to recover from inflammation in his right elbow…..
Soriano’s absence has forced Girardi to juggle his bullpen arms, using Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson in the eighth inning.
The Shutdown Bullpen™ is nothing without Soriano….
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Yankees.com: Granderson scratched with oblique strain
The Yankees made a late tweak to their starting lineup for their game against the Orioles on Tuesday, removing center fielder Curtis Granderson after he suffered a strained right oblique during batting practice.
Granderson, an All-Star in 2009, was replaced by prospect Melky Mesa in the starting lineup. The extent of Granderson’s injury was not immediately available, and New York is expected to report on the outfielder’s status later in the day. The left-handed hitter—who batted .247 last year in his debut season with the Yankees—is batting .385 with three home runs this spring.
And it begins….
Monday, February 14, 2011
MLB.com: Yankees’ push for title No. 28 begins anew
TAMPA, Fla.—The Yankees were last seen spreading to the winds with a bitter taste in their collective mouths, finishing their season two wins shy of the World Series after being outplayed by the Rangers.
Almost four months later, it is time to start the push toward a 28th World Series title all over again, as the Yankees’ pitchers and catchers reported to George M. Steinbrenner Field on Monday morning.
The offseason may not have gone exactly as they’d expected following their elimination in the American League Championship Series, but they will slip their uniforms back on wielding a potent offense and a bullpen that may now be the best in the game.
Is there a better day in February than pitchers and catchers day?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
TGS: If Not Short for Derek Jeter, Center, says Cashman
If 36-year-old Derek Jeter doesn’t last at shortstop for the length of his new four-year contract, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman thinks Jeter is best suited for a switch to center field.
“I like corner outfielders and corner infielders who have power, so for me, if he’s ever gonna move, it’s probably gonna be a Robin Yount situation. But we don’t have to deal with it at this point,” Cashman said Tuesday. “We’ll deal with it when we have to.”
In the understatement of the week, Cashman also said that Andruw Jones “is similar to Thames in offensive production but slightly better on defense.”
Monday, December 6, 2010
Yankees.com: Cashman says Pettitte leaning toward retirement
“He told me personally he was leaning toward retirement,” Cashman said. “He’s not officially retired. I talked to his agent [Randy Hendricks] about maybe a week to 10 days ago, and that position hadn’t changed. That’s where it’s at as of right now.”
The Yankees have said they would like to have Pettitte back in 2011, but as in past years, they will not force his hand. Pettitte, 38, has been wrestling with the balance between his pitching duties and his family life at home in Deer Park, Texas.
So far, baseball has won out, though Pettitte has been increasingly frustrated with the amount of time he has had to spend on airplanes commuting between New York and Texas on off-days. Cashman said Pettitte’s statement this year was more blunt than his parting words in past seasons.
“That’s the first time he’s ever done that, told me that directly,” Cashman said. “He’s a very honest communicator and I just think that as every year goes by, that tug [of retirement] is a lot harder.”
I wouldn’t put much weight behind the fact that he hasn’t made a decision yet. It’s basically the Brett Favre model: you haven’t chosen retirement unless the regular season starts without you.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Yankees.com: We’ll CC you in Texas: Yanks force Game 6
NEW YORK—There is no one the Yankees would rather throw in a potential elimination game than CC Sabathia, and the ace left-hander delivered hope, pitching six solid innings to force the American League Championship Series back to Texas with a 7-2 victory over the Rangers on Wednesday.
Facing elimination, the Yankees’ dreams of a 41st AL pennant remain alive as they attempt to become just the fifth team in history to recover from a 3-1 series deficit and advance to the World Series. The ALCS returns to Rangers Ballpark for Game 6 on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
It wasn’t exactly CC’s best game, but it was enough, especially with Curtis Granderson continuing to hit. And while Robinson Cano may not end up getting the 2010 AL MVP, he’s certainly been the Yankees’ MVP in the postseason.
One game at a time.
Monday, August 2, 2010
FanNation.com: Lowell to the Yanks?
Mike Lowell came at least within a conversation of wearing pinstripes. The Red Sox were not going to trade Lowell directly to the Yankees, sources said. The deal would have involved the Rangers, who would have acquired Lowell and sent him to the Yankees with the Red Sox’s knowledge.
That makes no sense, so it’s probably bogus. But feel free to use this as an extended complaint thread.
Friday, July 30, 2010
NY Post - Joel Sherman: Yankees consider trade for Berkman
Lance Berkman does not directly fit any of the Yankees’ greatest needs.
However, his price both in dollars and/or prospects has fallen so low that the Yankees are definitely looking hard whether to acquire the switch-hitter.
Always consider the source, people.
UPDATE: Buster Olney seems to confirm that trade talks for Berkman are moving forward.
My point still stands.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Yankees.com: X-rays come back negative for Gardner
The Yankees can breathe a bit easier when it comes to Brett Gardner.
The outfielder, who was removed from Sunday’s game against the Dodgers after he was hit on the right forearm by a pitch, saw team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad on Monday and underwent X-rays on his right wrist, the results of which were negative. He was diagnosed with a right wrist contusion and is day-to-day.
Also, Dave Eiland may be back on Tuesday. Hopefully he goes all R. Lee Ermey on A.J. Burnett.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Lohud Yankees Blog: Jennings - Report: Culver has reached agreement
According to Kevin Levine-Flandrup, covering the draft for Pinstripes Plus, the Yankees have reached an agreement with first-round pick Cito Culver. Levine-Flandrup sites a source he spoke to this morning who says the deal is done pending a physical and Culver’s graduation.
Cito Culver, the heir apparent to Carmen Angelini?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Yankees.com: Posada out three to four weeks
NEW YORK—An MRI on Jorge Posada’s ailing right foot revealed a hairline fracture on the bottom of the foot that will sideline the catcher for three to four weeks.
“Something was wrong, because I couldn’t walk right,” Posada said while sporting a boot on his right foot after the Yanks’ 10-6 loss to the Rays on Wednesday. “I’ve never had a problem with my feet before. This is something where you have to transfer your weight from one side to the other. This is something we have to take care of. I can’t really do too much.”
I disagree with Posada that he’s never had a problem with his feet before, but that’s a different issue.
In other news, the Tampa Bay Rays have clinched the 2010 World Series title. Congratulations to the team and their fans.
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