• So Long Juan…

    Posted by on March 28th, 2013 · Comments (4)

    Golf carts will now once again be permitted on the field…

    Yankees 2013 Opening Day 25 & 40 Man Rosters

    Posted by on March 28th, 2013 · Comments (0)

    Man, this is going to be fun.  There’s a lot of decisions to be made between today and Monday on both the Yankees 25 and 40-man rosters.

    Do you have any predictions on who may be added or cut from both?

    What happens with NRI’s Jayson Nix,  Ben Francisco, Thomas Neal, Juan Rivera, Dan Johnson and Lyle Overbay?  Has someone like Preston Claiborne or Josh Spence pitched their way on to the team? Someone else in the picture that we should be talking about in terms of coming or going? Has Ronnier Mustelier hit his way on to the team? Does Travis Hafner get a buddy pass on his rough spring? Is Brennan Boesch heading to the minors? Goodbye to Cody Eppley?

    So, so, many questions…

    At What Cost Vernon Wells?

    Posted by on March 24th, 2013 · Comments (38)

    That’s “Today’s Yankees” for you: Really shitty talent evaluators, but, really good bookkeepers!

    I heard that Brian Cashman is special ordering a FlairHair Green Eyeshade for 2014.

    Yankees Sign Brennan Boesch (Yawn)

    Posted by on March 15th, 2013 · Comments (14)

    Via Matt Snyder -

    Just two days after being released by the Tigers, Brennan Boesch has landed with another 2012 playoff team. He has signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal — plus possible incentives — with the New York Yankees, reports CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman.

    Boesch, 27, finished fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2010 and then hit .283/.341/.458 with 16 homers in just 115 games in 2011. But last season, he hit just .240/.286/.372 with 12 homers in 503 plate appearances. He struck out 104 times while walking just 26.

    Worth mention here is that Boesch is left-handed and Yankee Stadium plays very favorable for left-handed power hitters. In 32 career plate appearances in Yankee Stadium, Boesch has hit .367/.375/.533 with a homer and six RBI.

    Boesch has never played first base as a professional, but he gives the Yankees the chance to put Juan Rivera at first. The Yankees desperately need corner infield help with third baseman Alex Rodriguez likely on the shelf for the majority of the season and first baseman Mark Teixeira out for the first four to six weeks. They have Kevin Youkilis to play either corner, so another corner man is needed.

    With Boesch able to play left field — alongside Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki until the also-injured Curtis Granderson can return — Rivera could be used at first.

    Many Yankees fans seem to like this transaction.

    So, here’s a little cold water for them. This is a guy who had an OPS of .659 last season. And, the Tigers RELEASED him because they couldn’t find ANYONE willing to give them a bag of balls in exchange for his services.

    Look at the facts. This is a player who was so-so in the minors – reaching Double-A in 2009 at the age of 24. And, at that level, he struck out A LOT and hardly walked. (Not a good sign.) However, in 2010, in Triple-A, he got off to a hot start in a handful of games and carried that hot streak into the majors for two and half months. Then, the clock struck midnight.

    From July 18th, 2010 through the end of last season, he’s played in 312 big league games with the BA/OBA/SLG line of .242/.297/.377 (in 1,108 AB).

    Hey, Yankees fans, it’s the second coming of Dave Revering!

    Oh, that Cashman, he’s a ninja…not.

    Ben Francisco

    Posted by on March 11th, 2013 · Comments (2)

    Yanks signed Ben Francisco, who was released by the Indians today. And, I don’t hate this move.

    Goodbye Abe Almonte

    Posted by on February 14th, 2013 · Comments (18)

    Via MLBTraderumors -

    The Yankees have acquired right-hander Shawn Kelley from the Mariners in exchange for outfielder Abraham Almonte, according to Ryan Divish of the Tacoma News Tribune (on Twitter). The Mariners designated Kelley for assignment on Thursday to make roster space for Kelly Shoppach.

    Kelley, 28, appeared in 47 games for the Mariners in 2012, posting a 3.25 ERA with 9.1 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, and a 28.8% ground ball rate in 44 1/3 innings. The right-hander will earn $930K in 2013.

    Meanwhile, Almonte will give the M’s some much needed minor league depth at the centerfielder position and can also play the corners. The 23-year-old spent last season in Double-A, hitting .276/.350/.392 in 78 games.

    Let’s hope this one works out better than the 1981 trade of Willie McGee for Bob Sykes…

    Michael Bourn Choses Tribe Over Mets

    Posted by on February 11th, 2013 · Comments (3)

    I don’t think Cleveland is going to lose 94 games again this year…

    Wahoo Giambino

    Posted by on February 10th, 2013 · Comments (0)

    Via the AP -

    The Cleveland Indians have signed first baseman-designated hitter Jason Giambi to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

    The Indians announced the signing Saturday, six days ahead of the team’s first full-squad workout.

    The 42-year-old Giambi spent the past three-plus seasons filling a part-time role with the Rockies. The 2000 AL MVP was a mentor to younger players and he interviewed for Colorado’s managerial position this offseason.

    Giambi could become the Indians’ DH, a role filled by veterans Jim Thome and Travis Hafner in recent years.

    A five-time All-Star, Giambi has 429 homers – just one in 89 at-bats for Colorado last year – 1405 RBIs and a .280 average in 18 big league seasons with Oakland, the Yankees and Rockies. Known for his patience at the plate, Giambi has a career on-base percentage of .403.

    The dude still gets on base. But, he’s 42 and the power is not what it used to be…

    Astros-A’s Trade

    Posted by on February 4th, 2013 · Comments (2)

    Via MLB.com -

    The A’s added another new piece to their infield on Monday, acquiring Jed Lowrie and right-handed pitcher Fernando Rodriguez from the Astros for first baseman Chris Carter, right-hander Brad Peacock and Minor League catcher Max Stassi.

    The most interesting part of this trade, for me, is that it was a Billy Beane and Jeff Luhnow hook up. Always fun to see who out-smarts who there…

    Pronk In The Bronx?

    Posted by on January 30th, 2013 · Comments (17)

    Yankees, Hafner Could Be Nearing Deal.

    Give us your old, broken down, likely former juicers…

    Yankees To Sign Juan Rivera

    Posted by on January 28th, 2013 · Comments (4)

    Hide the golf carts!

    To be honest, I have been wondering about this for a while – pondering if the Yankees would make this move. It seems to make sense for both parties. But, if the Yankees are smart, they will limit Rivera to D.H. as much as possible. He’s a dog in the field. And, he’s a bit of a turd on the bases too.

    Low risk, given the contract. And, I would not be shocked if he made the team.

    Thomas Neal

    Posted by on January 26th, 2013 · Comments (8)

    I actually like this deal.

    Justin Upton Traded To The Braves

    Posted by on January 24th, 2013 · Comments (5)

    Source: Braves get Justin Upton and Chris Johnson from D-backs for Prado, Delgado, Ahmed and Spruill.

    More on the deal.

    Phillies Sign Delmon Young

    Posted by on January 22nd, 2013 · Comments (6)

    Via Paul White -

    The Philadelphia Phillies obviously weren’t as concerned about Delmon Young’s ability to play the outfield as his previous employers.

    The former Detroit outfielder and mostly DH signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Phillies today. The contract also includes undisclosed performance incentives.

    “Delmon is an experienced major league bat who will add some depth to our relatively inexperienced outfield and another layer of competition for playing time there as well,” said general manager Ruben Amaro in a statement released by the club.

    Average hitter, at best. Terrible fielder, at best. And, not the nicest person in the world, by any means. But, $750,000 ain’t that much more than the big league minimum.

    If he behaves, hits like he normally does, and they have a defensive caddy for him, the ROI here could be pretty good.

    Mets Sign Pedro Feliciano

    Posted by on January 21st, 2013 · Comments (4)

    True story.

    No idea if the Mets sent Brian Cashman a “Thank You!” card for baby-sitting Pedro for the last two years…

    Rafael Soriano Signs With Nats

    Posted by on January 15th, 2013 · Comments (31)

    Two year deal.

    Scott Proctor Signs With The Giants

    Posted by on January 3rd, 2013 · Comments (2)

    It’s true.

    I guess he doesn’t want to go out on this note.

    Jolly Swish Nick Heads To Tribe Town

    Posted by on December 23rd, 2012 · Comments (14)

    Via Mark Feinsand -

    Nick Swisher is officially a former Yankee.

    Swisher agreed to terms on a four-year, $56 million contract with the Indians late Saturday night, the Daily News has learned. The deal includes an easily-attainable $14 million vesting option for a fifth year based on plate appearances that could bring the total value of the contract to $70 million through the 2017 season.

    The 32-year-old outfielder had received interest from no less than a half-dozen teams, but the Indians made the strongest push for Swisher’s services. The Rangers, Mariners, Red Sox and Orioles were among the other teams that had expressed interest in Swisher.

    Swisher’s $56 million deal is the fifth-largest contract signed this winter, and the third-biggest for a position player. Josh Hamilton, 31, inked a five-year, $125 million deal with the Angels while 28-year-old B.J. Upton signed a five-year, $75 million pact with the Braves.

    The only other deals larger than Swisher’s this offseason were Zack Greinke’s six-year, $147 million deal with the Angels and Anibal Sanchez’s five-year, $80 million contract with the Tigers.

    The Tribe gave Swisher and his wife, JoAnna, the red-carpet treatment during a visit to Cleveland last week, making it known how badly they wanted him in an Indians uniform.

    Swisher grew up in a West Virginia town only 14 miles from Ohio and attended Ohio State, so the Indians’ pitch centered around his potential homecoming.

    Former Buckeyes head football coach Jim Tressel helped recruit Swisher during a lunch, while current Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer, basketball coach Thad Matta and baseball coach Greg Beals each recorded personal messages to Swisher that were played on the Progressive Field scoreboard.

    Swisher’s history with new Indians manager Terry Francona played a key role in the decision. Francona, who in 1988 was managed in the minor leagues by Swisher’s father, Steve, has known Swisher since he was a child. Francona was very involved in the Indians’ recruitment of Swisher last week.

    Maybe “The Lish!” will wear #34 in Cleveland, in honor of Joe Charboneau? Of course, he would have to buy it from Zach McAllister…but he can afford it now.

    Anibal Sanchez To The Cubs?

    Posted by on December 13th, 2012 · Comments (15)

    “What me worry?” Cashman says “No biggie. I have Freddy Garcia on speed dial!”

    Angels Sign Josh Hamilton

    Posted by on December 13th, 2012 · Comments (21)

    Five years at $125 million.

    Every team is printing their own money these days except the Yankees and Marlins…or so it seems.

    Huge Royals-Rays Trade

    Posted by on December 10th, 2012 · Comments (4)

    Via MLB Trade Rumors -

    The Royals have bolstered their starting rotation for 2013 thanks to the addition of two quality pitchers. Kansas City has agreed to acquire right-hander James Shields, right-hander Wade Davis and a player to be named or cash from Tampa Bay in exchange for outfielder Wil Myers, right-hander Jake Odorizzi, left-hander Mike Montgomery and third baseman Patrick Leonard, according to a team release.

    Great trade for both teams. I really like the prospects that the Rays got in this deal. And, the Royals just got 40% of a starting rotation. You don’t see that in a trade everyday.

    Dodgers To Sign Zack Greinke

    Posted by on December 9th, 2012 · Comments (24)

    Anyone else thinking  that Don Mattingly, right now, is pretty happy that he got the Dodgers manager gig and not the one with the Yankees?

    Ben Revere Trade

    Posted by on December 6th, 2012 · Comments (2)

    I don’t get this one, at all.

    But, maybe I am missing something on the pitchers the Phils gave up?

    Eric Chavez To The Diamondbacks

    Posted by on December 5th, 2012 · Comments (10)

    Done deal.

     

     

    Denard Span Trade

    Posted by on November 29th, 2012 · Comments (1)

    The details.

    Alex Meyer can bring it.

    Seems like a good trade for both teams.

    Andy Pettitte Returning To Yankees In 2013

    Posted by on November 27th, 2012 · Comments (10)

    The skinny.

    Andy Pettitte is one of my all-time favorite Yankees. And, I have no question in my mind regarding his ability to face and handle major league hitters. But, he will be 41-years old next season. And, the last time he pitched more than 130 innings in a big league season was 2009. Therefore, I think it’s a mistake to count on him to be your #3 starter in your rotation.

    Kuroda Re-Signs With Yankees

    Posted by on November 21st, 2012 · Comments (12)

    One year at fifteen mill. So much for that dung about wanting to pitch on the west coast…

    Note that he will be 38 next year and had an Opponents Faced allowed BA/OBA/SLG line of .303/.353/.510 (in 158 PA) during the last month of this past season.

    Did he run out of gas this year? Or, is age catching up? We’ll see in 2013.

    Avez-Lait?

    Posted by on November 16th, 2012 · Comments (4)

    Melky Cabrera is heading to Toronto.

    Man, he’s like the modern Bobby Bonds, the way he keeps changing teams.

    Melky Mesa

    Posted by on September 11th, 2012 · Comments (0)

    Starting today, you can add “2012 Yankees, MLB” to this resume:

    Year Age Tm Lev G PA R HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG
    2006 19 Yankees Rk 40 159 20 3 22 3 3 11 45 .207 .266 .345
    2007 20 Yankees Rk 49 169 27 3 13 5 3 9 55 .235 .293 .386
    2008 21 Staten Island A- 46 128 19 7 23 4 1 4 38 .221 .252 .467
    2009 22 Charleston A 133 564 76 20 74 18 6 51 168 .225 .309 .423
    2010 23 Tampa A+ 121 507 81 19 74 31 9 44 129 .260 .338 .475
    2011 24 Tampa A+ 4 17 1 0 1 1 0 3 4 .167 .412 .250
    2011 24 Trenton AA 105 433 58 9 46 18 13 36 129 .251 .329 .404
    2012 25 Trenton AA 88 371 60 14 46 17 3 29 75 .277 .344 .464
    2012 25 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre AAA 33 133 19 9 21 5 1 7 43 .230 .271 .524
    7 Seasons 619 2481 361 84 320 102 39 194 686 .244 .315 .436
    AA (2 seasons) AA 193 804 118 23 92 35 16 65 204 .263 .336 .432
    Rk (2 seasons) Rk 89 328 47 6 35 8 6 20 100 .221 .280 .366
    A+ (2 seasons) A+ 125 524 82 19 75 32 9 47 133 .258 .340 .469
    A (1 season) A 133 564 76 20 74 18 6 51 168 .225 .309 .423
    A- (1 season) A- 46 128 19 7 23 4 1 4 38 .221 .252 .467
    AAA (1 season) AAA 33 133 19 9 21 5 1 7 43 .230 .271 .524
    Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
    Generated 9/11/2012.

    .
    Anyone still have a “Got Melk?” shirt?

    It’s Hanleywood!

    Posted by on July 25th, 2012 · Comments (2)

    The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired Hanley Ramirez and Randy Choate from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Nathan Eovaldi and minor league pitcher Scott McGough, according to a person familiar with the deal. (Source.)

    Good luck, Donnie Baseball.

    Ramirez is a dog.

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