Saturday, August 31, 2013

The Greedy Pinstripes First Live Chat Open Thread

-- Chat Closed --

With lots to talk about in Yankees land and college football and the NFL right around the corner we wanted to sort of test the grounds and see what kind of reaction we could get with a live chat open thread. I will be monitoring this, albeit loosely, so please be respectful and all that so we can do these more often. Enjoy!

Thunder Fall Victim to Long-Ball, Sea Dogs 8-1


Thunder Fall Victim to Long-Ball, Sea Dogs 8-1
Three HR for Portland pace strong offensive night

PORTLAND, ME - The Thunder would have locked up an East Division Wild Card berth with a win Friday night, but the Portland Sea Dogs defeated Trenton 8-1 in front of 7,368 at Hadlock Field to keep the Thunder out of the playoffs for at least one more day.
With Trenton leading the Sea Dogs by 4.0 games with five games to play, a loss would have ended Portland's chance at catch the Thunder before the season ended. However, Portland scored a run in the 4th inning to take a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the 6th before widening the margin further with three runs in both the 6th and 7th.
Trenton pitching allowed three home runs on the night including two in the 6th inning by starting pitcher Mikey O'Brien. O'Brien drops to 7-8 on the season with the loss after allowing four runs- all earned- in 6.0 innings. He struck out six on the night and has now struck out 35 batters in his last 28.2 innings pitched.
Trenton scored a lone run in the ballgame in the top of the 8th inning when Ramon Flores doubled and Jose Pirela singled him home. Flores finished the night 2-for-4 and is now 7-for-16 in his last three games played.
With the win by Portland, Trenton's lead in the East Division Wild Card reduces to 3.0 games over the Sea Dogs and with Binghamton's 3-0 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, New Hampshire is eliminated from the playoff picture which leaves Trenton and Portland as the only two teams remaining still in contention for the Wild Card.
Trenton continues their final series of the regular season Saturday with a doubleheader at Hadlock Field against Portland featuring two, seven-inning ballgames separated by 30 minutes. Game 2 will begin at 5:00 p.m. and have RHP Shane Greene (7-4, 3.48) pitching for the Thunder against LHP Mickey Pena (1-0, 3.29) for Portland, with Trenton's LHP Caleb Smith (NR) making his Double-A debut against RHP Terry Doyle (1-5, 3.94). Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and streaming online begins at 4:45 p.m.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Nova, Cano do all the work in 2-0 win over Orioles

Earlier today on this site, it was mentioned that Nova threw his first career shutout, so I don't feel like I need to talk much about that part of the game. He was really good and I'm happy he's on the team right now, but I don't think I need to repeat stats. 

Anyway, this game was boring as hell. Cano drove in a run with double in the first then homered in the eighth, but in between those two scoring plays nothing interesting happened. This win was a big one and I'm not gonna complain about a 2-0 score, but this one was really dead. It was like both teams were tired. Either way, they won. Today was a good day.  

Braves Batter Charleston Bullpen, Win 8-4


Braves Batter Charleston Bullpen, Win 8-4
RiverDogs can't hold slim lead, fall in series opener

CHARLESTON, SC - The Rome Braves scored five runs in the seventh inning to erase a 3-2 deficit and cruise to an 8-4 win on Friday night over the Charleston RiverDogs in South Atlantic League action in front of 5,768 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
With the loss, the RiverDogs fall to 34-33 in the second half and 73-62 overall. The Braves improve to 36-31 in second half play and 72-64 overall with the win.
Both teams played long ball early with solo homers by Edison Sanchez for Rome and Ericson Leonora for Charleston in the second inning.
Still tied at 1-1 in the top of the fifth, Kyle Wren smacked just his second home run of the year to put the Braves up 2-1.
However, that lead didn't last long because after a walk to Greg Bird, righty slugger Dante Bichette, Jr. slammed his 11th homer of the year. The two-run shot gave the Dogs their first lead of the game, a 3-2 advantage.
RiverDogs' starter Brett Gerritse departed after six solid innings having allowed just four hits, two runs, two walks, and six strikeouts. The two homers were the first two he allowed all year. Gerritse wouldn't factor in the decision.
Righty Victor Beriguete came out of the bullpen to begin the seventh and was no relief for Charleston. In his debut for the Dogs, Beriguete allowed five run, four earned, on three hits, two walks, two wild pitches, and recorded just one out. He got tagged with the loss to fall to 1-0.
Lefty Matt Chaffee was great for Rome out of the bullpen tossing 2.1 scoreless, hitless innings. He walked two and fanned six en route to the win to improve to 2-1.
Greg Bird had another great game for the RiverDogs with three walks and a single. He now has a league leading 103 walks on the season.
BALLPARK FUN: The RiverDogs red, white, and blue digi camo jerseys were auctioned off during the game, and following the completion of the game were handed directly off the team's backs to the fans who purchased them via the silent auction.
COMING UP: Game two of this four game series will see RHP Luis Niebla (4-6, 4.99 ERA) start for Charleston and RHP Rafael Briceno (5-8, 6.34 ERA) throw for Rome on Saturday night at Riley Park with first pitched scheduled for 6:05. It's Roller Derby Night at The Joe! There will be roller derby-themed promotions throughout the night and the Lowcountry Highrollers team will be at the game. The RiverDogs will offer Baseball Bingo with a new twist to the classic game as it will be available to be downloaded as an app to your smartphone so you can follow the action and go for the win simultaneously via your mobile device. Fans can also enjoy craft beer specials that will be on tap including Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, Third Shift Amber Lager and more. The Blood Alliance team will be on-site from 4:30-7:30 pm and everyone who registers to donate will receive a FREE 4-pack of RiverDogs tickets. Plus, kids get the chance to have fun and run the bases after every Saturday home. Fans can purchase tickets atwww.riverdogs.com, over the phone at 843/723-7241, or in-person at the Riley Park Box Office. Fans may also listen to the game live locally on ESPN Radio 910AM or online at www.riverdogs.com.

Being posted with permission from the Charleston Riverdogs organization. The original article can be seen HERE

Congratulations To Ivan Nova On His 1st Career Shutout


... and it could not have come at a better time for Yankees fans. 

Tyler Austin Activated from Disabled List

Tyler Austin Activated from Disabled List
All-Star OF has not appeared in Thunder game since July 12th
The Trenton Thunder, Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, announced Saturday that outfielder Tyler Austin has been activated from the team's disabled list. He is expected to see his first action with the squad since July 12th in Saturday night's doubleheader at Portland.  
Austin, who turns 22 next week, has been on the Disabled List since July 13th with a right wrist injury. He missed the team's last 47 games. In 81 games played with Trenton this season, Austin has batted .254 with six home runs and 39 RBI.
Austin played in two rehab games with the GCL Yankees2 and batted 4-for-6 with a walk and a run scored. He was selected to the 2013 Eastern Division Mid-Season All-Star team in July.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE.

New York Yankees Wild Card Update


Coming into the game this afternoon with Baltimore we start the day currently tied with the Cleveland Indians and within striking distance of the Orioles. It's hard to have a must win game in August but this is about as close as it is going to get. We need a win in the worst way to keep the pressure on the Oakland A's and Tampa Bay Rays who are playing head to head this weekend. 

Game Thread; Orioles @ Yankees 8/31


The New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles play their second game of their three game set at Yankees Stadium this afternoon at 1:05 pm ET. The pitching match up is Ivan Nova for the Yankees and Scott Feldman for the Orioles and it can be seen on MLB Network, YES network, and MLB TV. Nova has been erratic his last couple of starts but has still given the Yankees every chance to win every time out there and at this point in the season that is all you can expect.

Here is the Yankees lineup
Brett Gardner CF
Derek Jeter SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Alfonso Soriano DH
Curtis Granderson LF
Mark Reynolds 3B
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Lyle Overbay 1B
Chris Stewart C


Follow us on twitter by following @GreedyStripes and get your Yankees Tickets for this game and every Yankees home game right here on The Greedy Pinstripes.

Ivan Nova New York Yankees Baseball Meme


This is surprisingly the only meme I could find on Ivan Nova... so yes I realize it does not really apply to what is going on but here it is anyway. 

Baltimore Orioles @ New York Yankees 8/31


The New York Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles in the second game of their three game set this weekend at Yankees Stadium. The Yankees will send their second best pitcher in Ivan Nova to the mound to face off with Scott Feldman for the Orioles. The game will be televised at 1:05 pm ET on the YES network, MLB Network, and MLB TV. The Yankees need to win all these games if they have a shot at making the playoffs by winning their division or winning one of the two wild cards so let's start this run now. Thank you in advance.

Keeping Up With The Teams In Front Of Us


The August trade deadline is today and I wanted to take the opportunity to look at what the teams we are chasing in the AL East and both wild card races are doing to improve while we are seemingly standing pat again. Now obviously we can make trades all the way through the end of the season but no one acquired after August 31st is eligible for the post season. With that said let's take a look at how the teams in front of us are stacking their rosters before it's too late.

The Cleveland Indians have traded for Jason Kubel after the Arizona Diamondbacks designated him for assignment. Cleveland just gave up a player to be named later in exchange for Kubel after he and his production fell off the table this season. Kubel fell off so much the D Backs are going to pay roughly $2,000,000 of his $2,270,000 left on his contract for this season.

The Oakland Athletics acquired catcher, and former A's player, Kurt Suzuki from the Washington Nationals to bolster their back stops. 

The Baltimore Orioles finally got their designated hitter when they acquired Mike Morse for Xavier Avery from the Seattle Mariners yesterday. They also claimed Josh Willingham, Kendrys Morales, and signed Dan Johnson from the Yankees. 

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired both Wesley Wright, Delmon Young, and David DeJesus in separate waiver deals this August. 

The Kansas City Royals and the Boston Red Sox swapped Quinton Berry to Boston for Clayton Mortenson to KC. The Red Sox did not have to do much anyway to stay on top of the division. 

The Yankees lost first base depth in Dan Johnson, lost infield depth while releasing Luis Cruz, lost outfield depth when they let Thomas Neal walk, and swapped power for average, defense, and more strike outs when they signed Mark Reynolds. It seems like all the teams ahead of the Yankees are looking to improve and give their team the best shot to make the playoffs where the Yankees are simply making the same mistake twice by standing pat with what we have. We quickly learned this season that this was not the best decision we made in the off season and it seems like we may be making the same mistake twice and I cannot say that I agree with it.

Game 135 Lineup: Orioles vs. Yankees

Yankees did a great job taking Game 1! Now let's take Game 2! Here's your starting lineup! 

Brett Gardner CF
Derek Jeter SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Alfonso Soriano DH
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Curtis Granderson LF
Mark Reynolds 1B
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Chris Stewart C

RHP Ivan Nova

LINEUP CHANGE: 

Brett Gardner CF
Derek Jeter SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Alfonso Soriano DH
Curtis Granderson LF
Mark Reynolds 3B
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Lyle Overbay 1B
Chris Stewart C

RHP Ivan Nova

-- Alex Rodriguez has been scratched with the flu.

Parking May Be A Problem At Charleston Game Tonight

Media Advisory
Parking for Saturday’s Games at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park & Johnson Hagood Stadium
  
On Saturday, August 31, the Charleston RiverDogs host the Rome Braves at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park with a 6:05 pm first pitch while The Citadel hosts Charleston Southern in football at Johnson Hagood Stadium with a 6 pm kickoff.

RIVERDOGS PARKING
Public parking for the RiverDogs game will be in the first two MUSC lots on Lockwood Blvd., at Brittlebank Park, the Greenburg Police Station lot and the lot adjacent to Riley Park.  Parking for RiverDogs game will be $5, and signs will be posted accordingly.  Fans may find updates and additional information on the RiverDogs website and social media outlets.

CITADEL PARKING
Public parking for The Citadel game will be at the large MUSC lot on Fishburne Street, the two lots at the corner of Hagood Avenue and Fishburne Street.  Parking with appropriate passes from The Citadel Brigadier Foundation will be free while others in the MUSC lot on Fishburne Street will be $10.  ADA shuttles will be available to take mobility-challenged fans between the Fishburne Street lot and the stadium from 4:30pm until 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game.  The shuttles’ routes will not include Riley Park or any of the baseball-designated lots.

Mark Reynolds vs. Lyle Overbay: Take Your Pick

[caption id="attachment_16490" align="aligncenter" width="604"]Coming into the stretch, would you put Mark Reynolds (pictured above) in the lineup, or Lyle Overbay? Coming into the stretch, would you put Mark Reynolds (pictured above) in the lineup, or Lyle Overbay?[/caption]

There's no denying two things:

1) Mark Reynolds is carrying a hot bat into this Baltimore Orioles series, having three hits last night and simply demolished the Toronto Blue Jays;  going 5-for-8 in his two games.

2) Lyle Overbay is seriously struggling coming into this series He hasn't had a hit since August 18 vs. the Boston Red Sox.

The way that it was designed since the New York Yankees had picked up Mark Reynolds was simple; Reynolds will hit vs. LHP and Lyle Overbay will hit vs. RHP. However, the stakes are high and the times have changed. The Yankees are fighting for the final WC spot (along with the Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics). They need the hottest bats in the lineup. They need Mark Reynolds. Reynolds is slowly forming back into his April form, hitting .319 in August. after having a sluggish May-July which ultimately caused him to lose his job with the Indians. Lyle Overbay however is hitting .231 in August and is 0-for his last-15.

If I'm the manager of the Yankees, Reynolds would be in the lineup today over Overbay. I like Lyle Overbay, I do--but this is a time where people's feelings can't get hurt. If you're not producing whether on the mound or at the plate, you're either getting pulled early or you're not getting the start. It's as simple as that. Right now, Overbay wouldn't get the start; Reynolds would. It sounds mean and sounds cruel but looking at numbers, that's how it would have to be done if the Yankees want to keep their playoff hopes alive. So take your pick, would you take Mark Reynolds...or Lyle Overbay going forward in this stretch?

This Day In New York Yankees History 8/31


On this day in 1997 the Yankees retired Don Mattingly's #23 jersey and placed a plaque in Monument Park for the former Yankees captain. Mattingly became the first Yankees player to have his number retired without having reached a World Series.


On this day in 2004 the Yankees had a day that they would like to forget when the Indians beat the Yanks 22-0. This would mark the largest deficit for the Yankees in a loss in their then 101 year history.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Yankees beat Orioles 8-5 despite Sabathia's struggles

Despite CC Sabathia giving up 5 earned runs in just 5.2 innings of work, the Yankees, led by a five-run fifth inning, were able to out-slug the Orioles tonight for a thrilling, 8-5 win. Sabathia was doing alright up until the fourth inning in this one, but that was when he lost his edge, giving up 3 runs and blowing the team's 2-1 lead. But like I said, they scored five times in the fifth. First, Reynolds doubled home a run. Second, Ichiro hit a go-ahead two-run home run. Finally, Cano hit a two-run single. By then, the score was 7-4 Yankees and the game was all but over. I've seen better games, but this one was still fun. Let's hope the Bombers play like this throughout the Holliday weekend. 

Game Thread: Orioles @ Yankees 8/30


Time is running out and it is do or die time for both the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees as they begin a three game set tonight at Yankees Stadium. The pitching match up is CC Sabathia for the Yankees and Miguel Gonzalez for the Orioles and the game can be seen at 7:05 pm ET on the YES network, MLB Network, and of course MLB TV. CC Sabathia showed a five innings glimpse last start that he still has that ace ability in it so he will look to build on those five innings tonight and put the Yankees back in the win column. Lord knows we need the wins and they are especially essential with us playing head to head with a team we are chasing in both the AL East and both Wild Card slots.

Here is the Yankees lineup

Brett Gardner CF
Derek Jeter SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Alfonso Soriano LF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Curtis Granderson DH
Mark Reynolds 1B
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Austin Romine C


Follow us on twitter by following @GreedyStripes and get your Yankees Tickets for this game and all the games this weekend in this huge set right here on TGP.

The Orioles Are Picking Up The Yankees Scraps Again


Remember last year when it seemed like every single guy that the New York Yankees released the Baltimore Orioles picked up a week later? Well it's happening again with the Orioles signing of Dan Johnson today. We reported last night that the Yankees released Dan Johnson after he had spent the entire season down in AAA with the Scranton Wilkes Barre Railriders and today he has already found a new set of teammates in Baltimore. I am a bit surprised because I figured the Yankees released him with the thought process of giving Johnson a shot at a September call up with rosters expanding but the Orioles signed him to a minor league deal so who knows. I guess we will find out just what Baltimore's way of thinking was regarding this deal on Sunday.

JR Murphy Likely To Be A September Call Up Sunday


Rosters expand in Major League Baseball this Sunday on September 1st from 25 man roster to 40 man rosters and JR Murphy is expected to be one of those players to come up. Murphy is not currently on the 40 man roster but he has to be protected after this season anyway and is only a 60 day DL transfer for Corban Joseph away from being added to the roster. The Yankees love carrying three catchers in September and it was either call up JR Murphy or stick with two catchers so this is the route the Yanks are going.

MLB Slows Down Signing Of Cuban Defecting Players


Via Mike Axisa on River Avenue Blues:

Major League Baseball has implemented a new rule which will slow down the process for Cuban players defecting their native country to gain residency in another country. The Office of Foreign Assets Control used to require a general unblocking license which could be easily and quickly acquired, sometimes in less than a month, and does not require any kind of written paperwork or anything official. Now a license is required to declare residency which will require a written application from the player as well as the individual responding to the application as well. This could delay Cuban defecting players from signing with major league teams as much as six months now and I cannot agree with it after seeing players like Rafael DePaula's Visa issues get drug out so long but I understand the whole business and legal aspect behind it as well so it is what it is.



South of the Border...from North of the Border!

Wow. At that start of that road trip (six games in Tampa and Toronto) I really thought the Yankees would reel in their wild card foes and get ready for one more stretch. Instead they go 2-4. Let's recap: Kuroda had an AWFUL two starts on the road--in Tampa he looked like he was pitching the Home Run Derby, and in Toronto, Chris Stewart made a horrible throw to first to score two extra runs, in addition to all the home runs. Our very own Daniel Burch issued an apology for being too hard on Hero on Twitter or whatever. Burch, no need for an apology! We're all just spoiled Yankee fans who are trying to cope with only a second playoff absence in 19 years, CC's been awful, half the team was hurt, nothing's gone right...we can't be blamed for acting a little "upset" (understatement.)

One of the few bright spots on the road trip was Andy Pettitte. He threw a flawless game Tuesday night in Toronto; seven innings, five hits, two walks, three K's, NO runs. Andy's really improved his past three starts (two against the Jays, one in Fenway), giving up only one run in 19.2 innings. He's brought his ERA down from 4.71 on August 5th (his lowest point in Chicago when he couldn't get through the third), to 4.05 now.

Mike Francesa's been saying over and over that the 11 games between September 5th and 15th (home against the Sawx and a road trip to Baltimore and Bahstan) will decide if the Yankees have anything left. I have to agree with him looking ahead--the Yankees have the Orioles over the weekend and the White Sox for three games. The Yankees have gone 4-2 against the Orioles at home, which they usually do anyway. Last year they split a four-game set with a better pale-hose team at home, so I have to imagine they at least take two of three. If I had to make a prediction, however, if the Yankees do anything less than splitting those six games, you can pretty much kiss the division goodbye (if you haven't already), and then after those 15 games it'll be plainly obvious where their fate lies.

As far as their foes go, for the wild card...Oakland has a pretty easy September, outside of two sets with the Rangers...the Indians have a three-game set with the Orioles next week, but then it's really just a bunch of White Sox, Royals, Twins and Astros series...Tampa Bay actually has a really tough September; they open with a west-coast road trip, then their final two home-stands include the Sawx, Rangers and Orioles...and then the O's have the Yankees twice, the Sawx twice and Tampa once.

So you be the judge; compare the Yankees' tough first half of the month to all these other teams' September. They're five games out; hopefully it'll be a month for the ages.

'Till Next Time!

Neil Dwyer @neildwyer1993

Phil Hughes Star Pushed Back To Monday


The New York Yankees have announced that they are pushing back Phil Hughes next start from Sunday afternoon against the Baltimore Orioles to Monday in an afternoon game against the Chicago White Sox. The Yankees have very little room for error here so if they are not going to take Hughes out of the rotation at least he will be pitching against one of the worst teams in the American League and not against a team that is in front of us in the playoff hunt. Hughes has allowed five home runs in 14 IP against the Orioles this season and owns a 2.00 WHIP and a 7.00 ERA this season when facing Baltimore.

Baltimore Orioles @ New York Yankees 8/30


The New York Yankees begin hosting the Baltimore Orioles tonight in a pivotal three game set at Yankees Stadium which could really decide the Yankees fate for the rest of the 2013 season. The Yankees are running out of times and teams that they should beat up on and it is now or never for them to beat a legit playoff contender and find themselves facing a struggling Baltimore team at the right time. The Orioles are ahead of the Yankees in the standings so the Yanks can make up some serious ground over the weekend with a sweep or a series win at the minimum. The Yankees will send CC Sabathia to the mound hoping to turn his season around and he will be facing off with Miguel Gonzalez for the Orioles. The game will be televised at 7:05 pm ET on the YES network, MLB network, and MLB TV.

Game 134 Lineup: Orioles vs. Yankees

Brett Gardner CF
Derek Jeter SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Alfonso Soriano LF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Curtis Granderson DH
Mark Reynolds 1B
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Austin Romine C

LHP CC Sabathia

Hiroki Kuroda Is Tired & We Shouldn't Be Surprised


I want to begin this post by apologizing to all our followers and readers both here and on twitter. I am frustrated and do not exactly take losing well especially against a team like the Toronto Blue Jays with our best pitcher on the mound in Hiroki Kuroda. When the Yankees got down 6-0 early I went as far, again in frustration and in anger and not in common sense thinking, as to call Kuroda a "faux ace" which could not be farther from the truth. Kuroda has pitched his butt off for two seasons now and has been the ace for both of those seasons and I sounded ungrateful Wednesday night and I apologize for that.

With that said should we really be surprised that Kuroda is struggling towards the end of the season? I thought so until I looked at Kuroda's 2012 stats from August, September, and October. Kuroda had allowed three runs or less in 15 of his 21 starts heading into August only to see a bit of a regression due to what we can only guess is stamina problems. From August until the Yankees were eliminated Kuroda would allow three runs or more in seven of his final 12 starts not counting his post season stats of course. Granted Kuroda finished with a 6-4 record during that time including a no decision that the Yankees ended up winning but you have to remember that the Yankees put up a total of 57 runs in those 12 starts for nearly five runs of support per start, something unheard of for Kuroda this season.

Jump ahead to 2013 where Kuroda was putting himself in the American League Cy Young discussion before the calendar turned to August and the imaginary wall has seemingly slapped him in the face once again. In five August starts Kuroda has allowed three or more runs in four of his five starts including allowing seven twice and five once. Granted Kuroda has only been given nine runs total in those games but no pitcher can expect to win very much when allowed five or more runs three out of five times in the rotation.

Kuroda is not pitching much more than he normally has pitch wise although he has thrown over 100 pitches in 18 starts this season with a season high 116 pitches thrown August 6th against the White Sox in a loss. It is also worth noting that during that time Kuroda has thrown 99 pitches three times, 98 once, and above 90 pitches two other times during that stretch. While you want your ace to give you 7 IP or more every time out there, which Kuroda has done 14 times this season, we have to remember that he is soon to be 39 years old and has to show signs of aging at some point which looks to be around this time every season.

I appreciate everything Hiroki has done for us this season and last season and I know I have not always acted like it, especially during games we are losing. I can be a little fiery at times during games and I apologize for that but I think it shows my love and passion for this team and shows that no one can ever doubt or question my devotion to this team. I do not like to lose, I do not like to miss the playoffs, and I do not like holding my emotions inside. With that said I have a feeling I have a lot more frustration coming my way if history is going to repeat itself once again with Hiroki, and we all know that history has a naughty habit of repeating itself at the worst possible times. I'm not blaming Kuroda at all here but if he pitches this September like he did last September I think come October I may find myself writing about free agency targets and qualifying offers and not about possible World Series aspirations.

The Orioles Being Aggressive & We're Standing Pat


As the August waiver trade deadline is drawing to a close I cannot understand what is going on in New York Yankees land. Granted I know that we have a bit of a roster crunch but it discourages me when I see us struggle against teams that we should beat, for example the Toronto Blue Jays, when time is running out on us for a playoff run. It really discourages me when teams in front of us, for example the Baltimore Orioles, are being very aggressive on the waiver wire and trade wire. The Orioles have reportedly put in waiver claims on Mariners 1B/DH Mike Morse, Mariners DH Kendrys Morales, and the Twins outfielder Josh Willingham. Throw on top of that the uncertainty behind Eduardo Nunez and Robinson Cano in the Yankees middle infield and I am just really discouraged, frustrated, and thinking more and more that this may just not be the Yankees year. I will not ever give up on my team as long as we are mathematically still in this thing but I cannot say I feel confident anymore and this upcoming series with the Baltimore Orioles may be the last chance we have at a real playoff run. The Yankees better come out like their backs are against the walls and every game is a must win game because, frankly, that's because it is.

Greg Bird Named to SAL All-Star Team


Greg Bird Named to SAL All-Star Team
Talented First Baseman Is the Lone RiverDog to Be Honored

CHARLESTON, SC -- First baseman Greg Bird, who leads the RiverDogs with 20 home runs and 83 RBI, has been named to the 2013 South Atlantic League All-Star Team, which for the first time in league history includes a spot for a relief pitcher. The group was voted on by the 14 South Atlantic League team's field managers, general managers, sportswriters and broadcasters for a total of 56 votes.
A 6'3", 215 pound lefty slugger from Aurora, Col., Bird has had one of the most impressive seasons for a first baseman in quite some time in the South Atlantic League. He leads Charleston in almost every offensive category with a .289 batting average, 20 homers, 83 RBI, and 129 hits. Bird also leads the entire South Atlantic League with a very impressive 100 walks, 59 extra base hits, and .423 on-base percentage. Still just 20-years old, he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 draft out of Grandview High School in Aurora, Col., and signed out of his commitment to the University of Arkansas.
"Greg Bird is a great young ballplayer who works extremely hard every single day and has been a joy to coach this season," said RiverDogs manager Al Pedrique. "There's no player in the league who deserves to be named an All-Star more than Greg Bird, and I am very, very happy him."  
The Annual All-Star Team was highlighted by the selections for Most Outstanding Pitcher, Most Outstanding Major League Prospect and Most Valuable Player. Gabriel Ynoa of the Savannah Sand Gnats, who sports a 14-4 record and a 2.71 ERA in 21 games, was selected as the Most Outstanding Pitcher. Asheville Tourists shortstop Rosell Herrera was chosen as the Most Outstanding Major League Prospect and the Most Valuable Player. Herrera leads the league with a .345 batting average, 161 hits and 242 total bases in 125 games.
Tripp Keister of the Hagerstown Suns was selected as Manager of the 2013 Annual All-Star Team while Frank Viola of the Savannah Sand Gnats was picked as the pitching coach. 
The Asheville Tourists and Hickory Crawdads each had three players named to the squad. The Tourists representatives include catcher Tom Murphy, shortstop Rosell Herrera and outfield Francisco Sosa. The Crawdads contributed third baseman Joey Gallo, outfielder Nick Williams and designated hitter Ryan Rua. The West Virginia Power placed two players on the team, including right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Josh Bell. Charleston, Greensboro, Hagerstown, Kannapolis, Lexington and Rome each had one representative. 
Shae Simmons of Rome was named the first-ever relief pitcher on the All-Star lineup.
Being posted with permission from the Charleston Riverdogs organization. The original article can be seen HERE

Yankees Road Through September (and maybe the playoffs)?

[caption id="attachment_16485" align="aligncenter" width="512"]Robinson Cano and the Yankees have a tough task in September--get into the wild card race anyway they can Robinson Cano and the Yankees have a tough task in September--get into the wild card race anyway they can[/caption]

The Yankees have 29 games left this season, and they gained a half game yesterday without playing a game (thanks Angels and Tigers). As the Baltimore Orioles come into town this weekend, the schedule for the Yankees in September will tell them just how much of a playoff contending team they are. Here's a preview of the September calendar, and where the Yankees could stand at the end of the month.

August 30 - September 1


Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees

The Baltimore Orioles pitching is a bit sketchy, but they can survive sketchy pitching with their lineup. With the power bat of Chris Davis and the ability for the rest of team to scratch out runs, the Yankees are in for the fight of their life this weekend. This series won't be easy but the Yankees have added Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Robinson Cano should he be well enough to play at some point this weekend. The Yankees need to at least take two out of three in this series, which means that CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova need to step up and pitch well (Nova has done that this season, the sentence was more for Hughes and Sabathia). Also a word of advice, if the Yankees want a chance to take the series, I'd suggest taking Hughes out of the rotation and put David Huff to start instead. Just because David Huff combined with his last two outings had pitched a full game giving up no runs and one hit. I'd sign up for that instead of home runs and runs from Hughes.

September 2 - September 4

Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees

The last time these two teams faced one another, the White Sox swept the Yankees in three games. This time it should be a bit different since we didn't have any power bats in our lineup at the time (minus Robinson Cano). This White Sox team is a bit different since they gave up a lot of their key players during the season to contending teams, so it should be an easier battle this time around. If all goes according to plan, the best case scenario would be to take two out of three. I'd be greedy saying I want the sweep, but hey...don't we all?

September 5 - September 8

Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees

The Red Sox and Yankees were the highlight of ESPN baseball two weeks ago when the Red Sox woke up the Yankees after an intentionally pitch to Alex Rodriguez hit him in his ribs. This time it's a four game set at Yankee Stadium and the Red Sox will have to face off against the Yankees once again. The Yankees took two out of three last time due to great pitching and timely hitting. The Yankees need to have the same formula coming into the series. The keys to this series: keep Jacoby Ellsbury off base since he's the Red Sox version of Brett Gardner and find a way to get David Ortiz out anyway they can. (As of the morning of August 30, Ortiz has been in a slump going 0 for his last 23). This series is crucial. The Yankees need to at least take two out of the four games.

September 9 - September 12

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Yankees go from one four game series to another four game series, this time traveling to Camden Yards for this four game set vs. the Orioles. Keys to the rest of the Orioles series is simple: Don't give them anything to hit, especially Chris Davis. One mistake and it could go out to Eutaw street faster than you can say "Mariano Rivera". Which means I strongly advise Joe Girardi to again not play Phil Hughes. Don't know how many times I'm going to have to say this.

September 13 - September 15

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

After the Orioles series, the Yankees go to Boston and play another series at Fenway. Yep, same old same old Yankees vs. Red Sox. But this has more on the line for the Yankees than it does for the Red Sox. Let's just say find a way to stop the Red Sox bats, score some runs, take two out of three and get the heck out of there? Sound good? Good.

September 17 - September 19

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays

The Yankees go to Canada to play the Toronto Blue Jays in their final showdown this season. The Yankees have owned the Blue Jays this season, minus the most recent series where the Blue Jays took two out of three from the Yankees. Well, the Yankees will be looking for a vengeance. Key to this series: Keep the power hitters at bay, don't walk Jose Reyes and Rajai Davis--and try to get to the Blue Jays pitching. The Yankees have the discipline to do so and have proved it in the past.

September 20 - September 22

San Francisco Giants vs. New York Yankees

All right, who made this schedule? An interleague game at the end of the year? Anyway, back to the topic at hand: The Giants this year--aren't very good (and that's an understatement). The Yankees could have themselves a two out of three series (or maybe a sweep) if the Yankees run into bad pitching, which the Giants have had this season. Well, we don't know when the Giants will come back to Yankee Stadium so we might as well enjoy this series (that and we could see how starstruck the players get when they run into Mariano Rivera).

September 24 - September 26

Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees

The final series at Yankee Stadium for the 2013 season is against the Tampa Bay Rays who have the pitching to get them where they need to be if they make the first wild card spot. The keys to this series is simple: Don't give any of the power hitters (and there are some power hitters) anything good to hit. That includes Evan Longoria, Ben Zobrist, Matt Joyce...you get the picture. It's also important to stay patient with the pitchers.  You never know when you can get into their bullpen which has had an up and down year.

September 27 - September 29

New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros

The final series of the season takes the Yankees to Texas, but not to face the Rangers. Instead, they will face the Houston Astros. Honestly, if the Yankees can't sweep the Astros, then we don't deserve to be contending. The Houston Astros are a minor league team in the Major Leagues, and that's me putting it as nicely as I can. Depending where the Yankees are in the wild card standings at this point in the season, this series is important. This series could make or break the chances of getting into the playoffs if the race is that close in the end.

Trenton Loses A Marathon, 4-1 in 13 Innings


Trenton Loses A Marathon, 4-1 in 13 Innings
Three-run double in 13th inning the final blow

TRENTON, NJ - After Wednesday night's extra-inning walk-off win over the New Britain Rock Cats, the Trenton Thunder again headed to extra innings-only to lose 4-1 in 13 innings.
After 2.2 innings of relief without allowing a run, Manny Barreda allowed a two-out bases-clearing three-run double to Daniel Ortiz in the top of the 13th inning to break a 1-1 deadlock, and earn his first Double-A loss.
The Thunder had opportunities to plate runs throughout the ballgame, but stranded a season-high 19 runners on base. Trenton in fact trailed 1-0 into the bottom of the 7thinning before Francisco Arcia walked to begin the frame. He was sacrificed to second base by Ben Gamel, and with two outs Jose Pirela scorched a single up the middle that was charged by New Britain center fielder Angel Morales. His throw to the plate was not nearly in time to nail Arcia for the first run of the game for the Thunder.
Thunder starting pitcher Bryan Mitchell matched a Thunder season-high 7.1 innings pitched and allowed one run. He also struck out a Thunder season-high 10 batters-a feat that hadn't been done since Vidal Nuno did it against New Britain July 6, 2012. He needed 107 pitches in the outing, throwing an astounding 78 (73%) for strikes.
Francisco Rondon was the only other pitcher used in the ballgame for the Thunder, and he entered in the 8th inning. He pitched through the 10th inning and did not allow a hit while striking out four Rock Cats.
With a win by the Portland Sea Dogs over New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Trenton's lead in the East Division Wild Card remains 4.0 games over both teams and Trenton only needs one more win to wrap up a playoff berth.
Trenton hits the road for the final series of the 2013 regular season.and the New Britain Rock Cats battle at ARM & HAMMER Park in final game of their four-game series- and final home game of the regular season- Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Trenton sends RHP Bryan Mitchell (0-0, 3.18) to the mound against RHP Alex Meyer (4-3, 3.41) for the Rock Cats. Limited tickets available at www.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling (609)394-3300. Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and streaming online begins at 6:45 p.m.
Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original post can be seen HERE

This Day In New York Yankees History 8/30


On this day in 1910 Yankees pitcher Tom Hughes threw 9.1 IP of no hit ball before surrendering his first hit against the Indians. The worst part is that New York would lose the game 5-0 in 11 innings.


On this day the Yankees thought they were hosting an Old Timers Day event when Joe Niekro, age 41, and Tommy John, age 43, became the first set of pitchers age 40 or above to start both ends of a double header since 1933.


On this day in 2005 Alex Rodriguez became only the second right handed batter in Yankees history, joining Joe DiMaggio, to hit 40 or more home runs in a single season. DiMaggio hit 46 home runs in 1937 which would mark the only time he would reach 40 home runs in his career.


Thursday, August 29, 2013

New York Yankees Release Dan Johnson


The New York Yankees signed Dan Johnson in the off season before the 2013 season and have had him stashed in AAA with the Scranton Wilkes Barre RailRiders until today when they released him. Johnson put up a .253/.379/.447 in 559 plate appearances this season playing a pretty good first base in his age 34 season.

New York Yankees Injury Updates Before The Weekend


The Yankees are going to need all hands on deck for these final 29 games and those games start this Friday against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankees Stadium tomorrow night. Let's look at the walking wounded and see if and how they can help the Yankees have an Oakland Athletics circa 2012 esque charge towards the playoffs.

Robinson Cano has been receiving treatment on his hand that was hit by a pitch on Tuesday night in Toronto and is a game time decision tomorrow night against Baltimore. The swelling has gone down so the Yankees will wait and see how he reacts at taking batting practice before putting him in the lineup. The problem is with Nunez also hurt and listed as day to day they do not really have the luxury of DH'ing Cano unless they feel comfortable with Mark Reynolds at second base again.

Michael Pineda is throwing off of a mound but still seems unlikely to return to the Yankees this September. He has been doing a throwing program for almost two weeks now but with the minor league seasons ending I cannot see the Yankees letting him get his work in at the big league level. Pineda is probably a winter ball or Arizona Fall League candidate to build up arm strength and innings.

Both Travis Hafner and Zoilo Almonte are limping towards comebacks with the Yankees as both players are hitting off a tee and doing soft tee and toss. Neither player look close to taking live batting practice or being in any kind of games, even simulated games, but it is likely that both would be available for the season comes to an end at the end of September.

Eduardo Nunez MRI Comes Back Negative


Eduardo Nunez was sent to New York's Presbyterian Hospital for an MRI on his injured right knee and that MRI came back negative. Nunez is listed as day to day and will be evaluated before tomorrow nights game to judge his availability. Nunez has had two full days off so maybe that is enough to rest him because we do not have many options on the 40 man roster or in the system that could be a September call up. It is sad to say but we really need Nunez to play in the middle infield for the rest of the season.

New York Yankees Off Day Collectibles & Memorabilia


As you know we like to keep it a little relaxed here on the blog on off days and this is no different. I was looking on Yankees Steiner Sports, a Greedy Pinstripes affiliate, and I saw a ton of very interesting products for sale I thought I would share. Seen above is a 2013 game worn Derek Jeter Yankees Spring Training hat. Now the price is a little steep for this being posted at $2,5000 there are some things on there priced cheaper. CLICK HERE to see all the Yankees memorabilia and merchandise that Yankees Steiner Sports has for sale. We also have links on the side bar of ours blog for your convenience as well. 

New York Yankees Off Day Signature Picture


The Yankees are off today so I wanted to take this opportunity to share one of the may signatures that I used to use while I spent time in the sports forum world. Enjoy this high quality signature of Yankees second basemen Robinson Cano. Feel free to use this all that I ask is that you please link back to The Greedy Pinstripes. Thank you and enjoy the off day and travel day!

New York Yankees Off Day Youtube Video


The legacy of the New York Yankees video will give you goosebumps and if it doesn't you need to go to church and be checked for a soul. Awesome production and amazing that it all fit into only four minutes. Enjoy!

New York Yankees Off Day Music Recommendation


It's time to wake up New York Yankees fans and this song by Avenged Sevenfold off their new album "Hail To The King" will definitely do that for you. Enjoy this song and enjoy the off day because it's back home tomorrow against the Baltimore Orioles.

Alfonso Soriano Don't Hurt My Robinson Cano!!

JA Happ did enough Alfonso Soriano so don't hurt my Robinson Cano!

Eduardo Nunez To Get MRI On His Knee


Eduardo Nunez left the game after falling down on Tuesday with an apparent knee injury that will require him to head back to New York to get an MRI on. The Yankees are off today so no word on it being just precautionary or something we should worry about just yet but I am sure we will know soon. Nunez told Bryan Hoch after the game that he was worried he would miss two weeks or more due to this which would be devastating with the lack of Yankees depth in the middle infield since the Jayson Nix injury. Nunez was in the lineup originally last night before being scratched due to him not being able to run full speed. Let's just hope that these two days off will do a knee good for Nunez and he will be back in the middle with also injured star Robinson Cano on Friday.

Wild Walk-off Win, Thunder Win 9-8 in 12

Wild Walk-off Win, Thunder Win 9-8 in 12
Trenton scores two runs in 11th and 12th to win

TRENTON, NJ - Down to their final strike in both the 11th and 12th innings with two outs and the bases empty, the Trenton Thunder mounted two comebacks to win Wednesday night's ballgame 9-8 over the New Britain Rock Cats in 12 innings.
The Thunder used early offense from Kyle Roller (three-run homer) and Ramon Flores (two-run triple) to create an early 5-2 lead. The Thunder took a 5-3 lead into the 8thinning, but the Rock Cats scored twice to tie it off reliever Danny Burawa stemming largely from two errors in the inning.
The game headed to extra innings tied 5-5 and would remain tied into the 11th inning when New Britain scored twice to make it 7-5. Then with two outs in the bottom of the inning with the Thunder needing a pair of runs to tie it, they used four consecutive singles to plate a pair.
Charley Short pitched the 11th inning and came back on in the top of the 12th only to allow another run to put the Rock Cats in front once again, 8-7. The Thunder batted again in extra innings needing at least a run to tie, but the bottom of the 12th began with Reegie Corona and Mason Williams being retired easily. Then Ramon Flores singled and Jose Pirela chopped a grounder over the mound for an infield single himself.
That brought Trenton's 20-year old catcher Gary Sanchez to the plate with the tying run at second base and the potential winning run at first. Sanchez singled sharply to New Britain left fielder Daniel Ortiz whose throw to the plate was intended to get Ramon Flores before he could score the game-tying run, but instead wound up hitting nearly halfway up the backstop. As the ball got to the backstop, Jose Pirela- who had not broken stride from first base when the play began- kept sprinting to the plate. New Britain catcher Kyle Knudson flipped to pitcher Matt Hauser who was covering the plate, but Hauser couldn't handle the throw and Pirela scored the game-winning run in walk-off fashion.
With the win and a win by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats over the Portland Sea Dogs, Trenton's lead in the East Division Wild Card remains 4.0 games over the Fisher Cats but is now only 5.0 over the Sea Dogs with 6 games remaining in the regular season.
Trenton and the New Britain Rock Cats battle at ARM & HAMMER Park in final game of their four-game series- and final home game of the regular season- Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Trenton sends RHP Bryan Mitchell (0-0, 3.18) to the mound against RHP Alex Meyer (4-3, 3.41) for the Rock Cats. Limited tickets available atwww.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling (609)394-3300. Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and streaming online begins at 6:45 p.m.
Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE