Sunday, March 10, 2013

Mariano Rivera's Dominance In The Postseason


Here is something to think about when considering just how dominant Mariano Rivera has been in the post season in his career. Amazing!

Logan Pain Free


Yesterday we saw the returns of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera from their respective injuries, and today there's another good report. He's not ready to step into a game quite yet, but Boone Logan made it through his first bullpen session in about 2 weeks without any pain.

While saying that he'll be ready for Opening Day, Logan also added that he's "never been so excited to throw a bullpen." With Clay Rapada currently shut down with shoulder bursitis this is some good news.

Is Mustelier A Good 3B Option?

"We’re going to look at him"

That's what Joe Girardi said in response to a question regarding the team trying out Ronnier Mustelier at third base.

I'm not sure if this is a great idea due to Ronnie's defense being a question mark, although I hear that it's gotten better since he first came to the States from Cuba, but it's certainly worth a try. I mean... what harm can it do? Mustelier is batting 6-for-16 so far this spring, with a triple and homer in there, but keep in mind that it's been against AAA-level pitching so far.

Alex Rodriguez Foundation In Hot Water Over Donations



By now, many of you have likely heard about the Boston Globe story that the Alex Rodriguez Foundation only donated 1 percent of proceeds raised in charity events.  One such event was a charity poker tournament that raised over $400,000 and according to reports, only $5,090 of that money was donated.  Fortunately, the case of the Alex Rodriguez Foundation is the exception rather than the rule when it comes to organizations hosting charity poker events.  For years, major sport teams have held charity poker events with deserving organizations being the main benefactor.

The W Scottsdale casino in Scottsdale Arizona has hosted the Spring Training Charity Poker Event for the last three years.  Proceeds from the event go to the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund and each years boasts Major League players.  The most recent version of the event was held just a week ago and featured Cliff Pennington of the Diamondbacks, Casper Well of the Mariners, White Sox third base coach Joe McEwing, and Rangers hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh.

Manchester United of the English Premier League has been using charity poker as a way to benefit hospice care in Northern Ireland.  The Red Devils held a televised charity poker event that pitted several of the team's stars against each other battling for bragging rights and raising money for a Irish hospice.  Jonny Evans won the event both years.

Charlie Batch of the Pittsburg Steelers has been helping young adults in the Pittsburgh area achieve literacy through his Best of the Best Foundation.  Each year, Batch throws his "In the Pocket" charity event that combines charity poker, billiards, and ping-pong.  Donors put up money and in exchange get to play one or more of the games with some of their favorite stars. 

Last year, three New York Jets took part in the 3rd Annual NYC Celebrity Poker Tournament.  Marquice Cole, Drew Coleman, and Tanner Purdem all represented the Jets at the event with proceeds going to Mt. Sinai Children's Hospital and Ride 2 Recovery.  In all, over $20,000 was donated to the two charities.

It would be unfair to comment on the A-Rod situation without knowing all the details.  However, it is evident that charity poker events have been used successfully for years to help worthy causes and that the majority of them are on the level.  Hopefully the problems with the Alex Rodriguez Foundation does not hurt future charities that choose to use the charity poker route to help raise funds.

WBC: Team USA vs. Team Canada


Team USA finally broke out the offense last night as David Wright and his grand slam put us ahead 6-2 as we beat Team Italy by that score. Team Canada thumped Team Mexico last night both on the scoreboard and with their fists in the brawl. A lot is on the line for Team USA in this game because if they win today then they not only go to the next round but they also win the pool with a better head to head record with Italy. If Team USA loses then they finish in last place because of their head to head record with Mexico and would have to qualify for the 2017 WBC. The winner of this game heads to the second round in Miami and the loser goes home. Derek Holland will go to the mound for Team USA against Jameson Taillon at 4:00 pm ET on MLB Network.

Chase Headley, The Yankees, & His Availability


It was just a matter of time before the rumors that the Yankees are looking at acquiring Chase Headley from the San Diego Padres would start up again. With Mark Teixeira set to be out until at least mid May and the Yankees willing to find a third basemen or a first basemen because of Kevin Youkilis ability to play both first base and third. Bill Madden reported last week that the Padres were unable to come to terms with an extension for Chase and that they would start listening to offers for him. Today we learn that the Yankees checked in on Headley and GM Josh Byrnes says that he is not available. Is this just posturing, GM talk, creating leverage, or is he really just not available? No one really knows.


Chase Headley is entering his age 28 season and is coming off of a monster 2012 season. In probably the biggest pitchers park Headley put up .286/.376/.592 with 31 home runs. Chase is also a switch hitter, which the Yankees have always loved, and is an above average defender at third base while being under team control for this season and next. I could not even imagine what Headley would cost, and I am not sure he will even be worth it since Teixeira is coming back in May, but it seems like the Yankees are really hot for Chase and they tend to get their man eventually. His wife would not be a bad add to the Wives & Girlfriends section either, I'm just saying.

New York Yankees Spring Training Notes 3/10


Yankees prospect Tyler Austin was assigned to AA Trenton's minor league camp. While there is still a shot that Tyler starts out in Tampa it looks like there is at least a chance that Tyler will start 2013 in Trenton. If he starts out in AA and continues to hit like he has since he came into the Yankees system he could be knocking on the Yankees door come September.


David Robertson, Phil Hughes, Mariano Rivera, and David Aardsma are all scheduled to throw bullpen sessions tomorrow. Manager Joe Girardi says that David Robertson will be in a game "shortly" after sleeping on his shoulder wrong and not being able to get warm.


Andy Pettitte and CC Sabathia have yet to get into a Spring Training Grapefruit League game but that is about to change. Both are scheduled to pitch next week with Andy penciled in to pitch Wednesday at home against the Philadelphia Phillies and CC Sabathia scheduled to pitch Friday at home against the Miami Marlins.


Speaking of CC Sabathia he threw a 50 pitch simulated game against Zoilo Almonte and Corban Joseph today and looked ready to pitch in a game. CC says he does not even think about his elbow when he pitches anymore and has been throwing all of his pitches in his simulated games.


Boone Logan did a long toss session today and followed it up by throwing a few pitches off of the mound and came through it feeling great. Boone says his elbow has not bothered him in a few days and is hoping to throw a bullpen session soon. Boone still thinks Opening Day is still likely for him.


Derek Jeter is scheduled to DH again tomorrow when the Yankees host the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe Girardi says that Derek could be in the field as early as Wednesday when the Yankees play the Phillies with Andy Pettitte on the mound.

New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays 3/10


The Yankees continue their Grapefruit League schedule today when they travel to play the Toronto Blue Jays in spring training. The Yankees will send David Phelps to the mound to face the Jays as he looks to continue to dominate hitters this spring. The game will be televised at 1:05 pm ET on YES and on MLB Network although it will be delayed.

Here are the lineups

Brett Gardner LF
Jayson Nix SS
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Juan Rivera 1B
Francisco Cervelli C
Matt Diaz DH
Melky Mesa CF
Thomas Neal RF
Jose Pirela 2B



Spring Training 3/10/13 Lineup

Brett Gardner LF
Jayson Nix SS
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Juan Rivera 1B
Francisco Cervelli C
Matt Diaz DH
Melky Mesa CF
Thomas Neal RF
Jose Pirela 2B

RHP David Phelps

Start Time: 1:05 p.m.
T.V: MLB.TV (Blue Jays Television)