Saturday, July 20, 2013

Alberto Gonzalez Designated For Assignment Again


The Yankees have designated infielder Alberto Gonzalez for assignment for the second time this season to make room for Thomas Neal and Melky Mesa to come up to the majors. Alberto has played all over the Yankees infield, outfield, and pitching this season but it has not been enough to guarantee him a roster spot. With Brent Lillibridge being called up along with having Luis Cruz the Yankees had one too many utility infielders on the roster.

Alex Rodriguez Feels Tightness In His Quad

The Yankees finished with a record below .500 in four straight seasons, spanning the years 1989 to 1992. They did finish the previous two seasons above .500, but being in 4th and 5th place in the AL East in 1987 and 1988 can hardly be called "successful" (keep in mind there was no central division back then).

The point I'm trying to make is that for those six years it wasn't fun rooting for the Yankees. From 1993 until the end of last season, the Yankees finished in first place in their division 14 times, second place 5 times, third place once, and did not finish any lower. So fans such as myself, who have been alive for more than 20 years, definitely remember witnessing some tough Yankee teams, while those younger might not understand truly hard times.

Until now.


Earlier today we found out that Alex Rodriguez would be starting his AAA rehab game as the designated hitter, rather than the third baseman as planned. This was due to him feeling tightness in his left quadricep. Although we have reason to believe this injury isn't serious, as ARod would likely be left out of the game completely were the tightness bad, it still bugs the hell out of me that yet another Yankee player is having health issues.

Yesterday we learned that Derek Jeter was to be placed back on the disabled list, and Zoilo Almonte would join him later that day after spraining his ankle during the game. It's pretty sad that there are more players on the Yankees that have seen time on the disabled list, than there are those that have been healthy all season.

Kuroda cruises through seven as Yanks top Red Sox 5-2


Thanks to seven innings of two-run ball from Hiroki Kuroda and scoreless innings of relief from David Robertson and Mariano Rivera, the Yankees were able to win today's middle game in Boston pretty easily, 5-2. This one was scoreless until the top of the fifth, when Brett Gardner drove in a run with a base hit to center field. After that, the Bombers would score three more in the seventh (RBI Singles from Cruz, Cano, and Overbay) and another in the ninth on a sac fly from Cano to take this one routinely, improving their record on the year to 52-45. This clutch victory sets up what will be a crucial rubber game tomorrow night on ESPN. First pitch for that one will be at 8:05 pm ET. It'll be on ESPN and NESN. Enjoy it. 

Game Thread: Yankees @ Red Sox 7/20


Rivalry renewed as the Yankees and the Red Sox fight it out in the always dreaded afternoon game on FOX that we tend to do so well in. I do not know if you could sense a little sarcasm in that statement but if you could not then just know that it was highly sarcastic. Hiroki Kuroda and John Lackey is the pitching matchup so go Yankees!

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New York Yankees @ Boston Red Sox 7/20


The rivalry continues this afternoon as the New York Yankees travel to Fenway Park to take on the Boston Red Sox. Hiroki Kuroda will be on the mound for the Yankees and John Lackey will be on the mound for the Boston Red Sox. The game will be televised at 4:05 pm ET on FOX.

Former Yankees Update Jose Contreras


Jose Contreras was recently released by the Pittsburgh Pirates and now has signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox. Yankees fans should be familiar with the name Jose Contreras as he was a New York Yankees player from 2003 - 2004. Now in his age 41 season and fresh off shoulder inflammation and the bereavement list Contreras is still looking to resurrect his career now with the Red Sox. I would say good luck but good luck to the Red Sox means bad luck to us so all I will say is congratulations.

Is It Time To Reunite With Chris Dickerson?


Chris Dickerson was designated for assignment yesterday by the Baltimore Orioles and could soon become a free agent. If Dickerson clears waivers he can accept a minor league assignment or he can elect free agency and become a free agent. If Dickerson is claimed then the Orioles can either trade him or they can basically give him away for his salary. Either way should the Yankees be interested with having a reunion with Chris Dickerson?


Dickerson batted .245/.274/.412 in 106 plate appearances with the Orioles this season after signing a minor league deal with Baltimore shortly after being DFA'd by the New York Yankees. Chris Dickerson is a left handed outfielder and 31 years old but would he give us even a marginal upgrade over what we currently have? I cannot say so because I would not say that C Dick would be an upgrade over any of Brett Gardner, Ichiro Suzuki, Curtis Granderson, or Zoilo Almonte. He may be an upgrade over Vernon Wells but Vernon bats right handed and gives him an obvious edge over Dickerson.

"Still a NO Chris..."

In the end as much as I would love to have Chris Dickerson back with the Yankees as I am a member of the C Dick fan club I cannot see it happening. Unless it is on a minor league deal it just does not make sense for Dickerson to sign on with the Yankees. I can see a team like the Atlanta Braves jumping all over this deal to temporarily replace their injured Upton brothers and Jayson Heyward.

Trenton Thunder Game Recap 7/19

   
 
Press Release - July 19, 2013
Thunder Force Extras, Lose 4-3 in 10
 
 
BOX SCORE         HIGHLIGHTS

TRENTON, NJ – Trenton rallied with three unanswered runs to force extra innings, but dropped Friday night’s contest 4-3 in 10 innings against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

With one out in the 10th inning, Brad Glenn faced the Thunder’s Mikey O’Brien (5-5) with the bases empty. Glenn, who had 13 HR entering the night, worked a 3-0 count against the righty O’Brien and was given a green light from New Hampshire Manager Gary Allenson. Glenn turned around the offering over 400 feet to right-center field. The swing gave the Fisher Cats the 4-3 lead, and proved to be the difference as the Thunder went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 10th.

Trenton tied the game 3-3 in the bottom of the 8th after trailing 3-0 through four innings. Ramon Flores had one hit in the ballgame, but his triple to lead-off the 8th put the tying run at third base with no outs. He scored one pitch later without a throw on Reegie Corona’s sacrifice fly to left field.

Starting pitcher Shane Greene allowed three runs over 5.2 innings in a no-decision, though just one of the three runs were earned. Errors in both the 1st and 4th innings eventually produced runs for the Fisher Cats, who collected eight hits off Greene who also  
The Thunder played in just their fifth extra-inning game of the season—their first since an eight-inning affair in Game 2 of a double-header July 2nd, and their game to exceed nine innings since May 30th. Trenton is now 3-2 this season in extra-inning games including 3-1 in extra-inning games at home.

The Thunder and Fisher Cats continue their four-game series and Saturday night against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at 7:05 p.m. The ballgame features LHP Nik Turley (7-5, 4.45) for the Thunder facing New Hampshire’s LHP Sean Nolin (6-2, 2.09). Limited tickets are still available by going to www.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling the Thunder Ticket Office at (609) 394-3300. Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and streaming online begins at 6:45 p.m.

--THUNDER--

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

Charleston Riverdogs Game Recap 7/19


RiverDogs Soar Past Greensboro On the Power Bird

Greg Bird hits three homers and drives in all seven Charleston runs

GREENSBORO, NC – Greg Bird led the offensive charge for the Charleston RiverDogs as he finished 4-5 with three homers and single and knocked in all seven runs for Charleston en route to a 7-5 RiverDogs victory on Friday evening at NewBridge Bank Park in South Atlantic League action.
With the win, the RiverDogs improve to 14-11 in the second half and 53-40 overall. With the loss, the Grasshoppers drop to 13-14 in the second half and 46-50 overall.

Greg Bird got his night started early with a two out solo blast to give Charleston a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Greensboro responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the second inning with two outs. Following a two out double by Blake Barber, Cody Keefer stepped to the plate and drove Barber in on an RBI single to tie the game at one.

The very next half-inning, the Charleston bats responded. With one out, Cito Culver singled with Greg Bird coming to the plate. Bird would then get a hold of one over the left field wall for his second homer of the night to give the RiverDogs a 3-1 advantage.

Greg Bird attacked again in the top of the fourth inning. Following a pair of singles by Jake Cave and Cito Culver, Bird smashed a monster home run to right center to give Charleston a 6-1 cushion.
The final at-bat for Bird saw the designated hitter drive a single to left to score Jake Cave for the seventh run of the game. Bird was thrown out at second to end the top of the eighth trying to stretch his single into a double.

Bird finished his night 4-for-5 with three homers, a single and seven RBI’s. The three homers and seven RBI's are both career highs for Bird and season highs for a RiverDog.

Cito Culver and Danny Oh also chipped in with big nights. Culver went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and a stolen base, while Danny Oh finished 3-for-5 with two doubles, a single and a stolen base.
Greensboro got on the board once more in the bottom of the fifth inning. With two outs, Michael Vaughn doubled to left field and due to a misplay by left fielder Kelvin De Leon was able to come around and score on the error. Juancito Martinez then drew a walk and stole a base following Vaughn’s at-bat. Anthony Gomez singled in Martinez for the second run of the game for the Grasshoppers.

In a wacky bottom of the ninth, Viosergy Rosa would leadoff with a single. Following Rosa’s single, Jesus Solarzano homered to shallow right center and due to the flyball, Rosa held his position in-between first and second base. Solarzano passed Rosa on the basepath and because of that Solarzano was ruled out. Rosa was able to round the bases for one run. Solarzano only received a single andRBI on the play due to his baserunning gaffe.

With Cameron Flynn at third, RiverDogs outfielder Kelvin De Leon tried chasing down a foul ball and had to come out of the game with an undisclosed injury. With De Leon out of the game, second baseman Angelo Gumbs moved to left field, while Francisco Rosario came off the bench to play second. The first play Rosario saw, he booted at second to allow Cody Keefer to reach first and Flynn to score from third. Michael Vaughn then grounded into a game ending fielders choice when Cito Culver made a fantastic diving play at short to end the contest.

RiverDogs starter Evan Rutckyj (8-6) picked up his team leading eighth victory of the season. Rutckyj’s final line was five innings, three runs, two earned, on four hits, six strikeouts and one walk. Rutckyj was relieved by John Brebbia to start the sixth, and Brebbia sat down the Grasshoppers in order in his three innings of relief with one strikeout. Derek Varnadore allowed two runs, only one earned, in the ninth inning but eventually closed the door to seal the win.

Taking the loss for the Grasshoppers was their starter Daniel Oliver (2-3). Oliver’s final line was four innings and he allowed six runs on nine hits with five strikeouts and two walks.

The RiverDogs will stay in the state of North Carolina as they open up a four game series in Hickory starting Saturday evening. Game one against the Crawdads is scheduled for 7pm Saturday at L.P. Frans Stadium. Charleston will send RHP Vicente Campos (1-2, 3.66 ERA) to the mound as Hickory counters with LHP Frank Lopez (2-3, 5.58 ERA). You can listen to the game live locally on ESPN 910 AM or online at www.riverdogs.com.

--RIVERDOGS--

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

Alex Rodriguez Collects Two More Hits In Rehab Game


Alex Rodriguez's bat is finally starting to heat up at the right time in this rehab assignment as he picked up two more hits last night for the Scranton Railriders. Alex was 2-4 with a strike out which makes him 6-18 in his last five games. Alex is finding his timing and knocking the rust off at just the right time before he is activated on Monday.

Zoilo Almonte Headed To The DL With An Ankle Sprain


Zoilo Almonte is headed to the disabled list with an ankle sprain after leaving last nights game in the fifth inning. X Rays were negative but the left ankle will still send Zoilo to the DL. Words is that both Thomas Neal and Melky Mesa have left Scranton and headed to Boston which doesn't make a lot of sense but it is what it is.

Morning Bits

Brian Cashman's full "genius" was on display last night as the Yankees and their 230 million dollar payroll fell to the Red Sox by a score of 4-2.

After Brett Gardner was ejected for a display of anger following a laughable third strike called by home plate umpire Mike Everitt(whose mother had no children that lived) and Zoilo Almonte was injured, the Yankee lineup was the following: Alberto Gonzalez, Ichiro Suzuki, Robinson Cano, Vernon(The Disease) Wells, Luis Cruz, Lyle Overbay, Brent Lillibridge, Eduardo Nunez, and Chris Stewart.

Have the Yankees been impacted by injuries? Of course, but that doesn't excuse Cashman's complete and total failure as far as drafting and development goes since he took over that phase of the Yankees' operation in 2006.  It also doesn't excuse the fact that the last trade the GM of the world's greatest franchise won was when he dealt for Nick Swisher in 2008.   It was obvious that the Yankees had an aging team a few years ago but Cashman did nothing to look to the future and even worse chose the wrong "old guys" to acquire this year.  Trading for Vernon(The Disease) Wells and agreeing to pay him 12 million dollars this year may be one of the all-time worst moves ever made by any GM and there he was batting cleanup last night.  Wells has an OBP of .279 this season to go along with his slugging percentage of  .370.

Cashman's inability to make good trades is a serious issue. Rival GM's know the position that Cashman is in right now and will be looking to pick his pocket as the trade deadline approaches.  The most serious issue is that by the time July 31st comes, the Yankees may be totally out of contention and at that point a fire sale might be in order.  At this point a total makeover might be the way to go and many fans would be in support of a management decision to do that, but not with Cashman at the helm.  Does anyone alive really trust Cashman to get the best value back for players like Gardner or even Cano if the Yankees choose to rebuild?

Andy Pettitte ran his streak of games where the opponent scored at least 4 runs off of him to 7 games in a row and 8 of his last 9.  It's hard to watch him struggle like this.

The Yankees and Red Sox will do battle again at 4:05 PM ET with Hiroki Kuroda(8-6, 2.65 ERA) doing battle with John Lackey(7-6, 2.78 ERA).  The game will be televised by Fox.

Now on to today's news links:

The USA Today has this article about Derek Jeter going back on the DL.

Roger Rubin and Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News write about the Red Sox thanking NY for their support of the City of Boston during hard times.

Andrew Marchand of ESPNNY.com says the Yankees and Brett Gardner were sorry last night.

Have a great day everyone!

This Day In New York Yankees History 7/20


On this day in 1965 Yankees pitcher Mel Stottlemyer hit an inside the park grand slam against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees would win this game 6-3.


On this day in 1987 Yankees first basemen Don Mattingly tied a major league mark when he was credited with 22 put outs in one game.