Friday, August 9, 2013

Yankees beat Tigers in 10 after Mo blows second consecutive save opportunity

Ivan Nova gave up just 1 run while striking out seven in as many innings of work tonight as the Yankees ended their four-game losing streak with a stressful, 4-3 win over the Tigers in 10 innings. The Bombers led this one for almost all of it's entirety, but blew their 3-1 lead in the ninth inning after Mariano Rivera gave up a two-run home run to Miguel Cabrera, who seems to hit everything. That homer costed Rivera a save, Nova a win, and Shawn Kelley, who would end up getting the W after throwing a scoreless tenth frame, a night off. But, they still won. That's good enough. 

The Yankees first three runs tonight came on a groundout from Soriano in the first and a two-run double from Cano in the third. In the bottom of the tenth, the game would be won after Brett Gardner hit a two-out, RBI Single with the bases loaded. 

While I don't want to do this, I do feel like I need to mention that in his first game at Yankee Stadium this season, A-Rod, MLB's highest payed player, went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. There. Now you know. 

RiverDogs Bats Silent Again In Shutout Loss to Braves


RiverDogs Bats Silent Again In Shutout Loss to Braves
Rome tosses three hit shutout for second straight win to begin series

CHARLESTON, SC – Rome Braves starter Wes Parsons dominated Charleston’s lineup with seven, two hit, shutout innings as the Braves topped the RiverDogs 5-0 on Friday night in front of 5,273 fans in South Atlantic League action at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

With the loss, the RiverDogs fall to 23-25 in the second half and 62-54 overall. With the win, Rome advances to 22-26 in the second half and 58-59 overall.

Parsons, who was coming off a complete game two hit shutout in his last start, was stellar yet again. He gave up leadoff singles in the first and third innings and faced just one batter over the minimum in his seven scoreless frames. He retired the last 14 men he faced and picked up the win to improve to 5-6 on the year.

After facing the minimum through three hitless, scoreless innings himself Charleston starter Cesar Vargas allowed two runs in the fourth inning and three in the fifth before calling it a night. He gave up seven hits, five runs, and walked one without striking out a better in five innings. Vargas got the loss to fall to 4-5.

One night after all nine starters recorded at least one hit for Rome, they got hits from six different batters on Friday. Eric Garcia and Carlos Franco each had two hit games with Garcia driving in a couple runs as well. Leadoff man Kyle Wren had another good game for the Braves scoring twice and driving in a run with a single, walk, and fielder’s choice.

Jake Cave and Wes Wilson were the only RiverDogs to reach base safely. Cave went 2-4 with two singles and Wilson finished 1-3. Charleston never got a runner past first base all game long.

The highlight of the night was in the top of the fourth inning when Cito Culver made one of the nicest plays a shortstop can make. When Carlos Franco hit a hard ground ball to third base with the bases loaded, RiverDogs’ third baseman Ty Afenir dove and deflected the ball towards Culver who gloved it and from deep in the hole jumped and threw to first to retire Franco 5-6-3. The crowd gave Charleston a standing ovation after the play.
Derek Varnadore threw three scoreless, hitless innings of relief for the Dogs, and James Pazos tossed a scoreless ninth inning. For Rome, Jeremy Fitzgerald got the final six outs allowing just one base hit and striking out two.
BALLPARK FUN: Steven Jackson, Drew Meyer, and Britt Reames were inducted into the Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony on the field.
COMING UP: The third game of this four game series is Saturday night at 6:05 at Riley Park. It's Back to School Night at The Joe as we celebrate the start of the 2013-14 school year at the park. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free RiverDogs backpack thanks to WCSC Channel 5. 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. LHP Evan Rutckyj (9-7, 4.53 ERA) will be on the mound for Charleston and Rome will start LHP Sean Gilmartin who is making his Rome season debut. Fans can listen to the game live locally on ESPN Radio 910AM or online at www.riverdogs.com.
Box Score:   http://atmilb.com/19hQMGW
--RIVERDOGS--

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

Game Thread: Tigers @ Yankees 8/9


The Yankees and the Tigers will start a three game set this weekend with the story line being Alex Rodriguez's first trip back to Yankee Stadium this season. The pitching match up is Ivan Nova for the Yankees and Rick Porcello for the Tigers. Nova has continued to impress since coming back from the minor leagues and has cemented his spot in the rotation. The game can be seen on MLB Network, MLB TV, and the YES Network now so be sure to tune in.

Here is the Yankees lineup:

1. Gardner CF
2. Suzuki RF
3. Cano 2B
4. Soriano DH
5. Rodriguez 3B
6. Granderson LF
7. Overbay 1B
8. Nunez SS
9. Stewart C

Follow us on twitter by following @GreedyStripes. Buy your Yankees tickets for this game and every game this series HERE. Go Yankees!!

Detroit Tigers @ New York Yankees 8/9


The Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees start a three game weekend series at Yankees Stadium tonight, the first time Alex Rodriguez will visit the Bronx in uniform this season. Ivan Nova will head to the mound to face off with Rick Porcello for the Tigers. The game will be televised at 7:05 pm ET on YES, MLB network, and MLB TV.

Trenton Thunder Playoff Tickets On Sale Now


PLAYOFF TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Thunder Hold 3 Game Lead For Playoff Spot
 (TRENTON, NJ) The Trenton Thunder, Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, announced on Thursday that tickets for all potential 2013 home playoff games are now on sale. The Thunder, with a record of 59-57, are currently in second place in the Eastern League, three games ahead of the third place Portland Sea Dogs in the Eastern Division standings.  
Tickets may be reserved online at trentonthunder.com or by calling the Thunder Ticket Office at 609-394-3300 x 101.
Thunder full and half season ticket holders have until August 21 to claim their seats for the playoffs. Season Ticket Holders are encouraged to order their seats online but can also order in person or by phone.
Tickets will be available for pick up at the Will Call window the day after the Thunder clinch their exact playoff spot. Fans will receive a refund for tickets to any home playoff games that are not played. Season ticket holders will receive a credit towards their 2014 season tickets.
During the 2012 season the Thunder fell to the Akron Aeros in the Eastern League Championship. In 2011, Trenton failed to make the playoffs after losing in the Eastern League Championship in 2010 to the Altoona Curve. Trenton defeated Portland and Akron in the playoffs in both 2007 and 2008 to win back-to-back Eastern League Championships.

Trenton Thunder Playoff Schedule
The Eastern League playoff format is a two-round system of best three-out-of-five series. In the first round of Divisional Playoffs, the first and second place teams in each division play each other. The division winners then meet for the Eastern League Championship. Below are the dates for potential Thunder Playoff games (dates and times subject to change).

EASTERN DIVISION SERIES (ROUND 1) 
Wednesday, Sept. 4 @ 7:05 PM 1ST Place Eastern Division @ 2ND Place Eastern Division
Thursday, Sept. 5 @ 7:05 PM1ST Place Eastern Division @ 2ND Place Eastern Division 
Friday, Sept. 6      2ND Place Eastern Division @ 1ST Place Eastern Division
Saturday, Sept. 7 (IF NECESSARY)  2ND Place Eastern Division @ 1ST Place Eastern Division  
Sunday, Sept. 8   (IF NECESSARY)  2ND Place Eastern Division @ 1ST Place Eastern Division
Monday, September 9    NO GAMES SCHEDULED
               
EASTERN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP (ROUND 2) 
Tuesday, Sept. 10 @ 7:05 PMWestern Division Champion @ THUNDER
Wednesday, Sept. 11 @ 7:05 PMWestern Division Champion @ THUNDER
Thursday, Sept. 12    THUNDER @ Western Division Champion
Friday, Sept. 13    (IF NECESSARY) THUNDER @ Western Division Champion
Saturday, Sept. 14  (IF NECESSARY)  
THUNDER @ Western Division Champion
    
ALL DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE


2013 PLAYOFF TICKET PRICES  
ADVANCE - PAVILION SEATS (JR/SR)................ $10
ADVANCE - PAVILION SEATS (ADULT)................ $11
ADVANCE - CLUB SEATS....................................$12
GAME DAY - PAVILION SEATS (JR/SR)................$11
GAME DAY - PAVILION SEATS (ADULT)................$12
GAME DAY - CLUB SEATS...................................$13
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ................................$8
SEASON TICKET HOLDER STRIP (5-GAMES).......$40 
GROUPS (20 OR MORE).......................................$8
INDIVIDUAL LUXURY SUITE TICKETS*....................$26*
GROUP LUXURY SUITE (25 TICKETS)*...................$650*
YANKEE CLUB (GROUP/INDIVIDUAL)*....................$26* 
SUITE LEVEL SEASON TICKET FOOD UPGRADE...$15
*FOOD IS INCLUDED (PICNIC STYLE BUFFET SET-UP IN THE YANKEE CLUB)
  
--THUNDER--

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

It Is Time To Sell: Chris Stewart


I know what you are all thinking when you read the title of this post but just hear me out.

The St. Louis Cardinals recently lost their All Star catcher Yadier Molina to injury and were said to be looking for a temporary replacement at the July 31st trading deadline. Chris Stewart would be a perfect match for the Cardinals as his bat is sufficient enough to play everyday but not good enough to make any waves when Yadier comes back. Stewart is still arbitration eligible in 2014 and would serve as a cheap and very competent back up for the Cards, especially in the National League. His defense and his control over the running game would surely be attractive to the Cardinals as well I would think so a deal could be made here, especially considering that I don't see a problem with Stewart clearing waivers. 

The Cardinals have a great farm system so, without getting too specific because I never claimed to be a Cardinals farm system expert, they should have plenty of  guys either blocked or log jammed that could become available. Obviously we are not going to get a Matt Adams here but if we could get a AA or AAA pitcher out of the deal I would be ecstatic. 


The Yankees would then have room to call up the red hot JR Murphy from Scranton and finally give him his shot at the majors. The Yankee have been grooming high end catchers for some time now and it is about time we saw some dividends from the likes of Austin Romine and JR Murphy. 

Does it work for both teams? Sure it does but keep in mind that doesn't always mean it is going to go down like that. Remember this is a MOCK trade and pure speculation on my part but damn wouldn't it be nice? 

It Is Time To Sell: Lyle Overbay


Lyle Overbay, and let this sink in and let it show how far we have fallen as a team this season, has been a godsend for the New York Yankees this season after being released at the end of spring training by the Boston Red Sox. Overbay has been a savior for the Yankees at first base, and when needed in the outfield, and has probably been our biggest clutch hitter this season. The best thing is he has to have trade value at this point but not enough to probably get claimed on waivers, thus allowing us to trade him to anyone we want.

The AL East is out so we can move on from them, the St. Louis Cardinals have a log jam at first base so count them out as well, but what about the Arizona Diamondbacks? They have right handed Paul Goldsmchidt currently there and he is having a tremendous season offensively but Overbay could definitely add some depth and veteran leadership along with Eric Chavez in that infield. Overbay gives the D Backs a different look from the left side of the plate and would be a valuable part time player in their playoff run this season.


The Diamondbacks have plenty of guys in the lower levels of the minor leagues so if we could get a AA arm for Overbay I think that would be fair. There is no replacement for veteran leadership in an overall young clubhouse, clutch hitting, and good defense at a premium position. I'd hate to lose Overbay but the fit works in Arizona and we are going no where really fast this season.

Derek Jeter Appreciation Thread


Derek Jeter has just played a hand full of games this season and has been on the disabled list more times this season combined then he ever probably was in his career (or three times, whichever is closer) but I still felt compelled to include him in our final "Appreciation" post. Jeter comes off the disabled list the first time and the Yankees not only win but put up an unheard of, sarcastic exaggeration but not by much with this offense, eight runs against the Kansas City Royals. Jeter would find himself back on the DL after the game only to work himself back once again and would hit a home run on the first pitch he saw against Matt Moore and the Rays. Derek Jeter just being on the field, home run or not, sends the Yankees a message that he is ready to put us on his back and lead us to the promised land. I do not think it is a coincidence that Alfonso Soriano was 0-8 as a Yankee before Jeter came back and then went 4-5 with a walk off in the game against the Rays that Jeter returned to. Jeter makes the offense better and makes everyone take a collective breathe while at the plate because one run may not necessarily beat us anymore. Thank you Derek for 18 great years as a Yankee, for not having a twitter account, for smashing every woman that could possibly be in a Vogue magazine, and for loving the game more than anyone in the game. Thank you for being you Jeter! Get well soon and let's get back on the field and start winning again!

Angelini’s 11th-Inning Slam Gives Thunder Win at Erie


(Erie, PA) – Carmen Angelini smashed a two-out grand slam home run in the top of the 11th inning to complete a late comeback for the Trenton Thunder, who salvaged a win in the three-game series against the Erie SeaWolves, 5-1, Thursday night at Jerry Uht Park.
Four Trenton pitchers combined to record a team and Eastern League season-high 20 strikeouts and held Erie without a run for the final ten innings of the contest.  The Thunder (60-57) moved 4.0 games ahead of third-place Portland, New Hampshire and New Britain for the wild card spot in the Eastern Division.
Angelini hit a 2-0 pitch from reliever Ryan Robowski over the left field fence for his fourth long ball in 45 games played as a Thunder. Reegie Corona led off the 11th against Michael Morrison (3-3) with a single, and Slade Heathcott was the hit by a pitch. 
After Morrison recorded two pop outs, Jose Pirela worked a walk on a 3-2 pitch to load the bases which prompted Erie manager Chris Cron to bring in Robowski to face Angelini.  He hit Trenton’s third grand slam of the season – two of which came on May 26th at Bowie.
The game nearly ended in regulation, as the SeaWolves held a 1-0 lead until two outs in the top of the ninth behind a brilliant outing from starter Warwick Saupold.  Saupold held Trenton scoreless on five hits through eight, but walked Corona to begin the ninth and was lifted in favor of Morrison.
With Corona on third and two outs, Kyle Roller tied the game on a 1-2 pitch by grounding a single into centerfield.  It was his first hit in 11 at-bats during the series.  Tommy Kahnle tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth to send the game to extra innings.
Danny Burawa (5-3) entered in the tenth and tossed the final two innings for the Thunder by retiring all six batters he faced, three on strikeouts.  Mikey O’Brien (4.2 innings, eight strikeouts), Francisco Rondon (2.1 innings, five Ks), Kahnle (2.0 innings, 4 Ks) helped keep Erie’s bats quiet all night.
The Thunder next return to ARM & HAMMER Park for a six-game homestand in which they welcome Akron for three games and then Harrisburg for three.  The Akron series begins Friday night at 7:05 pm, with right-hander Shane Greene (5-3, 3.08) expected to starter against righty Paolo Espino (2-5, 5.35). 
Limited tickets are available through the Thunder box office at (609) 394-3300 or online at www.trentonthunder.com.  Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and also streaming online begins at 6:45 pm.
--THUNDER--

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

Rome Burns Charleston In Series Opener


Rome Burns Charleston In Series Opener
Braves out hit RiverDogs 13-4 in convincing 7-3 win

CHARLESTON, SC – All nine guys in the lineup for the Rome Braves had at least one hit as they slugged their way past the Charleston RiverDogs 7-3 on Thursday night at Joseph P. Riley, Park in front of 4,488 fans in South Atlantic League action.

With the loss, the RiverDogs fall to 23-24 in the second half and 62-53 overall. With the win, Rome advances to 21-26 in the second half and 57-59 overall.

It was a fast moving pitcher’s duel early on with the Dogs and Braves each only managing one base runner through the first three innings. However, in the fourth inning the Braves bats came alive in a big way.
They pounded out six hits and scored four runs in the top of the fourth to go up by a slam.

Charleston got a leadoff single from Cito Culver in the bottom of the 5th and thanks to a wild pitch, a groundout, and a passed ball was able to bring him in for their first run of the game to make it 4-1 Rome after five innings.
In the top of the sixth the Braves got that run right back thanks to a leadoff double by Kyle Wren and an RBI single by Jose Peraza. Peraza had a great game finishing 3-5 with two runs scored, and RBI, plus his 50th stolen base of the season. Eric Garcia and Ross Heffley each also chipped in with multi hit games for Rome.

Charleston’s only good inning at the plate came in the bottom of the seventh. Down 7-1, Greg Bird picked up his only hit of the night with a single into right field, and he promptly scored on a monster home run to left field by Ericson Leonora, his first as a RiverDog, to pull the Dogs back to within a slam and make it 7-3.

Unfortunately, Charleston would not get any closer as reliever Jose Lugo threw scoreless eighth and ninth innings to close it out.

Righty Lucas Sims tossed seven solid innings for Rome allowing just four hits, three runs, and collected nine strikeouts. He earned the win to go to 8-3.

Luis Severino got the loss for Charleston to fall to 0-1. He breezed through 3 innings, but got roughed up in the fourth to finish with a line of five innings, eight hits, four runs, no walks, and five strikeouts. John Brebbia allowed five hits and three runs in his two innings of work before giving way to Adam Smith. Smith was perfect in two frames and struckout two.
BALLPARK FUN: Eric Krupa, President of the South Atlantic League, was on hand to catch his first game in Charleston this year. He also joined the RiverDogs radio broadcast as color analyst for a couple innings in the middle of the game.
COMING UP: The second game of this four game series is Friday night at 7:05 at Riley Park. RHP Cesar Vargas (4-4, 2.96 ERA) will be on the mound for Charleston and Rome will start RHP Wes Parsons (4-6, 2.99 ERA). Fans can listen to the game live locally on ESPN Radio 910AM or online at www.riverdogs.com.
Box Score:   http://atmilb.com/18f2NIw
--RIVERDOGS--

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

Ford Goes Yard In 6-5 Staten Island Yankees Win


Ford goes yard in Yankees 6-5 win
By Courtney Nunes

Staten Island, NY – August 8th – The Staten Island Yankees edged the State College Spikes on Thursday afternoon by a score of 6-5.

Staten Island took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Eric Jagielo hit a sacrifice fly to left. Jose Rosario, who led off the inning with a walk and stole second, scored on the play.

That lead did not last long however, as the Spikes put a run on the board in the second. David Palladino gave up back-to-back walks to David Washington and Carson Kelly. Mason Katz then doubled on a line drive to left to plate Washington.

In the third, Steven Ramos singled and stole second before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Luis Perez, to give State College a 2-1 advantage. The Spikes then extended that lead in the following frame. Michael Schulze hit a sacrifice fly to score Mason Katz, and Ramos singled on a ground ball to left to plate Katz.

Mike Ford homered on a fly ball to centerfield in the fourth, but David Washington also hit a solo shot in the next inning to make it 5-2.

The Yankees scored two runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to put themselves back on top. Jagielo hit a two-run double to right in the fifth before Trent Garrison drove a pair home in the sixth with a single.

Kelvin Castro earned the win after tossing 2.2 innings of relief, allowing one earned run off two hits with a walk and four strikeouts. Nick Rumbelow earned his fourth save after pitching a perfect ninth with two strikeouts.

Arturo Reyes suffered the loss for the Spikes. He threw 3.0 innings and allowed two runs – one earned – on four hits with  one walk and two strikeouts.

The Yankees will begin a three-game series against the LowellSpinners at home tomorrow at 7:00PM. LHP Caleb Smith (1-2, 2.67 ERA) will toe the mound for the Yankees, while LHPCorey Littrell (0-00.68 ERA) is expected to get the ball for theSpinnersTomorrow is Throwback Night. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a free throwback jersey. Tickets are on sale now by calling 718-720-9265, visiting the box office at Richmond County Bank Ballpark or www.siyanks.com.

 Being posted with permission from the Staten Island Yankees. The original post can be seen HERE

This Day In New York Yankees History 8/9


On this day in 1999 the Yankees were part of Major League history when they were one of five different teams to hit a grand slam in a single day. The other four teams were the Cardinals with Fernando Tatis, the Expos with Jose Vidro, the Marlins with Mike Lowell, and the Mariners with Jay Buhner. None other than Bernie Williams hit the grand slam for the Yankees to send us into the history books.