Saturday, August 24, 2013

Manny Banuelos & Tyler Austin Injury Updates


I should have just named this the "any chance at having a future while getting under the 2014 luxury tax" thread but the Manny Banuelos and Tyler Austin injury update thread works too. Manny Banuelos has missed all of this season with Tommy John surgery but was seen throwing batting practice today at the Yankees minor league complex down in Tampa. He is not on a mound yet but he is working his way back and that is encouraging. Tyler Austin was thought to be done for the season with his wrist injury but the good news for him is he is expected to play in some GCL games soon. Good news for arguably our best pitching and hitting prospect in the minor leagues as both seem primed to be able to give us some contributions in the major leagues sometimes in 2014.

Game Thread: Yankees @ Rays 8/24


The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays continue their pivotal three game weekend series down in Tampa tonight as these two teams look to compete for the AL East crown and the two wild card slots. The pitching match up is CC Sabathia for the Yankees and David Price for the Rays and the game can be seen on the YES Network and MLB TV. This has all the makings of a pitchers duel if CC is on his game but the uncertainty is the only thing certain about the big man this season.

Here is the Yankees lineup

Ichiro Suzuki RF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Alfonso Soriano LF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Vernon Wells DH
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Reynolds 1B
Austin Romine C


Follow us on twitter by following @GreedyStripes. Go Yankees!!

Brett Gardner X Rays Come Back Negative On Hand


Brett Gardner has been sent to get a precautionary MRI and X Ray on his hand after taking a pitch off of it in last night's game. Gardner remained in the game after he was hit but was seen flexing his hand and fingers a bit so the Yankees felt like they had to be sure. Gardner's next at bat after the HBP was his triple to the gap so it seems healthy so at this point, after the season that we have had, you can never be too sure. I am not worried about this MRI or injury at all although if we did lose Gardner that would be absolutely devastating to the team so hold your collective breathes while we wait on the results.

UPDATE:

The X Rays on Brett Gardners hand have come back negative as we all thought they would. Gardner is not in the lineup tonight but that is because the Yankees are facing a lefty in David Price. His hand is swollen but he is available to come off the bench later in the game. Everyone can take a breathe now and we can focus on beating those Rays.

Tourists Rude Hosts, Slug Their Way Past Charleston


Tourists Rude Hosts, Slug Their Way Past Charleston
Asheville scores last eight runs to run away with 8-1 win in series opener

ASHEVILLE, NC - The Asheville Tourists hit three home runs and scored eight unanswered runs on Friday night against the Charleston RiverDogs to erase an early 1-0 deficit and defeat Charleston 8-1 in the series opener at McCormick Field in Asheville in South Atlantic League play.
With the loss, the RiverDogs fall to 30-31 in the second half and 69-60 overall. The Tourists advance to 23-37 in second half play and 61-67 overall with the victory.
Jake Cave continued his hot hitting for Charleston by smacking a double down the left field line to begin the game. Dante Bichette, Jr. later drove Cave in on a sacrifice fly to put the Dogs up 1-0 after half an inning.
That was all the offense Charleston could muster on the night, however.
Derek Jones hit the first of his two homers on the evening for Asheville to tie the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the first.
The bats for the Tourists were back at in the second with two more runs, this time on Ben Waldrip's two run homer.
Up 3-1 in the fourth, Asheville strung together four hits and a sacrifice bunt to bring in three runs. Later in the frame, Jones went deep again. This time with a man on base, Jones homered to right field to finish the scoring in the game and give the Tourists an 8-1. Asheville never looked back.
After five, four hit, one run innings from their starter Andrew Brown, the Tourists' bullpen shut down the Charleston offense.
Shane Broyles, Trent Blank, and Jacob Newberry combined to allow no runs on four hits and fanned five. Brown earned the win to remain perfect and move to 7-0 on the season.
For the RiverDogs, starter Derek Varnadore gave up six hits, six runs, two homers, and struckout two in three innings en route to the loss to fall to 1-7. John Brebbia allowed two runs on two hits in three innings of work, and then Kelvin Castro struckout two in two scoreless frames to finish the game for Charleston.
COMING UP: Game two of this three game series is Saturday night at McCormick Field in Asheville at 6:05. Charleston will send out RHP Brett Gerritse (8-7, 3.74 ERA) and the Tourists will start RHP T.J. Oakes (9-8, 4.47 ERA). Fans can 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.

Thunder Use Early Runs in 3-1 Win over Sea Dogs

Thunder Use Early Runs in 3-1 Win over Sea Dogs
Mason Williams drives in game-winning run in 4th inning
TRENTON, NJ - The Thunder bounce back from Thursday's loss to beat the Portland Sea Dogs 3-1 Friday night at ARM & HAMMER Park.
Offense- like Thursday night- was at a premium for both teams in Friday's game. The Thunder used three early runs off Portland starter Matt Barnes to jump out to a 3-0 lead. With a run already home in the first inning, Trenton tacked on a pair of runs in the 4thinning thanks to a dribbler out in front of the plate by outfielder Mason Williams.
Ben Gamel was at third base and Reegie Corona was at first base with two outs when Williams dug-in against Barnes. Facing a 3-2 pitch, the Thunder centerfielder dribbled one out in front of the plate which Barnes pounced on with a bare-handed pickup. His throw to first base was wild and ended up in right field. With Corona off on the 3-2 pitch with two outs, he was able to come all the way around to score from first base as the ball trickled down the right field line.
Portland had an opportunity to draw closer in the ballgame in the top of the 5th inning, but Gamel and Yeral Sanchez threw two would-be runs out at the plate to keep Portland off the board and the score still 3-0 for the time being.
Thunder starting pitcher Scottie Allen went 5.1 innings and allowed one run on six hits while walking four. He earned the victory and is now 2-0 with a 1.02 ERA in three starts with the Thunder. Francisco Rondon earned the save for his third of the season, and he and Danny Burawa combined for 3.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen for Manager Tony Franklin.
Thanks to a loss by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Reading Friday night, Trenton's lead in the East Division Wild Card is 3.5 games over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and 5.0 over the Sea Dogs with 11 games remaining in the regular season.
The Thunder continue their four-game series and eight-game home stand against the Portland Sea Dogs Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Trenton sends RHP Bryan Mitchell (0-0, 3.60) to the mound for his second career Double-A start against RHP Keith Couch (10-3, 3.55) for the Sea Dogs. 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.
Benig posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE

New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay Rays 8/24


The New York Yankees look to bounce back tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. The Yankees will send CC Sabathia to the mound who has not only struggled all season long but especially has struggled while pitching in St. Pete in his career. The Rays will send David Price to the mound to try and play spoiler in this Yankees comeback. The game will be televised at 7:10 pm ET on the YES Network and MLB TV.

Game 129 Lineup: Yankees @ Rays

Ichiro Suzuki RF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Alfonso Soriano LF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Vernon Wells DH
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Reynolds 1B
Austin Romine C

LHP CC Sabathia

Some Notes and Transactions:

-- Brett Gardner's X-Ray results came back earlier today and they were clean. Gardner is just having the day off vs. the left hander Price.

-- Lyle Overbay was still dizzy and nauseous when he entered the clubhouse today. Joe Girardi isn't sure that he's going to get in the game tonight.

-- Derek Jeter will have one more rehab start tonight and then will join the Yankees in Toronto. I'll be covering Derek Jeter's rehab start so follow me on Twitter @dfiregirl4 for Jeter updates.

Derek Jeter Walks In Latest Rehab Game


Derek Jeter was held without a hit in his rehab assignment game last night in three at bats but he did draw a walk. Jeter also had a strike out and a run scored in what was his next to the last tune up game before returning to the big league club. Jeter played seven innings at short stop and almost grounded into two double plays in the game. The good news is he ran the bases, fielded five ground balls, and the leg seems to be completely healed and that is all that matters at this point. Expect to see Derek Monday night when we travel to play the Toronto Blue Jays.

Derek Jeter Will Join Team Monday To Be Activated


The New York Yankees just have to make it two more games with a short bench and no back up short stop as Derek Jeter confirmed that he would be back with the Yankees on Monday when they travel to Toronto. Jeter will play in another rehab assignment game tonight with the Scranton RailRiders and that will finish his three game rehab assignment tomorrow before traveling with the Yankees across the border. Hopefully Jeter brought his passport with him to Scranton.

Today Is The Trenton Thunder Good Deed Game


(Trenton, NJ) - The Trenton Thunder are calling on their fans to support seven local community organizations as part of the 4th Annual Good Deed Game at ARM & HAMMER Park on Saturday, August 24. The Thunder will reward fans who support one, two, three, four, five, six or all seven of the charities. 

The Good Deed Game will feature collection tables on Times Square (the area outside the ballpark) for the following non-profit organization "drives":

- a blood drive to benefit the Community Blood Council of New Jersey

school supplies to support the learning center at the East Trenton Chapter of Habitat for Humanity
non-perishable food to benefit the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank

toiletries to support HomeFront

pet supplies to support The Shelter Animal Project

- clothing to benefit the Rescue Mission of Trenton

- a new book drive through The LundyLaw Library Express to benefit patients at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia  

The Thunder are providing incentives to fans who support these local non-profit organizations. The more donations a person makes, the more prizes they will earn.
Donate ToReceive
1
One Ticket to Fan Appreciation Night vs. New Britain on Thurs. 8/29.
2
Game ticket and throw a ceremonial pitch before the 8/29 game.  
3
Above plus the opportunity to watch the 8/29 fireworks on the field.
4
Everything above plus free parking on 8/29.
5
Everything above plus a Thunder Pint Glass.
6
Everything above and a voucher for a free hot dog, popcorn and soda.
7
Everything above plus a vintage Thunder bobblehead doll.
                           
"Our first three Good Deed Games have had such tremendous support from Thunder fans," said Thunder General Manager Will Smith. "We hope even more families help these worthy organizations this year."

The Community Blood Council of New Jersey's Blood Mobile will be parked outside the stadium beginning at 3pm. Fans are encouraged to make an appointment for their donation by calling 866-2GIVENJ, but walk-ins are welcome.

The Thunder and CBC-NJ have partnered to host many blood drives at ARM & HAMMER Park over the years and this will be the third drive of 2013. CBC-NJ is a Not-For Profit 501(c)(3) Blood Council located in Trenton. CBC-NJ serves the needs of transfusion patients and hospitals in New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Habitat for Humanity - Trenton Area will have a table in Times Square (the area outside the main entrances) where fans can drop off notebooks, paper, pencils, markers and other school supplies that will be put to use by the children who use HFH's East Trenton Learning Center. To date, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 80 homes in the Trenton area and is currently working towards rebuilding or rehabilitating housing in the 150 acre East Trenton revitalization area.

The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank will be collecting non-perishable food items. In the last three seasons, the team has hosted food drives at ARM & HAMMER Park and fans responded by donating 2,295 pounds of food. The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, established in 1987, leads the community response to hunger in Mercer County. Its mission is to alleviate hunger through food distribution, nutrition education and assistance, weekend and summer meals for children, advocacy and outreach. The Food Bank distributes 2.6 million pounds of food annually and helps to feed over 25,000 low-income children, adults and seniors at-risk for hunger.

HomeFront, an organization that helps families break the cycle of poverty, will collect personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bandaids, bar soap, toothpaste tubes and other toiletry items that will be put to use in their Family Preservation Center and other residences.

The Rescue Mission of Trenton will collect clothing of all sizes and styles as well as accessories (belts, purses etc) at their table in Times Square. The Rescue Mission of Trenton was founded in 1915 and offers a variety of programs including addiction services, residential supportive housing, adult education programs, work therapy and life skills programs and more. Items collected will be sold in the Rescue Mission of Trenton store that is operated by the residents and participants of their programs. 

The Shelter Animal Project, works hand in hand with the Trenton Animal Shelter on their dog adoption program and dog foster network. The Project is seeking any and all pet supplies such as slip leashes, canned food (dog and cat), treats, edible bones (cannot use rawhide at the shelter), dog crates, old towels, small blankets, flea and tick medications (dog and cat), cat litter, dry food for cats, cat toys and more. The Shelter Animal Project works to improve living conditions in the shelter, pay veterinary costs for shelter and foster dogs and educate children about responsible pet ownership. 

The LundyLaw Library Express, an initiative of the LundyLaw Foundation, will be collecting brand new books for children ages 2-18 who are patients at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The LundyLaw Library Express distributes books to children at CHOP on colorful mobile library carts that visit more than 500 patients in their rooms as well as outpatients. This initiative provides all patients at CHOP, regardless of mobility, the chance to select a brand new book that is theirs to keep. By increasing the availability of books, the LundyLaw Library Express works to promote reading, engage the imagination and creativity of these young patients and provide them with a sense of normalcy and comfort. To find out more or to get involved with the LundyLaw Foundation and the LundyLaw Library Express go to www.Lundylawfoundation.org or Call 215-563-6066.

On Saturday, August 24, the Thunder will host the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) at 7:05 pm. There will be fireworks after the game thanks to Hunterdon Healthcare System.

All Thunder tickets are available by calling 609-394-3300 or online at trentonthunder.com. 
--THUNDER--

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

Fundraiser For Wounded Trenton Police Detectives Set For August 27


Fundraiser For Wounded Trenton Police Detectives Set For August 27

100% Of Ticket Sales With Code TRENTONPD Will Be Donated

(Trenton, NJ) - The Trenton Thunder will hold a fundraiser on Tuesday, August 27 for Trenton Police Detectives Edgar Rios and James Letts who were wounded in the line of duty last week. 
The Thunder will raise funds to help offset family costs for the two officers by encouraging fans to purchase tickets to the game on August 27 online at trentonthunder.com with special offer code TRENTONPD. 100% of the proceeds from all sales with the code will be donated to Rios and Letts. 
In addition, officers from the Trenton Police Department will be selling 50/50 tickets during the game. Half the proceeds will go to a lucky fan and half will be donated to the wounded officers. The Thunder added a new twist to the 50/50 for the night as autographed items from the 2013 team will also be awarded to lucky 50/50 ticket buyers.
"When this happened, our first instinct - like many people in the area - was we've got to help," said Thunder Chief Operating Officer Will Smith. "Many non-profits raise funds through our Trenton Thunder Charities 50-50 at each game. We had an available date and we thank Lt. Mark Kieffer for assisting with this fundraiser. We hope many people who support our police will join us on Tuesday - and use code TRENTONPD - so we can assist these officers even more."
"The community has really come out and shown their overwhelming support for Edgar and Jim. It is touching to know that we are all in this together," said Lt. Mark Kieffer of the Trenton Police Department. "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the wounded officers, their families and the Trenton Police Department. It is with our deepest appreciation that we thank the Trenton Thunder organization for providing this venue to raise funds for Detective James Letts and Detective Edgar Rios to assist in their recovery."
Tuesday's game against New Britain is Macy's Back To School Night with Macy's prizes awarded during the game. It's also Kids Eat Free (kids 12 and under receive a free food voucher) and Dollar Dog Night ($1.00 hot dogs all night) presented by Black Bear Franks. The game begins at 7:05pm.
The 2013 Thunder home schedule ends on Thursday, August 29.
Please note that a small convenience fee is charged for all online sales. This fee is charged by the Thunder's online ticket provider and will not be donated. 
AUGUST 27 TICKETS
Use Special Offer Code TRENTONPD

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

This Day In New York Yankees History 8/24


On this day in 1951 the Yankees called up Mickey Mantle and gave him uniform #7 for the first time in his career. Mantle originally wore #6 with his time with the Yankees but his number was given away when he was demoted.


On this day in 1985 Yankees Don Baylor ties a major league record when he was hit by a pitch for the 189th time in his career.