Monday, March 31, 2014

Charleston: Yankees Minor League Team To Watch


RiverDogs Announce 2014 Opening Day Roster
Roster Highlighted by High Draft Picks Judge, Katoh; Severino Returns to Bolster Pitching Staff
CHARLESTON, SC-- With Opening Day less than a week away, the New York Yankees have revealed the players who will don Charleston RiverDogs uniforms to open the 2014 season on April 3 on the road against the Augusta GreenJackets.
First-year RiverDogs manager Luis Dorante fields a team that has six of the Yankees' top 20 prospects according to MLB.com, including three with top 10 recognition from Baseball America. Featured prospects include 2013 first round draft pick Aaron Judge in the Charleston outfield, and a talented double play combo comprised of two teenagers in second baseman Gosuke Katoh and shortstop Abiatal Avelino. Pitching prospect Luis Severino headlines the RiverDogs pitching staff as the hard throwing right-hander makes his much anticipated return to the Lowcountry.
Judge (Yankees No. 6 prospect, Baseball America; No. 9, MLB.com) will make his professional debut with the RiverDogs this season. Judge, an All-American outfielder from Fresno State, was the 32ndoverall pick of last year's First-Year Player Draft but did not play a professional game in 2013. His batting power and arm strength, as well as his 6-foot-7 frame, highlight the great potential for his debut season in the South Atlantic League.
Michael O'Neill and Brandon Thomas, both early-round 2013 draft picks, join Judge in the outfield following debuts with short-season Single-A State Island. O'Neill, the nephew of former Yankee outfielder Paul O'Neill, was a third round selection out of the University of Michigan. Thomas hit six home runs for Staten Island after he was drafted in the eighth round from Georgia Tech. Completing the outfield corps is Mikeson Oliberto, an experienced Yankees farmhand who played for Staten Island, Single-A Tampa, and Double-A Trenton last season.
Katoh (Yankees No. 10 prospect, Baseball America; No. 11, MLB.com) highlights a strong group of infielders. The 19-year old second baseman and left-handed hitter was the 66th overall pick last year by New York, and turned down a baseball scholarship to UCLA to sign with the Yankees organization. In 2013, Katoh had a great pro debut at the plate with a .310 batting average, and earned 2013 Gulf Coast League postseason All-Star recognition with the GCL Yankees 1.
Avelino (Yankees No. 18 prospect, MLB.com) anchors the left side of the infield opposite of Katoh. Avelino, a 19-year old shortstop, has earned his prospect recognition due in large part to his strong defensive attributes. He has also found success on the basepaths, leading the Yankees organization last year with 28 stolen bases. Avelino hails from San Pedro de Macoris, D.R., which is often fittingly nicknamed "The Cradle of Shortstops."
At third base, Miguel Andujar (Yankees No. 19 prospect, MLB.com) exploded in his second season in the Gulf Coast League. Andujar batted .323 with four home runs in just 34 games played. Corner infielder Mike Ford primarily brings experience at first base and a left-handed bat into his first season in the Holy City.
Tyler Wade and John Murphy, a pair of left-handed hitters, add depth to the RiverDogs infield. Wade plays shortstop and ranked fourth among Yankees minor leaguers with a .291 total batting average between the GCL Yankees 1 and the Staten Island Yankees. Murphy debuted with Staten Island as a shortstop after being selected in the sixth round out of Sacred Heart University.
Three catchers open the season in the Lowcountry. Luis Torrens (Yankees No. 17 prospect, MLB.com) features a strong arm, throwing out 19 runners attempting to steal on 42 chances with the GCL Yankees 2. Eduardo de Oleo registered a .283 batting average and a .435 slugging percentage in the Gulf Coast League last season. Kale Sumner, a Kailua, Hawaii native, is a versatile backstop who also played the corner infield and outfield positions last year with Staten Island.
Charleston's top pitching prospect entering 2014 is Luis Severino (Yankees No. 9 prospect, Baseball America; No. 10, MLB.com). The right-hander from the Dominican Republic made four starts with Charleston last year and has compiled an 8-4 career record along with an impressive 1.99 ERA in his first two professional seasons. Severino's arsenal includes a fastball that touches the upper 90s and holds steady in the mid 90s.
Luis NieblaCesar Vargas, and Rookie Davis also come back to Charleston with starting experience. Niebla pitched exclusively for the RiverDogs in 2013 and collected five wins and a save in a late-season relief appearance. Vargas started the past season with the RiverDogs before earning a promotion to Tampa in August. Davis gave up no runs or walks in two Charleston starts, including a 1-0 walk-off win in the season finale against the Rome Braves.
The RiverDogs also have a trio of new starting options coming to the Holy City. Giovanny Gallegos, who hails from Obregon-Sonora, Mexico, looks for another strong start after opening his 2013 campaign in Staten Island with 23 consecutive innings without allowing a walk. Brady Lail earned five total wins in stints with the GCL Yankees 1 and the Tampa Yankees. Left-hander Caleb Smithposted a solid 1.93 ERA last year in combined work for Staten Island and Trenton.
A plethora of new right-handed relievers will be heading to the Lowcountry from the Staten Island Yankees. RiverDog newcomer Nick Rumbelow, a seventh round draft pick in 2013, picked up seven saves in nine chances while pitching in the New York-Penn League. Andury Acevedo kept an unblemished 1-0 record last year while continuing his transition from a role as a position player in the Pirates organization.
Andrew Beresford and Stefan Lopez, two more RiverDog additions from Staten Island, join Charleston after accumulating sub-2.00 ERA's a season ago. Philip Walby picked up three relief victories near the end of the season,while Andrew Benak also earned three wins, including a start with five shutout innings for Staten Island near the end of August.
Jordan Cote highlights a pair of right-handed bullpen weapons that pitched together in the Gulf Coast League. Cote has a microscopic 0.97 career ERA in two seasons in the GCL, allowing no earned runs in his final 21.2 innings pitched. Jaron Long, the son of Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long, split the past season with the GCL Yankees 2 and the Tampa Yankees.
The RiverDogs begin the 2014 season on the road, but quickly return home to The Joe for a seven-game homestand that starts on Monday, April 7 with the RiverDogs' grand Opening Night celebration, complete with $1 hot dogs and $1 beers presented by Coors. Tickets may be purchased at the Riley Park Box Office, (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or on-line at www.riverdogs.com. If fans cannot make it to the ballpark, they are encouraged to tune in to all the action this year both home and away on 1250 WTMA, the new radio home for RiverDogs baseball.

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

Trenton Thunder Announce 2014 Opening Day Roster


Thunder Announce 2014 Players
19 Players Return From Last Season's EL Championship Team

(Trenton, NJ) The Trenton Thunder, Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, announced the initial list of players for the 2014 season on Monday afternoon with four top 30 ranked prospects leading the way. The players, coaches and staff on this list are expected to be at ARM & HAMMER Park on Tuesday for Media Day and the Welcome North Open House.
Nineteen of the 25 players return to Trenton from last year's Eastern League championship team. Included on this initial player list are a pair from the Yankees 40-man roster in pitcher Bryan Mitchell and catcher Gary Sanchez. An official Opening Night roster will be announced prior to the first game on April 3. 
Four of the top-30 prospects in the Yankees organization according to Baseball America start the season with the Thunder in Sanchez (No. 1), outfielder Mason Williams (No. 3), Mitchell (No. 21) and infielder Rob Refsnyder (No. 29).
Ali Castillo also returns for his second season with the Thunder after being named the MVP of the 2013 Eastern League playoffs. Castillo started all six games for Trenton in their title run and batted .381 (8-for-21) with four extra-base hits (2 doubles, triple, home run), 6 RBI and 4 runs scored.

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

Yankees Release Seven Minor League Players


Opening Day is tomorrow people, the Yankees do not play today. I know it's Opening Day like everywhere else in the league but it's never Opening Day until my Yankees play, you know? Anyway the Yankees have to finalize all their rosters and helped that by releasing seven minor league players today.

The seven players released today were RHP's Kenedy Agramonte, Zach Arneson, Adam Smith, Zach Varce, Derek Varnadore, 3B Kevin Mahoney, and OF Kelvin De Leon.

De Leon was paid $1.1 million way back in 2007 out of the Dominican Republic and never quite reached his full potential, getting as high as High A with the Tampa Yankees. De Leon is still only 23 years old and has already made over a million bucks, must be nice.

Mahoney made it all the way to AAA last season playing first base, second base, third base, outfield, and pitcher, yes pitcher. Varnadore was picked in the 9th round of the 2012 MLB First Year Players Draft and was all the way in Low A with the Charleston Riverdogs before the 23 year old was released.

Varce was taken in the 11th round of the 2010 draft and Smith was taken in the 25th round of the 2011 draft. Arneson was picked in the 11th round of the 2011 draft and reached High A Tampa Yankees before being cut last season after struggling with the promotion. Agramonte was signed before the 2010 season out of the Dominican Republic and never got out of Rookie ball.

These are not huge losses, although I hate losing Varnadore and Arneson specifically, but that is a total of 40 minor league players cut since the offseason began. Wow. Tough crowd.


Girardi Announced Official Opening Day Lineup


Yankees manager Joe Girardi has announced his Opening Day lineup for tomorrow. Kind of weird to see it today and not tomorrow but who am I to complain. Here it is in all it's early glory:

Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Derek Jeter SS
Carlos Beltran RF
Brian McCann C
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alfonso Soriano DH
Brett Gardner LF
Brian Roberts 2B
Kelly Johnson 3B
LHP CC Sabathia

Looking Back At My Free Agent Predictions


BOLDED names denote an accurate pick. 
If the team name is crossed out, like this, then I was wrong and put the correct team out beside it.
RED predictions show players still unsigned at the time of this post. 

Catchers - 4 correct out of 22

Henry Blanco (42) - Retirement Arizona Diamondbacks
John Buck (33) - Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners
Jesus Flores (29) - Tampa Bay Rays
Hector Gimenez (31) - New York Yankees  Chicago White Sox
Ramon Hernandez (38) - Retirement Kansas City Royals
Brian McCann (30) - Texas Rangers New York Yankees
Jose Molina (38) - Baltimore Orioles Tampa Bay Rays
Dioner Navarro (30) - Kansas City Royals Toronto Blue Jays
Wil Nieves (36) Miami Marlins Philadelphia Phillies
Miguel Olivo (35) - New York Mets Los Angeles Dodgers
Brayan Pena (32) - Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds
A.J. Pierzynski (37) - Philadelphia Phillies Boston Red Sox
Humberto Quintero (34) - Chicago White Sox Seattle Mariners
Ronny Paulino (33) - Detroit Tigers
Guillermo Quiroz (32) - Washington Nationals San Francisco Giants
Carlos Ruiz (35) - Philadelphia Phillies
Jarrod Saltalamacchia (29) - Boston Red Sox Miami Marlins
Kelly Shoppach (34) - Cleveland Indians
Geovany Soto (31) - Seattle Mariners Texas Rangers
Kurt Suzuki (30) - $8.5MM club option with a $650K buyout - Oakland Athletics Minnesota Twins
Taylor Teagarden (30) - New York Yankees New York Mets
Yorvit Torrealba (35) - Cincinnati Reds Los Angeles Angels

First Basemen - 6 of 19 correct

Jose Dariel Abreu - Chicago White Sox
Todd Helton (40) - Retirement
Jeff Baker (33) - New York Yankees Miami Marlins
Mike Morse (32) - Texas Rangers San Francisco Giants
Eric Hinske (36) - Kansas City Royals Retirement
Xavier Nady (35) - Miami Marlins San Diego Padres
Yuniesky Betancourt (32) - Los Angeles Dodgers Japan
Corey Hart (32) - Milwaukee Brewers Seattle Mariners
Paul Konerko (38) - Chicago White Sox
Casey Kotchman (31) - Baltimore Orioles
Brandon Laird (26) - Houston Astros Kansas City Royals (Traded to Washington)
Adam Lind (30) - $7MM club option with a $2MM buyout - Toronto Blue Jays
James Loney (30) - Tampa Bay Rays
Casey McGehee (31) - Milwaukee Brewers Japan
Kendrys Morales (30) - New York Yankees
Justin Morneau (33) - Baltimore Orioles Colorado Rockies
Mike Napoli (32) - Boston Red Sox
Lyle Overbay (37) - New York Mets Milwaukee Brewers
Carlos Pena (36) - Seattle Mariners Los Angeles Angels
Mark Reynolds (30) - Tampa Bay Rays Milwaukee Brewers
Kevin Youkilis (35) - Cleveland Indians Japan

Second Basemen - 2 of 17 correct

Robinson Cano (31) - New York Yankees Seattle Mariners
Alexi Casilla (29) - Toronto Blue Jays Baltimore Orioles
Jamey Carroll (40) - Retirement Washington Nationals
Alberto Gonzalez (31) - New York Yankees San Diego Padres
Alexander Guerrero (27) - Los Angeles Dodgers
Mike Fontenot (34) - Miami Marlins Washington Nationals
Mark Ellis (37) - $5.75MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Arizona Diamondbacks St. Louis Cardinals
Omar Infante (32) - Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals
Kelly Johnson (32) - Baltimore Orioles New York Yankees
Nick Punto (36) - Minnesota Twins Oakland Athletics
Brian Roberts (36) - Tampa Bay Rays New York Yankees
Ryan Roberts (33) - Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs
Ramon Santiago (34) - Arizona Diamondbacks Cincinnati Reds
Skip Schumaker (34) - Miami Marlins Cincinnati Reds
Chris Valaika (28) - New York Mets Chicago Cubs
Josh Wilson (33) - San Diego Padres Texas Rangers
Ben Zobrist (33) - $7MM club option with a $2.5MM buyout - Tampa Bay Rays

Shortstops - 3 of 13 correct

Robert Andino (30) - Boston Red Sox Pittsburgh Pirates
Clint Barmes (35) - St. Louis Cardinals Pittsburgh Pirates
Willie Bloomquist (36) - Los Angeles Dodgers Seattle Mariners
Jamey Carroll (40) - Retirement Washington Nationals
Alexi Casilla (29) - Toronto Blue Jays Baltimore Orioles
Stephen Drew (31) - St. Louis Cardinals
Yunel Escobar (31) - $5MM club option - Tampa Bay Rays
Rafael Furcal (36) - Boston Red Sox Miami Marlins
Alex Gonzalez (36) - Colorado Rockies Baltimore Orioles
Nick Green (35) - Minnesota Twins
Cesar Izturis (34) - Los Angeles Angels Houston Astros
Derek Jeter (40) - $8MM+ player option with a $3MM buyout - New York Yankees
John McDonald (39) - Miami Marlins Los Angeles Angels
Jhonny Peralta (32) - Detroit Tigers St. Louis Cardinals
Brendan Ryan (32) - New York Yankees

Third Basemen - 2 of 14 correct

Yuniesky Betancourt (32) - Los Angeles Dodgers Japan
Wilson Betemit (32) - $3.2MM vesting option - Los Angeles Dodgers Tampa Bay Rays
Jamey Carroll (40) - Retirement Washington Nationals
Eric Chavez (36) - New York Mets Arizona Diamondbacks
Mark DeRosa (39) - $750K club option with a $25K buyout - Toronto Blue Jays Retirement
Jerry Hairston Jr. (38) - Baltimore Orioles Retirement
Brandon Inge (37) - Retirement
Brent Lillibridge (30) - Oakland Athletics Texas Rangers
Casey McGehee (31) - Milwaukee Brewers Japan
Placido Polanco (38) - Retirement
Mark Reynolds (30) - Tampa Bay Rays Milwaukee Brewers
Juan Uribe (34) - Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Dodgers
Kevin Youkilis (35) - Cleveland Indians Japan
Michael Young (37) - Arizona Diamondbacks Retirement

Left Fielders - 0 out of 12 correct

Jeff Baker (33) - New York Yankees Miami Marlins
Jason Bay (35) - Chicago White Sox Retirement
Mark DeRosa (39) - $750K club option with a $25K buyout Toronto Blue Jays Retirement
Raul Ibanez (42) - Retirement Los Angeles Angels
Reed Johnson (37) - $1.6MM club option with a $150K buyout - Atlanta Braves Miami Marlins
Austin Kearns (34) - Miami Marlins
Jason Kubel (32) - $7.5MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Cleveland Indians Minnesota Twins
Darnell McDonald (35) - Oakland Athletics  Chicago Cubs
Nate McLouth (32) - Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals
Mike Morse (32) - Texas Rangers San Francisco Giants
David Murphy (32) - Texas Rangers Cleveland Indians
Laynce Nix (33) - Philadelphia Phillies
Juan Pierre (36) - Minnesota Twins
Grady Sizemore (31) - New York Yankees Boston Red Sox
Delmon Young (28) - Seattle Mariners Baltimore Orioles

Center Fielders - 2 of 8 correct

Rick Ankiel (34) - Milwaukee Brewers Retirement
Coco Crisp (34) - $7.5MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Oakland Athletics
Rajai Davis (33) - Tampa Bay Rays Detroit Tigers
Jacoby Ellsbury (30) - Seattle Mariners New York Yankees
Curtis Granderson (33) - Chicago Cubs New York Mets
Franklin Gutierrez (31) - $7.5MM club option with a $500K buyout - Seattle Mariners
Andres Torres (36) - Boston Red Sox San Francisco Giants
Chris Young (30) - $11MM club option with a $1.5MM buyout - Oakland Athletics New York Mets

Right Fielders - 2 of 14 correct

Jeff Baker (33) - New York Yankees Miami Marlins
Carlos Beltran (37) - New York Yankees
Roger Bernadina (30) - Washington Nationals
Marlon Byrd (36) - Cincinnati Reds Philadelphia Phillies
Shin-Soo Choo (31) - New York Mets Texas Rangers
Tyler Colvin (28) - Chicago Cubs San Francisco Giants
Nelson Cruz (33) - Texas Rangers Baltimore Orioles
David DeJesus (34) - $6.5MM club option with a $1.5MM buyout - Tampa Bay Rays
Mark DeRosa (39) - $750K club option with a $25K buyout Toronto Blue Jays Retirement
Jeff Francoeur (30) - St. Louis Cardinals Cleveland Indians
Corey Hart (32) - Milwaukee Brewers Seattle Mariners
Mike Morse (32) - Texas Rangers San Francisco Giants
Grady Sizemore (31) - New York Yankees Boston Red Sox
Casper Wells (29) - New York Mets Chicago Cubs

Designated Hitters - 2 of 8 correct

Lance Berkman (37) - $12MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Houston Astros Retirement
Shelley Duncan (34) - Cleveland Indians Tampa Bay Rays
Jason Giambi (43) - Retirement Cleveland Indians
Travis Hafner (37) - Retirement
Raul Ibanez (42) - Retirement Los Angeles Angels
Kendrys Morales (30) - New York Yankees
Luke Scott (36) - Tampa Bay Rays
Delmon Young (28) - Seattle Mariners Baltimore Orioles
Michael Young (37) - Arizona Diamondbacks Retirement
Jose Dariel Abreu (26) - Chicago White Sox

Starting Pitchers - 12 of 56 correct

Alfredo Aceves (31) - Cleveland Indians Baltimore Orioles
Bronson Arroyo
 (37) - San Diego Padres Arizona Diamondbacks
Scott Baker (32) - Chicago Cubs Seattle Mariners
Erik Bedard (35) - Cincinnati Reds Tampa Bay Rays
Jorge De La Rosa (33) - Colorado Rockies
A.J. Burnett (37) - Pittsburgh Pirates Philadelphia Phillies
Chris Capuano (35) - $8MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout - Los Angeles Dodgers Boston Red Sox
Chris Carpenter (39) - St. Louis Cardinals Retirement
Bruce Chen (37) - Kansas City Royals
Bartolo Colon (41) - Oakland Athletics New York Mets
Scott Feldman (30) - Baltimore Orioles Houston Astros
Gavin Floyd (31) - Chicago Cubs Atlanta Braves
Jeff Francis (33) - Houston Astros Cincinnati Reds
Freddy Garcia (37) - Miami Marlins Atlanta Braves
Jon Garland (34) - Chicago White Sox
Matt Garza (30) - Texas Rangers Milwaukee Brewers
Chad Gaudin (31) - San Diego Padres Philadelphia Phillies
Roy Halladay (37) - Toronto Blue Jays Retirement
Jason Hammel (31) - Kansas City Royals Chicago Cubs
Aaron Harang (36) - $7MM+ mutual option with a $2MM buyout - New York Mets Cleveland Indians
Dan Haren (33) - Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Dodgers
Roberto Hernandez (33) - Minnesota Twins Philadelphia Phillies
Tim Hudson (38) - Atlanta Braves San Francisco Giants
Phil Hughes (28) - Arizona Diamondbacks Minnesota Twins
Philip Humber (31) - Colorado Rockies Oakland Athletics
Ubaldo Jimenez (30) - may void $8MM option for 2014 - Cleveland Indians Baltimore Orioles
Josh Johnson (30) - New York Yankees San Diego Padres
Jeff Karstens (31) - Pittsburgh Pirates
Scott Kazmir (30) - Toronto Blue Jays Oakland Athletics
Hiroki Kuroda (39) - Japan/Retirement New York Yankees
John Lannan (29) - Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets
Wade LeBlanc (29) - San Francisco Giants Los Angeles Angels
Jon Lester (30) - $13MM club option with a $250K buyout - Boston Red Sox
Colby Lewis (34) - Texas Rangers
Ted Lilly (38) - Retirement
Tim Lincecum (30) - San Francisco Giants
Paul Maholm (32) - Atlanta Braves Los Angeles Dodgers
Shaun Marcum (32) - Atlanta Braves Cleveland Indians
Jason Marquis (35) - Colorado Rockies
Daisuke Matsuzaka (33) - Seattle Mariners New York Mets
Randy Messenger (32) - Houston Astros Japan
Ricky Nolasco (31) - Atlanta Braves Minnesota Twins
Sean O'Sullivan (26) - Chicago Cubs Philadelphia Phillies
Roy Oswalt (35) - Retirement
Mike Pelfrey (30) - Minnesota Twins
Wandy Rodriguez (35) - $13MM player option with a $2.5MM buyout - Pittsburgh Pirates
Ervin Santana (31) - Toronto Blue Jays Atlanta Braves
Johan Santana (34) - $25MM club option with a $5.5MM buyout - Washington Nationals Baltimore Orioles
Joe Saunders (33) - mutual option - Seattle Mariners Texas Rangers
James Shields (32) - $12MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Kansas City Royals
Masahiro Tanaka (25) - acquired via posting system for Japanese players - New York Yankees
Jason Vargas (31)  - Philadelphia Phillies Kansas City Royals
Ryan Vogelsong (36) - $6.5MM club option with a $300K buyout - San Francisco Giants
Edinson Volquez (30) - San Diego Padres Pittsburgh Pirates
Tsuyoshi Wada (33) - $5MM club option - Baltimore Orioles Chicago Cubs
P.J. Walters (29) - Minnesota Twins Kansas City Royals
Jake Westbrook (36) -- $9.5MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout - St. Louis Cardinals retirement
Chien-Ming Wang (34) - Tampa Bay Rays Cincinnati Reds
Suk-Min Yoon (27) - Minnesota Twins Baltimore Orioles
Barry Zito (36) - $18MM club option with a $7MM buyout - Washington Nationals

Closers - 1 of 8 correct

Grant Balfour (36) - Oakland Athletics Tampa Bay Rays
Joaquin Benoit (36) - Boston Red Sox San Diego Padres
Rafael Betancourt (39) - $4.25MM mutual option with a $250K buyout - Colorado Rockies
Kevin Gregg (36) - New York Mets
Joel Hanrahan (32) - Philadelphia Phillies

Casey Janssen (32) - $4MM club option - Toronto Blue Jays
Ryan Madson (33) - Baltimore Orioles
Edward Mujica (30) - Chicago Cubs Boston Red Sox
Joe Nathan (39) - $9MM club option with a $750K buyout, Nathan may void - Toronto Blue Jays Detroit Tigers
Fernando Rodney (37) - Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners
Jose Veras (33) - $3.25MM club option with a $150K buyout - Detroit Tigers Chicago Cubs
Brian Wilson (32) - New York Yankees Los Angeles Dodgers

Right Handed Relievers - 4 of 29 correct

David Aardsma (32) - Tampa Bay Rays St. Louis Cardinals
Matt Albers (31) - Chicago Cubs Houston Astros
Hector Ambriz (30) - Colorado Rockies San Diego Padres
Luis Ayala (36) - New York Mets Baltimore Orioles
Matt Belisle (34) - $4.25MM mutual option with a $250K buyout - Colorado Rockies
Michael Bowden (27) - Houston Astros Japan
Shawn Camp (38) - Arizona Diamondbacks Philadelphia Phillies
Joba Chamberlain (28) - Tampa Bay Rays Detroit Tigers
Jesse Crain (32) - Chicago White Sox Houston Astros
Octavio Dotel (40) - Minnesota Twins
Kyle Farnsworth (38) - Retirement New York Mets
Frank Francisco (34) - Miami Marlins
Matt Guerrier (35) - New York Mets Minnesota Twins
LaTroy Hawkins (39) - New York Mets Colorado Rockies
Phil Humber (30) - Colorado Rockies Oakland Athletics
Matt Lindstrom (34) - $4MM club option - Chicago White Sox
Kameron Loe (32) - San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants
Brandon Lyon (34) - Miami Marlins Los Angeles Angels
Jeff Manship (29) - Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim Philadelphia Phillies
Carlos Marmol (31) - Houston Astros Miami Marlins
Nick Masset (32) - Washington Nationals Colorado Rockies
Zach Miner (32) - Phialdelphia Phillies Seattle Mariners
Peter Moylan (35) - Atlanta Braves Houston Astros
Brett Myers (33) - club option - Arizona Diamondbacks Cleveland Indians
Juan Carlos Oviedo (30) - club option - Tampa Bay Rays
Chad Qualls (35) - Cincinnati Reds Houston Astros 
J.C. Ramirez (25) - Boston Red Sox Philadelphia Phillies
Francisco Rodriguez (31) - Cincinnati Reds Milwaukee Brewers
Joe Smith (30) - Baltimore Orioles Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Jose Valverde (36) - New York Mets
Jamey Wright (39) - Retirement Los Angeles Dodgers

Left Handed Relievers - 1 of 11 correct

Scott Downs (38) - Texas Rangers Chicago White Sox
Mike Gonzalez (36) - Philadelphia Phillies Washington Nationals
Rich Hill (34) - Cincinnati Reds Boston Red Sox
J.P. Howell (31) - Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers
Boone Logan (29) - Chicago Cubs Colorado Rockies
Javier Lopez (36) - Milwaukee Brewers San Francisco Giants
Eric O'Flaherty (29) - New York Mets Oakland Athletics
Darren Oliver (43) - Retirement
Manny Parra (31) - Seattle Mariners Cincinnati Reds 
Oliver Perez (32) - Atlanta Braves Arizona Diamondbacks 
Matt Thornton (37) - $6MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Tampa Bay Rays New York Yankees

Predictions Are Fun

By now I'm betting that you've read numerous predictions about how things will shake out this season. Some of you are probably a little upset that many have picked the Yankees to barely make the postseason, or miss out on it entirely. Well I wanted to write and make you all feel better.

A couple of things before I get into this...

  1. I am not saying predictions are dumb. They can not only be fun to do, but also help take a look at how other teams in the league look going into the season. That's the main reason I read them.
  2. In no way do I mean to disparage anybody that didn't get a prediction right. We have no way to know if a key player will get injured, a player who should be great end up flopping, or a breakout star emerges. Like the NCAA tournament, some will predict it well while others (like myself) will look like fools. Predictions are more about the ride than the destination.
I went to Dayton, so clearly I loved what they did this season. But not only did they knock out my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, they also knocked out my long-time love Syracuse, and wreaked havoc on my bracket.

With that said I thought I'd share the 2013 predictions from Eric Karabell.

In case you don't know Eric Karabell, he works for ESPN on TV, radio, podcasts, blogs, and their magazine. If you play fantasy sports, then chances are you've not only heard of him but have taken his advice. And for good reason.

I chose Karabell because of how much respect I have for his insight into the game of baseball. He's as level-headed as any "expert" I've come across, and his straight forward approach really appeals to me. Eric doesn't have to raise his voice to show his excitement for a player or team like others, he just tells it like it is. 

With that said, here are his predictions of how the 2013 Major League Baseball season would end...

American League
East champ: Rays
Central champ: Tigers
West champ: Angels
Wild cards: Yankees, Rangers
Champion: Rays

National League
East champ: Nationals
Central champ: Cardinals
West champ: Giants
Wild cards: Reds, Braves
Champion: Nationals

WORLD SERIES
Rays over Nationals

Here is how the 2013 season actually ended...


American League
East champ: Red Sox
Central champ: Tigers
West champ: Athletics
Wild cards: Rays, Indians
Champion: Red Sox

National League
East champ: Braves
Central champ: Cardinals
West champ: Dodgers
Wild cards: Reds, Pirates
Champion: Cardinals

WORLD SERIES
Red Sox over Cardinals

This "expert" actually had the eventual World Series champion Boston Red Sox (and that really hurts to say/type) missing the postseason. One of the teams Karabell predicted to get into the World Series didn't even get into the postseason. And lastly, Eric only got two of the five American League, and two of the five National League, postseason teams right. 

Again, I don't mean to say Eric Karabell is a fool that doesn't know what he's talking about. Mr. Karabell is an incredibly valuable analyst. I'm just trying to point out that even the best minds surrounding the game have a very hard time predicting what will happen in any given season. 

So don't worry about those that say injuries will catch up to guys like Jacoby Ellsbury, or key players like CC Sabathia will continue to falter, or age will finally make guys like Carlos Beltran fall from grace. Take those predictions for what they are... fun, and a way for you to learn about your team and the league in general.

Most of all, enjoy Opening Day and GO YANKEES!

Yankees Stadium Legacy: #1 Babe Ruth


After starring mainly as a pitcher for the Red Sox from 1914-1919 Babe Ruth joined the New York Yankees in 1920. Babe Ruth exploded onto the scene with an unheard of 54 home runs in his first season and followed that up by 59 home runs in the 1921 season. Yankees Stadium opened its doors for the first time on 4/18/23 and Ruth christened the ballpark hitting the first home run in it's history in a 4-1 victory over none other than the Boston Red Sox.

That's it, the 100 game countdown has concluded and Opening Day is TOMORROW! Go Yankees as we begin our quest for World Series title #28.

Quick Hit: The Yankees Opening Day Lineup


New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi gave us a sneak peak at the Opening Day lineup in the final spring training game before mother nature washed it away. The lineup looked a lot like the lineup that I had posted with one exception, Brett Gardner was batting seventh instead of ninth. Below is the lineup that Girardi had posted for the spring finale with the Marlins:

Jacoby Ellsbury CF

Derek Jeter SS
Carlos Beltran DH
Brian McCann C
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alfonso Soriano RF
Brett Gardner LF
Brian Roberts 2B
Kelly Johnson 3B


I really like the idea of having two leadoff hitters, one hitting ninth and one hitting first, so I would personally switch Johnson and Gardner. The idea of having a guy who could hit 20 home runs and knock in 75 RBI's in the nine hole does intrigue me, but not enough. When everyone is healthy and clicking on all cylinders that middle of the order of Beltran, McCann, Teixeira, and Soriano is going to be tough to pitch against and pitch around. I'm excited for Opening Day tomorrow, Go Yankees!

This Day In New York Yankees History 3/31


On this day in 1984 Roger Maris announced his #9 jersey retirement from the Yankees on an episode of ABC's Sports Beat with Howard Cosell. New York planned to retire the jersey number at Old Timer's Day that July. Maris showed much disbelief in learning the news and was very happy to be recognized for his seven years in pinstripes.


On this day in 1995 in front of a crowd of 47,536 the New York Yankees lost the first ever game at Coors Field, an exhibition game, 4-1 to the Colorado Rockies.


Sunday, March 30, 2014

Officially The New York Yankees 25 Man Roster


This will be the Yankees 25 man roster on Tuesday when they open their season at the Houston Astros.

Catchers:

Brian McCann
Francisco Cervelli

Infielders:

Mark Teixeira
Brian Roberts
Derek Jeter
Kelly Johnson
Dean Anna
Yangervis Solarte

Outfielders: 

Brett Gardner
Jacoby Ellsbury
Carlos Beltran
Ichiro Suzuki

Designated Hitter:

Alfonso Soriano

Starting Pitchers:

CC Sabathia
Hiroki Kuroda
Ivan Nova
Masahiro Tanaka
Michael Pineda

Bullpen:

David Robertson
Dellin Betances
Shawn Kelley
Matt Thornton
David Phelps
Adam Warren
Vidal Nuno

Minor League Assignments

Before Girardi beats us to it, should we just start calling him "Jaggy" now?

With the fact that we got nearly 3 inches of snow in mid-Ohio last night (thankfully very little of it stuck) it's hard to believe that not only is Tuesday opening day for Major League Baseball, but the minor leagues start on Thursday. 

With that said, thanks to Josh Norris and Nicholas Flammia, we have information regarding some of the rosters for the Yankees minor league affiliates. Of course, these are unofficial, as the team has yet to announce these things, but here's what we got so far...

Triple-A Scranton: OF Zoilo Almonte, RHP Danny Burawa, OF Ramon Flores, IF Corban Joseph, C John Ryan Murphy, and C Austin Romine. RHP Al Aceves, RHP Bruce Billings, RHP Brian Gordon, RHP Shane Greene, and RHP Chris Leroux will be in the starting rotation, although the order is unknown. RHP Chase Whitley is a possibility for the rotation as well.

Double-A Trenton: RHP Bryan Mitchell, 2B Rob Refsnyder, C Gary Sanchez, and OF Mason Williams. 

High-A Tampa: LHP Manny Banuelos, OF Jake Cave, SS Cito Culver, RHP Rafael DePaula, 2B Angelo Gumbs, 3B Eric Jagielo, and C Peter O’Brien. 3B Dante Bichette Jr. looks to be part of this team too.

Low-A Charleston: 3B Miguel Andujar, SS Abi Avelino, RHP Rookie Davis, OF Aaron Judge, RHP Brady Lail, RHP Luis Severino, C Luis Torrens, and SS Tyler Wade. It's being reported that RHP Jordan Cote will also be there.

Extended Spring Training: RHP Domingo Acevedo, RHP Manolo Reyes, RHP Simon De La Rosa, LHP Ian Clarkin, OF Alex Palma, and OF Leonardo Molina. OF Tyler Austin (wrist), OF Slade Heathcott (knee), 1B Greg Bird (back), and RHP Jose Campos (being cautious) will be here as they are being slowed down to start the year.

After a down year in the minors in 2013, I'm really hoping 2014 is a good one. I'm not much of a prospect humper like some people around here, but I can't wait to see what guys like Eric Jagielo, John Ryan Murphy, Gary Sanchez, Mason Williams, Manny Banuelos, Aaron Judge, Jose Campos, Ian Clarkin, Slade Heathcott, and Tyler Austin will do. Chances are, the Yankees will need to do something about their middle infield, and having these young guys step up would really help (directly or in a trade).

Yankee Stadium Legacy: #2 Mickey Mantle


The New York Yankees were the class of the Major Leagues in the 1950's appearing in eight World Series. One of the brightest stars on those clubs that decade was Mickey Mantle who stood out on a bunch of absolutely stacked teams. Was Mantle the first ever six tool player? I have heard some call him that. Mantle won back to back MVP awards in the American League in 1956 and 1957 and slammed 280 home runs in the 50's while leading all of Major League Baseball with 994 runs scored.

We are now just two off days from Yankees Opening Day!

Quick Hit: My Favorite Yankees In 2014


Many people don't know this about me but I like to play favorites, and especially like to pick favorites when it comes to my Yankees. The people who knew me, Bryan Van Dusen my co-owner specifically, before The Greedy Pinstripes knows how much of a hard on I had for AJ Burnett when he was in Yankee Pinstripes. This year is no different as I always pick a couple positional players and pitchers to especially root for in a season. The votes are in and the results are as follows:

Dellin Betances
Alfonso Soriano
Jacoby Ellsbury
Michael Pineda

You didn't think I was going to pick Derek Jeter did you? I love Jeter, who doesn't, but Jeter has never made one of these lists for me and I don't know exactly why. There is just something about what Soriano and Ellsbury bring to the club and to the lineup that intrigues me, especially the finger point from Alfonso. Betances is a guy guy and can intimidate and overpower everyone on the field, plus he is a good guy to have around in a Yankees and Red Sox brawl.

This Day In New York Yankees History 3/30


On this day in 1984 the San Diego Padres obtained Yankees third baseman Graig Nettles for pitcher Dennis Rasmussen and prospect Darin Cloniger.


On this day in 1991 the Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles played an exhibition game at Joe Robbie Stadium which drew 67,654 fans, a new spring training attendance record. The two day series between the two teams was a part pf South Florida's efforts to get a National League expansion team, soon to be named the Florida Marlins.


On this day in 2001 former Yankee Dwight Gooden announced his retirement from baseball. Doc finished with a 194-112 record playing for the Mets, Yankees, Indians, Astros, and Devil Rays and won a World Series and pitched a no hitter with the Yankees.


Saturday, March 29, 2014

Charleston Opening Night To Showcase Parade


Opening Night to Feature Charleston's Charm; Pregame Parade
Charlie T. RiverDog Plans to Have Spectacular Entrance for the First Game of the Season presented by South Carolina's Future Scholar 529 Program

CHARLESTONSC - New York Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra reportedly said that he loves home openers, whether they are at home or away.
There's no doubting that he'd love the home opener for the Charleston RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the 27-time World Series Champions Yankees.
The RiverDogs opens the 2014 season on Monday, April 7, at 7:05 pm at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park against the rival Greenville Drive.
"Opening Night is always a big night for us as it also signals the unofficial beginning of Spring and another fun-filled season of RiverDogs Baseball," said General Manager Dave Echols. "This is one game that we don't hold back because we want to make a good first impression."
Fans, whether local or visiting from out of town, will enjoy the Opening Night festivities as the club features the city of Charleston and its charm.
Opening Night will feature a grand pregame parade that wraps around the outfield warning track that will highlight many staples of Charleston including the College of Charleston cheerleaders, the North Charleston High School marching band, the South Carolina Stingrays' mascot Cool Ray, The Citadel Bulldogs' mascot Spike, zoo animals, the lads from the Holy City Beard and Moustache Society, and a quite few others one wouldn't expect to see on a baseball field. Santa and many creatively decorated floats are expected to join in on the fun as well. As the parade concludes, the 2014 RiverDogs will be introduced to the home crowd when they enter the stadium on horse-drawn carriages.
On-hand to perform the Star Spangled Banner will be national recording artist, former American Idolcontestant, and local star Elise Testone. Also, just like in many years past, Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. - the ballpark's namesake - will throw the ceremonial first pitch.
But the pregame highlight will be the arrival and introduction of loveable mascot Charlie T. RiverDog, who will have a welcoming like none other. Fans will want to keep an eye on the sky for this one.
Since the Greenville Drive will be our opening week guests, it begins the "Battle of the Palmetto State" rivalry series presented by Spinx. The winner of the season-long battle will receive the Rivalry Championship Trophy, and with it goes the bragging rights as the state's best Sally League representative.
Fans will also enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1 beers, courtesy of Coors.
The first 5,000 fans that pass through the Riley Park gates will receive a 2014 magnet schedule compliments of South Carolina's Future Scholar 529 Program.
Plus, The Joe's brand new, state of the art videoboard and scoreboard will both make their RiverDogs debuts, and be on display for everyone to enjoy for the very first time during a professional baseball game.

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

Breaking: Should The Yankees Sign Vin Mazzaro?

It's not often that a relief pitcher the caliber of Vin Mazzaro becomes available, should the Yankees take advantage of this after he was designated for assignment? Mazzaro was the casualty of a deep bullpen and a 40 man roster crunch caused by first basemen Travis Ishikawa.

Mazzaro pitched to a 2.81 ERA last season in 71.2 IP and followed it up this spring with a 3.97 ERA in 11.1 IP.

I think the better question is would Mazzaro be better than David Phelps, Adam Warren, Vidal Nuno, or any of the other men we have in our bullpen not named Matt Thornton? I'm not so sure when you factor in the National League to American League transition. If this happened a month or two ago I think it is a foregone conclusion that Mazzaro is in pinstripes but now, I am not so sure.

Yangervis Solarte Gets Final Roster Spot, Nunez To AAA


Yangervis Solarte has made the Opening Day roster and will be added to the 25 man roster, Eduardo Nunez is headed down to AAA to start the 2014 season. The Yankees do not have to make the 40 man roster move until sometime Tuesday so stay tuned on how the Yankees will give Solarte a 40 man roster spot.

Masahiro Tanaka Named Yankees Rookie of the Spring


Leave your opinions at the door on whether Masahiro Tanaka should be eligible for any kind of rookie considerations, including the Rookie of the Year Award. Tanaka is eligible, everyone who has come over from Japan before him has been eligible, and anyone in the foreseeable future will be eligible if they come over from Japan, Cuban, China, etc.

With that said the New York Yankees have named Masahiro Tanaka as their rookie of the spring after signing him to a $155 million contract this winter. The James P. Dawson Award is given annually to the top rookie in Yankees camp and Tanaka is the 2014 recipient. Below is a list of the recipient winners since 2001:

2001…Alfonso Soriano 2B
· 2002…Nick Johnson 1B
· 2003…Hideki Matsui OF
· 2004…Bubba Crosby OF
· 2005…Andy Phillips INF
· 2006…Eric Duncan INF
· 2007…Kei Igawa P
· 2008…Shelley Duncan INF/OF
· 2009…Brett Gardner OF
· 2010…Jon Weber OF
· 2011…Manny Banuelos P
· 2012…David Phelps P
· 2013…Vidal Nuno P
· 2014…Masahiro Tanaka P