Sunday, August 31, 2014

Will Those On The Farm Get a Shot

I hope these signings are only for the year, because it makes no sense whatsoever! We have a plethora of lefty BP pitchers just knocking DOWN the door for a chance to play next year. For once I would love to see the Yankees use the head on their shoulders for more than a hat rack.

I can understand them doing this (as you pointed out before) for the contract control situation. So I am hoping the guys on the farm...40 man or not, get a fair shot at making the team next year.

As most know, I am a proponent of the home grown talent first, with that in mind I think the GM of this team should make a case for NOT signing any player to more than a 5 year contract if over 30 years old.

A caveat, if I may, depending on the position said player plays and what we have down on the farm.

Example: Melky and Jackson were traded at a young age for reasons other than talent but, this trade for a two year rental has been going on for years. It MUST stop. Why would a big time talent with a chance to go to college want to sign with the Yankees knowing he may never play no matter how he did on the farm until he is in his mid to late 20's.

We have players on the Farm right now that may be able to help the team this year, and maybe not. I have no problem with (at this late date) holding them over for next years spring training...but I don't want them to be left behind because of the contract given to an over the hill player. Some players take a while to adjust to the speed of the majors, and get sent back down, only to come back latter because they finally figured it out. Hell, Mickey was sent back down, he came back and look what he did.

McCarthy Collapses Late as Blue Jays Beat Yankees Again

Brett Gardner homered and scored on a triple-preceded error and Francisco Cervelli contributed with a clutch RBI Single, but due to a late collapse by the seemingly-fine Brandon McCarthy the Yankees disappointingly fell to the Blue Jays today, 4-3, in the rubber game of a three-game set. 

For the Yanks, in spite of the fact that the last seven days included two blowouts and a comeback, the surprising loss dropped their record on this road trip to 3-4, with two of those defeats happening with McCarthy on the mound.

No, that doesn't necessarily mean that the veteran was bad in this afternoon's contest, but since he did suddenly surrender back to back home runs to Melky Cabrera and Jose Bautista with two outs in the bottom of the sixth before giving up another pair in the next frame he was unfortunately charged with a loss, his fourteenth of the season. 

Again, McCarthy wasn't terrible in this one, but considering the fact he had a comfortable 3-0 advantage prior to falling apart and the offense didn't cross home in their last two at-bats this disaster is likely his fault, as things were going incredibly smooth for him before Cabrera's long ball.

Yankees Acquire Chaz Roe From Miami For Cash


The New York Yankees have acquired Chaz Roe from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations before the August 31 trading deadline came and went. Roe is expected to be with the Yankees on Tuesday when they host the Boston Red Sox as rosters expand to 40 man rosters tomorrow. The Yankees will obviously have to make a 40 man roster move to accommodate Roe but New York has a few players that could be designated for assignment or transferred to the 60 day DL so the move shouldn't be an issue.

Roe is 27 years old and has posted a 3.66 ERA in Triple-A this season while striking out 10.13 K/9 in 64 IP in 2014. Roe spent time with the Arizona Diamondbacks major league club in 2013 and posted a 4.03 ERA in 22.1 innings.

This is going to further complicate the Yankees 40 man roster problems this season and next and will likely mean one other prospect that is currently in the Yankees system, Jacob Lindgren for example, will likely not be coming up. It's the Yankees way, bring in veterans and everyone elses trash and leave our deserving players in Triple-A. Disgusted, whatever.


8/31 Yankees Open Game Thread vs. Toronto Blue Jays


Welcome to the final open thread we will see and the final game we will see in the month of August for the 2014 season. This also marks the final time that Derek Jeter will play in Toronto and the final time the Yankees will likely play in Toronto this season. The Yankees will send Brandon McCarthy to the mound looking to keep the team hot while the Blue Jays will counter with JA Happ. The game will be played at 1:07 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Get your tickets right here on the blog for the home stand next week or Derek Jeter Day next Sunday at Yankee Stadium. Also be sure to follow the blog on Twitter by following @GreedyStripes and like our page on Facebook by searching for The Greedy Pinstripes.

It's an open thread so chat during the game in the comments section or on one of the many social media sites that we use to interact with us during the game. Enjoy the game and enjoy what's left of your weekend Yankees family. Go Yankees!


The Case For Why the Yankees Will Still Make the Playoffs

Throughout all the letdowns and bad stretches this season, I've always been one to keep alive the idea that the Yankees will still make the playoffs.

Yes, at times lately doing so seems pretty dumb, but when it comes down to simple probability it really isn't.

In this post, I won't defend the Yankees' bad year, but I will give you four reasons why they will probably still get to the one-game playoff. None of them are guarantees, obviously, but as I'll say over-and-over again they are in fact likely.

1. The Tigers will likely win 18 of their last 27:

Upcoming Schedule: 1 at White Sox, 4 at Indians, 3 vs. Giants, 3 vs. Royals, 3 vs. Indians, 3 at Twins, 3 at Royals, 3 vs White Sox, 4 vs. Twins

Big Series: The ones against the Royals

How they can do it: Win today, split in Cleveland, beat Giants 2/3, beat Royals 2/3, beat Indians 2/3, beat Twins 2/3, win 2/3 in KC, beat White Sox 2/3, beat Twins 3/4

Question Marks: Winning 2/3 at Kauffman won't be easy, but considering the Royals have struggled at home over the last week I'd say it's definitely doable.

2. The Royals will likely lose 14 of their last 27:

Upcoming Schedule: 1 vs. Indians, 3 vs. Rangers, 3 at Yankees, 3 at Tigers, 4 vs. Red Sox, 3 vs. White Sox, 3 vs. Tigers, 3 at Indians, 4 at White Sox

Big Series: Tigers ones, Indians ones

How they can do it: Win today, lose 1/3 to Rangers, lose 2/3 to Yankees, lose 2/3 to Tigers, split with Red Sox, lose 1/3 to White Sox, lose 2/3 to Indians, split with White Sox

Question Marks: The Red Sox are a team with a lot of offense, but will their pitching be good enough to take 2/4? Same goes for the Indians and White Sox in their turns.

3. The Mariners will likely lose 14 of their last 28:

Upcoming Schedule: 1 vs. Nationals, 3 at A's, 4 at Rangers, 3 vs. Astros, 3 vs. A's, 4 at Angels, 3 at Astros, 4 at Blue Jays, 3 vs. Angels

Big Series: Divisional ones

How they can do it: win today, lose 2/3 to A's, split with Rangers, beat Astros 2/3, lose 2/3 to A's, split with Angels, beat Astros 2/3, split with Blue Jays, lose 2/3 to Angels

Question Marks: The Blue Jays contributing could be tough, but they're good at home, right?

4. The Yankees will likely win 17 of their last 28:

Upcoming Schedule: 1 at Blue Jays, 3 vs. Red Sox, 3 vs. Royals, 3 vs. Rays, 4 at Orioles, 3 at Rays, 4 vs. Blue Jays, 4 vs. Orioles, 3 at Red Sox

Big Series: Royals, Rays, Orioles, Blue Jays

How they can do it: win today, beat Red Sox 2/3, beat Royals 2/3, beat Rays 2/3, split with Orioles, beat Rays 2/3, split with Blue Jays, split with Orioles, beat Red Sox 2/3

Question Marks: How good are the Rays really? Are the Orioles dominant enough at home to take 3/4?


So yeah, that's my argument. If it comes to fruition the Yankees will take the second wild card spot and the Tigers the AL Central. Please leave your comments below on how accurate you think it is.

8/31 Yankees Game Preview vs. Toronto Blue Jays


The New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays will play in the finale of their three game set in Rogers Centre this week on the final day of August Baseball. The Yankees have played well against the Blue Jays this series and have played well in the past few weeks as the team continues its run towards the postseason. Today the Yankees will send Brandon McCarthy to the mound to face off with the Blue Jays JA Happ. The game will be played at 1:07 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN.

McCarthy has maybe his worst start in a Yankees uniform last time out but still kept the team in the game against the Detroit Tigers. McCarthy allowed five runs and nine hits in 6.1 innings as he took his third loss in a Yankees uniform. McCarthy is now 5-3 with a 2.47 ERA with the Yankees since being acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 8.

Happ is coming off a start in which he allowed three runs over six innings against the Boston Red Sox last time out. All three runs came in the fifth inning and came off home runs by Dustin Pedroia and rookie Mookie Betts.

The Yankees return home on Tuesday to host the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium so act now and get your Yankees tickets right here on the blog. Also we are less than a week away from Derek Jeter Day at Yankee Stadium so be sure to grab some tickets to that as well if you possibly can. BUY NOW. 

Go Yankees!!

Quick Hit: Ellsbury Likely Out Today As Well


Jacoby Ellsbury injured his ankle sliding into home during the Yankees victory on Friday night over the Toronto Blue Jays. Ellsbury was sent for tests on the left ankle and all the tests came back negative thankfully for Ellsbury and the Yankees. Ellsbury has been seen walking around in the clubhouse ever since with a limp although he did play the bottom of the ninth in center field after the injury so it must be not serious.

This is pure speculation on my part but I don't believe that Ellsbury will be in the lineup this afternoon in the finale with Toronto. Ellsbury has played a ton this season and with it being this late in the season I can see the Yankees and Joe Girardi being overly cautious with Ellsbury. With the Yankees off tomorrow and traveling home to Yankee Stadium on Tuesday I could see Girardi giving Ellsbury one more day plus the off day to hopefully completely knock out the problem.

The Yankees need Ellsbury in that lineup in the worst way if the team is serious about making the postseason this year so let's all hold our collective breathes and hope that Ellsbury and his ankle are okay. If not, the season is likely over.

Luis Severino's Breakout 2014 Season Is Over


Luis Severino's breakout 2014 season has come to a close and it was a pretty good season for the young right hander. Severino spent time with the Class A Charleston Riverdogs, High A Tampa Yankees, and Double-A Trenton Thunder and impressed at every stop in the Yankees system. Check out his stats on this early Sunday morning.

Severino has appeared in 24 games all as a starting pitcher and threw 113.1 IP. Severino pitched to a 2.46 ERA with a 1.059 WHIP. Severino struck out 127 batters and only walked 2.1 batters per nine while striking out 10.1 batters per nine.

Severino may have leapfrogged a whole lot of players on the organizational prospects lists after a season like this and may ultimately be the Yankees best prospect when the season is all said and done. Great news and a great future for Severino and the Yankees.


This Day In New York Yankees History 8/31: Indians 22 Yankees 0


The New York Yankees have had a very storied history including a ton of blowouts on both sides of the ball but none bigger than the whooping the Cleveland Indians put on the New York Yankees on this day in 2004. This actually tied the largest shutout margin in the history of Major League Baseball, but set the record in Yankees history, when the Indians beat the Yankees 22-0 in Yankee Stadium. The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs by the same margin way back in 1975 at Wrigley Field to set the original record.

Also on this day in Yankees getting clobbered history Omar Vizquel had six hits in that same 2004 game. Vizquel would become the first player in the 81 year history of Yankee Stadium to get six hits in one game.

Finally on this day in 1997 Don Mattingly Day was held at Yankee Stadium where his #23 jersey was retired in Monument Park. Mattingly was the Yankees captain from 1991 to 1995 and becomes the first Yankee to have his uniform number retired without reaching the World Series.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Meet a Prospect: Josh Outman


Josh Outman was acquired from the Cleveland Indians this week for a player to be named later or cash considerations so first and foremost welcome to the family. Outman is another in the long line of marginal upgrades for Brian Cashman this season but the acquisition did spell the end of the Rich Hill era so it cannot be all bad. You’re not officially a Yankee until you get one of these posts made about you so with further ado let’s meet a prospect, the Josh Outman edition.

Josh S. Outman was born on September 14, 1984 and spent his college years at Forest Park Community College in St. Louis. Outman would transfer to Central Missouri State to play for their baseball team, the Mules. While with the Mules Outman posted a 10-2 record and helped the team finish third in the NCAA Division II World Series. Outman finished his career in 2005 with the Mules when he was drafted along with four other teammates in the MLB Draft. The Philadelphia Phillies took outman in 2005 and quickly named him their 12st best prospect in the organization as soon as 2007.

On July 17, 2008 Outman was traded with prospects Adrian Cardenas and Matthew Spencer to the Oakland Athletics for starting pitcher Joe Blanton. Outman was called up to the Major Leagues in that same season for the first time on September 2nd and pitched two scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals. Outman quickly earned the nickname “Out-Man” in 2009 because of his ability to get major league hitters out but the Out Man would only last 12 games in 2009 before falling to Tommy John surgery on June 30.  Outman would miss the entire 2010 season while recovering from the ligament replacement surgery.

Outman returned to the mound in 2011 to pitch 58.1 innings, nine starts, with a 3.70 ERA and 3-5 record finally proving he was healthy. The now healthy Outman was traded to the Colorado Rockies after the 2011 season along with pitcher Guillermo Moscoso for outfielder Seth Smith. Outman spent 2012 and 2013 seasons with the Rockies only to be traded once again to the Cleveland Indians for the 2014 season for outfielder Drew Stubbs. Outman avoided arbitration with the Indians when he signed a one year deal worth $1.25 million and was quickly designated for assignment by Cleveland on June 18. Outman fell out of grace with Terry Francona and was traded to the New York Yankees for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Outman has baseball in his blood and his brother, Zachary, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 28th round of the 2009 MLB First Year Players Draft. Now Outman is a member of the New York Yankees and will serve as the left handed specialists in Joe Girardi’s bullpen. Good luck Josh, make us proud. 

Pineda Solid, But Offense Stays Home in Embarrassing Loss to Toronto

Michael Pineda surrendered just two earned runs in 6+ innings and Shawn Kelley escaped a second-and-third, no-out jam in the bottom of the seventh, but since the offense decided not to play and Drew Hutchison took advantage of them doing so the Yankees fell to the Blue Jays today, 2-0, in a tough-to-watch middle game north of the border.

Coming off yesterday's late comeback in which they scored six times in their final three at-bats, naturally, the Yankees were expected to compete in this one, especially since the pitching matchup of Pineda vs. Hutchison seemed to be in their favor. 

Nonetheless, after Toronto RF Jose Bautista hit a two-run shot into the upper deck in the home team's half of the first the contest essentially ended, with the Yanks never scoring off Hutchison in seven frames. 

Granted, with two outs in the top of the fifth they loaded the bases on a Mark Teixeira double (their only hit of the game) and a couple of HPBs, but since the usually-clutch Martin Prado still flew out to end that threat I think it's fair to say it doesn't matter, as it was merely a letdown on a day full of them.

8/30 Yankees Open Game Thread vs. Toronto Blue Jays


Welcome to the Saturday afternoon edition of the open thread for the second game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. I feel like we just did one of these a few hours ago, probably because the Yankees are playing a day game after a night game. The Yankees and Blue Jays are both fighting for their playoff lives this weekend so the games should be fun to watch as a fan. New York will send Michael Pineda to the mound to take on Drew Hutchison for Toronto in Rogers Centre. The game will be played at 1:07 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Get your Yankees tickets now as the season is winding down entering our final month of the regular season, buy now before it’s too late.Also be sure to give us a follow on twitter by following @GreedyStripes and be sure to check out our page on Facebook by searching for The Greedy Pinstripes.


It’s an open thread so wake up and get to chatting. Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your afternoon and weekend. Go Yankees!

Capuano Not As Excited As You'd Think After Beating Blue Jays

After last Sunday's victory over the White Sox, Yankees Pitcher Chris Capuano was understandably full of joy. 

No, he hadn't gotten the win in the contest due to David Robertson's blown save, but yes, his team had taken a game they trailed for the majority of, something that seemed to show an "it's about the team" attitude in Capuano.

So, though the veteran did finally get his first W yesterday with a 6-3 shutdown of the Blue Jays, I guess it's not that surprising that he was the same way last night, telling reporters following his nice start that he doesn't worry about getting decisions.

“At this point, we just want to win games as a team,” Capuano said, via The Star Ledger. “I’m not worried about stats or getting wins as a pitcher. You can’t control that.”

Capuano, a 36-year-old lefty who has previously played for five other clubs, came to the Bronx from the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate back on July 24, a trade that's definitely helped out the Yankees.

No, Capuano hasn't dominated during his first month in Pinstripes, but since he has still kept them competing you can't help but like having him in the rotation, where he's also thrown pretty well against the Tigers and Orioles.

Ellsbury Out Today With Ankle Injury

Yankees Center Fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who has 4 home runs and 9 RBIs in the team's last nine games, will miss today's middle contest with an ankle injury, Joe Girardi's starting lineup reveals. 

Ellsbury, who signed a 7-year/$153 million deal with New York this offseason, suffered the wound while sliding into home in last night's ninth inning, a play on which he was called out after both a Blue Jays and a Yankees challenge.

Currently, there is nothing suggesting that the injury is serious, although it is possible that #22 could be out a few days.

If so, like in this afternoon's case, backup Ichiro Suzuki would likely see some more playing time, a happening that'd probably make Ellsbury's absence tolerable. 

8/30 Yankees Game Preview vs. Toronto Blue Jays


The New York Yankees continue their playoff push this afternoon as they look to continue to beat up on the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East division race and second Wild Card. The Yankees will send Michael Pineda to the mound this afternoon to face off with the Blue Jays Drew Hutchison. The game will be played at 1:07 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN.

Pineda has been impressive since coming off the disabled list throwing three quality starts helping to solidify the Yankees patch work rotation. Pineda is 1-0 in three starts since coming off the DL with a 2.08 ERA to go along with one walk and 12 K's. 

Hutchison is coming off his ninth quality start of the season last time out against the Tampa Bay Rays as he went six innings and allowed one run on six hits and struck out seven in the no decision. Toronto lost the game in extra innings 2-1. 



Go Yankees!!

Please Don’t Piss On Me & Tell Me It’s Raining


Anyone ever heard the old saying “don’t piss on me and tell me it’s raining?” If you haven’t what it basically means in a nutshell is don’t tell me one thing and then do another. For example, what the New York Yankees did when they allowed Matt Thornton to be claimed by the Washington Nationals for just his contract while the team was in the middle of a pennant race. Brian Cashman and company smoothed the transaction over by dropping a few prospects and up and comers names at the fans to get us all excited, and it worked, and has failed to mention another word about it.

Some fans were introduced to the names of Tyler Webb, James Pazos, Matt Tracy, Pat Venditte, Francisco Rondon, and Jacob Lindgren to name a few for the first time when the transaction happened and some were excited to think about the prospects they had been following for so long may finally get a chance in the major leagues. A few days later the Yankees announced the contract purchase of former Boston Red Sox lefty Rich Hill and a subsequent call up. Hill has either given up runs or rotted in the Yankees bullpen and no other mention of the Yankees young left handed pitchers has come out of the mouths of anyone in the Yankees camp.

Are you going to call up Webb, Lindgren, etc. or are you going to continue to marginally upgrade with veterans, see Josh Outman, and continue to Band-Aid the situation? I can take it either way as long as you’re shooting me straight and not BS’ing me. Which is it Cash? Is it raining, Jacob Lindgren, or is it more piss?

Stay tuned…

Quick Hit: In Case You Were Wondering Who Won The Michael Pineda for Jesus Montero Trade


Just in case there was anyone left out there that had any doubt whether the Yankees or the Mariners won the blockbuster Jesus Montero for Michael Pineda trade I believe we may finally have our answer. Pineda has been hurt since coming over to the Yankees but has looked stellar since coming off the disabled list while Montero has also been injured and not looked stellar at any point in his Mariners career. In fact Jesus Montero is on a minor league rehab assignment right now with Seattle's Class-A short season affiliate. 

During the rehab game a Mariners crosschecker, or scout for those who didn't know, sent Montero an ice cream sandwich to the dugout during the game. Montero apparently didn't see the humor or the good nature of the scout and reportedly had to be restrained after going after the crosschecker with a baseball bat. 

Potential Roster Moves To Accommodate September Call Ups


Rosters expand just two days from today as we turn the calendar to September and the New York Yankees are allowed 40 active roster players, not just 25. While we have all heard the names of Kyle Roller, Jacob Lindgren, Robert Refsnyder, Jose Pirela, Tyler Webb, and others we haven't discussed much who could potentially be coming off the roster to accommodate these players.

Just looking at the Yankees 40 man roster more than a few players are injured and lost for the season and a simple 60 day DL transfer away from clearing a roster spot. Players like Jose Campos, who is out with Tommy John surgery, and Slade Heathcott, who had another season ending surgery, Masahiro Tanaka, who just had a setback while rehabbing a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, and Jose Ramirez, who knows what is wrong with him this time, could easily be transferred to make room on the active roster.

Players who could potentially be cut since they are taking away valuable innings and development time from the prospects in the farm include Matt Daley and Brendan Ryan if you want to stretch a little.

The great part about the way the Yankees have been constructing their roster is that so many players are extremely flexible and versatile allowing Brian Cashman and company a plethora of options including the ones we discussed above.

Two more days, stay tuned.

This Day In New York Yankees History 8/30: A Rod Hits 40 Home Runs


The New York Yankees are also well known as the Bronx Bombers but in their long storied history they have only had two right handed batters that have ever hit 40 home runs in a single season, Joe DiMaggio and Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez joined DiMaggio, who hit 46 home runs in 1937, on this day in 2005.

Also on this day in 1961 a computer named Casey was used to predict the chances that Yankees outfielder Roger Maris would surpass Babe Ruth's single season home run record of 60 within 154 games. The IBM 1481 predicted that Maris had a 55% chance of hitting 61 home runs in 154 games to establish the new mark for home runs but ultimately Maris hit his 61st home run in the Yankees 161st game of the season.

Finally on this day in 1939 the Yankees Atley Donald throws a recorded 94.7 MPH pitch to establish a new record for the fastest fastball in Major League Baseball history. Donald would also win 12 straight games that year to set an AL record for most consecutive victories by a rookie starting pitcher.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Yankees Rally in Seventh to Beat Blue Jays in Opener

Chris Capuano cruised through 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball and Brett Gardner got the offense started with a top of the seventh double tonight as the Yankees excitingly beat the Blue Jays, 6-3, in the series opener at Rogers Centre. 

For the majority of this contest, strangely, the Yanks' bats couldn't do anything against Mark Buehrle, never scoring or threatening in frames 1-6. 

Nonetheless, in the aforementioned seventh their inconsistent offense randomly caught fire, crossing home five times in an unconventional way.

How unconventional, exactly? Well, after Brian McCann doubled and Carlos Beltran walked to start the at-bat Brett Gardner lined said double off the right field wall, driving in McCann and getting Beltran to third. 

However, surprisingly Beltran actually wouldn't have to stop 90 feet short on that play, jogging home easily following an into-the-crowd throw by Steve Tolleson, an error that also moved Gardner to third.

Then after the infield was brought in, Ichiro reached on an infield single and Dioner Navarro let Gardner score by putting a snap throw into left field, setting up a line-drive two-run home run by Jacoby Ellsbury to make it 5-1.

No, the game wasn't over at that point, but once Adam Warren got out of a jam in Toronto's next chance the circumstances were definitely in the visitors' favor, with another homer by Chase Headley in the ninth only making things better.

8/29 Yankees Open Game Thread vs. Toronto Blue Jays


Welcome to the weekend edition of the open thread for the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. Both teams are in the hunt for the second Wild Card and last playoff spot in the American League so these three games should be very interesting to watch. The Yankees will send Chris Capuano to the mound to face off with the Blue Jays Mark Buehrle. The game will be played at 7:10 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Grab some Yankees tickets and get ready because the Yankeescome back to the Bronx and Yankee Stadium next week for Derek Jeter’s final regularseason month of his career. Also be sure to follow us on Twitter by following @GreedyStripes and like our Facebook page by searching for The Greedy Pinstripes.


It’s an open thread, it’s Friday, you ain’t got no job, and you ain’t got anything to do. You need to comment today (“Friday” reference there for whoever is thoroughly confused and/or questioning my writing and grammar abilities). Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the weekend. Go Yankees!

Masahiro Tanaka Sent Back To New York w/ Arm Soreness


Masahiro Tanaka is being sent back to New York after reporting some general arm soreness after his 45 pitch simulated game yesterday. Even after the game Tanaka reported some general soreness, not pain, since he has not thrown much in so long and today the team sent him back to New York. Tanaka says that he will not see a doctor when he gets back to New York, which I flat out don't believe, and will work out in the team's facilities.

Tanaka is expected to do some strength building exercises after experiencing the soreness in his arm. Tanaka reports no pain in his elbow or forearm and says the soreness is through his whole arm, not secluded to one problem area. I guess that's good news if you can take any good news out of this setback for Tanaka.

Tanaka Experiencing Arm Soreness; Still Hopeful He Can Return

In an event that could prove to be disastrous in how the Yankees' season plays out, injured team ace Masahiro Tanaka is experiencing "general arm soreness."

According to YES Network's Jack Curry, Tanaka will now head back to New York to do strengthening exercises, an unfortunate necessity that apparently hasn't killed the rookie's spirit. 

"We still have a whole month," Tanaka said earlier today, via the NYDN's Mark Feinsand. "I'm going to do my best to get back."

Prior to this sudden and discouraging news, Tanaka threw alright in a 49-pitch simulated game at Comerica Park, definitely making this announcement scary.

No, Tanaka didn't look perfect in yesterday's rehab appearance, but since he still didn't report any serious problems after it you can't help but get put down by this development, as it essentially adds one more worry to the front office's already-long list. 

Yankees Officially Activate Outman; Designate Hill For Assignment

One day after acquiring him from the Indians for a player to be named later, the Yankees have unsurprisingly activated LHP Josh Outman onto their 25-man roster, The LoHud Yankees Blog's Chad Jennings reports.

In responses to the adding, as expected, the Yanks designated fellow lefty Rich Hill for assignment. Hill, a 34-year-old veteran who began the year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, threw 2 1/3 shutout innings with the team this month, a line that greatly helped New York after they dealt Matt Thornton. 

Still, since Outman, a man with probably the best last name in baseball, also looked pretty good during his time with the Tribe it seems obvious that he's the better option at this point, as the specialist put together a solid 3.28 ERA before yesterday's trade.

8/29 Yankees Game Preview vs. Toronto Blue Jays


The New York Yankees will finish out the month of August with a three game set starting tonight in Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Toronto Blue Jays and the Yankees are chasing a common goal, the second Wild Card spot in the American League, and go head to head tonight in what could ultimately decide the standings for both teams. The Yankees will send Chris Capuano to the mound tonight to face off with Mark Buehrle. The game will be played at 7:10 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN.

Capuano continues to give the Yankees gritty performances and continues to keep the team in games that he starts. Capuano once again went into the sixth inning in his last start but is still looking for his first victory in a Yankees uniform tonight. Capuano's first start in a Yankee uniform was against the Toronto Blue Jays where he took a no decision after throwing six innings and only allowing two runs. 

Buehrle has nightmares about facing the New York Yankees in his career, especially this season. Anyway, Buehrle is coming off a start in which he received a no decision in a Blue Jays walk off win against the Tampa Bay Rays. 



Go Yankees!!

List of Major League Players To Be Drafted And Make Their MLB Debut In The Same Season


September is just around the corner and the Yankees Universe is awaiting the potential call up of their first pick, second rounder, in this year's draft Jacob Lindgren. The potential Lindgren call up got me thinking, how many notable players have actually made their MLB debut's in the same season that they were drafted? The quick answer, not many.

Chris Sale was drafted in the 2010 draft and made his debut on August 6, 2010 working out of the bullpen for the Chicago White Sox. Sale pitched in 21 games that season for Chicago.

Paco Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Dodgers was drafted in the second round of the 2012 Draft and made his MLB debut on September 9 of that season. Rodriguez pitched just 6.2 innings of relief that season for the Dodgers.

Ryan Wagner, Chad Cordero, Rickie Weeks, Joey Devine, Ryan Zimmerman, Craig Hansen, Andrew Miller, Ross Detwiler and Conor Gilaspie are the other nine players to make their debuts in the same season they were drafted in the last 11 drafts. While Zimmerman and Miller are probably household names you don't see the David Price's or Mike Leake's of the world on the list who waited until the next season to make their debuts.

Just as an FYI before the last 11 drafts there were only five players to make their debuts in the same season they were drafted, Brian Anderson, Jeff Granger, Ariel Prieto, JD Drew, and Xavier Nady.

What does this mean for Lindgren? Absolutely nothing but it does make you, well it makes me anyway, step back and really control my expectations for the young left hander.

Discussing a 2015 Contract for David Robertson


David Robertson has only been the closer in New York for one season but has been one of the game’s best set up men in all of baseball while setting up for the great Mariano Rivera. Robertson has gone through arbitration and will be a free agent for the first time in his career after the Yankees season ends in a month or so. What kind of contract will D Rob want after being willing to give the club a hometown discount this winter only to not receive any interest from New York?

Robertson is finishing out his arbitration years by making $5.2 million before racking up any meaningful saves in his career. The Yankees, Robertson, and everyone around baseball expect that to double if not more for 2015. Robertson is in his age 29 season and will be 30 early in 2015 meaning he will look to get the biggest contract of his career this winter, both in dollars and in years.

I wouldn’t have to look twice if Robertson asked for a four year deal from New York or longer and an AAV of $12 million and you know what? He deserves it. Sure the Yankees have Dellin Betances waiting in the wings but even with Robertson “replaced” in the pen next season you still have to find a way to replace Betances which will be no easy feat. The Yankees bullpen would take a huge hit by letting Robertson walk next season and may have to bite the bullet and give into Robertson’s demands.

If this was the Yankees of even 2013 or earlier with loads of “failed” starting pitchers waiting in the wings that could be power bullpen arms New York may be inclined to pull a John Wetteland circa 1996 and let Robertson walk for the multi-inning fire baller in Betances. Manny Banuelos is a starting pitcher and so is Luis Severino while Bryan Mitchell, Mark Montgomery, Jose Ramirez, etc. don’t exactly instill a whole lot of faith in the bullpen going forward for me.


The Yankees had a chance to lock up Robertson to a team friendly and well deserved extension much like they did with Brett Gardner this winter and passed up and may have to pay for it in the end. The end being this winter. Four or five years and around $12 million a season sounds right for Robertson, what say you?

Kuroda Avoiding Third Consecutive End of Season Breakdown


I don't want to be a jinx or anything here but Hiroki Kuroda may be avoiding a third consecutive season in which he falls off the face of the Earth in August and September, a great sign for the Yankees and their playoff push. Kuroda has a 3.28 ERA in his last nine games, although July is always his strongest month, but his August numbers tell an entirely different story from 2012 and 2013.

In August 2014 Kuroda has thrown 24.1 innings in four starts and has seen his ERA fall from 3.97 to 3.94. Kuroda has pitched into the sixth in three of his four starts and has allowed three runs or less in all four starts. Kuroda is 2-1 in the month with a no decision, a game the Yankees lost.

In August 2013 Kuroda threw 31.2 innings in five starts and saw his ERA rise from 2.45 to 2.89. Kuroda pitched into the sixth inning three times but allowed at least three runs in four of his five starts. Kuroda went 1-4 in his August starts last season.

In August 2012 Kuroda threw 46 innings in six starts but actually saw his ERA drop from 3.19 to 3.04. Kuroda pitched at least eight innings in four of the six starts including a complete game and pitched at least 6.1 innings in all six starts. Kuroda only allowed more than three runs once in the month but went 3-3 during the month. This month was not terrible for Kuroda, his breakdown was more in September than August in 2012, but all those innings definitely took its toll on Kuroda.

Kuroda seems to be primed to finish the season strong and the Yankees cannot accept anything less if they want to make the playoffs in 2014. Let's hope Kuroda keeps it together for September and beyond.

Quick Hit: Things Aren't Looking Good In New York


It's never too early to start scoreboard watching and I don't exactly like what I have been seeing lately from the New York Yankees. I understand that the team cannot win every single game but .500 teams don't tend to make up any ground in the standings. The Yankees margin for error is small and it's growing smaller with every passing day.

As of yesterday afternoon the Yankees are 69-63 and 6.5 games behind Baltimore in the AL East division. New York has a -27 run differential and a 6-4 record in their last ten games. New York is on pace to finish with a 85-77 record assuming they finish the season 16-14 as predicted by Fangraphs. New York's chances of making the playoffs according to ESPN has dropped to a meager 7.0%.

Do the Yankees have one more good run in them or have they done just enough to break our hearts once again? Stay tuned...

Yankees Acquire Josh Outman For PTBNL

I guess that's what I get for going to bed a little early last night, I missed all the fun. The New York Yankees acquired Josh Outman from the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named later. 

More details to follow. 

Help Wanted: Photoshop Expert Needed


The Greedy Pinstripes needs help, can you help us? I have all these ideas to make the site look better and I am a dummy when it comes to Photoshop. Is there anyone out there willing and able to help us out with a simple design?


Please comment in the comments section, drop us a line on Twitter @GreedyStripes, or email us at the greedy pinstripes at gmail.com Thank you in advance for your help and dedication to the site, we appreciate you guys!

This Day In New York Yankees History 8/29: Derek Jeter Sets Mark For Yankees Shortstops


Derek Jeter has set many marks and records not only in New York Yankees history but in baseball history as well but on this day he was making his mark for shortstops in Yankees history. Jeter would connect for his 17th home run of the season on this day in 1998 setting a new Yankees record for home runs from a New York shortstop. The 24 year old would pass Roy Smalley's previous record set in 1982 when he hit a home run off Bob Wells in an 11-6 win over the Seattle Mariners.

Also on this day in 1985 Don Baylor was hit for the 190th time of his career. The Yankees DH would pass Minnie Minoso for the most hit by pitches in the history of Major League Baseball when the Angels' pitcher Kirk McCaskill kit him in the first inning.


Thursday, August 28, 2014

Kelley Upset He Lost Game to Tigers

When Shawn Kelley surrendered a walk-off single to Alex Avila in today's loss to the Tigers, it's definitely a possibility that every Yankee fan who saw it happen was instantly filled with hopelessness. 

Since beating the Astros last Thursday, as we all know, the Yanks had easily swept the White Sox and collected two more blowout victories, making this week's series in Detroit look pretty winnable.

Still, out of nowhere New York did drop the three-game set in heartbreaking fashion, an unfortunate happening that appears to have upset Kelley more than anyone else. 

"That's about as bad as I've felt walking off a mound in my career," Kelley told ESPN New York's Wallace Matthews after this afternoon's 3-2 defeat. "I didn't even watch (Avila's hit). I just put my head down and walked off the field. It would've been a nice surprise if he would've (made the catch), but I assumed it was a homer." 

For the right-hander, interestingly, the run-scoring knock represented the second consecutive time he hasn't gotten out of an inning scoreless, a stat that's obviously not too likable.

I mean, earlier this year the veteran seemed to never give up anything, a period that definitely looks to be over now, as Kelley is obviously no longer the guy he used to be.

Yankees Bats Can't Stay Hot in Rubber Game Loss to Tigers

Hiroki Kuroda tossed 7 innings of two-run ball and Jacoby Ellsbury recorded a two-out RBI Single in the top of the third, but since the offense couldn't do much against Kyle Lobstein and the bullpen struggled in the ninth the Yankees lost to the Tigers today, 3-2, in the rubber game at Comerica Park. 

During his outing this afternoon, as expected, Kuroda looked really good, allowing just four hits and a walk to keep the score tied.

Nonetheless, after Brian McCann broke a 1-1 draw with a groundout in the fourth the veteran wasn't able to maintain New York's slim lead, giving up a run in the fifth that seemed to kill the Yanks' offensive momentum. 

Yes, in the top of the ninth they got men to the corners for McCann, but again, they still weren't able to cross home in that at-bat, a failure that cost them big in the bottom of that inning when Detroit Catcher Alex Avila stepped to the plate.

Facing not-so-sharp Yankees reliever Shawn Kelley with two on and two out, Avila quickly lined a slider from the former off the right field wall, easily driving in Victor Martinez to officially end the contest, one which will likely not leave the Yanks' thoughts anytime soon.

ICYMI: The Yankees Owned David Price Last Night


Something to feel good about since today's game didn't help in the happiness department.

Discussing a Stephen Drew Contract for 2015


This week we’ve already discussed contracts for next season for Chase Headley and Brandon McCarthy so it’s only right that Stephen Drew be next. I want to start off by reiterating that this is not what I personally would give Drew or would want to give Drew, this is what I believe the Yankees will give Drew. If it were up to me I wouldn’t give Drew anything but a handshake and a “it’s not you, it’s me” goodbye.

Drew is making a prorated salary that equates to his qualifying offer that he turned down this winter of $14.1 million. With some rough math, actually no math and heavy sarcasm, Drew has made about a million bucks per hit this season as he is hitting well below the dreaded Mendoza line. Drew’s only saving grace is his defense.

The Yankees are going to have a hole to fill, and big shoes, at shortstop next season when Derek Jeter retires and shortstop is a position that Drew has played well defensively his whole career. If Drew could hit closer to his normal career numbers, around .250 with 20 home runs, he could fill in as a stop gap at shortstop for the 2015 season but no longer in my opinion.

If Drew turned down a qualifying offer last season I find it highly unlikely that he would want to play for less than what he is making this season. Drew would sign a one year deal presumably after a less than stellar 2014 season and would likely command somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 million - $12 million in salary.


The shortstop market this winter doesn’t have any glaringly obvious candidates besides maybe JJ Hardy on a short term contract so Drew may stumble his way back into the Bronx in 2015. I guess I could live with a one year deal with Drew and a reasonable salary and hope and pray that a full workout, spring training, etc. can help him turn things around but I cannot say I am optimistic about that. 

8/28 Yankees Open Game Thread vs. Detroit Tigers


Welcome to the Thursday afternoon edition of the open thread for the getaway game between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers. The Yankees have their bags packed and their passports ready as they travel to our neighbors from the north to take on the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend in Rogers Centre. The Yankees will send Hiroki Kuroda to the mound today to take on Kyle Lobstein for the Detroit Tigers in a game that the Yankees almost have to have. The game will be played at 1:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Get your Yankees tickets now as the team returns home nextmonth to continue their playoff push and finish off Derek Jeter’s final regularseason games of his career. Also be sure to follow us on Twitter by following @GreedyStripes and like our page on Facebook by searching for The Greedy Pinstripes.


It’s an open thread and I’m at work huddling at my desk trying to watch the game on the MLB At Bat app so keep me company in the comments section of the site. Talk about whatever you like. Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your day. Go Yankees!

8/28 Yankees Game Preview vs. Detroit Tigers


The New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers finish up their three game set this week in Comerica Park with a getaway game for the Yankees. The Yankees head to Toronto after this game to take on the Blue Jays in Toronto while both teams still fight for a playoff spot in the American League. The Yankees will send Hiroki Kuroda to the mound to face off with the Tigers Kyle Lobstein. The game will be seen at 1:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN.

Kuroda has quietly been putting to rest the talks of a third consecutive fall from grace at the end of the season with another quality outing last time out against the Chicago White Sox. Granted Chicago does not have the best offense in the world but they still have the ability to hit home runs and score runs with guys like Jose Dariel Abreu in the lineup.

Lobstein will be making his first Major League start in only his second Major League appearance this afternoon against the Yankees, what a way to start a career. Lobstein gave up three runs in 5.2 innings last time out while pitching in relief against the Minnesota Twins. 



Go Yankees!!

Derek Jeter's Farewell Gifts Thus Far

#2 Yankees Cowboy Boots
Houston Astros (4/2/14)

Yankees #2 paddle board
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (5/7/14)

Golden Bat and a $10,000 donation to Jeter's non profit charity
Milwaukee Brewers (5/11/14)




#2 made out of Subway tiles and a Derek Jeter cake. 
New York Mets (5/15/14)


#2 off the Wrigley Scoreboard 
Chicago Cubs (5/21/14)


A case of dirt from US Cellular Field, a donation to the Turn 2 Foundation, and a bench made from baseball bats and bases.
Chicago White Sox (5/25/14)


Stan Musial cuff links and a $10,000 donation to the Turn 2 Foundation. 
St. Louis Cardinals (5/26/14)


$34,000 watch from Robinson Cano, Safeco Field base, and donation to the Turn 2 Foundation
Seattle Mariners (6/11/14)


Last second base bag used in Metrodome (Yankees ALDS clinching win) and $10,000 donation to Turn 2.
Minnesota Twins (7/5/14)


#2 guitar and a Lego portrait of the Captain
Cleveland Indians 7/10/14


Signed and framed jerseys from Dave Concepcion and Barry Larkin
Cincinnati Reds 7/19/14


Cowboy boots, framed picture with President George W. Bush, and $10,000 donation to Turn 2
Texas Rangers 7/30/14


$10,000 donation to the Turn 2 Foundation
Kansas City Royals 8/25


University of Michigan Baseball Jersey
University of Michigan 8/27