Friday, April 11, 2014

One bad inning; Yankees fall to Red Sox in CC's ok start

CC Sabathia gave up 4 earned runs in a season-long 7 innings and Adam Warren and Dellin Betances each recorded three more outs of their own tonight as the Yankees lost the second game of this weekend series in tough fashion, 4-2. Through 5 frames here, Sabathia looked like his old self, giving up no runs and just one hit, but in the sixth that all changed, as #52 gave up a lead-off homer to Johnny Gomes, a pair of singles, and a go-ahead three-run shot to Grady Sizemore to pretty much hand Boston the game.

Anyway, the Bombers offense, as expected, struggled this evening against Red Sox ace Jon Lester, scoring just twice thanks to a second inning solo home run from Alfonso Soriano and a seventh inning single from Kelly Johnson. In between those two plays, the bats, with the exception of Ichiro (2-for-4), did next to nothing, putting just three men on base to make this night really forgettable.

Still, this was just one loss. We can treat it like the end of the world if we want to, but considering that the Yanks weren't supposed to win this one anyway I guess it's really not that big of a deal.

Happy Birthday Mark Teixeira


Almost forgot that today was Mark Teixeira's 34th birthday. Happy Birthday sir, enjoy your day!

Game Thread: Yankees vs. Red Sox 4/11


The New York Yankees host the Boston Red Sox in the second game of a four game weekend set at Yankee Stadium this weekend. The Yankees will send CC Sabathia to the mound to face off with Jon Lester for the Red Sox at 7:05 pm ET. The game will be televised on the YES Network, MLB Network, can be seen on the computer with MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Sabathia is coming off a start in which he allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings against the Toronto Blue Jays last time out but held Toronto to only a solo home run through five innings before the wheels came off. Has CC been reduced to the highest paid five inning pitcher in the history of the league? For the Yankees sake we better hope not. Lester has a career batting average against of .233 against the Yankees in his career with a career .307 on base percentage so all signs point to this being a tough one for the Yankees bats tonight.

Join the conversation on Twitter and scream Boston Sucks by following @GreedyStripes or you can also drop us a line in the comments section of the site. Also remember that you can buy all your Yankees tickets right here on the blog for this game and all Yankees games all season long. Finally, join our mega prediction game where you predict and wager on whether the Yankees will win or lose every single night.

Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your night and your weekend.

Joel Hanrahan To Pitch For Teams Next Week

Free agent closer Joel Hanrahan, most recently of the Boston Red Sox, will throw next week for interested teams in hopes of landing a deal. Jerry Crasnick listed the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays as the teams interested in the right handed former closer.

Hanrahan is 32 years old and a mere 11 months removed from Tommy John surgery so a minor league deal seems likely so obviously I am interested if I am the Yankees, no such thing as a bad minor league deal. Hanrahan also had his flexor tendon repaired and bone chips removed in the same May 16 surgery so that is worth mentioning as well.

I called for the Yankees to go after Andrew Bailey, and they did, and I called for them to go after Ryan Madson if he would accept a minor league deal, and he wont, and I also said to go and get Hanrahan, perfect circle? We'll see next week.

Another Jacoby Ellsbury Is A "Trader" Meme


Because why not? We're playing the Boston Red Sox, Jacoby signed a lucrative contract this offseason after being a Boston Red Sox player, and because race car. Let it go fellas, you still have Jesus Bradley Jr. and you stole Grady Sizemore away from me.

My Reaction to Michael Pineda & Pine Tar


There are three main reasons why I'm not at all worked up about Michael Pineda allegedly using pine tar in last night's game...


  1. Hitters use it, too. They might not be able to put pine tar on their bats up high enough to gain that big an advantage, but you can't tell me that being able to grip the bat better doesn't help them hit better. And that's all pitchers do with pine tar... help grip the ball better. That grip may help them throw the ball a bit harder, or give their breaking balls a bit more bite, but pine tar doesn't turn a journeyman pitcher into a Cy Young Award candidate.
  2. Speaking of pitchers using pine tar, notice that I didn't call out anybody specifically. While some Yankees fans have made it a point to bring up Jon Lester, and his alleged use of pine tar in the 2013 postseason, I don't see the point in doing that. It's like the usage of PEDs... it's everywhere. No, that doesn't mean everybody is using it, but it's so wide spread that it's impossible to create a list of those that do use it and those that don't use it.
  3. Not a single player, coach, or front office employee for the Red Sox has said they're upset about it. David Ortiz, himself, has gone on record as saying it's not a big deal. And from what I've read, they knew it was going on during the game, and didn't say anything to the umpires. Whether that means they have pitchers using pine tar as well, and don't want the umpires or others punishing them, or that they simply don't care about it, or unknown. But if those that were victims of the alleged cheating don't care, then why in the World should anybody else?

Someone pointed out to me that the Yankees are the class of baseball, and one of the biggest sports franchises in the World. For that reason they should hold themselves up to a higher standard, and not do what Joe Girardi did and brush off the topic. Furthermore, Major League Baseball should take this opportunity to make an example of Michael Pineda and the Yankees, and hand down some big-time fines and/or suspensions.

And you know what... I agree.

Suspending and/or fining Michael Pineda, Joe Girardi, and the New York Yankees for breaking this rule would do a lot more to bring attention to the issue of cheating, rather than doing the same to Scott Feldman, Bo Porter, and the Houston Astros*. And if that's what Bud Selig wants to do... then so be it.

*It should go without saying, but I am in no way accusing Feldman, Porter, or the Astros of doing anything wrong. It's simply an example of a lower profile player, manager, and organization.

Just don't make this into a Yankees issue. All the Yankee hate can get very tiring to die-hard fans such as myself, but it comes with the territory. I've accepted it, which is why I've embraced the "Evil Empire" moniker. But that doesn't mean I'm going to sit here and keep my mouth shut when the team is unfairly criticized like they are today.

By the way, if Major League Baseball did decide to fine and/or suspend Pineda, Girardi, and the Yankees for what happened last night, then you can be damn sure that I'm going to be taking full advantage of my HD television, as well as every close-up view at my disposal, to make sure MLB does the same thing to every other team and player.

I've Got Til 5! - Posters

As a kid, my wall was plastered with posters.

I had a poster of my favorite basketball player (Dominique Wilkins), I had a poster of a Lamborghini Countach, and I number of other things on my wall that were never intended to even be there (Starting Lineup figures still in their box).

While I'm sure you've seen lists of some of the silly sports posters kids like myself hung on their wall as kids (yeah... right, only as KIDS), I wanted to share five of the Yankees posters that I had at one time or another.


1. If you remember a time in Yankees history when they weren't mainstays in the postseason, then perhaps you remember Kevin Maas.

The year was 1990, and Maas was only 25 years old. After starting the season in AAA Columbus (they didn't move from there until 2006), the Yankees called up the young first baseman and he debuted on June 9th. In his fifth game Kevin hit his first of what would be 21 home runs.

Kevin's .535 slugging percentage in 1990 had Yankees fans slobbering all over themselves. Although Kevin did hit 23 bombs the following season, Maas only appeared in 179 more MLB games between 1992 and 1995.



2. Although he's most remembered as an Oakland A, Henderson did spend five seasons with the Yankees.

Along with a batting line of .288/.395/.455, the greatest base stealer of all time recorded 326 stolen bases for New York. Rickey made the All Star team in four out of those five seasons, along with getting MVP votes in two of them.

Henderson's speed may have been his calling card, but we shouldn't forget the fact that this Hall of Famer also averaged over 15 home runs a season for the Yanks.








3. Okay... my Willie Randolph poster wasn't signed. Although, now that I say that I realize I could have lied and said it was, and you couldn't prove me wrong.

Unless you know my mom's number, in which case I'd have to ask... "why are calling my mom!?!??

Anyway, Willie spent 13 of his 18 MLB seasons with the Yankees, and during that time he made the All Star team five times. He may not have been a big threat to hit a home run, but Randolph was well-known for his ability to get on base (.374 OBP in NY).



4. Dave Winfield may have been drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 1st round of the 1973 draft, but Dave's time with the Bronx Bombers stands out.

In his nine seasons with the Yankees, Winfield hit .290/.356/.495, while averaging just shy of 23 home runs a year. He appeared in eight All Star games as a Yankee, and garnered MVP votes in six of those nine seasons.

Mr. Winfield was not only drafted by the Padres, but he was also drafted by the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, Utah Stars of the ABA, and Minnesota Vikings of the NFL.







5. I'm sure I was one of millions of Yankees fans that had this poster. But I can't imagine many people owned that white pinstriped suit. The matching tie was a nice touch.

I don't think I have to list the accolades of one of the greatest Yankees of all time. If it wasn't for a bad back, then I have little doubt we'd be able to go to Cooperstown, NY and see his Hall of Fame plaque on the wall.

Don Mattingly is one of many players I bring up when people make huge deals out of high draft picks. Donnie Baseball, one of my favorite nicknames since it was given to Mattingly by Kirby Puckett, was drafted by the Yankees in the 19th round of the 1979 draft.

Preview: New York Yankees @ Boston Red Sox 4/11


We're running this preview a little earlier than normal so we can give the spotlight to my colleague, friend, and co-owner Bryan Van Dusen with his "I've Got Till 5 series" that I enjoy so much. The New York Yankees will host the Boston Red Sox tonight in the second of a four game weekend series at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees will send CC Sabathia to the mound to face off with Red Sox ace Jon Lester. The game will be televised at 7:05 pm ET on the YES Network, MLB Network, on the computer with MLB TV, and on the radio with WFAN.

Remember also that you can get your Yankees tickets through the Yankees Tickets Exchange right here on the blog for this game and every Yankees game this season.

Go Yankees!!

Charleston Riverdogs Game Recap 4/10

Early RiverDogs Lead Slips to GreenJackets

Charleston scores first for the seventh straight time, falls by 5-1 margin

CHARLESTON, SC – Michael O’Neill gave the Charleston RiverDogs a 1-0 lead in the second inning, but the Augusta GreenJackets came from behind for a 5-1 win on Thursday night in front of 3,924 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in South Atlantic League action. The RiverDogs record is 3-4 for the season while the GreenJackets improved to 4-4.

O’Neill took an unconventional circuit around the bases to put Charleston in front. He led off the second inning with a walk and advanced to second base via a balk from Luis Ysla. He stole third base and scored on a high throw from the Augusta catcher. The RiverDogs have been the first team to score in all seven of their games so far this year.

Luis Severino and Jaron Long combined to hold the GreenJackets scoreless until Augusta pulled ahead in the sixth inning. Back-to-back one-out doubles scored Brandon Bednar to tie the game. Matthew Chavez moved from second to third on a groundout and came in on a go-ahead single from Ryan Tuntland for a 2-1 Augusta advantage.

Errors allowed the GreenJackets to increase the lead to 5-1 in the seventh. With two outs and two runners aboard, Bednar scored Cristian Paulino with a single. The next batter was Chavez, who doubled to bring in two more runs to finish the scoring for the GreenJackets.

Both bullpens received some solid pitching in the contest. Following Long for the RiverDogs were right-handers Cesar Vargas and Nick Rumbelow worked the final 2.2 innings pitched without allowing any runs and striking out five batters as a duo.

Out of Augusta’s bullpen, Carlos Alvarado and Daniel Slania pitched behind Ysla and kept the RiverDogs scoreless in 5.2 innings pitched to finish the game. Alvarado led his team with four strikeouts while Slania also kept Charleston from registering a base hit.

Alvarado earned the victory and improved to 1-0 on the season. Slania pitched the final three innings for his first save. Long was charged with the loss and is now 0-1. Ysla did not factor in the decision, but his teams are 13-1 in games that he has started since his professional debut in 2013.

BALLPARK FUN: The RiverDogs debuted their new Bottoms Up cups on their first Budweiser Thirsty Thursday of the season at the Joe. Scottie Frier and the Shem Creek Blues Band entertained fans as they exited the park after the game in the first postgame concert this year, presented by Palmetto Brewery.

COMING UP: Game two of this four-game series features Charleston RHP Giovanny Gallegos (0-1, 7.20 ERA) pitching against Augusta RHP Keury Mella (1-0, 1.59 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05pm. Wear red to the game on ISHPI Red Shirt Friday and save $1 off the price of a ticket purchased at the box office, or you can donate that dollar to the Canines for Veterans and Folds of Honor charities. Stick around following the contest for our first fireworks display over the scenic Ashley River. 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 worldwide on www.riverdogs.comand locally on 1250 WTMA, the new radio home for RiverDogs baseball.


Being posted with permission from the charleston Riverdogs organization. 

MLB Moves To Address Diversity Problems


Major League Baseball is very aware of the declining number of black and African American players in this great game and are now taking steps to increase diversity across the board in this game. MLB has started a group called the On-Field Diversity Task Force that will focus on existing urban leagues and academies, such as the RBI program, aggressively marketing players, and improving coaches. Former Chicago White Sox and New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel will be the day-to-day leader in the new program and will report directly to Detroit Tigers general manager and task force chairman Dave Dombrowski.

The task force was unveiled about a year ago and showed what we already knew, black and African American athletes were picking sports other than baseball. MLB opened the 2014 season with 8.3 % black players in the league. In case you were wondering the highest percentage ever was way back in 1984 when MLB had 19% black players in the league, an alarming decline.

MLB did point to a few positive points in their findings though pointing out that 13 black or African American players were drafted in the first rounds of the 2012 and 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft. Seven of the 13 were chosen in 2012 which was the highest percentage of black players drafted, 22.6%, since the 1992 draft.

Here is the quote from Commissioner Bud Selig about the task force:

“The recommendations made by the On-Field Diversity Task Force result from extensive research, meetings and conversations with people of various disciplines and unique perspectives,” Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. “I commend Dave Dombrowski and all members of the Task Force for their thoughtfulness regarding this complex situation, which will require strategic steps in order to reach a long-term solution.  I believe that these recommendations mark the start of addressing our challenges and making the sport of Jackie Robinson more accessible to young players of all races.”

Adam Jones, Please Shut Up


I made the comment on Twitter Wednesday night that I was growing tired of hearing Michael Kay and the YES Network crew talk about Adam Jones. It seemed like every couple of innings we had a new Adam Jones comment or quote we were discussing. Is that all the guy did during the Yankees and Orioles series, talk to the media? It sure seems like it and I wish the guy would just shut up.

I respect the hell out of Adam Jones for his on the field play and all that he does in his community, for charities, etc. but the guy is becoming borderline annoying here. It all started when Jones gave his two pennies about Yankees fans running onto the field, and by the way when it happened in Toronto while New York was up there nobody in the media said a word that I saw, by saying the following:

"They should let us have a shot to kick them with our metal spikes on because it's stupid."

Say what? No LOL afterwards, no "jk guys jk," nothing? For what it's worth MLB is looking into the comments and are considering a fine, also known as a slap on the wrist, for Jones. Jones did do a little back peddling saying while he stood by his comments he did not want to inflict pain or injury on anybody, right.


The very next day it was Tanaka day in the Bronx and Jones had something to say about the Yankees shiny new toy, a new toy he has never faced in a Major League game yet. Here is what Jones had to say about Tanaka when asked in an interview:

"Why don’t you ask Tanaka about me? I’m the one who’s been over here in the major leagues for a while. Congratulations, he did it over there. Don’t make it like he’s the dirtiest guy in the world. He was 24-0 — in Japan."

Bitter much? Well at least he backed it up on the field right? Oh wait, he had two strike outs and a single? Sounds pretty dirty to me. Surely he stopped talking after that right? Nope... see below:


"Am I (supposed) to go home and say I faced Tanaka tonight? Just go throw a party that I faced Tanaka? It's another pitcher. Another pitcher in the rotation. Nothing special to me. It's just another guy that we have to go through to get to where we want to be."

Shut up Adam, your making yourself look silly right now. Take a page out of Buck Schowalter's book, you know your manager, and give respect when respect is due and when you run your mouth be prepared to back it up.

Trenton Thunder Game Recap 4/10

ERIE, PA - Trenton's offense jumped over Erie starting pitcher Tommy Collier in the early innings, and the Thunder bullpen posted four shutout innings to preserve a 6-4 victory Thursday night.

Trenton scored runs in each of the first four innings, including a three-run third inning that provided starting pitcher Jeremy Bleich a cushion to earn his first victory of the season.

With a run home for Trenton in each the first and second innings, the Thunder offense went to work in the third looking to build on a 2-1 lead. Tyler Austin singled with one out before Rob Refsnyder flew to centerfield. With a runner on first base and two outs, Trenton began the run-scoring rally with a walk by Taylor Dugas. That was immediately followed by a single to centerfield by Dan Fiorito to score Austin for a 3-1 lead-with Fiorito and Dugas advancing to second and third on the throw.

The next batter was Francisco Arcia who was starting in place of New York Yankees No. 1 prospect Gary Sanchez who had a scheduled night-off. Arcia doubled past Erie first baseman Aaron Westlake to score a pair of runs to provide extra insurance and a 5-1 lead. Arcia finished the game 2-for-3 with a walk and 3 RBI.  

Bleich allowed four runs in 5.0 IP and moved to 1-1 thanks to work at the back end of the game by Manny Barreda and Diego Moreno. Both pitchers tossed 2.0 shutout innings, but it was Moreno who locked down the win for his first save of the season. Moreno picked up a win in his first outing of the year on April 5th thanks to Trenton's walk-off win, but by allowing a run in the top of the 9th of that game, Moreno was actually credited with a blown save. As a result, Moreno is now 1-for-2 in save opportunities.

The Thunder and SeaWolves continue their four-game series tomorrow at Jerry Uht Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. with the Trenton Thunder pre-game show beginning at 6:20 p.m. on 91.3 FM WTSR or online at www.trentonthunder.com

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. 

Quick Hit: RBI Baseball 14 Makes Me Very Happy


In case you missed it RBI Baseball, the blast from the past of many baseball and video game fans alike, is making a return for the 2014 season. RBI Baseball 14 is available on Xbox 360, PS3, and the Apple App Store as of Wednesday 4/9/14 and I could not be any happier. Best $4.99 I ever spent on my iPhone 5.

Trenton Thunder To Play Double Header 5/31


New Game Added To The Schedule
May 31 Is Now A Day-Night Doubleheader

(TRENTON, NJ) - The Trenton Thunder have announced that the rained out game between the Trenton Thunder and the Portland Sea Dogs on Monday, April 7 will be made up as part of a Day-Night doubleheader on May 31.

The rained out game has been moved to Saturday, May 31 at 2:05pm and will be Game 1 of a separate admission doubleheader. The Thunder will play the regularly scheduled contest against the Sea Dogs at 7:05pm. A separate ticket is required for both games and per Minor League Baseball rules, both games will be 7 innings in length.

The 2:05pm game will be Family Fun Day with two popular kids promotions in store for families in attendance: Kids Eat Free and a pregame "Catch on the Field". Kids Eat Free, usually part of Super Value Tuesdays, will see all kids 12 and under receive a free meal voucher when they enter. All fans are encouraged to bring their gloves and arrive early to play catch on the field from 1:15-1:30pm. TICKETS
The Thunder have also made the 2:05pm Family Fun Day game special for group outings. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets for just $6 each. Fans should contact the Thunder Group Sales Department at 609-394-3300 ext 105 to take advantage of this special offer. GROUP INFORMATION
** The 7:05pm game is Special Olympics New Jersey Night with post game fireworks. Limited seats remain for this game. TICKETS

All Full and Half season ticket holders will be issued tickets for the new 2:05pm game. Full Season and Half Season "B" plan holders will receive their same season seats while Half Season "A" plan holders will receive comparable or better seats. These tickets may be picked up at the Thunder ticket office or printed at home using their www.TicketReturn.com account. If season ticket holders would like their tickets mailed instead,they should email tickets@trentonthunder.com to let the Thunder know.

Season Ticket Holders with Reserved Parking Passes should use their "EXHIBITION #1" parking pass for the 2:05pm game.

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

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

Is it a Team or Just Pitchers?

Making our pitchers go out and hold every team to one to three runs every game is not the way a team wins championships! After all, it is NOT the "New York Pitchers"! Last I heard, it was "The New York Yankees Baseball Team"! Team, meaning 25 players contributing to a win each and every game.

We know our starting pitchers have pitched wonderfully...for the most part, this year! We also know they can't continue pitching as they have, with a hic-cup here and there all year. I like all the pitchers we have right now, a very solid mixture of vets and newbies!

I think the betting would be, a break-out for our stunted big time heavy hitters will be coming to the Bronx Bombers soon. If not soon, we will have a lot of spoiled fans very upset.

This is the New York Yankees and we have a right to the Gold Ring, it is in our DNA. Of course some forget we do have 27 in the win column, but they do know about the three the Bosox have had in the last few years...they are reminded of it every day by some Bosox fan or media person.

So, I say, let's get on the Yankee Wagon and give these guys a few weeks to work out any kinks they have and learn each others moves, because they haven't really had much time to work together as a unit.

Looking forward to number 28 this fall, how about you?

This Day In New York Yankees History 4/11


On this day in 1954 the New York Yankees traded two minor league players with right handed pitcher Mel Wright to the St. Louis Cardinals for 38 year old right fielder Enos Slaughter. While Slaughter would head to the Hall of Fame when his playing career was done he would only hit .239 in 79 games for the Yankees. Bill Virdon, one of the prospects in the deal, would win the Rookie of the Year Award in St. Louis in 1956.


On this day in 2006 Bob Sheppard misses his first Yankee Stadium home opener since 1951 due to a hip injury he suffered the day before at his home. The injury wouldn't keep Sheppard out long as Bob was back for the next Yankees home stand behind the microphone.