Thursday, August 7, 2014

Bryan Mitchell Being Called Up To Major Leagues

According to Mr. Bow Tie Ken Rosenthal the Yankees plan to call up Bryan Mitchell from Triple-A Scranton to be available out of the bullpen tomorrow night in the Bronx. No word on the corresponding roster move but I am hoping that Rich Hill goes down and gets designated for assignment. It will likely be Matt Daley that gets the ax but a guy can dream, right?

Esmil Rogers Gets Start Tomorrow For David Phelps


Esmil Rogers has won the sweepstakes to make the start tomorrow night in Yankee Stadium against the Cleveland Indians. Rogers is likely to make just one start in place of the injured David Phelps before the Yankees welcome Michael Pineda back to the Bronx.

Greene Tosses 8 Shutout Innings, Beats Tigers 1-0

Shane Greene impressively shutout the Tigers for 8 innings and Stephen Drew collected a bloop RBI Double today as the Yankees snuck past the Tigers, 1-0, in the series finale at Yankee Stadium. 

Coming off Saturday's rough outing in Boston, surprisingly, Greene dominated the mighty Detroit offense this afternoon, surrendering just five singles while walking three, striking out five, and getting Victor Martinez to ground into a threat-ending double play in the top of the sixth.  
In this one's ninth, though, #61 did give up a hit to Ian Kinsler, something that would soon get a lot bigger, with David Robertson entering only to walk Martinez.

Fortunetaly, later in the frame Robertson would induce a pitcher's best friend from PH Miguel Cabrera and a popout from Don Kelley, sealing a W for Greene and a loss for Rick Porcello (7 IP, ER), who was still pretty dominant on the other side of the ball.

Nonetheless, since the Carlos Beltran/Chase Headley duo connected on a pair of singles and Drew knocked that aforementioned double down the left field line in the bottom of the fourth Porcello would unfairly take the defeat, the third time in four days that's happened to a Tigers' hurler.

Brian Cashman, Bring Me Rusney Castillo


The New York Yankees are cleaning house and trimming the fat off this steak and the work is almost done for GM Brian Cashman. It started with Brian Roberts being designated for assignment and it continued with Matt Thornton being given away to the Washington Nationals and now we have just one more glaring hole in this lineup, Ichiro Suzuki. Enter Rusney Castillo who has already had a showcase down in Miami and a private workout for the team. Castillo would be the last puzzle piece on the offensive side that completes the Yankees puzzle in my opinion.

So many times have we seen the Yankees pass on these Cuban defecting stars without even doing their due diligence or home work, see Yasiel Puig. Too many times have we seen the Yankees appear to be the front runners, see Yoenis Cespedes, only to lose out in the end. So many times have we seen the Yankees not even make an offer, see Jose Dariel Abreu, even though we beat the drum so hard on the blog my hands went numb. This time I thought, being a very superstitious person in my nature, I would remain quiet on the Castillo front but I cannot stay quiet anymore.

I have grown tired of watching Ichiro look uncomfortable at the plate, strike out at the plate, and not even be the stolen base threat or defensive specialist we once knew. I would love to see Ichiro get his 3,000 hits in a Yankees uniform but I wouldn't really be upset if we upgraded in the outfield with Castillo.

Castillo is 27 years old and a right handed bat that not only balances out the lineup but also brings some young legs and fire to the club that is severely lacking it right now. Also, could he do any worse than Ichiro right now? The good thing about the current Yankees roster is we wouldn't (shouldn't) even consider what it would do to Martin Prado. Prado can play everywhere, Chase Headley is versatile, Stephen Drew is versatile, and the Yankees could make it work if they wanted to or had to.

Bring me Rusney Castillo or bring this 2014 team death.... what say you Lord Cashman?

8/7 Yankees Open Game Thread vs. Detroit Tigers


Welcome to this afternoon's open thread for the game between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers. Today is the finale of the four game series between the two teams and once again the Yankees will be up against a tough pitching opponent for Detroit. Today the Yankees send Shane Greene to the mound to face off with Rick Porcello for the Tigers. 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.

Remember to get your Yankees tickets right here on the blog for either today's game or any game this weekend with the Cleveland Indians. Also be sure to follow us on Twitter by following @GreedyStripes or like our page on Facebook by searching for The Greedy Pinstripes.

It's an open thread so talk about whatever you like. I will actually be around today as I took the day off from work so I'll be around to chat with as well if you're interested. Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your evening. Go Yankees!

The Daily Dozen - August 6, 2014

The Daily Dozen - August 6th, 2014 Edition
(Twelve Takeaways from Last Night's Game)

I am late on this again...so sue me!

1. Remember when a 1-run lead used to be an automatic win for Verlander?  Justin's record now sits at 10-10 with a 4.57 ERA.  This after a very good 7 inning outing in which he only gave up 2 earned runs.  It really stinks that someone had to lose the game as both starters pitched very well.

2. Andrew Romine strikes again!  The guy goes 2 for 4 last night to RAISE his batting average to .219.  He's batting 8th for the Tigers and he got 40% of their hits.  Go figure.

3. Jacoby Ellsbury breaks up the perfect game in the 4th inning.  How often do you see a pitcher go perfect for several innings and then after that first hit, things fall apart?  Verlander didn't fall apart per say, but he did allow a follow up walk to Teixeira.  But of course...no runs out of it.

4. Chris Capuano was dealing last night!  The only run given up was in the first and it was unearned due to a Jeter error, a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly by Miguel Cabrera (more on him later).  If you would have told me that Capuano was going to pitch 6-2/3 innings with 0 earned runs and 8 strikeouts this late in the season, I would have told you to sign him to a free agent deal for 10 million a year in the offseason.
Come at me bro! (Photo Credit: NY Post.com)

5. Errors are absolutely killing the Yankees...well not really, but they should be.  The Yankees made another 3 errors in last night's game but only 1 led to a run.  But I can tell you, it is giving everyone ulcers because seemingly every pitch matters.

6. Derek Jeter sits at 3,429 hits.  Only 1 from tying Honus Wagner for 6th all-time on the career hits list.  He may just break the 3,430 mark today during the game that I won't be able to watch.  Such a shame.  I wonder if he gives out a gift basket for every hit?  That would be epic.

7. If Mark Teixeira were a free agent next year would you sign him for $25 million a year? When does the .230 batting average become worth it?  Is 19 home runs enough to make up for the low average or the frequent injuries.  I'm not buying it, although he came up clutch to provide an insurance run in the 8th inning.
"I will consistently deliver you 30 home runs and a .230 average."

8. YES YOU McCANN! It isn't just a catchy political slogan anymore.  Brian McCann hit his (un)lucky 13th dinger last night to put the Yanks up 2-1 and put a loss on Verlander's record.  He still has a year in my book to live up to expectations after a lofty offseason free agent deal, but he's also in the Teixeira zone with 49 RBI (to Mark's 52) and a .239 batting average.

9. Adam Warren was effectively wild in the 8th inning.  I say effectively wild because he threw 13 balls and 14 strikes total of which many were foul balls.  But when it mattered most he kept the Tigers from scoring with both Cabrera and VMart on base.  This took away any chance for a momentum swing and allowed the Yankees to tack on some insurance later in the inning.
I think I might start calling him Mr. Warren G...

10. There was a ton of speed on the basepaths in the 8th inning last night.  Which is the way we want it...well we got it.  And we've got it for years to come in the tandem of Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury.  How great will it be to have those 2 messing with pitchers while sluggers such as McCann and Beltran try to drive them home?  Not to mention their stellar defense.  Kudos to the front office on those two guys who have an equal shot at being the next Captain in my humble opinion.
Ichiro: "Hey guys...wait up for me...!" (Photo Credit: SportsWorldReport.com)

11. The challenge paid off for the Yankees in the 8th.  Here's my problem with the challenge.  The manager is allowed to saunter out to the umpire delaying the game in order for someone upstairs to look at a replay to say whether they should challenge or not.  In this case it worked in the Yankees favor, but the team shouldn't have access to the replay...they should have to go with their gut just like in the NFL.

12. Day games suck!  Working people can't go to or watch a day game.  It's time to get rid of weekday games before 7 pm.  Seriously...unfortunately I won't be writing a Daily Dozen for August 7th, because I won't know of which I am speaking without "watching" the game.  See you Friday night!

Robertson Not Confused By Yankees' Lack of an Offer

Yankees Closer David Robertson, who has successfully converted 30 of 32 save opportunities this season, isn't confused by the team's lack of an offer. 

After yesterday's 5-1 win over the Tigers in which Robertson warmed up but didn't appear due to the Yanks' late offensive rally, The New York Post's George A. King III asked the longtime New York reliever if it was "puzzling" that the club's waiting until the offseason to negotiate a new contract with him, something #30 seemed to downplay, saying it's just the way they do business but that he has to do what's best for himself.

“Not at all, it seems the way they do business around here,’’ he said. “I have been to arbitration three times. It’s not like I don’t like playing here, but I have to do what’s best for me.’’

Currently, the reliable Yankees' hurler's making just $5.215 million, a salary much lower than those of the top five (Rafael Soriano, Jonathan Papelbon, Craig Kimbrel, Joe Nathan, Aroldis Chapman), who all make at least $7.835 million. 

Nonetheless, it is possible that Robertson will give the Yanks a hometown discount, as the 29-year-old's been in the Bronx since the start of his career. 

Is This Rick Porcello Or Justin Verlander Circa 2011?


Is this really Rick Porcello on the mound for the Detroit Tigers this season or have the Tigers found a way to throw Justin Verlander's 2011 arm into Porcello's body? This guy has pitched out of his mind this season and is widely considered to be Detroit's fourth starter. Porcello looks for his league leading 14th win this afternoon in the Bronx. Let's make sure he doesn't get that, Go Yankees!

Troy Tulowitzki "Sick and Tired of Losing"


According to Sports Illustrated the Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is "sick and tired of losing" in Colorado, does that mean requesting a trade is next? The Rockies have the worst record in baseball and have lost eight of their last 10 games this season and it is apparently frustrating the All Star shortstop.

Unfortunately if you read the whole quote and don't paraphrase then you see that Tulo does not want out of Colorado but does this mean he is genuine or he is merely saying the right things? Here's the exact quote from the article:

"I think that's why I came out numerous times and said I want to win," Tulowitzki said via the Denver Post. "It doesn't mean I want out of here. It means I'm sick and tired of losing.

8/7 Yankees Game Preview vs. Detroit Tigers


The New York Yankees and the Deteoit Tigers will play in the finale of their four game set this week at Yankee Stadium this afternoon. All I have to say in "Thank God" because I am tired of facing every AL Cy Young Award winner from the decade back to back to back. The Yankees will send Shane Greene to the mound to face off with the Tigers Rick Porcello. 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 John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN.

Greene continued to show a veteran mind set well past his years as he bent but did not break last time out against the Boston Red Sox. Greene allowed three runs and pitched 4.2 innings and is 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA this season for the Yankees in five starts.

Porcello is only one win away from his career high in wins with 14 and will look to reach the milestone with his New Jersey friends and family looking on. Porcello is 5-1 with a 1.99 ERA over his last seven starts. The saving grace for the Yankees is that Porcello has never won a game at Yankee Stadium in his career.

Go out to the stadium this afternoon and watch the Yankees live by grabbing your Yankees tickets right here on the blog. The Yankees are giving away a magnetic picture frame to the first 18,000 guests in attendance 14 years or younger so get yours and enjoy the day.

Go Yankees!!

Looking At Potential Matt Thornton Replacements


So I think we all know by now that Rich Hill will not be the answer as a replacement for Matt Thornton. He has been mediocre at best for 10 seasons and was less than stellar in his first appearance as a Yankee. The good news is the Yankees have a good ten or more potential replacements without doing much research to replace Thornton, and his name is not Rich Hill.

James Pazos has pitched in 20 games for the Trenton Thunder and sports a 1.29 ERA striking out 9.3 per nine innings and has not allowed a home run. Pazos Pazos has a .194 batting average against and that's against both righties and lefties.

Tyler Webb only has 8.2 innings pitched in Scranton but between Trenton, Tampa, and Scranton sports a 3.45 ERA and 12.7 K/9 ratio. Webb has a BAA of .152 in Tampa, .247 in Trenton, and .161 in Scranton.

Jacob Lindgren has made three stops since being drafted in June and currently sits in Double-A Trenton. Lindgren has a total of 13.1 IP and has 30 K's which is good for a 20.2 K/9 ratio. The problem with Lindrgen is I can't see him joining the bullpen before September.

Manny Banuelos has struggled this season after coming back from Tommy John surgery and has a 4.03 ERA between Trenton and Tampa this season. Banuelos does have 53 K's and a 8.2 K/9 as a starter but is likely going to finish the season in the minor leagues.

Pat Venditte is the perfect arm(s) that the Yankees should call up as he can go multiple innings if need be and can throw with both his arms for christ sake. Venditte has a 3.15 ERA with a 8.6 K/9 ratio. For some reason the Yankees continue to overlook the 29 year old.

Matt Tracy is a starting pitcher in Triple-A and has posted a 3.48 ERA in 126.2 innings. Tracy has a 5.1 K/9 this season which may keep him from the Bronx. That or his 1.643 WHIP with the RailRiders this season.

Finally Francisco Rondon has pitched well for both Trenton and Scranton this season with a combined 3.31 ERA in 32.2 innings in 2014. Rondon misses bats and was considered to be one of the best Yankees left handed relievers not too long ago.


Nik Turley has unfortunately struggled for the Scranton RailRiders this season with a 6.43 ERA as a starter making his call up highly unlikely. Same goes for Jeremy Bleich who has a 7.71 ERA and is not missing nearly enough bats to be a serious contender for the roster spot. Eric Wooten is barely in Trenton, has a 4.08 ERA, and doesn't miss nearly enough bats to be taken seriously for the roster spot. Daniel Camarena has a 6.29 ERA for Trenton and a 1.685 WHIP and Fred Lewis was not able to build on a strong Arizona Fall League or Spring Training and has a 2.400 WHIP for Trenton after being demoted from Scranton after posting a 2.250 WHIP this season.

There's always Cesar Cabral too.. no, never mind, there isn't.

One man that will not be in the plans is Jeff Francis who was released after being designated for assignment last week. Who ya got? Personally, I'm going with Lindgren in September but Tyler Webb now. He can get batters out and is ready for the Bronx now. Make the move Cash.

Nick's Picks- Tigers vs Yankees 8/7/14

I wanted to save this for closer to the playoffs, but with a series like this and some amazing games so far I think it is a good game to start. The Yankees have already won 2 of the first 3 in this crucial 4 game series against the Tigers and their plethora of aces. With some big games from unlikely heroes, i.e. Capuano last night, I think picking some top performers will help boost the stretch run. 

Today we have Rick Porcello taking on Shane Greene. Greene, who has been pitching well this year, goes up against a 13 game winner in Porcello. Yet, with the way the Yankees have played against the Cy Young trio I am sure Porcello's win total will not even matter. 

Top hitter: You cannot ignore Jacoby Ellsbury's numbers against Porcello. Batting .700 with 2 HR's off of Porcello I predict Ellsbury to be a table setter in today's game. Going 3 for 4 I see Jacoby connecting for another homerun.

Top pitcher: Obviously there are some qualified candidates with the starters but I see this being another bullpen need. I see the newly acquired Rogers coming out of the pen today and helping pitch a strong inning with 2 K's.

Clutch performer: Whether starting the game or not I can see Stephen Drew do damage against Porcello or the pen. Drew has a low average against him but one HR so look for him to step up at some point in the game or do some damage on the field, regardless of the two errors last night. 

Final score- I see the Yankees taking home the series today in true New York fashion by squeezing by with a one or two run win; I will say 5-3. Let's get this series victory today.

Quick Hit: Reunion w/ Clay Rapada Make Sense?


The New York Yankees need a left handed LOOGY type pitcher after letting Matt Thornton go to the Washington Nationals for his contract. While the Yankees have stated they will look internally to fill the gap and are focusing on versatility and length an interesting option has presented itself none the less. Clay Rapada was released from his minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles late last night. Could a reunion be in the works and would the reunion make sense for the Yankees?

Rapada has bounced around since having a successful 2012 season with the Yankees posting a 2.82 ERA and 8.9 K/9 in 38.1 innings. Rapada does have a 5.83 ERA in 38.1 innings this season in Triple-A but could he be any worse than Rich Hill? That I'm not entirely sure of... what say you?

This Day In New York Yankees History 8/7: Yankees Get Stuck w/ Devil Ray's Jose Canseco


As we all found out on Tuesday the August waiver wire trading deadline can be confusing, hard to understand, and it can get you stuck with someone you may or may not really want. This happened to the Yankees in 2000 when the team got stuck with the Devil Rays outfielder Jose Canseco. The Yankees claimed the 35 year old on waivers and he appeared in 37 games for New York as a designated hitter and hit .247 in 111 at bats. Canseco unfortunately got the World Series ring that the Yankees received as well.

Also on this day in 1983 the Yankees held Bobby Murcer Day at the Stadium. Murcer played 13 seasons for the Yankees and compiled a .278 batting average in New York before coming a long-time broadcaster for the team.

Finally on this day in 1978 Mel Allen and Red Barber became the first recipients of the Ford C. Frick Broadcasting Award. The voters were unable to choose between the two legendary voices so both Yankees announcers were selected by the Hall of Fame voters.