Yankees Looking At Another Former Met, Ike Davis

Ike Davis is expected to sign a minor-league contract shortly. The #Yankees are in the mix.

— Ken Davidoff (@KenDavidoff) February 10, 2016

The New York Yankees missed out on a former member of the New York Mets earlier today when relief pitcher Carlos Torres signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves but that's not stopping the Bronx Bombers from trying to lure another former Metroplitan to the Bronx. This time the Yankees are considering signing first baseman Ike Davis to a minor league deal with a presumed invitation to spring training camp for the 2016 season.

The need for a player like Davis is obvious after it was announced that Greg Bird, the Yankees top first baseman prospect and only true backup to incumbent Mark Teixeira, would miss the entire 2016 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Davis knows New York and can handle the market and can also add too many damn home runs to the team but will not give the team much else. He isn't a high batting average type player and he isn't going to win you a Gold Glove Award any time soon. On a minor league deal that's fine, especially when you consider he himself is recovering from a torn labrum in his hip that he had operated on in August.

Davis is expected to sign soon and according to Ken Davidoff the Yankees are in the mix. Stay tuned.

Carlos Torres Comes off Yankees Board

The New York Yankees have not signed a major league free agent this season, the only team yet to do so, and the team just lost out on one MLB free agent they had their eye on. Recently the Yankees were interested in former New York Mets reliever Carlos Torres and had reportedly had discussions about a potential deal but those discussions never grew past their potential. Torres officially came off the board tonight going to the Atlanta Braves on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Possibly making this a major league deal from the Yankees could have gotten the job done but I guess we'll never know.

Torres reportedly turned down similar deals from the Yankees and Dodgers before signing with Atlanta. The Braves obviously give Torres the biggest shot at making the MLB roster so this deal makes sense. Nothing to see here, moving on.

TGP Prospects Night Open Thread featuring Bo Bichette

You ever hear about a big time prospect down on the farm only to hear about his younger brother or sibling being 10 times better? This was the case when the Yankees drafted Dante Bichette Jr. in the MLB First Year Players Draft. That's not me being down on Dante either those were his words in the exclusive interview that he gave us during the 2014 Prospects Month. Dante is down right now in the Yankees system but he's far from out and still has plenty of time to come back. While we sit back and hope for Dante to return to the level that got him drafted I wanted to take the opportunity to salivate over the prospect of having his little brother as a Yankees prospect as well, Bo Bichette. 

Tamp Yankees Announce 2016 Coaching Staff

Tampa, Fla. - The New York Yankees Player Development office has officially announced the 2016 Tampa Yankees Field Staff. The team's new Manager will be Patrick Osborn with Pitching Coach Tim Norton and Defensive Coach Antonio Pacheco. Returning from the 2015 season are Hitting Coach Tom Slater, Strength and Conditioning Coach Joe Siara, and Athletic Trainer Michael Becker. Patrick Osborn enters his third season in the Yankees organization and his first with Tampa. He managed the Staten Island Yankees in 2015 leading the club to the NYPL Championship (41-34). In 2014 he managed the GCL Yankees and led the club to a first-place finish in the Northeast Division (35-25). He spent three seasons (2011-13) as manager of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, a member of the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and led the Blue Crabs to three consecutive postseason berths. Tim Norton enters his first season as pitching coach for Tampa. He served in the same role for Single-A Charleston in 2015 where the pitching staff led the league in strikeouts (1,161). He was also the pitching coach for short-season Single-A Staten Island in 2014, helping Staten Island pitchers lead the NYPL in K/9.0IP (9.11). He made his professional coaching debut in 2013 as pitching coach for the GCL Yankees 2. Norton was originally selected by the Yankees in the seventh round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft. He played for the Tampa Yankees for parts of 2009 and 2010. Tom Slater enters his eighth season as a coach or instructor in the Yankees organization and his second with Tampa. He most recently served as the Yankees' minor league hitting instructor in 2013 and 2014and was Double-A Trenton's hitting coach in 2012, helping the Thunder lead the Eastern League in home runs and slugging percentage. He managed short-season Single-A Staten Island in 2011, winning the NYPL Championship. He also served as the GCL Yankees manager in 2009 and 2010, leading the team to a first-place finish in '09. Prior to joining the Yankees, he spent four seasons (2005-08) as the head coach at Auburn University. Antonio Pacheco enters his first season with Tampa after making his professional coaching debut in 2015 with GCL Yankees 1. He played in the Cuban National League from 1983-2001, batting .334 (2,356-for-7,045) with 1,258R, 366 doubles, 63 triples, 284HR and 1,304RBI in 1,853 games. He was a five-time Cuban National Series Champion as a player andis a two-time Olympic gold medalist (1992, 1996). Michael Becker begins his fifth season as a trainer in the Yankees organization and third with Tampa. He worked with Single-A Charleston in 2013 and short-season Single-A Staten Island in 2012. He previously worked as an athletic training student intern at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes- Barre during the 2010 season and graduated from Ithaca College with a B.S. in athletic training in 2011. Joe Siara enters his fourth season as a strength and conditioning coach in the Yankees organization and his third with Tampa. He spent 2013 with short-season Single-A Staten Island. Siara graduated in 2006 from Indiana University with a degree in kinesiology and exercise science. In 2008, he received a master's degree in human performance from the University of Florida.

Fantasy Baseball: Who are the San Diego Padres?

This time last year we were all talking about the new look San Diego Padres and the absolutely aggressive offseason that new GM AJ Preller oversaw. This time around we see an entirely different story as these same San Diego Padres led by this same GM have sold off pieces for prospects this winter as they try to rebuild a bit on the fly. James Shields is still here and so are Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner but it’s the new cast of characters that were brought in from trades such as the one for Yonder Alonso and Craig Kimbrel we will focus on during this post. It is Prospects Month after all but we’re still going to try and win you your fantasy league for you regardless. We’re nice guys like that.

It feels like Wil Myers has been in the majors forever now and his AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2013 seems like so far ago but injuries will do that to a guy. Myers, still only 25-years old, will look to rebound from a wrist injury that cost him almost four months of his 2015 campaign. That alone will scare some fantasy owners away but I prefer to focus on his .291/.340/.493 slash before the injury rather than what he did in September when he returned. Myers is eligible at first base and the outfield making him a dual threat for your team and your lineup. Just don’t expect a ton of home runs from anyone who calls Petco Park home for 82 games a season.

I don’t believe in Fernando Rodney, I’m sorry but I don’t. I think what he did two years back shooting all those arrows into the sky was an anomaly and I think the 2015 season showed that. For that reason I can see setup man Kevin Quackenbush getting a true shot sometime this season. Rodney lost his closing job in Seattle after posting a 4.74 ERA and wasn’t all that much better in Chicago in limited innings with the Cubs. I don’t expect him to stay in the closer’s role all season long.

Finally you have two of the major prospects acquired in the Craig Kimbrel deal from the Boston Red Sox; outfielder Manuel Margot and shortstop Javier Guerra. These are the Padres #1 and #2 prospects respectively although neither is expected to reach the Major Leagues this season but hey, you never know. At least keep an eye out for them because it won’t hurt.

So there you have it, the young guys and prospects from the San Diego Padres that can help you win your fantasy leagues and drafts. Enjoy and I hope the information helps. 

TGP Prospects Month Top 29 Prospects List - #20 Chance Adams

So you don't know the name Chance Adams, huh? Don't worry, you will. This is the great thing about doing a Prospects Month here on the blog. I get to do the research for you and bring you the knowledge and information that a lot of places, especially places that don't focus solely on prospects, won't do. Everyone talks about Jorge Mateo, Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and James Kaprielian but how many will tell you about the next relief pitcher to fly through the system and reach the Major Leagues as soon as the 2016 season? Not many, but we will, and that's why Chance Adams is the 20th best prospect on our Top 29 (30) Prospects List.

Adams was drafted just last year but may be the first 2015 draft pick to reach the Major Leagues. Not Kyle Holder, not James Kaprielian and not a guy like Jeff Degano or Will Carter. Adams pitched for three minor league affiliates last season beginning his professional career in Staten Island before finishing his season in High-A with the Tampa Yankees. Adams pitched to a 1.00 WHIP or below in all three affiliates and had a combined 11.5 K/9 average in his first professional season. Adams doesn't walk many and he didn't give up a home run all season long.

Adams could be the right-handed arm the Yankees need for their second half push and if his first season is an indicator of his future I believe he will be up to the task. 100%.

20. Chance Adams
21. Miguel Andujar
22. Jonathan Holder
23. Tyler Wade
24. Nick Rumbelow
25.Jordan Montgomery
26.Trey Amburgey
27. Ben Gamel
28. Austin DeCarr
29. Thairo Estrada
30. James Pazos

Meet a Prospect: Ronald Torreyes

The New York Yankees are stockpiling all the young talent they can while taking full advantage of their minor league system and their 40 man roster. It’s a sight for sore eyes to be completely honest and frank and it’s been a long time coming. This was on display this week when the New York Yankees took advantage of the numbers game and their two free places on their 40 man roster to snatch up two players from the Los Angeles Dodgers organization that were recently designated for assignment after losing out on that same numbers game. One was a left-handed pitcher who we met a little earlier today, Tyler Olson, and the other was an infielder that we will meet right now. This is Meet a Prospect: The Ronaldo Torreyes Edition.


Ronaldo Alcides Torreyes Solorsano (say that five times fast) was born on September 2, 1992 in Venezuela where he learned and fell in love with the game of baseball. Torreyes worked hard in his native country before catching the eyes of the Major Leagues and the Cincinnati Reds specifically who signed him to his first professional contract as an international free agent in February of 2010. Torreyes was 18 years old at the time and was immediately assigned to the Reds Venezuelan Summer League team. Torreyes was not long for the Summer League though as he was called up to A-Ball where he played in 91 games for the Reds hitting .370 with five home runs, 46 RBI and 25 stolen bases. Torreyes repeated A-Ball in 2011 before being traded to the Chicago Cubs in early 2012 alongside Dave Sappelt and Travis Wood for Sean Marshall.


Torreyes did well in High-A Ball for the Cubs in 2012 hittig .264 with six home runs and 47 RBI before being promoted to Double-A for the 2013 season. That 2013 season did not last long for Torreyes in Chicago though as he found himself on the move again, this time to the Houston Astros on July 2 for two international signing bonus slots. Torreyes had a typical season in 2013 which earned him a promotion to Triple-A in 2014. Torreyes repeated Triple-A in 2015 but it wasn’t as a member of the Fresno Grizzlies, the Astros Triple-A affiliate, but it was as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Another year and another trade for Torreyes.


Torreyes was traded to Toronto on May 15 of 2015 for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The Blue Jays stuck him in Double-A before once again trading him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in another cash considerations or PTBNL trade. Five years in the league professionally and five trades. This trade may have finally worked out for Torreyes though as he finally got the call he has been waiting for his entire life, Torreyes was called up to the Major Leagues on September 13 of 2015. Torreyes only got eight at-bats with the big club but he has two hits while being used primarily as a pinch runner and late inning defensive replacement. Just when Torreyes got his feet wet in the Major Leagues the season was over and it was time for yet another
trade. This time the Dodgers, after designating him for assignment, traded him to the New York Yankees.

Torreyes is now on the Yankees 40 man roster and will presumably fight for a roster spot and the final bench piece out of Spring Training in the Bronx. Let me be the first to welcome you not only to the organization and the team but the to the Yankees family as well.

Guest Post: Can You Lose Hair From Wearing Your Yankees Cap Too Much?

When someone looks in your closet do they see a collection of baseball caps? Do you choose which cap to wear based on how you are feeling? However, lately you have been a little disturbed. You have observed, to your horror, your hair is getting thinner. How could this be? You’re in your thirties. 

You think to yourself could it be your beloved Yankees cap causing you to go bald? Say it ain’t so! The thought of losing your hair and going bald is frightening. What’s more, you have been wearing baseball caps since you were a kid. Do you really need to give up your cap? 

Panic sets in and you start researching ways to reverse the hair loss or at the very least stop it from falling out. According to U.S. News and World Report, American men spend more than a $1 billion every year on hair products to keep a full head of hair. But then you calm down because… 

Hair loss doctor, Dr. Ballon has said, “It is a myth that you will loss hair or have premature baldness if you wear a cap.” There is no medical research to support the belief wearing baseball caps contribute to hair fall. So, why do so many guys think this is possible? 

Simple, when you take off your cap you might see hair left. Your mind starts playing tricks on you and you assume you’re losing hair when, in fact, it is normal to lose 100 hairs a day. 

However, there is one way for your baseball cap to cause hair loss. For this to happen, you would need to wear your cap so tight that it cuts off circulation to your hair follicles. Continuous blood flow is vital to the growth of a normal hair follicle. Obstructing this flow causes your hair to become damaged, which leads to thinning hair or baldness. 

So, if you want to keep wearing your Yankees baseball cap for years to come without worrying about losing your hair, there are some precautions you can take.

• ·         Wash your hair often to stop the buildup of bacteria and oil.
• ·         Wash your baseball cap regularly to kill bacteria as well as to remove excess oils.
• ·         Wear your baseball cap loose. Remember, if it is too snug it could cut off blood flow to your hair follicles.

About the author:

Sherry Harris owns the blog Sherry's Life which helps people with their stylish hair needs around the world. Check out her blog at Sherryslife.com

This Day in New York Yankees History 2/10: Another Day Another Steroid Apology

On this day in 2005 Jason Giambi apologized to his teammates, the Yankees fans, and to baseball fans everywhere for "letting them down" last season. Giambi never used the word steroids but we all knew that was what it was about, although he did accept full responsibility for the controversy.


Also on this day in 1971 the Yankees announced that Bill White would be joining Phil Rizzuto and Frank Messer on the WPIX broadcast team, becoming the first black man to do play by play regularly for a Major League team. White was a former All Star first basemen and would stay in the booth for 18 seasons before leaving in 1989 to be the president of the National League.