Former Yankee Roger Clemens, Others, Return to Baseball!

Sort of. There are a few former Major League Baseball players returning to the baseball diamond for a game or two next month including former Yankees star Roger Clemens. Former MLB player, most recently of the Chicago White Sox, Adam LaRoche has assembled a team of former MLB players he has named the Kansas Stars to take place in the National baseball Congress World Series. Basically during this event a few college teams will get to go head-to-head against players they undoubtedly watched and idolized growing up as a kid. How cool is this? I’m going super nerd fan right now, I know, but this is an awesome gesture and I can’t wait to watch.

Here is the roster via the Wichita Eagle:

Chipper Jones, infielder

Roger Clemens, pitcher
Tim Hudson, pitcher
J.D. Drew, outfielder
Dan Uggla, infielder
Roy Oswalt, pitcher
Adam LaRoche, infielder
Rick Ankiel, outfielder
Brad Penny, pitcher
Ben Sheets, pitcher
Josh Beckett, pitcher
Brandon Inge, infielder
Jack Wilson, infielder
Nate Robertson, pitcher
Brett Tomko, pitcher
Jayson Nix, infielder
Laynce Nix, outfielder
Jason Isringhausen, pitcher
Carl Everett, outfielder
Ryan Langerhans, outfielder
Pete Orr, infielder
Koby Clemens, infielder-outfielder
Justin Germano, pitcher
Koyie Hill, catcher
Barry Wesson, outfielder
Ryan Kohlmeier, pitcher

The game will be played on August 6^th in Wichita, Kansas. I’m sure it will be televised somewhere but I don’t have where just yet. Stay tuned. 

Bolded players denote former Yankees. 

Pittsburgh DFA's Dean Anna & Signs Jayson Nix

The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated one former member of the New York Yankees for assignment over the weekend and signed another in Dean Anna and Jayson Nix. It is extremely likely that Anna will clear waivers and it is even more likely that both would latch on with the Triple-A squads after Anna accepts an outright assignment. If Anna were to become a true free agent should the Yankees be interested? Yes, please.

I wouldn't mind having Dean Anna stashed back in our Triple-A lineup and not on the 40 man roster since the Jayson Nix experiment is long but over. Anna is a legitimate shortstop back up that got a quick cup of coffee already this season at the major league level. Worst comes to worst and Anna could always be the arm that saves the Yankees bullpen and starting rotation this season, I kid... I hope.

If Anna becomes a free agent and wants to come back then by all means, please make this happen Cashman.

Jayson Nix Signs With The Tampa Bay Rays

The New York Yankees have been signing a ton of middle infield depth for the minor leagues this season but that will not include Jayson Nix for a third season as he agreed to a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays today. Nix knows that he would probably have been at the top of the ladder when an injury came, not if an injury came, but you can't blame him for being on the back burner on a team when he could be at the front of the pack for another. Good luck in Tampa Jayson and thanks for the memories, even if they weren't so great.

Yankees Non Tender Nix, David Adams, & Matt Daley

The New York Yankees have announced that they will not tender a contract to utility player Jayson Nix, infielder David Adams, and pitcher Matt Daley. Nix was in line to make $1.4 million through arbitration as the others were going to make right around the league minimum so the money was not the issue as much as the roster spots were. I would expect the Yankees to try and work out minor league deals with all three of these guys before long to have them back in the fold for 2014. This drops the 40 man roster to 36 players and one of those open spots is for Brian McCann so is this a sign of whats to come? I hope so.

Tomorrow Is The Non Tender Deadline

Tomorrow is the non tender deadline for contracts and the Yankees 40 man roster is currently sitting at 39 players. This list of 39 players does not include Brendan Ryan or Brian McCann so at least one roster move will have to be made tomorrow to make room for one of these men. Who will it be you ask? Here are a few of the options:

Chris Stewart is an obvious non tender candidate if he is not traded before then because he is a catcher and clears a spot for a catcher in McCann. The Yankees have five catchers on the 40 man roster before McCann is added so at least one of them are going to have to go. Both JR Murphy and Austin Romine have minor league options so they could be sent down to AAA to split time but at the same time these men have more trade value then any of the other options. Both Francisco Cervelli and Stewart are out of minor league options and would make suitable backups but Cervelli may be the better option. I know we can designate another young guy for assignment that will clear waivers and accept a AAA assignment but at least one catcher has to go anyway so why not make the move now right?

Depending on what happens with Alex Rodriguez would have a lot to do with the battle between Jayson Nix and Eduardo Nunez. Both are considered utility infielders with Nunez getting the edge with the bat and Nix getting the edge in defense and versatility. The problem is we already have Brendan Ryan signed as a back up player and we only have so many 40 man roster spots. If Alex is suspended then I could see the Yankees letting Nunez start and keeping Nix or signing an Eric Chavez but the problem with this is we won't know what happens with Alex until well after Christmas. If one of these guys got non tendered it would be Nix but right now I don't see either getting the cut just yet. Nix did agree to being sent off the 40 man roster and signed a minor league deal with us last year though so maybe that can happen again.

Matt Daley and David Huff are also on the brink with both being out of minor league options and fringe players. Huff and Daley could either start or go into the bullpen and relieve, one from the left side and one from the right side, and both players are making the league minimum. We could hold onto them now and DFA them later too so no need in making a move unless we absolutely have to so I see them both staying for now.

Ramon Flores is way behind on the organizational depth chart, especially with the emergence of Zoilo Almonte, and would not be a non tender candidate as much as he would be a DFA option. FLores plays primarily left field and hits for zero power and would not be a substantial loss if say we signed a Corey Hart or Carlos Beltran.

What I Am Thankful For: The Yankees Depth

Continuing our look at what we are thankful for we showcase the Yankees depth that is being addressed this offseason. The Yankees had no depth last year and it showed on the field and in the win column when half the team went down with injuries. This year the Yankees do not seem like they will be left flat footed if one or two of their infielders go down.

The Yankees have already traded for Dean Anna from the San Diego Padres who can play all over the infield and has played in the outfield as well. The Yankees also signed Yamaico Navarro who can also play the hot corner, short stop, and a few places out in the outfield. The Yankees have brought back Brendan Ryan and already have David Adams and Corban Joseph, among others, on the roster for back up. This is before we even mention guys like Jayson Nix and Eduardo Nunez who are both non tender candidates.

The Yankees have already brought back David Herndon for a shot at the bullpen and are not going to be quiet in the pitching department, whether it be for the starting rotation or the bullpen. The Yankees know they did not have the depth last year and they know they didn't have the impact type youth last year and this year they will not make the same mistake twice, and for that I am thankful.

Comparing New York Yankees Arbitration Numbers

MLB Trade Rumors released their predictions for the arbitration eligible Yankees this week predicting what each player will likely command this year. MLBTR is usually pretty spot on or within a few percentage points so everyone around the baseball world does, or should, take what they have to say to heart since they are rarely ever wrong. Earlier in the offseason I took my own stab at predicting the Yankees arbitration numbers with a varying degree of success. HERE is the original post of mine back at the beginning of October and below is my predictions with MLBTR's predictions. See how they stack up, did I do good?

Brett Gardner (3rd time)
2013 salary - $2,850,000
Prediction: $7,000,000
MLBTR - $4,000,000

David Robertson (3rd time)
2013 salary - $3,100,000
Prediction: $5,000,000
MLBTR - $5,500,000

Shawn Kelley (2nd time)
2013 salary -$935,000
Prediction: $1,500,000
MLBTR - $1,500,000

Jayson Nix (2nd time)
2013 salary - $900,00
Prediction: $1,750,000
MLBTR - $1,400,000

Ivan Nova (1st time)
2013 salary - $575,600
Prediction: $850,000
MLBTR - $2,800,000

Michael Pineda (1st time)
2013 salary - $528,475
Prediction: $650,000
MLBTR - Not Arbitration Eligible?

Francisco Cervelli (1st time)
2013 salary - $515,350
Prediction: $1,000,000
MLBTR - $1,000,000

Chris Stewart (1st time)
2013 salary - $515,100
Prediction: $1,115,000
MLBTR - $1,000,000

David Huff (1st time)
2013 salary - $494,000
Prediction: $900,000
MLBTR - Not Arbitration Eligible?

Yankees Arbitration Estimates

While it's nearly impossible to predict the salaries for arbitration eligible players, Matt Swartz of MLB Trade Rumors has come up with a very accurate formula for doing so. It's not perfect, but he's been able to predict arbitration salaries within 5% the last few years.

Over the weekend the Offseason Outlook for the Yankees was published at MLBTR, and it included Matt's arbitration estimates. However, this morning, those figures were updated to the following (my estimates are in parenthesis)...

David Robertson: $5.5 million ($5 million)

Brett Gardner: $4 million ($6 million)

Ivan Nova: $2.8 million ($2.5 million)

Shawn Kelley: $1.5 million ($1.5 million)
Jayson Nix: $1.5 million 

Francisco Cervelli: $1 million

Chris Stewart: $1 million

I didn't predict the salaries of Nix, Cervelli, or Stewart as I didn't include them on my 2014 roster. However, I'm happy that my predictions were likely too high, meaning the Yankees could do what I'd like and have a little bit more money to work with to do things like strengthen the bullpen.

2014 New York Yankees Arbitration Eligible Players

Let's take a closer look at the Yankees slew of arbitration eligible players coming into the 2014 season. I truly think that this crop of players will make or break the Yankees plans of getting under the $189,000,000 luxury tax thresh hold. Just as an FYI you can be arbitration eligible three times before becoming a free agent so guys like Brett Gardner and David Robertson will be in their contract years for the New York Yankees in the 2014 season.

Here is the list:

Brett Gardner (3rd time)
2013 salary - $2,850,000
Prediction: $7,000,000

David Robertson (3rd time)
2013 salary - $3,100,000
Prediction: $5,000,000

Shawn Kelley (2nd time)
2013 salary -$935,000
Prediction: $1,500,000

Jayson Nix (2nd time)
2013 salary - $900,00
Prediction: $1,750,000

Ivan Nova (1st time)
2013 salary - $575,600
Prediction: $850,000

Michael Pineda (1st time)
2013 salary - $528,475
Prediction: $650,000

Francisco Cervelli (1st time)
2013 salary - $515,350
Prediction: $1,000,000

Chris Stewart (1st time)
2013 salary - $515,100
Prediction: $1,115,000

David Huff (1st time)
2013 salary - $494,000
Prediction: $900,000

Melky Mesa Released, Jayson Nix To 60 Day Dl

To make room for September call ups JR Murphy and Cesar Cabral the Yankees made two roster moves today to make room on the 40 man roster. Jayson Nix was added to the 60 day DL and Melky Mesa, who was thought to be a September call up himself until he suffered a significant hamstring injury, has been designated for assignment or released depending on where you read it. While some are shocked by the DFA  or unconditional release of Mesa you have to consider that he will probably clear waivers and be outrighted to AAA at this point anyway so no harm no foul. If the release is the true story then it is possibly that Mesa will sign another minor league deal with us this off season. Either way the Yankees reinforcements are here for the playoff run and it's time to win and win now.

Eduardo Nunez To Get MRI On His Knee

Eduardo Nunez left the game after falling down on Tuesday with an apparent knee injury that will require him to head back to New York to get an MRI on. The Yankees are off today so no word on it being just precautionary or something we should worry about just yet but I am sure we will know soon. Nunez told Bryan Hoch after the game that he was worried he would miss two weeks or more due to this which would be devastating with the lack of Yankees depth in the middle infield since the Jayson Nix injury. Nunez was in the lineup originally last night before being scratched due to him not being able to run full speed. Let's just hope that these two days off will do a knee good for Nunez and he will be back in the middle with also injured star Robinson Cano on Friday.

Derek Jeter Will Not Be Activated Before Sunday

For all those New York Yankees fans that were hoping and thinking that they would activate Derek Jeter this weekend since Jayson Nix went down with a season ending hand injury prepare to be disappointed. The Yankees have announced that Jeter will play in a rehab game tonight and will play in another one tomorrow before the Yankees even consider activating their 39 year old short stop. Monday in Toronto seems like more of a likely date for the Jeter activation but with Eduardo Nunez and his hamstring not at 100% the Yankees hand may be forced at this point. Let's hope he is really healthy this time around and can stay on the field for more than a week.

The Gif That Will End Jayson Nix's Season

Most of us were watching the game last night when Jayson Nix got hit on the hand with a knuckle ball which caused the hand to be fractured and more than likely will end his season. If you have not seen it here is the pitch that will end Jayson Nic's 2013 campaign. It's a shame he has been a big part of the season and will not be around when we finally turn this thing around. Get well Jayson.

Preston Claiborne Called Up By The Yankees

I know I am a little late to the party but I have this thing called a job and they actually expect me to do something while I am there. I know right, go figure, anyway.

Preston Claiborne has been called up from AAA Scranton to provide a fresh arm for the Yankees in the bullpen. Claiborne takes the 25 man roster spot from Jayson Nix who suffered a fractured hand last night. The Yankees will play with a short bench at least for this weekend before Derek Jeter hopefully is ready to return early next week. Welcome back Preston.

Jayson Nix Leaves Game In 2nd Inning After HBP

Jayson Nix has left the game against the Toronto Blue Jays with an apparent hand injury after being hit by a pitch in the knuckles from RA Dickey. Knuckle ball or not taking a pitch off the knuckles has to hurt so hopefully this is just precautionary. Nix is surely headed for X Rays on the hand now since we are in New York. Hopefully we are over the year of the injury and Jayson Nix will just be day to day with a bruise or something, cross your fingers.

UPDATE:

Jayson has a fractured hand and his season is likely over. Wow this hurts the team big time. Expect David Adams to be called up and Jayson to be added to the 60 day DL. Or we could always just go trade for Chase Headley....

Derek Jeter Will Not Be Activated Today

Derek Jeter is eligible to come off the 15 day disabled list today to play the Boston Red Sox but that will not happen according to Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Jeter is taking batting practice and fielding ground balls down at the Yankees minor league complex in Tampa but has not resumed any kind of running yet. The Yankees were hoping to have him back on Tuesday when the Yankees have a double header with the Toronto Blue Jays but that seems unlikely as well. The question has been raised whether the Yankees should just hold Jeter out until rosters expand in September so we do not lose Eduardo Nunez or Jayson Nix and we make 1000% sure that Jeter is healthy this time around. The problem is in two weeks it may be too late for the Yankees.

Jayson Nix May Be Playing On Borrowed Time

Let's assume, and at this point in the season that is what we have to do, that Derek Jeter comes off the disabled list next week healthy and sticks with the Yankees for the rest of the season what roster move do we make to accommodate the captain on the roster?

We no longer are carrying an extra pitcher after we sent down Preston Claiborne although we are carrying both David Huff and Adam Warren for the double header against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday which one will probably go down after the game. Looking at the roster filled with outfielders and now more than enough infielders who gets the ax when Derek Jeter comes back? Is it Eduardo Nunez? No, it has to be Jayson Nix.

When it comes down to Nix vs. Nunez you have to think that the Yankees would like Nix more because of his ability to play all over the infield and play those positions well. While Nunez has played at short stop and this base I am sure Nunez could slide over to second base and fill in adequately. The Yankees also seem to like Eduardo Nunez more now and for the future and seem willing to hand over the reigns to the short stop position once Derek Jeter hangs up his cleats.

Both Nix and Nunez have earned spots on the big league club in their own unique way and this is one of the tougher roster calls this season. One of these two men are going to be designated for assignment and neither of them are going to clear waivers either being in arbitration and under team control or pre-arbitration. Conceivably if Jeter is ready Tuesday, which seems unlikely according to manager Joe Girardi, he could be the 26th man to be used for the double header before the Yankees have to make the decision. Either way I think eventually Nunez or Nix is going to be off the team in some way, shape, or form this time next month and that is a damn shame.

Predicting The Lineup Tonight In Boston

The Yankees signed Mark Reynolds last night and travel today to Fenway Park to take on the Boston Red Sox and lefty Felix Doubront. Here is what I think the lineup is going to look like with Mark Reynolds inserted in it.

1. Gardner

2. Soriano

3. Cano

4. Rodriguez

5. Granderson

6. Reynolds

7. Ichiro

8. Nunez

9. Romine

The middle of the lineup is very scary now for totally opposite reasons. Either the streaky players like Curtis Granderson and Mark Reynolds will all click at once and this offense will be unstoppable or we will see strike out city. Either way I think that Reynolds is far from the savior of this team but is a huge upgrade over having Eduardo Nunez and Jayson Nix in the lineup so I am on board for $200,000.

Jayson Nix Activated, David Adams Back To The Minors

Reinforcements are on the way with Derek Jeter back in the fold and now Jayson Nix is headed back to the big leagues. Nix will be ready to play before the Dodgers series starting Tuesday and is officially activated. David Adams has been sent down to make room on the 25 man roster. As much as I like David Adams the kid has not hit a lick in the major leagues since busting onto the scene and the move just makes too much sense not to.

Jayson Nix Will Be Back Tuesday At The Dodgers

Jayson Nix was in the Yankees clubhouse today and told reporters that he will be back with the big league club on Tuesday when we travel to Los Angeles to play the Dodgers. Nix has been running about a week or so and says everything feels great. Nix will surely replace Brent Lillibridge in my opinion.