Looking Back At My Free Agent Predictions

BOLDED names denote an accurate pick. 
If the team name is crossed out, like this, then I was wrong and put the correct team out beside it.
RED predictions show players still unsigned at the time of this post. 

Catchers - 4 correct out of 22

Henry Blanco (42) - Retirement Arizona Diamondbacks
John Buck (33) - Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners

Jesus Flores (29) - Tampa Bay Rays
Hector Gimenez (31) - New York Yankees  Chicago White Sox
Ramon Hernandez (38) - Retirement Kansas City Royals
Brian McCann (30) - Texas Rangers New York Yankees
Jose Molina (38) - Baltimore Orioles Tampa Bay Rays
Dioner Navarro (30) - Kansas City Royals Toronto Blue Jays
Wil Nieves (36) Miami Marlins Philadelphia Phillies
Miguel Olivo (35) - New York Mets Los Angeles Dodgers
Brayan Pena (32) - Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds
A.J. Pierzynski (37) - Philadelphia Phillies Boston Red Sox
Humberto Quintero (34) - Chicago White Sox Seattle Mariners

Ronny Paulino (33) - Detroit Tigers
Guillermo Quiroz (32) - Washington Nationals San Francisco Giants
Carlos Ruiz (35) - Philadelphia Phillies
Jarrod Saltalamacchia (29) - Boston Red Sox Miami Marlins
Kelly Shoppach (34) - Cleveland Indians
Geovany Soto (31) - Seattle Mariners Texas Rangers
Kurt Suzuki (30) - $8.5MM club option with a $650K buyout - Oakland Athletics Minnesota Twins
Taylor Teagarden (30) - New York Yankees New York Mets
Yorvit Torrealba (35) - Cincinnati Reds Los Angeles Angels

First Basemen - 6 of 19 correct

Jose Dariel Abreu - Chicago White Sox

Todd Helton (40) - Retirement

Jeff Baker (33) - New York Yankees Miami Marlins

Mike Morse (32) - Texas Rangers San Francisco Giants

Eric Hinske (36) - Kansas City Royals Retirement

Xavier Nady (35) - Miami Marlins San Diego Padres

Yuniesky Betancourt (32) - Los Angeles Dodgers Japan

Corey Hart (32) - Milwaukee Brewers Seattle Mariners

Paul Konerko (38) - Chicago White Sox

Casey Kotchman (31) - Baltimore Orioles

Brandon Laird (26) - Houston Astros Kansas City Royals (Traded to Washington)

Adam Lind (30) - $7MM club option with a $2MM buyout - Toronto Blue Jays

James Loney (30) - Tampa Bay Rays

Casey McGehee (31) - Milwaukee Brewers Japan

Kendrys Morales (30) - New York Yankees

Justin Morneau (33) - Baltimore Orioles Colorado Rockies

Mike Napoli (32) - Boston Red Sox

Lyle Overbay (37) - New York Mets Milwaukee Brewers

Carlos Pena (36) - Seattle Mariners Los Angeles Angels

Mark Reynolds (30) - Tampa Bay Rays Milwaukee Brewers

Kevin Youkilis (35) - Cleveland Indians Japan

Second Basemen - 2 of 17 correct

Robinson Cano (31) - New York Yankees Seattle Mariners
Alexi Casilla (29) - Toronto Blue Jays Baltimore Orioles
Jamey Carroll (40) - Retirement Washington Nationals
Alberto Gonzalez (31) - New York Yankees San Diego Padres
Alexander Guerrero (27) - Los Angeles Dodgers
Mike Fontenot (34) - Miami Marlins Washington Nationals
Mark Ellis (37) - $5.75MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Arizona Diamondbacks St. Louis Cardinals
Omar Infante (32) - Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals
Kelly Johnson (32) - Baltimore Orioles New York Yankees
Nick Punto (36) - Minnesota Twins Oakland Athletics
Brian Roberts (36) - Tampa Bay Rays New York Yankees
Ryan Roberts (33) - Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs
Ramon Santiago (34) - Arizona Diamondbacks Cincinnati Reds
Skip Schumaker (34) - Miami Marlins Cincinnati Reds
Chris Valaika (28) - New York Mets Chicago Cubs
Josh Wilson (33) - San Diego Padres Texas Rangers
Ben Zobrist (33) - $7MM club option with a $2.5MM buyout - Tampa Bay Rays

Shortstops - 3 of 13 correct

Robert Andino (30) - Boston Red Sox Pittsburgh Pirates

Clint Barmes (35) - St. Louis Cardinals Pittsburgh Pirates

Willie Bloomquist (36) - Los Angeles Dodgers Seattle Mariners

Jamey Carroll (40) - Retirement Washington Nationals

Alexi Casilla (29) - Toronto Blue Jays Baltimore Orioles

Stephen Drew (31) - St. Louis Cardinals

Yunel Escobar (31) - $5MM club option - Tampa Bay Rays

Rafael Furcal (36) - Boston Red Sox Miami Marlins

Alex Gonzalez (36) - Colorado Rockies Baltimore Orioles

Nick Green (35) - Minnesota Twins

Cesar Izturis (34) - Los Angeles Angels Houston Astros

Derek Jeter (40) - $8MM+ player option with a $3MM buyout - New York Yankees

John McDonald (39) - Miami Marlins Los Angeles Angels

Jhonny Peralta (32) - Detroit Tigers St. Louis Cardinals

Brendan Ryan (32) - New York Yankees

Third Basemen - 2 of 14 correct

Yuniesky Betancourt (32) - Los Angeles Dodgers Japan
Wilson Betemit (32) - $3.2MM vesting option - Los Angeles Dodgers Tampa Bay Rays
Jamey Carroll (40) - Retirement Washington Nationals
Eric Chavez (36) - New York Mets Arizona Diamondbacks
Mark DeRosa (39) - $750K club option with a $25K buyout - Toronto Blue Jays Retirement
Jerry Hairston Jr. (38) - Baltimore Orioles Retirement
Brandon Inge (37) - Retirement
Brent Lillibridge (30) - Oakland Athletics Texas Rangers
Casey McGehee (31) - Milwaukee Brewers Japan
Placido Polanco (38) - Retirement
Mark Reynolds (30) - Tampa Bay Rays Milwaukee Brewers
Juan Uribe (34) - Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Dodgers
Kevin Youkilis (35) - Cleveland Indians Japan
Michael Young (37) - Arizona Diamondbacks Retirement

Left Fielders - 0 out of 12 correct

Jeff Baker (33) - New York Yankees Miami Marlins

Jason Bay (35) - Chicago White Sox Retirement

Mark DeRosa (39) - $750K club option with a $25K buyout - Toronto Blue Jays Retirement

Raul Ibanez (42) - Retirement Los Angeles Angels

Reed Johnson (37) - $1.6MM club option with a $150K buyout - Atlanta Braves Miami Marlins

Austin Kearns (34) - Miami Marlins

Jason Kubel (32) - $7.5MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Cleveland Indians Minnesota Twins

Darnell McDonald (35) - Oakland Athletics  Chicago Cubs

Nate McLouth (32) - Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals

Mike Morse (32) - Texas Rangers San Francisco Giants

David Murphy (32) - Texas Rangers Cleveland Indians

Laynce Nix (33) - Philadelphia Phillies
Juan Pierre (36) - Minnesota Twins

Grady Sizemore (31) - New York Yankees Boston Red Sox

Delmon Young (28) - Seattle Mariners Baltimore Orioles

Center Fielders - 2 of 8 correct

Rick Ankiel (34) - Milwaukee Brewers Retirement
Coco Crisp (34) - $7.5MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Oakland Athletics
Rajai Davis (33) - Tampa Bay Rays Detroit Tigers
Jacoby Ellsbury (30) - Seattle Mariners New York Yankees
Curtis Granderson (33) - Chicago Cubs New York Mets
Franklin Gutierrez (31) - $7.5MM club option with a $500K buyout - Seattle Mariners
Andres Torres (36) - Boston Red Sox San Francisco Giants
Chris Young (30) - $11MM club option with a $1.5MM buyout - Oakland Athletics New York Mets

Right Fielders - 2 of 14 correct

Jeff Baker (33) - New York Yankees Miami Marlins
Carlos Beltran (37) - New York Yankees
Roger Bernadina (30) - Washington Nationals
Marlon Byrd (36) - Cincinnati Reds Philadelphia Phillies
Shin-Soo Choo (31) - New York Mets Texas Rangers
Tyler Colvin (28) - Chicago Cubs San Francisco Giants
Nelson Cruz (33) - Texas Rangers Baltimore Orioles
David DeJesus (34) - $6.5MM club option with a $1.5MM buyout - Tampa Bay Rays
Mark DeRosa (39) - $750K club option with a $25K buyout - Toronto Blue Jays Retirement
Jeff Francoeur (30) - St. Louis Cardinals Cleveland Indians
Corey Hart (32) - Milwaukee Brewers Seattle Mariners
Mike Morse (32) - Texas Rangers San Francisco Giants
Grady Sizemore (31) - New York Yankees Boston Red Sox
Casper Wells (29) - New York Mets Chicago Cubs

Designated Hitters - 2 of 8 correct

Lance Berkman (37) - $12MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Houston Astros Retirement

Shelley Duncan (34) - Cleveland Indians Tampa Bay Rays

Jason Giambi (43) - Retirement Cleveland Indians

Travis Hafner (37) - Retirement

Raul Ibanez (42) - Retirement Los Angeles Angels

Kendrys Morales (30) - New York Yankees
Luke Scott (36) - Tampa Bay Rays

Delmon Young (28) - Seattle Mariners Baltimore Orioles

Michael Young (37) - Arizona Diamondbacks Retirement

Jose Dariel Abreu (26) - Chicago White Sox

Starting Pitchers - 12 of 56 correct

Alfredo Aceves (31) - Cleveland Indians Baltimore Orioles
Bronson Arroyo (37) - San Diego Padres Arizona Diamondbacks

Scott Baker (32) - Chicago Cubs Seattle Mariners

Erik Bedard (35) - Cincinnati Reds Tampa Bay Rays

Jorge De La Rosa (33) - Colorado Rockies
A.J. Burnett (37) - Pittsburgh Pirates Philadelphia Phillies

Chris Capuano (35) - $8MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout - Los Angeles Dodgers Boston Red Sox

Chris Carpenter (39) - St. Louis Cardinals Retirement

Bruce Chen (37) - Kansas City Royals

Bartolo Colon (41) - Oakland Athletics New York Mets

Scott Feldman (30) - Baltimore Orioles Houston Astros

Gavin Floyd (31) - Chicago Cubs Atlanta Braves

Jeff Francis (33) - Houston Astros Cincinnati Reds

Freddy Garcia (37) - Miami Marlins Atlanta Braves

Jon Garland (34) - Chicago White Sox

Matt Garza (30) - Texas Rangers Milwaukee Brewers

Chad Gaudin (31) - San Diego Padres Philadelphia Phillies

Roy Halladay (37) - Toronto Blue Jays Retirement

Jason Hammel (31) - Kansas City Royals Chicago Cubs

Aaron Harang (36) - $7MM+ mutual option with a $2MM buyout - New York Mets Cleveland Indians

Dan Haren (33) - Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Dodgers

Roberto Hernandez (33) - Minnesota Twins Philadelphia Phillies

Tim Hudson (38) - Atlanta Braves San Francisco Giants

Phil Hughes (28) - Arizona Diamondbacks Minnesota Twins

Philip Humber (31) - Colorado Rockies Oakland Athletics

Ubaldo Jimenez (30) - may void $8MM option for 2014 - Cleveland Indians Baltimore Orioles

Josh Johnson (30) - New York Yankees San Diego Padres

Jeff Karstens (31) - Pittsburgh Pirates

Scott Kazmir (30) - Toronto Blue Jays Oakland Athletics

Hiroki Kuroda (39) - Japan/Retirement New York Yankees

John Lannan (29) - Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets

Wade LeBlanc (29) - San Francisco Giants Los Angeles Angels

Jon Lester (30) - $13MM club option with a $250K buyout - Boston Red Sox

Colby Lewis (34) - Texas Rangers

Ted Lilly (38) - Retirement

Tim Lincecum (30) - San Francisco Giants

Paul Maholm (32) - Atlanta Braves Los Angeles Dodgers

Shaun Marcum (32) - Atlanta Braves Cleveland Indians

Jason Marquis (35) - Colorado Rockies

Daisuke Matsuzaka (33) - Seattle Mariners New York Mets

Randy Messenger (32) - Houston Astros Japan

Ricky Nolasco (31) - Atlanta Braves Minnesota Twins

Sean O'Sullivan (26) - Chicago Cubs Philadelphia Phillies

Roy Oswalt (35) - Retirement

Mike Pelfrey (30) - Minnesota Twins

Wandy Rodriguez (35) - $13MM player option with a $2.5MM buyout - Pittsburgh Pirates

Ervin Santana (31) - Toronto Blue Jays Atlanta Braves

Johan Santana (34) - $25MM club option with a $5.5MM buyout - Washington Nationals Baltimore Orioles

Joe Saunders (33) - mutual option - Seattle Mariners Texas Rangers

James Shields (32) - $12MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Kansas City Royals

Masahiro Tanaka (25) - acquired via posting system for Japanese players - New York Yankees

Jason Vargas (31)  - Philadelphia Phillies Kansas City Royals

Ryan Vogelsong (36) - $6.5MM club option with a $300K buyout - San Francisco Giants

Edinson Volquez (30) - San Diego Padres Pittsburgh Pirates

Tsuyoshi Wada (33) - $5MM club option - Baltimore Orioles Chicago Cubs

P.J. Walters (29) - Minnesota Twins Kansas City Royals

Jake Westbrook (36) -- $9.5MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout - St. Louis Cardinals retirement

Chien-Ming Wang (34) - Tampa Bay Rays Cincinnati Reds

Suk-Min Yoon (27) - Minnesota Twins Baltimore Orioles

Barry Zito (36) - $18MM club option with a $7MM buyout - Washington Nationals

Closers - 1 of 8 correct

Grant Balfour (36) - Oakland Athletics Tampa Bay Rays
Joaquin Benoit (36) - Boston Red Sox San Diego Padres
Rafael Betancourt (39) - $4.25MM mutual option with a $250K buyout - Colorado Rockies
Kevin Gregg (36) - New York Mets
Joel Hanrahan (32) - Philadelphia Phillies
Casey Janssen (32) - $4MM club option - Toronto Blue Jays
Ryan Madson (33) - Baltimore Orioles
Edward Mujica (30) - Chicago Cubs Boston Red Sox
Joe Nathan (39) - $9MM club option with a $750K buyout, Nathan may void - Toronto Blue Jays Detroit Tigers
Fernando Rodney (37) - Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners
Jose Veras (33) - $3.25MM club option with a $150K buyout - Detroit Tigers Chicago Cubs
Brian Wilson (32) - New York Yankees Los Angeles Dodgers

Right Handed Relievers - 4 of 29 correct

David Aardsma (32) - Tampa Bay Rays St. Louis Cardinals

Matt Albers (31) - Chicago Cubs Houston Astros

Hector Ambriz (30) - Colorado Rockies San Diego Padres

Luis Ayala (36) - New York Mets Baltimore Orioles

Matt Belisle (34) - $4.25MM mutual option with a $250K buyout - Colorado Rockies

Michael Bowden (27) - Houston Astros Japan

Shawn Camp (38) - Arizona Diamondbacks Philadelphia Phillies

Joba Chamberlain (28) - Tampa Bay Rays Detroit Tigers

Jesse Crain (32) - Chicago White Sox Houston Astros

Octavio Dotel (40) - Minnesota Twins

Kyle Farnsworth (38) - Retirement New York Mets

Frank Francisco (34) - Miami Marlins

Matt Guerrier (35) - New York Mets Minnesota Twins

LaTroy Hawkins (39) - New York Mets Colorado Rockies

Phil Humber (30) - Colorado Rockies Oakland Athletics

Matt Lindstrom (34) - $4MM club option - Chicago White Sox

Kameron Loe (32) - San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants

Brandon Lyon (34) - Miami Marlins Los Angeles Angels

Jeff Manship (29) - Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim Philadelphia Phillies

Carlos Marmol (31) - Houston Astros Miami Marlins

Nick Masset (32) - Washington Nationals Colorado Rockies

Zach Miner (32) - Phialdelphia Phillies Seattle Mariners

Peter Moylan (35) - Atlanta Braves Houston Astros

Brett Myers (33) - club option - Arizona Diamondbacks Cleveland Indians

Juan Carlos Oviedo (30) - club option - Tampa Bay Rays

Chad Qualls (35) - Cincinnati Reds Houston Astros 

J.C. Ramirez (25) - Boston Red Sox Philadelphia Phillies

Francisco Rodriguez (31) - Cincinnati Reds Milwaukee Brewers

Joe Smith (30) - Baltimore Orioles Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Jose Valverde (36) - New York Mets

Jamey Wright (39) - Retirement Los Angeles Dodgers

Left Handed Relievers - 1 of 11 correct

Scott Downs (38) - Texas Rangers Chicago White Sox

Mike Gonzalez (36) - Philadelphia Phillies Washington Nationals

Rich Hill (34) - Cincinnati Reds Boston Red Sox

J.P. Howell (31) - Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers

Boone Logan (29) - Chicago Cubs Colorado Rockies

Javier Lopez (36) - Milwaukee Brewers San Francisco Giants

Eric O'Flaherty (29) - New York Mets Oakland Athletics

Darren Oliver (43) - Retirement

Manny Parra (31) - Seattle Mariners Cincinnati Reds 

Oliver Perez (32) - Atlanta Braves Arizona Diamondbacks 

Matt Thornton (37) - $6MM club option with a $1MM buyout - Tampa Bay Rays New York Yankees

Predictions Are Fun

By now I'm betting that you've read numerous predictions about how things will shake out this season. Some of you are probably a little upset that many have picked the Yankees to barely make the postseason, or miss out on it entirely. Well I wanted to write and make you all feel better.

A couple of things before I get into this...

1. I am not saying predictions are dumb. They can not only be fun to do, but also help take a look at how other teams in the league look going into the season. That's the main reason I read them.
2. In no way do I mean to disparage anybody that didn't get a prediction right. We have no way to know if a key player will get injured, a player who should be great end up flopping, or a breakout star emerges. Like the NCAA tournament, some will predict it well while others (like myself) will look like fools. Predictions are more about the ride than the destination.

I went to Dayton, so clearly I loved what they did this season. But not only did they knock out my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, they also knocked out my long-time love Syracuse, and wreaked havoc on my bracket.

With that said I thought I'd share the 2013 predictions from Eric Karabell.

In case you don't know Eric Karabell, he works for ESPN on TV, radio, podcasts, blogs, and their magazine. If you play fantasy sports, then chances are you've not only heard of him but have taken his advice. And for good reason.

I chose Karabell because of how much respect I have for his insight into the game of baseball. He's as level-headed as any "expert" I've come across, and his straight forward approach really appeals to me. Eric doesn't have to raise his voice to show his excitement for a player or team like others, he just tells it like it is. 

With that said, here are his predictions of how the 2013 Major League Baseball season would end...

American League

East champ: Rays

Central champ: Tigers

West champ: Angels

Wild cards: Yankees, Rangers

Champion: Rays

National League

East champ: Nationals

Central champ: Cardinals

West champ: Giants

Wild cards: Reds, Braves

Champion: Nationals

WORLD SERIES

Rays over Nationals

Here is how the 2013 season actually ended...

American League

East champ: Red Sox

Central champ: Tigers

West champ: Athletics

Wild cards: Rays, Indians

Champion: Red Sox

National League

East champ: Braves

Central champ: Cardinals

West champ: Dodgers

Wild cards: Reds, Pirates

Champion: Cardinals

WORLD SERIES

Red Sox over Cardinals

This "expert" actually had the eventual World Series champion Boston Red Sox (and that really hurts to say/type) missing the postseason. One of the teams Karabell predicted to get into the World Series didn't even get into the postseason. And lastly, Eric only got two of the five American League, and two of the five National League, postseason teams right. 

Again, I don't mean to say Eric Karabell is a fool that doesn't know what he's talking about. Mr. Karabell is an incredibly valuable analyst. I'm just trying to point out that even the best minds surrounding the game have a very hard time predicting what will happen in any given season. 

So don't worry about those that say injuries will catch up to guys like Jacoby Ellsbury, or key players like CC Sabathia will continue to falter, or age will finally make guys like Carlos Beltran fall from grace. Take those predictions for what they are... fun, and a way for you to learn about your team and the league in general.

Most of all, enjoy Opening Day and GO YANKEES!

Yankees Stadium Legacy: #1 Babe Ruth

After starring mainly as a pitcher for the Red Sox from 1914-1919 Babe Ruth joined the New York Yankees in 1920. Babe Ruth exploded onto the scene with an unheard of 54 home runs in his first season and followed that up by 59 home runs in the 1921 season. Yankees Stadium opened its doors for the first time on 4/18/23 and Ruth christened the ballpark hitting the first home run in it's history in a 4-1 victory over none other than the Boston Red Sox.

That's it, the 100 game countdown has concluded and Opening Day is TOMORROW! Go Yankees as we begin our quest for World Series title #28.

Quick Hit: The Yankees Opening Day Lineup

New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi gave us a sneak peak at the Opening Day lineup in the final spring training game before mother nature washed it away. The lineup looked a lot like the lineup that I had posted with one exception, Brett Gardner was batting seventh instead of ninth. Below is the lineup that Girardi had posted for the spring finale with the Marlins:

Jacoby Ellsbury CF

Derek Jeter SS

Carlos Beltran DH

Brian McCann C

Mark Teixeira 1B

Alfonso Soriano RF

Brett Gardner LF

Brian Roberts 2B

Kelly Johnson 3B

I really like the idea of having two leadoff hitters, one hitting ninth and one hitting first, so I would personally switch Johnson and Gardner. The idea of having a guy who could hit 20 home runs and knock in 75 RBI's in the nine hole does intrigue me, but not enough. When everyone is healthy and clicking on all cylinders that middle of the order of Beltran, McCann, Teixeira, and Soriano is going to be tough to pitch against and pitch around. I'm excited for Opening Day tomorrow, Go Yankees!

This Day In New York Yankees History 3/31

On this day in 1984 Roger Maris announced his #9 jersey retirement from the Yankees on an episode of ABC's Sports Beat with Howard Cosell. New York planned to retire the jersey number at Old Timer's Day that July. Maris showed much disbelief in learning the news and was very happy to be recognized for his seven years in pinstripes.

On this day in 1995 in front of a crowd of 47,536 the New York Yankees lost the first ever game at Coors Field, an exhibition game, 4-1 to the Colorado Rockies.

Officially The New York Yankees 25 Man Roster

This will be the Yankees 25 man roster on Tuesday when they open their season at the Houston Astros.

Catchers:

Brian McCann
Francisco Cervelli

Infielders:

Mark Teixeira
Brian Roberts
Derek Jeter
Kelly Johnson
Dean Anna
Yangervis Solarte

Outfielders: 

Brett Gardner
Jacoby Ellsbury
Carlos Beltran
Ichiro Suzuki

Designated Hitter:

Alfonso Soriano

Starting Pitchers:

CC Sabathia
Hiroki Kuroda
Ivan Nova
Masahiro Tanaka
Michael Pineda

Bullpen:

David Robertson
Dellin Betances
Shawn Kelley
Matt Thornton
David Phelps
Adam Warren
Vidal Nuno

Minor League Assignments

Before Girardi beats us to it, should we just start calling him "Jaggy" now?

With the fact that we got nearly 3 inches of snow in mid-Ohio last night (thankfully very little of it stuck) it's hard to believe that not only is Tuesday opening day for Major League Baseball, but the minor leagues start on Thursday. 

With that said, thanks to Josh Norris and Nicholas Flammia, we have information regarding some of the rosters for the Yankees minor league affiliates. Of course, these are unofficial, as the team has yet to announce these things, but here's what we got so far...

Triple-A Scranton: OF Zoilo Almonte, RHP Danny Burawa, OF Ramon Flores, IF Corban Joseph, C John Ryan Murphy, and C Austin Romine. RHP Al Aceves, RHP Bruce Billings, RHP Brian Gordon, RHP Shane Greene, and RHP Chris Leroux will be in the starting rotation, although the order is unknown. RHP Chase Whitley is a possibility for the rotation as well.

Double-A Trenton: RHP Bryan Mitchell, 2B Rob Refsnyder, C Gary Sanchez, and OF Mason Williams. 

High-A Tampa: LHP Manny Banuelos, OF Jake Cave, SS Cito Culver, RHP Rafael DePaula, 2B Angelo Gumbs, 3B Eric Jagielo, and C Peter O’Brien. 3B Dante Bichette Jr. looks to be part of this team too.

Low-A Charleston: 3B Miguel Andujar, SS Abi Avelino, RHP Rookie Davis, OF Aaron Judge, RHP Brady Lail, RHP Luis Severino, C Luis Torrens, and SS Tyler Wade. It's being reported that RHP Jordan Cote will also be there.

Extended Spring Training: RHP Domingo Acevedo, RHP Manolo Reyes, RHP Simon De La Rosa, LHP Ian Clarkin, OF Alex Palma, and OF Leonardo Molina. OF Tyler Austin (wrist), OF Slade Heathcott (knee), 1B Greg Bird (back), and RHP Jose Campos (being cautious) will be here as they are being slowed down to start the year.

After a down year in the minors in 2013, I'm really hoping 2014 is a good one. I'm not much of a prospect humper like some people around here, but I can't wait to see what guys like Eric Jagielo, John Ryan Murphy, Gary Sanchez, Mason Williams, Manny Banuelos, Aaron Judge, Jose Campos, Ian Clarkin, Slade Heathcott, and Tyler Austin will do. Chances are, the Yankees will need to do something about their middle infield, and having these young guys step up would really help (directly or in a trade).

Yankee Stadium Legacy: #2 Mickey Mantle

The New York Yankees were the class of the Major Leagues in the 1950's appearing in eight World Series. One of the brightest stars on those clubs that decade was Mickey Mantle who stood out on a bunch of absolutely stacked teams. Was Mantle the first ever six tool player? I have heard some call him that. Mantle won back to back MVP awards in the American League in 1956 and 1957 and slammed 280 home runs in the 50's while leading all of Major League Baseball with 994 runs scored.

We are now just two off days from Yankees Opening Day!

Quick Hit: My Favorite Yankees In 2014

Many people don't know this about me but I like to play favorites, and especially like to pick favorites when it comes to my Yankees. The people who knew me, Bryan Van Dusen my co-owner specifically, before The Greedy Pinstripes knows how much of a hard on I had for AJ Burnett when he was in Yankee Pinstripes. This year is no different as I always pick a couple positional players and pitchers to especially root for in a season. The votes are in and the results are as follows:

Dellin Betances
Alfonso Soriano
Jacoby Ellsbury
Michael Pineda

You didn't think I was going to pick Derek Jeter did you? I love Jeter, who doesn't, but Jeter has never made one of these lists for me and I don't know exactly why. There is just something about what Soriano and Ellsbury bring to the club and to the lineup that intrigues me, especially the finger point from Alfonso. Betances is a guy guy and can intimidate and overpower everyone on the field, plus he is a good guy to have around in a Yankees and Red Sox brawl.

This Day In New York Yankees History 3/30

On this day in 1984 the San Diego Padres obtained Yankees third baseman Graig Nettles for pitcher Dennis Rasmussen and prospect Darin Cloniger.

On this day in 1991 the Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles played an exhibition game at Joe Robbie Stadium which drew 67,654 fans, a new spring training attendance record. The two day series between the two teams was a part pf South Florida's efforts to get a National League expansion team, soon to be named the Florida Marlins.

On this day in 2001 former Yankee Dwight Gooden announced his retirement from baseball. Doc finished with a 194-112 record playing for the Mets, Yankees, Indians, Astros, and Devil Rays and won a World Series and pitched a no hitter with the Yankees.