Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Yankees offense scores a whole two runs in another loss to the White Sox

Hiroki Kuroda gave up just 3 earned runs in 7 innings of work tonight as the Yankees again lost a game due to their terrible offense, 3-2. Now I'm just done with this. To me, it looks like they've already thrown in the towel. Honestly, they aren't even kind of playing hard. This team is lazy. Yes they're bad. But a bad team can still technically play well. 

The Yankees only two runs tonight came on a wild pitch in the first inning and a Brett Gardner single in the ninth. That's right, they scored twice tonight believe it or not. 

Game Thread: Yankees @ White Sox 8/6


The Yankees and the White Sox continue their three game set tonight at US Cellular Field on My9 at 8:10 pm ET tonight. The pitching match up should be a good one with the Yankees ace Hiroki Kuroda facing off with the White Sox ace in Chris Sale. Kuroda is coming off of a 0.55 ERA in July and looks to improve on that, if that is even possible, in August for the Yanks.

Here is the Yankees lineup

Brett Gardner CF
Alfonso Soriano LF
Alex Rodriguez DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Vernon Wells RF
Jayson Nix 3B
Eduardo Nunez SS
David Adams 1B
Austin Romine C


Follow us on twitter by following @GreedyStripes. Go Yankees!

Brian Cashman Did A Good Job At The Deadline

It's been a week since the non-waiver trade deadline came and went. Initially, I was disappointed that the Yankees didn't make any significant moves. We discussed many trade targets here, and the team reportedly did ask about some of them, but in the end... nothing.

Many people have taken to Twitter and such in order to voice their displeasure of Brian Cashman, going as far as to say he should be fired. Again, on the surface, that seems to be a totally legit thing to say. The team has some glaring holes, and Cashman failed to fill any of them. And I don't mean holes just this season, I'm talking about things like a future catcher, shortstop, third baseman, or pitcher.

But who could Cashman have offered? I mean, no matter how good you think Cash his, he can't use the Jedi Mind Trick in order to fool another GM into giving him something for nothing.

"So those were the droids I was looking for?"

Robinson Cano is not only the best hitter on the Yankees, but he's also the best second baseman in baseball. Along with playing such a premium position, he represents exactly what a selling team wants in a trade chip. Therefore, the Yankees could have gotten a pretty darn good package of young players in return. But keep in mind that when I mention those "young players", I'm not talking about established MLB players.

Think about it... the only teams that would acquire a player in his final season before free agency, while paying the high price, are those that have a strong shot at the postseason. That means they aren't going to give up a current MLB player of value. What would be the point of that? Gain a lot in one area... lose in another? The net gain would not be worth it

But if the Yankees decided to bag this season, which they might as well have, then that plan would have been fine. Except for one thing... the Yankees can afford to re-sign Cano as a free agent, and build a team/lineup around him. That player should not only be fairly young, but also be a very good hitter. Taking a look at the upcoming free agents makes me think Robbie is the only one that fits the bill.

By the way, I thought the Yankees should have brought back Cano before we learned that ARod's contract would be off the books for them in 2014. Rodriguez's suspension just makes the return of Robbie an even better idea, as they can do that and still build a strong team while getting under the Luxury Tax threshold.

The end result may be right, Bud, but the way you got there was messed up.

The only other regular MLB player that would have much value is Brett Gardner. Yet he has his issues too. For starters, his strikeout rate has gone up in each of the last three years, culminating with a K rate 2 percentage points above the league average. And his walk rate has plummeted this season too. Not a good combination for a guy who can do the most damage on the basepaths. Oh, except for the fact that his base stealing instincts are pretty much non-existant. 

I don't mean to say Gardner stinks. I don't believe that at all. I'm just looking at things from an outsider's perspective, and trying to figure out whether I'd want my team to make a deal for him. And my answer to that is "sure, but I wouldn't pay that much". If the Yankees had a good alternative to Gardner next year, then I'd be okay with taking a shot on dealing him away. But the best alternatives in center field for 2014 seem to be paying Curtis Granderson or another free agent, or handing the job to Melky Mesa. Well Mesa doesn't instill much confidence (see his batting line of .245/.273/.418 this season in AAA), and Granderson or another free agent may already be brought in for a corner outfield spot. 

It seems to me that trading away Brett Gardner would not have been the smart thing to do either. Which doesn't leave a whole lot. 

The rest of the MLB roster is full of players with contracts that would scare a buyer off (Rodriguez, Teixeira, Sabathia), young players who have not done well (Adams, Nunez, Romine), players simply not hitting well (Overbay, Stewart, Hafner, Wells, Suzuki, etc), those with injury issues (Jeter, Youkilis, Granderson, Cervelli). Oh, and as for Cervelli, that doesn't even mention the fact that it looked like he was going to be suspended anyway.

Yes, Youkilis is still a Yankee.

Finally, teams trade their top prospects for big-time players all the time. But those types of deals involve prospects close to MLB. The Yankees biggest prospects, guys like Gary Sanchez, are either in AA or lower. So not only are they a couple of years before helping a MLB club, but there's enough time between that for things to go bad. Heck, Manny Banuelos went from being the top pitching prospect in the Yankees farm system last year, to sitting out the entire 2013 season. So you couldn't have expected Cashman to do much here either. 

Knowing that Cashman's hands were tied, I think the best thing he could have done is nothing. Keep Cano around, and build the offense around him. Keep Gardner around not only for the cheap help next year, but because of lack alternatives already on the team (just move him from the leadoff spot). Keep all your top prospects, as they wouldn't get you much anyway, and they could allow you to get help in other areas a couple years down the road.

We're actually in a good spot going into this offseason. The Yanks can bring Cano back, bring Granderson back (assuming he'd return for a qualifying offer, or around that same price), and have plenty of money leftover for somebody like Brian McCann, another strong pitcher, and third base help. Then, hopefully, some of your top prospects have come along really well, so they can help the team when it comes to next year's trade deadline.

"2014 can't come soon enough."

Former Yankees Update Andrew Brackman


I am a little late to the party with this news but former Yankees pitching prospect Andrew Brackman has quit baseball and will pursue a career in basketball. He was more known for his major league deal out of the 2007 draft even though he required Tommy John surgery  than his subsequent bust of a baseball career so hopefully he can do better in his basketball career.

YES Network Ratings Hit An All Time High Last Night


To nobody's surprise the YES Network had its best night all season, ratings wise, last night with the return of the train wreck that is Alex Rodriguez. Let that settle in because that includes Opening Day, the return(s) of Derek Jeter, etc. According to Sweeny Murti's twitter line the Yankees averaged 393,000 viewers for the game and topped out at 756,000 viewers for Alex's first at bat. The Yankees may not like Alex Rodriguez right now but I am sure they are not disliking the spike in viewership and revenue that he may bring the next 20-30 games while he is appealing this Biogenesis suspension.

David Phelps & Michael Pineda Injury Update


David Phelps and Michael Pineda both went back to get tests done on their respected injuries and the results are in. David Phelps has a new strain in his forearm, different from the strain that originally placed him on the DL, and will be shut down for two more weeks. The Yankees need Phelps back as soon as he is healthy because I do not buy his 5 + ERA being the kind of pitcher that he really is but it does not look like that comeback will be in August.

Michael Pineda felt some stiffness and soreness in his surgically repaired throwing shoulder and was also sent back to get tests on the shoulder. Great news for Pineda is that it is just general stiffness and there is no structural damage. For once an MRI or test result comes back clean for a Yankees player thus proving there might be a baseball God. In typical Yankees fashion we will shut down Pineda for 7-10 days days just to be on the safe side but Pineda seems healthy so that is all that matters I guess.

New York Yankees @ Chicago White Sox 8/6


The New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox continue their three game set at US Cellular Field in Chicago tonight. The Yankees will send the ace of the staff in Hiroki Kuroda to the mound to face off with Chris Sale for the White Sox. This should be a hell of a pitching duel tonight so tune in at 8:10 pm ET on MY9 and MLB TV.

Game 111 Lineup: Yankees @ White Sox

Here we are, it's game two of this three game set and it's the ace off! Hiroki Kuroda vs. Chris Sale. This promises to be a good one. Here's your starting lineup!

Brett Gardner CF
Alfonso Soriano LF
Alex Rodriguez DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Vernon Wells RF
Jayson Nix 3B
Eduardo Nunez SS
David Adams 1B
Austin Romine C

Hiroki Kuroda P

Listen To The Podcast I Was On Sunday


I was the special guest of a good friend of mine's podcast based out of the UK, Bases Loaded EU. Click HERE to listen to the podcast where we talk Biogenesis, Alex Rodriguez, predictions, and the Yankees wives and girlfriends. This podcast was described by the owners as "groundskeeper willie and shrek talking baseball" so if that is not enough to get you in then I do not know what will.

Give those guys a look by visiting their site at basesloaded.eu and following them on twitter by following @BasesLoadedEU. Click the podcast and let me know what you guys think and if we should do it again with these guys. 

Mariano Rivera Appreciation Thread


Mariano Rivera has been the figure head of the New York Yankees bullpen since the 1997 when he was handed the reigns as the full time closer and has not slowed down since. The all time saves leader has announced that 2013 will be his final season and he is not wasting the opportunity whatsoever. Mariano had over 30 saves at the break and shows no signs of decline, aging, or mortality. A lot of players could have decided to slack off a little in their final seasons or let the spotlight affect their game but not the right hand of God himself. Mariano has come back with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder and seemingly something to prove which is a fire that the Yankees and their fans will surely miss next season and beyond when he is gone. Thank you Mariano for the last 18 seasons and for everything you did both on and off the mound for baseball and the New York Yankees. Thank you for one MO!

Sand Gnats Shutout RiverDogs in Opener


Sand Gnats Shutout RiverDogs in Opener
Charleston dealt their seventh loss in five days

SAVANNAH, GA – Savannah Sand Gnats starter Luis Cessa struckout 12 batters over eight shutout innings as Savannah cruised to a 6-0 win on Monday night in the series opener at Historic Grayson Stadium in South Atlantic League Action.

With the loss, the RiverDogs fall to 22-22 in the second half and 61-51 overall and are now tied for fifth place in the SAL Southern Division standings. Savannah improves to 22-18 in the second half and 65-44 overall with the win.

The Sand Gnats got the scoring started in the bottom of the third inning when after loading the bases with nobody out on three singles, Maikis De La Cruz grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to plate Dimas Ponce (2-4, 2 runs) and make it 1-0 Savannah.

Charleston got their first runner in scoring position in the seventh inning when Angelo Gumbs hit his 10th double of the season with one out to represent the tying run. Unfortunately, with Ericson Leonora (2-4, 2 singles) at the plate, Gumbs got picked off second base by the Savannah catcher. Leonora later singled, but Luis Cessa wiggled out of the inning unscathed. That was the closest Charleston came to scoring a run all night. They never got a runner to third base safely in the game.

RiverDogs starter Eric Wooten threw very well in the spot start allowing only one run on six hits, no walks, and four strikeouts. He would get tagged with the loss however to fall to 1-0. John Brebbia threw a perfect sixth inning before giving way to Vicente Campos. Campos allowed more than one run in an outing for the first time since June 15. After a 1-2-3 seventh inning, he allowed five runs in the eighth on six hits and hit a batter.

Following Cessa’s dominate eight shutout innings, Paul Sewald came in and shut the door on the RiverDogs in the 9th. He gave up a single to Cito Culver and walked Greg Bird, but ended up striking out the side to close it out for Savannah.

Game two of this three game series in Savannah is Tuesday night at 7:05. RHP Brett Gerritse (8-5, 3.88 ERA) will be on the mound for Charleston and the Sand Gnats will start RHP Gabriel Ynoa (12-4, 2.95 ERA). Fans can listen to the game live locally on ESPN Radio 910AM or online at www.riverdogs.com.

--RIVERDOGS--

Being posted with permission from the Charleston Riverdogs organization. The original post can be seen HERE

Charleston Riverdogs Have A Tough August Ahead


RiverDogs Open August Home Schedule With Seven Games in Eight Days
Homestand features fireworks, backpack giveaway, and two Thirsty Thursday’s

CHARLESTON, SC - The Charleston RiverDogs return home to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park to kick off the final month of the regular season with seven games in eight days. Charleston welcomes in the Rome Braves and Lexington Legends. Charleston faces Rome for the third time at The Joe this year and will welcome the Braves back in for the final four home games of the season. The RiverDogs then play Lexington for the only time in 2013.

Thursday, : Budweiser Thirsty Enjoy the best Happy Hour in the Lowcountry as DJ Natty Heavy spins the tunes in the Ashley View Pub with $1 drafts for the always-popular Budweiser Thirsty

Friday, August 9, 7:05 pm: General Dynamic Land Systems-Force Protection Red Shirt / Piggly Wiggly Postgame Fireworks / Miller/Coors Aluminum Pint Nite / Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: It will be another Red Shirt as fans who wear red to the box office can save $1 off your ticket OR donate that dollar to local charity Canines for Veterans. "Titus the Wonder Dog" will be on hand to show off his batboy skills and multiple tricks during the game. After the contest, we will light up the sky over the scenic Ashley River with another Piggly Wiggly Postgame Fireworks show. It's also a Miller/Coors Aluminum Pint Nite as fans can enjoy $2 specials on aluminum pints. Plus, we will induct Steven Jackson, Drew Meyer and Britt Reames into the Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony on the field.

Saturday, August 10, 6:05 pm: Backpack Giveaway / Back to School Night at The Joe / Craft Beer/ Blood Alliance Blood Drive: It’s Back to School Night at The Joe as we celebrate the start of the 2013-14 school year at the park. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free RiverDogs backpack thanks to WCSC Channel 5.  Also, enjoy craft beer specials that will be on tap including Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, Third Shift Amber Lager and more. The Blood Alliance team will be on-site from and everyone who registers to donate will receive a FREE 4-pack of RiverDogs tickets. Plus, kids get the chance to have fun and run the bases after every home.

Sunday, August 11, 5:05 pm:  Kids Club / Star Wars Night / Charleston County Literacy Night: It is another Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission and Crews Subaru Kids Club Star Wars Night. Members of the Carolina Garrison, the South Carolina/North Carolina chapter of the 501st Legion, will have an "Imperial Presence" at Riley Park.  See a great game and pose with some of your favorite characters from the Star Wars Saga: Sandtrooper, TIE Pilot, Biker Scouts and more. Perhaps a certain blue and white droid by the name of R2D2 will be on hand. Come out as we celebrate Charleston County Literacy Night at The Joe. Every game features FREE PARKING, members of the Kid's Club get FREE entry to the game and kids eat for FREE (kids 12-under will receive a coupon for a hot dog, Pepsi and chips).

Tuesday August 13, 7:05 pm:  Healthy Challenge / Two-for-$20 Date Night / Bike Night: Each the RiverDogs team with MUSC Wellness to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Tuesdays at The Joe feature a healthy menu item and lifestyle tips throughout the game. The new 2-for-$20 Date Night includes two tickets, two slices of pizza, two sodas and one bag of popcorn all for $20. Also, local Italian restaurant La Fontana presents the "Lucky Couple of the Game" as one fortunate pair will be selected at random to win a free and romantic Italian dinner. The restaurant will bring in two specialty dishes and the couple will enjoy that dinner in a singular seating arrangement down the right field line while enjoying the game. It is also Bike Night at Riley Park as fans are encouraged to ride their bicycles to the game. There will be a pregame group bike ride from Hampton Park to the stadium, plus bike themed promotions throughout the evening. Fans must register for the bike ride and purchase tickets in advance by contacting the RiverDogs front office. There will also be a cash bar set-up in Doby’s Deck for all those that participate.

Wednesday, August 14, 7:05 pm: Senior Dogs With a Cause: GrowFood Carolina / Sanofi Night / Emergency Responders Night: It's another Senior presented by AAA Carolinas. All seniors who enter the gates will get a free hot dog, soda and bag of chips (must 65 and older). Show your AAA card at the box office to buy one ticket and get one ticket free. It is also Dogs With a Cause night presented by GrowFood Carolina.  Fans can register their kids aged 5-12 for a pregame Play4Health camp on the field thanks to Sanofi. Also, it’s Emergency Responders night at Riley Park where the stadium with be filled with Emergency Responders.

Thursday,  Budweiser Thirsty Enjoy the best Happy Hour in the Lowcountry as DJ Natty Heavy spins the tunes in the Ashley View Pub with $1 drafts for the always-popular Budweiser Thirsty!

For tickets or information, please contact the Riley Park Box Office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.
--RIVERDOGS--

Being posted with permission from Sean Houston and the Charleston Riverdogs organization. 

This Day In New York Yankees History 8/6


On this day in 1982 the Yankees traded Bucky "f&$%ing" Dent to the Texas Rangers for Lee Mazzili. This season Bucky was almost elected to the All Star game with a .169 batting average.


On this day in 2003 the Yankees traded recently acquired Armando Benitez to the Seattle Mariners for long time Yankee Jeff Nelson.