Thursday, July 31, 2014

Brian Roberts Designated For Assignment


Breaking news out of New York as second baseman Brian Roberts has been designated for assignment. Robert's 25 man and 40 man roster spot will go to the newly acquired Stephen Drew. I am not sure if this means Drew will be playing second base or if it's just a coincidence but I don't believe in many coincidences. Either way the Brian Roberts era is over and the Stephen Drew era has begun. We may or may not get a upgrade offensively but we definitely will defensively and that's always a start.

Trade Deadline Off Day Walk Up Music Recommendation


The trading deadline has come and gone and now it's safe to take a look at some Yankees walk up music from this season. We have listened to Brett Gardner's Derek Jeter's, Jacoby Ellsbury's, Carlos Beltran's, Brian McCann's, and others walk up music already on Yankees off days this season and today we listen to the music that Hiroki Kuroda enters the game to.

Kuroda enters to a song called "The Whip" by Locksley. I have never even heard of this before and I bet you haven't either so check it out. What else is there to do tonight? The fun is over and the Yankees are off, enjoy your night Yankees family. We'll be back to work tomorrow.

Yankees Deadline Moves: Prado, Drew, Rogers Heading to New York

Going into today's trade deadline, it was well known to us all that the Yankees needed a few pieces.

The 55-52 team, currently three games behind the Blue Jays for the second and final wild card spot, is presently stuck with an unproductive second basemen in Brian Roberts and an unreliable middle reliever in Chase Whitley, two of their many big problems.

No, not all of those issues were resolved this afternoon, but yes, the said two definitely seem to be, with the Yanks acquiring both the Diamondbacks' Martin Prado and Red Sox' Stephen Drew while also claiming Toronto's Esmil Rodgers off waivers.

According to MLB.com, Arizona will get catching prospect Peter O'Brien and a PTBNL for the .270-hitting Prado, arguably the biggest name in the group.

As for Drew, he's been exchanged for injured veteran Kelly Johnson, something that could turn out badly considering the former's hit just .176 this season. 

Either way, it seems fair to declare that today was a good one for New York's AL representative, as the Prado/Drew duo is obviously an upgrade over what they have now and Rogers (who's been in the minors since May 21 after putting together a 6.57 ERA in 20 2/3 innings) has thrown the ball well lately at Triple-A.

Yankees, Red Sox Swap Stephen Drew for Kelly Johnson

Details to come when I am not mobile 

Yankees Acquire Martin Prado From Arizona

Its official according to Joel Sherman. Martin Prado is a Yankee. More to come

Second Wild Card Has Killed The Trade Deadline

Please don't sue me....

I don't know about you guys but the trading deadline was always the second best part of the baseball season for me. As a Yankees fan the playoffs and World Series was always the best but I thoroughly enjoyed the trading deadline and the winter meetings and such. I can remember, way back in the good ole days when we couldn't get roster updates on our baseball games, scouring the web and watching Baseball Tonight for all the Yankees moves so I could go manually update my team in my game. The Yankees getting greedy and consistently adding talent when they needed to even spawned off this blog in a way. Ever since the second Wild Card though that aura is gone, isn't it?

The past two seasons have been generally quiet and rather boring for the most part. Before the second wild card there was a significant trade going down every day in the final week to week and a half of July. This week I believe the most notable trade, at the time of this writing anyway, is Justin Masterson and his disabled list knees and 5.51 ERA heading to St. Louis for their top outfield prospect. 

In year's past you had the fire sales and the big names traded away and you're simply not seeing that anymore. The Tampa Bay Rays seem content to hold onto David Price, for example, even though they are seven games back in the AL East division. Why? They are still in the discussion for the second wild card. 

The second wild card was a great idea on paper until they announced it was a one game playoff and not a three game playoff and now it's screwing up my favorite time of the summer. I'm not sure how you fix it, or if you even can, but something needs to be done. As a fan this is pretty bland. Who agrees?

Remembering Yankees of the Past: Eric Chavez


Eric Chavez announced his retirement from Major League Baseball yesterday so now seems like a good of time as any to showcase his few short years in New York. Congratulations to Chavez on a great career and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors both in and out of baseball.

Without further interruption let's look back at Chavez's career as a Yankee:

Chavez signed with the Yankees in February of 2011 on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Chavez ultimately made the team and had his contract purchased on March 28, 2011. The biggest weakness of Chavez's game at this point of his career would be his injuries and that would not change while in pinstripes. Chavez broke a bone in his left foot on May 5, 2011 while rounding second base and missed over two months with the injury.

Chavez finally hit his first home run of his Yankee career in 2011 when he launched a two run shot against the Chicago White Sox on August 3. Chavez did enough in New York to warrant another one year deal for the 2012 season that would guarantee him $900,000 with an additional $3.05 million to be made in incentives for being healthy and in the lineup. May of the 2012 season he suffered a concussion and spent his seven days on the concussion disabled list. Chavez made the postseason both years in New York but never got the World Series ring he was presumably chasing.

Chavez left New York for the Arizona Diamondbacks after the 2012 season and that is where his career would end. Chavez finished his career with a .268 average, 260 home runs, six Gold Glove Awards, and a Silver Slugger in 2002. It's a shame he never got a chance to play for a World Series but he's still a winner.

Speculating A Move For Asdrubal Cabrera


This is pure speculation here and probably more coincidental than anything but something seems fishy when it comes to how the Yankees have been handling Brian Roberts lately. Roberts is two at bats away from an incentive in his contract that would pay him an additional $250,000. While I realize that is chump change to any team, especially the Yankees, you have to think something is up. You especially question the Yankees motives when the next day it is announced that Roberts needs "a couple days off" to rest. Coincidentally those couple of days takes us through the July 31st trading deadline.

Enter Asdrubal Cabrera who has been made available by the Cleveland Indians. Cabrera is an average at best shortstop but could easily give the Yankees an upgrade offensively and defensively at second base. Cabrera would come cheap as a pure rental with diminished productivity. He fits the Yankees needs perfectly on the field, in the wallet, and down on the farm.

It's probably a coincidence and Joe Girardi will place Roberts in the lineup tonight after the deadline has come and gone but something stinks here.

Potential Trade Targets For New York Today


Here is a quick list of who the Yankees could realistically acquire today before the trading deadline at 4:00 pm ET. This is pure speculation and based on trade rumors, not inside sources, so take this with a grain of salt. The Yankees tend to keep their trade rumors quiet when they actually make a deal so I will likely whiff on all of these but you have to be in it to win it.

Marlon Byrd of the Phillies, Justin Ruggiano of the Cubs, and Dayan Viciedo of the White Sox all look like potential trade candidates for the Yankees outfield. Josh Willingham has been thrown around a lot in rumors but the Yankees need a right fielder and Willingham has never played right in his career. It's also worth mentioning that his arm would be below average in right field. Alex Rios is a right fielder and could fill the void that will be there in 2015 as well making him attractive.

Asdrubal Cabrera could be a potential target at second base that I like a lot over Brian Roberts.

The marginal upgrades at starting pitcher include Jorge De La Rosa of the Rockies, Brett Anderson of the Rockies, Cliff Lee of the Phillies, and Ian Kennedy of the Padres.

Bullpen help could come with an Antonio Bastardo trade with the Phillies, Joaquin Benoit from the Padres, and James Russell of the Athletics.

The pipe dream list includes Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies, Cole Hamels of the Phillies, David Price of the Rays, and Jon Lester of the Red Sox.

Quick Hit: 2015 Trenton Thunder Schedule Released


With 14 home games still to come in the 2014 Trenton Thunder season, the first glimpse of the 2015 schedule was released on Wednesday afternoon.

The Thunder will begin the 2015 season on the road at the Erie SeaWolves (Detroit) on Thursday, April 9.  The home opener at ARM & HAMMER Park against the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston) is slated for Thursday, April 16. The Thunder will play their final home game and end the season onMonday, September 7 at 1:00pm against New Hampshire (Toronto).

The Thunder will face their top rivals 23 times at home. The Double A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, the Portland Sea Dogs, will visit Trenton 10 times in 2014. The Sea Dogs will make their first trip April 16-19, followed by May 29-31, and July 27-29. Philadelphia Phillies fans can catch the Reading Fightin Phils in Trenton for nine games next season, June 16-18August 4-6, and August 14-16. The Binghamton Mets (NY Mets) will visit ARM & HAMMER Park July 23-26.

The Thunder will play 7 home games in April, 17 in May, 13 in June, 14 in July, 13 in August, and 7 in September. The team plays 71 home games against all 11 Eastern League teams.

Mid-week day games will continue in 2015, with the first one, a 10:30am “Education Day” slated forWednesday, April 23 with others being held on Thursday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 20. Popular12:00pm "Camp Day" games are scheduled for Monday, July 13 and Wednesday, July 29. The Thunder will play a 2:00pm "Business Person's Special" game on Wednesday, August 29.

The schedule of fireworks dates and promotions will be released at a later date.
Fans can join a waiting list for 2015 ticket packages by calling 609-394-3300.

This Day In New York Yankees History 7/31: The MLB Trading Deadline Day


Can you believe the only notable trade for the New York Yankees in the past twenty years or so has been the Cecil Fielder trade that happened in 1996? The Yankees have made moves, marginal more than anything, but Cecil was the deal that stuck out. On this day in 1996 the Yankees sent Ruben Sierra and prospect Matt Drews for Fielder in the first trade in Major League history that included two players that have hit more than 220 home runs are traded for each other.

On this day in 2001 the Yankees lost out on relief pitcher Ugueth Urbina to the Boston Red Sox. Boston got Urbina for two minor league pitchers in Tomo Ohka and Rich Rundles after the Yankees had a deal in place for the closer that fell through earlier in the season. Urbina failed his physical, the Yankees backed out of the deal, and the rest is history for the former Expos' closer.

Remember above when I said the only notable trade that happened in the last 20 seasons was the Fielder trade? You see why here as just minutes before the trading deadline ended in 2004 the Yankees shipped their struggling pitcher Jose Contreras (8-5 5.64 ERA) for the White Sox struggling starter Esteban Loaiza (9-5 4.86 ERA). Both pitchers were 32 years old and having down seasons based on their past performances and neither player really performed for their new teams this season.

Get ready because we're a mere 16 hours away from the trading deadline coming to a close.


Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Early Runs, Offensive Struggles Doom Yankees in Tough Rubber Game Loss to Rangers

Hiroki Kuroda tossed 7 innings of three-run ball and Brett Gardner again started the first with a solo home run, but due to another terrible offensive performance the Yankees found a way to drop tonight's rubber game to the Rangers, 3-2.

For pretty much all of his quality outing this evening, Kuroda was everything New York couldn't wanted, only allowing nine hits and a walk while striking out four. 

Still, after a three-run, five-knock performance by Texas' bats in the bottom of the first he ended up getting the loss, a dissapointment that wouldn't have happened had Mark Teixeira turned a slow groundball down the first base line into an out.

No, this defeat doesn't fall completely on Teixeira, but since he did let a Leonys Martin squibber roll foul instead of just picking it up and tagging the runner with two on and two out the Rangers did pick up a third run in the aforementioned frame, with Martin later singling in Adrian Beltre to make it 3-1.

Now really, the contest shouldn't have ended there, especially considering the Yanks came back from a larger deficit yesterday.

Nonetheless, following Jacoby Ellsbury's lining of another solo shot off Colby Lewis (7 IP, 2 ER) in the third and Carlos Beltran's routine hit two batters later the Yanks' offense never again reached base, something you can't help but be amazed by.

Open Game Thread 7/30 Yankees vs. Rangers


Welcome to tonight's open thread for the game between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers. This is the finale of a three game set and boy am I glad. I don't know about you guys but even the hour later start kills me, especially the next morning. Thankfully the Yankees go back East after this game and head to Boston after taking a July 31st trading deadline day off. The Yankees will send Hiroki Kuroda to the mound tonight to face off with Colby Lewis for the Rangers. The game will be played at 8:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Remember to get your Yankees tickets while New York is in Boston or for when they return home later in the month of August. Michael Pineda is back and we may even throw in some pine tar for buying, check us out. Follow us on Twitter by following @GreedyStripes and like us on Facebook by searching for The Greedy Pinstripes to keep the conversation going.

It's an open thread so join us in the comments section and get to chatting. Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your evening. Go Yankees!

Colby Lewis Is Not A Smart Individual... Meme


Well Colby Lewis did not actually say this but this meme was just too good to pass up. This was obviously taken while Lewis was playing over in Japan before breaking out for the Texas Rangers in the last four seasons. Enjoy the game Yankees family.

Trade Deadline 2014: Yankees Hot Stove Rumors 7/30


Just a quick catch me up for you guys:

The Phillies asked the Yankees for their top three prospects for Cole Hamels. I'm not sure I could swallow Luis Severino, Gary Sanchez, and Aaron Judge for Hamels but Hamels does bring a lot himself. I'm torn.

The Yankees are interested in the Rockies pitcher Brett Anderson. This is interesting because the Rockies are interested in Francisco Cervelli. Match made in Coors Field?

The Yankees are talking to the Padres about Ian Kennedy and Joaquin Benoit but nothing is serious at this point.

Starting pitching just got majorly expensive as Justin Masterson and a 5.51 ERA for a rental on the disabled list just fetched the Cardinals top outfield prospect.


7/30 Yankees Game Preview vs. Texas Rangers


The New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers will play tonight in the final game of three game set at the Ballpark in Arlington. The Yankees will send Hiroki Kuroda to the mound to face off with the Rangers Colby Lewis. The game will be played at 8:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN.

Kuroda is coming off a less than impressive start in which he allowed four runs in 5.2 innings against the high powered offense of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees gave Kuroda enough run support to get him his seventh victory of the season.

Lewis has not beat the Yankees in his last four starts fresh off a loss in his last start against New York. Lewis is 0-3 against the Yankees in his career, a trend that New York hopes to continue tonight. Lewis pitched 6.1 innings and allowed only four hits and three earned runs to raise his career ERA against the Yankees to 6.14.

Get your Yankees tickets now as the Yankees make their push towards October. Get your tickets right here on the blog for all games home or away. We don't charge shipping costs or associate any sort of fees with our tickets, what you see is what you get, so buy a pair now. 

Go Yankees!!

Brian McCann Is Everything We Signed Him To Be


Brian McCann had a rough start to his Yankee tenure and 2014 season but has turned it on recently, a sight for sore eyes in New York. Even with his turnaround fans continue to bash and question McCann and his abilities to hit in the Bronx. I disagree and I am personally not worried whatsoever about McCann because he is exactly what we thought we were getting when we acquired him.

I am basing this whole post on the learning curve of New York and a bit of a bounce back season in 2015, specifically in the power department. Not everyone is made for New York and not everyone can jump onto the big stage and shine. Jason Giambi couldn't do it right away and he had the help of steroids so we shouldn't expect McCann to do it either. Looking at the stats supports my claims that McCann has been as advertised this season to a certain extent.

Looking at McCann's 2013 season he hit .256 with 20 home runs and 57 RBI for the Atlanta Braves. McCann had an on base percentage of .336 and a slugging percentage of .461 to go with it. McCann has been praised for his defensive abilities and made four errors while putting up a 24% caught stealing percentage.

In 2014 McCann has only hit .240, although he was recently as high as .244, with 11 home runs and 45 RBI. While McCann's slugging and on base percentages are down McCann has hit .300/.328/.383 since July 8th and looks to finally be comfortable at the plate and in New York. McCann also only has one error this season and has seen his caught stealing percentage rise to a very respectable 44%.

McCann will be fine we as Yankee fans just need to remember what McCann was when we acquired him this winter and what the Yankees lineup around him has done. If the Yankees have runners on in front of him then the shift is not used nearly as much. If the Yankees have hitters hitting well behind him then he gets more pitches to hit. McCann is not a .300 guy anymore and not a 30 home run guy anymore but he is still stellar behind the plate both in controlling the staff and the running game and can be a great Yankee if we just give him the chance to be.

Girardi Not Worried About Bullpen's Usage

With the way they've been used this year, it'd be understandable for the Yankees' bullpen to get a little worn out.

The seven-man group, headed mainly by the big four of Shawn Kelley, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, and David Robertson, seems to be put in high-pressure situations every day by Manager Joe Girardi, creating concerns that by the end of the year they'll be hurt.

Be that as it may, Girardi isn't buying into the criticism, saying after the relievers gave up seven runs in yesterday's win over the Rangers that he's not worried about their workload.

"I don't worry about our bullpen," the Yanks Skipper told The Star Ledger's Brendan Kuty following the stressful victory. "Our bullpen is going to be good down the stretch. They just had a night. Everyone is entitled to a night. We were just tired of giving you 4-2 games."

Let's hope that's the case, as the usually-dominant New York pen's been awful over the last three days.

For example, in the last two games of this weekend's series against the Blue Jays they allowed six trips around the bases, a cause for agitation that only increased last night with the surrendering of the aforementioned seven spot. 

Trading Deadline Fact or Fiction: Yankees Edition


Will the Yankees acquire Troy Tulowitzki or any other big name?

I believe this is fiction. The Yankees haven’t traded away any top talent in three years now and the Jesus Montero for Michael Pineda trade made too much sense not to make. Montero was left without a true position and was battling character issues and questions before the trade. Win, lose, or draw that was a good trade at the time for the Yankees. I cannot see the Yankees parting with Luis Severino, Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge, Ian Clarkin, Eric Jagielo, Robert Refsnyder, etc.

Will the Yankees stand pat? Are they done?

Fiction: No I don’t think so. I can see another marginal upgrade in the outfield or on the bench. I don’t believe New York is sold on Zoilo Almonte and honestly they probably shouldn’t be. I can see a Justin Ruggiano or a Alex Rios type player come in and platoon with Ichiro Suzuki. The Yankees may get someone who has experience at first base just in case but that even seems unlikely at this point. I think the Yankees are done on the pitching side unfortunately and will hope and pray that Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda come back strong and healthy.

Is Brian Cashman in danger of losing his job?

Fiction: Honestly, no. After catching lightning in a bottle with Brandon McCarthy, Chris Capuano, and Chase Headley specifically I think in the very least he bought himself some time. While I am not entirely sold on the fact that he will be the Yankees general manager in 2015 I don’t believe he will be fired. He may decide to not even come back after losing the control he fought so long to get from the Steinbrenner family.

Can this Yankee team win the World Series?

Fiction: As it’s currently constructed, no. There are too many holes in the lineup and too many “automatic outs” in Brian Roberts, Ichiro Suzuki, at times Brian McCann, etc. The defense is atrocious, especially in the infield, and the pitching is average at best. Who matches up Game One in a postseason series? Right now it’s the guy who has burned out and fizzled due to fatigue in August and September the last two plus seasons in Hiroki Kuroda. Then who, Brandon McCarthy? Shane Greene? We may get to the post season in a mediocre league but I couldn’t see New York going far. I’m not entirely banking on the return of Pineda and Tanaka personally which may be shading my judgment a tad.

Will we do another post like this?


Fact: I liked this, this was fun. Send in your questions to us by shooting us an email at thegreedypinstripes at gmail or tweet us @GreedyStripes. Maybe your tweet or email can end up on the blog. 

Is Chase Whitley The Next To Go?


I think it is pretty clear what Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s plan and motives are this season, trade away young talent for veteran pieces and make a run at a postseason spot. Cashman has already traded away a struggling Vidal Nuno to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Brandon McCarthy and Yangervis Solarte and Rafael DePaula for Chase Headley. Is Chase Whitley next?

The one thing that Solarte, DePaula, and Nuno have in common, besides their ages and amount of cheap team control, is their falls from grace. Solarte was easily the Yankees best offensive player for about two months before sample size and the rest of the league caught up with him. I think Solarte could have turned it around but he seems like his own worst enemy, he was obviously in his own head when he went through his lengthy slump that ultimately got him sent down to the minor leagues. Nuno was well thought of last season and for much of Spring Training before heading into the rotation out of necessity early in the season. Nuno is a soft tossing lefty that got figured out and didn’t have the stuff to adjust, simple as that. DePaula represented the Yankees in the 2013 Futures Game and struggled after a move to High A with the Tampa Yankees. DePaula continued to struggle as a starter this season and talks of moving him to the bullpen had already begun before the trade.

Enter Whitley who came out of the gates in the Yankees rotation, again out of necessity, blazing pitching extremely well for his first seven or eight starts before hitting a wall. Whitley struggled for multiple starts consecutively and has been since moved to the bullpen and replaced with Chris Capuano in the rotation. If history is any indicator of the future it seems like with less than two days before the trading deadline Whitley will be moved for another marginal upgrade and rental veteran player.


I truly think the Yankees have something in Whitley and if they can baby him through this season and stretch him out even more over the winter I think he could be an asset. I am under no illusions that he could be a top of the rotation starter but I will say that he has been a starter less than a full calendar year after being converted from a relief pitcher last season in Triple-A. The slate is pretty clear and the sky is the limit for Whitley and I would hate to lose him for a John Danks this week. Hopefully Cashman is reading and won’t make another mistake to win now and screw later. 

Quick Hit: Counting Down To The Trade Deadline


Tomorrow is the day that the 2014 season is made or broken for the New York Yankees. Sure you can make trades in August with players clearing waivers and you can even acquire players in September (while having to leave them off your postseason roster) but tomorrow is the day. At 4:00 pm ET the trading deadline officially comes to an end and it’s time for every team to put up or shut up.

Will Brian Cashman acquire the big piece in Troy Tulowitzki or shock the world and pull off another big trade? Or will he marginally upgrade the team and hope the likes of Chris Capuano, Brandon McCarthy, and Chase Headley are enough to bring New York to the Promised Land?

Will the Yankees bank on the return and health of Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda or will the team acquire another piece? Will the Yankees continue to trot out Ichiro Suzuki and Brian Roberts on a daily basis even though they are so obviously over-matched right now?


So many questions, the good news is in 33 short hours most of them will be answered. Stay tuned.

Asdrubal Cabrera Has Been Made Available


Yesterday we learned that the Cleveland Indians were willing to move both Justin Masterson and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, should the Yankees be interested? Cabrera is enjoying a relatively productive season but will be a free agent at the end of this season. Cabrera is slashing .249/.309/.392 with a 99 OPS+ and 98 wRC+. Cabrera is also a switch hitter which adds a redeeming factor for his arsenal, the problem has been his defense.

The thing with Cabrera is his defense is below average at short stop, not at second base. The Yankees could get an upgrade both offensively and defensively by acquiring Cabrera and seemingly shouldn't cost much in prospects. Cabrera is owed roughly $3.44 million for the rest of this season and again will be a free agent at the end of this season.

If the price is right you pull the trigger.

Gardner-Led Yankees Out-Slug Rangers in Middle Game

Brett Gardner led off the first with a solo home run and the Yankees scored 7 runs in the top of the sixth, but in the end, it took a late two-run shot from Mark Teixeira and an Adrian Beltre flyout with the bases loaded to help the Yankees beat the Rangers 12-11 tonight at Globe Life Park. 

Going into that sixth inning, surprisingly, the Yanks trailed 4-1, appearing done after Brandon McCarthy (6 IP, 4 ER) surrendered three in the third and J.P. Arencibia drove one over the wall in the fifth.

Instead, though, New York put up a touchdown to take the advantage, rallying off Nick Martinez (5 2/3 IP, 6 ER) and Shawn Tolleson when Carlos Beltran singled in a pair, Brian McCann tied things with a sac fly, Zoilo Almonte hit home the go-ahead run, and Brendan Ryan connected on a two-run double before scoring on a missed catch error by Alex Rios.

Yes, Arencibia would later collect a grand slam after the stretch and the Chase Whitley/David Robertson duo would allow another three in Texas' last two at-bats, but since Almonte and Chase Headley still knocked in two more in the seventh and Teixeira one-handed that aforementioned homer in the eighth the Yanks did hang on for the W, their first since Friday.

The Daily Dozen - July 29, 2014

The Daily Dozen - July 29th, 2014 Edition
(Twelve Takeaways from Tonight's Game)

1.  Brett Gardner is a man possessed.  Not only does he hit 2 home runs vs. The great one You Darvish last night, he comes back tonight with yet another leadoff HR and 2 doubles to boot.  He sported a 1.800 slugging % tonight.  Gardy is my hero!
This never gets old.

2.  Jeter now has 3,422 hits.  There is no more to say than that...he's 40 batting .280 and just keeps on accumulating hits.  He has 106 hits on the season with 56 games to go.  I see him ending with around 170 for the year, which would put him at 3,486 hits just shy of Tris Speaker at 3,514 for 5th all-time.

3. J.P. Arencibia is absolutely killing the Yankees.  And it was like Deja vu all over again (thanks Yogi).
(Credit: Jack Curry on Twitter)

4. Brandon McCarthy finally found himself in trouble in a Yankees uniform.  Trouble came early as McCarthy threw 59 pitches in the 3rd inning, which allowed the Rangers to score 3 pivotal runs early.

5. Mark Teixeira is BACK! For now... He blasted the crucial 2-run home run late in the game that ended up being the decisive runs and had 3 walks.  Thanks for playing tonight Teix!

6. Gardner's Catch....no words...
(Photo Credit: Fox Sports Twitter)

7. The Yankees did damage to Nick Martinez in the 6th inning scoring 7 runs.  This was the high mark in runs in an inning on the year.  The name Nick Martinez sounds perfect for someone in a boy band...so I'm glad he got pummeled.

8.  Seriously...is there a Tolleson on every team?  First the Yankees play Steve Tolleson on the Blue Jays and now they see Shawn Tolleson on the Rangers?  I'm all Tollesoned out.

9. Only 12 guys on the current 25-man roster were on the team in 2013.  On top of that 28 guys have pitched for the Yankees...including Dean Anna! Yowza.

10. What a football score tonight.  I made a comment during the game when it was 7-4 and the bases were loaded that things might get a little out of hand.  It just had that feeling to it.  And of course, it ends up 12-11.
I hate being right sometimes.

11. The bullpen is giving up waaaaaaaaay too many runs let alone baserunners.  This past weekend I went to Sam's and bought the industrial size generic Tums...you know the ones that come in a hug bottle of 250 but are wrapped with 2 of those huge bottles.  I think I'm halfway through the first bottle...and it's not because of my beautiful wife's cooking.

12. The Yankees have had 5 straight games with 2+ home runs.  Thanks to Jeff Quagliata of the YES Network for that great stat...he does some great research for those guys that I am glad I can quote here tonight.
(Credit: Jeff Quagliata Twitter)

Time to go take some more generic Tums....


This Day In New York Yankees History 7/30: George Steinbrenner Goes On Permanent Ineligible List


It's July 30th, trading deadline eve, so this post should be littered with tons of trades that happened on this day in Yankees history. We begin by looking back to this day in 2006 when the Yankees sent a package of four minor league players to the Philadelphia Phillies for Bobby Abreu. The package included shortstop CJ Henry, lefty relief pitcher Matt Smith, catcher Jesus Sanchez, and right handed pitcher Carlos Monasterios. The Yankees also received Cory Lidle back in the deal while New York would be on the hook for all of Abreu's remaining salary. Abreu made $13.5 million in 2006, $15.5 million in 2007, and had a $16 million option for 2008 with a $2 million buyout.

The Yankees later ended up getting CJ Henry back on a minor league deal in one of the better trades in the Brian Cashman era.

Also on this day in 2008 the Yankees acquired Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers for relief pitcher Kyle Farnsworth. The Yankees were in need of a catcher after Jorge Posada's season ending surgery earlier in the month. Rodriguez had to waive his no trade clause to make the deal happen.

Also on this day in 1990 George Steinbrenner announced that he would agree to go on the permanent ineligible list which would give the Yankees owner a lifetime ban from day to day operations of his team. The Boss was later reinstated in 1993 but subsequently agreed to the ban to avoid jeopardizing his relationship with the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Outside of Yankee Stadium on that day in 1990 24,037 fans in attendance started chanting "NO More George! NO More George." The Boss reportedly did not hear about the chant at the stadium until he watched the 11 o'clock news later that night.


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Open Game Thread vs. Texas Rangers 7/29


Welcome to tonight's open thread for the game between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers tonight in the Ballpark in Arlington. The game will be played at 8:05 pm ET and can be seen on Fox Sports 1, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN. The Yankees will send Brandon McCarthy to the mound to face off with the Rangers Nick Martinez.

Remember to get your Yankees tickets here for any game this season. Support your Yankees team and Derek Jeter while you can. Also follow us on twitter or find us and like us on Facebook by following @GreedyStripes or by searching for The Greedy Pinstripes.

It's an open thread so feel free to use the comments section of this post to chat it up during the game. Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your evening. Go Yankees!

Michael Pineda's Rehab Assignment Begins Sunday


Reinforcements are officially on the way for the New York Yankees as Michael Pineda will begin a minor league rehab assignment this Sunday. Pineda pitched a 45 pitch simulated game today and came through it in one piece and will likely extend himself to 60-65 pitches this weekend. Manager Joe Girardi wants Pineda stretched out to around 90 pitches before coming back to the major league club. There has not been an announcement on where the rehab assignment will take place but you have to figure it is likely to either be Charleston with the Riverdogs or Tampa with the Tampa Yankees.

Using the 15-20 pitches addition every start you could conceivably state that Pineda will only make two rehab starts before joining the Yankees. That puts Pineda in the mid to late August range. A lot can happen between then and now, it could be too late by then. Either way the Yankees are going to let Pineda go all out when he does return so there is always that.

If You're Not Following Brandon McCarthy You Should Be


This guy is quickly becoming a fan favorite not only in New York but on Twitter as well. Him and his wife Amanda are a great follow and always have interesting and funny tweets to share. See above, if that's not enough to sell you then grab your Obamacare card and get yourself checked out.

Trade Deadline 2014: Yankees Trade Rumors 7/29


The Yankees are thankfully not in on Justin Masterson of the Cleveland Indians. The Indians are extremely motivated to move their ace starting pitcher that is currently on the disabled list and a free agent at the end of the season.

The Yankees and White Sox continue to talk, presumably about John Danks and Francisco Cervelli, as we inch closer to the trading deadline. The Yankees may also be interested in outfielder Dayan Viciedo but the asking price may be too much.

The Cubs told the Yankees that outfielder Justin Ruggiano was not available.

Stay tuned...

Yankees Game Preview 7/29 vs. Texas Rangers


The New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers will play tonight in their second of a three game set this week in Arlington that will bring us all the way to the trading deadline for Major League Baseball. The Yankees will send Brandon McCarthy to the mound to face off with the Rangers Nick Martinez. The game will be played at 8:05 pm ET and can be seen on Fox Sports 1, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN.

McCarthy has truly stabilized a Yankee rotation that was in tatters when he arrived. McCarthy has a 2-0 record with a 2.45 ERA in three starts as a Yankee helping keep New York in the discussion for the postseason.

Martinez is coming off a start in which he allowed zero runs in 5.1 innings against the New York Yankees last time out. This was Martinez's first start since June 1 and was limited to only 67 pitches in the start. Martinez allowed three hits in the game before the Yankees got into the Rangers bullpen.

Get your Yankees tickets for any game this season home or away right HERE on the blog through our friends at Ticket Monster where we offer cheap (actual) tickets without all the bulky fees or annoying shipping costs. Our tickets are shipped out generally the same day through Fed Ex Express so you have them in hand fast. Buy now. 

Go Yankees!!

Teixeira: I Can't Play Through the Injuries Anymore

If you've watched any Yankees games this season, you already know that team First Basemen Mark Teixeira has struggled to stay healthy.

The veteran infielder, who missed nearly all of 2013 with a wrist injury, has spent a couple of weeks on the DL and missed the club's last eight games this year, an occurance that's hurt the defense due Brian McCann's inability to play his position.

Still, Teixeira can't hide the fact that he may be getting old, telling CBS New York earlier today that while he could compete through the pain when he was younger he simply can't now.

“I was injured plenty, I just played through it,” Teixeira said. “I can’t play through (the injuries) anymore. That’s just the fact of the matter. The guys ask me, ‘How did you play in Texas for five years, 100 degrees every night?’ I was young. I was a kid. I played through everything.”

Be that as it may, since the 34-year-old is owed $45 million over the next two seasons he does have to find a way to stay on the field more often, as it's been made clear over the last week that McCann isn't a reliable backup. 

For example, in yesterday's first inning #34 let a routine groundball get into right field, something Teixeira probably wouldn't have done if had he been there.

Leroux & Billings Accept Triple-A Assignments


Both starting pitchers Chris Leroux and Bruce Billings were designated for assignment by the New York Yankees last week and both players have since cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A. Both players have accepted their minor league assignments and will report to Scranton Wilkes-Barre with the RailRiders rather than electing free agency. Both players will probably be back at some point this season if Brian Cashman cannot bring in more depth.

Nothing wrong with a minor league deal and nothing wrong with depth. Nothing more, carry on.

Yanks One Player Away From A Refspectable Again


The New York Yankees are one infielder away from having a refspectable infield once again in the Bronx. No that is not a typo, yes I know I spelled it wrong, and yes I realize it was probably not my best play on words but bear with me. The Yankees went into the 2014 season with arguably one of the worst infield defenses in all of baseball, and maybe ever if you delve deep enough into the stats, but with the addition of Chase Headley and a healthy Mark Teixeira the Yankees are one player away from having a good infield once again. Enter Robert Refsnyder.

Derek Jeter is Derek Jeter, there isn’t much you can do with him at this point in his career defensively except for putting some guys around him with great range. Adding Headley and the young legs of Refsnyder allow them to cheat a step or two in each direction to help alleviate some of the range problems at shortstop. I know the errors and all are well documented for Refsnyder but Jeter once had over 100 in a single season and he turned out okay, even won a Gold Glove Award or two. What Refsnyder and Headley do for Jeter Teixeira can do for Refsnyder.

I imagine, without looking at the box scores or seeing many games first hand, that Refsnyder is not playing with many players of Teixeira’s defensive caliber in the minor leagues but it should not be ignored the significant drop off in errors once Refsnyder reached Triple-A and started playing with Kyle Roller. Teixeira can fetch those balls out of the dirt, save the errant throws, and just allow Refsnyder to take a breath and relax, and that is something you cannot put a stat on.


I have grown tired of seeing the Yankees, Brian Roberts and Kelly Johnson specifically, fumble the ball around like the Bad News Bears. It’s time for a change, Headley was a start, now we just need one more infielder to be respectable again. Don’t be shy, make the move. 

Cole Hamels Made Available By Phillies, Is Brian Cashman Listening?


Earlier today we brought you an article pertaining to the Texas Rangers outfielder Alex Rios and all the trade rumors swirling around him, specifically those that may bring him to New York. We did the same thing about another man on July 9th and here we are almost three weeks later and that man was made available. His name is Cole Hamels and his team is the Philadelphia Phillies. It's worth mentioning that Hamels has a no trade clause but the New York Yankees are NOT on it.

It's funny, here is one of the comments on the article:

Hey Daniel, want a beer ?
Far fetched ?....try bazaar. Taking on $ 150 million ? For one pitcher who is injured, and the
other who is over 30 ? I thought the Yankees were running from those contracts ?
I'm typing a lot of question marks here.
And, you placate them with decent talent. Jesus.

Hey Daniel, would you like two beers ?

Doesn't seem so far fetched now. Here's some quick excerpts from THIS article we posted at the beginning of July:

Lee looks like a pure salary dump at this point of the season as he struggles to come back from an elbow injury. Lee is owed $25 million this year and next and the Phillies franchise isn't going anywhere with that contract on the books. To take on that kind of salary the Yankees could pay less in prospects and save their better pieces for a run at Hamels. Hamels, like Lee, is weighing down the club with $22.5 million a season through the 2018 season and a has a club option written into his contract for 2019 worth $19 million. Whether Sabathia and/or Alex Rodriguez retires or not the Yankees could easily absorb these contracts with the likes of Hiroki Kuroda and others coming off the books after this season.


Before you jump down my throat saying how I am out of touch the Phillies are going nowhere, they know it and we know it. The only players Philadelphia has under the age of 30 years old are Ben Revere, Cody Asche, and Domonic Brown who are hitting a combined .221 in 2014. The Phillies have finished in third, fourth, and look likely to finish in last place in their last three seasons respectively and it may be time to hit the reset button in Philadelphia.


The Phillies could sell off their high priced talent much like the Red Sox did a few seasons ago and re-tool and rebuild. Gary Sanchez or John Ryan Murphy could replace the departing Carlos Ruiz. Robert Refsnyder could replace the departing Chase Utley. Abi Avelino could replace the departing Jimmy Rollins. Ian Clarkin and throw in Shane Greene/Chase Whitley could replace Hamels and Lee and the rest is history.

Quick Hit: Mark Teixeira FINALLY Ready To Join Lineup


Mark Teixeira is finally ready to get back in the starting rotation and ready to get back and man first base after missing over a week with a back injury. The slugging first baseman is sorely needed in this lineup. Teixeira has missed 28 games this season and still leads the team in both home runs and RBI which goes to show you how much New York needs him back in the middle of that lineup.

Teixeira probably could have started yesterday but trainer Steve Donahue wanted Teixeira to hit in back to back days pain free before letting him loose. Apparently Teixeira's back is fine and the Yankees will get their cleanup hitter back in the lineup tonight in Texas.


Article Revisit: Yankees Need A Fourth Outfielder

A few weeks back we discussed the need for a fourth outfielder in New York after the injury to Carlos Beltran and Ichiro Suzuki coming back down to Earth. We mentioned, once again before anyone else, that Alex Rios would be a good fit that could fit into the Yankees plans and budget. Now that the rumors around Rios joining the Yankees are in full tilt let's take a look back at where it all began, right here on TGP:

Going into the 2014 season the New York Yankees had too many outfielders and not enough positions to accommodate. Here we are at the end of July in the same season and the Yankees don't have enough outfielders to make a real run at a division title or a Wild Card. You really can't predict baseball Suzyn.


The Yankees started the season essentially with Brett Gardner as their left fielder, Jacoby Ellsbury manning center, Carlos Beltran as your right fielder, Alfonso Soriano as your full time designated hitter, and Ichiro Suzuki on the bench. Three months later you still have your mainstays in Gardner and Ellsbury but a bone spur has Beltran limited to DH only starts, Soriano is not on the team anymore, and Ichiro is essentially your every day right fielder.


The problem is Ichiro is a singles only hitter and has been exposed lately as an every day player. The Yankees don't seem comfortable with Beltran in the outfield at all this season and Ichiro is not going to cut it everyday, the Yankees need an outfielder. Since the Yankees won't call up Robert Refnsnyder and seem unwilling to call up Zoilo Almonte, Adonis Garcia, or Jose Pirela New York may instead turn their attention to the Texas Rangers Alex Rios.


Rios, at the time of writing this, is batting .302/.330/.405 with only four home runs and 16 stolen bases. Rios defense has actually been better than Ichiro's this season and his right handed bat would compliment the lineup well. The biggest issue is a six team no trade clause that is written into Rios' contract that includes the Yankees. Rios is in the last year of a monster deal but there is a team option for the 2015 season worth $13.5 million with a $1 million buyout.


The Yankees and the Rangers start a four game series tonight in Yankee Stadium and will play seven times before the trading deadline which is a perfect showcase for Rios and the Yankees. Will the Yankees make it happen? Stay tuned...

This Day In New York Yankees History 7/29: Billy Martin Returns To Yankee Stadium For Old Timer's Day


The New York Yankees won a World Series championship in 1977 under then manager Billy Martin and before Martin could try and defend his title he resigned and was replace by Bob Lemon as manager. The Yankees would repeat as World Series champions in 1978 under Lemon but before that Martin made one more trip to Yankee Stadium. The trip was made on this day in 1978 when Martin returned to the Yankees on Old Timer's Day.

Martin couldn't stay away from New York and George Steinbrenner as he would be the Yankees manager once again in 1980.

Finally on this day in 1969 Joe DiMaggio was named the greatest living player in Major League Baseball by a group of sportwriters. A poll was taken to coincide with the centennial of professional baseball and DiMaggio was given the honor. DiMaggio proudly embraced the title until his death in 1999. Not bad for a guy that took four times to get into the Hall of Fame.


Monday, July 28, 2014

Phelps Falls Apart in Fifth as Yankees Drop Opener in Texas

Derek Jeter collected three hits to pass Carl Yastrzemski on the all-time list and Brett Gardner homered twice off Yu Darvish, but due to a memorable collapse by David Phelps in the bottom of the fifth the Yankees dissapointingly dropped tonight's series opener to the Rangers 4-2.

Going into that aforementioned fifth frame, somewhat surprisingly, New York led Texas 2-0 on those solo shots from Gardner, making a big W to begin the week seem likely.

Unfortunetaly, though, that wouldn't prove to be the case, with the Rangers beginning a tough-to-watch rally with two outs and a man on second.

To start things off, the ice-cold Elvis Andrus singled in Chris Gimenez, putting Texas on the board in a not-too-stressful way.

Nonetheless, following another knock up the middle from Alex Rios and a double down the left field line from Adrian Beltre that tied it, things became a lot more tough, with another two-run single by newest Yankee-killer J.P. Arencibia only acting as the icing on the cake.

Because from that point on, the punchless Yanks didn't do anything against Darvish (7 IP, 2 ER), causing Phelps and his six frames of four-run ball to eventually take the loss, his first since June 7.

Derek Jeter Ties Carl Yastrzemski On All Time Hit List


Derek Jeter has tied Boston Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski for seventh all time on the all time hits list with his 3,419th hit of his career. Jeter led off the game two hits behind Yaz and promptly stroked a single through the shortstop and third base hole. Jeter came up again in the third inning and knocked a ground rule double to deep right center field to tie Yastrzemski.

Congratulations to Jeter and stay tuned for when he passes the Red Sox legend.

Open Game Thread 7/28: Yankees vs. Rangers


Welcome to tonight's open thread for the game between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers in Arlington. The Rangers will host the Yankees for three games this week that will run into the July 31st trading deadline. The Yankees will send David Phelps to the mound in a rematch of last week's rain shortened game with Yu Darvish. The game will be played at 8:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Get your Yankee tickets for when the Yankees return home next week right here on the blog without all those fees or shipping costs. Also make sure you follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook by following @GreedyStripes or searching for The Greed Pinstripes to interact with us.

It's an open thread so if you're staying up to watch the game be sure to drop us a line in the comments section. Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your evening. Go Yankees.

Yu Darvish Upset About Rain Shortened Loss.... Meme


I don't believe Yu Darvish actually said this but you have to think he was probably thinking it. He couldn't have been happy about losing at Yankee Stadium after just five innings. Yu had never lost to the Yankees before last time out and with the help of mother nature is still looking for his 10th win of the season. Let's hope he keeps on looking for it tomorrow, go Yankees!

Trade Deadline 2014: Yankees Rumors Roundup 7/28


The July 31st trading deadline is fast approaching and the New York Yankees are seemingly in on anyone that can upgrade the team, even marginally, which makes for a lot of rumors. Here are the biggest ones from the day so far:

The Yankees are interested in Alex Rios of the Texas Rangers. Read why I think this is a good idea HERE.

Colorado is unlikely to move Troy Tulowitzki, even if he was at the Yankees game Sunday.

New York asked about the Cubs Jake Arrieta and were told they would have to be blown away to acquire him. Blown away means keep dreaming in Yankee terminology.

The Phillies have made Cole Hamels available. That's news in itself.

MLB.com: Severino & Sanchez Make Top 100


MLB.com has released their mid season Top 100 prospects list for all of Major League Baseball and two familiar Yankee faces made the list in Luis Severino and Gary Sanchez. The Twins Byron Buxton was listed in the top spot and was followed by the Cardinals Oscar Tavares list most prospects lists we have seen this season. The Astros prospect shortstop Carlos Correa comes in the third position and the Miami Marlins have three of the top seven prospects in all of baseball in Kris Bryant (#4), Javier Baez (#6), and Addison Russell (#7).

The Yankees make the list with Severino coming in at the 70th position and Sanchez coming in at the #76 position. In case you were wondering the Top Five Yankees prospects according to MLB.com right now are Severino, Sanchez, Eric Jagielo, Ian Clarkin, and Aaron Judge in that order. Robert Refsnyder is sixth and Jacob Lindgren rounds out the top 10.

Yankees Schedule Private Workout w/ Rusney Castillo


The next big thing in Cuban defecting stars is named Rusney Castillo and he is coming to an outfield near you very soon. Castillo is drawing comparisons to the Yankees Brett Gardners at this stage in his career and obviously New York is interested. They are so interested in fact that they are one of three teams to hold a private workout with the young outfielder. This comes after Castillo held a showcase for all teams in Miami over the weekend. 28 of the 30 MLB teams were in attendance which speaks volumes in my opinion.

Castillo is 27 years old and only listed at 5'7" and worked out at shortstop and center field over the weekend but is listed as an outfielder. Castillo is right handed and has above average speed, an average arm (hence why he will not remain a shortstop or play right field), and more power than the aforementioned Gardner.

Castillo is reportedly likely to sign within the next two weeks so stay tuned. The Yankees need an outfielder and Castillo seems primed and ready to go now.


Zoilo Almonte Called Up, Jeff Francis DFA'd


Zoilo Almonte has been called up for tonight's game with the Texas Rangers finally giving the Yankees another option off the bench. Jeff Francis was designated for assignment to make room on the 25 man roster for Zoilo. Finally the Yankees can give Ichiro a day off or two while going with a four man bench. Francis was stinking up the joint and a move was inevitable for the lefty.

Yankees Game Preview 7/28 vs. Texas Rangers


The New York Yankees are coming off an overall successful home stand and head out on the road to face off with the Texas Rangers tonight in the first of a three game set that will take us all the way to the July 31 trading deadline. The Yankees will send David Phelps to the mound to face off with the Rangers Yu Darvish. The game will be played at 8:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN.

Phelps is coming off his first complete game of his career, although it was a cheap one with the Yankees winning a rain shortened 4.5 inning game in the Bronx. Phelps allowed one run on five hits and is now unbeaten in his last eight starts.

Darvish is still looking for his 10th win of the season as he was on the short side of a rain shortened five inning game in the Bronx last time out. Darvish lost to the Yankees 2-1 after giving up a game winning home run to Brett Gardner.

Remember to get your Yankees tickets for any game this season right here on the blog before the season is over. These are our last chances to see Derek Jeter in a Yankees uniform and we all need to take advantage of that so buy now!

Go Yankees!!

Yankees Still Considering Trading For John Danks

The Yankees are still thinking about trading for White Sox' Starter John Danks, CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports. 

Over the last few weeks, as you probably already know, the Yanks have been checking on guys like San Diego's Ian Kennedy and Philadelphia's Cliff Lee, although considering the Padres' asking price is a little high and Lee's struggled lately it's unlikely New York will pursue those two any further.

So, three days from the deadline, Danks appears to be the team's best available option, as Chicago currently looks more than willing to deal the 29-year-old lefty.

No, Danks isn't the kind of guy who'll fix their rotation problems immediately, but yes, he does give the impression he's better than Shane Greene, New York's rookie fill-in who's struggled in his first two starts of the second half.

Granted, Greene wasn't terrible on the Yanks' recent homestand, only allowing a total of 7 earned runs in 11 frames. 

Nonetheless, since the eight-year Sox veteran's gone 9-6 with a solid 4.40 ERA in 131 innings of work this season the Yankees do have to make a judgement call by Thursday, one that could change the course of the summer if Greene continues to labor.