Saturday, February 1, 2014

The Greedy Pinstripes Yahoo Fantasy Baseball League


We tried this last year and it crashed and burned but this year I think we can really get a good league going so I have decided to make a league. If you are interested please send us a direct message on Twitter by following @GreedyStripes or by sending us an email at thegreedypinstripes at gmail com and I will get the link sent over to you. Depending on the turnout we may have to get a second league going, something I am more than happy to take care of.

This will be a Yahoo league with a head to head style points system. I haven't exactly narrowed down the positions in cement yet but there will be the usual stuff I am sure. The draft is tentatively set for March 8th at 9:00 pm ET.

If you're interested join now before all the slots are filled.

2014 Tampa Yankees Coaching Staff Announced


The New York Yankees Player Development office has officially released the 2014 Tampa Yankees Field Staff. Joining the Single-A Advanced T-Yanks are Manager Al Pedrique, Pitching Coach Danny Borrell, Hitting Coach PJ Pilittere, Coach JD Closser, Trainer Michael Becker and Strength and Conditioning Coach Joe Siara. 

AL PEDRIQUE - MANAGER
BORN: 8/11/60 in Valencia, Venezuela • RESIDES: Tucson, Ariz.
COACHING CAREER: Enters his second season in the Yankees organization and his first as Tampa's manager…spent the 2013 season as manager of Single-A Charleston, leading the RiverDogs to a 75-63 (.543) overall record…spent the previous 16 years as a manager or coach in the Astros, Diamondbacks and Royals organizations…served in several different posts in the Astros system over seven seasons, including bench coach (2010-11), third base coach (2009), minor league field coordinator (2008-09) and special assistant to the general manager (2005-07)…began the 2004 season as Arizona's third base coach before spending the second half of the year as the team's interim manager…prior to that, spent nine seasons as a minor league manager (1995-2003), compiling a 463-433 (.517) overall record…managed the 2002 Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League and served as a coach for the World Team in the 2003 MLB All-Star Futures Game at U.S. Cellular Field… PLAYING CAREER: Was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Pirates in 1978…combined to hit .247 with 18 doubles, 1HR and 36RBI in parts of three seasons with the Mets (1987), Pittsburgh (1987-88) and Detroit (1989)… PERSONAL: Has two daughters: Mariana and Liliana.

DANNY BORRELL - PITCHING COACH
BORN: 1/24/79 in Landsdale, Penn. • RESIDES: Wichita, Kan.
COACHING CAREER: Enters his sixth season as a coach in the Yankees organization and his first with Tampa…spent two seasons as a pitching coach with Single-A Charleston (2012-13) after serving in the same role with short-season Single-A Staten Island in 2011…prior to that, spent two seasons as a rehabilitation pitching coach in the GCL… PLAYING CAREER: Selected by the Yankees in the second round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft…played nine minor league seasons with the Yankees (2000-06) and Oakland (2007-08)… the left-hander compiled a career record of 39-35 with a 3.49 ERA in 138 games (130 starts)… split the 2008 season between the Athletics' Double-A Midland and Triple-A Sacramento squads, before landing on the disabled list in June for the remainder of the season with a left elbow strain… PERSONAL: Pitched at Wake Forest.

PJ PILITTERE - HITTING COACH
BORN: 11/23/81 in Galesburg, Ill. • RESIDES: Indio, Calif.
COACHING CAREER: Will enter his first season as hitting coach for Tampa after serving in the same role for Single-A Charleston in 2013…made his professional coaching debut in 2012 as a coach with GCL… PLAYING CAREER: Was originally selected by the Yankees in the 13th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft… hit .264 with 77 doubles, 16HR and 183RBI in 470 career minor league games over eight seasons in the Yankees system…twice led his respective league in fielding percentage, producing a .995 fielding percentage (with Double-A Trenton) in 2007 and a .998 fielding percentage (with Single-A Tampa) in 2006… PERSONAL: Full name is Peter John Pilittere…was named team captain at Cal State Fullerton in 2004, helping lead his team to the College World Series… batted .351 with 18 doubles, 4HR and 49RBI in 69 games during his senior season…graduated from Bishop Amat High School in Walnut, Calif…was honored with first-team All-Del Rey League and honorable mention All-San Gabriel Valley recognitions…was the starting catcher in the 1999 San Gabriel Valley All-Star game.

JD CLOSSER - COACH
BORN: 1/15/80 in Beech Grove, Ind. • RESIDES: Garner, N.C.
COACHING CAREER: Will be making his professional coaching debut in 2014…in 2012 and 2013, worked as a coach in the USA Baseball National Team Development Programs… PLAYING CAREER: Was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft…spent four seasons in the Diamondbacks' minor league system (1998-2001)…was traded to the Rockies on 1/2/02 and spent five seasons in their organization (2002-06)…made his Major League debut on 6/30/04 and played in 36 games with Colorado that season, batting .319 with 10RBI…began the 2005 season as the Rockies' starting catcher…hit .239 in 160 career games in the Majors, all with the Rockies…from 2007-11, played in the Minors with the Brewers, Athletics, Cubs, Yankees, Padres and Dodgers organizations…also played for the Edmonton Capitals of the North American Baseball League in 2011…PERSONAL: Full name is Jeffrey Darrin Closser…attended Alexandria-Monroe HS (Ind.)…he and his wife, Holley, have two daughters, Isabelle and Callie McKenna.

MICHAEL BECKER - TRAINER
BORN: 12/16/88 in Bennington, Vt. • RESIDES: Bennington, Vt.
Begins his third season in the Yankees organizations as a trainer after serving in the role with Charleston in 2013 and Staten Island in 2012… previously worked as an athletic training student intern at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre during the 2010 season…graduated from Ithaca College with a B.S. in athletic training in 2011 and has served as an athletic training intern with various institutions over the last two years including Cornell University, Ithaca College and Siena College.

JOE SIARA - STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH
BORN: 4/17/84 in Tampa, Fla. • RESIDES: Tampa, Fla.
Enters his second season as a strength and conditioning coach in the Yankees organization after spending his first season with the short season Staten Island Yankees…graduated in 2006 from Indiana University with a degree in kinesiology and exercise science…in 2008, received a master's degree in human performance from the University of Florida…also works as a personal trainer in the Tampa area.

Being posted with permission from the Tampa Yankees organization. The original articled can be seen HERE.

Meet A Prospect Eric Jagielo


Eric Jagielo was drafted with the New York Yankees first round pick in the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft 26th overall. Eric spent his college years playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish manning their hot corner and mashing the heck out of the ball. Jagielo stands 6'3" and weighs in at 215 lbs while hitting left handed and throwing right handed and while his natural position is third base he does have some experience in the outfield, although limited. This is not Jagielo's first time being drafted as he was drafted in the 50th round by the Chicago Cubs in the 2010 draft.


Jagielo put himself on the map in 2012 when he went out and hit .310 with 13 home runs as a sophomore for the Fighting Irish. Jagielo would follow up that impressive performance with a trip to the Cape Cod League that summer where he put up an equally impressive .291 average with 13 home runs to go with a .374 on base percentage. Jagielo would finish his 2013 season with a very impressive .388/.500./.633 with 19 doubles and nine home runs on his way to being named 201 Big East Player of the Year.


Jagielo is a patient hitter and a power hitter that has a left handed stroke that is made for the new Yankees Stadium. He has a very upward stance that allows him to keep his hands low and compact and allows him to drive the ball. He has a bit of a long swing but it allows him to spray the ball to all fields with ease. He will strike out his fair share but he more than makes up for it with his ability to see a ton of pitches, grind out at bats, take his walks, and knock the ball to all fields in gaps and over the fence. I have seen his hitting graded on the normal scale of 0-80 as high as 55 which is considered to be above average. I have also seen his power rated as high as a 60 on the same scale with a strong lower half and an ability to punish mistakes.


Jagielo is not considered to be a speedy guy but is also not considered to be a liability on the base paths either so you take the good with the bad I guess. His quickness is one of the major downfalls of his defense. He can make the plays and has a nice throwing arm but his speed really limits his range and ability to get to certain balls. He is still widely considered to be an average defender and made big strides over the winter and this season before the draft so there is always the possibility for improvement there. His arm is considered his best defensive attribute and would also translate to left field or first base if he were ever transplanted off the hot corner.


Jagielo finally made his professional debut and finished the season as the Big East Player of the Year award winner for the 2013 season. Jagielo split time between the Staten Island Yankees and the Gulf Coast Yankees 1 and GCL Yankees 2 putting up a combined .264/.376/.451/.826 with six home runs and 27 RBI's. Jags took 26 walks and struck out 56 times in 55 games so he will have to get his discipline under control but I really think Eric could be in the majors by mid to late 2015 at the rate he is going. Jagielo plays a position, third base, that we are seriously thin at and have an aging veteran in Alex Rodriguez nearing the end of a contract and a career so now may be the time for this former Fighting Irishman. 

Yankee Stadium Legacy: #59 Lou Piniella (Again)


Lou Piniella was named the American League Rookie of the Year as a member of the Kansas City Royals in 1969. Piniella was traded to the New York Yankees before the 1974 season and continued his great play while in New York.  In his first season with the Yankees the oufielder put up a career high in hits with 158, runs with 71, and RBI's with 70. In 1984, his final season as a player and in pinstripes, he collected his fifth season with a .300 batting average for the Yankees.

59 days until Yankees Opening Day.

Donkey Fantasy Projections: Brian McCann

Brian McCann, Catcher

Admit it, you drooled over Jesus Montero and the thought that he could be the Yankee backstop for years to come? How about future catcher Gary Sanchez? Yes, it seems like the Yankees always have catching "prospects" but it also seems like we are waiting, constantly waiting.

Well, this year the bank has been literally broken and the Yankees went back to plan G, as in "George". They signed checks and one of those big checks went to Brian McCann. 

Courtesy: NYDailyNews

It's easy to say from a fantasy perspective that McCann will regress with playing in New York. The history behind former all stars that sign with the Yankees in their later years isn't exactly pristine. 

Add that with Brian's regression over the past five years and it scares you a bit. Although, is it that bad? He has consistently put up 20 home runs a year and his RBIs have not dropped below last years total of 57. He could repeat last years production (.256, 20hr, 57RBI) and most Yankee fans would be thrilled!

But he won't.


I see an increase in every category for three very important reasons. 

1.The ball park- Yankee stadium is easily the best park for Brian. He will easily hit 25 home runs with the only legal PED in baseball, Yankee Stadium. (See also Russel Martin)

2. The line up- Let's be real here, if you can hit 20 hrs with the Upton brothers for protection, anyone in the middle of the Yankees order should add to that total.

3. Heart- They are comparing this guy to Paul Oneill with comparable heart and passion for the game. I don't see him crumbling in the Bronx, I see him thriving.

It's hard not to project a big year out of McCann but I will keep it somewhat conservative:

AVG .265, OBP .350, HRs 25, RBIs 75, RUNs 70
 
(All projections are based on stat compilation, research and a slight tinge of Yankee bias. Although, remember before you disagree, your taking advice from someone nicknamed Donkey. Good luck with that!)

Prospects Month: Top 28 Yankees Prospects List #28

Welcome to Prospects Month here on The Greedy Pinstripes. What would a Prospects Month be without a top list of prospects right? Here is the Top 28 prospects list from us starting with #28. We will go over one prospect a day until we get to #1. Be sure to check back all day every day this month if you are a self professed prospect humper like myself. Enjoy.


#28 prospect is Angelo Gumbs

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Exclusive Interview With SI Yanks Nick Rumbelow


Welcome to Prospects Month here on The Greedy Pinstripes. What would a prospects month be without an interview or two with some of the Yankees minor league talent right? Today we will be interviewing Yankees pitching prospect and former LSU Tiger Nick Rumbelow. Nick is a favorite here on TGP not only based on his on the field performance but also his SOCIAL media activity, keyword social. Nick is always kind and gracious to us and we really do appreciate that. Without further babble from myself here is our interview with the current Staten Island Yankees pitcher Nick Rumbelow:



The Greedy Pinstripes: Biggest baseball inspiration growing up as a kid?

Nick Rumbelow: I feel in love with the game of baseball at a very young age, which was made possible by the two awesome parents that God blessed me with.  I was always inspired by my dad who instilled in me the drive to out work all my opponents and maximize my potential. With that being said I looked guys like Derek Jeter as a role model to strive to be like.

TGP: Did you play any other sports or positions in baseball growing up in Texas?

NR: I was a three-sport athlete in High School playing: basketball, football, and baseball.

TGP: I know you're a religious man, and FYI I respect the heck out of you for that and being so open about it, how do you think your relationship with the lord has helped you in your baseball career?

NR: I am reminded of how great a God we serve everyday I wake up. I am so humbled by the path God has set before me and the opportunities he has placed in my life. The Lord has been my strength through out my baseball career and life. I can't see any other way but to play for His glory. Knowing you have the greatest power in the universe on your side makes baseball a whole heck of a lot easier.

TGP: What does your tattoo say on the inside of your left wrist?

NR: I have the simple word Follower on my wrist accompanied by a cross on each side. This word speaks so much to me, constantly reminding me that I am a Follower of Jesus Christ.

TGP: How hard is it to be out on the road so much having a woman back home waiting for you? Especially being in such a fairly new relationship. 

NR: I always pride myself on the ability I have to surround myself with people that elevate me and support me. I have a a lot of people that I will miss when I am gone, her being one, but she along with other the others are behind me 100 percent in helping me reach my dream.


TGP: Being an LSU alum do you follow their football and baseball programs much? The Tigers had a very successful season in College Football this year. 

 NR: I do catch the LSU sports games on when I can, I love to support the Tigers!

TGP: Do you ever go back and help coach or mentor the kids on the LSU Baseball Team? I am thinking Aaron Nola here as he has nothing but praises for you. 

NR: I haven't had the chance to make my way back to Baton Rouge since leaving in June, but I do keep in touch with plenty of the guys, offering any advice I have that I believe could benefit them.

TGP: I see you are a believer in Cyotherapy. Care to explain what it is and how it helps for those that don't know?

NR: Cryotherapy is the use of a brief and intense exposure to cold that triggers the body’s natural healing process. I love it, when get down to temps of -320! Keeps my body refreshed and healthy all off-season.


TGP: What current Major League player do you think you compare to the most?

NR: Being in the Yankees System I really like to watch David Robertson pitch. I find similarities in our style of pitching and I really feel that he is a guy that I could try and model how he pitches and approaches the game.

TGP: I know you probably don't think of things like this but how long before you think we could see you in the Major Leagues? I have your ETA down as late 2015, is that accurate?

NR: I plan to be a fast mover through the system, but with that said all I can do is go out on the mound and compete. When I do that everything else will take care of itself. 

TGP: We'll finish with this one, where do you see yourself in life and your career in five years?

NR: I have always been confident that if you put in the work in whatever you do in life and give the glory to God that He will deliver what it is that you have worked so hard for. I can clearly visualize myself pitching in the Major Leagues 5 years from now.


Thank you once again for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this for us Mr. Rumbelow, we here and our fans truly do appreciate it and appreciate you. We wish you nothing but luck and success in everything you do on and off the field but we have a feeling that you are not going to need it, you have something else going to bat for you in your faith. Thank you again to Nick and to everyone who read this and you can follow Nick on Twitter by following @NRumbelow

Longest Month of the Year

February. It even sounds long and boring. If you live on the East Coast and love Yankee baseball it is an eternity. 

Add the fact that the Yankees have all these shiny new toys to play with and it's simply painful. I want to see McCann pop one over the short porch, Ellsbury steal second and Tanaka with his first quality start TODAY!  

Don't get me wrong, the Superbowl dulls the pain for the first week. I know we all can't wait to see the battle between Manning and Sherman, as well as the chance to hear every one at your SB party giggle under their breath at every "OMAHA", but when it's over....sigh. 


Being that I am a fantasy nut, this is usually the time of year I start scouring the sites and fantasy publications for this years "up and comers". Although, don't get too comfortable, someone will see your new found free time and begin to draft up a "honey DO list"!

Anyway, we all have our own ways of getting through the month before spring training. Any ideas out there? 

Lay em' on me?

This Day In New York Yankees History 2/1


On this day in 1999 the New York Yankees traded highly touted third base prospect Mike Lowell to the Florida Marlins for pitchers Eddie Yarnall, Todd Noel, and Mark Johnson. Lowell went on to win multiple World Series, one with the Red Sox and one with the Marlins beating the Yankees, while none of the three prospects they received in returned turned out to do anything. Scott Brosious' 1998 campaign made Lowell expendable.


On this day in 2001 Yankees postseason hero Jim Leyritz signed a one year minor league deal with the New York Mets worth $500,000. The former Yankee has hit one home run every 7.6 postseason at bat making him the third best postseason home run hitting player with five or more home runs.