Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Trenton Thunder Ask You To Come Hungry To The Park


New Items On ARM & HAMMER Park Menus
Signature 'Thunder Dog', Wood-Fired Pizza, Mega Nacho Stand, & Chick-Fil-A Sandwiches Among Highlights of New Food Offerings

(Trenton, NJ)  Trenton Thunder fans, consider this your advance notice: you'll want to come to the ballpark hungry this season.
The team announced many new additions to the ARM & HAMMER Park concession offerings on Wednesday including a new signature "Thunder Dog", pizza from a wood-fired oven, a "mega" nacho stand and chicken sandwiches from Chick-Fil-A.  
All new items are highlighted in bold below.
Fans will find a new signature hot dog at the Waterfront Grille located on the far end of the first base concourse - theThunder Dog. Featuring a jumbo sized Black Bear Franks hot dog wrapped in American cheese and famous Trenton pork roll and served on a torpedo roll this new entree is sure to be a tasty hit. The Waterfront Grill will once again be home to Chickie's and Pete's famous Crab Fries, Crabby Sweets, and new this year - boneless buffalo wings. The Grille will also continue to serve pork roll sandwiches, cheese steaks, chicken cheese steaks, Italian sausages, California burgers, Italian hot dogs, bratwursts and more. 
Over at Fitch's Place (formerly Boomer's BBQ) on the third base concourse fans will find wood-fired pizza by the slice with a variety of toppings, custom hoagies, and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.  
Chick-Fil-A will serve their famous breaded chicken sandwiches at a stand on the first base concourse at all Thursday through Saturday games.  
Another new addition on the first base side is Mega Nachos, where fans can build-their-own nachos from a variety of toppings including: cheese, queso, chili, steak, chicken, pulled pork, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and olives.
Richman's Ice Cream, a country fresh premium ice cream since 1894, has teamed up with the Thunder to provide a menu full of desserts and treats. At their main stand on the first base side, fans will find soft serve ice cream, signature sundaes, ice cream floats, and gelati as well as Philadelphia Water Ice and a wide variety of Coca Cola fountain drinks. For fans of hand-dipped ice cream, Richman's will be available at two other locations - one on each side of the concourse. 
The Horizon Healthy Plate Eatery returns to the third base concourse at ARM & HAMMER Park and will once again feature heart-healthy entrees and desserts including portabella mushroom and lean deli sandwiches, veggie hot dogs and burgers, salads, gluten free cookies, healthy sides and beverages. New this year are 100% fruit juice slushies
The main concession stands, the Thunder Road Food Court (3rd Base Side) and the River Ave Food Court (1st Base Side), will be home to traditional ballpark fare including regular and jumbo hot dogs from Black Bear Franks, french fries, chicken tenders, personal pizzas, fresh popped popcorn, Thunder Corn and more. The Healthy Choices Menu features roast beef, grilled chicken, Garden Burgers, ceasar salads, fruit cups and more. Funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, Twinkies and more as well as churros are available at the end of each food court.
A trio of food related promotions will also return to ARM & HAMMER Park this season. Every Tuesday game is a Super Value Tuesday with Dollar Dogs presented by Black Bear Franks and Kids Eat Free with all children 12 and under receiving a free meal voucher as they enter. Every Thursday is a Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser with $2 Bud and Bud Lights available until the middle of the 5th inning. 
Opening Night is Thursday, April 3 as the Thunder face the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto) at 7:05pm. The first 2,000 fans ages six and older will receive a replica Eastern League championship trophy courtesy of ARM & HAMMER. Great seats are available.
All Trenton Thunder tickets are all on sale now at trentonthunder.com or by calling 609-394-3300. All Thunder games can be heard at 91.3 FM and online at trentonthunder.com.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE

Charleston Introduces The New Sushi Dog At Stadium


New Sushi Dog Highlights RiverDogs' New Food & Beverage for the 2014 Season
Club Will Continue and Expand Popular Beer Shakes; Adds Commercial Smoker

CHARLESTON, SC - With the addition of the popular beer shakes and the peanut butter & pepper jelly, jalapeno-bacon-burger that were introduced last year, the Charleston RiverDogs enjoyed their most successful operational year at the concession stand and in terms of international, national, regional and local exposure in the club's history. They also filled a lot of bellies.
For a very long time, the Charleston RiverDogs have been recognized for their diverse and tasty concession offerings, which have in recent years drawn Food Network star Rachel Ray and Man v. Food celebrity Adam Richman to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park to sample the variety of delicacies. Whether it's at the Doghouse, Dogworld, Joe's Grill or the Pie House, fans can always find something to satisfy their every craving.
And this year, multiple new items are being added to the fan-favorite hot dog menu and the culmination of meticulous work in the RiverDogs' top-secret test kitchen.
John Schumacher, the food guru for the RiverDogs' ownership ensemble, The Goldklang Group, said that the new items were "the result of extensive research" for new ideas. 
"And with Josh Shea in his second year as our new F&B Director, we've been able to raise the bar of expectation and increase our food exploration," said Schumacher.
The first item that fans will see upon entering Riley Park this season will be the addition of a commercial smoker that will permit the staff to prepare in-house smoked brisket, tri-tip sirloin, smoke frog legs and feature daily specials. (Be on the lookout for our "celebrity chefs" that are coming to Riley Park to grill specials.)
"Josh is an experienced griller, and we're not talking about traditional backyard grilling," added Schumacher. "Josh really knows how to operate a Smoker and has numerous awards and citations to back up that claim."  
Beer shakes made their debut last year and the two distinct flavors - Palmetto Espresso Porter Chocolate (from a local brewery), Guinness Caramel - will return.
"The beer shakes were such a huge success in '13 that they will be returning," proclaimed Schumacher. "We will also be adding 'spiked beer shakes' to the list and those are standard beer shakes with various alcohol products added to create new and fun flavors."
The Spiked Beer Shakes will be a Guinness Kahlua Shake and a Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan Beer paired with Anderson Valley Oatmeal Stout Raisin Cookie Shake.
The club introduces a new hot dog annually and this year, Schumacher will unveil a new "signature" specialty that will be a Sushi Dog which is a hot dog wrapped in a Nori sheet with a wasabi, sweet and spicy mustard and a cilantro/cabbage mixture.
In addition, there will be extra healthy items to the RiverDogs' offerings with a new Turkey Burger and a Carrot Dog that is an herb and honey-roasted carrot that is served on a bun with a drizzle of Sirach honey and a cilantro-cabbage slaw.
The RiverDogs also will be tweaking the Wine Garden into a Sangria Garden that will feature a variety of flavors including the Muscadine Sangria. And look for Palmetto Brewery's new RiverDogs brew called the "Original RiverDog" which will be served only at The Joe.
And once again, the club considers the whims of the young fan and for them we feature a crust-less peanut-butter and jelly sandwich, applesauce and a Capri Sun drink.

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

Forbes: Yankees Most Valuable Club At $2.5 Billion


The New York Yankees not only spend a lot of money, they are worth a lot of money too, $2.5 billion to be exact according to Forbes. This is the 17th consecutive season with the Yankees being ranked at the top of the list while the Tampa Bay Rays are in dead last in all of Major League Baseball. The Yankees $2.5 billion is up around 9% from last season with the Dodgers coming in second at $2 billion, up 24% from last season for Los Angeles.

The Top 5 was rounded out by the Boston Red Sox worth $1.5 billion, the Chicago Cubs at $1.2 billion, and the San Francisco Giants valued at $1 billion. No other teams are valued at or over $1 billion in the game right now but the Philadelphia Phillies are close, among other teams, at $975 million. George Steinbrenner would be proud.

Yankees 15 Season Spending Spree Streak Snapped


For the last 15 seasons the New York Yankees were the highest spending team in all of baseball but that streak will come to an end in 2014 thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers. If they keep this kind of behavior up we may have to change the name of the blog, shame on you Brian Cashman. The Associated Press released the list, here is the Top 10:

1. Dodgers: $235,295,219
2. Yankees: $203,812,506
3. Philadelphia: $180,052,723
4. Boston: $162,817,411
5. Detroit: $162,228,527
6. LA Angels: $155,692,000
7. San Francisco: $154,185,878
8. Texas: $136,036,172
9. Washington: $134,704,437
10. Toronto: $132,628,700

Other notables payrolls were:

18. Seattle: $92,081,943
27. Pittsburgh: $78,111,667
30. Houston: $44,544,174



Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/03/25/4915619/ap-dodgers-surpass-yankees-for.html#storylink=cpy

New Drug Agreement Could Be In Place This Week


Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball players and management are close to agreeing on a new joint drug agreement that would bring stiffer penalties for muscle building steroid use. In turn there may also be a reduced suspension in situations of unintentional use, who makes that call of what is and isn't intentional is beyond me. The real reason for the change came out later in the day when there was discussion of closing the loophole that allowed Alex Rodriguez getting paid $3 million for his singing bonus even though he is on the suspended list this season due to his ties with Biogenesis. Rodriguez was allowed almost another $3 million because Frederic Horowitz, the arbitrator in his suspension appeal, stated that he was eligible for some pay since players are paid over 183 day season and Rodriguez would only be suspended for 162 games, allowing him another $2,868,852.

The deal may be done as soon as Sunday before teams start Opening Day's around the league. What it sounds like is left to be decided is the lengths of the reduced and strengthened suspensions, so no big obstacle are standing in the way of an agreement. I agree with this because 50 games is obviously not enough of a deterrent, people are still doing the stuff and getting handsomely rewarded, so making the penalties stiffer is a great idea.



Claiborne surrenders 6 runs in Yanks loss to Blue Jays

Despite getting a solid 3 innings of two-run from starter Chris Leroux, a 2-run Single from a 3B playing first in Kelly Johnson, and a 2-Run Double from struggling RF Carlos Beltran, the Yankees lost again today to the Blue Jays in Dunedin, 10-6. Going into this one's bottom of the fifth, the Yanks actually led 6-2, but then youngsters Fred Lewis and Preston Claiborne came in and completely ruined everything, giving up 2 and 6 runs respectively in the frame. 

So yea, the frustration that is this week definitely continued today. Don't know why or how, but it did. 

New York Yankees Spring Training News & Notes 3/26


Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda threw bullpen sessions today. Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann, and Mark Teixeira all stayed behind in Tampa to take batting practice.

Alfonso Soriano has been dealing with some tightness in his shoulder, although it has not kept him out of the lineup yet. Soriano will be held out of the game tomorrow and will be re-evaluated on Friday.

Francisco Cervelli won the back up catchers job over Austin Romine, John  Ryan Murphy, and Gary Sanchez among others. Romine was optioned to AAA today.

Chad Jennings with the assignments from the day in Yankees camp:

Today’s second string: C Jose Gil, 1B Russ Canzler, 2B Scott Sizemore, SS Eduardo Nunez, 3B Yangervis Solarte, LF Zelous Wheeler, CF Antoan Richardson, RF Adonis Garcia
· Today’s scheduled relievers: Yoshinori Tateyama, Dellin Betances, Preston Claiborne, Jim Miller, Danny Burawa, Matt Daley, Fred Lewis (with Aaron Dott, Pat Venditte and Branden Pinder up from minor league camp just in case the Yankees need them)
· Tomorrow’s travel squad for Bradenton:
Pitchers: Danny Burawa, Cesar Cabral, Shane Greene, David Herndon, Fred Lewis, Jim Miller, Vidal Nuno, David Phelps, CC Sabathia, Yoshinori Tateyama, Adam Warren
Catchers: Jose Gil, Brian McCann
Infielders: Dean Anna, Russ Canzler, Eduardo Nunez, Scott Sizemore, Yangervis Solarte, Mark Teixeira, Zelous Wheeler
Outfielders: Zoilo Almonte, Adonis Garcia, Antoan Richardson, Ichiro Suzuki

New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays 3/26


The New York Yankees have set their fifth starter, Michael Pineda, and are now riding out their time until Opening Day. That ride continues tonight as they travel to play the Toronto Blue Jays in the latest spring training game in the Grapefruit League. Chris Leroux will be on the mound for the Yankees and the game will be televised at 1:05 pm ET on MLB TV, I think. Enjoy the day Yankees family.

Predicting The MVP's In 2014


I absolutely bombed these predictions last year picking Albert Pujols and Matt Kemp, both of which who missed major time due to injury and had lackluster seasons. Maybe I will do better this season with my MVP predictions, only time will tell.


For the American League MVP I think Robinson Cano will finally get the respect and recognition he deserves since he is not a member of the New York Yankees anymore. He has home run power as well as double power and should see those numbers come out again in 2014. He will play at least the first season of his mega contract with a chip on his shoulder, he may even run out a ground ball or two.


For the National League MVP I thought about putting Clayton Kershaw here again but decided that the closer Giancarlo Stanton gets to free agency the healthier and better he would get. That's why I am picking Stanton to finally play 150+ games, carry the Marlins to more than 60 wins in a season, and win the MVP award. Probably will not be a landslide, especially on a losing team, and will have plenty of competition but I think the time is now for Mike Stanton.

Yankee Stadium Legacy: #6 Bob Meusel


Bob Meusel was a career .309 hitter over his 11 Major League seasons and jumped right into the mix for the New York Yankees in 1920 by batting .328 with 83 RBI's as a rookie. Meusel continued to drive in runs throughout the 20's knocking in 136 runs in his second season and then led the American League with a career high 138 RBI's in 1925.

The New York Yankees are a Joe Torre, 6 days away, from playing on Opening Day

*Yes I realize this was posted yesterday but somehow I got off a day... my apologies.

Quick Hit: Yankees Finances "Tapped Out"


We learned yesterday that the New York Yankees talked to Scott Boras and Stephen Drew again but cannot sign him due to being "tapped out" in the money department. I think the gif says it all.

This Day In New York Yankees History 3/26


On this day in 1936 the New York Yankees signed future Hall of Fame pitcher Red Ruffing to a deal worth $12,000.


On this day in 1951 Mickey Mantle hit a home run estimated at 650 feet in an exhibition game against the University of Southern California at Bovard Field. Mantle, a rookie, also had a single, triple, and another home run in his first ever Yankees West Coast trip.


On this day in 1957 Yankees manager Casey Stengel is arrested and released on a $50 bail after allegedly cursing and kicking a newspaper photographer during an exhibition game in St. Petersburg.