Monday, June 16, 2014

Yankees Confident Solarte Will Break Recent Slump

Since getting a pair of hits in last Sunday's loss to the Royals, Yankees Third Basemen Yangervis Solarte has struggled.

The 25 year old rookie, a breakout star out of Spring Training, went 0 for 19 in the the Yanks' last two series (a sweep in Seattle and a 1-2 performance in Oakland), dropping his batting average from a team high .299 to just .274.

Despite that, the club is apparently still confident in the youngster, something Manager Joe Girardi recently revealed to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

"I think he'll get going," Girardi said before the Pinstripes lost to the A's yesterday. "I think it's just kind of what you go through as a hitter. The West Coast hasn't been real kind to him, so he's probably glad we're going home after today. You kind of go through it. He'll be fine."

Earlier this season, Solarte went through a slump similar to this, meaning it's likely not a big deal.

Still, #26 getting better by tomorrow wouldn't hurt anything, as the upstart Bombers will begin a big six game homestand against the Blue Jays and Orioles, the American League East's first and second place (tied with the Yankees) teams, respectively. 

RIP To The Padres Tony Gwynn


Tony Gwynn, the San Diego Padres legend, was taken far too young from us today as he passed away at age 54. Gwynn was an eight time batting champion but lost his battle to cancer this morning. Gwynn is survived by his wife Alicia and his children Anisha and Tony Jr. (who plays for the Phillies).

This is a sad day in baseball no matter who you root for. Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to the Gwynn family.

Dustin Fowler Named SAL Player of the Week


Dustin Fowler Named SAL Player of the Week
Outfielder receives RiverDogs’ first player of the week award for 2014

CHARLESTON, SC - Charleston RiverDogs outfielder Dustin Fowler received the South Atlantic League Player of the Week Award for games played June 9 – June 15 on Monday. For the week, Fowler hit .393 in seven games going 11-28 at the plate with two doubles, two triples, and two homers. He also collected 10 RBI, scored three runs, walked twice, and slugged .433.

Dustin Fowler appeared in all seven of Charleston’s games last week, and helped the team finish the first half on a high note with five wins in their last seven games, including three consecutive victories. Fowler had at least one hit and one RBI in all but one game last week, and chipped with two hits in five of the seven contests. The highlight was undoubtedly his 2-5 performance in the final game of the first half on June 15 where he smacked a triple and slugged his first career grand slam.

The 19-year-old outfielder was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 18th round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft. A 6'0", 185 lb. left-handed hitter, Fowler is the first RiverDog to take home SAL Player of the Week honors this season. Fowler joins pitchers Jaron Long and Caleb Smith, both of whom previously took home SAL Pitcher of the Week award, as RiverDogs who have received honors from the South Atlantic League this year.

The RiverDogs are currently in the midst of the 2014 South Atlantic League All-Star Break. Charleston returns to action on Thursday with the start of an eight-game homestand at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park to kick-off the second half of the season. First the RiverDogs will welcome in the Kannapolis Intimidators for four games, then the Savannah Sand Gnats come to town for four contests. Tickets may be purchased at the Riley Park Box Office, (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or on-line at www.riverdogs.com. If fans cannot make it to the ballpark, they are encouraged to tune in to all the action this year both home and away worldwide on www.riverdogs.com and locally on 1250 WTMA, the new radio home for RiverDogs baseball.

New York Yankees Off Day Music Recommendation


Another Yankees off day and another look at some Yankees walk up music. Today we look at Carlos Beltran's walk up music and quite possibly the best Rock N' Roll song of all time, Guns N Roses "Welcome to the Jungle." Enjoy!

Off Day Movie Recommendation


As you know we like to post full movies from Youtube on off days for that "2:00 feeling" and since baseball movies are getting harder and harder to find we will go in a different direction, and totally unrelated direction, with Enemy of the State. This is the movie with Will Smith, Gene Hackmand, Barry Pepper, etc. that really shows you how much the government can mess your life up in an instance. Enjoy the movie, enjoy the off day, and get back to work. You should be working, not watching this.

The Derek Jeter Farewell Tour So Far...

#2 Yankees Cowboy Boots
Houston Astros (4/2/14)

Yankees #2 paddle board
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (5/7/14)

Golden Bat and a $10,000 donation to Jeter's non profit charity
Milwaukee Brewers (5/11/14)




#2 made out of Subway tiles and a Derek Jeter cake. 
New York Mets (5/15/14)


#2 off the Wrigley Scoreboard 
Chicago Cubs (5/21/14)


A case of dirt from US Cellular Field, a donation to the Turn 2 Foundation, and a bench made from baseball bats and bases.
Chicago White Sox (5/25/14)


Stan Musial cuff links and a $10,000 donation to the Turn 2 Foundation. 
St. Louis Cardinals (5/26/14)


$34,000 watch from Robinson Cano, Safeco Field base, and donation to the Turn 2 Foundation
Seattle Mariners (6/11/14)

Bottle of Derek Jeter wine, Napa Valley vacation, and donation to the Turn 2 Foundation,
Oakland Athletics (6/15/14)

Can't Predict Baseball: Two Streaks Come To An End


On this day in 1953 the New York Yankees 18 game winning streak comes to an end at the hands of the St. Louis Browns. The Browns would snap their own 14 game losing streak in the battle in the Bronx that handed Whitey Ford his first loss in eight decisions.

On this day in 1962 Jerry Kindall of the Cleveland Indians hits a two run walk off home run to give his team a 10-9 victory. Yogi Berra was playing left field and probably had a bit of deja vu after seeing Bill Mazeroski's Game 7 home run in the 1960 World Series also go over his head for a big loss.




Quick Hit: It's HOPE Week At Yankee Stadium


Here is the official press release from the New York Yankees on HOPE Week:

The New York Yankees are proud to announce details of HOPE Week 2014 (Helping Others Persevere & Excel), a unique week-long community program that brings to light remarkable stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.
Initiated in 2009 and now in its sixth year, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture.
Each day during HOPE Week, from Monday, June 16, through Friday, June 20, the Yankees will reach out to an individual, family or organization worthy of recognition and support. Whenever possible, the Yankees will attempt to personally connect with individuals in the settings of their greatest successes or at locations that honor the spirit of their noble endeavors. All outreach in the community ultimately culminates with recognition at Yankee Stadium during a Yankees game.
This year marks the third consecutive year in which each of the Yankees’ six U.S.-based affiliates will hold its own HOPE Week, truly making this initiative one that the entire organization stands behind in words and in action.
HOPE Week is about people helping people. The one thing everybody has — no matter their background or financial situation — is time. By involving every one of our players and coaches, along with Manager Joe Girardi, General Manager Brian Cashman, our minor league affiliates and front office staff, we are sending the message that everyone can give of themselves to make their community a better place. Equally significant during HOPE Week is gaining publicity for the highlighted causes and organizations. The greatest challenge facing many not-for-profits is generating interest, awareness and funding for their missions.
Earlier this year, the Yankees recognized the return of HOPE Week with a pregame ceremony on March 28 at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
At the conclusion of the last four Yankees HOPE Weeks from 2010-13, the Yankees (2010), the Steinbrenner family (2011), the Yankees’ minor league affiliates (2012) and the Yankees Foundation (2013) have each been honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, given “in recognition and appreciation of commitment to strengthening the nation and for making a difference through volunteer service.” The awards were bestowed by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which implements the President’s Call to Service.
In recognition of the HOPE Week initiative, the Yankees were honored with the Inspiration Glammy Award from the GlamourGals Foundation in 2013 and twice honored in 2011, receiving the DMF Champion of HOPE Award from Daniel’s Music Foundation and the “Just Cause” Award at the PromaxBDA Sports Media Marketing Summit.

This Day In New York Yankees History 6/16


On this day in 1996 the legendary Mel Allen lost his battle with heart failure, he was 83 years old, Allen was in the Hall of Fame and best known for his play by play work with the New York Yankees. Allen was best known for his "How About That" moniker.


On this day in 1997 the New York Mets would play, and beat, the New York Yankees for the first time ever in the regular season. The Mets would win 6-0 behind a Dave Milicki complete game shutout.


On this day in 2006 the Yankees played a regular season game in Washington D.C. for the first time in 35 years. The Yankees would beat the Nationals at RFK Stadium 7-5. The last time the Yankees played in the nation's capital was September 30, 1971 where the Yankees beat the Washington Senators 9-0. The fans were upset about losing the Senators for the second time since 1961 and refused to leave the field with their team ahead by two runs in the season finale.