Saturday, July 26, 2014

The Daily Dozen - July 26, 2014

THE DAILY  DOZEN
(Twelve Takeaways from Today's Game - July 26th, 2014)

1. What's with Jeter hitting the ball to left lately?  I mean...heck it's good that he is, but isn't he supposed to only hit away since he's 40?  Jeter went 2 for 4 today with a walk and now has 3,416 hits on his career resume for those counting at home.

2. Capuano shut out the Blue Jays for 4 innings.  In those 4 innings he only gave up 2 hits but sprinkled in a scary first inning.  I'm sure the crowd at Yankee Stadium was getting uneasy having the bases loaded in his Pinstripe debut. He recorded the first two outs before plunking JoeyBats, giving up a shallow single, and then a walk to the power hitter known as Steve Tolleson.

3. Remember Wayne Tolleson?  He was a utility player for the Yankees from 1986 to 1990 batting .223.  He also wore the #2.  "Now batting...#2...Wayne Tolleson...#2..."  Well, his boy batted better than .223 today and had a key sacrifice fly in the 5th to tie the game.  I wonder if he's going to be sad that his number is being retired?
Nice mustache!

4. The only hit through 3 innings was to Dioner Navarro, a former Yankee.  Enter the former Yankee curse.  Of course, Navarro only played in 5 games for the Yanks back in 2004.  Since then he has played for six other big league teams.

5. The Yankees have a 37% chance of making the playoffs.  According to MLB.com's Postseason Probabilities Chart, on June 6th the Blue Jays had a 84% chance of making followed by the Yankees at 34% and Orioles at 19%.  As of June 25th, those numbers are 69% Baltimore, 37% New York, and 29% Toronto...wow have the Blue Jays fallen off a cliff.  Interestingly, the defending World Series Champs have a 2% chance of making it.  I guess Ellsbury made the right choice!

The Yankees holding steady at 37%. (Source: MLB.com)

6. Ellsbury's Defense.  That is all.

7. Acquisitions in the offseason and during this last month did just about everything in the 4th.  Ellsbury made a spectacular play on defense, Beltran walked, McCann jacked a 2-run bomb, and Headley got a single.  Maybe Cashman is a genius?

8. The Melk-man delivereth.  Enter the curse of Past Yankees 2.  In the 5th, Melky got the Blue Jays on the board with a double scoring good ol' JoeyBats.  Cabrera has 12 home runs and 52 RBI, which would easily lead the Yankees outfield if he was still a Yankee.  But hell, that was a LONG time ago and I definitely prefer Gardner over PED-boy.  Since the 5 year stint with NY, Melky has played for 4 teams in 5 seasons...ouch.
"Man...Canada really sucks..." (Source: Yahoo Sports)

9. Whitley the Reliever << Whitley the Starter.  Chase has been great over the past few starts for the Yankees.  His first opportunity as a reliever was an absolute stinkfest!

10. Hindsight is 20-20.  Anyone think the Binder would have preferred to keep Capuano in after Kelley, and Thornton, Whitley, and Francis gave up 4 runs out of the bullpen?  I believe I have come up with a new dictionary term by the way called Thorntoned.



11. Toronto had lost 17 in a row at the Stadium prior to today.  That streak went all the way back to August 29, 2012.  Man that was a long time ago...wait...no it wasn't...oh that's right...they play each other 18 or 19 times a season.  Still that's a pretty impressive streak.  And Beltran got the Yankees close to extending it in the 9th.

12. Dan Johnson played the role of Yankee Killer this afternoon.  He was 2 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBI.  Coming into the game he was batting .217 with 0 HR and 3 RBI.  Only in Baseball.

Bullpen Struggles in 6-4 Loss to Blue Jays

Since the All Star Break concluded, the Yankees' bullpen has been pretty dominant.

The 8-man group, arguably the best in baseball, had given up just 2 earned runs in the last eight games going into today, a big reason why the team's gone 7-1 during that stretch.

Nonetheless, they do have bad performances every once in a while, something that unfortunetaly happened this afternoon, with Shawn Kelley, Chase Whitley, and Jeff Francis surrendering four trips around the bases as the Yanks fell to the Blue Jays 6-4.

In this one's seventh inning, after Chris Capuano impressively threw 6 frames of two-run ball, the aforementioned Kelley loaded the bases with just one out, causing him to be removed in place of Matt Thornton. 

In his outing, surprisingly, Thornton did throw the ball well, but due to a bloop infield single by Dan Johnson one of the runners he inherited found a way home, breaking a 2-2 tie.

On that play, Yanks' Second Baseman Brian Roberts originally looked like he was going to catch it, a perception proved incorrect when the flare ended up dropping in the grass, letting Melky Cabrera come in from third while putting Kelley in line for the loss and Jays' Starter Drew Hutchison (6 2/3 IP, 2 ER) for the win.

No, Kelley probably didn't deserve to take the fall, but after the Whitley/Francis duo combined to allow three more runs in the top of the ninth he did, with a late two-run home run from Carlos Beltran in the last frame and another one in the fourth from Brian McCann being all New York would get from their offense on the day. 

Yes, Derek Jeter picked up a pair of singles and Chase Headley once reached on a shift-beating bunt, although considering none of those knocks affected how the contest played out they don't really matter, an unfortunate truth.

I'm Worried About Tanaka & Capuano Doesn't Help That


It may be time to start getting a contingency plan together for the starting rotation because the Yankees may be without Masahiro Tanaka for a very long time. The 25 year old rookie and Cy Young candidate is still feeling lingering pain in his elbow after shutting down his throwing and receiving a PPR injection. The Yankees are currently treading water with their rotation at this point and patching holes as they find them but it may be time to acquire a real candidate because every day that goes by with pain in Tanaka’s elbow is every day that we are closer to a probably Tommy John surgery.

I don’t claim to be a doctor and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, or ever in case you were wondering, so I realize that three doctors plus Dr. James Andrews recommended rest and rehab for Tanaka but all four doctors also failed to rule out Tommy John surgery. All four in fact said that Tommy John would be needed eventually and all four doctors stated that the real telling factor would be about three weeks after the injection and the rest program when he would be reevaluated. No doctor is going to release a client to start even a throwing program while there is still pain in the elbow.

Best case scenario is three weeks was not enough of a layoff for Tanaka and he needs three more before starting his throwing program and rehab, that pushes his date back until sometime in December. I know the Yankees are riding a great streak right now but it’s against teams they should be dominating and September may be too late for New York. The Yankees need someone now if that’s the case and not only for this season but next season as well if the surgery is necessary.

I love the veteran presence that Shane Greene seems to emanate every time the rookie steps onto the mound just like the next guy. I have my doubts on Chase Whitley and him having enough gas to make the rest of the season in the rotation just like the next guy. I will also have my doubts about CC Sabathia in 2015 if he makes it all the way back just like the next guy. I don’t want to have to worry about Masahiro Tanaka or his replacement as well, I have enough on my dish.


Cashman needs to acquire someone big with team control like a David Price has. I know Price is likely a pipe dream to Yankee fans but someone the next tier down from his pedestal would be fine with me at this point. I got enough to worry about, don’t make me worry about Tanaka too. 

Open Game Thread 7/26: Yankees vs. Blue Jays


Welcome to this afternoon's open thread for the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays in Yankee Stadium this afternoon. This is the second game of the three game weekend set for these two teams. The Yankees will send Chris Capuano to the mound to make his Yankee debut and will face off with the Jays Drew Hutchison. The game will be played at 1:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Remember to get your Yankees tickets right here on the blog without all those annoying fees and bulky shipping costs associated with the purchase. If you can't make it live then join us on Twitter by following @GreedyStripes or you can search for The Greedy Pinstripes on Facebook to keep the conversation going all afternoon.

It's an open thread so let's light up the comments section of the site and chat with our fellow Yankees fans. Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your afternoon and weekend. Go Yankees!

Capuano "Couldn't Be More Excited" to Join Yankees' Rotation

When Chris Capuano was first acquired by the Yankees Thursday, it was assumed by many the veteran would join the team's bullpen. 

The 35-year-old lefty, who won 11 games in 2012 as a member of the Dodgers, had put up a decent 4.55 ERA as a reliever with the Red Sox this season, numbers that seemed indicative of a job in the seventh inning.

Instead, though, Capuano was announced as the newest member of New York's rotation yesterday, a surprise the former All Star couldn't help but get excited about. 
"If you had told me about 25 hours ago, I wouldn't have believed you," he told MLB.com's Jamal Collier after the Yanks beat the Blue Jays last night. "The original plan was to be pitching in Colorado this weekend. I found out last-minute yesterday that I was going to be pitching here, and I couldn't be more excited about it."
In his last start with the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate, Capuano threw 96 pitches in 7 frames, likely meaning he'll have no limits today.
Still, since his time in the majors this year hasn't been successful you have to worry about the possibility of him getting beat up early, something the Yanks can't afford right now with their worn out 'pen.

Capuano, Joey Bats, & Public Service Announcements


This is a public service announcement to any pitchers that are wearing pinstripes and planning to pitch inside Yankee Stadium this afternoon. This man is considered to be armed and extremely dangerous. Do not approach and definitely do not pitch to this man. Hit him if you must, I'll pay the fine. This is not a test.

Yankees Game Preview 7/26: vs. Toronto Blue Jays


The New York Yankees look to continue their dominance against the Toronto Blue Jays in the Bronx this afternoon in the second of a three game set this weekend at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees will send the newest member of the team in Chris Capuano to the mound to face off with Drew Hutchison for the Jays. The game will be played at 1:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN.

Capuano was acquired from the Colorado Rockies earlier in the week for cash considerations and within two days he is already in the starting rotation. Capuano was a relief pitcher while in Boston but had a 1-0 record with a 2.79 ERA in four minor league starts with the Rockies this season.

Hutchison did not have a good time of it last time out as he allowed a career high six earned runs against the Boston Red Sox. He lasted just 2.2 innings which was the shortest outing of his career other than one start that was shortened due to an injury. Hopefully this is a trend that continues this afternoon.

Get your tickets here to see the red hot Yankees live before they leave Yankee Stadium later this month. Today is also Yankees sunglasses day at the stadium as the first 18,000 guests receive a pair. Cheap tickets without any fees or shipping costs, getting to see the Yankees live, and sunglasses sounds like a good Saturday to me. Buy now. 

Go Yankees!!

I'm A Chris Capuano Doubter, Prove Me Wrong


What happened the last time we signed a left handed relief pitcher that the Boston Red Sox did not want? Matt Thornton happened. The Yankees may never learn from their past and are doomed to repeat it. New York, as we all know by now, traded for former Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies reliever Chris Capuano and added him to the 40 man and 25 man rosters yesterday at the expense of Chris Leroux. Capuano will make the start this afternoon against the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05 pm ET at Yankee Stadium. 

Thornton is a prime example of why you cannot base your judgments solely on the numbers. Thornton’s ERA looks good at 2.91 (Capuano's MLB ERA is 4.55) but he has allowed 36% of his inherited runners to score. Thornton has also held same side hitters to a .265 average (Capuano has allowed a .333 average to lefties), not so good for a LOOGY. Thornton has been far from a disaster, I’ll be the first to admit that, but he hasn’t been as great as some may be making him out to be, Twitter here is looking at you kids.

Instead of Capuano joining an all of a sudden crowded, lefty heavy and veteran bullpen he will join a rotation that has been pieced together in the past few weeks. Chase Whitley will head to the bullpen after making the most of his starting opportunity for the Yankees. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out but honestly I cannot say I am too confident. I am officially a Capuano doubter and I hope that the man proves me wrong this afternoon in the Bronx.


Stay tuned. 

Quick Hit: Two More Days Rest For Teixeira


Yesterday we were excited to report that the decision whether to place Mark Teixeira on the disabled list or not would come yesterday, and it did. The decision was not the one anyone really wanted to hear asking for more patience and at least two more days for Teixeira. I guess technically the decision did come and the decision was to keep him off the DL, for now, but really?

We were told that Teixeira would sit out three to four games with his back, now it's likely seven. When does it stop and what are the Yankees going to do about it? We can't run with a two player bench for much longer and we seemingly cannot rely on Mark Teixeira to stay healthy either.

Brian Cashman, you're up. 

Yankees Sign Undrafted Free Agent Graham Ramos

Another day and another undrafted free agent signing for the New York Yankees, this time Lander University shortstop Graham Ramos. Ramos is listed at 6'0" and 175 lbs as a right handed shortstop. Ramos has baseball in his blood and bleeds Yankee blue as his uncle, John Ramos, is a former member of the Bronx Bombers. His other uncle, Paul Ramos, was a minor league player for the Yankees as well.

Welcome to the family Graham and we wish you nothing but the best.

This Day In New York Yankees History 7/26: Yankees Trade For Alfonso Soriano


Saying that the New York Yankees offense struggled last season is probably the understatement of the year so New York needed a savior. On this day they got one when they acquired Alfonso Soriano from the Chicago Cubs for minor league relief pitcher Corey Black. The 37 year old came back to New York with come cash from Cubs after making his major league debut with the Yankees way back in 1999. The Yankees ultimately traded him to the Texas Rangers before the 2004 season for Alex Rodriguez. Soriano would go on a tear and almost brought the Yankees all the way back to the postseason before falling just short in late September.

Also on this day in 1961 the Yankees made some history with the home run ball but it had nothing to do with Roger Maris surprisingly. Instead it was the Yankees Johnny Blanchard as he hit his fourth consecutive home run over three games to set a new major league record. The backup catcher of the Yankees hit two home runs on this day to help New York beat the White Sox 5-2.

Also on this day in 1939 the Bronx Bombers earned their names by scoring in every inning to beat the St. Louis Browns 14-1. This is only the second time in franchise history that the Yankees have achieved this feat.

Finally on this day in 1933 Joe DiMaggio showed the Yankees brass that he was made for long hitting streaks. As a minor league player Joe D saw his 61 game hitting streak come to an end in a PCL game against the Oakland Oaks. DiMaggio played for the San Francisco Seals as a 19 year old when he set a new minor league record destroying the mark of 49 consecutive games with a hit set by Jack Ness in 1914.