Sunday, November 23, 2014

Video: High Socks for Hope Helps Veterans


Please come back to New York David, you are the walking and talking model of the New York Yankees.

Astros Reportedly Showing Interest in David Robertson

With over 10 teams currently looking to upgrade their bullpens, it wouldn't be strange if David Robertson received a lot of interest this offseason.

But are the Astros the ones making the first move?

It certainly appears so, with Kevin Davidoff reporting Saturday that Houston has already communicated with Robertson's agent.

Davidoff also wrote that the Astros are intrigued by Andrew Miller and Sergio Romo. Miller and Romo, who most recently played for the Orioles and Giants, aren't asking for as much as Robertson, who wants a four-year deal worth $52 million.

Nonetheless, the Astros like him.

From Davidoff:

"Whether the Astros are willing to go hard enough to give Robertson the four-year contract he desires, for roughly $13 million per season, is unclear. What is clear is Houston has expressed a willingness, through its actions this offseason, to elevate its payroll after fielding some bargain-basement squads, and it also desperately needs relief help if it is to climb back into relevance."

The Astros certainly haven't been a contender lately, not winning more than 70 games since 2010. Each year from 2011-2013, they collected less than 57 victories, and finished last in their division.

But Yankees GM Brian Cashman has said that re-signing Robertson is his top priority, so it's likely New York won't lose rights to their reliever without a fight. Robertson converted 39/44 save opportunities for them last season, and was a proven set-up man beforehand. 

Expect them to get more involved with Robertson soon, as expensive as he may be. 

Rays Having a Fire Sale?

"I'm taking your spot bro." - Evan Longoria

I made a semi-sarcastic comment on Twitter a few weeks back when I said that I felt like the Tampa Bay Rays were going to have a fire sale and I got absolutely killed by a few (presumably) Rays fans. This was shortly after the team traded relief pitcher Cesar Ramos, like I said I was being sarcastic, and were in talks of trading Jeremy Hellickson. Since then the team has saved a couple million by designating Jose Molina for assignment, saved a couple more million by trading away relief pitcher Joel Peralta to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and have made names like Matt Joyce available in trades. Kind of sounds like the beginnings of a fire sale, no?

This won't be a Florida Marlins fire sale, I can't see Tampa trading Evan Longoria, but I think we are in the beginning stages of it. If Tampa makes Ben Zobrist available, which they are expected to, and even consider listening on guys like Alex Cobb or Matt Moore my suspicions will be confirmed correct in my eyes. I can't say I'm disappointed that Tampa is possibly gearing up for a fire sale either, sell, sell, sell if you ask me.

New management, new GM, possibly a rookie manager in Raul Ibanez, if it looks like a duck...

Cashman to Rappel for Stamford Holiday Event


Here's the press release as Yankees GM Brian Cashman once again prepares to rappel down a building in the Stamford holiday event:

On Friday morning, December 5 from 6:00 to 9:00 am (ET), Rick Reichmuth, FOX News Channel’s Meteorologist, Brian Cashman, General Manager of the New York Yankees and Bobby Valentine, Athletic Director at Sacred Heart University will rappel from the one of Stamford, CT’s tallest buildings, the Landmark Building. Santa’s Elf, Brian VanOrsdel will be on hand, strapping Brian and Bobby in and guiding them down the 22 stories of the building, all the while broadcasting live on the FOX News Channel, “FOX & Friends” morning newscast.
The event marks the start of Rappelling Santa’s arrival in Stamford and is a good practice run for the rappelling crew for Sunday’s Heights & Lights program.
On Sunday, December 7 at 5:00 pm, Brian Cashman, Bobby Valentine, Santa and friends are scheduled once again to make their daredevil descent down the 22 stories of the Landmark Building, for Reckson, A Division of SL Green Realty Corp’s Rappelling Santa. After the rappel, Santa’s busy holiday schedule will take him straight up Bedford Street to Latham Park where he will join the Stamford Community for music with The Cast of Peter Pan Jr. from Saxe Middle School and the lighting of the Holiday Tree, donated by Bartlett Tree Company.
WHEN:
Practice Rappel: Friday Morning, December 5, 2014 from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Heights & Lights Rappel: Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 5:00 PM
WHERE:
Rappel at Landmark Square, Broad Street;
Tree Lighting at Latham Park, Bedford Street, Stamford Downtown
Heights & Lights is presented by Reckson, A Division of SL Green Realty Corp. and sponsored by The Advocate, 95.9 The Fox, Star 99.9, WEBE 108, Bartlett Tree Company, Happyhaha.com and The First Congregational Church of Stamford and brought to you by Stamford Downtown and The City of Stamford. Free Cocoa at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. THIS EVENT IS FREE!

Francisco Rodriguez For The Yankees Pen In 2015?



The Yankees at least for now are without their closer in David Robertson for the 2015 season thus weakening New York's bullpen.  Now while I am a huge advocate for Joe Girardi and his ability to build a bullpen on the fly, especially with prospects, I think everyone would like a little more certainty. Francisco Rodriguez signed a minor league deal in 2013 with the Milwaukee Brewers and a major league deal in 2014 as well and has done nothing but lock down games since leaving the Mets. 

Every pitcher comes with pros and cons obviously. Rodriguez strikes out guys, has closing experience, doesn't walk many batters, has not given up many home runs in his career and gets almost enough ground balls to survive in Yankee Stadium. He has also pitched in the New York market before with him time with the New York Mets which while it probably does not compare it cannot really hurt.

The cons are painfully obvious especially looking at his half a season in the AL East in 2013. While K Rod finished with a 2.70 ERA in 2013 he also had a 4.50 ERA while in an Orioles uniform. He gave up over twice the home runs in the AL as he did in the NL, and was average according to WAR.

Should the Yankees take the plunge and the chance? Absolutely! As much as I love David Robertson he could sign elsewhere and having a suitable back up plan is never a bad idea. Who cares if he beat his father in law, can he get batters out with consistency? I wouldn't mind finding out...

This Day in New York Yankees History 11/23: Steve Sax


On this day in 1988 the New York Yankees signed free agent Steve Sax to a three year deal worth $3.75 million. The fan favorite Willie Randolph was the player that the former NL Rookie of the Year Sax would be replacing which came with a whole new set of responsibilities. The Yankees signed Sax to replace Randolph and the Dodgers countered by signing Randolph to replace Sax.