Expect Heathcott and Campos Back, Maybe Huff

I was shocked a bit when I heard the news that the Yankees had non-tendered outfielder Slade Heathcott and pitchers Jose Campos and David Huff but history got me thinking that we may see Heathcott and Campos back in Yankees camp soon. In recent years the Yankees have done the same to third baseman David Adams and to some extent Nik Turley, Francisco Rondon and Corban Joseph to get them off the 40 man roster but still with the organization.

New York quickly brought these players back on minor league deals without the 40 man roster obligation presumably on some kind of verbal agreement. I can only speculate here that a similar issue is going on with Heathcott and Campos this season. Both players have often been injured and run very little risk of being claimed on waivers by other teams or picked up by other teams. Huff on the other hand could be doing the same but after a strong second half with the Yankees may be looking to latch on elsewhere.

Don’t panic Yankees fans all this means is the team has three more open 40 man roster spots and could have all three back in Spring Training or back with the team in some capacity in 2015. 

Fourteen Yankees MiLB Players Become Free Agents

Thursday night we learned that Zoilo Almonte, Antoan Richardson, and Scott Sizemore all elected free agency and became free agents rather than spend another season in the Yankees minor league system. Today we learn that 11 other members of the Yankees farm systems have also become free agents this week.

Joining Almonte, Richardson, and Sizemore are Carmen Angelini, Jeremy Bleich, Francisco Rondon, Nik Turley, Ramon Benjamin, Jose Toussen, David Herndon, Andrew Bailey (who has already been re-signed), Jairo Heredia, Jose Gil, Reymond Nunez, and switch pitcher Pat Venditte. 

We wish these 14 young men good luck and hope they latch on with another organization soon. 

Please Don’t Piss On Me & Tell Me It’s Raining

Anyone ever heard the old saying “don’t piss on me and tell me it’s raining?” If you haven’t what it basically means in a nutshell is don’t tell me one thing and then do another. For example, what the New York Yankees did when they allowed Matt Thornton to be claimed by the Washington Nationals for just his contract while the team was in the middle of a pennant race. Brian Cashman and company smoothed the transaction over by dropping a few prospects and up and comers names at the fans to get us all excited, and it worked, and has failed to mention another word about it.

Some fans were introduced to the names of Tyler Webb, James Pazos, Matt Tracy, Pat Venditte, Francisco Rondon, and Jacob Lindgren to name a few for the first time when the transaction happened and some were excited to think about the prospects they had been following for so long may finally get a chance in the major leagues. A few days later the Yankees announced the contract purchase of former Boston Red Sox lefty Rich Hill and a subsequent call up. Hill has either given up runs or rotted in the Yankees bullpen and no other mention of the Yankees young left handed pitchers has come out of the mouths of anyone in the Yankees camp.

Are you going to call up Webb, Lindgren, etc. or are you going to continue to marginally upgrade with veterans, see Josh Outman, and continue to Band-Aid the situation? I can take it either way as long as you’re shooting me straight and not BS’ing me. Which is it Cash? Is it raining, Jacob Lindgren, or is it more piss?

Stay tuned…

Looking At Potential Matt Thornton Replacements

So I think we all know by now that Rich Hill will not be the answer as a replacement for Matt Thornton. He has been mediocre at best for 10 seasons and was less than stellar in his first appearance as a Yankee. The good news is the Yankees have a good ten or more potential replacements without doing much research to replace Thornton, and his name is not Rich Hill.

James Pazos has pitched in 20 games for the Trenton Thunder and sports a 1.29 ERA striking out 9.3 per nine innings and has not allowed a home run. Pazos Pazos has a .194 batting average against and that's against both righties and lefties.

Tyler Webb only has 8.2 innings pitched in Scranton but between Trenton, Tampa, and Scranton sports a 3.45 ERA and 12.7 K/9 ratio. Webb has a BAA of .152 in Tampa, .247 in Trenton, and .161 in Scranton.

Jacob Lindgren has made three stops since being drafted in June and currently sits in Double-A Trenton. Lindgren has a total of 13.1 IP and has 30 K's which is good for a 20.2 K/9 ratio. The problem with Lindrgen is I can't see him joining the bullpen before September.

Manny Banuelos has struggled this season after coming back from Tommy John surgery and has a 4.03 ERA between Trenton and Tampa this season. Banuelos does have 53 K's and a 8.2 K/9 as a starter but is likely going to finish the season in the minor leagues.

Pat Venditte is the perfect arm(s) that the Yankees should call up as he can go multiple innings if need be and can throw with both his arms for christ sake. Venditte has a 3.15 ERA with a 8.6 K/9 ratio. For some reason the Yankees continue to overlook the 29 year old.

Matt Tracy is a starting pitcher in Triple-A and has posted a 3.48 ERA in 126.2 innings. Tracy has a 5.1 K/9 this season which may keep him from the Bronx. That or his 1.643 WHIP with the RailRiders this season.

Finally Francisco Rondon has pitched well for both Trenton and Scranton this season with a combined 3.31 ERA in 32.2 innings in 2014. Rondon misses bats and was considered to be one of the best Yankees left handed relievers not too long ago.

Nik Turley has unfortunately struggled for the Scranton RailRiders this season with a 6.43 ERA as a starter making his call up highly unlikely. Same goes for Jeremy Bleich who has a 7.71 ERA and is not missing nearly enough bats to be a serious contender for the roster spot. Eric Wooten is barely in Trenton, has a 4.08 ERA, and doesn't miss nearly enough bats to be taken seriously for the roster spot. Daniel Camarena has a 6.29 ERA for Trenton and a 1.685 WHIP and Fred Lewis was not able to build on a strong Arizona Fall League or Spring Training and has a 2.400 WHIP for Trenton after being demoted from Scranton after posting a 2.250 WHIP this season.

There's always Cesar Cabral too.. no, never mind, there isn't.

One man that will not be in the plans is Jeff Francis who was released after being designated for assignment last week. Who ya got? Personally, I'm going with Lindgren in September but Tyler Webb now. He can get batters out and is ready for the Bronx now. Make the move Cash.

Nuno Is The Only Option We Have? I Call Bullsh*t

Vidal Nuno wet the bet once again on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles ruining Tino Martinez Day at Yankee Stadium and handing the Yankees a loss. The Yankees were quick to defend Nuno but manager Joe Girardi basically said that we were out of depth options and would stick with the struggling left hander. I completely and vehemently disagree with this statement. We absolutely cannot wait on Michael Pineda anymore and even though struggling CC Sabathia would be better than Nuno at this point if we wait until the end of July it may be too late.

Currently sitting in Triple-A we have a few options, albeit in the bullpen, that could keep us in a game more than Nuno. Remember, unless we DFA Nuno (which I don't think we would), we have Vidal in the bullpen to pick up some slack while we stretch out the likes of Francisco Rondon, Pat Venditte, Danny Burawa, and even the struggling Jeremy Bleich and Bryan Mitchell. The Yankees need upgrades, even if they are marginal upgrades, at this point if we have any chance of making the postseason this season.

Mitchell struggled a little in Trenton but had four shutout innings in his Scranton debut. Mitchell already used his option this season so that would lessen the blow as well if he doesn't do well. Shane Greene is struggling in Triple-A but still strikes out almost a batter an inning and is the most stretched out of any of our starters. Like Mitchell, Greene has had his option used for the 2014 season.

Alfredo Aceves is always an option, although he is not on the 40 man roster and may be the final option we have. We may not have great options but we have options, so either make a move or make a trade and don't tell me we don't have any options when we do. I am sure I could go seven innings and have an ERA approaching six. Do something, now.

Yankees Announce First Cuts Of The Spring

The New York Yankees have announced their first cuts from spring training camp. The players that are heading across the street to the minor league complex are Jose Ramirez and Francisco Rondon. Both players are probably headed to AAA to start the season and both were derailed by injuries, no surprise here.

Yankees Re-Sign Six Minor Leaguers

The New York Yankees have resigned six minor league players today including LHP Francisco Rondon, catcher Francisco Arcia, and RHP's Diego Moreno, Jairo Heredia, Kelvin Castro, and Manny Barreda. I can remember the days where Barreda and Jairo were the next big things that all of us "prospect humpers" but they fizzled out a little. Rondon was on the 40 man roster as recent as last year before struggling, being designated for assignment, and brought back on a new minor league deal. Now Rondon is in the AA Trenton Thunder bullpen and excelling and 2014 may be his time to shine. Nothing major here but it encouraging that all these little moves are getting done now so we can focus on the important stuff in November.

Trenton Loses A Marathon, 4-1 in 13 Innings

Trenton Loses A Marathon, 4-1 in 13 Innings

Three-run double in 13th inning the final blow

TRENTON, NJ - After Wednesday night's extra-inning walk-off win over the New Britain Rock Cats, the Trenton Thunder again headed to extra innings-only to lose 4-1 in 13 innings.

After 2.2 innings of relief without allowing a run, Manny Barreda allowed a two-out bases-clearing three-run double to Daniel Ortiz in the top of the 13th inning to break a 1-1 deadlock, and earn his first Double-A loss.

The Thunder had opportunities to plate runs throughout the ballgame, but stranded a season-high 19 runners on base. Trenton in fact trailed 1-0 into the bottom of the 7thinning before Francisco Arcia walked to begin the frame. He was sacrificed to second base by Ben Gamel, and with two outs Jose Pirela scorched a single up the middle that was charged by New Britain center fielder Angel Morales. His throw to the plate was not nearly in time to nail Arcia for the first run of the game for the Thunder.

Thunder starting pitcher Bryan Mitchell matched a Thunder season-high 7.1 innings pitched and allowed one run. He also struck out a Thunder season-high 10 batters-a feat that hadn't been done since Vidal Nuno did it against New Britain July 6, 2012. He needed 107 pitches in the outing, throwing an astounding 78 (73%) for strikes.

Francisco Rondon was the only other pitcher used in the ballgame for the Thunder, and he entered in the 8th inning. He pitched through the 10th inning and did not allow a hit while striking out four Rock Cats.

With a win by the Portland Sea Dogs over New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Trenton's lead in the East Division Wild Card remains 4.0 games over both teams and Trenton only needs one more win to wrap up a playoff berth.

Trenton hits the road for the final series of the 2013 regular season.and the New Britain Rock Cats battle at ARM & HAMMER Park in final game of their four-game series- and final home game of the regular season- Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Trenton sends RHP Bryan Mitchell (0-0, 3.18) to the mound against RHP Alex Meyer (4-3, 3.41) for the Rock Cats. Limited tickets available at www.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling (609)394-3300. Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and streaming online begins at 6:45 p.m.

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

Late Push by Thunder Bats not Enough, Lose 5-3

Late Push by Thunder Bats not Enough, Lose 5-3

Thunder pull within one run in 8th inning

TRENTON, NJ - The Trenton Thunder did not record their first hit of the ballgame until the 6th inning, at which point the New Britain Rock Cats had already jumped out to a 4-0 lead in their 5-3 win over the Thunder Monday night.

Trevor May tossed four perfect innings before allowing a walk to Kyle Roller to begin the 5th inning. He hadn't allowed a hit in the ballgame with one out in the 6th inning but Mason Williams and Ramon Flores notched back-to-back singles. Two batters later, Kyle Roller was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs, but Carmen Angelini flew out to centerfield as the tying run in a 4-0 game.

May finished the night with six innings of shutout, two-run baseball while striking out nine Thunder batters. In the last seven days, May has gone 2-0 with just 4 hits allowed and two runs in 12.0 innings with 13 strikeouts against the Thunder.

Trenton scored three times in the 8th inning off Dan Turpen to draw back to within a run, 4-3. With the bases empty and two outs, Flores and Jose Pirela walked consecutively. Roller then delivered an RBI single and Angelini followed with a two-run double. New Britain made a pitching change so lefty Ryan O'Rourke would face the lefty Ben Gamel with the tying run on second base, and he struck out Gamel looking to end the threat.

The Rock Cats scored a run off Francisco Rondon in the top of the 9th to double their lead to 5-3.

With the loss and a win by the Portland Sea Dogs over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Trenton's lead in the East Division Wild Card remains 3.0 games over the Fisher Cats but is now only 4.0 over the Sea Dogs with 8 games remaining in the regular season. New Britain lingers 6.5 games behind the Thunder.

Trenton and the New Britain Rock Cats battle at ARM & HAMMER Park in Game 2 of this four-game series Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Trenton sends LHP Nik Turley (9-8, 4.12) to the mound against RHP Cole De Vries (0-2, 1.69) for the Rock Cats. Limited tickets available at www.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling (609)394-3300. Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and streaming online begins at 6:45 p.m.

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

My Plan To Navigate This Years Trading Deadline

We need an upgrade at catcher and Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann seems to be available and makes a ton of sense for the Yankees. With the Yankees seemingly getting zero production from their catchers this season this seems like an obvious place to begin the upgrading at. Francisco Cervelli just had a set back that will keep him out until at least August and with this whole Biogenesis mess looming and a possible 50 game suspension for Cervelli it might not be a bad idea to get ahead of the curve here. The Braves have three catchers and seemingly have to trade one you would think and McCann makes the most sense for them to trade. McCann makes the most money and is a free agent at the end of the season so we can still give Cervelli his spot back next season.

Yankees get Brian McCann

Braves get David Adams, Brett Marshall, and Francisco Rondon

Russ Canzler was designated for assignment and released for the 19th time this season, obvious exaggeration, and is now a free agent that the Yankees would sign if I were running the show. Russ can give us an obvious upgrade offensively at first base over both Lyle Overbay and Travis Ishikawa. Russ also gives us an enormous upgrade over the David Adams, Luis Cruz, and Jayson Nix show we have all been watching at third base although his defense is considered to be suspect over there. Russ also has experience in the outfield making him a better back up option than Vernon Wells and guys like Brennan Boesch if and when he comes back. The best part is he does not require us giving up anything but money which is always a plus.

My deal is a two year deal for Canzler worth $1,000,000. Russ is going to have suitors and flock to a guaranteed major league deal not only for this season but next as well. This gives him plenty of at bats this season and a utility role a la Eric Chavez next season. 

This may be a dream ultimately but the Philadelphia Phillies may or may not be, depending on what report you believe, interested in Joba Chamberlain and we are interested in Michael Young so why not do a swap? The Yankees get another aging veteran and the Phillies get a 28 year old reliever that has closer potential if he can keep guys off the bases. The Phillies save money and have the opportunity to sign Joba long term an we get closer to competing this season, win win for everybody. 

Phillies get Joba Chamberlain

Yankees get Michael Young

I am literally pulling this trade out of my behind here admittedly because we have not been linked to Addison Reed or Matt Thornton and the Chicago White Sox seem ready to sell off and rebuild but hear me out. Addison Reed is young and is someone we can build around replacing Joba Chamberlain after this season. Matt Thornton gives us that second left hander that we seem to covet and gives us the opportunity to compete this season. Also we get a little bit of international spending money for this season allowing us to pick somebody up. The Chicago White Sox have the ability and the cash to build around Hughes and sign him to a long term deal. I know the Angels are interested in Hughes supposedly but for some reason I am scared and reluctant to trade him to an already stacked, albeit struggling, Angels team. 

Chicago White Sox get Phil Hughes

Yankees get Addison Reed, Matt Thornton, and International Spending Money

If we make these four trades or acquisitions and get back a healthy Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Curtis Granderson we could go into August and September baseball with a competent looking roster. Not to mention a bullpen that can match or beat any bullpen in the league not only for this season but beyond. 

C Brian McCann

1B Lyle Overbay

2B Robinson Cano

SS Derek Jeter

3B Alex Rodriguez

LF Curtis Granderson

CF Brett Gardner 

RF Ichiro Suzuki

BN Chris Stewart

BN Russ Canzler

BN Michael Young

BN Vernon Wells

BN Zoilo Almonte

1. Gardner

2. Jeter

3. Cano

4. Rodriguez

5. McCann 

6. Granderson

7. Hafner/Canzler

8. Overbay/Canzler

9. Ichiro Suzuki

Francisco Rondon Promoted From Trenton To AAA

Left handed pitcher Francisco Rondon has been promoted from the Trenton Thunder to the AAA Scranton Wilkes Barre Railriders. In 15 games including six starts Rondon has put up a  respectable 3-3 record with a 5.93 ERA for the Thunder. Rondon will now take his talents to Scranton where he is one step closer to the majors. I think this more has to do with the fact that the Railriders bullpen is depleted with the loss of Adam Warren and Chris Bootcheck but either way congrats to him!

Francisco Rondon Outrighted To AA Trenton

Francisco Rondon was designated for assignment last week when the Yankees claimed David Huff off of waivers from the Cleveland Indians. Rondon has struggled this season big time both in the bullpen and in the starting rotation for the Trenton Thunder. That is the main reason that Rondon has cleared waivers and will remain with the Trenton Thunder and is now off of the 40 man roster. So basically we got David Huff for nothing even with his DFA today.

David Huff Arrives In Tampa With The Yankees

David Huff was acquired yesterday by the New York Yankees when they claimed him off waivers from the Cleveland Indians. Francisco Rondon was designated for assignment to make room on the 40 man roster for Huff. No 25 man roster move has been announced yet but I can only assume that Vidal Nuno will go down since his option for this year has already been used and will not be available for the next four days anyway. Huff should be available out of relief for the next week so he will get a decent look as a second lefty in the pen.

Yankees Acquire David Huff From Indians

The Yankees have acquired LHP David Huff off waivers from the Cleveland Indians today and have designated fellow LHP Francisco Rondon to make room on the 40 man roster. The Yankees have 72 hours to make a 25 man roster move to bring him to the major leagues. I don't quite get it because Huff is not even a marginal upgrade over Rondon and we are extremely close to having Cesar Cabral after his 30 day rehab assignment started 11 days ago on May 14th.

Trenton Thunder Roster Finalized

With not many surprises here and an "All Prospect" kind of outfield the Yankees Double A affiliate the Trenton Thunder's roster has been finalized. Check it out!

C - J.R. Murphy
C - Kyle Higashioka
C - Tyson Blaser

1B - Kyle Roller
2B - Jose Pirela
SS - Walter Ibarra
3B/LF - Rob Segedin
INF - Kevin Mahoney
INF - Reegie Corona

OF - Tyler Austin
OF - Slade Heathcott
OF - Ramon Flores
OF - Neil Medchill
OF - Shane Brown

SP - Nik Turley
SP- Francisco Rondon
SP - Matt Tracy
SP - Caleb Cotham
SP - Zach Nuding

P - Jeremy Bleich
P - Aaron Dott
P - Shaeffer Hall
P - Tommy Kahnle
P - Kelvin Perez
P - Josh Romanski
P - Graham Stoneburner
P - Branden Pinder
P - Ryan Pope

Trenton Thunder Name Starting Rotation

The Trenton Thunder have named their starting rotation. Spoiler alert it will not, initially anyway, include Jose Ramirez after a stellar spring. He is dinged up a little and is expected to be held back and make sure everything is okay. Here is the rotation:

1. Nik Turley
2. Matt Tracy
3. Zach Nuding
4. Francisco Rondon
5. Caleb Cotham

Yankees Cut Eleven Players From Spring Training Camp

The Yankees have cut eleven players from Spring Training camp today but the biggest cut was obviously Austin Romine who was the only player who had a legit shot at making the big league roster. The Yankees sent Francisco Rondon, Dellin Betances, Brett Marshall, and Austin Romine to the AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Manny Banuelos, Nik Turley, Jose Ramirez, and Ramon Flores have been sent down to the AA Trenton Thunder. The Yankees, because they are not on the 40 man roster, have reassigned Chase Whitley, JR Murphy, and Luke Morton to minor league camps.

Gardner continues to swing hot bat as Yanks fall to Braves 2-0

The Yankees were unable to push any runs across the board, falling to the Braves 2-0. Now, I won't say that a lot of things went wrong because other than the fact that the Yankees bats weren't hitting, some of the Yankees looked really good. Here were some of the players that stuck out to me during the game.

Brett Gardner: I seem to write about Gardner every time he plays, and there's a good reason to. Gardner swung a hot bat from day one, and now currently has a seven game hit streak to begin the Spring Training season. To me it feels like last season, Gardner saved all his hits in a jar, kind of like a kid saving pennies on a rainy day. And just like a kid spending the pennies, he's using the hits in Spring Training as if to make up for last season. Let's just hope he saves some of those hits for the regular season.

David Phelps: Although he got the loss (Bad Yankees offense! Bad!), David Phelps pitched incredible, giving up just one run on two hits through four innings. Although he's competing for a rotation spot, it would't be the worst thing in the world to see Phelps in the bullpen. Like I said before, I don't see Phelps going down to the minors if he continues to pitch this way. The minors are not an option.

Francisco Rondon: Mark Montgomery didn't have his stuff tonight, and it was evident that the Yankees were in a big jam when Joe Girardi came to get him in the 7th inning after the bases were loaded. When Girardi brought in Francisco Rondon, he automatically was able to get out of the jam without giving up a run.  I know everyone rants and raves about Mark Montgomery, but Rondon has been like David Robertson 2.o this Spring, getting out of jams when needed. If he does get cut from Major League camp, I expect him to be one of the last cuts since he's doing so well so far.

WHAT'S NEXT

Robinson Cano will be at GMS Field tomorrow...in the visitors clubhouse. Team Dominican Republic on the road to the World Baseball Classic will take a pit stop and play against the Yankees in a 1:05 p.m. afternoon game. Hiroki Kuroda will get the start for the Yankees and if you're going to watch the game...don't cry when you see Robbie in a different uniform. He'll be back in about two weeks.

New York Yankees Spring Training Notes 2/21

The Yankees and Joe Girardi were playing mind games with us today as they played alternating outfielders during pop fly drills today. Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, and Ichiro Suzuki all saw time at all three outfield positions and alternated position every few pop flies. Long story short we still do not know if Gardner will be our center fielder this season or if it will be Curtis Granderson. When Girardi was asked who would start in center in the Grapefruit League opener to try and get a hint of what is to come Girardi reported that it would be Melky Mesa... so much for that.

Girardi touched on the schedule of players and the World Baseball Classic as well today when talking to reporters. Girardi reported that Robinson Cano would play in six of the first eight Yankees Spring Training games before leaving for the WBC and Mark Teixeira will play in five of the first eight games. Melky Mesa will see some early playing time as he is committed to the Dominican Republic team for the WBC and Francisco Rondon and Gil Velasquez should also get early playing time before leaving camp for the WBC.

Mark Montgomery came through his work out today with no problems or set backs and still is scheduled to throw a bullpen side session tomorrow. Phil Hughes back also is said to be feeling good so the Yankees back injuries seem to be minor and progressing so good news all around.

Girardi announced that Vidal Nuno will start the third game of the spring because the regular starting pitchers
will not see action until March. I figured it would be Nik Turley or Brett Marshall because they have already faced live hitting but Nuno works too.

Dan Johnson, continuing his quest to be this years Eric Chavez, took drills at third base for the third straight day. Speaking of third base Yankees prospect Corban Joseph also worked with Kevin Youkilis at third base today and it seems like it was on bunting drills. Joseph is a second basemen by trade and Dan Johnson is more of a first basemen and designated hitter type.

Meet A Prospect : Francisco Rondon

Francisco Rondon was born on April 19th, 1988 in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic. With a 6'1" 160 lb frame throwing the ball from the left side you can see why the Yankees signed him as a free agent way back in 2006.

While spending his first five seasons in A Ball or lower the Yankees and their fans were starting to consider Rondon a bust before his breakout 2011 season. Way back in 2006 when Rondon signed he started in the Dominican Summer League for the Yankees and would spend both the 2006 and 2007 seasons there putting up a combined line of 5-4 with a mid 3.37 ERA in 88 IP while striking out 72 batters for a 1.43 WHIP. The next three seasons from 2008-2010 he would spend a full season in the Gulf Coast League, for the Staten Island Yankees, and for the Charleston Riverdogs respectively putting up less than impressive numbers in all three seasons. Entering the 2011 season the Yankees decided to demote Rondon back to Staten Island and it benefited Rondon while he put up a perfect 6.2 IP before the Yankees decided to move him back up to Charleston. While in his second run with Charleston Rondon would put up a 2-3 record with a 4.67 ERA but lowered his WHIP to 1.356 and struck out 42 batters in only 32 IP.

Rondon spent time with three of the Yankees minor league teams in 2012 including the Tampa Yankees, the Trenton Thunder, and the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees (now known as the Rail Riders). While with the three upper levels of the Yankees system Rondon put up a pitching line of 5-0 with a 3.93 ERA in 44 games and 71 IP. While he had an impressive 80 K's he had a not so impressive 1.465 WHIP so it was sort of surprising, for myself anyway, that the Yankees added him to the 40 man roster and protected him from the Rule 5 draft this season. The time is now because he holds a very valuable slot on the 40 man and looks to start the 2013 season in Scranton so keep an eye out for him late in this season in the Bronx.

ETA : Late 2013