New York Yankees 2018 Grapefruit League Schedule

Friday, 2/23 – 1:05 pm ET

Detroit Tigers @ New York Yankees

Saturday, 2/24 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Pittsburgh Pirates

Sunday, 2/25 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies

Monday, 2/26 – 6:35 pm ET

Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Yankees

Tuesday, 2/27 – 1:07 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays

Wednesday, 2/28 – 1:05 pm ET

Detroit Tigers @ New York Yankees

Thursday, 3/1 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies

Friday, 3/2 – 1:05 pm ET

Atlanta Braves @ New York Yankees

Saturday, 3/3 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Boston Red Sox

Sunday, 3/4 – 1:05 pm ET

Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees

Tuesday, 3/6 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Detroit Tigers

Wednesday, 3/7 – 1:10 pm ET

New York Yankees @ New York Mets

Thursday, 3/8 – 1:05 pm ET

Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Yankees

Friday, 3/9 – 6:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Atlanta Braves

Saturday, 3/10 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Mets @ New York Yankees

Sunday, 3/11 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Miami Marlins

Monday, 3/12 – 6:35 pm ET

Minnesota Twins @ New York Yankees

Tuesday, 3/13 – 1:05 pm ET

Detroit Tigers @ New York Yankees

Wednesday, 3/14 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Baltimore Orioles

Thursday, 3/15 – 1:05 pm ET

Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Yankees

Friday, 3/16 – 6:36 pm ET

Houston Astros @ New York Yankees

Saturday, 3/17 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Detroit Tigers

Sunday, 3/18 – 1:05 pm ET

Miami Marlins @ New York Yankees

Monday, 3/19 – 6:35 pm ET

Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees

Tuesday, 3/20 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Detroit Tigers

Wednesday, 3/21 – 6:35 pm ET

Baltimore Orioles @ New York Yankees

Thursday, 3/22 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Minnesota Twins

Friday, 3/23 – 1:05 pm ET

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees

Saturday, 3/24 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees (SS) @ Atlanta Braves

Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees (SS)

Sunday, 3/25 – 1:05 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay Rays

Monday, 3/26 – 7:35 pm ET

New York Yankees @ Atlanta Braves

The End of a Successful Spring...

No baseball today.  At least not Yankees baseball.  The exhibition season is over, and the team awaits its first regular season game tomorrow.

The final Grapefruit League was fun and not so fun.  The new SunTrust Park in Atlanta is a gorgeous stadium and it certainly ranks at or near the top of the new stadiums.  It is very impressive.

I know that it was still a spring game so stats mean nothing but Greg Bird had the honor of delivering the first home run in the new park.  Someone else will have the courtesy of hitting the first regular season home run there but Bird has the distinction of the first home run period.

The game itself didn’t go so good.  The Atlanta Braves had the courtesy of picking up the first win ever at the new ballpark.  I have been excited about Jonathan Holder and the announcement that he had made the final roster but he was on the mound when the Braves scored the 6^th inning runs to break a tie, giving them the cushion they needed for the win.  The runs were caused by an error so Holder wasn’t charged with any earned runs but it was still a disappointing way to end spring training.

After the game, Manager Joe Girardi said the Yankees can be really good if the veterans do their job.  That’s funny.  For a change, it’s not the kids who need to step up but rather the vets.  It’s disappointing knowing that Jacoby Ellsbury and others are holding us back.  I say that in jest (well, not the Ellsbury part) but it’s a great testament to the job that the young guys like Bird and Gary Sanchez have done this Spring.

Against Atlanta, the vets did not fare well.  Brett Gardner, Matt Holliday, Jacoby Ellsbury, Starlin Castro, and Chase Headley all went 0-for-2.  One bright spot was Chris Carter doing what he is supposed to do, delivering a pinch hit home run.  If he does that a few times at Yankee Stadium to win games, he’s going to be a popular guy even if he can’t otherwise hit or field.

Michael Pineda finishes the Spring schedule with a 4.32 ERA.  He went 5 innings against the Braves, allowing six hits and three runs.  He walked a batter and struck out six.  He allowed a home run to Freddie Freeman but it’s hard to blame Pineda.  Freeman is going to do that to a number of pitchers this year.

The Yankees lost the game, 8-5, and finished the Spring at 24-9-1.  They won the Grapefruit League by 1 ½ games over the St Louis Cardinals, and they had a better record than the Cactus League champion Los Angeles Angels.  It was Spring and the records mean nothing but here’s hoping that it is a springboard to a happy and successful 2017 season for the Pinstripers. 

Have a great Saturday!

Predicting the Yankees Opening Day Roster Halfway Through Spring Training

The New York Yankees passed the halfway point of spring training this week according to their Grapefruit League schedule so halfway through I am going to make some roster predictions for Opening Day 2017. The Yankees recently cut down 11 players over the weekend dropping their roster to 53 players. New York has to have their roster down to 25 players by April 2^nd and while there are some obvious cuts to be made with top prospects there are still some decisions to be made regarding the rotation, the bullpen and the bench. Here’s my decisions on those important positions as it stands today. Obviously these are subject to change in the next coming weeks. If you disagree with my assessment then please leave it below in the comments section or give us a follow on Twitter (@GreedyStripes) and we can discuss it there. Thank you.

The Offense:

C: Gary Sanchez

1B: Greg Bird

2B: Starlin Castro

SS: Didi Gregorius

3B: Chase Headley

LF: Brett Gardner

CF: Jacoby Ellsbury

RF: Aaron Judge

DH: Matt Holliday

The Bench:

BN: Chris Carter

BN: Aaron Hicks

BN: Ronald Torreyes

BN: Austin Romine

The Rotation:

SP: Masahiro Tanaka

SP: Michael Pineda

SP: CC Sabathia

SP: Luis Severino

SP: Chad Green

The Bullpen:

LR: Bryan Mitchell

RP: Jon Niese

RP: Tommy Layne

RP: Adam Warren

RP: Tyler Clippard

SU: Dellin Betances

CP: Aroldis Chapman

Kyle Higashioka Learns Japanese Just to Talk to Masahiro Tanaka

Yesterday I discussed a few men that could be vying for open roster spots with the New York Yankees this spring training, especially as many key members of the team are off representing their respective countries in the World Baseball Classic, and one such player I specifically mentioned by name was catcher Kyle Higashioka. Well here we are in a new day but we are once again talking about Higashioka and for a whole new reason. Apparently Higashioka, born in California but obviously of the Japanese decent, learned the language of his grandfather and family before him this winter and into the spring with one main goal in mind…. Talking to Yankees ace Masahiro Tanaka.

Now while I may be embellishing just a little when I say he learned the language to talk to Tanaka, his father has reportedly pushed him for years to learn Japanese, having Tanaka this year and potentially players like Shohei Otani next season and beyond the Yankees catching prospect thought it could only help his chances in reaching the Major Leagues with the club.

Higashioka, a seventh round draft pick by the Yankees in the 2008 MLB First Year Players Draft, lost an important year of development in 2014 after undergoing Tommy John surgery but seemed healthy in 2016 when he finished his age-26 season with 21 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. Higashioka is out to prove that the power spike is not a fluke in 2017 and is well on his way to doing that after hitting a home run in his first spring training at bat of the Grapefruit League this season. Higashioka altered his swing before last season and has definitely seen an uptick in power and his line drive hitting which should only improve this season as Higashioka continues to put himself on the Yankees map.

Also, since I am feeling educational this morning, if you ever wanted to know how to say a few key words in Japanese for a catcher like Kyle Higashioka you’re in luck. Daniel is here. Enjoy and you’re welcome.

sutoreeto (fastball)

suraidaa (slider)

supuritta (splitter)

kattaa (cutter)

takamei (high)

hikamei (low)

nikakoo (inside)

gikakoo (outside)

Bold Prediction: Luis Severino Makes Yankees Rotation in 2017

I know I say this every single season but just so you know this season will be no different. I love spring training and the whole atmosphere around Major League Baseball during this time. Every team is in first place, every team has a new and exciting direction they are going in and the sky is the limit for every player and team going forward. With that theme in mind I want to make a bit of a bold prediction regarding the New York Yankees and their starting rotation, specifically the fact that the aforementioned starting rotation for the Bronx Bombers will have Luis Severino pitching in it when the team breaks spring training camp this season.

Severino survived in the minor leagues with a reasonably straight fastball and even flourished with it in a small sample size in 2015 but the young right-hander’s 2016 season left much to be desired. New York sent Severino down to the minor leagues to work on his secondary pitches at one point last season before bringing him back as a bullpen arm during the latter parts of the season where he took off and regained confidence on the mound. Severino has been working on his changeup specifically this offseason and will look to showcase that work not only this spring but in the Yankees rotation this coming season, and I believe that he will.

I especially believe this will be the case after watching him pitch, albeit in an exhibition game, on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Severino’s fastball and slider were on point, his fastball hit 98 MPH at one point in the game which is insane for February baseball, but it was his changeup that kept Toronto hitters at bay in two scoreless innings. Severino’s changeup was clocked at 88 MPH which is a huge dip in velocity and a huge spike in deceptiveness if he can throw it right, and he did on Sunday.

Let’s be real, the competition for the Yankees 4^th and 5^th rotation spots are wide open at this point with no one really slotted into those positions at this time. Severino, or anyone else really, could essentially win those spots with a strong spring. What Severino has over some of the Luis Cessa’s and Bryan Mitchell’s of the world is velocity and a confidence that borderlines on almost cockiness. In a league where you can be your own worst enemy that may be more important than any stat or telling sign can tell you. That confidence, that blazing fastball and that mastered third pitch will be the reason Severino is throwing every five days in the Yankees starting rotation come Opening Day 2017. Bet. 

So it Seems We Had a Scheduled Weekend Off

So it seems like we took the weekend off. I needed the weekend off and I took it but now I’m back and ready to continue to pump out the content. I think maybe taking the weekend, or maybe a day as I haven’t really decided, off is going to be good for me as my life continues to get busy and continues to even become overwhelming at times. That’s not me complaining though, I’m truly blessed and I have the best that life can offer in my world right now and right now as I sit here today speaking to you I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I have distractions but I have the very best distractions. I have obligations but I have the most awesome little obligations in the world. I’ve all but given up even taking the time to eat my lunch while I’m at work but I keep my hands full and my mind occupied during that time so it’s all good because my days have become my favorite thing. I don’t want to sleep at night because I don’t want to miss a thing. It’s hard for me to put into words how I feel right now, and that’s rare for me and it goes to show you just how awesome it can be.

Remove negativity from your life at all costs and water the grass where you want it to be green, not where everyone says it should be green, and you too can find true happiness. Stay well everyone and good morning. The world is yours if you take it. 

Weekly Check In: Jorge Mateo

I can’t believe we almost went the entire week without checking in with the Yankees top prospect overall, Mr. Jorge Mateo. Mateo made a name for himself in a big way swiping over 80 bases during the 2015 campaign and garnering much of the attention surrounding him and his pursuit of 100 stolen bases and Billy Hamilton’s minor league record for steals in a single season. An injury and more than a few caught stealing plays kept Mateo from reaching either plateau or milestone but that should not take away from the marvelous season he had in 2015.

Mateo showed up to Yankees camp in 2016 hungry and ready to play and he did just that in a small sample size. Mateo did well but was one of the first cuts in spring camp since he is obviously still a year or two away from the Major Leagues. That’s okay though because that gives us plenty of time to check in with the potential second baseman or shortstop of the future in the Bronx.

Year	Age	Tm	G	PA	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
2016	21	Tampa	12	57	11	14	2	0	8	7	7	17	.298	.393	.426	.818

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Some Details Behind the George M. Steinbrenner Field Renovations & Extension

The New York Yankees spent billions of dollars building the cathedral that is the newest version of Yankee Stadium and apparently with this front office that was just the beginning. The team announced that they have struck a deal to keep George M. Steinbrenner Field their spring training home through the 2046 season but they have also announced an estimated $40 million renovation plan for the stadium bearing the former Yankees owner’s name.

The Yankees have been in Tampa, Florida since the 1996 season after moving over from Fort Lauderdale and they will stay there at least 50 seasons with this new extension. The Hillsborough County tourist development tax, the Florida spring training program and the Yankees will each fit the bill for the renovations equally.

The renovations should begin almost immediately and are expected to be complete by next March in time for spring training. The list of renovations coming to the field include new outfield concourses that provide a 360-degree view of the field and additional shaded and gathering areas. I’m sure more will be released the closer we get to it so stay tuned because we’ll bring it to you. 

The FINAL Exhibition/Spring Game in 2016

And it all comes down to this. The New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins play their final meaningless game of the year before Opening Day on Monday. The Yankees will send Luis Severino to the mound in his final tuneup before the 2016 campaign. Not much to be said, just don't get hurt.

New York Yankees Spring Training Open Thread 4/1

So what happened down at Yankees spring training camp today? Let's get caught back up!



CC Sabathia was officially named the team's 5th starter. His contract told us that.

Andrew Miller has been cleared to pitch through his wrist fracture in his non-throwing hand.

More to come after the Marlins and Yankees game that is set to kick off here in about 10 minutes.

Yankees ST: New York Yankees @ Miami Marlins 4/1

As the calendar turns to April, as we try and fend off April Fools Jokes and as the Yankees play their penultimate game in their spring training schedule today we reminisce. Robert Refsnyder has gone down and so has Aaron Judge, Jorge Mateo, Gary Sanchez and other top Yankees prospects but one constant has been today's starter for New York, Nathan Eovaldi. Eovaldi's final tuneup before the season comes today inside Marlins Park in the first of a two-game exhibition between the two clubs. Opposing Eovaldi tonight will be Jose Fernandez, the Marlins ace.

The game will be played at 7:10 pm ET and for whatever reason no major, national or local media outlet has picked up the game. That sucks. Enjoy and go Yankees!

Yankees ST: Two More Games, One More Team

The New York Yankees have another two games today in the Grapefruit League as the team knocks out two more games in their spring training schedule today. In the first game the Yankees are on the road in Joker Marchant Stadium to face off with Matt Boyd and the Detroit Tigers while New York sends Chad Green to the mound. Meanwhile down at George M. Steinbrenner Field the Yankees will send Michael Pineda to the mound to face off against Mike Leake and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Both games will be played at 1:05 pm ET with the game against Detroit seen on MLB TV while the game with the Cardinals can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network and MLB TV. Go Yankees x2!

New York Yankees Spring Training Open Thread 3/30

EDIT:

Chip fracture in Miller's wrist. First Julio Teheran hits Jacoby Ellsbury in the wrist and now this. Damn the Atlanta Braves.

So what happened down at Yankees spring training camp today? Let's get caught back up!

Bryan Van Dusen was Johnny on the spot this afternoon with the spring updates but just in case you missed it Ronald Torreyes will be on the Yankees bench and the final spots in the Yankees bullpen come down to Luis Cessa, Kirby Yates, Johnny Barbato and Anthony Swarzak. Only two will make the team.

Bryan Mitchell hurt his toe covering first base and will undergo some tests while Andrew Miller's X-ray on his wrist came back negative. He still needs to pass a CT scan to make the Opening Day roster.

The Yankees beat the Atlanta Braves 2-0

Yankees ST: New York Yankees @ Atlanta Braves 3/30

The month of March is almost coming to a close as we turn the page to April and the regular season for 2016. With just a handful of games left in this Grapefruit League schedule the vast majority of the spring competitions in Yankees camp are over. Now it's get the work in, get out and stay healthy. That's the plan today against Julio Teheran and the Atlanta Braves. Get your nine innings in and get out alive and in one piece. The eye is on the prize that is Game One against the Houston Astros.

Today's game will be played at 1:05 pm ET and will not be televised anywhere locally or nationally.

Old Faces in New York Spring Training Places

The New York Yankees have seen a lot of turnover over the past few seasons and especially during the 2016 offseason so I thought now would be a good time to see how those former Yankees faces are doing in different spring places. Not that spring stats mean much of anything at all but it can still be fun to look at to see if the team “won” a specific transaction or not.

Adam Warren:

Tm	GS	W	L	ERA	G	GS	GF	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9
CHC	1	0	0	5.14	4	1	2	7.0	7	6	4	1	0	5	1.000	9.0	1.3	0.0	6.4

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Stephen Drew:

Tm	G	PA	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
WSH	16	37	4	9	3	1	8	0	4	8	.273	.351	.455	.806

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Brendan Ryan:

Tm	Age	G	PA	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
WSH	34	17	30	5	11	2	0	3	0	1	5	.379	.400	.517	.917

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Rookie Davis:

GS	ERA	G	GS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9
0	4.50	1	0	2.0	2	1	1	0	1	1	1.500	9.0	0.0	4.5	4.5

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Chris Capuano

Tm	GS	W	L	ERA	G	GS	GF	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9
MIL	0	0	0	1.69	7	0	1	10.2	9	2	2	0	3	8	1.125	7.6	0.0	2.5	6.8

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Chris Young:

Tm	Age	G	PA	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
BOS	32	14	37	4	7	3	2	6	1	3	6	.206	.270	.471	.741

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Jake Cave: 

Tm	Age	G	PA	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
CIN	23	22	54	5	11	1	1	3	1	5	11	.229	.302	.313	.614

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Jose Pirela:

Tm	Age	G	PA	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
SD	26	21	52	5	18	5	1	4	0	1	8	.353	.365	.510	.875

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table