Trenton Thunder Game Recap For 7/23

	Press Release - July 23, 2013 Thunder Take Twin Bill from Altoona TRENTON, NJ – Trenton swept Tuesday’s double-header against the Altoona Curve in front of 8,213 fans at ARM & HAMMER Park—the tenth-highest attendance in the 20-year history of the ballpark. Slade Heathcott delivered a walk-off, infield single with two outs in the 7th inning of Game 1. Heathcott blasted a one-hopper back to the mound that ricocheted off Altoona pitcher, Jhonathan Ramos’ foot and back towards the plate. As Ramos scrambled to get the ball and flip it to the plate for a tag-out at home, he mishandled it and Jose Gil slid home for the 3-2 win. With New York Yankee David Phelps rehabbing as the starting pitcher in Game 1, Trenton jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. Phelps would get removed before throwing the four innings he was projected to toss in the outing. He lasted 3.2 innings while allowing two runs (both earned) on two hits and three walks. The two runs came home on an Alex Dickerson homer in the 4thinning to tie it 2-2, and six of his 11 outs in the ballgame were strikeouts. Zach Nuding tossed a complete-game four-hitter in Trenton’s 3-1 win in the second game. Leading 2-0 in the 3rd inning, Nuding allowed his only run of the game on a fielder’s choice groundout to make it 2-1. In the bottom of the 3rd however, Slade Heathcott blasted a ball 410 feet to center field for his sixth homer of the season and a 3-1 lead. During the double-header the Thunder also welcomed the 8-millionth fan through the turnstiles at the ballpark: Cherie Boccard of Fairless Hills, PA. The prize pack for being the 8-millionth fan includes a luxury suite with food for 20 people for a future 2013 game, a collection of baseballs autographed by Major League All-Stars Lance Berkman, Mark Teixeira, Michael Pineda, David Eckstein, David Cone, Bob Boone, and Paul Blair, NJ Governor Chris Christie, Philadelphia Phillies #1 prospect Jesse Biddle, former Thunder/current Yankees stars Joba Chamberlain and David Phelps as well as former Trenton and MLB Manager Ken Macha. Boccard also received a replica jersey and hat, the opportunity to throw a ceremonial pitch, a brunch for two at the Cock n Bull restaurant at Peddler’s Village and a $75 gift certificate for the Yankee Doodle Tap Room at the Nassau Inn in Princeton. Boccardo walked through the turnstiles with her son Brandan and friend Nancy Zeallo at approximately 5:30 pm to become the milestone fan. The Thunder and Altoona Curve continue a three-game series Wednesday afternoon at 12:05 p.m. on Camp Day at the ballpark. The ballgame features RHP Shane Greene (3-2, 3.03) for the Thunder facing Altoona’s RHP David Bromberg (5-8, 3.77). Limited tickets are still available by going to www.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling the Thunder Ticket Office at (609) 394-3300. Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and streaming online begins at 11:45 a.m.  --THUNDER-- Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original post can be seen HERE.

Interview With 34th Round Draft Pick Hector Crespo

Hector Crespo was drafted in the 34th round of the 2013 MLB First Year Players draft and at the time of this writing has already made it to AAA Scranton Wilkes Barre with the RailRiders. Hector has thankfully found time to do this interview for us and we are excited to be bringing this to you. I hope that you guys enjoy this as much as I enjoyed interacting with Hector while doing it. Time to get down to business, enjoy!

The Greedy Pinstripes: Describe your draft experience for us? Stressful? Who did you speak with in the Yankees organization? etc

Hector Crespo: The draft experience was a bit stressful, but once I heard my name called it became one of the best days of my life. Adam Czajkowski was my scout.

TGP: In honor of Ian Clarkin we have to ask who your favorite team was growing up?

HC: I never really had a favorite team growing up, but I've always been a fan of the Yankee tradition. 

TGP:  Were you disappointed to go in the 34th round?

HC: I was at first disappointed falling to the 34th round, but soon I realized it was a blessing just to be drafted and especially by the Yankees

TGP: Did you play any other positions coming up? 

HC: I've played just about every position coming up except pitcher and catcher. I feel comfortable in just about every position on the field and I take pride in that. 

TGP: What has been your biggest inspiration in baseball??

HC: Definitely my father, he's pushed me to be the best baseball player I could be and I wouldn't be here today without him

TGP: What is your best asset you think you bring to the table?

HC: I feel the ability to play multiple positions is an asset I bring, as well as my speed and hitting ability 

TGP: What do you think you will specifically work on this year? 

HC: Getting a feel for professional baseball and the lifestyle. Other than that just having fun and playing the game the way I know how. 

TGP:  Do you consider yourself to be a stolen base threat?

HC: I do consider myself to be a stolen base threat and take pride in my base running ability and speed 

TGP: Where will you be starting your Yankees career? 

HC: I started in Staten Island, but I have been promoted to Triple A Scranton 

TGP: What position do you think you will play when you start down in the Yankees system?

HC: Any spot in the infield 3B, SS, 2B

TGP:  Do you think your size will impact you as an every day player?

HC: I feel like I can be an every day player regardless of my size. As long as I go out and compete and do my job, things will fall into place 

TGP: Do you have any regrets in your baseball life? 

HC: No regrets in my baseball life

TGP: What current major league player would you compare yourself and style of play to?

HC: Michael young because his ability to play multiple positions and be a consistent hitter. Love the way he plays the game 

TGP: Tell us about the "Hecky's Hit and Run" organization you founded in High School.

HC: Hecky's Hit and Run is an organization me and my mother put together to send new and used baseball equipment and send them to less fortunate Countries like Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. It's been a great success so far and the ability to give back and bring joy to kids is an amazing feeling. 

TGP: Most famous person in your cell phone?

HC: Not sure if he has the same number anymore but Manny Machado and I were good friends in high school from playing summer ball together

TGP: Any embarrassing songs in your iPod?

HC: Firework by Katy Perry

We want to once again take the time to thank Hector for making time in his busy schedule to do this for us because we appreciate it more than he knows. Follow Hector on twitter by following @HeckyCrespo and follow us on twitter by following @GreedyStripes. Good luck in everything that you do Hector both inside and outside of baseball because you are truly a good person and you deserve everything that this world has to offer and so much more. Go Yankees!

Luis Cruz Likely Headed To DL With MCL Injury

Nothing has been officially announced yet but Yankees infielder Luis Cruz is likely headed to the DL after that awkward fall on Monday in Texas. The Yankees are calling it an MCL injury and it should side line him for a little while. Luis is headed this morning back to New York for an MRI and the determination will be made after that. With Alberto Gonzalez off the 40 man and 25 man roster again I can see him coming right back unless the Yankees acquire Alfonso Soriano sometime today.

David Phelps First Trenton Thunder Rehab Game Recap

David Phelps made his first rehab start for the Trenton Thunder last night and finished the night with allowing two runs and two hits on one home run with 6 K's and three walks in 3.2 innings. Phelps has been on the DL since before the All Star break with a slight forearm strain and has until August 22nd to rehab it. I do not think he will need the full 30 days to recover and rehab from this.

Yankees score twice in ninth to beat Rangers 5-4

Despite Phil Hughes and Boone Logan combining to give up four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to blow a 3-0 lead, the Yankees won tonight's middle game over the Rangers in thrilling fashion, 5-4. The Bombers, as mentioned earlier, blew a big lead tonight and trailed 4-3 heading into the ninth inning. But in that ninth inning, the Yankees rallied and took a 5-4 lead after Eduardo Nunez tripled home Vernon Wells and Brett Lillibridge singled home Nunez. That single was a very exciting one and one that could potentially keep Lillibridge on the roster if the team does in fact acquire Alfonso Soriano. Anyway, this win was fun. Let's hope they do it again tomorrow. 

This Day In New York Yankees History 7/24

On this day in 1983 the Kansas City Royals and George Brett had the pine tar incident in Yankees Stadium,m. Butler hit the go ahead home run but it was disallowed after the umpire said there was too much pine tar on Butlers bat.

On this day in 1999 the Yankees beat the Cleveland Indians 21-1 matching their biggest margin of victory in 46 years.

On this day in 2004 Yankees star Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch by the Boston Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo after hitting a home run the night before. This was when Jason Varitek, the Red Sox catcher, pushed his glove into A Rod's face and cleared the benches.

Game Thread: Yankees @ Rangers 7/23

The Yankees and the Rangers will play again tonight on MLB Network, YES, and on MLB TV in the Ballpark in Arlington. Phil Hughes and Alexi Ogando will be the pitching match up and these two teams are ready to take the field. Phil Hughes is coming off of a ten strike out day but also allowed three home runs in a loss to the Twins so Phil Hughes mixed bag of results of a season continues. The Yankees will hope for "Good Hughes" tonight in Texas where he has traditionally pitched well. Go Yankees!

Here is the Yankees lineup

Brett Gardner CF
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Lyle Overbay 1B
Vernon Wells DH
Eduardo Nunez SS
Brent Lillibridge 3B
Melky Mesa LF
Austin Romine C

Follow us on twitter by following @GreedyStripes.

Alex Rodriguez Reportedly Facing Lifetime Ban

Alex Rodriguez could be facing a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball, say what? Jim Axelrod from CBS Evening News is the one who broke the news which should send shock waves in and around the Yankees community.

Alex is said to be looking at making a deal to lower the suspension but how much good can that do if he is facing a lifetime ban? The question also gets raised if whether Ryan Braun was facing a lifetime ban as well. Neither have had a legit positive test unless you count the one that was "tainted" by the "Fed Ex man" last season. How is the MLB Player's Union letting this happen is the question that I personally have.

Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez Could Sign A Deal This Week

Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez is the latest right handed pitcher to defect from Cuba and make his way over to the majors and he may be ready to sign by the end of this week. The teams interested in Gonzalez's services are the Dodgers, Yankees, Cubs, Rangers, Red Sox, Phillies, Blue Jays, Braves, Twins and Marlins but Gonzalez has narrowed them down to an unnamed five teams. Gonzalez is said to be seeking a five year deal in the neighborhood of $50,000,000.

Reportedly the Dodgers are not said to be interested in Gonzalez since they have nearly $200,000,000 invested in Hyun Jin Ryu, Zach Greinke, Chad Billingsley, and Josh Beckett and that is even before they try and re-sign Clayton Kershaw. That leaves, if you believe the reports, nine teams interested but will the Yankees have the cash and the gall to make a signing like this happen? I doubt it personally but stay tuned!

Alberto Gonzalez Clears Waivers & Is Sent To AAA

Alberto Gonzalez was designated for assignment by the Yankees over the weekend and has since cleared waivers and accepted an outright to AAA Scranton. This is the second time this season that Alberto has cleared waivers by the Yankees after being DFA'd and sent to the minor leagues. You cannot really blame the Yankees here as he has only hit .176/.176/.206 this season in 34 plate appearances.