Former Yankee Update : Hideki Okajima

Being borrowed from the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Blog

Apparently, failed physicals mean nothing to the Softbank Hawks.

They signed Hideki Okajima to a contract today, bringing him back to Japan after a pretty successful run as a reliever for the Boston Red Sox.

Okajima had signed a minor league deal with the Yanks during the offseason, and he appeared to be on his way to opening the season with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before failing his physical and being released by the Yankees on the first day of camp.

Spring Training Day 17

Injuries is the word of the day, or maybe "close calls" would be a better choice of words. Francisco Cervelli was hit with a back swing while behind the plate today so Happy 26th Birthday to him. Mark Teixeira jammed his thumb while trying to make a tag at third base. FYI he dropped the ball on that play but said it only stung a little bit. Derek Jeter was also hit on the side by the baseball while sliding into second base on a pick off attempt and laughed it off. Apparently all of our players will be okay and are not expected to miss any kind of time or anything. Close calls all around.

The Yankees dropped their second straight Grapefruit League game today 7-4 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Phil Hughes was less then impressive today, not that it matters much this early in spring, being taken out after 1 1/3 innings pitched with 4 hits allowed and a run scored. CC Sabathia gave up a run in his two innings, a Andrew McCutchen single,  but overall he looked okay.

The Yankees will return home on Wednesday to play the Tampa Bay Rays @ 1:05 pm at George Steinbrenner Field. Hiroki Kuroda will make his first start as a Yankee, albeit in a glorified exhibition game, and the game is going to be on MLB.tv.

New York Yankee Wrestlemania

The Battle of Immortals.

My name is Bryan, and I'm a pro wrestling fan.

Phew. That felt great to get off of my chest. Now that I've admitted that I'm a pro wrestling fan, I feel like I can overcome that fact and go on to be somebody that can make a contribution to society. And I'm going to start doing that right now, by doing some fantasy booking and creating a Wrestlemania card involving members of the New York Yankees...

WWE Championship

"Captain" Derek Jeter vs. "The" Mariano Rivera (C)

w/ special-guest referee Jorge "All Bat, No Glove" Posada

This won't be a fast-paced match, but their ring psychology is second to none, which could make this the best match on the card. People will be talking about this one for years to come.

World Heavyweight Championship

Robinson "The Natural" Cano vs. "C-dog" Curtis Granderson (C)

Last year Granderson was the top-dog, being the face of WWE. But "The Natural" is still young and has all the tools to become the new champion. Either man could carry WWE in the future.

United States Championship

"Hero" Hiroki Kuroda vs. Ivan "The Terrible" Nova (C)

Last year Ivan Nova bursted upon the scene and fought his way to the United States championship, but this year many people believe he'll take a step back while newcomer "Hero" Hiroki Kuroda takes the title from Ivan.

Intercontinental Championship

"Smiling" Nick Swisher vs. Mark "Tex" Teixeira (C)

Fans normally don't buy into the good guy that smiles all the time anymore, but Nick Swisher's charisma is too much. Although "Tex" isn't what he used to be as an all-around wrestler, he still has a ton of power that opponents can't overcome. Who can forget when Houston fans threw garbage at Mark, as they can't stand a guy that's not from Texas calling himself "Tex"?

Diva's Championship

Eduarda E. Nunez vs. "Easy" Erica Chavez vs. Alexis "The Tragedy" Rodriguez (C)

Fans have certainly expressed their dislike of Alexis over the years, and even though she's had her fair share of injuries over the years, Ms. Rodriguez could still break out and beat anybody that dare challenges her. So Alexis' opponents already have a tough task, nevermind the fact that Eduarda and Erica are already battling to be noticed in the Diva's division.

Tag-Team Championship

"The Platoon" Raul Ibanez & Andruw Jones (C) vs. "Bigger and Blacker" CC Sabathia & Michael Pineda

It's not unusual to see a new team take the WWE by storm and get the tag titles quickly, as "The Platoon" did nearly a month ago. There's no doubting the power of Raul and Andruw, but the team of "Bigger and Blacker" could run roughshod over the current title holders. It's really just a matter of Pineda perfecting one more move in his arsenal.

Last Man Standing Match

Freddy "The Junkman" Garcia vs. "Philthy" Phil Hughes

Neither man asked for this match, and expected to be elsewhere in WWE at this time, but the powers that be are forcing them to prove they have what it's worth to remain with WWE. Will the wiley veteran be able to out-smart the young kid trying to work his way back up the card?

Money In The Bank Match

"The Lightning Kid" Brett Gardner vs. Russell "The Back-Stop" Martin vs. "Wildman" David Robertson vs. Rafael "No Chance (I opt-out)" Soriano vs. Cory Wade vs. Francisco Cervelli vs. Boone "Lefty" Logan vs. Cesar Cabral

Each competitor in this match will be fighting for a chance to be a future champion in WWE. You have the exciting in-ring style of "The Lightning Kid", a man that could be a key player in WWE's future... Russell Martin, somebody with a huge left-hand in Mr. Logan, two guys that could be feuding real soon in "Wildman" and "No Chance", and three more guys that aren't worth the time it would take to come up with silly nicknames for. Expect some big spots in this one.

For the price of a ticket behind home plate at Yankee Stadium, you too can see all this action live at Madison Square Garden on April 3rd, 2012! But don't worry, because if you can't make it to the show in person you can catch the action on pay-per-view by calling your cable or satellite provider.

See you in about a month!

Yankees Fans Unite's Interview With David Aardsma

Borrowed from our friends over at Yankees Fans Unite where they had an exclusive interview with David Aardsma, the latest New York Yankee. Enjoy!

Fishjam and I had the privilege of interviewing newly acquired Yankee David Aardsma. Aardsma went to Rice University where he set the school record in single-season and career saves in 2002-2003. He was also on the team that won the College World Series in 2003 where he notched two wins and a save.

Aardsma was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 1^st round (22^nd overall) in 2003. He made the team with them in 2004 skipping Double-A and Triple-A.  He then bounced from several teams in trades landing with the Cubs, White Sox, Red Sox and then finally the Mariners. In 2009, he earned the closer role and had 2 great seasons with Seattle.  He saved 69 games with a 2.90 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 9.6 k/9 rate over the 2009 and 2010 seasons before suffering an injury that led to Tommy John surgery.   Aardsma was not offered arbitration by the Mariners and became a free agent.  On February 22^nd he singed a one year deal with the Yankees with a club option for 2013.  Below is our interview with him.  Our questions are in BLUE.  Enjoy.

You struggled a bit in your early career, playing with 4 different teams from 2004-08. What finally clicked that led to your 2 great seasons in Seattle?

Things started clicking with the red sox in 08. I started to throw more strikes and attack hitters better, but with a mid-season groin pull it killed my second half attempting to pitch through it. In 09 I really worked with John Wettland and slowed myself down and focused on what I wanted to accomplish with every pitch. Learning how to slow myself down turned into much greater control of my self.

All Yankee fans know you are coming back from Tommy John Surgery, but you also had labral surgery on your hip last January – how is your hip now?

Hip has been good, really did a great job of strengthening it and since it hasn’t been an issue.

You had Tommy John surgery in July 2011 – where are you in your rehab? Have you begun throwing?

I’m throwing at 90 ft right now for about 5 min. I’ll increase length/duration every week or so.

Were you disappointed that Seattle didn’t offer a Major league contract after saving 69 games in 2009 & 2010?

I expected to get released (too much money if I had arbitration). I mean, in the back of my mind I would have liked them to be a little more aggressive with wanting me back but believe me, I’m excited and happy about being a Yankee. This is a special place to be.

You’ve always been a hard thrower in the 93-96 range. Explain what type of pitcher you are and what other pitches you throw.

I come right after you, make you hit the ball. I have had my fair share of walks but I don’t give them up easy. I also throw a split and slider.

You’ve enjoyed success vs. Left handed Hitters & Right Handers. Is your split-finger the pitch most effective vs. LH hitters?

I use it mainly as a strike out pitch or when I know they are sitting fastball.

When you injured your elbow, was it a gradual break-down or was there one specific pitch you threw where you just felt it pop?

After a game it was tight then got worst every game. It wasn’t one pitch like most guys.

Do you have any reservations or concerns with pitching in NY?

Not really. I’m more focused on getting healthy than anything after that. I also look forward to new challenges.

Do you expect to pitch in the Majors this year or are you realistically just trying to get yourself in 100% condition for 2013?

I’m focused on mid July as a return date. Every doc and trainer has told me plan on 12 months. I’m planning on being ready in July.

Spring Training Day 16

The Yankees once again played the Philadelphia Phillies today in the Grapefruit League. The biggest news , in my opinion, was that Eduardo Nunez got hit on the hand by a pitch and had to be sent to Tampa for x rays. Recently it came out that the X Rays were negative for Nunez and since he was not scheduled to play tomorrow anyway then I dont see any reason why he cannot be in his next scheduled game.

You know I was joking when I said that the biggest news of the day was Eduardo Nunez getting hit, right? Michael Pineda made his first start as a New York Yankees today, albeit in spring training, but we will take what we can get. Michael Pineda was using that new changeup grip a lot today and the results were better then anyone could have expected. Pineda pitched two scoreless innings, retiring his last 6 batters, giving up one hit, throwing lots of changeups, and he had two strikes outs. Shane Victorino was one of his strike out victims and it was on a changeup, while Thome struck out on a Pineda fastball. I know that the first outing in spring training means absolutely nothing but it still excites me. If he can harness and control this changeup we may have the best double headed monster at the top of a rotation that baseball has ever seen. In other news it was originally reported that Pineda came into camp 10 lbs over weight... well now he has lost 8 pounds of it.

Freddy Garcia came out today and said that he wanted to be a starting pitcher but was willing to move to the bullpen as a long reliever. I guess he does not really have a choice and feels it is better to be the bigger man then complain but still it is good to hear. This 5th spot in the rotation is Phil Hughes to lose in my opinion and, again I know the first spring outing means nothing but, after his performance yesterday you have to think he is going to the pen. He is getting up there in age and is labeled a "junk baller" with his low speed fastballs and relying on offspeed pitches and location. When does his luck run out?

The Yankees lost the game 9-3 today, by the way, but everyone stayed healthy and got their work in so that is always a win in my book.

Pineda's 1st Start Today

Whether you loved, hated, or felt indifferent about the trade that brought him to the Yankees, you can see Michael Pineda pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies at 1:05pm EST today. The game will be shown on MLB Network.

I'm sure plenty of people will be waiting to either say "I knew it was a good trade" in support of the trade, or say "I knew it was a bad trade" against the deal. I won't be in either group, because to judge a player based on Spring Training performance is pretty weak. And that goes for what Jesus Montero may or may not do this spring too.

I'm looking forward to just seeing the guy throw in a Yankee uniform, and to see what he has in his arsenal. Although I'm sure we won't see that full arsenal in his first Spring Training start.

Spring Training Day 15

Today the Yankees play the Philadelphia Phillies again in an exhibition game. Here are the lineups for the game that is already in progress.

Derek Jeter SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Andruw Jones LF
Francisco Cervelli C
Chris Dickerson RF
Dewayne Wise CF
Justin Maxwell DH

Tyson Gililes CF
Scott Podsednik DH
Ty Wigginton 3B
Hunter Pence RF
Domonic Brown LF
John Mayberry Jr. 1B
Michael Martinez 2B
Freddy Galvis SS
Tuffy Gosewisch C

RHP Roy Halladay

Word came down from Yankees camp that Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is ready to face hitters which is really early for him. The sooner the better if you ask me. Alex Rodriguez hit his first home run off Roy Halladay this spring. More to come when the game is over.

Remember 1st Overall Pick Brien Taylor?

Being reported originally by John Swartz

BEAUFORT -- Brien Taylor was once paid more than $1 million by the New York Yankees, but it was the cash that cops paid him that landed him behind bars.

A former baseball standout at East Carteret High School who was drafted by the New York Yankees was arrested on drug charges.

Taylor, 40, was arrested Thursday in Beaufort and now faces a host of cocaine charges after a joint effort between the Carteret County Sheriff's Office and the Morehead City Police Department. Investigators said they bought "a large quantity of cocaine and crack cocaine from Taylor over a period of several months."

The former No. 1 selection in the Major League Baseball draft now faces a slew of charges involving the possession of and the intent to sell and distribute cocaine.

Taylor was placed in the Carteret County Jail under a $275,000 bond and is scheduled for a court appearance Friday morning.

Taylor, a native of Beaufort, was selected No. 1 overall in the 1991 amateur draft, and signed his first contract for more than $1 million. Taylor, however, never made it to the Major League level. An arm injury he sustained in a fight cut the left-hander's career short.

Updates From The Grapefruit League Opener

1st inning:
Granderson looks like he is going to start where he left off last year. He hit the first pitch he saw and laced it for a double. Ibanez , with an assist from the wind, had a double two batters later to knock him in to make it 1-0 Yankees after a half of an inning. Here comes Ivan Nova.

Nova starts off the game with a K of Rollins. Nunez with an error at SS... no way. Another error on a pick off attempt by Ivan Nova and apparently Eric Chavez is no Mark Teixeira. Hunter Pence took Nova deep after that with a 2 run home run on a 3-0 count.  This wind is going to be a problem today, that was evident on that Bill Hall pop up catch.

2nd Inning:
Bill Hall with a base hit. Included this  because I really like what he did with his workout regime this offseason.

Nix with a throwing error at 3rd to keep the inning alive. Another K for Nova.

3rd Inning:
Granderson with an opposite field home run to tie the game at 2 each.

David Phelps is in for the Yankees to pitch now. Phelps looked good, 1-2-3 inning with a K.

4th Inning:

Yawn

5th Inning:
Papelbon is in? WOW... 1-2-3 inning for him. Gardner is 0-3 today with a K.

1-2-3 for Manny Banuelos

6th Inning:

Cole Garner (who?) with a double off Dontrelle Willis. RBI single by Jorge Vazquez knocks him in while Jorge takes 2nd on the throw. 3-2 Yankees take the lead.

Manny Banuelos is struggling, especially with his command. Bases loaded with two outs because of two walks. He gets out of it though!!!

7th Inning:
Chris Dickerson with a two out double off Chad Qualls. DeWayne Wise gets a rbi triple, with another assist from the wind, and the Yankees take a 4-2 lead with Dickerson crossing the plate. Cole Garner with a 2 run home run to follow the triple to take a 6-2 lead.

Dellin Betances sighting! Dellin is wild, that was his 3rd pitch to go back and hit the screen. He walked Pierre and a wild pitch allowed him to take 2nd base. Now another walk.. still no one out. Double play helps though in this situation. Dellin has always shown an ability to settle down from batter to batter.

8th Inning:
1-2-3 the Yankees go.

Cesar Cabral begins his case for the last bullpen spot here in the 8th inning. He had a couple hiccups but he pitches a scoreless inning. On to the 9th.

9th Inning:
Dickerson walks and is moved to third after a DeWayne Wise single. Two out , two rbi double by Zoilo Almonte to put the Yankees up 8-2. Zoilo has been tearing it up so far this spring.

Mike O'Connor is going to try to "close" it out. Gives up a 2 run home run to Kevin Frandsen to make it an 8-4 Yankees lead with one out. A two out rbi double makes it 8-5 Yankees and Clay Rapada is up in the bullpen. Strike out ends the game

Yankees win 8-5

Meet A Prospect : Adam Warren

Adam Warren was selected in the fourth round of the 2009 first year player draft out of the University of North Carolina where he graduated with a degree in business administration. The year prior, in 2008, he was drafted in the 34th round by the Cleveland Indians but declined to sign with them. He went 32-4 with a 3.42 ERA and 240 strike outs in 65 games , 49 of them being starts, in his college career at UNC. He left UNC being the second winning-est pitcher in UNC history and tied Scott Bankhead for second on the list in winning percentage at a staggering .889. He won his first 19 games as a Tar Heel , marking the longest streak since Bankhead won 20 games in 1983-1984. In 2004 he was chosen to be New Bern Sun Journal Baseball Player of the Year.

Adam Warren is currently a pitcher for the Yankees AAA affiliate Scranton Wilkes-Barre. He is often paired with fellow AAA pitching prospect David Phelps and DJ Mitchell who all seem ready to come up to the majors as early as 2012. Warren, a polished college pitcher, gets the slight edge ahead of these two because Phelps has had some injuries in 2012 and DJ still needs to work on polishing his pitches. Warren has a great ability to eat innings and has made major strides with his slider, which is quickly becoming his out pitch. Adam also possesses a curve ball, which is swing and miss good when he locates it correctly, and a changeup that is generating more and more ground balls to complement his slider and fastball. Warren actually throws three types of fastballs with a 4-seamer, a 2-seamer, and a cutter in his repertoire which all sit in the low 90's.

Warren is younger then the two prospects he gets lumped in with, at age 24, and is not yet rule 5 eligible and does not possess a 40 man roster spot. His ceiling is that of a #3 or #4 starter although I personally see him more at the back end of a rotation somewhere or in the bullpen. The future and the time is now for Adam Warren and 2012 I believe will be his official audition in Yankees pinstripes. Good luck to him on and off the field.