Pinstriped Scranton

This one's tough

2009-03-12T22:21:00.002-04:00

This one isn't easy. As you've all noticed in the past few months, I've been very on and off.

One, this isn't very fair to anyone who does read me. Two, it's a byproduct of my newest job and this job will keep me busy for a few more weeks.

I suppose at this point, you might be wondering what I'm getting at.

In short, I'll be moving my writing services over to Bronx Baseball Daily. This will allow me to write as often as I can(which will hopefully be the standards to which I held this blog for the majority of the time I've had it), but also take a step back when I simply don't have the time.

I'll be keeping this blog around, just in case the itch is ever back to be the manager of it myself. I'll also be double posting and putting anything I place on Bronx Baseball Daily, on this blog as well, until I make my official decision whether or not it's truly going to be 100 percent dedication to BBD.

Rob was kind enough to offer me a chance to write there and in what's turned into a competitive blog market, I couldn't turn it down. I thank anyone who's still around and follows this blog for all the support. I will be doing my usual live game blogs and prospect updates during the baseball season. If it's not on here, you'll find it over on Bronx Baseball Daily at http://bronxbaseballdaily.com.

Thanks again and I look forward to everyone's continued support and hope you'll continue to follow on the new site.

Gardner: More than just Spring success

2009-03-05T13:58:00.001-05:00

The following was also posted on Bleacher Report. Click here to view it there.

When Spring Training opened at George M. Steinbrenner Field this year, competition was in the air. Melky Cabrera stayed in camp instead of playing for his country so he could compete with up and coming prospect Brett Gardner.

The opinion on Gardner has been mixed up to this point. There continues to be a slew of fans loyal to the “Melk Man” and insistent that the Yankees keep him in center field. Gardner fans would disagree, citing that his speed is more of an asset than Melky’s arm.

Many of the naysayers against Gardner argued that he simply did not produce at the Major League level. It’s a well known fact, however, that Gardner has experienced adjustment periods at each level. Don’t believe me? See for yourself.

Looking further, you’ll find that Gardner hit .343 and drove in six in his last 10 games in 2008. He also added (no offense to Johnny Damon) potent speed at the top (or bottom) of the line up.
In fact, he had 13 stolen bases in 42 games placing fourth on the team in stolen bases behind A-Rod, Bobby Abreu, and Damon.

The total amount of games played between those three: 439.
The total number of stolen bases between those three: 69.

That’s a steal approximately every three games for Gardner and one every five games for the trio. If you break it down further, Damon has been the biggest base stealing threat in recent years. He averaged a steal a little more than once every five days.

Of course, if you want to compare Gardner to his competition, you’ll find Gardner blowing Melky out of the water in that category.

With speed comes less power, which would be a problem for many line ups. This is the New York Yankees we’re talking about, so power isn’t an issue. With Mark Teixeira and A-Rod in the middle of the line up and the return of Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada, the Yankees shouldn’t be worrying about power.

Speed, however, should be a concern. What better combination than Gardner and Damon. To have speed at the top and bottom of the line up will provide the Yankees with double threat on the base paths and allow Derek Jeter many opportunities for hit and runs in the two-spot of the batting order.

It’s pretty clear that no matter who wins the starting job in center field will bat ninth anyways.

Finally, it’s the battle of speed versus arm strength. While it’s easy to understand why many fans love Melky’s arm, you can’t stress how important the speed game is in center field. With the size of the Yankees outfield, it’s important to be able to cover a lot of ground.

Yankees News and Notes: Tuesday March 3rd, 2009

2009-03-03T21:53:00.005-05:00

It's been a busy day in the Yankee Universe today. First off, the Yankees Captain faced off against his team in an exhibition game pitting the New York Yankees versus Team USA. While much can be said about the game, the Jeter versus the Yankees storyline has probably already worn thin on you. That being said, Jeter's two RBI's were a key part of team USA's 6-5 victory over the bombers.

What shouldn't wear thin on anyone is the strong play of Brett Gardner. While it's common knowledge I support Gardner as the starting centerfielder this year, there's no denying he's certainly making a case for himself. With a three hits on the day, including a double and a stolen base, Gardner has shown the Yankees he's ready to play everyday in the Bronx.

Phil Coke also impressed, throwing just over two scoreless innings against team USA. Hughes gave up two runs, but showed impressive stuff, so don't let the numbers fool you there. Eric Hacker, not so much...

Eric Hacker didn't fair nearly as well, allowing four runs and a lack of control. That didn't mean he lost his job, however, as the Yankees rounded out their 40 man roster which includes Hacker. It also includes players such as Ian Kennedy, Steven Jackson, Cody Ransom and David Robertson.

Now, a day wouldn't be complete without some A-Rod news, would it? It appears A-Rod might not be able to play in the WBC after all. He apparently has a cyst on his hip. It's minor and he's seeing a specialist tomorrow. Still, as Peter Abraham points out, the Yankees could try to keep him off the roster based on concern for the regular season.

Minor League Monday: 3/2/2009

2009-03-02T18:16:00.003-05:00

This is going to be a pretty bland MLM when it comes to transactions, as according to Baseball America, there were none on the Yankees front. With that in mind, it's time to take a look at what some of your favorite prospects have been doing in camp.

Brett Gardner: If batting .500 and hitting two home runs isn't enough for you, Gardner has provided the Yankees an ideal lead-off hitter at the top of the line-up thus far this Spring. Aside from the power Gardner has shown thus far this spring, he's wrecked havoc on the base paths when given the opportunity. Perhaps more impressive in the early going is the fact that he's yet to strike out, has drawn one walk and has totaled 13 total bases in 10 at bats thus far. Not too shabby.

The scariest Gardner fact you'll find is that he leads the Yankees in slugging percentage.

Cody Ransom: Ransom has struggled thus far in 12 at bats, batting under and striking out in 33% of his at bats. Still, Ransom still has an excellent chance of making it as a utility player if he can pull it together.

Shelley Duncan: Duncan has had a strong spring thus far, batting .375, driving in three with one home run in eight at bats. Duncan is unlikely to make the opening day roster unless they decided to use him as a bench player. Because Ransom has more flexibility, it's going to be a stretch for Duncan.

I'll be back later tonight to highlight some of the Yankees pitching prospects. And if you're concerned I haven't covered all your favorite position players, don't worry, I'm going to mix it up each week. Next week, I promise I'll go over Cervelli's numbers prior to heading to the WBC.

Obstructed View equals lower price

2009-02-27T12:55:00.002-05:00

Six hundred bleacher seat's had their cost lowered to five dollars after originally being posted at 12 and 15 dollars.

The change comes due to the obstructed view that accompanies the seats. The seats were marked at the wrong price, said the Yankees, and are located next to the bar and restaurant built in the new stadium.

I still am baffled that in the construction of a building of this cost that this kind of decision(or lack of) is made. I understand the money that the restaurant and bar will bring in, but it doesn't justify 600 seats with an obstructed view. The seats are certainly affordable, but I'd rather spend more money for a good view.

More later: Back to the daily grind here...

Yankees Spring Training 2009: Game 3(versus Twins)

2009-02-27T12:28:00.003-05:00

Here's the starting line-up for today's game

YANKEES (2-0)
Gardner CF
Ransom 2B
Swisher 1B
Posada DH
Nady RF
Cabrera LF
Berroa SS
Leone 3B
Cervelli C
Pitching today: Ian Kennedy followed by Eric Hacker, Andrew Brackman, Wilikin De La Rosa, Anthony Claggett and Michael Dunn

Source: Yankees LoHud Blog

Personally, I'm excited to see how Ian Kennedy and Andrew Brackman fair. It's interesting to see Ransom getting a good share of playing time thus far, as he has an excellent chance to make the opening day roster as a back up player.

Also, after his strong performance yesterday, it's good to see Posada seeing the ball well. It was mentioned yesterday that Cevvelli's arm looked weak in the game against the Rays. Since he'll be heading to the WBC to play for Italy, it looks like he gets a chance to show the Yankee brass something today. Hopefully, a stronger arm.

Update 2:04 PM

Gardner is looking strong today. Two hits, one for extra bases and a steal. Showing his ability to be a spark in the front of this line-up is Gardner’s biggest goal this off-season I’d imagine and so far, so good.

Update 2:40 PM

Checking back in, it seems Gardner has picked up another steal...in the meantime, Cabrera has left three men on base. It's early in this battle, but Gardner has to have Girardi(who already has claimed to be impressed by Gardner) thinking.

Yankees Spring Training 2009: Game 2(versus Rays)

2009-02-26T09:35:00.003-05:00

Peter Abraham just released the line-up(starting) for today's game against the Rays. Here's what it looks like

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Nady RF
Posada DH
Molina C
Cabrera CF
Pitching today: Phil Hughes followed by Phil Coke, Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, Jon Albaladejo, Mark Melancon.
Source: Yankees LoHud Blog

Yankees Spring Training 2009: Game 1

2009-02-25T20:55:00.004-05:00

Yankees 6 11 4
Blue Jays 1 4 0

WP: Veras (1-0)
LP: Romero (0-1)
SV: None

Players of note

A-Rod: A-Rod's first game since his admission to steroid use had a mix of cheers and boos. All in all, A-Rod is always going to get boo'd by someone. He was before steroids, he will be after. Still, going 1-1 with a homerun and two walks is a good way to start spring.

Brett Gardner: The man competing with Melkey Cabrera for a starting job got it started with a bang, his first home run at the Major League level. While it may be spring training, it didn't take long for Gardner to smack one out of the park. On the negative side, he did leave two men on with runners in scoring position. Still, showing the ability to smack the ball around can't hurt his chances.

It's also of note that his arm was put to the test in this game. Despite not getting the out, he got to the ball quickly and made a pretty solid throw.

Brett Tomko: Two innings, one hit...not too shabby. Still a long shot to make the team in my opinion, but he certainly got off to a decent start. No strikeouts in those two innings of work is a drawback.

David Robertson: In one inning of work, Robertson struck out two and walked one. He pitched in the ninth inning, possibly preparing him for the potential role of set-up man.

Other statistics of note: Kevin Cash had two singles in three at bats and Nick Swisher walked twice in their Yankees debut. All in all, the Yankees pitching looked solid, only allowing four hits in the game.

Yanks put the bats down: Pick up the sticks

2009-02-23T21:20:00.003-05:00

And we're not talking stickball here. We're talking pool sticks.

Joe Girardi took the gang off the field and to the pool hall today. It was part of an attempt to build team camaraderie and help build team relationships.

As important as I believe it is to be on the field in Spring Training, I think this was a great move. One of the biggest parts of success in the Yankees in the early ninties was the unity the team had. This is by no means all that it takes to achieve that companionship, however, it's a step in the right direction. One day off isn't going to hurt them in the long run, though it could have a minor effect on some prospects opportunities to impress.

Still, the chance to get to know the Yankee veterans is always a plus and everyone who's had the chance to work with players like Posada, Jeter and Rivera have raved on that opportunity. It's back to business tomorrow, but hopefully today had a profound impact on the players far beyond the extent of the pool hall.

Minor League Monday 2/23/09

2009-02-23T20:54:00.002-05:00

Not much in Minor League Monday update this week. In fact, it's probably something you've known since the day it happened since ESPN reported it. Just in case you aren't one of those people in the know, the Yankees signed Brett Tomko to a minor league contract.

Brett Tomko was 2-7 with a 6.30 era last year for the Kansas City Royals and the San Diego Padres. He allowed just over one hit per inning and walked 18 in 70 innings of work. Tomko gives another option to the Yankees who already possess a set of pitchers in the minors who can likely cover the 4th and 5th spots in the rotation in a emergency for a short period.

Otherwise, the Yankees have plenty of options in the starting pitcher role. One can't forget the fact that Phil Hughes will likely start the season in Scranton, as will Kennedy.

As I've said, Kennedy has potential but simply lacks something despite the comparisons to Mussina. Those fans who love Kennedy for those comparisons, don't expect what you saw in Mussina's career. Kennedy could perform as a 4th or 5th starter one day, but I don't see him being the front of a rotation anytime soon.

Minor League Monday(On Thursday)

2009-02-19T07:33:00.002-05:00

Generally, you'll find my Minor League report and transactions on Monday. Seeing as I'm back in business now and don't want to wait till next Monday to do it, I decided to get one going early.

So here we go.

Not much on the transactions front this week. As was reported by Baseball America, the Yankees have released left handed Angel Reyes. Reyes hasn't done much in pinstripes and was one of the minor leaguers who's been suspended for failed drug tests.

Spring Training News:

Austin Jackson remains a popular watch for fans thus far this Spring. The Yankees outfielder was last projected to be in the Bronx in the 2010 season. With Gardner and Cabrera battling for a center field spot, it's not impossible that you'll see him in the Bronx midway through the year, but I don't expect to see him in New York until September.

Instead, he'll start the year in Triple-A and get some more minor league time under his belt.

Jeter defends A-Rod

2009-02-18T18:51:00.005-05:00

Derek Jeter made it clear from the moment he began speaking to the press.

"I don't condone his actions," Jeter said

He added an immediate defense of A-Rod following that statement, however, staying A-Rod doesn't condone the action either and admitted his mistake. Jeter did exactly what he had to. He took a stand against steroids, defended his teammate and made it clear he and his teammate will support A-Rod.

As I mentioned earlier today, none of this was shocking. Jeter did what I'm sure the Yankees asked him to do. It's assumed Jeter and the rest of the Yankees would like this to go away. They realize it won't go away over night, but in supporting A-Rod, they're off to a good start.

Here's a look at a clip of Jeter on ESPN for those of you who missed it.

On a side note, here's a link from ESPN as well, this one highlighting what the Union has released thus far in terms of the 2003 testing results.

Jeter to speak to media today

2009-02-18T11:06:00.004-05:00

As has already been reported by every major news network from ESPN to Yankees.com it's now known that Derek Jeter intends to speak to the media today after sitting in on A-Rod's meeting with the press yesterday.

I'm not getting all worked up about this one myself. Why you ask?

Quite frankly, I expect nothing less than a typical Jeter interview. Something along these lines...

I support my teammate

He did what he did, but he's moved on and we're all looking forward to playing baseball.

You get the idea. So I'll watch it when I get home from work on ESPN.com but it's not something I expect to be ground breaking. Jeter will do, as the Yankees want him to do, protect his teammate as much as he can and verify the fact that the Yankees teammates support him as well.

As team captain, he is the voice of the team and this should be a representation of what their general thoughts are on the matter. Like every spring training, it's another distraction to try and put behind them. In the end, it's the same every year. They just want to play baseball.

If you'd like to catch live coverage of the event at 1 pm today, you can tune into mlb.com from your place of work.

A-Rod Press Conference Reaction

2009-02-17T17:59:00.002-05:00

I was unable to watch the press conference earlier with my lunch break falling before 1:30. That being said, I caught up with as much of it as I could when I got home. Here's a few thoughts.

A-Rod read a statement of a little over five minutes before taking questions from the media. I'm not about to say it was fake to read from a paper. With all the things he wanted to say, I can understand wanting to have all your thoughts down. Still, it's safe to say it was prepared by his new PR agent to some extent.

As for what he had to say, we heard about the immature mistake he made with his cousin in the Dominican Republic with an over the counter drug. Aside from admitted use of Riptide(before it was banned) during his Seattle days, he specifically spoke of using over the counter drugs.

Near the end of his statement, his emotion was clear. He struggled to complete his statement. Before the end of the Q and A's however, he was given that chance and thanked his teammates.

As a whole, he helped himself today. He said more than I'd ever seen an athlete who used say at one time. Still, this is far from over. A-Rod did well, but is in for a rough first month by my estimate.

Be on the look out for A-Roid signs, they'll be around no matter how well he did.

Is A-Rod ready to put it all behind him?

2009-02-17T12:13:00.002-05:00

Since Alex Rodriquez arrived in the Bronx, he's had a following that's included both cheers and jeers. Every little move, every action taken, has been watched. He's been deemed someone who "breaks under pressure" and many fans don't consider him a true Yankee yet.

Even the signing of a contact that essentially will end his career in pinstripes, he's yet to truly be accepted by the Yankees culture.

Most recently, we've seen A-Rod fall under scrutiny(and deservingly so) for his use of PEDs during his time in Texas. He admited to use of steroids during the periods of 2001 to 2003 after Sports Illustrated initially broke the story.

Today, he's set to arrive at camp, perhaps momenterially. When that happens, he will have to face the media and what will insue can only be imagined.

Here's something to imagine though...

Say this entire time, Alex Rodriquez could not get out of the back of his mind what he did from 2001 to 2003. If those actions have been bothering him for over five years, mentally, A-Rod might not have been the player the Yankees needed. This isn't an excuse, but it is possible.

Personally, I look to A-Rod to have a break out year in the Bronx. This is an odd statement, considering the fact that he's won the MVP trophy while in New York. This kind of break out, however, is with the fans. If A-Rod can rise above, much like teammate Andy Pettitte did last season and move on, he could have a season that will put those thoughts behind the minds of the fans.

Certainly, as he approaches the marks of Ruth, Aaron, and Bonds, the thoughts of steroid use are sure to return. Still, he has the chance to be accepted and loved by these New York fans if he sticks to playing baseball. If he forgets the off-field drama, plays hard on the field and stops being a drama queen, he will be loved in the Bronx.

Steroids, Madonna, ugly divorces, he's been through quite a bit since he arrived in New York. Maybe it's finally the year he puts everything on the field and keeps it quiet outside of the stadium.

New Layout: Back in Business at Pinstriped Scranton

2009-02-15T22:32:00.001-05:00

Hey guys, it's been a crazy month or so for me. I've been in the process of trying to find the right layout for the site, as the past one was just due for a renovation.

With that being said, Spring Training is back and that means so am I. I apologize for the lack of posts and look forward to keeping you up to date on everything Scranton Yankees and beyond.

A-Rod admits to steroid use

2009-02-09T15:27:00.002-05:00

When SI broke the news that A-Rod failed his 2003 drug test, it was bad news for baseball. It would have been worse if he denied it.

Thankfully, he admitted use to Peter Gammons of ESPN today. This news is bad news all the same. The Yankee universe, always full of distractions, just got their biggest in recent years. It's being reported everywhere, of course.

From the Post, blogs and bleacher report, to the original interview on ESPN.

What's next? The World Baseball Classic, where A-Rod will be asked about use instead of the Classic itself. Yankees fans, it's going to be a long year.

Jeter to play Yankees in WBC

2009-02-06T12:04:00.004-05:00

Derek Jeter, despite a reputation for sub par defense and a declining offense in the past year or so, is a Yankee favorite. Most Yankees fans would say they would dread seeing him in another uniform.

It looks like that nightmare, has come true. But don't worry, it's temporary, as the United States team will play the New York Yankees in an exhibition game in preparing for the World Baseball Classic.

Jeter is in the news for more than the World Baseball Classic these days. With many scouts declaring his defense to be lacking, there has been talk amongst fans in recent weeks on where Jeter will be in two years when his contract declines. He certainly will be a Yankee. But will he change position?

Here's just a look a few stories covering that issue.

Center of Attention-ESPN
Jeter's Future Position

These are mere samples of what's being said. The talk of moving Cano or Jeter is a realistic possibility, but I wouldn't bet on it. Jeter is a Yankee for life and if he wants to play shortstop, he will.

The Price is Wright: Yankees trade Wright to Brewers

2009-02-04T12:28:00.002-05:00

Chase Wright is on his way out of New York and headed to Milwalkee as the Yankees have officially traded the pitcher for a Brewer's center fielder. It is not, however, Mike Cameron.

The trade includes outfielder/catcher Eric Fryer instead. It was first reported by Sam Borden subbing in for Peter Abraham at the Yankees Lohud Blog. The statement released to Borden looks like this.

The New York Yankees today acquired outfielder/catcher Eric Fryer from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Chase Wright.

Fryer, 23, batted .335 (129-for-385) with 26 doubles, five triples, 10 home runs and 63 RBI in 104 games with Single-A West Virginia in 2008, seeing time at left field, catcher, first base and designated hitter. He led the South Atlantic League in batting average and on-base percentage (.407) and ranked third in slugging percentage (.506). Fryer was originally selected by the Brewers in the 10th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of Ohio State University. He will be assigned to Single-A Tampa.

Wright, 25, posted a 10-3 record with one save and a 2.85 ERA in 24 combined appearances (22 starts) with Double-A Trenton, the GCL Yankees and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2008, ranking fifth in wins among Yankees minor leaguers. The left-hander’s lone Major League action came in 2007 with the Yankees, going 2-0 with a 7.20 ERA in three appearances (two starts). He was designated for assignment on January 27, when LHP Andy Pettitte was re-signed and added to the 40-man roster.

Chase was a very quiet player in the Scranton locker room. He'll always be best known for the day he gave up four home runs in a row to the Boston Red Sox. Nonetheless, pitching in the National League might lead to more success for Chase Wright, who certainly has the potential to be a quality pitcher.

Pettitte deal in the works

2009-01-26T16:27:00.004-05:00

Andy Pettitte and the Yankees looks like they are in agreement on a deal that would bring the lefty back for one year with a salary between 5-6 million dollars. Ultimately, the market didn’t work out well for Pettitte and coming back to the Yankees is truly what he wanted to do the entire time.

Of course, until it’s official, let’s not get excited.

If this deal is indeed in the bag, it’s a great move for the Yankees. They should get innings out of Pettitte and he’ll be able to be on the mound in both the old and new Yankee Stadium.

All in all, he makes sense as a 4th or 5th starter this year and gives Hughes a chance to get more prepared for the Bronx. As I wrote on Peter Abraham’s blog, I do believe Hughes would do well if given a chance. He won’t suffer, however, from more time.

Remember, Hughes isn’t 28 or 29, he’s young and has the time to spare. A spot start on occasion will likely occur and it’s not out of the realm of possibility that injury couldn’t give him a shot at a full time job in the Bronx. The depth in the rotation will surely be greatly improve with a returning Andy Pettitte.

Be on the look out for the return of Andy Pettitte fans who were quick to judge him for not wanting to take an initial contract offer of 10 million dollars.

UPDATE: Peter Abraham has reported a deal is done. As per Peter, it's a 5.5 million dollar deal that could be worth up to as much as 12 million dollars with incentives. I'll touch in later with more information.

All in all, good day for the Yankees. The rotation is as follows:

Sabathia
Burnett
Wang
Chamberlain
Pettitte

Not too shabby, is it?

PS: Here's the press release from the Yankees

The release from the Yankees:

The New York Yankees announced today they have signed left-handed pitcher Andy Pettitte to a one-year contract.

Pettitte, 36, was 14-14 with a 4.54 ERA in 33 starts with the Yankees in 2008 (204.0IP, 233H, 112R, 103ER, 55BB, 158K, 19HR), while holding left-handed hitters to a .203 batting average (47-for-231, 3HR). He was 10-7 with a 4.03 ERA prior to the All-Star break, marking his most such wins since 2003 (11).

Originally selected by the Yankees in the 22nd round of the 1990 First-Year Player Draft, Pettitte is 178-101 with a 4.01 ERA in 11 overall seasons with the club (1995-2003, 2007-08). He ranks third in franchise history in strikeouts (1,574), fourth in wins and games started (343), and eighth in innings pitched (2212.0). Pettitte also played for the Houston Astros from 2004-06, where he compiled a 37-26 record with a 3.38 ERA.

Twice named an American League All-Star (1996 and 2001), Pettitte owns a 215-127 career record with a 3.89 ERA. He is the Major League leader in wins among active pitchers since his debut in 1995, and trails only the newly retired Greg Maddux (224) and Mike Mussina (218) among all pitchers over the span. Pettitte has posted a winning percentage of .500-or-better and made at least 15 starts in each of his 14 Major League campaigns. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only Cy Young (15 seasons, 1890-1904) and Tom Seaver (15 seasons, 1967-81) started their careers with longer such streaks.

A member of four Yankees World Championship teams (1996, ‘98-2000), Pettitte is 14-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 35 career postseason starts, tying Tom Glavine for the most all-time postseason starts and the second-most all-time postseason wins (behind John Smoltz’s 15). He is also a two-time 20-game winner, notching 21 victories in 1996 and 2003.

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Here's the official article from Yankees.com. Welcome back to the Bronx Andy.

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Brian Cashman doesn't expect anymore deals of significan to be done.

This doesn't come as shocking to anyone. This is the last piece of the puzzle for the Yankees. How much more money can they spend. Believe it or not, the Yankees do have a budget.

A few news bits

2009-01-18T22:31:00.004-05:00

Just a few pieces that I wanted highlight today.

First off, St. Louis apparently inquired about Robinson Cano. The Yankees weren't interested and even if they were, the asking price is far too high for someone they still believe in.
This one is an old bit, but something that involves a very important piece of the puzzle next season. Jorge Posada wants to play in the World Baseball Classic. Of course he does, he's a competitive player and wants to compete for his country. Here's the thing: Yankees are right on this issue when they DO NOT want him involved. He's coming off a season where he wasn't able to contribute. His health is number one and I can understand why they want him around under their watch.
C.C. is ready to play. As he mentioned in his press conference, he believe he puts more pressure on himself than anyone else. Haven't we heard that before?
By the way, wanted the Yankees to get Manny? Don't count on it.

Tomorrow, I'll be taking a look at the Yankee's off-season moves thus far, both big and small. Come on back tomorrow evening to check it out.

Bruney, Nady, and Cabrera file for arbitration.

2009-01-16T12:14:00.002-05:00

After watching Burnett, Sabathia, and Teixeira get paid, a more more Yankees wouldn't mind a raise of their own.

Brian Bruney, Xavier Nady, and Melkey Cabrera filed for arbitration on Thursday. Out of the three, Cabrera is least likely to win his case after batting sub .200 and eventually being demoted to Triple-A before season's end.

Bruney and Nady, however, both performed well for the Yankees. Bruney, a big part of the Yankees bullpen, was 3-0 with a 1.83 era. He was detrimental to the success of the Yankees bullpen and should win his case.

Nady, a constant name brought up in trade talks this off-season, came in and batted .268, hit 12 home runs and drove in 40 rbis. He could be a big part of the Yankee offense next season if he isn't trade. Rumors have said the Yankees would rather move Nady than Swisher, as Swisher provides more durability.

Yankees set Spring Training Invites

2009-01-14T21:18:00.003-05:00

The Yankees released a list of twenty players invited to Spring Training this February. Peter Abraham posted the list on his blog.

On the list are a lot of what you would expect, names like Austin Jackson, Jesus Montero, Austine Romine, and recent signings Kevin Cash and Angel Berroa. One note: Shelley Duncan looks like he will remain with the team, receiving an invite of his own.

In regards to the list of invites, Chad Jennings has points out some people who were not included in the list, including Scranton Yankee Eric Duncan. This must be extremly frustrating to Duncan whose value in the organization has dropped drastically in the past three years.

The final forty attending Spring Training are those players consisting of the 40 man roster.

Baseball America's Top 10 Yankees

2009-01-11T20:26:00.002-05:00

On January 9th, Baseball America released their top 10 list on the Yankees organization. As the article points out, the list includes four current Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees.

Taking a look at the list, number one is very appropriate. Austin Jackson, someone many Yankees fans see as the future Yankees centerfielder, is an impressive athlete. He offers both defensive capabilities and a powerful bat that will enhance any line-up.

Also on the list, Phil Coke gave the Yankees a brief look at his potential last season when he was called up to the 40 man roster. I don't view Coke as the kind of guy who will "fizzle" out, much like Ian Kennedy did.

Alfredo Aceves joins Coke on the list. He was impressive in Scranton last season and was pretty popular name with his call-up to New York.

Two exciting names on the list are two catchers, one of whom is likely to replace Jorge Posada at the position at the end of his contract. Jesus Montero and Austine Romine both cracked the list, a good sign considering the Yankees have been considered weak in their farm system at the catcher position.

Pinch Hitting on LoHud

2009-01-11T10:46:00.004-05:00

Thank you to Peter Abraham for another chance to "pinch hit" on his blog today. I advise you check is blog out on a daily basis, he's a great source and one of the best blogs on the Yankees out there.