Quantcast
Channel: SB Nation - New York Yankees
Viewing all 4714 articles
Browse latest View live

Derek Jeter: Elegy for a lost season

0
0

It's finally over. After a multitude of rehabs, returns and trips to the disabled list, Derek Jeter has at long last been shut down for the rest of the 2013 season. And for all that work in trying to get back to playing, all he has to show for it is 17 games played in which he hit worse than Chris Stewart overall. It's undoubtedly a disappointing conclusion for a player as competitive as Jeter and one that is in the twilight of his career.

It all began on that fateful day of October 12th, 2012, when Jeter landed on his left ankle in Game 1 of the ALCS. Just watching the injury in real-time, you knew that it was going to be a long road back before Jeter would appear in another game. But as Jeter began the necessary steps in his recovery, it seemed to be one setback after another in his quest to get back onto the field. The initial timetable had his return set as early as May. Then a setback in April, pushed his projected return back until after the All-Star Break. And then the yo-yo really started spinning.

July 11th, then DL

July 28th - Aug 2nd, then DL

August 27th- September 6th, then DL

That's a cruel tease for both the athlete and the fan. And of all the Yankees' injuries, Jeter's was the most frustrating. Mark Teixeira came back, and was shut down relatively quickly. Curtis Granderson and Alex Rodriguez have both made triumphant returns from their various ailments to help the team to crawl within one game of the final Wild Card spot. But Jeter was mostly a non-factor, his only real moment of greatness being his triumphant July 28th return, as he smacked a ball over the right field fence in his first plate appearance. At least we'll have that amazing memory.

But in the end it was an exercise in futility. Jeter looked bad at the plate and even worse in the field. Derek has often had his defense derided by wicked SABR goons, scouts and non-Yankees' fans, but even for the most positive supporter it was painful to see how slow he was getting to balls hit his way. And as a hitter, he was barely able to generate any power to the opposite field. The line drives we've come accustomed to just weren't bouncing off of his bat. Weak grounders were now the norm.

So in the end, it's probably all for the best. He wasn't really helping the team, and the Yankees already have enough players that don't seem to do very much to help the cause. This way, he'll be able to focus on getting well and being ready to go for the 2014 season. There will certainly be millions of words spent on prognosticating what the 2014 version of Jeter will be capable of, but it really is just a blind guess at this point. The stance that seems inarguable at this juncture: the Yankees better have a proper backup plan this time around. And no, Jayson Nix doesn't count.

More from Pinstriped Bible:


Pinstripe Alley Podcast Episode 23: Mike Zagurski's neck girth

0
0

The Yankees are within just one game of the Wild Card, but they face a tough stretch of games beginning tonight and stretching through the weekend. We preview those games, discuss the craziness of the current shortstops, and for some reason start talking about very scary things.

Podcast link (Length: 53:13)

iTunes link

RSS feed

Sound off in the comments if you have any questions you'd like us to answer for next time, or if you have any feedback on the podcast! Send your tweets to the Tweetbag by tweeting @pinstripebible.

Yankees lineup vs. Orioles; Nova and Romine injury updates, AFL pitchers announced

0
0

The Yankee fan base will clench its collective butt cheeks tonight as Phil Hughes takes the mound against the league's best home run hitting team in the launching pad that is Camden Yards.

To the lineups!

Just in case you're not thrilled with the idea of Chris Stewart catching every remaining game of the season (Lord knows J.R. Murphy will never be given a shot), lets check in on the health of the recently-concussed Austin Romine:

Now how about some even better news:

Be healthy again, Ivan. Be awesome again, Ivan.

On the minor league front, the Yankees have named the four pitchers they'll be sending to the Arizona Fall League: RHPs Brett Gerritse and James Pazos, and LHPs Fred Lewis and Vidal Nuno. It's good to hear that Nuno has healed up and is ready to pitch - he pitched well in his three big league starts, and his loss was an underrated blow to the Yankees' season. This Yankee starter bWAR chart never ceases to amuse/terrify me:

AgeIPGGSRRA9WAR
Hiroki Kuroda38183.22929663.234.4
Ivan Nova26119.12017423.173.1
Andy Pettitte*41162.22727814.481.6
Vidal Nuno*2520.05352.250.8
CC Sabathia*32198.030301165.270.2
David Phelps2682.21812485.23-0.0
Phil Hughes27137.12726855.57-0.5
Team Total31.61303.15221466074.1915.7
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/12/2013.

Crap, I just reminded myself that Hughes is starting tonight. Time to head on off to church...

Brett Gardner diagnosed with left oblique strain

0
0

The cursed season of injuries that has been 2013 reared its ugly head again in Baltimore after Brett Gardner left the game in the first inning. He has been diagnosed with a left oblique strain that could put the rest of his season in jeopardy.


With the Yankees within striking distance of a wild card spot, losing one of their better hitters could have a huge impact. A Gardnerless lineup would involve Ichiro Suzuki likely starting every day and leading off with his sub-80 wRC+ with every game being close to must-win. That's not a scenario the Yankees want, but there are very few options at this point. The lineup is already dramatically shortened with Brendan Ryan and Chris Stewart at the bottom; adding Ichiro to that would only serve to shorten it even more.

There is no timetable yet for Gardner's return. The best case scenario might be for it to be extremely mild and only cost him a week or so. Everyone will likely know more after the game, so keep your fingers crossed until then.

More from Pinstriped Bible:

A Swing and a GIF: Surge into the playoffs edition

0
0

September 12th. Thank God for the GIFs which have helped wash away the pain of blown saves and defensive ineptitude. I’m working long hours now, six in the afternoon to six in the morning. Sometimes even eight in the morning, six days a week. Sometimes seven days a week. It's a long hustle but it keeps me real busy. I can make five, ten GIFs a day. Sometimes even more when I bring my laptop to class. All the GIFs come out best then—athletes tripping over, dazzling displays of incompetence, bizarre sitcom-like reactions... Someday good connection speeds will come and feed all these GIFs into the internet. I go all over. I upload GIFs to blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr. I don’t care. Don’t make no difference to me. It does to some. Some won't even save GIFs. Don’t make no difference to me.

Not So Lazy Now

808076047_medium

Oh Robbie, I see how it is now. So when your life is endangered by a blind, surging Mark Reynolds, you’ll get your hustle on. But when we ask you to run hard to beat out a grounder? Not a chance. CANCEL ALL EXTENSION PLANS, RANDY.

Great Moments in Yankees History 2

Real talk: this would have been a terrific fake catch. If the ball had dribbled over the wall but Johnny still pretended he’d caught it, I’m not sure anybody would have called him on it.

80 Tools Series: 80 Team Chemistry

It’s a true fact that this has been GIF’d before, but that was in the dark ages of GIFs, when it was okay for GIFs to be the size of a postage stamp and have only five colors. I’ll not stand for that. Here, then, I present you with a redux of the classic "Damn It Astros," full-sized and better than ever. Always underappreciated: Matt Downs' (#16) suicide dive.

Utility GIF: Hold On, I’m Writing This Down (feat. Andy McCullough)

This one is a personal favorite. It may be the case that only I will ever use it, but that’s fine. My regular response to someone stating the obvious is, "Hold on, I’m writing this down." That line’s not mine; I stole it. It’s sarcasm, of course—the idea being that the person is dropping such revolutionary knowledge that it must be documented lest it be lost to the winds. Consider some pearls of wisdom bagpiped at me by WCBS’ John Sterling just yesterday:

John Sterling: The Yankees are in a playoff race.

808076335_medium

Slow down, I’m writing as fast as I can.

John Sterling: If you don’t get on base, you can’t score.

808076335_medium

Hold on, you’re saying that if the team’s on-base percentage is .000, they won’t score any runs?

You get the idea, I’m sure.

NOPE

808076400_medium

Veteran Frustration

808076410_medium

In our last installment we showcased some veteran celebrations; this time, we showcase some veteran frustration.

Shock and Awe

808076380_medium

Attention Chris Stewart: in ninety-seven games, you have amassed a stunning 0.2 wins above replacement. That’s not even one win! Therefore, next time we want your opinion on the merits of cut-off plays, we’ll be sure to ask. I promise I’ll telegraph my inquiry minutes ahead so you can set up your response in time, though you might still whiff on something you know is coming. Meanwhile, in thirty-one games Alex Rodriguez—the man you deemed fit to show up before the entire nation; nay, the world—has managed 1 win above replacement, pieced together in but a third of the playing time you've had!

Heroic A-Rod

808076351_medium

Look at him, turning and looking; willing the camera into focus. To call him a paragon is to severely undercut his character. No—we are barely fit to gaze at his image.

You’ll forgive me if I squirt fact at you for just a moment: since his return, Alex Rodriguez leads the team in wRC+ (that’s World Rally Championship, for those of you not familiar with cyber numbers) and weighted on-base percentage. If I told you he’s been the team’s second-best hitter since his return I’d be lying; in fact, he’s been the team’s best hitter since his return, and I don’t care who knows it. Sure, Alfonso Soriano’s performance has been more bombastic than Rodriguez’s, but do not be fooled. Only one man can carry a team, and that man is Alex Rodriguez.

808076363_medium

A-Rod’s so good, he can hit anything
Inside/outside, he can hit anything
Oh but no one,
No one makes as much bank as he

AND THEY SAY THAT A HERO CAN SAVE US
I'M NOT GONNA STAND HERE AND WAIT
I'LL SADDLE UP ON THE BACK OF THE CENTAUR
WATCH AS WE GALLOP AWAY

Thank you Chad, and thank you A-Rod. Hit us up on Twitter, and click this bolded text to descend into Yankees GIF infinity.

More from Pinstriped Bible:

Joe Girardi to be a free agent at the end of the year

0
0

New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi has done an impressive job this season. The Yankees enter Friday with a 79-68 record, one game behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second AL Wild Card spot. The team has stayed competitive despite a number of injuries to key players and the Alex Rodriguez circus.

Girardi may be rewarded with the AL Manager of the Year award for his efforts, but he will be a free agent at the end of the season. That leaves him with a number of options heading into next season, writes Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman stated that the club would like Girardi back, but the team has yet to sign him to an extension. New York will likely remain an attractive option for Girardi, but Rosenthal points out that a few other positions could interest him as well.

The Washington Nationals will be looking for a new manager, and were interested in Girardi before the 2006 season. The Nationals have a younger team than the Yankees and look better prepared for the future, though, of course, they don't have New York's financial resources.

The Chicago Cubs job could also interest Girardi, according to Rosenthal. Girardi met his wife at Northwestern and spent two stints with the team during his playing career.

Girardi may end up re-signing with the Yankees, same as last time when his contract expired. If the manager decides to listen to suitors, however, things could get interesting during the offseason.

More from SB Nation MLB:

Ranking the 30 teams from least to most likable

Ryan Zimmerman hits eight homers in 10 games

"The Sandlot" cast, 20 years later

Is Fernandez the best rookie pitcher ever?

Searching for the slowest man in baseball

Pride of the City: FDNY vs. NYPD's annual baseball game

Pinstripe Alley Top 100 Yankees: #90 Bobby Richardson

0
0

Name: Bobby Richardson
Position: Second baseman
Born: August 19, 1935 (Sumter, SC)
Yankee Years: 1955-66
Primary number: 1
Yankee statistics: 1412 G, .266/.299/.335, 196 2B, 37 3B, 34 HR, 73 SB, 60.3 SB%, 78 wRC+, 8.3 rWAR, 6.3 fWAR

Biography

The Yankees have a long line of successful second basemen throughout their history, from Hall of Famer Tony Lazzeri in the late '20s to Robinson Cano today. One of these great second basemen was Bobby Richardson, a soft-spoken religious man from South Carolina who was known for his defensive prowess and World Series heroics.

Amateur star

Richardson was born shortly after the Depression to a father who bore the same name. Robert Sr. was a part-owner and manager of Richardson Marble and Granite Works in Sumter, South Carolina. Young Bobby grew up loving baseball, and he began playing on a Salvation Army YMCA kids' team when he was 10 years old. As he matured, he ascended to better teams, the local Kiwanis Club team and later, the Sumter American Legion team, which was coached by Richardson's mentor, coach Hutchinson. They won the state championship when Richardson turned 17 in '52, and the Yankees took notice of the young second baseman.

Both Georgia Tech and the University of North Carolina offered him scholarships, and 11 other MLB teams were interested in him, but Yankee scout Bill Harris the Yankees' minor league Norfolk manager, Mayo Smith, convinced Richardson to sign with the Yankees. The day after he graduated from Edmunds High School in '53, he signed with the Yankees, collected some donations from local friends and family ($85 in coins), then took the bus to Norfolk.

Richardson's 27 games were a disappointment, as the 17-year-old only hit .211, so he was demoted to Class D Olean up in New York. Although he was further from home, Richardson rediscovered his hitting form against the lesser talent, batting .412 with a .542 slugging percentage in 32 games the rest of the season. In '54, he reported to Class A Binghamton a few hours away, where the small second baseman hit .310 with a .411 slugging percentage in 141 games, notching 29 doubles among his 171 hits. He was voted the Eastern League MVP, then moved out to Colrado for another promotion to the Triple-A Denver Bears, where he played at Bears Stadium, which later became Denver's famous Mile High Stadium. There, he hit .296/.359/.423 with 146 hits in 119 games, and when superb infield Gil McDougald went down after getting hit by a line drive in batting practice, the Yankees summoned him to make his MLB debut on August 5, 1955 at age 19.

Breaking out from Casey's reins

In Richardson's first game, he recorded his first career hit off a brand name, the Tigers' future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning. It was one of only four hits he had in 29 plate appearances though, and he returned to the minors once McDougald recovered. He hit .280/.337/.366 for the remainder of '55 with Triple-A Richmond, then followed that season up by posting a tremendous year back in the thin Denver air in '56: .328/.362/.485 with 30 doubles, 12 triples, and 10 homers. Despite the gaudy numbers for a middle infielder, the Yankees kept him in the minors for all but five games in '56; the likes of McDougald, Billy Martin, and Jerry Coleman made it tough for Richardson to crack the Yankees' roster.

Finally in '57, the Yankees took Richardson north with the team when they broke from spring training, and he rewarded their faith by batting an impressive .344/.360/.396 through mid-June. Although he slumped shortly after that, he was named to the first of eight All-Star teams by his Hall of Fame manager, Casey Stengel. The two men had an occasionally tenuous relationship, as Stengel never called him anything except "Kid," and once made a crack about Richardson's clean-living, Baptist lifestyle: "Look at him. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he doesn't chew, he doesn't stay out late, and he still can't hit .250."

Richardson did not like the ever-changing lineup, just as he did not like it when Casey pinch hit for him before he batted even once in a game, or when the skipper batted him ninth in the order behind a good hitting pitcher like Don Larsen or Mickey McDermott or Tommy Byrne. But that was Casey's style. On at least one occasion, Casey pinch hit for Bill Skowron and Clete Boyer before their first plate appearance, too (for Boyer, it happened in his very first World Series game!), and he batted Martin and Rizzuto ninth in the order. None of them liked it. -- SABR

It was an odd season, as Richardson's second-half numbers belied his All-Star status--from mid-June on, he had a horrible .489 OPS and ended the years at a 56 wRC+ in 97 games. Nonetheless, the Yankees won the pennant and Richardson appeared in his first of 36 career World Series games, though he never made a plate appearance. The Yankees lost in seven games to World Series MVP Lew Burdette and the Milwaukee Braves. '58 was also a struggle for Richardson, who could only manage a 61 wRC+ on the season in 73 games, but the Yankees returned to the Fall Classic, where they exacted revenge on the Braves by recovering from a 3-1 deficit to take the series in seven. Richardson only made one start and five plate appearances on the series, but he still had his second World Series ring (despite getting into just five games in '56, he had one from that year, too).

Somewhat ironically, Richardson did not truly break out until the Yankees themselves stumbled as a group. '59 was the only season from 1955-64 in which the Yankees did not win the AL pennant; they ended up in third place, 15 games behind the "Go-Go" White Sox. However, Richardson established himself as a regular in the lineup by appearing in 134 games, making his second All-Star team, and hitting .301/.355/.377 with a 100 wRC+ thanks to a tip by hitting coach/Hall of Famer Bill Dickey to use a heavier bat and harder swing. He was the only regular to hit .300 in '59, and some friends on the Orioles helped make that possible by throwing him easy pitches on the last day of the season. Richardson's successful season forced Stengel to keep him in most of his lineups.

World Series hero

By most measures, '60 was a big step backward for Richardson. He appeared in a then-career-high 150 games out of 154 for Stengel, but he never seemed to break out of a season-long slump, ending the year at an ugly .252/.303/.298 triple slash with a 67 wRC+. He was still a fine defensive second baseman, but his bat was a hole in the Yankees' otherwise formidable lineup, which featured Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra, newly-acquired AL MVP Roger Maris, All-Stars McDougald, Elston Howard, "Moose" Skowron, and shortstop Tony Kubek, Richardson's best friend and double play partner. The Yankees avenged their lackluster '59 by romping to the AL pennant by eight games over the runner-up Orioles, then played against the Pirates in the World Series.

Pittsburgh had not made the Fall Classic in 33 years, but they had a tough team. Although the Yankees seemed to blow them out every other game, the Buccos hung in there by narrowly winning the opener, Game 4, and Game 5. Richardson was vital to the blowouts, as he finally escaped his nightmare season with a phenomenal World Series. He went 3-for-4 (two in one inning) with a double and three runs scored in the 16-3 Game 2 victory, then came to bat for the first time in Game 3 after the Yankees had already knocked out Pirates starter Vinegar Mizell in the first inning.

Former Dodger Clem Labine was on, and he allowed a bases-loaded RBI infield single to Howard ahead of Richardson, who came to bat with the bases still loaded. The last thing on anyone's mind was a home run; the light-hitting second baseman only had three to his name in nearly 1,600 career plate appearances entering Game 3. Richardson actually blew a squeeze play on his first two strikes, then had to swing away. When he did, he turned around on an inside fastball and sent it to the left field bleachers for a shocking grand slam, a Yankee Stadium World Series first. Three innings later, he followed the slam with a two-run single to set a World Series record that still stands today: six RBI in one game.

Richardson went 2-for-3 with another double in the Game 4 loss, then was held hitless by Harvey Haddix and Roy Face before coming back in Game 6 with two triples (one off Labine) and three RBI. in the 12-0 Whitey Ford shutout win. During the finale, Richardson closed out his Fall Classic his fifth multi-hit game of the series, but counterpart second baseman Bill Mazeroski crushed the Yankees' championship dreams with an even more stunning homer than Richardson's Game 3 slam. Although Richardson's 11 hits earned him World Series MVP honors (the only World Series loser to ever be honored), he was devastated like the rest of his teammates. He even sold the Corvette awarded to him for a Chevy station wagon since he felt it was a better use of his money with three kids at home.

Now managed under former coach and catcher Ralph Houk, Richardson's friend who convinced him to not quit baseball, the Yankees won the title in '61 with an astounding 109-win team, one of the greatest in the history of baseball. Maris and Mantle grabbed the headlines, which helped obscure another bummer season from Richardson, whose '59 campaign was looking more and more like an outlier. Again though, his bat came alive in the World Series against the NL champion Reds. He had a hit in every game, and three-hit games in both Games 1 and 4. It was a .391/.391/.435 series, and the Yankees took the championship home in five games for Richardson's third title. (This time, the MVP was Ford, who threw 14 shutout innings.)

In '62, Richardson rebounded with the best season of his career, a three-win season by WAR measures, and a 103 wRC+. He returned to the All-Star team, won the second of five straight Gold Gloves, and actually finished runner-up to Mantle in AL MVP voting thanks to a league-leading 209 hits, easily a career-high (as were his 38 doubles). The Yankees won a third straight pennant, but Richardson struggled in the World Series this time. No one remembers that though, since the most famous play of his career occurred in the field at the end of Game 7. The man who surrendered Mazeroski's homer in 1960, Ralph Terry, was again on the mound, this time trying to complete a gem in Game 7, a 1-0 shutout. The home team San Francisco Giants put the tying run on third and the winning run at second though (a terrific play by Maris in right field kept a run from scoring), and future Hall of Famer Willie McCovey stepped up to the plate with two outs. A single would win it, and he hit a rope to Richardson, who played him perfectly and snared the line drive to end it, agonizing Giants fans like Charlie Brown.

Richardson later recalled, "People often suggest that I was out of position on that play, but McCovey hit two hard ground balls to me earlier in the Series, so I played where I thought he would hit the ball." It was a classic smart play knowing the hitter by a smooth defensive second baseman.

Despite making four more All-Star teams, Richardson's career was relatively unremarkable toward the mid -'60s. His wRC+ hovered in the mid-70s for two more AL champions, and like the rest of the Yankee lineup, he could do absolutely nothing against the likes of Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, and Johnny Podres in the '63 World Series against the Dodgers. His last great moments of glory occurred under new manager Berra during the '64 World Series, which was also the Yankees' final gasp of greatness for over a decade. He set another World Series record that has never been broken, 13 hits in one Fall Classic against the St. Louis Cardinals. It wasn't enough to beat St. Louis though, and Richardson never made it into another World Series.

Both he and the Yankees further declined in '65, and he initially planned on retiring after the season despite only turning 30 in August. Career-ending injuries to his friend Kubek forced the shortstop to retire though, and the now-CBS owned Yankees convinced Richardson to come back for one more year so that they did not have to scramble for a second baseman. The Yankees suffered their worst season since the pre-Ruth days as they descended to the AL cellar, and though 31, Richardson called it quits for good after '66 to return to his family.

Richardson later went on to become a baseball coach at the University of South Carolina, where he guided them to the final game of the '75 College World Series and three other appearances from 1970-76. He managed seven future major leaguers before quitting to pursue an unsuccessful run for Congress. He returned to baseball as the coach and athletic director for Coastal Carolina from 1984-86 and Liberty University from 1987-90 before retiring relatively young at age 55. He's been back to Yankee Stadium for many Old Timers' Days since his playing career ended, and he remains one of the most popular players in Yankees history.

Andrew's rank: N/A
Tanya's rank: N/A
Community's rank: 62
Avg. WAR rank: 99

Season Stats

Year

Age

Tm

G

PA

AB

R

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

SB

CS

BB

SO

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

OPS+

TB

rWAR

fWAR

1955

19

NYY

11

29

26

2

4

0

0

0

3

1

1

2

0

0.154

0.214

0.154

0.368

1

4

-0.7

-0.5

1956

20

NYY

5

7

7

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0.143

0.143

0.143

0.286

-23

1

-0.1

-0.2

1957

21

NYY

97

320

305

36

78

11

1

0

19

1

3

9

26

0.256

0.274

0.298

0.573

58

91

0.2

0.2

1958

22

NYY

73

195

182

18

45

6

2

0

14

1

3

8

5

0.247

0.276

0.302

0.578

62

55

0.3

0.2

1959

23

NYY

134

507

469

53

141

18

6

2

33

5

5

26

20

0.301

0.335

0.377

0.713

99

177

2.2

1.7

1960

24

NYY

150

507

460

45

116

12

3

1

26

6

6

35

19

0.252

0.303

0.298

0.601

67

137

0.7

-0.1

1961

25

NYY

162

704

662

80

173

17

5

3

49

9

7

30

23

0.261

0.295

0.316

0.610

67

209

-0.6

-1.0

1962

26

NYY

161

754

692

99

209

38

5

8

59

11

9

37

24

0.302

0.337

0.406

0.743

101

281

3.3

3.1

1963

27

NYY

151

668

630

72

167

20

6

3

48

15

1

25

22

0.265

0.294

0.330

0.624

76

208

2.5

2.2

1964

28

NYY

159

728

679

90

181

25

4

4

50

11

2

28

36

0.267

0.294

0.333

0.626

73

226

0.5

0.5

1965

29

NYY

160

713

664

76

164

28

2

6

47

7

5

37

39

0.247

0.287

0.322

0.609

74

214

-1.0

-0.5

1966

30

NYY

149

648

610

71

153

21

3

7

42

6

6

25

28

0.251

0.280

0.330

0.610

79

201

1.0

0.6

NYY (12 Yrs)

1412

5780

5386

643

1432

196

37

34

390

73

48

262

243

0.266

0.299

0.335

0.634

77

1804

8.3

6.3

Stats from Baseball-Reference and FanGraphs

References

BR Bullpen

SABR Bio

Other Top 100 Yankees

Yankees injury updates: Rodriguez, Gardner, Logan, Romine

0
0

We've got some more injury updates:

Alex Rodriguez has been nursing a hamstring injury for a few days now. He has been able to stay in the lineup as the designated hitter for a few games, but he should be taking the field soon. Joe Girardi plans to play him at third base tomorrow. Getting A-Rod back onto the field will go a long way to improving this team's depth. It means Eduardo Nunez will not be in the field or in the starting lineup, leaving the DH spot open for someone like Mark Reynolds.

Brett Gardner suffered a Grade 1 oblique strain last night and his season is essentially done. He could return as a potential pinch runner at some point and the playoffs, if the Yankees make it. Losing Gardner is going to greatly diminish the offense and defense of this team. With him gone, the Yankees will likely employ a Alfonso Soriano, Curtis Granderson, Ichiro Suzuki outfield. Ichiro isn't hitting and losing one of the best defensive center fielders in the game is going to hurt anyone in some capacity.

Boone Logan has apparently turned a corner and could return sometime next week in Toronto when the Yankees face the Blue Jays. His elbow must be feeling better and he will probably try to throw a bullpen before then. Cesar Cabral has gotten the brunt of the LOOGY work while he has been out. The Yankees have Mike Zagurski as well, but he might not even get into a game if Logan is going to be able to get back soon.

Austin Rominepassed his impact test, has ridden a bike and hit in the batting cage. He will try to hit in batting practice and then will go from there. His minor concussion has kept him out of the lineup for a few days now and since then all we've gotten is Chris Stewart. JR Murphy is here, but he has yet to start a game and is very unlikely to get a chance any time soon. It would be really nice to get Romine back just so we don't have to deal with Stewart from here to October.

More from Pinstriped Bible:


Yankees 4, Red Sox 8: Bullpen struggles again against Sox

0
0

This oddly reminded me of the game the Yankees played six days ago that I'm already trying hard to forget. Lets review really quick.

Red Sox get off to an early lead? Check.

Yankees stage an impressive comeback later in the game? Check.

Bullpen then implodes? Big Check.

Now, there are differences. Last week the Red Sox got off to a bigger lead, the Yankees staged an even bigger comeback, and then were one strike away from winning the game. So on the heartbreak scale this one definitely checks out a little bit lower. But the theme is oddly similar and slightly disturbing.

The game actually started off decently. The Red Sox tried to shift on Robinson Cano in the first inning and he responded by bunting a double down the third base line. Can't predict baseball, right? Unfortunately they couldn't get him in. And then the Red Sox got to face Yankees pitching again.

Dustin Pedroia led off the bottom half of the first with a single to left, and moved to third two batters later on a double by David Ortiz. Mike Carp grounded out allowing Pedroia to score and moving Ortiz to third with two outs. If they could've just kept it to one run it might not have been such a bad thing. But then a single by Daniel Nava, a walk to Jarrod Saltalamacchia and a double by Stephen Drew and just like that, Hiroki Kuroda was facing a 4-0 deficit after the first inning.

After the Yankees went down 1-2-3 in the second, the Red Sox threatened again. Another single by Pedroia and then a HBP to Shane Victorino put runners on first and second with one out. Then Chris "I'm so good at defense so who cares if I strike out with two strikes" Stewart failed to catch the ball... again. This moved the runners up and led to an intentional walk of David Ortiz, loading the bases.

At this point, it looked like the game would become a blowout. But then the Yankees seemed to get a bit of luck, at least for a little while. Kuroda rebounded to strike out Mike Carp and get a lineout of Daniel Nava to escape further trouble.

The Yankees started to chip away in the top of the third when Brendan Ryan led off with a home run over the green monster in left field. I don't expect this to happen, but if Kevin Long can turn Brendan Ryan into a non-automatic out at the plate then I would be ecstatic. Ryan got a hit last night and a home run and a single tonight so who knows. "You can't predict baseball".

Kuroda, to his credit, did a tremendous job rebounding in this game. He shut the Red Sox down for the next four innings and gave the offense an opportunity to come back. And to the offenses credit, they did come back. They already scored once with the Brendan Ryan home run and they got to scoring again in the top of the sixth. A double by Robinson Cano, a single by Alfonso Soriano and then a sacrifice fly by Lyle Overbay made it a 4-2 game. The ball was a couple inches away from a two run double, but Victorino was able to run it down in right center field. Eduardo Nunez flew out to center to end the inning.

The Yankees got back to it in the seventh, starting with... you guessed it. Brendan Ryan! Following a groundout of Ichiro Suzuki, he singled to left and then a single off the base of the green monster by Chris Stewart (!!!) put runners on the corners with only one out. This is the second straight game the Yankees got Brendan Ryan and Chris Stewart on base in the same inning. I just felt like that was worth pointing out, because I don't know if you'll ever see that again in your life.

With one out and runners on the corners and the top of the order coming up, you had to figure this was an opportunity for the Yankees here. John Lackey was removed from the game for Craig Breslow, who was brought in to face the lefty Curtis Granderson. Granderson worked the count to 3-2 before checking his swing on ball four, loading the bases striking out by chasing a breaking ball out of the strike zone, leaving runners on the corners and two outs and Alex Rodriguez coming to the plate. Whether Breslow pitched around A-Rod or lost the plate I don't know, but A-Rod didn't see a pitch to hit and the bases were loaded for Robinson Cano.

Cano hit another double (4-4 on the night) into the right center field gap which tied the game at four and would have given the Yankees the lead if Rodriguez was currently capable of running faster than a Jason Giambi-level speed. Alfonso Soriano grounded out to end the inning, which left the game tied at four.

Well eventually, the Yankee bullpen had to pitch in this game, I guess. And with Mariano Rivera, David Robertson, Boone Logan and Adam Warren not available, it was going to be difficult to close out a close game as it was. Kuroda began the inning by giving up a hard grounder to third that couldn't be handed by Nunez- the broadcast can say what they want about how a "great" third baseman makes that play, but the fact of the matter is it was a routine ground ball for a major league third baseman and Nunez, for the second straight night, was incapable of coming up with it. That was the night for Kuroda and the beginning of the "bullpen implodes" part of the night. Skip the next paragraph if you'd like (recommended).

Cesar Cebral relieved Kuroda and hit David Ortiz on the elbow pad to put two on and nobody out. That was all Cebral would do, as he was taken out for Preston Claiborne. Claiborne walked a batter and struck out a batter, which led to bases loaded and one out for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Saltalamacchia hit a grand slam, and the score was 8-4. And that was pretty much the game right there. Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara closed out the Yankees in the eighth and ninth to finish the game.

On the day where the Yankees lost their center fielder for maybe the season, they also lost ground to almost every team they were in contention with as well. Disappointing, but still only one game. The Yankees will enter tomorrow's game two games out of the final American League wild card spot, still very manageable with 14 games to go. It's also worth noting that after this weekend, the schedule lightens up considerably to finish the season.

CC Sabathia and Jon Lester are tomorrow afternoon's starters. First pitch 1:05 ET.

Box Score.

Alfonso Soriano's homering ways won't continue

0
0

Alfonso Soriano has all the makings of an exciting baseball player to watch. He's long, lean and full of mean. His lanky body is quick enough to steal bases and cover a lot of ground in the field while still having the ability to swing a massive bat with enough speed and ferocity to hit the ball a mile on a consistent basis. This is why he's been paid money hand over fist to play baseball over the past 15 years. You can't look at the guy without thinking that his natural abilities will make him a game changer on the field.

The Yankees were convinced that even a 37-year-old Alfonso Soriano was capable of all this when they reacquired him at the end of July. Surprisingly, he has worked out quite well so far. Since the acquisition he's mashed 15 home runs, put up an OPS+ of 125, powered his way to a .288 ISO, and found a way to steal seven bases along the way. Even the most optimistic Yankee fan was probably not expecting this type of production and the Yankees have needed every bit of it to stay alive in the wild card race. Soriano's creating his own legend of the liquid sword with the way he has wielded the bat during his resurrection in The Bronx.

Now for the bad news. This can't possibly last. Since donning the pinstripes again, Soriano has been striking out at the highest rate of his career, he's keeping the ball on the ground at the highest rate of his career and he's also putting the ball in play at the lowest rate of his career. This normally would indicate that a player is probably not seeing the ball well at all or making good contact. However, the key to his production so far is his astronomic home run rate. Since the trade, about 23% of fly balls hit by Soriano are leaving the park. That's about two times the rate he has maintained throughout his career. Even if you factor in that he's playing in Yankee Stadium now, as a 37-year-old player, he's due to regress to the mean in a major way and since he has relied pretty much solely on home runs to produce thus far, his overall production will also regress accordingly. But hey, at least he'll be around next year too.

All data used above were obtained from baseball reference on 9/11/2013.

More from Pinstriped Bible:

2014 Free Agent Preview: Robinson Cano

0
0

Robinson Cano will be the top free agent this coming off-season and the soon-to-be 31-year-old second baseman is ready to cash in on deal that many are projecting to top $200 million. After he left Scott Boras to join the new Jay-Z led division at CAA, it initially appeared that the move signaled Cano's would sign an extension to stay in New York, but as the season draws to a close, it looks more and more certain that he will test the market with his new agents and he is a near-lock for the top paying deal of the winter at this point.

It is easy to see why teams are willing to consider laying down such a hefty paycheck to get Cano. The Yankees second baseman has hit .309/.355/.505 for his career and he is coming off a season where he has added an elite walk rate (10.2 percent) to his already impressive skill set. He is also generally regarded as a strong defender at a premium position. Total Zone (TZ) credits him with saving five runs above average with his glove work. Some of the other systems for evaluating defense are less bullish on him- the Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) and Defensive Runs Saved systems (DRS) were particular down on his early seasons at second- but his 2012 and 2013 seasons have been above average by any measure. With so few players with his abilities making it to free agency these days, Cano offers teams a unique chance to add a MVP-caliber player without trading away cost-controlled talent and a number of the big-market clubs should be willing to pay for that privilege.

Top Suitors

The Yankees

It's pretty cut and dry really; the Yankees can't afford to lose Cano. He has been there top player by fWAR since 2006, edging out both Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. Rodriguez has become a complete pariah and will potentially miss all of the 2014 season under suspension and Jeter has played in just 17 games this season and looked all of his 39 years when has been on the field. The Yankees were built to win yesterday and their window is rapidly closing. However, New York is not a town that can tolerate rebuilding years, so losing Cano would be a catastrophic blow to the franchise.

For the Yankees to compete in 2014 and 2015, they have to keep Cano in pinstripes. They have to do a great deal more than that, actually, but if Cano were to leave town, he would be almost impossible to replace. No other free agent at any position can match his offense production and replacement options at second are slim. The Yankees don't have much trade material at the major league level. Their minor league system is not terrible by any means, but it is lacking in top players at the higher levels, which is typically what it takes to land young major league players. Everything points to the Yankees doing what they have to do keep Cano. That alone may not be enough to bring them back to the top of the division, but without Cano, it is hard to see any path that could.

The Dodgers

The Dodgers are privately shunning the idea of continuing their wild spending spree and will not pursue Cano, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, but until Cano actually inks a deal, it will be hard to ignore the possibility that they will jump in the bidding. The Dodgers new ownership has been spending money like comes with an expiration date and Cano is a natural fit for the team and the town. If his move to Jay-Z's agency wasn't a sign that he wanted to stick with New York, maybe it is a sign that he is looking to maximize his off-the-field profile and earnings. If that is the case, New York and L.A. are on fairly equal footing.

The Dodgers have gotten a decent amount of production out of second base this season, with Mark Ellis, Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker all seeing time there. Ellis is the only true full-time player of the three, however and he is 36-years-old. The Dodgers don't have anyone in the minors preparing to replace Ellis either so even if they do exercise his 2014 option ($5.75 million), it will only be a temporary fix at best. While the Dodgers are less desperate for impact talent than the Yankees, we have yet to see any limitations placed on their spending. Their reluctance to keep buying is understandable given their excellent 2013 record and the fact that they will be hit with what is likely to be a record-setting arbitration deal for ace Clayton Kershaw this off-season if they don't give him his own $200 million+ deal first. However, even that might not stop the Dodgers from stealing Cano away. They have the need and the ability and that alone makes it a possibility.

Potential Dark Horse Bidders

The Cubs

Despite playing in one of the biggest markets in the country, the Cubs will have less than $60 million dollars committed to their 2014 before arbitration salaries are worked out. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have done an impressive job restocking the team's farm system in short order and that hard work is getting close to paying off. In fact, prospect Arismendy Alcantara may be the second baseman of the future for the Cubs in a just a season or two, but that won't stop the Cubs front office if they want to change the story on the North Side.

When the Nationals signed Jayson Werth to a seven year/ $126 million deal in 2011, they were partially signaling to fans and other players that the team was ready to compete and they were willing to spend money to make sure they did. Chicago may not be at the point yet, but a Cano signing would send an exponentially more dramatic message and also do more to move the on-the-field product forward. It is hard to tell when Epstein and Hoyer will shift from building to buying, but the change in strategy can't be far off. The failings of the previous front office have been washed away in trade and expiring contracts and they have young players they can deal or bring up in the near future.

The Mets

Could the Mets look to compete in 2014? Before Matt Harvey's elbow injury, the answer would almost certainly have been yes. Even Harvey's injury may not be enough to shift the time table for GM Sandy Alderson. The Mets have even less salary committed to 2014 than the Cubs and they play in the biggest market in the country. With Dillon Gee, Jon Niese and Zack Wheeler giving them the start of a strong, cost-controlled rotation even without Harvey, they can afford to spend big on position players. The outfield is a much bigger need for them since Daniel Murphy is already a solid average to above-average contributor at second, but stealing a New York icon away from the Yankees might just be too good to pass up.

Of course, reading the financial flexibility of the Wilpon's is impossible at this point. They may not be ready to spend even if the team the front office is building justifies doing so. Even if they do enter the bidding, beating out the Yankees for their own player is more than a little unlikely.

The Orioles

The Orioles have gotten very little out of second base this season, but they have paid veteran Brain Roberts $10 million to play that position for just 59 games thus far. He is off their books after this season along with a few pricey arms. Most of that money will wind up paying the arbitration raises coming to Chris Davis and Matt Weiters, however. Baltimore has the need if we are just looking at second base production, but their offense has been much less problematic than their pitching this season, so that is probably where money will get spent.

What will he cost?

In his negotiations with the Yankees, some parameters for his price have evolved, but the numbers being tossed around so far provide an extremely wide range. Shortly after Cano signed with Jay-Z's CAA division, a report from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports stated that Cano was seeking a deal comparable to Alex Rodriguez's 10-year $275 million deal signed in 2008 while the Yankees were pushing for a deal closer to the 8-year/$138 million deal the Mets gave David Wright prior to this season. The two deals represent extremes. Wright's deal is exceptionally team friendly and Rodriguez's is the single largest contract in the history of the game. Simply saying the deal will fall in between those two isn't really saying much.

The reality is Cano's contract will likely be much closer to Wright's deal than A-Rod's. Even if the Biogenesis scandal had not happened, Rodriguez's contract would still look like an absolute disaster. At this point, even mentioning it in negotiations is probably a losing strategy. If Cano got the exact deal Wright got, it would still be the largest contract ever given to a second baseman, topping Dustin Pedroia's recent eight-year/$110 million extension. Since both Wright and Pedroia agreed to their deals before reaching free agency thoguh, Cano should come at a premium in comparison.

How much that premium will be depends a great deal on how many teams are willing to bid against the Yankees. If Nightengale has it right and the Dodgers abstain, Cano could face a very limited market for his services. Only a few teams have the financial power to be in this bidding and while clubs like the Cubs and Mets could court him, there is no evidence suggesting they plan to. Many of the other major market teams are either set at second or nearing their spending limits. If the Yankees are bidding against themselves, even getting 10-years/$200 million may be tough for Cano. $20 million a season seems like a reasonable enough estimate on average annual value, but I would not be surprised if he only gets seven or eight seasons.

More from MLB Daily Dish:

Mlbdd-news-insert_medium

Yankees activate David Phelps, move Derek Jeter to 60-Day DL

0
0

The New York Yankees activated pitcher David Phelps from the 60-Day DL Saturday, according to the Yankees official Twitter page. The team moved Derek Jeter to the 60-Day DL to open a spot on the 40-man roster for Phelps.

More Yankees coverage: Pinstriped Bible

The Yankees originally placed Phelps on the DL with a forearm strain on July 6, two days after he allowed four runs in six innings against the Twins. He had only been expected to miss one turn in the rotation but faced a series of setbacks and was moved to the 60-Day DL in mid-August.

Less than two weeks ago, Manager Joe Girardi said that Phelps was not close to rejoining the major league roster. Phelps will come out of the bullpen for New York, a move that likely reduced the amount of time needed for him to return.

Phelps, 26, had been working primarily as a starter for the Yankees in 2013. He pitched out of the bullpen in April, then moved to the rotation and never looked back. Over 18 games, he posted a 5.01 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in just his second season in the majors.

Meanwhile, Jeter being placed on the 60-Day DL officially ends his season. Though the Yankees had effectively ruled him out from returning in 2013, it is now impossible for him to be taken off the DL before the end of the season. He played in just 17 games after having his fractured ankle surgically repaired in the offseason.

More from SB Nation MLB:

Ranking the 30 teams from least to most likable

Chris Davis hits 50th home run

Bates: There are better ways to sell stats than #KillTheWin

Hypocrisy: NFL takes aim at MLB’s concussions

"The Sandlot" cast, 20 years later

Pride of the City: FDNY vs. NYPD's annual baseball game

Yankees lineup vs. Red Sox; JR Murphy starts, David Phelps returns, Derek Jeter placed on the 60-day DL

0
0

Yesterday was a tough loss, but today is a new day as CC Sabathia takes on Jon Lester in a battle of lefties. It would be nice if CC could come up big today, but we'll see. The lineup is starting to look very interesting:

With Brett Gardner out with an oblique strain, Curtis Granderson is in center field and batting leadoff. Alex Rodriguez is the DH again and batting second, while Robinson Cano, Alfonso Soriano, and third baseman Mark Reynolds hit in the heart of the order. Vernon Wells gets a start against the lefty, leaving the struggling Ichiro Suzuki on the bench. Lyle Overbay is at first base and Brendan Ryan is at short. JR Murphy finally gets his first start behind the plate in his brief MLB career.

With Austin Romine still out with a concussion and Chris Stewart being Chris Stewart, it's nice to see Murphy finally get to start a game. He's already collected his first two hits in only three plate appearances, but he's also allowed three wild pitches in 6.2 innings behind the plate so far. It's hard to make assumptions already, especially when scouts have praised him for his improved receiving skills this season, so hopefully he impresses today. If he looks shaky he might not get another chance.

The Yankees have also reinstatedDavid Phelps from the 60-day disabled list and placed Derek Jeter on the 60-day. They seem desperate for bullpen help after another meltdown cost them last night's game, however it's surprising to see Phelps back after two forearm strains made him look more like a Dr. Andrews patient than a major league option. He hasn't pitched since July 4 and was essentially worst starter in the rotation at that point, even worse than CC and Phil Hughes. On the season he has a 5.01 ERA and 3.84 FIP, so he's hardly a sure thing.

Maybe instead of trying to rely on someone like Phelps, Joe Girardi can stop worrying about his relievers' workload in the middle of September. If every game is a must win, then he needs to stop shutting down David Robertson and Mariano Rivera for several days at a time after they pitch. Rivera is retiring after this season, so he doesn't need rest, and I'm sure D-Rob would have been a better choice last night than Preston Claiborne ended up being. I understand you want to take care of your pitchers, but now isn't then time to start putting limitations on people when you don't have the ability to make up for it.

More from Pinstriped Bible:

Alfonso Soriano scratched from Yankees lineup with sore thumb

0
0

The New York Yankees made a late change to their lineup prior to Saturday's game as they scratched Alfonso Soriano, who has been dealing with a sprained thumb, reports Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe.

The sprain was sustained during the Yankees' series against the Orioles this past week when Soriano attempted a diving catch. Soriano reportedly was hampered by soreness during Friday's game, but played through the injury.

More Yankees coverage: Pinstriped Bible

The Yankees had Soriano in their lineup right up until a few minutes before first pitch. Vernon Wells moved to left field while Ichiro Suzuki was inserted into the lineup to replace Wells in right field.

Soriano is being listed as day-to-day by the Yankees.

New York remains just two games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second wild card spot in the American League. The Cleveland Indians are also ahead of the Yankees by half a game. Losing Soriano for any amount of time will certainly hurt the team as he has been a leading source of power for the Yankees.

Since being acquired from the Cubs at midseason, Soriano has hit 15 home runs for the Yankees while posting an 824 OPS.

More from SB Nation MLB:

Ranking the 30 teams from least to most likable

Chris Davis hits 50th home run

Bates: There are better ways to sell stats than #KillTheWin

Hypocrisy: NFL takes aim at MLB’s concussions

"The Sandlot" cast, 20 years later

Pride of the City: FDNY vs. NYPD's annual baseball game

Alfonso Soriano scratched with thumb sprain

0
0

And the hits just keep on coming. Alfonso Sorianoapparently has a sprained thumb that he has been nursing since diving for a ball during the Baltimore series. The injury hasn't prevented him from hitting, so the Yankees will feel this injury. With him out, Ichiro Suzuki will take his place in the lineup, Vernon Wells will move to left field and Ichiro will be in right.

Since coming to the Yankees, Soriano has only hit .251/.299/.525, but he has hit 15 home runs in only 197 plate appearances. In 46 games with the Yankees he has the second highest amount of home runs, he's fourth in RBI, fifth in stolen bases, fourth in Offensive WAR, and only needs 14 more hits to overtake Chris Stewart's season total. With Brett Gardner already out for the rest of the regular season, the outfield was going to be Soriano, Curtis Granderson and one of Wells or Ichiro. If he misses any extensive amount of time, we could see an everyday outfield comprised of two players who can't hit. It will be just like April all over again.

More from Pinstriped Bible:


Yankees 1, Red Sox 5: Sabathia and the offense both struggle in loss

0
0

Jon Lester was good.  CC Sabathia was not.  The Red Sox offense put runners on almost every inning and continued scoring off Sabathia.  The Yankees' offense did almost the exact opposite against Lester.  It was a team effort of suck from the Yankees as the Red Sox beat them 5-1.

Boston got on the board first with a run in the second inning.  Mike Napoli started it off by reaching second.  He hit a soft grounder to Mark Reynolds at third.  Reynolds' throw to first was off and went flying past Lyle Overbay.  It was ruled a single, with Napoli advancing to second on a throwing error.  After Jonny Gomes drew a walk off Sabathia, Daniel Nava laid down a bunt to advance the runners to second and third.  Will Middlebrooks then grounded out, but Napoli was able to score on the play, giving the Red Sox a 1-0 lead.

An inning later, the Red Sox added to their lead.  Dustin Pedroia led off with a single and was bunted to second by Shane Victorino.  Pedroia came around to score on a David Ortiz double.  Napoli then singled, followed by another single by Gomes.  That took the lead up 3-0.

The Yankees got on the board in the top of the fourth.  Curtis Granderson recorded the first Yankee hit with a lead-off triple.  Two batters later, he scored on Robinson Cano's ground out.

But the Red Sox got that run right back, in the bottom of the fourth.  David Ross led off with a single.  That was followed by a walk to Xander Bogaerts.  Pedroia then helped out Sabathia by grounding into a double play.  Ross advanced to third though, and he ended up scoring on a Victorino single.  That made it 4-1.

The Red Sox only continued to add on runs.  Napoli led off the fifth with a walk, which was followed by a Gomes double.  Nava flew out to center field, but it was deep enough to score Napoli.  That made the score 5-1.

After a scoreless inning in the sixth, Sabathia's day was over.  CC went six innings, allowing five runs on nine hits and four walks.  He was not good.

Speaking of not good, Joba Chamberlain relieved Sabathia when he came in to pitch the seventh inning.  Joba walked the first two batters he faced, but escaped the inning without the Red Sox adding to their lead.  Matt Daley was a bit of a bright spot, throwing a 1-2-3 inning in the eighth.

The offense didn't manage to do much of anything after their run in the fourth.  Granderson had a good day, as he also doubled, in addition to his triple.  He was the only one to really do anything, though.  Lester shut them down over eight innings, allowing one run on three hits and two walks.

Franklin Morales came in to try and finish off the game for the Red Sox.  He did.  The Red Sox won 5-1.

The Yankees will try to avoid the sweep tomorrow with Ivan Nova on the mound. First pitch is at 8:05 eastern.

Box score.Graph thingy.

Week 23 Birds Up, O's Down (9 - 15 Sept.)

0
0
Pitchers
Wei-Yin ChenDownnew_mediumAlthough he tied a season-high with 9 strikeouts, he was also tagged for 5 ER in 6.1 innings.
Scott FeldmanUpnew_mediumWhile 3 ER was more than he'd allowed in his past three starts combined, Feldman posted his 5th straight QS.
Kevin GausmanUpnew_mediumAfter getting hit around last week, Gausman recovered with a couple of better innings.
Miguel Gonzalezhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngLeft his start early with a minor groin strain.
Jason Hammelhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngWas surprisingly okay (although homer-prone) during his first start in quite some time.
Tommy Hunterhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngPitching a ton, although not necessarily in the best situations.
Jim JohnsonDownnew_mediumSigh.
Steve Johnsonhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngDNP.
Brian Matuszhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngIs there a reason he didn't face the lefties against the Yankees instead of Hunter?
T.J. McFarlandhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngFaced just 3 batters.
Bud Norrishttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngCurrently shelved with minor elbow discomfort.
Darren O'Dayhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngOut with a hand injury, but expected back this week.
Troy Pattonhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngAnother lefty specialist who hardly saw any action?
Francisco RodriguezDownnew_mediumPretty hittable in limited action.
Josh StinsonUpnew_mediumA couple of scoreless relief innings.
Chris TillmanUpnew_mediumHard to complain too much about his two starts this week. Although he yielded 4 runs on Saturday, he pitched an efficient 8 innings.
Catchers
Steve ClevengerUpnew_mediumKicked off his O's career with a 2 RBI double.
Chris Snyderhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngDNP
Matt WietersDownnew_mediumPretty poor week at the plate with just 3 hits.
Infielders
Wilson Betemithttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.png0-1
Alexi Casillahttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.png1-3 with a stolen base
Chris DavisUpnew_mediumTagged number 50.
Ryan Flahertyhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.png0-2 with 2 walks
J.J. HardyUpnew_medium8 hits this week and 4 were doubles.
Dan Johnsonhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.png0-1
Manny MachadoDownnew_mediumHe did have a homer and two doubles, but otherwise put together a sub-.200 week.
Brian Robertshttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngHe's good for an occasional single.
Jonathan Schoophttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngDNP
Danny ValenciaUpnew_mediumAnother solid week for Valencia (7 hits in limited PA, 1 homer)
Outfielders
Chris Dickersonhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.png0-1
Adam Joneshttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngThree doubles, but just .259 at the plate.
Nick MarkakisUpnew_mediumMight have been his best week of the season at .364 with a 2B, HR, and 3 walks.
Nate McLouthhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/217757/dash.pngCurrently dealing with a knee injury
Michael MorseDownnew_mediumLooking pretty darn bad at the plate.

Want To Buy Alfonso Soriano's Chicago Condo?

0
0

Alfonso Soriano was a Chicago Cub for six and a half years, and, as you know, was handsomely paid for that, $136 million for eight seasons.

Part of that money went to buy a luxury condo in downtown Chicago. Now, with Soriano gone back to the New York Yankees, the condo is for sale:

Former Chicago Cubs left fielder and second baseman Alfonso Soriano has listed his three-bedroom, 3,828-square-foot penthouse condominium unit in River North for $2.95 million.

Features include 3-1/2 baths, a master suite and two additional en-suite bedrooms, two large his-and-hers walk-in closets, a marble entryway, a kitchen with a granite island, a fireplace, a 150-square-foot private terrace, a built-in surround system, a wine cellar and views to the east, south and west.  The listing price also includes two parking spaces.

I mean, the parking spaces alone...

Here's the listing if you want to make an appointment to see it.

Yankees injury roundup: Alex Rodriguez plans to return Tuesday, Alfonso Soriano back in lineup

0
0

The New York Yankees have been dealing with injuries to key players before the season began, and the injury issues have not let up in 2013. Michael Brown of Pinstriped Bible points out that Robinson Cano is the only quality player in the lineup who has yet to miss time this year, and there's still two weeks left in the season.

New York has managed to remain competitive despite the the injury issues; the team enters Monday with a 79-71 record, three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers in the AL Wild Card. The Yankees hope some of their key players can return from injury and help the team make one final push for a post-season bid:

Rodriguez plans to return Tuesday

Alex Rodriguez plans to return to the Yankees lineup on Tuesday, reports Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. The third baseman has been battling a tight left hamstring and a sore right calf.

New York has an off-day on Monday, which Rodriguez will use to undergo treatment. The Yankees will face the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, and Rodriguez hopes to at least re-enter the lineup at designated hitter. Joe Girardi had originally hoped that Rodriguez could play third base, but is now not sure if he could handle playing in the field.

Soriano rejoins lineup despite sprained thumb

Alfonso Soriano played in Sunday's 5-1 loss against the Boston Red Sox despite a sprained right thumb, according to Erik Boland of the Long Island Newsday. He originally injured his thumb Thursday making a diving catch against the Baltimore Orioles.

Soriano admitted that if the Yankees weren't in the middle of a pennant race, he would take some time off to properly heal. The outfielder has been a key contributor to the Yankees lineup since joining the team in July, batting .254 with 15 homers and 47 RBI.

Gardner hopes to return before end of season

Brett Gardner wants to return to the Yankees lineup before the end of the season, but is not sure if his strained left oblique will heal in time, writes Hoch. Gardner discussed the injury with the reporter, stating:

"We're running out of time, and the only way I can come back is if I'm at 100 percent. Hopefully I get there, but we'll see. It all depends on how quickly I heal and how well I take care of it."

Gardner had served as the team's primary center fielder and leadoff man. Curtis Granderson has replaced Gardner in the field and at the top of the lineup.

More from SB Nation MLB:

Watch the Red Sox pay tribute to Mariano Rivera

Rangers' rookie hazing pictures aren't pretty | #Lookit

Hunter Pence belts 5 HRs in 4-game series

Chris Davis hits home run No. 50 | 50 HRs, 1 GIF

"The Sandlot" cast, 20 years later

Derek Jeter is not a shortstop anymore

0
0

The 2013 season has been an unmitigated disaster at shortstop for the New York Yankees. They have used eight different shortstops, more than any other team in baseball, and just about nothing good has come from the position. Derek Jeter never recovered from the devastating ankle injury suffered in the 2012 ALCS. Eduardo Nunez was a colossal mess, as he was injured when the Yankees needed him most, and when healthy, he was arguably the sixth-worst player in baseball. Jayson Nix, Reid Brignac, and Alberto Gonzalez were just as horrible as expected.

Only the Miami Marlins have had a worse season than the Yankees at shortstop. It's been a perfect storm of punchless offense and dreadful defense; the team's shortstops have hit a measly .225/.284/.299 with a .261 wOBA, a 57 wRC+, and -2.0 fWAR. This was the end result of simply banking on the 39-year-old Jeter to successfully bounce back from a badly broken ankle last October. Even kids like Ravel Santana and David Adams take a long time to rehabilitate from ankle injuries; hell, Santana still has not really made it back, and he got hurt in 2011. Crossing fingers and hoping Jeter could still fake it at the shortstop position for another year now seems questionable in hindsight.

One could give the Yankees and Jeter the benefit of the doubt since Jeter never had a season with nearly as many health problems as he did in 2013. Maybe it was worth a try to see if Jeter could come back and still gave the Yankees much-needed offense from the shortstop position. As John Harper wrote today in the Daily News, to try to play this game again with a soon-to-be 40-year-old Jeter whose defense sharply declined from 2010-12 anyway is foolish. Craig Calcaterra at "Hardball Talk" echoed Harper's thoughts and emphasized the need to get Jeter on board with the idea as soon as possible:

If Jeter is quoted widely this offseason as saying he’s ready to return to short, the Yankees’ efforts to get an insurance policy shortstop — which they’d certainly need — will be seen as undermining Jeter or trying to push him out. If they sit down with him, however, and tell him that he is not the starting shortstop, that drama evaporates and, instead of people saying that Jeter is toast, he’ll get a lot of favorable Cal Ripken and/or Paul Molitor comparisons.

A strong defensive shortstop is a must-have in baseball, but the Yankees have been able to get away with the defensively-limited Jeter as their starting shortstop for years since his offensive production was terrific. Now though, his health is a significant hurdle in his ability to even stay on the field. The shortstop is moving on almost every play, and Jeter's ankle now has metal in it. Even if his ankle recovers 100%, it remains a highly risky proposition to gamble on the 40-year-old staying healthy, let alone providing any quality of defense.

Jeter has previously been amenable to change. After the 2007 season, GM Brian Cashman took Jeter out to dinner and explained that the Captain simply was not a good defensive shortstop. The defensive metrics might have seemed surprising to those mystified by Jeter's jump plays, but facts were facts, and Jeter's range was horrendous. Jeter took Cashman's advice of improving his defense over the off-season to heart, and he slowly progressed on defense from an awful in '07 to average in '08 to terrific in '09. By 2010 though, age had set in, and as Baseball Prospectus EIC Ben Lindbergh noted recently, this was the real tragedy of Jeter's defense: "Just when he finally found out how to play shortstop, he began to get old."

Jeter needs to be amenable to change once more; he can no longer help the Yankees as a shortstop at all. He's hurting the team. He could perhaps play the occasional game as a backup shortstop to spell the starter, but he must move to a less intense defensive position or off the diamond entirely as a DH, like his friend Jorge Posada had to do in 2011. There will be a few decent shortstops on the free agent market this winter who generate more hope than Nunez, and Harper believes the Yankees will pursue one of them, like Stephen Drew.

Drew signed with the Red Sox last winter for one year and $9.5 million, reportedly turning down the Yankees' offer of one year and $12 million since the Yankees did not guarantee that he would stay at one position. They wanted him to fill in both at short and third base, and Drew preferred to stick to shortstop. Drew has been a smashing success for the Red Sox, as he's hit .247/.328/.432 with a 103 wRC+ and 2.5 fWAR this year for Boston. One criticism of his game is that he's done most of his damage at Fenway Park, as evinced by a 175-point difference in OPS on the road (.669) compared to his home OPS (.844).

This is splitting hairs though, as even a .669 OPS would be far better than what the Yankees have received from their shortstops this year (.583 OPS). Plus, Drew is a lefthanded hitter, and it doesn't take an expert to know that lefty hitters tend to thrive with half their games at Yankee Stadium. Drew is a fine defensive shortstop as well, having successfully made a recovery from a similarly bad ankle injury as Jeter's, which he suffered in mid-2011. He went threw a shaky year last season with the Athletics and his original team, the Diamondbacks, but he's returned to the productive player he once was now that he's a starter again. With rookie shortstop Xander Bogaerts waiting in the wings, the Red Sox don't need to bring Drew back to Boston. He will be 31 in March, and he would be a fine candidate to sign with the Yankees. All they would need to do is assure him that he would be the full-time shortstop.

The free agent market will also feature Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Due to his recent Biogenesis suspension, he carries a PED cloud around him that the Yankees might not want to bother with considering their own problems with A-Rod and Francisco Cervelli, but if they look past the issue, then they would see Peralta as another possible Jeter replacement. He's had a 120 wRC+ in two of the past three seasons, and he's changed from a bad defensive shortstop growing up with the Indians through 2007 to a superb fielder with the Tigers. Detroit also has a young replacement for their shortstop with the recently-acquired Jose Iglesias. Peralta will be 32 next May and could be available for a lower price than normal since he has the PED assocations.

If the fiscally conscious Rays pass on their $5 million option for Yunel Escobar, he could also be a nice fit for the Yankees. Sure, he's a despicable person, but he ranges from fine to superb on defense in addition to providing decent offense (100 wRC+ in two of the past three years). The righty could be a decent cheap option if he's made available. As Jesse alluded a few days ago, the Yankees could also try the defense-focused approach and bring back defensive magician Brendan Ryan, who is also a free agent. This route seems more questionable to me since the offensively-challenged Ryan could not even hack it as a starter for the Mariners, so I would rather have the Yankees try for Drew or Peralta, but Ryan would still be a much better option than Jeter since it would keep Jeter off the field.

The Yankees are at a crossroads. Mariano Rivera is retiring, and 41-year-old Andy Pettitte might follow him out the door. Posada is long since retired, and Jeter is the last player remaining from those glorious dynasty years. 2014 could be the end for the Captain. He, the Yankees, and their fans should get the opportunity to see him leave with pride, not stumbling around at shortstop and quickly ending up on the DL again. It's time to move on, and hopefully the Yankees realize this in their off-season plans.

More from Pinstriped Bible:

Poll
Who should be the Yankees' 2014 Opening Day shortstop?

  315 votes |Results

Viewing all 4714 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images