08/16: No Punishment for Giambi
Posted by: Patrick
From the AP:
"It's over and done with. I'm thrilled with it. He did what he needed to do -- now I can go forward," Giambi said before the Yankees hosted Detroit in the opener of an important four-game series. "I can go forward and not hurt the ballclub with a suspension."
Selig, speaking on the second and final day of an owners meeting in Toronto, called this an "appropriate decision." ...
"He's doing a lot of public-service work, and I think that's terribly important," Selig said. "I think it's more important for us to keep getting the message out. He was, I thought, very frank and candid with Sen. Mitchell, at least that was the senator's conclusion. Given everything, this is an appropriate decision."
Selig, speaking on the second and final day of an owners meeting in Toronto, called this an "appropriate decision." ...
"He's doing a lot of public-service work, and I think that's terribly important," Selig said. "I think it's more important for us to keep getting the message out. He was, I thought, very frank and candid with Sen. Mitchell, at least that was the senator's conclusion. Given everything, this is an appropriate decision."
08/16: Brackman Signed
Posted by: Patrick
From MLB.com:
He's been added to the 40 man and Chris Basak has been DFAed.
The Yankees agreed to terms with their first-round selection in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday, inking right-handed pitcher Andrew Brackman to a four-year Major League contract.
Brackman, 21, was the 30th overall selection, coming to New York from North Carolina State University. He has been assigned to the club's Gulf Coast League affiliate in Tampa, Fla., a Yankees spokesman confirmed.
Brackman, 21, was the 30th overall selection, coming to New York from North Carolina State University. He has been assigned to the club's Gulf Coast League affiliate in Tampa, Fla., a Yankees spokesman confirmed.
He's been added to the 40 man and Chris Basak has been DFAed.
08/15: Yankees Close With Brackman
Posted by: Patrick
According to various reports, the Yankees are close to signing first rounder Andrew Brackman. From Ed Price:
Peter Abraham has a list of signings that have been confirmed by the team:
A baseball official familiar with the Yankees' plans, who spoke on condition of anonymity because negotiations are ongoing, said Brackman was expected to sign for about $4.5 million guaranteed over four years, including a $3.3 million signing bonus. The contract will include team options for 2011, 2012 and 2013 at about $2 million per year, which could bring the total value to more than $13 million over seven years.
Peter Abraham has a list of signings that have been confirmed by the team:
C Austin Romine (2) $500,000
3B Brad Suttle (4) $1.3 milion
C Chase Weems (6) $450,000
OF Taylor Grote (8) $250,000
SSCarmen Angelini (10) $1 million
3B Brad Suttle (4) $1.3 milion
C Chase Weems (6) $450,000
OF Taylor Grote (8) $250,000
SSCarmen Angelini (10) $1 million
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham reports that Edwar Ramirez and Sean Henn have been promoted back to the Major League squad while Jim Brower and Jeff Karstens are no longer with the team. Karstens is headed back to the minors and Brower was probably DFAed, according to Abraham.
Update: Abraham says that Brower agreed to an option when he signed, so he's headed to the minors, as well.
Update: Abraham says that Brower agreed to an option when he signed, so he's headed to the minors, as well.
Posted by: Patrick
What to do say about last night? Terrible. Karstens (3 IP, 5 ER) and Brower (2 IP, 4 ER) got smoked. And the Yankees were 2 hit by the combination of Daniel Cabrera, Paul Shuey and Rob Bell. Ouch.
Kyle Farnsworth and Luis Vizcaino each threw 1-2-3 innings to end it. But, of course, it was way out of reach by then. The Sox won (Al Reyes blew a 1-0 lead in the 9th), but the Mariners lost. So, we're 5 back in the division and still tied in the Wild Card.
I have Scott Kazmir on all of my fantasy teams. He's having a good year. He's managed to win 9 victories, despite the best efforts of his run support. He's pitched 7 games where he's allowed 1 ER or less. He is 2-0 in those 7 games. Argh.
At 1:05 PM ET (about 20 minutes from now). We've got Phil Hughes (2-1, 4.64) up against Erik Bedard (12-4, 3.11 ERA) and Joba can pitch tonight. So, let's forget we played on Tuesday.
Kyle Farnsworth and Luis Vizcaino each threw 1-2-3 innings to end it. But, of course, it was way out of reach by then. The Sox won (Al Reyes blew a 1-0 lead in the 9th), but the Mariners lost. So, we're 5 back in the division and still tied in the Wild Card.
I have Scott Kazmir on all of my fantasy teams. He's having a good year. He's managed to win 9 victories, despite the best efforts of his run support. He's pitched 7 games where he's allowed 1 ER or less. He is 2-0 in those 7 games. Argh.
At 1:05 PM ET (about 20 minutes from now). We've got Phil Hughes (2-1, 4.64) up against Erik Bedard (12-4, 3.11 ERA) and Joba can pitch tonight. So, let's forget we played on Tuesday.
Posted by: Patrick
This is my weekly recap of the performance of the YanksBlog.com teams in the Yankees Bloggers Fantasy Baseball League.
Last Week
James took a 6-3 victory of Joseph (River Ave. Blues). All 3 of Joseph's victories were on the pitching side (strikeouts, ERA and WHIP) and the two sides tied on stolen bases with 1. James' offense was led by Miguel Tejada (5 R, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .320 AVG) and Chipper Jones (6 R, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .375 AVG). Matt Holliday (6 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .385 AVG) was the biggest contributor for Joseph.
James got a 2 win week out of Jake Peavy (10 Ks) with Kelvim Escobar winning a game, as well. His saves came from Jose Valverde (2), Joakim Soria (2), Billy Wagner and Bobby Jenks. Joseph had wins from Aaron Harang and James Shields (9 Ks) and saves from Jonathan Papelbon (2).
I lost to Ben (River Ave. Blues) in a close one, 5-4. We tied in runs (27) with RBI (27 vs. 26), average (.291 vs. .286), wins (4 vs. 3) and saves (6 vs. 5) all very close. Prince Fielder had a big week for me, hitting .318 with 6 runs, 4 home runs and 5 runs batted in. Carlos Lee hit .435. Barry Bonds (6 R, 3 HR, 6 RBI, .462 AVG) and Chone Figgins (4 R, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 SB, .391 AVG) were the leaders on Ben's side.
I had wins from Andy Pettitte (2) (11 Ks), Scott Kazmir and Justin Verlander (13 Ks) and saves from Mariano Rivera (2), Joe Borowski (2) and Manny Corpas. Let's get Huston Street back into that closer role! John Lackey, Brandon Hennessey and Roger Clemens handed Ben victories while Chad Cordero (3), Brett Myers (2) and Bob Wickman turned in saves. Tim Lincecum had a 16 K week.
Seamus lost to Jen (NoSenseWorrying.com), 7-3. He had good pitching, but Jen's offense was just too potent, allowing her to sweep all 5 offensive categories. That offense was led by Robinson Cano (4 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB, .429 AVG) and Carl Crawford (8 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 SB, .469 AVG). Nick Markakis hit .417 while Johnny Damon hit .412. David Wright (6 R, 3 HR, 7 RBI, .333 AVG) was the biggest player for Seamus.
Meanwhile, he picked up 3 pitching victories, thanks to Brandon Webb (10 Ks), Jered Weaver and Mike Mussina as well as 3 saves, all from Todd Jones. Jen's staff failed to pick up a single save, but did manage 4 victories, with Tom Gorzelanny (13 Ks) picking up 2 and Shaun Marcum and Roy Halladay picking up the others.
Top 3 teams in the league:
1. Mike (107-75-8) (River Ave. Blues)
2. James (101-77-12)
3. Dave (98-81-11) (Pride of the Yankees)
This Week
James (2nd, 101-77-12) vs. EJ (Pinstripe Potentials and Pending Pinstripes) (9th, 76-102-12)
Patrick (5th, 94-89-7) vs. Jen (T7th, 82-96-12)
Seamus (10th, 71-108-11) vs. Mike (1st, 107-75-8)
Last Week
James took a 6-3 victory of Joseph (River Ave. Blues). All 3 of Joseph's victories were on the pitching side (strikeouts, ERA and WHIP) and the two sides tied on stolen bases with 1. James' offense was led by Miguel Tejada (5 R, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .320 AVG) and Chipper Jones (6 R, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .375 AVG). Matt Holliday (6 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .385 AVG) was the biggest contributor for Joseph.
James got a 2 win week out of Jake Peavy (10 Ks) with Kelvim Escobar winning a game, as well. His saves came from Jose Valverde (2), Joakim Soria (2), Billy Wagner and Bobby Jenks. Joseph had wins from Aaron Harang and James Shields (9 Ks) and saves from Jonathan Papelbon (2).
I lost to Ben (River Ave. Blues) in a close one, 5-4. We tied in runs (27) with RBI (27 vs. 26), average (.291 vs. .286), wins (4 vs. 3) and saves (6 vs. 5) all very close. Prince Fielder had a big week for me, hitting .318 with 6 runs, 4 home runs and 5 runs batted in. Carlos Lee hit .435. Barry Bonds (6 R, 3 HR, 6 RBI, .462 AVG) and Chone Figgins (4 R, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 SB, .391 AVG) were the leaders on Ben's side.
I had wins from Andy Pettitte (2) (11 Ks), Scott Kazmir and Justin Verlander (13 Ks) and saves from Mariano Rivera (2), Joe Borowski (2) and Manny Corpas. Let's get Huston Street back into that closer role! John Lackey, Brandon Hennessey and Roger Clemens handed Ben victories while Chad Cordero (3), Brett Myers (2) and Bob Wickman turned in saves. Tim Lincecum had a 16 K week.
Seamus lost to Jen (NoSenseWorrying.com), 7-3. He had good pitching, but Jen's offense was just too potent, allowing her to sweep all 5 offensive categories. That offense was led by Robinson Cano (4 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB, .429 AVG) and Carl Crawford (8 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 SB, .469 AVG). Nick Markakis hit .417 while Johnny Damon hit .412. David Wright (6 R, 3 HR, 7 RBI, .333 AVG) was the biggest player for Seamus.
Meanwhile, he picked up 3 pitching victories, thanks to Brandon Webb (10 Ks), Jered Weaver and Mike Mussina as well as 3 saves, all from Todd Jones. Jen's staff failed to pick up a single save, but did manage 4 victories, with Tom Gorzelanny (13 Ks) picking up 2 and Shaun Marcum and Roy Halladay picking up the others.
Top 3 teams in the league:
1. Mike (107-75-8) (River Ave. Blues)
2. James (101-77-12)
3. Dave (98-81-11) (Pride of the Yankees)
This Week
James (2nd, 101-77-12) vs. EJ (Pinstripe Potentials and Pending Pinstripes) (9th, 76-102-12)
Patrick (5th, 94-89-7) vs. Jen (T7th, 82-96-12)
Seamus (10th, 71-108-11) vs. Mike (1st, 107-75-8)
Posted by: Patrick
From ESPN:
We've got 25 minutes until the deadline. Looks like he's going to remain a Yankee.
Via Tony Gicas.
Unless there is a 24th hour reversal in the talks between the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres, the Yankees intend to withdraw Kei Igawa from trade waivers by Tuesday's 2 p.m. trade deadline, ending conversations between the teams about a deal involving the left-handed pitcher.
We've got 25 minutes until the deadline. Looks like he's going to remain a Yankee.
Via Tony Gicas.
08/14: Phil Rizzuto Has Died
Posted by: Patrick
Phil Rizzuto has died at the age of 89.
A hall of famer, 5 time All-Star and MVP winner, Rizzuto played 13 seasons with the Yankees (missing 1943 through 1945 due to war). He had a career batting average of .271 and played on 9 pennant winners, leading to 7 World Series championships. Rizzuto would later be known by generations of Yankees fans as a broadcaster, a role he played for over 40 years. For more on Rizzuto and his life, see his Wikipedia entry.
Rizzuto was a good man and he will be missed. Our thoughts are with those close to him.
A hall of famer, 5 time All-Star and MVP winner, Rizzuto played 13 seasons with the Yankees (missing 1943 through 1945 due to war). He had a career batting average of .271 and played on 9 pennant winners, leading to 7 World Series championships. Rizzuto would later be known by generations of Yankees fans as a broadcaster, a role he played for over 40 years. For more on Rizzuto and his life, see his Wikipedia entry.
Rizzuto was a good man and he will be missed. Our thoughts are with those close to him.
Posted by: Patrick
Before yesterday's game, the Yankees honored A-Rod before the game for reaching the 500 HR mark. And hilarity ensues. Watch it on MLB.com. Some funny moments. Notice how Cashman is first Yankees executive to draw applause (Afterman does, as well, but that could just be because Cashman warmed them up).
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees are now winning every which way possible, this time in the form of a 7-6 walk-off victory over the Orioles, who actually look a lot more scary at this point than all these "powerhouse" teams the Yanks face in the coming weeks. A win by Boston keeps the Yankees 4 games back of the A.L. East lead.
After the Orioles tacked on 3 runs in the top of the 1st off Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankees got two back via a home run off the bat of Bobby Abreu. Wilson Betemit put the Yanks up 4-3 in the 2nd with a two-run shot of his own. Wang eventually settled down a bit, but still finished the game with a line of 5 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings. He left the game with a 6-4 lead before Tike Redman was able to score on a wild pitch by Ron Villone to bring the Orioles within a run.
Redman would be the catalyst again in the top of the 9th, as he singled in Melvin Mora off of Mariano Rivera, who struggled for the second straight day but still recorded only his third blown save of the season, to tie the score at 6 apiece.
Baseball players don't receive paid overtime, and knowing that, the Yankees went straight to business in the bottom of the inning. After Melky Cabrera was hit by a pitch, Jason Giambi singled to right, advancing Cabrera to third. Derek Jeter followed that up with a ground ball to second. The throw by Brian Roberts was late, allowing Melky to score the winning run.
Consider this: After all the talk all year about how bad the Yankees have been and considering the fact that they were at one point 21-29 and 14.5 games behind Boston, the Yankees now have the third best record in all of baseball and have a better record than every team in the National League. They are now within 4 games of not only catching Boston, but also gaining homefield advantage throughout the postseason.
Also, I gotta say I like the way Jason Giambi's come along so far in the few games since his return just last week. He seems to have adapted to the pinch-hit, spot starter role (no telling how long Torre plans to keep him in that role) quite nicely. He's 4-10 with 2 HR's in the four games since he's been back. It's probably a good role for him to have. The guy can still be deadly but let's face it, that body can't handle a 500 AB season anymore.
The series resumes in the Bronx tonight as Jeff Karstens will be making his first start since he was hit in the leg by a batted ball against Boston earlier this year. He is 0-2 with an E.R.A. of 10.13 including two starts earlier in the year and a couple of relief appearances earlier this month. His counterpart will be O's pitcher Daniel Cabrera. Game time is 7:05 E.T.
After the Orioles tacked on 3 runs in the top of the 1st off Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankees got two back via a home run off the bat of Bobby Abreu. Wilson Betemit put the Yanks up 4-3 in the 2nd with a two-run shot of his own. Wang eventually settled down a bit, but still finished the game with a line of 5 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings. He left the game with a 6-4 lead before Tike Redman was able to score on a wild pitch by Ron Villone to bring the Orioles within a run.
Redman would be the catalyst again in the top of the 9th, as he singled in Melvin Mora off of Mariano Rivera, who struggled for the second straight day but still recorded only his third blown save of the season, to tie the score at 6 apiece.
Baseball players don't receive paid overtime, and knowing that, the Yankees went straight to business in the bottom of the inning. After Melky Cabrera was hit by a pitch, Jason Giambi singled to right, advancing Cabrera to third. Derek Jeter followed that up with a ground ball to second. The throw by Brian Roberts was late, allowing Melky to score the winning run.
Consider this: After all the talk all year about how bad the Yankees have been and considering the fact that they were at one point 21-29 and 14.5 games behind Boston, the Yankees now have the third best record in all of baseball and have a better record than every team in the National League. They are now within 4 games of not only catching Boston, but also gaining homefield advantage throughout the postseason.
Also, I gotta say I like the way Jason Giambi's come along so far in the few games since his return just last week. He seems to have adapted to the pinch-hit, spot starter role (no telling how long Torre plans to keep him in that role) quite nicely. He's 4-10 with 2 HR's in the four games since he's been back. It's probably a good role for him to have. The guy can still be deadly but let's face it, that body can't handle a 500 AB season anymore.
The series resumes in the Bronx tonight as Jeff Karstens will be making his first start since he was hit in the leg by a batted ball against Boston earlier this year. He is 0-2 with an E.R.A. of 10.13 including two starts earlier in the year and a couple of relief appearances earlier this month. His counterpart will be O's pitcher Daniel Cabrera. Game time is 7:05 E.T.
