07/29: Rumor Mill: 07/29/06
Posted by: Patrick
We've inquired about Jake Westbrook:
Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun speculates that we might have a place for Jeff Conine.
George King of the New York Post talks about potential deals with the Phillies and Pirates, as well as the value of Proctor:
I had seen Proctor bashed quite a bit (especially before this season) and I never really said too much about him. This year, he has been valuable to us. But, it would certainly be neat if he ends up helping us net something bigger...
Via Pro Sports Daily.
... but the Yankees did inquire about Indians starter Jake Westbrook. They were told he is not available, but that, like everything else, could change by Monday afternoon.
Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun speculates that we might have a place for Jeff Conine.
George King of the New York Post talks about potential deals with the Phillies and Pirates, as well as the value of Proctor:
With the Phillies and Pirates lowering their price on the players they are trying to move, the likelihood of the Yankees making a deal before the trading deadline is better than it has been in weeks.
And there were indications the Yankees may include Scott Proctor - whom the Phillies love - in the right transaction. If Proctor is moved, another reliever is a must.
Until the price came down on Bobby Abreu, Jon Lieber, Cory Lidle and Tom Gordon, GM Brian Cashman wasn't going to get something done with the Phillies. Ditto with the Pirates, who are shopping Craig Wilson, Salomon Torres, Roberto Hernandez, John Grabow, Sean Casey and Jeromy Burnitz.
As far as the Pirates, an NL source explained the Yankees are interested in getting Wilson and Burnitz to spin them off in a three-way trade.
And there were indications the Yankees may include Scott Proctor - whom the Phillies love - in the right transaction. If Proctor is moved, another reliever is a must.
Until the price came down on Bobby Abreu, Jon Lieber, Cory Lidle and Tom Gordon, GM Brian Cashman wasn't going to get something done with the Phillies. Ditto with the Pirates, who are shopping Craig Wilson, Salomon Torres, Roberto Hernandez, John Grabow, Sean Casey and Jeromy Burnitz.
As far as the Pirates, an NL source explained the Yankees are interested in getting Wilson and Burnitz to spin them off in a three-way trade.
I had seen Proctor bashed quite a bit (especially before this season) and I never really said too much about him. This year, he has been valuable to us. But, it would certainly be neat if he ends up helping us net something bigger...
Via Pro Sports Daily.
07/28: 20 Questions W/ Phil Hughes
Posted by: James
It must be Yankees week over at MiLB.com this week. Buy one Yankee, get the second one half-off! In any case, much like the earlier Q&A with Jose Tabata, Sapna Pathak gets a chance to sit down with Phil Hughes. Again, Hughes comes off as remarkably mature and well-spoken for someone of his age and even though he was drafted at the tender age of 17, he seems very pratical and even-keeled. I've condensed some highlights below but check out the whole piece if you get a chance.
MiLB.com: What was it like being selected in the first round by the Yankees?
PH: I was contacted by some other teams, and they'd pretty much said they wanted me so it was kind of nice to have that safety net there. But to be taken by New York was unbelievable.
MiLB.com: You mentioned improvements; what are some improvements you've noticed in your game?
PH: Last year was a big learning experience for me. This year, my fastball location has gotten better and I'm at the point with my curveball where I can throw it in any count at any time.
MiLB.com: You are being hailed as the future of the Yankees on quite a few Web forums. Is that a lot of pressure to handle?
PH: It's tough at times because there's a lot of high expectations there. People think I'll dominate my first time in the Majors, but it'll take time; only a few people can come out and really dominate. It'll obviously be another learning process when I get up there. (Pretty astute assessment.)
MiLB.com: What players did you look up to as a child?
PH: Growing up I was never like that. I played different positions and didn't start pitching until high school. Guys like Greg Maddux or Roger Clemens I admire because of the longevity of their careers. (Amen to that!)
MiLB.com: What games and who's your biggest competition?
PH: Spades or Big Deuces which is an older game that Kevin Howard introduced us to. Me and Jamie Cox have been known to talk some trash (laughs). (I'm assuming he's referring to J.B. Cox - I've just never heard him being called Jamie before.)
PH: I was contacted by some other teams, and they'd pretty much said they wanted me so it was kind of nice to have that safety net there. But to be taken by New York was unbelievable.
MiLB.com: You mentioned improvements; what are some improvements you've noticed in your game?
PH: Last year was a big learning experience for me. This year, my fastball location has gotten better and I'm at the point with my curveball where I can throw it in any count at any time.
MiLB.com: You are being hailed as the future of the Yankees on quite a few Web forums. Is that a lot of pressure to handle?
PH: It's tough at times because there's a lot of high expectations there. People think I'll dominate my first time in the Majors, but it'll take time; only a few people can come out and really dominate. It'll obviously be another learning process when I get up there. (Pretty astute assessment.)
MiLB.com: What players did you look up to as a child?
PH: Growing up I was never like that. I played different positions and didn't start pitching until high school. Guys like Greg Maddux or Roger Clemens I admire because of the longevity of their careers. (Amen to that!)
MiLB.com: What games and who's your biggest competition?
PH: Spades or Big Deuces which is an older game that Kevin Howard introduced us to. Me and Jamie Cox have been known to talk some trash (laughs). (I'm assuming he's referring to J.B. Cox - I've just never heard him being called Jamie before.)
Posted by: David
Chien Ming-Wang was simply brilliant on Friday night at Yankee Stadium. He pitched a complete game two hit shutout as the Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 6-0 in the first of a three game weekend series. Wang now has a record of 12-4 on the season.
The Yankees scored a run in the first on a two out single from A-Rod. They added two more the next inning when Derek Jeter lined a two out, two run single to right to move the Yankees up 3-0. In the fourth Tampa Bay starter Tim Corcoran got into more trouble and was relieved by Chad Harville. The Yankees scored two more runs on bases loaded walks. Bernie Williams hit a solo homer to center to end the scoring and put the Yanks up 6-0.
The story of the night though was Chien Ming-Wang as he was perfect through the first four innings. He only had one inning with more than one runner on base and got out of it when he retired Rocco Baldelli on a fly ball to center to end the threat.
Gary Sheffield in still on the DL but was seen sitting on the Yankees bench during the game. During the telecast they showed tape of him today throwing in the outfield. He is looking to come back around September 1st. Hideki Matsui is swinging the bat and throwing and running and he is looking at being available sometime during August. Robinson Cano ran the bases today in Tampa and is scheduled to run again on Sunday. He should go out on rehab next week and the Yankees are looking to have him back in about ten days. Octavio Dotel threw a bullpen today and is scheduled to have another bullpen session on Sunday. If he could be back this year at all it would be a plus.
The series vs. Tampa Bay resumes tomorrow with Randy Johnson on the hill for the Bombers in a 4pm start.
The Yankees scored a run in the first on a two out single from A-Rod. They added two more the next inning when Derek Jeter lined a two out, two run single to right to move the Yankees up 3-0. In the fourth Tampa Bay starter Tim Corcoran got into more trouble and was relieved by Chad Harville. The Yankees scored two more runs on bases loaded walks. Bernie Williams hit a solo homer to center to end the scoring and put the Yanks up 6-0.
The story of the night though was Chien Ming-Wang as he was perfect through the first four innings. He only had one inning with more than one runner on base and got out of it when he retired Rocco Baldelli on a fly ball to center to end the threat.
Gary Sheffield in still on the DL but was seen sitting on the Yankees bench during the game. During the telecast they showed tape of him today throwing in the outfield. He is looking to come back around September 1st. Hideki Matsui is swinging the bat and throwing and running and he is looking at being available sometime during August. Robinson Cano ran the bases today in Tampa and is scheduled to run again on Sunday. He should go out on rehab next week and the Yankees are looking to have him back in about ten days. Octavio Dotel threw a bullpen today and is scheduled to have another bullpen session on Sunday. If he could be back this year at all it would be a plus.
The series vs. Tampa Bay resumes tomorrow with Randy Johnson on the hill for the Bombers in a 4pm start.
07/28: Rumor Mill: 7/28/06
Posted by: Patrick
If we want Abreu, the Phillies may want us to take Lieber. And the Pirates are interested in Steven White. According to the New York Daily News:
We're interested in Ramon Ortiz and Mark Redman, according to the New York Post:
Roger and Andy, as well:
Via Pro Sports Daily
Quite simply, the prices being asked by opposing teams are too high. The Phillies, however, may be slowly moving toward middle ground with the Bombers, sources said, and could get closer over the weekend. After asking for top prospects (such as Phil Hughes or Jose Tabata) in exchange for Bobby Abreu earlier this month - even though the Bombers believe any transaction involving Abreu is basically a salary dump for Philadelphia - the Phillies are now said to be discussing a deal that would net them lesser prospects for Abreu - with the catch being that the Yanks have to take on former Bomber Jon Lieber, too.
We're interested in Ramon Ortiz and Mark Redman, according to the New York Post:
And while Bobby Abreu may not be dealt or may require talent the Yankees don't have or don't want to trade, there are other options. Right-handers Jon Lieber, a former Yankee, and Cory Lidle are on the list of pitchers the Yankees are interested in. The list also includes Royals lefty Mark Redman and the Nationals' Ramon Ortiz.
Roger and Andy, as well:
The Yankees also have made it known that they would have interest in Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte in the event - an extreme longshot - that the Astros would consider trading them.
Via Pro Sports Daily
07/27: Wang The Prankster?
Posted by: James
There's a positively glowing article on Chien-Ming Wang over at MLB.com today. It's definitely worth a read, if only to get a little more of an idea of who the team's somewhat shy #2 pitcher really is. Here are a few highlights and any emphasis added is mine.
Now, he needs to do only one thing to get on my eternal good side. When Joe comes in to take the ball from him, Obi-Wang should wave his hand and calmly tell him that he doesn't need to take the ball away and this isn't the ball he's looking for. THAT...would be hilarious (okay, maybe just to me...).
Asked if he has been pleased with his success, Wang shook his hand as if to say, "So-so."
"Maybe lucky?" he said with a bashful grin. "I want better, better, better." (How can you not root for that?)
...
Catcher Jorge Posada says without hesitation that Wang has the best stuff in the Yankees' rotation. Guidry feels Wang could be an ace for the Yankees, if not another team, in a couple years.
...
That was never more evident in Wang's next to last start against the Mariners. Wang didn't have his best stuff and was constantly in trouble. Three Alex Rodriguez errors behind him didn't help.
But Wang never lost his composure and allowed just two earned runs in seven innings to pick up the win.
Asked about the errors after the game, Wang simply said, "Nobody's perfect."
...
But despite his success, Wang remains a pitcher not too many teams know about.
Mariners batting coach Jeff Pentland hadn't heard much about Wang -- other than that he had a good sinker -- before facing him on July 17. After spending a couple hours of watching him on tape, Pentland compared Wang to Roy Halladay, the Blue Jays' former Cy Young winner. (A comparison I've thought of on several occassions).
"Maybe lucky?" he said with a bashful grin. "I want better, better, better." (How can you not root for that?)
...
Catcher Jorge Posada says without hesitation that Wang has the best stuff in the Yankees' rotation. Guidry feels Wang could be an ace for the Yankees, if not another team, in a couple years.
...
That was never more evident in Wang's next to last start against the Mariners. Wang didn't have his best stuff and was constantly in trouble. Three Alex Rodriguez errors behind him didn't help.
But Wang never lost his composure and allowed just two earned runs in seven innings to pick up the win.
Asked about the errors after the game, Wang simply said, "Nobody's perfect."
...
But despite his success, Wang remains a pitcher not too many teams know about.
Mariners batting coach Jeff Pentland hadn't heard much about Wang -- other than that he had a good sinker -- before facing him on July 17. After spending a couple hours of watching him on tape, Pentland compared Wang to Roy Halladay, the Blue Jays' former Cy Young winner. (A comparison I've thought of on several occassions).
Now, he needs to do only one thing to get on my eternal good side. When Joe comes in to take the ball from him, Obi-Wang should wave his hand and calmly tell him that he doesn't need to take the ball away and this isn't the ball he's looking for. THAT...would be hilarious (okay, maybe just to me...).
Posted by: Jason
...because it was consumed by flames last night!! What a game!
Massive momentum swings, key hits and a pinch of good fortune all combined for the Yankees to pull within 1.5 games in the AL East race (wholehearted thanks, Frank) and assume a "wafer thin" 0.5 game lead in the AL Wild Card race.
Unfortunately Wright was nicked, then gouged, in the 2nd and the 4th and was not the same guy who whiffed 10 D Rays before the break...but those were the Rays and Showalter's lineup card was stacked with the usual dangerous suspects: Young, Blalock, Texiera.
Notable offensive developments:
1) The Yankees came out of the chute strong with 4 hits in the Top 1st (John, Derek, Bernabe and Andy) and exited the 1/2 inning with a 2-0 lead.
2) Top 8. With the Yankees down 4-2, Alex made a bid for the steamy asphalt of the Ameriquest Field parking lot, but only made it to the green grass beyond the dead-CF wall. Unacceptable! Trade him now while we can still get something valuable.
Also Top 8...after a Bernabe BB and a Phillips 1B, Cabrera went the other way into the gap for a 2 RBI double that gave the Yankees the lead 5-4. After Fasano bunted MC to 3rd, he scored on a wild pitch...6-4 New York.
Bottom 8...I'll admit that I was about to concede this game, because of course with the Boston loss there was no downside in the AL East race. Both Beam and Proctor were shoved around by Texas, until Chacon stopped the bleeding with a strikeout and a remarkably improbable double play: he looked like Martin Brodeur stabbing a Jagr wrist shot, then he auditioned for the Alvin Ailey Theatre by performing some interpretive dance before finally, FINALLY throwing the ball to first for the DP. 7-6 Rangers.
Top 9. Jeter takes a pitch back through the middle for a 1B. When is someone going to coin a proper nickname for Jeter? It must convey the same skill and class as "The Yankee Clipper." Joe D. retired 21 years before I was born, but from everything I have read, beyond all doubt, Jeter is our DiMaggio.
To conclude: let me take you back just a short time to a news story, so you can contrast it with the ball sailing into the seats last night for the lead and the victory:
5/11/2005: Chicago Sun Times
"Minor Leagues could be in Giambi's future":
Massive momentum swings, key hits and a pinch of good fortune all combined for the Yankees to pull within 1.5 games in the AL East race (wholehearted thanks, Frank) and assume a "wafer thin" 0.5 game lead in the AL Wild Card race.
Unfortunately Wright was nicked, then gouged, in the 2nd and the 4th and was not the same guy who whiffed 10 D Rays before the break...but those were the Rays and Showalter's lineup card was stacked with the usual dangerous suspects: Young, Blalock, Texiera.
Notable offensive developments:
1) The Yankees came out of the chute strong with 4 hits in the Top 1st (John, Derek, Bernabe and Andy) and exited the 1/2 inning with a 2-0 lead.
2) Top 8. With the Yankees down 4-2, Alex made a bid for the steamy asphalt of the Ameriquest Field parking lot, but only made it to the green grass beyond the dead-CF wall. Unacceptable! Trade him now while we can still get something valuable.
Also Top 8...after a Bernabe BB and a Phillips 1B, Cabrera went the other way into the gap for a 2 RBI double that gave the Yankees the lead 5-4. After Fasano bunted MC to 3rd, he scored on a wild pitch...6-4 New York.
Bottom 8...I'll admit that I was about to concede this game, because of course with the Boston loss there was no downside in the AL East race. Both Beam and Proctor were shoved around by Texas, until Chacon stopped the bleeding with a strikeout and a remarkably improbable double play: he looked like Martin Brodeur stabbing a Jagr wrist shot, then he auditioned for the Alvin Ailey Theatre by performing some interpretive dance before finally, FINALLY throwing the ball to first for the DP. 7-6 Rangers.
Top 9. Jeter takes a pitch back through the middle for a 1B. When is someone going to coin a proper nickname for Jeter? It must convey the same skill and class as "The Yankee Clipper." Joe D. retired 21 years before I was born, but from everything I have read, beyond all doubt, Jeter is our DiMaggio.
To conclude: let me take you back just a short time to a news story, so you can contrast it with the ball sailing into the seats last night for the lead and the victory:
5/11/2005: Chicago Sun Times
"Minor Leagues could be in Giambi's future":
New York (AP)
Jason Giambi could be headed to the minor leagues if he doesn't start hitting. With Giambi's batting average down to .195, Yankees manager Joe Torre and General Manager Brian Cashman...
Jason Giambi could be headed to the minor leagues if he doesn't start hitting. With Giambi's batting average down to .195, Yankees manager Joe Torre and General Manager Brian Cashman...
07/27: Rumor Mill: 7/27/06
Posted by: Patrick
Apparently, we're unwilling to deal Proctor to get Betemit:
You can add LaTroy Hawkins to the list of relievers we're looking at.
Joel Sherman says not to be surprised if Bubba ends up with Girardi:
Via Pro Sports Daily.
Yesterday, the Yankees were informed by the Braves that a deal for infielder Wilson Betemit wouldn't get done unless the Yankees included Proctor. Unwilling to remove Proctor from their bullpen, the Yankees run the risk of watching the switch-hitting Betemit, a player many evaluators say has a bright future and one who could help bolster the Yankees' lineup, land elsewhere.
You can add LaTroy Hawkins to the list of relievers we're looking at.
Joel Sherman says not to be surprised if Bubba ends up with Girardi:
If the Yanks eventually land an outfielder and have to move someone off the roster, do not be surprised if Bubba Crosby ends up in Florida. Marlins manager Joe Girardi, the Yanks' bench coach last season, was one of the key voices in the organization who believed Crosby could be a full-time player. Current Marlins center fielder Reggie Abercrombie is one of their few rookies who has not played well this year. His .215 batting average was the worst for any active NL player with at least 225 plate appearances.
Via Pro Sports Daily.
07/27: Happy Birthday A-Rod!
Posted by: James
Regardless of what anyone else says about you, I'm glad you're on the team. .305/.385/.573 for your career with 451 HRs and 1299 RBIs (235 SB too). Most people would be happy calling that a career...and you've still got a good while left. Wow - simply amazing - so Happy Birthday and well wishes. Now just go out, relax a little, enjoy the day off...and hit 20+ HRs over the rest of the season!
Just kidding! (Sort of...)
Just kidding! (Sort of...)
07/27: Peter A. On Mr. T.
Posted by: James
Peter Abraham, probably my favorite Yankee beat writer in a long time, takes a quick break from the LoHud Yankees Blog and guest-posts over at The Baseball Analysts this morning with his thoughts on Joe Torre. It's a well-written piece and certainly worth your time. Of particular note are Peter's observations on Joe and his handling of the media as well as Torre's bullpen management. I especially enjoyed this part of the article:
As much as I can get annoyed with some of Joe Torre's in-game decisions, I'm still amazed that he's been able to last this long in the NY pressure-cooker and I think part of that can be traced to the affable nature showcased in Peter's article.
The session is an egalitarian affair. No matter who you are, you're allowed to worm your way through the crowd and ask a question. From Mike Lupica to stargazing fan-boys from weekly papers, Torre takes on all comers.
But Torre has no time for ESPN. He believes they hammered too much on Roger Clemens for throwing the piece of bat at Mike Piazza during the 2000 World Series. So he doesn't yuck it up with Chris Berman or pop up on SportsCenter. He growls a few words when one of their reporters asks a question, then invariably makes some kind of remark when they walk away.
He also doesn't much like questions about how he uses his bullpen, unless it's from a beat writer. One of the backup writers from the New York Times questioned his use of Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning of a tied game a few weeks ago and Torre's response was "You been around much?"
Torre glared at the guy as he answered and kept glaring through the next question, which was asked by somebody else about another subject.
But Torre has no time for ESPN. He believes they hammered too much on Roger Clemens for throwing the piece of bat at Mike Piazza during the 2000 World Series. So he doesn't yuck it up with Chris Berman or pop up on SportsCenter. He growls a few words when one of their reporters asks a question, then invariably makes some kind of remark when they walk away.
He also doesn't much like questions about how he uses his bullpen, unless it's from a beat writer. One of the backup writers from the New York Times questioned his use of Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning of a tied game a few weeks ago and Torre's response was "You been around much?"
Torre glared at the guy as he answered and kept glaring through the next question, which was asked by somebody else about another subject.
As much as I can get annoyed with some of Joe Torre's in-game decisions, I'm still amazed that he's been able to last this long in the NY pressure-cooker and I think part of that can be traced to the affable nature showcased in Peter's article.
07/26: Fasano to Yankees
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees have acquired catcher Sal Fasano from the Phillies for minor league 2B Hector Made and have designated Kelly Stinnett for assignment. Fasano is a bit of an improvement offensively from Stinnett, as he has hit .243 with four homers and 10 RBI so far with the Phillies. Stinnett struggled with the Yankees this year, with a line of .228/.282/.304 (probably would've been even worse had he not gotten so hot for a week or so in May).
So, Super Mario gets another shot with the pinstripes after spending the entire 2004 campaign in Columbus. Don't really know what to say about him, other than he tore it up for me in MVP Baseball two years ago.
In other news, the Twins have defeated the White Sox yet again this afternoon, so the Yankees go into tonight's game as part of a three-way tie with the ChiSox and Twins for the A.L. wild card spot.
So, Super Mario gets another shot with the pinstripes after spending the entire 2004 campaign in Columbus. Don't really know what to say about him, other than he tore it up for me in MVP Baseball two years ago.
In other news, the Twins have defeated the White Sox yet again this afternoon, so the Yankees go into tonight's game as part of a three-way tie with the ChiSox and Twins for the A.L. wild card spot.
