Edes: Red Sox Land Bedard, Yanks Do Nothing

Assuming they didn't have to give up too much, this is a solid pickup for the Sox.

In other news; the Yankees just beat the O's 4-2 and did not make any trades at the deadline.

More Rumors: Ian Stewart

Wandy Rodriguez Talks Dead

Marc Carig is now also reporting that the Yankees are out of the Rodriguez talks.

Jeter Leaves Game With Hand Injury

(Update 3:11 PM) Jeter has a bruised right middle finger. X-rays were negative and he's listed as day-to-day.

After being hit on the hand by a pitch in the 3rd, Derek Jeter was removed from the game prior to his at bat in the bottom of the 4th. No info yet on the extent of the injury, but I'll update this post as soon as I hear anything.

Game 106: Yankees vs. Orioles

YANKEES (63-42)
Brett Gardner LF
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano DH
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez 3B
Russel Martin C
Eduardo Nunez 2B

Pitching: RHP Freddy Garcia (9-7, 3.23 ERA)

ORIOLES (42-62)
J.J. Hardy SS
Nick Markakis RF
Adam Jones CF
Vlad Guerrero DH
Chris Davis 1B
Mark Reynolds 3B
Felix Pie LF
Craig Tatum C
Robert Andino 2B

Pitching: RHP Jake Arrieta (10-7, 5.12 ERA)

First pitch: 1:05 PM | TV : YES | Radio: WCBS 880

Banuelos Promoted To Triple-A

This Morning's Rumors: Bell, Rodriguez, Willingham

Heath Bell:

Wandy Rodriguez:

Josh Willingham

In other news, the Red Sox deal for Rich Harden fell through. 

Jimenez Headed To Cleveland

From ESPN:

The Indians acquired Ubaldo Jimenez from the Colorado Rockies for three minor leaguers and a player to be named.

The trade, contingent on the 2010 All-Star passing a physical Sunday, is a bold gamble by the Indians' first-year general manager Chris Antonetti.

The Indians, 1½ games behind Detroit in the AL Central, have gone all in to try to win the division for the first time since 2007 after making their second trade of the night and third in three days.

Also Saturday night, Cleveland dealt infielder Orlando Cabrera, who lost his starting job to rookie Jason Kipnis last week, to San Francisco for Triple-A outfielder Thomas Neal. On Thursday, they sent two minor leaguers to the Chicago Cubs for veteran outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.

To obtain Jimenez, Cleveland gave up right-handers Alex White and Joe Gardner and first baseman-outfielder Matt McBride.

Left-hander Drew Pomeranz, one of Cleveland's top pitching prospects, was pulled from his start at Double-A Akron. He did not sign with Cleveland after being drafted last year until the signing deadline of Aug. 16. No drafted player can be dealt until one calendar year after signing.

The 22-year-old Pomeranz could give the Rockies the most value if he is the player to be named.

Is This Team Good Enough To Win It All?

General manager Brian Cashman recently said that he believes the Yankees' team as it is today, is good enough to make the playoffs and ultimately win the World Series. Now that Ubaldo Jimenez has reportedly been traded to Cleveland and there have been NO reports of the Yankees close to a deal with any team, is this team as is really good enough to win it all?

I think the answer should be clear to everyone - YES.

We all know that besides CC Sabathia, there's no other pitcher in the rotation that teams are scared of. But they definitely should be. Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia are having spectacular renaissance years, each pitching to an ERA of under 3.30 (Garcia - 3.23 | Colon - 3.29). Colon despite his physical status gives the Yankees length as well, as can Garcia who will always keep the Yankees in the game.

If I were Joe Girardi I'd start CC, Colon, and Garcia in that order for the playoffs. The 4th starter? Definitely not A.J. Burnett, but I'd have to go with Ivan Nova. Despite just getting recalled today, he has pitched terrific for the Yankees in his first full season as a starter, and his demotion to Scranton was only because the 18-game winner from 2010, Phil Hughes was coming back. But unless he starts pitching like his 2010 self, I don't see Hughes getting anywhere near the playoff rotation.

I think a starting 4 of CC, Colon, Garcia, and Nova can actually be really effective in the playoffs. Because some people forget - the Yankees can hit. They have one of, if not the best offense in baseball, and when A-Rod comes back, hopefully he starts hitting like the old A-Rod. And if he does, the Yankees are set in my mind.

People may say I'm overly optimistic - and you're probably right. But hey, look at the '96 Yankees, who won 92 games with only one starter having an ERA under 3 (David Cone - 2.88 in 11 starts). And who did they defeat in the World Series? The Atlanta Braves, with the best rotation in baseball in Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine.

So if there's a trade made or not, this team can definitely win the Fall Classic. Especially if they keep playing the way they have. 

Game 105: Yankees vs. Orioles (Game 2)

YANKEES (62-42)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher DH
Andruw Jones RF
Russell Martin C
Eduardo Nunez 3B
Brett Gardner LF

Pitching: RHP Ivan Nova (8-4, 4.12 ERA)

ORIOLES (42-61)
J.J. Hardy SS
Nick Markakis RF
Adam Jones CF
Vladimir Guerrero DH
Mark Reynolds 1B
Matt Wieters C
Nolan Reimold LF
Josh Bell 3B
Robert Andino 2B

Pitching: LHP Zach Britton (6-7, 4.05 ERA)

First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: YES/MLBN | Radio: WCBS 880

Dante Bichette Jr. is Hot

As per the most recent Baseball America Hot Sheet:

As it stands, the talent level at the Rookie-level GCL isn't at its peak - many of the higher-end High School draft picks have yet to sign, leaving last year's crop of picks and lower-level international signees as Bichette's peers. That being said, it is incredibly encouraging that he has maintained a torrid stretch after struggling initially, and reports on his defense at third have been somewhat encouraging (if only because he hasn't been a butcher thus far).

Game 104: Yankees vs. Orioles (Game 1)

YANKEES (61-42)
Brett Gardner CF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Mark Teixeira DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez 3B
Jorge Posada 1B
Chris Dickerson LF
Francisco Cervelli C

Pitching: RHP Bartolo Colon (7-6, 3.29 ERA)

ORIOLES (42-60)
JJ Hardy SS
Nick Markakis RF
Adam Jones CF
Vlad Guerrero DH
Derek Lee 1B
Mark Reynolds 3B
Felix Pie LF
Craig Tatum C
Blake Davis 2B

Pitching: RHP Chris Tillman (2-3, 4.69 ERA)

First Pitch: 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS 880

The Asking Price For Kuroda

Kuroda might help this year's team more than Nova would, but I'm not making that deal. I'd actually rather see Nova slotted into the rotation and Hughes sent to the pen, or triple-A, or anywhere that isn't the Yankees starting five.

Rockies Lowering Demands For Jimenez?

Every time A.J. or Hughes put up another stinker the Yankees need for another top of the rotation guys becomes more and more obvious. So let's hope that price drops a little more in the next day.

Game 103: Yankees vs. Orioles

YANKEES (61-41)
Brett Gardner LF
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez 3B
Jorge Posada DH
Russell Martin C

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (8-8, 4.21 ERA)

ORIOLES (41-60)
J.J. Hardy SS
Nick Markakis RF
Adam Jones CF
Vladimir Guerrero DH
Derrek Lee 1B
Mark Reynolds 3B
Matt Wieters C
Nolan Reimold LF
Robert Andino 2B

Pitching: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (4-14, 4.33 ERA)

Updated First Pitch: 8:50 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
Notes
- Sergio Mitre has been added to the 60-day DL to make room for Rafael Soriano on the roster.

- Prior to tonight's game, Joe Girardi told the media that unless "something freaky happens" Ivan Nova will start in game 2 of tomorrow's doubleheader.

Soriano Activated

Pitching Matchups & Ticket Prices vs. Orioles

Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Tonight @ 7:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS 880
RHP A.J. Burnett (8-8, 4.21 ERA) vs. RHP Jeremy Guthrie (4-14, 4.33)

Game 2: Saturday @ 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS 880
RHP Bartolo Colon (7-6, 3.29) vs. LHP Zach Britton (6-7, 4.05)
(Game 1)

Game 3: Saturday @ 7:05 PM | TV: YES/MLBN | Radio: WCBS 880
TBA vs. TBA
(Game 2)

Game 4: Sunday @ 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS 880
RHP Freddy Garcia (9-7, 3.23) vs. RHP Jake Arrieta (9-7, 5.02)
And here are the average and low ticket prices for all four games courtesy of the fine folks over at TiqIQ:

For tickets to any of the Yanks-O's games, click here.

Apparently, Some NYC Sports Fans Are Quite Delusional

From Daivd Seifman:

Sports bar debaters should have a field day with this one: a new poll found that Derek Jeter is tied with Babe Ruth as the greatest Yankee of all time.

So say 1,528 New York City residents questioned by Quinnipiac University pollsters, who placed the 3,000-hit Yankee on the same lofty plane as one of the most exalted figures in all of sports history.

Ruth and Jeter were both mentioned by 23 percent of those polled.

No one else broke double digits -- not even the legendary figures who comprise the Yankee pantheon.

Joe DiMaggio was mentioned by 9 percent; Lou Gehrig, 8 percent and the mighty Mickey Mantle, 3 percent.

However, there was this important side note:

Old-time fans scratching their heads need to know this: if it weren't for women and baseball fans under 35, The Babe would have come out on top, as he has in just about every other poll ever conducted.

Leaving pitchers out of the debate for now, Ruth, clearly and without question, is no 1. After all, nobody has every dominated a sport like he did. Number 2 is Gehrig, followed by DiMaggio, then Mantle, and then Jeter. And if you asked the man himself he'd probably agree.

It is hardly an insult to suggest that Jeter ranks 5th behind those names, so calm down you Jeter obsessed 96ers, this is not a knock on the captain.

What are your rankings? Tell me your top 5 Yankee offensive players of all-time in the comments section below.

Hideki Irabu Found Dead

Via Hardball Talk:

This is just breaking and, at present, we only have links to stories in Japanese, but apparently former Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu was found dead at his California home yesterday.  Suicide by hanging is suspected.

Irabu has had a troubled post-baseball career. He was arrested in Gardena, California last year for drunk driving.  Back in 2008 he was arrested for assaulting a bar manager in Japan after allegedly consuming 20 glasses of beer.

Terrible news. RIP Hideki.

Cash on Trade Deadline: "I like the team we have"

From Dan Martin:

Brian Cashman said on Thursday he still doesn't anticipate making any moves before Sunday afternoon's trade deadline, even as questions surrounding the rotation and the bullpen remain.

"I'm going to be hard-pressed to find anything better than getting Bartolo Colon and Phil Hughes off the disabled list," the Yankees GM said at a Hope Week charity event on Staten Island. "I can't imagine I'm going to run into anything but you've still got to go through the motions."

... Cashman believes Hughes will get back to the pitcher he was a year ago, even after manager Joe Girardi opened the door to a competition between Hughes and Ivan Nova, who could start for the Yankees on Saturday in one half of a doubleheader against the Orioles.

"His stuff is there. We’re seeing it," Cashman said of Hughes, who surrendered two runs in six innings in a loss to the Mariners on Wednesday.

Hughes' stuff is there? Really? Didn't look like it while serving up 9 hits to the worst lineup in baseball yesterday.

"We're prepared for chaos if it comes before Sunday's deadline. But I like the team we have."

...

"I go into the marketplace with a team that's a championship-caliber team as it sits," Cashman said. "It's hard to upgrade on that."

I don't agree with that either. The Phillies are a championship team. The Red Sox are a championship team. Even the Giants, with one ring under their belt already, are better built for October with their pitching staff than we are.

I'm sure, or at least hopeful, that this, like most things said by Cashman near the deadline, is just posturing. You can't appear to be needy heading into any kind of negotiations because then the other party can and will take advantage of you, and in the case of a trade, rob you blind. But if he really believes that this team is good enough to win as is, then blind is exactly what he is.

Yanks To Scout Bedard Tomorrow

From Ken Rosenthal and John Paul Morosi:

The extent of trade discussions between the [Mariners and Red Sox] is not known, but several Mariners pitchers are drawing significant interest from multiple clubs. Right-hander Doug Fister, in particular, is a target of virtually every team seeking rotation help, sources said.

However, Boston's primary focus could be left-hander Erik Bedard, who has not pitched since June 27 because of a strained left knee but will come off the disabled list Friday night to pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Sox are “all over” Bedard, one source said, and both the Sox and New York Yankees are expected to scout Bedard on Friday night.

If my memory serves me correctly, I believe Bedard never wanted anything to do with the bight lights of NYC, but if he can handle this city he would certainly be an upgrade.. In 15 starts this season the left-hander is 4-6 with a 3.00 ERA. In 90 innings pitched he's allowed 30 earned runs on just 74 hits, wakled 26 and struck out 85.

Yanks Intensify Pursuit Of Kuroda

From Ken Rosenthal:

The Yankees have intensified their pursuit of Kuroda, according to major-league sources, and the Red Sox also are in the mix along with the Rangers, Indians and Tigers.

Kuroda, who has a full no-trade clause, is leaving all of his options open, and will weigh each trade possibility on a case-by-case basis, a source said last weekend.

The Dodgers have yet to present him with a formal proposal to accept or reject. However, speculation persists that Kuroda will approve a trade to only certain clubs – and perhaps only the Yankees and Red Sox.

Ignoring his ugly 6-12 W-L record, Kuroda is having another good season. In 127 innings pitched, the left-hander has allowed 45 earned runs on 122 hits, walked 33 and struck out 97 while putting up a career best 3.19 ERA. As long as the price isn't too high, I think this would be a solid move for the Yanks.

Cubs Trying To Get Yanks To Take Zambrano

Game 102: Yankees vs. Mariners

YANKEES (61-40)
Brett Gardner LF
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Russell Martin C
Jorge Posada 1B
Eduardo Nunez 3B

Pitching: RHP Phil Hughes (1-2, 9.47 ERA)

MARINERS (43-60)
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Brendan Ryan SS
Dustin Ackley 2B
Justin Smoak 1B
Adam Kennedy 3B
Mike Carp LF
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Jack Cust DH
Josh Bard C

Pitching: Felix Hernandez RHP (8-9, 3.47 ERA)

First Pitch: 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS 880

Feliciano's Return Unlikely

Beast Mode

Game 101: Yankees vs. Mariners - Chavez is in the Starting Lineup

YANKEES (60-40)
Brett Gardner LF
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada DH
Eric Chavez 3B
Francisco Cervelli C

Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (14-5, 2.62 ERA)

MARINERS (43-59)
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Brendan Ryan SS
Dustin Ackley 2B
Miguel Olivo C
Justin Smoak 1B
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Mike Carp DH
Greg Halman LF
Chone Figgins 3B

Pitching: RHP Doug Fister (3-11, 3.30 ERA)

First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: MY9/MLBN | Radio: WCBS 880

Soraino Survives Back-To-Back Outings, Should Be Back By Friday

From Bryan Hoch:

Yankees right-hander Rafael Soriano pitched a scoreless inning on Monday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and is on his way to re-joining the big league club.

Soriano recorded two groundouts and a strikeout in a hitless frame against Syracuse, the Nationals' top affiliate, throwing just 11 pitches (eight strikes).

Yankees manager Joe Girardi was pleased that Soriano has successfully pitched in back-to-back games, but said that Soriano wouldn't be available to them until Wednesday, at the earliest.

New York has an off-day on Thursday, so the Yankees could also decide to hold off on activating Soriano until Friday, when the team opens a four-game weekend series with the Orioles.

Hoch also mentioned in the article that Eric Chavez could be back as soon as today.

Nova Could Pitch For Yanks This Weekend

From The Record:

Ivan Nova, coming back from an ankle injury, threw a simulated game at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Yankees have a day-night doubleheader scheduled Saturday against the Orioles and Nova might draw one of those starts – as long as he’s healthy.

Last week, Nova went on the seven-day disabled list after feeling discomfort in his right ankle while covering first base. It was the same ankle that absorbed a line drive during a previous minor-league start.

According to Donnie Collins, Adam Warren is also a candidate for the start.

Game 100: Yankees vs. Mariners

YANKEES (59-40)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher DH
Russell Martin C
Andruw Jones RF
Eduardo Nunez 3B
Brett Gardner LF

Pitching: RHP Freddy Garcia (8-7, 3.21 ERA)

MARINERS (43-57)
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Brendan Ryan SS
Dustin Ackley 2B
Miguel Olivo C
Adam Kennedy 3B
Mike Carp DH
Justin Smoak 1B
Franklin Gutierrez CF
Greg Halman LF

Pitching: LHP Jason Vargas (6-8, 3.94 ERA)

Pitching Matchups & Ticket Prices vs. Mariners

Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Tonight @ 7:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
RHP Freddy Garcia (8-7, 3.21) vs. LHP Jason Vargas (6-8, 3.94)

Game 2: Tuesday @ 7:05 PM | TV: MY9/MLBN | Radio: WCBS
RHP CC Sabathia (14-5, 2.62) vs. RHP Doug Fister (3-11, 3.30)

Game 3: Wednesday @ 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
RHP Phil Hughes (1-2, 9.47) vs. RHP Felix Hernandez (8-9, 3.47)

And here are the average and low ticket prices for each game of the series:

If you'd like to purchase seats for this series or any other Yankees games this season, click here.

Add Edwin Jackson to the List

In 19 starts for the White Sox this season, Jackson is 7-7 with a 3.92 ERA. In 121.2 innings the 27-year-old right-hander has allowed 53 earned runs on 134 hits, walked 39 and struck out 97.

This Week in Yankees History (7/24-7/30)

This Week in Yankees History

July 24th - July 30th

July 24th

1922 - Former Yankees P Duane Pillette (1949-1950) was born. Before the start of 1946 AL Season, Duane Pillette was signed by the New York Yankees as an MLB amateur free agent. Duane went 5-9 in 40 games for the Yankees. On June 15,1950, he was traded by the Yankees along with OF Jim Delsing, P Don Johnson, INF George “Snuffy” Stirnweiss, and $50,000 to the St. Louis Browns for hurlers Tom Ferrick, Joe Ostrowski, and 3B Leo Thomas.

1923 - New York Yankees starter Carl Mays wins his 23rd consecutive game against the Philadelphia A’s.

1926 - New York Yankee sluggers Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth demonstrate that power hitting is not the only thing they can do when Lou scores on a double steal with the Babe in a victory over the Chicago White Sox. They had pulled the same double steal against the Boston Red Sox on April 13th.

1933 - The Yankees sign free agent veteran P George Uhle after his release by the New York Giants. He will go 6-1 for the Yankees in 1933 before fading to a 2-4 mark in 1934.

1934 - New York Yankees CF Earle Combs crashes into the wall at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis and suffers a fractured skull. The Yankees call up OF George Selkirk, but learns he broke his arm the same day playing for Newark Bears (International League). This injury will eventually ends Earl Combs great Yankees MLB career in 1935.

1935 - The Detroit Tigers shut out the New York Yankees by the score of 4-2 to go ahead by one-half game, but are a fraction of a percentage point behind in AL.

1954 - After Yankees Manager Casey Stengel pulls starting shortstop Phil Rizzuto in the 8th inning for a pinch-hitter. He brings in CF Mickey Mantle again to play shortstop with Willie Miranda at 2B against left-handed hitters. Against right-handed batters, Miranda and Mantle switch their infield positions. The Cleveland Indians win the game by a score of 5-4 to go 2 ½ games up on the Yankees in the AL pennant race.

1960 - Chicago White Sox 3rd straight win at Yankee Stadium and 8th straight overall, 6-3 victory behind veteran starter Billy Pierce, gives the White Sox a 2-game lead atop the AL. Yankees starter Eli Grba beats White Sox hurler Herb Score in the 2nd game by the score of 8-2 to give Yankees, a twin-bill split.

1961 - In an unusual mid-season exhibition match at Yankee Stadium, the San Francisco Giants beat their former cross-town rivals by the score of 4-1. Mickey Mantle's HR accounts for the only Bronx Bombers run, while Willie Mays has 2 RBIs for the visiting "Jints.”

1964 - Detroit Tigers starter Hank Aguirre gives up 5 runs on 3 HRs to the Yankees in the 1st 4 innings, but the Tigers overcome a 5-2 deficit to win the game by a final score of 10-5.

1965 - Former Yankees reserve C Joe Oliver (2001) was born. On November 21, 2000, Joe Oliver was signed as an MLB Free Agent by the New York Yankees. He appeared in only 12 games for the Yankees, hitting .250. On June 20, 2001, Joe was released by the New York Yankees, but he would be picked up by the Boston Red Sox.

1966 - The Yankees beat the Angels by the score of 9-1, in game one, as Mickey Mantle hits his second HR in 2 days. The Mantle HR, his 493rd MLB career shot, ties him with Hall Of Fame Yankees 1B Lou Gehrig for 6th place on the all-time MLB HR leaders list.

1978 - In Kansas City, a sobbing Billy Martin reads a prepared statement in which he resigns as the New York Yankees manager. Yankees MLB Coach Richard Howser will fill in that night as acting Manager, as the Yankees lose the game to the Royals by a score of 5-2. The new Yankees skipper Bob Lemon will take over the next day, he will pilot the Yankees to the 1978 World Championship, which included the 14-game come-back for the Yankees to catch the Red Sox to win the AL East division crown and eventually the AL crown and 1978 World Series.

1983 - In the memorable "Pine Tar Game" at Yankee Stadium, George Brett hits an apparent 2-run HR off of New York Yankees closer Rich Gossage to give the Kansas City Royals a 5-4 lead with 2 outs in the 9th inning, only to have it taken away when Yankees manager Billy Martin, at the urging of coach Don Zimmer, points out that the pine tar on Brett's bat handle exceeds the 17 inches allowed in the MLB rules. As a result, Brett is called out for illegally batting the ball, giving New York, a 4-3 victory. George Brett goes ballistic and the Royals immediately protest, and AL President Lee MacPhail overrules his umpires for the 1st time saying that, while the rules should certainly be rewritten and clarified, the HR will stand and the game will be resumed from that point on August 18th.

Read more »

Chavez Back Tuesday, Soriano Wednesday, A-Rod in Mid-August

From Ian Begley:

The New York Yankees could have third baseman Alex Rodriguez back as soon the second week in August, according to general manager Brian Cashman.

In an interview on that aired Sunday on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight," Cashman said Rodriguez is "doing very well" in his rehabilitation from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

"He's in a pool. He's on a bike. (He's) still got a little bit of a limp, which is normal. But I'd be looking at him (returning) maybe the second week of August, you know, at the earliest for me," Cashman said. "That's just us being conservative. I think we can push it and get him back sooner but, why? Our offense is strong."

...

Cashman also believes setup man Rafael Soriano will return to the Yankees on Wednesday or Thursday.

... Cashman, speaking before Soriano's outing on Sunday, said Soriano will make another rehab appearance Monday and -- barring any set-backs -- return to the Bronx shortly thereafter.

"If everything goes right, he'll do back-to-back (appearances) today and tomorrow and then I'll activate him probably Wednesday. Wednesday or Thursday," Cashman said.

...

In other injury news, Cashman said backup infielder Eric Chavez will return to the Yankees on Tuesday.

Good news all around.

In case you were wondering, Soriano threw an inning in relief today for the SWB Yanks, allowing a run on one hit (a homer) and a strike out in one inning of work. Eric Chavez went 0-for-4 for Single-A Tampa.

Game 99: Yankees vs, Athletics

YANKEES (58-40)
Derek Jeter DH
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Russell Martin C
Andruw Jones LF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Brandon Laird 3B

Pitching: RHP Bartolo Colon (6-6, 3.34 ERA)

ATHLETICS (44-56)
Jemile Weeks 2B
Coco Crisp CF
Hideki Matsui DH
Josh Willingham LF
David DeJesus RF
Conor Jackson 1B
Kurt Suzuki C
Cliff Pennington SS
Eric Sogard 3B

Pitching LHP Gio Gonzalez (9-6, 2.33 ERA)

First Pitch: 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS 880

If The Price Is Right, Trade Montero

A couple weeks ago last year, the Yankees had pretty much acquired Cliff Lee from the Mariners in exchange for phenom Jesus Montero and a few other prospects. It seemed so close, that the only thing I was wondering was what number Lee would wear.

But of course, that trade never happened. GM Brian Cashman apparently did not want to give up a shortstop named Eduardo Nunez, who had yet to make his Major League debut. So Seattle looked to the Texas Rangers, who before you blinked had Lee at the top of their rotation.

The thing that surprised me about the deal that almost landed Cliff in pinstripes, was that Jesus Montero, the guy who was supposed to be the next face of the Yankees, was going to the Mariners for what basically was a 3 month rental. 'Why get Lee now, when the Yankees could just sign him in the winter?' was my thinking. I didn't want to see Montero traded away. He was too valuable in my mind, and when the trade fell through I had a slight feeling of relief, knowing now he could be the Yanks' starting catcher in 2011 and bomb 30 homers and be Rookie of the Year.

Clearly, I was a little wrong.

Jesus Montero has not been on the Major League roster once this year and is still a long ways away from getting called up and making an impact. He is having another solid year at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but his power has dropped considerably despite improvements in his defensive skills behind the plate.

At this point it is uncertain whether he will ever be the Yankees starting catcher, as Russell Martin is 28 and I would certainly consider bringing him back next season. Montero is going to be 22 in 2012, and even if Martin isn't back the Yanks might say he still isn't ready for the Majors.

That's probably why the Yankees have been so open to trading him as the deadline is a week away. They won't part with Banuelos or Dellin Betances, but Montero? If the price is right, sure.

And I agree. I'm sorry, I know Jesus Montero has a lot of potential, and he very well could be a great major league backstop, but I don't see him being that with the Yankees. I would like him to be, but I am thinking like The Boss right now, where it's about this season, the 2011 Yankees. Not the 2012, 2013, or 2014 Yanks. It's about this year. And if a great No. 2 starter comes up in discussions this week that can push the Yankees over the top THIS SEASON. Then make the move.

Sorry Jesus.

Game 98: Yankees vs. A's

YANKEES (58-39)
Brett Gardner LF
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano DH
Nick Swisher RF
Russell Martin C
Eduardo Nunez 2B
Brandon Laird 3B

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett R(8-7, 4.19 ERA)

ATHLETICS (43-56)
Jemile Weeks 2B
Cliff Pennington SS
Hideki Matsui DH
Josh Willingham LF
David DeJesus RF
Scott Sizemore 3B
Ryan Sweeney CF
Conor Jackson 1B
Landon Powell C

Pitching: RHP Rich Harden (1-1, 5.00 ERA)

First Pitch: 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS 880

Chavez & Soriano Could Return This Homestand

From Matt Fortuna:

Rafael Soriano and Eric Chavez may return to the Yankees sometime during their current 10-game homestand, manager Joe Girardi said on Friday.

...
Chavez, who has a bone bruise on his left foot, played in his fourth rehab start for Tampa on Friday, and went 1-for-4 with a double, playing seven innings at third base for the second straight night.

...

Girardi said he would like to see Chavez go through a nine-inning game before moving forward.

"You'd like to be able to get him back-to-back games to know that he can do that for you if you wanted him to do that," Girardi said of Chavez before Friday's game. "But besides that, not a whole lot. Just to see how the foot responds. It's one thing to DH, and then it's one thing to play the field and be on it all the time -- how's that foot going to respond? And as long as it's responding well, we have him play a couple days in a row, I don't see why we wouldn't consider him a player for us."

Soriano is scheduled to pitch in his third rehab game either Saturday or Sunday. Girardi also wants to see Soriano throw on back-to-back days before having him rejoin the team.

Game 97: Yankees vs. A's

YANKEES (57-39)
Brett Gardner LF
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada 1B
Eduardo Nunez 3B
Francisco Cervelli C

Pitching: RHP Phil Hughes (1-2, 8.44 ERA)

ATHLETICS (43-55)
emile Weeks 2B
Coco Crisp CF
Josh Willingham DH
Hideki Matsui LF
Scott Sizemore 3B
David DeJesus RF
Conor Jackson 1B
Kurt Suzuki C
Cliff Pennington SS

Pitching: RHP Trevor Cahill (8-8, 3.16 ERA)

Pitching Matchups & Ticket Prices vs. A's

Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Tonight @ 7:05 PM | TV: MY9 | Radio: WCBS 880
RHP Phil Hughes (1-2, 8.44) vs. RHP Travor Cahill (8-8, 3.16)

Game 2: Tomorrow @ 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS 880
RHP A.J. Burnett (8-7, 4.19) vs. RHP Rich Harden (1-1, 5.00)

Game 3: Sunday @ 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS 880
RHP Bartolo Colon (6-6, 3.34) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez (9-6, 2.33)
Also, from the fine folks over at TiqIQ comes this graphic highlighting the average and low ticket prices for each game of the series:

For tickets to these games or any other Yankees games, click here.

Yanks Resign Thames

From George A. King III:

The Yankees signed 34-year-old Marcus Thames to a minor league contract. Recently released by the Dodgers, Thames will report to Tampa and work out at the minor league complex before being assigned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The former Yankee hit .197 (13-for-66) for Los Angeles in 36 games and was designated for assignment. A year ago in 82 games for the Yankees, Thames hit .288 with 12 homers and 33 RBIs.

Welcome back, Marcus.

Soriano & Chavez Continue Rehab Down in Tampa

Rafael Soriano made his second appearance in his rehab stint with the Tampa Yankees, allowing a run on two hits in one inning pitched.

Eric Chavez was also in the game, and for the first time during his rehab played 3rd base. He went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Game 96: Yanks @ Rays

YANKEES (57-38)
Brett Gardner LF
Derek Jeter SS
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada DH
Russell Martin C
Eduardo Nunez 3B
Chris Dickerson LF

Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (14-4, 2.64 ERA)

RAYS (51-45)
Ben Zobrist DH
Sean Rodriguez 2B
Evan Longoria 3B
B.J. Upton CF
Justin Ruggiano RF
Kelly Shoppach C
Casey Kotchman 1B
Elliot Johnson SS
Sam Fuld LF

Pitching: RHP James Shields (8-8, 2.60 ERA)

Sickels on Dellin Betances

Prospect maven John Sickels pens a brief profile on a prospect each day on his wonderful blog, Minor League Ball. Yesterday, Sickels turned his attention to Dellin Betances. I would suggest that you take the jump and read the entire post, but here's the meat of the write-up:

Betances has intimidating size and the velocity to match, working between 92 and 98 MPH and consistently hitting 94-95. He maintains his velocity through games and the fastball has excellent sinking action, which shows up statistically in low home run rates throughout his career. He mixes in a cutter, but his key secondary pitch is a knee-buckling knuckle-curveball, a true plus pitch although his command of it is not always consistent. His changeup was weak earlier in his career, but he's refined it and the offering now draws solid-average grades, though Eastern League observers say he needs to use it more often. Many scouts saw him as a future closer earlier in his career, but the improvement in his changeup, combined with the curve and powerful fastball, give him a starter's arsenal.

The biggest issue for Betances is simple command and control. He'll show sharp control in his best outings, but he also has games where he has serious issues finding the strike zone. Even when he throws strikes, they aren't always quality strikes (this is the difference between control and command). His stuff is so good that he can get away with spotty command in the minors, but major league hitters would present a more difficult challenge. Scouts trace these problems to mechanical inconsistency, an understandable issue given his size.

Congrats Hideki!

If you didn't know, former Yankee and all around class act, Hideki Matsui belted his 500th career home run (Japan and US combined) last night. Here's the vid:


Matsui and the A's will be in the Bronx to open a three-game series starting Friday. Give him the standing ovation he deserves.

If Major League Baseball takes down the YouTube clip, which I assume they will do shortly, you can also view the clip here.

Hallelujah! Girardi Considers Moving Jeter Out of Leadoff Spot

From Mark Feinsand:

Derek Jeter was in his customary leadoff spot Wednesday night against David Price and the Rays, while the red-hot Brett Gardner occupied the No. 9 position.

But with every game that Gardner continues to swing a scorching bat and Jeter struggles, the idea of moving the speedy Gardner into the leadoff spot becomes more attractive.

"He's going so well, it's something I'll definitely consider," Girardi said. "We'll just wait and see what happens."

Moving Gardner atop the lineup will be the easy part for Girardi. Figuring out where to slot Jeter? That would be a challenge.

...

"He hasn't got a ton of hits," Girardi said. "He's had some good at-bats and he's gotten some hits. He had a big hit in Toronto for us, but collectively we haven't necessarily had a lot of this on this road trip. We've had a couple of big games, but we haven't had a ton."

...

"There's some different things that we could do," Girardi said. "We definitely could play with it. I think you think about it more when you have pieces missing. Without Alex in the lineup, it just makes it different, so you think about it a little more."

...

"I think if you're going to make a lineup change, you try to inform everybody, everyone that it affects so that they're not shocked when they show up at the ballpark," Girardi said. "I have respect for these guys and if I'm going to do something, I'm going to prepare for it."

As uncomfortable as that conversation with the Captain has the potential to be, Girardi said he wouldn't hesitate to make a move with Jeter if and when he feels it's necessary.

"I think if you ever have a situation where you have to move a player that is of substantial status - and that was not expecting a move - that you'd sit down and talk to him before you ever did it and tell him your thoughts, his thoughts, and be respectful about it and tell him what you're thinking," Girardi said. "I have to do what I feel is best for the team. When you look at a lineup, you look at how it works together, not independent of one guy. No, I'm not afraid to have that conversation."

This is a move that should have happened last season so at least they're finally openly considering it.

Game 95: Yanks @ Rays

YANKEES (56-38)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher DH
Russell Martin C
Andruw Jones RF
Eduardo Nunez 3B
Brett Gardner LF

Pitching: RHP Freddy Garcia (7-7, 3.43 ERA)

RAYS (51-44)
Johnny Damon DH
Robinson Chirinos C
Casey Kotchman 1B
Evan Longoria 3B
Matt Joyce RF
B.J. Upton CF
Sam Fuld LF
Sean Rodriguez 2B
Reid Brignac SS

Pitching: LHP David Price (9-7, 3.73 ERA)

First Pitch: 7:10 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS 880

Nova Update

The SWB Yanks have placed Ivan Nova DL with what they're calling an ankle problem. According to Chad Jennings via Donnie Collins, Joe Girardi said that Nova is feeling better today. The right-hander went for an X-ray today, which came back negative.

Doesn't sound too bad to me, but let's just hope it isn't something that lingers.

Chavez Picks Up 4 Hits in 2nd Rehab Game

Eric Chavez went 4-for-5 with two runs scored today as Tampa beat Jupiter 10-3. It was Chavez second straight day as the designated hitter. He will play third tomorrow when Tampa travels to Bradenton to face the Marauders. Rafael Soriano will also pitch in Thursday's game.

Yanks Among Several Teams Talking To Padres About Relievers

Last month, Joel Sherman reported that both Heath Bell and Chad Qualls would likely be available so I assume that's who the Yankees are asking about.

Air Date Announced for DJ3K HBO Special

Girardi Unsure About Soriano's Role When He Returns

From Alden Gonzalez:

Tuesday was the day Rafael Soriano made his first rehab appearance since landing on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation on May 17. But it wasn't the day Yankees manager Joe Girardi would say with any certainty that Soriano will reclaim his job as setup man upon returning.

The way Girardi sees it, there's no need to jump the gun.

"Look, I'm not saying what I'm going to do or what I'm not going to do," Girardi explained prior to the second game of a four-game series against the Rays. "The biggest thing is I have to get this guy healthy and know how he's throwing the baseball. If he's throwing the baseball the way that he's capable of, I've got a great thing going, because I have two guys that can do the same job. And that's a great problem to have."

...

When asked on Thursday in Toronto if Soriano would be his setup man when activated, Girardi said: "Let's just see. Let's just get him back first."

Five days later, the manager's thoughts essentially remained the same.

"We have to see how he's throwing and how he's feeling before I can make any determination," Girardi said. "The big thing is we have to get him back healthy and throwing the way that he's capable of. We'll just see what happens. But we have to get him back first."

For now, I think D-Rob has earned the right to keep the setup role. If Soriano comes back and shows he can regain his form from the last few seasons, then it becomes a decision that has to be made, but until then I'd have Soriano in the 7th, D-Rob in the 8th, and of course, Mo in the 9th.

Chavez & Soriano Start Their Rehab In Tampa

Eric Chavez and Rafael Soriano began their minor-league rehab stints today in Tampa 11-0 loss to Jupiter.

- Chavez DH'ed and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout.

- Soriano pitched 1.1 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits including a homer, and struck out 1.

Nova Leaves SWB Game With Leg Injury (Updated)

Update: 12:50 AM via Donnie Collins:

Yankees PR man Mike Vander Woude said the official diagnosis is a sore right ankle, and that there was ice around it after the game. There is no word on how long Nova might miss, but for what it’s worth, I guess he said it felt OK — he told Mike it felt “primo.”

Well, that sucks. Now there's a lot less insurance in case Hughes struggles.

Game 94: Yankees @ Rays

YANKEES (56-37)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada DH
Russell Martin C
Brett Gardner LF
Eduardo Nunez 3B

Pitching: RHP Bartolo Colon (6-5, 3.47 ERA)

RAYS (50-44)
Johnny Damon DH
Ben Zobrist RF
Evan Longoria 3B
Casey Kotchman 1B
B.J. Upton CF
Robinson Chirinos C
Sean Rodriguez 2B
Sam Fuld LF
Reid Brignac SS

Pitching: RHP Jeremy Hellickson (8-7, 3.21)

First Pitch: 7:10 PM | TV: MY9 | Radio: WCBS 880

LHP Steve Garrison Called UP

(Update 5:37 PM) Sergio Mitre has been placed on the 15-day DL with shoulder tendinitis.
Mike Ashmore is reporting that left-hander Steve Garrison has been called up to the big leagues.

Garrison has started ten games for the Thunder this season, posting a record of 3-6 with a 6.26 ERA. A graduate of the Hun School in Princeton, Garrison tossed 46.0 innings and struck out 36 for Trenton in his eleven overall appearances.

No word on any corresponding moves, but I assume someone is hurt.

Cashman on Ubaldo Rumors: "We aren't going to do anything stupid"

Obviously the Yankees shouldn't do anything stupid, and that offer we heard last week is stupid. But when did "getting in the playoffs" become the goal, Cash?

Is a rotation of CC, AJ, Colon and Hughes good enough to beat Boston or Philly in a series? If the answer to that is no, then you must improve the team because those are the teams you're most likely going to have to get through to win a World Series. Remember, that's the goal. No need to get too comfortable and settle with a team that he "thinks" can get into the playoffs.

Yanks Sending Scouts To Watch Ubaldo Tonight

From George A. King III:

The Yankees say they don’t want to pay the premium price teams with tradable starting pitchers are seeking.

Yet that hasn’t stopped them from flooding major league ballparks with scouts to watch the arms that might be dealt by the July 31 trade deadline.

Last week, scout Jay Darnell was in Denver to eyeball Rockies’ right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez. Sunday, Darnell’s name was on the scout’s list in Houston, where lefty Wandy Rodriguez started for the Astros. Tonight the Yankees will have a scout watching Jimenez face the Braves in Denver.

I don't see a deal getting done here, but at least the Yankees are doing their due diligence.

Olney: Yanks Have Talked To Mets About Beltran

If they decided to cut Andruw Jones, obviously Beltran would be an improvement, but like Olney, I don't see it happening either.

Derek Jeter 3K HBO Documentary

It's about time we got some media coverage on Jete's pursuit of number 3,000, don't you think? (Tongue FIRMLY in cheek!)

Look for this special to air sometime soon on HBO. As of today it does not have an air date.

From "The Huffington Post"
NEW YORK -- HBO will broadcast a documentary about Derek Jeter's pursuit of career hit No. 3,000.

Major League Baseball Productions is following the Yankees captain for a one-hour special called "Derek Jeter 3K." The network said Tuesday that Jeter agreed to let camera crews follow him at home and while he was rehabilitating a recent calf injury.

The documentary will include new interviews with family, friends and teammates. Also interviewed will be Jeter's girlfriend, Minka Kelly, and Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner.

Derek Jeter 3K Tease

Game 93: Yankees @ Rays

YANKEES (55-37)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada DH
Russell Martin C
Brett Gardner LF
Eduardo Nunez 3B

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (8-7, 4.15 ERA)

RAYS (50-43)
Johnny Damon DH
Ben Zobrist RF
Evan Longoria 3B
Casey Kotchman 1B
B.J. Upton CF
Sean Rodriguez 2B
Justin Ruggiano LF
Robinson Chirinos C
Elliot Johnson SS

Pitching: RHP Alex Cobb (2-0, 3.41 ERA)

First pitch: 7:10 PM | TV: YES/ESPN | Radio: WCBS

Matchups for the rest of series:

Game 2: Tuesday @ 7:10 PM | TV: MY9 | Radio: WCBS
RHP Bartolo Colon (6-5, 3.47) vs. RHP Jeremy Hellickson (8-7, 3.21)

Game 3: Wednesday @ 7:10 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
RHP Freddy Garcia (7-7, 3.43) vs. LHP David Price (9-7, 3.73)

Game 4: Thursday @ 7:10 PM | TV: YES/MLBN | Radio: WCBS
LHP CC Sabathia (14-4, 2.64) vs. RHP James Shields (8-8, 2.60)

Pena Out 4-6 Weeks After Appendectomy Surgery, Laird Called Up

From George A. King III:

Yankees reserve infielder Ramiro Pena underwent an emergency appendectomy surgery this morning at a Tampa Hospital, The Post has learned.

It was the second appendectomy in two weeks for a Yankees player. Joba Chamberlain, who is out for the year due to Tommy John surgery, had his appendix removed two weeks ago in New York, according to a source.

...

He is expected to be out 4-6 weeks; third baseman Brandon Laird was summoned from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Triple-A) to take Pena’s place on the roster. Laird is expected to be on hand for Monday night’s game against the Rays at Tropicana Field. When he gets into a game, Laird will be making his major-league debut.

In 90 games with SWB, Laird hit .266 with 10 home runs and 49 RBIs.

Tough break for Pena, but I'm interested to see how Laird does in the big leagues.

Hartnett: Mattingly & Hernandez Are Hall Of Famers

From Sean Hartnett:

The value of skillful fielding at first base has gone down in recent years as ‘The Juiced Era of Baseball’ (either the baseballs and/or the players themselves) has changed the perception of the position. The prototype for the modern first basemen is in the mold of a low average hitter who compensates for his poor glove with tremendous power and a high on-base percentage. A term was introduced to describe players of this ilk as they were deemed ‘jack and jog’ ballplayers.

Not only were Hernandez and Mattingly two of the more deft-fielding first basemen in recent memory but were also high average hitters with a good amount of pop. Power isn’t entirely defined by home runs and each of these men regularly hit over 35 doubles throughout their careers. Fences were moved back during 1980’s and cut short the power strokes of batters who played before the introduction of the juiced ball and clamoring for long balls after 1994 strike.

...

The Case For Mattingly

‘Donnie Baseball’ was also a prodigious fielder as he claimed 9 first base Gold Gloves which is only second in history to Hernandez himself. Mattingly was more of a hybrid player than Hernandez as he excelled at the plate and is considered one of the more dominant hitters of the 1980’s. In fact, he held the highest batting average (.323) and slugging percentage (.521) of all first basemen during the 80’s and the most RBIs in a single season (145) during the decade.

The fact that Mattingly was hampered by back injuries throughout the 1990’s only enhances his reputation. He won each of his 3 Silver Sluggers and was named to the AL All-Star team 6 times before the 90’s even began. Mattingly almost completed back-to-back MVP-winning seasons in 1985 and 1986. He took home the 1985 award but lost out to Roger Clemens in the latter year despite batting .352 and leading the AL in hits, doubles, total bases and slugging percentage.

He stands as a .307 lifetime hitter even while dealing with the said back issues and had an unbelievable hitter’s eye. Mattingly finished with 588 walks and only struck out 444 times in 7,721 plate appearances during his career. He may have never won that elusive World Series ring but anyone who saw ‘Donnie Baseball’ play understood that he was as vital to the New York Yankees as Derek Jeter was during the championship years following Mattingly’s retirement in 1995.

He also stated his case for Hernandez, which you can read here.

I'm extremely bias here. Donnie was and still is my favorite player of all time, and to me he is a Hall of Famer. But the reason I'm posting this is because I want to know what you guys think. Vote in the polls below...

Heyman: Montero Will Not Be Centerpiece of Jimenez

This Week in Yankees History (7/17-7/23)

This Week in Yankee History 

July 17th - July 23rd

July 17th

1919 - The Yankees (21) and Browns (17) combined for 38 hits during the St. Louis Browns 7-6, 17-inning win. The Browns winning run was a scored on a squeeze play.

1923 - An un-sympatric Yankees Manager Miller Huggins refuses to remove Yankees starter Carl Mays as he allows the Cleveland Indians to batter Mays for 20 hits and 13 runs during a Tribe 13-0 victory. Yankees Manager Miller Huggins and Carl Mays never got along well, it will end with Carl Mays later being traded to the Cincinnati Reds after the 1923 AL season ends.

1930 - Former Yankees minor league OF Jerry Lynch was born. Before the start of the 1951 AL Season, Jerry Lynch was purchased by the New York Yankees from Greenville (Cotton States). Jerry never played for the Yankees at the MLB level. On November 30,1953, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Yankees in the 1953 MLB Rule 5 player draft. Jerry Lynch became the greatest pinch-hitter of his era. One of the best pinch-hitters of all time. Although he appeared in 1,184 MLB games, only 710 of them were in the field (mostly as a left fielder). He had only one season with more than 400 at-bats, that being 1958 when he hit .312 with 16 HRs in 420 at-bats. He became more or less a regular outfielder (he appeared in 98 games) as a rookie with the 1954 Pittsburgh Pirates, making his debut at age 23 on a team, whose average age was 26. He would play in the NL with the Prates and the Cincinnati Reds finishing his 14-year MLB career with a lifetime BA of .277.

1934 - New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth draws his 2,000th MLB base on balls at Cleveland. He will retire from MLB in 1935 with a MLB walk record of 2,062.

1936 - New York Yankees hitters Red Rolfe, Lou Gehrig, and Bill Dickey hit 3rd-inning HRs against the Detroit Tigers to tie the AL record, since topped. Yankees roll to a 9-4 victory, dropping the Bengals to 4th place in the AL. Goose Goslin has a pair of HRS for the Tigers.

Read more »

Would Trading For Jimenez Be The Right Move?

As you may know, the Yankees have recently been talking to the Rockies about acquiring 27-year old Ubaldo Jimenez, who won 19 games last year for Colorado.

According to many reports, it would take the Yankees AT LEAST one of their big three prospects (Jesus Montero, Dellin Betances, and Manny Banuelos), Ivan Nova, and someone like Austin Romine or Andrew Brackman. Some reports have even said Colorado is asking for the entire big three and then some.

All I'm thinking is - what is Colorado smoking???

We all know he was the first half Cy Young and MVP of the 2010 season, as he had 15 wins and an ERA under 2 by the time the All Star Break rolled around. He fell of the tracks in the second half and started this season as a very mediocre pitcher, if not worse.

Since the beginning of June, however, he is 5-3 with a 2.56 ERA, 54 strikeouts, and just 13 walks in 59 and 2/3 innings. And we all know that the starting staff as it is, will not get the Yankees far in the playoffs, if they get there at all.

Jimenez would definitely be a great addition, and would give the Yankees a scary 1-2 punch with CC and Ubaldo. But to me he is not worth what the Rockies are apparently asking for. Of course these are just rumors, but if the Yankees do end up acquiring him, hopefully they don't give up no more than one of their big three and maybe an Ivan Nova or Andrew Brackman. Anything more than that, and Cash should be smart and say no to Colorado. There will be many pitchers available at the deadline, some even better than Jimenez. (*cough cough* Felix Hernandez???)

The Yanks & Rockies Have Also Talked About Wigginton

Heyman: Rockies Wants 4 Top Prospects For Ubaldo

Ummmmm, no freaking way.

Heyman reported earlier today that the Yanks and Rockies have had multiple conversations about Jimenez, but as you might imagine, the Rockies asking price is holding things up. The Yankees are willing to give up Montero with other prospects, but not the three mentioned above.

Game 92: Yankees @ Jays

YANKEES (54-37)
Brett Gardner LF
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada 1B
Russell Martin C
Eduardo Nunez 3B
Ramiro Pena SS

Pitching: RHP Phil Hughes (0-2, 10.57 ERA)

BLUE JAYS (47-48)
Rajai Davis CF
Eric Thames DH
Yunel Escobar SS
Adam Lind 1B
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Travis Snider LF
Aaron Hill 2B
J.P. Arencibia C
Corey Patterson RF

Pitching: RHP Carlos Villanueva (5-1, 2.99 ERA)

NOTES:

- Greg Golson has been sent back down to Triple-A. Chris Dickerson has been recalled to replace him on the roster.

- Derek Jeter is just getting the day off.

Jays Fans Have Interesting Signs

Soriano to begin rehab on Tuesday

As per Chad Jennings of the LoHud Yankees Blog:

Rafael Soriano came through today’s live batting practice with no problems, and Joe Girardi said the plan is for him to make a rehab appearance on Tuesday in Tampa.

“It went well, and I think we expect him to pitch in a game on Tuesday,” Girardi said. “I can’t tell you how he’s going to feel tomorrow, but I think we expect him to pitch in a game tomorrow and I think it’s in Tampa.”

Soriano threw either 25 or 26 pitches today — Girardi wasn’t sure which — and the Yankees would like him to pitch in back-to-back games before activating him from the disabled list.

If Soriano can return and pitch like the bullpen ace the Yankees thought they were signing, the staff will look quite strong. This will allow Girardi to either shorten games to six innings (which seems likely, as he stubbornly sticks to inning roles) or, much more desirably, to utilize Robertson as a true fireman. In essence, Robertson would come in whenever a high-leverage situation called for a reliever - be it in the second inning or the seventh.

Here's hoping the rehab stint goes swimmingly.