Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Regular Season Game 49: Yankees @ Angels

REGULAR SEASON GAME 49
YANKEES @ ANGELS
First Pitch: 10:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (26-22)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Raul Ibanez LF
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez 3B
Russell Martin C

Pitching: Andy Pettitte LHP (2-1, 2.53 ERA)

ANGELS (25-25)
Mike Trout LF
Maicer Izturis 3B
Albert Pujols DH
Mark Trumbo 1B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Torii Hunter RF
Erick Aybar SS
Peter Bourjos CF
Bobby Wilson C

Pitching: Dan Haren RHP (2-5, 3.76 ERA)

Yanks Claim Igararshi Off Waivers

https://twitter.com/DanBarbarisi/statuses/207548287564259328
In 81 Major League games, Igarashi is 5-2, with a 6.17 ERA. In 70 innings pitched he's allowed 48 ER on 77 hits, walked 48 and struck out 69.

Encouraging Workouts For Gardner & Robertson

From Bryan Hoch:
Brett Gardner and David Robertson inched one step closer to coming off the disabled list on Monday, working out at the Yankees' Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla.

Gardner took dry swings to test his strained right elbow and Robertson played catch without feeling any discomfort from a strained left oblique, which is encouraging news for a Yankees club that is looking forward to their respective returns.

"Everything went well, so they'll move on to whatever they have to do tomorrow," manager Joe Girardi said.

The Yankees have ruled out the idea of Robertson rejoining them on this road trip, making his earliest possible return date June 5 at Yankee Stadium against the Rays. Robertson hasn't pitched since May 11.

Girardi said that Gardner, who hasn't appeared in a big league game since April 17, will need to play in a few Minor League rehab games before the Yankees can seriously consider activating him.

Gardner's best-case scenario would be 10 days away, but the Yankees figure to be cautious because any further setback could mean they would be without the speedster until the All-Star break.
Good news for the Yanks. Unfortunately for them, they don't play the A's everyday so they're going to need these guys if they plan on continuing their move up in the standings.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Regular Season Game 48: Yankees @ Angels

REGULAR SEASON GAME 48
YANKEES @ ANGELS
First Pitch: 9:05 PM | TV: YES/MLBN | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (26-21)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Raul Ibanez LF
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez DH
Russell Martin C

Starting Pitcher: RHP Phil Hughes (4-5, 4.94 ERA)

ANGELS (24-25)
Mike Trout CF
Maicer Izturis 3B
Albert Pujols 1B
Kendry Morales DH
Mark Trumbo 3B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Erick Aybar SS
Peter Bourjos CF
Bobby Wilson C

Starting Pitcher: RHP Jered Weaver (6-1, 2.61 ERA)

Pitching Matchups For Yankees @ Angels

Game 1: Tonight @ 9:05 PM - TV: YES/MLBN - Radio: WCBS
RHP Phil Hughes (4-5, 4.94) vs. RHP Jered Weaver (6-1, 2.61)

Game 2: Tuesday @ 10:05 PM - TV: YES - Radio: WCBS
LHP Andy Pettitte (2-1, 2.53) vs. RHP Dan Haren (2-5, 3.76)

Game 3: Wednesday @ 10:05 PM - TV: YES/ESPN2 - Radio: WCBS
RHP Ivan Nova (4-2, 5.69) vs. RHP Ervin Santana (2-6, 4.22)

Robertson's Return Put on Hold

From George A. King III:
There was a time last week when it appeared David Robertson had a chance to come off the disabled list next weekend against the Tigers.

However, with the right-handed reliever reporting to the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa on Thursday to start a throwing program that will be followed by minor league rehab games, Detroit isn’t a destination for Robertson.

“Not at all,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said.

Robertson hasn’t pitched since May 11 due to a left rib cage problem.
Not the best news, and yes I know it's two days old (sorry), but at least they're on a little winning streak now thanks to the A's horrible hitting. Also, Soriano has begun to settle into the closer's role, which is obviously a huge boost for this team and makes this delayed return much easier to deal with.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Game 46: Yankees @ Athletics

REGULAR SEASON GAME 46
YANKEES @ ATHLETICS
First Pitch: 4:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (24-21)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Raul Ibanez LF
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez 3B
Chris Stewart C

Starting Pitcher: LHP CC Sabathia (5-2, 3.78 ERA)

ATHLETICS (22-24)
Jemile Weeks 2B
Coco Crisp CF
Josh Reddick RF
Jonny Gomes DH
Josh Donaldson 3B
Kurt Suzuki C
Cliff Pennington SS
Adam Rosales 1B
Collin Cowgill LF

Starting Pitcher: RHP Bartolo Colon (4-4, 4.09 ERA)

Yanks Sign Former Met, John Maine

From Andrew Marchand:
Looking to add depth to the organization's pitching, the Yankees have signed former Mets right-hander John Maine to a minor league contract, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed.

Maine, who hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2010, is expected to be insurance if he can come close to the form that saw him win as many as 15 games with the Mets five years ago.

Since 2008, Maine has struggled with shoulder injuries. Last year, after posting a 7.43 ERA in 45 innings with the Colorado Rockies' Triple-A team, he left the organization in June. This spring, Maine was in camp with the Boston Red Sox.

"He's interested in trying to get back to the big leagues, so we will see," Cashman said Friday.

Maine, 31, will go to work for the Yankees in Tampa, Fla., at extended spring training. The Yankees have been a haven for such reclamation projects. Some pitchers have made it all the way back, like Bartolo Colon last year, and some have not, like former Cubs phenom Mark Prior.

The Yankees also recently looked at Armando Galarraga, formerly of the Detroit Tigers. Galarraga, who came up one out short of a perfect game two years ago with Detroit, ended up signing with the Houston Astros.
As the Yankees have already proven this year, you can't have enough pitching. That said, I wouldn't expect much from Maine.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Hal: Yanks Are Not For Sale

So earlier today there was a report in the Daily News that said there have been rumors that the Yankees might be looking to sell after the recent deal made to sell the Dodgers. Here's a little bit more from the article:
Rumors are flying in Major League Baseball and New York banking circles that the family that has owned Major League Baseball's premiere franchise since Cleveland shipbuilder George Steinbrenner purchased the club for $8.8 million in 1973 is exploring the possibility of selling the Yankees.

Multiple baseball and finance sources told the Daily News they are hearing that the team the Steinbrenner family has led to seven World Series titles could be put on the block in the wake of the record sale price of $2.175 billion the Los Angeles Dodgers went for in April.

"There has been chatter all around the banking and financial industries in the city for a couple of weeks now," one high-level baseball source told The News.

Yankee president Randy Levine adamantly denied the rumors: "I can say to you there is absolutely, positively nothing to this. The Steinbrenners are not selling the team." And managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner, George's younger son, weighed in with his own denial Thursday morning, saying in a statement: "I just read the Daily News story. It is complete fiction. Me and my family have no intention to sell the Yankees and expect it to be in the family for years to come."

However, according to the sources, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation, the recent sale of the Dodgers to a group that includes NBA legend Magic Johnson is just one reason why the Steinbrenner family may be looking to sell the team, which experts estimate could be worth up to a stunning $3 billion.
Besides Levin's denials in the article, Hal Steinbrenner also responded to the rumors:
Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said on Thursday that his family has no intention of selling the storied franchise, responding to a published report in the New York Daily News.

"I just learned of the Daily News story. It is pure fiction," Steinbrenner said in a statement. "The Yankees are not for sale. I expect that the Yankees will be in my family for many years to come."
Honestly, at this point I don't really care what happens, especially if they are sold to an owner who is ready to spend money.

Sure, it would be nice to have the team remain in the Steinbrenner family, but unless your goal as a Yankees fan is to see higher ticket prices along with lower payroll I'm not sure how beneficial that would be.

When The Boss owned the team we as fans always knew that he'd do whatever it took to win, but now after a few years of Hal you can now longer say that. Instead the Yankees are in cost-cutting mode and just spent this past offseason ignoring the two best pitchers on the market (Darvish and Wilson), and instead decided to go the less expensive route and I don't think that's something we'd see from George.

What do you think? Does it matter if the team stays in the Steinbrenner's hands?

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

No Date Set For Rivera's Surgery

From Roger Rubin:
No date has been set for Rivera’s knee surgery, and the righthander remains on blood-thinning medication for the clot in his leg, discovered after he tore his right ACL on May 3. Rivera said the last time he was examined, the clot was still present. Once the problem is resolved, he will require a few days off the blood thinners before he can have the surgery. But the treatment to eliminate the clot could take as long as three months.

“We’re trying to work the clot first,” Rivera said. “In the meantime, we’re strengthening it.”

Rivera has been doing range-of-motion and strengthening exercises in hopes it will make his post-surgery rehab shorter. On Tuesday, there was little sign of a limp as he walked in the clubhouse.

Burnett Says He Regrets Not Pitching Well With Yanks

From WCBS:
“I can’t even imagine what that place (Yankee Stadium) would have sounded like over there,” Burnett said before his Pirates lost to the Mets on Tuesday. “And there was maybe like two words that came out of the crowd here.”

Burnett eventually settled down and got the win, allowing just three hits and two walks over seven innings pitched. It was a stark difference for the right-hander, who was known for his puzzling mid-game meltdowns while with the Yankees.

“I guess that’s why CC (Sabathia) is so good, because he could care less,” said Burnett. “He just pitches. Obviously, (Yankees fans) love him because he’s dominant, but I don’t think it would matter either way.

“I maybe went out there and tried to overdo it.”

...

“I had my good times there,” said Burnett. “I don’t regret it at all. I don’t. I regret not performing better.”
Burnett also sounded optimistic about the Yankees chances going forward, saying he's "sure they’ll do fine once they put it together”. Amazingly, that's a hell of a lot more optimistic than I am.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Oh Look, Now Jeter's Hurt

From Chad Jennings:
Hit in the left wrist by a bad hop in the ninth inning, Jeter was in obvious discomfort on the field — he took his glove off and kept shaking his hand — but he said all the things you’d expect in the clubhouse: He’s fine, it’s no problem and there’s nothing to be worried about.

“Hopefully it’s not a big deal, and he’ll be okay tomorrow,” Joe Girardi said. “But I’ll have to see.”
Sorry, but based on this team's (bad) luck so far this year I'd have to assume that this ends up worse than it looks.

This Week in Yankees History (5/20-5/26)

This Week in Yankees History 

May 20th - May 26th


May 20th

1890 - Former Yankees P Jesse ‘”Jim” Buckles (1916) was born (1890-1975). Jim Buckles appeared in 2 games with no record for the 1916 Yankees.


1893 - Former Yankees P Walter Bernhardt (1918) was born (1893-1958). Walt Bernhardt appeared in 1 game with no record for the 1918 Yankees.


1897 - Former Yankees Closer Wilcy “Cy” Moore (1927-1929,1932-1933) was born (1897-1963). Wilcy “Cy” Moore was the relief ace of the 1927 New York Yankees, posting a 19-7 record with 13 saves. His Yankees pitching career totals were 36-20 in 142 games with 27 saves. Wilcy Moore is considered to be the 1st of the great Yankee closers in the team’s history.


1904 - Former Yankees P Peter Appleton (also known as Peter Jablonski) (1933) was born. Peter Appleton appeared in 1 game with 1933 Yankees posting no record. The Yankees sent him back to the Newark Bears (International League) in 1934. Pete originally came up with Cincinnati Reds. Also he played for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators, St. Louis Browns and the Boston Red Sox in his 14 MLB season career finishing with a 57-67 record.


1913 - The New York Yankees obtained shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh from the Cleveland Indians for INF Bill Stumpf and OF Jack Lelivelt. Roger would help stabilized the 1913 Yankees infield. He would be with the Yankees for 8 seasons, appearing in 1,219 games, hitting .257 for the team.


1923 - Babe Ruth’s 15th inning 2-run HR gives New York Yankees starter Herb Pennock, a 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Herb Pennock goes the distance for the Yankees allowing only 4 White Sox hits in 15 innings.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Nova Expected To Start on Saturday

From Marc Carig:
Despite a right ankle sprain that had put his next start in jeopardy, right-hander Ivan Nova remains on track to pitch against the Reds Saturday.
Nova threw a light bullpen session at Rogers Centre Thursday. He also participated in a few drills to prove he’s capable of moving well enough to field his position.
“It feels good,” Nova said. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”
...
“Our plans have been for him to start,” said manager Joe Girardi, though he could still bump Nova at the last minute if he has issues while warming up for his start.
Luckily for the Yankees Nova is OK. However, at this point relatively early part of the season, it's the hitting and not the pitching that is this team's greatest concern, but you already knew that.

Yanks Claim Infielder Matt Antonelli off Waivers

Via YES.com:
The Yankees announced Thursday afternoon that they have claimed infielder Matt Antonelli off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, and he will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this weekend.
The 27-year-old Antonelli was batting .204 with one home run, seven RBI, and 19 walks in 29 games for Baltimore’s Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk. He has seen time all around the diamond this season, playing all four infield positions as well as left field.
His only big league experience came in 2008 with San Diego. In 21 games for the San Diego, he hit .193 (11-for-57) with a homer and 3 RBI.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Game 37: Yankees @ Blue Jays

REGULAR SEASON GAME 37
YANKEES @ BLUE JAYS
First Pitch: 7:07 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (20-16)
Curtis Granderson CF
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Raul Ibañez LF
Eric Chavez DH
Russell Martin C
Jayson Nix SS
Starting Pitcher: RHP Hiroki Kuroda (3-4, 3.56 ERA

BLUE JAYS (19-18)
Kelly Johnson 2B
Erik Thames LF
Jose Bautista RF
Edwin Encarnacion 1B
Brett Lawrie 3B
Colby Rasmus CF
JP Arencibia C
Adam Lind DH
Omar Vizquel SS

Starting pitcher: RHP Kyle Drebek(2-4, 3.66 ERA)

Kay and Kenny on the Yanks Offensive Woes

I'm not really sure why anyone would be surprised by the Yankees lack of clutch hitting, after all, this isn't a new problem. Apparently, fans have already begun to forget about last year's ALDS.

D-Rob to the DL

From the AP via USA Today:
Robertson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a strained muscle in his left ribcage. The right-hander was working as the fill-in closer for Rivera, who is likely to be sidelined the rest of the season after tearing a knee ligament on May 3.
Robertson finished five games this season and was 0-1 with a 2.51 ERA and one save. He had not pitched since Friday because of discomfort in his ribcage, an injury diagnosed Tuesday as a strained oblique muscle.
"We don't think it's too severe, but it's hard to tell," manager Joe Girardi said. "Obliques can be tricky. We expect him not to pick up a baseball for probably seven to 10 days, and then we'll see where we are after that."
To fill out the bullpen, New York recalled right-hander Cody Eppley from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Is anyone else starting to feel like sooner or later everyone is going to end up on the DL?

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Hey, Guess What? More Injuries!

Here's a rundown of the most recent rash of injuries to hit the Yankees clubhouse via Marc Carig:
RHP Ivan Nova, sprained/bruised right ankle and foot, X-Rays negative The 25-year-old took a comebacker to his right ankle in the third inning and rolled the same ankle while making a defensive play in the sixth. After the game, Nova said his ankle was swollen and still in pain, though he didn't want to miss his next start. Of course, he may not have a choice in the matter.
"That's a possibility," Girardi said of scrubbing Nova's next outing. "We’ll have to be smart about it and make sure he’s OK."
...
RHP David Robertson, left oblique/rib cage soreness, tests scheduled for today Technically, Robertson's injury didn't take place last night, but rather during his last appearance on Friday. Robertson, working in a non-save situation, first felt the soreness during his outing. He iced the area and felt it again the next day. At that point, he notified Girardi, who has made Robertson unavailable since.
...
LHP Clay Rapada, head cold, viral infection Rapada finished his relief outing yesterday but had to be helped back into the clubhouse.
...
LF Raul Ibanez, hit by pitch on left elbow Girardi believes Ibanez will be sore. But Ibanez didn't seem concerned and said he'd be ready to go. Of course, he too is likely not to play today with the Orioles starting left-hander Wei-Yin Chen.
...
1B Mark Teixeira, bronchial inflammation Even though he began taking new medication to treat his condition last week, Teixeira said it has had no effect so far. He'd be more likely to heal if he were willing to take some time off. But after hitting a critical two-run homer last night, Teixeira said he had no interest in taking days off.
These injuries are very frustrating but better to have to deal with them earlier in the season, rather than later on when they can really hurt you. Nothing here seems too serious, which is obviously also a good thing.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Pettitte & Girardi On Pettitte's Return to the Mound

Game 34: Yankees vs. Mariners - Andy's Back!



REGULAR SEASON GAME 34
YANKEES vs MARINERS
First Pitch: 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (19-14)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Grander CF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Nick Swisher RF
Raul Ibanez LF
Eric Chavez DH
Russell Martin C

Starting pitcher: LHP Andy Pettitte (0-0, -.-- ERA)

MARINERS (15-20)
Dustin Ackley 2B
Casper Wells LF
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jesus Montero C
Justin Smoak 1B
Alex Liddi 3B
Michael Carp DH
Michael Saunders CF
Brendan Ryan SS

Starting pitcher: RHP Kevin Millwood (0-4, 5.88 ERA)

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Yanks Claim Justin Thomas

https://twitter.com/#!/MaureenaMullen/status/201385048476364800

https://twitter.com/#!/MarcCarig/status/201408762765000704
The left-handed reliever has a 4.14 ERA in eight seasons in the minors.

Game 33: Yankees vs. Mariners

REGULAR SEASON GAME 33
YANKEES vs MARINERS
First Pitch: 4:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (18-14)
Derek Jeter DH
Curtis Grander CF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Nick Swisher FF
Raul Ibanez LF
Russell Martin C
Jayson Nix

Starting pitcher: RHP Phil Hughes (2-4, 6.67 ERA)

MARINERS (15-19)
Dustin Ackley 2B
John Jaso C
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jesus Montero DH
Kyle Seager 3B
Mike Carp LF
Justin Smoak 1B
Michael Saunders CF
Munenori Kawasaki SS

Starting pitcher: RHP Hector Noesi (2-3, 6.30 ERA)

Friday, May 11, 2012

Nunez Sent Down

From Marc Carig:
Eduardo Nunez's error-filled tenure in the Bronx is over -- for now.
After committing two critical errors last night, the Yankees optioned Nunez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre to make room for backup third baseman Eric Chavez, who was activated from the seven-day disabled list for concussions.
"We've asked Nuney to do some things that you usually ask more of veteran player to do, to play third, short, second, left, right," manager Joe Girardi said. "And for the best interest of him and us moving forward, we thought it was probably more important that he goes down and play shortstop six days a week and maybe second a day a week. And getting back to playing every day."
Sucks for Nunez, but you can't say he didn't earn the demotion. Hopefully he does the necessary work to improve his glove and is back in the Bronx in the near future.
Jayson Nix will replace Nunez on the roster.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Game 31: Yankees vs. Rays

REGULAR SEASON GAME 31
YANKEES vs RAYS
First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: YES/MLBN | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (16-14)
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Curtis Granderson CF
Andruw Jones LF
Eduardo Nunez 3B
Chris Stewart C

Starting pitcher: LHP CC Sabathia (4-0, 4.15 ERA)

RAYS (20-11)
Ben Zobrist RF
Sean Rodriguez 3B
BJ Upton CF
Jeff Keppinger DH CF
Brandon Guyer LF
Carlos Pena 1B
Elliot Johnson SS
Chris Gimenez C
Will Ryhmes 2B

Starting pitcher: LHP David Price (5-1, 2.35 ERA)

So much for that... Gardner Suffers Setback

Ok, so I guess that earlier report that Gardner was going to be activated was wrong. In fact, Gardner felt soreness in had some swelling in his elbow and is now headed for an MRI. Cross your fingers, because with this team's luck he'll need some sort of surgery.

Beyond the Box Score: An In-Depth Interview with Kim Austin, mother of Yankee Prospect Tyler Austin


Trevor Wolff:
When we last spoke, you said that Mariana Bichette’s experiences on draft day hit close to home for you.  Could you please tell us what you & your family were feeling throughout this process?  Also, what was the family’s (especially Tyler’s) reaction upon finding out he was selected by the Yankees?

Kim Austin:
The emotions Mariana expressed in her interview about the anticipation, anxiety and apprehension that she hoped her sons heart wasn't broken were all the same emotions we experienced.  We knew that Tyler was not going the first round, so we were able to sit back that evening and see who went where in the first round.  Day two, different story.  We were told to expect anywhere from 2nd through 10th round.  Like Mariana, I too kept a detailed calender of visits, letters, emails, workouts and tests, however, there were a few other teams who conducted more detailed evals (evaluations), so we had some idea of where the interest was from.
 
Rounds 2 through 10 came and went, my heart sank, and I was filled with such anxiety, I was physically sick.  Tyler eventually left the house.  It was just too much to see your child disappointed.  Finally during the 13th round the calls began from the teams we knew were deeply vested.  ”If we draft you next round are you going to sign?”  Of course the answer was yes.  Finally, last pick of the 13th round we heard the Yankees announce his name!  I called him and told him he was a Yankee.  We laughed, screamed and finally came the tears.  Tears of relief, tears of joy.

Trevor Wolff:
Tyler went in the 13th round, why did he fall so far in the draft?  He has been dominant from the very beginning.  Did teams feel that they couldn’t sign him?

Kim Austin:
A lot of people don't know that Tyler battled cancer during the draft process.  We placed our son in the hands of God, and he persevered.  He had been given a second chance, and he was signable.  There was not even the chance of draft and follow for him.  He was ready to chase his dream.
The teams who were interested knew this and it gave them room to draft others who may not have been signable otherwise.  But what it boils down to is you may have some ideas of teams and rounds, but nothing is etched in stone.  Each organization has decision makers and you just never know until the names are called.

Trevor Wolff:
The state of Georgia always seems to produce a strong high school draft class every year.  Tyler was the 13th Georgian high school player selected.  He has significantly outperformed every single player before him, including 8th overall pick Delino Deshields Jr out of Woodward Academy.  Would you say he plays with a chip on his shoulder, as if thinking “I deserved to be picked higher so I will prove it”?

Kim Austin:
Tyler doesn't play that way.  He plays for the love of the game.  He just goes out there and does what he does best every single night.  He has always played with his heart as well as ability, he just plays 110% just like he has since he was 4.  Unfortunately draft day can be a crap shoot, nothing is official until your name is called, doesn't matter what round you go in as long as you get there.  And what a blessing and honor it is.

Trevor Wolff:
Did Tyler plan on beginning his baseball career or was he going to school if the right situation didn’t present itself? By that I mean the right team, the right money, etc…

Kim Austin:
After his battle with cancer we totally encouraged him to sign after the draft.  Chris and I knew as well as Tyler knew he had been given a second chance.  Do it.  Chase the dream.  With the MLB scholarship program, it was just the right move for him, life can be too short.  He can always go back to college later on.

Trevor Wolff:
Lastly, what kind of advice would you give to the families that are preparing for next month’s draft?

Kim Austin:
As far as advice is concerned, all I can say is HOLD ON!  Draft day is a roller-coaster ride.  It is a very emotional several days.  Remember that nothing is written in stone, anything can happen.  Weigh your options, do your homework, make your decision as a family.  Be honest and up front about your decisions.  Most of all, ENJOY it, its an awesome ride.  Best of luck to the young men and their families eligible for the 2012 MLB draft.