Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Yankees Offering Great Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2014 Ticket Deals

The New York Yankees are the premier franchise in all of professional sports having won an unprecedented 27 World Series Championships throughout their storied history. As such they have rarely offered discounted ticket specials. However for 2014 season they have decided to reward their loyal fan base by offering some fantastic deals for the upcoming season. Beginning at 12 pm EST on Black Friday (November 29) and lasting until December 24th the Yankees, in conjunction with MasterCard, will offer three different promotions for fans to purchase tickets

MasterCard Preferred Pricing
  • $15 off select seats when purchasing tickets with your MasterCard. 
  • Available for every home game through June.
  • New for the 2014 season! 
MasterCard Holiday Buy 2, Get 2
  • Save 50% on select seats (Terrace Level, Grandstand Level or Bleachers) for the following games:
  • Must be purchased with a MasterCard between 12 pm EST on Black Friday (11/29) through Cyber Monday (12/2). 
  • Entering the promo code “MCB2G2” at check out. 
Offer available for these games:
  • 4/8 vs Baltimore Orioles 
  • 4/9 vs Baltimore Orioles 
  • 4/15 vs Chicago Cubs
  • 4/16 vs Chicago Cubs
  • 4/29 vs Seattle Mariners
  • 4/30 vs Seattle Mariners
  • 5/1 vs Seattle Mariners
MasterCard $5 & 1/2 Priced Games
  • Tickets available in select areas of the Stadium in the Terrace Level, Grandstand Level or Bleachers
  • Tickets must be purchased with a MasterCard.
  • Tickets can be purchased on the day of the game. 
Offer available for these games: 
  • 4/9 vs Baltimore Orioles
  • 4/29 vs Seattle Mariners
  • 4/30 vs Seattle Mariners
  • 5/1 vs Seattle Mariners
  • 6/3 vs Oakland Athletics
  • 6/17 vs Toronto Blue Jays
To take advantage of these great deals on 2014 New York Yankees tickets, click here.


Thursday, September 26, 2013

Ticket Prices For Mo's Last Game In The Bronx Are Falling Fast

Over the last week, the average price for Mariano Rivera’s final game has dropped on the secondary market from $238 on September 8th to $103 today. It’s one of the few games the Yankees have sold out this season. Despite that fact, the average price is now only 10% above the Yankee’s regular season average. That’s quite a contrast from opening day, when the game had an average price of $371. In April, Yankees fans envisioned a strong finish after an injury-slowed first half, and Mariano on the mound saving a game to put them into the playoffs for one final magical Mo postseason. Instead, it’s been almost a week since he has pitched, and while a there have been a couple wins along the way, the last 10 days has been filled with a lot of lopsided losses. Tonight, the Yankee’s will face Alex Cobb, whose 2.90 era is the best of any of the Rays starters this series. Based on the first two games of the series, a save opportunity may be a long shot..... to read the rest of this article, visit Forbes.com.

And click here for NY Yankees tickets.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Looks Like Jeter Back Tonight

That was a huge win last night and might just be enough to get me to start posting again. I've been extremely busy, and to be honest, this team just hasn't held my interest. However, they're in this race and this last month should be a lot of fun. Also, The Captain should be back in uniform tonight in Toronto. Here's the story from Wallace Matthews:
Jeter left the ballpark in without speaking to reporters after going 1-for-3 in a game for AAA Scranton Saturday night, and Girardi said he had not spoken to his 39-year-old captain. But from the admittedly sketchy reports he has gotten, Girardi said the plan is for Jeter to be in the starting lineup tomorrow night at the Rogers Centre.

"He’s played three days in a row and from everything I understand he felt pretty good,'' Girardi said.

Asked if he would be "apprehensive'' about how to use Jeter, who has been on the DL three times and has played just 5 games for the Yankees this season, Girardi said, "I don’t know if we can afford to be apprehensive is the thing.''
If you want to see Jeter back in action when the Yankees return home to face the Orioles this weekend you can get your New York Yankees tickets directly from the official Yankees ticket exchange. Currently, tickets can be had for as low as $15 for Friday's game, $13 for Saturday's game, and $13 for Sunday's game.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Previewing Yankees vs Red Sox Tickets

The Red Sox have had their way with the Yankees this year, winning 6 of 9 games. Hopefully, that comes to and end when the Yankees go into Fenway for this weekend's three game series. The Yankees trail Boston by 8.5 games in the Division and 5.5 games out of the wild card. Safe to say, this is make or break time for this year's Yankees. That said, they have played better lately, winning 5 of 7 and 4 of their last 5 so maybe this is the start of something.

Here is a break down of ticket prices for this weekend's series, as well as an image breaking down the remaining 10 games between the two rivals.
  • 8/16 - Avg Price: $178 | Get-in: $30
  • 8/17 - Avg Price: $239 | Get-in: $70
  • 8/18 - Avg Price: $152 | Get-in: $35
This week's series in Boston is currently averaging $176 for the three games, which is 64% above the $107 average price for Red Sox tickets at home this season. Prices are also 68% above the average for Yankees tickets for the series in the Bronx in early September.

Click to enlarge

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Report: Selig Prepared To Ban A-Rod For Life Today or Tomorrow

From Bob Nightengale:
Commissioner Bud Selig is prepared to levy a lifetime suspension on New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, while suspending about eight others before the weekend, two people with knowledge of the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports.

The people were unauthorized to speak publicly because no announcement is expected until Thursday or Friday.

"I hope he does it,'' former Commissioner Fay Vincent told USA TODAY Sports. "It's right for baseball. The harder he comes down, the better it is for baseball.''

Rodriguez, according to his attorney, David Cornwell, will appeal any suspension, regardless of the severity. The other players are expected to receive 50-game bans, and most are considering accepting the discipline without appealing, according to one of the people.

As many as 20 players were originally linked to Biogenesis, a Miami clinic that allegedly provided performance-enhancing drugs, but some players could not be disciplined for lack of evidence.

Besides Rodriguez, All-Stars Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers and Jhonny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers are facing possible suspensions, along with shortstop Everth Cabrera of the San Diego Padres.

...

In banning Rodriguez for life Selig could invoke Article XII (B) of the CBA, which states:

"Players may be disciplined for just cause for conduct that is materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of baseball, including, but not limited to, engaging in conduct in violation of federal, state or local law.''

MLB will contend that, in addition to lying about performance-enhancing drug use, Rodriguez lied to MLB officials while attempting to sabotage their investigation, according to one of the people.

When asked if MLB is planning to impose a lifetime ban on Rodriguez, union executive director Michael Weiner said in an email: "I can neither confirm nor deny.''
This could all go down as soon as today so stay tuned.

What are you hoping happens? Do you want to see A-Rod in pinstripes ever again?

Friday, July 26, 2013

Soriano To Yankees A Done Deal

From ESPN:
The trade of Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano to the New York Yankees was finalized Friday after he officially waived his no-trade clause, sources told ESPN.

Of the estimated $24.5 million Soriano is owed through the end of next season, the Cubs are going to pick up about $17.7 million and the Yankees will cover the remaining $6.8 million, sources said. Soriano is scheduled to make $18 million next season, $5 million of which will be paid by the Yankees, the sources said.

Major League Baseball had to approve the dollar exchange for the trade to go through. The Cubs also will get a lower-tier pitching prospect in the trade, sources told ESPN.
Considering all they have to pay is $6.8 million and that they only gave up a lower-tier pitching prospect (rumored to be right-hander Corey Black), the deal was a no-brainer.

Here's what Soriano had to say about his return to The Bronx:
"It was great when I used to be with the Yankees," Soriano said. "My best friend with the team is [Derek] Jeter and he's still there. Mariano [Rivera] is still there too. And me and [Robinson] Cano are good friends, too, because we're from the same town. I could feel very good with the Yankees because I've been part of the family before with them."
Welcome back, Soriano!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Jeter Update

From Mark Feinsand:
Derek Jeter did hitting drills in the batting cage and fielded grounders Monday, moving one step closer to a return from the disabled list.

Jeter was unsure whether he would be activated when he’s eligible Saturday, and while the Yankees seem skeptical that he’ll be ready by then, that remains the shortstop’s goal. “I’m going day-to-day, man,” Jeter said. “I want to play as soon as possible. Saturday is the first day I can play, so I want to play on Saturday. But I get it.”

Jeter said he will take batting practice and run on Tuesday, checking off another box on his rehab list.
While it may not be Saturday, Jeter will be back in Pinstripes pretty soon. If you want to see Jeter and the Yankees in person, you can always get your New York Yankees tickets right here, from SIH tickets.

King: Yankees on Verge of Trading For Alfonso Soriano

From George King:
In dire need of a bat with thump and an indication the Yankees may believe that Alex Rodriguez isn’t going to play this season, the toothless Bombers are close to acquiring Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs, The Post has learned.

According to a person familiar with the talks, the Cubs will pay the bulk of what is left on Soriano’s contract. He makes $18 million this year and the same for next season.

Like they did in the Vernon Wells deal, whatever the Yankees pay will be laid out for the little more than the $6 million remaining Soriano’s contract this season. That way the Yankees aren’t on the hook for money next year when they want to get the payroll to $189 million. Soriano has a no-trade clause, but he would not block a deal to put him back in Pinstripes.

In return the Cubs will get a mid-level prospect.
The 37-year-old former Yankees is hitting .259/.289/.476 with 17 HR and 51 RBI in 374 at-bats with the Cubs this year.

It's painfully obviously that they need hitting. Soriano won't solve all their hitting woes, but I guess it's a start.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Major League Baseball Expected To Suspend A-Rod, Many Others

From Jon Heyman:
Alex Rodriguez, who once appeared on his way to breaking baseball's all-time home run record, is all but assured of a Biogenesis-related MLB ban being levied against him -- quite possibly more than the usual 50 games for first-time offenders -- people familiar with the case say.

Rodriguez is expected to be one of up to 15 or so players to receive suspensions by MLB when they are announced, possibly within a couple weeks. All the suspensions could be announced simultaneously.

Rodriguez declined to answer the questions of MLB investigators when they interviewed him, sources told CBSSports.com, as did perhaps most of the other players linked to the PED case. The players union believes baseball's Jenkins Rule allows players not to answer MLB investigators' questions, and players are being advised that their answers could be used against them in a possible appeals process or additional legal matter.

A-Rod, Brewers star Ryan Braun -- the other high-profile player linked to the case -- and most other players involved publicly denied they received performance-enhancing drugs from now-defunct Biogenesis or its proprietor, Tony Bosch, who became a witness for MLB in the case.

Any Biogenesis-related suspension based on so-called "non-analytic positives" (not triggered by a positive test) is subject to appeal -- though the likelihood now is that suspension announcements would be made before any appeals. Players union chief Michael Weiner told the New York Daily News, speaking generally and not necessarily about A-Rod, that appeals aren't necessarily automatic, explaining that in cases where the evidence is overwhelming the player might simply accept a suspension.

...

'I don't think he's going to beat the suspension back to the field,' one person connected to Rodriguez said...

...Sources who have spoken to Rodriguez say the Yankees third baseman is expecting a suspension, though he hasn't said that publicly.

MLB people declined to comment, except to say its investigators are going where the evidence takes them.

MLB appears to be readying bans which likely will be based on the drug-test failure standard:

•First offense: 50 games
•Second offense: 100 games
•Third offense: Lifetime ban

...

"MLB has receipts, checks, the whole nine yards," a person with ties to an investigated player said.

"He's looking at a lengthy suspension," another player-connected source said about A-Rod.
I know people have been saying this was going to happen for months, and then nothing would happen, but this time I think the shit is finally about to hit the fan for A-Rod and the rest of his merry band of cheaters. And I can honestly say I don't care. If this idiot cheated again, he deserves whatever he gets, and probably should just retire and save us all the future head aches.

UPDATE: Bruan has been suspended for the remainder of the 2013 season.

https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/359427356131213312

Friday, July 19, 2013

Series Preview: Yankees @ Red Sox

The best rivalry in baseball resumes tonight as the Yankees head to Fenway Park to take on the first-place Red Sox. Both teams have won 5 out of their last 10 games, with the Red Sox trying to hold on to first place in the American League while their hated rivals try to catch Texas for the second wild-card spot and have a little more work to do when it comes to the east. With the biggest rivalry being played on the biggest stage (2 of the 3 games are nationally televised), Yankees vs Red Sox tickets will be more expensive than usual this weekend. Overall, the series average is $207, which is 92% higher than the Red Sox home average and 69% higher than the usual price paid for Yankees tickets on the road.

The average ticket for Friday is a hefty $213, which is nearly twice as much as the usual average price for Red Sox tickets at home $108) or for a Yankees tickets on the road ($123). However, fans can get into the ball park for only 21% of that figure, as a fan looking for cheaper seats will only have to pay $45 per ticket to see Andy Pettitte battle Felix Doubront at 7:10 PM.

Saturday’s game is more costly, with the average price being $240 and the cheapest ticket being $70 (29% of the average price). The game will be nationally televised on FOX at 4:05 PM, with all eyes on pitchers Hiroki Kuroda and John Lackey.

The biggest names will do battle on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball on July 21, as CC Sabathia takes on Jon Lester at 8:05 PM. Surprisingly, this is the cheapest game of the series, with the average being a very reasonable $180 and the cheapest seats listed at $42 per ticket (23% of the average).


The Red Sox and Yankees appear poised for another exciting stretch run as they prepare to battle for the division title during the final 3 months of the season. The world stops to watch when the Red Sox play the Yankees, and if you happen to be in the Boston area this weekend, you have the opportunity to witness 2 great teams face off with playoff implications—and bragging rights—on the line.

By Tommy Rothman

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Bad News For Tex

https://twitter.com/YankeesWFAN/status/349968681071149056
Bad news for the Yankees, I guess. Looks like Tex is done for the season, and his disappointing run in New York continues.

Cashman: A-Rod should just shut the f*** up

From Andrew Marchand:
Livid over Alex Rodriguez's decision to tweet an update on his rehab process, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had a message for the third baseman.

“You know what, when the Yankees want to announce something, [we will]. Alex should just shut the f--- up. That's it. I'm going to call Alex now.”

Rodriguez tweeted Tuesday that he has been cleared to play in rehab games. Rodriguez's comments seemed to contradict what Cashman told ESPN New York's Wallace Matthews on Monday.

"Visit from Dr. [Bryan] Kelly over the weekend, who gave me the best news - the green light to play games again!" Rodriguez tweeted.

Rodriguez, in a statement released Wednesday morning though a spokesman, said "the tweet was pure excitement" over the doctor's prognosis.

"I will continue to work hard until my efforts get me back in pinstripes and help my team win," Rodriguez said.

Cashman had on Monday shot down a report that Rodriguez had been given the go-ahead to play in games.

"He has not been cleared by our doctors to play in rehab games yet," he said. "He's getting closer. There's no doubt about it. But we don't have a date for him to start playing games yet. It could be July 1. It could also be July 5 or maybe June 25."
Here is the tweet in question:

https://twitter.com/AROD/statuses/349668933797818368
Looks like Cash wishes that A-Rod and all the nonsense he brings would just go away. I'm sure many of you feel the same way.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Yankees - Rays Ticket Price Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees both enter a four game set against one another coming off wins the previous day. For the Rays, they were able to take care of business against AL East-leading Boston behind a big day at the plate for the middle of the order. The three through seven hitters all tallied at least one RBI as the Jeremy Hellickson paced the Rays to a 6-2 victory. The Yankees secured both a win and a loss against the Dodgers in a doubleheader, which was scheduled after game one of the series was rained out on Monday. It was the first time since the 1981 World Series that the Dodgers had faced the Yankees in New York and the quick two day series did not disappoint. The Yankees won game one 6-4 with help from the bat of Ichiro who went three for four at the plate including a blistering home run and three RBI’s. New York needed nearly every hit they got as Hanley Ramirez went four for four at the plate with a home run and two RBI’s for the Dodgers. Game two of the series went drastically different, as the Yankees were only able to record three hits as the Dodgers dominated 6-0 behind a great six-inning outing from Chris Capuano.

Both the Yankees and Rays are seeking to keep pace within the division, as the Red Sox lead over the teams is 3.5 and 6 games respectively. Game one of the series will get underway around 7:05 at Yankee Stadium and will feature lefty Matt Moore for the Rays against long-time Yankee Andy Pettitte. Both guys are having solid years as Moore is 8-3 with a 4.12 ERA and Pettitte is 5-4 with a 3.95 ERA. Despite these productive numbers both pitchers have struggled as of lately. Moore has given up 19 runs over the previous 13 1/3 innings while Pettitte has allowed 9 runs in 19 innings since returning from the DL. Yankees tickets are still available for game one with the average ticket costing $57 and a get-in price of $9.

In game two the Rays are expected to send Roberto Hernandez to the mound to face the Yankees’ David Phelps. Both players have struggled at times this year but Phelps has historically fared well against the Rays as he has a 2.50 career ERA against the club. Phelps guided the Yankees to a 9-4 win on May 24. The average ticket for game two is $63 with a get-in price of $14.

As usual tickets will become more expensive as the weekend rolls in, particularly because Sunday is Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium. Old Timers Day consists of many veteran Yankees returning to the stadium to take in a ball game and be honored by the crowd and is always a huge success at the ticket office for the Yankees. While tickets for Saturday are going for an average of $91, the price on Sunday for Old Timers Day is $114. The get-in prices for these two games are $14 and $16 respectively. The series average for this weekend is $88 a ticket that is 2% below the Yankees 2013 home average of $90 per ticket.

If either the Rays or Yankees are going to make a run at the Boston Red Sox they will need to win critical

intra-division matchups like the series this weekend. Any Yankees fan that is free should get down to Yankee Stadium for great weather and great baseball in this critical AL East matchup.

Yankees Announce Start Times For Two Upcoming TBA Games

Just got the email so I figured I'd pass the information along... The Yankees have announced start times for the August 11th game against the Tigers and the September 8th game against the Red Sox. Both games, which had previously been listed as TBA, will start at 1:05 PM. I assume they were waiting to see if those games would be on national TV. The start time for their September 21st contest against the World Champion Giants remains TBD.

If you'd like tickets to either game, or any other upcoming game on the schedule, you can buy direct from the Yankees ticket exchange.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Updated on Tex, Youk, and Tonight's Game

Here's an update on both injured Yankees via Bryan Hoch:
The Yankees placed first baseman Mark Teixeira on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with inflammation in his right wrist, and are hopeful that the minimum 15 days will be enough for Teixeira to calm his wrist down. He said that it affects him most when hitting left-handed, and that allowing it time to heal should help him regain his mechanics.

New York recalled outfielder Zoilo Almonte and right-hander Adam Warren from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in corresponding moves, while designating right-hander Chris Bootcheck for assignment.

Additionally, the Yankees received an unfortunate report from Kevin Youkilis’ doctor visit in California. Dr. Robert Watkins will perform surgery on Thursday to repair a herniated disc in Youkilis’ back; he is expected to miss 10-12 weeks, according to general manager Brian Cashman.
Just awful news on both counts. This season is getting ugly fast.

Speaking of ugly, this weather blows and has forced the Yankees to postpone tonight's game. It will be made up tomorrow afternoon as part of a day-night, separate admission doubleheader tomorrow. For some more information on Yankees vs Dodgers tickets, read this post from earlier today.

Yankees Tickets: Previewing the Dodgers Series

When the Dodgers last won the World Series as New York City, a ticket to Game 4 could be had for $7.35, or less than the cost of a hot dog or a beer at the New Yankee Stadium. The last time the Dodgers visited the Bronx was for the 1981 world series, and the face price of the Old Yankee Stadium Loge seats was $20. Times have obviously changed, and for last year's World Series, the minimum face price for the Giants-Tigers World Series was $110. For game one of 2013 Yankees vs. Dodgers series, though, there are a handful of tickets available for $20, most of them for tomorrow night's game. While you can find all Yankees tickets from our partners at TiqIQ. They also did a little advanced scouting and identified a couple deals below, both from the Yankees:

Game One, Tonight: Section 206: $71 w/ fees. $20 below anything else on the market. CLICK HERE


Game Two, Tomorrow: Section 135 and 136: $86 with fees. $18 below anything else on the market. CLICK HERE


Right now the probability of a 2013 Yankees/Dodgers world series is extremely low. The Dodgers enter the series last in the NL West, but only seven games out of the playoff hunt. The Yankees are in third in the AL East, three games behind the Red Sox. With former Yankee Don Mattingly in the opposing dugout, though, the game is sure to evoke memories, even for those too young to remember 1981. Mattingly only played two post season games in Yankee stadium, both in 1995. In those game, he batted .500 and led the team into Seattle with a good chance to return home for the ALCS. As we all now know, Edgar Martinez and Ken Girffy Jr. had other plans. Despite the Yankees' dramatic loss, there was some solace in knowing that the Captain had seized the moment and delivered big on the post season stage. While his legacy as a great Yankee was already fortified, those two games dispelled any questions about how great he could be in October. While we're still months from October, these two games at Yankee stadium may be critical to dispel the speculation about his tenure as Dodgers manager. A dismal performance on the biggest stage in baseball could be the final straw. Two wins could be a turning point in the season. If the past is any predictor, Mattingly will make sure his guys leave it all out on the field.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Updates on Pineda, Youk & Wang

- Michael Pineda is one step closer to a return after a successful outing in the Florida State League:
https://twitter.com/McCulloughSL/status/343800731742134273

- Kevin Youkilis missed Sunday's game in Seattle with lower back stiffness, but the injury isn't anything major. “It’s nothing like it was before,” Youkilis said. “Just needs a little rest.”

- And in case you missed it, Chien Ming Wang opted out of his Yankees contract last week and signed and will start for Toronto on Tuesday against the White Sox. Wang had a 2.33 ERA in nine starts at Triple-A. Personally, I would have liked to see him get a chance to start the for the Yankees.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

MLB Preparing to Suspend Players Linked To Biogenesis, Including A-Rod

Here's the story via ESPN:


In case you were wondering about Cano, John Harper reports that he isn't part of this upcoming wave of suspensions because "according to a Yankee source, there has been no indication from MLB that Robinson Cano is in danger of being suspended." Hopefully, that is true.

By now I'm sure we're all pretty sick of A-Rod and everything that has come along with him. I know I am, and I don't care if he's suspended. The Yankees probably don't care either.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Phelps Update: X-rays Negative

David Phelps had to leave tonight's win over the Rays in the 8th inning after being hit on the arm by a line drive. Luckily, the x-rays were negative and the Yankees are saying it's just a right forearm contusion. As of now, his status for his next start remains unclear.

Granderson Out At Least Four Weeks With Broken Pinky

https://twitter.com/MLB/status/338120941622157313
In 8 games since returning from his first DL stint, Granderson was hitting .250 with a homer and an RBI, along with six strike outs.

Pineda Getting Closer

From Andy McCullough:
Pineda, a 24-year-old righty, threw five innings in an extended-spring game at the team’s minor-league complex in Tampa, Fla. His fastball velocity sat at 93 mph, general manager Brian Cashman said. After one more game at the complex, Pineda could begin a rehabilitation assignment, a 30-day jaunt that could lead him to the majors.

“I’m happy so far that he’s healthy,” Cashman said. “But he’s obviously got a ways to go. We’ll see. But so far so good.”

... The velocity on Thursday was encouraging: Pineda sat at 94.7 mph during his rookie season in 2011, according to FanGraphs. But Cashman cannot count on him just yet.

“He’s pitching in chain-link baseball right now, the extended-spring program,” Cashman said. “It’s good that he’s got a healthy arm and stuff. But he hasn’t gotten into the minors leagues, and he’s hasn’t moved up the ladder yet, with the higher competition. Until he’s an active player, he’s got hurdles.”
Great news. If Pineda can be the guy he was in Seattle, the Yankees will really have a starting rotation few teams can match. Add that to the great start the team has had and the injured offensive players coming back, and the Yankees may be ready to steamroll this division.

Speaking of that rotation, Andy Pettitte is working his way back from the DL. He played catch for the first time and reportedly felt "really good". He will throw again today.

Tex Could Begin Rehab Assignment on Tuesday

https://twitter.com/eboland11/status/337664936698314753

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Granderson is in the Lineup, Hafner Going For MRI

Here's tonight's Yankees lineup:

Brett Gardner CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Vernon Wells DH
Curtis Granderson LF
Lyle Overbay 1B
Jayson Nix SS
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Chris Nelson 3B
Austin Romine C

CC Sabathia P

Also, Travis Hafner is experience some soreness in his right shoulder and is headed for an MRI. Expect him to miss at least a few game.

Granderson Activated

Curtis Granderson has been activated and I assume will be available tonight. Vidal Nuno has been optioned to Scranton to make room on the roster.

Wanna Win $100 Ticket Credit for some Yankees tickets?

Here's a great contest from our partners at TiqIQ.

Enter their Joe Girardi Ticket Giveaway & Win $100 in Ticket Credit + 50% OFF for ANY GAME from our partners at TiqIQ.com.

Click here to enter.

It's pretty simple. Just go to the link above, enter your name and email info, and then tell them if you think Joe Giardi is the current manager of the year and why---considering that he has this team with this depleted roster in first place, I think he is.... The best answer wins!


Granderson On His Way To The Bronx

https://twitter.com/cgrand14/statuses/334143681537912833

If you want to be there tonight to watch CC vs King Felix, with Granderson possibly back in the lineup, you can get all your New York Yankees tickets right here with SIH Tickets. There are almost 200 seats still available for tonight's game with prices starting at just $10 bucks.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Mo: Everything With Joba is Fine



From Wallace Matthews:
The New York Yankees say they are one big happy family again, a day after middle reliever Joba Chamberlain publicly warned Mariano Rivera not to "shush'' him.

"We did talk,'' Rivera said Sunday morning. "It's good. Sometimes you have little things that we say that we don't mean. We're a family here. It's something that we take care of in house. Unfortunately it happened in front of you guys, but again, it shouldn't happen. We apologize and we move on.''

Chamberlain denied that he had apologized to Rivera -- "There's no need to apologize. For what?'' -- but said he and Rivera had "joked and laughed'' afterward.

"It's over with, it's done, it's really not an issue in the first place,'' Chamberlain said.
If you don't know, here's a summary of what happened:
The incident happened in the visitors dugout shortly before Saturday night's game between the Yankees and the Kansas City Royals. Rivera, who was conducting an interview with a small group of reporters about his meeting earlier in the day with the family of a young boy killed in an airport accident, asked Chamberlain to lower his voice because he could not hear the questions being asked.

"Joba, yo, bro, bro,'' Rivera could be heard saying to Chamberlain on a tape of the interview played for ESPNNewYork.com.

"Suave,'' Rivera said, using the Spanish word for soft, while making a palms-down gesture with his hands, according to eyewitnesses.

"You do this every day,'' replied Chamberlain, who apparently was trying to talk to some family members in the stands near the Yankees dugout at the time. "I don't see my family every day.''

Rivera could be heard chuckling on the tape, and continued the interview. But afterward, he was approached by Chamberlain, who said, "Don't ever shush me again.''

According to witnesses, Rivera tried to laugh that off, too, but a stony-faced Chamberlain repeated, in tones that contained a hint of threat, "No, seriously. Don't ever shush me again.''
Joba's an idiot, but at least it's all forgotten now.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Tonight's Lineup and Some Injury Updates

Here's tonight's lineup:

Brett Gardner CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Vernon Wells LF
Lyle Overbay 1B
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jayson Nix SS
Chris Nelson 3B
David Phelps P
Austin Romine C

Since that was somewhat depressing, here's some better news on some injured Yankees:

David Robertson is ready to return.

Ivan Nova is also on his way back from that inflamed right triceps. He will pitch in an extended spring training game and if there are no problems could join the team in Cleveland.

In the same NY Post article linked above it was reported that Mark Teixeira will test his right wrist with on-the-field batting practice this Friday. He's already hit off the tee and taken grounders. Curtis Granderson had five at-bats in an extended spring training game. Both are still probably a month away, maybe less. And Francisco Cervelli is going to have his cast removed soon and will resume baseball activities in five weeks.

Things are ugly right now as far as the roster goes, but with the Yankees 5 games above .500 I think we all should be pretty happy with where this team is right now.

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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Tonight's Lineups

YANKEES (15-10)
Brett Gardner CF
Ichiro Suzuki LF
Robinson Cano 2B
Travis Hafner DH
Brennan Boesch RF
Jayson Nix 3B
Lyle Overbay 1B
Eduardo Nunez SS
Chris Stewart C

RHP Hiroki Kuroda

ASTROS (8-18)
Robbie Grossman CF
Jose Altuve 2B
Jason Castro C
Carlos Pena 1B
Chris Carter D H
Rick Ankiel RF
Matt Dominguez 3B
Brandon Barnes LF
Marwin Gonzalez SS

RHP Philip Humber

Youkilis Headed To The DL

From Dan Martin:
Kevin Youkilis has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lumbar spine sprain and recalled infielder Corban Joseph from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take his spot on the roster.

The move was anticipated after Youkilis was expected to have an epidural on his lower back Tuesday and is particularly damaging since the Yankees can no longer backdate the DL stint to April 20, when he was removed from a game in Toronto.

Instead, they can only go back as far as last Saturday, since Youkilis played that day.

A second MRI exam revealed no new damage to the back Monday, but it Youkilis was still feeling discomfort.
At least it doesn't seem to be anything serious. Still, the Yankees screwed this one up, there was no reason to play him on Saturday. Brian Cashman feels the same way. “Playing him on Saturday was a mistake by everyone involved,” Cashman said on Tuesday. “He had six days off. He felt he was ready. He played. He slid into first base. He’s still balky from it.”

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Pitching Matchups: Yankees vs Blue Jays

Sorry for the lack of posting, I've been distracted by the Knicks-Celtics playoff series and work. Anyway, here are the pitching matchups for Yanks-Jays:

Game 1: Tonight @ 7:05 PM | TV: YES/MLBN | Radio: WCBS
RHP Hiroki Kuroda (2-1, 2.35) vs. LHP Mark Buehrle (1-0, 5.87)

Game 2: Friday @ 7:05 PM | TV: YES/MLBN | Radio: WCBS
RHP Ivan Nova (1-1, 6.14) vs. RHP Josh Johnson (0-1, 6.86)

Game 3: Saturday @ 4:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
LHP CC Sabathia (3-2, 3.34) vs. LHP J.A. Happ (2-1, 3.68)

Game 4: Sunday @ 1:05 PM | TV: YES/TBS | Radio: WCBS
RHP Phil Hughes (0-2, 5.14) vs. RHP R.A. Dickey (2-3, 4.66)

Also, here is tonight's lineup:

Brett Gardner CF
Ben Francisco DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Vernon Wells LF
Francisco Cervelli C
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Lyle Overbay 1B
Jayson Nix 3B

RHP Hiroki Kuroda

Remember, if you'd like to purchase New York Yankees tickets, you can get them right here from SIH Tickets.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Jeter Out Until After The All-Star Break

Upsetting turn of events, here's the details from Bryan Hoch's Twitter:

https://twitter.com/BryanHoch

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Game 13: Yankees vs Diamondbacks

Regular Season Game 13
YANKEES vs DIAMONDBACKS
First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: MY9 | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (7-5)
Brett Gardner CF
Vernon Wells LF
Robinson Cano 2B
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Ben Francisco DH
Francisco Cervelli C
Brennan Boesch RF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Jayson Nix 3B

LHP CC Sabathia (2-1, 2.25 ERA)

DIAMONDBACKS (8-5)
A.J. Pollock LF
Martin Prado 3B
Paul Goldschmidt 1B
Miguel Montero C
Cody Ross RF
Alfredo Marte DH
Gerardo Parra CF
Cliff Pennington SS
Josh Wilson 2B

LHP Wade Miley (2-1, 2.13 ERA)

Updates on Jeter and Pettitte

First for the good news:
Andy Pettitte went through his bullpen session without a problem yesterday and proclaimed himself “good to go” for his start Friday in Toronto.

“Everything is where I want it,” said Pettitte, who was scratched over the weekend after suffering back spasms. “They want to see how I feel after [the bullpen]. Hopefully there’s no tightness tomorrow after I worked it as hard as I did today.”

Pettitte said he felt fine during the 35-40 pitch session yesterday, but pitching coach Larry Rothschild noted his last bullpen went well in Cleveland and his back stiffened later.

“It was a good decision, so I don’t second guess it,” Pettitte said of being pushed back. “I hope I go Friday and it’s not that big of an issue.”
And now the bad:
Derek Jeter still is trying to rehabilitate his injured ankle and is not close to appearing in rehab games, making a return in early May a remote possibility at best.

After taking the weekend off to rest his ankle, Jeter has lightened his workload in Tampa as he tries to manage his recovery.

The New York Yankees have said when Jeter is finally ready to play in games, he will need close to a full spring training before he will be prepared to return to the majors.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Yankees To Play "Sweet Caroline" Tonight At The Stadium

From Andrew Marchand:
To pay tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, the Yankees will have a special moment of silence and will play Fenway favorite "Sweet Caroline" at the end of the third inning tonight at Yankee Stadium.
If you don't know, "Sweet Caroline" is played at Fenway during the seventh-inning stretch. Apparently, the idea that the Yankees play it came from a fan and the Yankees went with it. I like the idea as well.

https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/324243894701285377

Pitching Matchups: Yankees vs DBacks

Game 1: Tonight @ 7:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
RHP Ivan Nova (0-1, 7.71) vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy (0-1, 7.71)

Game 2: Tomorrow @ 7:05 PM | TV: MY9 | Radio: WCBS
LHP CC Sabathia (2-1, 2.25) vs LHP Wade Miley (2-0, 2.13)

Game 3: Thursday @ 7:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
RHP Phil Hughes (0-2, 10.29) vs LHP Patrick Corbin (2-0, 1.50)

If you'd like to go to any of these games, remember we have all 
your New York Yankees tickets right here.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Pettitte Pushed Back Again, Will Start Friday

From Matt Ehalt:
The New York Yankees have pushed back Andy Pettitte's next start a second time to Friday against the Blue Jays as he deals with back spasms.

Pettitte had been scheduled to pitch Saturday before having that start pushed back to either Tuesday or Wednesday, and the team is now giving the 40-year-old even more time to ensure he's healthy.

"He's better but instead of saying let's throw a bullpen today and see how he feels and then if he has a setback then Friday becomes jeopardized," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "We thought let's give him until Tuesday, we feel everything will be cleared up and then we'll have him on the mound."

The Yankees will now start Ivan Nova, CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes in the three-game set against Arizona beginning Tuesday.

Pettitte had been scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday and will now throw it Tuesday. While Pettitte understands why he's was delayed, he'd rather pitch as scheduled.

"I'm on board to a certain extent," Pettitte said before the Yankees faced the Orioles. "I just want to pitch. I understand it."

...

"It's frustrating," Pettitte said Friday. "I had seven weeks of spring training, not one problem. It is a worry for me because I want to be healthy and I want to make my starts, but I also know that it's also a muscle spasm and if it goes away I'm going to be fine to pitch."
I'm not too concerned about this. This kind of thing happens to 40-year-olds in cold weather.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Updates on Tex and Granderson

From D.J. Short:
While Curtis Granderson threw today for this first time since his broken right forearm, another big bat in the Yankees’ lineup is inching closer to a return.

According to the Associated Press, Mark Teixeira hopes to be cleared to take “dry swings” tomorrow following a visit to hand and wrist specialist Dr. Melvin Rosenwasser. The 33-year-old has been sidelined since early March with a partially torn tendon sheath in his right wrist, but he said today that he feels “no pain” and “could not be happier with the progress.”
Tex is planning on going from dry swings to hitting soft tosses in the next week or so. After that, he'll start hitting against live pitching.

Nova and Hughes To Be Skipped vs Baltimore

Via Mark Feinsand:
The Yankees had already skipped Ivan Nova in the rotation following Wednesday's rainout, keeping Phil Hughes lined up for his start Thursday.

Following Thursday's postponement, Girardi announced that Hughes would also be skipped, leaving CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda and Andy Pettitte on regular rest this weekend against the Orioles.

Hughes and Nova will be available in the bullpen for the next couple days, then Hughes will pitch Tuesday and Nova Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.
With this news it looks like those rain outs were a blessing is disguise.

Girardi Complains About MLB Scheduling

From CBS:
Yankees manager Joe Girardi wasn’t in a great mood after yet another game was postponed in Cleveland.

Play between the Yankees and Indians never began Thursday night, and the tarp was still covering the infield when the game was called at 9 p.m. The teams also were rained out on Wednesday night, cutting a four-game series in half. The Yankees won the first two games, outscoring the Indians 25-7.

“I don’t think you can come to cold-weather cities (in April) if you’re only going to go there once,” he said. “I think you’ve got to stay within your division first.”

“I know teams want night games, and I understand that,” he added. “But if you would have had a day game today, it gives you a longer window to play.”

...

“I mean, it’s snowing in Minnesota and the Mets are there. I don’t know who can make the best snowman,” he said.

No makeup date was announced. However, both teams have an open date May 13 and it’s possible they will play a doubleheader. This was New York’s only scheduled visit to Progressive Field, but the Yankees will now be coming back to Cleveland.

“I don’t think there’s anything else you can do,” Girardi said.
Girardi sort of has a point, but New York isn't so great in April, and neither is Boston or Baltimore. So unless he wants the Yankees to only play road games in Tampa, Toronto, and AL West cities until the weather gets better, there's really nothing MLB can do.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Game 9: Yankees @ Indians

Regular Season Game 9
YANKEES @ INDIANS
First Pitch: TBA (Rain) | TV: YES/ESPN2 | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (4-4)
Brett Gardner CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Travis Hafner DH
Vernon Wells LF
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Lyle Overbay 1B
Francisco Cervelli C

Phil Hughes RHP (0-1, 6.75 ERA)

Indians (3-5)
Michael Bourn CF
Asdrubal Cabrera SS
Jason Kipnis 2B
Nick Swisher 1B
Michael Brantley LF
Mark Reynolds DH
Lonnie Chisenhall 3B
Yan Gomes C
Drew Stubbs RF

Zach McAllister (0-1, 3.00 ERA)

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Rained Out

Tonight's game in Cleveland has been postponed. There will only be one game tomorrow, as scheduled. No word on a makeup date yet.

Game 9: Yankees @ Indians

Regular Season Game 9
YANKEES @ INDIANS
First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: YES/ESPN2 | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (4-4)
Brett Gardner CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Travis Hafner DH
Vernon Wells LF
Brennan Boesch RF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Lyle Overbay 1B
Chris Stewart C

Ivan Nova RHP (0-1, 7.71 ERA)

Indians (3-5)
Michael Bourn CF
Asdrubal Cabrera SS
Jason Kipnis 2B
Nick Swisher 1B
Michael Brantley LF
Mark Reynolds DH
Lonnie Chisenhall 3B
Yan Gomes C
Drew Stubbs RF

Corey Kluber RHP (0-0, -.-- ERA)

Jeter Takes BP, Fields Grounders

From Mark Feinsand:
Derek Jeter continued his road back from ankle surgery Wednesday, hitting on the field for the first time since March 23 and taking ground balls on the infield dirt at the Yankees' Tampa complex.

Jeter, who ran light sprints on Tuesday for the first time since his setback more than two weeks ago, did not speak with reporters after his workout.

Jeter ran from first-to-third on the grass just behind the infield, then reversed course and ran back to first. He repeated the exercise three times, though he was not running at full speed.
Good news, hopefully this means the May 1st target return date is somewhat realistic. Stay tuned...

MLB Video: Inside the 1923 World Series Champion Yankees

MLB.com has a new feature where they take you inside each and every Yankees World Series Championship. Here's 1923:

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Game 8: Yankees @ Indians

Regular Season Game 8
YANKEES @ INDIANS
First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (3-4)
Brett Gardner CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Travis Hafner DH
Vernon Wells LF
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Lyle Overbay 1B
Francisco Cervelli C

Andy Pettitte LHP

Indians (3-4)
TBA

Carlos Carrasco RHP

Notes

- Derek Jeter has started running again.

- Curtis Granderson has been cleared to swing a bat.

- The Yankees resigned Clay Rapada to a minor-league deal today.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Injury Updates: Jeter, Tex, Granderson, Hughes, Nunez,

Jon Heyman is reporting that Derek Jeter, Mark Texieira and Curtis Granderson could all be back by May 1st:
Yankees people are mentioning May 1 as potentially the key date in their season. The team's medical people are suggesting, at least in behind-the-scenes conversations, that May 1 could be a target date for the return of three of their missing stars: Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson.

May 1 might be optimistic, and a Yankees person suggested that date may assume no more setbacks. Jeter still needs to go through several steps before he can return, starting with taking grounders. The first time he began taking grounders this spring it was still a few weeks before he appeared in a spring game. Understandably, the Yankees plan to proceed cautiously with their iconic shortstop. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday, as they had hoped he could make it back by the end of the first week of the season even after opening day was ruled out.
The way things are going with this team, I wouldn't be surprised if all three were not on the field for that Astros series, but keep your fingers crossed.

As for Eduardo Nunez, he may be sidelined for a little while after getting him on the arm in yesterday's game:
This is how Eduardo Nunez’s day ended at Comerica Park yesterday.

As his teammates filed out of the visiting clubhouse after their 8-3 loss to the Tigers, the Yankees shortstop struggled to put on his jacket. Finally, after several frustrating tries, catcher Chris Stewart had to come over and help Nunez slide his aching right arm into the sleeve of his coat.

It’s bad enough when older Yankees are injured, but it’s really bad when young Yankees get hurt. Nunez was hit in the right biceps by an 88-mph fastball from Tigers starter Doug Fister in the fourth inning and Nunez fell to the ground in terrible pain. He eventually had to be helped off the field. X-rays were negative and the injury is being labeled a bruise.

“I was scared, I thought it was broken, I felt pain all down my arm,’’ Nunez said. “The pain was so bad. I felt much better when I heard the X-rays were negative, and now we’ll see how it feels.’’

Nunez said he does not expect to be sidelined long, but considering the trouble he had putting on his jacket, don’t expect him to play today against the Tigers.
Finally, some actual decent news, Phil Hughes will be activated today:
Phil Hughes will be activated from the disabled list this afternoon. It’s one of those rare moments when a player coming off the DL earlier than expected isn’t necessarily good news. It’s not necessarily bad news – Hughes is healthy, was just expected to get one more tune up — but the move has more to do with an overworked pitching staff than overwhelmingly dominant pitcher.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Game 3: Yankees vs Red Sox

Regular Season Game 3
YANKEES vs RED SOX
First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: YES/MLBN | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (0-2)
Brett Gardner CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Travis Hafner DH
Vernon Wells LF
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Lyle Overbay 1B
Francisco Cervelli C

Andy Pettitte LHP

RED SOX (2-0)
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Shane Victorino RF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Mike Napoli 1B
Jonny Gomes DH
Will Middlebrooks 3B
Jackie Bradley Jr. LF
David Ross C
Jose Iglesias SS

Ryan Dempster RHP

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Update on Kuroda

If you weren't watching the Yankees 7-4 loss to the Red Sox tonight, Hiroki Kuroda had to leave the game after being hit on the middle finger of his pitching hand on a liner back to the mound. Luckily, he's OK. Here's the update via Bryan Hoch and Sweeny Murti:

https://twitter.com/YankeesWFAN/status/319656113626824704
https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/319642902357737472

Game 2: Yankees vs Red Sox

Regular Season Game 2
YANKEES vs RED SOX
First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: YES/ESPN2 | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (0-1)
Brett Gardner CF
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Travis Hafner DH
Vernon Wells LF
Lyle Overbay 1B
Eduardo Nunez SS
Chris Stewart C

RHP Hiroki Kuroda

RED SOX (1-0)
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Daniel Nava DH
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Mike Napoli 1B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
Will Middlebrooks 3B
Shane Victorino RF
Jackie Bradley LF
Jose Iglesias SS

RHP Clay Buchholz

NOTES

- When I look at the Yankees lineup, I cannot believe that this team's payroll comes in at a record $230 million dollars. Yes, $230 million dollars.

The Yankees granted Clay Rapada his unconditional release. This move was made to make room for Lyle Overbay on the 40-man roster.

- Here's some more on the Cano/Jay-Z situation.

- Need some Yankees tickets?

Marchand: Jeter Is A Long Way From Coming Back

From Andrew Marchand:
Derek Jeter is not even hitting right now. Jeter is not even fielding right now. Jeter is not even running right now.

Jeter is not even close to getting in a minor league game or a simulated game.

So even Jeter, for all his positive traits and accomplishments, wasn't going to be ready by Saturday when he is eligible to come off the disabled list.

"He won't be ready," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said.

Cashman doesn't want to create expectations if he doesn't have to, so Cashman won't put a timetable on Jeter's return. There is a good chance the Yankees really have no idea and aren't really hiding anything.

At this point, Jeter is only doing a throwing program and physical therapy.

...

When will he be ready? The Yankees don't really know. Jeter probably doesn't know, either. It was never going to be April 6. There was always a better chance it would be May 6.
This sucks, but all it means is that Nunez is going to have to step up while Jeter recovers. Currently, there are too many easy out in this lineup and Nunez cannot be one of them.

Heyman: Jay-Z Looking To Keep Cano In The Bronx

From Jon Heyman:
The Robinson Cano negotiations changed course faster than you can say "Empire State of Mind.''

A Yankees deal might not take much longer than that.

Cano's negotiations with the Yankees seemed destined to be a drawn-out affair when agent Scott Boras was handling things. But now that Cano has switched from the notoriously tough Boras (who's flown to New York to try to meet with Cano, so far to no avail) to hire rapper, native New Yorker and self-proclaimed Yankee fan Jay-Z, everything has changed.

The focus has gone from free agency and the spectre of a record contract to a certain in-season re-start of negotiations with the Yankees now that Cano is repped by the Brooklyn-reared singer and entrepreneur who's obtained a temporary agenting license from the union and enlisted CAA to help professionally steer negotiations. Jay-Z, who will be "intimately involved,'' according to CAA Baseball's co-head Brodie Van Wagenen, only knows about another type of records. The rhetoric borders on the rosy now.

An in-season deal only months before free agency, a rarity for a superstar player, seems like a goal now. And that goes for both sides, not just the Yankees.

"Of course it's possible given that he won't be a free agent until November,'' said Van Wagenen, who will lead negotiations.

"There's a lot of time between now and then.''

And while there's no word yet that Van Wagenen (or for that matter, Jay-Z) has reached out yet to the Yankees, signs point to a strong effort to get a deal done before Cano hits free agency. Although Cano told some friends at the time he wasn't thrilled with how the Yankees handled the Derek Jeter negotiations, that he wanted to go for the biggest deal and that he was at least open to a move from New York, there seems to be no sense hiding Cano's heart now.

"New York and the Yankee fans have been great to Robinson. He's cherished his time in pinstripes,'' Van Wagenen said. "He loves the fans and the city. He has a great sense of pride as a Yankee. Though ultimately, whether he stays a Yankee remains to be seen.''

The Yankees aren't about to celebrate yet, but it's hard not to think Cano's at least tipped his hand that he wants to stay in the Bronx. Yankees president Randy Levine said, "Robinson Cano is a great Yankee, and we're hopeful he remains a Yankee for many years to come.''
Based on this move, I personally believe Cano is happy with the offer he reportedly received from the Yankees and wants to get that done. Knowing Boras, he probably wanted to continue negotiations after the season to try to drive the price up, which could be the reason he's no longer Cano's agent.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Cano Fires Boras...... Hires Jay-Z??????????


From Darren Rovell:
Roc Nation, an entertainment company founded by Shawn Carter, also known as Jay-Z, will announce on Tuesday that it is getting into the sports representation business through a partnership with Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

The company, which will be known as Roc Nation Sports, has signed its first client, the New York Yankees' Robinson Cano. Cano, who has left agent Scott Boras, is in the final year of a six-year, $57 million deal with the team.

"At this point in my career, I am ready to take a more active role in my endeavors on and off the field," Cano said, in a statement. "I am confident that the pairing of Roc Nation Sports and CAA Sports will be essential in helping me accomplish my short and long-term goals. I am making this important decision now so I can keep my focus on helping the Yankees succeed in 2013, while minimizing any distractions for me and my teammates."

It remains to be seen whether this alters the trajectory of Cano's talks with the Yankees, who have been trying to sign the star second baseman.

...

Sources say Jay-Z himself is planning to be a certified agent, first in baseball and eventually in basketball and football. In order to represent clients in basketball, he would have to give up his small share of the Brooklyn Nets.
Well, that's interesting. And no, this doesn't appear to be a late April fools joke. Either way, if it ends up making it easier for the Yankees to resign him, I'll be happy.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Opening Day: The Lineups

Regular Season Game 1
YANKEES vs Red Sox
First Pitch: 1:08 PM | TV: YES/ESPN | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (0-0)
Brett Gardner CF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Vernon Wells LF
Ben Francisco DH
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jayson Nix 3B
Francisco Cervelli C

LHP CC Sabathia

RED SOX (0-0)
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Shane Victorino RF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Mike Napoli 1B
Will Middlebrooks 3B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
Jonny Gomes DH
Jackie Bradley Jr. LF
Jose Iglesias SS

LHP Jon Lester

Today's Schedule of events:
10:20-11:20 a.m. Yankees BP
11:00 a.m. Gates open to ticket holders
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Red Sox BP
12:42-12:52 p.m. Baseline introductions
12:52 p.m. Introduction of giant American flag, unfurled by West Point Cadets
12:53 p.m. Presentation of Colors: Newtown, Conn. First Responders–Police and Fire Dept. joint color guard
12:53 p.m. Moment of Silence: Newtown, Conn.
12:55 p.m. National Anthem introduction
12:56 p.m. National Anthem: Constantine Maroulis
1:03 p.m. Umpires and Managers to Home Plate
1:06 p.m. Yankees take the field; ceremonial first pitch thrown by Lou Piniella
1:08 p.m. First Pitch