Bartolo Colon Suspended For PEDs

Here's the latest from the athletes are morons department via the AP:

Former Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics was suspended for 50 games Wednesday after testing positive for testosterone.

...

"I apologize to the fans, to my teammates and to the Oakland A's," Colon said in a statement released by the players' association. "I accept responsibility for my actions and I will serve my suspension as required by the joint drug program."

He will miss the final 40 games of the regular season and the first 10 games of the postseason if Oakland advances that far. Any remainder of the suspension would be served in a future season, if Colon signs another major league contract.

"It's a shock," Oakland reliever Grant Balfour said. "He's a guy that we're definitely relying on right now. I guess you could say it's bad timing any time, but especially now."

Oakland, which hasn't made the playoffs since 2006, began Wednesday a half-game out in the AL wild-card race. The A's were preparing for an afternoon series finale with the Minnesota Twins at the Coliseum when they got the news from the clubhouse TVs. A closed-door team meeting was quickly called.

"The Oakland Athletics are disappointed to learn of today's suspension," the team said in a statement.

The 39-year-old Colon is 10-9 with a 3.43 ERA in 24 starts this season, his first with the A's, and has a 171-122 record in 15 big league seasons. He was due to start Thursday in Tampa.

Seriously, what the **** is wrong with these guys?

MLBTR's Top Ten Minor League Deals of the Year

MLB Trade Rumors came out with their list of the top ten minor league deals of the season. Between the top ten and honorable mentions, five Yankees signings made the list.

1. Bartolo Colon, Yankees. He didn't pitch at all in the Majors in 2010, but this year Colon has a 3.33 SIERA in 152 innings. He's been a major cog in the Yankees' rotation. Some of his success may be owed to offseason stem cell treatments, which Yankees GM Brian Cashman was not aware of at the time of the signing.

...

4. Freddy Garcia, Yankees. Colon and Garcia have provided the Yankees 280 innings of 3.63 ball. Baseball's biggest spenders got a ton of bang for their buck on minor league deals this year.

Eric Chavez, Cory Wade and Luis Ayala made the honorable mention list. I've written about this before, but it's worth mentioning again that Cashman has always been great at landing some major impact players on small and/or minor league deals. This year, maybe more than any in the past, these small moves are one of the main reasons why the Yankees are 4 games up right now.

Colon Concerned About Hamstring

In case you missed it, Bartolo Colon got hammered last night. He lasted just 2/3 of a inning while surrendering 8 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits, as the Yanks fell to the Jays 16-7. Apparently, he's also still concerned about his hamstring. Here's more from George A. King III:

There is something barking in Bartolo Colon’s left hamstring.

Now, the Yankees have to find out how serious it is.

“I will wait till [today] and see how I feel, but right now I am feeling really good,” Colon said in the aftermath of the Blue Jays shelling the Yankees, 16-7, in front of 37,342 at Rogers Centre.

Still, Colon admitted to being tentative with the leg that landed him on the disabled list last month.

“There is no pain at all, but every time I react and cover the base I get nervous about it,” said Colon, who couldn’t field two infield dribblers in the first that drove in runs. “I think my sinker isn’t sinking because I am thinking too much.”

...

“I was unsure,” Colon, 38, said of his mindset on the way to first base. “It’s no excuse, I didn’t pitch good at all.”

I read that and to me it sounds like this is all mental, or he's just afraid to admit he's still in pain. Either way, the Yankees need to get to the bottom of it as soon as they can.

First-Half Report Card: Starters

CC Sabathia, A+

Named an All-Star for the second consecutive year, Sabathia shut out the Rays in the last game before the break for his league leading 13th win against just 4 losses. As good as Sabathia has performed in his first two seasons in New York, this may turn out to be his best.

Bartolo Colon, A+

When evaluating Colon, one has to consider what was expected of him entering the season. His signing was met with mockery and ridicule, perhaps justifiably, as the hurler had not been healthy since his Cy-Young award winning 2005 season. Now, beneficiary of a revolutionary stem-cell surgery, Colon is pitching better then at any other time in his career and is a legitimate top-of-the-rotation pitcher. Paired with Sabathia, the Yankees have a 1-2 punch of ample proportions (literally).

A. J. Burnett, C+

The A. J. Burnett of the first half is the best version one could hope for. I think everyone has stopped day-dreaming of what could be if he were to ever harness his stuff. He gets points for curtailing innings of spontaneous self-combustion.

Freddy Garcia, A+

It would be impossible to ask anything more of Freddy Garcia. The man seldom touches 90 miles-per-hour on the radar gun yet has pitched to a 3.13 ERA in the first half. 11 of his 15 starts have been quality (6 innings pitched, 3 or fewer earned runs allowed).

Ivan Nova, B

Ivan Nova was rewarded for a quality first-half performance with a demotion to AAA. Admittedly, the Yankees had little alternative with the return of PHil Hughes. They could have put Nova in the bullpen but decided they'd rather have him continue starting in the minors.

Phil Hughes, F

Let's face it, Hughes has been an underachiever since his arrival on the scene in 2007. This season has been no different. Possibly falling victim to the effects of last season's inning-spike, Hughes has been derailed by the infamous "dead arm". He has totaled only 15 innings in his four starts, allowing 18 earned runs. After a prolonged stay on the DL and extensive rehabilitation, Hughes returned before the All-Star break and showed off a slightly better fast ball.

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Jeter, Hughes and Colon All Closingin on Return

Jeter update from Wallace Matthews:

Just got done speaking with GM Brian Cashman, who said Derek Jeter had "a great day'' of rehab today in Tampa, including running the bases "full-bore,'' and could be activated in time to play in next week's three-game series with the Indians in Cleveland starting on July 4.

Cashman also told Matthews that Jeter might play in a couple rehab games in Trenton this weekend.

Hughes update from Mike Mazzeo:

New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes moved closer to getting back on a major league mound.

Hughes had his most encouraging rehab start on Wednesday afternoon, going 6 1/3 innings while allowing one earned run for Double-A Trenton. He left to a standing ovation at Waterfront Park with two men on in the seventh.

With general manager Brian Cashman and vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman among a contingent from the Yankees‘ brass in attendance, the 25-year-old allowed just three hits, walked two and struck out eight.

Hughes’ fastball sat in the 87-94 mph range. He threw 61 of his 88 pitches for strikes, while getting more swinging strikes (20) than any of his previous two rehab outings combined. Forty- eight of Hughes’ 88 pitches -- or 54.6 percent -- registered between 91-94 mph. Over the first six innings, his fastball reached 93 mph 18 times.

Five days from now, Hughes could pitch for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, which hosts Lehigh Valley on July 4.

Colon update from Wallace Matthews:

GM Brian Cashman said the Yankees "were inclined to bring back'' Bartolo Colon to pitch against the Mets this weekend at CitiField, most likely for Saturday afternoon's game. Earlier, Joe Girardi said his Saturday starter was "Mr. TBA,'' and said it would be either Colon or Brian Gordon. But Cashman made it sound as if it would be an upset if anyone but Colon was on the for the mound in the middle game of Subway Series II.

"If he looks the way we’ve been told than I think yeah, we’re inclined to bring him back for this weekend,' Cashman said on the field before tonight's Yankees-Brewers game at Yankee Stadium. "I think that's our mindset. Bottom line is, as long as everything goes right, I think you’ll see him this weekend.''

Good news all around. Nice!

Colon Headed Back to the Bronx

From Chad Jennings:

Bartolo Colon is on his way back to New York and will be evaluated by the Yankees tomorrow. After a four-inning simulated game on Monday, the Yankees believe there’s a chance Colon could be ready to pitch this weekend against the Mets.

“That’s what we have to evaluate,” Joe Girardi said. “Do we feel that he is ready? We’ll get a chance to look at him tomorrow and make that decision.”

...

So why would Phil Hughes need a series of rehab starts, but Colon would need nothing more than a simulated game?

“He’s really only missed two starts,” Girardi said. “It’s not abnormal to skip a pitcher a start and then for him to come back and make the next start. You see that happen all the time, where a guy might pitch on 10 days rest. He did somewhat make a rehab start yesterday: 60 pitches, four innings for Bartolo. He said he felt great, and he could have went more. I believe him, because he was built up. I don’t think missing the two starts was really that much, because he was playing long-toss in that time and keeping his arm in shape. The concern for me is not his arm, it’s making sure his leg is healed. That, we’ll check out.”

Jeter Take Live BP & Other Rehab Updates

From George A. King III:

After jogging for first time since straining his calf, Derek Jeter expressed some optimism about his return to the Yankees.

“Everything is good. Steps in the right direction,” Jeter said from Tampa.

Jeter took 30 swings of live batting practice on the field — thrown by former hitting coach and current minor league instructor Gary Denbo. The shortstop then took seven ground balls before a thunderstorm hit. Jeter returned after the rain delay, played some catch in the outfield and did some light running in outfield — three lights sprints, he ran backwards and side-to-side.

King also reported that Eric Chavez took BP with Jeter and Bartolo Colon threw 60 pitches in simulated game. He struck out three and allowed two hits. If the Yankees decide that Colon doesn't need rehab start in the minors he could be back for the Mets series.

Colon Throws Off Mound For 1st Time Since Injury

Chavez, Colon & Jeter Continue Working Their Way Back

From the AP:

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter threw for the third straight day Thursday as he rehabs a strained right calf muscle that landed him on the disabled list.

...

The Yankees’ captain has been working out at the team’s spring training complex. He could increase his on-the-field workout in the next couple days.

Also, right-hander Bartolo Colon and infielder Eric Chavez increased their onfield drills as they rehab injuries.

Colon, sidelined by a strained right hamstring, ran sprints in the outfield for the first time in addition to his third consecutive day of long toss. Chavez, out with a broken left foot, said he was fine after running from home to first around a half-dozen times.

Updates on the Wounded Yanks

First from George A King III:

Derek Jeter didn't work out on the field at the Yankees' Tampa minor league complex yesterday. He remained inside getting treatment on his strained right calf.

"He will start baseball stuff the next couple of days," said manager Joe Girardi, who believes Jeter is on track to return June 29, the first day he is eligible to come off the DL.

Girardi said he will talk with general manager Brian Cashman about whether Jeter needs a minor league rehab game or two before being activated.

*

Girardi said [Phil] Hughes will "probably make at least two more [minor league] starts."

*

Eric Chavez took batting practice on the field yesterday in Tampa. It was the first time for that. Chavez, who is on the DL with a fractured foot, also took ground balls. Girardi said he is running on a treadmill.

*

Rafael Soriano reported to Tampa yesterday after spending considerable time with a physical therapist in the New York area.

There was also this from Chad Jennings:

Injured starter Bartolo Colon is still not ready to begin a throwing program and Girardi acknowledged Colon might not be ready to return after just 15 days on the disabled list. ... Girardi once again downplayed Alex Rodriguez's sore left shoulder and had his third baseman back in the lineup on Monday.

Colon Leaves Games With Leg Injury

(UPDATE - 3:28PM) It was announced during the game that Colon has a strained left hamstring. Not good. I'd assume he's headed for the DL.

Bartolo Colon was 6.1 shutout innings into his latest gem when he pulled up lame after covering 1st base on the second out of the 7th. Looked like it could be a hamstring or a groin injury, but as of now I'm just guessing. Either way, it looks like another tough break for the Yanks. Updates to come...

King: Garcia Could Land 5th Spot in Rotation Today

From George A. King III:

And, even though Colon's numbers are better and he is throwing very well, Garcia remains the favorite because he won 12 games last year and logged 157 innings.

Despite the strong spring by Colon, the Yankees aren't sure what he can deliver innings-wise, because he hasn't pitched in a big-league game since 2009 due to arm trouble.

Garcia can exercise a March 29 opt-out if he isn't on the roster; Colon's date is March 31.

Wednesday, Girardi said he didn't need to see any more out of the 34-year-old Garcia during yesterday's minor-league game -- when the righty worked five innings against the Phillies' Triple-A club, allowing a run, four hits and fanning three.

It was an indication that the manager was leaning toward Garcia. And while there was plenty of Yankee brass watching Garcia, Girardi wasn't among them.

He also mentioned that if Garcia does get the job, it doesn't necessarily mean Colon will be released sent to the minors because there's a chance he could work out of the pen for the Yanks to start the season.

Colon Close to Wrapping Up Fifth Starter Role

As per the Daily News:

When spring training began, it would have been difficult to find anybody who believed Bartolo Colon would land a spot in the Yankees' season-opening rotation. Now, it's hard to find somebody who thinks he won't make it.

Colon has been solid and steady this spring, outpitching his veteran counterpart Freddy Garcia for the final spot in the Bombers' rotation.

The race began as a four-man competition for two spots and is winding down with Ivan Nova all but clinching the No. 4 spot and Sergio Mitre seemingly penciled in as the long reliever.

"I've been pleasantly surprised," Joe Girardi said of Colon. "He is a guy that knew how to compete. We knew that. He was a guy that knew how to be successful. We knew that. But I just didn't know what to expect."

[snip]

"I know what Freddy is; I've seen it," GM Brian Cashman said. "Bartolo is a little bit more of a newbie in the fact that, all right, this guy is really showing us a lot of good stuff and it's nice to see, but is it enough?

"At some point you take a leap of faith that this guy is going to help us more than that guy. I'm not ready to make that call yet, but we're going to have to make it soon."

Colon made his fourth start of the spring Monday night here. In his first three starts, Colon allowed three runs over nine innings, giving up eight hits and one walk, striking out 12. He also threw 79 pitches in a simulated game last Tuesday, giving Girardi a close-up look at his stuff.

"I don't remember the sink on his ball that he has now," Girardi said. "I don't remember his changeup being that good and I don't remember his breaking ball being that good. I remember him being more of a power pitcher that could locate. Now he can do the other things - and still locate - and he's been effective."

[snip]

The Yankees took a low-risk gamble on the 37-year-old this spring, signing him to a minor-league deal and inviting him to camp. Colon was little more than an afterthought when the spring began, but with each outing, it is clear that he has some life left in his right arm.

"It is impressive; when you watch him, it's pretty simple how he does it," Girardi said. "He's kind of reinvented himself. He still throws up to 93, but you're not going to see that 97 or 98 we used to see in the seventh and eighth inning."

There are still questions about Colon, most surrounding his bulky 267-pound frame. Colon acknowledged at the start of camp that he was about 25 pounds overweight.

"It is somewhat of a concern because of his stamina and if we get into the dog days, how his body holds up," Girardi said. "It hasn't been cool here and he seems to bounce back well from day to day. In Anaheim, I'm not sure what weight he pitched at, but he was fairly large there, too."

I feel like 'fairly large' is something of an understatement, as Colon's rotundity may be more well-known than his actual on the field resume.

To be perfectly frank, I cannot disagree with this move. Colon has been quite good throughout the Spring, and I believe that the fifth spot should be garnered through merit. While Garcia's recent history is far stronger than Colon's, it isn't as if he has been light's out of late - as semi-tragic as it may sound, the 'what have you done for me lately' mentality would probably lend itself to Colon, on the strength of his strong winter ball and Spring Training performances.

I may not like the fact that Colon will be toeing the rubber every fifth day for the Yankees ... but he's certainly earned the opportunity.

Cash: 5th Starter To Be Decided Soon

From Bryan Hoch:

With Ivan Nova seemingly in line for at least one of the spots after firing six hitless innings against the Orioles his last time out and Sergio Mitre heading for a long reliever role, it appears to be down to Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia for the last slot.

Both have outs in their contracts that could make them free agents, and it is unclear if both pitchers would accept assignments to the bullpen.

"I think we're going to have to make that [decision] sooner than later," Cashman said. "Ultimately, we have guys who have outs in their contracts with Garcia and Colon. We have to stretch guys out and start defining roles sooner than later."

2011 Spring Training Stats:

• Colon - 3.00 ERA, 9 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 12 K
• Garcia - 4.70 ERA, 7.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K ... (has also allowed 3 ER in 4 IP so far today vs. the Jays)

It always tough to base major decisions on small sample sizes, especially when those small samples come from spring training. The tough part is that they're most likely going to lose whichever pitcher they don't pick and there's always a chance you're saying goodbye to the better of the two. I know that before spring training started I felt that Garcia was the better pick, but based on their performances this spring it's going to be hard for them not to give Colon the job. He's clearly been the more effective pitcher of the two and at this point I think that's the direction the Yankees will go.

Put yourselves in the Yankees shoes, who is your fifth starter?

Colon To Start Spring Opener

Bryan Hoch is reporting that Bartolo Colon will get the start when the Yankees open up Grapefruit League play on 2/26 vs. the Phillies. He also posted the following five games which looks like this:

Feb. 27 @ Phillies - Ivan Nova

Feb. 28 @ Tigers - CC Sabathia

Mar. 1 @ Pirates - A.J. Burnett

Mar. 2 vs. Astros - Phil Hughes

Mar. 3 @ Rays - Freddy Garcia

 

Yanks Ink Bartolo Colon to Minor-League Deal

I just hope this isn't Cashman's idea of a solution to the rotation issues.