Boesch Gets the Boot

When the Detroit Tigers released Brennan Boesch on March 13 the Yankees quickly scooped him up two days later to help fill out an injury plagued roster. It was a low risk/high reward move considering Boesch was only 28 and showed very good power with the Tigers. Today it was the Yankees turn to release Boesch to free up room on the 40-man roster for Brent Lillibridge.

Unfortunately, things did not work out the way the Yankees or Boesch wanted. His playing time was limited, though he produced decent stats given the chance. He was demoted to Scranton on June 3 and left a game two days later with a strained shoulder. He was placed on the minor league DL and hasn't been able to play since.

As long as his shoulder is not seriously injured he'll find a taker somewhere.

Yankees Treat Rodney With No Respect

"I blame that guy in the upper deck."

Fernando Rodney had a season for the ages as the Tampa Bay Rays closer last year. Given the opportunity when the incumbent, Kyle Farnsworth was felled by an injury, Rodney made the most of his chances.

The right-hander saved a career high 48 games in 50 chances, allowed just five earned runs in 74.2 innings pitched (0.60 ERA), and had a 5:1 strikeout to walk ratio. Where did this guy come from? Any fan of the Detroit Tigers or Los Angeles Angels had to ask that question. Where was the guy inconsistent guy who couldn't hold on to his closer job? The guy that was an inconsistent set up man; the guy with 37 career blown saves.

Guess what? He's ba-aaaack. Rodney blew his fifth save opportunity in 14 attempts Saturday when the Yankees rallied from two down in the 9th inning to tie the game at three apiece. Lyle Overbay won it for the Yankees, who have taken the first two games of the three game series, with a home run off Josh Lueke.

But the Yankees would not have gotten there if not for Rodney's contribution. Down 3-1, despite another solid effort by starter Vidal Nuno (6 IP 5 H 2 ER 1 BB 2 K), the Yankees were down to their final out when Rodney walked Overbay.  After Overbay took second base on fielder's indifference, Brennan Boesch, recalled due to the injury to Curtis Granderson, laced a ball into left field that plated Overbay.

Brett Gardner got ahead in the count 3-1 before he drove a ball back to shallow center for an RBI single that tied the game. The rally went no further when Gardner was thrown out as he tried to steal second. A poor choice by Gardner with Robinson Cano at the plate.

The game nearly came to an end in the bottom of the 10th when Ivan Nova made his first relief appearance since he was activated from the disabled list. The Rays loaded the bases with one out, but Nova struck out James Loney and retired Matt Joyce on a ground out. Then it was Overbay time, or should I say Overtampabay time.

Overbay hit nine home runs in 440 plate appearances in 2011; his game winner on Saturday was his eighth home run in 172 PAs. Overbay has continued to  come through in the clutch after it appeared his career might be over after the 2012 season. The Diamondbacks released him last August and Atlanta picked him up for the last month of the 2012 season. Overbay signed with the Boston Red Sox in January, but was released in late March and was quickly picked up the Yankees. The Red Sox loss was the Yankees gain as Overbay has been one of the early season surprises.

Notes

The Yankees had lost 13 of 16 at the Trop before winning back-to-back games. The Yankees were fortunate that Matt Moore surpassed the 100 pitch mark early and left after six innings. He remains unbeaten this season at 8-0.

Nuno had allowed just one run when he left, but Shawn Kelley and Boone Logan combined to allowed an inherited runner to score in the Rays two-run 7th inning.

Mariano Rivera recorded his 18th straight save chance.

Curtis Granderson is within reach of playing his first Major League game of the season. The Grandyman has been out since the first game of Spring Training after a pitch from J.A. Happ broke Granderson's right forearm.

Granderson took swings in extended Spring Training before he reported to Triple-A Scranton to get in game shape. As of Monday morning, Granderson was 7-17 (.412) in the four games he played for the Railriders with a home run and three RBI.  It's possible Granderson could join the team at the start of the six game homestand that begins with Seattle on Tuesday. Brennan Boesch was sent to the minor leagues before the second game of Monday's doubleheader with the Cleveland Indians so the Yankees will need another
outfielder soon.

Oddly (to me) Yankees fans seem to be split over whether they want Granderson back or not. I can't understand how you would not want him back. There's no question that outside of the respectable .811 OPS he put up and the career high 43 home run he hit in 2012, Granderson had a bad season at the plate. He hit hit a career low .232 and struck out a career high 195 times. Before coming to New York, Granderson had a reputation for not being able to hit left-handers. Last year he struggled against righties and lefties.

Granderson is a guy that's easy to root for - he's a stand up guy with the press, a great ambassador for the game and for the team, a great role model for kids, his teammates like him, and oh yeah, he's a talented ball player. Fans point to his lack of production in the post-season - he's had only eight hits in his last 50 post-season at-bats and was a horrid 3-30 last year when the Yankees as a team did not hit - but Granderson is one of the guys (like Teixeira, like Nick Swisher) that gets you to the post-season.

Some people have forgotten about the MVP-type season Granderson had in the 2011 after hard work and adjustments made with hitting coach Kevin Long sent him to the second All-Star game of his then eight year career. Granderson's power was just as good as in 2012 when he hit 41 home runs, but the Illinois native also had 26 doubles, 10 triples, 25 stolen bases, 85 walks, a .916 OPS and led the AL with 136 runs scored and 119 driven in.

Granderson, like Teixeira, appears to have become pull happy in new Yankee Stadium. (Partial blame has to fall on Long in my opinion.) Granderson was unable to counteract the adjustments (different pitching approach, right side shifts) made by the opposition last year. His swing had too much of an uppercut and it appeared he attempted to hit one over the short porch in right field every time up.

With the new salary limits put in place by the front office, it's likely the Yankees will let Granderson walk after this season. The 32-year old is in the final year of the six year, $43.25 contract he originally signed while a member of the Detroit Tigers (The Yankees picked up his $15MM option for 2013.). Brett Gardner has taken over in centerfield and it appears he'll stay there when Granderson returns from the DL.

The Yankees also expect youngsters Mason Williams, Melky Mesa, Zoilo Almonte, and Slade Heathcott to make an impact in the Major Leagues soon .

Some fans though want Granderson gone before the end of the year and that's something I don't understand at all.

It's amazing how having a winning record and (surprisingly) being in sole possession of first place (entering Monday's play) in mid-May can change your attitude/mind on things. Fans who complained about the acquisition of Vernon Wells, Travis Hafner, etc., suddenly don't want to mess with the mix. Based on their track record, can you trust that Wells and Hafner will continue to produce and continue to be healthy? Kevin Youkilis is already out indefinitely with a back issue. Ichiro Suzuki has struggled at the plate so far. Would you rather have Boesch and/or Ben Francisco on your team than Curtis Granderson?

Most importantly, the team is winning because of the pitching and clutch hitting. If the hitters go into a slump, the team can still win with pitching. The present Yankees lineup is not one that can overcome poor pitching. So even though he has struggled in the post-season, do you really want to diminish an offense that is not an 'A' list lineup?

I don't think so.

Yankees Juggling Roster Like a Street Performer

Brett Marshall now in "The Show"

Monday's doubleheader  with the Cleveland Indians created some roster changes for the Yankees. Second baseman Corban Joseph was recalled with the "26 man" rule - you can add a 26th player to your roster if there's a doubleheader, but the player must get sent back to the minors afterwards.

Since it's an additional player and Joseph was already on the 40-man roster, no corresponding move needed to be made. Joseph played first base to give Lyle Overbay a rest and did a nice job defensively. He started at second base in the second game with Robinson Cano getting a partial game off as DH.

To help the bullpen out, Brett Marshall was called up to be a potential long man for Game 2. The Yankees sent outfielder Brennan Boesch down to Scranton. Of his 96 career minor league appearances Marshall has pitched in relief just twice. The 23-year old was 2-2, 4.60 in six starts this season, his first, at Triple-A Scranton.

Boesch was picked up in Spring Training after he was released by the Detroit Tigers. A good power hitter, Boesch will wildly inconsistent while he played in the Motor City. Boesch had just 41 plate appearances in 19 games and produced just two home runs, five RBI, one double, and one triple. He started just 10 games this season, including the first game of the doubleheader, and produced a .680 OPS.

It's possible that Curtis Granderson, who has swung the bat well in Scranton, could be recalled from his rehab stint (from the broken arm he suffered in Spring Training) to take Boesch's place.

David Phelps pitched his heart out in Monday's opener, a Jason Kipnis home run the only run he allowed in 6.2 innings pitched. The Yankees couldn't muster anything against Indians starter Justin Masterson and were shutout for the third time in May, 1-0. The prior two losses were both 2-0 scores to Oakland and Colorado.

Vidal Nuno made his first Major League start in the Game 2 against Trevor Bauer.

Sometimes You Can't Go to the Wells Once Too Often

"Brooks" Wells

Vernon Wells was a one man wrecking crew in the Yankees 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies last night. Wells homered, singled twice, stole a base, and scored what proved to be the winning run. All of that might not have mattered if Wells hadn't grabbed an infielder's glove and manned the hot corner in the bottom of the 9th inning.

The game was tied at two apiece in the top of the 9th after Wells and the Rockies' Todd Helton hit 2-run home runs earlier in the game. Wells led off the inning with his third hit of the game and then stole second base.

With everyone thinking bunt, closer Rafael Betancourt walked Lyle Overbay. The bunt was on for sure after that and Ichiro Suzuki complied with a perfect sacrifice bunt.  Jayson Nix was intentionally walked to set up a force at any base and led to a big decision by Joe Girardi.

With Chris Nelson due up, the Yankees manager sent up Travis Hafner to pinch hit, despite the fact that the Yankees were out of available infielders. (Eduardo Nunez was still unable to play due to strained rib cage.) Hafner struck out for the second out of the inning, which left things up to Brennan Boesch, who stepped in for pitcher David Robertson.

Boesch hit a ball in the whole between shortstop and third base that third baseman Nolan Arenado made a diving stop on. But Arenado's throw to first base was late and Wells crossed home plate to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead. The Yankees might have gotten more, but Nix was caught off of second bag and tagged for the final out of the inning.

"The ball will find you" is a long time, proven cliche that came to fruition in last night's game. Wells never played anywhere other then the three outfields spots in his 15 years in the big leagues and 549 minor league games.  With Mariano Rivera on the mound for the save, Carlos Gonzalez hit a one-out chopper to Wells' left side.  The third baseman deftly moved to his glove side, snared the ball out of the air, and made a perfect throw to first base. (Anyone else have horrible visions of Gary Sheffield filling in at his old position for the 2004 Yankees?) Michael Cuddyer reached on a single and stole second base, but Rivera retired catcher Wil Rosario on a fly out to earn the Yankees a 'W'. You can bet Wells was breathing a little easier after that.

Notes

Rivera was honored by the Rockies prior to the game in an on-field ceremony and also met with some of their employees earlier in the day. The only other time Rivera pitched in Colorado was a 1995 exhibition game.

David Phelps did a great job of saving the bullpen, which was short-handed, with seven gritty innings. he looked like he wouldn't make it past the 6th, but hung tough.

Ivan Nova could be activated to face the Cleveland Indians in one of Monday's twinbill with the Tribe.

Curtis Granderson has reported to Triple-A Scranton to continue his rehab from a broken forearm. There's a possibility he could be activated next week, by which time Girardi has to decide whether to put him in center or move him to left field and leave Gardner in the middle.

Girardi's lineup on Wednesday was Tony LaRussa style - he hit Phelps in the 8th spot and catcher Austin Romine 9th.

2013 Yankees Position Players Report Card; The First Month

Written prior to Tuesday night's game.

No one is comparing the current New York Yankees squad to the 1998 team that won 114 regular season games, but clearly they are not the '62 Mets either. Despite injuries to a number of their regulars, the Yankees finished the first 25 games of the season with a 15-10 record. It left them three games behind the surprising Boston Red Sox in the AL East and atop the AL wild card race. 

Doom and gloom was the theme during Spring Training. Alex Rodriguez was already out until at least July with hip surgery, and was under the scrutiny of the Commissioner's office for allegedly being tied to an anti-aging clinic in Florida that was a front for selling performance enhancing drugs (PED). Derek Jeter had a setback as he tested out the ankle he broke during last year's playoffs, and then a new fracture developed after the team went north. 

Curtis Granderson broke his forearm in the first Spring Training game when the Blue Jay's J.A. Happ hit him with a pitch. Mark Teixeira injured a tendon in his wrist while getting ready to represent the US in the World Baseball Classic. Phil Hughes dealt with a bulging disc and was shut down. On and on it went. Throw in the departures of Nick Swisher and Russell Martin via free agency and a powerful ball club suddenly looked old and weak. 

General Manager Brian Cashman, who broke his leg sky diving, shuttled in players to fill in the holes. Minor leaguers, former Yankees, beat up veterans, come one come all, Uncle Brian wants you! 

Cashman had enough heads up notice about A-Rod to sign former Red Sox enemy Kevin Youkilis to a free agent deal. He signed free agent Travis Hafner as a power bat for the left-side of a DH platoon. He swung a deal for Vernon Wells after the Los Angeles Angels picked up the bulk of Wells' hefty contract. Not satisfied with outfielder Juan Rivera or veteran Dan Johnson as a solution for first base, Cashman brought in Lyle Overbay just days before Spring Training ended. 

The outfield was bolstered with the signings of Ben Francisco and Brennan Boesch after they had been released by their current teams. The acquisitions of Wells and Hafner, in particular, were met with skepticism by Yankees fans and ridiculed by some in the media. There are many games left in the season, but no one is snickering now. 

The Yankees newcomers have been a large part of the Yankees' April success as has the starting rotation and bullpen. To no one's surprise another key has been the production of Robinson Cano, who started out the season poorly and then caught fire. 

The Head of the Class 

Travis Hafner: "Pronk" slugged 127 home runs and drove in 434 runs¹ from 2004-2007 while a member of the Cleveland Indians. Then his body fell apart and before you knew it, Hafner was a 36-year old has been. For the moment anyway, Hafner has found the Fountain of Youth in the Bronx. His six home runs in 62 at-bats are already half the total he hit in his final season with Cleveland last year. 

Hafner leads the Yankees in on-base (.413) and slugging percentage (.661), which also means he leads the league in the combo, aka OPS (1.075). This past Saturday the Yankees were in a 3-0 hole to the Toronto Blue Jays until Hafner tied it up with one swing. Then with the game tied at four apiece, Hafner hit one off the wall in the 7th inning for a game winning triple. The only concern was would he make it to third base without pulling, breaking, or spraining anything. 

Vernon Wells: The former Blue Jay was once atop the league as well- a stud five tool player whose stellar performance from 2002-2007 reeled in a seven year, $126MM deal from the Canadian franchise. The big money in the deal didn't kick in until 2010, by which time Wells was broken and bent. Toronto finally found a taker in the Los Angeles Angels and shipped him there prior to the 2011 season. 

Two straight sub-.700 OPS seasons on the left coast made Wells' services no longer wanted in California. One problem though - he was still owed $42MM. With the regular season less than a week away, the Angels sent Wells and $29MM to the Yankees for a couple of lower level minor leaguers. 

Being in pinstripes rejuvenated Wells' psyche; playing left field every day, Wells is among the team leaders with a .304/.374/.557 slash line. After hitting 11 home runs in 77 games with LA, Wells has already hit six with his new club and has been solid in the outfield. 

Robinson Cano: The only thing that surprised anyone about Cano was his 3-23 (.130), no RBI start to the season. It's no coincidence the Yankees went 2-4 in those six games. Since then, Cano has been tearing the cover off the baseball. He has 30 hits in his last 79 at-bats (.380) with 7 HRs, 8 doubles, 17 RBI, and 15 runs scored. Overall, Cano's now hitting .324 and sports a .986 OPS. 

Defensively, he's been as good as the second Gold Glove Award he won last year. He's handled 102 chances to date without an error. He's also not been distracted by allegations that an acquaintance of his was involved with the same clinic in Florida that A-Rod has been tied to. With their captain sidelined, Cano has stepped up on and off the field. 

Does Nice Work, but There's Room for Improvement 

Brett Gardner: After an April 16 win against Arizona, Gardner's batting average sat at a paltry .240 with an uninspiring .321 OBP. It was not what Gardner nor Joe Girardi had imagined when the Yankees skipper made the center fielder his every day leadoff hitter. Even worse, Gardner did not have a single stolen base. 

Since then Gardner is 14-49 (.286) with a .352 OBP (just about his career average), but has just one stolen base in three attempts. Yankees fans have seen this lack of aggressiveness before from Gardner and it can't go on. The Yankees lineup needs him to revert back to his 2010-2011 form when he had back-to-back seasons of 40+ steals. It also has a direct affect on Cano, who has been in the #2 spot in the order at times and can't afford to put himself in a hole taking pitches for a base stealer that won't run. 

Gardner has shown some surprising pop with three home runs, has 12 RBI and 13 runs scored, and has been rock solid in center field. Now he needs to get moving on the base paths. 

A For Effort 
Lyle Overbay: The Yankees first baseman is a perfect example of why you can't judge a player by strictly looking at his numbers. (Sorry SABRmetricians.) Overbay's numbers are pedestrian - .241/.268/.418 - but Overbay has come through in the clutch in some big spots this season. In the Yankees first win of the season, a psychological must after losing two straight to Boston to start the year, Overbay put the Yankees on board first with a 2-run single, en route to a 4-2 win. 

His RBI triple put the Yankees ahead for good in the second game of their recent four game sweep of the Blue Jays and he had the game winning two run home run the next day off 2012 NL Cy Young Award winner, R.A. Dickey. But it's Overbay's defense at first base that has been the key to his play. With Teixeira out, the Yankees needed someone to grab Kevin Youkilis and Eduardo Nunez's stray throws as well as field their own position cleanly. Overbay has done that and more. 

Out on Sick Leave 

Kevin Youkilis: When the Yankees signed Youkilis to fill in for Rodriguez at third base and to occasionally spell Mark Teixeira at first, they knew they were bringing in another player whose best days appeared to be behind him. Youkilis rebounded a bit for the Chicago White Sox after the Boston Red Sox dealt him away at last year's trade deadline, but there were still doubts if his body could ever hold up again through a 162 game season. 

Unfortunately for Youkilis and the Yankees, the answer appears to be no. Youkilis got off to a tremendous start - a nine game hitting streak to start the season (.424 avg) and a gaudy 1.227 OPS - but then his back started to ache. After that terrific start, the beardless, aching Youkilis went into a 3-31 slide at the plate. 

He sat out a week and returned against the Blue Jays this past Saturday, but was sent for an MRI afterwards. The results landed him on the disabled list for at least two weeks. 

Francisco Cervelli: The Yankees enthusiastic catcher has seen his share of bad breaks, both figuratively and literally. After he caught 126 games over two seasons, Cervelli thought for sure he was the backup to starter Russell Martin for the 2012 season. Then at the last minute the Yankees acquired Chris Stewart and Cervelli was relegated to the minor leagues for the season. After he got through the anger and disappointment, Cervelli settled in and came to camp this season prepared to win a spot. 

It didn't hurt that the Yankees let Martin walk and prospect Austin Romine missed all but 14 games last year with a bad back. Girardi said the playing time between Cervelli and Stewart would work itself out and it did just that. Cervelli stepped to the forefront with solid defensive play, his work with the pitchers, and even with his bat. 

His .877 OPS was by far the best of his career. He had already slugged three home runs, driven in eight runs, and was 3-8 with runners in scoring position. (All three hits were with two outs.) Then this past Friday night, Toronto's Rajai Davis fouled a ball off of Cervelli's exposed hand. A break occurred and surgery followed that will knock Cervelli out of action for six weeks. The Yankees will now hope Romine can step up (barring another move) to back up Stewart. 

A Hard Worker, Could Hit More 
Jayson Nix: The Yankees utility man has already played second base, shortstop, and third base this season. Nix will now be concentrating on third base with Youkilis sidelined for at least two weeks with a bad back. 

He's been solid for the Yankees in the field, which is the biggest thing you want from your utility man, and has shown double digit power in the past when he has gotten enough playing time. 

It's Time to Do a Book Report for Extra Credit

Ichiro Suzuki: The veteran hit machine and free agent to be struggled mightily in Seattle last season, and appeared to be done. But after a deal to the Yankees, Ichiro ended the season with a torrid final month. It was so good, the Yankees decided to bring him back with a cheap deal, ostensibly to platoon in right field. Mainly due to injuries, Ichiro has been the everyday right fielder, but has contributed very little. 

The .322 lifetime hitter (which was the same average he had as a Yankee last year), hit just .200 through his first 16 games, before he started to show some signs of life. (He had three hits in April's finale against Houston.) 

Eduardo Nunez; The Yankees have always loved Nunez's potential, but his inability to play consistently good defense has hampered his progress. It was decided that Nunez would play shortstop only this season, so he could concentrate on improving his defense. So far it has worked- Nunez has shown tremendous range to his left and right, and is throwing a much more accurate ball to first base. Now his bat has to get moving. 

It took three hits in the month's final game to get Nunez about the .200 mark. His tremendous speed gives the Yankees an added dimension, but only if he can get on base to use it. (Tuesday night he stretched two hits into doubles by running hard out of the batter's box.) Nunez has 30-40 steal potential should his offensive game come together. 

Headed For Detention

Ben Francisco: The veteran outfielder may not be headed for the principal's office, but he may get designated for assignment if his bat doesn't improve. Just 3-29 on the season, the right-handed hitting Francisco has started to lose at-bats to left-handed hitters when southpaws are on the mound. He could be the first to go when Curtis Granderson returns. 

Brennan Boesch: The 6'4" left-handed hitter was wildly inconsistent during his time with the Detroit Tigers. He looked like Babe Ruth for a stretch of time and then like a baby batting against grown men at other times. With the free agent signing of Torii Hunter, Boesch became expendable and the Yankees grabbed him off of waivers. 

Boesch is just 7-35, but does have two home runs, a double and a triple. 

How Did You Get in This Class Anyhow?

Chris Stewart: The Yankees acquired Stewart at the last moment last season, which relegated Cervelli to the minors. Now with Cervelli hurt, Stewart will get the bulk of the playing time behind home plate. He came to the Yankees with a stellar defensive reputation and not much of a bat. Neither aspect of Stewart's game stood out last year. 

Stewart's eight passed balls and four errors didn't make his (career high) .611 OPS look any better. To his credit, he did throw out 23% of would-be base stealers, which was just below the league average. Somehow, Stewart ended this April with a .294 average and a .711 OPS. He's had one error and a couple of passed ball so far, but has thrown out five of nine potential base thieves. 

What's Ahead in the Next Marking Period

Curtis Granderson: The Yankees center fielder is "probably pretty close to returning"² according to Girardi. The earliest would likely be mid-May since the "Grandy man" will need to play in some rehab games. 

Corban Joseph: The second baseman was recalled from the minors when Youkilis went on the DL, primarily because he was already on the 40-man roster. 

Austin Romine: He figures to catch twice a week backing up Stewart- likely Phil Hughes or Andy Pettitte and David Phelps/Ivan Nova.

Kuroda Gem Gives Yankees First Home Series Win

Hiroki Kuroda punches the air after punching out Chris Davis.
(photo courtesy of AP) 

When the Yankees signed Hiroki Kuroda prior to the 2012 season they were hoping to get a pitcher to give them innings, keep them in the ball game, and win more times than not. They not only got all they expected, but much more when Kuroda was their best and most consistent starter for the 2012 season.

Kuroda came into Sunday night's game on the heels of two dubious starts. He took a liner off his finger tip in the second game of the season against Boston, and though he beat Cleveland this past Monday, he still wasn't sharp.

That all changed in front of a national television audience Sunday night against division rival Baltimore. Kuroda dominated the Orioles in a 3-0 shutout that raised the Yankees record to 6-5. The win gave the Yankees two straight series victories and their first one at home.  Kuroda was in control throughout and was pushed to 113 pitches (79 strikes) only because Jayson Nix committed a 9th inning error. With Mariano Rivera loosening in the bullpen, Kuroda struck out Chris Davis for the third time to end the game.

The game itself was reminiscent of last year's wild card series when neither team could hit their way out of a paper bag. Orioles left-hander Wei-Yin Chen was setting down the Yankees with ease until the 5th inning when Brennan Boesch led off with one of his two singles on the night. He moved to second base on Francisco Cervelli's single and then over to third base on a fly out by Lyle Overbay.

Nix made small ball pay off when he lifted a deep fly to right for a ribbie sac fly and a 1-0 lead. Brett Gardner then powered up as much as he can and hit his second home run of the year near the top of the right field foul pole.

That was plenty for Kuroda, whose detractors said would be unable to compete in the AL East. They could not have been more wrong. He limited the O's to five hits, didn't walk a batter, and struck out five. He gave the Yankees innings, kept them in the game, and won. Mission accomplished.

Aardsma Released As We Get Down to the Wire

Joe Girardi's lukewarm praise of David Aardsma- "He's been good"- was an omen that Aardsma's days in Yankees camp were numbered. Aardsma's number was up today as the Yankees designated him for assignment.

Among those sent to the minors were Vidal Nuno, the left-hander who was named as the winner of the James P. Dawson Award for the best rook in camp. I really thought Nuno would make the squad, but perhaps Brian Cashman would rather see him starting games every five days for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders rather than throwing parts of an inning here and there at the Major League level.

Also reassigned to the minor leagues were outfielder Melky Mesa and pitcher Jim Miller, both of whom had legitimate chances to make the squad. Pitcher Sam Demel, picked up on waivers yesterday, was sent outright to Scranton, while pitchers Preston Claiborne, Branden Pinder, Juan Cedeno, Josh Spence,  catcher Bobby Wilson, infielders Dan Johnson, Jose Pirela, Gil Velazquez and outfielders Thomas Neal were sent to the minor league camp.

The Yankees added Jayson Nix and Ben Francisco to the Major League roster and re-signed infielder David Adams to a minor league contract. Adams had been designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

So, he says, who is going north now?

C -  Francisco Cervelli, Chris Stewart
1B - Lyle Overbay
2B - Robinson Cano
SS - Eduardo Nunez
3B - Kevin Youkilis
LF - Vernon Wells
CF - Brett Gardner
RF - Ichiro Suzuki
UT - Jayson Nix
OF - Ben Francisco, Brennan Boesch
DH - Travis Hafner
SP - CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Andy Pettitte, David Phelps, Ivan Nova
RP - Mariano Rivera, David Robertson, Joba Chamberlain, Boone Logan, Shawn Kelley, Cody Eppley

That leaves one one pitcher's spot open. It's possible it will be Adam Warren, who will get the start against the West Point. If not Warren, it likely would be a pitcher not currently on the 40-man roster.

Also, though there is no room on the 25-man squad, Ronnier Mustelier has not been shuttled someone where else as of yet. As I mentioned before I would love to see him get some big league AB's early, but a banged up knee has not helped his cause.

Ramon Hernandez was released by the Rockies today. The veteran catcher stands to make $3.2MM this year. II would get a deal done in a heartbeat if Colorado was willing to include $2MM. Then we could say good bye to Chris Stewart and his overrated defensive game.

Re-Thinking the Yankees' 25-Man Roster

"You other 24, line up behind me."

A couple of days ago I tried to figure out the 25-man roster that the Yankees will open with against Boston on Monday (4/1). Some things and some thoughts have changed though, and so has (in my mind) who will be in the Bronx next week. I am not even going to get into who exits upon the return of Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, etc.

You still have your players certain to get a spot:

C -  Francisco Cervelli
C -  Chris Stewart
2B - Robinson Cano
SS - Eduardo Nunez
3B - Kevin Youkilis
OF - Brett Gardner
OF - Ichiro Suzuki
OF - Vernon Wells
SP - CC Sabathia
SP - Hiroki Kuroda
SP - Andy Pettitte
RP - Mariano Rivera
RP - David Robertson
RP - Joba Chamberlain
RP - Boone Logan
UT - Jayson Nix
DH - Travis Hafner

That's 17 players, leaving 8 spots. The 99% sure of being on the squad are:

1B - Lyle Overbay
OF - Brennan Boesch
OF - Ben Francisco

5 more to go. Now things get tougher.

SP - David Phelps
SP/RP - Ivan Nova, who will get sent down when Phil Hughes comes back from DL. (Phelps has looked more consistent to me than Nova. Then again the Yankees may want to go with Nova's experience and put Phelps in the pen.)

RP - Vidal Nuno: I still this lefty's tremendous up side will get a shot with Clay Rapada sidelined. Thursday afternoon Boone Logan left the game after being hit in the hip with a comebacker, but hopefully that will just result in a bruise and nothing more serious.

That gets us to 23. I know longer feel David Aardsma will make the team based on Joe Girardi's lukewarm, "He's been good." evaluation. I also think Overbay's addition will mean the subtraction of Ronnier Mustelier. I am really disappointed that that will probably be the case. I would like to see what the Cuban born native could do in the short term. Hopefully Mustelier tears up Triple-A and makes his way back up to the Majors to get some fresh legs in the lineup.

Spot 24 goes to Shawn Kelley, who could be a real find out of the pen. Kelley's biggest advantage over Jim Miller is his spot on the 40-man roster. And then there was one. I've heard talk that Cody Eppley could be the guy, because he too is on the 40-man, but he's been awful this Spring.  Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger speculated Adam Warren could make it as a long man out of the pen.

I can't see that happening. Warren looks completely over matched by Major League hitters. I give the final spot to Miller with Sam Demel, who the Yankees just claimed, designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Why was he even added in the first place?

So there you do or don't have the 25-man roster to start the season. We'll see what Brian Cashman is thinking very shortly.

Teixeira's Season Hanging By a Sheath

"It hurts when I go like this."

The Yankees 2013 season is going from bad to worse and we haven't even gotten out of March yet. 1st baseman Mark Teixeira was already expected to be out up to two months with an injured right wrist, but word is now he could have season ending surgery at some point.

GM Brian Cashman told the media that there was a 75% chance that Teixeira would not need surgery, but at this point who can rule anything out when it comes to this year's team.

Teixeira hurt the wrist while using a weighted bat off of a tee at the World Baseball Classic. The injury likely would have occurred in Yankees' camp had the WBC not existed. The exercise was just part of Teixeira's normal routine.

What's not normal is the number of injuries the Yankees have suffered before the regular season has started. Curtis Granderson (broken forearm), Phil Hughes (bulging disc in back), Boone Logan (sore elbow), Clay Rapada (bursitis), and Alex Rodriguez (hip surgery) have all suffered injuries that vary in severity. Even Cashman broke his leg and dislocated his ankle while sky diving.

Teixeira's injury may be the worst of all (possibly surpassed by A-Rod, who also may be out for the year.) since there is so much uncertainty on how the sheath is his wrist will hold up. Unlike Toronto's Jose Bautista who had the surgery last year and missed 2 1/2 months of the season, the tendon in Teixeira's wrist is stable.

With it now likely that Teixeira won't return until June, Cashman has to continue to check the waiver wire, but also make more calls to add some pop to the lineup. He already made a good move when he picked up Brennan Boesch after Detroit released the outfielder.

Fans and some pundits (i.e. Mike Francesa) are calling for the acquisition of Justin Morneau from Minnesota. Morneau had had his own injury issues over the last few years (concussions causing the most trouble), but he did play in 134 games last season and produced 19 home runs and 77 RBI. (Plus a .773 OPS). He's scheduled to make $14MM this year and will be a free agent after the season.

The Twins have averaged just 64.5 wins over the last two years, so they may be willing to deal Morneau prior to season's trade deadline. They will ask for plenty for him, but given his salary, injury history and soon-to-be free agent status, they cannot expect to get a prospect laden package in return (perhaps Cashman can deal some of the overhyped pitching prospects in the system).

Twins GM Terry Ryan could probably get a bigger return for Joe Mauer than for Morneau, but Mauer does not fit into the Yankees plans. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, Mark Teixeira will.

Cashman Finally Listens to Me, Inks Boesch

The Yankees hope Boesch strikes this pose often this year

Brian Cashman is clearly finally reading what I am writing about. A mere two days after I urged Cashman to sign Boesch, released earlier that day by the Detroit Tigers, the Yankees GM signed the outfielder to a $1.5MM deal with another $600K possible through incentives.

It looks like the Yankees outfield to start the season could very well be Brett Gardner in center field, Ichiro Suzuki in right and a platoon of Boesch and recently acquired Ben Francisco in left. Francisco could share some of those at-bats with another right-handed hitter, and the two could spell Ichiro at times in right field as well.

Boesch is a streaky hitter that can go on prolonged stretches where he is either ripping the ball or walking back to the dugout after another making out. The short porch in right-field is beckoning, however, and Boesch averages a home run every 32 at-bats primarily playing in a pitcher's ballpark.