The Daily Yankeeland - 7/15

Probably going to have to rename this feature, "The Once in a While Yankeeland".

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: Aroldis Chapman • chien-ming wang • damaso marte • Eastern League All-Star Game • Ian Snell • jesus montero • Old Timer's Day • Sergio Mitre • Views from the Facade • Yankees News and Notes • Zach McAllister

The Yankees have acknowledged that Damaso Marte does still exist. Watching MLB Network last night, I noticed on the crawl that Marte will begin a rehab assignment on Thursday with the Gulf Coast League Yankees.

The Trenton Thunder host tonight’s Eastern League All-Star game. Thunder team members, and Yankees prospects, Jesus Montero, Zach McAllister, Mike Dunn, Josh Schmidt, Reegie Corona, Eduardo Nunez, and Jorge Vazquez will represent the Northern squad. Trenton manager Tony Franklin will be at the helm of the North along with his coaching staff.

The Yankees begin a 10-game homestand beginning Thursday night with Detroit. After 3 games with the Tigers, the Orioles come to town for 3 before the A’s finish the homestand with a 4-game set. The Tigers series includes Old-Timer’s Day on Sunday, July 19.

When the Chien-Ming Wang’s spot in the rotation comes up, the Yankees will probably go with Sergio Mitre and move Al Aceves back to the pen.

The Yankees will also look elsewhere for a starting pitcher. According to the NY Post, Pittsburgh’s Ian Snell is among those who have piqued the Yankees interest. The Bombers are also looking into Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman.

Montero Gets to Star in Front of Home Crowd

Jesus Montero got off to a slow start after his promotion to the 'AA' Trenton Thunder, but Montero is now hitting a solid .299 with an .906 OPS. He was rewarded yesterday when he was named to the Eastern League Norther All-Star squad to replace injured catcher Josh Thole.

Montero joins teammates Zach McAllister, Josh Schmidt, Reegie Corona, Eduardo Nunez, and Jorge Vazquez. Thunder manager Tony Franklin and his coaching staff will run the Northern team.

Thunder official press release:

The 2009 Eastern League All-Star Game will be played at Mercer County Waterfront Park on Wednesday, July 15th at 7:05 PM. The gates at Waterfront Park will open for all fans at 2:05 PM - a full five hours before the first pitch. Fans will be able to watch both teams take batting practice then there will be an autograph session and a Home Run Derby.

Limited seats remain for the All-Star Game. Tickets are available now by calling 609-394-3300 or online at www.trentonthunder.com.