Another Day, Another Injury, Melky II On His Way

The Captain won't be around to greet Melky II this time.

First game back after the All-Star break and the injury list grew ince again. Zoilo Almonte who has had a pretty good introduction to the Major Leagues is the latest victim of the now you see 'em, now you don't conspiracy. It was just more rancid icing on a progressively stale piece of cake that is the Yankees season. To make matters worse it occurred during a 4-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox that dropped the Bomberless Bombers seven games out of first place in the AL East.

Almonte lunged at the first base bag in attempt to beat out the back end of a double play ball and the bag won. A sprained left ankle is the diagnosis with a pair of crutches the newest part of Almonte's wardrobe. A trip to the 15-day DL is the grand prize as Almonte joins Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira, Kevin Youkilis, David Phelps, Francisco Cervelli, Jayson Nix, and (temporarily) Alex Rodriguez on the sidelines.

If this were an episode of the Andy Griffith show, Sheriff Taylor would be saying, "Sarah, get me (Scranton GM) Rob Crain on the phone." RailRiders beat writer Donnie Collins reported that Melky Mesa and Thomas Neal are headed to Boston to join the team for the remainder of the weekend series.

Melky II, this time it's personal, got into three games last September and October and was 1-3 with an RBI. Mesa had a good shot to make the team out of Spring Training and the front office remains high on him despite the fact he's got the lowest OPS (.710) of his career since he was in rookie ball in 2007. Most worrisome are his 93 strikeouts in 242 at-bats and just seven walks. Mesa struck out 118 times in 2012 in 502 plate appearances.

I won't be a total Debbie Downer though- Mesa does have a solid .430 slugging pct. with 9 HR, 10 doubles, and a trio of triples. He's also stolen seven bases in eight attempts. He's been primarily a centerfield in his minor league career, but the Yankees will count on him to play the corner outfield spots. Plus the Yankees can unload the "Got Melk" t-shirts that have been laying around since Melky Cabrera was traded.

Neal got into four games with the Yankees this year and was 2-11 (.182) with one walk and four strikeouts. Entering Friday's play Neal had a nice slash line of .318/.392/.407 with 23 walks in 65 games for Scranton. Unlike Mesa, Neal's career in the outfield has been primarily played in left and right fields.  The Yankees signed him as a free agent this past January 18.

Alberto Gonzalez and Luis Cruiz dodged a bullet Friday when Brennan Boesch was released to make room on the 40-man roster. One of them is likely to go this time, with my guess being Gonzalez, as it was on Friday for Brent Lillibridge's entrance.

DJ to the DL

One game was all Derek Jeter could muster before he made a return to the 15-day disabled list on Friday. The Yankees' captain missed the first 91 games of the season due to a broken ankle and then strained his right quadricep in his first game back with the team.

When queried about his availability for this weekend's series in Boston, Jeter didn't give his patented answer of "I'll be in the lineup". Instead he said that he would have to wait and see how things were after the All-Star break. That was all you needed to know that Jeter's leg was not responding the way he wanted and needed it to.

Utility man Brent Lillibridge was called up from Scranton to take Jeter's place on the 25-man roster. No move has been made as of yet on the 40-man roster, which is maxed out at the moment. In all likelihood, either Alberto Gonzalez or Luis Cruz will be designated for assignment. My guess would be Gonzalez.

Jeter's return came against the Royals in a sparsely attended afternoon game in the Bronx a week ago Thursday. Jeter was originally supposed to return that Friday for a three game series with the Twins, but injuries to Brett Gardner and Travis Hafner made it necessary for him to return a day early. As the DH he went 1-4 in the game with an RBI and a run scored, but felt something tighten after his third at-bat. Gardner pinch-hit for him when his turn came up again in the order.

Lillibridge is a former Red Sox, who has shown some pop in his bat in the past (13 home runs in 2011), but he owns a career .609 OPS. He was acquired from the Chicago Cubs on June 21 for a player to be named later or cash. The 29-year old produced 7 HR and 15 RBI in 23 games for Scranton along with a .341 batting average and a .709 OPS. He also swiped five bases in seven attempts.  Yankees will remember him for the two spectacular 9th inning game-saving catches he made while a member of the White Sox.

Bob Sheppard's Voice to Ring Out Again: The Return of Derek Jeter

Jeter will be all smiles today...unless you ask him about his ankle.

Thursday, July 11, 2013, a holiday, festive day...weather permitting. It's the day that Derek Jeter returns to the Yankees lineup in a day time contest with the Kansas City Royals.

The Yankees captain has not manned his position in Yankee Stadium since he broke his left ankle in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against Detroit last October. He had hoped to be ready for Opening Day this year, but had a setback and then a new fracture was found on the ankle.

Jeter spent the past week rehabbing with the Triple-A Scranton Railriders and appeared to be moving free and easy in the field and when running.

Outside of the cup of coffee he got in 1995, Jeter has never played less than 119 regular season games in any season. The prior low total occurred in 2003 when Toronto Blue Jays catcher Ken Huckaby landed hard on his left shoulder and dislocated it.  Hopefully Jeter's ankle injury soon becomes a distant memory like his shoulder injury.

Expect Alberto Gonzalez (most likely) or Luis Cruz to be DFA'ed to make room for Jeter on the roster.

Here's to the Captain, Bob Sheppard, and some normalcy in Yankeeland.


UPDATE - Jeter will be the DH in his first game back. Totally off on the roster off. Travis Ishakawa, who played one game, struck out twice, and got booed, was designated for assignment. I gather another move will be made within a few days to add a pitcher or outfielder/first baseman to the roster once Jeter shows everything is cool.

This Is Your Captain, I am Ready For Lift Off

Scranton, PA, the home of the Triple-A Scranton RailRiders is going to have a little extra excitment this July 4th weekend. Nope, not more fireworks, just the captain of the New York Yankees checking into town.

Derek Sanderson Jeter has gotten the go ahead from the Yankees team docs to start a rehab assignment. El Capitan is expected to play at least five innings in the field during Saturday night's game.

During prep for this season, Jeter fractured a different area of his ankle then where the break occurred that knocked him out of last season's playoffs.. I admit it seems kind of odd that someone that just started to run the bases the other day would start a rehab assignment already (or already in my estimation.), but this is very good news.

Here's to the Yankees' captain staying healthy for the rest of the season and replacing whatever .190 hitter is at shortstop in the meantime.

Lillibridge and Nova Among the Latest Comings and Goings

Lillibridge robbing the Yankees

 
The Yankees designated Reid Brignac for assignment earlier today and recalled utility infielder Alberto Gonzalez from Scranton. But Gonzalez may not be up for long- the Yankees have acquired the versatile Brent Lillibridge, who can play both the infield and outfield.

Lillibridge was playing for the Cubs Triple-A team in Iowa City and came at the cost of a player to be named later or cash considerations. The move is a little puzzling since Lillibridge's offensive numbers (career split of .207/.271/.339) are comparable to Brignac's, thought the 29-year old's ability to play the outfield is a plus.(You might recall a Yankees game against the White Sox in which Lillibridge made back to back diving catches to win the game for Chicago.)

His best year came with the White Sox in 2007 when he posted career highs in average (.258), OPS (.845), HR (13) and RBI (29). The Yankees are his seventh organization after he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2005, dealt to the Braves, dealt to the White Sox, dealt to the Red Sox, dealt to the Indians, and finally signed as a free agent with the Cubs. He was 1-24 for the Cubs before his demotion to Triple-A.

Ivan Nova will be recalled to start Sunday's series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. It remains to be seen who will be removed from the roster to make room for Nova. The righty was 2-0, 2.04 in three starts for Scranton with 17 strikeouts and four walks in 17.2 innings. He's 2-1, 5.16 in four starts and two relief appearances for the big club.

The Yankees also added outfield depth to the Scranton squad by inking veteran Corey Patterson to a minor league deal. The Mariners had released him earlier this month after he posted less than a .500 OPS at Triple-A. The Yankees are Patterson's 12th organization, though he has not played in the Majors for all of them.

Not done yet - the Yankees acquired Texas Rangers right-hander Yoshinori Tateyama earlier Friday afternoon. Tateyama has spent the entire season at Triple-A Round Rock and is a right-handed specialist.

Mike Zagurski, probably unknown to most, was picked up by the Yankees after the Pittsburgh Pirates let him go. The left-hander has 88 games of Major League experience, 45 of them spent with the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. A career 6.84 ERA and 1.733 WHIP won't be get him called up any time soon (if ever).

Throw it against the wall and see what sticks.

Bye Bye to Brignac

Reid Brignac can pick it with his glove as good as anyone. Unfortunately, he can't hit the broad side of a barn with his bat.

The Yankees designated Brignac for assignment after the utility infielder had just five hits in 44 at-bats and a .270 OPS. Brignac is this era's Mario Mendoza. Brignac was purchased by the Yankees from the Colorado Rockies on May 18.

Once a highly (over) touted prospect for the Tampa Bay Rays,  the 27-year old has never able to match his minor league hitting - in 2006 Brignac had 24 HR, 99 RBI, and .916 OPS between high 'A' ball and Double-A.

Alberto Gonzalez was recalled from Scranton to take Brignac's spot on the roster.

Yankees Acquire Reid Brignac from Rockies

The revolving door continues in the Bronx..Jon Heyman reports that.utility infielder Reid Brignac has been acquired by the Yankees for cash considerations.  Alberto Gonzalez, reacquired on May 9, was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Brignac was once considered a solid prospect as he climbed the ladder of the Tampa Bay Rays organization, but his bat never caught up to his glove. He played parts of five seasons with the Rays with the 2010 campaign his Major League best. He hit 8 HR and drove in 45 in 326 plate appearances, but his .692 OPS was less than stellar.

Brignac stock fell drastically after that when he was beset with injuries and put up a .448 OPS in 2011. The Rays shipped him to Colorado prior to this season for cash or a player to be named later. His slash line of .250/.294/.375 made him expendable.

The highlight of Gonzalez's brief second stint in New York was the chance to take the mound. He retired the one batter he faced when the Seattle Mariners drubbed the Yankees on Wednesday.

Adams Coming to the Rasta, Mon

No, David Adams isn't Jamaican, but I am tired.  Per a tweet Trenton Thunder beat writer Josh Norris (@jnorris427), Mr. Adams is headed to the Bronx today, the first day he was eligible to be recalled from the minor leaguers.

The Yankees front office has always like the second baseman's bat and they moved him over to third base to  have a better chance of helping the big ball club.

Adams was designated for assignment this spring to make room for Vernon Wells on the 40-man roster and then he was re-signed to a minor league deal. MLB stipulations state that in such cases the player may not be recalled until May 15.

Today is May 15 so Adams is on his way. Now a 40-man roster space needs to be opened up for him. It's likely that either Chris Nelson or newly reacquired Alberto Gonzalez will be designated for assignment. Nelson is more likely to get the boot since Gonzalez is the only player other than Jayson Nix right now that can play shortstop and a Nelson plays the same positions as Adams.

Adams was quickly making his way through the farm system until he badly broke his ankle in 2010. Through 27 games at Triple-A Scranton this year, Adams has an .897 OPS with 3 HR and 12 RBI.

To learn more on Adams, click here to read the interview I did with him in 2009.

Jhonny on the Spot

Who invented that spelling anyway? Mike Ashmore has more on the Yankees acquisition, Jhonny Nunez.

- Nunez was the 25th best prospect in the Nationals organization coming into the season.

- He was the 8th best right-handed starter in the organization, behind such pitchers as Collin Balester, Tyler Clippard, Jordan Zimmermann, Shairon Martis and Colt Willems.

- He was acquired by the Nats from the Dodgers in a trade for Marlon Anderson.

- He throws a 94 MPH fastball, a slider and a changeup.

"Jhonny" made us think of this 80's Don Henley song...

Jhonny on the Spot

Who invented that spelling anyway? Mike Ashmore has more on the Yankees acquisition, Jhonny Nunez.

- Nunez was the 25th best prospect in the Nationals organization coming into the season.

- He was the 8th best right-handed starter in the organization, behind such pitchers as Collin Balester, Tyler Clippard, Jordan Zimmermann, Shairon Martis and Colt Willems.

- He was acquired by the Nats from the Dodgers in a trade for Marlon Anderson.

- He throws a 94 MPH fastball, a slider and a changeup.

"Jhonny" made us think of this 80's Don Henley song...

Yankees Deal Alberto Gonzalez

The Yankees have traded minor league shortstop Alberto Gonzalez to the Washington Nationals for pitcher Johnny Nunez.

We don't quite get this one unless the Yankees needed to make room on the 40-man roster and didn't want to just lose Gonzalez.

Yankees Deal Alberto Gonzalez

The Yankees have traded minor league shortstop Alberto Gonzalez to the Washington Nationals for pitcher Johnny Nunez.

We don't quite get this one unless the Yankees needed to make room on the 40-man roster and didn't want to just lose Gonzalez.

Houston, We Have Lift Off

Sounds a lot better than, "Houston, we have a problem". The Yankees player their first ever regular season series in Houston when they start a 3-game series tonight. The Yankees haven't played the Astros since June 10-12, 2003. The Yankees took two of three in the series, but in the one game they lost they were no-hit.

The Houston Astrodome was a tough place to hit home runs, but that is not the case in Minute Maid Park, which opened in 2000 and, at the time, unfortunately had its naming rights owned by Enron. The Brewers and Astros combined for 15 home runs in the latter two games of their series on Wednesday and Thursday.

The park includes a retractable roof, and an annoying replica train filled with replica oranges. The craziest part of MMP is the uphill slope in center field, which can trip up the best defender. MMP holds just under 41K and its dimensions, per mlb.com are as follows:

Distances from plate:
Left field - 315 feet
Left-center - 362 feet
Center field - 435 feet
Deepest point - 436 feet
Right-center - 373 feet
Right field - 326 feet

Height of wall:
Left field - 19 feet
Left-center - 25 feet
Center field - 10 feet
Deepest point - 10 feet
Right-center - 10 feet
Right field - 7 feet


The Yankees did play one game here, back on March 30, 1999. It was an exhibition game prior to the regular season, with the Astros winning it 6-5. Jason Grimsley took the loss, while Paul O'Neill and Ricky Ledee each homered in the first game in the park's history. The Yankees also played the first exhibition game in 1965 prior to the Astrodome opening. Mickey Mantle hit the first home run and the Yankees lost 2-1.

The Yankees have already made a roster move and it's a good one. They've sent little used Shelley Duncan down to Scranton and recalled infielder Alberto Gonzalez. The latter's defense and mobility will make him a much better fit in the NL parks.

Pitching Probables for the Series

Friday - Joba Chamberlain (1-2, 2.67) vs. Shawn Chacon (2-2, 4.96) 8:00 EDT
Saturday - Mike Mussina (9-4, 3.82) vs. Wandy Rodriguez (2-2, 1.99) 7:00 EDT
Sunday - Chien-Ming Wang (7-2, 4.30) vs. Roy Oswalt (5-6., 5.06) 2:00 EDT

Houston, We Have Lift Off

Sounds a lot better than, "Houston, we have a problem". The Yankees player their first ever regular season series in Houston when they start a 3-game series tonight. The Yankees haven't played the Astros since June 10-12, 2003. The Yankees took two of three in the series, but in the one game they lost they were no-hit.

The Houston Astrodome was a tough place to hit home runs, but that is not the case in Minute Maid Park, which opened in 2000 and, at the time, unfortunately had its naming rights owned by Enron. The Brewers and Astros combined for 15 home runs in the latter two games of their series on Wednesday and Thursday.

The park includes a retractable roof, and an annoying replica train filled with replica oranges. The craziest part of MMP is the uphill slope in center field, which can trip up the best defender. MMP holds just under 41K and its dimensions, per mlb.com are as follows:

Distances from plate:
Left field - 315 feet
Left-center - 362 feet
Center field - 435 feet
Deepest point - 436 feet
Right-center - 373 feet
Right field - 326 feet

Height of wall:
Left field - 19 feet
Left-center - 25 feet
Center field - 10 feet
Deepest point - 10 feet
Right-center - 10 feet
Right field - 7 feet


The Yankees did play one game here, back on March 30, 1999. It was an exhibition game prior to the regular season, with the Astros winning it 6-5. Jason Grimsley took the loss, while Paul O'Neill and Ricky Ledee each homered in the first game in the park's history. The Yankees also played the first exhibition game in 1965 prior to the Astrodome opening. Mickey Mantle hit the first home run and the Yankees lost 2-1.

The Yankees have already made a roster move and it's a good one. They've sent little used Shelley Duncan down to Scranton and recalled infielder Alberto Gonzalez. The latter's defense and mobility will make him a much better fit in the NL parks.

Pitching Probables for the Series

Friday - Joba Chamberlain (1-2, 2.67) vs. Shawn Chacon (2-2, 4.96) 8:00 EDT
Saturday - Mike Mussina (9-4, 3.82) vs. Wandy Rodriguez (2-2, 1.99) 7:00 EDT
Sunday - Chien-Ming Wang (7-2, 4.30) vs. Roy Oswalt (5-6., 5.06) 2:00 EDT

Minor League Recap - 6/12

The Yankees starting pitching stunk up the joint Wednesday night, but there were a hnumberimpressive performances in the minor league system. Zach McAllister (2-1, 2.65) picked up his 2nd win for Tampa by allowing 1 earned in 6 innings. The Yankees beat the St. Lucie Mets 5-2 behind a pair of RBI each from Andres Perez and Josue Calzado.

June 11, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Tampa 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 7 2 St. Lucie 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 3 Recap | Box W: Z. McAllister (2-1, 2.65); L: E. Niesen (3-7, 4.24); SV: J. Schmidt (5) HR: None.

Al Aceves bounced back from a poor showing to dominate the Connecticut Defenders, but still came out on the short end of 1-0 score. Aceves allowed 3 hits over 7 innings, didn't issue a walk, and struck out 7, but the Thunder managed just 6 hits. Mark Melancon also pitched a pair of hitless innings.

June 11, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Connecticut 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 Trenton 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 Recap | Box | W: P. Oseguera (1-1, 3.81); L: A. Aceves (1-2, 2.00); SV: S. Romo (11) HR: None.

Scranton pounded the Richmond Braves 9-2 as Jeff Karstens made a return trip from the DL. He allowed 1 earned run over 5 innings to earn the win. Alberto Gonzalez had a 3-hit, 3 RBI night, and Greg Porter added 3 hits and 2 RBI of his own. Matt Carson had 3 hits as well as the Yankees banged out 14 hits on the night. Scott Patterson, Billy Traber, and Dave Robertson struck out 8 in 4 scoreless innings of relief.

J.B. Cox was placed on the 15-day DL with shoulder tendinitis.

June 11, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Scranton/WB 2 0 2 2 0 0 1 2 0 9 14 1 Richmond 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 6 2 Recap | Box | W: J. Karstens (1-2, 6.11); L: D. Moss (2-6, 4.81) HR: None.

Lance Pendleton improved to 6-2, 1.89 with an impressive 7 inning performance in the Charleston RiverDogs 6-1 win over the Rome Braves. Pendleton allowed 1 unearned run, scattered 7 hits and struck out 8 while not issuing a free pass. Austin Krum singled, doubled, homered, and drove in 3, and Jesus Montero added 3 hits.

June 11, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Charleston 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 6 12 2 Rome 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 1 Recap | Box | W: L. Pendleton (6-2, 1.89); L: C. Rodgers (1-9, 4.78) HR: CHA: A. Krum (4).

Minor League Recap - 6/12

The Yankees starting pitching stunk up the joint Wednesday night, but there were a hnumberimpressive performances in the minor league system. Zach McAllister (2-1, 2.65) picked up his 2nd win for Tampa by allowing 1 earned in 6 innings. The Yankees beat the St. Lucie Mets 5-2 behind a pair of RBI each from Andres Perez and Josue Calzado.

June 11, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Tampa 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 7 2 St. Lucie 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 3 Recap | Box W: Z. McAllister (2-1, 2.65); L: E. Niesen (3-7, 4.24); SV: J. Schmidt (5) HR: None.

Al Aceves bounced back from a poor showing to dominate the Connecticut Defenders, but still came out on the short end of 1-0 score. Aceves allowed 3 hits over 7 innings, didn't issue a walk, and struck out 7, but the Thunder managed just 6 hits. Mark Melancon also pitched a pair of hitless innings.

June 11, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Connecticut 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 Trenton 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 Recap | Box | W: P. Oseguera (1-1, 3.81); L: A. Aceves (1-2, 2.00); SV: S. Romo (11) HR: None.

Scranton pounded the Richmond Braves 9-2 as Jeff Karstens made a return trip from the DL. He allowed 1 earned run over 5 innings to earn the win. Alberto Gonzalez had a 3-hit, 3 RBI night, and Greg Porter added 3 hits and 2 RBI of his own. Matt Carson had 3 hits as well as the Yankees banged out 14 hits on the night. Scott Patterson, Billy Traber, and Dave Robertson struck out 8 in 4 scoreless innings of relief.

J.B. Cox was placed on the 15-day DL with shoulder tendinitis.

June 11, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Scranton/WB 2 0 2 2 0 0 1 2 0 9 14 1 Richmond 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 6 2 Recap | Box | W: J. Karstens (1-2, 6.11); L: D. Moss (2-6, 4.81) HR: None.

Lance Pendleton improved to 6-2, 1.89 with an impressive 7 inning performance in the Charleston RiverDogs 6-1 win over the Rome Braves. Pendleton allowed 1 unearned run, scattered 7 hits and struck out 8 while not issuing a free pass. Austin Krum singled, doubled, homered, and drove in 3, and Jesus Montero added 3 hits.

June 11, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Charleston 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 6 12 2 Rome 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 1 Recap | Box | W: L. Pendleton (6-2, 1.89); L: C. Rodgers (1-9, 4.78) HR: CHA: A. Krum (4).