Tex Back In The Lineup

With Ivan Nova out indefinitely, the Yankees got some good news today with the return of Mark Teixeira. Activated from the disabled list, the first baseman will bat fifth in today's lineup against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The YES Network's Meredith Marakovits reported Sunday that pitchers Preston Claiborne and Bryan Mitchell have been recalled from Scranton and Trenton, respectively. Scott Sizemore and Matt Daley appear to be the two that have taken a hit, though there's been no official announcement as of this writing.

Teixeira in the lineup playing 1B batting 5th #Yankees
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) April 20, 2014

Daley was called up for Saturday's game and got hammered. Sizemore is a bit of a surprise since he's hit well on a limited basis (.308/.308/.462 in 13 ABs with 4 RBI).

Reynolds Wraps Deal With Brew Crew

The Yankees tried to bring Mark Reynolds back for 2014, knowing his power could be an aid at third base as well as first base when Mark Teixeira needed a breather. The Yankees were only willing to offer a minor league deal though, but Reynolds wanted a Major League contract. As it turned out, the matter of playing time had to have been the bigger factor.

Reynolds agreed to a minor league deal last night with the Milwaukee Brewers and received an invitation to Spring Training. At the very least, Reynolds is expected to platoon at first base with Juan Francisco, who hit 13 home runs in 270 plate appearances last season. With Kelly Johnson, Scott Sizemore and others already under Major or minor league contracts, Reynolds went for the more sure thing.

Reynolds signed a one-year free agent deal with the Cleveland Indians prior to the 2013 season, but was released on August 12 after he put up a .680 OPS and struck out 123 times in 99 games. The Yankees, desperate for run production, picked him up three days later. Splitting time at the corners (and two games at second base), Reynolds compiled a .755 OPS with 6 HR and 19 RBI in 36 games.

Infielders, Come One, Come All

Run, don't walk, to the Yankees today!

With Tuesday's announcement that Brian Roberts is now officially a New York Yankee, the front office continues to be on the look out for any player who can wear an infield glove, maintain their balance, throw a ball fairly straight and maybe hit it too.

With Robinson Cano gone, Alex Rodriguez in suspension-limbo land, and Derek Jeter coming back from a myriad of ankle and quad issues, general manager Brian Cashman seems hell bent on grabbing every possible infielder that is or isn't available.

In case you missed it the other day, the Yankees signed former Detroit Tiger and Oakland Athletic Scott Sizemore to a minor league deal. Sizmore missed all but two games over the last two seasons due to the misfortune of tearing his left ACL not once, but twice. The Tigers were pretty high on him after they selected him in the 5th round of the 2006 MLB amateur draft.

Four years later he was in the Major Leagues after he tore up Double- and Triple-A the prior year. Sizemore's talent didn't translate to the big league level - he posted a .631 OPS in 43 games. A year later he was dealt to Oakland for pitcher David Purcey after he managed a meager .567 OPS in 17 Major League games. Apparently the change of scenery paid off for the then 26-year old as he hit 11 home runs, drove in 52 runs and sported a .778 OPS in 93 games.

His versatility also got a boost as the A's moved him from second base, where he played in Detroit, to the hot corner over at third. Poised to build off his 2011 season, Sizemore ripped up his left knee in Spring Training and 14 months later did it again. His signing falls into the "we have nothing to lose" category.

The rumor mill got a new name Tuesday when it was reported that San Diego Padres infielder Logan Forsythe had drawn the Yankees interest. There have been rumors about Chase Headley since his 2012 season, but he stunk in 2013 and the Padres are still asking for too much in any trade banter.

Forsythe has primarily been a second baseman, but also has experience at third base, shortstop and in the outfield. The 27-year old (Jan. 14) had a decent 2012 season - .733 OPS, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 8 steals in 10 attempts in 350 plate appearances - but suffered from plantar fasciitis last season. In more than a 100 less plate appearances Forsythe had similar home run and RBI totals, but only put up a .613 OPS.

If you are older, broken down, trying to make a comeback, etc. just call Brian Cashman today! You could be the next Yankees infielder!