Yankees and Dbacks Talk Haren

The Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks, as expected, are discussing a possible deal for starter Dan Haren.

Haren who has struggled this season, will receive $12.75 million over each of the next two years. Whichever team has him will also have an option for 2013 worth $15.5 million (with a $3.5 million buyout). The Diamondbacks would be looking for the Yankees to assume all or the majority of the money owed to the veteran right-hander.

John Heyman tweeted this morning that the Dbacks want the Yankees to take on the contracts of reliever Chad Qualls and catcher Chris Snyder. Needless to say the Yankees said no thanks. They all said no when the Dbacks asked for Joba Chamberlain.

The Yankees have reportedly offered up pitchers Ivan Nova and Zach McAllister as well as two other prospects.

Waiting for Gaudin

Let's be clear, Chad Gaudin is NOT Roy Halladay. That being said, it's time for Gaudin to replace Sergio Mitre in the Yankees' starting rotation.

I am quite familiar with Gaudin's ability, and inability, from his days with the Oakland A's. His habit of "walking the park" didn't help my fantasy team's WHIP one bit. Repeat with me, that being said, it's time for Gaudin to replace Sergio Mitre in the Yankees' starting rotation.


The only good thing that came out of last night's 5-4 loss, that snapped the Yankees' 7-game winning streak, to the Toronto Blue Jays was not having to hear Joe Girardi and/or Brian Cashman say, "Well, we have won 4 of 5 with Mitre (Girardi would probably refer to him as Sergy or Meaty) starting."

Mitre has decent stuff, he has shown it in the past with the Florida Marlins and Chicago Cubs, but as Girardi and Cashman are quick to point out, Mitre is not that far removed from Tommy John surgery. But I will be quick to point out that the #5 starter in the AL East pennant race is not the place to strengthen one's arm. It's not like Mitre has a winning pedigree or the reputation of a Jon Lieber, who has followed the same path.

The Yankees don't have any other options right now. Al Aceves would make a good starter- don't let that spot start against the Twins sway your opinion- but he's too valuable out of the pen (as evidenced once again last night).

The Yankees don't have anything, and that includes you Kei Igawa, at Scranton. Perhaps if George Kontos had been healthy he would have gotten a shot, but he's not. I would love to see Trenton's Zach McAllister called up, but that's not going to happen either. So that leaves it down to the "Meat Tray" and Gaudin, and we are definitely going with the latter. Mitre can be the long man out of the pen.

"Have you seen Harrison Ford?"

One thing is for certain. All of baseball should be glad that Gaudin is now a Yankee so they no longer have to look at the worst set of goatees this side of Ryan Franklin.

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.

McAllister Grabs EL Pitcher of the Week

Trenton Thunder starter Zach McAllister has been named the Eastern League's Pitcher of the Week after 2-0, 0.66 in two starts.

Here's the official press release from the Thunder.

RHP ZACH MCALLISTER NAMED EASTERN LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE WEEK
He went 2-0 with a 0.66 ERA in two starts for Trenton last week

(Trenton, NJ)- The Trenton Thunder, Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced that RHP Zach McAllister has been named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the week ending on May 31.

The 6-foot-5 right-hander made a pair of starts for the Thunder last week, and was 2-0 with a 0.66 ERA in 13.2 innings pitched. He also struck out a combined 15 batters in the two starts. McAllister made his first appearance of the week last Tuesday at New Britain, and pitched seven shutout innings to earn the victory in Trenton's 11-0 win. He gave up just four hits and two walks and struck out five Rock Cats hitters in the win.

The Chillicothe, Illinois native also earned a win in his second start of the week in yesterday's game against Altoona. He allowed only one run on five hits in 6 2/3 innings in Trenton's 4-1 win over the Altoona Curve on Sunday afternoon. He struck out a season-high 10 batters. He was the first Trenton pitcher to strike out 10 batters in a game this season.

McAllister has a record of 4-2 in nine starts for the Thunder this season, and is currently ranked third in the league in ERA (1.84). In 2008, McAllister appeared in 25 combined games between Charleston (Low-A) and Tampa (High-A), and posted a combined 14-9 record with a 2.09 ERA. He struck out 115 in 151 innings on the season. The former All-State pitcher at Illinois Valley Central High School was selected by the New York Yankees in the 3rd round of the 2006 draft.

Thunder Lose in Perfect Game

AKRON RHP JEANMAR GOMEZ PITCHES PERFECT GAME IN AKRON'S 3-0 WIN OVER TRENTON

Akron 3 8 0
Trenton 0 0 2


WP- Jeanmar Gomez (4-0)
LP- Zach McAllister (2-2)
SV-
Time- 2:12
Att- 6,344

(Trenton, NJ)- Akron RHP Jeanmar Gomez pitched the first-ever nine-inning perfect game in the history of Waterfront Park to lead the Aeros past Trenton 3-0 on Thursday afternoon at Waterfront Park. No Thunder pitcher, or an opposing pitcher, had ever pitched a nine-inning perfect game in Trenton's franchise history.

Gomez (4-0) struck out eight, including five of the final eight batters that he faced. Trenton Catcher Jose Gil was robbed of a base hit by Akron Third baseman Jared Geodert on a line drive down the third base line in the third inning. Akron Left fielder Matt McBride made a diving catch on a sinking line drive off the bat of Trenton First baseman Kevin Smith to lead off the ninth inning. The final out was recorded on a fly out by Second baseman Justin Snyder. Gomez has now allowed just one run in 29 innings for Akron over four starts. The last no-hitter at Waterfront Park was tossed by former Thunder RHP Brett Smith on July 4th, 2007. Smith tossed a rain-shortened five-inning no-hitter in a 10-0 Trenton win over Altoona.

Akron (29-9) scored two runs in the third inning to take a 2-0 lead. Shortstop Carlos Rivero led off the inning with a single against Trenton Starting Pitcher Zach McAllister (2-2). Rivero advanced to third base on a double by First baseman Beau Mills. Designated Hitter Carlos Santana followed with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 1-0. With two outs in the frame, Left fielder Matt McBride reached on an error by Trenton Third baseman Marcos Vechionacci allowing Mills to score from third base. The Aeros tacked on a run in the seventh inning on an RBI single by Rivero to increase the lead to 3-0.

McAllister (2-2) scattered six hits and two runs (one earned) over six innings. He struck out five and walked one. Thunder Reliever Michael Dunn came on for McAllister and allowed one run over three innings.

Trenton starts a seven-game road trip on Friday night at New Hampshire. The Thunder play the first of four games on the road trip against the Fisher Cats (Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays). RHP Ivan Nova (2-2, 4.13) will start for the Thunder against New Hampshire RHP Rey Gonzalez (2-1, 1.84) Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m on Friday night from Merchantsauto.com Stadium.

BOXSCORE

Down on the Farm - 8/8

Before we get into how the Tampa Yankees are doing, kudos to them for holding Breast Cancer Awareness Night at GMS III Field on August 15. The players will be wearing blue jerseys with pink lettering, like that Joba guy once did, that will be auctioned off with partial proceeds going to the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute.

On a lighter note, the team is also holding a Jimmy Buffett tribute night on the 16th.

It's been an up and down season for the Florida St. Leaguers, who have had a number of winning and losing streaks. Their current two game slide has left them 58-57, 21-24 in the second half. They obviously miss the pitching of Eric Hacker (Trenton) and Al Aceves (Scranton), who were a combined 6-3, 1.98 before being promoted. Zach McAllister's 6-6 record doesn't reflect just how well he's pitched. The right-hander has compiled a 2.17 ERA in his 12 starts. Overall, between Charleston and Tampa, McAllister is 12-9, 2.30 in 22 starts. Jon Hovis has excelled in the closer's role, recording 10 saves, and has an 8:1 strikeout to walk ratio.

Offensively, 1st baseman Kevin Smith leads the team with 50 RBI while posting a .283 average. DH Andres Perez has added 8 home runs and 41 RBI to a team that misses Edwar Gonzalez, who was promoted to Trenton after 27 games. Mitch Hilligoss, who hit in 38 straight games en route to a .310 season, has been a disappointment. The third baseman is batting just .241.

The Charleston RiverDogs battled a number of injuries to put together a fantastic 45-25 first half in the South Atlantic League. Things haven't gone so smoothly since, as the Dogs have put together just a 22-23 record. Granted, they have lost stars like starters McAllister and Jason Stephens to Tampa.

The big name on the RiverDogs is of course Jesus Montero. The 6'4" catcher fought off a bad May and came back strong, hitting .293 in June and .341 in July. He's topped that with a .387 average in 8 games in August. Montero has hit 13 home runs, 30 doubles, and driven in 69 runs in 430 at-bats. He's also done a good job of making contact, having struck out 69 times. He's also hit an impressive .350 with runners in scoring position and has an .844 OPS.

Montero is not alone, though. 3rd baseman Brad Suttle (.280-10-33, .828 OPS in 72 games), fellow catcher Austin Romine (.283-7-34 in 82 games), Justin Snyder (.290, 52 RBI), and Brandon Laird (17 HRs, 60 RBI) have all put together solid seasons.

Jon Ortiz has been a stud at closer, recording 28 saves, while striking out 73 batters in 52.2 innings. Starter Wil De la Rosa, a converted position player, has compiled a 7-3, 2.29 mark with 110 strikeouts in 90.1 innings. Dellin Betances and Lance Pendleton have each had solid seasons, with 7 wins apiece.

Tomorrow - the Staten Island and GCL Yankees

Down on the Farm - 8/8

Before we get into how the Tampa Yankees are doing, kudos to them for holding Breast Cancer Awareness Night at GMS III Field on August 15. The players will be wearing blue jerseys with pink lettering, like that Joba guy once did, that will be auctioned off with partial proceeds going to the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute.

On a lighter note, the team is also holding a Jimmy Buffett tribute night on the 16th.

It's been an up and down season for the Florida St. Leaguers, who have had a number of winning and losing streaks. Their current two game slide has left them 58-57, 21-24 in the second half. They obviously miss the pitching of Eric Hacker (Trenton) and Al Aceves (Scranton), who were a combined 6-3, 1.98 before being promoted. Zach McAllister's 6-6 record doesn't reflect just how well he's pitched. The right-hander has compiled a 2.17 ERA in his 12 starts. Overall, between Charleston and Tampa, McAllister is 12-9, 2.30 in 22 starts. Jon Hovis has excelled in the closer's role, recording 10 saves, and has an 8:1 strikeout to walk ratio.

Offensively, 1st baseman Kevin Smith leads the team with 50 RBI while posting a .283 average. DH Andres Perez has added 8 home runs and 41 RBI to a team that misses Edwar Gonzalez, who was promoted to Trenton after 27 games. Mitch Hilligoss, who hit in 38 straight games en route to a .310 season, has been a disappointment. The third baseman is batting just .241.

The Charleston RiverDogs battled a number of injuries to put together a fantastic 45-25 first half in the South Atlantic League. Things haven't gone so smoothly since, as the Dogs have put together just a 22-23 record. Granted, they have lost stars like starters McAllister and Jason Stephens to Tampa.

The big name on the RiverDogs is of course Jesus Montero. The 6'4" catcher fought off a bad May and came back strong, hitting .293 in June and .341 in July. He's topped that with a .387 average in 8 games in August. Montero has hit 13 home runs, 30 doubles, and driven in 69 runs in 430 at-bats. He's also done a good job of making contact, having struck out 69 times. He's also hit an impressive .350 with runners in scoring position and has an .844 OPS.

Montero is not alone, though. 3rd baseman Brad Suttle (.280-10-33, .828 OPS in 72 games), fellow catcher Austin Romine (.283-7-34 in 82 games), Justin Snyder (.290, 52 RBI), and Brandon Laird (17 HRs, 60 RBI) have all put together solid seasons.

Jon Ortiz has been a stud at closer, recording 28 saves, while striking out 73 batters in 52.2 innings. Starter Wil De la Rosa, a converted position player, has compiled a 7-3, 2.29 mark with 110 strikeouts in 90.1 innings. Dellin Betances and Lance Pendleton have each had solid seasons, with 7 wins apiece.

Tomorrow - the Staten Island and GCL Yankees

Minor League Weekend Recap - 7/21

We start off at the Double-A level where red hot prospect Austin Jackson helped lead the Trenton Thunder to a 3-game sweep of the Portland SeaDogs. The series was supposed to go 4 games, but a rainout on Sunday shortened things up.

Jackson, the 21-yr old that could man centerfield in the new Yankee Stadium for many years to come, is hitting .556 (20-36) over his last 10 games, with a home run, 3 doubles, 5 RBI, 5 walks, and 8 runs scored. He went 4-4 in the series opening 8-1 win last Thursday, and went 4-6 in a doubleheader sweep on Saturday (5-4, 3-0). Phil Coke impressed in the nightcap, tossing 2-hit ball over 6 innings, with 10 strikeouts.

The Thunder's current 5-game winning streak put them 25 games over .500 (62-37) and puts them 8.5 games ahead of Portland in the Eastern League's Northern division.

Scranton put together an impressive series, winning 4 of 5 from the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The only loss was the first game, a completion of July 3rd's suspended game. But since that counts in the schedule on July 3, the Yankees actually have an 8-game winning streak.

They may have lost the completion of the first game, but Al Aceves stood out. He allowed just 2 hits and struck out 5 over 4 innings.

Juan Miranda continues to impress those in the organization, particularly when he faces right-handed pitching. He's hit .400 over his last 10 games and homered in Thursday's 6-5 nightcap win, and again in Saturday's 6-4 victory. Miranda is now hitting .346 with a .977 OPS against right-handers.

Ian Kennedy and Jeff Karstens are both trying to give Joe Girardi something to think about after their performances against Lehigh Valley. IPK threw 3-hit ball over 7 innings to earn the 2-1 win on Saturday and Karstens finished off the series by allowing 2 runs in 7 innings for a 7-2 win.

Scranton's hot streak has moved them to within 2.5 games of 1st place Pawtucket in the International League's North division.


It's been a tough road for the Tampa Yankees. They recently endured an 11-game losing streak before sweeping 4 straight from the Vero Beach Rays. They split the next 4 with the Jupiter Hammerheads, rebounding after losing the first two games. On Sunday they started a new series with the Brevard County Manatees, dropping a 5-3 decision.

Zach McAllister took the loss on Sunday, allowing 4 runs in 6 innings, with just one of the runs being earned. The 20-yr old from Chillicothe, IL has an impressive season at Charleston and Tampa. He was 6-3, 2.45 in 10 starts for the RiverDogs, with 53 strikeouts and just 8 walks in 62.1 innings pitched. Thus far for Tampa, McAllister is 4-5 despite a 2.50 ERA. Overall, he's posted a 10-8, 2.48 mark in 120 innings with 90 strikeouts and just 14 walks.

McAllister's teammate Ryan Pope picked up a 7-inning, complete game win on Saturday, 3-2. He's now 6-4, 2.35 in 13 starts.

The Yankees are 11-16 thus far in the 2nd half and sit 9.5 games back of Dunedin the Florida State League's Western division.


The Charleston RiverDogs had their 7-game winning streak snapped on Sunday, losing a tough 8-7 game to the Greensboro Bats. Prior to the loss, the RiverDogs had just finished a 4-game sweep of the Kannapolis Intimidators. Big right-hander Dellin Bettances was impressive on Saturday with 6 innings of 2-hit ball. He also struck out 5 and walked a pair.

18-yr old Jairo Heredia also continued to impress with his own 6 innings of 2-hit ball in a 2-0 Dogs win. Heredia has struck out 65 batters in 71 IP.

All-Star Jesus Montero has been the most consistent hitter in the Dogs lineup and he's been heating up again, hitting .385 over the last 10 games, with 2 home runs and 7 RBI.

After a 45-25 first half, the RiverDogs are just 14-14 out of the gate in the 2nd half.


The Staten Island Yankees have won back to back series and will look to make it three straight tonight when they face the Brooklyn Cyclones in the rubber game of the series.

3rd baseman Mike Lyon has been a model of consistency all season. He's among the league leaders with a .318 average and a .902 OPS. Teammate Ray Kruml is right behind him with a .313 average and is 4th in the league with 10 stolen bases. Dan Brewer has also put together a solid campaign with a .297 average and 17 RBI.

Casey Erickson has been the Baby Bombers top starter, putting together a 2-0, 3.31 mark in 7 starts. He has struck out 23 opponents in 32.2 innings pitched. And of course Pat Venditte has been a big story because of his ability to throw with both arms, but he's put numbers up that are equally impressive. Venditte is second in the NY-Penn League with 8 saves and has posted a 0.71 ERA in 12.2 IP.

At 20-12, Staten Island has the second best record in the NY-Penn League.


The GCL Yankees have been heating it up like the Florida sun of late. They've won 6 of their past 7 games and 3 straight. Four pitchers combined on a 6-hit, 13-strikeout performance in Friday's 3-0 win over the Phillies.

Humberto Sanchez threw a 1 inning rehab assignment on Sunday and has now made 8 appearances for the GCL squad. In 7.2 innings pitched, he's allowed 4 hits, 1 run, 4 walks, and has struck out 11. The Yankees beat the Phils again 9-8 as shortstop Jimmy Paredes went 5-5.

The Yankees, 15-12, now trail the 1st place Phillies by just 1.5 games in the GCL North.

Minor League Weekend Recap - 7/21

We start off at the Double-A level where red hot prospect Austin Jackson helped lead the Trenton Thunder to a 3-game sweep of the Portland SeaDogs. The series was supposed to go 4 games, but a rainout on Sunday shortened things up.

Jackson, the 21-yr old that could man centerfield in the new Yankee Stadium for many years to come, is hitting .556 (20-36) over his last 10 games, with a home run, 3 doubles, 5 RBI, 5 walks, and 8 runs scored. He went 4-4 in the series opening 8-1 win last Thursday, and went 4-6 in a doubleheader sweep on Saturday (5-4, 3-0). Phil Coke impressed in the nightcap, tossing 2-hit ball over 6 innings, with 10 strikeouts.

The Thunder's current 5-game winning streak put them 25 games over .500 (62-37) and puts them 8.5 games ahead of Portland in the Eastern League's Northern division.

Scranton put together an impressive series, winning 4 of 5 from the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The only loss was the first game, a completion of July 3rd's suspended game. But since that counts in the schedule on July 3, the Yankees actually have an 8-game winning streak.

They may have lost the completion of the first game, but Al Aceves stood out. He allowed just 2 hits and struck out 5 over 4 innings.

Juan Miranda continues to impress those in the organization, particularly when he faces right-handed pitching. He's hit .400 over his last 10 games and homered in Thursday's 6-5 nightcap win, and again in Saturday's 6-4 victory. Miranda is now hitting .346 with a .977 OPS against right-handers.

Ian Kennedy and Jeff Karstens are both trying to give Joe Girardi something to think about after their performances against Lehigh Valley. IPK threw 3-hit ball over 7 innings to earn the 2-1 win on Saturday and Karstens finished off the series by allowing 2 runs in 7 innings for a 7-2 win.

Scranton's hot streak has moved them to within 2.5 games of 1st place Pawtucket in the International League's North division.


It's been a tough road for the Tampa Yankees. They recently endured an 11-game losing streak before sweeping 4 straight from the Vero Beach Rays. They split the next 4 with the Jupiter Hammerheads, rebounding after losing the first two games. On Sunday they started a new series with the Brevard County Manatees, dropping a 5-3 decision.

Zach McAllister took the loss on Sunday, allowing 4 runs in 6 innings, with just one of the runs being earned. The 20-yr old from Chillicothe, IL has an impressive season at Charleston and Tampa. He was 6-3, 2.45 in 10 starts for the RiverDogs, with 53 strikeouts and just 8 walks in 62.1 innings pitched. Thus far for Tampa, McAllister is 4-5 despite a 2.50 ERA. Overall, he's posted a 10-8, 2.48 mark in 120 innings with 90 strikeouts and just 14 walks.

McAllister's teammate Ryan Pope picked up a 7-inning, complete game win on Saturday, 3-2. He's now 6-4, 2.35 in 13 starts.

The Yankees are 11-16 thus far in the 2nd half and sit 9.5 games back of Dunedin the Florida State League's Western division.


The Charleston RiverDogs had their 7-game winning streak snapped on Sunday, losing a tough 8-7 game to the Greensboro Bats. Prior to the loss, the RiverDogs had just finished a 4-game sweep of the Kannapolis Intimidators. Big right-hander Dellin Bettances was impressive on Saturday with 6 innings of 2-hit ball. He also struck out 5 and walked a pair.

18-yr old Jairo Heredia also continued to impress with his own 6 innings of 2-hit ball in a 2-0 Dogs win. Heredia has struck out 65 batters in 71 IP.

All-Star Jesus Montero has been the most consistent hitter in the Dogs lineup and he's been heating up again, hitting .385 over the last 10 games, with 2 home runs and 7 RBI.

After a 45-25 first half, the RiverDogs are just 14-14 out of the gate in the 2nd half.


The Staten Island Yankees have won back to back series and will look to make it three straight tonight when they face the Brooklyn Cyclones in the rubber game of the series.

3rd baseman Mike Lyon has been a model of consistency all season. He's among the league leaders with a .318 average and a .902 OPS. Teammate Ray Kruml is right behind him with a .313 average and is 4th in the league with 10 stolen bases. Dan Brewer has also put together a solid campaign with a .297 average and 17 RBI.

Casey Erickson has been the Baby Bombers top starter, putting together a 2-0, 3.31 mark in 7 starts. He has struck out 23 opponents in 32.2 innings pitched. And of course Pat Venditte has been a big story because of his ability to throw with both arms, but he's put numbers up that are equally impressive. Venditte is second in the NY-Penn League with 8 saves and has posted a 0.71 ERA in 12.2 IP.

At 20-12, Staten Island has the second best record in the NY-Penn League.


The GCL Yankees have been heating it up like the Florida sun of late. They've won 6 of their past 7 games and 3 straight. Four pitchers combined on a 6-hit, 13-strikeout performance in Friday's 3-0 win over the Phillies.

Humberto Sanchez threw a 1 inning rehab assignment on Sunday and has now made 8 appearances for the GCL squad. In 7.2 innings pitched, he's allowed 4 hits, 1 run, 4 walks, and has struck out 11. The Yankees beat the Phils again 9-8 as shortstop Jimmy Paredes went 5-5.

The Yankees, 15-12, now trail the 1st place Phillies by just 1.5 games in the GCL North.

Minor League Recap - 6/24

Ian Kennedy made his first rehab start yesterday as part of a doubleheader between the Gulf Cost League Yankees and Tigers. IPK came out of the pen to toss 3 innings, allowing 1 run and striking out 7. The competition consisted of inferior hitting, but it's the right step forward. Kennedy actually picked up the victory in the Yankees 3-2 win. Chase Wright, also making his way back from the minor league DL, threw 3 scoreless innings, striking out 5, for the save.

The Tigers gained a split, scoring the winning run off of Ryan Flannery in the bottom of the 9t for a 2-1 final.

	June 21, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E GCL Tigers 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 6 1 GCL Yankees 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 X 3 3 1 Recap | Box W: I. Kennedy (1-0, 3.00); L: R. Zumaya (0-1, 1.29); SV: C. Wright (1) HR: None.

	June 23, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E GCL Yankees 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 GCL Tigers 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 8 1 Recap | Box W: N. Cassavechia (1-0, 0.00); L: R. Flannery (0-1, 2.70) HR: None.

Kei Igawa went 6.2 innings in Scranton's 6-0 shut out of the Columbus Catfish. Dave Robertson continued to make a case for a promotion to the big league pen with 1.1 scoreless innings. New re-signed Chris Basak drove in 2 runs and J.D. Closser was 3-3.

	June 23, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Columbus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 Scranton/WB 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 2 X 6 10 0 Recap | Box | W: K. Igawa (7-4, 3.47); L: M. Estrada (1-1, 5.25) HR: None.

Reegie Corona homered and drove in 2 runs to lead the Trenton Thunder over the Erie SeaWolves, 4-3. Kevin Whelan picked up the win after a solid start from Jason Jones (5 IP 1 ER), and Mark Melancon tossed 3 scoreless frames for the save.

	June 23, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Erie 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 10 2 Trenton 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 X 4 8 1 Recap | Box | W: K. Whelan (1-0, 4.50); L: J. Rainwater (5-3, 4.64); SV: M. Melancon (1) HR: TRE: R. Corona (1).

Zach McAllister was a tough luck loser when the Tampa Yankees dropped a 2-0 decision to the Daytona Cubs. McAllister surrendered a solo home run, but it was the only hit he allowed over 6 innings.

	June 23, 2008 Game 2
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Daytona 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 Tampa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 Recap | Box | W: J. Ruhlman (4-5, 3.89); L: Z. McAllister (2-3, 2.79); SV: M. Avery (1) HR: DAY: B. Lalli (6).

The Charleston RiverDogs continue to fight the weather more than any other opponent. Last night's game was called after 2 innings with the RiverDogs leading 2-0 on a Brandon Laird home run. It was the fourth straight day that weather effected play.

The Staten Island Yankees dropped a 4-1 contest to the Aberdeen IronBirds. The Yankees struck first on Brian Baisley's 1st inning RBI single, but the IronBirds scored 3 runs in the 7th inning off of Andy Shive to win it. Luke Greinke, young brother of the Royals' Zach Grienke, made his professional debut for the Baby Bombers, allowing 1 unearned run in 2 innings. Brad Rulon turned in a steller performance as the first Yankee out of the pen, tossing 3 scoreless innings and striking out 5.

	June 23, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Staten Island 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 1 Aberdeen 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 X 4 6 1 Recap | Box W: R. Zagone (1-0, 0.00); L: A. Shive (0-2, 5.14); SV: F. Deza (2) HR: None.