GM Brian Cashman is adamant that his team can survive the season-ending knee injury to closer RHP Mariano Rivera. And the Yankees are unflinching in their prediction that he will return, possibly as early as later this season (though those expectations probably aren't realistic). Rivera announced on Friday that he will attempt to comeback and is not considering retirement at this time.
Rivera will undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL (he also tore the meniscus in the same knee) sometime next week, an operation which typically requires six months of rehabilitation to return, so it will be - and this is a huge understatement Yankees fans - a long shot for him to return this season. He has remained with the team in Kansas City. Rivera will be examined by team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad tomorrow and will then pick a surgeon to perform the procedure.
Rivera's injury has created a domino effect in the Yankee bullpen. RHP David Robertson will start closing games and RHP Rafael Soriano will remain in a setup role (though with more important innings to handle) and LHP Boone Logan and RHP Cory Wade should see more time in the middle innings. Robertson struck out the side last night against Kansas City in a non-save situation. Cashman was eating with his children in a restaurant when he got the news that Rivera was injured.
Showing posts with label yankees bullpen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yankees bullpen. Show all posts
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Garcia Removed from Rotation
The Yankees have moved RHP Freddy Garcia to the bullpen. The announcement was made yesterday, one day after he gave up six runs in 1.2 innings pitched against Detroit and saw his ERA climb to 12.51. Garcia went 12-8 with a 3.62 ERA last season for New York and he was re-signed in the off-season to a one-year, $4 million contract, although he's been the worst pitcher in a bad rotation so far this season.
In addition, RHP Michael Pineda is gone for the season and RHP Phil Hughes is pitching true to form (in other words, badly). The obvious choice to replace Garcia in the rotation is rookie RHP David Phelps, a top prospect who made the team out of Spring Training as a long reliever. Garcia's turn in the rotation won't come around until Thursday, so an announcement is not imminent and if the team is forced to use Phelps out of the bullpen between now and then he likely won't be able to make a start, and with plenty of off days in their schedule the Yankees could presumably skip the fifth starter's spot the next time it comes around and call up LHP Andy Pettitte when Garcia's spot comes up a second time. Pettitte pitched for Tampa today and could need one or two more starts before he is ready to return to the Majors.
In addition, RHP Michael Pineda is gone for the season and RHP Phil Hughes is pitching true to form (in other words, badly). The obvious choice to replace Garcia in the rotation is rookie RHP David Phelps, a top prospect who made the team out of Spring Training as a long reliever. Garcia's turn in the rotation won't come around until Thursday, so an announcement is not imminent and if the team is forced to use Phelps out of the bullpen between now and then he likely won't be able to make a start, and with plenty of off days in their schedule the Yankees could presumably skip the fifth starter's spot the next time it comes around and call up LHP Andy Pettitte when Garcia's spot comes up a second time. Pettitte pitched for Tampa today and could need one or two more starts before he is ready to return to the Majors.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Pineda gone for Season
RHP Michael Pineda has been diagnosed a torn right anterior labrum (shoulder) and will undergo arthroscopic surgery next Tuesday. He is expected to miss the remainder of the season. GM Brian Cashman said that he was "devastated" over the news.
Cashman also went onto say that he doesn't believe that Pineda - acquired for four players including former top prospect C/DH Jesus Montero - was damaged goods when he was acquired. Pineda is not expected to return to a mound until May 2013. On the bright side, the loss of Pineda reduces the complications for the return of LHP Andy Pettitte in his comeback bid.
Pettitte gave up three earned runs in five-plus innings yesterday against AA batters in his third Minor League start this season. Pettitte is now 39 and is attempting a comeback after retiring following the 2010 season, and he allowed one walk and had three strikeouts before being pulled after allowing a lead-off single in the sixth. But don't get overanxious, Pettitte isn't coming out of the Minors anytime soon despite the injury to Pineda, the struggles of RHP Freddy Garcia, and the continued decline of RHP Phil Hughes.
Cashman also went onto say that he doesn't believe that Pineda - acquired for four players including former top prospect C/DH Jesus Montero - was damaged goods when he was acquired. Pineda is not expected to return to a mound until May 2013. On the bright side, the loss of Pineda reduces the complications for the return of LHP Andy Pettitte in his comeback bid.
Pettitte gave up three earned runs in five-plus innings yesterday against AA batters in his third Minor League start this season. Pettitte is now 39 and is attempting a comeback after retiring following the 2010 season, and he allowed one walk and had three strikeouts before being pulled after allowing a lead-off single in the sixth. But don't get overanxious, Pettitte isn't coming out of the Minors anytime soon despite the injury to Pineda, the struggles of RHP Freddy Garcia, and the continued decline of RHP Phil Hughes.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Jeter tops in Jersey Sales
SS Derek Jeter, the newest member of the 3,000-hit-club, led all Major League players in jersey sales last year. Amongst the top-20 players in jersey sales last year, 12 were All-Stars, 14 played on a postseason team, and players from 11 different teams were represented, though the Yankees and Phillies had four players each on the list (including Jeter at number one).
The list:
1. Jeter
2. LHP Cliff Lee, Philadelphia
3. 1B Albert Pujols, St. Louis/Angels (signed in 2011 calendar year)
4. LF Josh Hamilton, Texas
5. RHP Roy Halladay, Philadelphia
6. RHP Tim Lincecum, San Francisco
7. 2B Dustin Pedroia, Boston
8. LF Ryan Braun, Milwaukee
9. RF Hunter Pence, Philadelphia
10. C Buster Posey, San Francisco
11. 2B Chase Utley, Philadelphia
12. C Joe Mauer, Minnesota
13. RHP Justin Verlander, Detroit
14. 1B Adrian Gonzalez, Boston
15. 3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
16. 2B Ian Kinsler, Texas
17. 2B Robinson Cano, Yankees
18. RHP Mariano Rivera, Yankees
19. LF Carl Crawford, Boston
20. 3B David Freese, St. Louis
The list:
1. Jeter
2. LHP Cliff Lee, Philadelphia
3. 1B Albert Pujols, St. Louis/Angels (signed in 2011 calendar year)
4. LF Josh Hamilton, Texas
5. RHP Roy Halladay, Philadelphia
6. RHP Tim Lincecum, San Francisco
7. 2B Dustin Pedroia, Boston
8. LF Ryan Braun, Milwaukee
9. RF Hunter Pence, Philadelphia
10. C Buster Posey, San Francisco
11. 2B Chase Utley, Philadelphia
12. C Joe Mauer, Minnesota
13. RHP Justin Verlander, Detroit
14. 1B Adrian Gonzalez, Boston
15. 3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
16. 2B Ian Kinsler, Texas
17. 2B Robinson Cano, Yankees
18. RHP Mariano Rivera, Yankees
19. LF Carl Crawford, Boston
20. 3B David Freese, St. Louis
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Chamberlain Expects to Pitch this Season
RHP Joba Chamberlain feels as if he let the Yankees down when he dislocated his ankle on a trampoline playing with his son and nearly died to to blood loss, but refused to apologize to the team following the incident. He was already sidelined following Tommy John surgery and - realistically - probably wouldn't have pitched at all this season. However, Chamberlain still expects to pitch this season.
Chamberlain said that he and his son were jumping from trampoline-to-trampoline at a Tampa trampoline facility when he landed awkwardly. GM Brian Cashman has revealed that the injury has been categorized as an open dislocation subtalar joint. Chamberlain is expected to remain in a cast for a minimum of six weeks and then move to a walking boot.
Chamberlain said that he and his son were jumping from trampoline-to-trampoline at a Tampa trampoline facility when he landed awkwardly. GM Brian Cashman has revealed that the injury has been categorized as an open dislocation subtalar joint. Chamberlain is expected to remain in a cast for a minimum of six weeks and then move to a walking boot.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Joba Injured Playing with son on Trampoline
RHP Joba Chamberlain has dislocated his right ankle and undergone surgery after rolling it while playing with his son on a trampoline. GM Brian Cashman said that bone came through the skin when the ankle dislocated and that Chamberlain is expected to be hospitalized for a few days. The Yankees say that the injury occurred when Chamberlain was playing with his five-year-old son at a Tampa-area hot-spot that has trampoline equipment (the Yankees train in Tampa during Spring Training).
Chamberlain was attempting to return from Tommy John Surgery this season and now he has the ankle deal with, with an MRI and CAT scan set for today.
Chamberlain was attempting to return from Tommy John Surgery this season and now he has the ankle deal with, with an MRI and CAT scan set for today.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Spring Training Cuts
The New York Yankees have made another wave of Spring Training cuts in an effort to trim their active roster down to 25 by Opening Day in early April.
Late Tuesday, the Yankees optioned RHP George Kontos, RHP D. J. Mitchell, RHP David Phelps, and 3B Brandon Laird to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Late Tuesday, the Yankees optioned RHP George Kontos, RHP D. J. Mitchell, RHP David Phelps, and 3B Brandon Laird to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Pettitte ends Retirement, at Least for a Couple of Weeks
It probably started when former LHP Andy Pettitte approached current Yankees LHP C. C. Sabathia earlier this Spring and told him he was thinking about trying to play again. Sabathia told him to tryout. After all, he was only six pounds over his normal playing weight and he looked like he could still play when he was working as a special Spring Training coach with the team.
When C Russell Martin heard about the possibility of Pettitte pitching again he described the scenario as "awesome." It certainly wouldn't have been unprecedented. Mike Donlin is believed to be the first baseball player to come out of retirement, and he first retired in 1908. He came out of retirement in 1911 after spending a couple of years as a vaudeville star in Hollywood and a marriage to a starlet.
Pettitte's retirement from baseball was far less dramatic than Donlin's. For that matter, his retirement has been far-less dramatic than Ryne Sandberg's, who retired in 1994 after being named to ten All-Star teams. And his return has been far-less dramatic then other sports figures like NBA player Michael Jordan, who retired from basketball three times, and came back twice (once after pursuing a professional baseball career and once with the Wizards after he bought the team).
Instead, Pettitte's retirement and return is more similar to that of Dave Stieb, a star pitcher in the 1980s who was released in 1992 by Toronto and retired after making four starts with the White Sox in 1993. But he returned to the Blue Jays in 1998 and pitched in 16 games out of the bullpen and made three starts. Pettitte's return in no way mirrors the dramatic return of Johnny King, who walked away from the game after winning the World Series with the Cubs in 1908 and became a professional pool player (winning the World's Pool Championship in 1909), but returned to the Cubs in 1910.
Oh by the way, King's billiard tables are now amongst the most valuable in the world. And of course, Pettitte's retirement is far-less dramatic than the multiple retirements of former teammate Roger Clemens. The best part about that is that, of course, it was Pettitte who convinced Clemens to come out of retirement after he gloriously walked away following a World Series start in 2003.
And Pettitte's return is being treated seriously, unlike the gimmicky returns of Minnie Minoso, who was signed out of the Mexican League at the age of 50 by the White Sox in September 1976 and came out of retirement in September 1980 at the age of 54 again with the White Sox. Minoso had appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot in 1969 before his return from Mexico in '76, and he was the only player to return after appearing on a Hall of Fame ballot before Jose Rijo retired in 1995 after blowing out his elbow, appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2000, and returned to pitch with Cincinnati in 2001. And Pettitte's retirement is nothing like that of Hideo Nomo, who announced his retirement from Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan so that he could avoid the posting system and sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
His comeback attempt will not be viewed with as much scrutiny as that of Manny Ramirez, who will begin his return to the game by serving a 50-game suspension if his comeback attempt is successful. And don't forget about people like Yogi Berra, who retired to become a manager for the Yankees in 1962, was fired after losing the World Series in 1964, and returned to play with the Mets in 1965. Berra again became a coach and eventually a manager with the Mets, winning a World Series ring as a coach in 1969 under manager Gil Hodges and winning another pennant with Mets as a manager in 1973.
Pettitte has been spending his time away from the game by spending time with his family, coaching youth baseball, and taking part in his church activities. But he was never able to grasp the fact that he was no longer a baseball player. Although he was able to go out on his own terms, he still felt an emptiness for the game.
Despite his need to be closer to his family, he was still addicted to the game. Only last summer, Pettitte was adamant that he was loving retirement. But it wasn't long before former teammate Lance Berkman began lobbying for Pettitte to return and pitch for St. Louis.
But Pettitte wouldn't return for any team other than the Yankees. But when the off-season came and went with no solid offers from the Bronx, Pettitte began to believe that perhaps his retirement was permanent. But last Friday the story broke that Pettitte had decided to return after all.
With only a few weeks left in the exhibition season, it will be interesting to see how quickly - or if at all - Pettitte can be ready to pitch in a Spring game, and even then if he can beat out RHP Phil Hughes or RHP Freddy Garcia for a spot in the rotation as a fifth starter or in the bullpen as a long reliever. One of the three has to be cut - and Pettitte is probably that candidate right now in the eyes of manager Joe Girardi (who doesn't get along with Pettitte either) - but the Steinbrenner family may give Pettittearen't hollow in any way.
He definitely was the epitome of a big-game pitcher. Pettitte's return would essentially mean that the Yankees would be willing to trade talent for guts in 2012. Pettitte was probably the least accomplished of the Big Four (also including current Yankees SS Derek Jeter and RHP Mariano Rivera and former C/DH Jorge Posada), but that doesn't mean that he didn't accomplish a lot.
Most of his teammates over the years envied Pettitte's success as much as they did that of the other three. But that only happens when Pettitte plays, not when he's out of the game, and his life after baseball probably won't include a trip to Cooperstown, especially after being linked to the PED scandal and admitting to using HGH. Certainly a lot more people are happier to see him playing then they are to see him retired.
Pettitte was always lauded as a great player even when his numbers didn't match his reputation. He was never the best pitcher on any team that he played on. Two years ago Pettite went 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 21 starts, but he hasn't pitched since then and he's now 39.
Pettitte doesn't need the money and he loves spending time with his family, but he loves baseball more than both of those things. Pettitte had both family and baseball during his time with Houston, but he always felt more at home playing thousands of miles away from his family in the Bronx. Pettitte realizes that playing for the Yankees will mark the best time of his life, not spending time with his family.
And now he'll have a couple of more weeks (at least) to relive those times again. There's no doubt that Pettitte's heart beats fastest when he's on the mound, not when he's intimate with his wife. And you can bet that his heart was beating fast when he secretly threw in front of Yankees personnel a couple of days ago.
After the tryout the Yankees signed Pettitte to a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training, guaranteeing him $2.5 million if he makes the team. Pettitte tried out in front of GM Brian Cashman, Girardi, pitching coach Larry Rothschild, and assistant GM Gene Michael after being brought into camp as a special spring training coach, and although they were conspicuously absent, you know that Hank and Hal were well aware of everything that happened on that mound. Only a day before Pettitte's number 46 jersey hung from a locker in the coach's room instead of the clubhouse with the rest of the players.
And even the day before the tryout Pettitte was adamant that he was happy in retirement. It turns out that Pettitte had been secretly talking to the Yankees since December. Cashman admitted that he'd offered Pettitte a contract around $11 million to come back and pitch before the acquisitions of RHP Michael Pineda and RHP Hiroki Kuroda.
Pettitte worked out for most of the off-season, and kept his arm in shape by throwing batting practice to his sons. There was another opportunity for a contract on March 10 when both the Yankees and Pettitte were in Lake Buena Vista (the Yankees for a Spring Training game and Pettitte with his church), and an agreement was made on Friday. A potential payroll increase was approved by Hal and suddenly Pettitte has become a favorite to make the team in the eyes of the Yankee fan-base.
But let's not start sucking each other's dicks just yet. Cashman has said that Pettitte will probably need seven weeks to be ready; he has three at most. Pettitte retired on February 4, 2011, and he hasn't thrown a pitch since October 2010. No one really knows how this move will affect the futures of Hughes and Garcia.
Pettitte said that one of the first people he heard from when the story of the signing broke was Posada. Pettite has spent 13 seasons with the Yankees and three seasons with Houston, and now he'll be going for season number 14 out of 17 with New York. He is third all-time in wins in Yankee history and second in strikeouts.
He'll try to move up the ranks now. Jeter has said in the past that nothing surprises him anymore. So he was not shocked when heard the news of Pettitte's comeback attempt.
3B Alex Rodriguez has said that Pettitte will be hailed as a hero every time he enters the Yankees clubhouse as an active player - no matter how long that lasts. RF Nick Swisher said that he was able to connect the dots when he golfed with Pettitte earlier in the exhibition season and noticed that the former pitcher had obviously been working out. RHP Ivan Nova used to view video of Pettitte pitching in the postseason to see how it was supposed to look, and now he may have a chance to view it in person this October.
Jeter told reporters last weekend that a year away from the game may have changed Pettitte's desire to spend time with his wife, Laura. And as happy as as many people are to have Pettitte pitching again, many others are unhappy to see it happening again. Pettitte may certainly be worth a look, but his signing may also spell doom for either Hughes or Garcia.
Hughes has been mostly noncommittal and politically correct since the signing, increased competition, and discussions about the logjam, while Garcia has been more business-like and cut and dry since the signing. Suffering from a swollen hand after being hit by a come backer, Garcia is expected to miss one Spring start while he recovers. Garcia signed a $4 million guaranteed contract with the Yankees last November following a strong 2011 season, but since then the team has acquired Pineda, Kuroda, and now Pettitte, and suddenly Garcia finds himself looking hard at being released.
When C Russell Martin heard about the possibility of Pettitte pitching again he described the scenario as "awesome." It certainly wouldn't have been unprecedented. Mike Donlin is believed to be the first baseball player to come out of retirement, and he first retired in 1908. He came out of retirement in 1911 after spending a couple of years as a vaudeville star in Hollywood and a marriage to a starlet.
Pettitte's retirement from baseball was far less dramatic than Donlin's. For that matter, his retirement has been far-less dramatic than Ryne Sandberg's, who retired in 1994 after being named to ten All-Star teams. And his return has been far-less dramatic then other sports figures like NBA player Michael Jordan, who retired from basketball three times, and came back twice (once after pursuing a professional baseball career and once with the Wizards after he bought the team).
Instead, Pettitte's retirement and return is more similar to that of Dave Stieb, a star pitcher in the 1980s who was released in 1992 by Toronto and retired after making four starts with the White Sox in 1993. But he returned to the Blue Jays in 1998 and pitched in 16 games out of the bullpen and made three starts. Pettitte's return in no way mirrors the dramatic return of Johnny King, who walked away from the game after winning the World Series with the Cubs in 1908 and became a professional pool player (winning the World's Pool Championship in 1909), but returned to the Cubs in 1910.
Oh by the way, King's billiard tables are now amongst the most valuable in the world. And of course, Pettitte's retirement is far-less dramatic than the multiple retirements of former teammate Roger Clemens. The best part about that is that, of course, it was Pettitte who convinced Clemens to come out of retirement after he gloriously walked away following a World Series start in 2003.
And Pettitte's return is being treated seriously, unlike the gimmicky returns of Minnie Minoso, who was signed out of the Mexican League at the age of 50 by the White Sox in September 1976 and came out of retirement in September 1980 at the age of 54 again with the White Sox. Minoso had appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot in 1969 before his return from Mexico in '76, and he was the only player to return after appearing on a Hall of Fame ballot before Jose Rijo retired in 1995 after blowing out his elbow, appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2000, and returned to pitch with Cincinnati in 2001. And Pettitte's retirement is nothing like that of Hideo Nomo, who announced his retirement from Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan so that he could avoid the posting system and sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
His comeback attempt will not be viewed with as much scrutiny as that of Manny Ramirez, who will begin his return to the game by serving a 50-game suspension if his comeback attempt is successful. And don't forget about people like Yogi Berra, who retired to become a manager for the Yankees in 1962, was fired after losing the World Series in 1964, and returned to play with the Mets in 1965. Berra again became a coach and eventually a manager with the Mets, winning a World Series ring as a coach in 1969 under manager Gil Hodges and winning another pennant with Mets as a manager in 1973.
Pettitte has been spending his time away from the game by spending time with his family, coaching youth baseball, and taking part in his church activities. But he was never able to grasp the fact that he was no longer a baseball player. Although he was able to go out on his own terms, he still felt an emptiness for the game.
Despite his need to be closer to his family, he was still addicted to the game. Only last summer, Pettitte was adamant that he was loving retirement. But it wasn't long before former teammate Lance Berkman began lobbying for Pettitte to return and pitch for St. Louis.
But Pettitte wouldn't return for any team other than the Yankees. But when the off-season came and went with no solid offers from the Bronx, Pettitte began to believe that perhaps his retirement was permanent. But last Friday the story broke that Pettitte had decided to return after all.
With only a few weeks left in the exhibition season, it will be interesting to see how quickly - or if at all - Pettitte can be ready to pitch in a Spring game, and even then if he can beat out RHP Phil Hughes or RHP Freddy Garcia for a spot in the rotation as a fifth starter or in the bullpen as a long reliever. One of the three has to be cut - and Pettitte is probably that candidate right now in the eyes of manager Joe Girardi (who doesn't get along with Pettitte either) - but the Steinbrenner family may give Pettittearen't hollow in any way.
He definitely was the epitome of a big-game pitcher. Pettitte's return would essentially mean that the Yankees would be willing to trade talent for guts in 2012. Pettitte was probably the least accomplished of the Big Four (also including current Yankees SS Derek Jeter and RHP Mariano Rivera and former C/DH Jorge Posada), but that doesn't mean that he didn't accomplish a lot.
Most of his teammates over the years envied Pettitte's success as much as they did that of the other three. But that only happens when Pettitte plays, not when he's out of the game, and his life after baseball probably won't include a trip to Cooperstown, especially after being linked to the PED scandal and admitting to using HGH. Certainly a lot more people are happier to see him playing then they are to see him retired.
Pettitte was always lauded as a great player even when his numbers didn't match his reputation. He was never the best pitcher on any team that he played on. Two years ago Pettite went 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 21 starts, but he hasn't pitched since then and he's now 39.
Pettitte doesn't need the money and he loves spending time with his family, but he loves baseball more than both of those things. Pettitte had both family and baseball during his time with Houston, but he always felt more at home playing thousands of miles away from his family in the Bronx. Pettitte realizes that playing for the Yankees will mark the best time of his life, not spending time with his family.
And now he'll have a couple of more weeks (at least) to relive those times again. There's no doubt that Pettitte's heart beats fastest when he's on the mound, not when he's intimate with his wife. And you can bet that his heart was beating fast when he secretly threw in front of Yankees personnel a couple of days ago.
After the tryout the Yankees signed Pettitte to a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training, guaranteeing him $2.5 million if he makes the team. Pettitte tried out in front of GM Brian Cashman, Girardi, pitching coach Larry Rothschild, and assistant GM Gene Michael after being brought into camp as a special spring training coach, and although they were conspicuously absent, you know that Hank and Hal were well aware of everything that happened on that mound. Only a day before Pettitte's number 46 jersey hung from a locker in the coach's room instead of the clubhouse with the rest of the players.
And even the day before the tryout Pettitte was adamant that he was happy in retirement. It turns out that Pettitte had been secretly talking to the Yankees since December. Cashman admitted that he'd offered Pettitte a contract around $11 million to come back and pitch before the acquisitions of RHP Michael Pineda and RHP Hiroki Kuroda.
Pettitte worked out for most of the off-season, and kept his arm in shape by throwing batting practice to his sons. There was another opportunity for a contract on March 10 when both the Yankees and Pettitte were in Lake Buena Vista (the Yankees for a Spring Training game and Pettitte with his church), and an agreement was made on Friday. A potential payroll increase was approved by Hal and suddenly Pettitte has become a favorite to make the team in the eyes of the Yankee fan-base.
But let's not start sucking each other's dicks just yet. Cashman has said that Pettitte will probably need seven weeks to be ready; he has three at most. Pettitte retired on February 4, 2011, and he hasn't thrown a pitch since October 2010. No one really knows how this move will affect the futures of Hughes and Garcia.
Pettitte said that one of the first people he heard from when the story of the signing broke was Posada. Pettite has spent 13 seasons with the Yankees and three seasons with Houston, and now he'll be going for season number 14 out of 17 with New York. He is third all-time in wins in Yankee history and second in strikeouts.
He'll try to move up the ranks now. Jeter has said in the past that nothing surprises him anymore. So he was not shocked when heard the news of Pettitte's comeback attempt.
3B Alex Rodriguez has said that Pettitte will be hailed as a hero every time he enters the Yankees clubhouse as an active player - no matter how long that lasts. RF Nick Swisher said that he was able to connect the dots when he golfed with Pettitte earlier in the exhibition season and noticed that the former pitcher had obviously been working out. RHP Ivan Nova used to view video of Pettitte pitching in the postseason to see how it was supposed to look, and now he may have a chance to view it in person this October.
Jeter told reporters last weekend that a year away from the game may have changed Pettitte's desire to spend time with his wife, Laura. And as happy as as many people are to have Pettitte pitching again, many others are unhappy to see it happening again. Pettitte may certainly be worth a look, but his signing may also spell doom for either Hughes or Garcia.
Hughes has been mostly noncommittal and politically correct since the signing, increased competition, and discussions about the logjam, while Garcia has been more business-like and cut and dry since the signing. Suffering from a swollen hand after being hit by a come backer, Garcia is expected to miss one Spring start while he recovers. Garcia signed a $4 million guaranteed contract with the Yankees last November following a strong 2011 season, but since then the team has acquired Pineda, Kuroda, and now Pettitte, and suddenly Garcia finds himself looking hard at being released.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Yankees Invite 27 to Spring Training
The Yankees agreed to terms with 13 players on Minor League contracts with invitations to Spring Training yesterday. The signings of 1B Russell Branyan, 2B Bill Hall, and RHP Manny Delcarmen were made official. In addition, the signing of LHP Hidkei Okajima was confirmed. Also, OF DeWayne Wise was signed, probably headlining the nine other players who were signed. The Yankees also invited 14 prospects to Spring Training.
Branyan and Hall were both signed in the 48 hours prior to the official announcement while Delcarmen was signed quite some time ago. Delcarmen and Okajima will compete for bullpen spots while Wise will battle for a role as a fourth outfielder. Other players the Yankees have invited to Spring Training include LHP Manny Banuelos, LHP Juan Cedeno, LHP Mike O'Connor, RHP Daniel Burawa, RHP Matt Daley, RHP Adam Miller, RHP Ryan Pope, RHP Graham Stoneburner, RHP Adam Warner, RHP Kevin Whelan, RHP Chase Whitley, C Jose Gil, C Kyle Higashioka, C Gustavo Molina, C J. R. Murphy, C Gary Sanchez, SS Doug Bernier, 3B Jayson Nix, 1B Jorge Vazquez, RF Colin Curtis, LF Cole Garner, and RHP Brett Marshall.
Branyan and Hall were both signed in the 48 hours prior to the official announcement while Delcarmen was signed quite some time ago. Delcarmen and Okajima will compete for bullpen spots while Wise will battle for a role as a fourth outfielder. Other players the Yankees have invited to Spring Training include LHP Manny Banuelos, LHP Juan Cedeno, LHP Mike O'Connor, RHP Daniel Burawa, RHP Matt Daley, RHP Adam Miller, RHP Ryan Pope, RHP Graham Stoneburner, RHP Adam Warner, RHP Kevin Whelan, RHP Chase Whitley, C Jose Gil, C Kyle Higashioka, C Gustavo Molina, C J. R. Murphy, C Gary Sanchez, SS Doug Bernier, 3B Jayson Nix, 1B Jorge Vazquez, RF Colin Curtis, LF Cole Garner, and RHP Brett Marshall.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Whelan Outrighted to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
The Yankees have optioned RHP Kevin Whelan to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Whelan had been designated for assignment to clear room for free agent signee RHP Hiroki Kuroda and he wasn't traded and cleared waivers and the Yankees opted to retain him in the organization. The 28-year-old Whelan posted a 5.40 ERA in 1.2 innings pitched last season for the Yankees and went 2-3 with a 2.75 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 45 games and 52.1 innings pitched for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season.
Whelan was drafted by Detroit in the fourth round in 2005 and was acquired by the Yankees in the RF Gary Sheffield trade.
Whelan was drafted by Detroit in the fourth round in 2005 and was acquired by the Yankees in the RF Gary Sheffield trade.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Yankees sign Delcarmen
The Yankees have agreed to terms with RHP Manny Delcarmen on a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training. The New York Post first reported the signing. Delcarmen went 3-2 with a 5.59 ERA in 26 games at AAA last season.
In his career, Delcarmen is 11-8 with a 3.97 ERA and 249 strikeouts in 298 games and 292.2 innings pitched. Delcarmen joins former Red Sox pitchers LHP Cesar Cabral (Rule V Draft pick) and LHP Hideki Okajima (minor league free agent) in Spring Training with the Yankees this season.
In his career, Delcarmen is 11-8 with a 3.97 ERA and 249 strikeouts in 298 games and 292.2 innings pitched. Delcarmen joins former Red Sox pitchers LHP Cesar Cabral (Rule V Draft pick) and LHP Hideki Okajima (minor league free agent) in Spring Training with the Yankees this season.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Yankees Bullpen
The Yankees are attempting to repeat as AL East champions in 2012. It shouldn't be an easy task, with Tampa Bay (the reigning wild card winners) still strong and Boston finishing a game behind them in third place, and even Toronto shapes up to be a decent team on paper. One key to success for the Yankees is undoubtedly their bullpen, which has always been shaky in the past but has a strong anchor in the closer's role.
1. RHP Mariano Rivera: The ageless Rivera had another strong season in 2011, posting a 1.91 ERA in 61.1 innings pitched to go along with 44 saves. Rumors about Rivera's impending retirement have been swirling for years, and they continue to swirl almost daily. Even former Yankees C/DH Jorge Posada hinted that he will retire after the end of the 2012 season when he made his own retirement announcement. But until he walks away Rivera should be a beast out of the bullpen.
2. RHP Rafael Soriano: Soriano was signed to a massive contract for a setup man, totaling three years, after a strong season as a closer in Tampa Bay in 2010. Most people thought that Soriano was signed to replace Rivera after he retired, but at this rate the Yanks will only get one year out of him in that role. And that's still a maybe. And even if he never closes in the Bronx he could still prove to be a disappointment as a setup man in New York. He had problems with injuries and effectiveness last season, posting a 4.12 ERA in only 39.1 innings pitched. The Yankees hope he can stay healthy and pitch better in 2012.
3. RHP David Robertson: Robertson may be the true answer as the heir apparent for Rivera in the Bronx. The still young right-hander (he'll turn 27 in April) should be poised for a breakout in 2012. But until then he'll work as a setup man. And he was lights out in that role last season, posting a 1.08 ERA in 66.2 innings pitched. That's a hard season to follow up, especially for a young pitcher, but the Yankees should expect another strong season from Robertson in 2012.
4. LHP Boone Logan: Logan should be poised for a breakout in 2012, and the Yankees hope he can build upon his success from last season. Logan has had a rocky career in the Majors thus far, but he had a decent season in 2011, posting a 3.46 ERA in 41.2 innings pitched. The Yankees are looking for him to improve upon his success in 2012. He should pitch in middle relief, probably as a lefty specialist, though he might get some crossover work as well.
5. RHP Cory Wade: The veteran Wade has always been a good pitcher throughout his career, and he had another good season last year, albeit in limited work. He posted a 2.08 ERA in 39.2 innings pitched last season. The Yankees are expecting another similar season from him in 2012. He should pitch in middle relief, probably as a righty specialist.
6. RHP Dellin Betances: Betances was recalled last September and made one start and pitched one game out of the bullpen. Neither outing went particularly well, with Betances posting a 6.75 ERA in 2.2 innings pitched. But the Yankees want the young Betances (he'll turn 24 in March) to crack the Major League roster this season. A starter at present, Betances probably fits in perfectly as a long man, but the Yankees are prompting him for middle relief. He could presumably work as a crossover specialist.
7. RHP Joba Chamberlain: Chamberlain is attempting to rebound from a season lost to injury in 2011. He posted a 2.83 ERA in only 28.2 innings pitched last season. Chamberlain is still young (27 in September) and there's still reason to believe in his potential. He's been shuttled between the bullpen and the rotation throughout his career, but he's always been a decent pitcher in both roles. The Yankees are touting him as next year's long man, and maybe that's the best place for him as it sits between relieving and starting. But his place on the team is pretty optimistic. LeRoy would be surprised if he's healthy at the start of the season, or anytime before 2013.
8. RHP George Kontos: Kontos, who will turn 27 in June, is a young pitcher that the Yankees are taking a look at for a possible spot in this year's rotation. If Chamberlain isn't ready to pitch at the beginning of this season then Kontos might have the inside track on a job in the Yankees bullpen. He was recalled last September and looked decent in an abbreviated tryout in the Bronx, posting a 3.00 ERA in six innings pitched.
9. RHP Kevin Whelan: The veteran Whelan is a career Minor Leaguer who has seemingly found a home in the Yankees organization. He was recalled last season and was rattled pretty badly in his brief time on the mound, posting a 5.40 ERA in 1.2 innings pitched. Whelan probably isn't going to make the team, but he should be the first fright-hander recalled if a need arises in the Yankees bullpen.
10. LHP Cesar Cabral: Cabral was taken by the Yankees from the Red SoxPawtucket to start 2012. But expect to see him in Boston soon. He posted a 3.52 ERA in 38.1 innings pitched at Pawtucket last season.
11. LHP Pedro Feliciano: Feliciano injured his left anterior capsule last Spring and he probably won't be ready for next season. The fastest that anyone has ever recovered from such an injury is two years, which leaves Feliciano one year shy from recovery in a realistic world. In addition, former Cubs RHP Mark Prior has never recovered from such an injury, meaning that Feliciano's career may have ended. But some may think that modern medicine is becoming accustomed to the injury, with optimistic reports saying that Mets LHP Johan Santana could return by Opening Day this season, so perhaps Feliciano's outlook is not as bleak as it could be. It is important to note that Feliciano opted for a rest and recovery routine as opposed to surgery for the injury. Feliciano did make one start in the Gulf Coast League last season during a rehab assignment, which went well. But he probably doesn't have a place in the Yankees bullpen this season, even if he is healthy.
12. LHP Hideki Okajima: Okajima was signed to a Minor League contract by the Yankees and invited to Spring Training. He didn't pitch well last season in Boston, posting a 4.32 ERA in 8.1 innings pitched. He's probably only here for depth, though he should stick with the organization following Spring Training and could get a recall in September.
The Yankees bullpen looks decent. They have one big hole with Soriano setting up and they have some other holes down lower. Betances might not be ready for the Majors in middle relief and a healthy Chamberlain in the long role is probably a pipe dream. But everyone else looks solid.
1. RHP Mariano Rivera: The ageless Rivera had another strong season in 2011, posting a 1.91 ERA in 61.1 innings pitched to go along with 44 saves. Rumors about Rivera's impending retirement have been swirling for years, and they continue to swirl almost daily. Even former Yankees C/DH Jorge Posada hinted that he will retire after the end of the 2012 season when he made his own retirement announcement. But until he walks away Rivera should be a beast out of the bullpen.
2. RHP Rafael Soriano: Soriano was signed to a massive contract for a setup man, totaling three years, after a strong season as a closer in Tampa Bay in 2010. Most people thought that Soriano was signed to replace Rivera after he retired, but at this rate the Yanks will only get one year out of him in that role. And that's still a maybe. And even if he never closes in the Bronx he could still prove to be a disappointment as a setup man in New York. He had problems with injuries and effectiveness last season, posting a 4.12 ERA in only 39.1 innings pitched. The Yankees hope he can stay healthy and pitch better in 2012.
3. RHP David Robertson: Robertson may be the true answer as the heir apparent for Rivera in the Bronx. The still young right-hander (he'll turn 27 in April) should be poised for a breakout in 2012. But until then he'll work as a setup man. And he was lights out in that role last season, posting a 1.08 ERA in 66.2 innings pitched. That's a hard season to follow up, especially for a young pitcher, but the Yankees should expect another strong season from Robertson in 2012.
4. LHP Boone Logan: Logan should be poised for a breakout in 2012, and the Yankees hope he can build upon his success from last season. Logan has had a rocky career in the Majors thus far, but he had a decent season in 2011, posting a 3.46 ERA in 41.2 innings pitched. The Yankees are looking for him to improve upon his success in 2012. He should pitch in middle relief, probably as a lefty specialist, though he might get some crossover work as well.
5. RHP Cory Wade: The veteran Wade has always been a good pitcher throughout his career, and he had another good season last year, albeit in limited work. He posted a 2.08 ERA in 39.2 innings pitched last season. The Yankees are expecting another similar season from him in 2012. He should pitch in middle relief, probably as a righty specialist.
6. RHP Dellin Betances: Betances was recalled last September and made one start and pitched one game out of the bullpen. Neither outing went particularly well, with Betances posting a 6.75 ERA in 2.2 innings pitched. But the Yankees want the young Betances (he'll turn 24 in March) to crack the Major League roster this season. A starter at present, Betances probably fits in perfectly as a long man, but the Yankees are prompting him for middle relief. He could presumably work as a crossover specialist.
7. RHP Joba Chamberlain: Chamberlain is attempting to rebound from a season lost to injury in 2011. He posted a 2.83 ERA in only 28.2 innings pitched last season. Chamberlain is still young (27 in September) and there's still reason to believe in his potential. He's been shuttled between the bullpen and the rotation throughout his career, but he's always been a decent pitcher in both roles. The Yankees are touting him as next year's long man, and maybe that's the best place for him as it sits between relieving and starting. But his place on the team is pretty optimistic. LeRoy would be surprised if he's healthy at the start of the season, or anytime before 2013.
8. RHP George Kontos: Kontos, who will turn 27 in June, is a young pitcher that the Yankees are taking a look at for a possible spot in this year's rotation. If Chamberlain isn't ready to pitch at the beginning of this season then Kontos might have the inside track on a job in the Yankees bullpen. He was recalled last September and looked decent in an abbreviated tryout in the Bronx, posting a 3.00 ERA in six innings pitched.
9. RHP Kevin Whelan: The veteran Whelan is a career Minor Leaguer who has seemingly found a home in the Yankees organization. He was recalled last season and was rattled pretty badly in his brief time on the mound, posting a 5.40 ERA in 1.2 innings pitched. Whelan probably isn't going to make the team, but he should be the first fright-hander recalled if a need arises in the Yankees bullpen.
10. LHP Cesar Cabral: Cabral was taken by the Yankees from the Red SoxPawtucket to start 2012. But expect to see him in Boston soon. He posted a 3.52 ERA in 38.1 innings pitched at Pawtucket last season.
11. LHP Pedro Feliciano: Feliciano injured his left anterior capsule last Spring and he probably won't be ready for next season. The fastest that anyone has ever recovered from such an injury is two years, which leaves Feliciano one year shy from recovery in a realistic world. In addition, former Cubs RHP Mark Prior has never recovered from such an injury, meaning that Feliciano's career may have ended. But some may think that modern medicine is becoming accustomed to the injury, with optimistic reports saying that Mets LHP Johan Santana could return by Opening Day this season, so perhaps Feliciano's outlook is not as bleak as it could be. It is important to note that Feliciano opted for a rest and recovery routine as opposed to surgery for the injury. Feliciano did make one start in the Gulf Coast League last season during a rehab assignment, which went well. But he probably doesn't have a place in the Yankees bullpen this season, even if he is healthy.
12. LHP Hideki Okajima: Okajima was signed to a Minor League contract by the Yankees and invited to Spring Training. He didn't pitch well last season in Boston, posting a 4.32 ERA in 8.1 innings pitched. He's probably only here for depth, though he should stick with the organization following Spring Training and could get a recall in September.
The Yankees bullpen looks decent. They have one big hole with Soriano setting up and they have some other holes down lower. Betances might not be ready for the Majors in middle relief and a healthy Chamberlain in the long role is probably a pipe dream. But everyone else looks solid.
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