BRIAN ROBERTS GONZO

Brian Roberts was designated for assignment just a short time ago.  It happened because Stephen Drew and Martin Prado were added to the roster.

According to LoHud:

"Stephen Drew will be the Yankees regular second baseman, and Martin Prado is going to get the bulk of his time in the outfield, mostly in right field. 'We’re obviously trying to improve our offensive output and give Joe’s a lot of flexible options,' Cashman said."

And remember our minor league infielder Rob Refsnyder? Chad Jennings of LoHud also wrote this:

"Cashman says Rob Refsnyder will focus on second base the rest of the season in Triple-A with an eye toward making him a big league option next year. Still no plans to call him up."

I liked Brian Roberts, but he never seemed to gel with the fans, and never really caught fire.  He's a damn good teammate from what I hear and he had his moments... I wish the guy well.

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I APPLAUD PRADO COMING TO THE BRONX

Ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy with this move.

Yup, right before the deadline end, the Yankees did something that can help.  The Yankees have sent Peter O'Brien to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Martin Prado. That story comes from everywhere, but we'll go with our buddy Jack Curry on this one:

Yankees have acquired Prado from Arizona.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 31, 2014

Prado is a competitor. A second and third baseman and outfielder. He batted .270 with 5 home runs for the DBacks. Defensively, he's sound.

Pete O'Brien was doing well in the minor leagues for the Yanks, but he was no where near ready to come up and so, that's what you do at the trade deadline, you ship off prospects that others can perhaps utilize quicker than us.  It's all business and it's tough, but O'Brien will be a success.

I'm a Prado fan, I approve. Do you?

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STEPHEN DREW FOR KELLY JOHNSON... UM

I don't understand this trade and I'm not sure I ever will.

As my friend Lisa Swan just posted on Facebook:

"I see Brian "Supergenius" Cashman strikes again. Drew's slash line is .176/.255/328. Kelly Johnson's is .219/.304/.373. And Drew is making $10 million this year; Johnson $3M. Oh, and Drew has never played any other position than shortstop in his career. Any time you can get a player having a worse year than your current player, plus he makes $7M more per year, plus the only position he knows how to play is the one currently filled by a retiring HOFer, you gotta make that deal!"

I'm with you Lisa.

 The Red Sox and the Yankees have made a swap. We get Drew and they get Johnson.  I like Drew, but I really like his defense. I don't like his bat.  Oddly, wasn't that what we went into today looking for? Any idea what the frig Brian Cashman is thinking?

But this tops it off for me though.  In my busy day, I casually asked around to a few of my writers to see if they could post the Drew story for all of you.  My funniest response back was from Mike O'Hara who wrote me:

"I am not home. I am at an audition, waiting and hating the news I am getting."

Yup... that's about right.

Wake up Cash... wake up.
 

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YANKEES SNAGGED ESMIL ROGERS

Quick note for Yankee fans.  According to Jack Curry at YES, the Yankees have claimed Esmil Rogers off from the Blue Jays. It's official:

The Yankees have claimed Esmil Rogers off waivers from the Blue Jays.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 31, 2014

OK then. To make room Scott Sizemore was released.  Things happen.

The Yankees just piled more arms.  I'll take that any day of the week.  I feel bad for Sizemore, I was looking forward to seeing him at some point.

You just gotta remember it's business.

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WE NEED TO LAND MATT KEMP NOW!

"I would love to see him land Matt Kemp at no real cost and have Kemp agree to play right field..." 

-Mike O'Hara from DR. CASHMANSTEIN'S MONSTER

If the Yankees are looking for an upgrade from Ichiro, and I would never turn away Ichiro, consider Matt Kemp over someone like Marlon Byrd.  Mike O'Hara mentioned it, and yes, he mentioned trying to get Kemp, if it wasn't going to take alot to get him.  

The point is this; if we're gonna try to get him, no better time than right now.  As Craig Calcaterra of Hardball Talk writes:

"For a guy who, just a few days ago, people were assuming could be dumped to another team, Matt Kemp has been pretty important to the Dodgers of late. On Tuesday night he blasted two homers against the Braves. Last night he hit another homer...Since the All-Star break, Kemp is hitting .436/.522/.744 with three homers, 11 RBI and seven walks."

All I'm saying is, snag him now, give the Dodgers a few pieces, maybe pick up some of that Kemp salary and bring some of that Kemp confidence over to New York... we could use it!  

Now, Ned Colletti said Kemp's "not on the table", but everyone is on the table if the right deal comes about. Cashman's job is to do that... make that deal.

Are you listening, Brian?

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BEANTOWN FIRE SALE: LACKEY GETS DUMPED

The Red Sox are dumping their stars.  First it was Jon Lester for Yoenis Cespedes, now the latest is John Lackey has been traded to the Cardinals. Details are still emerging but Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.com tweeted it just a few minutes ago:

Cards getting lackey
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 31, 2014

Peter Gammons says the Sox got pitcher Joe Kelly and first baseman Allen Craig:

Sox get Kelly, Craig for Lackey
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) July 31, 2014

And what have the Yankees done? Well, to be honest, I don't expect much. Truth be told, we have a solid lineup. They just don't know how to play together. Well, they better figure it out.

So there you have it... the chicken and beer crew is finally broken up.

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LESTER FOR CESPEDES: SOX & A'S FLIP

An amazing trade on the last day of the trade deadline. Lester for Cespedes...

WEEI has it here:

Trying to confirm, but hearing Lester and Gomes might be moving for Cespedes
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) July 31, 2014

Confirmed.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) July 31, 2014

Wow.

So yeah, the Sox get quality in Yoenis Cespedes and give up Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes... no one is missing Gomes I assume.

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports:

Source: Boston also getting a competitive balance draft pick from Oakland. Boston will send cash to the A's.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2014

So, there you have it. Lester is an Oakland A, and we get our first look at Cespedes in a Red Sox uniform tomorrow night when the Sox play the Yankees.

Carry on.

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FANS WANT TO KNOW: WHAT ABOUT EMILIO BONIFACIO?

Good question.  He's an outfielder, 3rd baseman, 2nd baseman and could be pretty valuable to the Yankees down the road.  Plus, you package him with Jake Arrieta and now we have something.   But for everyone that likes Emilio Bonifacio... here's what we know:

According to MLB Daily Dish:

"The Cubs are expected to trade Emilio Bonifacio by the end of the day, according to major league sources with knowledge of the situation. The Giants, Mariners, Reds and Orioles are among the teams with interest in the 29-year old, but it is unclear where he will be traded."

It appears the Yankees were never truly involved in talks with the Cubs about Emilio.  That could change of course. Cashman could offer a package that would "wow" Theo Epstein. I just don't see it though.  Plus, there was chatter that Bonifacio may go to the Royals:

"Bonifacio, 29, appeared headed to the Royals or Giants, according to scouting sources. The Royals are battling for a playoff berth in the American League Central and need a spark in their lineup with a speedster like Bonifacio in the spacious outfield of Kauffman Stadium."

That's from the Chiacgo Tribune.

And the Yankees? They don't appear to be in it. But to all you fans, a really smart choice!

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BRETT GARDNER'S ON FIRE!!!

Oh, yes, I have been waiting for Brett Gardner to put all his critics to shame and my day has come.  To rewrite the words of Alicia Keys, "He's just a 'boy' and he's on Fiii-are."

If you haven't noticed, Gardy has been going Yardy, slamming ten hits, three doubles and four home runs in his last seven games.  Since the All Star Break, the unlikely superstar, is batting well over 300 (raising his average more than 70 points since the break to over 280 for the season) and according to ESPN, he is projected to hit a career high 21 home runs this season.  Gardner's success is no surprise to me, frankly, as I have always felt that he has shown potential and athleticism over his six year career in the majors.  I have picked him as the Yankees best all around athlete.  And Gardner's success is no surprise to Joe Girardi either who stated that Gardy has always had it in him.

"He's playing every day. He physically feels good. He's been able to stay away from some of the things, the nagging stuff that he's had before. Some years, guys just get more pitches to hit out of the ballpark. I've always felt that he could hit double digits," said the Yankee skipper via MLB.com.

"Gardner was the only New York hitter to solve Texas ace Yu Darvish on Monday, as he took him deep for solo home runs in the third and fifth innings, respectively. He finished 3 for 5 with two runs scored and two RBI," according to CBS.sports.  Again, not surprised.  He's worked hard, he hustles, he pushes himself and he offers a lot more than most give him credit.  If you remember, he was once offered as trade bait this off season and he has been ousted from his regular position of center field for guys like Curtis Granderson and now Jacoby Ellsbury.  But, he has hung in there and been patient and he deserves to see the fruits of his labors.

"When the Yankees signed Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran in the offseason, they would have hoped that by late July both would have close to double the amount of home runs they've hit thus far (11 and 12, respectively). But part of their weaker production has been masked and -- for all intents and purposes -- replaced by an unlikely source: Brett Gardner," stated MLB.com.

And despite being labeled as a weaker second half of the season hitter, Gardner is proving that statistic wrong as well.  Much like a good runner, Gardner's splits are better so far in the second half of the season, with a .455 slugging percentage.

Good for you Gardy!  Keep it up!  Maybe we need to move him down in the order, so we can turn his solo homers into two and three run home runs.  I saw him clock a grand slam in April while I was at the Stadium and he hasn't turned back.  Let's keep the momentum going!

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @suzieprof


   
 
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WILLINGHAM'S NOT MOVING RIGHT NOW

There was chatter about Josh Willingham weeks ago starting with Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record who floated the idea.  He's a name with a bat that could help the Yankees, although Yankee fans are not too jazzed about Willingham right now because he's batting .222 for the Twins.

The rumor of Willingham has continued and the Yankee run scoring woes only provide more interest in the bat of Josh.  But now, there is talk that the Twins aren't interested in move Willingham... not right now at least.

According to Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

Person with direct knowledge: Appears Josh Willingham is staying put (for now) with #mntwins. August waiver deal always possible.
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) July 31, 2014

So, with the deadline being today, could the Yankees just try and fill the void with a bat, be it Alex Rios or other, or do they wait for the waiver wire and pick up a big bat like Willingham then?  Maybe even someone else, right? Hey, when it comes to the waiver wire, usually there can be some fascinating names out there.  We'll have to wait and see.

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BENOIT & THE NEW YORK YANKEES

That rumor mill is running, ladies and gentlemen! The deadline is at 4pm, and teams are moving. And our Yankees are throwing their names into the mix. The latest? Joaquin Benoit on the Yankees radar.

According to Jon Heyman (HERE) the Dodgers and the Yankees are both pursuing the reliever. San Diego hasn't said whether or not they actually intend to trade Benoit. Chris Cotillo, of MLB Daily Dish, thinks there is a "good chance" that they will trade him (HERE). The Padres just traded reliever Huston Street to the LA Angels.

I'm not against the idea of Benoit. He's not terrible. My main concern is, what happens to Dellin Betances and David Robertson if we do get Benoit? We don't really need three potential relievers. We just need one that is reliable. I like Robertson. His Houdini acts are the reason I have several mini heart attacks a season, but he gets the job done. I have gone on and on about my love for Betances. He IS the hometown hero. He isn't only homegrown through the farm, but a native New Yorker. If they trade away Betances, I may riot.

I'm sure there will be more to emerge from this story soon. MLB is moving fast, folks! Stay tuned!

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804

 
  

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THE YANKS & THE RUN STRUGGLE

The Yankees just can't score runs.  It's been a problem all year. I mean, we have guys like Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury, Mark Teixeira.  How in the world can't we knock runs in? Last night we didn't have our full A team out there, this is true,  but still, the Yankees are professionals... we need to figure this out, it's the end of July at this point... not May 1st.

In little league, you teach strategy and sacrifice and manufacturing runs. Where does that disappear when you turn pro? Break out the strategy book. It's basis baseball!  Oh, and what the hell does Kevin Long do exactly? I know he can't swing their bats, but there is a way to handle professional hitters that doesn't piss off a guy's routine and actually get them to get that confidence back and hit.  It CAN HAPPEN, but Long needs to make it happen... he's the HITTING coach.  The Yankees had 4 hits off Colby Lewis... not exactly Christy Mathewson. We can do better.

Hiroki Kuroda went 7 innings, gave up 9 hits and 3 runs.  Guess what? He did his job.  He seems to always to his job. The offense couldn't and CAN'T do theirs.

We scored 2 runs. Brett Gardner hit his 14th homer in the 1st inning.  Jacoby Ellsbury hit his 9th in the 3rd.  Do you realize that Brett Gardner is carrying this club?  Do you? Now, where are our power guys?  Can you image what we can do if we had everyone contributing?

I'm angry and annoyed.  This is the only thing that made it all better. This is BYB reader Leecy in Arlington last night, showing off her BYB.  Gotta love it. Thanks!

@BleednYankeeBlu I'm not at my seats at the moment but I found a rangers sign 😁 pic.twitter.com/xL38a1msy7
— Leecyyy (@LeecyGuti) July 30, 2014

Today is the trade deadline.  Cashman better be looking for guy with a high OBP or OPS or anything that can get this team going. We need to start scoring... it's ridiculous already.

Final: Rangers 3 - Yankees 2

Today's a day off.  Clear your head.  The next series is Boston... wake the hell up!

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READY... SET... JAKE ARRIETA!

Hot off the presses....Brian Cashman is talking to the Chicago Cubs again. You get further in life when you have good networking skills, right? Well I certainly hope that Cashman and Theo Epstein come to a match this time....because this one could be a good investment!

So in case you missed it, the Yankees are now attached to Jake Arrieta, read that HERE. He has had some success this year going with a  5-2 record. He also has an impressive 2.18 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 91 innings. The 28-year-old won’t hit free agency until 2018 so he isn't a short term rental. I know the Yankees are more interested in a short term rental but he could give some much needed stability to the team in the future.

The Cubs obviously see something they like in our farm system. What exactly, I don't know since we couldn't swing the deal for Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel but....if Epstein wasn't interested he wouldn't be giving us a second look. He's a smart baseball man, and if there wasn't a mutual interest here in some capacity we wouldn't be hearing about a second connection. Cashman seems to think there is some potential here.

Is this move more likely than others? Probably not but we need the pitching and Cashman can pull off miracles. The Cubs already gave away a lot of their pitching and they are looking for a good package to just give more of it away. We already know we give up the farm a lot. Readers here already know I rant when we give it away too quickly and it turns out to be a waste. If we are going to do it again do it for someone who isn't a short term rental....

Cashman, if you are reading this give us a long term investment rather than a cheap rental at the expensive of the farm. Roll the dice and take a chance....this time I give you my blessing upfront!




 --Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ


 
 
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THAT ALEX RIOS RUMOR KEEPS POPPING UP

The latest out of Texas is that the Rangers would like to trade Alex Rios.  The Yankees have been linked to this guy for a few days now.  I need to tell you though, While Rios and his numbers are good in Texas, I almost feel like it's gonna be Vernon Wells "lite". Then again, we need a bat... and maybe Rios is the guy, especially if we don't give up a lot. 

Now, just to be clear, I liked Wells, I really did. I just don't know why he didn't catch fire in New York last season. Now there is an opportunity to get a bat in Alex Rios. But the question is, do we need this guy?

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.com:

Among teams that have checked in on #Rangers’ Rios, from my sources and @jonmorosi’s: #Mariners, #SFGiants, #Yankees, #Reds.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 27, 2014

Now the bigger question is... what do Yankee fans want?

Can he help us?

What do you think? Comment.

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ORIOLES ARE OUT ON LESTER. COULD THE YANKEES BE NEXT?

HELL NO!  You know that! 

But, with the Red Sox stinking up the joint in the American League East and clearly having a fire sale, stranger things have happened.

This is what we know about Jon Lester and the Sox and talks with the Orioles. It comes from Andy Martino of the New York Daily News:


"Though the teams were "definitely" talking, as one source put it, a deal was never close.  The reason? The Orioles, who just received news that top pitching prospect Hunter Harvey will miss the rest of the year with an elbow injury, did not want to meet Boston's reasonable asking price by giving up additional top prospects for Lester."

So there you have it.

What happens next? Will the Yankees try and get Lester? Will the Sox move him? Will he stay in Boston?

Who knows... but this is fun right?

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