LILLIBRIDGE OUTRIGHTED

Quick note before I hit the sack.  Brent Lillibridge was outrighted to AAA after he was designated for assignment on Monday.  That information comes from Dan Barbarisi who tweeted exactly what I just wrote... we're in concert:

Brett Lillibridge, roster casualty of the ARod return, clears waivers and outrighted to AAA Scranton.
— Daniel Barbarisi (@DanBarbarisi) August 8, 2013

That's really it.  I mean, Lillibridge was a good soldier for us.  He filled in where needed and I like the kid, but now he's down at AAA again.

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YANKEES INTEREST IN ALBERTO CALLASPO IS GROWING

Alberto Callaspo is a third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, and according to CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler (HERE), the Yankees like him:

"The Yankees have been in touch with the Angels about third baseman Alberto Callaspo...Other teams have also asked the Angels about Callaspo, whose .671 OPS is more than 100 points higher than what Yankee third basemen have done so far. The Yankees are 30th among the 30 big-league teams in almost every offensive category at third base, where they've already used seven different players (most recently Brent Lillibridge)."

We'll keep you posted on this one.  It's a smart move if you look at that OPS and who the Yanks currently have at 3rd.  We shall see.

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MICHAEL YOUNG IS AVAILABLE. WILL THE YANKEES BITE?

Believe me. With all this talk about the suspension for Alex Rodriguez coming down at "any moment", read HERE, and him being suspended for the rest of 2013 and 2014, 3rd base is available.  Lord knows we like Brent Lillibridge, but we don't love him.

Michael Young would be a smart move for the Yankees, and according to Buster Olney, the Phillies have made the dude available.

PHI has reached out to other teams to let other teams know that players are available, including Michael Young. Cliff Lee not on the list.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 28, 2013

Will the Yankees go for it? I mean, the Cubs are picking up a ton of Alfonso Soriano's salary on that deal, so there is a few bucks available, plus, there is definitely personnel we can unload.  Hopefully the Yanks are looking at Young and make the deal before the Red Sox swoop in and grab him.  We could definitely use Young's help, don't you think?

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LONEY TUNES

See what I did there? Loney Tunes? James Loney has been having himself a breakout season this year, and he rolled right along at the Stadium. To the tune of two hits, a homer, and four RBIs. Loney Tunes go “Smack, smack smack!"

Jeremy Hellickson took his sweet time twirling from the Tampa mound. At one time he lolly gagged around between pitches for nearly a full minute. Apropos, as he lives and dies by the off speed stuff, and he kept the Yankees swinging far too early as he dawdled his way through innings.

CC had a terrible second inning. The Rays jumped all over him for six runs. Sabathia looked uncomfortable, and had trouble finding the zone. Lotsa balls, couple wild pitches, and the game was pretty much sealed.

As it turns out, CC hasn’t won against the Rays the last five times he has faced them. His ERA against Tampa Bay has bloated to an incredible 7.71. If the Yankees are going anywhere in the second half, Sabathia will need to get that monkey in a Rays jersey off his back.

Yankee bats? When Austin Romine is your best hitter and meets the Mendoza line on the same night? That’s bad. The Bombers stirred in the 8th and 9th, and the movers and shakers were David Adams, Romine, Melky Mesa, Chris Stewart, and Brent Lillibridge.

Oh yeah, Alfonso Soriano. While it did make me happy to see him back, Fonzie blew two glorious chances to return to to New York in style. Twice he came up to bat with the bases loaded. He flied out the first time and singled on the second. While he did score a run as well, and will contribute on offense, his return came off a tad anti-climatic.

The bright side is that the bottom of the order seems to be heating up. It is also worth noting that the Yankees did not give up when they were down by nine runs. Instead they clawed back from a 10-1 deficit and died trying to tie it up.

Unfortunately, it was too little too late. Here’s a picture of my kid to make you feel better.

Your final: Rays - 10 -  Yankees - 6

 
Chad R. MacDonald
BYB Writer
Facebook: New York Yankees the Home of Champions
My Blog: ChadRants

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A WIN IS A WIN & THE YANKEES WON

So... it wasn't a gigantic offensive display, but it was still important.  The New York Yankees needed this win today against the Rangers, and they got it.  And thank goodness. 

2 players stand out today... Hiroki Kuroda pitched a gem and Austin Romine actually didn't suck.  I say that with love because we love the guy here at Bleeding Yankee Blue, we just want him to start hitting regularly.  Today, he did and let's hope it's the start of something good.

Kuroda pitched 7 strong giving up 6 hits and 0 runs.  David Robertson came in and made it look simple and then Mariano Rivera came in and put the Rangers to sleep.  Save number 33.  I'll take it.

The hitting went like this; In the 6th inning, Brent Lillibridge doubled scoring Austin Romine.  In the 8th, Eduardo Nunez grounded into a force out but Robinson Cano scored in the process. 

Austin Romine was 3-4 today with a double and a run scored today.  Very nice showing. I'm happy for the dude... and I'm thrilled the Yankees won.

Final Score: Yankees 2 - Ranger 0

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WHAT HAPPENED TO PRONK?

That is the million dollar question. Early in the season it was all about Pronk! He has hit some very memorable home runs for us this season and given us a lot to smile about and write about here....but not lately. I keep trying to convince myself that it is just a slump and not to read too into it. But is it?

I have always liked Travis Hafner. Back when he was with the Cleveland Indians he was a staple for the team. In 2006 he had a career year. Look at his achievements on baseball reference and it jumps out at you on the computer. He was a beast and the Indians were lucky to have him. Years ago I was wishing that we could snag him. Just like many other players, we do eventually end up getting them....but it's usually past their prime. Similarly here, I think we got Hafner a few years and a few injuries too late.

I am very thankful for what Hafner helped us do during the first half of the season. Without some of his timely hits we would not have won some of those games and we might be more than 7 games out of first place. But it is the second half now...and I don't know if it is just me but Hafner doesn't look like the same player to me. We need his bat now more than ever.

Maybe I am a little too paranoid here, but I am worried that something is wrong with Hafner. He looks different at the plate and even when he isn't hitting. The intensity isn't there. He is swinging at pitches that he wasn't even flinching at in the first half and he just doesn't look "locked in" to me at all. Maybe I am over analyzing it. I don't know....but it certainly wouldn't be the first time.

I think the Yankees have far too many needs right now to keep him. If he were hitting, I wouldn't be writing this right now, but fact is that he isn't. In the past two months he has a .160BA, he isn't getting on base and he is striking out more. I was actually relieved when Joe Girardi kept Brent Lillibridge in the game on Tuesday instead of pinch hitting him for Hafner. I never thought I would say that....but yes, I went there. Who knows, if Hafner would have come into the game Eduardo Nunez may not have crossed home plate that night and we may not have won the game. I hate to think about "what ifs" and go back in time because usually it does you no good but in this case I think you have to mention it.

The Yankees have a revolving door in the infield right now. We all know it. On Tuesday night My 9 asked viewers to vote on which area the Yankees needed the most improvement on and 51% of the fans voted on the infield. What does that mean? It means right now the Yankees should at least consider the fact that keeping someone who can ONLY be a designated hitter (and is not hitting lately) not a strategic move. Hafner hasn't been a position player since 2007 when he used to play first base and the Yankee bench is depleted.

If I were Brian Cashman I would start considering the idea of pairing Hafner with Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain and see what I can get back. I would ask check in on Carlos Pena. The Houston Astros aren't going to be a contender and Pena is pretty cheap and is going to be a free agent at the end of the year so the Yankees have nothing to lose here. He would also give the Yankees a proper backup at first base, which is something the Yankees are lacking. If Lyle Overbay goes down I will probably crawl up into the fetal position and cry hysterically because we would be screwed.

The Yankees need to make some moves. I don't really know where to begin at this point because the checklist is just so long. But the Yankees need to start somewhere. We can easily fill a DH....but if another man goes down and there is no replacement then it is going to be chaos. Now I feel like I need to go throw holy water over my shoulder, knock on wood and get my prayer beads out of my dresser drawer......

What would you do with Hafner? Should he stay or should he go? Tell us.

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

 



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NUNEZ NEEDLES NATHAN & LILLIBRIDGE HELPS WIN IT!

 (In Photo: A smiling Nunez, but more importantly the Captain is smiling)
The Yankees won a game.  Not only that, they scored 5 runs.  Crazy I know, but these are the Yankees we've been waiting for.  Let's start with the pitching and then we'll get to the dramatic part:

Phil Hughes started and went 5.2 innings.  He gave up 4 hits and 3 runs.  He was not outstanding, but you know what? None of our starters have been lately... except for the recent appearance by Ivan Nova and of course... Hiroki Kuroda.  One thing Hughes did do was keep us in the game.  Boone Logan came in and gave up an earned run on a homer.  But that was the end of the run scoring for the Rangers. The Yankees hitting went like this:

In the 3rd inning, Austin Romine doubled in Melky Mesa. Shortly after that, Ichiro Suzuki knocked in Romine. In the 4th, Brent Lillibridge reached on a fielders choice, and with that, Vernon Wells scored.  Then nothing... until the 9th.

In the 9th, Eduardo Nunez tripled and with it knocked in Vernon Wells to tie the game.  Then .... Holy Lillibridge... That's right...

Brent singled in Nunez for the go ahead run off Joe Nathan and Yankeeland rejoices... we won!

Final: Yankees 5 - Rangers 4

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THOMAS NEAL & THE GAME OF MUSICAL CHAIRS

I wanted to tell you about the Yankees shell game that took place today.... follow me:

Melky Mesa and Thomas Neal arrived today to meet our Yankee club in Boston.  Why? Because Zoilo Almonte was put on the disabled list because of that sprained ankle from last night's loss to the Red Sox.

(In Photo: Alberto Gonzalez with Zoilo Almonte)
The team then designated Alberto Gonzalez for assignment and they did that because they already had called up Brent Lillibridge from Scranton.  As Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger HERE wrote: "Gonzalez’s presence here was redundant."

McCullough also writes: "... Girardi intends to use Mesa, a toolsy switch hitter who has struggled to produce in Triple A this season, as a backup outfielder. Neal will be the team’s designated hitter against left-handed pitchers. That role shifts Vernon Wells back into the outfield on those days. Neal is a liability in the field."

So there you have it... musical chairs.

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BAD NEWS FOR JETER

Derek Jeter has been placed on the Disabled List.  According to Hardball Talk (HERE), Aaron Gleeman:

"Jeter used the All-Star break to rest up, hoping to avoid a return to the disabled list, but the Yankees have placed the shortstop back on the shelf...Because the move is retroactive Jeter is eligible to return on July 27, but obviously that’s far from guaranteed."

I know you know this, but this is all because of his quad strain the day he returned from his broken ankle stint.  It was diagnosed as a Grade 1 strain.

 (In Photo: Brent Lillibridge)
The Yankees called Brent Lillibrige up from Triple A and they will use Luis Cruz and Eduardo Nunez at shortstop until Jeter comes back.

There you go... great start to the second half of the season. Why do I feel like a vulture is hanging over my shoulder?

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I SEE ALFONSO SORIANO HAPPENING BEFORE MANNYWOOD

The timing is pretty perfect actually.  With the Yankees offense punch-less as of late, there was wide speculation that the Yankees need to make a trade for hitting.  Of course, the other night, Richard Justice's ESPN piece suggesting Manny Ramirez would be a "possible" fit for the Yankees caught fire, (Read HERE), much like Justice expected. It was provocative, it was a big name that the Yankees could afford. It was also silly in my view. My point simply was why take a chance on another former PEDs user when we already have a few? Why make trouble for yourself if your the Yankees was my argument. I was criticized, but some agreed.  Hey, that's what BYB is all about! Different opinions on different ideas, just keep it clean, this is baseball we're talking about, not curing cancer.

But back to "timing". The Chicago Cubs are ready to sell and it was clear yesterday when the traded Brent Lillibridge to the Yankees for cash considerations, read HERE. The Yankees, even though they don't seem to be making big moves, are definitely working the phones behind the scenes to get whatever stability they need in their lineup. In other words, they need "pop" right now and the need to start hitting consistently. It's my opinion that Alfonso Soriano would most likely be available and to be honest, even though the guy strikes out a lot, he's not a lazy player, he's not a former PEDs user either.

What he is. is a former Yankee with power and alittle athletic ability left for the outfield. In comparison, Manny has pop but not much else.  So, if comparing the 2 on surface, I choose Soriano. Sure, we'd be rolling the dice on that strikeout ratio, but I'd rather roll it on Alfonso, because, the timing is right and the baggage is less. I mean, let's keep it simple here.

You may disagree. You may say that Manny has the pop and hits more and you'll tolerate the baggage to ensure a championship. All I say is, I hear you and I get it, but 2 things... Manny doesn't ensure a championship and with all the talk of PEDs, I'd rather try and extinguish the "chatter" about it as much as we can in the Yankees clubhouse.

We already hear it enough with daily questions about Alex Rodriguez. Let that die and pass on principle. Plus, with Soriano, he finishes his career how he started and who knows, maybe he rejuvenates himself, Like Ichiro, like Vernon Wells (for the month of April.)

So yeah... Soriano or Ramirez... For me... I think I'm going Soriano.

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I LIKE THE LILLIBRIDGE MOVE

Just want to keep you in the loop on this. It's minor, but important.  As you may have heard, or maybe haven't, the Yankees designated Reid Brignac for assignment earlier today, read HERE.   He was about the equivalent of Chris Nelson in my eyes, so I guess it's good that they moved Reid... no offense to Reid, I'm sure he's a nice guy.

To fill the hole, the Yankees acquired utility man Brent Lillibridge from the Cubs. The return will be cash considerations.  Lillibridge is 29 and with the Cubs AAA he was batting .281.

Look, I actually like this kid.  I remember a few years ago he single handily beat the Yankees when they played the White Sox.  Read WHY LILLIBRIDGE BEAT THE YANKEES. I've talked about "moments" at Bleeding Yankee Blue, and sometimes those moments are big.  No doubt Brent Lillibridge will never forget that moment beating the Yankees... and now he is one.  Wacky stuff!

The Cubs are apparently ready to sell and tonight, with the acquisition of Lillibridge, it's clear, but I actually think there is another player the Yankees should try and trade for... stay tuned for that on BYB tomorrow....

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WHY LILLIBRIDGE BEAT THE YANKEES

If you told me the Yankees were going to lose tonight, I'd tell you just wait until the ninth. In the ninth, the table was set and everything looked to be going in the direction of pie... except one White Sock in his first appearance in right field changed all that... 2 times. More on that in a moment.(photo: AP)
The Yankees were ahead at one point and you really need to appreciate what Gavin Floyd did for the White Sox because he pitched well, so the runs were to a mimumum. No doubt the Yanks were trying to score and when we had the lead, I really didn't expect to lose this one. But, one thing's for sure, the Three Headed Monster, if not in sync, really can't get it together lately. Am I concerned? Not yet, but get back to me.

Rafael Soriano is a pitcher with a chip on his shoulder. His body language is unusually annoying to me. I just want him to do his job like he did on the Rays. Do I like him...personally, I'd probably hate him, but he IS a gamer and he threw 2 bad pitches tonight. One hit a batter and 2, he gave up that homer to Konerko to put the Sox ahead. That I don't like.

So, is Soriano adjusting? Is he sensing dislike from the fans? Does he not want to be here? Nothing is clear to me yet, but I do sense that Soriano is either hampered by something or tired or annoyed. That's all I got, I can't figure it out.

I like the Yankee highlights, again, homers galore and while that's ok, I'd like to see Gardner hit and run the bases more rather than solo homering. Odd to see, but I'll take the run. The problem with Gardner lately is he can't get on base. That's a problem.

(photo: AP)
Ivan Nova looked good tonight. There were plenty of jams and he worked through them and I like that he was able to do that. Nova got to the 7th inning and that was great because he was able to get to the bullpen later in the game rather than the normal 6 innings most of the starters are giving us. Resting those bullpen guys helps sometimes.

The ninth inning was definitely pie time, I was convinced. Men on first and second, 1 out and A-Rod was up. Game over right? Ok... who the hell is Brent Lillibridge and why did he make that amazing catch to the wall that would have easily scored 2 runs if it hit the wall instead of Lillibridge's glove. And when Cano came up after that catch and looped into right, I was convinced AGAIN that we'd be having pie tonight. Ok... seriously Lillibridge, beautiful catch to end the game. You really impressed me, but it doesn't mean I'm happy. I'm not, my guys lost.

Final Score tonight, White Sox 3 - Yankees 2.

Blah Blah Blah, I hate when we lose.

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