I'M NOT BUYING IT

An interesting story in the New York Post that basically suggests that the Yankees aren't too jazzed with Aaron Judge since coming up to Scranton, and that's why he wasn't part of the September call ups plan.  I guess that's why Tyler Austin was DFA'd as well. 

The Post writes:

"Absent from this list is top outfield prospect Aaron Judge, whose numbers have lagged since his promotion to Triple-A.

Since being bumped up to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in late June, Judge is hitting .229 with eight home runs in 55 games...

To make room on the 40-man roster for the influx of depth talent, the Yankees... designated two players for assignment: infielder Cole Figueroa and outfielder Tyler Austin... (Austin) has struggled to make a dent at the plate since a breakthrough 2012 minor league campaign, when he posted a .322 average with 17 homers."

But what does it all mean? Well, for 1, it's speculation. Look, Austin's been handed a ton of bad luck along with his struggles, but nothing that he hasn't been able to work through. Sure, maybe it's slowly than normal, but he's doing it.  And sure, you can stare at Austin's .235 average and groan, and same with Judge and his .229 average. But are you really gonna sit here and make that argument when we have a guy named Stephen Drew on our roster batting .201?  Really?

Let's keep it real. Judge should be up with the Yankees this September.  Austin, well, he was a casualty along with Figueroa and probably unfairly too.  But none of these kids are no better than the other at this point.  What's important is they get up to the Bigs and learn alittle something. You know, get some at bats... get some confidence.

Whatever the case, trying to make an argument for low batting average being a defining factor for a September call-up is just ridiculous. Are you listening Mr. Drew?


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NICE YANKEE WIN & GARDY'S AN ALL-STAR

Brett Gardner deserved to be an All-Star in the first place.  The fact that he wasn't an clear cut entry seemed nuts to me.  I'm glad today it was resolved officially. He's in. Read HERE.

Not only was that a win... but the Yankees also won and that was kind of a big deal.  We appear to be coming into our own again... a rhythm if you will. 

Masahiro Tanaka went 7.2 innings, gave up only 2 hits and 2 runs.  He struck out 6.  He looked decent today.  Strangely and lately, you never know what you're gonna get from Tanaka.  But it wasn't only Tanaka that performed well... Gardy did too.

In the first, Gardner hit a solo shot.  He actually had 3 hits today. 

In the 3rd, Mark Teixeira singled knocking in Jacoby Ellsbury.  After that, it was Ellsbury in the 4th knocking in both Stephen Drew and Cole Figueroa. 

In the 8th, Ellsbury up again... this time he reached on a throwing error. Chris Young and Figueroa scored again.  Those are your Yankee 6... and that was the ball game.

Adam Warren came in in a no save situation and ended it for the A's.

And life is good in the Bronx.

Final: Yankees 6 - A's 2


 

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YANKS BEAT NATS & AROD PLAYING 3RD IS NEWS APPARENTLY

Alex Rodriguez started at 3rd base today, and contributed to the Yankees 3-2 win against the Nationals.  That was the big news.  Alex played third... a position he's played for years in New York.  Suddenly... it's ultra important.

Whatever the case, he didn't get much action at all in the field. As the Associated Press reports:

"He made a nice, backhanded grab on Tyler Moore's grounder and threw him out to end the third."

I think that was his only play if memory serves me right. Boom goes the dynamite... ARod's back... or something. At the plate he struck out and hit a double. 

Adam Warren started for the Yanks, followed by scoreless innings from Andew Miller and Dellin Betances. In the end, Yankee pitching held the Nationals and we won 3-2 on infield, RBI singles by Brett Gardner and Jose Pirela and an RBI single from Cole Figueroa.

Another Yankee win... and the score means nothing. The play however... is nice to see.

Final: Yankees 3 - Nationals 2

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BIG NEWS ON TANAKA

The news on Masahiro Tanaka comes from our buddy, Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record who writes on his blog, Pinstripe Posts:

"After tossing 29 pitches in a two-inning simulated game, Masahiro Tanaka is prepared to step into the Grapefruit League season.

 'Absolutely. Whenever, wherever they want me to go,' Tanaka said through his interpreter this morning. 'I think I’m ready to go into a game.'

At empty Steinbrenner Field, Tanaka faced two batters – lefty Cole Figueroa and righty Gary Sanchez – and used all of his pitches to satisfaction."

I love this dude's attitude and I appreciate his heart.  He wants in... so let the man in!

Reports were Tanaka could start on March 12th verses the Braves.  Read  WE KNOW WHEN TANAKA MIGHT MAKE HIS 2015 DEBUT for that.

Good report Pete... and to Tanaka, I'm crossing my finger for success my man!

 

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