DJ MITCHELL SIGNED WITH THE METS

 This was just Tweeted from ESPN's Adam Rubin (HERE):

That's right.  That DJ Mitchell.  I just wrote about Mitchell a few weeks ago when he was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners. Read MARINERS DESIGNATE DJ MITCHELL FOR ASSIGNMENT. 

So, good for him. He latched on to another New York team since he was first shipped off to Seattle last year for Ichiro Suzuki.  Mitchell's deal is a minor league deal with the Mets and hopefully he'll make it up to the bigs this year.

Carry on.

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MARINERS DESIGNATE DJ MITCHELL FOR ASSIGNMENT

Just a quick note because I always liked DJ Mitchell, but we needed Ichiro Suzuki last year, so we had to give the Mariners someone. It's being reported that the Mariners have designated Mitchell for assignment.

According to First Coast News (HERE), this is how it went down: "The Mariners purchased the contract of veteran outfielder Endy Chavez from Triple-A Tacoma... The 35-year-old signed a minor league contract with Seattle on March 24 after being released by Kansas City, and was hitting .429 with a .462 on-base percentage in six games with the Rainiers.

Chavez will begin his second tour of duty with the Mariners, having been the team's Opening Day left fielder in 2009. He hit .203 with two homers and 12 RBI in 64 appearances with Baltimore last season.

Pitcher DJ Mitchell was designated for assignment to make room for Chavez on the 40-man roster."

Done and done... just wanted to keep you informed.

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THE MARINERS MAKE RAUL IBANEZ OFFICIAL

It's done, read HERE.  I can only assume now that over the next few days, we will hear the "real" story about why Raul Ibanez decided not to stick around, about why the Yankees never made an official offer to Raul and what truly swayed Raul to go back to Seattle.  Any way you slice it, we all kind of understand what happened here. So all it will do will annoy us as Yankee fans to hear the "real" story, but I'd like to hear it from Raul himself any way.  I have tremendous respect for the guy and clearly so does he, which is why he most likely didn't want to stick around and "wait" any longer. He's got pride for himself and didn't want to wait around for nothing.  In the end, he has a job, he's wanted by the Mariners and the Yankees passed once again. 

The Ibanez deal is a 1 year contract worth $2.75 million. There is about $1.25 million in performance bonuses.  This will be Raul's third stint in Seattle.

(In Photo: Then Yankee, DJ Mitchell)
Ironically, to get Ibanez on the 40 man roster, the Mariners had to designate someone for assignment.  That someone was DJ Mitchell, a former Yankee.

Now we move on as Yankee fans... that's all we can do.

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ESPN'S "DEBBIE DOWNER" POST ON ICHIRO

(pictured, Suzuki gets ready for his first at bat as a New York Yankee last night in Seattle)

Leave it to ESPN and Buster Olney to rain on the Yankees parade. Not even 24 hours after they acquired Ichiro Suzuki from the Mariners for D.J. Mitchell, Danny Farquhar and an undisclosed amount of cash, Olney is already on his "What if Ichiro doesn't hit?" rant.

Look, Buster's allowed to write whatever he wants to, Lord knows he does all the time anyway, but my point is, give Ichiro 20 to 30 at bats before writing that crap. We don't even have a big enough batch in pinstripes to dip from to make that leap. Plus, a new team brings new energy and I'm banking on a change in Ichiro in his last 60 plus at bats this year.  Sure, Ichiro could suck, but Ichiro also may not and it's my opinion, on a big trade day like yesterday, you really need to let it settle for 24 hours before jumping down the Yankees throats. It's silly.

This is the best part of Olney's piece. He writes: "Others ahead of him (Ichiro)  in his OPS neighborhood this year are Jeff Francoeur, Rickie Weeks and Drew Stubbs. DeWayne Wise, designated by assignment by the Yankees to make room for Ichiro, had a .778 OPS in 53 plate appearances with New York -- significantly higher than Suzuki's OPS in each of his last three full seasons."

(pictured, "Debbie Downer" character from Saturday Night Live)

Let me say something that makes all that irrelevant... If Ichiro Suzuki falls in your lap, you got for it. The Yankees went for it.  That's the problem with these types of pieces... All the stats in the world don't matter especially if Ichiro delivers. As a Yankee fan, you have to believe. I do. Look, Olney does write that Ichiro could be fine being surrounded by better players in the Bronx, but ends his piece charged, writing that the move:  "also has the chance to become something of an embarrassment."

Let's not write about embarrassments Buster, seriously.

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ICHIRO IS A NEW YORK YANKEE

The Yankees have made a trade. They've acquired Ichiro Suzuki from the Mariners for DJ Mitchell and Danny Farqhuar.  Bleeding Yankee Blue was one of the only blogs that thought perhaps Ichiro to the Yankees would actually make sense, if of course both teams could figure out the pieces and money situation involving Suzuki's 2012 contract.  In fact, BYB may have been the only one.  

Read ICHIRO IN PINSTRIPES? ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE and ICHIRO TO THE YANKS IS MY PIPE DREAM. Boom!

Look, read about the details on the trade HERE, but we'll have more tonight on BYB.

It just goes to show that whenever these baseball guys come back with "sources" that told them one thing or other, it doesn't matter much.  In the end, bloggers are just as relevant, as long as we are true to our craft, as long as we give a crap about the sport like we do, and the team and the content they put out, we can do the job just as well. Bleeding Yankee Blue was right about this one. They can all tell me I'm wrong and I was wrong...but I wasn't. Now let's hope he does well for the Yanks!

More commentary and opinion on this trade over the next few days...look for it.

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HOT & STICKY BUT THE YANKEES SWEEP THE BLUE JAYS

America's corn crop may be wilting under the oppressive heat and drought that is gripping our country this summer, but not the New York Yankees.  In 94 degree heat and skyrocketing humidity, along with field temperatures that reached as high as 122 degrees, the Yankees thrived. Starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda and company were unfazed by the difficult conditions.

Kuroda pitched around an Alex Rodriguez two base error in the first; survived a hit up the middle in the second off the bat of Kelly Johnson, that Robinson Cano knocked down but could not pick up, by striking out the side; and he survived a JP Arencibia line drive that Dewayne Wise misplayed into a double to start the fifth inning. 

The fifth looked like a bonafide Blue Jays threat, but a diving catch in left by Andruw Jones, combined with a nice grab of a foul pop at first base by Mark Teixeira off the bat of Rajai Davis, and a 4-3 ground out by Omar Vizquel to end the inning, resulted in no runs for the Blue Jays.  Kuroda breezed through the sixth, encountered some difficulty in the seventh but stranded two runners without allowing a run.

Then the rain finally arrived at Yankee Stadium.  A 51 minute lightning delay to begin the game resulted in a late start to the day's festivities, then heavy rain hit the Stadium in the bottom of the seventh inning.  The Yankees were leading 6-0 at the time. The offense had started the day quickly thanks to a double by Derek Jeter to open the Yankee half of the first, followed by an RBI single to right by Nick Swisher and a two-run HR off the bat of Mark Teixeira. 

Ten pitches into the game and Jays starter Ricky Romero was in trouble.  The Yankees were able to add another run in that inning with a double off the bat of Cano and an RBI single to right from Andruw Jones.  Cano's hit extended his hit streak to 21 games, the longest of his career.

The Yankees added single runs in the 4th and 6th innings respectively.  Jayson Nix and Dewayne Wise were in the middle of both rallies.  Nix scored on an RBI single by Wise in the fourth inning following his one out double to center field.  In the sixth, Nix singled to left and scored again on yet another RBI single by Wise, this time to center field.  These two runs brought the Yankee lead to 6-0 and then the rain delay took over as fans scurried for cover in the downpour.

After an extended delay, the game was called and the Yankees came away with a 6-0 win and a three game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays!

Game notes: 

• Alex Rodriguez looks like he is experiencing some throwing problems with an errant throw in the first for the E5, another wide throw in the 5th inning off a Brett Lawrie ground ball that was saved by a great catch on Teixeira's end, and a high throw to second that Cano saved.  Alex also bobbled a ground ball off the bat of Yunel Escobar in the sixth.  The Blue Jays suffered their second serious injury in two days when Brett Lawrie dove into the third base camera well trying to make a play on a foul ball off the bat of Teixeira.  He injured his right calf/leg.  
• This year Omar Vizquel became the oldest man in major league baseball history to start a game at shortstop; he is 45 years old.  
• Russell Martin is hitting .182 after 220 at bats.  The worst average in MLB history by a catcher with a minimum of 400 at bats in a season is currently .191 by Billy Sullivan of the Chicago White Sox in 1908.     
• David Phelps was recalled and DJ Mitchell was sent back down for their West Coast Road Trip.

--Frank Gentry, BYB Writer




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CHAD QUALLS IS A NEW YORK YANKEE

Just a quick update. The Yankees have acquired Chad Qualls from the Philadelphia Phillies for either cash considerations of a player to be named later. Read HERE.  There is not much more to this story unless you want to speculate that the acquisition of Qualls could mean a move in the bullpen.  Possibly Cory Wade or perhaps David Phelps or DJ Mitchell gets moved back down to the minor leagues or in a trade.  We'll just have to see.

I'm not overall impressed with Qualls.  With the Phillies this year, he was 1-1 with a 4.60 ERA in 34 games. He had 19 strikeouts.  Look, you never know, when guys come to the Bronx, many up their game.  We'll have to see.

Welcome Chad!

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WHY CERVELLI'S THE ODD MAN OUT

The Yankees completed their roster moves today and Twitter is blowing up. There are a ton of Francisco Cervelli fans, me included and it almost seems like the world is crumbling around US all. Everyone assumed that Cervelli would be on the Yankees Opening day roster, after all, he's contributed and always does...somehow. He's one of the most passionate ballplayers out there. I don't care what people like Mike Lupica say about Cervelli needing to curb his passion and "act like he's been there before" (Read WHY A CERVELLI FIST PUMP MEANS PASSION.) It's clear to me someone like Lupica doesn't understand true competition. Cervelli is a guy who doesn't get many opportunities to play and when he does, he's fired up. You need to respect it, and don't poo poo it.
So who's the Yankees backup catcher? No one you thought it would be. Chris Stewart was acquired from the San Francisco Giants for George Kontos...TODAY...read HERE. I didn't see that one coming. That means that the veteran Stewart will be Russell Martin's backup and Francisco Cervelli will be optioned to AAA. It's the shame for a guy who literally just helped the Yankees win in their last Spring Training game against the Mets today. Cervelli tied it with a homer, Read HERE. Mark Feinsand has this quote from Cervelli, who was pretty much stunned about it:

“What can I say, bro? It's not my decision. That's it... I’m disappointed with this, but that’s never going to change anything. All my life I’ve had to do things and I’ve had to do it double, triple. If they want me to prove that I can catch in the big leagues, I’ll go and prove it, that I have to be here."

But don't worry, I will bet Cervelli will be back. Remember though, this is what the Yankees do, what they have always done. There is always that guy, the backup that's been around the block or has a few years on other catchers and they always say they want that extra catcher "with experience." Chris Widger, Ivan Rodriguez, Sal Fasano, Joe Oliver... hell, Joe Girardi and now, Chris Stewart. I believe in my heart though, Cervelli will be back!
David Phelps and Clay Rapada have also made the big team it was revealed today. Read HERE. DJ Mitchell and Adam Warren will both report to Scranton Wilkes-Barre. It was a tough choice for sure, they and Phelps pitched their hearts out.

So, the tables set, the Yankees are ready... and now we wait until Friday...Opening Day for the Yankees who open in Tampa Bay. CC Sabathia vs. James Shields. 3:10pm. Be there... I will not, I will be at work, but sneak to a television...after all it's Opening day!

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WHY DJ MITCHELL DESERVES TO BE WITH THE BIG BOYS

(In Photo: DJ Mitchell)
With Freddy Garcia sliding into the rotation due to Michael Pineda’s shoulder injury, there’s an extra spot open in the Yankees’ bullpen. Even when Pineda was healthy and the Yanks had six starters for five spots, there was an extra spot in the ‘pen, though that spot was reserved for a second lefty. Now, this spot is open for a long reliever and it happens to be up for grabs between DJ Mitchell, David Phelps, and Adam Warren.

Before I explain why DJ Mitchell should win the completion over the other two, let’s take a quick look at how each of these guys have fared this spring…

DJ Mitchell: 7 games, 17.1 IP, 2.60 ERA, 13/9 K/BB, 1.14 WHIP
David Phelps: 7 games, 1 start, 17.1 IP, 2.08 ERA, 14/4 K/BB, 1.15 WHIP
Adam Warren: 5 games, 2 starts, 15 IP, 4.80 ERA, 8/1 K/BB, 1.27 WHIP
(In Photo: Adam Warren)
As you can tell by the numbers, Adam Warren will unlikely get the final bullpen spot and David Phelps will win the competition. However, it’s not all about the numbers. I’ve watched all three of these guys very closely this spring and I can tell you DJ Mitchell is right for the job.

For starters, DJ Mitchell’s pitching repertoire is pretty impressive. He has a nasty sinker with screwball like movement that Yankees’ catching prospect Austin Romine calls the best in the system. He also has a pretty nice change-up and a solid curveball. Mitchell also has a career 2.12 career GB/FB ratio in the minors, which can be attributed to his nasty sinker. To have a guy come out of the bullpen like Mitchell who can get a groundball and possibly a double play to get out of a jam would be huge.

The other day I asked scout David P. and Executive editor of Baseball America Jim Callis which of these guys are most likely to become relievers and both agreed that Mitchell’s future is in the bullpen. David P. even said Mitchell is the most likely to become a reliever out of the trio. Read their opinions HERE and HERE.

Joe Girardi and Co. will have to decide who will get the final roster spot later today, and it’s a pretty tough decision. But I think with Mitchell’s pitching repertoire and unlikeliness to become a starter in the big leagues, while Phelps and Warren have a better chance at becoming starters in the majors, it gives him the perfect opportunity to get his feet wet in the majors right now.



--Jesse Schindler, BYB Lead Staff Writer
Follow me on Twitter @SchindlerJesse

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WHY THE YANKEES LOST TO METS...WEIRD, RIGHT?

The Yankees played the Mets in Port St. Lucie today and it was a beautiful day...unless you were Ivan Nova who got hit hard. Nova gave up 5 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks in just 2 2/3 innings. That's plain lousy but don't give up on Nova yet. Sometimes pitchers have bad ruts and to be honest, it's nothing to worry about, yet, it's April and it's not even Opening day.

You think Nova feels bad about today? Here's what he told reporters after the game... "This is the worst day of my life... I wasn't pitching right. I felt good today, but I couldn't throw my fastballs for strikes and I couldn't locate my pitches, and I don't feel good about it." That's the guy I want on my team!

So yeah, the Yankees lost 7-6 on a Mets walk-off. It happens and it's allowed to happen now...no one cares, unless your a Met's fan that hangs on any glimmer of hope.
Other highlights have to be Nick Swisher who cranked out a homer off Mike Pelfrey in the 4th inning.

David Phelps and DJ Mitchell relieved Nova and pitched 4 innings of 1 run ball. Mike Montgomery was pitching when Ike Davis cranked one out for the walk off win for the Mets. Game over 7-6. Read HERE. Oh well, but let's not get crazy.

Tomorrow is the last Spring training game before Opening Day. It's been announced that Andy Pettitte will pitch one inning tomorrow. That will be great to see.

It was also announced that Jorge Vazquez was released by the Yankees. We had written the other day in BYB YANKEE NUGGETS FOR SUNDAY that Vazquez either wanted to be called up by the Yankees or play somewhere else. Guess what, he won't be playing for the Yankees. The best of luck to Jorge Vazquez.

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WHY DAVID PHELPS IMPRESSED IN A YANKEES LOSS

It was originally Ivan Nova’s turn to pitch Thursday night against the Baltimore Orioles, but because it was against the Orioles, a team he could possibly face for his first start in 2012, the Yankees held him back. He went 7.1 innings allowing three runs in a minor league game. But he wasn’t the story on Thursday night, David Phelps was.

There have been stories floating around the Inter-webs that one of David Phelps, Adam Warren, or DJ Mitchell could make the team as a reliever out of camp, and while we don’t know if that’s true or not, Phelps certainly made his case. David went 5 innings, allowing three runs (two earned), on seven hits while striking out four and not allowing a walk. But what really impressed me, and I’m sure it impressed Joe Girardi and Larry Rothschild as well, was when after Phelps allowed runners to reach second and third to start the fifth he went on to strike out Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Matt Wieters to get out of the jam. It’s great to see a kid show some poise in a tough spot especially to three pretty good hitters.

Another possible candidate to make the team out of camp, as noted earlier, is DJ Mitchell. Girardi wants to see how he handles a relief role, so in the seventh with two out Mitchell came on and got the final out before pitching the eighth and ninth. Mitchell ended up allowing a run in those 2.1 innings, while striking out three and walking two on two hits. Mitchell is scheduled to make another relief appearance on Saturday. Mariano Rivera and Boone Logan each had scoreless outings as Phelps and Mitchell sandwiched them in this game.The majority of the offense came off Raul Ibanez’s bat, and while I never liked the Ibanez signing, it was nice to see his bat come alive. He absolutely mashed a solo home run in the second inning, and he also drove in a run on an RBI single in the sixth. Good for Raul.

Yankees lose 4-3 to the Orioles. Michael Pineda starts on Friday against the Phillies, so hopefully everyone has their radar guns ready.




--Jesse Schindler, BYB Lead Staff Writer
Follow me on Twitter @SchindlerJesse



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WHY THE YANKEES CUT 4 MORE

(In Photo: David Phelps)
Why? Because the Yankees want them to get more work in, that's why. At the end of the day, there is always a chance players come back to the big team, but ultimately Opening Day is right around the corner and the Yankees and other teams for that matter are getting all their ducks in a row. Today 4 guys were optioned to AAA:

David Phelps
DJ Mitchell
Brandon Laird
George Kontos

If you missed our piece last week on the first group of guys cut, be sure to read WHY THE YANKEE CUTS HAVE BEGUN.

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WHY ALEX RODRIGUEZ SENT A MESSAGE

No, It wasn't October... it was a Spring Training game in March, but for Alex Rodriguez to hit a home run off the first pitch he saw from Roy Halladay...believe me, it was significant. It was a message... "I'm back to lead the New York Yankees." Look, there is no doubt that all of Yankeeland want to see a healthy Alex Rodriguez that will have an MVP season, after all, we've been patient, very patient and it's go time.
The last time we saw Alex Rodriguez, he ended the Yankees playoffs with a strikeout. That sucks. Not only did he just need to hit, a single his first time up would have been fine. To me, this home run, while it counts for nothing, counts for everything if your a Yankee fan. Alex also had an RBI double and a single in yesterday's game. Again, we can sit here and say it's not news because this game means nothing, but tell that to the media, there are dozens of recaps of today's Yankees, Phillies game on the net. It's Spring Training, yet all eyes are on Alex Rodriguez.

The Yankees won yesterday 7-4, read HERE and that's great, just because it's the Yankees getting into a work ethic and routine, but it's important to get into a rhythm early. Other things happened today too... Freddy Garcia, the starting pitcher for New York gave up a home run to Hunter Pence today. He ended up giving up 2 runs on 4 hits in 2 innings. DJ Mitchell worked 2 scoreless innings yesterday. That's interesting and you should start to follow this kid, I like what I see.

Overall, it's the Spring, but get excited about Alex, this game was important for him. When asked about the home run from a reporter, Alex said "It's better than striking out." Clearly he knows he's under the microscope after ending the 2011 playoffs that way. Smile ladies and gentlemen... maybe this will be the Alex we'll see all season... damn I hope so.

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