Tex Goes Off Again

Yanks just smoked the White Sox 13-6 and the only reason the Sox got 6 was that they got a little careless with a big lead.  Tex hit two more bombs, and had a double and a walk before making his first out.  ARod was on base 5 times in a row including 3 walks.  John Ryan Murphy had a single, a double and a walk.   And on and on.  Eovaldi was either getting squeezed or he was just really inefficient.  He worked 5.2 of three run ball for his 11th win.   Warren took one for the team and surendered two runs over 2.1 innings of work.  Goody pitched the 9th and gave up an earned run, though he did also get a K.  I assume he'll go back down tomorrow because he's worked two nights in a row.   We'll see.   Let's hope they bring the bats again tomorrow and help out Mitchell or whomever gets the call.

Cash: Severino's Next Start Will Be for The MLB Yanks

So the youth movement may finally be on track.   Brian Cashman has said RHP Luis Severino will make his next start in the bigs.  That could be as soon as Monday or Tuesday.  If all goes well, and if he does have about 50 innings left, that could turn into 9-10 starts.  Or it could get into one of those, all hands on deck situations, which we've seen at times and he could be up for good. We'll see, and we'll be looking for more call ups.

UPDATE: Cash says Severino has no innings limit.  They've been getting him ready for this.  Perhaps he'll be our ace in the hole.

NEW UPDATE:  Severino Will Start Wednesday.

Yanks Stand Pat

So, my team went to the MLB Trade Deadline, and all they got me was this Stupid Ackley!   Actually, I couldn't be much more relieved both for now and for the future of the team.   I viewed Ackley as an overpay, so I couldn't imagine what a real player would cost, and felt like the Yanks were at a disadvantage this trade season because four or more of their best prospects haven't been able to play this year.   I got chill when Mateo's name came up and did a spit-take when Wilkerman Garcia was mentioned.  Wilkerman is one of the big IFA's we landed last year and he's been performing stateside.   Anyway, the farm will only get more flush as the injured guys get back and the drafted players and new IFA's gain traction in their careers.

Going forward this year, there is still the waiver trade season to get through, but the Yanks do have usable, and indeed talented prospects at AAA.  It's been hard working these kids in under Girardi, but that's just what they'll have to do now.  It's time to DFA Ryan and call up Refsnyder.  Drew can be a defensive caddy and lefty pinch hitter.  As soon as it's possible, they should also recall Slade Heathcott.  And needless to say. Mitchell and Severino must be relied upon until they hit their limits. this has the makings of a really interesting run.

Yanks: Deadline Day

Alright, the Non-Waiver trade deadline is at 4pm EST today.   That's not too far off, but far enough that the Yanks can get as much done as they want to.

Meanwhile, it would probably be easier for the Yanks to have made trades during this period if their entire second tier of starting minor league pitchers wasn't out with TJS or whatever in the case of Ian Clarkin.  And as I've said, I would not trade Sanchez because Torrens is out with a serious injury.   So as much as the other teams want the Yankeee prospects,  a whole tier of them is out injured.

Beyond that, it looks like a third wipeout reliever today, and maybe a bat or a starter.

Giants Sign WR James Jones

The Giants have apparently come to terms with WR James Jones.   Jones, sort of like Ackley was with the Yanks, had been mentioned in connection with the Giants for the past few seasons.   Jones is 31 and will probably compete with Washington and Parker, but may have an advantage since he grw up in a version of McAdoo's offense when he was with the Pack.   We'll see what happens.

Yanks Overpay for Ackley

So, the Yanks' first move of the trade season was to send Ramon Flores and Jose Ramirez to Seattle for Dustin Ackley.   This move is ponderous on a few levels, one of which is that Ackley is not an upgrade over Drew.  What's more, Ramon Flores is better than Ackley.  Flores was never going to be a full time Yankee, most likely, but he should have been saved for a bigger and better trade.  He can play OF and gets on base, and his power has grown each year.   Jose Ramirez should have been the only thing going to Seattle.  Meanwhile, we'll see what else is up, because right now we have three different versions of Drew.

Yanks: Byan Mitchell to Start

Pineda has forearm tightness, so Bryan Mitchell is coming up to take his start tonight.  Mitchell's been having his best year in AAA, and he's one of two guys currently on the Yanks who can hit 100 on the gun.  That's a nice feature for a starter, but the offspeed stuff will be the key to his future success.  If he's good tonight, this could be an interesting twist of fate.  The stuff is that good.

Meanwhile, forearm tightness is generally a bad sign, but given the extreme heat in Texas this week, perhaps it's just dehydration.  Btw, I believe dehydration is a leading cause of injuries in all sports.  Let's hope we get him back.

UPDATE: Somewhat curiously CC Sabathia is taking the start and Mitchell will be long relief.  Why is it impossible for the Yanks to start a minor league starter?  Why do they have to funnel them through bullpen assignments?

Also, Pineda is on the 15 Day DL with a grade one forearm strain - same thing Miller had.

Giants Report for Camp

Here we go.   All the Giants but JPP are checking in this morning, after which they'l take physicals and run a fitness test. As always the major concern as we move forward through camp is player health.  Beyond that it will be great to see players develop, get the starting five of the OL locked in, and hopefully see a few of the young guys pop up.

The drama with JPP, such as it is, really has no end in sight.  He's getting terrible advice from somewhere, and at the same time, I have absolutely no idea what he will ever be able to contribute to the Giants again.  It would bee a great thing if Diggy or one of the other young end really stepped up. We need sacks.

Let's go, Giants!

Yanks Win

This one had all of the making of those games in which Rick Cerrone would end up pitching in the mid-80's.   Capuano started and gave up 5 runs before he could record the third in th first inning.  He was replace by Diego Moreno who'd been called up earlier.  Moreno got the third out, but it looked like it was gonna be a long night -- and it sort of was -- because after that the Yanks did not stop scoring until they hit 21 and that took time, becaus the only homers were a granny from Chris Young and a two shot from Gardy off of  position player in the ninth.  Everything else was hits, walks, some doubles, a triple and two hit batsmen.   Tex might have hurt his foot when he was hit.    DiDi Gregorius had 4 hits, including a bases clearing triple and was hit by a pitch.   Everyone but Tex had a pretty good night.  Oh, and Yankee pitching, which was just Moreno and Warren, didn't give up a single hit, and just 1 walk over the last 25 outs of the ballgame.   Impressive.

Meanwhile, it's time to DFA Capuano.   Should see some moves before game three.

Yanks and the 40 Man Roster

As we get down to the deadline it's important that the Yanks remember to trade more off their 40 man roster than they add onto it.   The Yanks will have a bunch of minor league players to add after the season, so any room they can find now would really help come winter.  Of course DFA's will happen between now and then and those will help, too.

Yanks Win

ARod homered yet again, but DiDi Gregorius probably just had his best game as a Yank thus far.  He went three for four, with a homer and 3 RBI's and also really flashed in the field.  Tex only had 1 hit, but just missed having three homers of his own.  Btw, Chasen is opening up his own little filth shop just down the block from Dellin and Miller's.  Nasty stuff.   Girardi used Betances with a 4 run lead in the 9th, but that might have been because Wilson was a little shakey in the 8th, so Girardi had gotten him up then.   Still, it would be nice to see Goody debut in a non-save situation such as tonight's.   Still, 14 games over .500 and rolling.

Rangers Lock Up Stepan for 6/39

The Rangers avoided an arb hearing that would have happened by signing Derek Stepan to a long term deal today.   This was sort of a must as Stepan is core, and it does seem he gave them a slight hometown discount by allowing them to keep his AAV under 7.   Nice job by Gorton getting all of the RFA's in a good to decent prices.  Now I expect them to make a trade or two to establish breathing room under the cap.  They have more core to extend over the next few years.

Yanks Take the Series

Nate Eovaldi probably threw his best or second best game as a Yankee today, and only because Girardi sent him out in the 9th did he end up giving up 2 runs instead of just one.  He gave up a double to Sano (thanks Hal!) to start the ninth and that was it for him.   Had Girardi just let 8 strong be enough, he could have sent Goody out with a 7-1 lead.  Instead he brought in Wilson, who was not sharp after not working since Tuesday, and finally Betances, in a situation that was created by the manager, to drop the hammer on a 7-2 game.  He got a fly ball and a DP and that was that.  But still, there was an opportunity screwed up in the 9th, and Betances shouldn't have had to pitch.

Meanwhile, even with ARod getting a day, Headley and Drew homered.  Btw, Headley also had a two run single and might be coming around.  I can't believe how bad he has been this year, because I have seen him be better for much of his career, so we may get a bit of an adjustment from Headley.

Meanwhile, even with Eovaldi showing more swing and miss, moves are probably coming this week, as we've heard him say in the past, Cash will say, this team deserves a shot at going all the way.   Maybe it does, but there are plenty of internal options to help pump the team up.

Yanks Win!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Crap.  Holy Crap.  Holy Crap.  Alex Rodriquez and John Ryan Murphy just lead the Yanks on an improbably comeback after CC got them down 5-0 after 3.   ARod hit 3 bombs, as Warren held the Twins, with his third finally tying the game in the top of the ninth.  Then John Ryan Murphy hit a three run jack and that was that!  Miller came in and 1-2-3'd the Twins.   What a night!  What a win!

This Week on the Blog

This week was pretty fun as the Yanks swept the O's, the Knicks and Giants did some work on their camp rosters, and the Rangers exchanged arbitration numbers with Derek Stepan.

This week will probably be more momentous.

Yankees:  The trade deadline is this week, and it really seems likely that they will add a starter - though they have Bryan Mitchell and Luis Severino ready or close as possible on the farm.   According to reports, Judge, Severino and Bird are unlikely to be dealt, but there was word earlier this week, that the Yanks might be listening to offers on red hot Gary Sanchez.   Trading him, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Luis Torrens' shoulder injury, would be a bad idea.  Just as punting a first round pick for what is left of Brian McCann was in November of 2013.   So that's a scarty situation.  Likewise, there are a bunch of non-Judge/Severino/Bird guys who could be future CORE and thus heald onto.   So it's a very dangerous week down on the farm.

Rangers:  The Rangers and Derek Stepan could make a new 5 year deal any minute now.  They exchanged arb figures this morning, and they'll probably get something done before the hearing.   What's more, don't be surprised if they make a trade or two after that happens..

Giants:  The New York Football Giants will report to training camp this Thursday -- at least those with two hands will.  Thus will begin a really interesting camp for our team.  They sent the parts of the offseason they could control adding new pieces for the coordinators, only to lose their Left Tackle and Franchise DE to non football injuries after the draft and after all the best UFA's were off the board.   We'll see if Tom and the guys can coach their way out of this one.  I wouldn't be surprised if they extend Eli this week and sign Evan Mathis or someone else who might be able to start on the line.

Knicks: The Knicks will continue filling out their 20 man camp roster, as well as looking for a back up 5 and 1 for the 15 man roster.  We'll see what their up to as the summer progresses.

I hope all our teams act wisely, and that all of you have great weeks!

UPDATE:  The Yanks have called up Nick Goody, and he's not on the 40 so another move must be coming.   As you'll recall, the Yanks drafted Goody twice, and he started out like gangbusters before get TJed, and coming back slowly last year.  He has been great this year and could now become the long term fixture we've expected him to become.

Further Update:  Petit was DFA'd and Pinder was sent down.

Knicks Add Darion Atkins

Knicks are apparently giving Darion Atkins a partialy guaranteed contract that will at least get him to camp.  Atkins is 6'8 with a 7'2" wingspan and uses it for D.  Almost all of his points come in the post and he has no outside shot or FT ability to speak of, but he can offer some D, boards and blocks.  He's more filled out and polished defensively than Ndour was, but Ndour seemed to have the greater offensive ability and upside.  Atkins had been on San Antonio's Summer League team, and we know all about their scouting acumen.

UPDATE:  The Knicks are also bringing former Harvard 6'6" swingman Wesley Saunders to camp with some guaranteed money.  They can bring 20 players total.

Dermis Day!

Dermis Garcia is batting 5th and playing third today for the GCL Yankees2.  This could be the start of something big.   In the opinion of the Yanks and some other teams and services Dermis was the #1 prospect in IFA last year.  He's drawn comparisons to Sano and ARod.   So, this really could be the start of something big.   Btw, Nelson Gomez and a few others from that big class of IFA's are already starting to rake.

Tanaka Completes the Sweep

Yanks just beat the Orioles 9-3 in a game that wasn't really that close.   Masahiro Tanaka pitched like a true ace through 7 innings where he'd given up 2 hits and no walks, though one hit was a homer.  He came back out for the 8th because the Yanks were short of bullpen option, and gave up two more homers as he got two more outs.  Might have been tiring, but he did exactly what the team needed him to do and that was give them length.  

The offense once again got off to a quick start as Ellsbury singled, Gardy walked, ARod walked and then amazing Headley came up with a three run double (he moved to third on the throw and later scored).  Just a big day at the stadium, with the bad hitters in the lineup having good days.   Now they takeoff for a ten game road trip which will give them and opportunity to either put more space between them and the teams behind them or start sagging back.

Let's hope they play well, because as much as Cash says a move is unlikely, unless they run away on this trip, he'll probably make one and say this version of the team deserved a chance to go all the way.

Yanks Win

The Yanks are now 50-0 when leading after 8.   And their 6 great guys did it again.   6 great?  There are three pair.   Ellsbury and Gardner produced a run in the bottom of the first, Tex then scored Gardy with his 24th homer.  Later, ARod hit his 20th.   So that's why we got from the 4 good guys on offense.  Both speed guys and both power guys scored.   Then Filth Merchants did their thing, though Miller did give up a homer to Davis who just dropped his bat on the slider.  Still, Yanks had a 2 run lead and he K'd the next guy.   It would be nice to have more guys, but it would be nicer still to get them from the farm.  Nova looked good, too, btw, which is encouraging and threw a couple of nasty curves.   Still doesn't have his top velo back, but if he can get the curve, slider and sinker all going at once, he can be very valuable.

Yanks Win

Back in our Nation's puritanical past, Betances and Miller would be rounded up for dealing in FILTH.   But today, as they have most of the season, they got away with it.  Yanks didn't get any homers today, and left a bunch of men on base -- and played somewhat cruddy D.   Didn't matter.  Eovaldi had a strong start, and might have earned his 10th win had Girardi not pulled him for Wilson.  No matter, though.  He does seem to be getting better and coming up with some some sequences that will eventually allow him to limit hits...  Regardless, they managed to get a 3-2 lead and Betances and Miller made it stand up.   Big win.

Yanks Win

Yanks won today.  Or so my sports alert tells me.  Apparently Tex hit a homer in the 8th inning of a 1-1 game and the bullpen did the rest.  Sabathia didn't get shelled, and for some reason Girardi wasn't moved to leave him in too long for a change.  It would be a huge help to the Yanks if CC can have a strong stretch run.  And it would be as big a help if Girardi figured out he's no longer a 7 and 8 inning guy.  Neither CC nor  Felix figured in the decision and Betances got the win.

Yanks Demote Refsnyder to Make Room for Beltran

Doesn't matter what the scouts do, or what the new fangled development team or analytics department do.  The big club still doesn't know what it is doing anymore.

This Week on the Blog

This past week saw the Giants add Jeromy Myles, a veteran depth safety if there ever was one.  The Yanks also completed their draft signings by giving Kaprielian the rest of their money.  Jeff Gorton was active in his new gig getting all but Stepan signed and good prices and even talking a few guys into signing their tenders.   In Knickland, Porzingis and Grant impressed.   So what's up this week?

Yankees:  Rumor has it that Dermis Garcia, the most highly regarded of last years massive IFA haul, will debut somewhere in the system this week.  This kid could be pretty special, and btw, it's looking likea monster haul, with several of the kids already impressing and not just the 6 first rounders.  Thoughout the rest of the farm, we might start seeing trade yips and underperformance from some of the best prospects as the deadline approaches.  It remains crucialy important that Cash not blow up the farm this trade season, though if past is prelude, he won't.

Rangers: The Rangers still need to get Stepan and wrapped up.  And I still think they'll trade one of their D's or someone in a cap relief move.

Giants:  the Giants will continue to get ready for camp and hope they avoid all other non-football injuries to their players.

Knicks: The Knicks still have their 2.8M exception to use, so they're probably not done fiddling with the roster.   Jackson said he'd still like to add another backup big.

So the big excitement this week is probably Dermis.  The big concern is the trade deadline.  

Have a great one, folks.

Yankee Development Stuff

During this past offseason, the Yanks continued refocusing on their player development department.   They split Mark Newman's old responsibilities, seeminglyl handing the title of Farm Head over to Gary Denbo, their long time hitting guru, minor league manager and helper of Jeter.    They also changed a lot of the managers and coaches among their minor league affiliates, bringing in new guys, while promoting and demoting other guys.

It's only been about half of a minor league season, and they have once again been pummeled by injuries to some of their premier pitching prospects as well as some rejuvenated outfielf prospects.   So we don't have a lot of data yet on what changes, if any, have been wrought.

Having said, that guys don't seem to be stalling out at AA for the first time in years, and, coincidentally or not, they have an all new coaching staff in Trenton.    Just another situation to keep an eye on as we wait out the deadline, and wonder when Rookie Davis and Cale Coshow will hit AA.

Yanks Win

Tanaka pitched 7 innings of 3 run ball and got his 6th win.   The Betances and Miller show held to form and the Yanks, after an early inning see saw, won 4-3.   Girardi pulled Refsnyder for Jones in the bottom of the 8th, then sent Drew out to play second in the 9th.   This is probably what it's going to be like.  Down on the farm, Flores left his game.  So he's either hurt or traded.

UPDATE: Gary Sanchez has been promoted to AAA.  Romine has hurt his finger, but this was becoming overdue.

Yanks Sign 35 of 41 2015 Picks

The Yanks did a really nice job of signing their picks this years, getting the vast majority to go pro.  This is largely because their draft was once again college heavy, but they did also sign some preps, JuCo's, Junior and DES players, and all of those are assumed to have some form of leverage -- though all but that of the preps is by consent of the clubs and harder ball should have been played with the rest of them historically. Anyway, that they were able to get so many in is a credit to the Scouts who stayed on guys like Josh Rogers who had initially turned them down.

Over the years, I've pointed out that for a Yankee draft to be a success, it has to produce 1 Yankee regular to pay for the entire class.  For example, Brett Gardner has now payed for his draft class two or three times over.  Likewise, the `06 draft which has produced everyone from IPK to Joba to Betances to Robertson and several other guys, has paid its class and the next few.

So, it's way too soon to tell if any one or more of the signed players with "pay for their class" but the system is accepting 35 new pitchers and position players and that's a big class and a nice mix of high ceilings and solid floors.  The system needed starters with so many on the shelf this year, and the Yanks added Kaprielian, Degano, Finley and others who should give them system a boost.    They system also needed more 19 and 20 year old hitters - with Judge and Refsnyder older and guys like Dermis Garcia, Nelson Gomez, et al, just 17.   They did manage to get that with Donny Sands, Isiah Gilliam,  Brandon Wagner, and Terrance Robertson.

The college picks, which represented the majority all had talents and numbers to recommend them, that reflected the marriage between the Yankee scouting and analytics departments, so they didn't realy make any gamble on greatness picks.

It should be remembered that though the #16 pick was high for the Yanks to hold, it wasn't really a very high pick and all and they still haven't had one of those in over 20 years.

We'll have a better grip on how good this class might be starting next year.  These partial seasons they play once they sign aren't particularly instructive.

Yanks Sign Kaprielian

The Yanks have reportedly come to terms with their first round pick James Kaprielian.   If the numbers we're seeing are correct, they went overslot for him.  I don't know how that happened, but I also don't know if they had anywhere else that money could have been applied based on summer draft and follow performances.

But, instead of looking at that, let's look at what they got.  Kaprielian is a polished rhp with swing and miss who saw his velo rise as his junior season progressed.  If the velo stays mid-90s with his breaking stuff, he could be a top of the rotation guy.  If the velo goes back to where it had been, he could still be a two or a three -- unless develops Maddox-like control, and umpire favor.  

So let's hope the velo stays high.  In either event he should be a fast mover.

Refsnyder Homers As Yanks Win

Yanks just won a tricky game at Fenway.  Eovaldi just got his 9th win, even though he gave up a ton of hits and three runs, through only 5 complete innings.   Warren was bad.  Miller was bad but turned a non-save situation into another save.  Betances was great and so was Refsnyder, who had his first hit, followed by his two run homer that provided the margin of victory for the Yanks today.  McCann aslo homered and doubled.  Miller might have needed more gamework in the minors before returning.

This Week On the Blog

This past week we saw the debuts of Refsnyder,  Porzingis and Grant.   What else is possible this week?

Yanks:  The Yanks have until 7/17 to get the rest of the draft picks they still want signed.  That includes Kaprielian and whoever else.  This past week they signed RHP's Pat O'Brien and Chris Morris.  O'Brien's the kid who used to be a catcher.  We'll see who they can nab.  Also, we're in that period where we really don't want to see the farm blown up for overpays and you alway pay more around deadline.  It's a fool's game they should stay away from.

Knicks:  The Knicks will continue their summer league schedule and seeing if any of the undrafteds might be worhty of a spot on the 15 man roster.  Apparently, they've brought back Lou Amundsen, too, so there are only 2 or three spots left.

Rangers: Still waiting to see what Gorton's first move will be.  Friday, they re-signed Marek Hrivik so he'll get a camp invite.  They still have to sign their RFA's and make a long term deal with Stepan.  To do that they might have to make extra cap room.

Giants: The Giants will continue to figure out their best option with JPP.  I cannot believe their luck sometimes.  They really do try to do everything right.    And any day now, but probably closer to camp they could announce an Eli extension that should open up cap room.

Here's hoping it's a great week for our teams and all of you readers.   Thanks!

Zinger the Ringer!

The Knicks SL team just beat the Spurs SL team in a pretty close and fun game.   The good news for us Knicks fans is that both Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant were impressive and contributed mightily to the win.  Zinger was limited to about 18 minutes total, but managed 12 points, about 5 or 6 rebounds and 2 or 3 blocks.  He would have also had some assists if guys had completed the plays.   The really good news is that he looked fearless and was really game.  He definitely needs to add strength, but he got to the line and hit his shots, and that will be the penalty for anyone who roughs him while he's still growing.  They had him playing C today, so, he didn't get many 3 ball opportunities and was fouled on the one he tooks.   He get his hands up on D, and really it just looks like the sky is the limit for this kid.

Jerian Grant was also really impressive showing he could get into the lane and get to the line, as well as pass and play some D.  He was a little out of control at times and turned it over and missed a couple of dunks, one on which he was fouled.   Remember, though he is just getting exposed to the triangle and a bunch of new players.  Like Kristaps, he's a good free throw shooter, so, he too, will make the other teams pay for fouling him.

Also impressing were Cleanthony Early, Ricky Ledo and NDour.   No one else really stood out and Thanasis looked out of control and useless in the halfcourt O.

Pineda Dominates Sox

When Pineda pitches like this, you wonder how he ever struggles.  No walks, and swing and miss stuff.  He made one mistake to Betts, but was otherwise way too much for the Sox.   ARod hit the Yankee homer and they were able to tack on more runs as the game went on.  Wilson, Betances and Miller did their jobs after Pineda left with 2 outs in the 7th.   Good stuff.  Refs up tomorrow!

Refsnyder Coming Up Tomorrow

Word is circulating that the Yanks will finally be calling up Rob Refsnyder tomorrow.  Rob's been red hot for weeks and really has his defense under control, even making some webgem type plays at second.  Let's hope he gets a real chance.   Wish I could trust Girardi to give him one.

Yanks Win

The Yanks now have the third piece of their winning formula back.  That's their killer table setters, Ellsbury and Gardy batting 1-2.   Gardy homered today, just minutes before he was deservedly named to the all-star game as an injury replacement.   But the big story today was Tanaka, who had some bad luck in the 2nd and gave up 2 runs, but was otherwise terrific through 6.2 innings.  Huge win.   Now they hit the road for Boston, then the all-star break.

Yanks Win

Tex hit two bombs to bring his seasonal total up to 22, and CC finally won a game.  Drew also pinch hit a homer, though that really shouldn't save him and Pirela was 1-2 when he was lifted for Drew.  Binder call?  Anyway, enough of that crap.   Mitchell gave up a couple of runs in his first save back.  And Ellsbury was 1-4 in his return.  Big win that could have troubling repercussions.

Knicks Announce Their Summer League Roster

The Knicks today announced their summer league team, and the only mild surprise is that this year's lottery pick, Kristaps Porzingis, will play.   This is sort of the Knicks version of the Rangers Prospects camp as five of their last 6 draft picks will be attending -- Hernangomez is the only one who isn't -- along with young holdovers Galloway and Ledo.  The rest of the team is trying out, and interestingly enough, the Knicks have some roster openings.

To refresh the draft picks are:

Kristaps Porzingis 4/5 - They have him up to 233 in their latest weight listing...

Jerian Grant 1/2 - The brilliant move on draft night.

Cleanthony Early 3/2 - Probably needs to start showing more, now that they have some real first rounders and some impressive CBA kids.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo 2/ 3 - He's Gerald Wilkins for the new millenium.

Louis Labeyrie 4/5 - He's the 6'9" or 6'10" kid from France everyone keeps forgetting about.

Galloway and Ledo both played last season and are owed money.  Both showed some promise and Ricky Ledo might be the kind of ringer the Knicks need to make their rebuild go faster.

The tryouts are:

Travis Wear made the team last year, but had his rights renounced before free agency.  They let him keep his number 6 for the time being, so Zinger is stuck with 46.

There are 2 pure 5's in the group.  The Lithuanian Ovidijus Kaldikas is a 7'1" who has some youtube highlights.   He might even be someone they try to stash if he's not quite NBA ready yet.

Ben Strong is a 6'11" 230 guy from Guilford who has been playing in the D League.   So we'll see if he could be worthy.

Alex Kirk is a 6'11" 252 guy who has played the 4 and 5 from New Mexico to Cleveland to the D league.  He's another guy to keep an eye on.

Maurice Ndour is a 6'9" 200 pound kid from Ohio U.  We'll see if he's wingable.

And finally the guards are TJ Bray, a 6'5" Princeton guy who has been playing over in Italy.  It will be interesting to see if he's fast and quick enough, because he is probably a guy they'd be interested in if he is.

Jimmy Baron is a 6'3" 195 guy from URI who's been playing over in Turkey.

So that's it.  Their first Vegas game is Saturday morning at 10:30 PST, and I just might try to make it out.

Giants Withdraw Longterm Offer to JPP

According to reports, the Giants have withdrawn their offer of a 60M extension to JPP in the wake of his fireworks accident.  Thus, he'll play under the franchise tag this year, and likely move on, unless he can prove he is somehow not the professional who almost blew his hand off yesterday.  

Because of this move, the Giants won't be taking any first year savings on a new JPP deal, and will probably end up getting it by extending Eli sooner than later.

Knicks are Doing Things Right

I literally can't remember the last time the Knicks behaved sensibly.  I think you have to go all the way back to Red Holzman.  They never did put the right guys around Ewing, then traded him for pain.  Zeke kepts trading 1's for busts (though a few of his other guys are contributors on winning teams now).  Brown was a maniac. Walsh had one plan and that was to get LeBron. When that failed is floundered.  D'Antonio was totally compromised by what was sent to Denver in the Melo trade - which was an horrendous overpay.  Then we traded an unprotected one for Bargs.  As unreal and surreal as things could be for about 40 years.

Even Phil Jackson had a shaky start, getting pennies and no first rounders in the trades he used to create cap space.   What's more, he then "lost" the lottery and ended up with the 4th pick, instead of the second.   But he absolutely did not panic or react for the sake of reacting.

It would have been predictably Knicks-like to trade the #4 pick for an older name player and a lower pick. Instead, Phil swung for the fences and took 7 foot stretch 4, Kristaps Porzingis.  Retrospectively I think all four of the top four guys would have worked in the Triangle - but Zinger might be the best fit of all, witch his unlimited range and ability to finish in close with either hand.  Sure he needs to get stronger to bang, but his skill level is pretty unique and he absolutely sounds like a player who wants to be coached and wants to be great.

Then the Knicks struck again and took ND's PG Jerian Grant, by trading Tim Hardaway Jr.  I still can't believe that was possible.  I grew to appreciate what Mudiay could do the more I studied him,  but Jerian can do all of that AND shoot.  I've often talked about how seniors are underrated in drafts.  Grant is a really nice example of that.

Free agency has been even more stunning.   They went into it needing rim protection, a 2 guard, and mayb a wing and a 4 to buy KP some time to develop.    By yesterday, they had secured all 4 needs.  And they didn't commit a single overpay.

Robin Lopez is a max effort, rim protecting C.  He will be loved at the Garden, and cover for a bunch of the defensive lapses of the guys around him.

Arron Aflalo is a competent 2 who used to be a good defender and will hit threes.   Not sure the Knicks have their 2 of the future yet, but Galloway and others should get plenty of chances to audition and Grant can also play the 2.

Derrick Williams is a bit of a gamble on greatness as a 3/4.    Williams is 6'8" and strong like Carmelo but sort of not enough of either a 3 or 4.   He can finish up close, and has long arms and hops for the alley-oops.  He's also been adding 3's and some midrange stuff, too.  He could actually really flourish in the Triangle, because he's really good at setting picks and back-cutting.   We'll see how much more his shot chart develops, but it wouldn't surprise me if he has a breakout year.

Finally - for now - the Knicks executed a sign and trade with Orlando for F/C Kyle O'Quinn.  This may be my favorite move.  Kyle can come in and play the 4 or 5 and adds more rim protection.  What's more, he can finish and has some midrange ability.  And he's a good passer, and that's huge for bigs in the Triangle.

So today, I just wanted to appreciate what they are doing, as opposed to what they usually have done. We'll have to see what else they do, but I have always favored team building over name signing, and they've done that.

Knicks summer league starts next Saturday.  We'll probably have a roster in the next few days.

This Week on the Blog

This was a pretty eventful week for our three most active teams.  The Yanks continued their up and down ways, but got one of their key picks signed, the Rangers changed GM's and signed FA's, and Phil Jackson started putting his plan into full effect as he signed a bunch of tough roll players to start filling out next year's roster.  Things will probably be a little calmer this week.  Let's take a look.

Yanks: the Bombers will continue their homestand and have another day off on Monday.  They're also drawing closer to the deadline for signing picks, so we might see some more movement there.  Let's hope they don't blow up the farm for any trades.

Rangers: new GM Jeff Gorton sure has his work cut out for him. His first priority has to be re-signing Derek Stepan, who can file for arbitration tomorrow.   Gorton might have to make a trade to make that possible, and may also want to make a trade to improve the team.  They wisely just made depth signings at the opening of free agency, so no kids will be blocked -- unless AV is just mental.  But Gorton might want to start looking to get younger again on the back end and move one of their 30 and over D's.   We'll see, I don't think he'll try anything splashy, but do expect him to extricate the team from the cap crunch while retaining the young core, including Stepan.  

Going forward, because of both their cap situation and their dearth of firsts over the past few years, the Rangers will once again have to find other ways to add talent - like when they added Hayes last August.  Not sure there's a Hayes level talent to be found, but that's one of the tasks in front of Jeff Gorton.

Knicks: who are these guys?  Seriously, after a really nifty draft that saw them add the Zinger and Grant, as well as stash Hernangomez -- they've had an equally nifty opening to the NBA free agency period.  Instead of maxing big names, the Knicks added solid team guys,  including two established vets and two 24 year old forwards with upside.  They got their rim protection and a shooting guard who can hit threes.  As of right now they only have the 2.8M exception available to add talent - but dare we say, we expect them to use it intelligently?  Yikes!   Is this still Earth?

Giants:  The Giants still could announce extensions for Eli or JPP or Prince any day now, but might also be tempted to dip into the Supplemental Draft on the 9th.  This would be a throwback to the days of George Young, but the Tackle from Clemson must be checked out given the injury to Beatty and their being one talent down on the current OL.  There are 7 or 8 players in the Supp, so maybe they'll even be interested in someone else - though I think there is only the 1 OL.

Let's see intelligence abound.   Have a great week and thanks for following.

Breaking: Knicks Acquire Kyle O'Quinn

This is just breaking around Twitter, but the Knicks have apparently acquired C/F Kyle O'Quinn in a sign and trade with the Magic.   O'Quinn can start at PF if PK isn't ready yet, and back up both positions if he is.   He doesn't and hasn't attemped threes so he's not a perfect fit for the triangle, like KP is, but he is a good passer and gives them another big body and 6 fouls to throw at opponents.  

I'll update when the details are announced.

Yanks Win

The Yanks looked like they were gonna roll in the first.   But three straight hits to start only netted two runs, and Big Mike Pineda made them stand up for 7 shutout innings.  He gave up a shift aided double to start the eigth and was lifted for Wilson -- who proceeded to strike out two batter only to have Girardi lift him so Betances could go for yet another  4 out save.   Betances got a ground out to end the 8th, then gave up a 2 run homer - his first of the year in the 9th - blowing the save and taking away Pineda's W.   Fortunately, the Yanks got lucky when the Rays erred on Ramon Flores bunt allowing the Yanks to walk off - why he was bunting only Girardi knows.  It worked out but not by design.

Knicks: Derrick Williams, too

Last night, the Knicks made a short term commitment to a long term disappointment.   Derrick Williams was an absolutely heroic platyer during his 2 years at Arizona, and became the #2 overall pick in the 2011 draft.  Since then he has struggled, though he did show some life this past seasona and that's probably why the Knicks are giving him a chance. I think I saw this guy score over 30 points with about 15 boards in an NCAA Tourney game once....   Might be too much of a 3/4 tweener to excel at either position in the pros.

Robin Lopez is Willing -- And That Could be Good

Defensive 5 Robin Lopez is set to join the Knicks if DeAndre doesn't first and it looks like Jordan is picking between the Clippers and Dallas.   Hopefully, this clears itself up by the time I wake and the Knicks can swing a deal for and with Bjelica.   Then I think if Melo is healthy, they'll be able to compete a bit while Grant and Zinger and the other kids develop.

Rangers Sign Halverson

The Rangers today signed last year's first pick (and second rounder) Brandon Halverson to a three year entry level deal.  That really says he's ahead of schedule, and might also say some guys are behind it.  For example, I'm not sure Boo Nieves has been signed yet and I'm pretty sure Steven Fogerty hasn't, and they've been around longer than Brandon.   Meanwhile, the Rangers finally do have some room and it will be interesting to see if they do sign anymore picks of amateur FA's.

Knicks Reportedly Sign Afflalo

The Knicks may have made their first move by signing Arron Afflalo to a two year 16M deal.  The terms are not awful but this pretty much does block them from getting two bigs with their money -- unless they can create another space with their exceptions and odd pieces.  And thus, though this isn't a bad deal, it's not one I approve of because it makes it harder for the Knicks to sign two bigs.   Afflalo is basically a a 3 and D guy, though his D has reportedly declined.

Yanks Win

So, inconsistent Eovaldi is now 8-2.  Garrett Jones had the big blow as the Yankees used their 1968 version of the formula -- shutdown pitching and a single homerun for the 3-1 win.  Betances was once again used for a 4 out save.  Shreve was also good again, though Wilson wasn't so Girardi panicked.   Nice to get a win, at least.

Rangers Sign Viktor Stalberg

Rangers just signed another vet, but one who can probably help in Viktor Stalberg, the ex-Blackhaw, ex-Pred who is still only 29.  Stalberg, like Hags went from Sweden to an American college before turning pro.  He'll be a bottom 6 guy and could team with Lindberg and Fast for an all Swedish 3rd line.   Not a bad move.

Rangers Name Jeff Gorton GM!

Today, the Rangers did what we've been wanting them to do for the past few years -- they named Jeff Gorton GM.  What an up and down week for Gorton.  Just Saturday he was hinting that maybe the Rangers didn't get their best deal for Talbot, and now, the big job is his.

Sather will probably remain president, but the Rangers are now in good hands and should be for the foreseeable future.  Jim Schoenfeld was also named Senior VP and Assistant GM and will remain the GM of the Wolfpack.

It was no coincidence that when Gordie and Gorton showed up things started moving in the right direction again.

Rangers Bring Back D Raph Diaz

The Ranger have signed Raphael Diaz, and guy they had previously acquired at the 2011 deadline.   This is probably just a glorified camp invite.  They lost Hunwick to the Leafs earlier today, and they had apparently wanted him back.  Not to big a deal, most likely.

However; late today it looks like Glen Sather will give up the GM portion of his title and hand it over to Jeff Gorton, while Glen remains president of the Rangers.  That could be a very big deal.