Rangers Final Cuts

The Rangers have played their last preason game, and dont start the regular season until the middle of next week in Chicago.

They still have a few moves to make to get down to the roster limit, and some performances should have made those decisions more difficult.

The first thing they must do, is get rid of Tanner Glass.  Sather must have been momentarily out of his mind when he signed that guy to a three year deal, because they are not going to be able trade him and will have to waive him, and perhaps take time away from a kid with upside down in the AHL.

The reason why this should be the easiest decision they should make is not the Emerson Etem has played circles around him - he hasn't and is clearly still getting the hang of the Rangers' system.  The big reason why is because their's a new Sheriff in town and his name is Dylan McIlrath.

It's been decades since the Rangers had a reliable police presence, and tonight, at the Garden, Dylan laid down the law on the Boston Bruins,  after that sack of crap Rinaldo ran Hank.   First, Dylan went to the box for "boarding" Rinaldo, which was a bad call.  Then a little later he went back after Rinaldo, and one of the Boston "toughs" interceded.   They dropped gloves and McIlrath rag dolled him.  And when he wasn't, finally, providing Hank with a teammate who will punish transgressors on his behalf, he was playing damn solid defense.

That leads to another issue, that ties into what I've been talking about all summer.  The Rangers need to make a grade, because Dylan's play is too good to be a 7th defender.  They need their cop on the ice.

What's more, not only does Dylan look ready on D, so does Diaz, and so does Skjei, who was sent down only because they can.

Ideally, they would trade Girardi.  In fact, that would be ideal for at least two teams in New York.   But Girardi is on the decline and still has a big cap number.   Staal isn't declining yet and also has a big cap number.   Klein doesn't, and the duplicative guys Boyle and Yandle don't especially.  McD is a guy you build around. and Yandle is better than Boyle at the same stuff.    Having said that,  Klein is probably easiest to trade and I expect they will.

But if it is Boyle, what's okay, too.   Because while Boyle is a lesser Yandle at this point, so it seems is Diaz, but he still has upside.  What's more, Skjei is another McDonagh, and a pair of McD's beats almost everything.

So, the big thing for the Rangers this week is too make that trade so that Dylan can play and be their cop,  and keep Diaz around for when Boyle or Yandle gets hurt, and call up Skjei when anyone else gets hurt.   Bodie's promising down there, too, and he's also school of Boyle/Yandle.


If the Rangers make the right decisions here, who knows how far they can go.  But another youth movement is ready, and they have to find the flexibility to handle the influx of talent.  A trade now is their best move, and I'm sure they can make one with Klein or Boyle.

Rangers Stuff

The Rangers just won a very chippy game in overtime against the Flyers.  They had been down 1-0 then 2-0 for most of the game when Girardi tapped in an openside loose puck, and Chris Kreider later tied it with under 90 seconds left and Raanta off the ice.  They won in in overtime on a Keith Yandle penalty shot.  

Anyway, I really do think they will be plenty tough without Tanner Glass.  McIlRath will make the team and should get some playing time as his game has become very solid, and he's roughly 8 times as tough and forbidding as Glass ever was.  What's more, almost all of the forwards are now playing with some snarl.   Kreider ran Umburger late in the game for some transgression, and when Wayne Simmons tried to rush Kreider, he bounced off, like a bullet off of Superman.   It was hilarious.

Also, I think they have to keep Etem.  He flashed tonight, and they did give have to give up Hagelin to get him.  He's clearly just adjusting to a new system that he is built for, and could pay real dividends as yet another power forward as the season goes on.  Speaking of power forwards, Stalberg looks like a good fit, too, and has excellent size and excelleration.   We'll have to see if they make the right cuts, now.

Severino Beats The Pale Hose

The Luis Severino and the Yanks just beat the White Sox 6-1.  Luis Severino only struck out 2, but got four DP's, and pitched 6 scoreless innings all the time protecting 1-0 lead.  Things opened up a bit as Dustin Ackley homered to make it 2-0 and the Yanks tacked on till they hit 6.   The Analytics folks may have forced another "pinstripe effect" with Ackley.  He's working his at bats and coming up with some big hits.   Speaking of working AB's Bird and Slade both had a few hits and really grinded them out.  Bird was also hit by a pitch and Slade walked.  Refs was in late as a pinch runner and worked a full count before striking out.   Big win for Luis.

Yanks Win

Yanks just won, 2-1.   Adam Warren contributed his best start since his return from the pen.  He gave up a run in the first and that was it through 6.   Making him a reliever remains one of the dumber things the Yanks did this year.  The only runs for the Yanks were scored when Ellsbury got on and stole second (because Headley has been a GIDP machine) and they Headley hit a ground rule double and so did ARod.   Rob Refsnyder had two hits, and no trouble at second, but still was removed for Ryan in the 8th.  Joe, Joe, Joe.

This Week on the Blog

Alright, this past week was a mixed bag, so let's hope for smooth sailing henceforth.

Yankees:  The Yanks will hopefully clinch their wildcard spot, and figure out which of the kids can enter Girardi's circle of trust going into the playoffs.

Giants:  The Giants have the week off, and need to use it to improve their roster, both by getting guys back, and by adding outside players.  They need a better receiving TE.  Whether that's Cunningham or Tye, or someone not yet with the organization, I think we've all seen enough of Donnelly.

Rangers:  The Rangers will continue their preseason schedule and make more cuts. Contrary to the articles, unproductive players like Tanner Glass are not "tough" cuts.  They are necessary cuts. The Rangers were dragging an anchor every time they played him last year.   They have to move on.   One thing that's getting really interesting in the early going  is that both Brady Skjei and Dylan McIlrath look ready.  This could finally force the trade I've been expecting since the offseason began.   They can send Skjei down without passing him through waivers, but they can't do it with McIlrath, and he'd get plucked.

Knicks:  The Knicks begin training came this week, and Phil Jackson says he will be more involved.  The Knicks have questions, but they are more solidly constructed than they've been in awhile.  We'll also see if Kristaps Porzingis has been able to add strength since Summer League.   If he has, the three-steak a day diet could be the next big thing.   Should be an entertaining preseason as the new parts seek to learn the old triangle.

So, it's probably a clinching week for the Yanks.  A better get better week for the Giants, and a week of decisions for the Rangers, though one of them's a no-brainer.   And the Knicks will start camp.   Should fun, unless the Yanks blow it.

Yanks Win

On a night where they had a solemn ceremony to wish the great Yogi Berra goodbye, the Yanks did something he would have liked -- they won.  Carlos Beltran hit a three run jack against Sale, and Pineda and the pen were able to hold on and win it 3-2.   Rob Refsnyder started and even got a hit off of Sale.  I wonder how, after only facing AAA pitching all year.   The manager is still a crazy hypocrite, but it was a good win against top pitching.  

Giants Fail To Lose

Well, the Giants finally won one, even though, they once again took extraordinary steps to lose it.  The game started out great with a safety off a punt block, but the Giants couldn't get anything going on the ensuing possession.  They once again settled for too many field goals, especially when they could have ended the game in the first -- but terrible drops and awful penalties continued to stall drives in this game, too.   And there's got to be someone better than Donnell out there.  He had his share of drops, bad blocks and dangerous plays again tonight.

Fortunately, Eli was sharp and Odell and Ruben Randle both caught TD passes, and Andre Williams ran one in.  Andre also had a run where he Brandon Jacobsed a guy, that thrilled everyone but didn't lead to anymore fireworks.    The fourth quarter saw Washington go from having 6 points to 21 and that was ridiculous. Also, Ruben Randle boxed up both of their onside kick attemps before the Giants could corral them.

But it is huge to win on the short week and get the extra rest and time to get back guys like Cruz, Flowers and Owa.    So. the season's not over yet.

Giants Tonight

Giants play Washington tonight in an attempt to save their season.  Oddly this is Giants second National game already.  They'll either win and get some momentum, or lose and just be a stepping stone for other teams the rest of the year.  Btw, weirdos that they are, they could lose tonight, then go on to win just enough games to fall out of the top 5 of the draft -- you know -- like they did last year.  Cruz still isn't back, so we could finally get a dose of Geremy Davis tonight.  Davis is interesting because his testing numbers were much more impressive than his last season production numbers were at UConn.  He could be a genuine sleeper.   Of course, first he'll need to catch some balls.

Best case scenario, they beat the racists sacks of crap, and some kids start to emerge.

Bird Bashes Birds

Greg Bird just beat the Jays with a 3 run bomb in the top of the 10th.  And it was his tenth homerun since the callup.   The Yanks have to think very seriously about how to keep this kid in the lineup, even when Tex is back next season.

Of course, the Yanks needed Bird's latest heroics because Miller blew the save, and then gave up a bomb in the 10th after Bird put the Yanks up 6-3.  Severino was better tonight, but only went 6 and didn't figure in the decision.   He also gave up a jack to Pilar.  You'd think the Yanks would have an excellent book on the Jays by now, since they play them all the time.   I don't know how Pilar homer off of Severino, but the jacks have to stop for the Yanks two best starters.

Big Win.

Giants Stuff

The Giants made their first positive move of the season today by finally parting ways with Preston Parker.  It can pretty clearly be shown that if he didn't have multiple and key drops in the first two games, the Giants could easily be 2-0, instead of looking stupid and being 0-2.  I am glad their are consequences, the like we haven't seen for Stephen Drew or Tanner Glass on our other teams.

What's more, Victor Cruz (remember him) was going to try to practice today.  It will be great for the offense when and if he can finally go -- and if he's anything close to his old self.  

Because of the seeming weakness of the division, the Giants will, perhaps, have their final chance to save their season Thursday night.  We'll see if they can do it.  They probably have to get the TE's a little more involved in the passing game to take pressure off of Odell and Vereen until Cruz is back.

Yanks Clobber Mets

After a terrible start to the first where he gave up a run on back to back doubles, CC settled down and gave the Yanks 6 innings of 1 run baseball.  Ackley hit a three run jack, so he was lifted for Drew...  Seriously.   And they did that even after Girardi had been ejected from the game.  So some other idiot on the bench needs to go to.   Greg Bird also hit a three run bomb - this one going oppo and he had just missed another one earlier, to go with his two walks.  Ellsbury had three hits and maybe ready to get off welfare.  The Yanks just kept growing the lead and when it was 11-1, they put in Capuano for the 8th.  He made it 11-2, but because Giradi was gone thus nowhere near the bullpen phone, Betances and Miller did not warm up.  Also, Refsnyder and Slade each got an AB in the top of the 9th.  Also, Drew moved to short, and in the bottom of the 9th, and up 11-2, appeared to throw a guy out, but he was called safe.  But, even up 11-2 and because Drew was involved, they called for a review and the call was corrected.  Goody pitched a scoreless 9th, and Rumbelow pitched a scoreless 7th.   Both should have been worked in earlier this year.

Giants Fall to 0-2 on More Abject Stupidity

Wow.  Just wow.  I'm not going to dwell on this because they don't deserve it.  Feel free to vent below.

Yanks Win as Girardi Continues to Abuse Betances and Miller in Low Leverage Situations

Carlos Beltran hit a three run shot in the first, and Brian McCann hit a two run shot in the 6th, and that was your ball game. The Yanks either lead 3-0 or 5-0 all the way through, and yet, Joe Girardi managed to use Betances for a full inning and Miller to get the last out in the 9th. What the hell is wrong with this guy?  Neither pitcher should have gotten up in this game and yet, not only did he get them up, but he used them.   They should fire him tonight.  He's going to kill all the pitchers before he goes.

This Week on the Blog

Between the Yanks and Giants losing games that they shouldn't have, this week has largely been a drag on our shared sports front.   This coming week might be just as bad if the teams don't make some major adjustments.

Giants: It's almost unbelievable that the Giants are facing a "must win" situation this early in the season.  Yet they are.  A loss to the Falcons tomorrow could prove that week one's meltdown in Dallas was indeed the beginnig of the end of the Tom Coughlin Era.  As a result, the team desperately needs to win, not only for their season, and their coach, but to prove they can get over the abject stupidity that made them losers Sunday night.   We should know early if they can put it behind them.

Yankees: Girardi must go.  Even his biggest "supporters" are probably realizing he's killed the bullpen, and will always feature teams with inconsistent offenses because he doesn't preach "grinding," he favors low energy veterans over energetic young players, and under Girardi, there are no consequences for poor veteran performances.  There was an article yesterday saying the three scouts from around the league thought that moving Warren to the bullpen was a really bad decision. I assume there are more than three who see that.  While I really hope the Yanks make the postseason, I can't rule out an even larger collapse from this manager and this team.

Rangers: The Rangers are done with their physicals and testing and have broken up into either two or three groups to practice hockey.  By now we all know McIlrtath and Lindberg have to make the team or go through waivers, where they'd most likely be lost.  Interestingly, this morning they had McIlrath skating with McDonagh.  That would probably put an end to all the cheap shots McD's been receiving.  Lindberg's just good at hockey and better not get Girardi'd off the roster.   And they still need to make a trade for cap room.

Knicks:  Kristaps Porizingis is eating three steaks a day and playing one on one against Carmelo Anthony.  Not a bad life for a 20 year old.  Apparently, the Knicks are continuing their informal workouts where KP says there are "no rules."  That beats last year's Knicks where there were "no players."  They'll be starting camp at West Point again in about 10 days.  We'll see if the spartan training can net them more than 17 wins this year.

In all, we really, really need the Yanks and Giants to start winning, and the Rangers and Knicks to keep working hard.   I hope this week is better than last for all of you, and would remind you not to take Giant or Yankee losses out in the world with you.   Be well.

Rangers Start Camp

Today they get their physicals.  Tomorrow they take part in on ice testing.  Saturday they break up into A, B, and C groups and do hockey stuff.  Big camp for a lot of guys, including McIlrath who has to make the team or be exposed to waivers, where the Rangers could lose him.  Not sure which, if any Euros other than Calle Andersson will show up, and we'll see which college players, if any, do.

Yanks: Severino and Bird Beat Rays

Luis Severino was dominant and Greg Bird knocked in 2 of the Yanks 3 runs with a double and a homer -- as the Yanks won 3-1.  And the only reason the Rays were even able to get run was their damn in play catwalk.  Sheesh. Girardi took Severino out with a run in and two outs in the 6th, which, yet again lead to a 7th inning appearance by Betances - who's seen too many since the all-star game.  Betances just hasn't been as sharp...   Anyway, it was 2-1 when he came in, but Greg Bird homered in the top of the 9th for the "cushion."  Ellsbury finally had some hits.  Hilariously, Ackley, a lefty hitter, was lifted for Young even though the pitcher coming in was a lefty with reverse splits.  What's in that binder, anyway?  Drew's compromising photos of Girardi?

Yanks: Slade Rules!

Yankee Magic struck in Tampa.   The good news was CC was looking good and useful through his 6.2 scoreless innings.  The bad news was that the Yanks were getting no-hit and Wilson gave up a run, to make it 1-0 Rays.   In the 8th Beltran broke up the no-no, and was replaced by Noel on first. He stole second, then got to third, but they couldn't get him home.  Slade Heathcott, who is a plus OF,  was the defensive replacement for Noel.

Yanks start the ninth by banging into a DP.  Then Gardy walks, and steals secon -- I guess that's okay when you need it, huh, Joe?   Then ARod doubled him home.    With ARod on second, they walked McCann to get to Slade, and he PARKED IT!  He was so pumped he went oppo!

Hilariously, Caleb Cotham came in as Giradi's white flag after Wilson gave up the run, and he ended up with the win.  Miller closed it.

It took unusual circumstances to get Slade up there, but he came through.

I'm telling you again: there is talent on the farm.

Giants Lose Game One Via Abject Stupidity

Holy crap.  I hope none of you have destroyed your TV or homes, but I cannot blame you if you did, and doubt even your insurance company would quibble.

I mean how many times do they have to realize that the clock is important?  After a really impressive effort by an undermanned Giant squad, the Giants had the ball, third and goal at about the two, with about a minute and a half left.  The only defensible play was to run it, and run andother 35 or 40 seconds on the clock.  Instead, they decided to pass.  But Eli's target was being held (no call) and Eli, who is due 101M over the next 5 years, threw the ball away and thus saved the Cowboys 35 seconds. With the extra time, the Cowboys were able to take it down and score the winning TD.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!  They lost a game to Dallas last season by leaving too much time on the clock after taking a lead.

In other news, Flowers looked okay, though he had a false start.  In fact, late in the game, he kept his poise and forced a PF on a Dallas defender.  Landon Collins laid one great hit on a TFL, then was a little rookie-ish. Owa and Brown were inactive.

The Giants did a lot right, including forcing three turnovers, but they weren't smart enough to work the clock when it counted and lost because of it.

Also, it should be pointed out that the Cowboys first TD came as the result of a phantom PI call on DRC that set them up at the two.   So, the Cowboys still shouldn't have won.  But, because the Giants are idiots, they did.

Yanks FINALLY Win

Masahiro Tanaka laid the smack down and pitched like a true ace as he threw 7 innings of 4 hit, 7K shutout ball against Toronto, thereby salvaging the final game of a disastrous 4 game HOME series with the Jays.

Dustin Ackley, whose versatility could prove useful, and is something they've been looking for, plaid for Bird and homered. This was absurd, considering that the Yanks made Refsdnyder DH in AAA for part of August so that Ackley could play second.  If anyone needs to be replaced if the goal is winning it's Drew and his 18% below average O at second.  We've now entered the phase where Girardi is screwing with Bird.   Too bad the AAA season is over so he can't send him down.

This Week on the Blog

Alright, this week was somewhat catastrophic for our Yanks.   Right now, they're licking their wounds from 5 straight home losses.  Let's hope new and better streaks start all around this week.

Giants:  The Giants start their season in Dallas tomorrow night. Seems like it would be an upset if the Giants were to win.  I don't really think so, and not just because I don't think Dallas is that good. Of course, I have no idea how good or bad the Giants were based on their listless preseason games. I feel they were probably meaningless, so we'll get our first actual look at the Giants in Dallas.  They should eventually get some of their players back, so, even if they don't win the first one or two while they're installing the Spags D, they could be a team that gets hot at as the season goes on.    We'll see. I think they probably have shocked the world more than any other NFL team at this point, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if they beat Dallas tomorrow.

Yankees:  The Yanks have pretty much given away the division on this current homestand.  And I will argue to the death it is because they didn't use the first few month of the season to break in more of the quality relievers they have on the farm.  We'll have all sorts of time to talk about all of this when the season ends, and that could be sooner than anyone was thinking basd on how they've played lately.

Rangers: The Rangers open training camp this week, and it will be interesting to see if all the guys who got hurt in the playoffs are back and ready.  Oh, and they still need to make a trade to open some cap room.

Knicks:  The Knicks seem to be holding informal workouts all over the world with Carmelo Anthony.  Their training camp should start soon, and that will just entail more workouts with Carmelo Anthony.  The Zinger has reportedly alrady gained 11 pounds.

Regardless of how the week starts on Sunday, I wish you all much better weeks than you had last week, even if it was a good one.  Thanks for reading.

Yanks Call Up Slade and Sanchez

With the AAA season over for Scranton, the Yanks have called up Slade Heathcott and Gary Sanchez.  I wonder if we'll get to see them.

Domingo Acevedo Named NYPL Pitcher of the Year

As we lament Luis Severino's first bad start, let's celebrate the good news about Domingo Acevedo.  So, Domingo was named pitcher of the year and a league that is full of college players.  Kiley McDaniel said that Acevedo was old for league and only had two pitches thus his future is in the pen.  I disagree with both points.  Acevedo was 21 years old all year and was in a college league where the college juniors who have been drafted are generally 21, and the seniors are older.  So I don't think he's old for league at all.  And though his fastball - which topped out at 103 this season in games - is plus, his changeup is why they signed him originally and his breaking ball is coming along.  He's got some time, and he came to pitching late and is a really tall guy, and they need to be given time.   Of course, I'm not responsible for nearly as many prospect opinions as Kiley, Badler or Law, but that's the way I see Domingo Acevedo.   He'll turn 22 in ST next year and if he make it to High A, he'll be league average and if he makes it to AA he'll be a bit precocious.

So, I'm most concerned about locking down a third pitch, but he's got time and teachers.

Yanks: Tex Gone for the Year

Mark Teixeira, who was in the midst of a tremendous comeback season, is done for the year with a fractured leg.  So, no wonder it didn't seem to be getting better.  This is a pretty tough break for the Yanks, and a terrible break for Tex, who, like ARod, plays his ass off whenever he can.   People can bitch that these two Yanks have been over compenated, but I've never seen either give less than 100% as I've seen guys making less do over the years.   So, here's to health Mark Teixeira in Spring, and it's from Bird to really fly.

Giants and Eli Closing a 4/84M Extension

The Giants and their two time SuperBowl MVP are reportedly putting the finishing touches on a 4 year, 84 million dollar extension that should see Eli finish his career in big blue.   This actually does look like a bit of a hometown discount if the AAV is really 21.   The way deals have been going up, anything form 22-24 seemed possible, so if the numbers are correct, it's a bit of a hometown discount.   Good to know they got it done, and hopefully it leaves them flexibility to extend Prince, Odell and perhaps Pugh, Hankins and others when the time comes and if it comes over the next four years.

Ranger Prospects Head to Traverse City Tomorrow

One of the flat out coolest things about the NHL year is the Traverse City Tournament.  Held just as camps are getting underway and featuring a lot of the top prospects from 8 or so teams it's an exciting way to get a look at the kids.

The Ranger prospects as well as some unsigned players participating as tryouts,  arrive tomorrow.  It should be a pretty solid group with Brady Skjei making his first appearance along with other D's like  Calle Anderson, Ryan Mantha and Ryan Graves.  Buchnevich isn't participating, so the top offensive prospect could be Adam Tambellini or Ryan Gropp,  who was the fast kid they traded up for in June.   Another guy who should be fun to watch is Keegan Iverson, the tough PF they drafted back in `14.

Brandon Halverson, who is from Traverse City will play goal.

It's a shame that Buchnevich, Shesterkin, Kovacs, Saarela, as well as the college kids and some others won't show and it's a really incomplete picture of the farm, but perhaps one or two of the invites will shine and the Rangers will at least be able to grow the farm that way.  

They still need to make up for some of those missing firsts, though Kevin Hayes has taken care of at least one of those spots.  

Should be fun.

The Rangers themselves are in "informal" workouts this week before starting camp some time next week.

Drew Causes Yanks to Lose Series

Stephen Drew hits .200 or lower, and has played Second Base for the Yankees all year.  Tonight, his "plus" glove cost the Yankees 3 runs and they lost by 2.   Second Base for the Yanks has been a minefield ever since the Yanks were too catastrophically stupid to lock up Robinson Cano before he hit thirty.  But since then, it's just been major league has beens playing second.

What they did have time to do this year was break in Rob Refsnyder, who, though not great defensively, grinds out his AB's like the Yanks of old.  Frankly, that even looked like the plan when they called up Refsnyder and said he would play.   Then, he even won a game at Fenway with his bat.  And Girardi said he was gonna stay -- only to send him down in an apparent banishment two days later.

The Yanks have had a short lineup all year because Drew's been in it, and because either Gardy or Ellsbury is always hurt or playing like their hurt, and because Headley can't hit a fastball anymore, and Didi was learning, etc.   Drew was the only bad part who was there because Giradi insisted.  Well, he overtly cost the Yanks the game tonight and it's on both Drew and Girardi.

This has long since been a matter where the organization should have stepped in, but, for whatever reason, they haven't.  Thus they're getting what they deserve and we fans are not.

Also, Girardi, catastrophic dumbass that he is pitched both Warren and Mitchell in this game, and they were probably the most likely candidates to pitch one of the weekend series against the Jays.  Now it's likely to be Girardi's other boy, Chris Capuano going.

This will probably end disastrously.

Yanks Waste Tanaka

Yanks just lost a game 2-1 because their untrusting and unresourceful manager doesn't trust anyone he hasn't abused.   Tanaka tonight gave the Yanks 8 innings of 10K 1 run ball.  Unfortunately, the Yankee lineup with featured both Drew and Ryan couldn't muster anything but an ARod solo shot all night.   So the game was tied 1-1 going into the night and with Betances and Miller unavailable the manager goes with Chasen Shreve, who has looked shot for his past few appearances from Girardi's earlier overworking of him.  He immediately gives up a homer to Chris Davis and the Yanks go quietly in the 9th as they went all night and lose.

We are now post 9/1 and Girardi should have Goody, Rumbelow and others in a vastly expanded pen who have not yet failed from his favoritism out there in the pen.  But Girardi apparently only trusts those he's wrecked or on the way to wrecking.   Tough loss and a waste of a great Tanaka outing and some great defense.

Yanks Stuff

In the post win euphoria today, we got some bad news.  Nathan Eovaldi will miss time with "elbow soreness."  They're saying 2 weeks, but let's just say "time" because we know how these things go.   This doesn't surprise me, too much, since Nate's amazing progress had seemed to stall and go backwards over his last two starts.

I suppose getting CC back will make up some of the innings, but it might fall to Bryan Mitchell to pick up some starts.

Most of the Yankee minor league teams are done, with just Staten Island and Scranton heading into their playoffs.  Pulaski and DSL1 were previously eliminated.  What the Yanks don't have, for the first time in a couple of years, is a recentish college pitcher who's ready to help, like Phelps, Warren and others.  There are more on the way, and both Severino and Mitchell came through AAA this year, so it's not really a drafting flaw, but, perhaps a misallocation of Warren and Nova and Mitchell.

We'll see.   We'll also see if Rob Refsnyder, who's been up for a week, will ever get another AB this season...

The next stops for most of the prospects is Instructs and Dominican Instructs, the AFL, and eventually the Captains Camp.

Yanks: Bird Bashes Birds

Wild one in the Bronx today, but the Yanks pulled it out and won 8-6.  

Yanks scored a run in the bottom of the first.  Then Pineda lost his release point and gave up 4 in the second.  There are time this year when that would have been fatal.  But it wasn't today.   Pineda settled down and the Yanks started coming back.

Though the Yanks only drew one walk off of Chen, they got his pitch count up around 100 by the start of the 5th with the score 4-2.  Then the Yankee Magic showed up.   ARod homered.  4-3.  Bird worked a 2 out walk, and John Ryan Murphy went oppo to put the Yanks up 5-3.

Up 5-4 and with Pineda still under 100 pitches, Girardi had Wilson start the 7th.   Wilson, who I do not trust in one run games, gave up a homer, and thank goodness was allowed finish the 7th with the game tied.

In the 7th, Bird untied it with his 5th homer of the year, a 3 run shot off of a lefty.  Btw, 3 of Bird's 5 homers have come off lefties and he's hitting over .350 against them -- now remember that just last week Girardi wanted to play ARod at first against righties.   Yikes,

And speaking of yikes, Girardi's 8th and sometimes part of the 7th guy, Dellin Betances has been reduced to being a very tall Wetteland.  He walked the first two guys he faced, then K'd the next two, then walked the next to load the bases and K'd the final guy.  This took 30 or more pitches -- but no - Girardi hasn't over worked him because he says so.

Miller came in for the 9th and gave up a run before closing the O's down for keeps.  Entertaining and infuriating game.  Big win and Toronto lost, an may be heading for an adjustment.

More Giants Stuff

It's being reported that the Giants and their erstwhile, all blowed up franchise player, JPP are meeting today.  See that finger he's holding up, it's been rescinded, and I guess the Giants want to give JPP a physical and decide whether or not they should rescind anything.   Seriously, I have no idea if JPP can ever play close to his previous level, and frankly, that may have been a little too inconsistent to franchise.  If they rescind the Franchise tag which is worth over 14M, they've be heading into the season with over 20 in cap room.  We'll see what happens.  I'm not counting on him ever playing for the Giants again.

In other news, the Giants cut former Giant Stevie Brown and signed former Giant Craigh Dahl.   Dahl was always injured, when he was a Giant, but during the time or two he wasn't, he knew how to play the cover-2.   I don't expect he's gained any speed, but Spags likes and maybe he can help.

Yanks Beat Archer

Wow.  The Yanks actually beat a good pitcher today.  Of course, they looked helpless and hapless through the first 5 innings, then McCann hit a three run bomb to tie the game in the 6 and ARod followd immediately with a bomb for the lead and the eventual win.

Nova was sort of bad, but still had a quality start and got the win.  Betances had his 4th 4 out appearance in the past month, and ended up giving up a solo bomb in the 8th.  Miller allowed two baserunners before locking it down in the ninth.  

Our boy Bird had a double and a big walk.

Giants Stuff

So the Giants claimed DT Louis Nix and CB Asa Jackson on waivers.  Maddeningly, they elected to keep Marcus Kuhn and cut Kenrick Ellis to make room for Nix.   Now Nix was a star at ND who fell in the draft because of balky knees.   He spent last year on the DL and if he's had a good repair, he can be a really good part of the rotation.

Asa Jackson is a kid from Cal-Poly who also returns kicks and had Spags as his position coach in Baltimore.

So far they've added Brad Bars and Julian Talley to the PSquad.  Doesn't it seem like Talley has now been around for about 5 years?

DB CJ Conway from Montclair State has also been re-signed to the PSquad.

And they cut CB Mike Harris to make room for Jackson.

Giants have also re-added OL's Cleary and Gettis and LB Cole Farrand to the PSquad.

This Week on the Blog

Alright, this past week was a little dull on several fronts, and a little too up and down on others.  Let's see if we can do a little better this week on all fronts.

Yankees:  The Yankees cannot play .500 ball at home.  It's that simple. And the Wild Card, with it's one game play in formula should not be an acceptable finish.  So, either collapse, or start grinding.   Mediocre pitchers have been making them look bad lately by pitching backwards and expanding their zones. This has been a great issue during the Girardi Era. The guys don't grind and they generally don't get into bullpens as early as they used to.What's more, the SHIFT is killing them, and many of them think they're Ted Williams and believe they can bash their way through it, instead of going the other way.  That's got to stop.  I won't even get into Girardi's inanity with the call-ups except to say it's been  inane.

Giants:  The Giants made their final cuts today, and don't play their first game till a week from tomorrow night. That said, I'm pretty sure we'll see more roster moves. And the big reason I am so sure is that they made an unusual number of "cap" cuts where competition was at least close and usually has favored the veterans.  Letting go of McClain, Hynoski, and Weatherford created some exrta space.  Now, if they were just doing extensions, the first seasons of those deals would also open cap space, so these moves probably weren't made for Eli or Prince.  We'll see what happens, but I think a trade or an outside signing or two are in the offing.

Rangers:  The Ranger prospects are meeting Chris Drury this week and getting ready for the Traverse City Tournament next week.   And while that's happening the regular Rangers are drifting back to NYC to get ready to start camp.  And I still think they have to make a trade for cap space.

Knicks:  This week the rumor was Durand.  It kind of sickens me that people only talk about being contenders if they have 1 or 2 of the top 5 players in the league.   I remember when teams used to win.

Anyway, I hope you all have a better week, and I'd like to give a Special MOFD shout out to Mike K's Dad. You can do it, good sir!  Take charge of your cells and tell them what you expect! And laugh as much as you can!   God bless you, and kick cancer's ass!

Severino Wins and Bird Homers

Luis Severino just won again.  Allowing 1 run over 6.1 innings.   Giradi pulled him after 91 pitches after Drew screwed up a groundball and because Giradi has a dementet gut.   Then the adventures began in the pen.  

Btw, when Severino comes out, the game really slows down.  He had about 5 or 6 ball ones instead of strike ones and once he cleans those up, things could get nastier.  Also, the one run he gave up was on a first pitch hangind slider to Longoria.   Longoria loves YS and he mustn't be offered additional treats.  It take it Luis knows that now.

He didn't really have his greatest stuff, but he had plenty enough to shutdown the Rays.   I think I only say one 98.

In other news, going into the 8th, the Yanks were up 5-1 on just 3 hits.  This really was the formula in ation as McCann walked and ARod homered in the second.  McCann homered around the 4th or 5th, then McCann walked again and Bird second decked one in the 7th, which had the blessed effect of sitting down Dellin Betances who was up in the pen.

Warren pitched a beauteous 8th, then gave up a run in the 9th, so Miller came in as soon as it became a save situation.   Big win since it looks like the Jays might lose.

Rangers Name Chris Drury Head of Player Development

Jeff Gorton really is rebuilding the Ranger front office. Today he named former Ranger Captain Chris Dury his new Head of Player Development.  I think that had foremerly been one of Jim Schoenfeld's titles, though, he has about 8 more, so he'll probably appreciate the help.

Chris Drury, the one time Little League WS Champ from Trumbull Connecticut, went on the play Hockey at BU and have fine career in the NHL and repping Team USA.   Being such a USA product and player, I wonder what insight he'll have into the kids from Juniors and the kids fore overseas.   Will he  have one plan for everyone or will he set it up per age level?

It should be interesting.  Off the top of my head, I might have preferred a former college coach for the  job, but we'll see if it works.  

Gorton is undertaking quite an overhaul for a Front Office that's gained a lot of respect over the past several years.

Giants Cut Weatherford, Trade for Brad Wing

The Giants, this morning, have cut their long time punter Steve Weatherford and trade for the Steelers Aussie punter Brad Wing.   Wing is yet anothe LSU, as you can see from the pic.   Weatherford was part of the SuperBowl 46 winning team and had some really good years for the Giants.  But, for a guy who keeps himself in great shape, he was experiencing a decline for the last two years and the Giants must have felt they could do better.  Good luck to Steven, going forward, he was a good player and a fine member of the community.  And I'm sure he'll be a broadcaster whenever he decides to hang em up.

Giants Win PreSeason Finale

The Giants just beat New England in what was a punt, no pass, kick contest rather than a real game.  The Pats looked like they were gonna pull it out, until Damontre Moore pulled an Osi with the sack strip and Nikita Whitlock, playing both ways, recovered the ball.  Whitlock is interesting.  And the D, overall, looked like it might be coming around tonight.

The O was still a disaster and it really seemed like playbook was closed.  Where were the slants, for example?   Eli didn't play and Odell wasn't targetted if he was even in. Geremy Davis looks like he'll be usefull in the O at some point.  And Cunningham is a TE who can catch and run.  I'd still like to see them make a trade to stabilize the right side of the O, since by the time Beatty is back, and the D gels, the Giants could be mathematically eliminated.

Btw, JPP is supposed to come in and meet with the Giants next week.    We'll see how that works out. Selvie, Bromley/Owa also had sacks tonight.

Yanks Off-Day: Domingo Acevedo

This season, the Yanks lost a major chunk of sizzle when Clarkin, Hensley, German,  DeCarr and others missed time.  And now that it looks like Severino has graduated, the next shiniest object on the minor league pitching front could be Domingo Acevedo.

Domingo, who is 21 and will turn 22 in Spring training, is currently dominating the NYPL (era 1.81, more than a K per inning), which has  been, primarily, a college league over the years, so his age is right on for that league.  Though he's thrown 102 in games already, he's clearly not going to move like Luis did, who's only about 4 months older than Domingo.

Unlike a lot of Dominicans who sign at 16, Domingo didn't sign till he was a few days shy of 19.  So he really hasn't been in the system very long and his stuff has pretty much let him move through the DSL, GCL and now NYPL in just two years.   He did  start this season with Charleston, but got hurt, though if he keeps doing what he's doing, he could start next season at Tampa.

He probably only has 1 more start left in the regular season, then one or two starts should SI make the playoffs.  Then he'll probably get more innings in Instructs, and should be ready for full season next year.

People might want to compare Domingo to Severino because he's coming after him, but the better comp is to Dellin Betances because Domingo is 6'7" and still filling out.  Hopefully, the Yanks will keep him a starter.  As you'll recall, Dellin was starting to rock as a starter again when they threw him into the pen.

In other farm news, the Pulaski Yankees are starting their playoffs today and they haven't named a pitcher, yet.  Simon De la Rosa, who is 22 and 6'3"185 has an even better K rate than Severino, and may be the pick to pitch.  He's another kid from the DR who didn't sign till he was around 19.  So he probably is a little old for league.

So while we don't quite have the next Severino in terms of meteoric ascent, we do have some other young pitchers who are harnessing stuff and dominating.

Yanks Clobber Sox

The Yanks just beat the Sox 13-8, and it probably wouldn't have been that close had Girardi not gotten cute with the pen.  For the 4th time this seaosn, the Yanks hit 5 homeruns in a game.  The first homer was hit by Greg Bird, and it came when the Yanks were down 1-0 in the second and looked like they were gonna flail against another soft tosser, but Headly walkd and Bird homered.  Then John Ryan Murphy homered.  And before the inning was over Beltran had hit a three run homer.  Drew, finished a triple short of the cycle also hit a three run bomb.  And Didi, who has been smoldering also tossed in a solo shot.

But Girardi pulled Tanaka after he gave up a walk in the second, and replaced him with Andrew Bailey, who had not pitched in the bigs in 2 or three years.  The result probably surprised no one but Joe.   Btw, they used to call the great Joe McCarthy, Marse Joe.  We'll we've got Arse Joe and he managed to use both Betances and Miller in a game where he'd gone into the 7th with a 13-2 lead.   I hope if the Yanks do make the playoffs Betances can go.   Ugh.   Should have been a lot more fun than this.

Yanks Win

Michael Pineda pitched a strong 6 innings.  Dellin Betances danced next to the fire.   Brett Gardner hit a solo shot, and Miller served up sliders for the save.   Yanks take the second game of the series 3-1. Rick Porcello who has looked like a different guy since coming off the DL, was freezing Yankees left and right with a 92 mile an hour fastball.   It was pathetic, but he did manage to strike out 13, and that's impressive, so let's tip our hats.  None of the new guys got to play.  Still big win.

Adios, Tyler Austin

This morning, the Yanks DFA'd Tyler Austin, bringing to an end what once looked like a great draft story.  Before his wrist and other injuries, Tyler could flat out hit.  The Yanks took TA back in the 13th round of 2010 draft, and he embodied eveything they look for in a player as far as character is concerned.  He was 100% ballplayer and teammate, and not only could he hit, but he used to steal bases at will, even though he lacked a plus run tool.  

He'd beaten testicular cancer before he was picked, and when he came to the Yanks, he didn't really have a position.  They tried him in the corners and he ended up mostly playing RF for them.  He was on a rocket ride to the bigs before the injuries, even prompting Cashman to refer to him as an "elite" prospect at one point.   Then the hand and wrist injuries started, and his ascension was derailed.

I'm hoping he'll make it through waivers, and continue his rehab and resurrection with the Yanks, but he is from Atlanta, and I am pretty sure the Braves, who are loaded with former Yankee execs, will grab him, like they've grabbed so many other former Yankee prospects.

I wish Tyler the greatest success going forward from this sad day.