Tonight's Lineups (7/31)

Contreras vs. Mussina

White Sox

J. Owens cf
J. Fields 3b
J. Thome dh
P. Konerko 1b
A.J. Pierzynski c
J. Dye rf
S. Podsednik lf
J. Uribe ss
D. Richar 2b

Yankees
J. Damon dh
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
H. Matsui lf
J. Posada c
R. Cano 2b
A. Phillips 1b
M. Cabrera cf

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Gagne Dealt to Red Sox

ESPN is reporting that Engel Beltre would be included in an Eric Gagne deal with the Rangers, giving Texas three players. Kason Gabbard and David Murphy are believed to be the other two.

Gagne still has to waive his no-trade clause to make the deal happen.


UPDATE 3:45 PM - Gagne has waived his no-trade clause and the deal is official.

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Proctor Sent to Dodgers

The Dodgers and Yankees have agreed in principle on a trade that would send reliever Scott Proctor to the Dodgers for infielder Wilson Betemit, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

The Dodgers, who have a 5.61 bullpen ERA since the All-Star break, have been in on a number of trade discussions involving relievers but zeroed in on Proctor over the last 24 hours.

The Yankees view Betemit as another first-base/DH/bench option for this year, and a potential third-base replacement for Alex Rodriguez next year.

Betemit is batting .231 with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs this season off the Dodgers' bench. Proctor is 2-5 with a 3.81 ERA in 54 1/3 innings out of the Yankees' bullpen. Source

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Mets Acquire Luis Castillo

The Mets, not happy enough with Ruben Gotay's defense, acquired 2nd Baseman Luis Castillo from the Twins. today In return, Minnesota gets prospects Dustin Martin and Drew Butera.

Source

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Braves Fall Short of Acquiring Dotel

Update- This deal did not go through, hitting a last minute snag. Octavio Dotel is still available.

The Braves are making a serious push for the NL East. With the Mark Teixeira deal nearly official, the Braves have also picked up closer Octavio Dotel from the Royals for Kyle Davies.

Source

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Off Day News and Notes

Phil Hughes made, what hopefully will be, his last rehab start for Scranton on Sunday. Dr. Phil Good threw 6.2 shutout innings, allowing just 2 hits. He struck out 4, throwing 91 pitches.

Joba Chamberlain was scratched from his Sunday start and will move to the bullpen immediately in hopes of helping the big club. Chamberlain is expected to throw 1 inning today and Wednesday.

For anyone who cares, Jose Canseco is working on a new book and said he has "some stuff" on A-Rod. Joe Torre and Johnny Damon defended A-Rod. Source

"You worry about anything like that, because unfortunately, when people see it in print, they add credence to it. That's the sad part about it," Torre said. "It's a shame, because when you play this game, you'd like to believe you play with some kind of respect. Obviously, Jose needs the money."

"I just hope he thinks about not ruining someone's life, marriage, or whatever he plans on doing," Damon said. "If that's what Jose Canseco wants to be remembered for, so be it.

"To me, Alex is a great teammate who will always respect the game, play the game right and work hard. He loves the game, so hopefully nothing that can ruin a family or something comes out. ... Hopefully (Canseco will) think twice about it."

In addition to Kyle Farnsworth grousing about his use, he threw a pitch in yesterday's game that Jorge Posada didn't call for. The pitch hit Posada on wrist and both players were steaming. Alex Rodriguez played peacemaker. Source

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Yankees Get Away With One

Chien-Ming Wang was effective enough and the offense came back to life, as the Yankees salvaged the final game of the 3 games series with the Orioles, 10-6. After failing to solve Jeremy Guthrie or Brian Burres, the Yankees took advantage of early wildness by Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera to jump out to a 4-0 lead after 2 innings.

But Wang (12-5) struggled with his command and exited after 6 with a 4-3 lead. Leading 5-4 in the 8th, the Yankees finally broke the game open. Melky Cabrera started things with a 1-out single against Paul Shuey. Jorge Posada, pinch-hitting for Jose Molina, drew a walk and the Yankees were in business. Johnny Damon, whose 9th inning double play grounder killed a potential big rally on Saturday, delivered his 3rd hit of the day, an RBI double to give the Yankees a 6-4 lead. Derek Jeter walked, which sent Shuey to the showers in favor of Danys Baez. Bobby Abreu, who K'ed for the final out on Saturday, singled to right to plate both runners for a 8-4 lead. Hideki Matsui drove in the 9th run with a ground out and Robinson Cano brought home the final tally with an RBI double.

The Yankees would need all of those runs, because once again Kyle Farnsworth spit the bit, allowing a 2-run home run to Brian Roberts. After the game, Farnsworth had the balls to blame inactivity for his lack of command. Granted it was only the 2nd time he had pitched in 11 days, but that's because he STINKS.

Cabrera's (7-11) control issues have plagued his career and they did to start the game. Cabrera issued walks to Damon and Abreu sandwiched around a Jeter single. He managed to escape with the Yankees scoring just 1 run on Matsui's sac fly.

Cabrera wouldn't be so lucky in the 2nd. Andy Phillips and Melky Cabrera stroked back to back doubles for a 2-0 lead. After a sac bunt by Molina, Damon singled through the right side for a 3-0 lead. Back to back walks to Jeter and Abreu brought Alex Rodriguez up for the 2nd time with the bases loaded. A-Rod, who has not had a hit since his 499th home run, bounced into an odd double play that both scored a run and ended the inning. Abreu, smartly stopped between 1st and 2nd as Orioles' 2nd sacker Roberts threw to 1st. With the force off, Damon crossed the plate with the 3rd run of the inning. With Abreu in a run down, Jeter raced for home. He appeared to elude the tag of catcher Paul Bako, but home plate umpire Sam Holbrook called him out. The play would have a far greater impact as Jeter jammed his shoulder and would leave the game in the 8th inning. Of course he said he will play on Tuesday.

Wang uncharacteristically walked 4 hitters, including the light hitting Bako 3 times. It got him into trouble in the 4th when Luis Rodriguez single in a pair of runs, and again in the 5th, when a Roberts single cut the lead to 4-3.

...

Hideki Matsui drove in 3 runs in the game without a hit. He had 2 sacrifice flies plus an RBI ground out.

Melky Cabrera's 3 hits raised his average to a season high .291.

Andy Phillips' 2nd inning double extended his hitting streak to a career high 11 games.

The start of the game was delayed about 40 minutes by the threat of rain. It never did actually rain. The fans didn't mind though as the Orioles played part of the hall of fame ceremonies on their big video screen. Orioles great Cal Ripken was among those honored.

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Teixeira to Braves, all but done

From Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:

The Braves are on the verge of acquiring Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira. The deal is done, pending a review of the medical records of the players involved, according to major-league sources.The Braves will receive Teixeira and left-handed reliever Ron Mahay.The Rangers will receive catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Class A shortstop Elvis Andrus and two pitching prospects.

A crushing blow to my 2008 fantasy team.

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Epitome

Merriam Webster

Epitome:

2: a typical or ideal example : embodiment epitome of tradition — Richard Joseph>

Last night's game epitomized the Yankees season. The starting pitcher, Roger Clemens, isn't outstanding, but keeps his team in the game. The bullpen, Mike Myers-Luis Vizcaino-Brian Bruney, throw grease on the fire, putting the game out of reach. The Yankees hitters do nothing against a soft tosser, Brian Burres, and rally late, but the 2 guys who have killed them all season, Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu, kill a 9th inning rally.

'Nuff said.

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Tonight's Lineup (7/28)

Clemens vs. Burres

Yankees

J. Damon dh
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
H. Matsui lf
J. Posada c
R. Cano 2b
A. Phillips 1b
M. Cabrera cf
Totals

Orioles
B. Roberts 2b
C. Patterson cf
N. Markakis rf
K. Millar 1b
M. Tejada ss
A. Huff dh
R. Hernandez c
J. Payton lf
C. Gomez 3b

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Saturday in the Park Trade Rumors

Talks between the Angels and Rangers over Mark Teixeira have apparently fallen through. While the teams appeared to have agreed on Casey Kotchman and Joe Saunders, the Rangers wanted another high level prospect (e.g. Brandon Wood), while the Angels wanted to add a mid-level prospect. The Braves are now the clear front-runners. Source

The Yankees remain in the hunt for bullpen help. They're in the mix for the very popular Royals closer, Octavio Dotel, and also have asked the Nationals about setup man Jon Rauch. But because they're offering only midrange prospects (or questionable veterans such as Proctor and Farnsworth), it's more likely they'll have to set their sights on some of the lower-level available relievers (i.e. Qualls, Wheeler). Source

The Mets may turn their attention to the Twins' Luis Castillo to fill the void at 2nd Base created by the injury to Jose Valentin. The Mets like Ruben Gotay, but would like to upgrade defensively. Source

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Minor League Scoreboard - 7/27

Louisville 11 Scranton 1 (11)

Angel Chavez's solo HR gave Scranton a 1-0 lead in the 8th, but Louisville rallied to tie the game in the 9th and scored 5 times in the 11th. Jeff Karstens continued a successful rehab stint with 6 shut out innings and Edwar Ramirez struck out 2 in his 1 inning of work.


Reading 13 Trenton 5

Chase Wright was hammered for 10 run in just 4.1 innings. Matt Carson homered and drove in 3 runs.


Tampa was rained out


Charleston 5 Greenville 1

Seth Fortenberry (17th) and Kevin O'Brien (4th) homered, and 4 River Dogs pitchers kept the Greenville bats at bay.


Staten Island 2 Tri-City 0 (6)

In a rain shortened victory, Zach McAllister threw 5 innings to raise his record to 3-2. Braedyn Pruitt and David Williams each drove in a run.


GCL Yankees 7 GCL Tigers 3

Gerardo Rodriguez homered and Prilys Cuello knocked in 2 runs. Noel Castillo (3-2) allowed 1 run in 5 innings for the win.

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Pettitte Hard Luck Loser...Again

Andy Pettitte pitched his heart out, but came away with another loss, because of a lack of run support. Pettitte allowed 3 runs in the 3rd inning as part of a 7 inning stint. But the Yankees, who were shut out on 6 hits against the Royals on Thursday, managed only 2 runs and 6 hits off of starter Jeremy Guthrie and the Orioles bullpen.

The game started about a half-hour after the Yankees completed an 8-7 win the game suspended on June 28. The Yankees struck first when Andy Phillips drew a 2-out walk in the 2nd inning, and came home on Melky Cabrera's booming triple to left-center. But Cabrera was stranded when Johnny Damon's hard one hopper was snared by shortstop Miguel Tejada. Tejada was playing his first game since June 21st when he suffered a broken wrist. Of course in the odd recordkeeping for the suspended game, he is now credit as playing on June 28th since he had an at-bat in the resumed game.

Pettitte (6-7) escaped a bases loaded jam in the 2nd, but wouldn't be so lucky in the 3rd. With runners on the corners and 1 out, Pettitte struck out Tejada for the 2nd out, but then walked Aubrey Huff. Ramon Hernandez's single to left scored 2 and Jay Gibbons lined an RBI single to right for a 3-0 lead.

The Yankees mounted a rally in the 5th when Phillips and Damon singled. Jay Payton booted the ball, allowing runners to move up to 2nd and 3rd with just 1 out. But Guthrie (7-3) froze Derek Jeter with a wicked breaking ball for a called 3rd strike, and Bobby Abreu grounded out to 1st.

The Yankees cut the deficit to one in the 6th. Alex Rodriguez, celebrating his 32nd birthday, walked and came around on singles byHideki Matsui and Robinson Cano. But Phillips grounded into an inning ending double play. That would end the night for Guthrie, who the Yankees were glad to see go.

Scott Proctor, who lately has been serving up gopherballs like IHOP serves up pancakes, gave up a solo shot to Yankees-killer Kevin Millar for an insurance run. It would be more than enough as the Yankees could only manage 2 base runners against John Parrish, Paul Shuey, Jamie Walker, and Chad Bradford (1st save).

....

Phillips was 2-3 to extend his career high hitting streak to 9 games and is hitting .345 in July.

Pettitte has allowed 3 or fewer runs in 9 starts this season without getting a win. The Yankees have scored 2 or fewer runs in 6 of his last 15 starts.

The Tampa Yankees were rained out on Friday, pushing Jason Giambi's rehab back a day.

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Red Sox Don't Dye, for Now

The Red Sox had a three-way deal in place to acquire White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye

earlier this week, but the trade fell through because of an unspecified issue with a player from the third club, according to an industry source.

Dye, who is a free agent at the end of the season, was willing to consider waiving his limited no-trade protection to join the Red Sox in exchange for guarantees about playing time and incentive bonuses, the source said.

The Sox told Dye that they were prepared to play him five days a week. It is unclear how they would have created the playing time, considering that they are set in all three outfield positions and the DH spot.

Read more from Ken Rosenthal

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Yankees Win, Time to Play Again

Mariano Rivera walked the tightrope in a 5 out save as the Yankees hung on for an 8-7 win. No A-Rod home run, so 500 will be 500.

Here are the lineups for the regular game.

Pettitte vs. Guthrie

Yankees

J. Damon dh
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
H. Matsui lf
J. Posada c
R. Cano 2b
A. Phillips 1b
M. Cabrera cf

Orioles
B. Roberts 2b
C. Patterson cf
N. Markakis rf
K. Millar 1b
M. Tejada ss
A. Huff 3b
R. Hernandez c
J. Gibbons dh

J. Payton lf

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Double Rain Delay?

I guess to get the weather just right, like it was the night of June 28, a thunderstorm is rolling through the Baltimore area. This could ba LONG night.

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Igawa Demoted

Woo hoooooooooo! Kei Igawa has been demoted to Scranton. Infielder Chris Basak has been recalled for now.

Michael Kay got a call on his show today from Buster Olney. Olney says there is actually a market out there for Igawa. That teams with bigger ball parks thinks he can still have success - apparently they haven't watched him pitch - and his actual contract is not that bad. Praying should be reserved for bigger things, but you might want to add this too while you're at it.

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Phillies Acquire Iguchi

With Chase Utley out 4-6 weeks with a broken hand, the Phillies have acquired second baseman Tadahito Iguchi from the White Sox for RHP Michael Dubee.

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Yankees vs. Orioles Preview

Alex Rodriguez's 32nd birthday, the chase for 500 home runs, and the conclusion of a suspended game are just part of tonight's start of a 3 game series between the Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles.

The Yankees have to be glad to be not seeking Erik Bedard in the serires.

Pitching Probables

Friday (susp) - The suspended game picks up with Derek Jeter on base and the Yankees leading 8-6. Hideki Matsui is at the plate. Mike Myers was the last pitcher used by the Yankees, but Joe Torre has not said who will pitch the bottom of the 8th. Chien-Ming Wang and Luis Vizcaino have already been used in the game. Chris Ray was pitching for the O's, but is now on the DL.

Friday - Andy Pettitte (6-6, 4.12) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (6-3, 2.88)
These two faced off against each on June 26 and were both outstanding. Each allowed 2 runs- Pettitte in 7 innings, Guthrie in 6.1. Scott Proctor walked 3 in the 9th, including Ramon Hernandez with the bases loaded to give the O's the win.

Saturday - Roger Clemens (3-4, 3.72) vs. Brian Burres (4-4, 4.33)

The Yankees don't do well against guys they don't know, and Burress has only pitched 3.1 relief innings against them.

Sunday - Chien-Ming Wang (11-5, 3.57) vs. Daniel Cabrera (7-10, 5.04)
Hopefully the ace of the Yankees staff is finishing off a good series on Sunday with a win. This was the starting match up in the suspended game on June 28.

...

Wil Nieves accepted his minor league assignment and reported to Scranton.

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Indians Bring Back Lofton

The Texas Rangers dealt Kenny Lofton to the Cleveland Indians today for minor league catcher Max Ramirez. This will be Lofton's 3rd stint with the Tribe. The 40-yr old is expected to help the Indians' running game. Cleveland has just 54 stolen bases. Lofton stole 21 while with the Rangers.

Source

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Minor League Scoreboard - Games of 7/26

Louisville 13 Scranton 7

Matt DeSalvo's return to the minor leagues was worse than his last major league start. The right-hander was smacked around 6 earned runs in 5.2 innings. T.J. Beam and Russ Ohlendorf were no better. Kevin Thompson drove in 3 for Scranton.


Reading 11 Trenton 7

Tyler Clippard gave up 3 runs in 3 innings and the Thunder bullpen blew a 6-3 lead. Noah Hall hit his 6th home run and drove in 3 runs.


Tampa was rained out.


Charleston 13 Greenville 8

Eric Hacker (7-2) allowed 2 unearned runs over 6 innings and the River Dogs belted 6 home runs. Tim O'Brien homered twice and drove in 4 runs. Josue Calzado, Wilmer Pino, Jon Muich, and Chase Odenreider added a long ball each.


Oneonta 5 Staten Island 3

Jose Gil had 3 doubles and Justin Snyder had a pair of hits and RBI.


GCL Yankees 3 GCL Tigers 2

Tim Dennehy threw 5 innings up shutout ball to raise his record to 4-1. Wady Rufino hit a 2-run HR, his 4th of the season.

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TGIF Trade Rumors

Nothing new on the Mark Teixeira front other than the Angels "tweaking" their offer and apparently making Tex their #1 target. In addition to Casey Kotchman, the Rangers were thought to be after Ervin Santana. But Santana has struggled badly and it looks like they would now take Joe Saunders. The Rangers also want another prospect added to the mix. Source

The Tigers denied yesterday's published report that they had an interest in Kyle Farnsworth. The Yankees, Dodgers, Twins and Red Sox are among the teams most interested in Ty Wigginton. Source

The Padres are thinking about bringing back 2nd Baseman Mark Loretta. Loretta tried to sign with the Padres last off-season before inking a deal with the Astros. The Pads are also considering Taduhito Iguchi of the White Sox. Source

Now that Sammy Sosa has some trade value, the Rangers would like to move him out. Sosa's playing time keeps prospects Jason Botts and Nelson Cruz from getting at-bats. Source

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Winning Streak Thuds to a Halt

Hopefully last night was the last night we are subjected to watching Kei Igawa on the mound- at least as a starter. The Yankees 6 game winnings streak, predictably, came to a quick and sudden stop as the Kanas Royals slapped Igawa around for 4 runs in the 2nd inning and cruised to a 7-0 victory.

Jorge De La Rosa and 2 reliever blanked the suddenly cold Yankees bats, limiting them to 6 hits. The Yankees hitters understandably may have a defeatist attitude when Igawa pitches. In addition to being bad, he works extremely slowly, easing his fielders to sleep.

Alex Gordon started things off with a 1-out double, and Tony Pena Jr. brought him with triple. Igawa recorded the 2nd out, striking out Jason LaRue, but walked Esteban German. David DeJesus followed with a ball in the gap in right-center for a 2-run double. Mark Grudzielanek tripled in DeJesus before Igawa finally got Billy Butler to pop out for the 3rd out.

De La Rosa meanwhile escape one jam after another. The Yankees had a runner(s) in scoring position in 5 of the first 6 innings, but couldn't get the key hit. Zack Greinke replaced De La Rosa with 2 on and 1 out in the 6th and the Royals defense flashed their leather.

Jose Molina, who had 2 hits and threw a would-be base stealer in his Yankees debut, hit a ball in the hole to deep short. Pena Jr. slickly backhanded the ball and fired a strike to 2nd. With Shelley Duncan bearing down on him with a take out slide, an airborne Grudzielanek threw to 1st to complete the double play.

6 of the 7 hits Igawa allowed were for extra bases, and the final 2 knocked him from the game in the 6th. Gordon picked up the 3rd Royal's triple of the night and came home on Pena Jr.'s double for a 5-0 lead. Joe Torre finally saw enough and went to Brian Bruney who picked up the final out.

Gordon homered off Sean Henn in the 9th to finish a single shy of the cycle.

...

Alex Rodriguez went 0-2 with a walk and was hit by a pitch in his 1st attempt at 500 home runs.

Hideki Matsui extended his hitting streak to 7 games with a single. Andy Phillips extended his streak to 8 games.

It's possible Igawa will not get another start, since the Yankees are off on Monday and could skip his spot in the rotation. Then Phil Hughes, with an extra day's rest, could take over.

The Yankees fell 7.5 behind Boston in the AL East, but remained 4.5 behind Cleveland in the wild card race as the Red Sox outscored the Indians, 14-9.


photo courtesy of AP

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Pitcher, Free to Good Team

28-year old southpaw to the first team who shows interest. Must have a fenced yard as he likes to run. Our general manager foolishly spent $46 to get this little guy from a pitcher's breeding mill. Needs to be trained to stop hanging changeups and has a weak fastball.

Comes with glove, cap, and translator, as he has trouble following commands.

Please Contact New York Yankees at FreePitcher@YankeeMistakes.com

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Tonight's Lineups (7/26)

Igawa vs. De La Rosa

Yankees

M. Cabrera cf
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
H. Matsui lf
A. Phillips 1b
R. Cano 2b
S. Duncan dh
J. Molina c
Totals

Royals
E. German 3b
D. DeJesus cf
M. Grudzielanek 2b
B. Butler dh
R. Sanders rf
E. Brown lf
A. Gordon 1b
T. Pena Jr. ss
J. LaRue c

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Separating the Ripkens from the Bonds

Here's a great story to illustrate how a ball player should treat people. Umpire attendant Ernie Tyler has an iron man streak of his own - 3,769 games. But that streak will end this weekend when the 83-yr old Baltimore Orioles employee attends Cal Ripken's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. And who is footing the bill? Cal Ripken. He invited Tyler to be his guest.

"I saw him was he was 12 years old. I knew his father well," Tyler said Thursday. "What better time to do it than to go now? When I heard he wanted me to go to Cooperstown, how could I say no? The streak doesn't mean that much when you're thinking about your relationship with the Ripken family."

Source

photo courtesy of mlb.com

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Take the Money and Run

Yankees traveling secretary David Szen is involved in a tax investigation and is taking a leave of absence.

Szen was the Yankees' media relations director in 1982, later worked for the Seattle Mariners and returned to the Yankees in the 1990s as traveling secretary.

"We understand that the government is investigating personal tax issues regarding David Szen," Yankees spokesman Howard Rubenstein said Wednesday. "The Yankees have cooperated with that inquiry. David Szen has requested and has been granted administrative leave."

Ben Tuliebitz, the Yankees' assistant media relations director, is taking over Szen's duties. Source

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Minor League Scoreboard - Games of 7/25

Scranton 6 Louisville 3

Joba Chamberlain continued his rise in the Yankees system with a successful Triple-A debut. His line - 5 IP 4 H 0 R 0 ER 1 BB 10 K. Edwar Ramirez ("K-Ram") made his 1st appearance since being demoted, and struck out 2 in 1.1 innings.


Erie 4 Trenton 1

The SeaWolves won it with 3 runs in the top of the 10th. Alan Horne was outstanding in his 8 inning start for the Thunder. He allowed a run on 5 hits and struck out 7, lowering his ERA to 2.36 in the process. Juan Miranda drove in his 26th run in 27 games.


Tampa 7 Clearwater 4

Austin Jackson had 3 hits as the Yankees came back from a 4-1 deficit. Starter George Kontos didn't make it past the 4th, but 4 relievers blanked the Phillies the rest of the way. Eric Wordekemper picked up his 25th save.


Charleston 7 Greenville 5

The River Dogs nearly blew a 6-0 lead, but Mike Dunn improved his record to 12-3 with the win. Kevin Smith hit his 2nd home run and Jon Hovis picked up his 23rd save.


Staten Island 9 Oneonta 5

Braedyn Pruitt had 3 hits, including his 1st home run of the season, and Damon Sublett knocked in a pair of runs. Jason Stephens pitched 2-hit ball in 5 innings of relief to earn the win.


GCL Yankees 5 GCL Blue Jays 2

Reliever Jacinto Gonell threw 4 scoreless innings to pick up the win. Ryan Wehrle had a double, 2 walks, and 2 runs scored.

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Pinstripe Notes

Jason Giambi is excited about a possible return to the Yankees next week. He's expected to play a pair of rehab games for Tampa Friday and Saturday. Considering the Yankees success while he's been, my heart is not exactly aflutter at the prospect of him returning.

Alex Rodriguez is about to become the 1st player to hit his 500th home run in a Yankees uniform since Mickey Mantle in 1967. Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson (Angels) are the other members of the 500 club to wear the Yankees uniform.

No Yankee has topped 50 HRs since Roger Maris in 1961. A-Rod belted 48 two years ago. With over 100 RBI before August, A-Rod also has a chance to put his name among the Yankees elite. He has an excellent shot at the highest total since Don Mattingly drove in 145 in 1985. Manny Ramirez, Sammy Sosa, Miguel Tejada, Andres Galarraga, and Juan Gonzalez are the only players to drive in 150 or more runs in a season in the last 45 years.

A-Rod also has a chance to surpass the 141 runs he scored for Seattle in 1996, the highest AL total in the last 20 years.

Joba Chamberlain made his Triple-A debut last night and it was a memorable one. The Nebraska native threw 5 shutout innings and struck out 10. He's now 9-2, 2.56 at 3 levels.

Jose Molina gets his 1st start as a Yankee tonight. Maybe he can get through to Kei Igawa.

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Thursday's Trade Rumors

Sources say that talks have heated up between the Braves and Rangers about Mark Teixeira. (I'm personally rooting against any deal with the NL since it would severely damage my fantasy team for next year.) The Braves would be using Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the main chip to get him. The Braves are also interested in Eric Gagne and Ron Mahay. The Dodgers are still going after Tex with Gagne and Joaquin Benoit also of interest. The Angels are also said to be upping their offer, which would include Casey Kotchman, in an attempt to get Teixeira. Source

The Yankees are said to be shopping Johnny Damon, but teams are turned off by the $26 million remaining on his contract. Source A source close to the Rangers said the Yankees have no shot at Teixeira because none of their top pitching prospects are available. Source
The Tigers are reportedly interested in Kyle Farnsworth. How much of Farnsworth's salary is covered by the Yankees could make a deal happen. Source

With the trade deadline five days away, some Rockies prospects are getting the once-over. The Detroit Tigers have sent scouts to Colorado Springs to look at Triple-A first baseman Joe Koshansky and third baseman Ian Stewart.

Reports continue to surface in Boston that the Red Sox are still interested in Todd Helton. However, Helton, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, told The Denver Post during the off-season that he probably would reject any midseason trade. With the Rockies still in the hunt in the NL West, a Helton trade seems highly unlikely. Source

The Mets continue to look for a set up man and a 2nd Baseman and have targeted the Nationals' Chad Cordero and Ronnie Belliard. Source

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Moose Bags a Big Game

Mike Mussina threw a solid 5.2 innings and Alex Rodriguez slugged career home run number 499 as the Yankees continued to roll with a 7-1 win over the Royals. It was the Yankees 6th straight win, 17th in their last 22 games, and locked up their 6th straight series win.

Mussina was coming off one of his worst outings, having allowed 6 runs in 4.2 innings last Friday night against Tampa. This time he was effective, mixing a good fastball with his array of pitches. And the Yankees quick start offense gave him immediate support.

After leaving 2 men on in the 1st, Robinson Cano singled off of Gil Meche with 1 out in the 2nd. Two batters later, Melky Cabrera belted his 5th home run of the season to right for a 2-0 lead. Meche was solid though through the 6th, keeping the Royals in the game.

Mussina (5-7) retired the 1st 2 batters in the 6th, but a double by Ross Gload and RBI single by Reggie Sanders sent him to the showers. Ron Villone came on and needed just one pitch to retire Alex Gordon on a fly to right.

The Yankees got the run right back in the 7th when Jorge Posada and Cano, who went 3-4, stroked back to back singles, Andy Phillips sacrificed them over, and Cabrera delivered his 3rd RBI with a sacrifice fly.

Meche (7-7) was still pitching an effective game, but manager Buddy Bell left him too long. Meche had a history of shoulder problems in Seattle, but Bell extended him to 120 pitches on the night. After allowing a lead off single to Derek Jeter in the 8th and retiring Bobby Abreu on a force out, Meche's 2-2 pitch to A-Rod was driven deep over the fence in right-center for a 2-run shot. It was A-Rod's 35th of the season, matching last year's total. It also gave him a major league leading 102 RBI.

Bell finally sent for lefty Jimmy Gobble, but the reliever would fare no better. Hideki Matsui greeted him with his 10th home run of July and number 18 on the season for a 6-1 lead. Phillips would add the final tally with an RBI double.

...

The win kept the Yankees 4.5 back of Cleveland in the wild card and moved them within 6.5 of Boston in the AL East. Fausto Carmona out dueled Josh Beckett in a 1-0 Indians victory.

Royals closer Octavio Dotel, the subject of many trade rumors and a member of the '06 Yankees, pitched the 9th and hit Derek Jeter just above the left elbow. Jeter went down to 1st Base, but was in obvious pain and left for a pinch-runner. Between innings Dotel spoke with Yankees 1st Base coach Tony Pena, apparently to explain that he didn't hit Jeter on purpose. Needless to say, Pena was still not happy.

Robinson Cano's 3 hits raised his season average to .299, and is hitting .402 in July. He now has a 7 game hitting streak.

Johnny Damon got a hit in his final at-bat to join Hideki Matsui in extending their hitting streaks to 6 games.

Andy Phillips' RBI gave him 15 in 21 July games.

photos courtesy of AP

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A-Rod Hits #499

Leading 3-1 in the 8th, the Yankees just got some insurance via an Alex Rodriguez long ball. Number 499 was a 2-run shot off of a tiring Gil Meche.

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Tonight's Lineup (7/25)

Mussina vs. Meche


Yankees

Johnny Damon LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Andy Phillips 1B
Melky Cabrera CF


Royals

David DeJesus CF
Esteban German 2B
Mark Teahen RF
Billy Butler DH
Ross Gload 1B
Reggie Sanders LF
Alex Gordon 3B
John Buck C
Tony Pena Jr. SS

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Q & A With Cashman

Here's Cashman's take on some questions posed by the Journal News' Peter Abraham

Just spoke to Brian Cashman. Here are a few updates for you:

Phil Hughes: He will stay in rotation and start for Scranton on Sunday. “We want him to get his pitch count up and then we’ll evaluate where we stand on him,” Cashman said.

Joba Chamberlain: “Let’s let him enjoy AAA and we’ll see what happens. He’s starting tonight and he’s going to be in their rotation.” I asked him whether Chamberlain was a possibility for the major league bullpen. “Anything is possible,” Cashman said. “He needs to pitch in Triple-A right now.”

Jason Giambi: Cashman said The Big G will be the DH for Tampa on Friday and Saturday then be evaluated again. “It’s the first step in the process,” he said. “I have no idea how many games he’ll need.”

On the trade deadline: “It would be just words for me to say it’s picking up or it’s quiet. We’re all engaging each other trying to run into something that makes sense. That’s what will happen until Tuesday. Right now, I have nothing for you.”

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What Will Sheff Say Now?

A Balco chemist has told Bob Costas that both Barry Bonds and Gary Sheffield took steroids provided to them by the lab. Must be a white chemist. Here's more:

On the interview shown Tuesday night on HBO's “Costas Now,” the chemist, Patrick Arnold said he never met Bonds but often heard Balco’s founder, Victor Conte, raving about Bonds’s performance on “the program.”When asked by Costas if “the program” included steroids, Arnold said: “I have a very strong feeling about it since he was on the program. And like everyone else, the program consisted of the clear.”

When asked about Sheffield’s recent statement that he never took steroids because “they are something you shoot in your butt,” Arnold said: “That’s an ignorant statement. That’s some sort of weird rationalization. No, he took steroids. This is a bona fide anabolic steroid.”

Source

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The World Wide Gas Bag

Just saw this over at Awful Announcing. The Gas Bag known as Chris Berman strikes again. With Cal Ripken going into the baseball hall of fame this weekend, various individuals were asked to give their personal memories of Cal. Here's one from America's Most Not Wanted:

"When Cal arrived in the clubhouse before the game, we were set up to meet him to conduct a brief interview. I looked at him with a straight face and said, 'Cal you think you might get in tonight?' Cal laughed, and then we had a great interview for the telecast. Next time I saw him, he thanked me for, at least for 30 seconds, letting him laugh and relax on that unbelievable night."- Chris Berman

Why don't they just rename ESPN, BERMAN, and get it over with?

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Hump Day Rumors

While everyone in the free world is considering a deal for Mark Teixeira, the Angels are also considering taking a run at Paul Konerko. With Bartolo Colon injured and Ervin Santana ineffective, the Angels could be looking at one of the Chisox pitches (Vazquez, Contreras, Garland) as well. Source

The Marlins insist that Dontrelle Willis isn't available, but that hasn't stopped teams from scouting the energetic lefty. The Mariners were notable attendees at his recent start. Source

Another day, another bullpen search. This time its the Dodgers checking out Houston's trio of Chaq Qualls, Dan Wheeler, and Brad Lidge. They're also scouting Octavio Dotel and Al Reyes. Source

Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi is denying the team has an interest in Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson. Rumors cropped up last week with Troy Glaus' name being mentioned as well. Source

With Jose Valentin sidelined with a broken leg, the Mets search for a 2nd Baseman continues. That search has, reportedly, gone to KC to take a look at Royals infielder Mark Grudzielanek. Source

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Minor League Scoreboard - Games of 7/24

Scranton 4 Louisville 0

Phil Hughes' rehab stint was the big story of this game. Overlooked were the 3 hitless innings pitched by Steven White for the save. Erubiel Durazo had 2 hits and RBI,a nd a run scored.


Erie 12 Trenton 1

A rare bad night of pitching for the Thunder. Kevin Whelan, just promoted back up to AA, couldn't throw strikes and walked 6. The Thunder issued 11 base on balls in all. Juan Miranda drove in the only Thunder run.


Clearwater 7 Tampa 2

Phil Coke lost for just the 2nd time in 8 decisions as he gave up 6 runs in 4 innings. Jose Tabata had an RBI double and a walk.


Asheville 4 Charleston 1

Ivan Nova threw 5 scoreless innings for the 2nd straight start, but the River Dog's pen wasn't so fortunate. Kyle Anson had 3 hits and Mitch Hilligoss drove in the River Dogs only run.


Oneonta 3 Staten Island 1

All 3 Oneonta runs were unearned as the Baby Bombers' pitching (Adam Olbrychowski, Nick Chigges, and John Axford) held them to 2 hits, but the offense couldn't get anything going.



GCL Yankees 4 GCL Blue Jays 3


The Yankees catcher of the future, Jesus Montero, singled home the game winner in the bottom of the 9th. Abe Almonte, who had 4 hits, and Wady Rufino both belted solo home runs. Jairo Heredia continued to dominate hitters, allowing a run on 2 hits over 5 innings. He also struck out 6. Brandon Thompson picked up the win.

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Meet and Greet

The Yankees held organizational meetings in Tampa yesterday to discuss where to go from here this season. They are still targeting a 1st Baseman and bullpen help.

Here's more from the Star Ledger's Dan Graziano:

The Yankees are hanging around on the periphery of the Mark Teixeira talks, so far balking at Texas' demands for either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain. But remember last year, when the Yankees waited and waited for the Phillies to drop their asking price for Bobby Abreu, and they did. The difference now is that several other teams (Dodgers, Angels, Braves, Orioles) are interested in Teixeira, whereas there was little market last year for Abreu, and Texas isn't dealing him solely for financial relief. ... Yesterday's organizational meetings in Tampa, Fla., focused more on the Yankees' need to change the personnel in their bullpen and obtain a versatile, utility-type hitter who could play some first base until Jason Giambi gets back.

Many in the organization favor seeing if Andy Phillips and Shelley Duncan can provide the offensive answers. And there are also many in the organization who worry that manager Joe Torre could stand in the way of the improvements they try to make. Torre was opposed to the team's efforts to acquire outfielder Milton Bradley when the A's put him on waivers, and he opposed a possible deal for Houston infielder Morgan Ensberg.

Source

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Hughes at 75 and Climbing

Phil Hughes was on a 75 pitch count in his rehab start last night for Scranton, and came up just 2 shy of hitting that exact total. He threw 6 excellent innings, allowing just 2 hits and struck out 7. Read the details from the Star Ledger's Jenny Vrentas.

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Yankees Offensive Fireworks Continue

Joe Maddon, Buddy Bell, and their respective pitching coaches are wearing out the path between the dugout and the pitcher's mound. After pounding the Devil Rays 3 times out of 4, the Yankees blasted Bell's Royals on Monday night, 9-4. That trend continued tonight when the Yankees scored 7 times in the first 2 innings, drew 10 walks, and forced Bell to go to his bullpen 4 times.

Just as they did Monday night, the Yankees went right for the throat at the start of the game. Johnny Damon lead off the ball game with a walk and Derek Jeter followed with the first of his 4 hits. Damon raced to 3rd ahead of the throw and Jeter moved up to 2nd on the play. Bobby Abreu's sac fly brought home the 1st run off of Scott Elarton. Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch and Hideki Matsui walked to load the bases. Jorge Posada ripped a single to score two, and Robinson Cano doubled to left for a 4-0 lead.

The Yankees picked it up again in the 2nd as Damon singled and scored on a double by Abreu. Two batters later Matsui stroked and RBI single, ending Elarton's night. Reliever John Bale didn't fare much better as he intentionally walked Jorge Posada, but unintentionally walked Cano to load the bases. Cano, amazingly, walked 3 times on the night. A walk to Andy Phillips forced in the 3rd run of the inning and gave the Yankees a fat, 7-0 lead. The Yankees would receive 9 free passes on the night.

Chien-Ming Wang didn't seem comfortable all night, but with a big lead he could pitch to the scoreboard. Leading 8-2 in the 5th, he ran into real trouble. David DeJesus and Mark Grudzielanek stroked 1-out singles and moved up a base on a Wang wild pitch. Mark Teahen's sacrifice fly cut the lead to 8-3, and Billy Butler walked to put 2 men aboard again. That's when the Royals helped the Yankees out. Ross Gload singled back up the middle to drive home Grudzielanek, but Butler unwisely tried to go from 1st to 3rd, and was gunned out by Melky Cabrera to end the rally.

The Yankees got one of the runs back in the 6th when Cano walked, Phillips singled, and Damon delivered an RBI single off of Zack Greinke. Mike Myers, Kyle Farnsworth, and Brian Bruney threw an inning each to close out the game.

...

The win moved the Yankees to within 4.5 games of the Cleveland Indians in the wild card race, as the Indians lost 1-0 to Dice-K and the Boston Red Sox.

When the Yankees went down in order in the 8th it snapped a streak of 24 consecutive innings where the Yankees had at least 1 man on base.

Johnny Damon continued to show how important it is for him to set the table at the top of the order. He's now 9-21 in the last 5 games, with 8 RBI and 7 runs scored. He also stole his 18th base, in 20 attempts, tonight.

photos courtesy of AP

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Tonight's Lineup (7/24)

Wang vs. Elarton

Yankees

J. Damon dh
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
H. Matsui lf
J. Posada c
R. Cano 2b
A. Phillips 1b
M. Cabrera cf

Royals
D. DeJesus cf
M. Grudzielanek 2b
M. Teahen rf
B. Butler dh
R. Gload 1b
R. Sanders lf
A. Gordon 3b
J. Buck c
T. Pena Jr. ss

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