Yanks can muster little support for Kuroda

MLB.COM BINGO

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING A PRIZE WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BINGO CARDS ISSUED AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VALID POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARDS CLAIMED FOR EACH APPLICABLE POSTSEASON GAME. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ALL DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED SOLELY BY BINDING ARBITRATION AND ENTRANTS WAIVE THE ABILITY TO BRING CLAIMS IN A CLASS ACTION FORMAT.

ELIGIBILITY:  MLB.com Bingo (the "Promotion") is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and Washington, D.C. who are eighteen (18) years of age or older (except in the case of legal residents of certain states where the legal age of majority is greater than eighteen (18) years of age, such legal age of majority) at the time of entry. Employees, officers, and directors (including immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and members of the same household, whether or not related) of MLB Advanced Media, L.P. ("Sponsor"), the other MLB Entities and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion are not eligible to participate or win a Prize (defined below). The "MLB Entities" shall mean Sponsor, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball ("BOC"), its Bureaus, Committees, Subcommittees and Councils, Major League Baseball Enterprises, Inc., Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., the Major League Baseball Clubs ("Clubs"), each of their parent, subsidiary, affiliated and related entities, any entity which, now or in the future, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Clubs or the BOC and the owners, general and limited partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents of the foregoing entities. The Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Void where prohibited or restricted by law, rule or regulation.

PROMOTION PERIOD: The Promotion period (the "Promotion Period") begins at 11:00 AM Eastern Time ("ET") on October 5, 2012 and ends upon completion of the final out of the 2012 MLB World Series Championship.

HOW TO ENTER: During the Promotion Period, you may enter the Promotion by clicking on the banners, buttons and/or links within MLB.com Gameday (a free application) and following the instructions provided to register for the Promotion. If you are not already a member of MLB.com, you must become one before you can register to participate in the Contest (membership is free). There is only one (1) way to participate in the Promotion: online. No other method of entry or participation will be accepted. Additional entries beyond the specified limit will be void. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means will be void. All information submitted online by entrants is subject to, and will be treated in a manner consistent with, MLB.com's Terms of Use accessible at: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/about_mlb_com/terms_of_use.jsp and Privacy Policy accessible at: www.mlb.com/privacy.  All online entries must include a valid e-mail address for the entrant.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:  Upon successful registration, follow the instructions provided to receive one (1) virtual bingo card (the "Bingo Card") for each game of the 2012 MLB Postseason played during the Promotion Period (each, a "Postseason Game"). In addition, during the Promotion Period, participants may utilize sharing functionality available via the Promotion upon completion of a successful Contest (the "Sharing Functionality") to receive two (2) additional Bingo Cards. For each eligible individual any entrant notifies or makes aware of the Promotion who clicks on a valid link made available via the Sharing Functionality identifiable as having come from the entrant, such entrant shall receive two (2) additional Bingo Cards (for a total of three (3) Bingo Cards). No additional Bingo Cards will be received other than through verified Sharing Functionality. There is a limit of three (3) Bingo Cards per person and per e-mail address per Postseason Game. Each Bingo Card shall include a 5x5 grid that includes twenty-five (25) tiles (each, a "Tile"). Each Tile will include one (1) randomly selected game outcome for the active Postseason Game. For example, a participant could have a "Josh Hamilton Double" Tile on their Bingo Card which would be automatically marked in the event Josh Hamilton hits a double during a Postseason Game. Any eligible participant who receives a Bingo Card that becomes marked with five (5) Tiles in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row (each, a "Potential Winning Bingo Card") may be a potential Prize winner, subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules. (See the Prize Claim Section below for more information.) For purposes of this Promotion, MLB game outcomes will not be updated to reflect any official MLB statistics changes or corrections that may occur after the completion of any Postseason Game. Once each Postseason Game is final following completion of the final out of that game, it will be final for purposes of this Promotion. In the event any Postseason Game is cancelled, postponed or suspended, all Bingo Cards will be void for that game and Sponsor reserves the right to award the applicable Prizes by way of random drawing from among all eligible participants as of the time of such cancellation, postponement or suspension.

PRIZE CLAIMS: In the event you receive a message within MLB.com Gameday notifying you that you have a Potential Winning Bingo Card, you must claim your Potential Winning Bingo Card by following the onscreen instructions provided by no later than ten (10) minutes following the end of the applicable Postseason Game to be eligible for the Drawing (defined below). Failure to claim your Potential Winning Bingo Card within ten (10) minutes following the end of the applicable Postseason Game will render the Potential Winning Bingo Card void and result in Prize forfeiture.

ALL POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARDS ARE SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING. AN ENTRANT IS NOT A WINNER OF ANY PRIZE, EVEN IF THE PROMOTION SHOULD SO INDICATE, UNLESS AND UNTIL ENTRANT'S ELIGIBILITY, THE POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARD AND ENTRANT'S COMPLIANCE WITH THESE OFFICIAL RULES HAVE BEEN VERIFIED BY SPONSOR AND ENTRANT HAS BEEN NOTIFIED THAT SUCH VERIFICATION IS COMPLETE. SPONSOR WILL NOT ACCEPT SCREEN SHOTS OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF WINNING IN LIEU OF ITS VALIDATION PROCESS.

RANDOM DRAWINGS: Approximately thirty (30) minutes following the final out of each Postseason Game, five (5) potential winners will be selected by random drawing from among all eligible participants who claim valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards for that Postseason Game in accordance with these Official Rules (the "Drawing"). Subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules, the potential winners will be declared official winners of the Sweepstakes (each, a "Winner" and collectively, the "Winners"). Odds of winning a Prize will depend on the total number of Bingo Cards issued and the total number of valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards claimed for each applicable Postseason Game. Limit one (1) Prize per person, per family and per household.

PRIZES:  A maximum of two hundred fifteen (215) prizes (each, a "Prize" and collectively, the "Prizes") will be awarded (i.e. five (5) Prizes per each Postseason Game with a maximum of forty-three (43) Postseason Games), as follows:

For up to twenty-two (22) Postseason Games during the 2012 Wild Card Games and the 2012 Division Series, each Winner will receive one (1) Postseason.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2012 MLB Postseason. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of each such Prize: $4.99.

For up to twenty-one (21) Postseason Games during the 2012 League Championship Series and the 2012 MLB World Series Championship, each Winner will receive one (1) MLB.TV Offseason Package subscription. ARV of each such Prize: $24.99.

Total ARV of all Prizes: $3172.85.

For the avoidance of doubt, no Prizes will be awarded in connection with any 2012 MLB Postseason game that is not played because it is not necessary.

PRIZE CONDITIONS: All Prize details to be determined in the sole discretion of Sponsor. Each Winner is fully responsible for any and all applicable federal, state and local taxes (including income and withholding taxes). Postseason.TV subscriptions are subject to blackout and other restrictions - see www.postseason.tv for complete details. All costs and expenses associated with the Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided including, but not limited to, any and all expenses incurred by accepting the Prize are the sole responsibility of the Winners. The Prizes are non-transferable and non-assignable, with no cash redemptions except at Sponsor's sole and absolute discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any Prize (or any portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value at its sole and absolute discretion.

NOTIFICATION:  Each potential winner will be notified at the e-mail address, postal address and/or telephone number (in the sole discretion of Sponsor) provided at the time of entry (the "Prize Notification"). In the event that any potential winner does not respond to any such Prize Notification within three (3) days of the date of issuance or declines the Prize for any reason, a disqualification will result, the Prize will be forfeited and, at Sponsor's sole discretion and time permitting, an alternate potential winner may be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries. Each potential winner may be required to submit his/her valid social security number and/or other identification to Sponsor and may be required to execute, have notarized and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release of Liability and, unless prohibited by law, Publicity, within five (5) days of date of issuance. Failure to submit any identification required by Sponsor or to return the required documents within the specified time period, noncompliance with these Official Rules or the return of the Prize (or any portion thereof) or Prize Notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and Prize forfeiture and, at Sponsor's sole discretion and time permitting, may cause an alternate potential winner to be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY/PUBLICITY RELEASE:  By participating in the Promotion and submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to (i) be bound by these Official Rules, including all entry requirements, and (ii) waive any and all claims against Sponsor, the other MLB Entities, Facebook, Apple, Inc. and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, agents, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, representatives and advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, "Released Parties") for any injury, damage or loss that may occur, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from the participation in the Promotion or from the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof) or any travel or activity related to the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof). By entering this Promotion, each entrant gives his/her express permission to be contacted by Sponsor by telephone, e-mail and/or postal mail for Promotion purposes. Each Winner, by acceptance of the Prize, grants to Sponsor and each of its designees the right to publicize such Winner's name, address (city and state of residence), photograph, voice, statements and/or other likeness and prize information for advertising, promotional, trade and/or any other purpose in any media or format now known or hereafter devised, throughout the world, in perpetuity, without limitation and without further compensation, consideration, permission or notification, unless prohibited by law.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:  All decisions of Sponsor, including the determination of winners, are final and binding on all matters relating to this Promotion. Released Parties are not responsible for stolen, late, incomplete, illegible, inaccurate, misdirected, lost, misrouted, scrambled, damaged, delayed, undelivered, mutilated or garbled entries, transmissions, e-mail or mail; or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, cable, satellite, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), wireless network, website, or other connections including those through and/or by any website, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cable or wireless transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; any error, omission, interruption, defect or delay in transmission, processing, or communication; non-delivery; misdirected, blocked, or delayed e-mail notifications; printing, typographical or other errors appearing within these Official Rules, in any Promotion-related advertisements or other materials; or any other errors, problems or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, network, computer, telephone, mail, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the Promotion, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the Promotion, the processing of entries, the announcement of the Prize or in any Promotion-related materials, or the cancellation or postponement of any Major League Baseball game, event or exhibition. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by website users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Promotion. Released Parties are not res

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Nova makes first career start vs. Astros in finale

MLB.COM BINGO

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING A PRIZE WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BINGO CARDS ISSUED AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VALID POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARDS CLAIMED FOR EACH APPLICABLE POSTSEASON GAME. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ALL DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED SOLELY BY BINDING ARBITRATION AND ENTRANTS WAIVE THE ABILITY TO BRING CLAIMS IN A CLASS ACTION FORMAT.

ELIGIBILITY:  MLB.com Bingo (the "Promotion") is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and Washington, D.C. who are eighteen (18) years of age or older (except in the case of legal residents of certain states where the legal age of majority is greater than eighteen (18) years of age, such legal age of majority) at the time of entry. Employees, officers, and directors (including immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and members of the same household, whether or not related) of MLB Advanced Media, L.P. ("Sponsor"), the other MLB Entities and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion are not eligible to participate or win a Prize (defined below). The "MLB Entities" shall mean Sponsor, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball ("BOC"), its Bureaus, Committees, Subcommittees and Councils, Major League Baseball Enterprises, Inc., Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., the Major League Baseball Clubs ("Clubs"), each of their parent, subsidiary, affiliated and related entities, any entity which, now or in the future, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Clubs or the BOC and the owners, general and limited partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents of the foregoing entities. The Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Void where prohibited or restricted by law, rule or regulation.

PROMOTION PERIOD: The Promotion period (the "Promotion Period") begins at 11:00 AM Eastern Time ("ET") on October 5, 2012 and ends upon completion of the final out of the 2012 MLB World Series Championship.

HOW TO ENTER: During the Promotion Period, you may enter the Promotion by clicking on the banners, buttons and/or links within MLB.com Gameday (a free application) and following the instructions provided to register for the Promotion. If you are not already a member of MLB.com, you must become one before you can register to participate in the Contest (membership is free). There is only one (1) way to participate in the Promotion: online. No other method of entry or participation will be accepted. Additional entries beyond the specified limit will be void. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means will be void. All information submitted online by entrants is subject to, and will be treated in a manner consistent with, MLB.com's Terms of Use accessible at: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/about_mlb_com/terms_of_use.jsp and Privacy Policy accessible at: www.mlb.com/privacy.  All online entries must include a valid e-mail address for the entrant.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:  Upon successful registration, follow the instructions provided to receive one (1) virtual bingo card (the "Bingo Card") for each game of the 2012 MLB Postseason played during the Promotion Period (each, a "Postseason Game"). In addition, during the Promotion Period, participants may utilize sharing functionality available via the Promotion upon completion of a successful Contest (the "Sharing Functionality") to receive two (2) additional Bingo Cards. For each eligible individual any entrant notifies or makes aware of the Promotion who clicks on a valid link made available via the Sharing Functionality identifiable as having come from the entrant, such entrant shall receive two (2) additional Bingo Cards (for a total of three (3) Bingo Cards). No additional Bingo Cards will be received other than through verified Sharing Functionality. There is a limit of three (3) Bingo Cards per person and per e-mail address per Postseason Game. Each Bingo Card shall include a 5x5 grid that includes twenty-five (25) tiles (each, a "Tile"). Each Tile will include one (1) randomly selected game outcome for the active Postseason Game. For example, a participant could have a "Josh Hamilton Double" Tile on their Bingo Card which would be automatically marked in the event Josh Hamilton hits a double during a Postseason Game. Any eligible participant who receives a Bingo Card that becomes marked with five (5) Tiles in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row (each, a "Potential Winning Bingo Card") may be a potential Prize winner, subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules. (See the Prize Claim Section below for more information.) For purposes of this Promotion, MLB game outcomes will not be updated to reflect any official MLB statistics changes or corrections that may occur after the completion of any Postseason Game. Once each Postseason Game is final following completion of the final out of that game, it will be final for purposes of this Promotion. In the event any Postseason Game is cancelled, postponed or suspended, all Bingo Cards will be void for that game and Sponsor reserves the right to award the applicable Prizes by way of random drawing from among all eligible participants as of the time of such cancellation, postponement or suspension.

PRIZE CLAIMS: In the event you receive a message within MLB.com Gameday notifying you that you have a Potential Winning Bingo Card, you must claim your Potential Winning Bingo Card by following the onscreen instructions provided by no later than ten (10) minutes following the end of the applicable Postseason Game to be eligible for the Drawing (defined below). Failure to claim your Potential Winning Bingo Card within ten (10) minutes following the end of the applicable Postseason Game will render the Potential Winning Bingo Card void and result in Prize forfeiture.

ALL POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARDS ARE SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING. AN ENTRANT IS NOT A WINNER OF ANY PRIZE, EVEN IF THE PROMOTION SHOULD SO INDICATE, UNLESS AND UNTIL ENTRANT'S ELIGIBILITY, THE POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARD AND ENTRANT'S COMPLIANCE WITH THESE OFFICIAL RULES HAVE BEEN VERIFIED BY SPONSOR AND ENTRANT HAS BEEN NOTIFIED THAT SUCH VERIFICATION IS COMPLETE. SPONSOR WILL NOT ACCEPT SCREEN SHOTS OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF WINNING IN LIEU OF ITS VALIDATION PROCESS.

RANDOM DRAWINGS: Approximately thirty (30) minutes following the final out of each Postseason Game, five (5) potential winners will be selected by random drawing from among all eligible participants who claim valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards for that Postseason Game in accordance with these Official Rules (the "Drawing"). Subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules, the potential winners will be declared official winners of the Sweepstakes (each, a "Winner" and collectively, the "Winners"). Odds of winning a Prize will depend on the total number of Bingo Cards issued and the total number of valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards claimed for each applicable Postseason Game. Limit one (1) Prize per person, per family and per household.

PRIZES:  A maximum of two hundred fifteen (215) prizes (each, a "Prize" and collectively, the "Prizes") will be awarded (i.e. five (5) Prizes per each Postseason Game with a maximum of forty-three (43) Postseason Games), as follows:

For up to twenty-two (22) Postseason Games during the 2012 Wild Card Games and the 2012 Division Series, each Winner will receive one (1) Postseason.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2012 MLB Postseason. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of each such Prize: $4.99.

For up to twenty-one (21) Postseason Games during the 2012 League Championship Series and the 2012 MLB World Series Championship, each Winner will receive one (1) MLB.TV Offseason Package subscription. ARV of each such Prize: $24.99.

Total ARV of all Prizes: $3172.85.

For the avoidance of doubt, no Prizes will be awarded in connection with any 2012 MLB Postseason game that is not played because it is not necessary.

PRIZE CONDITIONS: All Prize details to be determined in the sole discretion of Sponsor. Each Winner is fully responsible for any and all applicable federal, state and local taxes (including income and withholding taxes). Postseason.TV subscriptions are subject to blackout and other restrictions - see www.postseason.tv for complete details. All costs and expenses associated with the Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided including, but not limited to, any and all expenses incurred by accepting the Prize are the sole responsibility of the Winners. The Prizes are non-transferable and non-assignable, with no cash redemptions except at Sponsor's sole and absolute discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any Prize (or any portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value at its sole and absolute discretion.

NOTIFICATION:  Each potential winner will be notified at the e-mail address, postal address and/or telephone number (in the sole discretion of Sponsor) provided at the time of entry (the "Prize Notification"). In the event that any potential winner does not respond to any such Prize Notification within three (3) days of the date of issuance or declines the Prize for any reason, a disqualification will result, the Prize will be forfeited and, at Sponsor's sole discretion and time permitting, an alternate potential winner may be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries. Each potential winner may be required to submit his/her valid social security number and/or other identification to Sponsor and may be required to execute, have notarized and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release of Liability and, unless prohibited by law, Publicity, within five (5) days of date of issuance. Failure to submit any identification required by Sponsor or to return the required documents within the specified time period, noncompliance with these Official Rules or the return of the Prize (or any portion thereof) or Prize Notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and Prize forfeiture and, at Sponsor's sole discretion and time permitting, may cause an alternate potential winner to be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY/PUBLICITY RELEASE:  By participating in the Promotion and submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to (i) be bound by these Official Rules, including all entry requirements, and (ii) waive any and all claims against Sponsor, the other MLB Entities, Facebook, Apple, Inc. and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, agents, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, representatives and advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, "Released Parties") for any injury, damage or loss that may occur, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from the participation in the Promotion or from the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof) or any travel or activity related to the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof). By entering this Promotion, each entrant gives his/her express permission to be contacted by Sponsor by telephone, e-mail and/or postal mail for Promotion purposes. Each Winner, by acceptance of the Prize, grants to Sponsor and each of its designees the right to publicize such Winner's name, address (city and state of residence), photograph, voice, statements and/or other likeness and prize information for advertising, promotional, trade and/or any other purpose in any media or format now known or hereafter devised, throughout the world, in perpetuity, without limitation and without further compensation, consideration, permission or notification, unless prohibited by law.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:  All decisions of Sponsor, including the determination of winners, are final and binding on all matters relating to this Promotion. Released Parties are not responsible for stolen, late, incomplete, illegible, inaccurate, misdirected, lost, misrouted, scrambled, damaged, delayed, undelivered, mutilated or garbled entries, transmissions, e-mail or mail; or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, cable, satellite, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), wireless network, website, or other connections including those through and/or by any website, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cable or wireless transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; any error, omission, interruption, defect or delay in transmission, processing, or communication; non-delivery; misdirected, blocked, or delayed e-mail notifications; printing, typographical or other errors appearing within these Official Rules, in any Promotion-related advertisements or other materials; or any other errors, problems or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, network, computer, telephone, mail, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the Promotion, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the Promotion, the processing of entries, the announcement of the Prize or in any Promotion-related materials, or the cancellation or postponement of any Major League Baseball game, event or exhibition. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by website users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Promotion. Released Parties are not responsible for injury or damage to participants' or to any other person's computer related to or resulting from participating in this Promotion or downloading materials from or use of the website. Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Promotion or website or attempt to undermine the legitimate operation of the Promotion by cheating, deception or other unfair playing practices, or intend to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrant or any representative of Sponsor or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void. Any attempt to deliberately damage the content or operation of this Promotion is unlawful and subject to legal action by Sponsor and/or its agents. Sponsor shall have the sole right to disqualify any entrant for violation of these Official Rules or any applicable laws relating to the Promotion, and to resolve all disputes in its sole discretion. Released Parties (i) make no warranty, guaranty or representation of any kind concerning any Prize (or any portion thereof), a

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Reunion with Pettitte, Clemens on tap for Jeter

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 4/1/2014 7:10 P.M. ET

HOUSTON -- The buzz was back in the Yankees' clubhouse on Tuesday afternoon. After a seven-week gauntlet of Spring Training and then a workout day at Minute Maid Park, the club is finally ready to lace up and start the 2014 season.

"I think we're all excited," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I thought we had a very good Spring Training, and then you leave Spring Training on Saturday and you have to wait a couple of days to play. I think there's anticipation. Obviously, the games in Spring Training mean something in a sense where guys are trying to get ready and guys are trying to make the team, but this is where it really counts. Guys look forward to that competition."

This marks the 112th season in franchise history, and the Yankees entered Tuesday holding a 63-47-1 record on Opening Day. They had lost four of their last five openers, including last year to the Red Sox, but had won six of their last 11, dating back to 2003.

"We're excited about the group we have here now," Yankees captain Derek Jeter said. "We have a lot of talent, but you have to go out on the field and play. It's a long season, so I'm not ever one to get into predictions or comparisons. We had a good spring, and now we're hoping to have a good season."

This campaign, of course, will carry the 162-game subplot of Jeter's farewell tour. Jeter will take part in the first of many pregame ceremonies on Wednesday in Houston, with Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens expected to be on hand.

General manager Brian Cashman does not sense that the team has any added urgency to win just because it is Jeter's last season.

"I think Jeter would be offended if somebody said, 'We've got to rally around Jeets,'" Cashman said. "We're rallying around the effort of trying to win a championship on a yearly basis. He represents that more than anybody."

Girardi said that because Jeter watched the careers of Pettitte, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada come to their respective ends over the last few seasons, Girardi expects that Jeter will be able to enjoy this last lap through a big league schedule.

"It's definitely his last Opening Day, so I will watch carefully to see how he's handling it and to remind him, 'You really need to enjoy this,'" Girardi said. "It's hard to take your uniform off. The one thing about Derek is, he really enjoys playing the game, but I want him to soak up some of the other things as well."

Yanks' decision to designate Nunez a tough one

HOUSTON -- The Yankees once viewed Eduardo Nunez as an everyday big league player, and even as a possible successor to shortstop Derek Jeter. No more, as Tuesday's moves strongly suggest that the next chapter of Nunez's career will come in a new uniform.

The Yankees designated Nunez for assignment, clearing a space on their 40-man roster for infielder Yangervis Solarte. Nunez lost his spot on the big league roster this spring when he was outplayed by both Solarte and another rookie, Dean Anna.

New York will have 10 days to trade, release or attempt to outright Nunez to the Minor Leagues through waivers. Nunez had previously been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and general manager Brian Cashman suggested that a change of scenery may benefit Nunez.

"Tough call, but he's the way I went; it's just a tough call," Cashman said. "We thought through a lot of other different permutations, but I think it's best for right now to give him a new, fresh start, and we'll see where that takes him. We're allotted 10 days to make an assignment of his contract, so stay tuned."

Nunez, who turns 27 in June, owns a career .267 average in 270 big league games with the Yankees. The organization once thought of Nunez so highly, Cashman refused to include him in a July 2010 trade package with the Mariners that would have brought left-hander Cliff Lee to the Bronx.

Jesus Montero and the Yanks' choice of Nunez or Ivan Nova would have gone to Seattle in that proposed deal; instead, Lee was traded to the Rangers as a half-season rental and helped them advance to the World Series before returning to the Phillies.

"[Nunez] possesses a great deal of talent, and you can dream on him -- and we have -- as a potential everyday shortstop in the big leagues," Cashman said. "All that talent is still there, and I think his versatility does provide for a great deal of choices as a player on a Major League roster. We'll see what develops in the next 10 days."

Cashman said that the Yankees entered Spring Training envisioning Nunez on their Opening Day roster, but Anna and Solarte both opened eyes during camp. Solarte has more experience at second and third base than Nunez, and manager Joe Girardi expects to use Anna as Jeter's backup until Brendan Ryan returns from the disabled list.

"At times, clubs get into roster crunches and sometimes you have to put a good player on waivers," Girardi said. "I've said all along, it's someone that we've been very fond of, a great guy in the clubhouse. It's tough, but we'll see what happens."

Gardner lone lineup holdover from '13 opener

HOUSTON -- As the Yankees turn the page from last season's third-place finish in the American League East and start a new hunt for championship No. 28, Brett Gardner was surprised to learn that he is the only holdover from the 2013 Opening Day batting order.

Gardner batted seventh and started in left field in manager Joe Girardi's order on Tuesday. Three hundred sixty-five days ago, he was joined in a lineup by Eduardo Nunez, Robinson Cano, Kevin Youkilis, Vernon Wells, Ben Francisco, Ichiro Suzuki, Jayson Nix and Francisco Cervelli. Only Ichiro and Cervelli remain on the active roster.

"I haven't thought about that, but that's hard to believe," Gardner said. "There has definitely been a lot of turnover. I feel like all the new guys that they always bring in here really get along with everybody. Everybody fits in well together. We've got a great group of guys; I feel good about our team, and it's going to be a good year."

Aside from left-hander CC Sabathia, the Yankees have a completely different defensive alignment; Gardner was playing center field in last year's opener. This marks the first time that the Yankees have had completely different starters at each defensive position from one Opening Day to another since 1946 and '47.

"It's hard to believe there even was a last time for that," Gardner said.

Bombers bits

• Gardner said that batting seventh won't be a huge adjustment for him; actually, Gardner has solid career numbers in the No. 7 hole. In 46 games, he has batted .337 (31-for-92) with a .417 on-base percentage in that slot.

"My job is to get on base, and the guys that are on base when I'm hitting, I'll try and get them over or drive them in," Gardner said. "When I get on base, I'll try and run and get in scoring position. I'll just try to play my game."

• Ryan was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, retroactive to March 22, with a cervical spine nerve injury. Ryan has not resumed baseball activities and is continuing to receive treatment at the Yankees' Tampa, Fla., facility.

• Girardi said that he has no lingering concern about center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury's right calf. The Yankees were cautious with Ellsbury during the second half of Spring Training, but Girardi said that he was encouraged that Ellsbury "was able to play the games when we needed him to play."

• On this date in Yankees history, Pettitte threw seven strong innings in 2003 to help the Yanks defeat the Blue Jays, 1-0. It marked the franchise's first April Fool's Day victory.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Season's first inning sets wrong tone for CC, Yanks

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For up to twenty-two (22) Postseason Games during the 2012 Wild Card Games and the 2012 Division Series, each Winner will receive one (1) Postseason.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2012 MLB Postseason. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of each such Prize: $4.99.

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14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wise vet Kuroda to battle precocious Cosart

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ALL POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARDS ARE SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING. AN ENTRANT IS NOT A WINNER OF ANY PRIZE, EVEN IF THE PROMOTION SHOULD SO INDICATE, UNLESS AND UNTIL ENTRANT'S ELIGIBILITY, THE POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARD AND ENTRANT'S COMPLIANCE WITH THESE OFFICIAL RULES HAVE BEEN VERIFIED BY SPONSOR AND ENTRANT HAS BEEN NOTIFIED THAT SUCH VERIFICATION IS COMPLETE. SPONSOR WILL NOT ACCEPT SCREEN SHOTS OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF WINNING IN LIEU OF ITS VALIDATION PROCESS.

RANDOM DRAWINGS: Approximately thirty (30) minutes following the final out of each Postseason Game, five (5) potential winners will be selected by random drawing from among all eligible participants who claim valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards for that Postseason Game in accordance with these Official Rules (the "Drawing"). Subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules, the potential winners will be declared official winners of the Sweepstakes (each, a "Winner" and collectively, the "Winners"). Odds of winning a Prize will depend on the total number of Bingo Cards issued and the total number of valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards claimed for each applicable Postseason Game. Limit one (1) Prize per person, per family and per household.

PRIZES:  A maximum of two hundred fifteen (215) prizes (each, a "Prize" and collectively, the "Prizes") will be awarded (i.e. five (5) Prizes per each Postseason Game with a maximum of forty-three (43) Postseason Games), as follows:

For up to twenty-two (22) Postseason Games during the 2012 Wild Card Games and the 2012 Division Series, each Winner will receive one (1) Postseason.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2012 MLB Postseason. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of each such Prize: $4.99.

For up to twenty-one (21) Postseason Games during the 2012 League Championship Series and the 2012 MLB World Series Championship, each Winner will receive one (1) MLB.TV Offseason Package subscription. ARV of each such Prize: $24.99.

Total ARV of all Prizes: $3172.85.

For the avoidance of doubt, no Prizes will be awarded in connection with any 2012 MLB Postseason game that is not played because it is not necessary.

PRIZE CONDITIONS: All Prize details to be determined in the sole discretion of Sponsor. Each Winner is fully responsible for any and all applicable federal, state and local taxes (including income and withholding taxes). Postseason.TV subscriptions are subject to blackout and other restrictions - see www.postseason.tv for complete details. All costs and expenses associated with the Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided including, but not limited to, any and all expenses incurred by accepting the Prize are the sole responsibility of the Winners. The Prizes are non-transferable and non-assignable, with no cash redemptions except at Sponsor's sole and absolute discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any Prize (or any portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value at its sole and absolute discretion.

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WAIVER OF LIABILITY/PUBLICITY RELEASE:  By participating in the Promotion and submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to (i) be bound by these Official Rules, including all entry requirements, and (ii) waive any and all claims against Sponsor, the other MLB Entities, Facebook, Apple, Inc. and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, agents, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, representatives and advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, "Released Parties") for any injury, damage or loss that may occur, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from the participation in the Promotion or from the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof) or any travel or activity related to the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof). By entering this Promotion, each entrant gives his/her express permission to be contacted by Sponsor by telephone, e-mail and/or postal mail for Promotion purposes. Each Winner, by acceptance of the Prize, grants to Sponsor and each of its designees the right to publicize such Winner's name, address (city and state of residence), photograph, voice, statements and/or other likeness and prize information for advertising, promotional, trade and/or any other purpose in any media or format now known or hereafter devised, throughout the world, in perpetuity, without limitation and without further compensation, consideration, permission or notification, unless prohibited by law.

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Memories of 2009 season rekindled

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/31/2014 7:31 P.M. ET

HOUSTON -- The last time the Yankees had to keep the lights off at Yankee Stadium in the fall, they responded by adding more than $400 million in payroll and watched a revamped roster of stars bring home the 2009 World Series championship.

They went back to that playbook after posting an 85-win, third-place finish last year, and as the Yankees prepare to send out a lineup that is highlighted by Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran, there is a similar urgency to getting back on top.

"I think it has a lot of the same feel," manager Joe Girardi said. "I think there's a lot of high expectation with the names that we've added. We addressed a lot of situations because of all the things that we went [through] last year, and it's a lot of the same feelings."

"I know what we went through, and how tough of a year it was last year in terms of not being able to make the playoffs," left-hander CC Sabathia said. "It was disappointing. You work extra hard to put yourself in a position to win games and put yourself back where you want to be, and that starts off with trying to win the division."

Ellsbury, McCann and Beltran account for $283 million in new payroll commitments, and the Yankees also gave a seven-year, $155 million contract to right-hander Masahiro Tanaka. Brian Roberts and Kelly Johnson will also make their Yankees debuts on Tuesday.

"I don't know if it has anything to do with last year, but as a group right here, right now, we expect to do good things and get into the playoffs," McCann said.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that he was encouraged by the club's spring.

"I feel as good as you can in terms of 'mission accomplished,' getting through Spring Training with what you wanted to get through," Cashman said. "You saw what you wanted to see from most people."

Heart of Yankees almost landed deep in heart of Texas

HOUSTON -- Derek Jeter never gives much thought to what his career might have looked like in a different uniform, but as he prepares for this final lap through the big leagues, there was a chance that it could have all happened in Houston instead of New York.

The Astros owned the first selection in the 1992 First-Year Player Draft and had scouted Jeter as a high school shortstop in Kalamazoo, Mich., but their decision-makers opted to select college infielder Phil Nevin instead.

Four other clubs also passed on Jeter, who fell to the Yankees with the sixth overall selection. None of those picks -- Paul Shuey (Indians), B.J. Wallace (Expos), Jeffrey Hammonds (Orioles) and Chad Mottola (Reds) -- went on to enjoy the levels of success that Jeter would.

April 1: Yankees vs. Astros, 7:10 p.m. ET
CC Sabathia vs. Scott Feldman

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"I was fortunate to be drafted by the team that I wanted to be, that I was a fan of growing up," Jeter said on Monday at Minute Maid Park, where the Yankees held a workout in advance of Tuesday's season opener. "I've never really allowed myself to think of what could have been different.

"I understand the Draft is a crapshoot. I wasn't even aware that the Yankees drafted sixth, to be quite honest with you. I think things worked out the way they should have worked out."

As the story goes, Astros scout and Hall of Famer Hal Newhouser lobbied hard for Houston to select Jeter with the first pick, having spent two years tracking his development in Michigan. When his advice was ignored, Newhouser quit, ending a career of more than 50 years in professional baseball.

The Astros plan to honor Jeter's career on Wednesday with a pregame ceremony and special gift. The ceremony will include a video highlighting some of Jeter's greatest on-field moments, and former teammates Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens will be in attendance.

"This is the last of the Core Four that came up, that really meant a lot to this organization," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It's been very enjoyable to be around. It's been enjoyable to watch the way he goes about his business, plays the game, what he does off the field, the great teammate that he is."

Jeter, who said that he expects all the usual Opening Day butterflies and nerves when he takes the field on Tuesday evening, said that he has always had a sense of gratitude for having those memorable moments come in a Yankees uniform.

"For me, it was always a dream coming to play for the Yankees," Jeter said. "To have that opportunity to do it my whole career, I've been fortunate. I have not even thought about what might have happened [elsewhere]."

In opening lineup, 2013 vs. '14, Gardner lone holdover

HOUSTON -- Yankees manager Joe Girardi has revealed his probable Opening Day lineup, looking forward to sending out a batting order that has been completely overhauled from last season.

Girardi said that he plans to send this lineup out against the Astros on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. ET: Jacoby Ellsbury CF; Derek Jeter SS; Carlos Beltran RF; Brian McCann C; Mark Teixeira 1B; Alfonso Soriano DH; Brett Gardner LF; Brian Roberts 2B; Kelly Johnson 3B.

"I think that we feel that we have a very deep lineup," Girardi said. "I feel that our bench is going to be productive, as well. We're going to score runs, and that's important -- especially in our division."

The only remaining player from the 2013 Opening Day lineup is Gardner, and he is playing a different position than last year, when he manned center field for the season opener.

Though the Yankees talked about the dynamic punch of having Ellsbury and Gardner bat back-to-back, probably with Gardner in the No. 9 spot, Girardi said that he sees several advantages to hitting Gardner seventh.

"You can do some things with the guys that are behind him," Girardi said. "You can let him run. You have a patient hitter in Brian Roberts, and [with] Kelly Johnson you can do some things.

"I just kind of like where he is. You get through the first couple of guys and then it gives you speed against a little bit quicker, and your speed is not necessarily back-to-back."

Bombers bits

• Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he does not have any concerns about David Robertson's velocity. Robertson will begin his tenure as the club's closer on Tuesday, and a New York Post report suggested that the right-hander's velocity has been 88 to 90 mph this spring, down from his usual 92-93 mph.

"That's not what we had on our gun," Girardi said. "We have him up to 93 and a lot of 91s and 92, which is pretty normal for David Robertson."

• The Yankees have until Tuesday to make a 40-man roster move to accommodate infielder Yangervis Solarte, according to general manager Brian Cashman. They will place infielder Brendan Ryan (pinched nerve) on the 15-day disabled list to make room on the 25-man roster for Solarte.

• Andy Pettitte was in the Yankees' clubhouse on Monday and threw batting practice to the final group of hitters. Pettitte lives in nearby Deer Park, Texas, and will be part of an on-field ceremony to honor Derek Jeter on Wednesday.

• Infielder Dean Anna wore No. 93 during Spring Training, but has switched to No. 45. Anna, a product of Frankfort, Ill., said that he picked the number to honor Michael Jordan. No. 23, of course, has been retired by the Yankees for Don Mattingly.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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In opening lineup, 2013 vs. '14, Gardner lone holdover

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/31/2014 7:31 P.M. ET

HOUSTON -- Yankees manager Joe Girardi has revealed his probable Opening Day lineup, looking forward to sending out a batting order that has been completely overhauled from last season.

Girardi said that he plans to send this lineup out against the Astros on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. ET: Jacoby Ellsbury CF; Derek Jeter SS; Carlos Beltran RF; Brian McCann C; Mark Teixeira 1B; Alfonso Soriano DH; Brett Gardner LF; Brian Roberts 2B; Kelly Johnson 3B.

"I think that we feel that we have a very deep lineup," Girardi said. "I feel that our bench is going to be productive, as well. We're going to score runs, and that's important -- especially in our division."

The only remaining player from the 2013 Opening Day lineup is Gardner, and he is playing a different position than last year, when he manned center field for the season opener.

Though the Yankees talked about the dynamic punch of having Ellsbury and Gardner bat back-to-back, probably with Gardner in the No. 9 spot, Girardi said that he sees several advantages to hitting Gardner seventh.

"You can do some things with the guys that are behind him," Girardi said. "You can let him run. You have a patient hitter in Brian Roberts, and [with] Kelly Johnson you can do some things.

"I just kind of like where he is. You get through the first couple of guys and then it gives you speed against a little bit quicker, and your speed is not necessarily back-to-back."

Heart of Yankees almost landed deep in heart of Texas

HOUSTON -- Derek Jeter never gives much thought to what his career might have looked like in a different uniform, but as he prepares for this final lap through the big leagues, there was a chance that it could have all happened in Houston instead of New York.

The Astros owned the first selection in the 1992 First-Year Player Draft and had scouted Jeter as a high school shortstop in Kalamazoo, Mich., but their decision-makers opted to select college infielder Phil Nevin instead.

Four other clubs also passed on Jeter, who fell to the Yankees with the sixth overall selection. None of those picks -- Paul Shuey (Indians), B.J. Wallace (Expos), Jeffrey Hammonds (Orioles) and Chad Mottola (Reds) -- went on to enjoy the levels of success that Jeter would.

April 1: Yankees vs. Astros, 7:10 p.m. ET
CC Sabathia vs. Scott Feldman

Complete coverage

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Opening Day MLBlog

"I was fortunate to be drafted by the team that I wanted to be, that I was a fan of growing up," Jeter said on Monday at Minute Maid Park, where the Yankees held a workout in advance of Tuesday's season opener. "I've never really allowed myself to think of what could have been different.

"I understand the Draft is a crapshoot. I wasn't even aware that the Yankees drafted sixth, to be quite honest with you. I think things worked out the way they should have worked out."

As the story goes, Astros scout and Hall of Famer Hal Newhouser lobbied hard for Houston to select Jeter with the first pick, having spent two years tracking his development in Michigan. When his advice was ignored, Newhouser quit, ending a career of more than 50 years in professional baseball.

The Astros plan to honor Jeter's career on Wednesday with a pregame ceremony and special gift. The ceremony will include a video highlighting some of Jeter's greatest on-field moments, and former teammates Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens will be in attendance.

"This is the last of the Core Four that came up, that really meant a lot to this organization," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It's been very enjoyable to be around. It's been enjoyable to watch the way he goes about his business, plays the game, what he does off the field, the great teammate that he is."

Jeter, who said that he expects all the usual Opening Day butterflies and nerves when he takes the field on Tuesday evening, said that he has always had a sense of gratitude for having those memorable moments come in a Yankees uniform.

"For me, it was always a dream coming to play for the Yankees," Jeter said. "To have that opportunity to do it my whole career, I've been fortunate. I have not even thought about what might have happened [elsewhere]."

Memories of 2009 season rekindled

HOUSTON -- The last time the Yankees had to keep the lights off at Yankee Stadium in the fall, they responded by adding more than $400 million in payroll and watched a revamped roster of stars bring home the 2009 World Series championship.

They went back to that playbook after posting an 85-win, third-place finish last year, and as the Yankees prepare to send out a lineup that is highlighted by Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran, there is a similar urgency to getting back on top.

"I think it has a lot of the same feel," manager Joe Girardi said. "I think there's a lot of high expectation with the names that we've added. We addressed a lot of situations because of all the things that we went [through] last year, and it's a lot of the same feelings."

"I know what we went through, and how tough of a year it was last year in terms of not being able to make the playoffs," left-hander CC Sabathia said. "It was disappointing. You work extra hard to put yourself in a position to win games and put yourself back where you want to be, and that starts off with trying to win the division."

Ellsbury, McCann and Beltran account for $283 million in new payroll commitments, and the Yankees also gave a seven-year, $155 million contract to right-hander Masahiro Tanaka. Brian Roberts and Kelly Johnson will also make their Yankees debuts on Tuesday.

"I don't know if it has anything to do with last year, but as a group right here, right now, we expect to do good things and get into the playoffs," McCann said.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that he was encouraged by the club's spring.

"I feel as good as you can in terms of 'mission accomplished,' getting through Spring Training with what you wanted to get through," Cashman said. "You saw what you wanted to see from most people."

Bombers bits

• Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he does not have any concerns about David Robertson's velocity. Robertson will begin his tenure as the club's closer on Tuesday, and a New York Post report suggested that the right-hander's velocity has been 88 to 90 mph this spring, down from his usual 92-93 mph.

"That's not what we had on our gun," Girardi said. "We have him up to 93 and a lot of 91s and 92, which is pretty normal for David Robertson."

• The Yankees have until Tuesday to make a 40-man roster move to accommodate infielder Yangervis Solarte, according to general manager Brian Cashman. They will place infielder Brendan Ryan (pinched nerve) on the 15-day disabled list to make room on the 25-man roster for Solarte.

• Andy Pettitte was in the Yankees' clubhouse on Monday and threw batting practice to the final group of hitters. Pettitte lives in nearby Deer Park, Texas, and will be part of an on-field ceremony to honor Derek Jeter on Wednesday.

• Infielder Dean Anna wore No. 93 during Spring Training, but has switched to No. 45. Anna, a product of Frankfort, Ill., said that he picked the number to honor Michael Jordan. No. 23, of course, has been retired by the Yankees for Don Mattingly.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Heart of Yankees almost landed deep in heart of Texas

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/31/2014 7:31 P.M. ET

HOUSTON -- Derek Jeter never gives much thought to what his career might have looked like in a different uniform, but as he prepares for this final lap through the big leagues, there was a chance that it could have all happened in Houston instead of New York.

The Astros owned the first selection in the 1992 First-Year Player Draft and had scouted Jeter as a high school shortstop in Kalamazoo, Mich., but their decision-makers opted to select college infielder Phil Nevin instead.

Four other clubs also passed on Jeter, who fell to the Yankees with the sixth overall selection. None of those picks -- Paul Shuey (Indians), B.J. Wallace (Expos), Jeffrey Hammonds (Orioles) and Chad Mottola (Reds) -- went on to enjoy the levels of success that Jeter would.

April 1: Yankees vs. Astros, 7:10 p.m. ET
CC Sabathia vs. Scott Feldman

Complete coverage

• Sign up for MLB.TV | Get At Bat
Opening Day MLBlog

"I was fortunate to be drafted by the team that I wanted to be, that I was a fan of growing up," Jeter said on Monday at Minute Maid Park, where the Yankees held a workout in advance of Tuesday's season opener. "I've never really allowed myself to think of what could have been different.

"I understand the Draft is a crapshoot. I wasn't even aware that the Yankees drafted sixth, to be quite honest with you. I think things worked out the way they should have worked out."

As the story goes, Astros scout and Hall of Famer Hal Newhouser lobbied hard for Houston to select Jeter with the first pick, having spent two years tracking his development in Michigan. When his advice was ignored, Newhouser quit, ending a career of more than 50 years in professional baseball.

The Astros plan to honor Jeter's career on Wednesday with a pregame ceremony and special gift. The ceremony will include a video highlighting some of Jeter's greatest on-field moments, and former teammates Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens will be in attendance.

"This is the last of the Core Four that came up, that really meant a lot to this organization," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It's been very enjoyable to be around. It's been enjoyable to watch the way he goes about his business, plays the game, what he does off the field, the great teammate that he is."

Jeter, who said that he expects all the usual Opening Day butterflies and nerves when he takes the field on Tuesday evening, said that he has always had a sense of gratitude for having those memorable moments come in a Yankees uniform.

"For me, it was always a dream coming to play for the Yankees," Jeter said. "To have that opportunity to do it my whole career, I've been fortunate. I have not even thought about what might have happened [elsewhere]."

In opening lineup, 2013 vs. '14, Gardner lone holdover

HOUSTON -- Yankees manager Joe Girardi has revealed his probable Opening Day lineup, looking forward to sending out a batting order that has been completely overhauled from last season.

Girardi said that he plans to send this lineup out against the Astros on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. ET: Jacoby Ellsbury CF; Derek Jeter SS; Carlos Beltran RF; Brian McCann C; Mark Teixeira 1B; Alfonso Soriano DH; Brett Gardner LF; Brian Roberts 2B; Kelly Johnson 3B.

"I think that we feel that we have a very deep lineup," Girardi said. "I feel that our bench is going to be productive, as well. We're going to score runs, and that's important -- especially in our division."

The only remaining player from the 2013 Opening Day lineup is Gardner, and he is playing a different position than last year, when he manned center field for the season opener.

Though the Yankees talked about the dynamic punch of having Ellsbury and Gardner bat back-to-back, probably with Gardner in the No. 9 spot, Girardi said that he sees several advantages to hitting Gardner seventh.

"You can do some things with the guys that are behind him," Girardi said. "You can let him run. You have a patient hitter in Brian Roberts, and [with] Kelly Johnson you can do some things.

"I just kind of like where he is. You get through the first couple of guys and then it gives you speed against a little bit quicker, and your speed is not necessarily back-to-back."

Memories of 2009 season rekindled

HOUSTON -- The last time the Yankees had to keep the lights off at Yankee Stadium in the fall, they responded by adding more than $400 million in payroll and watched a revamped roster of stars bring home the 2009 World Series championship.

They went back to that playbook after posting an 85-win, third-place finish last year, and as the Yankees prepare to send out a lineup that is highlighted by Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran, there is a similar urgency to getting back on top.

"I think it has a lot of the same feel," manager Joe Girardi said. "I think there's a lot of high expectation with the names that we've added. We addressed a lot of situations because of all the things that we went [through] last year, and it's a lot of the same feelings."

"I know what we went through, and how tough of a year it was last year in terms of not being able to make the playoffs," left-hander CC Sabathia said. "It was disappointing. You work extra hard to put yourself in a position to win games and put yourself back where you want to be, and that starts off with trying to win the division."

Ellsbury, McCann and Beltran account for $283 million in new payroll commitments, and the Yankees also gave a seven-year, $155 million contract to right-hander Masahiro Tanaka. Brian Roberts and Kelly Johnson will also make their Yankees debuts on Tuesday.

"I don't know if it has anything to do with last year, but as a group right here, right now, we expect to do good things and get into the playoffs," McCann said.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that he was encouraged by the club's spring.

"I feel as good as you can in terms of 'mission accomplished,' getting through Spring Training with what you wanted to get through," Cashman said. "You saw what you wanted to see from most people."

Bombers bits

• Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he does not have any concerns about David Robertson's velocity. Robertson will begin his tenure as the club's closer on Tuesday, and a New York Post report suggested that the right-hander's velocity has been 88 to 90 mph this spring, down from his usual 92-93 mph.

"That's not what we had on our gun," Girardi said. "We have him up to 93 and a lot of 91s and 92, which is pretty normal for David Robertson."

• The Yankees have until Tuesday to make a 40-man roster move to accommodate infielder Yangervis Solarte, according to general manager Brian Cashman. They will place infielder Brendan Ryan (pinched nerve) on the 15-day disabled list to make room on the 25-man roster for Solarte.

• Andy Pettitte was in the Yankees' clubhouse on Monday and threw batting practice to the final group of hitters. Pettitte lives in nearby Deer Park, Texas, and will be part of an on-field ceremony to honor Derek Jeter on Wednesday.

• Infielder Dean Anna wore No. 93 during Spring Training, but has switched to No. 45. Anna, a product of Frankfort, Ill., said that he picked the number to honor Michael Jordan. No. 23, of course, has been retired by the Yankees for Don Mattingly.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Jeter gets key to city on final Spring Training day

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/29/2014 4:31 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- The stadium was called Legends Field back in the spring of 1996, having just opened its gates to the public, and it was where a 21-year-old Derek Jeter celebrated that he was going north as the Yankees' Opening Day shortstop.

Nearly two decades later, Jeter stood outside those same clubhouse doors, leaving the facility -- now referred to as George M. Steinbrenner Field -- for the final time as an active player. The captain has played his last Spring Training game.

"It hasn't really set in," Jeter said. "It's odd to think that I won't be back. I've been coming here since '96; the first year it opened was my first year. It will be a little different; it will probably be a little more different next year when Spring Training starts. Right now, I'm just looking forward to getting to Houston."

Jeter was honored prior to what would have been his final spring game on Saturday, as he was presented with a key to the city of Tampa. The game was cancelled due to rain moments after the presentation.

"I live here, so now I can do whatever I want when I'm in Tampa," Jeter said with a smile. "I don't know how long it unlocks the doors for. It always feels good to be recognized. I spend a lot of time here, I live here in the offseason, so I thought it was very nice."

Jeter, 39, concluded his final spring with the Yankees batting .137 (7-for-51), with a double and two RBIs. He said that it took him longer than expected to regain his timing after missing most of last year due to injuries, but the veteran said that he feels prepared to begin the season as the Yanks' everyday shortstop.

"I feel good. That was the most important thing," Jeter said. "Spring Training is a progression, both physically and being game-ready. I feel I'm where I want to be right now."

Jeter said that he doesn't remember much about that spring of '96, except for that the facility was brand new. He has also recalled how Steinbrenner was unsure about going into the season with an unproven shortstop.

As the story goes, the Mariners offered journeyman infielder Felix Fermin to the Yankees, seeking pitchers Mariano Rivera or Bob Wickman in return -- a deal would have changed the course of franchise history. It was never especially close to happening, as the front office and manager Joe Torre went to bat for Jeter.

In recent seasons, Jeter has acknowledged trying to fast-forward the clock to Opening Day. He hopes that he was able to slow things down a little bit in his final run through the Grapefruit League.

"I just tried to not look forward to the end of it," Jeter said. "Most people look forward to the end of spring about two weeks into it, but I just tried to take it in, day in and day out. That's what I'll remember."

Solarte makes team; Yankees option Nunez

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yangervis Solarte found a seat inside his clubhouse locker and pointed to the goosebumps running up and down his arms. The infielder was just told that he had made the Yankees' Opening Day roster, and he still was in a state of disbelief.

"This is a dream come true, outside of having my family and my children," Solarte said through an interpreter. "This is a new beginning. I have great happiness. Now I have to work hard. This is when the work actually starts."

Solarte, 26, beat out Eduardo Nunez for the final backup infield spot on the roster, with Nunez optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

A non-roster invitee, Solarte was a standout this spring, batting .429 (18-for-42) with two homers and nine RBIs, leading the club in hits and tied for the lead in RBIs. He said that he did not know what to think coming into the final day of the spring.

"I basically was just focused on how happy I was with everything, the way that I performed this Spring Training and being here," Solarte said. "Every day I kept moving forward, so I just stayed positive."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that it had been a difficult decision, but the switch-hitting Solarte has more career experience playing second and third base, which gave him an advantage.

"We thought he won the spot in Spring Training," Girardi said. "I thought defensively he played well. I thought he gave you good at-bats every time he went up there, whether it was from the left side or the right side."

Nunez left the clubhouse at George M. Steinbrenner Field without speaking to reporters. Girardi said that Nunez was "very disappointed and upset" by the decision, and that it had been "extremely difficult" to tell Nunez he had not made the team.

"We all love Nuney," Girardi said. "There's something about his character and who he is that just makes him a guy that everyone roots for and wants to see him do well and have a great career. But it's difficult. The past two days have been really difficult on me."

With Brendan Ryan beginning the year on the disabled list, Girardi said that he envisions using Dean Anna as the primary backup to shortstop Derek Jeter, while using Solarte more at second and third base.

The Yankees need to make a 40-man roster move before Tuesday to accommodate Solarte; that decision has not yet been announced.

Tanaka wins award for top Yankees rookie

TAMPA, Fla. -- As Masahiro Tanaka wraps up his first big league Spring Training camp and prepares to head into the regular season, the Yankees right-hander has already tucked one award under his belt.

The Yankees announced Saturday that Tanaka was the recipient of the 2014 James P. Dawson Award, given annually to the outstanding Yankees rookie in Spring Training. Tanaka received the award in a ceremony before Saturday's game against the Marlins was cancelled due to rain.

Tanaka, 25, went 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA in five appearances (three starts) this spring, allowing five earned runs in 21 innings. He led the team with 26 strikeouts while walking only three batters, permitting 15 hits.

"I do feel that I learned a lot throughout Spring Training," Tanaka said through an interpreter. "I think the important thing for me is not to stop here and keep learning as the season progresses."

Tanaka completed his spring by hurling six innings of three-hit ball with no walks and 10 strikeouts in a 3-0 Yankees victory over the Marlins on Friday. He is scheduled to make his Major League debut on April 4 against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

The award was established in honor of James P. Dawson (1896-1953), who began a 45-year career with The New York Times as a copy boy in 1908. Eight years later, he became boxing editor and covered boxing and baseball until his death during Spring Training in 1953.

The Yankees' beat writers vote on the award; Yangervis Solarte, who hit .429 this spring to win a roster spot, was the runner-up. In conjunction with the award, Tanaka will receive a watch from Betteridge Jewelers.

Bombers bits

• Girardi said that there is "a pretty good chance" that Saturday's washed-out batting order is the one he'll use against the Astros on April 1. That lineup: Jacoby Ellsbury, Jeter, Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann, Mark Teixeira, Alfonso Soriano, Brett Gardner, Brian Roberts and Kelly Johnson.

Girardi said that in hitting Gardner seventh, "He's a guy that we feel we could hit anywhere in the top or anywhere down to give some speed. He had a pretty good year offensively last year, and that's where we decided to put him."

• Most of the Yankees' roster left for Houston after Saturday's game was cancelled; ace CC Sabathia planned to attend Saturday's NBA matchup between the Rockets and Clippers. Some remained behind, including Girardi, who will watch Michael Pineda's 10 a.m. ET Minor League game on Sunday before flying to Houston. The Yankees have a 3 p.m. ET workout on Monday at Minute Maid Park to prepare for Tuesday's season opener.

• Ryan (pinched nerve in upper back) said that he would be "pretty disappointed" if he is unable to play in the big leagues before May 1. Ryan is staying back in Tampa to continue rehabbing, and he said that he will resume swinging a bat underwater on Monday. He expects to be given about 50 at-bats in Minor League and simulated games before joining the big league club.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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