Phelps aiming to grab rubber game against Sox

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), and (ii) disclaim any implied warranty. Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend the Promotion (or any portion thereof) should virus, bugs, unauthorized human intervention, or other causes corrupt administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper operation of the Promotion (or any portion thereof). In the event of such cancellation, Sponsor may elect to identify the Winners and award the Prizes by way of random drawing from among all non-suspect, eligible entries received up to the time of such cancellation. Sponsor also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify these Official Rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the terms and conditions of the Promotion.

CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY INDIVIDUAL, WHETHER OR NOT AN ENTRANT, TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROMOTION OR UNDERMINE THE CONTENT OR LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS PROMOTION MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR WILL DISQUALIFY ANY SUCH ENTRANT, AND SPONSOR AND/OR ITS AGENTS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS' FEES) AND OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY PERSON OR PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTEMPT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

In the event of dispute as to the identity or eligibility of any potential winner based on an e-mail address, the winning entry will be declared made by the "Authorized Account Holder" of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry provided he/she is eligible according to these Official Rules. The "Authorized Account Holder" is defined as the natural person to whom the applicable Internet service provider or other organization (such as a business or educational institution) has assigned the e-mail address for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

As a condition of participating in this Promotion, each entrant agrees that (A) any and all disputes, claims, controversies or causes of action arising out of or relating to this Promotion, or any prizes awarded (each, a "Claim"), shall be (1) arbitrated on an individual basis only, and shall not be consolidated or joined with or in any arbitration or other proceeding involving a Claim of any other party, and (2) settled by binding arbitration in New York County, New York before a single arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its then governing rules and procedures, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof; and (B) under no circumstance will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, consequential or any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses. These Official Rules shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, U.S.A, applicable to contracts entered into and performed exclusively in that State.

Apple, Inc. is not a sponsor of, or responsible for conducting, the Promotion. All entry data provided in connection with this Promotion is provided to Sponsor and not to Facebook. This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

WINNERS' LIST:  For a list of winners (available after December 1, 2012) mail a request and a self-addressed stamped envelope to be received by January 15, 2012 to: MLB.com Bingo Winner's List c/o MLB Advanced Media, L.P., 75 Ninth Ave., New York, New York 10011, Attn: Sweepstakes Department.

SPONSOR: The Sponsor of this Promotion is MLB Advanced Media, L.P., 75 Ninth Ave., New York, New York 10011.

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are proprietary to the MLB Entities. All rights reserved.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Betances hits triple digits on Fenway radar

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 8/2/2014 10:15 P.M. ET

BOSTON -- Dellin Betances couldn't help himself. As he turned back from the mound, having completed an eighth-inning strikeout of Mike Napoli, the Yankees reliever took a peek at the radar-gun readout.

Fenway Park's digital board had clocked Betances at 101 mph, which he said was an all-time high for him. What's more, it wasn't a fluke: Fenway's gun had Betances throwing in the triple digits three times to Napoli.

"I feel blessed to be able to do that, but I was more happy that I was able to get him out," Betances said. "He's a tough at-bat every time. And that situation is important to get the leadoff guy out."

Betances said that extra rest helped him channel some bonus adrenaline, which did not go unnoticed in either dugout.

"I've only faced one pitcher like that who could throw 100 mph, and that was Aroldis Chapman," said Boston's Yoenis Cespedes. "I faced Betances once earlier in the year. He wasn't at that kind of velocity."

Manager Joe Girardi said that he saw the gun readings at Fenway and that he wanted to compare the scoreboard to the team's own numbers.

"It was kind of high," Girardi said. "I'll have to look on ours. We've seen him hit 98, 99 with us, too. He had three days off, and he probably felt pretty good today."

Whatever the true number was, Betances will gladly take the end results.

"There's days that the ball feels like it's coming out better, and today was one of those days," Betances said.

Prado ready for challenge ahead in New York

BOSTON -- Martin Prado said that he had been aware of the trade rumors swirling around his name. So when his cell phone buzzed with an incoming call from an unknown number on Thursday afternoon, the veteran infielder-outfielder was not surprised.

One destination that Prado hadn't considered, however, was the Yankees. That was the part that caught him off guard. But as he joined his new club with the assignment of playing right field every day, Prado said that he will make sure that he is ready for the change.

"It's been a while since I've played right field, but I told [the Yankees] that I'm open for it -- to help my teammates, help my team win games," Prado said. "Whatever I have to do, I will prepare myself for any challenge to help the team win."

Before Friday, when Prado entered as a pinch-hitter for Ichiro Suzuki and played the final two innings without incident in right field, he had only played two career innings as a right fielder -- on Oct. 4, 2009, for the Braves, in a 15-inning loss to the Nationals.

Prado said that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman explained the situation to him. In addition to right field, manager Joe Girardi said that he could use Prado at second base, third base and in left field.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge," Prado said. "I just said, 'The only thing I want is to give me a heads-up on the things you want to do with me, and I will prepare myself for that.'"

A career .290 hitter in nine big league seasons, Prado was having a down year with Arizona, posting a slash line of .270/.317/.370 with five homers and 42 RBIs in 106 games.

After nine years in the National League -- including seven with the Braves -- Prado is no stranger to visiting New York, though he said that the fast pace of the city may take some getting used to.

"When I was with the Braves, always when I went to play against the Mets, I was, 'Oh, man. It's crowded,'" Prado said. "I didn't like the crowded stuff. I was like, 'I don't like the city,' but I always took my family because they'd never been in New York. But I've got a lot of friends in New York and they've been around, so I'm getting to like the city."

Yanks in no rush to put Beltran back in right

BOSTON -- Now that the Yankees feel that they have added some outfield help, it is less imperative that they hurry Carlos Beltran back to right field. He will continue to toss, but the team has no reason to rush him.

Thursday's addition of Martin Prado allows the Yankees that flexibility. Beltran has not appeared in the outfield since May 12 due to a bone spur in his right elbow, and he had recently progressed to playing catch at a distance of 100-120 feet.

"We have more options -- we were carrying three outfielders for a while there," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Carlos was the fourth, and then we were running infielders out there.

"But with Martin, who's played a lot of outfield, and then having [Ichiro Suzuki], too -- we'll make sure he's ready when he goes out there."

Ichiro had been seeing regular duty in right field, but Prado's acquisition is expected to bump Ichiro back to a reserve role. Girardi said that could help the 40-year-old veteran from a physical standpoint.

"I think at this point in the season, you kind of go day by day. But we acquired Prado to play a lot," Girardi said. "We'll go day by day [with Ichiro]."

Bombers bits

• Brian McCann got the day off on Saturday, which Girardi said was a nod to the day game after a night game. Girardi also liked the idea of keeping right-hander Shane Greene and catcher Francisco Cervelli together.

"We're going to give Brian days off in this 13-day stretch, so I chose today," Girardi said.

• On this date in 1979, Yankees captain Thurman Munson was killed in a plane crash in Canton, Ohio at age 32. Munson's No. 15 was immediately retired, and his locker at Yankee Stadium remained vacant until the facility's last game in 2008.

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

Yankees shining through adversity

BOSTON -- If the New York Yankees were almost any other baseball team, we'd marvel at how they've persevered. We'd point to their toughness and resilience and sing the praises of their manager. We'd tell the world their clubhouse leaders were made of the right stuff.

All those things are true. The Yankees have had an incredible season. Not in the way the A's have had an incredible season or how the Tigers have had an incredible season. But it has been incredible nonetheless.

That's the bottom line. Because they're the Yankees, because they have deep pockets, they'll always be evaluated differently than other teams. That's OK. They do that themselves.

George Steinbrenner offered no excuses, and general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi won't either. All that matters is the bottom line. That's life around the Yankees.

Still, to stay in contention after losing four starting pitchers to injuries says so many good things about the Yankees on an assortment of levels. Girardi may look back and see this season as the most challenging one he has ever had. In an odd way, it may be one of the most satisfying regardless of how it plays out.

Cashman has worked relentlessly to improve the team. His farm system may not have the pieces to make a dramatic addition. Rather than do nothing, Cashman has continued to upgrade the Yankees at every opportunity.

He added Brandon McCarthy and Chris Capuano to the rotation, got Chase Headley to play third, Stephen Drew to play second base and Martin Prado to be a sort of super utility player. Meanwhile, the Yankees have gotten significant contributions from their farm system, from Chase Whitley and Shane Greene, from Dellin Betances and Adam Warren.

After Cashman's additions of Drew and Prado at Thursday's non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Yankees have used 49 players in all, including seven making their Major League debuts. Twenty-eight pitchers, including 11 starters, have been used. They've started a rookie pitcher 49 times, tops in the Majors.

And yet, somehow they've made it all work. Well, sort of. Despite losing six of seven before Saturday's 6-4 victory over the Red Sox, the Yankees trail the first-place Orioles by five games in the American League East. They're 2 1/2 games out in the race for the second AL Wild Card berth.

"It really hasn't been difficult," Girardi said. "We had a lot of practice last year. We've had a lot of practice already this year. I've said all along we've got a great group of guys in there. Guys with open arms. Guys that have a history together."

Most games down the stretch, the Yankees likely will start players who have been acquired in the last year at six of nine everyday positions. Yet the transition seems completely seamless.

Yankee starting pitchers have won just once in the last eight games, but the bullpen has been terrific and the reconfigured offense looks like it'll be fine. Whether or not the Yankees can get to October will be played out over the final two months.

Inside the clubhouse, though, there's still the usual confidence that playing hard and playing together will get them where they want to go. They won't get CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova back this season and may not have Masahiro Tanaka. But Michael Pineda could be only a few days from returning to the Bronx.

"It's probably more of a challenge for the guys that are coming over," Derek Jeter said. "It's not so much of a challenge for us. We try to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. There's only so much you can do. It takes some time before you get acclimated with new surroundings and new teammates. We just try to make everyone feel comfortable."

Some of that is Cashman's attempt to acquire a certain tye of player. For instance, Prado and Drew arrive with the reputation of being people who are good teammates and consummate pros.

Likewise, the same can be said of Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann, who were big-ticket acquisitions last offseason. Again, the Yankees have no idea if they're good enough to get to October, but they're still been a competitive, interesting team.

"We've brought in some very good players," Ellsbury said. "Obviously, it's tough when the guys you've been playing with all season leave. It's only been two days [since the Trade Deadline], but I feel like the transition, fitting in the clubhouse, is going great. I've heard nothing but great things about them from other organizations."

In the end, the Yankees will always be judged only by what happens in October. This is the part of the deal they're accustomed to. They expect as much from themselves as their fans expect. Yet in a different sort of way, this season has already been a success. They've done the pinstripes proud.

Richard Justice is a columnist for MLB.com. Read his blog, Justice4U. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Drew embraces challenge of playing second base

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 8/1/2014 7:04 P.M. ET

BOSTON -- Stephen Drew's on-the-job training at an unfamiliar position began Friday, as he was asked to play his first big league innings as a second baseman. It can only help his acclimation process that he had just half a ballpark to travel.

Acquired from the Red Sox on Thursday afternoon, Drew shuttled his belongings into the smaller visiting clubhouse at Fenway Park, suiting up in road grays and preparing to take on his former club as New York opened a three-game series in Boston.

"It comes with the territory of playing this game," Drew said. "It's pretty strange to walk across the clubhouse and change uniforms, but I am looking forward to it. I really am. New York's giving me an opportunity here. We're still in the chase. It's something I've been used to and I am looking forward to the challenge."

Drew is replacing veteran second baseman Brian Roberts, who was designated for assignment on Friday. Drew has never played any other position than shortstop in the Majors, but with Derek Jeter installed there, manager Joe Girardi said that he plans to use Drew mostly as the starting second baseman.

"I'm just excited to get to play with a guy who is in his last year, and try to learn as much as I can from him and take it all in," Drew said. "This is something new for me. It's definitely going to be a challenge, but also I am looking forward to the challenge. I take pride in that.

"It's baseball. I haven't done it in eight years of the big leagues, going over to second, so that will be an adjustment. But I think the Yankees, with this move, they are confident in me just with the athletic ability that I have to move to second."

Girardi said that because of aggressive defensive shifting, Drew actually has seen some time on the right side of the field even while playing shortstop, so he should be able to make adjustments rather easily.

"I asked him; with the shifts, you know he's capable of doing it," Girardi said. "Getting comfortable might take a little bit of time, though. Anytime you switch double play partners, there's going to take some time to get used to that, too."

Drew said that he played two months of second base as a 10th grader on the varsity squad at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Ga., which is quite a leap to manning the middle infield alongside Jeter. That fact does not concern infield coach Mick Kelleher.

"He's got great hands, quick feet and a good arm," Kelleher said. "So that's a nice combination for a shortstop or second baseman."

In a strange twist, Drew was traded for Kelly Johnson, who is one of Drew's best friends from their days together with the D-backs. Drew said he texted Johnson to give him a few pointers about living in Boston.

"I'm thankful for the Red Sox and what they did for me," Drew said. "Now it's time to move on."

Despite changes, business as usual for Jeter

BOSTON -- There are a few new faces in the Yankees' clubhouse, but as far as Derek Jeter is concerned, there wasn't too much of a ripple effect from Thursday's wild non-waiver Trade Deadline. It is business as usual for the captain.

"It is more an adjustment for the guys coming in," Jeter said. "The guys that are here, it isn't really an adjustment. For us as players, we don't have to adjust to new guys. We just want them to do things that they have always done."

Jeter said that he liked the Yankees' moves, adding infielder Stephen Drew, infielder/outfielder Martin Prado and right-hander Esmil Rogers in advance of Thursday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, but Jeter also is giving thought to the players subtracted from the roster.

"Anytime you have moves, people leave," Jeter said. "I am sad to see guys leave. Brian [Roberts], Kelly [Johnson], [Vidal] Nuno, these are guys you get an opportunity to get to know. You have two sides to everything. You are happy to be playing with new guys, but at the same time, you are sad to see guys go. That's what you have to juggle."

With the Yankees entering play on Friday three games over .500 at 55-52, five games back of the Orioles in the American League East, Jeter said that his team needs to win more games but is still in control of its situation.

"We are in a spot that everyone would like to be in," Jeter said. "We win our games, we are in good shape. That's where you like to be."

Prado to play right, but could see time elsewhere

BOSTON -- The Yankees are planning on playing Martin Prado as their starting right fielder, a position that he has never tried in a big league game, but manager Joe Girardi believes the veteran's versatility will allow him to make the shift with ease.

"A guy like Martin Prado, who has moved around in his career and has played a lot of different positions, you feel pretty comfortable there," Girardi said.

Prado was expected to land in Boston around 5 p.m. ET on Friday, traveling from Arizona, where he had packed up his belongings in the D-backs' clubhouse. Girardi said that Prado would be available off the bench on Friday.

Girardi said that he would consider using Prado as a reserve at second base and third base, but the Yankees mostly want to see him in right field, where they've been searching for a right-handed hitter since releasing Alfonso Soriano in July.

Prado, who is under contract for two more years at $11 million per season, should also figure into the Yankees' future planning; second baseman Stephen Drew will be a free agent and third baseman Alex Rodriguez's situation is uncertain.

"I usually don't talk about next year, but there's obviously some areas that are available next year that he could fill," Girardi said. "It gives us a lot of flexibility this year, but it gives us a lot of flexibility next year, in a sense. He has played second, he has played third and he will have played right or left."

Yanks hope change of scenery benefits Rogers

BOSTON -- The Yankees have had good reports on Esmil Rogers for some time, and manager Joe Girardi is curious to see if his club can straighten the right-hander out after a rough season with the Blue Jays.

"We've always liked his arm," Girardi said. "Our goal is to see if we can get this kid on a roll and he can help us."

Rogers, who can be used as either a short or long reliever, said that he was working out in Toronto when he learned that the Yankees had claimed him. Rogers said that fastball command was responsible for his 6.97 ERA in 16 games for Toronto.

"When you're bad, you're bad," Rogers said. "This year, I got a couple of bad outings. I just tried to fix that and come in pounding the zone, use more of my fastball and my fastball command. ... I think my fastball is my power pitch. My slider is nasty. When my fastball and my slider command is good, it's all right."

Bombers bits

• The Yankees optioned infielder Zelous Wheeler and outfielder Zoilo Almonte to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

• Monday marks the three-week mark from Masahiro Tanaka's platelet-rich plasma injection, and the right-hander will be examined in New York to determine the next course of action. It will represent the halfway point of the six-week rehab that the Yankees talked about after Tanaka partially tore his right ulnar collateral ligament.

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

Initially ruled out, Ellsbury gets steal following review

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 8/1/2014 9:15 P.M. ET

BOSTON -- The Yankees successfully challenged a call at second base in the sixth inning of Friday's game against the Red Sox, resulting in Jacoby Ellsbury being credited with his 29th stolen base of the season.

Ellsbury walked to lead off the inning against Boston starter Anthony Ranaudo, then broke for second base with one out and Mark Teixeira batting.

Ellsbury popped up on the slide and briefly stumbled before getting back to the bag, but he was called out on the initial slide by second-base umpire Paul Schrieber, who ruled that Ellsbury had been tagged by shortstop Xander Bogaerts.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi challenged the call, and after a review of one minute and 46 seconds, it was determined that Ellsbury slid in safely ahead of Bogaerts' tag.

Ellsbury moved to third on a Teixeira groundout and scored on Carlos Beltran's single to center field, trimming Boston's lead to 3-2 at the time.

Girardi and the Yankees have made 20 challenges this season; 15 have been overturned, three have been confirmed and two have been ruled to stand.

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.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Showcasing new faces, Yanks fall to rivals

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), and (ii) disclaim any implied warranty. Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend the Promotion (or any portion thereof) should virus, bugs, unauthorized human intervention, or other causes corrupt administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper operation of the Promotion (or any portion thereof). In the event of such cancellation, Sponsor may elect to identify the Winners and award the Prizes by way of random drawing from among all non-suspect, eligible entries received up to the time of such cancellation. Sponsor also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify these Official Rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the terms and conditions of the Promotion.

CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY INDIVIDUAL, WHETHER OR NOT AN ENTRANT, TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROMOTION OR UNDERMINE THE CONTENT OR LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS PROMOTION MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR WILL DISQUALIFY ANY SUCH ENTRANT, AND SPONSOR AND/OR ITS AGENTS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS' FEES) AND OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY PERSON OR PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTEMPT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

In the event of dispute as to the identity or eligibility of any potential winner based on an e-mail address, the winning entry will be declared made by the "Authorized Account Holder" of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry provided he/she is eligible according to these Official Rules. The "Authorized Account Holder" is defined as the natural person to whom the applicable Internet service provider or other organization (such as a business or educational institution) has assigned the e-mail address for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

As a condition of participating in this Promotion, each entrant agrees that (A) any and all disputes, claims, controversies or causes of action arising out of or relating to this Promotion, or any prizes awarded (each, a "Claim"), shall be (1) arbitrated on an individual basis only, and shall not be consolidated or joined with or in any arbitration or other proceeding involving a Claim of any other party, and (2) settled by binding arbitration in New York County, New York before a single arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its then governing rules and procedures, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof; and (B) under no circumstance will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, consequential or any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses. These Official Rules shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, U.S.A, applicable to contracts entered into and performed exclusively in that State.

Apple, Inc. is not a sponsor of, or responsible for conducting, the Promotion. All entry data provided in connection with this Promotion is provided to Sponsor and not to Facebook. This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

WINNERS' LIST:  For a list of winners (available after December 1, 2012) mail a request and a self-addressed stamped envelope to be received by January 15, 2012 to: MLB.com Bingo Winner's List c/o MLB Advanced Media, L.P., 75 Ninth Ave., New York, New York 10011, Attn: Sweepstakes Department.

SPONSOR: The Sponsor of this Promotion is MLB Advanced Media, L.P., 75 Ninth Ave., New York, New York 10011.

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are proprietary to the MLB Entities. All rights reserved.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yanks to DFA Roberts to make room for Drew

BOSTON -- Brian Roberts played 91 games for the Yankees this year, marking his highest total since 2009, but he had produced just two hits in his last 17 at-bats and was held out of the lineup for the team's last two games going into the non-waiver Trade Deadline.

The Yankees plan to designate Roberts for assignment to create room for Stephen Drew on the active roster. With 348 plate appearances this season, Roberts' Yankees tenure will end two plate appearances shy of a $250,000 bonus, but general manager Brian Cashman said the incentive was not a factor in the decision.

"No. Bottom line, it's all just based on evaluations," Cashman said. "We're taking on money [in Drew and Martin Prado]. I had to go to ownership to ask to take on money. Somebody's performance bonuses -- by doing deals where you're adding to your roster and taking on payroll in a significant way, it has nothing to do with somebody's roster bonuses."

Roberts, 36, posted a slash line of .237/.300/.360 with five homers and 21 RBIs after signing a $2 million contract in January. Roberts already collected $350,000 in incentives, tied to reaching 250 and 300 plate appearances.

Cashman said that he was appreciative of the contributions from Roberts and Kelly Johnson, who was swapped to Boston for Drew.

"These guys, I thank them for their effort and what they brought, and I'm sorry to see them go," Cashman said. "But at the same time, we're trying to improve our club. In Drew's case and Prado's case, they're going to assist us as we move forward, and reinforce and improve our chances. It's just the nature of the beast."

Yanks trade with Sox for first time since 1997

It takes a specific set of circumstances for the Yankees and Red Sox to pursue a trade together, something that the American League East blood rivals haven't dared to do since 1997.

As the most marketable pieces of the Red Sox were shipped away on Thursday, their clock rolling ahead to 2015 with Jon Lester, John Lackey and Andrew Miller leaving town, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wondered if he could get in on the action.

Swapping text messages on Thursday afternoon with Red Sox counterpart Ben Cherington, the clubs quickly hammered out the terms of a deal: infielder Stephen Drew and $500,000 would go to the Yankees in exchange for infielder Kelly Johnson. New York will be responsible for the remainder of Drew's salary, approximately $5 million.

"The Drew stuff happened today," Cashman said. "I threw an idea Boston's way when they started moving and shaking as much as they were. Once they declared themselves the way they did, I floated a text Ben Cherington's way and we worked really quickly off of that."

Cherington said that the Yankees were not the first team to inquire about Drew, but the timing was right.

"We had talked to a handful of teams about Drew -- teams we thought that might be in need of a shortstop -- and it just so happened the Yankees were the team that fit and it fit for them," Cherington said. "It sounds like he might play a little bit more second base there than short, but we just worked it out today. That one happened obviously late and was the last thing we did."

The Yankees and the Red Sox had not completed a trade since Aug. 13, 1997, when New York re-acquired catcher Mike Stanley and infielder Randy Brown in exchange for pitcher Tony Armas Jr. and a player to be named later (pitcher Jim Mecir). The Red Sox later flipped Armas to the Expos as part of the Pedro Martinez deal.

Because the Red Sox are looking ahead to next season, the history between the clubs did not raise any red flags for Cherington, who said that he hopes Drew will play well in pinstripes.

"No, given the circumstances -- look, we hope it helps them," Cherington said. "I like Stephen, we all like Stephen. He's a good player. It hasn't worked out the way any of us wanted it to, certainly the way I wanted it to. Hope it works out for him there. The Yankee thing wasn't an issue in that particular conversation."

The clubs, partners in the legendary Dec. 1919 sale of Babe Ruth, have made just two other deals since George M. Steinbrenner's 1973 purchase of the team. In March 1986, the Yankees traded outfielder Don Baylor to Boston for outfielder Mike Easler, and in Sept. 1994, the Yankees purchased reliever Scott Bankhead from the Sox.

"One of our two teams has to be in a playoff mode, and the other -- in my opinion -- has to be rebuilding to some degree. That's obviously what happened on the last one that our franchises did," Cashman said. "There's a great deal of respect between the Red Sox and Yankees, both of our sides. It's an amazing rivalry, but [we're] certainly very careful when we do business with each other. That's an obvious statement."

Cashman wants to keep Refsnyder in Triple-A

BOSTON -- The Yankees had already expressed reluctance to rush infield prospect Rob Refsnyder to the big leagues, and Thursday's non-waiver Trade Deadline deals will help general manager Brian Cashman keep the 23-year-old with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

"I've been pretty consistent about Refsnyder, that my intention is to have him play his year out at second base," Cashman said. "I have played a little bit with him in the outfield just in case we had to pull that rip-cord, but now I'll have him focus solely on second base the rest of the way."

Refsnyder, ranked by MLB.com as the Yankees' No. 6 prospect, has posted a slash line of .298/.404/.494 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 46 games at Triple-A after starting the year with Double-A Trenton. Cashman has suggested that Refsnyder, a fifth-round selection in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, could be the Yankees' starting second baseman in 2015.

"I've been pretty consistent and reluctant to bring him up," Cashman said. "I'd rather him play the whole year out and prepare potentially to take a shot at the roster next year."

Bombers bits

• Michael Pineda's first Minor League rehab start is scheduled to come on Sunday for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre against Syracuse. Pineda is scheduled to throw four innings and 60-65 pitches, and he could need three rehab starts before being big league ready.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cashman wants to keep Refsnyder in Triple-A

BOSTON -- The Yankees had already expressed reluctance to rush infield prospect Rob Refsnyder to the big leagues, and Thursday's non-waiver Trade Deadline deals will help general manager Brian Cashman keep the 23-year-old with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

"I've been pretty consistent about Refsnyder, that my intention is to have him play his year out at second base," Cashman said. "I have played a little bit with him in the outfield just in case we had to pull that rip-cord, but now I'll have him focus solely on second base the rest of the way."

Refsnyder, ranked by MLB.com as the Yankees' No. 6 prospect, has posted a slash line of .298/.404/.494 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 46 games at Triple-A after starting the year with Double-A Trenton. Cashman has suggested that Refsnyder, a fifth-round selection in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, could be the Yankees' starting second baseman in 2015.

"I've been pretty consistent and reluctant to bring him up," Cashman said. "I'd rather him play the whole year out and prepare potentially to take a shot at the roster next year."

Yanks trade with Sox for first time since 1997

It takes a specific set of circumstances for the Yankees and Red Sox to pursue a trade together, something that the American League East blood rivals haven't dared to do since 1997.

As the most marketable pieces of the Red Sox were shipped away on Thursday, their clock rolling ahead to 2015 with Jon Lester, John Lackey and Andrew Miller leaving town, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wondered if he could get in on the action.

Swapping text messages on Thursday afternoon with Red Sox counterpart Ben Cherington, the clubs quickly hammered out the terms of a deal: infielder Stephen Drew and $500,000 would go to the Yankees in exchange for infielder Kelly Johnson. New York will be responsible for the remainder of Drew's salary, approximately $5 million.

"The Drew stuff happened today," Cashman said. "I threw an idea Boston's way when they started moving and shaking as much as they were. Once they declared themselves the way they did, I floated a text Ben Cherington's way and we worked really quickly off of that."

Cherington said that the Yankees were not the first team to inquire about Drew, but the timing was right.

"We had talked to a handful of teams about Drew -- teams we thought that might be in need of a shortstop -- and it just so happened the Yankees were the team that fit and it fit for them," Cherington said. "It sounds like he might play a little bit more second base there than short, but we just worked it out today. That one happened obviously late and was the last thing we did."

The Yankees and the Red Sox had not completed a trade since Aug. 13, 1997, when New York re-acquired catcher Mike Stanley and infielder Randy Brown in exchange for pitcher Tony Armas Jr. and a player to be named later (pitcher Jim Mecir). The Red Sox later flipped Armas to the Expos as part of the Pedro Martinez deal.

Because the Red Sox are looking ahead to next season, the history between the clubs did not raise any red flags for Cherington, who said that he hopes Drew will play well in pinstripes.

"No, given the circumstances -- look, we hope it helps them," Cherington said. "I like Stephen, we all like Stephen. He's a good player. It hasn't worked out the way any of us wanted it to, certainly the way I wanted it to. Hope it works out for him there. The Yankee thing wasn't an issue in that particular conversation."

The clubs, partners in the legendary Dec. 1919 sale of Babe Ruth, have made just two other deals since George M. Steinbrenner's 1973 purchase of the team. In March 1986, the Yankees traded outfielder Don Baylor to Boston for outfielder Mike Easler, and in Sept. 1994, the Yankees purchased reliever Scott Bankhead from the Sox.

"One of our two teams has to be in a playoff mode, and the other -- in my opinion -- has to be rebuilding to some degree. That's obviously what happened on the last one that our franchises did," Cashman said. "There's a great deal of respect between the Red Sox and Yankees, both of our sides. It's an amazing rivalry, but [we're] certainly very careful when we do business with each other. That's an obvious statement."

Yanks to DFA Roberts to make room for Drew

BOSTON -- Brian Roberts played 91 games for the Yankees this year, marking his highest total since 2009, but he had produced just two hits in his last 17 at-bats and was held out of the lineup for the team's last two games going into the non-waiver Trade Deadline.

The Yankees plan to designate Roberts for assignment to create room for Stephen Drew on the active roster. With 348 plate appearances this season, Roberts' Yankees tenure will end two plate appearances shy of a $250,000 bonus, but general manager Brian Cashman said the incentive was not a factor in the decision.

"No. Bottom line, it's all just based on evaluations," Cashman said. "We're taking on money [in Drew and Martin Prado]. I had to go to ownership to ask to take on money. Somebody's performance bonuses -- by doing deals where you're adding to your roster and taking on payroll in a significant way, it has nothing to do with somebody's roster bonuses."

Roberts, 36, posted a slash line of .237/.300/.360 with five homers and 21 RBIs after signing a $2 million contract in January. Roberts already collected $350,000 in incentives, tied to reaching 250 and 300 plate appearances.

Cashman said that he was appreciative of the contributions from Roberts and Kelly Johnson, who was swapped to Boston for Drew.

"These guys, I thank them for their effort and what they brought, and I'm sorry to see them go," Cashman said. "But at the same time, we're trying to improve our club. In Drew's case and Prado's case, they're going to assist us as we move forward, and reinforce and improve our chances. It's just the nature of the beast."

Bombers bits

• Michael Pineda's first Minor League rehab start is scheduled to come on Sunday for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre against Syracuse. Pineda is scheduled to throw four innings and 60-65 pitches, and he could need three rehab starts before being big league ready.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yanks trade with Sox for first time since 1997

It takes a specific set of circumstances for the Yankees and Red Sox to pursue a trade together, something that the American League East blood rivals haven't dared to do since 1997.

As the most marketable pieces of the Red Sox were shipped away on Thursday, their clock rolling ahead to 2015 with Jon Lester, John Lackey and Andrew Miller leaving town, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wondered if he could get in on the action.

Swapping text messages on Thursday afternoon with Red Sox counterpart Ben Cherington, the clubs quickly hammered out the terms of a deal: infielder Stephen Drew and $500,000 would go to the Yankees in exchange for infielder Kelly Johnson. New York will be responsible for the remainder of Drew's salary, approximately $5 million.

"The Drew stuff happened today," Cashman said. "I threw an idea Boston's way when they started moving and shaking as much as they were. Once they declared themselves the way they did, I floated a text Ben Cherington's way and we worked really quickly off of that."

Cherington said that the Yankees were not the first team to inquire about Drew, but the timing was right.

"We had talked to a handful of teams about Drew -- teams we thought that might be in need of a shortstop -- and it just so happened the Yankees were the team that fit and it fit for them," Cherington said. "It sounds like he might play a little bit more second base there than short, but we just worked it out today. That one happened obviously late and was the last thing we did."

The Yankees and the Red Sox had not completed a trade since Aug. 13, 1997, when New York re-acquired catcher Mike Stanley and infielder Randy Brown in exchange for pitcher Tony Armas Jr. and a player to be named later (pitcher Jim Mecir). The Red Sox later flipped Armas to the Expos as part of the Pedro Martinez deal.

Because the Red Sox are looking ahead to next season, the history between the clubs did not raise any red flags for Cherington, who said that he hopes Drew will play well in pinstripes.

"No, given the circumstances -- look, we hope it helps them," Cherington said. "I like Stephen, we all like Stephen. He's a good player. It hasn't worked out the way any of us wanted it to, certainly the way I wanted it to. Hope it works out for him there. The Yankee thing wasn't an issue in that particular conversation."

The clubs, partners in the legendary Dec. 1919 sale of Babe Ruth, have made just two other deals since George M. Steinbrenner's 1973 purchase of the team. In March 1986, the Yankees traded outfielder Don Baylor to Boston for outfielder Mike Easler, and in Sept. 1994, the Yankees purchased reliever Scott Bankhead from the Sox.

"One of our two teams has to be in a playoff mode, and the other -- in my opinion -- has to be rebuilding to some degree. That's obviously what happened on the last one that our franchises did," Cashman said. "There's a great deal of respect between the Red Sox and Yankees, both of our sides. It's an amazing rivalry, but [we're] certainly very careful when we do business with each other. That's an obvious statement."

Yanks to DFA Roberts to make room for Drew

BOSTON -- Brian Roberts played 91 games for the Yankees this year, marking his highest total since 2009, but he had produced just two hits in his last 17 at-bats and was held out of the lineup for the team's last two games going into the non-waiver Trade Deadline.

The Yankees plan to designate Roberts for assignment to create room for Stephen Drew on the active roster. With 348 plate appearances this season, Roberts' Yankees tenure will end two plate appearances shy of a $250,000 bonus, but general manager Brian Cashman said the incentive was not a factor in the decision.

"No. Bottom line, it's all just based on evaluations," Cashman said. "We're taking on money [in Drew and Martin Prado]. I had to go to ownership to ask to take on money. Somebody's performance bonuses -- by doing deals where you're adding to your roster and taking on payroll in a significant way, it has nothing to do with somebody's roster bonuses."

Roberts, 36, posted a slash line of .237/.300/.360 with five homers and 21 RBIs after signing a $2 million contract in January. Roberts already collected $350,000 in incentives, tied to reaching 250 and 300 plate appearances.

Cashman said that he was appreciative of the contributions from Roberts and Kelly Johnson, who was swapped to Boston for Drew.

"These guys, I thank them for their effort and what they brought, and I'm sorry to see them go," Cashman said. "But at the same time, we're trying to improve our club. In Drew's case and Prado's case, they're going to assist us as we move forward, and reinforce and improve our chances. It's just the nature of the beast."

Cashman wants to keep Refsnyder in Triple-A

BOSTON -- The Yankees had already expressed reluctance to rush infield prospect Rob Refsnyder to the big leagues, and Thursday's non-waiver Trade Deadline deals will help general manager Brian Cashman keep the 23-year-old with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

"I've been pretty consistent about Refsnyder, that my intention is to have him play his year out at second base," Cashman said. "I have played a little bit with him in the outfield just in case we had to pull that rip-cord, but now I'll have him focus solely on second base the rest of the way."

Refsnyder, ranked by MLB.com as the Yankees' No. 6 prospect, has posted a slash line of .298/.404/.494 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 46 games at Triple-A after starting the year with Double-A Trenton. Cashman has suggested that Refsnyder, a fifth-round selection in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, could be the Yankees' starting second baseman in 2015.

"I've been pretty consistent and reluctant to bring him up," Cashman said. "I'd rather him play the whole year out and prepare potentially to take a shot at the roster next year."

Bombers bits

• Michael Pineda's first Minor League rehab start is scheduled to come on Sunday for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre against Syracuse. Pineda is scheduled to throw four innings and 60-65 pitches, and he could need three rehab starts before being big league ready.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prospect O'Brien has two-homer day for Trenton

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 7/30/2014 7:34 P.M. ET

Peter O'Brien, the Yankees' No. 9 prospect, homered twice Wednesday, but it wasn't enough to lead Double-A Trenton to victory. The Thunder lost, 3-2, to New Britain.

O'Brien went 3-for-4 with a double and two solo home runs. He ranks third in the Minor Leagues with 33 home runs this season, trailing only Rangers' No. 1 prospect Joey Gallo (37) and Cubs' No. 1 prospect Kris Bryant (34).

O'Brien caught in Wednesday's game, something he has done sparingly for Trenton since he was promoted from Class A Advanced Tampa in early May. He more typically has played first base or designated hitter, while Yankees' No. 2 prospect Gary Sanchez handles the catching duties. But with a day game Wednesday following a night game, O'Brien played his 19th game behind the plate for the Thunder while Sanchez served as the DH.

While O'Brien is still finding his home defensively, his bat has made plenty of noise this year and earned him a spot on the U.S. roster in the Sirius XM All-Star Futures Game. In 102 games between Tampa and Trenton, he is hitting .267/.312/.593. He has hit 23 of his 33 home runs in 72 games since being promoted.

-- Teddy Cahill

Girardi won't alter approach to managing bullpen

ARLINGTON -- The Yankees have been able to count on the back end of their bullpen most nights this season, which is why it was so concerning to see Adam Warren, Dellin Betances and David Robertson struggle in succession on Tuesday night against the Rangers.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi has tried to give his late-inning hurlers rest whenever possible, but with the team playing so many tight games, that hasn't been an easy task.

"You hope that off-days come at the right time, you get some distance out of your starters, and you've just got to manage it," Girardi said. "I'll manage it like I have the whole year. You know that you can't overwork them, or you're not going to get the same production."

Warren took over for starter Brandon McCarthy in the seventh inning, holding a 10-4 lead, but issued two walks and permitted a hit to leave a bases-loaded situation for Betances, who served up a grand slam to Texas' J.P. Arencibia.

"Mechanically, I just felt off," Warren said. "It was really strange. I usually take pride in my mechanics. I just felt out of sync and couldn't get on top of the ball. Especially in that situation, you want to come in and pound the zone, get some quick outs, and I just couldn't do that."

Warren and Betances, converted starting pitchers who have made 48 and 47 appearances, respectively, both said that they do not believe fatigue is an issue. Betances pointed out that he rebounded after Leonys Martin's triple to record two strikeouts around a walk, escaping the inning.

"I feel good, man. I feel great," Betances said. "It was a tough one for me. It's going to happen. Even after I gave up that home run, even after the triple, I was able to hold it right there. It could have been worse."

Girardi said that he does not plan to use the trio of relievers much differently over the final two months of the regular season.

"We've been pretty good about giving them the days when we need the days, giving them two days when they need two days," Girardi said. "[I'm] looking at what they've done in the past and having an idea how many innings they've thrown, and just trying to manage it that way."

Cashman: 'More work to do' before Trade Deadline

ARLINGTON -- Brian Cashman has said that he has "more work to do" in preparing the Yankees' roster for a playoff run, and if the general manager is able to cross the finish line on anything, there could be new faces in the clubhouse on Friday at Fenway Park.

Possibilities continue to float with Thursday's non-waiver Trade Deadline approaching, and while manager Joe Girardi is keeping an eye on transactions around the league, he isn't counting on anything as an absolute lock to happen with his club.

"Not necessarily, no," Girardi said. "There's less than 24 hours if something's going to happen. You do expect that there's going to be some movement in baseball. A lot of times, there's more talked about than actually done. We'll wait to see what happens."

Cashman has expressed desires for a big bat as well as a starting pitcher; on the hitting front, the Yankees are known to have touched base about the Phillies' Marlon Byrd and the Twins' Josh Willingham. The Rangers' Alex Rios is also on the block.

There have been links between the Yankees and the White Sox about left-hander John Danks, but it appears that interest in bringing the Padres' Ian Kennedy back to New York was overstated. CBSSports.com reported Wednesday that the Yankees inquired about Padres reliever Joaquin Benoit.

The Yankees have already added starters Brandon McCarthy and Chris Capuano, plus infielder Chase Headley, in deals completed this month.

"We talk about things, but I know that he's very busy this time of year," Girardi said of Cashman. "If something gets close, we usually hear about it. I don't expect an update every hour. That would drive him crazy and he wouldn't be able to get anything done. So I just let him do his thing. When he calls me, I say, 'OK.'"

Bombers bits

• One day after Girardi said that Brian Roberts -- who has played 91 games, his highest total since 2009 -- has looked "beat up" to him and could use a couple of days off, the veteran second baseman said that he is dealing with normal bumps and bruises, nothing out of the ordinary.

"I hope it pays off, sure. I'm not 20 anymore," Roberts, 36, said. "Nobody wants days off, but you trust the people in charge to make decisions that hopefully benefit everybody. Hopefully that's what happens.

"[Girardi] said, 'I just think it's a good time to give you a couple of days.' It's not my place to argue. I just work here. I'll play when they put me in the lineup. If Friday is the day, then I'll be ready to go."

• Brian McCann was out of the Yankees' lineup on Wednesday, with Francisco Cervelli catching. McCann said that it was just a scheduled day off, and Girardi said that he planned it this way to give McCann two days off with Thursday's travel day.

Girardi said that he was giving Ichiro Suzuki a day off for the same reason, playing Zoilo Almonte in right field.

"I'm sure it will probably help all of our guys at this point in the season," Girardi said. "As I've said, we have some age on our team, and you feel that you have to manage it."

• On this date in 2011, the Yankees scored a franchise-record 12 first-inning runs in a 17-3 win over the Orioles, sending 16 men to the plate. Thirteen reached base, with seven singles, two doubles, a homer, two walks and an error.

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