Jeter won't be at Yankees' opener

TAMPA, Fla. -- The captain won't be tossing this year's ceremonial first pitch. Derek Jeter plans to be far away from the Bronx when the Yankees begin the regular season against the Blue Jays on April 6.

"I think actually I'll be out of the country," Jeter told SiriusXM on Saturday, when asked where he'd be for the Yanks' opener.

In an interview launching a new weekly satellite radio show dedicated to his venture, "The Players' Tribune," Jeter reiterated his desire to enjoy some distance from the game as he begins his first full year of retirement.

"I need to get away," Jeter said. "I've been playing this game professionally for parts of 23 seasons, so I need to get away from it."

Jeter, 40, spoke often last season about looking forward to exploring new opportunities once his final inning was in the books, and several of his former teammates have said that they don't expect the Tampa, Fla., resident to drop by the Yanks' Spring Training complex this year.

In addition to the Players' Tribune website, Jeter has launched the Jeter Publishing imprint with Simon & Schuster, and he's linked with the Luvo food brand. He also has entertained thoughts of a future in sports ownership, reportedly looking into purchasing the Buffalo Bills NFL team last year.

"Oh, I will find something to do, but nothing physical," Jeter said.

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

Severino leads pack of Yanks' up-and-comers

OF Tyler Austin: The 23-year-old burst onto the scene in 2012 before his rise was disrupted by a wrist injury. He hit .275/.336/.419 last year at Double-A, with nine homers and 47 RBIs in 105 games, and the organization still likes his raw power. Austin projects to begin the season in right field for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and could see big league time in '15.

Bird on being named AFL MVP

PER@SRR: Greg Bird joins booth after winning MVP

11/15/14: Greg Bird joins the broadcast booth during the AFL Championship game after being named 2014 AFL MVP

1B Greg Bird: Coming off his honors as the Arizona Fall League MVP, the left-handed slugger -- who was moved from catcher to first base and has impressed scouts with his advanced offensive approach -- enters camp with high expectations from the Yanks. Bird, 22, played last year at Class A Advanced Tampa and Double-A Trenton, posting a combined .271/.376/.472 split with 14 homers and 43 RBIs in 102 games.

OF Jake Cave: A sixth-round pick in the 2011 Draft, the 22-year-old Cave played last season at Tampa and Trenton, posting a combined .294/.351/.414 split in 132 games with seven homers and 42 RBIs. He showcases plus speed and a contact approach as well as good defense in center field.

OF Ramon Flores: An extremely patient hitter, Flores played 63 games last season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, producing a .247/.339/.443 split with seven homers and 23 RBIs. The 23-year-old product of Venezuela projects nicely as a reserve big league outfielder who could work his way into starting duty as soon as this year.

RHP Domingo German: The Yanks are excited about German's upside, having acquired him from the Marlins in December. The 22-year-old was 9-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 25 South Atlantic League starts last season, striking out 113 batters while walking 25 in 123 1/3 innings. German's fastball sits 90-93 mph and he was clocked as high as 99 mph last year, with an above-average changeup and a decent breaking ball. The organization sees him as a starter going forward.

Top Prospects: Judge, NYY

Top Prospects: Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees

2015 MLB.com Top Prospects: Aaron Judge has prodigious raw power and a strong arm in the outfield

OF Aaron Judge: The 6-foot-7, 230-pound Judge is impossible to miss on the field. He was the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 Draft and has already earned comparisons to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, which fuels the Yanks' dreams about his possible big league impact this year or next. Judge batted .308/.419/.486 with 17 homers and 78 RBIs, showing raw power and hitting intelligence to go along with a plus arm.

LHP Jacob Lindgren: There was talk about Lindgren, an elite college closer at Mississippi State, jumping all the way from the Draft to the big leagues by the end of 2014. It didn't happen, but he made it all the way to Double-A Trenton, posting a combined 2.16 ERA in his first 25 pro innings. Lindgren will turn 22 in March and wields an excellent fastball-slider combination. A strong spring could put him in position to be one of the Yanks' first calls for bullpen help.

LHP James Pazos: A 23-year-old with a funky delivery, Pazos pitched last season at Tampa and Trenton, where he had a combined 2.42 ERA and 10 saves in 46 outings while averaging 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He has proved to be tough on both righties and lefties, and a solid campaign could put him in position to see New York.

2B Rob Refsnyder: There will be a lot of eyes on Refsnyder after a breakout campaign for Trenton and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he batted a combined .318/.387/.497 with 14 homers and 63 RBIs. The organization bought him more development time by re-signing Stephen Drew, but they promise to listen if Refsnyder keeps knocking on the door. A college outfielder, his defensive adjustments to second base have come along nicely and the organization believes he can handle that position.

RHP Nick Rumbelow: The 23-year-old shot through the Yanks' system last year, moving all the way from Class A Charleston to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He posted a 2.64 ERA in 44 combined appearances, averaging 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings, and is being talked about as a good candidate to open eyes as a breakout prospect this spring.

C Gary Sanchez: As he enters his age-22 season, Sanchez appears to be on the cusp of a promotion to the Majors. The power-hitting backstop hit .270/.338/.406 with 13 homers and 65 RBIs last year at Trenton, which rates as an above-average OPS at a premium position. The Yanks are working on his agility behind the plate but still believe he can stick there.

RHP Luis Severino: Over the last two years, Severino has jumped from a virtual unknown to the No. 23 overall prospect on MLB.com's Top 100 list. Signed out of the Dominican Republic, Severino surpassed expectations by reaching Double-A as a 20-year-old, going a combined 6-5 with a 2.46 ERA in 24 starts spanning 113 1/3 innings at three levels last year. The key was his consistency, and the Yanks see him as the total package: youth and elite fastball velocity to go along with an above-average slider and changeup.

LHP Tyler Webb: The 24-year-old pitched at three levels last season, making it to Triple-A, and has been mentioned as a strong candidate to make his big league debut in 2015. A 10th-round pick in the 2013 Draft, Webb had a 3.80 ERA in 48 combined appearances in 2014, averaging 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

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

Yankees planning to retire Pettitte's No. 46

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees will celebrate the career of baseball's winningest postseason pitcher, Andy Pettitte, by retiring his uniform number (46) and unveiling a plaque in Monument Park prior to an Aug. 23 game against the Indians at Yankee Stadium.

A club source confirmed the Yankees' intentions regarding Pettitte, who completed his 18-year Major League career at the end of the 2013 season. The left-hander posted a career record of 256-153 with a 3.85 ERA, plus 19 more wins in the postseason. He spent 15 seasons with New York and three with the Astros.

Pettitte's son, Josh, revealed the date and plans via his Twitter account. A five-time World Series winner and "Core Four" member, Pettitte was a three-time All-Star and the MVP of the 2001 American League Championship Series. He stands as the Yankees' all-time leader in strikeouts (2,020) and starts (438) while ranking third in wins (219) and innings (2,796 1/3).

Pettitte's stellar career

A look back at Pettitte's stellar career

MLB.com takes a look back at the stellar career of Andy Pettitte

The Yankees have made efforts to honor personalities from the late-1990s dynasty in recent years. Last year, Joe Torre, Tino Martinez and Paul O'Neill, as well as Goose Gossage -- who pitched for the Yankees in the 1970s and '80s -- were honored with plaques. Mariano Rivera was inducted into Monument Park late in 2013, and the Yankees have announced that they will honor Bernie Williams at some point this season.

Not including Williams, whose No. 51 has not been used since his last game, the Yankees have already retired 16 numbers, including 8 (Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey) and 42 (Jackie Robinson and Rivera) twice, making Pettitte the 19th player to receive such an honor. Torre's No. 6 was the most recent addition to a group that will almost certainly be joined by Derek Jeter's No. 2 in the near future.

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

Severino leads pack of Yanks' up-and-comers

OF Tyler Austin: The 23-year-old burst onto the scene in 2012 before his rise was disrupted by a wrist injury. He hit .275/.336/.419 last year at Double-A, with nine homers and 47 RBIs in 105 games, and the organization still likes his raw power. Austin projects to begin the season in right field for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and could see big league time in '15.

Bird on being named AFL MVP

PER@SRR: Greg Bird joins booth after winning MVP

11/15/14: Greg Bird joins the broadcast booth during the AFL Championship game after being named 2014 AFL MVP

1B Greg Bird: Coming off his honors as the Arizona Fall League MVP, the left-handed slugger -- who was moved from catcher to first base and has impressed scouts with his advanced offensive approach -- enters camp with high expectations from the Yanks. Bird, 22, played last year at Class A Advanced Tampa and Double-A Trenton, posting a combined .271/.376/.472 split with 14 homers and 43 RBIs in 102 games.

OF Jake Cave: A sixth-round pick in the 2011 Draft, the 22-year-old Cave played last season at Tampa and Trenton, posting a combined .294/.351/.414 split in 132 games with seven homers and 42 RBIs. He showcases plus speed and a contact approach as well as good defense in center field.

OF Ramon Flores: An extremely patient hitter, Flores played 63 games last season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, producing a .247/.339/.443 split with seven homers and 23 RBIs. The 23-year-old product of Venezuela projects nicely as a reserve big league outfielder who could work his way into starting duty as soon as this year.

RHP Domingo German: The Yanks are excited about German's upside, having acquired him from the Marlins in December. The 22-year-old was 9-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 25 South Atlantic League starts last season, striking out 113 batters while walking 25 in 123 1/3 innings. German's fastball sits 90-93 mph and he was clocked as high as 99 mph last year, with an above-average changeup and a decent breaking ball. The organization sees him as a starter going forward.

Top Prospects: Judge, NYY

Top Prospects: Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees

2015 MLB.com Top Prospects: Aaron Judge has prodigious raw power and a strong arm in the outfield

OF Aaron Judge: The 6-foot-7, 230-pound Judge is impossible to miss on the field. He was the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 Draft and has already earned comparisons to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, which fuels the Yanks' dreams about his possible big league impact this year or next. Judge batted .308/.419/.486 with 17 homers and 78 RBIs, showing raw power and hitting intelligence to go along with a plus arm.

LHP Jacob Lindgren: There was talk about Lindgren, an elite college closer at Mississippi State, jumping all the way from the Draft to the big leagues by the end of 2014. It didn't happen, but he made it all the way to Double-A Trenton, posting a combined 2.16 ERA in his first 25 pro innings. Lindgren will turn 22 in March and wields an excellent fastball-slider combination. A strong spring could put him in position to be one of the Yanks' first calls for bullpen help.

LHP James Pazos: A 23-year-old with a funky delivery, Pazos pitched last season at Tampa and Trenton, where he had a combined 2.42 ERA and 10 saves in 46 outings while averaging 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He has proved to be tough on both righties and lefties, and a solid campaign could put him in position to see New York.

2B Rob Refsnyder: There will be a lot of eyes on Refsnyder after a breakout campaign for Trenton and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he batted a combined .318/.387/.497 with 14 homers and 63 RBIs. The organization bought him more development time by re-signing Stephen Drew, but they promise to listen if Refsnyder keeps knocking on the door. A college outfielder, his defensive adjustments to second base have come along nicely and the organization believes he can handle that position.

RHP Nick Rumbelow: The 23-year-old shot through the Yanks' system last year, moving all the way from Class A Charleston to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He posted a 2.64 ERA in 44 combined appearances, averaging 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings, and is being talked about as a good candidate to open eyes as a breakout prospect this spring.

C Gary Sanchez: As he enters his age-22 season, Sanchez appears to be on the cusp of a promotion to the Majors. The power-hitting backstop hit .270/.338/.406 with 13 homers and 65 RBIs last year at Trenton, which rates as an above-average OPS at a premium position. The Yanks are working on his agility behind the plate but still believe he can stick there.

RHP Luis Severino: Over the last two years, Severino has jumped from a virtual unknown to the No. 23 overall prospect on MLB.com's Top 100 list. Signed out of the Dominican Republic, Severino surpassed expectations by reaching Double-A as a 20-year-old, going a combined 6-5 with a 2.46 ERA in 24 starts spanning 113 1/3 innings at three levels last year. The key was his consistency, and the Yanks see him as the total package: youth and elite fastball velocity to go along with an above-average slider and changeup.

LHP Tyler Webb: The 24-year-old pitched at three levels last season, making it to Triple-A, and has been mentioned as a strong candidate to make his big league debut in 2015. A 10th-round pick in the 2013 Draft, Webb had a 3.80 ERA in 48 combined appearances in 2014, averaging 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

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

Yankees counting on several new faces in 2015

RHP David Carpenter: The hard-throwing reliever has bounced around in his pro career, as the Yanks mark his sixth organization. He put it all together during the past two seasons in Atlanta, compiling a 2.63 ERA in 121 relief appearances and averaging 10 strikeouts per nine innings. Carpenter's fastball averaged 95.6 mph last season, and his acquisition came with a stamp of approval from Brian McCann, who caught Carpenter as he sported a 1.78 ERA in 56 outings for the Braves in 2013.

SS Didi Gregorius: Being named the shortstop who succeeds Derek Jeter would be a tall order for anyone, but the Yankees don't need Gregorius to think about replacing the captain -- he just needs to be himself. They believe that Gregorius has the ability to blossom offensively, though he has struggled mightily against left-handed pitching to date (a .490 career OPS, versus his .743 mark against righties) and may fit into a platoon with Brendan Ryan. Gregorius' defense should place him on highlight reels all season long and keep the Yanks' pitchers happy.

Outlook: Gregorius, SS, NYY

Outlook: Gregorius has strong defense at SS position

Didi Gregorius has struggled to develop offensively but he is still young and will bring his impressive defense to the Bronx this season

RHP Nathan Eovaldi: The Yankees are excited about what Eovaldi could develop into. He has already proven to be a durable innings eater, firing 199 2/3 frames last year for the Marlins, and that should help them replace Hiroki Kuroda. Entering his age-25 season, Eovaldi isn't a finished product: He needs to cut down on his hits allowed (223 last year, leading the National League) and increase his strikeout rate (just 142 in 2014). Improving his changeup is one objective, and Eovaldi will work with pitching coach Larry Rothschild on that.

OF/1B Garrett Jones: The left-handed slugger has a swing that is perfectly modeled for Yankee Stadium's short right-field porch. The Yankees will determine in Spring Training how best to use the 33-year-old, who's hit 117 homers in seven seasons, including 15 last year for the Marlins. Jones could give Alex Rodriguez competition for at-bats as a designated hitter against right-handed pitching while also providing a backup option at first base and in right field.

Outlook: Jones, 1B, NYY

Outlook: Jones expected to fill back-up role in 2015

Garrett Jones' production has faded lately, but he could be revitalized by a move to Yankee Stadium following an offseason trade from Miami

RHP Chris Martin: Purchased from the Rockies for $75,000 this winter, Martin wins the award for the best back story of Yanks' camp. An injury knocked him out of baseball completely, and Martin was stocking shelves for Lowe's and loading trucks for UPS in Texas when a chance game of catch with a high school buddy sparked him to pursue a tryout at his own expense. The 28-year-old made his big league debut last year, posting a 6.89 ERA in 16 outings, and he will compete for a roster spot.

LHP Chasen Shreve: A 24-year-old, Shreve posted a 0.73 ERA in 15 appearances for the Braves last season. He had been a middle-level prospect who focused on his control, but Shreve decided to throw harder last season and saw his stock rise as a result. He struck out 12.2 batters per nine innings in the Minors last season while cutting down on his walks.

LHP Justin Wilson: Acquired from the Pirates in exchange for catcher Francisco Cervelli, Wilson had a 4.20 ERA in 70 appearances last year for Pittsburgh, and he owns a 2.99 career ERA over parts of three big league seasons. The 27-year-old has been on the Yankees' radar for a while, as general manager Brian Cashman said he offered Cervelli to the Bucs for Wilson two years ago as well. This time, the Bucs said yes, and the Yanks got a pitcher whom Cashman says reminds him of Boone Logan.

Wilson's perfect relief outing

PIT@MIL: Wilson fans four in perfect relief outing

5/15/14: Justin Wilson strikes out four in two innings of perfect relief for the Pirates

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

Opportunity to play for Yankees excites Jones

The 33-year-old Jones, who's hit 117 homers in seven big league seasons, was acquired from the Marlins in December along with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and Minor League pitcher Domingo German in exchange for infielder Martin Prado and right-hander David Phelps.

It was a deal that created excitement at Jones' home. He and his wife, Cassie, were engaged in Central Park, and her cousin is former big leaguer Ron Coomer, who played 55 games with the Yankees in 2002. Jones said that her family is comprised of die-hard Yanks fans and has joked that they no longer will have to stash their memorabilia in the closet when friends come over.

"New York is definitely going to be our second home," Jones said. "I know my wife is extremely excited to get back in the big city and seeing all her friends, and watching Yankees baseball every day. It's going to be a great summer, and we're looking forward to it."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that Jones' swing "is made for our ballpark," and that the club anticipates having Jones compete with Alex Rodriguez for at-bats as a designated hitter against right-handed pitching. Jones could also back up Mark Teixeira at first base and spell Carlos Beltran in right field.

"It's going to depend on if I'm swinging the bat well, then I think I'm going to be playing more and be contributing more," Jones said. "Right now, I think it's going to be switching around those three spots, and see what happens throughout the season. Things change, and you end up in spots you didn't know you were going to be in. For me, it's just going to be hitting well and being consistent."

Yankees acquire three

Yanks acquire RHPs Eovaldi, German and 1B/OF Jones

The Yankees traded Martin Prado and David Phelps to the Marlins for Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Jones and Domingo German

Jones said that he has no issue battling for at-bats with Rodriguez, who is returning after missing all of last season due to suspension.

"Friendly competition is always good for players," Jones said. "It keeps them on their toes and just keeps them not being content at having a position. I like that. I like to go in there and just have a little battle for some ABs. I'm sure Alex is excited to get back to playing and show what he can do and [that he can] still play. He's going to be hungry and wanting those at-bats, too.

"If we have a healthy A-Rod and he's able to hit like he has in the past, then he's going to contribute to the team. I'm excited to get my opportunity as well. I feel great and I'm ready to do some damage. It's going to be a good, healthy competition."

The bulk of Jones' big league service came with the Pirates, from 2009-13, and he has compiled an .811 OPS against right-handers. Last season with Miami, Jones batted .246 with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs in 146 games, and he said that he won't necessarily change his approach just because of that inviting 314-foot target down the right-field line at Yankee Stadium.

"I'm not going to be a home run guy, just striking out while trying to hit home runs," Jones said. "I think with me, with the park definitely being hitter-friendly for lefties, I'm just going to continue my approach and think gap to gap and line drive. I'll let the home runs come. Usually, if you have that approach, you're going to hit more home runs than when you're trying to."

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

Yankees counting on several new faces in 2015

RHP David Carpenter: The hard-throwing reliever has bounced around in his pro career, as the Yanks mark his sixth organization. He put it all together during the past two seasons in Atlanta, compiling a 2.63 ERA in 121 relief appearances and averaging 10 strikeouts per nine innings. Carpenter's fastball averaged 95.6 mph last season, and his acquisition came with a stamp of approval from Brian McCann, who caught Carpenter as he sported a 1.78 ERA in 56 outings for the Braves in 2013.

SS Didi Gregorius: Being named the shortstop who succeeds Derek Jeter would be a tall order for anyone, but the Yankees don't need Gregorius to think about replacing the captain -- he just needs to be himself. They believe that Gregorius has the ability to blossom offensively, though he has struggled mightily against left-handed pitching to date (a .490 career OPS, versus his .743 mark against righties) and may fit into a platoon with Brendan Ryan. Gregorius' defense should place him on highlight reels all season long and keep the Yanks' pitchers happy.

Outlook: Gregorius, SS, NYY

Outlook: Gregorius has strong defense at SS position

Didi Gregorius has struggled to develop offensively but he is still young and will bring his impressive defense to the Bronx this season

RHP Nathan Eovaldi: The Yankees are excited about what Eovaldi could develop into. He has already proven to be a durable innings eater, firing 199 2/3 frames last year for the Marlins, and that should help them replace Hiroki Kuroda. Entering his age-25 season, Eovaldi isn't a finished product: He needs to cut down on his hits allowed (223 last year, leading the National League) and increase his strikeout rate (just 142 in 2014). Improving his changeup is one objective, and Eovaldi will work with pitching coach Larry Rothschild on that.

OF/1B Garrett Jones: The left-handed slugger has a swing that is perfectly modeled for Yankee Stadium's short right-field porch. The Yankees will determine in Spring Training how best to use the 33-year-old, who's hit 117 homers in seven seasons, including 15 last year for the Marlins. Jones could give Alex Rodriguez competition for at-bats as a designated hitter against right-handed pitching while also providing a backup option at first base and in right field.

Outlook: Jones, 1B, NYY

Outlook: Jones expected to fill back-up role in 2015

Garrett Jones' production has faded lately, but he could be revitalized by a move to Yankee Stadium following an offseason trade from Miami

RHP Chris Martin: Purchased from the Rockies for $75,000 this winter, Martin wins the award for the best back story of Yanks' camp. An injury knocked him out of baseball completely, and Martin was stocking shelves for Lowe's and loading trucks for UPS in Texas when a chance game of catch with a high school buddy sparked him to pursue a tryout at his own expense. The 28-year-old made his big league debut last year, posting a 6.89 ERA in 16 outings, and he will compete for a roster spot.

LHP Chasen Shreve: A 24-year-old, Shreve posted a 0.73 ERA in 15 appearances for the Braves last season. He had been a middle-level prospect who focused on his control, but Shreve decided to throw harder last season and saw his stock rise as a result. He struck out 12.2 batters per nine innings in the Minors last season while cutting down on his walks.

LHP Justin Wilson: Acquired from the Pirates in exchange for catcher Francisco Cervelli, Wilson had a 4.20 ERA in 70 appearances last year for Pittsburgh, and he owns a 2.99 career ERA over parts of three big league seasons. The 27-year-old has been on the Yankees' radar for a while, as general manager Brian Cashman said he offered Cervelli to the Bucs for Wilson two years ago as well. This time, the Bucs said yes, and the Yanks got a pitcher whom Cashman says reminds him of Boone Logan.

Wilson's perfect relief outing

PIT@MIL: Wilson fans four in perfect relief outing

5/15/14: Justin Wilson strikes out four in two innings of perfect relief for the Pirates

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

Opportunity to play for Yankees excites Jones

The 33-year-old Jones, who's hit 117 homers in seven big league seasons, was acquired from the Marlins in December along with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and Minor League pitcher Domingo German in exchange for infielder Martin Prado and right-hander David Phelps.

It was a deal that created excitement at Jones' home. He and his wife, Cassie, were engaged in Central Park, and her cousin is former big leaguer Ron Coomer, who played 55 games with the Yankees in 2002. Jones said that her family is comprised of die-hard Yanks fans and has joked that they no longer will have to stash their memorabilia in the closet when friends come over.

"New York is definitely going to be our second home," Jones said. "I know my wife is extremely excited to get back in the big city and seeing all her friends, and watching Yankees baseball every day. It's going to be a great summer, and we're looking forward to it."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that Jones' swing "is made for our ballpark," and that the club anticipates having Jones compete with Alex Rodriguez for at-bats as a designated hitter against right-handed pitching. Jones could also back up Mark Teixeira at first base and spell Carlos Beltran in right field.

"It's going to depend on if I'm swinging the bat well, then I think I'm going to be playing more and be contributing more," Jones said. "Right now, I think it's going to be switching around those three spots, and see what happens throughout the season. Things change, and you end up in spots you didn't know you were going to be in. For me, it's just going to be hitting well and being consistent."

Yankees acquire three

Yanks acquire RHPs Eovaldi, German and 1B/OF Jones

The Yankees traded Martin Prado and David Phelps to the Marlins for Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Jones and Domingo German

Jones said that he has no issue battling for at-bats with Rodriguez, who is returning after missing all of last season due to suspension.

"Friendly competition is always good for players," Jones said. "It keeps them on their toes and just keeps them not being content at having a position. I like that. I like to go in there and just have a little battle for some ABs. I'm sure Alex is excited to get back to playing and show what he can do and [that he can] still play. He's going to be hungry and wanting those at-bats, too.

"If we have a healthy A-Rod and he's able to hit like he has in the past, then he's going to contribute to the team. I'm excited to get my opportunity as well. I feel great and I'm ready to do some damage. It's going to be a good, healthy competition."

The bulk of Jones' big league service came with the Pirates, from 2009-13, and he has compiled an .811 OPS against right-handers. Last season with Miami, Jones batted .246 with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs in 146 games, and he said that he won't necessarily change his approach just because of that inviting 314-foot target down the right-field line at Yankee Stadium.

"I'm not going to be a home run guy, just striking out while trying to hit home runs," Jones said. "I think with me, with the park definitely being hitter-friendly for lefties, I'm just going to continue my approach and think gap to gap and line drive. I'll let the home runs come. Usually, if you have that approach, you're going to hit more home runs than when you're trying to."

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

Severino leads pack of Yanks' up-and-comers

OF Tyler Austin: The 23-year-old burst onto the scene in 2012 before his rise was disrupted by a wrist injury. He hit .275/.336/.419 last year at Double-A, with nine homers and 47 RBIs in 105 games, and the organization still likes his raw power. Austin projects to begin the season in right field for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and could see big league time in '15.

Bird on being named AFL MVP

PER@SRR: Greg Bird joins booth after winning MVP

11/15/14: Greg Bird joins the broadcast booth during the AFL Championship game after being named 2014 AFL MVP

1B Greg Bird: Coming off his honors as the Arizona Fall League MVP, the left-handed slugger -- who was moved from catcher to first base and has impressed scouts with his advanced offensive approach -- enters camp with high expectations from the Yanks. Bird, 22, played last year at Class A Advanced Tampa and Double-A Trenton, posting a combined .271/.376/.472 split with 14 homers and 43 RBIs in 102 games.

OF Jake Cave: A sixth-round pick in the 2011 Draft, the 22-year-old Cave played last season at Tampa and Trenton, posting a combined .294/.351/.414 split in 132 games with seven homers and 42 RBIs. He showcases plus speed and a contact approach as well as good defense in center field.

OF Ramon Flores: An extremely patient hitter, Flores played 63 games last season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, producing a .247/.339/.443 split with seven homers and 23 RBIs. The 23-year-old product of Venezuela projects nicely as a reserve big league outfielder who could work his way into starting duty as soon as this year.

RHP Domingo German: The Yanks are excited about German's upside, having acquired him from the Marlins in December. The 22-year-old was 9-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 25 South Atlantic League starts last season, striking out 113 batters while walking 25 in 123 1/3 innings. German's fastball sits 90-93 mph and he was clocked as high as 99 mph last year, with an above-average changeup and a decent breaking ball. The organization sees him as a starter going forward.

Top Prospects: Judge, NYY

Top Prospects: Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees

2015 MLB.com Top Prospects: Aaron Judge has prodigious raw power and a strong arm in the outfield

OF Aaron Judge: The 6-foot-7, 230-pound Judge is impossible to miss on the field. He was the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 Draft and has already earned comparisons to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, which fuels the Yanks' dreams about his possible big league impact this year or next. Judge batted .308/.419/.486 with 17 homers and 78 RBIs, showing raw power and hitting intelligence to go along with a plus arm.

LHP Jacob Lindgren: There was talk about Lindgren, an elite college closer at Mississippi State, jumping all the way from the Draft to the big leagues by the end of 2014. It didn't happen, but he made it all the way to Double-A Trenton, posting a combined 2.16 ERA in his first 25 pro innings. Lindgren will turn 22 in March and wields an excellent fastball-slider combination. A strong spring could put him in position to be one of the Yanks' first calls for bullpen help.

LHP James Pazos: A 23-year-old with a funky delivery, Pazos pitched last season at Tampa and Trenton, where he had a combined 2.42 ERA and 10 saves in 46 outings while averaging 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He has proved to be tough on both righties and lefties, and a solid campaign could put him in position to see New York.

2B Rob Refsnyder: There will be a lot of eyes on Refsnyder after a breakout campaign for Trenton and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he batted a combined .318/.387/.497 with 14 homers and 63 RBIs. The organization bought him more development time by re-signing Stephen Drew, but they promise to listen if Refsnyder keeps knocking on the door. A college outfielder, his defensive adjustments to second base have come along nicely and the organization believes he can handle that position.

RHP Nick Rumbelow: The 23-year-old shot through the Yanks' system last year, moving all the way from Class A Charleston to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He posted a 2.64 ERA in 44 combined appearances, averaging 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings, and is being talked about as a good candidate to open eyes as a breakout prospect this spring.

C Gary Sanchez: As he enters his age-22 season, Sanchez appears to be on the cusp of a promotion to the Majors. The power-hitting backstop hit .270/.338/.406 with 13 homers and 65 RBIs last year at Trenton, which rates as an above-average OPS at a premium position. The Yanks are working on his agility behind the plate but still believe he can stick there.

RHP Luis Severino: Over the last two years, Severino has jumped from a virtual unknown to the No. 23 overall prospect on MLB.com's Top 100 list. Signed out of the Dominican Republic, Severino surpassed expectations by reaching Double-A as a 20-year-old, going a combined 6-5 with a 2.46 ERA in 24 starts spanning 113 1/3 innings at three levels last year. The key was his consistency, and the Yanks see him as the total package: youth and elite fastball velocity to go along with an above-average slider and changeup.

LHP Tyler Webb: The 24-year-old pitched at three levels last season, making it to Triple-A, and has been mentioned as a strong candidate to make his big league debut in 2015. A 10th-round pick in the 2013 Draft, Webb had a 3.80 ERA in 48 combined appearances in 2014, averaging 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

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

Opportunity to play for Yankees excites Jones

The 33-year-old Jones, who's hit 117 homers in seven big league seasons, was acquired from the Marlins in December along with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and Minor League pitcher Domingo German in exchange for infielder Martin Prado and right-hander David Phelps.

It was a deal that created excitement at Jones' home. He and his wife, Cassie, were engaged in Central Park, and her cousin is former big leaguer Ron Coomer, who played 55 games with the Yankees in 2002. Jones said that her family is comprised of die-hard Yanks fans and has joked that they no longer will have to stash their memorabilia in the closet when friends come over.

"New York is definitely going to be our second home," Jones said. "I know my wife is extremely excited to get back in the big city and seeing all her friends, and watching Yankees baseball every day. It's going to be a great summer, and we're looking forward to it."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that Jones' swing "is made for our ballpark," and that the club anticipates having Jones compete with Alex Rodriguez for at-bats as a designated hitter against right-handed pitching. Jones could also back up Mark Teixeira at first base and spell Carlos Beltran in right field.

"It's going to depend on if I'm swinging the bat well, then I think I'm going to be playing more and be contributing more," Jones said. "Right now, I think it's going to be switching around those three spots, and see what happens throughout the season. Things change, and you end up in spots you didn't know you were going to be in. For me, it's just going to be hitting well and being consistent."

Yankees acquire three

Yanks acquire RHPs Eovaldi, German and 1B/OF Jones

The Yankees traded Martin Prado and David Phelps to the Marlins for Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Jones and Domingo German

Jones said that he has no issue battling for at-bats with Rodriguez, who is returning after missing all of last season due to suspension.

"Friendly competition is always good for players," Jones said. "It keeps them on their toes and just keeps them not being content at having a position. I like that. I like to go in there and just have a little battle for some ABs. I'm sure Alex is excited to get back to playing and show what he can do and [that he can] still play. He's going to be hungry and wanting those at-bats, too.

"If we have a healthy A-Rod and he's able to hit like he has in the past, then he's going to contribute to the team. I'm excited to get my opportunity as well. I feel great and I'm ready to do some damage. It's going to be a good, healthy competition."

The bulk of Jones' big league service came with the Pirates, from 2009-13, and he has compiled an .811 OPS against right-handers. Last season with Miami, Jones batted .246 with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs in 146 games, and he said that he won't necessarily change his approach just because of that inviting 314-foot target down the right-field line at Yankee Stadium.

"I'm not going to be a home run guy, just striking out while trying to hit home runs," Jones said. "I think with me, with the park definitely being hitter-friendly for lefties, I'm just going to continue my approach and think gap to gap and line drive. I'll let the home runs come. Usually, if you have that approach, you're going to hit more home runs than when you're trying to."

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