Yankees vs. Mariners Weather Update - Early Thunderstorms Likely To Cause A Delay

Hey! The Yankees are home. That means that there must be rain in New York City. Here is Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com with an update on how this weather will affect you for the entire home stand.

You know, maybe the Yankees should have invested in a dome or some sort. This forecast is going to sound rather familiar to a lot of Yankee fans out there.

The constant theme through the home stand will be the continued threat for showers and thunderstorms each and every day through this weekend and into early next week, which basically covers the entire time period that the Yankees are home. An upper low parked over the Great Lakes will basically sling shot one disturbance after another through the Bronx, which will produce an environment highly favorable for showers and strong to severe thunderstorms.

Tonight will be no different. A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will approach the Bronx by around the start of the game. The thunderstorms should move relatively quickly, however lingering showers will be a nunsiance through the game tonight. Expect a delay to the start of the game or in the early portion of the game as these thunderstorms pass through. Frankly, if I was the manager and these storms were close, I would stall as much as possible as not to waste a start from your starting pitcher. Winds will be from the south around 10 to 20 mph, which will have a right to left influence over the outfield. Temperatures will range from the lower 80's to mid 70's through the game time. These thunderstorms tonight are not be taken lightly as they will be capable of ground to cloud lightning, large hail, heavy downpours, and very strong wind gusts. An isolated tornado is possible, but I doubt that threat will enter the Bronx this evening given the marine influence.

For the weather geeks out there, here is some updated radar:

Be careful out there.

On another note, sorry for the lack of a home stand preview. We started it, but real life just keeps getting in the way. Be sure to check the Stadium Insider twitter feed to stay up to date on all of our ramblings. 140 characters are easier to sneak in every now and then. Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Nova Dominates In His First AAA Start

Monday 6/29

Ivan Nova had a no hitter through 5 innings in his AAA debut. Scranton swept a doubleheader, and Austin Jackson had his 2nd homer in two days. Trenton got racked 12-2 (with 17 hits), while Tampa, Charleston, Staten Island and GCL (doubleheader) all won.

Austin Romine hit his 10th home run, matching his total from last year. DJ Mitchell gave up 1 run in 6 innings for Tampa, Manny Banuelos pitched 6.2 shutout innings for Charleston, while Matt Richardson threw 5 shutout innings for GCL.

Scranton def Rochester 5-0 (game 1)
Kevin Russo 1-3
Austin Jackson 1-3, R, 2B (17), K
Colin Curtis 1-3, R, 2B, RBI
Shelley Duncan 2-3, R, RBI
Juan Miranda 1-2, R
Eric Duncan 1-3, HR, 3 RBI, K
Ivan Nova 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Jonathan Albaladejo 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Scranton def Rochester 3-1 (game 2)
Kevin Russo 1-3, K
Austin Jackson 1-3, HR (3)
Colin Curtis 0-3, K
Shelley Duncan 0-2, R, BB, K
Juan Miranda 1-2, R, 2B, RBI
Romulio Sanchez 3.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Paul Bush 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Edwar Ramirez 1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Trenton losses to Reading 12-2
Jorge Vazquez 1-4, R, K
Chris Malec 4-4, R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI
Rest of the Team 0-21
Ryan Pope 5 IP, 12 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 3 BB, 1 K - Took one for the team, not burning the bullpen
Kanokoa Texeira 3 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB & K

Tampa def Sarasota 6-1
Dan Brewer 0-3, 2 BB, 1 K
Eric Fryer 1-3, 2 R, 2 BB
Damon Sublett 2-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB & K
Austin Romine 2-5, R, 2B, HR (10), 2 RBI (45) - Had 10 home runs and 49 RBI's total in 2008
David Adams 2-4, R, RBI
DJ Mitchell 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Noel Castillo 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 0's

Charleston def Savannah 1-0
Jose Pirela 1-2, BB
Melky Mesa 0-3, 3 BB
Abraham Almonte 1-3, R, BB, SB & CS
Manny Banuelos 6.2 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Dan Kapala 2.1 IP, 0's, 1 K

Staten Island def Aberdeen 5-2
Jimmy Parades 2-3, 2B, BB
Kelvin Castro 2-3, RBI, BB
Kyle Higasioka 0-4, K
Neal Medchill 2-4, R, 2B, 2 K
Luke Murton 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, K
Robert Lyerly 3-4, R, 2 2B
Schaeffer Hall 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K

GCL Yanks def GCL Philies 6-1 (game 1)
Kelvin De Leon 1-3, R, RBI, 2 K
Eduardo Sosa 1-3, R, RBI, K
Jose Mojica 0-2, BB, K
Kevin Delaney 2-3, HR, 2 RBI, K
Matt Richardson 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K

GCL Yanks def GCL Philies 8-7 (game 2)
Jose Toussen 1-2, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI
Kelvin De Leon 1-5, R, RBI, 2 K
Daniel Gil 2.1 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Gabriel Tatis 4 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K Read the full post, after the jump

The Yankees Want Your Opinion About The New Yankee Stadium

This past week, someone in the Yankees front office finally had a moment of enlightenment and realized that the opinions of the people spending their hard-earned money at the new Yankee Stadium actually matter. To prove this, the team is "extending a personal invitation to a limited number of people," to sit down with Yankee suits and tell them what they think of the "The New House." (that's for you, Michael Kay). The team is even offering incentives to participate in this focus group. such as $200 gift certificates, or the opportunity to watch batting practice from the field before a game.

We commend the Yankees for this decision, as long they are actually seeking the opinion of the common fan, and not just the rich people in the Legends Seats. Call us skeptical, but we have a bad feeling this is another PR stunt intended to kiss up to those naive people who paid top dollar for "premium ticket offerings" only to see the Yankees slash prices and give the unsold seats around them away for free.

We also can't help but feel like the Yankees are wasting money here. If they didn't have a strict policy against recognizing the existence of blogs and message boards, they could easily check places like NYY Fans, The Mets Police, our humble little weblog, and even the comments section of the LoHud Yankees blog (enter at your own risk). All of these are easily accessible web portals where common fans have voiced concerns about the new Yankee Stadium.

Hopefully we will be proven wrong, and people will let us know in the comments section that they have season tickets in relatively cheap seats and have been extended this invitation. We have a bad feeling that the silence will be deafening.

The full email from the Yankees:

We are extending a personal invitation to a limited number of people, to either meet at our Preview Center in Rockefeller Center or at Yankee Stadium, before or after a game, so as to spend a few minutes telling us how we are doing and how we can make the “Yankee Stadium Experience” even better.

We want you to tell us exactly what you think about the food, the merchandise, the game day personnel, and the entire “Yankee Stadium Experience” from the moment you enter the Stadium until the moment you leave. We want to know what you like best, and what may have disappointed you.

Most importantly, we want the truth.

In fact, we are so interested in what you think, we have a great gift reserved for you if you participate. Your gift can be selected from the following:

• a $200 gift certificate for use in a Yankees Team store;

• a $200 gift certificate for NYY Steak (our new steakhouse at Yankee Stadium);

• an opportunity for you and three guests to watch batting practice from the field for a select game; or

• an autographed baseball by a current or former Yankees Player

We have several dates and times open, thus simply select the session date, time and location that is most convenient for you – either at Yankee Stadium, just before or after a game, or over lunch or at the end of the day at the Yankees Preview Center, located at 30 Rockefeller Center.

Our Stadium interviews will take place on July 5, 6 and 18.

Read the full post, after the jump

What Has Replaced "The Bat" As The Go-To Meeting Place For Yankees Fans?

Back when the new Yankee Stadium was opening, we wrote a lot about the famous smokestack (shaped like a bat), that served as a meeting place for Yankees fans around the Tri-State area. For many people not familiar with the Bronx, the bat was a safe haven, and an easy place to spot friends when arriving at the game separately. At some point, the Yankees decided against building a replica bat on the perimeter of the new digs, and left the current one to decay with the rest of the old Yankee Stadium. Its nearly three months into the season and the question still remains: what has replaced "the bat?"

In April, we supported the idea of building a statue of Babe Ruth in Babe Ruth Plaza - effectively solving this dilemma. This spot would have been perfect for a statue, and it would have provided a tangible meeting place after crossing the largest crosswalk in the history of New York City*. Unfortunately, the Yankees have no plans of building such a statue in the plaza, so fans are left in a confused mass, trying to find a place to stand so they aren't in the way of the people crossing the street. Because of this, the shocking winner in the " replace the meet at the bat" sweepstakes seems to be the Hard Rock Cafe.



Strategically placed at the corner of 161st street and River Ave, and featuring a small outdoor cafe, it seems to have become the default meeting place for Yankees fans. While waiting for your late-arriving companion, you can enjoy the pleasures of drinking a $9, 16 oz. aluminum bottle of Bud, as well as people watching, while Yankees fans scurry along Babe Ruth Plaza. The outdoor cafe can get pretty busy, with people seeming to have no problem paying Yankee Stadium prices for beer, even though they aren't technically inside of the stadium yet.

There will always be places for fans to congregate outside of stadiums. One of the great things about Yankee Stadium II was that there was a a non-commercial "landmark" that anyone visiting the stadium could easily spot from far away and select as a meeting point. Disguising an ugly smokestack as a huge bat was a clever bit of character added to the old Yankee Stadium, and one that has been replaced by a commercial money grab - The Hard Rock Cafe. Just another sign of the times at the new Yankee Stadium.

* We cannot confirm that this is, in fact, the largest crosswalk in the history of New York City, but judge for yourself:


Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Montero & Ajax Homer

Sunday 6/28

There were no rainouts yesterday. Scranton and Trenton both lost, but Austin Jackson hit his 2nd home run and Jesus Montero hit his first in AA. It was a bomb to dead center. Tampa split a doubleheader. Dan Brewer seems to have taken well to his promotion, going a combined 5 for 8. Charleston won easily, while 4 hitters had 3 hits.

Scranton lost to Rochester 6-2
Kevin Russo 0-3, RBI
AustinJackson 1-3, 2 R, HR (2), RBI, BB & K
Colin Curtis 0-4, K
Shelley Duncan 1-4, 2B
Juan Miranda 1-3, RBI, BB & K
Eric Duncan 0-4, 2 K
Kei Igawa 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Zach Kroeke 2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Trenton lost to Reading 8-3
Austin Krum 0-4, BB, 2 K
Reegie Corona 1-3, HR (3), BB
Eduardo Nunez 2-4
Jorge Vazquez 0-4, K
Jesus Montero 2-4, HR (1), K - no SB attempts against
Jason Stephens 3 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Wilkins Arias 2.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Jose Valdez 2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa lost to St. Lucie 5-4 (game 1)
Dan Brewer 3-4, R, 2B, RBI, K
Eric Fryer 2-4
Austin Romine 0-2, BB & K
Brandon Laird 1-2, R
Ryan Zink 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Humberto Sanchez 1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa won 3-0 (game 2)
Dan Brewer 2-4, R, K - .500
Brandon Laird 1-4, RBI
Seth Fortenberry 2-3, R, 2B
David Adams 0-3, K
Mitch Hilligos 2-3, R, RBI
Lance Pendelton 5 IP, 1 H 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Jon Hovis 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Charleston def Savannah 9-2
Jose Pirela 3-5, 2 RBI
Raymond Kruml 3-5, R, 3B, 4 RBI, BB, 2 K
Corban Joseph 3-5, 2 R, HR (2), 2 RBI
Melky Mesa 3-4, R, 3B, RBI, 2 BB, 1 K
Abraham Almonte 1-5, 2 K
David Phelps 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K - 8-2
Brandon Braboy 2.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Staten Island def Abredeen 8-7
Jimmy Parades 2-5, 2 R, 2B
Zolio Almonte 2-5, 2 R, K
Kyle Higasoika 2-5, R, 2B, 3 RBI
Kelvin Castro 2-4, 2 R, 2B, 2 K
Chad Gross 3-4, 3B, 2 RBI, K
Trenton Lare 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Michael Solobach 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Rony Marte 1 IP, 0's, 2 K - WP

GCL Yanks sch day off Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Vazquez Powers Trenton

Saturday 6/27

Jorge Vazquez went 4 for 4 with a homer and a double and 3 RBI's in the first game of a doubleheader for Trenton. They lost the 2nd game. Scranton lost, while Charleston and Staten Island both won. Tampa and GCL were both rained out (or cancelled due to a water logged field).

Hector Noesi and Pat Venditte both were promoted.

Scranton lost to Rochester 6-5
Kevin Russo 2-4, BB
Austin Jackson 1-4, R, BB & K, SB (13)
Colin Curtis 1-3, RBI, 2 BB - hitting better in AAA than AA
Shelley Duncan 0-5, 2 K
John Rodriguez 2-4, R, 2 2B, RBI, 2 K - out with a hamstring injury
Eric Duncan 2-4, R, 2B, RBI - 2 consecutive 3 hit games (last one was August 2003)
Josh Tower 6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Mark Melancon 2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 ER
Anthony Clagett .1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 k

Trenton def Rochester 8-2 (Game 1, completion of suspended game)
Austin Krum 1-5, R, 2B
Reegie Corona 0-2, 2 R, 2 BB
Eduardo Nunez 2-4, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI
Jorge Vazquez 4-4, 2 R, 2B, HR (10), 3 RBI
Jesus Montero 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI - 1 CS out of 1 attempt
Noah Hall 2-4, R< 2B
Eduardo Gonzalez 2-4
Zach McAllister 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K - Pitched Thurs before the rain and didn't go back in
Josh Schmidt 4 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Michael Dunn 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K

Trenton lost 7-2 (game 2)
Austin Krum 2-4, 2B
Reegie Corona 1-4
Eduardo Nunez 0-3
Jorge Vazquez 1-3 - .338
Jason Johnson 5 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Kevin Whelan 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Tampa ppd wet grounds

Charleston def Savannah 4-3
Jose Pirela 2-5, R, 2B, K - .307
Raymond Kruml 1-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB & K
Corban Joseph 1-3, R. HR (1), 2 RBI
Melky Mesa 2-4, RBI, SB (9)
Chase Weems 2-4, 2B, 2 K
Hector Noesi 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB 1 K - Taken out for promotion to Tampa
Charles Nolte 2.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K -WP
Brad Rulon 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K

Staten Island def Hudson Valley 8-5
Jimmy Parades 2-4, 2 RBI, K
Zolio Almonte 2-4, R, 2 RBI K
Luke Murton 2-4, 2 R, 2B
Neal Medchill 2-2, 2 R, 2B, RBI
Francisco Rondon 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 1 K

GCL Yanks ppd Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Melky II

Friday 6/26

Scranton won, as Austin Jackson is in his first slump of the year. Trenton's game was suspended in the 2nd inning, while Tampa and GCL Yanks were rained out. Charleston lost, but Melky Mesa had 3 hits. That's Melky's second straight 3 hit game, and 3rd within 9 games.

Scranton def Syracuse 5-1
Kevin Russo 2-5, R, 3B, K
Austin Jackson 0-5, 2 K - 3 for last 29
Shelley Duncan 2-3, R, 2B, BB
Juan Miranda 0-3, BB
Eric Duncan 2-4, 2 R, 2B, K
Romuleo Sanchez 3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Paul Bush 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Edwar Ramriez 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Jonathan Albaladejo 1.1 IP, 0's, 1 K

Trenton Suspended

Tampa ppd

Charleston losses to Savannah 5-0 (5 hits)
Melky Mesa 3-4, K - two days in a row, had 3 hits. Nailed a runner at the plate (11 assists)
Chase Weems 1-3, BB, 2 K
Jose Pirela 1-4, K
Rest of the Team 0-20
Casey Erickson 5.1 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Staten Island losses to Hudson Valley 3-2
Robert Lyerly 0-5, 3 K
DeAngelo Mack 2-4, R, 2B
Luke Murton 1-4, R, 2B, RBI, 3 K
Neil Medchill 2-4, 2B, RBI, K
Kyle Hagashoika 1-4, 2B
Cory Arbiso 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Sam Elam 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K

GCL Yanks ppd Read the full post, after the jump

UPDATED: Yankees vs. Mets Subway Series Weather: Friday 6/26 Game - Tarp Off Of The Field, Game Set To Start By 8:15 PM

UPDATE: (7:41 PM) According to Brandon Tierney of 1050 ESPN Radio in New York, the tarp is off the field, and the game will start in a half hour (approximately 8:10 PM):

tarp's off, 30 minutes before we rock n roll...Yanks, 2 of 3.

Meanwhile, Peter Abraham is reporting a start time of 8 PM

UPDATE: (7:14 PM) Another update from Steve, even more encouraging for tonight's game (maybe an earlier start than 8:30?):

Rain starting to end over Bergen County. The worst of the heavy rain is over for Queens County and Citi Field.

UPDATE: (7:09 PM) This via Steve's Twitter account:

For those at Citi, rain is rapidly ending over northern NJ and the Hudson Valley, and will eventually end over Queens in 45 to 60 minutes.

So, we'd expect a start time of around 8:30, if we had to guess.

UPDATE: (6:49 PM): This via Steve, from his great severe weather tracking post at NYNJPAWeather.com...

Encouraging news for the Mets/Yankees game is that the thunderstorms are weakening and the rain should exit in an hour.

Luckily, we have the pleasure of being out of town in Arizona and laying poolside in the Valley of the Sun. Unfortunately, tonight's Subway Series game is being played back home in the new-age Seattle - New York City. We don't typically provide weather updates for Yankees road games, but since this one is being played in rainy NYC we have Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com ready with an unfortunate update:

The game for tonight is certainly in trouble. Strong to severe thunderstorms will move through Queens, New York from 5 PM through 8 PM, which will cause very heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, large hail, and frequent lightning. The threat for showers and thunderstorms will begin to decrease after 8 PM with much drier conditions for the rest of the weekend. Winds will veer from the southwest to west around 10 to 20 mph. Temperatures will fall from the mid 80's to mid 70's through the evening. There is a significant risk for a delay or postponement of this game. However, the rest of the weekend is looking considerably drier with less of a risk of showers and thunderstorms.

This is exactly what the Yankees DON'T need, with CC Sabathia and his tender biceps/ tendinitis set to pitch tonight.

So here we are - more rain set to affect a baseball game in New York City. Color us unsurprised and happy to be in Arizona, even with the 105 degree heat.

» A d v a n c e d R a d a r T y p e s C L I C K »

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Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: De Leon Keeps Raking

Thursday 6/25

Kelvin De Leon homered in his first at bat, and was walked the next three times. He's getting the Barry Bonds treatment as the opposition is indicating that he needs to get to the next level. Edwar Gonzalez is showing signs of breaking out of his slump as he homered twice, in a losing cause for Trenton. Melky Mesa also homered twice for Charleston.

Xavier Nady was removed in the 5th inning after experiencing pain in elbow, after making his 2nd throw of the game. Be prepared for the worst case scenario here. David Adams and Dan Brewer were promoted to Tampa.

Scranton losses to Syracuse 6-3
Kevin Russo 2-4, 2B, K
Austin Jackson 1-4, 2B - .327
Xavier Nady 0-2, K - came out with elbow pain, after making a throw
Juan Miranda 1-4, R
John Rodriguez 1-3, R, 2B, BB, K
Colin Curtis 2-4, HR, 3 RBI - .353
George Kontos 3 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Zach Kroenke 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
Mark Melancon 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB & K

Trenton lost to Akron 4-3
Austin Krum 1-4, 3 K
Reegie Corona 1-3, BB
Eduardo Nunez 1-4, R, K
Jorge Vazuez 1-4, 2 K
Edwar Gonzalez 2-4, 2 HR (4), 2 RBI
Kanoka Texeira 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB & K's
Jason Stephens 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
JB Cox .2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K - LP

Tampa def St. Lucie 5-3
Dan Brewer 1-4, K - Debut
Eric Fryer 2-4, RBI
Austin Romine 2-4, R, 2B, RBI
Brandon Laird 1-2, R, 2B, RBI, BB
David Adams 0-3, RBI, E - Debut
Jeramy Bleich 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

Charleston losses to Savannah 6-4
Corban Joseph 0-4, BB, K
Melky Mesa 3-5, 2 HR (1), 3 RBI
Garrison Lassitar 2-4, R, K
Andrew Brackman 3.1 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K - LP, 1-6
Brandon Braboy 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Staten Island losses to Hudson Valley 3-1
Carmen Angelini 0-4
Robert Lyerly 2-4, R, K
Kyle Higashoika 0-4
Arodys Vizcaino 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K - 2 Errors

GCL Yanks def GCL Tigers 3-2
Jose Toussen 3-4, 2 B, R
Jose De Leon 1-1, 2 R, HR, 3 BB
Jose Ramirez 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K - no idea what he throws Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: De Leon Keeps Hitting

Wednesday 6/24

Kelvin De Leon continued his impressive hitting in the GCL, going 2 for 4, with 2 stolen bases. Scranton lost, but Xavier Nady had his first rehab game, getting a double in 3 AB's. Trenton won, behind Jorge Vazquez and Edwar Gonzalez's homers. Delin Betances continues to be a disaster since coming off the disabled list, for Tampa. He lasted 2/3 of an inning, giving up 4 runs with 3 walks and 3 hits. To add to the fiasco, three runners stole a base in the short stint.

Scranton lost to Syracuse 5-3
Kevin Russo 2-5, SB (8)
Austin Jackson 1-5 - .328
Xavier Nady 1-3, 2B, BB
Shelley Duncan 1-5, R, K
Juan Miranda 2-3, 2 R, BB & K
Colin Curtis 1-4, K - .308
Sergio Mitre 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Edwar Ramirez 1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Jonathan Albaladejo 2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Trenton def Akron 7-6
Reegie Corona 2-5, R, RBI - .304
Eduardo Nunez 1-5, R, RBI, K
Jorge Vazquez 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, BB & K
Jesus Montero 0-5, PB & 2 SB's against
Chris Malec 2-5, 2B, RBI, K
Edwar Gonzalez 2-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, RBI
Ryan Pope 5 IP, 5H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Kevin Whelan 1.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Amaury Sanit 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa lost to Clearwater 7-6
Jack Rye 1-5, R, RBI, BB, 2 K
Damon Sublet 1-3, BB & K
Austin Romine 1-5 - 4/4 stolen bases (3 against Betances in the first inning)
Kevin Smith 2-5, R, 2B, 3 RBI, K
Delin Betances .2 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Craig Heyer 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Humberto Sanchez 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

SI lost to Arberdeen 4-3 (3 hits)
Robert Lyerly 1-3, R, BB
Luke Murton 1-3, 3B, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
Neil Medchill 0-4, 2 K
Schaefer Hall 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

GCL Y's def GCL Pirates 4-3
Kelvin De Leon 2-4, K - 2 SB's
Eduardo Sosa 0-3, RBI, K
Jose Mojica 1-3, E
Nic Turley 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: DeLeon & Mojica Power GCL in Opener

Kelvin DeLeon had 3 hits, while Jose Mojica had a home run and 4 RBI's to power GCL's opening win. Matt Richardson allowed 1 run in 6 innings to pace GCL. Scranton lost, while Trenton's bullpen imploded to blow Ivan Nova's gem. Nova gave up 1 hit in 6 innings of shutout ball.

Scranton lost to Syracuse 6-1
Kevin Russo 1-4, RBI, K
Austin Jackson 0-4, K, E (1)
Cody Ransom 0-3, 3 K - now he's ready to play with the Yanks
Shelley Duncan 0-3, BB, K
Juan Miranda 0-3, BB
Colin Curtis 0-3, BB
Kei Igawa 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Trenton Lost to Akron 5-2
Austin Krum & Reegie Corona 0-4 (2 K's for Krum)
Jorge Vazquez 1-3, R, 2B, BB & K
Jesus Montero 1-3, R, RBI, BB & K - .316, 13 for last 35 (.371) 4 BB, 3 K's
Ivan Nova 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Michael Dunn .1 IP, 0 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
JB Cox .1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, BB, K

Tampa def Clearwater 5-2
Jack Rye 2-4, 2 R, 2B
Eric Fryer 2-2, R, 2B, BB, 2 K
Damon Sublett 1-3, HR, 2 RBI
Austin Romine 1-3, RBI - no SB atte,[ts against
Brandon Laird 1-4, HR (4)
Lance Pendelton 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Tim Norton 1.1 IP, 0's

Charleston All Star Break
Melky Mesa 1-2, K
Dan Brewer 0-4, 2 K
Pat Venditte .2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 K - LP, walk off loss on error

Staten Island def Aberdeen 5-1
Carmen Angelini 0-4, 2 K
Kyle Higaishoika 1-4, RBI
Zolio Almonte 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI, K
Trenton Lane 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R< 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K - Indy ball project

GCL Yanks def GCL Pirates 8-2
Ramon Flores (LF) 2-4 - high intl signee 2008
Garrison Lassiter 1-2, R, RBI, BB
Kelvin De Leon 3-4, 3 R, 2B, K, SB
Eduardo Sosa 1-3, 2R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K
Jose Mojica 2-4, R, 2B, HR, 4 RBI
Matt Richardson 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Paul Patterson 2 IP, 1 H, 0's Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Scranton Finally Plays

Monday 6/22

Scranton played their first game in 5 days and lost a doubleheader. They were sloppy in the field and the base paths, committing too many errors and mental blunders. Shelley Duncan hit a 3 run home run in the nightcap. He leads the league by Ruthian margins (he has 21 homers, while the 2nd most is 12) and in RBI's 64 vs. 49.

Trenton and Charleston were off. Tampa resumed playing, after the All Star break, and won. Austin Romine hit his 9th homer, and is 1 away from last years total.

Scranton lost to Indianapolis 7-1 (Game 1)
Kevin Russo 0-2
Austin Jackson 1-3, K
Cody Ransom 0-3, 2 K, E
Shelley Duncan 1-2, 2B, BB & K, E
Juan Miranda 0-3
Casey Fossum 5 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Anthony Clagett 2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Scranton losses 6-3 (Game 2)
Kevin Russo 1-4, K
Austin Jackson 0-4, K
Cody Ransom 1-2, R
Shelley Duncan 1-3, 2B, HR (21), 3 RBI (64)
Juan Miranda 103, 2B, K
John Rodriguez 1-3
Josh Towers 4 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Mark Melancon 2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Zach Kroenke 1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB & K

Trenton was off

Tampa def Clearwater 4-3
Jack Rye 2-4, HR (1), BB, 2 K, SB
Eric Fryer 1-5, R, 2B, 2 K
Damon Sublett 1-3, RBI, BB, SB
Austin Romine 2-4, HR (9) - no stolen base attempts against
Seth Fortenberry 1-4, HR
Brandon Laird 0-4, K
Kevin Smith 2-4, K
Ryan Zink 6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Humberto Sanchez 1 IP, 1 H, 0's, 1 K

Charleston Off - All Star Break

Staten Island lost to Aberdon 2-0
Francisco Santana 1-4, K
Carmen Angelini 0-3, BB
Robert Lyerly 1-4, K
Kyle Higashoiko 1-3, BB, K - 1 SB/2 SB attempts
Neil Medchill 0-4, K
Deangelo Mack 1-3, 2B
Francisco Rondon 5.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K - The run scored was given up by the reliever who gave up a two run homer. Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Vazquez Returns to Power A DH Sweep

Sunday 6/21

While Scranton's doubleheader was rained out again (actually the field was so saturated that it was dangerous for the outfielders to play), Trenton swept a doubleheader. Jorge Vazquez returned form the Disabled List with a 3 for 4, and 2 for 3 game. Vazquez hit a 3 run homer in the first game. Jesus Montero had two hits, including a double in the first game, to raise his average to .308.

Charleston and Staten Island both lost.

Scranton Doubleheader ppd

Trenton def Binghamton 9-3
Austin Krum 1-4, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Reegie Corona 2-4, 2 R, RBI
Eduardo Nunez 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI - .317
Jorge Vazquez 3-4, R, HR, 3 RBI, BB & K
Jesus Montero 2-4, 2B, RBI, K - .308, no attempted stolen bases
Marcos Vechionacci 2-4, R, K
Richie Robnett 2-4, R, K
Jason Stephens 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
JB Cox 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Trenton def Binghamton 3-0
Reegie Corona 1-3, R, K, SB (6)
Noah Hall 2-3, 2 R, 2 2B, RBI
Jorge Vazquez 2-3, RBI, K
Konoka Texeira 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Kevin Whelan 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Aumery Sanit 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa - All Star break

Charleston lost to Savannah 5-2
Jose Pirela 3-4, R
Corban Joseph 1-4, 3B
Abraham Almonte 1-4, R
Neall French 3-4, RBI, K
David Phelps 6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB & K

Staten Island lost to Brooklyn 5-2 (rain shortened)
Carmen Angelini 1-2, BB & K - E (1) here we go again
Robert Lyerly 0-3, K
Luke Murton 0-3, K
Neill Medchill 1-3, HR (1), BB & K
Kelvin Castro 1-2, HR, BB & K
Kelvin Perez 2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K - 6"1' & 140 lbs, makes Edwar look like LT Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Lot's of Rainouts

Saturday 6/21



Scranton, Trenton (doubleheader) and Staten Island were all rained out. Tampa was off due to the All Star break, while Charleston was the only team that played.



Scranton ppd
- Will play doubleheader today

Trenton doubleheader ppd
-will play a doubleheader today. One of the games from doubleheader was cancelled and will not be made up.

Tampa - All Star Break
Austin Romine 0-1

Charleston def Savannah 7-3
Jose Pirela 0-5, R, BB - average plummeting
Raymond Kruml 3-5, 2 R, 3B, 2 RBI
David Adams 2-3, R, RBI, 2 BB
Dan Brewer 0-4,BB, 2 K
Melky Mesa 0-4
Corban Joseph 2-2, R, 2 BB
Mitch Albeita 3-3, RBI, BB
Hector Noesi 7 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K - 77 K's and 11 BB's in 73 IP
Casey Ericson 2 IP, 2 H, 0's

Staten Island ppd
-will play a doubleheader on 7/10 (single admission game) Read the full post, after the jump

UPDATED: Some Thoughts About The Second Longest Rain Delay In Baseball History

Yesterday, the umpires the Yankees made an unorthodox decision and allowed for [unofficially] the second-longest rain delay in baseball history. Today, there will be the inevitable backlash as jilted fans share their displeasure with the Yankees, even though the decision was pretty much out of their hands.

One such complaint is from an NSI reader (from the comments section on yesterday's rain post):

The Yankees' treatment of fans yesterday was laughable. People brought kids to the game, were told that there was a "3 o'clock window" and were forced to wait around for hours. My favorite part? My daughter and I couldn't sit anywhere because our seats were in the terrace. "You can stand anywhere," we were told. However, when the Yankees realized that the lower seats were going to be viewable (empty) on television, they let fans move down. Thing is, most of us who laid out money were already gone. The delay was the SECOND LONGEST IN HISTORY. Just laughable! Someone should see how fans at the LONGEST rain-delayed game were treated. I'm going to guess that they were allowed to sit for a few hours and were not denied re-entry. C'mon, Yankees. You're really testing my patience here.

It is quite unfortunate that the Terrace seats are uncovered, and it is true that the Yankees do not offer any covered seating in public areas in the park. If the complaint is about the design of the stadium, or the training of the security, read through this blog, and you will see that we have very similar opinions. We agree that it is asinine for the Yankees to have denied people the option to sit in covered upper deck seats during the delay, but it was probably poor communication between badly trained security, instead of official Yankees policy. As far as the lengthy rain delay goes, we're not ready to blame the Yankees.

First off, the team can't control the weather, and yesterday they didn't control the decision to cancel the game. UPDATE: Thanks to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com for pointing out that the Yankees did in fact control the decision (that is the last time we rely on Peter Abraham for factual information).

Due to extenuating circumstances that caused an unfortunate and historic rain delay, the team is offering all ticket holders free tickets to a game next year. In addition, all fans who remained for last night's game were allowed to move down into the Legends seats once word got out to security.

Meteorologists, including Steve DiMartino, special to NSI from NYNJPAWeather.com saw that 3:00 PM window. We can vouch for the fact that at 3 PM, the rain began to taper off. Unfortunately, additional heavy bands of showers continued to develop through 5 PM.

The Yankees have already had to deal with an inordinate number of rain delays this year. With an afternoon game, clearing conditions expected, and two teams who didn't have far to travel for their game the next day, it was the recipe for a long delay.

In situations like this, the long term health of the players has to be the top priority. If the Yankees canceled yesterday's game, they would have had to make it up some time in September - a month that already features a game scheduled on a previously scheduled off day, as well a double header. Baseball is too big of a business to cram that many games in the last month of the season. With every makeup game in September, the likelihood of players getting hurt increases, and the team's playoff chances decreases.

The Yankees did what they had to do to get the game in yesterday. Some fans suffered, but if they blame anything or anyone, it should be the weather, and MAYBE the meteorologists - not the Yankees. We just hope fans didn't have to suffer through 5.5 hours of the same high definition video board "entertainment" that we did during a lengthy rain delay back in April:



We'd stab our eyes out. Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Montero knocked out again

Thursday 6/18

Jesus Montero was knocked out of the game again, this time by a foul tip. Time to preserve his bat and get him from behind the plate. Trenton won 2-0, despite no offense. They won on a HBP, single and an error to load the bases. They got the two runs on two subsequent Sac Flys.

Scranton had a doubleheader rained out. Tampa lost a doubleheader, while Charleston lost, despite another stellar pitching effort by Manny Banuelos.

Scranton doubleheader ppd

Trenton def CT. 2-0
Austin Krum 1-2, RBI, BB, SB
Noah Hall 1-3, RBI - threw a runner out at home
Eduardo Nunez 1-4
Chris Malec 1-2, 2 BB
Jesus Monero 1-2, 2B - 1st XBH, taken out after being hit by a foul tip
Marcos Vechionacci 2-3, R, 2B
Ryan Pope 5.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Wilkins Arias 1.1 IP, 0's - WP
JB Cox 1 IP, 0's, 1 K - recently demoted

Tampa lost to Palm Beach 5-1 (game 1)
Jack Rye 1-3, R, K
Eric Fryer 1-3
Austin Romine 1-3, 2B, RBI, 1 SB against
Brandon Laird 0-3, K
DJ Mitchell 7 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 7 K - tired in the 7th and gave up 2 BB, 3 hits & 4 runs

Tampa lost 3-2 (game 2)
Damon Sublet 1-3, R, 2 K
Brandon Laird 2-3, 2 2B,RBI, K
Mitch Hilligos 1-3, RBI, K
Humberto Sanchez 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB & K
Adam Olbrychowski 3 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 1 BB & K

Charleston lost to Savannah 3-1
Jose Pirela 1-5, 2 K
Abraham Almonte 0-5, 2 K
David Adams 0-3, Bb & K
Dan Brewer 1-4, 2 K
Melky Mesa 0-2, R, K
Mitch Albeita 2-4, RBI
Manny Banuelos 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K Read the full post, after the jump

UPDATED: Game Day Weather Forecast 6/18, Yankees vs. Nationals - Rain Delay Possible

UPDATE: (5:45 PM): New first pitch time set for approximately 6:30. So much for that day game!

UPDATE: (5:35 PM): First an update on the weather, why more rain keeps coming, and what the Yankees should do, via Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com

These are just minor mid level disturbances south of the main low pressure system, but honestly these showers should not inhibit the Yankees from starting the game. Somerset and Morris Counties are completely dry with little if any development behind them. I should note that the Phillies started under the same conditions, so I'm not sure what's holding them up. At any rate, if the Yankees are waiting for completely dry conditions, they might as well start at 7 PM cause the atmosphere is going to continue to produce these weak scattered showers.

And here is an update from someone AT the game, (AHSchwartz) as of 15 minutes ago:

Cheers as the grounds crew makes an appearance and starts working on the warning track.

UPDATE: (4:15 PM): OK, we lied, Steve has some more:

The rain is basically over for the Bronx. Just a few scattered showers over NE NJ to contend with, but the steady, heavy rain is done. The issue, which I really can't speak on is the condition of the playing field. Very heavy rain can cause a lot of ponding and that may take some time to fix for the grounds grew. As far as what's falling from the sky, the heaviest is done and off to the east.

UPDATE (3:30 PM): One final update:

Rain is coming to an end, but looks like the Yankees field team has a lot of work to do. The 4 PM start time will be free of heavy rainfall.

UPDATE (1:00 PM): Here is the latest from Steve:

The back end of the steady rainfall is over Newark, NJ and moving East-northeast. The steady rain will end abruptly in the next hour to hour and a half. After that the Yankees will be dodging light to moderate showers but should play. So expect a delay maybe until 2:30-3 PM.

We know, we know, enough with the weather updates! So, last night's forecast was Steve's first real clunker of the season, but we'll forgive him and let him jump right back on the horse today. The Yankees unfortunately have a day game, and as anyone who had to commute this morning knows, the weather is pretty terrible out there. Here is the exclusive Yankees game day forecast courtesy of Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com

Well, the heavy rain held off long enough for last night as dry air held out longer than expected. Obviously, that has all come to an end as waves of heavy rain are moving through the Bronx this morning.

There is some good news though. The wave of steady rain currently (8:25 AM) is coming to an end with the back end of the steady precipitation entering eastern Pennsylvania. The steady rain should come to an end around 12 PM to 1 PM, however scattered showers and isolated strong thunderstorms will remain a threat through the afternoon hours.

Regardless, field conditions will be a mess and a delay just to get the field in working order may be needed. Given the fact that The Nationals do not return to Yankee Stadium this year, I wouldn't be surprised if the Yankees and MLB try to wait this out for as long as possible with slightly drier conditions (compared to now) by later this afternoon.

Winds will be from the southeast around 10 to 20 mph, which will blow right to left over Yankee Stadium. Temperatures will range from the mid 60's to lower 70's through the game, but will feel more like the upper 50's to lower 60's due to the wet conditions and wind speed.

As Steve Said, the Yankees and MLB will likely wait this one out, and try to play the game during a dry window. Lets just hope the Yankees can salvage a series win after the most disappointing loss in new Yankee Stadium history.

Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Brackman's Back and Ineffective

Wednesday 6/17

Andrew Brackman was back from the disabled list and gave up 6 runs in 3 innings. His velocity is reported to be down. Brackman needs innings to build arm strength and clean up his mechanics. We shouldn't expect a Joba like rise through the minors.

Scranton was rained out, while Tampa was postponed due to lightening. Trenton lost, while starting pitcher, Ivan Nova, was victimized by 5 unearned runs.

Scranton ppd

Trenton lost to CT 7-4
Kevin Russo 1-2, R, 2B, 2 BB
Eduardo Nunez 2-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI, E (14)
Chris Malec 1-3
Jesus Montero 1-4, RBI - 4/5 stolen base attempts were successful
Marcos Vechionacci 1-4, R, 3B, K, E (13)
Ivan Nova 5.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Kanoka Texeira 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa ppd lightening

Charleston lost to Augusta 7-2
Jose Pirela 0-4, R, K
Abraham Almonte 1-4, R, 2 K
David Adamas 0-2. BB
Dan Brewer 0-3, BB, 3 K
Melky Mesa 1-3, RBI, BB, K
Andrew Brackman 3IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Charles Nolte 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K Read the full post, after the jump

Game Day Weather: Rain Expected To Impact Wednesday's Yankees vs. Nationals Game

Well, we haven't been checking in much this week (the real world has unfortunately beckoned), and here we are with some bad news. It looks like the rain that was expected to hold off until overnight is RAPIDLY approaching the area, and will affect tonight's game. Here is Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com with the latest:

The rain is moving faster than expected. Expect periods of rain to impact game conditions by at least the third inning. Winds will me from the SE around 10 to 20 mph. Temperatures will fall through the mid 60's.

Obviously, this is Washington's only trip into town, so they will likely do all they can to make sure the game is played. The problem here is that the rain is only going to get worse as the evening progresses. If the game gets postponed or suspended, look for the makeup game to be played at the end of the regular season, depending on if the outcome is meaningful to the standings.

If we receive any new updates from Steve, we will be sure to post them here. We'll be at the game in the Audi Yankees Club, while Nick will be in the Legends seats, getting soaking wet. Score one for the Audi Club!

Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: J Rod Powers Scranton

Tuesday 6/16

Scranton won behind John Rodriguez's 4 RBI's and Juan Miranda's two. Austin Jackson chipped in with two hits. Trenton got shutout and had only two hits. Tampa lost in a shootout, 9-7, while Charleston lost on a walkoff hit, off Pat Venditte.

Wady Ruffino was DFA'd, while Austin Krum was promoted to Trenton to take an outfield spot since Colin Curtis is on the DL.

Scranton def Toledo 7-3
Kevin Russo 1-5, 2 K
Austin Jackson 2-4, R, 2 K
Cody Ransom 1-4, 2 R
Shelley Duncan 0-3, R, BB & K
Juan Miranda 3-4, 2 R, 2 RBI
John Rodriguez 2-4, HR, 4 RBI, K
Kei Igawa 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Mark Melancon 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, E

Trenton lost to CT. 2-0 (2 hits)
Chris Malec 1-3, BB
Justin Snyder 1-3
Jesus Montero 0-3, BB, 1 SB/2 SB attempts against
Eduardo Nunez 0-4, K
Zach McAllister 7.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 8 K - 1.81 ERA
Kevin Whelan 1.2 IP, 0's, 3 K

Tampa lost to Palm Beach 9-7
Jack Rye 2-4, 1 BB, 2 K
Damon Sublett 2-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
Austin Romine 0-5, R, 2 K
Seth Fortenberry 2-5, R, 2B, 2 K
Brandon Laird 2-4, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB, K
Matt Cusick 2-5, R
Jason Stephens 5.1 IP, 11 H, 8 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Charleston lost to Augusta 3-2
Jose Pirela 1-3, K
Abraham Almonte 0-4, 2 K
David Adams 1-4
Dan Brewer 1-3, R, BB
Corban Joseph 1-3, R
Melky Mesa 0-3, BB
Casey Erickson 3.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Pat Venditte .2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K - walk off hit allowed Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Brewer Powers Charleston

6/15

Charleston won in a rout, powered by Dan Brewer who had 4 hits, including two triples and two doubles. Melky Mesa chipped in with a double and two triples. David Phelps seems to be a bend but not break pitcher, as he upped his record to 7-1.

Austin Jackson seems to be back on track as he went 3 for 4 with a double. Brewer and Jackson have batting averages sitting at .342 and .345 respectively.

Scranton def Toledo 1-0
Kevin Russo 1-3, BB & K
Austin Jackson 3-4, 2B - .345
Shelley Duncan 0-4, K
Juan Miranda 0-4, 2 K
Eric Duncan 1-3, R - .213
Chris Stewart 2-3, 2B, RBI
Josh Towers 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Anthony Claggett 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Jonathan Albaladejo 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Trenton sch day off

Tampa lost to Palm Beach 8-4
Damon Sublett 2-4, BB
Austin Romine 2-5, R, RBI - 2 CS against
Brandon Laird 0-2, R, 2 BB, K
Matt Cusick 2-3, R, 2B, BB
Lance Pendelton 4 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Humberto Sanchez 1 IP, 0's, 1 K
Tim Norton 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Charleston def Austusta 11-4
Jose Pirela 1-5, R, BB, K
Abraham Almonte 0-3, R, 2 BB - Back from DL
David Adams 2-4, 2 R, RBI, BB & K
Dan Brewer 4-4, 4 R, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 RBI -.342
Melky Mesa 3-5, 2 R, 2B, 2 3B, RBI, K
Neall French 2-5, 4 RBI, K
David Phelps 5.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K - 7-1, 2.92 ERA
Brandon Braboy 2.1 IP, 0's, 1 K Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Betances In, Garcia To See Dr. Andrews

Sunday 6/16

Delin Betances came off the disabled list for Tampa, and pitched 3 solid innings, before Ryan Zink had the game get away from him, thanks to 4 walks and some less than stellar defense. Meanwhile Christian Garcia is on his way to see Dr. Andrews. I don't think he could withstand another TJ problem.

Scranton def Gwinnett 8-2
Kevin Russo 2-4, 3 R, BB & K
Austin Jackson 1-3, R, K
Cody Ransom 1-3, HR, 3 RBI, BB & K
Shelley Duncan 2-5, R, 2B, 2 RBI, K
Juan Miranda 1-5, R, 3 K
Sergio Mitre 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Edwar Ramirez 2 IP, 2 H, 0's, 5 K

Trenton lost to Binghamton 7-1
Reegie Corna 1-3, 2 RBI
Robbie Robnett 2-4, R, K
Eduardo Nunez 2-4
Chris Malec 2-3, RBI, BB
Jesus Montero 1-4, K - .281 - 1 CS, 2 PB
Wilkins De La Rosa 4.2 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Eric Wordekemper .1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB & K
Michael Dunn 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Tampa lost to St. Lucie 4-3
Eric Fryer 1-3, 2B, BB & K
Damon Sublett 0-4, 2 K
Brandon Laird 1-3, R. K
Seth Fortenberry 1-3, HR, K
Delin Betances 3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Ryan Zink 4.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K

Charleston lost to Rome 2-1
Raymond Kruml 2-5, K
Jose Pirela 0-4, BB & K
Dan Brewer 2-3, 2B, RBI, BB
Corban Joseph 0-4, 2 K
Melky Mesa 0-4, 2 K
Hector Noesi 6.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K - 2.29 ERA - one of biggest surprises of yr. Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Second Basemen Power Minors

Saturday 6/13

Trenton split a doubleheader. Brian Bruney pitched 1 inning and got through on 12 pitches, while averaging 94 MPH. Scranton, Tampa and Charleston all won their games. The Yanks are loaded with second basemen, who are playing out of position due to the glut of players. Damon Sublett was inserted into the cleanup slot in Tampa, due to Montero's promotion. Sublett went 3 for 5, with two doubles. In Charleston, three second sackers, David Adams, Jose Pirela and Corban Joseph split their time between 3rd, 2nd, SS and DH, to get all 3 bats into the lineup. Adams went 4 for 5, while Pirela had two hits, and Jospeh 3 RBI's.

Scranton def Gwinett 7-6
Austin Jackson 1-5, 2B, R, K
Cody Ransom 1-5, R, RBI, K
Shelley Duncan 0-2, 2 R, 3 BB, K
Juan Miranda 3-3, R, 2 RBI
Casey Fossum 3 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Rumolio Sanchez 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
Mark Melancon 1.1 IP, 0's, 2 K - SV

Trenton lost to Binghamton 4-0 (game 1) 3 hits
Eduardo Nunez 1-3, SB (7)
Jesus Montero 1-3 - .286
Richie Robnett 1-3 - 1st round pick in 2004 for the A's, who was a 5 tool can't miss prospect
Brian Bruney 1 IP, 0's
Justin Pope 4.2 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Trenton wins 5-1 (4 hits)
Reegie Corona 1-2, 2B, BB
Eduardo Nunez 1-2, HR, RBI, BB
Marcos Vechionacci 1-3, HR (4), 3 RBI
Josh Schmidt 3 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Kevin Whelan 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Tampa def St. Lucie 8-3
Austin Krum 1-4, 2 R, BB, K
Eric Fryer 2-5, 2 R, 2 2B, K
Austin Romine 1-3, R, RBI, BB
Damon Sublett 3-5, R, 2 2B, RBI
Brandon Laird 2-5, R, 3 RBI,K
DJ Mitchell 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K

Charleston def Rome 14-6
Jose Pirela 3-6, 2 R, 2B, RBI, K - .333
Raymond Kruml 2-5, R, 2B, BB, K
David Adams 4-5, R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, K - .294
Dan Brewer 2-4, R, RBI, 2 BB
Corban Joseph 1-6, 3B, 3 RBI
Melky Mesa 1-5, 2 R, HR (13), 2 RBI, 3 K
Mitch Albeita 3-5, 3 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB, 2 K
Brett Marshal 5 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, BB, 3 K
Dan Kapala 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, BB, 3 K Read the full post, after the jump

We're Not The Only Yankees Fans Who Didn't Catch The End Of Last Night's Game

"I thought the game was over, so I pointed the camera down. Who would have thought..."

Video from the game:



Text from the comments of last night's post:

My dad was listening to the game on WCBS in his bedroom while I was watching the game on YES on the living room TV. When A-Rod thrust his bat down, my thumb was poised over the power button on the remote control. Just when I was about to shut the TV off, my dad started yelling from his bedroom. Because of the TV delay, he had already heard Castillo drop the ball while I waited anxiously to see what had happened.

If he hadn't yelled just then... -shudders-

And...

I was sitting by an obnoxious Mets fan at the game. As soon as the ball was popped up, he thrust his hands in the air, turned his back to the field and started taunting everyone. Needless to say, that didn't work out too well for him.

Why not:

My brother and I were at the game and he had his back turned, heading up the steps to leave. A lot of people inside the Stadium missed it also. You are not alone.

Finally:

I was standing up - cursing A-Roid for being Mr. Non-Clutch - turned around ready to head up the stairs so I did not have to see F-Rod point to the heavens - and at least I got to hear "He Dropped It" in time to see Tex sliding into home plate!!! Lots of people left early - can't wait to catch it on Yankee Replay!!

OK, so maybe we shouldn't feel so bad after all... Read the full post, after the jump

Game Day Weather Forecast For June 13 - Subway Series, Yankees vs. Mets - Rain Possible

Well, last night was quite fun, huh? We weren't there last night, and won't be today, but for those who will, here is the latest from Steve (NYNJPAWeather.com):

A very complicated forecast is setting up for the Yankees/ Mets game for this afternoon, which starts at 4:10 PM. A line of strong showers and thunderstorms is slowly drifting northeastward through New Jersey and towards the New York City metro. However, a marine air mass has settled over the Bronx, which is very important. As the showers and thunderstorms approach, they will gradually weaken. So for the game, expect increasing clouds with a few scattered showers. A delay at some point in the game is possible, however I think the heaviest rain will remain well to the west. Winds will be from the southeast and east around 5 to 15 mph. This wind direction is one wind that can cause swirling winds over the field, which is great news for my team. Expect temperatures to range from the upper 60's to lower 70's through the game.

Here is some radar for you weather freaks to keep an eye on:



Enjoy the game if you are heading out! Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Nova and Banuelos Pitch Gems

Friday 6/12

Scranton lost behind a 3 hit game by Austin Jackson, who also stole his 12th base without getting caught. Scranton lost a valuable player in Todd Linden, who defected to Japan. Ivan Nova pitched another gem for Trenton, which won 1-0 on a Noah Hall homer in the first inning. Nova went 8 innings, giving up 3 hits, 1 walk and had 8 strikeouts. Jesus Montero seems to have gotten the hang of AA, going 2 for 4.

Jeremy Bleich also pitched a gem in Tampa, going 7 innings without giving up a run. Manny Banuelos followed suit in Charleston, going the furthest into a game in his short career. Banuelos went 7 innings with 4 hits, and 1 unearned run, without walking a batter.

Scranton loses to Gwinnet 5-4
Kevin Russo 1-4, K, SB
Austin Jackson 3-5, R, 2B, SB (12)- .341
Cody Ransom 0-3, R, BB & K
Shelley Duncan 1-4, R, HR (21), 3 RBI, K
Juan Miranda 1-4, HR (10), RBI
George Kontos 5 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Anthony Clagett 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Mark Melancon .1 IP, 0's, K

Trenon def Binghamton 1-0
Noah Hall 1-4, HR, K
Eduardo Nunez 2-4, 2 2B, K
Chris Malec 0-3
Jesus Montero 2-4 - .280
Ivan Nova 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K - 2.70 ERA, 2 ER's in last 18 IP
Amuary Sanit 1 IP, 0's, 1 K

Tampa def St. Lucie 5-3
Eric Fryer 1-4, R
Austin Romine 0-4, 2 K
Damon Sublett 1-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB
Brandon Laird 2-4
Seth Fortenberry 2-4, R, HR 4 RBI
Jeramy Bleich 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

Charleston def Rome 7-2
Jose Pirela 3-5, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 K - .321
Dan Brewer 1-2, R< 2B, RBI, 2 BB, K
David Adams 1-4, RBI
Melky Mesa 1-5, R, 2 RBI, 2 K, SB (7)
Corban Joseph 0-4, BB
Neall French 2-3, 2B, RBI
Manny Banuelos 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Brad Rulon 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K Read the full post, after the jump

The Sad Story Of The Quick Trigger On The Television Remote

Everyone remembers the feeling - eternal optimism. No matter what the score, no matter what the situation, you always felt like your team was going to do something amazing and win the game. Before the negativity of life inevitably took over, you always watched every game until the bitter end - until the last out was recorded. A family member would urge you to head for the gates early, or switch the television station, but you always held out hope that something unlikely would occur.

Tonight, when it appeared that all hope was lost, that miracle happened for the Yankees as Luis Castillo dropped a game-ending pop fly, handing them an unlikely victory... And I didn't see it.

This is a sad story, and it starts out with a bit of a money grab. You see, I split my season tickets with my father, and we have both been seeing out opportune times to sell some games, and get back some of our initial investment. Out of town for a graduation? Sell our tickets. Have a Friday and Sunday game against a hot opponent? Sell our tickets to one of the games. Tonight was an example of the latter, as we have tickets to Sunday's game against the Mets.

All things considered, staying home from the game wouldn't be too bad. I had my 48 inch television screen, my girlfriend, and my cat to keep me company while watching an exciting see-saw affair. Even after the girlfriend retired to bed, and the cat had tired himself out from too much catnip, I was still fixated on the game, thinking the Yankees would right the ship and get a big win.

When A-Rod came up in the ninth inning I was sure that he was going to pull off some classic A-Rod heroics - with the way this game was going, there was no way things would end quietly. Much to my chagrin, A-Rod popped up weakly to second base, and Luis Castillo camped under it. Game over, Yankees lose, theeeeeeeee Yankeeeeeeeees lose.

As always, I had the television remote in my hand, ready to flip the channel so I didn't have to see K-Rod's fist-pumping antics, or hear Michael Kay's asinine dramatics. Luis Castillo drifted back onto the outfield grass and I pulled the trigger - the channel up botton was depressed, and somehow AMC was on the television. In the blink of an eye (or the drop of a pop fly), I had made the biggest mistake of my channel-changing career. Minutes later I would head over to Twitter and instead of "A-Rod is unclutch" and "Joba should be a reliever," I saw comments such as "the ghosts have finally made their way over to the new Yankee Stadium."

As my father said after tonight's game, "in over 50 years watching baseball, I have never seen that happen." I'm sure what happened in tonight's game has happened before, but like my father, I've never seen it, and at this point, probably never will. For most of my life, tonight's situation was in the back of my mind, and because of that, I would only give up hope once the last out was on the board. Sure, during blowouts I'd be channel surfing and landing on The Dog Whisperer, but in close games, the channel doesn't get switched until the ball is in the glove for the final out. Tonight I had a quick trigger finger and I paid the ultimate price - missing one of the most unlikely and unique Yankees wins of my lifetime. Read the full post, after the jump

Previewing The Home Stand Ahead: Interleague Is Back!

The Basics

• Dates: June 12 - June 18
  
• Games: 6
  
• Teams: 2
  
• Night Games: 3
  
• Weekend Day Games: 2
  
• Mid-week Day Games: 1

Well, that run in first place was short-lived, huh? Last week we were celebrating the Yankees flag flying proudly atop Yankee Stadium. Today, the flag is back in its familiar second place position. The good news is that the cross-town rival Mets are coming to town tonight, which should quickly clear the air of the stench that was left behind by the Yankees futility in Boston. Both the Yankees and the Mets are coming off of disappointing series with their division rivals, so expect there to be a lot of tension in the crowd between New York fans rooting for different teams. The only other series in this home stand is against the Nationals. Unless Stephen Strasburg signs with the Nationals today and is in uniform by Tuesday, there isn't much that is compelling about those games. Maybe Adam Dunn will hit one into the upper deck in right field? That would be cool.

Tickets

New York Mets @ New York Yankees Yankee Stadium (Bronx, NY)

Fri, Jun 12 at 7:05PM 4,000+ tickets from $41

Sat, Jun 13 at 4:10PM 6,000+ tickets from $48

Sun, Jun 14 at 1:05PM 7,000+ tickets from $25

Compare all 3 events

Washington Nationals @ New York Yankees Yankee Stadium (Bronx, NY)

Tue, Jun 16 at 7:05PM 9,000+ tickets from $9

Wed, Jun 17 at 7:05PM 10,000+ tickets from $11

Thu, Jun 18 at 1:05PM 9,000+ tickets from $13

Compare all 3 events

As would be expected, the Mets' first trip ever into the new Yankee Stadium has made for a hot ticket. The same cannot be said about the games against the Nationals. Mid-week games against the worst team in the National League will always result in stagnant ticket sales. If you scout out Craigs List and Stubhub during the day on Tuesday or Wednesday, you are sure to get tickets for $10.

In other ticket news - this may be a week old, but it is still interesting. Apparently, Governor Patterson had not yet reenacted the Eliot Spitzer law that allows for unlimited markups on secondary market ticket sales. In other words the law was in limbo, meaning that the previous law that only allows for a $2 markup per ticket was temporarily back in place. Last we checked, tickets were going for way more than $2 over face value on Stubhub for the Mets series. Stubhub spokesman Sean Pate had this to say in the NY Daily News article:

"New Yorkers have enjoyed an open and free market for ticket resale for the last two years which has seen average resale prices decline sharply," Pate said. "We have every confidence they will continue to do so once the governor has reviewed this legislation to continue the open resale marketplace for tickets."

On the other hand, constant Yankees-basher Richard Brodsky wanted the $2 rule in place to stay:

"The law is the law," Brodsky said. "They shouldn't be winking at it."

Ticket holders were left confused. The Yankees and Stubhub have a pretty solid deal in place, so it seemed unlikely that there was going to be a complete upheaval in the ticket scalping laws. Then again, Dick Brodsky has it in for the Yankees and has been lobbying like crazy to make life hell for the franchise.

This past Tuesday, Governor Patterson ended the drama and signed the ticket scalping law extension. We'll check back in 365 days when the extension expires...

(Thanks to Kevin [reg3835] for pointing us in the direction of the Patterson signing the extension update!)

Weather

We were thinking about skipping this section since Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com is an avid Mets fan. Then we thought better of it, since rain is in the forecast, and Steve is a good guy! Here is what he has to say about this dreadful early summer weather, along with some words about the Subway Series:

What can I say, I love this upcoming series. There's nothing like Mets VS Yankees for me on so many levels, regardless the weather conditions, I'm always amped for my Mets to go up against the Yankees. I still remember the first Friday of the Mets/Yankees series where Dave Mlicki shocked the world, or at least Mike Francessa on WFAN.

Anyway, enough with my memories of old, back to the weather forecast! I wish I could say that clouds will clear, showers will end, and some actual summer conditions return to the New York City metro. However, then I would be dead wrong with the forecast.

For tonight, overcast skies and a northeasterly wind around 5 to 10 mph can be expected through the game time.. A risk of widely scattered and weak showers will remain over the Bronx throughout the game, but I don't think a postponement is in the cards. These showers will be on the light side. Otherwise, a cloudy and drizzly night can be expected. Temperatures will range from the mid 60's to mid 70's, but will feel like the 50's.

The stationary front will hang around the Bronx tomorrow afternoon as well with a better chance of scattered showers through the game. Once again, these showers will not be wide spread nor heavy, but may lead to a delay in the game from time to time. Winds will be light and variable. Temperatures will range from the mid 60's to possibly 70 degrees.

On Sunday, the stationary front will slide south of the Bronx by Sunday afternoon with a few scattered showers still lingering around the region. Overall though, partly cloudy to overcast skies can be expected with winds from the north around 5 to 10 mph. Temperatures will range from the lower to mid 70's for highs.

Through the rest of the home stand, generally the same forecast can be expected with variable cloud cover and a risk of showers each day. Temperatures will generally remain in the mid 60's to lower 70's for the games.

PS.. GO METS!

So, it looks to be another dreary home stand weather-wise. In other news, Steve is one "Go Mets" away from being persona non grata around these parts. Tread lightly, Steve. Tread lightly.

Stadium News and Notes

• Bait and Switch?

BernBabyBern from one of our favorite websites, It Is High, It Is Far, It Is... Caught wrote in with the following tale:

Went to the new stadium last week, I'll be blogging a bit about it. One thing that got me a little upset was a it of a bait-and-switch the team is pulling. The $3 kids' hot dogs, which the team bragged so much about before the season, have apparently been taken off the menu, although the signs for them are still up. I went with my kid to get one in about the sixth inning, and was told they didn't have any. I said "Wow. Sold out already?" I was told no, the weren't carrying them anymore. "We stopped sometime after the first home stand. I guess they weren't selling well enough. They really need to take them off the menu board." But they were more than happy to sell me the $5 hot dog for my 6-year-old. So, there are approximately 1,000,006 food items for sale in that place and the ONE thing that gets taken off the menu within two months is the cheap kids' hot dog? Ugh.

We can't confirm that these $3 hot dogs have been pulled from the menu at most concession stands, but we do know that they still exist at the "Kids Cafe" cart. This cart is located in the corridor by the ticket sales booth, inside of the stadium, at the end of the great hall. Right around the corner from the fruit stand. Very easy to miss, and probably not an accident.

• Staying Kosher

Last week, Rob Iracane, fellow Yankees fan from the great baseball site "Walkoff Walk," sent out a message to the Twittersphere, inquiring about the shawarma at the kosher cart at the new Yankee Stadium. We haven't yet tried this kosher food, but here are some photos of the cart in action, and of the prices (sorry for the blurryness):

• Cheers and Jeers
  

Unlike last home stand, there are plenty of Yankees that have left themselves open to criticism. First, however, lets focus on the positive!

Cheers - Mark Teixeira - If there is one guy immune to any potential crowd abuse during this home stand, it is Mark. Can anyone say MVP candidate?

Jeers - The candidates for this one are seemingly endless. A.J Burnett continues to suck, home grown guys like Melky, Cano and Jeter are all on the interstate over the past week or two, and the bullpen is in shambles. However, the one guy who may experience a derisive welcome home is 2009 fan-favorite, Nick Swisher. Although he has been swinging the bat extremely well in June, his head seems to be elsewhere. There have been numerous fielding and baserunning gaffes, and it seems like he has lost his mental focus. That, combined with the recent Twitter-gate make Swisher most likely to be booed on this home stand.

Which Games We'll Be At

Stadium Insider dad wanted to make some of his season ticket money back, so we offloaded our Friday night tickets for a decent profit. Lets just say that both season ticket holders didn't agree to this philosophy. In any case, we'll be at the games on Sunday and Wednesday. There is a strong likelihood that Sunday's game will be the last one that Nick will be attending before he moves to North Carolina next weekend. Come and visit us in section 428, row 10. Parting gifts in the form of cups of beer will surely be accepted by both of us. On Wednesday, we're going to be all uppity in the Audi Yankees Club. What is a better treat for father's day than taking your pops for a $65, all you can eat dinner? If you're in the Audi Yankees Club on Wednesday, look for the people that have 10 helpings of the most expensive food. Good thing gluttony isn't some kind of sin or anything...

Special Shout-Out

This week's special shout-out goes to Heather, the best girlfriend that an obsessed sports fan/blogger can ask for. This blog, along with a barrage of sporting events on television tend to take some attention away from this fine young thing, but she sticks around and is always a source of love, affection and companionship. You may have noticed a lower volume of blog posts lately, and it has a lot to do with making a concerted effort to pay attention to the important things in life. Its the best for everyone this way. Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Garcia on the PL

Thursday 6/10

Christian Garcia, the often injured pitcher with Joba like stuff, has gone back on the Pavano List with an unnamed injury. Trenton lost, while Jesus Montero had his best game, getting two hits and a walk. Amaury Sanit let up a walk off grand slam.

Scranton won behind 5 shutout innings from Edwar Ramirez and Jonathan Albaladejo. Tampa and Charleston were on the losing side of the ledger.

Scranton def Gwinnet 9-4
Kevin Russo 0-4, 2 R, 2 BB
Austin Jackson 0-4, R, BB
Cody Ransom 0-3, BB
Shelley Duncan 2-4, 2 RBI
Todd Linden 2-5, HR (7), 2 RBI, K
Justin Leone 1-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, BB & K
Kei Igawa 3.1 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K - not even worth commenting on
Edwar Ramirez 2 IP, 2 H, 0's, 4 K
Jonathan Albaladejo 3 IP, 0's, 4 K

Trenton lost to Reading 6-3
Reegie Corona 1-5, RBI
Colin Curtis 0-3, R, BB
Edwar Gonzalez 0-4
Chris Malec 2-4, R, RBI
Jesus Montero 2-3, BB - 1 SB against
Zach McAllister 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K - 1.60 ERA
Michael Dunn 2 IP, 0's, 3 K
Amaury Sanit .1 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - walk off grand slam

Tampa lost to St. Lucie 9-4
Austin Krum 0-4, BB
Eric Fryer 1-4, R, K
Austin Romine 1-4, 2B, RBI, K
Damon Sublett 1-3, R, 3B, BB, K
Jason Stephens 1.2 IP, 6 H 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
Adam Olbrychowski 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Charleston lost to Augusta 5-4
Jose Pirella (SS) 2-4, 2 R, 3B, RBI, BB, SB (3) - .303
Dan Brewer 2-4, 2B, K
David Adams 1-4, RBI, K
Melky Mesa 0-4, 3 K
Corban Joseph 2-4, K
Casey Erickson 2.1 IP, 4 H 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K - started in place of Brackman
Brandon Braboy 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K Read the full post, after the jump

Swisher's Tough Week - Blunders On The Field, On The Bases, and on... Twitter?

Over the past few days, we have all been witness to some shoddy play by fan-favorite Nick Swisher on the field, capped off by him inexplicably being doubled off of second base in the second inning of tonight's game. Shortly thereafter, some Nick Swisher fans on Twitter alerted us to an apparent blunder that he has made off the field as well.

Earlier this evening, many Yankees fans on Twitter began noticing that they were blocked from following Nick Swisher's "Tweets" (140 character updates, for those living under a rock and unaware of how Twitter works). At one time, these fans followed @NickSwisher on Twitter. Recently, they noticed that the only time they saw his updates was when other Yankees fans "re-tweeted" what he had to say. When they went to his page to re-follow him, they received the message that they were "blocked by the user."

Upon further review, it appears that all of the fans blocked from viewing Nick Swisher's "tweets" are people who have mentioned his publicist and his/her possible connection to "tweeting" on his behalf. For example:

section59mike

I think @nickswisher might need a new PR person, the texts are getting a little screwy
5:16 PM Jun 5th from Seesmic Desktop

DGiant

I thought I read somewhere that he tweets thru his publicist. RT @YankeeGirl20: Does @NickSwisher know how to read his replies? Hmmm?
12:14 PM May 18th from TweetDeck

dp57

@NickSwisher You sound like you work for the PR dept. Is Cash or Steiny actually writing this? Or are you really this much of a pollyanna?
9:02 AM May 10th from web in reply to NickSwisher

Since the beginning of the season, there have been varied reports about whether or not Nick Swisher makes his own "tweets." At first it was just assumed that he was dictating the tweets to a publicist, but recently, Swisher defended his Twitter account (video, half-way through), claiming that he is solely responsible for the content, he posts the updates, and he reads what the fans have to say about him.

Before branding the fun-loving Nick Swisher a stuck up jerk, lets look at the facts. It appears that all three members of Twitter who were blocked by the Nick Swisher account had negative things to say about Nick Swisher's publicist.

Is there any reason in the world that Nick Swisher would go out of his way to block himself from seeing such tweets under his mentions tab? We might be able to justify it if Nick Swisher blocked people on Twitter if they were being overly negative toward him and he didn't want to read the typical Yankees fan negativity. After all, he is probably one of the more positive baseball players around.

Some fans still believe that a publicist is to blame, and this idea of "ghost twittering" isn't anything new. The New York Times felt compelled to publish a piece about the practice back in March, focusing on Britney Spears' account in particular:

“It’s O.K. to tweet for a brand,” he said, remarking how common it is for companies to have Twitter accounts, “but not O.K. for a celebrity. But the truth is, they are a brand. What they are to the public is not always what they are behind the curtain. If the manager knows that better than the star, then they should do it.”

In the last couple of months, the Britney Spears Twitter stream has become a model of transparency. Where the feed once seemed that it was all written personally by Ms. Spears — even the blatantly promotional items about a new album — lately it can read like a group blog, with some posts signed “Britney,” some signed by “Adam Leber, manager” and others by “Lauren.” That would be Lauren Kozak, social-media director of britneyspears.com. (Ms. Spears’s management team declined to be interviewed for this article.)

According to Nick's publicist Kathy Jacobson (who also represents MLB Twitterers such as Barry Zito, Brian Wilson and CC Sabathia, "Nick would not know how to block anyone on Twitter and if anyone is blocked, it was not on purpose," adding "this is a non-story." She also wanted to let everyone know that Nick is "having a ball with Twitter, and loves to hear from his fans - good and bad." According to her "every single word on the Twitter page is written by him." We suggested that she doesn't bother Nick about this after being swept out of Boston, but she promised that she was going to text Nick and make sure any fans are unblocked immediately.

Since Nick Swisher has fast become a fan favorite in New York, we sincerely hope that this is merely a Twitter glitch and as Jacobson indicated, a "non-story." Watching Nick Swisher play the outfield for the Yankees is a joy, and after sitting in the bleachers for a recent game, it is apparent that he is eager to get the fans involved in the game. We witnessed him waving his arms while playing the outfield, trying to get fans to make more noise when a Yankees pitcher had two strikes. We also saw him quieting the crowd when they were booing a Yankees pitcher and calling for a different one. Essentially, Nick Swisher is everything that a baseball player should be. It would be a shame if his image was negatively affected by unecessarily blocking fans from reading his updates on a micro-blogging website.

UPDATE (11:23 PM): Minutes after this article was sent to Nick's publicist, the users in question began to be unblocked, starting with dp57, then DGiant, and finally Section59Mike. We are glad to see that Yankees fans are able to follow their favorite micro-blogger once again, and are glad that we were able to help straighten this out.
Read the full post, after the jump