The Death Of The Twinight Doubleheader

Yesterday, the Yankees made news by announcing the first ever doubleheader at the New Yankee Stadium. In lieu of scheduling the game on a mutual off day (September 10th), the Yankees opted to schedule a day/night doubleheader on Labor Day (September 7th) to make up for the rained out game against the Rays on June 5th.

Most people recognize that single admission, “twinight” doubleheaders are a thing of the past - especially in New York. Ticket sales are too brisk for teams like the Yankees and Mets to ever justify cutting a game from their schedule and giving fans two games for the price of one. However, longtime reader of the blog, BPALM has other thoughts:

I know it is not done anymore but they should have made it a single admission doubleheader. It would be awesome to spend your Labor Day watching two games for the price of one. Don’t honor the rain-out game’s tickets. Have people with tickets to that game send them in for comparable tickets to another game this season or a credit towards tickets next season. The rain out [makeup] game is going to be the night game so not only are people who had tickets to the game this past week not going when it was originally scheduled, the game is being played at night and at the conclusion of a holiday weekend.

The likelihood of those ticket holders showing up is very small. Granted people like you will go but there are a lot of people who will be away that weekend or unwilling to drive to and from the game at night, on labor day - which will be a traffic nightmare depending on where you are coming from. Hell a regular Sunday afternoon coming from Long Island is murder – never mind labor day

We like BPALM’s fan-friendly sentiments, but logistics obviously get in the way. Not only did the Yankees already sell upwards of 45,000 tickets for the rained out game, but the game featured a giveaway, and a highly collectible one at that – a “New Stadium Figurine.”

An even more interesting aspect of this potential logistical nightmare is the "Stubhub factor." Currently, a game against the Rays in September has 10,000 tickets available for sale on Stubhub. For the purposes of this post, we will assume that to be an average number of tickets available on Stubhub for any given game (although we have discussed in the past that the number can be even higher).

The reason Stubhub is even a factor in the doubleheader discussion is because the Yankees do not honor Stubhub tickets as part of their rain out policy. If the Yankees took BPALM’S advice by scheduling a twinight doubleheader for September 7, over 10,000 fans holding Stubhub-purchased tickets from the June 5 game would be left confused and angry. If they walked into the Yankees ticket office with a Stubhub ticket from the canceled game, the Yankees would laugh and send them back to Stubhub. Granted, Stubhub offers a “fan protect guarantee,” but the fan needs to respond to an email within two weeks in order to get a refund, and tickets to a future Yankees game are never a possibility.

The MLB teams have set up a sweetheart deal with Stubhub - they receive a commission on all orders placed through the site, without having to do any work. Event is canceled? Not their problem. However, when considering makeup game procedures, the MLB must consider the Stubhub factor. Even if the Yankees weren’t greedy, and actually wanted to schedule a twinight doubleheader, the inevitable logistical and public relations nightmare would make it nearly impossible.

To make a long story short, we don’t expect to ever see a twinight doubleheader at the New Yankee Stadium. Can anyone think up a scenario where there will be one? Let us know in the comments! Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Romine Homers

Wednesday 6/10

Trenton lost, behind Christian Garcia's first clunker. He had 6 walks in 3.1 innings, but still managed to give up only one run. Jesus Montero returned behind the plate, and went 0 for 4.

Austin Romine continued to power Tampa to wins, homering and even throwing out two runners trying to steal. In Charleston, David Adams provided all the offense that David Phelps needed by scoring both of Charleston's runs, while Phelps went 8 shutout innings.

Scranton Sch day off

Trenton lost to Reading 4-1
Reegie Corona 1-4, 2B, K, E
Colin Curits 1-4, 3B, K
Eduardo Nunez 1-4
Jesus Montero 0-4 - .167, 1 SB against
Christian Garcia 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 4 K - 0.71 ERA
Kanoka Texeira 2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Eric Wordekemper 1 IP, 2 H, 0's, 3 K

Tampa def Sarasota 7-3
Austin Krum 1-2, R, 3 BB
Austin Romine 2-5, HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 K - .290, Nailed 2 attempted runners stealing
Damon Sublett 3-5, 2B, RBI
Brandon Laird 1-5, RBI
Jack Rye 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI
Lance Pendelton 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Humberto Sanchez 1 IP, 0's - It's 2 1/2 yrs since the trade now

Charleston def Augusta 2-0
Dan Brewer 0-4, K
David Adams 2-4, 2 R, 2B - E (9)
Melky Mesa 0-2, RBI, BB, K
David Phelps 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 0's - SV (20) Read the full post, after the jump

Standing Room Only - At The OLD Yankee Stadium?

Photo courtesy of Tom Kaminski, WCBS880.com

We have written extensively about the lack of standing room only ticket sales at the new ballparks in New York. Today, we received photos from WCBS880.com proving there is standing room only in one stadium - the OLD Yankee Stadium.

All of the seats have been removed, and the place is decaying by the day. We have said it before, but isn't there any way to expedite this process? Walking by that construction site on the way into the new stadium gets more depressing by the day!

While on this topic, everyone should continue to support the efforts to save Gate 2. Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: June 9th

Austin Jackson had two hits, as Scranton won in the 10th inning. Justin Leone hit a 3 run homer to win the game. Sergio Mitre pitched a strong game, and might be a viable reliever in The Bronx.

Jesus Montero returned to the lineup, as a DH, and had a hit and walk. Tampa won, as Austin Romine went hitless. Charleston was held to 3 hits, and were shutout.

Scranton def Charlotte 6-3 (10 innings)
Austin Jackson 2-5, K - .341
Todd Linden 2-3, R, 2 BB
Shelley Duncan 2-5, R
Juan Miranda 2-4, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, K
Justin Leone 2-5, HR, 3 RBI
Sergio Mitre 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Mark Melancon 3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K - WP
Anthony Claggett 1 IP, 1 H, 0's -SV

Trenton lost to Reading 5-3
Reegie Corona 3-5, HR, RBI, K, CS
Colin Curtis 1-4, RBI, BB & K
Jesus Montero (DH) 1-4, BB
Kyle Anson 2-3, 2 2B, BB & K
Wilkins De La Rosa 6 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 2 HR's
Kevin Whelan 2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Tampa def Sarasota 2-1
Austin Krum 2-3, 2B, 3B, RBI, K
Austin Romine 0-4, K - 2 SB's against
Brandon Laird 0-4, K -It's time to wake up already
Mitch Hilligos 2-4, 2B, 3B, RBI
Ryan Zink 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Tim Norton .2 IP,0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Charleston lost to Augusta 2-0 (3 hits)
Dan Brewer & Melky Mesa 0-3
Jose Pirela & Corban Joseph 0-4
Raymond Kruml 1-3, 2B, K
Hector Noesi 8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K Read the full post, after the jump

Big Papi Sees The Writing On The Wall

CAUGHT ON CAMERA!

Over-the-hill slugger, David Ortiz (OPS - .596), taking up a day job in preparation of being unceremoniously dumped by "boy wonder" Theo Epstein.

What better way to get back at the Red Sox than taking photos of Yankees fans outside of the new Yankee Stadium (on his off day) as part of the "Yankees Photo Program."

By now you've probably realized that the guy in the above photos isn't really David Ortiz. Milling around outside of the gates last night, we saw this Big Papi lookalike and felt compelled to snap some creepy cell phone pics. C'mon, some of you Stadium Insider regulars must have seen this guy and thought the same thing as us... Right? Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: June 8

Austin Romine was awarded the FSL offensive player of the week. Hector Noesi, Pat Venditte, Melky Mesa and Dan Brewer were voted onto the All Star team for the Atlantic League.

Scranton lost in a game that was patched together by the bullpen. Trenton was off, while Tampa lost and Charleston was the lone winner.

Scranton lost to Charlotte 7-3
Kevin Russo 0-3, RBI
Austin Jackson 1-4, R, K
Cody Ransom 3-3, R, 2 2B
Shelley Duncan 1-4, RBI, 2 K
Juan Miranda 0-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
John Rodriguez 0-4, K
Kevin Cash 1-3, HR, 2 K
Paul Bush 1.1 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Juan Valdez 3.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB & K
Jonathan Albaladejo 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Zach Kroenke 1 IP, 1 H, 0's

Trenton sch. day off

Tampa losses to Sarasota 4-1
Austin Krum 1-4, BB & K
Eric Fryer 1-4, 2B, BB, 2 K
Austin Romine (DH) 1-5, K - .294
Damon Sublett 2-4, RBI, BB, K
Brandon Laird 1-4
DJ Mitchell 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, BB, 2 K

Charleston def Rome 6-3
Jose Pirela 0-3, R, 2 BB, K
Dan Brewer 1-4, R, RBI
David Adams 2-5, R, 2 2B
Melky Mesa 0-3, R, BB, K
Corban Joseph 1-4, 2 RBI
Raymond Kruml 2-3, R, BB
Brett Marshall 3.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Dan Kapala 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0's 1 IP - WP
Pat Venditte 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0's Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Romine Raking

Sunday 6/7

Austin Romine is picking up the slack left by Montero's promotion, as he had 3 hits - including a homer and 5 RBI's for Tampa. Jesus Montero continues to be sidelined for Trenton. Although another catcher was called up, and Montero was not put on the disabled list.

Scranton def Charlotte 5-0
Kevin Russo 1-3, R, 2 BB, SB (4)
Austin Jackson 2-5, RBI, 2 K - .342
Cody Ransom 0-2, 2 RBI
Shelley Duncan 0-3, 2 BB & K's
John Rodriguez 2-5, R
Casey Fossum 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R. 2 BB, 5 K
Edwar Ramirez 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Trenton losses to Portland 10-3
Reegie Corona 2-3, R, BB
Colin Curtis 0-3, BB
Chris Malec 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 K
Ryan Pope 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Alan Horne 1 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 1 K - 19 ER's in 15 IP
Michael Dunn 2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

Tampa def Sarasota 10-5
Austin Krum 1-3, 3 R, 2 BB
Eric Fryer 3-5, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI
Austin Romine 3-4, 2 R, HR (7), 5 RBI (34) - .296, no stolen base attempts against
Brandon Laird 1-5, RBI, BB
Wady Rufino 2-4, R, K
Jeramy Bleich 5 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Noel Castillo 1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Tim Norton 2 IP,2 H, 0's - 3 ER, 13 K's in 16.2 IP, coming back from shoulder surgery

Charleston def Rome 4-1
Jose Pirela 2-3, 2B, BB - .328
Dan Brewer 1-4, R, 2B, RBI, K
David Adams 2-3, 2 RBI
Melky Mesa 1-4, R, K
Manny Banuelos 5.2 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K - 2.81 ERA
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 0's - SV (18) Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Brackman Misses The Side of The Barn

Saturday 6/6

Andrew Brackman continues to struggle with his mechanics for Charleston, as he threw 5 wild pitches and had 5 walks in 3 2/3 innings. Charleston was the only winner in the system. Scranton lost despite a 4 hit, 8 inning game from George Kontos. Austin Jackson had his 7 game hitting streak snapped. Jesus Montero did not play for Trenton after getting bowled over in a home plate collision. No word if it's a serious injury or not.

Scranton lost to Charlotte 3-1
Kevin Russo 1-4, RBI, BB & K - 1st game back from DL
Austin Jackson 0-3, BB & K - .340
Cody Ransom 1-2, 2B
Shelley Duncan 1-4, K - .311
Juan Miranda 2-4, K
George Kontos 8 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K - 2.51 ERA

Trenton lost to Portaland 4-3
Reegie Corona 1-3, R, BB
Colin Curtis 1-4, K
Mitch Hilligos 1-4, K
Edwar Gonzalez 1-3, BB & K
Kyle Anson 2-4, 2B, 2 K
Ivan Nova 5 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Kanoka Texeira 2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa ppd

Charleston def Rome 7-6
Jose Pirela 3-5, 2 R, RBI
Dan Brewer 2-5, 2 R, 2B, K
David Adams 2-3, R, 4 RBI, 2 BB, SB (7)
Melky Mesa 0-5, K
Andrew Brackman 3.2 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, 5 WP, 1 HPB
Brandon Braboy 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Cory Arbiso 3 IP, 0's, 3 K Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: Mac Pitches Another Gem

Friday 6/5

All four minor league teams won yesterday. Austin Jackson had a double and extended his hitting streak to 7 games. Shelley Duncan had 3 doubles, while Todd Linden had 4 hits for Scranton. Jesus Montero went hitless and was also involved in a home plate collision and was removed from the game. Zach McAllister continues his impressive season, throwing 7 shutout innings, while walking none. Austin Romine seems to be picking up the slack for the promoted Montero, going 2 for 4 with a double. Both Romine and Montero were perfect in throwing out would be base stealers.

Scranton def Syracuse 8-3
Cody Ransom 0-3, 2 K
Austin Jackson 1-4, R, 2B, BB, 2 K - .346, 7 game hitting streak
Todd Linden 4-5, 3 R, 3B, R, 3 RBI, K, SB (5)
Shelley Duncan 3-4, 2 R, 3 2B, 2 RBI, BB & K
Juan Miranda 1-5, HR (9)
Josh Towers 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Anthony Claggett 2 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 0 BB
Mark Melancon 1 IP, 0"s, 1 K

Trenton def Portland 5-3
Reegie Corona 2-4, 2B
Colin Curtis 0-4, BB & K
Chris Malec 0-5, K
Jesus Montero 0-3, K - Threw out a runner attempting to steal, involved in a home plate collision
Edwar Gonzalez 2-4, R
Kevin Smith 2-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 K
James Cooper 1-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 K - Threw out a runner at home
Zach McAllister 7 IP, 7 H 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K - 1.61 ERA, 61 IP, 49 H, 11 BB, 48 K
Kevin Whelan .1 IP, 0 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K

Tampa def Jupiter 2-1
Austin Krum 1-3, BB & K
Austin Romine 2-4, R, 2B, RBI, K
Damon Sublett, Mitch Hilligoss, Brandon Laird - All 1-4, Laird had an RBI
Jason Stephens 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
Lance Pendelton 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Charleston def Savanah 5-3
Jose Pirela 2-3, R, 2 BB
Dan Brewer 0-2, R, 3 BB, E (4) - threw out a runner at 3rd
David Adams 0-4, R, RBI, K
Melky Mesa 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI (33), BB & K - threw out a runner at home
David Phelps 5 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 0's, 2 K - SV (17) Read the full post, after the jump

UPDATE: Weather for Yankees vs. Rays 6/5/09 - GAME POSTPONED, MAKEUP TBD

For the official Yankee Stadium weather update page (rarely updated), click here
For the Yankees rain out policy, click here
For current national radar, click here
For current local radar, click here

UPDATE (5:00 PM): As you all probably know by now, the game has been canceled:

YANKEES-RAYS GAME ON FRIDAY, JUNE 5 HAS BEEN POSTPONED;
MAKEUP GAME TO BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE

The New York Yankees announced that tonight's game between the Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium is postponed due to rain and rescheduled for a date to be determined. Fans holding paid tickets for the June 5 game may use them for the rescheduled game between the Yankees and Rays to be played at a date to be determined, or exchange their paid tickets for any regular season game at Yankee Stadium within 12 months of the postponed game (subject to availability).

Due to limited availability for Yankees home games during the 2009 season, fans are highly encouraged to use their tickets for the rescheduled game between the Yankees and the Rays.

We still think the Yankees could have waited this one out, but what can you do? September is going to be grueling for the Yankees.

UPDATE (1:40 PM): Via Steve, from his Iphone:

So far the forecast is right on track. The heavy rain will continue through 6 PM. Rain will taper off to scattered showers after 7 PM with clearing by 9 PM. Winds will be from the northeast around 10 to 20 mph. Temperatures will range from the lower to mid 50's.

As for the state of the game, I would bet on a delay at least.

---
Well, today's weather seems to be a mess, with flooding rains overspreading the area throughout the day. With the AL East rival Rays coming to town (who have another trip to the stadium in September), it looks like the perfect storm for a Friday night rain out.

However, Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com is here to give us some hope, even with the bleak forecast from most of the mainstream weather sources:

I have some bad and good news to share this morning for Yankee fans. Let's deal with the bad news right off the bat.

The bad news is that the weather conditions for this evening will be cool and raw with a persistent northeasterly wind through this evening. The good news is that the bulk of the heavy rainfall is expected to move through the region between 1 PM and 6 PM with rain tapering off from northwest to southeast thereafter. While I expect showers to linger through the expected game time (7:15 PM), the heaviest rain will be moving through eastern Long Island and out into the Atlantic. Winds will be from the northeast around 15 to 30 mph, producing a strong wind current in from right field. I think the winds will be strong enough from the northeast to over come any micro jet that would develop along the right field line with weaker wind speeds. Temperatures will be cool with game time temperatures in the lower to mid 50's. So basically, if you go to the game tonight bring a rain coat, a sweater, and patience cause I am betting on a delay at the least with them trying to play later in the evening. After all, they've done that in similar situations.

The best news of course is that the rainy and raw conditions will be a distant memory by Saturday and Sunday as clear skies and dry conditions can be expected. Winds will be light and variable through the weekend, which will have little if any impact on game conditions. Temperatures at the game times will generally range from the lower to mid 70's.

When first reading Steve's point about the Yankees having long rain delays at home so far this season, it didn't really resonate. After all, those decisions had to do with the fact that the teams weren't visiting again (Angels) or because they had huge crowds (Red Sox). In this situation, the Rays come back to town in September, and the teams have a mutual off day following that series. Seems like the perfect situation for a doubleheader. However, the Yankees just scheduled another doubleheader a game on their off day with the Angels for September 14, so it is unlikely that the Yankees will be able to play two in one week give up all of their off days in September, or at least they won't want to.

Therefore, if you are planning a trip to the stadium tonight, don't be so quick to write this one off as a rain out. Unless the Yankees want to have a doubleheader this weekend, they may have to wait out the rain this evening, and hope for the best.

Please check back throughout the day for any late-breaking updates, including cancellations or delays. Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: AJax Hits First Homer

Thursday 6/4

Austin Jackson hit his first homer in Scranton, needing 190 at bats to do so. He has just missed on several others that hit high on the wall, over the last week. Expect the power to start to kick in. Jesus Montero got a single and scored a run, as he gets acclimated to AA. Austin Romine hit his 6th homer to power Tampa to a win.

Christian Garcia continues to dominate in Trenton, as he threw 7 shutout innings, while giving up 4 hits. In 22 innings, Garcia has given up 12 hits and 1 earned run for a 0.41 ERA.

Scranton lost to Syracuse 8-6 (game 1)
Cody Ransom 2-3, R, 2B, HR (1), RBI - 1st game back from DL
Austin Jackson 1-4, R, RBI, K
Shelley Duncan 1-3, R, RBI
Todd Linden 1-4, R, 3B, K
Juan Miranda 2-4, 2B, K
John Rodriguez 2-3, R, HR (11), 2 RBI, BB - tied for 2nd in homers in league
Kei Igawa 5.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Jonathan Albaladejo 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB & K
Edwar Ramirez 1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K - The minor leaguers have figured him out

Scranton lost 3-2 (game 2)
Austin Jackson 2-4, R, 3B, HR (1), 2 RBI, K - .348
Todd Linden 1-3, 3B, K
Shelley Duncan 1-2, HR (19), RBI, BB
Juan Miranda 1-3
Paul Bush 3 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Mark Melancon1 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Zach Kroenke 1 IP, 0's, 1 BB & K

Trenton def Bowie 7-0
Reegie Corona 3-5, R, 2B, RBI, 2 K - demoted to AA
Justin Snyder 1-4, R, HR, K
Jesus Montero (DH) 1-3, R, BB - .286
Edwar Gonzalez 1-3, 2 R, 2B, BB & K
Christian Garcia 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K - 0.41 ERA, 1 ER in 22 innings
Michael Dunn 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Tampa def Jupiter 9-3
Austin Krum 1-4, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Damon Sublett 4-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB
Brandon Laird 0-5, R, 3B, 2 RBI
Austin Romine 1-4, 2 R, HR (6), 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
Mitch Hilligos 2-5, R, RBI
Sergio Mitre 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K

Charleston lost to Savannah 7-6
Dan Brewer 2-5, R, K - .331
David Adams 0-4, K
Melky Mesa 1-2, R, 2B, BB & K
Taylor Grote 2-3, R, 3 RBI
Hector Noesi 6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
Casey Erickson 1.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Former Yankees
Jose Tabata .250 avg in 65 AB's, 0 HR, 6 RBI - on the DL since April 28
Dan McCutchen 3 -4 W-L, 4.61 ERA, 60 hits in 54 innings, 17 BB's, 50 K's Read the full post, after the jump

The NSI Minor League Report: De La Rosa Dominates

Wednesday 6/3

In Jesus Montero's first game in Trenton, his old battery mate, Wilkins De La Rosa, put on a clinic, giving up 2 hits in 6 shutout innings, with 1 walk and 8 strikeouts. Montero didn't do too badly himself, getting his first hit, with two runs and a RBI.

Scranton lost, while Tampa showed an anemic offense without Montero. Charleston won in 12 innings, while Brett Marshall continues to show reasons to be optimistic, going 7 innings with 3 hits and 1 run.

Scranton ppd

Trenton def Bowie 8-0
Justin Snyder 1-4, 2B, RBI, BB & K
Colin Curtis 1-3, 2 R, HR (1), RBI, K
Noah Hall 1-5, 3B, K
Jesus Montero 1-4, 2 R, RBI, BB & K - 2 out of 2 runners stole bases
Edwar Gonzalez 2-4, 2 R, 3B, 2 RBI
Kevin Smith 1-4, RBI, 3 K
Marcos Vechionacci 1-4, 2B, RBI, K
Wilkins De La Rosa 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Kanoka Texeira 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa lost to Juipter 6-1
Eric Fryer 1-3, 3B, RBI, BB
Austin Romine 0-4, 2 K - 1 SB against (1 attempt)
Damon Sublett 0-4, K
Brandon Laird 2-4, K
Ryan Zink 5 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Charleston def Savannah 4-3, 12 innings
Jose Pirela 2-4, R, K
Dan Brewer 2-6, RBI, K - game winning hit
David Adams 2-6
Addison Maruszak 2-4, R, RBI
Brett Marshal 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Brad Rulon 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Pat Venditte 1 IP, 1 H, 0's, 2 K Read the full post, after the jump

Weather Update 6/3 Yankees vs. Rangers - A Delay Is Possible

UPDATE (6:44 PM): Courtesy of Steve:

The front is slowly sliding south and the rain is weakening over Pennsylvania this afternoon. I expect NE winds around 10 to 15 mph. Temperatures in the 50 to 56 range. I expect a break in rain through 7 to 7:30. Light rain from 8 to 9:30, but my bet is they play through given the weakening intensity. Cool, raw, but dry conditions after 9:30.

Original post:

Unfortunately, the threat of rain is in the forecast for the rest of the week. As somewhat of a silver lining, it provides us with the opportunity to give our buddy Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com a chance to do his thing.

Here is what he has to say about the possibility of a postponement tonight (luckily he has backed off a bit from what he initially said in our home stand preview yesterday).

The majority of the showers and thunderstorms with the cold front this evening will press to the south and east of the Bronx by the time game is expected to start. At worst, expect a slight delay as the rain should slide south of NYC by 8PM. Winds will back to the northeast around 10 to 15 mph, which will lead to winds blowing in towards the stadium. Temperatures through the game are expected to range from 62 to 68.

Be sure to check out his blog for an unfortunate update about the rest of the week's weather, and definitely check back here for updates on how the weather will affect your experience for the rest of the home stand.

At this point, the only thing that can slow down the Yankees recent dominance is the weather. Lets hope that it somehow cooperates.

Read the full post, after the jump

Jesus Montero - The Next Great Home-Grown Yankee?

Editor's Note: For the record, Alan (Yanks26) had this post ready to go on Sunday, but we held off publishing until during the week. In an interesting twist of fate, Montero was promoted to Trenton on Tuesday, making this piece even more timely. We'll spare you the Jesus jokes and get right into the meat of the story - the kid is a beast.

Jesus Montero has been promoted to AA Trenton, after ripping up the lower leagues the last two years as an underage player. Is he the real deal or another Wily Mo Pena, Jackson Melian or Drew Henson?

Montero was signed as an international free agent on October 17, 2006 for a $1.65 million bonus. There was a lot of hype behind the man child's light-tower power. How has Montero lived up to the hype?

Montero is a towering figure at 6'5" and 225 lbs, especially for a catcher. He's leading the Advanced A league in hitting at .356, Slugging (.583) and OPS at .969. In his last 10 games, Montero's hit .475, and has only struck out two times. Last year in the Sally Leagues, Montero had the 8th most hits of any minor leaguer with 171. He hit .326, with 17 home runs and 87 RBI's. That was good for second in the league in batting average average, 2nd in doubles, 4th in RBI's and 2nd in total bases.


One of the most encouraging aspects of Montero's hitting prowess is that he is able to handle off speed pitches. Many of the top "tools" hitters get exposed once they reach the upper levels of the minors and majors. Shelley Duncan has 18 homers for Scranton, and has shown that he can stay hot in The Bronx - until the major leaguers make their adjustment and throw a heavy diet of curves and change ups. Montero will need to make adjustments, but he has shown he can stay back on the off speed pitches.

In spring training this year, Montero had one at bat and homered off of a major league pitcher - not a bad first impression. He could probably hit in the majors, but for a team that isn't in the "win-now" mode. The problem is his defense, which is way behind his hitting ability. Montero is splitting the catching duties with Austin Romine, who is considered the Yanks third highest rated position prospect. Last year they alternated each game between DH and catcher. This year they play two games on and two games off behind the dish. Montero is having troubles controlling the running game, as his caught stealing ratio is below 20% and he has had several games with five stolen bases allowed - not something to brag about on your minor league catching resume. Montero's transfer of the ball is slow and he is going to need several years of seasoning if he's going to stick at catcher. Think Mike Piazza as a comp - his hitting can be that dominating, but the defense will always be an issue.

The position that Montero would have been able to play very soon is first base, but that's not going to happen, with Mark Teixeira signed to a long term contract. Montero probably does not have the foot speed to play the outfield and his offense stats show that Montero hits better when he's a DH. This year, Montero's OPS is .713 as a catcher and 1.267 as a DH. Meanwhile he has one homer as a catcher and 7 as a DH.

In AA, Montero should be able to to excel, at least as a hitter. How quickly he moves from there will depend on his continued adjustment to the new level of pitching, learning the nuances of catching and how well Frankie Cervelli performs as Posada's stand in next year when Molina isn't resigned. If Cervelli performs well and Austin Romine continues to progress, The Yanks may have the luxury of being able to rush Montero's bat and forgo the learning curve of the catcher position. If all goes well for Montero he should be call-up to the show by the end of 2010.
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The NSI Minor League Report: Montero Promoted To Trenton

Tuesday 6/2

Jesus Montero has been promoted to AA Trenton. It might not be formally announced for another day, as the team has to reduce its' roster to make room for Montero. In his final game in Tampa, Montero went 2 for 4, in a losing cause.

Scranton lost and Trenton split a doubleheader. Charleston won, behind a stellar game by Manny Banuelos, who pitched 5 innings, with 2 hits, 1 walk and 8 strikeouts.

Scranton lost to Syracuse (3-2)
Reegie Corona 1-4, 2B, K
Austin Jackson 1-4, 2R, 2 K
Shelley Duncan 0-4, K - Threw a runner out from RF
Juan Miranda 2-4, R, 3B
Casey Fossum 6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Anthony Claggett 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB & K

Trenton lost to Bowie 7-2 (game 1)
Justin Snyder 1-3, BB
Colin Curtis 1-2, RBI, K
Chris Malec 0-4, K
Edwar Gonzalez 2-3, HR (1), RBI
Ryan Pope 6 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Trenton def Bowie 5-4 (game 2)
Colin Curtis 2-4, R
Chris Malec 1-4, RBI
Kevin Smith 2-3
James Cooper 2-3, R, 2 RBI
Alan Horne 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K - still not there yet
Wilkins Arias 2 IP, 0's, 3 K
Kevin Whelan 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB & K

Tampa loses to Charlotte 9-4
Austin Krum 1-4, R, BB & K
Jesus Montero 2-4, R - .356, 3 out of 3 runners stole on him
Austin Romine 1-3, RBI, K
Brandon Laird 0-4
DJ Mitchell 6 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

Charleston def Savannah 5-2
Abraham Almonte 1-2, 2 R, SB (12)
David Adams 1-4, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI
Melky Mesa 2-4, 2B, RBI, K
Corban Joseph 2-5, 3B, RBI, K
Manny Bannuelos 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Brandon Braboy 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Pat Venditte 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K Read the full post, after the jump