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Articles by WB Tarleton
‘Zack Attack’ hits Somerset: The Farm Report
The headline for the farm this week is the return of Zack Britton, who would pitch in his first rehab game with the Somerset Patriots on Saturday. All of the Yankee affiliates continued to play well, leading MiLB with a 62-33 (.652) record throughout the system and three of the four teams in first place of their respective leagues. Scranton Wilkes-Barre (AAA) SWB would play an abbreviated schedule against the Buffalo Bisons due to lousy weather in Moosic, PA, all week.
Gil, Medina help lead system to the best record in MiLB: The Farm Report
The Yankees farm system continues to have the best record in MiLB after week three. As of Sunday, there were five teams across minor league baseball sitting at 13-5. Within the Yankees organization, SWB, the Somerset Patriots, and Tampa Tarpons make up three of those 13-5 starts to the season. Overall, the Yankees have the best organizational record in baseball (48-24, .666), a full 2.5 games better than Cleveland (45-26, .636).
The Farm Report: May 9-16
Week two of the minor league season saw the Yankees’ system accumulate a 13-11 record. One notable achievement was Trevor Hauver being named the Southeast League Player of the Week after batting .556, a double, 6 HR, 13RBI, 7BB, and 9R in the opening week. He, along with Luis Medina, got some love from MLB Pipeline as part of their Prospect Team of the Week. Two Yankees farmhands make MLB Pipeline Prospect Team of the Week.
The Farm Report: May 3-9
Welcome to the first edition of The Farm Report, where I will supply weekly reviews of the Yankees farm system. These will include team recaps, standings, upcoming schedules, a Player of the Week at each level, a system Player of the Week and an occasional scouting report for a prospect. If there is something you would like to see included in coming weeks, please hit me up on Twitter @BloodyBan with your recommendation.
Introducing Yankees minor league weekly feature
I will be providing a weekly column this season, recapping the week in the Yankees’ farm system. The column will include standings, schedules, a system “player of the week,� team recaps, roster movement, and scouting reports. I will be watching 2-3 games per week and, technology willing, provide highlights on my Twitter feed during those games and in this column. Who doesn’t want to see some Martian home runs?
Biggest draft busts in Yankees history
When we hear the term “draft bust,” we automatically think of the NFL. College football is a more high profile sport than baseball, and we can see them on TV every Saturday. College baseball is not as popular, and unlike the NFL, many ballplayers come from high school and far-flung places in Latin America. In most cases, they are faceless names. Baseball has more than its share of busts, though. Here are some of the Yankees’ biggest busts, in no particular order. Brien Taylor OK, OK.
MLB extends aid to MiLB players
Mark Feinsand reported yesterday that MLB has extended support for MiLB players through May 31, or the beginning of the season, whichever comes first. MLB is looking to blunt the financial impact of the coronavirus on MiLB players, as MLB does not pay a salary or benefits to players during the off-season, spring training, or fall league baseball. The league had initially offered support from March 19 until April 8.
Yankees option four players
Because of the roster freeze now in effect across MLB, Bryan Hoch is reporting that the Yankees have sent four players from major league camp to the minors. They include Michael King, Thairo Estrada, Ben Heller and Deivi Garcia. One reason you saw teams optioning players in the past few days is because this agreement will put in place a transaction freeze until further notice. So no options, trades, signing players, etc.
What is behind the proposed MiLB contraction?
The outrage to MLB’s proposal to cut down the number of MiLB’s affiliated clubs was clear from the moment it was announced. MiLB team owners saw mixed messages, including no clear direction of what deficiencies MLB found with their affiliates, uncertainty regarding what would happen with debts already acquired to update stadiums and requirements for settling bond issues already consummated with local governments. As an example, NYC paid over $70 million to build the ballpark on Staten Island.
Minority Report: Knowing the scouting language
When you follow minor league prospects, scouting reports are the primary source of information. For even the experienced fan, some of the lingo can be confusing. What is an “inverted W� and why is it important? A 50 is a failing score in school, but what does it mean for Alexander Vizcaino’s slider?
Minority Report: Game time! Who to watch and why, position player edition
We earlier looked at pitchers worth sticking around to watch during spring training broadcasts once the major league regulars hit the showers. It was only a difficult task in choosing who to leave off the list. There is a lot of organizational talent standing 60’6� from home plate advanced enough to be in big league camp. Some deserving guys had to be left off when limiting the list to five. Choosing positional players has been a little more of a struggle.
Minority Report: Game time! Who to watch and why, pitcher edition
We have all been “that guy.” You sit through Christmas with Yule logs and eggnog while dreaming of baseball. Your new Bronx Pinstripe hat or Gerrit Cole shirt from Santa is your latest prized possession. February comes and the excitement mounts. You can hardly sleep the night before spring games begin because of the thought of live baseball. Saturday arrives, you get the chips and beer out, tune out all the noise around the house, and settle in for the 1 p.m. game.
Minority Report: Yankee prospect Clarke Schmidt guests on MiLB’s TSBTS podcast
Baseball America’s 65th overall prospect (Yankees #2) Clarke Schmidt joined MiLB.com’s “The Show Before the Show” podcast today with host Sam Dykstra. The discussion included being invited to his first big league camp as a non-roster invitee, overcoming Tommy John surgery, his pitch repertoire and improved spin rates, his rise to Trenton, and his goals (the Bronx!) for 2020. The interview begins at the 28:00 mark.
Yankees acquire third baseman James Nelson from Marlins
The Yankees announced today the trade of Stephen Tarpley for Marlins’ minor league third-baseman, James Nelson, and cash considerations. For you Gio fans, there is no reason to worry, as Nelson played in high A ball in 2019 with a slash line of .228/.279/.296 with 36 runs and 36 RBIs. Over his four MiLB seasons, he slashed .259/.309/.354. At first blush, it appears to be a one-sided trade in the Marlins favor.
Red Sox and Alex Cora part ways
In a move not entirely unexpected, Chris Cotillo is reporting that the Red Sox and manager Alex Cora have mutually decided to part ways. Alex Cora out as Red Sox manager. — Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 15, 2020 Cora is embroiled in the 2017 Astros and 2018 Red Sox scandals, both of which tainted World Series championships. This is in advance of formal punishment from the league for both the 2018 team and Cora, who is expected to receive a harsh punishment from Major League Baseball.
The Bronx likely to rename E. 161st Street after Derek Jeter
Later this month, the sportswriters will honor Derek Jeter by voting him into baseball immortality. That likely will not be the only honor given to him. According to Alex Mitchell at amNewYork, two Bronx councilwomen have forwarded legislation to rename East 161st Street âJeter Streetâ upon his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26. This street intersects with âRivera Avenue,â named after the first unanimous Hall of Fame selection, Mariano Rivera.
The Astros/Sox scandal in historical perspective
2019 marked the 150th anniversary of Major League Baseball with the sport providing enough drama and attention to be “America’s Pastime.” Unfortunately, not all of the theater has been similar to Babe’s “called shot” or the Willie Mays over the shoulder catch. Some is funny (the 1973 Yankees’ wife swapping scandal), and others severely damaged the integrity of the game. The Astros and Red Sox represent the latter, creating a dark day for baseball regardless of your favorite team.
Sign-stealing investigation nearing an end?
The axe that Astros’ management has been looking up at for three months may be ready to fall. After interviewing 60 witnesses and scouring through 76,000 emails in what Rob Manfred called “the most thorough investigation the commissioner’s office has ever undertaken,” Jeff Passan is reporting the MLB investigation is in the stretch run. The results are likely to be released in the next two weeks.
Yankees trade Chance Adams to Royals
According to MLB.comâs Mark Feinsand, the Yankees have traded pitcher Chance Adams to the Kansas City Royals. In return, the Yankees will receive minor league infielder Cristian Perez. Chance Adams has been traded to the Royals, per source. The Yankees DFAâd him Wednesday to make room for Gerrit Cole on the roster.
MLBUA agrees to cooperate with development of ABS for Major League Baseball
According to Ben Walker and Ronald Blum of the Associated Press, MLB and the MLBUA have agreed to a five-year collective bargaining agreement, pending ratification by both sides. Folded into this agreement is umpire cooperation in the development of an Automated Ball/Strike System (ABS). ABS uses Doppler radar to locate the ball in relation to the strike zone and relay the information to the home plate umpire using an iPhone and an earpiece.
Here's how Gerrit Cole's contract could become 10 years
Every sentient Yankee fan has surely heard the basic parameters of Gerrit Coleâs 9 year, $324 million record-setting contract. In the coming days, more details will likely emerge with Ken Rosenthal reporting the first of them this afternoon. Previously unreported detail in Gerrit Coleâs contract: If he opts out after fifth year, NYY may void opt-out and extend contract one more year for $36M. That would increase value of deal to 10 years, $360M.
Chance Adams designated for assignment
In order to make room for the official signing of Gerrit Cole today, the Yankees have designated Chance Adams for assignment. Yankees designate Chance Adams for assignment to create room on the 40-man roster for Gerrit Cole. — Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 18, 2019 He was once a jewel of the organization, with a 2.89 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 103 strikeouts in 115 AAA innings during 2017. He would then have elbow surgery and has since struggled.
Here's how Gerrit Cole's contract could be come 10 years
Every sentient Yankee fan has surely heard the basic parameters of Gerrit Coleâs 9 year, $324 million record-setting contract. In the coming days, more details will likely emerge with Ken Rosenthal reporting the first of them this afternoon. Previously unreported detail in Gerrit Coleâs contract: If he opts out after fifth year, NYY may void opt-out and extend contract one more year for $36M. That would increase value of deal to 10 years, $360M.
Yankees search for lefty bat connects them to Schwarber
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) has connected the Yankees to Kyle Schwarber of the Cubs in todayâs column. Interesting talks, unlikely deals: What #Padresâ discussions for Lindor and #Yankeesâ conversations about Schwarber really mean. https://t.co/2ybnZZG5qK — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 16, 2019 It is important to note that Rosenthal says there is currently âno momentumâ towards a deal and there may never be.
Astros admit to using live video feed in cheating scandal
The Astros cheated. In what will surprise virtually no one, SNYâs Andy Martino reported today that sources familiar with the investigation of the Astroâs cheating scandal have indicated team officials admitted to using a centerfield camera to steal signs in 2017.
Yankees looking to bolster bullpen in a big way
According to Ken Rosenthal at The Atlantic (subscription required), Josh Hader is available for trade from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers are teams indicated as showing interest, but the Yankees have been “the most active pursuer.” Latest notes: The market for Donaldson; the question about #Cubsâ Bryant; interest in #Brewersâ Hader; shrewd moves by #SFGiants; what #Dodgers see in Bumgarner; more.
MadBum possible back-up plan?
When you buy a lottery ticket, itâs best not to quit your job before the numbers are pulled. That seems to be the Yankees approach as they court Gerrit Cole. After the signings of Wheeler and Strasburg over the last two weeks, Giants ace Madison Bumgarner may be the new back-up plan. Per Jon Heyman: Braves still appear to be interested in Madison Bumgarner. Theyâve been seen as a logical spot all along, tho some wondered if the Hamels deal might take them out. No sense it has.
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