NY Yankees News, Information & Community

Montgomery scratched from batting practice session due to back strain

February 18, 2013 by Mike 15 Comments

Via George King: Right-hander Mark Montgomery was scratched from yesterday’s live batting practice sessions due to a back strain. “I have been told it’s a 48-hour thing,’’ said Brian Cashman.

Montgomery, 22, is the Yankees’ top bullpen prospect. He’s pitched to a 1.65 ERA (1.43 FIP) in 92.2 innings since signing as the team’s 11th round pick in 2011, reaching Double-A Trenton late last summer. Montgomery, who has struck out 40% of the batters he’s faced as a pro, is slated to return to the Thunder when the season opens, but he figures to be in the big league mix by the second half. As long as the back strain is nothing serious, then no big deal.

Fan Confidence Poll: February 18th, 2013

February 18, 2013 by Mike 53 Comments

Spring Training Schedule This Week: @ Braves (Sat.), vs. Blue Jays (Sun. on YES)

Open Thread: 2/17 Camp Notes

February 17, 2013 by Mike 94 Comments

Pitchers and catchers reported to Tampa for Spring Training today, but physicals were the only item on the agenda. The first full squad workout is scheduled for tomorrow. Here are Sunday’s updates…

As (almost) always, Chad Jennings has the day’s bullpen and batting practice assignments. More than a dozen pitchers faced hitters in live batting practice, but Ivan Nova and Joba Chamberlain were the only projected big leaguers. Slade Heathcott and Tyler Austin were among those to stand in the box.
Since Derek Jeter is going to be limited early in camp, the Yankees plan to use Eduardo Nunez there quite a bit. Joe Girardi doesn’t expect to use him anywhere else at the moment. Brian Cashman did say Nunez would be a utility man if he makes the team. [Jennings]
Travis Hafner won’t participate in fielding drills during camp, which is something he started doing with the Indians in an effort to stay healthy. He joked that he just gives away the gloves they send him ever winter. [Jennings & Bryan Hoch]
Phil Hughes confirmed that he won’t be throwing his cutter — which he stopped using in May if last season, really — anymore. “It died a loud death,” he quipped. [Jack Curry]

Here is your open thread for this windy and chilly evening. The Rangers are playing, plus the NBA is holding their All-Star Game. Talk about either game or anything else here. Have at it.

Update: David Adams will be behind in camp due to back injury

February 17, 2013 by Mike 23 Comments

Sunday: The Yankees gave Adams an epidural and he’s roughly a week behind the usual camp schedule according to Jennings. “I feel pretty good,” he said.

Thursday: Brian Cashman clarified the situation to Chad Jennings. “He’s rehabbing currently some back issues (so) he’ll start behind in big league camp,” said the GM. It’s just a delay and not an outright “he’s going to miss camp” thing, which is good. This is an important spring for Adams.

Wednesday: Via Anthony McCarron: Infielder David Adams will not be in big league camp due to a back injury this spring. I don’t know if that means he will instead work out on the minor league side or just isn’t healthy enough to work out all together.

Adams, 25, has battled several injuries over the last few years, most notably a fractured ankle in May 2010 that kept him out for most of 2011 as well. He managed to stay on the field for 383 productive (133 wRC+) plate appearances with Double-A Trenton last year, which put him in line to open the season with Triple-A Scranton. Adams had a very small chance of making the big league bench with a strong Spring Training, but alas. Read more about him in my Top 30 Prospects List.

“Good chance” Rivera would have retired had he pitched in playoffs

February 17, 2013 by Mike 15 Comments

Va Buster Olney: Mariano Rivera said there was “a good chance” he would have retired this winter had he been healthy enough to pitch in the playoffs last year. This isn’t terribly surprising, Mo has been hinting at retirement since last spring. Considering his recent comments, it’s looking more and more likely that 2013 will be Rivera’s swan song.

Jeter has a plate and screws in his ankle, will have light schedule in camp

February 17, 2013 by Mike 39 Comments

During a press conference with reporters this morning, Derek Jeter said that doctors inserted a plate and screws into his surgically repaired left ankle. They’ll remain there permanently. He acknowledged that playing on the bone bruise last September probably led to the fracture.

Jeter, 38, said he will be on a light schedule in camp despite being cleared by doctors to resume full workouts. He won’t begin to play in an exhibition game until March, and he’ll play a fewer number of games overall. The Cap’n joked and said he’s “on Mariano Rivera’s schedule.” Jeter plans to be ready for Opening Day but acknowledged that he will have to push himself a little to get there.

Open Thread: 2/16 Camp Notes

February 16, 2013 by Mike 51 Comments

The latest from Tampa…

CC Sabathia threw off a mound for the first time since having a bone spur removed from his left elbow in October. “I immediately felt good and felt comfortable after the first couple of pitches,” he said. Sabathia threw 29 pitches — all fastballs and changeups — and will throw against on Tuesday. He will not make a start the first time through the rotation once Grapefruit league games begin next weekend, however. [Wally Matthews & Jack Curry]
Mariano Rivera also threw roughly 30 pitches in the bullpen. His surgically repaired right knee feels fine while pitching, though he still needs to test it in fielding drills. [Chad Jennings & Curry]
Bryan Hoch has the rest of the day’s bullpen and batting practice assignments. David Phelps faced hitters again while Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes, Hiroki Kuroda, David Robertson, David Aardsma, and Clay Rapada joined Sabathia and Rivera as projected big leaguers to throw bullpens.
Just as a reminder, position players are due to report on Sunday. They’ll all take their physicals tomorrow before the team has their first full squad workout on Monday. The first exhibition game will be played one week from today.

Here is your open thread for the evening. The Devils and Islanders are playing (each other!) while there are various NBA All-Star festivities taking place. Talk about that stuff or anything else here. Go nuts.