Yankees News and Notes

(Zell's Pinstripe Blog)

George Steinbrenner made a trip to Tropicana Field a few days ago to watch his Yankees take on the Tapa Bay Rays. He spent a half-four in the Yankees clubhouse prior to Wednesday’s game.  Steinbrenner’s appearance was a surprise to the Yankee players. He now uses a wheelchair. All the players checked into Joe Girardi’s office to say hello to The Boss. The Yankees wound up defeating the Rays 6-2, so Georgie went home happy. Steinbrenner still has a passion for winning, and his message to the team was to keep up the good work.

This is what the team had to say about him:

“It’s always good to spend a little time with him,” said Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. “He doesn’t come around as much as he used to, but it’s always good to see him.”

“It was just great to see him,” Girardi said. “He said, ‘Hi,’ to all the guys, and all the guys stopped by to see him — the coaching staff and trainers and everyone involved. It was just great. He said, ‘Just keep going.’ That’s what we want to do for him.”

“The guys were all happy to see him,” Jeter said. “A few of us here are used to him coming through the clubhouse quite often throughout the years. For some of these guys who really don’t get a chance to spend a lot of time with him, I’m sure it was pretty special for them.”

“It’s great when he’s around,” said Damon. “He looked like he was in great spirits and great health. I know he likes us to beat the Rays, so I was glad we were able to do that when he’s here.”

“I just told him I’m having a great time and thanks for bringing me over,” Teixeira said. “He said to keep swinging the bat.”

“There’s no doubt he’s still ‘The Boss,’” Teixeira said. “Everyone calls him ‘The Boss.’ Until he tells people to stop calling him that, we’re going to give him that respect.”

“If he could, he’d be around us all the time,” Damon said. “He’s not, but we know who ‘The Boss’ is. We know when we go and play, we’re supposed to be the best team out here. So far this year, we’ve been looking pretty good.”

• Mariano Rivera proves the doubters wrong again. Year-after-year, baseball experts and fans think that Rivera can’t play at the same level he once did. He is proving that he can. He always goes through some rough spots early on in the season, but he always turns it around. Mo hasn’t given up a run since June 12th! His last blown save was on April 24th, which was his only one of the season. His numbers so far: 44.2IP(W-L) 1-2 30SV 2.01ERA 6BB 50K.

The Yankees acquired RHP Jason Hirsh from the Rockies on Wednesday for a player to be named later. He was assigned to Triple-A Scranton shortly after. Hirsh hasn’t pitched in a MLB game this season. He is (W-L) 6-7 with a 6.66 ERA in 20 games (16 starts) for Triple-A Colorado Springs of the Pacific Coast League. They also designated Brett tomko for assignment.

Shelley Duncan was promoted to the major leagues, and than he was demoted soon after to make room for newly acquired Yankee, Jerry Hairston Jr. My question is…why not Cody Ransom! He stinks. At least Duncan can hit the long ball and drive in runs. I just don’t understand this move. Duncan is hitting .270 and leading the International League with 25 home runs and 75 RBIs

Get Cody Ransom off the team. Read these two articles to understand why Yankees fans are frustrated, and the reason why they might be keeping him on the roster.

Brian Cashman was actually working durng the trade deadline. This is what Ken Rosenthal is reporting:

Today’s radio show has been delayed until next week. I have too much on my plate right now, so stay tuned. I rescheduled the show for Saturday, August 8th  at 8:00PM ET. The show will be a half hour. Talkin’ Bronx Bomber Baseball: Episode #2

Nothing good to say about Yanks third straight loss / Thirty years ago today

Dealing With Yankees Wins & Losses / Former area resident tells Munson’s story 

Despite 14-4 loss to White Sox, Jerry Hairston Jr. a hit in Yankee debut

Madden: Yanks Losers At Trading Deadline / MLB Had Bosox PED Probe Last Year

Melky hits for cycle as Yanks prevail / The “crapshoot” nature of the playoffs