Ronnier Mustelier singled, scored a run, drew a walk, stole a base, and committed his 4th error (he played third today). He is hitting .222 (16-for-72)

Dan Johnson homered, drove in two, scored a run, and drew a walk. The home run was his fifth and he is hitting .218 with 34 walks in 38 games. He is 14-for-49 in May with six XHB. Pretty much, he is hitting like the major league version of Dan Johnson: No average, some walks, decent power.

Thomas Neal walked twice, scored a run, and stole a base. Addison Maruszak singled twice and drove home a run.

Corban Joseph chipped in with a single and walk.

Caleb Cotham started and was ineffective, to put it mildly. He lasted 4.1 innings, giving up six runs on eight hits with a walk, six strikeouts, and four home runs allowed. (38 IP, 44 H, 25 R, 24 ER, 7 HR, 5 BB, 34 K between Trenton/Scranton). Cotham didn't allow a home run in 25 innings for Trenton, but has now allowed seven in 13 innings for (more…)

Scranton (Lost to Columbus, 4-3. They scored two in the top of the 9th to tie it, only to lose it in the bottom half of the inning)

Speaking of the 2-run 9th, Corban Joseph provided the dramatics with a 2-run home run to tie it with one out. He also doubled earlier in the game and is hitting .257/.348/.424 in 144 AB.

Addison Maruszak and Josh Bell each doubled and walked.

Ronnier Mustelier couldn't keep his hot streak going, as he went 0-for-5.

Chase Whitley made his first appearance of the season, lasting 2.1 innings while giving up one run on one hit with a walk and two strikeouts. The 23-year old right-handed reliever was actually generally regarded as a better prospect than Preston Claiborne entering the season, but the injury derailed his chances to make the squad. Like Claiborne, the Yankees have used him in many multi-inning scenarios (171.1 IP in 83 games the past two seasons – three of those games were spot starts). He throws a low-90s fastball that he can spot (more…)

Scranton: (Defeated Toledo, 4-3, in 10 innings)

Ronnier Mustelier is starting to make his big league push. Tonight, he went 3-for-5 with a double and three runs batted in to lead the Scranton attack. He is now 15-for-62 and is 7 for his last 16 with six runs batted in. I like to strike when the iron is hot – dumping Francisco for Mustelier immediately seems prudent, no?

The only other two hits for Scranton came from the veteran bats of Brennan Boesch and Dan Johnson.

Addison Maruszak drew a pair of walks and scored a run. He is only hitting .194 in a year where he can really put his name on the map with all of the major league injuries. Just hasn't happened.

The Yankees apparently have signed Josh Bell, who has a nearly-impossible to fathom .488 career major league OPS, to a minor league deal. He is a third baseman and obviously isn't very good – but they need bodies.

Graham Stoneburner started, lasting six innings while giving up two runs on five hits with three walks and (more…)

Scranton (Lost to Toledo, 4-1)

Melky Mesa provided the only firepower in the game with a solo home run, his 5th of the season. He is 12 for his last 38…with no walks and 17 strikeouts. He is having a most fascinating type of season.

Ronnier Mustelier collected a pair of singles, while Corban Joseph collected one. It was Mustelier's second consecutive two-hit game.

Zoilo Almonte went 0-for-4 with a walk.

Chien-Ming Wang started and wasn't sharp. He lasted 6.2 innings, giving up four runs on 12 hits with one walk and three strikeouts (2-3, 3.29 ERA; 38.1 IP, 42 H, 16 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 18 K).

Mark Montgomery finished off the game with 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing a hit with no walks and one strikeout (1.35 ERA; 20 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 27 K)

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The Thunder managed to get only two hits today – both solo home runs.

One was by Slade Heathcott, his second of the season. His stat line now reads .218/.286/.319, (more…)

Zoilo Almonte had a 2-for-5 night with a double, three runs batted in, and two runs scored. He improved his slash to .290/.371/.428.

Ronnier Mustelier had two hits, including a double, drove in three and scored once to improve his line to .192/.236/.288 in 52 AB. Mustelier obviously needed a game like this.

Corban Joseph singled, walked three times, and scored twice (.262/.356/.415) while Thomas Neal had three hits, a walk, and a pair of runs scored (.329/.385/.402 in 82 AB)

Dan Johnson had two hits, including his 4th home run,, while driving in a pair of runs.

Melky Mesa doubled and struck out four times. Luke Murton walked but also struck out four times.

Thankfully, the starting pitcher was a non-prospect: Chris Bootcheck gave up eight runs over three innings as his ERA spiked to 3.00.

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Trenton (Defeated Altoona, 6-4)

Tyler Austin had two hits, including a double, and two (more…)

As per Josh Norris, Gabriel Encinas has been placed on the disabled list down in Charleston. The Yankees are sometimes cautious with their young pitching, so hopefully it is nothing serious. Encinas started off the season with a bang, going 3-0 with a 0.77 ERA in seven starts with a 31/16 K/BB ratio over 35 innings. This is his first year pitching in a full season league. Given his previous high inning total was 70.2 (last year), being shut down for a few weeks now won't kill his progression – but right now, that is nothing more than best case scenario.

Cesar Cabral made a rehab appearance for Tampa tonight, tossing a scoreless inning. This is important because Cabral was taken in the Rule 5 draft prior to 2012, but never pitched due to injury. The clock has officially started on his rehab, and the Yankees will have to make a decision in 30 days on whether or not to keep him (and placed him on the 25-man roster) or offer him back to the Red Sox.

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Scranton (more…)

Nik Turley made his Triple-A debut and pitched very well. He lasted six innings, giving up one run on two hits with three walks and four strikeouts. This is only a temporary placement for Turley, who will head back down to Double-A. Scranton needed a starter, and Turley was available. After giving up 11 runs in his first 12.2 innings of the season, Turley has now allowed nine in his last 27.2 innings.

Melky Mesa had two hits, including a home run, and drove in both runs. He is at .260/.292/.427 in 131 AB.

David Adams, who played second and third today, went 1-for-4 with a single. Zoilo Almonte chipped in with a single and a run scored.

Ronnier Mustelier had an 0-for-4 night and is only 7-for-42 since joining the team. I think Mustelier will hit – and will get a shot at the big club before the season is over – but he obviously won't get a call until the bat heats up a bit.

Graham Stoneburner blew the win for Turley (2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, (more…)

Footnotes:

Former Yankees' prospects Danny Borrell and PJ Pilittere are the pitching coach and hitting coach respectively for the Charleston Riverdogs' squad. Luis Sojo manages the Tampa squad, with Marcus Thames as the hitting coach. Always nice to see a franchise take care of their own – and also "mold" younger coaches into the way you want the organization to be run. I know the Yankees aren't the only team that does it, but it is still nice to see.

Juan Cedeno was released and picked up by the Atlanta Braves. Cedeno has been in baseball for 12 years, and has yet to make his major league debut. That's dedication. He pitched to a 0.82 ERA in 11 innings for Scranton this year.

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David Adams may be arriving in New York soon. Tonight, he celebrated with a three-run home run in the first inning. He also drew a walk and scored two runs (.311/.404/.500 with 10 XBH (more…)

Scranton (Defeated Gwinnett, 4-3)

Melky Mesa went 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run batted in, run scored, and a stolen base to lead the charge. He is hitting .252 with 11 extra-base hits and three steals in four attempts.

Corban Joseph singled, doubled, scored a run, and stole his second base of the season. He is htting .270 with eight doubles and four home runs.

Thomas Neal returned from injury, going 1-for-3 with a run scored. Bad timing for Neal's injury because he may have had an opportunity to come up for Ben Francisco at some point. But with Granderson close to returning, no space for Neal.

Chien-Ming Wang got the start, and threw well. He lasted 7.1 innings, giving up three runs on six hits with a walk and three strikeouts. He allowed a home run and generated 18 ground-outs to only two flyouts. (2.84 ERA; 31.1 IP, 30 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 15 K) Wang recently opted to stay with the Yankees rather than exercise an "out-clause" in his deal. His contract (more…)

Scranton (Defeated Gwinnett, 5-3)

Zoilo Almonte: 3-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI (.291/.382/.436)

Corban Joseph: 2-for-5, 2 RS (.263/.346/.424)

Ronnier Mustelier: 2-for-5, CS (6-for-34)

Addison Maruszak: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI (.238/.365/.325) – Before this season, he was more of a power guy than an OBP guy; in his first 80 AB this year, the trend has reversed.

Melky Mesa: 3-for-4, RS (.244/.278/.387)

Dellin Betances: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K – Betances has been moved to the bullpen – good opening act.

Sam Demel (Save): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K (0.98 ERA; 18.1 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 21 K)

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Trenton: (Defeated New Hampshire, 3-2)

Tyler Austin: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB (.270/.396/.393; .294/.405/.471 in last 10 games)

Slade Heathcott: 1-for-4, SB (3) (.208/.287/.287; 3-for-5 SB)

Kevin Mahoney: 2-for-4, 2 RS

Ramon Flores: 1-for-4 (.265/.352/.346)

Mikey O'Brien: 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K – First start of the year in Trenton after spending first month (more…)

Where are they now? – The Ichiro trade.

The Yankees gave up a couple of arms to acquire Ichiro, Danny Farquhar and DJ Mitchell.

Farquhar is still in the Mariners system and has a 2.50 ERA and 26/4 K/BB ratio in 18 innings for their Triple-A club. He has been a bit of a traveler throughout his career, but is still only 26 years of age.

Mitchell is no longer with the Mariners – he is now a member of the Mets' organization. The 26-year old has made two starts for the Mets' AAA affiliate in Las Vegas, compiling a 3.86 ERA in 9.1 innings. Of course, any numbers compiled in Las Vegas should be taken with a huge grain of salt.

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They faced the "one who got away" tonight: Gerritt Cole was the opposing pitcher. Cole went seven innings, allowing one run on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts. His ERA sits at 2.23, but he hasn't exactly been overpowering: 26 K/19 BB (more…)

Roster Note:

Cody Eppley has apparently cleared waivers as he is back on the Scranton roster.

Scranton (Lost to Indianapolis, 2-0)

Graham Stoneburner started and threw a nice game. He lasted five innings, giving up two runs on five hits with a walk and a strikeout. He fell to 2-2 with a 2.86 ERA for Scranton (22 IP, 18 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 3 HR, 4 BB, 8 K). Obviously, that K rate leaves a LOT to be desired.

Sam Demel kept up his recent success, throwing two shutout innings while allowing a hit and no walks. He struck out three. (1.02 ERA; 17.2 IP, 13 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)

Not much happened offensively. David Adams, who played third base today, went 1-for-3 with a walk. May 15th is one week away – if Youk isn't ready, will Adams (.325/.407/.500) get a call-up?

Ronnier Musteler, who played left field, had a 0-for-4 day and is off to a slow start (.125). Corban Joseph was 0-for-3, but did get hit by a pitch.

Melky Mesa went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. He has struck out (more…)

Some Injury News:

Rob Segedin, who was mashing the ball at a .338/.390/.606 clip in his first 71 AB, has a hip injury that could cost him the rest of the season. As a right-handed hitter who could probably cover all four corners, he may have had a chance to break through this year and get to the majors if he kept hitting – but any plans for that are gone.

Catcher Kyle Higashioka is also likely out for the season as he will need Tommy John surgery. Higashioka was once a promising prospect who failed to get it going at the plate, though he did well as JR Murphy's backup this year in limited exposure: 8-for-25. This hurts their minor league depth at the position and may have even been a prospect teams would have looked at as a "deal sweetener" this summer. Young catching is tough to find.

Scranton outfielder Thomas Neal, out with a hamstring injury, has begun to take batting practice. Neal, as you may recall, was in the competition for the right-handed OF bench slot currently (more…)

Scranton: (Lost to Indianapolis, 5-0)

Chien-Ming Wang started, and didn't fare all to well. He lasted five innings, giving up five runs on eight hits with no walks and five strikeouts. He also allowed a home run, though he also had a 8/0 GO/AO ratio. As Brian Cashman mentioned, the numbers show a similar Wang: High ground-ball rate, keeps walks in check, etc. But this is not the same 92-93 MPH power sinkerballer that we saw back in the day. His ERA rose to 2.63 (24 IP, 24 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 12 K)

Kelvin Perez tossed two scoreless innings of relief, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out four. This was his 2013 debut for Scranton after throwing to a 2.87 ERA in 15.2 innings for Trenton. Perez is not young (27), and he has definitely earned his stripes (Yankees signed him in 2005). Generally speaking, he's been a pretty good reliever in the system.

Scranton only had four hits, two by David Adams (both doubles). He is now hitting .325 on the season. He (more…)

In Game 1, Dellin Betances tossed five hitless innings, allowing four walks while striking out three. He improved to 2-2 with a 6.00 ERA (24 IP, 19 H, 16 R, 16 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 25 K). After a horrid start, Betances is actually pitching a bit better as of late (three runs allowed in his last 15.1 IP, covering three starts) though walks remain, and likely will always remain, an issue (9 in those 15.1 innings)

Sam Demel closed it out with two innings of relief, allowing an unearned run on two hits with one walk and one strikeout (1.15 ERA; 15.2 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 17 K)

In Game 2, veteran Chris Bootcheck gave the team another solid start: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K as he improved to 4-0 with a 0.60 ERA. Again, nothing to get excited about as he is 34 years old and is here to provide depth and experience, and likely nothing else. On (more…)