Minor League Recap - 8/18/14: Manny Banuelos struggles to throw strikes in Scranton's win

Triple-A Scranton: 2-0 win vs Pawtucket Red Sox

CF Jose Pirela: 1-for-3, 2 BB
2B Rob Refsnyder: 2-for-3, RBI, BB -- 15-for-42 (.347) over his last 10 games
1B Kyle Roller: 2-for-5, 2B, K
RF Zelous Wheeler: 1-for-2, 2 BB
DH Scott Sizemore: 0-for-4, K

Manny Banuelos: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 6 BB, 3 K -- 30 of 67 pitches for strikes
Chris Leroux: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 H
Nick Rumbelow: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

High-A Tampa: 8-0 loss vs Brevard County Manatees

CF Mark Payton: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Cito Culver: 1-for-3, BB, K
3B Eric Jagielo: 1-for-4, K
DH-RF Aaron Judge: 2-for-4, K

Miguel Sulbaran: 3 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HR
Jose Pena: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Follow @GavinEwbank Tweet

Read More

Minor League Recap - 8/12/14: Manny Banuelos give up one run over five innings in Triple-A debut

Triple-A Scranton: 6-1 win vs Louisville Bats

LF Jose Pirela: 1-for-3, R. 3B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K
2B Rob Refsnyder: 2-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
CF Zoilo Almonte: 3-for-5, RBI
1B Kyle Roller: 2-for-3, 2 2B, RBI
SS Zelous Wheeler: 1-for-4, R, 2B, 2 K

Manny Banuelos: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K -- first start in Triple-A this season
Tyler Webb: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Double-A Trenton: 3-2 loss vs Altoona Curve

RF Jake Cave: 0-for-4, BB, K
LF Ben Gamel: 0-for-5, BB, 4 K
C Gary Sanchez: 0-for-3, BB
DH Tyler Austin: 1-for-4, R, HR, RBI -- 9th homerun of the year
1B Greg Bird: 1-for-3, 2B, BB, K
3B Dante Bichette Jr: 1-for-4
CF Mason Williams: 2-for-3, BB

Joel De La Cruz: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Jacob Lindgren: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K -- has to be his worst outing yet, right?

High-A Tampa: Normal off-day

Low-A Charleston: 3-2 win vs Hickory Crawdads

LF Michael O'Neill: 1-for-5, RBI, K
2B Gosuke Katoh: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Miguel Andujar: 2-for-3, R, BB
1B Mike Ford: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI, BB

Luis Niebla: 5 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Short Season Staten Island: Game vs Connecticut Tigers rained out

Follow @GavinEwbank Tweet

Read More

Pitching news: Michael Pineda to start on Wednesday; Manny Banuelos promoted to Triple-A

In Baltimore today to kick off a big three-game series against the AL East leading Orioles, the Yankees made a big announcement.

Right-hander Michael Pineda will make his return to the big leagues to face the Orioles in the series finale on Wednesday night. I'm assuming that Esmil Rogers will be moved back to the bullpen with Pineda back. A roster move might not happen until Wednesday.

Pineda only made four starts in April before he was caught using pine tar during a game against the Red Sox, leading to a 10-game suspension. He got hurt during that suspension and has been on the disabled list ever since.

Pineda, who had a 1.83 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 15/3 K/BB ratio over his first 19 2/3 innings (four starts) this season, looked good in a minor league rehab start for Triple-A Scranton on Friday, allowing one run on six hits over 4 1/3 innings of work while striking out seven.

Man Ban promoted to Triple-A

Baseball America's Josh Norris has reported that pitching prospect Manny Banuelos has been promoted to Triple-A Scranton after spending the past couple of months with Double-A Trenton.

After starting the season with High-A Tampa, making five starts, Banuelos was promoted to Trenton in May, where he posted a 4.59 ERA with 44 strikeouts and 19 walks in 49 innings of work. He's been pitching a lot better lately, giving up four earned runs in his last four starts.

Banuelos, who is pitching in his first full season since having Tommy John Surgery in 2012, could possibly make his way up to the big leagues in September when rosters are expended to 40. Some say it's possible, but I can't see it.

Follow @GavinEwbank Tweet

Read More

Minor League Recap - 7/27/14: Bryan Mitchell tosses seven shutout innings in Scranton's win

Triple-A Scranton: 3-1 win vs Pawtucket Red Sox

2B Jose Pirela: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
RF Zoilo Almonte: 0-for-2, R, RBI, 2 BB
3B Adonis Garcia: 2-for-4, 2B
1B Kyle Roller: 0-for-4, K
C Austin Romine: 0-for-4, 2 K

Bryan Mitchell: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Tyler Webb: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Double-A Trenton: 7-3 win vs Binghamton Mets

CF Jake Cave: 3-for-4, R, 3B, HR, 3 RBI -- 13-for-39 (.333) in his last 10 games
LF Ben Gamel: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI
1B Tyler Austin: 0-for-4
DH Peter O'Brien: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Mason Williams: 2-for-4, R
3B Jose Toussen: 2-for-4, R, 2B, RBI

Manny Banuelos: 4 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K -- threw five shutout innings in his last start, and is looking really good lately
Danny Burawa: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K -- was just sent down to Double-A
Cesar Cabral: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

High-A Tampa: 6-4 win vs Fort Myers Miracle

1B Danny Oh: 2-for-5, 2 R, RBI
RF Aaron Judge: 1-for-4, R, BB, K
DH Eric Jagielo: 1-for-3, R, BB
3B Dante Bichette Jr: 2-for-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, K
CF-2B Jose Rosario: 2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB -- 20 for his last 40 (.500)
2B Angelo Gumbs: 1-for-4, R

Conner Kendrick: 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
Jacob Lindgren: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Low-A Charleston: 9-6 loss vs Asheville Tourists

RF Mark Payton: 1-for-5, R, K
SS Tyler Wad: 0-for-4, R, K
LF Michael O'Neill: 1-for-4, R, 3B, RBI
3B Miguel Andujar: 2-for-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, K
1B Reymond Nunez: 3-for-4, 2 2B, RBI
DH Gosuke Katoh: 0-for-4, K

Ian Clarkin: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HR
Chad Taylor: 1.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Short Season Staten Island: 7-1 win vs Connecticut Tigers

DH Luis Torrens: 0-for-3, R, 2 K -- snapped his 20-game hitting streak
2B Ty McFarland: 1-for-3, 2 R, K
1B Conner Spencer: 3-for-4, R
SS Vicente Conde: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 K

Justin Kamplain: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Matt Wotherspoon: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Follow @GavinEwbank

Read More

Minor League Recap - 7/22/14: Manny Banuelos tossed five shutout innings in Trenton's loss

Triple-A Scranton: 7-0 win vs Gwinnett Braves

SS Jose Pirela: 0-for-4, BB
2B Rob Refsnyder: 3-for-5, 2B, K
LF Zoilo Almonte: 1-for-5, 3 K
RF Adonis Garcia: 1-for-5, R, 2B, 3 K
DH Kyle Roller: 0-for-2, 2 R, 3 BB, K
C John Ryan Murphy: 1-for-2, 2 R, 3 BB
1B Austin Romine: 1-for-5, R, 2 RBI, K
3B Rob Segedin: 2-for-4, R, HR, 5 RBI, K -- grand slam in the 6th, his 1st homerun of the year in AAA

Bryan Mitchell: 5 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER 1 BB, 3 K
Rich Hill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Danny Burawa: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Double-A Trenton: 3-0 loss vs New Hampshire Fisher Cats

CF Jake Cave: 0-for-4, K
LF Ben Gamel: 1-for-4, K
C Gary Sanchez: 1-for-3, BB
1B Peter O'Brien: 0-for-4, K
RF Tyler Austin: 0-for-3, K
DH Mason Williams: 0-for-3, K

Manny Banuelos: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K -- first time pitching four innings this season, let alone five

High-A Tampa: 3-2 win vs St. Lucie Mets

LF Jose Rosario: 2-for-4, R, K
SS Cito Culver: 0-for-4, RBI
1B Gregory Bird: 1-for-4, R, HR, RBI -- 6th homerun of the year
3B Dante Bichette Jr: 1-for-4
RF Aaron Judge: 0-for-2, BB, K
2B Angelo Gumbs: 0-for-3, K

Conner Kendrick: 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Taylor Garrison: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Short Season Staten Island: 11-5 loss vs Hudson Valley Renegades

DH Ty McFarland: 1-for-3, R, 2B
LF Chris Breen: 1-for-5, RBI
RF Austin Aune: 1-for-5, 2B, 2 K
1B Connor Spencer: 3-for-5, RBI -- 11 for his last 36

Jonathan Holder: 2.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Jordan Foley: 3 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Follow @GavinEwbank

Read More

Minor League Recap - 7/17/14: Dante Bichette Jr extends his hitting streak to 19 games

Triple-A Scranton: 9-5 loss at Charlotte Knights

LF Jose Pirela: 0-for-5, RBI, K -- hitting .317 this season
2B Rob Refsnyder: 1-for-5, R, 2 K -- hitting .311 in Triple-A
RF Zoilo Almonte: 1-for-5, R, 2B, RBI, K
3B Adonis Garcia: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
DH Kyle Roller: 2-for-4, R, HR, RBI, 2 K -- 9th homerun in Triple-A this year
1B Austin Romine: 1-for-4, K
C John Ryan Murphy: 0-for-4, 2 K

Bryan Mitchell: 4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 4 HR
Matt Daley: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Double-A Trenton: 8-4 loss at Binghampton Mets

CF Jake Cave: 1-for-5, R, 2B, K -- doubled in his first Double-A at-bat
DH Mason Williams: 2-for-5, R, 2 RBI, K
C Gary Sanchez: 1-for-5, 3 K
1B Peter O'Brien: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Tyler Austin: 1-for-3, BB, K

Manny Banuelos: 3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR -- 37 of 65 pitches for strikes
Nick Rumbelow: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K -- Double-A debut

High-A Tampa: 7-3 loss at Palm Beach Cardinals

SS Cito Culver: 1-for-3, BB, K
1B Gregory Bird: 2-for-4, R, HR, RBI -- 5th homerun in Tampa this season
3B Dante Bichette Jr: 2-for-4
DH Eric Jagielo: 0-for-4, 2 K -- hey, look who's back!
RF Aaron Judge: 2-for-4, R, K
2B Angelo Gumbs: 2-for-4, R, HR, 2 RBI, K -- 3rd homerun of the year

Conner Kendrick: 4 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Jacob Lindgren: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K -- his High-A debut; yeah, he'll be in the bigs in no time

Low-A Charleston: Game One - 6-2 win (F/7) vs Lexington Legends

CF Mark Payton: 2-for-4
SS Tyler Wade: 1-for-4
3B Miguel Andujar: 2-for-3, R, 2 2B, RBI, BB
LF Michael O'Neill: 2-for-4, 2 R

Rookie Davis: 5.2 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Game Two - 5-1 win (F/7) vs Lexington

LF Michael O'Neill: 3-for-4, R
SS Tyler Wade: 0-for-2, R, BB, 2 K
3B Miguel Andujar: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2B, 3 RBI

Ian Clarkin: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Short Season Staten Island: 5-4 win vs Williamsport Crosscutters

CF Devyn Bolasky: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, K
C Luis Torrens: 1-for-4, 2B, K
2B Ty McFarland: 0-for-4, K
DH Chris Breen: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
RF Austin Aune: 2-for-4, R, 2B, HR, RBI, K -- 1st homerun this season

Jordan Foley: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Jonathan Holder: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Conor Mullee: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Follow @GavinEwbank

Read More

Minor League Reap - 7/11/14: Manny Banuelos struggles in Trenton

Triple-A Scranton: 5-1 win vs Rochester Red Wings

RF Jose Pirela: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI -- batting average up to .324
2B Rob Refsnyder: 1-for-4, RBI -- back to second base after a few games in the outfield
3B-CF Adonis Garcia: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Kyle Roller: 1-for-3, BB, K
1B Austin Romine: 3-for-4, R, 2 RBI, K
C John Ryan Murphy: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K

Jario Heredia: 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Pat Venditte: 2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Double-A Trenton: 5-4 loss (F/10) vs Akron RubberDucks

CF Mason Williams: 0-for-5, 2 K -- hitting .211 this season; really lose his "top prospect" tag this year
LF Ben Gamel: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, 2 K
DH Gary Sanchez: 0-for-3, R, 2 K
C Peter O'Brien: 0-for-0 -- he was ejected in the 1st inning
RF Tyler Austin: 0-for-4
3B Rob Segedin: 2-for-4, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, K

Manny Banuelos: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K -- rough outing for ManBan
Taylor Garrison: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Mark Montgomery: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Tyler Webb: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

High-A Tampa: 2-1 loss vs Bradenton Marauders

CF Jake Cave: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Cito Culver: 1-for-4, 2B, K
1B Gregory Bird: 2-for-4, K
3B Dante Bichette Jr: 1-for-3, BB, K
RF Aaron Judge: 1-for-4, K
2B Angelo Gumbs: 0-for-4, 3 K

Brett Gerritse: 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Low-A Charleston: postponed due to rain

Short-Season Staten Island: 5-4 win vs Lowell Spinners

CF Devyn Bolasky: 0-for-5, K
2B Ty McFarland: 1-for-4, 2B, BB, K
LF Chris Breen: 1-for-4, 2B, BB, 2 K
RF Austin Aune: 2-for-5, R, 2B, RBI, 2 K
DH Nathan Mikolas: 2-for-4, R, K

David Palladino: 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Jonathan Holder: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Follow @GavinEwbank

Read More

Minor League Recap - 6/18/14: Rafael De Paula roughed up in High-A Tampa start

Triple-A Scranton: Played late due to a couple rain delays; will update this as soon as I wake up

Double-A Trenton: 3-2 loss vs Bowie Baysox

CF Mason Williams: 0-for-4, K
DH Ben Gamel: 0-for-4, K
RF Tyler Austin: 1-for-4, K
C Gary Sanchez: 2-for-4, K
1B Peter O'Brien: 0-for-4, K
LF Taylor Douglas: 0-for-4, K

Manny Banuelos: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K -- ESPN's Keith Law said that he was mostly sitting in the 90-92 range
Zach Nuding: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 1 WP

High-A Tampa: 11-2 loss at Daytona Cubs

CF Jake Cave: 1-for-4, K
SS Cito Culver: 1-for-4, R, K, error (missed catch)
1B Greg Bird: 2-for-4, 2B
3B Dante Bichette Jr: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Zach Wilson: 1-for-4, R, 3B
C Trent Garrison: 1-for-4, RBI, K
2B Jose Rosario: 1-for-2, R, 3B

Rafael DePaula: 1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 BB, 2 K -- never been able to stay consistent in Tampa
Chris Smith: 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

Low-A Charleston: Off until Thursday for All-Star break

Short Season Staten Island: 1-0 loss vs Aberdeen IronBirds

RF Austin Aune: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Nathan Mikolas: 0-for-3, 2 K, HBP
1B Bo Thompson: 1-for-4, 2 K
SS Thairo Estrada: 0-for-3

C Collin Slaybaugh: 1-for-3, 2B, 1 K
2B Jose Javier: 1-for-3

Andy Beresford: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Conor Mullee: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Francis Joseph: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Manolo Reyes: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

Who was your Baby Bombers performer of the night, you guys? Comment below.

Follow @GavinEwbank

Read More

Minor League Recap: Luis Severino strikes out eight in Charleston win

Triple-A Scranton: 7-0 loss at Columbus

LF Jose Pirela: 1-for-4
2B Rob Refsnyder: 0-for-4, K -- no hits in his last 14 at-bats since getting two hits ion his first two Triple-A plate appearances
CF Zoilo Almonte: 1-for-4, 2 K
DH Kyler Roller: 1-for-3, BB
3B Scott Sizemore: 4-for-4, 2B
C Austin Romine: 0-for-4, K

Brian Gordon: 5 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR
Matt Daley: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HR
Robert Coello: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K -- just five earned runs in 24.1 innings this season
Pat Venditte: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

Double-A Trenton: 3-2 loss at New Britain (continuation of Friday's suspended game)

CF Mason Williams: 1-for-5, R, K
DH Francisco Cervelli: 0-for-1, 2 BB, K
LF Ben Gamel: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
C Peter O'Brien: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Tyler Austin: 1-for-4, K
RF Taylor Douglas: 1-for-4, 3B, R, K -- hitting .393 (11-for-28) in his last 10 games

Manny Banuelos: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K -- Yankees still building up his innings, it seems
Zach Nudding: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 HR
Fred Lewis: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

Double-A Trenton: 4-3 loss at New Britain

CF Mason Williams: 1-for-5, R
C Francisco Cervelli: 0-for-4, 1 K -- just 3-for-24 during his rehab stint
DH Ben Gamel: 2-for-4
3B Rob Segedin: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
1B Peter O'Brien: 2-for-4, HR, R, RBI -- 13th Double-A dinger, 23rd of the year

Eric Wooten: 6.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR

High-A Tampa: Off for Florida State League All-Star Game

Low-A Charleston: 3-1 win at Lexington

DH Michael O'Neill: 1-for-3, 2B, R, BB, K
SS Tyler Wade: 1-for-5, R, RBI, K
RF Aaron Judge: 2-for-4, R, K -- 15-for-38 in his last 10 games
LF Dustin Fowler: 2-for-3, RBI, BB
2B Gosuke Katoh: 0-for-3 -- hitting .183 this season

Luis Severino: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Evan Rutckyj: 2 IP, 2 H,, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

Who was your Baby Bomber performer of the night, you guys? Comment below.

Follow @GavinEwbank

Read More

Manny Banuelos optioned to minor league camp

By: Gavin Ewbank | Lead Writer

After coming into spring training with an outside shot at making the Yankees' bullpen to open the season as the second left hander behind Matt Thornton, Manny Banuelos was optioned to the Single-A Tampa Yankees Sunday afternoon.

It's worth noting that just because he was optioned to Tampa, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll start the season there.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that he is still thinking about Banuelos will actually begin his 2014 season, though, it could be in Tampa.

“We’re still talking about (where to have him start the season), so whatever team we assign today, doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the team he’s going to be with,” Cashman said. “We’re going to take into account weather and everything else and what’s best. Obviously the arm strength’s there. I think he’s a little rusty, which is understandable. We’ll see how the rest of minor league camp goes before the actual placement will take place.”

Banuelos last took the mound for the second time this spring on Friday, facing the Minnesota Twins in Tampa. He entered the game in the 6th inning and loaded with bases with a single and two walks. He was able to get a strikeout, but a ground-rule double that plated a pair of runs was where he day ended.

Fred Lewis replaced him and gave up a pair of runs that were charged to Banuelos, putting him at four earned runs on the day, seven total this spring in one full inning worth of work.

Banuelos struggled with him control from the start, obviously, with the two walks.

“I think at the start it looked like he was scattered a little bit, and then he found it,” Yankees manager for the weekend Rob Thomson said after the game. “They got some soft hits off him, too. I’m just, for me, I’m just happy to see him out there.

“He’s been out for a long time. He hasn't had many outings. So I’m just happy that he’s out there and he’s throwing the ball. He’s going to have success because he’s got a good arm and he’s a tough kid, and we've just got to wait a while, that’s all.”

Coming back from an elbow surgery that he underwent almost two years ago, it was a long-shot for Banuelos to actually make the Yankees’ bullpen out of spring training. He first appearance last week was his first game action since the surgery, so he still has a ways to go in his comeback.

Banuelos is rated as one of the best pitching prospects in the Yankees’ farm system, and as a projected starter — a possible No. 2 or 3 — it could be key for him to pan out the way people think he should.

Follow @GavinEwbank

Read More

Nova, Banuelos get roughed up in win over the Astros

Ivan Nova and Manny Banuelos gave up a combined six runs in 4.2 innings, but a two-run homerun by likely Opening Day third baseman Kelly Johnson helped the Yankees down the Houston Astros, 9-6, Saturday afternoon in Osceola County Stadium.

Mark Teixeira was in the lineup for just the second time this spring after getting yesterday off, and he had a good day at the plate, reaching base twice on a walk and a double in the 3rd inning.

After a very good showing his in second out of the spring last Monday, Nova was knocked around by a very young Astros squad.

He gave up two singles and a double to open the bottom of the 1st inning; the double from Jason Castro scored both Dexter Fowler and Jose Altuve to put Houston up 2-0. The Astros added another run off of Nova in the 2nd inning on a RBI single by Cesar Izturis.

Nova was able to get through the final two innings of his outing without giving up a run. Overall, it wasn't his best day, one of those outings that the Yankees hope to avoid this year. The Astros collected 3 runs on 8 hits off of him, and they also struck out five times against the Yankee right hander.

“Everything would stay up,” Nova said. “It was kind of hard for me to keep it down, and they took advantage of it. Even the second inning, they were hitting the ball real good.”

However, Yankees manager Joe Girardi thought that this was a good outing for Nova.

“You look at his outings so far, they've been pretty easy,” Girardi said. “Today I thought was a good outing because he found it. He struggled in the first inning finding some sink and finding his curveball, and I thought he did a good job of finding himself and giving us four innings and really not throwing a ton of pitches.”

Banuelos followed Nova in the 5th inning, but he couldn't get three outs before Girardi pulled the plug on his day.

After giving up a double to Altuve and a walk to Castro, Chris Carter took Banuelo deep for a three-run homerun. Banuelos was able to get the next two guys out, but he must have hit his pitch-limit because Girardi pulled him with two outs.

“I was happy for him that he got out there,” Girardi said. “He threw some strikes. It’s been a long road back, and he had a smile on his face because I think you appreciate a lot more. When you lose something for a while, you appreciate it a lot more when you come back.”

Down 1-0 heading into the 2nd inning, Dean Anna opened the inning with on of his two hits in the game, and then Scott Sizemore reached on a throwing error that scored Anna. After a Zoilo Almonte groundout, Mason Williams doubled to right field to bring home Sizemore.

An innings later, following the double by Teixeira, Johnson hit a homerun to right field off of Darin Down to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead.

“Honestly, that was pure trying to get him over, and I caught it out front,” Johnson said. “Always good to remember what it feels like. Better than not hitting one all spring and then going into the season trying to remember, ‘Back in September, when I hit my last one…,’ you know what I mean?”

The Yankees scored two more runs in the 6th inning on a sac-fly by Williams to bring Anna home, then Brett Gardner followed that with a single into center field, scoring both Sizemore and Almonte to put the Yankees up 7-6.

New York doubled their lead an inning later on a Zelous Wheeler single and a Ramon Flores fielder's choice.

Anna finished the game 2-for-2 with a walk and a pair of runs scored; an overall good day for him as he tries to make the team. Austin Romine also collected a pair of hits in two at-bats. And Yangervis Solarte went 1-for-2, his batting average this spring is .667.

Cesar Cabral threw a scoreless inning and didn't give up a hit, though he did walk a batter. David Herndon, Fred Lewis and Chris Leroux also threw scoreless innings. Apart from a couple of guys, the Yankees' bullpen has been solid this spring.

The Yankees are back in Tampa to host the Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow at The Boss. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm and you can see the game on YES.

**********

Gavin Ewbank is the Lead Writer of Yanks Beat Blog

Follow @GavinEwbank Tweet

Read More

Spring Training notebook: Day 5

TAMPA, Fla. -- Everyone expect the batboy gathered in a room in Tampa today to listen to Derek Jeter talk about his retirement after this season. But that wasn't all that happened at Yankees camp. Ichiro Suzuki talked about fighting for a roster spot, position players officially reported, and more.

Jeter: "The time is right:" Ever since announcing last week his plans to retire after the season, reporters had been dying to ask the question, "why now, Jeter?" We finally got what we were looking for.

"I felt as though this was the right time," Jeter said. "I've been doing this for a long time; this will be parts of 20 seasons that I've been playing here in New York and parts of 23 if you count the Minor Leagues. I just think I've done it long enough and I look forward to doing some other things in my life. But I can't reiterate enough that we still have a season to play.”

Jeter said that his decision to retire had nothing to do with how he feels physically. He said that his ankle and the rest of his body are feeling great.

He added that player baseball has now become a job for him, especially after last season in which he played just 17 games because of various injuries. But Jeter said that he worked very hard this offseason, and expects to be the everyday shortstop this season.

“It’s all about the time. You can't do this forever," Jeter said. "I’d like to, but you can't do it forever. I feel as though the time is right after this year. There’s other things I want to do."

Ichiro making the best of his situation: After bringing in outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran this offseason, the Yankees gave themselves a backload of outfielders on the roster. Since then, Vernon Wells has been released, and Ichiro could be the next one to be moved.

Ellsbury, Beltran and Brett Gardner are going to be the three main outfielders, with Alfonso Soriano serving as the DH and fourth outfielder. Ichiro, however, doesn't really have any roles that we know of.

We can assume that he'll be the fifth outfielder, and come into games late as a pinch-runners, because he can still offer some speed in the bases.

“This is a place where the greatest players gather and play, so I'm really excited to play with those guys,” Ichiro said. “Obviously with the additions, I’m going to have to find a place for myself, but I worked hard this offseason. I worked on a lot of things, and throughout spring training, hopefully those things will come together and we'll see where it goes from there.”

Any thoughts about being released or traded?

“When you're here with the Yankees, you tend to think about those things,” he said. “You just never know with the great players coming here. I thought about a lot of things, which a lot of players do.”

Ichiro said that he has done everything that he can handle by coming to camp in shape, an is going to see how the rest plays out.

He also had something to say about Jeter retiring.

"I was really shocked, as I think were a lot of people." he said. "I didn't want to believe it. But I was actually shocked that he was doing Facebook. That's something that I was really shocked about."

Nunie shows up, plays the field: Eduardo Nunez arrived to camp today and spent a lot of time taking groundballs at both third base and shortstop, two positions that he is going to be competing for this spring. It would be great if Nunez finally plays to his full potential and wins a job at third base, as or just another reserve infielder.

Banuelos throws live BP: Manny Banuelos threw his first live batting practice session today. He had been throwing simulated games late last season, but today was his first in camp.

“Good, good, feels pretty good,” he said. “All my pitches worked. Velocity is good. I didn't throw, like, 100 percent because it was the first time, but it feels pretty good. … I’m happy man. It feels strong, feels good.”

**********

Gavin Ewbank is the Lead Writer of Yanks Beat Blog, and you can follow him on Twitter (below).

Follow @GavinEwbank

Read More

Spring Training notebook: Day 2

TAMPA, Fla. -- Sunday was the second day of official workouts this spring. Mark Teixeira took most of the headlines while speaking to the media, while also getting in some swings on the field. But that wasn't the only thing worth talking about.

Teixeira sets high expectations for himself: First baseman Mark Teixeira, who is coming off of wrist surgery last season, arrived at Yankees camp Sunday, and spoke to the media about his expectations, who is wrist is doing, and what his recovery plans are in spring training.

"I feel good. I'm excited about being here." he said. "No setbacks the entire offseason, the summer into the offseason, which is good. My surgeon was very happy and Steve is happy. So I'm happy."

Teixeira said that his injured wrist didn't really have much effect on his offseason workouts.

I actually got to lift more, which was good. I feel like I've put on a couple of pounds of muscle, which is nice for me. My offseason started July 1st, and with the rehab and extra time, concentrating on my body and not worrying about resting, I got plenty of rest which was good. The first month or two of the offseason is just resting from a long season. I didn't have that this year so I was able to work a little bit more."

He's coming into the season with some high expectations placed on himself, saying that he's hoping to play at least 150 games, and be the 30 homerun, 100 RBI game in the middle of the Yankees' lineup like like they expected him to be when he was signed in 2009.

"I absolutely plan on playing 150-plus games this year. That's my goal. Every now and then I'll have a day off, of course. That's just natural. You get beat up a little bit during the season, but I expect to have a healthy, productive season." he said.

He later added, "There's not one guy that has to carry this team, but absolutely I expect to hit in the middle of the order, hit 30 home runs and drive in 100 runs. That's going to take pressure off everybody and help us win games."

As for his plans this spring, Teixeira said that he is "going to get my 50-plus at-bats in Spring Training. I'm going to get as many swings as I need. It'll be a little slow the first couple of weeks just to make sure I'm easing into things."

He said that he started swinging a bat in January, taking about 20 swings from each side, and building up 5-to-10 each week. Right now, he is 45-to-50 from each side of the plate, and will continue to add on as the spring progresses.

Relievers take their turn: After the startings threw bullpens on Saturday, the Yankees had two groups of relievers throw bullpens on Sunday, including should-be closer David Robertson, who was joined by Shawn Kelley, Matt Dailey and Matt Thornton.

Cesar Cabral, Brian Gordon, Chris Leroux and Mark Montgomery were part of the second group to throw.

Putting on a show: Catching prospect Peter O'Brien was mashing balls during batting practice today. Even though the Yankees have enough catchers to last them the next decade, the 6-foot-3, 215 pound O'Brien will be someone to watch down the road, or possibly in the trade market.

Manny throws a bullpen: Manny Banuelos threw his first bullpen session of the spring, coming off of Tommy John Surgery. Yankees manager Joe Girardi also confirmed recent reports that Banuelos could make the team out of spring training as the second lefty in the bullpen.

However, it's more likely that he'll start the year in Triple-A -- as I wrote in Sunday's Warming up, the Yankees would be very wise to start Banuelos in the minors as a starter, rather than putting him in the big leagues to start the year.

Up next: Pitchers and catchers are back at it again on Monday, expecting to be on the field around 10:30am EST at spring training complex.

**********

Gavin Ewbank is the Lead Writer of Yanks Beat Blog, and you can follow him on Twitter (below).

Follow @GavinEwbank

Read More