Granderson breaks right forearm, to be out 10 weeks

by fishjam25

Terrible news for the Yankees.  Granderson was hit by a pitch in his first At Bat today and X-Rays revealed he has a fracture in his right forearm.  The Yanks could ill-afford to lose his power and will now have to scramble to replace Granderson.  In-house options include veterans in camp on Minor-lg deals such as Juan Rivera & Thomas Neal, veteran minor-leaguers like Cubans Ronnier Mustelier & Adonis Garcia as well as their 2 highest ranking OF prospects Zoilo Almonte & Melky Mesa.

If he’s out for 10 weeks, that would bring him back during the first week in May.  They could go out and look to bring in a veteran OF like Alfonso Soriano but if Granderson will only miss approximately 5 weeks, do they want to bring in a significant player?  I think they need to be patient and look at the in-house options before doing anything hasty.  A platoon of  Rivera or Mustelier from the Right Side and Zoilo from the left side might not be a bad idea.  Sure would be nice to have Chris Dickerson right about now!

Red Sox pluck Yankees Colbrunn to be Hitting Coach

by fishjam25

The Red Sox named Greg Colbrunn their hitting coach yesterday filling out new manager John Farrell’s staff.  Colbrunn has spent the last 6 years as a coach in the Yankees minor-league system, most recently as the hitting coach for the Class A Charleston River Dogs.  Boston had explored hiring Tino Martinez before he took the job with the Marlins.  Colbrunn  was a Major League player for 13 seasons but this is his first MLB coaching job.  I had the privilige to interview Colbrunn for our site earlier this year (see interview here)  regarding a lot of the Yankees minor-league hitters.  At that time he said he remained with the River Dogs in order to stay close to his family since he lives in nearby Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.  This is a great hire by the Red Sox and a loss for the Yankees organization but I wish Colbrunn the best of luck……except when he plays the Yankees of course.

Rivera tells Cashman he wants to come back

by: fishjam25

“Rivera contacted us and wants to play,” Cashman told The New York Post.

No real suprise but puts to bed any speculation that Mo might retire.  Now they have to agree to a dollar amount.  I don’t think Mo will get the $15M he got last year but maybe $10-12M with a chance to earn more in games finished incentives.  Whatever it is, sign him up – it’s 1 year and doesn’t impact austerity plans for 2014.

CC sent to 15-day Disabled List with Sore Elbow

Per NJ.com, Sabathia has been complaining of stifness in his elbow since August 3rd against Seattle.  But an MRI showed no damage and the pain subsided.  However, it stiffened up again vs Detroit.  Now it makes sense why Girardi had a quick hook with CC.  Girardi claims the team is being extra careful with their ace and if it was October he would probably make his Monday start.  That is a good sign at least but anytime your horse has an elbow injury it has to scare the crap out of you.  CC has been so durable throughout his career, but the Yankees have to be concerned and take the conservative approach with a 6 game lead.

Phelps to start Monday / Derek Lowe Signed

David Phelps will start on Monday in CC’s place.  Phelps has been dominating the last 6 weeks with a 0.60 ERA over his last 8 games.  In 15 innings, he’s allowed just 5 hits and 5 walks while striking out 22.  He’s made 3 starts on the year, with a 2.08 combined ERA and 16 Ks over 13 ip.  He’ll likely be limited to 3-5 innings since he isn’t stretched out.

To back Phelps up and provide depth, the team has signed veteran Derek Lowe.  Lowe was cut by Cleveland after a disastorous season.  He’s gone 8-10 with a 5.52 ERA and has allowed a whopping 201 baserunners in 119 ip.  Lowe will be in the pen on Monday to back-up Phelps. Ryota Igarishi will take CC’s roster spot tomorrow in Toronto.