Congrats to the Yankees All-Stars

Congratulations to Derek Jeter, Masahiro Tanaka, and Derek Jeter on being named to the AL All-Star team.  I agree that Jeter, based on stats alone, is not worthy, but I've got no problem with him being voted in by fans. Happens all the time where guys who shouldn't get voted in. If it wasn't his last season, it would be more egregious.

 

You can't argue with Tanaka. He's been everything the Yankees could have hoped for, and then some. I constantly have to remind myself that he's only 25 years old every time I see him pitch. Worth every penny so far.

I'm most excited for Dellin Betances. What a great, great story. He's a local NYC kid who has experienced everything from being a top prospect on the verge to a complete bust. He couldn't figure it out consistently as a starter, despite having dominant stuff. He was moved to the 'pen last year, and the move has paid off, as he's been one of the best relievers in the game this year and a true asset to the Yankees. Well deserved. I hope he gets an inning in the game.

Interesting day in Yankeeland

I was just about to write a "welcome Brandon McCarthy" post when I saw that Alfonso Soriano had been unsurprisingly DFA'd as well. I'm not surprised by either move. McCarthy is a definite upgrade over Vidal Nuno, who was horrendous (for the most part). Plus, Nuno never signed my cards TTM. I tried him twice. C'mon, you're Vidal Nuno.

McCarthy is a fan-favorite and terrific Twitter personality. His advance metrics indicate that's pitched better than his record and ERA suggest. Regardless, I'd rather see him out there every fifth day than Nuno.

That wasn't the only move today.

Soriano is a tough one. He was one of the best hitters in the AL last year after the Yankees reacquired him. His bat speed looked as quick as ever. That disappeared this season. He was awful. I hate seeing a guy like him go; someone who could change the game with one swing. But he's just not that guy any longer. I hope he goes somewhere else (the NL so he doesn't come back to haunt the Yanks) and enjoys the last few months of what will likely be the end of his big league career.

TTM Success: Gosuke Katoh

One of my favorite Yankees prospect is the young Gosuke Katoh, a 2B who passed up a chance to go to UCLA to sign with the Yankees. He got off to a fanastic rookie year in 2013, pacing the GCL in home runs and placing second in XBH and SLG. Not bad for a guy who wasn't expected to have much power.

He was aggressively bumped up to Low-A Charleston in 2014, bypassing Staten Island. He got off to a bit of a slow start, but still has 18 XBHs and 14 SBs thus far on the season. He's over two years younger than the league average, and has a very bright future ahead of him as a true 2B prospect, where he is expected to stay.

Gosuke is very fan friendly, both on social media and answering fan mail. He graciously signed these two 2014 Bowman cards for me:

Thanks, Gosuke!

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th to you and your families!

Here's a scene from The Sandlot that I've shared on this blog on prior July 4ths, and one that I always think of today.

Oh, and here's a patriotic card. Happy 4th, everyone!

TTM Success: Jordan Cote

Yankees 2011 3rd rounder Jordan Cote signed my 2011 Elite Extra Edition for me recently. Cote has a big arm, but he's been struggling a bit in 2014. He had a very strong 2012 and 2013 in the GCL, showing fantastic control with strikeout stuff. He made the jump to low-A ball in 2014, where he struggled a bit coming out of the bullpen. He was demoted to short season Staten Island, and he hasn't quite found his groove yet. He's a big dude who throws hard, and I really hope he finds success these last few months and something to build on for 2015.

PWE-town Tom at it again

P-Town Tom sent me an awesome PWE chock full of some 2014 Topps Pro Debut cards. I don't have a LCS, so I don't have the chance to get my paws on many Pro Debut cards. I always appreciate the Yanks finding their way to me.

Although I sent this card off to Zippy Zappy, Eric Jagielo was my favorite of the pack. He's a big time prospect, and should be returning from injury any day now.

Fan-friendly Gosuke Katoh and Tyler Austin were also included. Thanks, Tom!

Let's go USMNT!

Tony and Tino say let's go USA!