WHY THE 2012 YANKEES WILL LOOK DIFFERENT: PART 2

Let's take a look at the Yankee catchers... who will stay and who will go?
Francisco Cervelli: .266, 4 HR, 22 RBI in 43 games. Cervelli may never be a star catcher, but he’s energetic and calls a great game. He’s currently recovering from a concussion and there’s no telling if he’ll ever be the same (see Brian Roberts or Sidney Crosby). If he’s able to recover, the Yanks should bring him back to reprise his role as well as filling in at other infield spots.

Russell Martin: .237, 18 HR, 65 RBI in 125 games. Martin is a terrific catcher. His batting average dropped from the NL, but his home runs and RBIs are on par. The pitchers love him and he’s tough as nails. If he’s not resigned someone in the front office needs their
head examined.Jesus Montero: 20 for 61, 4 HR, 12 RBI in 18 games. Montero is the real deal, offensively. Defensively, he’s average at-best. Yes he’s 21 and will continue to improve. With all of the high profile veterans on the team, the Yanks are not in a position of carrying a full time DH. Nor at 21 does Montero want to pigeon holed as just a DH. I say trade him now, while his value is at its highest, for top level Major League-ready pitching. Many disagree. That's what opinions are for.
Jorge Posada: .235, 14 HR, 44 RBI in 115 games. Look, Jorge has had a fabulous career but a 40 year-old catcher needs to know when to hang up the spikes. I know he says he wants to play next year, but I can’t imagine him in any other uniform. I know where Jorge should spend
2012, but more on that later.

Austin Romine: .286, 6 HR, 47 RBI in 85 games at AA Trenton. Obviously, Romine needs to show what he can do at a higher level. He looked sharp behind the plate during September. Hopefully a full season at AAA will do him some good and we’ll see him in 2013.

-- Lem Allen, BYB Freelance Writer
bybcurmudgeon@gmail.com



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WHY REAL MEN CRY

Jorge Posada has been a great New York Yankee and that means something... he's never let down the true fan base and while this season was frustrating, the playoffs was his for the taking and me personally, I loved every minute of it, because it wasn't a great player fizzling, it was fizzling player shining. If there was a way to go out on a high note, Jorge did. I'm proud of him.

Jorge was never supposed to be a superstar catcher, but he was many a season. Sure, there were down seasons but 4 rings later this guy has transformed into a Yankee icon. The Core Four truly had a great run and after Andy Pettitte retired and now Jorge Posada's possible career in pinstripes coming to an end, well, it looks like we may be saying goodbye to our hero.Look, anyone who reads Bleeding Yankee Blue knows how much I love and appreciate Jorge Posada. I didn't like the way he was squeezed out and I watched the poor guy get pushed to the back of the line throughout the season. It could have been done differently, although, I understand, that's business.

I wrote AN OPEN LETTER TO JORGE POSADA because after everything that went on, his changing role and the reality that the Yankees needed to move forward, as did Jorge, I wanted to express my emotion. Well, that emotion came full circle watching my hero get choked up after Game 5 of the ALDS. Jorge cried, and guess what...good for him. Real men cry.



Look, this is a guy that gave his heart and soul to the New York Yankees and it had ended, while on a personal high note because successful in the ALDS, it ended on a low note for the Yankees as a team. Team is all that Jorge thought about. At that moment, as far as he knew, his tenure in pinstripes is over. He's probably not coming back to the Bronx, a place he's called home for 17 years. It's saying goodbye and so, Jorge cried. Look, I totally get it. I cry when my son wins a heat in a swim meet, or when my other guy gets a winning hit. I cry when I watch Rudy, or when the Yankees win the World Series. It's a life thing...success, the thrill of victory, or in his case the agony of defeat.

No one knows what will happen to Jorge Posada, but his future with the Yankees is certain, no, not as a player, put perhaps a coach or an advisor or maybe he'll just stay away for awhile reflecting, but expect something big to happen, when we least expect it...perhaps a number retiring, or a Jorge Posada Appreciation day. One things for sure, Jorge will never be forgotten. With the future of the Yankees catching looking bright in Jesus Montero and Austin Romine and hopefully the return of Russell Martin the Yankees will be OK. And guess what, so with Jorge Posada. No doubt Poe will go down as a Yankee legend for if anything, his incredible drive and heart as a member of the New York Yankees. He is truly Bleeding Yankee Blue and as a fellow peer, meaning, he and I are the same age, I say this, "You played your guts out Jorge. Now's your time. Walk into the sunset and remember all the great times, and most of all, thank you."

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WHY MONTERO TRADE TALK IS RIDICULOUS

(Photo: Getty)
The Yankees season is over and already it's starting. John Harper has a piece out titled Yankees may part with catcher Jesus Montero in order to get the top pitcher they sorely need. Read it HERE.

John Harper makes you think and I like him a lot, but the suggestion that Montero should go is already getting me aggravated. The Yankees have lost and I get the need to want to panic, but it's not like we didn't have the parts to perform, we did, we just never had the timely hit. Yes, we need a pitcher, but I find it ironic that after all the hype about how Montero was the real thing and how the Yankees PR machine went into overdrive in September proving the Yankees were right to NOT trade Montero in the Cliff Lee trade last year, that suddenly, Montero would be available. Honestly, I think the story is bogus and I don't buy it.

The reason is simple, Jesus Montero can hit and he can catch. Austin Romine, it appears, can catch and not hit, yet at least. You're not going to unload this Montero's bat especially after he had a terrific fall run in the pros.

In 18 games, Montero had 20 hits in 61 at bats. He batted .328. He had 4 home runs and 12 RBIs. Yes, he struck out 17 times but this small sample proves this kid's got a future. Don't forget, Reggie Jackson struck out 2597 times in his career, yet, he was considered one of the greatest home run hitters in the game. I'm not comparing Montero to Reggie, but I am making a point; Montero's young, it's early, patience at the plate will come, you just can't give up that bat, it's too early.
(Photo: Getty)
Austin Romine's defense behind the plate was awesome this fall, but his bat needs some work. In 19 at bats, Romine struck out 5 times and only had 3 hits. Again, yes, it's a small sample, but the fall is your audition and while Montero made more plate appearances, he took advantage of that and shined, Romine did not.Also, let's not forget Jesus Montero's appearance in the ALDS. He had 2 hits in 2 at bats and had an RBI. I'm not saying Montero will be a superstar, although, from what I've seen, he can be.

Harper suggests that one Major League scout said Cashman may flip Montero to the San Francisco Giants for Matt Cain. I don't see it. Why would the Giants trade away one of their top pitchers for hitting? Money? Maybe, but I've watched the Franchise on Showtime and I see how dependant the Giants are on likes of Cain. Yes, if Cashman can trade someone on the farm and not part with Montero, I see this as a great scenario, but what do I know?

Harper continues: "Cashman, of course, was willing to trade Montero for Lee in July of 2010 in a deal that was nearly made with the Mariners. Since then he has said publicly that it would have to be a pitcher on that same ultra-elite level for him to even consider dealing Montero.

Still, while Cashman says the organization is committed to Montero as a catcher, not just a DH, questions about his defense remain. When Francisco Cervelli missed the last few weeks of the season because of a concussion, the Yankees called up Austin Romine to back up Russell Martin, even though Montero was already here."

Look, again, I get it, it's panic time, but is it at Montero's expense? Personally, my gut says no.
Look, the New York Yankees may have lost the ALDS this season, but they had the best record in the American League and Montero contributed.

What ever happened to Patience? Remember that? Everyone needs to take a deep breath... the Yankees may have lost the ALDS, but we didn't die. Let's not panic.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DANTE BICHETTE JR.

We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue have tried to give you things that the other blogs don't. One of the big things that make us unique are our interviews with former Yankee players as well as stars like Kimberly Jones. Well, It's my pleasure to offer an interview with one of our favorite "new" Yankees and down to earth guy, Dante Bichette Jr.

Dante is the future of the New York Yankees and when we were able to secure an interview with him, we were psyched. So here it is, our BYB Exclusive with Dante Bichette Jr. Enjoy!


BYB: First of all, congratulations on the Gulf Coast League MVP this season and your GCL Championship. How satisfied are you with your first year?

Dante Bichette Jr: My first year in pro ball was an awesome experience. I was lucky enough to go to the team I wanted to go to and lucky enough to have a crazy good Gulf Coast League team. One thing that made the jump from high school to pro ball such a great experience was having the coolest combination of coaching staff and management that I have ever played for.

BYB: What's it like to be drafted by the biggest sports franchise in the world, the New York Yankees, as compared to say, a smaller, less successful franchise?

Dante Bichette Jr: Being drafted to a franchise that just wins and wins is a great thing. The way to have the most fun in this game is to have success and win. I was on two winning teams this year, and will have two rings! That is something I feel like I could only have done being a Yankee.

BYB: Can you try and explain to Yankee fans what the draft process is like? Is it similar to the NFL draft, etc?

Dante Bichette Jr: I have never watched another draft other than mine so I cannot compare. But I can say it is basically a year of interviewing for a shot at a dream job, except you don't really know who your future employer will be until you are actually chosen.

(In Photo: Jesus Montero)
BYB: When you look up at the Yankees roster at the Major League level and see Montero and Romine making names for themselves, can you see yourself doing the same thing soon?

Dante Bichette Jr: It has been my dream since I was a little kid to be doing what they are doing. I think that if I keep putting in hard work consistently and making adjustments when I need to make them, and if God keeps me safe then I can definitely see myself there when it is my time.

(In Photo: Dante Bichette Sr)
BYB: Growing up as the son of a celebrated ballplayer, Dante Bichette Sr, what was it like growing up watching your dad play?

Dante Bichette Jr: I remember some things here and there. One thing I remember vividly was when my dad took me out to hit at Fenway Park. That was a pretty awesome experience.

BYB: Who are some of the other players you looked up to?

Dante Bichette Jr: My favorite player now is Derek Jeter. I love how you knew who just walked in the clubhouse when he showed up at our facility to rehab earlier this year. Of course, I like how he plays when he's on the field but I really admire his quiet confidence when he goes about his business.

BYB: What will you be doing during the off season to continue your development?

Dante Bichette Jr: This off season I will be hitting the gym hard to try and get my strength up. I have a pretty good routine of ground balls, hitting with my dad, running and throwing that I will be doing as well.
BYB: Growing up, who was 1 baseball player, besides your father, that you admired and wanted to emulate?

Dante Bichette Jr: I thought Barry Bonds was the man growing up. He was in the same division as my dad so it was easy to watch him. I was too young at the time to realize any controversy surrounding him, but I just knew he was a beast.

BYB: Have you ever read Bleeding Yankee Blue?

Dante Bichette Jr: As a rule, I don't read anything that has to do with me, but I have run across a few things from Bleeding Yankee Blue that have been tweeted to me.

BYB: We here have written about you extensively and are excited that you're part of the Yankees. Any kind words you'd like to say to the readers of our site?

Dante Bichette Jr: It's great to know people are rooting for me. I appreciate it a lot! Hopefully I will continue to give you reasons to be excited about me.

Dante Bichette Jr reminds me alot like Derek Jeter. Proud to be wearing the pinstripes and eager to please, he works hard and knows that nothing is handed to you in life. He has a good head on his shoulders and that clearly stems from an upbringing of tremendous parenting.

We truly appreciate Dante interviewing with us here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. Our Senior Writer, Mikey Blue gave me the assist on this interview with Dante. Thank you Mikey.

One more thing to Dante Bichette Jr...go get'um kid, we're all rooting for you and can't wait to see you in the pros!

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer
Email: DonnieBaseball2323@gmail.com
Twitter: @MikeyBlu23

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WHY VETERANS & YOUTH A GOOD MIX FOR BRONX BACKSTOP

(Photo: Getty)
It won’t be an easy decision for Joe Girardi, but with Francisco Cervelli season to be over, read HERE, the Yankees won’t have a backup catcher. True, Joe Girardi stated that Russell Martin would not need a backup… but let’s face it, what if Martin makes another joke (story HERE) and gets tossed in Game 1 of the ALDS? The Yankees will clearly need one then, won’t they? Luckily, having Jesus Montero or Austin Romine to choose from is not exactly a bad problem. Couple that with veteran Jorge Posada who’s on the bench, chomping at the bit and we have the catching role pretty solid. Veterans and Youth, it’s a good mix.

No one really knows what will happen with Romine and Montero yet, but I suspect at least Montero is going to the ALDS. Austin Romine is a very good defensive catcher, but Jesus can catch as well and in my opinion, you just can’t bring both. I feel like you still need 11 pitchers and you also don’t want to short change the bench. Read WHY I KNOW THE YANKEES 2011 ALDS ROSTER. I broke it down the way I see it. Again, it’s my opinion, there are plenty of scenario’s out there.

While Jorge Posada is the Yankees DH, Jesus Montero is a more logical Designated Hitter merely because you pounce on hot hitters and Jesus is hot right now. That being said, look for Girardi to go with Posada against righties and Montero against lefties. Montero has been hitting and hitting nicely and has a young, hungry energy. Posada has postseason experience and Lord knows that adrenaline will start pumping for him like it has for years in the postseason. Just the surroundings alone will get Posada going. Whatever Girardi chooses must be decided on their defense as well as their hitting. Yes, the ALDS is a short series, but there is nothing wrong with having players that can do more than ride the bench. Montero can be your DH and catch. Posada can DH, pinch hit, play first base and catch. Options are key, the Yankees have them…again... veterans and youth, and that’s a good mix if needed to back up Russell Martin.

Check out the numbers of our catchers and DH’s this season:

Russell Martin: 98-413, 17 HR, 17 2B, 64 RBI

Jesus Montero: 20-57, .351 AVG, 4 HR, 12 RBI

Jorge Posada (batting lefty off the bench): .270 AVG, 14 home runs, 39 RBIs

Austin Romine: 3-18, .167 AVG, 1 BB, 4 K

If Girardi can figure out a way to bring Romine, Posada and Montero, I think you will see a decent batch of talent, but I’m not so sure I see it happening. But, what the hell do I know? I’m just a blogger in my basement wearing my worn out REGGIE T-shirt.

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JORGE POSADA: WHY IT AIN'T OVER YET

Poe has not had the best season, with age comes decline. But I have never given up on my Yankee hero. I hear it all the time and read it on Twitter. “Posada doesn’t deserve to be out there, he didn’t earn it.” Really? He hasn’t earned a spot in the New York Yankees roster after 4 rings and multiple big plays? I know I'm living in the past, but last time I checked the Yankees signed him to a contract... to play and the guy contributes any way he can. Look at last night at first base. He has 2 big plays both coming home and both times, he got the runner out. Sure, this year's been a long road for Poe, but the guys got more heart than anyone I’ve ever seen and when he come up big… it’s big.

(Photo: AP/Martin tagging runner on Posada throw home)

Jorge Posada was never a super athlete, but for years he’s been in some of the biggest plays of our Yankees generation. Remember the winning hit last week.. the dude's still got it. He got that hit not to say “Goodbye”, but to say “Hello, I’m not going anywhere”, not yet at least.

Yes, the times they are a changing, Russell Martin’s in Jorge’s old slot, and youth like Austin Romine and Jesus Montero have emerged as the future of the Yankees. Sure, the future looks glorious, but it was glorious for years. Have we forgotten? What is so wrong with a true Yankee champion who’s been a staple in the clubhouse for years, still being able to contribute when he can? Nothing.

Posada brings pride and maturity to this Yankees club. Same with Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter. You can say to me, "Well, Jeter and Mo contribute, Posada hasn’t." Have a Heart. Yes, it’s business, and yes the harsh reality is Posada is older, but the guy was moved out of a spot he manned for 17 years and put into a new role with more time to think about his career crumbling around him. So, he couldn’t hack it early, that’s no reason to write him off. So, yes, while Mo and Jeter “contribute”, it’s partically because they play a hell of a lot more than Jorge Posada at hte positions of SS and Closer...where they started. Posada is in his dimished role has contributed the best he could with what he has left.

I know, I sound like an apologist for Posada. I sound like a promoter, an agent. No, I’m just a fan, a God damn Yankee fan that won’t forget what got us here. So, call me a fool, that’s fine, but Posada is a big part of this team until the last pitch is thrown this year. And then, when the lights go out in the Bronx and we put our 28^th championship award in our trophy case and say our goodnights, then and only then will we say goodbye to Jorge Posada. Because as far as I’m concerned, he’s contributed just fine… and you know what? He’s earned his spot, on our team this year and on our postseason roster... That's the bottom line.

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WHY THIS YANKEES LOSS STINGS

Leave it to the Yankees and Red Sox to go extra innings in the last game of the year between the 2 clubs. No one ever said it would be easy and while the Red Sox are dear death, they clearly aren't dead yet. Long game.(Photo: Getty)
Mark Teixeira had a beautiful 2 run double in the first inning for the Yankees, it appeared we were on our way. Chris Dickerson had a sac RBI in the game.

Ivan Nova pitched OK. In 6 innings, he gave up 4 runs on 8 hits. He's been better, but I ain't made at him. After Nova, the Yankees used 7 pitchers and held down the Sox until Scott Proctor blew it but, more on that in a moment.

(Photo: Getty)
In the 6th inning, an amazing play by Austin Romine tagging Dustin Pedroia trying to get home. The picture above clearly captures the out. But look, this is athletic on both ends and for Romine, a rookie to be thrown into that and succeeding is something special. They always said Romine's defense was great, here's a great example of that.

In the extra innings, there was a horrendous call at first. Dustin Pedroia sliding into first and a running quick throw from Ramiro Pena at third to Nick Swisher at first base. Pedroia was clearly out with the naked eye, but when I saw the play in YES-mo, I became a crazy person. Joe Girardi was right to fight that battle and he getting thrown out, was better than risking Nick arguing the call and getting tossed. It also was a tactic to energize the Yankees who weren't hitting in the later innings, but it didn't work.

Scott Proctor, who's really not too great, allowed Jacoby Ellsbury to give one a ride in the 14th inning, a 3 run shot to make it 7-4. Not too good. The Yankees really wanted this game, and it was a mistake by Proctor and perhaps, may I suggest, a mistake by Tony Pena to put him in. Look, I like Scott Proctor, but the numbers don't look too good. Clearly there's a reason why he let up that home run to Ellsbury. Why wouldn't we use Luis Ayala? He was available. Well, what can you do.

One final thought. Anyone hear Baba O'Riley by the Who being played when Brett Gardner came out? My take on this is simple, that's Paul O'Neill song. It's sacred and it shouldn't be played for any other player ever. Just saying, I loved the Warrior and everytime I hear that song, I think of Paul O'Neill.

Final Score of Game 2: Red Sox 7 - Yankees 4

Don't look now, the Red Sox aren't dead yet.

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WHY JESUS MAKES THE YANKEES BETTER

(Photo: Getty)
Ian Begley of ESPN has a nugget about how Joe Girardi stated that Russell Martin would be the main catcher, catching every playoff game. Read it HERE. Girardi says: "I think he’s more than capable of playing every day, every playoff game behind home plate. That’s not really a question in my mind."
(Photo: Russell Martin/Getty)
Now, that's no surprise, the real concern is the backup. Who would it be? With Austin Romine being terrific defensively, it would be a logical choice, but don't forget Jesus Montero and his incredible bat and he could also catch by the way. But look at the bat for a moment; the kid is batting .346 with 4 home runs and 12 RBIs and an OBP of .414 right now. Montero can be the Yankees designated hitter in the playoffs, but if Russell Martin we're to get hurt or couldn't play, he can clearly catch if needed and Jorge Posada can slide into the DH role.(Photo: Getty)
Justin Havens of ESPN has a great piece about Jesus Montero today and the need to have him in the lineup. Read it HERE. He writes:

"Montero has been the Yankees’ best performer since his call-up on Sept. 1...he’s posted a .438 batting average on balls in play and a 27.8 percent line-drive rate, both of which would lead MLB, so they’re essentially unsustainable. However, it is reasonable to expect he will continue to represent an upgrade on what the team had received from its designated hitters to this point. Specifically, Montero has already outproduced Jorge Posada despite more than 300 fewer plate-appearances."
And let's take a moment to pat Bleeding Yankee Blue on the back too, ok? On September 1st, we posted WHY MONTERO WILL STIMULATE THE YANKEES. Well, he has... You're welcome.
Look, I'm no mind reader, but it was clear that this kid was going to be something special. Anyone could have written that piece. The fact of the matter is having youngsters with potential in an already energized lineup mixed with seasoned veterans, younger guys, and free agent signings brings a span of experience, players feed off each other, and the kids get woven in nicely. What? It doesn't make sense? As a 1996 Derek Jeter... I'm sure he'd tell you.

No doubt, Montero's on a tear. No doubt the Yankees are on a tear... No doubt we're rolling toward 28. I can't wait.

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WHY BYB YANKEE NEWS IS GOOD FOR YOU

A few notes about some of the Yankees that are such brief updates, I wanted to just let you know about them and didn’t want to waste your time with an entire post. I added alittle of my opinion as well... so sue me. Check it out:

Joba Chamberlain: Joba sent about a tweet earlier today to let all of Yankeeland know that he started catch today. It is important for 1 important reason, Joba Chamberlain is on schedule. That’s good, especially after Tommy John Surgery, it takes several weeks to get back on track. Joba's up to his 14th week. I know, everyone’s forgotten about good ol’ Joba. With the bullpen we have right now, who needs him, right? I like the kid and I'm looking forward to him returning. No doubt if Joba Chamberlain was healthy he’d be contributing in that amazing pen too. It just so happens he got hurt... that’s life and that’s baseball. By the way, speaking of our awesome pen, be sure to read WHY THE YANKEES PEN IS THE BEST IN BASEBALL.

Francisco Cervelli: Cervelli has been battling concussion symptoms for a few weeks now and it was revealed today by Joe Girardi that Cervelli will not be on the postseason roster. Read HERE. This is Cervelli’s 3^rd concussion. Well, look, my only point is, do we really need Cervelli anyway at this point? We have Russell Martin as our primary catcher and kids like Austin Romine and Jesus Montero anyway. Plus, Jorge Posada is on the bench and I’m sure ready to pounce if needed. The other underlying question are of those three guys, which of them will make the postseason roster to back up Martin. With Cervelli now on the shelf and normally the backup catcher, the Yankees will clearly need to bring 1 backup and 1 bench guy, I would guess. I suspect if the Yankees had to choose, they would pick Jorge Posada for bench help as well as for veteran experience. I suspect they’d bring Jesus Montero because of his power bat as well as his back up catching abilities. Who knows, maybe they can bring Romine too. I'd love to see Romine and Montero both on the postseason rosters.

Phil Hughes: Phil was supposed to pitch today but due to back spasms, they scratched him at the last minute for Hector Noesi. What a year for Hughes, he’s had plenty of problems this year. It seems the back spasms have been bothering him for about a week and started when the team was in Toronto. This is the first time in Hughes career that he’s experienced back issues. Read HERE.

When more Yankees notes come about, I’ll be sure to bring them to you here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. Promise.

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THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT AT YANKEE CATCHER

(Photo: Getty)
The Yankees have many questions in numerous positions including starting pitcher, shortstop, 3rd basemen, and outfield for the future of the franchise. But there is one huge bright spot that the Yankees have covered for years to come...Catcher.Currently the Yankees starting catcher Russell Martin is doing more than enough to deserve a new contract, but because the farm system is so stacked, Martin may not get one with the Yankees youngsters Jesus Montero, and Austin Romine waiting in the wings.

Both have recently been called up, and both have shined as the future of our team. Between the fans and Montero and Romine, it's a true love connection. Montero is obviously option #1 because of his bat, while Romine is a close second as a defensive upgrade over Montero.

Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com has a great piece about both Montero and Romine. In it, he talks about the day in day out learning curve for both of them this September, and how they approach each day as they feel happy to be part of the big club.

Gonzalez writes: " Romine and Montero have prepared by poring over their scouting binders and trying to soak up as much knowledge about the Yankees' pitching staff as possible.

'I need to know what we need to do and how to pitch certain guys,' Romine said. 'Being the young guy, I want them to know that I take this seriously and that I care deeply about our pitchers throwing well.'"

He goes on:

Montero would figure to be in the Yankees' postseason plans because of his bat. But if Cervelli -- on the disabled list retroactive to Sept. 9 -- continues to be out, there's a chance both would make the Yankees' postseason roster.

"'I don't know what's going to happen in the playoffs,' Montero said. 'I hope to be with the team. I'm hoping, like whenever they give me an opportunity, however I can help, I'll be here. It's going to be the best to be in the playoffs.'

'I really haven't [thought about being on the postseason roster],' Romine added. 'I've got so much stuff going on right now, and if that happens, that would be another amazing thing going on in my life. But for right now, I have to worry about getting through [the next game] and showing that I can catch; that I belong here and that I can do it.'' Read the full piece HERE.

I tell you what, the future looks exciting. Look, we love Russell Martin here at BYB, but the reality is, the catcher position was stacked for a reason. We believe in these kids and who knows how long Russell Martin will be with us. Even 19 year old Gary Sanchez is down on the farm and expected to grow into a superstar in the next few years. Our catchers will be the bright spot of the Yankees for years to come, and I am as excited as anyone to see these players develop.

--Will Cohen, BYB Staff Writer

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WHY BYB YANKEE NOTES ARE AWESOME

Lots of Yankee name dropping and lots of information coming out of Yankeeland, take a look:Mariano Rivera: The New York Times has a story about how Mariano Rivera saying he’d like to play center field at least 1 time before the end of his career. Sure after 600 saves, that’s the logical next step, but let’s be honest, even though I’m curious about how he’d do, why are we talking about this? We in sports are constantly talking about how we hate old guys in the outfield, right? Even when Johnny Damon was here, many thought he just couldn't hack centerfield, and he was younger than Mo and a trained outfielder. When the discussion came about about Derek Jeter eventually moving to the outfield (Read it HERE), sports writers were suggesting how silly it was. Outfield is about youth and speed out there. I will say this though, Mo is one of the most athletic pitchers out there and he’s got some speed in him. I bet if anyone was to do it, Mo could. Read about it HERE.

Francisco Cervelli: If you didn’t know, you know now; Cervelli was put on the 15 day DL because of concussion symptoms. Read about it HERE. The Yankees also have a lot of catchers right now, so what’s the rush, right? Between Russell Martin, Austin Romine, Jesus Montero and maybe Jorge Posada, we got home plate covered. According to Billy Eppler, a Yankee scout, this was done so there is a record of it. I can see it now, they’ll give Cervelli a clean bill of health…and he’ll fist pump.

Pedro Feliciano: With rotator cuff surgery just completed for Feliciano, you can kiss this lefty goodbye. I just read Dan Barbarisi’s piece HERE and it pretty much maps out the fact that Feliciano will never pitch as a New York Yankee. I was fun while it lasted. Actually, no it wasn’t, this was a silly signing because it was suggested he was hurt when he came to the Yankees. Pedro pitched a lot for the Mets and it’s clear, they killed this poor guy's career. Maybe one day he’ll get back out there, but not in New York, that’s for sure.

Ian Kennedy: Anyone notice one of our old babies is “All groweds up” as Vince Vaughn famously said in Swingers. Ian Kennedy is 19-4 with the Arizona Diamondbacks this year. Good for him. I never really cared for Kennedy because I probably bought into all the hype of Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes at the time. One things for sure though, Kennedy is surging and he’s the only one having a good season out of the three. It makes you think, that’s all. Read about Kennedy HERE.

When more names and more info is available on anything Yankees, we'll give it to you. Keep it here on Bleeding Yankee Blue.

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