Yankees News and Notes: Locked and Loaded

The Yankees finally broke through with the bases loaded when Curtis Granderson launched a second inning grand slam, but the Tigers continued their struggles with the bags full by striking out and grounding into a double play in their two chances. For all the talk of the Yankees' futility with the bases full, the team's frustration has been nothing compared to the Tigers, who entered yesterday's game hitting .114/.158/.143 (sOPS+ of -17) with the bags juiced.

Rafael Soriano recorded his seventh save with Mariano Rivera-like efficiency, needing only two pitches to help the Yankees escape from a bases loaded jam. It hasn't always been as easy in his first month since taking over for Rivera, but so far, the right hander has been able to handle the role by doing things his way.

Brett Gardner reported no pain after taking a round of batting practice, which has Yankees' manager Joe Girardi optimistic about the speedy outfielder returning to the team by the end of next week. Meanwhile, David Robertson was forced to postpone his scheduled bullpen session because of rain, but the Yankees are still hoping to have the reliever back by the middle of June.

ESPN's Keith Law released his latest mock draft, which has the Yankees selecting high school right hander Duane Underwood with the 30th overall pick. According to Law, the Yankees are focusing on prep arms, but would be willing to draft a big offensive player should one fall to them.

If Astros' scout Hal Newhouser had his way, the 20th anniversary of Derek Jeter's selection in the draft would have been celebrated in Houston. Instead, the Astros' mistake was the Yankees' gain, leaving Michigan native Dick Groch as the scout still taking bows.

It took 50 years, but the Mets finally got to celebrate their first no hitter, leaving the San Diego Padres as the only team that has never had the honor (for a historical look at no-hitters by franchise, click here). The Yankees' first no hitter came in the franchise's 17th season when George Mogridge shutdown the Boston Red Sox. Since then, the Bronx Bombers have added 10 more to their ledger.

What does it take to divert the attention of a Yankees' fan from a very important game? How about $5 billion?