:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49959403/468728638.0.jpg)
Around the Empire
ESPN | Darren Rovell: In a stunning move, the Yankees are expected to announce a major deal with StubHub for the site to become the team’s official resale partner. The Yankees will reportedly announce the details of the deal later today, but the deal is expected to take effect as early as right after the All-Star Game. (Update: Fans will be allowed to bring mobile tickets from StubHub, though print-at-home tickets the day of will not be allowed because... reasons, I guess.)
Providence Journal | Brian MacPherson: Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations for the Red Sox, was recently asked how the rivalry between his team and the Yankees would affect him in the trade market. Dombrowski said that if the two teams matched up, he wouldn’t shy away from a trade regardless of the rivalry. He does make a point of saying that if both teams are “in it” then the chances of a trade were lower.
NJ.com | Ryan Hatch: Aaron Judge has been on a tear for the Triple-A RailRiders recently, and we’re not the only ones who’ve noticed. Joe Girardi says that he has paid attention to Judge’s hot streak, noting he’s not only hitting fastballs, but breaking balls as well. The chances of Judge getting called up anytime soon are still low, but he could come up for a weekend like Refsnyder did last year, or likely a September call-up. If nothing else, he’s at least showing he can hit Triple-A pitching, which could ease some concerns of him being ready for the majors.
Today’s Knuckleball | Wayne Cavadi: The Yankees have a decent amount of big name prospects to follow in Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Luis Severino to name a few. They might very well have another name to add to that list soon, Nestor Cortes. Cortes, selected in the 36th round of the 2013 MLB Draft, has been dominating hitters at Low-A Charleston, without having overpowering stuff. He’s still likely a while away from even sniffing the Bronx, but someone to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
SILive.com | Cormac Gordon: When the Staten Island Yankees opened up back in 2001, they welcomed 6,854 fans to a 7,171-seat ballpark. Since then, however, the average attendance number has dropped significantly. On the team’s 15th anniversary this past Friday, the recorded attendance was down to only 3,437. While that would be okay for most minor league teams, the Staten Island team comes with lofty expectations given that it has easy access to millions of New Yorkers. They’re looking at ways to improve their attendance numbers, perhaps this is why they have a rebranding plan in motion.
Fun Questions
- Thoughts on the Yankees being able to strike a deal with StubHub? Excited, disappointed, meh?
- What is it called: Slushie/Icee/Slurpee/Not listed (if so, what?)?
Song of the Day
Guitar Slinger by Crossin Dixon
It’s Old Timey Country Week on Pinstripe Alley. Apparently we decided not to just make it forever Old Timey Week. Today’s song actually was my introduction to Country music, probably the first song I really liked and still my favorite Country song. It also has a connection to the Yankees because for a couple years, it used to be Brett Gardner’s walk-up song. As always, please link us your song of the day.