Around the Empire: Yankees news - 8/12/16

Around A-Rod the Empire

NJ.com | Brendan Kuty: Today is the final game in Alex Rodriguez’s (Yankee?) career. He asked Joe Girardi if he could play third base because that’s what he played for the majority of his Yankee career and it would be nice for the fans, but Girardi said no. While it’s lame as a fan, it’s at least an understandable decision from Girardi this time around who has had a rough week.

New York Post | Dan Martin: The forecast for tonight’s game is not pretty. Rain could end up ruining A-Rod’s final game who says there is no current contingency plan in place in case it gets postponed. A-Rod is staying optimistic though, and just hoping and believing it won’t rain. The Yankees also announced they plan on recognizing A-Rod before tonight’s game, so if you’re planning on attending they suggested being in seats by 6:50pm for a 7:35pm start time.

ESPN | Jayson Stark: Surveying 24 executives from around MLB, the majority believe that tonight will be A-Rod’s final game ever. Nine executives, however, did say this isn’t the end and he’d “be back” and of those five believe he’ll end up in Miami. The Yankees were also reportedly willing to eat all of A-Rod’s salary in a potential trade earlier in the year, but found no partners. Tanya has more on this and other Yankee rumors involving Brian McCann, Brett Gardner, and others.

Today’s Knuckleball | Jon Heyman: It’s not exactly surprising that the executives references above believe A-Rod could end up in Miami. Reportedly, the Marlins have had internal discussions about bringing him on board. However, this all seems very unlikely considering no team was interested in him during the trade deadline and probably doesn’t get further than internal discussions.

Today’s Knuckleball | Miles Wray: After needing eight innings from the bullpen on Wednesday night, the Yankees called up RHP Ben Heller from Scranton ahead of yesterday’s finale against the Red Sox. Heller, acquired in the deal that sent Andrew Miller to Cleveland, is likely the only one of the four prospects acquired in that deal that will be called up this year. If nothing else, it’s still pretty cool that the youngster can say that he was Alex Rodriguez’s teammate for two days. (Bet you didn’t think I could spin this to relate it to A-Rod.)

Fun Questions

• Inspired from Harlan’s comment yesterday, what should be Ben Heller’s warm up song?
• Predict A-Rod’s line for tonight’s game.

Song of the Day

Numb/Encore by Linkin Park ft. Jay-Z

It’s Rod Week on Pinstripe Alley. Considering tonight is A-Rod’s last game in pinstripes, I don’t think there is a more fitting song. Just look at the lyrics:

Now can I get an encore, do you want more

Cookin raw with the Brooklyn boy

So for one last time I need y'all to roar

Now what the hell are you waitin for

After me, there shall be no more

So for one last time, ***** make some noise

Anyone going to the game tonight, make sure to roar for A-Rod! As always, please link us your song of the day.

Didi Victory Tweet

Rod Tweet of the Day

How far we’ve come. We’ll miss you, A-Rod!