Around the Empire: Yankees news - 8/6/16

Around the Empire

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: The biggest news from yesterday is that Mark Teixeira will be returning to his one true passion, hosting Foul Territory with Mark Teixeira. That’s not actually true, even though I really want it to be. The Yankees’ first baseman is calling it a career after this season. Teixeira held an emotional, feels inducing press conference stating that his body just isn’t healthy enough for him to do this anymore. Teixeira stated how proud he was to wear the pinstripes and how grateful he was for his eight years on the Yankees.

Wall St. Journal | Michael Salfino: Mark Teixeira decided to become a switch-hitter while watching Eddie Murray as a kid. That decision would pay dividends. When his career ends this year, Tex will go down as one of the best switch-hitters in all of baseball. Here’s a look at how Teixeira compares to the top ten switch-hitters of all time. You might note that there’s quite a few Yankees on that list.

New York Post | Larry Brooks: With how bad and how frequently injured Teixeira has been this year, many Yankee fans were counting the days until his contract expired. However, it is a contract that no Yankee fan should have any regrets about. When he was signed for the 2009 season, the Yankees were coming off of their first season in over a decade in which they didn’t make the playoffs. Mark Teixeira’s incredible 2009 led to a World Series. His career as a Yankee should be looked at with admiration.

New York Daily News | Justin Tasch: You may have noticed that there’s a lot of Mark Teixeira news in today’s Around the Empire section. Well here’s a little more. One thing that Teixeira wants to do during his final weeks in pinstripes is tutor his backup, Rob Refsnyder, on how to improve his fielding at the position. Ref has already been under Teixeira’s tutelage, which is good to know. He will probably not find a better defensive mentor than Tex at first base.

Newsday | Kenny DeJohn: Former Yankees’ game enderer Andrew Miller made his return to the Bronx last night. Miller does miss the pinstripes, but stated that he was happy that he got to play for the Yankees. Terry Francona is certainly glad to have him. Who wouldn’t be? Of course, laziness has already overtaken him. He is sporting a tad more facial hair.

New York Daily News | Peter Botte: Gary Sanchez has thus far impressed with his offense. Last night he got his chance to show us what he can do on defense and he did not disappoint. Sanchez threw out two Cleveland players attempting to steal second. Mark Teixeira praised Sanchez’s arm and said that he’s really looking forward to seeing him play for the rest of the season. I think we all are.

LoHud Yankees Blog | Chad Jennings: With the Yankees trading Carlos Beltran to the Texas Rangers on Monday, Aaron Hicks has been seeing a lot more playing time. Despite his abysmal offensive numbers, the Yankees are still hopeful that he can turn it around. Even if he does, there are talented outfield prospects like Aaron Judge and Clint Frazier waiting in the wings. How long Hicks remains in pinstripes is anyone’s guess.

Fun Questions

• What is your favorite Mark Teixeira moment?
• What is your favorite episode of Foul Territory with Mark Teixeira?

Song of the Day

Against All Odds by Phil Collins

It’s Breakup Week on Pinstripe Alley. Considering the trade deadline and now Mark Teixeira announcing his retirement, this might have been the most perfect choice of theme week in the history of the Song of the Day section. Take a look at me now! As always, please link us your song of the day.

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