Around the Empire: Yankees news - 5/6/16

Around the Empire

ESPN | Marly Rivera: After defecting from Cuba and being banished from the Cuban national team, Aroldis Chapman would love to go pitch for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Now that he's a US citizen, all he needs is an invitation from Jim Leyland.

NJ.com | Ryan Hatch: In the middle of the fourth inning in yesterday's loss, Joe Girardi was tossed from the game for arguing with third base umpire Chris Guccione. Girardi believed Orioles' starter Kevin Gausman should have been called for a balk with Starlin Castro on third base. The way Masahiro Tanaka pitched yesterday, this possibly cost them the game-winning run.

Wall Street Journal | Michael Salfino: Michael Pineda has been extremely disappointing so far in 2016. Salfino notes that a lack of command, efficiency, and ability to battle back from being behind in the count could be attributed to his struggles. While he still has time to turn the season around, time is also passing by quickly as we're already a month into the season.

NJ.com | Brendan Kuty: Although Nick Swisher's bat has been impressive during his stint in AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, his running has left much to be desired. This isn't really surprising, however, as he's had arthroscopic surgery on both knees. This is partially why the Yankees haven't called him up as he can't really play the outfield anymore, so he's really only an option at first base and DH which is currently occupied by Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez/Carlos Beltran while A-Rod is out.

New York Post | Ryan Lazo: The "rivalry" between the Yankees and the Red Sox has been pretty dormant the last few years. There are a few reasons for this, not the least of which being that both teams haven't been very good in a long time (having a rivalry manufactured and shoved down your throat 19 times a year doesn't help either). Former Yankees third baseman Aaron Boone thinks the teams are primed to be good again soon and possibly reignite the rivalry.

Fun Questions

• The Yankees are on right now. I'm watching [ insert answer here ] instead!
• Would you have let Betances pitch another inning or brought in Miller to start the 10th instead of Barbato?

Song of the Day

Enter Sandman by Metallica

It's Nostalgia Week on Pinstripe Alley. Personally, nothing gets me feeling more nostalgic than hearing this song and remembering the good times with Mariano Rivera. Sorry to make you feel things this Friday, but might as well add to it with the hug of eternal feels. I'm now sad and emotional and miserable and you should be too. Miss you, Mo. As always, please link us your song of the day.