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Around the Empire
NY Daily News | Mark Feinsand: After deciding to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, Dustin Ackley's season is effectively over. For now, the Yankees plan on sticking with Austin Romine as the backup first baseman, but they could make some moves to change that at any time.
Baseball Prospectus Bronx | Nick Ashbourne: While Jeff Sullivan has said that his favorite fact about Andrew Miller was how many swings he induces inside and outside the strike zone, Miller is also very good at not wasting pitches. He is among the top pitchers in baseball (starters and relievers) in getting three-pitch strikeouts.
NY Daily News | Mark Feinsand: While the 2016 season has been disappointing so far for the Yankees, there is at least one glimmer of hope down in the minor leagues. Top prospect Jorge Mateo has recently started getting in work at second base and has impressed the Yankees' brass. Not only with his bat and his speed, but his defense, acclimating to the new position, has also received high praise.
The Players' Tribune | Carlos Beltran: In his first post for the Players' Tribune, Carlos Beltran discusses growing up in Puerto Rico and what baseball meant to youngsters on the island. He goes on to discuss how Roberto Clemente, one of his idols, was looked at as more than just a baseball player but as a cultural and historical icon. (Also available in Spanish.)
New York Post | Joel Sherman: Michael Pineda has been one of the worst, arguably even the worst, starting pitcher in the league this season. With his almost 7 ERA, once fans learned he could be optioned to the minors they have been clamoring for it. While he still has two options and the Yankees can send him down, that's not going to be an option for long. On June 14th, Pineda will have accrued four years and 172 days of service time, or five years of service time, in which case he can't be sent down without his permission. Time is running out to do something.
Fun Questions
- You're riding into battle, what's your weapon choice: sword, bow & arrow, or axe?
- What's your favorite beach?
Song of the Day
The Rains of Castamere by Sigur Rós
It's Swords and Sorcery Week on Pinstripe Alley. Tonight's selection comes from a little known TV show called Game of Thrones. This iteration of the song can be found in season four, notably during what is now known as the "Purple Wedding." As always, please link us your song of the day.