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Around the Empire
NJ.com | Brendan Kuty: Carlos Beltran sat out yesterday's game against the Rockies after waking up with some knee soreness. Being that Beltran is the team's best hitter, losing him for any amount of time would be troublesome for the Yankees. Joe Girardi used the word "worrisome" to describe it, but hopefully he just needs a day and is ready to go today.
New York Post | Joel Sherman: Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon was placed on the disabled list due to a strained rib cage. The timing couldn't be better for the Yankees, who have been linked to the Nationals in trade rumors. If the Nationals feel desperate enough to not stick with Shawn Kelley as their closer, they could possibly be inclined to meet the Yankees' price demands for one of their relievers. Aroldis Chapman for Bryce Harper, who says no? Hands off Andrew Miller though!
New York Times | Billy Witz: Assuming the Yankees successfully sign Blake Rutherford, Nick Solak, and Nolan Martinez (the money they're saving seems to indicate they should be able to), the farm system for the Yankees has to eventually start producing. This year's draft class is likely still a few years away, but for a couple years now fans have heard how the Yankees farm system has improved. The Yankees need to start reaping the benefits of having the likes of Greg Bird, Luis Severino, Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge, and Jorge Mateo in their system.
CBS Sports | Ryan Chatelain: The Yankees rotation was supposed to be their weakest link. While they started April off weakly, overall they've seem to pick up their own slack by going deeper in games and keeping the team in games. Unfortunately, they haven't been good enough to make up for the offense which has been mostly lousy.
Newsday | Erik Boland: Ike Davis is excited about getting a chance to come to New York and play for the Yankees. He mentions that he turned down the team before the season began because his rehab facility was in Arizona, where the Rangers have spring training, and there being less pressure to come back quickly in Texas.
Fun Questions
- What should Ike Davis' home run call be?
- Who is the "Hit King" in this admittedly manufactured debate: Pete Rose or Ichiro Suzuki?
Song of the Day
I'm a Believer by The Monkees
It's Old Timey Week on Pinstripe Alley. I know a lot of y'all are believers when it comes to the 2016 Yankees, right? Certainly you haven't written off the season yet. No you wouldn't do that, would you? As always, please link us your song of the day.