Thames makes the team, Moeller signed for Triple-A
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Apr 03, 2010 
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Marcus Thames has made the Yankees roster as a reserve outfielder. He was told late yesterday and signed his paperwork this morning.
“That was a weight lifted off my shoulders,” he said.
Thames got off to a dreadful start this spring, but he seemed to get things going after a home run off lefty Nate Robertson during a road game against Detroit. He hit another home run the next day, all part of a four-game hitting streak that seemed to get him back on track.
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Nothing official from the team, but according to a source, the Yankees have signed Chad Moeller to a minor league contract and will have him backup Jesus Montero in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Moeller was released by the Orioles earlier this spring. The Yankees are expected to release Mike Rivera, who struggled in big league camp.
According to the source, the Yankees have also signed utility man Robby Hammock, who can catch and play the corners. He will also open in Triple-A, essentially taking the place of Jorge Vazquez, who will open on the disabled list.
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Damaso Marte, Francisco Cervelli and Jorge Posada each reported progress this morning. Marte will play catch, Posada will play in the game and Cervelli will catch in the bullpen, hit in the cage and ride a stationary bike. All three expect to be on the Opening Day roster.
Still waiting on an official announcement about the last bullpen spot.
UPDATE, 12:12 p.m.: Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves are in the bullpen. Boone Logan optioned to Triple-A.
MANDLEBAUM!
Chad Moeller is an upgrade over Mike Rivera.
A couple of years ago, Chad did well on the Yankees when Posada was out of commission due to surgery.
Is there still surprise about the last spot in the bullpen?
With Ace nearly healthy, there should not be any doubt.
I guess he can still wake up today with a sprained neck or something like that
Welcome back Chad.
See? That’s why you never burn your bridges. Feel bad for Rivera who caught yesterday’s game, but that’s life in the bigs. Interesting that Moeller is going to back up Montero in AAA, just as much a Posada/Cervelli insurance policy as he will likely play “Crash Davis” to Montero.
Not sure what Thames will do, but Winn will fit this team well. A late-innings outfield of Gardner, Granderson and Winn will be supurb defensively.
Thames will be mostly a pich hitter against left handers.
Until proven he can not handle, Gardner will get near fll-time at bats.
Win will start against tough left handers and he will be late game defensive replacement if Thames is in the game or for that matter even to replace Nick in Right field.
How do I email posts with this new format?
I hadn’t even given much thought to this game, but now that others have mentioned it – yes, it’s annoying. I don’t care that they don’t get a chance to work out at Fenway as nothing has changed there since it was built, but I agree that it’s ridiculous that they have to play a 3 hour game (at least) and then fly up. By the time they get to Boston, it will be 8 or 9pm.
Don’t even get me started on (a) playing the Sox so early, which is asinine and (b) playing them on the road.
Who else is on the team for the future all-stars?
time to step up & vote:
http://www.boston.com/sports/b.....breakdown/
Papelbon is way too close to Mo for comfort.
I even found myself casting a few votes for the Red Sox. I guess that makes it a pretty fair poll.
Ring and Logan both had terrific springs, but obviously I’m glad Aceves appears to be ok. If they go down to AAA and pitch well, I’m sure they will be recalled again at some point.
SJ, do you know who will be overseeing Phil’s extended ST? Will it be Scott Aldred?
Storyline: The Bombers beat the snot out of the Sox and Rays in Boston and Tampa and then open at the Stadium against the Angels with 2010 swagger.
I can see Moeller going into coaching and perhaps managing when his playing career is done. Also, when he parted with the Yankees beforehand, both sides said some really nice things about each other. Cashman probably wants him to mentor Jesus this season and will give him a shot if Posada or Cervelli gets hurt this season.
Chad Moeller was Matt Wieters’ “Crash Davis” last season.
In a couple of months it should interesting to hear his comparison between the two…
Logan should have been on this team.But he’ll be back soon I guess
So Mike Rivera will be released?Who will come up if Posada and/or Cervelli are injured?
Montero??
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports.....Uvj6o2LunN
Nice article, but Sherman is making WAY too much about Nick’s injury; he’ll be fine.
With Thames on board, now we have 39 of 40 filled and there is still one more spot for future use.
Is this correct?
Is any of the 40 on long term DL, who probalby will be moved to 60 day DL and a positon will open?
Moeller will take Rivera’s spot as the first catcher call-up, if necessary.
Exactly which pitcher did you want the Yankees to leave off to make room for Logan?
Welcome back Chad. Nice to have a veteran catcher who actually knows the team hanging around, just in case.
Solid squad this year, and I’m hoping for more speed on the bases translating to more hit-and-run and stolen bases. A-Rod, Jeter, Gardner and Granderson should each steal 30 bases, with Winn, Cervelli and Pena combining for another 20 or so.
Just got in, reading posts catching up, any word on the status of Nick Johnson?