A few notes and links: Right-handed outfielders and one left-handed reliever
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 21, 2013 
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Just a few quick notes from this cold Monday.
• The Yankees have signed outfielder Thomas Neal to a minor league contract. I believe it was Josh Norris who first pointed out that Neal’s twitter page described him as a member of the Yankees organization (that’s where I first saw it, anyway), and today Brian Cashman confirmed the signing. That’s one more right-handed outfield bat to put in the mix. Neal got into nine games for the Indians last season, and he’s put up pretty good minor league numbers. He’s primarily played the outfield corners, with a little bit of time at first and in center. Neal was designated for assignment and eventually released when the Indians signed Nick Swisher.
• Speaking of the Indians — and speaking of right-handed outfielders — Cleveland has agreed to minor league deals with Ben Francisco and Ryan Raburn. Both could have been cheap, fringy options for the Yankees bench. I especially like Raburn, who has a lot of defensive flexibility and has actually hit pretty well against lefties in his career.
• Speaking of minor league deals, the Mets have signed lefty Pedro Feliciano. The veteran signed a two-year deal with the Yankees before the 2011 season, but a shoulder injury kept him on the disabled list through the entirety of the contract. He’ll return to the Mets, where he pitched — probably too much — before signing with the Yankees.
• Down in Trenton, the Thunder have announced that they’re installing a big video board at Arm & Hammer Park. That’ll be a nice addition down there.
• In his new gig over at CBS Sports, Mike Axisa takes a look at the core of the Yankees determines that the current cornerstone of the franchise isn’t Robinson Cano (contract expires too soon), Derek Jeter (face of the franchise, but not necessarily the roster keystone), or Alex Rodriguez (more problem than solution at this point). Mike writes that it’s CC Sabathia who the Yankees seem to be building their team around. It’s good stuff, as always. Congratulations to Mike, who I’ve gotten to know a little bit over the years, and who does terrific work with Joe, Ben and the rest of the crew over at River Ave. Blues. He’ll be a nice addition to that CBS blog, and thankfully he’s not abandoning RAB.
If Feliciano ends up helping the Mets this season?
That’ll be funny.
Since starters only pitch once every five days, you need to build around position players, and you need to build around players under 30.
I’d rather it were James Neal, even though he’s a hockey player!:)
Chad, good news about the video. Now the Thunder need a radar gun.
Video *board
I sent condolences about Stan Musial to my dad, born and raised in a St. Louis suburb and a fan of the Cardinals growing up. I thought I would share part of his reply:
“Stan was a great role model for guys my age and led a very long, happy and exemplary life. He was Derek Jeter and Willis Reed combined for me.
I read today that Lillian died just last year, so I guess The Man figured his presence was no longer required.”
I thought that put things in a pretty good context. Kind of made me happy and sad at the same time.
It’s kinda sad that its happening now…..but it seems that a lot of folks are just now realizing how good Stan was….
Rich in NJ January 21st, 2013 at 7:00 pm
Since starters only pitch once every five days, you need to build around position players, and you need to build around players under 30.
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Another part of the plan that hasn’t worked out yet. Yrs ago back in 2008 in an article in the Daily News Hal stated the Yankees were going to be a team with mixed with young kids and vets. The veterans would serve as a guide to the young players. Smh what the f happened. I mean I know what happened but
Chad you are right, it’s really cold in ‘Sota. -8 with a wind chill of up to -50. Hope you are able to stay warm. Coldest day in 4 years with more to come tomorrow.