Pre-Derby Bits: Futures Game, Posada Catching, A-Rumors, Rotation Configuration

Here are a couple of news items that may interest you:

• Michael Fensom has a nice read out on Jesus Montero (C) and Ramiro Pena (SS), two touted prospects in the Yankees’ farm system. Both players represented NY in this week’s Futures Game. They played on the World Team, which squared off against the Team USA squad (and won).
• Jorge Posada seems like he’s fine with catching after seeing his playing time behind the dish cut down considerably. Part of it had to do with the teams the Yankees were facing (Tampa Bay, Red Sox) and how well they’ve run on their opponents. However, Jorge’s shoulder definitely appears to be an ongoing problem and he’ll likely get days off when facing the quicker teams in the league.
• Next, we have a story on A-Rod and his wife, Cynthia. Apparently, Scott Boras stepped into their personal situation in order to arrange a truce between the two. According to the Daily News, it’s unknown whether or not Boras was helping to hasten what could be a messy divorce, or if he was simply trying to help with damage control (public relations). Either way, the DN reports that Boras has the Yankees’ support (and “blessings”) and that anything he can do to get A-Rod’s mind back to baseball would be wonderful.
• Finally, the Yankees’ second half rotation will open with Mike Mussina, then Joba Chamberlain, then Andy Pettitte. I like sandwiching Moose and Pettitte with Joba, as he’ll provide a very different look in comparison to his older teammates. The top 3 will be followed by Sidney Ponson (a number 4 starter, wow) and Darrell Rasner. Only time will tell how long this rotation can hold up. I’m not sold on Ponson and Rasner right now, so I’d expect that to change, somehow (whether from within or from an external party).