An Assortment Of Bits

I wasn’t able to post much yesterday so I just wanted to rundown a few items of interest.

1. The Yankees didn’t trade for Jarrod Washburn (or Kyle Lohse of the Cardinals). The Mariners were reportedly asking for tremendous packages for their players (Ibanez, Beltre, Washburn, etc.) and Brian Cashman just wasn’t going to bite. Instead, we learn that Cashman is still working his pitcher rejuvenation program, signing Victor Zambrano to a minor league deal (I don’t think we’ll see him at all). I’d expect Ian Kennedy to be the first internal option to get the nod if Sidney Ponson just craps out on us (again) tonight.

2. Andy Pettitte had a tough outing last night, giving up 2 homers to the Angels (who don’t even seem like a home run hitting ball club). Hopefully he and Pudge can figure something out for their next go around, because we need Pettitte to step up and have strong outings from hereon in.

3. Phil Hughes has been activated from the DL and will continue working his way up the pitching totem pole. He’ll be with Class A Charleston for a bit longer and then, assuming everything goes well, he’ll move up.

4. The Yankees are relieved that Manny has now changed leagues. However, Derek Jeter steps up and gives us some perspective, stating that the Yankees can’t worry about or be fixated on what Boston does (this is what a captain does).

5. Edwar Ramirez was suspended for 3 games after his Millar incident. Daniel Cabrera, who hit Alex Rodriguez the day before Edwar did his thing, got a 6-game suspension (he’s a starter). Ramirez will appeal the suspension and maybe they’ll shave a game off.

6. The Yankees have traded Alberto Gonzalez for Jhonny Nunez (Nationals). Nunez, 22, is a relief pitcher and has a 1.13 ERA in AA ball. I guess the Yankees figured Cody Ransom’s defense is good enough if they need to call someone up for their glove.