Saturday, May 11, 2013

Yanks Could Call Up David Adams Next Week

I haven't seen it confirmed by many other reporters, but according to Mark Feinsand the Yankees are planning on calling up David Adams next week to assume the full-time replacement third base job while Kevin Youkilis is on the DL.  Adams, who was surprisingly released by the team in March due to the roster problems, is eligible to be called up on May 15th per MLB's rules on player release and re-sign and would be another option to help cover for the loss of Youkilis.  With Eduardo Nunez still banged up, the team has few options on the left side and Chris Nelson has been little help.

Adams, who also happens to turn 26 on May 15th, has been raking since returning to Triple-A SWB.  He's currently hitting .314/.404/.477 in 99 PA, with 9 XBH, 9 RBI, and a healthy 11.1% BB rate.  He's been the full-time third baseman for the RailRiders, and has also recently got some work at second and first.  Adams' right-handedness would not only be a likely upgrade to the production of Nunez/Nix/Nelson, he could also offer some depth behind Cano and Overbay on the right side, and they're two players that could probably use a day off.

Adams doesn't project as that type of hitter in the Majors, but he's a likely upgrade over what the Yanks have right now and this is his best shot to break into the show.  If it happens, it sounds like a good move.

Game 34 Wrap-Up: NYY 11 KC 6

(All of the high fives and fist bumps to Mr. Overbay.  Courtesy of the AP)

The Yanks got their "8 in 7" road trip off to a good start by taking 2 of 3 in Colorado, and they were looking to keep the momentum going in Kansas City last night with Phil Hughes on the mound.  The Royals are off to a good start of their own this year, and finally appear to be taking advantage of all the high draft picks they've had in recent years.  It wasn't to be for them last night, however, as the Yankees jumped all over starter Wade Davis early and never let up on their way to a big offensive night.

Game Notes:

- Davis retired the top of the order 1-2-3 in the top of the 1st, then got in all kinds of trouble in the 2nd.  Travis Hafner drew a leadoff walk and scored on an Ichiro 2-run HR, Jayson Nix doubled and scored on a Lyle Overbay 2-run HR, and Hughes had himself a 4-0 lead.

- He gave most of it back quickly and in very frustrating fashion.  After putting the first 2 runners on, he struck out 2 in a row and had Jarrod Dyson 0-2 before falling back to 2-2 and throwing one 4-seamer too many for a 3-run homer.

- The Lyle Overbay show was just beginning.  He drove in another run in the 4th with a double and another in the 6th as part of a 5-run inning that finally broke the game open.  Chris Nelson also got in on the act with a 2-run single, and Brett Gardner plated him with an RBI triple.

- Hughes never got back on track, giving up runs in the 5th and 6th, and his night ended before he could get out of the 6th inning.  He threw strikes, just didn't locate his fastball consistently.

- The bullpen was real short behind him, but that didn't stop it from being effective.  Shawn Kelley was spectacular in 2.1 innings behind Hughes, allowing 0 baserunners and striking out 6.  Boone Logan K'd 2 himself in the 9th.

- Just for good measure, Overbay drove in another run on a GB single in the 9th.