Yankees News: Old-Timers honored, All-Stars named, Qualls acquired & Wade demoted

On a sweltering hot day in the Bronx, the New York Yankees had a busy day across the organization. They celebrated their 66th annual Old-Timer’s Day, revealed their 2012 All-Star selections and completed a trade with hopes to bolster their bullpen.

Yankees’ greats and Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, Ricky Henderson and Goose Gossage were among close to fifty former players honored who once donned the Pinstripes. The group included several members of the Yankees’ dynasty from the late 90s/early 00s. Bernie Williams took some hacks in the cage, as did Tino Martinez, while Paul O’Neill poked a batting practice pitch into the seats where he once aimed for bulls-eyes in the old Yankee Stadium. It’s a wonderful tradition and always cool to see Yogi and Whitey, who this year were driven in on a golf cart. It’s great to hear the players chat during the game and basically loaf around the field having fun.

All-Stars selected

The Yankees had three position players, Derek Jeter (SS), Curtis Granderson (OF) and Robinson Cano (2B) selected by fans for the MLB All-Star game to be held at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City on July 10, 2012. The club also had one starting pitcher named, CC Sabathia, but unfortunately he will miss his third straight selection due to injury.

Jeter, who beat out Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus, will be making his seventh straight start at shortstop and 13th overall All-Star appearance. Granderson makes his second-straight start (third overall appearance) for the American League squad and finished second to Rangers outfield Josh Hamilton in the outfield voting. Cano roared past Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler in the final two weeks of fan voting to earn his third straight start and fourth overall appearance in the Mid-Summer Classic. Cano is also the captain for the American League Home Run Derby participants which will be announced later today.

Yanks make bullpen moves

The Philadelphia Phillies traded Chad Qualls to the Yankees for a player to be named later or cash considerations yesterday. Qualls, a hard-throwing righty with closing experience, was designated for assignment by the Phillies on June 28. He was 1-1 with a 4.60 ERA in 35 appearances with the Phillies. Qualls has been a part of five major league teams before the trade to the Yankees. He has 58 saves during his nine-year career. He will be in uniform tonight in Tampa.

Matt Antonelli was designated for assignment in order to make room for Qualls on the 40-man roster. Cory Wade was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to clear a spot on the 25-man roster. Wade finished the month of June with a 13.97 ERA (15 ER in 9 2/3 innings) after two successful months in which he was a go-to guy for manager Joe Girardi while David Robertson was on the disabled list.