Yanks Go Yard » Darnell McDonald

Suzuki? Swisher? The Yankees’ 2013 right field dilemma

Benjamin Orr — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:00:16 +0000

The acquisition of Ichiro Suzuki was not only surprising, but a decent acquisition at that. Playing 11 1/2 years for one team, in this case the Seattle Mariners is quite the feat. However, there comes a point when you realize you’re more than likely going to be in the Hall of Fame and yet you still lack a ring. Ichiro said himself he had interest in playing for the New York Yankees, and well now, he is. Nick Swisher on the other hand is a guy who has always provided a solid bat with a solid glove and has a World Series ring to prove it. Both these men will be on the roster come October, because let’s face it, unless we collapse and the Baltimore Orioles or Tampa Bay Rays just can do no wrong, we’re making it to the postseason. This is familiar turf for most of the Yankees, except Ichiro. Will he finally get his ring? That’s a discussion for another time, because there is one underlying issue here, who plays right field next year? Ichiro and Swisher are both free agents after the season. Do we re-sign Ichiro? What about Swisher? How about starting anew in right field? Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres has been in much of the discussion so maybe he’ll be there. All of these and more are questions the Yankees will have to answer to and there is no easy decision. (more…)

Why Did the Yankees Claim Darnell McDonald Off Waivers?

C.J. Hangen — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:45:27 +0000

Wednesday, the New York Yankees claimed Darnell McDonald off waivers. McDonald has spent most of his career as a part-time outfielder for the rival Red Sox and the other half in the minors. His role, as a right-handed bat, has been as a platoon player against left-handed pitching. Most fans outside of New England might know him best for his recent Sports Center diving catch on a fly ball hit by Blue Jays 2B Kelly Johnson. So why would the Yankees pick up a limited novelty player cut by their arch rival? Let’s explore… (more…)

Yanks Go Yard Podcast Series Preview: Yankees at Red Sox (7/6-7/8)

Ricky Keeler — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:00:11 +0000

While the New York Yankees are coming off a tough series in Tampa Bay, they were able to avoid a sweep with a huge comeback win Wednesday. Once the Bombers got Rays’ ace David Price out of the game, the heart of the order (Robinson Cano) was able to get the clutch hit to send New York to Boston with some confidence. Starting tonight, the Yankees will play the Red Sox sixteen times over the next 81 games, but this edition of the rivalry comes with a unique twist of a player switching sides.

(more…)