Debunking the DJ LeMahieu "problem"

I've heard many pundits sound baffled by Brian Cashman's decision to go into the season with no set spot for DJ LeMahieu. I'm here to shed some light into what I think Cash is thinking.

1. Injuries: To state the obvious, it was a miracle the Yankees actually left spring training with all 10 key lineup cogs intact, especially oft-injured Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson. The reality is, there's little to no chance the Yankees will make it through all season without a position player injury. As you'll see below, as soon as any starter goes down, DJ will have a secure everyday spot in the lineup.

10 things I'll tell my kids about Mariano Rivera

Today a co-worker asked me if I was still blogging and I told him the last thing I remember writing about was Mariano Rivera.

I was wrong. After touching on Mo's farewell season in April, I wrote about Craig Carton's book (which was fantastic) and the Yankees' corner infield conundrum (which no longer matters with Youk and Teix back on the DL).

With Mo receiving by far the coolest farewell gift from an opposing team and getting the last out in tonight's win – and with the blog on my mind – I decided to write some more about Mo, one of the few stars still suiting up these days for the Yankees.

I read listicles every day, as do many others. It's probably because most people don't like to read more than 140 characters at a time anymore and listicles are easy to skim. So, go ahead, if you even bothered to read my rambling intro, and check out the 10 things I'll tell my children about the greatest closer who ever lived.

Mitre to join Aceves on DL with oblique injury; Logan recalled

Everyone’s favorite Boone is back! **Cough, cough. Choke. Heart attack.** I’m talking about Boone Logan, you know, the left-handed specialist who can’t get lefties out and can’t pitch at Yankee Stadium. That Boone, not this guy.

He’s taking the spot of Sergio Mitre, who, as Ben Shipigel reports, has an oblique injury and will be placed on the disabled list soon.

Mitre was doing great as a fill-in for Alfredo Aceves, who got a positive injury update today. Mitre allowed just two runs over his last 11 innings.

Fortunately, it sounds like Ace will be back with the team soon, which most likely will mean the end of Mr. Boone’s stint.

Aaron Boone retires

Just a reminder to rub in the heartbreaking homer hit by Mr. Aaron Boone in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS against the Red Sox. Aaron Boone has retired from baseball.

Also from Hardball Talk: Jesus Montero turning heads after hitting the ‘M’ on the “George M. Steinbrenner Field” sign in yesterday’s batting practice. I’m telling you, this guy could really be a star some day.

Note: I only recently started following Hardball Talk (formerly known as “Circling the Bases”). Craig Calcaterra and the rest of the gang at NBC Sports do a nice job covering MLB.

Batting Stance Guy emulates 2009 Yankees

Here is the famous Batting Stance Guy imitating each player from the 2009 Yankees lineup.  In order, he emulates Brett Gardner, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, Johnny Damon, Xavier Nady, Nick Swisher, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Jose Molina, Melky Cabrera, Ramiro Pena, Aaron Boone and Bucky Dent.

In general, he seems to over exaggerate the small quirks he notices from hitter to hitter. However, I think he does a great job with Gardner, Jeter, Matsui and Posada.

Also, it is clear that the people filming are not Yankees fans, as they were disappointed when he did Boone and Dent.

For more Yankees batting stances from the Batting Stance Guy, check out this video.