WHY THE YANKEES ARMS RACE HAS STARTED

The Yankees are looking, no doubt about it but the good news is, some of their relief is on the mend, so just in time for the second half, the New York Yankees may end up with more pitching than they needed. But as you know, you can never have too much pitching.

First off you must know that Mark Prior is close he pitched his first game since nursing that groin injury. Read about it HERE. So, because he's throwing again, I expect to see him back soon. The question is, will he get a shot in the big show before season’s end? Man I hope so, just to see this guy healthy and in action would make me smile. Does Prior still have what it takes? He’s talented, but we’ll have to see.

Rafael Soriano is expected back soon but he still needs to do a few more rehabs before they determine when he's returning. Read it HERE. RaSo, while having a few good moments, and being apart of the Three Headed Monster has had a rough start in the Bronx no doubt and injury to this guy won’t help his reputation. If Soriano comes back and acts like a stuck up disease in the clubhouse, the Yankees will have distractions. But if he comes in willing to help any way he can, including taking a back seat to a now dominant David Robertson, things will be just fine.

Heath Bell: He is such a likable guy and very talented. The Yankees have been linked to Bell for a few weeks now, but other teams are connected to him... the Phillies, Red Sox and Rays. If the Yankees can pick up this arm, it will be a huge help to the already terrific Mariano Rivera, David Robertson, Cory Wade and Luis Ayala gang. Plus, we’ll crowd things up with Rafael Soriano and maybe even another lefty to assist Boone Logan. The big question about Bell is "Who will the Yankees will give up for him?" Many are suggesting Jesus Montero. Read about this HERE. Also, Some would suggest trying to snag Heath Bell is just gluttonous. I call it stability. The Yankees didn’t pick up a top starter in the off season don’t forget, but we got damn lucky with the performances of Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia. Extra help in the bullpen is always needed in case these guys fall apart and last night there was an indication of that with Colon. I like this move for Heath Bell, even if they're looking at it as a rental.

JC Romero: Yes, the Nationals released him and the Yankees have signed him to a minor league deal. Read about it HERE. Romero is a lefty and could be affective in the pen with Boone Logan, but as I’ve said all along, I like the idea of someone like Scott Kazmir instead because it could be a diamond in the rough. The only issue with my scenario is Kazmir might want to start somewhere and all I’m saying is you can take a chance with him as a lefty specialist in the pen. At any rate, if the Yankees like what they see from Romero, it could be a good marriage down the stretch.

Scott Kazmir: Yes, I believe his starting days are over right now and I have this ridiculous idea to bring him into our pen to face a few lefties once in a while. Kazmir was recently attached to the Rangers at one point after he was released by the Angels. Read it HERE. The problem with that was, the Rangers are not terribly interested in the left hander, according to MLB Trade Rumors. You know our stance here at Bleeding Yankee Blue, we like Kazmir. For 1, it helps the Yankees with an extra lefty and 2, Kazmir may be able to reinvent himself.

Sean Burnett: The lefty Nationals pitcher would be a smarter alternative to someone like Scott Kazmir because for the most part, his performance against lefties is pretty damn good: .235 BA and 1.17 WHIP. Read about it HERE.

Matt Capps: Bolstering the bullpen with someone like Capps may be a good idea, but I don’t necessarily see that happening. This year Capps has 13 saves. Every once in a while there is a “rumor” between the Yankees and Capps, but it never has legs. My guts saying it still doesn’t have legs. Read it HERE.

Good things are happening in Yankeeland when it comes to pitching. We are back to the second half grind and close to the trade deadline so expect the rumors to start heating up and the Yankees to step up as they make a run for another Division championship and beyond. After all, we are the New York Yankees… the best God damn team ever.

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YANKEE MOVES AND RUMORS...HERE AT BYB

Some names around Yankeeland you should know about. Signings, send downs and rumors circulating, check out out:
Hector Noesi: Hector's done a decent job for the Yankees will most likely be the guy sent down in order for Bartolo Colon to come back to the Yankees rotation. Read it HERE. Noesi, in 10 games, is 1-0 with a 3.68 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 22 IP. All eyes will be on Colon this weekend. I can't wait.
Logan Kensing: The Yankees sign this righty to a minor league contract. Read about it HERE. During Kensing's career, he has a 5.81 ERA and 8-9 between his time with the Marlins and most recently, the Nationals.(Photo: Getty)
Rafael Soriano: Remember RaSo? I do, but I am not too keen on seeing him with the amazing job D-Rob and company has done as a bridge to Mariano Rivera. Read it HERE. Soriano is on the road back, throwing 32 pitches off a mound without any pain. Expect him back after the All-Star break.(Photo: Getty)
Scott Kazmir: There's been talk about the Yankees tied to possible Kazmir talks and the Texas Rangers have had Kazmir work out with him. Read about it HERE. I personally think it would be foolish to see this kid in a starting role again. I think a smart idea, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought of this, would be to bring in Kazmir as a lefty specialist. Yes, a second lefty arm in the bullpen to assist in those times when Boone Logan can't handle it. Let Kazmir reinvent himself and come back strong on the biggest stage in Major League baseball, Yankee Stadium. Just an idea.

More to come so stay tuned to Bleeding Yankee Blue. We'll give you smart, funny and great analysis over this July 4th weekend while the others are sunbathing. Clearly we don't have lives, but we sure enjoy you guys reading us.

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FIVE GEMS TO GET YANKEE FANS THINKING

Yankeeland is swirling with names and potential moves. Instead of giving you a ton on individual posts on each tell you nothing, I’m going to give you a rapid fire with just facts and opinion so I don’t bore you.

Rafael Soriano: I don’t miss him but I understand his talent can help us. RaSo was on the road back, but suddenly after throwing this past Tuesday he was placed on the 60 day DL to make room on the roster for newbie Cory Wade. Read it HERE. What’s the reasoning? Give Soriano time, we’re fine right now, no need to rush back.

CJ Wilson: He’s a “Pretty Boy” but if he comes to the Bronx, he’ll be our pretty boy. There have been stories circulating suggesting that because Wilson’s girlfriend lives in the Big Apple, it’s only logical that he would come to New York as a free agent after this season. Read it HERE. This rumor has legs, especially for the mere fact that CC Sabathia has the option to opt out after this season. Many suggest CC will leave, I’m not so sure yet. From everything I can see, he’s content and settled in the Tri-state area and doesn’t want to keep moving his family. I do wonder though, does it matter if he moves to another team? He doesn’t HAVE to relocate his family. See what I mean?

Scott Kazmir: Kazmir was released by the Angels and he’s having a hell of a time getting back into Kazmir form. Some are suggesting it’s the end of the road for this guy and that’s sad, he was so talented. Recently, Kaz has been attached to the Yankees (HERE) and I’m not sure why unless we think this lefty could be good in the pen. Look, Boone Logan is struggling a bit and maybe someone like Kazmir could be the lightening in the bottle we need, and extra lefty specialist who goes 2 batters or 1 or 2 innings if needed. We could sign him cheap and we could reinvent him. It's something to think about at least.

Phil Hughes: Hughes had a great outing in an inter-squad game this week hitting the low 90’s on the gun. To me, this is a huge sign. If he gets back on track, we could have the kid laying down the law again in the Bronx. Is next start is Sunday for the Staten Island Yankees. That report comes from the New York Daily News. Read it HERE.

Erik Bedard: Yes, Bedard is back. I feel like the Yankees and Bedard are attached to each other every couple years, so this year is no different. Read it HERE. Bedard is back on track this year and attractive, but Seattle is not in last place, they're in 2nd, so a trade would have to be equally appealing to both teams because both the Yanks and Mariners have a shot. I don’t think this will happen.

There’s a lot of yapping but no moves yet. Some potential gems being discussed and some progress from Hughes and that makes for a great Yankee summer. Looking forward to it, are you? Comment and let me know.

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.