NYY News: Martian is MLB's 28th-best prospect
Yesterday at 12:00 AM
Domínguez, Lombard among baseball's top prospects; Rivera, wife accused of covering up child sexual abuse; Berti signs with the Cubs; the case for CC in Monument Park; Marinaccio DFA'd (again)
Baseball America: The venerable publication has released its 36th annual preseason ranking of MLB's top prospects. Two Yankees made the cut: outfielder Jasson Domínguez, who has a path to a starting job this season, came in at No. 28, and 19-year-old shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. was ranked 88th. Of note, outfielder Spencer Jones, who came in at 46th in last year's rankings, missed the cut (as well as the "15 Players Who Missed the Top 100" list), a significant drop-off after a 200-strikeout campaign at Double-A raised concerns about the swing-and-miss in his offensive profile. Jones was also absent from the most recent Baseball Prospectus Top 100, where Domínguez and Lombard were also ranked.
New York Post | Christian Arnold: We must unfortunately detour from normal baseball news to an extremely concerning allegations about a Yankees icon. Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara, have been accused in a lawsuit of covering up the sexual abuse of a minor. The lawsuit alleges the Riveras were aware of sexual abuse of a female minor both at Refuge of Hope, the New Rochelle church where Rivera is lead pastor, and at their home. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges both Riveras "separately isolated and intimidated" the minor to prevent negative attention on their church or the internship program with which she was affiliated. The Post's request for comment from the Rivera family went unanswered.
MLB Trade Rumors | Anthony Franco: Jon Berti has signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs. Per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the contract guarantees $2 million with incentives that could take the total value past $3 million. The versatile speedster turned 35 yesterday and spent last year with the Yankees, missing most of the season due to injuries but drawing starts at first base in the postseason. Berti was nontendered back in November.
The Athletic | Chris Kirschner ($): In light of the announcement that CC Sabathia will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this year, Kirschner makes the case for him to be recognized in Monument Park. He details highlights from his Yankees tenure, including a recounting of his decision to hit Jesús Sucre with a pitch and forego a shot at a $500,000 bonus.
The point is likely moot — the only player elected by the BBWAA who entered the Hall with a Yankee cap not to be honored in Monument Park is Herb Pennock, who was elected on his eighth ballot back in 1948. As a much more modern player whose ceremony would attract a big crowd at Yankee Stadium, the odds seem strong for CC to get the nod. Stay tuned for more later today from Peter on this topic!
NJ.com | Manny Gómez: Former Yankee reliever Ron Marinaccio was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Tuesday. Chicago made the move to free up space on their 40-man roster for veteran lefty Martín Pérez. In 114.2 innings with the Yankees before being designated for assignment last September, Marinaccio registered a 3.22 ERA with 137 strikeouts.
