BRONX NEWS: September 2015

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

BRONX NEWS: 1 DEAD from Morris Park #Legionnaires Outbreak

BRONX NEWS: 1 DEAD from Morris Park #Legionnaires Outbreak: 1 DEAD from Morris Park #Legionnaires Outbreak ***UPDATE*** BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- One person has died from the recent outbr...

1 DEAD from Morris Park #Legionnaires Outbreak

1 DEAD from Morris Park #Legionnaires Outbreak

***UPDATE***

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- One person has died from the recent outbreak of Legionnaires Disease in Morris Park.

NY 1 reports that one person has died from Legionnaires.

So far 13 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires from the current outbreak.

No official word from city or Health Department.

In addition to Lehman High School, the following locations also tested positive for the disease: the Chase bank at 2725 East Tremont; Calvary Hospital at 1740 Eastchester Rd.; Lehman High School at 2964 East Tremont; Bronx State Psychiatric at 1500 Waters Pl.; Einstein College at 1199 Sacket Ave., 1845 Eastchester Rd., and 1301 Morris Park Ave.

Shock over the latest revelations is angering and upsetting residents who have not heard anything about the latest revelations.

Before the latest announcement about the sources, an emergency town hall meeting was called for Thursday.

This comes as three new cases of the disease have been diagnosed. The current number of cases has grown to 10.

In Morris Park, residents are on edge. The neighborhood has been decorated for the upcoming Bronx Columbus Day Parade yet all anyone is talking about is the outbreak. The local supermarket has a sign in its window stating that it does not have a cooling tower. This is a reference to the cooling towers in large buildings where the disease has been detected.

Health officials will be on hand to answer questions at Maestros Caterers on Thursday at 8 p.m.

#Legionnaires #Outbreak #Morris Park #Bronx #New York #Bronx News

BRONX NEWS: Metro Center is #Legionnaires Free

BRONX NEWS: Metro Center is #Legionnaires Free: Metro Center is #Legionnaires Free ***UPDATE*** BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Going the extra mile appears to have paid off for the...

Metro Center is #Legionnaires Free

Metro Center is #Legionnaires Free

***UPDATE***

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Going the extra mile appears to have paid off for the Hutchinson Metro Center. The campus tested negative for Legionella.

Officials tell the News that despite repeated testing, they decided to clean the cooling towers this week as a precaution. This was done even though testing last week came up negative for Legionella.

According to Joe Kelleher, president of Hutch Metro, all five towers at the property tested negative over the weekend by the Health department. They had previously been tested (results negative), cleaned and disinfected in August as part of a regularly scheduled maintenance program.

As an extra precaution, the development took the further step of having the towers tested and disinfected AGAIN by their own contractor Monday and Tuesday, even after the Health Department tests came back negative. Kelleher explained that as this only costs a few hundred dollars (about $500 per tower), he ordered it done as an extra precaution for the peace of mind of his tenants and visitors to Hutch Metro, and because the nearby towers at Calvary and Bronx State tested positive.

Hutch Metro and Simone Development have been extremely proactive in their approach to cooling tower maintenance since the construction of the buildings.

On the other hand officials at Einstein College are working to disinfect their towers and are working with health officials.

Montefiore Medical Center, which runs the medical school, issued the following statement:

“Montefiore and Einstein have been compliant with all required NYC Department of Health (DOH) disinfection and testing of our cooling towers. Despite these efforts, the most recent water test conducted by the DOH showed detection of legionella. In coordination with the DOH, we are treating the towers to eliminate harmful bacteria in these water sources, sanitizing the area regardless of the results, and will continue to take every precaution to protect students and staff.”

“The investigation will continue to be run by the DOH. All inquiries about cooling towers should be directed to them.”

Shock over the latest revelations is angering and upsetting residents who have not heard anything about the latest revelations.

Before the latest announcement about the sources, an emergency town hall meeting was called for Thursday.

This comes as three new cases of the disease have been diagnosed. The current number of cases has grown to 10.

Health officials will be on hand to answer questions at Maestros Caterers on Thursday at 8 p.m.

The latest Legionnaires outbreak comes on the heals of an outbreak in the South Bronx which claimed the lives of 12 people and infected 120. There the Opera House Hotel was determined to be the cause of the outbreak.

In January, the first outbreak of Legionnaires occurred in Co-op City. Three people have already filed lawsuits against the management company that runs Co-op City for failing to maintain the cooling towers which they claim resulted in them contracting Legionnaires.

The outbreaks in such diverse neighborhoods have residents scratching their heads as to what is causing the outbreaks.

In August, Mayor deBasio and Health officials declared an end to the outbreak after no new cases were discovered in the South Bronx.

#Legionnaires #Outbreak #Morris Park #Bronx #New York #Bronx News

BRONX NEWS: #Legionnaires Found in Lehman

BRONX NEWS: #Legionnaires Found in Lehman: Legionnaires Found in Lehman Einstein College, Calvary, Bronx State all Test Positive By Dan Gesslein Shock amongst the city’s sil...

#Legionnaires Found in Lehman

***UPDATE***

No signs of Legionnaires had been detected at the Hutchinson Metro Center

Hutchinson Metro President Joseph Kelleher issued the following statement:

"The health and safety of those who work and visit our properties is of the utmost importance to Simone Development. All of our rooftop cooling towers and other equipment are inspected and tested on a regular basis as per department of Health mandates. There are a total of five cooling towers atop two buildings at the Hutch Metro Center and they have been under contract for regular inspection, cleaning and disinfecting on a regular basis since their construction. These towers were all tested during the first week of August by our vendors Cascade Water Services and NALCO Environmental Hygiene Services."

Legionnaires Found in Lehman
Einstein College, Calvary, Bronx State all Test Positive

By Dan Gesslein

Shock amongst the city’s silence swept through Pelham Bay and Morris Park as word dripped out that Lehman High School tested positive for the Legionella bacteria.

In addition, the following locations also tested positive for the disease: the Chase bank at 2725 East Tremont; Calvary Hospital at 1740 Eastchester Rd.; Lehman High School at 2964 East Tremont; Bronx State Psychiatric at 1500 Waters Pl.; Einstein College at 1199 Sacket Ave., 1845 Eastchester Rd., and 1301 Morris Park Ave.

No word about whether the Metro Center and the new Hilton Hotel which are adjacent to Calvary Hospital and Bronx State were impacted.

At Lehman High, classes resumed today after the cooling tower was cleaned.

“The water in the cooling tower is self-contained and is separate from the water used by the school," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said in a NBC interview.

Shock over the latest revelations is angering and upsetting residents who have not heard anything about the latest revelations. The Health Department still has not issued press releases and updates about the source of the disease.

Before the latest announcement about the sources, an emergency town hall meeting was called for Thursday.

This comes as three new cases of the disease have been diagnosed. The current number of cases has grown to 10.

Health officials will be on hand to answer questions at Maestros Caterers on Thursday at 8 p.m.

The outbreaks in such diverse neighborhoods have residents scratching their heads as to what is causing the outbreaks.

In August, Mayor deBasio and Health officials declared an end to the outbreak after no new cases were discovered in the South Bronx.

#Legionnaires #Outbreak #Morris Park #Bronx #New York #Bronx News

BRONX NEWS: A-Rod not helping #Yankees as wild card is on hold...

BRONX NEWS: A-Rod not helping #Yankees as wild card is on hold...: Wild Card Woes A-Rod not helping #Yankees as wild card is on hold By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Don’t worry New Y...

A-Rod not helping #Yankees as wild card is on hold

Wild Card Woes

A-Rod not helping #Yankees as wild card is on hold

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Don’t worry New York Yankees fans because it is a matter of a day or two when the wildcard postseason spot is secured. But first the Yankees have to take care of business and they have not looked like a postseason bound team these past two nights in the Bronx against the Boston Red Sox.

Either the Red Sox are having their best month of the season, and they are. Or the Yankees with their 10-4 loss Tuesday night don’t appear to be a playoff ready team. Take the latter because this late in the game the Yankees are not resembling a team of the first half that got them to be where they are.

Blame the pitching for this latest loss. And when starter Michael Pineda gave up six runs in the first inning, that is part of the cause, though manager Joe Girardi won’t be sending the inconsistent righthander to the mound next Tuesday night in the wild card elimination game.

That task looks more likely is for Masahiro Tanaka who gets a final start Wednesday night, and that gives New York their best opportunity to win and advance to the ALDS. But there are other issues also, and Girardi in these final five games will look at options to get the offense going.

One thing is certain about Alex Rodriguez. The 40-year old swing is not there, and the once thought about American League Comeback Player is in a horrendous slump. Boston starter Rick Porcello with his season-high 8 innings got A-Rod to strike out twice. Rodriguez went 0-for-4 and he had trouble connecting on the 93-mile fastballs thrown by Porcello.

“I just stunk today,” Rodriguez said with a smile after the game. He was being honest and to the point again, in his season of getting to the truth and not hiding behind the curtain. Since August 1st, Rodriguez is hitting .185, with eight home runs and 24 RBI, and that is quite a difference from a first half and into the end of July.

The Yankees offense at one point, and a lot attributed to A-Rod, has not scored many runs and without A-Rod supplying the punch, it is obvious something may have to be done in these final games, even though he has 32 home runs and knocked in 85 runs.

And it is a matter of the Yankees not being able to handle a lefthander on the mound, though Porcelllo, a righty gave them an opportunity. Not, though with A-Rod, because the long season may have taken a toll, and he will be the first one to admit the Yankees are in good position but he has to get better at bats.

“We just have to take a deep breath and come back and win a game tomorrow,” he said. “I like where we are at.” And then A-Rod did what he does best by analyzing what has gone wrong, at the most important juncture of this long baseball season.

“Obviously,” he said, “It is important for me to swing the bat well. There is no question about it. The senior guys in this room, we have to make sure that we come out and stay relaxed and play good Yankee baseball. Part of that is me swinging the bat well.”

Well, A-Rod is just a part of it. Greg Bird, the rookie, may be pressing after a 1-for-4 night. He also had trouble with the Porcello fastball and has been pressed into an everyday job at first base with Mark Teixeira out for the season. Girardi is looking at putting catcher John Ryan Murphy at first against left handed pitching.

But it is the A-Rod offense that is so important to this lineup, and right now there is not much time left to get him going again. And with that Tuesday evening wild card elimination game quickly approaching, the bat of A-Rod is vital. More so, if Tanaka is not effective, and if the Yankees have to come from behind, they need the bat of A-Rod to be effective.

Rodriguez said, Porcello dominated him the entire night but it was the sinker and not the fastball. "I didn’t feel really good,” he said. But those in the press box, and the scouts who know the game, were quick to say that this time of year a 40-year old playing the entire season will have difficulty catching up with an effective fastball.

What he did so well to help carry this team was hit in the clutch. Tuesday night with two runners on in the first, Rodriguez struck out. And in the fifth inning he grounded into a double play with no out.

And because Alex Rodriguez has become the spokesperson this season for his team, he was quick to say about the inevitable wild card clincher: “Everyone is anticipating. It is just important to take it one day at a time and one bat at a time. We have been doing that all year.”

He added, “Nothing is going to be easy. We just have to come back and play good Yankee baseball and we will.” However it has not been good Yankees baseball as of late and the home run ball has also been hard to find. The Yankees have been built to hit the ball out of the park, and with the exception of a first inning home run from Dustin Ackley, that was it.

More of a concern, after a four-run first inning that put the Yankees quickly back in the game. Porcello and Jean Machi held the Yankees scoreless. It was the second straight game where they scored runs and were shutout along the way.

Pineda was able to settle down and keep the Yankees in the game and that was the one positive that Girardi was able to pinpoint. But getting those two wins for the wildcard these past two nights is becoming an eternity.

“This is their playoff and they want to make an impact and we would be the same way playing against them,” said Rodriguez about the Red Sox. But the Yankees have a big game to play Tuesday night and the Red Sox are going home, and this is no time for A-Rod or the offense to be non existent.

Girardi said his team is getting good at bats, and attributes the outstanding Red Sox outfield for making the outs. But it all comes down to the offense, and with A-Rod going sour that could mean one game next week and go home for the Yankees.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Twitter@Ring786 Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso

#Yankees #Wild Card #Playoffs #MLB #Red Sox #ARod #Bronx #New York #Bronx News

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

BRONX NEWS: More #Legionnaires Cases, Meeting Called

BRONX NEWS: More #Legionnaires Cases, Meeting Called: More #Legionnaires Cases, Meeting Called By Dan Gesslein & David Greene An emergency town hall meeting will be held on Thursday t...

More #Legionnaires Cases, Meeting Called

By Dan Gesslein
& David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- An emergency town hall meeting will be held on Thursday to answer questions on the Morris Park Legionnaires outbreak. This comes as three new cases of the disease have been diagnosed.

The current number of cases has grown to 10. City officials have been quiet on where the outbreak is believed to have originated.

Health officials will be on hand to answer questions at Maestros Caterers on Thursday at 8 p.m.

#Legionnaires #Outbreak #Morris Park #Bronx #New York #Bronx News

BRONX NEWS: Fordham Student Almost Raped

BRONX NEWS: Fordham Student Almost Raped: Fordham Student Almost Raped Cops Seek Pair in Sex Assault By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEW)- Detectives are current...

Fordham Student Almost Raped

Fordham Student Almost Raped

Cops Seek Pair in Sex Assault

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEW)- Detectives are currently looking through surveillance footage, seeking images of two individuals wanted in connection with the failed sex assault of a Fordham University student.

Cops were called to the Rose Hill campus near East Fordham Road, where the unidentified victim reported being accosted near the Dunkin' Donuts, located at 601 East Fordham Road, at 10:05 p.m., on Saturday, September 26.

The victim alleged that she was accosted in the alley near the donut shop by the two assailants, who restrained and groped her as she walked to her off-campus apartment.

The assailants were apparently scared off by a passersby.

The 19-year-old victim was not injured during the attack. Police were reportedly looking for two males in their 20's however, no description was immediately available.

Officials ask anyone with any information to call the NYPD's Special Victims Unit at (718) 378-8921.

#Fordham Univseristy #Sexual Assault #NYPD #Bronx #New York #Bronx News

BRONX NEWS: Councilman Speaks Out on #Legionnaires Outbreak

BRONX NEWS: Councilman Speaks Out on #Legionnaires Outbreak: Councilman Speaks Out on Legionnaires Outbreak ***UPDATE*** Councilman James Vacca issues the following statement on the Le...

Councilman Speaks Out on #Legionnaires Outbreak

Councilman Speaks Out on Legionnaires Outbreak

***UPDATE***

Councilman James Vacca issues the following statement on the Legionnaires outbreak in Morris Park:

“It’s unfortunate that we are dealing with another outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the Bronx. I’ve had numerous conversations with City officials about the response and trust that the City is making all efforts to investigate the cause. Hopefully the source is quickly identified and contained so this outbreak will remain as limited as possible. I will continue to monitor the situation and my office will be available to handle any questions and concerns.”

#Legionnaires Strike Again

7 People Infected in Morris Park

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The Legionnaires Epidemic does not appear to want to go away. Health officials now say 7 new people have been diagnosed with the disease in Morris Park.

Health experts say this latest outbreak is not related to the South Bronx outbreak this summer in which 12 people died and 120 were infected with the disease.

Officials were vague as to where in Morris Park these cases were diagnosed.

Patients in the current cluster live or work in Morris Park, range in age from 45 to 75 and are all currently hospitalized. There have been no deaths. New Yorkers with respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills and difficulty breathing, are advised to promptly seek medical attention.

“We are investigating a cluster of seven cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Morris Park. I urge all New Yorkers to seek care immediately if they have flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, headache, or difficulty breathing. The Department is taking immediate steps to determine the source and protect the people who live and work in Morris Park,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett.

The Health Department was notified of these seven cases between Sept. 21 and Sept. 27.

On Sept. 21, when the first case was reported, the Health Department’s disease detectives began investigating immediately. This work initially involves interviewing patients and reviewing medical records.

• Since Saturday, environmental scientists visited all cooling towers and took samples.

Issued a Health Alert to providers advising them to look for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, conduct appropriate tests on patients, and provide proper samples to the Department for lab testing.

• Conducting tests at our Public Health Lab and the New York State Wadsworth Center.

• Monitoring Emergency Department visits for pneumonia among residents of Morris Park, which have remained at normal levels.

Identifying facilities such as nursing homes and senior centers where vulnerable populations live in and near Morris Park. Starting today, the Department will work with other City agencies to send staff to these locations, distributing Frequently Asked Questions about Legionnaires’ disease, answering questions and reminding people to seek care immediately if they have symptoms such as fever, chills and muscle ache.

#Legionnaires #Outbreak #Morris Park #Bronx #Bronx News

BRONX NEWS: NYPD Confiscates $10 Million Haul of Synthetic Wee...

BRONX NEWS: NYPD Confiscates $10 Million Haul of Synthetic Wee...: NYPD Confiscates $10 Million Haul of Synthetic Weed By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Local and federal law enforcement offici...

NYPD Confiscates $10 Million Haul of Synthetic Weed

NYPD Confiscates $10 Million Haul of Synthetic Weed

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Local and federal law enforcement officials raided a garage on the Morris Park / Castle Hill border and confiscated 2 million packets of the designer drug K-2, worth an estimated value of $10 million.

A task-force made up from members of the NYPD, DEA and Homeland Security raided the large garage located at 2424 Poplar Street on September 23.

The drug, also called "Spice" is synthetic marijuana that was stashed in laundry bags and heavy-duty containers and was ready for distribution when the take-down occurred.

Officials would only say the seizure was related to a K-2 ring that was smashed in the borough on September 16. Ten suspects were charged with distributing the drug that's being sold in bodegas across the city.

Meanwhile, Senator Jeff Klein and other law makers have gotten pledges from more than 1,700 bodega owners who agreed to never sell the drug that's responsible for over 700 emergency room visits since May.

#K2 #Synthetic Marijuana #DEA #NYPD #Morris Park #Bronx #New York #Bronx News

Monday, September 28, 2015

#Legionnaires Atacar de nuevo 7 personas infectadas en Morris Park

BRONX NEWS: Legionnaires Strike Again: #Legionnaires Strike Again 7 People Infected in Morris Park By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The Legionnaires Epide...

BRONX NEWS: Legionnaires Strike Again

BRONX NEWS: Legionnaires Strike Again: #Legionnaires Strike Again 7 People Infected in Morris Park By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The Legionnaires Epide...

Legionnaires Strikes Again

#Legionnaires Strikes Again

7 People Infected in Morris Park

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The Legionnaires Epidemic does not appear to want to go away. Health officials now say 7 new people have been diagnosed with the disease in Morris Park.

Health experts say this latest outbreak is not related to the South Bronx outbreak this summer in which 12 people died and 120 were infected with the disease.

Officials were vague as to where in Morris Park these cases were diagnosed.

The Health Department was notified of these seven cases between Sept. 21 and Sept. 27.

On Sept. 21, when the first case was reported, the Health Department’s disease detectives began investigating immediately. This work initially involves interviewing patients and reviewing medical records.

• Since Saturday, environmental scientists visited all cooling towers and took samples.

Issued a Health Alert to providers advising them to look for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, conduct appropriate tests on patients, and provide proper samples to the Department for lab testing.

• Conducting tests at our Public Health Lab and the New York State Wadsworth Center.

• Monitoring Emergency Department visits for pneumonia among residents of Morris Park, which have remained at normal levels.

Identifying facilities such as nursing homes and senior centers where vulnerable populations live in and near Morris Park. Starting today, the Department will work with other City agencies to send staff to these locations, distributing Frequently Asked Questions about Legionnaires’ disease, answering questions and reminding people to seek care immediately if they have symptoms such as fever, chills and muscle ache.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. issued the following statement:

“My office has been informed by the City’s Department of Health & Mental Hygiene of cluster of Legionnaire’s Disease in Morris Park. We are in contact with city, state and federal officials about this latest outbreak, and we will continue to stay on top of these developments and take the necessary measures as we gather more information.

“My office will share information with the public through my website and through social media channels on this cluster as it becomes available. As we monitor this situation, we urge anyone who feels sick to visit their doctor or a hospital to get checked. It is too important to wait,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Flyers in English, Spanish, French and Chinese answering frequently asked questions on Legionnaire’s Disease can be found at http://on.nyc.gov/1FDHjtT.

#Legionnaires #Outbreak #Morris Park #Bronx #Bronx News

BRONX NEWS: Square Goes Back to the 80’s

BRONX NEWS: Square Goes Back to the 80’s: Square Goes Back to the 80’s BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- On September 26, 2015, the Westchester Square community and merchants paid homa...

Square Goes Back to the 80’s

Square Goes Back to the 80’s

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- On September 26, 2015, the Westchester Square community and merchants paid homage to the 80’s. From 11am – 4pm, the area of Westchester Avenue between Commerce Avenue and E. Tremont Avenue was transformed into a scene straight from the 1980’s. There was 80’s Music, Arcade Games, Trivia, and more for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best 80’s inspired getups for a chance to win prizes.

Presented by the Westchester Square Business Improvement District (BID) and the New York City Department of Transportation.

BRONX NEWS: Fred Prep Beats Mount

BRONX NEWS: Fred Prep Beats Mount: Fred Prep Beats Mount By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Catholic high school football capped its week three action with Fordha...

#Fordham Prep Beats Mount

#Fordham Prep Beats Mount

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Catholic high school football capped its week three action with Fordham Prep hosting Mount Saint Michael Academy.

Fordham Prep averaged 27 points in their first two games this season, while Mount had given up an average of nearly 32 points in its 2 losses.

The trend continued for both teams as Fordham Prep scored all of its 34 points in the first half including 2 touchdown passes in the final 1:13 beating Mount 34-14 to improve to 2-1, while the Mountaineers remains winless at 0-3.

At half-time Fordham Prep honored Thomas McTigue who passed away in 2007 from leukemia with a ceremony. Friends and family of McTigue were presented a replica of his #42 jersey.

#Fordham Prep #Mount Saint Michael Academy #Football #Bronx Sports #Bronx News

BRONX NEWS: Last Shot for #Yankees Wild Card

BRONX NEWS: Last Shot for #Yankees Wild Card: Last Shot for #Yankees Wild Card Ackley now in the mix for Yankees with a week to go By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)...

Last Shot for #Yankees Wild Card

Ackley now in the mix for Yankees with a week to go

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The late season acquisitions sometimes don’t transpire to be what a baseball GM envisions when making the move to improve, and then there is Dustin Ackley of the New York Yankees.

The infielder was a late season and surprising addition that GM Brian Cashman acquired,and once again Sunday afternoon the infielder contributed to the Yankees 6-1 win over the Chicago White Sox in the Bronx.

With the Yankees moving closer to clinching the top American League wild card, and with the way Ackley has been producing, there is the strong possibility that manager Joe Girardi will have no choice: Ackley may have to be a part of the postseason roster.

It will be a one-game elimination at Yankee Stadium next Tuesday night. And with that in mind, Girardi has to assemble the best 25-man roster that can give the Yankees a chance to advance to the American League Divisional Series. After a home run in the sixth inning that put the Yankees ahead 2-0, Girardi hinted that Ackley is in the mix.

“He’s worked really hard and put himself right into the mix,” Girardi said. And in these final seven games against the Red Sox and Orioles, Ackley could see more playing time at second base as Girardi continues to audition his new addition. It’s a simple equation this late in the game, because Ackley has been productive with 11 hits in his last 28 at bats.

That also means Stephen Drew and Brendan Ryan will have to audition this late in the game. Though it was revealed that Drew and his .201 average, and a tendency to make the error may be forced to sit because of recurring dizzy spells and it could be another concussion he sustained.

In a game against the Orioles on September 9th, Drew fielded a ball that took a hop off his glove that hit him in the face and that may make the decision easier to eliminate Drew from the mix. Brendan Ryan is another potential second baseman that could be a part of that postseason roster plan, and depending on how Girardi goes with who can hit the lefthander or righthander, the next few games could determine who has the best chance of getting the Yankees to play more after next Tuesday,

“I haven’t thought about, it,” Ackley said about being included in the postseason plan. “I am just focusing on each and every bat to help this team win, I don’t make those decisions of when I play or don’t play. I’m at the point whatever happens, happens.”

Ackley was acquired from the Seattle Mariners on July 30th for righty pitcher Jose Ramirez and outfielder Ramon Flores. With the Mariners, he hit .215 with six home runs, eight doubles, and drive in 19 runs in a span of 85 games. He also had some stints on the disabled list with a right lumbar strain of the back and missed some time when he was acquired by the Yankees.

And as every Yankees fan knows, and this is from previous Septembers, Brian Cashman has always been able to acquire the proper player to give the unexpected. Last September it was Martin Prado with his late inning timely hits though the Yankees fell short of making it to October.

Now it seems to be the September for Ackley. Girardi almost hinted that there will be more playing time for the first round draft pick of the Mariners in 2009. Last Sunday night at Citi Field he hit a home run against the Mets when Matt Harvey was lifted from the game and that helped propel the Yankees to taking two of three in that series.

Girardi has another significant issue to deal with this week,and that is trying to determine when and if Masahiro Tanaka can get another start or two before the season finale next Sunday. If Tanaka and his hamstring coperate, he most likely becomes the starting pitcher in that wildcard Tuesday game.

Ackley, with that home run helped 21-year-old righthander Luis Severino get the win. And with the Yankees offense struggling to score runs at the wrong time of year, the six shutout innings from Severino, and that home run may have made some decisions easier for Girardi as to that one game next week.

“He’s playing because of the way he’s playing,” Girardi said when asked if Ackley will be in the lineup when the Yankees open a four-game series with the Red Sox Monday night. “I think he’s healthy and has made some minor adjustments,”

Ackley said he learned a lot with his playing time in Seattle and admitted, “I learned a lot here as well. I didn’t come over here and expect to be handed at bats or anything like that. I think I definitely earned them as far as getting pinch hits and making some spot starts for some guys who needed days off.”

“Just going to keep getting ready every day and hope for more at bats,” he said. And if Ackley is ready and comes up big a few more times this week, the decision becomes that much easier for Girardi to add a name to that roster for next Tuesday.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Twitter@Ring786 Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso

#Yankees #Brian Cashman #WildCard #YankeeStadium #Bronx #Bronx News

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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Monday, September 28, 2015