Cory Wade Optioned To Triple-A

According to various reports, the Yankees have optioned Cory Wade to Triple-A to make room for Chad Qualls. Wade has struggled lately allowing 10 earned runs on 11 hits over his last two outings (3 innings pitched)and has seen his ERA climb from 2.63 on 6/11 to 4.45. Overall he's pitched to a very ugly 9.68 ERA over his last 20 outings, so maybe a few weeks in the minors will do him some good.

Yanks Sign 16-Year-Old Venezuelan Catcher

According to George A. King III, the Yankees have signed 16-year-old Venezuelan catcher Luis Torrens for $1.3 million.

Baseball Americas has Torrens as the No. 2 international prospect.

"He is the premier talent in Latin America," a talent evaluator said of Torrens.

If you want to check out a short video of Torrens, click here.

English Roses

Our early summer weather has consisted of a mix of rain and sun. I ran outside yesterday morning ahead of another approaching rain shower and clipped a small bouquet of roses. These are called Heritage, by David Austin. 

I have four David Austin rose bushes in our garden. They are all English roses, whose full old blossoms and strong heavenly fragrance I love. They deserve much more attention than we give them, I'm afraid. But nonetheless, they grace us with their timeless beauty. 

 David Austin's English Glamis Castle (creamy white) and Heritage (pink) roses. 

You can see more of his English roses here.