Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report

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YANKEES EDGE INDIANS IN TIGHT CONTEST
Happel Plays Big Role in Both Runs

CLEVELAND, Ohio (Simulation Sports) - It's hard to find something more American than spending the 4th of July at the ballpark eating a hot dog and watching a baseball game. While the offenses weren't exactly explosive, fans at Progressive Field still had plenty to celebrate with a well-pitched, tightly played game. But in the end, it was the Yankees who put on the slightly better performance, narrowly beating Cleveland 2-1.

"This was one of those games where you didn't see a lot going on from an offensive standpoint, but the pitching was great to watch," said New York Manager Joe Girardi. "I mean, guys on both sides were just slinging it today. We were fortunate to walk away with the win."

The pitchers were the big story in this game for both the Yanks and the Indians. New York starter David Phelps found himself in a bit of trouble for most of his start, but he was able to make quality pitches when it was needed. The right hander gave up just one run in six innings of work, despite allowing five hits and issuing four walks.

For Cleveland, Danny Salazar was untouchable at times, striking out 13 Bronx Bombers over seven innings of work. Chase Happel seemed to be one of the few hitters who could get anything going against the Tribe.

He got a rally started in the fifth inning with two outs by singling to left field. He then stole second base to get into scoring position, and Ramon Flores came through with an RBI single to left to bring Happel home with the first run of the game.

"I knew that it was going to be hard to get a bunch of runs, especially with the way he [Danny Salazar] was throwing," commented Happel. "So, I just wanted to try and get on base and put some pressure on, maybe force a mistake by being aggressive. They didn't make a mistake, but I was able to score a run because of the aggressiveness, so I'm glad it worked out."

The Indians had an answer in the bottom half of the inning with their own two-out rally that closely followed New York's scoring in the top of the frame. Jason Kipnis started it with a single. He also stole second base and came home on a single to center by Carlos Santana.

A third clutch two-out hit, this time by the Yankees rookie shortstop, would be the final difference in the contest. After Eric Sogard managed to swipe second base in the top of the seventh, Happel laced a single that barely dropped in for a hit in center field. With Sogard running on contact, he was able to score easily to give New York the lead back for good.

From there, it was basically up to the Yankees bullpen. Preston Claiborne, Matt Thornton and David Robertson combined for two and two-thirds of shutout baseball, giving up just one hit while striking out three batters.

"I was really happy with how well we played," said Girardi. "Every element of the game was there, from clutching hitting to great pitching and solid defense. This is how we need to play, and I know we're capable of it. It just needs to happen on a more consistent basis."

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YANKEES SET TO OPEN UP SERIES AGAINST TIGERS
Happel, Yanks Look to End First Half on Good Note

BRONX, New York (OS) - The All-Star break is less than a week away now, and it couldn't come at a better time for New York. The Yankees have struggled all season long and sit in last place in the A.L. East. But, a good home stand to finish off the unofficial first half of the season could go a long way to building some positive momentum for both the players and fans.

"I think everybody is kind of looking forward to a little bit of a break," admitted Yanks Manager Joe Girardi. "Getting away for a few days could really help. But, we still have a few games to play, and that's where our focus needs to be."

And New York must first focus on the Detroit Tigers coming to town. The Bronx Bombers showed some signs of turning things around after taking three of four on the road against Cleveland. Now, they'll face the back half of Detroit's pitching rotation before having to deal with Justin Verlander to close out the series on Thursday.

While playing a team at home is usually a good thing, it may not be as beneficial when it comes to the Tigers. They have been much better on the road than hosting teams at Comerica Park. Detroit is 24-20 while playing as the visiting team, while the squad is just 19-25 in front of its own fans.

"That just goes to show you can't take anything for granted," commented Happel. "We've got a lot of work to do, hopefully we can get on a roll before taking a few days off."

Here is a closer look at the three game series ahead between the Yankees and Tigers:

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HAPPEL MAKING FINAL PUSH FOR ALL-STAR GAME
Rookie Enjoying Quality Season Despite Yankees Struggles

July 7, 2015
BRONX, New York (Operation Sports) - There haven't been many reasons for fans to stand up and cheer at Yankee Stadium. After last year's playoff run came to a disappointing end and "The Captain" Derek Jeter said farewell to baseball, many wondered what would become of this year's version of the Yanks.

However, thanks to the performance of rookie Chase Happel this season, the New York faithful have plenty of reasons to look forward to the future. The 19-year-old currently holds the lead in votes as the starting shortstop for the American League in the upcoming All-Star Game.

"It's certainly an honor to be considered like that," said Happel. "To have the support of your fans is one thing. To have the support of baseball fans across the nation, that's just incredibly humbling."

By getting voted in as a starter, the 19-year-old could accomplish one of the few things the legendary Jeter couldn't get done. Jeter did not make the All-Star team until his third season. So far, Happel has put up numbers similar to the man he replaced at shortstop for the Yankees, batting just under .300 with 7 home runs and 54 runs batted in.

"Again, it's nice to hear comparisons like that. And, I understand why people want to compare, since I'm the first one to play the position after Derek, essentially. But, I'm not focused on all of that. I just want to win. I want the Yankees to win. So, I'm going to do whatever it takes to help make that happen. If I get recognized for playing well, great."

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Happel smacks a home run against the Tigers. His performance has caught the attention of fans nationwide.
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ALL-STAR ROSTERS ANNOUNCED
Rookie Happel Picked as Starter for A.L. Squad

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Operation Sports) - New York will have a young representative wearing the American League jersey Wednesday night at Great American Ball Park. The fans have voted for 19-year-old Chase Happel to start at shortstop in the All-Star Game.

Both sides were announced this afternoon, ahead of the Mid-Summer Classic that also determines home field advantage for the World Series. Upon finding out the news, the Yankees rookie immediately went on twitter to give his reaction.

7/12/15 - I can't believe it - voted in as a STARTER for the MLB All-Star Game! Humbled and can't wait to rep the A.L.!

— RTTSChaseHap32 (@RTTSChaseHap32) October 9, 2014

Happel has certainly had a solid enough season to earn that honor, even if it is his first season in the big leagues. His average is just a hair under .300, and while he hasn't displayed a ton of power (just eight home runs heading into the break), the youngster leads New York in runs batted in with 57.

Though impressive, the accomplishment is not rare in this age of baseball. A rookie has made the All-Star Game every year since 2006. Last season, it was a pair of American League rookies in Jose Abreu and Masahiro Tanaka. Interestingly enough, neither made the squad this time around.

Below is a complete breakdown of the starters and reserves from both sides that will take the field in Cincinnati on Wednesday night:

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A.L. BATTERED AND BRUISED AFTER BLOWOUT
Yanks Rookie Chase Happel Goes Deep in 1st All-Star Game

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Operation Sports) - The National League exploded offensively in the annual Mid-Summer Classic the old fashioned way, scoring 11 of its 13 runs without the benefit of a home run. The dominating victory means the N.L. team in the World Series will have home field advantage.

The All-Star Game can be a fickle thing in any sport. Most of the time, offenses go nuts and the scores reach into ridiculous territory. Baseball is different. At least, sometimes it is. While many fans tend to expect the best batters in the game to hit home run after home run, pitchers can be just as dominant.

Somebody forgot to tell that to the American League pitchers.

Granted, the National League All-Stars did not do a lot of yard work. Carlos Gonzalez was the only one to go deep. Instead, it was station-to-station baseball, with a few timely extra base hits sprinkled in, that did in the A.L.

"It's only an exhibition game. But, it still means a lot to all of us," said Chris Sale, who got hammered as the starter for the Junior Circuit, giving up seven runs in just an inning and a third of work. "It means home field in the World Series. But, you also have pride. You want to do well against the best in the game. I did not do my best tonight."

While Sale only managed to get four outs, he gave up 5 hits and 3 walks over the first two innings. The N.L. All-Stars also put up four more runs in the fifth inning against Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Alex Cobb thanks to five more hits and a walk. That means the Senior Circuit did most of its work over a three inning span, racking up 9 of its 13 runs and 10 of its 14 hits.

"They were just on fire, there's no other way to put it," said A.L. Manager Ron Washington. "Our guys made some good pitches, but they (the N.L.) put better swings on the ball. Give them credit, they got it done and we didn't."

One of the few American League players who did get the job done was rookie sensation Chase Happel.

Happel tosses his bat after drawing a walk in the 7th inning.. (Hapshoops32)

The 19-year-old was voted on as the starter at shortstop, and he played well for his first appearance in the All-Star Game. Happel kept the seventh inning alive thanks to working a walk off of Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen with two outs and nobody on. Angels outfielder Mike Trout picked up his only hit of the night by smacking a double into the gap in right-center field, allowing Happel to score all the way from first base.

Then in the ninth inning, the Yankees shortstop came through again by hitting a bomb off of Pirates reliever Koji Uehara. It was the fifth and final run put up on the board by the A.L., and it was actually the second homer of the inning.

"I'm not going to lie, that was definitely a thrill to be able to run around the bases after hitting a home run in the All-Star Game," admitted Happel. "Having said that, I would have much rather gone 0-for-5 if we could win the game. I just hate to lose."

Even with the game being a blowout, it's still a night that Happel says he'll never forget.

"Oh yeah, I mean, getting to be out there with those guys, some of them I've been watching for quite a while. It was an awesome experience, and I really hope I get another chance to play in the All-Star game."

Play of the Night: Happel's solo HR in the 9th

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SEASON GOALS: AFTER THE ALL-STAR BREAK

With the unofficial midway point of the season wrapping up, it's time to focus on the second half of the 2015 campaign. The Yankees are in a tough spot, sitting in last place in the A.L. East without much hope of making the playoffs. However, there are still plenty of goals out there, especially for individual players. Here is a look at what New York rookie shortstop Chase Happel will likely be focusing on for the rest of the year:



Happel is one of the fastest players on the team. Yet, he only had 4 stolen bases heading into the All-Star break. And, the 19-year-old did not record his first swiped bag until June.

"We know he has the speed and the ability," commented Manager Joe Girardi. "He just has to do more to take advantage of it. Chase needs to be more aggressive. We've talked to him about that, and I think you'll see him try to run a lot more than he has done up to this point in the year.



The rookie was brought up to replace Yankee legend Derek Jeter, and thus far, he has displayed similar power numbers as the former "Captain." Still, many in the organization believe that Happel can do much more at the plate, possibly becoming one of the better home run hitters in the game. He is on pace for 14 dingers in 2015. But, the hope is that the youngster could reach the 30 homer mark and drive in 100+ runs every season.



One of the toughest things to adjust to for young players making it to the big leagues is facing top notch pitchers on a daily basis and figure out how to successfully attack them as they begin to game plan for you. Happel has relatively well, hitting close to the .300 mark. However, his strikeouts are on pace to reach triple digits. If he can cut down on the K's and even avoid getting to 100 on the year, Happel's production should get even better than it already is.



This final goal is much more about an individual accolade than getting better. But, it's one that is certainly within reach for Happel, and it's an honor that could give the youngster and his team a lot of confidence and something positive to focus on heading into the offseason.

"Honestly, it's not something I'm really thinking about," said Happel. "It would obviously be a thrill to earn the award. But, I'm much more worried about what I need to do to get better and help my team win every day. As long as I stay focused on that, I'm confident that everything else will fall into place."

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VIDEO HIGHLIGHT: Happel hits a go-ahead HR in game 2 against Pittsburgh. The lead would not last.

YANKEES SPLIT IN PITTSBURGH
Happel, New York Struggling on the Road

July 23, 2015
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (Operation Sports) - It's been a rough road trip for both the Yankees and their young phenom shortstop Chase Happel. After losing two of three games in Kansas City, the Bronx Bombers appeared to be turning things around against the Pirates until a grand slam took the wind out of New York's sails.

Game one went well at PNC Park for the Yanks. David Price remained hot on the hill, hurling a solid eight innings and giving up just two runs to earn his third straight victory. He was backed by a power surge that included three home runs by the Bronx Bombers. Carlos Beltran, Eric Sogard and Brian McCann all went deep in the win.

The only one who seemed to struggle was Happel, who went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts. That added to his misery away from Yankee Stadium, as the 19-year-old was just 2 for his last 17 at the plate since the All-Star break.

"Players are going to have slumps," said Manager Joe Girardi as he defended his scuffling star. "It's a part of the game. He's got all the talent in the world, and I'm confident he'll break out of it. It's only a matter of time."

Girardi proved to be prophetic, as Happel broke through with a great day at the plate in game two of the brief series in Pittsburgh. He went 2-for-3 with a double and a home run that gave his team a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth inning. After New York added a pair of runs, the Yankees and C.C. Sabathia appeared to be on their way to another win.

But Sabathia ran into trouble in the seventh, loading the bases with one out. They were quickly unloaded thanks to a grand slam by Andrew McCutchen, and just like that, the Pirates were back in front. They'd ultimately win 6-4, raiding the Yanks of any optimism they may have had heading home.

"That was definitely a tough one to swallow," admitted Happel. "But, we are heading home for a long home stand, so hopefully we can get things turned back around as we head into August."

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YANKEES KICK OFF TRADE DEADLINE MOVES
New York Sends Gardner Packing for 2 Prospects

July 24, 2015
BRONX, New York (Operation Sports) - The team enjoyed a rare off day after finishing off a short trip to Pittsburgh. But, the Yankees front office was as busy as ever, and it resulted in General Manager Brian Cashman pulling the trigger on a major deal that has outfielder Brett Gardner heading to Cincinnati.

"We saw an opportunity to improve our team with a look towards the future," commented Cashman. "Brett has been a great part of this organization for a number of years. While we are sad to see him go, we are always looking to make our roster better and look ahead to the future. This trade does that. We wish Brett the best of luck."

Gardner was in his eighth season with the Bronx Bombers and is now expected to provide another major speed threat in Cincinnati's lineup as he joins up with Billy Hamilton.

As for the Yanks, they pick up veteran outfielder Chris Heisey to essentially serve as Gardner's replacement. New York also receives a pair of young prospects. One of them is starting pitcher Robert Stephenson, who scouts believe will make a good middle-of-the-rotation guy down the road. Starting pitching has been a major weakness up to this point in the season, and the hope is that Stephenson can help shore things up within the next couple of years.

The other prospect is raising some eyebrows, as it involves a shortstop named Bryce Orourke. Most people believe that position is solid with Chase Happel as the starter for potentially years to come. However, Orourke is an incredibly versatile player with the ability to play everywhere on the field except the catcher position.

It could take several years before we know how each team did in this trade. If anything else, it is the first significant domino to fall with a week to go before the trade deadline. Now, it's just a matter of time before the next big move to make headlines.

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Chase Happel gets some instruction on base stealing ahead of Saturday night's game against Baltimore

TAKING STEPS TO IMPROVE
Staff Working to Make Happel a Weapon on the Bases

Yankees.com
July 25, 2015
BRONX, New York (Operation Sports) - The dirt is damp as Chase Happel takes a few steps off of first base, digs in and gets down into his stance, ready to take off at a moment's notice. A light rain means he'll have to get a good push off to have any chance. Happel is practically staring down the pitcher, who seemingly stares back over his shoulder. The leg moves, and he's off!

Happel is clearly frustrated after struggling during a base stealing practice session Saturday afternoon before the game against Baltimore. (Hapshoops32)

Happel sprints for second base, but he didn't get a good jump. A great throw and a slide for the bag, but he's out.

"Brian! Are you stuck in molasses? Get your butt in gear!" yells Yanks Manager Joe Girardi, who then walks up to his young shortstop trotting back to first base.

"He's got so much potential. So much speed. He can be a huge weapon for us, at the plate, in the field, and on the bases. But, he's got to stop being so timid and get aggressive," comments Girardi.

"It's really about timing," replied Happel, who talked to us after spending more than a half hour solely working on stealing bases. "I've had a tough time reading the pitcher, and yes, I don't want to get caught stealing. That can kill an inning. But, Skip (Girardi) wants me to run more, so that's what I'm trying to do."

It's no secret that the Yankees have struggled to score runs. One of the biggest reasons is a lack of runners in scoring position. So, the idea behind the
push on Happel to run is to set the table more often for Ellsbury and Teixeira. The 19-year-old has been bumped up to the lead off position the last few games. The hope is that he can get on base and use his speed to manufacture more runs and put pressure on the opposing team's defense.

That strategy is even more important, considering yesterday's trade of speedster Brett Gardner.

Happel slides in to second safely with his 6th stolen base of the season. (Hapshoops32)

"One of the reasons we were ok moving Brett is that we knew we had someone else who could step up and help our running game," said Girardi. "I think it's just a matter of helping Brian get some confidence. I know he doesn't want to get thrown out stealing, but it's time to step up and try."

Happel appears to be listening. He was off and running with the first pitch after drawing a walk in the 5th inning. It was the only time he reached base, but he took advantage of the situation and got into scoring position with his sixth stolen base of the season. While the rookie didn't come around to score, it's the exact thing Girardi wants to see.

"He's not going to score a run every single time. But, running, putting pressure on the defense, it opens up a lot of possibilities. And, that gives us a better chance to put runs on the board and keep innings alive."