Thanks, dude

Most people are either already travelling or pretending to work today or something, so I can be forgiven for a personal post, right? Of course I can.

I got an unexpected package today from an old friend. In it was this baby: a vintage cast iron mechanical baseball bank:

Yes, I see the ump’s right arm is missing. I think it makes it even better. This thing was loved/abused by some kid or perhaps many kids over the decades. It didn’t sit on some collector’s shelf. There’s love in this thing.

On the bottom, my friend taped a note:

To Craig,

This is the only thing you can control in life.

Your pal,

Todd.

Gettin’ a little dusty in here. Thanks, dude.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said on Tuesday that reliever Dellin Betances will begin the regular season on the injured list due to inflammation and impingement in his right shoulder, the YES Network’s Jack Curry reports. Curry adds that Betances will try throwing again in three to five days.

Betances, who turns 31 years old later this month, has allowed two runs on two hits and two walks with four strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings this spring. He has experienced diminished fastball velocity, which is now explained by his injury. The right-hander is coming off of another excellent season in which he posted a 2.70 ERA with 115 strikeouts and 26 walks across 66 2/3 innings.

Fortunately, the Yankees have more than enough depth in the bullpen to withstand Betances’ absence. Aroldis Chapman, Adam Ottavino, and Zach Britton will handle the late innings and Betances will slot back in whenever he is healthy.

Follow @Baer_Bill