A few minor moves

Ex-Yankee Andy Phillips signed a minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, according to Peter Abraham. He was also invited to Spring Training.

Matt DeSalvo also signed a minor-league contract with the Atlanta Braves.

On the Yankees' side, they signed RHP Scott Strickland, LHP Heath Phillips, LHP Billy Traber and C Jason Brown to minor-league contracts with invitations to Spring Training.

40-man roster nearly complete

From Peter Abraham:

Brian Bruney can afford another tattoo, the Yankees decided to keep him. Bruney, Wilson Betemit, Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang were all offered arbitration tonight.

The Yankees did not offer deals to RHPs T.J. Beam, Matt DeSalvo and Darrell Rasner. They now become free agents.

Once they officially add Alex Rodriguez, LaTroy Hawkins and Mariano Rivera, the Yankees will have 40 players on the 40-man roster. (LoHud Yankees Blog)

I'm a little surprised by the Yankees tendering Bruney a contract. He had bouts of wildness at times last year and was angry at the organization when he was sent down to AAA.

DeSalvo started a few times last year when the Yankees had a makeshift starting rotation at the beginning of the season. He won't be missed.

I know the Yankees don't like doing this, but they should really offer multi-year deals to Wang and Cano. They would be able to get them locked up for three or four years at a bargain.

Henn up, DeSalvo down

Peter Abraham is reporting the LHP Sean Henn has been called up and Matt DeSalvo was demoted after starting the second game of today's doubleheader.

This season, Henn is 2-0 with a 4.66 ERA in 17 relief appearances. He has struck out 13 and walked 13 in 19 1-3 innings. In AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Henn is 1-2 with a 3.00 ERA. In 27 innings, he has struck out 21 and walked seven.

Apparently Chris Britton is on the Minor League disabled list.

Ramirez down

In calling up Matt DeSalvo for tonight's start, Edwar Ramirez was optioned out.

He didn't make a great case to stay after his 19-pitch, 2 strike outing last night.

From Peter Abraham:

The Yankees optioned Edwar Ramirez down to to Scranton after the game. Torre said Igawa was staying in the rotation so presumably DeSalvo will be sent back after the game. No word on who would replace him (source).

I wonder if it'll be Chris Britton.

Matt DeSalvo, come on down

One of "The Rookies" will most likely be returning to the Yankees.

It looks like Matt DeSalvo is going to get another chance to prove to the Yankees he has what it takes to be a big league pitcher.

With the Yankees needing an additional starter for one of next Saturday's two games against the Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium, it appears DeSalvo is going to get the nod (source).

DeSalvo is 1-3 with a 5.87 ERA in six appearances (five starts). He has an outstanding 16:6 BB:K ratio as well.

In AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, DeSalvo is 6-1 with a 2.21 ERA in 11 starts. He has struck out 62 and walked 28 in 61 innings pitched.

Ugh, I can't wait until Phil Hughes comes back.