You can't fight the Evil Empire

It's official.

The panel of judges sided with the Yankees, ruling that the Yankees are strongly associated with the phrase. Allowing anyone else to use the phrase exclusively would likely cause confusion, ruled the judges.

"In short, the record shows that there is only one Evil Empire in baseball and it is the New York Yankees," wrote the judges. "Accordingly, we find that [the Yankees] have a protectable trademark right in the term . . . as used in connection with baseball."

Baseball is hard

There is, most definitely, crying in baseball.

General Manager Brian Cashman, seeking more catching depth, traded the right-handed pitcher George Kontos to the San Francisco Giants for their backup catcher, Chris Stewart, and optioned Cervelli to Class AAA Empire State.

Cashman explained that he made the trade to reinforce the Yankees’ catching because the minor leaguer Austin Romine’s back injury has not healed. Cervelli, his eyes watery and red after the meeting, was gutted by the news.

“I’m disappointed with it, but that’s not going to change anything,” Cervelli said. “In my life I’ve had to do things double and triple, and if they want me to prove I can catch in the big leagues, then I’ll go there and prove that I have to be here. That’s it.”

The trade and the demotion of Cervelli were the only unexpected roster moves the Yankees made Wednesday. 

They also added the left-hander Clay Rapada to their bullpen, where he will join another left-hander, Boone Logan, and promoted David Phelps to be the long reliever. To make room, the Yankees placed starter Michael Pineda on the disabled list and designated outfielder Justin Maxwell for assignment.

“This was as tough as I’ve had to do,” Girardi said.

Cervelli was sent to the minors because he still has options left and Stewart does not. If the Yankees wanted to send Stewart down, he would have had to clear waivers.