2009 New York Yankees [Forum Archive]

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2009 New York Yankees

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Posted by: min0 lee

Well.... let's see if we get this right this year.

Posted by: min0 lee

Mark Teixeira can be real positive for Yankees

TAMPA - Steroids have made us suspicious of everybody, all the more so since Alex Rodriguez has been outed. And yet I have to admit that after 15 minutes of listening to Mark Teixeira, I came away willing to bet he's cleaner than Derek Jeter, if that's possible.

In fact, if it's hip to be square in baseball these days, Major League Baseball should be thrilled that Teixeira is now a Yankee, likely to raise his profile as one of the game's best players. The squeaky-clean slugger, if you will.

Or call him the anti-A-Rod. Upon arriving here Monday, Teixeira said he would attend Tuesday's highly anticipated press conference in support of A-Rod, saying it was important for teammates to rally around one another, yet he obviously has strong feelings about steroids, the result of a strict upbringing in a military family.

"I grew up in a family where there was zero tolerance," Teixeira said. "No drugs, no alcohol, that kind of stuff didn't fly. If I ever got caught doing drugs my parents would kill me before any media could.

"That's just how I was raised. My dad was a military man who went to the Naval Academy, my mom was a teacher. My sister and I grew up knowing drugs weren't an option. People look at steroids as though (they were OK years ago) because they weren't tested for, they were semi-legal, but they're drugs in my mind.

"I never messed with them. That's something I thank my parents for, and as I got older I realized it wasn't the right thing to do anyway."

If that sounds preachy, it's not really the way Teixeira came off in person. It just seems to be his personality. If this were the 1986 Mets, he'd be Gary Carter, a bit too wholesome for his notoriously hard-drinking teammates' liking but respected for the way he played the game. In this day and age, however, for a team that has been lacking championship chemistry in recent years, perhaps Teixeira can be a unifying force instead. Baseball people say that he cares about all the right things on the field, putting winning ahead of individual statistics in the manner of the late '90s Yankees.

In the clubhouse, he oozes such sincerity as to sound the cynic's alarm. Before he'd unpacked his bag Monday Teixeira made a point of going around to shake the hand of every player in the room at the time, and then did the same with each of about 15 reporters who converged on him, promising to memorize all the names within a few days.

It's not typical of Yankee players' practiced aloofness, and you automatically wonder if it's phony, but people who have covered him in the past say he's just genuinely pleasant for the most part.

We'll see if the New York experience changes him, but for now at least, he seems like exactly the kind of player baseball can use hitting cleanup for the Yankees.

Put it this way: Unless he's the biggest liar ever, Teixeira is not going to feel the pressure to cheat the system to live up to the expectations of his $180 million contract the way A-Rod says he did upon going to Texas in 2001.

For that matter, Texieira was a teammate of A-Rod's with the Rangers in 2003, his rookie year, and Monday he scoffed at talk that surviving the brutal heat of those Texas summers was one reason that several players on that team apparently did steroids.

Again he credited his strict upbringing for making steroids a non-issue to him, and said, "For me it'd be more of a reason not to do drugs. When I got to the big leagues I realized that eating well, drinking water and getting your sleep, that's what you need to do to get through those Texas summers."

Teixeira admitted he was aware that steroids were an issue in baseball when he reached the big leagues in 2003, but he said he had no idea that A-Rod or anyone else on the Rangers might have been involved.

"I never heard anyone talk about it," he said.

Strongly as he seems to feel about steroids, Teixeira said he wouldn't judge A-Rod or anybody else who used steroids but said he has pushed to rid the game of them.

"It may be disappointing," he said of steroids users, "but as part of the union, we've made big strides, making every effort possible to clean up the game."

Teixeira also dismissed stories that he and A-Rod didn't get along in Texas, saying that he sought out A-Rod during their one season together to ask about pitchers and what they would throw him.

"I learned a lot from him," he said, "And I'm definitely going to try to have a relationship with him here."

A-Rod and the anti-A-Rod. Teixeira may never hit 800 home runs and be the clean home run champ everyone wanted A-Rod to be, but the new guy sounded like someone you could believe in, even if it's hard to believe anybody in baseball these days.

Posted by: min0 lee

I hope he doesn't change to be a jerk, the NY media are like hyenas when they get a fresh new face.

Posted by: min0 lee

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/yankees/February 14, 2009

A few notes from the first workout at Steinbrenner Field:

• CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Joba Chamberlain each threw side sessions in the bullpen, giving the Yankees a good look at their three power arms. The last time the Yanks had three guys in their rotation with this kind of power was 2003, when Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina each topped the 180-strikeout mark.

"With so many good pitchers in the rotation, it will be a friendly competition where everybody is trying to out-do each other," Sabathia said. "That just makes our team better."

Incidentally, Sabathia is still sporting a close-cropped beard - a Yankees no-no. He said nobody had said anything to him about it, but I'm guessing that will change as early as tomorrow.

• Hideki Matsui took batting practice for the first time since his knee surgery, reporting no problems.

"In terms of hitting, I don't have any concerns," Matsui said. "Running at 100 percent is more the concern."

• Girardi won't use his regular five starting pitchers in the first four spring games, since that would give them an extra start because of the longer spring schedule. Some combination of Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Alfredo Aceves and Phil Coke could be used to start those games. Expect to see one of the primary starters take the ball for the first time on March 1.

• The regular-season rotation hasn't been announced, but it should look something like this - Sabathia, Wang, Burnett, Pettitte, Chamberlain. Girardi said he wanted to split the lefties and not have Burnett and Chamberlain back-to-back.

• The arrival of Sabathia and Burnett have pushed Wang's return far under the radar. For a guy who won 19 games in both 2006 and '07, Wang has been largely unnoticed.

"That's okay - let him fly under the radar," Girardi said. "That's not always a bad thing. His return is vital to our staff. We missed him a lot last year. We missed his innings, we missed his leadership on the mound, what he brought to the table."

• Brett Tomko, signed to a minor-league deal on Friday, will compete for a long-relief/spot starter role. Girardi caught Tomko in 2003 with the Cardinals and seems to like him, which could be bad news for the likes of Aceves and Dan Giese.

Posted by: min0 lee

C.C. shaved his beard, Hideki Matsui looks shot to me.

Posted by: min0 lee

TAMPA - Phil Hughes is only 22, yet he’s endured seismic shifts in his career, from the night he was injured while working on a no-hitter in his second big-league start to dangling last winter in a potential trade for Johan Santana to being given a rotation spot last year and losing it.
After the Yankees’ winter pitching binge in which they signed CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett and re-signed Andy Pettitte, Hughes’ career has taken another twist. He’s not considered one of their five starters heading into camp and is likely to start the season in the minors, quite as change from last spring, when he was a jewel of the Yanks’ new commitment to young pitching and started the third game of the season.
Where does Hughes go from here? He has shown incredible potential, but also struggled with injuries and he longs to last a full season to show what he can do. The Yankees value him highly, yet unless there is a spring injury to one of the starters, Hughes is only another name on a list of possible rotation replacements, alongside pitchers such as Ian Kennedy, who was also assured a starting spot last spring, Alfredo Aceves and Phil Coke. Hughes’ best chance for big-league starts may come if the Yankees need to skip Joba Chamberlain’s turn to limit Chamberlain’s innings.
For his part, Hughes was saying all the right things at the Yankees’ minor-league complex in a recent interview, the sun glinting in his eyes during a break from a workout in preparation for spring training. Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow.
“It is what it is,” Hughes said of his situation. “It’s the Yankees and we’re going to put the best team on the field. Last year was obviously a different situation than this year. But I’ve been in spring training before where there wasn’t a spot open for me and that’s the way it goes.
“If I pitch really well in spring and I still start the year in Triple-A, there’s nothing you can do about it. You just go out and pitch well and let things fall how they will. It’s one thing to complain about the guys we signed, but on the other hand, we’ve got a pretty good team. There’s no lack of effort by the front office to put a good team on the field. I look at that as a good thing.
“I think there’ll be opportunities. You don’t often hear about guys who are lights out at Triple A and never get an opportunity. I look at it from that aspect. I don’t look at it in any sort of a bitter way or anything like that.”
Still, it once seemed as if Hughes would be further along in his career by now, perhaps even a star. He made his debut at 20 and one start later took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in Texas, but hurt his hamstring.
He started 2008 as the youngest pitcher in the majors, but his year was wrecked by a fractured rib and he finished 0-4 with a 6.62 ERA - he and Kennedy combined to go 0-8. Hughes did pitch well in two late September starts, though, allowing three runs in 12 innings.
Hughes had a memorable relief outing against the Indians in the 2007 playoffs, but he won’t be a reliever. “That’s not something in our minds,” GM Brian Cashman said. “There just aren’t enough quality starters in the game, in the system, to do that. You can always find relievers, but we believe Phil is a quality starting pitcher.”
Hughes added 10 pounds over the winter to get to 240 - he’s 6-5 - because he felt he was too light last season at 230. “I’m trying to keep myself where I can be durable and be able to get through a whole year,” Hughes said. “For once, right?
- Anthony McCarron

Posted by: IainDaniel

A-rod. Cyst and torn Labrum on hip

If he has surgery he will be gone for 6 months.

As much as he is hated.... that is a huge blow to the lineup

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

A-rod. Cyst and torn Labrum on hip

If he has surgery he will be gone for 6 months.

As much as he is hated.... that is a huge blow to the lineup

Posted by: soxmuscle

Cashman says no surgery.

He'll play through it.

Man oh man.. if A-Rod comes out and is effected by the injury, there are going to be a lot of people blaming steroids and not his Cyst/torn labrum.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Cashman says no surgery.

He'll play through it.

It worked well for Mike Lowell last year.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

It worked well for Mike Lowell last year.

And Chase Utley.

LAbrum repair using those two as an example would mean 6 months.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Cashman says no surgery.

He'll play through it.

Man oh man.. if A-Rod comes out and is effected by the injury, there are going to be a lot of people blaming steroids and not his Cyst/torn labrum.

Guess it will depend on how much pain he is in.

If it is me I would shut him down get surgery and hopefully have him back for the later half of the season.

Catcher mentioned A-rod and Chase have a very similar swing, where they lock out there hips during the follow through. Hip Labrum to me would be more a mechanical problem

Posted by: IainDaniel

There was a little gossip, that this was the sneaky way of disciplining A-rod by MLB. LOL

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

There was a little gossip, that this was the sneaky way of disciplining A-rod by MLB. LOL

LOL...conspiracy theories.

If A-Rod does need surgery, he's probably best off getting it done now and, like you said, be ready for the second half of the season. If he plays for a month or two and then decides on surgery, the Yankees will be even more screwed.

Posted by: IainDaniel

6-9 weeks for the Labrum repair.... hahaha good luck with that.

gone at least 4 months. more then likely 6.

Posted by: soxmuscle

I agree, Iain.

6-9 weeks is laughable.

Typical Yankees - Originally the Yankees came out and said that it was a cyst that Rodriguez would be able to play through before having surgery next offseason. Two weeks later and he's out for 6-9 weeks? I don't buy it.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

It was just a quick fix to get him through the season. From what I understand, getting the full surgery is what would keep him out 4-6 months.

Posted by: chiquita6683

This is off the subject but has to do with the Yankees....
What's the name of the team captain/shortstop???

Posted by: min0 lee

Derek Jeter

Posted by: chiquita6683

Oh yea yea! I have a story about him

but I dont tell stories all that well

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiquita6683

Oh yea yea! I have a story about him

but I dont tell stories all that well

Do tell!

Posted by: soxmuscle

Haha - you must tell.

Posted by: natural^

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiquita6683

This is off the subject but has to do with the Yankees....
What's the name of the team captain/shortstop???

i lol'd.

What about him?

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiquita6683

Oh yea yea! I have a story about him

but I dont tell stories all that well

Is the story that's he gay? We all know that already.

Posted by: min0 lee

Brett Gardner is now center of attention for Yankees

Brett Gardner is now center of attention for Yankees

Monday, March 9th 2009, 9:40 PM

Quote:

TAMPA - The snickering is beginning to subside already. Maybe the idea of Brett Gardner as the Yankees' everyday center fielder is not so crazy, after all.

Actually, the way he's going, maybe Gardner will hit cleanup during Alex Rodriguez's absence.

OK, so that was just a cheap way to get the mandatory A-Rod reference out of the way. But it is rather stunning the way Gardner is pounding the ball, spring training or no spring training.

This is a guy who looked mostly overmatched at the plate as a rookie last season, seemingly doing all he could to slap the ball to the opposite field while hitting .228. This spring Gardner has three home runs in 21 at-bats, including a laser shot that he pulled over the wall in right Monday against Blue Jays lefty Brad Mills.

Any power Gardner offers is purely a bonus to the Yankees, but it's significant because it is a sign he is swinging the bat with confidence, perhaps blossoming into a legitimate threat.

He's hitting .381, and what you really had to like Monday was that he followed his home run by dropping a bunt single down the third-base line in his next at-bat, using his blazing speed to beat out a hit. Just in case anyone was worried that the home runs were going to his head.

"I figured I'd go back to my real approach," he said with a laugh afterward.

Gardner laughed off any suggestion that he'll fill the power void while A-Rod is out and said he's not trying to hit home runs.

"It seems like guys are pitching me inside and I'm getting the bat to it," said Gardner. "If I was doing a scouting report on myself, I'd try to pound me inside too. In the past I've taken those pitches and looked for something to hit the other way.

"But the biggest thing I learned from last year is that I took too many pitches and got behind in the counts, and you can't hit like that. So I'm being more aggressive now."

The Yankees say this is more like the real Gardner than what fans saw last season. After all, he has put up at least decent numbers at every level of the minor leagues, not to mention the .447 he hit at the College of Charleston that convinced the Yankees to use a third-round draft choice on him in 2005.

His speed alone gives him a chance to be a force. The Yankees say he's the fastest player in the organization, and hitting coach Kevin Long says it's hard to think of anyone in the majors who is definitely faster.

"Compare him to anybody out there," said Long, "and Brett is just as fast."

That speed is the reason the Yankees love the idea of him playing center field, the reason they didn't trade for Mike Cameron or another veteran to fill the position. GM Brian Cashman said all winter that the job would be up for grabs between Gardner and Melky Cabrera, and for a long time it seemed hard to believe the Yankees wouldn't go get a proven center fielder instead, but at this point there is no reason to think otherwise.

And since it seems pretty clear by now that Cabrera is more of a fourth outfielder than an everyday center fielder, based on his offense, the question is whether Gardner can take the job and run with it.

So far, so good, but Joe Girardi said nothing has been decided between Gardner and Cabrera, who is hitting .278 this spring.

"It's too early to expect guys to be at the top of their game," Girardi said. "We'll continue to rotate those guys in the outfield for now."

Long, for one, seems certain that Gardner's early show with the bat is no fluke. He says the lefty is more comfortable since going to a no-stride style of hitting that keeps him from jumping at the ball. Together with the experience that Gardner gained from last year, Long believes he's here to stay.

"He's had terrific at-bats," said Long. "He looks like a big-league hitter. The thing is, I want him to hit the ball on the ground to the non-pull side and use his speed, but he's got power to his pull side."

There is a lot of spring training remaining, of course, a lot of time to determine whether this is more than a hot streak for Gardner that will fade as April approaches.

The Yankees believe he can be the real thing. Girardi noted that they began to see these types of signs late last season, the second time Gardner was called up from the minors. Long took it a step further.

"I know one thing," he said. "There are 29 other teams that would love to have him."

What's important is how such a declaration sounds in, say, July. But there was no arguing with it Monday.

Posted by: min0 lee

I love his speed and his play in the outfield.

I would take him over Melky any day.

Posted by: min0 lee

Hughs is pitching better than he is, I still say Joba should be a middle reliever.

Quote:

JOBA JOLT: Joba Chamberlain makes his third start of the spring tonight, looking for his first good performance. Chamberlain has allowed seven runs over two starts while retiring just three batters, struggling against Team Canada five days ago as he gave up a hit and walked four without getting an out.
"We want to see progress," Girardi said. "We need him throwing strikes."

Quote:

Mariano Rivera tosses off concerns

TAMPA - Mariano Rivera's return to the mound is now just a week away after the closer threw another incident-free bullpen session Monday.
Rivera, who had shoulder surgery at the end of last season, tossed 30 pitches at what appeared to be full strength, reporting no problems. He will throw batting practice Wednesday and should make his spring debut on Sunday or Monday.
"Everything will depend how the arm feels," Rivera said. "So far it feels good."
Said Joe Girardi: "He really hasn't had any setbacks, so we'll keep our fingers crossed."

Posted by: min0 lee

A-Rod's Surgery Goes as Planned
BY KAT O'BRIEN | newday.com
March 9, 2009

Quote:

TAMPA, Fla. - The surgery to repair Alex Rodriguez's torn right hip labrum went as planned, said Marc Philippon, the doctor who performed the operation.

Philippon, in a conference call with reporters, said: "The surgery went exactly as we planned. We will start him on his rehab [Monday] afternoon. There were no surprises -- exactly what we prepared for."

Philippon said the rehab time would be six to nine weeks, as he had stated on Sunday when the Yankees announced Rodriguez would undergo the procedure. In the operation, Philippon removed the "pincer" impingement, stabilized cartilage, repaired the labrum tear and debraided the lining of the cyst.

"There is no doubt in our mind this was the best option," Philippon said. "There is absolutely no doubt in our minds, after doing the operation, that this was the best option for Alex and for the Yankees."
The operation was performed this morning at Vail Valley Surgery Center in Vail, Colo. It took one hour, 20 minutes. Rodriguez will remain in Vail for the foreseeable future, but is checking out of the hospital Monday.

Philippon has Rodriguez on a fast track to return to action as the Yankees third baseman. He said that Rodriguez would begin doing light range of motion exercises Monday afternoon and even ride the stationary bicycle. By the weekend, he will add isometric exercises and things to work on muscle memory. Rodriguez is expected to be back to games for the Yankees in late April or early May.

Rodriguez will need a second operation after the season to take care of the "cam" impingement. However, Philippon said the timeframe needed to recover from the second operation would be much reduced thanks to this surgery. If Rodriguez had had everything taken care of at once, he would have likely missed 12 to 16 weeks. But Philippon said Rodriguez might now need even less than the six to nine weeks to recover from the second surgery.

Asked if Rodriguez would be able to return from the offseason operation in time for spring training 2010, Philippon said: "Absolutely."

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

I love his speed and his play in the outfield.

I would take him over Melky any day.

Come on, Mino - He's a fourth or fifth outfielder at best.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Come on, Mino - He's a fourth or fifth outfielder at best.

He is the second coming of Mantle.

Right......but who is he competing against.

Damon has no arm, Melky is OK but I prefer Gardner.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

I agree, Iain.

6-9 weeks is laughable.

Typical Yankees - Originally the Yankees came out and said that it was a cyst that Rodriguez would be able to play through before having surgery next offseason. Two weeks later and he's out for 6-9 weeks? I don't buy it.

Doug Melvin agrees with us, Iain.

***

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel - Brewers manager Doug Melvin says that the Yankees haven't called him about acquiring an infielder in the wake of Alex Rodriguez's hip surgery.

"They're probably still making their list (of possible replacements)," Melvin said. "They probably don't want to seem too anxious."

Milwaukee fits the bill of a team with an excess of players capable of playing third base. Bill Hall is expected to be healthy enough to start at third when the season starts, and they have Mike Lamb, Casey McGehee and Craig Counsell in camp.

Posted by: IainDaniel

The Hips are just too important in baseball. I just don't see how he can come back that early and be an impact, or risk further damage.

Posted by: min0 lee

Posada is doing pretty good.

Posted by: min0 lee

Joe Girardi picks Xavier Nady over Nick Swisher as Yankees' right fielder

Quote:

BY MARK FEINSAND
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Monday, March 23rd 2009, 9:20 PM

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Joe Girardi isn't planning on making any final roster decisions until the end of the week, but the manager didn't need any more time before declaring Xavier Nady the Yankees' starting right fielder Monday.

"If we were to break today, Nady would be my right fielder," Girardi said. "Nady did a lot of good things last year, so he had the upper hand going in."

That leaves Nick Swisher as a super-utility player, backing up left and right field, first base and designated hitter to open the season. Girardi broke the news to Swisher before the team left Steinbrenner Field for its game against the Phillies, and while the usually upbeat Swisher was clearly irritated, he said all the right things.

"I've been thinking all day about what I wanted to say," Swisher said after the Yanks' 8-3 loss. "I'm the type of guy that wants to play every day; there's no doubt about that. I love this team. I love the coaches, the players - I love it all. It's a great spot. We're just going to have to wait and see how it plays out."

Swisher said he was "not going to let any of this stir things up," no matter how disappointed he was. Although Swisher came away from his conversation with Girardi without a clearly defined role, he believes the playing time will be there for him one way or another. But with Mark Teixeira at first base, it will come down to Swisher, Nady, Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui filling two outfield spots and DH.

"We talked a little bit today and (Girardi) told me we're going to make it work," Swisher said. "The door's not closed for me, I don't think. I try to look at the positive side of things. I'm versatile, I can play a lot of different positions and there will be plenty of at-bats out there."

Nady said he never viewed the situation as a competition, confident that both he and Swisher would find their share of at-bats this season.

"When Swish and I met with Girardi early, he said we're both going to play," Nady said. "Guys are going to get beat up during the season and guys are going to need off days. With both of us, having the depth that we have will only help us."

Swisher hit .219 with 24 homers and 69 RBI for the White Sox last year, the worst season of his five-year career. At the same time, Nady was having a breakout year with the Pirates, batting .330 with 13 home runs and 57 RBI in 89 games before the Yankees dealt Jose Tabata, Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens and Daniel McCutchen for him and Damaso Marte.

Nady's numbers remained solid (12 homers, 40 RBI) during his 59 games in pinstripes, though his average dipped 62 points to .268 and his on-base percentage plummeted from .383 to .320.

"Being in the (NL) Central for a couple of years, I had an understanding of how guys were going to pitch me," Nady said. "Then I come over here and have to start all over again, but hopefully those couple of months will help me out."

Girardi noted that Miguel Cabrera had the same kind of dropoff during his first year in the AL, as the Tigers' slugger saw his average fall from .320 to .292 and his on-base go from .401 to .349 after being dealt by the Marlins.

"I think it's an adjustment whenever you come over to a new league," Girardi said.

Nady had at least 31 at-bats against each of the Yankees' four divisional foes last season, but his experience against the rest of the league is minimal at best. Aside from 33 at-bats against the Angels, Nady didn't have more than 16 against any other AL team.

"We faced some pretty good arms down the stretch. At least A.J. (Burnett) is out of there," Nady said. "For me, it was just kind of a new start and a lot of new arms that I'd never faced before. Hopefully as the season progresses, I'll feel a little more comfortable and have a better idea."

I like Nady from his days as a Met.

Posted by: min0 lee

Yankees catcher Jorge Posada says his arm back to 100%
BY PETER BOTTE
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Sunday, March 22nd 2009, 7:35 PM
TAMPA - Jorge Posada's proclamation that he's "back to 100%" might be premature. But the catcher threw out three of four runners on steal attempts at second base while catching CC Sabathia in a minor-league game against Pittsburgh Sunday, his first successful throws under game conditions since having shoulder surgery last July. "Now you know you can trust your arm again. That's the only thing I wanted to do, to come out of spring training knowing I could throw somebody out," Posada said. "You can't compare what I was feeling; last year I couldn't make three throws like that. It feels good. I'm back to 100%."
MARTE BACK: Lefty Damaso Marte pitched a scoreless fifth inning in his first appearance since reporting back to the Yankees after the WBC with shoulder inflammation. ... Kei Igawa walked in a run in the seventh, the lone one he's allowed in 12-1/3 innings this spring. ... Yanks reacquired minor-league catcher Chris Stewart from the White Sox for a player to be named later. ... Phil Coke (bruised leg) is slated to pitch today against the Phillies in Clearwater. ... Joe Girardi said Joba Chamberlain will accompany the Yanks to New York when they break camp and then return to Tampa to pitch in an intrasquad game April 5.
X-FACTOR: Xavier Nady has been traded from the Padres to the Mets to the Pirates to the Yankees, all since 2006. "You obviously hear rumblings all the time, but for me, obviously I've been through it a few times already," Nady said before going 0-for-3 in Sunday's 5-0 loss to Tampa in Port Charlotte. "You can't do anything about it except go about your business and try to play the game the right way."
The Yanks' starting right fielder will have more control over his situation if/when he becomes a free agent after this season. "No question, (free agency) obviously crosses your mind," said Nady, who's represented by Scott Boras. "I'm excited for the opportunity to play here this year, and who knows what will happen? It seems like I'm with a new team every year, but I would love to be able to be somewhere and settle for a few years and not just be jumping around all the time."

Posted by: min0 lee

Brett Gardner could grow into Yankees' version of Dustin Pedroia
Monday, March 23rd 2009, 8:50 PM

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The throw from Ryan Raburn of the Tigers, a spring-training throw out of palm trees and blue sky that seemed to explode out of the kid's hand in center field and carry all the way to his catcher, Gerald Laird, on the fly, had Dustin Pedroia cold and Pedroia knew it at City of Palms Park. So Pedroia just pulled up about 10 feet from home Monday and got tagged out as he ran across the front of the plate, and then made his right turn toward the Red Sox dugout, passing a bat boy no bigger than he is.

Pedroia, the best dirty uniform in the whole sport and the MVP of the American League, didn't have to hit Laird or the dirt in the first inning of a game at the end of March. So at last here was a door he didn't have to break down, the way he has been breaking them down his whole career, what is turning into a pretty remarkable baseball career for the Boston Red Sox.

The other day, in another part of Fort Myers and another spring park, Joe Girardi was talking about Pedroia, saying, "It's good to see guys like that succeed. It's the message you want to send to kids and everybody, that anybody has a shot to fulfill their dreams. A guy you wouldn't even know was an athlete if you saw him walking down the street."

Then Girardi said, "There's no size chart in baseball."

There was no size chart for Pedroia, who was the best little guy in his sport before he became MVP. He got off to a terrible start in his rookie season and Terry Francona, the Red Sox manager, stayed with him, and Pedroia just kept swinging from his heels and making the plays at second and winning games. Now he has become a star of his sport.

The kid who fights to be the Yankees' starter in center field on Opening Day, Brett Gardner, is not the kind of hitter that Pedroia is, will never have that kind of power. But Gardner does not fit the modern profile of a Yankee anymore than Pedroia fit the profile of baseball star. He is the kind of kid the Yankees hardly ever produce anymore, a grinder with a ton of heart, one sending the same kind of message that Pedroia did, that anybody has a shot at their dreams.

This is what you hear a lot from Yankee fans these days, because of Mr. Fun, Alex Rodriguez: How hard he makes it to root for their team.

Gardner makes it easy.

"He is somebody anybody can relate to," Girardi said. "He's one of those guys who would run through a wall for you. People want to root for that. So many of the big guys in this sport, you look at what they do and say, 'No way I could do that.' But guys like Melky (Cabrera) and Brett, they're two guys people absolutely can relate to. It's what I mean about how our sport lends itself to all shapes and sizes."

Girardi doesn't tip his hand on center field, even though Gardner has a better spring (hitting .405 to Cabrera's .295). He lets this play out to the end, and even when he praises Gardner's grit and the way he has hit, he is quick to add, "Melky has played at a high level, too." Pauses then and says, "This kind of competition is always a good thing."

Gardner himself comes in after batting practice on this day, never looking as big as the 5-10 he is supposed to be, reminding you more of a Pedroia and says, "In sports, the 40th-rounder is supposed to have as good a chance as the first-rounder if he can do the job."

He wasn't a 40th-rounder. He was picked with the last pick of the third round in the 2005 draft and began spraying the ball to all fields almost immediately and stealing bases and being a dirty uniform everywhere he played. Before all that he was a walk-on player at the College of Charleston. In the spring of A-Rod, and all the talk about the big-money pitchers, he has made himself into a story, and as much of a Yankee kid to root for as we have had in a while.

There is the feeling that Brian Cashman, the general manager and chief money spender around the Yankees, wants Gardner to win the job in center, even though nobody comes out and says that. But you wonder, even if this kid does get the job, how long he lasts if he doesn't come out of the box hitting in the regular season the way he hit in the spring. Cashman loved the idea of plugging in a guy like Nick Swisher right up until Mark Teixeira became available. So you wonder how long Gardner would remain Cashman's heart's desire if another expensive player, this one a center fielder, came into play.

Gardner? He just keeps playing his game, playing hard, every day.

"It's the same with me as it's always been," he said the other day. "I just try to continue to improve every day, try to step it up to the next level."

Doesn't fit the profile, the modern Yankee profile of big names and big trades and constant big money, the Yankees who talk about developing their own then don't. Maybe he can change the profile. All the talk about the pitching this spring, and Jorge Posada's comeback, and the drama around A-Rod, even up to the stories about the New York City madam over the weekend, that seems dumber than "The Bachelor." The best story might be Brett Gardner, last pick of the third round, dirty uniform trying to make it to center field in Camden Yards on Opening Day.

Posted by: min0 lee

I'm rooting for him.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Hahahahaha.

I see similarities between the two players because they're both grinders who will do anything within their power to help their team win.

The only difference being, Gardner has no talent and Pedroia does.

Gardner is a fourth or fifth outfielder at best.

It's truly laughable to me hearing Yankees fans outlook on this kid. Hahahahhaa....

Posted by: min0 lee

Damn your evil, I like the way he plays. It's not about having an all star in every position now.
I always wondered why they passed on Tori Hunter, he made it known he wanted to be a Yankee.

Posted by: soxmuscle

I'm not saying an all-star needs to be at every position but to compare Brett Gardner to Dustin Pedroia is laughable.

Gardner will be fine batting ninth, hitting in the mid two hundreds, stealing a couple bases, playing solid defense, etc.

But I wouldn't expect him to win the MVP award... or any award for that matter.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

I'm not saying an all-star needs to be at every position but to compare Brett Gardner to Dustin Pedroia is laughable.

Gardner will be fine batting ninth, hitting in the mid two hundreds, stealing a couple bases, playing solid defense, etc.

But I wouldn't expect him to win the MVP award... or any award for that matter.

Where did you get that, it clearly states he is nowhere near him.
Speed reading perhaps.

Quote:

is not the kind of hitter that Pedroia is, will never have that kind of power. But Gardner does not fit the modern profile of a Yankee anymore than Pedroia fit the profile of baseball star. He is the kind of kid the Yankees hardly ever produce anymore, a grinder with a ton of heart, one sending the same kind of message that Pedroia did, that anybody has a shot at their dreams.

The only comparison I see is that they are both grinders.....Jeter wants to grind you.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

I'm not saying an all-star needs to be at every position but to compare Brett Gardner to Dustin Pedroia is laughable.

The Yankees so badly want to be the Red Sox. It is both sad and funny.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

The Yankees so badly want to be the Red Sox. It is both sad and funny.

The Red Sox are the Yankees, the Yankees want to get back at being the Yankees.

I am reading The Yankees by Torre and it's pretty good.
A lot of memories came back.
That team played as a team.

Once Epstein and company leaves kiss the good fortune goodbye.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Once Epstein and company leaves kiss the good fortune goodbye.

Ok, I'll worry in 30 years when he starts thinking of retirement.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

Ok, I'll worry in 30 years when he starts thinking of retirement.

Nothing lasts forever, wait till things sour....just wait....I'll be here waiting.....waiting...in my bunker...

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Nothing lasts forever, wait till things sour....just wait....I'll be here waiting.....waiting...in my bunker...

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

The Red Sox are the Yankees, the Yankees want to get back at being the Yankees.

I am reading The Yankees by Torre and it's pretty good.
A lot of memories came back.
That team played as a team.

Once Epstein and company leaves kiss the good fortune goodbye.

Don't hold your breath.

Posted by: soxmuscle

New York Times - Derek Jeter's 10-year contract with the Yankees expires after the 2010 season, when there aren't expected to be many options at shortstop.

Assuming Jose Reyes and Jhonny Peralta have their options exercised by the Mets and Indians, respectively, Milwaukee's J.J. Hardy would be the best option on the market.

"That's two years away," Cashman said. "That's not something we're even thinking about. Hopefully, Derek will be with us for a long time."

Jeter is adamant about playing shortstop, but internally the Yankees are believed to be hoping that he'll switch to the outfield within the next few seasons.

***

Hopefully, Jeter moves to a corner outfield position preventing them from signing Matt Holliday next offseason.

Derek Jeter is truly becoming the gift that keeps on giving.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Jeter is adamant about playing shortstop, but internally the Yankees are believed to be hoping that he'll switch to the outfield within the next few seasons.

***

This is old news really, in fact it started again when Arod came over.

Quote:

Hopefully, Jeter moves to a corner outfield position preventing them from signing Matt Holliday next offseason.

Derek Jeter is truly becoming the gift that keeps on giving.

Matt has mentioned how he wouldn't mind NY, this would be great for us.

He's given us plenty of gifts, it's kind of scary how much hate you have for him...almost as much you have for Bush.

Posted by: soxmuscle

I don't know why you think I hate him so much.

I don't hate Derek Jeter at all.

He's the most overrated player in sports over the last decade - not agreeing with that statement is just wrong.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

I don't know why you think I hate him so much.

I don't hate Derek Jeter at all.

He's the most overrated player in sports over the last decade - not agreeing with that statement is just wrong.

How do you quantify him being the most over rated in sports over the last decade?

Posted by: soxmuscle

His skill set isn't worthy of the praise it gets nationally.

He's one of the faces of the sport right now.

Exceptional ball player though...

Posted by: IainDaniel

Granted his fielding is mediocre.

However he is one of the best hitters in his position over the past decade. And face of the the most popular organization.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

His skill set isn't worthy of the praise it gets nationally.

He's one of the faces of the sport right now.

Exceptional ball player though...

Simple, he plays in a city where if your a good player who produces in the spotlight in the right spot they name a candy bar after you.
If Jeter played in Kansas no one would make a big deal about him like they do here, at least no so much.

Aside from the money and a chance to get in the World Series they also get fame.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Granted his fielding is mediocre.

However he is one of the best hitters in his position over the past decade. And face of the the most popular organization.

Didn't see that.
Let me honest, he's not that great a fielder but I am not going to complain about him either. I can take my son to a game and talk about how Jeter at short about how much of a professional he is.....can I do that with A-rod?
No, he's constantly on the front pages for stupid crap.
My father used to take all of us to games and one player who stood out was Seaver, great guy on and off the field.

Players like Terrell Owens, Canseco, Plax.....they have talent but are assholes.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Missed my fantasy draft and got stuck with Jeter.

This sucks.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Missed my fantasy draft and got stuck with Jeter.

This sucks.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Karma's a bitch haha

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Missed my fantasy draft and got stuck with Jeter.

This sucks.

AHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHA! Your team is gay!

Posted by: Triple Threat

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Missed my fantasy draft and got stuck with Jeter.

So there is a God after all.

Posted by: soxmuscle

I'm going to try and trade him for fifty cents on the dollar.

He's really just a terrible fantasy option at this point in his career and considering statistics/being able to produce is all that matters in a fantasy league and public perception means nothing, there's a good chance I can't find any suitors for his services and I release him.

Posted by: min0 lee

Ramiro Pena coming up fast at shortstop for Yankees

Saturday, March 28th 2009, 4:15 PM

Whether Derek Jeter realizes it or not, Joe Girardi's proposed move to bat him leadoff may well be a prelude to a much more dramatic switch in the not-so-distant future.

Jeter's decreased range at shortstop, especially to his left, has been an increasingly hot topic around baseball - which the Yankee high command has pointedly chosen to ignore, because there didn't appear to be any bona fide prospects in the system. That, however, all changed this spring with the emergence of 23-year-old Ramiro Pena, whose dazzling glovework has made him the frontrunner to win the utility infielder's job until Alex Rodriguez comes back in May.

Fact is, Pena has always demonstrated world class defense since being signed by the Yankees out of Mexico in 2005, but his improvement with the bat is what's elevated him to legitimate major league prospect status.

"When I first saw him three years ago, you could knock the bat out of his hands," said one veteran scout whose primary assignment is in the minor leagues. "But he was a magician with the glove and that made him someone to keep an eye on. Now that he's gained a little weight, put on a little muscle, he's no longer an ‘out.' He can handle the bat. I always felt his glove would get him to the big leagues, but now I can see him as an everyday shortstop."

Pena hit .266 at Double-A Trenton last year, but scouts who saw him say he appeared to be hampered from offseason shoulder surgery. That has not been the case this spring.

"Best looking young shortstop I've seen in a couple of years," said one National League scout.

So assuming Pena is the real deal, it would seem that with another year of Triple-A apprenticeship, presumably mixed with stints at the big league level, he'll be ready for regular duty with the Yankees. Jeter will be 35 next season, the last year of his contract, and, his pride aside, he can't expect to extend his career as a shortstop. He doesn't hit for enough power to be a DH and, so, a move to center field seems inevitable. As Hall of Famer Robin Yount can attest, there's no shame in moving from shortstop to center field, and as the Tampa Bay Rays will attest after acquiring Jason Bartlett from the Minnesota Twins last year, there's no substitute for defense at shortstop.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Ramiro Pena has a minor league career line of .258/.316/.319 at 23 years old and he hasn't yet played above AA.

This kid sucks.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Brett Gardner was named the teams centerfielder with Nick Swisher backing up all outfield positions and first base and Melky Cabrera being the fifth outfielder (if he isn't traded).

With Ransom playing third until A-Rod returns, Molina going to be forced to catch at least half the time, and Gardner in centerfield.. the Yankees line-up is going to have three automatic outs at the end of the line-up.

Nice.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Brett Gardner was named the teams centerfielder with Nick Swisher backing up all outfield positions and first base and Melky Cabrera being the fifth outfielder (if he isn't traded).

With Ransom playing third until A-Rod returns, Molina going to be forced to catch at least half the time, and Gardner in centerfield.. the Yankees line-up is going to have three automatic outs at the end of the line-up.

Nice.

Posada took himself out last year because of his throwing arm, nothing else.

I have seen teams with worse batters win it all. As much as you folllow the Yankees you should know that the teams where they had a powerful lineup they went nowhere.

Now that Dynasty we had in the 90's had Giraldi at catcher, Brosuas at third....they were not the best hitters but well you should know the rest.

Now the pitching is much better than last year.

Posted by: min0 lee

Varitek= Molina

Molina is OK as a backstop, I come from an age where a catcher was there to handle pitchers, play good defense and throw runners out. If he can hit that's a plus.
To me Posada was never really a good defensive catcher but he's a damn good hitter.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Ramiro Pena has a minor league career line of .258/.316/.319 at 23 years old and he hasn't yet played above AA.

This kid sucks.

That does not mean anything, now I will say I have yet to see him play but maybe there's an upside to this guy.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Questions about Question Marks

Quote:

A couple weeks ago, Pete Abe wrote a piece whose thesis was pretty much that Mark Teixeira is the only Yankee position player who doesn't have a big question mark surrounding him. I can't disagree that the Yankees have a lot of guys that have some kind of question regarding what they'll do this year, but seeing that the Red Sox just released Josh Bard, I've got to say this: doesn't everybody? Let's look at the Red Sox questions surrounding their lineup this year:

Catchers who can't hit anymore: Jason Varitek

Players coming off of career years that are likely to regress to the mean: Youkilis and Pedroia

Older players coming off of major injuries last season: Ortiz and Lowell

Young players who haven't proven they can hit Major League pitching yet: Ellsbury and Lowrie

Left fielders who can't actually play left field: Jason Bay

Players who are injury-prone and can't ever seem to string good seasons together: J.D. Drew

These are two of the elite teams in baseball, maybe THE two best teams in baseball, and they both have questions about almost every, single position. If you dig even a little, almost everyone has question marks about them. That's not necessarily a bad thing.
Baseball is all about probabilities. As a GM, you bet that the guys you have will probably give you enough to be successful. Questions are okay, as long as the answer to the query is something along the lines of: he'll probably provide average to above average production for the position. For the most part (except for Varitek) the answer is yes.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

That does not mean anything, now I will say I have yet to see him play but maybe there's an upside to this guy.

...but some Yankee retard reporter who labels this kid as the next coming of Derek Jeter does mean something?

This kid has done nothing to prove he'll even be able to claim a utility role in the Majors when he makes it no less replace one of the best short stops of all time.

He's putting up terrible numbers against inferior competition to where a 23 year old should be. Some players take longer to progress than others but the knack on this kid has always been his inability to hit.

Most likely comparison: former Red Sox Manny Alexander.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Varitek= Molina

Molina is OK as a backstop, I come from an age where a catcher was there to handle pitchers, play good defense and throw runners out. If he can hit that's a plus.
To me Posada was never really a good defensive catcher but he's a damn good hitter.

Varitek is a terrible player, but he's better than Molina.

That's not saying much considering that Molina is one of the worst catchers in the league.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

I never said that the Yankees offense was going to suck. A-Rod, Teixeira... I mean, the line-up is going to be stacked.

With that said, it'll be nice being able to take a breather against three below average Major League players with Ransom, Molina and Gardner rounding out the order.

Posted by: shiznit2169

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Missed my fantasy draft and got stuck with Jeter.

This sucks.

I missed my fantasy draft and got stuck with A-Roid.

Which is worse?

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiznit2169

I missed my fantasy draft and got stuck with A-Roid.

Which is worse?

3 Yankees in consecutive rounds.

Cano, Rivera and Jeter.

I could deal with just A-Rod. I like pulling for A-Rod because not even Yankee fans appreciate him.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

3 Yankees in consecutive rounds.

Cano, Rivera and Jeter.

I could deal with just A-Rod. I like pulling for A-Rod because not even Yankee fans appreciate him.

Posted by: min0 lee

You mean to tell me you don't like Mo Rivera?

Posted by: soxmuscle

I certainly have had my disdain for some Yankees in the past, but Mo was never one of them.

I obviously can appreciate the talent he possesses - it's hard to be as dominant for as long as it's been in any sport, no less closing for a perennial title contender.

I also kind of like Cano. From a fantasy perspective, there's no way this kid plays as poorly as he did last season IMO.

That said, I still don't want to root for these jerk offs.

And the fact that the damn computer took Derek Jeter over Stephen Drew really chaps my ass.

In my pay league, my team is stacked which is all I really care about though.

Posted by: min0 lee

The problem with Cano if you watch him enough is that he gets lazy, he's been reprimanded once by Jeter and last year his manager bench him.

The kid has lots of potential to be a really good player.

Posted by: soxmuscle

I remember when Girardi benched him and rightfully so.

It happens to a lot of people though. For years growing up, you're so much better than everybody else that you can get by on pure talent alone. When things stop being so easy and you actually have to work on your game, it can be depressing when things don't go your way.

He'll be fine though.

He'll never be the on-base type and he'll strike out quite a bit but he's got some power and he should be good for a prime (4-5 years) of at least a .300 batting average at a position where that's hard to find.

Posted by: min0 lee

Scouting the 2009 Yankees

BY MARK FEINSAND
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Thursday, April 2nd 2009, 9:41 AM

CATCHER: Jorge Posada is back following last summer's shoulder surgery, looking to reclaim his position among the game's elite backstops, though it remains to be seen how many games he'll be able to catch when all is said and done. Jose Molina returns as the backup.

FIRST BASE: Mark Teixeira brings a combination of average, power and defense to the position that the Yankees haven't had since the days of Don Mattingly's prime. Teixeira will bat third for the Yankees, who are hoping his long-term deal works out better than that of his predecessor, Jason Giambi.

SECOND BASE: Robinson Cano batted just .151 last April and his average never recovered despite hitting .297 the rest of the way. A fast start will be important for both the Yankees and for Cano's psyche. Cano was benched late in the season for lackadaisical play, something Joe Girardi won't hesitate to do again if necessary.

THIRD BASE: Alex Rodriguez's hip surgery will keep him sidelined until late-April or early-May, but it's unclear whether the injury will prevent A-Rod from being his MVP-type self. There are also the questions surrounding how Rodriguez will handle the abuse that is sure to come his way on the road, where fans will ride him about his steroids admission. Cody Ransom fills the spot until A-Rod comes back.

SHORTSTOP: Derek Jeter's range isn't what it used to be, but he remains one of the most productive shortstops in the American League. Although he managed to finish last season at .300, his 69 RBI and 88 runs scored marked his lowest totals in any full season he has played. Jeter's range - especially to his left - has diminished, but he makes the routine plays and can still pull out the old jump throw from time to time.

LEFT FIELD: Johnny Damon put together a well-rounded season - .303 average, 17 HRs, 71 RBI, 29 steals and 95 runs scored - despite missing 19 games and landing on the disabled list for the first time in his career. Damon's defense is adequate, though he'll benefit from an occasional day off to keep his legs fresh.

CENTER FIELD: Brett Gardner gives the Yankees lineup an element of speed it hasn't had since the days of Alfonso Soriano, though he'll need to prove he can hit on a regular basis to stay in the lineup. Gardner had a scorching spring, beating out Melky Cabrera.

RIGHT FIELD: Xavier Nady enters a contract year looking to build on a career year, having hit a combined .305 with 25 HR and 97 RBI for the Pirates and Yankees. Nady's average plummeted from .330 to .268 after his late-July trade, though a couple months in the AL under his belt should help him feel more comfortable over a full season.

DESIGNATED HITTER: Once an iron man, Hideki Matsui enters 2009 as a full-time DH, his two surgically repaired knees taking him out of the outfield mix. When healthy, he remains one of the most productive RBI men in the game.

STARTERS: CC Sabathia is an AL-proven innings horse who is arguably the top lefthander this side of Johan Santana, while A.J. Burnett possesses some of the best stuff in the game - when healthy. Two-time 19-game winner Chien-Ming Wang is back after missing more than half of 2008 with a foot injury. Andy Pettitte's shoulder is back at full strength after tiring for the final two months of 2008. Joba Chamberlain brings his power arm and four-pitch arsenal to the rotation, though the Yankees will closelymonitor his innings total.

BULLPEN: Neither age nor shoulder surgery have caught up to Mariano Rivera, who looked spectacular this spring. Rivera converted 39 of his 40 save opportunities last year, posting a miniscule 1.40 ERA and an eye-popping 77-6 strikeout-walk ratio in 702/3 innings. With Chamberlain in the rotation, the setup duties will fall to Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte.

SCOUTING THE INTANGIBLES

BENCH: Nick Swisher gives the Yankees a powerful, switch-hitting bat to back up both corner outfield spots, first base and DH. Molina will be counted on to start roughly 50 games behind the plate. Ransom will return to the utility infield role once A-Rod returns, while Melky Cabrera provides quality outfield defense and a capable pinch-running option for slow-footed starters Posada and Matsui.

MANAGER: Joe Girardi will be under the gun after last year's team failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1993. Girardi says he has learned from his mistakes. A healthy team would be a plus for Girardi, who managed much of last year without Wang, Posada and Matsui, but there won't be any excuses if the new Yankee Stadium is dark this October.

PREDICTION: Two years ago, the Yankees' string of nine straight division titles came to an end. Last year, the 13-year-playoff run crashed to a halt. Can the Bombers start new streaks on both fronts? Sabathia and Burnett are the two primary reasons to believe the answer is yes, though A-Rod's ability to rebound from both his injury and winter of discontent will also play a major role.

The record: 97-65, AL East champions

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Scouting the 2009 Yankees

BY MARK FEINSAND
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

"blah blah blah (gay talk)"

The record: 97-65, AL East champions

Gee, the Daily News actually has something positive to say about the Yankees for once.

Posted by: min0 lee

For once A-rod didn't dominate the news.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Link?

Or a link to any reputable sources breaking down predictions?

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Link?

Or a link to any reputable sources breaking down predictions?

Scouting the 2009 Yankees

Posted by: min0 lee

From TV the Stadium looks beautiful.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Scouting the 2009 Yankees

Was hoping for a whole MLB prediction breakdown

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Was hoping for a whole MLB prediction breakdown

I forget there are other teams.

Posted by: min0 lee

YANKEES (0-0)
2. Derek Sanderson Jeter SS
18. Johnny David Damon LF
25. Mark Charles Teixeira 1B
55. Hideki Matsui DH
20. Jorge Rafael de Posada Jr. C
24. Robinson Jose Cano 2B
22. Xavier Clifford Nady III RF
12. Bryan Cody Ransom 3B
11. Brett Michael Gardner CF
Pitching: 52. Carsten Charles Sabathia LHP
ORIOLES (0-0)
1. Brian Roberts 2B
10. Adam Jones CF
21. Nick Markakis RF
6. Melvin Mora 3B
17. Aubrey Huff 1B
23. Ty Wigginton DH
30. Luke Scott LF
9. Gregg Zaun C
3. Cesar Izturis SS
Pitching: 46. Jeremy Guthrie RHP

CC Sabathia (17-10, 2.70 in 2008) vs. the Baltimore hitters.
Jeremy Guthrie (10-12, 3.63) vs. the New York hitters.
FOR OPENERS: The Yankees are 62-43-1 on Opening Day; 28-29 on the road.
SPRING SUCCESS: The Yankees were 24-10-1 in spring training. The finished with nine straight wins and win in 18 of their last 20 games.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME: The Yankees are 56-30 at Camden Yards over the last 10 seasons, 16-6 the last three.
BALTIMORE CHOP: The Yankees have won seven straight against Baltimore.
CC YOU ON THE FIRST DAY: This is the sixth Opening Day assignment for CC Sabathia. He is 1-0, 4.23 in the first five.
ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER ACE: Sabathia is the sixth Opening Day starter in the last seven years for the Yankees. The list:
2009: Sabathia
2008: Wang
2007: Pavano (yes, really)

2006: Johnson
2005: Johnson
2004: Mussina
2003: Clemens
HOT SIX MONTHS AGO: Cano is riding an 11-game hit streak. Gardner has a 10-game streak going.
Back with much more later.
UPDATE, 1:55 p.m.: It has stopped raining here.
UPDATE, 2:13 p.m.: The fans don’t love Tex here:

Posted by: min0 lee

The season is upon us, so now seems seems like a good time to ask how you think the Yankees will do.
Vote in the poll over to the right.
Last year at this time, I predicted the Yankees would not make the playoffs. The lack of pitching depth and the transition to a new manager seemed like to much to overcome. Given all the injuries, it was remarkable they won as many games as they did.
This year? I like the Yankees getting to the World Series and beating the team they just played, the Chicago Cubs. Here is why:
Pitching: In CC Sabathia, Chien-Ming Wang, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Joba Chaberlain, the Yankees can send a quality starter to the mound every day. Meanwhile Phil Hughes is waiting in Scranton along with the capable Alfredo Aceves.

Defense: Swapping Mark Teixeira for Jason Giambi and Xavier Nady for Bobby Abreu will make the right side of the diamond far less of a black hole than it was. Robinson Cano also appears to have overcome the lethargy he played with for much of last season. Having Brett Gardner in center also will improve the defense. The Yankees are far from a good defensive team, but they are much better than they were.

Offense: The Yankees will miss Giambi and Abreu here. But having a healthy Jorge Posada, a relatively healthy Hideki Matsui and Teixeira should overcome that. Nady and Johnny Damon will be motivated by their walk years. It’s hard to gauge what Alex Rodriguez will do given his injury, the drug questions and his turbulent personal life. But he could well have a huge year.
The manager: Joe Girardi first season was rocky, which was to be expected. He is far more relaxed this season and it helps that five key newcomers — Sabathia, Burnett, Teixeira, Gardner and Nick Swisher — have no ties to Joe Torre. The more the roster turns over, the easier it becomes for Girardi to put his imprint on it.

Depth: The Yankees had a variety of useless players on the bench last season. Now, instead of Morgan Ensberg, Wilson Betemit and the like, they’ll have Swisher, Meky Cabrera and an actual good glove in Ramiro Pena. Girardi has options now.

The schedule: The AL East is a bear. The Yankees, Red Sox and Rays are arguably the three best teams in the game. If the Yankees survive that, they’ll a tough out in the playoffs. The rest of the AL is not very imposing with the Angels a lesser team than in recent years and the AL Central a jumble.

Prediction: 98-64, first place in AL East.

As for the rest of baseball:
AL East
Yankees
Red Sox
Rays
Orioles
Jays

AL Central
Indians
Royals
Twins
White Sox
Tigers

AL West
Angels
Athletics
Rangers
Mariners
Division Series
Yankees over Indians
Red Sox over Angels

ALCS
Yankees over Red Sox

NL East
Phillies
Mets
Braves
Marlins
Nationals

NL Central
Cubs
Brewers
Cardinals
Reds
Astros
Pirates

NL West
Dodgers
Diamondbacks
Giants
Rockies
Padres

Division series
Phillies over Dodgers
Cubs over Mets

NLCS

Cubs over Phillies

Yankees over Cubs
Awards
AL MVP: Mark Teixeira, Yankees
AL Cy Young: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox
AL Rookie of the Year: Elvis Andrus, Rangers
AL Manager of the Year: Trey Hillman, Royals
NL MVP: Alfonso Soriano, Cubs
NL Cy Young: Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks
NL Rookie of the Year: Stephen Strasberg, Nationals
NL Manager of the Year: Lou Piniella Cubs

Posted by: soxmuscle

I haven't read much of that article, Min0, but who the hell wrote that piece of shit?

Strasburg winning the Rookie of the Year award?

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

I haven't read much of that article, Min0, but who the hell wrote that piece of shit?

Peter Abraham, why? Are you going to hurt him?

Quote:

Strasburg winning the Rookie of the Year award?

Ortiz is not qualified to win it this year.

Posted by: soxmuscle

honestly, one of the worst season predictions I've read this year.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Peter Abraham, why? Are you going to hurt him?

Ortiz is not qualified to win it this year.

No, I may send him or his publication an e-mail begging the question why/how this guy has a job.

I've never seen a more cliche prediction thread than that. There wasn't one "surprise" in their at all.

Again, it's truly laughable to me that you think my Ortiz prediction was so off. You're a more knowledgeable sports fan than that, at least I thought you were.

Strasburg hasn't even been drafted yet. Predicting that he wins the Rookie of the Year award is far worse than me predicting a bounce back year after being hurt from one of the best hitters in the game over the last five years.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

honestly, one of the worst season predictions I've read this year.

It's spot on.

Posted by: soxmuscle

He did pick the Royals to finish second, which you laughed at a couple days ago when I gave them a similar standing.

Funny.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

He did pick the Royals to finish second, which you laughed at a couple days ago when I gave them a similar standing.

Funny.

Umm...I never laughed at KC, I did laugh at Ortiz winning the MVP.

Funny but he was here in NY promoting some game and he mentioned how he loves playing against the Yankees....he say's they made him famous.

The Yankees complete you, without them you have no will to live. God Praise Jeter!

Posted by: soxmuscle

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

I too would love playing against the Yankees.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

I too would love playing against the Yankees.

If it were any other team I don't think he would be as famous, what he did to a team that for centuries beat the crap out of them and to finally beat them is a David and Goliath story.

I like Ortiz, I do hope he gets healthy again......but I do hope he stops killing the Yankees.

Posted by: min0 lee

2009 MLB Experts Picks - MLB - Spring Training - 2009 - SI.com

Posted by: I Are Baboon

I think it's funny that Orioles fans are booing Texiera today...as if the O's ever had any chance of signing him.

Posted by: min0 lee

Damn, CC is HUGE.

I like Spencers speed.
Tex is wayyyyy better at first.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

I think it's funny that Orioles fans are booing Texiera today...as if the O's ever had any chance of signing him.

3-1 Orioles

Damon at 3rd, tex batting....fans booing..lets see him produce.

Posted by: min0 lee

Walk....real close.

Posted by: min0 lee

Wow...CC...you look...blah

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Sabathia should have had one more cheesebuger.

I could got for a cheeseburger right about now.

Posted by: min0 lee

Nice throw by Gardner to the plate, I know Damon wouldn't have made that throw and Melky would have been out of position.

Posada has to be the worst at protecting the plate, that could have been a safe call.
Granted he is a converted catcher....you would think by now.

Damn he hit a home run, always a good bat.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

Sabathia should have had one more cheesebuger.

I could got for a cheeseburger right about now.

You mean a dozen more.

Posted by: min0 lee

Ransom looks frustrated...I can't wait for A-Rod to come back.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Gotta love that bottom of the order for the Yankees.

Here I am getting worried that their right back in the game only to have Ransom and Gardner suck the hairy root.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Gotta love that bottom of the order for the Yankees.

Here I am getting worried that their right back in the game only to have Ransom and Gardner suck the hairy root.

I'm not worried about Gardner, it's ransom who doesn't need to be there.

You can't expect the bottom of the order to have 40 home run a year player, a lot of teams had that and went nowhere.

I like his defense.

Positions that historically have heavy hitters.

First base, Third and the corners....sometimes the center fielder would have some pop.

Short, second and catchers were always weak hitters.

Cal Ripkin sort of changed that but you need a good defensive player there.

Posted by: Triple Threat

Not a good start for NY or the new guys.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Threat

Not a good start for NY or the new guys.

Nope, Tex left a few runners on base but what a difference on he defense he is.
Jeter got his hits but when he had a chance to put them in the lead he grounded out weakly.
Matsui is a wonder, to me he looks as old as godzilla but then he hits them out..

Posted by: soxmuscle

Bullpen needs to prove something...

Posted by: min0 lee

Middle relief, you can't bunch the others with Mo.

This is where I can see Chamberlan pitching, pitchers need to get off that stigma that middle relief is a curse word.

Posted by: IainDaniel

No starting pitcher for the Yankees has a strikeout this season

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

No starting pitcher for the Yankees has a strikeout this season

That's a good find.
CC should have had at least one strike out, I don't know if he has the toughness to make it in NY.

Wang was up in the strike zone and h really isn't a strikeout pitcher.....more of a groung ball pitcher...he'll bounce back.

Now I thinkif Burnett can stay healthy he can our ace.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Burnett and health are the key thing.

Last year (contract year) was the only year we had any healthy action out of him.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Burnett and health are the key thing.

Last year (contract year) was the only year we had any healthy action out of him.

I hope he stays healthy, the guy has good stuff.

Posted by: min0 lee

Crap, I didn't know they played so early.
A.J. Burnett sharp, bats come alive as Yankees avert sweep against Orioles

Looks like he trains hard.
BY MARK FEINSAND
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Thursday, April 9th 2009, 3:50 PM

BALTIMORE – The Yankees' newcomers finally started earning their money on Thursday.

Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher both homered in support of A.J. Burnett, who gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings to pick up his first win, as the Yankees avoided a season-opening sweep with an 11-2 win over the Orioles.

Burnett gave up seven hits and walked one, striking out six – the first strikeouts this season by a Yankees starter – giving the Bombers the type of performance that neither CC Sabathia nor Chien-Ming Wang was able to provide.

Swisher had three hits – including a two-run homer that put the Yankees ahead for good – and matched a career-high with five RBI in his first start of the year, while Teixeira went 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored, silencing the Camden Yards crowd that had lustily jeered him for three consecutive days.

Baltimore took a 1-0 lead in the third on Brian Roberts' RBI single off Burnett, putting runners at first and second with one out. A two-out walk loaded the bases as Baltimore threatened to break it open, but Burnett escaped the jam by striking out Aubrey Huff, pumping his fist with excitement before he walked off the mound.

Teixeira took O's starter Alfredo Simon deep to lead off the fourth, tying the game with his first home run as a Yankee. One out later, Simon walked Cano, setting up Swisher's two-run blast to right-center, giving the Yankees a 3-1 lead.

Luke Scott cut into the lead with a one-out home run against Burnett in the bottom of the fourth, but Baltimore never got any closer than that after the Yankees rallied for four more runs in the sixth to open up a 7-2 lead.

Burnett was lifted with one out in the sixth after giving up his seventh hit, but Phil Coke struck out the next two batters, closing out Burnett's line.

Cano lengthened the lead in the seventh with a two-run homer, his first of the year, to make it a 9-2 game. Swisher tacked on a two-run double in the ninth to account for the final runs.

Posted by: min0 lee

I'm here watching Yankeeography and they point out that although Billy Martin batted .250 throughout the season he excelled in the world series.

Posted by: IainDaniel

What no one wants to jump in here, and claim what a bush league move last night was putting nick swisher in to pitch?

Yanks are pathetic.

Posted by: soxmuscle

The game was over, why waste a reliever?

He actually looked much better than Wang did, perhaps Swisher won't be on the bench all season afterall - not with that shit bullpen.

Posted by: IainDaniel

It is bush league. period.

2000$ seats are bush league.

The Yanks are bush league

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

The Yanks are bush league

It took a while, but we're finally on the same page

Posted by: min0 lee

It's nice to know that even though we are not dominating like we normally do every decade or so that your teams that have won what.....4 World Series combined?....still see us as the Evil Empire.....it's good to be king.

Posted by: min0 lee

Yankees OF Xavier Nady headed to disabled list, could be done for season

BY MARK FEINSAND
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Wednesday, April 15th 2009, 3:49 PM

ST. PETERSBURG - Xavier Nady's time in pinstripes appears to be headed for a sudden end, as the outfielder's first full season with the Yankees is likely over.

Nady underwent an MRI on his right elbow Wednesday morning in Tampa, and while the Yankees didn't release any official diagnosis, both Nady and manager Joe Girardi said the results were not encouraging.

Although nothing is official, Nady told several teammates that he was likely headed for Tommy John reconstructive surgery, the same procedure he underwent in Sept. 2001. That would knock him out for the rest of this season, leaving the start of 2010 in doubt for the free agent-to-be.

Nady will be examined by team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad before Thursday's home-opener, at which time a final diagnosis will likely be released.

"I've been down this road before and I was hoping not to do it again," Nady said. "We'll see what he thinks tomorrow. Surgery wasn't fun years ago. I would prefer not to go down that road again, so hopefully tomorrow will be some decent news."

Nady will be placed on the disabled list before Thursday's game, though Girardi said the team hadn't decided who will replace him on the roster. With Melky Cabrera already on the roster as a fourth outfielder, it's likely that the Yankees will call up either an infielder or another relief pitcher.

Nick Swisher steps in as the everyday right fielder in Nady's place.

Posted by: min0 lee

Let me wash the dirt off this thread by cleaning it with good old Yankee news.

A.J. Burnett worth every penny as he stops another Yankee skid

Tuesday, April 14th 2009, 10:35 PM

ST. PETERSBURG - His reputation as something of an underachiever is fast being replaced by that of the new Yankee stopper. Injuries notwithstanding, maybe all A.J. Burnett needed to live up to his potential was the chance to pitch on a team like this that always seems to be playing big games.hint, hint...Ian

"I think he enjoys the stage," was the way Joe Girardi put it Tuesday night.

This wasn't Broadway, but the lights were pretty bright here at the home of the American League champs after the 15-5 smackdown the Rays gave the Yankees on Monday night, and Burnett responded with eight innings of dominance in a 7-2 victory.

The no-hitter Burnett took into the seventh inning would have been memorable, but even in April this was a night when the Yankees needed a win after the embarrassing series opener when Nick Swisher was their best pitcher. And they had a feeling, as Girardi indicated, that Burnett was the right guy for the job.

It goes back to the way he dominated the Yanks with the Blue Jays the last couple of years. The Yankees were willing to gamble $82.5 million on him because they saw a big-game pitcher with spectacular power stuff beginning to mature into more than just a flamethrower.

Already he's stopped a pair of two-game losing streaks for the Yankees, and indeed he gives off the vibe of someone who can throw 98 mph anytime he needs to. When asked about Girardi's feeling that he likes the big stage, Burnett shrugged.

"I've never been in that position," he said. "But I'm always up for it. I feel like I'm at my best when my back's up against the wall, when we go into somebody else's place, and there's a packed house. That brings out the best in me."

For the second straight night here, where folks suddenly love the Rays, there was indeed a packed house, the fans looking for more blood after the rout on Monday night.

Instead they saw a taut pitcher's duel, Matt Garza nearly matching Burnett with seven strong innings.

From the start, however, Burnett looked like a guy who could throw a no-hitter. He mixed his 94-98 mph fastball with hard and soft breaking balls, racking up eight strikeouts in six innings, to go with 10 of the most routine ground balls and fly balls you've ever seen.

He is the rare pitcher to admit how much he was thinking about the no-hitter, as well, laughing that it crossed his mind as early as the third inning.

"You can't not think about it," he said.

In fact, since throwing a no-hitter for the Marlins eight years ago that Burnett calls "embarrassing" because it included nine walks, he said he has had a goal to throw another "to wipe that first one away."

In the end, Burnett couldn't finish it off, leaving an 0-2 curveball up that Carl Crawford slapped to left to lead off the seventh. Candid again, Burnett admitted to a letdown over losing the no-hitter, which may have led to the Rays' two-run rally in that inning to tie the game.

But he showed guts by coming back out after the Yankees took the lead back, 3-2, to pitch a 1-2-3 eighth inning.

"That showed maturity," said Girardi.

It's a word nobody in baseball associated with Burnett for years. He admitted this spring his arm problems were largely the result of his stubbornness in trying to throw every pitch as hard as he could for years, and baseball people wondered if he'd ever grow out of that phase.

Furthermore, one of the knocks on Burnett over the years has been that he's had a tendency to "drift mentally," as one American League scout put it yesterday, and sometimes lose games as a result.

"It's no secret he went out there sometimes and just sort of winged it some days," the scout said. "He seemed to mature some last year, and I don't know if it was because it was his walk year or being around (Blue Jays ace Roy) Halladay for three years finally began to have a positive effect.

"But the thing about him is that he almost always raised his game when he was pitching against the big teams like the Red Sox and the Yankees. I don't know if he can stay healthy, but if he does, I think he'll be a stopper for them."

So far, so good. He still has to prove he can stay healthy, as he finally did in going 18-10 last season, but maybe this is truly the new Burnett, motivated to finally get to the October stage that he was denied in 2003 with the championship Marlins because of an injury.

"I'm definitely looking forward to New York," he said, "but I've never had that postseason stage. That's what we're all here for."

It looks like he's the right guy to lead the way.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Burnett did great with the Jays, I would love to have him on our squad. However, his injuries always hampered him.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

It's nice to know that even though we are not dominating like we normally do every decade or so that your teams that have won what.....4 World Series combined?....still see us as the Evil Empire.....it's good to be king.

I don't see the Yankees as the evil empire, I just despise their style and would love to see a team that has the most resources in baseball fail miserably like they did last year.

Hating the Yankees is part of baseball. They are most definitely not Americas team.

Posted by: IainDaniel

HAHAHA a record of 14 runs against in one inning..... hahaha

currently 20-2 through 5. Against the Indians. HAHAHAHA

Posted by: min0 lee

WTF......I'm going to hide....

Posted by: soxmuscle

MLB.com:

"Indians unload on Yanks wang"

That they did.

Posted by: IainDaniel

What a fuck up this organization is.

Seats that are empty for the first time in years.

Announced another price increase next year 4%

Have a park that infield flys carry to become homeruns, all the the small price of 1.5 billion.

Retards

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Announced another price increase next year 4%

No way. Are you serious? $2650 isn't enough?

Posted by: IainDaniel

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/sp...er=rss&emc=rss

Last line.

Posted by: min0 lee

Is this how you promote the sport?

Posted by: min0 lee

Posted by: soxmuscle

if were going to tout our correct opinions, I mine as well restate what I've said about this team all along.

That the bullpen isn't very good and the tail end of the offense has been pitiful.

The Yankees bullpen will get better when Bruney gets back, when they possibly punch Joba into the back end of it, etc. but it's been an absolute nightmare thus far.

Garnder, Pena, Berroa, Ransom... they're not Major League ball players. It's as simple as that, they don't belong on a professional roster.

Of course, this is all irrelevant because their offense will be much improved when A-Rod returns and the bullpen has a great chance to improve but I'll definitely take the time to point and laugh at the suck that this team is right now while I can.

Posted by: min0 lee

Ransom looks like a career minor leaguer...way out of his league.

What a disappointment this the pitching has been.

MArtes or whatever really sucks.

Posted by: min0 lee

Interesting seeing Joba as a starter, he looks more dominate as a reliever for some reason.

Phil Hughes is starting tonight...to stop a 4 game losing streak.

Watch for Giraldis job status come the allstar break.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Ransom looks like a career minor leaguer...way out of his league.

What a disappointment this the pitching has been.

MArtes or whatever really sucks.

Ransom might be the best of those four.

Your infatuation with Gardner and Pena is mind boggling to me.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Interesting seeing Joba as a starter, he looks more dominate as a reliever for some reason.

Phil Hughes is starting tonight...to stop a 4 game losing streak.

Watch for Giraldis job status come the allstar break.

It's easier to be a dominant reliever than it is to be a dominant starter and it's also (for the most part) less taxing, which is why Papelbon was originally converted into a closer.

I really hope Hughes pitches terribly tonight. He won't, I've accepted his talent, but it would be nice to see him shit the bed and the Yankees make some Min0 lee esque knee jerk reaction and send him back down.

It's too bad Girardi will be the first one to go. Management should be shot for building such a crap bullpen and not getting the depth they need when there are (even now) legitimate options out there.

When will Cashman take the fall for all the terrible decisions that have been made over the last decade? Who's cock is he sucking to stay on with them?

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Ransom might be the best of those four.

Your infatuation with Gardner and Pena is mind boggling to me.

You sure do exaggerate. Take a chill pill, if you plan on sports writing your headed to the National Enquirer or the Post.

I still like Gardner for his defense and speed...now is he the future CF of the Yankees no. This may have lit a fire on Melky.

Ransom makes a lot of mental mistakes but he is in the spotlight and replacing a future HOF.

Pena has no bat but his defense is way better than Jeter.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Min0 lee esque knee jerk reaction and send him back down.

Enough of the Character assassination. I like Hughes still do, stop being a kid....oh I forgot.
This is funny for someone dying for the Caption of his team to leave....

Quote:

It's too bad Girardi will be the first one to go. Management should be shot for building such a crap bullpen and not getting the depth they need when there are (even now) legitimate options out there.

When will Cashman take the fall for all the terrible decisions that have been made over the last decade? Who's cock is he sucking to stay on with them?

I give Cashman 2 years...

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

No way. Are you serious? $2650 isn't enough?

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/sp...er=rss&emc=rss

Last line.

Yankees cut premium ticket prices in response to empty seats in new stadium
Yankees cut premium ticket prices in response to empty seats in new stadium
he Yankees are cutting some premium ticket prices and giving free seats to certain ticket holders in response to empty seats during the first homestand at their fancy new ballpark.
The team on Tuesday slashed the price of 48 first-row Legends Suite season seats on the outer half of the dugouts and photo cages from $2,500 to $1,250, and 68 others in the final three sections down each foul line from $1,000 to $650.
"There are a few hundred suite seats in our premium locations that have not been sold on a full season basis," Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. "As a result, and for many of our fans who have already purchased full season suite seats in such premium locations, the Yankees are announcing today a program that adjusts certain prices and benefits."
New York said the reductions will apply to this season only.

Posted by: min0 lee

If successful, Phil Hughes could put Joba Chamberlain back in Yankees' bullpen
So tonight Phil Hughes gets a chance to begin recapturing his can't-miss status of a couple of years ago, and maybe this is where the Yankee season begins to find its footing. Hughes could solve so many problems if he is ready to mature into a dependable major league starter, directly and indirectly.
Obviously he plugs the Chien-Ming Wang spot in the starting rotation, but beyond that, he gives the Yankees flexibility to make the move they may need to save their season.
Yes, Joba Chamberlain. It's an old debate but with a new twist, since Brian Bruney is out now with an elbow injury, leaving a bullpen - in front of Mariano Rivera - that could be hazardous to Joe Girardi's job status at some point.
I'm not saying the Yankees should move Chamberlain back to his set-up role immediately if Hughes delivers a solid start tonight.
They need to find out more about Bruney's elbow problem, and how long he is likely to be out. They need to see if the highly touted Mark Melancon can be a savior of sorts for the bullpen. And they need to see if Wang can be fixed in Tampa over the next couple of weeks.
But if the Yankees learned anything from their lost weekend in Boston, it's that they need a much better bullpen to match up with the Red Sox in the late innings, where their head-to-head meetings are so often decided.
For now, at least, they seem firmly committed to keeping Chamberlain in the rotation. But part of the equation here is that he shows no signs of being a dominating starter.
Indeed, during the weekend at Fenway Park full of ugly pitching numbers, the most alarming number of all came from Joba's pitching line on Friday night:
Of the 91 pitches he threw, only two produced a swing-and-miss. He used to get two per at-bat, it seemed, as a blow-away reliever.
Chamberlain did show plenty of grit in his start against the Red Sox, inducing four double-play balls that allowed him to escape big trouble and surrender one run over 5-1/3 innings. But where is the dominance?
Soon after his conversion from the bullpen at midseason last year, he blew away the Sox over seven innings, allowing three hits while striking out nine hitters as he outdueled Josh Beckett.
On Friday night, meanwhile, Chamberlain allowed 14 baserunners in 5-1/3 innings, and struck out two. In his three starts this season he has allowed 32 baserunners in 16 innings, while getting 11 strikeouts. Although he has managed to limit the damage to a 3.94 ERA, it's clear this is not the Joba who was automatic out of the bullpen.Since spring training the fastball velocity has been an issue, as he throws mostly around 92-93 mph now as opposed to 96-97 when he was relieving.
And while his celebrations as a reliever may have been a bit over the top, he seemed fueled by the emotion and let-it-go fire he could pour into a one-inning stint, as opposed to pacing himself as a starter.
The combination of lower velocity and a mostly placid demeanor have baseball people wondering what's wrong with Joba.
"There shouldn't be that kind of difference in velocity between starting and relieving," one AL scout said Monday. "When (Josh) Beckett is right, he's topping out at 96-97 from start to finish.
"It makes me think (Chamberlain) is worried about hurting his arm, especially after the shoulder problem he had last year. He's had injury issues before - that's what scared a lot of teams off of him the year he was drafted. I don't know, I just see a different guy out there as a starter. He doesn't have that swagger he had when he was coming out there, knowing he could empty the tank for one inning."
The Yankees have to be thinking this way themselves, so you wonder how long they'll give Chamberlain before deciding to try him in the bullpen again.
Perhaps it all depends on what happens in the next few weeks with Bruney and Melancon, as well as Wang and Hughes.
I still think the Yankees will be OK. Assuming Alex Rodriguez returns in a week or so with no complications to his hip injury, their lineup should be explosive, especially with Robinson Cano off to such a hot start.
Likewise, assuming that Wang isn't a lost cause and A.J. Burnett's meltdown at Fenway on Saturday wasn't an omen, the starting pitching should be among the best in the league over the long haul of the season.
The bullpen is the trouble spot. Even if Bruney returns in a couple of weeks, the Yankees don't have enough depth, unless Melancon's power arm is ready to make a huge impact.
At some point it's hard to see how the Yankees deny the obvious, that they need Chamberlain back there to have any hope of winning a championship. Maybe starting tonight, Hughes can help convince them.
jharper@nydailynews.com

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

I really hope Hughes pitches terribly tonight. He won't, I've accepted his talent, but it would be nice to see him shit the bed and the Yankees make some Min0 lee esque knee jerk reaction and send him back down.

He pitched real good tonight, and it's a good thing because I was going to place a call to George and have him sent to China.

It's funny but I think you hate the Yankees more than you like the Red Sox.

Let me fill you in on something, the Red Sox have been the better team the past few years and have won 2 World Series in the last 10 years, act like you won something before.

Such an inferiority complex, let it go.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Ransom might be the best of those four.

Your infatuation with Gardner and Pena is mind boggling to me.

I know your not high on Pena but he can catch....he needs to gain some weight though....I like his defense.

Posted by: min0 lee

Cano is killing the ball and his defense is better.
Melky took over CF.
These 2 players learned their lesson.

Arod will be back sooner than expected.

The Yankees are hot.

Yankee haters inconsolable

Posted by: IainDaniel

Come on.... lets not forget about the A-Roid

Stories surfacing about him Juicing in High School, and also with the Yanks in 2004. Heck Teammates nicknamed him Bitch Tits.... hahahaha

Then what about him tipping off opposing batters, in exchange for the same back?

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Even I, Yankee Hater #1, think A-Rod gets way too much unfair negative media attention. Don't get me wrong...I still enjoy any Yankee misery.

Posted by: IainDaniel

He digs his own grave.... all he had to do is be honest.

Posted by: min0 lee

This book really doesn't really say much that hasn't been said.

Posted by: min0 lee

MLB: Book: A-Rod's act turned off teammates

Alex Rodriguez was an insecure prima donna who made a clubhouse attendant load his toothbrush with toothpaste after every game in his three seasons with the Texas Rangers, a new book charges. The Rangers were also required to send a basket of food to the controversial All-Star's hotel suite during road trips, Sports Illustrated columnist Selena Roberts reports in "A-Rod." Many Texas teammates kept their distance from A-Rod, who they saw as a spoiled superstar. His relationship with other players didn't improve when Rodriguez joined the Yankees in 2004. His Bomber teammates regarded A-Rod as a phony and a hypocrite because he tried to project an All-American public image while pursuing a swinger's lifestyle. During a series in Texas, Roberts writes, A-Rod went to a sex club while his wife, Cynthia, pregnant with their first child, was at home in New York. Rodriguez also turned off teammates by bragging about wild nights with strippers - and by making clumsy passes at other players' wives and girlfriends.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

I am more disturbed by his trips to Hooters in which he allegedly tips 15%. I mean, Hooters food really isn't very good and their beer selections are AWFUL. And the waitresses are a bunch of stuck up snobs. I prefer local independent pubs.

Posted by: min0 lee

Damon hopes Yankees bring him back
By Andrew Marchand
ESPN.com

New York Yankees left fielder Johnny Damon, a free agent at the end of this season, said the chances are "slim" he will be asked to return to the Bronx next year.

Damon, 35, is in the final season of the four-year, $52 million contract he signed after leaving the Boston Red Sox.

Damon said the numbers game in the Yankees outfield does not bode well for him. Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner are in center, Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady -- who will also be a free agent and is currently on the DL -- in right and the team's top prospect, Austin Jackson, lighting up Triple-A.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman has spoken about making the Yankees younger.

"I know where I want to be next year," Damon told 1050 ESPN New York. "I want to be here in New York. I also know New York has a lot of young outfielders coming back. Austin Jackson is in the wings. At least, in this situation, I know my chances of coming back could be slim because of the young talent the Yankees do have."

Damon entered Friday night's game with the Angels, hitting .295 with four homers and 10 RBIs. He has picked up those numbers batting second in the Yankees' order.

When the Yankees signed Damon in 2005, they envisioned him as a center fielder and leadoff hitter. Damon -- who at one point as a Yankee considered retirement -- said this situation is different than what he faced in his final year with the Red Sox.

"I just go out and play," Damon said. "What happened before, I think, everybody in the world thought I was going to re-sign with Boston. Everyone thought I was going back. Here, people don't really know. Everyone is pretty much thinking this could be my last year here so I think that is a difference. I went out as a free agent in Boston and had a great year and I priced myself out of there market, at the time. Hopefully, I can go out and have a good year and they can see how important I am with the other players with doing the recruiting and doing whatever this team needs me to do. I've enjoyed playing here."

He is savoring this season and hoping he can change the Yankees' mind, though, he doesn't sound totally optimistic.

"If I go out and play the game well and play the game right, there obviously will be some interest," Damon said. "But I understand the business of this. I've been a free agent twice already."

Posted by: min0 lee

His days as an outfielder are over, but he still can hit....problem with the Yankees now is that they have too many DH's.

Posted by: min0 lee

CC Sabathia falls to 1-3 as Yankees can't solve Angels righty Matt Palmer
Read more: "CC Sabathia falls to 1-3 as Yankees can't solve Angels righty Matt Palmer" - CC Sabathia falls to 1-3 as Yankees can't solve Angels righty Matt Palmer

Posted by: min0 lee

Boston is ass raping the Yankees and they seem to like it.

If the old Boss was healthy you can be sure Giraldi or even Cashmen would be gone.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Fuck if the old boss was healthy he would fire his son.

Some serious problems there.

Posted by: min0 lee

I ....don't know what to say.

Posted by: Triple Threat

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Some serious problems there.

What problems? Other than shaky starting pitching, a mostly pathetic bullpen, and an almost non-existent bench, they've got no problems.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Threat

What problems? Other than shaky starting pitching, a mostly pathetic bullpen, and an almost non-existent bench, they've got no problems.

Posada is now on the 15 day disabled list, Wang is getting rocked, A-rod is bringing back his drama soon, Tex can't hit a beach ball, the Stadium is the new Coors field launch pad....

Posted by: min0 lee

Is Damon's fielding getting worse by the day??

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Threat

What problems? Other than shaky starting pitching, a mostly pathetic bullpen, and an almost non-existent bench, they've got no problems.

Well you could add a half empty stadium.

I right field porch where routine fly balls become homeruns.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Well you could add a half empty stadium.

I right field porch where routine fly balls become homeruns.

We know...we know....

Posted by: IainDaniel

Honestly though.... they will turn it around.

They need A-rod. Look at the record with and with out him in the line up. Pretty remarkable.

Posted by: min0 lee

Rumor has it he may come back on Friday.

Posted by: min0 lee

What an improvement Tex is over Giambi, big time difference.

Posted by: min0 lee

New York Stadiums Taking Hostility To New Level
Remember our story earlier today about the Yankees Stadium security guards who wouldn’t let fans back in a game after they told those same fans it was canceled? It turns out that’s not the only incident of arbitrary, adversarial authoritarianism run amok in the Big Apple - and it’s even spreading to both new NY stadiums.

(The Yankees’ current #1 security threat, apparently.)
That’s Paul O’Neill (above), whom our readers over the ripe age of 12 would remember as a beloved Yankee outfielder. He now works as a broadcaster for the YES network (”YES,” of course, stands for “Constant Yankee Verbal Fellatio.” They got the letters in the acronym wrong). He was out by the batting cages during warmups this weekend, which is basically what every announcer does ever, when according to the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS, security told him he couldn’t “loiter” and made him leave. Then they decided to make things personal.
O’Neill had another reason to be perturbed. Security would not allow his wife, Nevalee, into the Stadium “wives room.” She was told by security it was for “current” wives only.
Just a reminder: Paul O’Neill is a man whose job it is to speak directly to millions of Yankee fans on a daily basis. He has a much, much larger audience than, say… the head of security at the stadium. Just tossing that out there.
But the Pinstriped Gestapo weren’t through. They then set their sights on the Angels broadcasters who, for obvious reasons, travel with their franchise. One of the two broadcasting teams was watching the game from an empty broadcasting booth since they weren’t active that day. Again, we’re not making this up - security booted them as well, then wouldn’t allow them to sit in any of the empty, overpriced seats closer to the field.
There’s been no official word, as near as we can tell, from stadium personnel as to why the crackdowns have become more severe. It’s not like the Queen of England’s in town or anything. Perhaps it’s part of a larger media-war strategy that also involves skyrocketing prices for media outlets to file updates or use a trailer at the game. Maybe they’re just a**holes.
Whatever it is, it makes the Mets’ decision to ban the NEW YORK POST and Daily News from their clubhouse - prompting this ludicrously inflammatory response from the Post - seem downright hospitable by comparison. What the hell is going on over there?

Posted by: min0 lee

About time Tex did something.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

6-9 weeks for the Labrum repair.... hahaha good luck with that.

gone at least 4 months. more then likely 6.

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

A-Rod to play Friday

NEW YORK (AP) -- Alex Rodriguez will return to the New York Yankees for their game Friday in Baltimore.
The team announced that Rodriguez would rejoin the team on Thursday, a few hours after the third baseman played in his final rehab game in Florida. He went 0-for-2 with two walks and put in three innings of defense.
Rodriguez had surgery March 9 on his right hip, but has recovered more quickly than expected.

The three-time AL MVP spent much of his rehab assignment facing questions about a biography released this week that suggests he used performance-enhancing drugs in high school and may also have taken them after he became a Yankee in 2004.

Rodriguez hasn't commented about the book.

Rodriguez shook hands and thanked support staff at the Yankees' minor league complex in Tampa for their work after taking extra grounders and batting practice following the intrasquad game.
He credited Dr. Sox Muscle, who operated on the hip, and Dr. Ian Daniel, a soft-tissue expert who has worked with him daily in Florida, for the success of his rehab program.

"They have worked (hard) with me," Rodriguez said. "Sox Muscle did a good job with the surgery. I feel blessed."

Posted by: min0 lee

Posted by: soxmuscle

They certainly need him.

Posted by: min0 lee

Can he pitch?

Posted by: IainDaniel

He actually didn't have the complete surgery that he required in order to get him back on the field quicker.

And heck he has sources to Steroids and HGH to promote Healing

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

He actually didn't have the complete surgery that he required in order to get him back on the field quicker.

And heck he has sources to Steroids and HGH to promote Healing

Nice try.

Posted by: min0 lee

Sox your right, Molina really sucks ass.
Frank Cervelli looks like a better player, I like his arm and agility behind the plate.

Posted by: min0 lee

Johnny Damon's homer in 10th gives Yankees third straight walk-off win
BY PETER BOTTE
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Sunday, May 17th 2009, 4:15 PM
These walk-off victories - and whipped-cream pies to the face - quickly have become old hat at the new Yankee Stadium.
Johnny Damon's solo homer in the bottom of the 10th inning marked the latest feel-good example as the Yankees won in their final at-bat for the third time in as many days Sunday, improving their season-high winning streak to five games overall with a 3-2 victory over the Twins.
Damon clubbed his team-best 10th homer of the season off Minnesota reliever Jesse Crain - and third career walk-off homer - with one out in the tenth to spark the latest jump-around celebration at home plate and earn him a suddenly traditional whipped-cream pie to the face from starting pitcher A.J. Burnett. The Yanks (20-17) also had posted last-gasp wins in their previous two games - on Melky Cabrera's game-winning single in the ninth inning on Friday and on Alex Rodriguez's 11th-inning homer on Saturday.

Read more: "Johnny Damon's homer in 10th gives Yankees third straight walk-off win" - Johnny Damon's homer in 10th gives Yankees third straight walk-off win

Posted by: I Are Baboon

I've watched more Yankee baseball than Red Sox baseball this past week. Goddamn west coast road trips. And yes, I've watched all three walk offs.

Posted by: Triple Threat

HR derby in the Bronx tonite.

NY Yankees Inning Summary

- N. Swisher homered to deep right
- R. Cano homered to deep right
- M. Cabrera homered to deep right

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Threat

HR derby in the Bronx tonite.

NY Yankees Inning Summary

- N. Swisher homered to deep right
- R. Cano homered to deep right
- M. Cabrera homered to deep right

That was something else.
This team is actually enjoying themselves.

Good to see Cano and Melky maturing. Swisher is a pleasant surprise ....I like the spunk he provides the team.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

I've watched more Yankee baseball than Red Sox baseball this past week. Goddamn west coast road trips. And yes, I've watched all three walk offs.

That was cool.

Posted by: min0 lee

Tex & A-Rod the new Manny & Ortiz? Gammons Thinks So

I know, I couldn’t believe it either. Given the fact that Gammon’s all but wears a Sox hat during ESPN telecasts, his comparison that “these two guys [Tex and A-Rod] are going to be what Manny and Ortiz were for the last six years,” on last nights Baseball Tonight was high praise.

And here’s the best part for Yankee fans, it’s not unrealistic. The Yankees have not had a lefty-righty combination of this magnitude since perhaps Mattingly and Winfield, although Paul O’Neill and Bernie Williams are most definitely also in that discussion, Teixeira and A-Rod will hit for significantly more power.

The combination of average, power, and plate discipline between the two is going to drive pitchers crazy, and opposing mangers even crazier trying to conjure a way to pitch though the heart of the order late in games.

We’ve seen the impact already that one can have on the other, as Teixeira has turned into a monster since A-Rod’s return. Much has been made about the “A-Rod Impact” on Tex–who is hitting .341 with six homers and 17 RBI’s since the return of the slugger on May 8th–but the impact Teixeira will have on A-Rod has been severely understated, if talked of at all.

The previous occupant of the three-hole in the Yankee lineup was Bobby Abreu, who despite hasving good numbers, was always more content to take a walk abd pass the baton (and pressure) on to A-Rod.

Alex now has an equally patient hitter in front of him, yet a much more aggressive hitter as well. Teixeira want’s the big hit, as you can tell with his O’Neill-like slamming of the helmet when he didn’t a few weeks ago.

With Tex hot, being a switch-hitter will forece manager to spend a lot of energy figuring a way to get him out. Do you bring in a righty, or turn him around to the left side because the short porch in right scares you?

And oh yeah, A-Rod is waiting on deck, whatever decision you make on Teixeira will undoubtedly effect what A-Rod is going to do to you.

So while David O-for-Ortiz and Manny “Is that a baby bump?” Ramirez seem like a distant memory in the American League East, much to the dismay of managers everywhere, a new one-two punch is looming in the Bronx.
Batter up.

Posted by: min0 lee

Hughs is doing pretty decent. I wish the kid good.

8 strikeouts so far in the 5th.

Posted by: min0 lee

AJ is getting his ass kicked.

Posted by: Nate K

I'm going to the game tomorrow.

Posted by: min0 lee

Here?

Posted by: Nate K

The Yankees are going to the Rangers

Posted by: min0 lee

Ok.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Honestly though.... they will turn it around.

They need A-rod. Look at the record with and with out him in the line up. Pretty remarkable.

So what is the Record with A-roid in the Line up

Just because 7 of his 10 hits have been homeruns.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

So what is the Record with A-roid in the Line up

Just because 7 of his 10 hits have been homeruns.

Big difference with him in the lineup, it's been amazing.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Big difference with him in the lineup, it's been amazing.

The lineup's average homosexuality has certainly increased since he returned.

Posted by: min0 lee

Their on Bostons ass right now.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Don't look now, but Carl Pavano has five wins and is on a pace for 17.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

Don't look now, but Carl Pavano has five wins and is on a pace for 17.

I hate that fag.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Like him or not, A-Rod has turned Yankees around
He homered on the first pitch he saw after returning from hip surgery. The New York Daily News asked: Has a .258 hitter ever made as much of a difference as Alex Rodriguez(notes) has over the past three weeks?
According to the report, at the time of Rodriguez's return, the New York Yankees were in third place with a 13-15 record, but a run of 14 wins in 19 games has moved them toward the top of the American League East, only a half-game behind the Red Sox.
The Daily News reported in the 28 games without A-Rod, the Yankees averaged 5.64 runs per game; with him, they're scoring 5.68. So why have the Yankees been so much more successful since Rodriguez rejoined the lineup?
"It all starts with pitching," Mark Teixeira(notes) said. "Our starting pitching has been so good, it's kept us in almost every game and given us the chance to have the walkoff hits that we've had and to score a bunch of runs and take leads."
The Yankees are also 7-1 in one- and two-run games since Rodriguez's return, a vast improvement over their 6-7 record in those contests without him.
"Our runs may not have gone up, but we're winning the close games," Johnny Damon(notes) said. "That's all about confidence."
Source: New York Daily News

The pitching has has improved so they do deserve some credit.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Melky is OK but I prefer Gardner.

I was wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Ramiro Pena has a minor league career line of .258/.316/.319 at 23 years old and he hasn't yet played above AA.

This kid sucks.

He isn't doing too bad, you are so wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Varitek is a terrible player, but he's better than Molina.

That's not saying much considering that Molina is one of the worst catchers in the league.

Your right, that kid Cervilli...I like him

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Ransom might be the best of those four.

Your infatuation with Gardner and Pena is mind boggling to me.

Ransom sucks, Pena has outplayed him. It's not infatuation, it's rooting for the kids.

Posted by: min0 lee

Remember how you said the Yankees defense sucked so bad....check this out.
Yanks error free for record 18th game

Quote:

Chamberlain made a dazzling defensive play in the fifth, highlighting a milestone game for the New York's fielders. The Yankees played error free for the 18th straight game, surpassing Boston's major league mark of 17 set in 2006. New York's last error came on May 13 at Toronto when shortstop Ramiro Pena misplayed a ground ball.

And this is with Jeter at short.

The big difference is Tex, we finally have someone who can catch a ball at first and throw it too.

Posted by: min0 lee

Derek Jeter

AB HR AVG RBI R SB
209 7 .311 25 32 10

Funny how you mention Big Papis declining numbers but Jeter was also hurt the past 2 years.

He is doing OK now.

Posted by: min0 lee

What's up with Jake field with the Bug problem and the birds?

You never really know how bad it is till you see it in HD.

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