Mixed Emotions

As a Yankee fan I thought the best player the team signed in years was Mark Teixeira. The big first baseman, who got a $180 million deal from the club shores up the first base position for years to come.

But at what cost? It looks like with all the money they spent...there goes the youth movement. And as the payroll came down a lot after the season it has gone up to almost as much as it was for last year.

In this bad economy all you hear from all media outlets is that the Yankees are ruining baseball even though they are just playing by the rules. In mid January the tickets go on sale. It will be interesting to see what the prices are and how much they go up. And for fans like myself who have partial plans we may not be able to afford to go anymore. I know for a fan of a team who just improved about 10 games in the standings I sound bitter that's just the way I feel.

Thinking About '09

Its Saturday and in the last few days the team has spent big bucks on two ace pitchers: CC Sabatha and AJ Burnett. The rotation as of right now looks like this:

1.Sabathia

2. Burnett

3. Wang

4. Joba

5. Hughes, Kennedy or Aceves

It looks like the team will add one more starter either bring back Andy Pettite or maybe Derek Lowe.That is fine but if every one is healthy, maybe and that is a big maybe, with Wang and Hughes, this could be the rotation:

1. Sabathia

2. Burnett

3. Wang

4. Pettite

5. Hughes

Bullpen: Mariano, Joba, Phil Coke, Marte Veras, Edwar Rameriz,

By the way... the Brewers want Phil Coke along with Melky in the Camareon trade. I would tell them to get lost.

CC In Pinstripes

He may love the west coast and the National League but CC Sabathia was shown the $ and looks like he will take it. $161 over 7 years with an opt out at the third year.

I just hope as a Yankee fan he said, "I wanted to be a Yankee all along." If he comes and is honest with us I can live with that. He seems like he is a good guy. On his web site he does a lot for charities and is a family man.

Now as Yankees fans we need him as a ace. AJ Burnett could be next; he has an $ 85 million offer on the table over 5 years from the Bombers. We should see in the next few days.

By the was CC is Carsten Charles should you get to meet him.

Do the Yanks have a back up plan?

The Yankees sent CC Sabathia an offer of $140 million. Who would not jump at that?

It might be someone who does not to come to the Bronx. He is from California and loves the National Leauge.With the Moose retired the team needs arms. Do they now overpay for AJ Burnett and Derek Lowe? Maybe they have a trade we don't know about. Or do they try to get two big bats like Mark Teixera? Or maybe bring in Manny Ramirez to christen the new Stadium. Its all quiet on the front now but the Yanks must get one of those pitchers in the pool to stay a float in 2009. Stay tuned...news should come soon.

How About The Outfield?

The Yanks best off season needs is pitching, but second should be the outfield.The team really needs a young athletic center fielder. Here's a breakdown.

Left

Xavuer Nady
Hideki Matsui
Johnny Damon

Center
Johnny Damon
Brett Gardner (above)

Right
Bobby Abeu (above)
Justin Christian

It looks a little crowed to me. One will be the DH. Who stays?

With Damon having a year left on his contract and can DH, lead off and play left & center in a pinch he will probably not get traded. Hideki was hurt and had his worse Yankee year last year. Seattle had some interest if he could be moved it might be a good call.

Nady was great in left coming from Pittsburgh but could be moved to right to replace Abeu if he goes the free agent route. Brett Gardner looks like a great role player who can come off the bench, steal a base and play center great but does not look like an everyday player.

Abeu has filed for free agency and and if the Yankees bring in a big time out filed he could bolt. It lookslike he has a 50/50 shot of coming back.

Who do they bring in? Do they throw the big bucks at Manny? He does not fill you needs of getting younger but Bomber fans will take his bat. Do they trade for a young outfielder like the Royals DavidDejesues or maybe a veteran like Mike Camaron? Or make a big spill and trade for The Rockies Matt Holiday? Or maybe just stand pat and wait for farmhand Austin Jackson, the centefielder of the future? Or maybe trade him for a stop gap player?

Mid December after the winter meetings we could have a different look to the Yankees outfield...we will see.

Let the off season begin

Phils had their parade and congratulations to the world champs; that's Jimmy Rollins above.

This could be one of the biggest off seasons for the Yankees in the past few years. Where can we start? How about starters.

The team is going to throw big money at CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett. Will they take the money? Will the team have to trade for a starter? Will Mussina and Pettitte be back? Will the team stick with Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy who they got zero wins from? Will Joba start or be in the 'Pen?

Speaking of the 'Pen...after Mariano, will the strong pen of Coke, Marte, Ramirez, Vares and Bruney stay intact or will they have to trade for starting pitching? Behind the plate...will Jorge be back or will he have to spend time at first.Does the team need to get another catcher to platoon with Jose Molina?

Short and third are set but how about second with Cano coming off a bad year. Does the team try to move him or stick with the young second baseman? First base is another big question. Do the try to get Giambi back for one more year or go for someone who can play defense? Or throw big money at Mark Texira who might not want to come here?

In the outfield the team needs a everyday center fielder who can play defense. Do you trade for a big time center fielder or stick with Brett Gardner who can filed but it looks like he cant hit? Hank Steinbrenner likes Many Ramirez but at 36 that is not getting younger. Abeu might be gone what do you do with Johnny Damon and Matsui whose outfield skills have declined in the past year?

November and December will big in what becomes of the 2009 Yankees in an off season that will have many moves. Stay tuned.

Bittersweet

Staying up late was worth it to my fellow Yankee fans to see Red Sox nation come falling down in Tampa.You might say its sour grapes but it made my day.

And how about those Young Rays going from worst to first. Give them all the credit in the world and if they play their cards right they should be around for the next few years

But getting back to our #1 enemy...they are kind of in the same boat as us. They will have to shop for pitching in the off season and should be even stronger next year as their young team with top notch pitching should be back in form. Both teams are gone the off season has begun.As far as watching the series Let go Phillies.

Yankees Must Spend On Pitching

After watching the Red Sox win game one of the ALCS 2-0 on the back of Dice K, the writing is on the wall: the Yanks need big time pitching.

As we start to take a look at the off season, starting pitching should be the key. Boston looks soild with three aces at the top of the rotation in Dice Bekett and Lester. It's something the Yanks had in the late 90s. After thinking about this for a few weeks I feel the Yanks should go
to the bank and shell out the bucks for the two big free agent pitchers.

CC Sabatahia (pictured) wants to stay on the west coast and in the National League. The Yankees, who missed out on Santana last year, should use the new stadium and a lot of their dollars to lure this guy in. Then the team should put all there focus on AJ Burnett.He is a big time AL pitcher who went 18-10 and killed the Yanks. By doing this you weaken the Jays. Try to bring back 20-game winner Mike Mussina and sign Andy Pettitt but only for one year. Get a big name guy then go from there.

What Went Wrong?

After watching both teams from our division win their first two postseason games does it make you feel worse or better? With me it's worse.

The Bombers did win 89 games and did finish strong but they are on the outside looking in for the first time in 13 years. So what went wrong? Here are just a few things. They are not excess but just my opinion.

1. No giving Joba Chamberlin a set role in spring training.

2. Starting the season with two unseasoned pitchers inPhil Hughes and Ian Kennedy.

3. Thinking Robinson Cano and Milky Cabera were ready for prime time. Cano should bounce back but Cabera is very overrated and that is why the team is looking for a new centerfield.

4. A bad bench.Shelly Duncan, Wilson Betemit and Morgan Ensberg were supposed to be the best Yankee bench since the late 90s. You seewhat happened.

5 Injuries to Posada, Chien-Ming Wang, Hideki Matsui and Joba did not help. Especially Wang who won 19 games last year. And Matsui on a good year gives you 100 RBIs. You can say the team was down over 100 RBI's from 2007 and did not hit in big spots.

Or putting together a shaky rotation when it seemed the team was always playing catch up.You can say a lot but at 89 wins it was not enough. Brain Cashman signed a new contract this week let the hot stove league begin.

Looking Towards '09

Only a true fan would watch his team on the last weekend of the season after they were out of the race...and wait out a long rain delay to see the Yanks beat Boston at Fenway to deny the Sox from the division championship.

But after watching the team on a gloomy Friday night and in the last week as the
team won 8 out of 9 I see some bright spots for next year.

The bullpen has been good all year. And I like what I see from Phil Coke, the 26 year old rookie could give the Bombers two good lefty's in the 'pen with Marte next season. Talking about pitchers... not too sure who out of the starters is coming back. I like the make up of Alfredo Aceves who the team got out of the Mexican League has been good in his few starts.

In 2009 there will be a lot of spots to win in training camp. Cody Ranson (above) who can play every postion and has power two homers against the Sox don't hurt and could be in line for the utility role. I sure Brett Gardner won't be the starting center fielder but with his wheels he could get a role on the club. 2009 will be one of the most interesting off seasons for the Yankees in years. After Sunday it begins.

My last Yankee game at the Stadium

In June of 1970 my mom told me, "Sunday you are going to the game. It's Bat Day." I did not know it but you got a free bat I thought how cool was that. At the time I was a baseball fan and watched it on TV but never thought about going.

But when somehow we got $4 box seats, at the time the highest price seats, I was ready.When we arrived I could not believe it how big it was. This is the old Stadium before it was renovated after the '73 season. I just fell in love with the place and after that I watched baseball a lot more and started collecting cards.

In 1971 I started to go to more games and even a Giants football game at the Stadium. Well I guess all good things come to a end. Its 2008, 38 years since my first one and today is my last one. I have very mixed feelings. I was one who did not want it to close but in the world we live in where money talks the team can make so much more in a new building.

So today I will watch the game but more than that I will walk around the Stadium one more time take it in and just look around and go down memory lane. My brother, who took me to my first one back in '70 could not make it today but we did talk about the Stadium this week and I am sure whoever I run into we will talk about the old house. I have been very lucky to go to all these games over the years. Thanks for the run. By the way... my first game bat day I got a Bill Robinson bat. I wish that I still had it today. Thanks Yankee Stadium.

Play hard and finish strong

It's the final 10 games for the House That Ruth Built. Being the season it was just a foregone conclusion that the final game would not be the real final game but this year it is.

With this team it is more like going to a wake than a upbeat baseball club. But I say be positive. It should be a celebration just going or watching the final games at the old park. And the Yanks should keep their regulars in there as they should play hard. They play Tampa, Chicago and the Bosox 9 times in the last two weeks. Be spoilers and make it hard for these teams show some fight.

I remember when my dad took me to the the final game at the old Yankee Stadium. The team was worse than this one. There was not a big outlook for '74 and you just excepted the same team.

Next year is 2009 and the Yanks will have a very busy off season to make sure the club will not repeat this year and will shoot to be better. So after a rare down year it should be positive next year. I cant wait. Also one of my biggest regrets was not bringing some tools to that last game in 73 to get a souvenir seat...who knew.

Bring Up More Kids

With the minor league playoffs just about over after this weekend, the Yanks should think about bringing up more young players from there farm system.

This week the team brought up two pitchers Phil Coke and Alfedo Aceves. I feel after watching Sidney Ponson and Darrell Rasner start in there last two outings they should give these kids a shot. Also the team should look into bringing top prospect Phil Hughes back when the minor league playoffs are over. Also deserving of a shot: Trenton second baseman Kevin Russo who could give Cano some competition.Also Austin Jackson, the center fielder of the future just to get a little time on the big club.

Dead Men Walking

The Yanks needed a least 2 out of 3 to be back in the Wild Card race. Tuesday night was the the Yankee season in a nutshell.

Andy Pettitte, a big game pitcher in the past, did not have one. A Rod who had a MVP season last year with many big late inning homers....this year no clutch hitting at all. Tuesday night, trailing by 4 in the seventh, bases loaded, A Rod up...double play... rally over.It has happened all year. We have talked about it before...not only not hitting in big spots but not hitting at all.

I am still watching the Yankee game at 10pm Wednesday night as the Yankees are getting blown out by the Red Sox. Now its official: the Yankees post season chances are over. I still had some hope before this week that they still had a shot. But now just work on what you need for next year.

For Sale

As we get ready for the last month at Yankee Stadium, baseball wise it won't be a September to remember.

After watching the Bombers lose another series--this time to Toronto--it looks like for the first time in 14 years there will not be any October Baseball in the Bronx. It is hard to believe as a Yankee fan. I am ok with that after all that has happened this year. And as a big fan I am now starting to see what my team will do in the off season.

I am sure there will be some big changes. But this Yankee fan feels that we should start the sale now. With the August 31 deadline coming up soon it is very hard to get players through waviers. But sometimes when a player is making a lot of money teams won't block the move so much.

For example: Johnny Damon (pictured making one of his two 8th inning errors against Toronto) , with one year left on his salary, is from Florida. How about sending him to the Rays? I am sure Boston would block it and maybe Damon would veto it as a 10-5 guy but it is worth a shot. The same for Pudge Abreu and Giambi and a few others who probably won't be back next year. This is coming from a Yankee fan: sell, not buy. Who would of thought it? Just an idea, Brian Cashman.

It's Now Or Never

31 years ago Elvis died and those 1977 Yanks were not in this shape.

10 1/2 back in the eastand 6 in the wild card. This team lost one to the Royals last night 4 to 3 after many chances to get big hits and it is simple. Starting today, with 39 games left, like the old Elvis song "It's now or never" for the Yankees post seasons plans.

Brian Cashman made some moves Friday, sending Melky Cabrea down to Triple A and cut Richie Sexton. It did not help last night as the team did not comeback.

It is simple: This team can't hit. We have talked how the starters have been in most games and the bullpen up until a few games ago has been solid. It has been the bats not coming though in big all small spots.

Batting Coach Kevin Long \, who was given a two year extension on his contract, may be the first one let go at the end of the season as heads could roll. Today has to be the day to get on a win streak or like another Elvis song this team could be "All Shook Up."

Maybe Hank's Right

After a Yankee win on Tuesday night Hank Steinbrenner made some comments stating that 2008 is not the Yankees year. And after watching them on Wednesday lose to the Twins in Minnesota maybe he is right.

It was a typical 2008 Yankee game. They did not get the big hits. Starting pitching was not that bad...but bad enough to give up the big hit. And the middle relief did not come through. We can go over and over it but it is more of the same story: this team that was supposed to be the next Murders Row has not come through in the clutch.

And if you look at the whole season the line up from top to bottom, except Abreu and sometimes Damon and Nady, the lineup is very inconsistent. Hank said that in the last 25 years he never saw this many injuries. And coming off a 3 and 7 road trip it showed. Injuries are one thing but when the team is close to full strength they are still very up and down.

You can;t blame it all on injuries and maybe it is time to be sellers not buyers.

Joba May Head To The 'Pen

If Joba Chamberlain does not need any surgery or has to be shut down for a long time he may wind up back in the bullpen. The team might do what they did last year and put in "The Joba rules": only a certain amount of innings.

This Weekend the team looks in trouble as the head to the Big A and lose the opener in Anaheim, 3-0. With Ian Kennedy and Dan Geise starting, it shows the Bombers are in need of starting pitching to fill Joba's void. But Phil Hughes threw in Scranton Thursday night and is about 2 weeks away.

Also...believe it or not Carl Pavano is working his way back and is up to about 60 pitches a game; he could be back by the end of the month. These are all if's so if Joba could come right back maybe the bullpen is not a bad idea. Because a lot of fans thought he never should of left.

The Halos Are Good

Like the Oakland As of the late 90's and the '98 Yankees, this Angel team looks dominant. The first game of the series they muscled the Bombers 12 -6. But last night's 1-0 was tough as K Rod beat our guy the Great Mariano.

Now the Bombers are in a real tough spot...they play this team 6 more times in the next week . And now the schedule gets easier for Boston and Tampa. This is were the Bombers have to put up or shut up as the hit the road for what could be a make or break trip.

Oh What A Night: Yankees 1 Red Sox 0

It was a great game to watch and Joba really stepped up as he went 7 innings, 3 hits and 103 pitches, the longest of his short pro career. He out dueled a tough Josh Beckett and brought the Bombers to two games in the lose column of the Sox.

It was a very intense Yankee/Sox game as Joba came in on Kevin Youkulis and hit his bat and the team after that. Kyle Forsworth got into a jam which brought in Rivera and he got a 5 out save.

The team is on a roll winning 7 in a row, they're 12 over ;500 and even in low scroing games they look confident something they did not look early in the year.

Durring the game it was announced that the Yankees and Pittsburgh reached adeal to get lefty Damaso Marte and outfielder Xaver Nady, fill 2 team needs. The team really needs a left arm out of the bull pen and a coner outfielder who is hitting .330 and is a very good outfielder. In the move the team does not lose any of their top prospects except for Jose Taba, one of the top outfield prospects in baseball. But that is just what he is...a prospect. This is a great move and it looks like a great move to make Joba a starter who now really moved up on the debt chart tonight big win.

Home Sweet Home

The Yankees look like they are putting it into gear as they won their 10th straight home game as they beat the Twins 5 to 1.

Mike Mussina, who got screwed out of the All Star game, got his 13th win as they head into a weekend showdown with the Red Sox in Beantown. The team is now a year high 11 games over and just 3 1/2 out of first. The starters look good, the offense is clicking and the bullpen is doing great.

"Don't fix what ain't broke"... but on Thursday, the team's day off, the brass will meet in Tampa to talk about how the team can get better with the deadline in about a week. They still need a left hander in the pen and a corner outfielder. But unlike about a week ago, the team is in good shape and maybe Brian Cashman would have to give up a king's ransom to get what the team needs to go to post-season.

Yanks 7 Oakland 1

The rest did some good for the Yanks as they took the first game after the break.What the team did last night is kind of what they need to do in the second half to have postseason baseball in the Bronx. Cano had 3 hits Mike Mussina pitched well and bullpen looked good.

Here's a list of things the team needs to do in the second half .

* Robinson Cano needs to hit and lift the team

* Jeter and Posada to have big second halfs

* Mussina to do what he did in the first half.

* Get another starter by the trade deadline

* Get a left handed reliever by the trade deadline.

* Get a right handed coner outfield by the trade dead line.

* Johnny Damon needs to get back by next weekend when they play the Bosox.

* To not score 14 runs and one run the next day.

There are a few more things I can list but this is just to give you an idea. Brain Cashman, who got Richie Sexton for next to nothing, will have to dip into the farm system to get what the team needs most in the above paragraph.

Bobby Ray Murcer

On Sat afternoon when I herd the news on the death of Bobby Murcer it was hard to take. Bobby lost his dramatic battle with cancer. When I heard I was shocked because I thought he was stable and holding his own. And when a hero of you youth passes it is very hard.

When I went to my first Yankee game in June of 1970 the Bombers were bad and Bobby Murcer was the best we had. For the next few years in the last years at old Yankee Stadium from '70 to '73 Murcer was the Yankees best player. He made the All Star team and gave us something to cheer about. After 1974 Bobby was shipped to San Francisco for Bobby Bonds.

After all those dog days of Yankees baseball in 1976 the team was good again and captured the AL flag. In '77 and '78 they won back-to-back World Championships. Who would ever think Murcer would come back. But as the Yanks started bad in '79 in the early spring it was a real shocker to me when the Yankees re-acquired Bobby Murcer from the Cubs. I thought it was great. I did not know how long it would last but after the death of Thurman Munson and later that day he had the winning runs after delivering Thurman's eulogy Bobby M was a Yankee for life.

He did a great job in the booth as he found a new home. I had the privilege to meet him at a Yankee fan fest back in the 90s and true to form he was a nice guy. On Sunday I took my daughter to the MLB Fan fest in NYC and before we went I looked for my old Bobby Murcer Yankee shirtf rom 1980. I found it but it did not fit me. So I let my daughter wear it and it looked good on her. She got a lot of compliments. As I and other Yankee and baseball fans remembered our all time favorite Yankee.

4-2=0

It is almost the All Start break. The game is at Yankee Stadium and only three Yankees are going.

Maybe that's all that should go this 2008 team wins 4 straight then loses 2 in a row. But if you watch this team everyday it is how they lose. Last night they ran into one of the best pitchers in baseball and got only 2 hits but the night before, against a Pittsburgh team they should run all over. The Yankees scored only 2 runs against Pittsburgh's Pat Malohand, not exactly a Cy Young candidate.

It is very tough to figure this lineup; they can explode at any time or just go flat for days at a time. After the All Star game if this team keeps going like this then they should make some moves.

I Don't Get It.

It' s a problem in the last 5 games: the Yankees Starters are 0 and 3 with a 8.03 ERA.After a bad day all around Friday in which Darren Rasner gave away a 3 run lead to the Sox and fell to 4 and 7 he could be on the way out of the rotation.

What I don't understand is when I read the papers and see that GM Braian Cashman says the team has no interest in trading for CC Sabathia before the July 31 trade deadline. Maybe its just a ploy or maybe its just he feels the minor league talent is so great that he can't part with any. So far most of the pitchers we saw come up have not been the real deal so far but who knows.

Maybe its the 4 Million plus attendance that they get and feel this is a throw away year and are not putting a lot of focus on wining this year. Its hard to call. This Yankee fan wants to see some moves soon.

Here Come The Red Sox And Rays

After losing another home stand against Texas its time to get on track. The Red Sox and Rays meet the Yanks in the next week and losing these two series could make or break the season.

After the Yanks could not score 3 runs over two games, they got 16 plus in the one game. That is the Yankees season in a nut shell up and down. Now as the two teams in front meet the Yanks before the break if they are going to make a run at first now is the time.

Who would of thought that Tampa would be up by 8 games over the Yanks? But give them credit...they are a young physical team that plays great station- to - station baseball with good young pitching. They look like they are here to stay around all year. So now the Yanks have to make their move; it starts Thursday night at the Stadium against the BOSOX.

Lopsided Split

This is the the 2008 Yankees season in a nut shell:

Game 1 Mets 15 Yankees 6
Game 2 Yankees 9 Mets 0

The team will play really bad or really good. It looks like there is not too much in the middle for this team as they still can't get a really good streak together.

In the night cap there was on postitive: Sidney Ponson did look good
for six innings and even if Ponson can give the Yanks 5 or 6 good innings every time out
that will be a big positive for the team. But that was only his first outing and who knows
its been that type of year.

We need another Shawn Chacon

Remember a few years back when the Yankees pitching went down kind like it is doing this year, Braian Cashman reached out to the Rockies and got a journeyman pitcher named Shawn Chacon who helped the team down the stretch to get the Bombers in the postseason? He even won a playoff game against the Angels.

This year the Yanks need another another guy like this. After getting beat by Cincy 4 to 2 and stopping their streak at 7 the team looks to Dan Giese to make the start for Wang and have signed Sidney Ponston to a Triple A contract.

The problem is the Yankees, like all other teams, need starting pitching...but do you want to mortgage the future to get a starter who will only be here for a few months? The big names wont be available till after the All Star game so Brain Cashman has his work cut out for him.

A good weekend gone bad

Just when the Yanks were ready to take 3 in a row from Houston, a managers worst nightmare happened: Yankee ace Chien-Ming Wang injured his foot running the bases in the Yankees 13 to 0 win.

Wang, who was back on a roll winning his last two and 5-0 on the road, has a partially torn tendon. He sprained his right foot and will be on crutches for 6 weeks. And even with some luck he won't be able to pitch until mid September. This same injury hit Brain Bruney early in the season and he is not close to being back.

So when you feel your team is going to go on a run this happens. They have won 4 in a row but Brain Cashman will have to look into the trade market. You have to feel most teams will hold the Yanks up for ransom because off their situation. Coming up in the next few days we will take a look at who is out there and if it is worth mortgaging the future.

What goes up must come down

After the biggest and most exciting win of the year Thursday afternoon off the bat of Jason Giambi the 2008 Yankees showed you what they are all about. After getting a great performance by Darrell Rasner who pitched 8 innings of 2 run ball only to get loss. Just when you feel this time is going to take off...it just sinks again you can't blame the pitching on this one.

Kansas City has lost 11 straight on the road and a record of 24 and 37 but looked more like the 1977 Royals. As I said before it is tough to figure. Is it Cano? A Rod? Posada? Jeter? Who knows... but right now it don't look like there is too much there. The only front office news we are hearing about is giving a new contract to GM Brian Cashman. Maybe with getting 4 million through the gates and making a lot of money they have put winning right away as not a top priority.

Maybe its time for a deal

After watching Joba Chamberlin, one of baseballs best set up men start and not make it out of the second inning maybe its time to turn somewhere else.

The team has been around the .500 mark for about two weeks and looks like they are going nowhere. One of the many problems has been the bullpen getting to Mariano. Joba was perfect in that role now he's gone and what the team has in house with the likes of Farnsworth, Hawkins and Ohendorf and others do not answer that call.

In other years the team has always jumped to make a trade and right now I feel they don't have a choice. My target is Brian Fuentes, the Colorado left hander who is having a good year with a 2.55 ERA and converting 8 out of 11 saves. I know he would not come cheap but look at it this way. They still are in the race for the wild card. Everything that they have in house won't get the job done. He is a left hander and maybe you jump at this guy before Boston or another team does.

Back in 2000 way before the trade deadline the Yanks got Dave Justice from Cleveland and that sparked the team to the title. Getting him or another bullpen arm would be the right thing to do right now.

Joba all set for Tuesday blast off at the Stadium

A new era in Yankee history takes place at the big ball park on Tuesday night as Joba Chamberlain will make his first major league start against the Blue Jays.

If Toronto rotation goes the normal this weekend Jobas first start could be against Blue Jay ace and Yankee killer Doc Holiday. Most Yankee and even baseball fans believe Joba should stay in the bullpen but the Yanks drafted him as a starter and that's what he will be. Look for 65 to 70 pitches on Tuesday and see where it goes.

As a Yankee fan I want to hope for the best here but I still feel the best thing for the big guy is to set up Mariano and be the future closer. What ever happens it will be interesting.

One Step Forward, One Step Back

One step forward on step back that is what the 2008 Yankees season sounds like after 54 games. The team is at 27 and 27...right at .500. After a slug feast on Friday night in Minny the team has reached the even mark.

To myself and most Yankees fans I talk to everyday we try look at the team in a positive way and hope the Yanks will take off on a big run like they did last year. But just when you think the
bats come alive and can go on a big stretch the team will score 3 runs over the next two games.\

Friday night is a good example...the Bombers had 16 hits and just won by a run. It is a kind of toughto see what this team is going to do. The team is five and a have back of Tampa in the east but with the Central and West not being as strong this year the wild card sould come out of the east.

It Makes You Want To Shout

I know its only a three game winning streak but things are on an upbeat swing this week.

After taking out Seattle on Friday night the Yanks have upped there streak to three straight. The bats looked alive as Andy got his first Stadium win and the team looked focused. Plus some other good news: it looks like Jorge Posada is going on a rehab and could be back by June 5th. With A Rod back the Bombers will be at full force.

Also I am going to my first game of the year today, the first of many trips to the old ball yard. As a Yankee fan it is always more fun to go to a game after a big win and if the Yanks lose the next two at least it will be a great weekend weather wise.

Joba to start and two in a row.

After getting bombed by the Mets and then Baltimore on Tuesday night the Bombers showed some life. The last two games, as the bats woke up, they took 2 out of 3 from the Birds. Maybe this is the start of something big as Seattle comes in for the weekend.

But news about Joba moving to the rotation was the start of something big on Wednesday. Like myself, most Yankee fans want no part of Chamberlain going in the rotation but the call was made. Hank Steinbrener might of said it best: we have him in the big set up roll if the team never has the lead. So Joba will stretch out his appearances and maybe get one or two starts in the minors.

So with Joba to the rotation look for Jose Veras and Edwin Rameriez to step up their rolls in the pen. And lets hope we see the Kyle Farnsworh who showed up the first part of the season not the one who got teed off against by the Mets last Saturday. But with Kyle its always a mystery on what you are going to get.

Subway Series Washout

After watching my team lose 3 out of 4 to Tampa it was kind of depressing.But on Friday night the first game of the Subway series at the Stadium was rained out I was not that bad with it.

What I am trying to say is that maybe like a lot of other fans of both teams I feel the Met/Yankees series has jumped the shark. I think once a year 3 games at one site like they did the first few years is enough. Or maybe like the Giants and Jets do every three years...that would be real special. But with its popularity in terms of ticket sales that would not do.

Back when I was a young star growing up in New York it was the Mayors Trophie Game and it all went for sandlot baseball in the tri sate area. Now it is a big money making event. Play once a year and make it special again.

Bring Back David Wells

There was some headlines about 45 year old and out of baseball lefty David Wells coming back to the Bronx for an encore.

After watching Kei Igawa Friday night getting knocked all over the place maybe its worth a shot. Manager Joe Giradi said "I think all of us would still love to play. We will see what happens"

It will probably take 4 to 6 weeks to get him ready. Kind of the same time Clements took last year. My take: hey you got nothing to lose. He would be cheap. And he is a guy who loves being a Yankee. I say yes, plus if he is on a rehab in Trenton there are a lot of good watering holes in the berg.

The Can't Comeback Kids

After a so so week the Yankees went under .500 after a loss in Motown on Friday night. Trailing 6-2 in the 9th score, the Yanks scored 3 runs but left two on as Shelly Duncan, who was hitting .150 against righties, flyed out to end the game off of Todd Jones. This was the closest time all year the team has come to getting a comeback win.

That is the big problem from this years to last years team. I know there's no A Rod or Posada in the lineup but this team shows no heart. Kei Igawa was hit for six runs and looked like he is heading back to Scranton. It was a tough one to watch and it seems like the two Central teams, who the Yanks will be in the wild card race with look a lot better than the Bombers.

Back To The Future

Kind of like in 1978 when the Yanks were hit with injuries and the team was flat. It was Ron Guidry who came out every 5 days to stop the bleeding.

This year its Chien Ming Wang after in front of 52,000 at the Stadium Wang shut down the Mariners 5-1 in a 6 inning 90 pitch performance on Saturday. Still under .500 this is one of the only bright spots for the club this year. Like many Yankee fans having their doubts about Wang he is trying to make me a beliver.

Two other good things happened on Friday: Bobby Ray Murcer returned to the broadcast booth and looked good. Also, the Yanks found out Jorge Posada does not need surgery and in the best case scenario could return in about 6 weeks...good news all the way round.

Long Season Ahead?

A Rod, Jorge and now Phil Hughes on the DL. After the long road trip the Yanks came home to meet a red hot Tigers team and now look like a team that is heading down.

You can only make so many excuses for the way the team is playing. Even with all the conditioning in spring it is just like last year were three and four guys are down at a time.The Bombers have a better record than they did last year but they don't look like they have the pitching and power as last years team. Remember A Rod had 14 Homers in the month of April last year.

This year someone will have to step up as both Posada and A Rod will be out for at least two weeks or maybe more. To me it looks like the team is going to the 'pen too much every night witch could come back to haunt them. To this Yankee fan it looks like it could be a long year.

Yankees down and Bruney out

Brian Bruney a big part of the Yankee bull pen could be out for the season after he slipped covering first base in Chicago on Tuesday night. Bruney, with an ERA of 1.59 and a save has been a the bright spot of the bullpen this early season.

The Yankees , 12 and 12 after 24 games look like a just like a .500 club up and down. Its funny... up until this weekend around here we have not got any rain for over two weeks but on the Yankees last two road trips rain has hurt the team three times.

Last week after a rain deley in Baltimore Ian Kennedy, who was pitching well, got bombed. And in Chicago along with Bruney slipping on a wet turf, Phil Hughes struggled after the rain delay. Girardi did not want to bring Hughes back with the lead after the long delay This 12 and 12 team tooka big blow if Bruney is out for the year.

Joba Stays In The Pen

As of now Joba is going to stay in the pen. Hank Steinbrener was making big headlines early in the week but now its old news. Joba will have to go to Triple A if he becomes a starter and with the team in the pennant race that wont happen soon.

Looking at the last few games Johnny Damon is starting to get on more and make the team go. A Rod should be on the DL but will be back by the weekend. Abru is carrying the club and the pitching has been OK.

So after a stay in Cleveland this weekend the Yanks finally come home. If the Yankees win the weekend series in Tribetown that will prove a point and they'll be good shape as they come back to the Bronx.

Phil Hughes Gets Bombed

Phil Hughes inability to turn the Corner came again as he got bombed by the Birds for seven runs in the Yankees 8 to 2 loss in Baltimore on Friday night.

As the season started I thought he was the key to the teams success. I was debating many Yankees fans about keeping him and not sending him to the Twins for Johan Santana but I am not giving up on him just yet but my case don't look that good.

He is only 21 and might need more time in the minors or maybe he is going to have take his lumps in the big time. I just felt he would be a big time pitcher and I still thing he will be.

By the way...down I-95 Johan looked great as the Mets beat the Phillies. I still like Hughes a lot.

Get it started

The Yankees need to get it started. As I watch the Bombers take on the Rays after losing a weekend series to the Sox, this 2008 team looks very inconsistent so far.

One day the team will score a bunch of runs then the next day the pitching goes south. I know it is very early but this is what got the team in a hole last year. As Boston comes to the Bronx for the first time this year the Yankees need to make a statement. Last year the Sox owned the Yanks early whitch cost the team the division.

A-Rod is not off to the start they had last season but the team needs to start winning series to make a statement. If the Yanks win the next8 out of 10 just delete this blog.

A Near Perfect Night

As a Yankee fan you get extra excited with a weekend series against the Bosox. But sometimes early in the year with the hockey playoffs and the Masters going on it just does not have the same flair.

But Friday night was one of those Yankees games that made it super sweet and you just wanted to get more. Chien Ming Wang throw a masterpiece in Fenway: a two-hit 93 pitch complete game and missing a no no buy just inches. Once again...where was this guy in October? During the regular season all he does is win.

JoeGirardi showed me something last night: he ignored the pitch count and did not rush to the bullpen, something maybe last year the team might of done. It would be nice to take 2 of 3 this weekend but even if they don't Friday was real special.

10 games 5 and 5

Up until Thursday nights win against the Royals the Bombers looked flat. Jeter is down till the weekend. Posoda is having problems throwing. Farnsworth and Hawkins stink. Kennedy and Hughes need to improve and A Rod is not off to a hot start. Cano and Giambi are off to dead slow starts, Shelly Duncan is off to triple A.

But there are some signs of hope. Jose Molina, who nobody knew a year ago, is off to a great start and is doing a great job as Jorges backup. Abreu is having a great start so is Melky. Chien-Ming Wang, who couldn't win a game in October, is starting off great. And the one-two punch of Joba and Mariano look great. Also up I-95 the Red Sox are 5 and 5 as the Bombers hit Fenway for the first time this season. Enjoy the weekend series.

Too Bad It Didn't Rain

The Yankees went to 2 and 2 after getting bombed by the Rays Friday night. After all those false reports about rain on Friday night Ian Kennedy must of wished it rained as he just did not have it against Tampa in the first Friday night game of the year at the Stadium as the Rays won big 13 to 4.

The rookie could only go 2 1/3 innings as he just did not look good at all getting in and out of trouble. I know it is early but one thing I like is the new look bullpen of Jonathan Albaladejo, Billy Traber, Brian Bruney and Ross Ohlendorf . Unfortunately the duo of Kyle Farnsworh and La Troy Hawkins has stunk.

Andy Pettitte turn is finally here as he goes against Tampa on Saturday. To make room the team has to send down one of the kids. Too bad the team can't get be sent down or rid of Hawkins or Farnsworth who just seem to give this bull pen a bad vibe. Lets hope Andy has it against the Rays or maybe he could of hoped for rain.

Worth The Wait

After a rain out on Monday the last opening day at the current Yankee Stadium turned out to be opening night was a Yankee classic.

After all the intros and pre game ceremonies Chin Ming Wang took the ball and did not look that sharp but did out dull a very tough Roy Halladay to get Joe Giraridi his first Yankee win in the Bronx. It was a dramatic setting and the Bombers played a very heads up game.

Wang was not that sharp but stayed away from trouble. A Rod went 2 for 3 while Bobby Abreu had a few hits Giambi played well at first and made a great baseruning decision to give the Yanks the lead. Melky did have a cheap Yankee Stadium homer but did make the highlight reel with some catches in Center.

It all turned out all good as Joba looked like last year in the 8th. And Mariano had the Blue Jaysgo 1-2-3 in the ninth. Last year with the Yankees poor start he did not get his first save till the end of the month. It is all good for Yankee fans.

Yankees vs. Red Sox 2008

How the Yankees stack up against the World Champions...

First base:

Kevin Youkills vs Jason Giambi and Shelly Duncan

Edge: Boston but if Giambi rebounds it could be a big year for the Giambino.

Second base Dustin Pedrola vs Robbie Cano

Edge: Yankees Pedrola won the rookie of the year but Cano hit 19 homers, batted .306 and is on verge of stardom.

Shortstop Julio Lugo vs Derek Jeter

Edge: Yankees We give this one to the Captain.

Third base Mike Lowell vs Alex Rodriguez

Edge: Yankees Lowell had an MVP type year... the only problem is that A Rod is The MVP.

Left field Manny Ramirez vs Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui

Edge: Boston Manny who is on the last year of his contract and could have a monster type year.

DH David Ortiz vs Jason Giambi/Hideki Matusi/Shelly Duncan

Edge: Boston Big Popi is the best DH in the business and batting in front of Manny does not hurt.

Centerfield Coco Crisp/Jacoby Ellsbury vs Melky Cabrera

Push Both teams have great defense in center.The Yankees can take the lead in this postion if the Milk Man has a better year at the dish.

Right Field JD Drew vs Bobby Abreu

Edge: Yankees Even with his injuries Abreu put up big time numbers and another guy could have a big year on the final year of his contract.

Starting Pitching

Push With the injurys to both Beckett and Schilling you have to give this a push. If they were at full strength you would have to give it to the Bosox. The key for the Yanks is Phil Hughes. If he can win 15 you might swing it over to the Bronx side. Look for both clubs to push for more pitching through trades by mid summer.

Bullpen

Edge: Boston I know it is very hard as a Yankees fan to say but the combination of Papelbon and Okajima right now is just a little better than the Rivera/Chamberiain combo. But if Joba pitches to a .038 era with the rest of the pen being about even it could swing to the Yankees side.

Bench

Edge: Yankees With Mogan Ensberg, Shelly Duncan and Wilson Betemit the Yanks have some big bats coming off the bench. Plus if Giambi or Matsui are not in the lineup you have two big left handed bats off the bench.

That is this Yankees fans opinion; let the games begin. By the way the Yankees and Boston meet for the first time April 11 at Fenway.

Andy's not ready just yet.

Andy Pettitte has taking another small set back... he will start the season on the DL. Manager Joe Girardi announced on Friday that Pettitte will stay back in Florida and work out and if all goes well he will start next Saturday against Tampa at the Stadium.

Long man Jeff Karstens has a groin strain and will not be on the opening day roster. On Friday the team sent down right handers Scott Patterson,Darrell Rasner, Jose Veras and Edwin Ramirez. Also cut was high priced Kei Iagwa who had a bad spring and has been a bust since coming over from Japan. I was pulling for Scott Patterson a 27 year old who has been around the minors fora while who only allowed one run all spring.

As of right now lefty Billy Traber (pictured) another long shot, has made the team. This spring has been the most competitive in years for roster spots.

Click here for the roster

Pettitte's Ready

Andy Pettitte gave the Bombers some good news: he will not miss a start. After he threw a bullpen session yesterday and felt no pain he was deemed OK. He will not get the second start of the year but probably the fourth.

Mike Mussina will get the ball in game two against the Jays. Mussina, who has pitched will this spring will get the ball against Florida and then be ready for the Wednesday start. One pitcher who has not done very well this spring is Chin Ming Wang who got hit hard by the Phills yesterday and has a spring ERA over 8. And that is from the Opening Day starter.

Coming up in our next bolg we will take a look at the Yankees vs the Red Sox 2008 so stay tuned.

The Last 5 Cuts

In just over a week it is Opening day and the New York Yankees still have a few cuts to make.

With pretty much 20 of the 25 roster spots set there are still a few jobs to be won or lost. In the bullpen Jeff Karstens figures to be the long reliever while Billy Traber and Sean Henn fight for the left handed reliever spot. The other two bullpen spots are all righties fighting for the last spots: Chris Brittion, Brian Bruney, Ross Ohlendorg, Scott Patterson, Jose Veras and Jonathan Albaladejo who the Yankees got in the Ty Clipper deal from Washington.

So far this spring Patterson and Veras have looked good but Bruney is proven and may have the upper hand. As for the position players it is unclear if the team will take two utility infielders. Wilson Betemit who came over from the Dodgers last year started the spring slow but has come on strong and can play all 4 Infield positions giving him the upper hand.

Nick Green Chris Woodward and Cody Ranson can play both infield and the outfield and all have had big league experience. Also factor in Morgan Ensberg who can play first and third but has a big right handed bat off the bench.

In my recent blogs I have stated this would be diffrent than recent camps with more jobs to win. So in the next week Joe Girardi and his staff have some tough calls to make and it could come down to next weekend when the team heads to Miami to take on the Marlins in a two game series before they head to the Bronx a week from Monday.

To my fellow Yankees fans enjoy the exhibition games and have a Happy Easter.

Joba to start in the Pen, VT Game

Wednesday the Yanks announced that 22 year old Joba Chamberlain will start the season in the bullpen in the same role he had in 2007. During the first weeks of spring training he has been getting groomed as a starter but as of today he will return to the pen. Both manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland gave the news to Joba. Girardi said that Chamberlain could wind up in rotation later in the year but right now he will set up Mariano.

I feel this was a no brainier after the success last year if they had him out there earlier in the year maybe theywould have won the division and gone farther in the post season. A good call from this Yankee fan...what do you think?

Meanwhile...a good thing happened Tuesday when the Yankees played a very inspirational exhibition game against the Virginia Tech Hokies baseball team. Next month will mark the one year anniversary of the 32 people killed on campus in one of the countries biggest tragedies. Even though the Bombers won 11-0 the score was not the story. Just having the Yankees showing up giving the campus some support was the real story.

The Yankees showed up with most of there regulars and wore their pinstripes at the VT field. A Rod said it was one of the most important games he has played as a Yankee and even sat in the Hokies dugout for one inning. It was a very good gesture bythe whole organization to show up for this exhibition and to top it off, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner donated one million dollars to the VT Memorial fund. A class call by all.

Phil Hughes: Number 3 Starter?

This spring the best looking pitcher in camp has been Phil Hughes. After not allowing
a run in first three spring appearances, Hughes got roughed up by the Reds on Friday. Cincy hit the rookie for four runs in 2 1/2 innings. Hughes, who did not have a lot on his fastball, could wind up as the Yankee third of fourth starter.

In other pitching news Andy Pettitte threw a bullpen session and did not feel any pain he will get a start against Boston on Monday.

Duncan and Cabrera Hit with Bans

Shelly Duncan and starting center fielder Melky Cabrera were suspended for three games to start the season by MLB from the hard slide that Duncan put on Tampa's second baseman Akinori Iwamura this past Wednesday which lead to the bench clearing incident.

A week after the first incident, Yankee rookie catcher Francisco Cervelli was bowled over at home plate by Tampa's Elliot Johnson. The retaliation by Duncan turned into a loss for New York. What this means is that in two weeks when the Yankees open at home against the Blue Jays they will be down two players and be a weaker team on defense. Johnny Damon, who was slated as the left fielder will have to move to center and Hideki Matsui will have to start in left.

One thing this whole mess means is that the last few role jobs in camp will be important. Infielder Cody Ransom, who has opened some eyes in camp could make the team. The same for Jason Lane; the outfielder first baseman formerly of the Astros could wind up in the opening day line up. Morgan Ensberg, in camp as a backup first basemen could wind up as the starting first baseman, the role Duncan could of had.

It willl be a true fight of competition in camp for the next week and a half, a move that could of been avoided if Duncan did not take the unwritten baseball laws into his own hands. Just a bad move.

Jorge and A Rod

Manager Joe Girardi's hard workouts in the early part of spring have put two Yankee superstars on light duty for a few days. Both Rodriguez and Posada are dealing with sore muscles on there right side. Both state if it was the regular season they would both play. For now it could be just DH duty or a some rest.

As we spoke about in our recent blogs this year, unlike the last few years, it has been a very hard camp as Joe Girardi is pushing both veterans and rookies to work hard with tougher drills. Once again that brings up the question: do you feel his camp is too tough?

Some good news on Friday: Mariano Rivera made his spring debut in great form as he pitched a perfect inning and said he felt great. Also Andy Pettitte looked good in his 2 2/3 innings of work as the Yankees lost to Houston in Grapefruit League action.

Joba & Bobby

After only a few preseason games things look ok but Wednesday there was a little hiccup after watching the Twins down the Bombers 7-5. Joba Chamberlain pitched 2 innings which brings up the question: should he be a starter or a reliever? Last year at 21 years of age Joba was lights out as Marino's 8th inning guy. But he was on pitch count as he was rushed through the system. The famous Joba rules! I feel its too early to call him a starter or a reliever. But if the next time out he goes 4 to 5 innings it could mean he will start. If that is the case one of the leagues top bullpens comes back to the middle of the pack. Rivera would continue to be the closer but Kyle Farnsworth and LaTroy Hawkins would be the 8th inning guys. Keep Joba in the pen after last year and you could see he had the makeupto be the closer of the future. I just hope the team gives him a better supply of off when going into Cleveland.

Even if you're not a Yankee Fan you've got be pulling for former Yankee outfielder and current broadcaster Bobby Murcer. Any 40 plus Yankee fan like myself goes back both in terms of Bobby Ray in pinstripes and in the booth. Murcer got great news on Wednesday as after his biopsy that was preformed on his brain revealed only scar tissue and no signs of cancer. Great, great news. Murcer in a statement said he will rest this week but should be there for the last Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. I was very fortunate to meet Murcer at the Yankee Fan Fest back when they ran this convention back in the 90's. He was a real nice guy just as he sounds on TV. Let's pull for Bobby.

Let The Games Begin

As the Yankees start their exhibition games, the question is still on the starting rotation. Even though he might wind up in the bullpen, Joba Chamberlain will be the first starter used against the University of South Florida. Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy will also start against the Collage team.

Chin Ming Wang, who will likely be the Opening Day starter, will go against the Phillies in Clearwater on Saturday. Andy Pettitte will the nod in the Grapefruit home opener in Tampa on Sunday. Sunday's game will be the first one we can see on TV on YES. So let the games begin and let's take it one day at a time.

Time Off For Vets?

New Yankee Manager camp seems harder than in the past few years.Last year there were a number of Yankees down due to ham string injury's. So "Drill Seargent Joe" has the Yankees doing harder and longer work outs in camp so maybe the problem last year won't happen as much this up coming season.

Joe Girardi has said he will give his veterans off more this year. Shortstop Derek Jeter, who will be 34, has been told by the Manager he might get more time off. Other veterans expect the same. That is why role players such as Shelly Duncan and others might see some more time. Maybe instead of 12 or 13 pitchers the team could take an extra bench player north.

Doing The Right Thing

Andy did the right thing. On Monday afternoon Andy Pettitte met the media for the first time and came off as very good and sincere. He took questions for over an hour and answered all accept the ones that by law he was not allowed to.

I feel this is the best way to go. He could of came into camp and dodged everything or just answered a few but he answered just about all of them. He first apologized to the team then the fans. It kind of reminds me of the drug scandal in the mid 80's when Keith Hernandez said he would answer all questions that day and never again. Today Pettitte did that and hopefully like the Hernandez deal it is over and on with baseball.

New Coach, Old Problems

Dave Eiland was one of the top pitching prospects in the Yankee chain in the late 80's and early 90's. He never panned out as a major league starter, but maybe his clamed to fame could come as the Yankee pitching coach. Dave Eiland has worked his way up the system as a coach, and last year was the Yankees Triple A pitching coach at Scranton.

The front office liked the work he did with the teams top three pitching prospects: Phil Hughes Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy. In a perfect world the rotation would be:

1 Andy Pettitte
2 Chien-Ming Wang
3 Phil Hughes
4 Mike Mussina
5 Ian Kennedy

with Joba Chamberlain in the pen setting up Mariano. If it's anything like last year it wont be that easy. This year the team has 25 pitchers in camp with a lot of jobs to be won or lost. If one of the starters goes down the team does not have too many choices from within. Kei Igawa who was a bust in first year in America plus Jeff Karstens who pitched well in the Pan Am game this winter.

Watch out for Alan Horne a 25 year old righthander who jumped threw the system and dominated in Trenton with 11 wins. As the pitchers and catchers get ready for another day of work outs, Eiland can only hope everyone stays healthy and some of the youngsters really come forward. If not Dave Eiland will have a lot of sleepless nights and maybe the minors did not look that bad. Who do feel would be the Yankees top rotation?

The Real Action

After a day of the Roger Clemens and Brain McNamee saga on Capitol Hill, the Yankees pitchers and catchers report today. Andy Pettitte was given the ok to report to camp late maybe by Monday.

Pettitte, who was excused from the hearings on Wednesday, admitted through his attorney that he took additional HGH as late as 2004. Overall it was a sad day for all of baseball. There is some belief that Pettitte might forego his 2008 salary and retire but that is all speculation. In ohter spring traning news theYankees plan to go easy with Hideki Matsui who is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery. During the off season the Yanks did try to ship Matsui to the Giants but with his physical condition the deal did not get off the ground.

Woodward, Martinez, Cone & Pavano

As camp gets ready to open, add another name to the list of spring training invitations: Chris Woodward, a journeyman infielder who played with the Blue Jays, Mets and last year with the Braves. Unlike the last few years there are a few jobs open in the Yankee camp to win.

This past week with all the negative news with Roger Clemens, some good news about ex Yankees Tino Martinez. He is back with the team as spring training instructor,and will stay with the team during the season working with minor league players.

And now in the broadcast booth its #36 David Cone. David is back for his second stint on the YES Network and could do up to 50 games this year. And under the Gone-But-Not-Forgotten file: Carl Pavano showed up in Yankee camp on Friday. Not sure if he will pitch this year as he enters the final year of his 4 year, $39.95 million dollar contract.

The Numbers Game

Like many Yankee fans I go down memory lane too much. But years ago before the Internet,blogs and newspapers sending 10 reporters to cover spring training there was numbers game. You are saying, "What is he talking about?" I am talking about guessing what Numbers the new players would be wearing. For example, in spring training 1977 the new Yankee in town was Reggie Jackson I knew he could not wear #9 --Nettles had it --so they issued him #20. But by opening day they acquired Bucky Dent from the White Sox and he took #20 and Reggie took #44 and the rest is history. Now, when a new player is acquired, nine times out of ten you will know right away what number he will wear the following season. As we are only days away from spring training 2008 in this Yankee camp there will be only a few low numbers available: #6 #11 #12 #19 #22 and #30. My question to you: should the Yankees issue Joe Torre's #6? I would not... What do you think?

Andy Testifies

Congratulations to the NY football Giants in one of the best Super Bowl wins ever!

On Monday Andy Pettitte was in Washington as he gave his deposition to a panel as part of the on going hearings about performance enhancing drugs used by major league baseball players. His over two hour interview was in preparation for another hearing next week on Feb 13th that will focus on Roger Clemens, who denies using performance as detailed in the Mitchell Report.

So as a Yankee fan is Andy doing the right thing? Is it the only thing he can do. To me its like a person you know who wound up on the wrong side of the tracks because of the crowd they ran with. Andy, who admitted using the growth enchaners for pain only,should come clean. He should tell the truth and stay clear of Clemens. I think Pettitte will win back the respect of Yankee and some other baseball fans. By the way... if Andy leaves the Yankees again for another team in a few years don't take Rogers #21... use your own#46. I have a feeling Roger Clemens Yankee#22 will be given out at spring training this year and not retired...we will find out in about a week.

Yankee Moves

This week New Manager Joe Girardi was handed another name for his first base platoon, Morgan Ensburg. I did not see that coming; the former Astro third base man will be given a shot at the bomber first base job. He joins the party of Jason Giambi, who was told he would see more time at first. Wilson Betemin, the utility man from last year and Shelly Duncan, who last year gave the Yankees the right handed bat off the bench they needed.

Its kind of like the presidential primary last fall when there were a lot of candidates, then it fizzled off. Also if there is another dark horse its Jason Lane, another former Astro who was given a minor league contact. What do you think? Let the competition begin; pitchers and catchers in 13 days.

18 Days To Go

This week has been the coldest week of winter so far; as a die hard baseball and Yankee fan that's good because after Sunday there are only 18 days till pitchers and catcher report to Ft. Lauderdale.

After going to my first Yankee Game in the old Stadium on Bat Day in June of 1970, I really fell in love with the game. Unlike today, back in 1970 my team was not that good even though they won 93 games...that was only good for second.

As the Yankees say good by to the bigball park in the Bronx not only will we reflect on the past but look into this years team... a team with a big payroll, a lot of veteran players, a lot of youth, and a lot of questions marks. So get ready; it will be here before you know it. By my first game Bat Day 1970 I took home a Bill Robinson bat even though I wanted a Bobby Murcer.