DJ Tommy Yankees Blog

Long Winter

2010-10-23T08:27:00.003-04:00

After a 6-1 loss in Texas it set in the season is really over.

It kinds of reminds me of 2001 when Seattle won 116 games and were not suppose to win the series but did.

Texas had big hits and great pitching. The Yanks looked flat and looked like they did not want it.Phil Hughes, who I thought had a big game in him, came up with nothing. Except for Cano and Mariano no one had a big series even Jeter and A Rod. Jeter hit .231 and that kind of said it all.

The Yanks were 13-17 in September and after beating the Twins it came back into the Texas series when the team did not hit in big spots.

Who will be back what will the 2011 Yanks look like well that for another day.

It's going to a long hard winter.

Still Alive

2010-10-20T22:11:00.002-04:00

After two rough games and three bad loses in a row the Yanks are still alive--just barely--with a 7-2 win at the Stadium.

What a game! CC just had enough to get by the hard hitting Rangers to force a game 6in Texas. I thought they had a shot today and the Bombers came though big. The bats came alive a little even though Texas had more hits. The Yanks came away with a and are alive for one more game.

Phil Hughes, who pitched bad his last time out, will be on full rest and pitched good against Texas this year.One game at a time.

One more then Cliff Lee. It does not look good but at least there is a shot.

Big Win For Yankees

2010-10-16T08:27:00.003-04:00

One of the big Yankee wins of all time

I told a buddy of mine when a pitcher has an over-5.00 ERZ against your team this is a guy to watch because he could have a big game.

CJ Wilson did for almost 8 innings. Then the Yanks woke up.

CC did not have it and Texas was up 5-0.

Robinson Cano came through with a big homer then after Brett Gardner got on with his speed the Yankees bats came to life.

After a bunch of big hits 6-5 Yankee win.

If the Yanks lost game one it would have shifted the balance to Texas. Who knows... baseball changes every day but one thing is certain: with the Yankee comeback it exposed the Texas bullpen which besides their closer is not that great.

It was a big win as the Yanks took game one.

Playoffs & Pitching

2010-10-02T10:05:00.001-04:00

(Above: fans wait out Friday's eventual rain-out at Fenway Park)

As most Yankee fans hope, you want to win the division. This week it was up and down and as of Saturday it still is.

Do the Yanks go full force to try to win the flag and get home field or play it safe and rest people to get them ready to go on the road? It should be decided by this weekend.

I would set up the rotation for the first round CC game one, Pettitte game two, Hughes game three, CC back for game four on short rest. And then Andy on full rest if there is a game five.

Also take one more position player and leave on the the pitchers like Vazquez or Burnett off the first round roster. We will know by Sunday.

Playing It Safe

2010-09-18T11:30:00.001-04:00

The Yanks with a big win on Friday night in Baltimore as they get ready for the big showdown in the Bronx with Tampa on Monday night.

Nick Swisher out of the lineup last night and it looked like Manager Joe Girardi was playing it safe in Tampa last week sitting out some regulars and not pitching Mariano on back to back days. The Yanks are back in first and looks like they will be in the post season.

But if the Yanks are the wild card they won't have the home field advantage and that extra game. Who knows if that is the way to go.

But maybe with a veteran team and players need to be rested it might be.

Trading Deadline

2010-07-31T09:45:00.003-04:00

It's the trade deadline day and for the Yanks it could be a very busy day.

They've already acquired outfielder Austin Kearns (above) from Cleveland and will likely pick up Lance Berkman from Houston today.

The Yanks can not stand still. Tampa, who I feel is the best team in the AL along with the Yanks, is right on their backs and it looks like they'll be teams one and two in the league jockeying for postion for first. It look like they will both make
the postseason but whoever finishes first will have the home field advantage.

Who knows...Maybe the Yanks should have tried to get Cliff Lee or maybe another pitcher. Who knows...today can make or break some teams chances and as Yankee fans we hope Brian Cashman made all the right moves but the next two months will tell.

Yankees-Tampa Bay Rivalry

2010-07-17T10:39:00.002-04:00

The Yankees over the Years have had many Rivalries. The Yankees and Red Sox still the best.

In the 70s the Orioles and Kansas City. Even in post season the Dodgers and with interleauge play The Mets. This year you can put Tampa in that mode.

Yes the Yanks and Rays got intense a few years ago with a fight in pre season and with The Steinbrenner Family from Tampa that has speared it up a bit. And most of all this year The Yanks and Rays have the best records in baseball and it is going to be a close race all summer long. Tampa has a great young team and I hope as
a baseball fan they can keep there free agents at the end of the year. They could be good for a long time.

And by October who knows they could be playing for the Pennant.

So Long Boss

2010-07-14T04:34:00.001-04:00

So long boss

As a Yankee fan you would hope this day would never come. It did today as we got the word of the passing of George M Steinbrenner.

It has been a tough week on Sunday Bob Sheppard died now George. Like most Yankees fans there were times you could not stand him and then times you loved him. But what ever you felt about him you had to admire the way he loved the Yankees and the fans of New York.

In spring Traning 1983 I met him at Fort Lauderdale Stadium and he could have
not been nicer to me and the other kids.Ever since then I have been a big George fan. It is a sad day kind of like when a relative dies. It was very hard.

RIP Mr Steinbrenner there will never be another one like you

No Cliff Lee? No Problem.

2010-07-10T07:54:00.002-04:00

On Friday Morning it seemed certain the Yanks had Cliff Lee in a trade with Seattle.

No dice as the Mariners got a better deal with Texas.

In most cases the Yanks don't lose out on these deals but on this one they did and I feel it is no big lose. The Yanks are 55-31, playing great, and the the rotation ahas been super over the week. Phil Hughes who won his 11th on Friday night would have to go the bullpen if Lee came to town.

Besides...Lee is the big free agent this winter and you can get him with trading any body just losing a draft pick. Also a lot of Yankee fans like myself feel the Yankees should give top prospect Jesus Montero (pictured above) a shot. He would have been sent to Seattle. Maybe he will be in another deal...who knows. But for now he is still with the Yanks and this was a good man.

Sounds of Silence

2010-07-05T09:07:00.004-04:00

Getting shut out twice this week by real good pitchers Clff Lee and Felix Hernadez is one thing but only one run against the Blue Jays to start this past weekend's series is another.

5 hits over 11 innings is not the Bronx Bombers although the bats did come alive later in the weekend. Maybe it is just a weekly slump but it is July and Mark Teixeira is still hitting .230 Jeter is at .280 A Rod has not come alive.
If you look at the team in general Cano is there only .300 plus hitter and has been contestant all year long.

Boston and Tampa Bay are right on the Yanks back it is going to be a tough race but if the bats don't wake up soon it could be rough in the weeks to come with showdowns against both Tampa and Boston.

CC In Command

2010-06-26T11:37:00.002-04:00

Around this time last year after a bunch of bad starts CC Sabathia took off and became a Yankee.

Like last year it seems to be happening again this year. After a win against the Mets and 2-1 7 hit victory in Dodger Stadium against Joe Torre and Co CC is now 9-3 and looks in command on the mound.

With AJ Burnett off this year and Vazquez not getting run support. Sabathia has to step up and be the ace like last year. And if Sabathia can take off with a strong second half if could be CY CC lets see.

Andy is Dandy

2010-06-12T09:30:00.001-04:00

Every Yankee fan has to like Andy Pettitte. Too bad he had to go to Houston for 3 years. He won his 200th game as a Yankee and is 8-1 on the season. You know his post season record and he is taking it into the regular season this year.

So far so good as no injuries to the starters. The Yanks at 38-23 are off to their best start since 2004 and are in a good race with Tampa and the Bosox and Toronto which wont go away.

I think that is good for baseball when there are a lot of close races. Its a long summer and we are not even at the half way point. It should be good.

Down But Not Out

2010-05-09T11:37:00.002-04:00

It is hard to believe with all the early season injury's the Yanks are 21-8.

Curtis Granderson out a month with a pulled hammy. Andy Pettitte to miss next start due to inflammation in his left elbow. Mariano has a stiff left side and is day to day. Nick Johnson who is always hurt has a bad wrist and is heading to the DL. Jorge Posada has a bad right calf from getting hit last week. And now Robinson Cano hit by Becket on the knee is now day to day.

Cano, who is having the best season of his career would hurt the most if has to go on the DL. The Yanks with all there resources have a deep farm system but with all these injuries it still does not matter. They need the core players back as the Yanks face a tough May.

Thanks To Cano The Yankees Look Good

2010-05-01T09:26:00.003-04:00

It's May 1st and the Yanks are looking good better than this time last year.

One of the main reasons is Robinson Cano. Our second baseman is out of the shoot with real good batting. He's over .400 with 7 homers and playing great defense. Cano who was almost put in the deal the get A Rod from Texas back in 2004. The Yanks did the right thing a few years ago when they gave him a long term contact at a low rate.

So this year The Cano is coming into his own and looks right at home in the
five hold. If he's healthy this could be the year of Robinson Cano.

Good Start

2010-04-17T09:44:00.002-04:00

The Yanks, who started last year slow, are off to there best start since 2003 by winning there first three series of the year. And after CC held Texas in the rain on Friday night The Yanks are in first place.

So far the Yanks are real healthy. Only Chan Ho Park is on the DL. And he should be back in a week.

I thought this years cemetery might not be the same. But so far the clubhouse looks as strong as last year. The team makes it first west coast trip to the west coast trip which is always a challenge.

As a Yankee you hate those late night games on the west coast but if they win it don't matter.

Two Out Of Three Is Never Bad In Boston

2010-04-10T06:24:00.002-04:00

It is only the opening series of the year but as a Yankee fan it is always good to take two out of
three in Boston.

It is early but the team looks good even with CC giving up all those runs on Sunday night and the pen not looking sharp. What I see is a team that is not the same as last year and has come back twice against one of baseball's best teams.

That looks good to me.

I know it is early but a series win on the road good way to start.

Let's Get It Started

2010-04-03T08:42:00.002-04:00

As the Yanks get ready for an Easter night opener in Fenway, this years team has a few injuries but nothing like the start of last year.

Nick Johnson is the teams DH who fouled a ball off his leg on Friday. He could be out for Sunday night . But unlike last year when there was a lot of injuries, A Rod and the the rest of this team looks healthy as camp breaks.

Like most Yankee fans we are still not sure why Damon and Matusi are not here but this team could win more game with Granderson (pictured) in center and Joba back in the pen. Both of those post ions look stronger.

The cemetery could be the big thing but most of the big parts are still here and with the strong staff and pen you like the chances in the tough AL East. This is what we waited for since the clincher last Nov.

Play ball! Lets go Yankees!

Camp Winds Down

2010-03-27T09:47:00.005-04:00

With a week away from the opener in Boston, some notes from Tampa.

All Spring it has been kind of quiet. This week it has heated up.

1. Phil Hughes the #5 starter. Most Yankee fans see him as a starter and Joba in the pen.

2. A Rod (above with Brian Cashman) says no to meeting with Federal Investigators about his relationship with Dr Tony Galea. Not good if he has nothing to hide. He should meet with the FBI and get this out of the way and off the back pages.

3. Chad Gaudin released. Kind of surprised here though he could be a great spot starter or one of the pieces out of the pen. I don't like this move.

4. They are only spring games but the team does not look like it is playing good. Not hitting and pitching poorly. Let's see what this week brings as the team heads north.

Fight For Five

2010-03-20T09:32:00.003-04:00

Joba has started bad but pitched good in his last outing . Phil Hughes had a few good starts. Until Friday Chad Gaudin was looking good but after getting roughed up by Tampa. He could be out of the 5th spot. Alfred Aceves and Sergio Mitre have pitched well as they all try for the 5th and final spot in the Yankee rotation.

With two weeks till opening night in Boston the Yanks have some time to get their 5th spot.

Early in the season you don't need a fifth starter till the second week of the season. Most Yankee fans feel Joba is better in the pen and Hughes was made to be a starter. So far Javier Vasqez has pitched well and has won the # 4 spot. It looks like there is one spot and five guys still have a shot. We should know more by the end of the week.

Can't Wait For Spring

2010-02-27T08:35:00.000-05:00

After another week of shoveling out it is good to see that baseball is on the way.

Just watching the Yanks with there early work outs it is a positive after all the snow.

Unlike last spring with all the A Rod distractions and the team not making the playoffs,
this year it is a lot different. The team in camp are the World Champs. A Rod has the past
behind him and is ready for a big year. We all know Jeter will be a Yankee after this year.

So this year it is just trying it get ready for another big run. Joba and Hughes will vie for the
5th spot. Will Grandreson play center of left? Who will make the team as a backup.
It seems like an real easy spring for Manager Joe Girardi and his staff. But one injury
could set that off. Let the exhibition games begin.

Thank You Johnny Damon

2010-01-30T09:59:00.003-05:00

I had mixed feeling when Johnny Damon signed with the Yankees 4 years ago.

But after watching him play for the last 4 seasons I really got to like him. And it seems he wanted to stay. But is it the money or the one year contract they wanted to give him? Anyway.. as the Yankees this week gave Randy Winn a one year 2 million dollar contract Johnnys days in pinstripes were numbered.

The Yankees might even add one more outfielder to platoon in left with Winn and Brett Gardner. The Yanks are trying to get younger and with the trade with Detroit for Granderson they did. And if Brett Gardner plays everyday and succeeds they have.

But don't forget all the clutch hits not only in the World Series and playoffs that Damon got. But he is a clutch and winning player like Matusi and this is one Yankee fan who thinks he will be missed.

Let's Do It Again

2010-01-06T09:09:00.002-05:00

Lets do it again

Happy New Year! Its 2010

After one of the greatest seasons in Yankees history its time to talk baseball.

I am real sorry to see Hedeki Matsui leave he was a great Yankee; thanks for the great series. Right now not to sure if Johnny Damon is coming back but the Yanks will need a left fielder. If spring training started today I like the staff. Getting Javier Vazquez back could be good
for his second time around. He has become a more complete pitcher and he wont have to be the ace here.

I was a big Melkey fan but Curtis Granderson is a big upgrade at 29 he is a top fielder and is coming into his own with 30 homers.Nick Johnson will be the DH and spot start. There are still moves to come and I cant wait till pitchers and catchers its not to far away.

Winter Meetings

2009-12-05T08:50:00.002-05:00

This week the Yankees big brass met in Tampa for the first time since winning the big prize.

Unlike last year the Yanks hit the meetings with not all the need they had last year. Lets take a look at a few.

The Yankees have $45 million coming off the payroll. Do they try to re sign the big free agents? Andy Pettitte is a no brainier. If he wants to come back bring him back and don't low ball him on money. If he retires I say thanks and he went out a winner just like
Mike Mussina did last year.

With Matsui and Damon I would bring them both back on a smaller contract. If I had to
choice just one Johnny Damon.

As far as spending the big bucks for Roy Halladay I say no. You would have to give
up to much and he would command a big contract. If Pettitte does retire I would go after Lackey who would fit in good in the Bronx.

Maybe the Bombers go after Chatman, the Cuban Left handier. Who Knows maybe the team stays put and does not open the check book. All of baseball hates the Yanks because they spend money on players and try to win.

With the bad economy they just might hold their cards. We will see.

Reflections Of A Season To Remember

2009-11-07T09:31:00.002-05:00

In 1996 I went to my first Yankee Parade. It never gets old just better. And as all the celebrations wind down and all of baseball gets ready for the hot stove league I would like to look back at one of the best and a real fun season in Yankee History.

1. The free agent signings of CC Sabahtia Mark Teixeira AJ Burnett getting Nick Swisher in a trade for Wilson Bentimt. And most of all getting Andy Pettitte to come back as he almost retired could of been out of the plans.

2. The Yankees come home to a new stadium even with a loss on opening day... it's still a great park.

3. After a slow start in April and not able to beat Boston A-Rod comes back in mid May. And in first at bat he slams a big home run to put all the A Roid things to sleep showing that he can do it clean.

4. After struggling in the middle of the division and taking two out of three from the Mets in interleaue play. And the series that turned the season around: a big come back win in Atlanta where the team won 10 in a row after that.

5. CC Sabahta and Mark Teixeira having big second half's

6. Putting Phil Hughes in the pen in the second half of the season

7. Role pitchers like Sergio Mitres with great starts down the stretch. Also Alfredo Aceves,
Phil Coke, David Robertson and Chad Gaudin in the pen to help in key games.

8. Guys coming off the bench Like Brett Gardner and Freddy Guzman to steal a base.
Francisco Cevelli helping when Jorge and Molina went down behind the plate. And key mid season pick ups like Eric Hinske and Jerry Hairston Jr coming though with big hits.

9. Pie in your face after all the Yankee walk off wins at home. A lot of older fans did not like this
but it grew on you.

10. A big year out of Nick Swisher after Nady went down and took over the rightfield spot.

11. Melky with a great year in center.

12. Aug 9th sweep of the Red Sox, showing Boston you can beat them and taking over 1st place.

13. A big September by winning the east early and giving the big starters time off to get ready for the post season.

14. Sept 11th: Derek Jeter breaking Lou Gehrig's all time Yankee hit record at 2,722 to put him at #1.

15. Getting to the Postseason

16. Taking care of a tough Twins team with Teixeira and a big home run in Game 2 to
swing the series the Yankees way.

17. Getting the jinx of the Angels off their back with a 2nd round win against this team they could not beat in 2002 and 2005.

18. A Rod with big homers all post season long against Brian Fuentes in Game Two then again out in Anaheim.

19. Getting back to the World Series.

20. After a lose in Game One Hideki Matusi with a homer to beat Pedero in Game Two at the Stadium.

21. Halloween in Philadelphia: a big win after trailing to Cole Hamels. A Rod with the homer off the camera. that kind of put the Yanks back in the series.

22. The Game 4 big hit by A Rod and the team taking a 3-1 lead.

23. Joe Girardi making the right call with the pitching staff and the 3 man rotation

24. Mariano Rivera with a 5 saves and a .056 era in the postseason.

25. Andy Pettitte with a Game 6 clinching win with 5 innings and 3 runs shutting down the Phillies.

26. The Wednesday night hero in game 6, Hideki Matsui, with a big homer double and base hit to win MVP for the World series with a .615 average

27. # of World series titles in the Bronx. Let make it 28 next year. From this Yankees fan...thanks for the great year..

We Are The Champions, My Friend!

2009-11-05T05:31:00.002-05:00

As a Yankee fan or a fan of any team you live for this. You are on top of the hill you are the best and my team is #1.

It started with the new stadium in April a slow start a big finish. Two great playoff runs with the Twins then the Angels . The third was the toughest; the Phillies played a great series. But is was our turn.

Big pitching with CC AJ Burnett in game two and Pettitte in game 3 and 6 were key. Andy came up big a real strong post season pitcher and I hope he is back in the Bronx next year. Series MVP Hideki Matsui was great throughout the Series, especially in Game 6 with
a homer, a double, a base hit and 6 RBI's.

For the first time in a few years the Yankees had a real chemistry. Most people and
fans who hate the Yankees always say the Yankees buy their championships but you have to have a great chemistry and you have to go through 3 rounds of playoffs and it is not easy. Sure we spend a lot of money but who would not want their team to put the money back in to the club and that is what the Yankees do. They are just playing by the rules.

That story is for another day and who is coming back and who is not is for another day. Today is for the greatest franchise in sports to celebrate championship #27. It seems like a long time since 2000 but the drought is over.

As Joe Buck said on the final out of the game, the New York Yankees are back on top. Hats off to the Yankees. The New York Yankees 2009 World Champs. it great to be a Yankee fan.

Back To The Bronx

2009-11-03T05:29:00.002-05:00

AJ Burnett did not have it from the beginning as he got rough up by the cheesesteaks.

The move by Girardi backfired to have Burnett go on three days rest. The Philly bats woke up against him, especially Chase Utley who is having a great Series.

The Yankees bats again did not wake up; they had Lee on the ropes in the first but only scored one run after Burnett left. The bullpen was shaky as they gave up another 4 runs.

Teixeira, A Rod and Canos bats fell a sleep again even with the late comeback
it still was not enough. Now its up to Andy Pettitte who will be on three days rest.

At least they will be in the Bronx away from the dirtbag Phillie fans. Lets see what happens. This series is far from over.

Lidge, A-Rod Put Yankees One Away

2009-11-02T05:20:00.002-05:00

Johnny Damon had one of the biggest at bats of the year in the top of ninth.

With two outs against Brad Lidge he got a big base hit after stealing a base and with the shift on against Texiera got to third. A Rod came through with a big double. Jorge followed then Mo in the bottom of the ninth lights out we are up 3-1.

It would of been a tough loss. The Yanks had a 4-2 lead and gave them back with two Philly homers. The worst was Joba who had two quick outs in the eighth and then hung one to Pedro Feliez. CC was good not great.

Jeter had another big game. The Yanks had Blanton on the ropes but did not put him away.

This is so big because if the Yanks lose to Cliff Lee on Monday they still come back to the Bronx with a 3-2 lead. I hope so bad they win on Monday in Philly.

To All the Yankees fans like myself we would love to win in Philly.

Rain Delay Win

2009-11-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

After a long rain delay and a day of trick or treating we got some baseball about 920pm.

The start of game 3 Cole Hamels looked like Whitey Ford though the first few innings. Andy Pettitte was on the ropes but he led on. When the umps made the right call on A Rod's opposite field homer we were back in the game.

Then the offense took over and Girardi's move to keep Nick Swisher in there paid off with his first big game of the post season. And with a Matsui homer off the bench and great bull pen work the Bombers took game 3 8-5.

It's far from over but with the win that means this series has to come back to the Bronx. As Yankee fans we will take that but we would love to take the next two down there, case closed.

Heading Down The Turnpike

2009-10-30T05:04:00.003-04:00

As a Yankee fan your worse nightmare would be if Pedro Martinez pitched well and AJ Burnett got rocked.

Pedro did pitch well but AJ was lights out as he out dueled Martinez 3-1 with a 7 inning 1 run 4 hit ball for on of best outings as a Yankee. His fastball was great and his curve ball was lights out. AJ pitched like an ace Thursday night .They needed a great outing because the bats did not come alive again. Tex and Matsui had homers but not a lot of hits. A Rod has not got going yet.

But still after a big loss in game one we will take a split as they head to Philly for game three on Saturday night. The Yanks have the upper had with the pitchers as they have
Pettite and CC back to back .

Philly is a tough team and they grind things out. In the 8th they almost got to Mariano. And their bullpen looked good tonight. One of the big questions will be if they can play
Matsui in the field in Philly or is he coming off the bench. This series is heating up.

The 105th World Series moves to the city of Brotherly Love where they will be no love for the Yankees.

Bring On The Phillies!

2009-10-26T05:18:00.002-04:00

It was the first year in the new stadium. After a tough first couple of months the Yanks took off and end the regular season with a 5-2 win.

Mo struck out Gary Matthews JR for flag #40 it sunk in. The Pennant still means a lot. You are champs of your league and you are playing for all the marbles.

Hats off to the Angels; the series went 6 games and could of went 7. Give the Halos some credit. A great club.

Unlike years ago to get to the World Series you now have to win two rounds. That is the way I feel when you win the pennant that means a lot. CC was on A Rod had a big series and the old guard came through

Andy Pettitte picthced 1 run ball though 8. Jeter,Posada and Rivera to close it out. Like all my fellow Yankee fans this is our team and congratulations to the bombers on winning the Pennant. Bring on the Phillies.

One more step to climb. AL Champs tonight a big win.

The Bull Pen Blew It.

2009-10-23T05:05:00.001-04:00

After scoring six runs in the 7th inning in a big comeback the Yanks could not put away the Angels in game 5 with a 7-6 loss. Now its back to the Bronx for game 6.

AJ Burnett could not get anyone out off the first inning hung around and could have got a W. But in the bottom of the inning after getting the first two runners on Girardi pulled him for Phil Hughes who did not have anything.

Girardi has made some questionable moves this whole series. It was not a good one to stay with Hughes who did not have it. What gets me mad in the ninth the Yanks rallied but with two outs and a 3-2 count to Nick Swisher he popped out to end the game. Instead of stepping out a few time he let Brian Fuentes get him in his trap. I think Nick Swisher, who is doing nothing but making outs this whole series is a one hit wonder.

What I mean is he has been on 3 diff rent teams in three diff rent years and I think the Yanks might have got the most out him.

Its one to the Bronx for game 6. This series is far from over.

Game 3 ALCS: Angels

2009-10-20T05:35:00.002-04:00

Manager Joe Girardi got out managed in a 5-4 loss.

David Roberson was pitching well in extra innings. Bottom of 11th 2 outs. Girardi pulled Roberson to pitch to Howie Kendrick. In come Alfrado Aceves..a walk and a game winning hit to Jeff Mathis.

Everybody and his brother is asking why did Girardi pull Robertson. You do have to give the bullpen credit for holding the Angels in check for 4 innings.

The Yanks again did not get any clutch hitting. Nick Swisher...all he had to do is get a fly ball but no. Cano has done nothing in the series. Texiera, who is having an outstanding series with
his glove is hitting around .100. Not acceptable.

If CC does not have it and the Yanks don't hit we will be tied. Its a series now.

Game 2 ALCS: Yankees

2009-10-18T07:08:00.002-04:00

Any time you play 13 innings you want to win and the luck was with the Bombers tonight.

AJ Burnett pitched great 3 hits and 2 runs over 6. Then the Yankees used 7 relievers over five
hours and ten minutes. A Rod with a big fly tiedup the game in the 9th.

For the first time in the playoffs the Yanks played bad defense. Robinson Cano looked horrible but when you win a game like nobody cares. Now it is out to the west coast and the Yanks have not played well out there. But the way the team is pitching and with Andy going and with the bull pen with a day off just maybe the series wont be conning back to the Bronx.

Like most Yankees fans you fear going to Anaheim but with this team and the 2-0 lead you feel a little better.

Game One ALCS: Yankees

2009-10-17T08:20:00.002-04:00

In 2002 and 2005 the Yankees won the first game in there division series against the Angels.The Yanks one game on this year in the ALCS.

Unlike those other years the Yanks did not have a big ace like CC Sabathia who was great tonight. He went 8 Innings 4 hits 1 run and 7 strikeouts. He did what he was suppose to do was keep the Halos off the bases.

The Yankees have not lost in the postseason and like the Twins series they are not hitting the cover off the ball. The team played their game with got small hits from Jeter, A Rod and Johnny Damon who came through with two hits. Only Posada and Cano did not hit.

If the Yanks play there game and play the little ball things will be all right. Mariano finished it up and the bullpen was not used.Only two pitchers where used I thought that was a good move by Girardi. The Angels, who had great numbers against CC this year, can exploded any time hopefully its not in game two against AJ Burnett. 4-1 Yanks Game two Sat night in the Bronx.

Close The Dome

2009-10-12T05:27:00.002-04:00

It was the last game at the Metrodome as the Yanks took game three of the ALDS and the series with a 4-1 victory.

Andy Pettitte pick up his 15th post season win as he outdueled Carl Pavano who pitched well for the win. A Rod, who was clutch all series along with Jorge who went deep lead the Yanks to the win. Like most Yankee fans I wanted the Twins in the first round and thought they would win this series.

The next series will be real tough; the Angels are for real . The one thing is that the Yanks have that extra home game and will have a 7 game series. I like the way they played there last series out there and CC will get the Game One start. If the Yankees can pitch and play defense like they did in this series maybe that's enough.

Game 2 Some Pie

2009-10-10T09:02:00.002-04:00

As a Yankee fan or a fantic fan of any team you hate when your team is in a big game and cant watch all of it. That happened to me on Friday night but my night was better by around 10pm with a Yankee victory.

I thought AJ Burnett pitched good but was not around at the end. But Mark Teixeira was with a big walk off homer in the bottom of the 10th in a 4-3 win. A-Rod, who is having a big series hit the homer that tied the game in the 9th. He's had has this bad burden of not doing in the post season but may on the way to big postseason numbers.

That was a big Yankee win; now it's on to the Metordome and are old friend Carl Pavano. A lot older fans of the Yanks don't like the looseness of guys like Nick Swisher and the Pie throwing of AJ Burnett. But I do I think this is the most loose Yankee clubs I ever watched. And I want to see more pies in the face and 9 more victories.

Game One: Bombers

2009-10-08T03:45:00.002-04:00

The Twins took any early lead. As a Yankee fan you can't get two worried. But When Derek Jeter hit a long homer and then A Rod (above) came through with a big hit you had to think it was going to be your night.

CC was not sharp at first but pitched good enough for a post season win. Matsui, who had a big second half, had a big homer.

Phil Hughes and Joba out of the pen and Mariano to close.This is how the 2009
Yankee team got it done. And as a Yankee fan you need 10 more.

We Want The Twins

2009-10-03T10:32:00.002-04:00

Most Yankee fans like myself would rather play The Twins in the first round instead of Detroit.

We beat them 6 times.

It does not really matter... you have to beat all the good teams in October. CC Sabathia did not look good in has last outing of the regular season as Tampa denied him of his 20 th win. CC is the man for game one. As I look at it I would start AJ Burnett in game 2 at Yankee Stadium where he pitches well and go with Andy Pettitte on the road in game 3.

We should find out by the end of the weekend what the rotation and roster is and who the Bombers play in round one. Bring on October baseball!

Yankees East Champs

2009-09-27T20:21:00.002-04:00

I know most people were watching football today. I was watching baseball.

The American League Eastern division race ended today and the Yanks are champs. It was coming for a long time but it still feels good to see your team celebrate at home against there arc rivals.

There are three more steps but today was the first leap. Lets get ready for the first round.

Next Stop: Playoffs

2009-09-26T11:04:00.002-04:00

The weeks are winding down and the Yanks are getting ready for the post season.

Two good signs: two out of three against the Angels in Anaheim. And on Friday night for the first time in a while Joba looked good as a starter against the Sox .6 innings, 5 hits and 3 runs. Any team will take that.

If Joba was putting on an audition for the post season he passed this one. I'm sure a fan of any team you tries to pull for guys that came out of your farm system and Joba Chamberlain is one of them. I hope he gets a post season start. but I think the Yankees need
one more start from him later in the week to see.

West Coast Not The Best Coast For Yankees

2009-09-19T09:32:00.002-04:00

On Friday night it looked like a road win for the Bombers. AJ pitched well and Phil Hughes looked lights out in the 8th. In the bottom of the 9th Mo was throwing BB's and got the first two outs. Then the Yankees caved in.

Mo gave up a double to Mike Sweeny. Then on the first pitch the great Ichiro Suzuki took Rivera deep. It was just another case on how the Yanks do on the west coast.

The team has three in Anaheim this week. It will be big as the team hits the Big A for a three game set. Here is why, if the post season started today, the Yanks will play the Central winner in the first round.

But if the Yanks have to play the Halos in the second round you want the best record so you get the extra home game. As we found out in other series the Yanks don't fair well in postseason games in the Big A.

I know I am just nit picking but as a fan of a team you want to go all the way this
could be a big fork in the road come playoff time.

Derek's the Man

2009-09-12T10:04:00.003-04:00

All the headlines read #2 is now #1. And as a Yankee fan I love it.

My daughter and I were watching the game on the TV. She was screaming...my wife told her to shut up but I did not. This was real big and just watching it I think Jeter handed it with grace just like every thing else he does.

2.722 is great. Cant wait for another 278 hits. 3000 will be even better. Lou Gehrig would be proud; all Yankee and most baseball fans are.

What goes up must go down

2009-09-05T09:56:00.002-04:00

That is a 1969 song from Blood, Sweat and Tears. It is also the way the Yankees 7 game win streak went.

I can't complain the way the Yanks are playing its all good. But on Friday the Yankees got one hit by Roy Halladay.That comes to mind that good pitching beats good hitting and even with the Yanks with CC going in game one.

If you meet Justin Verlander and he out pitches CC in round one anything can happen. That is the way the Yanks went out the last few years. The playoffs are a whole new game. But the
Yanks are on their way to home field advantage.

Cano In The Clutch

2009-08-29T10:43:00.001-04:00

Robbie Cano goes deep late the Yankees come back and win late. This was the 12th time the team has had a walk off win.

The 1978 Yankees have done it 13 times. Hopefully like the '78 team this team will go the distance.

Yankees by a touchdown and safety

2009-08-22T13:09:00.002-04:00

The Yanks won for the first time at Fenway this year. Very sloppy...theywere lucky the hit parade came out.

One negative was in the first when Johnny Damon got hit on the knee and could be out indefinitely. Another was that Andy Pettitte gave up 7 runs.

Some good things: we beat Boston again! Hideki Matsui (pictured above) had a big Yankee night with 2 homers and 7 RBI. Also Damaso Marte rejoined the team as the Yankees need another lefty in the pen with Phil Coke.

Marte got both batters he faced.I am sure the team will look for some more pitching help by the Aug 31 wavier deadline...stay tuned.

62 1 leading after 8.

2009-08-20T11:43:00.001-04:00

A big part of the Yanks success this year is the back end of the bull pen.

Enter Mr Sandman. Mariano is having one of his best seasons in pinstripes. After a Wednesday night win in Oakland 3-2 over the A's Rivera got save #36. He has a outside shot a 50 saves and is in the running for Cy Young.

And how about Alfredo Aceves out of the pen at 8-1. The Yanks have a 7 game lead as they head to Fenway.

Tex for MVP

2009-08-15T09:32:00.003-04:00

Like most Yankee fans when our team is on the west coast I hate to stay up late to watch our team lose. The last two nights I was not disappointed.

The team won big in Seattle on Thursday and last night the team won coming back on a Mark Teixeira go ahead home run. And how about this guy! He is everything and a bag of
chips. His stats 30 home runs, .280 with 86 RBIs and playing a Gold Glove first base. How about Tex for MVP?

There is a lot of baseball to be played but if it ended today this guy has to be the MVP as he is leading the Yanks to the top of the division. If Tex and the Yanks can keep this up now 30 games over .500 he should be the front runner for AL MVP.

Oh What A Night!

2009-08-08T08:34:00.002-04:00

Dateline: the Bronx. Friday Aug 7 2007. A classic game between two classic teams. Like a 15 round fight someone had to go down. Both pitchers were beyond great. AJ Burnett 7.2 innings pitched and Josh Beckett 7 innings pitched. 4 hits for each with no runs.

A lot of other fans say the Yankee Red Sox rivalry ain't what it use to be. After last night's classic I say its better than ever. We wound up on the the good side of the street with a 2-0, 15th inning walk off win.

Some new members off this long story . Young Japanese rightly Jinichi Tazawa who gave up the big blow with two outs in the 15th to A Rod . If we lost it would of hurt. But either way it was a great game between the two teams that still hold the title of Baseball's Best Rivalry

Get Ready For The Sox

2009-08-06T09:12:00.002-04:00

Two wins in Toronto and two Red Sox losses in Tampa give the Yanks a 2 1/2 game lead as Boston invades the Bronx for a four game series.

This is more than a big series it is a real big series. The Yanks must show some muscle and take at least three games from the Sox. This could show what the team is a about. And don't look now but Tampa is back in the race. Its going to be a three team race and Thursday its starts for real.

Don't Trade Joba

2009-07-30T07:38:00.004-04:00

After the Phillies got Cliff Lee from The Indians the talk is now that the Yanks and Red Sox could get in a bidding war over Roy Halliday.

Joba pitched 8 innings of 2 hit, no run ball on Wednesday night and looked great in his last few starts. Chamberlain has been coming around; he is only 23 and getting better as a starter. Don't put him in the deal.

Life Is Good

2009-07-28T03:47:00.003-04:00

9 and 1 on the homestand. Maybe they would slip on the road....no way. 11-4 win in Tampa and AJ is sharp; he's now 10 and 4. Not to mention Nick Swisher (pictured) who hit two homers against the Rays. The Yanks are 61-38 and first in the east.

The big thing here is that they moved Tampa one back in the standings. The team is playing better than it has in years. The hitting, the bullpen and the starters...keep it coming. Boston in two weeks.

Stay Out Of Anaheim

2009-07-11T11:04:00.003-04:00

The Yanks are doing great and I should not complain about anything. But...I am getting sick of losing to the Halos out west.

With a 5 to 1 lead Friday night and after sweeping the Twins and playing real good ball the curse of Anaheim came to life. A few bloop hits, some errors, a three-run homer from Kendry Morales (pictured) and Joba not having it gave the Angels a 10-6 come back win.

The Yanks, with one of the best records in baseball, should get in the post season one way or another. But two of the biggest problems are not winning one game vs the Red Sox and not being able to win in Anaheim in years. And if the cards fall right the Bombers will have to go though both those clubs in October. If you do not beat them during the regular season they will have that in their corner in the playoffs. And the Angels and Sox will be at full strength.

Future Closer?

2009-07-04T10:03:00.002-04:00

The more I see Phil Hughes I think are the Yankees wasting him in the bullpen...or maybe there is a long term plan. Just maybe the Yankees are doing what the Sox did with Jonathan Papelbon.
Joba was suppose to be the closer off the future but as a starter he is doing just fine. It is a tough call; maybe Hughes has the toughness for the bullpen. Brian Bruney lost his set up role and now the way both Phils are pitching (Coke and Hughes) they have been taking that 8th inning role.

It is a long season and a can happen you might need him to start. But he keeps this up keep him in the pen...lights out.

Keep Winning Series

2009-06-27T10:26:00.003-04:00

After a Friday night win at Citi field the Yanks have won three in a row and are now 41-32 and 11 games over .500, their high mark of the year.

Most fans of any team thinks it is important to win series; the Yanks must try to keep winning series after losing their sets with Washington and Florida. The yanks won one in Atlanta; now with A Rod starting to hit the pitching has been good.

The Red Sox are moving towards 20 games over to keep pace with them and to remain a top of the wild card. The Yankees must keep winning series.

Two Out Of 3 Ain't Bad

2009-06-14T17:37:00.002-04:00

Friday night was a gift. On Saturday I went to the game surrounded by Met fans in my own Stadium.

But today I got a feeling that after they hit Santana hard in the first that we could score on him today. I guess my hunch was right: final score 15-0 Yankees . I am kind of tired of the 6 game Subway Series. I think 3 is enough.

But today was big. The Phils beat Boston 11-6 and now we're back to two games out. We won a series. And maybe this is the AJ Burnett who was in Toronto last year, going 7 strong giving up 4 hits and no runs.

The Yanks now play Washington, the worst team in baseball and have to win this series and move closer toward the Sox. Today was all good. Yankees 15 Mets 0.

Playing For Second

2009-06-13T07:21:00.002-04:00

0-8. what a joke.

I remember in the mid 70s the Yanks could not win in Fenway. Now they can't win at all.

After a 4-3 loss Thurday as CC ran out of gas the bull pen caved in. The hitting: again 2-15 with runners in scoring position. I can go on and on.

But right now it looks like a wild card on the horizon. This was the toughest loss of the year.

Comeback Kings

2009-06-08T20:19:00.004-04:00

The Yanks are doing good after a comeback win against Tampa on Sunday.It was their 20th comeback of the year. Nothing like that last year; the Bombers are back in first!

All good teams are judged by how many games over 500 they are and at 10 games over the Yanks next step is 15 then 20. But right now the pitching and the hitting are clicking.

But there is always a but.

The Yanks, who lost an earlier series to Tampa and have not beat Boston yet have to win series against these clubs. Most Yankee fans worry about the Mets series and that is ok . But we have the Sox this week and must put up a few wins against Boston to show them this Yankee team is not the team they saw in April.

25 17 On Memorial day

2009-05-25T11:14:00.002-04:00

On Sunday the Yanks could not come back. A good home standhas brought the Bombers to 25-17 on Memorial Day. The Yanks head to Texas and, unlike this weekend, try to win a series in the Lone Star State and try to get 10 games over for the first time all year.

The team might miss the home cooking of 87 homers at the new Stadium. So far this year are 11-10 away from the Bronx and will try to bring some of that home magic on the road.

Crazy Eights

2009-05-21T11:27:00.002-04:00

23-17... their best record all year.

In the last few games a few blowout wins at home. In this eight game winning streak every one is hitting and the pitching has been good not great. Texiera and Cano (hitting one of three in a row on Wednesday night) are red hot. A Rod has helped Texiera batting next to him.

The problem I see is the #5 spot. A Rod who walked twice tonight might be getting pitchedaround and not seeing fast balls in the zone.

Maybe if Posada comes back he can be slotted in the #5 slot or maybe move Cano in. Matsui, who has cooled off could, be moved up in the lineup. Just an idea keep winning and it wonit mater.

A Big Win Late

2009-05-17T07:29:00.004-04:00

The Yanks got back over .500 it seems like they have been like that all year. Friday night would have been a tough loss. In the 7th, bases loaded one out no runs in. After a Brett Gardner inside the park homer the team keeps leaving runners on base. I got down and turned to the Farah Fawcett story...but I never really turn off a Yankee game.

So Friday night if the Bombers had lost it would be real tough because they left 13 runners left on base. But a big ninth off of one of baseballs best closers lead to 5-4. Milkey Cabrea had the big hit. And maybe let's not giveup on Brett Gardner who has made the best in his time back in the line up. Just keep winning series

Yanks Can't Beat East

2009-05-12T22:05:00.001-04:00

One of the big problems this year is that maybe 3 of the best teams in baseball are all in the AL East: Toronto Boston and Tampa. The only problem is the Yanks can't beat any of them.

After a loss to Doc Halladay, who out pitched AJ Burnett for a 5-1 win, the Yanks can't get to .500 or beat the east teams except for Bailtimore. And if that wasn't bad enough Jeter was out due to a sore muscle, Matsui left the game early, and Posda Molina and Nady Wang Marte are all on the DL.

It not only looks a lot like last year but this team looks like a team getting old at once. It could be a long year.

A Rod Back! CC Sharp! But...

2009-05-09T07:17:00.001-04:00

The Yankees ended there losing streak with a bang: 4-0 win vs the Birds. CC was on a complete game shut out. A Rod first pitch back hit a homer and the team got its first lead in 4 games and gave the team some energy.

Maybe for one night the team looked great in one of the biggest wins of the year. But you can't forget the past week when they got sweet by Boston and Tampa at home and looked real bad.

From the starters the bullpen even Mariano to not scoring any runs to leaving too many runners on base. Most of all just looking bad. Baseball is a marathon not a sprint so lets see if the team can put on a wining streak and forget last week.

13-10

2009-05-02T12:37:00.002-04:00

The Yankees are 13 10. It's early May and after a not so bad April the Yanks, with a couple of wins in a row against the Halos look good.

Last night the Bombers had a 4 - zip lead and gave it back as Andy Pettite gave it right back. At one point the Yanks were down by 5, came back to one and in the bottom of the 9th came back to win 10-9. That's right a big comeback win.

Jorge Posada (above, center) who had a big homer in the first is playing well and got the big hit to give the Yanks the win. The problem I see is the middle relief but that is a story for another day. Now with May starting and Boston coming into the Bronx the Yanks have to keep winning series. And the last few games were a good start.

On the other side of a rompI

2009-04-30T05:42:00.000-04:00

have always been a fan of Phillip Hughes a #1 draft pick pitch like it in Motown. As he stoped the Yankees losing streak Tuesday night at 4 with an 11-0 win Phil Hughes went 6 innings with 2 hit ball and zero runs...very good.

If Hughes pitches like this it will be though to send him down. Also over the last few days one bright spot has been another pitcher out of the Yankeees system, Mark Melancon, who has a 0.00 era in a week in the big leagues. Maybe Hughes in the rotation and Joba and Melacon in the pen that's pretty good.

Weekend In New England

2009-04-26T09:34:00.002-04:00

On Friday night going into the 9th inning I said to myself, "This would be a great win to make a statement against the Sox."

In comes Mo. You think, "One in the win column."

But what happens? Jason Bey homerun, extra inning win for Red Sox.

After we find Wang, Bruney and Cody Ranson go on the DL. The only good news is that Bruney one of the Yanks best pitchers will only be out for 3 weeks tops, not the year.

Come Saturday..AJ Burnett, who never lost to the Sox, had a 6 run lead and gave it away. Sum total: the bullpen let up.Total 16 runs in a 16-11 loss.

The bullpen one of the strengths of the team has been bad. The team looks a lot worse than there 9-8 record.

Hope This Is Not A Pattern

2009-04-18T12:22:00.002-04:00

It's kind of like it rained on your wedding day. Or a bad thing happened. That was the case as the Yanks opened there brand new ball park. It was good till Veras and Marte came in and the Tribe lit them up.

Go to game two...another day game...the Yanks came back and won a with a classic Derek Jeter homer. Too bad we could not reverse the days.

The only thing I am seeing is a lot of things I saw last year: stranding a lot of runners and not getting the key hit. Also the middle relief is struggling. Cody Ramson is not hitting at third and with Nady possibly out for the season the Yanks might have to get a right handed hitting outfielder.

I know its early but these things might have to be addressed

The season is not over yet

2009-04-11T09:41:00.003-04:00

After the first two loses in Baltimore a lot of the Yankee fans were ready to throw in the towel. CC was bad and Teixeira was flat and was hearing the boos.

Game 3...AJ looked great, the offense woke up and Andy was Dandy in game 4. Two and two on the season.

CC will get another shot , Joba has not gone yet and the bats look good. I said this in past blogs: I really like Nick Swisher (sliding above) who said "I Really screwed that one up" on the ball he dropped to give KC a run. He told Pettitte he would get it back for him. He got a big double to give the Bombers the lead for good. I really like this guy's attitude. The team has not had a "fire player" like that in a long time. If his bat keeps up he might find more playing time

The House That George Built

2009-04-04T09:07:00.002-04:00

I had mixed emotions as I watched the Yankee game on Friday night. As most fans you hate to see the past end but are interested in the future. I wont hit the Stadium for a few weeks but a buddy who went to the first game last night said it was great. A lot of the old and new.

Just a few things I wanted diffrent; I was hoping that they kept the monuments on the field and made center deeper than 408 ft to center. Also more than 52.000 seats but you cant have everything. A great team on the field will make everything go away and so far this spring the Bombers look great. I cant wait to go to my first game at the new stadium it should be an experience.

One Week To Go

2009-03-29T09:05:00.001-04:00

Johnny Damon has moved from leadoff to the second hole. Jeter will lead off for now with Texieria and Matsui third and fourth. It will be right/left switchand left for the first part of the order.

It looks like Brett Gardner is going to be in center and bat ninth. The last cuts will come in the Bullpen, so a week to go it looks good. This is the time the Yankee fans and baseball fans love getting ready for the season to come.

The Yanks looking good in presason

2009-03-23T09:41:00.001-04:00

Before Sunday's game against Tampa the Bombers had won seven in a row. I know its only spring training and they are just exhibition games but the team looks good.

AJ Burnett looks like an ace and Joba has pitched well as a starter. Pettitte and Mariano have looked great. And how about Kei Igawa, who is not even on the big league roster has done well Maybe the Yankees can shop him by the end of the spring.

The postion players look good too. Texiera is having a monster spring and Jorge looks good behind the plate. All we need is the Captain to come back from the World Baseball Classic healthy. I know its only spring but I like what I see.

Few spots for a long Reliever.

2009-03-14T10:39:00.000-04:00

So far this spring none of the five starters are down on the shelf and that is good. Also great news for us Yankee fans is Mariano has been throwing good and should be in a game by mid week to make his spring debut.

With the set up men pretty well set it looks like the only pitching job to be won is to be a long reliever. So far Brent Tomko has been looking good. Other candidates are Dan Giese, Alfredo Aceves and Jason Johnson.

Johnson is guy who has bounced around the big leagues for years and is working his way back after being diagnosed with eye cancer. A guy like this you have to pull for.

I would think if Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy don't make the staff they will go back to the minors and not be put in long relief. With the World Baseball Classic coming to and end next week competition for this pitching job should heat up in Yankee camp...it should be interesting.

A-Rod Under The Knife

2009-03-08T18:37:00.001-04:00

A Rod is going to be out 6 to 9 weeks after the they decided to go ahead with the surgery. Dr Marc Phlippon will perform the surgery in Vail, Colorado on Monday March 9th. It is probably a good call.

Positions Up For Grabs

2009-03-01T16:40:00.002-05:00

It is early in the spring. But in Yankee camp this year there are some positions to be won.

The big fight is for centerfield and give the early lead to Brett Gardner. He has had a good first few games with the bat and is playing a solid game in the field. He is out of the Yankee system and is someone you can root for. Gardner is in a battle with Melky Cabrera and Nick Swisher for the job. But Swisher is more of a Conner guy with Texiera back up at first.

In right Xavier Nady and Swisher are up for that job which could wind up in a platoon. In 1996 there was a lot of platoon players and in worked out well. Maybe that is the way to go on a team with a lot of superstars. It is early and just the first week of exhibition games...just an idea, Joe.

The story that wont go awayWhen

2009-02-21T09:29:00.002-05:00

When A Rod came to the Bronx after the disappointing World Series lost to Florida I never thought he would get this much attention. Maybe if he was the MVP of a Series win or broke the single season home run record.

No such luck. After a week long of steroids apologies and lies, now the news that A Rod worked out the Angel Presinal who is no Angel. He is banned by baseball for his association with steroids.

Rodriguez, who is getting ready for the World Baseball Classic, has been working out with this trainer last month and has ties with A Rod back to 2003. A Rod, who said he has been clean since 2003, traveled with Presinal during his 2007 MVP season according to the Daily News.

If this is the case and he took it then maybe he should get suspended. As a Yankee fan I am sick of this story and as of today I am not the biggest A Rod supporter. Maybe he should get 50 games . Then it is done once and for all.

I Don't Know What To Think.

2009-02-08T17:14:00.002-05:00

I am one of many Yankee fans who gets upset when our team is on the back pages and the headlines for all the bad reasons. For Example Clemens with his steroids issue. Joba and his DWI, and the Torre book to name a few.

But I don't think anyone saw this coming. SI reports that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for two anabolic steroids in 2003. Curt Schilling, who a few years ago said that if A Rod breaks every major league he will respect him because he is clean. Today on Schillings blog 38 pitches it reads"Shocked you can't be anymore." I hate to agree with a Bosox but he is 100% right.

You want to root for this guy. Like most fans Ihave opened up to A Rod since his arrival in 2004 and was looking for a big year in 2009 and maybe a long postseason run. You have to wonder how many other players are on it. So far there a lot of Yankees who have had a connections to the steroids list.

What I would like to see Alex do is say, "I did not know the anabolic steroids teststerone and methonolone was wrong and say I am sorry. I have or not done that and won't do it again." Will he?

We will have to find out. He does not have to report to camp for over a week. Lets see if he does the right thing. Jose Canseco, who wrote the tell all book "Juiced," is not looking all that wrong right now.

Andy's Back...And Joe Many Never Be

2009-02-02T09:31:00.003-05:00

11 days till pitchers and catchers....why not talk Yankee baseball?

First I am glad Andy Pettitte took the Yankees offerwith incentives. Last year Andy was 14-14 with 158 strike outs. This year he has a chance to make a lot of money iincentives and could make what he made last year with a good year. Plus if he is the fourth or fifth starter the pressure wont be all on him.

As for Joe Torre I would never bash him for what he did. In my book he should be up there with great Yankee managers and great Yankees. As I heard him speak on Larry King the other night about his book "The Yankee Years"he seemed like a man who was very hurt the way he was treated in New York and was wanted to get it all out.

I remember as a young boy there was a lot of controversy around the Jim Bouton book "Ball Four" where a lot of the old timers said he should of keep it in the clubhouse and never let out. Seems like Torre did the same thing where he is trying to hurt someone the way he was.

It is a tough call but I want to read the book. How often do you get that close to what goes on behind the screens straight from the horses mouth.

One of my favorite things is to see what numbers the players get issued in spring training. it will be something if someone...maybe a non roster player or a back up catcher...gets #6. Stay tuned

Mixed Emotions

2008-12-27T10:02:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-14T08:46:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-12T10:31:00.002-05:00

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?

2008-11-22T08:43:00.003-05:00

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?

2008-11-08T10:18:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-01T08:53:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-21T09:12:00.001-04:00

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

2008-10-11T08:29:00.002-04:00

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?

2008-10-04T08:11:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-27T08:12:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-20T08:15:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-13T19:50:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-06T19:56:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-28T05:48:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-23T08:04:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-16T14:31:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-15T04:32:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-09T08:12:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-02T07:51:00.001-04:00

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

2008-07-26T07:24:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-23T19:49:00.001-04:00

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

2008-07-19T09:24:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-15T12:08:00.003-04:00

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

2008-07-12T08:35:00.002-04:00

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.