2008 New York Yankees Thread

[TheGameHHH]

thats what kids missing a chromosome do. And girardi already said he wants giambi at first, so then shelly's taking all the back-up duties there and in the outfield.

if u can hit, you'll find a way into the line-up. abraham has him posted as the opening day DH. granted its still a month away, but he's taking advantage of every opportunity he's being given in the spring.

[Bulldogcakes]

Duncan's been great, and if the Yanks need one thing badly it's some righty pop off the bench. It's his job to lose at this point.

Check this out from ESPN linked by RAB (http://riveraveblues.com/2008/03/05/espn-attempts-to-broaden-red-sox-coverage-realigns-divisions-2269/)
http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/35f25eae080d446cc7a061d576e782e4c419b0a.pjpg

OK, it's just a silly typo. But what gets me is that 9% of the country voted for the Yank winning the AL Central. Maybe some of them did it as a goof, but most of them didn't.

BRING BACK THE POLL TAX!

[Bulldogcakes]

Nice NYTimes story on Kennedy (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/sports/baseball/06yankees.html?_r=1&ref=baseball&oref=slogin)

TAMPA, Fla. — Ian Kennedy was not the kind of kid who taped a strike zone to the side of a wall and threw at it all day long. He did not pester friends or family to catch him in the backyard. Kennedy loved to pitch, but there was no need to practice. He simply threw hard, and the ball went where he wanted it to go.

“He’s always hit the mitt since I’ve known him,” said the Minnesota Twins’ Delmon Young, who has known Kennedy since they were freshmen in high school. “He never misses over the plate consistently. He usually stays right on the corners, wherever the glove’s set up. He puts it where he wants to.”

[Bulldogcakes]

Cervelli injured and Girardi is furious (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/08/cervelli-injured-and-girardi-is-furious/)

The look on Joe Girardi’s face said plenty. Then he had plenty to say about the play in the ninth inning when Tampa Bay’s Elliot Johnson rolled into Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli.

“I think it’s uncalled for in spring training. You get people hurt and that’s what we got, we got Cervelli hurt,” Girardi said.

Carl Crawford of the Rays ran over a Houston catcher on Wednesday. Now there has been a second incident. Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon dismissed it as a “good hardball” when he spoke to the Tampa Bay writers. But Girardi didn’t agree.

“I’ve always known that you don’t do it. I know kids play aggressive and play hard. That’s how you want them to play. But maybe if it happens too much you should mention something,” he said.

Cervelli was taken to St. Joseph Hospital for x-rays. The Yankees are fearful that he has a broken right hand or wrist.

“It’s one thing to get hit by a pitch that gets away or twist an ankle running the bases. I don’t understand it,” said Girardi, who felt Johnson should have simply slid into the plate. “I don’t understand it. During the season I’m all for. It happens in the season, I understand it. In spring training, I don’t really.”

Johnson had no remorse: “From my point of view, I’m trying to score a run. … His left foot was right there blocking the plate. My options were to hook around and slide and I thought that would take too much time and I would be out,” he said.

Several New York writers waited to ask Maddon questions but he hid in his office and sent a team spokesman out to say he wouldn’t answer any questions.

The Yankees play the Rays three more times this spring. Bet on there being some sort of reprisal.

Unlike Torre, Girardi isn't the type to turn the other cheek. He's already encouraging pitchers like Moose and Farnsworth to throw inside, and now this happens. I'd expect it to happen the next time they play, someone gets drilled. Properly, below the waist. That should be the end of this.

[Bulldogcakes]

aaaaand the update

Fractured wrist for Cervelli (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/08/fractured-wrist-for-cervelli/)

The Yankees just announced that Francisco Cervelli fractured his right wrist and was placed in a cast. No timetable for his return.

Keep an eye on Wednesday’s game against the Rays.


If you don't know who he is, he's the most MLB ready catcher they have in their farm system. Defensive specialist, ready to handle a MLB staff. Bat needs a little work, but acceptable. Catching is a fielding-first position, anyway. Cashman said that he would have been brought up and been the 2nd string catcher this year if Posada didn't sign. Now this bullshit, in a spring training game no less.

The little cunt that did this better be in the lineup the next time they play. If he begs out, one of his teammates will end up getting drilled in his place. I'm not sure its going to be below the waist anymore. Since Cervelli is injured, anything below the head is fair game.

[Bulldogcakes]

Bullpen update from RAB (http://riveraveblues.com/2008/03/08/bullet-points-2286/)

There’s still a big chunk of Spring Training left, but I can totally see Scott Patterson making the team. Girardi’s been using him in a fireman role - bringing him in the middle of an inning to work out of a jam - and he’s been perfect so far. Brian Bruney may have lost some weight and grown out his hair, but he’s still craptastically ineffective. Patterson’s making the most of his opportunity, Bruney isn’t. Simple as that.


Ohlendorf's been opening eyes as well, despite today's HR. The long man is still up for grabs, Karstens is probably in the lead there.

BTW-Luis Vizcaino's having elbow trouble (http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_8493656). Cashman looks like a genius.

[Kevin]

Bullpen update from RAB (http://riveraveblues.com/2008/03/08/bullet-points-2286/)



Ohlendorf's been opening eyes as well, despite today's HR. The long man is still up for grabs, Karstens is probably in the lead there.

BTW-Luis Vizcaino's having elbow trouble (http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_8493656). Cashman looks like a genius.

Yea, didnt he get like a 2nd rounder of a sandwich pick for Viz?

[BoondockSaint]

Cashman looks like a genius.

Every time you think this just say to yourself, "Igawa."

[Kevin]

Every time you think this just say to yourself, "Igawa."

That was more of the tampa brass overreacting to the Redsox getting Dice K. Cashman had very little to do with that.

[BoondockSaint]

That was more of the tampa brass overreacting to the Redsox getting Dice K. Cashman had very little to do with that.

OK, use "Farnsworth" or "Hawkins" or "Kevin"

[Kevin]

OK, use "Farnsworth" or "Hawkins" or "Kevin"

Can't argue there... Wait, which "Kevin" Do you speak of?

[BoondockSaint]

Can't argue there... Wait, which "Kevin" Do you speak of?

Any and all. That's what Richard Neer says.

[Bulldogcakes]

Every time you think this just say to yourself, "Igawa."

Hahahahah! Very nice.

Just for that, I have a video just for you

<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.collegehumor.com/moogaloop/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1805777&fullscreen=1" width="480" height="360" ><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="movie" quality="best" value="http://www.collegehumor.com/moogaloop/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1805777&fullscreen=1" /></object>

[Kevin]

Any and all. That's what Richard Neer says.

Richard Neer's credibility when out the window the night he gave credit to...

[Bulldogcakes]

Yea, didnt he get like a 2nd rounder of a sandwich pick for Viz?

Yep. Type B Free Agent. I think they do the selection sometime in June, so we don't know who it'll be yet.

[Bulldogcakes]

Richard Neer's credibility when out the window the night he gave credit to...

That's my pal. Ol Rich-eroo thats what I call him.

[Kevin]

Yep. Type B Free Agent. I think they do the selection sometime in June, so we don't know who it'll be yet.

Well, the last Type B reliever we let go turned into Joba Chaimberland.. So...

[Bulldogcakes]

From PA's blog (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/09/today-in-the-journal-news-214/)

My take: Young players like Elliot Johnson do stupid things all the time and burying a catcher in spring training is stupid. That part of it was no big deal. What I found the most interesting was Joe Girardi’s willingness to criticize another manager. I suspect we have not heard the last of this.

This isn't Joe Torre. Get used to it.

Torre was here so long that many think the Torre way is the only way to manage a team in NY. I disagree, and I love Girardi's uncompromising tenacity. It was one of my long standing criticisms of Torre, refusing to pitch inside and retaliate when other teams would push the Yankees around. Expect to see Ortiz get moved off the plate on a regular basis, expect to see the Yanks exploit any and every weakness they can find. Girardi's the type of guy you'll love when he's on your side and hate when he's opposing you. Like Lou Pinella, Billy Martin, etc. He's not out to win any popularity contests, he only cares about winning baseball games.

One of the products of defending your teammates after incidents like this forging a more solid clubhouse with an 'us against the them' mentality. Billy Martin's teams were famous for it. The late 90's teams were loaded with players like O'Niell, Girardi, Cone, Clemens, and Tino who had that same mentality and it defined them as a team. Teammates who defend each other tend to pick each other up, play harder and play together. The teams we've seen in recent years have been star studded lineups where 'everyone left in seperate limos' as the old saying goes.

This is gonna be fun.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

ok Yankee fans enlighten me

Hideki Matsui starts today

Mariano either started this or will next week

are these players hurt or are you yanks such fags, that you let these stars start playing when they feel like

if it is the latter, you entire franchise is a bunch of fags

if they were hurt. please disregard this rant

[TheGameHHH]

ok Yankee fans enlighten me

Hideki Matsui starts today

Mariano either started this or will next week

are these players hurt or are you yanks such fags, that you let these stars start playing when they feel like

if it is the latter, you entire franchise is a bunch of fags

if they were hurt. please disregard this rant

Matsui is hurt......Mo requires 8-10 innings and one back-to-back session in spring, he knows his routine and what it takes to get him ready. nothing about any of this makes either of them fags. and if shelly duncan heard you calling his teammates that, he'd punch a hole straight through your faggy stomach.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Matsui is hurt......Mo requires 8-10 innings and one back-to-back session in spring, he knows his routine and what it takes to get him ready. nothing about any of this makes either of them fags. and if shelly duncan heard you calling his teammates that, he'd punch a hole straight through your faggy stomach.

Shelly is a girls name

Is Shelly Sandy Duncan's twin sister

[The Majik Man]

there is nothing majikal about a man named shelley

[cougarjake13]

i have no problem with the rays player taking out the catcher

fuck em


they play to win the game

[RingWraith]

Question: Will there ever be a "Carl Pavano Sighting" this season?

Just wondering.

[Crippler]

Question: Will there ever be a "Carl Pavano Sighting" this season?

If there is I hope it involves crosshairs & a high-powered rifle.

[Knowledged_one]

Carl Pavano will be comeback player and Cy Young Winner for the Yankees going 25-3 while the rest of the staff collapses and CMW goes 3-27 and AP goes 6-23

Simply amazing i tell you amazing

[Kevin]

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03102008/sports/yankees/hughes_looking_like_ace_101225.htm

The 21-year-old Hughes has clearly been the Yankees' best pitcher this spring and he cemented that yesterday at Hammond Stadium by tossing four innings of no-hit ball at the Twins in a 6-4 Yankees win.

I am really excited with the 3 young guys this year. I am so glad they did not deal Hughes and Kennedy for Santana. Not saying that Santana won't be good, but these guys are young and special. I can not wait for the season. Finally after years of watching other teams young ace's We get two watch not only 1, but possibly 3 young ace's. That is exciting.

[TheMojoPin]

We get two watch not only 1, but possibly 3 young ace's.

Let's slow down a little there.

[Kevin]

Let's slow down a little there.

Why? They all have great stuff, and i said possibly, not a lock, but there is a possibility.

[cougarjake13]

Carl Pavano will be comeback player and Cy Young Winner for the Yankees going 25-3 while the rest of the staff collapses and CMW goes 3-27 and AP goes 6-23

Simply amazing i tell you amazing


will you be watching these games on a tv from earth 2 ???

[cougarjake13]

Let's slow down a little there.

key word was possibly

if he left that out then id say yeh jump on him

[Kevin]

key word was possibly

if he left that out then id say yeh jump on him

exactly..

[TheMojoPin]

You'll be lucky if one of them turns out to be an actual ace. I'm not saying all three can't be decent or better pitchers, but an "ace" is a slamdunk #1 pitcher.

[cougarjake13]

You'll be lucky if one of them turns out to be an actual ace. I'm not saying all three can't be decent or better pitchers, but an "ace" is a slamdunk #1 pitcher.

truer words have never been spoken

so hows kerry wood and mark prior doing these days

[TheMojoPin]

truer words have never been spoken

so hows kerry wood and mark prior doing these days

See? And even if that had panned out, that would have been an insane situation that, like, NEVER happens.

[Kevin]

truer words have never been spoken

so hows kerry wood and mark prior doing these days

Mark Prior will go 22-2 with a 1.89 era for the San Diego Padres

[cougarjake13]

Mark Prior will go 22-2 with a 1.89 era for the San Diego Padres

wouldnt that be some funny shit

[TheMojoPin]

Mark Prior will go 22-2 with a 1.89 era for the San Diego Padres

I honestly hope he does. Bitter Cubs fans that root for him to fail make me want to throat-punch them.

[cougarjake13]

the 1 minute apart double post


nice

[Bulldogcakes]

Carl Pavano will be comeback player and Cy Young Winner for the Yankees going 25-3 while the rest of the staff collapses and CMW goes 3-27 and AP goes 6-23

Simply amazing i tell you amazing

KO! WAKE UP! YOU'RE HAVING A DREAM!

[Kevin]

I honestly hope he does. Bitter Cubs fans that root for him to fail make me want to throat-punch them.

Prior's only two losses will be at the hands of Dusty Bakers, Cincinnati Reds

[Bulldogcakes]

Ugh (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/10/reds-yankees-the-live-blog/)

* * * YANKEES TO SIGN BILLY CRYSTAL * * *

The Yankees just handed out a press release saying that they will sign Billy Crystal to a contract on Wednesday and that he will play in Thursday’s game against the Pirates. He will wear No. 60. MLB has approved the silliness.

No, I’m not making this up.


I'm so colossally sick of Billy Crystal. I hope he gets hit in the nuts with a line drive.

[Kevin]

Ugh (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/10/reds-yankees-the-live-blog/)



I'm so colossally sick of Billy Crystal. I hope he gets hit in the nuts with a line drive.

Ensberg and now Crystal? Fucking Cashman and signing Jews.

Maybe he can change his name to Cristol, and we can trade him to Omar for a shit load.

[Bulldogcakes]

Why is this so hard to understand? (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/11/why-is-this-so-hard-to-understand/)



I listen to Mike and Chris every day and find them very entertaining. But I just listened to their interview with Brian Cashman and wanted to put my head through a wall as they discussed Joba Chamberlain. They want him to pitch the 8th inning based on the 24 innings everybody saw last season.

What they (and many other people) don’t seem to understand is that Chamberlain was brilliant as a starter in the minors last season. Not good, brilliant. He was 9-2 with a 2.45 ERA. He was considered one of the best two or three starter prospects in the game.

The Yankees scouted him and drafted him as a starter. He throws four pitches and stands 6-2, 230 pounds. He’s a classic big, power right-hander. Using Joba as for one inning would be like saying A-Rod should be a pinch hitter because he’s such a great hitter.

Mariano Rivera will walk into the Hall of Fame. But the Yankees tried him as a starter in 1995 and he failed because he didn’t have enough pitches. Trevor Hoffman was a starter in 1992 and couldn’t cut it.

Unless he shows he can’t do it, Joba has to become a starter. It’s really that simple. Your best pitchers start. Look at this way: You need to get 27 outs to win a game. You want him on the mound for 21 of those or three?



Or 'do you want your one of your best arms to throw 65 innings or 150-200?' as about a zillion people have said online. It just goes to show how out of touch these guys can be at times. They were also knocking Bill James, Innings limits for young pitchers (which Dog kept calling pitch counts) and just about every other aspect of the today's game. There are times its like listening to your grandfather talk sports. Lots of history, and lost on the modern game.

[Bulldogcakes]

BTW-Their worst argument, which half the other hosts on the station picked up, was "I've seen him be successful out of the pen, we don't know what he'll be as a starter". HE'S NEVER STARTED in the bigs. There's nothing to compare it with. His minor league #s tell you he should translate well, but we won't know until he does both. Thats an argument we can have NEXT year. Comparing (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compare)something to nothing is making no comparison whatsoever.

[TheMojoPin]

You tell 'em, Steve from Bayside-Dave.

[Knowledged_one]

Wow, so Shelly Duncan responds to a total legal play which ended up breaking a guys wrist, to sliding into 2nd base trying to stretch an IF single into a double with his spikes up and out at the 2B.

Man nothing but class in this Yankees organization

[TheMojoPin]

Wow, so Shelly Duncan responds to a total legal play which ended up breaking a guys wrist, to sliding into 2nd base trying to stretch an IF single into a double with his spikes up and out at the 2B.

Man nothing but class in this Yankees organization

I can't wait to hear how this just shows how Girardi is all "tough" and a "no-nonsense" and this is a "new day." The catcher collision happened BECAUSE THE CATCHER WAS BLOCKING THE PLATE AND THE BASEPATH. What is the runner supposed to do? Should he have politely bowed and said, "oh, good show, Mr. Yankee! I suppose I am out now! Toodle-oo!" It's not like he tried to achieve the end result...whereas Duncan was clearly trying as hard as possible TO SPIKE THE GUY'S FUCKING NUTSACK.

[Knowledged_one]

I can't wait to hear how this just shows how Girardi is all "tough" and a "no-nonsense" and this is a "new day." The catcher collision happened BECAUSE THE CATCHER WAS BLOCKING THE PLATE AND THE BASEPATH. What is the runner supposed to do? Should he have politely bowed and said, "oh, good show, Mr. Yankee! I suppose I am out now! Toodle-oo!" It's not like he tried to achieve the end result...whereas Duncan was clearly trying as hard as possible TO SPIKE THE GUY'S FUCKING NUTSACK.

You are right, the rhetoric of this is spring training this doesnt count is such crap, like you said if it didnt count why did the catcher block the plate, if it didnt count he should have just stepped aside

It just gets me that he tried to stretch an IF single into a double, his motives were so clear on this that it cant be defended even by the biggest of yankee homers

[BoondockSaint]

The Rays are just lucky it was Billy Crystal sliding in to second. He would have killed the guy. He's like Ty Cobb on the bases.

[BoondockSaint]

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/files/2008/03/captbd939b50298b406996ff359960468cafyankees_rays_s pring_baseball_flgp103.jpg

[Kevin]

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/files/2008/03/captbd939b50298b406996ff359960468cafyankees_rays_s pring_baseball_flgp103.jpg

I see a clean baseball play there.....






































How was my BDC impression?:tongue:

[cougarjake13]

I see a clean baseball play there.....



How was my BDC impression?:tongue:



very nice

[Bulldogcakes]

I see a clean baseball play there.....




How was my BDC impression?:tongue:

You impersonate a Yankee fan alot around here.

[Bulldogcakes]

Here's a video of the play and the brawl (http://slidingintohome.blogspot.com/2008/03/video-of-brawl.html)

You'd hope that this is the end of it, but I have a feeling it's not. The Rays had 2 incidents in the past week and the Yanks are clearly going to be a feisty bunch this year. The 2 teams also play each other again two more times this spring.

Anyone else notice Jeter and A-Rod were out of town and Pettite had a sore elbow today? Pettite has had a bad elbow for the past 8 or 9 years and A-Rod and Jeter never miss games.

[BoondockSaint]

The little cunt that did this better be in the lineup the next time they play. If he begs out, one of his teammates will end up getting drilled in his place. I'm not sure its going to be below the waist anymore. Since Cervelli is injured, anything below the head is fair game.


Shelly Duncan must read RonFez.net

[cougarjake13]

Here's a video of the play and the brawl (http://slidingintohome.blogspot.com/2008/03/video-of-brawl.html)

You'd hope that this is the end of it, but I have a feeling it's not. The Rays had 2 incidents in the past week and the Yanks are clearly going to be a feisty bunch this year. The 2 teams also play each other again two more times this spring.

Anyone else notice Jeter and A-Rod were out of town and Pettite had a sore elbow today? Pettite has had a bad elbow for the past 8 or 9 years and A-Rod and Jeter never miss games.


sounds like girardi or the players were being pussies

[Bulldogcakes]

Shelly Duncan must read RonFez.net

Too bad Shelly can't pitch.

I don't like the spikes up. Every little leaguer knows you don't do that. I'm all for retaliation, but I'd like to keep it within the accepted norms of Baseball. But then again, at least nobody got hurt on this bullshit play, unlike the last one.

[cougarjake13]

Too bad Shelly can't pitch.

I don't like the spikes up. Every little leaguer knows you don't do that. I'm all for retaliation, but I'd like to keep it within the accepted norms of Baseball. But then again, at least nobody got hurt on this bullshit play, unlike the last one.

bullshit play ??


at least the rays player was trying to score

duncan deliberately went above what he should or any player normally should do in that play

[Bulldogcakes]

bullshit play ??


at least the rays player was trying to score

duncan deliberately went above what he should or any player normally should do in that play

Trying to score? It's a fucking exhibition game. None of these runs count for shit. It's bullshit in spring training, and the asshole was lucky he didn't injure himself. Crawford pulled the same shit agianst the Astros last week, and they weren't pleased with it either.

[TheMojoPin]

Trying to score? It's a fucking exhibition game. None of these runs count for shit. It's bullshit in spring training, and the asshole was lucky he didn't injure himself. Crawford pulled the same shit agianst the Astros last week, and they weren't pleased with it either.

It's also where the minor leaguers are playing to try and take up the reamining slots on the team. The runner is trying to score, the catcher is completely blocking the basepath...wha tthe hell do you propose that he does?

Duncan should be suspended.

[cougarjake13]

Trying to score? It's a fucking exhibition game. None of these runs count for shit. It's bullshit in spring training, and the asshole was lucky he didn't injure himself. Crawford pulled the same shit agianst the Astros last week, and they weren't pleased with it either.

fuck that shit


so your saying these guys just have to turn on and off the intensity at a split second ???


and as for crawford he had the choice to either hit the catcher or risk injury because there was a bat that wasnt picked up around the plate

[cougarjake13]

It's also where the minor leaguers are playing to try and take up the reamining slots on the team. The runner is trying to score, the catcher is completely blocking the basepath...wha tthe hell do you propose that he does?

Duncan should be suspended.


exactly

johnson did what he did within the rules of the game

so me in the rule book where it says there are different rules for spring training games

duncan did it deliberate

[BoondockSaint]

Too bad Shelly can't pitch.

I don't like the spikes up. Every little leaguer knows you don't do that. I'm all for retaliation, but I'd like to keep it within the accepted norms of Baseball. But then again, at least nobody got hurt on this bullshit play, unlike the last one.

The guy has spike marks on his upper thigh.

[cougarjake13]

The guy has spike marks on his upper thigh.

and severed testicles

[Bulldogcakes]

It's also where the minor leaguers are playing to try and take up the reamining slots on the team. The runner is trying to score, the catcher is completely blocking the basepath...what the hell do you propose that he does?



Slide. Spikes up.

Duncan should be suspended.[/

He will be, as will Gomes. I have no problem with that.

[Bulldogcakes]

The guy has spike marks on his upper thigh.

His pants will be out 8-10 weeks as a result.

[TheMojoPin]

Slide. Spikes up.

Into homeplate when the catcher is blocking the basepath and home plate?

[BoondockSaint]

His pants will be out 8-10 weeks as a result.

What happened to "Girardi will handle this right with a fastball towards the legs?"

[cougarjake13]

What happened to "Girardi will handle this right with a fastball towards the legs?"

girardi's a pussy and the yanks will no longer be relevant as a result

[Kevin]

girardi's a pussy and the yanks will no longer be relevant as a result

Err... what?

[Bulldogcakes]

What happened to "Girardi will handle this right with a fastball towards the legs?"

You want a Girardi quote? Here goes (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/12/all-the-expected-answers/)

“Shelley made a hard, aggressive slide and I would have to took at the replay to determine exactly what I think,” Joe Girardi said. “I will have to look to see how high it was. Some players are taught to try and break it up, like Shelley was. He went after his glove with his feet.”


Scroll up to the top of this page. You will clearly see his foot squarely planted on his glove. He keeps his glove right under his cup.

[cougarjake13]

Err... what?



mark my words

as long as girardi is mgr, yanks wont make the playoffs

[cougarjake13]

You want a Girardi quote? Here goes (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/12/all-the-expected-answers/)




Scroll up to the top of this page. You will clearly see his foot squarely planted on his glove. He keeps his glove right under his cup.


i dont believe he was wearing that type of glove yet

thats usually reserved for after the game when the ho's come a calling

[Bulldogcakes]

i dont believe he was wearing that type of glove yet

thats usually reserved for after the game when the ho's come a calling

The 1 finger glove?

[Bulldogcakes]

OK in all seriousness here's the best photos I've seen yet. (http://emedia.thetimes-tribune.com/Blogs/SWBYankees/tabid/552/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2993/More-Shelley-slide-photos.aspx) Click the 'full image' bar.

http://emedia.thetimes-tribune.com/Portals/Emedia/blogs/Shelley%20slide%202.JPG

The one we've all seen was clearly a little after the initial impact. The scuff mark was on his knee, and this photo clearly shows he was sliding into his knee. Not much better than the nuts, but lets face it, anywhere is better than the nuts. Still a lousy way to retaliate, but again at least this time no one was hurt.

[cougarjake13]

The 1 finger glove?


yep

[Sinestro]

The Yanks are a bunch of crybabies. So much for them having any class. It got up and left with Torre. I wonder if Jeter will toe the line too.

[A.J.]

Cool! In the past, it was the Sox and the Rays having brawls. Now the Rays have a new enemy.

[TheGameHHH]

Shit like this never gets old (from PA's blog): "Kei Igawa threw a bullpen before the game and wanted somebody to stand at the plate and pose as a batter.

His interpreter, Yohei Fukuda, volunteered.

You can guess what happened. Yes, Igawa hit him with a pitch."

[Bulldogcakes]

from the same category (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/13/sports/baseball/13yankees.html?_r=1&ref=baseball&oref=slogin)

The former Yankees manager Stump Merrill left the field on a stretcher and was taken to a local hospital after being struck on the mouth by a ball during batting practice.


Poor Stump. Everything happens to him. Its really wrong of me to think this is so damn funny. I'm just an awful, awful person for laughing at this.

[Bulldogcakes]

From the same article

Two of his players and two of his coaches were ejected Wednesday, but Yankees Manager Joe Girardi insisted his team had not been looking for a fight. In the visiting dugout after Round 2 of a bruising bout with the Tampa Bay Rays, Girardi calmly explained that only one thing upset him.

“I’m upset that my catcher’s having surgery today,” he said.



You can say there's plenty of blame to go around, one play was clean and one wasn't, the kid was just trying to make his team, on and on. It's pretty clear Girardi doesn't give a shit. He plans on going through the American League this year the way Patton went through Sicily. And just like good ol' George, he doesn't give a shit how anyone feels about it.

[TheMojoPin]

From the same article



You can say there's plenty of blame to go around, one play was clean and one wasn't, the kid was just trying to make his team, on and on. It's pretty clear Girardi doesn't give a shit. He plans on going through the American League this year the way Patton went through Sicily. And just like good ol' George, he doesn't give a shit how anyone feels about it.

Wow, who wasn't expecting this post? Show of hands, please.

[Bulldogcakes]

Wow, who wasn't expecting this post? Show of hands, please.

Hahahahahaahahah!! I post stuff like that with you in mind.

[Bulldogcakes]

"Brackman will be a beast." (http://www.nomaas.org/)

You saw what David Price did, right?" Cashman was saying Tuesday. "Well, up until April of last year, the question in the industry was who was going to be the No.1 pick, Price or Brackman.

"So as much as the talk was about Price that day, I was thinking, 'I can't wait until our guy has a chance to get out there and feature the stuff he has.' Because he was neck-and-neck with Price until he hurt his arm, and I believe we'll see that same kind of talent when he comes back."

He wasn't even on our radar until the injury because he was going to go so high," Cashman said. "That allowed us to have a chance, and we knew he'd probably need Tommy John surgery, but we've had a history of success with guys who had it done, and there's a 92% success rate with it throughout baseball, so we decided to go ahead and take him. (Source) (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2008/03/12/2008-03-12_patient_yankees_make_big_plans_for_andre.html?p age=0)

I certainly hope so. You know they believe in him since he's already on the 40 man roster.

[Sinestro]

I love how the media hardly knocked St. Torre when he was here and now with him gone, they're totally bashing how he managed the team and stuff.

[foodcourtdruide]

From the same article



You can say there's plenty of blame to go around, one play was clean and one wasn't, the kid was just trying to make his team, on and on. It's pretty clear Girardi doesn't give a shit. He plans on going through the American League this year the way Patton went through Sicily. And just like good ol' George, he doesn't give a shit how anyone feels about it.

I didn't know Patton had overrated pitching prospects?

[Kevin]

I was running some errands today, and i had on ESPN Radio. Buster Olny was doing a BB tonight thing. He said that last year 1 or 2 Yankee RP went to other GMs and BEGGED them to trade for them, saying that they are really scared that Torre is going ruin their Careers. How could ANYONE possibly have wanted him back??

[Bulldogcakes]

I was running some errands today, and i had on ESPN Radio. Buster Olny was doing a BB tonight thing. He said that last year 1 or 2 Yankee RP went to other GMs and BEGGED them to trade for them, saying that they are really scared that Torre is going ruin their Careers. How could ANYONE possibly have wanted him back??

That sounds like damage control to me. Especially during this week when Girardi said some unpopular things in relation to the Rays incident. There's still alot of reporters/talk show hosts loyal to Torre in this town, its a good week to leak out something like that.

That's the type of thing a GM will say after the fact to justify a decision. We all know Torre was hideous with relievers, no argument there. I just doubt that relief pitchers will go running around to other GM's begging for trades. It just doesn't ring true.

[Bulldogcakes]

Papelbon fires at Hank, Hank fires back (http://riveraveblues.com/2008/03/15/hank-papelbon-square-off-2330/)




After Hank Steinbrenner criticized Red Sox Nation in The Times’ Play magazine a few weeks ago, Papelbon railed into Hank. “I don’t know if he’s trying to stir things up or not,” the Bosox closer said. “I sure as hell don’t care, because he sure as hell hasn’t stepped on a baseball field. He needs to just stick to pencil-pushing, I guess.”

Hank fired back in a Post article.

“Being insulted by Papelbon is like being attacked by a mouse,” Steinbrenner said. “John Henry and I traded a couple of jabs good-naturedly. So now, all of a sudden, this player, this 20-something kid who really doesn’t know his way in the world, comes out with a personal insult. There’s no excuse for that.”



Glad to see there's a grown up in the room. Don't give these two any food, it'll just end up on the ceiling.

[HBox]

Papelbon fires at Hank, Hank fires back (http://riveraveblues.com/2008/03/15/hank-papelbon-square-off-2330/)




Glad to see there's a grown up in the room. Don't give these two any food, it'll just end up on the ceiling.

After I read that I read this, and in the middle of it I literally yelled out SHUT UP! So now my Mom thinks I'm crazy. Thanks Hank! (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3294998)

[Mike Teacher]

this thread is worthless without pictures

[Bulldogcakes]

Looks like this will be your opening day bullpen

Rivera
Chamberlain
Farnsworth
Hawkins
Traber
Patterson
Bruney

Traber and Patterson have pitched beautifully this spring, so they've earned those 2 spots. Bruney has pitched as well as any of the other candidates (Ohlendorf/Albaladejo/Britton) but unlike the others is out of options. He'll get one last chance to succeed or fail as a Yank. He's got too good an arm to not try one last time. Plus he came into camp in great shape.

[Fallon]

this thread is worthless without pictures

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080312/i/r2404716336.jpg

[Bulldogcakes]

Wow (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/components/ballpark/premium_seating/image_gallery.jsp)

Photo quality artist renditions of what the new stadium will be like on the inside. It's like the Vatican of Basball.

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/components/ballpark/premium_seating/images/gallery/stadium/GREAT_HALL_popup.jpg

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/components/ballpark/premium_seating/images/gallery/club/SUITE_LOUNGE_popup.jpg

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/components/ballpark/premium_seating/images/gallery/stadium/MUSEUM_popup.jpg

[Dan 'Hampton]

Wow (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/components/ballpark/premium_seating/image_gallery.jsp)

Photo quality artist renditions of what the new stadium will be like on the inside. It's like the Vatican of Basball.



With the kid touching.

[Kevin]

With the kid touching.

Duuuuuuuuh, He said it was the Vatican of baseball..

[TheMojoPin]

Duuuuuuuuh, He said it was the Vatican of baseball..

Oh, so with the Nazi collaboration and the hating of the gays.

[Kevin]

Oh, so with the Nazi collaboration and the hating of the gays.

Steinbrenner.. Hello!!!

[sailor]

Steinbrenner.. Hello!!!

you mean general von steingrabber, of course.

http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2007/05/30/gallo30.gif

[Kevin]

you mean general von steingrabber, of course.

http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2007/05/30/gallo30.gif

YES!

Seriously though, with all the Jews running the Yankees, shouldn't the new Yankee Stadium be re named Baseballs Temple or Synagog?

[A.J.]

Seriously though, with all the Jews running the Yankees, shouldn't the new Yankee Stadium be re named Baseballs Temple or Synagog?

I heard the all the entrances to the new stadium will have Mezuzahs.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Mezzuzah1.jpg

[Bulldogcakes]

I heard the all the entrances to the new stadium will have Mezuzahs.

Guess what the new center field wall will look like?

http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/judaism/wailing_wall_crowd.jpg

[cougarjake13]

Guess what the new center field wall will look like?

http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/judaism/wailing_wall_crowd.jpg

remember when you walk away, dont turn you back on the wall

[Bulldogcakes]

New stadium, new uniforms and grooming rules

http://www.holidayinisrael.com/UserFiles/Wall,%20Western%20Wall3B.gif

Picture these guys, with gloves.

[Snacks]

New stadium, new uniforms and grooming rules

http://www.holidayinisrael.com/UserFiles/Wall,%20Western%20Wall3B.gif

Picture these guys, with gloves.

eww

[Bulldogcakes]

NETTLES BATTLING CANCER (http://www.nypost.com/seven/03222008/sports/yankees/nettles_battling_cancer_102971.htm)

March 22, 2008 -- TAMPA - Cancer has invaded the YankeesNew York Yankees ' family again.

Former third baseman Graig Nettles is facing April 8 prostate surgery at Manhattan's Sloan Kettering Hospital.

"I was diagnosed the day before Thanksgiving" Nettles told The Post yesterday. "They wanted to do it at the end of January but I wanted to come to [spring training]. They said that was OK because it's slow moving and there was no rush to do it."



My all time favorite player. Prognosis sounds good, and prostate cancer is highly curable. Best wishes to him and get well soon.

[vjr97]

yanks rule !!!!!!!!!!!! red sox suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

can they hit david ortiz w/ the fucking ball all ready.real har on his shoulder or off his back.they hit jeter all the time.ill take manny.hit him in the ribs

[TheMojoPin]

yanks rule !!!!!!!!!!!! red sox suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

can they hit david ortiz w/ the fucking ball all ready.real har on his shoulder or off his back.they hit jeter all the time.ill take manny.hit him in the ribs

Best sports board character EVER.

This is a character, right?

[Doctor Z]

I don't like what I'm seeing with Pettitte this pre-season. His pitching performances have been fine, but he's showing all the signs of an aging pitcher. Aches and pains, back spasms... I hope it's not a Randy Johnson year for Andy Pettitte.

[Bulldogcakes]

I don't like what I'm seeing with Pettitte this pre-season. His pitching performances have been fine, but he's showing all the signs of an aging pitcher. Aches and pains, back spasms... I hope it's not a Randy Johnson year for Andy Pettitte.

He had back spasms last spring, and went on to have an excellent season. I don't think the elbow thing was real. He was scheduled to pitch vs the Rays the time after the Shelly Duncan slide. There's no way in Hell he was pitching that game, they had to come up with some excuse. When it comes to Pettite, just say 'his elbow hurts' and no one will question it.

[spoon]

He had back spasms last spring, and went on to have an excellent season. I don't think the elbow thing was real. He was scheduled to pitch vs the Rays the time after the Shelly Duncan slide. There's no way in Hell he was pitching that game, they had to come up with some excuse. When it comes to Pettite, just say 'his elbow hurts' and no one will question it.

Yah yah yah, stop repeating your calls to the fucking fan here. I heard this already and it was as fucking gay then as it is now. You always know better and see the real reason for it all huh? Hilarious. Nice, that Duncan slide was a good baseball play again right?! Hahahahahahahahahahaaha. Enjoy losing a player due to a broken bone in the hand when the Devil Rays constantly bean your players this year!!! Nice!

[Doctor Z]

Shit's looking worse and worse for Pettitte... Spasms have him pushed back to 4th starter. (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080325&content_id=2456438&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)

[Kevin]

Yah yah yah, stop repeating your calls to the fucking fan here. I heard this already and it was as fucking gay then as it is now. You always know better and see the real reason for it all huh? Hilarious. Nice, that Duncan slide was a good baseball play again right?! Hahahahahahahahahahaaha. Enjoy losing a player due to a broken bone in the hand when the Devil Rays constantly bean your players this year!!! Nice!

You talking about player injuries?
















Player injuries?








Come on Spoon, your team i think had more injuries than wins last year, and again this year. BDC is moronic but come on!

[Doctor Z]

You talking about player injuries?
















Player injuries?

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/topstory/mora_jim0108.jpg

[TheGameHHH]

Anybody else notice Latroy Hawkins is having an excellent spring? because i didnt until about 2 days ago

[Kevin]

Anybody else notice Latroy Hawkins is having an excellent spring? because i didnt until about 2 days ago

Well Hawkins has been pretty good for a couple years now, since he learned his sinker and became a ground ball pitcher

[TheMojoPin]

Well Hawkins has been pretty good for a couple years now, since he learned his sinker and became a ground ball pitcher

Hawkins was always a decent reliever until Baker decided he HAD to be a closer and he clearly wasn't made out for that role. That said, his numbers were helped HUGE by the defense behind him on the Rockies.

[Kevin]

Hawkins was always a decent reliever until Baker decided he HAD to be a closer and he clearly wasn't made out for that role. That said, his numbers were helped HUGE by the defense behind him on the Rockies.

Yea, and he will have a good defensive INF on the Yankees, but people pin point to him becoming a ground ball pitcher for turning into a pretty good rp. He would rely on his fast ball which was hard, but straight (Hello Farnsworth)

[Kevin]

Very interesting article on Yanks and Sox draft since 05.. The Henry pick over Hansan Bucholz and Elsbury made me cringe.. But Bos passed on Joba and others also.

Link (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/tom_verducci/03/25/rivalry0331/index.html)

Since 2005 the Yankees and the Red Sox have continued to sink more money into scouting and the draft. Says one rival AL G.M., "They've become what the U.S. and Russia were during the cold war: There is them, and there's everybody else. My goodness, the Yankees took a guy in the first round [Andrew Brackman in 2007] who needed Tommy John surgery, and they gave him a four-year major league contract. Nobody else can do that."

[spoon]

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/topstory/mora_jim0108.jpg

I was going to go with Iverson and "Practice!"

[Bulldogcakes]

Yankee bench appears set (http://blog.nj.com/ledgeryankees/2008/03/bench_jockeying.html)

While the Yankees won’t say it publicly, their bench is set (barring unforeseen circumstances).

The Yankees have told people they plan to carry Morgan Ensberg. So assuming a lineup with Johnny Damon in left field, Hideki Matsui as designated hitter and Jason Giambi at first base (”He’s going to play a lot of first base,” manager Joe Girardi said today), the bench would be Ensberg, backup catcher Jose Molina, infielder Wilson Betemit and Shelley Duncan. That makes Betemit the only reserve middle infielder.


Sounds fine to me. Ensberg can play the corners and hits lefties, he's a good fit. Duncan also kills lefties and can play 1B/RF. You can always shift Damon to CF and put Matsui in LF when needed. It's veteran and flexible enough to work.

Now the only question is who makes the bullpen. I hope Scott Patterson does, he's been great this spring.

[TheGameHHH]

Yankee bench appears set (http://blog.nj.com/ledgeryankees/2008/03/bench_jockeying.html)



Sounds fine to me. Ensberg can play the corners and hits lefties, he's a good fit. Duncan also kills lefties and can play 1B/RF. You can always shift Damon to CF and put Matsui in LF when needed. It's veteran and flexible enough to work.

Now the only question is who makes the bullpen. I hope Scott Patterson does, he's been great this spring.

Patterson, Hawkins, & Traber all intrigue me.

[Kevin]

I was going to go with Iverson and "Practice!"

Thats what i was going with too, but Mora worked also.

[Bulldogcakes]

Remember how Kevin got on me for quoting stuff from some of the most popular Yankee blogs?

Guess what? Brian Cashman reads them (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/26/pettitte-throws-bullpen-feels-fine/).

Meanwhile, I just recorded the reader interview with Brian Cashman. We got nine questions in before he had to take a call.

I’m happy to report that he reads this blog and the NoMaas.org guys will be happy to know he reads their as well. How great is that?


The NoMaas guys were all over signing Morgan Ensberg before anyone else wrote about it, and months before it happened. Hmmmm . . . could it be?

[Bulldogcakes]

Check out what AllStar game tix are going for on Stubhub (http://www.stubhub.com/mlb-all-star-game-tickets/)

Wow. Just wow. You can't get in the building for less than $800. Good seats are 15-25 grand a pop.

[TheGameHHH]

seriously, i love the Yankess. i love their stadium. im literally a die hard. but theres no way id drop $25,000 to see the All-Star game. Its just impossible to sell that to me. I'd drop that much (if i had it) to watch the Yanks play game 7 of the World Series and maybe to see the Pats play in the Super Bowl. Other then that, im pretty sure you have to have some sort of mental disorder to spend 25 grand on an exhibition.

[Knowledged_one]

seriously, i love the Yankess. i love their stadium. im literally a die hard. but theres no way id drop $25,000 to see the All-Star game. Its just impossible to sell that to me. I'd drop that much (if i had it) to watch the Yanks play game 7 of the World Series and maybe to see the Pats play in the Super Bowl. Other then that, im pretty sure you have to have some sort of mental disorder to spend 25 grand on an exhibition.

So you are saying BDC will be there?

[Bulldogcakes]

seriously, i love the Yankess. i love their stadium. im literally a die hard. but theres no way id drop $25,000 to see the All-Star game. Its just impossible to sell that to me. I'd drop that much (if i had it) to watch the Yanks play game 7 of the World Series and maybe to see the Pats play in the Super Bowl. Other then that, im pretty sure you have to have some sort of mental disorder to spend 25 grand on an exhibition.

Fans like us don't drop that kind of loot on a game even if we have it. Thats something you do if you're a Corporate/Wall Street bigshot and want to entertain some clients. If your client is worth 100 mil or does huge business with your firm, you're not going to ask him to sit in the bleachers with you. If you're one of those guys who makes a few mil per year, thats about 2 days pay. Its still insane, but the people who buy those seats are on a different level financially.

Its also a once in a lifetime thing if you're a big NY Baseball fan. Just like the last game at Yankee stadium, seats for that game START at $300 for the bleachers on Stubhub. That I could possibly see paying, its not money that you'll miss. But I actually already got 2 with my season plan, so I'm good .

[TheGameHHH]

I'm going to see the Yankees tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bulldogcakes]

The more things change … (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/29/the-more-things-change/)

It’s amusing that Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman picked the same roster that Joe Torre and Brian Cashman would have.

They went with big-league experience and power arms (Bruney, Ohlendorf) over minor-league stat sensations (Patterson, Ramirez).

They went with experience and power (Ensberg) over youth and speed (Gardner).

They went with an over-abundance of first baseman, just like they did last year.


Very disappointing.

EDIT-On second thought, I think PA's being a bit harsh. Gardner's a weak lefty bat, not the type the Yanks need on the bench. And again, I would have went with Patterson.

[Bulldogcakes]

The 2008 New York Yankees: (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/28/this-is-your-team/)
Lineup
Johnny Damon LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jason Giambi 1B
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF

Bench
Jose Molina C
Shelley Duncan 1B-RF-LF
Morgan Ensberg 1B-3B
Wilson Betemit 1B-2B-3B-SS

Starters
RHP Chien-Ming Wang
RHP Mike Mussina
RHP Phil Hughes
RHP Ian Kennedy

Relievers
RHP Mariano Rivera
RHP Joba Chamberlain
RHP LaTroy Hawkins’
RHP Kyle Farnsworth
LHP Billy Traber
RHP Ross Ohlendorf
RHP Brian Bruney
RHP Jon Albaladejo

The only major problem I have is taking Albaladejo over Patterson. Patterson came into nothing but jams all spring, and did nothing but get out of them. But it looks like Pettite will start the year on the DL, so maybe he'll still sneak in.

[Kevin]

The 2008 New York Yankees: (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/28/this-is-your-team/)
Lineup
Johnny Damon LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jason Giambi 1B
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF

Bench
Jose Molina C
Shelley Duncan 1B-RF-LF
Morgan Ensberg 1B-3B
Wilson Betemit 1B-2B-3B-SS

Starters
RHP Chien-Ming Wang
RHP Mike Mussina
RHP Phil Hughes
RHP Ian Kennedy

Relievers
RHP Mariano Rivera
RHP Joba Chamberlain
RHP LaTroy Hawkins’
RHP Kyle Farnsworth
LHP Billy Traber
RHP Ross Ohlendorf
RHP Brian Bruney
RHP Jon Albaladejo

The only major problem I have is taking Albaladejo over Patterson. Patterson came into nothing but jams all spring, and did nothing but get out of them. But it looks like Pettite will start the year on the DL, so maybe he'll still sneak in.

You missed Andy..

[TheMojoPin]

LaTroy Hawkins and Kyle Farnsworth, together again.

Enjoy that.

[TheGameHHH]

Joba dissed me hardcore last night while i was waiting for his autograph, he broke my heart.

[cougarjake13]

wow billy traber still has a major league gig ???

what a bust he turned out to be

[Bulldogcakes]

You missed Andy..

He's on the DL. I would guess Albaladejo has his spot until he pitches, which should be game #5.

[Bulldogcakes]

Healthy Giambi ready to have big season in Bronx (http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080330/SPORTS01/803300409/1108/SPORTS01)

Giambi played in only 83 games last season because of torn muscle tissue in his left foot that required surgery in June. He hit .236 with only 14 home runs and 39 RBI. But if the last month is any indication, Giambi is again ready to be the player he was for the Yankees in 2006 when he drove in 113 runs.

"After my foot healed, I learned a lot about the (injury) that I had," he said. "My legs feel great. I cleaned that up and did a lot of exercises.

"It's kind of nice. I look at it like a second wind. I kind of always chalked it up to being older, my legs always being beat up. But now I feel great."

[Bulldogcakes]

Q&A with Brian Cashman (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/30/brian-cashman-answers-your-questions/)

Evan’s question: How have new statistics and methods of analysis changed the Yankees’ scouting and evaluation methods since you became GM of the Yankees?

Brian Cashman: “I’ve been educated. Sometimes your eyes can, you have a perception of a player or of a season or seasons that take place and statistics, there’s a number of statistics I believe, I have learned and been educated that can challenge your perceptions and that’s, if you come across some statistics that … I’m trying to think of the how the best way to say it, essentially the end game is there’s a number of statistics that I’ve learned through people like (Yankees director of quantitative analysis) Mike Fishman that have opened my eyes, that have led me to understand that certain players aren’t necessarily what you perceive them to be. And it’s prevented me from making acquisitions and saving me from losing a certain prospect as well as taking on money that would have been a waste that earlier in my career I would have done.


This is why I believe he was very much on board with Torre's ouster. I think the reliever he refers to later is Damaso Marte, who is a former Yank farmhand and has been rumored on and off with the Yanks for years.

Rob M. and many others asked: If you could have a do-over on one move you have made in the past ten years, which would it be?

Brian Cashman: “It’d have to be Mike Lowell to the Marlins for three pitching prospects (Ed Yarnall, Todd Noel and Mark Johnson) as we rebuilt our system. We did like those three pitchers we got back, but they went up in smoke with injuries and a lack of performance. That turned out to be … we re-signed Scott Brosius to a three-year deal. In an attempt to rebuild the system with something we were lacking heavily at the time, we weren’t good at producing pitching so we tried to go outside the organization to acquire pitching and we acquired some high-end, talented pitching that didn’t work out. That was a bad deal.”



That was a doozy. Everyone knew Lowell could hit, he just had to cut down on his errors. Worst case scenario he plays 1B, he was traded in 1999 and Tino was gone by 2001.

Sanjay asked: Can you name the minor league position player who you believe will make an impact with the Yankees this year? Anybody in particular who has caught your eye?

Brian Cashman: “Brett Gardner.”


Interesting, I had no idea he was so high on Gardner. He would give the Yanks an element of pure speed that they currently lack. But I see him as a part time player unless Melky wets the bed at the plate this year. He could pinch run for Giambi or Matsui late in games and play CF and move Melky over to LF.

Chris asked: When you’re dealing with a player agent or a GM, and he tells you that he’s got such-and-such an offer on the table from another team. How do you know that’s the truth? Is there a way to verify it, or do you go on the honor principle?

Brian Cashman: “If you’re dealing with an agent, I can’t verify it until after the fact. Every time I close out a negotiation with somebody with a signing or if that player eventually signs with somebody else, I will talk. What agents will typically do or say is, ‘Hey, I got the following offer from the following club.’ I write everything down and I crosscheck that information after and I keep a list of who tells the truth and who doesn’t tell the truth and here are the examples. I’ll call out the agents on it. I’ll say, ‘I found out you lied to me. I talked to Joe Blow and they said that’s not true and you said it was and I’m just letting you know I take notes to this stuff. Now I know that you’re a bullshitter.’ Or it builds your credibility. If somebody says they got this and for five years every time I crosscheck the guy’s never been wrong, he’s always told the truth, then he goes up the credibility scale.


Thats funny. I've always wondered how they deal with that.

[Bulldogcakes]

HT-5 questions NYY (http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/five-questions-new-york-yankees3/)

Wrapping it up

The Yankees project to have the top offense in baseball again in 2008, even with the expected declines by Rodriguez and Posada. I've got them projected to score around 930 runs this season.

Their defense won't be particularly great with Jeter and Giambi out there, but Damon replacing Matsui should help a bit. I figure them to be about 15 runs below average defensively in total.

On the pitching side, Pettitte and Wang should be good for 400 innings of 4.00-4.25 ERA, so the Yankees will sink or swim on the backs of their young pitching. If they get an overall average performance out of them and an average performance out of the bullpen, they are probably a 95-win team. If they get a 5.00 ERA out of the non-Wang/Pettitte part of the pitching staff, they would be closer to an 88-win team.

Thats the overall summary, but its a great article. Worth reading every all of it.

[Doctor Z]

Why in God's name would they make the LAST OPENING DAY EVER in Yankee Stadium at 1pm on a work day? ...why?

[cougarjake13]

Why in God's name would they make the LAST OPENING DAY EVER in Yankee Stadium at 1pm on a work day? ...why?

irony !!!!


that way later in the year when the post season games are starting at 9pm they can say it balances out

[TheGameHHH]

Why in God's name would they make the LAST OPENING DAY EVER in Yankee Stadium at 1pm on a work day? ...why?

that does suck, but i think the bigger crime is not even having their last game of this season at the stadium. wouldn't you wanna see them close out the season in the bronx?

[Doctor Z]

No, Fenway would be way better.

...OH, look at that!

[sailor]

Why in God's name would they make the LAST OPENING DAY EVER in Yankee Stadium at 1pm on a work day? ...why?

yeah, because they'll never be able to get people there for that.

[Kevin]

yeah, because they'll never be able to get people there for that.

Michael K will get fired for pointing out the empty seats in the rf upper deck.

[Bulldogcakes]

PA's blog (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/03/30/girardi-reveals-lineup-love-of-cano/)

Here is how the Yankees will line it up tomorrow (thanks to Brian Heyman for calling me with this):

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Matsui DH
Cabrera CF

So L-R-L-R-L-L-S-L-S. There’s some balance. I also like the idea of splitting up Giambi and Posada, who are both slow. It’s pretty frightening to see Matsui hitting eighth. … Andy Pettitte is now officially scheduled to pitch on Saturday. … Stunningly, Jeter said his right pinky (or pinkie) finger is fine.


Cano ahead of Matsui and Posada is a sign of how much Girardi thinks of him, and how this manager isn't wed to the veterans like the old one was.