The Curtis Granderson trade is a good move for the Yankees. At least I wasn't so sure, mainly because of his sub .200 average against lefties but the more I think about it, the more I like the move.

With Granderson's arrival, two of the Yankees key 2009 championship contributors are likely not coming back to the Bronx. Hideki Matsui for sure isn't coming back because he signed a one-year $6.5 million deal with the Angels and the other, is Johnny Damon.

Damon and his agent Scott Boras are apparently worlds apart on their contract talks and with the Yankees signing Nick Johnson on Friday, it appears Damon's door to return is just about shut.

It's a shame because Damon was a good player in many ways for the Yanks. His personality fit perfectly in the clubhouse. His "diminished" skills were perfect for the no 2 spot in the lineup in 2009. His subpar arm and shaky fielding skills led the Yankees front office to believe he is the perfect DH for the 2010 Yanks. Damon still believes he's one of the best players in the game. I have to disagree Johnny. I guess Johnny will go where the money is. That's a shame because if he agrees to a pay cut and DH's for the Bombers, he is certain to be in the thick of another 1 or 2 championship runs in the Bronx. Only time will tell.

I still want the Yankees to grab another arm for the rotation. I'm not sold on either Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes being a solid starter for a defending World Series Champion. Much talk is around Ben Sheets and taking a risk with him. I like that idea, so I hope GM Brian Cashman makes that signing. You can never have enough pitching.

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Tags: Baseball, Brain Cashman, Curtis Ganderson, Hideki Matsui, Joba Chamberlain, Johnny Damon, Nick Johnson, Phil Hughes, Yankees

Today, we await a game that EVERYONE in New York will be watching. Today, we take in the game we witnessed last night. Today, the New York Yankees can become World Champions.

Last night in Game 4, CC Sabathia took the mound on 3 days rest and he pitched good. He kept us in the game and left in the 7th inning with the lead. Granted Chase Utley hit his 3rd HR of this World Series off of him, but the Yanks still led 4-3. Joba Chamberlain was lights out until that 2 strike pitch to Pedro Feliz. Feliz hit a ball into the left field stands to tie the game at 4, with 2 outs in the 8th. But then, DESTINY made an appearance in the 9th.

Phillies closer Brad Lidge got Hideki Matsui and Derek Jeter for the 1st 2 outs, then got to a 1-2 count on Johnny Damon. Damon then put together one of the best Yankee at-bats of the season. He got the count to 3-2 and proceded to foul off pitch after pitch from Lidge. (This sounds alot like Paul O'Neill's at-bat against the Mets' Armando Benitez in Game 1 of the 2000 World Series. That game, because of O'Neill's at-bat, got the rally going for the Yanks to tie the game and eventually win. They later went on to the win the World Series.) Back to Damon, he got a hit to left field. Then stole 2nd and stole 3rd because no one was covering 3rd as a result of the infield shift given to Mark Teixeria. Tex gets hit with a pitch and Alex Rodriguez gets a hit to score Damon and the Yankees took off.

A-Rod has been amazing in the clutch this October and if they are able to finish the Phils off, Alex will be a World Champion. Something that has elluded him his entire career. Now, he is 1 win away from further cementing his legacy. He was brought in to the Bronx in '04 to win a championship every year. Not easy to do, but if the Yanks do win this series, A-Rod will be a BIG reason why.

Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada did their part to help the Yankees win Game 4 last night, just like they've done for the last 4 Yankee World Championships. Is there time for another one? You bet ya!

AJ Burnett takes the ball tonight on 3 days rest with the chance to win the World Series. This is why they shelled out $80 million for him last offseason. CC has held up his end of the agreement, now AJ needs to. If he doesn't, then old reliable Andy Pettitte will be waiting in the wings on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium against Pedro Martinez.

Today, will be the day the Yankees win the World Series. Today, the Yankees become World Champions!

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, Joba Chamberlain, Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Philadelphia Phillies, World Series, Yankees

I wonder how these next 3 games in Philly will pan out. It's not going to be an easy trip for the Yanks. I have all the confidence in the world in Andy Pettitte in Game 3 tonight, but to be honest...I am scared of that Philly offense.


They are so good top to bottom, that it's hard to relax when they're at the plate. Andy is going to keep us in the game tonight, that I know. It's the bullpen that worries me a bit. You can keep going to Mariano Rivera for 6 outs. Eventually the Phillies will get to him. Yes, they are that good. Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, our stars of the future have to come up big in the present and lead us to a championship. If they can overcome their subpar October, it provide them with a huge boost in confidence for next year and the years to come.

Tonight, the Yankees go for a 2-1 lead in this World Series. A series with 2 evenly matched teams. Game 3's always are a big game, and tonight is no exception. Alex Rodriguez needs his bat to wake up. Citizen's Bank Ballpark is a hitter's park so hopefully that will help A-Rod. I hope Kate Hudson makes the trip over to Philly. We need some more October magic.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain, Mariano Rivera, Phil Hughes, Philadelphia Phillies, World Series, Yankees

With the trade deadline about a week away many people are wondering of the Yankees are going to be active in the trade market. I don't think they will be. I believe they have all the pieces they need to take the division and go deep into October.

The starting rotation seems pretty good at the moment but it might be a cause for concern once Joba Chamberlain reaches his innings limit, assuming the Yanks stick with it. I find it hard to believe they would take Joba out of the rotation in the middle of a pennant race. Chien Ming Wang might be lost for the season so after CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett the rotation is up in the air. Andy Pettitte will still be a contributor but I think he's not as reliable as he once was. So maybe picking up a no. 4 or 5 starter will be in the works.

The bench seems ok at the moment but there is room for improvement. Eric Hinske was added for some flexibility and some pop and he has been just that. Ramiro Pena is in the minors getting some outfield experience so if the Yanks choose not to add any bench help, Pena can fill in at mulitple positions and provide stellar defense.

The bullpen has also been steady in recent weeks. Adding another lefty could be something the Yanks do but with Damaso Marte returning soon, the answer might be within. Everyone has assumed a role in the bullpen and know their duties. Joe Girardi has done an excellent job establishing his bullpen and it shows.

The Yanks will be in the race until the very end and they have the pieces to win it all right now. A little tinkering here and there might not hurt but isn't necessary. They're playing well now and are at a season high with their games over .500 and with their lead in the AL East, that's not by accident. It's because they are that good and everyone is performing up to their standards (minus Wang). Look for a quiet week from the Bombers as the trade deadline approaches.




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Tags: AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Chein-Ming Wang, Damaso Marte, Eric Hinske, Joba Chamberlain, Yankees

Before the season started I made some predictions, at the halfway point lets see how they've played out so far.

Starting Rotation:

MY PREDICTIONS
Sabathia: 18-9 4.32 ERA
Wang: 17-8 3.89 ERA
Burnett: 15-9 3.43 ERA
Pettitte: 13-11 4.45 ERA
Chamberlain: 12-7 3.34 ERA

Burnett and Joba miss some time with injuries with Hughes filling in more than expected. Hughes makes around 8-12 starts.

CURRENTLY:
Sabathia: 9-6 3.66 ERA
Wang: 1-6 9.64 ERA
Burnett: 8-4 3.81 ERA
Pettitte: 8-5 4.85 ERA
Chamberlain: 4-2 4.25 ERA

Burnett and Joba didn't miss any time because of injuries (cross fingers) and as expected Hughes has made an impact. He has started 7 games but has been lights out since joining the bullpen. Wang has been nothing more than a burden for the team and he obviously will not match the 17-8 I had him going for this year. Joba may end up in the 'pen before it's all said and done and Pettitte may very well be on his last legs. It's still a good rotation but not as strong as we once thought it would be. If the Yanks somehow can land Roy Halladay then the rotation will be a wrap, the Yanks will have the divison in their hands.

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Chein-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, Yankees

Yankees 6

Angels 10

I'm not too sure what exactly happened last night as the Yankees faltered against the Angels after having a 4-0 lead. This is the second straight 4-0 lead that Joba Chamberlain has given up. I still like him as a starter but he's gonna have to perform better than he has in recent outings. A bad game all around for the Bombers who lost for the first time in 9 games on the road. The lost puts the Yanks a game behind the Red Sox in the AL East.

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Tags: Baseball, Joba Chamberlain, Los Angeles Angels, QuickCap, Yankees

Coming off the the holiday the Yankees find themselves 1 game behind the Boston Red Sox and have won 10 of their last 11. They are playing well all around again, much like their run back in May. The Yankees idlily would like to finish the first half strong and ahead of the Red Sox in the standings. At this rate, that shouldn't be a problem to accomplish.

Here are my thoughts on some of the things going on with the Yanks right now:

Phil Hughes:
This has been the biggest issue lately. What do you with the young 23 year old? I'm grown to liking the phrase "whatever helps the team" and in this case, Hughes is best in the bullpen. He's been lights out since getting there, so keep him there right now. Does he belong in the 8th inning? Well so far, he's done the job in the 8th as we've seen in recent days, so yea give him the ball in the 8th. He can let the ball go around 95, 96 and mixes it up well with a nasty curve. Reminds you of Joba Chamberlain in '07, just without all the flash. The need for Joba was in the 8th inning that season and this season, the need for Hughes is there as well. Let him rock there and see what happens, if he falters t hen you send him to the minors and stretch him out again, that simple.

Chein-Ming Wang:
Boy this guy can't catch a break. It looks like he's headed to the DL for the 2nd time this season just as he's starting to turn things around. It's a shame he's had such a down year but it's better this happens this year when the Yanks have so much depth in the rotation, rather than it happen when he's the top guy in the rotation (oh, wait that happened last year). Point is, this is going to be his down year no matter how you slice it. It's a good thing the Yanks spent all that money on CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, they're a combined 14-9, nothing spectatular, but better than the likes of Darrel Rasner and Sidney Ponson, the guys the Bombers threw out their last year in Wang's absence. Let Wang get his issues straight no, so when the strecth run comes, he's ready to go.

Alex Rodriguez:
Despite being out for the first 5 weeks of the season, Alex has pretty good numbers in terms of HR and RBI. It appears he has turned the page after having just an awful June. His production means the rest of the lineup will see better pitches to hit. Hideki Matsui has been the beneficial of A-Rod's recent surge. Robinson Cano has been hot also, but can't hit with runners in socring position. Alex has also played expectionally at 3rd base. He is the kind of player that can be hot for weeks and if this is one of those streaks, the AL East is trouble.

Mariano Rivera:
Congrats to him on recording his 500th save last week against the Mets. The best reliever in Major League history notches another milestone under his belt to further cement his place in baseball history. His class and professionalism, mixed with his dominance and consistency easily puts him in a class of his own. Though he has been shaky this season at times, he's still one of the game's best. His presence on the mound and in the lockerroom means so much, as always he is a key contributor in every run of Yankee success.


Time to take over the AL East and run away with it. Ok, that's a little premature but whenever the Yanks ride a streak like this it does get you excited. Good times in the Bronx.


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Tags: AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Chein-Ming Wang, Hideki Matsui, Joba Chamberlain, Mariano Rivera, Phil Hughes, Robinson Cano, Yankees

Yankees 5

Indians 2

Joba had the best start of his career as he went eight innings and made a web gem in the 5th by making a diving catch and throwing to second base to double up a runner. The win also gives the Yanks their 18th straight game without an error, that is a new ML record. Congrats to the Bombers for that.

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Tags: Baseball, Cleveland Indians, Joba Chamberlain, QuickCap, Yankees

What a week it has been for the Bronx Bombers. Here's a recap of the insane week the Yankees have had to this point so far.

Monday:
Twins 6
Yankees 7

Teixeria and A-Rod delivered first inning homers and the Yanks never looked back. They completed a 4 game sweep of Minnesota.

Tuesday:
Orioles 1
Yankees 9

A-Rod homers in his fourth straight game! CC dominates again through seven and gets his third win in as many starts. Yanks roll to their seventh straight!

Wednesday:
Orioles 4
Yankees 11

No stopping the Bombers, as they win their eigth in a row. Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera hit three consecutive homers in the second inning. Phil Hughes struck out a career-high nine over five solid innings.

Thursday:
Orioles 4
Yankees 7

Streak hits nine as Cano hits another homer. The story of the game was the Yankees bullpen as they held down Baltimore in relief of Joba who left the game in the first after being hit by a line drive on his knee. First nine game winning streak since June of 2007.

Friday:
Phillies 7
Yankees 3

The World Champs came in and ended the winning streak via the long ball. The Phils hit four homers in the win. The Yanks did their best with three of their own, by Jeter,A-Rod and Tex but it wasn't enough to pull out number 10.

Saturday:
Philles 4
Yankees 5

A-Rod does it again! He hits another late inning homerun when the Yanks need it the most. Down 4-2 in the ninth and Alex sends a Brad Lidge pitch into the seats in right. This sets up Melky Cabrera's 3rd walk off hit this season. The Yanks are finding ways to win games, a sign of a team clicking on all the right cylinders.




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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Balitmore Orioles, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, Joba Chamberlain, Mark Teixeira, Melky Cabrera, Minnesota Twins, Nick Swisher, Philadelphia Phillies, Robinson Cano, Yankees

Red Sox 7
Yankees 3

Joba was awful in the first but was masterful the rest of the way. But for goodness sake, can we please get some positive consistentcy from the Bombers?

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Tags: Baseball, Joba Chamberlain, QuickCap, Yankees

Yankees 6
Royals 1

Sabathia was filthy tonight. Whatever he did in his first start he made sure he didn't do tonight. His fastball was clocked as high as 97 tonight, good signs for CC and the Yanks. Isn't this great how the Yanks can throw out a quality starter everyday? Joba makes his season debut today, let's see what the young gun has in store for us.


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Tags: Baseball, CC Sabathia, Good Pitching, Joba Chamberlain, Kansas City Royals, QuickCap, Yankees

Chasing800 is going to look at each position and give you insight and opinion on the current situation and what may loom ahead. Today we will look at the Starting Rotation.

Current Situation:
This is possibly one of the best rotations ever put together by the Yankees and if they all manage to stay healthy, this will be a year that we will never forget. The talent is too much for one team to handle but the Yanks will gladly try. With the offseason additions of CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, the Yankees got themselves two shut down pitchers who can dominate the game and steer the team to victory. Chein-Ming Wang is back from injury and should he return to form he is capable of winning 19 games. Andy Pettitte danced around wheter he was making a return to the Bronx but he jumped on board and thus returns as the no. 4 starter. He can eat innings and should provide the Yanks with close t0 200 quality innings. The wild card in all this is Joba Chamberlain. He is lights out when he's on and can dominate a game, much like he did last year in a game against the Red Sox over the summer. He will be on an innings limit this season but when he's out there, he will provide nasty stuff and irritate opposing batters. He can be a no. 2 starter on most teams, the fact he's the Yanks no. 5 shows you the depth they have this year. There is a lot to be excited about in the Bronx this season and these 5 guys are much of the reason for it.

Waiting in the wings is Phil Hughes should someone go down due to injury or ineffectiveness. He has looked good all spring and maybe, just maybe he is ready to show the world why the Yankees have invested so much in him.

Chasing800 Prediction:
Sabathia: 18-9 4.32 ERA
Wang: 17-8 3.89 ERA
Burnett: 15-9 3.43 ERA
Pettitte: 13-11 4.45 ERA
Chamberlain: 12-7 3.34 ERA

Burnett and Joba miss some time with injuries with Hughes filling in more than expected. Hughes makes around 8-12 starts. That rotation is going to combine for 75 wins with an ERA below 4. Hitting didn't win championships for the Yankees, pitching did, and this year will be no different.



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Tags: 2009 Outlook, AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, CC Sabathia, Chein-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Spring Training, Yankees

Today, there was actual baseball played. No more talk, it was time for business. Spring Training offically began today as the Yankees played their first game of the spring.
Some highlights of today's game against the Toronto Blue Jays was Brett Gardner hitting the second pitch of the game for a homerun. Alex Rodriguez also went yard, as he hit a 2-run shot in the 4th innning. The Yankees won the game 6-1. Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, and Nick Swisher were the other "main" Yankees that played in today's opener. Mark Teixera should make his spring debut tomorrow.

Manager Joe Girardi announced his rotation today, he said it was going to go as follows: CC Sabathia, Chein-Ming Wang, AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, and Joba Chamberlain. This rotation makes the most sense as the Yanks want to seperate the power arms of Sabathia and Burnett and they want to limit Joba's innings. Things might change as the season gets closer but for now Girardi has things set.

Not much of a reaction for A-Rod today when he came to the plate for the first time, but some boos were heard when he hit the homerun but that's expected. This will be an interesting thing to keep an eye on as Alex travels from city to city.


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Tags: AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Brett Gardner, CC Sabathia, Chein-Ming Wang, Derek Jeter, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Girardi, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Spring Training, Yankees

The great Joba debate begins again. With the recent free agent additions of CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett many have thought that Joba Chamberlain should be moved back into the bullpen to set-up Mariano Rivera. I disagree.

As enticing as Joba would be in the 7th and 8th innings I think he is more valuable as a starter, unless proven otherwise. Peter Abraham also is in favor of starting Joba. My fellow blogger Rob Abruzzesse also agrees with me. He points out a slew of opinions on the matter.

I liked Joba as the set-up man for Mo, but the fact is that with Joba he can be a dominant guy. He outdueled Josh Beckett in Fenway back in July 1-0, a sign of promise. Abraham notes that innings 1-6 are more important than the 7th and 8th. I'm with him on this. You need a guy to get you to the 7th in the first place, if he doesn't then the 7th and 8th innings don't mean much. To go with the arguement is that the Yankees have a pretty decent bullpen. They likely will use the combination of Jose Veras and Brian Bruney to set-up and manybe mix in Damaso Marte for lefties. So the need for Joba is in the rotation.

Joba surely won't be pitching 200 innings as the Yankees will limit him to around 150. His potential and talent can attribute to a 15 win win season, if not more. I could be wrong but I believe that's a fair assessment. For right now Joba's in the rotation, where he belongs.

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Baseball, Brian Bruney, CC Sabathia, Damaso Marte, Joba Chamberlain, Jose Veras, Josh Beckett, Mariano Rivera, Yankees

There's another month and a half until spring training but like many baseball fans, we like to worry about next season now. With the Yankees making their big splashes this offseason, the typical fan wants to see the new product on the field already. I'm getting impatient.

So the Yankees haven't offically introduced Mark Teixeira as a Yankee yet but it doesn't matter to me, he's a Yankee right now. I have to say I haven't been this giddy over a Yankee team since we added Alex Rodriguez in 2004 and that was for good reason. We were three outs away from the World Series that season and we all know what happen at the end. So now we got another top player, a guy about to reach his prime in Tex. I can't wait for him to bat before A-Rod. These two guys can hit 40 homers apiece and drive in about 120 runs. The possibilities are endless with these two guys in the lineup.

What about the starting rotation? I see it as follows:

1. CC Sabathia


2. AJ Burnett


3. Chein-Ming Wang


4. Joba Chamberlain


5. Andy Pettitte/Phil Hughes/ Ben Sheets

Granted that neither Pettitte nor Sheets are signed by the Yankees, they look as the options for the 5th starter by Yankee management. Pettitte is still deciding on the one-year $10 million offer he has on the table, while Sheets is probably waiting for Andy to make a decision so he himself can make a decision on where to go. I like Pettitte to round out the rotation because then, that would give the Yanks one of the best rotations in baseball. Or how bout move Joba back to the set-up role and having Andy as your 4th starter and make Hughes your 5th? Either way, I believe the Yankees are in a winning situation. Spring training can't get here fast enough.

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Ben Sheets, CC Sabathia, Chien Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, Mark Teixeira, Phil Hughes, Yankees

While the World Series is being played out in "Tampa" and Philly, the Yankees are planning out their offseason plans in Tampa. Yea, their offices are actually in Tampa unlike the Rays who don't actually play there, but that's a story for another day. According to Mike Lupica of the Daily News the Yankees are ready to break the bank open to get back to the promise land. With about $80 million coming off the books this winter, it's almost certain that they will add that right back and may even surpass that.

"I'm not saying (the huge spending) won't happen," Brian Cashman said. "I know people expect us to go crazy. Even when we don't go crazy, people still look at whatever we do and say, 'There's the Yankees being the Yankees.' We're the Evil Empire even when we're not."

This is true. The one MUST this winter is getting C.C. Sabathia no matter the cost. We learned that not going after Johan Santana last year didn't help the Yankees in 2008. They certainly don't want an encore performance in '09 of their disappointing '08 so Sabathia is a must. It's just a matter of signing that check to C.C.'s liking. Objective 1 done.

Manny Ramirez in pinstripes? No way. It doesn't matter how Manny played the last few months in L.A., he will be 37 next season and you have to remember the way he sat out his final days in Boston because he didn't feel like playing. Besides, him and A-Rod in the same clubhouse?? OMG, the possibility of things that can happen there can only lead to trouble and backpage headlines, none of which would be good for the Bombers. Another factor in this is that the Yanks don't need hitting, they need desperately to fix their pitching. Manny would just be his own sideshow.

Objective 2, First Base. What's wrong with a guy like Doug Mientkiewicz? He was a solid defender and uhh well "decent" bat. Why do we need an all-star first baseman? Mark Teixiera would be a great bat in the lineup and a good guy to have on the team but if his asking price is too high why bother? Well he is switch-hitting and can put up .300 35 115 easily. Ok, so we give him a run for his money and see where we end up. So is signing Tex a must? That may depend on wheter the Yanks bring back Bobby Abreu, who looks to be on the way out. Figures, the only consistent guy with the bat is on his way out. Good job by the Yanks, you should keep this guy until his arms fall off because you know he will give you production. More production that Jorge Posada might give you the rest of his contract. Smart move by the Yanks...NOT!

Objective 3, another starting pitcher. Get Oliver Perez, while he also might be a little high in his asking price, he might fit into the rotation just fine being the 4th starter behind *Sabathia, Wang, and Joba. Yes this is how the rotation should look coming into opening day next year. If Perez isn't an option I do NOT like AJ Burnett. Reason behind that? He'll be Carl Pavano II, and we sure as hell don't want another one of those. So I don't even consider Burnett, unless he lowers his price dramatically. Derek Lowe? Hey why not? He pitched well down the stretch and is an experienced pitcher with postseason success. Take a gamble with him, he might be that workhouse the rotation needs, especially if the Yanks choose to part ways with Andy Pettitte.

Objective 4, centerfield? I question that because do we really need a CF? The answer is no. Do we want a stud out there? The answer is yes. Melky Cabrera wasn't the answer in '08, we thought he was. Brett Gardner can't hit yet and we don't know if he ever will. Austin Jackson? Ehh, let's not rush him up just yet. He looks to be your guy in center in the future but right now what is the right answer? I say leave Damon out there another year until his contract is up and give Melky and/or Gardner the other starts. Then evaluate this again next winter where more options could open up. But right now it makes sense for the Yanks to keep their trading chips and their money on getting a new CF for '09. Unless you can get a guy like Matt Kemp from the Dodgers, then CF shouldn't be addressed. Damon can still hit and produce, yes he has a weak arm but so did Bernie Williams and we were fine when he was roaming center.

Again, the need this winter is pitching. Worry first and foremost on pitching and upgrading it, not just taking leftovers off the free agent bum list. No more Ponsons, Rasners, or anyone else like that. No more! I don't want to see it. Those guys combined for 35 starts this year, that is NO GOOD. This is your 2009 rotation if things work out right.

1- CC Sabathia
2- Chien-Ming Wang
3- Joba Chamberlain
4- Oliver Perez
5- Phil Hughes/ Andy Pettitte

Not a bad staff there. Gives you a little depth towards the end if Andy comes back. Each guy could give you at least 10 wins with the exception of Hughes who we have no idea what to expect. Mike Mussina is almost a sure lock to retire. Once the World Series is done and over with next week, then the "hot stove" will heat up. If my rotation isn't what the Yankees are looking for then what are they going for?

"We're always trying to push to get better," Cashman said.

They got the money, make it happen. If Hank Steinbrenner has his way, the bank will be shattered and the Yanks will get their wants, but I hope that means they got their needs too.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Bobby Abreu, Brain Cashman, Brett Gardner, CC Sabathia, Chien Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, Manny Ramirez, Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes, Sidney Ponson, Yankees

The end of September is nearing and so is the end of the Yankees season. it's a shame we didn't get more out of this team than we did. Currently, they stand 9.5 games out of the wild card and are in FOURTH place. My goodness! The Yankees are in fourth place in September. What the heck happened?

There isn't really one thing you can put to blame on this season. The bullpen was ineffective at times, so was the starting rotation, so was the offense, so was the defense. Injuries also plagued the Yanks this season. Ace Chien-Ming Wang, catcher Jorge Posada, Joba Chamberlain, Hideki Matsui, and Alex Rodriguez all missed significant time this season. Manager Joe Girardi did his best with the hand he was dealt this season but it ultimately wasn't enough as the Yanks season will end on September 28th in Fenway Park. How fitting.

The Yankees will move into the offseason with questions surrounding their GM, their first baseman, their centerfielder, their bullpen and starting rotation. Who goes, who stays? Let's take a quick look at who I think needs to go and who needs to stay.

Gone:
Jason Giambi: Still prvides some pop and average defense but age will get to him sooner than later.
Carl Pavano: Hasn't pitched bad since returning but it's time to get rid of a bad investment.
Melky Cabrera: He may still have an upside but I think his glory days in the Bronx are over. Excellent arm but you need to deal him to get at least a 5th starter or a reliever.
Ivan Rodriguez: Age is catching up with Pudge and hasn't brought anything to the table since his arrival at the trade deadline.
Ian Kennedy: Cant pitch in New York, 'nough said.
Hideki Matsui: Still a valuable and solid player but age is creeping up on him as well. It's time to deal him before his value plummets.

Keep:
Bobby Abreu: Still a solid ballplayer. Still hits .300 and drives in around 90 runs. Still a solid defender and a cannon for an arm. This is a no brainer.
Andy Pettitte: This one is 50-50. Depending on Andy and if he wants to return or retire, the Yanks have to bring him back, not for $16 million but something respectable as he can still be a #3 starter, at worst #4. Plus he's better than sending out Sidney Ponson, Darrell Rasner, or Ian Kennedy.
Mike Mussina: Here's your wild card. At 39 Moose is your Yankees 2008 MVP. Just as a reward for his work this year he deserves another shot with the team. #5 starter or more, he can prove to be a reliable guy in the rotation, a rotation that might need him more next season than they do right now.

That's just a quick peek at what the Yankees need to do this offseason. At season's end I will go further in-depth. But there is no reason to place blame on one part of the team. This was a teamwide letdown this season all across the board. So let's just address the needs of the team this winter and move forward into the new Stadium and get ready to reclaim the top of the AL East.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Bobby Abreu, Hideki Matsui, Joba Chamberlain, Jorge Posada, Melky Cabrera, Mike Mussina, Yankees

This 10-game road trip has been a disaster for the Yankees. They are 2-5 through the first 7 games, they have lost 3 games in the AL East to Tampa and 1.5 to Boston in the wild card. Not to mention, they lost their ace-to-be Joba Chamberlain.

What's interesting to note is that the Yanks had a lead in each of the 3 games against the Angels this weekend and could not hold any of them. Ian Kennedy got rocked again Friday night and said..

“I felt like I made some good pitches,” he said. “I’m not too upset about it. … What was it, a bunch of singles and three doubles? I’m just not real upset about it. I’m just going to move on and I’ve already done that.”

...wow, did he really say that? That earned him a first class ticket back to AAA Scranton. Good move by the Yankees. He later apologized for those comments, but come on you got to be smarter than that.

Saturday, Dan Giese pitched 6 solid innings giving up only 1 run, but the bullpen blew up thanks in part to an 8-run 8th inning. The first 6 runs came before the Yankees recorded an out. Ouch! Joe Girardi was asked how he felt watching that 8-run 8th unfold...

“What do you think? You think it’s fun watching that crap?” Girardi snapped. “Silly question.”

...I agree.

Sunday, the Yankees were again ahead in the score, but could'nt hold on. This time a baserunning mistake by Alex Rodriguez in the 7th ended a chance at a rally that could've broke a 3-3 tie and a walk by Damaso Marte in the 9th to the 9th place hitter set up the game winning single by Chone Figgins. Those two plays sealed the Yanks' fate this weekend.

"We had a lot of opportunities. We have to blame ourselves," said Abreu, who grounded to second with the infield in and a runner on third in the fifth inning. "I wish I had an explanation. I don't think we understand what's going on."

The Yanks have a chance to redeem themselves with 3 games against the Minnesota Twins. A team they trail in the wild card by 2.5 games. It'll be worth watching to see how the Yankees respond to being swept this weekend in Anaheim. 44 games left to go.


Leave a comment or visit the forums.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Bobby Abreu, Chasing 800, Damaso Marte, Dan Giese, Ian Kennedy, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Girardi

Now what I saw yesterday was just down right terrible. The combination of Edwar Ramirez, David Robertson and Jose Veras did their best Kyle Farnsworth impression. They blew a 3-1 lead and most importantly, they blew a solid performance by Dan Giese. That's something the Yanks can not afford to do given their situation. With 45 games to go, the Yanks must win the games their pitchers allow them to win.

During the 8-game winning streak a few weeks ago, everything was clicking on all cylinders. The pitching, the hitting, the bullpen, the defense, the clutch hitting. Now, the Yanks have lost 9 of 14 and are really pushing towards the possibilty of no postseason. While everyone, myself included wait for the Rays to fall on their face, it doesn't appear thats going to happen anytime soon. Time is running out. The past few seasons, this is usually the time the Yankees go and make up their ground and win the games they need to. That's not happening this season. The heart of the team seems to have fallen once Joba Chamberlain went down. Ian Kennedy doesn't seem to be the answer either as he pitched poorly once again. Granted he did face the best team in baseball but nothing in his approach gave you any sense of encouragement for his next start or two. Phil Hughes is on his way back and I hope he becomes "The Franchise" once again and lives up to his expectations.

Expectations need to be met now, the Yankees are always in a win now mode, just look at the trades they made last month. That tells you the Yankees want to win and will do anything they can to do just that. Now, four games out of the wild card, there should be no cause for concern but after seeing the 7th and 8th innings of yesterday's game, there certainly is a lot to worry about. Joe Girardi and his troops have time to turn this around, but the clock is ticking...they better start doing whatever it takes to win. The last winning streak showed what the Bombers are capable of. The loss of Joba put the Yankees down but they're not out. Here's one of my favorite quotes:

"..it ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done." - Rocky Balboa

Yes that is from the last installment of the Rocky series, but there's much truth to it. Rocky was an underdog in most of his fights and eventually came out on top. I realize he lost his last fight in the last movie but he gave it his all. I want the 2008 Yankees to do the same no matter what their situation is. I think it's time for Girardi to be as encouraging as Mickey was for Rocky. Something has to work...but it needs to be done.... time is running out.

Yanks 2nd Half Record: 13-9
My Yanks 2nd Half Prediction: 39-27

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Tags: Baseball, Dan Giese, David Robertson, Edwar Ramirez, Ian Kennedy, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Girardi, Kyle Farnsworth, Phil Hughes, Yankees

I think there's been way too much Mets coverage lately and I would like to fix that.

As the Mets were heading to the west coast and firing their manager and coaches, the Yankees lost their ace, and have quietly won seven straight.

Joba Chamberlain pitched 5.2 innings in his fourth big league start. He recorded a career-high nine strikeouts and threw 100 pitches. He was able to get out of big jams and keep his composure as he helped the Yanks to victory.

It was a pretty quiet afternoon in the Bronx. Not much going on except for Joba-Mania. The offense did just enough to secure a win. What was interesting to note in this game, is that the Yankees managed to steal four bases. Derek Jeter led off the sixth inning with a base hit then promptly stole second. He then took third base on a grounder and eventually scored on an Alex Rodriguez single to left. They used small ball to get them an extra run. An extra run that proved to be decisive.

Mariano Rivera pitched for the third consecutive day and recorded his 20th save in as many chances. The bullpen pitched 3.2 innings while striking out six. Three of those went to Rivera. With that being said, in the three-game series against the Padres he struck out 7 of the 9 batters he faced. Wow. How good is this guy? He's been as consistent as anyone has ever been on the mound.

The Yanks continue to ride their hot streak against the National League this weekend as they face the Cincinnati Reds at the Stadium for the first time since the 1976 World Series. That year the Yanks were swept by the Big Red Machine. The Yanks hope for a different outcome this weekend.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Derek Jeter, Joba Chamberlain, Yankees