Guest Article from Michael Ruda / @DaTuna725 on Twitter

Here we go, Another Yankee fan piece filled with excuses and belly-aching about why the “Chase for 28” fell short.  Not from this guy.

The 2018 New York Yankees were built to win a championship. That’s the expectation of the franchise every year. Building off of the surprise early success of this new core of homegrown talent the 2017 Yankees fell just 1 game shy of reaching the World Series. Joe Girardi was shown the door in favor of a youthful/players manager in Aaron Boone, Mixed with seasoned veteran leadership from the likes of Brett Gardner and CC Sabathia, young rising stars in Aaron Judge, Luis Severino, Dellin Betances, Gary Sanchez ,and the offseason acquisition of the reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton the sky was the limit for this 2018 club.

Greg Bird, another highly touted “Baby Bomber” (Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar being the others) disappeared. He was given every opportunity to hold down this first baseman job and hit a disgusting .199, eventually losing his job, and not even making the postseason roster.

So what exactly did the 2018 New York Yankees accomplish. Yes, they set a MLB record with 267 homeruns as a team. They had 12 players with 10 or more homeruns. An amazing feat. They won 100 games, No walk in the park. This season felt like a grind. Losing Aaron Judge for 8 weeks played a factor in the division race, but Brian Cashman put all the pieces in place at and after trade deadline. Acquiring J.A. Happ, Zach Britton, and Andrew McCutchen to fill in the holes this team had and ensure that injury would have minimal effect on what we were expected to accomplish.

Ultimately 2018’s expectations beat the 2018 New York Yankees. Yes, the Red Sox had an amazing regular season season winning 108 games, but were ripe for the pickin’ in the ALDS. A shaky Red Sox bullpen, a gem by Masahiro Tanaka,Tying the series heading home for games 2 and 3 should’ve meant another trip to the ALCS. Luis Severino was not the ace we needed in that spot, and didn’t look right in the second half of the season. Again expectations too high, too soon. We need to remember that this team WILL eventually win the World Series. This core of talent will lead us to many years of success and post season moments as the likes of Jeter, Pettitte, Rivera,Posada, and Bernie did. They need to learn how to handle the pressure. This year was that lesson.

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Aaron Boone, Aaron Judge, Andrew McCutchen, CC Sabathia, Dellin Betances, Gary Sanchez, Giancarlo Stanton, Gleyber Torres, Greg Bird, JA Happ, Joe Girardi, Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, Miguel Andujar, Yankees

As we head into the last week of Feburary we're met with the arrivals of position players at Spring Training. Yesterday a notable arrival came without the usual pop and circumstance that has been accustomed in the past. Alex Rodriguez arrived to camp fresh off a successful comeback season.

In 2015 Alex played a pivotal part of the Yankees success. he also played into their late season downfall. At 40 years old, A-Rod showed signs of a man who sat out an entire season due to suspension and someone who had two surgically repaired hips. Nonetheless Alex delivered a solid season and put 33 home runs while being the offensive force in the middle of the lineup we had been accustomed to since his arrival to the Bronx in 2004. Alex turns 41 in July, has two years remaining on his legendary contract and is 27 homers shy of tying Babe Ruth on the All-Time HR list. When asked about reflecting on 2015 Alex said:

“I kind of went back and studied the season a little bit, and one of the things (was) I started my (training) process November, December, January. Really (significant) workloads for me, kind of prepping for spring training. I ran out of gas in August. My energy kind of picked up again in September, I just stunk. August, I was fatigued a little bit. September, I felt great and played poorly. So one of the things I’ve adjusted going into 2016 is to kind of pace myself a little bit more and use spring training as a ramping instead of coming here ready to go Day 1, which I did last year.”

I think if we get anything near the performance we did last year, we'd all be happy and take it. Assuming Alex and his fellow teammate Mark Teixeira  stay healthy, it'll provide the Yanks with the same 3-4 punch that provided an 8 game lead as late as July 31st.

Alex will once again serve as the teams DH. Manager Joe Girardi reiterated he has no plans to use Alex in the field. After two hip surgeries, why take the chance. The Yankees have made moves to add infield depth. They are talking about getting their Second Basemen Starlin Castro and Rob Refsynder some reps at Third Base. Castro could also serve as the back up Shortstop. Starting Third Baseman Chase Headley is the backup First Baseman should Teixeira need some time off or goes down with an injury. This should provide for some very interesting lineups this season.

As for Alex, I expect a similar if not slightly less productive season to the one we saw in 2015. I will go with a .265 AVG 27 HR 73 RBI. Nothing spectatcular but productive for someone finishing the season at 41 years of age. The drama appears to be a thing of the past for Alex so I expect the focus to be there but ultimately, he is past his prime, he's closer to 50 than 30 and he didn't have last season off. Let's hope for the best for A-Rod. At least for the remaining 2 years and 60-70 million left on his deal.

 

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Chase Headley, Joe Girardi, Mark Teixeira, Rob Refsnyder, Spring Training, Starlin Castro

The Yankees made a HUGE splash by trading for flamethrower Aroldis Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds for four minor leaguers. By doing so, they didn't trade any of their main prospects or part with any major league talent. This was a move I'm in favor of for so many reasons. Some of them I just listed but I'll explain why this is a win-win for the Bombers.

The addition of Chapman now gives the Yankees the best 1-2-3 punch in baseball...by far. If they all play up to their caliber, this season will be very special in the Bronx. This end of the bullpen gives the starting rotation some wiggle room and takes some pressure off their shoulders. With an already question filled rotation with each of the five starters, all that's going to be asked is to get 5-6 solid innings on any given night. The three headed monster awaits at the end of games. Now the bridge to the trio needs to worked out by manager Joe Girardi but honestly, will it be that much of an important role? The answer is yes, but the pressure to be an Adam Warren 2-3 inning guy won't be there. An inning of solid relief is all the Yanks need , ala Chasen Shreve pre- August 2015.

The pending suspension of Chapman can very much work in the Yankees favor. Should Chapman be suspended more than 45 games, he forfeits his rights to be a Free Agent at the end of the 2016 season, which then gives the Yankees control of Chapman for another season.

“We felt this was an opportunity to add a big arm to our bullpen, even though there are some things that are unresolved,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said after the trade.

If this does end up being the case, then it gives the Yankees time during his suspension to figure roles and lets Girardi see who has what coming out of his bullpen. Who's reliable, who's going to implode. That way once Chapman returns, everyone can settle into their roles and hopefully we see a simple formula, starter goes 6, Bridge, then ANY combination of the trio can be used to mix and match for the rest of the game.

Dellin Betances will get less work this season and get a chance to rest an arm that was overtaxed the last two seasons. Last year Betances' stuff wasn't as sharp going down the stretch. Andrew Miller can pitch multiple innings much like he did with Balitmore and Boston the year before he won the Yankees closer's job. It's very possible we could see the trio of Betances, Miller and Chapman for FIVE innings on any given day. That's how lethal this group can be.

Chapman gives the Yankees the top three relievers by strikeouts and strikeouts per nine innings in the majors. Miller had 36 saves in his first year with New York and Betances made his second straight All-Star team as the setup man. After defecting from Cuba in 2009, Chapman spent the past six seasons with the Reds and saved 146 games in 164 chances. He had a 1.63 ERA this year, when he struck out 116 in 66 1-3 innings. Betances struck out a league-best 131 and Miller fanned 100.

Big things are ahead for the Yankees this season. Of course the excitement for the flamethrowing trio could all be for naught if the offense can hit and score runs, but that's a story for a different day. For now lets enjoy the big move the Yankees just made and picture how this could look come October 2016 under the lights at Yankee Stadium for the World Series :)

This post is sponsored by Stan's Sports World. Order now and recieve FREE SHIPPING!

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Adam Warren, Andrew Miller, Aroldis Chapman, Brian Cashman, Chasen Shreve, Dellin Betances, Joe Girardi

On Tuesday night the Yankees made their first big move of the offseason. They sent pitcher Adam Warren and infielder Brendan Ryan to the Chicago Cubs for Second Baseman/Shortstop Starlin Castro. This is a good move for both sides and gives the Yankees another young solid infielder. Gone are the days of overpriced aging players. I love this!

There are many things to like about this. But first lets say goodbye to Adam Warren. He was the most consistent pitcher the Yankees had and most reliable in 2015. Wherever they put him, he was dependable. In the rotation or in the bullpen, he was good. He always gave the Yankees just what they needed that day and there's a lot of value in that, especially with a team full of question marks. Warren seemed to fit the role of 4th or 5th starter just fine but he was pushed to the bullpen after 17 starts in '15 because Ivan Nova came back from Tommy John surgery. Warren then filled the gap from starter to the trio of Justin Wilson-Dellin Betances- and Andrew Miller. THAT role he filled proved to be so vital because once he was inserted back in the rotation late in the season, his absence in the bullpen was felt. Manager Joe Girardi tried replacing Warren's absence with kid after kid from the minors in BIG spots. They rarely delivered. It ended up costing them the division. Warren now joins a World Series contender and probably one of the best rotations in the National League.

With Castro, the Yankees get a 25 year old 2B/SS with 6 years of major league experience. He hit just .237 through the end of July, but hit .335 in the final two months. For the Yanks, he fits the profile of their recent targets as a young, cost-controlled player in a buy-low opportunity. Castro is signed through 2019 with a team option for 2020. He has $38 million guaranteed left on his contract. The idea of him and Didi Gregorious as the Yankees new double play combo lights up my eyes and gets me excited to see what they can do

“You could be greedy (at second base),” manager Joe Girardi said at today’s Winter Meetings before news of the Castro trade went public. “You look for outstanding defense and offensive production. I mean, that’s the greedy part of it; that you can get a lot of production, too, offensively."

 The move gets the Yankees younger, cheaper and hungrier. GM Brian Cashman went on the Michael Kay Show last week and said he was focusing on acquiring players through trades as opposed to signing the usual big free agent contract. Today we see that Cashman and company have a plan they're sticking to. The Yankees are getting younger and more athletic....and I'm ok with that. Good job!

This post is presented by Stan's Sports World. Order online now and receive FREE SHIPPING!

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Adam Warren, Andrew Miller, Chicago Cubs, Dellin Betances, Didi Gregorius, Joe Girardi, Justin Wilson, Starlin Castro, Yankees

It's been two weeks since the Yankees were eliminated at the hands of the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Playoff game and it still hurts.

This Yankee team that no one gave a shot at winning before the season started far exceeded expectations. By the end of July it looked like the Yanks would coast into October, except three things happened that derailed the entire season. Mark Teixeria went down with a season ending injury hurting the offense. Nathan Eovaldi ultimately went down for the remainder of the season hurting the starting rotation and the bullpen. The Yankees got old very quickly.

Teixeria was on his way to a 40 home run 115 RBI season when he fouled a ball off his shin and fractured his shin. Eovaldi was 14-2 and on his way to 200 innings when he went down with a forearm strain and he threw the balance of the pitching off its rocker. It put trusted pitcher Adam Warren back into the rotation, which was ok because he excelled during his stint in the rotation earlier in the year BUT it left a gapping hole in the bullpen. The 2-3 innings Warren would solidify in case a game was close or within reach now went to young inexperienced kids and boy did the Yankees pay for having to go that route. The Yanks lost countless games down the stretch because their starters just couldn't give them enough length. When they did, the offense was non-existent causing there to be more pressure on the lineup to produce. This formula was the demise of the 2015 Yankees.

So much could be said of how manager Joe Girardi handled the bullpen down the stretch in the final month and a half of the season but the REAL cause for concern is the lineup. The lineup that produced 20 runs in Atlanta, two potential Comeback Players of the Year in Teixeria and Alex Rodriguez, the future first baseman in Greg Bird, and a 7 game lead in the A.L. East on July 29th could only muster up 3 hits against the Astros. They went 1-7 in the final 8 games of the overall season. Pitiful, pathetic and embarrassing.

I'm not sure where the Yankees go from here but the answer to me is crystal clear. Get younger, get hungry, get rid of the old. Look around the MLB LCS's going on. All young teams going around. Out are the days of the high priced payrolls, In are the young and hungry want to make a name of themselves kinda players. This is what the Yankees should be aiming for. The new core is ready to be unleashed, Bird, Luis Severino, Rob Refsynder, Aaron Judge, Dellin Betances are just some of the homegrown talent waiting to make this THEIR team. I'd say make this happen sooner rather than later.




This Post is brought to you by Stans Sports World. Order ONLINE today and recieve FREE SHIPPING!

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Aaron Judge, Adam Warren, Alex Rodriguez, Dellin Betances, Greg Bird, Joe Girardi, Luis Severino, Mark Teixeira, Nathan Eovaldi, Rob Refsnyder, Yankees

The Yankees are in! Postseason baseball returns to the Bronx for the first time since 2012. It's been a hell of a roller coaster since then, as the Yanks said goodbye to some iconic players. Mariano Rivera in 2013 and Derek Jeter in 2014. They almost said goodbye to Alex Rodriguez for good both years but in 2015 he found the fountain of youth and became a clutch everyday 30 home run hitter. Now with a new group of players, the Bombers find their way to Tuesday night's Wild Card game at Yankee Stadium.

This team by NOOO means is going into the Postseason with any momentum or anything that makes you believe they will get far this October. They finished 3 games behind where I thought they would.  But I did predict the Yanks would get into October by making the Wild Card. I wasn't too off with my other predictions on how our main players would finish.

THIS Yankee team that takes the field on Tuesday will have more question marks going into that ONE game than it did going into the season. How does Masahiro Tanaka pitch with the season on the line? Who starts at second base? Who's Joe Girardi bringing into the game from the bullpen? How can Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury get out of their second half funk? How much more does Alex Rodriguez have left in the tank? There's more but you get the point. I'm really worried about this team and I'm afraid I know what fate awaits us on Tuesday night.

The Yanks will play the Houston Astros to determine who goes on to play the defending American League Champion Kansas City Royals in the ALDS. It was the one team I didn't want them to face because of their ace Dallas Keuchel. He's shut the Yankees down everytime he's face them and he neutralizes the lefty bats in the lineup, especially at Yankee Stadium, something we don't need in this sudden death situation. Any lefty getting thrown at the Yankees will be successful. Girardi has admitted such this past week.

To be honest, ANYONE taking the mound would've been successful against the Yanks this past week. A week that saw them go 1-6 needing to win only TWO games to clinch the Wild Card and Home Field Advantage in that sudden death game. A week that saw Girardi make some of the most baffling moves of his tenure here in the Bronx. That is what scares me as a fan.

Now to the positive. Last year saw BOTH Wild Card winners catch fire and go to the World Series. There's not reason to think the Yankees can't do the same. The One Game Playoff has proven to be the momentum swing that every team looks for come this time of the year. Tanaka gets the ball and I believe he can be the $175 million ace. I believe the bats of A-Rod, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran still have a little magic left in them. I believe that Girardi can bring in Justin Wilson, Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller in the late innings and secure a victory. I've seen it so many times this year. Why not again Tuesday night to an Astros team that is young, inexperienced in a big stage and is worn down. It can happen.

The 2000 Yankees stumbled into the Postseason losing 15 of their last 18 games and they went on to win the World Series for the 3rd year in a row. Not saying we're winning the World Series.....yet, but I am saying anything can happen to change the misfortunes of the present and turn them into a steamrolling truck all the way to the end. I'm just happy we have Postseason baseball back in the Bronx. It belongs here.

Prediction: Yankees lose due lack of urgency in the lineup and they're not able to get the "big hit" when they need it. It'll be close, but after 2-3 missed opportunities, it's time to pack up and head home.




Article is brought to you by Stans Sports World. Order online today, FREE SHIPPING!

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Andrew Miller, Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, Dellin Betances, Derek Jeter, Houston Astros, Joe Girardi, Justin Wilson, Mariano Rivera, New Yankee Stadium, QUITE FRANKLY

This was a TERRIBLE series for the Yankees. They dropped 2 of 3 to the Baltimore Orioles, who came in losers in 15 of their last 18 games. What made it worst was the two losses came on 8th and 9th inning home runs in tied games!

Dellin Betances is the 8th inning guy in a tie game but manager Joe Girardi decided not to use him or closer Andrew Miller because they pitched two days in a row. Ok, I get it but maybe just maybe ONE of those two guys could've pitched three days in a row? Both losses were very very winnable games but they lost because there was NOOO offense whatsoever!

Tuesday night the Yankees lost because they scored just ONE run. Tonight they lost because Stephen Drew's glove had some cement in it and couldn't receive the ball. It's very troubling that the offense has had its spurts where it goes completely awol and other times they hit everything in site. You can't have this kind of inconsistency in October, especially in a one game wild card playoff.

The Yankees have time to right the ship as the Blue Jays come in for a HUGE four game series at the Stadium. This will be the biggest series in the past three seasons and I expect Yankee Stadium to be rockin'. The battle for first place is on the line and the Jays just wont go away. Playoff atmosphere in the Bronx, I cant wait..but if they play like they have the last two nights say goodbye to those October hopes.

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Andrew Miller, Balitmore Orioles, Dellin Betances, Joe Girardi, Toronto Blue Jays, Yankee Stadium

The Yankees blew a huge game on Thursday afternoon and I'm not so sure we can blame the offense for this one. I have to place blame on Joe Girardi. I have to second guess a move he made last night that impacted today's loss.

Last night while everyone focused on the 8 runs and 9 straight hits in the 3rd inning off of David Price, I was left scratching my head as Girardi elected to bring in Dellin Betances with the score 8-3 in the 9th. Now, Betances had the previous 3 days off so he was well rested BUT why bring him in when you might need him the following day for multiple innings or in successive days? The Yankees are at a point where every game is crucial, especially Thursday's game with the Detroit Tigers, a team that's in front of them in the Wild Card race. I knew the move would come back to bite the Yankees today, I just knew it.

With the score tied at 2, going into the bottom of the 9th inning, Girardi could've gone with Betances for another inning OR his closer David Robertson who hasn't pitched since Sunday. Joe did neither and went with Shawn Kelley. While good at times, he's not the guy I want out there with the game and "season" on the line. If Betances doesn't pitch last night, he easily stays in for the 9th. Ok, so he didn't, but why not bring in your most trusted guy in the bullpen to a game you NEEDED to win? Robertson is well rested and you could've used him for 2 innings if need be. If you're in the 11th and then need to use your second tier relievers, then do so, but use your "A" squad when you have so much at stake.

 Girardi said it “wasn’t a consideration” to use Dellin Betances for two innings tonight, and he indicated that it had nothing to do with using Betances last night. “You feel good about (Kelley) on the mound, especially the way he’s been throwing the baseball,” Girardi said. Kelley’s past five games leading into this one: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K

Kelley gives up a double to Victor Martinez to lead off the 9th. He allows another runner to get on base and proceeds to strike the next two guys out. And after all that hard work and maneuvering and strategy, on one pitch, the game, the series, and ANY positive momentum the Yanks could've had is all GONE. When a team has lost two of three in a tight wild card race, a one-run loss feels like rock bottom.

“That’s about as bad as I’ve felt walking off a mound in my career,” Shawn Kelley said. 

I'm emphasizing a lot tonight because that was how important this game and series was. Giradi mismanaged this one, a time he could ill afford to do so. So the Yanks leave town dropping a game in the Wild Card instead of gaining one. The Yanks head into Toronto answering questions of "what now" and "what ifs" instead of keeping the focus on the positive momentum they had to begin the week. The window is closing on the 2014 season and there is very little room for error. On Thursday afternoon, Brian McCann came within inches of hitting his 2nd go-ahead 3-run homerun of the week and putting the Yankees ahead for good, but almost doesn't count because Giradi failed in planning for a win.

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: David Robertson, Dellin Betances, Joe Girardi, Shawn Kelley, Yankees

Joe Girardi felt it, the Yankee offense felt it. Michael Pineda didn't for 6 innings, but much like this latest stretch, he fell victim of the Yankees desperation.

Girardi ran Pineda out for the 7th inning in a game he HAD to win. He couldn't use his late inning weapons of Dellin Betances and David Robertson. Who by the way, also have faltered in the crucial of times in the last week. Pineda reached his pitch limit through 6 innings but Girardi so desperate for a win, ran him out there for the 7th. I immediately thought back to Betances in Baltimore last week. Betances was lights out through 2 innings of relief but Giradi pushed the envelope and tried to get a 3rd straight flawless inning. He was playing with fire...he got burned. Betances served up a game tying home run and the Yanks lost a game they desperately needed. Tonight, Pineda walked the only man he faced in the 7th. That run came around to score the tying run. The walk also was the beginning of a four run 7th inning for the Astros and gave them a 5-2 lead.

The Yankees never recovered. They never recovered because they can't hit with runners in scoring position. That's it. There's nothing else to look at, second guess, or judge. The Yankee offense is TERRIBLE. A day after going 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position, they go 1 for 8 and left 10 men on base tonight. The fact that this team can't hit with men on base is baffling. It's frustrating, it BS, it's pathetic. At this point..it doesn't matter anymore. The Yankees are trying to get themselves to a 1-game playoff that they will go in the underdog, no matter who's on the other side. That's because, this team can't hit. If they can't beat the Astros, what makes you think they beat a playoff ready team in a winner take all game? What happens in that game, when the game is on the line and there's runners on base? If the Yankees are tensing up now, what happens when the SEASON is on the line? Nothing...that's the answer. Count down to Sept. 7th, because Derek Jeter Day at Yankee Stadium will be the only special moment for the rest of the season. Such a shame....the Captain deserves better than that.

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Derek Jeter, Houston Astros, Joe Girardi, Michael Pineda, Yankee Stadium, Yankees

Robinson Cano made his return to the Bronx last night and much was made about the reaction he was given by the crowd at Yankee Stadium. I was one of those in attendance to see Robbie's return. So was about 15,000 other people braving the atrocious weather Tuesday night.

I don't see why a big deal was made. Like any other athlete who leaves in their prime to go to another team, Cano was booed. Ok, ok so it was a little more than just a couple boos.

Everyone in the entire ballpark came last night, sat in frigid temperatures and endured annoying rain drops just to come together as one to mercifully jeer Robinson Cano. They (we) had every right to do so.

For one, I booed him because he left my favorite team. He left my team when he could have been a huge piece to a World Series championship contender this year and for years to follow. People have argued that the portion of the crowd calling Robbie a sell-out is hypocritical. The Yankees have over the years over paid and bought a collection of superstars from other teams in hopes of regaining the dynastic years of the late 90's. To that, I agree. Cano went for more money and a more secure future in Seattle for 3 years and $65 million more than what the Yankees offered.

Let's be honest, we would of all done the same. We all go to the higgest bidder and we're all told we should get out of our comfort zone so we can cash in on our skills and talents. Not many times do we go with the "hometown discount" we all thought Cano would take.

“It was business for the Yankees and business for myself,” Cano said. “They made their decision and I made mine and we’re both happy.”

Robbie Cano left the Yankees for more money. A statement that no Yankee fan or anyone thought they would ever hear. It's unprecendented. The best player on the Yankees gave up the chance to be the face of the franchise, be paid like a boss and then some, a chance to be one of the all-time Yankee greats and a chance to be the next generation's Derek Jeter. None of that mattered. The only thing that did.... $$$$$$. That's the business decision Cano and his agent Jay-Z made. Not a smart one if you ask me.

With Jeter in his final season, the Yankees are looking for their next superstar. Cano was that guy. According to the ratings last season and the low attendance the Yankees received while the collection of superstars were injured during the majority of last season told the Yankees the bigger picture. While Cano was clearly the best player on the team, he clearly was no superstar, and he clearly wasn't worth the extra money and years that Seattle ultimately gave him. I'd say let him walk. The Yankees made the right decision. They did what was best for business.

Still as no. 22 Robinson Cano was announced with each at-bat, every second he had the spotlight on him, he was booed out of the Bronx. He fielded a ground ball, he paused for a second and effortlessly threw to first base to record the out, he was booed and booed and booed. Cano quickly upon his depature to Seattle was stricken with the notion he didn't hustle. One game years ago saw Cano not run out a routine ground ball. Yankees manager Joe Girardi saw enough and benched Cano for his lack of hustle. Since then, it's something that was held against Cano. Why? Because the Captain Derek Jeter always ran hard down the first base line..on every play. He's the standard in New York. Fair or not, it is what it is. Cano has put up MVP like numbers for the last 4, 5 years with only 1 World Series to show.

That is the telling tale of it all. One championship in nine seasons. That's considered a failure in the Bronx. The best player on the team needs to do better than that. He did...he left and took more years and more money from a different team. Who could blame him? Oh right, all of Yankee Stadium did Tuesday night.

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Derek Jeter, Joe Girardi, Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners

A's 7
Yankees 9

Who says Melky Cabrera is done? 2 homers today! Good job by Joe Girardi for sticking with the Melk Man after striking out 3 straight times. Cabrera's confidence has to be at a high, let's hope he continues to ride that into Boston this weekend.



Share your thoughts on The Forum: http://www.chasingrecords.com/

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Baseball, Joe Girardi, Melky Cabrera, 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 Second Base.

Second Base
Much like Shortstop, this position is not up for grabs, it belongs to Robinson Cano. Cano is coming off his worst Major League season. He hit .271 14 HR 72 RBI in 2008, all were down from .307 19 97 in '07. Cano was hitting better in September last season after hitting coach Kevin Long made some adjustments to his stance. At 26, Cano is still maturing at the Major League level and is continuing to improve his game. Last season we saw some lackluster defense from Cano. One in particular came in a game last summer in which manager Joe Girardi had to bench his second baseman. It was a move that many believed was overdue. Hopefully Cano learned from that experience last year. He's got a sweet swing and his defense seems so effortless at times. We know he has tremendous talent, his head just has to be in it.

Chasing800 Prediction:
I expect a 2007-like performance from Cano, somewhere along the lines of .313 17 89. A little below what he did in 2007 but I'll take that from Robbie this year. I still see him making a few mental mistakes on the field but they will be few and far between. He can make the All-Star team this year if he gets off to a good start, something he didn't do last year. The Yankees expect a bounce back year from Cano, so do I.

Share your thoughts on The Forum: www.ChasingRecords.com

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

2 Comments

Tags: 2009 Outlook, Baseball, Joe Girardi, Kevin Long, Robinson Cano, 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.


Share your thoughts on The Forum: http://www.chasingrecords.com/

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

2 Comments

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

Spring Training is under way and the Yankees are eager to make sure the team is ready for Opening Day. After a week straight of workouts, manager Joe Girardi called for a day off and an afternoon of fun for the Bronx Bombers.

Girardi wants to build a better relationship with his players than he had with them last season and this, was a step in the right direction. He took his guys to play pool. Now this, you don't see everyday. I have to give the manager a round of applause for this. It's a nice way to get the guys to bond and get to know one another off the field and lt loose for an afternoon and not have to go through the everyday stress of baseball.

Here are what some Yankees had to say about Girardi's idea:

Johnny Damon:

"It was a great day. We’ve been at spring training for a week and Joe came up with a great idea to get us together as a team. It was great to break up spring training a bit, get the team together, get some camaraderie there.

“I think everybody had a great time. We got to see who’s been spending too much time at the pool hall and we know the ones that don’t spend enough time in there.

“For Joe to let us take a day off from practice like that, it makes you want to work even harder for him.”

“Camp has been going great so far. We all have been rallying around each other, having a good time in the clubhouse. Today is one of those days that, as a ballplayer, you’ll never forget. I don’t think any team has ever really done this. It’s a day I’ll never forget. It says a lot about Joe. He knows we’ve been working hard and he rewarded us with a day off.”

Mark Teixeria:

"It was great. That was probably the most fun I’ve ever had in spring training in my whole career.”

“I thought it was a great idea. We’ve been working really hard – the pitchers a little bit longer than the position players. We had a good week of practice and we’re going to start games here soon, so I think Joe just wanted to give us some time off.”

“I’ve never have (heard of a team doing something like this), but I think more teams should. This was a great time, great for all of us to get together.”

“There were probably 16-18 pool tables, there were some card tables, we had darts, we had guys playing dominos and we had lunch also. Everyone was just having a good time.”

“It makes you relax and realize that we can have fun off the field. Once we get on the field, it’s business, but we can build some relationships as well.”

“Usually during the season, you get to hang out with guys because we’re always on the same bus or the same plane. Our schedules are identical. In spring training, you don’t go on trips together, the pitchers have different schedules than the hitters and the hitters are in different groups, so there might be a couple guys you don’t get to know at all.”

In case you were wondering, Mariano Rivera won both pool tournaments the Yankees held amongst themselves. Not bad Mo, maybe he has another career lined up after baseball.


Share your thoughts on The Forum: http://www.chasingrecords.com/

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

1 comment

Tags: Baseball, Joe Girardi, Johnny Damon, Mariano Rivera, Mark Teixeira, Spring Training, Yankees

**This article can also be found on Peter Abraham's Yankees LoHud Blog**

They say you don't know what you got until it's gone. Boy are they right. 2008 saw a changing of the guard in the Bronx. Joe Torre was no longer leading the men in pinstripes, Joe Girardi was.

After 12 seasons as Yankees manager, Torre had worn out his welcome. We said goodbye to a man that brought pride,power and respect back to the pinstripes. He made Yankee Stadium the place to be again. He gave so many people so many memories. He gave us everything he had. There was that magical '96 season. Or how bout one of the most dominating teams ever in the '98 team. Or what about 2001 when he gave us strength after the 9/11 attacks. He was as much a face of the recovery in New York as anyone was. He gave Aaron Boone an inspirational pep talk in 2003, right before his homerun in Game 7 won the Yankees the A.L. pennant . That was the last great Yankee moment. For all those reasons and more, I thank you Joe.

I thought I wanted change after the 2007 season. Making it to October was something of the norm around here since Torre took over. I expected nothing less, I admit, Joe spoiled me. He was a good manager and he was the right man for the job all along. He got those Yankee teams through the rough times, he got them through the good times, but most importantly, he got them to October. It's no coincidence that the year he leaves, the Yankees fail to make the playoffs and the team he went to go manage for, went to the LCS. After all this time of questioning his ability to manage, it was Joe that got the Yankees that far, not their open checkbook. The way he handled every situation was all in good taste and it was all in the best interest of the Yankees. Some of us just never knew it unil now.

Now that I see Torre in a different city and see how much he is loved out west, makes me want him back in the Bronx. It doesn't feel the same here without him. I grew up to be such a big Yankee fan because of him and what he did for the team and how he made the Yankees a proud organization again. His pinstripe days are behind him now but that's ok. Those memories will last a lifetime. He will always be a Yankee in my book. One day that no. 6 will get retired right along with the other Yankee greats......that's where he belongs.

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Baseball, Joe Girardi, Joe Torre, Yankees

According to the NY Daily News, Manny Ramirez is seeking at least a three-year deal from the Yankees. This is something I don't think will happen but I also didn't think Alex Rodriguez was going to come back to the Yankees last winter.

Ramirez is looking for a four-year $100 million deal, but realistically who is going to give him that deal. The way he dogged himself out of Boston, most teams don't want to take the chance on Ramirez doing that to them. So Manny shot himself in the foot with that move. Good advice from Scott Boras, his agent. Boras probably planned that out thinking Manny would cash in this offseason. I think Manny will eventually find a home before the season starts but he's going to have to "settle" for a two-year $50 million deal.

Listen I would love to see Manny bat in front of A-Rod, that would be even scarier than the days of Manny and David Ortiz but the way Manny conducted himself in his final weeks in Boston is the reason you don't want this guy on the team. The Yankees are rounding out a nice little team for next season and Manny would just complicate things. Besides Mark Teixiera, another Boras client makes more sense for the Yankees for roughly the same amount of money. If the Yanks do sign Ramirez then I hope we get the guy who played hard and hustled in L.A. but what happens when Joe Girardi tells Manny to shave and cut his hair? Yea I don't see that going over well and thus we have our first Manny drama. But I have been wrong in the past so we'll have to just wait and see what happens.

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Joe Girardi, Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira, Scott Boras, Yankees

This has been a homestand of milestones for the Yankees. It might as well be as the team isn't really playing for anything else. First we saw Mariano Rivera pass Lee Smith for sole possession of 2nd place on the all-time saves list. Then we saw Derek Jeter become the all-time hits leader in Yankee Stadium history by passing Lou Gehrig. Now Alex Rodriguez has set his own milestone.

On Wednesday night Rodriguez hit his 35th HR of the season in the 8th inning, thus marking the 11th consecutive season in which he has accomplished the feat and 12th time he's done it overall (1996, 1998-2008). That ties him with Babe Ruth for the most such seasons all-time and passing Hall-of-Famers Hank Aaron and Mike Schmidt.

"I've set some really high standards for myself, and 11 years in a row -- that says a lot more than the numbers," Rodriguez said. "It says that you stayed healthy and you've been very fortunate, and also that you've played with some tremendous teammates."

Rodriguez is the only player in Major League history to record at least 35 HR's, 100 RBIs and 100 runs scored in 12 seasons. Wednesday night's HR was also the 208th of his Yankee career, tying him again with teammate Jason Giambi. He currently ranks 10th all-time on the Yankees career list.

"He's a big offensive player, year in and year out," manager Joe Girardi said. "He keeps himself in unbelievable shape and he's able to drive the ball out of the ballpark the other way. Not a lot of guys can do that. What he's done over his career is amazing, and he's still got a long way to go."

Is it more amazing what A-Rod's accomplished or that he hit the HR when the Yanks were ahead and it was in a no pressure situation? That will always be the debate until we get some key hits from no.13. Life is great as Alex Rodriguez right? Well nonetheless congratulations to Rodriguez who statistically is having a good year and continues to collect milestones and continues his climb up the all-time HR list.

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, Joe Girardi, Mariano Rivera, Yankees

Derek Jeter made some history yesterday as the Yankees won 8-4 over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Entering the weekend Jeter needed 9 hits to tie and 10 hits to pass Lou Gehrig for most hits all-time at Yankee Stadium. Jeter is now tied with Gehrig with 1,269. He got 3 hits in each game of Saturday's doubleheader and recorded another 3 hits yesterday. The record-tying hit was a homerun to the bleachers in right in the 5th inning. Once the Stadium scoreboard made the sellout crowd aware of Jeter's feat, he got a curtain call.

"It feels good," Jeter said after yesterday's 8-4 win over Tampa Bay. "I'd be lying to you if I said it didn't. I always say records are meant to be broken, but this one with the Stadium closing here in a week, at least I know I tied for it.

"It's pretty special. You think about the history of this organization. When you mention players' names, Lou Gehrig is right up there at the top. To be tied with him in anything is something I'll always remember."

Alex Rodriguez started the scoring off in the first with a grand slam, his 34th homerun of the year and 553rd all-time. Jason Giambi also contributed to the scoring with a two-run shot.

The negatives that came from yesterday's game saw Robinson Cano get benched by Joe Girardi for not hustling for a ball hit off of Giambi's glove in the 4th.

"I just wasn't happy with that, so I took him out," the manager said.

Carl Pavano, yesterday's starter left in the 6th inning with a stiff left hip, but still recorded the win. Pavano is 3-1 on the year.

To close things out, Mariano Rivera came in to get one out in the 9th inning to record his 35th save of the year and 478th of his career tying him with Lee Smith for 2nd all-time.

In a time when the Yankees need everyone to step up Jeter has answered the call. With his 9 hits this weekend he raises his batting average to .408 in his last 29 games, talk about clutch. With the season winding down and the Yankees seemingly headed for an early winter yesterday gave you alot to cheer for. In the future when you look back at these Yankees you'll always remember Derek Jeter, always consistent and always a winner.

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Carl Pavano, Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, Joe Girardi, Mariano Rivera, Robinson Cano, Yankees

As I've stated before there are many factors that led to this disappointing 2008 season. Offense, defense, pitching, manager, general manager. Today we focus on Joe Girardi.

"I take responsibility for it, that's the only way I know how to do it," Girardi said. "Obviously, my job is to get the most out of everyone."

Well it appears he didn't. Somewhere along the way I believe he lost his players. Melky Cabrera had a good April, then disappeared. Robinson Cano forgot that he was the second coming of Rod Carew in the first half, and even at times in the second half. Those are two players that played well under Joe Torre, oops, I shouldn't have mentioned that name. More on him later. Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy were absolute busts. Kennedy didn't seem botheres by his last performance in Anahiem where he was rocked again and thought he pitched well. That got him a first class ticket back to the minors. Even through the let downs, Girardi has done well with the hand he was dealt.

Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Mike Mussina and Brian Bruney were asked about Girardi's performance and praised him. Others on the team chose not to comment. Hmm. Not good. That right there shows you how the clubhouse seems divided. That was never the case under Mr Torre. Girardi's biggest mistakes might've been trying to mix and match the lineup too much. Also his always optimistic attitude has come off as a joke. He's told the media his players are fine and then those players magically get hurt within days, if not hours.


That guy in L.A. Joe Torre is sitting pretty at the top of the NL West while Girardi's Yanks sit in fourth place. Had Torre delivered a fourth place team in September he would surely be out the door by now, but since Girardi is handpicked by Brain Cashman and given the ok by the Steinbrenner family, his job is safe.....for now.

"Joe has done a good job, he had to deal with a lot," Cashman said of the Yankees losing Jorge Posada, Hideki Matsui and Chien-Ming Wang for extended stretches. "He never used excuses and has always looked to solve the problem. He has handled our pitchers very well, he and (pitching coach) Dave Eiland have done a good job."

I agree but I also think if Torre was here the Yankees wouldn't be in this position. It's a debate that will linger all winter long because the bottom line is this: Torre got the Yanks to the playoffs every year he was here. Girardi failed in his first try. Can't blame Girardi for it, but it does show how effortless Torre made the job seem. Now that the Dodgers look to be playing in October while the Yanks sit at home, Torre's laughable State Farm commerical about his new life in L.A. isn't so funny. He looks like a genius for walking away from the Yankees. What happens if the Dodgers win the World Series? How will that affect Girardi's job? Time will tell.

I think Girardi did what he could this season and I don't hold him accountable. I wanted him as the manager so I have to accept the fate that came along with it. He showed me some fire this season and I liked it. The night he got thrown out and threw his hat to the ground and put on a Lou Pinella like tantrum I got all fired up. It was what I wanted to see, it's what many fans wanted to see. For that night it worked as the Yankees made a 9th inning comeback. Since then, we've got a toned down Girardi, that I don't like. Let the man do his job the way he sees fit. I think he's trying too much to be a media's manager. Let him scream, curse, shove. Whatever gets the job done. Maybe then, ALL of his players will respect him and then ALL of them will play with some pride. While I can't say poor Joe, I can certainly say shame on those players who gave up on him and the team. The lesson we learned here....Joe Torre is a sure genius!

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Brain Cashman, Derek Jeter, Joe Girardi, Joe Torre, Melky Cabrera, Mike Mussina, Robinson Cano, Yankees

20 games to go, 7.5 games out of the wild card and the Yankees still think they have a shot at making the postseason. That shipped has sailed. The season ended the night Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedoria hit a grand slam to break open a "close" game. At the end of that grand slam Jonathan Papelbon stood with his arms opened as if he stood there in victory. Boy was he right. The Yankees haven't recovered from that onslaught.

As a Yankee fan I am ashamed of this team. Such promise and so talented, injuries or no injuries, they still had the pieces to make this thing interesting down to the last day but I feel like most of the team has given up. A-Rod can't hit the clutch again, Cano makes dumb mistakes a player of his caliber shouldn't be making, Jeter isn't himself this year, Pettitte seems to be down to his last few breaths, Melky Cabrera should be playing in some Independent League, Giambi is all or nothing, Veras is no modern day Jeff Nelson, Ramirez is no modern day Ramiro Mendoza. I've had enough of Girardi and his positive outlooks. That's not what he was brought here for. He was brought here to institute passion into the players who essentially need a good kick in their rear. Cano cost the Yankees a game last week by being nonchalant and when asked about it you compare him to being as smooth as Roberto Alomar?! Are you serious? I guess he was talking about the Roberto Alomar that couldn't buy a hit in his last days as a Met. That kind of stuff gets me pi***d.

Then you get quotes like:

"We're not out of it yet, All we can do is go out there and play hard." - Johnny Damon

"I look at this team and I look at our lineup and I feel like this team should win....I feel like this team should beat up on people. That's how I feel." - Andy Pettitte

“How many games do we have left?” Told there were 22, Rodriguez’s eyes grew wide and he muttered an expletive. “You have to do what you can do,” he said. “We have to take it one game at a time and look up after 15 games and see where we stand. Crazier things have happened.” - Alex Rodriguez

I mean why is there a sense of urgency now and why wasn't there any in August? I have to question the leadership of this team. They're in crisis mode now and need to win now at any costs. The Rockies did it last year, so did the Phillies. So you can't tell me the almighty New York Yankees can't make miracles happen. It just seems unlikely. What a shame. The Yankees will go home on September 28th once the final out is made in Fenway Park. Money can't buy you happiness or a championship these days. Not only that but now it doesn't even buy you a pass to the postseason. That's pathetic. 20 games to go, 10 more at the Stadium, why bother playing themnd ? Oh yea, it's the last year of Yankee Stadium, apparently the memo never got to the Yanks. Instead of playing for a championship to close out the most historic stadium of all time, they're closing it out against the Batimore Orioles on ESPN, oh joy, what excitement, I can't wait!

Read more »

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

0 Comments

Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, Joe Girardi, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Yankees