Some dates to remember in 2015


May 24: Will retire No. 51 and present plaque in Monument Park to Bernie Williams

June 20:  Present plaque in Monument Park to Willie Randolph and it will also be Old Timer's Day.

August 22: Will retire No. 20 and present plaque in Monument Park to Jorge Posada

August 23: Will retire No. 46 and present plaque in Monument Park to Andy Pettitte

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Tags: Andy Pettitte, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Old Timers Day, Willie Randoplh, Yankees

Is this Derek Jeter's last year in pinstripes? It could be. Jeter is entering his final season of the 10-year $189 million contract he signed before the 2001 season. Logic says Jeter will remain in the Bronx until his career is over. I sure hope so.

Jeter is considered one of the best players of his generation. The number of accomplishments he has in his 14 year career are incredible. He is the all-time hits leader among shortstops, all-time Yankees hit leader, a ten-time All Star, a five-time world champion, and is the only player in history to win the All-Star and World Series MVP in the same season. He also just won Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year for 2009. That is just some of what Derek has done in his time with the Yankees.

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has made it known that he does not like to talk about contract extensions or contract status until the final season has been played out. Such an example occured during the 2007 season. Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada were pending free agents and wanted to have their contracts in place for the 2007 season so there would be no distraction of contract talk. Cashman and the Yanks held firm to their business plan of not re-negiocating contracts until season's end. The move didn't sit too well with Rivera and Posada who were looking at a future that might not longer see them playing in the Bronx. The Yanks ultimately re-signed both players. Rivera is a free agent after this season to go along with Jeter.

The question is what will the Yankees offer Jeter to finish his career in pinstripes? Surely the Captain has to retire a Yankee. Jeter will turn 36 on June 26 and the Yankees could give Derek a three or four year deal around 15 million. Would that be enough for Derek? One would think it is. With all the endorsements that Jeter is committed to, that number of 15 million could easily be doubled if he remains a Yankee. There is no brighter stage than Yankee Stadium and the New York Yankees and Derek knows that. It'll be interesting to see how the Yankees address his contract situation in the coming year.

As a fan, I can NOT see Jeter in any other uniform. It's weird seeing him in the Team USA uniform for the World Baseball Classic, how can I see him in an Angels jersey or a Cubs jersey? I think Jeter will stay in pinstripes until he's ready to call it quits on an amazing career. A career full of milestones, money, championships, and memorable plays....and how can we forget women. Jeter is said to be getting married in the fall of 2010. My friends, we have seen it all. Derek Jeter is this generation's Joe DiMaggio. An icon, a legend, an idol, a larger than life persona, but most importantly...a Yankee.



Career highlights and awards
10× All-Star selection (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
5× World Series champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009)
4× Gold Glove Award winner (2004, 2005, 2006, 2009)
4× Silver Slugger Award winner (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
2× AL Hank Aaron Award winner (2006, 2009)
1996 AL Rookie of the Year Award
2000 All-Star Game MVP Award
2000 World Series MVP Award
2000 Babe Ruth Award
2009 Roberto Clemente Award
2009 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

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Tags: Baseball, Brian Cashman, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, New Yankee Stadium, Yankee Stadium, 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

The Yankees are in first place! All by themselves. The last time that happened was October 1, 2006...971 days ago. No matter how long ago it was, they are on top right now and as a fan, I have to say it feels pretty good.

As I mentioned last week in one of my posts, things are clicking on all cylinders. They have 13 of their last 16 and are 14-5 since A-Rod's on May 8th. Jorge Posada was activated off the DL last night and returned to the starting lineup. It was the first time since June 22 of last year that A-Rod, Posada and Hideki Matsui were all in the same lineup. Things look to only be getting better for the Yanks.

It's still May so there really isn't any significance in being in first place now but it still feels good. After a dreadful April and all the injuries that have hit the Bombers so far this season the Yanks will take their cut at the top. The baseball season is about to get hot as the calendar turns to June and the temps start rising...the Yanks are already there and look to stay there.



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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Yankees

The Yankees are having a homestand for the ages. They have 4 walk-off wins and have had some memorible moments. Who says this Yankee Stadium doesn't have any history?

We saw 3 walk-off wins in a row last weekend. When did you ever see that? A-Rod has been hitting HR's left and right. That's all he's hitting right now but we'll take it. Mark Teixeria is hitting anything and everything. Robinson Cano remembers how he hit in 2007 and so far isn't breaking stride. CC Sabathia is finally the real CC. Melky Cabrera has been money in the clutch. I mean things are clicking on all cylinders now.

What makes this homestand so great is that you can see how the Yankees are finally loosening up. Pies in the face by AJ Burnett, crazy haircuts by Nick Swisher, a WWE Title awarded to the MVP of each game by Johnny Damon. This stuff is great. Where has all this been the last few years. The relaxed Bombers are a fun team to watch. It's been a pleasure to watch. I'm glad to see the chemistry is finally coming along.

The presence of Alex Rodriguez was thought to be sort of a distraction but it hasn't. If anything he was the right man at the right time coming to a team who deseperatly needed him. He's contributing and so is everyone around him. How long is this little run of coolness going to be around the Bombers? I'd say all season but it's going to be one long summer so anything can happen. But remember...the Yankees will get healthier, Jorge Posada, Xavier Nady,and Chein Ming Wang are all expected to reclaim thier roles in the next few weeks. What happens then? Who knows, but for the time being, this is the best team to watch, beacuse if you don't, you're gonna miss something amazing.



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Tags: AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Chein-Ming Wang, Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada, Mark Teixeira, Melky Cabrera, Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano, Xavier Nady, Yankee Stadium, Yankees

Angels 8
Yankees 4

CC Sabathia looked alright through most of the game but Johnny Damon not being able to handle that fly ball led to the flood gates opening and the Yanks couldn't bounce back like they did Friday night. They added a few runs in the bottom of the 9th but ultimately came up short. Jorge Posada has been looking really good lately as he's been swinging the bat lately, his production last season was missed throughtout the year. Phil Hughes goes this afternoon and tries to top his stellar start in Detriot.


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Tags: Baseball, CC Sabathia, Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada, Los Angeles Angels, Phil Hughes, QuickCap, Yankees

Angels 9
Yankees 10

Last weekend the Yankees blew 2 games in Boston they should've won. They almost started this weekend the same way. With a lead of 4-0 in the 6th Andy Pettitte fell apart and the Halos scored 6 runs with 2 outs. The Yanks tried their best to come back themselves and got to trailing 9-8 in the 8th. In the 9th they got a walk from Mark Teixeira and base hits by Hideki Matsui and Robinson Cano to load the bases. Jorge Posada then came up and got the game winning two-run single to send everyone home happy. Good game but there are some serious issues with the bullpen, let's see what the Yanks do to address this.


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Tags: Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Los Angeles Angels, Mark Teixeira, QuickCap, Robinson Cano, Yankees

Last night the Yankees opened their new Stadium in style. I was able to score a ticket from a co-worker yesterday morning and thus I was headed for the new ballpark in the Bronx.

The place is amazing, it really is. If you're going to a game you should go early and just walk around. There's so much room to navigate. There are team stores all throughout the stadium. There is so many more options when it comes to food and the line to wait for it isn't bad either. May I recommend the garlic fries, they were incredible, the smell from the garlic will get to you at some point while you're passing the concourse and you WILL be tempted to try them. There are HD TVs everywhere you go. Bring a camera with you when you arrive to the park because you will be taking a million pictures.

My seats were in the second row right behind the Right Field Foul Pole. I saw myself on tv a few times last night, boy was that cool. Hideki Matsui's Homerun off the RF foul Pole was heading right for me if it didn't hit. I got to see Chien-Ming Wang, Jorge Posada, and Derek Jeter up close from the standing right at the RF wall. Even Ted Lily made his way to where I was and I could see the focus on his face as he was preparing for the game last night. As I was walking around the stadium I got to go to the LF wall and watch the Cubs work oout right in front of me, pretty cool stuff. I didn't get to see Monument Park because it was closed due to to the rain but I'll get a chance to see it when I return on April 18th. I was very impressed by the new digs and it was without question a more enjoyable experience than the old stadium. More room, more comfort, more to see, more to eat, more everything, how could you go wrong? I give the place an A from what I saw. I'm sure I didn't see everything (the resturants were booked so I couldn't get in) but I don't doubt they are top notch places.

As for the game, Matsui, Robinson Cano, and Cody Ransom all hit home runs to help the Yankees overcome an early deficit and thus the Yanks won 7-4. Once I'm able to upload the pics I took, I will post them here. If you're going to the game today, enjoy yourself, you will truly be in awe.


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Tags: Chein-Ming Wang, Cody Ransom, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Robinson Cano, Spring Training, Yankee Stadium, Yankees

As of right now there is no decision made on what is going to happen with Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees are trying to explore every possible option before making a decision. That's only logical considering the magnitude of the situation. Alex is a player you can't replace no matter how hard you try and if the Yanks can keep him in the lineup then that's what they're going to do. But how smart is that move?

If Alex needs surgery then he should get it ASAP. Some sources have claimed that the surgery for A-Rod's hip can happen as early as Monday. If that is the case then he will be out for around four months and he won't be back until the All-Star Break in July. This is really a tough situation the Yankees are put in again with Alex. It really is amazing how much has gone on with Alex over the last month or so, it seems surreal.

The reality of this situation is that the Yankees are handcuffed either way so they should just opt for the surgery. You would get a free month (this month) of rest and rehab and then just hope that Mark Teixeria can handle the new found pressure on his shoulders. The rotation WILL have to live up to their billing and deliver in the absence of Rodriguez. A lot is expected from the Yankees this year, with or without Alex so you have to do what's best for the team and have him get the surgery and get healthy. There is no sense in having him play the year hurt, especially if it could jeopardize his remaining years in pinstripes.

It's a no win situation for the Yanks. They are going to have to hope from bounce back years from Robinson Cano, Hideki Matsui, and Jorge Posada. If those guys along with Derek Jeter play up to expectations then the Yanks will be fine, but if they don't, Boston and Tampa Bay will be right there every step of the way ready to return to October.



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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Spring Training, Yankees

The World Baseball Classic starts on March 1 and one that wants to do anything to play in the tournament is Jorge Posada.

Posada's father has said he wants his son Jorge to represent Puerto Rico in the tournament. The Yankees have said they don't want Posada participating because he's coming off of major shoulder surgery. Posada however is saying he wants to play in the WBC.

“This will be my last chance to play for Puerto Rico and I’m very clear on that”.

It would be nice to see Posada represent Puerto Rico in the tournament and as a fellow Puerto Rican, I would love to see it. Hopefully he and the Yanks can work something out, this will likely be Posada's last chance to participate in the WBC because the next tournament is in 2012, he probably won't be an active player at that point.

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Tags: Baseball, Jorge Posada, World Baseball Classic, Yankees

The Yankees are looking to trade Xavier Nady, a move that most fans are not too supportive of. It's either trade Nady or Nick Swisher.

The Yankees are looking to trade Xavier Nady, a move that most fans are not too supportive of. It's either trade Nady or Nick Swisher.

Going in Swisher's favor is the fact he's a switch hitter and makes $21 million over the next three seasons as opposed to Nady who will be a free agent at the end of the 2009 season. Nady is also represented by Scott Boras which ultimately means he will walk come season's end because the Yankees probably won't give Nady the money he'll be asking for.

Nady was acquired in late July in 2008 and helped proved pop in the lineup. He was a consistent force in the liuneup behind Alex Rodriguez, especially with the Yanks missing Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada for an extended period of time. The Nationals are the only team that have publicly had interest in both Nady and Swisher. I would take there's more teams in the mix but for right now things are quiet on the trading front.

I personally would like to see the Yanks retain both men and think they should take their chances come next winter with Nady. They do have Matsui and Johnny Damon also coming off the books so they're going to need some outfielders. I trust Brian Cashman so I'm not going to worry. But if we do trade Nady we better get a good pitcher in return.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Brain Cashman, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Nick Swisher, Scott Boras, Xavier Nady, 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

The Yankees are in it to win it this year. All it took was an 8-game winning streak and GM Brian Cashman was ready to make some moves, some serious moves. With Thursday's 4 pm trade deadline looming Cashman seems to be working 24-7. As a result, the Yanks went from being left in the dust to serious heavyweights.

On Wednesday afternoon the Yankees traded reliever Kyle Farnsworth to the Detriot Tigers for Ivan Rodriguez. All I can say is wow. This is an excellent trade and Brian Cashman once again shows why he's one of the smartest men in baseball. This is the second major trade that the Yankees have pulled in less than a week. With less than 24 hours away Cash may have one more trick up his sleeve. Is that going to be Washburn? We'll find out before Thursday's deadline.

It's a great move and came at the right time. It addresses the catching issue that needed to be addressed and it doesn't interfere with Jorge Posada and his surgery. Both I-Rod and Farnsy are in the last year of their contracts and both address needs to their new respective teams. The Tigers need a set-up man with Joel Zumaya injured and Fernando Rodney named the new closer, and the Yanks need a stable catcher because Jose Molina just isn't an everyday player.

Rodriguez will be just as solid as Molina behind the plate but he will give the offense a boost. He batted .295 5 HR 32 RBI this season. An upgrade over Molina's .230 0 HR 11 RBI. Molina is best suited as a back up and his defense is superb so you have to look at this as a win-win situation for the Yanks.

Farnsworth has been on a role of late and became of one Joe Girardi's reliable guys out of the bullpen BUT the main factor in this is....he can't be trusted. In Friday night's 1-0 win in Boston over the Sox, Farnsy came into the game in the 8th, surrendered 2 hits and was immediately taken out for Mariano Rivera. To be fair, Kyle just had a bit of bad luck that night because he wasn't hit hard but Girardi wanted to take no chances of a possible mental breakdown so opted for Rivera to finish off the 8th and eventually the 9th. That move right there should've told you that no matter how good Farnsworth pitches, he can NOT be trusted in big spots. So the move was made, Pudge comes to the Bronx and Farnsy goes to Motown.

Pudge helped the Marlins get to the World Series in 2003 and the Tigers in 2006, both times it was his first season with the team. Let's see if he can bring that success to the Bronx.

With Klye gone from the 'pen, it nows leaves the question of who fills in the late inning roles. The 8th inning set-up job appears to be going to Jose Veras who has become a reliable option in the late innings. Edwar Ramirez will probably be your 7th inning guy. I have to say this is a gutsy move on the Yankees part but I like it. Brian Bruney is rehabbing his injured foot and is slated to rejoin the bullpen in the coming weeks so he could also fill one of the late inning spots if the men in front of him don't perform. With the addition of Demaso Marte last week, the Yankees bullpen is looking good and that will be a key factor down the stretch. The pieces are falling into place now and I like it. With Manny Ramirez apparently on his way to Florida, you got to think that the Yankees have a serious shot at October.

The recent dynastic run of the late '90's was the result of a strong core and a combination of a deep bullpen, good starting pitching, productive offense and a mold of solid all around players. My friends, the Yankees are one trade away from returning to form....a trade that appears to be on it's way tomorrow afternoon. If that doesn't happen, Chien-Ming Wang, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Carl Pavano all may make a return before year's end. If you're a Yankees fan, you have to like your chances now....if not, Brian Cashman's got a trick up his sleeve for sure.

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Tags: Baseball, Brain Cashman, Chien Ming Wang, Demaso Marte, Edwar Ramirez, Ian Kennedy, Ivan Rodriguez, Joe Girardi, Jorge Posada, Jose Veras, Kyle Farnsworth, Phil Hughes, Yankees

With the 2008 All-Star game behind us, the second half of the season is upon us. This is where the contenders show their worth and the pretenders fade away. The Yankees have been known as a good second half team over the past few seasons but this might very well be the toughest second half of recent memory.

The Yankees are 51-45 and 5.5 games out of first place. 66 games to go. Now granted this is no reason to be alarmed, BUT do you really think Sidney Ponson is going to continue to pitch effectively throughout the second half? Do you think Richie Sexson will be that much of a help in the lineup? Those two are replacing ace Chien-Ming Wang and slugger Hideki Matsui. Mighty big shoes to fill. How much longer is Mike Mussina going to pitch like its 1999? All of these are BIG questions going into the second half. How about Melky Cabrera in CF? When the heck is he going to hit? Robinson Cano, when does he show us that talent that makes him so untouchable? My friends, I think these Yanks are in serious trouble.

The Yankees were 49-46 after 95 games last season. They ended up winning 94 games. I am a fan and sometimes that alters my thinking of the team and what's realistic but this time, this year I don't see the fight in this team. I don't sense it. I want to believe the Yankees will be playing October baseball but I just don't believe they have it in them. I will admit despite all the injuries (Wang-September, Matsui-Out for the year?, Phil Hughes- September?,Ian Kennedy- ?, A-Rod- 3 weeks, Jorge Posada- 6 weeks, Johnny Damon- a few weeks) the Yanks have done a good job in staying in the race. The Tampa Bay Rays will give the Yanks and Red Sox a run for their money this summer but will eventually fade out. It's the Yanks job to gain ground as the end of the season approaches.

The reason for concern is the .254 hitting with runners in scoring position (heading into last night's game). They hit .293 in similar situations last season.

"It's something that's hard to make sense of," general manager Brian Cashman said. "I have to have belief that these guys will hit because that is what they have done in the past. I have to go on what their track records have been."

But again, this is not Joe Torre's Yankees, it's Joe Girardi's team now. We will now see how much of the last few season was Torre's doing or was it the players? The Bombers have 35 games left on the road, 43 games against teams with a record over .500. Things have to get going now. I've said it all season that I will wait until at least the All-Star break to look at where the Yanks are and what their situation is and what lies ahead of them. Well, at this time, things don't look good in the Bronx. I don't want to count them out just yet, but they're not showing me anything worth believing October baseball is in the future.

In order to reach 94 wins the Yankees will have to go 44-23. It's possible and I hope they do make it. But I predict a 39-27 second half. The result of injuries, inconsistent play and lack of clutch hitting. This will leave them with a 90-72 record. I honestly think even that is a stretch for this team but I'm trying to be as realistic as possibe. The Yanks don't take the divison, the wild card is certainly a possiblity because how many AL teams are going to finish with 90 wins?

"I think we can get it done with the players we have," Derek Jeter said. "There's enough talent on this team to get it done."

Is the captain speaking out of confidence or is he speaking like someone who just happens to always say the right thing?

"It's time for us to get going" Girardi said.

I couldn't agree more. I hope the Yanks prove me wrong.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, Ian Kennedy, Joe Girardi, Joe Torre, Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada, Melky Cabrera, Mike Mussina, Phil Hughes, Richie Sexson, Sidney Ponson, Yankees

Yesterday was quite the day for New York baseball. One of those days that rarely happen, which makes it more memorable. Both the Mets and Yankees didn't disappoint as both teams won a game to split the home and home twinbill.

Game 1:

Carlos Delgado was the story. He hit 2 HR's and had a Mets franchise record 9 RBI. The same Carlos Delgado that the NY Post wanted out of town. Make no mistake about it, Delgado still has something left in him, or was it a result of the bad pitching he faced? Whatever the case may be, his 2 HRs were some of the longest HR's you will ever see hit at Yankee Stadium. If you have not seen them, then I'd suggest you make it to business to YouTube it or turn on ESPN. I'm not sure those balls Delgado hit have landed yet.

Dan Giese got the start and pitched poorly. He threw 100 plus pitches in 4 plus innings. He got into trouble in the fifth when he walked Jose Reyes and Luis Castillo. David Wright then followed with a base hit and the bases were loaded. Exit Giese, enter Edwar Ramirez. Two batters later Delgado followed with a 2-run double.

"It was like every time I came up, I had a lot of guys on base," said Delgado, who is hitting .462 (6-for-13) with two homers and 11 RBI in his first three games against the Yankees this season. "I got good pitches to hit and I was able to drive them. It's nice to go out and get a good game."

Boy did Delgado make the Yankees pitching look bad. I mean he got the hits off of Giese, Ross Ohlendorf, and LaTroy Hawkins. Not excatly top of the line pitchers but Carlos got the job done. The end result was a Mets 15-6 victory in Game 1 of the split stadium doubleheader.

"It doesn't matter if it's Yankees-Mets or whoever is playing," Jorge Posada said. "It's all about executing pitches, and today, that wasn't the case."

This game showed how much the Yankees lack pitching depth and if I were Brian Cashman, I'd look at that game and get on the phone quick. There's no way you can keep running these guys out there. Giese got released by the Giants, Ohlendof wouldn't be in the majors if the Yanks didn't lack depth, and Hawkins....well I don't know why he has a job. Enough said.

Nothing you can take positive out of this game if you're a Yankee fan. Maybe Alex Rodriguez' 3 for 4 day, with a HR and 2 RBI. The Yanks were 4 for 14 with runners in the scoring position by the 4th inning! You can't win games with stats like that. Just a bad overall performance by the Yanks and a good game for the Mets.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Brain Cashman, Dan Giese, Edwar Ramirez, Jorge Posada, Mets, Ross Ohlendorf, Yankees

Johnny Damon returned last night to Oakland. A place he used to play in 2001. In the last few weeks, Damon has returned to being "Johnny Damon". He's playing the way he is know for, being an offensive sparkplug.

His batting average has gone from .265 to .325 in his recent surge. That placed him third in the American League at the start of play last night. His OBP is .392, a stat that is very important now that Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada are back in the lineup.

"Last year, I wasn't healthy for at least 100 games," Damon said last night before the Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics 3-1. "You could definitely tell. But things have gone OK so far this year."

He's also growing a mustache. Jason Giambi has been sporting it and has seen his numbers go up as well. Maybe there is something to the 'stache. Damon has also been very vocal about the team's moves and inconsistent play.

"We've had some great comebacks the last couple of days. You think it would help us out the next day and it hasn't. We haven't been able to build off the momentum. There's a lot we need to figure out.
We definitely think we can get on a run. But we need to do it now. Last year was just an amazing comeback that we had," he said. "But with our division being tougher, that's going to be tougher to do."

I agree. I feel like Damon is speaking for the fans. Damon is addressing a lot of issues that Yankee fans want answers to. Joba's move to the rotation and the inconsistent play are some prime examples. I hope his teammates are listening to him and will respond with playing well on the field. Last season when Posada questioned the heart of the team and they responded. Let's see if Damon's recent "rants" lead to any change in play. Let's hope so.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada, Yankees

Michael Kay said it best when he said "this is the biggest win of the season". No question about it, it surely was.

Chien Ming Wang was awful again and goes winless for the sixth consecutive start. Melky Cabrera didn't help his cause either by dropping a flyball that helped jumpstart the Toronto offense.

Kyle Farnsworth did his usual, give up runs. The Yankees have had many leads this season that have quickly disappeared, something that is occurring too often in my opinion.

But the Yankees fought back. On the day they got Jorge Posada back in the lineup, we saw life from the New York offense. Wilson Betemit slugged his second homerun in as many days and Jason Giambi on a sore foot hit a game winning two-run homerun into the upper deck to send the fans home happy. Yes, the 'stache is working.

Whatever powers that come from the 'stache or the gold thong, Giambi has been hitting the ball well in recent weeks. Today, with two outs and two strikes he hit one far into the afternoon sun. And so as a result, the Yanks are back at .500 and won the series from Toronto.

I, along with many people (Kay and ESPN's Tim Kurkijan) agree that this is the biggest win of the year and this should be the point where this 2008 season takes a turn for the better. It's no coincidence that with Posada back in the lineup, the offense got going. We'll see what the Bombers do from this point forward.

You had to see it coming. In the bottom of the 8th, Johnny Damon (another guy donning the 'stache) almost gave the Yanks the lead. With two outs and runners at second and third Damon drove one out to deep right center where Lyle Overbay made a great catch to save the game. Gotta give Overbay some love for his "web gem."

On the downside of things today, Wang was not himself. It's getting to the point where you have to start wondering what's wrong with the Yankee "ace". Wang says his arm slot is not there and thus causing him to elevate his slider but now having gone six straight outings without a win, something is wrong. If it's an injury, the Yanks will keep that tight lipped. If it's mechanics, then Wang needs to tinker around with them during his bullpen sessions. One would think that Wang's leg injury that had him get an extra day of rest a couple weeks ago is the root of the problem.

I'm no doctor but the Yanks better find out what's wrong with him and find out soon. You're not going to have games like today every fifth day so if Wang is injured, then rest him and have him miss a start if need be. But if Wang continues to struggle like this then the Yanks can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye. There's no calavary on the way this year, unless you view free agent David Wells this year's impending savior. Joba's in the rotation now, so now is the time to get it together and win.

Today was a huge win for the Yankees for so many reasons. It's time to build off of it and run with it. Time is ticking...but you have to believe this team is about to hit their stride. I can only assume for now...I just hope they don't make me look bad for being so optimistic.

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Tags: Chien Ming Wang, David Wells, Jason Giambi, Joba Chamberlain, Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada, Melky Cabrera

Things aren't right in the Bronx. That comes as no surprise. What does, is the lack of offense coming from the Yankees.

The Yankees lost another game and another series. This loss might be cause for some action. The powers that be, Hank Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman might need to find something to boost this ballclub. In recent years the Yanks have made additions to the ballclub when they felt it was necessary. We've seen them get guys off the free agent market: Aaron Small, Shawn Chacon, Roger Clemens and we've seen them promote within the organization: Chien Ming Wang, Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera, and Joba Chamberlain.

Each of those moves have proved to be vital in terms of injecting life to a team that lacks the energy a $200 million ballclub should have. Granted, these moves have not led the Yanks to the World Series, but it has led them to the postseason. October baseball is a long way from now but it seems like years away with the way the Yankees have been playing.

12 runs scored in the last 6 games?? Horrid. Losing 8 of 11? Terrible. 20-24? Disappointing. Last place? Embarassing. I think the point was put across. I have said time and time again that the Yanks have been in worse situations ('05 and '07) but those were under different situations. Those were under the calm, cool, and collected Joe Torre. Those teams seemed to have an answer for the slow start. This season is under Joe Girardi, a much more emotional guy. Also, the Yanks had to go on incredible runs to make the playoffs in those years. Robinson Cano had a monster second half. Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada had career years last season and ironically both are out now with injuries.

“It doesn’t matter if people are out. You can bring back Ruth, Gehrig and DiMaggio, other guys have to step up. Every team deals with injuries over the course of the year” said Derek Jeter after Sunday night's 11-2 loss to the Mets.

A-Rod is expected back on Tuesday which will help the offense but he can't do it alone. The Yanks need to find a way to get things going. Darrell Rasner so far has been a nice addition to the team but he's only had 2 starts. The bench has been awful, the bullpen has come back to earth after having a nice stretch and the top guys in the roation Wang and Andy Pettitte are expected to win every game they pitch..that's not possible. Mike Mussina has stepped up nicely recently, let's hope that continues.

So what excatly is the answer for the 2008 Yankees? I wish I knew. I hope Cashman and his crew have a plan or else it's going to be a long and ugly summer.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Chien Ming Wang, Darell Rasner, Derek Jeter, Joe Girardi, Joe Torre, Jorge Posada, Melky Cabrera, Mets, Mike Mussina, Yankees

In the wake of the Subway Series, I have a lot of questions going in.

I would have to say that New York is still a baseball city. Just anyone you ask has an opinion on the Mets and Yankees. You don't really get that with the other sports. Everyone in New York knows who Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Jose Reyes, David Wright are. You ask many people who made that Super Bowl saving catch,possibly the best catch ever for the Giants this year and it might take awhile to get an answer. Sure, everyone knows who Eli Manning is...now, but this is still a baseball town. Look around the 'net and you see Met and Yankee blogs and sites all over the place. With that being said, there are a lot of frustrated people out there. Especially those fans who followed the Knicks and Nets during the winter. Now they see the same thing happening with the boys from the Bronx and for the guys from Queens.

Both teams have underachieved this season thus far. This meeting this weekend will put even more pressure on the two teams. The question right now is, who is under the most pressure to win this series?


The logical answer seems to be the Yankees and their $200 million payroll and last place status. Especially after losing three of four to the not-so lowly Rays. But, I believe Willie Randolph and company are in serious trouble if they don't show some life this weekend. They are coming off losing three of four to the lowly Nationals. Word around town is that Willie might not even make it to Monday as Mets skipper. I don't think the guys in the office need to push the panic button this early into the season but for a franchise that is still trying to recover from last Setember's collapse, it seems like the apprioate action.

Johan Santana was thought to be brought in as a savior..I guess his 4-2 record isn't good enough. Andy Pettitte is 3-4 and you don't see Yankee fans going crazy. It's because we trust Pettitte and we know he will work himself out. So does the organization. The Mets need to trust their guys, there's reason for concern, sure but no need to worry. Johan is still going to win 15 or 16 games, he is still going to be what you need him to be. John Maine is pitching like the number 2 guy the Mets need. I'd wait at least until the All-Star break before putting anyone on the hot seat.

In the Bronx, the Yanks haven't hit. The pitching has been there. Ok, so Ian Kennedy wasn't great in his return, but the bullpen has been as good as we've seen in a long time. If the Yankees didn't have their "B-" lineup out there, then it's logical to think that one of Joba Chamberlain's loses and Mariano Rivera's loss could've been avoided. Chien-Ming Wang could be halfway to 16 wins by now, but the offense has slept through the first quarter of the season. No A-Rod and no Posada sure does hurt..but so does Jason Giambi's sub .200 average. Also one thing that manager Joe Girardi needs to stop is the constant changing of the lineups. It's a different lineup every single day. Why? What's the purpose? Leave it alone, be consistent with it. Melky Cabrera comes in and see himself batting, 1st,2nd,6th,8th, and 9th. Why is he all over the lineup? He's either your 1st or 9th hitter. With his new found power, 6th is passable, but that's not his game.

All the nonsense needs to leave the clubhouse too. Get rid of the gold thongs, get rid of the he said-she said stuff and get down to playing baseball. Concentrate on playing the game. A lot is expected of both teams so start giving everyone their money's worth.

This series, which is now a two game series might be benefical to both clubs. Spilit the two games and you're back at square one. The team that loses both games is going to be in trouble and will have to answer a lot of questions. Wait...that happens now. So what excatly do we get out of this series? Both teams are stinking up the town so should we really except great games or should we expect both teams to play up to their capabilties? I hope for the latter. Nontheless, New York is going to be watching this weekend, the country will be watching Sunday Night on ESPN, so I sure hope both teams can put on a show.

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Tags: Baseball, Chien Ming Wang, Eli Manning, Ian Kennedy, Jason Giambi, Joe Girardi, Johan Santana, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Melky Cabrera, Mets, Yankees

These are NOT your New York Yankees playing out there. It can't be. They look like the Yankees, but sure aren't playing like them. If you saw last night's 8-4 loss to the Detriot Tigers then you know what I'm talking about.

Ian Kennedy pitched well through the first 2.2 innings, then gave up four runs before he got the final out of the inning. Bobby Abreu misplayed two flyballs that arguably could've been caught. Instead he stumbled and crashed into walls. As a result, the Tigers were all over Kennedy and the Yanks. Kennedy never made it out of the fifth inning. His final line for the night: five hits,four runs and three walks over 4 2/3.

The Yankees offense did little again. Abreu got the Yanks rollin out of the gate with a three run homerun in the first but that was it. They left 11 men on base, 28 for the series. A series that saw the Tigers get their first three game sweep in the Bronx since 1966.

Earlier in the day, it was revealed that Phil Hughes would be out for at least two months with a strain in his rib cage. With him out of the rotation the Yankees need to find a replacement. With Kennedy and his 8.37 ERA in six outings, they also need to find a replacement for him.

"He's still having that inning that he's having a hard time closing out, and he's not giving us the distance that we need," manager Joe Girardi said. "It's frustrating for him and it's frustrating for us. ... We have to talk about it. We don't need a fifth starter as much in May as we did in the month of April. We have to figure out what's the best plan for Ian Kennedy."

Girardi's club is 14-16 and headed in the same direction as last year's team and the 2005 Yanks, down....but not out. Both the '05 and '07 teams made it to the postseason after dreadful starts so there should still be optimism. You could look at the injuries as a reason to justify the record or you could blame all on Hughes and Kennedy. That wouldn't be right because the offense hasn't done much either. The missing links of Jorge Posada and Alex Rodriguez seem to be the biggest losses. Posada is good at helping a pitching staff, one that needs all the help in the world and Rodriguez is one of the most feared hitters in the game.

The biggest concern is the pitching and after last night's outing where do they go from here?

"I think I've proven I can pitch here in the past," Kennedy said. "I might not be pitching that well now, but it's only my fourth or fifth start. It'll work out sometime."

Sometime needs to be sooner than later...A LOT sooner. If this keeps going on, the question then becomes how desperate are the Yankees going to become? At this rate, we're going to find out very soon.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Bobby Abreu, Ian Kennedy, Joe Girardi, Jorge Posada, Phil Hughes, Yankees