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.




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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

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

Here we go again. The Yankees are again, one win away from winning the World Series. This time, if they do reach their goal, it'll be in the comfort of their own home and in front of the best fans in the world...at Yankee Stadium.

The image of the Yankees celebrating in the new home is something many people want to see and were rooting for all along in this series. Now, the time has come for it to happen.

Tomorrow night, the Yankees have Andy Pettitte going against the Phillies Pedro Martinez. As if this game didn't already have enough buzz, the matchup of Andy vs Pedro reminds us of the classic battles between the Red Sox and Yankees in the 2003 and 2004 ALCS'. Both of which had their historic moments. Tomorrow is no different. If Andy can deliver in Game 6 the way he did against the Angels in Game 6 of this year's ALCS then the new home of the Yanks will be fully christened. If Pedro can reach back and show us the Pedro of old, then Thursday night, there will be a Game 7. And from there, it's anyone's game.

A Game 7 on Thursday night means CC Sabathia comes back on 3 days rest. It means he comes back for the 3rd time in the Series. It means that Phillies Game 3 loser Cole Hamels gets the ball with everything on the line. It means EVERYONE on both rosters is avaliable. It means Mariano Rivera might have to be ready to pitch 3 innings. It means the Yankees might see Cliff Lee again, maybe in the 7th or 8th innings, coming in to put the nail in the coffin,much like Randy Johnson did for the Diamondbacks in 2001 in Game 7 of that World Series (Johnson came into Game 7 in the 9th to limit the Yankee offense so the D-Backs had a shot to make a comeback and win.....a half inning later they did.) It means ANYTHING can, and WILL happen. It doesn't matter if you're in the Bronx or in Philly. Game 7 has a life of it's own and along come moments that will etch in stone for years to come. The Yanks DO NOT want to see Game 7, the Phils would.

That's why tomorrow night, in the Bronx Andy Pettitte needs to be Andy Pettitte. That tough, gritty, give-it-his-all mentality that defines Andy needs to be there. It needs to take the ball and deliver home a World Championship. Tomorrow night is why Andy came back. One more chance to become a champion. One more chance to show the whole world why he is one of the greatest Yankees of all-time. One more chance to prove to himself he can still be one of the very best at what he does and finally...one more chance to show what it means to be a true Yankee.

The numbers don't suggest Andy will be on his game tomorrow night but at this time of the year, numbers don't matter very much. The only numbers that do...the Yanks are 1 win away from their 27th championship in franchise history. Those are the only numbers we care about. It's the only ones Andy cares about. Hopefully, after all is said and dont tomorrow night, no. 46 delivers no. 27 to the Bronx.

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Tags: Andy Pettitte, Baseball, CC Sabathia, New Yankee Stadium, Pedro Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies, World Series, Yankees

Game 1 tomorrow night is going to be special. It's the first World Series game in the Bronx in 6 years. For some cities, that would be great, but not here in the boogie down. We're used to having it every year here but times have been rough in recent years so the World Series took a leave of absence. Now, it's back and everyone will be watching.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys are set to perform their hit "Empire State of Mind" before Game 1 Wednesday night. Many people, myself included think that is the Yankee anthem for this postseason. Derek Jeter uses it as his walk-to-the-plate music so it has to be cool. The World Series in Yankee Stadium is not like anything else you've ever seen. There's alot of history there. Yes, it is a different stadium but the ghosts from Postseasons past made the trip across the street. They will be in attendance tomorrow and Thursday.

The fans will be going wild, the lights will be bright and all eyes will be on CC Sabathia, the Yankees ace. He is 3-0 this October in his 3 starts. He has given the Yanks everything they could've ever asked for. Big pitches in big moments in big games. He was named the ALCS MVP, rightfully so. He will be asked to put the Yankees ahead in a series where they might be meeting their match. Who knows, but one thing is for sure, if Sabathia is on his game tomorrow night, there is no beating the Yankees. If he comes back for another start or two and he comes up big again...there is no beating the Yankees. The Yanks will be your world champions.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves but it sure feels good to be a Yankee fan these days. It's been a long time since we've gone this far, so let's enjoy it as much as we can for the time being....because this might just be a prelude of things to come. If it is, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys may be performing on Broadway next week while the Yankees go down the Canyon of Heroes.

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Tags: Baseball, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, New Yankee Stadium, World Series, Yankees

The Yankees are going to the World Series! For the 40th timein franchise history and 1st since 2003, the Bombers will be in the Fall Classic.

The Yankees defeated the Angels 4 games to 2 in the ALCS to win the American League Pennant. The win puts the Yankees up against the Phillies in the World Series starting Wednesday night in the Bronx.

Congratulations to the Yankees in reaching the World Series. Time to bring one home boys!

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Tags: Baseball, Los Angeles Angels, New Yankee Stadium, Philadelphia Phillies, World Series, Yankees

Yesterday the Yankees clinched the A.L. East, Home-field Advantage and best record in baseball with their 4-2 win over the Red Sox at the Stadium.


The Yankees are returning to the postseason for the 14th time in the last 15 years. Last season the Bombers missed out on October baseball for the 1st time since 1994.


Newcomers Mark Teixeria, CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Nick Swisher got their 1st taste of what it really means to be a Yankee. They all know their is certainly more work to be done before all is said and done.

After starting the season 0-8 against Boston, the Bombers have won 9 of their last 10 against their divison rivals, a team they very well might be playing again in the ALCS in just a few weeks.


The sweep of the Sox also comes after the Yanks took 2 of 3 from the Angels in Anaheim, a demon they wanted to overcome.


I'd say these Yankees are ready to roll into October and right to a 27th championship. This team is as good as any team that has been here in recent memory, let's hope they can follow through with all the expectations and deliver New York a World Series title.

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Baseball, Boston Red Sox, CC Sabathia, Los Angeles Angels, Mark Teixeira, New Yankee Stadium, Nick Swisher, Yankees

Last night Joe Girardi announced to the world that the "process has started" with Joba Chamberlain. To many fans and many critics it was an announcement that has been long overdue. To some, it's a decision in question.

To any Yankee fan, you know wheter Joba pitches from the bullpen or in the starting rotation he's an important piece to the team now and in the future. There's no debate that he will be a starter next season, a season where the Yankees will need valuable arms in the rotation. Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte could be on their last legs in pinstripes this season so the move to the rotation for Joba is logical. The question is wheter the Yanks can win with Joba making this transition in the middle of the season.

Personally, I love Joba in the 8th inning. He comes in and blows away hitters, he ignites the crowd and brings an abundance of energy with him to the mound. He's the perfect set-up guy to Mariano Rivera, and as we've seen in season's past, that role hasbeen shaky (see: Tom Gordon, Kyle Farnsworth Jeff Nelson II). But the idea of getting Chamberlain ready for a starter's role while still in the 'pen is a good idea. He can still prove to be valuable in the late innings,yet work on his arm strength without going to the minors.

The 2009 projected starting rotation looks to be Chien Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and player to be named. Many, myself included would add C.C. Sabathia to that rotation in '09, but that will be up for discussion during the offseason. Wang is a sure thing at the top of the rotation, Hughes, Kennedy and PTN isn't. Joba has four major league ready pitches and they need to utilized. He simply can not be wasted in the pen for the rest of his career. So the process has begun.


I like the way Girardi made the announcement, I felt like a kid in the candy store when i heard it, I got goosebumps. This also does hint at the Yankees going into Year of Transition. It's been a tough year to this point but it can only get better. By the end of the summer one would think Joba's going to be in the rotation following Wang, Pettitte, Moose and Rasner? What happens to Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes? That's a question that can't be answered now, but it's a good problem to have. The only answer that matters now is that Joba is beginning his transformation into a starter.

Debate it all you want, Joba The Starter vs Joba The Set-up Man. But the call has been made. Joba told Girardi, his coaches and team officals that he wants to be a starter and that's what's going to happen. A good 8th inning guy can come along every now and then but a guy of Joba's talent come once in a blue moon so take advantage of the opportunity that is presented before you. Don't second guess the move, embrace it. Before you make your judgement, why don't we wait to see how this plays out, after all the Yankees will never set themselves up for failure and if they think this is the right move, then that's good enough for me.

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Tags: Andy Pettitte, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Darell Rasner, Ian Kennedy, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Girardi, Mike Mussina, New Yankee Stadium, Phil Hughes, Yankees

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Tags: Baseball, New Yankee Stadium, Yankees