By The CC

To put it in algebraic terms C = New York and C + C = Da Bronx. All said and done it is being reported that CC Sabathia has decided that pinstripes are more slimming.

The hefty lefty has accepted a seven-year, $160 million contract offer from the New York Yankees, the New York Post reported on its web site Wednesday. It is the largest contract ever given to a pitcher. The enormous contract was set president by the contract tendered to Barry Zito by San Francisco two years ago.

The decision came late Tuesday night after Yankees general manager Brian Cashman left the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas to speak with Sabathia and his wife Amber at the lefthander’s home in San Francisco. During the meeting, Sabathia expressed that he wanted to come to the East Coast, play in the American League and shoulder the responsibility that comes with being a superstar in New York, the report states.

It was reported that Tuesday’s meeting between Cashman and Sabathia was the third this week. The first took place on Sunday, when the Yankees brought along manager Joe Girardi and Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

Yanks Cancel Going Away Party

In what was being rumored as the biggest Yankee Stadium send-off has been scrapped. The Yankees have canceled plans for a send-off ceremony to be held November 9th at The Stadium, citing the fact that the last party at the cathedral should be a baseball game.

Rumors that the likes of Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Paul Simon were to be entertaining at the venue that afternoon just never materialized. The event would have included remembrances of many of the non-baseball events at Yankee Stadium. I put this same catagory as when the Yankees stopped their own Fanfest because the crowds were just too large for the venues. (Simple solution was to only sell enough tickets for the venue) The last Yankees Fan Fest was at the Javits Center, guess where the All Star Fan Fest was this year?

Well at least the final game at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 21, was a Yankee victory over the Baltimore Orioles, 7-3. "The event at Yankee Stadium was suppose to be for the charity BAT (Baseball Assistance Team)," the club said in a statement. "However, the Yankees realized that the final event at Yankee Stadium should be a baseball game which already took place with the fantastic closing ceremony. Accordingly to the Daily News, rather than having a fundraiser, the Yankees will be donating $500,000 to BAT."

New York Yankees: An Interactive Guide to the World of Sports

By Danniel J. Brush – David Horne – Marc CB Maxwell

Foreward by Mike Vaccaro, New York Post

A new book is on the shelves and this book actually is enhanced by your computer. Appropriately in the Sports By The Number Series, this book brings you tons of info on America’s best loved and most hated team The New York Yankees.The book is layed out so you don’t have to read it cover to cover, but you probably will wind up doing so anyway. It is a paperback laid out in ten chapters. In each chapter you have 100 facts, lore, records and mini stories.

They are all numbered 1-100 in chapter one, 101 – 200 in chapter two etc.Each number corresponds to an event or story in Yankee history. For instance #30 tells us: The number of times Dave Winfield grounded into a double play in 1983 plus a few more facts to boot. Each chapter also features a Yankee in their own right.

For instance Chapter one is George Steinbrenner and Chapter ten is simply The Legends.Scattered throughout the book are SBTN-All Star and SBTN-Hall of Fame Logos. These logos direct you to the website and give you even more information. Unfortunately the site is not released yet and I couldn’t access it.A great book for any age or fan of America’s Game and Team. A must read.

SUNDAY CEREMONIES

FROM YANKEES.COM


Yankee Stadium gates will open at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday as the Yankees invite fans to take one last memorable stroll through Monument Park. Fans will also be allowed to exit Monument Park onto the field where they will be permitted to walk along the warning track around the outfield and behind home plate. Access to Monument Park is via the staircase at the end of the aisle between the Field and Main Level seats in Section 36. Wheelchair access is via the elevator in Section 24. Field exit from Monument Park will close at approximately 4:00 p.m., prior to pregame batting practice for each team. Monument Park will remain open until 6:45 p.m.
Pregame ceremonies, scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m., will encompass the chronology of Yankees greats who have played at the famous Stadium. Among the distinguished alumni scheduled to take part in the festivities will be Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Goose Gossage, Ron Guidry, Graig Nettles and Bobby Richardson. A historic artifact from the Yankees’ past will also be unveiled during the ceremony. The Yankees are urging fans to be in their seats by 6:50 p.m.
Only fans with valid ticket(s) for Sunday’s game will be admitted and there will be NO RE-ENTRY. Bleacher ticket holders who would like to visit Monument Park should enter the Stadium through Gate 2, 4 or 6.

Fans and media are also reminded that Sunday’s game will NOT be the final event at Yankee Stadium. A ceremony will be held at a later date this fall to celebrate the Stadium, details will follow.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
1:00 p.m: Gates open to the public, Monument Park opens
1:00-4:00 p.m.: Field access for fans
4:15 p.m.: Yankees stretch begins
4:40-5:40 p.m.: Yankees batting practice
5:40-6:20 p.m.: Orioles batting practice
6:45 p.m.: Monument Park closes
6:50 p.m.: Fans are asked to take their seats
7:05 p.m.: Pre-game ceremony begins8:15 p.m. (Approx.): First pitch

Remembering Yankee Stadium: An Oral and Narrative History of "The House That Ruth Built"

A Review By Phil Speranza

Well it was the book that took 86 years in the making but Harvey Frommer’s Remembering Yankee Stadium: An Oral and Narrative History of "The House That Ruth Built" has finally hit the shelves. While most of the Yankee Stadium tributes hit shelves in the spring, it was only fitting that RYS waited until now to become a Fall Classic. Yes Bomber Buddies it was well worth the wait. My initial reaction was that the official release had better photos than this fantastic release but after closer review RYS beats any Yankee Book out there hands down. You go deeper than the aerial view of a packed stadium or the cars lined up in the once vacant Bronx on Opening Day 1923. Every picture in this book triggers off a string of memories. You get up close and dirty with everything from Derek Jeter diving head first into the stands to the ground breaking at the new stadium himself. The 9-11 photos can make you tear up all over again. Mickey Mantle, his swing never looked so sweet.

Who better to write and compile a tribute to an icon such as Yankee Stadium than renowned baseball/Yankee author Harvey Frommer? Frommer makes great use of every Yankee and baseball player he either wrote about or met over his illustrious career. Who else can have a forward written by the Voice of Yankee Stadium, Bob Sheppard? If I have to explain who he is you are reading the wrong book, but Harvey explains who he is as well as his son Paul (Sheppard).
The body of the book like any good Yankee History book is the life of Yankee Stadium from 1923 through today. What makes RYS different is that the glue holding or bridging these stories together is made up of what Harvey Frommer refers to as the voices. The voices are players, celebrities, broadcasters, writers or fans just like you and me. He has documented the people’s memories and used them to personalize the history. By doing this it brought out memories in my mind that I haven’t thought about in years. As a matter a fact BehindtheBombers.com is proud to have four of us fans who had their voices heard (and sent forth). Sharing their Yankee memories from BTB were Dan “Knuckles” McCourt, Gary “Lefteroo” Lefkowitz, Sue Tucker and myself. It was an honor being interview for such a strong tribute to “the cathedral in Da Bronx”.

There is also a section what he calls Stadiumology, where he gives stats like all time Yankee attendance, Plaques in Monument Park and when they were dedicated, the all time Yankee Broadcasters, Stadium Firsts and much, much more.

This is all topped off by one of my favorite, yet minor sections of the book is where the author takes a number and associates it with a player or record or some sort of stat. For example he mentions the 1½ is for the number on the late opera singer Robert Merrill. Who version of the Star Spangled Banner was played at the stadium for as long as I can remember and often sung live by the singer/fan himself. Even for the number 28 which he associates to Thurman Munson’s rookie number.

This book was truly a labor of love, both on the parts of every fan or player he interviewed and especially of Mr. Frommer himself. Will there ever be another stadium that will demand the documentation that Yankee Stadium has gained respect for? Probably not, with Remembering Yankee Stadium on your bookshelf, Yankee Stadium will live on for decades to come. This book is so good I could have filled it with clichés. My Yankee Cap is tipped to Harvey Frommer who has outdone himself once again.

You can pick up Remembering Yankee Stadium: An Oral and Narrative History of "The House That Ruth Built" on Amazon.com

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT.....

Can this team get an worse? Are you millionaires done teasing me? Are Robbie and Melky ever going to stop by for good? Gee Wiz as much as I wouldlove being at the last game at Yankee Stadium I really wouldn't mind it if you would make the playoffs.

You guys better start winning before Hank thinks it is a good idea to let Manny be Manny in Da Bronx next season. Imagine that...."The House That Manny Built!"

Can we find any other ways to lose. We sure have been creative. Aren't you just dying to know who the TBA on the mound ond Wednesday is? Ian Kennedy may have talked his way out of pinstripes the other night. You know what they say about excuses IPK, but you are just looking at yourself through rose color glasses.

Dave Righetti's No Hitter

Can you believe it was twenty five years ago that Dave "Rags" Righetti threw the first Yankee no hitter since the 1956 World Series? It was 1983 at year when there was not much to cheer about in Yankee lore (sort of like this year). It was July 4th, the boss's birthday, New York City only had cable in Manhattan. The Yankee game was broadcasted that day on now defunt Sports Channel. If you wanted to see it in one of the other 4 boroughs you had to be a Wometco Home Theatre (WHT) subscriber. The play by play was the legendary Mel Allen with the classic trio of Phil Rizzuto, Franke Messer and Bill White rotating between there and radio. A side note is that the classic you see of this game has the radio audio. It would have been great to hear Mell Allen do the game.

Rags thanked a lot of people that day but three people he didn't thank was my friends Tommy Maiorana, Jerry Cunningham and myself. You are saying, why should he thank you guys? OK, I will tell you. You see we were offered the Morgan Bank Main Box seats to that game that morning but turned them down because of previous commitments, plus the fact that it was in the mid 90s. You are now saying "so!". Well I'll tell you so, you see if we were in the Stadium we would have changed the karma and Righetti may not have been so lucky.

Steve Kemp of all people who was probably the most unproductive 300 hitter the Yankees ever had made a great play in the field to save the no-no. As you probably know Rags struck out future Yankee Wade Boggs to end the 4-0 game in front of 41,077 fans a video that has played on the Diamond Vision over and over again. Boggs later admitted he felt t hat if he had broke up the no hitter he would not have got out of the stadium alive. Little did he know how much New York would one day love him.

Dave Righetti, the 1981 Rookie of the Year in the American League, was later converted to a releiver when Goose Gossage signed with the Padres and excelled at the role for the rest of his career, although it was "suppose" to be a temporary move. Little did Righetti know that he was going to have only 18 more starts before becoming one of the premiere closers in the game.

This year the Yankees once again play the Red Sox on July 4th. With the Myth and Aura take over again? Will lady luck smile down upon Dave Rasner? Wouldn't it be a Fairy Tale FInal Season cookie for us all to munch on? Will Yogi be in the building? All I know if someone phones me in the morning and offers me tickets behind home plate . . . I ain't going!

GARDNER RECALLED

Brett Gardner, Yankee prospect outfield will be in the Bronx tonight to help out with the outfield injuries.
No word on who is going to be moved to make room for Gardner. Could be that Johnny Damon is more hurt than they are letting on.

SI Yankees Drop second Straight

While it is only the second game of the season, which is equal to the second game of Spring Training, The SI Yankees dropped their second game in as many meeting with the Brooklyn Cyclones by a score of 9-3.

It wouldn't be an Oepning Day on Staten Island without the element of rain, so to make us all feel at home there was an 1:15 rain delay. Missing from the sold out crowd were fixtures that we have grown to come accustomed to in St George. Our condolences go out to Baby-Bombers.com's Robert Pimpster and his dad who lost their Grandfather and Dad repectively. We missed you both tonight. Also missing were Charlie who has been going to the games since CSI and Chris Caputo and company were not on hand to enjoy the David Hasselhoff video.

The free food lines were long and slow and Jane even donned a Ceterplate apron and pitched in, although the Baby Bomber might have need her to pitch in on the mound. Luke Greinke (0-1) took the loss without getting out of the third inning.

APRIL FOOL IN JUNE BTB MINUTE

MINI BOOK REVIEWS

New York Yankees: An Interactive Guide to the World of Sports
By Danniel J. Brush – David Horne – Marc CB Maxwell
Foreward by Mike Vaccaro, New York Post

A new book is on the horizon and this book actually is enhanced by your computer. Appropriately in the Sports By The Number Series, this book brings you tons of info on America’s best loved and most hated team The New York Yankees.

The book is layed out so you don’t have to read it cover to cover, but you probably will wind up doing so anyway. It is a paperback laid out in ten chapters. In each chapter you have 100 facts, lore, records and mini stories. They are all numbered 1-100 in chapter one, 101 – 200 in chapter two etc.

Each number corresponds to an event or story in Yankee history. For instance #30 tells us: The number of times Dave Winfield grounded into a double play in 1983 plus a few more facts to boot. Each chapter also features a Yankee in their own right. For instance Chapter one is George Steinbrenner and Chapter ten is simply The Legends.

Scattered throughout the book are SBTN-All Star and SBTN-Hall of Fame Logos. These logos direct you to the website and give you even more information. Unfortunately the site is not released yet and I couldn’t access it.

A great book for any age or fan of America’s Game and Team. A must read.

THE LAST REAL SEASON
By Mike Shropshire

Mike Shropshire who brought us Seasons in Hell brings us back to earth with his upcoming entry The Last Real Season.

He brings us back to the day before the players made millions. When the AL umps wore those cheesy red blazers.

The story is sort of an autobiographical account of the 1975 season by the author as he covered the Texas Rangers. The Rangers that year were managed by Billy Martin so that alone was worth price of admission. So in this case what happened in the clubhouse didn’t always stay in the clubhouse and quite a bit made it into this journal. That that did is hilarious.

There is a warning however, this book may make you yearn for old time baseball, when players played for the love of the game. I would put this one on your shopping list.

OK IT IS NOW OFFICIAL

Pink is the new Black and the New York Post is now the new National Enquirer.

Look out Yankee fans the Yankees have a 30 year curse upon them!! Why do you ask, because some momo allegedly burried a Red Sox Jersey in the cement foundation of the new Stadium. The New York Post had the photoshopped photos on the front page Saturday to prove it. The photos are allegedly from a camera phone, they are way too sharp for a camera phone. Not only that it was such a big story it took three Post flunkys to write it. You would think they would have needed Joel Sherman or at least George King to cover such a newsworthy item.

But noooooooooooo the tabloid sent out Jeremy Olshan, Jason Nicholas and Chuck Bennent for this tough assignment. It's a good thing the Dog Show wasn't in town, who would cover that?

Well this so called "Gino" from the Bronx buried his own Red Sox Jersey, a $100-200 plus value, for only 30 years of bad luck. Hey Gino you can't hate them that much if you only hexed them for 30 years. Heck our Hexman Louie can undo any hex you can put on. Besides I always thought that you only bury things when they are dead? Are the Sox dead? or their fans? Are you saying that every item buried in any time capsule has a curse as well?

The only curse that is coming out of this act is that this mo-mo has to go out and buy a new jersey for his 15 minutes of fame. If you were really proud of yourself you should have printed your last name Eugene. Sources unknown to BTB claim that it all stems from Eugene (Gino) never being picked for a team at the grounds where the new stadium now stands. They did let him go buy them sodas in the local delis.

Oh yeah the Post trio went to get a fans opinion from Liza Oviedo who said "That shirt is cursed. They should dig it out and have a bonfire with it." Where was Ms. Oviedo when they asked her this question? In a Sports Bar across from the Stadium. You make your own conclusions.

Some other quotes in the article were; "It is an outrage!" the Boston-born NYC Mayor Bloomberg told The Post before the Yanks played the Sox last night. "The one thing that I'd really like to be able to do is to go in there and pitch for the Yankees and beat the Red Sox with a perfect game. (Wang came close last night) That would be a way to end the curse," the mayor said. Yogi better added his opinion as he was cheering on the NJ Devils in Newark last night. "I was never superstitious, but maybe we should bury one over there at Fenway too," Berra said.

The article goes on to state that just in case the buried jersey does indeed bring a curse, Bonnie Thompson, a 37-year-old witch from Hicksville, LI, cast a spell to sweep away the jinx.

"I cast out all negative energies from the Red Sox jinx. Their buried T-shirt has no effect here," the Wiccan priestess said while wearing an all-black dress and Yankees cap. "All negative thought-form be gone." She then laid a Red Sox jersey on the ground and beat it with a broom.

If it was up to me I would dig this jersey up, (if it is really there) it could bring in big bucks for a worthy charity on EBay. After that I guess you could wipe your butt with it better yet use the Post, at least it won't be covered with cement and who would notice a little more ...never mind.

OPENING DAY BTB MINUTE

Being I have been a fan for quite a while I started calling the stadium the "new" stadium since it reopened in 1976. I wonder what I will call it now? Andy Pettitte pitched 6 shut out inning in the intersquad game and declared himself fit to pitch Saturday against Tampa Bay.

The Game of My Lifetime...

SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER

Frank Midolo AKA FrankieYankee

AKA The Big Guy With The Blue Jacket

I have received an I-Tunes gift card from my in-laws for my birthday, and decided to use it yesterday. I have a lot of music on my I-Pod, basically everything I want, so I decided to browse through some video stuff. Of course the first thing I went to was Yankee video's, and I downloaded 2003 ALCS, Game 7, the Aaron Boone game. The video comes in full of the entire game and post game interviews and stuff which was pretty cool.

Have you ever watched an old game, and you know the outcome, but you still get mad at how the game is going? That was me yesterday. Trot Nixon hits that 2-run HR, off Clemens, and I have to hear Joe Buck, "At the track, GONE." Oh was I mad. As the game goes on the Sox take the 4-0 lead, and now I'm fuming. Giambi hits a dart over the center field fence, off Pedro, and then again bombs one to CF, off him again in the 7th cutting the lead to 4-2. Wells comes in and throws a hanging curveball to Big Sloppy that shoots out of the park. 5-2 Sox. At this point of the game, I still couldnt believe how the Yanks game back and won this game. Down 5-2, bottom of the 8th, 1 out, nobody on base, and Pedro pitching an excellent game. Then steps up Jeter. Double over Nixon's head(should have caught that ball), Bernie base hit makes it 5-3. That's all for Pedro right? WRONG. Watching it again, what the hell was Grady Little thinking? Emberee was up and ready for the lefty Matsui. Pedro stays in, Matsui rockets a double down the 1st base line. 2nd and 3rd. Up comes Posada and Grady keeps Pedro in, flair to center field, TIE GAME. 5-5. Posada's emotions gave me chills, I was on the train watching this on a little I-Pod screen, holding in all my emotions. It was awesome.

A question came into my mind, as I was watching Pedro implode. How good was life in the baseball world, pre the 2004 debacle? Man was it sweet. The "1918" chants, and knowing the Red Sox season will ALWAYS, end in a disaster.

Before this whole steroid mess, lawsuits, congressional hearings, and all this other stuff that has impacted baseball in a negative way. Man, I felt good. Mo pitches 3 spectacular innings, and then Aaron Boone steps up to the plate. First pitch from Wakefield, "and the Yankees are going to the World Series." What a moment. I got off the train, and walked home with a pep in my step. Opening day is only 4 days away I said to myself. I want that feeling again, that special feeling that doesnt come around to often, when rooting for your sports teams.

Boone said after the game "This is just stupid." Your telling me Aaron? This was the greatest baseball game of my lifetime, of course if your a Yankee fan.

I want that feeling again.

BARRY'S BLOG: AND THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST!

By Barry Spencer

Along with the Yankees, we are about to embark on an historical season, never before seen, and never to be seen again. By us anyway.I am talking about the realization of a season of "lasts" in the Cathedral. The first of which is upcoming in a few days.

The last opening day in "The House That Ruth Built".At this particular time, it would be prudent for us to sit back, and breathe in this thought.

A reflection if you will. And I'm not sure I can do it justice.While on the outskirts of this historic phenomenon, I will still feel the gravity of it. But I want you to know, it is those of you who are regulars, and semi-regulars, and past regulars, and past semi-regulars, that will encompass most of my thoughts as the season wears on. It is something many will find difficult to put into words. And that's probably as it should be. It will be a "you had to be there" kind a thing.

Guys like Skinny, that used to vendor at the stadium, and now laments the idea of how money has taken much of the family joy away from a game that was built for it.

Guys like Asbury, who will connect with fellow board members on train platforms on the way back home from games.Guys like Jimbue. Who's memories at the stadium are frequently expressed and welcomed on this board. (I won't say how far back it dates. Not sure they had calendars back then. Sun dials or somethin'.)

Guys like Phil, who I figure is well connected at the stadium.

And Lefty, who can probably tell you the pitch count on the batter when Jackie Robinson stole home.It's a forgone conclusion the reunion will be something special. An effort should be made to contact Zbi maybe. Certainly not my call. But all you reunion regulars should make special plans for this year. It will be a reunion of joy and sadness together. As it should be when special friends get together for an occaision that will never be equaled. Kudo's to Brian for having the foresight to realize the difficulty in group ticket sales this year, and getting that job done with expediency.

And lastly, and maybe most importanly, our own scribe Dan McCourt, aka Knuckles. A man I once knew Yankinit to call the "best Yankee fan I've ever known".

I know he's a man of deep emotion, and strong passions. This will be a tumultuous and emotional year for him as every time he walks out of box 622, he knows it will be the last time on that date forever. He will be in my thoughts the most. Politically, he's pretty whacked , but I can't argue with Yankinit's assessment.

And my thoughts will also be on the great George Steinbrenner. The memories he must carry I can't even fathom. And in the twilight of his great career, it won't be easy.

I also know there are many more of you that go to the games at the stadium, and only mention it in passing from time to time. JohnM comes to mind here.

My apologies for those I've missed or don't know about. It is my hope you will share memories from your visits, both good and bad, as the season wears on. This will be the year for it. It will indeed be a season of lasts. Each and every day. Each and every game, will be a last of some kind, if not only the date itself.

But it will not be just us that will be saying goodbye to a tradition that dates almost an entire century. It will also be a country saying goodbye. It will be the globe saying goodbye. Because I don't care where you go, what language you speak, what color of your skin, or what corner of the globe you call home. Every ball fan knows the New York Yankees. And they know they play in Yankee Stadium. The thought almost takes my breath away.And then there's the players. What emotions they will feel. Derek's last game winning hit. (Somebody get me that ball, will ya?) The Yankees last shutout. The Yankees last loss, their last win, the last home run, the last extra inning game, the last stolen base, the last strikeout, the last walk, and on and on and on. Much of this will happen without anyone realizing it, but it will be etched in timeless baseball lore as all great things are in this, the greatest game of all.

There will be books written about it. Videos made of it. Millions made from it. And all these things are as it should be. Anything less would be a pox on the game, the team and the structure that is Yankee Stadium.We already have a team and a stadium for the ages.

It is my fervent desire this year, above all other years I have rooted my beloved team, they make this a season for the ages too.Their motivation is nothing short of historic.

EVEN GOD LOVES YANKEE STADIUM, AND THE NEW YORK YANKEES !!!

BOMBERS BROADSIDE --- STILL GREAT IN 2008

With the surplus of Yankee Stadium books this season it is very refreshing to pick up a book that previews the Yankees final season at the cathedral in Da Bronx.

Cecilia Tan, (Why I Like Baseball) has once again gathered the finest in Yankee writers in this fine collection. While it deals mainly with the present it doesn't ignore the future nor the past. Back again is the fine work of Dan McCourt (aka Knuckles, on BTB and publisher of Take Him Downtown) he contributes a great article on last season's debacle and takes us way back to 1978 like you have never seen before.

Cecilia's writing makes you long for Opening Day. While the controversial Dan Graziano of the Star Ledger tell us about the new Circus in Town ala The Bronx Zoo. Dan Schlossberg pays tribute to the late Scooter, Phil Rizzuto. It is tearful at times but a great tribute nevertheless. Plus he looks at the now generation including new skipper Joe Girardi.

Mark C. Healy and Sweeny Murti, in separate pieces, look back and pay tribute to Joe Torre and his era. I could go on and on, but the best thing would be to go out and buy this fine work. You won't be able to put it down. A fine analogy by a bunch of fine writers.

BTB MINUTE 3/13

ANOTHER BTB MINUTE (actually over 2 minutes)

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN BOB SHEPPARD WILL BE BACK

Well he may not be there on Opening Day but the Voice of Yankee Stadium just may be there when they close the doors. Bob Sheppard, the Yankees' venerable public address announcer, recently signed a two-year extension. While last October's case of pneumonia took a great deal out of him - Shepherd, believed to be 97, should return about two months into the regular season, so he can also be there for the lat Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium. Either way we couldn't close up shop without him.

BTB MINUTE

JUST ANOTHER REASON TO HATE THE METS

Several MLB teams have their own ticket service or exclusive arrangement with a ticket service. The New York Metropolitans are one of them. OK, so the Mets do not sell through Ticketmaster. So they created a service to sell both Mets and Brooklyn Cyclone Tickets called 507TIXX.com.

This was fine for both the Mets and their fans, mainly because the for said tickets were not a high demand item. But along comes the wrecking ball and the news of the demise of Shea Stadium and that's when it gets interesting.

Billy Joel has decided that he wanted to be the last musical act at the toilet in Flushing. As a matter of fact he will be the last two acts there. Well as you may have guess the Mets ticket service handled the event (and quite poorly I may add). Whether it is phone lines and/or bandwidth 507TIXX.com was not equipped to handle the demand.

Many of the complaints were as follows:

1. Could not get on the site at all.
2. Was set watching the countdown time cycle for an hour.
3. System crapped out before I could get in my information.
4. Everything locked on me and I had to reboot.
5. I know first hand that I was watching that 60 second timer cycle for 45 minutes and someone who was talking to me via AIM was kicked off line and had to reboot got tickets before I ever saw a choice to get tickets.
6. Around 9:50 all the server was overloaded and everyone got an error screen.
7. Of course the phone was overloaded as well.

It made me appreciate Ticketmaster all the more. Grant it with Ticketmaster I may have been shut out as well but it probably would have been in 10 minutes instead of 50. Good luck getting tickets for the final game Mets fans. 507TIXX just got overwhelmed.

Bob Sheppard May Miss the Final Season at Yankee Stadium

SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER JOHN MONACO

Legendary Yankees public address announcer Bob Sheppard has had some health issues over the last two seasons, limiting his appearances at Yankee Stadium. Unfortunately, the 97-year-old Sheppard may not see any time at the Stadium in 2008. Bob Sheppard, who has been the public-address announcer at Yankee Stadium since 1951, may not be able to resume his duties this season. "He's struggling to regain his health," Yankees spokesman Howard Rubenstein said. "He's in poor health.

He and the Yankees both hope he's back in the booth. For now he's not."Sheppard missed the final homestand of last season and the playoffs with what the team called laryngitis. Rubenstein said Sheppard's son, Chris, will "try out" for a spot as a substitute by working some spring-training games. You might have known that Sheppard was also the PA announcer for the New York Giants for many seasons.

What you may not have known unless you were there (or if you check Sheppard's Wikipedia page) is that Sheppard also did the public address announcing for St. John's basketball and football games (he was a professor at the school as well). It always amazed me that the same voice known the world over for announcing names like Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Reggie Jackson in front of crowds of over 50,000 was the same voice that announced Division III football in front of crowds of 800. But whatever the sport, whatever the crowd size, he brought the same professionalism to every game he worked. Hopefully, there will be more announcements from Sheppard at some point in '08.

Thank You Jints!!!

Hey guys I want to personally thank you guys on behalf of Yankee fans everywhere. As you might remember when the Patriots won their first Superbowl way before the Sox won the series in 2004 one of the Pats players, who shall remain nameless started a "Yankees Suck" chant during their victory celebration.

Well the Giants paid them back big time yesterday when they prevented their perfect season. So any of you going to the Canyon of Heroes tomorrow remember "Boston Sucks"...

A few thoughts/predictions on the upcoming march to 27:

SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER BARRY SPENCER


1. Led by the youthful exhuberance, energy and enthusiasm of Joe Girardi, the Yankees will come screaming out of the gate at a .650 win clip through April.

2. Feeding off the enthusiasm of the teams youngsters, Andy Pettitte and Chien Ming Wang will be leading the charge. Pettitte opens the season with a three hit complete game shutout.

3. Alex Rodriguez will be the center of a triple crown bid the sportsworld will be talking about in September.

4. Robbie Cano starts the all-star game at 2nd base.

5. The Yankee dugout will be full of exhuberance and vitality as Melky Cabrera and Shelley Duncan invent new and outrageous handshakes. Melky gets a bruised knee cap and sits for 2 games as a result.

6. Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy are dubbed the "Kids from K'ville". When Ian pitches photos of Ted Kennedy will appear after each K. When Hughes pitches photos of an airplane will be displayed after strikouts.

7. Joba Chamberlain becomes the greatest setup man since Mariano Rivera. Shedding the "Joba Rules" his ERA stays around 1.00 and that's because of a dropped ball by an overwieght Johnny Damon that's ruled a hit.

8. Derek Jeter is heard to say, "Mr. Girardi, I haven't had this much fun since 2000."

9. The Baseball world marvels at the perfect mix of youth and experience.

10. Kyle Farnsworth, rejuvenated by a few Joe Girardi suggestions, is late game lights out.

11. David Wells pitched a perfect game on May 17. David Cone had his on July 18. Mike Mussina will pitch a perfect game this coming season on the 19th day of a month. (has to be a day where his stars were in perfect aligianment) Not sure which one.

12. The Yankees face the Dodgers in the World Series. With the NL winning the all-star game the Yankees take the first two in LA. Exasperated Dogers owner Frank McCourt confronts Joe Torre who tells him not to worry, they'll win three in New York and rap it up back in LA. The Dodgers inspired by Torre's confidence promptly drop the next two, and the Yankees celebrate the elusive 27th championship trophy.

And all becomes right with the world.

Behind The Bombers Minute

YES WE HAVE NO SANTANA ...

Johan Santana is coming to New York but unfortuantely (or fortunately) he won't be in Da Bronx.

You are hearing all kinds of rumors all over the place of the deals that the Yankees and Twinkies nixed but who really knows for sure. One deal had Chien Ming Wang and Ian Kennedy going out there for Santana but I would be really surprized if that one held water. I would have done that one in a heartbeat.

The players that the Mets gave up were compatable to the player that the Yankees release this off season. Bronson Sardina, Matt Desalvo, plus you can throw in any number of lower level prospects and wind up with a better offer than the Mets.

You have a pitcher that was never hurt and always pitched over 200 innings. The time may be near. If he blows his arm out this year Brian Cashman will look like a genius. But kudos go out to Cash because he clearly sent out the message that he is not letting anyone hold us hostage anymore.

This may be the best deal the Yankees never made, Rob Dibble of XM 175 concurs. Me I am glad we didn't give up the farm, but a lefty like Santana would be nice.

YET ANOTHER MITCHELL ...

I don't know if I can stop laughing long enough to stop the tears flowing through my eyes to type this report. But here goes ...

Jimmy Durante once said "Everybody wants to get into the act!" And the steroid era is no different. Matthew Mitchell, no relation to George but maybe to Dennis, is suing the Yankees for $221 — the exact amount he paid for tickets to five of the games he attended between 2002 and 2007. His claim is filed under "failure to provide goods paid for."

Well the newly discovered Matthew Mitchell is looking for his Andy Warhol 15 minutes of fame. He actually attended a game at Yankee Stadium in which Barry Bonds hit what the younger Michell says was a enhanced home run. Therefore he was sold tickets under false pretenses. So his claim is for $221.00! That would be for only five of the many Yankee games he has attended over the years. And those games, just about $44 plus dollars a game. I assume he is suing for his own ticket, I can't imagine him having anyone wanting to go see a game with him.

While your at it why don't you sue the Daily News for 25 cents for reporting the tainted home run. Heck you can multiply that 750 plus times. Well at least the last 200 or so were after he allegedly started using the steroids. Sue the coke vendor for selling you a luke warm soda that he claimed was ice cold. That would ad up to more than $221 for sure. And what about the hot pretzel guy, did anyone ever get a HOT pretzel from a stands vendor? Why stop there you can sue MAD Magazine, was 35 cents really cheap in those days? Sue the Post Office what about all those letters that were sent to the North Pole? You can even sue Frank Perdue, those tender chickens that that tough man made were definitely enhanced.

This the most ridiculous suit since the McDonald Coffee incident. A real insult to the judicial system and a waste of our time and the courts money. What kind of lawyer would even take this case? This is just too ridiculous. That is why it is small claims court. The Yankees have declined to comment, with a hearing scheduled for Feb. 20 in small claims court. Matthew Mitchell has pledged not to attend any Yankees games this year. What a shame?

MORE ON LEYRITZ

Didn't Jim Leyritz play for the Dodgers, Angels, Rangers, Bosox, Padres? Why is it so significant that he played for the Yankees? I guess the same reason Canseco was in pinstripes on his book cover.
Someone at the Daily Snooze noticed they need a half page to fill so they asked John Harper to write something. It is just 100% trash. I can't believe he gets paid for what he writes. People like Peter Abraham are full of class and are highly underrated while this guy writes pure garbage for a major NY tabloid.

YANKEE NEWS WE DON'T NEED

It seems like the king is in the news again. This time he made a real poor choice. It didn't turn out to be a very happy birthday for Jimmy Leyritz. I am not going to preach or condemn him. You all know the story by now, but think about it on New Years Eve and don't let yourself or someone you love (or hate) get behind the wheel drunk.

The life you save may be your own. (OK so I preached a little) Party at home, have a Bomber Buddy spend the night.

WITH FRIENDS LIKE THAT . . .

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the internet, Curt Schilling has stuck his bloody foot in his mouth again. This is what he had to say in his blog yesterday about Roger Clemens and the Mitchell papers, "if that is the case with Roger, the 4 Cy Youngs should go to the rightful winners and the numbers should go away if he cannot refute the accusations."

What an ingrate, the more he talks the more I hate that SOB. If it wasn't for Clemens he would be out of baseball. When Schilling was with the Phillies he was pitching pretty crappy and Clemens phoned him up and gave him some advice. That advice cost us (the Yankees) the 2001 title and possibly the 2004. How could a guy that named his son Gehrig be such an @$$? Maybe he is pissed that the Yankees wouldn't trade their future for an old piece of crap that he is. Schilling you are just an ingrate. As far as I am concerned you can print out your Blog and wipe your butt with it. I won't even link it.

MITCHELL REPORTS

It seems to me that the only press person to read the entire reports, or at least what he is giving his opinion on is Peter Abraham of LoHud. 99% of the reporters skimmed through the report with about 30% having just read the names. I am sure many of them had the bulk of their articles written before the press conference was over.

Heck half of the reporters at the press conference didn't even listen to the other questions.

While don't believe for a minute that there isn't a substance problem in baseball, the report itself was not enough to convict anyone mentioned. Heck you got more info from Jose Canseco's book and that was questionable.

This report should have been released with the names only being released to the so called commissioner and the players association, especially if it is intended to prevent future problems as Mr. Mitchell said. A lot of reputations are lost here and it hinges on the New York teams because most of the testimony came from local trainers. To top that off Mitchell was in the employ of the Boston Red Sox, imagine the RSN if Gene Michael made this report?!?!?!

Stay tuned.

RUMORS ABOUND

Santa Claus isn't the only one checking his list. With George Mitchell's upcoming report on performance-enhancing drugs in baseball due out Thursday it has me wondering. The list is rumored to be 60-80 players with several having ties to New York.

From Aaron Boone to Paul Zuevella it is anyone's guess. The list is one thing, the ramifications are something totally different. Stay Tuned Bomber Buddies.

Side Note: George Mitchell is on the Red Sox board of directors...

HOT STOVE

Nats Note: A source with knowledge of the situation said the Nationals traded reliever Jonathan Albaladejo to the New York Yankees in exchange for right-hander Tyler Clippard, pending physical examinations of both players. The 22-year-old, who went 3-1 with a 6.33 ERA filling in for the Yankees this year, has a 3.52 ERA over five minor league seasons. He should immediately be a contender for Washington's rotation. Bowden did not return messages seeking comment on the deal.

Don't Change Santana's Evil Ways

Special Guest Blogger Kyle Reagan

Get out now...walk away from Johan!!

Keep ALL the youngs guys we have, let em figure it out in 08.

Trade Moose.Set the rotation at:
Hughes
Wang
Joba
Horne
Kennedy

Set the bullpen at:
Rivera
Edwar
Ohlendorf
Veras
Karstens
JB Cox
Trade Farnsworth, forget Vizcaino

Put Shelley at 1st base, Wilson Betemit is the late inning D replace at 1st base.
Go young...don't give up on '08...but set your sights on the new stadium! Let's see what we have here with these guys.
I've heard some amazing things about them. I give them 08 to work out the bugs...next Winters FA class is strong, let's figure out in 08 what we'll need in 09. I'll still support ya Hank, I'll still watch YES, buy shirts, go to the stadium!
Don't get Johan
Don't get Johan
Don't get Johan

Why?

Why is it that sports writer are trying to turn every tabloid into the National Enquirer? When one paper gets a scoop, every other paper had to improve on the find two fold. The only writer out there that care about the game these days is Peter Abraham.

The same people pushing for A-Rods return are the same ones that drove him out of town in the first place. The same writers that will cause the fans to boo Alex time and again. It is funny how Lupica was telling A-Rod what he should while Feinstein was reporting it done from inside sources.

Come on guys, how about reporting on trades or signings rather than A-Rod's private life or his contract. And while I am at it Cash and George's kids do your negotiating behind closed doors. No need to bring it to the press.

Like A-Rod or hate him, he is the best option out there and it might be nice to bring the HR king back to the Bronx, but we can sign Barry to do that. The ball is in your court Bombers, don't blow it now.

BOMBER BRIEFS

The Yankees played the option card and secured Bobbt Abreu for the 2008 season for $16 Million. The first wheel is in place for Skipper Joe Girardi. Next up let's sign Jorge and Mo.

Like I have been saying all along I couldn't buy the story about Jorge Posada being upset at Joe Girardi being named manager. Heck they were unseparateable when they were with the team together. Joe had to train Jorge to take his job and Jorge did pleasantly. They even played mini golf together on Kids on Deck when Joe hosted it. Apparently Jorge Posada got tired of hearing about a supposed rift with Joe Girardi and released the following statement: "Girardi was my mentor and he always taught me the value of having a great work ethic and how it was most important to maintain the position year after year. The 2007 season was difficult and bittersweet and all I'm doing right now is evaluating everything." He went on to say the Yankees are his first target.

VOTE FOR BOBBY
Bobby Murcer's year started off poorly- diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer. But our all-time favorite Yankee came back strong, appearing on several YES broadcasts, and has been nominated for the annual Ford C. Frick Award. The award is given to those broadcasters who made a major contribution to baseball, and is presented during the annual hall of fame induction ceremonies. Other current and former Yankee broadcasters who are eligible for the award are John Sterling, Michael Kay, Ken Singleton, Phil Rizzuto, Frank Messer, Bill White, Jim Kaat, and Tony Kubek.

STICK TO YOUR GUNS STEINS

Brian, Hank and Hal, you set the table now you have to stick by your words. You said you wouldn't negotiate with Alex Rodriguez if he opted out of his contract. Now Bora$$ (Pay-Rod's agent) is all over the media saying he still wants to talk to the Yankees. Yes the same media that drove aAlex out of town in the first place. Why do you suppose? I will tell you, without the Bombers bidding Pay-Rod may not get much more than what he opted out from. The losers then would be Alex and the Yankees, the only winners would be the Texas Rangers who save $21 Million in deferred payments. Guess what, we don't bid, we sign two or three other players, we are winners as well.

Derek is happy again not seeing his back stabbing buddy to his right and harmony is restored as the biggest "me" player since the king, is banished from the Bronx. Alex Rodriguez never played in a World Series, maybe now it's time for the Yankees return.

Go ahead see if you can get another 12 years in a contract. Breaking Barry Bond's Homer record would have been much sweeter in Pinstripes. Although you may be stuck on the record breaker for years with your head. Hey maybe you can play third base for the Newark Bears with Rickey Henderson when you are 45 and he is about 90. Who the hell will remember you if you retire from the Cubs or some other team? Take nothing from those teams but the Yankees are baseball.

Here's the old cliche Alex, don't go away mad, just go away and take Scott Bora$$ with you. You know darn well, we could talk to us until you are blue in the face you will never resign with us. You are not going to use us. Bora$$ asks why can Alex file for free agency? The answer is simple, he is the greediest SOB in the sport. Go use someone else. You can't make here maybe the Marlins are your answer. That is a joke that they are even showing interest. So if you get you 12 year contract, are you going to put an opt out clause in it? Why not just put in a clause that you ave to have the most lucrative contract around? I am by no mean a Manny Ramirez fan but he is more value for the dollar than you my Benedict Alex.

Dear Alex Part Duex

Hi Alex or should I say Benedict Alex?
It's me again, here to remind you what a fool you are making of yourself.

Could you at least have the decency of waiting until the series is over to make you announcement. Sure it's the Red Sox but show some respect. Opt Out of your contract, How much money could one person spend, you are one main reasons we have to spend triple digits to see a post season game. Don't worry you can afford it, when you buy your tickets for the 2008 Playoffs.

Didn't you say that if the fans wanted you that you would finish your career in a Yankees Uniform? Or was that another A-Rod? Well the fans cheered all year long, we've done our part, now where is your end of the bargain? Don't blame it on the uncertainly of the return of Mo, Jorge or Andy, the only one you care about is you. The only one A-Rod cares about is A-Rod. Do you even care about the Yankee Tradition? Well get a close look at Derek's rings, that is as close as you will get. Tony Moreonte has more rings now than you will ever have.

Alex, the All Star Game is in the Bronx next year, wait until you hear the reception you'll get. You don't want to be a Yankee, well you don't have the class to be a Yankee. The only relation you have to class is the last three letters. You might be the best player in the game but you are also the greediest.

Well, if I wished you luck I would be a bigger hypocrite than you. Don't let the door hit you in the Borass.

I SALUTE YOU JOE TORRE

Joe Torre had his press conference yesterday and he showed the class that he exemplified for the last 12 years at the Yankee helm. He was insulted by the incentive offer and turned it down. I just hope it doesn't prevent Joe from coming back to see his friends on Old Timer's Day or as the first plaque in the new stadium as the retire his number 6.

It took a big man to turn down that offer, it was $5 Million, more than any other manager is getting and more than he could get anywhere else. And it was for a job he loves and he does real well. Must have been a tough decision.

Do the reporters listen to each other when they ask questions? Or do they think Joe is stupid enough to answer a question a second time if he refused to answer it the first time because they reworded it? And man did they let anyone off the street go? I am surprised my buddies Dave and Aziz weren't there, or even ILoveJoba from the BTB forum, she could have asked him what his favorite color was.

Joe is a class act and if they Yankees had half that class they would have simple had a press conference and stated we are deciding to go in a different direction...blah blah blah. Offer Joe a consultant or scouting position or even on YES or WCBS. A broadcast with Joe doing color to John Sterling and Suzyn doing pre and post and maybe scoreboard would be great. Then everyone saves face and Joe is part of the Yankee Family.

In my opinion, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera return, Andy Pettitte retires. A-Rod opts out and is never heard from again.

Larry Bowa will be coaching 3B next year for the Mariners with Mel Stottlemyre doing the pitching coach duties. Losing Larry loses a void in Robbie Cano's tutoring.

Who replaces Joe? Anyone but Bobby Valentine or Tony LaLoser.

Dear Alex,

An Open Letter To Alex Rodriguez.

Dear A-Rod,

During Spring Training you stated that if the Yankee Fans wanted you then you will stay. Well, Mr. Rodriguez the season is now over and it is still unclear if you are going to exercise your opt out clause that you had written into your contract that you had signed with the Rangers a long, long time ago.

On Opening Day the fans booed you when you screwed up that foul pop up. Since then they have welcomed you with nothing but cheers and not of the Bronx variety. You responded with 50 plus homers and 150 plus RBIs, not too shabby a year my friend. I would consider that Yankee Fans want you from the response you received. Not only that the newspaper polls are clearly saying the fans want you to stay in pinstripes.

So Alex as the Clash says "Should You Stay or Should You Go?" Do you know how many Yankee Rodriguez jerseys exist in the tri-state area alone? I think that is a fair indication that the fans want you to stay. Just think what kind of hero you could be with the Daily News headlines reading "A-Rod Opts-In". The story can quote you as saying how much money do I really need? It is more important to finish my career in the uniform of the greatest team in organized sports. Can you imagine your standing ovation on Opening Day? They would have to rush the new stadium because an ovation like that would bring down the house.

Who will remember you 10 years after you retire if you do it from the Cubs or the dysfunctional city Angels? You keep the pinstripes on and you become a legend. Your offspring won't have to work for generations to come as it is now, so it isn't a money thing. When the contract is up then you can work on your extension. Plus New York is the place to play if you want to endorse any product.

The choice is yours and there is only one as far as I am concerned. You could be to the new stadium what the Bambino was to the old. Become a legend and do it in the Bronx. To wrap it all up, if you are a man of your word then you will stay.

Want to let Alex know how you feel, invest a first class stamp.

Alex Rodriguez
6018 SW 128th Court
Miami, Fl 33183

GEORGE THE GUIDING LIGHT

One of the biggest joys of my life was working for my father. It was a dream I had had as a youngster and finally had it fulfilled. It didn't quite turn out the way I had planned it but at least I tried it.

Like my dad, George Steinbrenner is trying to groom his sons to take over the Yankee Empire. He is lucky he had more than one son because that is quite a job to do. So Hank and Hal are on deck and getting their feet wet so to speak.

Rumors are afloat that George is not in top health. Is his health really deteriorating? Some rumors have him suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia, or is Boss George just slowing down due to old age? Could it be that George is taking a backseat to see how his sons will do with the team? It could just be like that episode of Gilligan's Island where the Skipper faked his own disappearance to see how his little buddy would do under pressure. Is The Boss testing his offspring?

Is he aware of what’s going on? Rumors abound that he didn't even recognize Reggie Jackson, but he clearly wants his sons, Hank and Hal, to have more input in team affairs, and they have dutifully taken on a more active role. Steinbrenner seems to realize he needs help running the team, and needs a successor or two.

Is this (Joe) Torre incident the first test of many for the Steinbrenner clan? One can only wonder, and I for one hope George leads a comfortable life regardless of what the story is.

TOO MANY TIMES ...

Too many times this season we have heard Michael Kay or one of his com padres use the word salvage or rubber game of the series. We lost far too many game ones during the regular season. The first half of the 2007 season was a roller coaster in which the pitching and hitting rarely got together. Alex Rodriguez was the most consistent hitter on the team most of the year.

The team played lethargically prior to the All Star Game. The starters couldn't get passed the 5th and the bullpen was over used. Yankee tickets on Stub Hub and EBay were selling for peanuts. The Yankee season looked dismal at best.

Then the kids were summoned. While some of the kids had some raw talent their enthusiasm put the team on it feel. Shelley Duncan, Philip Hughes, Ian Kennedy all made their presence felt. Joba Chamberlain became an instant hero in the Bronx, although he kind of reminds me of Jethro Bodine. The Baby Bombers saved the season and woke up the vets. Sure there were other factors, but without them we would be playing golf with the Mets.

LUCKY 13th

The Yankees clinched their 13th straight playoff appearance as they beat the Devil Rays 12-4 in their southern home. Bring on the Post Season!

Photo by John Monaco

JAYS BEAT BOMBERS IN 14

The Yankees lost last night to the Blue Jays after coming back to tie the game in the 9th inning. The Yanks were down by 4 going into the ninth but when the smoke cleared it was 4-4 going into extra innings. Brian Bruney gave up the game winning homer in the top of the 14th but did he really have to lose it?

Dan McCourt (aka Knuckles) was at the game, we know we heard him on the radio, check out what he had to say on his webpage "Take Him Downtown".

The crowd screamed with glee as Mariano Rivera came on to work a 1-2-3, 10-pitch 10th, and the Yanks couldn't wait to get back to the task at hand. with Johnny Damon leading off yet again. And it started well, with Janssen missing on two straight.
But then the game suddenly ground to a halt, and who's to say what night have happened had it not? We had been treated to three hours of world-class pitching from both sides, and then a scintillating four-run rally when the Yanks had their backs to the wall. Who could ask for anything more for their sports entertainment dollar? But one young woman apparently felt that there was too much cheering going on, and none of it for her, so she grabbed her moment and darted onto the field. She was quickly wrestled to the ground behind shortstop, handcuffed by the police, and led off the field, fighting every step of the way. The game resumed.
But the moment had passed. Hanssen found the zone and retiried Damon on a fly and escaped around a two-out walk to Abreu, and the Yanks never threatened again. Fans cheered lustily when Jeter singled on the first pitch of the home 14th, but once Matsui followed with a two-out walk, Jose Molina struck out. They were the only home-team baserunners after the 10th. The Yanks were blanked over the last five frames by Janssen, Jeremy Accardo, Brian Wolfe, Joe Kennedy, and Jason Frasor, with the last two getting a win and a save, respectively.

DOUBLE TROUBLE
Rookie Ian Kennedy had originally been set to be on the mound on Saturday for his fourth Major League start, but his stiff upper back canned those plans.
No matter, the Yankees thought, with a seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens set to go Sunday with two extra days rest he would be the natural replacement. But the Rocket's left hamstring didn't like that idea, either, so right-handed rookie Phenom Phil Phills in in a Phlash. Young Phil Hughes goes for his second Yankee Stadium win in the matinee against the Blue Jays. Joba Chamberlain will be unavailable as he pitched two innings in te loss last night.

There will be a tribute to the recently passed Yankees Legend Phil Rizzuto Sunday before the game starting at 12:30.

I'VE HAD ENOUGH

What is going on here? The only thing to go right lately was the start by the young Ian Kennedy. I haven't been teased this much since my high school prom. Heck that was in the last millenium. Just when you think the team is turning around...BAM! The offense goes away...BAM! The pitching goes awry...BAM! Results WINS go bye bye!!! Andy Phillips is out for the season with a broken wrist. And no it isn't from high fiving Shelly Duncan.

We sweep the Red Sox in style last week and like a scene from Damn Yankees we can't do anything right after that. The dreaded Devil Rays take two of three on our turf with two of our former farmhands doing the damage on the form of Carlos Pena and Dioner Navarro. Meanwhile up in Boston they pulled another rabbit out of their farm hat as Clay "Gumby" Buchholz pitched a no hitter against the Baltimore Orioles.

In a move that may open the door for Mike Mussina to return to the starting rotation, Roger Clemens was lifted from his start against the Mariners on Monday with right elbow discomfort that will likely force him to miss at least one start. Rumors have it he has a slight groin twinge as well from a split he did in the second inning. Clemens told Yankees manager Joe Torre that his elbow was troubling him during the fourth inning of a 7-1 loss to Seattle in which he allowed three runs.

Not much time left as we enter the final month of the (regular) season. Every game is a must. Once we finish with the M's and Royals we stay withing the division which includes 3 game up in Fenway against the Red Sox. That may show continuation of the beaning war started last week in New York. That should prove interesting.

TORRE'S BP MANAGEMENT

Guest Blogger DG

We raise a very interesting question in gametalk about Torre's BP management : why wasn't anyone burned out from 1996-2003? I won't claim that Torre is flawless at BP management, but I have few cmplaints this season. Vizcaino was pushed too far a couple times, IMO, but not to the breaking point. Anyone think such accusations this season will hold up under scrutiny of game logs?

Others--Proctor: Can't say he's on his way out of the majors. There were certainly times I wouldn't have used him last season, no argument there.

Villone: Pushed to the breaking point last season, but bounced back this season. Also broke down in the 2nd half of 2005 with the Marlins.

Sturtze: How good was he to begin with? Had his moments, but tough to say Torre ruined him.

Quantrill: Have we forgotten how much he was used prior to his stint with the Yankees? He was no stranger to pitching a ton of games. Is it shocking that a pitcher or 2 per season will be pushed extremely hard.... especially when we're primarily discussing middle relievers?

Big question: I'm not saying Torre is flawless.... and not saying he excels at BP management, but....Am I seriously supposed to believe that our Pitching and BP coaches are figureheads? Sure, Torre makes the final call, but why is it never, ever mentioned that 3 people are involved in relief appearances? None of us know what goes on in the dugout, but can anyone seriously picture Torre saying "Screw you, Guidry!! I said use ___________.

Who the hell cares what you think? " ? What coaches would want to work for him if they weren't allowed input into game decisions? Doesn't make sense. Maybe looking at the big picture would paint a clearer picture. Torre isn't flawless and he isn't an idiot. Going back to the "I never want to see ______ pitch for the Yankees again" stuff..... I find it odd Torre is constantly accused of over-using relievers, yet many of us want to limit his options by saying we'd only use a few selected relievers. Pot, meet kettle.

What A Difference A Day Makes

By Guest Bloggers Yankefan Bill and Knuckles

If you saw Friday night's game you know that Polanco made an error when Damon flustered him in the first inning. It ended his record-setting errorless game streak.Lo and behold we find out on Saturday that the official scoring has been changed and the streak is still intact.
Something should be done about "homefield" official scoring. If the Tigers were on the road, I'm sure the original call would have stood.
Major League Baseball with all the millions of dollars it pays in salaries should hire an impartial official scorer as the 5th man of an umpiring crew.
Failing this, the home plate umpire should make the official call (with the option of a conference or even a replay to get it right).I realize this might slow a game down but baseball being a 'numbers' game should make sure those numbers are accurate.
There are still rules that can force a pitcher to speed his delivery to compensate for these delays.

I remember a game in 1993 with the Yanks playing the Blue Jays and batting champion (to-be at year's end) John Olerud hit a routine bouncer to second, and the Yankee fielder (Pat Kelly maybe?) butchered the play. Olerud was flirting with .400, and the scorer gave him a hit.
And then of course in '98 there was the game in Texas when Juan-Gone glared at the official scorer in disdain until he switched a Knoblauch error to a hit so he could have 7 or 8 rbi's.
OTOH, Michael Kay wears me out (as he did Leiter last night) when he goes on and on about this stuff. Bottom like, it's a ballgame, and hit or error, the guy on base could score. I don't think during the game is the time to start a campaign for a neutral scorer.
As an interesting sidelight, Leiter said that retired ump Ken Kaiser called him and suggested a retired ump should get the scorer job. Kay has been talking about balk potential the whole series with Bob Davidson being a member of the officiating crew. I was surprised he was unable to combine his two rants. I'm sure Kaiser called more balks than Davidson ever will.
In 1996 he called a balk on David Cone for faking a throw to second against Baltimore. This remains the only time I ever saw a balk called involving a move to second. I suspect I'll never see it again. Bottom line they should not have reversed the Polanco call, and it's one more record for which I now have lost respect.

Now He Is A Real Holy Cow

Today we lost a Yankee, today we lost a friend. More than just a superstar Phil Rizzuto was everyone’s uncle. A voice well known to all, a voice that made you smile and feel warm all over.

As a youngster the Scooter as he was known to all taught me the game, as well as what a canoli is. Holy Cow, an expression he shares with the late Harry Carrey, but Phil always said it better. If it was the 7th inning you know he was halfway across the George Washington Bridge, and you know it there was thunder he was nowhere to be found.

Scooter was a friend to BTB as far back as when we were on paper. On occasion he read articles on the air during the lean years. He often donated signed photos to us to give away. He mentioned BTB on the air from time to time. He was always very good to us.

Back in the early 80s we often made trips to Fenway Park for the weekend. We often stayed at the Sheraton where the Yankees stayed at the time. Well one day we met him walking back to the hotel and we joined him and he treated us like old friends.

Scooter we miss you. You will always be the best. God Bless you and your family. More to come, including an interview with the Scooter.

REMEMBERING THURMAN

Could it really be 28 years since we lost our last great Captain? We have had a lot of great player who had been captain since then but Thurman Munson was our last great Captain. He was a Captain that led by pushing, by yelling, and by staying on top of a player. A player who played hurt, a Captain that hardly missed a game.

A lot of the captains after him led by example, but Thurman made you want to give more and more. He was a player’s player. A leader, both on and off the field. When he played hurt nobody could complain about their own injuries. Thurman Munson always a fan favorite was brought back to life in “The Bronx is Burning”, but if he saw it he would think it made him look to placid.

He was George Steinbrenner’s original Warrior, a title which was also given to Paul O’Neil, and deserving so, but only Thurman can spell in capitols. Rarely can you go to Yankee Stadium and not see his familiar #15 on someone’s back. And his locker still stands vacant in the lockers room. We miss you Thurman.

THURMAN LEE MUNSON 1947-1979
"OUR CAPATIN AND LEADER HAS NOT LEFT US TODAY, TOMORROW, THIS YEAR, NEXT... OUR ENDEAVORS WILL RELECT OUR LOVE AND ADMIRATION FOR HIM."

http://www.behindthebombers.com/munson/