DEREK CHEATER????

In his 15 year career with the Yankees Derek Jeter has never caused so much controversy.  I can't believe they are making such a big deal about him faking getting hit by a pitch.  His biggest crime before this was laughing when he struck out.  So now just because he pretends to get hit by a pitch in an important game in a pennant race some people and press are crying about it. 

With one out in the top of the seventh, Rays reliever Chad Qualls appeared to hit Jeter in the elbow. The Yankee shortstop grabbed his elbow and acted like he was in pain. However, the replay clearly showed the ball clearly hit the end of the bat. It's BS. It's not like he took performance enhancing drugs. Four Major League umpires couldn't catch it?  Or maybe just believe it?  It's because his image is squeaky clean that it's being made such a big deal.  When a football player goes for a catch and it hits the ground and he catches it, he plays it off like he caught it so what's the difference?  The same goes for an outfielder when he traps a ball. 

Many feel Jeter made a grave mistake in admitting the fact that he was not hit with the pitch; now the world knows he was 'lying, fibbing, acting, no matter what you wish to call it,...but a lot of folks will merely call it cheating, and nothing less.  Derek was always so careful in his past interviews, and I believe did the wrong thing by his admission! 
 
I can't believe he actually done that, A-Rod maybe Jeter no way.  Maybe he was trying to use it as a tool to break his slump. Maybe this slump just has him so frustrated that he will try anything to get on base.  One thing I know for sure the press aren't going to let go of this anytime soon.

Lisa Swan over at Subway Squawkers ponders what the reaction would have been if it was Alex Rodriguez.

Bill Douglas contributed to this BtBlog

Our Bomber Buddy Gets Help In Enemy Territory

Long time BTB member was vacationing in Boston ( dunno why?) a few weeks ago and ran into a great ordeal.  Fortunately he ran into some angels of mercy (one which he travels with).

A funny thing happened on MarkUK's way back from Boston. Back from Boston two weeks late from facebook: - thanks to all the surgeons and doctors of the Boston Vascular unit for saving my life - I will never forget these guys esp Dr Gregg and Dr Tony. Thank God for the wonderful USA medical system. And what a woman my Tanya is - by my side for every minute of my nightmare.

I just got really ill really fast - had a double aneurysm in my Aorta. 5 hour operation - just in time, I was dying. Those Bostonians saved me but I still HATE THE RED SOX!!!!!!! Go Yankees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-)

I am ever grateful to those Boston Doctors and shout across the Atlantic "Get Well Soon Mark" You must be doing something right.

I just got chills my friend thinking 7Reggie was with you helping you through this one.

Cano Makes it Hard to Miss A-Rod

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Pat Nestor

by Pat Nestor

The news over the weekend that Alex Rodriguez was going on the DL would worry a number of teams, but for the Yankees it seemed almost like a “Hhhm? What? Oh yeah, ok.” sort of reaction.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the team would much rather have their slugging 3rd Baseman -playing everyday, but in his absence, their 2nd baseman has picked up any slack and continues a spectacular season.


Robinson Cano has put together the type of season the Yankees have envisioned over the last couple of years. Reports of Cano’s lack of focus and maturity issues seemed to dog the young 2nd baseman and a number of people wondered if the trade of Melkey Cabrara was partly to ensure the removal of Cano’s “partner in crime” which would in tourn help him be more consistant and baseball minded.

Perhaps the absence of Cabrara has played a part, perhaps not. In any case, Cano’s numbers have lifted his stature from a solid player in the upper percentage of the league’s Second Basemen, to perhaps the best player at the position in all of Major League Baseball.

His number are sweet: .325 batting average, 25 home runs, 86 rbi, 45 walkss and 58 strike outs in 477 at-bats. Even his errors are down. He’s already tied his 2009 final number in home runs and actually has one more rbi than all of last year. His strike outs are a little above past seasons but not by a lot and his overall production is very elevated to the point that Cano will get some MVP consideration.


The Yankees are known for being a slugging team, with A-Rod and Mark Teixeria being the main names on the big bopper list and Jorge Posada, Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher being the next ones in line in a lot of fans’ minds. Posada’s age, health and decrease in production and Granderson’s weak season play a factor in a change here, but even if they were putting up numbers like in the past, I think Cano really has to be looked at as one of the most dangerous hitters on the team, perhaps only really behind Teixeria at this point.

It will be interesting to see how Cano handles the role of big bat once the playoff crunch gets here, but so far his season has given the Yankees reason to believe they have a powerhouse in the lineup for years to come.

600th A-Bomb from A-Rod

August 4, 2010

Alex Rodriguez is the seventh player in Major League history to reach 600 home runs.

ALEX RODRIGUEZ HITS HOME RUN NUMBER 600!

Three years to the day that Rodriguez hit his 500th home run, he became the seventh player in Major League history to hit 600 home runs in his career with a first-inning blast off Toronto's Shaun Marcum at Yankee Stadium.

THE MAC ATTACK: ANGELS IN THE MOUTH FIELD

By Joan McLoughlin

If silence is golden, what does that mean to sound? Some sounds can be golden, too. Like the voice of our beloved and departed Bob Sheppard. Or the crack of the bat when the ball is going deep…when it is high…when it is far…when it is gone. But then there are the sounds that are punishing. Like the sounds of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim broadcasters that I was subjected to this past week for the Yankees 2 games series in the Bronx. Now don’t get me wrong, living out of one’s team’s local market can be fun. There is something to be said for attending the game in the away grays and taking smack from the home team fans. As a Yankee fan, you know we’re going to get it. And of course, the banter between rival fans can bring as much joy and entertainment as that of a walk off win.

So that being said, why am I on a rant against the Angels’ broadcasters? I don’t expect them to root for the Yankees. I don’t expect them to be unbiased. But I do expect professionalism and some evidence of intelligent life form.

Wednesday’s day game while in the car, game on the radio, I’m thankful I didn’t get in an accident…because they were driving me crazy. I truly couldn’t believe what I was hearing, including remarks that the New York fans are not as into the game anymore in the new stadium. EXCUSE ME? OK, maybe I didn’t hear right. Oh, no, they repeated the sediment. Conversation continued to explain how the New York fans also get defensive if you state a homerun ball may not be a homerun in other stadiums. To quote, “318 in left, 314 in right. Come on!” Surprise, did anyone compare the dimensions of the park to the House That Ruth Built in 1923? And was this really the talk of two unbiased broadcasters on a major league broadcast? Or was it Jimmy and Eddie, 7th graders arguing ‘my team is better than your team’?

I involuntary shut the radio off a couple of times to ease myself of the torture but then it was killing me not knowing what was going on. Needless to say, I kept turning it back on. A couple of times upon returning to the car in between errands, I thought the Angels had scored the go ahead run listening to Heckle and Jeckle….Note to self. Please have husband figure out the XM radio attachment for car.

Later that evening, I sat down to enjoy game on TV. Heck with the American Express Card, I never leave home without setting the DVR to record the game. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, the TV announcers start in! After Derek Jeter hits an infield single knocked down by Erick Aybar, the brainiac TV broadcasters surmise that Jeter will definitely pass Pete Rose’s all time hits record with calls like that. After Gardner’s late inning ejection, the comment was ‘Well, Gardner’s been arguing the whole game’. Really? Were we watching the same game? I know I’m nick picking but this goes on the whole game and being I live in the Angels local market, my MLB Extra Innings broadcasts are blacked out…but I do love my mute button.

I’d venture to bet that every mother has preached ‘if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all’. While I don’t believe this applies here, I do believe if you don’t have anything intelligent to say, don’t say anything at all. And unless your broadcasting contract is word based on the number of words spoken, spare us a few please. After all, silence can truly be golden.

…Names have been left out to protect the idiots…

WANNTING & WAVING AT WAST

With Andy Pettitte on the DL, who is going to take his sport in the rotation? We might wind up giving Montero up for a lesser caliper player. . . . Why was Brian Cashman the only Yankees representative at Bob Sheppard's funeral? . . . Were that lacerations on AJ Burkett's hand from throwing the cutter? . . . Nice ceremony Friday night for the Boss and the voice! . . . Steinner Sports tried to sell me 2 suite tickets Friday night for a suite which included food, open bar and meet and greet with Dwight Gooden. Who would put Dwight Gooden in a room with an Open Bar? . . . Is Jeter making out on purpose because he doesn't want "pie"?

WE SALUTE YOU GEORGE!

The news of the passing of Bob Sheppard is barely cold and we now have news of the loss of the patriarch of the Yankee and Steinbrenner family, George M. Steinbrenner has suffered a massive heart attack. Originally My9 in NYC reported that he passed away. Steinbrenner who turned 80 was rushed to St. Joseph's hospital in Tampa, Florida, and his condition is now confirmed that he has left us for that big ballyard in the sky..

Love him or hate him he brought winning back to the Bronx when he purchased the team back in 1973. He originally bid on the Cleveland Indians and was turned down. Imagine how baseball would have changed if he had bought the Indians instead of the Yankees!

He opened up a whole new world to adult team apparel. Look around any stadium or arena today and see everyone wearing their team colors no matter what age, which was the work of George. Before George the only place I could get a Yankee cap to fit my head was the famed Manny’s Baseball Land across from the old stadium.

George although drastic at times showed what it was like to have Yankee Pride. He brought 7 more trophies to the Bronx as well as 11 American League pennants. If you worked for George you had a job for life.

Steinbrenner is the longest-tenured owner in Major League Baseball, having served as principal owner since purchasing the club on Jan.3, 1973 for $10 million.
Steinbrenner has been in failing health in recent years and his sons Hal and Hank running baseball operations.

Steinbrenner bought the Yankees for $10 million and under his ownership they have become the most valuable team in U.S. professional sports, with Forbes.com estimated its value at over one-billion dollars.

We will miss you George thank you for everything, but your sons will do you proud.

YANKEEMANIA RUNS RAMPART

Nick Johnson is out for wrist surgery again. He can't shake hands without getting hurt. Imagine if he was on the same teams with Shelley Duncan? We could nickname him stumpy because after one of Duncan's high-fives he wouldn't have any hands anymore.

Did you see Marcus Thames trip over his own bat? I never saw that before at any level. I wonder is that is an unwritten law of baseball? He is also a horror show in the outfield but he makes Randy Winn look like a gold glover. Look for it to settle down after the Grandy-Man returns. Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson is set to test his injured left groin in a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Saturday Granderson took the collar in 4 ABs as DH. He did pick up a hit on Sunday.

In other SWB News The New York Yankees are pleased to announce the extension through the 2014 season of their Player Development Contract (PDC) with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, their Triple-A affiliate in the International League. In addition, SWB Yankees LLC, a joint venture between the New York Yankees and Mandalay Baseball, renewed their management agreement to operate the franchise for the next four seasons as well.

Javier Vazquez was removed after six brilliant innings against the New York Mets on Friday because of a bruised right index finger. He got the injury while successfully bunting. Another reason to use the DH everywhere.


Remember Duane Staats who use to do play by play for the Yankees on MSG? No he is not coming back. He is now working for the Rays in Tampa. Here is what he had to say about Mariano Rivera.

Dwayne Staats was taking viewer's questions regarding Mariano. He stated that Rivera is now a vulnerable reliever and get this: scouts have told him that he is losing his cutter and age has caught up with him. I do not know whose scouts told him this, but he was in agreement with it.

Duane Staats had a very professional voice and that was it, he and Tony Kubek were a couple of Bozos when they teamed with the Yankees, with my apologies to the clown union.

NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL ...

Hey just got this email from BTB's own John Manaco. It proves Alex (and the Yankees) are so bad at all.

From: Ward, Jeff

Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 9:51 PM

To: Monaco, John

Subject: THought you might like this.....

John,
Do you recognize this guy? J The guy in the white shirt taking the picture on the left is a good friend of mine. He’s Director of Operations for Make A Wish in Southern California. The kid with the hat on is one of the Wish Kids. My friend Bruce is not a sports fan at all. He has done this several times with the Angels and Wish Kids but he said he has a real appreciation for the Yankees. He said the Angels organization was nice and all but the Yankees were total class. They were in the dugout a couple of hrs before game time at Angel Stadium and just about every Yankee came up and talked with this kid. Jeter, A-Rod everyone. This kid’s wish was to meet A-Rod. Apparently he took the kid out to the field with him while he did warm ups. He took the kid (without Bruce or anyone) down into the clubhouse and met a bunch of the guys. Bruce said the Yankee’s PR organization was top notch. They had a uniform for this kid, A-Rod pulled a bat out of his bat bag, signed it and gave it to the kid. There were several baseballs that got signed right there by the players and gave them to the kid. It was funny because one of the Angels Stadium officials (the girl in the right picture with the red strap around her neck) told Bruce “uh-oh” when A-Rod gave him the bat because fans aren’t allowed to take bats into the stands as they are considered weapons. Bruce said that shouldn’t be a problem….just give to one of the Angels Stadium PR people and have them give it to the kid after the game. She said normally that would work but she said she didn’t trust ANYONE with a bat signed by A-Rod – the kid might never see it again. So, here’s how much of a sports fan my friend is. Bruce offered to take it home with him and bring it back after the game. HE HAD NO INTENTION OF STAYING FOR THE GAME!!! EVEN THOUGH HE COULD HAVE HAD VIP SEATS!!!!! So Bruce goes home, does his putzing around the house, turns the game on around the 8th inning so he’d know when to leave to go to the stadium with the bat. (He lives close to the stadium). What did he see when he turned it one? They were in between innings and he basically saw this scene below with himself on TV. They were talking about the wish kid. I forgot to mention that they let the kid take the starting lineup out to the umpire at the beginning of the game. Class act for sure!

Jeff Ward Area Manager Field Operations - Canada and Western US

YANKEES ANNUAL 2010

Each Spring I look forward to the warm summers, Spring Training, Opening Day and a new Yankee team. Over the last couple of years one additional thing I look forward to is the Maple Street Press Yankees Annual (formerly Bombers Broadside). When I see the YA on the shelves I know Opening Day is not far away.

It is a great publication that paves they way for the upcoming Bombers season in a way no "one" publication has done before. It is full of analysis by some of the greatest Yankees minds you can find. Chock full of writers that don't pull punches and leave no stone unturned. It stresses the current and upcoming team without forgetting the past season or the vast history that has paved its way through the Bronx.

The writers range from some of the best known Yankee beat writers to the renown webmasters on the Internet. Webmasters and publishers of the web are today unsung heroes, many of them do it for the love of the team. Writer and editor Cecilia Tan, who once again has put together another fine collection, got the proverbial ball rolling with a roster/2010 preview which you will want to keep by your remote control once the season starts. It is loaded with stats, charts and photos in addition to her fine writing style. It has some of my favorite writers in it as well as some of the writers that I love to hate. But here they can say no wrong! What YA would be complete without a contribution form Take Him Downtown's Dan McCourt.

This publication is for the die hard fan, the casual fan or just the rookie that wants to learn the game. Just reading this publication will prepare you for any office water cooler conversation that can be dished out. It would make you smarter than the guy that sits behind you during the game, you know the one I mean. So I couldn't recommend it more. Buy two copies someone is bound to borrow it and not return it. Pick up your copy at your local bookstore or newstand or order it here.

Hughes Named #5 Starter

As reported on BehindtheBombers.Com Tuesday the Yankees manager Joe Girardi officially announced Thursday that Phil Hughes will serve as the club's fifth starter in 2010. that mean that Joba Chamberlain will be joining the Yankees bullpen in a move that many people felt he was stronger in.

In sadder news Dwight Gooden, who once held the heart of New York by his right arm, was arrested on Tuesday for the umpteenth time for essentially the same crime. For too many years, he has spent as much time on the police blotter as on the pitcher’s mound, because of the influence of drugs and his inability to stop taking them.

Summers in the Bronx: Attila the Hun and Other Yankee Stories

by Ira Berkow

ISBN: 978-1-60078-392-0256

This book could have easily been called The Best Of Ira Berkow, and it really is. It is Mr Berkow's finest Yankee articles from his illustrious career. You can read it from cove to cover ( I bet you will) or you can read whatever tickles your fancy first and make the tough decision what to read next.

As a NY Daily News reader myself this collection on Berkow's NY Times articles was entirely new to me. But you couldn't make a better scrapbook if you clipped them all yourself.

Ira Berkow warms up the way-back machine and takes you with him into the clubhouse and onto the field as he observes, interviews and comments on America's team over his long and distinguished career writing and reporting on them.

He takes you through the lives of the Mantles and DiMaggios throughout the Steinbrenner Era. He paints a picture with his words that no fan should do without. So warm up for the 2010 season and put this book on your "To Read" list.

We Will Miss You Bob. . . .

By Special Guest Blogger Juan Lopez

Everybody knew it was coming, that it would be any day that Bob Sheppard would announce his retirement, but we kinda refused to "look that way," for we somehow expected to listen to his famous godly voice, at least until we all instead had passed away. Even Derek felt that way by having his name announced by a Sheppard recording during every home game. I guess Sheppard has meant so much since he started being the Yankee's Public Address Announcer in 1951, that he became part of what the Yankees have meant since.

You talk about the Yankees, be it Mantle, Maris, Berra, Jackson, Donnie, Murcer, Jeter, just to name a few, and besides the name Steinbrenner, you have to also mention his name. You can't have one without the other.Bob Sheppard is an old man these days, ill, but you can bet that if he could make a run at it once more, he would not hesitate. He simply physically, cannot do it. I bet that he would have given anything to have announced that last game last year at the Cathedral, and the Opening Day one at the Stadium this year. His heart, his spirit, were there, even if his body wasn't. I bet that also that he must have felt a tremendous thrill, much like George did, when the Yankees won the WS this past season.

Yes, it's been quite a ride for Bob Sheppard these last 57 years. His memories must be many, and I am sure that if he had to do it all over again, he would not think twice.To Bob, I personally want to wish him better health, more years of life, a few more Championships, and I don't know if there is such a thing as a HOF for Public Address Announcers, but if not, now is the time to start one. They have the Ford Frick Award for Baseball Broadcasters for "Major contributions to Baseball."

Bob Sheppard has done more than that for almost 60 years.God bless Bob Sheppard and thanks for being the "Voice of God," as you have come to be known. I am sure that Derek understands this and in your honor, would have nobody else to announce his name at the Stadium. It just wouldn't sound the same...

BASEBALL SONGS, SPORTS HEROES 3

What better way to overcome the post World Series mortem than by listen to Phil Coley's fourth Joe Pickering Jr. collaboration Baseball Songs, Sports Heroes 3.

That's right he's back and brings his magical lyrics to your CD player or MP3 device. And in this edition once again he takes no prisoners. No team nor sport is safe from the wit and wisdom of Pickering Junior. Of course like all other volumes the Yankees are his biggest target.

He takes shot at the Yankees in "The Yankees aren't The Yankees Any More". Not sure they are but after the World Series victory I will take them. As a matter of fact he uses the Yankees as a measuring stick in many of his compositions. But the Yankees aren't the only target on the CD. Joe Pickering Jr. ake a shot at our cross town neighbors the Mets in the Frankie the Sportsguy inspired "My Father Cursed Me( He Made Me A Mets Fan)". It is clearly the jewel on the album.

He also goes on to explore the baseball lore of the Indians, Dodgers, his beloved Red Sox, Cubbies, the dethroned AL champion Tampa Bay Rays and more. It is done in his usual, witty, laughable style.

Danny Mack brings a breathe of fresh air to the stylings of Phil Coley to a point where I was ready to stand up and applaud. If I had to critical I would just say that the liner notes are much too small for my 53 year old eyes. The good news is they should be on www.kingoftheroadmusic.com website by the time you read this. I may sound like a cliche but it is just in time for the Holidays and guess what Joe included not one but two Christmas songs on the CD, although our President may have preferred that the last cut be called Happy Holidays used in the title "President Obama Merry Christmas to You". Intentional, you be the judge.

Go out and buy it for the baseball fans on your ...er Holiday List.

Jeter and Tex Bring Home The Gold

Tuesday, two Yankees were lauded for their individual defensive achievements. Shortstop Derek Jeter and first baseman Mark Teixeira were named to the Rawlings American League Gold Glove team, taking home the awards for the fourth and third times in their Major League careers, respectively.

Jeter's Gold Glove is the first since the last of his three consecutive berths in 2006 and represents no small accomplishment for the 35-year-old, who rededicated himself to defensive improvement after turning a cold shoulder to some criticism in recent years.

Teixeira's first Gold Glove since 2006 was accredited to him for an aspect of his game that proved every bit as vital to the Yankees' drive to a World Series title as his AL-leading 39 home runs and 122 RBIs. Making only four errors in 1,275 chances, Teixeira also saved numerous errors by other infielders with his wide-ranging scoops of errant throws. Adding Teixeira's Gold Glove defense to the mix created a ripple effect that helped Jeter as well as second baseman Robinson Cano and third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

AROUND THE INTERNET DIAL

Look for a great show this Sunday on AM 1240 WGBB brought to you by the Sports Radio NY network. Dana Brand ( The Last Days Of Shea and Mets Fan author ), but also former Yankee Charlie Hayes. The show airs from 10-11 PM ET . It can be heard on the radio at AM 1240 WGBB (if you are on Long Island) if not it is streamed live on the web at: www.am1240wgbb,com and www.sportsradiony.com

Here is the official info for the show:

Sports Talk Live With Frankie The Sports Guy: Frank Maniscalco hosts.
Guests on the program will include author Dana Brand, who will be followed by Adam Bernacchio of The Ghost of Moonlight Graham baseball blog.
Then former Yankees 3B Charlie Hayes will close out the show talking Yankee baseball.
Be sure to tune in. It will be archived at the site below incase you are watcing something on FOX.

www.frankiethesportsguy.com

GAME 2 DOODLES

Game two of the 2009 World Series is now under our belts and we are off to Philadelphia for three games on enemy turf.
Pedro returned to the stadium for the first time since he played for the Mets. He put on quite a show. The Yanks won this round in the Who’s Your Daddy? Sweepstakes. Petey pitched well but AJ did him one better as the Yankees won 3-1 with Mariano Rivera getting a six out save. "After yesterday, getting a win today was big," (Mark) Teixeira said. A night after getting stopped by Cliff Lee in the opener 6-1, the Yanks bounced back from an early deficit, sparked by a pickoff throw from backup catcher Jose “the Panda” Molina.
Derek Jeter has won the Roberto Clemente Award partially due to his Turn 2 Foundation. The Yankee captain was presented with the award Thursday before the start of yesterday’s game.

BIG MOUTH DEPARTMENT Jimmy Rollins was quoted in saying:
Thank goodness the World Series is leaving New York so we can get a little atmosphere.
"Our ballpark is so loud and rowdy, I was really expecting some of that here," Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins said. "It was very tame and civil."
Rollins flashed that devilish smile of his, the one that all but says, "Put it on the back page."
From mystique and aura to tame and civil.
What has the Bronx come to?
I wonder what Pedro thinks. I think Jimmy should get his ears checked.

Like a wise man once said "It's not who wins the first game, it is who wins the last."

Nuff Said

GO YANKS

Dear Joey G,

Why do you feel like you need to do something all the time. How can you pinch run for A-Rod with anyone? Alex is not slow by any stretch of the imagination. Then to add insult to injury he didn’t even try to steal! Pinch run for Posada, Molina or Matsui but not A-Rod! Joey this series should have ended twice already! Not only are you over managing you are alienating your team. You may leave the Steinbrenner boys no choice but to can you. Talk it over with your bench coach he’s there to help you not to be your Spanish translator. Stop and think or we’ll be going home early again. Also if you get us to the World Series bring Hinski and leave Guzman behind.

LOOKING FOR THE LIGHT

Well it's AJ Burnett against John Lackey at the Big A tonight in Game 5 of the ALCS. The Phillies put the Dodgers away in 5 games and repeat as NL Champions for the second time in as many years.

Jorge Posada is pencilled in at DH while Jose Molina will be catching Burnett. So if we need defense in the late innings look for Frankie Cervelli to get the nod. Hideki Matsui will be relegated to pinch hitting duties. And we got to hit big and hit early just to keep Skipper Joe in the dugout.

The team chemistry is GREAT, people especially fans of other teams claim the Yankees have no team chemistry, but this year we got the all-time record for most consecutive games without an error! Girardi is did a fine job all year, really at this point in time what more can you ask for? We beat Boston in the most important games after going 0-8, you cant win them all but its better to win down the stretch now then in the beginning when it doesn't matter as much.

During Girardi's entire tenure as coach of the Yankees he has had numerous injuries to his players, especially early on this season. Girardi lost Chein Ming Wang last season and still doesn't have him.
And everyday this season don't forget he had to rely on Nick Swisher who helped make this a team effort. A-Rod you say? Well Al has performed much better with Joey G as he has shown much more confidence in his third baseman than Mr Torre did.

Keep you fingers crossed and let have the pennant in had when we get back to Da Bronx.

HEADING WEST

Well the Bombers can put their ski masks and ear muffs away for a couple of days as the head out to Anaheim for the matinee on Monday afternoon.
It will be Andy Pettitte against Spicoli's brother Jarad Weaver in the first of three games at the Big A, or is it the Big LA of A now? 4 O'Clock start on FOX with Dumb and Dumber at the mike.
Two pretty sloppy games in NY but we came out with two victories and would be great to take two of three on the left coast. That however will be no easy task.
Pie last night was on Jerry Hairston Jr. in a typical A.J. Burrnett game. We will by AJ is no where in sight until pie time.
Can't take these games lightly as the Angels are a tough team. Travel day today and due to the late finish Joe Girardi gave the guys off Sunday.

SIT DOWN YOU ARE ROCKIN THE BOAT

Dear Jorge,
It's time to take a cue from your buddy Derek. Know when to say the right thing and know when to shut up!
In the aftermath of Joe Girardi gambling by naming Jose Molina starter for game 2 of the 2009 ALDS, your performance last night both on and off the field almost made me wish he named him starter to game one as well.
Your throws were perfect, if Derek Jeter was 14 foot tall and you allowed two pass balls and were a bit lackadaisical in the field. OK one of the PBs were admittedly CC's fault because he admits you got crossed up. But even so you don't throw your teammate under the bus in the post game press conference. It wasn't that long ago Andy Pettitte preferred you over Joe Girardi. He actually preferred Jimmy Leyritz over both of you.
OK regardless of if AJ Burrnett is a primadona or not you have to sit back and accept your manager's decision and don't second guess him to the press or on Centerstage or anything. Sure you were disappointed, I wouldn't want you on my team if you weren't. If it helps AJ at all I am all for it.
You behaved like a sour old man all year, it's time to sit back and enjoy the game. If Joe says jump ask him how high?
This is the closest knit team you had since 1999 so relax and enjoy it and you will do better. Show some support for The Panda as well. Think of it as pay back for when Molina filled in for you when you were hurt this year. Lead us Jorgy!...

ONE IS THE LONELIEST NUMBER....

...well maybe not in this case but CC Sabathia pitched the Yankees to a 3-0 shutout of the Red Sox and he didn't need any ketchup on his sock to do it. And guess what? The Rangers are still alive!!. Chances are slim but that would cap the season off just fine.

One isn't the only number to be proud of here are some other numbers courtesy of BTB's John Monaco

46-19 since the All-Star break,
84-41 .672 since 5/8, the day Alex returned
48 Come From Behind Wins,
14 by Walk-off
Yanks outhit opponent: 80-13
ML leading 35-17 against Left-handed Starters
Yanks hit a HR: 85-34

Remember when the Yankees were 0-8 against the Red Sox? That seems like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?

YANKS TAKE SERIES IN LA of A

The Yankees have won their first series in Anaheim for the first time since May 2004 by a score of 3-2. AJ Burrnett pitched 6 2/3 innings allowing only 2 runs. IPK (Ian Kennedy) returned to the mound for the first time since his aneurysm surgery. He had been pitching for Scranton Willes Barre. Mariano Rivera picked up his 42nd save. The captain was ohfer.

The Yankees magic number is now at 5 to clinch the AL East after cementing a playoff spot last night.

LA of A Here We Come

OK, maybe we were looking too far ahead to the Angels but after dropping 2 of three to the M's we have to take 2 of 3 from the LA of A Angels.

Joba (Chamerlain) proved once again the Yankees screwed his mind up 100%. There is nothing he has done this year that told me he can pitch dominating from the pen or as a starter. He just can't get that peak velocity.

Time for Andy Pettitte to step up and put us on the right track tomorrow.

The Bluest Skies You Ever Seen .....

Well last night it was the best against the best. The best reliever of all times, Mariano Rivera, was up against one of the best hitters in baseball, Ichiro. Ichiro was a bit embarrassed by getting picked off earlier in the game so he had some extra incentive in the ninth.

The results Mariano's consecutive save streak came to an end.

I feel we will see this same scenario later this series with different results.

OH WHATTA NIGHT!

That was a great game to watch if you didn't care who won but it was even better if you rooted for the New York Yankees. After taking 2 games so far of this 4 game series, everything else is gravy.

Sure we could still win the AL East without beating the Red Sox or the LAA Angels but taking those games just gives you a boost.

It was all pie for A-Rod as Alex hit a walk off homer in the bottom of the 15th.

Ramiro Pena is back and ready to play some OF as well as infield. Now if he can only relieve.

Saturday is a FOX game, let's see if we can overcome that jinx.

It is also reported that due to the steroid factor the 1918 chant will be reinstated immediately.

CALIFORNIA OR BUST

Did anyone notice any strange odors coming out of Anaheim? If you did it was probably in the visitor's dugout at the Big A or the Big LA of A or whatever they are calling it these days!

How can we let a beat up team like that beat us? A team with no bullpen, and missing three regulars. Joba where are you? you don't seem to be working anything out. Coincidence that we looked so bad after Francisco Cervelli was demoted? You tell me. All of a sudden Jorge Posada can't block a wild pitch and keep it in front of himself???? Heck you learn that in Spring Training.

Last game before the All Star Game tomorrow. Yanks wind up with four off days so everyone except Pettitte is available. We must salvage this one!

Review Munson: The Life and Death of a Yankee Captain

Who better than former Yankee Public Relations Director Marty Appel could write a book on the Yankees most dominant Captain? Marty just doesn't pick up right where he left off in Thurman's Official Biography 30 years ago, he fills in the holes and answers all the questions that the original book had you asking for 30 years.

I know I am sounding cliche but once I picked this book up I just had to finish it. Yes it does help that Thurman Munson is my favorite Yankee of all time but any Yankee fan would love it just as much. Marty Appel pays tribute to the short lived legend like only a friend can.

For those that know Munson Appel builds the man up from ground zero, but he leaves you yearning for more through the entire book by telling us things that we never knew existed. He goes deep into the man, his life and his family including members of his family that you never heard talk of. From his teammates to the Plane crash in 1979 and Appel brings you George Steinbrenner how you would want to remember him.

You know I am a Munson fan but this book is getting top ratings from writers and in periodicals all over the country. Including the official BTB Book reviewer Harvey Frommer.

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Photo from 1972 Yankees High School Sports Editor Day, Thurman and Marty.

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BUY YOUR COPY HERE

Random Thoughts

By Guest Blogger Mike Hallmark

Okay, Josh Johnson is a stud but the National's pitchers weren't. A question has been turning over in my mind: Are the Yankees a bunch of "guess" hitters. I'm pretty sure AROD is and Posada. But we sure get caught looking at fastballs down the middle a lot. Maybe that's the secret explanation as to why we can't seem to hit pitchers we've never loved or seen before. It seems nobody except Robinson Cano is a see the ball, hit the ball player. I only say this because we're sure scuffling against some bad pitchers. Yet, we jumped all over Johan Santana, who even with diminished stuff has more than we saw against the Nationals.

Also, in my day to day weird ruminations I'm wondering if our pitchers are lining up to pitch on the road. I know Andy Pettitte would be first in that line considering his home and away splits. I understand our pitchers' reluctance to throw strikes. Everytime a ball is hit in the air by an opposing player I hold my breath 1000 miles away. We need to fix the right center power alley this winter. Our glittering jewel has an achilles heel.

REAL YANKS DON'T WEAR RED

MLB and the Yanks are scheduled to wear the Red Caps with the flag logo on Memorial Day, July 4th and 9-11 this year. It is surely a break in the Yankee Tradition. Here is what the forum at Behind the Bombers had to say.

The Yanks are being forced by Bud to wear red capsover Memorial Day weekend. All MLB teams willbe wearing red caps.The NY Yankees have never worn red caps in their history.Once again, the Friar hates what Bud is doing. ....Good Friar

Don't do it. Pay the fine. George Steinbrenner would've ...Asburry Boss

I would think that some our esteemed conservative members would be up in arms over this. Sounds like a communist plot to me. ... Rags

Ridiculous.....Bud should also make everyone wear all red uniforms.....like the Cuban team......to honor the troops of course.I guess a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthem....plus God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch is just not enough. ...BBT

I hate Bud and most everything he does....but this weekend think of ALL the veterans and the sacrifices they have made for ALL of us.Forget about the politics of war...remember the instruments that carry out the wars.The Veterans who selflessly gave up all their tomorrow's so we could have ours.I will ....Bernz-a-matic

It's for the Veteran's. Give it a break, boys. Some things, dare I say, are more important than the Yankees. ...effjay

Sorry Bernz. I think you're being duped. The veterans WILL BE FETED those days. It happens every year, as it should. I was totally OK with the Yanks doing this one time, and that was for the game with Virginia Tech. Those poor kids. I'm so proud of my team.I refuse to believe it's about respect for vets when they're going to be $37 apiece. The marketing wheels are turning. I have no intention to disparage the military, my views about war notwithstanding. One of my favorite days ever was the 2001 ALCS game where you were down there on the outfield partaking in flag duty in front of the right center field fence where Soriano would win the game with an opposite field jack later that night.Remember a couple of years back when they started selling and wearing the Spring Training caps with the white line on either side?Every OTHER team in mlb has multiple unis home and away. ...Knuckles

Knuckles, I'm with you on the fleecing of the consumer in the name of the holiday, absolutely. My day in Right Center (under the Armitron sign) is still my greatest time in the ball park and one of the highlights of my military career, and one I look at every day when I fire up my work laptop (I think of you and Sue every time I fire this baby up and the picture appears ) and, yes the Vet will be feted over the weekend, but it's premature to do so this weekend. There is a difference that a lot (especially the media and consumer machine) forget.Memorial day is to remember the Vets that gave all, to memorialize the fallen.Veterans day is for all vets to be feted both living and deceased.Big difference in this crusty old retired MSgt's eyes. ...Bernz-a-matic

I don't have no problem either, I would have liked it better if a certain perecentage of the profits went to the Vet. Hey last year it was a royal blue. It will look weird but a cap doesn't make or break the team. When someone asks why are all the teams wearing red caps, you can answer to honor out Veterans. ... Phil

Phil, according to the article, ALL proceed from the sale of these caps will go to the Welcome Home soldier fund. I don't particuarly like the red hat, but it is for a great cause. We owe alot to the soldier who are sacrificing now, and those who did so in the past. God bless the USA! ..Tarhealbomber

yankees don't wear red!!!! ... Jimbue

I can't argue with the vets here, but I don't like it. If we have to do it, we do it! GOFERIT-Yanks ...RJPinstripes

Honor the Vets, absolutely.MLB marketing ploy to make Bud look good - bah, humbug.How about MLB, as immensely profitable as they've been for years now, just making a donation to the Welcome Home fund (or any other worthy, appropriate charity) without sucking more $$$ out of the fans. ... DavidL

Fred Wilpon, Mets owner started the program last year aimed at creating job opportunities as well as addressing continuing health-care needs of returning veterans. ... JohnM

Dis and Dat

OK so maybe Joba (Chamberlain) should pitch out of the pen. We just need to bring him in during the second inning. Why does he tend to have such a bad first? Nobody knows!

Don’t leave in a Huff, just leave. I for one can’t wait for the next Aubry Huff – Joba match up where nothing is on the line. After Huff made an @$$ of himself doing the Joba pump twice after his three run dinger in the first inning I wouldn't want to be on that side of the Joba fastball.

Melky Cabrera can cover a lot of ground in centerfield, but he throws to the correct base as well as Jorge Posada blocks the plate. Maybe we can fit him with one of those audio earplugs and they can send him instructions from the dugout. Or just tune him to John Sterling.

The Cisco Kid is a friend of mine. Francisco Cervelli legging out the infield squeaker was just as important as Johnny Damon’s homer yesterday in Baltimore. If it wasn’t for him and Jeter’s legs there would have been no AB in the inning for Johnny. Cervelli is not even considered a prospect. One would have thought the Yankees would have promoted the hot hitting PJ Pillatare. What’s one more guy with initials?

ONE LAST WORD ON CURRENT BOOKS

'Yogi Berra: Eternal Yankee' by Allen Barra Norton ($27.95)

How can you go wrong writing a book on Yankee Icon Yogi Berra? Allan Barra presents the fact that Yogi Berra was the driving force of the Yankee Championship teams of his era. The author contends that year after year the Yankees had the best pitching in the league without the best pitchers because Yogi had the magic and know-how to handle the Bob Grims, Art Ditmars, and Ryne Durens along with the Allie Reynolds and Whitey Fords.

Barra is down about Yogi's talent as a big-league manager. Although his 1964 Yankees and 1973 Mets won pennants. And the fact that he understood the intricacies of the game. Yogi as his mentor, Bill Dickey predicted, biggest problem was in "managing men."

You won't find a lot of Yogisms in this book as it is more on the serious side of Yogi. Even so "True Yogi fans," the author insists, must distinguish between as he puts it "real Yogisms," distilled pieces of folk wisdom, and mere malapropisms. Barra even provides an appendix, with a "comparative study" of quotations from Yogi and world history's "great minds."

The Yankee Years by Joe Torre and Tom Verducci Doubleday

I know a lot has been said about this book already but I finally brought myself to read it. You can't attribute everything to Joe and most of the anti A-Rod propaganda was contributed by Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci. The bottom line is Torre had final say what was in and what was left out. He could have said no to anything. Makes you wonder about the Manny (Ramirez) chapters to Joe's next book "The Dodger Years".

Overall a Yankee fan should read it but take it for what it is. Even more now that it is available for under $10.

George: The Poor Little Rich Boy Who Built the Yankee Empire by Peter Golenbock John Wiley & Sons

Long over due this book is a tribute to a man who brought the winning tradition back to the Pinstripes. None other than George Steinbrenner, one of the most controversial figures in sports, the owner of the New York Yankees.

Boss Steinbrenner for 34 years, he berated his players and tormented his managers and employees. He played fast and loose with the rules and made them his own, and twice could have gone to jail. He was banned from baseball for life–but was allowed back in the game. Yet George Steinbrenner also built the New York Yankees from a mediocre team into the greatest sports franchise in America.

This book pays tribute to that George we all know and love without pulling any punches and does it in detail. There is one problem nobody seemed to check out the facts. There were more errors in this book than Horace Clarke made in his career. Given the authors track record this proved to be very disappointing.

The range of the book includes love-hate relationship between George and his Father... the lies... to almost everyone that crossed his path, his hiring's and firings, his legal problems included, but not limited to illegal campaign contributions and lying to the federal government and more lies. You have to hope this isn't the last book we see or that he makes up for it in the paperback.

The Daily Snooze

OK! What is with the NY Daily Snooze? It is one thing to report the news and put down a team or player but today's headlines were just insulting.

Chein Ming Wang is probably one of the nicest kids in baseball and he has been having more than his fair share of problems. I can understand a fans frustration with his performance as I am sure he is his own worse critic. But today's back page was just uncalled for.

With the homers flying out of the new cathedral in the Bronx, once Wang gets his velocity and sinker working he may be our best weapon. Until then the Yankees will be looking for answers. This may have been one of the worse games I ever have seen but it was not excuse for that back page.

As far as the press goes, if the Yankees it will keep you working into November this year. I am not asking you to sugar coat anything but treat a player like a human being. Call a bad outing a bad outing but don't be cruel and worry about what goes on between the lines. But that my Bomber Buddy is a different storey.

BTB OPENING DAY MINUTE

Some first impressions: The New Yankee Stadium

By John Monaco

New Stadium is a spectacular addition to the neighborhood. The newly constructed Metro North Station is due to open 3rd week of May. A new Shopping Mall is also under construction. First real investments in this area in quite some time. Surprised you scan your own ticket. Plenty of entrances. I was the 3rd person-in through the gate I entered.

You enter into the Great Hall. Yankee Team Store and Hard Rock on one end and the Martini Bar is on the other end up 1 level. 16 Elevators in the Stadium. All have an Operator. One you enter the Great Hall you are on the street level. The playing field is actually below street level. If you make a left in front of the Team Store you can begin to see the playing field.

Concourses are huge.

Every type of food available. Prices are similar or slightly below last years pricing for similar items. Also have some value menus.Made one restroom visit. Had about 40 Urinals and a dozen stalls. You can only enter via a single door and must leave via the exit door. Plenty of water fountains with ice-cold NYC tap water.For the first day everything seemed to be operational. I expected more obvious signs of unfinished work but the Stadium looks 99+% complete in my eyes.

I've been to about 30 big league parks. The sitelines I observed in my walkabouts represent the best I've seen todate. I checked out Section 134 LF Field Level $85/seats. Those were the first seats Yanks offered me that I rejected. Those seats are better than I ever imagined. They spent a lot of dollars on Monument Park. That blue-tint stone must cost a fortune. MP is more cramped than across the street. 200 or so people at one time is about all its suited for. You have to walk down two short flights of stairs to enter Monument Park.I should have mentioned this earlier, every Yankee employee was friendly and greated you will a hello. I didn't recognize any of the concession stands workers. All appear to be new. I also couldn't find a tip jar.

The food - well they have everything you can want. Yankee combo Staff/Usher in every Section across all Stadium Levels.I sit up in the highest level (Grandstand) Section 424 which is inside 3rd base. Nice view.

As Knux pointed out we no longer sit on a steep angle that gives you the feel you are right on top of the action but overall the Yankees did a great job with the sightlines.

I took the escalator up to the Main Level then the ramps to the Grandstand. Those ramps were challenging for an overweight guy like me. 6 ramps in total with a slight incline. I was winded when I made it to the top. If I made that walk one hour a day for a month I think I could lose 30 pounds.

The Terrance Suite Seats which were Knux old seats are "sweet" They are worth the $100. Wow, what a view.

See for yourself at John's photo album and here too!

OPENING DAY WORKOUT AT THE NEW YANKEE STADIUM

A LIVE REPORT FROM BTB's OWN JOHN MONACO aka JohnM

Dateline Da Bronx 4/2/09

I've arrived at YS for the 1pm workout. Stadium looks amazing from the outside. Gates open at 11am. Will post pix tonight.

Just completed a walk around the entire YS block. The complex from the outside is huge. Subway EL on River Ave. Has been repainted. It looks sparkling. Tookpix of Yankee vendors waiting to enter YS. Looks like they have 2000 or so workers.

Media ceremony going on in Great Hall. Sterling MC. Bernie is playing his guitar "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"

They just smashed guitars to open the Hard Rock

Beautiful sunny day in the Bronx. Visited Monument Park first. Completely walked first two levels. Ran into the Roadtrippers Season 2. Somewhat speechless. Not used to leg room and wide seats. The CF Bleacher Cafe is amazing. I'm not upstairs on my seat sec 424 row 10 Seat 24.

Infield being watered. Never seen the grass so green at this time of year. Some Yankees are on the field led by Andy Pettitte. Andy is throwing off the mound.

Forgot to mention you scan your own ticket to enter the Stadium. Very quick to enter.

Joba now pitching from the mound. Sound system rocks. Crystal clear and doesn't blast your ears.

Yanks have all left the field at 12:50pm. Just noticed their are no pigeons flying around.

1,000s of kids here on school trips. They're having a ball. Yanks also gave them coupons for free food and drink.

The CF Video Board is amazing. Yanks have been showing fan shots from all over the complex. I was on the video board when I was online to buy a hotdog. Players seem blown away by the HD quality. Yanks jogging and stretching. Nice video of all Yankees talking about the Stadium.

Yankee pitchers taking fielding practice. They are fielding bunts and throwing to 1B . Players often wave when they see themselves on the videoboard. Chien Ming Wang has been very active during the fielding drills. (Brett) Gardner and Melky (Cabrera) appear to be talking to another in CF.

1:45pm and still no pigeons. Must have setup some electronics. Derek batted first. Damon put one on the seats. Derek puts one in the Visitors bullpen. Crowd estimate 20,000

Texiera puts on in the LF Bleachers. Don't expect many Upper Deck HRs. Will be as rare as reaching the Black

AROD Makes The Right Move

Alex Rodriguez has opted to go for surgery right now which may cause him to miss 6 to 9 weeks. With this surgery he may need a full surgery later on down the road. The target for his return would be around May 1.

According Dr. Marc Philippon this is a partial surgery by inserting a tube in the hip repairing the damged portion of the labrium. Philippon is confident in the "85-90 pecent range" that Rodriguez will be able to play through the remainder of the 2009 regular season. He may then require surgery which may keep him on crutches for up to four months.

During the procedure, Philippon will shave down the bone at the hip, which has become rough through time. This should reduce the fraying. Also, the labrum will be set in such a way that it's more snug against the bone, making it much less likely to fray.

Philippon added an athlete can play an additional one to three years without the more invasive procedure. The Yankees need to find a third baseman now who can spell and/or fill in for Alex during the duration. Maybe Aaron Boone is available?

Well If You In-Cyst!

Alex Rodriguez will miss about 10 weeks of action due a cyst in his right hip. Just how deep or large the cyst is is unclear. The doctors are calling it hip surgery so it's no walk in the park.

Joe Dunand, Alex Rodriguez's older brother, told Enrique Rojas of ESPNdeportes.com during a phone interview that immediate surgery was recommended, and that rehabilitation would take about 10 weeks.

Manager Joe Girardi said it was bothering him last season. Why they didn't get it checked then is anyone's guess.

The discovery of the cyst also means that A-Rod will not be able to participate with the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic.

To be continued . . .

SPRING IS IN THE AIR AND ALEX IS ON THE BACK PAGE

OK if you are tired of seeing Alex Rodriguez on the back page of the news and post please raise you hand. OK you can put them all down now. What is it about the press? Don't they want to work in October? If they bug A-Rod they can get him to a point where it can keep the Yankees from getting through the post season. Do we need to know that A-Rod is moving by Madonna? Do we need to know who he was with on Valentine's Day? I don't think so.

It will be interesting to see when Alex faces Roy Oswalt in the WBC how they will react after Oswalt opened his big mouth. Alex let your bat do the talking.

Lot of fans are disappointed with their new relocation assignments. Stub Hub has over 7000 seats per game on sale. I have a feeling they are going to be very surprised. As one of my fellow webmasters said be patient this year next year you can sit wherever you want. A lot of scalper seats will go unsold this year.

I Want My DTV (DIGITAL TELEVISION)

OK Yankee fans the President is about to extend the life of the primitive TV signal AKA analog until June 12. The reason being is that too many people are not ready for it. Mark my words the same people won't be ready for it then either.

Digital is a much cleaner and ghostless signal. It is far superior to the old analog signal. So why wait? It doesn't affect most views because most views have cable, a satellite dish or fiber optic TV connection anyway. It is for those Flintstones out there that are sill using the roof antenna or worse rabbit ears.

The government issued $40 coupons, limit of 2 per family, to help alleviate the cost. Sure if you buy you converter box in a store like CVS or Sears that would make you responsible for $10 to $20 per box. If you went to a place like Target it could cost you only $5 or just the tax at Walmart. (Tell me again why NYC is against Walmart?)
It is the same thing when they tried to push the metric system on us. It is much more logical than the English system. BUT they left people an alternative and they ignored it and it just plain didn't work.
If the actually need more funding to help the turnover then fine extend it. You would think the ABCs and NBCs of the world would help fund it as well. They don't want to lose their audience.

Up and Around

Well Bomber Buddies it seems that Andy Pettitte will be back in the fold this season. He signed a contract which was incentive driven and more than fair. He stands to start the first exhibition game in the new cathedral.

I see over at Pride of the Yankees at NJ.com they doubled their staff. So now it is Dave, Aziz, Mike and Steve, the Pre Fab Four. A job that I use to do by myself, I wonder if the share the $50 a month four ways? Dave and Aziz do a great job, I haven't had time to check out the other two yet. I would love to partner up on a blog. It would make interesting reading. Any takers?

Until next time...

DEEP IN THE POCKETS OF TEIXEIRA

Special Guest Blogger Don Cyoti

No, not Jesus. Jacob, as in Rupert. Or what would Dan Topping? For that matter, what would Big Stein have done? For those of you younger Yankee fans who aren't mired in history, Rupert & Topping were former owners of the Yankees way back in the day BG (Before George). In my opinion, our Yanks have never played "down" to their competitition economically. We've always been a gorilla and we've always performed like one in the player marketplace. Read up on the signing of Dimaggio in the 30s. Or the financing of Harry Frazee's play.

I'm starting this because I wanted to bring Tex's signing to the forefront here. I also didn't want to reply on page 6 unless it was the NY Times Page 6. On the matter of signing Tex, I'm blasphemously ecstatically totally famously happily stoked!I'm only sorry that Mike Cameron won't be roaming center field and whiffing for us.That being said I also have a little guilt. I'll have to explain to my 35-year-old step son who roots a little for the Pirates that the Yankees pulled off the Trifecta because we can.

Many true Yankee fans are feeling our Yanks are being piggish in the signing. That's a legitimate feeling and I understand. I also would like to see Brett Gardner get worked into the lineup and now I think he will.

Someone, made a pretty good arguement that there a lot of home grown Yankees on the roster. Others take swipes at our lack of faith in our farm system but he didn't analyze anything.Our farm system is arm heavy but position player poor. We've got some terrific kids down there who are not too far from helping us on the hill. Some will help this year. But, AJAX & Montero are the only position players who are close to the majors and only one of them has a position. If Montero is going to have to convert from catcher to 1st base then his path just got blocked. But, the reality is Theo started the farm system upgrade a couple of years before Cash was able to convince George to let him so the Sox have been flush with homegrowns the past couple seasons. We've got some kids in the low minors who will get there I think but we needed to add a young position player who will be here awhile. We just got one.Okay, I'll apologize to Bud and Gammons and the other Damn Yankee haters at FOX & ESPN who will be weighing in.

I'm sorry our GM has a plan that included a gamble that cost him last year but came to fruition this offseason. It's no accident that we're getting rid of contracts and will be getting a luxury tax break due to building a stadium. We passed on Johan Santana because there was a guy coming up who was as good and wouldn't cost us players. I hate that we had a plan but it's what Evil Empires do. But, whether my apology is accepted or not by Fox or Gammons or Every Sox Pals Nation is immaterial. We've just upgraded ourselves enough that even Dayn Perry has to admit we have a chance to compete with the Rays & Sox. Maybe he'll pick us at least second in the division with a chance for the wild card now.Have we won anything yet besides Winter? Nope.

Will the Rays & Sox roll over. Nope. They've got horses of their own. The Sox didn't need Tex and we did. So, we did what was necessary & legal. I pray there is never a salary cap in baseball. I'm a fan of the Tennesee Titans also and had to endure a cap purge a couple of seasons ago.

Baseball doesn't need the New York Yankees having to do a salary purge to get themselves down to $100 million payroll. For one thing, the Pirates & Padres & Marlins and a bunch of other teams would likely fold because the luxury tax money wouldn't be available as their crop subsidy. There's no crying in baseball and there should be no communism either. Actually, there is likely to be crying about the big bad Yankees. But, it's who we are and what we do. We're gorillas and its okay to thump our chest a bit. Otherwise, they wouldn't write plays about us.

"Nice Yankees" would never make it to Broadway.

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.