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.