JP DAWSON AWARD

Former Staten Island Yankee 1B/3B Eric Duncan was voted winner of the 2006 JP Dawson Award. The award is given to the best rookie in Spring Training. Duncan joins the ranks of Don Mattingly, Jorge Posada and Willie Randolph among others.

YANKS TAKE GAMBLE ON PROCTOR

Scott Proctor who is out of options extended his lease in pinstripes due to injuries to Aaron Small. He did have a great spring as well. Proctor impressed the Yanks with a 1.06 ERA over 17 innings this spring and will begin the year as a long reliever. The way the starters have been dropping don't be surprised if he makes a start or two this season.

Jaret Wright will make his first appearance in a game since March 18 when he pitches in a minor-league game today. Wright, who said he's over the back spasms that sidelined him, is waiting to find out his role at the start of the season. Joe Torre and Ron Guidry will watch Wright pitch and said he'll likely announce his rotation tomorrow. Lee Mazzilli will stay back at Tampa and manage the Yanks against the D-Rays.

BEHIND THE BOMBERS BRIEFS

Holy Cow Yankee fans we went from 7 starters to three in no time at all. Chien Ming "Don't Call Me Tiger" Wang will test out his bruised knee Friday as the Yankees return to the scene of the 2001 World Series Arizona. So if all goes well it looks like Wang will be the number 4 hurler behind Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina and Shawn Chacon.

Speaking of Randy Johnson, he showed his classlessness these past couple of days. RJ has gone to court demanding that an ex-girlfriend return less than $100,000 in day care payments he made for a daughter they had out of wedlock 16 years ago, the Smoking Gun Web site reports. Johnson last month petitioned a judge in Island County, Wash., for return of the $750 a month in day care payments he provided over eight years to the girl's mother, Laurel Roszwell. He's also demanding interest, for a total of about $93,000.
Johnson has also been paying $5,000 a month in child support, none of which is in dispute. Johnson and Laurel Roszwell did not enter into a child-support agreement until the girl, Heather Roszwell, was 8 years old. You may have a point Randy but suck it up and show some class. Let her keep the money.

BY A NOSE
Jorge Posada is expected to be behind the plate come Opening Day in Oakland after he return to defensive action this afternoon. Posada took part in the team's workout before Sunday's game against Detroit, taking batting practice, but he wasn't expected to return to game action until Tuesday or Wednesday.

A few thoughts about the game and other stuff:...

Barry "Goodad" Spencer Special Guest Blogger


1. Proctor looked really good. He's got hisself a slider now, and he's throwing it for strikes. He's also got hisself a changeup now, and he's throwing it for strikes. He actually appeared to get stronger as the game went into the 4th. Word is they're grooming him for long relief.

2. Pavano looked ok. I hate back problems in pitchers. Especially young ones. They can flare up at a moments notice. Fingers crossed.

3. Jorge was plugged in as DH. Looking like rocky raccoon his timing is a little off. But, consider this. If Joe uses him like he did last year, a few weeks off in the Spring should facilitate fresher legs for Hip. Bodes well for our October.

4. Murcer and Singleton mentioned the Yanks had been doing defensive drills earlier that day. Specifically infield defense. Both were kinda surprised about this so late in Spring training. Which begs the question, why so surprised? You can never work on fundamentals too much. Stinnett was taking pops behind the plate. Anybody who has ever been there knows, there is no such thing as an easy pop up the catcher has to field. All this continuing work on infield fundamentals has a Larry Bowa flavor to it. And I like it a lot!

5. Bowa has also been working with Cano on keeping his glove down, and teaching him to anticipate a bad hop on every play. Basic infield mechanics, taught in Little League, but you could see the difference in Cano's fielding last night. Much more sure handed. Much more fundamentally sound. Don't let Bowa's efforst go unnoticed as you watch the Yanks infield this year.

6. Mazzilli on the bench is also going to be a major asset to Joe. Joe has a great deal of respect for his former 1st base coach. Maz has a great baseball mind, and watches the game with a keen eye. He's also a walking rule book.

7. Giambi's eye for the plate is right there! What a surprise!8. The importance of renewed interest in working on sound baseball fundamentals can not be emphasized enough. Mental errors cost ballgames, and by the break in July, I expect to hear from more than a few announcers, how fundamentally sound this years Yankees play the game.

My predictions for this year:

1. Look for a lot of fun.

2. Look for a lot of frustration.

3. Look for a lot of crooked numbers.

4. Look for a lot of wins.Last night I could feel the tingle of anticipation as opening day draws near.

And with the last pre-season game Saturday afternoon, it's almost time for Yankinit to set the table, and the great AlanH to bring it home in true BTB tradition.

LOOKING BACK AT THE WBC AND SPRING TRAINING 2006

With the rosters trimming down and Opening Day in site, it is time to rewind and look back at just what we have seen this Spring. Sources say that this years crop of players have beat last Spring's bunch hands down. Yankee Spring Training has been Kevin Heaven as both outfielders Kevin "KT" Thompson and Kevin Reese have had super pre seasons. However both player will benefit by heading to Columbus to start the season with our old friend Melky Cabrera.

That does however make the Columbus outfield a little crowded. Melky had a great spring being a step ahead having played winter ball. Miguel Cairo is happy to be in pinstripes and had a great spring as well.

How accurate has the performances been during the Spring? Well, you have to take into consideration that a lot of the kids have been given more exposure being a good portion of the regulars have been participating in the World Baseball Classic. The results of the "Spring Break" have yet to be seen.

• Will the regulars be ready to start the season?
• Will they run out of gas earlier than normal?
• Are the good outings by some of the kids been misrepresentation to the the lower quality of competition?

These questions all remain unanswered. We probably wont know all the answers until September.

I must admit I wasn't excited about the WBC but I really enjoyed watching the tournament. Sure there are bugs to be worked out but the best teams won. Next time around I wouldn't be surprised if the preparation changes for the US and Dominican teams. The Japan, Korean and Cuban teams were better prepared and it showed and deservingly so.

Opening Day is coming and the Yanks will be involved with three of them. Before they get home to their own the playing in both the Angel and Athletic home openers. All I can say is "Play Ball".

IF LOVING YOU IS WANG ...

I don't want to be (Jaret) Wright!!!

Special Guest Blogger
Andrew Allen

Jaret Wright is in mid season form. He had a despicable outing last time out, giving up 8 runs on 11 hits. This is a good thing. If he isn't traded, he shouldbe put at the end of the bully, as a mop-up specialist. Our rotation to begin the season will hopefully be: Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Chien Ming Wang, Shaun Chacon, and Aaron Small. Hopefully Carl Pavano can move in if he gets healthy. Jaret just won't be effective as a starter this year.
His fastball looks too straight and hittable.
Move him to the pen, and all is well.

LOTS OF BASEBALL NEWS

Lots of baseball news, first there is the untimely passing of Kirby Puckett. Kirby is one of those opposing player you just have to love. He didn't look like a centerfielder but boy could he play it. God Bless You Kirby.

The Canadians upset the US Team today. I noticed A-Rod, Jeter, Damon and Clemens are all buddy-buddy in the dugout. Al Leiter announced he will retire after the World Baseball Classic and Roger Clemens is hinting he could go the same route.

Jarret Wright looked in mid season form tonight as he was pulled in the 3rd inning after seemlessly losing the strikezone. Also he seems to be wearing #34 this spring instead of #33. It didn't seem to help much.

Bernie Williams wasthe Team Puerto Rico DH Tuesday. Batting leadoff he knocked in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fifth as his team scratched out a 2-1 win over Panama in the opening game of Pool C play in the World Baseball Classic. The PAnama team was originally suppose to be managed by former Bomber Roberto Kelly.

TISKET A TASKET. . .

By Guest Blogger Barry "Goodad" Spencer

A few thoughts from a few things I read this morning:-First full squad workout today, and the locker room was just a hustle and bustle. Probably with the anticipation of another season to get Derek Jeter back his toy.-

Jason Giambi and Johnny Damon have lockers next to each other and were appearing to be enjoying that. Reportedly Jason looked in excellent shape, and said he feels better now than at any other time as a Yankee. His offseason consisted of 3 weeks off, and he continued to work on some of the hitting drills Don Mattingly taught him. Note to Jason: Doesn't hurt to work on a little leather either buddy. I've been told Donnie was pretty good at that too.-

We've heard about Gary Sheffield's meeting with Cashman. Now there is speculation out there why Mike Mussina wasn't given the same treatment. Personally, I would like to see Mike pitch his way into his option. If he doesn't at least tickle the 20 win mark this year; well, I'll have to see how it goes. BTW, Moose says he is unconcerned about this.-

Kelly Stinnett sounds like a kid in a candy store. He's loving the Yankee way, which includes working with legends like Mariano Rivera. Somebody pinch this guy.-Bernie reported on Monday, and says he's excited to be back. Looks like he will be taking some balls in the corner outfield spots. I got a feeling Bernie Williams is going to surprise a lot of people this year at the plate. Pride will be the catalyst.-

When Joe Torre and George Steinbrenner had their big sitdown, it was expressed by Torre that he needed to communicate with The Boss a lot more. Well, George has been at Spring Training nearly every day and has been seen around Torre's office quite a bit. Joe is getting what he wants from the Boss. And he couldn't be happier about it.-Shef says he would consider it an honor to hit his 500th home run the same year as A-Rod. He has a great deal of respect for our 3rd baseman, and calls him his best friend. Nice to hear somebody say something good about the reigning MVP.

On a personal note:I can't remember the last time I was as anxious to get a season going as I am about this one. All reports, with the exception of Pavano, coming out of camp are positive. No steroid issues. No contract issues. No trip to Japan. From what I've read everybody is in a positive frame of mind and anxious to get this thing going. The newbies are happy to be there, and the vets are excited to be back.


EVEN GOD LOVES THE NEW YORK YANKEES!!!

THE BOYS OF TAMPA

The team is present accounted for in Tampa. Joel Sherman and George King put their heads together and report on George Steinbrenner doing his best Joe Namath and guaranteeing the 27th Championship. Meanwhile Sam Borden reports the same thing over at the Daily Snooze. I am sure Newsday and the Star Ledger have the same things going. Bill Madden of the Snooze tell us on how Jason Giambi is ready to start over again. Good thing for Jason there is no Olympic style testing in baseball.
Why is it that one of the biggest teams in sports history has problems getting writers? Anyone want to write for BTB please send me an email.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN TAMPA

Now I propose the question, is this a good year to attend Spring Training? If you trek to Tampa you may not get to see Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez or newbie clean-shaven Johnny Damon. You may not even get to see Miggy Cairo. You will however get to see Robbie Cano, who opted out of the World Baseball Classic because he felt it more fruitfull playing than being third string and riding the pine. You will get to see the remaining 2/3 of the Yankee outfield as Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield both took a pass on playing. You will definitely get to see Jorge Posada who the Yankees have sucessfully blocked from participation despite Jorge's disire to wear the "PR" on his cap. George Steinbrenner has spoke out about his dislike for the WBC but Derek Jeter is at the opposite side of the spectrum he is outright excited about playing for USA team.

Mike Mussina was approached by Italy to play in the WBC, the only problem is Mike is not Italian, he is slavic, his family had changed their name. The Daily Snooze reports that Mike now is ready to sit down and bang out a contract extention.

Carl Pavano has halted throwing due now to back problems he is experiencing. The Yankees signed 38-year-old Scott Erickson to a non-roster contract. The audition is due to the fact that "superscout" Jason Giambi has seen him throw and that the signing was, mostly Giambi's work .

Chisox Skipper Ozzie Guillen made a sideways apology yesterday from his comments in a Sports Illustrated interview calling A-Rod a "hypocrite," among other niceties, for hedging over playing for Team USA or the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. Anthony McCarron of the Snooze report on the inane comments of a sore winner. Who is a hypocrite now Ozzie?

BOMBER BYTES

With the east coast covered with almost 2 foot of snow one can only long for the baseball season to start. To shed a little warmth Sam Borden of the Daily Snooze has five questions that Yankees have to ask themselves about their current squad.

In the New York-Penn League (short season A) where the Staten Island Yankees rein champions the Lowell Spinners are making the New England Little Leagues quite an offer. The Spinners say that if youth baseball leagues across New England change the name of a team from the Yankees to the Spinners, Lowell would pay for new uniforms. Not a bad deal for the youngsters. Then they can have one of those goofy top jerseys as well.

New York Snoozeday adds to that thought, there are still roles that need to be determined while Peter Caldera of the Bergen Record recycles the above stories again and again.

THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM

Alex Rodriguez was on XM Radio this week explaining why he made his decision of who to play for in the WBC. If the fans don't drive him crazy the media will. A-Rod needs to just get up at bat and forget about the critics. He needs to start getting a partial Manny (Rodriguez) attitude. Not only is he the best player in the game he is also the most misunderstood. I will be curious to see how "his people" greet him when he returns to the Bronx in April.

The Bronx Bombers announced today that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Darrell Rasner off waivers from the Washington Nationals. To make room for Rasner on their 40-man roster, the Yankees designated right-handed pitcher Jason Anderson for assignment.

I CAN SMELL IT NOW

With the internet the post season just keeps on getting shorter and shorter. Our old friend Alfonso Soriano has lost his arbitration case and will only be making $10 Million this season. Poor baby. He asked for $12 Million. He has been squawking ever since the National wanted to switch him to centerfield. Fonzie wake up and smell the coffee you will make a great centerfielder. I just wish it was in pinstripes.
Miggy Cairo is glad to be back on the right side of town and is already in Tampa working out. Ramiro Mendosa is ready to start his comeback after only pitching on inning last season. He will be pitching for Panama in the World Baseball Classic.

ANOTHER DAY CLOSER TO PITCHERS AND CATCHERS

I can smell the grass growing now. This off season baseball didn't see to take a hiatus thanks to XM Radio. It is really a must for the baseball and music fan. There is just so much to it, try it out. You can listen to some station AOL or DirectTV.

Check out one of Behind the Bombers best as Mr. STOP shares his visions with us.

Is it a coincidence or not that Barry Bonds dropped out of the World Baseball Classic right after the announced that there will be Olympic style drug testing? One has to think.

Want Hot Stove action second to none? Check out the BTB Forum now welcoming Refugees "The Second Generation" from the now closed for business Newsday Forum.

NEW YEAR --- NO NEWS

The year is young and the Yankee News has been slim as of late. The YES Network finished it hot stove series so I guess they are ready for the new season.
Centerfield will boast a clean shaven Johnny Damon hopefully he isn't like Samson. Other than that the look of our starting nine (ten) should be very similar to the 2005 class. One other exception should be Bernie Williams who returns as a DH/4th outfielder.
Go check out the Behind the Bombers forum where you can air you views on the upcoming season.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS BOMBER BUDDIES

I would like to wish all you baseball fans out there a very Happy Holidays. We did get an early present in the form of newly shaven Johnny Damon. Like Larry Bowa, I would have liked to get him a little sooner. Imagine if we signed him when we signed Giambi and held on to Tino and groomed Nick Johnson as our regular first sacker. Bowa I would have loved to have at SS in his career. Feel sorry for Bubba Crosby tho.
WELCOME BACK BERNIE
Bernie Williams begins his finalee in pinstripes as a 4th OF/DH. Who knows what will happen if he does well in that role.
Hope you all get what you want this Holiday season. here's hoping all your hits go for extra bases.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

By Special Guest Blogger Kyle Reagan

Some thigs have been bothering me lately...some things have made me laugh...I want to share both,

1. Hideki Matsui, great guy, great player, glad we got him and glad we extended him. I love you Hideki, I really do...but when I checked my Japanese-to-English dictionary I found that "Hideki" in english means "face that will knock a buzzard off a shat wagon." Before he gets nominated that guy from "Lost" ...

2. Gonna be magical next year...sometime in early April Jason Varitek will catch a strike three and standup to throw the ball around the horn. He will throw a one-hopper to Mike Lowell that will bounce off his glove and roll into left field where it will be fielded by Gabe Kapler who will throw it into Lowell who will turn and sail one over Mark Loretta's head into right field where Trot Nixon will be totally unaware of what is going on while he tries to count to 13 with his shoes and socks on (he ignores Dave Roberts- the centerfielder's yells)...Loretta will jog out, pick up the ball and throw it over to Alex Gonzalez who will have it fall out of his glove on the transfer but will pick it up and throw it over Youkilis' head into the 5th row of seats behind first base...gonna be magical. Varitek (with the "C" on his shirt) will yell out "look alive guys, c'mon!" Somewhere Theo Epstein will smile...

3. Peter Gammons was on ESPN and commenting on the Sox dumping Rent--a-Wreck for a prospect. In his always-pro-Sox stance he said (with a straight face I might add) "The Sox were worried Renteria would never get comfortable and people have said that Marte, if he was a Junior in college would be a first round pick" Did someone slip a "mickey" into Peter's Fruit Loops? The guy has stopped even trying to make sense at this point. I fully expect him to yell out "Gridlock!" during a Sportscenter, ala General Stockdale.

4. Dick Vitale is back on my TV...this is the year I pull an "Elvis" on my TV- I swear. Shut the F up about "diaper dandies" and "windex teams"...oh, and St Louis beating up on Vanderbilt isn't "Awesome with a capital A" OK...Dick (a more appropriate name there could not be)

5. I laughed when the Blue Jays signed Burnett and Ryan to 5 year deals and then announced JP Ricciardi was given a 3-year extension...in other words, if these deals are exploding our face we will can your boner-nosed ass. It reminds me of politicians who always seem to come up with 5 year plans when their terms are 4 years...

6. I saw Keith Foulke on a milk carton the other day...$100 reward for any information leading to his whereabouts.

7. Expecting Bernie Williams to tutor Bubba Crosby is like asking Beethoven to teach Ozzy Ozborne the cello. I do think it is cool that the only guy named "Bubba" within 1000 miles of New York City is our CFer...

8. Why do place kickers wear shoulder pads? Jay Feely should be forced to wear a cheerleaders outfit. I don't hate too may people on my favorite teams...but I hate Jay Feely...the Chuck Knoblauch/ Mackey Sasser/ Steve Sax of place kicking.

9. Johnny Damon says he'll cut his hair and shave his beard to play with the Yankees...how bout you drop the "ny" from your name and cut your hair cuz you're 32. That is reason enough.

10. Javier Vasquez says he doesn't want to come back to the Yankees because of the way he was treated. How bout this Javy...we don't want you back with the Yankees because of the way you were treated (like a fricking BP pitcher!!!)

11. Jason Giambi will be dominant this year- an offensive force. But somebody has to explain to me why a guy who is in the top .05% of the human population as a hitter, runs like he has bleeding corns on the heels of his feet and throws like he's a finalist in an egg toss challenge. Hang a freaking tire off a branch in your backyard this Winter and throw baseballs through it, will ya. Call Goodad for advice.

12. The Reds say they will use Tony Womack in a "super utility" role...its unfair for me to judge... but the words "Womack" and "super" should never, ever be in the same sentence...unless that sentence is "Womack was a super disappointment with the Yankees." Just kidding, Tony was a class guy who never got the chance to do what he thought he could- but the torture we laid on him this year doesn't make up for the BS bloop double in the 01 World Series. Plus, why was his helmet so big? He looked like Rick Moranis in "Space Balls" as Lord Dark Helmet.

13. I want John Damon...OK, there I said it. 4 years, 5 years- whatever...get it done Cash...and defer 06 money until Sheff/ Mussina comes off the books...

14. I want Nomar (Garciapara)...that's been no secret...play him in RF and DH Sheff...

15. WE make those last two moves and our lineup just became...ready for this...Damon (will hit 20 in Yankee Stadium)Jeter (mechanically perfect)AROD (MVP)Giambi (see note #11)Sheff (unless he shanks Cashman in the shower will be great- again)Matsui (ugly...but great)Nomar (batting 7th? doesn't seem fair)Posada (try to hit into less than 2500 double plays this year)Bernie (did Mickey mantle ever bat 9th?)I will go to bed with that in my head...

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FLASH IN THE PAST

If there is going to be any flash in the 2006 Yankees roster it won't be in the guise of John "Flash" Flaherty or Tom "Flash" Gordon. So after leading the majors in Flashes the Yankees suddenly find themselves flashless. John has retired and Gordon has gone the way of WC Fields and wound up robbing the Phillies of a 3 year contract for his burned out arm.

Joining the Bombers this coming season is RHP Kyle Farnsworth who agreed to a three-year contract through 2008. In 2005, Farnsworth went 1-1 with 16 saves and a 2.19 ERA. He struck out 87 batters in 70 innings, holding opponents to a .180 average in 72 appearances. Now if he can bounce back from his NLDS blow up he can be the perfect set up for Mariano Rivera.

Let's hope Farnsworth doesn't go the route of another Braves releiver Mark Wohlers. Like Kyle Wohlers gave up a rather monumental post season homer to Jim Leyritz which even Leo Mazzone couldn't snap him out of. Farnsworth gave up a pretty big grand slam in last year's post season. Wohlers never was the same again.

BACKSTOPPERS
The Yankees filled one of the holes on their roster on Wednesday, signing free agent Kelly Stinnett to replace Flaherty as the team's backup catcher. Stinnett signed a one-year deal for $650,000 to become second banana to Jorge Posada. The move is only the second free agent signing of the offseason for the Yankees, who re-signed Hideki Matsui to a four-year deal in mid-November to a reported 50 million.

BUBBA-LICIOUS
Bubba Crosby may very well roam the confines of the spacious centerfield at Yankee Stadium. With a little help from hitting coach Don Mattingly Bubba could make the fans stand up and cheer after his 400 batting average in September. Don't count Bernie Williams out just yet as he could catch on as a fourth outfielder and part time DH.

Huston Street edges Robby Cano

A's reliever Huston Street (isn't that a stop on the #1 train?) has won Rookie of the Year honors for his fine relief work in the 2005 season. Street, who took over as Oakland's closer in May, got 15 of 28 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America and finished with 97 points. Bomber second baseman fenom Robinson Cano came in second with 57 points, followed by Tampa Bay designated hitter Jonny Gomes with 39. Ironic that Cano was named after Jackie Robinson, whom the award now bears his name.

In other Bomber news it looks like it will be Ron Guidry taking over for the "retired" Mel Stottlemyre as pitching coach in 2006. Joe Kerrigan who has been working as a scout for the Yankees will be the bullpen coach, taking over for the reassigned Neil Allen. While I like the potential of Kerrigan I feel Allen's work with the kids will be missed. That brings the total of 4 ex-mangers to the Yankees coaching staff.

COACHING STAFF NEWS

The Yankees have told Roy White, Louie Sojo and Neil Allen that they will be reassigned for the 2006 season. I am sorry to see Neil Allen go from the staff. He was good with the kids and helped Chien Ming Wang a lot.

Lee Mazzilli is returning to pinstripes as Joe Torre's bench coach. And my dream has come true, Larry Bowa is in pinstripes as well. Of course I wanted him as our shortstop but the Phillies thought he was Honus Wagner and wouldn't let him go.

Joe Kerrigan and Ron Guidry have inside shots at bullpen and pitching coaches respectively.

. . . To Be Continued