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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