New York Yankees Update

HUGHES SIGNS, AVOIDS ARBITRATION

2012-01-16T15:11:00.000-05:00

The Yankees avoided arbitration with Phil Hughes, reaching a one-year deal worth $3.2 million. Hughes gets a $500,000 raise despite an injury plagued 2011 season.

Pitchers Hiroki Kuroda and Michael Pineda were added this week, so the Yankees have 7 starters.

The Yankees could move Hughes to the bullpen or find himself wearing another uniform.

HUGHES TO KC RUMOR, COLON, DAMON, PENA

2012-01-16T02:24:00.001-05:00

The website SPORTSGATHER.COM reports that the Yankees might be willing to ship Phil Hughes to the Royals to acquire Billy Butler. I have never heard of this site, so take it for what its worth.

More well known sources say:

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Bartolo Colon has signed a one-year deal with the Oakland A’s.

Carlos Pena tells ESPN that he has spoken to the Yankees.

YANKS SIGN KURODA

2012-01-13T20:23:00.001-05:00

The Yankees have agreed to a 1-year deal with Hiroki Kuroda, pending a physical. The deal will be around $11 million.

The Yankees' rotation now has CC Sabathia, Kuroda, Michael Pineda, Ivan Nova, A.J. Burnett, Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes.

That's 7 starters, so someone is going to the pen and someone is going, period.

Also, it would seem that Bartolo Colon is out of the mix.

In 2011 Kuroda went 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA for the Dodgers.

MONTERO TRADED TO MARINERS

2012-01-13T20:06:00.000-05:00

The Yankees have acquired right-handed pitchers Michael Pineda and 19-year-old Jose Campos (Single-A) from the Mariners in exchange for catching prospect Jesus Montero and pitcher Hector Noesi.

The 22-year-old Pineda was an All-Star in his rookie season of 2011. He went 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA in 171 innings of work for Seattle. He also struck out 173 with 55 walks.

Montero was the top prospect in the Yankees organization. He made his major league debut in 2011, appearing in 18 games. He hit four home runs and drove in 12 runs in 61 at-bats.

The move also opens up a competition for the back up catcher position between prospect Austin Romine and veteran Francisco Cervelli.

All I know is that this Pineda guy better be good or Cashman is toast!

MATTINGLY 3

2012-01-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

Preston Mattingly, the 24-year-old son of former Yankees star and current Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, agreed to a minor league contract with the Yankees.

The Yankees said he will report to minor league spring training.

The younger Mattingly hit .232 with five doubles, five home and 19 RBIs in 53 games last year with Class A Great Lakes and Rancho Cucamonga.

He was drafted by the Dodgers in 2006, then traded to Cleveland in 2010, released by the Indians the following April and then signed with the Dodgers. He was a six-year minor league free agent.

Preston becomes the third Mattingly to suit up in the Yankees orgainization.

Taylor Mattingly played minor league ball for the Yankees in 2003 and 2004, reaching their Class A affiliate in Staten Island before quitting professional baseball after a shoulder injury.

In 2009 Taylor was arrested on misdemeanor charges of shoving his mother and spitting in her face after she allegedly sent him an insulting text message.

RETURNING FEAR TO THE BENCH

2011-12-21T10:38:00.000-05:00

There was a time that the Yankees had something on the bench that no other team had. That was "fear", a pure threat sitting on the bench. The likes of Daryl Strawberry, Chili Davis and Ruben Sierra (maybe throw in Tim Raines).

Opposing managers were conflicted trying to decide if to make a pitching move that could end up bringing one of these players off of the bench. Their presence alone was a threat, just sitting there, holding a bat.

This factor has been missing for a number of years now. In 2011 the Yankees used Andruw Jones as the big bat off the bench. While Jones was a good player for the Yankees, nobody was afraid of him.

Who can the Yankees bring in, at a reasonable price, to fill that role? I submit the name of Vladimir Guerrero.

Guerrero who will be 37 going into next season, hit .290/13/63 with 30 doubles for the Orioles last season for $7.5 million.

If he is willing to accept the roll of a part-timer, for less money, the Yankees could be a viable home for Vlad.

JETER GIVES HIS BALLS TO THE LADIES

2011-12-14T08:34:00.000-05:00

Sources have reported that Derek Jeter gives autographed baseballsaway to his one night stand partners at his Trump World Tower bachelor pad.

Jeter's one night stand ladies were provided a car for those girls to send them home in the following day. The interesting thing was that there was a gift basket full of gifts waiting in the car to be given to those women.

Included in the gift basket were signed baseballs!

The New York Post says that ol' #2 ended up hooking up with a girl who he had hooked up with once before, but he seemed to have forgotten about the first time and gave her the same identical parting gift, a gift basket with a signed Derek Jeter baseball.

What a guy!

COUNTDOWN TO SPRING TRAINING

2011-11-15T13:40:00.000-05:00

MA & PA STAYING HOME

2011-10-29T14:50:00.000-04:00

The Yankees have reportedly extended their contract with WCBS-AM 880 radio to continue broadcasting their games through the 2012 season.

This would seem to indicate that Ma & Pa Pinstripe (John Sterling and his "Yankees componere" Suzyn Waldman) return to the Yankees broadcast booth with the play-by-play, Broadway anecdotes and show tunes.

The Yankees have an option for 2013, but a long term deal is in the works. There have been rumors that WFAN would part with the Mets when their contract expires and the Yankees would then move from WCBS to WFAN. Both stations are owned by CBS Radio.

Photo Credit: Ed Murawinski (Murawinski/Daily News)

BIG POOPIE WANTS TO BE A YANKEE?

2011-10-13T08:35:00.001-04:00

David Ortiz interview with ESPN:

He made several hints that he might even consider defecting to the Red Sox long-time rivals, the New York Yankees.

"I have a lot of friends there and all they talk about is how great things are, even when things are going bad, so, that's something that's good for them. It's a good situation that a player can be involved in," Ortiz said.

Read more HERE

KENNEDY: NO RULES, 20 WINS

2011-09-20T08:03:00.002-04:00

There was a time when Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy were the future of the Yankees pitching staff and the Yankees had a plan to make sure that these young pitchers would be brought along slowly in order to prevent injuries down the road.

This plan included "rules" that centered on pitch counts and innings limits. I predicted back in January of 2008 that this would fail, and it has.

In the 3 way trade with Arizona and Detroit that brought Curtis Granderson to the Yankees, Ian Kennedy was sent to Arizona.

Now free of the pitch count rule and innings limits rule, The Diamondbacks gave Kennedy one simple instruction: GO PITCH.

So while the Hughes and Chamberlain have suffered with injuries and inconsistency due to Hughes Rules and Joba Rules, Kennedy has become a 20 game winner with 216 innings pitched.

It will be interesting to see what the Yankees do with prized prospects Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances. Will they be allowed to pitch freely or will the have rules that will set them up for failure?

Oh yea, I never heard of "Nova Rules" and he's won 15 games.

A-JEI IS HERE TO STAY

2011-08-04T11:31:00.004-04:00

What should the Yankees do with A-Jei?

The over-manager intends to send him out for his next start.

“He’s starting on Wednesday,” Joe Girardi said. “His numbers aren’t that bad. If you look at the numbers of Hughes, I mean, Hughesy made one good start. We look at the whole year, and A.J.’s been decent for us.” (Quote from Chad Jennings)

This is a ridiculous statement. This cluck couldn't hold a 12 rum lead through 5!

First of all Phil Hughes was not right from spring training, so to compare the two is stupid. Second, I will put Hughes out there before A-Jei in a heart beat and to say that A-Jei has been "decent", really puts the over-managers logic into question.

So what are the Yankees options? As I see it they have 2.

They keep him on rotation and sacrafice Hughes or Nova to other duty or the minors or they sit him.

The Yankees could ask him to accept a stint in the minors to work it out for a few weeks, but he probably wont accept.

Bullpen duty would be worthless and who would you bump?

He probably has or will clear waivers, but nobody in their right mind would claim him anyway.

A trade is out of the question. A-Jei has a 10 team no trade clause, but then again, who'd want him? I read someone's suggestion of a Burnett-Barry Zito swap. Headache for Headache. Giants might be interested because Zito is due more money through 2013. But, we know that will not happen.

The Yankees wont relese him, he's due 16m for '12 and '13.

I'd sit him.

Let him ponder over his situation, seach or the nearest tattoo place or Percing Pagoda. Let him rot and maybe he will reconsider the minors stint.

Eitherway, A-Jei should not make his next start and "pie" duty should be relegated to another player.

A-Jei is here to stay.

IRABU FOUND DEAD

2011-07-28T15:33:00.004-04:00

BREAKING: Former Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu was found dead at his California home yesterday. Suicide is suspected.

Irabu, 42, has had a troubled post-baseball career. He was arrested in Gardena, California last year for drunk driving.

Back in 2008 he was arrested for assaulting a bar manager in Japan after allegedly consuming 20 glasses of beer.

He was also arrested for a DWI-related offense in May of 2010 in California.

The San Diego Padres purchased his contract from Japan in 1997, but he refused to sign, saying he'd only play for the Yankees. Eventually he was traded to New York and signed a four-year deal worth $12.8 million.

Spring training 1999, an overweight Irabu failed to cover first base on a ground ball. It was the second outing in a row that Irabu had showed a lack of effort. This prompted George Steinbrenner to call Irabu a "fat pu**y toad." Two days later, Steinbrenner apologized.

From Pete Caldera, Bergen Record via Twitter:

Joe Girardi caught Hideki Irabu's 1st game in the majors, a 10-3 win vs. Detroit at the Stadium, 7/10/97. Derek Jeter had 4 hits.

He played in six seasons in the big leagues (NYY, MON, TEX) and went 34-35 with a 5.15 ERA.

FROM BASEBALL REFERENCE:

January 13, 1997: Purchased by the San Diego Padres from Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan Pacific).

April 22, 1997: The San Diego Padres sent players to be named later, Gordon Amerson (minors) and Homer Bush to the New York Yankees for Rafael Medina, Ruben Rivera and $3,000,000.

May 29, 1997: the San Diego Padres sent Hideki Irabu to the New York Yankees to complete an earlier deal made on April 22, 1997.

December 22, 1999: Traded by the New York Yankees to the Montreal Expos for players to be named later and Jake Westbrook. The Montreal Expos sent Ted Lilly (March 17, 2000) and Christian Parker (March 22, 2000) to the New York Yankees to complete the trade.

September 6, 2001: Released by the Montreal Expos.

December 27, 2001: Signed as a Free Agent with the Texas Rangers.

Irabu was released by the Rangers in 2002

MONDAY TIDBITS

2011-07-25T11:38:00.006-04:00

To match the weather on the east coast this week, I took a lot of heat over my Kemp to Yanks story. Mostly from one person in particular. That's fine with me, I can take it. I made my points to him in rebuttal and as of now, I still stand by that post and my source.

Funny thing is a man by the name of Pat Dean at Bleacherreport.com reported the same thing that I did 3 days later. I must say that I was very excited to see that, however, a few hours after it was posted, either BR or Mr. Dean pulled it. A message sent to Mr. Dean asking why he pulled it was not answered. A cached copy of the page can be found here.

Unlike others, I did not ask his source. I would not do that, however you will notice that his story is very similar to mine. So this leaves 2 questions for Mr. Dean: 1. Did he get this information through his own sources or 2. Did he use me as his source?

I took the time to read some of Mr. Deans other postings and they are quality articles, I was impressed. I doubt Mr. Dean used this blog as his source.

Home experiment: Between now and the deadline, take note of the rumored trades spewed out by the "credible" sources. Remember, it's perfectly fine if they are wrong because they went to "J-School" and I did not.

On to other things.....

Seems to me that Mark Teixeira is transforming into Jason Giambi (with a better glove). Tex came to the Yankees with a reputation of being a "hitter" not a "slugger". With his talent as a hitter, he should be able to go the other way on occasion to neutralize "the shift". Instead he insists on trying to slug his way through it and his batting average shows it. I can see Giambi and Big Poopie trying to slug their way through the shift but not Tex, being the "hitter" we were told he was.

It is absolutely absurd that Sergio Mitre (DL) is on this team and Adam Warren is not.

I am "old school." Back in my youth, pitchers that were brought up from the minors always went to the pen. Ron Guidry was a starter in the minors, got a call up and went to the pen. Al Leiter and Andy Pettitte started out in the Yankees bullpen. That was the way it was, today it is different. When Mitre went on the DL, Warren, Dellin Betances or Manny Banuelos should have been called up for pen duty to see what they can do. I don't believe in this "stretched out as a starter" stuff. They get a taste of the big league and the Yankees get to see what they can do against big league hitters. Its a win-win. But, that's the old school theory.

First we had "Joba Rules" and he got hurt, twice. Then we had "Hughes Rules" and he got hurt. Ian Kennedy escaped "rules" and is 11-3, 3.22 with Arizona. Keep in mind that last season Hughes was 10-1 when his "rules" required him to skip a start to save innings. That makes him 9-10 since the skip. The Yankees need to reevaluate their "rules" before they ruin Betances, Banuelos and Warren too.

Word is that Rafael Soriano and Eric Chavez will be back with the big club too. Here is a flash: Soripavano is a bum. If Girardi takes David Robinson out of the 8th inning slot, he's a fool.

As for Chavez, it will be nice to have him back but how long until Nick Johnson's replacement pulls another Nick Johnson?

That is all....

FINALIST FRANCESA ON THE FAN

2011-07-20T09:39:00.005-04:00

The National Association of Broadcasting has selected WFAN afternoon host Mike Francesa as a Marconi Award finalist for Major Market Personality of the Year. Also in the running: Funkmaster Flex from WQHT/Hot 97 NY, Kevin and Bean from KROQ in Los Angeles, Dennis and Callahan at WEEI-AM in Boston, and Patrick Ellis at WHUR in Washington.

The award will be announced on September 15 at the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner in Chicago.

I'm sure this is a kick in the pants to Francesa critics like Phil Mushnick and Bob Raissman.

Another radio note, good guy Len Berman has decided to give up his update gig with radio legend John Gambling on WOR, he will be replaced by another good guy, WNBC's Bruce Beck.

Beck will also be taking over the WNBC Sunday night sports wrap up that is currently being hosted by Francesa. Francesa announced yesterday that he is giving up "Mike'd Up; The Francesa Sports Final" after 7 seasons to spend more time with his kids.

UBALD-NO!

2011-07-19T08:44:00.003-04:00

Here is my take on the rumored Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos and Ivan Nova for Ubaldo Jimenez request from the Rockettes:

FAH-Q!

That is way too much to give up for the next Javy Vazquez and I don't want to see anymore National League pitchers.

That is all....

KEMP TO YANKS IN THE WORKS

2011-07-18T11:50:00.003-04:00

Rumor mill has the Yankees and Dodgers discussing Matt Kemp. Kemp is getting $7.10m this season and can be a free agent after 2012. The Yankees would like to sign Kemp to an extension of his current deal to cover 2012 or longer. The Yankees will not want to arbitrate with Kemp.

On the other side, the Dodgers are looking for inexpensive major leaguers. One name mentioned was Brett Gardner. The dodgers also want a pitcher.

In the Ubaldo Jimenez talks, the Yankees made it clear that Batances, Banuelos and Nova are not available which leaves the likes of Hector Noesi or Adam Warren.

LOOKS TO GOOD TO USE!

2011-07-01T12:23:00.003-04:00

Last week my Mother-in-Law bought my son a bottle of New York Yankees Body Wash. It came in a bottle shaped like a bat with a simulated woodgrain wrapper. MLB & Yankees logos, "Berry Blast", tear free and guaranteed to make you "Clubhouse Clean."

A very cool item.

My son, very excited over this promptly put the bottle on a shelf in his bedroom with his other treasured baseball items.

So in my stern fatherly manner I said "Nick, that belongs in the shower, not in your bedroom." The reply was "but Dad, I'm not going to use it."

Why?

"If I use it I will have to tear up the wrapper and ruin it. It looks to cool to rip up."

Is this the mindset of a 13 year old?

The Yankees have some new items in the minor leagues in cool looking wrappers too. They are humans in a wrapper that looks like pitchers. That wrapper also has MLB and Yankees logos and they too are too cool to use.

This is why the Yankees chose an old bar of soap like Sergio Mitre instead of a Clubhouse Clean, Berry Blast pitcher from the minors.

Mitre is known to bring stinging tears to the eye.

Are the Yankees developing players or collectors items for a shelf?

JOBA RULES: FAIL

2011-06-09T16:47:00.002-04:00

Same for Hughes rules.

The flawed system of babying these pitchers to prevent injuries has failed miserably. First it was Hughes and now its Joba Chamberlain.

Joba is slated for Tommy John surgery and will likely be out until 2013.

Where is Ian Kennedy? He is 6-2 with Arizona.

JORGIE JAKED ONE

2011-05-15T10:40:00.005-04:00

Q. What do you get when you cross Rickey Henderson, Jorge Posada and John Sterling?

A. "Jorgie Jaked One!"

_________________________________________

"I told him I couldn't play today, and that I needed time to clear my head, and that was it. My back stiffened up a bit. I was taking a lot of groundballs at first base and working out, and it stiffened up," Posada said. "I wasn't 100% to play the game. I mean, nothing serious."

That's the quote, we know the story. The side notes are what will drive this story for days. We know there is little love between Posada and the manager. There is an obvious conflict between Posada and the GM. The owner has talked to the Commissioner.....and on and on.

We have heard from Posada, Cashman and Girardi and now Andruw Jones:

"He kind of warned me. He told me he wasn't feeling very well."

So, what does the Captain think? We don't know. After scouring the papers and internet for a quote. Derek Jeter is nowhere to be found on this subject. Where was the YES Network after the game?

If the Captain is not chiming in on this, what is the point of having a Captain in the first place? I can just imagine what Thurman Munson would have said to a player in this situation.

Maybe Jeter is working behind the scenes, in private. That's fine but the media still needs to get something from the Captain, even if he simply says "this is an internal matter and we will take care of it that way."

We need to hear from the Captain.

THE OBLIQUE

2011-04-20T10:09:00.003-04:00

Since the oblique muscle pull or strain seems to be the injury du jour these days in MLB and since our very own Alex Rodriguez is an oblique sufferer, I figured that some background information would be helpful.

Now, I am not a doctor, nor did I play one on TV, but this is what I came up with:

From LiveStrong:

The oblique muscles are considered part of the abdominal muscles. They are located between the ribs and the pelvis and make up the waist. The obliques help the trunk to rotate and bend. There are the external obliques which are large muscles close to the surface of the skin. The internal obliques are deeper and situated right below the external obliques. These muscles can become strained due to a direct blow to the waist area, from overuse or forceful twisting and bending motions.

Bending or twisting the trunk in a forceful or improper way can lead to a muscle strain of the obliques. Grade one sprains usually require avoiding movements that aggravate the symptoms and may take two to three weeks to heal.

If some of the muscle fibers in the obliques are partially torn, then there is usually pain upon movement of the trunk and the area will be swollen and tender to the touch. The pain can be sharp, stabbing or burning and may get worse when twisting, performing sit-ups or when trying to lift the legs while lying on the back. Even gentle movement or stretching will be uncomfortable. This level of injury is called a grade two sprain and can take up to six weeks to get better. Rest, ice and medication to control the symptoms may be needed to help the injury heal. It will be important to return to activities slowly and only perform movements that are painless.

If the oblique muscles suffer a third-degree sprain then the muscle has completely torn or ruptured. Pain and muscle weakness will usually be severe. There may be uncontrollable spasms even at rest. The abdominal muscles may push through the muscle tear causing a hernia and internal bleeding. Surgery is often required along with months of therapy before returning to normal activities.

NO NOESI?

2011-04-20T09:20:00.004-04:00

So Mariano Rivera let one get away last night. Yea, the Yankees Universe will somehow manage to survive this odd and infrequent event.

Even more puzzling was the use of Ivan Nova in the 10th.

Why not Hector Noesi? He was brought up on April 13 and has not seen any action. Instead Joe Girardi used his #4 starter.

I understand that the Yanks have 2 off days this week, but that was the perfect time to see what the youngster can bring to the table.

He has not pitched now for at least 7 days. What happens next is that he comes in to a game, rusty from inactivity, then gets shipped back to AAA-SWB because he was ineffective?

The guy was brought here...USE HIM!

MILLWOOD CLUBBED BY SCRUBS

2011-04-14T14:13:00.003-04:00

The Yankees continue to waste their time on the Kevin Millwood experiment.

In his second extended spring training start, Millwood threw 75 pitches over 5+ innings giving up four runs, (three earned), on seven hits against the lowest level Philadelphia's minor league scrubs.

He faced two batters who singled and scored in the 6th when he reached his pitch count limit.

In his 1st outing Millwood needed 48 pitches to get through 2 innings in an extended spring training scrub game.

WHAT THE HECT?

2011-04-13T09:46:00.005-04:00

In a surprise move Hector Noesi has been called up to replace the DL'd Luis Ayala in the bullpen.

Noesi has made one 5 inning start at AAA-SWB this season. He gave up 2 earned runs on 9 hits with 4 k's, 2 walks.

Noesi, 24, is from Esperanza, Dominican Republic.

He signed with the Yankees as an international free agent in 2004 and made his pro debut in 2006 with the Gulf Coast Yankees.

He was with A-Charleston in 2007, but was down for Tommy John surgery.

In 2009, Noesi pitched for A-Charleston and A-Tampa then spent 2010 with AA-Trenton and AAA-SWB.

Noesi participated in the 2010 All-Star Futures Game.

JETER'S EGO PROBLEM

2011-04-11T11:07:00.004-04:00

From Joel Sherman in today's N.Y. Post:

"Jeter is trapped between his old and new swing. He has returned to lifting his front foot a bit, a modification away from what he worked on all spring. He is left, currently, with a long swing and what is projecting as uncertainty for a player defined by his previously unflinching self-confidence."

Sherman has this one right. Others in the media are calling this Jeter's rejection of Kevin Long or even a rift between the two.

While others rave about how Long has helped them, it seems the Captain is not so sure. In the end, Jeter has to do what he feels comfortable with but this really is not the issue.

The big issue is whether or not Jeter still is a top of the order guy.

We know Joe Girardi is a loyal guy and will never drop Jeter below the 2 spot, but this is Derek Jeter we are talking about, you know "Mr. TEAM".

All his career we have heard from him that it's about the team, it's about winning. Does Jeter still believe that he is a top of the order guy? Does he believe that the best Yankees line up has him hitting 1 or 2?

If Girardi will not move him down, at what point does "Mr. Team" go to the manager and suggest the he be moved down in the order?

Kevin Long can fix a swing. He cannot fix an ego.

YO SO, NO NO ON THE NO SHOW!

2011-04-06T08:17:00.002-04:00

After Joe Girardi's over-managing loss to the Twinkies in an extra frame last night, pitching goat Rafael Soriano was gone by the time reporters showed up in the clubhouse.

The Star-Ledger's Marc Carig tweeted that Soriano was "nowhere to be found..."

Note to Soriano: This is not Tampa. Running from the press (especially the YES Network) will not cut it (you don't stand up Kimmy!). I expect some "seasoned" Yankees will discuss this with him.

As for the over-managing of Girardi, he continues to feel that 100 pitches is the kiss of death for a pitcher.

CC Sabathia was at 104 pitches and had easily retired the last 17 Twins batters he faced, giving up just two hits. Sabathia said his arm felt fine after seven innings.

But for Mr. Pitch Count, that was it for his starter regardless of how effective he was. After the game the somberly annoyed pitcher said "I know Joe and how he is. It's early in the season, and he's trying to protect us. I kind of had a feeling that was my last inning. What's the point of arguing? When he makes the decision, that's what it is. "

G-man then chimes in with: "At this point in the season, he's over 100 pitches. You have to be smart about him. We have a long ways to go -- this isn't August or September, this is early April. "

That's great, but games in April count too. If they didn't, this game would have been played at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa and the reliever would have been sporting number 93 on his jersey.

So enter Sorriano who stinks up the joint. Then comes David Robertson who gives up a bloop bases clearing double, that was misplayed by Nick Swisher. "D-Rob" (uh...no) retires the next batter to end the 8th, Mo retires the 9th on 13 pitches as we go to the 10th tied at 4.

Boone Logan, who never met a man he didn't allow to reach base, starts the 10th and promptly walks the lead-off hitter who ended up scoring what would be the winning run.

Tonight, our ol' pal Carl Pavano faces Freddy Garcia. Let's hope that Freddy does better in his Yankee debut than is rotation competitor Tubolo Colon.

TORRE RETURNS TO YANKEE CAMP

2011-03-18T07:52:00.003-04:00

Joe Torre made an appearance at Yankees camp yesterday in his official capacity as a MLB VP.

In the managers office, he met with Joe Girardi and general manager Brian Cashman.

After the meeting Torre announced that he has accepted an invitation to participate in the annual Old-Timers’ Day festivities June 26 at Yankee Stadium.

“I don’t know if I’m letting the cat out of the bag, but I was invited back for Old-Timers’ Day,” Torre said. “If I did let the cat out of the bag, maybe they’ll withdraw the invitation. But, yeah, I’m planning on it.”

Torre also was seen chatting with Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada.

Russell Martin, Torre's former catcher with the Dodgers also exchanged pleasantries with his former skipper.

“You wish the time I left that it could have ended differently, but I don’t know how it could have,” said Torre. “I don’t know if any one of us knew how to say goodbye at that point in time.”

Next stop: Monument park to hang #6 on the wall.

DEREK F. JETER

2011-03-05T12:44:00.003-05:00

TAMPA, FL—During a post-workout press conference at the Yankees spring training facility Thursday, shortstop Derek Jeter once again rejected the idea of moving from shortstop to center field, citing the fact that he's Derek F---- Jeter and he'll play whatever f------ position he wants.

"I can see how people might think that moving to center field would be the right thing to do," the 36-year-old said. "I can also see—quite clearly, as a matter of fact—that none of those people are named Derek Jeter. You know, the same Derek Jeter who led the New York f----- Yankees to five World Series titles and restored the entire g--d--- organization to prominence after a decade and a half of mediocrity. That Derek Jeter ring a f------ bell for anyone?"

Jeter, who signed a three-year contract with the Yankees this offseason amidst criticism of his defensive quickness and throwing arm, said he would be open to moving to the outfield if he were not 11-time All-Star and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Derek Jeter. However, according to Jeter, that's who he sure as f---- was the last time he looked in the mirror.

"So, I'll be playing whichever ~~~~~ position I g~~d~~~ feel like," Jeter added. "Hell, maybe I'll play shortstop, third base, catcher, second base, and first base all at the same time. Have my own little around-the-horn c~~~ j~~~ for five f~~~~ hours if the mood strikes me. How'd that sit with everyone? Good? Good."

During the hour-long press conference, Jeter repeatedly clarified that he was only saying what he was saying because he is Derek F~~~~~ Jeter and he can say whatever the f~~~ he wants. When questioned about his inability to cover all parts of the shortstop position, Jeter asked reporters if they were five-time Gold Glove winners, and said that if they weren't, maybe they should just shut their f~~~~~ mouths.

At one point during the press conference, Jeter interrupted himself, stopping to see if he could remember which MLB player is the only one in the history of the game to win the All-Star Game MVP Award and the World Series MVP in the same year.

"Oh, that's right, it was New York Yankees shortstop and Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Derek Jeter," the 16-year-veteran said. "Oh, wait! I'm Derek Jeter. I won the f~~~~~ MVP awards. Me. The same m~~~f~~~~ who dove into the stands for a pop fly against the Red Sox and came out bloody and bruised. So there's no way I'm the guy Brian Cashman keeps talking about—the guy who sounds like a f~~~~~ quadriplegic who can't move two steps to field a f~~~~~ ground ball."

Jeter conceded that there are probably other people named Derek Jeter who would love to play center field for the New York Yankees, and encouraged team management to go out and try and sign one of them. However, he said, because he's the Derek Jeter who last won the league's highest defensive honor in "oh, I dunno, 2000 and f~~~~ 10," he felt that shortstop suited him just fine.

In addition, Jeter said that the last time he checked, not only were Yankees backup shortstops Ramiro Pena and Eduardo Nunez not named Derek Jeter, but they more than likely had never put the most successful baseball organization in the history of the sport on their back season after g~~d~~~~~ season, and probably had never passed Lou F~~~~ Gehrig to become the Yankees all-time hits leader.

"That's Lou Gehrig, the baseball player," Jeter said. "Not Lou Gehrig, the Nuts 4 Nuts guy who sells honey-roasted almonds and gives free b~~~ j~~~~ outside the stadium."

Jeter went on to note that being the Derek Jeter—the same one whose class and commitment has won over even the staunchest Yankee haters—is also the main reason he'll be the team's leadoff hitter for as long as he wants. It doesn't matter, he said, if the Yankees sign the next incarnation of Rickey F~~~~ Henderson, for that matter.

"I bet nobody ever told Yogi Berra that he should stop catching, or told Joe DiMaggio that he should test the market to see if he could get a better offer," Jeter said. "And if they did, they were f~~~ p~~~~ back then, too. You don't tell Yogi F~~~ Berra he can't catch, and you sure as shit don't say in the media that Derek Jeter isn't as fast or as good as he used to be, even if it's f~~~ true."

"You let the guy who's been the captain of your team for the past eight years leave with a little bit of g~~d~~~~ dignity," Jeter added. "For Christ's sake, the last thing any of us have at the end of our careers is our dignity, and I swear to f~~~~ God, if anybody tries to take that away from me again, I'll play on this team till I'm 95-f~~~~-years-old and have a colostomy bag tucked under my uniform. I don't care if we lose 162 games a season."

Jeter added that if anybody had a problem with anything he had just said, they could all go f~~~~themselves, especially that "fat f~~~ Hank [Steinbrenner]."

Click here to read the UNCENSORED version of this SATIRE on THE ONION.

CAMP NOTES FOR 2/25/11

2011-02-25T13:59:00.001-05:00

Russell Martin will catch in tomorrow’s opener against the Phillies.

Andrew Brackman has been shut down for a few days after complaining of tightness in his groin following his throwing session on Wednesday.

Bartolo Colon will start tomorrow vs the Phillies. He will throw two innings or about 35 pitches to be followed by Joba Chamberlain, Dave Robertson, David Phelps, Hector Noesi and someone named Eric Wordekemper.

Tomorrow's forecast in Tampa, 80 degrees & partly cloudy.

Girardi guesses that Mark Prior is throwing near 90 mph. Prior is still a longshot to make the team as a reliever. “I think he understands that there’s a lot of work to be done on his part,” Joe Girardi said. “He has to prove that he can stay healthy."

Bud Selig will announce on Saturday that Joe Torre has been hired as VP of Baseball Operations for Major League Baseball.

A-Rod to Cano: "Stop thinking slap, start thinking crush."

Eric Chavez on his reserve role: "I knew what I was getting myself into. If I can stay healthy and swing the bat well, I may be able to get some productive at-bats and help this team win. I'm not going to be barking for playing time. I knew what the deal was when I came here."

For you old timers, a Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson movie is in the works, according to the New York Post. Ben Affleck and brother Casey are reportedly working on a project called The Trade, which chronicles the insane story of Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson, two New York Yankees pithcers who swapped wives and families.

If you live in the area, The Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) and The College of New Jersey announced a partnership that makes WTSR, 91.3 FM the new flagship station of the Trenton Thunder Radio Network, with Jay Burnham returning as the Voice of the Thunder. The College of New Jersey's student radio station, WTSR, will broadcast all 142 Trenton Thunder games plus playoff games for at least the next three seasons.

The Yankees today announced that infielder Eduardo Nunez and right-handed pitcher David Phelps were named winners of the Yankees' 2010 Kevin Lawn Award as the Yankees' minor league "Player of the Year" and "Pitcher of the Year," respectively. The annual awards are dedicated to Kevin O'Brien Lawn, the son of longtime Yankees Vice President and Chief of Operations Jack Lawn who passed away in 1999.

YANKS-PHILLIES ON YES, SATURDAY 1:00 PM!

MO SHOW

2011-02-17T13:05:00.003-05:00

Mariano Rivera arrived at the Yankees spring training camp today after missing the first two days to be with his sick children.

New York’s ace closer says it’s getting tougher each year to leave his family for the start of the new season.

He said Thursday that “one of my kids, he was crying,” adding that he and his family have to “find a way to work it out and have that balance.”

Rivera agreed to a $30 million, two-year contract in December.

Note to Mo: Try leaving you family to go fight a war for a yearly salary equivalent to what you make in a WEEK!

PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT DAY!

2011-02-14T13:06:00.002-05:00

Notes from Day 1

New players, new numbers: Eric Chavez 12, Andruw Jones 18, Mark Prior 22, Ron Belliard 26, Rafael Soriano 29, Pedro Feliciano 31, Freddy Garcia 36, Bartolo Colon 40, Russell Martin 55. Francisco Cervelli switches from 29 to 17.

Speaking of Cervelli, according to Girardi he is not guaranteed the backup catcher’s job. Jesus Montero and Austin Romine will join Frankie in an "open competition" for the position.

2011 Spring Training guest instructors: Yogi Berra, Tino Martinez, Lee Mazzilli, David Wells, Reggie Jackson, Goose Gossage and Ron Guidry.

As for the leadoff spot in the batting order, G-Man says “We signed Jeter to be our shortstop and our leadoff hitter.”

CC Sabathia made some rumblings this morning by mentioning his opt out after this season. This is just a ploy for more money in case he has another stellar season. A few hours later he said he's done talking about it.

Ceec is also down 25 lbs, down to 290 from 315! How'd he do it? “I stopped eating Cap’n Crunch every day … I used to eat that stuff by the box.”

2 very good Yankees blogs The Yankee U and Yankeeist have merged and moved to YankeeAnalysts.com

BAD FOR BASEBALL

2010-12-07T11:13:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a bad day for baseball.

No, the Yankees didn't sign Cliff Lee for $200 mil, nobody admitted using PED's and no Met was arrested.

What was bad was the San Diego Padres trade of Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox.

A bad day for baseball but a good day for the Sawx and the Padres' bottom line.

2011 was going to be a walk year for Gonzalez and the Padres were to pay him $6 million. Padres management had no intention on paying him free agent money in 2012 and beyond so they decided to cut their losses and "get something in return."

Lets examine this:

A) The Padres surprisingly won 90 games last year, was in contention until the last week of the season and their manager was the NL Manager Of The Year. How do they build on that for 2011? They trade their best player.

The Padre GM Jed Hoyer (a former Theo Epstein assistant) made it sound like that 2010 was a fluke and 2011 would not produce the same results. That's confidence in your organisation, right? So since 2011 is going to be a bomb, we can stink without Gonzalez and won't have to pay him 6 mil. Brilliant.

B-1) Hoyer stated that they don't believe that they would be able to retain Gonzalez after 2011.

Lets say they kept Gonzalez and he lead them to a championship in 2011. Championships bring in big cash. Is Hoyer saying that even though Gonzalez brought them the trophy, he would let him walk instead of using that extra cash to retain your star player? Give up on a possible repeat? Sounds like it. THAT is bad for baseball.

B-2) Would Gonzalez want to leave a championship team?

Highly doubtful as long as the owner was willing to use his post season cash on Gonzalez and not his estate. Players by nature are front runners. There once was a Yankee player (I can't remember who) that once said he'd rather be a bench player for the Yankees than a starter for a lesser team.

C) The Padres traded their best player for 3 suspects from the Red Sox.

Yes, the scouts say these guys are good but NONE are ready for the big team. That is by design. The TV and radio talkies say the Pods should have got a big league player in the mix too. The Padres didn't want a big league player because they would have had to pay him big league dollars! Instead they got 3 minor leaguers they will have to pay the minimum minimum. If they materialize into good players they will trade them away,before they have to pay them, for "prospects", just like they did Gonzalez.

That's called "Money Ball".

D) Why trade Gonzalez now? See what happens in 2011 and if the Padres stink trade Gonzalez at the deadline and get better prospects.

Good idea but better prospects mean they are closer to being major leaguers and closer to getting paid more. NO DEAL, HOWIE!

Once again Money Ball will fail and they will cry about the Yankees and how the system is unfair while they cash the luxury tax checks.

The Padres told their fans that they have no intention of being a winner. They just want their fans to buy tickets and shirts, but don't expect much in return.

A bad day for baseball.

POSADA TOLD HE WILL BE DH

2010-11-10T09:50:00.002-05:00

Yank GM Brian Cashman met with Jorge Posada at Yankee Stadium on Monday, informing him that his primary role will be DH.

However, he should expect to do some catching next season.

Yankees are planning to give top prospect Jesus Montero the opportunity to win the starting job in spring training.

Francisco Cervelli will also compete for playing time.

Austin Romine, another catching prospect, will start in Triple-A.

3 LONG YEARS

2010-11-02T11:43:00.002-04:00

The Yankees have signed hitting coach Kevin Long to a 3 year contract extension. No monetary terms have been disclosed.

PERFECT RX FOR THE METS!

2010-10-28T16:17:00.005-04:00

The Mets will announce tomorrow that their new is GM Sandy Alderson.

Alderson will bring with him his old Oakland compadres Paul DePodesta and J.P. Ricciardi.

Depodesta went on to become the GM of the Dodgers and Ricciardi GM'd Toronto.

The lingering question is not who Alderson will hire as the field manager, but will he bring along his pharmaceutical staff from Oakland?

Alderson, after all, was the GM of the steroid induced "Bash Brothers" Oakland A's teams of the '90's.

Not a bad plan...pump up your players with steroids and you become a successful GM!

GIRARDI: 3 FOR 3

2010-10-27T14:54:00.004-04:00

Sources are reporting that Joe Girardi and the Yankees have reached a 3 year agreement that would pay him $3.33 million.

That would make Girardi the 5th highest paid manager in baseball.

CC TO GO UNDER THE KNIFE

2010-10-27T02:20:00.004-04:00

NY Post says CC Sabathia was diagnosed yesterday with a minor meniscus tear of the right knee at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and is expected to undergo surgery soon.

The Yankees do not consider the procedure significant and expect Sabathia to recover within three weeks and be fully ready for spring training.

UPDATE: The surgery will take place on Friday, 29 Oct.

OH MANNY-DA!

2010-10-27T01:54:00.002-04:00

Manny Ramirez says he would like to play for John Farrell, who was hired as manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, according to ESPNdeportes.com. Ramirez played with the Red Sox when Farrell was the pitching coach, starting in 2007.

Ramirez told the ESPN reporter by phone:

"John [Farrell] has tremendous knowledge of the game, a very pleasant man and he trains ballplayers. Toronto has made a great acquisition. Farrell is a manager for whom I would like to play, and Toronto is a team I've liked since they had all those Dominican players in the '80s.”

FIRE EILAND: DAVE IS OUT.

2010-10-25T13:07:00.002-04:00

Dave Eiland has been fired as Yankees pitching coach. Brian Cashman made the announcement while meeting reporters during a season-ending press conference.

Cash said that Eiland isn't to blame for the staff's postseason performance and tha the reason for his dismissal is "private."

"It was my decision. I'm not going to comment on what the reasons are. They're private. He's not being blamed for what took place. I hope you believe me on that."

BASEBALL SHORTS 10/19/2010

2010-10-19T14:18:00.001-04:00

Cubs hire Mike Quade to be full-time manager

After Lou Piniella's surprise early departure in August, Mike Quade stepped in and led the Cubs to a 24-13 finish to an otherwise forgettable season for their fans.

The team announced Tuesday it has rewarded Quade (pronounced kwah-dee) with a a two-year contract and a club option for a third to be its full-time manager.

I guess Girardi won't be going home.

La Russa returning to Cardinals for 2011 season.

Tony La Russa is coming back for his 16th season with the Cards, and possibly beyond, after two weeks of silence on the issue.

"I haven't been talking much," La Russa said. "But I'm excited. I'm pretty fired up."

Braves release Cabrera.

The Braves have released underperforming outfielder Melky Cabrera. Cabrera, 26, hit .255 with a career-low four homers, 47 RBIs and a .317 on-base percentage in 147 games (458 at-bats) for the Braves, who got him from the New York Yankees last winter as part of the trade that for pitcher Javier Vazquez. He played some at all three outfield positions, though not particularly well at any.

Let's hear from the Melky fans who said the Yanks made a mistake sending him packing.

TORRE AND DONNIE TO RETURN TO NY

2010-09-19T19:35:00.001-04:00

The New York Daily News is reporting that Joe Torre and Don Mattingly are going to be in New York on Monday night for the ceremony dedicating late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner's monument at Yankees Stadium.

TORRE OUT-MATTINGLY IN!

2010-09-17T14:46:00.003-04:00

Don Mattingly will replace Joe Torre as manager of the Dodgers at the end of the season, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.

An official announcement will be made Friday before the Dodgers' game against the Colorado Rockies.

Mattingly has been the Dodgers hitting coach since the middle of the 2008 season, which was Torre's first with the team. Before that, they were together with the New York Yankees.

LEYRITZ TRIAL DELAY

2010-09-17T13:43:00.003-04:00

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The DUI manslaughter trial of former major leaguer Jim Leyritz is temporarily on hold because of legal wrangling over key pieces of evidence.

A Broward County judge ruled Thursday that Leyritz cannot use the evidence in his defense. This included the 0.18 blood-alcohol content of victim Fredia Ann Veitch, her failure to wear a seat belt and evidence that Veitch was receiving text messages while driving.

Jury selection was to begin Monday. Leyritz attorney David Bogenschutz said that’s on hold pending an appeal of the evidence rulings.

Prosecutors say Leyritz was drunk when the SUV he was driving ran a red light in 2007 and crashed into Veitch’s vehicle, killing her.

(I'd like to know why that evidence was thrown out!)

A REAL YANKEES CLASSIC!

2010-09-10T10:15:00.005-04:00

(Thanks to Zell's Pinstripe Blog)

COAST TO COAST

2010-09-10T09:28:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all for supporting New York Yankees Update!

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And now back to your regularly scheduled blogging.

NOTE TO AJ: ENOUGH ALREADY!

2010-07-18T11:29:00.002-04:00

Hey A.J., Shut up and pitch.

Enough with the excuses, the catcher, the pitching coach and mechanics. The fans have tolerated quite a bit from you, but damaging your pitching hand is over the top.

And even though money is no object, I hope the Yankees make you pay for the damage you did to Mr. Steinbrenner's stadium at the same time his family laid him to rest.

You can appologize all you want to the team and the fans, but you have exposed yourself to a very observant fan base. This is not Miami or Toronto.

Yankees fans have seen this act from many others.

Your best course of action right now is to shut up and pitch.

GMS3 and SHEPPARD PATCHES

2010-07-14T14:08:00.006-04:00

To commemorate the lives and recognize the passings of former Principal Owner / Chairperson George M. Steinbrenner III and longtime Yankees public address announcer Bob Sheppard, the Yankees will don uniform patches for the remainder of the season, beginning with Friday's game vs. Tampa Bay at Yankee Stadium.

The Steinbrenner commemorative patch will be worn above the interlocking NY on the left breast of the Yankees' home jerseys and above the letters "YORK" on the left breast of the Yankees' road uniforms. Both locations are over the heart.

The Sheppard commemorative patch will be worn on the left sleeve of the Yankees' home and road jerseys.

STEINBRENNER TRIBUTES

2010-07-13T16:04:00.006-04:00

NEW TRIBUTES WILL BE ADDED TO THE TOP AS I FIND THEM.

"George Steinbrenner was a great friend and a true legend. There will never be anyone like him in New York. We've lost a truly great man." Donald Trump

"He has left an indelible legacy on the Yankees, on baseball, and on our city, and he leaves us in the only way that would be appropriate: as a reigning world champion. Few people have had a bigger impact on New York over the past four decades than George Steinbrenner. George had a deep love for New York, and his steely determination to succeed combined with his deep respect and appreciation for talent and hard work made him a quintessential New Yorker." NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg

"I will always remember George Steinbrenner as a passionate man, a tough boss, a true visionary, a great humanitarian, and a dear friend. I will be forever grateful that he trusted me with his Yankees for 12 years. My heart goes out to his entire family. He will be deeply missed in New York, Tampa and throughout the world of baseball. It's only fitting that he went out as a world champ." Former Yankee Manage Joe Torre

“We at YES are saddened by the passing of George M. Steinbrenner. He was a New York icon and a sports icon, a true visionary who will be greatly missed. His vision of a team-owned regional sports network for the Yankees, resulting in the formation of the YES Network, revolutionized the sports business. Mr. Steinbrenner’s influence on the world of sports is tremendous, and will be felt long after he’s gone. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Steinbrenner family and the Yankees organization.” Tracy Dolgin, President and CEO of the YES Network

"George was 'The Boss,' make no mistake. He built the Yankees into champions, and that's something nobody can ever deny. He was a very generous, caring, passionate man. George and I had our differences, but who didn't? We became great friends over the last decade and I will miss him very much." Hall of Famer Yogi Berra

"The Boston Red Sox deeply mourn the passing of George M. Steinbrenner III this morning at the age of 80. Principal Owner John W. Henry extended sincere condolences on behalf of the organization to Joan Steinbrenner, George's wife of 54 years, his children, his grandchildren, the entire Steinbrenner family, and the New York Yankees organization. I had the good fortune to call George Steinbrenner both partner and friend. I had the privilege to watch George as he built a system that ensured his beloved Yankees would have a strong foundation for sustained excellence. And then we fiercely competed in the American League. George Steinbrenner forever changed baseball and hopefully some day we will see him honored in baseball's Hall of Fame as one of the great figures in the history of sports." Red Sox Principal Owner John W. Henry

"I think the thing I learned from him more than anything is to never quit ... When I got knocked down, he was there to pick me up." Former Yankee Darryl Strawberry

"When I came off my suspension in '95, a lot of people turned their back on me and had every right to do so, but he welcomed me back with open arms to recapture my career in New York and join the Yankees." Former Yankee Doc Gooden.

"He was and always will be as much of a New York Yankee as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford and all of the other Yankee legends. Although we would have disagreements over the years, they never interfered with our friendship and commitment to each other. Our friendship was built on loyalty and trust and it never wavered." Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig

"The passing of George Steinbrenner marks the end of an era in New York City baseball history. George was a larger than life figure and a force in the industry." NY Mets owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon and Saul Katz

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for what he was able to accomplish both in business and professional sports. He was very warm and gracious to me, personally writing numerous encouraging letters supporting my ownership of the Redskins. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family." Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder

“The Washington Nationals and the Lerner Family are deeply saddened by the loss of George Steinbrenner – a monumental figure of the baseball world for more than 35 years. He will be remembered as a driven competitor and champion, but also a man who gave much to the people and communities he loved. George was a one of a kind owner, sports figure, and man. He will be missed. Our condolences go out to the Steinbrenner family, the Yankees organization and Yankees fans everywhere.” Washington Nationals Statement

"George was like a father figure to me. He treated me well, he treated me fair and he gave me a wonderful opportunity to play and manage the game we all love." Chicago Cubs manager/Former Yankee Lou Piniella.

"I remember a man driven to succeed. He was the owner, 'The Boss' and number one fan of the Yankees." Dodgers hitting coach and former Yankees star Don Mattingly.

"His impact on the game is impossible to measure. If you were a Yankee fan there was no better owner because he would do anything at any cost to put the best team on the field." Former Yankees Coach Don Zimmer.

"George Steinbrenner's passion for the game of baseball helped revive one of the game's most storied franchises, and in the process ushered in the modern era of baseball business operations. Mr. Steinbrenner understood and embraced the power of the players, and he put this knowledge to good use in establishing the Yankees as one of the sports world's most iconic brands." Michael Weiner, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

"George Steinbrenner was too complex a person to adequately describe in a short statement, but he was a great friend of mine and he will be missed. His impact on the game cannot be denied." Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

"George Steinbrenner's Yankees represent the will to overcome all odds which is precisely the will New Yorkers display when meeting every challenge they face. George will be greatly be missed but his legacy will carry on in the hearts and minds of all baseball fans." Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.

"We have lost a true leader in sports - someone who not only saw the big picture but helped create the scene on the canvas." Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

"As an active participant in the organizational direction and operations of the New York Yankees, his name is as synonymous with that franchise as any of the legendary athletes who have played in pinstripes." Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos.

"We all suffered a huge loss today. Mr. Steinbrenner was a great man, great owner, that did so many amazing things. You will truly be missed." Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain

"He was a giant in our game and he built an empire. All he was was a winner. He wanted to give the fans a winner, and that's exactly what he did." Dodgers Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda.

"George Steinbrenner was a dynamic personality in sports and in business. He was the ultimate competitor in both worlds. All of us in the business of sports want to win; that is the objective. George personified that ambition." New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch.

"I will remember him as a winner whose passion and enthusiasm became part of the fabric of New York City. He was an inspiration and represented the essence of leadership." New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.

"He had a tremendous impact on the Olympic movement in the U.S. He was devoted to sport and the pursuit of excellence and because of that, a generation of Olympic athletes have benefited." U.S. Olympic Committee chairman Larry Probst.

“Today is a sad day. George was one of the most important owners in sports and whether you liked it or not he knew how to win. He made the mold in how to be a winner. He helped a lot of people, including myself, during his tenure as Yankees owner. Baseball has lost a huge figure. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” Former Yankee Chris Chambliss

"The passing of George Steinbrenner marks the end of an era. Baseball has lost a giant, New York has lost a champion, and we have lost a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Steinbrenner family today and with all the friends, colleagues, and fans who loved The Boss.

We were delighted to host George and the team at the White House in 1999 to celebrate one of their many World Series victories, and privileged to call him our friend. The man behind the myth was generous, loyal and always passionate. He will be sorely missed." President Bill Clinton & Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

"The Minnesota Vikings ownership and organization wish to extend their condolences to the George Steinbrenner family and the New York Yankees on Mr. Steinbrenner's passing earlier today. As an instrumental figure in Major League Baseball and all of professional sports, Mr. Steinbrenner helped the Yankees develop an uncompromising style in their quest for championships. Under Steinbrenner's stewardship, Major League Baseball experienced significant growth while the Yankees became a recognizable sports icon throughout the world -- the standard for both competitiveness and excellence. Most importantly, Mr. Steinbrenner's commitment to charitable giving, amateur sports and the United States Olympic Committee became staples of his consistent community outreach. The Vikings thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Steinbrenner's family and friends." Minnesota Vikings Ownership Group

"This is a huge loss for baseball. George was a true winner. I worked for him for 10 years and we got along great. He was tough guy, but he was also very nice and he had a big heart. I remember when the annual Winter Meetings were really exciting, guys like George Steinbrenner, Ted Turner (Atlanta Braves) and Brad Corbett (Texas Rangers) really made them something to look forward to - they were always the life of the meetings. George will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the Yankees." Braves Manager/Former Yankee Bobby Cox

"I am deeply saddened by the death of George Steinbrenner. Our community has lost a grand and generous person who made a difference in ways large and small. With a larger-than-life personality, he leaves a lasting legacy in sports, business, and philanthropy. Many times he worked behind the scenes to help individuals and institutions – all to make Tampa a better place to live. He was a true community leader." Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio

"George Steinbrenner's impact on both the game of baseball and in the Tampa Bay community will have an everlasting effect on us all. We send our deepest sympathies to the Steinbrenner family and the Yankees organization." Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg

"National Action Network, my family, and I send our sincere condolences to the family of George Steinbrenner. I have known and worked with him down through the years and though we did not always agree we developed a very healthy and cordial relationship and we both took ironic pleasure in the fact that his granddaughter Haley and my daughter Dominique performed in a play together and became roommates. Since then they haven't left each other's side and are mutual best friends. George Steinbrenner allowed Dominique to affectionately call him "Bumpa" which is a name that only his grandchildren called him. Haley called Dominique early this morning before it went public and we share in the personal pain of the Steinbrenner family."
Reverend Al Sharpton, President of National Action Network

“George Steinbrenner and I share Cleveland as our original hometown and I remember coincidentally being across an airplane aisle from George as he flew to New York in 1973 to complete his purchase of the New York Yankees. We have watched with admiration as George went on to become one of the great New Yorkers of all time. George was an incomparable presence, not only in baseball, but in all of sports, and all of us at Cablevision and MSG extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his beloved Yankees and his many friends and fans everywhere." Cablevision Systems Corporation Chairman Charles Dolan

“I have known George Steinbrenner since we purchased the Astros in 1993. He was one of the few owners still involved today. He welcomed me as an owner and said that they were looking for new ideas, marketing, and leadership in Major League Baseball. Each time he was at an Owner’s meeting, he went out of his way to extend his friendship, and he certainly made me feel at home. We regret very much his passing, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the New York Yankees. He will be missed.” Astros Chairman and CEO Drayton McLane

"George Steinbrenner was passionate not only about the Yankees, but also all of baseball. Everyone in and around Major League Baseball, along with millions of Yankee fans, will miss George's larger than life presence. I knew George personally for more than 35 years, and I was very fond of him. George was very proud that his beloved Yankees were left in good hands. The entire Marlins organization joins me in extending condolences to the Steinbrenner family." Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria

"The most significant, the most impactful owner that our sport has ever seen." Former Yankee Aaron Boone

"I met the real George Steinbrenner on only one occasion when he actually came and played himself on an episode of SEINFELD. He seemed to really enjoy himself. I did not get to know him but the fact that he allowed himself and his beloved team to be satirized on our show is an indication to me of his true character. He was certainly a legend and I am pleased to have been associated with him, even if only in fiction. My sympathies to his family, friends and fans." Actor Jason (George Costanza)Alexander

"The Charleston RiverDogs, an affiliate of the 27-time World Series Champion New York Yankees, are deeply saddened by the passing of George M. Steinbrenner III. We will forever remember The Boss as a true visionary and giant in the world of sports and offer our condolences to the many people whose lives have been touched and enhanced by such an incredible individual." Marv Goldklang, principal owner of the RiverDogs and a limited partner of the Yankees

“George was personable, friendly and truly cared about his franchise and the fans. We always admired his drive to be the best.” Detroit Tigers Owners Michael and Marian Ilitch

“Today we lost a great person, a great leader and a great American. There will never be anyone like George Steinbrenner. He was a winner.” Yankees president Randy Levine.

“R.I.P George Steinbrenner The Great. U will be missed dearly.” Miami Heat forward LeBron James, from his Twitter account.

"Mr. Steinbrenner's passion for the game was unmatched. He committed himself and all of the Yankees' resources to one thing and one thing only: winning. Opposing players and fans may have bristled at his outspoken leadership over the years, but it was only because they wished they had a Steinbrenner of their own. On behalf of a grateful city and State, I wish comfort during this difficult time to Mr. Steinbrenner's wife, Elizabeth, and children, Hank, Hal, Jessica and Jennifer. He will truly be missed." NY Governor David A. Paterson

"I admired the man tremendously. He was the one who brought the Yankees back to prominence. All the little things that went on during his first years of ownership were growing pains for him and he is one of those guys that will be missed a lot."I was watching TV when I heard about it and it was very sad to hear of the loss. We wouldn't have been in three straight World Series if it wasn't for him. We lost to Cincinnati in '76 and came back to win back-to-back championships in '77 and '78 because of his determination to be the best. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Steinbrenner family." Former Yankee Sparky Lyle

"Mr. Steinbrenner had a unique and storied career in baseball. Any owner that wins seven World Series titles, that speaks for itself. I think you hear in many of the tributes today that his -- maybe his greater lasting impact will be the organizations that he worked with and the charities that he worked with over the course of a long and storied career that had a real impact on the lives of people all over this country in addition to the championships he brought home to New York on the baseball diamond." Presidential Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

"It's a sad day, certainly for his family and baseball, the Yankees and those who knew him well. We lost not only, in my mind, an outstanding individual, but a good friend. And he remained that way. The area that most people don't know, or don't want to know, is what he did for charities and the reason he did them. He did them because he felt it was the right thing. What he did for the Armed Forces and what his whole family continues to be involved with, is fantastic. I'm sure you can see a lot of that association at Yankee Stadium lots of times. The Steinbrenner family thinks that way. They do things not for what the public thinks, but because they're right." NJ Devils GM Lou Lamoriello

"The Boss passed this morning leaving behind a legacy and a sports empire that will never be matched. George, Billy, Thurm and The Mick are together again. Heaven will never be the same." Mike Passeri, Editor in Chief of New York Yankees Update

THE BOSS IS GONE

2010-07-13T13:21:00.003-04:00

"Bob Sheppard has announced the arrival of George M. Steinbrenner III at the Pearly Gates." --Evan Roberts, WFAN Radio.

The Boss passed this morning leaving behind a legacy and a sports empire that will never be matched.

George, Billy, Thurm and The Mick are together again.

Heaven will never be the same.

More to come on NYYU.....

THE VOICE OF GOD GOES HOME

2010-07-11T11:45:00.002-04:00

Bob Sheppard, the long time Yankees and NY Football Giants announcer, has died at age 99.

FROM THE AP STORY:

"Sheppard started with the Yankees in 1951 and he last worked at Yankee stadium late in the 2007 season, when he became ill with a bronchial infection. He recorded a greeting to fans that was played at the original ballpark's final game in September 2008, and his audio recording still is used to introduce Derek Jeter before each at-bat at home by the Yankees captain.

The Yankees' lineup for Sheppard's first game on April 17, 1951, included DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Johnny Mize, Yogi Berra, and Phil Rizzuto. And the opponents that day, the Boston Red Sox, were led by Ted Williams.

In May 2000, after 50 years and two weeks on the job, the team honored him with "Bob Sheppard Day" and put a plaque in his honor in Monument Park.

"The voice of Yankee Stadium," read the plaque. "For half a century, he has welcomed generations of fans with his trademark greeting, 'Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Yankee Stadium.'"

He also served as the stadium voice of the NFL's New York Giants from 1956-05, and for men's basketball and football at St. John's, where he taught. But baseball is what made him famous.

He announced at 62 World Series games and a pair of All-Star games, and introduced more than 70 Hall of Famers across his career."

Reggie Jackson is credited with calling him "The Voice of God."

YANKS CLOSE TO GETTING LEE?

2010-07-09T08:45:00.002-04:00

NY Post's Joel Sherman is reporting that the Yankees are close to obtaining Cliff Lee from the Mariners and that.....

"Cashman might now be in position to either put Hughes in the bullpen to bolster that shaky area or trade a starter, possibly Vazquez, for a few prospects. It was possible that injured Double-A second baseman David Adams also was part of the deal to Seattle since he is a player the Mariners like a great deal."

Not buying any of it. Moving a one of the seasons best starters to the pen is dumb, Javy has a no-trade to the NL West and AL West and makes 2.5 mil MORE than Lee for this season, so he will not be easy to move. Javy is a head case and only the Yankees can (or are willing) to pay $11.5 million for him and his psycological needs.

Another rumor out there is that Jayson Werth is coming to the Yankees.

First, this would tell Phillie Phans that the team is throwing in the towel on 2010. Sending Werth to NY for Javy doesn't help the Phils any, especially since Raul Ibanez came back to earth this season. Javy doesnt fill the gap left by Chase Utley and losing Werth just creates another hole in the line up.

Where would Werth play? Who sits? Can only have 1 DH in the line up.

In order for the Yanks to place Werth and Lee on this team now would require many moves that could really disrupt the chemistry they have.

This IS the best team in baseball we are talking about.

Look for the Yankees to obtain a utility guy with some pop off the bench and some help in the pen.

OSCAR AZOCAR DEAD

2010-06-14T21:45:00.004-04:00

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)—Former major leaguer Oscar Azocar, a free-swinging outfielder when he debuted for the New York Yankees in 1990, died Monday. He was 45.

The native Venezuelan died at a hospital in Valencia, said Diogenes Nazar, press spokesman for one of Azocar’s former teams, the Navegantes del Magallanes.

Azocar hit .226 with five home runs and 36 RBIs in a three-year career. Promoted from the minors by the Yankees in July 1990, he got a pinch-hit single in his first big league at-bat, then homered, doubled and singled in his next game.

Azocar was hitting .350 with four home runs after his first 20 games, and was part of the last-place Yankees’ youth movement, along with fellow rookies Deion Sanders, Jim Leyritz, Mike Blowers and Kevin Maas.

But the Yankees grew impatient over Azocar’s impatience at the plate—it took 130 times up before he drew his first walk. The Yankees traded him to San Diego (for MIKE HUMPHREYS) after his rookie season and he spent two years with San Diego.

Azocar finished up in the Mexican league, playing his last season in 2001.

Azocar started his career as a pitcher before switching to the outfield. He played for several teams in Venezuela.

During the Caribbean Series played in Venezuela last February, Azocar was inducted into the Caribbean region’s baseball hall of fame.

HOOKER RING!

2010-06-04T10:04:00.002-04:00

FROM THE NY POST:

The pitching coach for the Staten Island (class-A) Yankees reportedly had his 2009 World Series ring and two cellphones stolen after he cavorted with two prostitutes in a Tampa motel room.

Patrick Daneker, 34, was boozing it up with fellow Yankee minor league instructor Carlos Chantres Sunday at the Blue Martini Bar -- where Tiger Woods has been known to prowl -- when they met up with two young ladies of the night that Chantres allegedly knew, CBS/Channel 10 of Tampa reported yesterday.

Daneker left the watering hole and got into a cab with the two women -- described by the motel clerk as wearing "short mini-skirts" -- and headed back to his room at the Holiday Inn Express at around 3 a.m., the station said.

About 15 minutes later, the two women left the motel and Daneker stayed in his room, the clerk told police.

(wait...2 women...only 15 minutes? Little quick on the trigger, Cowboy?)

The Post story continues......

At around 4 a.m., Daneker told the clerk he had been robbed.

Daneker acknowledged to authorities that he was "extremely intoxicated" and that he "messed around" with the two women, the station said.

But he also insisted he had a "lapse in memory" and couldn't tell cops any more.

He also said he had no recollection of going to the ATM.

Both Daneker and his wife, Bree Maddocks, refused to speak to The Post last night.

Chantres, also a pitching coach for the Yankees, told The Post: "I have no idea who those women were at all, I don't know how I got brought into this."

In addition to the ring, valued at $10,000, the two women also swiped his two cellphones -- one issued by the Yankees -- and $120 in cash.

Tampa police are searching for the women, identified by the TV station as hookers. They face grand larceny charges.

Daneker, who joined the Yankees organization in 2008, had a blink-and-you'd-miss-it career in the majors.

He appeared in just three games for a total of 15 innings with the Chicago White Sox in 1999, according to baseball-reference.com.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/staten_island/lil_yankee_tKuttZbOjQwgxYgggcpNaP#ixzz0ptQbTBxQ

GAUDAN-IT! THIS DOESN'T HELP!

2010-05-27T11:03:00.002-04:00

Reliever Chad Gaudin was released by the Yankees on March 25 after he posted a 8.68 ERA in four spring training appearances with a record of 0-3. He is then signed by Oakland.

What does he do for the scummy A's? He went 0-2 with an 8.83 ERA in 12 appearances and was designated for assignment on May 16 then released on May 21.

Good enough for the Yankees, because Chad is back!

That's right, the Yankees signed this super scrub and added him to the team to replace Boone Logan who was dispatched to SWB.

This makes no sense at all. This is not an improvement.

A CITI FIELD LOVE STORY

2010-05-27T06:49:00.002-04:00

A man was lying in bed with his new girlfriend he met at a Mets game, after having great sex ...

She spent the next hour just rubbing his testicles ...

Something she just loved to do.

As he was enjoying it, he turned and asked her,

"Why do you love doing that?"

"Because...she replied...I really miss mine."

BLOGGER SLAMMED BY MLB

2010-05-27T06:41:00.002-04:00

This from Andrew Fletcher at "Gravity Always Wins."

One of my favorite Yankees blogs, “IT IS HIGH, IT IS FAR, IT IS… caught,” broke the law.

They were told today by MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) to stop posting John Sterling audio on its website. That means “there can be no more winwarbles, no more Sterling mash-ups, no more sounds,” author el duque wrote.

All YouTube videos posted by the blog now have this message: “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by MLB Advanced Media.”

I don’t believe in stifling original content, especially in the age we are in today. I also don’t see the harm in what “IT IS HIGH…” was doing. If anything, it’s free publicity for Major League Baseball.

Hopefully the blog will find new ways to share its hilarity. I can’t tell you how many laughs I’ve had listening to their Sterling audio and videos.

Best of luck, guys.

MLB is a joke and we have all heard how thin skinned Sterling is, so this does not come as a shock. Ma needs to tell Pa to get over himself.

DRUNKEN TOAD

2010-05-26T08:21:00.003-04:00

GARDENA, Calif. - Former Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu was arrested for alleged drunken driving in suburban Los Angeles.

Gardena police Lt. Steve Prendergast says Irabu was stopped May 17 when officers saw him drifting outside traffic lanes and nearly colliding with a parked car.

Records show the 41-year-old Irabu, who lives in Rancho Palos Verdes, posted $5,000 bail. - AP

WAKE UP GIRARDI AND CREW!

2010-05-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

If the Yankees want to beat Tampa tonight and Thursday, they will need to get their head out of their #%~ first!

That is all.

JOHNSON: 4-6 WEEKS? NO WAY!

2010-05-17T16:24:00.003-04:00

Yankees are saying that Nick Johnson is out for 4-6 weeks.

4-6 weeks my * * *!

You can’t come back from wrist surgery that fast, especially this guy.

My guess is that he is done for the year but the Yanks don’t want to broadcast that since they are buyers now.

Once they get a replacement, then you’ll find out that Johnson is done for 2010.

2010 OPENING DAY ROSTER

2010-04-03T16:50:00.003-04:00

No real surprizes heading into Boston. I'm not a fan of Mitre, I would have liked to see Royce Ring get a shot instead.

C - Jorge Posada
C - Francisco Cervelli
1B - Mark Teixeira
1B - Nick Johnson
2B - Robinson Cano
3B - Alex Rodriguez
SS - Derek Jeter
IF - Ramiro Pena
OF - Nick Swisher
OF - Curtis Granderson
OF - Brett Gardner
OF - Randy Winn
OF - Marcus Thames
LHP - CC Sabathia
RHP - A.J. Burnett
LHP - Andy Pettitte
RHP - Javier Vazquez
RHP - Phil Hughes
RHP - Sergio Mitre
RHP - Chan Ho Park
RHP - Alfredo Aceves
RHP - David Robertson
LHP - Damaso Marte
RHP - Joba Chamberlain
RHP - Mariano Rivera

In addition, the Yankees made 2 minor moves today:

They signed journeyman catcher Chad Moeller and released catcher Mike Rivera.

Acquired utilityman Robbie Hammock from the Rockies for a player to be named later.

Both are headed to Scranton.

HUGHES GETS 5 SPOT

2010-03-25T13:24:00.002-04:00

Phil Hughes has been selected as the Yankees’ fifth starter, beating out four others, including Joba Chamberlain. Hughes said he was happy with the decision, which was announced by manager Joe Girardi.

This means Al Aceves, Sergio Mitre and Joba Chamberlain will move to the pen.

Chad Gaudin was released after clearing waivers.

KNOBBY: PROBATION AND FINE

2010-03-17T08:56:00.003-04:00

(State-Run-AP)—Former major league infielder Chuck Knoblauch has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault on his common-law wife.

According to court records, Knoblauch entered his plea Tuesday in exchange for deferred-adjudication probation. Successful completion of his one-year probation could mean the conviction on the assault of a family member would be expunged from the record.

Knoblauch also was fined $1,000. Knoblauch’s attorney didn’t return a telephone call Tuesday.
According to a criminal complaint, Knoblauch’s wife told police he hit her in the face and choked her at their Houston home in September.

The 41-year-old Houston native played for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals from 1991-2002. In 12 seasons, the 1991 American League Rookie of the Year and four-time All-Star batted .289 with 98 home runs and 615 RBI.

Freelance contributor Eric "The I-Man" reporting.

UNIFORM NUMBERS

2010-02-20T16:00:00.004-05:00

Joe Girardi officially moves to 28 and Nick Johnson claims 27.

Randy Winn will take 22, last seen on Xavier Nady, while Marcus Thames takes the 38 that was shared by Brian Bruney and Ian Kennedy.

Kennedy also wore 31 at one time. That now belongs to Javier Vazquez.

Kei Igawa is sporting 17 since his 29 is now owned by Francisco Cervelli.

YANKS SIGN THAMES

2010-02-09T06:46:00.004-05:00

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Yankees signed former farmhand Marcus Thames (late of the Tigers) to a minor league contract with a spring invite.

The Yankees will have 60 people in camp, the 40 on the roster and 20 invitees.

ART RUST, Jr. DIES AT 82

2010-01-14T07:50:00.004-05:00

Long before there was a WFAN, ESPN Radio and Mike and the Mad Dog, there was "Sports Talk on TalkRadio 77 WABC." The host was former WNBC-TV sportscaster Art Rust, Jr.

Back in the day when he was on WABC, "Mike from Toms River" rarely missed his daily show. One of my favorites was when Art would take a shot at Howard Cosell after Howard's (taped) nightly "Speaking of Sports" segments.

One of my most memorable segments was when Art let his listeners know that when the NY Knicks "won" the NBA lottery and selected Patrick Ewing, there was a lot more than "luck" involved and despite GM Dave DeBusschere's reaction to getting pick #1, nobody else in the room was overly surprised. Looking at recent NBA history, not much has changed.

I hope Art gets his due respect today in the sports radio world because without "Arthur George.....Rust Junior, that is..." there would not be a WFAN and the sports talk radio format that is so hugely successful today.

"He was the godfather," said Tony Paige of WFAN. "He was the Jackie Robinson who paved the way for me and everyone else - Mike Francesa, Chris Russo, Michael Kay, everyone."(quote source: NYDN)

"You have to remember, when he started at WABC in 1981, there was no 'FAN or anything," says Steve Malzberg, who got his radio start as Rust's producer and is now on WOR. "There was just him. And he took New York by storm."(quote source: NYDN)

Arthur George Rust, Jr. died yesterday from complications of Parkinson’s disease in Manhattan.

“Yesterday is a canceled check, tomorrow is just a promissory note, today is the only time we have so spend it wisely... Goodnight Edna baby.”

TOP UPDATES OF 2009

2009-12-31T17:16:00.002-05:00

As we close out another year, I would like to thank all of this blogs readers. This feeble attempt at a blog is a booming success thanks to my loyal followers.

Here are the top NYYU's of 2009 based on page visits:

1. STADIUM FINANCING SIMPLIFIED

2. YANKEE STADIUM WIND THEORY

3. FREE CAR IF YANKS LOSE

4. A-ROD: TORN CARTILAGE IN HIP

5. HOLI BOLI! WHAT IS IT?

Other odd stats:

50% of visitors to New York Yankees Update use Internet Explorer, 32% use Firefox, Safari users come in at 12%, Google Chrome at 3% and the rest are using Opera, Netscape, SeaMonkey, Konqueror, Camino, Blazer, NetFront and K-Meleon.

82% of visitors to New York Yankees Update use a Windows operating system. 15% use Mac, Linux users come in at 1% and the rest were using iPhone, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, iPod, SymbianOS, Nintendo Wii and SunOS.

The top (non search engine) referers to NYYU are:

baseballmusings.com, sports.espn.go.com, slidingintohome.blogspot.com, ballhype.com and twitter.com.

NYYU was visited by people from 108 different countries. 84% from the United States. The top 10 after the U.S. were Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, Taiwan, Dominican Republic, France, Spain, India and Italy.

Here is to a happy 2010 to you and to the 27 time WORLD CHAMPIONS, The New York Yankees.

JETER IS "MR. NY"

2009-12-27T08:29:00.002-05:00

Derek Jeter is the the NY Daily News' New Yorker of the Year for 2009.

"For 14 years, he has been the face of athletic excellence in New York: 10-time All-Star, four Gold Gloves, career .317 batting average. In 2009, at age 35, he batted .334 and entered the Yankee record books as the team's all-time hit champ. He also captained the squad to 103 regular season victories, a 40th pennant and a 27th World Championship - the fifth while he has anchored the franchise.

Throughout, Jeter has conducted himself with grace, balletic grace in movement, a gentleman's grace in life.

Some of his peers in professional sports grumble about their contracts or make noises about going to other teams unless they get a huge salary bump. Not Jeter.

Some of his peers make headlines with stories about discord at home or untoward escapades. Not Jeter.

Some of his peers create charities for window-dressing. Not Jeter. His foundation awards high school and college scholarships both in New York and in Kalamazoo, Mich., where he grew up.

Some of his peers use steroids and deny it. Some use steroids and come clean. Jeter has never had to make that choice - because he never made the stupid decision in the first place.

Some of his peers carry weapons, shoot people - or themselves - and go to jail. Not Jeter.

And some of his peers have an uneasy relationship with fans because they think they are a cut above. Not Jeter.

This is a man who has the qualities adults admire and children can look up to. Somehow he combines enormous talent with hard work, riches with responsibility, fantastic success with confident modesty and intense competitiveness with true sportsmanship."

THE MELK-MAN DELIVERS JAVY II

2009-12-22T11:13:00.004-05:00

The Yankees have worked out a five-player deal with the Braves that will bring Javier Vazquez back to New York.

Vazquez and lefty reliever Boone Logan come to the Yankees.

The Braves get Melky Cabrera, Mike Dunn (AAA) and Arodys Vizcaino (A).

Vazquez had his best season last year (15-10, 2.87).

In 2004, the Yankees sent (freshly re-acquired) Nick Johnson to Montreal for Vazquez.

In his one season with the Yankees, he went 14-10, with a 4.91 ERA.

Javy could end up as the No. 4 starter behind CC, A.J. and Andy.

This might set the stage for the Yanks to use Phil Hughes in the fifth spot and make Joba Chamberlain Mariano Rivera’s main set-up man.

Vazquez gets $11.5 million in the final year of his contract.

Logan is basically a scrub throw-in.

$26 MIL LUXURY TAX? MAYBE NOT.

2009-12-21T23:17:00.002-05:00

The story is out that the Yankees have been hit with a luxury tax of nearly $25.69 million according to The Associated Press.

But, how much of that $25.69 million will the team really pay?

As reported by this blog back in April, the answer could be ZERO.

According to Forbes.com:

"The new stadium also means the Yankees will have to hand over a lower percentage of their revenue to rivals.....MLB permits teams to deduct stadium-operating and debt expenses from revenue before calculating the amount the league will take from them to subsidize other teams.....In the new stadium the Yankees' deductible expenses will be around $100 million, enough to wipe out the windfall in revenue."

GRANDERSON'S FIRST HIT

2009-12-18T13:52:00.002-05:00

“I thought, 'Let me back away from that.' ... I didn't want to mess with that.”

- New CF Curtis Granderson, on giving up his favored No. 28 jersey to manager Joe Girardi. Girardi plans to switch from No. 27 to symbolize the club's pursuit of its 28th championship.

Granderson will wear No. 14, which he wore in high school because his father had worn the number in an adult softball league.

KATE-ROD - GAME OVER

2009-12-17T11:15:00.004-05:00

Kate Hudson has reportedly split from Alex Rodriguez.

The actress and the Yankee are said to have ended their seven-month relationship.

An onlooker at a Miami restaurant said “He flirted with a blonde all night at dinner and seemed very much single.”

Representatives for the couple are yet to comment, but a source said: “They are totally over.”

Kate was asked by ‘Late Show’ host David Letterman, if she was a big Yankees fan and friends with Alex, to which she giggled and said: “Yeah, he’s a friend of mine. Nice guy.”

SAYONARA

2009-12-16T11:31:00.000-05:00

Hideki Matsui has agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million deal to play for the Angels, physical pending.

PETTITTE RETURNS

2009-12-09T11:21:00.003-05:00

"The Score" in Toronto reports that Andy Pettitte has agreed to a 1 year contract worth $11.75 million, no incentives.

GAMMONS MOVES TO MLB NETWORK

2009-12-09T06:09:00.001-05:00

Peter Gammons' departure from ESPN was announced yesterday and MLB Network could announce his hiring as early as today, a baseball official said.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because MLB Network had not made the announcement.

Asked about his decision at the winter meetings, Gammons said he couldn't discuss it until today.

GAMMONS OUT AT ESPN

2009-12-08T15:26:00.002-05:00

Peter Gammons, who is rarely right on anything, is done at ESPN.

It is being reported that Gammons has left on his terms and was not fired.

GRANDERSON DEAL ALIVE

2009-12-08T13:58:00.002-05:00

WFAN and Jon Hayman are now reporting that the Curtis Granderson deal is done, pending medical records checks.

The deal is:

Ian Kennedy to Arizona, Phil Coke and Austin Jackson to Detroit.

What is the infatuation with a .246 avg and .329 obp hitter?

They can do that with the recently departed Shelley Duncan.

GRANDERSON DEAL DEAD

2009-12-08T10:32:00.003-05:00

WFAN says that the 3 way deal that would bring Curtis Granderson to New York is dead. Is that a good thing?

YES!

Here is the rumored deal:

The Yankees get Curtis Granderson from the Tigers and one or two prospects from the Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks receive Edwin Jackson from the Tigers and right-hander Ian Kennedy from the Yankees.
The Tigers would get right-hander Max Scherzer from the Diamondbacks, along with centerfielder Austin Jackson and lefty relievers Phil Coke and Michael Dunn from the Yankees.

The Tigers wanted Phil Hughes included in the deal, but the Yankees don't want to give him up.

So the Yankees would give up Hughes, Kennedy, Jackson, Dunn and Coke to get Granderson and a couple of suspects?

Excuse me Howie, but...NO DEAL!

Sure Granderson hit 30 HR's but he hit .249 with a .329 OBP. Anyone remember Dave Kingman?

Hughes and Kennedy could have brought the Yanks Johan Santana! Now all they are worth is a low average HR hitter?

This deal has to be a media creation. If I was the Yankee GM and I got a call with this deal, I'd probably forget to hang up the phone before I started laughing.

ANGELS INTERESTED IN HIDEKI

2009-12-07T19:24:00.001-05:00

Angels General Manager Tony Reagins tells the LA Times that Hideki Matsui is one of the options the team is looking at to bolster its offense.

NICK THE STICK RUMOR

2009-12-07T19:19:00.002-05:00

The winter meetings rumor mill says the Yankees are talking about Nick Johnson.

This would add fuel to the hot stove rumor that the Yankees are listening to offers for Nick Swisher.

BRUNEY TO THE NATS.

2009-12-07T13:17:00.004-05:00

Brian Bruney has been traded to the Nationals for a player to be named later.

There was an earlier report that Bruney was headed to the Braves.

GIRARDI SLIDES INTO THE NFL

2009-12-01T16:00:00.003-05:00

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP)—New York Jets coach Rex Ryan brought in Yankees manager Joe Girardi as a special guest instructor to teach rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez how to slide.

After watching Sanchez struggle with some of his slides while avoiding pressure in recent games, Ryan called Yankees team president Randy Levine on Tuesday. He asked if the World Series champions could send someone over to the Jets facility to help their franchise quarterback.

The Yankees ended up sending Girardi, who guided New York to its 27th World Series title last month against the Philadelphia Phillies. Sanchez, who has a sore left knee, worked on sliding on his right leg and went through 10-15 slides under Girardi’s supervision.

Ryan said he needed to “bring in a champ” to help Sanchez.

Thanks to the I-Man for the tip!

CARAY'D AWAY BY TBS

2009-12-01T06:07:00.002-05:00

After the terrible performance by TBS baseball announcer Chip Caray during the play-offs, the network has decided to terminate his contract.

Caray also worked Braves games during the regular season.

The remainder of his contract was "settled" for an undisclosed amount.

Caray is the son of the late Braves announcer Skip Caray and grandson of legendary baseball voice Harry Caray.

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

2009-11-30T10:00:00.001-05:00

FROM SI.COM

In what has already been a banner year for Derek Jeter, the New York Yankees shortstop can add another honor: Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year award.

Jeter was chosen as the magazine's 56th honoree (the Dec. 7 issue will hit newsstands on Wednesday) and becomes the first Yankee to be named SI's Sportsman.

THE VOICE RETIRES

2009-11-30T09:41:00.004-05:00

According to MLB.com:

"I have no plans of coming back," Bob Sheppard told the Web site in a telephone interview. "Time has passed me by, I think. I had a good run for it. I enjoyed doing what I did. I don't think, at my age, I'm going to suddenly regain the stamina that is really needed if you do the job and do it well."

When contacted by The Associated Press, Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo said the team had no announcement or comment at this time.

Famous for his distinct and resonant tones, Sheppard became the PA announcer at the old Yankee Stadium in 1951. Decades later, Reggie Jackson gave him the nickname "The Voice of God."

CHAMPIONS!

2009-11-05T09:33:00.002-05:00

'nuff said.

G-MAN SHOULD GAU WITH CHAD

2009-11-02T16:05:00.001-05:00

I disagree with AJ tonight on short rest.

I'd rather throw Gaudin and hope for the best then have a fully rested AJ in NY with a DH if needed in game 6.

With AJ going tonight, if the Yanks lose then you are throwing Andy on short rest.

Up 3-1, Girardi is taking a chance he doesn't need to take.

2009 WORLD SERIES: GAME 1 NOTES

2009-10-29T09:15:00.005-04:00

NOTE 1: "Good pitching beats good hitting." Cliff Lee drove that point home.

NOTE 2: Good work by the umpires getting together to make sure they got that obvious double play call correct.

NOTE 3: No more Phil Hughes please. What you are seeing is a classic post season choke.

NOTE 4: Sit Swisher.

NOTE 5: The only way Bruney should be allowed into Yankee Stadium is with a ticket. He stinks, always did stink. He had a hot streak early in the season then went back to stink. Give it up Joe, he STINKS!

NOTE 6: The WFAN-WIP simulcast is unlistenable. Too many people talking.

NOTE 7: Wondering what is more important to FOX; The game or their endless, shamless show promo's.

NOTE 8: There is nobody better that explaining the obvious than Tim McCarver.

NOTE 9: "Buck" rhymes with "Suck." I now understand why.

NOTE 10: Still no mention that Phils RF Jayson Werth is the step-son of ex-Yank Dennis Werth, but we have heard that he is the nephew of ex-MLBer Dick Schofield. Whats that about?

KNOCKIN' KNOBBY!

2009-09-29T15:06:00.002-04:00

HOUSTON (AP)—Former major leaguer Chuck Knoblauch has been charged with assaulting his common-law wife.

A judge set Knoblauch’s bond at $10,000 after he appeared in court Tuesday. According to a criminal complaint, Knoblauch’s wife told police he hit her in the face and then choked her at their Houston home on Friday.

Knoblauch’s attorney did not immediately return a telephone call Tuesday.

The 41-year-old former infielder is a Houston native and a four-time All-Star who played for the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals from 1991-02.

Knoblauch was one of more than 80 players who were accused of using performance-enhancing drugs in the 2007 Mitchell Report on baseball’s steroids era. Knoblauch later acknowledged using performance enhancers.

Thanks to NYYU contributor "I-Man" for the heads up!

4 STARTERS THE YANKS SHOULD CONSIDER

2009-07-29T11:34:00.003-04:00

Now that C.M. Wang is done for the year and will miss at least half of 2010 the Yankees should not only be looking to fortify the 2009 rotation, but look for stability into 2010.

With the non-waiver trade deadline approaching (Friday, 4:00 pm EDT) here are my ideas for four starting pitchers the Yankees should be able to deal for if the clubs are looking to dump salary and the Yankees are willing to assume said salary.

JASON MARQUIS, Rockies: 12-7, 3.47. Due remainder of $9.87 mil for 2009, free agent for 2010.

AARON COOK, Rockies: 10-3, 3.87. Due remainder of $8.75 mil for 2009 then $21.25 through 2011 with a $11 mil option for 2012 or a half mil buy out.

BRONSON ARROYO, Reds: 10-10, 5.17. Due remainder of $9.5 mil for 2009 then $11 mil in 2010 followed by a club option at $11 mil or a $2 mil buy out for 2011.

PAUL MAHOLM, Pirates: 6-5, 4.70. Due remainder of $2 mil for 2009 then $10.25 mil through 2011 with a $9.75 club option or a 0.75 mil buy out for 2012.

LEYRITZ: STILL SLUGGING, GOES 2 for 2 WITH EX-WIFE

2009-07-02T13:40:00.004-04:00

Ex-Yank Jim Leyritz has been charged with slugging his ex-wife in his latest brush with the law.

Leyritz has been charged with domestic battery after receiving reports he had allegedly battered ex-wife Karrie, according to a police report from the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

According to the report, Leyritz attacked Karrie after the two had a dispute over money related to child support.

Karrie claims Leyritz hit her in the face twice, then pushed her to the ground. She said she fled the home after the attack and called police from a neighbor's house.

Leyritz denied hitting his ex-wife and police that she had likely hurt herself on purpose, and claimed she had hurt herself and blamed it on him once before.

Thanks to NYYU contributor "The I-Man" for the story tip via the scum of the earth network PMSNBC.

Retake Congress

2009-07-01T16:15:00.001-04:00

"Retake Congress"

Yankees get Eric Hinske from Pittsburgh

2009-06-30T12:01:00.001-04:00

The Yankees traded for ultilityman Eric Hinske in exchange for two minor leaguers.

The Pirates acquired catcher/outfielder Eric Fryer and right-hander Casey Erickson.

Fryer, 23, hit .250 with 11 doubles, two homers and 24 RBI in 59 games with Class A Tampa. He will be assigned to Class A Lynchburg.

Ericson, 23, went 3-3 with a 2.25 ERA in 21 games (three starts) for Class A Charleston. He will be assigned to Class A West Virginia.

Pirates get two Yankee minor leaguers for Eric Hinske - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

THE BOOB STRIKES AGAIN!

2009-06-04T12:13:00.006-04:00

Here is yet another assault by Boob Watson on the Yankees with unfair fines and suspensions.

Boob is still mad at the elder Steinbrenner for exposing his incompetence as a GM (read Joel Sherman's "Birth of a Dynasty").

A.J. Burnett has been suspended for 6 games and fined an undisclosed by the "vice president of on-field operations" for the wayward pitch to the Rangers' Nelson Cruz on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Vicente Padilla was only fined an undisclosed amount for actually HITTING Mark Teixeira, TWICE!

He also came "up and in" to Jeter and Cano!

Teixeira was hit below the right shoulder by Padilla in the second inning. Then he was hit on the butt-selig in the fourth!

Has the Boob noticed that this is the THIRD incident of this type regarding the Rangers this season?

Last week, ChiSox reliever Bobby Jenks was fined $750 for admitting to plucking Ian Kinsler intentionally after Rangers pitchers hit 6 ChiSox batters during the series.

Are you paying attention, Boob, you jerk?

No, he isn't. Stupid assed Boob Watson just saw another oportunity to stick it to the Yankees.

Burnett said he will appeal.

(UPDATE 4:01 PM: BURNETT HAS APPEALED THE SUSPENSION)

That's great, but a Yankee talking to Boob is just like talking to a bottle of ketchup. However, in this case, the ketchup is smarter than the Boob.

Maybe the top incompetent fool at MLB will step in.

Butt Selig knows more about baseball than Boob, but then again so does the ketchup.

YANKEE BAND BOX? EXPLAIN THIS....

2009-05-26T13:19:00.002-04:00

If the new Yankee Stadium is such a "Band Box" and "Launching Pad" keep this in mind:

One of the top home-run hitters in the National League, RYAN HOWARD, had more STOLEN BASES (1) in the 3 games at YS3 than HR's (0).

The stolen base was Howard's 4th of his CAREER.

BOBBY JENKS: YES I DID!

2009-05-11T08:37:00.003-04:00

Boob Watson will suspend this guy, but this is EXACTLY how you handle these situations AND the guy was man enough to stand up for himself and his teammates. Jenks can play for me any time.

(CHICAGO TRIBUNE, May 9, 2009) White Sox closer Bobby Jenks surprised even his manager with his admission that Saturday night's fastball behind the butt of Ian Kinsler was thrown there on purpose.

And while it didn't necessarily please Ozzie Guillen, Jenks' teammates had to appreciate his effort after six of them were hit by pitches in the last week by Rangers pitchers.

Asked if the two-out, ninth-inning pitch to Kinsler "got away from him," Jenks replied without hesitation:

"No, I meant to. To send a message. Basically I was saying, 'I'm sick of seeing our guys get hit and hurt and almost get taken out of the game.' I threw it with intention."

Jenks eventually retired Kinsler in a 3-2 Sox victory, but not before home plate umpire Lance Barksdale warned both benches against any more shenanigans. Earlier in the game, the Sox's Chris Getz and Carlos Quentin had been hit by Kevin Millwood.

Jenks said he had no intention of hitting Kinsler, especially in a one-run game.

"I'm not going to put a guy on in that situation," he said. "I was not going to hit him. I made my point with that pitch and it came across the way I wanted it to.

"I'm not going to go dirty. I was going to keep it low and behind him."

Guillen said he had nothing to do with Jenks' revenge pitch, claiming no Sox batter was hit intentionally.

"That's his problem. I know what I see and what I think," Guillen said. "I don't think it was the right moment to do it because we can get in trouble. But if he says he did it, I respect his word and I can't do anything about it right now."

But Guillen also said he likes pitchers to stand up for hitters.

"It's good, because we have to make sure the hitters know we're behind them," he said.

http://nyyu.blogspot.com

GIRARDI SET UP LOSS

2009-05-07T08:19:00.003-04:00

One of the many jobs a Major League manager has is to put his team in a position to win every day.

Last night, Joe Girardi did not do that.

In fact, he put his team in position to LOSE...and they did.

With the game tied in the 9th, Girardi summoned Mariano Rivera from the pen to hold the tie, and he did.

The Yankees put runners on base in the bottom of the 9th, but could not score...we go to the 10th.

Since Rivera only used 18 pitches to dispatch the Rays in the 9th, one would figure that the pitch count obsessed manager would use his only reliable reliever in the 10th and give the Yanks a chance to win in the bottom of the inning.

Nope. In comes unreliable Phil Coke and TWO pitches later its 4-3 Rays as Carlos Pena deposits a meatball into the mostly empty right field seats.

After the game when asked about using Rivera in the 10th, Girardi offered this:

"It was not a situation you ask Mo for three more outs."

Why not? He only threw 18 pitches! Girardi said it was too early in the season to ask Rivera for 2 innings.

If that is so, why did he bring in Rivera with 2 outs and a 2-0 count on a Boston batter in the 8th last week?

Also, lefties' average against Rivera is 173 points lower than righties'.

Pena is a leftie.

Girardi later added:

"Every day we do the best we can to prepare our club, and every move we make is to win the game, and that's what I focus on."

You didn't last night, Joe.

You set them up to fail and fail they did.

TAKE A WALK JOE

2009-05-06T09:26:00.006-04:00

Joe Girardi is very optimistic about Mark Teixeira's slump.

When your $180 million slugger is hitting below . 200 and struck out 23 times in 193 ABs with the Angels, but has struck out 17 times in 86 ABs with the Yankees, one might be concerned.

(Stat courtesy of "Baseball & The Boogie Down")

Not Joe. Joe says he's not concerned because...get this... "he's still getting his walks."

WALKS! Does he think that the fans listening to this garbage are stupid?

Note to Joe: The Brothers Stein did not give Teixeira $180 million for WALKS.

WALKS don't put "fannies in the seats" as the Elder Stein once said.

The 10 year-old boy at his first game with Dad, wearing his $100 jersey with #25 on the back is not saying "Gee Dad, I hope Mark gets a walk today!"

That same Dad, who is about to go spend $30 on a couple of dogs and 2 soda's, is not standing in line hoping he doesn't miss a Teixeira WALK!

This is typical Girardi psycho-babble and I'm sick of it.

If the guy is hurt, sit him and get him well. Don't keep making up these lame excuses for struggling players.

NOBODY BELIEVES YOU ANYMORE. YOUR CREDIBILITY IS DEAD.

The fans are sick and tired of players struggling for no apparent reason, then finding out there is an injury, then saying the player is "day-to-day", only to end up on the DL. Meanwhile these lame and phony optimistic excuses are thrown out to us and we are supposed to believe it.

I don't believe anything that comes from the managers office anymore.

It's time for Joe to go.

TIME FOR A CHANGE

2009-05-06T09:09:00.002-04:00

It is time for Joe Girardi and Dave Eiland to go.

This is a .500 team, nothing more, so don't expect more.

Win a few, lose a few, win a few more, lose a few more.

This is the 2009 Yankees.

Get used to it.

Maybe when the empty seats out number the full seats, the Brothers Stein will get the hint.

The manager sucks, the pitching coach sucks, the pitching philosophy sucks, the bull pen sucks and the farm system sucks....

I'm seeing a pattern here.

BOO OF THE WEEK: YANKEE STADIUM STAFF

2009-05-05T12:00:00.003-04:00

If you are a sports fan and grew up in the New York City TV area in the '70s and '80s you are familiar with sportscaster Warner Wolf.

Wolf pioneered much of the "schtick" you see on sports casts today.

Things like "plays of the week" and added vocal enhancements as "Swish!" for a basket, "Boom, there it goes" for a home run and his famous "lets go to the video tape " and Give me a break!" were staples of Wolfs nightly reports.

Another phrase Wolf coined was "Boo of the week." This went to someone in the sports world that did something ridiculous.

So in that spirit, I present the 1st ever "NYYU Boo Of The Week" to the New York Yankees stadium staff.

Last night during the 2 1/2 hour rain delay, some stadium personnel told fans that the game was rained out!

Soon after those fans left the stadium, they found out the game was still on!

However, fans who left under false pretenses, were not allowed back in, with the stadium personnel citing the Stadiums No Re-entry Policy!

The Brothers Stein need to rectify this.

BOOO!

Warner Wolf is currently heard daily on the "Imus In The Morning" radio program.

GIRARDI CONCERNED ABOUT SWINE FLU

2009-05-01T10:30:00.003-04:00

Major League Baseball is taking the Swine Flu outbreak seriously.

The Yankees have distributed an information sheet about swine flu provided by MLB to all teams and personnel.

Says manager Joe Girardi:

"It is a concern, because we do travel a lot. We're in places where there are big crowds all the time. I feel very good about the medicine in our country and the way our country handles situations. So you try to take as many precautions as you can, but you can't stop living."

According to the Center for Disease Control, there have been 50 confirmed cases in New York.

Other MLB states with confirmed cases are Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio and Texas. (SOURCE: C.D.C.)

In 1976 experts warned that an emerging strain of influenza, known as the "swine flu," had the potential to cause illness on a massive scale that winter.

A large public immunization campaign was launched, and a photo was released showing President Ford being immunized by his physician, Dr. William Lukash. It was later reported that the immunization killed more people than the virus did. (SOURCE)