Sliding Into Home: A Yankees Blog

This Week in Yankee History (11/15-11/21)

2009-11-15T13:04:00.004-05:00

This Week in Yankee History

November 15th - November 21st

November 15th

1916 - Former Yankees P Joe “Professor” Ostrowski (1950-1952) was born. On June 15,1950, Joe was traded by the Browns along with pitchers Tom Ferrick, Sid Schacht and 3B Leo Thomas to the Yankees for OF Jim Delsing, Pitchers Don Johnson, Duane Pillette, INF George “ Snuffy” Stirnweiss, and $50,000. Joe, who contributed a 6-4 record plus 5 saves in 1951, appeared in 1 game in the World Series that year, pitching 2 innings with no decision. He did not appear in the 1950 or 1952 World Series games for the Yankees. Ostrowski was 2-2 with a 5.62 ERA for the 1952 Yankees. Joe went 9-7 overall in 75 games with 10 saves for the Yankees. Joe ended his 5-year MLB run with a 23-25 record and 15 saves overall.

1951 - The BWAA named Yankees INF Gil McDougald as 1951 AL Rookie of the Year. Gil hit .306 for the Yankees in 1951, the leading the club with his .306 BA and had 23 team leading doubles. The White Sox object to Gil McDougald's ROY award, offering the statistical accomplishments of their great rookie OF Minnie Miñoso.

1955 - Former Yankees Minor League P Randy Nieman was born. On June 3, 1975, Randy was drafted by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the 1975 MLB amateur player draft (June Secondary). He never played for the Yankees at the MLB level. On June 15, 1977, Randy was traded by the Yankees along with a player to be named later and INF Mike Fischlin to the Astros for C/1B Cliff Johnson. The Yankees would send 1B/OF Dave Bergman on November 23, 1977 to the Astros to complete the trade.

1961 - For the 2nd consecutive year, Yankees RF Roger Maris is named the AL MVP. The new single-season MLB HR record holder with 61 HRs, edges out his fellow Yankees teammate CF Mickey Mantle by 4 votes, 202-198. The Orioles 1B Jim Gentile finished in 3rd place with 157 votes.

2001 - Yankees P Roger Clemens, who posted a 20-3 record with 213 strikeouts and a 3.51 ERA, wins the 2001 AL Cy Young Award for an unprecedented 6th time. Previously, Roger Clemens captured the award with the Red Sox in 1986, 1987, 1991, and with the Blue Jays in 1997-1998. He becomes the 1st Yankees pitcher to win the award since 1978, when Ron Guidry won the honor. In the 2004 season, Clemens will win his 7th Cy Young award in the NL with the Astros.

2005 - LF Hideki Matsui and the Yankees agreed on a new 4-year contract worth $52 million to the Japanese outfielder. The sides faced a November 15th deadline after which Matsui would go on waivers and be prevented from rejoining the Yankees until May 15, 2006.

November 16th

1883 - Former Yankees INF/P Rollie “Bunions” Zeider (1903) was born. On June 1, 1913, Rollie was traded by the White Sox along with 1B Babe Borton to the Yankees for 1B Hal Chase. Rollie hit .233 in 50 games for the Yankees. Before the start of 1914 AL Season, Rollie jumped from the Yankees to the Chicago Chi-Feds of the Federal League.

1950 - Yankees drafted P Bob Muncrief (1951) from the Cubs organization. Bob went 0-0 in 2 games with the Yankees in 1951.

1964 - Former Yankees P Dwight “Doc” Gooden (1996-1997, 2000) was born. Doc Gooden went 24-12 in 67 games with the Yankees, including pitching a no-hitter.

1998 - Former Yankees special pitching Coach Russ “Mad Monk” Meyer passed away (1923-1998). Russ appeared with the Phillies (1950) and Dodgers (1953, 1955) against the Yankees in the World Series with a 0-1 record.

2002 - The Yankees and the Yomiuri Giants sign an agreement to form a working relationship. Being the most successful teams in their respective leagues, the organizations hope to establish scouting and marketing ties, which will benefit both teams.

November 17th

1913 - Former Yankees P Lee Stine (1938) was born. On December 19, 1936, Lee was purchased by the Yankees from the Reds. Lee Stine pitched 4 years in the MLB, while he was young, finishing up with the 1938 Yankees, for whom he pitched in 4 games at age 24. His ERA that season with the Yankees was 1.04. He did not pitch in the 1938 World Series for the Yankees.

1964 - The Mets named former Yankees great Yogi Berra to their MLB coaching staff. Berra signs a 2-year contract. He will work under another former Yankees legend and former long-time boss, Casey Stengel, who is now the Mets' manager.

1966 - Former Yankees P Jeff Nelson (1996-2000, 2003) was born. On December 7, 1995, Jeff was traded by the Mariners along with 1B Tino Martinez and P Jim Mecir to the Yankees for INF Russ Davis and P Sterling Hitchcock. Jeff went 23-19 with 8 saves in 331 games for the Yankees. On August 6, 2003, Jeff was traded by the Mariners back to the Yankees for reliever Armando Benitez. Nelson went 1-0 in 24 games with 1 save in his last season with the Yankees.

1977 - Former Yankees INF and Manager Roger Peckinpaugh (1913-1921) passed away. (1891-1977) On May 25, 1913, Roger was traded by the Naps (Indians) to the Yankees for INF Bill Stumpf and OF Jack Lelivelt. Roger’s best Yankees season was in 1919, when he hit .309 with 89 RBIs. During the 1914 AL season, he managed the team for 17 games, going 9-8. On December 20,1921, Roger was traded by the Yankees along with P Harry Collins, minor leaguer Bill Piercy, and P Jack Quinn to the Red Sox for INF Everett Scott, pitchers Joe Bush and Sam Jones.

1977 - Former Yankees P Alex Graman (2004-2005) was born. The Yankees in the 3rd round of the 1999 MLB amateur player draft drafted Alex. He appeared in 5 games with the Yankees with no record. On July 29, 2005, the Yankees released Alex; the Reds would pick him up in August of 2005.

1992 - MLB holds the expansion draft to stock the rosters of the National League's two new teams, the Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies. The Yankees lose the following players: OF Carl Everett (Marlins); 3B Charlie Hays (Rockies), C Brad Ausmus (Rockies).

November 18th

1932 - Former Yankees P Danny McDevitt (1961) was born. The Yankees originally signed Danny as an amateur free agent in 1951. Before the start of 1952 AL Season, Dan was released by the Yankees. Then the Dodgers signed him as a MLB free agent. On December 16, 1960, Danny was purchased by the Yankees from the Dodgers. Dan went 1-2 in 8 games with 1 save with the Yankees, before being traded on June 14, 1961 to the Twins for veteran reserve INF Billy Gardner. Dan‘s claim to MLB fame was being the last Dodger pitcher to start, throw a shutout and win at Ebbets Field in September of 1957 against the Pirates. His best MLB season was in 1959, when he went 10-8 for the World Champion Dodgers.

1938 - Former Yankees minor league 1B Bud Zipfel was born. Before the 1956 AL Season, the Yankees signed Bud as an MLB amateur free agent. He never played for the Yankees at the MLB level. On December 14, 1960, Bud was drafted by the new Washington Senators from the Yankees in the 1960 AL expansion player draft. Bud replaced Gil Mc Dougald on the Yankees Expansion draft player list, when Gil refused to go to the new Senators. Bud was being groomed to replace Bill Skowron at 1B. With his departure, Deron Johnson and Joe Pepitone moved up in the Yankee farm system as possible Moose’s 1B replacements.

1954 - In an enormous 2-part trade begun on November 14th, the Yankees and Orioles exchange 17 players. Included are 1B Richard Kryhoski, pitchers Bob Turley and Don Larsen, C Darrell Johnson and INF Billy Hunter, from the Orioles. The Yankees would send OF Gene Woodling, shortstop Willie Miranda, P Harry Byrd, P Jim McDonald, and Catchers Gus Triandos and Hal Smith. The trade will give the Orioles a chance to rebuild their team, which was formerly the St. Louis Browns, one of the poorest MLB franchises. By the late 1950’s and early 1960’s the Orioles farm system will start producing their own stars such as Brooks Robinson, John “Boog” Powell, Milt Pappas and other players. The Yankees will plug Larsen and Turley into their 1955 starting rotation.

1960 - Former Yankees reserve INF Ron Coomer (2002) was born. The Yankees signed Ron as a MLB free agent in 2001. Ron appeared in 55 games, hitting .264 during the 2002 AL season.

1964 - The Orioles 3B Brooks Robinson is voted the 1964 AL MVP, outpolling the Yankees CF Mickey Mantle by a vote of 269 to 171.

1967 - Former Yankees P Tom “Flash” Gordon (2004-2005) was born. Tom was set up man for Yankees closer Mo Rivera in 2004-2005, going 14-8 with 6 saves in 159 games, before leaving for free agency and signing with the Phillies.

1968 - Former Yankees reserve INF/OF Clay Bellinger (1999-2001) was born. Clay was signed as a MLB free agent to help out the Yankees bench; he appeared in 182 games, hitting only .189 for 3 seasons.

1968 - Former Yankees OF/DH Gary Sheffield (2004-2006) was born. The Yankees signed Gary as a free agent in 2003. Gary was a good power hitter, but he was injured in 2006. After the Yankees picked up his option, on November 10, 2006, Gary was traded by the Yankees to the Tigers for 3 minor league pitchers: Anthony Claggett, Humberto Sanchez, and Kevin Whelan.

1970 - Former Yankees P Allen Watson (1999-2000) was born. Allen was signed as a MLB free agent pitcher in 1999. He posted a 4-0 record in 21 games. In 2000, he had no record while appearing in 17 games.

1976 - The Yankees signed free agent P Don Gullett for $2 million. Gullett will have a 14-4 record in 1977, but spend most of the next 3 Yankee seasons on the injured list, before being forced to retire.

1979 - Former Yankees minor league OF John-Ford Griffth was born. He was drafted by the Yankees in the 1st Round (23rd overall) of the 2001 MLB amateur player draft. John never played for the Yankees at the MLB level. On July 5, 2002, John was traded as part of a 3-team trade by the Yankees with P Jason Arnold (minors) and P Ted Lilly to the A’s. The A’s sent a player to be named later, 1B Carlos Pena, and P Franklyn German to the Tigers. The Tigers sent starter Jeff Weaver to the Yankees. The Tigers sent cash to the A’s. The A’s would later send P Jeremy Bonderman on August 22, 2002 to the Tigers to complete the trade.

1997 - The Yankees obtained 3rd Baseman Scott Brosius from the A’s to complete the Kenny Rogers deal made earlier in the month.

1997 - MLB holds the expansion draft to stock the rosters of the 2 new MLB teams, the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL and Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the AL. The Yankees will lose P Ben Ford to the D-Backs, while Tampa Bay selected P Brian Boehringer and OF Luke Wilcox from the Yankees.

2003 - Former Yankees P Ken Brett (1976) passed away. Ken was George Brett’s older brother. On December 11, 1975, Ken was traded by the Pirates along with P Dock Ellis and 2B Willie Randolph to the Yankees for P George “Doc” Medich. Ken only appeared in 2 games with the Yankees with no record, before being traded on May 18,1976, by the Yankees along with OF Rich Coggins to the White Sox for OF/DH Carlos May.

November 19th

1881 - Former Yankees OF Bill Bailey (1911) was born. Bill appeared in only 5 games for the Yankees during the 1911 AL season, hitting just .111.

1892 – Former Yankees shortstop Everett “Deacon” Scott (1922-25) was born. On December 20, 1921, he was traded by the Red Sox along with pitchers Joe Bush and Sam Jones to the Yankees for INF Roger Peckinpaugh, Pitchers Jack Quinn, Harry Collins, and minor leaguer Bill Piercy. Deacon would give the Yankees a solid 3 seasons as their shortstop, including leading the AL in fielding in 1922-1923.

1908 - Former Yankees reserve C Joe Glenn (1932-1933, 1935-1938) was born. Joe was back up catcher for All Star C Bill Dickey. On October 26, 1938, Joe was traded by the Yankees along with OF Myril Hoag to the Browns for P Oral Hildebrand and OF Buster Mills.

1953 - The Yankees signed P Ralph Terry as an MLB amateur free agent.

1966 - Former Yankees minor league P Rodney Imes was born. The Yankees in the 16th round of the 1987 MLB amateur player draft drafted Rodney Imes. He led the Eastern League with 17 wins in 1989. On December 12, 1989, Rodney was traded by the Yankees along with OF/1B Hal Morris to the Reds for veteran P Tim Leary and OF Van Snider

1968 - The Yankees starter Stan Bahnsen, who posted a 17-12 record with 162 strikeouts with a 2.05 ERA, is named AL Rookie of the Year. Bahnsen easily outdistances OF Del Unser of the Senators.

2007 - The Yankees All Star 3B Alex Rodriguez wins the 2007 AL MVP Award with a .314 BA with a MLB leading 54 HRs, along with 156 RBIs and 143 runs scored.

November 20th

1869 - Former Yankees P (1903-1907) and MLB Manager (1903-1907) Clark

“ The Old Gray Fox” Griffith was born. Clark would take the Yankees to a 419-370 record as their manager in 1903-1907. As a pitcher, Clark posted a 32-24 record in 87 games for the Yankees. He later managed the Senators and Reds. He was elected to the HOF in 1946 as a pioneer and baseball executive.

1882 - Former Yankees P Andy Coakley (1911) was born. Andy posted a 0-1 record in 2 games for the 1911 Yankees.

1919 - Former Yankees P Rugger Ardizoia (1947) was born. Rugger appeared in 1 game for the Yankees with no record in 1947.

1929 - Former Yankees reserve C Lou Berberet (1954-1955) was born (1929-2004). In 1950 Lou was signed by the Yankees as an MLB amateur free agent. He appeared in 7 games for the Yankees hitting .400. Blocked by All Star C Yogi Berra and Elston Howard, Lou became expendable. On February 8, 1956, Lou was traded by the Yankees along with a player to be named later, INF Herb Plews, OF Richard Tettelbach, and Bob Wiesler to the Senators for P Mickey McDermott and INF Bobby Kline. The Yankees would later send minor league OF Whitey Herzog to the Senators to complete the trade.

1930 - Former Yankees INF Don Leppert was born. The Yankees signed Don as an MLB amateur free agent in 1949. He never appeared with the Yankees at the MLB level. Don would be traded to the Orioles in the big 17-player trade in November of 1954.

1934 - A 17-year-old Japanese pitcher named Eiji Sawamura gives up 1-hit, a HR to Yankees 1B Lou Gehrig, as the touring MLB All-Stars, win in Japan, by the score of 1-0. At one point, Sawamura strikes out 4 future MLB Hall of Famer’s in a row: Charlie Gehringer, Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx and Lou Gehrig.

1945 - Former Yankees DH/OF Jay Johnstone (1978) was born. On June 14, 1978, Jay was traded by the Phillies along with minor league OF Bobby Brown to the Yankees for P Rawly Eastwick. Jay would hit .262 for the Yankees in 1978. On June 15, 1979, Jay was traded by the Yankees to the Padres for P Dave Wehrmeister.

1962 - Yankees CF Mickey Mantle collects his 3rd AL MVP Award. Mantle, who hit .321 with 30 HRs, also led the AL in walks (122) and slugging percentage (.605), while helping the Yankees to a berth in the 1962 World Series against the Giants.

1967- The Yankees obtained INF and future MLB coach Bobby Cox from the Braves for P Dale Roberts and reserve C Bob Tillman.

1971 - Former Yankees reliever Gabe White (2003-2004) was born. On July 31, 2003, the Reds sent Gabe to the Yankees as part of a conditional deal. On December 7, 2003, Gabe was signed as a MLB free agent with the Yankees. Gabe went 2-2 in 36 games for the Yankees during the 2003-2004 AL seasons. On June 18, 2004, the Yankees sent Gabe to the Reds for minor league P Charlie Manning and cash.

1985 - Yankees 1B Don Mattingly, who hit .324 with 35 HRs with 145 RBIs, easily wins the 1985 AL MVP Award over the Royals 3B George Brett (.335, 30 HRs with 103 RBIs).

1995 - The Yankees traded minor league P Mike DeJean and a player to be named to the Rockies for C Joe Girardi. He will solidify the catching for the Yankees, while DeJean will set a MLB mark for most appearances without a loss. DeJean will post a 7-0 record through 1998, while making 88 appearances, breaking a little-known mark set by Phil Paine from 1951-1958.

November 21st

1885 - Former Yankees P Harry Billiard (1908) was born. Harry appeared in 6 games for the Yankees with no record during the 1908 AL season.

1891 - Former Yankees P Carl “Sub” Mays (1919-1923) was born. Carl had temper problems with Yankees Manager Miller Higgins, he went 56-36 with the Yankees including a 20-9 record in 1923, before being sold to the Reds on December 23, 1923 for $85,000. During the 1920 AL season, one of Carl May’s pitches hit Indians batter Ray Chapman in the head, he later died the next day.

1911 - After a 6th place finish with a 76-76 record, Hal Chase resigns as the Yankees manager. Harry Wolverton replaces him. Hal Chase will remain a player with the Yankees, until he is traded to the White Sox during the 1913 AL season.

1934 - The Yankees purchased OF Joe DiMaggio from San Francisco Seals (PCL) for players to be named later and cash. Joe will report to the Yankees for the 1936 AL season. The son of Italian immigrants will be one of three DiMaggio brothers to play in the MLB, Dom (Red Sox) and Vince (NL). Doc Farrell refused to report to his new team in 1935. On December 19,1934, the Yankees sent Doc Farrell (Minors), Floyd Newkirk, Jim Densmore (minors), Ted Norbert (minors), and $5,000 (1935) to the San Francisco Seals (PCL) to complete the trade.

1947 - Former Yankees P Slow Joe Doyle (1906-1910) passed away. Joe went 22-21 in 70 games for the Yankees. On May 31, 1910, Joe was purchased by the Reds from the Yankees for $2,000.

1955 - Former Yankees INF Wayne Tolleson (1986-1990) was born. On July 30, 1986, Wayne was traded by the White Sox along with OF/1B Ron Kittle and C Joel Skinner to the Yankees for a player to be named later, C Ron Hassey, and OF Carlos Martinez. The Yankees would send minor league C Bill Lindsey to the White Sox to complete the trade. Wayne’s best season as a Yankees player was in 1986, when he hit .284.

1958 - Former Yankees P Lee Gutterman (1988-1992) was born. On December 22, 1987, Lee was traded by the Mariners along with pitchers Clay Parker and Wade Taylor to the Yankees for P Steve Trout and OF Henry Cotto. Lee’s best season with the Yankees was in 1990, when he went 11-7. Lee went 21-19 as a Yankee before being traded on June 9, 1992 to the Mets for P Tim Burke.

1973 - Former Yankees OF Rickey Ledee (1998-2000) was born. The Yankees in the 16th round of the 1990 MLB amateur player draft drafted Rickey Ledee. He was trying to break into the Yankees starting outfield, when on June 29, 2000, he was traded by the Yankees along with pitchers Zach Day and Jake Westbrook to the Indians for OF/DH David Justice. The arrival of Dave Justice helped the Yankees win the 2000 AL Flag. Rickey has never reached his great promise as a MLB player due to various injuries.

1973 - Former Yankees P Todd Erdos (1998-2000) was born. On March 7, 1998, Todd was traded by the D-Backs along with P Marty Janzen to the Yankees for INF Andy Fox. Todd went 0-0 in 20 games with the Yankees.

1980 - Despite having led the Yankees to 103 wins last season, Manager Richard Howser resigns and is replaced by former Yankees player and MLB Coach Gene “The Stick” Michael.

2000 - The Yankees signed free agent C Joe Oliver (2001) to a contract. Joe would hit .250 in 12 games, before being released on June 20, 2001. He would finish the 2001 AL season with the Red Sox.

previous week

(As always I'd like to thank Fw57Clipper51 for his great contribution.)

What was the best game of the postseason?

2009-11-14T23:42:00.005-05:00

I was sitting around last night thinking about some of the great games that took place during the Yankees run to # 27, and I was trying to figure out which was my favorite. Three games stuck out to me: game 2 of the ALDS, game 2 of the ALCS, and game 4 of the World Series.

Game 2 of the ALDS featured A-Rod's huge two-out two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to tie it, David Robertson's Houdini escape in the top of the 11th, and Mark Teixeira's walk-off in the 11th. Game 2 of the ALCS also featured a game-tying homer by A-Rod, this time in the 11th, and was capped off by Izturis' error in the bottom of the 13th. And game 4 of the World Series was the Johnny Damon game. His two-out base hit and steal of 2nd and 3rd led to the Yankees winning that one. The game also had key hits by Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada.

Three losses were also great games, game 5 of both the ALCS and World Series saw major Yankees comebacks, but both times the Yankees fell short. And game 3 of the ALCS was also a great game, but once again it was a Yankees loss so it can't count -- at least not in my book.

My personal favorite was game 2 of the ALCS, but that's only because I was there. But which do you think was the best? There's a poll up on the right side bar where you can leave your response, or you can just leave a comment below.

11/14 Winter Ball Report

2009-11-14T23:07:00.002-05:00

The Surprise Rafters lost to the Scottsdale Scorpions 4-2 today. The loss drops the Rafters' record to 12-16. (Box Score-Recap)

Pitching:
Grant Duff: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, pitches-strikes: 12-8, 2.89 ERA

(click on pitcher's name for PitchFX data)

... Make sure you check out tomorrow's weekly recap from Big Guy.

Saturday Night Open Thread: Really Mike? Edition

2009-11-14T19:42:00.001-05:00

OK, to be fair, everything Scioscia has said since the series has been nothing but class, and I'm not taking any of that away from him. But did anyone catch the recent comments by recently defeated Angels manager Mike Scioscia? He was talking to 300 people at a fundraiser lunch for KidWorks, and was asked by someone in the crowd if the Yankees could buy another championship next year.

First, Scioscia said the Yankees' payroll had nothing to do with their ALCS defeat of the Angels and eventual world title. He said the professionalism and ability of the players did it. Then, came this:

"I don't care if the Yankees go out and spend $350 million next year, we're going to beat them because we have the team," Scioscia said.

What team is that exactly, Mike? The team that just lost? The team that still has a lot of free agents to resign? Come on Mike, you're better than this. Quotes like this are reserved for idiots, and you sir are not an idiot.

...

Charles Warner of The Huffington Post (relax conservatives) has this nice article about Mariano Rivera and Hideki Matsui, and how they're behavioral models for TV.

New York Yankee World Series MVP, designated hitter Hideki Matsui, and the incomparable closer Mariano Rivera were models of mature, professional dignity in the final game of the World Series -- behavior rarely seen in the trash heap of commercial television.

Matsui, the calm, taciturn Japanese slugger drove in a record-tying six runs in the sixth and final game of this year's World Series against the scrappy Philadelphia Phillies, and Rivera, baseball's greatest, most effective closer of all time, got the final five outs to shut down the dangerous Phillies in a 7-3 Yankee win.

These were impressive performances, but what stood out as much as their on-the-field heroics were their calm, confident, mature behavior and, most of all, their dignity -- the way they handled their accomplishments. They didn't jump up, pump their fists, look to the heavens, or even smile. They just did their jobs in a non-demonstrative, professional manner.

And think Mr. Warner sums up both players fairly well, wouldn't you say?

...

Here's a nice story about Joba and his father on the night the Yankees won # 27 from Big League Stew. During the postgame celebrations Harlan Chamberlain was trying to find Joba. Finally he spotted A.J. Burnett if he could get his son.

Burnett could and a few moments later, Joba Chamberlain(notes) put down the giant blue Yankee flag he had been waving up on stage. The big Yankees pitcher hopped off the stage, disappeared from the view of the Fox cameras and quickly made a beeline for his father. When they came together, they wrapped each other in a huge rocking bearhug.

It wasn't long before both were crying.

They said the same thing over and over.

"We did it, dad," Joba said.

"We did it," Harlan said.

"We did it," Joba said.

"We did it," Harlan said.

And on and on. They held tight for almost a minute. Their eyes were red when they let go.

Here's a picture of the two:

... Besides that you can use this thread to discuss whatever you'd like.

Senators Make Good On Their Bet

2009-11-14T16:49:00.003-05:00

That's New York Senator Charles Schumer wolfing down a philly cheesesteak courtesy of Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter. The bet went like this: if we won New York Senators would receive a supply of cheesesteaks, and if Philly had won the Senators from Penn would receive a supply of New York cheesecakes.

Like Torre, Zimmer Was Rooting For Yanks

2009-11-14T16:13:00.002-05:00

From Bryan Hoch:

Torre's former bench coach Don Zimmer, now a senior advisor with the Rays, said he was also cheering hard for the Yankees. Girardi broke in as a rookie catcher with Zimmer's Cubs in 1989 and went along with him to Colorado in '93 before continuing with the Yankees in '96.

"I was pulling so hard," Zimmer said. "I spent the first 10 years he was in the big leagues, we were together. Joe's quite a man and a very good friend of mine. I was happy for him and I was happy for the Yankees."

Zimmer noticed the scrutiny on Girardi was intense during the Fall Classic, and he said that he was pleased the manager was vindicated in the end.

"He took a lot of heat from the media during the Series," Zimmer said. "I remember all that. [The media was] second-guessing every move he made. If they'd have lost, I'm sure he'd have heard more. Now that he won, he's on top of the world. That's the way baseball works. I was so tickled he was right."

OK so he was rooting for Joe Girardi specifically, but to me that still counts as rooting for the Yankees.

It's also mentioned in the article that Joe Torre was somewhat relieved he wasn't forced to manage against his former team.

Will Damon Really Return In 2010?

2009-11-14T13:00:00.002-05:00

We've all heard over the past couple days that A; Scott Boras will want at least 4 years for Damon, B; the Giants are interested, and C; Damon possibly might take the deal with more years. So you really have to ask yourself - will Johnny Damon return to the Yanks in 2010?

The reason why I'm a little worried is because if you remember, during the 2005 season while with the Red Sox, Damon said he would never play for the Yankees and that he loves Boston. But sure enough, Damon signed a 4 year $50 million deal in December with the Bombers.

And like '05, Damon said all year that he wants to stay in New York and loves playing in New York. Is he just pulling our leg like he did to Red Sox fans, or is he serious about wanting to stay?

To me, I think he's serious. Remember, when he said he wouldn't play for the Yankees ever, the Yankees were just coming off a year when they beat the Red Sox on the final day of the season to win the AL East. Then, when free-agency began, the only real competitors were the Yanks and Red Sox - both contenders.

This year, however, the only really competitors are the Yankees, and the San Francisco Giant. The Giants, although they had a fairly good year for their standards, didn't win a World Series, like the Yankees did. I think Johnny's smart enough to realize which team he should choose.

Next, agent Scott Boras is just trying to make the Yankees offer more money/years to Damon. I don't think he expects any team to offer a 36-year old outfielder who can barely play left field next season 4 years over $15 million. Not happening. Not a chance.

Also, if I may add, Damon's family loves New York. He's a big family man, as is Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and other guys on the team. If I'm Damon, I'm not breaking my kids hearts and forcing them to go to California or somewhere else.

OK, so that last one wasn't too important, but finally, if Damon is really serious about returning to the Yanks, he will. He'll accept a 1 or 2 year deal worth around $10 million, and I think the Yanks will give him that.

So to me, there's no doubt in my mind that Johnny Damon will be back with the Yankees next season. Thoughts?

Matsui: I'd Be Disappointed If I didn't Come Back

2009-11-14T11:50:00.002-05:00

From Anthony McCarron:

Hideki Matsui says his "feelings are still with the Yankees" but he doesn't know whether the Bombers will re-sign him.

And, Matsui acknowledged, it would be disappointing if he did not play an eighth season in pinstripes. "If that happens, yeah, I think it would be," Matsui said Friday night through his interpreter before attending the dinner that benefits Joe Torre's Safe at Home Foundation. "But on the other hand, it's something to look forward to, a new change, a new challenge for me. So in that sense, I'll definitely take it in a positive way. The Yankees have their own plans, too, and you have to respect that."

He also said that as of right now he has no plans on returning to Japan.

As you probably already know I'd like to see him be the Yankees DH for one more year. I think the Yankees do too.

Of Course Boston Needed An Ad Of Their Own

2009-11-14T10:00:00.002-05:00

By now I'm assuming you figured out this one wasn't a real Nike ad. This spoof Nike Ad was found over River Ave. Blues last night.

Torre Happy For His Former Team (UPDATED)

2009-11-14T00:56:00.003-05:00

(Update) Here's more from Torre via Kristie Ackert:

"To watch what they've done, especially with Joe Girardi at the helm, it really made me feel good," Torre said. "Even though I am supposed to be a National League fan, when you're as close to these guys as I've been all these years, well, I was just really pleased for them."

He also praised Joe Girardi saying "Coming after my 12 years and after all the success we had, that was not an easy thing for Joe Girardi," he said. "He never backed away from it. He's a quality individual." And said that Alex Rodriguez "got the monkey off his back" and that he was "happy for him."

From The AP:

Dodgers manager Joe Torre says he was pleased when successor Joe Girardi and the New York Yankees won the World Series this month.

...

Speaking before his foundation's annual gala on Friday night, Torre said it was "surreal" watching the Yankees face the Phillies in the World Series. But he was happy to see some of his former players earn another title.

I will always be a Joe Torre fan, and I'm sure part of him was happy, but there's probably another part of him that was either jealous or angry. Not with the players or Girardi themselves, but with the idea of the Yankees winning without him.