Day-By-Day In 2008

A good start against the Sox

2008-04-11T23:06:00.002-04:00

**CMW tossed a gem this evening against the Sox, as he gave up one run on two hits, while striking out three in nine innings ... For the season, he has pitched 22 innings, giving up three runs on 12 hits, and four walk, with 11 strikeouts, and sports a 1.23 ERA for the season.

**Manny who was 13-for-22 against Wang before the game, went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, and Ortiz who was 15-for-30 went 0-for-3 as well with a strikeout.

**Wang entered the game 5-5 lifetime against the Sox with a 4.56 ERA.

**Mussina vs. Beckett on Saturday at 3:55 p.m.; Hughes vs. Dice-K on Sunday at 8:05 p.m.

10 Things

2008-04-11T20:09:00.002-04:00

Busy week at the gig, both with work, and with all the stupid shit that it entails ... So with that it took away from the D-b-D ... However, I have been keeping notes and looking out for some stuff ... So here goes as it's an ole fashion pitcher's dual going on in Fenway.

**Bruney and Traber have been solid not allowing a run.

**They just gave ARod and error, I thought it was a hit, but it was a tough play, so CMW still has the no-no going, as he'll head into the fifth.

**Just learned that Posada has 14 homeruns at Fenway Park.

**Peter Abraham had these notes following the Royals series.
A-Rod now has 1,508 RBI, passing Mickey Mantle for 46th place all-time. He has 520 home runs, one short of tying Willie McCovey and Ted Williams for 15th place.

Andy Pettitte has 165 wins as a Yankees, passing Mel Stottlemyre for sixth place in team history. “My old friend,” Pettitte said. “That makes me feel good.”

The three home runs tonight were half as many as they had over the first nine games of the season. The 12 hits tonight were a season high.

**The injuries to the Yankees haven't been limited to the big club, as Alan Horn hurt his bicep the other day ... It shouldn't be too much of a setback though, and it could have been much worse.

**Around the horn, saw this on Jayson Stark's blog on ESPN:
• Prince Fielder has zero home runs.
• Jose Reyes has zero stolen bases.
• Magglio Ordonez has zero RBIs.
• And Carl Crawford has zero extra-base hits.

**Yankees.com had these notes: The Yankees are 21-2 when Joba Chamberlian appears ... The Yankees hit back-to-back homeruns on Thursday for the first time since Jason Giambi and Robinson Cano did it at Boston on Sept. 14, 2007 ... Manny Ramirez is 13-for-22 with two homeruns and five RBI against Wang.

10 Things

2008-04-06T23:40:00.002-04:00

Ok here are some of the news and notes that I found while surfing the web on a late Sunday night.

**Saw this in Peter Abraham's Sunday Notes column, "The Yankees turned four double plays against the Blue Jays on Wednesday, all started by Alex Rodriguez. According to the Baseball Almanac, Rodriguez joined Scott Brosius (2000), Jack Howell (1989), Ken McMullen (1965) and Felix Torres (1963) as the only third basemen to start four double plays in a game."

**He also had an update on Mo in his three games so far ... Two stats in the post Rivera is 3 1 0 0 0 4 ... Also the offense is 7-for-45 with runners in scoring position and has scored 17 runs (2.8 per game).

**This blog update from Jack Curry at the New York Times is very interesting to hear.

**Saw this on Buster Olney's blog on ESPN, where's the catcher?

**I don't like this at all, it could be the end of the run as we know it.

**This piece by Yahoo Sports Jeff Passan, is going to be an interesting off-the-field topic to cover, since it will affect the fans and how they will be able to see their teams play.

**According to the preview of tomorrow's game, Mussina is 7-1 with a 1.96 ERA against the Rays in Yankee Stadium.

**Phil Hughes let's us all know that the Office returns next week, and the Yankees hit the road.

**Hopefully the Yankees can get on a little bit of a run, because the Sox just lost three to the Jays.

**Final game of the series and the home stand tomorrow, plus it goes against the Kansas-Memphis game.

Ugly

2008-04-05T10:24:00.002-04:00

No other words can describe it, that was bad. However, looking at the boxscore I did see a few positives from last night.

**Despite the bad performance from IPK, the three young pitchers that came after him did well ... Albaladejo went two and two-thirds innings, giving up one hit and striking out four, but he did give up an inherited run ... Ohlendorf did not give up a run in one inning ... Traber gave up one hit in one inning, which for the most part kept the Yankees in the game at 6-4.

**But, LaTroy Hawkins gave up six runs on six hits in just two-third of an inning ... and Kyle Farnsworth gave up one run on three hits in an inning and a third.

**Also looking at the good side of things, Giambi finally got a hit, after going 0-for-8 in the first three games of the season ... And Matsui hit his first homerun of the season.

**Abreu, appears to be starting the season on a hot streak, as he went 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI ... Through the first four games of the season he is batting .462 (6-for-13).

**Peter Abraham of the Journal News has a few more tidbits.

**Here are some notes on the Triple-A team.

**It'll be Pettitte vs. Jackson today at the Stadium, for a 1:05 start

2 Outta 3 Ain't Bad

2008-04-04T16:42:00.003-04:00

Well, as the song says two out of three ain't bad. Saw some fight in the loss on Wednesday, and came back last night to win, so the team seems to be displaying some of the grit of their manager.

Here is a breakdown so far of what each player did in the first series of the season, from looking at the box scores. BTW, this is in no particular order.

Giambi:0-for-8 with an RBI
Abreu: 5-for-10 with two runs and an RBI
ARod: 3-for-11 wit a home run, and three RBI
Damon: 2-for-11 with a double and a triple
Jeter: 3-for-10 with a run
Melky: 3-for-8 with a home run and two runs scored
Cano: 1-for-11
Matsui: 2-for-9 with an RBI
Posada: 0-for-2
Molina: 2-for-6

**the team has drawn seven walks and struck out 16 times, while scoring eight runs ... Cano has been left in scoring position four times this season, including three times in the 3-2 last night, for the season, the Yankees have left seven runners in scoring position.

**Nice outing by Hughes, two runs on four hits in six innings with four K's and a walk ... In two innings, Joba has allowed only one hit and has three strikeouts ... Rivera has two saves on the young season allowing only one hit and 2 k's ... MLB.com says that he did not record his second save of last season until May 3, 2007 at Texas.

**The Yankees have turned six double-plays this season, including five in the 5-2 loss on April 2 ... The defense has two errors this year.

**Looking ahead, Peter Abraham of the Journal News has the rotation for the next series against Tampa

Friday: RHP Ian Kennedy vs. RHP Andy Sonnanstine, 7:05 (YES)
Saturday: LHP Andy Pettitte vs. RHP Edwin Jackson, 1:05 (YES)
Sunday: RHP Chien-Ming Wang vs. RHP James Shields, 1:05 (YES)
Monday: RHP Mike Mussina vs. RHP Jason Hammel, 7:05 (YES/ESPN)

**Posada has been held out of the lineup the past two days due to a sore shoulder.

**In tonight's pre-game story Jeter had his 17-game hitting streak snapped, in which he went 30-for-78 since Sept. 13, 2007 at Toronto.

**LoHud.com has the Lineups
YANKEESDamon CFJeter SSAbreu RFRodriguez 3BGiambi 1BCano 2BPosada CMatsui LFBetemit DHKennedy RHP

**The New York Times, has this piece on Joba on how he shy's away from logos on carpets ... Also is their a future pitching coach on the horizon.

**The Bombers Beat had the minor league rotations

**Mike and the Mad Dog are making too much of a big deal with the Joba fist pumping.

One Down, 161 to go (lol)

2008-04-01T21:40:00.004-04:00

Here is my recap, as I scored the game at home ... I will try to post a preview of some sorts and a recap following each game, today being the last opening day at the Stadium, I thought it would be a good idea if I kept score ... Anyways enjoy and look forward hearing from you.

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Behind a home run and two spectacular catches by Melky Cabara, the New York Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-2, in the final home opener at Yankee Stadium, Tuesday evening.

Cabara, robbed Lyle Overbay at the wall in the top of the fourth inning, then made a diving catch in left center field to take away a sure extra base hit from Hill to end the fourth inning.

The Yankees struck in the bottom of the first inning, as A-Rod smoke a double to right centerfield, which knocked in Bobby Abreu, who laced a two-out single to right field, for the Yankees first hit of the season.

The Jays tied the game in the top of the second, as Marco Scutaro grounded into a fielder's choice to plate Frank Thomas, who led the inning off with a soft single through the left side of the Yankee infield.

Toronto took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth, as Scutaro worked a lead-off walk, then stole second base, and went to third on a single to left by Greg Zaun. Scutaro scored on an-RBI ground out.

However, Cabara tied it with the first home run of the season for the Yankees in the bottom of the sixth. The Yankees loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh, and pushed across the go-ahead run, when Matsui grounded into a fielder's choice to plate A-Rod, who singled to right. A-Rod went 2-for-3 with an intentional walk. He had one run batted in, and a run scored, in his first game, after his MVP season of last year.

CMW retired nine of the last 10 batters he faced, and picked up the win going seven innings, giving up two runs on six hits and two walks, while striking out two. Wang threw 92 pitches, 56 for strikes.

Joba pitched the eighth giving up just one walk, while striking out two, and Mariano Rivera picked up the save working a perfect ninth inning.

Abreu was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Roy Halladay pitched well in the loss, as he gave up three runs on seven hits and two walks, and three strikeouts.

the two teams will go at it again at the Stadium on Wednesday night. Mike Mussina will go for the Yankees while A.J. Burnett will go for the Jays. Thursday will have Phil Hughes going for the Yankees, while Dustin McGowan will go for Toronto.

Notes: John Sterling just said that it is raining at the stadium ... It's raining and thundering here too ... Peter Abraham points out that CMW got 12 of his 21 outs on ground balls, and a couple of hits, were soft ground balls as well ... He did exactly what you wanted him to do in his first start of the season ... Saw this on the Bombers Beat Meanwhile, here's something Joe Torre wouldn't have approved of. Johnny Damon lugs a portable white karaoke machine everywhere the Yankees go now, and it has a jack to put anybody's iPod in and crank up some tunes. Brian Bruney was the guest DJ this afternoon and, in a completely random succession, we were all treated to Young Jeezy's 'Go Getter,' the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Under the Bridge,' Kid Rock's 'Devil Without a Cause,' and Seven Mary Three's 'Water's Edge.'

---- More later

Home Opener, Part Deux

2008-04-01T18:37:00.001-04:00

The Yankees and the Jays will try again to open the season, this evening in the Bronx. It'll be Roy Halladay for Toronto and Chien-Ming Wang for the Yankees. The game is on YES and WCBS 880 AM

**MLB.com has a few notes: Johnny Damon has logged the most career at-bats against Halladay, batting .328 (22-for-67) with three doubles, one home run, and two RBI ... Jason Giambi has three career home runs off Halladay and is a .315 hitter (17-of-54) against him ... The Yankees were 10-8 against Toronto in 2007, including 5-4 at Yankee Stadium ... The Yankees have won three consecutive opening days and six of their last eight, including a 2003 opener at Toronto in which Roger Clemens out dueled Halladay.

**Peter Abraham of the LoHud Yankees Blog the lifetime for each lineup:
Yankees vs. Halladay: Damon 22-67, Jeter 16-62, Abreu 2-12, A-Rod 13-47, Giambi 17-54, Cano 5-13, Posada 12-37, Matsui 7-34, Cabrera 4-15.
Jays vs. Wang: Eckstein 0-2, Stewart 1-6, Rios 3-15, Wells 6-16, Thomas 1-11, Overbay 4-8, Hill 9-14, Scutaro 1-4, Zaun 2-12.

----

Will be back at some point, and will post a recap following the game.

What A Waste

2008-03-31T22:06:00.004-04:00

Kinda bummed about the game getting washed out, but there are some good things, such as saving Wang, and not having to worry about wasting him for only an inning or so, before it would get banged. So it is good that way, but I was planning on watching the game today, but instead I had to work. Oh well.

--But as the AP points out, the Yankees will have to play 20 days in a row, before a day off on April 21 ... Also the Yankees have won 15 of their last 16 home openers ... And 21 of 24.

--Look who is going to make the first start of the season for the SWB Yankees.

--Meanwhile, the old boss is off to a good start in Cali.

--The New York Times had this feature on Joe Girardi.

Nuts!

2008-03-31T14:35:00.002-04:00

Postponed until Tuesday, at 7:05 p.m. according to Yahoo Sports Jeff Passan, who by the way is bloggin' the sites and sounds from opening day, meanwhile MLB audio is not working for me, so it is just as well that the game was cancelled

More Notes

2008-03-31T14:13:00.000-04:00

From the Daily News:
The Yankees are 6-2 in home openers this decade, 28-10 overall.• Derek Jeter will pass Phil Rizzuto for the most Opening Day starts at shortstop by a Yankee today, his 12th opener.• The last Yankee pitcher to throw a complete-game shutout on Opening Day was Rick Rhoden, who blanked the Twins, 8-0, in 1988. Mel Stottlemyre and Red Ruffing are the only pitchers to do so twice.• Of the current Yankees with at least 20 Opening Day at-bats, Hideki Matsui has the best career average at .450. A-Rod has a .241 career average on Opening Day, though he is at .400 (8-for-20) in his four openers with the Yankees.

Opening Day Notes

2008-03-31T12:41:00.005-04:00

**Saw this on Yahoo Sports, it's what several scouts think about the Yankees chances this year with the three rookie pitchers in the starting rotation. Only time will tell, but that's why they play the games.

**MLB.com has this preview page for the game today, with stats, stories and other tidbits

**The New York Times had some notes on Joba's dad, some of the younger guys keeping their high numbers from spring training, and Jonathan Albaladejo gives a scouting report on George W. Bush throwing out the first pitch at the Nationals game last night.

**Also the Times had this on Jeter and Bob Sheppard, here's the quote “One of the things I had him do was record him introducing me,” Jeter said a few minutes ago, “so I’ll always come to the plate with Bob Sheppard.”

**It was raining so the teams took BP inside, Reggie Jackson will throw out the first pitch.

**Here is the Lohud Yankees blog update ... It also has this Yankees vs. Halladay: Damon 22-67, Jeter 16-62, Abreu 2-12, A-Rod 13-47, Giambi 17-54, Cano 5-13, Posada 12-37, Matsui 7-34, Cabrera 4-15.
Jays vs. Wang: Eckstein 0-2, Stewart 1-6, Rios 3-15, Wells 6-16, Thomas 1-11, Overbay 4-8, Hill 9-14, Scutaro 1-4, Zaun 2-12.

**Also here is a note from Peter Abraham on how the Yankees are on opening day during presidential election years, The Yankees are 61-43-1 on Opening Day, 28-10 at the Stadium. They are 16-11 in presidential election years. When the Yankees win at home on Opening Day, the GOP is 4-1 in the election. When the Yankees lose, the Democrats are 3-0.

**The game is delayed!!

**SI's Tom Verducci has his picks and surprise teams for the 2008 season.

It's like Christmas Eve

2008-03-30T21:39:00.003-04:00

It's like Christmas Eve, with the Nationals and the Braves, on ESPN, with the new Nationals park, which on TV looks great. New York opens tomorrow, and has won 10 straight home openers, which is the longest active streak in the majors according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

--That AP article also said the Bob Sheppard will not be there, because of an illness, also Bobby Mercer who underwent a biopsy which revealed scare tissue is recovering at home. They will be missed.

--Meanwhile, Andy Pettitte threw six scoreless innings in a minor league game, he struck out six and walked one, while throwing 77 pitches ... Ian Kennedy pitched in the minor league game, giving up four hits in five scoreless innings, he'll pitch in Friday's game, had five strikeouts and one walk ... Sean Henn will start the season on the 15-day DL, with tendinitis in his throwing shoulder ... He'll pitch in a minor league on Friday.

--Peter Abraham of the Journal News Posted the lineups for the home opener on Monday.

Yankees
Damon, LF
Jeter, SS
Abreu, RF
Rodriguez, 3B
Giambi, 1B
Cano, 2B
Posada, C
Matsui, DH
Cabrera, CF

Blue Jays
Eckstein, SS
Stairs or Stewart, LF
Rios, RF
Wells, CF
Thomas, DH
Overbay, 1B
Hill, 2B
Scutaro, 3B
Zaun, C

--Here is what appears to be where some of the prospects are going, Chase Wright is going to be in Double-A ... Chad Jennings also has a list of assignments for the minor leaguers.

National League Picks

2008-03-29T23:56:00.002-04:00

I don't really follow the National League all that much, just a passing glance in the boxscores, and the highlights on Baseball Tonight, so I don't really have a feel for the whole league to pick it, so I am just going to pick who will win, and the wildcard team

NL East
Braves--Looks like they have all of the pieces in place to return to their former glory.

NL Central
Cubs--Tough call, between them and the Brewers, but I think that the Cubbies can at least win the Division.

NL West
Rockies

NL Wild Card
Reds

Been Away, But Ready For Baseball

2008-03-29T23:07:00.002-04:00

Been away from the laptop most of the weekend, so I missed some things, but thanks to the good people at the LoHud Yankees Blog, and Yahoo Sports here are some things to get us all caught up.

--Here is the pitching rotation for the Toronto series

Monday: RHP Roy Halladay (16-7, 3.71) vs. RHP Chien-Ming Wang (19-7, 3.70), 1:05, YES, ESPN
Wednesday: RHP A.J. Burnett (10-8, 3.75) vs. RHP Mike Mussina (11-10, 5.15), 7:05, YES, ESPN2
Thursday: RHP Dustin McGowan (12-10, 4.08) vs. RHP Phil Hughes (5-3, 4.46), 7:05, YES

--The 2008 Roster is set.

--Phil Hughes pitched well in his final spring tuneup against the Marlins this evening in Miami.

--Nice piece by Tyler Kepner of the New York Times, on the nuances of the old Yankee Stadium, and little bit about what some of the features of the new ballpark.

--Andy Pettitte threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session and reported no problems. He will start the season on the DL, and will come off in time to make his start against Tampa on Saturday.

--The Red Sox and the Dodgers are playing at the LA Coliseum tonight. It's 200 feet to the wall in left field, I heard that the wall in Williamsport, Pa., for the Little League World Series, is 212.

--Here is what appears to be the SWB Yankees roster at Triple-A.

--This AP story has a look at the key dates for the 2008 season.

--Also the AP had a story on the last season of Yankee Stadium.

The Countdown Has Begun

2008-03-27T09:59:00.002-04:00

Well, Spring Training is wrapping up, and the season begins for real next week. The Journal News ran it's 2008 season preview today, and it has stories on the final seasons of both Yankee and Shea Stadiums ... Among the many stories in it, Yankees beat writer Peter Abraham had five questions regarding the 2008 New York Yankees ... They also had the 10 best games that were played at the Stadium, that must have been a tough choice ... Also here is a scouting report for the New York Yankees.

Wednesday Notes

2008-03-26T22:38:00.003-04:00

While all the big stuff is ARod and Canseco, there are some other news items from Florida today.

**Andy Pettitte threw 36-pitch bullpen today, and looks to take the ball in the third or fourth game of the season. He'll pitch in a minor league game either Saturday or Sunday, depending on how he feels.

**Johnny Damon missed today's game with flu like symptoms.

**Sean Henn will go on the 15-day DL, with shoulder tendinitis. He gave up one hit in a scoreless inning in a minor league game today.

**Mariano work a scoreless inning in a minor league game with one strikeout.

**Billy Trabor retired Chase Utley, a lefty, and struck out Ryan Howard, could be one of the pieces in the bullpen.

**Yankees lost 4-0 to the Phillies today, as Wang gave up four runs on six hits in five innings.

**Wang was also 0-for-2 at the plate, was told not to swing.

**Mastsui is getting married

**Yankees are 13-10-2 in spring training this year.

**SWB Yankees beat writer Chad Jennings provided this update on the action today ... Decisions are coming at the major and minor league level ... Alan Horn looked good today, throwing 58 pitches is five innings, while allowing two hits and five strikeouts.

**Spring training at Tampa wraps up tomorrow, then they head to Miami for two ex. games with the Marlins, and then head to New York for the home opener against the Blue Jays.

Let the games begin, Late Tuesday notes

2008-03-26T00:04:00.003-04:00

Quickies:
And... We're off on the 2008 season, as the A's coughed it up in Japan, and lost to the Red Sox in extra innings ... Meanwhile, the Yankees continue to tune-up for the season, fell to the Indians 7-5 in Florida ... Ian Kennedy worked through some problems in three and two-thirds innings. "He battled without his best stuff," manager Joe Girardi said ... IPK was named the fifth starter ... Girardi said the Andy Pettitte will miss his first scheduled start of the regular season on April 2 against the Blue Jays, because of his back ... He looks to be starting the third or fourth game.

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Pettitte had this to say about his side session today, “I still feel it a little bit, but it feels a lot better than it did yesterday,” Pettitte said. “Definitely feel like I could get out over my front side a little bit more. The good thing today is that I felt like it loosened up as I threw. I threw a little bit harder today. I definitely feel like it’s progressing. That’s a positive.”

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I'm so done on the PED's and who did them or who didn't, just go away Jose Canseco.

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Peter Abraham of the LoHud Yankees blog, and what appears to be the starting rotation for the regular season.

Wang
Mussina
Pettitte or Hughes
Pettitte or Hughes
Kennedy

2008 Season Preview

2008-03-25T23:56:00.002-04:00

Here is the Sports Network 2008 Season preview of the New York Yankees.

New York Yankees 2008 Preview
By Chris Ruddick, MLB Contributing Editor
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The New York Yankees enter a season without Joe Torre for the first time since 1995.

After four World Series titles and 12 straight years of reaching the playoffs the Yankees decided to offer Torre an incentive laden contract which he quickly turned down. So, the Yankees handed the managerial reins over to Joe Girardi, who earned Manager of the Year honors in his one year as skipper of the Florida Marlins in 2006.

Last year the Yankees overcame a horrendous start to reach the playoffs for the 13th straight consecutive year. However, they entered the playoffs as a wild card, as their string of nine straight division titles was stopped by the eventual world champion Boston Red Sox. Alex Rodriguez was the driving force behind the Yankees' run and picked up his second MVP Award in three seasons.

The Yankees late season success, though, didn't carry over to the postseason, as they were ousted in the ALDS for the third straight season, losing to the Cleveland Indians in four games. In addition to Torre leaving, the Yankees future seemed murky at the end of the season with the pending free agency of not only Rodriguez, but Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera.

Things got even more cloudy once it was announced that A-Rod was opting out of his contract, but that situation was quickly corrected with him signing the richest deal in baseball history. After that, things fell into place as Rivera, Posada and Pettitte all put their names on a new contracts with the Yankees.

After a winter-long flirtation with Johan Santana, the Yankees chose not to pull the trigger on a potential trade for the two-time Cy Young Award winner and kept their surplus of talented young arms intact for the upcoming season.

The Yankees' chances this season could very well rest on the young right arms of Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, in addition to last year's phenom Joba Chamberlain.
Either way the tremendous offense will probably be able to overcome any shortcomings the Yankee pitching staff may encounter.

Below we take a capsule look at the 2008 edition of the New York Yankees, with a personnel evaluation and prognosis included therein:

2007 Finish (94-68) - Second Place (AL East)

KEY OFFSEASON ADDITIONS: LaTroy Hawkins RP; Jonathan Albaladejo RP; Billy Traber RP; Morgan Ensberg 3B; Chris Woodward IF; Jason Lane OF

KEY OFFSEASON SUBTRACTIONS: Luis Vizcaino RP; Tyler Clippard SP; Andy Phillips IF; Roger Clemens SP; Ron Villone RP

PROJECTED LINEUP: Johnny Damon LF; Derek Jeter SS; Bobby Abreu RF; Alex Rodriguez 3B; Jason Giambi 1B; Jorge Posada C; Hideki Matsui SH; Robinson Cano 2B; Melky Cabrera CF

PROJECTED ROTATION: Chien-Ming Wang RHP; Andy Petitte LHP; Mike Mussina RHP; Phil Hughes RHP; Ian Kennedy RHP

PROJECTED CLOSER: Mariano Rivera RHP

MANAGER: Joe Girardi

INFIELD
Despite a potential messy contract situation hovering over his head last season, Rodriguez had one of the best offensive years in the history of baseball, as he batted .314 with 54 home runs and 156 RBI in 158 games, leading the league in homers, RBI and runs scored (143).
Since RBI became an official statistic in 1920, only three other players (none in the past 50 years) have compiled a season with the major league lead in those three categories -- Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle. Rodriguez's .645 slugging percentage was also tops in the big leagues, as was his incredible ratio of one RBI per 3.7 at-bats.
For his efforts Rodriguez picked up his fourth MVP Award, his second in pinstripes, and then was rewarded with a monstrous 10-year $275 million deal that could be wort well over $300 million if he breaks the all-time home run record.
Of course, Rodriguez isn't the only star in the Yankees infield. Derek Jeter is back for his 13th season as New York's shortstop. Jeter wasn't quite as good as his near-MVP campaign of 2006, but the Yankees captain still hit .322 with 12 home runs, 73 RBI and scored 102 times. He also topped 200 hits for the third straight season, while going over 100 runs scored for the 11th time in his 12 seasons.
Jeter, though, had his string of three straight Gold Glove Awards stopped.
Those two are joined by one of the budding stars in the game in second baseman Robinson Cano. Cano overcame a horrendous start a year ago to hit .306 with 19 homers, 97 RBI and 93 runs scored. He was sensational after the break, batting .343 with 13 home runs and 57 RBI, while playing through an abdominal injury in September.
Cano established career highs in runs scored, hits (189), triples (seven), home runs, RBI and walks (39), while matching his previous career high with 41 doubles.
First base figures to be a revolving door all season. Jason Giambi showed up to camp in tremendous shape and as long as he is healthy, he should be the guy for Joe Girardi.
Giambi, who will likely become a free agent at season's end, struggled with the stick a year ago, hitting .236 with 14 home runs and 39 RBI. The Big G, though, is probably best suited to be the team's designated hitter, since he is a liability with the glove and only played 18 games at first base last season.
Posada had one of the best offensive seasons ever by a catcher last season and was rewarded with a hefty four-year, $52 million deal. Posada hit .338 with 20 homers and 90 RBI in 144 games last season.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he became the first Yankees catcher to finish a season in the top 10 in the league in batting average since Thurman Munson finished 10th in 1978 with a .297 average.
He also became the first player in major league history to hit at least .330 with 40 doubles, 20 homers and 90 RBI in a year in which he caught at least half of his games played.
The 36-year-old Posada has never been placed on the disabled list in his career and has started at least 120 games behind the plate in each of the last eight seasons.

OUTFIELD
Johnny Damon (.270, 12 HR, 63 RBI, 93 runs) admittedly showed up to camp last season out of shape and it showed. Damon was slowed by nagging injuries the better part of the year and never really got it going until the second half.
Damon's game, though, seemed to pick up once he moved from center field to left and that is where he will spend the majority of his time this year. Unlike last year Damon showed up for spring training in extremely good shape and vows to return to the level of player he was while in Boston.
WIth Damon in left, the everyday job in center field now falls to Melky Cabrera, who would have been dealt to Minnesota had the Yankees completed the deal for Johan Santana.
Cabrera, who is tremendous defensively, was the spark plug of the Yankees run towards the playoffs last season and started 101 of the Yankees' final 111 games in center field, batting .290 with six home runs and 58 RBI in 411 at- bats over that span.
Rounding out the outfield will be Bobby Abreu in right. Abreu, another Yankee who showed up out of shape last season, was hitting a paltry .228 on May 31 last season, but rallied to finish the year at .283. He also belted 16 homers with 101 RBI. Abreu also walked 84 times.
Defensively, Abreu won't run into any walls for you, but he possesses an above average arm.

DESIGNATED HITTER
Hideki Matsui figures to be the team's DH if Giambi is going to be playing the field. Matsui struggled with knee injuries last season, but still hit .285 with 25 home runs, 103 RBI and scored 100 runs.
Matsui, of course, will also be used as a fourth outfielder. On those days Giambi or the energetic Shelly Duncan will fill the DH spot.

STARTING ROTATION
No pitcher in baseball has won more games than Chien-Ming Wang over the last two seasons. Wang had his second straight 19-win campaign a year ago, while pitching to a 3.70 earned run average. He also missed most of the first month of the season.
The 27-year-old right-hander, though, struggled in the playoffs, losing both of his starts to the Cleveland Indians, giving up 12 runs in just 5 2/3 innings.
Pettitte will hope to put a tumultuous offseason behind him and will slot in behind Wang as the team's No. 2 starter. Pettitte was named in the Mitchell Report and admitted to taking human growth hormone on a few occasions. Pettitte also confirmed to Congress that he and Roger Clemens had in fact discussed the seven-time Cy Young Award winner's use of performance enhancing drugs.
This is probably not the end of it for Pettitte either, as he will likely have to testify once again with regards to the government's pending perjury case against Clemens.
On the field last season Pettitte was solid, going 15-9 with a 4.05 ERA. Pettitte had actually contemplated retirement before re-upping with the Yanks for one year and $16 million.
Mike Mussina showed signs that the end may be near last season, as he struggled through his worst year as a pro, racking up an 11-10 ledger to go along with a 5.15 ERA.
After those three the Yankees will turn to a pair of relative unknowns in righties Hughes and Kennedy.
Hughes, who has been the crown jewel of the Yankees system for years, showed signs of brilliance last season. In just his second start Hughes held the Texas Rangers hitless in 6 1/3 innings before suffering a severe hamstring injury. Hughes struggled when he returned, but seemed to get stronger as the year went on and was sensational for the team in the playoffs.
The Minnesota Twins wanted Hughes in any deal for Santana, but the Yankees refused, believing Hughes has the potential to be an ace.
Kennedy, meanwhile, shot his way through the Yankee system last season and made three starts for the big league team down the stretch, going 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA.
If Mussina or either of the youngsters struggle, the Yankees plan on moving Chamberlain into the rotation.

BULLPEN
After flirting with the idea of hitting the free agent market, Rivera is back as the Yankees closer after signing a three-year, $45 million deal. The 38- year-old Rivera notched 30 saves in 34 opportunities last season, adding a record of 3-4 with a 3.15 earned run average in 67 games.
The native of Panama owns 443 career saves, the most in franchise history and the third-most in baseball annals behind Trevor Hoffman's 524 and Lee Smith's 478.
Rivera, though, makes his money in the postseason, where he has been truly dominant with a mark of 8-1, 34 saves and a sparkling 0.77 ERA. He's allowed 10 earned runs in 117 1/3 innings over 76 postseason appearances.
Girardi has stated that Rivera will once again have Chamberlain setting him up. Chamberlain was sensational in the eighth inning down the stretch for the Yankees last season, using a blazing fastball and an even better slider to surrender just one earned run in his 24 appearances.
The Yankees have said that Chamberlain's future is as a starter and the plan is to ease him into that role in the second half. But if he is as dominant setting up Rivera as he was last year, it would be extremely difficult to move him out of the pen.
In addition to Chamberlain, Kyle Farnsworth and newly-signed LaTroy Hawkins will be used to build the bridge to Rivera. Farnsworth has been ineffective in his two years with the Yankees, but the team hopes Girardi, who caught him in Chicago, can cure him.
Sean Henn and Billy Traber will be called on to get lefties out.

BENCH
When the Yankees acquired Wilson Betemit last season there were thoughts that he could be the guy to replace A-Rod. Betemit can play a number of positions and will see time at both corner infield spots and maybe some shortstop should Chris Woodward or Cody Ransom not make the team.
Duncan was breath of fresh air for the Yankees last season. His energy seemed to rub off on just about everybody. Duncan can play first as well as the outfield and will provide some pop off the bench for Girardi. He may even have a bigger role should Giambi struggle early on. Girardi will not hesitate to throw Duncan in there as the regular first baseman.

OUTLOOK
Things could go really well for the Yankees this season. Or they could go horribly wrong. Offensively there is not a thing to complain about, as they possess one of the best lineups in the game. Pitching-wise, though, there are a ton of question marks. The young guys are touted as can't misses, but who really knows what you are going to get from them. Plus Mussina looked real old last year. If you think the answer to that is to throw Chamberlain into the starting mix, then who is setting up Rivera? Farnsworth? Hawkins? The Yankees, though, always find a way to make things work. Should everything fall their way the Yanks will cruise to a 14th straight playoff appearance. If things go the other way, though, heads will roll in the Bronx.
03/25 19:37:26 ET

MLB Picks Team

2008-03-24T23:58:00.003-04:00

Ok, since the season begins tomorrow morning according to MLB, but we in these parts know the season begins at the Stadium on March 31, 2008 at 1:05 p.m, against Toronto ... Anyways here are my picks for the 2008 season, most will probably be wrong, but hey what the hell.

AL East
1. Red Sox--yeah, I have to pick them, but they might get off to a slow start with all the travel.
2. Yankees--They might get off to a slow start, thanks to the young pitchers on the staff. They might take a hit record wise this year, but 2009 and 2010 look out.
3. Blue Jays--Could make a run at the top of the division, and could get a wildcard spot if things with one of the top two teams falls apart.
4. Tampa Rays--New name, still in fourth
5. Baltimore Orioles--It'll be a long year for the O's

AL Central
1. Detroit Tigers--Big pickups in the off season could prove to be just what the doctor ordered.
2. Cleveland Indians--Will be fighting it out with the Tigers all year, my pick the wildcard is coming out of this division.
3. Chicago White Sox--Middle of the pack
4. Kansas City Royals--Saw a highlight on Sports Center tonight, one of the Royals was coming down the first base line, and hurdled the first baseman and avoided the tag, great play.
5. Minnesota Twins--Tough year, but future looks bright.

AL West
1. Seattle Mariners--Look for good things from the M's this year.
2. (Pick a town) Angels--Good lineup, and strong arms in pen, just what you would want.
3. Texas Rangers--Can't name one
4. Oakland A's--It'll be a long year.

Picks
Wild Card: Yankees with my heart, but it'll probably be whoever doesn't win the AL Central
ALCS Winner: Cleveland

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I'll have National League picks and major award winner picks later.

10 Things For A Monday

2008-03-24T10:27:00.002-04:00

It's been a busy couple of days around here lately, so here is the first of the good ole bloggin' standby, 10 things. Well actually it's taken from Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback column on SI. It's a good read, and I'd suggest that you take a gander, even in the off-season there is some stuff. I use to be big on the NFL, but the gig is crazy in the fall, so I read this every Monday to catch up on the NFL.

Anyways onto the thoughts of the day

1. It looks like Pettitte will miss his next spring training start with back spasms. This could be tricky with the rotation this season if one of the older starters goes down, then you will have to rely on one of the younger and unproven rookies.

2. Good luck Graig Nettles who will undergo surgery for prostate cancer. Growing up I was a big fan of him, had his poster on the wall and all of that.

3. The LoHud Yankees Blog has a projection on the makeup of the bullpen, it looks like there will be a long-man, which could be either Jeff Karstens, Darrell Rasner or Kei Igawa. Here is another look at what could be part of the bullpen.

4. Okay, who has the remaining 16 teams in the NCAA men's basketball tournament?

5. North Carolina has scored something like 200 points in two NCAA Tourney games, but for some reason I don't think they will win it.

6. Memphis is a favorite in many but I don't see them winning it either.

7. Same for Tennessee.

8. Nice job by the former rent provider in putting on a good show in the women's shindig.

9. Sorry for no live blog on Friday, took the chance to enjoy the day and get out and take a road trip. I will try to do something for the Sweet 16 games.

10. Since the MLB season starts tomorrow, later I will post my predictions, division-by-division, and the major awards as well. Look for those later tonight.

Etc. By the way which assistant coach at a big time program passed up Stephen Curry, he has scored at least 30 points in the last three NCAA Tourney games, and scored 30 in the second half in the first game this year.

The reason why I read SI

2008-03-21T23:41:00.002-04:00

The reason why I read Sports Illustrated in the late 90's to recently was the Air and Space column penned by Steve Rushin. I read his book, Road Swing and became a fan of his writing. It was funny, insightful, Witty, and one of the best reads in any given issue. He left to pursue other things, and my SI reading experience has not been the same since. It took another hit when the Life of Reilly moved to the Worldwide Leader, but I digress

But back to Steve Rushin, or Stretch as Tim Kurkjian called him. I stumbled across his blog today, and suddenly the void in my life has been fulfilled. So life is good now, and

Slackin'

2008-03-21T23:31:00.002-04:00

Sorry no live blog today, running around and was away from the laptop.

But a few notes: Big win for Siena, there are good people up in Loudonville, and good luck the rest of the way ... Also UConn got knocked off and it makes me happy, since my team is not in it, and all of the UConn fans I work with can suffer like me now ... It seems that everyone's bracket took a hit today, with all the upsets.

Baseball Stuff: The Yankees added Morgan Ensberg to the 40-man roster, and put Pavano on the 60-day DL ... CMY is the opening day starter ... Joba is in the Pen, I think it is good for the short-term, as it helps the Yankees this season, and limits his innings for the future, but I do see him as a starter down the line.

College Hoops Day 1, Part 2

2008-03-20T15:08:00.011-04:00

3:13 p.m.: Wow, the day is just flying by, as we get set for round two of the live blog thing. The second games of the day have already begun, as Marquette is up 23-19 on Kentucky, it's 6-6 Pitt and Oral Roberts, and 16-6 UNLV over Kent State A note from the Xavier-Georgia game, XU trailed by 11 points in the second half, but used a 22-6 run to come back ... Xavier was 27-of-33 from the charity stripe, while Georgia was just 3-for-5.

3:20 p.m.: Listening to the Pitt game, as I have friends who are Pitt fans. Pitt is up 15-13 early in the first half. Let's hope it stays that way, as my friend said on Selection Sunday after I told her who and when the Panthers will be playing, "Oh they will lose, everytime they win a big game or a game they were'nt suppose to win, they go out and lose the next game." Way to have faith.

3:33 p.m.: Pitt is up eight after scoring 11 straight points ... Pitt is out rebounding ORU by 10 ... Meanwhile, it is 29-10 UNLV over Kent State with about two minutes left in the first half ... It's 33-29 Marquette over Kentucky.

3:41 p.m.: So far I thought work would be a problem, but apparently things have gone well, watch I just jinxed it ... It's 31-10 UNLV at the break? Well, that's what it says on the NCAA March Madness on Demand scoreboard ... Kentucky takes the lead over Marquette, 34-33.

3:49: In the first half, Kent State was 5-of-23 from the floor, for a 23.8 percent clip.

3:53 p.m.: I'm tired just thought you all would like to know.

4:01 p.m.: Interesting stat from a reader on Dan Wetzel's blog Each of the losing teams in the first three games finished with 61 points and all three of the teams losing at the half had 26 points.

4:06 p.m.: Big game tonight, as Syracuse faces Maryland in the second round of the NIT ... Well it may not be the biggest game of the day, it is the one I care about the most.

4:17 p.m.: Haven't been into the later games too much, been in and out, doing some other things.

4:33 p.m.: Well since the afternoon games are winding down, and I am wrapping up things here, I will take a little break and return live from blog headquarters for most of the night games. It's been fun and hope you have enjoyed reading along. We will be back later tonight, and tomorrow for the second day of the first round games. thanks

College Hoops Day 1, Part 1

2008-03-20T12:01:00.025-04:00

Why not, as it is 12:01 p.m. ET, and I am number 57,833 in line to get into the NCAA On Demand service to watch the games online at work. First game tips off at 12:20 p.m. with Georgia and Xavier, should be a good one. Oh I have moved up to 42,825.

12:06 p.m.: work is going to get in the way of this, but I will try to keep at it.

12:16 p.m.: I'm in and waiting for the games to start. Here is the godfather of the bloggin' the NCAA Tournament, Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports. His is far better than mine, because he is at a sports bar and I am at work. Think I'll start out with Georgia and Xavier.

12:20 p.m.: And we're off, at least that's what I think, internet is slow. FYI downloaded "One Shinning Moment," on my ipod last night to get into the swing of things.

12:24 p.m.: Still buffering and from the looks of it, it's a sparse crowd at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. I would have posted some picks, but since that type of thing is frowned upon in my profession, and since I was busy all of last week and part of this, I didn't really fill out a bracket. Yeah I know I'm slackin'.

12:27 p.m.: Now we're working, but it appears I am only getting crowd noise. They also have the Westwood One feed for all of the games as well.

12:35 p.m.: Message alert, CBS is aware of the audio problems. Good now fix it, I need my Raff fix. I don't know what game he is doing but any voice will do.

12:38 p.m.: Have to step away, Subway is calling, be back in shortly.

12:56 p.m.: Back from the subway run, so I'll be fueled for the rest of the afternoon session. Two of the three games appear to be close, as the Kansas and Portland State game will end up in a route, unless PSU can get a run together.

1:07 p.m.: Georgia is on an 10-0 run and lead 35-26 with under a minute to play in the first half. The wild ride for the Bulldogs has carried over. At the half, Georgia is shooting 55.2 percent from the field, hitting 16-of-29 from the field, and 50 percent from 3-point range, netting 3-of-6. They have not taken a free throw.

1:22 p.m.: Sorry, work stuff, and looking for some more info.

1:24 p.m.: Temple is off to a slow start in the first half against Michigan State. The Owls are shooting below 25 percent and the Spartans went on a 13-2 run to go ahead 28-17. Meanwhile, Kansas is up on Portland State, the Jayhawks built an early double-digit lead, but the Vikings pulled it to 24-17, but KU went on a run, thanks to a few dunks leading 31-18 at the 7:37 mark. At one point Kansas was 13-of-18 from the field.

1:32 p.m.: Since this is a baseball blog first, the Yankees play the Blue Jays in a spring training game in Dunedin, Fla. The Journal News has it covered.

1:36 p.m.: In addition to Wetzel's live blog, CSTV, err CBS College sports has running updates from around the country, with reporters on press row, where beer is not allowed, although I wish it was when I was on press row a few years back.

1:41 p.m.: Check in from the wife, and she wants me to run an errand for her tomorrow, told her it had to be before the first game, and she was good with it! Yankee update Ian Kennedy allowed two hits but no runs, while throwing 17 pitches in the first inning, 10 where for strikes ... Meanwhile, Georiga has turned the ball over for the seventh time in the game ... Michigan State is moving away from Temple.

1:49: It's 44-28 MSU in the second half, the Spartans scored the first seven points of the second half.

1:54 p.m.: If Georgia were to prevail, they would be the third 14-seed to advance in the last four seasons ... Kentucky will play its 49th NCAA Tournament in school-history ... Xavier is on a 6-0 run and trail 46-42 with 11:47 left to play.

2:13 p.m.: It's gotten bad in Denver, as Michigan State is having very little problems with the Temple zone press ... ESPN's Andy Katz left to watch the UGA and Xavier game in the press room according to the Post up blog ... Speaking of the best game of the day, it's 59-51 Xavier with five minutes left.

2:17 p.m.: 61-56 Xavier 3:20 to go.

2:19 p.m.: This is by far the best game of the day, as Kansas is winning 82-59 with 2:09 to play, and Michigan State is up 64-48 with 5:53 left ... UGA has taken only four free throw attempts, while Xavier is 15-of-19 from the charity stripe.

2:24 p.m.: 63-59 Xavier ... Final 85-61 Kansas over Portland State ... 64-61 Xavier ... It's 4-1 Yankees in Dunedin, Fla. Ian Kennedy has allowed one run on five hits and one walk in five innings, while striking out five.

2:31 p.m.: Think I jinxed Georgia with that note from before ... Kentucky and Marquette just tipped off ... Looks like Xavier has become the first surrive and advance of the tournament ... XU is plus-20 in free throw attempts.

2:37 p.m.: As Xavier puts the finishing touches off on the win, Here is a quote from one of the players from St. Mary's on the NCAA Tournament, and how it is seen in his homeland of Australia

Saint Mary's freshman Patrick Mills (an Australia native) on how big the Tournament is in his homeland:
"To be honest I had no idea what the NCAA Tournament was until a couple years ago when Saint Mary's actually mad ethe tournament. So I'm still kind of learning the rules and regulations of what happens in the tournament. I don't understand why there's so many teams in tournaments, you know, right across the country, but, you know, I'm just going along with the ride."

2:41 p.m.: Well since there is only one game, I need to step out and go to the bank, be back in a bit, with a new entry.

Back From The Sunshine State

2008-03-17T23:53:00.002-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Oh boy what a crazy couple of weeks. The gig has been nuts with the end of a run, which should have been, and the trip to Florida, which took years away from my life. All this has led the blog to go dark for a couple of weeks. But fear not I am back and ready to go at this with a vengence.

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Camp has appeared to be going well with the Yankees, save for the minor flare up against the arch rival, Tampa Rays? It got a little out of line for spring training, and pending appeals three players will miss the start of the season. But, other than that it has been what you had expected, the three young pitchers have had some good outings and some bad, but for the most part looked good. But from reports from what I have read, I like what I see and can't wait for the season to start.

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Now onto the notes: Looks like Joba will start the year in the bullpen. At first I like it, but after reading Peter Abraham the other day I would like to see him in the starting rotation ... The Yankees will play Virginia Tech tomorrow and Abraham had a few notes on the game The Yankees-Virginia Tech game will be seven innings and the Hokies will use wood bats donated by Louisville Slugger ... Both teams will use MLB baseballs that the Yankess are brining ... The players on the trip are leaving Legands Field at 8 a.m. for a charter flight, and will arrive back in Tampa at 9:15 p.m. ... In addition, the Yankees are allowing the beat writers on the charter, since comercial flights are a problem.

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Andy Pettittee who was held out of a start last week allowed three runs and three hits over three and a third innings as the Yankees beat the Red Sox 8-4 on Monday afternoon ... He even went inside on Big Pappi ... lhp Billy Traber has pitched 1 and two-thirds innings, giving up no runs on no hits no walks and two strikeouts since joining the Yankees ...

It's tourney time, will preview it here