http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania Another Nifty Geeklog Site quartermasterq@hotmail.com quartermasterq@hotmail.com Copyright 2010 YankeeMania.com GeekLog Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:20:30 -0600 en-gb http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100128191947955 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100128191947955 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:19:47 -0600 Yankeemania.com Cash on HOTSTOVE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark Feinsand & Jack Curry joined Bob Lorenz on YES tonight - a nice interview with Brian Cashman gave some interesting insight. First Brian felt the door to bringing Johnny Damon closed long ago when his agent insisted they would not accept a deal for less than $13 mil. Not too many other ways to say we have a budget,a monetary limit and Cash had to stay within it. So far no other team shares Borass's value of Damon's services. Cash appreciates what he did for NYY but feels at 36 he is not worth it - imagine if Damon signs for something to close to what the Yankees had offered, he could have been back. Cash is confident that Gardner will be able to be viable player for the Yankees. On the rotation, we all know the front four. Cash expects the 5th spot to be a battle between Joba & Phil with the ;"loser" becoming the 8th inning bridge - there is backup in Aceves who won 10 games last season; Mitre is now at full strength and Gaudin should contribute. Also the subject of contract extensions as Jete's is up at the end of the season. Cash is adamant about enforcing the policy of not discussing extensions/renewals until the current one is up. It wouldn't be fair as Mariano, Andy Pettitte and even Joe Girardi as in walk years. He also stated that even though both parties want the same goal - to remain in pinstripes - it's not always easy but they will be ready to work those deals at the right time come November. Cash likes the tweaks of this off season and feels good about the team for the upcoming season. While we have made changes, so have the other teams in the AL especially our division. There was also a nice interview with Alex - after he received the BBWAA award as post season MVP. His outlook for 2010 is still relaxed and looking forward to defending the WS title. Sounds like he is in a good place and has actually grown up or matured in the past year with priorities in place. I look for a tremendous season for him and the Yankees 2010. http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100128191947955 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100123085715465 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100123085715465 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:57:15 -0600 Yankeemania.com As January is coming to an end soon, we can only anticipate and yes, "smell" a new baseball season just around the corner. Once pitchers and catchers report, it just starts snowballing into the start of ST games, ultimatelly, the new 2010 season. I have often said that after THAT last out in the WS, we somehow realize that all the joy in the world for winning it, especially us Yankee fans, turns into a rude reality; no more baseball for four or so months, which to us is miserable. Yes, we applaud and cheer That last out, we celebrate and feel the pleasure of winning another WS, but then, the lights are turned off, until ST arrives and as the new flowers and trees bloom in Spring, Baseball does also. Gone will be the College Football season, the NFL's and even March Madness will also be on its way out. Old Winter man will slowly disappear, giving way to the wonderful Spring weather, the sound and "smell" of Baseball. Yes, Baseball has it's own 'smell," only that you have to be a true fan in order to smell it. As Spring comes, bringing with it a new birth, the sound of birds and the beauty of it all, so does it also bring life into us Baseball fans, with the anticipation of another Championship, only to forget that with That last out of the WS, we will again enter another long Winter. Somehow, we will again be cheering, applauding and celebrating, until it sets in; no more baseball until next Spring. Maybe that's why we love Baseball so much. It comes with the beauty of Spring, the rebirth of "life!" http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100123085715465 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091227093626776 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091227093626776 Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:36:26 -0600 Yankeemania.com In managing the Yankees, his challenge was quite immense, win in 2009 or in all probability adios, goodbye, for although the Front Office never did utter this threat, we all knew, and Girardi also, that had he also failed in his second year as Yankee Manager, somebody else would be the manager for the 2010 season. Instead, Joe Girardi did not become another "Joe," for he did what the other Yankee Joes, McCarthy and Torre did, win a World Series as a Yankee manager. His job should be somewhat less demanding, although it really never is, especially if you manage in N.Y., but at least if he doesn't make it next year, his chances of returning in 2011, are much better, and all because he did win it all this year. That he had the pieces, the horses, the players to do so in 2009, sure, but nothing is guaranteed. Many managers are given all the tools to win, and fail. Girardi, in my opinion, did one heck of a job, although some of his moves at times may have been questionable, and proved that he can be counted on to lead a very difficult club to manage, for the Yankees having so many superstars, in itself that can be tough. Also, being an ex-teammate of some of the stars like Jorge, Andy, Jeter and Mariano, it is tougher to now come and say, "Hey, you have to do what I say. I am no longer your teammate, but your boss. Things will be different now, as I expect you to play for me and not with me. I will still be your pal, but also you now respond to me!" That, is also tough, that transition from teammate, to boss. He did manage to get their respect, proving not only that he is a tough manager, but that those four Yankee veterans are truly very professional. They gave him their 100%, but then again these are special players. Girardi couldn't have expected anything else from them. They made his job easier, and we have a Manager to lead us into great success in a new Decade. Good Luck, Joe Girardi, in 2010 and beyond! ;-) http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20091227093626776 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091211103347262 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091211103347262 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:33:47 -0600 Yankeemania.com The YES HOT STOVE is on the air with Bob Lorenz hosting Jack Curry, Kevin Kernan and Hal Curry on Granderson -best team in baseball got a little better, Ks a lot but will be good fit. Good deal for Tigers - Granderson loves the spotlight and attention, shoulder responsiblity. Kevin Long will work with him to shorten stroke. Tigers looking for AJax to start in center. Young players not sure it will help them next year. Still room for Damon - Yankees in power position - probably 2 years around $20 mil. Borass will look for another team with longer deal. What about Melky - could he be traded - if not he is versatile. Melky better than Gardner. Word on Matsui will drag out - Curry doesn't expect him back, Halliday possiblity -Jays are in trouble here. Yankees are in great position. Great resigning of Andy - terrible poker face, everyone knew he only wanted to pitch for the Yankees. Pen: loss of Bruney & Coke. Robertson will see more action. (remember these are thoughts and ideas from sports writers and not necessarily based on more than feelings) Signing & Trades: Chone Figgins to Mariners. fits nicely with Seattle-get on base and score runs. Bargain price - best fit of the winter. Weaken the Angels FA signings discussed - Pudge Rodriguez signed with Nationals, maybe to teach the younger catcher and develop pitchers. Penney to Cards: feel Duncan can work and help him - but a lot money. Wolf to Brewers surprised by $30 mil - Dodgers didn't offer arb so no draft picks. Soriano to Rays - Madden wants guys in pen who are versatile. Will help the Rays move forward. Granderson conference call: feels it will be a good change-great place to be. Yankee tradition- knows Swish & Jete.can bat any place in lineup, willing to adapt to whatever the Yankees need. Complaints in Detroit that he spent too much time with chairty/visiting hospitals. Andy - didn't want to hold up the Yankees. Had Randy call them T'giving weekend to get the deal done. Went down fast. Works well with youngsters - Joba should listen to him. Murray Chass discussed the signing Reggie as a free agent - lived up to his word, great impact on baseball & FA. Roy Halliday - ground work laid during Winter Meetings for a deal. Cash feeling other teams to see what they will offer. Doc wants East coast contending team - Angels might be in play with Sux, Phillies & Yankees. If deal feels right, Cash will make the deal to make the Yankees a better team. Hailliday deal will include extension. Matt Holliday - solid player-BorAss trying put him in Tex's league. Probably the last signing. Lackey - might still sign with Angels. Lackey wants to go to Texas but not sure they can make the move. Expect Bay to return to Boston - maybe Seattle. Prerecorded as they discuss Muts need to get B. Molina deal done. Hal Bodley with Cash: 3-way trade - lot of talent in minors so to part with some for Granderson was one he couldn't pass up. (missed the rest of the interview with a phone call - Saturday last day for teams to tender contract to unsigned - CMW not mentioned don't expect him bac. Mail Bag: Hinske gone, Hairston, Jr maybe. With AJax gone, do Yankees have chips for Halliday? If Toronto wants to get it done, Yes. 4th spot Yankees looking at Jason Marquis; On Chapman - starting from square since he signed with the Hendricks Brothers. Tight with the Yankees so there could be an edge. Till next week http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20091211103347262 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091208173135514 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091208173135514 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:31:35 -0600 Yankeemania.com After being fed Tiger news for over a week now, all of a sudden we get a different kind of Tiger news. It has nothing to do with his mother-in-law, thank God! The Yankees, maybe having heard, read and listened to all this Tiger crap, decided to start some Tiger news themselves. Today, pending physicals of all players involved, a bona-fide Centerfielder, a guy who hit 30 homers last season for the, yes, Tigers, will put on Pinstripes, wear the proud Yankee Logo on his chest and cap, and patrol Centerfield at Yankee Stadium for the next few years. He is a guy with very excellent speed, so he will add speed to the lineup, and with that, he can also go get them when hit his way. I truly like this acquisition, especially if Damon leaves, because this guy can hit, even if he cannot hit lefties as well as Johnny does, but maybe with a few lessons he may make some adjustments and be a better hitter. He can also field, and with his speed, get a whole lot of triples. So he brings many good things to an already great Yankee lineup. This will make Johnny re-think about his demands, as now the Yankees can put Curtis in CF, move Melkey to Left and Swisher to Right. I would like for the Yankees to re-sign "The Emperor," Hideki Matsui to a two year contract, or Damon to be the DH, he having demonstrated that he can hit lefties as well as righties, and with power. I guess that one of the two will be re-signed. We did lose a promising star in A. Jackson, but you have to give something worthy in order to get a star like Granderson. Jackson promised; Granderson has delivered! As for Coke, well with Marte's demonstration during the playoffs, the Yankees simply realized that a Damaso healthy, can be nasty, very effective, especially against left handed hitters. Ian, well he promised so much and didn't deliver that I am happy that it was him and not Joba or Hughes. THAT would have hurt, if we had traded one of the two. So, Coke and Bruney are gone, but I am sure that the door has not been shut yet, and that another impact trade or FA signing, will come soon. With the guys we will have in our bullpen, expect the job to be done! In the meantime, Boston must be having all kinds of worries. They may lose Bay, their top hitter, and simply put, they now have to do "something," to counter-attack the "Evil Empire." Imagine if we were to sign either Lackey or trade for Halliday? Wow!.....LOL http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20091208173135514 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=2009120321285364 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=2009120321285364 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:28:53 -0600 Yankeemania.com Bob Lorenz returns to host HOT STOVE on YES following a Thanksgiving break just in time to speculate on the Winter meetings in Indianapolis next week. Jack Curry and Kevin Kernan are tonight's guests sharing their ideas/opinions and thoughts on what could and has transpired this offseason. Yankees arb players - none offered arb. Yankees don't feel any deserve same money they got in 09. Curry feels we should get the Pettitte deal done soon - Kernan thought if Yankees go after Halliday there might not be room for Andy. Damon not offered because that would fall into Borass plan. Other teams - not lobbying for Johnny or Matsui. Hoped something would get done early. Kernan thinks he is still important leader - wants to play on winning team. Could work if a $$$$ deal can be worked - $7 plus incentitives . Matsui still producer but Curry thinks Yankees got everything out him in 09 - get rid of player a year early rather than a year late. If cheap price everyone loves Matsui. Or go to revolving door DH to rest players like Alex, Tex, Jorge. Matsui will not go to Seattle because he doesn't like Ichiro. Curry & Kernan disagree on whether he will be back in pinstripes. Moment to honor Tommy Henrich -- Rumors of trade market - Halliday willing to waive NTC - Kernan thinks he will be a Yankee. Think Cash will get this done or regret it. Burrel from Tampa to Cubs for Bradley???? LF for the Sux - expect Borass to throw Holliday at all comers. Bay to resign with Sux or maybe go to Seattle. Angels - Lackey Figgins ^ Guerrero. Figgins probably the only one to return. Guerrero only with low contract. Lackey should be gone. Muts - Wolf, Hudson targets. Holliday needed for left field. Need to show good faith that they want to get a winning team for the fans. Derek Jeter SI MOY - never dreamt of winning this one. Goes above what you do on the field. Reflection on season- great team, hot at the right time, come-from-behind wins, great group. Tremendous fans - fun for the players. Couldn't have written better script, everything went right - will enjoy for a few days and then focus on next year. Treat people the way you want to be treated - always treats people well. Humbled by it all - Curry spent a day in '97 with Derek & his father. Dad would use other athletes as an example of what can happen when you don't toe the line. Cashman feels he makes everyone around him a better person. Winter Meetings - economy is driving things, teams being cautious. Wagner signed with Braves - draft pick for Sux. Braves address needs early, smart move. Cash also moves early. Derosa veratile will get a job. Pinero Yankees quietly interested. Derosa5-7 mil can play in so many spots, utility fielder. Joe Girardi received recognition for his Catch 25 Foundation for his helping the accident lady. ALso March of Dimes SOY. Attending DVD release of World Series video - along with Cash, Michael Kay = cap for season. HOF nominees - veterans Marvin Miller '66 ExecD for MLBPA - groundbreaker. Impact the game. Alomar yes Larkin - maybe per Curry & Kernan Dawson garnering more support but probably not enough - same with Blylevan. Bob Sheppard legacy remembred 4/17/51 - has a plaque in Monument Park. He will always be remembered - his intro for Jeter will continue. Mailbag: status on CMW & Nady. Nady to Mets = CMW will land somewhere. Mets making some small moves. Cora, Coste, Blanco. going after Benjie Molina. Need to get healthy. Goose - backup catcher for Posada? Time for Cervelli to move into the role. Posada high on the kid. earned trust of vets pitchers. Kennedy might be traded to Jays Kernan thinks Halliday deal could go down quickly. Until next Thursday - http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=2009120321285364 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091130211503299 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091130211503299 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:15:03 -0600 Yankeemania.com Yes, the Cathedral is being dismembered slowly, little by little. To those of us that have heard Frank Sinatra's beautiful song, "There used to be a ball park, right here, " we cannot but to feel sadness, nostalgia, at what once was, the greatest park on Earth. No, there has never been, with much respect for Ebbets, Field, The Polo Grounds, Candlestick Park, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, not any other park like that Yankee Stadium where the greatest players, from Ruth to Jeter, not to mention other greats from other teams, played the game of Baseball. Where three Perfect games out of the 18 that have been tossed in the history of the game including Larsen's WS one against the Dodgers in 1955, have taken place, and where so many thrills, WS victories, where Ruth's and Gehrig's farewell speeches will forever live in our memories, in our hearts. Today, all that is left is a shadow of what it once was, a beautiful, magical park, where the fans went out to watch the greatest players, the greatest Yankee teams throughout history. Sure, we have cloned another right accross the street from it, and although it has taken a life of itself in just one year, it will take many years, many championships, many thrills, before it can match the Catheral's. It is simply too much at this time to make a comparisson, to even imagine it coming close to what the Cathedral became, but just to think that there will never be another Ruth, Gehrig, Joe D., Mickey, and other greats in this new version, is enough to believe that the Catheral will always be unique, special, as great as this new one will be. Yes, there will one day be a parking where the Catheral was, or still is, but the memories, the history, the spiritual sense that it brought, will never be torn down, demolished by wrecking machines. That will always live in our hearts, in our memories. I thank God for allowing me to watch many Yankee games, from Mantle and Maris and that great 1961 team, to today's Yankees, with Mr. Jeter leading the way. Yes, the Cathedral will dwell in our hearts, for nothing can change what was done there, what was written... http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20091130211503299 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=2009111807133650 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=2009111807133650 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:13:36 -0600 Yankeemania.com The results will be announced later today - and Joe Girardi will receive consideration but because of a handicap probably will not win the AL MOY award. I for one don't hold it against him that the Yankees can afford a $200 mill payroll - that's not his fault nor as we well know does it assure a team of winning. Many were critical of Joe in 2008, his first year managing the high profile, media endowed New York Yankees, but consider that his past managerial experience consisted of less than a complete season with a group of youngsters still formulating as a team in the Florida Marlins - Joe did a good job with the Yankees and the injuries they endured last year. This year we saw a reinvented Joe Girardi beginning with spring training. A day off from field activities with a field trip to a local pool hall where veterans and rookies bonded in an afternoon of friendly competition - the tournament was won by the team of Mariano & Phil Coke. The bonding carried through to team support during Alex's PC after the 'leak' that his name was on "The List". Joe adapted to his role as he became from vocal with the NY media; his methods might have come under criticism but the bottom line he managed the Yankees to a MLB best 103 wins, followed by the ALDS in 3 straight, beating the Halos 4/2 in ALCS and then bringing home our 27th World Championship over the Phillies. He stuck to his guns going with the three-man rotation throughout the playoffs - it worked because Andy Pettitte was able to endure, winning all three clinchers. A strong wisely used bull pen came up huge. A big reason the Yankees were able to win it all, Joe Girardi used his players wisely. When Alex returned and then struggled, he was given a weekend off, then rested usually a game a week for the remainder of the season. With Matsui and his balky, surically repaired knees, the answer was not to play him in the outfield, strictly a DH - this meant sitting out the 9 consecutive games during interleague play in NL cities and only PH-ing in the games in Philly during the WS-still he was able to do enough offensive damage to win the Series MVP. Restricting innings for the starters especially CC down the stretch put Joe in a position to go with the 3-man rotation. I don't care what the sports writeres think for Joe Girardi is My Manager of the Year - more likely they will opt for Scioscia for keeping his team together through the death of Nick Adenhart and an assortment of injuries. Others like Gardenhire of Twinkies will also receive consideration. http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=2009111807133650 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091105145356277 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091105145356277 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:53:56 -0600 Yankeemania.com Statement from George M. Steinbrenner 11/05/2009 3:26 PM ET MLB.com "The Steinbrenner Family and the Yankees Organization are extremely proud of the members of the 2009 New York Yankees for bringing a 27th World Championship to New York City and our fans, the greatest fans in the world. Every World Series victory is special, but this one is especially sweet coming in the first year in our new home. "The 2009 New York Yankees proved that we are the best in baseball. We beat truly worthy opponents in the American League Division Series, the American League Championship Series and the World Series. As we did all season long, we fought hard, never lost focus and gave a true team victory. Our players have a lot to be proud of. This group will become legendary - similar to the 26 World Championship teams that preceded them. "Joe Girardi and his team deserve great credit for racking up wins over a long, tough season. "We are so grateful to our fans. They have never wavered in their faith or enthusiasm through the good and bad years. This World Series belongs to them and to all Yankees, past, present and future. "We'll enjoy this win. And the quest for number 28 begins." This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20091105145356277 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091104235458596 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20091104235458596 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:54:58 -0600 Yankeemania.com November 4, 2009 the New York Yankees continued to add to their incredible history. This franchise dominates sports with the most titles - the 27th World Series with a 7-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Oh by the way we give Jimmy Rollins credit for his prediction we won it in 6 because we felt generous :) . Congratulations to the players, coaches, Manager Joe Girardi and their fans - and a very special thank you to George M. Steinbrenner and the Steinbrenner Family for supporting this team with their finances and backing and to GM Brian Cashman for going into the FA market last winter and bringing in CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher - with these four the Core Four might not been enjoying their 5th Championship together. There was plenty of trash talk and questioning of Joe Girardi's moves including going with only 3 starters = well the man was vindicated as Andy Pettitte started on short rest and was not great but good enough by taking his time and getting the location. He coaxed 5.2 innings out of his 37 year old arm giving up just 1 run. Hideki Matsui, Series MVP, contributed six rbis with a home run, a single and a double. Only fitting that the team that had the best record in baseball prevailed to bring home the ring. I am so proud of this TEAM for the way have handled things throughout the year - Alex Rodriguez with the hip surgery, coming back early and contributing beyond expectations. He really played relaxed and enjoyed himself - it paid off. Tex had a great season and though his O struggled in the WS, his glove was golden. It's so fitting that the Inaugural Season ends with the 27 World Series celebration - Andy was the winner in the all three clinchers in 2009; Mariano gave us everything he had getting the final six outs; Jorge is still a solid catcher inspite of the pass ball and Derek is the Captain and Leader of the team. Guess we need to update things as we look for #28. LET THE CHAMPAGNE FLOW. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2009 WORLD CHAMPIONS ! http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20091104235458596