Derek Jeter out for remainder of postseason

Tragedy struck Saturday night in the Bronx for the second time this season. 

The Yankees lost the heart and soul of their team when Derek Jeter, The Captain, fractured his ankle and will be out for the remainder of the postseason.  Go ahead, watch the video at your own risk, I can't watch it without feeling nauseous. 

What could possibly be said except that this is probably the most devastating injury the Yankees have suffered all season. Sure, they lost Alex Rodriguez for a few weeks to a broken hand and Andy Pettitte to a fractured leg of his own, but neither are Jeter. 

Jorge Posada's Yankee Legacy

Yesterday afternoon, Sweeney Murti of WFAN reported that Jorge Posada will announce his retirement from the Yankees and from the game of baseball within the next two weeks.

As a fan of the game and the Yankees, it was refreshing to see Posada know when to bow out gracefully. The fiery catcher had a fantastic 16 year career for the Yankees.

Posada is a lifetime .273 hitter, with 275 home runs, a .374 on-base percentage, .474 slugging percentage and 1,075 runs batted in.

Though his career statistics may seem underwhelming compared to other Yankee greats, it's important to compare with other catchers who have worn the pinstripes.

Posada's 275 career home runs rank second all time behind Yogi Berra.  His 1,664 hits rank third all time behind Berra and Bill Dickey.  Posada also ranks second all time behind Berra on games played.  (**All Yankee records.**)

Perhaps Posada's greatest contribution to the teams he played on was his defense and ability to call games.  Though he never won a Gold Glove, Posada was responsible for guiding the dynasty pitching staffs of the '98-'00 teams.  Those starting staffs included Andy Pettitte, David Cone, David Wells and Roger Clemens among others.  Wells pitched his perfect game in '99 with Posada behind the plate calling the pitches.

He became a postseason hero among fans during the Yankees glory years by producing timely hits and driving in key runs.  One of his most memorable hits was off of Pedro Martinez in the eighth inning of the 2003 ALCS which allowed the Yankees to tie up the game and eventually win, sending the Bombers to another World Series.

Posada prided himself in his ability to stay healthy.  The first time he was placed on the 15-day disabled list was in 2008, which also coincidently was the first time the Yankees missed the playoffs since 1994.  Posada recovered nicely from a shoulder injury, hitting .285, 22 home runs and driving in 81 runs.  It was the last great season for Posada, as he saw his playing time reduced due to younger catchers.

Though he batted a career-low .235 in 114 games in 2011, he still managed to hit .429 in the Yankees postseason series against the Detroit Tigers.

Posada's friendship with shortstop Derek Jeter, closer Mariano Rivera and Pettitte was well chronicled as the four earned the nickname of "the core four" during the latter years of Pettitte and Posada's career.

As Posada joins his "core four" teammate and friend, Pettitte in retirement, Yankee fans will now turn to Jeter and Rivera to cling to the glory years of the '90s.  Rivera, could be entering his final season, with Jeter retiring soon thereafter.

The Glory Days of the "Cour Four" are really coming to a close.

I'll leave you with a picture of the "core four" from the last home game at Old Yankee Stadium

*Photos courtesy of Detroit Free Press and Sports Illustrated

Ps I'm going to miss this commercial.

10 Days until Opening Day!

The 2011 MLB season officially gets underway exactly 10 days from now.  With the season approaching so quickly, I thought this would be the perfect time to give a preview of the projected Yankees roster as well as discuss the remaining question marks for the team that is once again expected to contend once again for the world series. 




Projected Roster:
Infield:
C: Russel Martin - For the first time in about a decade Martin will be the first starting catcher not named Jorge Posada.  It will be interesting to see if Martin regained his offensive swing from three years ago when he was an all star for the Dodgers.
1b: Mark Teixeira - Teixeria will look to get off to a quick offensive start after a horrible start last season.  Teixeira is hoping to remain injury free after having several nagging injuries throughout last season.
2b: Robinson Cano - Cano will look to carry over his 2010 season to this season.  If he does, he should contend for the MVP.  Hitting coach Kevin Long believes Cano has the ability to hit 40 home runs. 
3b: Alex Rodriguez- This spring, Rodriguez has returned to the form he had prior to his hip surgery in 2009.  Rodriguez is leading the team in home runs this spring and hopes to continue that this fall.
SS: Derek Jeter - To put it plain and simple, Jeter is looking to avoid his disastrous 2010 season.  After resigning with the only team he's ever played for, Jeter revamped with his swing with Long and is now hitting a solid .330 this spring.  Hopefully, these results will carry over to the season.
DH: Jorge Posada - Posada will have to adjust to his first season as the team's full time DH.  A break from catching everyday should benefit Posada's aging body, who like many Yankees is also seeking a bounce back season offensively.
Outfield:

RF: Brett Gardner - Gardner too, revamped his swing with Long this spring.  He's trying to become a better bunter after raising his average significantly last season.  Gardner may bat lead off this fall which could be beneficial to Jeter.
CF: Curtis Granderson -After reviving his swing last summer, Granderson looked like an entirely different player offensively.  In his second year in New York, Granderson is just trying to stay consistent offensively while remaining a solid force in the field.
LF: Nick Swisher- Over the last two years, Swisher has been very solid during the regular season but his bat has gone stone cold in the postseason.  Swisher hopes to get off to a hot start and keep it going throughout the season.  Last season, he hit a career high in home runs. 
Starting Pitchers:

SP: CC Sabathia -Sabathia will look to repeat the two seasons he's already had in New York.  This season in particular could be especially important for Sabathia as he has stated he might opt out of his contract following the 2011 campaign.
SP: AJ Burnett - How do I say this bluntly? I can't. Burnett was TERRIBLE last year.  But, with the help of new pitching coach Larry Rothschild Burnett has made his delivery more simple and has looked tremendous this season.  He's improved so much, he earned the second spot in the rotation ahead of Phil Hughes.
SP: Phil Hughes - Hughes is looking to improve his 2010 all star campaign, except he wants to be better.  Hughes hit a wall after the all star break but still managed to finish the season with 18 wins.  His goal though is to lower his ERA which was 4.19
SP: Ivan Nova - Nova was a dark horse candidate to even make the pitching staff.  But, this spring he has already gone 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in four games this spring.  Nova forced his way into the rotation and it will be interesting to see if his success will continue once the regular season begins.
SP: Freddy Garcia or Bartolo Colon - Both Garcia and Colon are veteran starters who once had great success.  Unfortunately, due to injuries to both, their careers are now in jeopardy of being over.  Both signed minor league contracts in the off-season with a chance to make the team.  Garcia already stated he will not go to Triple A if he doesn't make the major league team.  As of right now, I have to believe that Colon has the upper hand over Garcia.
Bullpen:

P: Mariano Rivera - After an interesting off-season, one in which Rivera admitted to entertaining offers from the hated Red Sox, he finally resigned.  I expect nothing but the usual greatness from Rivera, although it will be interesting to see if he continues to age gracefully.
P: Joba Chamberlain- Oh Joba... what can I say about you? Chamerlain showed up much heavier then he was over the past two seasons.  Chamberlain was also injured last week, with an oblique strain.  Ironically, maybe it has something to do with his weight? Chamberlain will probably share the 7th inning duties with David Robertson.
P: Boone Logan - Logan came over to the Yankees in the trade that brought Javy Vazquez to the team for a second time.  Fortunately for Logan, he turned to be the most important part of the trade and was one of the most important parts of the bullpen.  He'll probably serve as the lefty specialist again.
P: David Robertson- Robertson proved his value to the Yankees last season as he was one of the team's most consistent relievers.  Joe Girardi trusted Robertson so much last season that he became the 8th inning guy over Joba Chamberlain.  This season however, he'll probably serve as the primary 7th inning guy as the team signed Rafeal Soriano.
P: Rafeal Soriano- Soriano had a career season last year with the Rays when he served as the team's closer.  This season he will serve as the 8th inning man as he is a crucial part of the bridge to Rivera.  If all goes well, when Soriano's contract is up and Rivera is retired, he may be the Yankees new closer.
P: TBD (most likely Pedro Felicano)
Bench:
C: Francicso Cervelli (will start season on DL due to broken bone in foot) - Cervelli's spring training's have been plagued with bad luck for him.  This season, was no different.  Cervelli broke a bone in his foot and is in a walking boot.  Because he is a catcher he can't do anything.  Cervelli will begin the season on the DL with either Austin Romine or Jesus Montero.
INF: Ramiro Pena or Jorge Vazquez, Eric Chavez - Pena and Vazquez who are good friends, are competing against each other for a spot on the Yankees bench.  While Vazquez has out hit Pena this season, he is not guaranteed a spot.  Pena proved his value defensively last season so it will be interesting to see what the team decides to go with.  Chavez is looking to regain his all-star form from when he was with the Athletics.  Chavez has looked great this spring and if he remains injury free, it will be hard for Girardi to keep  him on the bench. 
OF: Andruw Jones, Colin Curtis or Greg Golson - Jones has played sparingly in the past two seasons with the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox.  Jones will most likely start at DH against left handed batters.  He's become a defensive reliability, which is sad considering he was a 10 time gold glove winner with the Atlanta Braves.  As of right now, Golson has the job over Curtis.  Curtis, dislocated his shoulder earlier in Spring Training so Golson will most likely start the season with the Yankees.  

Now, it's time to address what questions will follow the team around throughout the season. 

1. Which AJ Burnett will show up?

• The Burnett who was the leader of the Marlins staff in 2008?  The mediocre but effective Burnett in 2009 or the horrific Burnett of 2010?  Hopefully it will be somewhere between 2008 and 2009. 

2. Will the Yankees be able to get by with Nova and Colon/Garcia as their fourth and fifth starter or will GM Brian Cashman make a trade?

• Again, it's just something that's going to have to play out

3. Will Derek Jeter bounce back?

• All signs are indicating Jeter is now comfortable with his new swing but we will not know until he sees consistently decent pitching throughout the season.

4. Will CC Sabathia opt out of his contract at the end of the season?

• Hopefully not, but he might because of the money that Cliff Lee got this past offseason. 

5. Do the Yankees have enough talent to make the playoffs?

• Offensively, Yes I believe they do.  Pitching wise?  Check back with me in a month.

That's all for now.  I'll be updating again soon!

State of the Yankees: Offseason Edition

Two nights ago, the San Fransisco Giants were crowned the kings of Major League Baseball for the 2010 season.  I know I have been slacking on my posts but school has consumed my life thus far.  So here's a quick recap of the 2010 Yankees postseason.

The Yankees were crowned the American League Wild Card Winners after losing the AL East title to the Tampa Bay Rays.  Winning the wild card was a good thing for the Yankees as they were able to play the Minnesota Twins in the division series.  The last few years the Yankees have played the Twins in the division round they were able to dispose of them easily, particularly in 2003, 2004, and 2009.  Nothing was different in 2010, as the Yankees swept the Twins.

The League Championship series was a different story for the Yankees.  The Yankees won games 1 and five, but were outplayed severely by the Rangers.  Cliff Lee was not the biggest problem, it was the Ranger's pitching in general and the Yankees inability to hit at all.  Robinson Cano was the only offensive player who showed up to play in that series.

Following the postseason, the Yankees made some changes.  Most notably, pitching coach Dave Eiland was given the axe in what General Manager Brian Cashman called a "personal reason".  The public was given no other explanation but Manager Joe Girardi did not object.  Girardi signed a new three year contract worth between $9 and $10 million.

Cashman's checklist for the remainder of this offseason should be a big one.  Here's some areas that need to be addressed:

1. What to do with Derek Jeter?

I like everyone else believes Jeter will be resigned.  The biggest questions however are how long will Jeter resign and for how much?  Hal Steinbrenner went on the radio yesterday to say that negotiations between Jeter's camp and the Yankees could get "messy".  The issue will be how the Yankees decide to reward Jeter.  I expect a very heavy incentive based contract.  But, will they reward him for the 14 seasons prior to this year's dismal performance, where five championships were won and Jeter put up MVP-caliber seasons?  Or, will Cashman try to play the card that Jeter is in decline after batting .40 points lower then his career average?  My guess is they go somewhere in the middle.  It has been rumored that Jeter wants to play until he is 42 - the same year Alex Rodriguez' contract will run out.  I don't expect Jeter to earn a six year contract but I would assume he could get a three of four year deal. Just think, nothing will look worse then Jeter getting his 3,000 hit in another uniform - one without pinstripes.

Closer Mariano Rivera is also a free agent, but after having another amazing season his new contract should not be an issue.  

2. How can the rotation be fixed?

As of right now, three of the five starters are coming back.  Unfortunately, this is not a guaranteed good thing.  CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes were two of the more reliable starters this past season and should be able to maintain (in Sabathia's case) and potentially improve in Hughes' case their form for next season.  A.J. Burnett was the most inconsistent starter in the major leagues all of last season.  One could never know what would occur each time he took the mound.  Hopefully, the new pitching coach that is hired will be able to correct Burnett.  It is unknown what  Andy Pettitte's plans are for next season especially since it was reveled Pettitte had injuries in the offseason in his back.  After taking some time off I do expect Pettitte to come back after having one of his best seasons - minus the groin injury he experienced.  Finally with one spot in the rotation up for grabs, I expect the Yankees to sign free agent Cliff Lee.  The Yankees tried to go after Lee before the trade deadline in July when the Rangers acquired him from Seattle.

3. What about the bullpen?
Last season, the bridge to Mariano was in pretty good shape.  With David Robertson, Joba Chamberlain and Kerry Wood the Yankees had the best late inning bullpen relief in the majors.  Chamberlain and Robertson will be back next season.  The Yankees already declined Wood's option for next season and they will try to resign him at a lower price but that does not seem possible as Wood was lights out next season.  Boone Logan was the Yankees most consistent and at times only left handed reliever in the bullpen.  Look for Brian Cashman to add another lefty in the pen for at least Spring Training.

4. Will the Yankees go after Carl Crawford?

My personal wish is no.  The Yankees did just fine this past season with Curtis Granderson hitting at a sub par level for the majority of last season.  But hitting coach Kevin Long worked with Granderson in late July to revamp his swing.  After Long fixed his swing, Granderson became one of the most reliable hitters in the Yankees lineup - especially in the postseason.  Granderson has proven he can handle the spotlight of New York and I think it would be wise to bring Granderson back with a smaller contract.  Brett Gardner and Nick Swisher should be able to handle left and right field respectively.

Where is Derek Jeter hiding?

The inevitable has happened.  I'm writing a post bashing or rather questioning what Derek Jeter may or may not have left in his tank.

I had originally planned on writing this shortly after the All-Star break when it first became apparent that Jeter's slump  was sticking around.  But just as I sat down at my computer to write this post  Jeter pulled out of his slump.

And then a dismal August and the beginning of September forced me to criticize my favorite player.

And here it goes.

It's not even so much the statistics that is so bothersome, it's just how quickly he has seemed to drop off so much from one year ago.

Originally I tried to play it off like he had an injury that he was not disclosing to the media.  But manager Joe Girardi never disclosed any information on an injury and Jeter was never placed on the disabled list.

Even though he was never placed on the disabled list, Jeter has still suffered through pain.  His suffering is from the lack of offensive production he is not having.

Let's look at the numbers - although normally this is arguably one of the poorest ways to judge Jeter -  it's the best way to exemplify what I'm talking about.

Jeter's career batting average is .314.  Last season, he batted .328 while finishing third in MVP voting behind winner Joe Mauer and teammate Mark Teixeira.

This season however, Jeter is batting a dismal .266.  Well below the average fans and Jeter himself are used to.

So, what's the problem?

I wish I knew.  He wishes he knew.  Hitting coach Kevin Long wishes he could figure out how to fix the problem.

Over the past few seasons Jeter has grounded into more double plays then anyone else in the league.  In an attempt to fix this problem Girardi moved Jeter into the lead off spot to avoid this situation. However, much like Jeter's offensive production this season, the plan has failed miserably.

Luckily this season Jeter has been able to hide a little bit under the radar, or as much as he can in New York.  Fortunately the Yankees still have the best record in baseball even with Jeter struggling.

There are two pressing questions that remain regarding Jeter that will have to be addressed in the near-immediate future.

The first question, how will Jeter perform in the postseason?

Many believe that Jeter will be able to flip a switch and step up his game in the games that truly count to him and the team.  However, I'm still not convinced.  If that was the case, why wouldn't Jeter have made these changes already?

Believe me, this is not the way that Jeter would like to play in his last year of his contract.

Which brings me to the last point.

How will the General Manager Brian Cashman handle Jeter's contract situation this offseason?

It is widely speculated that the Yankees will reward Jeter for the greatness he has brought the organization over the past 16 years, including 5 world series championships and numerous All Star appearances, not too mention that Jeter is THE Captain.

I agree that the Jeter's contract should not be based on this season alone.  But I'm not sure how I feel about rewarding him for his service to the organization.

I honestly can't even guess what management will offer him.  But they will more then likely over-pay to keep Jeter in the organization.

Here is what Fox's Ken Rosenthal believes will happen

"if Jeter took say, a three-year, $36 million deal, the Yankees could make it up to him by giving him a massive bonus for 3,000 hits and a lucrative post-career personal-services contract. Would $10 million a year for 30 years be excessive for this generation’s Joe DiMaggio? Perhaps, but by that point, Jeter would not count against the team’s luxury tax. In essence, he would be deferring money so that the Yankees could better compete while he was still active."

The only thing I know that will happen is Jeter will be in pinstripes next season.  Can you imagine the PR disaster that would occur if that were not to happen?

Here's to hoping that Jeter will improve by season's end and that he will forgive me for criticizing him.  I truly mean no disrespect!

Farewell Mr. Sheppard!

Early this morning, longtime New York Yankees and New York Giants public address announcer, Bob Sheppard passed away.  Sheppard was 99 years old, and would have been 100 in October.  Sheppard served the New York community for over 50 years, calling the different baseball (1951-2007) and football (1956-2005) games between the two teams.


Sheppard began his career with the Yankees in 1951.  His debut, April 17, 1951 was also the same day legendary center fielder, Mickey Mantle too made his debut (Mantle was 21 years Sheppard's junior).  Although Mantle may have received more attention throughout his career, Sheppard was still highly regarded by the players, coaches and fellow media members who covered the team.


Sheppard had a philosophy to the way he introduced the players.  He believed that any PA announcer should be clear, concise, and correct, which to a fan should be nothing out of the ordinary.  Sheppard would actually be disappointed with many of the announcers that are around in this era across the major leagues (we won't even discuss the NBA as to honor Mr. Sheppard). Here's what he had to say about the state of the announcers a few years ago.

"A P.A. announcer is not a cheerleader, or a circus barker, or a hometown screecher," the epitome of the old-school style once said. "He's a reporter."

Fans can actually credit Sheppard for the correct pronunciation of Hall of Fame center fielder Joe Dimaggio's last name.  Sheppard believed that a "short a" would have been equivalent of nails on a chalk board.


Sheppard attended what was then St. John's College (now University) and was a seven time Varsity athlete.  He was both the College's quarterback as well as the first baseman and his graduating class president.  After graduating he moved on to Columbia University where he earned his master's degree in speech, where he soon became a college professor before leaving for the Yankees.


Players and fans received chills at the beginning of each game when Sheppard would simply greet everyone in the stadium with "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Yankee Stadium."  Once the game began, players would walk as slow as they could to savor every last moment of hearing their named called by the almighty Sheppard.


Reggie Jackson dubbed him "the voice of God" and the nickname stuck, although Sheppard, a devout Catholic did not particularly like the nickname.


Before Sheppard took his extended leave of absence after what was eventually his last game on September 5, 2007, Derek Jeter asked Sheppard to record the introduction that Sheppard did for Jeter, so that he could always walk up to the plate for as long as he was a Yankee. Sheppard agreed to which he said was an honor to have a player of Jeter's calibre request his services.

"One of the greatest compliments I have received in my career of announcing," and wryly added, "The fact that he wanted my voice every time he came to bat is a credit to his good judgment and my humility."

For the record, Sheppard pronounces Jeter's name "Derek Jeet-tah". 


For every championship team that Sheppard was a apart of, he received a championship ring.  This includes countless World Series rings from the Yankees and a Super Bowl Ring for the four world championships with the New York Giants.  


Here is some reaction to the passing of Sheppard from the Yankees and around the world of sports:


Derek Jeter, shortstop:

"Players changed year in and year out, he was the one constant," said Jeter, who will continue to have a recording of Sheppard's voice announce his at-bats.

"Every time you heard it, you got chills," Jeter said of having Sheppard recite his name. "I remember him asking how to pronounce it to make sure he was pronouncing it right."

George Steinbrenner, Yankees owner:

"I am deeply saddened by the death today of Bob Sheppard, a good friend and fine man whose voice set the gold standard for America's sports announcers. For over a half century, fans were thrilled to hear his unforgettable voice and players were thrilled to hear his majestic enunciation of their names. Bob Sheppard was a great member of the Yankees family and his death leaves a lasting silence. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Mary, and their family."

John Mara, New York Giants co-owner:

"Bob Sheppard was the most distinguished and dignified voice in all of professional sports. We are very proud of the fact that he was the voice of the Giants for so many years. Bob was a true gentleman and the consummate professional. There will never be another one like him."

Joe Girardi, Yankees Manager:

"It is extremely sad," Girardi said. "When I think of Bob Sheppard, you think of all the tradition with the Yankees. You think about Ruth and Gehrig and Yogi and Joe D and Mantle and I think you mention Bob Sheppard. That's how important he was to this franchise."

"You realized you hit the big lights when Bob Sheppard announces your name."

As a fan that has grown up in the age of announcers who attempt to hype up the crowd while introducing the players, I wonder what it would have been like growing up in an era with announcers more like Sheppard. I question the announcers who feel the need to hype up the crowd for certain players.  Isn't that just contributing to the player's already enormous ego's?  I'm going to agree with what Sheppard said earlier about how it's his job as a media member to introduce the players.  


Even though Sheppard never slipped on the Pinstriped uniform or wore the royal blue of the Giants, he was a big member of both organizations.  He even has his own monument in the hallowed Monument Park at Yankee Stadium, which is reserved for Yankee greats like Ruth, Mantle and Yogi.


It will be interesting to see how both teams honor the greatest announcer in sports.  I expect the Yankees to add the black armband onto their sleeves when former or current players die.


I'll leave the post with the greatest tweet I saw from the day regarding Sheppard.  It's from ESPN writer J.A. Adande:

"Your attention please. Now ascending to heaven, Number 1, PA announcer, Bob Sheppard. Number 1."

Yanks get back on winning track against Twins

Opponent: Minnesota Twins
Location: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
Yankees overall record: 28-19
Series MVP: Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera
Quote of the series: comes from closer Mariano Rivera on how Pettitte continues to amaze with the way he's pitching this season

“If there is somebody who can get out of a jam like that, it’s Andy,” Mariano Rivera said. “He made the pitches. All of his composure. Getting it done. I’ve seen it over and over.”

The Yankees made their first and only  trip of the regular season to Minnesota and the new Target Field.  Overall the ballpark is beautiful and one of the nicest ballparks around the league.

Leave it to the Yankees however to experience the first weather related delay in Minnesota since the 1970s.

Tuesday night was truly an interesting game.  AJ Burnett was dealing with Minnesota starter Scott Baker through five innings.  After five innings however, mother nature finally decided to punish the Minnesota sports fans.  The clouds opened up and it began down-pouring.  The game was suspended after a two-hour rain delay.

Luckily for Burnett, as the opposing pitcher, if the Yankees found a way to score in the top of the sixth inning, and the team could hold the lead, Burnett would earn the win.

And that's exactly what the Yankees did.  Derek Jeter hit a solo home run in the top of the sixth to score the only run of the game.  He also helped preserve that lead by making one of his patten jump throws in the bottom of the inning on the defensive side of the ball.

Rivera came in to get the save and the Yankees had won their first game since last Friday.

Just a couple hours later, the second game was set to begin.  This time it was Mr. Reliable, Andy Pettitte versus Francisco Cervelli.

Pettitte has continued to work magic by continuing his tremendous start to the season.  I've haven't seen Pettitte this dominant since his first initial few seasons with the Yankees, 15 years ago.  Not only did Pettitte out-duel Lirano for eight innings, he also lowered his ERA, which now sits at a miniscule 2.62.

The team won with a score of 3-2.  The offense was aided by a double from rookie Kevin Russo, a triple from Brett Gardner and the game winning home run from Nick Swisher.

Pettitte's greatest inning of the night came in the seventh when he got Joe Mauer to ground into an inning ending double play, with the bases loaded.  Rivera then came in for his second save of the day, to preserve the lead.

Thursday's game was Javier Vazquez's first time pitching since leaving his start early against the Mets on Friday. Unfortunately, good Javy was left behind in Queens.

Although Vazquez's ability to limit the damage by the opposing team has improved significantly, he  could still work on it.  He only allowed 5 earned runs, and should have been more if not for the spacious conditions in Target Field.

The bullpen gave up three more runs, making the final score 8-2.

Next Up: The Yankees return home once again for a four game series against the last-place Cleveland Indians.

Yanks take two of three from O's

Opponent: Baltimore Orioles
Location: Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD.
Overall Record: 14-7
MVP of the series: Robinson Cano for making plays on both sides of the ball
Quote of the Series: comes from Derek Jeter about how Cano is playing this month.

“He’s in one of those zones right now,” Derek Jeter said. “Every player wants to be in it, but they come few and far between. It seems like everything he’s doing right now is perfect, and he’s playing as well as I’ve ever seen him.”

After a visit with the President, the Yankees got back to do what they have been doing all season. Winning.

The team defeated the Baltimore Orioles two games to three after Thursday's series win.

The series started with the O's earning a victory, just their fourth of the season.  The Yankees were bothered by poor defense, especially late in the game from Jeter and Jorge Posada.  The pair made throwing errors late in the game which allowed the go-ahead runs to score.

Wednesday's game allowed CC Sabathia to get back to the way he was pitching all season.  Sabathia, was lit up by the Angels offense last series.  Luckily, for him, the Orioles are among the leagues worst offensive clubs.  Sabathia pitched into the eighth inning and allowed just two runs.  The team won with a score of 8-3.

Thursday's game belonged to Robinson Cano.  Cano hit two home runs, and made a spectacular play in the field that prevented a run from scoring.  Cano went deep in the hole between second and shirt and made a strong throw to get a speedy runner.  Starter AJ Burnett on television replays could be seen saying "wow".  Cano got a fist bump from Burnett after the inning ended.

Burnett himself pitched phenomenally.    He pitched eight innings and allowed no runs in the teams 4-0 victory.  Mariano Rivera came in and earned the save.

Next Up: The Yankees return home after a week and a half on the road and take on the Chicago White Sox.  The Yankees will have 23 of their next games played in New York, with one series being played at Citi Field against the Mets, once inter-league play begins

-Courtney

Yanks sweep Rangers

Opponent: Texas Rangers

Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
Overall Record: 9-3
Series MVP: Derek Jeter
Honorable Mention: Robinson Cano, CC Sabathia
Quote of the series: comes from first baseman Mark Teixeira who hit his first home run of the season on Sunday

“My teammates have been picking me up so far,” Teixeira said. “Now it’s time for me to start picking them up.”

The New York Yankees are off to their best start since the days of Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.  The Bombers have not won their first four series since 1926.  Their fast start is pretty rare considering how slow of a start the team has had over the past decade.

During Satuday's game, second baseman Robinson Cano and shortstop Derek Jeter became the first Yankee teammates to hit safely in all of their first ten games.  It's quite remarkable given the Yankees history that they were able to set that record.

Friday's game was shortened to six innings due to a large thunderstorm that hit the East Coast.  The Red Sox were forced to suspend their game on Saturday in the ninth inning due to the storm.  Anyways, back to the more important team, Sabathia was remarkable against the Rangers, his lone mistake was giving up a home run.  Catcher Francicso Cervelli claimed Sabathia was in better form then in his start against the Rays where he had a no hitter going into the eighth inning.

Saturday's game brought AJ Burnett back to the mound.  Though he was a bit wild he learned to settle down quickly and gave the Yankees control of the game.  Jeter was actually pulled early from the game in the 7th inning due to what Joe Girardi is calling a "head cold".  Jeter did not play in Sunday's series finale for the same reason.  Girardi claimed the WFAN beat writer Sweeney Murti was the cause of the cold.  The Yanks still won regardless, 7-3.

In Sunday's game, Andy Pettitte returned to the mound.  He continued his amazing start to the season allowing only two runs over 8 innings.  Not too bad for a 39 year old lefty is it?  The offense came to life with Brett Gardner having three infield singles and three stolen bases. The final score was 5-2.

Next Up: The Yankees begin their first west coast trip with a series at the Oakland Athletics

- Courtney

Yanks take series from Angels

Opponent: Los Angeles Angels

Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

Outcome: Yanks win 2-1
Overall Record: 6-3
Series MVP: Phil Hughes
Honorable Mention: Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano
Quote of the Series: comes from Angels DH Hideki Matsui, who made his return to the Bronx for the first time as an opposing player

"I know they're missing one Japanese player from the team," Matsui said, "but they're still a tough team and tougher than ever."

The Yankees played their first series in the Bronx since defeating the Philadelphia  Phillies in the World Series since November.  Championship rings were handed out to the players and staff.  Longtime Yankee trainer Gene Monohan made his first visit with the team this year to receive his ring.  Monohan has been out all season and spring training while battling throat and neck cancer.  He received a warm reception from both the crowd and the players.  Manager Joe Girardi even fought to hold back tears.  As mentioned in a previous post, Matsui received the loudest cheers out of anyone thanks to his MVP performance in the fall classic.  After the pre-game festivities ended, the Yankees continued their winning ways by defeating the Angels 7-5 in game one.

Game two was a different story for the Bombers, who lost 5-3.  Javier Vazquez made his second start of the spring but first in New York since giving up Johnny Damon's epic grand slam in the 2004 ALCS.  Needless to say, Javy was not greeted all too kindly by the crowd.  Vazquez pitched better then in his season debut but was still suffering from a lack of command.  He gave up 4 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings.  He greatly improved from his disastrous debut when he gave up eight runs to Tampa.  The story was more of the Yankees lack of offense then how Vazquez pitched.  The offense was shut out by Angels starting pitcher Joel Pineiro who held them to two runs.

On Jackie Robinson Day (every player wore number 42 as seen in the picture above) the rubber match of the series was surrounded by one question prior to first pitch.  How was Phil Hughes going to pitch in his debut?  The answer you might ask? OUTSTANDING.  Hughes beat out Joba Chamberlain in the spring for the fifth starter role.  This was the first start that Hughes has made all spring.  A major reason Hughes beat out Chamberlain this spring was due to the fact that he had developed a change-up over the winter.  The ironic thing is Hughes only used that pitch about 5 times during Thursday's game because the Angels hit the change-up so well.  He allowed two earned runs (one of those coming off a Matsui bomb), three hits and had six strikeouts.  Quite an impressive season debut if you ask me. The offense of the night was helped by a Robinson Cano home run and double.  Derek Jeter also had his second home run of the series and season.

Up Next: The Yankees take on the Texas Rangers in the Bronx.

Lifelong Yankee(s)?

This picture was taken yesterday on the first day of full squad workouts for the Yankees.  Two iconic Yankees that have won 15 championships between them.  Yogi Berra alone won 10 championships while Derek Jeter has won 5.  These two men are arguably the greatest players in the Yankees rich history.

Yogi spent his entire career with the Yankees.  This included time as catcher, outfielder and then as a player-manager.  He even infamously managed the Yankees in the 1960s and well as for a short two year stint with a very impatient George Steinbrenner firing Berra just 16 games into the 1986 season.  Consequently, Berra was absent from Yankee Stadium until 1999.  Is it really surprising that the Yankees worst years occurred after his firing and in the early '90s? No. There was not enough of Yogi's wisdom to go around all those years to the less then stellar yankees (except for of course, Mr. Don Mattignly.)

Derek Jeter burst onto the scene as a rookie in 1996.  He immediately made an impact winning not only Rookie of the Year but also four championships in five years.  Jeter became an integral part of the organization from that first year.  He is a ten time all star and the winner of numerous silver sluggers as well as gold gloves.  This past season Jeter became the all-time hits leader for the organization and also won his fifth world championship.

Now what will happen if Jeter does not re-sign with the team?  Well for one thing, the Yankees will have one huge PR situation on the hand.  How would they even begin to address the loss of the face of the franchise for the last 15 years?  Not to mention, they will have to deal with Jeter himself.  This could very easily turn into a Bernie Williams situation where Jeter could hold a grudge and not return to the stadium for many, many years.  Jeter stated yesterday in his press conference that this is the only organization he wants to ever play for and everyone knows that's the truth.

So my plea to you Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE resign Jeter.  He is your captain and has served your team and city well.  I will be disappointed and be forced to watch the team without seeing my favorite player take his position at shortstop everyday.

After all, how great would it be for future Yankees down the road to have Jeter around like the current Yankees get to have Yogi every year?

-Courtney

Spring Training Questions

With spring training about to begin on Wednesday, I thought it'd be a good idea to address the biggest questions facing the Yankees.

Question #1: Who will be the fifth starter? 
Right now the competition is boiling down to Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes.

Advantage: Chamberlain.
My biggest hope is that Hughes will somehow beat out Joba. Hughes is a more mature in every aspect when it comes to competing. Joba has not developed a thick enough skin to pitch in New York and he still hasn't learned how to pitch out of trouble without throwing what seems like a million pitches in an inning. Thus only being able to carry the team for five or six innings before forcing Girardi to call on a reliever.
Hughes proved to be valuable last season coming out of the bullpen late in the game. But with his fastball and nasty splitter (which has been compared to Roger Clemens in the past), Phil is more valuable to the team starting every fifth day and not coming out for an inning or for five outs.  Then again, Mariano Rivera is the one player the Yankees can no afford to lose and he only pitches an inning every other day so I could be wrong.

Question #2: The third outfielder goes to ________?
Even though Johnny Damon has not officially signed with another team yet, I've accepted the fact that he sadly will no longer be apart of the 2010 Yankees.  The leading candidates to join Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson in the outfield are Brett Gardner, Randy Winn, and Marcus Thames.

I'm going to go with Gardner winning the spot.  He is clearly the best defender out of the bunch and I think that's what earns him the starting role.  Now if it's left field or center field will be up to Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman.  The only ailment that Gardner will face will be his bat.  He's already been down at the minor league complex in Tampa working on his bunting and other skills with the bat.
I'm pulling for Gardner.  He's a generally good person and deserves this job after the hardships he went through last year from his reduced playing time, to breaking his hand.  But in the end defense will help you when ball games.  If he can't hit, he's got eight others guys in front of him that can help.

Question #3: How will the Derek Jeter contract situation be played out?
We all know that Derek Jeter is playing in the final year of his 10-year $189 million contract.  Everyone knows that Jeter will re-sign with the Yankees (at least I hope and pray he does) but the question is will ownership and Cashman see eye to eye with Jeter and his agent?  I hope so. Fans have already been through one nasty divorce with Joe Torre.  I personally can not take another one.
Jeter's value goes far beyond what he does on the field.  He's an excellent leader and has never been in trouble or cause drama, which is an accomplishment itself after playing for 15 years in New York.  It will be interesting to see if Jeter's contract will be worth more then Alex Rodriguez's.
I wish the front office would just get the contract done early and reward him for what has been done.
Remember this, Jeter has been shortstop in New York for the last 15 years.  Where have the other "trinity of shortstops" gone?  Nomar Garciaparra is now trying to find a team, lingering from position to position and too often injured.  The other member?  Rodriguez, is of course Jeter's teammate and plays third base.

End Note: It was officially announced today by the Yankees that head trainer Gene Monahan will miss all of spring training and the possibly the beginning of the regular season due to a severe illness.  This will be the first time in 27 years that Monahan will not be attending camp.  Let's hope for a speedy recovery to him and we're looking forward to seeing you back on the field Gene!

- Courtney 

Sportsman of the Year

Derek Jeter was named SI's Sportsman of the Year. This is the first time Jeter has earned the honor. He's actually the first Yankee to ever be named the sportsman of the year. Jeter had another phenomonal year, finishing third in MVP voting, winning the gold glove, silver slugger and of course the biggest accomplishment of all, winning the 2009 World Series. Jeter of course would put aside the personal accolades for earning his fifth ring. It was refreshing not to hear him say the season was a failure for not winning the world series.

Jeter himself was thrilled to be the winner of the award. He most likely beat out the likes of Florida QB Tim Tebow and the Los Angeles Laker's Kobe Bryant.

Remember 2009 was the year of Jeter in the world of baseball.