Goodbye Johnny! I'll Miss You!!!

With yesterday's news of the Yankees signing Randy Winn to play the vacant spot in the outfield (no offense Brett Gardner), millions of fans hearts broke, including mine. 


I'll be the first to admit that I was never a fan of the original Johnny Damon back in 2006.  In fact I was down right mad that Brian Cashman had the nerve to sign the hated Damon of the Red Sox.  I thought he was arrogant, plain right disgusting with the Caveman look, and very full of himself. 


That all changed when he began playing for my precious Yankees. (Plus, let's be honest, the haircut helped too). 

Damon was one of the most selfless players to play for the Yankees over the past four years.  He brought laughter to a clubhouse that was once too business like and provided some of the best sound bites that reporters could often not print if they wanted to still have a job. 


Let's face it too, the New Yankee Stadium absolutely loved Johnny too.  His swing was perfect for a home run to right.  He provided us with so many walk off wins with that ugly left handed swing of yours, the fans of the Yankees will truly truly miss you. 


We'll always remember your hustle play during the World Series, and there's a distinct possibility you single handily won  that game.  


I do wish you well Johnny, wherever you end up.  I pray for the Yankees sake that it's not in the AL East, because no one wants to battle you for 19 games in the season.  


We all know you'll be coming out seeking revenge against the Yankees.  But, just think for a moment.  Maybe you should be lashing out against Scott Boras.  


I mean really, how many of his "superstars" has he screwed over recently? 


Call up your buddy Alex Rodriguez, Johnny.  Listen to him for once, he actually knows how to handle the diva that is Boras. 


- Courtney 


P.S. I promise you'll receive a better reception in New York your first time back then in Boston :) 

Yankees Offseason Update

Well with the New York Giants unable to continue its streak of postseason appearances I figured it was time to write about the Yankees and their offseason thus far.

The Yankees have made several trades in both adding and subtracting from last season's world champion roster. I'll go over a few of the trades and/or signings that have occurred.

1. The trade for Curtis Granderson.

The Yankees traded a few relievers and prospects to get outfielder Curtis Granderson in a three team blockbuster in order to improve their starting outfield during the Winter Meetings for the General Managers.  The Detroit Tigers traded Granderson for relievers Phil Coke and minor leaguer Austin Jackson, one of the highest rated prospects in the Yankees organization.  The Diamondbacks received Yankees starting pitcher Ian Kennedy and Tigers pitcher Edwin Jackson for two minor leaguers that went to the Tigers.  

Granderson will wear #14 for the Yankees because Joe Girardi will change his number from 27 to 28 in order to reinforce the Yankees goals of winning another championship.  Granderson was introduced to the media on December 17th.  He will not only bring major league experience to the outfield with his bat and glove but he'll also be a great edition to the New York area.  He is very involved with charities and intends on expanding his personal charity, "Grand Kids" foundation to the area.

2. Yankees trade for Javier Vazquez 
When Brian Cashman made this trade on December 22, I was at first very disappointed with him.   Although Vazquez had a relatively successful first stint in New York I am forever scarred of his performance in game seven of the 2004 ALCS, the series otherwise known as the most epic fail in sports history.  But after rethinking the deal, I realized Cashman made a very smart decision.  Javy has been one of the most reliable pitchers over the last five years, and gained his confidence back after becoming  the ace of the Atlanta Braves staff this past season.  The Yankees did not have to give up too much to get Vazquez either.  They traded under-achieving outfielder Melky Cabrera, reliever Mike Dunn and a pitching prospect to Atlanta and got back Vazquez as well as reliever Boone Logan, who is expected to take the vacated position of set up man Phil Coke. Vazquez should be the third or fourth starter for Girardi in the rotation, a low pressure situation compared to his last go around in New York. 


3. Yankees sign 1b/DH Nick Johnson
Another former Yankee returned to the Bronx this winter.  This was my least favorite signing thus far in the offseason.  Living outside of the DC Metro area, I experienced first hand Nick Johnson and how often he was injured for the Washington Nationals and how much money he was still making while on the DL.  Johnson missed almost two seasons after a freak accident while playing the New York Mets when he ran into former teammate Austin Kearns and broke his femur in 2006.  He made $5.5 million while rehabilitating the entire 2007 season.  Johnson was traded from the Nationals in the middle of the 2009 season to the Marlins.  Two good things about the Johnson trade.  The short porch in right field should allow his home run total to go up and we never have to see his awful beard ever again thanks to the Yankees no facial hair policy. 
However, by signing Johnson the Yankees essentially ended all hope of resigning OF/DH Johnny Damon. 


4. Yankees re-sign free agent pitcher Andy Pettitte
Almost everyone in Yankee nation knew this was going to happen even if Pettitte didn't know it himself yet.  This signing was the one of the most important signings the Yankees made over the offseason because Cashman re-solidified the starting rotation by keeping everyone from last season's powerful rotation and with the addition of Vazquez .  


5. Trade of Brian Bruney to the Nationals for Jamie Hoffmann (rule 5) 
The Yankees essentially dumped Bruney on the Nationals after a disappointing season filled with injury and an inflated ERA. In retun the Yankees received OF Hoffmann from the Nationals, a rule 5 pick.  It will be interesting to see if  Hoffmann is kept on the active roster throughout the season or if he'll be returned to the Nationals midway through the season.  The trade will be good for the Nats who desperately need relief pitching and is just a dumping of Bruney for the Yankees. 


Finally the only other topic I'd like to touch on is the Johnny Damon issue.
I personally am still hoping that Damon will return to the Yankees but my hopes are dwindling as the days continue to pass in January.  Damon thinks he should receive a two year contract worth $13 million a year.  Damon is well past his days of making that much money and the sooner him and his super agent,  Scott Boras realize that, the better.  For now, the Yankees are planning on moving on and saying Brett Gardner will be the starting LF and Johnson the starting DH.  But Cashman we've heard your bluff before, back in 2006 when you said Bubba Crosby was going to be the starting CF and you went out and brought Damon in.  For the sake of the Yankees clubhouse, I really hope Damon comes back.  He keeps the clubhouse loose and with the help of AJ Burnett last year, made the Yankees feel like a team on and off the field for the first time since the Dynasty Years.  Lord knows, we could all use another dynasty. 


That's it for now. Check back in soon!
Courtney 

Game 5 ALCS

Lineup courtesy of yankees.lhblogs.com

YANKEES
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF
Jose Molina C

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (0-0, 2.19 ERA in postseason)

ANGELS
Chone Figgins 3B
Bobby Abreu RF
Torii Hunter CF
Vladimir Guerrero DH
Kendry Morales 1B
Maicer Izturis 2B
Juan Rivera LF
Jeff Mathis C
Erick Aybar SS

Pitching: RHP John Lackey (1-1, 1.38 ERA in postseason)

AJ Burnett was absolutely awful the first inning. He gave up 4 runs before even getting an out in the inning. He has since settled down but the Yankees have not been able to get anything off of John Lackey, the Angels starter. Unless the Yanks get on a hot streak and tear through the bullpen, it looks like we'll be playing game 6 in the Bronx on Saturday.

Yanks lone bright spot for Sports Weekend.

The New York Yankees were the only team that came out victorious this weekend. This entire weekend has served the bombers well. They took a 2-0 ALCS lead following a 13 inning 4-3 lead over the Angels that ended early this morning. The game took over 5 hours to play. The two teams now switch coasts to L.A. where Game 3 will resume tomorrow afternoon.

The Virginia Tech Hokies were manhandled by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Saturday night. The offense ran all over, the once 4th ranked Hokies. Bud Foster will definitely have a sour taste in his mouth going into the bi-week before the Hokies take on UNC, a nationally broadcasted game on ESPN on the 29th. The Hokies loss did not come without consequences. Going into the game, they were ranked #4 in the AP Poll and had a legitimate shot at having a good ranking in the BCS. After today's rankings were released, the Hokies are now #15 in the AP Poll and #14 in the BCS, thus ending any slim chance for the national title.

The Giants simply did not show up today to play. The defense got their behind kicked against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Brees continued his offensive domination and did not make the Giants look like the former undefeated team that they were coming into the game. The Giants will certainly have to make improvements on the defense before their next game. They will also need to keep an eye out for the Saints, as this could be another potential match up in the NFC championship game.

YANKEES SWEEP THE TWINS

The New York Yankees completed a sweep against the Minnesota Twins Sunday night. Former Yankee, Carl Pavano took the loss after giving up consecutive home runs to Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada. The Yankees scored two more runs in the ninth following yet another baserunning blunder from the Twins.

The Yankees can thank a resurgent Rodriguez for winning the series. Arod provided a majority of the RBI's needed to surpass the Twins.

Now the Yankees are going to see an even more talented club in the Los Angeles Angels when the ALCS begins on Friday.

Twins vs. Yankees

After an epic game that lasted 12 innings between the Tigers and Twins, it was determined the Yankees will play the Minnesota Twins tomorrow in the Bronx. Since the Yankees chose playoff scenario A, the teams will have a day off between Games 1 & 2. First pitch is scheduled for 6:07 tomorrow evening, as the Yanks-Twins game is the sandwiched of three games on TBS tomorrow.

The Yankees were 7-0 against the Twins in the regular season. The Yankees will also have the advantage of the Twins arriving in New York late as it's almost 10 pm and the game just completed. Expect the Twins to arrive early tomorrow morning, although the team may have enough adrenaline to make it through the one game. But they do have to face the 6'7 CC Sabathia tomorrow to welcome them to the lovely city of New York. I just hope Carl Pavano can get into the series so his former teammates can "thank" him for all his hard work that he did in New York. Oh wait they might catch Pavano syndrome and have a mysterious injury.

Key Players for the series:

1. Joe Mauer - the leading AL MVP candidate is not only an offensive threat but an outstanding defensive catcher.

2. Alex Rodriguez - Has he proven he's over his October woes or will it continue to haunt him?

3. A.J. Burnett - Will the good or evil A.J. show up?

4. Robinson Cano - Hopefully he remembers how to hit with runners in scoring position.

5. Andy Pettitte- Will his fatigued shoulder be able to hold up for potentially three weeks?

This should be an entertaining series.

Prediction: Yankees in 4

Postseason time in the Bronx...

It's so nice to see the playoffs logo back in the Bronx following last year's hiatus from meaningful October baseball!

Great Day for the Yanks & GMen

The New York Yankees finished off the regular season with a win against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees scored 10 runs in the sixth inning. Alex Rodriguez, had 7 of those RBI's thanks to two homers, one of them a grand slam. Arod became the first player in American League History to have 7 RBI's in one inning. Is Arod preparing for an October where he will finally produce?? One can only hope. AJ Burnett backed up his past few performances with a strong start to conclude the regular season.. Burnett allowed 2 runs ( 1 earned) over five innings. But what may have overshadowed Burnett's start was Joba Chamberlain. Chamberlain had one perfect inning, and his fastball was clocked at 95. When will Joba's postseason fate be determined? Will he be left off the roster or used as a reliever in the ALDS and a possible starter in the LCS if the team makes it that far?? Can he be trusted as a reliever? We'll only know probably as soon as the Yankees know which team they will be playing in the LDS. The Tiger and Twins will play a one game playoff on Tuesday. It is then that the Yankees will determine which playoff scenario they will chose. All signs point to that they will indeed pick Option A, with more day offs scheduled. Look for an updated postseason post on Tuesday.

The Giants continued their perfect start to the season with a commanding 27-16 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Eli Manning threw for 292 yards with 3 touchdowns and 2 interception. His favorite receiver of the game was Steve Smith. Smith caught 11 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. The only concern the Giants have is Manning's health. Manning hurt his heal and had to come out of the game. Manning was seen on the bench with a trainer, getting his heal taped up. David Carr replaced Manning. Manning does expect to play next week, however.