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2010 NY Yankees Spring Training: Five Most Impressive »
The New York Yankees are usually one of the teams where most, if not all, the 25-man roster spots are already accounted. But, as is the case with a team based in New York, the hype does follow the younger players. Many times this hype is unwarranted. In the case of these young Yankee players, it might be justified. This list is not predicated [...]
New York Yankees: Complacency Is Not on the Menu for »
I have read a boatload of preview articles for the 2010 season, plus many articles on the 2010 Derek Jeter-led New York Yankees and their attempt to be the first team to repeat as World Series Champions since, well...the Jeter-led Yankees of a decade ago. Most pundits agree that the New York Yankees have the best team in baseball and, coming off a [...]
Robinson Cano Will Reach 110 RBI While Hitting Eighth »
Since the late 1990's dynasty years, and well before high walk totals and high on base percentages were fashionable, the New York Yankees lineup was known as a patient group, working the pitcher to drive pitch counts up and getting to the opponents bullpen early. Often they would get to the bullpen by the fifth, sixth, or seventh [...]
2010 MLB New Stars: Mark Melancon Deserves Job Even »
One of the clichés you hear in the weeks preceding the opening of spring training camps is that "competition brings out the best in players." Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman both have said that during the last month. In fact, here is what Girardi said just yesterday: “I expect guys to pitch at a very high level. Will statistics play 100 [...]
Derek Jeter Should Be Signed By Yankees for 10 More »
One of the biggest storylines this spring training perpetuated by the media for the New York Yankees will not be who hits in the No. 2 spot (it should be Curtis Granderson) or who will be the no. 5 starter (although that should be Joba Chamberlain). The biggest storyline will be the inevitable re-signing of Yankee icon, future first ballot [...]
Javier Vazquez Trade Looks Like a Good One, but There »
Everybody seems to love the New York Yankees trade with the Atlanta Braves for Javier Vazquez. The Yankees traded OF Melky Cabrera, LHP Michael Dunn and Low-Low A (although highly rated) pitcher Arodys Vizcaino to get the former Yankee right handed pitcher. I am always a little wary when too many people love things at the same time. When too many [...]
Johnny Damon May Have Overplayed His Hand, and Could »
I thought he was better than this. I thought that this time it would be more about the team, more about the fans, and more about the prestige of putting on the Yankee Pinstripes. I was wrong. With Johnny Damon, no matter what he said in November after helping the Yankees win the World Series, it is still only about the money. And that is just [...]
Johnny Damon Needs the New York Yankees More Than They »
While every one now is pondering why Roy Halladay is needed on the Yankees (he isn't), I want to focus on the first important deal that Brian Cashman will attempt to get done. After Johnny Damon finally helped the New York Yankees back to the World Series, and winning their first title since 2001, he is a free agent again. And every time [...]
Heroes and Goats: Notes on Game Four of the 2009 World »
Johnny Damon and Alex Rodriguez provided the heroics for the Yankees in their 8-5 win Sunday night in Game Four of the 2009 World Series, but when there are heroes in the game of baseball, there also must be goats. Unlike other sports, baseball is mostly a zero sum game. If a pitcher gets a really big (or final) out, then the hitter didn't "come [...]
Alex Rodriguez Must Adjust His Hitting Approach »
An in-game analysis of Alex Rodriguez hitting approach: In the second inning of tonight's game, Alex was hit in the upper back by a pitch from Joe Blanton. It was the third time in the last five at-bats Rodriguez was hit by a pitch. After a conference between the umpires, they decided stupidly to warn both benches about retaliation. Alex [...]