Yankees First Spring Training Game

The Yankees looked good in their first game of spring training as the defending champs beat the Pirates by a score of 6-3. Its nice to see the guys back on the field and the Yankees showed some good pitching on Wednesday. The bats came alive late in the game and one pleasant surprise was Nick Johnson who started a Yankee rally late and helped them get the win.
Spring Training games are never about who wins or loses but it is always nice to get that first W as the season officially begins.

A-Rod Leaves a Big Stain on The Yankee Legacy With His Latest Contreversy

This is the article I wrote on Bleacher Report about the Alex Rodriguez steroid controversy:

Another dark day in the history of the Yankees, the greatest franchise in the history of team sports. Since October of 2003, the Yankee ship has been sinking into the dark waters of the Hudson River. After losing the World Series in 2003 to the Marlins, it seemed like a great run in the Bronx was finally over. On February 15, 2004, the Rangers traded Rodriguez to the New York Yankees for second baseman Alfonso Soriano and it seemed like the Yankees were bound to make another run at the title in 2004.
Them, a new face showed up in town. The greatest talent to ever take the baseball field, and he went by the name of Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod was the best all around player in the game and he made the move from shortstop to third base just to fit the Yankee need in hope for a championship ring.
However, the Yankee ship kept on sinking as they suffered the worst postseason collapse in the history of baseball losing four in a row to the Red Sox after leading 3-0 in the ALCS.
The Yankee ship kept on sinking as they lost in the first round of the playoffs in 2005 to the Angels, in 2006 to the Tigers and in 2007 to the Indians. Joe Torre was fired after the 2007 season and it was officially the end of an era in the Bronx.
2008 was another painful year and the Yankees did not make the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.
This offseason seemed to be perfect as the Yankees picked up three of the best free agents on the market in Marx Teixeira, C.C Sabathia, and A.J Burnett. Yankee fans had their hopes up once again and all focus was on a championship.
The positive thoughts were terminated by Joe Torre’s book which came out just a few days ago and in it laid several criticisms of the game’s best player, Alex Rodriguez. Torre said that A-Rod was referred to as “A-Fraud” when he was struggling and he had a hard time connecting with the players in the Yankee clubhouse. This was the second of two controversies for Alex Rodriguez this offseason with the first being his scandal with Madonna.
Today however, the Yankee ship hit rock bottom as Alex Rodriguez got back on the national spectrum with yet another bothersome outrage. Sports Illustrated released a report earlier this morning that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for two different steroids in 2003. The seemingly perfect Yankee offseason suffered a major hit today and this might be the start of the biggest controversy in major league history.
Yes, it is going to be bigger than the Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens controversies. After all, this is A-Rod we are talking about, the most talented player to ever play the game of baseball. Everyone associated with baseball wanted this guy to break the record currently held by Barry Bonds. He was the "clean" guy who kept the integrity of the game alive as long as he was on the field. However, countless numbers of controversies have haunted this guy over the last few seasons. Spring trainings have been the outlet for the Alex Rodriguez soap opera.
Rodriguez will eventually break the all time home run record if his pace is not slowed down by injuries or a lack of emotional capacity for his latest saga. He was notified about this positive test following 2003 and was also notified about the report that would magnify his stature to a whole new level. A-Rod however, chose not to do anything and it is apparent that he is unable to deny these allegations because even in his mind, they are true.
All Yankee fans can do is hope that this will not affect the team in any way and that the now blemished offseason will be enough to lead them back to the promised land in the new Yankee Stadium, a place that has yet to be inhabited by the Yankee soap opera.
Here is another ESPN video:


Courtesy of ESPN

A-Rod Busted for Steroids

Sports Illustrated released a report earlier this morning that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003. The seemingly perfect Yankee offseason suffered a major hit today and this might be the start of the biggest controversy in major league history. Yes, it is going to be bigger than the Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens controversies. After all, this is A-Rod we are talking about, the most talented player to ever play the game of baseball. Everyone associated with baseball wanted this guy to break the record currently held by Barry Bonds. He was the "clean" guy who kept the integrity of the game alive as long as he was on the field. However, countless numbers of controversies have haunted this guy over the last few season. Spring trainings have been the outlet for the Alex Rodriguez soap opera and the saga was reaching a new high with Joe Torre's latest release. All Yankee fans can do is hope that this will not effect the team in any way and that the now blemished offseason will be enough to lead them back to the promised land in the new Yankee Stadium, a place that has yet to be inhabited by the Yankee soap opera.



Courtesy of ESPN

Podcast: The Tomer Talmy Show

This is the latest episode of The Tomer Talmy Show from November 1st:

http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/yankeetomer-the-tomer-talmy-show-the-tomer-talmy-show-11108

Podcast: Inside the Yankees #12

Here is the link for the latest episode of the Inside the Yankees podcast. In this episode I previewed about the Yankees offseason.

http://www.mevio.com/shows/?sId=18559&mId=5527143

Offseason Preview: Yankees

Although they won close to 90 games this past season, the Yankees played a brand of baseball that was very different from years past. Because of the recent failure in the playoffs and the october-less season under Joe Girardi, many fans are calling for a big offseason. Although I agree on the fact that giving up young players for aging veterans is not always the way to go, the Yankees need to improve vastly to contend after moving across the street in the Bronx. This season marked an end to an era in the old Yankee Stadium and next year will be a new begining, with what I think will be, a new team. Here is the offseason that I propose for the Yankees. These moves will be very costly but will put the Yankees in great position going into next season.
C-Posada 1B-Giambi 2B-Cano SS-Jeter 3B-A-Rod RF-Nady CF-Cameron LF-Ramirez DH-Damon
I think the Yankees should bring in Mike Cameron because he is not too costly but efficient. Manny Ramirez has to be signed at any cost. He is a vveteran rigty hitter witha ton of power and the Yankees lacked that for most of 2008. People forget the offensive problems early in the season and the Yankees lacked offensive production throughout 2008. Manny Ramirez has to be part of this team even with his age and expensive price tag.
Rotation
1.Sabathia 2.Wang 3.Pettitte 4.Mussina/Perez 5.Hughes
I think the Yankees have ot bring in C.C Sabathia at any cost. After making a mistae on Johan Santana last season, the Yankees can not miss out on this opportunity to get a premire starter at the top of the rotation. Since the golden age of Roger Clemens at the top of the rotation, the Yankees have laced a premire starter. Sabathia is a can’t miss and the Yankees have to pursue him. Assuming Mussina retires I think the Yankees should consider bringing in Oliver Perez. He has experience in New York and if eh could become more consistent he will be a top 15 mlb pitcher. In my opinion Pettitte will come back for one more season in the new stadium.
Bullpen CL-Rivera SU-Chamberlain MR-Cordero MR-Bruney MR-Veras MR-Ramirez
I think the Yankees should bring in Chad Cordero as a middle reliever. He is available through free agency and has shown some sparks of greatness in Washington. He will not cost a lot of money and is not that great of a risk.

Yankees Win Thriller in Minesota

The Yankees pulled out a huge victory last night as they beat the Twins by a final score of 9-6 in the 12th inning. The Yankees had the lead in the late innings and Mike Mussina gave them another solid outing but Mariano Rivera blew his first save of the season, allowing a three-run home run to Delmon Young in the ninth. Alex Rodriguez gave the Yankees the lead with a solo shot to center field in the 12th. Xavier Nady added another bomb to help the Yankees win. Jose Veras was great out of the bullpen and the struggles appear to be over for him. The Yankees will play another game today as they take on the Twins in the rubber game at 1:05.

A-Rod watches his game-winning home run fly over the seat in center.

Other Notes:
-The Red Sox won a thrilling game at Fenway 19-16. The Red Sox were up 10-0 at the end of the first but came back late to win it. The Red Sox have a 5 game lead on the Yankees in the Wild Card but the Yankees did gain a game on the Rays who lost last night in Oakland.
-Be sure to check our Inside The Yankees podcast for more information on the Yankees and opinions about the current road trip.

Yankees Get Pudge

The Yankees have acquired 36 year old catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez in a two player deal with the Detroit Tigers. The Yankees traded RHP Kyle Farnsworth in exchange for Rodriguez who is hitting .295 with 5 home runs this season. Although this move weakens the Yankees strong bullpen, it gives them a bat at the catcher spot and a stacked lineup that will look like this:
DH Damon
SS Jeter
RF Abreu
3B A. Rodriguez
1B Giambi
2B Cano
LF Nady
C I. Rodriguez
CF M. Cabrera
The Yankees will likely call up Brian Bruney who was a surprisingly good performer early in the season before getting hurt. Bruney will help the bullpen as pitchers like Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez will take on larger roles in Farnsworth's absence.

Great Day for the Yankees in Boston

The Yankees had one of their best days all season last night as they beat the Red Sox 1-0 behind Joba and made a huge trade with Pittsburgh. The Yankees won 1-0 last night at Fenway to take game one and go within tow games of the Red Sox in the wild card race. The Yankees rode the great pitching of Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera to go to a season high 12 games over .500. The Yankees also made a big trade last night with the Pirates to get LF Xavier Nady and LHP Damaso Marte in exchange for OF Jose Tabata, and right handers Dan Mccutchen, Ross Ohelndorf and Jeff Karstens. Tabata has great potential but he has struggled so far this season. The Yankees took care of their need in left field that was vacated by Matsui's injury and the Yankees bolstered their bullpen by getting Marte. The Yankees will play against the Red Sox on saturday a 3:55 on FOX with Andy Pettitte matching up against knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.

Yankees Win Their Sixth Game in a Row

The Yankees finished off their second straight sweep last night as they beat the Twins 5-1. The Yankees have had great pitching from their starters following the all-star break. Mike Mussina came up big for the Yanks last night as he pitched eight innings of scoreless baseball to get his major league high tieing 13th win. The Yankees will play again on Friday against the Red Sox as Joba Chamberlain goes against Josh Beckett.

Yankees Lose Game 1 in Pittsburgh

The Yankees pitching did not come through last night as the Yankees lost their first game against the Pirates. The Yankees sent Darell Rasner to the mound and he was not effective. The Yankees will come back out there tonight and try to win their first game ever in PNC park.

Yankees Win Game 1 In Huston

Joba Chamberlain finally goes deep into the game as the Yankees win the first game in Huston against the Astros. The Yankees took the game by a final score of 2-1. Joba Chamberlain had a great outing for the Yanks and he finally went deep into the game. Joba went 6 innings giving up only one earned run on 88 pitches. Joba will have no pitch limit in his next start on Thursday and he is officially a member of the rotation. Derek Jeter was the main producer on the offensive side as he gave the Yankees the lead with a home run in the eight inning. The Yankees will take on Huston at 7:05 tonight as they try to take the second game with Mike Mussina on the mound.

Yanks Take Series in Oakland

The Yankees took game 3 in Oakland last night and therefore, won the series taking tow out of three from the Athletics. The Yankees saw some great pitching from Andy Pettitte as he went eight innings giving up only one earned run. The Yankees head to Huston tonight and Joba Chamberlain will make his third start. Joba could reach the mid nighties with his pitch count so the Yankees are hoping for length. This is the first road game in interleague play for the Yankees so we will finally see the pitchers hit.

Podcast

Hey Guys,
I have some great news and I want to share it on this blog. I have a new podcast named "Inside The Yankees" and I will be airing at least once every week. The podcast is available at:
http://insidetheyankees.mevio.com/ and you can find everything you want about the Yankees in this podcast. This blog will be updated frequently and will accompany the podcast. Thank you for your support and hopefully you will enjoy both the podcast and blog.

Shelly Duncan and the Yanks Retaliate

Shelly Duncan along with the rest of the Yankees retaliated for the unsportsmanlike behavior shown by the Tampa Bay Rays last week. Shelly Duncan slid with his spikes high into second base as Iwamura, a third baseman of the Rays was covering second. Joe Girardi said that he will have to see the replay to make his decision on the status of the play. It was pretty obvious that Shelly Duncan was retaliating against the Rays for running into Cerevilly, a young Yankee catcher last week. Decide for yourselves here is the video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...01899284&hl=en

Yankees Bats Shine As Yankees Beat Phillies in Opener

The Yankees bats came alive in Clearwater, Florida as the Yankees beat the Phillies by the final score of 9-3. The Yankees' Shelly Duncan, Alex Rodriguez, Jesus Montero and Wilson Betemit. The Yankees got their Grapefruit League action going with Chien-Ming Wang as the starter. Wang dealt two scoreless innings and gave up only one hit. Shelly Duncan had a great day at the plate as he finished with one home run, a double and 5 RBI's. Shelly is competing for the first base job with Jason Giambi and he definitely got his season off to a good start. The Yankees will play tomorrow in their first home game at George M. Steinbrenner Field tomorrow at 1:00 PM on YES.
Here is a picture of Wang from today's game:

Getting Ready For First Game

Spring training is already in full swing and the Yankees are getting themselves in shape for the season. On Sunday at 1:00 PM the Yankees will play their first spring training game against the Phillies in George M. Steinbrenner field. It will be the first opportunity to see the Yankees in live action and they will wear their home pinstriped jerseys in the annual spring training opener. On February 29th, the Yankees will play USF and the pitchers that will likely pitch in that game are:
Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy , Alan Horne, Jeff Marquez, Scott Strickland,Kei Igawa.

A-Rod: "Jeter is going to have an MVP season"

In an interview today, Alex Rodriguez said that Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu are going to have monster season for the Yankees. The Yankee slugger entered his second day of work with the Yankees today and he looks like he is in great shape. The whole team is still whining about the amount of running they have had to do this spring. In my opinion it is very important to get a baseball team in shape for the season. Most managers do not do much to get the players in shape and I compliment Girardi for starting out the season by getting the players in shape. The only spot up for grabs so far is the first base slot but the bullpen is also a very big question mark for the Yankees going into the season. It was photo day today at spring training and the players took pictures wearing their uniforms. Here are a few pictures taken today at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

New Episode In the A-Rod Soap Opera

Yes, A-Rod is once again in the news for a comment he made to the media. When arriving yesterday at Yankees Camp, Alex Rodriguez sat to talk with the media and he answered several questions concerning performance enhancing drugs. He said that he was tested nine or ten times for PEDs trying to compliment the MLB's drug testing system. If taken literally this could mean that A-Rod was tested many times because he tested positive for something. Usually a player gets tested once in spring training and one during the season. A-Rod and the Yankees issued a statement that said A-Rod exaggerated when complimenting the MLB's drug testing system.

Damon Considered Retierment

At the start of the 2007 season as Johnny Damon was struggling and did not get as much playing time, Damon said he considered retirement. Damon said that he was not having fun playing the game and he considered retiring early. Damon said that in the second half of the season he regained his love for baseball and that he is ready for this season. Damon arrived to camp in great shape and Girardi said he wants to make him the everyday left fielder.