Results tagged ‘ A-Rod ’
And The Winner Is…Me!…
Another wager, another victory!…
Yet again, my friend, Julia of Julia’s Rants, came up on the short end of our latest wager. After starting last year 0-8 against Boston, I was starting to wonder if the Yankees would ever beat the Red Sox. Since then, the Yankees have dominated the series. Regardless of the outcome of tonight’s game, the Yankees will have captured another series. Since the beginning of the season, the Yankees have only lost one series (versus the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim).
Saturday, in a nationally televised game, the Yankees beat the Red Sox 14-3. The game featured three home runs by first baseman Mark Teixeira (although I temper that somewhat by the fact that the last home run was off outfielder Jonathan Van Every who was brought in to save the arms in the pen).
Matthew Cavanaugh/EPA
CC Sabathia missed picking up the win by one out. While facing Victor Martinez, who could have been the third out of the inning, the game was interrupted by a rain delay that ended the night for CC. When the game resumed, Alfredo Aceves was on the mound and it was he who picked up the win.
Sipkin/Daily News
The game marked several historic achievements. Teixeira is the first Yankee since Lou Gehrig in 1927 to hit at least three home runs in one game against the Red Sox. Also, catcher Francisco Cervelli, filling in for Jorge Posada, had 5 RBI’s, something that hasn’t been done by a Yankees catcher since the days of Yogi Berra.
Today, history was made in Oakland when pitcher Dallas Braden threw the first perfect game in A’s history since Jim “Catfish” Hunter did it in 1968. Given that I credit Catfish Hunter for being a Yankees fan (I rooted for the A’s as a child until Hunter signed with the Yankees as a free agent in 1974), it was rather bittersweet to see his A’s record matched by, of all people, Dallas Braden. Braden, president of the Anti A-Rod Club or so it seems, nearly walked the final batter as he worked a 3-1 count but a ground-out upheld the gem. The victory was especially sweet since it came against the AL East leading Tampa Bay Rays. It was rather ironic that Braden would help the man he bitterly opposes. For the record, I was on Braden’s side of his beef with A-Rod, but Braden does need to let it go (as he made further comments about it this week). Nevertheless, congratulations to Braden for a very fine performance.
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
The San Jose Sharks finally overcame their nemesis and advanced to the Western Conference Finals with a 2-1 Game 5 victory against the Detroit Red Wings. First or second round failures have become commonplace for the Sharks in recent years so hopefully the team has shaken its demons and is a collision course with the Stanley Cup. The team now awaits the winner of the Chicago Blackhawks-Vancouver Canucks series (Chicago leads 3 games to 2).
Josie Lepe/Mercury News
Back to the Yankees, they weren’t so fortunate in Boston tonight as Jon Lester was on his game and A.J. Burnett wasn’t. A.J. gave up 9 runs in 4 1/3 innings (8 earned), meanwhile, Lester went 7 innings and only gave up 4 hits and 2 runs, while striking out 7.
Bill Greene/Globe Staff
So, congratulations to Julia for her victories today (the Celtics also won), and she was right, the Red Sox avoided the sweep. But still the wager victory is mine and the series win goes to the Yankees, so until we meet again Julia! By the way, don’t you have some shopping to do?….
The Monday Night Massacre…
Somehow I knew that tonight spelled disaster with Chien-Ming Wang on the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays’ Scott Kazmir. Wang hasn’t been right for some time, and I was fearful that he’d crater in tonight’s performance…and he did…and then some…
This might be the worst Yankees performance that I’ve ever seen…well, Game 6 of the 2001 World Series was pretty bad, but still… Wang gave up a total of eight runs in one inning plus, and has a lofty ERA of 28.93.
I wonder if Brett Tomko would have given up that grand slam to Carlos Pena? Hey, it’s easy to second guess when you’re a fan!
The final score was Rays 15, Yankees 5. The 9th inning included a pitching stint by Nick Swisher, who had one of the better pitching lines of the night.
The Yankees played like little leaguers…
So, how much longer until A-Rod is ready to return? They really need to do something about third base. Cody Ransom is not the answer. Try Ramiro Pena, try Justin Leone, try Eric Duncan, try the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, but Ransom’s got to go…
What can you say with a game like this? It is miserable to watch, and of course, you want to say that hopefully they’ll learn something from this impending defeat. But what? It’s a loss, and there is nothing they can do about it. The Yanks fell to 3-4, but at least Boston lost too. I don’t get mad with these types of games. The Yanks are notorious for throwing up a few clunkers each year, and this is just one of those times. You just turn around and walk away…
On the bright side, tomorrow is a new day…and A.J. Burnett will be on the mound!
DISASTERS HAPPEN IN 3′S
They always say that disasters happen in 3′s…
First, we lost promising Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart.
AP
Now, two more legendary figures in Major League Baseball have passed away.
Shortly after lunch, word came that long-time Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas had died. He was in Washington preparing for the Phillies game against the Nationals and he collapsed in the broadcast booth. He taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
George Widman/AP
Harry the K was also well known for his voiceover work with NFL Films. The name may be unfamiliar to some, but the voice was known by all. Sadly and much too soon, he’s “outta here!”…
Courtesy YouTube by Lahawk
For those who can remember 1976, who can forget the legendary antics of Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych. With the curly blonde hair poking out of the Tigers hat, it became a familiar scene to see Fidrych talking to the baseball and the various other antics that he performed leading up to his pitches. None of it was contrived, and it was completely his free spirit.
Unfortunately, an accident at his Northborough, Massachusetts farm prematurely ended Fidrych’s life today. Shoulder and knee injuries prevented what could have been a great career, but for 1976, there were not many better players than Fidrych. He went 19-9 with 2.34 ERA, and had 24 complete games. That was a special season and he was so fun to watch. You didn’t have to be a fan of the Tigers to appreciate Fidrych.
The past week has been difficult, and we’ve lost three outstanding men that can never be replaced. They will all be missed…
A-ROD’S BACK ON THE FIELD
Alex Rodriguez reported to the Yankees minor league complex and participated in a 48 minute workout. He is looking to begin minor league rehab games in 7 to 10 days, and is taking one day at a time.
Courtesy The Star-Ledger
If I had hip surgery five weeks ago, I’d probably be in a little worse shape than A-Rod.
I am sure that his superior physical conditioning has aided his recovery. Hopefully, there will be no setbacks as Alex’s continues his march for the Bronx.
Mark Teixeira was also at the minor league complex receiving treatment for his sore left wrist. He had a MRI which revealed no major issues. He thinks it would be a disappointment if he’s not back on the field Tuesday night.
NOTES
- The Associated Press is reporting that former Yankees pitcher David Wells has signed a multi-year deal to be an analyst for TBS. C’mon, David, tell us what’s really on your mind!
- Manny Ramirez is saying that he wants to play for the Cleveland Indians once more before he calls it a career? I bet that really endears him to the Dodger fans that have so fully embraced him despite his history in Boston. Nope, I’m not going to say it but I guess you could say that it is expected behavior.
- The speculation of Pedro Martinez to the Los Angeles Angels makes sense. When I heard earlier that he was going to sign with Baltimore, it seemed very foolish if true. Fortunately, it was not. Pedro has the luxury of picking his spot (to a degree) and he still has what it takes to help a contender. No, the years as an ace are long gone, but he’s still a competitor who knows how to win.
- Regardless of what he said about his hometown of Woodland, CA, Dustin Pedroia is not a jerk. Of course, I may feel differently after the Yankees play the Red Sox later this month. But for now, Pedroia doesn’t deserve death threats or the criticism that he’s received.
- Julia, to answer your question, Wally has been wondering what the odor is above his head! Hmmm, he had better get used to it!
Goodnight, Everyone!
-Scott
A Devastating Injury for the Yanks!…
The injuries have mounted for many teams this spring. We’re concerned about Joe Mauer in Minnesota (well, some of us more than others…LOL!) and Cole Hamels in Philadelphia. Justin Duchscherer of the A’s will start the season the DL after surgery on his elbow. There are too many injuries, both big and small, to count…
A review of current headlines show that the Braves’ Brian McCann is still hurting from getting hit in the ring finger by a foul pitch in yesterday’s loss to the Yankees…
…to Angels pitcher John Lackey’s stiff forearm.
We’ve seen Jason Johnson in Yankees camp be diagnosed with eye cancer in the Yankees camp, and of course both Damaso Marte and Robinson Cano came back from the WBC hurting.
But is the biggest injury in Yankees camp the hip surgery performed on A-Rod’s torn labrum earlier this month?
WFAA.com
No, the most devastating injury in Yankees camp is…
…Derek Jeters’s pinkie!
Stop the presses!
Call the ambulance…quick! Emergency treatment is needed now!
Yankeeville hangs in the balance, awaiting news of DJ’s injured left pinkie…
Oh, he’ll play today against the Pirates?
Well, Nevermind!…as Roseanne Rosannadanna would say…
TEIXIERA AND THE YANKS
In an interview with WFAN, it appears that Mark Teixiera’s signing with the Yankees wasn’t so improbable after all. In words that are sure to infuriate both Angels and Red Sox fans, Tex clearly had the Yanks in his sights from the start.
AP
It has been assumed that the Yankees came in with a late offer to swoop Tex away from the Red Sox. However, it appears that this was destined to happen from the start as the Yankees were apparently the only team that complied with Teixeira’s request to keep negotiations confidential.
As transcribed by Mike DiGiovanna in the Los Angeles Times:
“I always had the Yankees in my sights, and one thing my agent and I had asked every single team is, we’re not going to negotiate through the media, and we ask you not to. The Yankees were really the only team that did that. The other teams went out and told everybody their offers, told everybody that they talked to me, that they made this call, made that trip. The Yankees kept quiet. We talked all winter. When they were ready to make their final offer, it was a great offer, and my wife and I were excited about going to New York.”
Teixiera was asked about the recruiting visit made to his Texas home by the Red Sox in December, and he responded: “I think in the end, it probably worked against them a little bit, because everyone thought the Red Sox were my No. 1 choice,” Teixeira said. “… The Yankees had a leg up all along.”
Regardless of how it went down, I will be glad to see Tex standing at first base for Opening Day at the new Yankee Stadium on April 16th.
Jared Max/WCBS
YANKEES NEWS
The Yankees will dedicate a new memorial for the victims of 9/11 today at Steinbrenner Field. A piece of steel from the World Trade Center ruins was used to create the memorial which depicts the Twin Towers sitting on a Pentagon-shaped foundation. The memorial sits on grass in tribute to United Flight 93 which crashed in Somerset County, PA. It is a tremendous memorial that pays a great tribute to all those who lost their lives on that fateful day, and broke the heart of a nation.
Courtesy New York Yankees
According to many articles, it sounds as though the Yankees may opt to go with Jonathan Albaladejo in the bullpen, leaving long reliever candidates Brett Tomko, Alfredo Aceves, and Dan Giese on the outside looking in. It’s unfortunate for Tomko, who has had a terrific spring, but the odds were stacked against him from the start since he is not on the 40-man roster.
Kathy Willens/AP
I had expected the Minnesota Twins to return Rule 5 draftee Jason Jones to the Yankees, but the teams opted to swap righthanders as the Yankees received 23-year-old Charles Nolte. I don’t know anything about Nolte, but he’s three years younger than Jones. He posted a 2.05 ERA in 44 Single A relief appearances last year, and had 75 strikeouts in 70 1/3 innings.
With the attention that Ramiro Pena has drawn for his fielding prowess, is this the year that the Yankees start to experiment with Derek Jeter in an occasional start in other positions, like centerfield? Given that there are other long-term solutions for centerfield to go with Brett Gardner (like potentially Jeter and the much anticipated arrival of Austin Jackson later this year or in 2010), I wonder if Melky Cabrera will become a trading chip at some point. I am still not comfortable with the thought of Cody Ransom at third.
Where’s Mike Pagliarulo when you need him?
Just kidding…
Speaking of Pena, it sounds as though he’s beaten out Angel Berroa for the infield utility spot. I definitely feel for Joe Girardi. He has some very difficult decisions in the coming days, and they are decisions that will dramatically shape the 2009 Yankees. No pressure…
Meanwhile, I am trying to decide whether I want an apple or an orange. Man, what a tough decision! 
OMG, I am so sorry for A-Rod in more ways than one…
My apologies to anyone that I might have offended with yesterday’s blog! I think I was so stunned that A-Rod would actually participate in that type of pictorial that I wasn’t thinking. He is so incredibly self-absorbed. I am shocked that he actually ever looked away from the mirror to find time to get married. I bet his daughters are jealous of the mirrors in the house.
I also thought that A-Rod left his wife because of Madonna, but I now see that it was strictly because of his love and affection for Alex.
Meanwhile, Derek Jeter continues to use words that are foreign to A-Rod…like “we” and “team”…
AP
JULIA’S GARBAGE CAN
Not that I’d want to be caught rummaging through Julia’s (of Julia’s Rants) trash, but if I were GM Brian Cashman, I’d be all over catcher Josh Bard. Bard was released by the Red Sox today, which apparently gives George Kottaras the backup catching job behind Jason Varitek. From what I understand, Kottaras was out of options plus he is more adept at catching knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.
Bard, 30, had a productive spring in Sox camp, going 6-for-14, with one home run and 5 RBI.
Oakland also released their back up catcher and Bard’s former San Diego teammate, Rob Bowen, to give the job to a younger player, Landon Powell, so there’s certainly a few catching options to consider.
MY PRAYERS TO AARON BOONE
I was stunned to hear Aaron Boone’s announcement that he was leaving the Houston Astros to have open heart surgery and will obviously miss the season.
From what I understand, it is a congenital heart defect that Aaron has known about since college, but doctors determined after a routine physical that non-emergency surgery was necessary. This most likely means the end of Aaron’s 12-year major league career.
He wasn’t a Yankee for very long, but it was a memorable stay…
AP
Good luck, Aaron…we wish you a successful and speedy recovery!
OTHER NEWS
After the talk of whether Joba Chamberlain should start or relieve had started to die down, The New York Post ran a story this morning that the Yankees’ back up plan at closer if something were to happen to Mariano Rivera would be to move Joba to the role. Man, the debate will never end…
Speaking of Mo, three up and three down with two strikeouts on Tuesday night. All is good, i.e., keep Joba in the starting rotation!
AP
Chien-Ming Wang got the win in today’s exhibition game against the Houston Astros. He pitched five innings, giving up three hits and one run. He had two strikeouts.
AP
A.J. Burnett will face his old team, the Toronto Blue Jays, on Thursday.
It was a great come-from-behind win over Puerto Rico by Team USA last night, but the euphoria was tempered with news that Kevin Youklis will miss the remainder of the WBC due to a sore ankle. He’s going to have a MRI, but hopefully it isn’t too serious. Good luck to Team USA as they move on!
Rhona Wise/EPA
Happy St Patrick’s Day to All!…
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all MLB.com Bloggers and Readers!
Simply reading The New York Post can assist any Yankees blogger with the hot topics of the day. A scan of today’s paper yields the following observations:
· A-Rod is truly in love with himself
· Robinson Cano knows he was an idiot for hiding his injury
· Joba Chamberlain is struggling to get his fastball back to its normal speed
· Hideki Matsui would be a very expensive bench ornament
Yikes! It was more fun researching Boston Red Sox players! Not really, but the drama never ends in the Yankees Universe…
JANE HELLER WILL BE BUYING DETAILS MAGAZINE
This is just an assumption on my part, but after seeing some of the seductive, brooding photos on Details.com, the She-Fan is probably making a mad dash for Barnes & Noble as we speak!
Photo by Steven Klein
The She-Fan may have had greater influence on A-Rod than meets the eye, given that the name of the Details article is ‘Confessions of a Damned Yankee’.
I don’t know for sure, but I’m just saying…
JOBA’S DRIVING IN THE SLOW LANE
During yesterday’s win over the Philadelphia Phillies, Joba Chamberlain’s fastball was clocked about 5 mph slower than his normal speeds of 97-98 mph.
The article in the New York Post was quick to note that it’s still early in spring training and that Joba’s fastball was “flat” yesterday. My only concern is the shoulder tendonitis that benched Joba toward the end of last season. He did not have surgery, but instead opted to go the rehab route.
Getty Images
My belief is that the ‘early in spring training’ is the most likely cause, but this does bear watching in the coming months.
“POTENTIAL VIKINGS QB”
I know that I am probably the only one who is interested in Jay Cutler as the next QB of the Minnesota Vikings. Erin of Plunking Gomez has already said that she wouldn’t get excited about it until they actually called the press conference to announce the acquisition. Still, I can’t help but notice that the Twin Cities’ Pioneer Press is referring to the Denver quarterback as ‘Potential Vikings QB’ Jay Cutler. So, at least I am not alone in my thinking as a Vikings fan. Of course, Trent Dilfer later burst my bubble on ESPN by saying that while Cutler would be a great PR move, he wasn’t so sure it would help football-wise.
I am sure this topic’s getting much airplay on the Minneapolis-St. Paul sports radio stations.
* * *
Have a safe and enjoyable St. Patrick’s Night! J
Random Thoughts for a Tuesday…
A-Rod Surgery – The Day After…
By all accounts, the surgery performed on Alex Rodriguez’s hip for the torn labrum by Dr. Marc J. Philippon was successful. Alex should be able to resume playing in 6-9 weeks.
Many people have questioned whether the Yanks really need to seek a replacement since A-Rod can conceivably be back in action after 23 games. I say yes, because I feel an upgrade is necessary for the long haul…not just the first 23 games of the season. Cody Ransom is labeled as a good defender, but he can’t hit for average although he does have some power.
Kathy Willens/AP
I think the Yankees need someone who can fill in, provide good defense, and hit well enough to keep pitchers honest. Alex will need more rest than in years past, and more rest for Derek Jeter is probably not a bad idea as he begins the downside of his career physically-speaking.
Someone did ask A’s manager Bob Geren if Bobby Crosby was being showcased at third base for the Yankees and he chuckled and replied “no”. Bobby wants to play, and he probably sees third as his best option given the health of 3B Eric Chavez in recent years.
So, maybe the best deal is no deal, but I sure wish I had more faith and confidence in either Cody Ransom or Angel Berroa…
Starting in Centerfield…
Granted, Brett Gardner hasn’t won the job yet, but he continues to impress in camp. On Monday, he hit this third homer of the season (which leads the team).
He continues to make things happen, and I’d be surprised to see Melky Cabrera to take the job from Gardner. It’s definitely exciting to have his presence in the lineup.
Michael Kay mentioned on a recent telecast that the Yankees haven’t had a weapon like this on the base paths since Homer Bush. I agree…
Italy ousts Canada
Italy defeated Canada 6-2 on Monday to eliminate the Canadians from WBC play. Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli was 0-for-3 with a walk for the Italians.
I caught Mike Piazza’s comments about Cervelli this morning (no pun intended). “He’s so talented back there, you can’t say enough,” Piazza said. “He worked hard back there. His enthusiasm, you could tell.”
“His enthusiasm from the start of the game was just sky-high. He hustled. He’s got an amazing arm.” Piazza went on to say. “I’m jealous – in a good way – because I see player with a great future ahead of him. He’s going to get better with the bat. He’s going to get a little quicker.”
He’s not the prospect that Jesus Montero is, but he’s a few years older (23) and closer to major league action. I am anxious to see competition between Cervelli and Kevin Cash (and even Jose Molina) when he returns to Yankees camp after the conclusion of the WBC.
Just as I am concerned about back up support at third, I have the same concerns at catcher given Jorge Posada’s age and his return from injury last season. At this point of his career, Jorge is not going to improve and will only continue to deteriorate. It remains to be seen if he can continue to perform at the level he’s been accustomed to, but the odds are against it. Jorge needs a solid backup who can spell him on occasion. Perhaps it is Jose Molina, but I do feel that when you look at the players with greatest odds for getting hurt, Jorge is at or near the top. Therefore, if Cervelli can continue to take his play to a higher level, he’ll have a say in the Yanks’ backup catching plans.
Odds and Ends
Mike Mussina was a visitor to Yankees camp today, and true to form, doesn’t regret the decision to retire. He also turned down Manager Joe Girardi’s offer to wear a uniform for the day.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Moose was a class act, and he’ll be missed. He was, at times, misunderstood, but I always thought he was honest and straightforward.
I saw Jake Peavy’s quote earlier in the week, and I am definitely glad that the Red Sox never became his destination. “Boston was a place that I told the Padres I would certainly be interested in playing,” Peavy said Monday at the Team USA workout. “I don’t know if there were any talks. I gave the Padres a list and Boston was on that list. Boston was a place I told the Padres I would be interested in playing at. Set that straight for sure.” Yikes! To borrow the old adage, sometimes the best deal is the deal never made! J
With the plethora of evidence building up against him, when is Roger Clemens going to come clean and admit steroids use? For a guy I used to consider a hero, I am so disappointed…
I liked Randy Johnson’s description of Tim Lincecum as the fourth Jonas brother…
Okay, I find the headline of “U.S. teammate Dustin Pedroia thinks World of Derek Jeter” to be very disturbing! There’s way too much love going around. “They go at it constantly,” Chipper Jones said of Jeter and Pedroia. “It’s fun when Yankees and Red Sox go at each other, because you know they’re going to hate each other in a month.” Whew! I needed that perspective. Thanks Chipper! I was starting to get this visual image of Yankees and Red Sox players hugging each other and trading high 5′s before games…
Preparation For The Great Showdown…
Victory is at hand…
“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.”
–General George Patton, Jr.
I have figured it out! I have found Julia’s (of Julia’s Rants) weakness!
It’s her Achilles Heel!
It’s her Kryptonite!
It’s Samson with a haircut!
Peter Paul Rubens, Samson and Delilah 1609 – 10 National Gallery, London
I can trash talk all I want, and then play the Toby card…
Universal
That’s all it takes…a simple photo of Toby Keith and she forgets she’s a Red Sox fan and has trouble remembering her own name! The “battle” begins on April 24th (three game series between the Red Sox and Yankees), but it is never too soon to start building one’s arsenal.
A preview of the Great Showdown is coming this Friday (Friday the 13th no less!). The game will be played at Ft. Myers. I have not made any bets with Julia about the game, but if the Red Sox win, I will include a positive write-up about a Red Sox player in subsequent blogs. The margin of victory will determine how many blogs I have to swallow my pride. If the Red Sox win by 3, then I’d have to include the positive player reference in each of the next three blogs. If the Yankees win, I propose that Julia has to write one blog about her favorite Yankees player (with no negative comments or references to the Red Sox).
Speaking of Julia, she’s planning a get-together in Boston for a pre-Opening Day celebration on Sunday, April 5th. I am seriously considering making the trip. A little reconnaissance before the Great Showdown is probably not a bad idea! It’s a little scary traveling so deep into enemy territory, but it should be a lot of fun.
Why can’t we all just get along?…
Courtesy Boston.com
Well, I guess if Joba can do it, so can I…
Surgery Day for A-Rod
Shortly, Dr. Marc Philippon will be performing the surgery to repair A-Rod’s torn labrum in Vail, CO.
Since A-Rod is not scheduled to return until the second month of the regular season, does that make him the new Mr. May? Just wondering…
It would be tough for me to be in Vail and not be able to ski. But then again, I don’t have a torn labrum, nor do I have a $275 million contract…
As for potential replacements, there seems to be more talk among us fans than the Yankees organization itself.
According to Dick Kaegel of MLB.com, the Royals and Yankees deny any talks involving Mark Teahen. “They’re saying it on ESPN, but there’s nothing on our end,” said a Royals official.
I remain steadfastly in Blake DeWitt’s corner. I think he would be a great addition to platoon with Cody Ransom at third, and would provide great depth upon A-Rod’s return.
Dr. Marc Philippon indicated that the odds of A-Rod playing through the entire regular season upon his return are in the “85-90 percent” range.
It is the margin of doubt that leads me to believe that the Yankees have to do something to reinforce their options for third base.
While Johnny Damon may feel that Cody Ransom is “probably the best athlete on this team”, the career journeyman, 33, with 183 major league at-bat’s in 6 MLB seasons, is not exactly who I would want to entrust the keys to the kingdom to. You don’t go out and buy a stable of Ferrari’s to be protected by a Yugo…
I realize that the Yankees cannot be hasty in any decisions. Teams are probably lining up, hoping to capitalize on the Yankees’ potential desperation.
I am sure that Brian Cashman will do the right thing for the organization before the team takes the field on Opening Day.
Perhaps the best deal is no deal at all (if the price is simply too high), but with questions in other areas, I am hopeful that something surfaces which makes sense for the Yanks to pursue.
Yankees Win
I know, I know…spring games mean nothing. Still, it was nice to see the Yankees pick up a 12-3 win against the Tigers.
A.J. Burnett tossed two scoreless innings, but more impressively, Phil Hughes followed with three hitless innings and four strikeouts.
Audrey C. Tiernan/Newsday
The Yankees are now 4-5-1.
On a side note, Team USA advanced to the second round of the World Baseball Classic with a 15-6 win over Venezuela.
It seems so strange to see Jeter as a teammate of Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youklis. I guess that just goes to show I need to make the trip to Boston next month…
A-Rod Has Decided…
The A-Rod Decision
You CAN have your cake and eat it too!
Regarding A-Rod’s torn labrum, his options are:
1. Attempt to play with rest and rehabilitation, and have surgery after the season.
2. Have the full surgery now, and miss the next 4 months.
3. Quit baseball (oops, where did that one come from?).
4. Less invasive surgery now, with shorter recovery period, followed by full surgery at the end of the season.
According to Pete Abraham of the LoHud Blog, A-Rod has decided upon the fourth option. Dr. Philippon met with the press this morning, and according to Pete Abe, A-Rod has an impingement (which means bone is striking bone).
Dr. Marc Philippon, M.D.
Steadman Hawkins Clinic, Vail, CO
The initial surgery to be performed on Monday will fix the labrum. Following the season, Alex will undergo full surgery to repair the bone deformity. Recovery time for the initial surgery is expected to be 6-9 weeks.
According to Pete Abe, this should put A-Rod back on the field by the end of April.
Great scoop, as usual, Mr. Abraham!
The Replacements
I still think the Yankees would be smart to secure a solid replacement at third for A-Rod. I am not fully confident in Cody Ransom’s ability to adequately fill in at third. Some have suggested a platoon, and I could buy into that with the right platoon partner.
There are countless names being bantered about. The latest I’ve seen is the Royals’ Mark Teahen. Teahen, 27, hit .255 with 15 home runs and 59 RBI’s last season.
AP/Charlie Riedel
Another possibility is Oakland A’s shortstop Bobby Crosby. With the A’s signing of Orlando Cabrera, Crosby is the odd man out. He doesn’t want to fill a utility role, and would like the opportunity to start. Of course, the downside is that he has never played third, and of course, when A-Rods returns, he would be pushed into a utility role.
AP
I still like the Dodgers’ Blake DeWitt. He, too, was pushed out of a starting position when the Dodgers signed Orlando Hudson to play second. I lived in Los Angeles last season, and had the opportunity to watch a number of Dodgers games, and I liked the attitude and determination I saw with the player. Of course, whether the Dodgers would part with him is another story.
Regardless of what happens, the Yankees need to make sure that they have a solid plan in place in the event that A-Rod’s recovery is slower than expected or if he suffers any setbacks.
Terrell Owens is a Bill
I was very surprised to see that the Buffalo Bills had signed Terrell Owens to a one year, $6.5 million contract. I did not think that would be a move they’d make, but I know that they’ve struggled with receivers opposite Lee Evans.
It will be interesting to see how Owens interacts with QB Trent Edwards, but this marriage seems to be like one of those poorly thought out Britny Spears type of wedding decisions.
I was reading Kevin Cusick’s “The Loop: 3/08/09″ in the Pioneer Press (www.twincities.com), and he put it best:
“The Buffalo Bills signed T.O. to a one year deal Saturday. Living in Buffalo should extinguish what’s left of Owens’ “25 million reasons to live”.”
Too funny! I am not trying to knock Buffalo (I used to live there myself about 25 years ago), but I just can’t see this working out.
My brother is a die-hard Bills fan, so I’ll be interested in seeing what his reaction is. Of course, he’s the obnoxious ‘my team is best’ kind of fan, so he’ll probably just say that Super Bowl dreams have returned to Buffalo.
But I think team chemistry is one of the most important attributes of a successful team, and the Bills have assured themselves chemistry will not be a component of the 2009 team.
On the bright side, I was pleased that my team, the Minnesota Vikings, went on record prior to the Owens signing to say that they had no interest in T.O. Of course, Brad Childress saw the cancerous effect T.O. had on a team during his days on Andy Reid’s staff in Philadelphia. But still, I am appreciative that I’ll never be forced to root for T.O.
I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of scenes like this during the upcoming season:
Hopefully, the Yankees will keep me pre-occupied through at least October and spare me from having to endure TV shots like this…
A-Rod Is Yesterday’s News…
The A-Rod Story Continues
As if we haven’t dealt with enough about Alex Rodriguez, the latest news is that he has a torn labrum in his hip. The Yankees have indicated that he will attempt to play this offseason with rest and rehabilitation. If that’s unsuccessful and surgery becomes necessary now rather than at the end of the season, he’ll miss at least four months.
Ken Rosenthal, senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com is predicting that this could be the beginning of A-Rod’s breakdown and the Yanks are obviously on the hook for the remainder of his 10-year, $275 million contract which runs through 2017.
Many people have drawn a parallel between A-Rod and Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell regarding the torn labrum. Lowell attempted to play out last season with the same injury before the pain became too unbearable. “I don’t want to play like I did the last two months,” Lowell said. “That’s not really playing. I was so focused on something else besides playing. It sucked the joy out of it for a little while. We were winning and everything, so that’s fine. But you want to feel like you have all your abilities in place.” And that’s coming from someone who didn’t have to deal with the ramifications of admitted steroids use, an affair with Madonna, and an inability to tell a consistent story.
I do not think A-Rod’s psyche is strong enough to endure the multiple distractions, and he’d be better served by pursuing the surgery now rather than later. But then again, I am guessing that Brian Cashman feels that he can find someone capable of replacing A-Rod’s October production should the Yanks make the play-offs (that would just be the ability to go 0-for-5, with a bases-loaded game-ending strikeout in a pivotal play-off game, right?).
As for replacements, I am obviously not enamored with the thought of either Cody Ransom or Angel Berroa filling in at third. The Yankees would be better served by seeking a quality replacement. Even if A-Rod attempts to play, having a strong Plan B in place would help give him more periods of rest throughout the course of the season.
All things considered, I am not that disappointed at the prospect of losing Rodriguez for the season. After the ordeal of the past few months, a season with no A-Rod is sounding very appealing. Of course, there’s a hole at third, but I don’t think the Yankees necessarily need a superstar to fill the void. A capable performer with decent defensive skills would fit nicely. A lot of names have been tossed around by the media, and I would gladly consider someone like the Dodgers’ Blake DeWitt (as suggested by SI’s Jon Heyman).
Ric Francis/AP
The Great Showdown
As you may have read on Julia’s Rants, the “Great Showdown” is coming to Fenway Park next month. Julia and I have made a bet regarding who will win the Yankees-Red Sox series to be played April 24th, 25th, and 26th. It goes without question which team I am pulling for. Of course, if the Yankees lose, author Jane Heller will take away my Yankees fan membership for jinxing the team. It’s probably not a good sign that I was pulling for Dean Martin in the 1973 movie “Showdown” with Rock Hudson. Nevertheless, I am moving forward with the duel against Julia.
I agree with Julia on a number of things:
She’s a fan of the great Toby Keith…
She likes the music of Kenny Chesney…
The City of Boston is very beautiful…
Anything Irish is great…
She shares a great passion for football, and we’ve both been fans of Randy Moss (albeit at different points of his career)…
She loves hockey…
But I draw the line at two things…Pink Hats and the Red Sox!
AP
Odds & Ends
Kudos to the Dallas Cowboys for finally taking a stand against players of questionable character. After years of letting performance take precedence over character, I am glad to see that Jerry Jones has boldly released WR Terrell Owens and S Roy Williams. Say what you will about the Arizona Cardinals, but owner Bill Bidwell has generally drafted based on character and is not shy about cutting loose a mistake regardless of talent. Their approach resulted in a Super Bowl appearance this year. As much as my favorite team, the Vikings, need a wide receiver, there is absolutely no way that I’d ever condone the signing of Owens. I want to experience what a Super Bowl championship would feel like, but not like that…
I was sad to see that it’s “Sun-down” in Phoenix. There had been hope that Amare Stoudemire would be able to recover from surgery to repair a torn retina in time to return for the play-offs if the Suns make it. However, that possibility has been ruled out by his doctor, who indicated that the healing is excruciatingly slow and delicate. It doesn’t look like Shaq will get a chance for another ring.
NBAE/Getty Images
Happily, it’s Friday night! It’s great that the weekend has arrived, but we do lose an hour on Sunday morning at 2 am due to daylight savings time. I guess it puts me one hour closer to the duel…
The Man-Ram Negotiations…
Longest Records
Gunsmoke holds the record for the longest running TV Series. It aired on CBS for 20 years, from 1955 to 1975…
The Simpsons, which debuted in 1990, is the longest running animated series. It was recently renewed for at least two more seasons which will make it the longest running TV Series…
The longest running TV Show is Meet The Press, which went on the air November 6, 1947…
The longest running marathon is the Boston Marathon, which has been run for 112 years…
AP
The longest running Broadway Show is The Phantom of the Opera, which opened January 26, 1988…
The longest recorded duration for balancing on one foot is 76 hours and 40 minutes. This was accomplished by Arulanantham Suresh Joachim at Vihara Maha Devi Park Open Air Stadium in Sri Lanka from May 22, 1997 to May 25, 1997…
On a related note, Manny Ramirez has finally re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers…
The deal is at $45 million for two years. Manny will get $25 million for the 2009 season and has until November to decide whether to void the second season, which calls for $20 million. There is some deferred money involved despite Scott Boras’ reluctance to accept same. The deal also includes a full no-trade provision.
This ordeal might have been just as excrutiating as long season’s debacle with the Packers and Brett Favre.
But at least it’s done, and Manny can take his bat and dreadlocks to Arizona. But considering that Derek Lowe is in Atlanta, Brad Penny is in Boston and Clayton Kershaw is not quite ready to reach for his potential, Manny should have the month of October off to contemplate his future…
A-Rod, Repeat After Me, “No Comment”…
According to MLB.com, Alex Rodriguez was reaping praise about the New York Mets’ very talented shortstop Jose Reyes, and he made a comment that he wished Reyes was on the Yankees. Of course, the comment slams not just one but two players…shortstop Derek Jeter and leadoff hitter Johnny Damon.
After weeks of listening to Alex say the wrong things, maybe he should consider saying nothing…
Where is Agent Smith when you need him?
Then again, you can’t always believe what Alex says…
Coke, It’s The Real Thing…
After watching Phil Coke pitch this spring, I am very impressed. His fastball is only 92 to 94 MPH, however, it looks faster…deceptively faster.
It definitely makes me appreciate that he was not included in the Pirates trade that brought Xavier Nady to the Yankees.
I am looking forward to watching Coke out of the bullpen for the entire season this year. I am with the majority that believes the Yankee bullpen will be very solid this year (with or without Joba Chamberlain serving in a setup role).
I suspect that Joe Girardi will be reaching for a Coke quite often this season…
Fid
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