Wishing, Hoping, Praying and Waiting...

For those of you, who have not heard the wonderful news, Hideki Matsui signed $52 million dollar four year contract with the New York Yankees last week. At least the Yankees have covered the left field position now and can move onto other prospects and deals. After the negotiations were made final Matsui was quoted "It's certainly an honor, but with that honor comes the responsibility to fulfill the contract." Godzilla was also quoted saying "I'm very happy to be able to come back, wear the pinstripes again and play in that uniform."

Since the end of July, Yankee fans have ruled out the fact that there is still a chance that Bernie Williams could return. No Yankee has ruled him out of the roster yet. Captain Derek Jeter has not ruled him out, who was quoted saying, “Everybody keeps assuming Bernie isn't coming back," Derek Jeter said. "I hope he's back, but I don't know what his plans are. I've spoken to him, but not really about what he's going to do next year. I'd love to see him back." Jeter was not the only Yankee to show his support, manager Joe Torre expressed it as well. "I'd like to believe Bernie would like to stay," Torre said. "I certainly have a closeness with him and I've talked to him a couple of times, but he understands that it's probably going to be a decision that's made later on.” For everyone who doubts the return of legend Bernie Williams, STOP! There is still hope.

This week, the Yankees made some additions to their pitching roster. The Yankees added names like Matt Smith, a left handed pitcher from the Trenton Thunder. There will be three new right handed pitchers on board, Beam, DeSalvo, and Karstans. Kevin Thompson was also added to the 40 man roster as a center field option.


The Yankees still have not signed a center fielder. Cashman reported that the prospects in the center fielding market are low. The Yankees will most likely make due with Bubba Crosby for the time being. Fans will probably see Crosby out in center at the start of spring training.

In response to Jake's comment: I think it is a shame that you have to hate on the Yankees because they are a successful team and franchise. Think about all of the fans that support them, go to their games, cheer them on, and buy their fan gear. You have to give credit to their fans. I am from New Jersey and was brought up surrounded by Yankees. I had a six foot poster of Don Mattingly when I was five in my bedroom, so I am clearly not a fair weather fan. If it was any other team, there would probably be little comment made on their fans and following. If it was a Red Sox fan, nothing would be said, even if the Red Sox fan is a true Phillies but was just brought up to hate on the Yankees since they are baseball dynasty. Why not the Mets? I have nothing against the Mets. It is closer for me to get to Yankee Stadium than Shay. But why not the Yankees? I see that you are a sports fan, so why the Redskins? If they dominated year after year, which they don’t, but if they did, would you stop supporting them since they have talent and you love watching them? Probably not.. The Yankees do not STEAL other players. Most players would be honored to wear pinstripes and play in the Bronx in front of the best fans in the world. I do not know why seeing a team loose would make you happy. Who knows, my guess is that you are Red Sox fan. I can only understand the word hate in rival terms. Sorry to hear that their success “pisses you off..”

Making History

For those of you, who haven’t heard the wonderful news…..Alex Rodriguez, accepted his second career American League Most Valuable Player Award on Monday, November 14. A-Rod became the first Yankee to capture the AL MVP award in twenty years. The last recipient of this award went to Don Mattingly in 1985, the Yankees former first baseman. Don Mattingly is now the Yankees batting coach for those of you who do not follow the Yanks habitually. Rodriguez accepted his first American League MVP award in 2003, as shortstop for the Texas Rangers. This season, the third baseman had .321 batting average accompanied by 48 home runs and 130 RBIs. Rodriguez made Major League history by becoming the sixth player to win one of these awards with more than one team, and the first person since the 1930s to do it with two different American League clubs. On Monday, Alex Rodriguez became the first major league player to win the MVP award with two different clubs and in two different positions. After receiving the award Rodriguez was questioned on what this award meant to him. His response was as followed, “This award is very special to me, for a couple of reasons. First, doing it in a Yankees uniform is unbelievable. Second, to win it twice in three years, knowing how hard this game can be, it's what I strive for every year. I strive to be consistent, and this shows that I am.” To learn more about Alex Rodriguez visit his official site and click on this link A-Rod. A-Rod earned a silver slugger award this season along with his teammate Gary Sheffield, both were two out of nine American league player to receive this award. Congratulations Alex Rodriguez for all of your accomplishments!

Some more good news reporting from the Bronx, the Yankees are closing deal with left fielder Hideki Matsui. The Yankees expect Matsui to sign a four year contract tonight, Tuesday, November 15. If Matsui signs, he will become the highest-paid Japanese player in the Majors, topping Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners. There is speculation that the four year deal will be paying the left fielder anywhere between $48- 50 million dollars to keep him in pinstripes. It will hopefully be announced by the end of this week.

The Yankees also accepted right handed pitcher Tanyon Sturze for the 2006 season. Reuben Sierra and Tom Gordon are some hot free agents the Yankees have yet to make deals with for the 2006 season. I hope they both return next season, in pinstripes.
A new center field option? Brian Giles? Who knows what will happen. Cashman and Giles have been speaking, and he looks like the Yankees top choice for a center fielder. I guess Johnny Damon doesn’t do it for the Yanks.
I will keep you posted on player information through out the week!

Farwell Tino

The New York Yankees opted not to re-sign Tino Martinez for the 2006 season. He has been jerked around so badly by the Yanks. Today the club decided not to exercise his one year option; instead the Yankees will buy out his one year contract for $250,000. I will not forget how on April 3, 2005, the New York Yankees opening game what a warm welcome Tino got from the fans in the Bronx. The greatest fans in baseball cheered him on all through out the season. Tino was apart of four Yankees World Series Champion teams, 1996- 2000. In 2001, the Yankees signed first baseman Jason Giambi and Martinez left New York and played for the St. Louis Cardinals for two years and then moved to Tampa Bay in 2004. Martinez’s time with the Yankees was valued. He was one of the most popular players on the roster and was one of the men the depended on to come up big offensively and defensively.

The Yankees are now looking to acquire a younger first baseman. Giambi will still be around since he signed a seven year contract in 2001 with the bombers. Giambi will probably become the DH since he isn’t a strong defensive player as you all probably already know from watching him struggle to throw a ball from first to home. Cashman is looking at Andy Phillips as a first base option; however nothing has been finalized or publicized.

Congratulations to Robinson Cano! Cano placed in second for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. Cano had a tremendous season with the Yankees. He came up with huge hits for the bombers in the post season. Who knows what the Yankees would have done with out him? He made a couple errors, but it was his first season in the majors and he was playing under the spotlight in New York. As everyone knows, the New York Yankees are not the easiest team to play for. There is a lot of pressure in the Bronx, both from the team and the fans. Hopefully they will re-sign Cano and keep the young star in New York for the years to come.


Mariano Rivera came in second for the American League Cy Young award. Mo finished third in the league with 43 saves and a 1.38 ERA. It was Rivera’s third time in a row that he has had over 40 saves in a season.

Congratulations Derek Jeter! Jeter won his second Golden Glove last week. In 2004 Jeter won his first Golden Glove, which made him the first shortstop in Yankee history to win that award.

Jason Giambi was awarded with the American League’s Comeback Player of the Year. He deserves it after all he overcame this season. Conratulations!

Decisions Decisions Decisions

Brian Cashman, the Yankees General Manager has decided to return to New York for the next three years, he wants to end the five year World Series Title drought. Now that Cashman has signed, he is ready to make deals to create one of the best teams in the majors with Steinbrenner’s pocket. Its no secret that the New York Yankees have the most money in the major leagues, and hopefully it will come to their advantage when trying to sign some of baseballs top players.

The need for a new center fielder is crucial for the Yankees. Bernie Williams will be missed, it’s going to take some time getting used to watching a new center fielder out there since Williams has been out there for the past fifteen years. There are being some names thrown around, no word on whether they are pursuing or talking to these players, but could any New York fan watch a game with Johnny Damon in center? It would be so weird to see one of the former rivals on your territory, but that would not be the first time it has ever happened, Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens were once Red Sox before the wore pinstripes. Alfonso Soriano…in the outfield? Even though Soriano has stated that he has no desire to switch his position from second base, but who wouldn’t want to be in the Bronx. Alfonso Soriano loved playing in the Bronx and loved being a Yankee. Would Soriano go for that? The Yankees still have other options from inside the club; they are likely to re-sign Hideki Matsui, who typically plays left field with capabilities of playing center. If Matsui moves to center, that leaves a hole in left field that the Yankees will have to fill. Bubba Crosby could also start for the Yankees in center, he did a decent job this past season both offensive and defensive. Starting Crosby would save more money, and it would give the Yankees more money to play around with for other potential players. Who will be in Center field or even Left in 2006? What do you think the Yanks should do?

Do not forget to tune into MLB.com at 1:00 pm on Thursday November 3 for the Players Choice Awards.

Derek Jeter is up for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year award and will be running against Albert Pujols and Mike Sweeney.





Alex Rodriguez is up for the American League Outstanding Player and is competing against David Ortiz and Mark Teixeira.



Jason Giambi is up for the American League Comeback Player and will running against Richie Sexson and Bob Wickman.

The New York Yankee’s Off-Season Menu

Now that the 2005 season has ended for the New York Yankees, recruiting is on the menu for the remainder of the year. For those of you who are unaware, the Yankees were talking to pitching coach Leo Mazzone from the Atlanta Braves. However, the Yankees broke off talks with Mazzone; both parties were unable compromise a deal. Mezzone has now signed with the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees are talking to Larry Bowa the former Phillie’s coach. This time Bowa would not be manager obviously since Joe Torre will be managing for his eleventh season, but he is ready to accept the job as third base coach. However, before Bowa’s deal can be finalized, Brian Cashman, the New York Yankees general manager has to decide whether to re-new his contract, for what would be his ninth season in the Bronx by October 31st. The Yankees are also talking to Lee Mezzelli and Joe Guidry as well. Don Mattingly is also considering becoming bench manager, but his great abilities in batting would be missed. I would personally keep Mattingly as batting coach, he did a great job working with the players, especially Jason Giambi. Mattingly helped Giambi completely turn his season at one point the Yankees were contemplating sending Giambi down to the minors, good thing they did not, and listened to Jason that he would do better and work hard, and that he did.
What’s in the Mailbag this week??? The theme of this week’s emails and letters this was A-Rod. Many feel that Alex Rodriguez is not deserving to the American League MVP award. Baseball fans feel that A- Rod was unable to step it up during the playoffs, which I do agree with. Maybe it was bad luck? I don’t know? The part I do disagree with is, is that he is not deserving of the MVP. In general, I feel that MVP’s do not have to be a player that got into the playoffs or succeeded in the post season. There are plenty of great players who play on teams that have done terrible and their talent is often forgotten when it is time for the Most Valuable Player Award to be handed out. I am not being Biases, I still believe that Alex Rodriguez is deserving of the American League MVP with or without Yankee pin stripes. He is excellent in the field and in the regular season he came up HUGE for the Yanks. Ortiz? Come on everyone, sure he can swing the bat, but he does not play the field. Yes, it is harder to hit the ball than catch it, but his numbers are not that much better than A-Rods. When you’re looking for an outstanding player, you do not look at a player who can only specialize in one thing. Alright Rodriguez was 4- 32 in his last nine playoff games, but sometimes you’re unlucky. The Yankee’s coaching staff will be finalized soon, I will post all announcements from the Bronx. P I N S T R I P E S

What if.....

First I would just like to give props to Mo, Mariano Rivera the Yankees delivery man. The New York Yankees closer was named the inaugural recipient of the DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award. Mo finished the season fourth in the majors with 43 saves. Rivera finished with a 1.38 ERA and had 80 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings pitched. Like I have mentioned in previous posts I was a little weary of Rivera’s capabilities when he blew his first two saves of the season. He did not keep his head down and did not doubt himself. He came through and is well deserving of this award.

I don’t know if it is just me or if anyone else feels this way, but it is really hard watching the other teams continue on in the playoffs especially with the help of ex-Yankees pitchers. Andy Pettite and Roger Clemens have been doing a stellar job in Houston for the Astros. They wore pin stripes a little less than two years ago in the 2003 World Series. Both Clemens and Pettitte were loved by New York fans and the media and did a phenomenal job pitching for the club. However, they are doing incredible in Houston and seem to be happier there. Why? Less pressure with out the stripes? How about Chicago with another two ex- Yankee pitchers, Jose Contreras and Orlando Hernandez also known as El Duque. Both pitchers have been doing well since they’ve been let go by the Yanks. El Duque wore the pin stripes well in New York and helped out the club. Contreras is a great pitcher, but he did struggle on the mound at Yankees Stadium. All four pitchers seasons are still in force and have done an incredible job in pitching this season. Why did they leave the Bronx, one has to wonder. Was it the money, the pressure, Steinbrenner or Mel Stottlemyre. New York media is tough, just look at how Randy Johnson struggled with it in the beginning of the 2005 season. It is important to find out why these pitchers are pitching better else where. The problem must be fixed. Well Stottlemyre has retired, after his eleventh season with the Yankees, I wonder who will take his place. All I have to say is for the sake of the ball club Joe Torre must stay, what players would be attracted to wear pinstripes if Torre was not there. There is not another coach in the major leagues right now that backs his players up more that him. He protects them, even from Steinbrenner, if Steinbrenner’s still there and Torre is missing from the equation I honestly don’t know what will happen.

There's always 2006

After a heart wrenching loss and an early playoff exit, there is no looking back on what the New York Yankees have accomplished this 2005 season. Being a die hard Yankee fan, it is hard for me to watch the teams that are still in the playoffs or even think about baseball right now. If it were up to me, I would try me best not to think about the Yanks till April. In reality, I can not do that. I love and support my men from the Bronx and would like to take the time right now to commend them on the great season they had and what they accomplished.
So what went wrong? There are many stipulations on what happened to the Yankees, one that I definitely disagree with is that Joe Torre gave up early in game five. Torre is the god father in baseball, there is no way that one of the greatest skippers would give up early and throw in the towel. Torre made some very smart moves, for one he brought A-Rod to the number two spot in the line up which would allow Jeter to get a hit because pitchers would have to give him good pitches with Alex Rodriguez up next. It is unfortunate that A-Rod did not have a successful at bat in the off season. The only thing that I would have done different if I were in charge of the Yankee line up would have take Mussina out earlier, or maybe not have even started him. Johnson did well when he came in early in the game, he probably could have started in game five.
Enough with the what could haves…Spring Training is not that far in the future. I would have loved to see the Yankees win the pennant and go on to the World Series, but I guess I will just have to accept the fact that it was not in the cards for them this year. I am interested to see who stays, who goes, and what new comers the Yankees will be acquiring. Yankees 2006.