The Bronx Bombers

The Top 10 Yankees of All Time

2006-03-22T18:57:00.000-05:00

Opening Day is upon us- there is only a little more than a week until the Big Unit throws that first pitch at McAffee Stadium, symbolizing the beginning of the 2006 season for the Yankees. And because the new season is coming, I believe it's important to first focus on the past- specifically, the Yankees' past. The Yankees have had (without question) better players and coaches than any other franchise. With 26 World Series wins, it's hard to argue, considering the A's and the Cardinals are second with...nine.

So, to make a top ten list of the Yankees isn't easy. How do you separate which players are better than others? The hardest part would be leaving off players that deserve to be on the list, but they just didn't in my opinion. Nonetheless, I will attempt to make a list.

And so, with each day, there will be a new player, and each day, it will go up the list. Today in my number 10 pick, which is...

Derek Jeter.

Jeter's leadership abilities and his savvy for the game undoubtedly portrays a future hall of famer. He is only 31, and yet he is approaching 2,000 hits, with a career average over .300 during that time as well. A four-time champion and a Rookie of the Year, Jeter plays best when it matters- October (and November). With the Yankees' star-studded lineup, Jeter certainly isn't the best player, although what he brings to the table in terms of leadership overshadows evertyhing else.

But, don't let sidetrack the fact that he is also one heck of a player.

As the rest of his career unfolds, Jeter will most likely climb up the list, and it's up to time that will tell how far he goes.

I'd love to see your lists of the top 10 Yankees of all time. You can comment on the blog or drop me an e-mail at jjf91@aol.com. Stay tuned for tomorrow, which will be my number nine pick.

A Retirement That Couldn't Have Been Leiter

2006-03-20T18:48:00.000-05:00

Al Leiter pitched for nineteen major-league seasons on over four different major league teams. He won 162 games and always kept the crowd entertained with his signature "grunt" after every pitch. A three time World Series winner, Leiter had a great persona around him and pitched for successful teams.

Yesterday, after getting the final out in a successful inning for the Yankees, Leiter decided to call it quits.

I'm not going to use any quotes or sayings that Leiter said yesterday because that would take away the immense emotional status that he was in. Retirement isn't easy, and for a guy like Al Leiter, who grew up in the small town of Toms River, NJ, it wasn't easy for him to hold back his emotions.

Before you know it, you'll be seeing Leiter pop up in unsuspected places. He said after the game yesterday to Ken Singleton that he liked the broadcasting business and needed a place to go this season. He'll follow in the footsteps of David Cone, Paul O'Neill, and David Justice, and will join a crew of former Yankees to go up into the broadcast booth (but, don't tell that to Bobby Murcer).

Leiter's retirement wasn't one that was followed by the media or by the fans. Leiter simply knew it was the right time, and so it was just a simple and light retirement. Rather than being forced out, Leiter, who is approaching 41, knew that to maintain a strong legacy, he would have to call it quits when him and his family thought it was the right time.

Manager Joe Torre among other teammates congratulated and remorsed with Leiter after his final pitch. Because it was spring training, the pitch will never be recorded in the history books; all it was was a simple pitch, and the last simple pitch, that was thrown by a great pitcher and a great man in an illustrious career that shadowed the better parts of the game.

The Spring Time is the Only Pretty Ring Time

2006-03-19T12:09:00.000-05:00

For five years now, the Yankees have not won the World Series- a time in which has felt like forever. It's hard to believe that back then Randy Johnson was raking off 350 ks, Mussina was an Oriole, Paul O'Neill and Tino Martinez were in the Yankee lineup, and most importantly, Bernie was hitting over .300.

For the Yankees to break that horrendous streak (which, by the way, isn't even 5% of the amount of time the Cubs have waited), they will have to start out strong; hence, they have to win a lot of games this spring. Am I saying that they won't make the playoffs if they don't? No. After all, they weren't even over .500 until late May last year.

However, to start out strong will be an important factor for the Yankees. It will allow their stronger players to rest, which will make them ready for October. Look at the White Sox last year. They were so good from the start that when they lost 14 of 15 in September, they still had a two game lead over the Indians.

In the last five seasons, the Yankees were under .500 by April 20th in three of them. The two seasons that they weren't were 2001 and 2003, both of which were seasons that they made the World Series. For them to start out strong this year, it will take a combination of several things. The first is pitching. Randy has to step up and pitch well, even at his old age. The younger guys like Chacon and Wang will have to do the same. The second is hitting with runners in scoring position. Gary Sheffield was the only hitter last year to have over a .300 average in that situation, and if the Yankees want to score runs and win at a higher rate, that will play a large factor.

The Yankees have portrayed resiliency in their efforts to come back from bad starts over the last few years. To make it this year, they need to be great out of the gate. The summer months will still be important; however, it will be playing well in the early months in spring that, above all else, could produce a ring in October.

Responses

2006-03-18T12:48:00.000-05:00

Several days ago, I asked who the best Yankee player was in the last twenty years. For security reasons, everyone will remain anonymous. Here were some of the responses I got:

1) Anonymous said:

"Derek Jeter

Granted, he doesnt put up AMAZING numbers, but he is a strong consistent player, and his leadership abilities are great. He is the captain for a reason, and that is because he is a great leader, and i beleive that that is a core reason why this team is so successful."

2) Anonymous said:

"When you look at how well the Yankees have done (at least since 1996), you have to look to Mo, without a doubt. He's a give-in to save 30-40, and he's also saved 50 a couple times."

3) Anonymous said:

"I'm surprised you would argue with Jeter. As previously mentioned, he's the captain for a reason and a proven winner. I'm anxious to see who you're gonna say."

4) Anonymous said:

"Yankees suck"

With the exception of the fourth response, I agree with all of you. I mean, Jeter and Mo have definitely been valuable forces for the Yankees, and they have propelled the team to four World Championships, but I stick with my decision, which is...

Don Mattingly.

Offensively, Mattingly was just as good as Jeter. In Mattingly's first eleven full seasons in the majors, he eclipsed Jeter in hits by over 100. He also had better power (three consecutive 30-HR seasons), and he had nine Gold Glove Awards, compared with Jeter's two.

Both are equal in terms of popularity, and both have never worn anything other than the pinstripes. Both were also captains.

However, the most important factor that I used to weigh Mattingly over Jeter was his ability to make contact often. Mattingly struck out less than 450 times in his 14-year career. Jeter has passed that mark in the last five years alone. During the year Mattingly hit 35 home runs, he struck out just 41 times. When Jeter hit 24 home runs in 1999, he struck out 116 times.

The hardest part about picking Mattingly was picking him over Rivera. No doubt Rivera has been the best closer in baseball since he began closing in 1997, but Rivera only appears in 70 games a year. Mattingly would be in the lineup consistently every day, and therefore, the value he provided to the team was greater than that of Rivera.

The only thing that has weighed Mattingly down was his failure to reach the hall-of-fame. I believe he belongs in it, although the baseball writers have failed to notice him. He also never won a World Series, but he will hopefully break that streak this year as the hitting coach.

If anyone has any further responses, you can comment on the blog or e-mail me at jjf91@aol.com. Thanks for your responses, and I appreciate your opinions.

The New Yankee Stadium

2006-03-17T19:13:00.000-05:00

Yankee Stadium has been around since 1923, although it underwent a huge renovation in the mid-70s. Only Wrigley Field and Fenway Park has outlasted the stadium, although if you want to be picky and start from the renovation, then only Dodger Stadium and Shea have outlasted it, along with Wrigley and Fenway.

However, the "new" stadium will soon become "old" when the Yankees begin construction on the new Yankee Stadium, which will be ready by 2008 or 2009. The unique part about the 800 million dollar project is that the Yankees are financing it themselves.

The Yankees will also not have to worry about controversy similar to that experienced by New Yorkers during the "West Side Stadium" crisis. The Yankees have already rented acres of parking space, so property won't be violated, and because the Yankees are financing it themselves, taxpayers won't have to worry.

Many believe the new stadium will be a "renaissance" to the Bronx. When former mayor Rudy Giuliani first heard about the project, he was excited not only because of the amazing stadium but because of how much of a positive impact it could have on the Bronx.

The "old" stadium will not be torn down. It will still be used for concerts and various little league games. It is still in question whether Monument Park will be moved, but many say that it will.

The Yankees won six World Series in thirty years at the "new" Yankee Stadium, and it will be sad to se it go because of all the aura and mystique it contains. No one can deny that. However, the positives that will come out of the project seem to outweigh the negatives; although, it will take time for die-hard Yankee fans to adjust to the change in scenery.

The Successor of Joe Torre Will Be...

2006-03-17T17:33:00.000-05:00

Don Mattingly.

Granted, he's the only Yankee coach other than Ron Guidry who hasn't managed in the major leagues, but Mattingly has proven this spring that when Torre decides to give up the managerial position, he could easily be his successor.

If the Yankees start 1-3 this year, be prepared to once again hear all the talk about Torre being fired, again. It happens every year. When the time comes, and it won't be four games into the year, Mattingly will be ready. Said Mattingly,

"I'm not saying I'm ready now, but I think it's something I can do. I've always felt like I can do anything I put my mind to. If I want to do it, and if I'm willing to learn and get better at it, then I can do anything."

Mattingly proved himself as a player, as he had well over 2,000 hits and a career .300 average from the early 80s to 1995. One of the most impressive stat about Mattingly was that he struck out less than 500 times in his career. In the last four years alone, Alex Rodriguez has eclispsed that.

No one can deny that he has the "Yankee Karma." Fans donned the name "Donnie Baseball" because of his soaring popularity while he was with the team. He has also proved himself as a coach, helping Giambi rebound in 2005, and working with youngsters Robinson Cano and Andy Phillips.

Torre isn't ready to hang it up yet. But, when he is, it won't be Tony Pena, Joe Kerrigan, Larry Bowa, Lee Mazzili or even Ron Guidry that takes over. Mattingly has the highest chance, and just like his playing and coaching careers, he has an overwhelming potential to succeed.

Ancient History or Bright Futures?

2006-03-15T12:09:00.000-05:00

We all know the Yankees are infamous for their...age. The biggest question for the Yankees in 2006 probably deals with that aspect...Will the old Yankees hold up? I'm sure Jeter, Rodriguez, and Matsui will, but players like Johnson, Sheffield, Posada, Bernie, and even Mo are aging to a point where a pulled hamstring takes longer to recover than what it used to.

Most significantly, the Yankees are going to have old hurlers throwing to old catchers this season, particularly with Randy. He's 42, Myers is 36, Mussina is 37, Rivera is 37, Posada is 34, Kelly Stinnet is 36, and even Tanyon Sturtze is approaching 36.

I don't mind age at all. What I do mind is the looming fact that many will get injured due to age, and the recovery time will increase with every injury. Some pitchers, like Clemens, Maddux, Glavine, and formerly Nolan Ryan were able to pitch well as they got older. I don't see that for Randy and for many of the other pitchers on the Yankees' staff. And, Posada and Stinnet's age don't exactly fix the situation.

There is, however, a bright light at the end of *what could be* a dark tunnel if injuries play a factor for aging players. I love Chacon and Wang because of their strong efforts this spring and their resiliency on the mound. They are savvy pitchers who aren't no-name 21 year olds, but consistent pitchers who have youth on their side.

Will Nieves is also a bright prospect from behind the plate. Posada's stats and games caught have decreased for the past three years, and Stinnet won't always be there to fill in. Nieves is a strong player who will undoubtedly be on the September roster, with a high chance of making the team even earlier than that.

I don't think it's too much to worry about. Veterans bring experience, knowledge of the game, and leadership. The Yankees have a lot of that, which could either go for them or against them. Last year, age wasn't a factor as much as injuries as a whole were, especially to their staff. This year, it could play a much larger role if the older players hit the wall.

In MLB news, the Nationals released plans for their new stadium.
The designers say it will be ready for the Nats to play in by Opening Day 2008. It will replace RFK Stadium, which, although it is a classic ballpark, is not fit for the rising Nationals to play in. In regards to the project, DCSEC (D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission)chairman Mark H. Tuohey noted that:

"There was a lot of talking, there was a lot of discussion, and there was a lot of debate. It will be ready by 2008. Our plan is to get it ready for Opening Day."

The Nationals' new stadium proposal is the 12th since 2000, five of which have come from the NL Central.

Best Yankee Player in the Last 20 Years?

2006-03-14T21:07:00.000-05:00

In today's Yankee news, Randy Johnson threw an impressive four innings, but he hit the wall in the fifth. Johnny Damon is also experiencing soarness in his shoulder, and he will be limited to pinch-hitting duties for most of the WBC. However, Damon says its just the usual spring soarness.

We'll see how this one unfolds.

Anyway, seeing as all I have talked about for the last few entries has been Spring Training, I was pondering about who the best Yankee player was over the last twenty years. The first player that came to mind for me was Derek Jeter; however, that's not who I would choose. With no disrespect to Jeter, over the last twenty years the Yankees have had amazing players, some of which who accentuated the highest level of the game. Jeter is arguably in the top three or two, but he isn't my number one. My number one is a guy who was underrated but, in comparison to every other Yankee, he put up better numbers than any other man at his position overall in baseball for the time he was with the Yankees. And notice here the "was."

Tell me what you think. E-mail your responses to me, and I'll post them when I get about five. You can just give me a name, or you can give a whole explanation why you think he was the best player over the last twenty years. It's up to you. I'll show the two or three best.

As for my choice, you'll find out soon enough.

Strutting Their Stuff

2006-03-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

The Yankees' pitching staff (ERA-wise) was 22nd in baseball last season. Just a decade ago, they were first.

It has been a trend over the last few years for the Yankees. Their hitting has bulked up, while their pitching hasn't. Mike Mussina and Mariano Rivera have been the only consistent pitchers the Yankees have had over the past two or three seasons.

This spring, the Yankee pitchers have shown some more swagger and more "stuff" from the mound. This was shown again yesterday, as they won against the Braves, 7-3, which turned their overall spring record to 6-5. After an unimpressive debut for Wang, he pitched a solid three innings, with Rivera having another 1-2-3 inning.

If you combine the performances of Chacon, Farnsworth, Scott Proctor, and Mariano Rivera this spring, you see only one combined earned run in fourteen innings. If these guys continue to pitch effectively into the season, and Johnson and Wright can rebound from what has so far been a mediocre spring for them, expect to see a much more solidified and powerful rotation and bullpen in 2006.

Here are some other Yankee notes:

1) Marcus Thames, who hit a home run off Mariano Rivera a few days ago, has made a name for himself. In his first ever major league at bat, he hit a home run of Randy Johnson. Thames hasn't had an impressive career, but he has hit tremendous home runs off two future hall of famers, which is something few players with about 100 career at bats can say.

2) Jason Giambi said that his sore left calf is improving, and that he could possibly see some action as early as Tuesday. "I ran a little today, and it felt good," said Giambi.

3) Bubba Crosby saw his first action since he injured his index finger. He doubled in his only at bat.

4) Five players were reassigned from camp: Phil Hughes, Darrel Rasner, Jason Brown, Chris Prieto, and Danny Garcia. Fifty-seven players are now left in camp.

5) Kevin Reese turned 28.

6) Shawn Chacon will make his third start of the spring today against Cleveland at 1:05 EST.

7) Posada and Matsui both have spring averages above .400. Sheffield, however, has a spring average of .111.

With Spring Training in high gear, there are now only 22 days left until Opening Day. Any comments can be left on the blog or e-mailed to me at jjf91@aol.com.

Who is Aaron Small?

2006-03-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

Let's look at a typical conversation between Giants trainer Stan Conte and slugger Barry Bonds.

Stan: How'd you do today, Barry?
Barry: Terribly. I hit just two home runs, both of which were under 500 feet.
Stan: Well, you have some good one's and some bad one's. Would you like some more internal cow steroids?
Barry: No, I'd like the cream today.
Stan: Nice Barry- living on the wild side, I see.
Barry: Well, you know what they say: Pass Aaron and Ruth, and don't tell the truth.
Stan: Well-said, Barry. Well-said.

{Enter Felipe Alou}

Felipe: Barry, we're starting Feliz in left tomorrow. I'll try to get you in as a pinch hitter.
Barry: Felipe, Felipe...look, who has 57 HR?
Felipe: You do. And it's April 17th.
Barry: And, who has 256 walks and a 4.512 OPS?
Felipe: You do.
Barry: Enough said. Now, let Stan give me my cream.

Now, let's look at a conversation between manager Joe Torre and Aaron Small

Small: Who's starting today, Joe?
Torre: I think I'm going to start Wang. His sinker has been great lately, and his confidence has really increased since his last outing.
Small: I agree. The kid's got some great stuff. Wish him luck from me if you see him.
Torre: I will.

Although the conversations may have contained a bit of hyperbole, the fact of the matter is that Aaron Small is a player who personifies the positive aspects of baseball. With six pitchers fighting for five spots, Small has stayed out of the spotlight this spring, offering to pitch out of the bullpen.

And after a stellar 10-0 performance last year, the Yankees offered him $1 million to come back. For Barry, he had 42 at bats and got paid close to $20 million in 2005. Go figure.

Small, however, provided more of the intangibles on the team last year. With superstar players that I need not name, the Yankees really have it all tangibly. Small brought what can't be seen from the stands and what can't be seen on the television. He brought a kind and warm heart and a positive attitude that helped propel the team from fourth place to first.

I remember in late July last year when Peter Gammons was talking about Aaron Small on ESPN. They were about to start him in a game against the Red Sox when Al Leiter was acquired. With the likes of Sean Henn, Darryl May, and Tim Redding, I thought Small would be another mediocre pitcher, and I was delighted that the Yankees acquired a veteran pitcher.

Leiter had some strong performances, but Small completely blew everyone away when he was called up from Columbus. The secret came from Mel Stottlemyre who changed his fingering on his sinker. The results were amazing.

Will Small start the year starting? No. But, what he will do was provide the intangibles he did last season, and to true baseball fans, that aspect is so much more important.

Canada Edges Out the U.S. in the WBC 8-6

2006-03-09T15:08:00.000-05:00

Canada established itself as a legitimate force in the WBC as it edged out the US by a score of 8-6. Canadian players such as Adam Stern, Erik Bedard, and Adam Loewen led the team, with manager Ernie Whitt involved in crucial decisions. Said Whitt:

"I know for a fact that we don't have the depth that other countries have. But we do have a lot of heart and that's why I enjoy managing this team."

On the American side, pitchers Dontrelle Willis and Al Leiter surrendered the eight runs all within the first several innings. The team did, however, manage to have six-run inning, which was capped off with a Jason Varitek grand slam. Eric Cyr, the pitcher who gave up the grand slam had this to say about Varitek:

"He's obviously an All-Star hitter, and I made a mistake and he took advantage of it. After that, I just calmed down a little bit, and just got back in the game and focused."

The loss for Team USA could be detrimental to their hopes of advancing. In order for them to advance, Canada has to defeat Mexico on Thursday and the USA has to defeat South Africa on Friday. USA would also advance if Mexico defeats Canada and scored three or more runs and the USA defeats South Africa on Friday.

In Yankee news, yesterday's game was the team's fourth straight win, as they won 8-3. Sheffield had an RBI in his first game back since he tweaked his hamstring, and first baseman Andy Phillips also went 2 for 3 with an RBI and two runs scored. On the mound, Jaret Wright gave up two runs and three hits in 2.2 innings of work. His chances of making the rotation are lessening as each performance worsens. His spring ERA is now at 5.79.

The Yankees play Detroit today at 1:15 EST. Randy Johnson will hopefully propel the team to their fifth straight win.

Any comments or questions can be e-mailed to me at jjf91@aol.com or you can comment on the blog.

You Couldn't Ask For Anything Mo

2006-03-08T15:50:00.001-05:00

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera saw his first action yesterday, as he tossed six pitches in one perfect inning of work. His presence, however, overshadowed some of the other highlights of the game in which the Yankees won 5-0 over the Twins.

Hideki Matsui went 2 for 3 with a double, which ironically lowered his average to .778. Jorge Posada also went 2 for 3, contributing a home run and two RBIs. Kevin Howard came off the bench and went 1 for 2, with two RBIs. Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera both put up o-fers, but their Spring Training averages are still well-above .300.

On the mound, Shawn Chacon started and pitched three shutout innings. Chacon is definitely my sleeper pick. If you go back to my AL East predicitions, I predicted him to win nineteen games. Unless he is badly injured or flounders during the rest of Spring Training, his chances are high that he will make the rotation. After Chacon left, Henn, Farnsworth, and Rivera combined to throw a few shutout innings. The Yankees face Pittsburgh tonight at 7:15. Jaret Wright will be on the hill at Legends Field.

With a 3-3 record, the Yankees have certainly rebounded, and they are performing without many of their top players. Overall, I have gotten a good look at most of the younger players, and I can definitely see some potential. J.B. Cox is a guy I love. Many think he will replace Rivera when the time comes, and his stuff is amazing. In a few years, he'll be more than ready to take the stage. This is what Spring Training is all about- to scout and observe the younger players in the system. The Yankees have certianly done that.

Also, check out my new poll. If you have any comments or questions, you can e-mail me personally at jjf91@aol.com or leave a comment on the blog.

Kirby Puckett: 1960-2006

2006-03-07T15:48:00.000-05:00

For twelve years, Kirby Puckett played baseball harder than just about any other athlete who has ever taken the field. He was never traded, he never caused controversy, and most importantly, he never settled for anything less than a win. He was the face of the Twins and the face of baseball for over a decade.

Kirby Puckett and Sandy Koufax are two of the greatest players ever that retired early. Puckett played just twelve seasons and retired due to complications he endured. After just twelve seasons, he had over 2,300 hits. If he continued producing as he had and had played as long as Pete Rose or Ty Cobb, he would have set the hit record by over 400 hits. He would have also set the runs and doubles record.

Puckett played from 1984-1995, leading the Twins to two World Series, 1987 and 1991. His most memorable moment was his game-winning home run off Charlie Liebrandt in game six of the 1991 World Series, which is considered by many to be the greatest World Series in history. Puckett was also a ten-time all-star, a six-time gold glove winner, and a five-time silver slugger. He had a career average of .318.

Puckett was inducted into the hall of fame in 2001. This is what it said on his plaque:

"A proven team leader with an ever-present smile and infectious exuberance who led the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. Over 12 seasons hit for power and average, batting .318 with 414 doubles and 207 home runs. Also a prolific run producer, scored 1,071 runs, and drove in 1,085 in 1,783 games. A six-time Gold Glove winner who patrolled center field with elegance and style, routinely scaling outfield walls to take away home runs. The ten-time all star's career ended abruptly due to irreversible retinal damage in his right eye"

A proven world champion and a great player, Puckett will be remembered generations from now as a player who personified the positive attributes of baseball. He deserves that honor.

A Thrashing of The Jays Give Yankees Their Second Win of the Spring

2006-03-06T19:38:00.000-05:00

Another win, and the Yankees will be at .500.

It seems for over a year now that the Yankees are aiming at mediocrity. If you look at last season, the Yankees were still aiming at .500 by the all star break. It's no knock on the team (they did end up winning 95 games last year), but it seems the Yankees' goals are lessening each year. Maybe it's just my frustration talking, but it seems that way.

Nonetheless, the Yankees did win.

It was a good game too- an 11-8 thrashing of the Blue Jays. Robinson Cano has looked well this spring, and he put up another solid game, going 3-3 with a home run. However, his lackadaisical single later in the game was a bit "Alfonso Soriano like," meaning it could have easily been turned into a double. Matsui also doubled in his only at bat, and Will Nieves also contributed a home run. Other stars at the plate were Kelly Stinnet and Andy Phillips, both contributing two hits. On the mound, Wang's sinker wasn't it's best, as he gave up three runs in two innings. Aaron Small also gave up four runs, although three were unearned. Pitcher J.B. Cox (who will likely place Rivera when he retires) closed out the game and earned a save.

On the Blue Jays side, Dustin McGowan's Spring Training ERA rose to 63.00 The Jays are now 0-5, with most of the games being considerable losses. My prediction for them to make a playoff chase isn't looking that great. However, it's still March.

I'm thinking of making a new poll. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Moose and Matsui Give Yanks Their First Win of Spring Training

2006-03-05T19:17:00.000-05:00

Finally, the Yankees won a game.

However, the win was only marginal, 3-2. The game began with concerns over Matsui's nagging injuries that he has endured lately, but he was the Yankees best hitter, as he put up a solid 3-3, and was the primary force at the plate. Andy Phillips also had an RBI double, with Posada and Escalona contributing an RBI each. From the mound, Mussina was solid enough, allowing one run on four hits in 2.2 innings of work. Nineteen year old prospect Phil Hughes also pitched well, allowing one run in 1.1 innings of work. He was credited with the win.

Here are some other Yankee notes from today:

1) Mariano Rivera will make his first appearance on Tuesday, not Monday.

2) Sheffield was originally going to play in this game, but he tweaked his hamstring on the way to Knology Park. Sheffield said it's nothing serious, but he is now listed as day to day.

3) X-rays on Bubba Crosby's finger were negative: he is also listed as day to day.

4) Sturtze threw his first batting practice session today. Torre would like for Sturtze to throw another one before getting into a game.

5) Chien-Ming Wang will make his first start of the spring tomorrow at Legends Field. The game will start at 1:15 P.M. EST, with the Dustin McGowan tossing for the Jays. The Yankees are now 1-3, and Toronto is 0-4.

Lasorda v. Steinbrenner

2006-03-05T11:50:00.000-05:00

As the WBC kicks into high gear, the controversy that surrounds it increases. Many owners feel that it is a negative influence on their time and that their players will come back injured and unable to play. No one advocates this more than owner George Steinbrenner. In fact, Steinbrenner even posted a sign on the front of Legends Field apologizing to the fans for their lack of superstar players this Spring Training. The sign said:

"We are sorry that certain players will not be present for portions of Spring Training. These players have selected to participate of Spring Training. These players have selected to participate in the World Baseball Classic. The World Baseball Classic is an event sanctioned by the commissioner of Major League Baseball and the Major League Players Association. The New York Yankees did not vote to support this event. Any comments you have regarding the World Baseball Classic should be directed to the commissioner of Major League Baseball or the Major League Players Association."

Yesterday, Tommy Lasorda had some comments to say regarding Steinbrenner. Yankees.com reported Lasorda as saying

"I would think George, who was one of the most patriotic people I have ever known, would be the first guy to endorse this and tell his players to play. I am really surprised and disappointed that he hasn't done that."

The positives coming out of the WBC will be the unification of baseball around the globe, which could possibly influence its popularity. Michael Kay noted that there will be millions of children in Beijing wearing Yankee hats after this is over. No one denies that it will have positive effects worldwide, but as for MLB, its effects could be detrimental.

Yankees Start Off 0-3

2006-03-04T16:29:00.000-05:00

The Yankees have yet to win a game in 2006, as they posted their third consecutive loss today, 4-1. Randy Johnson was only pitching about 70% of what he could be, and his pitches seemed slow and easy. He pitched three innings, allowed three runs, and struck out a pair of batters. Scott Proctor looked strong from the mound, tossing two scoreless innings. He also got out of a bases-loaded, no out jam by striking out Adam Dunn and Edwin Encarnacion. At the plate, Kevin Thompson drove in the only Yankee run, and Cano contributed two hits. The Yankees also made some roster cuts. Pitcher Jorge DePaula, catcher Jose Gil, and pitcher Steven White were all sent to minor league afilliates, meaning they aren't going to be on the Yankees roster.

Here are some other notes on the state of the Yankees:

1) Bubba Crosby bruised his left index finger during a bunt drill and was scratched from the lineup. However, it was nothing serious.

2) Carl Pavano and Octavio Dotel threw in the bullpen before the game. Both seemed fine.

3) Mariano Rivera will pitch Monday at Legends Field.

4) Kyle Farnsworth made his first Yankee appearance today. He looked solid from the mound, and he will be a great set-up man for Rivera.

5) Kevin Thompson has played well this spring training, and don't be surprised if he makes the 25-man roster this April. He contributed the only RBI in today's game.

6) Susan Waldman set a record for most advertisements in a game, with 643.

7) Even though the Yankees are 0-3, remember that they went 9-20 during Spring Training in 2001. They, of course, then went on to go 95-65 and compete in the World Series.

As for predictions, I think I'll stop with the American League. Standingwise in the the NL, I predict it will be Atlanta, St. Louis, and San Francisco, with Millwaukee nabbing the wild card. And no, that's not a typo. This is the year for Sheets, Lee, Jenkins, and Derrick Turnbow to emerge as strong forces in the league. Look to see 40 saves from Turnbow and more than 15 wins from Sheets. Sorry to Met fans, but I don't think they're going to make it this year. They have the right players, but not the right chemistry.

Predictions For 2006- American League West

2006-03-03T15:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the Yankees lost their first spring training game 6-3. Andy Phillips contributed a home run, while Shawn Chacon and Aaron Small each pitched two innings of shutout ball. Damon, in his first official Spring Training game with the Yankees, went 2 for 3, both of his hits being solid and through the hole. Bernie Williams also looked good, as he contributed well at the plate and in right field. It was the first time he played a position other than center for over thirteen years.

However, Mike Myers, the submarine-throwing lefty that the Yankees acquired from Boston, couldn't hold the lead, as he gave up three runs. Myers will mostly be used to get one or two outs this year, but he didn't look confident or poised on the mound.

The Yankees have had a history of playing below-average in Spring Training (they were sub-.500 in 1998, when they won 114 games), and this by no means is a foreshadow to the season. Most of the Yankee starters were taken out by the fifth inning, and the game's main purpose was to scout younger players fighting for a spot on the roster. In fact, with the loss of Damon, Jeter, Bernie Williams, Al Leiter, and Alex Rodriguez, from now until the 20th of March, the Yankees will be without most of their usual players due to the WBC.

Today, the Yankees lost another heartbreaker, 11-10. Jaret Wright pitched two innings, giving up four hits and one run, but unfortunately the bullpen couldn't hold it. Ron Villone had a rough two thirds of an inning, as he allowed three runs, and Jorge DePaula also allowed three runs. Former twenty-game winner Scott Erickson also gave up two runs, although both were unearned. What does an 0-2 start tell the Yankees? Well, for one, the Yankees can't win without their big players. Ironically, their biggest player in the game was Melky Cabrera, who went 4 for 5. However, it also shows that the Yankees' bullpen still has the same problems. Wright's shoulder is still sore, Villone looked like he was a minor-leaguer, and Erickson would allow baserunner after baserunner to get on. If these problems persist, the Yankees are going to have some major problems. On the bright side, the offense picked up ten runs without Damon, Jeter, Rodriguez, Sheffield, or Matsui. The next game is against the Reds, with Randy Johnson starting. Hopefully, the Yankees can pick up their first win of the Spring Training season. Remember, it's only March.

And now, predictions for the American League West.

For several years during the beginning of this decade, the American League West was the most competitive league in the game. In fact, in 2001, Oakland won 102 games, but still finished fourteen games behind Seattle. The league was that good. However, Seattle faded, Oakland dismantled, and Texas never found pitching. Anaheim (or should I say, Los Angeles) has been the only team to emerge as the best in the league over the last few years. True, Oakland gave them a run for their money in 2004 and 2005, but Anaheim seems to always finish on top, or at least they have over the past three years. I believe this trend will change in 2006. Once again, the West will emerge as a competitive and intriguing league to watch, with Oakland and Anaheim grueling it out until the last day of the season. And with that, here is the order I believe the teams will finish in:

1) Oakland Athletics- 91-71

The Athletics were one of the best stories in baseball last year. Starting off terribly, they managed to rebound and almost take the division. I remember I saw a game in May where the A's were shutout 5-0, against Kevin Brown. Kevin Brown. With their best players being Eric Chavez, Nick Swisher, and Dan Johnson, the A's really had no one to count on. But then, their rookies began to perform. Swisher and Johnson proved they were capable of playing in the major leagues, and Huston Street went on to be one of the better closers in the game. Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Barry Zito, and Dan Haren also powered the rotation. At one point, the starters were 16-0 in a matter of twenty games. The A's are going into 2006 with a surge of confidence and with new players such as Esteban Loaiza, Milton

Bradley, and a healthy Bobby Crosby. Offensively, the A's have Ellis and Kendall leading off, with most probably Kotsay, Chavez, and Payton making out the heart of the order. Milton Bradely, Dan Johnson, and Nick Swisher will round out the order, with Crosby somewhere in the mix as well. Their starting rotation is undoubtedly the best in the division, with Zito, Haren, Blanton, Harden, and Loaiza. Their bullpen also has some strong arms. Kiko Calero, who was acquired in the Mulder trade, and Justin Duchscherer combined for an ERA less than three last season, and Huston Street is as good as they come- a 1.72 ERA as a rookie. In my predictions, I gave the Athletics and the Angels the same record, but in the end, I think Oakland has the advantage in the season-series, meaning they're the one's who I'll give the division to.

The Breakout Hitter- Bobby Crosby: .297, 23 HR, 96 RBIs
The Breakout Pitcher- Huston Street: 45 SV, 2.06 ERA

2) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim- 91-71

The Angels are a team that won't blow you away with their players. They just know how to win games. Other than Colon, Vlad, and K-Rod, the Angels team is mostly made up of young players, although they made some key signings to solid veterans over the offseason. For 2006, I'm giving the Angels the wild card (if you look at the A.L East Predictions, they win it by one game over the Red Sox). Offensively, the Angels have a gem in Chone Figgins, and I believe this will be a breakout year for him offensively and defensively. Orlando Cabrera and Vladimir Guerrero will follow him, although Guerrero has a lack of protection in the lineup, something that could result in a decrease in production. The veterans Garrett Anderson and Darin Erstad will most likely follow Vlad, with Juan Rivera, Casey Kotchman, and Adam Kennedy

following. The Angels will also start Jeff Mathis at catcher after losing Benjie Molina. Mathis has only appeared in five major league games, but the Angels are hoping he can take charge and appear in about 120 this year. From the mound, the Angels have Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon (although he didn't truly deserve it), with Lackey and Escobar follwing. Thirty-six year old Hector Carrasco will also get a chance to start, with Ervin Santana rounding out the rotation. From the pen, Scot Shields, J.C. Romero, and Brendan Donnelly will create a solid set-up position for Francisco Rodriguez, who is poised for another great season. The Angels will barely make it this year, and if they don't contribute offensively, then they have a slim chance of making the postseason. Their pitching is solid, and other than Vlad, Garrett Anderson, and Figgins, their hitters are just mediocre.

The Breakout Hitter- Chone Figgins: .324, 10 HR, 66 RBIs, 82 SB
The Breakout Pitcher- Francisco Rodriguez: 1.95 ERA, 44 SV

3) Texas Rangers- 76-86

The Texas Rangers are in the club of expansion franchises in the 60s and 70s that haven't won the World Series (others include Seattle, Milwaukee, Washington, and Houston). The Rangers have had great players and coaches such as Nolan Ryan, Jonny Oates, and currently Mark Teixeira, but they haven't been able to make that next step. They were dominant in 1996, 1998, and 1999, but in all three years, they failed to make it past the division series (and we all know who beat them). I like the Rangers and I like their nitty-gritty style of playing, but I still don't think they have what it takes to even reach .500. Offensively, Dellucci could have another solid year at the top of the order, although he hit just .235 after August 1st. Michael Young is one of the most consistent and well-rounded players in the game, putting up amazing numbers once again in 2005 (.334, 24 HR, 91 RBIs). Him and Teixeira are emerging as the leaders of this powerful offense. Blalock, the number four hitter, is very overrated, and he only had 25 home runs in 2005 and a .263 average. After that, there's Kevin Mench, Brad Wilkerson, and Lance Nix. I love Kevin Mench. True, he has the biggest head in the game, but he's one of the rare

players who will give you 25-30 home runs and strike out fewer than 70 times, which is what Mench has done over the past two seasons. Rounding out the order will be catcher Rod Barajas, who has quietly become one of the better catchers in the league. From the mound, the Rangers improved their pitching a bit, but it's still not enough to make much of an impact. Kevin Millwood had a great 2005 with a 2.86 ERA, and he is expected to be the staff ace for years to come. Adam Eaton is their next top pitcher, and after injuries last season, I doubt Eaton will win twelve games. Vincente Padilla, Kameron Loe, and Juan Dominiguez will round out the order, with Joaquin Benoit also a probable fifth starter. From the pen, the Rangers have one good pitcher: Francisco Cordero. This guy has amazing stuff, and he's been less and less recognized every year because of the Rangers mediocre status. This guy is a solid closer who had an amazing 2005, and he's a give-in to strikeout at least 10 or 11 men per nine innings. The other relievers are Otsuka, side-armer Brian Shouse, and R.A. Dickey. With no real set-up man, the bullpen is looking grim, and so is the Rangers' 2006 season.

The Breakout Hitter- Mark Teixeira: .314, 49 HR, 134 RBI
The Breakout Pitcher- Kevin Millwood: 16-9, 3.14 ERA

4) Seattle Mariners- 68-94

Many have been saying that it's "now or never for the Mariner's regime." I say it's never. Once Lou Pinella left the team, I knew they were going downhill, with the only bright spot being Ichiro. And, I have to say, my prediction was right. Since 2002, the Mariners have not been a force whatsoever in the division, as they have sunk from 116 wins all the way to last place. The Mariners do, however, have a gem in Felix Hernandez, and he is really their number one starter. Offensively, the M's have Ichiro, a give-in for 200 hits and a Gold Glove, and Jeremy Reed at the top.

Reed had a .254 average last season, his rookie season, but he is expected to perform well in his sophomore season. Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson are proven power hitters, but Sexson strikes out exponentially and Beltre (who is still only 26) has had just one good year. From there, the Mariners have Everett, Ibanez, and Japanese catcher Kenji Johjma. I've heard positive things about him, but his adaption to America will come before he starts producing. From the mound, the Mariners have old-timer Jamie Moyer and Jarrod Washburn, with phenom Felix Hernandez. The rotation isn't actually that bad, as long as Moyer can stay healthy for another year. The bullpen also has some strong arms, with Eddie Guardado, Rafael Soriano, and Julio Mateo. Like the Angels, I think the Mariners have decent pitching, but their bats are still lacking offense. The 2006 season won't be their year.

The Breakout Hitter- Ichiro Suzuki: .340, 18 HR, 68 RBIs
The Breakout Pitcher- Felix Hernandez: 17-9, 3.78 ERA

And with that, another league has been predicted. Tomorrow, I will move on to the American League East, where there will be surprises in every sort of way. Also, stay tuned for Yankees Spring Training insight and scores and highlights from the WBC.

Predictions For 2006- American League Central

2006-03-02T11:17:00.000-05:00

In today's Yankee news, Shawn Chacon will start the first Spring Training game for the Yankees against the Phillies. He is battling for a spot in the rotation, and his performance will decide whether he will be in the bullpen or in the rotation at the start of the year. And now, predictions.

The American League Central was not a competitive league last year, as Chicago completely ran away with first place. A few mishaps led to Cleveland almost taking over first, but Chicago managed to stay atop the division and go on to get a ring. The 2006 season will once again be good to Chicago, as I predict they will win the division, but some teams below them will change, and this will create a huge impact on the rest of the league.

1) Chicago White Sox- 98-64

After 88 years of failing to win the World Series (and nearly fifty of even getting there), the White Sox finally won a ring in 2005. This will propel them to another solid season in 2006. Instead of dismantling, the White Sox made key signings in the offseason such as Jim Thome and Javier Vasquez, and they will once again prove in 2006 that they will win by pitching. Their rotation is arguably the best in the division, and their lineup isn't too shabby either. Once again, they'll have Podsednik and Uribe at the

top of the order, but look for Uribe to be somewhat of a bust in 2006. Konerko, Thome, and Dye will make up the heart of the order, and if Thome stays healthy, all three could hit well over 30 home runs. From there, it will be Iguchi, Pierzynski, and Crede. Pierzynski is a well-rounded catcher who has decent power numbers and
above-average fielding. Rookie Brian Anderson will also patrol center field, taking over for the popular Aaron Rowand. He is a former first-round pick who has the potential to be a nice fit with the White Sox. The rotation has five guys who are simply amazing. Mark Buehrle, who is a workhorse from the mound, and Contreras will be the top pitchers for the White Sox. After a startling postseason, Contreras has an increase in confidence in 2006, something that Contreras has been searching for his entire career. Garcia (26-12 since being traded to the White Sox) and Garland will also add quality starts, with Vasquez as the probable number five starter (he was the number one starter last year with the Diamondbacks. The bullpen lost Damaso Marte, but with Neal Cotts, Cliff Politte, and the hard-throwing Bobby Jenks, the White Sox bullpen will have another solid season in 2006.

The Breakout Hitter- Paul Konerko: .270, 38 HR, 105 RBIs
The Breakout Pitcher- Jose Contreras: 18-6, 3.22 ERA, 176 Ks

2) Cleveland Indians- 87-75

The Indians had their first positive season since 2001 last year, as they were in the middle of a wild wild-card chase (no pun intended). In fact, they almost knocked the White Sox out of first before slumping. In September, they floundered, as they finished the season two games behind the Red Sox in the wild card. The 2006 season is looking bright for the Indians, but I still don't think they have what it takes to make it to the playoffs. Offensively, they have Grady Sizemore, Jhonny Peralta, and Travis Hafner, three players who are young and solid. Hafner hit over 30 home runs in less than 500 at bats last season, and Peralta and Sizemore also coontributed over 20 home runs. The thing I like about Sizemore is that he has a perfect blend of power, speed, plate discipline, and abiliy to hit for average. From there, the Indians have Victor Martinez who has emerged as arguably the best catcher in the American League. From the mound, the Indians have Sabathia, Westbrook, and Lee,

three pitchers who all won over fifteen games last year. Westbrook was an all star in 2004 (and a former Yaknee), and I believe the 2006 season will be his best so far. Paul Byrd and Jason Johnson will round out the rotation, and both pitchers have proven to be above-average in the past. The Indians' bullpen, with Wickman, Rhodes, and Betancourt, is also poised to be one of the best in the league (in fact, the Indians had the best bullpen ERA-wise in 2005). One of the most underrated players they have is the lefty Scott Sauerbaeck, who is a key situational pitcher that was extremely valuable to the team last year. And, after slumping in 2005, Danny Graves is now an Indian; although, he has really been in a free-fall since his 41-save season in 2004. Overall, the Indians have the right formula, but I don't think they're ready for that next step.

The Breakout Hitter- Travis Hafner: .310, 37 HR, 123 RBIs
The Breakout Pitcher- Jake Westbrook: 17-9, 3.41 ERA

3)Minnesota Twins- 80-82

The Twins have been on the decline since 2004. After three consecutive playoff appearances from 2002-2004, the Twins had a lackluster season in 2005, going just 83-79. This was mainly due to 1) Torii Hunter's season-ending injury and 2) No power. The Twins had just two players (Justin Mourneau and Jacque Jones) hit over twenty home runs, and the next highest was twelve by Michael Cuddyer. And, you'd think they'd make up for hit by average, but they didn't. No one hit over .300. The Twins are continually spiraling downhill, and after a negative offseason, they are looking like a sub-.500 team entering 2006. Although they made key signings to Luis Castillo and Rondell White, the Twins lost a big franchise player in Jacque Jones. Their lineup has Shannon Stewart and Luis Castillo at the top. Stewart can hit .300, but he had a so-so 2005, and Castillo is overrated. He had great seasons in the late 90s and early 00s, but after surgery on his knees, Castillo's speed and offense has decreased. He will not steal over 25 bases in 2006, and look for him to hit in the .260s range. Catcher Joe Mauer is really the only bright spot in the order. Rondell White will most likely bat cleanup, and he has had on-and-off seasons, so at tihs point, I have no idea how he'll do. From there, the Twins will have Mourneau,

Hunter, and Tony Batista at third. It's just not that good of a lineup, in my opinion, and they don't have the spark that other teams do. Their pitching, specifically their starting pitching, is a little better. Johan Santana is one of the best pitchers in the game, although I don't think he'll be able to win games because of lack of run support. Last year, he had a better ERA, WHIP, batting average against, and more strikeouts than Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon, but the reason he didn't get the award was because he was just 16-7 (similar to Clemens in the National League, who went 13-8 but had a 1.87 ERA). Carlos Silva, Brad Radke, and Kyle Lohse will branch off from Santana, and the young Francisco Liriano has a spot at the number five position (many think he's a younger version of Santana). The bullpen is above-average, with Juan Rincon and Jesse Crain setting up for the stellar Joe Nathan. Overall, I don't think the Twins can do it in 2006, but they're sure as heck better than the next two teams to come.

The Breakout Hitter- Justin Mourneau: .273, 40 HR, 117 RBIs
The Breakout Pitcher- Johan Santana: 15-6, 2.92 ERA

4) Detroit Tigers- 70-92

Since their last World Series win in 1984, the Tigers have really been a joke. Although they improved somewhat in 2005, they still don't have what it takes in this division to even compete. Jim Leyland, taking over for Allen Trammel, is a proven World Series winner, but just as Larry Brown has done with the Knicks, I doubt he'll have much of an impact. One of their brightest spots is first baseman Chris Shelton, who was just one hit shy of hitting .300 in his rookie season. Offensively, the Tigers have Placido Polanco, an excellent hitter, at the top of the order (Polanco hit .338 with Detroit last year and struck out just 25 times in over 500 at bats), and Carlos Guillen, another solid .300 hitter. Pudge is getting older, and I think this will be his last true definitive year. Magglio Ordonez had some great years in Chicago, but his bat isn't what it used to be, and his power numbers have decreased. Dmitri Young

often times explodes in the beginning of the year, but he usually has a horrible second half (15 percent of his home runs in 2005 came on Opening Day, when he hit three). After Shelton in the sixth spot, the Tigers have Inge, Craig Monroe, and possibly rookie Curtis Granderson, who shined in 47 big-league games last year. The Tigers also have Nook Logan, a medocre player, who hasn't reached the potential of his brother, Cranny. However, like many teams, the Tigers lack pitching. They acquired the veteran Kenny Rogers, but unless he's expecting to pummel the Detroit cameramen, I don't think he'll have a very good year. Jeremy Bonderman can't win games (he's lost more games in the last two years than any other pitcher except for teammate Mike Maroth), but his stuff is very good, as he often gets his fastball in the high 90s. Mike Maroth is 18 games under .500 in his career, and he's just a below-average pitcher. Nate Robertson is just, well, bad. And, the fifth starter is still in quesiton, but it will most liekly be Justin Verlander, who had an ERA above seven in 2005. The Tigers' bullpen has veterans Todd Jones and Matt Mantei, but the others (Roman Colon, Chris Spurling, Fernando Rodney, and Jamie Walker) are just okay. I do think the Tigers have the right players, but they need to improve their pitching to really make the next step, which is to reach .500.

The Breakout Hitter- Placido Polanco: .334, 15 HR, 67 RBIs
The Breakout Pitcher- Jeremy Bonderman: 14-12, 185 K's

5) Kansas City Royals- 57-105

Well, since the Royals still have the nerve to put players on the field, I'll give them a one win improvement in 2006, which shows how bad their 2005 season was. The Royals are definitely the worst team in baseball (their cleanup hitter is Emil Brown), and while some teams have good hitting and bad pitcihng and vice versa, the Royals are lacking in both. Offensively, the Royals improved in the offseason by acuiring outfielder Reggie Sanders and infielder Mark Grudzielanek, but they failed to improve in their pitching. The order will have DeJesus leading off, with Sanders, Sweeney, and Emil Brown after that. Next will probably be Grudzielanek and

Doug Mientkiewicz, showing that the one thing the Royals did do was get players whose names are long and impossible to spell. After that, Mark Teahen and former rookie of the year Angel Berroa will take their hacks, with catcher John Buck most likely rounding out the order. From the mound, the Royals' number one starter will be seventeen-game loser Zack Greinke. After that, it will most likely be Joe Mays, Scott Elarton, and Mark Redman. Yhe thing about these three guys is that they've all had one good year, and the rest have been bad. If these three guys come together to pitch like they did in their one good season, the Royals have a shot at .500. Although, I doubt that will happen. The bullpen has some great names. Ambiorix Burgos and Andrew Sisco are up-and-coming relievers who will most likely be on the team in 2006. Mike MacDougal and Jeremy Affeldt, however, will probably be the main guys from the bullpen. With my prediction of 57 wins, all I can say is that it's another rebuilding year in Kansas City.

The Breakout Hitter- Mike Sweeney: .294, 24 HR, 86 RBIs
The Breakout Pitcher- Scott Elarton: 10-10, 4.43 ERA

So, with the American League Central predictions in the book, it looks as if this league will be somewhat competitive, but in the end, Chicago will run away with the division title. Tomorrow will be the American League West predictions, which in my opinion will be the most competitive American League Division in 2006.

Predictions For 2006- American League East

2006-03-01T14:49:00.000-05:00

These predictions aren't just for the Yankees; rather, it's for the entire MLB. They may only be predictions, but they are certainly something that I can come back to at the end of the season and at least see how well I did. Alex, however, believes predictions are a waste of time because of their lack of purpose. I disagree. Not only do they give a good scouting for the season, but at the end of the year, they evaluate how well a person can scout. I know not everything I say will be correct, but this is the best I can come up with.

American League East

1) New York Yankees- 100-62
Well, seeing as this is a Yankees blog, I basically have no choice but to put the Yankees as first. Although, seeing as the Orioles, Devil Rays, and Red Sox really floundered over the offseason, the American League East is less likely to be as competitive as it has been over the past five years. This means the Yankees will probably have a run-away season, seeing as they signed Damon, Farnsworth, Cairo, and Dotel over the offseason, while their only big loss was Tom Gordon. They also have one of the best lineups in the game (no one else could put Matsui, who has three consecutive 100-RBI seasons, sixth in the order). Damon and Jeter will be reminiscent of the Knoblauch-Jeter days in the late-90s, and I predict both will hit over .300 and score over 100 runs. A-Rod and Giambi are also due for another big

year. The starters, with Johnson, Mussina, Chacon, Pavano, and Wang, are less noticeable but younger (with the exception of Johnson and Mussina) and stronger than the rotation that started the season last year. When Dotel returns, the bullpen will have him along with Sturtze, Farnsworth, Jaret Wright, and Felix Rodgriguez, four strong relievers that can all set up for Rivera. If they stay healthy, their bullpen could be the deepest in baseball. With their hitting, the Yankees will have another first place finish in 2006, with their third 100-win season in four years.

The Breakthrough Hitter- Alex Rodriguez: .314, 45 HR, 132 RBIs
The Breakthrough Pitcher- Shawn Chacon: 19-6, 3.23 ERA

2) Boston Red Sox- 90-72
With Adam Stern, Kevin Youkilis, and Alex Cora, all three of which who will start the season at center, first, and second, the Red Sox look as if they will decrease in overall wins in 2006. With Schilling's injuries, Wells's staggering age, and Beckett's first year in the American League, their pitching isn't looking good

either. Three of their starting pitchers, Schilling, Wells, and Wakefield, are all older than 39, and so the only young starters they have are Beckett and Clement. Clement did terribly after the all star break, posting a 5.72 ERA, and Beckett is only seven games over .500 in his career. Their bullpen can be strong, with acquisitions such as Mota, but they need Papelbon and Timlin to pitch well to get to Foulke. Offensively, they still have Manny and Ortiz, and with Loretta at second, they have a strong top of the order. However, Nixon's health is inconsistent, and Varitek seems to swap years in terms of consistency and mediocrity. And Lowell at third is only okay. He's proven himself in the past, but in 2005, he was last in all of baseball in OPS among qualifying third basemen. And with all those problems, I don't think the Sox will make it this year.

The Breakthrough Hitter- Manny Ramirez: .318, 41 HR, 117 RBIs
The Breakthrough Pitcher- Jonathan Papelbon: 8-2, 1.84 ERA

3) Toronto Blue Jays- 88-74

The Blue Jays had one of the best offseasons in baseball, acquiring Troy Glaus, Lyle Overbay, A.J. Burnett, and B.J. Ryan. The Blue Jays, who recovered in 2005 after a terrible 2004, have a solid lineup with pitching that could rank among the top in the American League if Halladay and Burnett pitch how they are expected to. Offensively, Russ Addams, an up-and-coming player, will mostly lead off at short, and from there, the lineup explodes. Second would be Catalanotto, who batted over .400 with runners in scoring position in 2005 (.359 with RISP and two outs). Vernon Wells and Troy Glaus will be on top of their game in 2006, as I predict both of them to hit over 30 home runs and drive in over 100 runs. Overbay is also a perennial .300 hitter who makes solid contact and is consistent at the plate. Behind him, Hillenbrand, who batted cleanup in 2005, will probably hit .290 with 20 home

runs, adding even more depth to their lineup. From the mound, they have Halladay, who was on his way to a Cy Young last year, Burnett, Lilly, Chacin, and Josh Towers. Lilly was mostly injured last year, but he is a former all star. Their bullpen improved as well in the offseason. Justin Speier had a WHIP less than one in '05, while Jason Frasor, a rookie last year, ended the season with an ERA less than one in September. Most importantly, I predict B.J. Ryan will have a tremendous year, and he will propel the Blue Jays to a playoff chase. However, their chances of making it are slim.

The Breakout Hitter- Vernon Wells: .304, 36 HR, 106 RBIs
The Breakout Pitcher- B.J. Ryan: 1.43 ERA, 47 SV

4) Baltimore Orioles- 70-92
The 2005 season was the Orioles' eighth straight losing season, a number that is currently only matched by Tampa Bay in the American League. Ironically, their best acquisition over the offseason wasn't a player, but it was a coach. Leo Mazzone, the new pitching coach, did wonders with the Braves for over ten seasons, and he hopes to do the same with struggling Baltimore. Offensively, the Orioles are decent. Brian Roberts and Melvin Mora will most likely contribute at the top of the order, with Tejada and Gibbons in the three and four spot. The offense essentially spikes from there. Javy Lopez, Kevin Millar, Jeff Conine, Corey Patterson, and Ramon Hernandez are all just "okay" players. I do believe, however, that Ramon Hernandez, the

acquired catcher from the Padres, will have a solid year. He hit only twelve home runs last year, but he has proven himself valuable with Oakland in the past. He is due for a 20-25 HR season. From the mound, the Orioles have a horrible staff. Kris Benson, Rodrigo Lopez, Daniel Cabrera, Erik Bedard, and Bruce Chen will make up the rotation. Benson is one of the most overrated players in the game, and the only pitcher who really has any potential is Bedard, who was 5-1 with a 2.08 ERA last year before he went on the DL and the Orioles crashed from first to fourth. Their bullpen isn't looking any better, either. They have LaTroy Hawkins, who has gone from Minnesota to Chicago to Baltimore in a matter of five seasons, and other than that, they have mediocre pitchers such as Todd Williams, Tim Byrdak (he hasn't pitched in the majors since 2000, but then again, it was the same with Aaron Small), Eric DuBose, John Parrish, and Chris Ray. Ray is the closer at this point in time. The Orioles are taking a gamble with him, but he didn't pitch above A ball until last season. Still, he is a good pitcher, but he's nothing compared to what the Orioles lost in B.J. Ryan.

The Breakout Hitter- Ramon Hernandez: .286, 26 HR, 87 RBIs
The Breakout Pitcher- Erik Bedard: 13-8, 3.62 ERA

5) Tampa Bay Devil Rays- 68-94

The Devil Rays have been the joke of baseball since they were created in 1998. Brought down by terrible ownership, the only bright spot in their history was the mini-run they had in 2004, the only year that they didn't finish last. Like every other year, I predict the Devil Rays will once again finish last in 2006; but, I do believe they have a strong chance with their players to rebound in 2007 and 2008. Offensively, the Devil Rays benefited as they got back Rocco Baldelli after he missed the 2005 season due to injuries, and him, along with Crawford and Lugo, will patrol the top of the lineup. One of the most impressive young players in the league that will most likely bat cleanup is Jorge Cantu, who had 37 go-ahead RBIs in 2005. With Baldelli, Crawford, Cantu, and Huff, it will be a solid start to the lineup for the Devil Rays. Jonny Gomes, a cancer survivor who made a run at the rookie of the year in 2005, will also add another bat to the Devil Rays' impressive but underrated lineup. Their pitching, however, is going to kill them. The rotation will look like this:

Scott Kazmir, Mark Hendrickson, Seth McClung, Cassey Fossum, and Edwin Jackson. I think I remember these guys from the Renegades game I saw last year. With the exception of the up-and-coming Kazmir, the rotation has no decent arms whatsoever, and it will be the downfall to the Devil Rays' season. Their bullpen isn't much better, either. Chad Orvella, a rookie in 2005 who had an impressive 2.35 ERA after the break, will be their strong point, but other than that, the Devil Rays have Travis Harper, Jesus Colome, Dan Miceli, Shinji Mori, and Chad Harville, with no set closer in mind. Mori was strong in his nine years in Japan, but the other pitchers were completely awful in 2005.

The Breakout Hitter- Jorge Cantu: .296, 31 HR, 106 RBIs
The Breakout Pitcher Scott Kazmir: 15-10, 3.87 ERA

The American League East will be somewhat competitive down the stretch, but in the end, it will be the Yankees for the ninth year in a row. No other team really has a chance, although even though the Red Sox lost most of their players, they somehow find a way to win games. The Blue Jays are taking a new approach that could launch them into the playoffs in 2006. The Orioles are continuing to go downhill after what was supposed to be an impressive 2005. And, the Devil Rays will stay where they have been- last. This will make up the American League East in 2005. Stay tuned for tomorrow, when I will offer my predictions on the American League Central.

Coming Tomorrow: Predictions

2006-02-28T15:05:00.000-05:00

As March and the World Baseball classic approaches, people are getting ready to watch baseball games again. After a lengthy and tiresome offseason with more signings than any other offseason in major league history, the 2006 season will be one in which sub-.500 teams will emerge victorious, while successful teams in 2005 may see the likes of third and fourth place. With so many signings and acquisitions, the 2006 season will be completely unparallel to that of 2005.

Tomorrow, I will offer my predictions for the Yankees and for major league teams. Each Yankee player will have their own prediction, and I will also offer my opinions on division winners, series champions, and most importantly, who I think will get the ring (I'll try to be as objective as I can, since this is a Yankee blog).

And with that, let the season begin.

Robinson Cano: A Sophomore Slump or a Career Year?

2006-02-27T14:35:00.000-05:00

When Robinson Cano first came up in May of last year, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo from Mike and the Mad Dog would continuously call Cano Robinson Canoe. It so happens that Cano was 2 for 21 at that point. Turns out, Mad Dog would do the same with Melky Cabrera a few months later by calling him Milky.

However, unlike Cabrera, Cano established himself as one of the best rookies in the league last year. Although overshadowed by Huston Street, Nick Swisher, and Felix Hernandez, Cano was one of the top-rookies in the league. After a 2 for 21 start, Cano went on a tear, as he hit upwards of .300 the rest of the season. Cano especially made his mark on the road, as he hit .335 in games away from the stadium, good for best in the American League.

After his rocky start, Cano would start second consistently, batting low in the order before being moved to second, behind Jeter. His fourteen home runs were less-than-average, but they were more than what they would have gotten out of Tony Womack, who didn't hit a single one in 2005.

Cano, who is twenty-three, will return in 2006 as a sophomore, with this year being a big one to decide Cano's career with the Yankees. However, look to see Cairo starting against lefties, as Cano put up a mediocre .270 against them last year. Cano also has to improve his fielding, as his often times non-chalant fielding would anger manager Joe Torre.

Through Cano's rookie season, the one thing he was able to do that no other Yankee rookie was was his ability to actually stay with the team. Remember Wayne Franklin, Colter Bean, Andy Phillips, and Sean Henn? These guys performed how most rookies do, with a lack of self-confidence and a non-Yankee persona. And don't even get me started on Tim Redding. Cano, however, was different. He would be in every game, consistently driving the ball to the opposite field and getting on base (even though he rarely walked). This is why his potential has risen.

No one expects Cano to hit thirty home runs and drive in 100 in 2006, his second year. What they do expect is his effort and determination that he portrayed on and off the field last year that put him in a heated AL rookie of the year chase.

Many say Cano hits like Rod Carew. Carew was never a power hitter, but his eight batting titles is second only to Ty Cobb. He was one of the most respected players in the game because he could hit. Like Carew, Cano can hit. It's a matter of finding his stride and exhibiting consistency at the plate that will drive Cano's career, meaning the 2006 season will be the launching point.

Breaking News From Tampa: Pavano Likely to Miss First Few Starts

2006-02-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

After a horrible first season with the Yankees last year (it was mostly due to injuries), Carl Pavano will enter the 2006 season with the same old injuries. In fact, manager Joe Torre will most likely not use him until the middle of April.

Although Pavano says he would definitely be ready by Opening Day, Torre says he wants to play it safe. "At the start of the season, we need only four - sometimes only three - starters because of our offdays."

Pavano has yet to throw off the mound this spring, and a minor back problem has delayed his ability to even throw. Pavano says he's progressing, but he's still in pain.

If we remember last season, Kevin Brown was in a similar situation. Do we all remember what happened to him? If Pavano comes back healthy and strong in mid-April, he'll likely make thirty starts and hopefully pitch close to 200 innings. This is Pavano's make or break season. A good year and he'll be respected by the New York fans. A bad year, and he'll be revered as another Yankee bust.

So, for now, it's likely it will be Johnson, Mussina, Chacon, and Wang to start off the year. If Pavano continues to have injuries, it will be 2005 all over again, which means Aaron Small better be ready.

Jim Kaat: From the Diamond to the Booth

2006-02-26T12:44:00.000-05:00

The story of Jim Kaat is a simple one. He began as a mid-western boy dreaming of becoming a baseball player. He had the usual influences such as his father and his friends who he'd play baseball with for endless hours after school and on the weekends. However, unlike many mid-western boys at the time, Kaat was able to reach his dreams and play for Washington, Minnesota, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, and St. Louis. As a kid, he was often harassed for his height (just 5'8" when he graduated high school), but he managed to overcome that and play baseball the way it was supposed to be played. Said Kaat:

"I collected baseball cards, read The Sporting News, checked the box scores of the major league games every day in the local newspaper, and had my radio. I was saturated with baseball and I loved it."

All the way, he personified courage, determination, and effort, all of which launched to what should have been a hall of fame career.

The reason I bring up Kaat is that I just finished reading his book, "Still Pitching." It was amazing how Kaat faced Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams on one side of his career, and faced Darryl Strawberry and Ryne Sandburg on the other. From 1959 to 1983, twenty-five years (which was the record until Nolan Ryan broke it in 1991), Kaat consistently put up solid numbers. His most impressive number, however, was his sixteen gold glove awards, which is the best ever next to Brooks Robinson.

However, Kaat's mark of longevity wasn't the end of his baseball career. After he reluctantly retired in 1983 at the age of 45 (if Kaat was offered a contract, he said he would have probably played another year or two), he went upstairs into the broadcast booth. He worked for ESPN and NBC until 1995, when he was signed by the MSG network. Since then, Kaat has offered his insight on nearly every Yankee game, sitting side-by-side with other great Yankee broadcasters such as Michael Kay, Ken Singleton, Bobby Murcer, and Paul O'Neill. He knows the game well, and his legacy will not be forgotten.

With 283 wins, 16 gold gloves, and a half-century of baseball, the only thing left for Kaat is the hall-of-fame vote. With power hitters and pitchers coming into the mix in the next couple of years, it is unlikely Kaat will get in. However, from the time he was seven, he dreamed of pitching in the big leagues, and he ultimately made it and put up heroic numbers. That, says Kaat, is better than any tangible thing that the world has to offer.

To see Kaat's career stats, go to this site:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlbhist/alltime/playercard?playerId=7061&type=1

Well here it goes

2006-02-24T22:15:00.000-05:00

Well, you've got to start somewhere.

This blog is dedicated to the Yankees and to the Yankees only. Any Met, Philly, or Devil Ray fan can go to another blog, most specifically, Noah's. Inside, he's a true Devil Ray fan.

I think the Yankees have a legitimate shot at the World Series in 2006. I mean, after Steinbrenner's little outburst, don't they have to make it? I think the new guys are going to have a big impact. Sure, there's A-Rod, Giambi, Sheffield, and Jeter, but the guys like Cairo, Farnsworth, and eventually Dotel will really make an impact. The 2004 season was big for Cairo. He was a valuable asset for the team and contributed in big situations. We all remember that game where Jeter divied into the stands. The win wouldn't have happened without Cairo, who had a big RBI double and another RBI triple in extras. Farnsworth is solid from the pen- a 2.17 ERA last year with a mid to high 90s fastball and a wicked slider. Dotel will be out the first half of April, but he's been known to pitch well. These are the guys that will make the difference in 2006, a year that I'm sure will be great.