The Melky Way

Did you get a chance to watch Melky Cabrera's walk off home run in the bottom of the 11th last night? Three images remain etched in my mind from the point at which his bat made contact to the point at which he touched home plate.


Photo by Newsday.com

1. On one of the replays, as soon as Melky's bat makes contact and produces that wack of a sound that tells you where the ball is headed, you can see Mariner's first baseman, Richie Sexton, put his head down and begin jogging to the Mariner's clubhouse. Sexton didn't even turn around and look to see where the ball was headed. He knew with absolute certainty that it was headed to the stands and the ball game was over.

2. After making contact, Melky ran as fast as he could to first base, slowing down slightly only after he saw the ball clear the wall. This kind of hustle is what makes you want to root for this guy. Don't forget, he took a fastball right down the middle on 2 and 0 before drilling his home run. The only way you take a fastball at 2 and 0 in that game situation is if you have the mindset of wanting to get on base anyway possible. This guy has a good baseball mind and wants to help the team win. Period.

3. Right before touching home plate, Melky threw his helmet into the air. One of the cameras followed his helmet until it landed several feet away - into the arms of Johnny Damon, who ran and tracked the helmet like it was a fly ball to deep center field. Only after catching Melky's helmet did Johnny run to the mob at home plate to pound on Melky's helmet-less head.

Johnny Damon is a genuinely good guy who contributes to solid team chemistry the way that David Cone and Scott Brosius did.

Speaking of team chemistry, the Yankees have plenty of it this season. You can feel it. They are playing to win as a team. Take a close look at home plate after Melky's home run on yankees.com and you will see all of our veterans whooping it up with Melky. Particularly hilarious is Jason Giambi, who is so eager to celebrate with Melky that he ends up delivering several body blows to Melky's trunk, as though he is a boxer.

Having some young and hungry players like Cabrera, Phillips, Wang, and Cano around is definitely an important requirement for their excellent chemistry.

This is why the Yankees should sit tight and wait for Hideki Matsui to return rather than go out and drop more dollars on a high priced veteran like Bobby Abreu.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

Hideki Matsui Update

According to latest published reports, Hideki Matsui is slightly ahead of schedule, and is eyeing a return to full time play sometime in August.



Just a short while ago, Hideki Matsui started taking dry swings - that's swinging a bat without making contact with anything, just to condition his arm, leg, and trunk muscles. He has not been allowed to follow through and roll his surgically repaired left wrist - Yankees medical staff have insisted that he let go of the bat with his left hand on follow through and just carry through with his right arm.

Hideki Matsui will have his wrist examined on Thursday by doctors, at which time they will decide if he can begin light hitting drills, such as hitting of a tee and very light batting practice shortly thereafter.

On the defensive side, Hideki Matsui has been allowed to throw for some time. And recently, he has been allowed to catch slow lobs.

Once Matsui makes a return to the Yankees lineup, if Sheffield still has not returned at that point, look for Cabrera to move to right field.

If Cabrera can keep up his production and hit with slightly more power in the months ahead, a starting outfield of Matsui, Damon, and Cabrera would be a nice way to end this season and begin 2007's season.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

Yankees Look Sharp During Dog Days of Summer

These are the dog days of summer when players tend to stop running out balls and lose their focus in between pitches while playing defense.

It's been a pleasant surprise to see the Yankees looking sharp on offense and defense.

Photo by Newsday.com
Despite missing sluggers Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield, the Yankees are providing good overall run support for their pitchers, many of their runs coming from heads up baserunning and situational hitting. When was the last time that you saw a Yankees team lay down four bunts in a single game like they did the other day?

Starting pitching has been very steady. If Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Chien Ming Wang, and Jaret Wright continue to provide 5-7 strong innings per game, it won't matter how well Chacon and Sidney Ponson do. In fact, the playoffs, I like our chances with Johnson, Mussina, Wang, and Rivera against any other set of three starters and one closer in the league.

Beginning with A-Rod's grab of a sharp grounder to get Wright out of yesterday's perilous first inning, and ending with excellent throws by Guiel and Cabrera to nab runners at second and home, respectively, the Yankees defense is as sharp as it has been over the past few years. There's no question that Matsui and Sheffield provide more pop to the offense, but Guiel is providing more mental alertness than Sheffield has, and Cabrera's throwing arm is clearly stronger than Matsui's.

With continued strong play over the next few weeks, let's hope that the Yankees can regain the lead in the East and even establish a bit of a lead over the Red Sox.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

All Star Break

Despite losing to the Devil Rays in their final game before the All Star break, the Yankees have to be pleased with their recent string of victories behind relatively solid pitching.

Chien Ming Wang's sinker was so sharp the other night that Jorge Posada didn't call any other pitches. Every call was for the sinker. All that Posada varied up was location. In the big leagues, late movement on pithces is the name of the game, and Wang has enough late drop on his ball to be the Yankees' ace for the second half of this season and beyond.

Although he got knocked around in his last inning, Randy Johnson was as dominant as he has been all season during his last outing against the Devil Rays. He even seems to have developed peace of mind about his limitations at the age of 42; namely, that the days of him going nine strong and striking out at least 10 batters a game are long over. If Randy Johnson can consistently give us six to seven innings of three-run ball in most of his starts for the second half, we'll have a good chance of overtaking Boston.

With the completion of yesterday's game, Jorge Posada became a 10-and-5 player. Translation: with 10 years in the big leagues and his last 5 with the same team, Posada has now earned the right to veto a trade to another team. Also, Posada needs only 18 more starts to lock in a 12 million dollar salary for next season.

Derek Jeter led the Yankees over the first half of this season with a .351 batting average with men in scoring position.

Johnny Damon has been a lot more clutch than we could have hoped for. If this guy gets healthy, and just one of Matsui or Sheffield return by the end of August, the Yankees's offense will be okay.

Where is Aaron Small? Am I the only one who thinks that the Yankees should have demoted Scott Proctor instead of Small to AAA Columbus? Aaron's ERA was terrible, but he wasn't given enough opportunities to establish rhythm. Why do I think that Aaron Small should be in the bullpen instead of Scott Proctor? Small has movement on his ball. Proctor fires 95 mph darts, which are easily handled by big league hitters if his location is off. Oh well, at least Small and his family have his 1.2 million to live on. And we all want Proctor to make some money for his young family.

The Yankees appear to be close to trading Shawn Chacon. Latest trade talks have him going to Seattle for Joel Piniero. Not a big surprise, given that his last four or five outings have been shaky at best and poor at worst.

So, will the Yankees make the 2006 playoffs? Or will this season mark the first of Derek Jeter's career that has him sitting pretty in Tampa come October?

In order for the Yankees to make the 2006 playoffs, here's some of what I think needs to happen:

1. Randy Johnson, Moose, and Wang all have to keep doing what they've been doing over the past few weeks. In the case of Moose, what he's been doing the entire season.

2. Kyle Farnsworth has to show significant improvement. If he doesn't improve, Octavio Dotel needs to be a pleasant surprise, fast.

3. Johnny Damon needs to get healthy.

4. Not an absolute must, but it would really help to get Matsui or Sheffield back by September 1st.

5. And perhaps most importantly, Joe Torre needs to emphasize bunting practice and give the signal to bunt whenever the game is relatively close and the Yankees have men on 1st and 2nd with no out.

Oh, and last but not least, Jeter needs to continue to be Jeter. Where would we be without him?

- Joshua
InsidetheYankees.com

Interview With A-Rod

With A-Rod crushing the Mets on Sunday, I thought it would be appropriate to post an interview that The New York Post's Steve Serby did with A-Rod for the Sunday morning edition. Enjoy!

Q: If Omar Minaya were Mets GM years ago, do you think you might have been a Met?

A: Yes. My interest to play in New York was strong. Omar Minaya would have made it happen.

Q: Would you pay to see Alex Rodriguez play?

A: Definitely.

Q: Why?

A: Because of great talent, and a hard worker and ... that's it.

Q: How is fatherhood different from what you expected?

A: It's changed my whole world. It's been the happiest and most-rewarding thing God's ever given me and my wife. I never knew how you were so non-important and so secondary to a child. Before, everything was about us or what we wanted to do. Now, you think about yourself third or fourth.

Q: Do you change diapers?

A: Yes, but I'm not good at it.

Q: How did you propose to your wife (Cynthia)?

A: I took her to a restaurant in Miami Beach that we went to on our first date. Then I went down on one knee and asked her.

Q: What was going on in your life that prompted you to seek therapy?

A: I started when I was 18. I had a very complex childhood, and when I met my wife, because she has a master's in psychology, she promoted me into getting help. It really has helped. I'm not healed yet, but I'm working on some issues I had as a child.

Q: In what way has it helped?

A: It's helped me look in the mirror and understand who I am. Every day I work at it ... it's not easy. But these are things that take a lifetime to heal and, hopefully, I get it done someday.

Q: What one thing would you want to change about yourself?

A: Be more content with where I am, both on and off the field. I'm never happy with my performance. I just hope that as I get older, I calm down and enjoy the moment, enjoy the great gifts that God has given me.

Q: I sense it's not easy for you to trust.

A: I don't trust anyone, except a very, very few people.

Q: What is your relationship with Derek Jeter?

A: There's a lot of mutual respect. I admire Derek a lot, not only for what he does on the field but how he's been able to handle New York for so many years.

Q: What have you learned about Jeter as a teammate that you didn't know?

A: Derek and I go back almost 12 years, and he is such a fierce competitor.

Q: Best and worst part about being Alex Rodriguez?

A: The best part is being a father to my daughter (19-month-old) Natasha Alexander. I don't really think there's a worst part. God put me in a situation ... good and bad, trials and tribulations ... because He knows there's a lesson to be learned.

Q: How do you get away from baseball?

A: My family, and I read a lot.

Q: Favorite book?

A: I read a lot of business books, but I really enjoy "The Winner Within" by Pat Riley and "Straight From the Gut" by Jack Welch.

Q: Do you think there's a shot for a Subway Series this season?

A: Sure. The Mets right now are one of the best teams in baseball. That would be a great thrill for the whole city.

Q: The first time you saw Yankee Stadium?

A: Overwhelmed. I sat way up there (upper deck between home and third) and watched Donnie Baseball and ... just thrilled. 'Cause I couldn't really afford to come to games, but somehow we were able to afford these tickets.

Q: How old were you?

A: About 8.

Q: Favorite childhood memory?

A: Counting my mom's money when she was a waitress. Any time we got to $50, that was a great night. That was usually on Friday and Saturday (smiles).

Q: Worst childhood memory?

A: Not having my parents around because they were working - so not having them at my games.

Q: What chance does Alex Rodriguez have to break baseball's all-time home run record?

A: With the good Lord guiding me and giving me the health, anything's possible. I just don't know if I want to play that long (chuckles).

Q: Can you see yourself playing at 40?

A: I'm gonna finish this contract and decide what I want to do. I don't see myself playing anywhere but New York.

Q: What is the unique trait it takes to play in New York?

A: Thick skin. You have to love the game and competition.

Q: Do you think this recent booing experience has hardened you?

A: I think it's gonna make me stronger and prepare me for the second half to, hopefully, our championship season.

Q: Has playing in New York been what you thought it would be?

A: It's been better because it brings out the best in you. If New York doesn't break you, it's gonna make you a stronger person and a better player.

Q: Are you driven by the fact you have a chance to become the greatest player of all time?

A: The No. 1 thing that drives me is winning. That's why I gave up the things I gave up to come here. All my concessions were based on being an integral part of helping the team win a world championship.

Q: How does your wife deal with you being a sex symbol?

A: (Laughs) I'm the one that got lucky with a great catch (smiles).

Q: How many marriage proposals do you get in the mail every week?

A: I got a lot when I was a young boy in Seattle and I was single. I think everybody knows that I'm married with a baby girl.

Q: What do you miss about playing shortstop?

A: The angle, being able to see the whole perspective of the signs, the catcher, both managers. You're like the point guard.

Q: The criticism of you that bothers you the most?

A: It's all fair game.

Q: Joe Torre?

A: The Godfather (smiles).

Q: Lou Piniella?

A: Like a father. The greatest teacher of the game I ever had.

Q: Buck Showalter?

A: Most prepared baseball man I've been around.

Q: What is walking around Manhattan like?

A: Miami and New York are my favorite cities in the world. I love the vibe and energy.

Q: The first time you met George Steinbrenner?

A: Just excited to meet him. He exudes a lot of pride, and you can just tell the Yankees mean the world to him.

Q: Hitters you study?

A: Edgar Martinez. (Manny) Ramirez. (Albert) Pujols.

Q: How did you become close with Reggie Jackson?

A: I respect and admire what he's done. But, more than anything, I admire his intelligence and what he has to offer, his experience.

Q: If I were president, I would ...?

A: Help the poor more.

Q: If I were baseball commissioner, I would ...?

A: Start postseason games earlier. And I would take a note from David Stern and promote kids to go to college prior to the age of 19.

Q: Should baseball celebrate if Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron's home-run record?

A: Everyone's innocent until proven guilty. They should celebrate and assume everything's done the right way ... until told otherwise.

Q: Three wishes?

A: Health, wisdom and health.

Q: Three dinner guests?

A: Lou Gehrig, Warren Buffett and Madonna. That's an eclectic group.

Q: Madonna?

A: I'd ask her how she's been able to sustain such greatness for so long. Three decades ... unbelievable.

Q: Merrill Lynch, Colgate Palmolive, Loews - what are your other two favorite stocks?

A: Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway.

Q: Favorite athlete outside baseball?

A: Dan Marino.

Q: Did you go to your senior prom?

A: I missed it because of an all-star game.

Q: On a scale of 1-10, rate your dancing ability.

A: One (smiles).

Q: Best-dressed Yankee?

A: Mariano [Rivera].

Q: How would you describe your dress style?

A: Boring, but elegant (chuckles).

Q: Funniest Yankee?

A: Jaret Wright.

Q: Playing behind Mariano?

A: Most impressive athlete I've been around in every way: person, leader, competitor. It's a true thrill to play behind him.

Q: How good can David Wright become?

A: He can be a Hall of Famer.

Q: How good can Jose Reyes become?

A: You love to see guys come up, play the game the right way, young, excited. David Wright might be the MVP of the National League but Reyes has kinda thrown his hat in there, too.

Q: Best piece of advice from your mother?

A: Don't ever let anyone outwork you.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: "Wall Street."

Q: Favorite actor?

A: Michael Douglas.

Q: Favorite actress?

A: Demi Moore.

Q: Favorite singer?

A: Madonna.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Pasta with chicken.

Q: Best dish at Campagnola?

A: Pasta combination with a steak.

Q: What would you want to say to Yankee fans about you and this team?

A: We're working as hard as we possibly can. We will never cheat the New York fans, and this is a bunch to be very proud of.