Inside The Yankees

The State of the Yankees as of August 4, 2007

2007-08-04T10:59:00.000-04:00

As a life-long Yankees fan, I'm excited about the Yankees. I'm excited about the remainder of this season, and about their potential over the next several years. The Yankees have a deep pool of young talent that competitive personalities that should keep them at an elite level when they take the field in the new Yankee stadium in 2009.

Still, there are a few points that I believe that Yankees management has to take heed of if they are to stand a chance of being the championship-caliber team that they were in the 90s.

1. Be wary of signing aging pitchers to extensions. Did we really need to sign Mike Mussina and Roger Clemens? They've had amazing careers and deserve tremendous respect for everything that they have accomplished over the past two decades, but what sounds better: paying them 11 million plus per season for average performances or giving their slots to talents like Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Steve Karstens, Ian Kennedy, and other up and coming stars in the farm system?

2. Trade A-Rod while we can. A-Rod is probably the most talented player in all of baseball. He has tremendous hitting power and is a great athlete. The problem is that his track record tells us that he doesn't contribute to good team chemistry. This is not a commentary on his character; it's an objective observation of current and past teammates' opinions on him, and the performances of all of the teams that he has played on. He's a great player. It may be accurate to say that he is not a great TEAM player. Maybe someday he will be on a team that wins a championship, and if that happens, good for him. But it's my opinion that the Yankees are better off getting young talent for him than keeping him and his presence.

3. Move Derek Jeter to center field once we find a suitable replacement for him at short stop. Omar and Orlando are amazing shortstops who have the range to play this position into their 30s. Derek Jeter has amazing baseball instincts and is a good athlete, but he doesn't have great range, and he either doesn't have an accurate throwing arm, or he loses concentration when he throws the ball. His ability to track fly balls is as good as anyone's in the game - combine this with his speed and strong throwing arm, and he makes an excellent candidate for center field. Matsui in left, Derek in center, and Melky in right - how does this sound for a solid outfield for the next few years? If Robin Yount could do it, Derek can, too.

4. Consider letting Joe Torre go with a well-deserved parting gift, and hire Joe Girardi as the next manager. Girardi can bring passion that the Yankees need right now. Torre is great with most people, but not great as a motivator. Torre has had a great run - it's time for a change.

- Joshua

Ten Games Into 2007...

2007-04-17T10:17:00.000-04:00

Just about every sports writer in New York is offering a guarantee that A-Rod will not be back in pinstripes after 2007.

Why?

Three words: money, Scott, and Boras.

Why would A-Rod play on a contract that pays him 81 million over three seasons when he could play on a contract that guarantees him 120 million or more over five or six seasons?

When it's all said and done, A-Rod could become the first professional athlete to earn 300 million in straight salary during his playing career. Shaq and Garnett may be the only other members when their careers are over.

A-Rod definitely looks like the best player in baseball right now. He has tremendous power to all fields and is an elite all-around athlete.

***

No question that Derek Jeter has had a bad string of games over the past several days. But don't expect him to finish the season with more than 20 errors. With the type of confidence he has, I wouldn't be surprised if he finished the season with less than 10 errors.

***

Here's my prediction for the four-man rotation for the 2007 playoffs:

1. Chien-Ming Wang
2. Andy Pettitte
3. Mike Mussina
4. Kei Igawa

***

That's all for now...let's hope that that last blown save in Oakland is the only one of its kind for Mo this year.

- Joshua

The 13 Best Photos from Yankees' Spring Training

2007-03-31T17:22:00.000-04:00

All photos are from newsday.com.

A-Rod & his baby girl.

Matsui shares a laugh with Joe Torre

Mr Gossage: The True Grandfather of Closers

Derek Jeter taking part in a rundown drill - he's the best at this in the game.

Don Mattingly: the next Yankee manager?

Not a bad guy in the bunch.

Jorge Posada - how d'ya like them forearms?

That's what we like to see!

The Zim man!

Gary Sheffield: Just doesn't know how to not burn a bridge. But we still love him!

Ron Guidry & Chien Ming Wang - look at the difference in size between generations!

Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera: Cornerstones of the future in Yankee land.

Damon, Jeter, and Matsui: the three most reliable guys in the Bronx.

2007 New York Yankees

2007-03-20T10:42:00.000-04:00

Well, we're only a couple of weeks away from another opening day, the second last opening day that there will ever be at Yankee stadium.

Here's the latest from our favorite team:

1. Johnny Damon put a gym into his Orlando home this past offseason and spent considerable time pumping iron. Apparently, he liked the feeling of hitting a career-high 24 homeruns last season, and hopes to repeat or surpass that number in 2007. Early in spring training, he told reporters that he "felt as strong as an ox." Look for Johnny Damon to have an outstanding season - even his throwing arm has looked strong over the past few weeks.

2. Kei Igawa has been missing his trademark accuracy. Could it be an adjustment to the slightly larger ball used in MLB? His curveball has been effective, but his fastball has hovered in the 88 to 90 mph range without pinpoint location. He has proven to be effective at striking batters out, but has also walked more than his fair share. If he doesn't show improvement during his last couple of starts during spring training, the Yankees may opt to begin the season with him in the minor leagues so that he doesn't get shell shocked in the big leagues in April.

3. A-Rod appears to be playing with a newfound sense of freedom and lightness. He spent less time this pass offseason bulking up, and having lost about 10 pounds from last season, he looks more agile on the field.

4. Robinson Cano still has the look of a lethal hitter. A contact hitter with excellent power to all part of the field. Look for him to be one of the top five hitters in the big leagues this season. He may be the best pure hitter on the entire roster.

5. Playing full time at DH is looking good on Jason Giambi. Despite having wrist surgery during the offseason, his swing and power are just as good as ever. Look for him to get back to .300 with 40 HRs and 110 plus RBIs in 2007.

6. Derek Jeter has quietly batted above .300 this spring training, and appears to be as he always is. Expect another consistent season from the captain.

7. As usual, Hideki Matsui is in regular season form during spring training. He is looking sleek and lithe, hitting the ball with power and playing a solid left field. Look for him to hit 30 plus HRs this year.

8. Bobby Abreu just started swinging the bat again after suffering a pull of one of his oblique muscles early in spring training. Look for an excellent season from Abreu, one that is effectively a contract year for him.

More updates as they become available. It should be another good year for Yankees fans. Can't wait for the many encounters that we will see between Dice-K and Hideki Matsui.

- Joshua

Yankees Face Long Winter

2006-10-09T23:50:00.000-04:00

(Photo by Newsday.com)

The media in New York is in a frenzy, spouting off speculation after speculation about the future of the Yankees.

Let's filter out the hype and get realistic.

1. Sheffield won't be back. That saves 13 million.

2. Mike Mussina won't be back, at least not for 19 million. Assuming that the Yankees bring him back or sign a quality pitcher as his replacement for 10 million, that saves 9 million.

3. Unless they get very lucky, the Yankees won't be able to get quality young arms for A-Rod. So as unfortunate as it is, the reality is that all things considered, the best move is to keep A-Rod and hope that he finds a way to turn things around.

4. If Torre is released, the best bet is not Lou Pinella, but a less expensive and equally capable coach such as Joe Girardi or Don Mattingly.

5. The Yankees have to find a way to get strong pitching. Count on Wang and Phil Hughes to be two reliable starters for next season. Randy Johnson will be an acceptable fourth or fifth man for the rotation, only because he is locked in for 16 million and there is no way that he will do the right thing and retire before he collects every penny. If Pavano makes it back and proves to be reliable, we need one more strong arm. If Pavano tanks again, we'll need two strong arms.

6. If the Yankees do the sensible thing and keep A-Rod, Jeter has got to get over A-Rod's Esquire interview from 2002 and embrace him. Yeah, Jeter, we know that he was jealous of you when he spouted off about you being a 2-man and not hitting for power. But holding a grudge for as long as you have isn't bringing out the best in A-Rod. And ultimately, this is hurting the team.

Remember the sense of comraderie on the teams that were led by Tino Martinez, Paul O'Neill, and Scott Brosius? You just felt that those guys cared about one another. Jeter has got to get over his grudge and use his clout and reputation to bring this team together.

7. If possible, I think it makes a lot of sense for Brian Cashman to get quality pitchers for Bobby Abreu. Many teams would love to have him. We have Cabrera who needs a spot in the outfield. Cabrera has potential to be another Bobby Abreu, and he is about 16 and half million dollars less expensive. No one will take Johnny Damon's contract off of us, Hideki Matsui is untradeable, that leaves Bobby Abreu as the best trade bait for good pitchers.

More soon...

- Joshua

What Is Joe Torre Thinking?

2006-10-07T11:42:00.000-04:00

(Photo by Newsday.com)
Derek Jeter put it perfectly in his post game interview: "You don't play the game on paper."

But that's exactly what Joe Torre seems to be doing.

Who cares that A-Rod has amazing career numbers against Kenny Rogers. A-Rod compiled most of those stats when he wasn't under the spotlight of the New York media.

Putting A-Rod in the clean-up spot was a terrible omen for the Yankees. A-Rod belongs in the six spot or lower.

And what in the world is Matsui doing in the bottom of the order? This man is arguably the most reliable situational hitter that the Yankees have. He should be somewhere in the 3-5 spots.

If the Yankees lose this series, I think that Yankees top brass have to take a long, hard look at trading A-Rod AND giving Joe Torre an early retirement. Joe Torre seems to be decent at managing people, but he just doesn't have the courage or the instincts to be a great manager of the game of baseball.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

Derek Jeter's Failed Bunt Attempt

2006-10-06T14:16:00.000-04:00

(Photo by Newsday.com) - I got a really bad feeling in my stomach when Derek popped up to Ivan Rodriguez in the first inning of game two with Johnny Damon on first base.

Why, oh why, Derek, are you thinking about sacrificing yourself with the hope of a quick one run lead for the Yankees? After getting seven hits in your last seven at-bats, all of us want to see you swing away. Chances are that you and Damon won't get doubled up in that situation since both of you have great wheels, but even if you do get doubled up, at the beginning of the game, isn't it worth the risk to swing away?

Some people might think that you were trying to surprise the Tigers and earn a base hit. I don't think this is a great move, as laying down a great bunt on a 100 mph fastball is not much easier than getting a hit. It might even be harder than getting a hit from swinging away.

Let me say that I am a huge Derek Jeter fan. I love the way that he plays hard every day, how he runs hard out of the box even if he knows that he has hit a homerun. Still, I have to say that sometimes, I think that Derek becomes slightly intoxicated with the idea of being the ultimate team player.

By laying down a sacrifice bunt, perhaps he was thinking that he would bolster his image as a guy who only cares about winning. He got seven hits in his last seven at-bats, but hey, if the situation calls for a bunt, then he's up for it.

It's almost as though he sometimes takes on the mindset of a baseball martyr.

Derek, if there is a hint of truth in this thought, you don't need to do this. You have the respect of almost all Yankees fans out there. We want you to swing a way in that kind of situation. If you are in the 8th inning and trailing by one run or tied up with Johnny on first with no out, it makes a lot of sense to sacrifice yourself to put Johnny into scoring position.

But please don't waste your talents like that in the first inning.

Because truly, a mistake like that can deflate the entire team and all Yankees fans. I know that this is how I felt when you popped up. I felt like I just lost a few thousand dollars in the woods. A wasted opportunity.

Now go out there and give us another 3-5 night in game 3!

Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

Joe Torre Sends The Right Message With Game One Lineup

2006-10-02T17:48:00.000-04:00

Photo by Newsday.com
Here is Joe Torre's starting lineup for game 1 of the 2006 playoffs:

1. Johnny Damon, CF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Gary Sheffield, 1B
5. Jason Giambi, DH
6. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
7. Hideki Matsui, LF
8. Jorge Posada, C
9. Robinson Cano, 2B

Let's give credit to Joe Torre for finally doing the right thing and getting A-Rod out of the 3, 4, 5 spots. If Joe had a little more courage, he would put Alex ninth and shift Hideki, Jorge Posada, and Cano up one slot each. But this would be pushing things with A-Rod's pride.

Even as it stands, A-Rod has got to be hurt. He has never batted lower than 5th in a regular season or playoff lineup.

The bottom line is this: with the Yankees on the brink of the best chance to win a World Series Championship that they have had in several years, do you think that Yankees fans would forgive Torre for lamely allowing A-Rod to get the most RBI opportunities?

Who would you rather see at the plate in an RBI situation: Gary Sheffield, who has only played a handful of games this season, or A-Rod?

This speaks volumes about Joe Torre's faith in A-Rod.

Who knows? Maybe this will take pressure off A-Rod and allow him to perform closer to his abilities.

Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

P.S. The photo of Hideki and Zimmer was taken on the day of Hideki's return to the field. It has no real relevance to this post. I just love it and have wanted to use it for a long time now. Two good men with respect and affection for one another. You can feel it.

2006 Post Season

2006-10-02T12:52:00.000-04:00

(Photo by Newsday.com) - So we finally made it. 162 grueling regular season games are over and the Yankees have yet another opportunity to win a World Series championship.

Every post season is an exciting journey, but this time feels extra special.

There are so many captivating stories unfolding before our eyes.

Will Derek Jeter continue to add to his post season legend as perhaps the greatest clutch player of all time?

Will A-Rod finally show the world that he can perform well when it really counts?

Will Chien Ming Wang begin a string of reliable playoff performances? Or is he just another above average pitcher in the regular season and nothing special in the playoffs?

How will Gary Sheffield perform at first base?

Will Hideki Matsui make Yankees fans feel good about Cabrera returning to a bench player role?

Will Robinson Cano continue to prove that he is the best natural hitter on the Yankees?

Will Johnny Damon break out of his end-of-season slump and be the same player who killed Javier Vasquez's career as a Yankee?

Will Bobby Abreu continue his steady performance in the October spotlight?

Will assassins-for-hire, Jason Giambi, Mike Mussina, and Randy Johnson finally contribute to a ring for the Yankees?

So many good stories.

I love this game!

Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

This and That From Yankee Land

2006-08-24T22:12:00.000-04:00

(Photo from newsday.com) Despite dropping their first game in Seattle, the Yankees have plenty of reasons to feel hopeful about reaching the playoffs this year.

Wang continues to turn in solid performances, giving the bullpen much needed rest in almost every game that he takes the mound.

Robinson Cano is proving to be one of the best pure hitters in the game. There's a reason why Johnny Damon has called him the best hitter that the Yankees have.

Bobby Abreu is performing better than anyone could have hoped for. This man is like Paul O'Neill - he is best when he doesn't feel pressure to hit homeruns. Abreu is a line-drive hitter with power to all fields. He has a Zen-like calm about him. He always seems relaxed with a super sharp eye. As Damon has said, it's like you could walk up to him in the batters box, push him lightly, and he'll fall over.

Melky Cabrera is one fine ball player. He has a wicked strong arm, solid offensive skills, and most importantly, a lot of hunger to do well.

Johnny Damon, Giambi, and Posada are hitting as well as they have their entire careers.

Derek Jeter, despite having his batting average drop from the .350s to the .330s, is still producing clutch hits when it counts, and should rebound for more multi-hit games in the near future.

Mariano Rivera has not been overworked during the past few weeks. His arm should be fresh and strong for the stretch run and the post season if the Yankees make it there.

Hideki Matsui just got clearance to begin hitting off a tee. If all goes well, he should progress quickly, possibly rejoining the Yanks sometime in early to mid-September.

Last but not least, the Red Sox just don't seem to be talented or hungry enough to pose a serious threat to the Yanks in the race for the AL East Division title. Unfortunately for Sox fans, their owners have a closer eye on the bottom line than George Steinbrenner does.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

The Latest From Yankee Land

2006-08-08T15:09:00.000-04:00

During the last series against the Orioles, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada reached targets in number of games played to have their options kick in for 2007.

Mariano is now guaranteed 10.5 million dollars for 2007, while Jorge Posada is guaranteed 12.5 million dollars.

If both of them continue to perform the way that they have been, George Steinbrenner figures to be happy to pay them their seven figure salaries.

***

Hideki Matsui is set to be re-examined this coming Friday. If he gets a green light from doctors, he will begin regular batting and fielding drills.

Thus far, he has had someone catching balls for him while he practices throwing and fielding in the field.

He has also been swinging off a tee, using his right arm only, and hitting with a shortened, 24-inch bat.

If all goes well, the Yankees expect him back in September.

***

So far, Bubba Crosby has not been claimed by another major league team. If he clears through waivers, he will likely accept assignment to the Yankees triple-A affiliate team in Columbus, which means that he will be available for a call up should the Yankees need his services in the future.

His demotion was disheartening to many loyal Yankees fans, who believe that Joe Torre did not demonstrate loyalty and appreciation for Bubba's hard work and effort since 2003.

It seems that Bubba was never given a fair shot to contribute on a regular basis.

Defensively, it could be argued that he is even better than Damon. Bubba Crosby has excellent tracking ability, probably equal to Damon's, but his throwing arm is clearly stronger than Damon's injured wing.

Still, Bubba's lack of consistent power on offense is what made him expendable.

Let's hope that he makes his way back to the big leagues soon.

Bubba: if you're reading this, please say hi to Aaron Small for all Yankee fans. Both of you deserve a spot on the big league team - we feel for you, and appreciate your efforts!

***

The Yankees are about to begin what will be their most crucial stretch of the season tonight.

Over the next three weeks, the Yankees will face the White Sox, Angels, Red Sox, and the Mariners. Their series with the Red Sox will go five games, beginning with a double-header.

If the Yankees can win 13-16 of the 21 games ahead, they can pretty much guarantee themselves a spot in the post season.

***

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

Mild Setback for Matsui

2006-08-03T18:04:00.000-04:00

Although the Yankees have to be happy with Lidle's six-inning performance today as they closed out a series sweep over the Blue Jays, they can't be enthusiastic about the latest report on Hideki Matsui.

X-rays looked good, but Matsui reported feeling some tenderness during his examination.

Knowing his character, you know that if he acknowledges the presence of tenderness, his wrist is nowhere close to being strong enough to take hacks at major league pitches.

Matsui's doctors have decided to have him continue his current rehab regimen for another week. This means that he will continue swinging with only his right hand, using a short, 24-inch bat. He will also continue with all of his regular defensive drills.

Matsui's wrist has to be completely pain-free upon examination for the Yankees to give him the green light for normal hitting drills.

Given how difficult it is for a major league ball player to overcome a wrist injury, Cashman's move to sign Abreu appears to be a prudent one.

We shouldn't be surprised if Sheffield and Matsui don't end up returning this season.

But that's not a terrible thing. With Abreu, Craig Wilson, Melky Cabrera, and a rejuvenated Bernie Williams clicking along with the rest of the band, this year's group seems to be an excellent balance between talent, guts, and motivation.

Team chemistry has never looked this good.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

A-Rod's Best Moment As A Yankee Thus Far

2006-08-02T23:32:00.000-04:00

Wow.

Tonight may have been the turning point for A-Rod's career as a Yankee.

In a millisecond of brilliance, A-Rod did with his body what the best baseball minds imagine they would do in such a situation, but would hardly stand a chance of actually having their bodies carry out their minds' wishes.

In trying to stretch a single into a double in the sixth inning, A-Rod was clearly beat by Frank Catalanotto's throw from left field. While sliding head first into second and eyeing the pending tag, A-Rod jerked his left arm back, rotated his body 90 degreens clockwise, and lunged out to touch second base with his right hand before the stunned defender was able to tag him.

Wow.

Even the most passionate boo birds had to be impressed with that one.

3 for 5, batting average up to .286, 2 RBIs - it looks like A-Rod is regaining his confidence.

And it couldn't have happened at a better time.

The Yankees are definitely in a zone these days, having won seven of their last eight games, and remaining percentage points ahead of the Red Sox for first place in the east.

Even newcomers Bobby Abreu and Craig Wilson were locked in, stroke two hits a piece for the Bombers.

If Matsui and Sheffield both make it back this season, here is what the Yankees lineup could look like:

CF: Johnny Damon - 13 million
SS: Derek Jeter - 20.6 million
RF: Bobby Abreu - 16 million (4.4 million paid by the Yanks)
1B: Gary Sheffield - 13 million
LF: Hideki Matsui - 13 million
3B: A. Rodriguez - 25.68 million
DH: Jason Giambi - 20.4 million
C: Jorge Posada - 12 million
2B: Robinson Cano - 381,000 thousand

Let's hope for a sweep of the Blue Jays tomorrow night.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

The Plight Of Gary Sheffield

2006-08-01T18:20:00.000-04:00

Tonight marks the official beginning of the end of Gary Sheffield's tenure with the Yankees.

Or so we are willing to bet.

With Matsui and Damon on the books for 39 million a piece beginning next season, and Bobby Abreu's 15 million dollar contract for 2007, the odd man out is the Sheff.

If Gary does make a return to the big leagues this season, he will certainly be motivated to play well. Regardless of what he says about not having to prove anything after 18 years of service, future employers will want to take a good, hard look at his surgically repaired wrist.

Especially because his trademark is his super sonic bat speed that requires a violent flick of his wrists with every swing.

If the Yankees don't pick up Gary Sheffield's option for 2007, chances are basically nil that they will negotiate a new contract. Gary's pride won't allow him to take a pay cut, at least not a significant one, and the Yankees will have zero interest in signing him for another three years, which is what his lawyer has been talking about over the past few days.

Speaking of Gary Sheffield's lawyer, Rufus Williams gave perfect answers to reporters' questions about how Gary feels about the Yanks picking up Abreu.

Gary is happy about Abreu coming to the Bronx because it will help the Yankees win a championship, which is what Gary came to New York for.

Let's see if Gary can be equally composed and politically correct when he returns to the clubhouse. If he can exert some patience and hold his tongue, he will stand a good chance of picking up a lucrative 2-3 year contract from another team in the offseason.

Maybe Boston?

Don't put it past Gary - he hasn't been completely happy ever since he and Steinbrenner negotiated his current 39 million dollar contract that involves deferred money without interest.

He also feels that to some degree, Brian Cashman played him like a puppet during spring training, and that he came off looking like a little child in front of reporters.

I don't think that the Red Sox would have any problem replacing Trot Nixon with Sheffield, do you?

In any case, let's hope that Sheffield heals well and that some how, some way, he is able to make a positive contribution to our team.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

The Melky Way

2006-07-19T07:19:00.000-04:00

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

2006-07-18T09:40:00.000-04:00

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

2006-07-17T10:45:00.000-04:00

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

2006-07-09T21:52:00.000-04:00

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

2006-07-02T10:21:00.000-04:00

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.

Posada and Farnsworth Get Angry

2006-06-28T11:29:00.000-04:00

Despite their above average record, the Yankees are in a worrisome funk.

Just when we thought that A-Rod had recovered from his June slump, he turns in a 1 for 14 spurt.

And Robinson Cano's bat is out of the lineup for at least a couple of weeks while he nurses a tender hamstring. This may not be a bad turn, however, as Cairo's defensive play may compensate for the loss of Cano's offensive skills.

What about Kyle Farnsworth and Jorge Posada becoming visibly angry with each other last night after they miscommunicated on a pitch, leading to a passed ball?

We all know that Posada can get a little crazy sometimes. He has a lot of passion to win. He also seems to have too much pride at times.

Back when Posada was the secondary catcher behind Girardi, veteran pitchers like Cone noticed that Posada would take offense to having one of his calls brushed off. It wasn't a personal slight, thought Cone, but Posada seemed to take it as one sometimes when pitchers would wave off a sign in favor of a different pitch.

We all know that Pedro Martinez targeted Posada as someone to goad and provoke, knowing that Posada didn't have the emotional control to laugh it off.

And it certainly wasn't a surprise to see Randy Johnson butt heads with Jorge last season. Jorge could get away with making statements to the media along the lines of "Contreras has to be more confident," but we all knew that any public questioning of Randy Johnson's ability or heart was going to cause trouble. And it did.

Bring together Posada's pride and passion with Kyle Farnsworth, the man who is best known for body slamming and laying a hurting on two batters who dared to chirp at him from the batter's box, and it's no surprise that Joe Torre had to send out Ron Guidry to calm things down.

Maybe last night's intensity will get the Yankees offense going. Their starting pitching has been decent.

Next up: Wang vs. Smoltz tonight at Yankee stadium.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

Roger Clemens Was That Close to Returning To Red Sox Nation

2006-06-20T17:14:00.000-04:00

After losing out in the Clemens sweepstakes, Theo Epstein downplayed Boston's pursuit of the future first ballot hall of famer. Others in the Red Sox organization were not able to conceal their disappointment. Tom Werner, the Hollywood producer who co-owns the Red Sox, was quoted as saying, "I thought we had him."

From as early as last December, top officials from the Red Sox - John Henry, Tom Werner, Theo Epstein, and Larry Lucchino - courted the Rocket on more than one occasion. They visited with him in Arlington when he sat with Rangers' owner, Tom Hicks to watch a game. They visited him again at a different location a short while thereafter, giving him a specially made DVD of highlights from his stellar career.

Red Sox brass even began a campaign back home, bringing out Roger Clemens memorabilia in and around Fenway Park, and doing their best to create a nostalgic atmosphere that played a constant theme: let's have Roger complete a full circle and retire from baseball on the same team that he entered the league with in the early 80s.

According to Roger Clemens' agent, the Red Sox put a final offer of $21,000,021.00 on the table just before Roger decided to return to the Houston Astros. Twenty-one million and twenty-one dollars. As we all know, Roger ended up signing a twenty-two million dollar contract with the Astros, to be paid on a pro-rated basis.

Can you imagine what Yankee stadium would have been like had Roger pitched for the Red Sox this season?

Surprisingly, the Yankees were never considered by Roger and his agents to be a serious suitor for his services.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

Best Clutch Hitters

2006-06-10T10:37:00.000-04:00

A few months ago, a New York writer suggested to Derek Jeter that the term "clutch" was overhyped and that over the course of an entire season, few players could justifiably be called "clutch" based on statistics.

Derek Jeter responded with a friendly chuckle and proceeded to say that whoever believes there's no such thing as a clutch player does not have enough experience as a professional ball player to warrant such an opinion.

Jeter went on to say that among baseball players, the concept of being clutch is very real, and that every professional ball player knows which players stand out as being clutch on each team.

Jim Baumbach, a writer for Newsday, compiled some very interesting statistics that reveal how Yankees batters have performed so far this season in clutch situations.

More specifically, he compiled offensive statistics that show how Yankees hitters have performed in "close and late" situations, defined as at-bats in the seventh inning on when the team is ahead by a run, tied or with the potential tying run on deck.

Here are the numbers:

Derek Jeter .462 (12-for-26), one HR, seven RBIs, eight walks

Johnny Damon .429 (15-for-35), two HRs, eight RBIs

Robinson Cano .343 (12-for-35), two RBIs

Andy Phillips .286 (4-for-14), one HR, two RBIs

Bernie Williams .280 (7-for-25), five RBIs

Melky Cabrera .267 (4-for-15), four walks

Jorge Posada .190 (4-for-21), six RBIs, seven walks, seven strikeouts

Alex Rodriguez .138 (4-for-29), three RBIs, seven strikeouts

Jason Giambi .111 (2-for-18), six RBIs, nine walks, five strikeouts

While these statistics don't represent a true, overall value for each player, they certainly reflect the opinions of many Yankees fans who are not happy with A-Rod's performance thus far.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

Guidry Trying To Get Mariano To Change

2006-06-10T09:56:00.000-04:00

Yankees pitching coach, Ron Guidry, has been encouraging Mariano to throw his changeup in game situations. Mariano has been working on throwing his changeup during practice sessions.

The advantages of adding a changeup to Mo's repertoire are significant. With his deadly cut fastball, two-seamer, and four-seamer all shooting in on batters in the 90s, an 80 mph changeup would throw batters off balance, no longer giving them the opportunity to sit back and time their swings for Mo's hard stuff.

Mariano Rivera actually used a changeup on a regular basis when he was a minor league pitcher. When he got to the big leagues, he stuck to his best pitch - his cutter. And no one can argue with his track record.

But Guidry feels that the key to Mariano maintaining his dominance for the next few years is to give batters something extra to think about, especially as Mariano begins to lose a mile or two off his cut fastball as his body continues to age.

So far, Mariano hasn't thrown a changeup in a game situation. But if Guidry's coaching takes effect, don't be surprised if Mo begins to change soon.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

Scott Proctor Still Finding His Way

2006-06-09T09:54:00.000-04:00

There were many reasons why the Yankees couldn't hold on last night against the Red Sox.

Curt Schilling is a better pitcher than Jaret Wright.

The Yankees are missing three of their best hitters in Jeter, Matsui, and Sheffield.

A-Rod made a despiriting error at a critical juncture in the game.

Perhaps the most glaring reason was the inability of Scott Proctor to bail out Jaret Wright in that disasterous 25-minute inning.

By all accounts, Scott Proctor is a good young man. Nobody has come out and said this, but it seems that Joe Torre and Yankees management are doing their best to give Proctor a chance to establish himself as a middle reliever because of everything that his family has gone through over the past several months.

The Proctors's daughter was born with a heart condition that required surgery during spring training. Those of us who have not gone through a similar experience cannot imagine how difficult this must have been for their family.

If I were in Joe Torre's or George Steinbrenner's shoes, I too, would give Scott every chance possible to earn Sturtze or Aaron Small-like money.

But if Scott is going to last with the Yankees or even in the major leagues on any team, he has got to find a way to improve the location of his fastball and/or get more movement on his pitches.

He throws bullets, but all good major league batters can hit 96 mph fastballs if they are thrown straight.

Good pitchers that last in the big leagues either have superior command on their fastballs, painting the corners of the strike zone with them, or have significant late movement on their pitches.

Personally, I'm rooting for Scott Proctor to make it. He and his family deserve some serious blessings after what they have gone through.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com

The Legend of Melky Cabrera Continues

2006-06-07T09:34:00.000-04:00

Bernie Williams called it the greatest catch he has ever seen, because of the game situation at hand.

Manny being Manny yelled at Cabrera to "let it drop!"

Kyle Farnsworth was happy enough to give Melky his favorite hunting rifle.

Johnny Damon was so gleeful that old-time Yankees fans all over the world welled up with tears of pride and joy.

Melky Cabrera climbed the wall in left-center field last night to steal Manny of a critical home run and permanently etch himself in the memories of all Yankees fans. To make a game-saving catch of that magnitude against the Red Sox...let's just say that his credit with Yankees management just bumped up several notches. The only way that he could get traded in the next few years is if he blows out his ACL playing pickup basketball.

Melky wasn't the only youngster to contribute in a big way to last night's win.

Andy Phillips made two spectacular defensive plays at first, making every last fan in the sold-out crowd realize that Jason Giambi needs to stick to DHing full time.

And what can we say about Chien Ming Wang? He gave up 8 hits, but he pitched well whenever he had to, save the bomb he gave up to Yankees Killer, David Ortiz, in the 3rd inning, which ended up being the sole run that the Red Sox could put on the board.

Maybe, just maybe, if Cashman sticks to his guns, the Yankees do have a solid future ahead of them.

Let's hope to God that our momentum continues tonight against Schilling.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com