A-Rod's gamesmanship

The dictionary defines gamesmanship: "The use of unconventional but not strictly illegal tactics to gain an advantage in a competitive game."

Last night, Alex Rodriguez employed some quality gamesmanship that helped the Yanks (gulp) win a game. Two outs, ninth inning, A-Rod at first, high pop-up, to left-side of the infield, as Alex sprints behind 3rd baseman he yells "Mine", ball drops, Yanks blow game open.

Alex (a fellow poker enthusiast) argues with the duped infielder, trying to suggest that he didn't say anything. A close inspection of his body-language shows him suppressing a grin--gotta work on that poker face Alex.

The sequence brought back memories of the infamous Reggie Jackson base-running play from a Yanks/Dodgers World Series. Mr. October, caught in a run-down, throws his hip into the ball deflecting it away. The camera reveals a look of sheer horror on the face of Steve Garvey. Icing on the cake, was the spectacle of the incessantly whining Tom Lasorda going ballistic.

Alex Belth, at Bronx Banter, details the reaction and perception of A-Rod's shrewd maneuver.

Panic move

Dave Pinto, from Baseball Musings, makes an interesting point regarding Brian Cashman:



"If Cashman's job is on the line, doesn't that make him more likely to make a real panic move? To trade away someone young and good for someone to help now? With Clemens, he just gave up some money, and the Yankees have plenty of that. Then again, maybe he should do something outrageous, like trade one of his star veterans for a bunch of prospects. Short term it won't help the club, but long term it might make them better, and it would certainly wake up everyone else. It would be difficult because the big three can reject a trade due to the 10-5 rule, but maybe the idea of trading them would be enough to snap this team out of its slump."

The concern over a panic move is yet another reason to replace him now. The key consideration is who gets the job. I'm on record as supporting Buck Showalter. He has the resume. Don't know if he is the politically correct candidate in Yankee inner circles.

I am all for trading anyone except Jeter, Posada, Rivera. Yes, that includes A-Rod his pending opt-out puts him on the list. Think the Dodgers or Angels might have more than a passing interest? The key of course is getting real value in return. Cashman has no experience in rebuilding anything. He has already made some major errors. The future is at stake here let's get it right.

Torre's final chapter

On Memorial day, Joe Torre looks tired, his team listless. It's not a shock that the flawed, overrated roster is not championship caliber--you could see that coming. It is startling that the play is void of energy--whatever happened to aggression?

When ownership approved the Rocket splurge, it should have provided a boost to the players--help is on the way, let's hang in there. Instead, the roof has fallen in. Wallowing in blame, or excuses won't produce miracles.

Yesterday, Joe Torre staggered into the dugout, serenaded by jeers, for all his accomplishments, his swan song will not be sweet.

The evil umpire

During the glory years, the phone would ring. The callers varied. The song remained the same: " Why are the Yankees so lucky?--they get every break."

The gripes usually revolved around umpire decisions. The callers, normally knowledgeable baseball friends, who hated the Yanks, were reduced to babbling babies.

A trend developed: The Yanks would win a close game over a team used to runner-up status (think Atlanta Braves), rather than give the victors credit, a key play would be selected and obsessed over. Call it the Bartman malady. Selective memory was used to remember the bad breaks and over-look the good ones.

Well that was than and this is now. The phone is silent. The Yanks are now the grippers--most recently poor Bobby Abreu was victimized by the blind ump.

By sheer coincidence, losing has become routine. I wish the phone would ring.

Over the hill gang

For years, the Dodgers operated successfully using the credo: "It's better to trade a player a year too early than a year too late." The Yankee roster is cluttered with, "Year too late", guys.

Mussina, Abreu, Giambi, Damon and Cairo the production is weak, the future is bleak (sorry).

There are no easy answers because of the financial implications. Now that ownership has acknowledged that Cashman is, "On the hook", will he have the guts to shake things up and trade (do you believe in miracles?), or does he stay the course and let the team remain in a quagmire.

On last night's YES broadcast it was mentioned that Damon's agent initially asked for a seven year guaranteed contract--talk about setting the bar high. They settled on 4 years and Johnny has 2+ left--he ain't gonna make it. It's embarrassing to watch him lob anemic throws in. It's painful watching him dive and come up empty. Last year the foot was an issue, this year it's the calves. He mentioned that he would like to DH more. Unfortunately, the quota is full, for guys that can't field their position and have nested in the DH slot--it's Giambi's job.

All organizations go through periods where losing is routine. The Yanks show all the signs of a team headed in that direction. The sooner management acknowledges the real issues the less time it will take to get it turned around.

Why is Giambi popular?

I've had more than enough of the most recent Jason Giambi distraction. Was about to document his incredulous history when I read an excellent article over at Babes Love Baseball, it lays it all out.

Can't understand why many baseball fans still like and or defend this guy. For all accounts, he is a very amiable person, apparently this goes a long way in the clubhouse (understandable) and with the press. Last year, reporters were going to him for his opinion on A-Rod's struggles, how's that for ironic. Jason couldn't carry A-Rod's jock, juice or no juice.

Yankee fan's give him more rope than anyone in memory. Now that he has been demoted to # 7 in the order, can no longer field his position and supposedly will block any trade we'll find out how long the blank check of patience lasts--it's already been too long.

Giambi trade speculation

The New York Post is reporting that the Angels have expressed interest in trading for Jason Giambi. MLB Trade Rumors, links to the story. The speculation is that the Yanks could acquire Chone Figgins and Jose Molina.

I hope this is real. This is the type of transaction I've been advocating. The Yanks get speed, depth, versatility and lose a fading part-time DH with a bloated contract.

It would give Torre the option of playing Figgins in center, while Damon plays regularly at DH. Posada gets more rest and a catastrophe is avoided should he get hurt.

Giambi has So. California roots and lives in Vegas(1/2 hr. flight). He can play for a first place team in a nice mellow atmosphere. The Angels can use a bat in the middle of the lineup and have the cash. Let's hope the agent doesn't get greedy and want the option year picked up.

Giambi speaks

I recently read Game of Shadows. Having the books concise chronology of facts fresh in mind, puts an interesting perspective on the never ending steroid saga.

The recent firestorm: "Jason Giambi admits steroid use publicly, MLB to investigate" has segued into ESPN, referencing a NY Daily News investigation, reporting that the Yankees are looking into voiding Giambi's contract.

Let me say, upfront, that I don't like Giambi for a myriad of reasons. But, let's look at some facts: 1) The Yanks signed an MVP, in his prime, anticipating long-term production. They, clearly didn't care what substances he took to produce. If they cared, they would have investigated and either passed or protected themselves via contractual provisions. 2) Giambi developed significant physical problems and his production disappeared, for an extended period. He refused to go to the minors and the organization, supposedly, considered voiding his monstrous contract. 3) He starts to produce again and somehow, in N.Y., receives favorable fan and press support. 4) Recently, he opens his mouth, at a time when his production is slipping and physical issues re-appear. 5) The Yanks are on the hook for 40+ million to a part-time DH.

MLB would love, to appear, to be doing something. Interviewing Jason and rumors of suspension etc. feed the illusion that there is some potency in Bud Selig's administration.

In typically poltically correct fashion, what bothers MLB about Giambi's recent statement is that he suggests that MLB also apologize--inferring that they knew that steroid abuse was going on for decades and chose to ignore it. MLB is trying to pretend that they had no idea that the problem was so prevalent. They are either lying or incompetent.

Randolph personifies winning

Willie Randolph has been a winner from day 1. It seems like yesterday that the Yanks acquired him from Pittsburgh for Doc Medich (Yes--I am that old). It was actually 1975. After years of losing, the Bombers made the series in '76 and won titles in '77 & '78. Randolph was a fixture at second and a vital cog in a great nucleus.

After a stellar playing career, Willie coached for 11 seasons and the perennial winning continued--6 World Series, 4 more rings.

Omar Minaya is getting a lot of credit for revitalizing the Mets--actually ownership's checkbook carried most of the load. No one can deny that Omar made a shrewd move in hiring Randolph. He brought a winning attitude and tradition to a franchise that desperately needed it.

The Mets have a bright future and it's not a coincidence that Willie Randolph is leading the way.

Cashman's calamity

The AP quotes Brian Cashman: "We're not out of the race. As ugly as it looks right now, I'm never going to let that enter my mind."

Brian Cashman wanted to be the man--be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. A combination of bad luck (injuries), bad judgement, and bad transactions have landed the Yanks in a deep dark hole.

An objective analysis of the standings clearly indicates that the prudent course of action would be rebuild-mode. Use the next few months to audition young players and market old ones.

Brian Cashman is not the man for the job. A few issues: 1) He would have to be open-minded enough to go in a different direction. This would be acknowledging defeat. The aforementioned quote answers this with his own words. 2) A long-term approach requires long-term support. Yankee tradition is win today or else. 3) The person making long-term decisions must have sound judgement. Here's a few of Brian's recent decisions: A) Pay 40 million for a projected back of the rotation starter--Kei Igawa is now in A-Ball trying to re-invent himself. B) Trade Sheffield to Detroit--provides a missing piece to a prime AL competitor--in return knowingly get damaged goods. C)Keep Pavano--last year an anonymous Yankee official was quoted as saying that Pavano was "Scared to death about pitching in NY." Trading him for a warm-body would have been acknowledging another 40 million dollar error. D) Firing long-time trainer and replacing him with Director of Performance Enhancement stolen away from retirement community.

So, where do they go from here? The answer is obvious--Cleveland. Yankee dynasty architect Buck Showalter is languishing as a consultant for the Indians. Re-unite him with Gene Michael and ask them to do it again.

Wild Card fever

Our fans don't want to see us win the wild card. They want to see us win the division.--Derek Jeter

You can't always get what you want, but, if you try, sometimes, you'll get what you need.--Mick Jagger

The Yanks need the post-season. Right now, they trail by 6 in the loss column and are behind 4 teams for a wild-card berth. The mighty have fallen and it will be very difficult to recover.

Missing O'Neill

The Yanks haven't been the same since Paul O'Neill retired. The intensity he brought to the game is sorely missed.

The other night, in Seattle, Jason Giambi comes into the clubhouse in flip-flops. He takes batting practice and hits several balls into the stands and than decides his foot hurt too much to DH.

Today, YES broadcaster Michael Kay mentions that Giambi would sit out tomorrow's opener at Shea. Analysts Girardi and O'Neill wonder why he would decide a day in advance he couldn't play. This at a time when the team is trying to dig out of a deep hole. The discussion brought back memories of O'Neill playing a World Series on one leg. It's not a coincidence that there have been no rings since Paul retired and Jason showed up.

Recently, former champion Tino Martinez was asked what's wrong with this version of the Bombers. He replied: "They don't play hard enough." No one ever said those words about Paul O'Neill.

Brutal Broadcasters

I was reading an article from Sox and Pinstripes ,that got my competitive juices flowing. Author Vince Mercandetti believes that the White Sox broadcasters are, "The Worst." Those are fighting words.

Listening to Yankee games , on the radio, is always a unique experience. The combo of John Sterling and Susan Waldman is special. It just doesn't get any more unintentionally hilarious than this.

Yesterday's broadcast of Game 1 was vintage. Sterling whipped-out his infamous home run call for A-Rod's fly ball: "It is high, it is far, it is--caught." Long time Yankee listeners know this is Susie's cue to launch a monologue about gusting winds of epic proportions changing the trajectory of what was clearly a homer in the making. John has been announcing Yankee games since 1989, how's he supposed to know the difference between a homer and a fly ball?

Some may think that Chris Berman has cornered the market on lame nicknames. Don't sell our guy short. How can you overlook: "The Giambino", "A thrilla by Godzilla", "The Melk man delivers." I have to stop now, getting nauseous just typing these gems.

When I hear other announcers described as the worst, my Yankee pride swells up and proclaims: "Yankees win theeeeeeee Yankees win."

Reviving the Yanks

A glance at the standings paints a bleak picture. The Yankees are in dire straits. The Red Sox, with superior pitching, have built an 8 1/2 game lead. The odds of overcoming that are monumental. In order to get the wildcard, they will have to overtake 5 teams--another ominous task.

It's too early to run up the white flag especially with the 26 million-dollar man on the horizon--what do they do?

I believe you start making deals that will help now but also pay-off in the long-run.

The rumor mill, has Mark Teixeira of the Texas Rangers available. He is a durable, 27 year old, power-hitter with a gold glove. Package Cabrera (to replace the ancient Lofton), Farnsworth (impressive radar-gun readings cover-up flaws) and throw in Mientkiewicz. Make Bruney the 8Th inning guy--and heir apparent to the Great Rivera. Call up Kevin Thompson and Chris Britton to fill out the roster.

It all adds up to a step in the right direction for now and the future.

Blue Jay way

Murray Chass, of the NY Times

quotes Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi, admitting that he lied about B.J. Ryan's injury:

"There's a lot of things we don't tell the media because the media doesn't need to know it and the fan's don't need to know it. They're not lies if we know the truth."

Fortunately, I'm clairvoyant, let me interpret this drivel: The owners of this franchise hired a Money Ball disciple to turn this franchise around. I have given new meaning to the term Money Ball by spending lavishly and producing nothing. I signed B.J Ryan to a 5 year 47 million dollar contract and if I told the truth, the media and the fan's would have turned the spotlight on my track record.

The Abreu enigma

Last year, the Yanks acquired Bobby Abreu from the Phillies. It appeared to be a steal. A seemingly perfect fit in the Bombers patient offense. Gold glove caliber defense with an arm--what a concept.

When Bobby got off to a strong start, I took the opportunity to gloat to an ardent Phillie fan I know. My attitude was met with a snicker--"Wait you'll see." Was also bothered by the fact that Phillie GM. Pat Gillick is no fool.

Time moved on and it became routine to see Abreu drift after balls in right. He is fast but doesn't seem to be in a hurry to get there. I understood why many rabid Phillis fans were on his case. I rationalized that it was just an impression--casual style?

This year I am trying to figure out how a left-handed #3 hitter, who plays in Yankee stadium can have 1 homer by mid-May. Anthony Rieber in today's Newsday, documents his struggles.

As the season plays out, the puzzle will be solved--one way or another. At 16 million a year if we do get him figured out he'll be gone after the season anyway.

Schilling speaks

There is an excellent critique, of Curt Schilling's recent, 'cheating', diatribe regarding Barry Bonds at Only Baseball Matters.

Yeah, thanks for being one more mis-informed jerkoff with a pulpit. Schilling would know about PED's since he would have never been able to perform his Game Six heroics against the Yankees without massive amounts of painkilling injections and pills. Apparently, the only time Schilling knows about steroids is when he's in front of the media, 'cause he sure clammed up in front of Congress.

I've written before that abusing legal painkillers, in order to perform is cheating. Don't think you'll hear Schilling making bold statements about his own behavior. After all, the legendary sock is in Cooperstown.

Say it ain't so MO

Mariano Rivera has been money in the bank for so long that it is easy to take him for granted. Yankee fans have been sheltered from the harsh realities of late inning melt-downs. Unfortunately, as Neil Young would say,"Rust never sleeps."

Last night when Rivera left a tailor made pitch in the middle of the plate for the not so great Adrian Beltre it was another reminder that great closers are usually long gone by the age of 37.

The YES announcers mentioned 1st that his stuff is great but he's not sharp. Later we heard that it was a strategic error. Beltre bails out--throw him heat. The fact is that the Great Rivera is human and in his occupation, old--get used to it.

Reading Cashman's mind

Roger assures me his hamstrings will be ready to go. Since my future may well depend on it, I think it's money well spent.

Roger, care to comment? " I would have used the word spectacular to describe my hammys."

Clemens's comeback

The Yankees just announced the signing of Roger Clemens to a 28 million dollar pro-rated contract. Roger says he has been working out for 2 weeks and should be ready to join the team around June 1st.

The transaction will re-invigorate the pennant race and gives the Yanks a legitimate chance at a ring.

A rotation of Wang, Pettitte, Mussina, Clemens and Hughes can compete with any team--Father time is another matter.

Steroid deja vu

I have been reading Game of Shadows. The authors concisely chronicle, a mountain of evidence that details wide-spread steroid abuse in baseball. The book puts Barry Bonds pending accomplishment in context.

I thought this was old news. I was wrong.

The latest wave of negative performance enhancement news started when a Met clubhouse attendant admitted dealing illegal drugs for 10 years.

The righteous, posturing politicians are poised to clean up the sport--again.

Commissioner, Bud Selig, is still standing--actually prospering. Greed is still good. Baseball is thriving and how it got that way doesn't matter.

The fact is that steroid enhanced sluggers made the game more palatable for TV. Baseball is floating in a sea of money, as long as that lasts, Mr. Selig can afford the best life boat his lawyers can build.

Rocket's reentry

May is here. The clock is ticking. The whole baseball world is watching. Where will the Rocket land?

Roger Clemens is faced with an interesting decision. With apologies to Clint Eastwood, here's a rundown on his options:

• The good-- hometown Astros have catered to Roger's every whim: unprecedented travel schedule, draft son into minor league system, consultants contract, are a few of the perks lavished, after all burnt orange Houston cap sure would look good in Cooperstown. Pesky detail is that the Astros are fading fast in the standings. Home cooking is nice but also ran status just won't do.
• The bad-- Yankee pitching is a train wreck. Roger could come riding in on white horse and star as the savior. Reuniting with friends and ring royalty would befit a living legend. Problem is he won't be enough. Dealing with media in quest for fairy tale ending doesn't work if mission not accomplished.
• The ugly-- back where it all began, Boston redux. Clemens as #4 starter on team with comfortable lead is nice and cozy. He would have best chance for a ring here and could market it as completing the circle. The right spin would gloss over the fact that he would be turning back on hometown and helping eliminate pals in pinstripes but those would just be trivial footnotes in Roger's final act.

Selig and steroids

In Sunday's NY Times, William C. Rhoden writes about last week's disclosure that a long time Met clubhouse employee had been selling illegal performance enhancing drugs to a long list of players over a ten year period. The article is titled: "A Widening Problem is Selig's to Solve."

In all due respect to Mr. Rhoden, Bud isn't up to the job. It's been 19 years since Canseco's name was linked to steroids on national TV, prior to a World Series broadcast. Since that time we've seen Congressional hearings, arrests, IRS investigations, a book Game of Shadows that chronicles in minute detail widespread abuse.

Selig, in typical style, has moved at a snail's pace, if not for the Feds. giving the sport heat he might still be wondering if there is an issue to be addressed.

Rhoden writes: "This steroid tidal wave will define Bud Selig's tenure as commissioner." It already has--abysmal failure

The cheating has been going on for so long that there is no way to white wash the situation. The office of Baseball Commissioner was created to safe guard the integrity of the game. Bud Selig should resign for the good of the game.