Yankees players cope with scandal

The sewage from the Clemens saga spews all over spring training. The anticipated relief from the exhibition games wanes as the FBI investigates. The players trying to focus on preparation for the regular season are distracted.

Andy Pettitte, the Yanks #2 starter, is in a "no win situation." Andy had this to say, "I hate it...I can't stand it." Think he is focused on playing the game or his role as a potential star witness in a legal process that puts his mentor behind bars?

Yankees 2004 draft pick, Phil Hughes is expected to pay dividends this season. He fends off questions about PED abuse: "I think you have to be incredibly arrogant or incredibly stupid to take that stuff anymore." It's hard enough for a young player to deal with the New York media, adding a barrage of scandal related questions doesn't help.

Someone once said,"If it doesn't kill you it'll make you stronger." (paraphrased) Maybe there is a silver lining to the incessant turmoil. Young players witnessing legends crumbling have a blue print on what not to do. Spring training is a time for optimism--maybe they'll learn a lesson.

Photo/Google Images/www.homeruncards.com

Yankees links

Here's a few interesting links for Yankees followers counting down to opening day.

• Sixties flashback--former Yankees left fielder Roy White was a favorite of die-hard Bomber fans. He was a consistent hitter and a quiet professional. The only flaw in his game was his Damonesque throwing arm but compared to the rest of the wretched team that surrounded him during the infamous "Horace Clarke era" he was a joy to watch. Dugout Central published an article that refers to a Bill James analysis that rates White ahead of Jim Rice. This is another example where the eyes and the math don't correlate. (Hat tip Baseball Musings)
• Hall of Fame closer and Yankees legend Goose Gossage rates Jonathan Papelbon the best closer in the game (the truth hurts.) Here's a quote "When they said they were going to put him in the rotation last year, I just started laughing. I said they're never going to put him in the rotation. He's too valuable. Guys like him come along only once in a blue moon. So it was comical. This situation sounds vaguely familiar.(Hat tip Baseball Think Factory)
• The Roger Clemens debacle is spewing all over spring training. Pinstripe Alley hits the nail on the head: "Everyone from the owners through the front office and into the clubhouse knew what was going on." The real scandal is that the Bud Selig, the owners and their front office cronies aren't being held accountable.
• Fans looking to focus on the day to day happenings on the field in Tampa get a front row seat courtesy of Peter A. at Lo Hud.

Photo/Google Images/GHG.com

Jeter's shaky defense revisited

The debate over Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter's defensive prowess isn't going away any time soon. The argument features the perspectives of two diverse schools of thought. The old-school scouts who rely on their eyes and experience, believe Derek can pick-it. The mathematical analysts say their reports suggest the scouts are seeing things. In an effort to find closure, I found an analysis by someone who has an extensive backround in both areas. Toronto GM, J.P Ricciardi, worked his way up as a scout and also spent time with Billy Beane and his mentor Sandy Alderson in Oakland. Here's what Ricciardi said in 2004:

"By watching Jeter, I know I want the ball hit to him, maybe that's the scout part of me. Defense is probably the one area where I disregard the numbers. A lot of people who aren't around the game, that's where the arguments come from. They don't see players every day. If you don't see that every day, you're not going to get the full picture. Certain guys make plays every day."--Baseball Between the Numbers.

Ricciardi's quote was from an article titled: "Did Derek Jeter deserve the gold glove?" It was written by James Click of Baseball Prospectus (2006). Click writes: "All available individual defensive stats. have problems. Understanding what those problems are allows us to use the available information without overstating our conclusions."

It would be fair to say that both sides of this debate tend to "overstate their conclusions." Gene Michael, representing the scouts, said "Something like this is a disgrace." No it's not, it's just a different way to look at things. Debate fosters thought and more analysis, what's wrong with that?

Sports Media--Baseball Reporting

Baseball news has evolved from reading the morning paper, to incessantly watching TV highlights featuring a parade of talking heads, to surfing the Internet where a bottomless pit of reporting, opinion and conjecture are found. A baseball analyst trying to find the facts has to sift through a lot of information from a mountain of sources in an attempt to find out what actually happened. It's not always easy. One of my first lessons was, "Consider the source." The news being reported can be influenced by different factors including personal bias, competition or political considerations.

A recent example is covered today by Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News, in an article titled, "Critics of Joe Torre's relaxed approach didn't speak up when he was here."Raissman writes:"accounts of how Joe Torre apparently felt that spring training fitness programs were insignificant. This was given as another aspect of his laissez-faire approach to managing. Now, we are told the Bombers' stumbling starts the past two seasons can be directly linked to an out-of-shape team.
Sorry, what we have here is amnesia-based-reporting."
If the same esteemed media members are now saying Torre did not care about getting his players in shape during spring training, why was that not reported in February 2007?"

It's a fair question. Let's look at two plausible explanations: A) Torre was a nice guy who handled the media in a courteous, professional manner. It would be human nature to go out of your way not to criticize someone you like who helps you do your job.(note: this method has been liberally applied to GM Brian Cashman) B) It looks interesting on paper to contrast the styles of Torre and Girardi (poetic license?) Raissman suggests option B is the answer in this case. Either way, the facts weren't accurately reported--it's not that simple.

Photo/ Google Images

Yankees notes and quotes

Here's an assortment of Yankees related notes and quotes:

• Peter Abraham, at LoHud, projected Girardi's spring training rotation and came up with Wang as the opening day starter. No surprise here, Pettitte came in late and on this staff Wang will be expected to soak up a lot of innings.
• An amusing article in the Sunday New York Times, documents Joba's positive effect on a clubhouse,"known for years as one of baseball's most dour." We saw the effect the kids had on the veterans last year. I'm no shrink but A'Rod's demeanor was clearly improved by having Cano and Melky around. Safe to say the results were pretty good.
• " Baseball history is littered with 22-and 23-year -old pitchers that were thrown in the mix as full time starters, had arm trouble and never pitched again. We don't want that.--Hank Steinbrenner The new Boss is clearly a master of understatement, if the young arms flame out it will be a long road back to the top.
• "If you rely on free agency to acquire pitching you'll find that they are expensive and fragile."--Andy MacPhail-- Now he tells us. More from MacPhail, "Prospects are just prospects." Gulp.
• "Everyone's in the first base mix. That's the bottom line."--Joe Girardi-- Deja Vu all over again.

Photo/Flickr/jacorbett70

Yankees future in good hands

The Yankees transition from veteran laden, to youth dependent, won't be easy. New manager Joe Girardi has a tough assignment. He has been handed a pitching staff that depends on the rapid development and continued health of several green kids. Balancing long-term goals with the expectation of winning, in a pennant race, is setting the bar very high. There has been concern that Girardi's one year stint as Marlins skipper points to potential problems in this vital area. Girardi rode a young pitching staff to unexpected contention, a year later significant injury issues ensued. The Bronx Block, gives a comprehensive analysis of what actually happened in Florida. (Hat tip to Pinstripe Alley) The article provides some relief for antsy Yankees fans.

Setting inning limits is easy in the spring, as the season wanes on and a pennant race ensues it becomes more complex. How many times this season will Hughes or Kennedy have a 1-0 lead as their pitch count meter expires? The soft underbelly of the traditionally dubious bullpen blows an important game before Chamberlain or Rivera can rescue them. When the heat is on will the owner and manager be willing to think long-term or will the instant gratification of winning factor in? Moshe Mandell from The Bronx Block writes, "It seems the Marlins front office was just as enamored with a surprise trip to the playoffs as Girardi was." Balancing the present and future will be Girardi's biggest challenge.

Speaking of the future, John Harper of The New York Daily News profiles the man,"most responsible for drafting Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy"-- Yankees scouting director Damon Oppenheimer. "There's something about seeing a kid for the first time and thinking 'Holy Smokes, look at that. This is the guy." Harper writes: "Oppenheimer implemented a philosophy that emphasized a prospect's history and makeup." Imagine how this philosophy would have affected the acquisitions of Giambi, Farnsworth, Pavano and Igawa (to name a few) had it been implemented on the major league level. The article mentions Oppenheimer is viewed as a potential successor GM Brian Cashman. Oppenheimer's drafting acumen, combined with a coherent philosophy, Girardi in the dugout and the financial clout of a new stadium money machine point to a bright future for the New York Yankees.

PHOTO/MinorLeagueDugout.com

Joe Torre's value to the Yankees

Joe Torre's tenure in Yankees pinstripes produced a list of accomplishments that speak for themselves. The "Habitual Winning" bought a lot of popularity from fans, players, media and politicians. It made him the highest paid skipper in history (a record that will stand the test of time.) A funny thing happened on the way to Bronx Bomber immortality, however, Joe's teams started losing early and often in the post season. Since taking a commanding 3-0 lead to the Red Sox in 2004, the Yanks lost 13 of 17 playoff games. The unsightly rash of losing put Torre's baseball acumen under the microsope in Gotham--not a good place to be. The critics from the owner's box "insulted" Joe Torre out of the Yankees dugout. Someone had to pay for the annual
post season flop by the most expensive roster in sport's history.

Since Joe's departure it is routine to read criticism of his perceived flaws. GM Brian Cashman, a Torre supporter, according to media reports, joined the growing list of Monday morning quaterbacks. It's convenient to make Torre a scapegoat but is it accurate?

In an effort to quantify Torre's impact on the Yankees results, I refered to The Hardball Times Baseball Annual 2008, there is an article written by David Gassko titled, "Do Managers Matter" that attempts to measure a manager's influence. The author did a detailed statistical analysis based on players performance with a given manager. The end result was a list of the best (Bobby Cox, Earl Weaver, Billy Martin) and worst (Torre was 6TH) in baseball history. The author's math shows that the best manager's are worth approximately 2 wins over a 162 game season and the worst cost their team about 2 wins. His chart indicates that Torre cost his teams 1.23 wins a year. He notes that the study " doesn't take into account people skills"--Torre's biggest attribute. This asset is clearly a job prerequisite when managing a roster full of high-priced egos in a high pressure environment like New York.

If we take the study at face value, Joe Torre's skill set didn't make a significant difference when the Yankees were winning in dynastic proportions or losing at an alarming rate. The study is not absolute and their are flaws whenever people try to reduce baseball to statistics. It is safe to say that it's not appropriate to pile on criticism on the departed Yankees manager. Critics looking for a scapegoat should look elsewhere.



PHOTO/Flickr/NGottwald

Yankees working hard

Professional baseball players depend on their bodies to deliver their special skills. You would think that an elite level of physical fitness would be obligatory. You would be wrong. It turns out that highly paid players are as lazy as the rest of us.

In Yankees news, much is being made of the fact that Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu showed up to spring training in shape. The fact that they adhered to off season workout and nutrition plans is considered noteworthy. Kat O'Brien of Newsday quotes Abreu,"I knew I was in bad shape last year." Bobby had a bad first half and contributed to the Bombers poor start. Jason Giambi is a role model for anyone wishing to do everything wrong. Combine PED abuse with nocturnal habits and fast food, you get to be a part-time DH with significant injury issues--quite a return on a $119 million dollar investment. Both Abreu and Giambi have turned new leafs, by sheer coincidence they are both in the final guaranteed year of their contracts.

Lax attention to fitness is not confined to individual players. Inexplicably, organizations can come up short in this important area. Last season, Yankees GM Brian Cashman created the office of "Director of Performance Enhancement" (note: the inappropriate name is mind boggling considing baseball's on-going scandal.) The position was filed by Marty Miller who Cashman recruited from outside of baseball. The results of this decision were disatrous for the organization. A rash of injuries led to a decimated pitching staff, Miller was fired on May 3RD.

This season new skipper and fitness fiend Joe Girardi is running the squad hard.Bob Klapisch, in an article titled "Joe Shaping up the Yanks,"writes :"If this feels like shock therapy, it's because the Yankees hardly ran at all last spring. Torre and conditioning coach Marty Miller were so opposed to the heavy-conditioning philosophy, the players did little more than take batting practice, field ground balls, shower and head for the golf courses." It may be considered extreme by spring training standards, but a refreshing change from the lax past. The manager's job is to maximize the roster's potential, working hard is a good start.

PHOTO/Newsday/Audrey C.Tiernan

Baseball gibberish

"I still hear in my dreams the wild stupid gibberish coming out of that yo-yo's mouth..."--Hunter S. Thompson

Here's a few examples of recent baseball gibberish:

• Tony Kornheiser, co-host of Pardon the Interuption on ESPN showed off his baseball acumen last night. After reporting that Barry Bonds' agent says he's in game shape, Mr Kornheiser suggested the Yankees sign him. "He's a left handed hitter and Yankee stadium has a short right field porch. The Yankees are used to dealing with big personalities."(paraphrased) Co-host Michael Wilpon wholeheartedly agreed. Um, let's see, an old DH with injury issues and a steroid rap sheet a mile long--been there, done that. Lets bring Balco Barry, with his legendary media handling skills, to the Big Apple, while he fights perjury charges, that will certainly help put the PED scandal behind us. He could compete with A-Rod for the all time distraction record. These guys get paid for this insightful analysis?
• When it comes to inane commentary, the king of the hill is Gary Sheffield, who is in mid-season form. "My family has been trying to get me to walk away for a while now because they don't like the negative stuff that comes my way. I love it," Sheffield acknowledged. "I try to explain it to them, but they think that's some psychotic thing."(AP) Misunderstood Sheff is in a ) dispute regarding money (go figure) this time with super-agent Scott Boras. "It's going to be the ugliest thing you've ever seen." The more things change;the more they stay the same.
• "We need him to do a lot of different things, go from first to third, second to home, play some first base." --Eternal optimist, Joe Girardi talking about Jason Giambi (seriously.) Add this to the list: A) get in Farnsworth's head B) reinvent Igawa's mechanics C) check Pavano's rehab schedule. Joe has a reputation for being a high-energy guy but this is way over the top.

Photo/Reuters

Yankees notes & quotes

Yankees quote of the week: "So when you get to a certain age, you're not allowed to have a good year anymore? If you turn 35 you have to go downhill?"--Mike Mussina (NY Times.)
Memo to Moose--it's ok to have a good year. Yankees fans everywhere hope you produce so much that you become a steroid suspect. It would be a comeback of epic proportions.

SNY televised an encore performance of the Mets vs Cubs, from March 2000. The pitcher is Kyle Farnsworth, behind the plate Joe Girardi. Kyle leans in for the signal and shakes off the sign, a hit follows. The announcer says: "I believe the young Farnsworth will learn from the veteran Girardi and become a better pitcher." Flash-foward 8 yrs.--rookie skipper Girardi looks to get in fading Farnsworth's head and perform a miracle. What are the odds?

"He was an 8 million experiment gone terribly wrong."--David Cameron/USS Mariner/Hardball Times Annual 2008. The author is refering to the infamous Jeff Weaver. Bomber fans can relate to the failed experiment.

"We were joking a little bit and we were laughing, so it was good. He's just encouraging us to do what we always do here. So, Mr Steinbrenner was great."--Joe Girardi (AP)
Torre taught his pupil well.

"I said it was kind of a busy day for me, but Joe wanted me to stay on schedule. He texted me a few days in a row, and I got the message."-- Andy Pettitte to Peter Abraham/LoHud
Girardi's style will be different than his mentor's.

"Clemens always did seem like a man with not much room for nuance, and he may actually believe what he is saying. On Wednesday, he sounded pathologically unbelievable."--George Vecsey (NY Times)
"...Clemens acted more like the Titanic. He drowned himself in his own words."--Murray Chass (NY Times)
Does anybody believe what the Rocket is pitching?

Photo/SI.com

Yankees prospects in context

The Yankees, much publicized, youth movement has generated a lot of enthusiasm among its ardent followers. We got a taste of what rookies can do last season. The exhuberance on the field and in the dugout was fun to watch. After watching a long list of high priced acquisitions come up short, the kids made baseball fun again.

Last season's taste of success opened the flood gate to the inevitable Big Apple hype. In the interests of full discloure, I should mention I grew up following the Bombers when CBS owned the team. My childhood was spent watching minor league players come up and immediately be branded the next Mantle. As a result I am leery of hype. It has been mentioned here before, patience will be required to get through parts of this season--there you've been warned.

I am spending part of my spring training reading The Hardball Times Annual 2008. There is an article written by Chris Constancio, titled: "The Top Minor League Prospects," fourty-nine of the top prospects in baseball are listed. The author offers an un-hyped perspective. There are 3 Yankees listed, a total of 1 position player (note Phil Hughes has pitched too many innings to qualify.) Here's the list: 1) Jose Tabata--"on track to become a high average hitter with limited power." 2) Ian Kennedy--"He projects as an average major league pitcher." 3) Joba Chamberlain--"Chamberlain will make full use of his repertoire as a starter in 2008."

We all want to believe the Yanks have an army of dominant players on the horizon. Well, like the Stones' song says, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime you'll get what you need." Watching the young Yankees develop and play hard is ours to enjoy. Let's not bury them with over-hyped expectations.

Photo/Pinstripe Alley

Pettitte's press conference

Watching Andy Pettitte's televised mea-culpa was painful. A nervous Pettitte apologized to his teammates, fans, Yankees and Astros for any embarrassment he caused. He acknowleged "stupid mistakes." Andy is the antithesis of Roger Clemens. His sincerity was palpable.Teammates Jeter, Rivera and Posada were on hand to lend their support. Let's hope we are a step closer to putting this tainted chapter of Yankees history behind us.

Photo/ Ultimateyankees.com

Jeter's shaky defense

Derek Jeter's pristine resume has recorded it's first blemish. Scientists have discovered a palpable mass on the shortstops game. According to exhaustive statistical analysis, performed by a distinguished list of analysts, Jeter can't pick-it. The 3 Gold Gloves are a mirage. The Bomber's captain is a poor fielder--case closed.

The Boston Globe, in an article titled: "Numbers tell a glove story" details a study done by Shane Jensen (PHD from Harvard) that supports findings done by David Pinto (PMR/Baseball Musings) and Mitchell Lichtman (Ultimate Zone Rating). The reports all point in the same direction--Jeter's name can be found on the bottom of all rankings.

Tom Tango wrote an article for The Hardball Times Baseball Annual 2008 titled " With or Without...Derek Jeter" Jeter is quoted: "They think they have a mathematical equation that figures everything out. Like every single person is out there with the same runner and the same pitcher and the ball is hit in the same exact place." Tango than goes on to dissect each part of Derek's argument, unfortunately, the results are the same--on the bottom looking up.

Old school analysts relied on their eyes and experience to form judgements. Venerable columnist Peter Gammons recently said he didn't need #s to know Jeter is good he's seen him play (paraphrased.) The new breed rely on statistics and computers. There are flaws in both methods but the end result is it gets the baseball community thinking, talking and writing--it's all good. While I lean towards old-school, I have tremendous respect for the hardworking quantifiers.

Which brings us to the question, "Where do we go from here?" Phil Allard (NYYfans.com) wrote an article in November 2007 that suggests it's time to move the captain. Allard writes: "Moving off shortstop is not a death sentence, or anything to be embarrased about." Would Jeter be willing to move? Here's a hint, I saw an interview with the captain a few years ago he was asked "What do you see yourself doing at the age of 40?" His immediate response was "Playing shortstop for the New York Yankees." Would the Yankees ask him to move? Here's an unscientific answer--NO. Derek Jeter is an icon, who brings immeasurable intangilbles to the field everyday. We will have to settle for that (somewhere a scientist is cringing.)

Photo/Chinatimes.com

Yankees--"Habitual Domination"

" The Yankees don't win championships by being Lucky or by some crazed ability to "suck it up in the clutch." No. They win because they are from the Big Apple & they spend Big money for Big players & they have developed a keen taste for Habitual Domination. The Yankees put Meat in the Seats because they Expect to win, by any means necessary".--Hunter S. Thompson

The late, eratically great "Dr. Gonzo" gives a perspective on Yankees history that won't be found on the YES network. Kinda makes me nostalgic, for the good old days.

Igawa's revised history

Yankee GM Brian Cashman's acquisition of Kei Igawa to bolster the Bomber's rotation last season didn't work out. It was a 46-million dollar error, oh well nobodies perfect. MLB.com, in an article titled: "Igawa eyeing '08 rebound" has an interesting recollection of the transaction: "The Yankees 46 million dollar investment in the 28 year-old was cautioned as a long-term project in Cashman's eyes last year...But even given that warning, the returns were underwhelming." Here's what Brian Cashman told YES about Igawa at the time: "We think he can be a successful pitcher in the back of the rotation"--it is mentioned that Cashman had his eyes on Igawa for 4 years.

Here's an objective scouting report from former Met skipper Bobby Valentine:" The first time I saw him, I thought he was a lot better; four years ago, he was a lot better than he is now. But he's still good."

Last season the Yanks were desperate for pitching help and Igawa was reinventing his mechanics. As the season progressed Cashman repeatedly said, " Igawa is in the mix." Now it is reported that Cashman signed a 28-year old as a long-term project. The revised version paints a different picture and distorts what actually happened. Mistakes happen, just face facts and move on.

Photo/ WTOPNEWS.com

Baseball Hot Corner's Quote Book

Notable baseball quotes:

"I dominated that era and did it right"--Pedro Martinez (SNY)
Pedro's accomplishments, on the mound, go up a notch as a tainted icon falls off the leader board.

"This was the division that housed the redoubtable Barry Bonds, perservering through the acrid storm of steroid controversy negativity..."-- Steve Treder, Hardball Times Baseball Annual 2008
Yankee fans are now seeking shelter from baseball's "acrid storm."

"Clemens and the sports media types in attendance were genuinely taken aback by the primal, dog-in-heat, urgency with which these grandstanding nobodies tore apart a sports legend."--Joshua Green, Atlantic .com
In one sentence, Mr. Green delivered a more succinct story than all the talking heads on TV could muster. (Hat tip--Deadspin)

"We're trying to project the positive virtues of baseball..."-- David Kaplan, Director of the Yogi Berra museum, tells the NY Times why Roger Clemens's jersey was removed from the Yankee renaissance exhibit.
This was two days after being torn apart by " the granstanding nobodies." Rocket's legend is done.

Photo/Flickr/Camplena

Young Yankees start test

Spring training officially started yesterday for the Yankees, in Tampa Florida. An army of novice recruits have been summoned from the farm to bolster the Major League roster. The kids will be tested early and often. Performing on the field, at an elite level, under pressure and coping with the manic media, off it, is a daunting task. The failure rate of a pitcher in pinstripes is high. The Bombers employed 28 hurlers last year, in their never-ending search for quality production.

This season's succcess will be determined by the ability of Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy to go beyond survival and thrive, in a very tough environment. Normally, a pitcher would be focused on perfecting his craft on the field. Drills (ie. covering first on a grounder hit to the right side) are practiced incessantly. In Yankees camp, there's more than on-the-field work to be done. The AP photo (above) shows Phil Hughes, surrounded by microphones, being peppered with questions, another mandatory exercise in preparation for the season.

Spring training is a time for optimism. We all have high hopes for the next generation of Yankees. The young guns have been thrown into the fray let's hope they pass the test.

Yankees Spring Training--links

The sun came up after yeterday's steroid storm. It's time to get away from the liars, lawyers, politicians, fallen icons, drug enablers and get back to the game. It wasn't easy coming up with some baseball news today, but here's some interesting links:

• A "Spring Awakening" courtesy of Bronx Banter.



• Boss Legend gets his name on the marquee.



• "Dawn of a New Era in Pinstripes"--YES



• LoHud suggests that the Paul O'Neill faithful "Step away from the ledge."

Photo/Flickr/GasHaus34

Ugly day in Baseball History

A repugnant day in baseball history has finally ended. Former legend Roger Clemens and his trainer, turned accuser Brian McNamee were grilled by Congress over the information in the Mitchell report. Here are some conclusions:

• A long list of lies eliminate any shred of credibility that Roger Clemens or Brian McNamee might have left.
• Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch provided affidavits that supported the tainted trainer's story. They should have been present to stand behind their words.
• Unfortunately, athletes are role-models to kids. Today is more evidence that they aren't qualified.
• Committee Chairman Waxman was clearly not an objective participant. "We have a special connection to the Mitchell Report." Clemens's disputing parts of the report made him a clear target of the chairman. He issued an apology to McNamee--a liar, drug dealer, former police officer and star witness.
• Clemens had some interesting things to say: "I didn't read the Mitchell Report," "I didn't talk to my investigators they just investigated," "My Attorneys didn't tell me I could talk to Mitchell " "I didn't know my wife got a shot of HGH." Roger needs to shut-up.

The hearing lasted 4 hours and 31 minutes. It documented another disgraceful chapter, in the Bud Selig story. Unfortunately, it's far from over. Tomorrows another day. The sun will come up in Tampa where pitchers and catchers report, put on their pinstripes and go play ball. The sounds and sights will be a small step in eroding the damage that has been done.

Photo/Getty Images

Yankees unconventional pitching plan

The Yankees announced the inevitable today, Joba Chamberlain will go back to the bullpen. The New York Post is reporting that Chamberlain will spend the first two months in the pen while an army of hopefuls audition for his job. Once a diamond in the rough is discovered Joba will go to the minors in June to stretch out and be put in the rotation. The team is in transition, expect the unexpected. Keep an open mind and a sense of humor and it will be interesting.

The Yanks are making this move because Chamberlain isn't seasoned enough to be a top of the rotation starter and the bullpen is in it's traditional disarray mode. This buys time for a pitching staff in flux. It's noteworthy that an unconventional approach is being used and announced in a timely, organized fashion--Girardi's influence may be showing up early.

Photo/Flickr/dethtrip99

Yankees new pitching coach

Dave Eiland, the Yankees new pitching coach, will get more work than Scott Proctor or Tanyon Sturtz ever dreamed of. He takes over a rotation in transition and an endless list of bullpen hopefuls. The hyped expectations won't help, as the organization tries to nurture, develop and win simultaneously.

It's appropriate that the rookie gets the opportunity to throw out the first misguided, optimistic quote of the spring. After watching Carl Pavano throw for 12 minutes, (editors note:as I type this I can't stop laughing) Dave Eiland told ESPN, "He feels great. The ball came out of his hand well." The article mentions that Eiland plans to meet with Yankees trainer Gene Monahan to discuss Pavano's rehab schedule. Apparently, Dave likes ultimate challenges. I'm going to make a suggestion--put Pavano's rehab in the same category as Igawa's reinvented mechanics and Farnsworth's head--dead on arrival. Eiland took Gator's place because the young guys need nurturing stick to the plan and get to work.

Hat tip Baseball Think Factory
Photo/Baseball Almanac

Snapshot of a fallen Clemens

May 6TH 2007, the Yankees announce the signing of Roger Clemens to bolster their rotation. The hero is welcomed back warmly and is given a standing ovation at The House that Ruth built. The legendary Rocket is back in pinstripes hoping to help capture another championship.

Febuary 2008, nine months later, Clemens is a fallen icon. Allegations of rampant cheating from the Mitchell Report were met with brush-back pitches of denial. The problem is every time the legend rears back and fires a new public relations delivery it is hit over the fence by his adversary. Brian McNamee a former trainer, confidant, nutritional guru, drug dealer and police officer is one step ahead of the Clemens defense initiative. This is a fight the Rocket can't win and there is no relief in sight. Congressional hearings are on deck and the possibility of a perjury investigation and prison time get more likely by the day.

The New York Times photo (above) brings back the lyric: "Every picture tells a story don't it?" While his attorney tries to put a happy face on a dire situation, the former legend appears crestfallen. Whoever said image is everything, didn't have a clue.

Roger Clemens has gone from fame to infamy in the blink of an eye. He now shares billing with Barry Bonds--co-stars of Selig's PED Scandal-- the bottom of baseball's barrel.

The new Yankee stadium

The Yankees gave fans a glimpse of the future by previewing their new park for the media. Newsday provides video. Yankees chief operating officer Lonn Trost was the master of ceremonies and had some interesting things to say:

• "The new stadium will be built with the fans in mind." That's a relief, earlier reports that parking will be 29$ raised concerns that perhaps, they had forgotten about the little guy. Oh well, public transportation it is--think green.
• "There are certain things that just don't change." Apparently, there are a few that do. "We tried to reflect a five-star hotel with a ball field in the middle." Uh-Oh."Significant increase in the number of fans who sit in luxury boxes, for the average fan it will be a tougher ticket."--Lo Hud.
• Here's another sobering angle from Lo Hud: "Fans seated next to the restaurants on the left field side won't be able to see right field (and vice versa) but the side walls of the restaurants will have television screens." Fantastic, exhorbitant amenties, and viewing the Yes network simultaneously, nothing like fun at the old ball park.
• Those of us concerned that we've been left behind can find solace in the fact that the bleachers will have a food court.

The old stadium was known as the House that Ruth built. The new one can be identified by the slogan "Greed is good."

Photo/Newsday

No Sanctuary from Baseball's Scandal

Baseball fans traditionally bask in the warmth brought by spring training. It is an optimistic time of year. A new season is on the horizon. Time to anticipate the joy the sport brings.

Well, that was than and this is now. The latest twist in the Clemens chapter of Baseball's PED scandal promises to dominate headlines. News that Roger Clemens now faces the hurdle of physical evidance, in his quest to clear his name, virtually insures that the Rocket will join Barry (the home run king) Bonds in baseball infamy. No asterisk will explain this era. Like it or not, we are witnessing history. Bud Selig's PED era has replaced the Black Sox Scandal as the biggest stain on the sport's history.

On September 13TH, Congress will put on another show. This time part of Yankee history is on trial. The next day pitchers and catchers report to Legends Field in Tampa. Unfortunately, the positive feelings can't overcome the dire reality of what has been done to baseball.



Photo/Flickr baseball/Amerks23

Clemens goes the distance

No one ever accused Roger Clemens of not having guts. The Rocket strode into the halls of Congress, yesterday, with the self-assurance that he displayed taking the mound during his legendary career. Confidence has never been an issue with Roger. This trait served him well as he answered 5 hours of questions, under oath, about his alleged cheating. Bruce Springsteen once wrote: "No retreat, baby, no surrender." The lyric is an appropriate description of Clemens's fight to clear his name.
The Mitchell Report reported detailed allegations that Clemens used illegal performance-enhancing drugs over a 3 year period. The court of public opinion rushed to judgement. Legal experts have been predicting that Clemens would take the 5TH. The New York Times quotes noted attorney Allan Dershowitz:"Dershowitz said he felt the committee had already sided with Mitchell. “So he’s walking himself into a perjury trap,” Dershowitz said. “It takes either enormous courage or foolhardiness to do that.”
The biggest challenge of Roger Clemens's career will be next week. The depositions of Andy Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch, Brian McNamee and Roger Clemens will be scrutinized in a quest for contradictions. The results will be broadcast with the whole world watching. The Rocket's legendary confidence will be put to the test again.

Photo/The Roger Clemens Institute of Sports Medicine and Human Performance
Flickr/photos/Juwster

Yankees links

Nine days until pitchers and catchers, here's a few interesting links to pass the time.

• Let's forget about the Yank's potential pitching issues and focus on the good news. The potent offense is back. Here's some quality analysis to quantify the optimism.



• Worn out by incessant steroid coverage? Need shelter from the storm? We can find sanctuary here

• Can't wait for the young guns to go out and dominate the American League? Under the impression that it's all down hill from here? Here's a dose of reality (Hat tip to Baseball Think Factory.)
• Brian Cashman signs them and inspires them.

Photo/Flickr.com/Skelly 03871

Yankees take a back seat to Mets

The New York Yankees have always had to deal with exorbitant expectations, anything less than a World Championship is deemed a failure. When you are the richest, biggest, baddest organization in baseball history it comes with the territory. The Mets were the lovable other guys, if you hated the Bombers, you found yourself in Queens, firmly entrenched in also-ran position. The expectations at Shea were a tad different--a second place finish to the Braves was noteworthy, a playoff appearance historic. The ball rolling through Buckner's anemic legs is on a short list of all-time franchise highlights.
Well, as Dylan once rasped: "The times they are a changin." Aggressive ownership has enabled GM Omar Minaya to buy a roster of championship caliber. They should dominate the paltry National League, which means they have a chance to compete with the American League. Undaunted by last season's historic colapse, the organization just reeled in the biggest catch of the off season. Johan Santana eliminates all excuses. It's time to win or else.
In the meantime, the Yanks assume the underdog role. A rookie dominated rotation supported by a dubious bullpen in a league featuring the World Champion Red Sox, the fortified Tigers, arch nemisis Los Angeles (Anahiem) and bug infested Cleveland virtually assures they will be in wait till next year mode. Think the Little Engine that could--with a 218-million dollar payroll. Role reversal, in the Big Apple, should be an interesting season.

Photo: Art.com

Yankees--Who's on first routine

Brian Cashman acquired another potential first baseman yesterday adding to a routine that would make Abbott and Costello proud. Morgan Ensberg's name was added to a list that includes Jason Lane, Shelley Duncan, Wilson Betemit and Jason Giambi to see who will answer the never ending question: Who's on first ??



Compiling an exhaustive list of candidates is nothing new for Cashman, here's a list of players who have played some first base for the Bombers since 2004: Giambi (it must be in his contract that he has to be listed as a fielder,) Mientkiewicz, Phillips, Cairo, Betemet, Phelps, Duncan, Nieves, Sheffield, Wilson, Guiel, Posada, Damon, Green, Martinez, Johnson, Flaherty, Escalona, Clark, Olerud, Lee. Obviously, this position must be very difficult to fill. Apparently, the theory is that if you keep throwing names out there you're bound to find someone viable. Please note that the Yanks signed Carlos Pena and cut him last spring. Oh well, the search for Bin Laden, and a legit first baseman continues. Is it any wonder why the Yankee youth-movement is universally popular? By focusing on the future, we ease our pain caused by Brian Cashman's illustrious record of acquisitions.


Photo/Baseball Almanac