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Do The Yankees Still Want To Winn?

Posted by on 29 January 2010, 1:33 pm

The Yankees latest bargain pick-up is San Francisco Giants OF Randy Winn.

Pending only a physical, 35-year-old Winn will be a Yankee for one-season, earning $2 million dollars.

Winn’s 2009 season was one of his worst, hitting only two home-runs, 51 RBI, with 93 strike-outs and a .263 batting average in his 538 at bats for the Giants.

Acquiring Winn does nothing for the Yankees in terms of adding talent, other that he can play in all three OF slots. Cashman and Girardi can use Winn to tease Swisher and Garner in fighting for their spots on the field.

My question is why not just keep Melky? Why not support Matsui? Continue reading ‘Do The Yankees Still Want To Winn?’ »

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Brian Cashman’s Off-Season Checklist

Posted by on 23 December 2009, 5:42 pm

Well, the Yankees have definitely made some changes to their roaster. The team that less than two months ago won the World Series. For Yankee fans the emotions are running high in all directions. Do you change something that works? More importantly wins? What trades do you think were smart? Is Cashman a genius or lost his mind? The questions of what’s been done can and will demand the answers. The only place that will be is on the field when the 2010 season kicks off. As fans, we wear are hearts on our selves. For whatever reason each of us finds a special player who’s jerseys we wear, who we cheer extra hard for and whom we go through the ups and downs right by their side. This makes it so bitter-sweet when the next time you meet-up with them, no longer are they wearing the same teams jersey with you. It also makes it letting go of the blame and anger when there has been no real goodbye. Brain Cashman, like any General Manager of a sports team gets the weight of the fans on their shoulders, because it was a decision made without any impute from us. That’s what makes pro-sports so hard to swallow sometimes, forgetting it is a business.

From a fan’s view here are my thoughts thus far……

A Grand Man For The Yankee Fan

At first I was skeptical of this immediate move. All the talk the past few seasons has been about one home-grown kid, the pride of the Yankee farm system. It gets exciting, like a kid on Christmas trying with as much patient as possible not to open this gift to early. That young talent was Austin Jackson. What could possibly occur to have him traded before his debut in the Majors is beyond confusing. The immediate blame-game on Cashman was inevitable but boring. So the digging of Curtis Granderson began. Instead of the proof of how big a mistake Cashman made, the complete opposite happened. Curtis Granderson is a great player and even more-so a great person. Cashman did good here and liking Granderson is getting pretty east. The more I find, the more I like him. Every article, blog or YouTube video on our new CF is nothing short of excellent. Austin Jackson is the only person who can take this deals positives and make the Yankees regret it. Completely excited to have Granderson’s not only as a player but looking forward to getting to know Curtis the person.

Last Name: Johnson, Again?

Sounding familiar, yet? Remember the last player who had the last name Johnson that came to the Yankees? Randy Johnson‘s time in New York was disastrous and for some reason the new Johnson is giving me the same bad taste in my mouth again. Replacing Matsui is an impossible feat as both a player and a person. Yankees seem to think Matsui’s knees are to far gone to only decline from here on. Did Cashman get the wrong report on Johnson? Johnson is more injury prone than a porcelain doll. Other than his OBP, the rest of his stats are not that great. And if he can’t play, he is useless anyway. So how is this an upgrade? It’s not even a solid replacement at $5.5 million dollars. Just to think that Matsui is making just $1 million more makes no sense and Cashman can kick his own &s% for this one. When the thrilla hit by Godzilla is not in pinstripes next season, it will hurt trust that fact.

Melk Me Dry?

GOT MELK? was becoming a household term in New York. This picture made famous because of a play by Melky Cabrera. Melky is the young center fielder, on the left. The past three seasons Melky has been the Yankees center fielder. When Brett Garner took his job last season, Melky made sure that tenure was short by producing game winning hits and sensational catches in the outfield. Was Melky dynamic, sometimes but more importantly those sometimes were clutch times. His throwing arm was outstanding in comparison to the men on either side of him. Melky was young, worked hard and it felt like he had found a home in the Bronx. Now the Atlanta Braves got Melk and the Yankees acquire a familiar face, starting pitcher Javier Vazquez. Vazquez is 33 years old, can pitch lights out but he can pitch as if the lights were off as well. Didn’t Cashman emphasis the idea of the Yankees getting younger? Along with Melky, the Braves also got two good young, Yankee prospects in the deal. Hope are farm system is as deep as we think because Cashman is parting with the youngsters like he parts with money in seasons past. Deep pockets, deep farm system seems to good to be true but keep in mind these are the New York Yankees.

When Winning MVP In The Word Series Still Isn’t Enough?

It hurts. I cannot deny that my emotions have taken over any rational explanation for letting Hideki Matsui elsewhere. Matsui now joins former Yankee, Bobby Abreau in Los Angels as an Angel. The Yankees lost one of the utmost professional, talented, humble man, who just happens to have super-star athletic talent. Not only has Matsui’s life on the Yankees been an absolute honor, but Matsui is a role model for baseball, for sports, for players; but most importantly for our future. Kids worldwide gain by watching athletes like Matsui’s, not for how they win but for how they lose. I have now learned why his departure from home was so celebrated by his fans. Matsui is an icon in Japan, and now in the United States as well. In our hearts we owe the people of Japan an immense thank you because it was an absolute honor to have Hideki Matsui on the New York Yankees. The Angels did not just get a DH, they got a Godzilla.

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Perturbed In Pinsrtipes

Posted by on 17 December 2009, 1:57 am
English: Hideki Matsui

Image via Wikipedia

Have you heard the news today?

Roy Halladay and John Lackey have new places to call home, as two of baseball’s top free agents current deals leaked all around the news today.

That was HUGE.

There was one thing definitely missing from the sizzling MLB hot stove today?

That would be the Yankees.

For once Cashman and company were not in the mix of doing anything at all, signing no one and actually letting players freely be swept away.

For many Yankee fans, complete confusion is starting to set in.

What the hell are we doing allowing Hideki Matsui to sign for one season at $6.5 million with the Angels?

The Yankees could have, and should have offered the MVP of the World Series at least that.

The Angels line-up just got better and even more popular.

In addition to Matsui’s undeniably clutch batting, the entire Japanese press follows their icon wherever he goes. Matsui also has huge fan base that come to the ballpark and Los Angeles will experience his Godzilla-like effects immediately.

I was very sad to learn of Hideki Matsui’s departure today.

My utter respect for him as a player, but even more so as a person will stay in my heart.

No matter what uniform Matsui wears, Yankee Universe will always cheer for our Godzilla. Continue reading ‘Perturbed In Pinsrtipes’ »

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The Yankees Could Be Moving On Up….A Ton

Posted by on 8 December 2009, 2:52 am

The Yankees are about as tight lipped as Tiger Woods, regarding who the team’s biggest crush is on right now.

For the Yankees, it is more of a guessing game involving just a few names, a love contract and a new outfit.

“Tiger-Land” is the small country forming by the list of the Woods-Women is growing. This is at such a pace Woods could have his own 40-roaster before Cashman ever says a word.

Over in Yankee-Universe, the rides are getting older and the team needs to get some youth for next season.

This is not saying ability is based on age. Mariano Rivera is living proof at 40, along with 34-year-old Jeter who had a career year, and Arod who is the same age, has not even reached his ultimate potential.

Lately, as I read rumors everyday I started to go over stats, age, ability and attitude. A fact is that the team’s ability is undeniable heading into 2010 season but with some fresh stock it could be even greater.The Yankees need a player who….

1. Is a young, under the age of 26 would be nice.
2. Has played more then one season in the Majors.
3. Already displays obvious talent.
4. Has the potential to exceed expectations with some direction.
5. Needs to be an Outfielder.
6. *Fast On The Bases

*big factor

Tampa Bay Ray’s BJ Upton could solve this problem, with a close second going to St. Louis Cardinal’s Matt Holliday. BJ Upton is just 24 years old and had a good season considering he is coming off major shoulder surgery.

Upton’s 2009 season stats finished with a batting averageof.241, OBP .313, 55 RBI, 79 runs scores and an astonishing 42 stolen bases. His 2007 season was his best, hitting 24 home runs in addition to 82 RBI.

No one will deny the potential for this youngster and with the right direction the results could be enormous.Upton is Rays starting center fielder.

His range defensively is excellent but he has seemed sluggish and lazy more then just on one occasion. It would seem that a move to another ball club is just the spark this kid needs.

Upton ended 2009 season by dazzling the Bombers, as he hit for a cycle on a night when CC Sabathia was starting at the Trop. This was a first in regards to HUGE achievements for the youngster, and the first for the Rays organization as well.

What a nice confidence booster going into the off-season and gives BJ a lot to think about. Upton has the potential to be a big star. His attitude just needs some guidance and no better place to get it than in the Bronx. Continue reading ‘The Yankees Could Be Moving On Up….A Ton’ »

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There Will Be No Thrill-as….. Without Godzilla

Posted by on 11 November 2009, 6:47 am

The 2009 Worlds Series had a few firsts’ happen.

A full-time designated hitter won the MVP award for the first time. A 1960 record for most RBI’s r, with the nickname Godzilla, won his first World Series ring.

Hideki Matsui, also known as Godzilla won the MVP of the this years World Series. Matsui, who is a baseball icon in his homeland of Japan signed with the Yankees in December 2002. This was a huge accomplishment for anyone on earth but in Japan, Matsui became a hero.

On opening day in 2003 at the stadium, Matsui hit a grand slam. Another first for any Yankee to have accomplished. In 2007 he achieved his 2000th hit joined between his time in Japan and in MLB. Two months later he recorded his 100th home-run as a Yankee but in total he has 470 in his professional career total.

With his quiet, humble and professional attitude is admired, not only in Japan but by a vast amount of Americans too. There is never enough about what he has done as a player. This gets masked because Matsui does not bring any drama.

The above is just naming a few of Matsui’s accomplishments since coming to play in the USA. Baseball is a business. The Yankees are the biggest and remind us this each season. Regarding Hideki Matsui, he should stay in the Bronx. Here is some reasons why:

  • Matsui is a lethal clutch hitter. More importantly, as shown this season as a full-time DH, Matsui is consistent.

If you have ever watched this guy at bat, his focus is almost
surreal.

It is known that a DH is so important in the American League.
The Red Sox would not have won two rings without Big Poppi as
their DH.

The spot or need for the DH gets belittled but ignorant baseball
fans, who are blind to its vital importance. The DH makes the job
of the pitcher harder, the game more suspenseful and can be the
difference maker.

Matsui displayed this all season as the DH for the Bombers.
Godzilla makes the position more important and makes the Yankees
much more of a threat. There is no player on the free-agent
market, the Yankee farm system or really in MLB that has the
talent that Matsui carries with him. The Yankees are an AL team
and the DH counts big time in that league.

  • THE 3 MMM’S….

In Yankee language, Media = Money = Matsui.

The worldwide attention Matsui will carry with him wherever he
goes, so if he leaves the Bronx, so will the Japanese press and
fans. The Japanese fans are so dedicated and proud that time
difference is irrelevant   when Godzilla is playing.

  • There would be no World Series win without Matsui this year.

Some might disagree but I truly believe the Yankees would have not been the 2009 Champs without his bat. Matsui tied the
World Series record of scoring six RBI’s off his bat.

Ironically, it was in game six and the night that made the Yanks the winners and crowned champions.

All that is currently known is that Matsui did file for free agency earlier this week. He has made it clear that he is comfortable in New York. He wants to continue playing for the Yanks.

Most recently, it was announced that Matsui will continue playing in the USA and not returning home to Japan.

Hideki Matsui brings a sense of respect and professionalism that is not seen in pro-sports across the board anymore in the USA. He is a warrior and plays by the rules.

Brian Cashman is smart and he will sign Matsui to a one year deal.Cashman can count that the Seattle Mariners will be calling on Hideki. Matsui’s old Japanese teammate and recent Gold-Glove winner Ichiero Suzuki would love to have him on his team.

I can’t really think of any AL team who’s in need of a DH that would not be gunning to grab Matsui.

The thrill-as hit by Godzilla should remain in the Bronx or else the Yankees will kick themselves when they face Matsui next season.

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3 Players Who Might Get Dumped

Posted by on 1 September 2009, 5:04 am
It’s safe to say that the Yankees look like a team on the way to the post season.

Other than winning the World Series, the question on the mind of many Yankee fans are will some of these guys not be back in pinstripes next year?

Maybe he is your hero. And looking at your jersey that might don an #18 or #55 on the back, wondering if this player did well enough for the Yanks to keep him?

Quotes like, “passed his prime” or “not the player he once was” is the common theme when these veteran players are in contract years.

But how many players has this been said about in which I am the first to say I was wrong or underestimated someone. For example, Jeter, Abreau, Mussina are a few that come to mind.

It is fact that how far the Yanks take this season; meaning if they go to the post-season (not assuming anything till it happens) is as significant for jobs to be continued. It’s the Yanks and heads will role if the team bombs.

Let’s explore three current Yankees who are playing for more than just the World Series this season.

1) “Positively Damonic” – #18

A Boston Red Sox, who had just come off winning the World Series, breaking the curse of 1918 was going to be a Yankee?

In 2005 Johnny Damon became a Yankee. He was on the top of his game and was going to his rival team where I guess the only thing took away from him was his long hair.

Described as a positive guy who treats everyone from the bat boy to the valet parking his car with complete kindness. Damon was embraced by the Yank fans immediately. His teammates liked him; regardless of the shameless Torre stories that claim differently.
The honest truth is that Damon’s best years might be behind this champ. Damon is still a darn good player and offers a lot.

Plain and simple Damon has a bad arm but that is not new news. It got overlooked because he made dynamic plays in the outfield. It was pure talent and athleticism displayed in everyday but age and injuries inevitably have taken some toll on him.

Clearly Damon can hit and is still one of the best, no doubt. He is good in the post season; just watch game seven of the 2004 World Series to see him at his best.

Damon can rob bases with the best and he is having a good year. I think he will still be good for two more seasons and the Yanks should offer him two years for less money.

We let Abreau go a little to soon. He is worse then Damon ever was in the outfield. Now, as a Angel is getting MVP Award talk, something that the Yanks were sure was over.

If Damon gets another year it gives out young prospect Austin Jackson another season in the minors. Which can help his growth and ease him up to the Majors.

Damon wants to stay a Yankee and I want him in pinstripes again.

2) “It‘s A Thilla For Godzilla” – #55

Hideki Matsui will not comment on what will happen about next year, till this season is over.

He has made it clear he is comfortable in New York. And the Yankee players’ have clearly spoken on the respect they have for his continued professionalism.

The fans adore Matsui. He is a true gentleman and the country of Japan should be proud to have Matsui represent them.

This athlete respects baseball, his teammates and works hard. Yes, Matsui has bad knees but they are improving.
Regardless, Matsui can hit ridiculously well and consistently can be relied on to do so.

Other then Jeter, he is the only other hitter on the Yankees, that is confident in the clutch and with a game’s result on his bat.

The National league will not be jumping to sign him because the DH is not a position.

Stupid for the Yanks to let him face them next season.

Give him one more year for much less money is the option if the season is considered a successful one.

3) Andy Pettitte – #46

This will be short and sweet.

Andy Pettitte will be a Yankee nest year. It will be his choice because this pitcher can still throw and Cashman knows it.

Andy says he has never felt better.

All I can say to that is……“HEY ANDY, it shows!!!”
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