Congratulations to Veruca Salt, uh, I mean the Yankees...

Well it finally happened. Congratulations. Welcome to the 21st century.

After an offseason of spending an unprecedented $500 million dollars, obtaining the 3 biggest free agents available, all while compromising an entire neighborhood and taxpayers, they did it.

Yankee fans are again beaming. But how does it feel to beat a hollow chest?

After not making the playoffs for the first time in a long time, the new Steinbrenner’s were embarrassed enough into spending a fortune in the offseason. This gluttony reared its ugly head at the same time many Americans were struggling and out of work. Great timing boys. If you didn’t think it was possible for more people to loathe the Yanks, well, keep telling yourself that.

All that aside, winning a championship is very difficult. Just ask the Phillies who had to twice trot out a Pedro Martinez we let go five years ago. But quite frankly, it would have been a monumental blunder if the Yanks didn’t win it all this season. Girardi would have been tarred, feathered, and probably banned from the state of NY forever. Cashman would have been handed his walking papers, and George probably would have stroked out.

Now you can say that there are many teams - including the Sox - that are considered “the have’s”. However, the Yanks still outspend this “group” by $70-$80M every season. If you haven’t figured it out yet, the Yankees are the “rich kid” of the class that everyone loathes. They get what they want simply because they have money.

“I want an Oompa-Loompa NOW Daddy!”

Oh, but you ask why is this year different if the payroll is the same? Well smarty pants they were able to grab the top 3 free agents on the market which included a #1 starter, a #2 starter, and one of the best hitters in the league. Who can’t win a championship by doing that?

The Yanks have screwed the pooch in prior years by overpaying all stars on the back 9 of their careers, and typically grabbing one big free agent per year. Those contracts are crippling especially in those players last couple of unproductive seasons. This trend isn’t going away. But the Yanks have enough money to survive these bad deals on the back end. If any other team had these resources, the additional $70-$80M per season would be spent on 4-5 all star and/or impact players. Who couldn’t win with that much talent?


No, but really, enjoy it. Who knew it was the most expensive trophy on the planet?

Yanks continue shameless spending spree, land Teixeira

All aboard the Yankee hating express...

"The Yankees do not want to compete, they want to be coronated." That quote by Wallace Mattews of Newsday sums it up nicely. You would think that the Steinbrenners adopted Varuca Salt. I want an Umpaloompa NOW!

This move was predicted in the last entry back on Dec 15th. It just made sense for them to do this. That being said, to spend over $420M in the current economy is simply disgusting. The sad part is that they aren't finished. After grabbing the top 3 available free agents, they will still add another starting pitcher and more. They have more revenue ($100M from new stadium alone) and a payroll that is still less than last year. They obviously have complete disregard for anyone else, so why would they stop now?

Granted they have improved their team significantly, but this in no way guarantees them anything. If nothing else you would think they have learned that in this new century. The huge advantage in payroll has not worked. Cashman has not been able to grow the farm system, so they have gone back to overspending. Ask last years Tigers how that worked out.

The reports about the Sox being surprised are simply nonsense. The Yankees have used this same tactic with Jose Contreras, A-Rod, and Damon. How'd that work out for ya by the way? The Sox did not have to make this move. It would have made them better yes, but they set a price and didn't go past it. If they were really "desperate", you don't think they would have ponied up another $12M over 8 years? They would still be way under their payroll number from last season.

The offseason has a long way to go. The Yanks will add more pieces. But it will be much more entertaining when they come up short again. Just like the A-Rod signing and defeat in the ALCS. Sweet.

Yanks land the offseason Whale…

All 290 pounds of him… The desperate Yanks became bidders against only themselves and raised their original bid from $140M to $161M to land their new ace Sabathia.

Let’s not pretend that this was not a good signing for them, it was. It simply makes them a better team. However, if you put value into the argument it’s clearly not. He’s not even the best pitcher in New York but he’s the highest paid. It now makes the Mets signing of Santana a great deal and even more baffling why the Yanks didn’t get involved.

There are some red flags with this deal. Rumblings were that CC was looking for a reason NOT to pitch in NY. He clearly preferred the West coast, but the Yanks made him an offer he couldn’t refuse – an additional $21M on top of the original $140M that no one else had matched. He’s also getting them to include a player option after 3yrs, and also a no trade clause. So, he can bail out of NY after 3 seasons and also block any potential trades. Handing over that much control to a player simply shows how desperate the Yanks were to sign him.

More Starters?
This is only step one in the Yanks buying process. Sabathia will essentially replace the season the now departed Mussina had. They now have their staff ace but still have several question marks throughout the rotation. Wang & Chamberlain have been injury issues, while Hughes and Kennedy have essentially been no shows. They still need to acquire more starters.

The latest rumor is AJ Burnett for 5yrs and $85M. Talk about desperation. He’s 31 and has only thrown 200 innings in three of his ten seasons. And two of them have been in contract years. Since joining the AL, his best ERA was 3.75. What’s his arm going to be like at age 36? He’s a good pitcher (not great) when he does show up. But will he be another Pavano?

They are also in the mix for Derek Lowe. He had a terrific season with a 3.24 Era. But at age 35 and return to the AL you can expect that to jump significantly. For a guy that had “late night” issues I’m guessing Manhattan isn’t the best environment. Issues aside, he’s probably a better option than Burnett. But you’d still expect diminishing returns on a 39yr old arm.

Position Players?
The Yanks are rumored to be going after Mike Cameron (buddy of Sabathia). He’s certainly an upgrade of the fading Melky Cabrera, but he’s 35. He’ll probably give them .250 / 20 / 75 which is only marginal. It will cost them Cabrera AND a minor league arm.

They have been quiet on the Texiera front, but you’d think they would be all out on this one. It wouldn’t be a shock for them to swoop in at the last minute. They overpay for everything else, so why not. Even if they acquire Burnett & Lowe, they can still fit his $20+M in the mix. What’s a $230M payroll with a new revenue driving ballpark? Why wouldn’t they jump at a chance to overpay a player who will be on the decline in the last 2-3yrs of their contract? It’s standard operating procedure.

Haven’t they learned anything?
With all of these top flight signings (Type A free agents), they continue to surrender first round draft picks. Trading for a 35yr old Mike Cameron? AJ Burnett will be 36 when his contract is up, and CC will be 35. They are trying to win in “the now” and bastardizing the future again. The reason they were so successful in the 90’s is because they had a great core of players come up thru their system. All they needed to do was add a few pieces via free agency. You can't rebuild your system without first round picks. Most current players on the team are past their prime. Here are the impact players at 30 or under: Cano, Nady, Swisher (or replace w/Texiera who would be 38 at the end), and Cabrera who is about to be traded for a 35yr old. The clock is ticking and the window is closing, especially with Tampa Bay now as a factor.

Is it irresponsible?
The Marlin’s President seems to think the CC contract alone was inappropriate & irresponsible based on the current economic climate. He has a clear bias as a small market team, but he does bring up an interesting point. Are the Yanks unaffected by the current economic conditions? Reports say that the new ballpark will generate an additional $100M per year. So yes, the Yanks are not affected. Whether it is inappropriate or not depends on your point of view. The Yanks don’t care either way, as they are doing what they feel is best for business. Any small market team will tell you it is irresponsible and always unfair. Is it time for a change? Possibly. The luxury tax seemed to have no affect. But that’s a discussion for another day…

The Big Dirt Nap: Yanks Season & the Stadium...

Well Yankee fans, how long ago did you twist your ankle jumping off the bandwagon?


A) Injury to Joba?
B) When A-Rod started hitting Madonna instead of baseballs?
C) The Hankster tossing in the towel?
D) Being in 4th place in September
E) Next year's DH (Posada) dictating who will be in the pen next year?
F) The 9 games out with 12 to play thing?

Elimination Party! Let's get this party started!

We do miss that compelling Sox / Yanks late September run. But we'd be pulling your leg if we said we didn't find enjoyment in watching a Yankee team just fall apart. And a big thanks goes out to Cano who forced Girardi to bench him. Is it just me, or did Girardi look like a guy trying to keep beach sand from falling out of his hands all season? So trust me, we're fully enjoying it, especially as we ready for the playoffs. Good luck with Girardi next year as well. The players really seem to respond...

Did I mention the enjoyment part?


Injuries, Injuries, Injuries...

And please, no more "we were decimated by injuries" crap. Look, every team in the AL already a lock for the playoffs had significant injuries. The Angels and Sox both lost starters before the season even started. The Rays lost their closer and two other formidable hitters. If we compare lists, you will just embarrass yourself. Your team simply wasn't good or deep enough, not to mention old. So save the silly nasty-grams.

By the way, we have dubbed Carl Pavano "Mr. Glass". Is it more infuriating that he finally comes back when it's too late, or that he's shutting it down now that he showed just enough to get a contract from someone else next year? "Uh, yeah, my hip hurts." Call Guiness Records because he must be gaining on Evel Knievel...

Know what the last championship banner flown at the Stadium will be? Yup, back in 2005 our friends shown here were holding it. Boy, it's been a while hasn't it?

Oh, how many rings you say? 20 of them were before 1962 and almost half of those were before World War II. Raise your cane high if you remember...


Your Yankees have outspent all of their competition every year, by a staggering amount and have nothing to show for it since 2000. They can't even buy a championship anymore, not even for billions of dollars. In 2008 alone they spend $75M more than the Sox. That's higher than 14 teams spent on their entire payroll.


Mailing it in...
We're not alone in calling out your Yankees. Newsday's Kevin Davidoff's recent article is titled "They sure don't look like Yanks or winners". He quoted a scout from another organization as saying "I've never seen a Yankee team play like that." The old man would have thrown Girardi out on his ass followed by the rest of his staff. It's one thing to lose, but it's inexcusable to lay down. If you don't fire the manager or clean house, how does it go away next year?


Hank is the Man...
The great thing is that Hank is going to continue down this path of mediocrity. He's almost guaranteed it. If you're Cashman, how fast do you run away from this? Hank proclaimed "If Brian stays on as GM that doesn't mean he won't be the #1 guy." He goes on to say; "But the fact is, the more opinions the better." Hey Hank, know what opinions are like? We love this guy. It will be great to see how many chiefs he can fit into one Florida boardroom. The more the better!


Goodbye to The Stadium...
While we don't have many fond memories there to be sure, we simply can't ignore the history in that building. Some things are actually sacred. Thankfully the Sox were able to exorcise their demons in 2004. Sorry Jeter, no more ghosts. But in the new stadium there will be the "Ghost of Big Papi". You didn't really think that he only buried 1 shirt, did you?


Good Luck Next Year!
Wow, it's a weird feeling actually saying that this early in the season. But boy it feels good. Enjoy your offseason Yankee fans. We are...

Yanks to miss playoffs - first time since 1993!

“We’re going to win it next year”. That's the latest in verbal diarrhea from Hank Steinbrenner.

Hey Joe Girardi, take the rest of the year off. Your owner just stuck a fork in you.

Hank has adopted the old mantra of “wait till next year”. Only problem is they are still playing. Nothing like giving your team a good push down the bowl before you flush.

If you start a statement with “Don’t be offended”, someone is still going to be offended. Hank’s latest bout with foot in mouth disease is essentially the same.

Hank blames this year on injuries. Boo freakin hoo. The old man never would have made excuses. Every team has injuries.

Here they are for the Yanks:

Wang – only 8 wins, probably would have won 18 - 20
Hughes – 6 starts with 9.00 Era, returns in Sept?
Kennedy – 9 starts with 8.17 Era, back to AAA
Joba – 12 starts, would probably have had 9 more

Matsui – 7 HR 34 RBI in 70 games, not exactly Godzilla like
Posada – big drop from last season, welcome to age 36

Wang going down was the biggest blow but they did get 15 starts out of him. Hughes & Kennedy weren’t exactly lighting the world on fire when they went down. Joba could miss a few starts. Matsui was mediocre at best and Posada is the prime example of why you don’t give a catcher in his mid-30’s a long term deal.

Other teams have had major injuries and survived just fine. The Angels lost Escobar (18 game winner) for the season, and Lackey missed the first 40+ games. The Sox didn’t have Schilling, Dice-K and Beckett both hit the DL, and Papi missed 50 games. Add Wakefield and Lowell to the list now.

Suck it up Hankster. It’s all about the roster and lack of depth. Cashman decided to go with the young arms and it didn’t pay off this season. If Pettite and Mussina didn’t have above average seasons this team would really be in the dumper. Damon has been a nice surprise but still hasn’t earned his money. He typifies the Yankee lineup. Even the $28M man hasn’t cracked the top ten in RBI’s. Cabrera, Cano, and even Jeter have been pedestrian.

You can also point a finger at the trade deadline. Why did they acquire bats and not arms? They also traded away depth in the pen in the process. Girardi has also had a free pass this season. Production is down from virtually everyone. And that no name pen that was pitching so well has started to drift back to earth.

So good luck until next year Yankee fans. Why not take off the rest of the season? Your owner has. We'll get the shovel...

Santana Claus coming to town?

The latest word out of Minnesota is that a Santana trade is imminent within the next 10 days.

Will Minnesota continue to be Boston's feeding ground like Ortiz & Garnett? Not likely as Lester has apparently been taken off the table. With Clay Bucholtz also as untouchable, that leaves Ellsbury & minor league pitching for Minnesota to choose from. Word is the Mets have become the favorites.

It really seems like Minnesota's new GM Bill Smith really screwed the pooch on this deal. His gamble to wait for a better deal has backfired (so far) with Boston and the Yanks pulling back their top prospects. Santana's request for upwards of $25M per year over 6 years (ending at age 35) may have increased apprehension as well.

If Smith waits until the All Star break, he could get better offers. However, what happens if the Twins are in the hunt? There's no way you trade him then, but then you lose him to free agency at the end of the season. The Twins simply can't afford (or won't pay) $20M+ per season. It's a tricky proposition at best and the situation may be forcing his hand now. But how does he look taking a package below what was offered earlier?

Who needs Santana the most? How good are their offers?

Mets Rotation

Pedro

Maine

El Duque

Pelfrey/Other

Livan Hernandez (not signed yet)

They also have health questions with Pedro & El Duque...

Proposed Package to Twins

OF Carlos Gomez or Fernando Martinez

SP Mike Pelfry

SP Phillip Humber

It's clear the Mets are the most desperate who currently don't have a solid 5 man rotation. Their current package to Minnesota seems weak in comparison to the Sox & Yanks offers, and it doesn't weaken their current roster. However they might be more motivated to sweeten the pot, but at $25M per season it can't get much sweeter.

Yankees Rotation

Wang

Pettite

Phil Hughes

Ian Kennedy

Mussina

Karstens/Igawa

That's a lot of youngsters in there... How will Pettite react to HGH & will Mussina make it a full season? Will Igawa bounce back from an abysmal year?

Proposed Package to Twins

CF Melky Cabrera

SP Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy

SP Jeff Marquez

another prospect

The Yanks would be creating a hole in their lineup and losing control over a good young arm. Money isn't the issue here, so it comes down to Cashman vs. Hank. The Yanks may NEED to do this deal in order to challenge for the AL East & wildcard. Not sure their rotation scares anyone, especially come playoff time. But holding on to their talent will certainly make them stronger in the long run. So it's try and win now vs. rebuilding the franchise. Poor Jeter. Think he would OK a trade to the Sox to win more rings?

Sox Rotation

Beckett

Dice-K

Schilling

Wake

Lester

Bucholtz

That's six solid starters...

Proposed Package to Twins

SP Lester (now off the table)

CF Coco Crisp or Jacoby Ellsbury

SP Justin Masterson

SS Jed Lowrie

The Sox do not need to do this deal. In fact they may be better off standing where they are. In fact, most clubs rated Lester the second best pitcher on the Sox staff at the end of the season. Ellsbury is a star in the making and Gammons thinks Lowrie could be the anchor at SS and be even better than Pedroia. That's not faint praise. Bucholtz is projected to be a #1 stud with just a little more seasoning in the minors (despite his no hitter). So a rotation of Beckett, Dice-K, Lester, and Bucholtz (all 27 and under) will anchor the franchise for years at quite the price. The emergence of starters Masterson (projected late 2008) & Bowden (projected 2009) will be ready to step in once Schill and/or Wake hang em up...

Regardless of what happens, it will be a good season again in Boston. In fact most Sox fans would rather see them do it again without a Santana. The kids are alright!

Only 18 more days until Spring Training!!!

Yanks can't overcome limp Wang, go down 3-1 to Indians...

Yup, the playoffs are over kids. Again.

No ALCS to blow. No division crown. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200M dollars...

That's 3 straight one and done. Wow.


Yeah, gotta be the bugs...




While the division crown is a nice cherry on top, the Sox haven't gotten to the sundae yet. We here in Boston don't care about the division. Just ask those Braves or even closer to home, our Bruins. But actually, we can ask you how that's worked out!





So what happened - this time?


Yanks couldn't overcome their lack of pitching depth:

Wang - ERA near 20, so much for a #1 guy
Jaba the Hut - couple of bugs, wild pitches, and ERA near 5
Clemens - repeat of Houston injury in playoffs, all done...



Yanks couldn't hit their way out of a paper bag:

Jeter - captain clutch only hit .176 and into 3 DP's
A-Rod - soon to be $30M man, only 4-15, 1 RBI
Posada and Matsui were invisible...


* * *

In case you haven't noticed Yankee fans, the Dynasty is O-V-E-R. Not that it really hasn't been for a while. How long has it been since there was a parade in NY? Oh yeah, a while...




The Torre effect...


According to the Boss, he's already gone. Maybe the younger Steinbrenners are attempting to talk him out of it. If he does go, it's one of the worst calls the Yanks could make - and not just in the short term. It will be an easy call for guys on the fence about staying in NY.



Posada - Let's see, contend with the Mets or tutor 4 young starters?
Rivera - has basically said he pitched his last game as a Yankee
Pettite - no Roger, no Torre, no dice. Who wouldn't pay him more than his option?




Big Decisions:


A-Rod - yeah, like Boras won't let him opt out. Will Yanks fork over $30M+ per season?
Abreu - pick up that $16M option? Go after Andruw Jones or Torii Hunter instead?
Johan Santana - who would the Twins take in return? Do they trade Melky & Kennedy?
DH - will you be booing Bonds or welcoming him?
Closer - how about Gagne? Or should we say "Gag"-ne?
Bullpen - no Mariano, no dice. Absolute shambles. Playoffs are bye-bye...



Albatross Division:


Damon - injuries finally caught up. How happy will he be as #4 OF?
Giambi - turns 37. He's not aging like a fine wine...
Mussina - will be replaced by Kennedy in May the latest, may even retire


Misc:


New manager - never measure up to Torre, could get ugly in 2008
Free agents - who wants to play under a huge microscope for a struggling team?






So enjoy your offseason!!!





You may want to ask Santa for some golf clubs & lessons this holiday season. How else will you fill your days when your rebuilding team is in the crapper?

Yanks sneak 2 of 3 out of Fenway...

The Sox just couldn't put the hammer down. Fri was a gimme. Okajima & Papelbon having a meltdown is one thing, but both in the same game? Never happening again. Give the Yanks some credit for pulling it out, but they're playing with their backs against the wall.

Sat? Hah...

Sun? Another classic. Just when you thought there wasn't possibly more drama left, it comes again. Hats off to the ailing Jeter - who connected on one of Schill's few mistakes in what was a gem. Joba was finally human, and Mariano almost blew a big one for the Yanks. We heard the collective sigh all the way from the Bronx when Papi flew out with the bases loaded. It would have been justice for Fri. We know you were sweating it...

Hang on Yanks fans, Detroit is a comin quickly... They managed to hold them off in this series, but watch out.

Why?

Blame Shelly Duncan for the Karma. See the inscription before his "autograph"? What a classless piece of crap. He really showed that 10 yr old Sox fan looking for an autograph. Whoo! You got em!

What's next Shelly? Will you kick a cripple? Punch a blind woman? Kill a baby bird?

You are a DISGRACE to any uniform. To even THINK of actually doing something like that is ridiculous never mind doing it.

So when the Yanks don't make the playoffs, send Shelly a nice note...

Rocket crashes Yanks back to .500...

The savior isn't living up to his namesake just yet... The mighty Rocket can't play the role of stopper and prevent the sweep. Off to a 1-2 record with a 4.86 ERA isn't exactly what you bargained for? Nice crash Roger...

It's been a quiet a few days now that the Yanks "recharged" offense has sputtered to 5 runs over 3 games. Isn't Colorado the home of home runs? What an embarassing performance. Looks like that big push to get back in the AL East race is back to a goof. Must be frustrating to reel off 9 straight and then serve up a 3 game sweep.

It's back to status quo for the 2007 bombers - dancing near the .500 mark and double digits behind the leader. But don't worry Yanks fans, they'll put toghether a win streak here or there just enough to keep you interested. Then they'll tank it once you're riding high.

By the way, ESPN is taking shots at your team. Great front page & article on the woes of Pavano. Ouch...

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=pavano

Enjoy the rest of 2007...

Sweep Dreams...

Those thoughts of a Yankee sweep disappeared quicker than Manny’s blast in the first. The Yanks only managed three hits off the Sox #5 starter Tavares. There were rumblings in NY that a sweep was coming based on the Yanks pitching rotation. This was the series to turn their struggling season around.

If anything, it’s gotten worse. Mussina was throwing his “fastball” between 83-86. That Era is not coming down folks. He might still be able to get by some of the weaker lineups, but he’s going to get lit up often vs. a good team. After the game, he commented; "It's almost June and I don't feel like I've done anything as far as contributing, up to this point." No kidding. Keep it up Moose.

And what was Torre thinking in the 7th last night? From a guy who always goes to the pen early, why did he let Mussina dangle? It could have cost them the game. And you’ve gotta love the Mike Myers experiment. Specifically brought in to deal with Papi in the late innings, he’s only served up 3H and 3 RBI’s in 3AB. Keep trotting him out there Joe…

Is anyone more self-destructive than A-Rod? He still can’t handle himself in a big situation once again. While trying to “break-up” a double play, he threw a cheap shot at 2B Pedroia. He slid in with a high elbow and then pushed Pedroia while he was throwing. Clearly interference. Clearly dirty. Must be hard for a 6’3” guy to push around a 5’9” guy. At least there was no karate chop. He’s clearly insecure as he continually resorts to this type of behavior. Is it that he hasn’t done enough himself or that he’ll be to blame? The bright lights of NY clearly aren’t helping. Expect some chin music from Schill tonight…

Not sure about the play? Here’s the vid link: mms://a1503.v108692.c10869.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/10869/v0001/mlb.download.akamai.com/10869/2007/open/tp/archive05/052207_bosnya_rodriguez_elbow_tp_350.wmv?ct3=5090684&ct4=mlb&ct5=23-May-07

We eagerly await the return of Clemens back to Fenway on June 3rd for Sunday Night Baseball. Getting giddy just thinking about it. Talk about a hostile environment. Duracell is thinking about sponsoring the game. How would any pitcher perform only after a few tune ups in the minors? It’s going to be a loud night at the Fens. Will the hamstring pop be louder than the crack of the bats?

Some Random Yankee questions…

- Will Dr. Kevorkian be performing season ending (and contract ending) surgery for Pavano?

- How late into June/July will it be before the Yanks reach .500?

- When the Yanks terminate/trade “amphetamine boy” Giambi, how many balls will actually be in the bag of balls they get in return?

- How long before Torre gets the ax and Mattingly does worse?

- How much young talent will Georgie force Cashman to pony up for a #4 or #5 starter at the deadline?

- Will the Yanks be 15 or 20 games out in their next meeting with the Sox in the last week of Aug?

Stay tuned to find out…

Sox continue rolling on… Yanks freefall lands them into second...

Sox continue rolling on… Yanks freefall into second. Yanks fall to eight and a half back and slide into second without even playing. When will they finally reach .500 and stay there? With Chicago, the Mets, and then Sox upcoming, don’t hold your breath…

The Sox continue to get good pitching and are now pounding the ball. They lead the majors in runs, and are third in Era. They continue to get it done sporting the majors’ best record and biggest division lead. Despite an injury to Timlin and Beckett to miss a few starts, it doesn’t get much better around here. We’ll probably see Lester before Beckett gets back too…

So how are things in NY? Apparently Clemens is only 2 or 3 minor league starts away. Good luck with that one. If his first start is at Fenway, he’s going to get lit up like a Christmas tree. A hostile crowd (yikes), a must win game/series, and a 45 year old frame with a hammy about to pop? $28M for only a few innings would be a shame

We envision the next MC commercial to be something like this:

Rocket Redux: $28 Million Dollars
Scalped Ticket vs. Yanks at Fenway: $300 Dollars
Hearing a hammy pop all the way in the bleachers: $Priceless

With just under forty games played, there are some terrific performers on both squads. Despite A-Rod’s lighting April and cool May, Jeter has been overshadowed while putting up some big numbers, and Posada is right behind. Few guys ever hit .375 at this point in the season. You’ve also got to be happy with Pettite to this point.

For the Sox, Wake has been phenomenal and continues his baffling of hitters. Until Beckett’s setback, he was looking like the early Cy Young fav. Mike Lowell is having a career year, Papelbon is just awesome, and Okajima is the find of the year. Papi is being Papi, with Youkilis & Varitek really hot.

The Yanks have a number of disappointments. After the 3 hitters mentioned, it’s been bleak. Matsui isn’t himself yet and Giambi is OK. Johnny Damon’s body is starting to break down (see Theo Epstein passing on long term deal), and everyone else is hitting under .260. Wow. Pitching hasn’t improved much even with the return of Wang and Mussina. Clemens won’t be doing much for the pen pitching 5 and 1/3 innings. How’s Mo and his 7+ era? And Torre continues to kill his pen with the starters struggling to get thru 5 innings. Procter was probably praying for that suspension...

Not much happening on the down side here – especially they way the Sox are playing. No complaints from the pitching staff. Not one. When was the last time that ever happened? Lugo and Pedroia are starting to come alive and JD Drew has cooled significantly since his great start. Coco has struggled mightily at the plate but has been outstanding in the field.

Will the Yanks get healthy? Is Clemens really a difference maker? Will it be too late to catch the Sox?

It is only May, but your beloved Yanks haven’t hit .500 yet. They still have a ways to go just to get healthy. Even then, age is a major factor so health may only be temporary. Most likely, you’re not going to have everyone back healthy at the same time. Your savior, Clemens, is not going to put up NL numbers, or make it to Sept without breaking down. Guaranteed. How do you solve the pen issues if they’re already worn down by August? All of a sudden, that formidable lineup has become tame. Looks like a round of trades for a #4 type pitcher at the deadline.

For those of you pulling out the “1978” card, consider the shape of your team before thinking that will ever happen. Or at least wait until your team breaks .500…

It will be nice hearing from you in late June…

Yanks land Clemens, hope springs in NY...

It came as a surprise to the Yanks bench, and also all of baseball on Sunday. The Rocket re-launch is on for his second tenure in NY. The desperate Yanks threw a ridiculous prorated $28M at the aging superstar. It's now hurry up and wait for the Rocket's debut in early June, which coincidentally is in a series against the Sox.

We can see his true motivation is the cash money. If he was really motivated by another ring, why wouldn't he join a team in the best position to win? The Sox wanted him to start in late June / early July to be fresh for Sept & a playoff run. But they offered $10M less than the Yanks at a prorated $18M. Now he's rushing to the lineup because they need him now. That could have devasting effects on him pitching late in the season.

As good as Clemens numbers have been in the NL, he fights a tougher battle against the more potent AL lineups. The other big factor is that he didn't even average 6 innings per start last season. That number is not going to get better in the AL on a soon to be 45 year old frame. So, the Yanks bullpen issues don't improve much having to carry 3+ innings in each start. They're already overworked.

He's going to win his fair share of games - even the Big Unit managed 17 wins with an Era over 5 last season - somehow. He provides a stabilizing force in the rotation, and makes them a better team starting in June. But the Yanks still need to tread water until then and stay healthy once he's hit his stride. Easier said than done.


While the addition of the Boston Traitor doesn't put the Yanks over the top, it certainly heats up the rivalry - not to mention any start Clemens has at Fenway. It's going to be very ugly. He could have had a story book ending to his career here in Boston, but he's now just another NY hired gun taking the money and running. It's too bad because the city would have embraced him as their own once again and all would have been forgiven. As hated and dispicable as Barry Bonds is, Clemens will probably get bigger boos at Fenway this year. Don't bring your kids to those games folks. Yikes...


He does add more theatre to a season where the Yanks looked to be fading away. Now that electric atmosphere returns. Let's hope it dicatates into a Sox-Yanks Sept battle for the playoffs. It's just not the same otherwise...

Who's your Daddy?

Sox take first 5 of 6, and keep Yanks in the basement. The spanking continued on Sunday with the Sox getting the better of Wang and the overused bullpen. The Yanks are a Tampa Bay like 6 1/2 games out in April, yes April. And by the way, Tampa Bay is looking down on you...

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The Sox have the major's best record and 3rd in pitching. The Yanks boast second in runs, but are sitting way back in 27th in pitching. We'll take pitching thank you. The Yanks now take their 3-8 road record - on the road.

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It's an April to remember for Sox fans. It's too bad we don't see the Yanks for 3 more weeks. Back to Yankee Stadium for another whoopin, can wait...

Where is Spring? Weather is keeping teams in training…

Well it’s been a week of frigid temps across most of the country. How many games can you remember EVER being called on account of COLD? Just odd. The Sox opener was 80 degrees, followed up by 30’s and 40’s, to a threat of snow in Texas. Someone get Al Gore on the phone. Where’s the warming?

You folks in NY better hope that the weather is the reason NONE of your starters have lasted more than 5 innings, and only one has actually completed 5. Despite some last inning heroics by A-Fraud, you’d be looking at an AL worst 1-4 record vs. Tampa and Baltimore. You can just feel the panic settling in over the Bronx. Does Pettite leaving after 4 and then making an appearance out of the pen alarm you? How about the starters 36 hits allowed in 21 innings or their ERA just under 10?

While the first week isn’t usually a litmus test for the entire year, it still must be tough being a Yanks fan right now. Cashman is not sleeping well these days. Matsui is down and Damon is ailing already. Your beacon of hope is facing Ponson later tonight.

The Sox are showing signs of life however. Papi finally started to hit, Papelbon is awesome once again, and Schill bounced back tossing a gem. Matsuzaka is a budding star and the #5 spot will be in limbo (Tavares/Snyder) awaiting the return of Lester. The rotation is looking very solid, and the pen should be better once Timlin is back later this week. Drew is off to a great start and Pedroia has been a nice surprise.

Will anyone remember week one later this year? No. Some teams have reason to be more optimistic than others, but it’s very early. Numbers don’t mean much right now, but they will soon. Stay tuned – things are looking interesting right now!

Yanks are wondering where their rotation has gone…

Not that they had one of the better rotations coming in on paper, but a recent string of “setbacks” (not “injuries”) have pushed them to the back of the pack. With only a week before the season starts, panic is starting to creep in. While they have vast resources, they don’t have depth. And according to Cashman, “We are going to go with what we have”. If you are a Yankee fan, how are you not VERY concerned?

Your opening day starter is Carl Pavano (insert punchline here). Your best starter in Wang is out at least 3 weeks of April, and his replacement Karstens just hurt his elbow during a game and will be out “for a time”. Pettite has had back spasms, and Darrell Rasner (who?) is your new 5th starter.

The only known quantity you have is in Mussina. But he’s another year older at 39, with a history of injuries. So, you’re counting on Pavano (hee hee), Pettite (already hurt with back spasms & just switched back to the grind of the AL), Igawa who’s never pitched in the majors – or bright spotlight, and Rasner (an unproven rookie).

Granted the Yanks won’t need a #5 starter for the first couple of weeks, but who would you stack them against? More like who has a worse rotation…

Notes & Projections / Stats
Mussina: Career year at 38, numbers to be worse in 2007: 14-8, 4.50 Era

Pettite: Switch to AL, last yr stats 14-13, 4.20 Era: 12-14, 4.95 Era

Igawa: Never pitched in majors, not highly touted: 10-12, 5.35 Era

Wang: Hamstring changes everything, numbers worse: 16-10, 4.25 Era

Pavano: Hasn’t pitched in 21 months, ugly spring: 5-8, 5.60 Era

Karstens: And/or Rasner – similar unproven soph status: 6-7, 5.25 Era

Hughes: May see the phenom too early if Yanks fall back: 7-5, 4.50 Era


That is not a scary lineup no matter how you slice it. Unless they all pitch well, the Yanks may be looking up at the Jays and the Sox. That's right Yanks fans, it's already time to get out your Clemens shrines & start praying. It's your only shot...