Warm weather = busy season

After a brief hiatus which will happen from time to time because of my season, nothing groundbreaking in good ole’ Yankeeland.  I guess that’s a good thing.  Cano and Marte seem to be ok with new information from their MRI’s.  Rivera is set to make his first spring training appearance.  Why does he only need 15 innings to be ready for the season?  ARod had successful surgery and is currently rehabbing his hip.  He should be back sometime in May if everything works out.

As for the WBC, USA is in trouble as they face off with Puerto Rico in an elimination game.  Their players are dropping like flies and it has been reported that they might have to forfeit if anymore players go down for the count.  Japan is playing tonight as Yu Darvish is talking the mound for the defending champs.  I think the game can only be seen on MLB.tv so if you have it, you can watch it.  I know I will if I don’t fall asleep.

I recently got MLB the show for playstation 2.  I haven’t played a game yet as I am putting my roster together.  Does Sabathia really only have three pitches?  Let you know how the game is.

I want to give a shout out to my parents, aunt and uncle, and my brother and his wife for coming to visit me this past week.  I may not show it all the time, but it means a lot to me.  Pacey certainly appreciates the lifetime supply of bones!

ARod Will Need Surgery…

At some point.  He will either have surgery now so that he can be ready in July or he will have to play with the increasing pain throughout the season and eventually get it done in the offseason.  What do the Yankees do?  I think this is a fairly easy answer: get it done now.  The playoffs are another season in itself and that’s when every game counts.  Even though ARod has shown nothing in the playoffs in recent memory, the Yankees still can’t replace his bat in the lineup and how it will effect the rest of the lineup, in particular Tex.

According to some doctor sources, if ARod delays surgery, he will experience severe pain to the point where he won’t be able to even walk without pain.  The same thing happen to Mike Lowell last year and he was kept off the postseason roster because of it.  Learn from the past.  ARod’s cyst was caused by the torn labrum in his hip but was drained.  The fluid can eventually come back and would have to be drained again.

The Yankees are currently weighing their options at the moment and haven’t really determined the best route to go.  Cashman has been on record saying that ARod will need surgery but he would like to hold off now and see if he can play with the injury.  I think with the money that is owed to ARod over the next nine years, he better get the damn surgery now before anything else seriously develops down the line because of the hip.  I rather have him miss four months than one crucial month.  If the Yankees can patch a rotation and still make the playoffs (2005-2007), they can fill the third base hole for now, even if that player is freakin Cody Ransom.  I still don’t know why he is the guy all of a sudden?  Just because he can play third base and was on the team last year doesn’t mean he should get first crack at it.  But he can hold down the fort at the third base (only because he is on the roster).  At least try Duncan there, but then the Yanks have to add him to the 40 man roster and take another player off.  Then so be it.  At worst he is better offensively and costs nothing other than a roster spot at the moment.  His defense is nothing special which might hurt the Yanks, but how bad can he be?

I do think ARod will have the surgery now because he is an investment for the next nine years that can’t be played around with.  Maybe Cashman has already decided, I haven’t checked ESPN yet.  But that has to be the right and only decision.

I have heard many fans say that this can only help the Yankees.  How is that remotely possible?  Because he won’t be in the limelight given all the steroid hoopla?  He won’t be booed at opposing parks and that won’t effect his psyche?  He won’t diminish the opening of the new Yankee Stadium?  I call shenanigans on all of you.  He is the highest paid player in the game for a reason and one reason only: because he produces.  Also, people pay money to see him play.  Ok, that’s two reasons.  But the second is because of the first.  This injury and potential absence will only help the AL East close the gap on the division race before the season has even started!  Put Barry Bonds on any team and he makes them better.  Sure he brings negative spotlight, but he can contribute to win games.  A contribution that can only help a team achieve its ultimate goal…win the Series.  Face it, ARod is here for the next decade.  He needs to be on the field for the Yankees.  His contribution cannot be duplicated.  But he can’t effectively contribute if he is playing with pain.

Is it too Much to Ask for an ARodless Day?

It has been reported by ESPN Deportes that ARod will need surgery on his hip and will miss at least 10 weeks.  ARod’s brother Joe let the cat out of the bag.

Let’s first touch upon what and how it happened before we get into what are the possible solutions moving forward.  ARod had a small cyst on his hip that apparently had given him some discomfort.  This discomfort (not known if it was painful) was first noticed last year and now the Yankees have just discovered this cyst.  After ARod’s examination in Colorado yesterday, it was recommended that he would need surgery to remove the cyst and whatever else that needs to be done.  There has been a lot of speculation on whether this is a direct result from using steroids in the past.  There is a possibility of that and that can’t be ruled out until we officially hear a doctor’s report.  From what I have heard, 10 weeks is a quick recovery, so whatever it is can’t be too much of a health concern for ARod and his family.  My first thought was…cancer.  Once again I have not heard any doctor’s report so I can’t speculate but we do know that he needs surgery, miss time, and the Yankees will be effected dramatically.  What can be done?

The first option is to put Ransom a third.  He is a bonafide utility man with less than 200 plate appearances in his career.  Not an offensive solution but a solution none the less.  Neither is old-man Berroa and I don’t believe this is a solution at all.

Teixeira has played third base before, way back in 2003.  I think he can play and play pretty well at that.  The Yanks can then put Nady or Swisher at first base.  This is a more realistic solution, but then the Yanks cannot afford to trade an outfielder.  Do they want to mess with their shiny new toy in Tex?  Why not, he’s a team player anyway.

Call up Eric Duncan would be another possible solution that also seems unlikely especially for the Yankees.  The ex-can’t miss prospect hasn’t shown anything of late in AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre and hence was taken off the 40 man roster and left for the Rule 5 Draft, but went unclaimed.  His stock right now cannot be lower but he is relatively young at 23.  If he is the guy that gets a chance, everyone will be pulling for him, only to increase his value.  And off he goes.  If he chokes like expected, he gets banished to AAA again, but did keep the seat warm for ARod.  A trade will be inevitable if Duncan actually helps the Yankees somehow.  I can’t imagine that would be the case, but the options are decreasing by each day.

Jeter is not an option so don’t even go there.

We just hope ARod is able to comeback because this will effect what the Yankees do before Opening Day.  If he is going to miss the entire season, the Yankees have no choice but to trade for a third baseman.  Essentially the Yankees and their fans do not want another Molina type production at a premium offensive position.  Who the Yankees can trade for I have no idea.  I am sure Cashman is working the phones as you read this.  Let’s just hope he doesn’t panic and gets rid of our premium prospects for essentially a rental (even if it is a year).

I don’t know yet what I would prefer.  But moving Tex considering his character is an intriguing solution.

Random NY News and Notes

- ARod has a cyst on his hip that might keep him out of the WBC.

ARod is getting tests done today to find out more about this potential problem.  I sure hope that he is fine, but the Yanks are sure looking for anything to keep him out of the WBC.  While on ARod, he said he would like the Yanks to get Jose Reyes (paraphrasing of course).  What a dope.  Just keep the mouth shut, it never does him any good.  His relationship with Jeter is already soured.  Why even go there?  He probably didn’t mean anything by it, especially toward Jeter, but why say it?  Heck, the media will turn anything around, and this is probably the case in this situation.  A whole lotta something out of nothing.  Just play baseball would ya?

- Jeter played against the Yankees (never thought I would type that)

A decent day by Derek except the clear lack of range and the DP.  It news, but moving on.

- Giants fortify defense.

Giants signed DE/DT Chris Canty, DT Rocky Bernard, and LB Michael Boley.  All in a days work.  Not like their D needed any help, but this solidifies them as a Super Bowl contender again.  Oh yeah, they resigned Jacobs too.  Now they need to address their wide receiver problem.  Will Burress be back?  I think they need to get a receiver regardless.  Either by trade or the draft.  I have heard a Braylon Edwards rumor.  Very interesting…I would pull the trigger.

- NHL Deadline is today.  Also, bad boy Sean Avery has been picked up by the Rangers off waivers.

- The Rangers need some quality scoring and a defenseman that can play defense.  These minus 16 players aren’t helping themselves.  Maybe Avery can be that guy that agitates opposing players and picks up the Rangers play.  We’ve seen it before and I can’t wait to see it again.  I have been on record saying that Avery was my favorite player (when he was with the Rangers).  Forget his borderline dirty play and dirty mouth, the man can play some hockey…and quality hockey at that.  Anytime a player goes 100%, I have nothing bad to say about them.  He will lead the Rangers to the playoffs and hopefully beyond.  But the Rangers need to do some work before the 3:00 pm deadline today.

- Brett Garder has already won the CF position.

Ok, maybe it hasn’t been officially announced but a 3-3 day with a stolen base against a formidable USA pitching staff an a great spring thus far has to get him penciled in for opening day.  He is the sparkplug that the Yankees need.  I rather see him lead off for the Yankees instead of Damon.  I want to see him get more at bats.  There is no way this will happen, but it can be talked about.

The Rotation Has Question Marks

Today, River Ave. Blues discussed the possibility of an injury riddled rotation.  Let’s just say I was optimistic, but you have to be realistic too.  I didn’t read the whole post, as I wanted to break down some of the possibilities myself and how it can have a great effect on the outcome of 2009.   So let’s get right to it:

CC Sabathia- He is the closest to a sure thing the Yankees have.  But he doesn’t come to NY without question marks.  His 253 innings pitched last season was a career high.  This is quite a hefty number for starting pitchers nowadays.  How will this effect his production in 2009 and beyond?  However, Sabathia has never thrown fewer than 180 innings which might be the more important number.  His is the the ace the Yankees have been searching for, but now he has perform on the big stage like one.   He has never pitched in quite an atmosphere like NY and hopefully he can make the Yankees look smart.

Chien-Ming Wang-  A foot injury last year cut his season in half and the Yankees had to rely on the likes of Ponson among others.  At least it wasn’t an elbow or shoulder that was injured.  Although a leg injury might be the second worst injury for a pitcher as that is what propels them towards home plate.  He no longer has to be the ace that the Yankees so desperately needed the past few years.  Hopefully, he keeps his sinker down and the defense does their job.

AJ Burnett- He might be the biggest unknown of the entire staff as he is no stranger to the disabled list.  He also has the highest upside and the best pure stuff on the entire staff.  When completely focused, he is nearly unhittable.  If he is healthy for most or the entire year, the Yankees might find themselves in a really good position within the division.  He could ultimately (and I predict) lead the team in strikeouts.  He is the wild card and possibly what prevents Ponson from making another uninspiring appearance in pinstripes.

Andy Pettitte- At 37, Pettitte’s retirement might be coming sooner rather than later.  As the fourth starter, Pettitte will only be asked to be average every fifth day.  If he gives up three or four runs for six innings, well we should all take that.  After watching his second half season collapse last year, I just don’t have the same confidence in him anymore.  He is also another injury risk.  Given his age and recent injury, 180 innings seems far from certain.

Joba Chamberlain- After throwing 100 innings last year, Girardi and the Yankees expect him to make the leap to around 160-180 innings or 30 starts.  This increase can severely hamper the development of Joba for the next few years if he suddenly breaks down which is entirely possible.  The bad news is that he has a history with health problems.  The good news is that he hasn’t logged a lot of innings in the pros and at the collegiate level and he has a defined role this year.  He wants to be a starter and so do the Yanks.  He might be more focused than ever this year.  He might be in the running for best stuff on the staff and can clearly be successful in the fifth spot as he gets to face the opponents worst starters.

All in all, every starter in the rotation has question marks.  I can say with almost certainty that someone will get injured along the 162-game grind.  Who that may be I cannot determine, but the Yanks need everyone to be successful.  Hughes, Aceves, Kennedy, Coke might soften the blow along the way if this were to happen, but it will only be a bandaid.  And they are made to come apart.

Spring Training

- Not much can be read into the performance of players in spring training as this is a warmup and practice for the grind of the regular minor and major league seasons.  When pitchers throw 90% fastballs, of course they are going to be hit.  And when batters know that pitch is coming and right down the middle, their numbers will be inflated.  But it is sure fun to watch, especially after the long offseason.

Now that’s out of the way, let’s throw it out the window.  What about that Brett Gardner?  Two homeruns and two stolen bases later, he is midseason form and probably won the center field job already.  Does it mean anything, well yes and no.  It means that he has a hold on the CF job, but it’s only five games of spring training.  It has always been said that Gardner needs to develop more power to stick in the majors and now people are complaining that he is not hitting the ball on the ground (PeteAbe).  If he hits homeruns fine, if he doesn’t, than so be it.  Either way he is putting the ball in play and causing havoc on the basepaths.  What more can you ask for by a leadoff hitter?

- Memo to the Media:  leave ARod alone.  Just let him play baseball.  Sure he has a black cloud over his head for the rest of his life, but he has ‘ kind of ‘ answered for his wrong doings.  It’s over and done with.  Are any of these media members baseball fans?  Some have to be Yankee fans right?  The less ARod has to answer questions, the better the Yankees will do.

- Why isn’t every game on Yes?  The first Spring Training game had record views, so wouldn’t it be in the Yankees best interest to broadcast every game?  People will watch.  How much pre-March Madness college basketball can a person take?

- Nathan, Hawpe, Sizemore, and Ryan have all dropped out of the WBC.  Most, if not all have bowed out due to injury concerns…as they should.  The USA might be in trouble if more players can’t go.  This will be no walk in the park as they found out the first time.

News and Notes

- Japan nixes the idea of Igawa pitching for them in the WBC.

Not really a surprise here as Yankees fans and the front office reject the idea of him pitching in the majors as well.  He is lights out in AAA, but can’t make the transition to MLB.  A highly decorated pitcher in NPB, Igawa is being blacklisted for his lack of production overseas… and rightfully so.  Stick him in the bullpen and get it over with.  He can only hurt Japan in the WBC.

- ARod and Gardner each HR in their spring debut.

Second pitch of his first at-bat, Gardner goes deep.  And it actually went over the fence!  2-3 and a stolen base is a good start.  We’ll see how Melky does now.  I hope Gardner wins the job; he’s more exciting to me and brings to lineup what the Yanks lack.

-Girardi has named his starting rotation.

Sabathia, Wang, Burnett, Pettitte, Joba….I know Girardi wanted to break up the lefties and Burnett and Joba because they are very similar.  If everyone is healthy this should be enough to go deep in the playoffs, but that’s a big ‘ if ‘.  And that brings me to the next note…

-Joba is expected to make 30 starts.

This would bring him to around 175 innings pitched on the year if can do so.  So much for plan.  He threw just over 100 innings last year and this dramatic increase is certainly a risk moving forward.  175 of Joba sounds very appealing to Yankee fans, but an increase of around 75 innings is not good news for any pitcher.  But then again, I don’t work in the front office.  If I did and worked in the ticket office, I would call all the season ticket holders and tell them Joba is moving into the bullpen.  How fast would I get fired?  The Dodgers ticket assistant and I could never find another job in baseball ever again.

It’s Finally Here

Baseball is back baby!  Kick back and relax and take in the national pastime for the next eight months.  Who cares if its spring training?  This might be the most relaxing point of the season.  You get to watch your favorite prospects even though you know they can’t make the team.  Win, lose, or draw…it doesn’t matter.  Yet it is quality baseball.  The World Baseball Classic is about to get underway too.  I never know what to make out of this event.  It’s great for the sport of baseball, to essentially grow the game.  But I think it’s in place just because they could put it together.  That’s what the Olympics are for in my opinion.  But with baseball not slated for the Games anymore, this might be an audition for upcoming olympics and to prove to the Committee that baseball can recruit its big stars to play in worldwide events.

Enough of the politics.  I just hope everyone stays healthy during the tournament and will make an impact wherever they play.

On a side note, Girardi finally cracked.  His team was able to take a day off and focus on Pool instead of Baseball.  He definitely took a page out of Coughlin’s book.  Well done sir, well done.  After reading The Yankee Years, the Yankees lacked team chemistry and it was evident by their downfall.  Team interaction is a must in all sports, even in the solo game of baseball.  Sounds like the team had a blast and maybe Rivera needs to spend more time with his family or focus on actually pitching.

Digging Himself a Deeper Hole

Don La Greca on the Michael Kay Show brought up a good point the other day.  Yes, this involves ARod and steroids.  It won’t go away anytime soon so get used to it.  I’m am actually coming to grips with it myself.  Anyway, he said that if ARod can lie about facts that can be checked, what about the facts in his story that can’t be?  Are we just supposed to believe him?  He really might think that people will not check his background information and that is clearly not the case when everyone is trying to bring him down.

He lied about Selena Roberts during his initial interview to hurt the credibility of Ms. Roberts, he lied about his age when he first started using steroids to make himself look younger, and he lied about getting Primobolan over the counter in the Domincan Republic.  All of this misinformation had been checked.  What else is he lying about? Was he really clean in Seattle and NY?

Meet Yuri

Photo from the Daily News

Here is the guy that pumped ARod full of drugs.  This is the guy that made ARod keep his bad habits.  This is the guy that has lead ARod astray.  This is the guy that is ARod’s puppet.  This is the guy who is to blame for everything ARod does…even not producing in the postseason.  He is Yuri Sucart, ARod’s now famous cousin.

I really was expecting someone else.  He’s clearly the fourth cousin removed from the uncle side (that probably didn’t make sense but you get the idea).  What a schmuck.  He’s got sketchy written all over him.  At least you can tell that he wasn’t taking any substances himself.  Does he even know what baseball is?  Has he even played wiffle ball at least?  I can’t believe ARod trusts this guy more than anybody else.  And yes, it WAS amateur hour.