Day 16 Photos

The Steinbrenner Men

Jorge and his awkard slides

Joba brings some February heat

Pre-Game

An Igawa pounding

Garbage in action

Share

Mostly All Good

The Yankees romped over the University of South Florida, 11-4, after their starting lineup produced 9 runs in 4 innings. The pitching was outstanding, with the exception of Kei Igawa, who as usual was the Japanese beetle in the ointment. But lets look at the positives first.

Joba Chamberlain (2 IP), Ian Kennedy (2 IP), Phil Hughes (1 IP), Jeffrey Martuez (1 IP), Alan Horne (1 IP), and Chase Wright (1 IP) retired 23 of the 24 batters they faced, with Kennedy allowing the only hit (a single).

Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada looked like they were in mid-August form, combining for 5 RBI. Posada with a double, and incredibly, a stand up triple in the mix.

And now for the downside.

Igawa was awful. If this were any other pitcher, you could chalk it up to spring training, February, 1st outing, etc.. But Igawa looked no different than he did last July. He walked 2 batters, including the #9 hitter and hit another. Then he made Eric Baumann's day. The 5'11" senior crushed an Igawa pitch for a grand slam. That was the only other hit of the day for the USF and provided all of their runs.

Jason Giambi went for the collar in 3 at-bats.

Share

Yankees vs. USF Bulls

Happy Happy Joy Joy....the game is on the USF Radio Station. Click Here to listen.

Game will be starting momentarily.

Lineups:

YANKEES
Johnny Damon LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jason Giambi 1B
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Shelley Duncan DH
Melky Cabrera CF
Joba Chamberlain RHP

SOUTH FLORIDA
Mike Consolmagno RF
Ryan Lockwood CF
Addison Maruszak SS
Brian Hobbs DH
Trey Manz C
Chris Rey LF
Charles Cleveland 3B
Joey Angelberger 1B
Jon Kocsco 2B
Shawn Sanford RHP

Top of the 1st Inning:

Joba throws a first pitch ball to start the game, but retires the lead off man on a fly to Bobby Abreu in right and retires the next hitter on a ground out to Robinson Cano. Johnny Damon snares a shallow fly to left-center for a 1-2-3 inning.

Bottom 1

Johnny Damon lined out to deep right - 1 out
Derek Jeter hit by a pitch on a 1-2 count
Bobby Abreu executes the hit and run perfectly, singling to right - 1st and 3rd.
A-Rod sac fly to center; 2 out, 1-0 Yankees.
Jason Giambi flies out to center to retire the side.

1-0 Yankees after 1

Top 2

Joba retires the side in order, striking out the final batter for a perfect 2 inning day.

Bottom 2

Jorge Posada picks up where he left off- lead off double.
Robinson Cano bounces out, moving Posada to 3rd. 1 out
Shelley Duncan draws a walk
Melky Cabrera deliver a sac fly right, 2-0 Yankees; 2 out.
Damon walks
Jeter grounds a 3-2 pitch thru the left side for an RBI single. 3-0 Yankees.
Abreu walks to load the bases.
A-Rod 2 RBI, 5-0 Yankees.
Giambi bloops out. 3rd Out

Top 3

Ian Kennedy now on for the Yankees. Retires the 1st hitter on a liner to Giambi. Picks up a strike out as the 2nd hitter couldn't check it on a 3-2 pitch. Retires the side on a ground to A-Rod. 9 up, 9 down.

Bottom 3

Posada flies to center . 1 out
Cano singles
Duncan flies out. 2 out
Melky infield single, 2 on, 2 out
Damon flies out to retire the side.

Top 4

Mike Consolmagno can remember he just got the 1st hit for the Bulls. Hit and run ground out, moves the runner up, 1 out. A quick 2nd out and a strike out to end the side. End of Ian Kennedy's day too.

Bottom 4

Jeter grounds out slowly. 1 out
Abreu draws a walk
A-Rod gets a walk too
Giambi bounces into a force out at 2nd. 2 out
Posada TRIPLES in 2 runs...you read that right 7-0 Yankees.
Cano reaches on an error; 8-0 Yankees
After a balk moves Cano to 2nd, Duncan singles him in. 9-0 Yankees.
Melky singles
Damon infield single to load the bases.
Alberto Gonzalez PH for Jeter
Gonzalez grounds out to end the inning.

Top 5

Phil Hughes on to pitch. Morgan Ensberg playing 1st. Colin Curtis in right. Brett Gardner in CF. Nick Green at 2nd Base. Justin Christian in LF. Hughes strikes out the first batter he faces for the 1st out. Hughes with back-to-back to strikeouts, 2 out. Line out to right to retire the side in order.

Bottom 5

Colin Curtis lead off double.
Cody Ransom in for A-Rod. Grounds to 2nd, moves to Curtis to 3rd. 1 out.
Ensberg pops out to shallow left. 2 out.
Posada flies out to end the inning.

Yankees 9 USF 0


Top 6

Kei Igawa in to pitch. Austin Romine at catcher. Gets a fly to right. Already an improvement on last year. And quickly goes back to the norm with a walk. Another walk. Can we just quickly reiterate how much we hate Igawa!
Comes back with a strikeout for the 2nd out. Hits a batter to load the bases. A pinch-hit grand slam by Eric Bauman. Good for him. Now release Igawa...NOW
Strike out ends the inning.
Yankees 9 USF 4

Bottom 6

Nick Green grounds out to 3rd. 1 out.
Juan Miranda PH for Duncan. Miranda grounds out to 1st. 2 out.
Correction - Austin Jackson was in CF not Gardner. Jackson walks.
Christian pops out to end the frame.
Yankees 9 USF 4

Top 7

Jeffrey Marquez now pitching. Gets a quick 1st out. Ground out to Ransom at 3rd, 2 outs.
Fly out to retire the side.

Bottom 7

Gonzalez reaches on an error
Curtis bounces into a force out; 1 out
Ransom hit and run single, 1st and 3rd
Ensberg singles up the middle for an RBI, 10-4 Yankees
Romine walks
Green sac fly for an RBI, Yankees 11-4
Miranda walks
Jackson pops out, 3 outs.

Yankees 11 USF 4

Top 8

Alan Horne in to pitch. Ground to 2nd for the 1st out. Bernie Castro at 2nd base. Horne with a K, 2 outs. Ground out for an easy inning.

Bottom 8

Christian grounds out.
Gonzalez singles.
We zoned out; inning over.

Top 9

Chase Wright in to pitch. Retires the first hitter and then get a K, 2 outs. Fly out to Jackson to end the ball game.

Final Score Yankees 11 Bulls 4

Share

When You Wish Upon a Star

Joba Chamberlain has never had a family vacation in his life. He never flew on an airplane until he was 18. He has never been to Disney World, but that's going to change this weekend.

The NY Times tells us Joba is doing something to ensure that families that are in the midst of hard times won't have to miss out on some joy in their lives.

“There are a lot of foundations, like Make-A-Wish, that do things for sick kids, and that’s great,” Chamberlain said. “I love that, and I do things like that. But a lot of things go unseen about parents that live paycheck to paycheck and make it by, but they don’t have anything extra to go take a trip.

“I’ve never taken a family vacation my entire life. I started thinking, I want to do something for a family — not necessarily that has someone sick, but someone who works for a living, pays their bills, provides for their family but doesn’t have enough extra money to do something that they want to do.”

Joba is still very close to his Lincoln, NE roots and stays in touch with his high school coach, Jerome Erlich, who is also a gym teacher at local elementary school. He recently asked Erlich and Deb Dabbert, the school's principal, to select a student they felt was worthy of accompanying him on a trip to the happiest place on Earth.

They select 5th grader Kristan Martin, who along with his parents, brother, and sister will be in Orlando this weekend with Joba. Very cool!

Share

The Daily Yankeeland

The Yankees open the spring season against the University of South Florida today. The Yankees defeated the Bulls the only time they ever met, back in 1982. The local CBS radio affiliate carries the USF games, but we don't know yet if this game will be on air. Here's the link just in case.

Tino Martinez warned the USF team, for which he's a volunteer assistant, not to try impressing anyone with an overly aggressive slide or by brushing back one of the Yankees hitters. Tino remembered some players on San Diego State U. doing just that when the Yankees faced them back in 1998.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein apologized to Mike Mussina, via Brian Cashman, for his asinine "Bad Apple" comment the other day concerning the Yankees trip to Japan. Moose continued to downplay the whole thing.

Peter Abraham did a Q & A with Phil Hughes, using questions sent by readers of their respective blogs. Our favorite? "Who would win in a cage match between Joba and Ian Kennedy?" Surprisingly, Hughes went with IPK.

The FBI has confirmed that they have begun in an investigation to determine if Roger Clemens lied to Congress.

Mariano Rivera will not pitch before next Wednesday as the Yankees allow him to continue at his own pace. Hidkei Matsui is not expected to play in a spring game until March 9, so that his knee will be in better shape.

Share

Beyond the Bluster

ESPN The Magazine has an excellent feature on Hank Steinbrenner- his origins, what he sees for the Yankees now and in the future. Because of his "shoot from the hip" manner of dealing issues, most people assume he's a clone of his Dad, but Hank's quick to point out that it is not the case.

While he wants to win now, Hank also recognizes the need for patience, especially with the team's young players and prospects. Working at the family owned Kinsman Horse Farm in the 1980s, the 20-something Hank became frustrated with his father's approach with the team's future.

"I think my breeding background has absolutely had a bearing on my approach to baseball," Hank says, sitting in his new office overlooking the Yankees' training complex in Tampa. "Building through scouting and the draft, then having the patience to see it through, to see the young talent reach its potential, without panicking.

While I was at Kinsman going over all of that data about the horses, I was also getting the scouting reports and minor league stats for the Yankees. Way back in the 1970s, I can remember seeing LaMarr Hoyt's numbers in Double-A and thinking, Wow! Then Dad traded him to the White Sox for a quick fix.

He also traded Scott McGregor, José Rijo and Doug Drabek, and he wanted to trade Ron Guidry before they stopped him. We basically provided most of baseball's Cy Young Award winners, and it drove me nuts. I was sitting at the farm thinking, If I ever run the team, I won't be doing things that way."

Hank does admit to inheriting his father's trait of blurting things out a little too quickly, but he's quick to point out that there's a plan behind it (that's kind of a contradiction, don't ya think?). For instance, his shot at the NFL's steroid problem was an attempt to divert attention away from baseball. He's still waiting for other baseball personnel to back him up on it.

Hank seems to be, if you will, the kindler, gentler version of George. An analogy by a Yankees employee who has dealt with both Steinbrenners, exemplifies the difference between the two men.

"A couple of years ago, I ended up on the elevator with Mr. Steinbrenner," says a member of the Tampa grounds crew,referring to George. "I jumped off at the last second before the door closed because we made eye contact and I thought I was going to hyperventilate.

Last week, Hank walked into that same elevator and I started to bail again, but he reached out to shake my hand and asked me if we had everything we needed. He probably thinks there's something wrong with me, because I just stood there with my mouth hanging open. But I'm sure he knows that he's a little intimidating."

Hank knows he has to prove himself, and that can add pressure to Joe Girardi, Brian Cashman, and the player's working for him. But Hank also knows the importance of building within. Hopefully win or lose, that won't change.

Kudos to SlidingintoHome for finding this story.

Share

Thoughts and Prayers for Our Idol

It's well documented on this website and in our posting pseudonym that Bobby Murcer was our idol growing up. Well the man who brought joy to us as kids needs our thoughts and prayers again.

As you may recall, Bobby was diagnosed with brain cancer in December, 2006 and underwent surgery, as well as radiation and chemotherapy.

Now word is that the cancer may be back. Bobby's wife Kay sent out an email to their friends and family, including the NY Daily News' Bill Madden, after an MRI Tuesday showed something suspicious. The thought is that it is either scar tissue or a tumor. A biopsy is scheduled for Monday in Houston to make that determination.

Here's the email that was sent out,

Text of e-mail sent by Kay Murcer to friends, including our own Bill Madden:

hello dears...
guess it's been too long since we've sent any new messages about our crazy, jam-packed life... and I've always said that "no news is good news", however, that's why I'm getting this to you today. Bobby's MRI Tuesday showed an area that the docs are concerned about, and he is scheduled for a brain biopsy at MDA this coming Monday . . . Please pray that it will be determined to be necrosis (scar tissue from the radiation), and not another cancerous tumor. It's one of the two.
we've had to make many travel changes, but still hope to be in Tampa for spring training games by the 7th, then to NYC for opening day on the 31st. Life comes with a few bitter pills to swallow, and we are trying to digest this latest bit of information with God's grace as our strength.
many of you know that our dear friend, Dr. Sam Hassenbusch, lost his battle with this insideous (sic) disease last Monday . . . He was such a good man, and taught us much about how best to handle adversity while inspiring everyone on his path along the way. We have been blessed with the Hassenbusch family's encouragement this last year.
Just know that we are dealing with this the only way we know how... with God, family, friends, prayers. It's a bump in the road, and we care so much that each of you are staying with us as the journey continues.
lots of xoxoxoxo, k & bobby

We're all praying for you Bobby!

Share

Around the Horn - 2/28

Mark DeRosa had minor surgery to repair an irregular heart beat and should be back with the Cubbies on Monday.

With no good offers in sight, veteran Shawn Green has decided to call it a career. The 15-year veteran hit the 328 home runs and posted a .283 lifetime average.

Cardinals utility man Scott Spiezio is, quite frankly, in deep shit. The Irvine, CA police department has issued an arrest warrant for Spiezio on 6 counts, from an incident on December 30th. Spiezio, who is already on baseball's restricted list due to a substance abuse problem, is wanted for DUI, hit and run, aggravated assault, and assault and battery. The Cardinals' quickly released him as soon as the news hit.

With no one breaking down his door, Freddy Garcia is going to wait until his arm is in better shape before signing with anyone. Garcia and his reps are counting on the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, and others having renewed interest when Garcia can prove to them that he's healthy.

Share

The Daily Yankeeland

It was a short work out day for the Yankees, with the team taking most of the day off in preparation for tomorrow's exhibition opener with the U. of South Florida. One person totally psyched about it is Tino Martinez. As we mentioned the other day, Tino is not only a Yankees spring training instructor, but also a volunteer assistant coach at the university, where his brother in-law is the head honcho.

"I'm going to wear my Yankee uniform to remind my college guys I used to play baseball as well," said Martinez, who is in camp with the Yankees as a guest instructor for the first time.

Tino's very excited about the impact the game could have on recruiting for school's team.

"They've really been building the USF baseball team the last couple of years, so this game is huge," Martinez said. "Just to have the chance to play on the same field as these guys, as [Derek] Jeter and A-Rod, it's something they'll never forget in their lives -- once in a lifetime. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Courtesy of Peter Abraham, here's the lineup and pitching plans for tomorrow:

Johnny Damon LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jason Giambi 1B
Jorge Posasa C
Robinson Cano 2B
Shelley Duncan DH
Melky Cabrera CF

Joba Chamberlain (2 innings)
Ian Kennedy (2 innings)
Phil Hughes (1 inning)
Kei Igawa (1 inning)
Jefff Marquez (1 inning)
Alan Horne (1 inning)
Chase Wright (1 inning)

Share

Day 15 Photos

Yeah, they can still share a laugh

Moose and Pettitte get in their running

Someone screwed up

Yet another picture of Andy Pettitte

Jorgie and...Andy Pettitte...there are
other guys out there, ya know!

A-Rod stretching out the arm

Share

Turning Up the Heat on Clemens

Unless Roger Clemens has the same arrogant, self-denial personality of Pete Rose, the multi-Cy Young winner has to be ruing the way he has handled the steroids accusation heaped upon him. He also has to be wondering if his attorney Rusty Hardin knows what he's doing.

Let's say Clemens is innocent; that he indeed never used steroids or HGH. By taking a holier than thou approach, waving the American flag, and splitting his personality between Texas hayseed and New York wolf, he's made himself look like a fool. Innocent or not, Clemens' reputation has already taken a huge hit and Congress is working to ensure it gets damaged even more.

After the circus they called a hearing back on February 13, members of the House Oversight committee felt that Clemens had lied to them under oath. In a joint statement drafted by committee chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif) and co-chair Tom Davis (R-Va), Congress has asked the Justice Department to begin an investigation if Clemens provided them with false statements. Any such claims could lead to perjury charges being brought against Clemens.

There has been some backlash from committee member Darrell Issa (R-Calif), who publicly admonished the committee, prior to the hearings, for even considering the matter. Issa feels that right or wrong, this whole thing has been a witch hunt with Clemens as the target. It's hard to disagree with that feeling. And it's an automatic to know that this is a complete waste of tax dollars.

Now Clemens must decide how he is going to proceed. Fight to death or try to salvage what little dignity he has left.

* * *

The Houston Astros may quickly distance themselves from Clemens due to all the negative publicity. Reports came out earlier today that the Astros were thinking of terminating Clemens' 10-yr personal services contract. But this afternoon Astros owner Drayton McClane said he would honor Clemens' deal.

Of course all that could change if charges are brought against Clemens and he's found guilty. There's no reason for McClane to play his hand right now.

* * *

The Yankees, of course, are very concerned about how all of this might affect Andy Pettitte. Hank Steinbrenner and Joe Girardi have already vocalized their feelngs, hoping that Pettitte won't have to be distracted until the off-season.

"I don't give a hoot about Roger Clemens or about (Brian) McNamee or about the government," Hank Steinbrenner said. "I only care about our guy, Andy Pettitte, and how this might affect him - which I certainly hope it doesn't.

"They obviously like him and I hope they don't put him through the wringer again. He may have to testify again, but who knows how long any of this is going to take. It could be a long, long time."

Though some may doubt his veracity or call him a rat, Andy Pettitte is still concerned first and foremost for his friend.

"I don't like anything that's going on," Pettitte said Thursday. "I cannot stand it. I've told y'all how I feel about [Clemens]. It's like a part of my family that's having to go through this."

Pettitte knew that Justice Dept. involvement could become a reality once everything started to unfold.

"To tell you the truth, as far in my mind, I was prepared it might happen," Pettitte said. "I hate it and there's nothing else I need to say. I think everyone realizes how I feel about this whole situation.

"I've got one concern right now and that's trying to help this team. That's what I'm trying to get my mind on."

You can bet the Red Sox are hoping Pettitte gets plenty of distractions.

Share

Geese 6 Gators 2

No, a game didn't break out at Sea World. 6-2 was the final score of the Yankees intrasquad game, lead by Goose Gossage (Geese) and Ron Guidry (Gator). Thanks to PeteAbe, here are the pitching lines for the game. We know it's only the 1st game, it was 54 degrees and windy, but not a good start to the spring for the lefty combatants, Billy Traber and Sean Henn.

	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO
Karstens	2	1	0	0	0	0
Patterson	1	0	0	0	0	0
Jackson	1	0	0	0	0	1
Traber	1	3	2	2	1	0
Ramirez	1	0	0	0	1	0
Ohlendorf	0.2	0	0	0	1	0
Mussina	2	4	2	1	1	1
Rasner	1	1	0	0	0	2
McCutchen	1	1	1	0	1	1
Henn	2	2	2	2	3	0
Albaladejo	1	1	0	0	0	0
Melancon	1	2	1	0	0	2

New guy Morgan Ensberg was 2-3 with a walk and scored 3 runs.

Share

Joba and 99 other guys

Baseball America has named it's Top 100 Major League prospects and Joba Chamberlain, still considered a rookie, is in at the number 3 spot. Only Reds outfielder Jay Bruce and Rays 3rd Baseman Evan Longoria ranked higher than Joba.

Rounding out the top 10 are - 4. Red Sox P Clay Buchholz, 5. Cards outfielder Colby Rasmus, 6. Marlins OF Cameron Maybin, 7. Dodgers P Clayton Kershaw, 8. Rockies P Franklin Morales, 9. Reds P Homer Bailey, and 10. Rays P David Price.

Joining Joba in the top 100 (actually in the top 50) are fellow Yankees prospects Jose Tabata (37), Austin Jackson (41), and Ian Kennedy (45).

Click here to see the complete list.

Share

Day 14 Photos

I dub thee Mr. November

And then I stole some kid's chocolate milk
(must have gone to Clemens' barber too)

Baseball's back, smiles all around

Good to see Jorge still doesn't
know how to slide

Take that Theo

Karstens on the hill

The Cano Kid multi-tasks

Mo signs some autographs

A-Rod chases down a pop-up.

Share

Blogging: Enter with Caution

C.J. Wilson of the Texas Rangers may now be heeding that advice. Wilson is in hot water with his teammates after making a general, derogatory comment about them and their lack of interest in the presidential campaign.

Wilson commented to ESPN.com that he was frustrated by his teammate's apathy. Brandon McCarthy responded with a lengthy critical post on lonestar.com. Wilson gave McCarthy kudos for expressing himself, but took a shot at the rest of the Rangers.

"Come on man you have to admit the median or average guy in a baseball clubhouse does drive an SUV, drinks beer, golfs, likes college sports, chews or dips tobacco and is relatively a [expletive]."

Michael Young, Kevin Millwood, and Frank Catalanotto all got in Wilson's face about his choice of tactics.

"I think if you are going to be online, you have to choose your words wisely," Catalanotto said. "And if you have something to say to someone, I think you should say that directly to them. Otherwise, it can misconstrued, even if it was meant in a joking manner. That doesn't come across on the Web. Hopefully, C.J. has learned his lesson. You can say something online that makes yourself or your teammates look bad."

General Manager Jon Daniels didn't let it just go either.

"I've spoken to him about his blogging in the past – using good judgment, what's appropriate and what's not – but not about this specifically. My understanding is the players are handling it themselves.

"We're a family, and it's important to handle things internally. I don't see much benefit in getting into it publicly. In this case, C.J. used poor judgment in what he wrote and that reflects poorly on him and by extension the team he represents."

We could probably dismiss it as just the antics of another loony lefty, but it's a big mistake to tick off your teammates...even if you might be right.

Share

Lets Go to the Video Tape, Part Deux

More spring training reports from the YES Network.

Kyle Farnsworth



Tony Pena


Dave Eiland

Share

The Daily Yankeeland

Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News has a feature on the new, and hopefully improved, Brian Bruney. As we've previously mentioned, Bruney dropped 18 pounds in the off-season; he's also dropped an attitude where he was afraid to fail.

"With Torre - and I'm not trying to bad-mouth anybody - sometimes you would go out there and try to be so good because you were scared of doing bad," Bruney said. "You can't pitch like that. (Joe) Girardi understands that you make mistakes - and I'm going to make them."

Bruney is glad for a fresh start with Joe Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland, whom he formed a good rapport with while spending part of the '07 season at Scranton.

* * *

The Week Ahead

The Yankees will play an intrasquad game today, before facing the U. of South Florida on Friday. Then it's a home and away series with the Phillies over the weekend. Per Peter Abraham,

Mike Mussina will pitch two innings for the “home” team in the intrasquad game today. He’ll be followed by Darrell Rasner, Dan McCutchen, Sean Henn, Jon Albaladejo, Mark Melancon for one inning each.

Jeff Karstens will go two innings for the “away” team with Scott Patterson, Steven Jackson, Billy Traber, Edwar Ramirez, Ross Ohlendorf to follow.

And from the Star Ledger's Lisa Kennelley,

Chien-Ming Wang will pitch Saturday against the Phillies in Clearwater, Pettitte at home against Philadelphia on Sunday, and then Mussina again on Monday in Kissimmee against the Astros. Hughes will start Tuesday at Dunedin against the Blue Jays on short rest since he will only pitch one inning against South Florida.

* * *

Andy Pettitte is back focusing on his pitching and his 8 a.m. daily workouts. He's gotten Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Ian Kennedy to join him. They in turn got Alan Horne to join the routine.

* * *

"This isn't a zoo!" barked Roger Clemens at reports and photogs yesterday when he arrived at Houston Astros camp. Columnist Mike Vacarro disagrees and tells the Rocket its time to close the zoo.

Share

Theo Takes His Cut

With the Red Sox and Angels scheduled to open the season in Japan, Sox GM Theo Epstein took the opportunity to take a shot at the Yankees yesterday.

"Kevin Brown and Mike Mussina spent the whole time bitching about it ... by the time the Yankees team got back from the trip they were all using it as a crutch."

"The research that we did on the Japan trip from the teams that have gone previously," Epstein said, "is one or two bad apples can spoil the lot. As long as we keep the Brown-and-Mussina approach from infiltrating our clubhouse, I think (we) will get out of it as a team-building experience."

We think we can speak for all Yankees fans when we say, "shut your hole Theo!". We won't even comment on Kevin Brown, who was and is a dirtbag in our book. And we know Moose can be a baby, but he's our baby, and we'll be the ones to rag on him.

Theo, you know damn well you have had steroid users in that clubhouse, you have the Queen Bitch in Schilling, and the laziest player in baseball in Manny. So once again, from all of us...

Share

I Never Used Steroids

You were probably expecting us to talk about Roger Clemens with the title of this post, but that's not who we're referring to at all. And in this case there would be no doubt about the veracity of the statement. That's because it pertains to Daniel McCutchen, the Yankees pitching prospect that was suspended for 50 games towards the end of the 2006 season for the use of performance enhancing drugs (P.E.D).

While it was assumed by virtually everyone, and even written up that way by the media, including McCutchen's home town paper, the suspension was not for Steroids or HGH. As Peter Abraham of the Journal News reports, McCutchen was suspended for using Adderall, a prescription drug legally given to him for attention deficit disorder (ADD).

McCutchen's mistake was not filling out the proper paper work with the Yankees after he signed with them. The error cost McCutchen the last 30 games of 2006 and the first 20 of 2007. McCutchen used the time off to finish his bachelor's degree and then worked on re-establishing himself within the Yankees organization. He did just that, going 16-4, 2.59 combined for Tampa and Trenton at the single and double 'A' levels.

McCutchen has established an aggressive attitude on the mound, so much so that his teammates have nicknamed him "Danimal". His progress and demeanor have not gone unnoticed by the Yankees hierarchy.

"There's a game plan for everybody, but some guys move themselves, and he's one of those," (Brian) Cashman said. "He's a starter for now but we believe he does have the ability to relieve. Once we get more performance indicators, we'll see where he fits. But we like him."

At 25, McCutchen knows he has to step it up quickly or he'll fall off the Yankees radar.

"At my age, I need to be on the fast track," he said. "But whether I started the year at Double-A or Triple-A, I know I'm close to the majors.

"I've gone through too much already not to keep pushing and get there."

With a 94-mph fastball, a good sinker, changeup, and curveball, the odds are he'll reach his goal sooner rather than later.

Share

Around the Horn - 2/26

Bartolo Colon tried on his new Red Sox duds and took the mound today. His freshly signed contract will earn him $7 million if Colon makes the team out of spring training and takes the hill for 30 starts. The most amazing thing about all this is how out of shape Colon looks. You'd think a guy coming back from an arm injury and trying to get a contract would get into better shape. This dude is a serious candidate for a mansierre or bro.

The Giants will be without Omar Vizquel for 4-5 week due to surgery on his sore left knee.

Brett Boone says alcohol was one of the contributing factors in stepping away from the game 2 yeas ago. It got the to the point where Boonie was having 12-15 beers after each game.

The Rays have to be sweating right now after Scott Kazmir complained about elbow pain. Kazmir, who said it felt like a hyperextension, will go for an MRI.

The San Fran Chronicle reports that former Met Mike Piazza may hang up the cleats if he doesn't find work before the end of spring training.

Share

Day 13

Meacham schooling everyone!

LaTroy stretching out

Jeter practices his in-game celebration

Working on run downs

Dunc, Betemit, A-Rod, and Melky work out

Cano's new trick - levitation

A-Rod gets ready to take some swings

I don't need no stinking cup

Mr. October signs some autographs


He said what about an extension?

A-Rod's famous Dizzy Gillespie impersonation

Shelley Duncan finishes his cuts

A-Rod drives one

"G" and "Jete" finish running

Mr. October watches Nick Green and A-Rod do their work

Godzilla and friends run it out

"Where everybody go?"

Share