You Say You Want a Resolution

New Year's is a time for resolutions. We think these are some of the ones the Yankees family came up with this year.

Alex Rodriguez
I will not "Vogue" while play third base.
If we make the playoffs, I'll get more than 2 hits. Either way I'll have fun out there.

CC Sabathia
I will leave some of the post game spread for my teammates.

A.J. Burnett
I will stay off the disabled list.

John Sterling
I will not refer to CC Sabathia as Chubby Checkers or Coca Cola. Anyone know what rhymes with Teixeira?

Joe Girardi
I won't lie to the media about injuries. Last week Brian Bruney got a paper cut reading the Sunday paper. I don't know any more, I swear. Get off my back.

Brian Cashman
I will try to cut down on how much I use the word "process". It will take some doing though, because it is a process. Damn.

Melky Cabrera
If I'm not traded, I promise to eat more low fat foods and get more than 2 hits a month.

Mariano Rivera
I'll cut down on losing tie games.

Chien-Ming Wang
I will appear on the post-game show.

Robinson Cano
I will be consistent.

Derek Jeter
I'll date Marissa Miller.
I won't pose as a car salesman.

Michael Kay
I'll continue to make every ball sound like it's hit to the warning track.
I'll continue to use street terms. Are you down with that?
I won't laugh at everything Paul O'Neill and Al Leiter say.

Suzyn Waldman
I will not cry at opening day's first pitch.

John Flaherty
I will try not to be so white bread. Pass the mayo.

Andy Pettitte
I will be a Yankee.

Hank Steinbrenner
I will say something outrageous at least once. Look ma, top of the world!!! See?

George Steinbrenner
I will have a Paul O'Neill day at the new Stadium.

The New Yankee Stadium
I'll watch the Yankees raise the World Series championship banner on opening day, 2010. Okay, that's next year, but you catch my drift.

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Top 10 of 2008

These are top 10 Yankees stories for the year MMVIII (it's not just used for Super Bowls ya know). We could have ordered 7-10 differently, but this is what we came up with.

1. Goodbye, old friend
There's no question that the number one story was the final season in the storied Yankee Stadium that we all grew up with. Yes, there have been different manifestations of the current park, but the games were all played on the same hallowed ground.

The Yankees did a pretty great job, (player replicas not withstanding), of commemorating the year with patches on their uniforms, a somewhat cheesy Stadium countdown meter, a spectacular Old Timer's Day, and a great final night ceremony.

As for the final game itself, the Yankees won 7-3. Andy Pettitte picked up what could be his final win in a Yankees uniform. Derek Jeter gave a heartfelt speech to the crowd after the game and the Yankees took a farewell lap around the Stadium.

The new place will be great, but we'll miss the old one too.

2. I'm in Charge Here
With his health not what it once was, George Steinbrenner turned over the day-to-day operations of the ball club to his sons, Hank and Hal. Hank emerged as the mouthpiece, often shooting from the hip without thinking, but as the year progressed, it became obvious that Hal was the son who was really running the show.

3. Show me the money!
This holiday season was, hopefully, highlighted by the gifts that keep on giving. The Yankees played Santa Claus for CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira, giving them contracts that will help them to form the nucleus of the ball club for years to come.

4. Seeing Stars
The Yankees hosted their first All-Star game in 31 years on July 15. Mariano Rivera recorded the final outs of the 9th inning, but it took extra innings before the AL won. The big story, though, was Josh Hamilton's incredible display in the prior night's home run derby.

5. A Different Joe
It was a new year all around, as Joe Girardi became the first manager other than Joe Torre to take the helm of the Yankees since 1995. Girardi had his ups and downs. He admittedly made a number of mistakes, particularly in his reporting of team injuries to the press and his lack of rapport with the veterans on the team.

6. A Big Loss
Bigger than any game, was the loss of long-time Yankees player and broadcaster Bobby Murcer to brain cancer. Bobby was our man growing up, and proved to be an even better person off the field than on. His courage during his illness was inspiring.

7. Bernie Comes Home
After being disappointed by not being offered a guaranteed contract for 2007, Bernie Williams disappeared from sight. He still showed up at various fund raisers from time to time, but he was nowhere to be found when it came to anything basebal-l related.

But that all changed on September 22, when as part of the pre-game hoopla for the final Stadium contest, Bernie Williams emerged, in uniform, from the dugout to a raucous reception from the crowd.

8. Big Trouble for American League Hitters
It took Mike Mussina 18 seasons and it came down to the final game of 2008, but Moose finally got his first 20-win season. Defeating the Red Sox in Fenway Park, Moose finished off a renaissance year that turned out to be his last. It took him a while to make the official announcement, but Moose had already decided this season would be his last before the season had even started.

9. CashMoney
Brian Cashman said he wanted to be back. The Steinbrenner boys said they wanted him back. But the Yankees played the entire season with a lame duck GM. Then on the final day of the season, Cashman signed a new 3-year deal that will keep him on as GM through 2011.

10. Voiceless
The final season in Yankee Stadium was not the same, because its longtime voice was not there. Bob Sheppard had taken ill at the end of the 2007 season and was too weak to work any of the Yankees games in 2008. He did make a pre-recorded announcement for the final home game and Derek Jeter used a tape of the "Voice of God" to announce all of his at-bats. Here's hoping Mr. Sheppard returns in 2009.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 11/21

It's a TGIF edition of The Daily Yankeeland. We can't wait to go home. Speaking of homes, the Yankees' new one is nearly ready. Workers are feverishly going at it so the players and front office will have access to the new digs beginning February 17.

Infield grass was trimmed this week, the dirt turned over. Almost all of the seats have been installed. Overall the new place is nearly 90% complete.

Goodbye to You
One of our faves, Mike Vaccaro, has his take on King George's departure.

Goodbye to You II
Nice piece in today's Ledger from another of our faves, Dan Graziano, on the retirement of Mike Mussina.

The Captain, Derek Jeter released an official statement (posted here via Pete Abraham):

“It was a great pleasure playing against – and even more so with – Mike Mussina since I entered the league in 1995. He was a true professional both on and off the field. Moose’s accomplishments in the game over the last 18 years represent a Hall of Fame player.”

Show Me the Money
Hal Steinbrenner may not be the mouthpiece his brother Hank is, but he has made sure that everyone knows the Yankees will not wait forever for CC Sabathia to accept or reject the Yankees contract offer.

Man Up
The Yankees have added Anthony Claggett, Christian Garcia, Steven Jackson, and Michael Dunn to their 40-man roster, to protect them from December's Rule V Draft. It does mean that players like Alan Horne, Kevin Whelan, and J.B. Cox can be selected, though they would have to remain on a team's MLB roster for an entire year or the Yankees would have the opportunity to get them back.

Like a Rock
Former Yankee, Tim "Rock" Raines has been named the manager of the newly re-formed (Atlantic League) Newark Bears.

Make Room for Daddy
Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica welcomed their first child, a boy named Hunter, into the world on Wednesday.

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Hal Takes the Reins

We have thought it for a while, but now George Steinbrenner has made it official. His son Hal Steinbrenner, not Hank the mouth, is in charge of the ball club. George and his wife Joan met with the Mr. and Mrs. Bud Seligs back in October to discuss the transition to Hal. Selig made the official announcement earlier today.

"I appreciate the confidence that commissioner Selig and the other owners have in me," Hal Steinbrenner said. "My dad left big shoes to fill, but I'm going to do my best.

"He's been slowing down the last couple of years," Hal Steinbrenner said of his father, 78, who still reports occasionally to the Yankees' Tampa offices.

Source: Newsday

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An Unholy Alliance

We just read this on Peter Abraham's LoHud site and we're not liking it. The Yankees have gone into a partnership with the hated Dallas Cowboys in a scheme to, well, make more money. The greatest team in MLB history, and the team that thinks they are the greatest NFL franchise, are working with Goldman Sachs and CIC Partners to form Legends Hospitality Management, LLC.

Legends’ initial focus will be on operating catering, concessions, retail merchandising and other facility management enterprises for major sports and entertainment facilities.

Click here to read more

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Hot Air from the South

Can someone please tell Hank Steinbrenner to stop trying to be like his Dad back in the latter's heyday? Seriously. The clown prince is just making a fool of himself and the organization with his hollow statements.

Hank's latest bit of hot air takes a shot at MLB and Joe Torre. He blames the divisional set up for the Yankees not making the playoffs, and also uses it as an excuse as to why the Torre-led Dodgers, in all likelihood, will make it to the post-season.

"The biggest problem is the divisional setup in major league baseball. I didn't like it in the 1970s, and I hate it now," Steinbrenner wrote in the Sporting News. "Baseball went to a multidivision setup to create more races, rivalries and excitement. But it isn't fair. You see it this season, with plenty of people in the media pointing out that Joe Torre and the Dodgers are going to the playoffs while we're not. This is by no means a knock on Torre - let me make that clear-but look at the division they're in. If L.A. were in the AL East, it wouldn't be in the playoff discussion. The AL East is never weak."

Hank, grow a set, please.

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Bobby Murcer, King George Immortalized in Paint

Bobby Murcer is now a permanent fixture in the Bronx as is George Steinbrenner. They are both now part of a commemorative mural that sits outside of Yankee Stadium. The portraits were unveiled this afternoon. Among the attendees were Bobby's widow, Kay, and their children, Todd and Tori, Joe Girardi, Rey Negron, Brian Cashman, and Willie Randolph. NY1 has some video of the event.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 8/25

Newsday's Kat O'Brien spoke to Ivan Rodriguez about his struggles since coming to New York.

Others may not want to say it, but Mike Mussina knows the wildcard is the Yankees only shot at making the post-season.

Mike Ashmore has a Q & A with up and coming pitcher, Eric Hacker. He also reports that Victor Zambrano could be the guy to replace Darrell Rasner.

Mr. Met is a Moron.

Newsday's Ken Davidoff thinks it's time to stop bashing A-Rod.

Chad Jennings talks about Al Aceves' outstanding start for Scranton on Sunday.

Former bat boy and Yankees advisor Ray Negron dedicates his second children's book to King George.

The Trenton-Yankees alliance has been a profitable one.

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The Future's so Bright, Hal Wears Shades

Barry Bloom of MLB.com recently sat down with the understated Steinbrenner boy, Hal, to discuss the new stadium and the future of the team. Though the Yankees last home game will be September 21 against the Baltimore Orioles, plans are in the works for a Stadium send off in November.

"There's going to be things at the actual game, but we're also looking to have a closing ceremony in November," said the 39-year-old youngest son of George Steinbrenner, the team's patriarch and principal owner since 1973. "We're strongly considering it and it will be a very nice event.

"We're working on it right now. We're talking to people and some big names in terms of what they want to do. And it may be music, it may be a comedian, it may be an emcee (can you say Billy Crystal?). There will certainly be a lot of videos and things like that. And, of course, bringing back the old Yankees. That's something we've always done."

Hank discussed his current responsibilities...

"My job, my responsibility to the family, to the partners, to the banks and bondholders is to consider the financial aspect of it," he said. "But make no mistake, this season is no different than any other. We all felt going into this year, and we all feel now that we have a championship-caliber team and we are excited about it."

About the growing concern for pricing out fans:

• To waylay any misconception, Steinbrenner said that going to the new ballpark will be affordable for the typical fan. He expects approximately 35 percent of the 53,000 seats to be priced at $25 or less, 50 percent at $45 or less and 80 percent at $100 or less.

"I see in the papers all the time about the 180 Legends Seats that are so expensive," he said. "But they don't talk about the fact that half of the seats in the stadium are $45 or less; that the entire top level is $20-$25 seats, and the bleacher seats are $12. We wanted to make sure that the average family can afford to go there and that's the way it's going to be."

On Revenue Sharing:

"My concern with revenue sharing from day one was that it would not be used in the way it was supposed to be used. The teams were supposed to take every cent they got and reinvest it in their payroll or their farm system. That's always been my problem with it. But now it's at least getting better."

And of course what would an interview be without discussing his own "Big Papi":

"He comes in just about every day, probably four days a week. Sometimes he comes in later than others, but he's in here all the time," Steinbrenner said. "We'll try to get him up there for the All-Star Game. Certainly, he's slowed down, that's no surprise, but I guess he's earned it. It's just his age. It's been an interesting year or two. He's really started to do what he has said for many years that he was going to do, which has been leaving it to the family."

Click here to read the entire interview.

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Gary Carter is Nuts

Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter comes off as one of the nicest guys around. In actuality he's all about himself and is nothing more than a self promoting blowhard. Any time Carter speaks he pats himself on the back.

A few months ago Carter was on Mike and the Mad Dog and used his time to campaign for a managerial job, just as he campaigned to get into the Hall of Fame. Though he certainly deserved induction into the hall, no one will be jumping on the "Carter for Manager" bandwagon too soon.

Carter made inquiries to the Wilpons earlier this year when he heard Willie Randolph's job might be in jeopardy. Now comes word from the NY Post's George King that Carter has taken an unprovoked shot at Joe Girardi, questioning his fellow catcher's managerial qualifications.

"[The] pictures Joe Girardi must have on Steinbrenner," said Carter, who is managing in a California independent league.

Some people need to just go away. Far, far away. Perhaps Carter can get a gig with Bobby Valentine in Japan.

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New Boss Same as the Old Boss

Patience has never been a trait of the Steinbrenner family, and Hank Steinbrenner has seen enough. A 10-10 start has him calling for Joba Chamberlain to join the starting rotation ASAP.

“I want him as a starter and so does everyone else, including him, and that is what we are working toward and we need him there now,” Steinbrenner said Sunday by telephone. “There is no question about it, you don’t have a guy with a 100-mile-per-hour fastball and keep him as a setup guy. You just don’t do that. You have to be an idiot to do that.”

If it had been up to Hank, Joba never would have been in the bullpen last year either. Of course, he seems to forget the Yankees wouldn't have made the playoffs if the switch hadn't occurred.

“The mistake was already made last year switching him to the bullpen out of panic or whatever,” Steinbrenner said. “I had no say in it last year and I wouldn’t have allowed it. That was done last year, so now we have to catch up. It has to be done on a schedule so we don’t rush him.”

Boss Jr. still has faith in his other young pitchers and has some words of advising for his struggling veteran, Mike Mussina.

“I think once Hughes and Kennedy get plenty of starts and get Joba back, and with Wang and Pettitte, we will be fine,” Steinbrenner said, referring to the Yankees’ starters Chien-Ming Wang and Andy Pettitte.

He also said he thought Mike Mussina, who is 39, “just needs to learn how to pitch like Jamie Moyer,” the Phillies’ 45-year-old starter, suggesting that Mussina shouldn’t try to rely on his diminished fastball.

Somehow we don't think that's going to go over real well with Moose, not that we care.

“The starting rotation is not what I would have chosen at the beginning of the year, but that is not a big news flash to anyone,” Steinbrenner said.

The junior Stein may get his wish very soon.

Source: NY Times

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The Family Von Steinbrenner

The Yankees sent out an official press release to announce they have handed out titles...to their family members. King George is Chairperson. Hank and Hal get Co-Chairperson monikers. Daughters Jessica and Jennifer, and George's wife Joan are all Vice-Chairpersons.

Sure hope they have enough chairs.

George M. Steinbrenner stated, "I am excited to announce these titles. I am pleased to work with my two sons, Hal and Hank. With me, they will jointly oversee the club on a day to day basis. I am also gratified to recognize the leadership of my daughter Jenny in the club's charitable endeavors and her involvement with new stadium matters; as well as the contributions of my wife Joan and daughter Jessica in assisting me. "Together with my executive team, the New York Yankees are prepared for the future and the exciting challenges the next several years will bring."

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Maybe They Should Get Dick Clark

As if the last season at this Yankee Stadium wasn't enough, the Yankees have added a countdown clock to, well, count down the games this year. In the 5th inning of last night's game, King George stepped up, his image on the video board, and pulled the lever to lower the count from 81 to 80 games (we understand he also got 3 cherries and won the jackpot).

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The Daily Yankeeland

The Yankees finish up the spring training schedule (hard to believe we're there already) with a pair of games in Miami against the Florida Marlins. It's a bit of a homecoming of course for Joe Girardi who was manager of the year as the Marlins skipper in 2006 and then was fired after clashing with the Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria. Girardi also butted heads with the beat writers at times so it should be interesting to see what they write this weekend. Both games will broadcast on WCBS radio.

The Yankees 25 man roster is just about finalized. We know that Morgan Ensberg, Shelley Duncan, Jose Molina, and Wilson Betemit will be on the bench, and the final bullpen spots will probably be go to Darrell Rasner (please, anyone but Igawa) and Brian Bruney. Scott Patterson had better be here some time this season.

Kay is for Kool-aid: Michael Kay was overly effusive with his praise of George Steinbrenner in the wake of the Legends Field renaming ceremony. You would have thought Georgie was the greatest thing since sliced bread according to his YESman Kay, who poured on the praises on his 1050ESPN radio show. As you recalled Kay also shredded JoeTorre for weeks after his contract negotiation fell through. Stick to announcing Michael.

Former traveling secretary George Costanza David Szen has asked the court to be spared prison time for failing to report more than $50,000 in tips from players and coaches. Szen pleaded guilty back in December.

According to Peter Abraham, Andy Pettitte threw a 25-pitch bullpen session today in Tampa and felt great.

“As far as during my bullpen and stuff like that, I feel great,” Pettitte told the AP. “It loosened up good. Do I still feel it walking around? Yeah. Sunday is a good day. I need to get some good work in. That’s all I’m looking for now.”

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Yankees vs. Pirates - March 27

Legends Field officially becomes George M. Steinbrenner Field today with a ceremony prior to the Yankees hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Today's lineup

Damon, DH
Jeter, SS
Duncan, RF
Rodriguez, A, 3B
Posada, C
Matsui, LF
Ensberg, 1B
Betemit, 2B
Cabrera, CF

and unfortunately Kei Igawa on the mound.

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A Hokie for a Day

April 16, one year ago, was one of the darkest day Blacksburg, Virginia would ever witness. A psychotic gunman killed 32 student and faculty members at Virginia Tech University on that day, and an entire nation mourned. Almost a year later the healing continues, and the Yankees have tried to help the process, both financially and spiritually.

George Steinbrenner donated $1 million to the school and promised that the Yankees would play there this year. Today is that day. The Yankees players, coaches, and front office people traveled to Blacksburg for an exhibition game with the university's team at 3 pm today. The team also visited the memorial built in memory of the 32 who perished so tragically. It's done wonders for the school and the community.

NY Times
"Everywhere in life we've got guys that talk and guys that do things," (Peter Hughes) the second-year Hokies coach said. "And when the Yankees call and say, 'Hey, we want to help out. We've got to do something. Here's our idea: We want to come play and here's a million dollars.' How proactive is that? It blows you away, their generosity."

The game will be televised on YES and is available free online at mlb.com. The Yankees are wearing a special Yankees hat with VT colors for pre-game warmup and their in-game hat will have the VT logo on the side. Students were able to purchase facsimiles of the hat at the university.

It makes us proud to be Yankees fans and the Steinbrenner family's generosity is quite amazing. Give credit where credit is due.

Here's the lineup for today's game from Peter Abraham:

YANKEES
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Duncan 1B
Cabrera CF

Pitching
Karstens
Britton
Ramirez
Patterson

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Day 16 Photos

The Steinbrenner Men

Jorge and his awkard slides

Joba brings some February heat

Pre-Game

An Igawa pounding

Garbage in action

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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.

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Day 12 Photos

Georgie in the house that he built

"Don't forget to mow my lawn later"

"Mine are Ray-Bans. Yours?"

Something we'd better not see too much of from Abreu this year

"Um Bobby, we use a glove out here"

Igawa: "What are the fans saying?"
Godzilla: "You suck"

$119 million smile

A-Rod does his David Tyree impression

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The Daily Yankeeland

George Steinbrenner was in the house yesterday, having lunch with Yankees employees in the Legends FieldGeorge M. Steinbrenner Field cafeteria. Hank Steinbrenner joined his Dad and was glad to see the old man around.

Yankee hitters faced live pitching for the first time, and couldn't have been too happy about going up against Joba Chamberlain. Hitters also got to face Chien-Ming Wang.

Ed Price wrote up on a nice piece in today's Star-Ledger on pitching prospect Mark Melancon (the 'c' is pronounced like a n 's'). Melancon was taken in the 9th round of the 2006 draft that also produced Ian Kennedy and Joba Chamberlain. It will will be interesting to see how the Yankees use Melancon, who had Tommy John surgery in 2006.

Melancon was a starter in high school, but became the all-time saves leader at the University of Arizona after the Wildcats' closer flunked out of school. He's got a 90-94 mph fastball and a nasty, hard (83 mph) curve.

Don Mattingly is enjoying work with his son, Dodgers prospect Preston Mattingly, but this is not a happy time for Donnnie Baseball and his family.

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