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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The Daily Yankeeland - 11/17

Hey! The Daily Yankeeland is back. Hope you missed it!

The Yankees aren't sure if they'll land CC Sabathia, but the Cleveland Cavs forward, and Yankees fan, LeBron James thinks it'll happen. "We're gonna get him. Absolutely."

Meanwhile Brewers GM Doug Melvin can't understand the reported $140 million the Yankees offered his left-hander.

"If the speculation is true that we've offered CC $100 million," Melvin wondered out loud in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "why would you offer $140 million? Why wouldn't you offer $110 million?

With all due respect to Doug Melvin, why would the Yankees want to get into a bidding war? They know Sabathia wants Johan Santana money ($137.5 million), so why should they bid $105 million and allow Sabathia to think they really aren't serious? The Steinbrenners and Brian Cashman want to wow the 2007 AL CY Young winner and this offer will certainly do just that.


Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto
Darrell Rasner is thanking his lucky stars and Japanese ownership for some financial security. The Yankees sold Rasner's contract to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles for $1 million. Rasner will make a guaranteed $1.2 million next season and could make as much as $3.5 million if his option is picked up for 2010.

"I'm going to, most of all, remember the last year," Rasner said. "This year was a special year with the closing of [Yankee Stadium]. To be a part of that was special for me, getting to start quite a few games. I wish I could have been better and a lot of things could have happened, but I know I did my best every time I went out there."

Really Peavy'ed
Despite the fact that Jake Peavy really doesn't want to pitch in New York, Brian Cashman has continued talks with Padres GM Kevin Towers in an attempt to swing a deal for the star right-hander. During the GM meetings, Towers said he was going to concentrate on the NL teams for the moment, but told Cashman he would come back to him. He's done just that. After a deal for Atlanta, that would have included young star shortstop Yuniel Escobar, fell through Towers expanded his search.

Without knowing all the details of the Braves talks, one would imagine the Padres would want Phil Hughes and Robinson Cano for starters. Of course, how much of Peavy's contract is picked up by the Yankees could alter what players would change hands.


Oldies but Goodies
Still no word from Mike Mussina on whether or not he'll return to the major leagues next season or call it a career. Meanwhile Andy Pettitte has not yet received an official offer from the Yankees, though it appears the two sides are far apart on what they think Pettitte should make. The left-hander reportedly is looking for money in the neighborhood of last year's $16 million, while the Yankees would like him to take a pay cut. "Hey Andy, here's $8 mill, take it or leave it."

Cubs Play, Cubs Play
It's official, the Chicago Cubs are coming to the city so nice they named it twice. The Cubs and Yankees will open the new Yankee Stadium with a pair of exhibition games April 3 and 4. The Cubs have only come to Yankee Stadium once, a 2005 interleague series, since the two teams met in the 1938 World Series.

"The Yankees organization is excited and honored to host the Chicago Cubs in two exhibition games to be played at the new Yankee Stadium," Yankees co-chairperson Hal Steinbrenner said in a release. "As we welcome our fans into the ballpark for the first time, it is fitting to showcase two of baseball's greatest and most historic franchises."

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Yankees Shake up the Staff

Bobby Meacham stunk as a player and we didn't think much of him as a third base coach. Apparently, the Steinbrenner boys didn't think much of him either. Meacham, along with special pitching instructor Rich Monteleone, were let go from the organization this afternoon.

It was thought that the S boys and Brian Cashman didn't like how much Girardi leaned on Meacham and bullpen coach Mike Harkey for advise and strategy, while ignoring the experienced Tony Pena. Word is they also felt players like Robinson Cano were not getting enough individual attention as they had when Larry Bowa was on the coaching staff.

"Whenever you lose a friend on your staff it's going to be tough," Girardi said in a statement. "However, as an organization, it was time to make a change. Bobby is a good baseball man, but moving forward we realize changes are going to have to be made in various areas of the club." Si.com

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Cashman Re-Ups

Brian Cashman said he still has a job to do. He's got three years to do it. The Yankees general manager signed a new, three year contract that will keep as the head honcho through 2011.

"I know I've said it before, but it's an incredible opportunity and honor to hold the title of general manager for the New York Yankees," Cashman said. "With it comes a great responsibility to ownership, the people who wear the uniform and our fan base. I've got a job to finish here. That's the bottom line."

The Steinbrenner boys were happy to have Cashman back in the fold.

"Before we could move forward as an organization this offseason, we needed to come to a resolution on the person who would hold the important position of general manager and allow us to make another run at a 27th world championship," Hal and Hank Steinbrenner said in a joint statement released through the team.

"We are thrilled that Brian has accepted to renew his commitment to this organization for at least three more years."

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The Daily Yankeeland - 8/22

We woke up this morning and it was still true: Carl Pavano is pitching tomorrow. The Yankees should just run Phil Hughes out there and stop treating him with kid gloves.

"I'm not asking him to make amends," Manager Joe Girardi said. "I'm just asking him to come and compete. I tell every player when they come here, it's a clean slate. I'm just expecting him to do his thing."

That was what Joe Girardi told Tyler Kepner about Pavano's comeback.

Joba Chamberlain is expected to throw 35 pitches in his Saturday bullpen session.

Phil Mushnick takes a dig at some of Michael Kay's hypocrisy.

The Steinbrenner boys are reportedly in negotiations with Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney for a farewell concert at Yankee Stadium. Can't be outdone by the Wilpons, ya know?

Hal Steinbrenner used Derek Jeter as a conduit last week. As several beat writers have pointed out, Hal- and not Hank- is the Steinbrenner son who is really running the show. Hank may be making the headlines, but he never goes to games, wasn't at Bobby Murcer's Memorial service, etc..

Mike Ashmore reports on the Trenton Thunder's playoff-clinching win last night.

The Staten Island Yankees have won 8 straight.

What a difference a year makes. One year ago today, 8/22/07, the Orioles got lambasted by the Rangers, 30-3. The Yankees can't score 30 runs in a month.

Forgot to mention this the other day: Craig Biggio joined Mickey Mantle as the only MLB player to have number 7 retired.

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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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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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The Daily Yankeeland

Ed Price of the Star Ledger sat down for a Q&A with Hal Steinbrenner, who has his own definitive opinions on how the Yankees should be run.

So it's the same process? Cashman makes recommendations to ownership, and then those are acted on?

Exactly the way it should be, in my opinion.

Andy Pettitte won't pitch the 2nd game of the season as originally anticipated, but after yesterday's side session he was confident he'll pitch one of the first five games.

Long time Yankees beat writer Bill Madden talks about his memories of Yankee Stadium.

Mark Feinsand has a piece on the confidence shown by the Yankees Big 3 - Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy.

Republicans and Democrats are split across party lines again...on Roger Clemens. This time about whether or not he told the truth before the Congressional oversight committee. Can you guys concentrate on something important, like say, ENDING THE WAR?

Johnny Damon was scratched from the lineup against the Phillies today as he's still experiencing flu like symptoms. He's expected to play again on the weekend.

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Moron Nation

Of course there are Yankees fans who get carried away when discussing the Mets or Red Sox, but no one comes out sounding like more of a moron than a Red Sox fan. As you may have seen earlier today, we mentioned an article in the Boston Herald that took a shot at Hal Steinbrenner, though they mistakenly called him Hank.

And Sox chairman Tom Werner also took a shot at the Yankees with his own comments.

Well we commented under the online article:

MyPinstripes

First off, you need to get your facts straight...it was Hal, not Hank that was interviewed. Would you prefer it if Hal said, "We stink, we have no chance"? And finally, Werner is laughable. The Sox can't cry poverty any more.

These were 2 comments that followed, which perfectly epitomizes the lack of mental prowess that plagues Red Sox fans:

MyPinstripes Blows

Who cares...the whole Steinbrenner clan is a bunch of senile fools!

MyPinstripes

A-Rod is soooo hot!!! I'd like to lick him all over with my tongue! He's definitely sexier than any Red Sox player! Jeter is a hot stud muffin too! I'd love to be the meat in the middle of that pinstripe sandwich!

If only the idiots could remember they have had 2 titles in 90 years.

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I think we’re better than you

It's only February, but the Boston Herald's Rob Bradford is already trying his best to rile up Red Sox fans. He may not write the headline, "Steinbrenner's Yapping", for his story, but he is certainly making something out of nothing.

Bradford cited Hank Steinbrenner's interview with GQ magazine as a shot across the bow to Dead Sox Nation. One problem right off the bat...the interview was with Hal, not Hank. A reporter, who was admittedly a Sox fan, asked Hal about his team's chances.

“I will never concede,” the magazine’s Web site quoted Hank Steinbrenner saying of his club’s battle with its American League East rival. “They’ve got a lot of talent, and you’ve done very well the last few years, but let me put it this way: I don’t think you guys wanted to play us in the ALCS. So I will concede nothing. I think we’re better than you.”

Sox chairman Tom Werner, yeah the same guy who let Roseanne sing the National Anthem in San Diego, supposedly wouldn't take the bait, but came back with this standard Red Sox response about finances, and added a little extra.

“The Yankees are going to have significant more revenue next year so we just have to beat them with intelligence and smart decision-making,” he said. “But they are always going to be competitive because of their resources.”

Considering how much money the Red Sox have been spending in the last few years, Werner looks like a fool trying to cry semi-poverty. And of course the "intelligence and smart decision-making" was definitely a shot at the Yankees front office.

It's only February, and already the games have begun.

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The Daily Yankeeland

Ron Villone has signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. Villone is hoping to pitch in his 14th major league season. Bubba Crosby signed a minor league deal with the Mariners, but was not invited to the major league camp.

We've been hearing from Hank Steinbrenner since last October, but now Hal Steinbrenner has some things to say. He sat down for an interview with GQ Magazine entitled, "The Godfather, Part II". Here are a couple of excerpts:

Was there a distinct moment at which you and Hank took control of the Yankees?
No. I obviously became considerably more involved at a somewhat dramatic pace when Steve, my sister’s ex-husband, left [in February of 2007]. A couple months after that, I think Hank realized I could use some help.

Various sources say you “hate” and “avidly disdain” the media.
No truth to that. That was Bill Madden [of the New York Daily News]. Look, first of all, I don’t hate anybody. It’s a useless emotion. It accomplishes nothing. He even said I hate the players, which is certainly not true. We’ve all had issues with the media, okay, but at the same time, I understand, Hank understands, they’re in business just like we’re in business.

Am I comfortable dealing with the media? Probably not as comfortable as Hank is. Definitely not as comfortable as my dad was. Have I had disagreements with them in the past, disagreed with things they’ve written and the reasons they wrote them? Yes, of course. But again, I understand what the deal is.

The Yankees' position players report today. It will be interesting to see what kind of shape Jason Giambi, who has reportedly lost a lot of weight, and Johnny Damon, who admitted he was out of shape last year when he reported, are in.

Hank Steinbrenner took yesterday's Pettitte press conference as an opportunity to take a shot at Congress and the NFL. Prince Hank feels baseball has been singled out and the NFL has gotten away with much more P.E.D. use than baseball. There's definitely some truth to what he says.

Hank also talked about how confident he feels about this year's Yankees team.

"I think we're a legitimate World Series threat this year," Steinbrenner said. "I think we're one of the four or five teams in the American League that can win it. I don't want to trash the National League, but the American League is very strong and everyone knows it.

"We're one of, I'd say, four teams that has a chance to win it, in my opinion. Starting next year or the year after, we may be the favorite."

According to the Sports Business Journal, the Yankees are seeking about $20 million a year for the top sponsorship package once they move into the new Stadium.

After 2 years away from the game, former Yankees pitcher and pitching coach Mel Stottelmyre is back at work as pitching coach for the Seattle Mariners.

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Day 6 Photos

Updated - 4:05 pm

Stretching something other than truth

Mo, Pettitte, and Moose lead the run

Loosen up the arms - someone's already got Phil's old #65

Um, Gator..you're not the pitching coach any more

Hal and Hank watch the festivities
Hal looks young enough to be Hank's son

The Giambino is in da housssssssssssse

The new blazer signs autographs

Now that's just gross

Always smiling

Um, getting a little lazy there Derek? ;)

The Drills

Goose signs his John Hancock

Think he loves being a hall of famer?

Billy Traber looks to impress GI Joe

That's a noticeably slimmer Brian Bruney on the right

Jorge must be thinking about his new contract

Okay, back to work

Comparing surgeries? Humberto get
away from Pavloserano

A healthy Matsui is vital this season


Tony Pena puts the catchers thru their paces

A sure fire sign of spring training

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"I'm in Control Here"

The words belonged to Secretary of State Alexander Haig. The situation was the attempted assassination of president Ronald Reagan in 1981. Those same words have been said, in not so many words, by Hank Steinbrenner. With his Dad fading from the spotlight, Hank has lifted his leg and marked his spot, making it clear to his brother Hal and G.M. Brian Cashman just exactly who is in charge of the Yankees.

Cashman wanted more control and George Steinbrenner and company granted it to him. But after another first round exit and a poorly assembled pitching staff, upper management, lead by Hank, has taken control back. As Peter Abraham of the Journal News reported, Cashman has said as much.

“The dynamics are changing with us. When I signed up with this current three-year deal, and this is the last year of it, it was with full authority to run the entire program. George had given me that. But things have changed in this third year now with the emergence of Hal and Hank Steinbrenner and that started this winter,” he said, “I’m learning as I go along, too. But it is different. But one thing is that I’ve been with this family, the Steinbrenner family, for well over 20 years. So I’m focused fully on doing everything I possibly can to assist them in their emergence now as decision makers.”

Cashman's contract is up in October and depending on how things go until then, it could be his last contract with the Yankees.

For Hank, this is something he's been waiting for since the 1980's, when fresh out of college, he worked in the front office. And he's making sure everyone knows he is THE man. Hank hasn't been afraid to speak his mind (sound familiar?), even if he puts his foot in his mouth (sound familiar again?). He plans on attended most home games, watching from the owner's box as his Dad used to before his health started to fail.

As Steve Politi of the Star Ledger reports, Hank feels he's an easy boss to work for, but he does not like losing.

"I mean, I really ... don't ... like ... losing," he said. "I hate it, especially to that team up North. I'm not different than my dad in that way. I'll handle it differently, I think, than he did, but I don't like it. ... We intend to make things right again, the way they have historically been."

It is said he rarely raises his voice (that definitely doesn't sound familiar) and he's not full of the bluster that his Dad is. It remains to be seen if he remains that way.

photo courtesy of NY Daily News

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Rising of the Sons

The NY Post is reporting today that due to declining health George Steinbrenner has turned over control of the Yankees to sons Hal and Hank.

"George has taken on a role like the chairman of a major corporation," said team president Randy Levine. "He's been saying for years he's wanted to get his sons involved in the family business. Both of them have stepped up and are taking on the day-to-day duties of what's required to run the Yankees."

"There's always been a succession - and that's myself and my brother," Hank told The Post in an exclusive interview.

According to Hank Steinbrenner, he and Hal will have the final baseball decisions, but Hank will be concentrating more on the team while Hal handles the Stadium issues.

Source


Photo courtesy of NY Post

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Our Pal Hal

Steve Swindal's misfortune has turned into Hal Steinbrenner's opportunity. Swindal, King George's son-in law, is officially on the outs after a DUI this past Spring and a divorce from Jennifer Steinbrenner. Hal Steinbrenner, 38, has been selected as the chairman of the board of Yankees Global Enterprises LLC, the holding company for the team and the Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network.






The Yankees new chairman of the board with THE Chairman of the Board







While King George has never named a successor to the throne, this is a pretty good indicator of just who that person will be.

Source

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