Hank: Joba to Start

The Yankees began their annual post-season meetings today and the big news out of it wasn't really that big. Joba Chamberlain will probably start the 2009 season in the starting rotation. That per Hank Steinbrenner:

“The plan as of right now is Chamberlain is going to be a starter,” the Yankees co-chairman said Thursday after five hours of organizational meetings at the team’s spring training complex. “Everybody’s pretty much in agreement with that.”

“It was a productive day,” Hank Steinbrenner said. “We didn’t make any decisions today. We just covered all the things we need to fix. Everything is open. We’re willing to do anything that will improve us. It was more of a summary and quite a lot of discussion.”

In addition to the Steinbrenner boys and Brian Cashman, the meetings were also attended by Jean Afterman, Mark Newman, Lon Trost, Randy Levine, Gene Michael, Felix Lopez, Reggie Jackson, and Tino Martinez.

Why no Joe Girardi?

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The Home Run

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Live Blogging Old Timer's Day

Crappy weather, but hopefully it holds off during today's festivities. They started things out with Michael Kay interviewing the newest Hall of Famer, Goose Gossage.

1:38 PM - A tribute to Bobby Murcer, who was always miked during the OT games.

1:45 PM - Kim Jones talks to new OT attendee Tino Martinez. Some great stories from The Bamtino, including a funny one involving Moose Skowron riding him over the years for not wearing socks to the ball park.

1:51 PM - Paul O'Neill and Al Leiter on field and in uniform. Paulie's 2nd OT game, the 1st for Leiter. Paulie is already hoarse.

1:54 PM - A pre-recorded Bob Sheppard welcomes everyone to Yankee Stadium. Ed Randall, a great baseball man, will do today's intros.

Okay, actually John Sterling and Michael Kay will be doing the intros, Ed Randall just intro'ed them.

As corny as Sterling is, boy does he have the pipes. Kay always sound like he has a mouthful of phlegm (hope you weren't eating).

1:58 PM - The first player introduced is Paul Blair. One of the best CFers we ever say.

1:59 PM - "Tolly", Wayne Tolleson

Jay Johnstone...hard to still imagine he was a Yankee. Also Sterling's 1st radio partner.

And now yes, has lost the sound as Brian Doyle, one of the heroes of the '78 WS, gets intro'ed.

2:00 PM - Rich Monteleone

Steve Balboni or "Balbummy" as we sometimes called him.

The sound is back - Ron Blomberg, the first DH in MLB history. Injuries kept him from a big career.

Mickey Klutts: Not much applause, more "who??"

Scott Bradley: Smooth hitter, never quite had the career we expected. Now head coach at Princeton.

Gil Patterson: A much better pitching coach than he was a pitcher.

Ron Davis: "The Vulture" Won games he blew - was very good and then stupidly traded for Roy Smalley Jr..

Pitching Coach Dave Eiland.

2:04 PM

Pat Kelly - Great to see him back. Still looks like he could play. Had the big home run when the Yankees finally made it back to the playoffs in '95.

Oscar Gamble: The Big "O". No more 'fro, but we always loved the Big O, and how Bob Sheppard would announce his name.

Homer Bush: Wish his career could have been more. What speed in 1998.

2:05 PM

Kevin Maas, the one year wonder. Still looks like a kid.

Bobby Meacham: Lousy player, lousy 3rd base coach.

Jessie Barfield: What a great arm and tremendous power. Never could match the years he had in Toronto.

Al Leiter: ...Who happened to be traded for Barfield. Bad trade.

2:08 PM

Mike Torrez: Our hero in '77 and '78, haha

Ed Figueroa: Great, great regular season pitcher. Stunk in the playoffs. First Puerto Rican born pitcher to win 20 games.

Jim Abbott: You all know the story well. Hard to believe its 15 years since his no-no.

Ken Griffey Jr.: "Before there was Junior, there was Senior". Great intro by Sterling.

2:10 PM

Don Baylor: Always loved seeing him take those big swings. Not too many people remember he was once a tremendous base stealer.

Tony Fernandez: The last Yankee to hit for the cycle in '95.

2:11 PM

Aaron Small: Mr. 10-0 in 2005. What a shock that was and what a tremendous contribution to the Yankees making the post-season.

Tommy John: 288 game winner, much more than just a name on a surgery.

2:12 PM

Mickey Rivers: Mickey the Quick. Thought grammar was a relative. He was so much fun to watch.

Bucky "Bleepin" Dent: :) Hero of the 1 game playoff and the 78 WS MVP. And he hit that home run off Torrez with Rivers' bat.

2:14 PM

Chris Chambliss: There goes that HR off of KC's Mark Littell. The first pennant in 12 years, ending the declinasty. Should have gotten a chance to manage in the bigs.

Jeff Torborg: Long time Yankees coach and a very good major league catcher.

2:15 PM

Buck Showalter: Nice to see him back in Pinstripes for the first time since 1994.

Mike Stanley: The man that caused Joe Girardi to be boo'ed at the Yankee fanfest.

2:16 PM

Graeme Lloyd: What a turnaround. He barely made the post-season roster after being acquired from Milwaukee in '96 and then was dynamite in the playoffs and World Series.

Gene Michael: "The Stick" Give that man a big hand, he helped save the team from George.

2:17 PM

Ramiro Mendoza: What a 1999 playoff series he had against Boston.

Jimmy Key: What a tremendous acquisition. Gave the team credibility, and won the clincher in the '96 WS. He's silver and bald - it has been a while.

2:19 PM

Luis Sojo: "Coney, how come you don't have a dance?" Everyone loves Luis.

Joe Pepitone: 1st hair dryer in the clubhouse - for a toupee no less.

2:20 PM

Al Downing: A great pitcher, mostly remembered for surrending Hank Aaron's 715th home run while a member of the Dodgers.

Jerry Coleman: Hall of Fame broadcaster, but had a great career as the Scooter's double play partner.

2:21 PM

Eli Grba: 1959-1960 Yankees. Obviously not too well remembered by the crowd.

Andy Carey: 3rd Baseman from 1952-1960. Unfortunately, in a wheelchair.

2:22 PM

Charlie Silvera: '48-'56. I remember seeing these guys in 1972-73.

2:23 PM

Horace Clarke: I just had a nightmare flashback to the late '60s/early '70s.

Luis Arroyo: Unbelievable 1961 season as a closer before there were closers.

2:24 PM

Dr. Bobby Brown: Great 3rd baseman, former AL League President.

Hector Lopez: '59 - '66; tremendous sub (that's from others, not our recollection). Always comes to OT day.

2:25 PM

Rickey "I love me" Henderson: I actually hear a few boo's while Sterling intro's. Nice hand though.

Is Billy Crystal considered an old-timer?

2:26 PM

Tim "Rock" Raines: What a graet hitter. Definite Hall consideration.

Jeff Nelson: A big combo with Stanton (all but '96) in the pen in 4 WS.

2:27 PM

Daryl Strawberry: "The Straw" gets a big hand. Stay clean Straw.

David Wells: Look at Boomer! He may ask for a tryout while he's here. Did Sterling really just say he had many "huge" victories- with a wink in his voice.

2:28 PM

David Cone: Actually, Coney and Wells probably couldn't be worse than the current back end of the rotation.

2:29 PM

Some guy named Joe Girardi. ;)

Little Dante Girardi looks good in '27 too.

2:30 PM

Tom Tresh: AL ROY in 1962 Didn't quite live up to his hype, but was a good ball player. His Dad, Mike, played in the bigs too.

2:31 PM

Bullet Bob Turley: Look him up in your record books. One of the most clutch Yankee performers, especially in the '58 series.

Bobby Richardson: Tremendous 2nd baseman. We believe he is the only losing player to win the WS MVP, in 1960.

2:32 PM

Johnny Blanchard: Probably would have been a regular on another team if not for Yogi and Ellie Howard in front of him. Tremendous power.

Don Larsen: Greatest game ever pitched in Yankee Stadium. 'Nuff said. :)

2:33 PM

Bill "Moooooooose" Skowron: Tremendous power. Recently said he didn't keep his '63 WS ring he won with the Dodgers.

2:34 PM

Graig Nettles: What a 3rd baseman!

2:35 PM

Paul O'Neill: :)))))))))))

2:36 PM
Tino Martinez: :The Bamtino!" And, yes, Kay had to say "Constantino Martinez" haha. Great high 10 with Paulie.

2:38 PM

Ron Guidry: "The Gator". Never ever forget the '78 season he had. Sigh - I wish his catcher was there. Whispered to Paulie: "Nice ovation, kid".

2:39 PM

WILLIE RANDOLPH: :)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
"Once a Yankee, always a Yankee" screamed out by Michael Kay. Great job. And Willie is so appreciative of the huge ovation he's getting. :) A long, great ovation for one of the classiest guys around.

2:41 PM

Wade Boggs: Hall of Fame career, Hall of Shame Hair ;)

2:42 PM

Dave Winfield: If you never saw him play in his prime, you missed something special. A true 5-tool player.

2:43 PM

Rich "Goooooooose" Gossage: Too bad Louuuuuuuuuuuuu isn't there.

Amazing how many Hall of Famers have played in the Pinstripes.

2:44 PM

Reginald Martinez Jackson: "Mr. October" Say what you want about him, he was clutch.
Wow, its been 15 years since he went into the Hall.

It's not looking like Bernie will be there :(

2:45 PM

Whitey Ford: The Chairman of the Board.

2:46 PM

Yogi Berra: The man, the myth, the legend.

2:48 PM

Arlene Howard, widow of Elston Howard: What a great player and gentleman Ellie was.

Jill Martin, widow of Billy the Kid.

2:49 PM

Helen Hunter, wife of the great Catfish: One of the best pitcher we ever saw - money in the big games.

2:50 PM

Diane Munson: Widow of the Captain. 29 years ago today - WOW.

Guidry, Reggie, Willie...when did my boys get so old?

2:51 PM

Cora Rizzuto, widow of the Scooter. His beloved Cora :(

2:53 PM

Michael Kay talking about the magnificence of the Yankees organizations: "They are once and forever, New York Yankees."

2:54 PM

Time to remember those who have passed from the Yankees and MLB. Too many to remember, but here are some memorables.

Johnny Podres

Tommy Holmes

Joe Nuxhall

John McHale

Bill Robinson

Tommy Byrne

Phil Rizzuto

Bobby Murcer

2:56 PM

The National Anthem, sung by the late, great Robert Merrill, who wore number 1 1/2 at OT games.

2:59 PM

Cora Rizzuto throws out the ceremonial first pitch. A little delay while someone comes to get it and, appropriately it's Derek Jeter.

You Jeter haters: How can you hate a guy who does so many things right as a person, never mind as a player?

3:02 PM

Al Leiter warming up with Luis Sojo: Leiter says he's trying to hurt Luis' hand to get him back for that 10-hopper back in the 2000 WS. He's jokingly trying to impress Girardi too. Good stuff.

Singleton: "Who is starting Al?" Leiter: "Mussina" Singleton: "In the old timers game."

3:05 PM

Kim Jones talking to Reggie about Rickey Henderson's pending Hall of Fame election. Now talking about Willie Randolph's warm reception.

3:06 PM

Game about to begin with Goose on the mound. That's going to do it for the live blogging for now. Hopefully, someone followed it besides us. :)

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The Daily Yankeeland - 7/15

The Home Run Derby can get quite dull, but last night's display by Josh Hamilton was beyond phenomenal. Reggie Jackson threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Derek Jeter. More on that later though.

A celebrity softball game was played on Saturday as part of the festivities. In addition to actors, actresses, and comedians, the teams included hall of fame players Goose Gossage, Gary Carter, Paul Molitor, Wade Boggs, Rollie Fingers, George Brett, and Dave Winfield, and former Yankees Paul O'Neill and Tino Martinez.

Never in our wildest imagination would we ever have expected to hear a (Whoopi) Goldberg to (Billy) Crystal to Tino Martinez, 4-6-3 double play, but it did in fact happen.

Paul O'Neill brought back some memories with a tremendous 3-run home run home run that easily cleared the temporary fence and landed well out into the territory Paulie used to roam. Boggs also homered.

ESPN's Kenny Mayne, by far, was the worst player on either side (though Chris Rock struck out), playing a couple of fly balls like he was Pele. Maybe worse was the fact that he's just not funny any more.

And despite the fact that she wore a Red Sox hat and wasn't very good, Hollywood reporter Maria Menounos looked quite hot.

Phil Hughes threw a 35-pitch mound session on Monday, made up of 25 fastballs and 10 curves.

Johnny Damon was supposed to hit off a tee yesterday, but held off due to soreness in his shoulder.

Brian Bruney threw 15 pitches in a scoreless inning for the Trenton Thunder last night.
Hideki Matsui continues to hit, but has not been cleared to run yet.
Alex Rodriguez received trophies for getting the most votes in the American League and the most votes over all. No truth to the rumor that he "Vogued" when he accepted them.

Kudos to the YES Network for their magnificent coverage on the life and death of Bobby Murcer. It was point on. Tasteful, respectful, and extremely well produced. Great job guys!

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The Daily Yankeeland - 6/11

It appears Phil Hughes won't be back before August. The rookie right-hander is scheduled to undergo another scan to determine if his rib injured has sufficiently healed.

Kyle Farnsworth, who sat out the previous 3 games with a bicep strain, was available last night, but Joe Girardi opted to go to Jose Veras instead.

The New York Times has a story on Jason Giambi's return to the Bay area. Giambi was asked if he would like to possibly end his career where it started.

“They’ve got great young players over here,” he said of the A’s. “I don’t know what would go with the situation. I love playing in New York, and I still have a World Series to win.”

Giambi has a $22 million option for next year, which the Yankees would, unless they're crazy, turn down. He also has a $5 million buy out.

Tino Martinez isn't shy about telling Joba Chamberlain's teammates to shut up, particularly when it comes to how the prized rookie should be used.

"You shouldn't complain," Martinez told the Daily News Tuesday when asked about Damon last week questioning the team's decision to move Chamberlain to the starting rotation.

"They think that's the best way for the team to win, (so) that's what the players have to accept. That's just the way it is. (Chamberlain) is obviously in a transition period now, but I'm sure once he gets his pitch count up there and he gets comfortable starting, he is going to be a very good starting pitcher."

The BamTino was in Manhattan and Long Island yesterday signing copies of a "Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective." Tino also spoke to the Daily News about his role as an assistant to GM Brian Cashman.

The New York Post reports that the Yankees are one of the teams interested in 18-yr old Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo. The 3rd Baseman began playing in the professional leagues when he was 15. He's expected to set up residency in the Dominican Republic before his agent Jaime Torres shows him off to prospective teams.

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Just Call me Coach

Tino Martinez most definitely did not want to be a coach once he retired from baseball. Simply put, he thought it would be boring. But that's all changed now. In his 2nd year as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of South Florida and in his 1st season as a Yankees spring training instructor, Tino has found a new calling.

"Now that I've gotten involved in it," said Martinez, 40, "I've enjoyed it so much that I definitely want to continue."

Tink has always had a tremendous work ethic and it can only pay off in positives for the Yankees.

"Everything I've heard about Tino from my staff has all been positive," general manager Brian Cashman said. "He works hard, gets right into it. Some guys who have made the type of money he's made don't seem to make the transition to coach well, but he has dug his teeth in."

Cashman plans on having Tino visit the minor league affiliates during the season to work the organization's young players.

This spring, the BamTino has worked extensively with the plethora of players looking to snare some playing time at 1st Base, chief among them Shelley Duncan. They've worked on both the physical and mental aspects of the position.

"Last year Donnie [Mattingly] did a lot for me, and I will forever be grateful for all the work he put in," Duncan said. "Now, with Tino coming in and doing all this work with me, it's icing on the top. It's exactly what I needed."

And of course Tino's old pals like Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada love having him back in camp.

"I think what people miss the most is the fellas," Posada said. "You miss being around the guys, talking to them. Me and Derek enjoy having him around. We're such good friends with him.

Posada, for one, doesn't think it will be long for Tino takes on a bigger role within the organization. The Yankees would be very lucky to have him.

Source: Newsday

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How Not to Make the Bullpen

The ugly game in Sarasota just got uglier. Darrell Rasner surrendered a grand slam to Edwin Encarnacion and the Yankees now trail 10-0 after 4. The Yankees have just 2 hits, both of them doubles by Johnny Damon.

Chien-Ming Wang spoke to the media; per Peter Abraham, Wang was trying to throw his slider too hard, so it hung up in the zone.

Don't do that, Wanger.

Tino Martinez threw BP today. Maybe he should get out there.

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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.

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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)

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Call it in the Air

It may not be the most scientific approach to setting up a pitching rotation, but the Yankees literally flipped a coin to determine who would start the exhibition opener against the University of South Florida on Friday.

Joba Chamberlain won the Yankees' version of the Oscar and will get the starting assignment. Fans in attendance will get a rare treat- the chance to see Joba, Ian Kennedy, and Phil Hughes all pitch in the same game.

The game, which will not be televised, affords a unique opportunity for Tino Martinez. The Bamtino is in his first season as a spring training instructor for the Yankees, and is in his second season as volunteer assistant coach for the the university. Tino's brother in-law, Lelo Prado is the head coach at USF.

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Now Batting...

Ah, I miss Paulie or Tino coming up with Baba O'Riley playing.

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Thursday Hot Stove

While Johan Santana is still a Minnesota Twin, Andruw Jones, an Atlanta Brave for 12 years, is now an LA Dodger. Jones agreed to a 2-year, $36.2 million deal, that includes a no-trade clause. Jones' deal makes him the 5th highest player per season. Source

The Astros are on the verge of a major deal- at least that's what they're telling other teams. They've been shopping Chris Burke and Luke Scott, but there are no other details. Source

Anyone who is a regular on this site knows how much we can't stand Tony LaRussa. His words yesterday were another example of why that is. The Cardinals have been trying to deal Scott Rolen for a few reasons- fairly large contract, prone to injury, and his utter distaste for LaRussa. Rolen isn't the 1st player to feel that way about the self-centered jack ass (oops, did we say that out loud?). But this may be the 1st time LaRussa has taken a shot at the player in the press, rather than have one of his cronies from the St. Louis Dispatch do it, which happened with Tino Martinez. Source

As for the rift with Rolen, La Russa said, "I can't remember ever being the combination of mystified and concerned as I am about this situation."

La Russa admitted hostilities began after Rolen expressed unhappiness over the way he was treated while suffering shoulder problems last year but indicated the veteran third-sacker was off-base.

"I think he has put some things in his mind, and I think he needs to understand that our Cardinals have given him a lot since he's gotten there. He's been given a contract, he's been given a couple of World Series, he's been given a world championship, been a part of it, and he's given back some. But he needs to give back more."

As for Rolen's desire to be traded, La Russa said, "The whole idea isn't to please Scott. It's to take care of the St. Louis Cardinals. I don't understand why he can be down on the Cardinals. I don't understand why he can be down on me, to be honest.

"The idea is to accommodate the St. Louis Cardinals, our team, our responsibility to our players and to the competition. So, no, I don't want to accomodate(sic) Scott.

"What I care about is that he re-establish his stature as a major league, productive star. He needs to understand that he has slipped. Not in his play, but just in the way he's perceived in being the Scott they knew for years. It's in his best interests, and I think that means a lot to him. He can play mad every day if he wants to. That's OK."

The Orioles continue to market Brian Roberts and have had extensive talks with the Cubs. It really makes no sense to deal Roberts and hang on to Miguel Tejada. Source

The Rangers acquired 1st Baseman/DH Chris Shelton from the Tigers last night for Freddy Guzman. Shelton burst on to the scene 3 seasons ago, hitting 18 home runs in less than 400 at-bats. But after hitting 10 home runs in April of '06, he faded and was sent to the minors where he played all of this past season. Source

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A December to Remember

It remains to be seen whether or not the Yankees will pull off a deal at this week's winter meetings that will have a major impact on the coming season and season beyond. But lets take a look back at some of the best off-season trades the Yankees made in the last 40 years.

Graig Nettles - One of the key players to the Yankees return to contention in the 1970s. Nettles was sent to the Yankees along with catcher John Moses on November 27, 1972. In return the Indians received John Ellis, Jerry Kenney, Charlie Spikes, and Rusty Torres. The deal turned out to be highway robbery.

Sparky Lyle - The deal was actually triggered during spring training of 1972. The Yankees sent 1st Baseman Danny Cater to the Red Sox for the reliever who would help turn the future around, not only with his own pitching, but by helping Ron Guidry with his slider. The Yankees would add Mario Guerrero to the deal in June. No matter how you slice it, a steal.

Paul O'Neill - November 3, 1992. Roberto Kelly was an up and coming centerfiedler for the Yankees, but there were still a number of holes in his game. O'Neill was already a fiery competitor whose game was perfectly suited for the Big Apple. It was a 2 for 1 deal. No, not 2 Yankees. Reds minor league catcher Joe DeBerry accompanied O'Neill to NYC. Remarkable!

Mickey Rivers and Ed Figueroa - When they were acquired from the Angels for Bobby Bonds in December of 1975, no one knew too much about them other than Rivers' speed. Rivers, along with Willie Randoph solidified the top of the lineup, and Figueroa became a guy you could count on in the starting rotation.

Tino Martinez - His intense commitment to the game, along with O'Neill's, would help drive the Yankees to their dynasty in the late '90s. The Yankees sent Russ Davis and Sterling Hitchcock to the Mariners on December 7th (Tino's birthday), 1995 for Martinez and pitcher Jim Mecir.

Joe Girardi - Another intense competitor that helped stabilize the Yankees pitching staff during their great run. Picked up from the Rockies for reliever Mike DeJean.

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