Around the Horn - 3/31

Nice try kid. They kept ya out of school for nothing.

Plenty of opening days did go off today, and last night. How about Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals breaking in the new ball park with a walk off home run last night against the Braves.

It only took the Tigers Miguel Cabrera two at-bats to hit his first American League home run. Justin Verlander only allowed 1 hit through 5 innings, then blew a 3-0 lead. The game is now in extra innings.

The White Sox Mark Buehrle must be looking for a do over. The Indians tagged him for 7 runs in just 2 2-3 innings. Jim Thome has smacked a pair of 2-run homers off of C.C. Sabathia. Thome had been 0-11 against him entering the game.

Around the Horn - 3/31

Nice try kid. They kept ya out of school for nothing.

Plenty of opening days did go off today, and last night. How about Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals breaking in the new ball park with a walk off home run last night against the Braves.

It only took the Tigers Miguel Cabrera two at-bats to hit his first American League home run. Justin Verlander only allowed 1 hit through 5 innings, then blew a 3-0 lead. The game is now in extra innings.

The White Sox Mark Buehrle must be looking for a do over. The Indians tagged him for 7 runs in just 2 2-3 innings. Jim Thome has smacked a pair of 2-run homers off of C.C. Sabathia. Thome had been 0-11 against him entering the game.

Game Off

All that anticipation and the game has been called because of rain. They figured there would be a window of opportunity today, but it never happened.

The opener will now be Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m.. But at least now most of us will be home to see it.

Who'll stop the rain?

Game Off

All that anticipation and the game has been called because of rain. They figured there would be a window of opportunity today, but it never happened.

The opener will now be Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m.. But at least now most of us will be home to see it.

Who'll stop the rain?

The Daily Yankeeland

Andy Pettitte and Ian Kennedy through a minor league intrasquad game against each other back in Tampa yesterday. Pettitte felt good and reached his goal of 77 pitches. He threw six scoreless innings of 1 hit ball, walking 1, and struck out 6. Kennedy threw 75 pitches in throwing 5 shutout innings. He allowed 4 hits, 1 walk, and struck out 5.

Robinson Cano, Chien-Ming Wang, and Jason Giambi are on our roto baseball team.

Bobby Murcer is still recuperating from a procedure earlier this month and won't be in attendance today. He's expected back soon though.

This is the first opening day with a new Yankees manager since Joe Torre came on the scene in 1996.

The NY Times' Tyler Kepner has a piece on the Yankees, "the more things change, the more they stay the same" attitude. "Win now or else" is still the motto.

The NY Post's Filip Bondy (still a weird looking dude) talks to the Bleacher Creatures about the Stadium. They want to stay right where they are.

The Yankees have won their last 10 home openers. They haven't opened against the Blue Jays during that stretch.

Today's anthem will be sung by the West Point Glee Club and the West Point Cadet Color Guard will present the American flag. Two F-18 fighter jets will also do a fly over. No eagle and no Ronan Tynan (though he could have God Bless America in the 7th) ? Pre-game ceremonies start at 12:40 p.m.

This will be Derek Jeter's 12 opening day start, surpassing Phil Rizzuto for the team record at shortstop.

The Yankees haven't had a lot of success against Roy Halladay (10-4, 2.99 in 26 games, 24 starts). Robinson Cano (5-13, .385, 2 HR), Johnny Damon (22-67, .328, 1 HR), Jason Giambi (17-54, .315, 3 HR), and Jorge Posada (12-37, .324, 1 HR) would be the exceptions. This is Halladay's 6th straight opening day start. He's 2-2, 4.09 in the previous 5.

Chien-Ming Wang is 3-2, 4.20 against the Blue Jays in 7 career starts. His ERA is higher from the 2.2 inning, 8 run fiasco he had last August. Aaron Hill (9-14, .643), Matt Stairs (4-10, .400), and Vernon Wells (6-16, .375) have done well against him.

The Daily Yankeeland

Andy Pettitte and Ian Kennedy through a minor league intrasquad game against each other back in Tampa yesterday. Pettitte felt good and reached his goal of 77 pitches. He threw six scoreless innings of 1 hit ball, walking 1, and struck out 6. Kennedy threw 75 pitches in throwing 5 shutout innings. He allowed 4 hits, 1 walk, and struck out 5.

Robinson Cano, Chien-Ming Wang, and Jason Giambi are on our roto baseball team.

Bobby Murcer is still recuperating from a procedure earlier this month and won't be in attendance today. He's expected back soon though.

This is the first opening day with a new Yankees manager since Joe Torre came on the scene in 1996.

The NY Times' Tyler Kepner has a piece on the Yankees, "the more things change, the more they stay the same" attitude. "Win now or else" is still the motto.

The NY Post's Filip Bondy (still a weird looking dude) talks to the Bleacher Creatures about the Stadium. They want to stay right where they are.

The Yankees have won their last 10 home openers. They haven't opened against the Blue Jays during that stretch.

Today's anthem will be sung by the West Point Glee Club and the West Point Cadet Color Guard will present the American flag. Two F-18 fighter jets will also do a fly over. No eagle and no Ronan Tynan (though he could have God Bless America in the 7th) ? Pre-game ceremonies start at 12:40 p.m.

This will be Derek Jeter's 12 opening day start, surpassing Phil Rizzuto for the team record at shortstop.

The Yankees haven't had a lot of success against Roy Halladay (10-4, 2.99 in 26 games, 24 starts). Robinson Cano (5-13, .385, 2 HR), Johnny Damon (22-67, .328, 1 HR), Jason Giambi (17-54, .315, 3 HR), and Jorge Posada (12-37, .324, 1 HR) would be the exceptions. This is Halladay's 6th straight opening day start. He's 2-2, 4.09 in the previous 5.

Chien-Ming Wang is 3-2, 4.20 against the Blue Jays in 7 career starts. His ERA is higher from the 2.2 inning, 8 run fiasco he had last August. Aaron Hill (9-14, .643), Matt Stairs (4-10, .400), and Vernon Wells (6-16, .375) have done well against him.

You Like the Yankees Chances

First off we want to thank our readers for our latest poll results. 118 of you answered the poll, which is a new all-time high for My Pinstripes. :)

21% of you felt the Yankees will top the 100 victory mark. We found that a little surprising considering the newness of the pitching staff and the uncertainty of the bullpen. The team hasn't won 100 games since a streak of 3 straight seasons from 2002-2004.

31% of you felt the team would pick up 96-99 victories.

25% of you agreed with us on the 93-95 range.

10% said 90-92.

Then come the naysayers, Mets fans, and Yankees haters ;)

4% said 85-89 wins and 9% voted for less than 85 wins.

You Like the Yankees Chances

First off we want to thank our readers for our latest poll results. 118 of you answered the poll, which is a new all-time high for My Pinstripes. :)

21% of you felt the Yankees will top the 100 victory mark. We found that a little surprising considering the newness of the pitching staff and the uncertainty of the bullpen. The team hasn't won 100 games since a streak of 3 straight seasons from 2002-2004.

31% of you felt the team would pick up 96-99 victories.

25% of you agreed with us on the 93-95 range.

10% said 90-92.

Then come the naysayers, Mets fans, and Yankees haters ;)

4% said 85-89 wins and 9% voted for less than 85 wins.

Rain on the Scarecrow

Opening day is here and the weather is not beautiful. We have a steady light rain falling in western Jersey right now; temp is 40. In the Bronx its mostly cloudy and 45 and there's a 60% chance of rain. Rain is actually more annoying than snow. You may recall that in 1996 it snowed during the opener against Kansas City.

Mr. October does March- Reggie Jackson will be throwing out the first pitch today. A great slugger, a Hall of Fame inductee...but he's not Yogi or Whitey. Goose Gossage just got inducted in the Hall so you would think even he might be the one. Reggie probably campaigned for it.

For those of you too young remember, Reggie was, and probably still is, a piece of work. There are lot of people who are rubbed the wrong way by Alex Rodriguez. They feel there is something phony about his personality and/or he tries to please too many people. Well compared to Reggie, A-Rod is a saint.

Reggie played with a huge chip on his shoulder and they only person he tried to please was himself. A great player on the field, a jerk off of it. The ESPN mini-series, "The Bronx is Burning", only gave you a small insight into Reggie's personality.

Steins in the House - All the Steinbrenner boys, George, Hank, and Hal are expected to be in attendance for today's final season opener in "the" Yankee Stadium.

Emotions Running High - Derek Jeter is one of the most calm, cool, and reserved players, but he's expecting today to be very emotional.

"This year will be emotional," Jeter said. "I really don't know what to expect, but you'll take a look around and try to remember as many things as you can.

"This being the last Opening Day in Yankee Stadium, I'm sure people will let it soak in a little bit more. It's going to be a special year."

They say it's your Birthday - It's an extra special day for Chien-Ming Wang. Besides getting the opening day assignment, today is The Wanger's 28th birthday.

"To be the Opening Day starter is the best birthday gift I could have," Wang said yesterday.

Game 1 of 162 - Play Ball!

Speaking of "Rain on the Scarecrow"

Rain on the Scarecrow

Opening day is here and the weather is not beautiful. We have a steady light rain falling in western Jersey right now; temp is 40. In the Bronx its mostly cloudy and 45 and there's a 60% chance of rain. Rain is actually more annoying than snow. You may recall that in 1996 it snowed during the opener against Kansas City.

Mr. October does March- Reggie Jackson will be throwing out the first pitch today. A great slugger, a Hall of Fame inductee...but he's not Yogi or Whitey. Goose Gossage just got inducted in the Hall so you would think even he might be the one. Reggie probably campaigned for it.

For those of you too young remember, Reggie was, and probably still is, a piece of work. There are lot of people who are rubbed the wrong way by Alex Rodriguez. They feel there is something phony about his personality and/or he tries to please too many people. Well compared to Reggie, A-Rod is a saint.

Reggie played with a huge chip on his shoulder and they only person he tried to please was himself. A great player on the field, a jerk off of it. The ESPN mini-series, "The Bronx is Burning", only gave you a small insight into Reggie's personality.

Steins in the House - All the Steinbrenner boys, George, Hank, and Hal are expected to be in attendance for today's final season opener in "the" Yankee Stadium.

Emotions Running High - Derek Jeter is one of the most calm, cool, and reserved players, but he's expecting today to be very emotional.

"This year will be emotional," Jeter said. "I really don't know what to expect, but you'll take a look around and try to remember as many things as you can.

"This being the last Opening Day in Yankee Stadium, I'm sure people will let it soak in a little bit more. It's going to be a special year."

They say it's your Birthday - It's an extra special day for Chien-Ming Wang. Besides getting the opening day assignment, today is The Wanger's 28th birthday.

"To be the Opening Day starter is the best birthday gift I could have," Wang said yesterday.

Game 1 of 162 - Play Ball!

Speaking of "Rain on the Scarecrow"

Another Opening Another Show

It's here baby! In a little over 12 hours from now Opening Day will have arrived in the Bronx. The final opening day in the grand old place. Thanks to Brian Heyman and Peter Abraham, here are tomorrow's starting lineups.

Blue Jays
Eckstein SS
Stairs or Stewart LF
Rios RF
Wells CF
Thomas DH
Overbay 1B
Hill 2B
Scutaro 3B
Zaun C
Halladay P

Yankees
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Matsui DH
Cabrera CF
Wang P

GO YANKEES!

Another Opening Another Show

It's here baby! In a little over 12 hours from now Opening Day will have arrived in the Bronx. The final opening day in the grand old place. Thanks to Brian Heyman and Peter Abraham, here are tomorrow's starting lineups.

Blue Jays
Eckstein SS
Stairs or Stewart LF
Rios RF
Wells CF
Thomas DH
Overbay 1B
Hill 2B
Scutaro 3B
Zaun C
Halladay P

Yankees
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Matsui DH
Cabrera CF
Wang P

GO YANKEES!

Verducci Picks Yankees to Win AL East

He may still be on the Steinbrenner's shit list after his defense of Joe Torre in print, but Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci has picked the Yankees to win the American League's East division.

Two GMs told me this is the year the Yankees don't make the postseason, one of them going so far as to say they'll finish third, behind Boston and Toronto. I'm not buying it. The Yankees have so much talent it would take a multitude of worst-case scenarios to cut them low: Andy Pettitte breaks down, Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui and, most critically, Jorge Posada all decline significantly because of age, and kid pitchers Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy aren't ready to carry a full season of New York's physical and psychological load. Is all of that going to happen? No.

Boston seems more prone to a fallback, if only because recent world champions seem to be handed a tax bill the following season -- and if it hits Josh Beckett, look out. Toronto is intriguing, but there's a huge difference between 87 wins and the 94 you need to play with the big boys in the East. The Jays are not in that weight class.

We like his thinking even though we don't agree with it completely. But that's a story for another day.

Verducci Picks Yankees to Win AL East

He may still be on the Steinbrenner's shit list after his defense of Joe Torre in print, but Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci has picked the Yankees to win the American League's East division.

Two GMs told me this is the year the Yankees don't make the postseason, one of them going so far as to say they'll finish third, behind Boston and Toronto. I'm not buying it. The Yankees have so much talent it would take a multitude of worst-case scenarios to cut them low: Andy Pettitte breaks down, Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui and, most critically, Jorge Posada all decline significantly because of age, and kid pitchers Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy aren't ready to carry a full season of New York's physical and psychological load. Is all of that going to happen? No.

Boston seems more prone to a fallback, if only because recent world champions seem to be handed a tax bill the following season -- and if it hits Josh Beckett, look out. Toronto is intriguing, but there's a huge difference between 87 wins and the 94 you need to play with the big boys in the East. The Jays are not in that weight class.

We like his thinking even though we don't agree with it completely. But that's a story for another day.

Moose Comes Back to Earth

Alex Rodriguez enjoyed a great homecoming in front of 30,000 plus fans with a home run and 2 RBI, but Mike Mussina wasn't so happy afterwards. Moose got tagged for 5.1 earned runs in 5 innings as the Yankees lost to the Florida Marlins, 5-3.

Five seems to be the number of the night as Mussina also allowed 5 hits. Two of them were home runs by former Met, Mike Jacobs. Andrew Miller, acquired in the Miguel Cabrera trade, upped to his spring record to 3-0, with 5 innings of 3 run ball.

Derek Jeter and A-Rod each doubled in a run in the 3rd inning when the Yankees took their only lead of the night, 2-1. Trailing 4-2 in the 5th, A-Rod hit his 4th home run of the spring for the Yankees final tally.

LaTroy Hawkins retired both batters he faced to extend his scoreless spring to 8.2 innings. Jeter, Johnny Damon, and Jason Giambi had 2 hits each.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	3	1	2	0	0	1	0	.245
Matsui, LF	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.343
Jeter, SS	4	1	2	1	0	0	2	.280
Betemit, 1B	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	.154
Abreu, RF	4	0	0	0	0	3	2	.349
Ransom, SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.282
Rodriguez, A, 3B	3	1	2	2	1	1	1	.452
1-Green, PR-3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.179
Giambi, 1B	4	0	2	0	0	1	1	.395
2-Porter, PR-RF	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.250
Posada, C	3	0	1	0	0	1	2	.244
Molina, C	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.342
Cano, 2B	2	0	0	0	2	0	2	.452
Castro, B, 2B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Duncan, DH	3	0	1	0	0	0	4	.362
a-Ensberg, PH-DH	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.234
Cabrera, CF	4	0	0	0	0	1	4	.304
Lane, CF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.222
Totals	37	3	10	3	4	10	22
a-Walked for Duncan in the 8th. 1-Ran for Rodriguez, A in the 7th. 2-Ran for Giambi in the 7th.
BATTING 2B: Damon 2 (7, Miller, A, Miller, A), Jeter (5, Miller, A), Rodriguez, A (5, Miller, A). HR: Rodriguez, A (4, 5th inning off Miller, A, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Damon 4; Jeter 3; Rodriguez, A 6; Giambi 2; Posada; Duncan. RBI: Jeter (2), Rodriguez, A 2 (10). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cabrera; Posada; Jeter 2; Duncan; Cano; Betemit. Team LOB: 11.

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Mussina (L, 0-1)	5.1	5	5	5	1	2	2	6.00
Hawkins	0.2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Albaladejo	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	3.86
Ramirez	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	4.32

HBP: Willingham (by Mussina).
Pitches-strikes: Mussina 73-48, Hawkins 8-5, Albaladejo 11-8, Ramirez 12-8.
Ground outs-fly outs: Mussina 2-11, Hawkins 0-2, Albaladejo 1-1, Ramirez 1-1.
Batters faced: Mussina 22, Hawkins 3, Albaladejo 4, Ramirez 4.
Umpires: HP: James Hoye. 1B: Ed Rapuano. 2B: Angel Hernandez. 3B: Mike Estabrook.
Weather: 74 degrees, clear.
Wind: 10 mph, In from CF.
T: 2:31.
Att: 30,227.

Moose Comes Back to Earth

Alex Rodriguez enjoyed a great homecoming in front of 30,000 plus fans with a home run and 2 RBI, but Mike Mussina wasn't so happy afterwards. Moose got tagged for 5.1 earned runs in 5 innings as the Yankees lost to the Florida Marlins, 5-3.

Five seems to be the number of the night as Mussina also allowed 5 hits. Two of them were home runs by former Met, Mike Jacobs. Andrew Miller, acquired in the Miguel Cabrera trade, upped to his spring record to 3-0, with 5 innings of 3 run ball.

Derek Jeter and A-Rod each doubled in a run in the 3rd inning when the Yankees took their only lead of the night, 2-1. Trailing 4-2 in the 5th, A-Rod hit his 4th home run of the spring for the Yankees final tally.

LaTroy Hawkins retired both batters he faced to extend his scoreless spring to 8.2 innings. Jeter, Johnny Damon, and Jason Giambi had 2 hits each.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	3	1	2	0	0	1	0	.245
Matsui, LF	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.343
Jeter, SS	4	1	2	1	0	0	2	.280
Betemit, 1B	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	.154
Abreu, RF	4	0	0	0	0	3	2	.349
Ransom, SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.282
Rodriguez, A, 3B	3	1	2	2	1	1	1	.452
1-Green, PR-3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.179
Giambi, 1B	4	0	2	0	0	1	1	.395
2-Porter, PR-RF	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.250
Posada, C	3	0	1	0	0	1	2	.244
Molina, C	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.342
Cano, 2B	2	0	0	0	2	0	2	.452
Castro, B, 2B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Duncan, DH	3	0	1	0	0	0	4	.362
a-Ensberg, PH-DH	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.234
Cabrera, CF	4	0	0	0	0	1	4	.304
Lane, CF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.222
Totals	37	3	10	3	4	10	22
a-Walked for Duncan in the 8th. 1-Ran for Rodriguez, A in the 7th. 2-Ran for Giambi in the 7th.
BATTING 2B: Damon 2 (7, Miller, A, Miller, A), Jeter (5, Miller, A), Rodriguez, A (5, Miller, A). HR: Rodriguez, A (4, 5th inning off Miller, A, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Damon 4; Jeter 3; Rodriguez, A 6; Giambi 2; Posada; Duncan. RBI: Jeter (2), Rodriguez, A 2 (10). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cabrera; Posada; Jeter 2; Duncan; Cano; Betemit. Team LOB: 11.

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Mussina (L, 0-1)	5.1	5	5	5	1	2	2	6.00
Hawkins	0.2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Albaladejo	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	3.86
Ramirez	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	4.32

HBP: Willingham (by Mussina).
Pitches-strikes: Mussina 73-48, Hawkins 8-5, Albaladejo 11-8, Ramirez 12-8.
Ground outs-fly outs: Mussina 2-11, Hawkins 0-2, Albaladejo 1-1, Ramirez 1-1.
Batters faced: Mussina 22, Hawkins 3, Albaladejo 4, Ramirez 4.
Umpires: HP: James Hoye. 1B: Ed Rapuano. 2B: Angel Hernandez. 3B: Mike Estabrook.
Weather: 74 degrees, clear.
Wind: 10 mph, In from CF.
T: 2:31.
Att: 30,227.

Show Me the Money

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reports that Jose Canseco's ex- has nothing to do with the sleazebag's hatred of A-Rod. But rather it's all about the Benjamins. Apparently Canseco and his twin moron brother Ozzie wanted to represent A-Rod, but Rodriguez wisely declined.

However, people who were close confidants of Canseco insist the actual reason the ex-ballplayer despises A-Rod has nothing to do with Canseco's former wife but regards Canseco's true passion, which, of course, is money.

Those former confidants told SI.com the rift between the two Miami-raised superstars actually occurred when Rodriguez chose not to let Canseco and his brother, Ozzie, be his agents. Those former confidants say Canseco was bitterly disappointed in A-Rod's business rejection.

"I know Jose, and I know Jose very well. He would be madder at A-Rod for not signing with the agency than for going after Jessica,'' said Juan Iglesias, a well-respected Miami-based player agent and former business associate of Canseco's.

"At that time, Jose wanted to focus on his professional life. He and his wife were struggling throughout the '90's and into the 2000's. At that time, they were in the process of getting divorced. Jose was in a disrespectful situation and was with other women.''

Yet another former close confidant of Canseco's agreed that the rift had nothing to do with Jessica and instead came about when Canseco lost the client he thought would make a success out of his fledgling South Florida Sports Council, which instead became another of Canseco's failed business ventures. "That's where the animosity comes from,'' the former Canseco confidant said.

In Canseco's new book (should it even be allowed to be called a book), super-roid writes to A-Rod, "I hate your (bleeping) guts.''

Iglesias went on to refute Canseco's claims that A-Rod was a steroid user/abuser.

"Alex was a gentleman with the guy. If he says that about [Rodriguez], I hate to think what he says about me,'' Iglesias said. "I never heard one word about him going after Jose's wife. Never. Not one word. And I would have heard that. We were personal friends.''

Iglesias said he watched Canseco calling out A-Rod on Nightline this week and he couldn't believe what he was hearing. But having lived through it with him, he did believe it.

"The whole thing with A-Rod is absolutely false,'' said Iglesias, who recalled that the Cansecos and A-Rod doubled dated at the 1995 Super Bowl in Miami. "Jose didn't write it in his first book, and Jessica didn't write it in her book. And she talked about everybody she [had a relationship with]. If A-Rod had anything to do with her, that's [a] headline and that would have been in the book.''

It's simply amazing that anyone can write a book and say anything they want about anyone and in many cases won't be sued. A lawsuit might just sell more books and that would not be in the interest of Alex Rodriguez or anyone else. Even if it means being vindicated.

Show Me the Money

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reports that Jose Canseco's ex- has nothing to do with the sleazebag's hatred of A-Rod. But rather it's all about the Benjamins. Apparently Canseco and his twin moron brother Ozzie wanted to represent A-Rod, but Rodriguez wisely declined.

However, people who were close confidants of Canseco insist the actual reason the ex-ballplayer despises A-Rod has nothing to do with Canseco's former wife but regards Canseco's true passion, which, of course, is money.

Those former confidants told SI.com the rift between the two Miami-raised superstars actually occurred when Rodriguez chose not to let Canseco and his brother, Ozzie, be his agents. Those former confidants say Canseco was bitterly disappointed in A-Rod's business rejection.

"I know Jose, and I know Jose very well. He would be madder at A-Rod for not signing with the agency than for going after Jessica,'' said Juan Iglesias, a well-respected Miami-based player agent and former business associate of Canseco's.

"At that time, Jose wanted to focus on his professional life. He and his wife were struggling throughout the '90's and into the 2000's. At that time, they were in the process of getting divorced. Jose was in a disrespectful situation and was with other women.''

Yet another former close confidant of Canseco's agreed that the rift had nothing to do with Jessica and instead came about when Canseco lost the client he thought would make a success out of his fledgling South Florida Sports Council, which instead became another of Canseco's failed business ventures. "That's where the animosity comes from,'' the former Canseco confidant said.

In Canseco's new book (should it even be allowed to be called a book), super-roid writes to A-Rod, "I hate your (bleeping) guts.''

Iglesias went on to refute Canseco's claims that A-Rod was a steroid user/abuser.

"Alex was a gentleman with the guy. If he says that about [Rodriguez], I hate to think what he says about me,'' Iglesias said. "I never heard one word about him going after Jose's wife. Never. Not one word. And I would have heard that. We were personal friends.''

Iglesias said he watched Canseco calling out A-Rod on Nightline this week and he couldn't believe what he was hearing. But having lived through it with him, he did believe it.

"The whole thing with A-Rod is absolutely false,'' said Iglesias, who recalled that the Cansecos and A-Rod doubled dated at the 1995 Super Bowl in Miami. "Jose didn't write it in his first book, and Jessica didn't write it in her book. And she talked about everybody she [had a relationship with]. If A-Rod had anything to do with her, that's [a] headline and that would have been in the book.''

It's simply amazing that anyone can write a book and say anything they want about anyone and in many cases won't be sued. A lawsuit might just sell more books and that would not be in the interest of Alex Rodriguez or anyone else. Even if it means being vindicated.

Opening Day Roster Set

The question has finally been answered. The long man in the Yankees bullpen is.....NO ONE. Darrell Rasner and Kei Igawa were all reassigned to the minor leagues and Jeff Karstens was placed on the 15-day DL. Brian Bruney made the pen as expected, but with Andy Pettitte DL'ed retroactive to last Saturday, both Ross Ohlendorf (pictured to the left) and Jon Albaladejo made the team.

In addition to the 3 long men, Scott Patterson, Nick Green, Edwar Ramirez, and Jose Veras were all sent down to the minors.

Girardi said making the cuts “was brutal” and he praised the spring that Patterson had. But his lack of big-league experience was a factor. Patterson looked crushed afterward.

Patterson has to get up here at some point. He's too good to overlook. Once Pettitte comes off the DL next week, either Ohlendorf or Albaladejo will be ticketed for Scranton. Joe Girardi also said there will be a long man in the pen at some point.

Opening Day Roster Set

The question has finally been answered. The long man in the Yankees bullpen is.....NO ONE. Darrell Rasner and Kei Igawa were all reassigned to the minor leagues and Jeff Karstens was placed on the 15-day DL. Brian Bruney made the pen as expected, but with Andy Pettitte DL'ed retroactive to last Saturday, both Ross Ohlendorf (pictured to the left) and Jon Albaladejo made the team.

In addition to the 3 long men, Scott Patterson, Nick Green, Edwar Ramirez, and Jose Veras were all sent down to the minors.

Girardi said making the cuts “was brutal” and he praised the spring that Patterson had. But his lack of big-league experience was a factor. Patterson looked crushed afterward.

Patterson has to get up here at some point. He's too good to overlook. Once Pettitte comes off the DL next week, either Ohlendorf or Albaladejo will be ticketed for Scranton. Joe Girardi also said there will be a long man in the pen at some point.

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.”

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.”

Please Don't Forget Joe

We're not talking about Joe Torre. TheBigLead tipped us off to this sad story about the widow of pitcher Joe Kennedy trying to cope with her loss. Our heart breaks for her.

Read it Here.

Please Don't Forget Joe

We're not talking about Joe Torre. TheBigLead tipped us off to this sad story about the widow of pitcher Joe Kennedy trying to cope with her loss. Our heart breaks for her.

Read it Here.

Fantasy Baseball Anyone?

We've got our league's (in its 13th year) draft/auction on Sunday. But we've received a number of emails asking us to run a "My Pinstripes League". If we have enough participants we would be glad to do it. If interested email us at mantlemurcer@yahoo.com.

BILLY JOEL "Sometimes A Fantasy"

Fantasy Baseball Anyone?

We've got our league's (in its 13th year) draft/auction on Sunday. But we've received a number of emails asking us to run a "My Pinstripes League". If we have enough participants we would be glad to do it. If interested email us at mantlemurcer@yahoo.com.

BILLY JOEL "Sometimes A Fantasy"

Master Motivator

Brian McNamee is telling kids "don't do what I did" as part of his "penance" for distributing/using steroids and generally being an a-hole. McNamee met with a small number of work out buffs in Everett, Massachuesetts, warning them of the perils of performance enhancing drugs.

“My lifetime of actions can be defined by one singular monumental mistake,” he said in a 12-minute talk at a friend’s supplement store. “I believe firmly that everyone deserves a second chance. Every second chance needs a first step. Today, I’m taking that first step.”

“You have to be careful what you get yourself involved in,” he said. “The best guide is to go with your gut feeling. If it doesn’t feel right, you probably shouldn’t be going.”

Master Motivator

Brian McNamee is telling kids "don't do what I did" as part of his "penance" for distributing/using steroids and generally being an a-hole. McNamee met with a small number of work out buffs in Everett, Massachuesetts, warning them of the perils of performance enhancing drugs.

“My lifetime of actions can be defined by one singular monumental mistake,” he said in a 12-minute talk at a friend’s supplement store. “I believe firmly that everyone deserves a second chance. Every second chance needs a first step. Today, I’m taking that first step.”

“You have to be careful what you get yourself involved in,” he said. “The best guide is to go with your gut feeling. If it doesn’t feel right, you probably shouldn’t be going.”

Duncan 2008's First Award Winner

Shelley Duncan is the recipient of the James P. Dawson Award, given annually to the top Yankees prospect in spring training. The award is named after the late NY Times sportswriter who died during spring training in 1953.

LoHud's Peter Abraham had the honor of presenting Duncan with the award. Duncan reacted like you would expect him to.

“This is cool, dude,” Shelley said. “Awesome.”

Though some winners have gone on to win Rookie of the Year or had great careers, we remember many winners in the late '60s and the '70s that never amounted to anything as ball players. We're sure that Duncan will be one of the successful ones.

Duncan received a commemorative watch from William Barthman Jewelers as part of the celebration.

"I always need a new watch," Duncan said. "It's funny. You can joke around and say, 'Some people say Spring Training doesn't mean anything.' Well, now it means a watch to me."

Ya gotta love this guy!

Duncan 2008's First Award Winner

Shelley Duncan is the recipient of the James P. Dawson Award, given annually to the top Yankees prospect in spring training. The award is named after the late NY Times sportswriter who died during spring training in 1953.

LoHud's Peter Abraham had the honor of presenting Duncan with the award. Duncan reacted like you would expect him to.

“This is cool, dude,” Shelley said. “Awesome.”

Though some winners have gone on to win Rookie of the Year or had great careers, we remember many winners in the late '60s and the '70s that never amounted to anything as ball players. We're sure that Duncan will be one of the successful ones.

Duncan received a commemorative watch from William Barthman Jewelers as part of the celebration.

"I always need a new watch," Duncan said. "It's funny. You can joke around and say, 'Some people say Spring Training doesn't mean anything.' Well, now it means a watch to me."

Ya gotta love this guy!

Let it be Monday

Not that we want to rush the weekend away, but start the season already. Another boring loss to the Pirates today. Another poor performance by Kei Igawa. 5 hits from the offense, 2 of them in the 9th. Derek Jeter and Nick Green hit solo homers for the 2 runs. On the upside, the bullpen was outstanding, though Jeff Karstens appeared to have pulled a groin muscle.

George must be pissed that he has to wait until next year for a win in his self-named park.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, DH	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.217
a-Brown, PH-DH	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	.200
Jeter, SS	2	1	1	1	1	0	0	.261
1-Gonzalez, PR-SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.208
Duncan, RF	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	.364
Tabata, J, RF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.100
Rodriguez, A, 3B	2	0	1	0	0	1	0	.436
Green, 3B	2	1	1	1	0	0	0	.185
Posada, C	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.237
Molina, C	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	.351
Matsui, LF	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	.364
Porter, LF	2	0	0	0	0	2	1	.259
Ensberg, 1B	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.234
Ransom, 1B	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.289
Betemit, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	.157
Castro, B, 2B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Cabrera, CF	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.327
Lane, CF	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.222
Totals	31	2	5	2	2	6	7
a-Struck out for Damon in the 8th. 1-Ran for Jeter in the 6th.
BATTING 2B: Molina (4, Grabow). HR: Jeter (1, 1st inning off Gorzelanny, 0 on, 1 out), Green (2, 9th inning off Grabow, 0 on, 2 out). TB: Jeter 4; Rodriguez, A; Green 4; Molina 2; Ransom. RBI: Jeter (1), Green (5). 2-out RBI: Green. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Porter. GIDP: Ensberg. Team LOB: 4. FIELDING E: Ensberg (3, fielding), Ohlendorf (1, pickoff). Outfield assists: Cabrera (Morgan at 2nd base). Pickoffs: Posada (Morgan at 1st base), Molina (Laboy at 2nd base).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Igawa (L, 1-1)	3.1	5	4	4	3	2	0	5.56
Karstens	1.1	1	0	0	0	2	0	8.44
Patterson	1.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Ohlendorf	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1.86
Bruney	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	2.00
Schmidt	1.0	2	1	1	0	1	1	9.00

Ground outs-fly outs: Igawa 7-1, Karstens 0-1, Patterson 2-1, Ohlendorf 2-0,
Bruney 0-1, Schmidt 1-1.
Batters faced: Igawa 19, Karstens 4, Patterson 4, Ohlendorf 3, Bruney 4, Schmidt 5.
Inherited runners-scored: Karstens 2-0, Patterson 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Andy Fletcher. 1B: Dan Bolino. 2B: Scot Chamberlain. 3B: --NO UMP--.
Weather: 73 degrees, sunny.
Wind: 6 mph, Varies.
T: 2:39 (:10 delay).
Att: 10,719.

Let it be Monday

Not that we want to rush the weekend away, but start the season already. Another boring loss to the Pirates today. Another poor performance by Kei Igawa. 5 hits from the offense, 2 of them in the 9th. Derek Jeter and Nick Green hit solo homers for the 2 runs. On the upside, the bullpen was outstanding, though Jeff Karstens appeared to have pulled a groin muscle.

George must be pissed that he has to wait until next year for a win in his self-named park.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, DH	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.217
a-Brown, PH-DH	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	.200
Jeter, SS	2	1	1	1	1	0	0	.261
1-Gonzalez, PR-SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.208
Duncan, RF	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	.364
Tabata, J, RF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.100
Rodriguez, A, 3B	2	0	1	0	0	1	0	.436
Green, 3B	2	1	1	1	0	0	0	.185
Posada, C	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.237
Molina, C	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	.351
Matsui, LF	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	.364
Porter, LF	2	0	0	0	0	2	1	.259
Ensberg, 1B	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.234
Ransom, 1B	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.289
Betemit, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	.157
Castro, B, 2B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Cabrera, CF	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.327
Lane, CF	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.222
Totals	31	2	5	2	2	6	7
a-Struck out for Damon in the 8th. 1-Ran for Jeter in the 6th.
BATTING 2B: Molina (4, Grabow). HR: Jeter (1, 1st inning off Gorzelanny, 0 on, 1 out), Green (2, 9th inning off Grabow, 0 on, 2 out). TB: Jeter 4; Rodriguez, A; Green 4; Molina 2; Ransom. RBI: Jeter (1), Green (5). 2-out RBI: Green. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Porter. GIDP: Ensberg. Team LOB: 4. FIELDING E: Ensberg (3, fielding), Ohlendorf (1, pickoff). Outfield assists: Cabrera (Morgan at 2nd base). Pickoffs: Posada (Morgan at 1st base), Molina (Laboy at 2nd base).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Igawa (L, 1-1)	3.1	5	4	4	3	2	0	5.56
Karstens	1.1	1	0	0	0	2	0	8.44
Patterson	1.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Ohlendorf	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1.86
Bruney	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	2.00
Schmidt	1.0	2	1	1	0	1	1	9.00

Ground outs-fly outs: Igawa 7-1, Karstens 0-1, Patterson 2-1, Ohlendorf 2-0,
Bruney 0-1, Schmidt 1-1.
Batters faced: Igawa 19, Karstens 4, Patterson 4, Ohlendorf 3, Bruney 4, Schmidt 5.
Inherited runners-scored: Karstens 2-0, Patterson 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Andy Fletcher. 1B: Dan Bolino. 2B: Scot Chamberlain. 3B: --NO UMP--.
Weather: 73 degrees, sunny.
Wind: 6 mph, Varies.
T: 2:39 (:10 delay).
Att: 10,719.

4000

Time to forget about the fun of baseball and get serious for a minute. Since the coverage is not what it once was, you may have not heard the other day that Iraq casualty list is now at 4,000 Americans. Let's look at that another way.

4,000

We don't care if you're a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Venutian. Start typing some email or get out some stationary if you prefer and write your Senators and House Reps. Demand that this war of lies be stopped. Threaten to vote against them in their next election (it drives them crazy).

We don't endorse candidates on this site, but you know which presidential candidates would be glad to stay in Iraq for 100 years and which wouldn't.

This war must be stopped now. Mission accomplished, our ass.

Now back to your fun day.

4000

Time to forget about the fun of baseball and get serious for a minute. Since the coverage is not what it once was, you may have not heard the other day that Iraq casualty list is now at 4,000 Americans. Let's look at that another way.

4,000

We don't care if you're a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Venutian. Start typing some email or get out some stationary if you prefer and write your Senators and House Reps. Demand that this war of lies be stopped. Threaten to vote against them in their next election (it drives them crazy).

We don't endorse candidates on this site, but you know which presidential candidates would be glad to stay in Iraq for 100 years and which wouldn't.

This war must be stopped now. Mission accomplished, our ass.

Now back to your fun day.