Is Andy Phillips a Pervert?

That's the question of the day. Actually for the last couple of days. Deadspin reporter A.J. Daulerio brings us the supposed sordid tale of former Yankee, Andy Phillips, (Who may not be the real Andy Phillips) and a porn star (actually we don't know if she's a star, but she's "in the biz".).

As you probably know, Phillips is a deeply religious man, that is devoted to his wife and family, and Alabama football. It's one thing to have an affair, but Phillips is also accused of impersonating several others in emails. "Some silicone sister with a manager mister", Gina Rodriguez (known as Delia in her trade), has filed a police report accusing Phillips fraud.

G-Rod doesn't accuse Phillips of fraud in their romantic encounter. In fact, she says Phillips showed/did several things to prove he was the real deal. But Phillips is accused of sending emails as Carl Pavano (we'll give you a moment to recover from laughing), Greg Dobbs of the Phillies, and agent/possibly make believe agent Jordan Kapler.

There are a couple of things that make you suspicious right off the bat. The email that Phillips supposedly used was 'andy1Bphillips@yahoo.com'. That's right, he put his position in his email address (We wonder if Miss Rodriguez puts her "position" in her email.). But it gets even better. Pavano's email adress was 'CarlPitchPavano@yahoo.com'. You can't make this stuff up...or could you?

Delaurio contacted G-Rod and was given the phone number of the alleged Andy Phillips. The person who answered the call had no idea what was going and didn't know from Andy Phillips.

Delaurio also contacted MLB, which stated an investigation was on-going.

First Andy Pettite, now Andy Phillips. I don't think we could handle another Andy fall from grace. (Why can't they all be like Sherrif Andy Taylor?).

Click here to read A.J. Delaurio's full story.

Yankees vs. Pirates - June 26

The rubber game of the series is tonight in P-burgh and the Yankees need to take this series. You can't be losing back t0 back series to the Reds and Pirates, and expect to go anywhere. Mike Mussina (10-5, 3.93) goes for the Yankees while the Pirates trot out another left-hander, Paul Maholm (5-5, 4.41).

Moose has faced the Pirates once, tossing a complete game shutout in a 9-o win on June 14, 2006 at Yankee Stadium. Four current pirates - Jason Bay, Jack Wilson, Ryan Doumit, and Freddy Sanchez - were in the lineup.

Pirates vs. Mussina

Bay 2-4
Doumit 1-4
Michaels 1-4
Mientkiewicz 4-18
Nady 0-3
Rivas 0-9
Sanchez 0-3
Wilson 0-3

Paul Maholm's one career appearance results in a loss to Roger Clemens, in his first game back, last June 9. Maholm allowed 5 runs, 3 earned, 6 hits, and 5 walks in 5.1 innings pitched.

Yankees vs. Maholm

Abreu 3-7
Cabrera 0-2
Cano 1-3 1 RBI
Damon 1-3
Jeter 1-2
Matsui 0-2
Moeller 0-3
Posada 1-2 1 RBI
Rodriguez 0-2 1 RBI


News and Notes

Andy Phillips designated for assignment by the Reds last week, was claimed on waivers by the Mets last night.

Mark Feinsand of the Daily News reports that Phil Hughes threw 25 pitches from 60 feet in his first day of throwing since going on the DL.

Johnny Damon doesn't think his sore arch will require a trip to the DL.

It's official, Sidney Ponson will be starting the nightcap of Friday's twinbill with the Mets.

Tyler Kepner of the Times has a story on Jorge Posada's appreciation of Roberto Clemente's legacy.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has a story on, former Pirates player and current Yankees coach, Tony Pena's return to Pittsburgh.

Yankees vs. Pirates - June 26

The rubber game of the series is tonight in P-burgh and the Yankees need to take this series. You can't be losing back t0 back series to the Reds and Pirates, and expect to go anywhere. Mike Mussina (10-5, 3.93) goes for the Yankees while the Pirates trot out another left-hander, Paul Maholm (5-5, 4.41).

Moose has faced the Pirates once, tossing a complete game shutout in a 9-o win on June 14, 2006 at Yankee Stadium. Four current pirates - Jason Bay, Jack Wilson, Ryan Doumit, and Freddy Sanchez - were in the lineup.

Pirates vs. Mussina

Bay 2-4
Doumit 1-4
Michaels 1-4
Mientkiewicz 4-18
Nady 0-3
Rivas 0-9
Sanchez 0-3
Wilson 0-3

Paul Maholm's one career appearance results in a loss to Roger Clemens, in his first game back, last June 9. Maholm allowed 5 runs, 3 earned, 6 hits, and 5 walks in 5.1 innings pitched.

Yankees vs. Maholm

Abreu 3-7
Cabrera 0-2
Cano 1-3 1 RBI
Damon 1-3
Jeter 1-2
Matsui 0-2
Moeller 0-3
Posada 1-2 1 RBI
Rodriguez 0-2 1 RBI


News and Notes

Andy Phillips designated for assignment by the Reds last week, was claimed on waivers by the Mets last night.

Mark Feinsand of the Daily News reports that Phil Hughes threw 25 pitches from 60 feet in his first day of throwing since going on the DL.

Johnny Damon doesn't think his sore arch will require a trip to the DL.

It's official, Sidney Ponson will be starting the nightcap of Friday's twinbill with the Mets.

Tyler Kepner of the Times has a story on Jorge Posada's appreciation of Roberto Clemente's legacy.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has a story on, former Pirates player and current Yankees coach, Tony Pena's return to Pittsburgh.

Minor League Recap - 5/14

Jeff Marquez got knocked around for 5 runs over 7 innings as the Yankees dropped the opener of their series with the Louisville Bats, 5-3. Top prospect Jay Bruce was 2-4 with an RBI for the Reds Triple-A affiliate, while former Yankee Andy Phillips went 1-4. The game also marked the Triple-A debut of J.B. Cox who is at his third level this season. He retired all three batters he faced.

Dan McCutchen suffered with unusual control problems last night as the Portland Sea Dogs pounded the Trenton Thunder 7-1. McCutchen walked 5 and allowed 3 runs in 4 innings. The bullpen provided no relief either, allowed the final 4 runs. Jose Tabata was the lone bright spot with 2 hits and a stolen base. Tabata is hitting .333 over his last 10 games.

Ryan Pope threw an outstanding 6 innings and Kevin Whelan made his season debut in the Tampa Yankees 3-1 win over the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Pope allowed a run on 4 hits over 6 innings to boost his record 4-2, 2.13. Whelan threw 2 shutout innings as he returned from arm problems that ended his fall season prematurely. Mitch Fortenberry paced the offense with his first home run of the year.

Charleston dropped their 4th game in the last 6, 3-2 in 11 innings to the Greenville Drive. The go ahead run came across on a Chace Vacek wild pitch. Jesus Montero was 2-5 with an RBI double and singled in the bottom of the 11th to give the RiverDogs a chance, but the came up empty.

Minor League Recap - 5/14

Jeff Marquez got knocked around for 5 runs over 7 innings as the Yankees dropped the opener of their series with the Louisville Bats, 5-3. Top prospect Jay Bruce was 2-4 with an RBI for the Reds Triple-A affiliate, while former Yankee Andy Phillips went 1-4. The game also marked the Triple-A debut of J.B. Cox who is at his third level this season. He retired all three batters he faced.

Dan McCutchen suffered with unusual control problems last night as the Portland Sea Dogs pounded the Trenton Thunder 7-1. McCutchen walked 5 and allowed 3 runs in 4 innings. The bullpen provided no relief either, allowed the final 4 runs. Jose Tabata was the lone bright spot with 2 hits and a stolen base. Tabata is hitting .333 over his last 10 games.

Ryan Pope threw an outstanding 6 innings and Kevin Whelan made his season debut in the Tampa Yankees 3-1 win over the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Pope allowed a run on 4 hits over 6 innings to boost his record 4-2, 2.13. Whelan threw 2 shutout innings as he returned from arm problems that ended his fall season prematurely. Mitch Fortenberry paced the offense with his first home run of the year.

Charleston dropped their 4th game in the last 6, 3-2 in 11 innings to the Greenville Drive. The go ahead run came across on a Chace Vacek wild pitch. Jesus Montero was 2-5 with an RBI double and singled in the bottom of the 11th to give the RiverDogs a chance, but the came up empty.

The Daily Yankeeland

We won't have Andy Phillips to kick around any more. Phillips was DFA'ed by the Yankees on the 3rd, and passed thru waivers. Offered a minor league deal, Phillips made like Michael Kay and said, "see ya". Nice guy, but in this case, they do finish last. Good luck to ya Mr. Alabama.

As we mentioned the other day, Joba Chamberlain made an appearance at a Modell's Sporting Goods store in Manhattan. He met with, and signed autographs for, kids from the Coney Island PAL.

The Yankees are not denying they are shopping Hideki Matsui. As we previously stated, we'll only back this for a deal that will truly help the ball club.

Hank Steinbrenner is happy with Brian Cashman, but disputed an SI story that the Yankees had approached Cashman with an extension. Prince Hank, who said any Johan Santana talks were done, reopened the door slightly. "You never close the door completely."

The Yankees have reportedly made a 1 year contract offer to free agent reliever, LaTroy Hawkins. We like the idea of a 1 year deal, but we're far from sold on Hawkins. The Yanks are still talking to the Pirates about Damaso Marte. If only they hadn't traded him for Enrique Wilson in the first place.

Yankees 2003 ALCS hero, Aaron Boone, signed a 1 year deal with the Washington Nationals.

photo courtesy of mlb.com

The Daily Yankeeland

We won't have Andy Phillips to kick around any more. Phillips was DFA'ed by the Yankees on the 3rd, and passed thru waivers. Offered a minor league deal, Phillips made like Michael Kay and said, "see ya". Nice guy, but in this case, they do finish last. Good luck to ya Mr. Alabama.

As we mentioned the other day, Joba Chamberlain made an appearance at a Modell's Sporting Goods store in Manhattan. He met with, and signed autographs for, kids from the Coney Island PAL.

The Yankees are not denying they are shopping Hideki Matsui. As we previously stated, we'll only back this for a deal that will truly help the ball club.

Hank Steinbrenner is happy with Brian Cashman, but disputed an SI story that the Yankees had approached Cashman with an extension. Prince Hank, who said any Johan Santana talks were done, reopened the door slightly. "You never close the door completely."

The Yankees have reportedly made a 1 year contract offer to free agent reliever, LaTroy Hawkins. We like the idea of a 1 year deal, but we're far from sold on Hawkins. The Yanks are still talking to the Pirates about Damaso Marte. If only they hadn't traded him for Enrique Wilson in the first place.

Yankees 2003 ALCS hero, Aaron Boone, signed a 1 year deal with the Washington Nationals.

photo courtesy of mlb.com

Phillips Screws Rays

Couldn't help myself. Andy Phillips was the offensive and defensive hero today as the Yankees came from behind twice to beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 7-6. In doing so the Yankees won their 3rd straight series and cut Boston's lead to single digits for the first time since June 19.

Trailing 5-4 in the 8th, Alex Rodriguez lead off with a double and moved to the 3rd on Hideki Matsui's single to right. Casey Fossum (5-8) struck out Melky Cabrera, but Robinson Cano hit a drive to the warning track in left for a sac fly and an RBI. Matsui was heads up, advancing to 2nd on the play. That would prove to be huge as Phillips lined a single to left off of Gary Glover, allowing Matsui to score against the erratic arm of Carl Crawford. Phillips advanced to 2nd on the play. After Jorge Posada and Johnny Damon drew walks, intentional and unintentional, to load the bases, Derek Jeter hit a shot to the left side of the infield. Akinori Iwamura, a multiple gold glove winner in Japan, snared Jeter's hard grounder, but had trouble gripping the baseball, allowing Jeter to beat the throw to 1st. Phillips scored an important insurance run on the play as the Yankees went ahead 7-5.

That final run would prove to be huge because Kyle Farnsworth was ineffective again in the 8th. B.J. Upton hit a drive to deep right-center that appeared to have a shot of leaving the yard. But a fan reached beyond the fence and Upton had to settle for a ground rule double. One out later, Ty Wiggington doubled to left, cutting the lead to 7-6. That's when Phillips stepped up on the defensive end.

Dionner Navarro ripped a line drive in the hole between 1st and 2nd. but Phillips dove, fully extended, to his right to grab it and easily double Wiggington off of 2nd. The play saved the game and the series from possibly ending up in a split. More defense would help Mariano Rivera record his 13th straight save in the 9th.

Iwamura lead off with a single to center and Crawford reached when his bat hit Posada's glove for catcher's interference. With two on and none out, Rays manager Joe Maddon called for the bunt, but Brendan Harris was unsuccessful in getting it down. He eventually hit a chopper to 3rd that A-Rod snared, step on 3rd and threw to 1st to complete a back breaking double play. Mo then retired Pena on a pop out to A-Rod for the game's final out.

For the 2nd straight game, the Yankees starting pitcher dug himself an earl hole. Mike Mussina allowed a 1-out single to Crawford in the first. With the speedy Crawford on base, and Mussina and Wil Nieves one of the worst combinations in baseball at throwing base runners out, you knew a steal was imminent. Sure enough, Crawford stole his 1st of two on the day. Harris followed with a walk, which also started bickering between Mussina and home plate ump C.B. Buckner. Buckner appeared to be squeezing Mussina on some pitches, which was particularly odd after Alex Rodriguez got called on strikes in the 1st inning, on a pitch that appeared to be high and inside.

Carlos Pena continued to have a big series with a single to center. Crawford scored easily, but Harris rounded 2nd Base too far and Cabrera gunned him out as he retreated. It would prove to be a huge out as Mussina walked Delmon Young and allowed an RBI single to Upton. Mussina finally retired Greg Norton on a ground out.

The Devil Rays added another run in the 2nd on consecutive singles by Iwamura, Navarro and Crawford. It looked like it was going to be a long day, but Mussina settled down and the Yankees bats finally came to life in the 5th.

Rays starter Edwin Jackson, entered action with just 1 win in 10 decisions, but cruised through the first 4 innings. But the Yankees received a huge break after Cano lead off the 5th with a single. Phillips hit a deep drive to center that tailed back towards left. Upton overran the ball and reached back in vein and as the ball bounced to the wall. Cano scored easily and Phillips reached 3rd with a triple. The unlikeliest of batters then came through. Nieves doubled up the gap in left-center to cut the lead to 3-2. Two batters later, Jeter crushed a ball to right-center for his 7th home run of the season and a 4-3 Yankees lead.

The lead would hold until the 7th when Ron Villone, who entered with a 10.1 inning scoreless streak, surrendered a 2-out, 2-run HR to Pena. It was Pena's 22nd of the season and the 2nd in as many games. Luis Vizcaino (5-2) recorded the final out of the 7th and picked up the victory.

...

Melky Cabrera felt much better after Saturday's "intestinal disturbance". He went 1-4 to extended his hitting streak to a career high 11 games.

Hideki Matsui went 2-5, extending his hitting streak to 10 games in the process. He's hitting .359 during that stretch.

Wil Nieves' one hit left him 7-53 (.132) on the season. The Rays stole 3 bases in as many attempts against him. The Yankees really need to get Jorgie a better back up.

Mariano Rivera's ERA was 10.57 in his 9 May appearances. Since then he's allowed 5 earned runs in 29.1 innings (1.53 ERA) to lower his ERA to 3.41.

Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller threw out the first ball.

Phillips Screws Rays

Couldn't help myself. Andy Phillips was the offensive and defensive hero today as the Yankees came from behind twice to beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 7-6. In doing so the Yankees won their 3rd straight series and cut Boston's lead to single digits for the first time since June 19.

Trailing 5-4 in the 8th, Alex Rodriguez lead off with a double and moved to the 3rd on Hideki Matsui's single to right. Casey Fossum (5-8) struck out Melky Cabrera, but Robinson Cano hit a drive to the warning track in left for a sac fly and an RBI. Matsui was heads up, advancing to 2nd on the play. That would prove to be huge as Phillips lined a single to left off of Gary Glover, allowing Matsui to score against the erratic arm of Carl Crawford. Phillips advanced to 2nd on the play. After Jorge Posada and Johnny Damon drew walks, intentional and unintentional, to load the bases, Derek Jeter hit a shot to the left side of the infield. Akinori Iwamura, a multiple gold glove winner in Japan, snared Jeter's hard grounder, but had trouble gripping the baseball, allowing Jeter to beat the throw to 1st. Phillips scored an important insurance run on the play as the Yankees went ahead 7-5.

That final run would prove to be huge because Kyle Farnsworth was ineffective again in the 8th. B.J. Upton hit a drive to deep right-center that appeared to have a shot of leaving the yard. But a fan reached beyond the fence and Upton had to settle for a ground rule double. One out later, Ty Wiggington doubled to left, cutting the lead to 7-6. That's when Phillips stepped up on the defensive end.

Dionner Navarro ripped a line drive in the hole between 1st and 2nd. but Phillips dove, fully extended, to his right to grab it and easily double Wiggington off of 2nd. The play saved the game and the series from possibly ending up in a split. More defense would help Mariano Rivera record his 13th straight save in the 9th.

Iwamura lead off with a single to center and Crawford reached when his bat hit Posada's glove for catcher's interference. With two on and none out, Rays manager Joe Maddon called for the bunt, but Brendan Harris was unsuccessful in getting it down. He eventually hit a chopper to 3rd that A-Rod snared, step on 3rd and threw to 1st to complete a back breaking double play. Mo then retired Pena on a pop out to A-Rod for the game's final out.

For the 2nd straight game, the Yankees starting pitcher dug himself an earl hole. Mike Mussina allowed a 1-out single to Crawford in the first. With the speedy Crawford on base, and Mussina and Wil Nieves one of the worst combinations in baseball at throwing base runners out, you knew a steal was imminent. Sure enough, Crawford stole his 1st of two on the day. Harris followed with a walk, which also started bickering between Mussina and home plate ump C.B. Buckner. Buckner appeared to be squeezing Mussina on some pitches, which was particularly odd after Alex Rodriguez got called on strikes in the 1st inning, on a pitch that appeared to be high and inside.

Carlos Pena continued to have a big series with a single to center. Crawford scored easily, but Harris rounded 2nd Base too far and Cabrera gunned him out as he retreated. It would prove to be a huge out as Mussina walked Delmon Young and allowed an RBI single to Upton. Mussina finally retired Greg Norton on a ground out.

The Devil Rays added another run in the 2nd on consecutive singles by Iwamura, Navarro and Crawford. It looked like it was going to be a long day, but Mussina settled down and the Yankees bats finally came to life in the 5th.

Rays starter Edwin Jackson, entered action with just 1 win in 10 decisions, but cruised through the first 4 innings. But the Yankees received a huge break after Cano lead off the 5th with a single. Phillips hit a deep drive to center that tailed back towards left. Upton overran the ball and reached back in vein and as the ball bounced to the wall. Cano scored easily and Phillips reached 3rd with a triple. The unlikeliest of batters then came through. Nieves doubled up the gap in left-center to cut the lead to 3-2. Two batters later, Jeter crushed a ball to right-center for his 7th home run of the season and a 4-3 Yankees lead.

The lead would hold until the 7th when Ron Villone, who entered with a 10.1 inning scoreless streak, surrendered a 2-out, 2-run HR to Pena. It was Pena's 22nd of the season and the 2nd in as many games. Luis Vizcaino (5-2) recorded the final out of the 7th and picked up the victory.

...

Melky Cabrera felt much better after Saturday's "intestinal disturbance". He went 1-4 to extended his hitting streak to a career high 11 games.

Hideki Matsui went 2-5, extending his hitting streak to 10 games in the process. He's hitting .359 during that stretch.

Wil Nieves' one hit left him 7-53 (.132) on the season. The Rays stole 3 bases in as many attempts against him. The Yankees really need to get Jorgie a better back up.

Mariano Rivera's ERA was 10.57 in his 9 May appearances. Since then he's allowed 5 earned runs in 29.1 innings (1.53 ERA) to lower his ERA to 3.41.

Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller threw out the first ball.

Phillips, Phelps, Flops, Flips...

According to Peter Abraham of the Journal News, Andy Phillips is on his way back to the Bronx. The most likely roster victim will be Josh Phelps. Phelps is a rule V draftee, so the Orioles will have a crack at getting him back if indeed this turns out to be the case.

Phillips, Phelps, Flops, Flips...

According to Peter Abraham of the Journal News, Andy Phillips is on his way back to the Bronx. The most likely roster victim will be Josh Phelps. Phelps is a rule V draftee, so the Orioles will have a crack at getting him back if indeed this turns out to be the case.

Phillips Placed on Waivers

The battle for the right-handed half of the 1st Base platoon is over. Andy Phillips has been placed on outright waivers according to an unnamed Yankees official. Josh Phelps, who was picked up from the Orioles in the Rule V draft, has had a huge spring, hitting .424 with 3 HRs and 10 RBI.

Phillips' spring got off to a rough start when his Mom was seriously injured in a car accident. In 21 at-bats, Phillips had no extra base hits or RBI and was hitting just .190. There's a good chance another team will pick him up. If not, he could be headed to Scranton.





Andy Phillips celebrates with Robinson Cano in better times




Back to the Mound

The news was better for another Andy yesterday. Andy Pettitte threw 31 pitches in a bullpen session yesterday, and is optimistic about making his start (probably April 5) against the Devil Rays.

Leave me Villone (very bad pun intended)

Ron Villone was just about a lock to make the team as a long man. Pretty soon he'll be long gone. Villone got smacked around by the Astros last night, sending his spring ERA to 14.40. Sean Henn pitched a scoreless inning and could be the 2nd lefty in the pen.

Man Your Battle Stations

It's President's Day, which means it's time for the Yankees position players to report to camp. The biggest focus today will be on who isn't there, primarily Bernie Williams. Joe Torre was planing on reach out to Bernie one more time via phone to try to get him to camp. Veterans like Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera want Bernie to be there, but they also understand the business side of things. Posada called Bernie several times over the weekend, but was unable to reach him.

"I got it...I got it..no you, no you"

Andy Phillips. Phillips isn't too concerned though. His wife has recently undergone chemotherapy for a rare cancer caused by a molar pregnancy. It has certainly kept things in perspective for him.

"I've learned a lot in the last year with the kind of stuff I had to deal with my wife," Phillips said. "Things kind of shake out the way they're going to shake out. That's what you've got to hang onto and trust."

The current plan is for Phillips to battle Josh Phelps for the right-handed side of a platoon with Doug Mientkiewicz. That could all change if Bernie Williams was to make the team. In all likelihood it would mean no platoon and the Yankees would carry 5 outfielders.

"I'm looking forward to trying to win a job, no matter what," Phillips said. "That's no different this year than in the past.

"I'm trying not to think about situations and circumstances, because if you do that, more obstacles get in your way", Phillips added. "You just try to go out and play, and hope your performance dictates what happens."

Since he arrived in 2004, Alex Rodriguez has constantly fielded questions about his relationship with Derek Jeter. That status quo has always been a variation on everything is good between us. A-Rod has finally come clean, admitting that the once strong relationship has cooled off quite a bit.

"People start assuming that things are a lot worse than what they are, which they're not. But they're obviously not as great as they used to be. We were like blood brothers," Rodriguez said Monday. "You don't have to go to dinner with a guy four, five times a week to do what you're doing. It's actually much better than all you guys expect, but I just want to let the truth be known."

Things noticeably changed after A-Rod's 2001 Esquire interview when he downplayed Jeter's importance to the Yankee's championship run.

"We were best of friends about 10, 13, 14, years ago, and we still get along well. We have a good working relationship. I cheer very hard for him. He cheers hard for me. And most importantly, we're both trying to win a world championship," Rodriguez said.

In not so many words, A-Rod feels that he and Jeter have simply grown apart. He maybe wishes he and the media could do the same.

"Let's make a contract: You don't ask me about Derek anymore, and I promise I'll stop lying to all you guys," A-Rod told reporters.




"Doug Mientkiewicz autographs a ball...or is he keeping it?"