Where Are They Now: Steve Sax

I was reading the paper this morning - yes, you heard that correctly - and saw a familiar name that I hadn't seen in a while. Former Yankees second baseman Steve Sax was named as the first base coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Sax is more famous for his years as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he had a semi-successful three year run in the Bronx at the expense of fan favorite Willie Randolph. I was among the many that hoped Randolph would spend his entire career (aside from the 30 games he played with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1975) in a Yankees uniform.

Dallas Green was named manager of the 1989 Yankees and word was he wanted Sax as his second baseman.  Both players were free agents - Sax signed with the Yankees on November 13 and just under a month later Randolph, ironically, signed with the Dodgers.

Sax was the '82 NL Rookie of the Year and a three-time All-Star before joining the Yankees. (He would add two more All-Star games to his resume while with the Yankees.) But Sax was also Chuck Knoblauch before Knoblauch was. I'm referring to the brain cramp Sax developed trying to make a routine throw to first base.

In just his second full season in the big leagues, Sax committed 30 errors and topped the 20 mark the next two years. Sax turned things around by the time he got to the Yankees, but there were times he was criticized for his defensive play, especially where he was positioned on some plays. (e.g. relays from the outfield.)

Sax hit .315 his first year in New York, with 205 hits, 43 stolen bases, and a .751 OPS. Though he stole 43 bases again in 1990, Sax's splits dropped to .260/.316/.325. But in his final year with the Yankees, Sax bounced back. He topped the .300 mark again, put up a .759 OPS, and hit a career high 10 home runs.

Following the 1991 season, Sax was dealt to the Chicago White Sox for Bob Wickman, Domingo Jean, and Melido Perez. Sax spent two seasons with the White Sox and finished his career with the Oakland A's in 1994.

Sax had worked in the financial industry and as a motivational speaker before joining the Dbacks organization, where he will be reunited with former Dodgers teammate and current AZ manager Kirk Gibson.

YCN: Greatest Yankees-Indians Games

Photo Courtesy of NYDN

This weekend's Yankees-Indians series was pretty boring, but that has not always been the case when the two met.

Great players like Allie Reynolds faced off with Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller. Bernie Williams, Paul O'Neill, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera squared off with the likes of Jim Thome, David Justice, Manny Ramirez, and Travis Fryman.

So what were the best 5 games between the two teams....click here and read my latest piece for the Yahoo Contributor Network.

Knoblauch Fought the Common Law...

The Knoblauchs in...happier times?

I never thought ol' Chuckie Knoblauch was the brightest star in the universe, but today's accusations against him are far worse than I would have imagined.

The former Yankees 2nd baseman/outfielder/pine rider has been charged, according to ESPN.com, with assaulting his common-law wife Stacey. Knoblauch reportedly struck his wife in the face and choked her when she attempted to take his car keys. Prosecutors said this occurred after Knoblauch spent the evening drinking and had taken the anti-anxiety drug Xanax. Bond has been set at $10,000.

Knoblauch was mentioned in the Mitchell Report two years ago and admitted the use of steroids in front of a subsequent Congressional hearing.

Pettitte, Knoblauch Come Clean

Committee chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif) is still making his opening remarks, but we have already learned that Chuck Knoblauch admitted to injecting HGH several times. Also, Andy Pettitte admitted HGH use again on 2 occasions in 2004 while recuperating from an injury. Pettitte said no one outside his family knew of his HGH use in 2004.

Pettitte, Knoblauch Come Clean

Committee chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif) is still making his opening remarks, but we have already learned that Chuck Knoblauch admitted to injecting HGH several times. Also, Andy Pettitte admitted HGH use again on 2 occasions in 2004 while recuperating from an injury. Pettitte said no one outside his family knew of his HGH use in 2004.

The Circus is in Town

So today is the day everyone has been waiting for- everyone who wants to waste their time. Lets face it, nothing, and I mean nothing, is going to come out of today's Congressional hearings on performance enhancing drugs. This is the ultimate dog and pony show.

Why will people, us included, tune in? Because of the gossip angle. Will Roger Clemens contradict himself? Will Brian McNamee slither out of his chair? Did Andy Pettitte implicate Clemens in his deposition?

The pols that are running the show are eating this up. They love the attention and the face time, but why are they using our tax dollars for this? They have no judicial capacity. According to committee member Darrell E. Issa (R-Calif), who may have his own agenda, the committee should not be dealing with this matter at all.

"It has jurisdiction to investigate any federal program and any matter with federal policy implications." That's what it says right on the committee's website, backing up Issa's point.

Issa also stated, in an interview with ESPN Radio's Michael Kay last night, that committee co-chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif) promised that no criminal charges would result as part of the hearings. Then why is this even happening? And are you trying to tell us that if Roger Clemens perjures himself, a federal criminal investigation won't be in full attack mode (if it isn't already). In other words, Waxman is really just saying we won't directly begin criminal proceedings.

While this may be entertaining - could it be even more boring than the hearings in 2004? - this will turn out to be an incredible waste of time and money.

The Circus is in Town

So today is the day everyone has been waiting for- everyone who wants to waste their time. Lets face it, nothing, and I mean nothing, is going to come out of today's Congressional hearings on performance enhancing drugs. This is the ultimate dog and pony show.

Why will people, us included, tune in? Because of the gossip angle. Will Roger Clemens contradict himself? Will Brian McNamee slither out of his chair? Did Andy Pettitte implicate Clemens in his deposition?

The pols that are running the show are eating this up. They love the attention and the face time, but why are they using our tax dollars for this? They have no judicial capacity. According to committee member Darrell E. Issa (R-Calif), who may have his own agenda, the committee should not be dealing with this matter at all.

"It has jurisdiction to investigate any federal program and any matter with federal policy implications." That's what it says right on the committee's website, backing up Issa's point.

Issa also stated, in an interview with ESPN Radio's Michael Kay last night, that committee co-chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif) promised that no criminal charges would result as part of the hearings. Then why is this even happening? And are you trying to tell us that if Roger Clemens perjures himself, a federal criminal investigation won't be in full attack mode (if it isn't already). In other words, Waxman is really just saying we won't directly begin criminal proceedings.

While this may be entertaining - could it be even more boring than the hearings in 2004? - this will turn out to be an incredible waste of time and money.

The Daily Yankeeland

Chuck Knoblauch has his day before congress today as he is being deposed concerning his involvement, or lack thereof, with steroids and HGH. Knoblauch was in good spirits as he arrived carrying his son Jake earlier this morning.

UPDATE 1:00 PM EST - Here are details of Knobby's day.

Agent Jim Murray met with congressional leaders yesterday. Murray's name was repeatedly mentioned on the taped phone conversation between Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee.

* * *

A lot of pundits are saying that Phil Hughes level of success will dictate Brian Cashman's future since the trigger was not pulled on the Johan Santana deal. That's not really a fair assessment since Hank Steinbrenner did not appear to really want to spend the kind of money it would take to sign Santana long term.

Barring an injury, there's no question Santana will continue to be a star for the Mets. It's really not fair to compare how Phil Hughes and/or Ian Kennedy do in their careers.

* * *

Morgan Ensberg's reason for signing with the Yankees? - “When I looked at all the options available, certainly I felt like the opportunity here was the best shot at playing every day."

* * *

Muscling Up: Robinson Cano has reportedly put on 5 lbs of muscle over the winter.

* * *

MLB.com has a piece today exploring A-Rod's chances for a title as a Yankee.

The Daily Yankeeland

Chuck Knoblauch has his day before congress today as he is being deposed concerning his involvement, or lack thereof, with steroids and HGH. Knoblauch was in good spirits as he arrived carrying his son Jake earlier this morning.

UPDATE 1:00 PM EST - Here are details of Knobby's day.

Agent Jim Murray met with congressional leaders yesterday. Murray's name was repeatedly mentioned on the taped phone conversation between Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee.

* * *

A lot of pundits are saying that Phil Hughes level of success will dictate Brian Cashman's future since the trigger was not pulled on the Johan Santana deal. That's not really a fair assessment since Hank Steinbrenner did not appear to really want to spend the kind of money it would take to sign Santana long term.

Barring an injury, there's no question Santana will continue to be a star for the Mets. It's really not fair to compare how Phil Hughes and/or Ian Kennedy do in their careers.

* * *

Morgan Ensberg's reason for signing with the Yankees? - “When I looked at all the options available, certainly I felt like the opportunity here was the best shot at playing every day."

* * *

Muscling Up: Robinson Cano has reportedly put on 5 lbs of muscle over the winter.

* * *

MLB.com has a piece today exploring A-Rod's chances for a title as a Yankee.

Breaking News: New Kid on the Knoblauch

Apparently Chuck Knoblauch was not hiding out in Mexico, with or without Jessica Simpson. Knobby had not returned calls from congressional contacts and was nowhere to be found when they tried to subpoena him. Knobby was probably just getting all his ducks in a row- translation: talking to some lawyers first.

Earlier today, the former Yankees 2nd Baseman agreed to talk to the House committee, investigating steroid use, this Friday. A deposition will be taken in preparation for formal hearings on February 13.

"We are pleased that Mr. Knoblauch has agreed to voluntarily participate in a transcribed interview or deposition with the committee. As a result, the Committee is withdrawing the subpoena," House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Henry Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis said in a statement.

Good luck Knobby...if you have to hit one of their mothers in the head with a glass of water.

Breaking News: New Kid on the Knoblauch

Apparently Chuck Knoblauch was not hiding out in Mexico, with or without Jessica Simpson. Knobby had not returned calls from congressional contacts and was nowhere to be found when they tried to subpoena him. Knobby was probably just getting all his ducks in a row- translation: talking to some lawyers first.

Earlier today, the former Yankees 2nd Baseman agreed to talk to the House committee, investigating steroid use, this Friday. A deposition will be taken in preparation for formal hearings on February 13.

"We are pleased that Mr. Knoblauch has agreed to voluntarily participate in a transcribed interview or deposition with the committee. As a result, the Committee is withdrawing the subpoena," House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Henry Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis said in a statement.

Good luck Knobby...if you have to hit one of their mothers in the head with a glass of water.

The Daily Yankeeland

Where for art thou Chuck? Congress is looking for ya. Apparently Chuck Knoblauch is on the lam or at least in hiding from the congressional subpoena server. Meanwhile, Brian McNamee's lawyer, Earl Ward, is trying to reschedule McNamee's day before congress. He's also working on trying to get his client immunity.

All's quiet on the Johan Santana front, but SI's Jon Heyman believes the Mets have taken the lead as the favorite to land the 2-time Cy Young winner. Though a deal may not be imminent, the Mets appear to be having the most regular dialogue with the Twins.

The Yankees have broken another record, but it's a somewhat dubious one. The Yankees' final payroll for 2007 was $218,311,394, nearly $63 million higher than the Red Sox payroll. In all, 10 teams top the century million mark. Click here to see the full list.

The Daily Yankeeland

Where for art thou Chuck? Congress is looking for ya. Apparently Chuck Knoblauch is on the lam or at least in hiding from the congressional subpoena server. Meanwhile, Brian McNamee's lawyer, Earl Ward, is trying to reschedule McNamee's day before congress. He's also working on trying to get his client immunity.

All's quiet on the Johan Santana front, but SI's Jon Heyman believes the Mets have taken the lead as the favorite to land the 2-time Cy Young winner. Though a deal may not be imminent, the Mets appear to be having the most regular dialogue with the Twins.

The Yankees have broken another record, but it's a somewhat dubious one. The Yankees' final payroll for 2007 was $218,311,394, nearly $63 million higher than the Red Sox payroll. In all, 10 teams top the century million mark. Click here to see the full list.

Knobby Gets the Call

The House of Representatives Government Reform and Oversight Committee didn't hear back from Chuck Knoblauch, so the former Yankees 2nd Baseman will be getting a formal invitation to attend next months congressional hearings. Committee chairmen Henry Waxman (D-Calif) and member Tom Davis (R-VA) jointly announced today that Knobby had been subpoenaed to raise his right hand and testify under oath.

"The committee has taken this step because Mr. Knoblauch failed to respond to the invitation to participate voluntarily in a deposition or transcribed interview and the February 13 hearing."

Knoblauch certainly hasn't helped himself out with his somewhat belligerent attitude. Considering he has stated that he has no friends in baseball, his testimony could be quite eye opening.

Knobby Gets the Call

The House of Representatives Government Reform and Oversight Committee didn't hear back from Chuck Knoblauch, so the former Yankees 2nd Baseman will be getting a formal invitation to attend next months congressional hearings. Committee chairmen Henry Waxman (D-Calif) and member Tom Davis (R-VA) jointly announced today that Knobby had been subpoenaed to raise his right hand and testify under oath.

"The committee has taken this step because Mr. Knoblauch failed to respond to the invitation to participate voluntarily in a deposition or transcribed interview and the February 13 hearing."

Knoblauch certainly hasn't helped himself out with his somewhat belligerent attitude. Considering he has stated that he has no friends in baseball, his testimony could be quite eye opening.

Knobby Speaks Up

For the first time since being named in the Mitchell Report, former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch has publicly commented on his inclusion in the "festivities". While he doesn't deny any wrong doing, he doesn't admit either. He does sound a little bitter though towards the game that brought him fame, and in some cases, infamy.

“I have nothing to defend,” Knoblauch said. “I have nothing to hide at the same time.”

Oddly, what bothered him most about being in the report is that he no longer has anything to do with baseball, and he wants to keep it that way.

“I’ve got nothing to do with any of that, I mean, any baseball.”

“And I don’t want anything to do with baseball,” he added.

Knoblauch plans to be at the congressional hearing on February 13, but has not been told any specifics.

“I read my name in the paper and see it on the news, but I haven’t heard a word,” Knoblauch said. “I’m supposed to be somewhere, but I haven’t been told where to be.”

Asked if he will talk to the committee, Knoblauch said: “Yeah, if I have to do that, then what are you going to do?”

Philip M. Schiliro, the chief of staff for the committee holding the hearing, said he left several messages for Knoblauch, but has not heard back from him.

Perhaps this was the saddest statement of all from the once beloved 2nd Baseman. “I love baseball,” he said, “but I’m not trying to get a job in baseball. I don’t have any friends from baseball. Baseball doesn’t control my life anymore.”

Knoblauch, for now, is content to fill his time playing with his 3-yr old son. And he asked reporters not to tell anyone where he lives.

Knobby Speaks Up

For the first time since being named in the Mitchell Report, former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch has publicly commented on his inclusion in the "festivities". While he doesn't deny any wrong doing, he doesn't admit either. He does sound a little bitter though towards the game that brought him fame, and in some cases, infamy.

“I have nothing to defend,” Knoblauch said. “I have nothing to hide at the same time.”

Oddly, what bothered him most about being in the report is that he no longer has anything to do with baseball, and he wants to keep it that way.

“I’ve got nothing to do with any of that, I mean, any baseball.”

“And I don’t want anything to do with baseball,” he added.

Knoblauch plans to be at the congressional hearing on February 13, but has not been told any specifics.

“I read my name in the paper and see it on the news, but I haven’t heard a word,” Knoblauch said. “I’m supposed to be somewhere, but I haven’t been told where to be.”

Asked if he will talk to the committee, Knoblauch said: “Yeah, if I have to do that, then what are you going to do?”

Philip M. Schiliro, the chief of staff for the committee holding the hearing, said he left several messages for Knoblauch, but has not heard back from him.

Perhaps this was the saddest statement of all from the once beloved 2nd Baseman. “I love baseball,” he said, “but I’m not trying to get a job in baseball. I don’t have any friends from baseball. Baseball doesn’t control my life anymore.”

Knoblauch, for now, is content to fill his time playing with his 3-yr old son. And he asked reporters not to tell anyone where he lives.