Phillies Fire Manuel, Hire Ryno

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel knows that the game of baseball is all about “what have you done for me lately?”. A World Series champion in 2008 and National League pennant winner in 2009, Manuel reportedly has been fired. The Phillies have a called a 2:30 pm EDT press conference. Reports have third base coach Ryne Sandberg as Manuel's replacement.

Manuel was the skipper for the Cleveland Indians from 2000 through the first 86 games of 2002. He led the Tribe to a division crown in 2001, but was fired a year later when the team was eight games under .500.

After a two year hiatus, Manuel took over the Phillies for the 2005 season. After two straight NL East runner-up finishes, Manuel led the Fightin' Phils to five straight division crowns. The 2008 squad won the first World Series for the first time since the 1980 team defeated Kansas City. The team lost the 2009 series to the Yankees in six games.

The Phillies won 102 games in 2011, but age, injuries, and bad contracts caught up with them. They finished in third place last year with a .500 record and are currently 53-67 and in fourth place in the NL East. The team's performance had led to speculation that the 69-year old Manuel would be let go at the end of the season.

Sandberg coached in the Chicago Cubs organization from 2007-2010, but was passed over for the manager's job when Lou Piniella retired toward the end of the 2010 season. He left the organization to join the Phillies, who had selected Sandberg in the 20th round of the 1978 MLB amateur draft. After one year he was dealt with veteran Larry Bowa to the Cubs for Ivan DeJesus. It was there he built a Hall of Fame career (inducted in 2005) before looking to become a Major League manager.

The 53-year old Sandberg managed the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs for two years before joining the big club as third base coach.

General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. could be the next to go after some questionable free agent signings and contract extensions the last few years.

For Sweet Lou, Life's a Pitch

Lou  Piniella, the fiery former Major League baseball player, manager, and general manager is enjoying his retirement these days. He's providing color commentary on a handful of Yankees games on the YES Network and will be throwing out the first pitch on Opening Day (4/1) when the Yankees start their season against the Boston Red Sox.

Sweet Lou spent parts of 18 years in the big leagues, the final 11 with the Yankees (1974-1984). In a steal of a deal, Piniella came to the Yankees from Kansas City with pitcher Ken Wright for reliever Lindy McDaniel. He split time between the corner outfields and DH, hit .295 as a Yankee and won two World Series titles.

He managed the Yankees in 1986 and 1987 (179-145) and was then moved up to general manager so George Steinbrenner could bring Billy Martin back as manager yet again. Of course, Martin didn't make it to the end of the season (fired on 6/23) and Piniella finished out the season as manager with a 45-49 record. Steinbrenner fired Piniella in favor of Dallas Green (still shaking my head at that move, but Syd Thrift's hire as Senior VP of baseball operation was an even worse replacement for Piniella).

Piniella went on to manage the Cincinnati Reds (World Series title in 1990), Seattle Mariners (AL record 116 wins), Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Chicago Cubs.  Piniella was going to step down after the 2010 season, but left after 125 games to be with his critically ill mother.

FullCountPitch - O Captain! My Captain!

Long before there was Derek Jeter or Don Mattingly, there was Thurman Munson. The face of the New York Yankees, their captain, and their most popular player. He was gruff and rough, dependable and tough. He led by example and through his words. And 32 years ago today he was taken from his family and his fans.

On this day, August 2, every year I don’t have to think hard to remember that horrible day or how much Munson meant to the team, to the fans, to the city.

Munson could be short and snarky with the press, but he was revered by his teammates, and loved his family. He had it tough growing up with a father who didn’t get him and was jealous of his son’s accomplishments. He and his siblings didn’t always get along either. But he met his future wife Diane and became a part of her extended family.

He became a star, a great catcher to join the Yankees legacy of stand out backtstops- Dickey, Berra, Howard. He came up and joined his good friend Bobby Murcer, Roy White, and Mel Stottelmyre as one of the few stars on a team that had fallen from the greatest heights to the bottom of the American League.

Read the rest of this free article at FullCountPitch.com

Mariano Caps Great Day In The Bronx

Is that a smile of "I know you can't hit this?"

Whether you were at Yankee Stadium, sitting at home watching TV, or listening to the ceremonies on the radio, Sunday was a wonderful day in the Bronx. Having watched the 65th annual Old Timers Day prior to the regularly scheduled game, it was only fitting that Mariano Rivera, the oldest player on the Yankees, finished out Sunday's victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Rivera, who is older than Old Timers like Homer Bush and Aaron Small, struck out the side in the 9th to preserve the Yankees 6-4 victory. The Yankees homered three times in the game, including a blast by Jorge Posada, the second oldest Yankee.

The big story of the day though was the OT ceremonies, in particular the honoring of long time head trainer Gene "Geno" Monahan, who back in May announced he would retire at season's end. The 67-yr old has been with the organization for 49 years, including time as a bat boy when he was 17. A cancer scare last year put things in perspective for the man who has been there for Mantle, Murcer, Munson, Mattingly, and Mariano. Monahan was told he would throw out the first pitch before the OT game, which he did (to Jorge Posada who donned full catcher's gear), but he had know idea what was yet to come.

When he held the press conference in May, Monahan mentioned that he dreams a lot and it was time to start living some of those dreams. He mentioned he'd like to have a retriever named Schrader that he could take in his pick up truck to the store to pick up grass seed. All three came true on Sunday. With his fiancee and two grown daughters in attendance, Monahan was showered with gifts from the Yankees organization and sponsors. Among them was a Ford F-150 truck that had a big ol' Golden Retriever named Schrader in it.

There was a trip to the Alpine region in Europe, tickets to see Garth Brooks (and an autographed Cowboy hat from the country music star) in Las Vegas, a painting of the Stadium presented by the Steinbrenner family, a riding mower (and grass seed) presented by the grounds crew, a pair of seats from the old Stadiun, a video tribute, and much much more. It was an emotional capper to an emotional ceremony.

Back for the first time in a Yankees uniform were a couple of former managers, Joe Torre, who didn't leave on such great terms, and Lou Piniella, who was also one of the most popular Yankees players in the 1970's and 1980's. Torre appeared choked up as he received a long and loud ovation from the fans. Piniella hadn't been in a Yankees uniform since 1988 and marked the occassion by taking an at-bat in the game. He visited the broadcast booth during the regular game and joked (for those of you who don't know, Piniella was Paul O'Neill before Paul O'Neill) that he would be upset all night about grounding back to the pitcher.

Bernie Williams also made his return for his first Old Timers Day although he has never officially retired. He also received a very long ovation and then gave the crowd a big thrill with a deep drive to left-center for a double. Tino Martinez also got the fans applauding when he hit a David Cone meatball into the right field seats for a home run. The BamTino said "thank you" to Cone as he rounded third base, and Coney nodded his approval.

There aren't as many of the older Old Timers left; the ones that I used to see at OT Day when I was a kid, but some were still there. Moose Skowron, who announced to Kim Jones and the TV audience that he was battling lung cancer (even though he quit a while ago, Moose smoked for 40 years). Phil Rizzuto's old DP partner and long time baseball broadcaster Jerry Coleman was in attendance along with 86-yr old Charlie Silvera, who came up to the Yankees a catcher in 1948. The Yankees first great reliever, Luis Arroyo, was there. And of course Yogi Berra, who sadly looks very frail these days and the "Chairman of the Board", Whitey Ford were in the house. They, along with Reggie Jackson and Goose Gossage were the Hall of Fame members in attendance.

David Wells, who is in better shape than he was in his playing days, demanded to know why O'Neill wasn't there. But so many players from my youth were- Mel Stottelmyre, Graig Nettles, BrianDolye, and Ron Guidry. There were those who are there every year, Joe Pepitone, Hector Lopez, Rick Cerone, and those that can't possibly be Old Timers like Bush, Kevin Maas, Clay Bellinger, and Brian Boehringer. As well as the playres from the last dynasty- Straw, Doc Gooden, Graeme Lloyd, Jeff Nelson and Charlie Hayes.

The widows of some of the Yankees greats are honored each year as well. This year's group was Kay Murcer, Diane Munson, Helen Hunter, Jill Martin, and Arlene Howard. Being that Bobby Murcer was my favorite player, I love seeing Mrs. Murcer there and I feel both sadness and joy to see Thurman's widow.

The Yankees also did a great job of remembering those who passed during the last year. Many of the names were unrecognizable, which makes think they now included members of the organization that worked behind the scenes. That was new and a nice touch. The last name announced was Cora Rizzuto, who I hadn't remembered had passed away.

The one thing missing was the Yankees captain Derek Jeter, who happened to turn 37 on Sunday. We all know he's rehabbing his injury and he wants to get back as soon as possible, but it was a disappointment that he wasn't there when Geno was honored, "Mr. Torre" and Bernie Williams returned.

One thing to note that was in poor taste. Thankfully it only lasted for about four players announced. Ron Blomberg came out to "Havah Nagila", Lee Mazzilli and Rick Cerone to a tarantella and Pat Kelly to an Irish jig. My wife and I exchanged shocked glances. "Are you really going to play an ethnic song for everyone? Could you stereotype it a little more?" As I said, thankfully that didn't continue or I wasn't paying attention. I hope it was the former.

As the regular game got underway, Michael Kay told John Flaherty that Mariano wanted him to introduce him with the Old Timers. Kay said, "I can't do that, I'll lose my job". Mariano pressed Kay to do it, but the YES broadcaster would not relent and said in a couple more years Mo will be one of them. After the game, Kim Jones asked Mo to verify the story and baseball's greatest reliever was all too happy to. He said "Michael blew it", called him a "big head" and said he was angry at him. It made for a great interview and was extremely funny. Mo concluded by saying, "I love you Michael". No one is greater than Mo.

As for the game itself, Ivan Nova and the Yankees fell behind 3-0 by the end of the 5th inning. Ty Wiggington hit the first of two home runs on the day as Nova had no control of his fastball. The Yankees answered back in the bottom of the 5th though when Nick Swisher hit a 2-run home run off of Rockies starter Juan Nicasio, and Posada followed with a game tying blast.

A Wiggington blast off Nova in the top of the 6th put Colorado back ahead, but Alex Rodriguez answered with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning to tie things up at 4-4. It would be broken an inning later when Eduardo Nunez singled home pinch-runner Chris Dickerson. Mark Teixeira then put some icing on the cake with a solo blast in the 8th, his 23rd of the season to gain a share of the AL lead with Toronto's Jose Bautista.

Boone Logan (2-2) and David Robertson then handed things over to Rivera, who cuttered his way through Wiggington, Charlie Blackmon, and Chris Iannetta for his 20th save of the season (579 in his career). A fitting ending to a perfect day.

BD Hot Stove: NL Managers | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: NL Managers | Baseball Digest

Yesterday the hot stove focused on the managers in the American League. Today let’s take a look at the National League group, all of whom wish their jobs were as secure as Bruce Bochy’s is right now.

NL West

Bruce Bochy is indeed riding high as he prepares to head to Scottsdale, AZ for spring training. This past fall Bochy guided the San Francisco Giants to their first World Series title in 56 years. After finding success in San Diego, Bochy moved up the left coast to take over the Giants in 2007. The first couple of years were rough (143-181), but with Tim Lincecum’s arrival things turned around, leading to last year’s 92-win season and the title. Bochy signed a two-year deal prior to the 2010 season that included a club option for 2012. That should be picked up any day now, unless Bochy and the Giants agree to a new deal (and that’s what I would bank on).

Don Mattingly has known incredible success as a hitter. He was an AL MVP, batting title champion, homered in eight straight games… and I could go on about “Donnie Baseball” and his hitting and fielding prowess. But a new challenge lies ahead for the one-time Yankees great. Mattingly enters his first season as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a title he has never held at any level. He’s guaranteed two years with an option for 2013. Though he was not the people’s choice (a Los Angeles Times poll showed 63% of voters favored Triple-A manager Tim Wallach to take over the club’s reins), Mattingly should be completely safe this year. The drawbacks could be a change in ownership once the McCourts are done doing battle or if the team gets off to such a horrendous start (ask former New Jersey Devils coach John MacLean of the NHL about that) that he’s let go.

Bud Black had the San Diego Padres in first place in the NL West for 131 days until a September fade kept them from a post-season appearance. The success Black had with the overachieving Pads won him the 2010 NL Manager of the Year Award. He also signed a contract extension that will keep him in San Diego through at least 2013 (the deal includes club options for 2014 and 2015). “Stay classy San Diego!”

The Colorado Rockies looked like they were down and out in 2009, so they fired manager Clint Hurdle and brought in Jim Tracy. The team caught fire under the new skipper, winning 74 of 116 games (.638) and made the playoffs as the wild card. Tracy was rewarded with a three-year deal and the NL Manager of the Year Award. But the team stumbled out of the gate last year and never played better than four games above .500 for any month. While Tracy should be safe, if the team has a similarly poor season, Tracy just has to look at Hurdle, who led the Rockies to the World Series in 2007, to see what can happen.

NL Central

66-yr old Tony LaRussa enters his 33rd year of managing because he wanted to. The combative skipper has won seven division titles in his 15 years in St. Louis, and took home the game’s top prize in 2006. But things are not as rosy for LaRussa as they once were. The press isn’t as quick to defend him as they once were, he’s grown more ornery with age, has had more run-ins with his players, and some of his off the field actions have upset ownership and the fans (a DUI arrest, speaking at a Glen Beck rally). LaRussa is also at a stage where he’s not sure he wants to manage any more. A great Cardinals season could change all of that, but I believe LaRussa will retire after this season.

Dusty Baker is a conquering hero in Cincinnati as his team preps for the up-coming season. Baker led the Reds to their first division title in 15 years. Unfortunately, the team was swept out of the playoffs by the Phillies, but Baker’s team is pretty much intact for 2011 and has excellent shot at repeating their division superiority. The Reds’ success led two a new two year contract that was announced at the end of the 2010 regular season.

The Houston Astros have had a lot of changes in their 25 man roster and their managers over the last few years. They’re hoping they can keep Brad Mills around a while longer than his predecessors. The rookie manager led the offensively challenged team to a 76 win season. Owner Drayon McLane rewarded him by picking up his option for 2012 and adding a club option for 2013. Mills should be safe at home for the foreseeable future.

Clint Hurdle to should have at least two to three years at the helm of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite the Bucs’ woes since their last winning season (1992), ownership has only changed managers during the season once (2005) and each manager has been in Pittsburgh for at least two years. Hurdle has some wonderful up and coming players to work with, but not so wonderful pitching depth and a tough division to deal with, but he’ll have a few years to see what he can do.

When Lou Piniella retired after 125 games as Cubs manager last season, Mike Quade stepped in and stepped up his chances to manage in the majors. Quade’s Cubbies went 24-13 in his interim tenure and after interviewing with others for the permanent job was rewarded with a two year contract. Barring a disaster, he’ll have a chance to try to work with Carlos Zambrano on his anger management for a couple of years.

NL East

Ownership may be selling off a good chunk of its interest, but New York Met fans are glad to see GM Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel no longer running the show. Sandy Alderson replaced Minaya in October and, after an extensive search, hired Terry Collins as his new manager in late November. Collins returns to a major league managerial gig for the first time since he was fired after 133 games as the Angels manager in 1999. That was the only year that Collins’ run teams (Astros ’94-’96, Angels ’97-’99) finished lower than second place. With stability needed, Collins should get the two full years of his contract (and possibly the club’s option for 2013) to prove his selection was correct.

Charlie Manuel won the World Series in 2008, won the pennant in 2009, and has been at the reins of four straight division winning Philadelphia Phillies clubs. Manuel doesn’t have a contract past 2011, but recently told WIP radio that “I think it’s just a matter of time.” With a rotation of Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hamels, and Blanton, there will be plenty of pressure to at least reach the World Series. Anything less could end the affable Manuel’s tenure in Philly.

Jim Riggleman is in the last guaranteed year of a two year contract (there’s a club option for 2013) as manager for the Washington Nationals. With Jayson Werth’s free agent acquisition and a number of young hyped prospects on the way, Riggleman must improve on last season’s winning percentage (.426) to last the season.

Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria can be pretty volatile when dealing with his employees (just ask Joe Girardi or Fredi Gonzalez), so it was no surprise that Edwin Rodriguez was given just a one year deal to manage the team. Rodriguez became the first Puerto Rican born manager in the majors when he replaced Gonzalez after 70 games last season. The team played .500 ball (46-46) the rest of the way to help earn Rodriguez the permanent job after Loria had flirtations with Bobby Valentine and others. It would be no shock to see Rodriguez replaced during or after the season no matter how the Marlins do.

Speaking of Fredi Gonzalez, he starts the job he was being groomed for when he was Bobby Cox’s bench coach in Atlanta. The venerable Cox retired after 29 years as a manager, 25 of which were in Atlanta in two different stints. Gonzalez kept the Marlins competitive in 2008-2009 before a falling out with Hanley Ramirez helped lead to his downfall in southern Florida. He’ll now have a chance to skipper the Braves for the next three seasons (there’s also a club option for 2014) and possibly beyond, just like his mentor.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Apparently Lou Piniella is not done with baseball just yet. The 67-yr old was set to retire as Cubs manager after the 2010 season, then cut it 37 games short to be with his ailing mother. The SF Chronicle’s John Shea has learned that Piniella is set to become a special assistant with the SF Giants.

The Rays have signed infielder Felipe Lopez to a minor league deal. He’ll have a chance to compete for a utility spot during spring training.

In a minor league move the Yankees have sent right-hander Adam Olbrychowski to the Nationals for outfielder Justin Maxwell. The Yankees then designated Jordan Parraz for assignment to make room for Maxwell on the 40-man roster.

The NY Post’s Joel Sherman reports that the Mets are talking to the Angels about dealing Carlos Beltran.

The Indians are reportedly in negotations with right-handed free agent Jeremy Bonderman.

Girardi Loses Bargaining Chip

Joe Girardi has more than enough on his plate tonight- his team is down two games to one in the ALCS and A.J. Burnett is starting for the Yankees- but the Yankees manager lost a big bargaining chip for his future today.

That's because the Chicago Cubs announced that they are making interim manager Mike Quade the full time manager for 2011. Girardi certainly had to have his interest piqued having been born and raised, gone to college, and having played in the area, when Lou Piniella announced his intention to retire at season's end. But because Piniella left early, Quade got a chance to show what he can do and the Cubs front office was apparently impressed by it. They gave their new head man a two year deal with an option for 2013.

Girardi had downplayed his interest all season, preffering to concentrate on this season, answering questions about his future only when the Yankees were in the windy city to play the White Sox.

The odds still say that Girardi remains Yankees manager in 2011. Now if there were only some better odds on starting A.J. Burnett.

Breaking News: Lou Piniella Retiring Today

Lou Piniella had already announced he would be retiring after this season, but he's cut the season even shorter to be with his ailing 90-yr old mother.

My best wishes go out to Lou and his family in this tough time.

Not everyone likes or loves Sweet Lou (my Mrs. included), but he will always have a special place in my heart for his time as a Yankees player. One of a kind.

The Daily Yankeeland

It's been a while since I put a Daily Yankeeland out there, so here we go.

Yogi Berra remained hospitalized with a fractured foot according to the Star Ledger's Marc Carig. It was originally thought that the living legend had gone home Sunday night.

ESPN's Rob Neyer says the Yankees will be rewarded by being patient with Joba Chamberlain.

The Washington Post's Allan Sloan knows the Boss jumped ship at the right time.

Lou Piniella has popped one cork too many. The former Yankees outfielder has decided to hang it up as manager after the season. Sweet Lou's old fashioned ways don't work with today's players too much and he certainly had to have tired of the Milton Bradleys and Carlos Zambranos of the world.

Kevin Long explains how he fixed Mark Teixeira's season long slump.

Sergio Mitre's last rehab start wasn't a good one. Pitching for Scranton last night Meat Tray allowed 3 earned runs and 4 hits in 4.2 innings.

Charleston RiverDogs are watching what they eat.

And You Wanted To Be My Latex Salesman

My pre-season pick for the AL MVP was none other than the Rays' B.J. Upton. I had a hunch this would be a bust out year for him. The one that took his game to another level.

Boy was I wrong.

Upton's splits - .223/.318/.392 stink. He's got just 29 RBI.

Back in 2007 it appeared Upton was ready for stardom. He hit .300, belted 24 HR and drove in 82 runs. His OPS was nearly .900.

But his lack of hustle, and it's not a perceived lack, at times and his attitude have diminished as has his game. Things came to a head on Sunday when Upton loped after a ball hit to the gap in left-center field. When the Rays got back in the dugout Evan Longoria got in his teammates face. Upton's reaction, as you can see in the video, was none too pleasant.

Ironically, the game ended when Chris Young hustled to catch a deep fly ball hit by Upton.

Upton's days in Tampa Bay very well becoming to an end. The Rays have shown their not afraid to move talented, but underachieving players (i.e. Delmon Young).

Perhaps a deal for Carlos Zambrano?





Zambrano's weekend flip out. Is there something in the dugout water?



photo courtesy of onpublicspeaking.com

Sweet Lou Pleads the Fifth

NY Daily News columnist Bill Madden reported prior to the 2007 season that Joe Torre would be fired and Lou Piniella would be the new Yankees manager. That never came to fruition, but according to Madden, Sweet Lou will work for the Yankees again one day.

Madden reported this past Saturday that Yankees general partner Hal Steinbrenner told him that Piniella would work for the Yankees again one day.

And on Thursday, Hal Steinbrenner, reiterating his father's longstanding sentiments about Piniella "being part of the family," stated matter-of-factly that "after Lou's done with the Cubs, he'll be back with us as a consultant."

Piniella denies having had any conversations with Steinbrenner about his future and is quite content with his life in Chicago and is only focusing on the Cubs.

"I was there a long time," he said. "Right now, like I told [Madden], my only concern is the Chicago Cubs. I've never talked to Hal about it. I'm friends with Hal. When I was managing there, he basically was around learning the ropes in baseball a little bit. But outside of that, I haven't talked to him about any position at all.

"I'm going to do the best job I can here, and whatever happens after my managing career is over happens."

14 Days Until Pitchers and Catchers

Maddon and Piniella Top Notch Managers

Tampa Rays skipper Joe Maddon and Chicago Cubs head honcho Lou Piniella have been named the 2008 AL and NL Managers of the Year. Maddon was far from being a favorite for the award, just like his team was far from being favored to win the AL East.

The Cubs were expected to win the NL Central and they didn't disappoint, despite a short playoff run. Piniella had skippered the Rays prior to taking over the Cubs in 2007.

Piniella defeated Charlie Manuel, manager of the world champion Phillies and our choice for manager of the year, by 36 votes. Former Yankees skipper Joe Torre came in 4th in the voting. Our pre-season pick of Dusty Baker didn't look too good as he got no votes. It was the same case in the AL where we thought Trey Hillman would make a significant difference in Kansas City.

2008 NL Manager of the Year Award Voting
Manager, Club	1st	2nd	3rd	Points
Lou Piniella, CHC	15	8	4	103
Charlie Manuel, PHI	8	6	9	67
Fredi Gonzalez, FLA	5	6	5	48
Joe Torre, LAD	3	8	6	45
Tony La Russa, STL	1	1	3	11
Jerry Manuel, NYM		3	1	10
Cecil Cooper, HOU			3	3
Dale Sveum, MIL			1	1

Maddon received 27 of the 28 first place votes in the AL, with second place finisher Ron Gardenhire receiving the only other top vote. Yankees manager Joe Girardi did not receive any votes. The same can be said for the Willie Randolph/Jerry Manuel Mets combo.

2008 AL Manager of the Year Award Voting
Manager, Club	1st	2nd	3rd	Points
Joe Maddon, TB	27	1		138
Ron Gardenhire, MIN	1	15	8	58
Mike Scioscia, LAA		12	9	45
Terry Francona, BOS			6	6
Ozzie Guillen, CWS			3	3
Cito Gaston, TOR			2	2

Maddon and Piniella Top Notch Managers

Tampa Rays skipper Joe Maddon and Chicago Cubs head honcho Lou Piniella have been named the 2008 AL and NL Managers of the Year. Maddon was far from being a favorite for the award, just like his team was far from being favored to win the AL East.

The Cubs were expected to win the NL Central and they didn't disappoint, despite a short playoff run. Piniella had skippered the Rays prior to taking over the Cubs in 2007.

Piniella defeated Charlie Manuel, manager of the world champion Phillies and our choice for manager of the year, by 36 votes. Former Yankees skipper Joe Torre came in 4th in the voting. Our pre-season pick of Dusty Baker didn't look too good as he got no votes. It was the same case in the AL where we thought Trey Hillman would make a significant difference in Kansas City.

2008 NL Manager of the Year Award Voting
Manager, Club	1st	2nd	3rd	Points
Lou Piniella, CHC	15	8	4	103
Charlie Manuel, PHI	8	6	9	67
Fredi Gonzalez, FLA	5	6	5	48
Joe Torre, LAD	3	8	6	45
Tony La Russa, STL	1	1	3	11
Jerry Manuel, NYM		3	1	10
Cecil Cooper, HOU			3	3
Dale Sveum, MIL			1	1

Maddon received 27 of the 28 first place votes in the AL, with second place finisher Ron Gardenhire receiving the only other top vote. Yankees manager Joe Girardi did not receive any votes. The same can be said for the Willie Randolph/Jerry Manuel Mets combo.

2008 AL Manager of the Year Award Voting
Manager, Club	1st	2nd	3rd	Points
Joe Maddon, TB	27	1		138
Ron Gardenhire, MIN	1	15	8	58
Mike Scioscia, LAA		12	9	45
Terry Francona, BOS			6	6
Ozzie Guillen, CWS			3	3
Cito Gaston, TOR			2	2

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Yankees vs. Red Sox

The Daily Yankeeland - 6/18

We're still up against since we're off tomorrow. Where will be? Yankee Stadium for the first time this year. WOooooooooooooHOooooooooooooo.

Al Aceves is blipping on our radar like crazy. The lefty the Yankees plucked from the Mexican League was outstanding at Tampa and has brought his 'A' game to 'AA' in Trenton. Last night he threw 1-hit ball over 8 innings in a 7-0 win over the Harrisburg Senators. Between the two stops, he's 6-3, 1.88 with a 5.5:1 strikeout to walk ration. Austin Jackson is getting his bat going too. He's had a pair of 7 RBI games this year. Last night he had to settle for 4 RBI, 3 of them coming on his 7th home run of the season. He's not hitting .283 with 33 walks and 45 RBI.

Willie Randolph will always be a Yankee at heart and that's maybe why a lot of us are even angrier at how his firing was handled by the Mets. Omar Minaya's interview with Mike and the Mad Dog yesterday is a must listen.

We're in the midst of reading Bobby Murcer's "Yankee for Life: My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes ". It's a good read to pick up. Some good stories about Thurman, Sweet Lou, and the Scooter, among others.

Chien-Ming Wang told Mike Puma of the NY Post that he's confident he'll be back by September. From the Wanger's mouth to God's ears.

The Daily Yankeeland - 6/18

We're still up against since we're off tomorrow. Where will be? Yankee Stadium for the first time this year. WOooooooooooooHOooooooooooooo.

Al Aceves is blipping on our radar like crazy. The lefty the Yankees plucked from the Mexican League was outstanding at Tampa and has brought his 'A' game to 'AA' in Trenton. Last night he threw 1-hit ball over 8 innings in a 7-0 win over the Harrisburg Senators. Between the two stops, he's 6-3, 1.88 with a 5.5:1 strikeout to walk ration. Austin Jackson is getting his bat going too. He's had a pair of 7 RBI games this year. Last night he had to settle for 4 RBI, 3 of them coming on his 7th home run of the season. He's not hitting .283 with 33 walks and 45 RBI.

Willie Randolph will always be a Yankee at heart and that's maybe why a lot of us are even angrier at how his firing was handled by the Mets. Omar Minaya's interview with Mike and the Mad Dog yesterday is a must listen.

We're in the midst of reading Bobby Murcer's "Yankee for Life: My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes ". It's a good read to pick up. Some good stories about Thurman, Sweet Lou, and the Scooter, among others.

Chien-Ming Wang told Mike Puma of the NY Post that he's confident he'll be back by September. From the Wanger's mouth to God's ears.

Where in the World is Steve Bartman?

99 years and counting. The Chicago Cubs made it a quick 3 and out as the Arizona Diamondbacks won tonight, 5-1, to complete an NLDS sweep. The Dbacks starting pitching dominated the series, as the victors outscored the Cubbies 16-6.

Oh, and Lou Piniella, you bring back Carlos Zambrano for game 4 now...oh wait, there is no game 4.

And does this look familiar? Alfonso Soriano, 2-14.

Where in the World is Steve Bartman?

99 years and counting. The Chicago Cubs made it a quick 3 and out as the Arizona Diamondbacks won tonight, 5-1, to complete an NLDS sweep. The Dbacks starting pitching dominated the series, as the victors outscored the Cubbies 16-6.

Oh, and Lou Piniella, you bring back Carlos Zambrano for game 4 now...oh wait, there is no game 4.

And does this look familiar? Alfonso Soriano, 2-14.