It's Either Sadness or Euphoria

Stop the presses! Okay, it wasn't that dramatic, but the moment Alex Rodriguez hit home run #600 yesterday, media everywhere trotted out prepared articles. (I'm sure some were fresh, but wouldn't you work ahead on the inevitable?)

As you would expect, most of the media has downplayed the event due to A-Rod's admission of steroid use. Things went like this in the metropolitan area:

Apparently the NY Daily News didn't want to sell any extra newspapers or collectible items, such as posters. The back page, pictured here, says it all.

Mike Lupica also mentioned that no matter how hard A-Rod tries, he'll be forever linked to the steroid users. I chuckled a bit in reading Lupica's column today since he made a tidy sum with his book, "Summer of '98'. Everyone but Bud Selig suspected steroid use during that very tainted season, but Lupica rejoiced in the single season home run chase (I really enjoyed the big; probably the only that Lupica has ever written that I have liked.)

The NY Post is the paper you would expect the above cover from, but they were actually tasteful for once (I'm sure Page Six more than made up for it with their daily garbage.)


Joel Sherman shared an interesting personal story between he and A-Rod, but also threw this gem out in another piece, "Alex Rodriguez never is going to be fully a Yankee." I've said this before. I don't know where this garbage came from, but there is no such thing as a "true Yankee". It's some nonsense started by either the media and/or some spoiled younger Yankees fan early in this decade. It's complete and utter nonsense and doesn't deserve to be delved into further.

The Star Ledger's Steve Politi took at look at how the fans themselves weighed out the steroid past and the milestone present. Big props to Marc Carig and Dan Worthington on their full page breakdown of A-Rod's home run history. Here's part of it online.

Newday's Ken Davidoff took a look at the "very human" A-Rod. There was more steroid talk from Bob Klapisch.

Former Yankee Bucky Dent had this to say. Johnny Damon took a shot at the media for their negative portrayal. David Wells took some shots at A-Rod.

Kyle Koster of the Chicago Sun-Times wonders if anyone cares.


Me? I still don't know what to think.

The Daily Yankeeland - 11/20

Plenty of praise and a few shots coming in today for Mike Mussina after word came out yesterday he would be calling it a career. Here's some of what's being said by the area writers:

Pete Abraham

Mike Lupica

Joel Sherman

George King

Mark Feinsand

Tyler Kepner


Moose held a press conference today in which he apologized to reporters for misleading them. He had intended 2008 to be his last season from the first day of Spring Training.

Nick Swisher was on with Mike Francesa the other day. He's quite a character. You can take a listen for yourself on WFAN's website.

Joe Girardi and Michael Kay were among the honorees at Tuesday night's "Remember When, Remember Now" fundraiser for Alzheimer's Disease. Girardi's dad suffers from the hideous disease. MLB.com's Bryan Hoch had a chance to talk to the manager about the 2009 season.

Phil Coke was named to the Topp's Double-A All Star team. Do you get free baseball cards?

The Daily Yankeeland - 11/20

Plenty of praise and a few shots coming in today for Mike Mussina after word came out yesterday he would be calling it a career. Here's some of what's being said by the area writers:

Pete Abraham

Mike Lupica

Joel Sherman

George King

Mark Feinsand

Tyler Kepner


Moose held a press conference today in which he apologized to reporters for misleading them. He had intended 2008 to be his last season from the first day of Spring Training.

Nick Swisher was on with Mike Francesa the other day. He's quite a character. You can take a listen for yourself on WFAN's website.

Joe Girardi and Michael Kay were among the honorees at Tuesday night's "Remember When, Remember Now" fundraiser for Alzheimer's Disease. Girardi's dad suffers from the hideous disease. MLB.com's Bryan Hoch had a chance to talk to the manager about the 2009 season.

Phil Coke was named to the Topp's Double-A All Star team. Do you get free baseball cards?

The Daily Yankeeland - 9/24

Jon Heyman is reporting that the Steinbrenner boys have given Brian Cashman until next to decide if he wants to return to the Bronx.

Wade Boggs is among those are still very disappointed that Roger Clemens and Joe Torre were not part of Sunday's farewell festivities.

"When you look at what Joe Torre did with the Yankees - being a part of four championships - he was a part of it and so was Roger Clemens," said Boggs, who was signing copies of the 232-page "Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective" book for fans at Mickey Mantle's restaurant on Central Park South yesterday. "For what reason, I have no idea why they left them out. I don't know the mind-set of why they were left out. I did notice that Clemens wasn't in the collage of pictures and I don't know the speculation or reason behind it."

Read more...

If Mike Mussina wins his 20th on Sunday, he'll also tie Hall of Fame inductee Burleigh Grimes with 270 wins, 32nd base on the all-time list.

Phil Hughes will go after his first win once again this evening, in what has been a very disappointing season. The time off this season did allow Hughes to develop his cutter.

“It would be nice, but at the same time, I don’t think one win is really what I expected out of myself or anybody else expected,” said Hughes, who threw four innings in a no-decision last Wednesday. “I think it will still be, definitely, a negative year.”

Read more from Tyler Kepner and Michael S. Schmidt...

Another home run ball ownership controversy. This time it's Jose Molina's final Stadium blast.

"He couldn't get it through the net," Russo griped. "I'm the only one who had the ball."

Read more...

Mike Lupica throws some more dirt on the Yankees' grave.

Marty Noble of mlb.com looks back on a pair of players that had an affect on both New York stadiums - Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden.

Mariano Rivera was part of a contest, sponsored by Michael C. Fina, last week that gave a grand prize to a deserving recipient.

The Daily Yankeeland - 9/24

Jon Heyman is reporting that the Steinbrenner boys have given Brian Cashman until next to decide if he wants to return to the Bronx.

Wade Boggs is among those are still very disappointed that Roger Clemens and Joe Torre were not part of Sunday's farewell festivities.

"When you look at what Joe Torre did with the Yankees - being a part of four championships - he was a part of it and so was Roger Clemens," said Boggs, who was signing copies of the 232-page "Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective" book for fans at Mickey Mantle's restaurant on Central Park South yesterday. "For what reason, I have no idea why they left them out. I don't know the mind-set of why they were left out. I did notice that Clemens wasn't in the collage of pictures and I don't know the speculation or reason behind it."

Read more...

If Mike Mussina wins his 20th on Sunday, he'll also tie Hall of Fame inductee Burleigh Grimes with 270 wins, 32nd base on the all-time list.

Phil Hughes will go after his first win once again this evening, in what has been a very disappointing season. The time off this season did allow Hughes to develop his cutter.

“It would be nice, but at the same time, I don’t think one win is really what I expected out of myself or anybody else expected,” said Hughes, who threw four innings in a no-decision last Wednesday. “I think it will still be, definitely, a negative year.”

Read more from Tyler Kepner and Michael S. Schmidt...

Another home run ball ownership controversy. This time it's Jose Molina's final Stadium blast.

"He couldn't get it through the net," Russo griped. "I'm the only one who had the ball."

Read more...

Mike Lupica throws some more dirt on the Yankees' grave.

Marty Noble of mlb.com looks back on a pair of players that had an affect on both New York stadiums - Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden.

Mariano Rivera was part of a contest, sponsored by Michael C. Fina, last week that gave a grand prize to a deserving recipient.

The Daily Yankeeland - 9/12

What's left of the season? Finger pointing of course, by those who hadn't done it as of yet. Bob Raissman says it only took Michael Kay and company 144 games to rip the Yankees a new one. Neil Best has his take on this new twist on the YES Network.

Mike Lupica says it's the "House that Ruth Built", but the Yankees are bringing it down.

Joe Girardi says he'll take the blame. Tyler Kepner says you can blame the offense.

On the bright side, Bernie Williams has confirmed he will be attending the Yankee Stadium closing ceremonies. Bernie Baseball was performing at Robinson Cano's Foundation Fundraiser at Frankie & Johnny's Pine Restaurant in the Bronx.

Scott Patterson, who we thought would be a major contributor to the Yankees this season, started out well in the minors and then was mediocre. The Yankees released him to make room on the 40-man roster for Humberto Sanchez, and he's already pitching for the San Diego Padres.

Hank is trying to play George again. He's going to put a "committee" (baseball people?) together and Cashman could lose power. Here's a look at it from the Post, the News, and Peter Abraham have to say. PeteAbe also has a look at the final homestand.

Whether he'll be a Yankee next season remains to be seen, but either way, Robinson Cano will be working with Kevin Long this season after a very disappointing 2008. Long is planning on making major changes to Cano's swing.

"You're going to see a huge difference visually," Long said. "You'll see less movement, an explosive, compact swing, and you'll probably see more home runs. I think his average will go way up and I think his walks will go way up."

Kat O'Brien takes a look at next season's starting rotation.

Bill Madden spoke with Yogi Berra about his favorite Stadium moments.

The Daily Yankeeland - 9/12

What's left of the season? Finger pointing of course, by those who hadn't done it as of yet. Bob Raissman says it only took Michael Kay and company 144 games to rip the Yankees a new one. Neil Best has his take on this new twist on the YES Network.

Mike Lupica says it's the "House that Ruth Built", but the Yankees are bringing it down.

Joe Girardi says he'll take the blame. Tyler Kepner says you can blame the offense.

On the bright side, Bernie Williams has confirmed he will be attending the Yankee Stadium closing ceremonies. Bernie Baseball was performing at Robinson Cano's Foundation Fundraiser at Frankie & Johnny's Pine Restaurant in the Bronx.

Scott Patterson, who we thought would be a major contributor to the Yankees this season, started out well in the minors and then was mediocre. The Yankees released him to make room on the 40-man roster for Humberto Sanchez, and he's already pitching for the San Diego Padres.

Hank is trying to play George again. He's going to put a "committee" (baseball people?) together and Cashman could lose power. Here's a look at it from the Post, the News, and Peter Abraham have to say. PeteAbe also has a look at the final homestand.

Whether he'll be a Yankee next season remains to be seen, but either way, Robinson Cano will be working with Kevin Long this season after a very disappointing 2008. Long is planning on making major changes to Cano's swing.

"You're going to see a huge difference visually," Long said. "You'll see less movement, an explosive, compact swing, and you'll probably see more home runs. I think his average will go way up and I think his walks will go way up."

Kat O'Brien takes a look at next season's starting rotation.

Bill Madden spoke with Yogi Berra about his favorite Stadium moments.

The Daily Yankeeland - 8/26

The Yankees and Red Sox start a HUGE three game series tonight at the Stadium. Barring some kind of ALCS miracle, it will be the Red Sox' last visit to this incarnation of Yankee Stadium.

Tim Wakefield (7-8, 3.67) comes off the DL tonight to start the series opener against Andy Pettitte (13-9, 4.17). Wednesday night is the real wildcard game with Paul Byrd (8-11,4.61) , acquired from the Indians, going up against Sidney Ponson (7-4, 4.67). Byrd is 1-1, 5.40 in his two starts with Boston, while Ponson is 4-1, 3.88 in nine starts since joining the Yankees.

Thursday's finale features the best pitching match up, with Jon Lester (12-5, 3.49) facing Mike Mussina (16-7, 3.45). Lester has allowed just two earned runs, in 16.1 innings, in his last two starts against the Yankees. Moose tossed six scoreless innings in a 2-1, July 5 win over Boston.

Mike Lupica says it's time for A-Rod to step up.

The Daily News and Star Ledger look back at the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry at the Stadium.

Joba Chamberlain continues his way back to the Yankees.

Jason Bay readies himself for the rivalry.

Ken Rosenthal thinks the Yankees' problems could overlap in 2009.

The Princeton Packet talks to recently-dealt Ross Ohlendorf.

The Yankees have renewed their agreement with Class 'A', Charleston for another four years.

The Daily Yankeeland - 8/26

The Yankees and Red Sox start a HUGE three game series tonight at the Stadium. Barring some kind of ALCS miracle, it will be the Red Sox' last visit to this incarnation of Yankee Stadium.

Tim Wakefield (7-8, 3.67) comes off the DL tonight to start the series opener against Andy Pettitte (13-9, 4.17). Wednesday night is the real wildcard game with Paul Byrd (8-11,4.61) , acquired from the Indians, going up against Sidney Ponson (7-4, 4.67). Byrd is 1-1, 5.40 in his two starts with Boston, while Ponson is 4-1, 3.88 in nine starts since joining the Yankees.

Thursday's finale features the best pitching match up, with Jon Lester (12-5, 3.49) facing Mike Mussina (16-7, 3.45). Lester has allowed just two earned runs, in 16.1 innings, in his last two starts against the Yankees. Moose tossed six scoreless innings in a 2-1, July 5 win over Boston.

Mike Lupica says it's time for A-Rod to step up.

The Daily News and Star Ledger look back at the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry at the Stadium.

Joba Chamberlain continues his way back to the Yankees.

Jason Bay readies himself for the rivalry.

Ken Rosenthal thinks the Yankees' problems could overlap in 2009.

The Princeton Packet talks to recently-dealt Ross Ohlendorf.

The Yankees have renewed their agreement with Class 'A', Charleston for another four years.

The Daily Yankeeland - 8/10

We're still disgusted from yesterday's game so we'll probably not be tuning in today. If you want to read more about yesterday's game, click here.

George King has a story on the tough return for Dan Giese to So Cal. Giese did everything he could to give the Yankees a win yesterday, but the team let him down big time.

The Yankees are hoping to develop some of their own left-handed relievers, so Phil Coke, who was in the original Nady-Marte deal, was promoted to Scranton to work out of the bullpen.

Mike Lupica agrees with us (we usually don't agree with him) that Joe Girardi has done a good job.

Chad Jennings has a look at prospect wannabe Matt Carson.

The Daily Yankeeland - 8/10

We're still disgusted from yesterday's game so we'll probably not be tuning in today. If you want to read more about yesterday's game, click here.

George King has a story on the tough return for Dan Giese to So Cal. Giese did everything he could to give the Yankees a win yesterday, but the team let him down big time.

The Yankees are hoping to develop some of their own left-handed relievers, so Phil Coke, who was in the original Nady-Marte deal, was promoted to Scranton to work out of the bullpen.

Mike Lupica agrees with us (we usually don't agree with him) that Joe Girardi has done a good job.

Chad Jennings has a look at prospect wannabe Matt Carson.

The Daily Yankeeland

What would the Daily Yankeeland be without a Johan Santana report? Joel Sherman of the NY Post says his sources indicate that the Red Sox are still in the lead to land the lefty. The absurdity of this is that it isn't an election. It doesn't matter who trails or leads. Obviously the Twins are not completely happy right now with any offer or they would have pulled the trigger by now. This has clearly turned into a marathon and not a sprint.

The Yankees have told Robinson Cano to stop playing winter ball, ostensibly because they want an injured calf to completely heal. Cano had just begun playing recently for Estrellas de Orientales in the Dominican and was starting post-season play.

Mr. Holier than Thou, Mike Lupica, whom we have as much respect for as say toe fungus, rips Roger Clemens a new one in today's Daily News. The Lip compares Clemens' defense to that of Tour de France cheat, Floyd Landis (does anyone really think Lance Armstrong was clean?).

The NY Times has an interesting piece on Clemens' attorney, Rusty Hardin. Hardin represented Wade Boggs a few years back, when the Hall of Fame 3rd Baseman was accused of assaulting a flight attendant on the Yankees' charter.

Anyone else as creeped out as I am by this new Derek Jeter cologne ad?

The Daily Yankeeland

What would the Daily Yankeeland be without a Johan Santana report? Joel Sherman of the NY Post says his sources indicate that the Red Sox are still in the lead to land the lefty. The absurdity of this is that it isn't an election. It doesn't matter who trails or leads. Obviously the Twins are not completely happy right now with any offer or they would have pulled the trigger by now. This has clearly turned into a marathon and not a sprint.

The Yankees have told Robinson Cano to stop playing winter ball, ostensibly because they want an injured calf to completely heal. Cano had just begun playing recently for Estrellas de Orientales in the Dominican and was starting post-season play.

Mr. Holier than Thou, Mike Lupica, whom we have as much respect for as say toe fungus, rips Roger Clemens a new one in today's Daily News. The Lip compares Clemens' defense to that of Tour de France cheat, Floyd Landis (does anyone really think Lance Armstrong was clean?).

The NY Times has an interesting piece on Clemens' attorney, Rusty Hardin. Hardin represented Wade Boggs a few years back, when the Hall of Fame 3rd Baseman was accused of assaulting a flight attendant on the Yankees' charter.

Anyone else as creeped out as I am by this new Derek Jeter cologne ad?