Spring Training Photo of the Day - 2/15

Philip Hughes gets in his daily throws as Joe Torre looks on. Will both be members of the '08 team?

George Won't Like That

Steve Swindal, son-in-law of George Steinbrenner and heir to the throne to head the Yankees was arrested early Thursday morning for driving while impaired. Swindal was driving 61 mph in a 35 mph zone in St. Petersburg, when his careless driving nearly caused a collision with a local cop. Swindal refused a breathalyzer test and failed a sobriety test. He was booked on DUI charges and will have to appear in court on March 13.

The only amusing part of this story is when 1050 ESPN radio reported this as a "distraction" to the Yankees spring training. About as distracting as George Constanza running around the outfield as "Bodysuit Man".

You Gotta Have Heart...and Kidney

One of the biggest side stories of the Yankees return to the world series in 1996 was the heart transplant of Joe Torre's big brother Frank. Now a little over 10 years later, Frank is in need of a new kidney due to the immunosuppresant drugs he's taken for his new heart.

"My heart is only 38 years old," Frank Torre told the newspaper, laughing. "The problem is, my body's 75. I'll be the bionic man by the time they're done with me."

Doctors are hoping that one of Frank Torre's relatives are a match. There was speculation yesterday that his daughter Elizabeth may be a good candidate.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Frank Torre and his family for a new kidney and a speedy recovery.

Mussina Rips Pavano...Again

The question of Carl Pavano's heart and guts came up again yesterday, and just as he did as last month's Thurman Munson Awards dinner, Mike Mussina took the opportunity to rip his teammate. "He needs to show a lot of people he wants to pitch for us" Mussina said. When asked if Pavano would get the benefit of the doubt, Moose responded, "Not yet, I want to see if he wants to do it.

Pavano only matters worse yesterday when he stupidly blamed the media for blowing things out of proportion. The media is no doubt filled with idiots, but it is truly amazing how many athletes try to use them as an excuse for their moronic or questionable behavior.

More from Moose- "He is looking at it with his perspective and we are looking at it with ours," Mussina said. "He has to show us he wants to pitch. Maybe once the whole team gets here he will look at it differently but I don't know how he will be treated by everyone."




"6 letter for wuss.. P _ _ A _ O"









"I don't know how widespread it is but from another starting pitcher who hasn't been 100 percent all of the last two years, I know what it takes to pitch and I know when you can't go out and pitch," Mussina said. "Some times it is a fine line. After 15 years, I know where the line is."

Yankees Honor Lidle

The Yankees have announced that they will honor the memory of Corey Lidle by wearing black armbands on their shirt sleeves this season. No player will be assigned Lidle's number 30 either.

Villone Back in the Fold

Ron Villone passed on the Yankees arbitration offer, in hopes of getting a 2-year deal somewhere. That didn't work out so well, so today Villone signed a minor league contract to return to the Bombers. With Mike Myers as the only established lefty reliever in camps, the Yankees need Villone more than he needs them.

Spring Training Jeopardy

"I'll Take Unsolved Mysteries for $200 Alex"

"The answer is..."


"What is the team A-Rod will play for after he opts out of his contract?"

Alex Trebek: "Correct"

Alex Rodriguez has spent the past three season in Yankees pinstripes. To categorize them as yo-yo like would be an understatement. There was the blown 3-0 lead to the Red Sox (which of course went well beyond his fault) in the 2004 ALCS. The 2005 MVP season was followed up by a disappearing act against the Angels in the divisional series. And last year was an out and out disaster. When a player hits .290-35-121, that's really saying something. Yes, the Yankees won the AL East, but they were blitzed in the division series by the Tigers. After going 2-15 the prior year, the best player in the game followed that up with a 1-14 performance. He was a psychological mess the entire year. There's no question in my mind that some Yankees fans will never given A-Rod the approval he seeks. Part of it, of course, is because of A-Rod's own actions and words. A perfect example would be when he told reporters last season that he was playing hurt, and then refused to specify what the injury was.

With Scott Boras as his agent, there's no question that A-Rod will do some serious soul searching and most likely will opt out of his contract. With the recent contracts given out to Alfonso Soriano, JD Drew, and others, Boras will definitely be pushing for it.


"I'll Take Unsolved Mysteries for $400 Alex"

"The answer is..."


"Who are candidates to replace Joe Torre?"

Alex Trebek: "Correct Again"






Who else could make George cry?!






There's always an outside chance Torre could stick around longer if he and King George decide it's not time. Obviously there is no managerial contract beyond the 2007 season at this point. I think Torre has done a tremendous job since he's been here, but I for one felt that maybe it was time for a change after the 2006 campaign. Joe has made some odd and poor decisions since the 2003 World Series when he let that idiot Jeff Weaver actually get on the mound. That being said, I did NOT want Lou Piniella coming back to the Bronx. No Bobby Valentine, no Larry Bowa, no Lee Mazzilli. So I'm glad Torre will get the chance to finish his contract. Beyond that, I can't honestly see Don Mattingly stepping in as manager in 2008. I love Donnie Baseball, but I don't know if he would be ready for a big step like that. I'd rather see Joe Girardi get the job.

"I'll Take Unsolved Mysteries for $600 Alex"

"The answer is..."


"What is the title of Bernie Williams' next album?"

Alex Trebek: "We'll accept that."






Heir to Mantle and Clapton?






Bernie Williams is da man. His number 51 will be retired; he'll have his day in front of the Stadium faithful. And as much as it pains me to say it, it's time to begin that retirement now. He had a good season in 2006. Not fantastic, not horrible, just good. He's clearly not the same hitter, especially from the left side, and he doesn't have the speed to roam centerfield any more. He doesn't have the arm of a corner outfielder. The bat is slower, the legs aren't as quick, the body aches - it happens to the best of them. The Yankees need to let a young guy like Melky Cabrera develop as a 4th outfielder, with an eye on possibly starting one day. Here's to all the success in the world for Bernie as the next great guitar God.

"I'll Take Unsolved Mysteries for $800 Alex"

"The answer is..."


"What is the minimum numbers of wins it'll take to win the AL East?"

Alex Trebek: "Yes! We would have also accepted, 'the minimum number of days Carl Pavano will be on the DL."







Pitching will be the key as usual to having another banner year








I'm figuring the Yankees will get 47 wins out of Chien-Ming Wang (17), Andy Pettitte (17), and Mike Mussina (13). That leaves another 48-51 wins to be picked up by the combination of Carl Pavano, Kei Igawa, whoever else steps in, and the bullpen. It's most likely the AL East runner-up misses out on the AL wildcard, so the Yankees are going to have to push to the finish. Boston will have rebounded and Toronto gained a lot of confidence last season.

"I'll Take Unsolved Mysteries for $1000 Alex"

"The answer is..."


"What is what Roger Clemens won't be wearing in the Hall of Fame if he plays for the Red Sox again"

Alex Trebek: "Great job, you ran the category!"




Hmmm, should I stay or should I go now...




Roger Clemens has already started his "I don't know what I'm doing this year" game. What is clear is that the Yankees, Red Sox, and Astros are the only 3 teams that Clemens would consider pitching for. And one thing is even clearer than that. If Clemens returns to Boston he can forget EVER wearing a Yankees cap in the Hall of Fame. As it is he should be wearing a Red Sox hat since that is where he made his career.

And give the Hummer back too!

One Mo Contract

Mariano Rivera reported to Yankee's camp a day earlier than necessary yesterday and it was quite clear from his comments that the Bernie Williams situation was weighing on his mind. Mo is in the final year of a 3 year deal and thus far there has been no contact from the Yankees regarding the future. More precisely, Mo realizes that a similar situation could happen to him. He would like to avoid that and hopes the Yankees show him the respect he's earned.

"If they want to talk, we're willing to listen," Rivera said Monday following a pre-spring training workout. "But I'm going to bring nothing to the table. I'm just going to focus on what I have to do and see what happens. I have a contract for this year. That's what matters. All I have to do is focus on this season. I just have to worry about being able to help the team as much as I can."





A healthy and "ready to go" Mariano Rivera works out in Tampa




"I know that I have one more year, that is this year," Rivera said. "After that year, I don't know what's going to happen. Definitely I want to finish my career here, but if they don't give the respect that I deserve, I have to move on.





Gotta go to Mo!






"The Yankees always give me the respect," Rivera added. "When the time comes, if they want me back, they want me back. Otherwise, I'm not going to sit in my house crying. I have to move on."

Here's to hoping the Yankees do the right thing before this season is over.

Bernie Leaning Towards No

Newsday's Jim Baumbauch spoke with Bernie tonight, moments before the veteran outfielder was to perform as part of a benefit concert in Connecticut. When asking about the Yankees spring training invite, Bernie indicated that he was leaning towards declining the invite since it pretty much says the Yankees really don't want him. Baumbach then contacted Yankee's GM Brian Cashman for comment. Cashman said he understood Bernie's unwillingness to accept a minor league deal.

It's not a Robin

But we'll take it!

Yankees Great Hank Bauer Dead at 84

Hank Bauer the longtime Yankees great has passed away at age 84 due to cancer. Bauer, the onetime marine, played for the Yankees from 1948 thru 1959. He was dealt to Kansas City prior to the 1959 season in the deal that brought Roger Maris to the Yankees. He served as manager for two seasons with the A's, including a year as player/manager in 1961. He won a World Series title at the helm of the Baltimore Orioles in 1966 as part of his 5 seasons there and finished up his managerial career with one year in Oakland (1969). He won 594 games in his 8 seasons as a manager.

But Bauer will best be remembered as the hard-nosed outfielder for the Yankees. He was a member of 9 World Series teams, winning 7 championship rings in the process. He had a lifetime
.277 average over 14 years in the big leagues and was always a crowd favorite at Old-Timer's day. He was also one of the Yankees involved in the famous Copacabana incident that helped lead to the trade of Billy Martin.

Bauer had cartilage removed from throat in 1993 after first being diagnosed with cancer. His voice was raspy, but he was still the fun loving Hank Bauer. He will certainly be sorely missed.

Diamondbacks Hire Mel Stottelmyre

The Arizona Diamondbacks have hired former Yankee player and coach Mel Stottlemyre as a spring training instructor, and will also work the team's pitchers during the season. Mel's son Mel Jr., who pitched for the Royals and Astros, is the team's minor league pitching coordinator. Mel's son Todd was a member of the Diamondbacks for 3 seasons.

Good luck to a guy who was one of the few bright spots during the declinasty days of the late '60s/early 70's, and an integral part of the Yankees 4 World Series wins during the '96-'00 stretch.

Murderer's Row

This year marks the 80th anniversary of arguably the greatest team in baseball history. The 1927 Yankees led by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig slugged their way to a then record 110 wins. The Philadelphia A's finished a distant 19 games back with 91 victories. Lead by Ruth's 60 home runs, which was more than any team total, the Yankee's 158 home runs was more than a third of the league total of 439 (The A's had the next highest total with just 56). Yankee's opponents managed only 42 home runs.





These two made Manny and Big Papi look like little leaguers




Gehrig drove in 175 runs, which amazingly would only be the 2nd highest total of his career. He and Ruth provided an unparalleled 1-2 punch. The Iron Horse's 47 home runs were more than 4 other teams and he and Ruth combined for 339 RBI. They didn't do too poorly hitting for average either as Gehrig hit a torrid .373 and Ruth a not-too-shabby, .356 (Harry Heilmann lead the lead at .398). They both walked over 100 times as well. They weren't alone though. The lineup also included fellow Hall of Famers Tony Lazzeri (.383-18-102) and Earl Combs (.356).

The team's hitters have always been talked about, but not much attention has been paid to the teams pitchers. The Yankees had a league best 3.20 ERA. There was no Cy Young award in those days, but future Hall of Famer Waite Hoyt certainly could have won it. Hoyt completed 23 of his 32 starts in compiling a 22-7 record with a 2.63 ERA. Urban Shocker (18 and what a great name), Hall of Famer Herb Pennock (19) and Wilcy Moore (19) nearly joined him. Saves were not a category back then, but baseball historians have mined through the stats and determined that Moore had 13 of them in addition to his very good win total and a league best 2.28 ERA.

Mention of course has to be made of the manager as well. Miller Huggins, who was inducted in 1964, took the Yankees to their first 6 World Series. If today's media existed back then, he probably would have fallen into the same trap as Joe Torre. "All he has to do is fill out the lineup card". If only it were that simple. Huggins' died less than a month after the conclusion of the 1929 season. He was just 51.

Needless to say the World Series was no contest. The Yankees swept a Pittsburgh Pirates team that was lead by the Lloyd Waner, Paul Waner and Pie Traynor. Ruth slugged the series only 2 home runs and drove in a team high 7 runs. Shortstop Mark Koenig hit .500 (9-18). Moore saved Game 1 and pitched a complete game in the series final game.

Murderer's Row indeed...this team could scare the hell out of anyone.

Monday Morning Centerfielder

They're saying Moooooovers

Before getting down to Yankees business, a quick congratulations to Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, and the Indy Colts. It was an entertaining, sloppy game at times, and a close one. Good commercials too. Oh, and I did predict 26-17, not bad. I now have bragging rights with myself.

Pavano says he's ready to go

Should we get a marching band? Hire a skywriter? Carl, or Carlotta as we prefer to refer to you as, excuse us for not doing cartwheels. If you haven't heard what is causing my ire, Carl Pavano announced to the media last week that he felt physically strong and ready to go after changing his physical workouts. Notice there was no mention of his mental readiness.



I wonder if you can sprain your eyelash?




Reports are that Bernie Williams is leaning towards accepting the Yankee's spring training invite. Matt DeSalvo, who had been dropped from the 40 man roster last week, was signed to a minor league deal and given an invite to spring training.