Rocket Man!

Rocket Man

It's Been A Long, Long Time

With all of this controversy surrounding the resurgence of disgraced Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, as well as the upcoming number retirement of Andy Pettitte, the time has come for the Yankees to ask a very important question.

You see, every year I sit and wait, like so many other fans, to see who the Yankees invited to their annual Old Timers' Day. It is a time to celebrate and commemorate the great moments of past Yankees, especially, as Yankees radio announcer John Sterling says, World Champions, All Stars, and even a few Hall of Famers. While I am well aware that he will never be the latter, it is time to bury the proverbial hatchet and invite Roger Clemens to the 2016 Old Timers' Day festivities.

Clemens, seen here with the Yankees, has been absent from team functions since his retirement in 2007. Photo courtesy of RealClearSports

Clemens spent six seasons with the Yankees, during which he amassed an 83-42 record and a 4.01 ERA, good for a .664 winning percentage. Not to mention a 7-4 postseason record, coming through when it counted most.

Full disclosure: I loved Roger Clemens. As a kid, I practically worshiped the man for all of the "super-human" success he had. Well, time has passed and I have lost that childlike innocence. I'm not stupid. I know full well that the reason for his success was more than likely caused by some form of performance-enhancing drugs, and as much as it pained me to learn, we all need to look ahead as well as what's past.

Last year, the San Francisco Giants hired Barry Bonds, Major League Baseball's home run king, as an advisor. The St. Louis Cardinals hired Mark McGwire as hitting coach in 2010, though he is now with the Dodgers. The Chicago Cubs hired Manny Ramirez as a hitting consultant.

The Yankees have embraced A-Rod, arguably the biggest cheater of all-time, as one of their own again. Never mind that Rodriguez, who has a career .263 postseason batting average, has been a perennial playoff choker, and the only player in baseball history to end his team's season two consecutive years with a strikeout. Yet Clemens remains locked out. Clemens, the two-time World Series Champion. 

On a hot summer day in 2016, John Sterling (or Michael Kay) will call out his stats. "He was the ace of the Yankees staff..."; "His 20-1 start to the 2001 season..."; or even "His intense demeanor on the field..." will be remembered. But most of all, he will be back in the one uniform where he belongs, Yankee pinstripes.

So I'm calling for Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, Randy Levine, and Debbie Tymon, (who organizes the annual event) to end the boycott! You let A-Rod back in after he wronged you several times.

It's time to give Clemens the same treatment.

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) Courtesy of CBS Cleveland

In Defense of Andy Pettitte

Recently the Yankees announced that they would retire the numbers of three of the greatest players in franchise history, and give them plaques in Monument Park. Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte. Posada, a decent Hall of Fame case notwithstanding, and the great Bernie Williams have certainly earned the honor. Pettitte, however, raised many questions, due to his use of the banned-substance Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Many were appalled at the notion that the Yankees would knowingly honor a cheater.

But is Pettitte a cheater? That answer isn't what you might think.

Pettitte admitted in a 2007 press conference that he did, in fact, use HGH in 2002 in order to heal his ailing elbow quicker and return to form in time to pitch again during the season. There is no question about that. He was never banned or suspended for the incidents.

Because he never used a banned substance.

HGH was not banned by Major League Baseball until January 2005, nearly three years after Pettitte used it. Furthermore, it does not appear to have given him an edge, as his win total actually decreased from 15 to 13 during the season, due in part to his injury. There is no evidence that Pettitte benefited at all from his use of the HGH.

His numbers speak for themselves, 256 wins against 153 losses, and 19 postseason victories (an MLB record). His 2,020 strikeouts in pinstripes are a Yankee record, 219 wins third all-time, and 438 games started tie for first with Whitey Ford. His 148 wins from 2000-2009 were the most of any pitcher during the decade, and he played a vital role in five World Series Championships (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009).

And according to the rules, he really did do it all clean.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3156305

Andy's Still Dandy!

Andy's Still Dandy

Veteran Southpaw agrees to 1-year deal with Yankees

The Yankees announced that they have agreed to re-sign LHSP Andy Pettitte to a 1-year, $12,000,000 contract plus bonuses, according to ESPN.com.

 

Pettitte was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in his 12 starts in 2012.

 

Pettitte has always been one of my personal favorite players. His comeback last year was unbelievable and his record proved he can certainly still pitch.

 

Pettitte walks in from the bullpen before the game on June 10, 2012. Russell Martin hit two home runs including a walkoff, Jason Bay made an epic fail of an error, Pettitte was injured barehanding a ball, and I had the greatest 16th birthday one could ever imagine!

Yankees 2013: The Catching Conundrum

The Yankees catchers were once again stellar defensively. However, as I should have seen coming, they weren't so great on offense.

Russell Martin hit just .211 with 21 homers and 53 RBIs, a sharp decline from 2011. However, once again his defense was unmatched in the American League. That may not make up for a 2/14 postseason slump though.



Miguel Montero and Mike Napoli are availible, the Yankees should look to them before making a decision on Martin. Chris Stewart on the other hand, is almost certainly staying as CC's (non)-personal catcher.

New York parted ways with C/DH Jesus Montero, much to my delight. If Stewart goes, the Yankees can use Austin Romine or Francisco Cervelli as backup, so a major move should be made to go for either Montero or Napoli.

It Was The Best of Times...

...It was the Worst of Times.

Charles Dickens' words sum up the 2012 New York Yankees perfectly.

New York once again led the league in home runs, had many productive hitters, and watched as players achieved milestones yet again. Ultimately, however, they failed in their goal.

The Yankees need to look at some changes in 2013.

If I told you that the Yankees would lose the greatest closer in baseball history for most of the season, lose Brett Gardner after only 8 at-bats, witness A-Rod's worst statistical season, and then fail with runners in scoring position nearly every game, where would you say they finish the season?

Behind Tampa Bay?
Dead last?
Certainly not ahead of the Boston Red Sox?

How about FIRST PLACE?!

Unbelievable, isn't it.

However, the team still has to look at some changes for 2013. I'm going to start by putting this out there:

The Yankees need changes fast!

In my upcoming series of articles, I will detail each and every position and what options are available for next year...

Hot Stove

Even before free agency begins, the Major League teams that did not make the postseason are already making moves.

The Minnesota Twins have promoted Terry Ryan to General Manager, he had taken over midseason.

The Angels have re-signed Catcher Chris Ianetta to a 3-year, $15.55 million contract. He hit .240 with 9 homers and 26 RBIs over 79 games.

And in other news, the New York Yankees announced that they have agreed to a deal that will keep them on WCBS 880 AM in 2013. This also means that John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman will return for another season. Sterling, "The Voice of the New York Yankees", began calling games in 1989, while Suzyn joined him for the 2005 season and has been there ever since.

Yankees @ Tigers

Miguel Cabrera homered in the fourth, 2-0 Tigers.

Chavez singled, Granderson singled on an error, and Jeter singled, 2-1. Cano singled, 2-2.

In the fifth, Avila singled and Peralta singled to move Avila to third. Infante singled, 3-2. Jackson doubled, 4-2. Dirks had a sac fly, 5-2.

Avila singled, 7-2.

Verlander went through eight innings and Jose Valverde closed it out to give the Yankees another pathetic loss. This one falls more on Nova then anyone else.

Yankees vs. Mariners

Jesus Montero singled in the first to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead, but Mark Teixeira tapped an infield single which he beat out to score Jeter, 1-1.

Chris Stewart doubled to left field with two outs and Granderson singled when Carp pulled a Bill Buckner. 2-1.


Jeter singled in the fourth, 3-1.


Montero had a bloop single in the fifth, 3-2.


Raul Ibanez launched a towering home run in the fifth, 4-2!


Ibanez had a two run bases loaded single, 6-2.


Ichiro hit a fly ball in the seventh but Michael Saunders pulled a Luis Castillo and Ichiro pulled in to second. Jayson Nix had a sac bunt to move Ichiro to third. Chris Stewart popped out and Granderson flew out to left to end the inning.


Rafael Soriano pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning and the Yankees got a well-needed win against the Mariners!

Yankees vs. Mariners

Ichiro singled, Martin doubled, and Grandy doubled, 2-0 Yankees in the third!

Casper Wells homered, 2-1.

Eric Chavez homered in the sixth, 4-1.

Carp singled, 5-1.

Ackley homered, 6-3.
CC Sabathia finished the game as the Yankees won 6-3!

Ballgame over, Yankees Win, THEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!

Yankees vs. O's

In the first, Granderson had an RBI single, Cano homered, Ichiro hit into a fielder's choice, and Martin had an RBI single. All of this added up to 5-0 Yankees.

However, in the second, a ground rule double by Mark Reynolds, a two-run single by former Met Omar Quintanilla, and a grand salami by Chris Davis made it 7-5 Orioles.

Wilson Betemit had n RBI single in the fifth, 8-5 Orioles.

Markakis homered, 10-5.

Ivan Nova didn't pitch up to par, period. This team is just stumbling and will get back on track in no time.

Trade Deadline Moves!

The Yankees have traded RHP Chad Qualls to the Pittsburgh Pirates for 1B/3B Casey McGee. In addition, they have activated RHP Joba Chamberlain from the disabled list. Joba had an ERA of 0.96 in 9 1/3 rehab innings for the Trenton Thunder.

Joba being attacked by the infamous midges in the 2007 ALDS.

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Ryan Sweeny had a two-run double in the second, 2-0 Sawx.

Russell Martin drilled a solo shot to lead off the seventh, 2-1 Sox!

Andruw Jones doubled in the eighth and Russell Martin singled to tie the game at 2! Martin moved up to second on a wild pitch by Alfredo Aceves! However, Ichiro flew out to end the inning.

Ciriaco had a bloop single to score a run in the tenth, 3-2 Sawx.

Yankees vs. Red Sawx

In the first, Adrian Gonzalez had an RBI double and 3B Will Middlebrooks followed with a two-run double to give the Red Sox a 3-0 lead in the first.

Chris Stewart drilled a solo shot in the bottom of the third inning, 3-1!

Adrian Gonzalez drilled a three run homer in the fifth, 6-1 Sawx.

Andruw Jone singled and Jayson Nix homered, 6-3. Martin and Ichiro singled and Derek Jeter had an RBI groundout, 6-4.

Yankees @ Mariners

Derek Jeter had a solo home run in the first, 1-0 Yankees.

Ivan Nova loaded the bases in the first before walking in a run to tie the game. Carp grounded out to score another run, 2-1.


Clay Rapada replaced Nova in the sixth and struck out his only batters.

Josh Kinney pitched the seventh.

The Yankees loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth, and Curtis Granderson flew out. Pinch hitter Jayson Nix doubled, 4-2 Yankees! Russell Martin singled, 5-2!

Yankees @ Mariners

Curtis Granderson homered in the first, 1-0 Yankees!

Michael Sanders homered in the first, 1-1.

Jesús Montero singled in the third, 2-1 Mariners. John Jaso had a sac fly, 3-1. Granderson singled, stole second, and moved to third on a single by A-Rod. Canó popped out, Teixeira walked to load the bases! Raúl Ibáñez struck out and Eric Chávez flew out to end the inning Hernandez struck out ARod in the sixth for his 2,000th career strikeout. Tex had a bases loaded single in the eighth, 3-2 Mariners. Raúl Ibáñez struck out. Seager had an infield single in the eighth, 4-2 Mariners.

SHOCKING TRADE UPDATE!

The Yankees have reportedly acquired veteran RF Ichiro Suzuki and cash from the Seattle Mariners. The Bombers are currently in Seattle for a three game set. The Yankees send minor league RHP DJ Mitchell and RHP Danny Farquar.

Playing in the House that Steinbrenner Built will only enhance his stats, as the New Yankee Stadium is a very hitter-friendly ballpark.

Yankees vs. Angels

Failing Fred surrendered back to back hits in the first but got a key popup and srikeout of Pujols before Mark Trumbo walked to load the bases for Alberto Callaspo, who singled, 2-0 Angels in the first.

Derek Jeter singled and Curtis Granderson flew out. A-Rod grounded out as Jeter moved to second. Cano homered, 2-2!!!

Curtis Granderson drilled a two-run shot in the third, 4-2 Yankees!!!

Wilson had an RBI groundout in the fourth, 4-3.

A-Rod doubled and Cano singled in the sixth, 5-3 Yankees.

D-Rob pitched the eighth for the Yankees and the Angels called on LaTroy Hawkins to pitch for them.

Rafael Soriano pitched the ninth and the Yankees won another well-pitched game by the bullpen.

Thoughts on the Trade Deadline (Yankees Edition)

How the Yankees are over .500, and in first place nonetheless, is a mystery in itself. They've lost Mariano Rivera, Joba Chamberlain, Brett Gardner, and their savior, Andy Pettitte. Their offense struggled but has found it's momentum.
But, the team has expendable parts that could be used to attempt to lure a key player to New York to help continue their success.

5) Freddy Garcia-Coming off his only good starts of the year, Garcia's trade value, although still somewhat low, is higher than ever. In my opinion, there is a 100% chance he is NOT a Yankee in 2013, so getting what you can now is highly reccomended.

4) Eric Chavez-A good player whose career has been hampered by injures, the 34-year-old is certainly in the home stretch career-wise. Eduardo Nunez is ready to help, and if he can cut down on the errors, he will be an everyday third baseman within the next few years.

3) Andruw Jones-Jones sits in a crowded outfield with Swisher, Granderson, Gardner (when ready), DeWayne Wise, Darnell McDonald, and a plethora of minor leaguers. Whether he is traded or not, he is unlikely to return in 2013.

2) Jayson Nix-He's been a solid outfielder and pinch hitter this season, but the Yankees have minor league outfielders and are in need of help.

As good as these choices are (or aren't), there is one man whose trade value is very high now and, per Hank and Hal Steinbrenner will likely not return following the season...

1) NICK SWISHER-Swisher is having another solid year for the Yankees, though not his 2010 numbers. As I stated before, the Steinbrenners have indicated that in an effort to cut payroll, he may be let go following the season. In his fourth season, three postseasons of mediocre numbers will just not do. If he cannot hit in October, he will NOT return, at all.

White Sox @ Yankees

The struggling, desperate Yankees turned to rookie Adam Warren to try to breathe life into a decrepit rotation and dying team...

Derek Jeter led off the first with a double and Curtis Granderson homered to give the Yankees a 2-0 lead!

A-Rod doubled in the second and Swisher singled. Andruw Jones doubled to score two and the Yankees led 4-0.

A.J. Pierzynski drilled a solo shot in the second, 4-1.

Gordan Beckham had a double in the third, 4-3. Youkilis grounded out to tie the game.

Chris Stewart laid down a bunt single to lead off the home third but was thrown out trying to steal.

Paul Konerko homered to lead off the fourth, 5-4 Sox.

Alex Rios singled, stole second and then took third on a bad throw. AJ singled, 6-4 Sox.

Warren departed in the third with two men on and one out. David Phelps relieved him and promptly struck out thirst man before inducing a groundout to end the inning.

Swisher singled and Jones doubled in the fourth. Layne Nix doubled to tie the game at 6. Stewart grounded out, Derek Jeter flew out and Granderson walked. Tex grounded out to end the inning.

AJ homered again 7-6 Sox.

The Sox scored on an RBI single from Alex Rios in the sixth, 8-6.



Stewart doubled on an error in the sixth. Ramírez homered, 10-6 Sox. Tex doubled and A-Rod singled. Canó singled to score a run, 10-7! Ramirez had a double, 13-7. They won 14-7 against the Yanks.

White Sox vs. Yankees

The Yankees loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth, but Eric Chavez grounded out to end the inning.

Alejandro DeAza homered with two outs in the fifth, 1-0 White Sox.

Granderson doubled in the fifth and A-Rod doubled him home with a ball just over the head of Jermaine Dye to tie the game at 1!!! Cano followed suit and the Yankees took a 2-1 lead!!! This tied Cano for 12th place on the all-time Yankee doubles list.

Tex homered in the eighth, 3-1!!

Clay Rapada botched a double play in the ninth, and D-Rob surrendered a 3-run shot to Viciedo that essentially ended the game, 4-3 Sox.