New York Yankees

Since July 2014, Martin Prado plays for the New York Yankees. Born in Venezuela on October 27, 1983, Prado played professional baseball in his country. He made his first appearance in major league baseball in 2006, when he played for Atlanta Braves. He scored his first home run in the same season against Philadelphia Phillies. During the season, he played 24 games, scoring 9 RBIs and a home run.

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The best Shortstops in New York Yankee history Shortstop may be the most important defensive position - after catcher - on a baseball field. Quickness, speed, the ability to cover a lot of ground, and a strong accurate arm are essential. Going into the hole to backhand the ball and then throw out the runner at first, and being able to turn the double play consistently, are also important. The Yankees have had some pretty good shortstops, and some have been impressive contributors on offense as well.

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The best Catchers in New York Yankee history Most teams favor having a player with top notch defensive skills behind the plate. The Yankees have had some steady defensive players who also helped their pitching staffs by calling a good game; fortunately for the team these five catchers were dominant offensive players as well.

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The best Right Fielders in New York Yankee history Right field may be a position where kids in sandlot games try to hide someone who isn't a great player, but that isn't true in professional baseball. There have been many great offensive and defensive players at the position, and the Yankees have had some good ones. Here are the top five in their history.

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The best first basemen in New York Yankee history Some people have said, "Anybody can play first base."  But that's not really true, there's more to the position than some fans think. A first baseman needs good hands, quick feet, agility, and the ability to make split second decisions on plays such as bunts and cutoffs. Let's not forget the skill of scooping infielders' bad throws out of the dirt. All of these can save a team runs, and sometimes can mean the difference between a win and a loss. The Yankees have had some great hitters at the position, and several have also been outstanding defensive players. Here are the top five in franchise history.

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The best Left Fielders in New York Yankee history The Yankees have had a number of good outfielders in franchise history, with many playing more than one spot. But who are the best left fielders? I took a look at who played the most games at the position, and put up good offensive as well as defensive numbers. Contribution to championship teams was also taken into consideration when ranking the players. Here are the top five Yankee Left Fielders of all time:

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The best Center Fielders in New York Yankee history Centerfielders in baseball are usually players who have the best combination of speed and a strong throwing arm among the three outfielders, since they have to cover the most ground and make throws from different areas in the field. The Yankees have had many great players at the position, so let's take a look at the best in their history. As it turns out these five are also the top five in games played in centerfield.

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The best Third Basemen in New York Yankee history The third base position in baseball is called the 'hot corner' because when a right handed batter pulls the ball he's got a lot of power behind it, and the ball gets to the third baseman very fast. A player who is great defensively will stand out at third base, and the Yankees have had several at the position. Here are the top five:

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One of the keys to championship baseball in the major leagues is the double play. Since the second baseman is involved in more double plays than anyone else, this is a pretty important position.

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It is said- and correctly so- that while a pennant may not be won in April, a pennant may be lost in April.

On this note, the Detroit Tigers have immediate cause for concern. Their early schedule- in the month of April alone- includes two more games against Boston, a three-game home series with the Tampa Bay Rays (April 10-12), a four-game home series against the American League Champion Texas Rangers (April 19-22) and, just to pour a bucket of salt water over the wounds incurred, a three-game series in the Bronx Apr. 27-29.

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Legendary Yankees captain Derek Jeter went 5-5 and recorded his 3,000th career hit with a third inning home run to lead New York to a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays Saturday afternoon in the Bronx. 

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In a fight marred with controversy, Puerto Rican icon Miguel “Junito” Cotto defeated aspiring rabbi Yuri Foreman by a ninth-round TKO to capture the WBA super welterweight crown Saturday night at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. 

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WBA super welterweight champion Yuri Foreman and former WBO welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto will fight Saturday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. 

Cotto (34-2, 27 KOs) last fought on November 14 when he relinquished his belt to Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) by a brutal 12th round TKO. 

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Since my last blog entry, the New York Yankees have won the World Series (coincidentally on this blogger’s birthday last year. SWEET!) and got some good quality talent during the offseason, namely Curtis Granderson from the Tigers, Nick Johnson from the Marlins, and Javier Vasquez from the Braves, among others. They’ve gotten off to an awesome start, winning every series this year so far except this past weekend when they lost 2 out 3 in Anaheim against the Angels. Bringing up Javi Vasquez leads me to discuss Robinson Cano because the Yanks gave up his seemingly inseparable buddy Melky Cabrera to get him. The 2 were like brothers. They lived together. They visited each other’s family. They supported each other, helping each other during slumps. Their antics at times were the life of the clubhouse and highlight reels. But now that is over. Robinson is now on his own outside his comfort zone minus Melky. Manager Joe Girardi took a gamble and put Cano to bat behind Alex Rodriguez in the #5 spot and, boy, did it pay dividends. “You want to take care of your veterans, but all we’ve got is veterans. I consider Robbie a veteran player, “ Girardi said in an interview during spring training. In 18 games so far this season, he’s already had 1 multi-homer game & is hitting .368 with an on base percentage of .416.  He has 5 HRs, 14 RBIs and is going into tonight’s game hitting safely in 8 out of his last 10 games. He’s been clutch since the beginning of the season. He’s had to. The #5 spot last year was occupied by Mr. Clutch himself, Hideki Matsui, who is now with the LA Angels of Anaheim. Those are some heavy shoes to fill especially considering Godzilla was the World Series MVP last year. With more focus and less distractions, Yankee fans, expect another career year from Robinson Cano this season. I admit he’s nowhere near as clutch as Matsui, but he’s do a pretty job so far.

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Baseball Hall of Famer Goose Gossage claimed this past weekend that New York Yankees icon Mariano Rivera is not the best relief pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB).

“I think he (Rivera) is a tremendous relief pitcher,” said Gossage, a nine-time All-Star who played his last game for the Seattle Mariners in 1994. “He’s the best, current-day, modern reliever. When I was inducted into the Hall of Fame, I was told that I had 53 saves with seven-plus outs. I was told that Mariano had one and Trevor Hoffman had two. So, I think that says it in a nutshell.”

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Hours after New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi helped lead the Bombers to their elusive 27th World Series championship in team history Wednesday night, he stopped his car to help a female motorist who had crashed her vehicle into a wall on the Cross County Parkway in Eastchester. 

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The Yankees, Not the Red Sox, Were the Team of this Decade

The New York Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 Wednesday night in the Bronx to win their record 27th World Series championship in team history.

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The New York Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 Wednesday night in the Bronx to win their record 27th World Series championship in team history.

The Yankees, who went 103-59 to establish the best mark in Major League Baseball in the 2009 season, simply outclassed the Phillies over the course of six games.

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lent.”   Andy Pettitte is a Hall of Fame Pitcher

Lefthander Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5-2 Sunday night in the Bronx to capture their 40th American League Pennant.  

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Lefthander Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5-2 Sunday night in the Bronx to capture their 40th American League Pennant.  

Pettitte, 37, a two-time All-Star selection who has accumulated the most victories of any MLB pitcher since 1995, allowed only seven hits and one earned run in 6 1/3 innings. 

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nd under Weis.  CC Sabathia's The Greatest Free-Agent Pitcher The Yanks Have Ever Signed

The New York Yankees bludgeoned the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 10-1 in Game 4 of the ALCS Tuesday night at Angel Stadium of Anaheim to move within one victory of their first trip to the World Series since the 2003 season.  

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The New York Yankees bludgeoned the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 10-1 in Game 4 of the ALCS Tuesday night at Angel Stadium of Anaheim to move within one victory of their first trip to the World Series since the 2003 season.  

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Yesterday was supposed to be a day of celebration; the Yankees officially clinched the AL East division title, Joe Girardi's has his first ever playoff birth, and the Yankees achieved their 100th victory. While champagne and beer was sprayed about the Yankess clubhouse after their 4-2 victory over division rival, the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees reality did not set in until today. Nothing has been accomplished when your the Yankees and you have made the playoffs.

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The New York Yankees have cruised through the 2009 baseball regular season, destroying teams with their 9 slugger deep line-up that includes not one player having a bad year. While every hitter is having varying degrees of success, not one man in that line-up is performing below their norms (save for mighty A-Rod, who's injury has slowed him down a bit to the tune of only 26 homers and 80+ RBI's). The bullpen has also been stellar, with Mariano Rivera looking as spry as he did in 1996, and with Phil Hughes redefining his 2009 season in the ilk of that very same roie Rivera held in '96- the gutsy set-up man that becomes a dominating extension of the closer. The defense has improved mightily too, especially around the infield, where Derek Jeter has revived his defensive career by extending his lateral range and improving his arm strength. Robinson Cano has looked interested for the first time in the field since his rookie season and Mark Texeira has done wonders for everyone, displaying why he is considered a defensive elite (you can tell Don Mattingly was his favorite player growing up, his range and glove work are superb). 

Continue reading "Joe Girardi- Let the Force Be With You or Else."

Vitale is simply a great man and person, “baby.”

Derek Jeter is Number One

New York Yankees icon Derek Jeter moved past Lou Gehrig on the Bombers all-time hits list on 9-11 with a single to right field in the Bronx.

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New York Yankees icon Derek Jeter moved past Lou Gehrig on the Bombers all-time hits list on 9-11 with a single to right field in the Bronx. 

“It’s still hard to believe,” said Jeter, 35, who has recorded 2,727 career hits since he made his debut with the Yankees in 1995. “Being a Yankee fan, this is something I never imagined. Your dream is always to play for the team, and once you get here, you just want to stay and be consistent. This wasn’t a part of it. This whole experience has been overwhelming.” 

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For the past couple days, that's a question that baseball fans have been asking throughout the country. And what's the answer? Is there an answer? Is it OK for a baseball team to premeditate a celebration as over-the-top as Milwaukee's earlier this week?

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ng!Former Boston Red Sox outfielder and undeserving Hall of Famer, Jim Rice inexplicably criticized New York Yankees icon Derek Jeter at a news conference Friday before the start of the Little

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Former Boston Red Sox outfielder and undeserving Hall of Famer, Jim Rice inexplicably criticized New York Yankees icon Derek Jeter at a news conference Friday before the start of the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa. 

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Comparing the 2009 Yankees Against the 1998 Edition

The 1998 New York Yankees are widely considered one of the greatest baseball teams ever assembled.  

The Bombers finished that magical season with a franchise record regular-season standing of 114-48. 

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The 1998 New York Yankees are widely considered one of the greatest baseball teams ever assembled.  

The Bombers finished that magical season with a franchise record regular-season standing of 114-48. 

Continue reading "Comparing the 2009 Yankees Against ..."

August 17, 2009

Sorry I missed yesterday's blog. The weather in New Hampshire has been so bad this summer that anytime the sun is out, and it's hot, we just forget everything and go to the beach. Which I did. Yes, this Connecticut Yankee living in New Hampshire sat comfortably for hours on a beach lapping up cool breezes, an occasional dunk in the ocean, and barely breathing among a swamp of Red Sox hats and tee-shirts. It isn't easy. I fantasized about walking up to one or two and asking, "How do you guys feel NOW---that order is being restored to the universe?" This, on the heels of another Yankee win in Seattle combined with a Sox loss. 7 1/2 game lead! How long has it been since we've had that kind of a lead?

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August 15, 2009 

More and more I'm a believer! 22-6 since the All Star break! This Yankee team is beginning to remind me of the '61 Yankees (only without the historic M&M boys' chase of Ruth's record.) EVERYONE on this roster makes a significant contribution at various times. Thursday it was Matsui (2 HRs), last night it was Tex (again). The Yankee lineup surrounds its two power hitters (A-Rod & Tex) with a multitude of players all having "career" years. Jeter, Damon, Cano, Posada, Swisher and Matsui all coming up with doubles, triples and HRs at various times on a daily basis. This was very much like '61 when Johnny Blanchard, Elston Howard, an ageing Yogi Berra and Moose Skowron all hit over 20 HRs and Howard hit .348 IN ADDITION to Mantle and Maris's combined 115 HRs. And, yes, the pitching has jelled beautifully. But without the kind of offense the Yankees are getting THROUGHOUT the lineup now the Ws would simply not stack up as well. 

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August 14, 2009

A Connecticut Yankee in New Hampshire 

From the seacoast area of Portsmouth, NH I am a Connecticut Yankee Living In New Hampshire! 

Why this name? I began my love for the Yankees as a child in New Haven, Connecticut – during the glory years of the 1950s. How did my love begin? I started as a Dodger fan until a very cool friend of mine set me straight. He kept talking about Yogi Berra and how he always hit the first pitch for a home run. Okay. I turned the dial and brought in WPIX thanks to one of those ancient cylindrical tv antennas that sat on the set. Now I kid all of you not. Yogi Berra was at the plate when I tuned in---and he DID hit the first pitch out of the yard! That was good enough for me! 

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Fedor is a Yellow-Bellied Coward

Strikeforce announced that World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts (WAMMA) Heavyweight Champion, Fedor Emelianenko, signed a multi-fight agreement to fight for their promotion Monday.

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The New York Times reported last week that Boston Red Sox World Series heroes of yesteryear, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, are two of a 104 players who tested positive for performance enhancing drugs when baseball conducted its "anonymous" testing survey in 2003. 

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Baseball families have made history in pinstripes. The Boones are in their 3rd generation playing baseball. Aaron Boone, whose brother Bret, father Bob, and grandfather Ray all had 10+ year careers in the majors, cemented his name in Yankee history. Jose Molina, whose brother Yadier plays for the Colorado Rockies and other brother Bengie plays for San Francisco Giants, also cemented his name in Yankee history. Now that the Yankees have acquired Jerry Hairston, Jr., whose brother Scott is playing for the Oakland Athletics, and father Jerry, Sr., uncle Johnny, and grandfather Sam also had MLB baseball careers. Now Jerry Jr. has a chance to continue this trend of success for baseball families playing for the Bronx Bombers. Before we get into the Hairstons, let’s take a look at what the Boones and the Molinas have accomplished in pinstripes. 

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ndscape without exception.  The Yankees Are Better Because Teixeira Doesn't Wear a Thong

The New York Yankees defeated the Oakland Athletics 7-5 Sunday afternoon in the Bronx to extend their lead in the American League East to 2.5 games over the rival Boston Red Sox. 

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New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain had his second consecutive stellar outing since the All-Star break in an 8-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics at the Stadium last Friday night.  

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You may be wondering how Joba Chamberlain came off the All-Star Break with 2 consecutive victories: 1 against the Tigers and 1 against the A's. Before the break, it just seemed to be no-decision after no-decision. He holds the Major League Record for most No-D's in a season.

Continue reading "How Joba Got His Groove Back"

The New York Yankees defeated the Oakland Athletics 7-5 Sunday afternoon in the Bronx to extend their lead in the American League East to 2.5 games over the rival Boston Red Sox. 

First baseman Mark Teixeira hit an RBI single to center in a crucial moment of the game and the Bombers became the first American League squad to reach 60 wins this season. 

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Moses spent 40 years in the desert before shepherding Israel through the desert enroute to the Promised Land. Michael Jackson grew up in a musical family and became the King of Pop over a span of 50 years. Don Zimmer tops them both. We're talking 61 years in the game and he's still going. Homeboy loves baseball. He was Joe Torre's bench coach when he managed the Yankees to 4 World Series championships. He had left Yankee management over a dispute with the boss George Steinbrenner after the 2003 season. Check out this interview with Kimberly Jones from the YES Network.

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is licking his chops at the potential of it all. 

David Cone Should Be In Cooperstown

The New York Yankees defeated the Detroit Tigers 2-1 Saturday afternoon in the Bronx on the 10th anniversary of David Cone’s perfect game.  

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The New York Yankees defeated the Detroit Tigers 2-1 Saturday afternoon in the Bronx on the 10th anniversary of David Cone’s perfect game. 

Cone, who recorded 2,688 strikeouts and went 194-126 with a 3.46 ERA in his Major League Baseball career, pitched his perfect game in a 6-0 Bombers victory against the Montreal Expos on July 18th, 1999. 

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He’s got 4 World Series rings: 1 with the Mets and 3 with the Yankees. His career was tainted with drug abuse. He’s Darryl Strawberry. He was a special guest on the show “Centerstage” with Michael Kaye on the Yes Network. He was a class act. Whatever questions Michael Kaye had about the negative things that happened in his life, he took full responsibility for it: drugs and tax evasion. You name it! Whatever he did wrong he took full responsibility for it, unlike Roger Clemens, who’s given denial after denial that he did steroids.

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going up and down from the Majors to the Minors with the San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, and New York Yankees. Just what exactly is an understudy? Random House dictionary defines it as &

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It was a series where Alex Rodriguez got closer to Rafael Palmeiro on the all-time home run list. Mariano Rivera continued to pile up saves. Joba Chamberlain continued to pile up no decisions. The mark set by Andy Pettitte and Mo continued to increase. Ken Griffey Jr continued to approach Willie Mays in career HRs. Ichiro Suzuki continued to get hit after hit. Could he be on his way to a 9th consecutive 200+ hit season? Let's break this all down.

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Yanks Championship 

In Sunday’s 2009 Subway Series finale at Citi Field in Queens, the New York Yankees defeated the New York Metropolitans 4-2 to capture five out of the six games played between the cross-town rivals this year. 

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The New York Yankees defeated the Seattle Mariners 8-5 Tuesday night in the Bronx to move 12 games over .500 for the first time this season.

Yankees hurler Joba Chamberlain (4-2, 3.89 ERA) yielded three runs on nine hits over 5-1/3 innings to help the Yankees notch their sixth straight victory in the no-decision.

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Clown pocket New York Yankees playoff hero of yesteryear Jim Leyritz is determined to prove that he is innocent of a DUI manslaughter charge that stems from a December 2007 automobile crash in Fort Lauderdale that killed Fedia Ann Veitch, a mother of two children.

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It's starting to look like Joe Torre is running away with a 14th consecutive trip to the playoffs as a manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. They've been straight up dominating the opposition in the NL West. Some might say, "Oh, the NL West has the worst teams in baseball. It's the easiest division." Regardless, the Dodgers are where they're at 79 games into the season. All this and they're doing it without Manny Ramirez. They're hasn't been a superstar in the lineup. Everybody on the team is pitching in. Over the past 14 years, Torres had a knack of making things happen with the players given to him yet still make the playoffs.This team is starting to remind me of Torre’s 1998 Yankees. How’s does this Dodger team compare? Let’s take a look.

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In last night’s 2009 Subway Series finale at Citi Field in Queens, the New York Yankees defeated the New York Metropolitans 4-2 to capture five out of the six games played between the cross-town rivals this year.

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There's a new face on the New York pro baseball scene. His name is Francisco. Sorry Mets fans, I'm not talking about K-Rod, who granted has been perfect this year in saves opportunities except for that 1 save opportunity that slipped away when a route pop fly by second baseman Luis Castillo was dropped. A.J. Burnett might as well have snuck behind him during his interview on SNY and stuffed a whipped cream pie in his face.

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Dateline: last season. New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada injures his shoulder. He ends up needing season-ending surgery leading to a Pudge Rodriguez summer rental. Fast forward to this season. There is no doubt his shoulder's gotten better. It just seems like every time I turn on the Yankee game on TV, some baserunner is trying to steal 2nd and the throw from Jorge is...........IN TIME! He's caught a couple stealing in last week's series against the Washington Nationals. I remember him catching somebody stealing against the Marlins. I believe it was Hanley Ramirez and if I remember correctly Ramirez was perfect so far this season until he got caught by Posada. Cool, huh? There is no doubt that Jorgie is back to form before the injury. Throw in a couple of home runs here and there and you've got yourself one of the most exciting Yankee players to watch. I love it! Every time he throws the ball to second and catches a baserunner stealing, it shuts the mouths of all those skeptics out there who think he's coming off shoulder surgery and he's an easy stolen base. It shuts the mouths of all those skeptics out there that think he's done. It shuts the mouths of all those skeptics out there that think the Yanks should have kept Pudge. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against Ivan Rodriguez. Congrats Pudge on beating Carlton Fisk for most appearances as a catcher. I have a lot of respect for him. He's just too clutch against the teams I root for and a straight-up dud when he plays on teams I root for. This frustrates me just a little bit. Let Pudge be a journeyman going from team to team making history. I'll just stick with Jorgie, the best catcher in baseball as a staple on the

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Hazel Mae interviewed Ken Rosenthal from Fox Sports the other night on MLB Network’s show Quick Pitch. Mae brought out the point that the Yankees needed to improve their bullpen. Ken mentioned that the Yankees are all set with Brian Bruney and that they expect improvement in their bullpen upon his return. He also brought out some possibilities considering that Brian has been on the DL twice this season. Here are his picks along with my personal reaction to each pick: 

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nd tough man the likes of Miguel Cotto.

Yankees Destroy Mets, Will They Defeat the Red Sox?

The New York Yankees destroyed the New York Metropolitans 15-0 Sunday in the Bronx to win two out of the three games played during this weekend’s first installment of the 2009 Subway Series.

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The New York Yankees have a 3-game series this weekend against the Florida Marlins. One of the pitchers they could be facing is Chris Volstadt. An interesting little article in the MLB Insider section of the May 18 issue of ESPN the Magazine shed a little light on his background. His dad was a golf tutor to Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. This was a great help to Chris when he was in little league growing up in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He had a very awkward delivery. As a favor to his dad, Jim Palmer gave him some tips. The result: Chris Volstadt grew up to be 6'8". He's got a killer sinking fastball that causes opposing batters to hit a lot of ground balls. Through the month of April, he had an ERA of 2.67. How's will he fare against the Yankees? Well, since April his ERA ballooned to 3.46. His last start was against the Cardinals. He gave up a career high 6 runs in 5 2/3 innings in the Florida Marlins loss to them. I believe if the Yankees end up facing him at some point this weekend, it's going to be straight up domination. If the Cards can jump on Volstadt like that, so can the Yankees. Don't miss out on this upcoming series this weekend.

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The New York Yankees destroyed the New York Metropolitans 15-0 Sunday in the Bronx to win two out of the three games played during this weekend’s first installment of the 2009 Subway Series.

Continue reading "Yankees Destroy Mets....Will They ..."

I love the killer attitude by the New York Yankees in their recent 9-8 victory over cross-town rival New York Mets, but they shouldn't have won the game.

I'm much more of a Yankees fan than a Mets fan, but generally when it comes down to it, I am a baseball fan. What happened at second base to end the game was sloppy and could have very well been avoided.

Continue reading "Lack of fundamentals causes Mets loss, Yankees win"

from him, thinking that their mere presence is going to mess up his chances to make that milestone. New York Yankees SS Derek Jeter, our beloved captain is very superstitious. If he or his team is approaching some kind of milestone that he is not aware of, he will dog the media and say that they jinxed the team by bringing it to his attention. Case in point: during a post-game interview a couple of days before the Yankees beat the 2006 Boston Red Sox team record for most consecutive games played without committing an error, Kimberly Jones brought it his attention. The first thing that he tells her is, "Why did you tell me that, it's bad karma, " then he answers the questions. In a commercial on the MLB Network, they show fans showing up at the gate to their favorite teams ballparks some of them have face-paint on. Others are dressed like Shamans carrying Voodoo beads. Come on, people. Enough with the superstitions all ready! How about praying for your team? I do it! Whenever the Yankees are behind in a game and they're rallying, I lean forward in my chair and put in my hands together and bring them to my face in a praying position thinking, sometimes saying, "Come on!" I do this because I believe it will bring God into the situation and the Yankees will bring home runs. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Either way, I praise the Lord because ultimately the game is in His hands. Only He knows the outcome, but I believe prayer does more than just spark up a rally a bring in runs.

Continue reading "Yankee fans for Jesus, arise! Pray for your team!"

Rays Manager Says New Yankee Stadium Doesn't Have Same "Smell" 

The New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 Monday night in the Bronx to recapture first place in the American League East.

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The losing streak against the Red Sox continues. Yankee management needs to set up their rotation so that they have their best against against Boston. They need to come up with some kind of plan to keep the Boston offense in check every game. This losing is PATHETIC! Are the Yankees going to bow down to Boston all season, slide into the playoff picture via the Wild Card without beating them and spanking the other teams? It's been done before. During their World Series years (96, 98-2000), they were getting spanked by the Angels and they still won the World Series those years. Back to pitching, how can you set up a rotation where 2 opposing pitchers face off against each other back to back?  Every time A.J. Burnett takes on Boston this year so far, it's been against Josh Beckett. Are they going to do this again in their series against Boston in August and September? I hope not, Beckett seems to have A.J.'s number this year. How about putting in C.C. Sabathia against him? The Milwaukee Brewers worked him like a Hebrew slave in the time of Moses last year, pitching him on 3 days rest to win key games during the season. How come the Yankees can't do that? Unfortunately, Girardi's strategy is to keep the pitch count down on the rotation because he doesn't want to tire them out. Starting pitching needs to improve against the Red Sox. Mark Teixiera tried to get something going last night going 3 for 4, but the offense as usual fizzled out leading to a 5-4 Yankee lost. Oh well! Tonight, it's C.C. Sabathia against Brad Penny. Can even C.C. hold the Red Sox down in the early innings? Can Texieira, A-Rod, and the boys jump on Brad Penny's flamethrowing fastball? We'll find out tonight.

Continue reading "The Yankees need to get it together ..."

He's been a Yankee killer for the past few years. He is a big hero up in Boston. Big Papi, yeah! What's been going on with David Ortiz? Bill Simmons wrote an article in the June 15 issue of ESPN the Magazine that will please Yankee fans everywhere. He's been slumping big time. Mr. Simmons compared him to Clark Kent in Superman II when he lost his powers and ended up getting beat down by a bully. He also said that in a game against the Twins that Big Sloppy couldn't even keep up with a 89 mph fast ball. Red Sox fans are even jokingly saying that they need to mail him some HGH. Well, they can do that all they want because it looks like Big Papi has become Big Sloppy.

Continue reading "Scouting the opposition: "Big Sloppy" ..."

Most of our Base Ball Heros are very accommodating when it comes to giving out autographs.  What is your best and most amazing autograph ever!  It's the one that took your breath away, and i

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These days, going to a baseball game isn't what it used to be. Seldom will a pitcher throw into the 7th inning; the score is usually 7-6 or 10-9; and your favorite slugger is likely to hit one, if not two balls, out of the park. The game is shamelessly jacked up on HGH, and its obvious. The best hitter (Bonds) and pitcher (Clemens) of our generation used it, and more players are getting busted by the day (A-Rod, Manny). However, most fans don't care. They still go to the ballpark. That's because baseball, and pro sports in general, is merely another form of entertainment.

Continue reading "Rampant Steroid Use Brings Up Issue ..."

Could Babe Ruth predict his Homers?  This is my all time favorite Baseball story! The New York Yankees had won 107 games leading up to the 1932 World Series. This is how I heard the story: game 3, 5th inning with Babe Ruth at Bat.  The game was tied at 4 with 1 out.  Babe's count was 2-2.  Then he pointed his bat to center-field.  Root let the next pitch go and Babe sent it sailing over the center field wall of Wrigley's Field! 

Continue reading "What is Your All Time Favorite Baseball Story?"

He's won close to 20 games in each of his first three seasons. No pitcher in baseball history has gotten to 40 wins as fast as him. He's Chien-Ming Wang. This Taiwanese titan on the mound had a m

Continue reading "Wang is back in the rotation and ..."

We all have great memories of Baseball.  As we remember the stories we heard about New York Yankee's Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and dozens of others we are connected to a simpler time.  It was

Continue reading "Why America Needs Baseball!"

The New York Yankees defeated the Texas Rangers 12-3 Tuesday night at the New Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to earn their 16th victory in 20 games.

A.J Burnett (4-2, 4.69 ERA), 32, pitched seven solid innings and yielded a measly three earned runs as the Bombers advanced to 10 games above .500.

Continue reading "The New York Yankees Will Win The ..."

Every pitcher has that one team that bangs him around, hit after hit, homer after homer. He wants respect so what does he do? He decides to plunk an opposing batter. This is what Texas Rangers pitcher

Continue reading "Vicente Padilla beat the Rangers ..."

Last night as I was working in the yard I heard some loud instructions.  As I was trying to figure out what was going on I heard the crack of a bat.  Then I knew that baseball practice was in full swing!  As I listened to the coach try to get the most out of his team, I started thinking of the parents whose sons were on that team.  Many dreams were represented by those players on that field.  What would the New York Yankee Baseball Greats of yesterday have to say to that young team?  Here are a few things that I think they would say:

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There's a lot of media out there stressing how the balls are flying out of Yankee stadium. Good! As long as the majority of the homers are off Yankee bats, I'm not worried. Our pitchers can handle

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At the beginning of the season, a lot of people sounded off and criticized the Yankees about committing $400 million + C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira. All three may have had shaky Aprils, but May was a complete turnaround for them. Sabathia has been pitching real good his past couple of starts. He was pretty much lights out against the Indians the other day. Pitching into trouble, getting out of it, and getting the win. Teixeira has been torrid every since Alex Rodriguez was put back in the line up. He's been getting his pitches and been hitting them out of the park. Yesterday was no different in the Yankee's loss to the Indians. A.J. Burnett has been pitching well. This past week he got his first win since mid-April. All along, it wasn't that he was pitching poorly. It was just that the bullpen wasn't holding leads for him and he would end up with no-decisions. All is well in Yankeeland. We are a 1/2 game into first place.

Continue reading "Offseason expenditures paying off ..."

Go Yanks! The Bronx Bombers continue their winning ways sporting the best away record in the AL. Only the Phillies and the Dodgers have better away records. Check out the standings. Tomorrow's pitching matchup is very interesting. Phil Hughes, who's been pitching really well lately, will go against Carl Pavano. Let me park on these 2 players for a second.

Continue reading "Yankees win & Red Sox lose yet again. ..."

ers have hit two or more home runs in a game, but grand slams? On May 24, 1936, Tony Lazzeri of the New York Yankees did just that, clearing the bases twice for the first time ever in the Major Leagues. Since then, only eleven other players have achieved this feat, making this one of the most amazing and elite hitting feats in the game.

Continue reading "2 Grand Slams in One Game"

e first inning,' Ruppert said, 'and then slowly pull away.'" - Peter Golenbock in Dynasty: The New York Yankees (1975)

Continue reading "New York Yankees Score 8 runs in ..."

All it took was a Yankee win and a Red Sox loss. It happened! We are now in first place by 1/2 game. The big question is: can they stay there? It all depends. The offense has to give enough run support per game so that once the starters' pitch count gets high and Girardi wants to take them out, the bullpen can make a mistake here and there, and get the ball to Mariano. Earlier in the season, the Yankees didn't have this. Believe it or not, the key was A-Rod being in the line up. Just merely him being in the lineup, Teixiera started getting hot. Everybody was pitching around Mark before A-Rod came back, hence his slow start. Posada is back as well, the offense can have even more depth. I give credit to Cash and Cervelli though they did an outstanding job standing in the gap.

Continue reading "The Yankees are in first place!!"

o;Wow, Go Jaspers!”Jim Leyritz Has "Never Had a Problem with Alcohol”

Disgraced New York Yankees playoff hero of yesteryear Jim Leyritz is determined to prove that he is innocent of DUI manslaughter charges that stem from a December 2007 crash in Fort Lauderdale that killed Fedia Ann Veitch, a mother of two children.

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Roberts portrays the New York Yankees superstar as an insecure egomaniac that sources informed her began to use performance enhancing drugs as a teenager when he played shortstop at Miami’s Westminster Christian High School.

Continue reading "If A-Rod Tipped Pitches, He Should ..."

and the pen.  I don't remember it containing any superstars, do you?  I mean this was the New York Yankees, yet with Mattingly having retired, Henderson playing elsewhere, and Winfield long gone, who was the "big name, big time" bat in the lineup? Tartabull? Nope, Barfield? please.

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asking Pretty Boy, “Who are ya?”

Will Joba Fall Like "Doc?"

The mother of New York Yankees flamethrower Joba Chamberlain was arrested this past weekend at her apartment in Lincoln, Nebraska on charges that she peddled methamphetamine to an undercover cop last February.  

Continue reading "Filipino "Pac Man" Destroys English ..."

Alex "A-Roid" Rodriguez has to be one of the dumbest athletes in modern sports. He's getting paid $33 million per year, as part of a 52-year contract, so he's set for life. Yet he resorts to using steroids. Why? He clearly has it all. He's already on pace to break Bonds' home-run "record." Besides that, he's known as the best offensive hitter in the game, when healthy. The staff and myself racked our brains over why the slugger feels he needed the extra edge. Having been stumped, we came up with 10 reasons why he doesn't need steroids, in hopes of convincing the vain ballplayer to lay off the juice.

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As I watched Jacoby Ellsbury steal home against the Yankees Sunday night, I thought to myself: "This pretty much sums it up." An aging Andy Pettitte forgets to deliver from the stretch, letting a youthful Ellsbury elude another future Bingo regular, Jorge Posada's, tag at the plate. Would Justin Masterson have made the same error? The two ballclubs could not be headed in more opposite directions. Every year, the Red Sox seem to call up another hyped prospect, while the Yanks continue to overpay for limited talent, and shun their farm system.

Continue reading "Red Sox continue to steal away Yanks' future"

Chien-Ming Wang's Arm Will Be Fine. Johnny Damon's Mouth Had Better Be!

New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi announced Wednesday that Chien-Ming Wang (0-3, 34.50 ERA) will have his scheduled start Friday against the Red Sox in Boston skipped because of his anemic start to the 2009 season. 

Continue reading "Matthew Stafford Will Exorcise "The ..."

(Note: originally posted on February 25.)

Each year, prior to the start of the MLB season, I use a unique mathematical system (one that I will not get into, because it's boring) to project the performance of every player and team. This season, in lieu of their significant offseason additions, I expected the Yankees to come out on top. Surprisingly, my expectations were wrong...

Continue reading "MLB Preseason Predictions: Regular ..."

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Love the 1-2-3 on this team, and the rotation of 4/5's should be just fine. 

 1-New York Yankees: C.C. Sabathia, Chien-Ming Wang, A.J. Burnett, Joba Chamberlain, and Andy Pettitte. Wild card: Phil Hughes.

Continue reading "MLB's Top Five Starting Rotations"

He is a valuable defensive backstop, however.

1-New York Yankees: 1B-Mark Teixeira, 2B-Robinson Cano, 3B-Alex Rodriguez, SS-Derek Jeter, and C-Jorge Posada.

Last, but certainly not least. It's tough to argue with A-Rod and Tex at the corners -- that's an intimidating tandem. Jeter remains Steady Eddy at short, and Posada is one of the greatest hitting catchers in the history of the game.

Continue reading "MLB's Top Five Infields"

will be particularly recalled for his heroic pitching performance for the Boston Red Sox versus the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series.

Throwing with a dislocated ankle tendon and wearing a sock that was soaked with blood from the sutures used in this medical procedure, Schilling valiantly pitched seven strong innings, surrendering only one run, while helping the Red Sox even the ALCS with the Bombers.

Continue reading "Curt Schilling is a Hall of Famer, ..."

The Bronx Will Be a Better Neighborhood without A-Roid*

New York Yankees parasite Alex Rodriguez had arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair torn cartilage in his right hip and doctors said they found nothing during the procedure that would keep the overrated ballplayer from returning to the Bombers lineup in May.

Continue reading "The Bronx is Nicer without A-Roid* ..."

The 500-page account of Torre’s 12 years as manager of the New York Yankees created a firestorm of controversies because of its candid glimpses inside the Bombers clubhouse and for the surprising and secretive revelations it offered to readers.

Continue reading ""Eastbound & Down" Rules and Everything ..."

gin this blog I will introduce myself, my name is James Kraft and obviously, I’m a fan of the New York Yankees.  I have been a fan since I can remember but the first season I really started paying attention to baseball was Don Mattingly’s first stint in the playoffs that ended as quickly as it started.  I’ve watched, nervously, as Tino Martinez try to replace the immortal Donnie Baseball splendidly helping the Yankees win four championships.   

Continue reading "Introducing Myself and the 2009 New York Yankees"

Madonna's Bitch is A-Fraud

New York Yankees swollen statistics compiler and postseason disgrace Alex Rodriguez admitted Monday afternoon that he tested positive for performance enhancing drugs six years ago when he played for the Texas Rangers.

Continue reading "Phelps is a Hero and A-Rod's a Villain"

This past week we had the coming out party by All-Star third basemen Alex Rodriguez on the issue of his steroid use. Many people were unshocked and eager to attack as this baseball player is the viva

Continue reading "Alex Rodriguez"

;        After baseball legend,  Babe Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees in 1919, the Boston Red Sox never won another World Series. The Yankees won 26. Many believed it was a curse placed on the team by some almighty power since Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold the “Bambino” to finance his Broadway ventures. It wasn’t the fact that the Red Sox would lose, but the way they would lose. Almost as if someone or something was toying with them.  

Continue reading "For Love of the Game"

Dear readers:

I'd like to begin my blogging on this account by thanking each and every one of you who have taken the time to read my content in the past, and those of you who will do the same in the near future. A special, personal thanks goes out to the readers who have provided me with direct feedback.

Continue reading "Welcome to JFro Sports Journalism"

Accusing New York of buying a team might be a bit of an understatement. I say this as a firm defender of the Yankees and as a fan. These off-season pick-ups should be despairing moves for long-time fans, because New York has overpaid time and time again for big-name players that never live up to their name. Giambi turned his contract into a hospice stay, A-Rod's bat goes flaccid in the post-season, and Johnny Damon's effectiveness was swept off of a barbershop floor. Billionaires just don't have very good eyes for ballplayers. CC "More Stuffing Please" Sabathia is looking at possible back problems a la David Wells, AJ Burnett is going to need a rehab session after clubbing in New York, and Mark Teixeira, mark my words, will pull his hamstring within two weeks of opening day.

Continue reading "Yankees Need A Return To Their Roots"

Each year the Calaveras Redskins and the Bret Harte Bullfrogs meet on a Friday evening in November in a cross county rivalry that dates back a few generations.  To victor goes the bell.  The bell has resided in San Andreas almost permanently for as far back as most of us can remember.  Every year, all teams enter their seasons with great hopes and dreams, and this season was no different.  Every year, the residents of Calaveras County wonder if this will be the year that Bret Harte beats arch enemy Calaveras.  And remember this is a rivalry that goes to the soul of both schools. There is nothing like a loss to the other school that eats at your gut more. 

Continue reading "The Bell Stays in San Andreas"

In the past week, we have ended the 2008 Major League Baseball Season, begun the 2008/2009 NBA Season, ended a 33 year streak of Bowl Appearances by Michigan, ended the Calaveras Redskins string of MLL Championships and started the second half of the NFL Season.   

Continue reading "Hot Stove Season"

That would be the American League East with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.  The best two teams money can buy, well at least most of the time.  The year before, the Rays lost 97 games with a team of young, inexperienced players.  Giant fans please pay attention.  Behind the leadership of Joe Madden, the Rays seemed to have reached the Promised Land.  Then Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett were acquired midseason from the Twins.  The Rays held on and won the American League East Title. Next they beat the Chicago White Sox in Round One of the American League Playoffs.  Up next was the mighty Red Sox, who after falling behind 3 games to 1 and on the brink of extinction pulled off an improbably and precedent setting comeback.  Momentum seemed to have switched in favor of Beantown.  On Saturday night, Josh Beckett led the Red Sox to a win to even the series.  It set up a match of young flamethrowers, Garza vs Jon Lester.  Both pitchers threw well, but in the year of the Wonderdogs, is it any surprise that for seven innings, Garza, the former Fresno State Bulldog, would be almost perfect as the Rays took a 3-1 decision and earned a trip to the World Series.

Continue reading "Year of the Underdog"

As a baseball fanatic, how refreshing is it that on an NFL sunday, baseball is center stage as the Boston Red Sox attempt to complete an amazing return from the dead, again.  The team with a history of choking is now on the edge of becoming one of the greatest comeback teams in history.

Continue reading "Sunday Morning"