On the Yankees beat

The guy who hit the HR. If, I was BC. I'd sign that Boy to a contract. Give him a couple of yen to play for the NY Yankees.

I've never seen Matsui that emotional, he looked pretty pumped up throwing the teddy bear to the crowd. By the way, that bear went for $7,000,000 Yen on ebay.

OT question - are all stadiums in Japan domes? I've never seen any footage of an outdoor stadium from over there.

Interesting question. I'll try to get an answer for you...

Orioles, Baez reportedly agree to terms

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=MLB

The Orioles and Danys Baez have reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth $5 million-$6 million per season.

It's not the $7 million per year Baez was asking for, but it's good enough to get him to pass up chances to close elsewhere. The 29-year-old Baez looks like a better addition to the Baltimore pen than Jamie Walker. Although he's coming off a poor year, he's proven that he can handle AL East competition and he's been durable. In this market, it's a reasonable contract

Does baez said He wants to closer rather than as setupman? Why Did he choose O's and They have already have closer?

The Yankees always have trouble hitting Baez on 2005 when He was closer on Drays.

A Defense of Joe Cowley

http://yankees2000.blogspot.com/2006/11/defense-of-joe-cowley.html

Most things that most journalists write bother me. I find that only a tiny percentage of the media really knows they are talking about while the rest are simply out to attract readers.

But the fact that this dude from Chicago, Joe Cowley, is getting nationally scolded for putting 6th on his ballot is just about the worst thing that I have seen in sports media coverage.

Ladies and Gentleman. This is DEREK JETER.

This guy did not hit 100 home runs this year.

He did not hit .400.

He did not steal 150 bases.

He did not play on a team where he and only he was good enough to get the team a victory.

More Yankees bias from Stupid Mets Fan.

During the Japanese games last month, HR hitters were awarded with flowers handed to the player by little kids from the crowd. It's a nice practice.

I'd like Matsui to show that kind of emotion at a Yankee game. He looks like a different player. The Yankees need that expression; it's why Johnny Damon was a fan favorite so fast. And it's why we enjoy watching Cano and Melky play. They are having the time of their lives out there! As a fan that makes the game more fun and exciting. It’s why I love Derek’s fist pump after a good play or a timely hit. (I know it’s tame but it let’s you know he’s into the game and not just going through the motions)

I asked a Japanese friend of mine about the stadiums. Here's the response:

"Japanese baseball franchises still have 5 open air stadiums - another 7 are dome.
The five stadiums are Jingu (Swallows), Yokohama (Bay Stars), Hiroshima (Carp),
Chiba (Marines)."

Thanks for the info Jim. It seems like the only footage I see is from the domes, maybe cause most of it is Giants footage, and they playin one.

I wonder if coming from such a dome heavy league to an open air one like MLB has a marked effect on players coming over, or it's just a quality of competition issue. Probably more of the latter, with a bit of the former.

Anyway, thanks for the follow up!