On the Yankees beat

Can't wait to hear what Jeter's got to say about this!

I really don't care what the status of Jeter and A-ROD's relationship is. As long as both players don't let it affect their play on the field, this is a "non-issue". If A-ROD wants to end all the "lying", why doesn't he tell us if he is going to use the "out" clause in his contract, and not return to play for the Yanks next year? Other than that, he should shut up, play good defense, and "pound" the ball offensively.

Looks like it's all about being A-ROD. He needs to shut up, stop psychoanalyzing everything and wear the pinstripes with pride.

Ok I am glad this was finally spoken about to the media so hopefully they get off his back about that, and they can just play baseball. The media and the fans need to stop worrying about that stuff and just move on. This is about the NY Yankees...not the NY Jeters or the NY ARODS...so enough is enough. move on to the game not the soap opera.

Here we go again!

The first day of camp for position players and this guy has to open his mouth and get this stuff going again.

What is with him? Does he have a death wish or something? After all of the "stuff" that he's been through the last few seasons, this was the last thing that he needed to do. After trying to let the off-season put this to bed and get all of us thinking about the team, the season and hopefully, a championship, A-Dope throws another log on the fire and starts to stoke it. Now we're all going to have another season of "As the Mouth Speaks".

Now I don't care about how much of a talent and great ballplayer A-Rod is. He's gotta go!!!

I give up.

I totally agree, John G. It never ends with this guy. We might as well call him "Lightning-Rod" instead of "A-Rod". I wouldn't mind all this drama if we were winning championships but that's just it...we aren't! And a lot of that comes out of the fact that A-Rod is one big distraction, from his poor play in the playoffs to the media attention he attracts due to his relationships with Jeter and the rest of the players, Torre, etc. If we go through this season like last year, I want him gone. I'll cross my fingers and hope he exercises that out clause.

The Giambi "ligament surgery" may have been why Torre was trying to get Bernie to report to Spring Training. Maybe there's a possibility that Giambi will open the regular season on the DL. The vacant DH slot would have given Bernie a roster spot. If Giambi is DL'ed, I'd put Melky in left and DH Matsui.

A-Rod can never win. If you are a true Yankees fan you should have his back. I'm happy Alex said what he said-Why continue to sugarcoat this whole thing? Now the media finally hears what they want to hear and then they have to drill him on the contract issue. C'mon, give him a break already. Sorry Jim, but the NY media has created this monster with Alex. Let him be and he will hit 50hr w/ 150rbi. Now lets move on!

I wish there was some way this guy could "opt out" right now! The sooner the "drama queen" leaves, the better. Enough is enough.

It seems everything Arod says, we so called Yankee fans, have beef with it. Lets face it, there is not a other 3rd baseman out there I would rather have.Its time we move on. Arod is a Yankee. That is not going to change this year. We better enjoy it

IF Giambi is hurt or gets hurt, I see the Yanks rotating the 3 starting outfielders at DH with Melky playing almost everyday. Gee, if that scenario happens, we will need another 4th OF, and we sure could use a Bernie Williams then, huh?

how in hell can you nitwits blame a-rod...a-rod is in a no win situation, he gets hammered for answering or not answering.is aaron the only one in this mixed bag a a-holes that sees the media keeping the ball rolling?

Know what people ???

SHut the f**k up you whining bunch of wussy's Yeah i said it what DAMM this mans clears the fu*kin air and you whimp ass people still have something to say about him , get jeters N**ts out of your mouths for once. and for the record JETER spoke on this BACK In NOVEMBER. Arod did'nt start this IT WAS BROUGHT to his attention!!! By the PRESS. I respect the fact that he came to lite with the issue UNLIKE others who beat around the bush. I;m glad ya;ll are not the majority of yankees fans , the paying yankee fan here in NY is not on the crap ass views as some.

GET A LIFE !! the man addressed the situation to put it TO REST!!!!!!!!! for that may rebuild the relationship!!

Jim B and the other posters who post with common sense. I'm sorry for my burst but the cries on here is retarded

As I said, A-ROD should shut just shut up and play. If he feels compelled to speak, his remarks should pertain to "only himself". Don't drag other players, and or coaches into it.

yeah rick lets get rid of arod and sign bernie and if the team fail to make the playoffs. I,m sending a garlic eating hit man to your house. hahaha joke

Like I said i'm glad he came out and said what he said, meaning he has to hide nothing go and go out bust ass win a championship(pray) and possibly leave while a big hole is left at third and Jeter again wins no WS without good support, no I'm not starting a beef but lets go to the FACTS! Where in the supposedly harmful article was AROD wrong??

Norton : I totally agree with you! I heard the A-Rod audio and he was asked about his relationship w/ Jeter and he gave a very short direct answer and requested not to discuss it anymore...there was absolutely no drama involved.All you numbnuts who put a negative spin on it need to have your own heads examined!You're imbeciles!...and Newsday must really like spinning this "Entertainment Weekly" crapola,nothing better to report on Jimbo ? I guess it comes down selling newspapers at the expense of something "meaningful"that merits our attention

again , he was ASKED THE FU**KIN QUESTION!!!

SHOULD TORRE and GIAMBI had shut up and play and manage in the SI article??

f**k you mean he cannot speak?? his mouth , free speech , I guess it would have been ok for jeter to speak on it!!

The obvious thing to me is that they're friendship has changed because one of them got married and had a child and the other is still single. I know from experience that this changes friendships quite a bit. My best man from my wedding is still single and doing the same old thing, bar hopping, hanging out all night etc. and I've got two kids so we don't see each other or talk as much as we used to....so what? Play Ball!

RUSE,

You and Norton is 10000000000% correct!!!

jeter response 12/04/06
http://www.nypost.com/seven/12042006/sports/yankees/team_player_yankees_kevin_kernan.htm

You A-ROD suporters need to realize A-ROD is his own worst enemy. If he is indeed "damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't," then he should "shut up" and let his "numbers" do the talking. A-Rod supporters complain about the guy getting booed, and "negative" comments concerning him. Now A-ROD "fans the flames" by getting drawn into this "Jeter relationship" garbage. If A-ROD is dumb enough to comment on "flammable" issues like this, he has no one to blame but himself when he gets "booed" at Yankee Stadium, or "trashed" by the media.

Arod get paid to hit 40hr 120rbi not to be the posterboy of the Yankees. I wonder if Jeter would have said the same thing Arod said today, oh he can get away with it his more of a Yankee. Who gives a crap who is more of a Yankee. I want number 27, with Arod.

where is the issue FLAMABLE??

both players commented on it. By Arod addressing it the press lost major amo. So when they are high 5,ng each other the press would be dumbfounded, when he was candy coating the question before saying all was ok , nobody wanted to believe it so they searched and etc. There is a point when we as FANS and PRESS need to take responsibility.

Question has the PRESS ever APLOGIZED for the BUllSH*T that was given to Maris and Robinson?? like i said this yankee team has become TOO POLICTICAL and lost the fun. while WIllIES KIDS on queens is playing FUN ball. Now I am not a mets fan but i see the difference. Beltran looked at 3rd strike no issues , still a good season

Roy,

But who is damming him? Not Sox fans, not Cub fan, they would love to have him, NO it is we Yankee fan who damn him the most. It is time we stop this s**t and be greatful for what we have.

A-Rod, just let your game do the talking, relax, and have fun again.

Jeter, please do a better job of making A-Rod feel more at home here. Please put those comments A-Rod made about you behind and move on. The relationship doesn't have to be the same, but for the best of the team, forgive A-Rod and move on.

Arod should have never said what he did about Jeter. Really as simple as that...........anyone who sees it any other way needs a wake up call***rolling eyes****

The media needs to stop feeding this frenzy but won't! We all make mistakes but most DON'T having bottom feeders to remind us of them....to sell print. Enuff said!

My apologies.....most DON'T have....not most DON'T having....

Bronx Bomber- A-ROD has to use some "common sense" here. Sure, he has the right to "free speech". But this is a case of "whatever you say "is" going to be used against you." A-ROD has got to be more intelligent than to walk right into this "pile of ....". No matter what he says about Jeter, good or bad, it is going to come out bad for A-ROD. Knowing this, A-ROD should just shut up.

Jim A.: You're right I was thinking the same thing about how friendships change over time ,nothing is static ,marriage changes priorities etc...

there is a difference in being politely engaging which shows some social skills then when someone sticks a microphone in your face and asks generally dumb questions that are not directly related to the "Game" of baseball, than being branded surly and uncommunicative.You can't have it both ways.

This "flamable" issue is now a "9 alarm fire". It is all over SPORTSCENTER, and you know once they sink their teeth into something it only gets worse. We all should thank A-ROD for making Spring Training more than just "practice" games.

Roy,

What about Bernie? Oh thats right, He is a real Yankee

Of all the things that happened so far, Roy says Arod is a flamable issue. What about the others. Now you are sounding like a true REDSOX FAN.

Roy who is dragging other players into what? Roy, Rick, and others as inflamed as you, I have to ask, have you heard the interview? Not the sound bites on ESPN, but the whole thing?

If not, I suggest you go over to Pete Abe's blog and listen.

You guys complaining, no offense, sound like Pansies. Why would I want to hear Jete's response to this? Its a none issue. If AROD gives the same response it is same thing all year as last year, he says something different and still there is a hail storm? I heard the interview, and I am fine with what he said. Only one making this a soap opera are those want it to be one. How about a novel idea, greet it with silence.

Put those two millionaires in a corner, give them 15 minutes and tell them if they don't out with a workeable solution, then management will!

Grow Up Both Of You Already!!

JIM B- You were at the A-ROD book signing fiasco, and now your front and center with the A-ROD comments concerning his relationship with Jeter. I get the feeling that A-ROD and yourself have the same "connection" that ALI had with Cosell.

Bronx Bomber:
I'm not speaking for anyone else, just me.
I'm not whinning about A-Rod's latest remarks. I'm just tired of this guy putting his foot in his mouth. Why say anything? Why throw more gas on the fire cause that's exactly what he's doing. The media is going to run with this until the cows come home. You know that as well as any Yankee fan. Look how much he was booed last season. Don't you think that he was hurt by that? I do. Why set yourself up for the same thing to happen this year. Why does he have to put a target on his back again?
I just want him to do his job as we all know that he can. I want him to help us win #27 as all of you do. I want him to be the big bat in the lineup and the guy that we can count on.

John G:

I am not speaking for anyone else, but he had to say something, 'cause all last year the STUPID media asked all his teammates about the AROD/Jeter relationship. Last night, fat ass Franfatass asked Cashman on his stupid show about it, they asked Torre at his news conference about NOT BEING FIRED about Jeter/AROD. I have heard the whole interview, and no where did Alex put his foot in his mouth. What is so inflammatory about saying you have grown apart in 14 years, Jeter has been saying the same thing since day one! You are going to pick on him for his choice of words? Mussina, Torre and Pavano have used some words this ST that can be twisted to mean something, but they are not.

AROD says nothing, it the same fu--ing question asked to the team. Right now, it is on the media. He said no more questions about Jeter, lets see them handle their own business.

All you guys who always rip on A-Rod are nothing but jokes...fakes...and nothing but an embarrassment to Yankee Nation...everyone of you clowns always ask why did Jeter not have his back or rip on him because you think Jeter doesnt like him...now he finally answers you clowns, and you rip on him some more...all you guys are are haters...you hate the fact he has more talent than all of you put together, you hate him because he is better looking than all of you put together, mad that he makes more money than any of us will ever make, and just haters looking for a reason to dislike him..honestly i don't care either way if he stays or goes when his contract is up...but now i want him to stay another 10 years just to piss off all you fakes...

I have not commented here so much lately as so much is soiled by the constant Red Sox troll(s). But I have a few comments.

I do not like ARod, never have, never will. I do not hate him, but I certainly do not like him.

As a lifetime Yankee fan I hate the constant distraction he brings to the team and the ongoing soap opera.

That said, today's interview was unlike many others. He was honest, direct, and spoke plainly on all counts. There is absolutely nothing to criticize him for on this interview. Listen to the WHOLE interview on either the Journal News or Daily News blogs where you can listen or download it; your choice.

That said, I still would prefer he be traded before he may walk away after this season.

As for the Jeter relationship issue, there is no issue. None. They are no longer having sleep-overs. Their relationship has changed. They are not enemies. They are not feuding. They are professional ballplayers.

Incompetent alleged journalists including Newsday's Davidoff, SI's Phil Taylor, and Joel Sherman of the NY Post wastepaper, have blamed Jeter for ARod's problems and helped deep six his MVP because of a story they invented in their small minds. No idea how any of those writers still draw a paycheck.

Bottom line is I hope ARod has a tremendous season. If he starts the playoffs like he did the last 3 years I would bench him as I would any player. Hope it does not happen and he does well.

Two points for Aaron's screed...

1. There is not now and never has been a Yankee Nation. There is a Red Sox Nation. I live in the midst of it.

The Yankees are the premier team in all of sport and DO NOT need to copy concepts of the Red Sox. NEVER call it Yankee Nation. There is no such thing.

2. Calling people with a differing opinion on the quality of a player is really unbecoming. Yankee fans, as well as fans of all teams, are from a very diverse population. All opinions are basically that: opinions.

I lived for the day Randy Johnson was sent packing and despised him from long before he was on the Yankees. However I still wanted him to win each game as a Yankee. THAT is what determines a fan; not some obsequious verbal genuflection to each player merely because he has been afforded the right to wear the pinstripes for some period of time.

I think you mean the last TWO post seasons, the start of the first was pretty impressive. And I would not bench him, if you do, you must bench the others with equally woeful performances...and that will leave you with about 3 batters at the start of a playoff run!

No, I meant THREE. he was very good against Minnesota in the 1st round. After that it was all downhill.

The first 3 games against Boston were what? And if we are keeping it real, game 4 till Mo blew the save so...

You know, this is pointless. Last 2 post seasons have been crap since day one. I hope the TEAM has a different ending this year and for many years to come.

GLAD TO SEE "TRUE" YANKEE FANS LIKE NORTON AND RUSE ARE FED UP WITH THE CONTINUING BS AGAINST A-ROD. NO ONE SHOULD BE FOOLED INTO THINKING THIS IS FAIR, OBJECTIVE REPORTING.

Yes Paul there is a Yankee Nation...it is called the Evil Empire...and there are Yankee fans all over the world.

1. Just because those chowder heads you live near started calling themselves that for a couple years doesn't mean they invented the term.

2. First of all I wasn't calling out the average Yankee fan. I was basically calling out the ass clowns who have nothing better to do than ridicule a guy everyday since the day he got here. Who boo him everyday, instead of get behind your team. Who don't have the brain power to realize that booing a player who is on your favorite team in the stadium they play at makes that fan look like an idiot, and doesn't do anything to help that player. Yes i am not saying to not boo a player every once in a while when they are having a bad game, or when he fails in a crucial situation. I understand the frustration in the fan who does that. But to boo like people did last year almost every game was the most disgusting thing I have ever seen. I understand the frustration, but that kind of stuff doesn't help...it only hurts the "TEAM" You want that player to do well, so that your favorite team wins and wins a championship. Opinions are fine...just like A holes everybody has one. I was never saying to genuflect to anyone. I was saying to show support for your team and whoever wears the colors of that team. And when you act like a clown and boo your own team you look like a jackass.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO ROOT FOR THE PLAYER, YOU ROOT FOR THE UNIFORM THEY WEAR, AND WHAT THAT UNIFORM REPRESENTS.

Arod's explanation of his relationship with Jeter is life. If, we were in a perfect mood at work or in our everyday life and got along with all our contacts. I believe we would be in the after life if you so believe. This is real world and in no way shape or form do the two have to be kissing buddies to win a championship. Most feats on the field are done individually, anyway. Its addressed by Arod will be confirmed by Jeter. I'm sure.

Now, the media can go on to the next issue that they can dream up.

This is good not to let things linger into the season. Any issues should be dealt with NOW before they get blown out of proportion by certain media vultures hovering around for a lousy story to justify sucking up the Florida sun. Joe Torre as always, will settle issues behind closed doors. When players see a negative writer, they need to keep walking and say "no comment".

I think it's funny how fans get worked over this. Talk about split fans. There are Arod supporters and Jeter suppporters.

I have noticed that Jeter supporters have not disputed what Arod said in that article, which I happen to agree with. Jeter was a PART of great teams -- the teams weren't great BECAUSE of him.

Shouldn't Jeter be a little more thick skinned and be able to take a little verbal abuse. Did he really let "words" ruin a best friend relationship? Talk about being a sissy about things.

And for the Bernie supporters -- get over it already. HE STINKS. HE IS WAY PASSED HIS PRIME.

I do NOT hate A-Rod, but I also don't think he was made for NY. I have never said anything bad about him except for one issue. My problems with him are about his performance in "clutch" situations. I have stated before and will standby them that he is another Winfield....great stats player, but not clutch when it counts.

I think Jim A made a very good point about how friendships evolve over time. It's called life. I also think A-Rod made an honest effort to be upfront and clear the air about the Jeter issue. I think he wants to get this crap off his back so he can TRY to relax and just play baseball this year.

Do I think it will work? No. But, at least he's making an honest effort. I say we all get off the Jeter/ A-Rod friendship issue. This is really a big deal over nothing.

So funny. The Yankees are 2 days ahead of Boston with players reporting to spring training. Typical Boston. Always in the big shadow of NYC. Always playing little brother baseball. It just never changes.

He might be the best player ever, they are lucky to have him. The guy works really hard to boot. The fans are stupid to boo and criticize him so much- it would be one thing if he were out of shape and not giving it his all, but he does. It would serve them right if he left after this year. Then people criticize him for breaking some "etiquette" like slapping a glove. But it's ok to throw at a batter, fight, etc. How stupid can you be- you may have the best player ever and you treat him like this. Idiots.