On the Yankees beat

How about trading the one dimensional overweight guy to the Angels or Dodgers. Both teams are still looking for a HR hitter and we can save more salary and pick up a few more prospects. We then have the 3 OF postions and the DH to rotate Cabrera, Damon, Abreu and Matsui. The 5th OF spot/PH/ocaasional DH goes to Bernie. Giamgi is a HR or nothing hitter now with 130 K's per year. I would rather have Cabrea in the line-up every day.

Rich: Although I don't see it happening,I must admit it's not a bad idea.Giambi won't waive his no trade clause.

I haven't written anything in the posts recently, but I had to say something now.
I think what the Yanks are doing to Bernie is a disgrace!
I know that this is a business above all else and that the loyalty card shouldn't come into play, but come'on! This guy has been with us his whole career and he's come up with a ton of big hits (ALCS game 2 vs the O's in '96 being one that I can recall), and how many times did he rob someone of a HR? Remember the Texas ALDS in '96? What about the fact that in '98 he could have signed with Boston for 88 mil and he called Cashman saying that he wanted to stay, so they worked something out?
He's not the player that he was, but he still can help the team. Look at what he did last year.
Maybe carrying 3 1B isn't the answer. Maybe we can get rid of Phillips and Phelps and go with Doug M. (I'm not even going to try and spell his name) and put Giambi out there occasionally so Bernie can DH. Go with a 5 man rotation in the OF so all of them can get some rest during the season. I don't know.
Anyway, I've rambled enough.

Guys,
Is there still room left for the secong league thats going to be created? Who can I e-mail to get in this? Is it Jim B or Rick Reyes? I really want to participate...thnx.

There is absolutely nothing sadder in all of sports, than a "legend" who can't bring himself to leave the sport he loves. Bernie is ultimately making this far more painful than he realizes.

For the second league, we need to finalize who is going to run it. atticas expressed interest in being the commish, but i haven't heard officially from him. So if he's out there, email me at jim.baumbach@newsday.com

There is little Yankee brass could to more to alienate fans than to allow the headline "Bernie Cut" to hit newsstands in April.

Bernie is not blameless, and he should realize he really isn't acting in the complete best interests of the game, but image is everything here. Yankee fans by and large will stand by Bernie.

My suggestion - How about making him a player/coach? Haven't seen one of them in a while!

NY YANKEES DISCOVER CHINA BUT CAN'T FIND HARLEM

http://www.blackathlete.net/artman/publish/article_02844.shtml

Justin we touched on this issue on here before and many on here feels the same, the truth is NY Yankees cannot find NYC period in terms of looking for talent. now don't get it twisted they have been donations or etc. to Harlem. and there is a posse of baseball people (minaya, bob watson , etc.) is going to Africa

John G

Finally, someone who sees the Bernie plan my way!!!! We don't need four 1B to bat 9th.

here are more facts....

NEW YORK -- Dave Winfield thinks Ghana could produce quality baseball players.

Advertisement


"We know they've got some talent. We know they kicked America's behind in soccer," the Hall of Famer said Thursday before flying to Africa for a goodwill tour.

Former Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants manager Dusty Baker, Major League Baseball vice president Bob Watson and former major leaguers Reggie Smith and Al Jackson also are making the trip along with New York Mets manager Omar Minaya.

"All you have to do is see the last World Cup and see how great athletes those guys were from Ghana," Minaya said, thinking back to the Black Stars' 2-1 victory last June that eliminated the United States in the first round. "You look at those athletes and you say, 'Why can't they play baseball given the opportunity?'"

Based on last year's opening-day rosters and disabled lists, 27.4 percent of the 813 players in the major leagues were born outside the 50 states. The Dominican Republic had the most of those with 85, followed by Venezuela (43), Puerto Rico (33), Canada and Mexico (14 apiece), Japan (nine), Cuba (six), South Korea (five), Panama (four), Taiwan (three), Australia and Colombia (two each) and Aruba, Curacao and Nicaragua (one apiece).

In the minors, 2,964 of 6,568 players were born outside the 50 states (45.1 percent).

Baker was especially happy to make the trip. He said his mother, F. Christine Baker, was given a trip to Ghana by his family as a present 37 years ago after she graduated from night school.

"If I was still managing, I probably wouldn't be going. It's too close to spring training," said Baker, let go by the Cubs after last season.

Past efforts by Major League Baseball in Africa included sending professional and amateur coaches to Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, South Africa, Uganda, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the commissioner's office said. The sport also has donated equipment to groups in those nations over the past decade.

MLB also gave equipment for the 2003 All-Africa games, invited players from Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa to attend its academy in Tirrenia, Pisa, and sent a coach in residence to South Africa.

"It's a matter of starting at a young age, I think, or starting to understand the game, the mental part of the game," Baker said. "The physical part of the game, I think people pick that up pretty quickly. It can transfer from cricket to baseball, from soccer to baseball."

Watson said it was too early to determine whether baseball would establish academies in Africa.

"It would be great if 10 years from now some 8-year-old is a kid that we look out and he can throw and hit and run and do all those type of things and he's signing a pro contract," Watson said. "More than anything, I would hope that 10 years from now a ton of kids are going out to play college ball, get their scholarships and they're going to get an education, where they probably wouldn't have had an opportunity to."

The following guys have expressed interest in the next fantasy league:

atticas, Rob, Dave, Sam G, mike fl, YANKSFANMC, and Sythran

Each of you need to send your email address to Jim B at jim.baumbach@newsday.com

Someone will then get in touch with you about getting started.

so you would get rid of the youth players to keep a declining old timer , yes bernie did great things for us but the tide has changed, there is no LOGICAL room for him and he is awful at spot playing so getting rid of two bodies to please one is NOT logical, you only make moves like that for a productive player. the only ray of hope is that phelps is not good enough and is sent back to the O's meaning that we will be stuck with andy and Doug, and if they do not produce that would mean again going out and finding a body becasue BERNIE CANNOT PLAY the position. again the people is seemingly acting as if it's the yankees fault. Ya'll seem to have forget that once Bernie's playing time was shrinking last year he was upset. we do not need that if he feels he wants to play more ,but i guess it would be ok for him to moan , but if it was someone else they would be a distraction.

Bronx Bomber and Justin Craig: Sometimes when watching the games. I here players who have come from the 5 bouroughs or LI. And yes, you wonder why the Yankees did not pick up on this one or that one. KC has DeJesus, there are a few. Lets look at it. 30 teams with about 40 draft picks spreads out the oppts. for NYC kids landing with Yankees. If, I'm GM unless its the 2nd comming of Jeter or Ron Guidry. I'm drafting from the colleges. The players gain valuable playing experience along with excellent coaching. Most of the very good baseball schools are in the South or warmer weather areas. The Spring schedule was down South for the Northern clubs against the southern schools. It was not pretty. We had to shake the snow off the baseballs and the other guys had tans.

Since I have moved to Fla. I have noticed the advantage the Fla. kid has over the NY kid. The Fla. kid can play all year round and most colleges have great programs. Many of the minor leagues are located in Fla. The coaches on all levels in Fla. especially for the younger player is far superior. Many dad's have played college or some level of pro ball. But the idea to devote to one sport makes for a better basebll player around draft time because thats what most kids do down here commit to one sport.

Remember its a business. The only sympathy signings go to former major leaguers sons. I could name afew.

No in the days , they held tryouts Berra did not go to school he tried out for the cards and etc. Torre was noticed in Marine Park Brooklyn, trust me if they held tryouts i bet you have the latino city players would run circles around the college players. remember almost half of the Major leaguers is foreign born so that eliminates the college theory, they need to focus more in the states. if you can sign a 19 year old non american why you can't do the same for a player here. the kid that was killed by NYC police Bell was a promising player they said his fast ball was serious but no one came knocking or even tried him out.

Bernie is forcing the issue but a minor league contract is the right way to go for both parties. The Yankees are not settled yet with pitching backup catcher or the first base issue. Bernie, I love the guy. He's such a sincere guy and a true Yankee. But at 38 has to show what's left and the Yankees have to see if their preconceived notions about certain roster spots are valid. Our starting rotation has Igawa in the back end. Who knows if he can get a major league hitter out. So, Bernie's move is good for the team and good for Bernie. He'll get to see how much is left in the tank. You know how it goes. The mind is willing but flesh ain't.

Bernie should retire rather than put the Yankees in the lose-lose position of either keeping a useless player on the roster or suffering a PR disaster. Bernie played great for the Yankees for many years, but I feel no sympathy for him in his current situation.

Quite frankly, I thought that Bernie spent too much time playing his guitar and not enough time focusing on baseball back when he missed half a season with injury. He has never been the same player since. Let him retire with his four championship rings and his tens of millions of dollars, and let the Yankees add a player to the roster who might actually HELP this team!

We are talking about 90's through 2007. Yogi had a 8th grade education. Many boys did not go to college. They had sand lot ball. Most of the players back then came from big city areas where the teams were located. Now, the picks come from all over the world. There are fewer minor league teams at all levels. So, the oppts. are fewer. Joe D. did not come from a rural areas. He came from San Fran. and sandlot ball. The scouts are not looking to the sandlots but to the colleges and not enough inner city baseball talent is moving toward the college level or maybe staying in college for many reasons. College ball is the prelude to signing in America. Latin America is much like the Yogi years. Raw talent of exceptional ability will be given a chance.

Dave -

Maybe that is what did it becasue at one point Bernie was considered one of the better cf's along with Griffey

You don;t build teams through loyalty and sentiments. Thanks Bernie for your great career, and we all look forward to seeing #51 get retried, but you're not anywhere near the same player you used to be and we have four much better outfielders.

Thats an cop out, your last post just summed it up.

MLB would rather #### sign Illegal aliens or other non americans than there own who is on a non college level. the players from yog's years are waaaaaaay better than the college pre madonnas today, maybe if you SIGN THE HUNGRIER player , sh*t work with the colleges see a talent and have scholorships presented. That college line is a cop out. MLB would rather extort players from outside with no power if they would just put back some of the investments they do to overseas back into the States it can change the lifestlye and hope patterns big time. if you know a scout is going to watch you especially the yankees then alot of kids would sign up for baseball, basket ball does this well , your good they play you at gyms , abc camps , scouts come looking

If Bernie was completely done, then I'd say it's time to pack it in. I just don't think that he done yet and there are too many first basemen on the team. What do we do if they all stink? Put Giambi there everyday. I'm in the minority on this point.
On another note: did any of you guys hear any news on MLB and DirectTV signing a deal that would put MLB Extra Innings on DTV only? I can't find anything on it on MLB's site.

John G

They did sign an agreement. It won't be on the MLB website because it is yet another one of Bud Selig's stupid ways of ruining the game. For once though, this deal breaks my way since I have Directv. It's still more stupidity on Selig's part.

Kids from warm climates get to play all year round so you can't blame MLB for wanting the talent that has that luxury and not that many kids here want to play baseball. MLB needs to spark the interest of American kids ages 6-12; most of them are playing soccer or football. NYY need to make baseball more interesting to city kids by opening dirt fields for them to play on. You don't see many good dirt fields in the city for kids to play pick-up games on, all the good ones are closed for the kids with money who pay to play. When I was young the dirt fields were opened for anyone to play, now they lock them up. PAL does good things but I think that just scratches the surface.

Many of Selig's stupid $$$ decisions also tend to drive young kids away from loving the game.

Just another way we'll loose young fans. The games start really late then on top of that we can't see the end (if it goes into extra innings) if we don't have DTV?!! I hate bud! Dumb move, probably as dumb as when the YES network wasn't available to Cablevision customers which happen to live in the Bronx.

NONE of MLB's business decisions are ever made with the FANS in mind. Which is ludicrus, because without us, there is no game.

Thanks Rick and OYF!

That really rots! MLB keeps crying about exposure and how they're losing talent to football, basketball, etc., and they pull a dumb move like this! They go from being in about 75 million households to around what, 15 - 20 million? Real bright!
Looks like I won't be watching any Yankee games unless they're on ESPN. Oh well.

Would this apply to YES?! If the Yankees have their own channel it might only apply to the blackout dates that are broadcast on network TV. This is going to suck! Does anyone know how many extra inning games the Yankees play on average?

Extra inning games are usually the most exciting.

Bah humbug!

2007 2B Rankings & Projections

http://mvn.com/mlb-fantasy/2007/02/02/2007...jections-top-4/

I'm stunned that Chone Figgins ranks ahead of Cano . Figgins plays multiple positions - playing 3rd, left field and center.

Again, I played and Managed in the City and Suburbs. BIG DIFFERENCE same weather! the issue is politics and who you know. in the Suburban league they would have you play and do tournaments around the country, and be placed within other structures, now take cal ripkens league , most of his kids are from privleige families. no reaching into the balt inner city. kids hook onto basketball here and foot ball becasue it can get you outta of the ghetto quicker if your good and more programs support it. you can do alot with basket ball here in the city. SCOUTS will travel to see the youth, colleges will come . in MLB colleges is not coming to the hood to even try to recruit black and brown kids PERIOD, in the college level baseball is more racial than in the MLB level.

John G

You don't understand. It's not about households, it's about $$$ for Bud.

OYF,

If you have YES on your cable system you're fine.

What I'm talking about is this package called MLB ExtraInnings which allows fans to watch any game anywhere. It's designed for the fans who don't live in their team's city. I live in Phoenix so I don't get YES. However, because of this package, I can watch any Yankee game that's on cable, whether the game is on YES or on the other team's cable channel. The only games that I wouldn't get were the ones that were on over the air TV.
Now the only way that I can renew with MLB ExtraInnings is if I get rid of my cable and get DirectTV. That would be hard to do because I get my internet and phone through my cable system. To break all of that up would really expensive.
Anyway, I'm done crying about it. Thanks guys for listening.

Yeah Rick, I do understand. You're right and i agree with you.

I guess Bud will have to get along without my $179.00. I'm sure he's crying about it (hahaha).

To Annonymous: If you are referring to my comments about why inner city kids are not making it into the bigs. Hear this. Its my opinion which is founded by personal experiences and observations.

I did not once indicate your opinion was BS or that I heard it all before. I gave you respect to comment by responding to you in a proper manner. Scouting from the 50's to the 60's has changed from today thats for sure.

On another note Extra Innings on DTV has about 5 Yankee games a week on their extra innings package its a good deal for about $150 bucks for the season. DTV is a good service for my money and interests.

Whats with the stupid race discussions? Life is not fair nor will it ever be. The Yankee's goal is to win games to make money to sign good players to win even more games. Its no secret. We just get to enjoy the ride. As such, the Yankees get the people they think would help them the most to do the only thing that matters to them and that is win. Theres talent everywhere around the world and theres no reason the Yankees should limit themselves. This isnt college where u have to maintain a certain % of different races to get government funding. All this crap about the Yankees hating on blacks and browns is pure bs. If they felt that those players would help them, theyd get them. Everything else is just an excuse to bring up the race card ones again.

Bernie is not a useless player!! I don't understand where people are getting this from, the guy hit for a higher average than Cairo or any of the potential 1B last season!!

Look, I think Bernie should be on this team because he deserves to be there and he can contribute. We already have a right-handed 1B in Cairo (he plays 1st as well for those who forgot), why do we need Phelps or Phillips? Bernie can give us way more than either of those wastes of space. When we have four guys besides Phelps/Philips on this team that can play first (Doug Minky, Cairo, Giambi, and, apparently, Damon), do we really need another spot devoted to that not-so-life-or-death need? I'd rather have a guy who has done a lot for the team, that can still contribute, and will come up big in the clutch as he has so many times in the past. Simply put, we can do without another right-handed 1Bman much more easily than we can do without Bernie.

some of these discussions remind me of what the great guru Yogi Berra once said "It's like deja vu all over again "

Hey Jim B
Just sent you my e-mail concerning the 2nd league the guys are trying to form. So in case you didn't get it, I'l send it again.

Guys,
If (God forbid!) one of our starters should go down early, who do you think would be the VERY FIRST guy to get a chance to step in and fill that role? I believe it would be Karstens, given that he got his feet wet last yr and had some success. He definately has a little bit more experience than the top guns that the yanks are trying to hold off for now. Karstens had more success than Rasner...I know this topic is kind of boring, but it beats the Bernie and race talk we've been having lately...thoughts on this?

RICK KEYES

bernie williams was a great player but his time has come.we need to focus on whats best for the 2007 yankees and bernie as a 5th outfielder is a waste for us and him.i know you think carrying 3 firstbaseman is a waste but the yanks are stuck with giambi who is a dh only.so we have to platton for 1 year until we can attempt to sign the texas firstbaseman.

Is Texiera a free agent after the 07 season or the 08 season?? kinda confused on this topic...

after the 2007 season

dave, i think you are right but i would rather see hughes get the first chance just to see what we have.

Teixeira is arbitration eligible after the 2007 season. If Texas offers him arbitration and he declines he becomes a free agent and Texas is entitled to compensation.

Were Texas not to offer arbitration Teixeira becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Texas also has the opportunity to sign him at any time to avoid arbitration and then may keep him or trade him depending on contract restrictions.

Should Texas offer arbitration and Teixeira accepts it he is their property through the 2008 season at which point he becomes a free agent unless he is signed. I am not sure if the arbitration process is applicable for 2008.

mike fl

Why do we have to platoon at 1B, but not any other positions? The 1B will be batting 9th on an allstar team and we have to platoon? You or I could bat 9th on this team and play 1B. What a joke.

By the way, Bernie hit .281 last year and Damon hit .285 and neither of them can throw. Damon gets $13 million for his extra .004 and Bernie gets cut. Yeah, that makes sense. Why not platoon in CF too?

I'm REALLY getting tired of all the Bernie bashing! This man is a Yankee legend and deserves RESPECT. So, let me give you all some advice your mama's should have taught you a long time ago. If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything! You all should be ashamed to call yourselves Yankee fans.

I am a HUGE Bernie fan. I had the chance to meet him and get an autograph in 98 which was the ultimate yankee highlight of my life. But honestly, im indifferent about the whole situation. If he does make the yanks, id be extremely happy to have him back with us. However, I understand the situation the yanks are in with the whole youth movement. So I'd be fine with Bernie retiring, even though he is indeed a legend...what happens if Tex stays with the Rangers, who else is out there that would be worth it?

Rick:Maybe I missed something but I don't see any Bernie bashing going on,unfortunately it's a difficult situation all the way around,I think the Yankee front office will figure out what best suits the team for the 2007 season and beyond...I think comparing him to Damon is a little off the mark ,Damon at this stage of his career is hands down the better player ,he has better power ,drives in more runs leading off,steals bases,covers more ground in centerfield.Granted neither of them can throw...conversely if the shoe were on the other foot shouldn't Bernie RESPECT the wishes of the franchise and do what's best for the team? That might mean retiring...we'll see how this plays out in the spring...pitchers and catchers report in 12 days!

Everytime a poster comments on Bernie's declining skills, he's accused of "bashing" and "running the guy down". I think the people claiming this are guilty of "homerism". We gotta face the fact that Bernie is done.

I love Bernie but we simply do not have a spot for him. I mentioned before about Bernie being the 1b of the Yankees. Unfortunately they signed Doug M to play the position. I like Melky and I dont like trading young guys away for nothing. Phelp or Phillips can both go. I would give those spots for Bernie.

Ahhh, where's my machete?

Guys, Bernie is going to ST, even though thats not a move I consider "respectful" for either of the two parties, he still is going to get a "shot." Who knows, maybe he does make the team. But if he hits 250 with one homer and 4 rbi's during ST, I think his eign in the Bronx would definately be over. So my question is, how much does he have to (can't believe I'm saying this about Bernie)impress the yankees brass in order to get a roster spot? 300? 325? 350??? I really think he has to be superb to even be considered which is very disgraceful.

Yeah Roy, Bernie's DONE! (No Bashing there)

Hits .281, 12 HR, 61 RBI, and 65 Runs and gets "cut".

But, Barry Bonds gets $15 million.

Hits .270, 26 HR, 77 RBI, and 74 Runs.

I can clearly see the $15 million difference there!

Oh, I forgot, Bernie is slow and can't run. But, I'll bet you a years salary, he can out run Bonds in a foot race!

Oh, I forgot again, one is a legend and the the other just a chump. You guys are real pieces of work in your analysis of players.

RICK- Bernie is a "legend", but please don't "trash" him by comparing him to Barry Bonds. Most of us are Yankee fans. Some of us "analyze" players, some of us "idolize" them. Try to keep your perspective, and not become a "Homer".

Hey Rick,
What does the league commish actually have to do?

Well done, Rick. I think you stated the case as plainly as possible. People have been wanting to pull the plug on this guy just because the media has been inundating us with false information of his decline for years to the point where they act like he can't even play. Maybe he's not winning batting titles or world series mvps for us the way he did and which many 'fans' seem to be forgetting, but he's still a good player that can contribute. The so-called fans calling for his retirement are the new version of those that did the same to Mattingly, effectively ending his career despite the incredible playoff performance of 95, and the ones who booed Mantle in his final days. Ask yourselves people, do you really want to go down in history as 'those' guys? Or would you rather give a spot to a guy that has given us so much and that can still give us more instead of some chump who is only on the team because he happens to be righthanded and a first baseman. I think Rick is right that no platoon is needed, we don't platoon anywhere else and Doug M. has been an everyday player and can be now, so why do we need to platoon?? You people calling for his retirement really need to wake up, if we don't give Bernie a spot we'd be giving it to someone completely undeserving, Bernie would not be taking anything away from the team if we kept him on. Anyway, if he accepts the spring training offer, there's no way Joe is going to cut him, so you'd better start getting used to it already. If you continue denigrating him, as the saying goes, you're going to hate yourself in the morning.

Hey Rick,
What does the league commish actually have to do?

Got another one for you Bernie Bashers who say the Yanks should put the "best team on the field" without any "sentimental" considerations.

OK, I agree with you. Lets' put the best team on the field. Let's start at the top with our leadoff spot for just ONE EXAMPLE. Shouldn't we put our "BEST" leadoff man in that spot? I think we should. Let's compare:

Player AVE OBP SB R

Damon .285 .359 25 115

Jeter .343 .417 34 118

So, Jeter should clearly be the leadoff man! Maybe Cano or A-Rod should bat 2nd? Maybe Damon should bat "down" in the order (better place for his 24 HR)? But, that won't happen because Damon "IS A LEADOFF HITTER".

My point is, who says and what really determines that title or perception? Is it a reputation? The FACTS show us otherwise.

Just like all you basher's FACTS show us that there's no room for Bernie on this team. Well, the FACTS also show us that on this team, Damon is NOT the best leadoff hitter. But, they won't make that change for what is best for the team will they?

I want to make it perfectly clear that I like Johnny Damon and I just used him as an example to make a point. That point is...If we're going to use the "BEST FOR THE TEAM" arguement about Bernie, then let's be consistent and start analyzing the entire 25 man roster spot by spot using the same criteria. Let's be consistent in our approach to putting this team together.

Hey Rick,
What does the league commish actually have to do?

Hey Rick,
What does the league commish actually have to do?

Hey Rick,
What does the league commish actually have to do?

sorry about that guys, need a new laptop...

Now for sale on E-BAY. "The Bernie Fork". It says "I'm done", when it comes into contact with something. $19.95 (batteries not included)

Anthony

Thank you very much! It is great to see that at least one Yankee fan really understands what is going on here. Bernie is not an MVP candidate any longer, but he is not some washed up piece of crap either! He is just as productive as half the players in the ML. He can still make all the routine plays in the OF and he is a productive bat. His arm isn't much worse than Damon's. And, he is "pressure proven" AND in the lights of NY to boot. That counts for much, especially in OCTOBER.

The bottom line is we don't need four 1B. Just let Doug M. play everyday. Hell, he's a .280 hitter batting 9th in an allstar lineup. Also, 90% of the P in the AL East are RH (Boston has no LH). So, if we do face a LH, Cairo can play 1B for a game. Hell, he'll need to just to get some AB's to stay sharp! The other 3 IF sure won't be sitting much. I really don't understand this fixation on 4 guys to play 1B and bat 9th??

ruse,

Gee, you don't see any Bernie bashing? Please note Roy's posts.

Dave

Not sure exactly. Once we can get onto the Yahoo site, I'll know more. However, for now, you need to get everyone's email addresses from Jim B and set up a mail list folder so all can email each other.

Then set up the parameters for your league, like scoring categories, roster size, etc. And, pick a day and time for a draft. It's a piece of cake (sarcasm intended). Good luck!

Rick : Look if Bernie makes the squad and the 3 starting outfielders and DH stay relatively injury free that would probably net a 4th outfielder/reserve maybe 200 -250 ABs OK all that would do is make Bernie cranky and rusty and serve no purpose other than preserve some sense of RESPECT ,where's Aretha ?where's my WMD ? Rick can we put this to rest for awhile? at least to we see what transpires during ST...please!

Bashers

I'm still waiting on explanations on why Jeter is NOT our leadoff hitter? I need to understand this based on the logic that we must do "what is best for the team".

Rick: Well that's because Roy is a 'Hatchet Man',but if not for Roy who would I joust with? Roy shame on you!

ruse

It's not me, it's the bashers. I don't want to hear it either. Have them get off the man's back.

The chemical WMD went to Syria and the nuclear stuff went to Libya. Much was transported by Russia. Lord knows where it might be now!!!

Where do you get your news? The Clinton News Network (CNN)? Or Communist Broadcast System (CBS)? Or All Bout Communism (ABC)? Etc.

Whoah lol. I just wanted to know what the commish does exactly, but im not it...yet. I'm definately cinsideing it though because i would like to get this thing started. Sounds like a lot, but all I need to know is HOW to do it (first time involved in any type of league such as this).

Damon is a good leadoff hitter. Jeter is a great 2 hitter where hit and runs are his specialty. The yankees like a prototypical wait and take your pitch leadoff hitter rather than a first pitch swinging hitter like Jeter for leadoff. I know Jeter is a good leadoff guy but he is a great 2.

Rick: Let's stop knitpicking OK? So Bernie will have to earn a position this spring,big deal! It's funny the only way he got 400+ ABs last yr was due to injury if he hadn't he probably would have retired gracefully at the end of 2006

Ken,
I agree with you on your analysis of Jeter. Yes, he can leadoff because he has done it in the past and has been successful. However, I believe he is a much better #2 hitter because of his instincts to move over runners, hit the other way, hit for average, hit and run, etc.

Ken

Thank you and I agree with what you just said. But, my point is that all the Bernie Bashers say we have to do what is best for the team. And the STATS SHOW that Jeter is the better leadoff hitter.

OK then, since we want a pitch taker in the leadoff spot, then why not Abreu? He's lost his HR power, he has the ML's highest OBP, and steals bases?

Do you see what I'm trying to say? There's alot of hipocracy going on here with the Bernie issue. These guys talk about "best interest of the team" but then don't look at anything else in the same light or with an open mind.

ruse

As long as the bashers continue, I will defend Bernie to my death. I think it is a disgrace what they are doing to him. When they stop, I'll let it go too.

Rick: Touche! Anything else you need to get off your chest? I have a Socialist Workers meeting to go to in 15 minutes,so hurry up!

Dave

Like I said, get the email addresses from Jim B and just get ahold of everybody. I'll let you know when the Yahoo site is ready. Then, you have a draft day online and I THINK the commish has to maintain the rosters on the Yahoo site. It's really not hard, just learn as you go. Lineups only change once a week.

ruse

Tell them I said hey. And they'll NEVER convince me their way works best. Oh, and that I have a MACHETE !!!

And GUNS, until Hillary the Red tries to take them away from me. Like Charlton Heston said, "From my cold, dead hands".

The best Yankee batting order possible is Damon at leadoff and Jeter in the 2 hole. Jeter goes to right better than Damon in hit and run situations, and Damon is plain inexperienced in the 2 spot. As for Bernie, he has no position with 4 outfielders that are flat out better than he is. Stop the "homerism" and be objective. This is the same thing we "rag" Peter Gammons for. All you guys need are some pom-poms, and a Bernie spell-out.

Rick:
I can understand your feelings and admire your faithfulness Bernie is one of the classiest Yankees ever to wear pinstripes.
As I mentioned previously, I have the utmost respect and admiration for him. I followed him since he was a skinny kid playing outfield for the Albany-Colonie Yankees in 1989 and have enjoyed his accomplishments and contributions ever since.

Mickey Mantle was my boyhood hero. I followed him from 1958 until the end. Watching him from 1965-68, struggling to maintain his magnificent baseball skills (when injuries and age had taken their toll) was truly one of my saddest experiences in sports.
True, Bernie has not reached that stage of mediocre performance that The Mick did before he finally retired, but Bernie's baseball numbers since 2003 are uncannily similar.
I do not want to see Bernie struggle and compile statistics that will detract from the brilliant years that he's given us during his glory days. I certainly do not want to see/read articles about how Bernie is hurting the team with his diminshed skills and or taking up a roster spot.
The position of 5th outfielder on the NY Yankees does not befit a man of Bernie's stature...just as it didn't for the Great Mantle.
Thanks for all the memories Bernie Williams.

Roy

Why 4 1B just to bat 9th???

OK Rick, sounds good, will do.

Roy

Technically, the BEST lineup is Abreu batting leadoff and Jeter second. The stats bear this out. And, with his new found power, maybe Damon should bat 3rd or 6th? Let's use LOGIC and FACTS here. Check the stats.

Rick- If Bernie hasn't been cut by the time BBB drafts, will you draft Bernie with your 1st round pick? When it comes to "YOUR" team, just how valuable is Bernie? When it comes to the Yankees, he has no position, declining skills, and very, very little on field value.

RICK- Just what are Abreu's leadoff stats? How many at bats has he had at leadoff?

Roy

Will you draft Andy Phillips, Cairo, Doug M. and Giambi with your first 4 BBB picks? Now, how stupid does that sound?

Four 1B to bat 9th???
We all know Cashman is smarter than that!

Phelps/Phillips will battle for the RH version of the position. Doug Mxyz is the LH version for now. Giambi is the DH but Torre will start him occasionally when he feels more offense is needed.
Cairo is their utility man.

2 first basemen - 1 DH - 1 utility infielder (who can also play some outfield.)

Your argument for an extra roster spot is really why Torre would need 12 pitching spots during the first month of the season!

RICK- Drafting the 4 players you mention is as foolish as keeping Bernie on the Yankees. When it comes to "YOUR" team, it's obvious Bernie's value drops appreciably.

Roy

Obviously Abreu doesn't have any leadoff stats because he's never been put there to accumulate any.

But, like I just said up above, this is the man that has the Major Leagues's HIGHEST LIFETIME OBP. He works a pitcher better than anybody alive, hits .300+ and steals bases. And, SINCE he is also losing his HR numbers, I am suggesting that maybe he be the leadoff hitter.

And, since Damon's HR numbers are going UP, maybe he should bat 3rd or 6th.

I would think that a player that has the ML's HIGHEST LIFETIME OBP would make a pretty good leadoff hitter! Don't you???

The reason Bernie won't be on the team is because of those 4 1B. That is ridiculous!

Rick- You tell me the best lineup is Abreu batting leadoff and the stats back it up. I ask for the stats, and you tell me Abreu has never batted leadoff. Stop the insanity.

Latham Joe

The 12 pitching spots. I haven't even gone to that ridiculous situation.

My point is that with Doug M, Giambi, and the RH Cairo, we don't need to carry a RH 1B just to bat 9th for about 5% of the games. It's stupid use of roster space.

Hell, if you want to cut Bernie, then I say give that spot to a 13th P! Far more useful.

0akes me sick to think that one of the all time greay Yankee players will have to go to a minor league club so as to stay. We do not need 4 first basemen, but if one remebers last year. ..Where would the yanks have finished without Bernie Williams. Last year Torre decided to make one of the worst outfielders, into a first baseman. I guess his reasoning was that at least
Sheffield would be as good as Giambi...WRONG. Get rid of Phelps and an unnecessary middle reliever, and try Bernie at first.At the very least he can catch a ball. While you are at it get rid of Cashman..Who are thenobodys we received for Johnson and the aforementioned Sheff. I want Bernie in a Yankee uniform on Opening Day.

Rick- I'm anxious to know just how valuable you feel Bernie will be on "YOUR" BBB team. What round will you take him? Is it possible that when it comes to "YOUR" team, there may not be room for him? Sounds like the Yankee situation.

Where do you fathom that the Yanks will have "4 1st basemen"?
The loser of the Phillips/Phelps battle will be cut. Giambi is a DH. Cairo is a middle infielder who can play several positions, including 1st base - but neither he nor Giambi are an option to be a permanent player at that position.
Using that logic, you can say that we already have 5 outfielders (since Cairo can also play corner outfield)and THAT'S the reason Bernie won't be on the Team!

Roy

You are really a piece of work! What were A-Rod's stats as a number 2 batter back when Torre moved him there his first year in NY? Or, how about Jeter when he moved to leadoff after Knoblauch left?

Any player that works pitchers, has a high OBP, and speed would make a good CANDIDATE to bat leadoff. Just because no manager ever put them there doesn't meam they can't do it.

I'm sorry, but I really can't take carrying on a discussion with someone that REASONS like you do. You think what you want and I'll do the same, fair enough.

Anonymous

You and Roy will make great conversation partners. Your REASONING and LOGIC are clearly on the same page. Enjoy!

would anyone else agree that the chances of doug mentkewicz starting game 1 of the alds are just about zero?

what a terrible way to waste bernie's roster space.

Sooo...how bout them Colts???...people, we obviously have different views on Bernie, but we all agree that he is a yankee legend, and one of the bst to put on the uniform. Lets just leave it at that, and let him play it out in ST. If he doesn't make the team, then we can all go crazy on each other. Me included.

RICK- You said, "The best lineup is" Abreu batting leadoff and Jeter hitting 2nd. You further added, "the stats bear this out". I ask for Abreu's leadoff stats, and you tell me he has never batted leadoff. Come on Rick. You ran a "bluff", and got "caught". Calling me a "piece of work", is nothing more than resorting to the personal attack when all else fails. I'm still waiting to hear what round you will be drafting Bernie in come the BBB draft.