Now that Carl Pavano and Mike Mussina have essentially held hands and sang, "Kumbaya" as a duet, one storyline is out of the way.
Next up: a decision from Bernie Williams.
Position players report tomorrow, so we may get a decision today. Or, knowing Bernie, it may be a while before he decides, and relays his decision to the Yankees. The Yankees' first full-squad workout is Tuesday, so this very possibly could last until then.
Our stories from today's newspaper:
So, in separate news, Roger Clemens says he is "80-20" leaning toward retirement. Anyone out there believe that? I don't, and certainly the players in the Yankees clubhouse don't. Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter, who speak with The Rocket regularly, are both on record saying they believe he's going to play.
Comments (19)
Roger will be back. But instead of June, it might not be until August or at the trading deadline -- when either the Yankees or Red Sox turn up desperate for a starter down the stretch. Then he can get his $15 million for pitching even less of a season.
Hey Jim: Any scouting reports on Pavano yet? Has he pitched off a mound yet? Has he fallen off a mound yet?
Good job! (Boy, this was a long off-season...)
I hope Mussina helped to light a fire under Pavano's @**! I don't blame Mike for saying what most players and fans felt...now its up to Pavano to prove everyone wrong (crossing fingers...but doubt it;)!)
As far as Rocket goes.....crap or get off the pot. I mean really , are ya gonna quit or play? I would love him back , even at half a season , but this is growing tiresome......
Roger is a mercenary.
Translation: Um, in June, I'll check the standings, get clearance from the wife, and see which team has the best chance of getting me another ring. Plus the 3-4 million per month does not hurt...
And ESPN and the baseball world will speculate on everything, and Roger will once again have a huge smile on his face...
The best thing the Yanks could do is announce that they are not interested in Mr. Clemens circus and move on for the season. If we need someone, give the ball to Hughes, Sanchez, Olendorff, etc.
Rocket's act is really getting old, and the fact is he isn't really all that great anymore. As a batter, I'd much rather face him than J. Santana or even Wang. We don't need him or the drama. It would also drive down his $$ value when dickering with the Astros and Sox.
It is a shame that we disrespect a Bernie Williams and then bend over backwards to kiss the butt of a self centered mercenary like Clemens. Forget him and let's get rolling already!
Rick: Give the Kids a shot,the Yanks can't be sitting on all this alleged 'talent' without a little trial and error, besides I think any of the above mentioned pitchers would avail themselves well at the big league level.Stay tuned !
I don't want Clemens and the "special treatment" he receives on this "young" Yankee team. Yet, I know come July, if the Yanks are in trouble in the AL East, my tune will change.
The Yanks gave away Bernie Williams Spring Training locker, and refused to guarantee him a spot on the 25 man roster. Contrary to the Torre phone calls, it should be obvious to Bernie how the Yankees feel about him in general. He should show up at Spring Training along with all the regulars, and announce his retirement.
Gentlemen, the AL East is ours.
Sox Rule....The feeble empire is in a panic mode. Spending over 200 million for their sixth different shortstop in six years, a outfielder who couldn't carry Damons jock and the latest savior a fly ball pitcher who will be facing line-ups he never faced in Japan.How long before: Manny,Drew or both ask out of the lineup? Varitek,Shill,Timlin and Blisters Beckett break down? You find out you need a centerfielder,2nd baseman and closer? Your GM complains they can't compete with the Yankee money,oops he forfeited that right.
10-4: to Roy, Ruse and Rick. Youth in moderation is the way to go. We have too much talent not to groom one of them this year in the SP and one in the bullpen.
LETS DOING THE GROOMING DOWN ON THE FARM.CASHMAN TRADED FOR ALL THOSE YOUNG ARMS TO USE AS TRADE BAIT-ZAMBRANO,SANTANA,WILLIS OR EVEN FREE AGENT TO BE JOE NATHAN IF MO CAN'T CUT IT.
Yanks have repeatedly said they are no longer in the business of trading grade A prospects for veteran players,although I could see them trading for Santana if he becomes available.Zambrano is not going anywhere,Cubs fortunes are tied up in his arm,even if he becomes a free agent ,no way he would be the same pitcher in the AL East.
With the "hair trigger" temper Zambrano has displayed on the field, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get "torqued off" at the Cubs, forcing them to trade him. That would be interesting to see Cashman trade for Zambrano and possibly Santana.
Chip, Doug, Bronx Bomber, and AJ
Have you guys signed up your teams yet on the fantasy site? If not, please do so.
Thanks!
Zambrano= the Yanks are not going to trade good prospects for the second coming of Joaquin Andujar ,the Yanks don't want other teams headcases,they had Brown and Johnson for 4 yrs, we need a respite.
ZAMBRANO IS THE REAL THING...25 YR.OLD POWER PITCHER WHO KEEPS IMPROVING. CAN'T BLAME HIM FOR GETTING THE ASS PITCHING FOR THE CUBS. STOP DUMPING ON RJ, THE MAN WON 34GAMES IN NEW YORK,17 WITH A BAD BACK. THAT'S MORE THAN GLAVINE AND PEDRO DID FOR THE METS.
The Yankee offense won 34 games for Johnson,if anyone in his right mind thinks posting an ERA of 5.00 constitutes quality pitching he needs to have his head examined! Zambrano pitches in the weak hitting NL Central,he comes to the AL East his ERA inflates by 1/2 run to a run a game + he averaged close to 5 walks per 9 innings,he's a sore arm waiting to happen.+ he's emotionally challenged,can't wait to see him implode against an AL East team.
RUSE YOU ONLY TELL HALF THE STORY... RJ WITH A BAD BACK STILL GAVE THE YANKS 2O5 INNINGS WITH 172K'S AND GAVE UP 194 HITS.THE YEAR BEFORE HIS ERA WAS 3.79 WITH 225 INNINGS-211K'S-207 HITS. DID THE YANKEE OFFENSE JUST WIN GAMES FOR RJ? WHAT YANKEE STARTER PITCHED MORE INNINGS ,HAD MORE K'S OR HAD A BETTER HITS TO INNINGS RATIO OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS? RJ IF HEALTHY STILL HAS A LOT LEFT IN THE TANK AND WOULD STILL BE A YANKEE IF NOT FOR FAMILY CONSIDERATIONS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, ANDY PETTITTE ERA 4.20, GAVE UP 238 HITS IN 214 INNINGS PITCHING IN YOUR WORDS "THE WEAK HITTING NL CENTRAL". FREE AGENT TO BE ZAMBRANO 214 INNINGS GAVE UP 162 HITS WITH 210K'S PITCHING FOR A CLUB THAT FINISHED LAST WITH 66 WINS.
whatever you say.
RUSE IT'S NOT WHAT I SAY IT'S A FACT.RJ'S BIG MISTAKE WAS HE WASN'T MEDIA FRIENDLY LIKE CLUELESS JOE.