On the Yankees beat

Here's to the start of a great season!

HAPPY OPENING DAY, KAT !! WHEN I DIDN'T SEE YOU IN THE PAPER TODAY, I FIGURED THEY TOOK YOU OFF THE BEAT FOR BEING TOO POSITIVE.

Let the hunt for 27 commence

Speaking of hunts, where's my machete? I'm ready to rumble on our way to CHAMPIONSHIP # 27!!! Look out, here comes the 2007 YANKEES!!! And, while we're at it, look out BBB, here comes the Buckeye Bombers!!!

Did you ever read about that study of sports fans showing that male fans of winning teams are healthier and live longer than those who root for losers? Well I'm wishing all you guys a year of outstanding longevity!

Speaking of BBB - is Roy insane - that was a HORRIBLE trade he made

Chip,

Why did you get rid of Navarro? And did you change your team name? What happened to the "Bing?"

Yes, Opening Day should be a National Holiday with pay. There should be eating contests of apple pie, hot dogs and pizza. To wash it down $9.00 beers which are actually cold and not flat.

Lets Go Yanks. Channel 735 Directv will be on and observed. If, Pavano can step over the first base line without incident. It will mean number 27 for us followers of the pinstripes. He is our ground hog.

Phucker - I think Laird in the Ranger lineup will give me more than Navarro - and yeah I decided to surround my team with some Karma

Wow, Donald Trump maybe buying the Yankees in the future? Does he put in the winner of the Apprentice as Manager?

What ever happened to Mike Burke!!

Chip: You predict the Twins will win the AL Central ? Ahead of Detroit,Chicago,Cleveland? After Santana who do they have Boof Bonser and Carlos Silva? Who's at 3rd and SS ? What's your reasoning ?

Happy Opening Day, Fellow Yankees Fans.
Here's looking at Number 27.
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!........................................................................................

Lucy ,same to you !!

Question if i have players on the DL how do i adjust my rosters or can i add a player without losing one?

Bomber

We don't have a "DL" slot so unfortunately you can't designate your injured guy there and pick up a sub. You have to use a "Bench" slot to shelve your injured.

CHIP-
Watch and learn young "grasshoppa". There is much more seen through the eyes of one who has battled, than one who has not.

Lofty -

They have the second best closer in the game right now, the returning CY Young winner, Batting Champ and MVP.

Last year they didn't have Liriano or Radke for very long so essentially the rotation was just as bad then.

I don't get the hype around the Indians - they are offensively overrated - yes their offensive totals are nice but that's because they had a few 20 run games thrown in there, there were also a few games where they couldn't score at all. Their fatal flaw was their bullpen and despite what the talking heads would have you believe, that area has not been addressed. All they did was replace Wickman, Mota and Danny Graves with Joe Borowski, Aaron Fultz and Roberto Hernandez. The White Sox rotation was terrible last season and I don't see that improving with the departure of Freddy Garcia - and if they think they are going to get much of a contribution from Darrin Erstad they are nuts. The Tigers are a very good team, but I'm not sure that the loss of Rogers as a leader for that young rotation can be overcome. Plus all those extra innings that guys like Verlander, Bonderman and Robertson threw may catch up with them.

PHUCKER-
You have a DL slot. These guys are "taking you for a ride".

Roy, the only thing you've battled is reality.

You dealt a top five pick (young) and a legit starter (bonderman) for an injured starter (wang) a good closer (nathan) and mark teahen...whatever though, I'll be glad to take advantage of your folly.

so yes I see we have a DH slot so how do i add another player with lost losing one? I have all my injured in the DL slots.

Chip -

answer your e-mail we have Business to discuss

Chip

Get in line. I'll be taking care of said folly today and for the next 6 days. HAH

ROY
In the words of Ivan Draggo

Yuvilloooz!

IF I HEAR BUSTER OLNEY SAY ONE MORE TIME THAT THE FANS ARE GONNA SAY

"OPT OUT NOW OPT OUT NOW" I'M GONNA HAVE A STROKE

Phucker - I agree. Can't guys like Olney and Sherman just move on - he can't opt out until November so it is not an issue until November

CHIP\GRASSHOPPA-
Your eyes and words have deceieved your perception. You state Young was a top 5 pick, yet I drafted him 14th. You are unable to even find a name for your team, yet you want to "advise" myself as to the composition of mine. Ah Grasshoppa, you give me much laughter.

Jeter hilarious in pre-game interview with the ineffable Kim Jones as she used vocabulary above her pay grade. When she referred to him as a 'grizzled veteran' he tried slyly to get her to tell him what she meant by that, pretending he had no idea what it meant. She either did't know or was afraid to say to him that grizzled means gray-haired, so she skated on by. But at the end when she asked him what it meant for him to be starting for the 11th opening day as the NYY SS, he said, still grinning, 'It means I'm grizzled.'

I love when he smilingly skewers some pontificator, as he does at least a few times each season, in the blandest possible tone and with the patented grin.

poor A-ROD

Good job by Pavano in the first, what's even funnier is I'm listening to Mike and the Dog on delay and Dog is giddy that Pavano is going to give up 5 in the first.

I hate these fans.

IT'S OPENING DAY GIVE THE MAN A BREAK JESUS!!!

I love these fans. They cheered him loudly when he came to the plate even after his egregious error in the top of the inning.

Diane

What game are you watching??

They're boing him!!

jeter made a error that lead to a run !!!!

Yes, they did boo AFTER he struck out.

When he came to the plate, however, they cheered him loudly, many of them on their feet.

I'm watching the game on YES, which showed both instances of fan behavior on camera.

You?

did they BOO Jeter??

Diane you just admitted that they are booing him.

And as I said I hate these fans who insist on giving A-Rod a hard time when it clearly affects his performance these people should be ashamed. What is the point? Is he gonna hit better with boo's?

They will continue to administer both cheers AND boos, and anyone who expects otherwise will spend the season gnashing their teeth.

Well "They" are morons.

Go Bobby! Bald as an egg from chemo, but here for Opening Day!

Two more innings and Rick may be eating some crow - Pavano pitching well 1 unearned run and 2 hits.

Kazmir caught a beating!!!

CHIP

WHY DID YOU JINX HIM!!

sigh - and yet on the plus side everything he has given up helps my fantasy league.

Phelps has a nice eye so far

chip you lucky basturd !!!!!! just 2 days ago Eligah dukes was avail for the taking I wanted him damm you!! haha

Yankees not playing crisp 3 Errors = oddly enough the one that will get the most coverage will be A-Rod's the only one that didn't lead to runs.

what reaction did Pavano get coming off the field?

CHip

Pavano reaction-It wasn't too bad especially for having just got lit up nomsayin. A-Rod on the other hand is not endearing himself...again 0-3

Damon is hurt. Melky has been put in centerfield.

damm and someone wanted me to trade damon to them. damm damm dammm. all these old ass f**ks on this team.

Good point by Francessa - Torre said last year when things were getting bad with A-Rod that he would not appeal to fans to not boo players. Yesterday Torre made a point of saying that fans should cheer Pavano and not boo him.

So here's the question, why does Carl Pavano, who has done nothing, get the liferaft and A-Rod, who won an MVP here gets thrown to the wolves? The answer, Jeter isn't pissed at Pavano and there is a double standard.

That would be me Bomber...thanks man.

Horrible defense, Pavano pitching like Jaret Wright, Damon out with an injury I guess, and Jeter's range is now down to about a step and a half. Things can only get better.

damm chip that is crap if it's true with A-Rod

like i said next year starting 3b will be that clown on the lotto commercial who owned the team

Damn Bernie Williams and his Johnny Damon voodoo doll

Think of it this way, there are three innings to go, Tampa has no pen, Kazmir has thrown a ton of pitches and even if the Yankees lose today, Tampa's number two pitcher going on Wednesday is Jae Seo.

Yanks will be fine.

I know they will. Good thing Cashman has started the "youth movement".

Bomber, it is true, and it is crap and what's more - Jeter was in the NY Times yesterday basically chastising a reporter for suggesting that it is Jeter's place to try to get fans off of A-Rod's back. Here is a quote from the article:

“It’s not my job to change the way fans act,” Jeter said. “Fans can do what they want to do. I’ve never heard somebody in any sport tell the fans how to act. Why would you even get caught up in that? It’s not your job to tell fans what to do, bottom line.”

Isn't this the same guy who went out and told fans to get off Giambi's back when we were booing him for doing steroids?

Damon out with cramps in both legs - not a big deal.

Weird game...Lots of mistakes. Melky trips over his own 2 feet ends an inning double play.

Rick's observations of game #1:

I LOVED the 1st Inning chant of "WE WANT BERNIE". So much for me being the lone voice on the Bernie Williams saga.

Pavano pitched a RESPECTABLE game, much more than I expected from him. He has now EARNED the chance to gain my support for the rest of the season. We shall see.

These boys better tighten up the D or things will get ugly in a hurry.

What is going through Melky's mind? You're on 2nd base and there's a drive to deep LC. You automatically tag up because (1) if they catch it, you move up to 3rd and (2) if it gets over them it's extra bases and you walk home from 2nd. What was the hokey pokey shuffle all about???

Giambi, who many on here love to criticize, once again defines the word "CLUTCH" for us. A two out 2 RBI hit it the first to give us the lead AND a tie breaking game winning RBI hit in the 7th.

Yeah, like Wang had cramps???

Rick -

a) you're not the lone voice on Bernie - but the voices that matter don't agree with you (Cashman, Torre)

b) Two of the errors would not have happened with Meint at first which is why they signed him in the first place and why you will see him come in for defense late

c) I'm sure Pavano feels relieved that you feel a little better about him - in fact I was listening to his comments post game and he was telling Kim Jones that "I just hope it was enough for Rick Keyes"

d) I don't mind Giambi, I like him, but I do not want to hear anyone who booed A-Rod in the first for striking out saying that his home run late doesn't matter.

e) Damon is fine, stop being a nervous nellie

f) Did not notice a chant of "We want Lilly" so you are still on your own with that one.

Does anyone know if Mo threw the change at all?

And now for my 1st A-Rod game report. I know Chip, the box score says he's awesome. But, that is why we are doing these reports. To get past the STATS of A-Rod and look at what the REALITY is.

AB #1 - No score, 2 on with 1 out. A-Rod whiffs. This is what I mean by not coming through when we need it.

AB #2 - Leading off an inning. Please just get on base? Swings at first two pitches and grounds out. Leading off is when he should be taking a look at a few pitches.

AB #3 - Leading off an inning. Please just get on base? Flys out to RF.

AB #4 - Leading off an inning late with score tied. Please just get on base? Base hit AND also steals to get into scoring position. Excellent job! Very impressive. This is what we need more of in key situations. Atta boy A-Rod! For me this was key to us winning the game.

AB #5 - Yanks up 7-5, runner on 2nd with 2 outs. I was just thinking to myself this wasn't a crucial situation so if he makes an out here I won't hold this one against him. BOOM a HR. I knew it, no pressure and he hits a bomb just so Chip et al can gloat about the box score stats. I'm glad he hit it, but it wasn't a clutch situation just the same.

For me, two AB's were worth noting. The 1st AB was my basic description of why he is overrated. And the 4th AB - I tip my cap to him and hope that I see lots more of it. He STARTED the game winning rally with the leadoff hit and then stole 2nd base. AWESOME stuff for a baseball team. Nice job A-Rod.

Did I do a FAIR job of evaluating? Did I give him credit when he deserved it?

Rick -

I'm sorry but the first inning of the first game of the year is not a "clutch" situation no matter how you define it.

You know what though, I'm not going to argue with you about it. There are 161 more of these and I'm going to pick my battles with you on this topic. The only thing I will say is that no one, not Ruth, Mantle, DiMaggio, Mattingly, Munson, or even Jeter is going to get a hit each time there are runners on base - it is not going to happen. If you are going to think that A-Rod is overrated because he doesn't bat 1.000 with runners on, so be it - it's an unfair standard but whatever - you're entitled to your opinion and I'm entitled view it as biased foolishness.

and for the record Rick - the home run was no more clutch than the strike out or the error.

What I am amused by is the fact that already, an hour after the game, the error getting the most publicity is A-Rod's yet that was the only one that didn't lead to runs.

RICK-
In your A-ROD eval, where is the dropped\missed foul pop up? If your going to evaluate this "opter", you gotta examine his defense also.

rick -

the same can be said for jeter.

1. made a throwing error that lead to a run

Had only ONE hit today big hit 2 run hit.

Arod made a foul ball error no runs ,

He stranded two runner

Brought in two runners

Stole a base

so who had the better day??

BOTH OF THEM

attach is PROOF!!!!!!!!!

Hitters AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
J Damon CF 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 .500
M Cabrera CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
D Jeter SS 4 0 1 2 0 1 4 .250
B Abreu RF 5 2 2 1 0 0 6 .400
A Rodriguez 3B 5 2 2 2 0 1 2 .400
J Giambi DH 5 0 2 3 0 1 0 .400
H Matsui LF 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 .000
J Posada C 4 2 2 1 0 0 3 .500
R Cano 2B 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 .250
J Phelps 1B 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 .000
a-D Mientkiewicz PH-1B 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1.000

Derek Jeter left 4 runners on base today PLUS gave up a run with his ERROR so please takew your AROD diss and shove it up ya'll ass's

Roy:
The defensive stats gurus agree with you that Jeter has poor range, despite his gold gloves. That "single" past his false-hustle dive would be caught or stopped by many MLB SS's.

Rick:
Remember, Melky is not a rocket scientist. Unless Cano tells him to tie his shoes, he's out to lunch.

One aspect of this "win ugly" game that I haven't seen in this thread is this: our bullpen won the game for us! Period.

Roy:
Piling on Jeter. He also non-chalanted the grounder on which he threw low. Didn't charge it, was surprised by the speed of the runner, suddenly knew he had to rush, and blew it. Phelps didn't exactly look like Wes Parker on the "scoop".

Chip:
Damon has cramps in BOTH legs in the opener, after having Sunday off? And you're unworried ?

Bullpen line:
4 2/3 3 0 0 0 5

Roy:
Final pile-on on Jeter. Almost all great shortstops have been moved to another position in their mid 30s. Ernie Banks, Cal Ripken and many others. Jeter is God in NY so he will really have to decline before he is moved. In fact, as captain, he should have volunteered to move to 2B or 3B to allow A-Rod, the better SS, to stay at his position when he joined the Yanks. That is the reason Jeter has never blessed A-Rod into the pinstripe "family".

Zander - it was 43 degrees at the stadium...after working out for the last three months in 70 and 80 degree weather, the only thing I'm shocked about is that more guys didn't have a similar problem.

Everyone -

Why does this have to be Jeter vs. A-Rod? Both had good days and the Yankees need both to have a lot more days like today to get number 27.

Red Sahx are trailing KC 7-1 in the 8th. Is it too early to start hating the Sox?

Chip:
I watched the entire game on ESPN. They announced the game time temp as 58 degrees and said the sun came out during the game, so it probably warmed up a liitle more.

Chip: I'm not paranoid and I love Damon. But the Yanks have a 30 year history of minimizing/covering up almost ALL injuries. That's George's policy. It's not the NFL where teams are required to announce whether all players are out, doubtful, questionable, probable, or OK. That's because of gambling. George doesn't want to give any opponent or anyone else outside the family any info that he doesn't want to. That now includes Swindal.

Damon plays through so many "minor" injuries that I'm always a little worried. When he sneezes, I get flu-like symptoms.

Is there any maximum number of consecutive posts from one guy before Kat options you to Scranton?

I'm a little hyper because of the national holiday.

Cameras showed Bloomberg, Giuliani, Trump, Frank Luntz and other celebs in the first row. Since they would normally be in Steinbrenner's private box, that tells me George wasn't there. Lucy, what does that tell you that GS didn't even attend opening day?

I think Torre stayed awake for the whole game.

I like posting when all of you are commuting home after work. It makes me the straw that stirs the drink!

For those of you who didn't observe the national holiday by staying home to watch the game, Mientky layed down a perfect Rizzuto-like sac bunt. Something to watch for from the #9 hitter.

OK, to summarize before I go to sleep:
I hope this game is not a microcosm of the season:
Poor starting pitching, crappy IF defense, baserunning blunders, cramps, but an ugly win based on the bullpen throwing up zeros and the offense scoring 9 runs.

Of course if we win a boatload of 9-7 games I'll be cool with it.

Zander, the Miami Herald states: "With owner George Steinbrenner watching from his luxury suite behind home plate, the oft-injured Pavano pitched his first major league game since June 2005..." Here is the link to the article: http://www.miamiherald.com/857/story/61171.html. I have a very bad habit of relying on facts in order to make judgements, so I won't comment on why the celebrities weren't with him.

Our Yankees did an excellent job today. Even Jeter admitted before the game to being nervous, so some of the sloppy play can be excused due to Opening Day jitters.

I think Arod would do best if the fans were to ignore him (no boos, no cheers, just indifference). He would then focus on himself and the game, instead of what people are thinking about him. It was suggested that the cloudy weather conditions caused Arod's error. It seems several players on both teams were struggling to find the fly balls.

I'm happy with Pavano's outing, since he was also nervous and excited. Once again, the fielding hurt him to some degree. I think he will get better when less emphasis is placed on his performance.

Chip and Roy

I left off the error because it didn't lead to any damage and I didn't want to look like I was nit picking. It doesn't really matter what I say, Chip will NEVER find anything positive to say about me or my comments. If I said it was nighttime right now, he would say not so on the other side of the planet.

I gave an honest evaluation of what I saw from A-Rod in today's game. I didn't even mention the error trying to be objective about it. But, my evaluation just will NEVER sit well with Chip because I am ctitiquing his cousin Alex. Go figure.

bronx bomber

Please don't hide behind the anonymous monicker.

For once and for all...all u supposed fans, Lay Off A-Rod!!

The Babe

It is quite usual for NYC mayors to sit down front where they can be seen in person by many constituents, rather than 'under glass' with GS and other such. Giuliani did it frequently while he was serving as mayor, often with his son in tow, as well as since leaving office. Bloomberg does the same but unlike Giuliani he's also been known to do the same at Shea.

According to various reports, GS and his relatives were in attendance [not including SS, who stayed in Tampa].