On the Yankees beat

It is a fact that we have several players on the DL, but it has also been well documented on here by several posters of all the stupid moves Torre has been doing and not doing.

I can't recall them all, but just a couple for examples are like when he had Minky batting 2nd, pinch running for Giambi way to early in a game, and when he pulls SP too soon that seem to be cruising along, etc. Stuff like that which many more examples can probably be found in earlier threads.

So, there are lots of things that Torre has done that another manager could do differently. Not every one would change the outcome of the games, but there is clearly much room for improvement by the manager. The team also seems to be playing without any fire most nights like they have adopted the tea drinking, sleep walking personality of their listless manager. It certainly isn't ALL Joe's fault, but a change in management style and strategic decision making is definitely needed. It is time for Joe to go!

Comments from Julian "Freddy Kreuger" Tavarez on Yankees

[quote]

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/04/30/sox_get_back_in_good_standing/?page=2

"It means a lot, man, you're beating one of the best teams in baseball," he said. "They don't have great pitching like last year, but that's a tough lineup. C'mon, man, you're facing the Yankees. It's not like you're facing the Pittsburgh Pirates. You're facing the Yankees. They spend big money for hitters.

[/quote]

Yankees spend big money on hitters? Yankees developed Cano, and Melky and Jeter who came from farm system. Shut f*ck up Tavarez, Boston also spends alot money on hitters also getting JD " Nancy" Drew, Julio " BelikeJeter" Lugo

nice post rick- agree on many of the points

as much as i would like see a shake-up in team, question is...whats the long term effect of firing torre?

with 135-140 games left, will the yanks be poised to make a nice run come august / sept. without torre on bench? his cool demeanor and laid-back attitude that is so clearly evident today (contributing to 9-14 record) comes in handy during the late stretch run summer/fall months. then again, with the rate this team is going, last place is a real possibility in aug/ sept.

many guys have yet to hit their stride. cano and melky can not be depended on to hit the HR's, but timely base hits can certainly help. abreu is slumping considerbly, as well as damon (with sore back and legs). still dont understand why phelps doesnt start (he has decent numbers so far) and use dougy as def. replacement.

i was certainly an advocate of firing torre over the last 10 games, but its not like these major league, very highly paid, all-star caliber yankees are putting up great batting and pitching #'s. like jetes said, "torre isn't hitting and torre isn't pitching for us- he puts the best players out there everyday"

its about time, 20 games in, for those 9 best players to start playing major league ball

another thing-

wheres steibrenner? we all know cash and joe will sit back until the team turns around (when that's going to be, who knows). but how about the owner, the guy who invests all this money, heads into the locker room and rattles a few bones. granted, old age / poor health plays a large factor in his accountability to the team (sounds like a few...wait, many of the yankee pitchers) but come on.

you want YOUR team to perform john wayne steinbrenner...head on into the clubhouse and make mention of what will happen if things dont change soon. old age or not, make it a point to show your team you care, instead of critisizing and microscoping those who make an effort to do so.

All of my comments, I recognize, are dumb. Just bear with me until my meds kick in.

See what I mean, I don't have a clue what I'm talking about. Just love me. I'm desperate.

why is the real issue being avoided? Torre should be fired.Cashman should be the first to be fired!!!!!!! It is time to start getting younger players and start rebuilding this team!!!!!

Bend over Jo

I am so sick of hearing writers and guys like Jeter saying "could torre have hit for Abreu". Uhhhh no he obviously cant go out there and play baseball. But good managers/head coaches in sports get the most out of there players...not the least. If we use the argument that the manager cant go out there and play then are managers/coaches even important at all? What about lombardi? he didnt matter, he only one because his players? NO, a good manager doesnt let his players suck....Joe Torre is sleepy and unmotivating and his players are underachieving year after year. WAKE UP!

you're dumb MM

upstate ny

That's another point I forgot about. Why isn't Phelps playing more??? Another Torre mistake in game judgement.

The real problem is that when Torre gets canned, they are going to pick the wrong guy (Mattingly) to replace him. We need a different STYLE of manager to shake this team up.

Remember when George would fire Billy he would bring in a Bob Lemon (Torre type). Then when the team got listless, he would bring back Billy.

Rick, you don't know anything about baseball. George is a changed man these days.

So if I'm reading some posts right, the Yanks next manager should sit on the bench and say "what would Torre do in this situation?", and then do the opposite. Perhaps the Yanks should hire George Costanza because we all know Costanza wouldn't do something insanely stupid like putting in Rivera with a three run lead in a game against the Yanks biggest rival when Rivera has been well rested and needed to come back from a bad outing. So Costanza would leave the reliever who was getting knocked around in the game to continue getting hit. The owner and the fans would clearly understand that it's okay to throw away the only game the Yanks had a realistic chance to win that weekend (when you looked at the pitching matchups). No worries, nobody will second guess the move at all. Joe should have known better. Mariano Rivera has been nothing but shaky over the past ll years right? I mean, he should have expected Rivera to blow that save because it happens all the time, right?
I say let's sh*tcan Joe and hire co-managers Costanza and Madame Bilodeux, the fortune teller who can see the future. She doesn't need to know anything about baseball because if the posts I'm reading are correct, neither does Joe Torre.

Okay, I was being just a bit of a smart*ss, but come on already! This is pure nonsense. Anyone who thinks it is all Torre's fault that this team is in this position is either misinformed or doesn't understand the game at all.
It's easy to sit back and second guess every move Torre has made after you've read the box score the next day isn't it?

As I said yesterday - I do not believe Joe Torre will be fired at this time. If the Yankees are still scuffling around the All-Star break - the chances of a change are greater.

That said, the thought that the manager should not be penalized for poor team play is lunacy. Jeter is right when he says that Torre can't control how the team plays, but he certainly reaped the benefit of his players playing well, in the form of new contracts, millions of dollars - that knife cuts both ways, a manager benefits from a team's good play and suffers when their play is underwhelming.

On another note - didn't Jeter say last year when he was asked about why he never publicly stood up for A-Rod that he didn't feel it was his place? Sticks up for Giambi, now Torre - but not his place to stand up for Alex? I respect Derek, but I would respect him more if he had just said "I don't particularly like Alex - that's why I don't care if fans boo him or not" I know he would never do it, would be stupid to think he would, but at least that would be honest

Grady Little is a better manager than Joe Torre.

I'm sorry but do I really need to hear the great Mientkiewicz defending Torre now? This guy shouldn't even be wearing the pinstripes let alone get involved in this. He's a Yankee for a couple weeks and thinks he can comment on this. Jeez.

When Torre was with the Mets and Braves, he was a better manager. I am such a dumbbell.

MM

Good points! And, if a player isn't performing well such as Abreu at the moment, isn't it the managers job to move him down in the order until he gets going, or better yet, maybe have the guy take a seat for a game or two???

And, how come when Minky is stinking it up, he gets moved UP to the 2nd spot???? So we have TWO automatic outs batting 2nd and 3rd. What is this manager thinking???

Nudge

I forgot more baseball than you'll ever know. And George IS a changed man...he now has Alzheimers or something that is impeding his ability to be the BOSS. What a shame too!

JIM A.
It's a given if the Yanks were hitting and pitching ,Torre wouldn't be second guessed.But when they play well does Torre get all the credit?
Torre is making bad decisions,little things like letting Phelps sit,removing Giambi late in games,not squeezing a few more pitches out of his starters.
When teams succeed is that to the managers credit or players credit ?
Torre has always been a pushbutton manager.

Rick -

Not to be contradictory but who do you want Torre to replace Abreu with? You're going to bench him and put in Melky who is also struggling? I know who you would LIKE to have on the bench to spot start but #51 isn't here so he isn't an option.

Doug was moved up to the two spot because despite not hitting he doesn't strike out as much as a guy like Cano or Cabrera does, can bunt and do the little things to move a runner along (at least in theory)

Ruse,

I agree.

A manager is not as good as he seems when his team is doing well and seldom as bad as he seems when is team is playing badly - the bottom line is that it often comes down to just needing to make a change and while the players may be the ones struggling to perform it is easier to replace 1 manager than 25 players.

I don't think that it is a given that Mattingly would replace a fired Torre. I think Mattingly was being being groomed to be the next manager on the assumption that Torre would retire after the season and it would be Don's team starting from spring training. I think the trauma of replacing a fired Torre in midseason might affect Mattingly's performance.So don't be surprised if an "outsider" is brought in for a quick fix (i.e- Dallas Green Phillies 1980 or Jack Mckeon Marlins 2003). I'm not suggesting those two guys, I'm just saying someone like that who's sitting around looking for a job.

Jo maggio:

With new Yankee Stadium opening in 2009, there is no way that this team is going to go into a rebuilding process. Regardless of what happens this year, there will be the usual influx of free agents to guarantee a winning product for the new luxury boxes in 2009.

Jim A.

With few exceptions, you are stuck with a bunch of caterwauling, hand-wringing reactionaries on this blog. At first I thought there was hope for reasonable and intelligent exchange regarding the game we all love....but I guess I was wrong...it appears to be more about spewing childish jabs at anyone not chanting Yankee platitudes, unless of course that person happenes to be "accepted" and then it gets even worse....idiotic fuax trades that no GM would be stupid enough to make, or complete lineup changes that most recognize as ridiculous, and screaming to fire Torre and/or Cashman. I mean... even the usually articulate and eloquent Diane, apparently, has decided to side with the idiots and put her thoughts into nuetral. Clearly, most in here cant handle the truth, and want to avoid dealing with it...or with anyone who makes salient points. At least you have Gil L. who has an objective outlook on things. You might be surprised at how many non-Yankee fans who would prefer to see this team on track....it just makes for better baseball for the whole league.

Observer -

An ironic comment from a member of a fan base that ran their manager out of town for leaving Pedro in too long in one game of the 2003 ALCS.

Man, I am such a retard.

CHIP

I agree with RICK sitting Abreu for a game or 2 is not a bad idea and is typically what managers do when a player is slumping.Batting Cano or Giambi 3rd for a day or 2 isn't a stretch.That doesn't exactly constitute a benching in my book.

Jim A

Can't speak for others, but I make my calls as the game is going on, but don't get around to commenting on them on here until after the game is over. So, it might appear to be Monday morning quarterbacking, but I assure you I am making my observations as they are occuring "live".

As far as Mo goes and the game you are talking about, yeah, that was obviously the correct call. Nobody questioned that.

What we might question though is why Mo wasn't getting any work for the week prior to that game to stay sharp for when he was needed. Especially since the rest of the pen was fried out. Maybe MO should have got in a game or two somewhere along the line? He seemed very "rusty" to me.

You guys are missing Craig Wilson bigtime. Have I mentioned how much I know about baseball?

Well Chip,

If you want to compare Grady to Torre...you can. As far as I go, no thanks. The point is, Torre is not the blame for the Yankee's woes...and he may be the only one who can fix them. Firing him just increases the problems, imo.

Take it from this loser, I know.

Rick,

Now dont show a lack of interpretive knowledge by falling into the Nudge wanna-be trap. He is just trying to hop on my bandwagon like a lot of Fans hop on the Yankee band wagon. Weak minded people are always drawn to those with success and style. Not to demean ALL you fans, just those crazies (and you know who you are).

See its easy to tell the real from the imposter. If it sounds like it could be heard on Bevis and Butthead or Howard Stern, its an imposter. If it makes you want to chuckle (even it you really dont want to find it amusing) then is from the Original.

And see, it also has multiple sentences with real thoughts and purpose.

Ruse -

I think if Damon weren't hurting then Abreu would have gotten a game off here or there (or at least a game at DH) but between Damon being banged up and Matsui having been out before hand, there just wasn't the opportunity to do that.

But my thinking was, it isn't like Joe would be replacing Abreu's slumping bat with a guy who is on fire - Melky is barely hovering around .200 right now.

Also, it still isn't like the offense hasn't been scoring runs - it's the guys trying to keep the other team off the board that are the ones who haven't gotten the job done.

I want all the attention but you all know what a loser I am.

Chip

I didn't say BENCH Abreu. I said give him a game or two off to clear his head. Remember the original plan was to rest each of the starters frequently to get Melky his 400 AB's. So, why not do it when the guy is struggling?

Also, as has been shown quite clearly, Bernie should have been on this team as the 5TH OF. Damon is ailing as usual (why is this guy always in such bad shape in APRIL??), Melky is not what they thought he was, Matsui was hurt, Abreu is slumping, etc. Yeah, we sure could use a Bernie right about now, don't you agree?

Promote the 1B coach, he was excellent in K.C.

I don't see why somebody always has to pay the piper for the littlest things. I can see giving Abreu a day off because he is struggling but why, when he is going through a (pretty short) slump would you have to take drastic measures? Giambi is hitting very well right now and getting on base quite a bit so should he be moved to the leadoff spot?

Ruse: EVERY manager is a pushbutton manager. They simply make guesses and they try to back it up w/ statistics.
Let's say Torre does not bring in Mike Myers to pitch to Carl Crawford against TB, and Crawford hit's the grand slam against a RH Pitcher, how many people here would be howling for Torre's head because he didn't have a lefty in there?

Observer: There are some idiots on this blog, but there are mostly just extremely passionate Yankee fans who react in many different ways when losing.

Chip: I agree about your Jeter comment. He really comes off as looking pretty foolish right now if you ask me.
Hey Derek, keep this in mind: One team, One fight!

Observer,

I'm not comparing Torre to Little - I'm just saying it strikes me as funny that you would be scoff at the notion that fans might want their manager changed considering how quickly Red Sox Nation turned on Little.

Again, I don't think Torre will be fired, nor do I think at this point in the season with no clear successor he should be - but he does need to start doing more than just filling out a lineup card and hoping for the best - if the team does not turn things around by Memorial Day then there will be a shakeup coming. These things happen in one of two ways - a major trade or a firing. As we've said, the Yankees don't have the parts (or the desire to part with the chips they have) to make a major trade right now so that leaves the manager.

I'll never root for a loss but getting swept may have actually helped like Roy said "short term pain/long term gain"

However I'm deeply concerned that our sleeping giant owner may awake in a state of irrational fury and go waaaay to far in order try and save this years hopes thereby seriously jeopardizing the "future for today" which was his own bad habit/vice.

Of all the suggestions I've heard mentioned I must say the no-brainer is the Torre ousting.
I never thought I'd say that but I agree, the man is a sweet guy but as many of you have said-"they" like "he"-are nearly comatose and I can't defend any of them anymore. With a bunch of grizzled overpaid dare I say somewhat "jaded?" veterans I'm not sure he's the right man for the job. That said I've absolutely no idea who would be effective but I really like the Girardi idea. The man caught Andy and Mo was a veteran when DJ was fresh out of AAA. I like it!!

But managerial personnel changes aside the real present danger is reactionary trades and throwing money all over the place.

I hate to say it but I have to agree with Casual and Nudge on one and only one issue. (When they're not inciting riots and being totally mean spirited they actually have their moments I won't forgive them but I understand...Everyday is Christmas morning for them right now!!

It's painfully obvious we need a big time true innings eating monster ACE to pair with Wang who I believe like some have said is in reality an excellent prototypical #2. I know 19 wins yada yada...I still think he's a number 2 sorry....my opinion) Pettite who is currently our 2 would be fabulous #3. In order to for them to assume their proper roles we're gonna have to make a trade to get the ACE. (CHIP-Too early to trade its April yeah I know I know but still...)

If a trade is in order than the question becomes who to deal? I'm uncomfortable saying this but the truth is if Hughes is off the table and I believe he is and should be!! Than we have to face reality what we're left with is Cano. If we deal Cano and some prospects we might be able to pry away that caliber pitcher we so obviously need. We got by last year but got murdered in a short series I'd argue that while our team this year is better than last years the dynamics have changed in most importantly the AL EAST. It's not so much our team getting worse as it is the rest getting better. AND YES THE INJURIES DIDNT HELP.

PEOPLE I LOVE CANO LOVE HIM!! AND IT WILL HURT LETTING HIM GO AND IT'S GOT SORIANO WRITTEN ALL OVER IT BUT SERIOUSLY HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO FITS THE PROFILE YOU GOTTA GIVE TO GET

To paraphrase the "Pack Leader" In the current state of baseball starting pitching has become the a priceless commodity in which our supremacy ($$$,$$$,$$$)has been virtually neutralized. You have to get these kids while they're young which is why I believe Cashman's intentions are wonderful but for a team that wants to win every year, sitting in last place for 3 years while the farm system nurtures our future is not an option. I want to emphasize that replacing Cano, daunting as it may seem is phenomenally easier and preferable than waiting around little boys to become men.

CANO IS TREASURE THAT NONE OF US WANT TO PART WITH BUT THE YANKEES CAN BUY ANOTHER 2nd BASEMAN. THEY CANT SEEM TO BUY THE READY TO ORDER YOUNG PROVEN ACE...Kevin Brown/Pavano/Randy It's not gonna work through free agency anymore the best you'll get is an old man for too much money.

I don't envy this task. Cashman is in a tough spot but waiting for fat a$$ Clemens who may not even want to sign with a possible last place team (I CANT BELIEVE I JUST SAID THAT) Cash and the administration are gonna have to make some tough decisions but if they expect to contend at all this year something drastic is going to have happen.

Cano + a package of prospects (that do not include hughes -i'd rather sit in last place than trade Hughes) and throw some money on top-I think that could work atleast for this year and the future. We have to match the sox they've got 3 young studs and couple in the oven. We've got Wang and a half baked Hughes.

Andy can go deep Wang can go deep Mussina is garbage number 5 starter at BEST IMO.
If we had one more stud starter that could munch the innings and not kill the pen I think all would be well. I don't buy the aging offense theory yes they're old but if they didn't have to score 10 runs every game I think they'd loosen up. And the bullpen was excellent till they became exhausted.

To conclude this all could very easily be turned around with the proper motivation (Girardi) and a true number one starter.

I apologize if I'm stating the obvious most of you are far more knowlegable I just wanted to get this off my chest nomsayin....Call it a catharsis. My attempt to heal from the wounds that I suffered at the hands of Theo Epstein in December. Anything can happen it is April and sometimes I have to remind myself how fortunate we have beem for so long.

Oh yeah!! One more thing....If Alex walks next year you can pretty much disregard everything I just said above cause loosing Cano and Arod would be catastrophic. Fingers crossed....PTRS

"Okay, I was being just a bit of a smart*ss, but come on already! This is pure nonsense. Anyone who thinks it is all Torre's fault that this team is in this position is either misinformed or doesn't understand the game at all."

Spare me. We're allowed to agree with ya, dude.

"It's easy to sit back and second guess every move Torre has made after you've read the box score the next day isn't it?"

If nothing is EVER Joey's fault, why is it so important to keep him as MGR?

theo and I are lovers

Rick,

Sometimes you just have to accept the team you have. You have 3 outfielders all with question marks about them. The fourth outfielder has not provided any help and the Farm is 2 years away from helping. This time of year is hard to make deals so the thing needed is a plan for what you have.

Getting Melky 400 AB is making him a starter 100 games. That was probably never realistic even if he was hitting. Your stuck with the three, just need to make them work as best you can.

Move Abreu out of #3, maybe to #2 or #6 in the order and he wont kill you anymore.

I'm not "scoffing" Chip...and believe me, I DO feel your pain...I am a Sox fan after-all. You may notice I have never come here and gloated.....even though, if such inclined, there has been plenty of opportunity. I can understand the feeling "something has to happen"...been there, done that plenty of times.

I am just offering a non Yankee fan perspective....I think firing Torre is the wrong way to go.

Rick -

Sorry, my use of the word BENCHING was confusing - I did not think you meant long term when you said it. My point still stands though - whether it is for one game or four games there aren't a heck of a lot of options to replace Abreu with.

As for your Bernie point - hindsight is always 20/20 - to take a page from Bill Parcells I can only worry about the players who are here. Bernie's not a member of the Yankees - we all know the reasons why. I don't think he will be a member of the Yankees so debating whether or not the Yankees should have kept him is like trying to figure out whose job it was to walk the dog rather than cleaning up the pile of poop he left on the carpet.

Please don't take me seriously, I don't know anything.

Jim A

Giambi at leadoff...No, I don't think so. Giambi take over the 3rd spot for awhile, why not???

I agree, put Giambi at 3B and see how he does. DH ARod

ok I see some good points and some nonsence in most of these points. I agree that Joe is making some bad pitching decisions and that pulling Giambi out to early in games is a problem. I also think wang could have pitched another inning yeasterday. Minky is Sinky and the one game we one over the weekend was with Giambi playing first. Maybe we should go back to that option Minky and Bring up another pitcher. Ill bet Chase would benifit from some bull-pen time. Also Melky should go and Thompson should come up in his place. I'm sure Melky has some options left and can go to scratton for a bit to get some confidance back. The pitching will be fine once Moose comes back and the offence starts hitting. They will start hitting wont they? Wonder if in July we could trade Abreu for Sabathia? Oh yeah and fire Torre and bring in Joe number 2 there is a reason he was manager of the year last year.

I say lets look at the one positive to come out of this weekend - Igawa pitched much better in his "pseudo start" against Boston than Matsuzaka pitched in either of his starts against the Yankees.

the lefty-righty matchups are over-rated when dealing with Ortiz and other good leftys hitters. A fire-balling righthander has just as good a chance of getting Ortiz out as a junk-baller like Myers. And then the righty can stay in to face Ramirez. It is ridiculous to bring a guy in just because he is left-handed to face a lefty.

There are some lefty hitetrs who can't hit lefties,a nd that is the time you use your specialist. Lloyd was successful in 96 because the Braves two big lefties- Klesko and McGriff couldn't hit lefites.

This is all about scouting and preparing and knowing strengths and weaknesses of each hitter.

I know deep in my heart that Tito was the real manager of the year last year.

Mary,
Huh? First, I've never said Torre hasn't made mistakes. I said earlier today that he did take out Pettitte too early two Friday's ago in Fenway. The simple fact is he can't pitch for this team and he's not the team doctor so a lot of this is not his fault.

If this team were completely healthy and playing like they are now, then I'd be right there with all of you wanting him to go.

Rick -

If you move Giambi out of the 5 spot who are you planning on batting behind A-Rod to protect him in the lineup?

If you wanted to juggle the lineup a little here's what I would do

Damon
Jeter
Matsui
A-Rod
Giambi
Posada
Abreu
Cano
Doug/Phelps

Igawa pitched very well in an emergency situation and shut down a very good offensive team. How can you not like that?

Mike,

You will not see Chase Wright back in the big leagues. He was never intended to be a rotation addition, only to plug a temporary hole.

Dont start with the trade garbage for gold stuff. Its not going to happen in July or anytime. Remember when you got Abreu you thought you got a steal and now you see what Philly saw.

How about Buck Showalter??? I know he has another position right now but is that a possibility? Him and Donnie get along great and Buck was there while our foundation was set for our championship run. Any chance?

The one thing I will throw out there in support of Abreu - even with his struggles is that he is still seeing a lot of pitches per at bat - being able to watch that from the on deck circle is one thing pundits have speculated helped A-Rod get off to such a hot start this year - by the time an Abreu AB was over, Alex had seen everything the pitcher had to throw.

Posada has the hot bat right now...and is always big in the clutch (at least against the Sox)....why not put him up further in the order?

Why not put Posada at 2B and put Cairo behind the plate?

Thats why he is better in the #2 spot where being passive and patient is what you want. Not in the #3 spot. Plus his power numbers have almost disappeared and he can run the bases ahead of the 3-4 guys if he gets on.

Chip, that's the most intriguing lineup switcheroo that I remember being mentioned so far.

Chip

I hear your comment on "hindsight being 20/20", but you have to understand that to some of us (yours truly in particular) it isn't hindsight at all.

Some of us knew it was a bad decision by Cashman at the time is was being made. He made alot of mistakes when putting this team together, and some of us made light of the matter as it was happening during last "hot stove" season.

While I will admit that I didn't know the EXACT circumstances that would cause the need, I did know that Bernie was needed on this team inlieu of the four 1B situation.

People on here are saying there are no solutions or trades to be made that could help the team right now. Well, one piece to the puzzle could be helped by Cashman simply making a phone call to a FA OF sitting in NJ.

I still think Igawa will make a decent contribution to this team.The so called "experts" point to his average "stuff" I saw a lefty who is sneaky fast throwing a good 92 mph fastball at the knees w/ a change and good curveball.He got Papi to ground into 2 DPs and threw a perfect pitch that jameed Papi in the 6th inning popping him up.

I just don't know anything, but love to talk baseball out of my a**

I hope Francona suffered mild concussion, never wakes up again... Larry Bowa will be manager for the redsox

Put Dustin "overrated" Pedroia as Lead off hitter and Move lugo in #9 in the lineup..

cs 07

You are exactly right about this lefty-righty stuff being way overrated. Good pitchers can get batters out regardless of what side they stand on.

You and I agree Ds. we are so dumb.

OK Chip, your lineup looks good. Drop Abreu down and move some people around. Matsui could bat 5th too with Giambi 3rd. A-Rod has cooled down now anyway, so the "protection" man is quite as important as it was earlier in April.

those one line posts are really creative. i wish i could do those witty one liners but i find it hard to keep my brain from making sense. u guys are so lucky to have one line posters on your site. i'll tell all the other one line posters to come here and compete.

Chip

Another reason for Giambi batting 3rd is he too takes a ton of pitches just like Abreu.

Making some sense in Yankeeland. I knew it could happen with a little bit of effort.

No no Fudge you da bomb.
The Prince of Paresis.
The Count of Kakosmia.

I love you "Long"fellow

Hi guys! How ya doin'?

Lets celebrate, Its April !

We were great in 2004, not for many decades before 04, and not 05 or 06, but this year is different.

no joe torre should not be to blame for the poor start of the yankees season. The team itself should be to blame blaming joe torre isnt gonna help anything. The team should stop acting as if they are the best team in the world it is eventually going to end they need to play as a team not for anyone or anything else.

Rick -

Re the 4 1st basemen - think how much worse the 1st base situation would look if Phelps weren't on the team - with Doug batting under .200 and Cairo 0 for the season.

It isn't the first basemen who cost Bernie his spot on the roster - it is the 12th man in the pitching staff. Which was a concession Cashman had to make to Torre's use of a pitching staff.

Here's a Poem Dedicated To Redsox and their allegiances to Satan

O thou, of Angels loveliest, most wise,
O God betrayed by fate, deprived of praise,

(O Prince of exile, who was dispossessed,
Who ever rises stronger when oppressed,)

O thou who knowest all, Hell's sovereign,
Known healer of mankind's afflictions,

(Thou who the lepers and pariahs doomed)
Show out of love the Paradise to come,

(Thou who in Death, your mistress old and strong,)
Breeds Hope - delightful aberration!

(Thou who dost give the outlaw the proud glance)
Which damns the crowd who watch his sufferance,

Thou whose clear eye knows (the deep sepulchres)
(Where multitudes of metals lie interred,)

Thou who by magic softens the old bones
(Ofloitering drinks by horses trampled down,)

Thou who, consoling frail mankind in pain,
(Taught us to make our guns and gun-cotton,)

(Thou who put into women's) hearts and eyes
The cult of wounds, the love of poverty,

Father to those whom in his sombre wrath
God drove from his Paradise on earth,

Thou who didst set thy mark, (accomplice skilled,)

(Staff of the exile and discoverer,)

To thee, o Satan, glory be, and praise,
In Heaven, once thy kingdom, the abyss
Of Hell, where now, thou dreamest silently!
Grant that my soul, one day, beneath the Tree
Of Knowledge, may rest near thee

Show out of love the Paradise to come,

(Thou who in Death, your mistress old and strong,
Breeds Hope - delightful aberration!)

Thou who dost give the outlaw the proud glance
Which damns the crowd who watch his sufferance,

To thee, o Satan
To thee, o Satan
To thee, o Satan
To thee, o Satan

Father to those whom in his sombre wrath
God drove from his Paradise on earth,

Thou who didst set thy mark, (accomplice skilled,)

(Staff of the exile and discoverer,)

To thee, o Satan

Thou who didst set thy mark, accomplice skilled,
Upon the heart of Croesus harsh and vile,

Staff of the exile and discoverer,
Confessor of condemned conspirator,

Thou who dost know where greedy earth enfolds

Satan, have mercy on my long distress!
Satan, have mercy on my long distress!
Satan, have mercy on my long distress!
Satan, have mercy on my long distress!

To thee, o Satan, glory be, and praise,
In Heaven, once thy kingdom, the abyss
Of Hell, where now, thou dreamest silently!
Grant that my soul, one day, beneath the Tree
Of Knowledge, may rest near thee,
Like a new Temple, its wide branches spread!