Sorry there were no posts earlier, but I haven't been able to be at my computer all day. There's been a lot to do with position players reporting. Some of them talked today (Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi); some didn't (Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano).
The most interesting story of the day, to me, is that Hal Steinbrenner (that's Hal, not Hank) did a lengthy interview with GQ Magazine. He said it was his first major interview since he was in college. Here's the link: http://men.style.com/gq/blogs/gqeditors/2008/02/steinbrenner-tk.html
Other noteworthy things:
*Andy Pettitte worked out, said he felt fine. He'll throw a bullpen session tomorrow.
*Johnny Damon said he's in better shape this year than last year and expects to be one of the better players in the league. Joe Girardi said he considers Damon a regular and expects him to get 600 at-bats.
*Jason Giambi is in much better shape, now that his foot has healed from the torn plantar fascia. Girardi said he "looks great."
*Juan Miranda was excited to learn of the news that Fidel Castro has resigned. Miranda, who defected from Cuba, hopes this could eventually mean he would be allowed to go home again.
Comments (9)
Giambi and Damon did not have great seasons due to injury last year, but I could see them both turning that around this year.
I predict that both of them are going to have solid years. It is not that difficult for either of them to park balls out in right field if they stay healthy.
Damon as the regular left fielder will help keep him healthier. It will be interesting to see how Matsui and Giambi are used as DH's. It is certainly a nice luxury to have to worry about such a thing.
Its amazing how a few words about the players conditioning pumps us up for the season. I like Damon as the everyday LF. He's head and shoulders above Matsui's circus act in LF. I'll let Girardi worry about the playing time for everyone. Hopefully, he'll rest people and keep the bench guys fairly active to stay sharp.
As far as Jason, if he's in good shape especially at the plate. This is good news. My observation's and comment of his batting process is go to the opposite field when the opportunity presents itself. This will lead to more homers in RF and hits because the shift in not employed.
There's a catch 22 for players when speaking to the media. Sure your considered a good guy but some of our esteem reporters are just out to make a name for themselves and twist a casual comment into an attack of some nature which can turn ugly. So, why talk let your play dictate your responses to the media. Apparently, Cano is learning the silent response or non rsponse.
It certainly does not take much to get me pumped for a brand new MLB season.
Since age does come into play for a number of our position players it is a good feeling knowing we have a very solid bench so that we are able to rest players as they need it.
Molina was a must sign for us in the off season. I really like this guy and I have a feeling Posada may need to DH more often this year then in past years.
Betemit's numbers last year were not spectacular but the most important number he did do well in is RBI's. He drove in 24 RBI's in 37 games (84 AB's) with the Yanks. While playing 1B, 2B, SS, 3B and LF.
Larry M.
I'll go to the opposite field batting for the Yankee before Giambi will.
Jon K,
Do you remember when Giambi used to spray the ball all around the Oakland ballpark? It seems like he saw that short porch in RF at Yankee Stadium and abandoned his hitting style to be a pull hitter and nothing but. I don't think he can be a spray hitter anymore, I don't think he has the confidence to do it. He's become a mistake and guess hitter now. If he times his swing right, the ball is gone, if not, he's taking that slow walk back to the bench.
Let me throw this question out there Yankee fans: What if Giambi has a great year in '08, would you want him back for '09? Let's say he hits .300/40/115 or something like that....what should the Yanks do?
I think a healthy Giambi is still extremely productive, but he just doesn't stay healthy anymore and yes, I know why.
Jim A: No, I'd let him go. Its time to get younger and pick the FA from Atlanta (Teschetta?) . He'd look real nice fielding and hitting in the new Yankee stadium.
Jon K. it would add life to his bat and play havoc to the pitchers. As Jim A. indicated he cannot hit the pitchers best pitch anymore and he'll break down that I'm sure especially if plays in the field.
Matsui wasn't a bad OF. His arm isn't strong but is accurate and he's not fast especially with bad wheels but his fundamentals are good. He shouldn't play out there much anymore. If he can handle only batting and only getting to do it every few innings he should be a good DH.
There are several good reasons for each of Matsui, Giambi, Damon, Abreu, Melky, Farnsworth and Mussina to have improved seasons. For one thing they all have something to prove. Now Pettitte does too.
Two things were on TV tonight of interest.
First: CBS and Jericho. A new America reborn with a new government in Wyoming. No more political correctness. Lots of interesting characters. Hawkins is my favorite. Played by Lennie James, a nice African-American man who grew up in an orphanage in London.
Second: TV News. Tampa Bay's MLB team is talking about playing in October.
Not golf.
Baseball.
Which is more realistic? Western Civilization destroying political correctness and becoming reborn without either Coast, or the Rays playing baseball in October?
Don't know which is more likely, but have no trouble with which I'm looking forward to seeing some day.
"..without either Coast" .. ???
Go Rays!