10th Inning Journal

10th Inning Journal http://wcbs880.com Mon, 6 Oct 2008 15:10:58 EDT en-us Dawn of a Dynasty: Frank Strauss on the 1947 Yankees Frank Strauss has just written Dawn of a Dynasty, the incredible and improbable story of the 1947 New York Yankees.  <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Dawn-of-a-Dynasty--Frank-Strauss-on-the-1947-Yanke/3064272">READ MORE>></a></object> Wed, 1 Oct 2008 12:31:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2833454 Yankee Stadium is Forever The last game at Yankee Stadium? In reality there is no such thing. And there will be no such thing. For as long as Major League Baseball will be played, there will always be a Yankee Stadium. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Yankee-Stadium-is-Forever/3007135">READ MORE >></a></object> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:35:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2782262 Cheer Up Yankee Fans. The Sour Season Will End Soon. The Yankees will now embark on their last home stand in this Yankee Stadium. The 10 home games against Tampa, Chicago and Baltimore should go quickly and quietly, as most Yankee fans are still in a state of shock over the teams' failures this season. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Cheer-Up-Yankee-Fans--The-Sour-Season-Will-End-Soo/2949386">READ MORE >></a> Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:37:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2731754 Joba's Role for 2009 is Murky Joba Chamberlain was activated last night from the disabled list after missing approximately a month. The Yanks plan to use him out of the bullpen for the rest of the year because his arm is no longer "stretched out" enough for him to start. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Joba-s-Role-for-2009-is-Murky/2896417">READ MORE >></a> Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:12:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2685131 Cashman Faces Critical Off Season The Math gets worse everyday for the Yanks. As the team's offensive drought continues through August, they are falling further behind in the wild card race. With only 32 games remaining, all but the most optimistic of Yankee fans realize that the 2008 season is over. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Cashman-Faces-Critical-Off-Season/2852321">READ MORE >></a> Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:50:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2646034 Melky's Demotion a Long Time Coming After a horrendous 3-7 road trip that saw the Yankees fall 9 ½ games behind the division leading Rays and 6 ½ behind the Wild Card leading Red Sox, GM Brian Cashman decided to remove one of the team's black holes from the lineup. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Melky-s-Demotion-a-Long-Time-Coming/2804761">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:12:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2603614 Yanks, Hank, Seemingly Throw in Towel on '08 Season It's difficult to say what's more annoying these days, watching the punchless and listless Yanks yawn themselves through another loss, or watching that assine "Jeter has an edge" commercial which seemingly runs hundreds of times a night. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Yanks--Hank--Seemingly-Throw-in-Towel-on--08-Seaso/2776682">READ MORE >></a> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:01:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2578165 Joba Injury Just the Latest Bad Break for Yanks I've been searching Nostradamus quatrains the last few days to see if the ancient seer foretold of Joba Chamberlain's shoulder injury…but so far I've come up empty.  I'm taking this as a good sign, since I'm sure he would have warned of this apoplectic event if it were career-threatening. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Joba-Injury-Just-the-Latest-Bad-Break-for-Yanks/2750004">READ MORE >></a> Fri, 8 Aug 2008 06:30:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2554857 Cashman, Once Again, A Trade Deadline Hero A few weeks ago, I wrote an article criticizing Brian Cashman.  Chalk it up to temporary delirium brought on by a virulent form of Lyme disease. I know better. Once again, the Yankee GM has set the standard for doing an incredible job at the trade deadline. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Cashman--Once-Again--A-Trade-Deadline-Hero/2705373 ">READ MORE>></a> Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:37:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2514386 A Fine Friday at the Fens One game sure doesn't make a season, but if the Yanks could bottle up Friday night's game against Boston and replay it over and over again - they'd sure sign up for it. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/A-Fine-Friday-at-the-Fens/2678401">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:11:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2490803 Interview with Draft Guru Lane Meyer on the 2008 Major League Draft Lane Meyer's Yankee Draft Blog on the influential Yankee fan website, NoMaas.org, has quickly become the place to go for anyone looking for information about the recent Major League Draft. Meyer has the latest interviews with the draftees, scouting reports and information on signings. It's the best blog of its kind on the web, so I asked Lane to take a few minutes to share his thoughts with me. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Interview-with-Draft-Guru-Lane-Meyer-on-the-2008-M/2634245">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:17:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2451234 Cashman Yawns as Yanks Limp into All-Star Break Here the Yanks sit at the All-Star break with a record of 50-45, 6 games out of first and 5.5 games out of a wildcard. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Cashman-Yawns-as-Yanks-Limp-into-All-Star-Break/2592107">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:55:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2413504 How Bobby Murcer Saved Me from the Wrath of an Angry Nun For any 8-year-old kid at Saint Pius X Catholic Grammar School, Sister Helena’s name was synonymous with fear and intimidation. See was the Bobby Knight, or perhaps even the Adolph Rupp, of nuns at the school my parents sent me to. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/How-Bobby-Murcer-Saved-Me-from-the-Wrath-of-an-Ang/2551079 ">READ MORE>></a> Mon, 7 Jul 2008 14:23:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2377624 Mid-Season Report Cards: Yankee Pitchers It's Mid-term report card time for the Yankee pitchers. The biggest surprise on the positive side is Mike Mussina's resurgence. On the negative side, of course, Kennedy and Hughes have pitched like Thelma and Louise. Joba's transition to a starter is going splendidly, as planned, and Jose Veras is showing signs that he can be a reliable bullpen arm. Also, I think this guy Rivera might work out. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Mid-Season-Report-Cards--Yankee-Pitchers/2508127">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:32:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2340774 Mid-Season Report Cards: Yankee Position Players Through 76 games, the Yanks' record sits at 41-35. The team is 5 games shy of the season's mid-point, so mid-term grades are in order this week. Despite another slow start (What else is new?), it appears that the Yanks have what it takes to earn another wild card birth. Without further ado, here's how the position players faired in the first half. (Later in the week, we'll take a look at the pitchers.) <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Mid-Season-Report-Cards--Yankee-Position-Players/2463856">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:22:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2301552 Have the Yanks Found a Recipe for Winning? Blown leads, bad pitching, and sudden timely hits that follow inning upon inning of wasted opportunity, then a march toward victory… That's been the formula lately for Yankee wins. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Have-the-Yanks-Found-a-Recipe-for-Winning-/2334185">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 9 Jun 2008 07:29:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2182503 Joba Takes the Mound in Much Ballyhooed Start Much has been made in the Press and Sports Radio about this Tuesday being a stellar day for New York Sports. Pedro Martinez is scheduled to pitch against the Giants in San Francisco, and Joba Chamberlain will be making his first major league start at home against the Blue Jays. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Joba-takes-the-mound-in-much-ballyhooed-start/2294365 ">READ MORE>></a> Mon, 2 Jun 2008 14:55:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2146408 Bill Bavasi's Inept Mariners Provide Excellent Tonic for Yanks Thanks largely to an inept Seattle roster slapped together by GM Bill Bavasi, the Yanks' bats have suddenly come alive. There's nothing like a sub par pitching staff to feast on in order to right the offensive ship. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Bill-Bavasi-s-Inept-Mariners-Provide-Excellent-Ton/2255331">READ MORE >></a> Tue, 27 May 2008 05:24:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2110932 It's All Right Ma, They're Only Bleeding Through 44 games, the Yankees record sits at 20-24, good for last place in the American League East and third worst record in the American League, ahead of just Seattle and Detroit. In the American League, only Toronto and Kansas City have scored fewer runs. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/It-s-All-Right-Ma--They-re-Only-Bleeding/2215638 ">READ MORE>></a> Mon, 19 May 2008 17:45:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2075038 A toast to the Magellan of Stat Heads He invented the box score.<br /> He invented the E.R.A.<br /> He invented Batting Average.<br /> <a href="http://wcbs880.com/A-toast-to-the-Magellan-of-Stat-Heads/2203468">READ MORE>></a> Fri, 16 May 2008 14:47:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2064647 A Glimpse Inside the Yankees' Clubhouse After Mike Mussina's 254th Career Win A sign affixed to a post outside Mike Mussina's locker reads "If This is Spring, Bring Back Winter." The message is written with a blue sharpie on a small white grease board. Despite the veteran pitcher's apparent distaste for the bone-chilling cold at Yankee Stadium on this early May Day, he's thoroughly enjoying fielding questions from reporters about his recent success. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/A-Glimpse-Inside-the-Yankees--Clubhouse-After-Mike/2127502">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 5 May 2008 08:42:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1997929 Remembering the Days of Strat-O-Matic We interrupt this lackluster Yankee season to bring you tales of yesteryear…and a game that baseball enthusiasts played day and night on their back porches and kitchen tables before the computer came along and changed things forever. Welcome to the wonderful world of STRAT-O-MATIC baseball, a game that defined my youth. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Remembering-the-Days-of-Strat-O-Matic/2082668">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:21:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1958295 Yanks' Kiddie Core is Slow Out of the Gate When Girardi watched young Ian Kennedy pitch in a hesitant and uncertain fashion against the Orioles, as if he were afraid to confront the patient, yet potent Oriole bats, the youngster felt his wrath. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Yanks--Kiddie-Core-is-Slow-Out-of-the-Gate/2040180">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:34:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1919953 Bright Spots Abound Despite Yanks' Lackluster Start The Yanks are off to a bit of a slow start after the first week of the season. One thing that Yankee fans know, though, is that April is far too early to panic. Keep repeating to yourself: small sample size…small sample size. After all, do you think those powerful Detroit Tigers are worried yet about their poor start? The Yanks have been through this before. Going into Monday night's game against Tampa, the Yanks are 3-3, one game better than their Pythagorean record. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Bright-Spots-Abound-Despite-Yanks--Lackluster-Star/1958522">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 7 Apr 2008 11:16:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1844192 LaTroy Hawkins: The Mench in the Clubhouse When the Yanks first signed LaTroy Hawkins, I was doubtful that he was going to help the team. A few years ago when he was pitching for Baltimore, he became a piñata for the sluggers in the A.L., and fair game for the banjo hitters as well. His K/9 rates were dropping as much as Bush’s approval ratings; his neck was sore from glancing back at the long drives hit off him. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/LaTroy-Hawkins--The-Mench-in-the-Clubhouse/1916750">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:09:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1806037 Who is Joe Girardi's "Man" at 3rd? Although I am quite confident in Joe Girardi’s ability to manage the 2008 New York Yankees, I somewhat question his love for Bobby Meacham as 3rd base coach. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Who-is-Joe-Girardi-s--Man--at-3rd-/1891778">READ MORE>></a> Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:57:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1782883 Yanks' Bullpen Taking Shape The last week of Spring Training is the most interesting: roster spots that have been fought over for the month of March are settled, rotations are announced, and opening day is within sight. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Yanks--Bullpen-Taking-Shape/1884209">READ MORE>></a> Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:40:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1775876 Interview with Blogger Steve Lombardi of waswatching Steve Lombardi's blog waswatching.com had become a staple in every Yankee fan's internet diet. Lombardi mixes personal observation with a hearty dose of sabermetric analysis to bring his readers up-to-date information on New York City's varsity baseball team. Steve isn't afraid to express his point-of-view, and to that end, I don't always find myself agreeing with him. (Case in point, I view Brian Cashman as the savior of the franchise; Steve wouldn't trust Cashman to run his fantasy baseball team in the Yahoo casual league.) Nevertheless, if you're not reading Steve's blog, you should be; it's Yankee information you can't do without. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Interview-with-Blogger-Steve-Lombardi-of-waswatchi/1836169">READ MORE >></a> Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:22:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1730930 Camp Girardi Taking Shape As the Yankees get into the rhythm of their Spring Training Schedule, they are progressing nicely toward their goal. They will be in-shape and ready for battle when the bell rings on March 31. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Camp-Girardi-Taking-Shape/1784899">READ MORE >></a> Fri, 7 Mar 2008 08:43:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1684498 Of Yankee Greatness and Not So Greatness Writing a column entry that sings the praises of Mariano Rivera kind of falls into the "water is wet" category. As in "duh, tell me something I don't know." But Mariano is a pitcher many Yankee fans take for granted, despite his greatness. In fact, Mariano  might have been the greatest pitcher of all time, if he stayed a starter. We will never know about that. But what we do know is astonishing. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Of-Yankee-Greatness-and-Not-So-Greatness/1728227">READ MORE >></a> Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1633063 Mussina Lends Guidance to Young Hurlers Mike Mussina's locker at the Yanks' Spring Training Complex in Tampa is situated right between youngsters Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes. The Yanks didn't plan this…but Moose insisted on it, "If I'm going to sit there talking to Kennedy," Mussina said yesterday, "we should have Hughes there too." Hopefully, the two youngsters will be dutiful students as the feat of the master, for Mussina can teach them a lot when those spontaneous pitching discussions begin. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Mussina-Lends-Guidance-to-Young-Hurlers/1688708">READ MORE >></a> Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:59:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1595853 Yanks are Messin' with Joba Now that Brian Cashman has held on to the young pitchers, how will General Girardi use them? Girardi will not have complete say in how Ian Kennedy, Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes will be employed. “The organization” will issue strict innings counts for the youngsters, and Girardi will be under orders to comply. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:59:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1561879 Open Bullpen Auditions are Soon to Begin As the Yanks get ready to embark upon Spring Training in a few short weeks, it will be really interesting to see how Joe Girardi shakes out his bullpen. With a wealth of in-house candidates and a few newcomers available, Joe will have plenty of armsto choose from. <a href="http://wcbs880.com/Open-Bullpen-Auditions-are-Soon-to-Begin/1564827">READ MORE >></a> Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:19:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1481472 Of Santana and Selig... The time has long since past when I have been interested in reading articles about whether or not Johan Santana will be traded to the Yankees. Because of over saturation, I have vowed not to write anything about this non-event unless something actually happened. So I am a hypocrite. Here I am breaking my vow. I could only last until late January. Friends, I fell off the wagon. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:44:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1453271 Goose's Induction Evokes the Days of the Durable 'Closer' It's an understatement to say that Goose Gossage waited too long to be voted into the Hall of Fame. His invitation to Cooperstown has been one of the few bright spots in Baseball this winter - in fact, it's pretty much been downhill for the nationalpastime since Cleveland took a 3-games-to-1 lead against Boston last October. Tue, 15 Jan 2008 06:46:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1404424 Posada's Greatness Earns Him a Healthy Contract The Yanks' deal with Jorge Posada for 4 yrs/$52 million got done. And it had to get done. Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:43:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1172269 O Captain! My Captain! Rise up and Hear the Bells Dave Pinto over at Baseball Musings just posted his Probabilistic Model of Range for Shortstops in the 2007 season. This year Dave worked out the models both by team and by individual. I’ve listed his findings below. Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:31:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1145413 Q&A with Sabermetrician Matthew Frank Thereâ€™s a fellow up around Ithaca, New York who is spending a lot of time with statistics and how they relate to the New York Yankees. His name is Matthew Frank, and heâ€™s doing some interesting work in the field of sabermetrics. Iâ€™ve been intrigued by his data since I began to read his work, and I wanted to find out about the man and discuss his statistical methodology. Dr. Frank was kind enough to share some time with me and answer my questions. Wed, 7 Nov 2007 03:04:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1126698 A-Rod, Inc. Delivers First World Series Hit Yankee fans have been waiting for four years to see A-Rod get a meaningful hit in the post-season. He couldn't do it on the field, so he and his surrogate father, Scott Boras, figured they'd upstage the World Series to announce what we all already knew: A-Rod was going to opt-out. Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:17:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1096101 Politics Makes Strange Red Fellows Gentle Reader:<br /> Imagine my surprise when I picked up The New York Post today and saw Rudy Giuliani in fresh Red Sox regalia.  He was donning a Red Sox jersey, hat, beaded necklace and holding a sign that said “Go Sox.” Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:48:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1077589 Torre Love Fest Commences And now the Joe Torre love fest begins in earnest in the media. For the next few weeks, all the pundits will be chiming in about the great Torre era and how his departure means that the Yanks are no longer "classy" and "elite." Fri, 19 Oct 2007 10:21:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1060517 Turn Off the Lights Thus ends another Yankee season. It was a lot of fun watching the surge in the second half. And it was exhilarating to see so many youngsters develop right before our eyes. Wed, 10 Oct 2007 03:47:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1023915 Bronx Attitudes Brighten; Bombers Force a Game 4 Phil Hughes put on a remarkable performance Sunday night in relief of and injured Roger Clemens. If Hughes felt any pressure, he didn't show it. Anyone here going to mind watching this guy pitch for the next 15 years? His line for the game was 3.2 innings, 2 hits, 4 K, 0 BB, 0 ER. Mon, 8 Oct 2007 04:34:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1015310 Q&A with Sweeny Murti Yankee beat reporter Sweeny Murti brings fans information on the Bronx Bombers every day on the airwaves of WFAN. Known for a lively and up-beat style of reporting, Sweeny's reports are can't miss features for Yankee fans. He also writes a Yankee blog with features, interviews and late-breaking news. Tue, 2 Oct 2007 09:17:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=994631 Bi-Polar Yanks Ready to Invade Cleveland If the 2007 Yankees were a psychological patient, there is no doubt in my mind that they would have been prescribed massive amounts of lithium from some bearded, monocle-wearing doctor from Vienna. Mon, 1 Oct 2007 05:52:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=988471 Yanks' Juggernaut Rolls On While BoSox Wilt When the Yankees trailed the Red Sox by 14½ games on May 30, the idea of them breaking down that lead seemed absurd. Now, the Yanks are a cinch for the playoffs, whether or not they actually pull of the division. Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:26:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=940982 The Brian Cashman Interview Yankee GM Discusses his Aggressive Philosophy of Securing and Nurturing Young Pitching Talent Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:24:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=903120 Wilson Betemit: Front and Center Wilson Betemit has been with the Yanks now for over a month. Here's what we know so far: The organization loves him, he has some pop, he can't hit lefties, and he can play almost every position. Mon, 10 Sep 2007 04:23:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=896106 Report from Inside the Yankee Stadium Press Box and Dugout (Part 1) This past Tuesday night, I received my Press Pass from WCBS NEWSRADIO 880 to the Opening game of the Yankee-Red Sox series in New York, and I decided to record my impressions of the evening for this article. Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:56:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=861039 As Yanks Chase Seattle, Torre Looks for Ways to Bend the Joba Rules As we descend into late August and look toward September, many Yankee fans are feeling apprehension that is usually saved for other teams. Here the Yanks are, playing solid baseball, 30-15 since the All-Star break, but the teams in front of them keep winning. Mon, 27 Aug 2007 05:06:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=846022 Yanks Leave Sheffield's Tigers in the Dust All through the later part of July and the early part of August, the Yanks beat up on the weak sisters of the American League: The Royals, D-Rays, White Sox and others. All the while, Yankee fans and foes held their breath, knowing the schedule would turn brutal from August 10 until early September with eight games against Detroit, and three each against the Red Sox, Indians, Angels and Mariners. Mon, 20 Aug 2007 08:59:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=817241 Chamberlain and the Roaring Yanks March On It wasn't that long ago that most baseball people bemoaned the Yankee system of being bereft of talent. But Brian Cashman has done a fine job of replenishing the farm with strong young arms. Mon, 13 Aug 2007 04:03:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=791311 Cashman Holds On To Prospects; Yanks' Future Remains Bright When the Yanks are once again piling up World Series Trophies in a few years, they will have Brian Cashman to thank for it. Fri, 3 Aug 2007 06:52:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=752445 Young Joba Soon To Be in Torre's Hands It's pretty clear at this juncture that the Yanks are a playoff tease, playing on the peripheral edge of contention. They win a few games in a row, maybe five out of six, and then lose a few in a row to give the momentum back. Quite simply, they aren't good enough this year, and they dug themselves too big a hole early on. Mon, 30 Jul 2007 10:21:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=733262 Big Inning Yanks Feast on Tampa Pitching I'm quite certain that the Yanks would love to kidnap the Tampa Bay pitching staff and hit against them for the rest of the year. Mon, 23 Jul 2007 04:13:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=709642 Torre Trying to Make Sense of Yanks' Bullpen As the Yanks started the second half of the season by taking 3 out 4 from the lowly Devil Rays, the pecking order in Joe Torre’s bullpen underwent some subtle changes. For a two consecutive days, Ron Villone was promoted to the 7th inning holdslot. On Saturday he looked bold and confident, as he pitched a hitless inning, striking out 2 of the 3 hitters he faced. Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:39:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=694901 Uh Oh, It's Yankee Report Card Time Having gone to Catholic School and surviving the vicious onslaughts of several really mean nuns, nothing used to strike fear in my heart more than report card time. Just this once, I'd like to summon Sister Helena back from the afterlife to personally deliver this year's mid-term report cards to the Yankee players. Mon, 9 Jul 2007 04:39:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=673542 Muted Pinstripes: How are Yankee Fans Dealing with a Dire Season? (Part I) Theeeeeeeeeeeeee Yankees Lose. This concept is foreign to many Yankee fans, especially those who have come to age in the past dozen years. For older Yankee fans, the 2007 season is drawing comparisons to 1982, and even 1965. In an effort to see how Yankee fans are coping with this sub par campaign, I canvassed many of them to get their points-of-view. Wed, 4 Jul 2007 17:51:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=662337 Damon Holds Yankees Hostage: Day 81 Johnny Damon is very proud of never going on the disabled list during his major league career. Normally, having pride in such a streak is admirable, in a "at-least-I'm-not Carl-Pavano-sort-of-way." But the point has long passed where Damon's streak is hurting the team. Since he suffered his first injury of the season on Opening day (81 days ago), he has been holding an important roster spot hostage while he refuses to heal on the DL. Mon, 25 Jun 2007 04:31:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=636109 A Summerâ€™s Sojourn into the Birth of Baseball Statistics Of all the early pioneers of baseball, Henry Chadwick is my favorite. For me, his claim to fame is that he was the first to realize how mathematics could be used to objectively qualify players. He was actually the first sabermetrician in baseball history, a century before the term was coined, and he helped give shape to a game that was forming as it went. Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:21:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=616956 The Juggernaut Steams Forward; Win Streak at Six The Yanks have made an art form out of starting out of the gate slow but rebounding to win the division. Mon, 11 Jun 2007 08:02:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=598041 A-Rod Gets Last Word at Fenway No one deserves the verbal abuse that A-Rod has taken all weekend at the hands of the Boston fans. Suffice to say it's hard to image A-Rod ever feeling better after a homer than he did Sunday night. Mon, 4 Jun 2007 04:09:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=571394 Torre's closed-door meeting fails to rally troops A day after the boos descended upon Joe Torre at Yankee Stadium, he held a closed-door meeting before his team took on the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Neither Torre nor any of the players would divulge the content of the meetings, but Torre told reporters, "I've seen some tentativeness. If there's a word to characterize this whole thing, it's 'frustration.'" Tue, 29 May 2007 07:29:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=549682 Abreu Serving as Tour Guide as Yanks Sink into the Abyss As the Yanks sink deeper into the inner sanctums of their own personal hell, it's worth noting that there are a multitude of reasons for their 17-19 record. There is not just one cause. As compelling as it is to bash Torre's incompetence on a weeklybasis, perhaps it's time to turn our attention to some other deserving culprits: Bobby Abreu and Robinson Cano. Mon, 14 May 2007 10:52:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=498234 Rocket Snubs Hub, Comes Home to Gotham It's a cynical age, and the constant over-analysis and 24/7 news coverage of baseball can sometimes take away the wonder, awe and enjoyment of the game that we all fell in love with as youngsters. Mon, 7 May 2007 04:22:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=472730 When Will Joey Four-Rings Finally Get Whacked? As Boss George retreats deeper into his sentimental myopia, it's not too surprising that Joe "Four Rings" Torre has been given another chance to manage the Yankees. Tue, 1 May 2007 10:52:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=459036 Where Are the Yankees Heading? Are you worried about the Yankees' abysmal start? You’re not alone. As we suffer through another putrid April, I would characterize my favorite team as being poorly managed, suffering from a weak bench, and having a woeful starting rotation. Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:42:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=443212 A-Rod's Sizzling Start Is All The Buzz I think it was Yogi Berra, or was it Arthur Schopenhauer, who said: If people don't want to not stop talking about someone, you can't not stop them. And who is it that people are buzzing about now all through the baseball world? It's A-Rod: The Kingof the Curtain Call. The Sultan of the Standing Ovation. The Walk-Off Man in his Walk Year, setting Bronx ablaze with his exploits. Fri, 20 Apr 2007 04:12:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=426347 The Peter Abraham Interview TheLoHud Yankees Blog, by Journal News Yankee beat writer Peter Abraham, has quickly become the most popular blog written by any of the Yankee reporters. Abraham combines timely news, in-game analysis, and a lively comments section to entertain and inform his readers. Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:40:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=406954 Jeter's Defense Could Sink Yanks' Title Hopes Derek Jeter is to infield defense roughly what the Edmund Fitzgerald was to maritime navigation on the Great Lakes. Or as Michael Ray Richardson once more eloquently put it: “The ship be sinkin.” The 3-time Gold Glove shortstop (What arethe voters looking at?) has never been very good going to his left. Fri, 6 Apr 2007 13:31:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=401355 A Perfect Day of Baseball The Yanks' Opening Day win vs. Tampa Bay may be a script that they will follow to another A.L. East title this year, and perhaps a World Series title: Stay close until the bullpen can shut down the opposition and then rally to win. Tue, 3 Apr 2007 04:00:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=396077 Yankee Starting Pitching Strikes Fear in the Hearts of...Yankee fans The Yankee starting pitching-arguably the most important aspect of any team's roster and arguably the weakest aspect of the Yank's roster-has been further diluted this week. Tue, 27 Mar 2007 04:40:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=388729 What Hath 'Eye Chart' Wrought? Let me get this out of the way from the outset. I am normally opposed to referring to a ballplayer by a nickname such as "Eye Chart," particularly when the moniker was coined by fans that follow some 3rd place also-ran team. However, sincetyping Doug Mientkiewicz's name throughout an article is surely to result in a nasty case of carpal tunnel syndrome, I am left with few options. Mon, 19 Mar 2007 10:20:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=378129 Karstens is Making His Case Jeff Karstens continues to impress at Yankee camp this spring, just as he did last year when he was called up to join the rotation on August 22. Fri, 16 Mar 2007 04:05:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=374906 Stockpiling of Young Talent a Pleasant Change for Yanks By now most Yankee fans agree that the signings of Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright a few years ago were the epitome of defective thinking. The winter of 2004/2005 was the same off-season that Tony Womack was signed, so a trifecta of sorts was achieved in the annals of inept transactions that year. Wed, 7 Mar 2007 16:38:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=364775 Can the Yanks Count on Pavano This Year? It's possible, but not probable. Thu, 1 Mar 2007 11:19:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=351912 Spring Training Notes It's Been a Barnburner So Far Tue, 20 Feb 2007 11:00:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=332041 Farewell to a Yankee Legend The last time the Yankees began spring training without Bernie Williams, George Steinbrenner was out of baseball, supposedly"for life." That was back when Fay Vincent put the smackdown on Boss George for the Howard Spira incident. Wed, 14 Feb 2007 11:32:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=325793 The Case Against Mike Myers According to GM Brian Cashman, the Yanks are very likely to go with 12 pitchers (seven relievers) right from the start of the season this year. Although this practice has become more in vogue in recent years, it certainly makes for a lean bench. Mon, 5 Feb 2007 13:42:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=312512 Reader Mail on Murcer, RJ and A-Rod It was heartwarming to hear Bobby Murcer the other day on Michael Kay's radio show. As usual, Bobby was his optimistic and friendly self. He is hopeful of beating the cancer and is looking forward to broadcasting Yankee games again this year. If cheerfulness counts, Bobby will beat this thing. Mon, 29 Jan 2007 10:57:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=297451 How Bobby Murcer Saved Me from the Wrath of an Angry Nun For any 8-year-old kid at Saint Pius X Catholic Grammar School, Sister Helena's name was synonymous with fear and intimidation. She was the Bobby Knight, or perhaps even the Adolph Rupp, of nuns at the school my parents sent me to. Sister Helena lived for one reason alone: to inflict pain and suffering upon scared children like me. Wed, 17 Jan 2007 08:59:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=290760 Yanks Showing...ahem... Fiscal Conservatism As the off-season progresses, mediocre and slightly above-average players are getting absurd sums of money thrust at them by compulsive GMs. One of these questionable signings is Juan Pierre by the Dodgers for 5 years/ $45 million. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 11:00:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=248509 The Peter Golenbock Interview: Part Two Prolific Baseball Author Discusses Joe McCarthy, Reggie Jackson, Billy Martin and Others Fri, 10 Nov 2006 09:33:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=238995 The Peter Golenbock Interview (Part One) Venerable Author of Several Yankee Books Talks about the Men who Made the Team Great Wed, 1 Nov 2006 04:42:00 EST http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=233342 A look back at the incredible 1967 Cardinal/Red Sox World Series (from the point-of-view of an 8-year-old Yankee fan who saw it) Sun, 22 Oct 2006 11:06:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=227630 Yanks enter Hot Stove season earlier than planned It's only been about 10 days, but in many ways it seems as if the Yanks have been in Hot Stove mode for months. Wed, 18 Oct 2006 12:01:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=225417 Cory Lidle Remembered Fondly by Friends, Teammates and Foes Like everyone in the Tri-State region, I was shocked and concerned when I heard that a plane flew into a Manhattan building Wednesday afternoon. Was it going to be another 9/11? Would there be another plane? On hour or so later, when word came down that Yankee Pitcher Cory Lidle was the pilot of the lone plane, I sat transfixed to the TV, watching silently. Wed, 11 Oct 2006 22:12:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=221705 Boss George Backs Down: Torre Returns You've got to hand it to Boss George and the rest of the New York Yankee brain trust. They sure know how to steal the spotlight from the crosstown Mets. Here are the Mets on the brink of starting their NLCS against the Cardinals, but for the past few days the overwhelming topic of choice on talk shows, newspapers and baseball forums was Joe Torre. Wed, 11 Oct 2006 04:36:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=220968 Yanks Once Again are Post-Season Pushovers The $215 million team wasn't even competitive. They didn't even show up. Ladies and gentlemen: That's your 2006 New York Yankees. Mon, 9 Oct 2006 08:43:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=219543 Yanks head to Motown with Series Even Now it’s a series. By squandering many early chances against the Tigers and being unable to muster any offense against the Tiger bullpen, the Yanks dropped a 4-3 heartbreaker to Jim Leyland’s young club. It was a nerve-racking now-you-have-it, now-you-don’t affair. Thu, 5 Oct 2006 18:40:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=218355 The Designated Hebrew Speaks Out: The Ron Blomberg Interview Ron Blomberg was the first overall pick in the 1967 amateur draft. Although his baseball career was plagued by injuries, he was a memorable and electrifying Yankee player in the early 1970s. Thu, 28 Sep 2006 10:43:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=213717 A Day at the WCBS FanFest That's pretty good form there, Jimmy. Jimmy was one of the many kids at the WCBS Yankee FanFest at Mullalley Park in the South Bronx Saturday. Mon, 18 Sep 2006 11:24:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=207169 Nostalgia Weekend at Fenway: A New Massacre for a New Century It was nostalgia weekend at Fenway Park. In what invoked flashbacks to the Original Boston Massacre of 1978 to Boston fans over 40, the Yanks relentlessly pummeled the Red Sox by the scores of 12-4, 14-11, 13-5,  8-5 and 2-1. Mon, 21 Aug 2006 16:59:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=191997 Yanks Welcome Ice Cream Man The Yankees already have a Melkman, now they have an Ice Cream Man. Fri, 4 Aug 2006 13:57:00 EDT http://wcbs880.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=183026