On the Yankees beat

Jim B.: It all depends on the outcome of the season,if the Yanks make it to the World Series and A-Rod makes a substantial contribution to the teams success throughout the season and playoffs,then he stays,if he flounders again in the playoffs ,it's in his and the teams best interests that he says goodbye and stealthily leaves the Big A.

What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul. Last year A-Rod did not live up to standards and it is shameful he and Pavano would take all that money, at least give some back and or give it to charity. Where is their pride and their shame?

I hope he leaves. I'm tired of A-Rod defenders smearing other players like Jeter, Maris, etc., in order to prop their "head case" up. A-Rod has had 3 yrs. to acclimate himself to all that comes with being a Yankee. His regular season offensive performance has been excellent. His defense on the whole has been spotty at best. But he is not a team player, is "high maintanence", and is divisive both in the clubhouse and in Yankee Land. He needs to go whether we win a championship in "07" or not.

I agree with ruse,ca. But I'd add to that whether or not the home crowd warms up to him. I think his performance and the home crowd reaction to him go hand-and-hand. This is a sport where you fail 60-70% of the time, that’s a lot of booing. There was a stretch of time where folks booed him when the announcer called his name. The NY crowd went from exaggerating his failures to ignoring his contributions when he finally did come through in the clutch. Alex got a tough break from the fans this year and hopefully that turns around for the new season and fans give him some room to breath and feel comfortable at the stadium.

I think Alex is a great player and if the haters and media just get off his back he’d be OK. (I know this is NY, it’ll never happen.)

I’m intrigued to see what he will decide.

I Don’t Know is on 3rd

I think that A-rod being booed and not fitting in in NY is a production created by the media when there was nothing else good to report. His defence is spotty because hes a "shortstop" not a third baseman. That being said can you name one other third baseman in the american leauge that would compare statisticly. I dont think so. A-rod will eventually break the HR record and his one season slump wasnt that bad numbers wise. I say he rebounds and has another MVP like season. But that still wont get him the respect he deserves because of the amount of money that he makes and the fact that he is a bit of a pretty boy.

He will stay, I don't think he would want to leave looking like he quit. He seems to proud to do that.

We should trade him now while we can get something back. If he leaves on his own we can lose out on getting solid players back for him. Cashman did it with Sheff,and RJ now it is time to do it with A-Rod. He is a great player but does not have the mental makeup for NY. His production will be better in a less media hyped baseball city where he can sit back and relax and not have to worry about 80 reporters sitting at his locker. We already have our leader in Jeter so why not trade the shortstop that we have playing at third. This is a grown man we need to stop babying him and saying Jeter needs to hug him and support him. If the people that hate Jeter and believe A-Rod should be our team leader when was the last time a team needed to hug or comfort a team leader? He is to soft to lead this team. Nobody needs to comfort A-Rod. He is a PROFESSIONAL baseball player. If he wanted to be a figure skater than he should not have played baseball. Can you imagine if this fragile A-Rod actually stuck to playing football? Trade him as soon as you can Cashman.

Of all the vitriol I've read about Alex, this truly takes the cake: "I'm tired of A-Rod defenders smearing other players like Jeter, Maris, etc., in order to prop their "head case" up."

But your post LoBaido is a pretty close tie.

Alex, in my opinion, fits in with the Yankees, he is no more a head case than any of the other players on that field. Off an MVP year, people blindly believe the crap written about him. No matter how this season turns out, I hope he stays. He has always been a team player, and his first Yankee playoff run has been discounted, shunned and dismissed. It is truly ridiculous.

Well,ruse, Ca. and Oyf took the words out of my mouth but would like to add one thought. The yankee fans who choose to play Arod against Jeter. Are you really Yankee fans? To boo Arod because you read a one sided column in the papers. You are failing to use the brain. Columnists become known for their ability to stir the mind and be provocative with issues. How much better can we have it with two Hall of Famers playing the left side of the infield. Last summer the notion of Reyes and Wright being as good as our left side to give an example. Most Yankee fans did not fall for the ploy of this notion.

Yankee fans who cannot support Arod should move their support East across the river and root for the Mets. If Arod and his sensitiveness make him move away from the team its because of lack of support from some yankee fans than we deserve what occurs.

It won't be about the money if he leaves us.

the man stays.

he is not going to chi town. the only place would be Angels , but they will not top the 81 mil. But i do have a question??

WHAT HE as in AROD do to cause clubhouse drama, he did'nt do the SI article, he was'nt claling players names as they was to him. so what did HE do and not the PRESS??

Well said Larry.

However, when has Alex ever needed a hug? Because Sports Illustrated said so? "Sensitive", "too in his head", blah, blah, blah, these media anectodes are vapid. Truly vapid. And anyone who blindly buys into it, needs to take a step back and actually think for a moment.

He leaves and the pressure is harder on Jeter casue you know he won nada when Paulie and crew left. so arod leaves a scrub is at 3b possibly at 1b if no texiera years go by and no championship better beleive Jeter would then hear i, that is why we all need to calm down , Arod or not the yankees haven't won nothing since 2000 now that is small compare to other teams but since people seem to blame Arod for the demise and credit jeter for the winning years as the old saying go "what have you done for me lately"?

I hope that he stays!
This guy is one of the best players in the game today and he's on our side! Let's face it: he gets booed by us because he's making 25 mil/year and he's not hitting .400 with 75 to 80 HR's per year, and is not getting the BIG HIT EVERY TIME there's a runner in scoring position. That's what we seem to expect from this guy for the money that he's getting paid.
For A-Rod's part, he needs to just keep his mouth shut and go out and play the game. He needs to realize that not everyone is going to love him and he needs to stop trying to make everyone do so.
I for one, am glad that we have Jeter AND A-Rod!
Now, let's get #27!!!

Where was the complaints when he just about single handedly beat the twins in that division series and started the Boston series on FIRE!!!!!!!

To the people who are saying that A-rod is being "babied", can you please list examples. I hardly call being booed by your home fans, being dropped to 8th spot in the playoffs, having teammates make smart anonymous remark (I think he needs glasses) to the media is considered babying.

Some people just need to admit they hate the man. They think the Yanks not winning is some how A-rod's sole doing. When in fact the start rotation has been a huge problem (Mike Excussina giving up leads in the playoffs) for the past couple of years.

In regards to A-rod leaving, I think that A-rod leaves if the Yanks don't win the WS. Also, I believe that A-rod would rather opt at the end of this upcoming season, leaving the Yanks with nothing than have the Yanks possibly benefit off of him by trading considering the way he was treated in the Bronx. And with Boras as his agent, there's no doubt he could get another $150M contract.

I have said A-ROD is devisive in both the clubhouse and Yankee Land. These posts a proof of the Yankee Land claim. If you doubt the clubhouse claim, contact Giambi.

A-Rod and his "stats" will one day be in the HOF, but he doesn't have "IT" and NEVER will. He just wasn't made for NY. I hope he does opt out just so this frickin soap opera will come to an end!

Right, Giambi. A veritalbe vessel of truth and honesty. Someone who truly needs to stop talking.

Fans say nothing, everyone wants Alex gone. Fans disagree with garbage spewed about the guy - oh look he is devisive.

This third grade level of reasoning is really a measuring stick of what type of impact Alex has had on the Yankees as an organization.

Reading some of the comments i wondered whether i was in a Sox or Met forum.. Alex had a tuff year (better than every other 3rd basemen ofcourse).. i liken him to Elway.. he will hit in the post-season and he will retire a Yankee..

Here arr Arod 04 playoff stats

2004 NY Yankees MLB 29 Nyy Div 4 19 3 8 3 0 1 3 2 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 .421 .476 .737 1213
NY Yankees MLB 29 Nyy Ch 7 31 8 8 2 0 2 5 0 0 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 .258 .343 .516 859

pretty well for a 1st year player for the team. then the numbers drop after 1st round elimination. was vlad punished for his numbers

I personally think he leaves, no matter what. and i think he does it in a manner where he invokes his no trade this offseason and anytime BC would bring it up moving into the season so that the yankees get noone back for him (but draft picks, and ARod can ensure he goes on to a city where he wants to be.

Following the same logic as JD Drew, while he's making absurd money compared to people like us, in the current market, he can guarantee himself more $$ over more guaranteed years if he opts out now.

Plus, i think ARod really wants to go back to SS, his natural position, and will be likely to move on to a team that can offer him the position to close out his career and set records at.

I would love to see Cashman trade him to build the next young core of pinstripes all stars.

He would be adored in St. Louis, who could offer back Scott Rolen (if proves to be healthy after that shoulder surgery) plus any numebr of young arms, from Reyers to Wainwright, to some bullpen pieces, or even the young Molina. Him and Pujols could be the Papi/Manny of the NL.

Anaheim could trade pieces like Brandon Wood, Jeff Mathis, Jered Weaver, Scott Shields, etc., and finally have some protection for Vlad.

the White Sox could build a package around Crede or Fields, plus Danks, or some other young pitching in their system.

I think the Marlins could be the best fit out of anyone. ARod makes his home in Miami, might be most willing to waive a no trade to go to, could be the face of the franchise, and the Marlins' first HoF, like Unit is to the DBacks. It sounds crazy, but consider the stockpile of young pitching they have, and how low their payroll is. Throw in the potential for a Cabrera/ARod 3-4, and the Marlins could send back a package around (but obviously not only) Willis. They eventually will get a stadium in South Florida, and will draw with the potential for all time records being broken.

As it stands, they cant trade him unless they were getting a sure RH bat for the middle of the lineup, because if ARod were gone, the lineup would be too left-heavy, and have no power from a RH hitter.

But like i said to start, this is all speculative, cause i dont see him agreeing to go anywhere with that no trade clause.

Mike Francesca and Chris Russo said - Igawa's will win 10 games next year. Francesca was upset that Yes left him for Igawa. Who cares about Mike Francesca?

Lets put the money out of the issue with Arod. No one put a gun to the Rangers or Yankees to accept his contract or Arod to accept the contract offered. Here's a guy who came through in the past for us Scott Brosus. He hit a historic HR for us.

I ask this question, remeber money aside but statisical abilities considered. Brosus or Arod who do you want playing third base for you? Brosus struck out often with runners in scoring position. I do not recall the boos for him. Scott B. was supported. Arod is watched under the microscope.

I feel fortunate Arod is the Yankee third baseman. I want him to be our third baseman for the next 4 years. He is not the reason for the yankees failure to win a WS. Pitching is the reason. The man cannot makeup for the lack of pitching. The pitcher gives up three runs and 8 hits over 6 innings. He's cheered. How many double plays were there to save his butt.
Arod .292, 35 and 121. He's booed. The Yankees have not won the WS. Some yankee fans just don't know this game. But I respect your right to boo and voice an opinion just do not understand the thought process.

Not bad at all Bronx Bomber. Like I said his failures are exaggerated and his clutch hits are ignored or quickly forgotten.

Some fans also forget that when Alex wasn't hitting in the playoffs neither was the rest of the line-up; it's called good pitching. The pitcher is the most important guy out there. Since we have such a great line up some fans forget the most important thing in the game is getting outs (until you score or to hold the lead). The pitchers have let us down in the playoffs more than Alex has.

Hopefully this stockpile of pitching Cashman has acquired will help us in 07.

Why Does Chris Russo Always bring up Giambi's use steriods?

He's clean an d steriod free.

Did Giambi beat Homerun Record By Willie Mays and Babe Ruth? Did the Yankees won world series with Giambi??

Guillemo Mota was caught using.
David Ortiz = look his numbers, His homeruns rise dramatically each year.

Larry, Ruse and Latham Joe, thanks for your comments. Latham Joe, I remember Duren quite well. How about Luis Arroyo and his one standout year in 61 when he was virtually Whitey Ford's personal relief pitcher.

Larry or Ruse (I forget who mentioned it), I realize that Stengel and Hoak's approach were entirely different and I wasn't defending Stengel's system. What I wanted to point out was the fact that these guys could and did easily move around. They were baseball players and great athletes and when ideas are mentioned today about moving a player to another position, we shouldn't have to think of it as such a big deal.

Ruse, thank you for your comments on Mantle, Maris and ARod. By the way, I can well remember when Mantle was himself booed unmercifully. It's curious that that isn't known now by so many current fans. You couldn't find a bigger fan of Mickey than myself, but I roared for Roger throughout 61. I never did boo a Yankee. I can't understand why people would boo a player on their own team unless he's dogging it. You can say whatever you want about ARod, but he always works hard. And by the way, I think Jeter is the best thing in spikes today for finding a way to win, though I agree that he doesn't have the stats of many other SS. In that respect, I'm reminded of Durocher's view of Eddie Stanky (though Stanky, of course, like Billy Martin, was a much inferior player to Jeter), as one who would always find a way to beat you.

As for team chemistry and how it's always brought up on this and other blogs; well I find it amusing. What to make of the A's of the early 70's or our own Yankees of 77/78? I would have hardly called either of these teams cohesive units that loved one another. A passion for the game and pride in playing it well is, in my view, what makes winning players and winning teams. The chemistry follows without any love being necessary for the formula to work.

Which brings me back to the Captain and the current discussion. If ARod is convinced by Boras that there are 'greener' pastures as a FA (I kind of doubt it for all the arguments already made - but if he does), then has Cashman not just made himself a potentially interesting move? The new kid, Gonzalez, is suppose to be a superb, ML ready SS. If he hits a little more this year (and he's apparently been showing progress), could he not slot into SS with Jeter moving to third? Derek is the team Captain and he should be perfectly capable of making the move. In ARod's absence, the Yanks would then make a concerted, no holes barred, effort to sign Tex to play 1B and supply the offense that left with ARod. So maybe there was more to Gonzalez being included in the Johnson trade than we first thought (and wouldn't THAT have been a clever insurance policy on Cashman's part?)Best of all, of course, would be to have ARod and Tex in the same lineup.

Finally, I'm sitting here over 3000 miles away, joyfully awaiting the arrival of all those wonderul young arms that will soon be on the way. And frankly, I'm not terribly bothered if we don't get Clemens. I think the talent pool is deep enough to give the Yanks a great rookie who will produce 12 - 14 wins right out of ST. And deep enough to cover any injuries to boot. Maybe I'm being way too optimistic, but I really like the way the staff is shaping up.

Larry M- Who would you rather have, Graig Nettles, or A-ROD? I'd take Nettles in a heartbeat. The main reason being defense. A-ROD is a butcher at 3rd. Nettles was great defensively, and had power also. A-ROD will be a Hall of Famer, but Nettles was a winner.

I think two things:

1. A-Rod will opt out. Boras knows that if he's a Free Agent A-Rod would be the most sought after bat on the market. He's a Hall-of-Fame player in the prime of his career, doesn't come with steroid issues, a multiple time MVP and will likely break Bonds' home run record by the time his career is over. It's a no brainer that he'll get a huge deal with some other team (Angels, Cubs, ChiSox, RedSox)

2. When he does leave the Yankees, all the Yankee fans who have been ripping Alex for the last two years will see just how spoiled they have been. The only other free agent third basemen slated to be on the market next year are Joe Crede and Mike Lowell...neither could carry A-Rod's jock during their best year and his worst. Add in that Lowell is getting on in years and Crede has a bad back and as right handed hitters both would see their offensive numbers drop at Yankee Stadium.

Jim B.

As for your comment about A-Rod leaving $81 mil on the table...true, it's a lot of money, but if Soriano, a player with a lot more holes than Alex can get 8 years $136 mil there's no reason why A-Rod and Boras would expect to get any less.

Live Rj's Press Conference

http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/scripts/mediaplayer/mp_tpl.jsp?w_id=530033&w=reflector%3A32070&pid=gen_video&vid=7759&mid=200701091775480&cid=mlb&fid=gen_video350&v=2&mType=w&urlstr=&murl=

sorry for the long post but here is Baseball America's take on the Johnson deal

Johnson Returns To Diamondbacks
By Jim Callis
January 9, 2007

The Deal
After two underwhelming seasons in the Bronx, Randy Johnson returned to the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. The Yankees sent him back in exchange for Luis Vizcaino and three minor leaguers: righthanders Ross Ohlendorf and Steven Jackson, and shortstop Alberto Gonzalez. New York also will pay $2 million of Johnson's 2007 salary.
The Big Leaguers
Johnson won four Cy Young Awards and the 2001 World Series in six seasons with Arizona before going to the Yankees in a January 2005 trade. He went 34-19, 4.37 in two seasons in New York, winning games more because of run support than because of the sheer dominance he had shown in the past. His 2006 season was his worst in the majors, as he went 17-11, 5.00 with a 172-60 K-BB ratio in 205 innings. The 43-year-old lefthander likely is no better than an average pitcher at this point. Johnson's contract called for a $16 million salary in 2007. The Diamondbacks have reworked it into a two-year, $26 million deal that includes a $12 million bonus paid over the next four seasons, as well as a $4 million salary in 2007 and a $10 million salary in 2008.

Vizcaino, a 32-year-old righthander, joins his fourth team in four seasons. Arizona acquired him in the December 2005 deal that sent Javier Vazquez to the White Sox. A solid setup man, Vizcaino is a power pitcher who can struggle with his command at times. Last year, he went 4-6, 3.58 with a 72-29 K-BB ratio in 65 innings. He's eligible for salary arbitration.
The Prospects
Ohlendorf, 24, was a fourth-round pick out of Princeton in 2004. He finally began living up to his potential last year, when he went 10-8, 3.29 with a 125-29 K-BB ratio in 27 starts at Double-A Tennessee. (He also made one start for Triple-A Tucson.) Six-foot-4 and 235 pounds, he throws a hard 89-94 mph sinker, a changeup and a decent slider. He's still figuring out how to get lefthanders out (they hit .324 against him in 2006) and may project best as a setup man.

Gonzalez, 23, signed out of Venezuela in 2003. He's a tremendous defensive shortstop with well above-average range and a strong arm. Though he has improved offensively, he doesn't offer much in the way of power, speed or walks. He spent most of 2006 in Double-A, hitting .290/.356/.392 with six homers and 50 RBIs in 129 games. If it all works out, he could become an Adam Everett-type player.

Jackson, 24, is another big righthander who was drafted in 2004 and is coming off his best season. Six-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he was a 10th-rounder out of Clemson. Jackson ranked second in the Double-A Southern League in ERA last year, going 8-11, 2.65 with a 125-45 K-BB ratio in 150 innings. He's a sinker-slider pitcher whose fastball velocity ranges from 88-94 mph. He also has a splitter and changeup. As with Ohlendorf, he may fit best in a bullpen role in the long run.
Quick Take
Though the Diamondbacks didn't surrender a blue-chip prospect, the cost of a $24 million contract, a useful big league reliever and three solid minor leaguers is high for a 43-year-old pitcher on the decline. The Yankees got rid of a pitcher who never fit in well in New York, fortified their bullpen with Vizcaino and added more depth to their farm system.

Chip-

We seem to stock pile on Releivers do you think a team like OAkland would want to trade some of their prize starters for such

Bomber:

I honestly have no idea what Oakland may or may not want. I would think though that with the departure of Zito and the injury questions surrounding Harden that they would not be in a rush to trade starting pitching. I also don't think that Ohlendorf projects as a reliever the way that Baseball America is selling him...remember, they also thought that Wang would be a fifth starter/long reliever too and I've read that Ohlendorf has a very similar arsenal.

I also don't believe that either Carlos Zambrano or Johan Santana will be made available this season. That said I would try to make a move for Zach Grienke - young starter with the Royals. A bit of a headcase but unquestionable stuff

Again, I would not be shocked to see Kyle Farnsworth moved by the end of spring training for a good young catcher.

Roy: Nettles or Arod. This is a tough question. I can remember the first year that Nettles was traded to us. I believe it was the Boston series ( correct me on the series) with about 5 errors in the series. He looked like a hockey goalie booting everthing.

I take Arod for all his skills combined. I believe Arod will improve at Third this year to the levels of a potential gold glover.

If Arod with his size and speed.Could get angry at an opposing player as Nettles did. Remember Lee and Frank White, two beauts of confrontations which placed Nettles in the Yankee memory bank for ever along with the Dodgers WS.

Arod would end some of his troubles with the fickled fan if he showed this desire to win other than a controled image.

No contest -- Nettles. Just as it was said earlier -- Nettles was a winner.

Roy : I am not implying a smear on Nettles who I thought turned into as great a fielding 3rd baseman as good as Santo or Brooks,...even Brooks thought the world of Nettles.But like Larry said Nettles wasn't a gold glove caliber 3rd baseman when he arrived in NY,but he did develop into one,but let's be clear he had been at the 3rd base position for a number of yrs prior to coming to the Yanks so he was able to refine his skills,Nettles first 3yrs w/NY he made 66 errors at 3rd ,A-Rod in his 1st 3 yrs made 49 errors, I remember in 2005 A-Rod made 13 errors and was getting consideration for a gold glove award...once again like Maris ,Nettles was not a very good World Series performer in 4 WS he was 15-68 a .220 clip 0 hrs 5 rbi that's just dreadful production ...his one saving grace was the clinic he put on in the 3rd game of the 1978 WS turning 4 great plays which helped swing momentum to NY....Yanks61: are you a west coast resident? just curious...

Roy and Don: I still believe that you have not seen the best of Arod at third base. I feel quite confident with this comment.

Just repeating what scouts say, Ohlendorf doesn't have a dominant pitch or solid secondary stuff.

--Jim Callis

With his handling of JD Drew this winter, Scott Boras has more or less telegraphed what he intends to do with A-Rod after the 2007 season. It doesn't take a genius to see what is going to happen. As good as he is, his desire to maintain his controlled image somehow does not fit in New York. His lack of emotional display casts him as the anti Paul O'Neill, who was well suited for his time in New York. A-Rod would not waive his no trade, but will prefer to go to the highest bidder, proving once again that it is all about the money. As it should be. We would all do the same thing in his place. But, like Paul O'neill once said, "how much money do you need", when all he wanted was a fair deal. When all the high priced contracts are gone (Giambi, A-Rod, Abreu, Mussina, Posada and the dear departed Randy Johnson), Jeter, Matsui and Damon will be the only ones left with a high price tag. Which will give them roster and payroll flexibility. And, by going with young, inexpensive players (with a mix of veterans), the team will be more athletic, less injury prone and hungry. The moves Mr Cashman is making now are for the trade deadline, next winter and 2009, when the new ballpark opens. Patience....He has a plan.

Larry -- I'm still waiting on A-Rod; three years and counting. Give me Nettles (2 rings) or Brosius (3 rings) any day.

First off Pierce, the Yankees do not need payroll flexibility. Never have.

And Don from Cape Cod - I am still waiting on Jeter sans O'Neil, Nettles, or Brosius, six years and counting. I'm tired of waiting.

I am still wainting on Mussina, Giambi, Pavano and everybody else brought in.

Alex is not Nettles and I am glad. Alex is Alex and I'll take him over Nettles or Brosius any day.

David: I concur ! well put!

Yankees will never win as long Cheaters like Giambi and plays in Yankees uniform. I had to wait two more years until "Bum" Giambi hits free agency.. He's phony and fraud. He lied about His favorite Yankee was Mickey Mantle during his press conference. Everyone knows that Giambi went for Money rather than staying in Oakland.

Lighten up J.M. -Giambi is a Yankee now whether you like it or not. While he's here, I'm happy to say that I'm proud to have him on our team. He wants to win just like everyone else and is doing his best to deliver when needed for us. He put up monster #'s last year and is poised to have another one if not better in 2007. We CAN and WILL win a WS with Giambi on our team and can"t wait to see him jumping onto a championship pile of teamates with a great big 'ol smile. This is our Yankee team and we should never take the players on it for granted. Enjoy them while we have them and root for them to be champions with every inch of your soul.

ruse, I've lived and worked in Europe for the last 23 years though brought up in the NYC area. I treasure my holidays in the States each summer when I get to visit family and go to a lot of games - I especially love minor league and Indepedent League games these days (Newark and Somerset) and hope to get to Scranton this year. I'd like to post more but I know my limitations: too far from the scene of action to know, as well as I would like, what I'm talking about, and too little time with my work schedule (including lots of travel.)

I don't believe that you can compare AROD and Nettles. I thought Nettles was a very good 3B but he was never in the same category as ARod. Still, I was a fan of Graig and agree that he showed his emotions and 'fire,' unlike ARod. But I think folks don't realize that there are some players (like all of us) that are different and keep their passions to themselves. I really believe that ARod gives it everything that he has, he just doesn't wear it on his sleeve, and that's one more thing that keeps fans from warming to him. Incidentally, Nettles was responsable for one of the funniest things I've ever seen on a ball field, when he bounced out in an at bat in which his bat 'exploded' sending tiny rubber (?) balls in all directions. The next day a reporter wrote that it was the first time in history that a player had grounded out to the 3B, SS, 2B and 1B at the same time. Finally, if you want to talk about great fielding 3B on the Yanks, then the all time top was neither Nettles or Brosius but Clete Boyer. Brooks Robinson called Boyer the greatest fielding 3B he had ever seen.

Don from Cape Cod: So M I but Patience is a virtue which Yankee fans have little of.

My confidence in his future play comes from watching an athlete who is superior in every facet of the game except the high inside fastball. There is no physical reason for his inability to perform at this level. Its my thoughts that the injuries to Matsui,Sheffield and Cano were part of his lack of productivity in the clutch situations. He pressed and failed. My hopes are for the learning experience to improve his ability in these situations. Even future Hall of Famers have periods of poor performance. I'm not beyond kicking a player in the butt after conversation has not worked but Arod is different horse. He's a Kentucky Derby type which has yet to show his best. I hope NY has the patience.

More on the Johnson Trade:

In return for Johnson - and $2 million toward the two-year $26 million deal he signed with Arizona to waive his no-trade clause - the Yanks added reliever Luis Vizcaino, whom Cashman said answers to the nickname "Daily" because of his daily availability, as well as minor-league pitchers Ross Ohlendorf and Steve Jackson and minor-league infielder Alberto Gonzalez, whom Cashman referred to as a "special defender."

More than once, Cashman referred to his minor-league overhaul as "the next wave of Yankees."

"By making a move here with Randy Johnson, I knew we could be at risk, but maybe a half-step backward hopefully to take two steps forward with the inventory we have either to line up for a trade or if new Yankees can emerge," Cashman said. "Randy was here for two years, and I don't think we get as far as we did without him. We didn't achieve our ultimate goal, but ultimately that's a team effort."

The way I view ARod is not in superstar terms where when you take a step back, you realize you are watching one of the greatest players to ever play the game... but in terms of productivity. Like Randy, Giambi, Sheff, etc, these guys brought in really starting after the 2001 season were FA pieces put in place to bring another WS title. We all know now that hasnt happened, yet. Now BC is selling off parts, and ARod might potentially be his biggest chip of all.

It's been 3 seasons with ARod manning the hot corner, and even with his MVP, he's failed to help this team bring in a championship. Last season, gaudy numbers aside, was a significant step back from the previous season, and really more in line with his first season, where he predominantly looked uncomfortable in his own clothes, too...

i'm not saying i want him to go, because i think it would be a real detriment to the offense at this point, unless Cashman were to bring back a mlb ready power-RH-middle-of-the-lineup bat in return (Willis and Cabrera?)... and Arod is an all-time player, who always works hard, plays with passion, and maybe even cares too much, but 2 out of the 3 seasons here, for his standards, were below ours and his expectations.

This season is a huge season in terms of expectations for ARod, and he really needs to step up and help carry this team. I think Torre could go along way to helping ARod by just putting him in the 4 hole between Abreu and Giambi, and leaving him there all season, period.

But if Cashman were to trade ARod, and bring back pieces that made sense to the team, I would understand.

Turn Two -

Arod's Stat's when the division go multi rounds is pretty good. Honestly if torre was too move him he should've batted him secound again like in 04, and like i said he batted over 400 in 04 against the twins. basically carried the team by himself. now if he has to continue doing so in order for the team to advance would that then be grounds for another argument?? why no one questioned why the rest of the team sucked in the 04 division series??

yanks61: yes if Clete Boyer had better career offensive stats he'd always be in the discussion w/the likes of Brooks.I remember Boyer and Richardson being just outstanding in the field...Yes A-Rod works his butt off and I doubt he finds losing anymore acceptable than his more hallowed teammates....TurnTwo: Why do you single A-Rod out for not delivering a World Series?...the fingerpointing should be divided equally ,last time I looked it took 25 men to win a Title...everyone knows it takes good starting pitching to win in the post season,something the Yanks have failed to get these last few yrs.Crappy starting pitching puts alot more pressure on an offense, it's more acute during the posteason because teams are usually facing better pitching staffs.

BB-

like i said before, I dont think he should go, not at this point. but while he is here, stability is what he needs, and his abilities speak for themselves as the best number 4 hitter we have on this current roster.

i personally would not grant arod a complete pardon for a great series 2 seasons ago, and definately do not overlook the gross underachievement by the rest of the team during (name recent playoff series here). there is something to be said for the pitching they came across in those games when basically the entire team was shut down.

but i think that was also a product of the lineups that were constructed. too many fantasy team sluggers in a row, not enough role players to help do the little things during the course of the game (this is why i loved the dynamic melky brought to the bottom of the lineup last year).

i guess what i'm saying here about arod is I dont particularly blame him, but while he is here, certain things are expected by him from the fans. even if he achieves personal goals and league-high offensive numbers cementing him as one of the greatest in the game, if the yankees dont win the WS, he'll be the face of another yankees failed season.

fair? no, but its a reality, because he was the biggest name and best player brought in during this current run of Yankees teams, post-2001, to try and win #27.

IMO, i dont think its out of the realm of discussion to reasonably consider if it's best for both parties to go their separate ways.

and as sad as it may be, to be honest, i might enjoy watching him and appreciate what he brings to the game more if he wasnt in pinstripes. perhaps i've set my expectations for him to high, but i get frustrated when i see him play, and not play well.

i wouldnt do it if you dont get the right package back. but, if you get young mlb stars back, and players who can fit roles on this team, while making arod happy, why not consider it?

and this is just for discussion purposes, because with his no trade, and pending opt-out after 2007, i dont think he's agreeing to go anywhere.

RUSE,Ca- You can't compare the number of errors a player made back in the 70's, to the number of errors a player makes today, because the official scorers today rule almost everything a hit. Nettles was a winner, a leader, and even took on "The Boss" if he thought George was "out- of-line". In a sport that relies on statistics, "character" is what sets Nettles apart from A-ROD. No matter how athletically gifted A-ROD is, he has no character, and his teammates and the fans recognize this.

ROY STORING: I can't wait to hear what your definition of character is?Today's scorers rule everything a hit ? Where did you dig that up? Being a little Macho a-hole doesn't translate into character.Because at times he took on Steinbrenner makes for some positive character trait in your BOOK? Nettles was a fine player who could virtually never be depended on in a big game to produce a key hit.He is better known for nearly breaking Bill Lee's arm off and scuffling w/ Reggie a couple of times.Is that character in yr book? I'm sorry A-Rod has gotten under your skin so much...it is my hope he'll end up proving your lame assertions wrong!

Roy: I believe it would be more appropriate to speak for yourself about Arod's character and not for the other millions of Yankee fans and his 24 team members.

I for one think he has much character. My beloved Mickey hit .257,18 hr, 40 rbi's with 57 K's in the WS. Did he come through? yes but there was plenty of help.

Character is not measured on the playing field alone. Timely hitting was off last year. This is a new year.

RUSE,ca.- Almost any game you watch, the official scorers constantly score balls that are dropped, booted, or thrown away, as base hits. The announcers call it "home cookin", you know this, why argue about a commonly accepted practice? But for you to call Nettles "a little Macho a-hole", is uncalled for. Standing up to your "Boss" when you think he's out of line, helping teammates who may be injured while involved in on the field brawls, standing up to Reggie Jax, these actions are indicative of intestinal fortitude and "character" in general. I've posted earlier about A-ROD defenders smearing other players like Jeter, and Maris. Why am I not surprised that after I compare A-ROD to Nettles, your responce is to call Nettles "a little Macho a-hole". Thanks for proving my point.

Nobody SMeared Jeter or AMris what was said that with each argument against A_rod one of thsoe players eperienced simular matters. Jeter is just as PROTECTED as AROD jeter has a longer leash than most . why becasue that is the way it is he was there from joe's day one. but to say were not HIRING Lou Pinella for the SAME exact reason's is a little glass house

Wow...I'm surprised at my buddy Ruse's opinion of Nettles. I don't think Nettles will be remembered for being unable to get the big hit, I think what most remember him for is his unbelievable defense in the '78 series where it seemed like he had to lay out for 5 balls a game and made every play.
Nettles is just from a different era of player. Those guys (Thurman, Chambliss etc) were as close to "blue collar" as rich baseball players could be. Reggie seemed to be the beginning of an era of "white collar" players and A-Rod is a prime example. Look at the knocks on him, even when he does something that is "old school" like fighting in a game or just getting dirty, he gets called a phony and a fraud.
I frankly think we're lucky to have one of the best 3B ever to play the game on our team and I hope he stays and succeeds. I loved Nettles though, he was a pleasure to watch with the glove he had.

Yankees will be in fourth place behind Drays next season until Cashman and Yankees must improve the starting rotation, bullpen and adding some bench players.

Do you really trust Pavano and Igawa? I don't. Can Pavano and Igawa replace loss of Rj and Wright in starting rotation?

List of players that Cashman should add

Sign Clemens

Trade for Mike Gonzalez

Improve the Yankees Bench - It seems Cashman and Joe doesn't believe and philosphy of players coming off the bench.

Reason Why The Yankees are always tired when they start playing in the playoffs and lose? Joe always push these guys and Players like Jeter, Cano, Arod and Abreu and never rest them. I blame Cashman for not adding and improving the bench for last two years.

Cairo?? Are you kidding me?

Both Andy and Cairo -are horrendous and awful. They can't hit.

Who will replace Arod when He's tired? Cairo or Andy?

How about Cano? Cairo or Andy again?

Who will replace Damon and Abreu when they tired?

Melky? Are you kidding me?

Can Melky play three outfield positions?

Cashman needs to sign another backup outfielder to rest Damon and Abreu when They're are tired. Also another backup infielder.

Three Years from now I predict Cano will be bench player or playing for a different team.

Unless Cano Improved his walk/strikeout ratio. He's free swinger and must layoff offspeed pitches out of strikezone like Curveball and Slider in the dirt.Must Learn how to hit a Curveball and Slider besides and improved his pitch selection.

Cano's Strength - Likes to hit a fastball and changeup

Cano's Weakness
Chases Offspeed pitches like Slider, Splitter and Curveball in the dirt. Struggles against hitting curveball, slider and splitter. Cano's is not patient hitter and He's free swinger.

I'm yankees fan, If you watch some Yankees for last two years which I have, Cashman failed to improved the bench.

cano is not going anywhere, unless he gets injured, other than the all-star game annually as the yankees 2nd baseman. baseball people across the league are amazed by cano's ability to hit to all fields, and think he'll win mult batting titles over his career.

and the bench is much more important to an NL team than an AL team. while it hasnt been great, BC has done a good enough job for what the yankees have required. i think cairo actually does a nice job of plugging into the lineup when they need to give someone a rest, or covering a game if someone gets injured. he did a sufficient job for cano last season, for example.

Turn Two I'm with you,

But the bench is garbage, and if cano did showed some more disipline then MAYBE we can move him into the #2 spot and FINALLY move Jeter up to 3. at this point you cannot do such due to lack of plate disipline from cano, yes Melky did well subbin for the injured but truthfully how many other of was there and failed or was given a short leash? and the above poster is correct perhaps these yankee teams are tired coming into the playoffs. But these questions at this time need not to be honored because then it upsets me that a manager can do such to his players so I won't touch that issue. mark loretta should have been signed instead of cano. a major league OF should have been added as well to coem off the bench if you would have signed lorretta you would not need a andy AN cano so that probally would have saved money? I know the thought is on the pen but maybe someone need to tell the manager stop overusing these men and use wisely. at this point if two infielders go down the yankee season is questionable barring no trades. but why dig into the farm to get players that would have to sit when the starters come back?

Jim A: I was a huge Nettles fan,probably outside of Thurman and Guidry my favorite player on the mid -seventies team...I stated in an earlier post Nettles put on a fielding clinic in the 3rd game of the 1978 WS,he pretty much turned the tide w/his glove...given the limited time A-Rod has had at 3rd,I think outside of stumbling a little bit midseason 2006 he's played outstanding D and his name came up often for gold glove consideration in 2005...that's all...I don't really think you could consider those guys as "blue collar" Munson purchased a Jet airplane so he could commute on occasion to Akron,I don't know of any blue collar friends owning Jets...I apologize for bringing up the Jet business,I get a little choked up even thinking about it...hey Gardo are you talking about the same player who hit .342 had a slugging % of .525 and won a silver slugger award? Robbie Cano?

I dont understand the fascination with moving Jeter to 3... Jeter is the absolute perfect #2 hitter, and he'd argue that himself.

Plus, we already line up a great number 3 in Abreu, #4 in ARod, and #5 in Giambi/Matsui.

and i cant imagine how someone would argue for signing Loretta over retaining Cano... if i am understanding you correctly and that is what you want. makes absolutely no sense, but maybe i'm misunderstanding you... and Cano has never shown plate discipline as a minor league player... he actually was a number 3 hitter in the minor leagues, and projects numbers more similar to a middle of the order guy than a leadoff hitter in a traditionally top or bottom of the order type of position. that combined with Cano's continued development defensively is what makes him so valuable at such a young age.

and i have to say, i am reading the same sentiment about the bench being weak from mets websites too... but most people i dont think realize that bullpens and benches really dont take shape until the end of spring training, and really are fairly fluid throughout the season. you dont go into the offseason with the idea of rebuilding the bench.

and i agree.. Torre misuses the pen worse than many managers ive seen... but he has a problem with falling in love with certain guys in the pen, and only trusting certain arms in certain situations. i cant fault him for it, but one can argue that its been the wear and tear on the bullpen that has cost the yankees playoff success, not because our starters are tired and our bench isnt great.

Eventhough Yankees have a best offense in baseball . They're still human and needs some rest. I'm saying that Cashman needs to sign couple of players and improve the bench.

Lke The mets - They have Ben Johnson, Chavez and Adding Newhan

Redsox- They have Cora, Pena, and Hinske coming off the bench

Orioles- Millar, Bynum, Gibbons and Brandon Fahey

Drays
Wigginton, Gomes , Brendan Harris

I agree, Right now Pavano and Igawa's is a question mark back of the rotation.

Bench is the key also . Resting guys down the stretch, which Joe failed to do in two years, that's why Yankees failed to advanced in the playoffs.

TurnTwo: I don't agree w/ your assessment of how Torre uses his bullpen.When you have starters who can't pitch more than 5+ to 6+ innings a game what do you ex