Just got back from spending the day outside Legends Field. Joe Girardi was in as the first candidate to interview for the managerial job. He met with 10-12 people from the baseball side of the Yankees organization, then met for about an hour with George, Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, along with Brian Cashman.
Hank Steinbrenner was the organizational spokesperson on the meeting. He said he was very impressed with Girardi, that he is smart and knows what he's doing and how to handle a pitching staff. He said he did not have any concerns over the way things ended for Girardi in Florida. When asked if that was something they had looked into and were satisfied would not be a problem with the Yankees, he said, "We're not stupid," which I think you can take as a yes.
Before the interview with Girardi, as he arrived at the office this morning, he said he does not think Bobby Valentine would be a candidate for the position. He also repeated the club's stance on Alex Rodriguez: "We've made it clear -- if he opts out, goodbye." He added: "We want him to stay, we do, and I would think that he'd want to stay."
Girardi just did a conference call with reporters. A few highlights:
*Said he spent about six hours with various people from the organization, first three with baseball-side people, then an hour with the Steinbrenners and Cashman and club president Randy Levine, then another hour-and-a-half or son with baseball people.
*"I think every managing job is different because the players and different parts that are there."
*Said timing wasn't right with Baltimore because his dad is in poor health and he and his family were able to spend a good deal of time with him this summer.
*Asked his biggest strengths as a manager: "I think relationships, I think my ability to stay focused on the task at hand ... it's kind of hard for me to answer that question because it's hard for me to brag on myself ... but I think I bring a certain attitude to the ballpark every day and a goal of winning."
*Asked about the idea of following Joe Torre, who he played for: "Obviously, we all have great respect for Joe Torre and what he accomplished here. The one thing you think about is you have to be your own man. I can't be someone that I'm not."
*Asked about the fact that with the way Torre's departure went, it shows that nothing is good enough except winning the World Series, Girardi said: "If that's not your goal, then I don't really understand. That's what you want the goal to be."
Comments (96)
Kat,
Great work! Thanks for the info. Hopefully you are getting a great tan while hanging outside Legends Field :)
I wonder if you could give us a glimpse into your impressions of the Steinbrenner sons such as who is the leader? Who is most like his dad? Any idea on the temperment of these guys? Basically any tidbits you can provide would be great. We're sort of anxious to find out about these guys and how much they really want to be involved in the baseball operations. Thanks!
Girardi to me is the best candidate of the three. He's young has some managerial experience. Knows what Joe went through and his reactions as his bench coach. He's intelligent and not just with baseball. I'm sure he learned some lessons in Florida. Plus if the Yankees make a move on Cabrera it might lead to some insight especially if Arod opts out which I believe will not come about with the Yankee stance of not getting involved with a bidding war.Girardi brings some fire to the park. The players should respect that he will approach them if necessary. With the team getting younger in the next couple of years>it might be good to have a man of his abilities.
My next in line would be Pena than Don.
I like Girardi, and the fact he went 1st, means Mattingly will be directly compared to him in every way. Girardi's TV experience\knowing how to present himself both in person, and to the media, is a big advantage. Those of us old enough, saw this with Ronald Reagan. I assume the Steinbrenners were primarily getting a "feel" for the type of person Girardi is and whether his personality is the type H\H can work with, and lead this team. My guess is there will be a "follow up" interview with the Steins\Cash\and Levine, where tough questions will be asked, but only a really stupid answer will cost Girardi the job as new Yankee Mgr. The length of time Girardi met with the "baseball people", bodes well for him also. Obviously, no "token" interview, and genuine interest in the candidate and his answers to their questions. If this Mgr. search is really legit, Mattingly is already fighting a very up hill battle.
I am a hugh Mattingly fan, but wouldn't mind if the organization told him "We think Joe is ready now. We
d like you to get some managerial experience and we'll make you the next manager." Then send him down to one of the affiliates so he can get some experience. This way, Joe and pick his own "staff." My concern with Mattingly at this point is that he might be too much like Joe, and I, for one, would like someone with a little fire in his belly to motivate and push the younger players that I expect will put us over the top. Thoughts?
Evil Empire II
The Red Sox have become everything they supposedly hate about the Yankees. By their own reasoning, if they win, they will have bought a championship, with a bloated payroll three times greater than any of the other final four teams. If they lose, they'll be a high-priced bust, having overpaid for mediocre performers like Dice-K and J.D.Drew and having not won a World Series since 2004 (Omigod, that means they will have won only one World Series in this entire millenium!)
And some Red Sox fans have become everything they accuse Yankees fans of -- arrogant, overconfident and entitled. Now, after publicly criticizing and ridiculing ARod, and babbling for years about the "curse of ARod," they are evidently lusting after him with a money-is-no-object philosophy.
But of course, now that the shoe is on the other (bloody) sock, it's all good.
Just call them Evil Empire II -- like all sequels, it's a poor imitation of the original with second-rate actors.
Yeah... that'll show us Anon!
I guess I will have to console myself with watching my team still in it.
Most of us love and respect Don Mattingly because of his history with the Yankees. We tend to believe he's like Torre through some form of osmosis because he sat next to Torre with the same expression or lack of expression. The fact is we don't know what kind of manager Don would be -- just that he was a great player and seemed to have gotten along with Torre very well. He appears to be a calm diplomatic person like Torre, but we really don't know that for certain.
Now we've seen Giradi as a player, as a manager, and as a commentator. We've seen his managerial abilities and we've heard him give opinion on moves and plays during games. Girardi's abilities can be judged more objectively since most fans don't feel the same sentimentality towards him (as a player) as they do towards Mattingly.
Ask yourselves do you want Mattingly for sentimental reasons? It appears Girardi is being chosen only for his managerial capabilities with practically no sentimentality attached. And that's the way it should be.
Sully,
I love you too!
Remember when some on this Blog attacked Kevin Youklis of the Red Sox for being Jewish ... and many of us in turn defended Kevin, who did not deserve such evil!
Well, it was a religious Blog at that point.
And with good reason!
Nope
It was calling a guy on bigotry
Pure and simple
I'm not going to hate a player because he is a Christian either... heck I am left wing politically and have no room in my life for God... but I root like hell for Curt Schilling, Mr. Jesus and Bush man.
That's what makes baseball so wonderful. It is a common ground finder... and one where we cheer for the actions on the field, not who the person is off it... good or bad.
I am feeling more and more driven to write a book about baseball ...
And my motivation would be a book that Viper and Michael PTRS and Marianne would want to read ... you must answer your most erudite critics at all times ... would Kat and Ken Davidoff write write Fast Food Nation? It would not be possible for them despite their many and great talents.
Truth is ugly.
For all of us.
It's the 21st Century ...
Every issue would have to be analyzed from 4 agendas at least ... like Fast Food Nation ...
that would have to be the standard ...
I am feeling more and more driven to write a book about baseball ...
And my motivation would be a book that Viper and Michael PTRS and Marianne would want to read ... you must answer your most erudite critics at all times ... would Kat and Ken Davidoff write write Fast Food Nation? It would not be possible for them despite their many and great talents.
Truth is ugly.
For all of us.
It's the 21st Century ...
Every issue would have to be analyzed from 4 agendas at least ... like Fast Food Nation ...
that would have to be the standard ...
Great posts by Larry M, Roy, YF, and michaelz. I agree with all of your points. I love Mattingly too, but the truth is he isn't ready to manage the NYY. I think Pena would do a good job, but I think my first choice would be Girardi because of the younger guys coming up and the fire and intensity he would add.
Great job Kat!!! Keep it coming.
Hire Girardi right now!
If the Yankees want to continue catering to the veterans, they will choose Mattingly. If the Yankees want to start focusing on youth, they will choose Girardi.
Mattingly is the Ghost of the Past and Sameness. Girardi is the Ghost of the Future and Big Change.
Mattingly will feel like an extension of Joe Torre and ease the transition for the players (esp. the vets). Joe Girardi will feel like a brand new start and he will shake things up (for all players).
YF,
How do you know that Mattingly will cater to the vets?
He's never been a manager, so we have no idea what kind of managing style he has.
That's purely speculation on your part with no substance to back it up.
FINALLY!
I agree with Viper...
I'm actually scared of mattingly being manager I feel he is to thin skin and will have a stubborn beef if he is in a riff with Mgmt.
Plus I do not want a Cosmetic manager hired for PR
Associated Press is reporting that Bowa has received an offer from Seattle. He asked for time to take care of a private matter before getting back to them but is thought to be on board.
And on the subject of hiring Yankees coaches, Seattle has already hired Mel Stottlemyer to be their pitching coach.
Mattingly is ioo thin-skinned, Bomber?
Based on what?
If anything, it is Girardi who has the personality more likely to be stubborn and have a rift with ownership.
It already happened with the Marlins which is the biggest reason he was fired after one season.
I'd actually like to hear how Pena's interview goes before I make a choice. I always liked him as a player because he was really smart and worked hard because he was not naturally gifted. Then as a manager I thought he was doing a very good job with KC until his wife gave him the boot and he had to leave, but with all that behind him, this guy could actually be a diamond in the rough. Catchers seem to make good managers so I wouldn't mind seeing him get hired and I think that would be fine with the players too, it's the fans that would have a problem with it I guess.
Girardi has a year of experience as a manager and one year as a bench coach so it's not like the Yanks would be turning away Mattingly for a wise old veteran manager.
I still think Mattingly gets the job, because it's what George wants.
True, Viper, we have no idea what kind of manager Mattingly would be, and won't have until he's been a manager.
Harper's column advocates for his hiring, but the reason he gives at the end is a little disquieting -- basically that Mattingly won't rock the boat. Those who think the boat could use some rocking are not likely to agree with that logic.
Younger people on this board may not be in tune with another reason the Steinbrenner's have to choose Mattingly. He was the Jeter of his day, adored by fans and publicly idealized, while also being greatly respected by his fellow players.
Viper,
Bomber thinks Mattingly is thin-skinned because of the haircut fiasco back in what...'89?
Based on that, I'd say he's also very untrustworthy because of his popcorn thievery during a game! This is an outrage, we cannot have a manager who STEALS FROM CHILDREN! That boy is still in therapy for crying out loud.
Just having some fun this morning...I hope everyone is well and avoiding the super bug!
Has anyone considered the worst possisble result of A-Rod's opt-out? He goes to Boston with its short left field.
If that is not a total disaster for the Yankees, I don't know what is.
We agree again, Jim.
I like Girardi, but I don't see why he is the guy viewed as much more experienced and qualified for the position.
He's only been a manager for one season and got fired. People can blame it all on the Marlins' owner if they wish, but that incident happened in May of 2006 and Girardi had all season to clear the air with him.
Obviously, it didn't happen and his rift with the owner was a distraction all season.
Sorry, but that's not a great qualification to have when the man wants the biggest and most demanding job in the land.
Jim A., I am fascinated to learn that Pena's wife worked in the front office at KC! Tell me more about how she booted him as manager! ;-)
Marianne,
She booted him out of his HOUSE. He got divorced and evidently it was a nasty situation so he left KC to take care of his personal issues.
Jon K- A-Rod will not go to Boston. If he leaves NY, it will be because he is, as Bomber puts it, thin-skinned so Boston is not the place for him either. Plus, they will and should resign their excellent third basemen Lowell. It's hard to believe Lowell was a throw-in during the Beckett trade and Boston did not want him so much that it almost broke the deal.
If A-Rod leaves the Yanks, I could live with Lowell replacing him.
Man Decides To Sell His Yankee Fandom
[quote]
Yankee fan cries foul – on eBay
October 23, 2007
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071023/NEWS01/710230355
Will Forest, 50, of Montpelier is auctioning off on eBay his life-long loyalty to the New York Yankees as a protest of what he says is the mistreatment of former manager Joe Torre.
MONTPELIER — For Will Forest, the famous pinstripes of the New York Yankees have been ingrained in him almost from Day One.
Soon after he was born 50 years ago last April, his grandfather, a lifelong Yankees fan, stood over his daughter and her newborn, and welcomed his grandson into the world with a blessing of fresh allegiance by passing the Yankees' torch to another generation of fandom.
"He stood over me and said, 'Yankees.' That's the way the story goes," Forest said from his River Street-based Mexican pottery and furniture store, Sur Al Norte, on Monday morning.
But now, partly in protest and partly as a fundraiser for a charity that rescues animals from Mexico, Forest is putting a price on five decades of team loyalty.
More accurately, bidders on eBay — the widely popular online auction house — are calculating what they deem to be a fair price for Forest's devotion, and to which team Forest now will be placing his allegiance.
"Anyone who has known me for a while knows this is a big thing," said Forest, who grew up in Wayne, N.J.
Less than a week after Yankee's management made Manager Joe Torre a one-year offer to return to work – which Torre declined – Forest had had enough.
[b]
"I couldn't believe it," he said of the loss of Torre that sent many Yankees' fans into a tailspin last week, days after the team was ousted from the playoffs. "I just couldn't imagine what (the Yankees' front office) was thinking."[/b]
The more he chatted up his legion of baseball buddies, the more irritated Forest became at the way Torre was let go, writing on the auction listing that "the Yankees and I have to part ways."He went on, "When you give 50 years, how can it not be? However, this is the best way I can make a statement to the Yankee management for the undignified way they treated a dignified man who did a fabulous job," he said.
Forest characterized the divorce as amicable.
When the auction idea came to him late last week, he mentioned it to Bill Nowlin, a Red Sox historian and author, co-founder of Rounder Records and a longtime friend.
"I found the idea very entertaining," Nowlin said, describing his former employee as a "kind" Yankee fan. "It sounded like a fun thing to do."
[b]Nowlin, the author of "Blood Feud: The Red Sox, the Yankees, and the Struggle of Good versus Evil," said he believes it's good for any loyal fan to occasionally test his convictions. "Any team goes through its ups and downs," he said.[/b]
Forest sat on the idea a day. Because he uses eBay daily in his business, he said he knows the intricacies of how the auction house works, and how online stunts can both make a statement and raise money.
Some famous stunts have included selling the image of the Virgin Mary on a burned grilled cheese sandwich and, more recently, someone put Belgium up for grabs.
So Forest stepped up to the plate.
In his reasons for splitting with the Yankees, Forest wrote a detailed history of his loyalty.
"As a kid my grandfather used to tell me stories of Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra, Casey Stengel and the crew. I associated the grace and dignity that was my grandfather with that of the Yankees," he wrote. "I loved them both very deeply."
He went on: "I never wavered. I grew up listening to the Scooter, collected and dog-eared every Yankee baseball card … I dreamed of shagging flies in Death Valley. When as a young teen working at a car wash … I almost had a seizure when I wiped down Roy White's car and he tipped me a buck."
Hi loyalty, indeed, seems to have a price.
Since Saturday morning, more than 550 potential bidders have viewed his "loyalty bid," and several bids had been made. As of Monday afternoon, Forest's devotion was worth all of $127.50.
Soon after he posted the item, word of his baseball treason hit online chat rooms. He called to warn some of his closer friends — many of them Red Sox fans — as well as his baseball-loving son, Spencer, 20, who lives in Montreal. (Forest has two other sons: a 23-year-old who lives in New York, and a 7-year-old here in Montpelier.)
All of the money raised in the auction will go to Compassion Without Borders, a California-based organization that rescues dogs and other distressed animals from Mexico.
[b]"I am not getting a penny from this," Forest said, adding that he would be shipping the winner his beloved 20-year-old Yankees' jacket, as well.
The winner picks the team he will be loyal to from here on out –"even the — gulp — Red Sox or Mets" he says – and the winner "can check in with me any time and ask me where my new team is in the standings, starting rotation, what the next week's schedule is. I'm a man of my word and this will be my team."
[/b]
So what do the Yankees think of Forest's statement?
On Monday afternoon, the Yankees' front office had not heard about nor seen the eBay listing. But after reviewing it, Jason Zillo, head of media relations for the Yankees, said the team had no comment.
"I'll never hate or bash the Yankees (after the auction closes). If my new team doesn't make the playoffs, I'll probably root for them," Forest said.
And regardless of where his loyalty ends up on Oct. 30, one thing is certain: "I will never sell my loyalty to baseball. I can promise you that."
Then, he added, "I'm pretty sure my grandfather would approve."[/quote]
If the guy is willing to sell out, we don't need him as a Yankee fan. Good riddance jack*ss, I hope someone from Boston "wins" your loyalty.
Ken Rosenthal- Mitchell investigation raises questions
[quote]
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7365076?MSNHPHMA
When I interviewed Paul Byrd about his use of human growth hormone, he had a question of his own for me.
[b]
"Isn't George Mitchell with the Red Sox?"
Yes, I replied, he is.[/b]
And the mere fact that Byrd raised the issue demonstrates anew that Major League Baseball has a problem.
When the leader of a supposedly independent investigation is affiliated with a party under investigation, it's Conflict of Interest 101.
The Red Sox are one of 30 major-league clubs. Mitchell, the point man in baseball's steroids investigation, is a member of their board of directors.
Byrd wasn't the only one who found the connection unsettling when the San Francisco Chronicle reported his purchase of nearly $25,000 worth of HGH and syringes on the day of the deciding game between the Indians and Red Sox.
Other Indians found the timing suspicious: Why was this story coming out now? To them, it was a significant distraction, hours before the biggest game of their lives.
On Monday, Mitchell found it necessary to release a statement from his New York office formally denying that he leaked the information on Byrd.
"Neither I nor any member of my investigative staff had anything whatsoever to do with the publication of the allegations about Mr. Byrd," the statement said. "We had no prior knowledge of those allegations, and we first learned of them, along with the rest of the public, through news accounts."
If Mitchell had no prior knowledge of these allegations, then you have to wonder just how well his investigation is going. But the perception of bias might be an even bigger problem.
I don't think Mitchell leaked the story. I doubt he would favor the Red Sox. I expect his report to be impartial, befitting a former Senate majority leader.
But really, who cares what I think?
You don't have to be a professor of ethics to understand that the appearance of conflict is almost as damaging as the conflict itself. Concerns about Mitchell's objectivity, even if unfounded, diminish his long-awaited report.
Baseball started its investigation after the publication of "Game of Shadows," a book alleging steroid use by Barry Bonds and other pro athletes affiliated with BALCO.
Mitchell's report is expected to shed light on those shadows, revealing the names of star players who used performance-enhancing drugs. But the questions about Mitchell amount to new shadows — unnecessary shadows, considering that commissioner Bud Selig could have chosen someone else to lead its investigation.
[b]
Byrd would only allow that he was "disappointed in the timing" of the story. He probably understands that he is in no position to cast aspersions on Mitchell after leaving so many questions of his own unanswered. The Indians, likewise, will keep their frustrations to themselves, rather than face reprisal from MLB[/b].
[b]
Regardless, Mitchell is the issue. He is affiliated not only with the Red Sox but also is chairman of ESPN's parent company, the Walt Disney Company. Disney, like Fox, is in business with MLB.
[/b]
I shouldn't need to point all this out a year-and-a-half into an investigation. Players shouldn't have to be worry about it, either. After all, if anyone should be sensitive to the appearance of conflict, it's a former U.S. Senator. But Mitchell has scoffed at such talk, promising a fair, thorough investigation. Selig has been equally dismissive, speaking repeatedly of the senator's "impeccable credentials."
What would you expect them to say?
The report is expected to be released after the World Series, but Mitchell will remain a target for those who question whether he truly is independent. In the end, the fairness and thoroughness of his report will be in the eye of the beholder.
Consider these scenarios: Mitchell's report names five Yankees stars and two Red Sox reserves. Or, he fingers a dozen Red Sox and years later it is revealed that he missed two dozen more. Even if his investigation is impeccable, people will ask questions.
"Isn't George Mitchell with the Red Sox?"
Yes, he is.
And there's no getting around that.
[/quote]
Mitchell is a part owner of the Sox. The Investigation is a joke. The timing of the Byrd announcement is curious. Espn = Nespn . That's why Espn's pro Redsox because Mitchel's chairman of ESPN's parent company, the Walt Disney Company. The Yankees and other teams in baseball have more of an uphill battle to the World Series with Selig as commissioner- Mitchell and Selig are "Best Buds".
ESPN is not just pro-Red Sox. They are pro-Yankees too.
I've never bought into that "ESPN is anti-Yankees" nonsense.
That is why both teams get more coverage than any teams in MLB. It's not even close.
It's all about the Benjamins.
Anon,
Actually Mitchell is not a part owner of the Red Sox.
As a director he might have some future equity if the RS were ever sold.
Before accepting his present charge he should have stepped down as a RS director if he wanted to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Not having taken this precaution, he has to accept that his integrity will be questioned, even if he is conducting a perfectly impartial investigation.
//Evil Empire II
The Red Sox have become everything they supposedly hate about the Yankees. By their own reasoning, if they win, they will have bought a championship, with a bloated payroll three times greater than any of the other final four teams.
//
F-YOU Anonymous!
The Red Sox got tired of coming in second place every fricken year because NY has more money than God to spend on overpaid All Stars (although it's really gotten them no where).
You know the old saying: If you can't beat them...Join them!
Sucks coming in second place doesn't it?
....get use to it!
Sox in 4
What crappy winter it's going to be down in the BIG Apple when the Red Sox win the World Series for the second time in four years!
The BEST TEAM IN BASEBALL should be the World Series Champs for 2007....don't 'cha think?
I do! GO BOSTON!
The BEST SPORTS TOWN IN AMERICA with the most winning teams! Hands Down! No comparison!
The City of Champions!
The City of Champions!
------------------------------
And sex scandals involving religious figures and young boys.
If you agree w/Viper then you're agreeing with a 5 year old. His mommy can on this blog once and told him to go clean his room down in the basement or his watching televison rights were going to be taken away from him.
He's the biggest loser on this blog. next to Dr. Acula on the LoHud blog
Hey wait a minute Mr. Cook..NY DID beat Boston last night!
Knicks beat the Celtics...woo hoo...yeah baby! Go NY!!!!!
Knicks win! Knicks win! Thuuuuuugggggg KNICKS WIN!
I only posted that because some dingbat was actually on this blog the other day boasting about the Celtics 3-0 record. I don't think they knew it was the pre-season. Hahahaha
Spoiled Arrogance are Redsox Fans and Bostons Fans.. The Redsox won in 2004, yet they still moaning and groaning that One championship is not enough... Enough with Redsox mentality that They're Underdogs. The Celtics won 16 championships and Pats won 3 supebowls , How would you feel as Jets and Knicks Fans like myself who never won a championships near fourty years. The Redsox are new Evil Empire thanks to Larry "Lucifer" Lucchinno. The Yankees have homegrown players than Redsox. Redsox are bunch of Mercanaries on their team. Don't tell Big Papi and Manny came up from Redsox Farm system. Also, Lugo, Jd Drew, Beckett, Matsuzaka, Crisp, Lowell [former Yankees farmhand]. I think Jason Varitek "aka Captain of Redsox" should not be captain instead of Trot Nixon which Redsox management decided not to resign.
Hints indicate that the baseball people favor Girardi while the Steinbrenners favor Mattingly. These seem to have been their respective positions going into the interview process and it appears that they have not changed, although Girardi interviewed very well and Mattingly now has something to live up to. Pena figures as the long shot.
Just my perception from all I've read and heard.
Um..Anon- That sounds pretty pathetic.
Let's not become those whiny fans who cry about being bullied around by the better teams.
This is simple, the Sox had a better team this year. The great thing about baseball is there is always next year. Yankee fans have nothing to be ashamed of, we've had a great 12 year run and it isn't exactly over yet.
It's probably a good thing that the junior high schooler who writes like a 10 year old doesn't like me very much.
Mr. Cook, these are the New York Yankees, the same Yankees that won the division 12 straight years and 4 title in 5 years. The same Yankees that let go the second winningest (is that a word?) manager of all time because second place isn't good enough. For now, your little team has but one title in 87 years, and but for the incompetence of the Cleveland Indians, your team would home eating chowder and crying in their Sam Adams, all the while pretending that somehow the evil empire is responsible for falling apart in the playoffs. Of course they did not and a title may still be in the cards, but Anon is right, the woe-is-me Sux fan can cry all they want about the evil empire so long as you acknowledge what you have become.
What do you say we take up a collection and tell Mr. Forest that that the new team he is to root for is the New York Yankees, the new New York Yankees, one that develops it's players, has three good young studs in the rotation, and good young management (hopefully). I don't know who said it last week, but this feels like 1995 all over again, and I think we are poised for another dynastic run. I'm grateful everyday I'm a Yankee fan and not a Royals fan, a Mets fan, or (most importantly) a Sux fan. Now let's all pull for the Colorado Rockies, shall we?
What's with the Red Sox love? These are the same stupid fans who had employees of the team start a fight with a relief pitcher in 03. The same fans who constantly show no class. You think their team would of stood on the dugout stands and clap for the Yankees after they won a World Series? Listen boys and girls. The rivalry of the Yankees and the Sox is this. 26 to 4. The argument of the hammer versus the nail. We are the hammer. Stop with the love in. Don't be classless like them. Have you ever heard a Red Sox suck chant in uninsion at Yankee Stadium? They are not too be looked up to as this great organization. I respect two guys on that team. Ortiz and Ramirez. They are clutch and they let their bats doing their talking. So that's it about them. I am actually rooting for them so other idiot fans(Mets) can see the strenghth of the AL. Have pride in the team you root for. The Yankees have made the playoffs 12 straight years. They have won 4 World Series Crowns in that run. And i know it isn't over yet. Just remember the year 1961. I see the parallels.
Phil good post, though I take issue with rooting for any of them. Ramirez doesn't play the game right, loafs out of the box admiring his work on what he thinks is a homer and ends stretching a solid double into a single. He shows up when he feels like it, thus having no respect for his teammates and the game in general. I was a big Pee-Pee fan until he ran his mouth about how a singles hitter has no business winning an MVP (get a glove on and trot your sorry fat-a*& onto the field and play some defense, will ya?) You are paid to play the game and the sportswriters are paid to decide who gets what awards.
No, they are the enemy. We root for none of them...
Yankees = Class, Sox = What is Class?
Here's another instance show why Yankees fan have class and that Sox fans dont even know what class is...
Judge orders seven fans to write essays on what they have learned
BOSTON -- Seven rowdy Red Sox fans have a homework assignment, and it has nothing to do with baseball.
A judge has ordered them to write a five-page essay explaining what they have learned from their experience of being arrested after the Red Sox won the American League Championship Series on Sunday night.
The defendants must also provide proof to the court that their parents are aware of their arrests.
The seven were among 26 people -- many of them college students -- charged with disorderly conduct charges. A spokesman for the Suffolk District Attorney's office says many were arrested for ignoring police orders to clear the area around Fenway Park after the game.
Some in the crowd threw rocks and bottles at police.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
Mel Stottlemyre named Mariners' pitching coach. Sounds like Bowa will go out there as 3rd base coach.
Mariano Rivera quoted in today's NY Daily news as saying that Joe Torre not returning to the Yankees will not factor into his decision making.
Sounds like the Yankees and Posada are close on a 3 year $40 mil contract - Rivera will end up getting about the same. Making them both the highest paid at their positions and giving them contracts that will probably ensure they retire with the Yankees.
Looks like the only player the Yankees will have to look into replacing is Alex. Is there any interest in a trade for Scott Rolen? Maybe Abreu for Rolen straight up? I know Rolen has been hurt off and on the last couple of seasons, but he's terrific defensively and a legit right handed bat. He makes 13 mil a year for the next 3 years and has a poor relationship with Tony LaRussa
Michael Z, Manny would never go down as a great teammate because of his antics. But his skill as hitter is what amazes me. But you convinced me to not root for the Sox. You are right on about that.
Take care
Keep in mind when you compare Red Sox and Yankees fans that Boston is a small place. Any one of the five boroughs of New York City is larger and in many ways probably more sophisticated. Boston has only one baseball team. We have two major league (down from a high of three), and two minor league teams. Fans there have very little reason to know or understand comparative baseball. Boston fans are rabid about their one team, but not particularly knowledgable. There is no reason to hate them for this, it is what it is, and it is all they know. To get into a stew about RS fans and what they do and know, or don't do and don't know, is beneath the level that we hope most Yankee fans reach.
Why don't you guys just lay off the R\Sox and focus on what the Yanks can do to "not" repeat this season's early exit? As I posted earlier, they knew the Yanks would have trouble getting by Clev. and "dumped" the tougher\"quicker" 1st round schedule on the Yankees. Give the R\Sox hierarchy credit for having a brain. They knew the Yanks were the biggest obstacle on the way to a championship, and they got around that obstacle without even getting their hands "dirty". They proved, "the shortest distance between 2 points isn't always a straight line".
Roy
The Red Sox took the longer series because they wanted to give Papelbon more time off between appearances and with Wakefield's bad back and Bucholtz's bad shoulder they only had 3 viable starters for the first round.
Hey Roy, Did the Sox call up the midges too? Come on now, don't be a fool. The freaking Yankees lost because of the bugs. See i just said it. If Torre was more proactive and pulled his team off the field, instead of being an observer, he would STILL be the manager of the Yankees. Why don't you lick Theo's boots while you are at it. Theo didn't make the trade that has saved the Sox's asses. Beckett was done during his sabactical. So stop with the envy.
If your not "envious" of being in the World Series, something is wrong with you. The R\Sox knew they could easily get by the injury depleted Angels with either schedule. Their selection was with the Yanks in mind. Let's bury the dead and look ahead to the Yankee team in "08".
Speaking of the '08 team, it looks like the NYY strategy may be to make a big offer to AR before his opt-out deadline, on a take-it-or-leave it basis like the one they tried with JT. Whatever he responds they can say we tried.
Have they learned from the Torre fiasco to either make a real offer if you want the guy or don't make an offer at all?
I say they make a serious, compelling offer this time.
NSH -
I'm getting a little sick of everyone hammering the Yankees for the offer they made to Torre.
If 1 year $5 mil with the potential of making $16 mil over 2 years in an insult then I really wish someone would insult me like that.
Joe still would have been the highest paid manager in the game, by far.
It all comes down to just how much H\H really want A-OPT. Thus far, H\H have shown they are a walking PR disaster. This is "on the job training" with these 2. The manner is which they "handle" the managerial hiring, and its aftermath, will show if they are "quick learners". I believe A-OPT believes he can get at least $30 million a yr. for the next 7 yrs on the "open market". Any Yankee offer which totals less than that, will be refused, and he will use that Yankee offer as a starting point for negotiations with other teams.
Jim A
Ohh no you did not!!!
mattingly"s exit in 96 was absed on the sholwater fiasco , the New manager Torre asked for him to remain be a bench player and mattingly after expressing or taking sides decided to retire. he only came back after Steinbrenner came at him and the lingering GUILT of not being part of the 96 team (they gave him a ring and everything) he decided to come back. matingly had NUMEROUS run in with upper mgmt on petty issues and in response to critisim on behalf of his back. that being said einstien the issue would be the SAME issues that could plague Girardi should be examined in Mattingly's case as well.
This is not a Time for EXPERIMENTS this is a time to acheive that title.
And the question to Don is if the team is in a rut and the press and Mgmy critisizes your performance as manager would you be able to deal with that or would you have a hissy fit. As a BUSINESS man one should be allowed to express concern for that especially if your hiring one to be a LEADER.
have a nice day
Chip,
I believe Joe Crede is a free agent isn't he? The White Sox seem to have moved on from him with their rookie Josh Fields so I'd like to see Crede before any trade for Rolen, who always seems to be unhappy about something and that shoulder cannot be in good shape at all. Of course Crede's back has always been an issue but if he's healthy, he's pretty good. I don't really want to see Abreu go to be honest with you. I think he gave more to the team than we give him credit for. Sure he got off to a bad start but who didn't besides A-Rod? He finished the year up well and drove in 101 runs, that's not too bad.
Bomber,
I was joking when I wrote that post, lighten up dude! In case you haven't noticed, I agree with you, I don't want Mattingly to manage this team.
I know he pouted when Buck got fired and he learned a hard lesson as he screwed himself out of a ring, but he's still my boy.
Chip -
Great point what the ____ on here fail to realize is that the mans pact was UP. what they fail to realize that his previous contract was rewarded for his efforts prior, meaning he had been rewarded for the 4 WS, this offer was an reward for the 3 years since his last pact which resulted in the greatest collaspe and 3 first round exits , a great feat to make the playoff's but not enough to merit 7 mil dollars so in that they tried to reward him 5 mil (still highest paid by 2 mil ) and incentives , torre felt that he don't need incentives and personally he is right , but thsi is not a PERSONAL thing but a TEAM thing and the same players who fought for you when you was done are the same that destroyed you and seemingly played like they was not motivated.
Roy somehow believes that that Sux orchestrated a playoff matchup between the Yanks and Indians in the first round, huh? I won't even ask him to bother explaining this.
I personally think Torre has gotten sick of this. After every little accomplishment, the man broke down and started crying. The pressure cooker of the media and relentless George wore down a man who was getting ever closer to retirement. Again, who cares what the media says about JT's supposed snubbing, it's time for us to look ahead and focus on the task at hand (I say this as a bystander who most sit pat and watch frm the sidelines).
I would hate to see A-Rod go, but it's time to realize that one doesn't need a mega-star to win a championship, but rather, a collection of players that function as a team. I would offer him a five year extension at $33 million and move on. If he rejects it (and no one will pay him more), then he'll go down as a mercenary and a playoff failure and we'll spend the money elsewhere. Lowell and 2 other upgrades may be better than putting all the money in the A-Rod basket anyway. Just how many championships did Seattle, Texas, and the Yankees win with the "greatest player in the game anyway"? If all he cares about is money (and he proves to be little more than a Boras puppet), then I say good riddance....
Bomber,
That was one of the most ridiculous points (with no merit at all) that I've seen on this blog.
Well, since the last time Professor Roy indulged us with his own brand of brilliance.
How soon we forget that Mattingly himself gave the Yankees his blessing to get Tino Martinez from Seattle.
Bomber likes to make up stuff as we go along.
Again gentlemen, sign Rowand, trade Melky in an Escobar\Braves deal. Escobar goes to 3B, giving the Yanks an outfield of Damon, Rowand and Abreu, leaving Matsui and Giambi to deal with over the DH slot. Please no Giambi at 1B.
Sweeny Murti makes a great point on his blog today:
Don Mattingly is next up. Here's the thing that gets me. I understand he's never managed before, but he didn't just fall off the turnip truck ya know. Just as an aside, I've never actually seen a turnip truck nor can I profess to know of its past existence in any shape or form. But it's a nice little saying, isn't it?
Anyway…back to Don Mattingly. This guy was a bona fide star in Yankee pinstripes for over a decade. He played under managers like Billy Martin, Yogi Berra, and Lou Piniella. There's a guy named Buck Showalter he was pretty tight with too. And he coached under Joe Torre for 4 years. You think maybe the guy picked up a thing or two along the way?
I understand there's no substitute for actually managing a baseball game. You always have to be thinking four steps ahead and making sure you're prepared for any scenario. It doesn't mean the decisions you make will always turn out right…the players control that more than the manager. But we're talking about a smart guy who's been through a lot of baseball games and not just in Evansville, Indiana. This guy played his entire career in the Bronx. He spent many years as the best player on average to bad teams and had to be the stand-up spokesman for those teams. Dealing with the New York media?? You think anybody had to deal with it more than Don Mattingly back then? And as far as meddling from ownership, just go look up the great haircut flap of 1991 and tell me if he hasn't been there and done that.
People have acted like his nickname is "Donnie Tow-Truck Driver" or "Donnie Grocery Bagger." Nothing personal against those professions, but his nickname is Donnie BASEBALL. And I'm pretty sure he's learned a thing or two about the game over the years.
Roy's playing fantasy baseball again....
I'm used to getting "dog piled", but lay off the Bronx Bomber. He has access to info you guys would sell your souls for.
Chip/Bomber-
Come on, you guys have to put yourself in Torre's position and let's pretend we're in his income bracket for a bit too (in case you aren't already).
He already said the numbers didn't bother him, it was the "incentive" structure of the contract that was an embarrassment and I have to agree with him. He would have looked small not only to the fans and media, but to his players had he accepted that deal. They would have been pressing themselves even more in the playoffs by thinking "oh man, I just cost Joe a million bucks!".
The Yankees were wrong the way they handled this and it was simply because they didn't have the guts to fire him, which is what they should have done. They should have just bitten the bullet and fired him if they didn't want him around. They could've said "Thanks Joe, but it's time for us to move on as the team is getting younger and we don't want to ask you to make the hard personnel decisions involving veterans that is upon us".
Then, they have a Joe Torre day at the stadium and be done with it, but this was sneaky and insulting to his pride, not his wallet. He may be a quiet, gentle guy but I bet he has a ton of pride (I'm Italian like him so I know how that stubborn pride can sometimes get in the way).
Either way we all feel, it's over and it's time to find the new guy.
Phil?
Are you saying there was no "Boston Sucks" chant in New York?
Really
REALLY?
Sully, Not after the first game of the series opener. How about those good old 'Roger' chants. See Yankee fans are not obsessed with the Sox. That's your deal. You and Met fan's are always suffering from pinstripe envy. It's in your D.N.A. Your grandpa's and grandma's had pinstripe envy. So did your parents, and now its your turn. I know the score. So their you have it Sully. Deal with it Red Sox fan!!
No Sully. We let our players take care of that when they sign autographs. BTW, I see I get to watch my Rangers on VS tonight. I can't wait to watch the PBR World Finals from Mandalay Bay!
Roy, you say that so matter of factly...are you suggesting a Melky f