Love the way that Carl just advertises how to get a tough Yankee at-bat out. Abreu seems like a really nice guy who’s really adjusted well. Maybe he’ll have an even better season. I wish Shef would just shut up. He’s out of New York and he’s still a pain in the…Good to Steven White on the mend. Whatever it was really sounded serious.

Pete, tell Hendricks not to come back unless he has Clemens with him! lol

As for phillie fans disliking Bobby’s patience and knack for drawing walks, keep in mind that these are a lot of the same people who route for the Eagles.

Speaking of which, still no word on his situation?

If Abreu’s patience truly “infuriated” the Phillies, they were nuts. Abreu gave the Phillies consistently excellent production by any standard, and his huge walk totals and ability to grind out at bats were a big part of that.

It’s satisfying to see that the team puts so much faith in Abreu’s style of play. I think Torre and Mattingly’s comments flesh out the “don’t wait for home runs” post from last week – the Yankees, unlike many teams, grasp the value of getting on base whether by hit or by walk. They understand that if they pressure Abreu to hit for power, they may cause him to take fewer pitches, draw fewer walks, and generally become a less effective hitter.

I don’t know if he has the right to reject the assignment and declare himself a free agent.

Peter you have been a lifeline throughout a dreary winter season. Thanks for what you do. It’s refereshing to be treated as an adult by an “insider”. Thanks again.

I hear that Nieves is a good defender, and they would not bring him up for his bat. In the minors I think he batted under .250 but I could be wrong. I definetely remember his numbers being very unimpressive.