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A New York Yankees blog by Chad Jennings and the staff of The Journal News


Donnie Baseball makes a stand

Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Oct 09, 2007 Print This Post Print This Post | Email This Post Email This Post

Don Mattingly on Joe Torre:

“Let me put it this way, and it’s really pretty simple for me. He deserves to be treated with respect. No matter what happens, no matter what the decision is, Joe Torre needs to be treated with respect.

“Anything less than that, to me, would be unacceptable. He deserves that. You don’t hear him talk bad about the organization; you don’t hear him talk bad about any members of it. You don’t hear nothing negative from Joe in those terms. He’s handled himself with class. He needs to be treated with respect. … He has demanded it in a sense by the way he’s treated everyone and the job that he did.”

Strong words from the bench coach, especially considering he’s a candidate for the job.

 
 

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99 Responses to “Donnie Baseball makes a stand”

  1. Mike NYY--27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 8:17 pm

    Read the post on my blog about my thoughts on the manager situation if you get a chance please

  2. ams223 October 9th, 2007 at 8:19 pm

    donnie is the definition of a true Yankee. This comment just shows why he is the leading candidate!!

  3. Stephen October 9th, 2007 at 8:20 pm

    This statement has bothered me all day. Other coaches and all the players have stood by Torre and said he should stay, and the manager-in-waiting talks about he deserves respect as he’s fired.

    I know Mattingly is sainted around these parts (and rightly so), but this message just rubbed me the wrong way.

  4. Rebecca--Nothing beats Optimism! October 9th, 2007 at 8:22 pm

    This is turning really nasty really quick.

  5. Jonathon October 9th, 2007 at 8:23 pm

    I’ll ask again…Why you don’t get rid of a guy who commands the respect of so many?

  6. J-Dawg October 9th, 2007 at 8:25 pm

    I’ll tell you one thing, Mattingly is really doing a great job of selling himself. He is already showing initiative and drive like this can only help him when he is considered as the next manager. He is standing up for what he believes in and he is unafraid of any repercussions that his words might have. He could be the guy.

  7. Jonathon October 9th, 2007 at 8:25 pm

    That should be…

    Why do you get rid of a guy who commands the respect of so many?

  8. EdFl October 9th, 2007 at 8:26 pm

    Peter,
    That statement by Donnie answers part of your question why people like Donnie so much.

  9. Vader October 9th, 2007 at 8:26 pm

    Stephen what are you reading? I must be missing something. It sounds like he is saying that if Torre is not re-hired than he should be treated with the respect he deserves.

  10. Mike NYY--27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 8:28 pm

    Off topic but here’s a story I have

    In the middle of June with the Yankees looking dead and the Red Sawx doing great I made a bet with a Red Sox fan on a forum I visit (Baseball-fever.com check it out, its pretty cool)

    “If the Yankees last longer than the Red Sox do than you have to wear and Yankees avatar and sig until Manny reports to ST

    If the Red Sox last longer than the Yankees than I have to wear a Red Sox avatar and sig until New Years Day”

    At that point ironically the Yankees turned around their season and started winning. I actually was pretty confident I`d win going into October. However, sadly I lost but its only two months at least. In 2004 one member had to wear a Boston avatar/sig from Novemebr through April

  11. Carson October 9th, 2007 at 8:29 pm

    I agree completely with Stephen. Mattingly, knowingly or unknowingly, is talking about Torre in the past tense, whereas everyone else refuses to accept that he has been fired.

    I can understand how he might be excited about the prospect of being appointed as the manager, but he needs to show some of that class that people expect from him.

  12. Jeff October 9th, 2007 at 8:30 pm

    What is Mattingly supposed to say, “Yeah, obviously I want Joe’s job and can’t wait when it’s my turn to be in control. Joe has held us back.”? LOL

  13. Ravi October 9th, 2007 at 8:31 pm

    General manager Brian Cashman said the club was just beginning its decision-making process and he would soon meet with ownership.

    “Have some patience. Things take time. There will be a process and we’ll work through that, and it will lead us where it leads us,� Cashman said.

    Why isn’t Cashman endorsing Joe and supporting him now. Joe had to work with the lousy pitching staff that Cash assembled and I would hate to see him not pay the price. Hire Torre back and get a new GM, who can focus on local young talent instaed of bringing in several over the hill losers.

  14. Vader October 9th, 2007 at 8:35 pm

    Carson Torres’ contract has expired, he can not be fired and please point out the past tense you.

  15. J-Dawg October 9th, 2007 at 8:36 pm

    Cashman has been focusing on local young talent.

  16. Larry October 9th, 2007 at 8:37 pm

    Peter, you look so much different than how I might of thought. Good interview, well spoken. I think you hit the nail on the head. We need A-Rod more than he needs us, but if he is a baseball historian, certainly he puts more stock in going in to the HOF as a Yankee, right?…. …. …. …. right? :)

  17. Motown Yankee Fan October 9th, 2007 at 8:39 pm

    Ravi – I think Cashman has been focusing on young, homegrown talent, and has been avoiding bringing older players with longer contracts. Pettitte and Mussina both got two year deals, Clemens just one year. I doubt Cash will sign any veteran not named Alex to a contract longer than three years. We’ve seen some good young talent this year and I think we will see more in the coming years.

  18. VOIII October 9th, 2007 at 8:40 pm

    Pete,
    Now you know why Mattingly is held in such high regard by Yankee fans…(Going back to the post a day or so ago) He is as classy and professional as they come. Oh, and he knows a little something about baseball and how it is supposed to be played….

  19. J-Dawg October 9th, 2007 at 8:43 pm

    Yes, in years past the Yankees definitely would have at least looked at Barry Zito last year. They may have also looked at Gil Meche. But they allowed Cashman to stick to his guns and not get locked into those long-term deals. Just like Zito and Meche commanded 7 and 5 year deals, Cashman went the safe route and signed Andy Pettitte to a 1-year deal with a player option for next year. This year the Yankees introduced Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Ian Kennedy to the big leagues. Now THAT’s local young talent!

  20. willis October 9th, 2007 at 8:44 pm

    Peter

    Thanks for a great blog.
    Whats your gut feeling, who will be manager on opening day and will Arod be there as a Yankee?

  21. Mike NYY--27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 8:45 pm

    By the way, I have to brag that I predicted Zito to have an ERA over 4.30 before the season. Sorry, done now :)

  22. ~Adam. October 9th, 2007 at 8:45 pm

    We Yankees fans expect too much.

    We expect a World Series every year. We expect our team to make decisions… leterally over night.

    Take it from me, I used to work for Yankees Magazine… THe Yankees are a business, just like your business, or just like the business you work for… except there are 9 million repoters around. Would you expect any business to make any major decision about it’s future less than 24 hours after the end of its fiscal year? Froget about the reporters. Peter’s got a job to do too, and that’s to keep you reading. The Steinbrenner thing in the Daily News was probably fake. Get over it.

    If the Yankees knew what was best for themselves from any kind of business standpoint, they’d give Joe Torre another three years… and groom a successor. Don’t listen to Pete, or the Post, or the News, or the Times…. they’re all just trying to get readers, it’s business.

    “The Yankees” as a business, are taking the day off.

    Get a life.

  23. .i. October 9th, 2007 at 8:48 pm

    mattingly talks the talk but he cant walk the walk. to me, as a manager he is all bark and no bite, good player though.

  24. Yankees Chick October 9th, 2007 at 8:51 pm

    like joe, donnie baseball is a class-act.

    and “.i.”, donnie has never BEEN a manager, so how do you know he “is all bark and no bite” as a manager? me confused.

  25. B YANKS October 9th, 2007 at 8:52 pm

    just fire torre already and let this drama all end.

  26. Dave October 9th, 2007 at 8:53 pm

    The way the game is today, a successful franchise needs a blend of youth with upside and a certain amount of veterans to guide them while still able to play well enough themselves to show example.
    The Yankees are attempting to win while at the same time go through a transition of getting younger – a delicate balance to achieve maximum chemistry. The phasing out of contracts like those of Giambi and Mussina are part of the process.

  27. Drive 4-5 October 9th, 2007 at 8:53 pm

    Well said VOIII.

    Last week said he Pete didnt understand why Mattingly got the loudest ovation when introduced at the Stadium.

    During the Ugly Eighties Don Mattingly not only gave us pride with his flawless play, he was a beacon of class and decency as opposed to Steinbrenner’s Howie Spira et al embarassments.

  28. Drive 4-5 October 9th, 2007 at 8:55 pm

    I need new glasses. I cant type for nuthin :)

  29. J-Dawg--Torre's contract is up, he doesn't have to be fired! October 9th, 2007 at 8:56 pm

    Torre doesn’t have to be fired, just replaced. His contract has expired. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones never fired Tom Landry, he just moved on without him and hired Jimmy Johnson. The Yankees have the same situation. They don’t have to fire Torre, just name a replacement and move on.

  30. Bronxie Brenda October 9th, 2007 at 8:57 pm

    Very good ~ Adam. You’ve just made easy work to many in taking the guesswork out of why you used to work for Yankees Magazine. Past tense.

  31. VOIII October 9th, 2007 at 9:00 pm

    I love all this Mattingly doesn’t have the experience BS…Since when did Baseball become rocket science? Eric Wedge wasn’t all that experienced was he? How did Girardi do with no managing experience? Oh yeah that’s right he won NL manager of the year!!!!The only thing needed on a resume to manage this team will be a knowledge of the game and the ability to handle the NY media and George. I think Donnie freaken Baseball can handle that. When did Torre become a God? All year everyone’s ripping him for his BP management and the line-up changes and now he’s the life blood of the organization. The guy cost totaly got out managed in almost every Post Season since 2000 and has been lost since Zimmer left. The 2004 collapse was an embarasment to the sport. He had something to do with that. Like not pitching around Big fat Papi, Like not bunting on Schilling just to name a few mistakes of many in that series. The man should be revered and should get a boatload of respect. However he should not get a lifetime pass to the manager’s office. Donnie will be fine…

  32. Enoch October 9th, 2007 at 9:01 pm

    Sign Alex to an extension, re-up Mo and Posasda for three, pick up Abreu’s one year option, convert Matsui to 1B, and go get one more pitcher and some middle relief.

  33. Paul9 October 9th, 2007 at 9:01 pm

    I just don’t see how they don’t bring him back. Give him a few more years, let him groom Donnie a little more then he can go out with glory. Donnie is right Joe deserves some respect here. He has done nothing but be a class act for this organization.

  34. snowballa October 9th, 2007 at 9:05 pm

    I’d rather have Girardi.

  35. Jim Clark October 9th, 2007 at 9:05 pm

    Are the Steinbrenners boiling tar and gathering feathers in monument park? Or are they lighting torches and carrying pitchforks like the simple Frankenstein villagers? Has Mattingly “pulled a Sherman” and said he will refuse the Yankee job if Torre isn’t offered an extension?

  36. Bob October 9th, 2007 at 9:07 pm

    This whole thing is being mishandled by everyone involved. But that’s to be expected given the culture George created.

    You’d think if all involved just had the best interests of the team involved they would have figured out all of this behind closed doors, and I’m sure Torre would have been big enough to come out and “pass the torch” to Mattingly(if that’s indeed who it’s gonna be). Torre’s loyalist players would be more likely to stay if it happened that way I would guess. Mattingly wouldn’t have to be in the awkward situation he’s in.

    George should have kept his mouth shut. Nothing good came of that stupid interview the other day. Nothing.

  37. Truck October 9th, 2007 at 9:08 pm

    I think a lot of us are torn between our own love of Torre for the memories he has provided us as fans (after all, he’s been one of the few remaining people in the dugout from the glorious run in the late 90s) and our desire to get something new. We don’t blame the manager, we point at all the players and say: They’re not producing. What more can Joe do?

    I don’t know, myself. I don’t know if ther eis anything else that Joe can do. I love the guy as a person and a manager, and if he comes back, I’ll be happy.

    But if he isn’t brought back (remember his contract is UP. He’s not being “fired.”) Then I hope we get another “True Yankee” in his seat.

    No one is bigger than the Yankees. Not even The Boss (I mean Steinbrenner, not Springsteen.)

    The Yankees have had an incredible run, but maybe another manager would change the dynamic in a way that would make them perform better in the post season. They seem to do fine in the regular season. Torre’s failure has really only been, lately, in the post season.

    And even if Torre leaves. It doesn’t mean he’s gone forever. Unlike players, Managers aren’t limited to age 45 (46? 47? let us know Roger.)

    We’ll all still be here. Even if we lose those beautiful players that gave us all the best baseball memories of our lives. Because we’re Yankee fans. And we love the Yankees.

  38. CB October 9th, 2007 at 9:10 pm

    Mattingly has made his respect and feelings for Torre clear throughout and has defended him repeatedly over the course of the season, especially at the start when there were rumblings of joe being in trouble.

    He’s a class act. If people want to read some devious motive behind these statements so be it. Mattingly has been on the up and up on this throughout.

    It’s amazing that the near universal respect that the players and Cashman have for Joe seem to mean so little.

    Welcome to the 1980′s.

  39. Truck October 9th, 2007 at 9:10 pm

    Oh yeah. I echo the statements of Paul9. At least in terms of DOING the right thing: Re-sign him to a 1-3 year contract and say that’ll be the end of his tenure. Name a successor in the last year or whatever.

    It would give EVERYONE a chance to say goodbye and give him respect and love that we want to.

  40. Carl's neighbor October 9th, 2007 at 9:10 pm

    Many are anxiously awaiting a statement to back Torre from none other than Carl Pavano himself who singlehandedly put a hex on the 2007 Yankees by toeing the mound on Opening Day.

  41. Mike NYY--27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 9:12 pm

    Many are anxiously awaiting a statement to back Torre from none other than Carl Pavano himself who singlehandedly put a hex on the 2007 Yankees by toeing the mound on Opening Day.

    I don;t doubt it

    I bet he`s feeling extremely dissapointed his team didn’t manage to pull it out in the end. he was probably throwing things at the TV ;)

  42. Bob October 9th, 2007 at 9:13 pm

    Of course no one ever really knows what a person truly is like, but I really don’t think Mattingly is the kind of guy who would be campaigning for Joe to be let go.

    He hasn’t hidden the fact he wants to mange and may very well have been promised the job when Torre is gone. That doesn’t mean he is trying to force him out.

    I really don’t want to see the media start to vilify Mattingly with no reasons other than speculation.

  43. Mike NYY--27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 9:14 pm

    What did Boras just say on ESPNews?

  44. Mike NYY--27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 9:15 pm

    NVM, meant Rosenhaus

  45. catya October 9th, 2007 at 9:18 pm

    JIM cLARK,NO THEY ARE JUST NUTS TO TREAT jOE WITH ANYTHING LESS THAN RESPECT AT THIS TIME!!!

  46. NYCSox = Scum of the earth. October 9th, 2007 at 9:20 pm

    Maybe Donnie knows it’s a done deal.

  47. CB October 9th, 2007 at 9:21 pm

    Truck,

    Very well said. Everything does have to come to an end and something does need to be changed regarding the dynamic in the playoffs.

    I personally don’t think the major factor in this lack of playoff success is Joe. Baseball is just not like football where the coach impacts games in a concrete fashion. Joe isn’t perfect but no manager is. They’ve had tremendous success with him at the helm and that’s just being discounted now. In many ways he’s a victim of his own success.

    Anything beside 4 world series in 6 years is perceived as a dissappointment.

    That said, it is difficult to get rid of all the players, especially when you have an all star at every position. How do they no hit in the post season? The pitching you can see what the problems are. The hitting is mystifying.

    Either way its inexcusable what they are doing with Torre and unclear how any of these potential candidates are going to change that playoff dynamic.

  48. Drive 4-5 October 9th, 2007 at 9:26 pm

    I saw Steinbrenner’s entrance into Yankee Stadium Sunday night with my own eyes. He shuffled more than walked, his face was expressionless and sagging. He needs help to move. The man is obviously not well. I’ve had members of my family stricken with Alzheimer’s. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if George was in the beginning stages. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

  49. We Miss Paulie October 9th, 2007 at 9:26 pm

    I’m confused about Donnie’s statement. First of all, who is disrespecting Torre? Anyone, except maybe a few reporters in Westchester? It sounds like the more we make of not respecting him, its going to rutn into an issue. Lets see how the Boss handles it and everyone else shut up.

    There is no firing going on. The question is if the Yankees want to re-hire Joe.

    But secondly, Donnie’s statement sounds a bit disingenuous, I hope not, but possibly. He’s obviously gunning for the job and its an opportunity for him to make some noise. I love Donnie, but maybe he should just stand pat and let it play out.

  50. Jim from LI October 9th, 2007 at 9:26 pm

    I just hope we don’t get another weeping Joe Torre being re-hired one month into the season.(ala Billy)after Mattingly is fired (ala Yogi). Its happened before.

  51. J-Dawg--Torre's contract is up, he doesn't have to be fired! October 9th, 2007 at 9:28 pm

    Mike- Carl would have to throw things at the TV with his left hand, of course. We wouldn’t want to harm that magical surgically repaired right elbow!

  52. NYY October 9th, 2007 at 9:29 pm

    Breaking news

    Roger Clemens is going to be back next season and Yankees are also in talks with David for a return to the Yankees next season(The Rocket never retires). Also Yanks are in talks with Chad Pennington of the NY Jets to make the opening day roster for 2008 as the starting Pitcher. LOL.

  53. Dr. Acula October 9th, 2007 at 9:34 pm

    Wow. Digging around I found that Peter made atleast THREE apperances today on ESPN.

    http://tinyurl.com/2kgqej

    In this clip, Peter reviews the issues facing the Yankees

    I’ll post Peter’s 3rd clip, along with some other interesting interviews, including Cashman, overnite.

  54. F.D. New Rochelle October 9th, 2007 at 9:35 pm

    There’s many managers that realize that they’ve been hired to be fired. Since the game itself began, a manager is always the scapegoat for the failures of a team. That will never change. You can’t fire 25 players. As soon as a manager stops pushing the right buttons, he’s gone. Some just push them longer than others.

  55. murphydog October 9th, 2007 at 9:42 pm

    I appreciate Mattingly standing up for Joe, but what exactly amounts to “respect for Joe” at this point, prior to a decision being announced?

    As I see it, no one at Yankee HQ was prepared to make a decision on whether Joe stayed or left prior to seeing how the ALDS turned out. Is that what constitutes disrespect in Donnie’s eyes? That’s not a very reasonable position knowing that you all work for George and winning is the only thing and that the team has been sent home in the first round the last three years.

    Now Cashman says we have a process to go through. A new contract for Joe would require negotiation and that takes time. Similarly, deciding that they are really sure they want Torre to go away requires some gut checking and that takes time too. Either way, it’s a good thing, not a bad thing, that Cashman thinks some time will pass before a decision is reached as long as it’s not an unreasonable amount of time.

    I think Mattingly should have ignored Steinbrenner’s remarks and talked instead about trusting the Yankee process to be fair to Joe, and waited until a decision was announced. Then he could justifiably set fire to everything if the decision was a bad one or it was handled the wrong way or it took way too long. What’s Donnie accomplished by making this an issue of “respect” when we don’t know the outcome of “the process” yet or how soon a decision may be rendered? Donnie spoke too soon.

    In the meantime, Joe should have dinner with the St Louis owners and see whether Big Stein gets jealous.

  56. DC October 9th, 2007 at 9:46 pm

    I do not think Mattingly is the answer. He is too much like Joe but with no experience. for that matter they might as well keep Joe. If they go with LaRussa they risk losing guys like, Jorge, Andy and Mariano. I think if the want a change in coaching style but want to keep peace with the veterans they should bring in Joe Girardi.

  57. Stewie G October 9th, 2007 at 9:46 pm

    Does anyone have or know where to hear the audio of Suzyn Waldman crying from yesterday?

  58. Dr. Acula October 9th, 2007 at 9:46 pm

    I think there’s still hope for Torre.

    http://www.boston.com/news/glo.....07cat?pg=3

    It’s not like Oscar da Mystic Cat is hold a vigil outside Yankee Stadium. ;)

  59. migames October 9th, 2007 at 9:49 pm

    the longer the yankees wait on making a decision, the more the fans will get use to the possibilty that torre might stay. We were all convinced in the 2nd inning last night that he wouldnt make it to midnight, by the 9th inning we had accepted it. By this morning we were moving on. By the afternoon we started to doubt, now, it seems its might be up in the air. The more they wait, the worst the backlash will be. I have a feeling this will be ugly when the yankees make, what seems now to be, their unpopular decision in not bringing back torre.

  60. Dr. Acula October 9th, 2007 at 9:49 pm

    Stewie G-

    why yes, I do know someone who has the Suzy clip.

    http://tinyurl.com/2xaaay

    It’s a HOOT – Sterling has to remind her nobody died. I set the audio to pictures (naturally), unfortunately I couldnt find any good pictures of Suzy, so I used photos of Kim Jones instead; which makes it even funnier. ;)

  61. Carson October 9th, 2007 at 9:52 pm

    Dr. Acula, who is the redheaded chick you have right in the middle of all the kim jones pictures in your susan waldman video?

  62. pat m in CT October 9th, 2007 at 9:53 pm

    I’m stunned that anyone would read anything less than honorable in what Don Mattingly said. Anyone who followed this team in the 80s on a daily basis knows that this was a team first guy who would NEVER say anything against another teammate in public or to the press. If he had an issue with a teammate back then, he’d say it to the player privately with as little fuss as possible. You might read about it much later on in the papers (and I said “might”). I’d imagine that holds just as true today with the manager.

  63. Stewie G October 9th, 2007 at 9:56 pm

    Dr. A.

    Just listened to it. That was great and listening to Sterlibg try to console her was even more funnier. I enjoyed listening to her when she first started on WFAN years ago. But ever since she switched over to the radio side, shes gone downhill.

    Thanks for the audio.

  64. CB October 9th, 2007 at 10:23 pm

    pat m,

    Completely agree. The idea that people are reading negative intentions into what Donnie said or the idea that he was being disingenuous is completely off mark. That’s completely, entirely out of character for mattingly. He’s never shown any back stabbing characteristics in the past.

    That’s just people reading a quote and interpreting it cynically. Mattingly loves Torre. There is no way he’s angling for that job by making damning statements in the press.

  65. Seany Boy October 9th, 2007 at 10:29 pm

    hey everyone just wanted you guys to know that Pete is gonna be on WFAN around 10:40, with Marc Malusis. Topic: shocker here, Yanks.

  66. jennifer 27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 10:32 pm

    Seany Boy you beat me to it!! I was just getting on to let everyone know.

  67. jennifer 27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 10:34 pm

    Question, isn’t what Boras is doing considered tampering. He is after all still under contract. How can he speak publically about what he thinks he is worth.

  68. hmmm October 9th, 2007 at 10:35 pm

    “Why isn’t Cashman endorsing Joe and supporting him now. Joe had to work with the lousy pitching staff that Cash assembled and I would hate to see him not pay the price. Hire Torre back and get a new GM, who can focus on local young talent instaed of bringing in several over the hill losers.”

    you are clueless.

    really, you don’t think Cashman is focused on young talent?
    were you watching this season?

    Melky
    Cano
    Wang
    Hughes
    Joba
    Kennedy
    Duncan

    plenty more in the pipeline.

    why don’t you bring your criticism back to 2004 when it actually made sense?

  69. Chris, NY October 9th, 2007 at 10:37 pm

    Just like everyone on this blog, as a true Yanks fan, I’ve felt nothing but sadness today with the results last night. It was the end of an era. I lived my prime years through Joe Torre. I remember watching Charlie Hayes catch that foul ball in 1996 when I was 13 years old. I teared when Paul O’Neill, Tino, BERNIE, etc. left. This is why last night hit me hard. The rest of our heart – Torre, Posada, Mo may be going as well. If we don;t re-sign Posada and Mo, they’ll be a publci outcry.

  70. jennifer 27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 10:38 pm

    And as someone pointed out, how can Cash endorse him, if someones mind is made up in the organization than it looks as though Cash has no juice in the org. it reflects poorly on him.

  71. jennifer 27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 10:41 pm

    What is everyones limit on a contract for Alex? Years/money?

    I think to give him a 10 year contract is nuts! Yeah he is producing now, but who knows 4-5-6 years from now.

    For my money he still has 4 years left on this deal at very good money, it is absolutley sick that his money hungry agent wants something in the range of half a BBBBBILLION dollars!! I wouldn’t see that money in a million lifetimes!!

  72. Strummerson October 9th, 2007 at 10:41 pm

    GRAMMATICAL CLARIFICATION

    Mattingly’s statement contains no past perfect. His use of past is imperfect.

    “Pete’s blog was great” = past perfect, i.e. the blog is past tense and exists only in the past

    “Pete’s blog has been great” = past imperfect, i.e. it includes the possibility of continuing

  73. hmmm October 9th, 2007 at 10:42 pm

    “Question, isn’t what Boras is doing considered tampering. He is after all still under contract. How can he speak publically about what he thinks he is worth.”

    jennifer, i don’t see how this is tampering. it’s only tampering if he starts talking to other teams to see how much they would be willing to pay.

    he is alex’s agent. it’s his job to say that alex is worth 1 bajillion dollars.

  74. hmmm October 9th, 2007 at 10:44 pm

    “For my money he still has 4 years left on this deal at very good money, it is absolutley sick that his money hungry agent wants something in the range of half a BBBBBILLION dollars!! ”

    well, it’s 3 years.

    and it’s Boras’ JOB to say that. no one is going to give him $500M. but when you are negotiating you always want to ask for the moon first, right?

  75. Bronx Bomber October 9th, 2007 at 10:45 pm

    Dr. Acula…is there any more of that Waldman Clubhouse report you can post? I’d like to hear it in its entirety.

    Great job with these links…

  76. Chris, NY October 9th, 2007 at 10:45 pm

    2008 Yankees:

    Coach: Geez, PLEASE DONT LET IT BE TONY LARUSSA! He is essentially the same as Torre. We need a younger coach to achor this rebuilding team.
    Starting Pitching is set:

    #1 – Pettite – a strong veteran to anchor the rotation, we need Andy back!
    #2 – Wang
    #3 – Hughes
    #4 – Chamberlain
    #5 – Kennedy

    Other options: Humberto Sanchez, Minor League. I just can;t see the Yanks bringing in another veteran. The rotation looks to be set and young and exciting! We need help in the bullpen.

    As far as Mussina goes, he is a #5 at best. The only way I see Mussina getting in the rotation is if Pettite doesn’t return or Chamberlain stays in the bullpen.

    Position Player Moves:

    1B – Andy Philips/Shelly Duncan platoon – dump Doug Meintkiewicz – Philips and Duncan are just as good defensively, and both have alot more pop than Dougie.
    2B – Cano
    SS – Jeter
    3B – HOPEFULLY A-Rod, if not, free agent to be named
    CF – Melky
    LF – Matsui – has showed signs of decline, but stil stuck with him for 2 years
    RF – ?

    We’re still stuck with Giambi for one more year, dont know where he fits into this.

    Damon is another question.

    Lots of questions, lots of old guys that we want to dump but we cant yet (Mussina, Giambi), etc. etc.

    Should be an interesting offseason!

  77. jennifer 27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 10:46 pm

    But I don’t trust Boras as far as I can throw him. Everyone knows that with Nancy Drew, he knew the deal he would get from the soxs. So I wouldn’t be shocked if he knows the deals that would be out there for Alex, in fact I’d bet my life savings on it. Okay well maybe not. But he knows!

    Pete Abe on now.

  78. YankeeJosh October 9th, 2007 at 10:47 pm

    PeteAbe on the Fan now.

  79. Brandon October 9th, 2007 at 10:55 pm

    Pete you need a segment on WFAN really because Sweeny Murti does nothing for me

  80. Brandon October 9th, 2007 at 10:57 pm

    Pete is trying to get Philip Hughes, Melky and Ian Kennedy traded for Santana :(

  81. YankeeJosh October 9th, 2007 at 10:59 pm

    PeteAbe-

    Sorry, I don’t trade Melky, Kennedy and Hughes for Santana. Johan is great but I don’t give up two high ceiling young quality arms for ONE older (but still in his prime) starter. Maybe I’d trade one, but not two.

  82. Brandon October 9th, 2007 at 11:00 pm

    why not wait for Johan to be a FA, he’s 1 yr. away

  83. jennifer 27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 11:01 pm

    Pete- good job, one complaint or comment. you’re nuts trade Kennedy, Phil and Melky! NO NO NO!!

  84. jennifer 27 in 07 October 9th, 2007 at 11:02 pm

    Also regarding your comment on Donnie, if you’ve read thru these comments most of us don’t want Donnie as the manager. There would be no need for explanation by the Yankees.

  85. YankeeJosh October 9th, 2007 at 11:03 pm

    Brandon,

    Johan can sign a contract extension with a team he gets traded too. No sure thing he hits free agency.

    Hughes and Kennedy can give you 60 starts a year. Santana only gives 30. Hughes also seems to be coming in to his own. I want Santana, preferably as a free agent, but that is too high a price to pay.

  86. jennifer October 9th, 2007 at 11:03 pm

    :( just realized my old name showed up. :( I can’t believe baseball is over!

  87. jennifer October 9th, 2007 at 11:04 pm

    Plus Hughes and kennedy’s combined salary is 600,000. Where as Johan would be commanding 28 million or so.

  88. Brandon October 9th, 2007 at 11:05 pm

    Dr.Acula, get some Waldman pics on that video I like Kim Jones keep her out of that

  89. YankeeJosh October 9th, 2007 at 11:07 pm

    Jennifer, excellent point. In addition to losing depth, you’d be taking on salary with Santana. Kennedy may not have as high an upside as the others so Id consider it, but Joba and Hughes are almost untouchable imo.

  90. Brandon October 9th, 2007 at 11:15 pm

    here Jennifer..

    http://blog.masslive.com/tunin.....04-320.JPG

  91. Tommy October 9th, 2007 at 11:16 pm

    Brandon is right. Don’t trash Kim by equating her with Waldmyn. Kim Jones is one of the few I will listen to on YES. I like her attempts to elicit something resembling personality from Jeter in the postgames. Keep up the great work. I heard somewhere that she might be let go from YES.

    No trades for Santana. PLEASE! I’m down with throwing FA$ at him when the time comes. Especially with Petite gone and Moose gone as well.

  92. li October 9th, 2007 at 11:28 pm

    Not quite sure what Mattingly would bring to the table that Torre doesn’t change for changes sake I guess sometimes that makes sense, but I think if the Boss does something it should be all the way not incremental.

  93. Global Warming October 9th, 2007 at 11:39 pm

    Dr Acula you are a surgeon with those clips.

    Thanks.

  94. pat m in CT October 9th, 2007 at 11:45 pm

    CB

    I’m gonna guess that the people who read negatively into Mattingly’s comments are too young or didn’t follow the team to have remembered Mattingly as a ballplayer and as a clubhouse presence. If I’m wrong, I apologize.

    I’m curious as to where the Mattingly is a Torre clone idea comes from though. Because he sat next to him for the last 2 seasons? Because his demeanor is calm and low-key?

    Yes he has no managerial experience. But FWIW, he was a damn smart player –no mental mistakes or bad baserunning. None. He was the captain. He commanded respect thru his example (and with the occaisional word behind the scenes). He played for this team when it was still a contending team, when no free agent would come here because of the Boss, when it finished in last, and when it finally made it back to the postseason. He played under Yogi,Piniella, Billy, Dent, Stump Merrill, Dallas Green and Showalter (did I miss someone there?). Don’t you think he learned a thing or two under them as well as Joe?

    I don’t know if he’s the right choice to succeed Joe. Given the requirements of the job and how passionately so many feel about Torre, who is? It’s going to be a rough ride for whoever does come in. I just hope that the team gets off to a good enough start so the new manager can get acclimated. And that the fans give him a grace period before 2nd guessing moves.

  95. Dr. Acula October 10th, 2007 at 12:24 am

    Carson-

    She was on “Yankees’ Road Trip” (in with the keeping Yankee orientation).

    She had the perfect “shocked” look.

  96. G. Love October 10th, 2007 at 12:52 am

    I wonder if Mattingly found out for certain that the Yankees have already reached out to LaRussa?

    That might explain some of the comments. Perhaps he found out he’s not 1st in line as promised and he’s pissed.

    Personally, I think he has more character than that, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

  97. Dr. Acula October 10th, 2007 at 1:09 am

    Here’s the full clip Suzy Waldman crying

    http://tinyurl.com/yqphzaclip

    Runs 6:53

  98. Dr. Acula October 10th, 2007 at 1:19 am

    Regarding Mattingly:

    http://tinyurl.com/2fl7pr

    Here’s a short clip. To me, it looks like Donnie is speaking up, on behalf of Joe.

  99. Twenty-Three Grannies October 10th, 2007 at 2:21 am

    I still feel as we should go after a big pitcher like Santana. I wouldn’t want to see Joba, Hughes, IPK, or perhpas some other prospects get traded form him, but for some FA’s and some cash that seems doable. I think with the possibility of Pettitte and Clemens gone it’s worth it to solidify our rotation with another pitcher who’s been around, since Moose is the only guy we can count on.

    AS far as a managerial standpoint, I wouldn’t mind Joe G if we can clear him as a suitable manager, and that the FO problems from the Marlins wasn’t his fault. Mattingly would be my second.

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