Checking in on a few topics
-
- November
- 16
Vacation update: Fresh off the Springsteen show, I took my niece to see Fred Claus today after school. Good flick for kids with the added benefit of Elizabeth Banks in a minor role. Wish me luck, I’m babysitting my 2-year-old nephew tomorrow and he’s a terror.
Meanwhile, a few thoughts on the recent news:
A-Rod: He and Scott Boras look like chumps to come crawling back. But everybody benefits in the end because the Yankees needed a third baseman and right-handed power. But giving him an incentive package tied to home run plateaus is a poorly conceived idea. Is the point to win championships or set records? Such a clause would further label Alex as a player more concerned with himself. Not that there was much question of that.
Barry Bonds: I think Bonds is a cheating creep and doesn’t belong in the Hall of Fame. But doesn’t the government have other things that are more pressing? You need a loan to get a tank of gas, some kid shoots up a school every few months and there seems to be no honorable way out of Iraq. I understand steroids are a problem. But chase down the dealers, not the players.
Mariano Rivera: I’m an advocate of the players getting whatever they can. But a three-year, $45 million deal for a relief pitcher is huge. Mo showed cracks last season and turns 38 in two weeks. Four years are a lot to ask. If he can get that from another team, good for him.
OK, back to vacation. Feel free not to e-mail me.
This entry was posted
on Friday, November 16th, 2007 at 8:19 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Arod and Boras duped the yanks.
Enjoy thanksgiving.
Pete, I’m all for chasing down the dealers but the only reason Bonds is actually in trouble is for lying to the grand jury. If Giambi had committed perjury, he would be getting in trouble too.
Hi, everybody. Can someone help? I am seeking this information:
1. When do single-game tickets for 2008 go on sale?
2. How much do they (or did 2007 tix) cost?
3. What is the best place for a family with children ages 1-8 sit in the Stadium?
We definitely want to get the kids to the Stadium in its last year so they can have some keepsake photos for generations to come. Thanks!
Not as many Bonds jerseys in the streets of SF today. People out here are crushed. They really pulled for him, and went nuts over the record chasing. If you ask them about steriods, a bay area person will say Bonds was targeted, and everyone does it. Yea well exept Hank Aaron. Modern day SF Giants fans remind me of a buddy who can’t admit his girl is cheating on him.
AROD is set to do many great things. Hopefully, there will never be any speculation on the authenticity of his accomplishments. It will be worth putting up with his antics to see it done in pinstripes. He will have a few rings to boot if Cash keeps pumping out the pitching prospects.
Has anyone heard anything on Canseco’s book with “dirt on AROD?” I suspect it has to do with the strippers, not roids/HGH.
Hey Pete, it’s entirely possible for the federal government to prosecute Barry Bonds and do other stuff too. If they’re not, it’s for reasons other than BALCO!
I just don’t get it.
http://tinyurl.com/yq873c
What do people see in Elizabeth Banks?
Dr. A, she’s no Ernie Banks, that’s for sure.
Any news on Lowell? I would much rather save the money and use it and Giambi’s expiring contact as down payments on Texeira and a number 1 pitcher (hopefully Santana).
I understand steroids are a problem. But chase down the dealers, not the players.—————
I hate this argument of “Don’t they have something better to do?” Just because there’s a war in Iraq and worse crimes does not decriminalize other offenses such as perjury. And the whole point is that there WERE going after the dealers and MAKERS of steroids—in this case Victor Conte and his BALCO cohorts—and Barry Bonds impeded their case.
Good point, Jay. Next time I get pulled over for speeding, I ask the cop, “Don’t you have better things to do?”
“Arod and Boras duped the yanks.”
i think this is fairly naive.
that doesn’t mean that i don’t agree that the whole thing was a charade. it probably was.
but the yankees were not “duped”. they were willing to play along because they WANTED to sign Alex. and they did sign Alex. everyone keeps forgetting that. the yankees did not hold ALL the cards as some people seem to think, b/c they desired the services of Alex for the rest of his career.
they had a number they had calculated at the end of the season for how high they were willing to go with Alex. they subtracted the Texas money from that number. end of story.
everyone got exactly what they wanted.
A Boston tv station said earlier that he was leaning toward the Yankees
We absolutely do not need Lowell on the team. Nice guy, decent player, but last I heard, he doesn’t pitch.
Great article on A-Rod pushing Boras’ advice aside when signing with the Mariners:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/sports/baseball/16rodriguez.html?_r=2&ref=baseball&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
What does Iraq, gas, and kids shooting up schools have to do with prosecuting someone for lieing to a grand jury? absolutely nothing
Niven, I thought you were going with a riddle there!
Just sign off of a Redsox blog. It seems they think Lowell will sign with the Yanks. If this is a ploy, I think if might fail.
I was looking forward to a Miranda-Duncan plattoon next year to…. :*(
Travis, I believe you can visit http://www.yankees.com to find out when single game tickets go on sale, and possibly last years ticket prices. The best place to sit with a family and young children would probably be behind the plate in the box seats. You are protected from foul balls with the screen but you also get a fantastic look at the ballgame. It wont be cheap but for a person in your situation looking for lasting memories that shouldnt be a problem right? Hope this helps.
On second thought about Lowell, I`m hearing that he was never offered arbitration so the Yankees wouldn’t give Boston draft picks if they signed him.
I dont think the Yankees braintrust expect Mike Lowell to say yes to that contract offer and play firstbase. More of a gratutitous offer with the hopes that it makes the Redsux ante up and move off of their current 3 year $36-39 mil offer. Little Theo doesn’t like to make 4 year offers to 34 year old players.
Hmm…
Kenny Rogers fired Boras… Maybe a certain someone should follow suit?
Pete you said that you’re an advocate of players getting as much as they can for Mo, but you call A-Rod a chump? Double Standard much?
Hi, Hugh. Thanks for the reply. I have visited the Yankees’ site and can’t find any information about 2008 tickets, or single-game prices from last year. I appreciate the advice on seat locations – we do, indeed, want to have a memorable visit.
Re4 Sox Blog is hearsay, nothing official.
If life were perfect…... 1) Mo signs on for three more years, 2) Plenty of choices at thirdbase, and c) Bonds admits taking steroids….
Barry Bonds caper, even though he lied it still has to be proven in a SF Court, he won`t be convicted
I think Lowell and Mo will take the three years
Mo is no longer Mr Automatic, don`t think the Yankees will up their offer.Sit tight and offer arb when the time comes.
Peter,
Your constant bashing of ARod is petty, unprofessional, and is damaging your credibility.
For example: You called him a liar for saying all year that he loved NY, but his recent actions demonstrate the truth of those words.
You said he “finally became his own man” after years of being a Boras puppet, but, as other outlets have reported, he went around Boras when he first signed with the Mariners when Boras wanted him to hold out, and he went against Boras’ advice when he signed away his arbitration years.
And, obviously, your aliens comment destroyed what little of your credibility was left on the subject. Your bias caused you to dismiss out of hand the rumors of his return, instead of even trying to obtain one of the biggest stories on your beat.
I love your blog, but your obvious personal bias against ARod is seriously damaging your credibility.
I shutter to think what people would be saying about Alex if he was being investigated for a failure to pay taxes.
Travis:
I don’t think the 2008 schedule is finalized yet.
I also thought that tix always went on sale sometime after the New Year. Not positive of that though.
If the Yanks do sign Lowell they should put him at 3rd, then A-Rod in Center. Lowell is a good 3rd Baseman and the Yankees would get insane production out of 4 spots that most teams would’nt dream of (SS,C,CF,2B)...The Corner outfielders are more than adequate, and there are options at 1B in, S. Duncan/J. Miranda/W. Betimet…DH and LF can be handled by rotating Giambi, Damon and Matsui…Bench is extremely deep. All that’s left is to upgrade the BP and to throw 20 million at Petitte and hope he unretires…
I don’t think Alex came back because he loves New York. I think he came back because he couldn’t get more money elsewhere. Let’s not give him too much credit.
take the lil ones to Bee Movie pete. we took our little girl and we all loved it. Very creative.
Tommy, thanks. The schedule is finalized, I think, because people already are selling tix to specific games (and dates) from their season packages on Stub Hub. You should see some of the asking prices!
I mean this with nothing but respect and thanks –
you’re doing a really crappy job of going on vacation. Chill out. Rest and relax and stop coming back here for the rest of your vacation.
Travis,
Wrong, wrong, wrong. It’s been reported that the financial paramters of ARod’s deal were finalized last weekend, which is even before other teams could talk to him about money. So there’s no evidence that he couldn’t get more elsewhere. And Hank Steinbrenner said that ARod could have gotten more if he signed somwhere else.
Nope. A-Rod has trouble with flyballs, unlike the SS, who is great at catching flyballs, but has no range up the middle.
Um, OK, Clare.
If I recall correctly tickets usually go on sale in December. I know which game I’m buying first.
Travis,
I’d suggest ebay over stubhub. I’ve gotten reasonable tickets there. And I think the very best place to sit is also the cheapest, in the upper level (tier reserved) behind home plate – around sections 1-12. You have the best view of the entire field and are much closer to the field than you are in the upper level at other parks.
Jennifer, which game, the last one?
Thanks, Clare, I appreciate that info.
ARod got exactly what he wanted. Yanks wanted 8 years, he got 10 years. Yanks expected to pay much less than $300 million, he will share profits when he reaches the record setting homer and will make $300 million.Never underestimate ARod or overestimate Yankee management.
I don’t have any problem with the marketing package tied to the HR totals.
Barring injury, AROD could break the record by the end of 2013. He’ll be only 38 then, still viable, with every HR after that merely icing on his own record.
I don’t think expunging the record he’ll be passing will serve much purpose.
Bonds’ career will not disappear no matter how much some people want it to.
Warts and all, Bonds is a Major part of Baseball History.
Iraq, gas prices and school shootings have nothing to do with Bonds,yes.
But the credibility or perception of the lack thereof, regarding the Federal apparatus investigating him is very relevant.
Bonds, through his defiance, may be forcing the hand of agents who have the ability to deal him serious consequences. That is reality.
But in the court of public opinion, perception is often reality, and ultimately he might not suffer as much in that realm as many seem to think.
Travis, yes!! That game will be gone first!
Excellent, excellent point, Jennifer. Talk about being a part of history!
Lying to a grand jury is a serious crime that has nothing to do with steroids. This is the same crime that got President Clinton censured, Martha Stewart thrown in jail, Scooter Libby convicted and Marion Jones disgraced. This is a serious crime.
SHH don’t give people ideas!!
Tommy
November 16th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
I don’t have any problem with the marketing package tied to the HR totals.
Barring injury, AROD could break the record by the end of 2013. He’ll be only 38 then, still viable, with every HR after that merely icing on his own record.
I don’t think expunging the record he’ll be passing will serve much purpose.
Bonds’ career will not disappear no matter how much some people want it to.
Warts and all, Bonds is a Major part of Baseball History.
Iraq, gas prices and school shootings have nothing to do with Bonds,yes.
But the credibility or perception of the lack thereof, regarding the Federal apparatus investigating him is very relevant.
Bonds, through his defiance, may be forcing the hand of agents who have the ability to deal him serious consequences. That is reality.
But in the court of public opinion, perception is often reality, and ultimately he might not suffer as much in that realm as many seem to think.
__
So, you don’t think there’s enough lawyers and politicans to handle more than one case or deal with a growong steroid problem and national security at the same time?
Jennifer, I definitely wouldn’t attend the last game and don’t think anyone else should, either. The traffic is bound to be atrocious.
GreenBeret7, I know first hand that Jackie Chiles has been hard up for new cases since Seinfeld went off the air almost a decade ago.
I’ll probably have to take the train in! I wonder if the parking situation will be worse this year. Any ideas?
“Yanks expected to pay much less than $300 million, he will share profits when he reaches the record setting homer and will make $300 million.Never underestimate ARod or overestimate Yankee management.”
right, b/c if he reaches the HR record as a Yankee it would mean the Yankees screwed up?
HRs help the yankees win games. if A-Rod hits a lot of HRs, it will mean he stayed healthy and productive for a long time. it will have been a successful outcome for both parties.
Bonds broke the law and deserves all that comes his way.
Bonds lied, under oath, to a federal grand jury. Everyone knows it. Of course they’re going to go after him, I guarantee he does some jail time.
Jennifer, I am the wrong person to ask about Bronx traffic. I don’t live near New York City and haven’t been to the Stadium since Dave Winfield was manning left field. Can’t wait to visit again.
Barry Bonds would be a more sympathetic person if he wasn’t so darn arrogant.
Tommy,
The court of public opinion is shaped by the media, which is why I’m so infuriated by comments from Peter about ARod like:
“Such a clause would further label Alex as a player more concerned with himself. Not that there was much question of that.”
Actually, the clause doesn’t lable Alex anything, writers like Peter have labeled him.
Does anyone say that Posada’s fourth year means that he’s selfishly putting his needs ahead of the team’s? No, and they shouldn’t.
I don’t know ARod, and he could be a totally selfish person, but he’s not a selfish player. He dives headfirst into 2nd stealing bases and slides hard to break up double plays, putting the needs of the team ahead of his own risk of injury. Even Peter has reported that he’s worked with the younger players, and someone else said that Melky was working out with ARod and his personal trainer every day during the season. I’m sure Melky wasn’t paying for the trainer.
I don’t know why this is bugging me so much tonight. It’s not like it’s anything new.
Jackie Chiles to Bonds: Did I tell you to put the balm on? Who told you to put the balm on? Do you know what a balm does?
“I shutter to think what people would be saying about Alex if he was being investigated for a failure to pay taxes.”
I said that to someone today. Jeter gets the benefit of the doubt and A-Rod gets the doubt no matter what the story is.
Travis – I purchased single game tickets last year the day they went on sale, and if I remember correctly, it was some time in January or February, more likely February. One thing to consider with kids; it it is a day game, try to be out of the sun in the summer. Although, the sun was a good thing when we went to those April games. Brrrr.
Jim, beautiful, just beautiful!
Motown, thanks for the advice. How did you purchase your tickets and were you able to get your choice of games?
Good point about the sun. I bet the fans bake out there in the summer heat.
Motown, I think it was December. I deleted all my emails, but I am almost 100% postive.
“What do people see in Elizabeth Banks?”
You must not be a guy, but thanks for the pics.
Jennifer I dont think the parking will be any worse then it was this year as I believe all the parking spaces that would be involved with the new stadium construction was already cordened off this past season. In all the games I went to I NEVER had a problem parking. Mind you I get there 2 hours before the games and always park in the lots or the garage.
I think single games dont go on sale until January as season ticket final payment are not due until then so they dont know which season ticket holders will be renewing and which flex games some will chose so until that time they dont have the alottment.
The problem with those going for last regular season game is you dont know until towards the end of the year if that actually is the last game as god willing we are in the post season so there will be more games.
I am curious on two fronts as a season tickety holder (partial) what if any options do we have for All Star game or weekend and how is the new stadium seating going to work in terms will you be able to get similar location to what you currently have or will they move you?
If anyone has any insight on those two things it would be great.
Doug
November 16th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
I think Lowell and Mo will take the three years
Doug, I don’t know what Mo will end up doing but I think there is little to no chance that Lowell will accept a 3 year contract from the Yankees. If Lowell was willing to take a 3 year deal he would have already accepted the 3 year offer from the Sox.
I did enjoy calling the Yankees ticket office – after hours, unfortunately, and no news about tickets was provided – and hearing the new skipper thank fans for calling.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061212123107AAot2D0
They went on sale Dec 20 last year.
UGH link won’t post! Last year they went on sale Dec 20, so it will likely be in Dec this year.
Green Beret7:
I’m not claiming Bonds is guilty or innocent of the specfic charges in the indictment.
I’m trying to point out that the US Attorney’s office that is prosecuting him came under scrutiny during the National DOJ scandal.
Kevin Ryan, the US Att. who began the case, resigned in Feb.07 for reasons related to the controversy. It is not clear that he is at fault in any way.
But Ryan did say on ESPN, that DOJ was dysfunctional which led to the Bonds case being drawn out as long as it was.
As far as perception goes, there are many in the country who don’t want any investigation, going so far to call it a witch hunt and calling on the race card.
That said, they have the right according to the law to pursue and seek the conviction.
I’m just trying to show that the villification of Bonds is far from universal.
Thanks, Jennifer, the December date from last year is a big help. Mom and Dad, if you’re reading, that would make a very nice Christmas gift for your only son.
Travis,
If you don’t mind the resultant spam, go to yankees.com and sign up, and they’ll send you emails about everything, including when single game tickets go on sale. If you want a big game, you really need to get tix as soon as they go on sale – either online or over the phone from ticketmaster. For “premium” games, meaning Boston, Angels, Mets, oldtimer’s day, opening day and I’m sure the last day, they won’t let you buy more than four at a time. It can be hard to get through right away when the tickets go on sale.
For my birthday last year I tried to buy tix for my whole family for an Angels game, and 3 of us sat by the rightfield foul pole and four by the leftfield pole, and I was online the minute they went on sale.
As I said, I’d recommend ebay about a month before the game.
gayle, it would still be the last regular season game, and they will be holding ceromies and such.
As far as All Star game, I’d give the pr dept a call and see if they know anything. I would totally bypass the ticket office.
Ray
I was talking about the 3 year deal that Boston has offered him.
I might just have to take half a day off of work and head up town. I have a friend that usually goes, and will pick up extras for me. But this season is truely special and I need to make sure to get that last game. I also think I am splitting either a Sunday or Saturday plan.
Doug,
Sorry for the confusion. Thanks for the clarification.
Clare, thanks for the great advice. This is especially important to know, since I have a family of five. I guess we’re not welcome at the big games.
For “premium†games, meaning Boston, Angels, Mets, oldtimer’s day, opening day and I’m sure the last day, they won’t let you buy more than four at a time.
I think he really was the 4 year deal offered by the Yanks, but he wont take it.
What does the Justice department have to do with the WOT or anything other than handling legal cases? There is a reason why there are different departments in Government. Or would you prefer that the Country shuts down all other operations and just focuses on the War in Iraq AND Afganistan?
For A-Rod to get a piece of the profits from HIM chasing and possibly attaining the Home Run record offends some people? Why should the Yankees be the only ones to profit from one player’s achievements? Yes, they pay his salary, but they aren’t doing his batting for him.
I also love how everyone seems to “know” what A-Rod’s motivations and thoughts are now. How can anyone say that A-Rod only wanted to be a Yankee OR A-Rod only did this because of the money? Maybe if you were Cynthia you could say it with some authority, but otherwise, no, you can’t. Its pure speculation.
Lowell
Travis you can thank ticket scaplers. Who knows they might expand it to more games.
Travis;
Here is a link to seating and ticket prices for 2007.
They say they will be the same in 2008.
Not on sale yet for 2008.
If you have a fanily there are sections that are alcohol free.
http://mlb.mlb.com/nyy/ticketing/seating_pricing.jsp
when does the 2008 schedule come out?
I am back from vacation, Pete, and I see you are way off base on the Bonds thing. Perjury and obstruction of justice are very serious events to U.S. Attorney’s offices. Here is how it works: They are more than willing to offer the little guy and minor criminals immunity to catch the bigger fish. Now all you have to do is tell the truth and assist the investigation. If you do that, you are safe from prosecution regardless of what you say to the grand jury. However, if you lie and they know you lied, you have been added to the target list. Protecting the process is as important as catching the bad guys. If they don’t protect the process, then it becomes far harder to catch the bad guys in the future because there is no threat if you skirt the truth. And I am not just talking about the BALCOs. There are also the Gottis and Castalanos and the Bin Ladens.
“I understand steroids are a problem. But chase down the dealers, not the players.”
Uh, Pete, Bonds wasn’t indicted for steroids, he was indicted for lying under oath and attempting to obstruct justice while the government was trying to prosecute dealers.
You’ll notice they’re not going after Giambi.
A-Point,
I agree, any comments as to ARod’s motivation are pure speculation. However, some speculation is more credible than others, and Peter’s speculation when it comes to ARod (which he presents as fact) is completely absurd.
Argggh, Ray. The C’s are still undefeated. Did you read that Wade called out Shaq?
Anyone hear about A-Rod doing a hip-hop album with Shaq? I could see it considering A-Rod recently bought Shaq’s house.
Clare, I agree. I just get so tired of the A-Rod bashing and trashing when people don’t really know.
While I don’t like the drama of the things with A-Rod, I still want him on the team I root for.
I don’t have a problem with opinions about why people think A-Rod acted as he did either. Its when it gets stated as if its a fact that really gets to me.
Seth Everett will be interviewing A-Rod tomorrow for MLB.com. He has been told that no official A-Rod announcement will come until possibly after Thanksgiving. Said no question is off limits and he will be asking about the opt out announcement, his relationship with Scott Boras and his talks with the Yankees since the opt out.
Everett said he has been told that incentives in A-Rod’s contract not likely to be tied to specific personal achievements.
Of course the government is right, but if a Yankee were in Bonds place, you guys would want leniency. Well, unless it was A-rod…
Where are those damn aliens in Central Park? Where?
A-Rod didn’t buy Shaq’s house.
Parrot Guy, thanks! I searched and searched for that link and couldn’t find it. Appreciate it!
Vacation my ass
We know you love your job so quit yer bitchin’
Any possibility the Yanks are going for Lowell to upset the red sox apple cart? To make them give up youth to get a 3rd baseman.
I see the bleachers are designated as alcohol-free. That sounds good to me, since I’ll have children with me. Is there any reason I wouldn’t want my family to sit in the bleachers?
Mel, If it were a Yankee I would not be happy about it, but would blame the player who is in trouble for doing wrong.
Wrong is wrong. No matter if they wear pinstripes or any other jersey colors.
Yanks In Spotlight
Although Barry Bonds has stolen most of the headlines today for his illegal activities, the New York Yankees have a criminal of their own. Derek Jeter, a.k.a. Mr. Perfect, apparently isn’t so perfect after all. According to the government, the Yankees’ captain owes the state of New York million of dollars for claiming on his tax returns that he lives in Florida when he actually resides in New York. Florida doesn’t have to pay income taxes, so Jeter hasn’t paid a cent. Apparently, that “C†on his uniform stands for “Cheater†or “Cheapskate.â€
Aside form their off-the-field problems, the Yankees have plenty of on-the-field issues to worry about too. Hall-of-Fame closer Mariano Rivera has rejected their absurd three-year, $45-million offer. The contract would have made Rivera that highest-paid reliever in baseball by far until he’s 40, which made about as much sense as cheating on your taxes when you have hundreds of millions of dollars. The only thing dumber than the offer was Rivera’s rejection of it—he wants a fourth year guaranteed—proving that A-Rod isn’t the only Pinstriper with a lower IQ than an autistic monkey.
Speaking of A-Rod, the Yankees and the image-conscious slugger have reached an agreement to bring Rodriguez back to New York. It will be for ten years and $275 million, the largest contract in the history of baseball, with massive incentives for setting the home run record. Between this, the Posada deal and Rivera’s offer, New York has now spent enough money this offseason to officially purchase a small country, which might not be such a bad idea. Their players could live there without paying taxes, and they wouldn’t have to get in trouble with the government.
http://www.nypress.com/blogx/display_blog.cfm?bid=13327431
travis, the lf bleachers are very far away…rf toward the foul line are better…watch out for the sun on hot days, bring caps and sun lotion…go early for bp…also they are the cheapest seats
Thanks, Marc. Good tips. I’ll take you up on the “go early for BP” suggestion!
Bryant,
Is the mlb interview for TV (or online video I guess), or a print article? And is Everett the same guy who did ARod’s last mlb interview?
In the last mlb interview the interviewer asked something ridiculous about the difference between ARod and Alex, and ARod looked at him like he was an idiot and said something like, well, they’re both me.
It should be interesting.
A-Point,
That’s admirable. Most people tend to downplay transgressions of their players…unless it’s Alex.
I still think people are taking extra pleasure with it because it’s Barry.
Marc, Even thoigh Lowell has never played 1b, he is smooth. They definitely could use an everyday guy there, and there’s no guarantee they get texiera in 09. Might not be a bad move, he’s a tough out a winner and clutch.
Right, I forgot about the bleachers when I said TR was cheapest. Sorry. But I wouldn’t want to sit there just because it’s so far away from the batter.
I’m heading for bed, but would like to thank everyone for their advice on tickets for 2008. If you read this thread later and have anything else to add, I’ll check again this weekend. Thanks again.
since nobody cared to answer me I talked to myself…before cell phones you saw that a lot.
“Pete you said that you’re an advocate of players getting as much as they can for Mo, but you call A-Rod a chump? Double Standard much?”
Pete is an A-Rod antogonist and goes to any length to bash him. I stopped paying attention to any thing negative Pete writes about A-Rod.
is anybody alive out there?
Sorry Marc,
I’ll talk! I’ve been ignoring Lowell because I just don’t like him. I don’t like what he did to Robbie and what he said about it afterwards. I have no problem with Minky’s injury, because I think that was unintentional and unavoidable, but the way he just lowered his shoulder into Robbie was uncalled for. But Robbie got the out anyway!
would you like lowell if he lowered his shoulder into somebody for us?
BBFan,
I agree, and I’ve been trying to ignore it, but the sheer volume of Pete’s bashing makes it hard to overlook.
he was an original yankee as you know
Marc,
Depends on the circumstances.
No, if he did it the same as he did to Robbie I wouldn’t like it. If he did it to a catcher blocking the plate, I’d be all for it.
But the smug, but that’s the way the Yankees taught me comment got on my nerves.
do you think yanks are for real wanting lowell or looking to force redsox into a trade ?
Marc,
Yes, I know. And I’m sure the comment was a tweak at us for trading him.
Mel, you are probably right, but then when someone is as “personable” as Lovely Barry Bonds…
David, the story on Jeter has been talked about for a few days now. I guess though that because NYS is looking for a few million dollars that Jeter is guilty before being proven innocent. Jeter more than likely has people who take care of his taxes. In Florida, in order to claim residence there you have to offer some proof of the length of time you spend there. My father lives there now, and that is what he does.
So far the NYS case seems to be resting on comments by Jeter, which doesn’t necessarily constitute proof. If he is guilty of it, then he pays. And should have been paying more attention to it. Shame on him then.
lowell might really want to play here all things being equal
David
November 16th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Yanks In Spotlight
Although Barry Bonds has stolen most of the headlines today for his illegal activities, the New York Yankees have a criminal of their own. Derek Jeter, a.k.a. Mr. Perfect, apparently isn’t so perfect after all. According to the government, the Yankees’ captain owes the state of New York million of dollars for claiming on his tax returns that he lives in Florida when he actually resides in New York. Florida doesn’t have to pay income taxes, so Jeter hasn’t paid a cent. Apparently, that “C†on his uniform stands for “Cheater†or “Cheapskate.â€
__
Owning a home or property in one state does not make you a resident of that state. Neither does paying utility bills or working in that state. If working in a state establishes residence, then Jeter’s a resident of California, about 14 othe states and Canada, too. Since you can only register to vote in one state, other than by mail, where ever he votes should and would determine residency. Paying property tax in NY also doesn’t mean residency.
David:
“the New York Yankees have a criminal of their own. Derek Jeter, a.k.a. Mr. Perfect, apparently isn’t so perfect after all.”
The tax case is not a criminal case.
Lowell speaks fondly of the Yankee organization and is close to one of the new coaches on Girardi’s staff (an old minor league coach?)
Talk in Boston (supposedly) that Lowell is leaning towards the Yankees? Well I’d lean towards Fort Knox as well.
But seriously, if Lowell came (home) to the Bronx I wouldn’t be too upset. He’s a good defender, solid hitter, and I’m such a sentimental fool.
Travis-
If you are taking kids, don’t sit in the bleachers, they will see & hear the worst of drunken 20 year olds in the stands. There are usually fights especially when the Red Sox are in town. You are better off going to a day game & spending a little extra on ebay to get some good tickets, trust me it’s well worth the extra cash. Tier Box or Tier Box MVP are pretty decent seats on the upper level. Lower level seats are more expensive but not necessarily better unless you get Field level. Good Luck
I can’t believe it’s for real. If they really want a firstbaseman, why don’t they get one who’s played the position recently?
if the sox upped it to a 4th yr which they won’t, would he come…that’s the test
Melvin-
I hear you, I wouldn’t be that upset if Lowell played first either, it would give the RS fans yet another reason to hate the Yankees.
What were Jeter’s comments? I like New York hotties than South Beach hotties? And why only for the years 2001-2003. Is he now a resident of New York?
considering whats out there lowell might be the best choice,
redsux have no allegiance to their players
Lowell might have come from the Yankee system, but that doesn’t mean he was a Yankee and a deal with him just brings him home.
I don’t like the Lowell covering 1st idea. I don’t think he will be a good addition other than defensively, at 1st. He is a .270’s batter if you discount this past season. With the list of players the Yankees already have that cover 1st it doesn’t make sense unless they can unload some of them. Plus it takes away some possible younger players and the Yankees average age goes up … again.
That move isn’t the direction the Yankees had been heading in.
Clare:
Agree with your take on the Media shaping Public Opinion.
The Torre melodrama was the perfect example. I don’t think I will ever take Costas or Gumbel seriously again.
I’ve gone back and forth on Arod for various reasons.
But al along I’ve felt that if the consensus of opinion in MLB feels he is worth the amounts he demands, then the Yankees are the perfect fit.
Mel:
Not everyone takes extra pleasure because it is Barry.
One could devote an entire Blog to the examination of the pleasure people take in hating Bonds.
yanks have a history of stealing their players, sox fans are preparing for it, saying they don’t care
Boston Dave-
Yanks tentative 2008 schedule almost complete
http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=67698
It’s not about residency, it’s about domicile.
Clare
I’m guessing it will be online but he didn’t say. I heard him being interviewed on TV about getting the first live interview since the end of the season.
who exactly is an everyday 1b on yanks…shelly should get some abs against leftys in rf
Clare,
It’s much more complicated than that. In order of priority it’s probably: steal a valuable part of Boston lineup, get a right hand bat, and bring stability to a position that’s given them fits.
peter:
Couldn’t disagree more on Bonds. But I have no energy to explain why again.
Suffice to say the San Fran US Attorney’s Office isn’t fighting the war in Iraq or Afghanistan, doesn’t regulate gas prices, isn’t patrolling schools and IS going after drug dealers like BALCO by corralling arrogant lying scum drug users like Bonds.
But please get some R&R. We need you rested and re-charged to lead us through Championship Season 27.
Why does there have to be a player brought in to cover 1st? A better choice would be Mientkiewicz who does play that position and has a BA similar to Lowell. He would probably be cheaper and could be for less years.
If the Yankees sign him then Teixeira would be out because that position is filled. Doesn’t make much sense other than as a tweak to the RS. And then when he doesn’t perform big, what will be said about him?
A-Point
November 16th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
Lowell might have come from the Yankee system, but that doesn’t mean he was a Yankee and a deal with him just brings him home.
I don’t like the Lowell covering 1st idea. I don’t think he will be a good addition other than defensively, at 1st. He is a .270’s batter if you discount this past season. With the list of players the Yankees already have that cover 1st it doesn’t make sense unless they can unload some of them. Plus it takes away some possible younger players and the Yankees average age goes up … again.
That move isn’t the direction the Yankees had been heading in.
_
Actually Lowell would be a .280 hitter if 2005 and 2007 are thrown out. In Yankee Stadium, I’d think his production would about where the 1990-1995 average of Don Mattingly’s was, minus a bit hess leather and a few more homers.
“since nobody cared to answer me I talked to myself…before cell phones you saw that a lot.”
this was funny.
hmmm…win some lose some
Buddy Biancalana,
Duh! I just caught it, you clever person! Maybe I should change my name is “My Name is Mel, not Melvin.
Is that your real name? Or is it a combo of your wife and girlfriend’s names?
hmmm…what do you think of picking up lowell?
Mel,
I can buy that. I guess originally I thought it was just rumors to drive up his price and get what he wants out of Boston. If he comes here, I will probably become a fan.
I used to hate Damon, too, but after his first game in pinstripes, when he was smiling or trying not to smile every time he was on camera, I changed my mind.
I would still like to see Philips and Duncan at first though.
whoa
November 16th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
It’s not about residency, it’s about domicile.
_
I live in Georgia, own a home here and have for over 20 years because I was in the military. I don’t own a home in Michigan, but, I have property there, I vote there and that’s my home of record. I’m a resident of Michigan, regardless of where I work or where I might be paying property taxes.
sox fans are comparing it to the damon theft which they claim they won
mel:
The three years they picked are, in the opinion of the auditors from State Tax, the strongest from a proof perspective, the easiest years on which to make a case. The other years may not have as many pro-government “tell- tale” events when it comes to determining Jeter’s “domicile.”
marc
If Damon comes to spring training out of shape again, I’ll agree with them.
cant see us going with the shelley/phillips duo
“My Name is Mel, not Melvin”
This is who I am:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Biancalana
damon learned his lesson
Bryant,
Thanks for the heads up on the interview. Now I’m really looking forward to it.
It’s where you vote, plain and simple.
Let New York rant all they want about Jeter’s tax bill—if he’s registered to vote in FL, then he pays income tax on the days he plays in NY, period. There is massive legal precedent backing this.
Who cares if “professes love for NY” and is in NY nightclubs a lot?
This is Elliott Spitzer talking. Great job guys, electing that idiot.
murphydog,
So Jeter was giving out more validations in New York during those years? :rolls:
Buddy,
Really?
Clare:
If Damon comes to ST out of shape again, Girardi will give him the “five finger exploding heat punch” from Kill Bill. Then we won’t have as much congestion at DH.
That’s heart punch, not heat punch!
Elliot Spitzer? Didn’t he go after Martha Stewart, too? If he wants to be president, he’d better stop harassing the local heroes.
marc,
I hope so. Also, someone wondered earlier what people would say if ARod had the tax problem. I always wonder what people would say if ARod said the things Damon did, like about his sexy calves. Can you imagine?
If I was ARod I’d go insane with all the double standards.
Travis, I always sit in the upper reserved as long as you are around third/first base the view is fine. I wouldn’t go about for k or so.
Bleachers, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you can pay about 20 a ticket, I would go for the more expensive tickets.
mel:
You mean the screaming bimbos in the hotel lobby? (“He better pay for my f*****g parking” “Hey sweetheart, you kiss your mother with that mouth?”)
Yeah, something like that.
I agree PittsburghYankeeFan.
Must be that the NYS government needs an infusion of cash. Funny, my taxes sure seem high enough.
Enough with this Bonds stuff as well. Who cares?
Goverment lawyers set perjury traps all the time as backup when they can’t get anything else more important. It’s really funny to hear the non-stop pontificating on the radio and TV about “the sanctity of the truth” and all this other nonsense.
If you don’t remember a conversation you had three years ago, and they can prove that you testified about it inaccurately, that’s all they need. Look at Scooter Libby, regardless of your own personal politics.
This whole thing is just dumb.
Eliot Spitzer is a bony faced, big eared, bald headed, spoiled rich kid from Riverdale who went to Harvard and Princeton and is the kind of guy who sucks up all the oxygen in a room. But I give him his props. In one short year he has managed to alienate everyone in and out of the government. That’s not easy.
Where is Mo Rivera…im starting to get nervous
Updated pics on the new stadium http://www.stadiumpage.com/
Wow, Buddy, you have more world championships than A-rod!
So when will Alex’s announcement be made official? You think Monday? He’ll upstage the MVP announcement!! That idiot.
The Scooter Libby case was entirely different though. That was a hunt for someone to blame and when they couldn’t find that person, due to them no longer being in the administration, they turned on Libby as a means to get the Bush Administration.
With Bonds, it wasn’t that he forgot a conversation from years ago. He was asked point blank did you use steroids and HGH, and he responded NO.
Clare-
Yes it is me, if you would like an autographed picture, please send a SASE to Buddy Biancalana c/o Kansas City Royals 1000 Kaufmann Ave, Kansas City, MO 23456
Just kidding btw.
Jennifer,
Thanks for the pix. It was neat to see the progress each time I went to the stadium this year, but they’ve made a lot more since the end of the season.
Someone (I think it was Bryant) said there would be no announcement on the ARod deal til after thanksgiving.
The A-Rod announcement will be on Christmas Eve to upstage Santa Claus.
[/jk]
Buddy,
Sorry if I’m being dense, but are you kidding about the autograph or kidding about being you?
If it’s the former, any stories you want to share?
If it’s the latter, fine, I’ve been an idiot all day today.
Jennifer-
Thanks for the Yankee stadium link, I live in CA so I have no way of seeing any progress on a regular basis.
Noraad (sp) will be tracking his flight instead of Santa, kids all around the world will be heart broken.
Maybe he’ll make it Thanksgiving day and upstage the turkey’s.
Ok so here’s the updated blueprint, sign Lowell for 3rd, move A Rod to short, Jeter to CF. Trade Cabrera, Wang and Marquez for Johan. Sign Iguchi for 2nd. Any questions?
Thanks for the pics, jennifer.
Citi Field is looking more like a stadium at this point; at least the exterior.
It’ll be ironic and a shame if Citi Field turns out to be the nicer of the two.
I don’t either
Although I want to take a tour of the “old” Yankee stadium. Believe it or not i’ve never been!!
Jeff,
They say Alex is too big and his someone close to him has said that he doesn’t want to play short anymore.
Wow I hate to admit it, but “Citi” field is looking nice! I just might have to go see a game at the new field when it opens.
Hey at least our escaltors are installed already. :LOL:
Someone close to Alex? You mean his banker or his agent?
Clare-
Thanks, you just made my night, there will an autographed bat as well, just send an extra SASE, although you may need to include 2 stamps on the other envelope.
My real name is Danny, not Buddy Biancalana.
People need to understand they are not going after bonds because he took STEROIDS…. They are after Bonds because HE LIED IN COURT!!!!! Of course he was their becuase of roids, but they arent going after him because he used roids….!!!!
But look at Shea, it looks like a dump and the picture from the 60’s is pretty funny.
“hmmm…what do you think of picking up lowell?”
no thanks. for 4 years it doesn’t make sense.
if it were 1-2 years, i’d love to have him. i think the case about his road splits are overstated and i think he’d be very good defensively.
but 4 years would be crazy and it seems like the yankees feel the same way:
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spyanks1117,0,4579774.story
“The two sides continue to work on the contract language that would allow A-Rod to share in the windfall should he pass Barry Bonds as baseball’s career home run leader. With A-Rod back, the Yankees don’t have any interest in signing Mike Lowell as a first baseman.”
Wait who exactly are you Buddy Biancalana??
Thanks Buddy/Danny. I had a feeling I was being an idiot, but you never know.
Jennifer,
Earlier Buddy linked to the wiki entry for Buddy, who’s a former shortstop. Hence, my questions.
btw, i love the fact that, because Mark Teixeira is at this point a free agent after the 2008 season, we should not pursue a player who could make our team better this year and for the next couple years, because Teix may or may not decide he wants to play 1B in the Bronx.
“hmmm…what do you think of picking up lowell?”
not for 4 years. i think the road-splits issue is overstated, but i don’t think 4 years makes sense.
1-2 years, sure. they should pass.
and it looks like they will and this whole thing was a smokescreen:
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spyanks1117,0,4579774.story
“With A-Rod back, the Yankees don’t have any interest in signing Mike Lowell as a first baseman.”
On a new topic,
Has anyone ever been to Mo’s restaurant? I was thinking of taking my dad.
Oh okay.
I thought we might have had a ball player/famous person on the blog. Although we just might, I wonder who sj and Miller are. They seem to have some good sources.
my posts keep getting lost.
from newsday:
“With A-Rod back, the Yankees don’t have any interest in signing Mike Lowell as a first baseman.”
I’ve wanted to go, but never been. Add it to my list of things I want to do.
hmmm,
that makes me happy.
Jennifer,
Any guesses on SJ?
SJ is definitely connected to baseball & after Miller breaking the info on A Rod, he has an in as well.
Pete,
He lied in court about using steroids. That hardly seems worthy of the government spending 4 years investigating. Just like they technically “got” Clinton for lying about having sex with a consenting adult. The lie was about an issue that had little impact on anyone outside of Bonds himself. My big issue is with the possible prison time. IMO, prison is for people who are a menace to society and can’t function normally in society. Bonds isn’t a danger to anyone. That’s why the analogy earlier that someone made to getting a speeding ticket isn’t apt. Speeding can cause an accident and puts people in danger. Bonds taking steroids does not. He may technically be in trouble for lying about it, but you have to look at exactly wht he was lying about to judge severity. Lying about that is completely different from lying about a violent crime.
I’m not a Bonds fan, but plenty of other players lied allegedly but Bonds is the only one indicted? Seems suspicious.
Buddy,
But SJ said he travels weekends in the fall. Any baseball jobs you know of that fit that? Of course, I was assuming work, but he could travel for other reasons in the fall.
Wait, tell me if this sounds stalkerish and I’ll stop speculating.
I haven’t been to the restaurant, but I’ve looked at the website, and, uh, it’s not somewhere you go if you’re on a budget
Pete,
A-Fraud and Boras look like chumps for “crawling back” to the Yanks? How so?
1. They went to free agency and established his market. 2. They determined there was no pie-in-the sky offer to be had, so they came back to the team offering the most money. 3. They got a huge raise from the Yankees and got them to agree to absurd me-first, ego-stroke personal achievement bonuses.
4. They did it all while convincing the more feeble-minded fans (many of whom post here) that A-Rod is a “changed and humbled man” who has actually behaved unselfishly.
Throw in that they’ve exposed Hank Steinbrenner as a fatmouth, blowhard whose word means nothing, and Brian Cashman as a talking head with no real authority, and I fail to see how their victory could be more complete.
The true stroke of genius was immediately opting out before the Yanks even had a chance to make an offer. Had they done so and been spurned, you know blusterf*ck would have blabbed the number all over the media during one of his cigarette breaks/press conferences and then would have been hard-pressed to make an ultimate offer for more than that number minus the Texas subsidy.
Instead, now Smokey’s able to pay A-Fraud exactly what Boras tells him to, while insisting that the number actually includes a $21 M discount from the “real number” the Yankess were going to offer, and who can prove otherwise?
I asked SJ a while back & he never said he was a Major leaguer, but I am guessing at least he was in the Minor leagues or something really close. Anyways he lives & breathes the game of baseball & has incredible connections, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a professional scout.
“hmmm,
that makes me happy.”
i would imagine the fact that my posts keep getting lost is making everyone happy.
“Instead, now Smokey’s able to pay A-Fraud exactly what Boras tells him to, while insisting that the number actually includes a $21 M discount from the “real number†the Yankess were going to offer, and who can prove otherwise?”
certainly not you.
YankeeJosh,
Many players lied about steroids, but probably not to a grand jury. It’s not illegal to lie to the press, it’s illegal to lie when under oath. Someone talked earlier about protecting the system. You need the system to work so you can prosecute people who are a menace to society, so that’s why they prosecute perjury.
However, generally perjury is hard to prove, so when you do have a case that you can make, you have to prosecute it.
Clare I couldn’t even take a guess.
hmmm,
Other people, I am sure have lied about using steroids and HGH, but if they didn’t do it in front of a Grand Jury – with BTW an immunity agreement that specifically states that perjury is the exception to the immunity, then they aren’t in the same boat as Bonds is. Sorry if you don’t like the law, but that is the way it is.
The perjury laws have set periods of jail time associated with them. The reason for the laws are so the courts can operate under an assumption that people will tell the truth when placed under oath.
Barry Bonds was there to testify about his involvement with Balco. He was not in trouble legally till he lied under oath. He did this to himself, just as he most likely did the steroids to himself. He has no one else to blame but his own words that he gave.
Clare-
He could be a scout, in Florida with the warm weather you can play baseball year round plus he probably travels to AZ for the Fall league.
I am pretty curious myself as to what his profession is as well.
SJ also says he has known A Rod for a long time and lives in Miami. He knows so much about the minors and sees so many minor league games, a scout makes some sense. The 44 makes me think Reggie is his favorite player which would put him in his 40’s, but that’s just my guess.
“i would imagine the fact that my posts keep getting lost is making everyone happy.”
LOL!!!
Dude, you know 98% of the people that post here look forward to your posts, right? (I’d say everybody, but I don’t want to presume that I can speak for them
).
“My real name is Danny, not Buddy Biancalana.”
So you’re Danny Biancalana?
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Rebecca,
I just checked the website for Mo’s restaurant and they have a $36.00 prix fixe. That’s damn good for NY.
The website looks nice. If the chef is as good as the computer guy, it’s probably worth a trip.
Wolf-
Yeah, I realized that after I hit submit.
LOL
Clare: Point taken…I did spend last spring in London so I get expensive cities, however, as an undergraduate and therefore scum of all earth, $36 for prix fix is a little overbudget
Mo’s restaurant isn’t crazy expensive. It’s a nice place. They have a Prix Fixe menu that is $36 for appetizer, entree and dessert. Cocktails were average NY prices.
Everyone involved in the BALCO fiasco lied to the grand jury except for Giambi inclusing Gary Sheffield. Where is the government there? It’s also illegal to jaywalk, speed and litter. This is an insane waste of government resourses and there’s no other way around it.
Hey I work in NYC and spend about $7.00 a day on lunch! It is a total rip off. And that is with me bringing a drink to work.
And if you think about it, if you go out with a group of people and split dinner it is at least 25 with tip, so it is just a little more.
I dimly recall the days of the undergraduate budget. But even OD’ing on ramen noodles beats working. I hated school til I went back after working for a few years, and then I loved it.
I live on soba and somen noodles, and tuna fish, and shrimp.
digestive disorder + living at school = recipe for a lot of weight loss. A LOT of weight loss…
SJ is a delusional but well informed fan. Period.
Warren Buffett had a hand in the A-Rod deal. Talk about a nice guy to have on speed dial.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119526835344296733.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Clare,
I’ve been to Mo’s restaurant. I live in Westchester and I’m a few towns over from New Rochelle.
To be honest, it’s okay. It’s good, but not great. I went once out of curiosity and out of support of Mo. I don’t feel the need or desire to go again.
I think it’s a bit overpriced
Quite honestly, if you’re going to go out to get a good steak you can do better.
If you’re going because you want to say you’ve gone to Mo’s restaurant, you won’t be disappointed. If you and your Dad are big Mo fans, it’ll be a fun time.
Just don’t expect Mo to walk over carrying creme brulee or anything.
Rebecca,
I spent 2 months in London 10 years ago. I stayed at a Kensington Hilton Hotel penthouse. It was beautiful I DID NOT PAY ANYTHING.I shared the ph with my company’s president. I am a financial consultant. We were doing a contract and it got off track. What were you doing in London? Work? Studies?
Mariano Rivera…..Am I the only person on this planet that is not on drugs???? Mariano is the Yankees, was the Yankees and always will be the Yankees till the day he walks away. Arguably you can say the only yr the Yankees would have won, if they didn’t have Mo, would have been 1998. For the weirdo’s who say ok, but why pay a player for what he has done in the past? I say because you can’t play the pendulum both ways. Fans have been all over A-Rod for the last 3 yrs because he has not produced in the playoffs and that’s the only thing that matters, Right? Well think about this…The Indians hit the cover off the ball the whole series and Mo held them in 4.2in to 2 hits with a walk, no runs and 6k’s. Oh well, lets get rid of him because he wants to save his arm and doesn’t throw during the off season and has gotten off to a slow start for the last 4 yrs. Everyone is so ready to pounce in this guy. Why is that? If I were GM of the Yankees, I would give him 12mil a yr with an open end contract and tell him to let us know when he doesn’t want to pitch any more….that’s how great he is and how great he’s been. 4 yrs fr