Pinch hitting: The Baseball Outsider
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jan 08, 2008 
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January is usually a slow month for baseball news. So we’ve lined up a series of guest bloggers to entertain you. Next up is Jay from The Baseball Outsider.
Jay has been a reader here for a long time. I had a chance to meet him during spring training last year while he was watching batting practice on one of the side fields. So you know he’s a good fan. Jay is a 29-year-old IT guy from New Jersey. He has season tickets and says he spends most of his summer weekends in the Bronx with his wife.
Here’s Jay’s post:
Alex Rodriguez is the most important Yankee. I bet you disagree with me, but it’s true. Alex is the most important part of the Yanks present and future. He holds in his hand the very future of this team, and does so more than any other player on that team. His contract, which was the largest in the history of the major leagues, also makes him the player with the longest contract in the league. The move by management has changed the face of this team for the future. While the hearts of the fans may belong to Derek Jeter, the team belongs to Alex Rodriguez.
If Alex remains productive at a rate of 38 home runs per year till age 42 he has the potential of hitting 898 home runs in total. Think about that, 898 home runs. Even if his production falls to average only 30 home runs per year, he would still hit a total of 818 home runs. That would blow Barry Bonds’s record away. This is what baseball wants, and most of all this is what the Yankees want.
When I went to AT&T Park this past season to see a game while I was working in Northern California, I was absolutely amazed by the shrine it was to Bonds. His image could be found everywhere from the scoreboard to the ground you walk on outside of the stadium. A perfect marketing plan for the imperfect personality. The team managed to identify everything with Giants Baseball with Barry Bonds. Regardless of your opinion and the truth of his performance enhancing drug use, the marketing aspect of how Bonds was presented by the Giants was remarkable. I have to believe that this was the thought process of the Yankee front office. It was even made public when the Yankees announced the marketing deal in place to celebrate Alex’s milestone home runs and the bonus money to be made.
While keeping Alex Rodriguez in pinstripes might have been a good for on the field, it was a better deal off the field. During the season I met up with someone at the Stadium and discussed the possibility of Alex remaining with the Yankees in 2008. He said, “Are you kidding me, that place they are building across the street is a cash machine. You think of how much money they are going to make, keeping him here is just good business.”
How can you disagree? He brings star power, he brings the long ball and of course he brings the drama off the field which our local media loves. He’s rich, he’s good-looking and has an alleged wandering eye. He’s what the daily papers in New York absolutely love, someone to keep them writing about. Reggie was the guy in the 70s. Then in the 80s it was George and his meddling and Donnie Baseball. The 90s had Clueless Joe and his Boy Wonder Jeter. But the future will be based on A-Rod and his every move, much like it’s been already.
This new contract will be to blame for every failure. The pressure from the $252 million contract must have been maddening, but the $275 contract million … woah, I can’t even fathom how the tabloids will treat him when he is in slumps with that contract:
“$275M STRIKE OUT”
“A-ROD FAIL$… AGAIN”
“WAS HE WORTH IT?”
It’s what the big papers love, a guy they can hope every day will give them a back page that someone will take interest in.
Alex is here to stay. I’ll be happy to see him break the records, hit milestones and eventually go into the Hall with the interlocking NY on his hat. He’ll get his ring, he’ll get his money and he’ll get our hearts because it’s his team … you just haven’t realized it yet.
Thanks for the post, Jay. Hope to see you down in Tampa.
As long as Jeter’s on the team, I don’t know if it really can be ARod’s team. Too many people view a rift between ARod and Jeter, and until this team wins a championship, people will continue to view ARod as the hired gun and Jeter as the winner.
Nice piece Jay, but not sure about the rip into Torre referring to him as Clueless Joe.
good piece Jay and I don’t think he was ripping Joe…thats the way things were expressed about to some extent I think. I could be wrong.
.
A-Rod just needs good Starting pitching to make that dream.A-Rod came in 2004 the same time we haven’t had one truce Ace pitcher.Not Chien-Ming “199 hits in 199 innings Wang or Andy 4 Era HGH Pettitte.
If we can have Joba Chamberlain or Santana as our Ace then A-Rod will be better then Jeter.Until then no the true way to win championships is Starting pitching…something we don’t have.
But Good post Jay.
Jay, nicepost.you’reright. This is A-Rod’s team. This team is going to revolve around Alex, not Jeter. I love Jeter but Alex is the Man nowdays.
Jay,
I completely agree. After ARod, the next biggest media draws will be Joba and Phil, especially if they’re as good as we all hope. Can you see two young, single, (hopefully) great pitchers on the loose in New York? I have the feeling that they were relatively demure and well-behaved as rookies, but after a good season or two, who knows?
There is an upside to the rest of the team with ARod sucking all the air out of the room (although they may not see it that way). And that is the rest of the team gets to float below the radar. Nobody’s slumps get that much attention, no one’s off-field life will get the scrutiny it would otherwise.
I have a feeling Jeter wouldn’t have been too unhappy to see ARod leave. Aside from any personal feelings he might have towards him, I think he knows he’ll never be the top story again. Sure, til ARod gets his ring, Jeter will still have the moral high ground. And, ARod will almost certainly always have 4 less rings than Jeter. But Jeter will never be the center of attention in New York again.
Good post, and I basically agree with it, but I’m wonder whether it’s such a good idea for the Yankee organization to put so much weight on one player. Remember, the Yankee dynasty of 1996-2001 didn’t really have one dominant star. Sure, those teams had loads of talent, but the burden of winning was always shared among a number of players (O’Neil, Bernie, Tino, Jeter, etc.). I worry that the Yanks are putting too much of a burden on Arod.
Interesting take. You either like Alex or not. I’m of the latter, but I cheer for all the Yankees. He always put up a wall around himself, but if he can break down those barriers and become a man of the people then he’ll win me over. He got off to a good start, by dumping on his master/servant. Maybe as this becomes “his” team, he’ll grow more comfortable.
One thing’s for sure. We’ll still be cheering for him 10 years from now (I’m assuming there’s no opt-out clause) and others will come and go. Others that will be more popular with the fans and take a part of our hearts when they leave. But Alex will be the franchise player, whether you like him or not. Just like Barry Bonds.
mel,
I really don’t think any multi-millionaire athlete will ever be a “man of the people.” And why should we expect them to?
All I want from the players on the team I root for is to play hard every day, publicly support their teammates, and avoid breaking the law. I don’t expect them to be role models, smooth public speakers, or shining examples of humanity. A public sense of humor would be nice, and some charity work much appreciated, but that’s just a bonus.
I don’t think we ever really know what type of person they are. All we know about them is filtered through the media’s preconceptions (about which I’ve ranted frequently).
As for ARod, I’ve never seen him dog it on the field. I’ve never heard him say anything bad about a teammate (no, what he said about Jeter doesn’t count, since it was before they were teammates). Add in that he’s an amazing player, and really, what more do you want?
Clare,
“Man of the people” may have been the wrong phrase. I was trying to find a nice way to say “get a personality”.
But you’re right, the only thing that matters is that he plays hard.
Okay, I’ve taken over Rebecca’s job and killed the thread. Or maybe I’m the only one still up.
Anyway, since I can’t go to bed til my laundry’s done, I’ll just keep talking to myself, especially since we’re on my favorite topic.
One of my theories on ARod is that some of the problems he’s had in NY stem from his initial attempt to be deferential to Jeter. I thought of this when I read Boras’ book on ARod in 2000 that someone linked to a while back. In it, Boras talked about ARod’s leadership qualities, and how that was important to him.
Then, he goes to NY, where, for all kinds of reasons, he feels the need to be deferential to Jeter. It’s Jeter’s team, he’s the captain, he’s got the rings, he’s Torre’s favorite son. ARod was very careful (up til this year) to not step on Jeter’s toes (at least not publicly).
I also read (don’t remember where), that one of the reasons ARod kept quiet about the change in their friendship was because Jeter asked him to (on the plane when ARod was coming to NY for his signing press conference).
This year, ARod, I believe, stopped being so deferential. Clearly, Jeter didn’t like what ARod said about their relationship in spring training. (When ARod said in his MVP press conference that “some people didn’t like” what he said, I’m sure Jeter was one of them). There were less members of the 96 team around, and more young kids who looked up to ARod. Although he never said anything publicly, he knows how Jeter didn’t support him in 2006, and I think it’s plausible that he stopped caring so much about Jeter’s opinion as a result.
None of this is meant to bash Jeter, BTW. One of the things I hate is the tendency to build one up by bashing the other. It’s possible to like them both (which I do). However I think the situation starting in 2004 was incredibly awkward, with them sharing a position, the Esquire article, etc. I’m agnostic on the chemistry/winning debate, but I think if they had won in 2004, most of the tension goes away. Since they didn’t, and then we had the whole true Yankee BS, choking in October themes, then the problems persisted, until spring training 2007. I think ARod then said to hell with it, I’m just going to say what I think and if Jeter doesn’t like it, tough.
Good post Jay. I’m pretty happy that A-Rod is hanging around (…for the next 10 years). Having a Yankee break the home run record will be a lot of fun.
Great Post.
For all of Arod’s detractor’s:
The man is here till 2017…so you might as well embrace him because he isnt going anywhere.
and with how crazy the FA market has gotten…Arod’s contract wont look too bad in a few years. and i fully believe that he, robbie cano. and our young pitching is shaping up to be our core for years to come
Really good post Jay.
You and Pete look related.
Clare,
Yes, it seems like Jeter behaves like an ass towards Alex and supports others more than him. But as Jeter says, we don’t see what goes on in the clubhouse. Someone posted the other day that they met Craig Wilson personally and that he said that all the Jeter/Alex stuff wasn’t true.
I do see a potential for conflict if Alex tries to usurp Jeter within the club. Can’t see Alex doing that. He’s finally figured out that the best way to survive and thrive in New York is to get rid of any agendas and just be himself.
As for Jeter, he’s obsessed with “one for the thumb”. He, like Kobe Bryant, only think about championships and it can blind them sometimes. But that obsession also makes them great, especially it really counts.
Nicely done Jay.
This is one of the better prospect lists I’ve seen this offseason. Let me know what you guys think:
http://bronx-bomberz.blogspot......pects.html
mel,
Interesting. I missed the post about Craig Wilson.
As I said, it was all just my theory (i.e. speculation).
But I think there HAS to have been something. Why else wouldn’t Jeter support ARod? It wasn’t just that he refused to tell the fans to stop booing. He also just wouldn’t admit just how bad the press was to ARod. In the absolutely horrible Verducci article, when Verducci pressed Jeter to admit that the press ARod had to deal with was worse than what anyone else had to put up with, Jeter first references Knoblach as someone with worse media attention, and then gave his patented, “I don’t think about that, all I care about is winning,” stock answer. Think about it – the media made a 3-day event out of ARod taking off his shirt in Central Park, and Jeter won’t even admit that ARod faces more intense media scrutiny than anyone else in baseball? If it wasn’t due to personal animosity, then why?
Clare,
Oh, I totally agree. There is something there, Jeter was glad when Alex opted out.
It’s childish and petty. But megastars have mega-egos. It’s inexcusable because Jeter’s such a professional. But he’s still my guy, even though his range is less than optimal. lol.
I know you’re not one of them, but some people here berate those who don’t love Alex. It’s like forcing someone to like mushrooms when they don’t like them. But if you give the mushrooms a chance you’ll come to like them.
Two thumbs up!
mel,
You don’t have to love him (or mushrooms).
I just find the whole dynamic fascinating.
But my laundry’s done, so I’m off to bed.
Good night.
Clare,
I love mushrooms, and one day I will love Alex, too.
However, I find the dynamic tedious rather than fascinating. I hate conflict and wish for harmony in the Yankee clubhouse. Although, it’s more likely that there will be peace in the Middle East before that happens. j/k
You lost me at “Clueless Joe”
Totally agree Jay. In Alex we are watching one of the greatest players in the history of baseball and we should, as Yankee fans, come to appreciate him.
Nice post – anything other than steroids and HGH is a welcome change!
To be nostalgic about the good old days- I suppose the 60′s were about Mantle and Maris and the 50′s Mantle (that’s as far back as I go). But sadly, baseball in the new millennium has become about the $$$.
Nice post IT guy. I’m sure your “clueless Joe” reference was meant in the same vein it was originally written in. That Joe Torre had no idea what kind of caldron he was getting into going to work for “the Boss”.
Joe Torre ended up doing all right don’t ya think?
It is going to be very interesting watching the Yankees through the changes that are coming up. I just hope we have the patience to see them through.
Very good post, Jay. I like your beat writer style. As for Alex, as ticked off as I was when he opted out, I was just as glad when everybody kissed and made up. The Yankees need him, and he needs the Yankees. Jeter’s still the heart and soul of the team, but ya gotta have some muscle to get the job done.
Jay,
Great post. I especially liked this line…
“A perfect marketing plan for the imperfect personality.”
To me that sums up perfectly the Giants deal with the devil they made with Bonds.
BTW, I guessed correctly on 2 out of 3 on Pete’s jersey guessing contest.
Who Won?
Nice clear post, Jay. Good job!
Yanksrule57-
Pete announced winners in the comments last night about 10 pm
Nice post, Jay.
I am glad ARod’s back. And I’m glad he’s signed a 10-year contract. Yes, it’s great business for both the Yankees and Alex, but it also eliminates much of the angst that has hovered over the landscape for the last 2 years. Will he stay or will he go? Well, now we know, he’ll stay.
As far as it being ARod’s team or Jeter’s team, I think there is room for both. I don’t doubt that Derek was maybe a bit relieved when Alex opted out; but I think the biggest trouble Jeter has had with Alex has to do with the air of drama that surrounds him. Jeter is the anti-diva. Sure, it’s true that the media will always surround Alex, but it will not have the same feel to it. There’s no urgency. They really can’t drive him out of town any more – that ship has sailed.
Good post Jay and I buy into your take on Alex’s presence. Sometime soon he and the Captain need to get together and chart a course of how their roles can make for better unity on the team. They’re both here for the duration so they might as well make coming to the ballpark a thing to look forward to. Derek can help Alex with finishing touches of media dealings over down times and Alex if he puts his mind to it, can be a co-leader along with Jorge.
Nice job – excellent angle. I have to agree, it’s Alex’s team. We old timers just don’t want to see it yet.
Alex is “A-Rod,” with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men, making him unique in the history of the game, the model for the next bronze figure atop some statuette that MLB gives out for something. He wants to be the guy that raises the bar, erases the old records and sets the modern standard for all who follow him in baseball. And he has all the tools to do it. His need for approval seems enormous, but isn’t it roughly equal to the approval he should get for his achievements? Yet people don’t seem entirely comfortable with him, maybe because it’s so obvious he needs the approval. Maybe that’s the price a fatherless boy pays for the rest of his life.
Jeter, to the best of my ability to know, wants to be thought of as a throw-back, an old school guy. Despite the enormous contract he has, Jeter conducts himself as though he is timeless, that he would fit in if he were dropped back in time onto a team with The Mick, Whitey, Yogi, the Scooter, the Babe or Gehrig. I’m not suggesting that Jeter thinks he is as good or better than any of the old time Yanks, but rather that he could play among them and fit in and contribute and be accepted. And for the most part he’s convinced people of that. Maybe that’s a more acceptable goal in the view of Yankee fans: fit in with history, don’t compete with it. Look what happened to Maris when his ’61 season put him in numerical competition with the Babe.
Maybe it’s easier to like Jeter because what he wants from us is not as upsetting as what A-Rod wants from us.
murphydog-
Great take. And baseball needs the Arods as well. The record breakers are also the record makers.
I think it would be really interesting to find out how Babe Ruth was marketed back in 1923 when Yankee Stadium opened. Was it “the house that Ruth built” right from opening day, or did that just evolve as the man became a legend?
Both the Yankees & A-Rod would have been fools to walk away from a business relationship that was made in heaven. The Yankees needed A-Rod’s personna to build around as they move to a new stadium. A-Rod will eventually earn more per year in endorsements than he will playing baseball.
Here we are, 80+ years later, and once again (arguably) the best team in baseball will have (arguably) the best player in baseball — history repeats itself….
nice post jay-
you never know what you’ll find on the side fields. back in the mid 90′s in the rangers spring training in port charlotte i once found myself watching from about 6 feet away when sandy koufax explained to the ranger starters how he got his exceptional velocity. (it was a stride about a foot longer than other pitchers his height) the highlight was when keven brown threw a fit and said he wouldn’t do it and they excused him from the new drills koufax was demonstrating.
i agree that arod is the best player on the team and will be the focal point. the one thing i want to add is that the yankees must do is not use alex’s overproduction at third to justify lower production somewhere else.that’s what happened at texas and it’s happened at forst base for the past few years with the yankees.
each position must be maximized independent of how many homeruns and runs produced by alex. as you have pointed out, jay, arod will pay for himself with his star power like bonds did for the giants. vince gennaro, who pete has recommended reading on the blog, talks about how players in certain markets are worth every penny because of how much money they bring in. arod is worth his 30 million. the yankees will make a profit on him.
since they will, they need to forget what he gets when they decide what to pay at first. the yankee could generate another 30-40 runs a year if they would quit taking the cheap route because they think they already have spent too much at third on alex.
alex could lead a team that wins another 4 rings, but only if they don’t cut back elsewhere because of how good he is.
Steve,
I wouldn’t go so far as to say the Yankees “needed” ARod’s persona to build the new stadium around. They really are such a brand with so many stellar names attached throughout their history that they could have just recycled more of the same. But I would say that it is certainly nice to have a new name to build on the past.
Donna -
I would say you’re mistaken about the nature of the ARod posts in the comment section of this blog. There is, I would say, a mix of those who like ARod, those who wish he’d go away, and those who are a bit conflicted, or even more than a bit conflicted (appreciating his talent, but having no use for his “personality”).
Randy l -
I’m hoping the Yankees reluctance to do something permanent at first base has to do with waiting for a particular 1B to become available as a free agent. However, if he does not, if he chooses to stay with Atlanta, or if he ends up signing with another team, then the Yankees may have a problem. But I suppose they might have a plan B. Putting up with a rotating cast of characters at first for 2 seasons, if they can get production out of that cast of characters, is palatable if there is a long-term plan brewing.
The fact remains that Arod has been mediocre at best for the Yankees during postseason play.
By two seasons, I meant last season and the upcooing one, not this one and the next.
*upcoming*
‘Probably the silliest bunch of nonsense I’ve ever read on this blog…but the post, and the responses, just confirm what many of us have known for a long time now – that the response portion of this blog has become nothing more than an A-Fraud fan site.’
———————————————————-
Donna – Look around the internet. I’m sure you can find a blog that is an ‘A-Fraud’ Hate site, where I’m sure you will be more comfortable. I mean really, let’s examine all the teriible things Alex has done to baseball. The guy is a real pariah.
Another year of first base musical chairs? It will work until it doesn’t, of course, but it’s all we’ve got right now.
Jim PA -
LOL! I’ve got a picture in my head now, of all these guys running around first base, ready to stop when they say, “play ball!”
just flew into work and boy are my arms tired.
the “Clueless Joe” reference was not meant with any malice, rather it was used to discuss the media spin (ie the term clueless joe used by the newspapers when he was hired) on the era’s they represented.
thanks for all the great words of support and praise.
doreen-
if they don’t sign or trade for someone good,i wouldn’t mind the yankees coming up with a young player like cano for first base. but it just seems like there’s a rationalization that because the yankees already lead the league in runs partially caused by arod’s exteme numbers that they don’t need much at first.
Bring back Steve Balboni! (YIKES!)
it’s amazing… i used to brush aside people who thought that ARod was made out to be this monster, and this awkward, me-first social misfit (and i’ll admit, sometimes, he’s come across as a little too rehearsed in the past…)
but I listened to WFAN over the weekend, some guy just randomly brought up how ARod showed up on Carson Daly’s New Year’s Eve Broadcast for the balldrop, wearing a Yankees cap, and then blasted him for trying to play it off like he just happened to be there…
and this was obviously a mets fan (you could just tell by the way he was talking down about ARod and the Yankees in his conversation), and couldnt help but think, if he had left the Yankees to sign with the Mets, and then showed up on a TV show in Times Square with a Mets cap, every Mets fan would be calling up the shows, applauding the guy for rubbing it in the Yankees faces, etc…
you just want to say “people, get a grip… what does it matter to you if he shows up on tv wearing a yankees cap? why does that affect you?” just let the man be already.
jay-
just took a look at your site. especially liked the post by your wife. she’s a keeper.
since it’s become the biggest story in baseball and because it’s history happening right before our eyes, i have to ask you why you seem to think you’re not getting much from clemens taking the offensive in claiming his innocence .
you seemed less than impressed by his 60 minutes,defamation suit,and press conference.
Oh on the side field i caught A-Rod, Melky and Matsui taking batting practice while Yogi, Craig Nettles and Reggie Jackson were walking around. Oh and Brian Cashman came up to the fence to talk to someone who is a friend of his in-laws.
It’s a very surreal situation for a fan, being that close and that intimate with the people you see/hear/read about in the media.
Man I am cynical about the new stadium. And how can I not be, with comments like, “it’s a cash machine”? The Yankees are demolishing a huge piece of their history simply to make more money? Like they’re not making enough now? What will the ghosts think?
I agree with his take. It is Arod’s team now.
He turned the corner, on and off the field, this past season.
In the past, he did his thing and left the clubhouse. Little interaction with his teammates and no sharing of info (workouts, pitchers, etc.).
It was almost as if he was a guest on the team and not part of the team.
Part of that was his personality. Part of it was the “aura” Boras wanted him to create around himself. It was too phony. Too manufactured.
Last off-season, something changed. I don’t know if it was advice from his wife or himself but, Arod definitely changed. He became much more of a teammate, became much more emotionally involved in all aspects of the team and, it paid off with the best season of his career.
Now, for the people who don’t like the guy, they figured it was all an act to “audition” for his new team. But, as we saw this off-season, its pretty clear he not only wanted to stay in NY, he was very emotionally invested on staying in NY.
You don’t blow up a 16 year relationship if you don’t want to stay.
He would have gotten his money in other markets. He wanted to stay in NY and it worked out for everybody.
Everybody matures at different stages in life. For Arod, it seems to be happening now.
He is the most important player on this team. Its not a matter of who one likes better, Arod or Jeter, its a matter of talent.
As talented as Jeter is, he isn’t anywhere near the calibur of player that Arod is. That’s not a knock to Jeter, its a fact.
Funny thing is, Jeter just wants to win. He could care less about comparisions. Its why, contrary to the idiotic babblings of the talk radio crowd, they have and will continue to co-exist very nicely over the next 10 years as Yankees.
Randy l -
Yeah, I know what you’re saying. Like, ‘we can get away with this because we have ARod at 3rd and Cano at 2nd.’ As long as they mean, ‘we can get away with this in the short term.’
Now, Randy, what about if Teixeira does not become a Yankee, how would you feel about a mostly defensive 1B who has “nice” numbers, but plays everyday? To some extent, I do believe that if the Yankees have megaproduction EVERYWHERE else, not just 3B, can’t they sacrifice just one position? Or are you afraid that that philosophy would creep into other positions, as well?
Jay -
Oh! I read your blog the other day with the entry by your wife. I meant to say then how much I enjoyed that.
Ray -
Career Post Season Stats:
—————————-
Giambi .289 .420 .489 .919
Matsui .302 .372 .506 .878
Bernie .275 .371 .480 .851
Jeter- .309 .377 .469 .846
ARod– .279 .361 .483 .844
ONeill .284 .363 .465 .828
Jorge- .236 .352 .379 .731
Scotty .245 .278 .418 .696
Tino– .233 .321 .351 .673
ABoone .170 .196 .302 .498
I would say that based on individual talent, ARod has underperformed in the PS. Killed his teams? Hardly. Bernie, Jetes and ARod all have similar stats, but we do expect more from ARod.
randy:
I really want to wait till Roger goes before the Oversight Committee before I form a solid opinion. His credibility took a huge shot recently with Andy’s admission. I think back to the 2003 retirement and how he went against his word and signed with Houston. I look at his “I am retired” nonsense every year. I also think of him in a good light, as a work horse, a devoted family man and a guy the fans can get behind.
Let’s put it this way. On my desk at work I have two yankee related items, a figure of Mariano running out of the bullpen, and the special edition Roger Clemens figure. I want to believe Roger, I want to believe him, but I am not blinded by pinstripes at all times. Rather I take an objective view on the situation much like I do with Bonds. Did either of them do what is said? I’ve read Game of Shadows, the evidence against Bonds is far more damning that that against Clemens. The Mitchell report was one man’s take. Whether McNamee gave his testimony to the Mitchell people under duress to keep from going to jail is questionable. It’s very hard to form a solid opinion, so I am simply remaining impartial until I know more.
mediocre entry at best.
sj44-
agree with you totally on arod and jeter.
no pressure, but how’s that organizational minor league report coming? i’m sure readers of the blog besides just me are looking forward to it.
If by mediocre you meant “I am just bashing this because I have nothing constructive to add to the discussion.” Then I appreciate it.
I don’t have a big problem with questions at first base. At some point, the all star at every position mentality needs to change.
In a perfect world, by mid-season, they could have a nice platoon of Shelley Duncan and Juan Miranda at first base.
Would also be nice if Jason Giambi can stay healthy for one season and give them something for the 22 million bucks he’s going to pull in this season.
Duncan and Miranda can hit. I watched Miranda a lot last year and he has some pop. The big question is defense for both players.
Personally, I don’t see both Santana and Tex on this team in 2009. They won’t go “big ticket” on both guys.
It may be one or the other. If it is, I pick pitching every time.
Wait wait wait? A-Rod’s the best player on the team? News flash! Why didn’t we all know this sooner? Oh wait. We do!
Lets just stop these guest posts now. So far only one has been even halfway decent. The rest have been just awful. I feel stupider for having read them.
mg – you confuse the “Best Player” with “Most Important” – if you have nothing constructive to add, then don’t bother. Also, I saw Billy Madison too.
Randy,
I’ve been real sick the past few weeks. Unfortunately, its set me back a bit.
Spoke to Pete the other day and I am going to try and put something together in the next week before I have to go away on business for two weeks.
I don’t think Pettitte’s admission hurts Clemens because its two different situations. Pettitte admitted to trying HGH to heal an injury.
Truth be told, he isn’t the only guy in sports who went that route. Rodney Harrison did it with the Patriots last year and nobody has said a damn thing about it.
In fact, the ESPN talking heads actually PRAISE Harrison for getting back on the field faster.
Amazing how football and baseball are held to different standards by ESPN and other journalists, when it comes to PED’S, isn’t it?
McNamee is basically saying he shot up Clemens on a regular basis, really putting the guy’s entire career credibility in question. That’s a much deeper allegation than Pettitte’s situation, IMO.
thanks jay for clarifying your position. i thought you were leaning towards clemens being guilty. one thing you say puzzles me though. you say that the evidence is far more damning against bonds than clemens, but what really is the objective evidence against clemens?
it’s really just mcnamee’s testimony. and he’s not looking like the most reliable and stable of witnesses.
Jay- great post, its my favorite of the of the guest bloggers so far and not because its an A-Rod topic, but because its about the current players (I would have been happy with a post about any of them).
Some interesting comments from my fellow posters:
“Jeter is the anti-diva”
Ha Ha, Jeter is the male equivalent of a Diva……he is a ‘playa’ and like most other stars has an Ego as well. I do agree with someone’s comment that he’s more old school though.
“Maybe it’s easier to like Jeter because what he wants from us is not as upsetting as what A-Rod wants from us.”
Why is wanting approval upsetting, is it really that difficult to cheer on someone when they are struggling?
“Probably the silliest bunch of nonsense I’ve ever read on this blog but the post, and the responses, just confirm what many of us have known for a long time now – that the response portion of this blog has become nothing more than an A-Fraud fan site.
This from a person that resorts to name calling! How on earth has this become an a-ROD fan site? When was the last time he was really mentioned?
“The fact remains that Arod has been mediocre at best for the Yankees during postseason play.”
I’ll give you the poor post season play (heck so will Alex) but his psp would have been non-existent if it weren’t for his OUTSTANDING regular season play because the Yankees wouldn’t have made it to the ps.
randy – the mitchell report testimony by mcnamee in conjunction with the admission by pettitte puts roger in a tough spot.
game of shadows is a long and detailed list of evidence which came from multiple sources. mcnamee is one guy, saying one thing. it’s hard to form a full opinion based on that whether he is guilty or not. i am just waiting to see if anything else comes out. i want to believe roger. trust me i do.
I’m not sure I agree with the premise of this guest post, but I really like the writing style. Interesting and easy to read!
Some people on this blog think that Mcnamee named Clemens because he was pressured by the Feds, meaning that he was still threatened with jail time even after he gave the other names up because they weren’t big enough. Maybe they told him it was “give us Clemens or you are going to jail”. I myself am not totally sold on this but I don’t think it is impossible either. Is this a real possibility? I havent heard anyone in the media bring this up as an option.
Much is being said about “Clueless Joe” here. By itself it doesn’t mean much, but the phrase “Clueless Joe and his Boy Wonder Jeter” hints at derision of that particular dynamic. Unless we’re actually complementing Theo when we refer to him as “Boy Wonder”.
mel – it was just a reference to the daily news, that was it.
“I’ll give you the poor post season play (heck so will Alex) but his psp would have been non-existent if it weren’t for his OUTSTANDING regular season play because the Yankees wouldn’t have made it to the ps.”
I will grant you that without Arod’s outstanding regular season play the Yankees wouldn’t have been in the postseason especially last year. No two ways about it…his regular season play has been dominant. But isn’t it the ultimate goal to do well in the postseason and to win that ring?
Great piece. I AGREE WITH YOU 100%. Its Alex’s team. Yanks have always had a big bat, big time guy on their teams.
jay,
So the
tabloidssports pages actually called Jeter “Boy Wonder”?ray,
Chicken and egg there. You can’t win in the postseason if you don’t get there. Reference 2006. lol.
sj44-
sorry to hear you were sick. there’s plenty of time before the season starts. even as spring training is ending it’s a good time to look at the prospects because some of them will be counted on for the upcoming season.
i’m finding myself getting annoyed by the word “cheater” being used so freely lately. as you say, what mcnamee did with pettitte is miniscule compared with what he said he did with clemens. people throw out the word “cheater” as if one size fits all.
if someone thinks in just black and white terms , then i suppose a player who drank the “leaded” coffee with the greenies in it a few years ago just once by accident was a cheater. with the avalanche of supplements that bombard players ,it’s simply not that easy to throw that word “cheater” around. it’s become a pejorative word that is losing meaning rapidly. when i hear it now from someone, i’m thinking that they are making a low level argument. it’s just not a precise word for the present peds situation where there are many shades of grey.
mel, it was a statement. that’s it. it had no teeth or malice.
I know I’m late here, but Clare – the fifth or so post in the thread – I think Joba’s married, or engaged, or at least has a long-term girlfriend and a son. Phil, I’m not sure about.
I liked your post, Jay. And, I’m extremely jealous – I’ve never been to Yankees spring training, and I always wish I could go.
Also, I like A-Rod, and in the end, I’d rather have him in our lineup than have to face him in another lineup. Anybody who thinks otherwise on that subject really needs to get themselves checked out, in my opinion. I think the Jeter-Alex drama is overblown – they’re both big boys, they’re both professionals, and they’ve both been around plenty. They have worked it out, and will continue to work it out – it’s not like we’re dealing with a Little League team here.
I’m kind of drained with Yankees commentary besides that. I’m processing the Clemens situation – I think it will become most interesting if McNamee brings counterclaims back against Clemens. Either way, as much as I respect Hardin’s work, I couldn’t help but shudder when he made his comment about Clemens spending millions yesterday.
Agree with almost all you wrote but think your wrong to dis Jeter. He was just a kid who came in and played the role he was asked to. His job wasn’t to clean the bases it was to get on or move up the runners. He got more media face time because he was chosen as more marketable and he again played well in the spotlight. Jeter is and will continue to be an important part of the team which will need him to play “his role” more than ever. Have no problems with “clueless Joe”.
jay,
I respectfully disagree with you. I’m sure that Jay put a lot of thought into each word he wrote. While there’s no malice, in the context of the entry there was some “teeth” there.
Now, I think we can agree that the following story belongs in the “What were they thinking?” file along with Don Imus and Steve Spurrier.
http://sports.espn.go.com/golf.....id=3186158
SJ44,
Sorry you were sick. You were missed while you were gone. Hope you continue to feel better.
Randy,
I agree about the cheater label, and also it’s totally lame to apply it uniformly to everyone named by Mitchell. As SJ noted, the allegations against Clemens and Pettitte are totally different, yet people like CJ Nowitzki continue to lump them together and talk about gaining an edge (as he did in Tyler Kepner’s article the other day).
For the people who tried it once or twice, like Brian Roberts and Pettitte, I think the effects were non-existant, so I think the cheater label is unfair.
there was no dissing of jeter… i used jeter simply as a media focus of the 90s yankees.
jay-
ok, gotcha about the “Clueless Joe” again nice piece.
SJ44-
totally agree on Jeter just wanting to win with Alex or not.
randy-
nice story on Koufax & Kevin Brown, amazing what an ass Brown is.
wow let’s see if al sharpton marches on the golf channel
Oops. I didn’t realize that “Jay” was “jay”. Well, I guess there wasn’t any “teeth” there after all.
Gosh, I’m so embarrassed…
mel-
I think he was just going for a cool play on words regarding Clueless Joe & Boy Wonder.
mel – no problem, i was wondering why you were disagreeing with me about my own opinion!
jay,
That’s because I’m right 99.99% of the time!
jay,
Now I remember. Weren’t you the one who was going out to get your tattoo finished last year? How’d it turn out?
” the mitchell report testimony by mcnamee in conjunction with the admission by pettitte puts roger in a tough spot.”
jay-
i don’t see it that there is a 100% logical connection that because what mcnamee said about pettitte was true ,than what he said about clemens must be true. i think there must be a logical fallacy named for that kind of reasoning.
it’s a given that when people are in trouble they sometimes tell the truth about one thing and not about another.
one think i think we’d both agree on and that is what pettitte thinks about clemens using peds will be very interesting to hear. if pettitte says roger did it like mcnamee says, then that would sink clemens.
if pettitte on the other had says he knows nothing about clemens using peds then that’ll help clemens immensely because pettitte is considered honest ironically because of his admitting he did something wrong.
i don’t see how pettitte will avoid saying what he thinks about clemens in the congressional hearings. someone will ask him about it directly. the hearings look to be the next place a bombshell could take place.
As long as the Yankees can bring home the hardware, I can live with it being considered anyone’s team, from A-Rod to Jeter to even Shelley Duncan!
As long as they can hoist up Number 27, that’s all that matters.
mel – my new tattoo is no where near done, im doing a full sleeve on my right arm. i actually have an appointment again for the next 4 hours (that will make 12 hours in total so far) this coming saturday.
Jay…
I’m with you, mon. A-Rod is as exciting as a Papi Ortiz with talent wrapped up with five tools. If he can play with the passion and inspiration he showed last year, that which with folks say DiMaggio played, he’ll be worth it to the fan.
I’ve read that it was Alex to whom the younger players looked up last season, it was Alex who showed the leadership with them. Derek’s Derek, and nothing can take that from him, but once they’ve won a title, it’s A-Rod’s team.
randy l,
Now, that’s very interesting. We all know that Andy’s a God-fearing man. But he’s loyal, too. If Andy has knowledge of any PED use by Clemens would he lie for him?
Made all the more interesting because Andy’s new lawyer represented Sammy Sosa.
Jay, I’m sorry but let me be one of the few dissenters here. This team is still The Captains team and will be until/unless Alex wins multiple championships with the Yankees and he is the main reason why they win the championships. Alex may break whatever records but if doesn’t win the rings or if he wins the rings and is not a major contributor in the playoffs he will still be looked at as not truly a great Yankee.
As erred as that thinking may be it is the truth. What if the Yankees win 4 championships in the next 10 years and Alex goes 6 for 55 in the WS, while Jeter wins 2 WS MVP’s during two of the four championships, do you really think the records will mean more to the fans than what the prodigal son Captain Jeter has accomplished? I don’t. No, the only way this will truly be Alex’s team is if he leads the Yankees to the promised land in the playoffs.
‘Personally, I don’t see both Santana and Tex on this team in 2009. They won’t go “big ticket†on both guys. It may be one or the other. If it is, I pick pitching every time.’
———————————————————-
So you believe:
Santana >>> Phil Hughes + Tex + Melky + prospect ??
Here are a few things I’m pretty sure of:
Santana$$ >>> Phil Hughes$$ + Tex$$ + Melky$$ + prospect ??
1 MLB position
Hmmm. That’s a tough choice. Risk going to hell or getting a butt-whoopin’ from Roger.
I’m just thankful the blog isn’t filled with comments about his picture.
Yes, first base has really hamstrung the Yankees offensive juggernaut the past few years. Instead of scoring 900 runs, I guess they need to score 1,000. First base really is not the issue.
what’s wrong with my picture!?!?!
it’s me in Stan’s!
mel-
i’ve thought for a while that what pettitte says about clemens could very well be the tipping point on public and media opinion about clemens.
i think when in the spotlight of congress with the flags and the oath to god and all that, pettitte will tell what he knows.
but if that;s what he’s intending to do, it is interesting that he got sosa’s lawyer to represent him. i’m guessing mark mcgwire ‘s lawyer is unemployed for this go round with congress.
“Yes, first base has really hamstrung the Yankees offensive juggernaut the past few years. Instead of scoring 900 runs, I guess they need to score 1,000. First base really is not the issue.”
a run is a run is a run. the yankees can get more production out of first base. how could having more runs not help?
with their pitching last year, 1000 runs would have come in handy.
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/200.....ees-chick/
jay,
The first guest blog was filled with comments about Maureen being hot.
oh yeah, im not hot.
lol with you, not at you
“how could having more runs not help?
with their pitching last year, 1000 runs would have come in handy.”
When you lead the league in scoring, but are only 8th in pitching I honestly don’t believe first base is an issue. 1,000 runs is nice but not a necessity. All they need out of first base is league average production and they’re fine.
randy l,
A run is a run. While the Yankees are capable of hitting good pitchers they’ve seen a lot of over the years (Boston) many of their regular season runs come against bad pitchers or weak bullpens. Guys like Bedard, Toronto’s whole staff, Kazmir give them a hard time.
The difference is that in the postseason, it’s good pitching all the time. No weak spots.
In a move that will totally turn the tide of the National League, the Rockies have reportedly signed Josh Towers to a one-year deal. Well, at least he won’t have to face the Yankees and A-Rod anymore.
I hope Jay works for himself, or at least has a private corner where his boss can’t see him. He’s eyeing this blog today as much as any of us.
Jay is hot!
SJ44, you mentioned Jeter would play alongside A Rod for the next 10 years. Well Jeter has I believe 3 years left on his contract. I’d hate to be the GM who has to make his next contract. I think it is safe to say he is not worth $20M per year, but the Yankees may have to pay him that out of loyalty. It will be interesting, that’s for sure.
Count me in the A Rod camp, he is the man.
J-Dawg,
Showtime coming your way tonight. Who is this Rudy Gay? Is he any good? lol.
Jim PA – I am very capable of multi-tasking, i work with two monitors on my desk.
Jeff NJ – um thanks?
“All they need out of first base is league average production and they’re fine”
i’d actually be happy with that if they didn’t take up three roster spots to do it.
or if they got average production with a good situational hitter so they’d match up better in the low scoring playoffs games( as mel points out).
it also doesn’t help the infield defense to be throwing to a different guy every day at first every day.
Let’s face it, Rodriguez could have a year when he breaks Bond’s HR record, Wilson’s rbi, Duffy’s BA, win a Gold Glove, marry Jessica Alba and all of us will ask on October 1st (if the Yankees make the post season)..Now show us why they are paying you $27 million. Or at least don’t be the cause of losing.
Maybe some guys can become loved despite a career of choking in the post season. Take Eddie Giacomin. But he had to run an ice cream truck in the off season. And he never tried to detract from the Stanley Cup like Rodriguez and Boras did.
mel- I was going to get tickets to the game, but then I changed my mind. I wouldn’t be in attendance for a Grizzlies game under any circumstances. My Memphis Tigers will win more games than them once again. Probably at least 40 percent (maybe 60%) of the people at the FedEx Forum tonight will be Laker fans. But as long as the T-Wolves are around, Memphis can’t be the worst team in the Western Conference!
“Probably the silliest bunch of nonsense I’ve ever read on this blog…but the post, and the responses, just confirm what many of us have known for a long time now – that the response portion of this blog has become nothing more than an A-Fraud fan site.”
so leave. who would care?
Randy l, I do see your point, I just don’t think it’s a dire need for them at this point. If I’m not mistaken the championship teams had a rotating left field and they worked out okay.
jay–Great post! I don’t entirely agree with you, but you have a coherent and well written argument =)
FYI Donna -
All I did was discuss the impact of Alex Rodriguez from a business and baseball perspective.
It’s my opinion… if you disagree that’s fine, but your response was a tad rude.
Rebecca – thanks for telling me that i am capable of stringing more than one sentence together!
Baseball America’s top prospects and best tools Yankees : 1. RHP Joba Chamberlain (Best Fastball,Curveball,Slider 2. OF Austin Jackson (Best Athlete,Defensive Outfielder) 3. OF Jose Tabata (Best Hitter for average) 4. RHP Ian Kennedy (Best Control) 5. RHP Alan Horne 6. C Jesus Montero (Best Power hitter) 7. RHP Jeff Marquez 8. OF Brett Gardner (Best Strike Zone Dicipline, Fastest Baserunner) 9â€. RHP Ross Ohlendorf 10. RHP Andrew Brackman. Best Changeup Edwar Ramirez. Best Defensive Catcher Francisco Cervelli. Best Defensive Infielder Alberto Gonzalez. Best Infield Arm Marcos Vechionacci. Best Outfield Arm Seth Fortenberry. Enjoy.
“It’s my opinion… if you disagree that’s fine, but your response was a tad rude.”
don’t sweat it jay. some people just can’t accept that Alex is a much better player than Jeter at this point. they take it personally for some reason.
Cool post, Jay. Assuming that A-Rod meets all of his incentives, wouldn’t his contract be $305 million or so?
I don’t think Jeter wants any attention. He seems like a private person who just happens to play for the attention-getting Yankees. Unflappable for the most part. Just a cool customer.
A-Rod is cool. I like him. I think he tries too hard to make people like him. That’s probably his problem.
This is always one of my favorite days as a baseball fan. The Hall of Fame announcement is fast approaching. There’s no doubt that A-Rod will be there one day unless some kind of catastrophe happens. Most observers think that Goose will get in this year. It will be very interesting to see if anyone else makes it.
YankeeDiva -
I guess we just define “diva” differently. To me, a diva is someone who needs/craves/demands attention on themselves all the time. “All About Me.” Jeter is not that. He may be a “playa” as you say, and of course he has an ego, or self-pride, but he’s not what I’d call a Diva. At least from what I can see, during the season, he is about T-E-A-M.
I am rooting for Goose
I’m not digging this Big Brother thing Jay’s got going on today. Let people speak their minds. The other readers will police the string.
Hopefully, Goose gets in, along with Tim Raines.
“with their pitching last year, 1000 runs would have come in handy.”
Randy l -
As long as those extra runs didn’t all come at once! Last year there were a lot of feast-or-famine games.
Baseball America’s Projected 2011 lineup Yankees : Catcher- Austin Romine. 1st Base- Jesus Montero. 2nd Base – Robinson Cano. 3rd Base- Alex Rodriguez. SS- Derek Jeter. LF- Brett Gardner. CF- Austin Jackson. RF- Jose Tabata. DH- Bobby Abreu. Rotation Starters 1. Joba Chamberlain 2. Phil Hughes. 3. Chien-Ming Wang. 4. Ian Kennedy. 5. Alan Horne. Closer- Mark Melancon. Enjoy.
wow, jay, expecting civility on the internets?
But I totally agree and this blog is much more enjoyable when it’s just the grownups. And, I didn’t say earlier, but a very well-written post. Good job.
this post depresses me
i dont like Arod. he plays passionless baseball, is WAY too p.r. consious, and i always think that he can be had by a good pitcher who’s got his best stuff (which comes up at the most important times in the post season.)
i find it very depressing that i have to root for this guy for the next 10 years, and i have little hope that he will ever really rise to the critical points of the postseason like Reggie did.
Of course they had to sign him, without him they had no RH power and there were few good alternatives. Of course they now have to center thier marketing around him (fortunatly, the Yankee’s Maketing is much less player-centerd, more pinstripe and stadium related). And of course I’m gonna root for him as my teams fortunes are completly tied to his success or failure. But I’m not happy about it.
At the same time that I was typing that 11:12 post about the announcement, Pete was making a new thread about the Hall of Fame announcement. That’s spooky!!
as for some of the comments:
the cash cow they’re building next door is aimed directly at OUR wallets!
im happy they’re gonna have a new park, the rebuilt YS never did much for me, but my attendace has dwindled due to cost and difficulty getting there, from double digits to once a year.(last time it took us 1 hour to move 1 mile from the stadium on our way out)
As for 1B, why the hell did they let Andy Phillips go? what were they thinking? Now we’ve got 3 guys who may or may not be able to play the position, whereas we had a solid if not spectacular guy who gave them great defense. Best of luck in Cincy Andy!
Doreen,
Agreed. Diva is either an opera singer (good) or someone who commands a lot of attention and creates drama (bad).
New word! Heva (hee-vah): male diva. origin: LoHud Yankees blog. He’s such a Heva, demanding a personal masseuse!
heevah, isnt that those little candies you find in the jewish markets?
Arod play passionless baseball? Not from what I have seen. He is always looking to take the extra base, not afraid to get into a collision at home plate, will stand up to the other team, I wish we had more players with that passion.
sorry clay, he just doesnt do it for me, never did and probably never will
nice “pinch hit”!!!!
nice post jay. always enjoyed your comments here and i remember when you posted that picture of you and pete during spring training last year. good luck with the blog. you seem like a good dude!
bernie
I’ll give you the image conscious thing but A-rod does not play passionless if anything he cares too much and most hitters can be had by good pitchers who have their best stuff. That’s why no one bats anywhere near 1.000.
‘i dont like Arod. he plays passionless baseball’
————————————————-
Either you are just totally filled with hate, or have never seen ARod run the bases, or work harder on the field than anyone else. Lots of people don’t like ARod, but I’ve never heard ANYONE question his passion for the game.
“Where Will He Be In 2011: The future of Derek Jeter”.
—————————————————-
2011 will be Jete’s age 37 year.
The guy already stinks and SS (rated the WORST by a number of defensive metrics). I pray he is NOT our SS by then.
He WILL however be a lifetime Yankee.
As a 37 yr old 1Bman or corner OFer, he will simply not be hugely valuable. For those positions, he may be league average or a bit better. The Yanks will pay him well, but I don’t think he will pull a Mo. He has been paid VERY well to date, and no one will buy that he would leave the Yankees as a FA.
I also do not believe they will move ARod to SS. At this point, and by 2010, he will be as good a defensive 3rd baseman as he would a SS.
Yes, it would be nice to have ONE solid 1Bman next year. But I’m glad we didn’t go the ‘overpaid aging veteran’ route again. If we are targeting Tex for 2009, it is probably best to sit tight and get a look and Miranda.
With this being Giambi’s last year, I will guess they will run him out to 1B 25%-33% of our games, if his body can stand it. My guess is Jason will come to ST in good shape. It’s his contract year, and I believe he still wants to play more, and should still have value (to someone) as a DH.
If we don’t get Santana, or rather, we KEEP Melky, I see Shelly at 1B a lot more then in the OF, as we have 4 starting OFers.
At some point, the Yanks HAVE to address the ‘pastadivingJeter’ issue… and hopefully before 2011. I don’t believe he is suited for the OF. At 34+, learning routes in the OF will render him ineffective. Physically and emotionally, he is better suited for 1B. Jetes SHOULD be better at 1B then anyone we’ve had since Tino (except Dougout), and with a light hitting but GG Gonzo at SS, we may actully be a much better defensive team then we have been in a while.
“i dont like Arod. he plays passionless baseball”
Wow that is a new one! What part of Alex’s game is passionless? The part where he works his a$$ of to stay in shape and prepared for the game, goes for the extra base when getting hits, shows emotion when getting a close out, gets down on himself if he makes mistakes or is slumping? All of that equals no passion?
what is it with this ‘hater’ stuff. i dont hate Arod, i was quite clear that i dont like him. Hate is reserved for people who have far more impact on my life and the lives of others, like our current president.
i dont like arod, didnt like him with seattle or texas, dont like him in pinstripes.
doesnt make me a hater.
and how the hell does anyone know whether alex works harder than anyone else, you guys got a hidden cam in the weight room or something?
Doreen,
Don’t get me wrong, I love Jeter but I think he creates drama sometimes as well, but his stuff is usually given a pass (by the fans) because of his rings and by looked over by the media because their comments cleary don’t affect him like they do A-Rod. But I would Jeter definitely likes the attention, but on his terms (and has a good way of brushing off things that aren’t done that way).
and how the hell does anyone know whether alex works harder than anyone else, you guys got a hidden cam in the weight room or something?
No one knows for sure if he is the hardest worker because no one has seen everyone working. But just about every MLB player that has played with or followed Alex through out his career has say that he has an incredible work ethic.
If you don’t like Alex that’s okay, I’m not going to change your mind…..but don’t think its a bit odd to be depressed by having a player of Alex’s talent on ‘your’ team for the next 10 years? Especially since you don’t really know the guy?
I have no problem with anyone saying they don’t like him but to question is passion seems off to me. Of course the guy is passionate, he has to feed the ego somehow.
ok so diva, you must “know” arod better than i do. i also remember when Arod told an interviewer that how hard he worked out that there were several former teammates who took exception to that.
“As for 1B, why the hell did they let Andy Phillips go?”
because he was out of options and simply isn’t very good?
When did I ever say I knew Alex? I don’t, I just give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise. I also don’t rely others (the media) to make my decisions for me. I have a couple of very near and dear friends and I could easily go out and find someone that doesn’t like them for one reason or another…thus I use my own judgments.
And I most certainly don’t get depressed because any one player is on a team I root for its not that serious in the grand scheme of things.
that how hard he worked out that there were several former teammates who took exception to that.
Nope I don’t recall that, do you have a link to that article?
“Nope I don’t recall that, do you have a link to that article?”
i assume this is in reference to Trot Nixon’s comments?
Trot took offense to A-Rod saying that he is working out while other players are still sleeping.
I miss bernie,
Even Peter (who’s no Arod fan) has talked about his work ethic, mentioning that Arod was always there early in the morning during spring training, doing extra work during the day, and working out at a private gym at night.
I believe Trot Nixon was more upset with Alex implying that others were working as hard because they were sleeping or taking their kids to school, not with the fact that Alex doesn’t work hard No? Didn’t Trot say wait until he has kids or something like that?
The even concept of Jeter getting old and pushing him out, switching positions, no longer center of attention, etc etc etc depresses me.
He’s an icon.
Solid post, Jay. Excellent how I feel about A-Rod. He will get his ring and capture those other fans.
You have a terrible tattoo and you look like Peter’s beard.
jay
i totally agree wit u. it’s alex’s team without him the yanks wouldnt made it this far. jeter’s a really good player in both ways but when it comes to comparing with alex everyone noe’s who it is. alex is hottest and the best baseball player
“A-Rod is the straw that stirs the drink”. He’s the best in the game. Thank you Jesus for making him a Yankee!!!!
Well said!
This was my favorite guest blog post yet!
You guys act so stupid here… Stop analyzing his personality. He has produced hugely for this team like no hitter in years. get over your selves “Yankees Fans”
Jay – excellent, excellent job!!!