The LoHud Yankees Blog

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


Twas The Night Before Yankee Christmas

Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Dec 24, 2008 Print This Post Print This Post | Email This Post Email This Post

(With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore)

Twas the night before Christmas, and the Yanks had a party
All had a good time, even straight-laced Girardi.
The stirrups were hung by the clubhouse with care
Would Pavano show up? He better not dare.

The rookies were nestled, all snug in Triple-A
With the money being spent, now’s not their day.
Suzyn in her ‘kerchief and John in his cap,
Had just settled in for some more baseball rap.

When out on River Ave., there arose such a clatter
They sent Hank Steinbrenner to see what was a matter.
He grumbled at first, ’til Hal kicked his fanny,
And reminded his brother that he wouldn’t get Manny.

The streets were all white with a new-fallen snow
As Melky did a dance with Robbie Cano.
Would that help signal a new Yankees era?
Better yet, a surprise. It’s Mark Teixeira!

The pale little GM had gone in all the way
and swiped him from Boston in only one day.
More rapid than Damon, Cash made all his moves
He whistled and shouted and gave all the news.

“Now CC, now AJ, now Nick and Marte!”
“Pitch and play defense, please save the day!
To the top of the East, back to the Series.
We’ve seen enough of the Tampa Bay Rays!”

As Brett Gardner to second base does fly
The Yanks still knew, Jeter was the main guy.
At shortstop his range is no longer nifty.
But don’t mention that to the Maxim Top 50.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard in the cold
The wheeze and the cough of a woman quite old
Who could be here for this Christmas nirvana?
It’s A-Rod and his good friend, the singer Madonna.

He was tanned all aglow, that good-looking guy
And his hair was quite blonde, thanks to Frederic Fekkai
His opt out last year amounted to treason
But in the end, he still had a good season.

Joba’s eyes, how they twinkled, his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His fastball was blazing, dipping and diving
Please, we all beg you, no more drunk driving.

Old friends are here, like Mike Mussina
He’s over there with Jose Molina.
Wang and Bruney snacked on some cheese
While Edwar Ramirez avoided a breeze.

Posada was there, singing away
His shoulder was better, Doc Hershon did say
Without him last season seemed incomplete
We’ll see in spring training – he can throw 90 feet?

Santa finally arrived, his laugh was quite hearty
But something was off, he seemed kind of sweaty.
We knew who it was, all did agree.
Not old St. Nick, it was The Big G!

I know, I know, this is pretty lame.
But unlike last year, it isn’t the same.
So let me say here, as we light the Yule log
Thank you, as always, for reading my blog.

————

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you and your families.

 
 

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177 Responses to “Twas The Night Before Yankee Christmas”

  1. Marc December 24th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

    Nice Pete!

  2. Tom December 24th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    You too, Pete.

    Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah everyone!

  3. Marc December 24th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    Merry Christmas to you too!

  4. keith421 December 24th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    lol…

  5. keith421 December 24th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    everyone have a good one, take it easy

  6. Troy December 24th, 2008 at 3:40 pm

    Merry Christmas Pete!

    funny

  7. Troy December 24th, 2008 at 3:40 pm

    this entry’s going straight to the bookmarks…

  8. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story December 24th, 2008 at 3:41 pm

    Pete: Merry Christmas to you and Yours

  9. Michelle December 24th, 2008 at 3:42 pm

    Thanks Pete! For the poem, the breaking news, the blog entries about the Boss and for simply making the months between the last out of the world series and the first day that pitchers and catchers report a little bit brighter!

    enjoy the holidays everyone.

  10. Baseball Beat December 24th, 2008 at 3:43 pm

    Haha great job Pete. How long did that take? Have a great holiday Pete and everyone.

  11. Josh December 24th, 2008 at 3:43 pm

    lol great entry, merry christmas to pete and all the bloggers

  12. Daniel December 24th, 2008 at 3:43 pm

    just awful

  13. Peter Abraham December 24th, 2008 at 3:46 pm

    OK, Daniel. Let’s see you do better.

  14. William Buckner December 24th, 2008 at 3:46 pm

    Happy Holidays all!!

    Here’s looking forward to #27!!!

  15. Will to the M December 24th, 2008 at 3:46 pm

    merry xmas, pete

  16. pat December 24th, 2008 at 3:46 pm

    Excellent job Pete! Merry and Happy to all, and to all a good night.

  17. Yanksgal07 December 24th, 2008 at 3:47 pm

    Bravo Pete…that was terrific and put a smile on my face. Thanks for all you do to get the fans Yankee news and insider info. You might not always be correct but at least you always put an all around effort to get it right.

    Happy Holidays to one and all …AND ….thanks Yanks for all the Christmas presents…our ABC Aces and our new Bomber..

    GO Yankees 2009 !!!!

  18. Zell December 24th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

    Great job Pete. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to everyone. Go Yankees!

    Kevin

  19. Zell December 24th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

    Great job Pete. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to everyone. Go Yankees!

    Kevin

  20. Noreaster December 24th, 2008 at 3:52 pm

    Pete, Thanks for a great off season. The blog is great at keeping us all connected. Merry Christmas everbody!

  21. RalphieD (Cant wait for 09) December 24th, 2008 at 3:53 pm

    very nice pete

  22. Sheffer in LA December 24th, 2008 at 3:56 pm

    Good one Peter! Thanks for an awesome year–if only the Yanks did as well as you during the baseball season. Well, Cashman made up for it in the last few weeks, I s’ppose. Happy New Year and enjoy your Kwanza!

  23. Rey22 December 24th, 2008 at 3:59 pm

    Wow, very impressive!
    Merry Christmas to you as well.

  24. Phil December 24th, 2008 at 3:59 pm

    Good Job, Pete. Most people give up in the middle of trying to do what you just did so well with that poem.

  25. able 21 December 24th, 2008 at 4:00 pm

    Merry Christmas to all !

  26. Ricky December 24th, 2008 at 4:00 pm

    This is an amazing poem! It seems like a lot of hard work…good job Pete and Merry Christmas to all.

  27. RhapsodyInBlue December 24th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    Very good Peter, Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  28. bru December 24th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    ok reality check we know it is you,you loser.

    come out from hiding.

  29. OB1 December 24th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    Pete, as always you bring a smile to my face. Happy Holidays and I look forward to another year of your outstanding work.

  30. MikeEff December 24th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    that was great pete! as good as last year for sure! thank you very much for all you do for us!! a sincere wish for you to have a wonderful holiday and happy new year
    mike

  31. Bronx Jeers December 24th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    That was awesome . Lots of great rhymes. Maybe Jay-Z could record it.

    I’ll e-mail that along to a few friends.

    Thanks Pete. Happy Holidays!

  32. Moshe Mandel December 24th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

    Great work Pete. Thanks for the blog, its really indispensable.

  33. Amanda December 24th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

    I came here today specifically hoping the yearly poem would be up as it’s just not Christmas Eve without it…. & yet again you didn’t disappoint, Pete! Thanks for the laugh and have a wonderful holiday!

  34. S.o.S. December 24th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    Pete,
    With the recession going on these days. People having tough times in the real world. I just wanted to thank you for having this site going. It gets us away from all the stress that we have to face on a daily basis. Better and cheaper than paying for a shrink. I enjoy reading your stuff and the family of Yankee fans that are here as well.

    Merry Christmas to all and thanks again.

  35. darkmoonfire December 24th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    I wish you a very Happy Christmas Pete!

    Nice rhyme too :)

  36. Dano December 24th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    Chaplin (and others who’ve got nothing to add but have taken the opportunity this week to pop at Pete, SJ and others..)

    What’s your problem? Don’t like it, go away. What was the point of your comment exactly?

    Frankly, this blog has no equal. Pete is a thoroughly good guy doing a superb job. The regular posters make the comments section an absolute joy for any reader. Thanks to CB I must be the only guy in England who now has an interest in UZR.

    So to you all – have a great break (2 weeks off here in the UK!) and please, ignore the fools and keep up the posting.

  37. jay destro December 24th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    great job pete

  38. Rock Smoother December 24th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    Pete You ARE THE MAN!

    That was awesome!

    My whole fam lovvvvved it.

    Merry Christmas brother!

  39. Neil B. December 24th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    very original. . .and hilarious!

    you, sir, are a natural bard. well played.

  40. rodg12 December 24th, 2008 at 4:19 pm

    Great job Pete. Thanks for all the hard work on the blog!! Merry Christmas to you and all my fellow readers!!

  41. chaossolver December 24th, 2008 at 4:20 pm

    happy holidays

  42. michelle b. (X is the best letter in the alphabet!) December 24th, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    nice job pete, merry x mas to you too.. NOW enjoy your vacation.

  43. Jay B December 24th, 2008 at 4:22 pm

    Pete, I always read your blog and I am a huge fan…but I never posted anything until now. I just wanted to let you know that your doing a fantastic job, and keep up the great work! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…

  44. Boston Dave December 24th, 2008 at 4:23 pm

    happy holidays Pete and fellow Yankee fans

    this is turning out to be the merriest of Christmases…

  45. 213 Area Code December 24th, 2008 at 4:23 pm

    Pete-Merry Xmas to you too & many many thanks for The Blog.

  46. Don December 24th, 2008 at 4:24 pm

    Nice poem Pete. Keep up the good work in 2009 and Best Wishes to All.

  47. ellen December 24th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

    Merry Christmas to you, too, Pete. Thanks for the great blog! :)

  48. john December 24th, 2008 at 4:27 pm

    Thanks Pete, have a great holiday. Can’t wait for pitchers and catchers.

  49. Bob(The Original) December 24th, 2008 at 4:28 pm

    That was great Pete!

    Merry Christmas!

  50. RosterRooster December 24th, 2008 at 4:29 pm

    EIPC

    I LoLd many times

    Keep up the good work Pete!!(and staff)

  51. ANSKY December 24th, 2008 at 4:30 pm

    No reference to Manny? WTF????
    J/K … Happy Holidays

  52. CB December 24th, 2008 at 4:31 pm

    Happy Hollidays Pete. Thanks for running such a good site.

  53. Ross December 24th, 2008 at 4:32 pm

    *chuckle*

    Thanks for that Pete; if not up to C. C. Moore, then certainly right up there with C. C. Sabathia!

    Once again, thanks for all your hard work; it is much appreciated~

    A Merry Christmas to you and yours!

  54. ANSKY December 24th, 2008 at 4:33 pm

    “And reminded his brother that he wouldn’t get Manny.”

    Sorry …. I missed it first time through … my bad. I see you got Pavano in there too!

  55. DMan77 December 24th, 2008 at 4:37 pm

    Merry Christmas everyone!

  56. sevrox December 24th, 2008 at 4:37 pm

    Hey Pete: I’m a frequent reader and way-less-than-sporadic poster (honestly don’t feel like I have as much insight as many of your loyalists – admittedly – and I don’t have the time to live in cyberspace or even know where to look to find these stats that are thrown around so liberally here on a minute-by-minute basis).

    I check in a few times a day when the time warrants and you definitely have one of the, if not the, best Yankee info sites in the galaxy. Thanks for all your efforts and to all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays regardless of your religious or political inclinations.

    sevrox
    West Chester, PA

  57. DynastyYankees December 24th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

    Peter Gammons-Don’t blame Yankees for living the American way

    http://sports.espn.go.com/espn.....mons_peter

    But the Red Sox can also resume the role of underdog, which to an organization priding itself on the flow of self-developed talent isn’t a bad thing. We have seen how well Ben Cherington, the Red Sox’s vice president of player personnel, and Mike Hazen, Boston’s director of player development, have built a player development environment which has led to many seamless transitions from the minor leagues into the Fenway Park pressure cooker. And that will continue.

    It is more difficult these days, because the Yankees are not only rich and abetted by the mayor of their city, but also the Steinbrenners have turned the operation over to a very smart man in Cashman, who, with Hal Steinbrenner’s empowerment, seems to be able to run the business without being affected by the irrationality of Hank Steinbrenner and team president Randy Levine.

  58. ray (sox fan) December 24th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

    So Pete, if being a poet was against the law would there be enough evidence there to convict you?? :)

    Just teasing. I thought it was very creative and original.

    Happy Holidays to all you Yankee fans from a grieving Tex-less sox fan!!!

  59. Frank December 24th, 2008 at 4:39 pm

    man Pete….your Christmas poem has me laughing once again. Merry Christmas!

  60. CENTRAL CT YANKEE December 24th, 2008 at 4:42 pm

    Merry Christmas Pete!

  61. GreenBeret7 December 24th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    You gotta think that Tampa Devil Rays slightly overpaid for a 34 year old middle relief pitcher in Joe Nelson. 1 year at 1.3 mil for one good season. He was let go by the Marlins.

  62. Bob December 24th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    Happy Hanukkah Boychik!

  63. raymagnetic December 24th, 2008 at 4:47 pm

    Did Peter Gammon’s have an article about the Red Sox living the American way after they missed the playoffs and then outbid everyone by 20 million for the services of Dice K and then tampered with JD Drew and then signed Julio Lugo?

  64. j2 December 24th, 2008 at 4:48 pm

    Pete,

    From a frequent and long-time reader but very infrequent poster, thank you for all your good work here. (And please don’t let the trolls get you down.) You really do provide a great forum.

    And thanks, too, to all the smart, creative, and/or informed blog contributors.

    Happiest of Holidays.

  65. andrew December 24th, 2008 at 4:51 pm

    hahahahah that was great pete! had me rolling, have a good xmas dude

  66. RER - 98 December 24th, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    Happy Holidays to all in Yankee Universe. Good things came to those who waited.
    Friday or early next week should see another press conference introducing Mark & Georgia Teixeira.

  67. Joe from Long Island December 24th, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    Pete – Did you write that? That was terrific!

    Many thanks to you, Pete, for all your hard work here on the blog. And many thanks to everyone who contributes here. This site has brought me much joy in rooting for the best team in any sport, the Yankees.

    Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah to everybody.

  68. Fran December 24th, 2008 at 4:54 pm

    Great poem Pete.

    Happy holidays to all.

  69. vin December 24th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

    “http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081125&content_id=3692509&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb”

    Jim Rice’s last crack at the Hall… I’m looking forward to finally putting this annoying debate to bed (one way or another) – until the veteran’s committee, whenever that is.

  70. riyankee42 December 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm

    thats awesome pete! merry x-mas to everyone on here whether you be yankke fan, sox fan or otherwise! except for the people that were wishing death or harm to pete and his family or anyone else in the media! i hope you step in a big mushy piece of coal ( and by that i mean dog poop lol)

  71. BBFan December 24th, 2008 at 5:01 pm

    Happy holidays every one.
    2009 baseball season will be very enjoyable to all of us.

  72. Jim (sox fan) December 24th, 2008 at 5:02 pm

    Ray (sox fan) -

    I’m a Sox fan also and believe that Ozzie Guillen will field a fine team in 2009.
    I think Ken Williams got fleeced however in the Swisher / Betemit deal.
    It was good to see President-elect Obama wearing a Sox cap in Hawaii.

  73. keith December 24th, 2008 at 5:07 pm

    a MUST read on the yankees spending. this is from a noted yankee hater too.

    http://www.baseballthinkfactor....._teixeira/

  74. Rockin' Rich December 24th, 2008 at 5:14 pm

    Nice effort in free verse, Pete. Next time, though, count the beat.

  75. Patrick December 24th, 2008 at 5:19 pm

    Hey Pete that was awesome. Its flows better if you read it out loud.

    Happy Holidays, thanks for running such a great blog.

  76. Vrsce December 24th, 2008 at 5:26 pm

    Very droll Pete, The Madonna/ARod verse was hilarious.

    Merry Christmas;thanks for the great blog, best in baseball.

  77. jonathan December 24th, 2008 at 5:30 pm

    merry christmas!

  78. Kevin (not that Kevin) Brown December 24th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

    And to all those in Boston
    As they stare blankly into space
    Wondering what just happened
    To next year’s pennant race

    We say a hearty farewell
    To Youk, Lowell and Big Papi
    Yes, it is Christmas
    But you are not happy

    In the Fall Classic next year
    While we play for a ring
    Try not to shed a tear
    Because winning World Series
    is no longer your thing!

    Great take on a classic poem, Pete. Thanks for everything this year. I enjoy your coverage of the team, and your blog is my favorite baseball blog, period. A very Happy Holiday and great New Year to you and yours, as well your readers and my fellow posters.

  79. Phil - 27 in '09 December 24th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

    Happy Christmas, Pietro!!!

  80. Peter Abraham December 24th, 2008 at 5:33 pm

    Thanks to everybody for the well wishes. Right back at you.

    Now stop reading this blog and go hang out with your friends and family!

  81. Carla December 24th, 2008 at 5:39 pm

    YES! I just read it to my family. Definitely put us in the Christmas spirit.

  82. Sea Net December 24th, 2008 at 5:42 pm

    Happy Hollidays Pete

    Get some rest before the press conference!

  83. Ed H. December 24th, 2008 at 5:43 pm

    Thanks, Pete, for all that you do. This blog has become my #1 site for Yankees news and discussion and I’ve been a Yankees fanatic for for 49 years now. (Hard to believe!)

    Happy holidays and a healthy, happy and prosperous new year to you and yours.

  84. Ralph in Arlington December 24th, 2008 at 5:45 pm

    Thanks for a great poem, great blog, a great year and a great off-season. Yours is the website I go to first for news about the Yankees — and what you say is always timely, well-informed and well-written. Have a holidays and enjoy your vacation!

  85. S.A.-Brian "The Ninja" Cashman: Showing free agents lots of love December 24th, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    Happy Holidays Pete and to everyone here!

  86. DT December 24th, 2008 at 6:06 pm

    Great job with the poem Pete – enjoyed it as I do this blog.

    No apologies needed to Clement Clarke Moore.
    btw…
    I usually refer to them as Matt Horace and Donnie.

  87. rover December 24th, 2008 at 6:09 pm

    Pete:
    Ok, the its not the poem was particularly great, but the time you put in for us, is all that great. Thanks Pete and Merry Christmas to you and yours and everyone else too.

  88. Matthew Cohen December 24th, 2008 at 6:14 pm

    Guess A-Rod’s taking you off of his X-Mas card list.

    I hope Joba has a sense of humor :-)

    Merry X-Mas.

  89. YankeeRay December 24th, 2008 at 6:27 pm

    Same to you Pete.

    Your wit and humor was quite uncanny
    But never doubt Cash
    Cause he still may get Manny

    Merry Christmas to Everyone

    Go Yanks!!!

  90. E-Man December 24th, 2008 at 6:46 pm

    Merry Christmas people!

  91. Paul V December 24th, 2008 at 6:51 pm

    We love you, Pete, even if you’re a Pats fan.

    Thanks for doing a great job.

    Here’s to a great season.

    P

  92. IRA December 24th, 2008 at 6:53 pm

    Pete, Thanks for your great work and effort. Us Yankee fans appreciate it very much Reading your blogs helps us get thru the offseason. Happy holidays and good health to you and your family.

  93. /b/ December 24th, 2008 at 6:58 pm

    LOL! That was great.

  94. Steve in Bismarck December 24th, 2008 at 7:00 pm

    Pete and all here…Happy Holidays!!

  95. dale d December 24th, 2008 at 7:03 pm

    Thank you for another great year of Yankee obsession.
    This blog feeds my jones
    Here in Nicaragua everyone is considered a poet until he proves otherwise. You’d fit right in.
    Our President once wrote a poem lamenting the fact he was in prison when miniskirts were in fashion.

    thank you one and all for making this a great reading blog

  96. nud December 24th, 2008 at 7:15 pm

    Thanks Pete!! This is always the first Yankee blog I go to.

    While all of us on here don’t always agree or share the same thoughts and ideas, it is fun going at it with all the bloggers on here!

    I hope everyone enjoys the Holidays and the New Year!

  97. Don Capone December 24th, 2008 at 7:17 pm

    Thanks for this Peter! Have a great Christmas.

  98. David December 24th, 2008 at 7:18 pm

    The signing made front page in the Boston Globe today….http://www.boston.com/sports/b.....pined_for/

  99. yankeefan91 December 24th, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    wen those teixeira get introduced

  100. David December 24th, 2008 at 7:25 pm

    Without Peter’s poem the year’s not complete
    So, thanks and good wishes from readers to Pete.

  101. Bob Mac December 24th, 2008 at 7:29 pm

    Happy holidays to all. I’m looking forward to the new year. Clement Moore would be proud. He was from Vermont or New Hampshire. Surely, he would have been a Yankee fan.

  102. Tarheelyank December 24th, 2008 at 7:32 pm

    Happy holidays to all! Thanks Pete.

  103. Maine Yankee December 24th, 2008 at 7:40 pm

    Great job Pete…

    Daniel, grow up!

    Bru…. what?

    Merry X-mas all and to all a good night!!!

  104. Wolf In Pinstripes December 24th, 2008 at 7:40 pm

    I was looking forward to this post, Pete. Thanks for another stellar year of unmatched coverage.

    To Pete and all LoHudders – Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, joyous Kwanzaa, etc. to all.

  105. Jon December 24th, 2008 at 7:42 pm

    Kevin Cash too?

  106. jennifer December 24th, 2008 at 7:59 pm

    A Christmas Story is on now. :) TBS

  107. Angel - A tale told by idiots, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing December 24th, 2008 at 8:11 pm

    Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra RA RA RA RA!!!!

  108. Drew December 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm

    That was great Pete! Happy Holidays and to all Yankees fans and their families!

  109. Wiseman December 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm

    Pete,

    TOO MUCH FREE TIME ON YOUR HANDS!!!

  110. PAT M December 24th, 2008 at 8:22 pm

    MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ……And thanks Pete for all that you provide…

  111. Ed H. December 24th, 2008 at 8:32 pm

    ‘Twas the night before Christmas
    And through baseball’s house
    The creatures were kvetching
    “The Yanks are a louse!”

    For Tex had decided to
    Follow AJ and CC
    The cretins must wish
    Free agents came free

    The team of Ruth and Gehrig
    Has tradition to uphold
    Crush the competition,
    Screw Boston, be bold

    Yank fans were happy
    They’re thankful, what joy!
    No more watching Giambi
    Throw the ball to St. Croix

    For Santa had come
    Bringing toys for them all
    He left a bat and a glove
    And leaving, cried “Play ball!”

  112. Betsy December 24th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    http://weblogs.newsday.com/spo.....kees/blog/

    I think Cash deserves an awful lot of credit for holding the line? The Red Sox don’t have a patent on that………What this came down to (though we don’t know the exact Sox offer) is that Tex wanted to be a Yankee. The $10 million extra that he got from the Yankees is chump change in the scheme of things. Tex ought to be a fan favorite

  113. DEN 2 December 24th, 2008 at 9:16 pm

    If Tex wanted to be a Yankee, then why not just match the Boston offer of around $170? Why go an extra $10 million?

    It’s ALWAYS about the money. Teix may have wanted to come here (like AJ) but clearly didn’t sacrifice anything to do so. I think AJ showed he wanted to be a Yankee more because he had an identical offer from ATL and chose us. This wasn’t like Beltran.

  114. Freddy December 24th, 2008 at 9:19 pm

    Cashman held the line because it was common sense. Why in the world would he agree to give him $192?

    Cash had all the leverage… Grazaino said we were prepared to offer Manny 3 years if we didn’t get Tex. There was/is no market for Manny other than LAD. So even if we missed out on Tex, we would have gotten Manny. He was there for the taking.

    This wasn’t some genius move by Cashman, it was the right move. He used his leverage the way he should have. He did the same thing with Burnett because he knew he had Lowe/Sheets there as well.

  115. Whitey Fraud December 24th, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    That was great, Pete.

    Did anyone ever tell you that you should write professionally?

  116. sevrx December 24th, 2008 at 9:21 pm

    When you have Steinbrenner’s money, anyone can look like a genius. This off-season proved that. Cashman simply did what he had to and flexed his financial muscles. We are the Yankees, thats what we should do and continue to do. Screw the small market teams

  117. Betsy December 24th, 2008 at 9:21 pm

    http://www.jetsinsider.com/for.....038;page=6

    This is from a Jets board – the baseball forum. I hope the pic shows up – it’s Tex holding a Donnie Baseball card……Love it! I may make this my desktop!

    Den2, it’s always in some part about the $$$ – not that that’s a bad thing. I think anyone who has more than one job offer to choose from has to seriously consider the $$$ involved. I don’t hold it against Tex that he didn’t offer a discount – the fact is, the Yankees said “no thanks” twice and Boras came back both times. Tex wanted to make it work……he wasn’t going to be a bargain (not that he should have – this is his last big deal), but he didn’t play hard ball either. It was fairly easy, I would think, for the Yankees to work this out once they were informed that Tex did want to play for them. The Yankees always like players who want to be Yankees.

  118. NITRO December 24th, 2008 at 9:26 pm

    Davidoff is the biggest buzzkill in the world.

    When we got CC, his article the next day was about how he was forced here and will opt out in 3 years guaranteed so he could go back West where he really wants to be.

    When we got AJ, the next day there was an article about how hating the Yankees is back in force, filled with a bunch of anonymous quotes from GMs/execs killing our spending. Also wrote about how we are neglecting the farm and not giving the kids a chance by signing AJ.

    Now today, he has some long post with 13 items about Teixeria, most of them negative. The worst one was about how Theo should not hang his head because the Sox are still the better organization top to bottom and didn’t really need him.

    Not even Lupica, Madden, Gammons etc. have been that ridiculous this winter, and thats saying a lot.

  119. Betsy December 24th, 2008 at 9:27 pm

    Sorry! the link worked when I posted it on another board, but it’s not working here.

  120. Betsy December 24th, 2008 at 9:28 pm

    NITRO, that article made me sick. I guess Ken goes on my list of sportswriters not to read. That list is now longer than my arm. If I avoid WFAN, ESPN (and radio) and all newspapers, I’ll be fine, lol

  121. Forntoso December 24th, 2008 at 9:30 pm

    Teixeria and Burnett have a lot in common. Both of those guys played on losing organizations most of their careers and wanted to come to a winning situation. Both are also from Maryland and wanted to stay on the East Coast. Both also wanted to come to NY badly and be Yankees. There was buzz all year about Teix/AJ wanting to come here.

    It was nice to get them both here (in addition to CC of course).

  122. NITRO December 24th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

    Betsy – I love how upset the mediots are. It fuels me lol It means we are doing something right.

    Aside from Kellerman who was an awesome listen yesterday, the reaction has been negative or mixed everywhere else.

    The strange part though, is that a lot of the positive reaction has come from the guys who used to be the biggest haters – Steve Phillips, Madden, Harper, Richard Justice, Verducci etc. Heck, even Gammons’ article was light compared to most of the other mediots.

  123. NITRO December 24th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

    *Edit, Justice was NOT one of the positive ones.

  124. John December 24th, 2008 at 9:36 pm

    Most of WFAN were surprisingly positive – Sommers, Sweeney, Joe and Evan, Malusis. ESPN was pretty good too from Olney, Kurkjin, Phillips.

    1050 was unbearable though except for Max Kellerman. All the fill-in guys absolutely sucked.

  125. Jeff NJ December 24th, 2008 at 9:36 pm

    Good job Peter.

    I wish you all success, wealth, health and happiness in the coming year, it’s going to be a doozy!

  126. X-Mann December 24th, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    Something tells me that Francessa (if he was on) would have complained about the deal rather than praise it.

    But when Teixeria comes on his show after the press conference, he would have showered him with compliments,.

  127. Donnie Baseball 23 December 24th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    Happy Holidays to all and Peter thanks for all your hard work and updates throughout the year. Lineups you give us, news you bring, and The Yankees are lucky to have someone that keeps their fans updating as much as you do!! Even though most of us disagree on issues at times Im sure we are all happy we have this site to get away and talk baseball for a few minutes. Merry XMAS, and thank GOD for making me a Yankee fan

  128. Showtime! December 24th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

    Petes blog is the best blog in all of sports

    Merry Christmas

  129. Betsy December 24th, 2008 at 9:48 pm

    NITRO, I also love how everyone is getting their knickers in a twist. I love it!

    I haven’t read Madden in a long time, but I did read this article and it was good. Richard Justice’s article was a hack job – most of the articles have been hack jobs. These mediots are sheep – they think fans want to hear nasty things about the Yankees, so that’s what they give them. I doubt these guys have had an original thought in their lives.

    This guy Seth whatever was on with Brandon Tierney today (he was solo yesterday) and he was unbelievable – if the Yankees win, it will be hollow; they have no integrity, etc…..Same old stuff, different day. It’s pathetic.

    I missed Somers on WFAN, but I heard he was good. I only caught part of Joe and Evan, but they’ve been making a really good point all along and which I agree with: the Yankees are much, much better for baseball than these god-awful franchises that grab free $$ from the big market teams and sit on their wallets. That’s disgraceful.

    I also don’t get the argument (hello, Davidoff) that winning the off-season doesn’t mean jack for the regular season. Ok, and……………….the point? I mean, what are the Yankees supposed to do? Not try and improve the team because their signings don’t guarantee anything?

  130. john December 24th, 2008 at 9:48 pm

    Pete, thank god for this poem. I am at the in-laws and bored to death only to have you brighten up my day when I check on my bb for a blog update. Thanks pete for helping me through this critical time hahaha

  131. EricNS December 24th, 2008 at 9:51 pm

    Well done and Happy Holidays Pete!!

  132. Bronx 78 December 24th, 2008 at 9:51 pm

    That Davidoff article was disgusting. I used to like him a lot… he was one of the few guys in the media who understood what Cashman was trying to do and stressed patience with the kids and didn’t harp on the Santana trade. This winter though, all his articles have been negative and throwing cold water on us after every signing. Wallace Matthews is just as bad.

  133. vtred December 24th, 2008 at 9:57 pm

    Seth Everett… how far he has fallen. Used to be the leading insider for MLB.com and had a big gig with SNY last year. Now he is a fill in anchor on ESPN Radio, only gets called in when nobody else is available.

    Tierny tried to fight him off initially but then just gave up, realizing a confrontation was not worth it. Everett was so far out there, talking about how General Motors is under water and nobody will go to Tigers games, so the Yankees shouldn’t spend money to show their sympathy.

  134. jennifer December 24th, 2008 at 10:02 pm

    betsy,

    Lets see if this works.

    http://www.beacardgeek.com/car.....ixeira.jpg

  135. Chief December 24th, 2008 at 10:02 pm

    i believe Pete missed his calling in life…lol

    Merry Christmas to all!

  136. Christina December 24th, 2008 at 10:04 pm

    aww how cute. Merry Christmas all

  137. Tom from Worcester December 24th, 2008 at 10:09 pm

    Great job Pete! Thanks for all that you do for us. Wishing you and yours a great holiday season! Now make sure to call Cash and tell him nothing else so you can enjoy your vacation!

  138. jennifer December 24th, 2008 at 10:14 pm

    Just checking out WFAN and some of the stupid comments from total morons.

    Hopefully Won’t Win
    Ridiculous. MLB needs a salary cap. I’m so sick and tired of the Yankees and their constant attempt to buy championships. I really hope the Rays kick the Yankees butt all over the field next year. And this is coming from a Tigers fan. Go Rays…Go Red Sox…and of course, Go Tigers!!

    I guess he forgets that the red soxs spend money and that his team spent money as well. what losers!

  139. David (Stuck in Seattle December 24th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

    “Thanks to everybody for the well wishes. Right back at you.

    Now stop reading this blog and go hang out with your friends and family!”

    But Pete, this blog and other Yankee fans ARE my friends and family :-)

    I wish you all a dozen World Series titles

  140. Bob(The Original) December 24th, 2008 at 10:24 pm

    People who call for salry caps don’t even understand what they are calling for.

    Was just reading Keith Law’s latest and he had a great line in it:

    “it’s another example of owners taking advantage of the economic ignorance of fans and writers who are yelling and screaming for a salary cap right now. (Salary caps in sports are just wealth transfers from players to owners.) ”

    Good column by the way about compensatory picks.

    http://sports.espn.go.com/espn.....=law_keith

  141. Daniel December 24th, 2008 at 10:26 pm

    just kidding Pete, you do a terrific job, thanks for everything and merry xmas.

  142. Nick in SF in Charlotte December 24th, 2008 at 10:26 pm

    Pete, thanks for making this blog so much fun all year round. And thanks the all the other commenters who provide so much information and infotainment. I feel like tomorrow is going to be anti-climactic; Christmas came early for Yankee fans this year. But I hope everyone has a great one.

  143. Nick in SF in Charlotte December 24th, 2008 at 10:28 pm

    p.s. I got Moose Bars for everyone in my family!

  144. TGFizeek December 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    Fantastic post Pete!
    Merry Christmas Everyone!!

  145. Buddy Biancalana December 24th, 2008 at 10:33 pm

    That Mattingly card was an ’84 Donruss, at the time it came out it was highly sought after & valuable. Not sure what it’s worth nowadays.

  146. Nick in SF in Charlotte December 24th, 2008 at 10:40 pm

    p.p.s. I’ll be giving everyone Manny Bars next year – according to Impacto Deportivo.

  147. KEITH December 24th, 2008 at 10:42 pm

    Merry Christmas Pete ! Thanks for keeping us informed all year long. It is soooo appreciated.

  148. RonH December 24th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

    Many well wishes Pete and thanks for another year of great blogging!

  149. Tim the Enchanter December 24th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

    If anyone needs some Christmas entertainment, enjoy.

    http://hirejimessian.com/2008/.....s-preview/

  150. Doreen December 24th, 2008 at 11:05 pm

    Great way to end the night! Thanks, Pete.

    Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

  151. Michele December 24th, 2008 at 11:12 pm

    Bravo! SUPER job & very entertaining! HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all!

  152. thomo December 24th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

    Thanks for all your great effort Peter.

    Chag Chanukah Sameach – a healthy and happy holiday season to all.

  153. Andrea December 24th, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    Thanks for the poem Pete.

  154. Dara December 24th, 2008 at 11:18 pm

    Happy Holidays Pete and Yankee fans!

  155. tterba December 24th, 2008 at 11:20 pm

    Great Job Pete… thanks for all the info year round… Awesome !

  156. NY Jim December 24th, 2008 at 11:39 pm

    Hey Pete,

    Thanks for the Holiday Cheer. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  157. jennifer December 24th, 2008 at 11:41 pm

    Bob great point!

    Also many of the owners are far richer than George and Co. They could invest their own money in the team and possibly grow their product. And instead of taking the check from the Yankees and putting it in their pocket why not spend it on a marque player?

  158. Rock em Sock em Robots December 24th, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    Well done Pete! Happy Holidays to you and yours!

    Here’s to a 2009 filled with a 27th Championship for the Yankees and a Super Bowl repeat for the Giants!

  159. j2 December 24th, 2008 at 11:47 pm

    Don’t recall whether someone’s mentioned it, but there’s a good piece by Kat O’Brien on Pettitte’s status since the Teixeira signing.

    http://weblogs.newsday.com/spo.....n_end.html

  160. G.R. December 25th, 2008 at 12:01 am

    Great job, Pete. Not just this post, but all year long! Thanks for all your hard work (even on vacation!)

    A very blessed and merry Christmas to everyone!

  161. Trevor December 25th, 2008 at 12:02 am

    Why do people think that the Yankees should not spend money because other teams don’t have it? I guess no one has been taught “life is unfair”. No matter where you stand in life there are always haves and have not’s.
    So should the Yankees pity the Pirates because it’s “unfair” they don’t have the same revenue the Yankees have? and not spend.
    I wonder does Donald Trump and Bill Gates pity me because I can’t afford a Mansion. Meanwhile they own real estate all After all that certainly isn’t fair……right?

  162. jennifer December 25th, 2008 at 12:19 am

    Also all these teams that are complaining love when the Yankees come to town and they get their 6 sell outs a year. The cities love when we come, cause their hotels are sold out and at rack rate, their bars love it cause we spend money, their restaurants love it cause we buy their food. They also have their tier priced games, Yankee games are in the top tier whereas KC games are in the bottom tier. In other words stop your complaining.

    Why ask for a salary cap? Why not go to the players union and tell them that a player can only make X amount a year? Oh and if you have a cap you have to have a floor. So Brewers etc, you’ll actually have to raise your salary cause you know it won’t be a floor of 50 million. So be careful what you wish for, cause you just might get it.

  163. Betsy December 25th, 2008 at 12:28 am

    Jennifer, thanks!!!

  164. Rob NY -- 2009 The Road to Redemption December 25th, 2008 at 12:34 am

    Happy Christmas to everybody on the blog. Hope you all get where you’re going safely tomorrow and enjoy your holiday. Everybody’s contribution helps make this place the crazy conversation it always is.

    Pete– thanks for giving us Yankee addicts a place to come 24/7 and debate or just shoot the breeze with other fans.

    Oh, and Nick, keep that sarcastic sense of humor coming. It brings some much needed levity to a place where people sometimes think things are life and death. :)

  165. Matt December 25th, 2008 at 12:37 am

    Thanks Pete for a great year of coverage. Your blog is one of the few that I make sure to read every single day. Happy holidays.

  166. Pinstripes December 25th, 2008 at 12:57 am

    I refer to this blog on a daily basis, and I don’t think my days would be complete without it.

    Thanks for making sure that we are all updated with the latest news about our favorite team!

    Merry Christmas!

  167. joeman December 25th, 2008 at 1:11 am

    all I want now in my stocking is Nate McLouth & this will be a great off-season

  168. valis2374 December 25th, 2008 at 3:38 am

    Much, MUCH funnier after a some mimosa.

    Happy Christmas there, Pete.

  169. Irene December 25th, 2008 at 8:24 am

    Happy holidays Pete and Yankee fans!

  170. Tom in FL December 25th, 2008 at 8:30 am

    Nice job, Pete–love your work. Merry Christmas

  171. GGTM December 25th, 2008 at 9:15 am

    Nice job Pete … next season you can make CC Santa … he’s big enough … you can call him the Big C.

    Hope you have a wonderful holiday season Pete … Yankee fans sure are.

  172. trisha - CC and AJ and Sheets - OH MY!" December 25th, 2008 at 9:19 am

    Merry Christmas everyone. For us Yankee fans, it sure is a holly jolly one!

    Thank you Pete for the poem and the blog.

    Thank you fellow bloggers for making this a crazy, controversial, but overall fun-filled place.

    Thank your Brian Cashman for truly doing a superb job. I personally love the close-to-the-vest approach.

    Thank you Yankees for bringing great baseball joy/passion to my life. In the worst of times, you are always the anchor.

    And finally, *I want to thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee fan!”

    :)

  173. Clement Clarke Moore December 25th, 2008 at 10:34 am

    I don’t accept your apology!

    Get off my lawn, punk!

  174. Rose in PCFLA December 25th, 2008 at 11:58 am

    Merry Christmas Pete. I really enjoy your blog and the Christmas poem was great. Down in FL we don’t get much Yankee news so I check your site everyday especially during Hot Stove season. Keep up the good work.

  175. matt December 25th, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    I wish I could watch
    Some Jeter or Cano
    But today on “Yes”
    Is all Guiseppe Franco….

    I can’t wait for this spring!!!!!!!!

  176. Sean Serritella December 25th, 2008 at 2:56 pm

    Very impressive.

  177. DAVE December 26th, 2008 at 8:27 am

    Best holiday greetings from Okinawa, Japan.

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