Pinch hitting: My Pinstripes
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jan 17, 2009 
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January is traditionally a slow month for baseball news. So for the second year in a row, we will showcase other blogs with a series of pinch hitters.
Next up is Drew from My Pinstripes.
Drew just started his fourth year of writing his blog and will be unveiling a new look to coincide with the guest post. He has been a Yankees fan since the late 1960s and lives in New Jersey with his wife (and editor) and two beagles who who love the Yankees.
Here’s his post:
————
If you were a fan of the Yankees in the 1970s, the name Marty Appel was synonymous with the team. He was the Yankees head of public relations from 1973-1977 … that’s right, the early George Steinbrenner years. He went on to work for Major League Baseball, became an accomplished author, and is very involved in today’s sports scene as head of the Marty Appel Public Relations agency.
He graciously consented to answering some questions recently in an e-mail interview. We talked about the Yankees past and present, Major League Baseball, and his career. Here’s what Marty had to say.
Q: You were born in Brooklyn. Were you a Dodgers fan growing up? Who were your sports idols as a kid?
A: My first awareness of baseball was the 1955 World Series. Mantle was my first favorite player, but I later joined the Bobby Richardson Fan Club (as listed in SPORT Magazine) because everyone liked the Mick and I sort of wanted “my own guy”. Bobby and I are friends to this day and we speak to each year the day after the World Series to do a (non-alcoholic) toast to his RBI record lasting another series.
Q: You majored in political science in college. How did you end up getting involved in sports?
A: I was also editor of the campus newspaper, so there was this journalism thing going on with me. I wrote a letter to the Yankees PR director, Bob Fishel, in 1967 and he hired me to answer Mantle’s fan mail because it was not getting answered and they needed someone to tackle it. Otherwise, lots of unhappy fans. What a break that was for me.
Q: What was it like taking care of Mickey Mantle’s fan mail? Did you interact much with him? Personally, I would have been starstruck.
A: I was starstruck, and really, still think about the fact that Mickey Mantle knew who I was. Unimaginable. But he liked me – he would give me all of his gift certificates when he’d do radio interviews. $10 off Thom McAn shoes. Imagine him not wanting that! We were good friends until he died, but the “awe” factor never fully went away. He was the Mick!
Q: You began your time as the Yankees’ publicist at the same time George Steinbrenner was taking over ownership of the ball club. What was your initial impression of him? How would you characterize your relationship with him during your time as PR Director?
A: I did spend five years with the Yankees when CBS still owned the team. It was a break for me that Mr. Steinbrenner came along. I think the top people for CBS would always have seen me as the “fan mail kid”, even though I had become assistant PR Director. When Bob Fishel left, Mr. Steinbrenner gave me the top job – the youngest ever in baseball – and I’ll be forever grateful to him. Not every day was sweetness and roses, there was a lot of pressure to work for him. But it made us all better. Or tougher. He wanted the whole front office to excel and thought that would represent the play on the field too. I earned that World Series ring, let me tell you.
Q: You ghost wrote a biography for/with Thurman Munson. How cooperative was he in the process?
A: He was cooperative to a point – talking about his career. Personal stuff was more difficult for him. He hadn’t had a perfect childhood. Now, (glad you asked), I’ve completed a full length biography which has everything about his youth, and of course, all the information about that awful accident. Doubleday is publishing it in July, near the 30th anniversary of his death.
Q: Bobby Murcer was my idol growing up and I was deeply touched by his death last year. What are some of your memories of him?
A: Bobby was as regular a guy as you could find in a baseball clubhouse. Let’s face it, even the nicest of players is still, in an understated way, “I’m a player and you’re not” and today, “I’m a millionaire and you’re not.” Bobby was always one of the regular people. His e-mails during his illness were not to celebrities, but just ordinary friends he made along the way. It was just awful that he died so young.
Q: What is your favorite memory of Yankee Stadium? Were you able to get any souvenirs of the place at the end of last season? Don’t worry I won’t tell.
A: I got my scoopful of dirt, but to me the real souvenirs were the ones from 1973 before the remodeling. I had seven seats – I have two now – and some cool things from the clubhouse. We didn’t think much of souvenirs back then. I was editor of the Yankees Yearbook each year and I took home one for myself. That’s it. I have one of each, even with my name on page one. And I think those are worth about $100 each now.
Q: You won an Emmy Award as executive producer of Yankees’ broadcasts for WPIX. What does the executive producer of a Yankees broadcast do?
A: It involves contracts with the announcers, hiring a director, coordinating technical preparations with the engineering department, interfacing with the team on their needs, sometimes accommodating sponsor needs, hiring production facilities on the road, maintaining a budget, planning special material like pre-game features, helping to develop opening animation, etc. Technically, I was Phil Rizzuto’s boss, but who’s kidding who – he ran everything and still left after six innings no matter how many times I told him not to!
Q: Which Yankees were your favorite to deal with? If you’re comfortable saying, who were one or two of your least favorite to deal with?
A: There really wasn’t anyone I didn’t like to deal with, and I’m not just being kind. Ballplayers are generally terrific people. Hey, Alex Johnson had a horrible media reputation when we got him and I really liked AJ! Munson could be rough with the press, but we were close friends. I loved Catfish Hunter, he was special because of the circumstances under which we got him. I loved Steve Hamilton, who could have solved all of baseball’s labor problems if they’d let him. Ron Blomberg and Roy White were at my wedding. Guys who just passed through briefly like Tippy Martinez and Fran Healy remain friends. But to pick one? I’d have to say all of those from my childhood who I spent a lot of time with were the most special – Mick, Whitey, Yogi, Bobby.
Q: What do you think of the Yankees’ recent spending spree? Is it good or bad for the game?
A: Hey, I’m still a Yankee fan. It may not be great for the game, but it’s been eight years since a world championship. Gotta shake things up. Go for it. After eight years, we’re due, doesn’t matter if it’s good for the game. Although the truth is, when the Yankees are strong, baseball is strong.
Q: How did you become involved with the Israel Baseball League? Do you think that the league will ever produce a major league-ready prospect?
A: I was asked to handle the PR through my company, Marty Appel Public Relations. I brought in Blomberg and Art Shamsky as managers. But the league was underfunded and didn’t get to a second season. There will be new attempts at it I think – a lot of good people would like to see it happen. As for major league prospects, the league was not made up entirely of Israeli players. It was an international league, and there were a lot of Dominican players, a few of whom were signed to pro contracts in the US.
Q: I appreciate your taking the time to answer my questions, Marty. One final topic: If there’s one thing that you could change about the game today, what would it be?
A: Oh, definitely the pace of the game. It continues to have too many slow moments. Did you see Larsen’s perfect game on the MLB Network? The batters never left the batter’s box between pitches. I’d love to see a return to those days, to 2:20 games. Oh and a ban on people sitting behind home plate waving to the cameras while they talk on their cellphones. Those people need to be ejected.
Drew: Thanks Marty, that was great!
Marty: It was fun, good questions.
————
Great job, Drew. Coming tomorrow: Andrew from Scott Proctor’s Arm.
very interesting, good job Drew. I liked it as it was different.
I enjoyed that. Thanks
really interesting. I wonder if he was aware of the impact George was going to make on the game in the early years.
On another note, a lot has been made of the Jeter contract when his time is up. I think it’s time for the guy to give us a hometown discount, being that we overpaid his services during the current contract. Guys like Wright, Reyes, Pedroia, Youkilis, and now even Hamels, have given their beloved team hometown discounts, going into their primes.
Ego’s aside, Jeter is not worth another big contract, and the Yankees have paid him handsomely throughout his career. Time to take on for the team, Jeter.
one*
Nice post Drew. Liked getting the perspective of someone who worked for the Yankees 30 years ago when George first arrived.
Great post.Marty is on to something with not allowing players to step out after every pitch,fixing their batting gloves or whatever.How about once every at bat.
Great job Drew !
Bobby Murcer was (and always will be) my favorite athlete of all-time.
I feel so lucky that my favorite Yankee was around for so many years as a ballplayer and announcer.
I too miss him tremendously.
Thanks for that. Nice approach, nice interview.
great stuff, thanks for that drew!
Great job, Drew!
Some of the posters were saying how Al Downing was one of their favorites in the last post. I have to say I was very fortunate to attend the party at the Sheraton for the old-timers after the Old Timer Game last season. Many former players elected to go home right after the game but I did get to meet a some…Boggs, Raines, Luis Sojo, to name a few but my favorite was Al Downing. He was just so nice and we sat for about an hour discussing my all time fave ..the Mick and some of the players of today..Joba, Arod, Jeter. He gave some great insight of the game yesterday and today. As of that date he was working with the Dodgers and he’s a big Manny fan (another topic of discussion with mixed opinions). I’m hoping to attend the Opening Party next year and get to meet many more of the players and I’m certainly hoping Al will be there again.
Go Yankees 2009 !!!
“brandon r u the one who said eli better look out b/c of the qb the giants have on the practice squad?”
Yup. He’s going to have to be on his toes because Andre Woodson is no joke.
That was terrific! Thanks for posting it.
brandon, come on.. your a joke.. Eli is not going anywhere ..
Now that’s more like it.
Good job.
Ugh.
http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/01/1.....ams-coach/
“brandon, come on.. your a joke.. Eli is not going anywhere ..”
Jesus who said he’s going anywhere, I’m saying if he drops off, gets hurt or underperforms he has a challenger coming his way, like Shockey had w/ Boss, like Strahan had w/ Osi and Tuck, like Pierce has w/ Kehl, like Tiki had w/ Jacobs, like Ward had w/ Prison Break Bradshaw. Andre Woodson is no joke, Reese drafted him as a steal he loves this draft pick and they have been working him behind the scenes in the practice squad and recently added him to the roster, Woodson is not going to be a throwaway player, I’m a joke for pointing out Eli has competition coming, I love Eli but does have a problem w/ Woodson creeping into the scene.
I love Eli but he does have a problem w/ Woodson creeping into the scene.*
Eli’s about to get a 100million dollar contract, they signed Woodson off the practice squad because Carr’s a free agent.. and it’s a move teams do every year.. Eli has nothing to worry about.. You over look stuff..
great job Drew!
I bought the book Marty wrote a few years ago – “Now Pitching For The Yankees” – it was a good read.
Not ever player who’s only bargaining chip is arbitration is giving teams a “hometown discount”. They’re chosing security over taking a chance of getting hurt, going in the tank or more of a economic downturn. It’s as much a gamble for the team as it is for the player.
“Eli’s about to get a 100million dollar contract, they signed Woodson off the practice squad because Carr’s a free agent.. and it’s a move teams do every year.. Eli has nothing to worry about.. You over look stuff..”
There is no scout that even believes that. Carr yes is a FA, Andre is just a replacement QB, even Reese has echoed that. This is not just a fill in roster guy although I understand your point of teams doing this every year your looking too much into the $100 million dollar contract, which in the NFL means nothing they can cut that contract at anytime they wish.
Let me put it like this he’s not a hefty lefty, he’s Anthony Wright who was god awful, Andre Woodson is going to make Eli swet trust that. His character, his build, the arm strength , Eli better watch out. I love him but he better watch out.
Let me put it like this he’s not a hefty lefty, he’s not Anthony Wright who was god awful, Andre Woodson is going to make Eli swet trust that. His character, his build, the arm strength , Eli better watch out. I love him but he better watch out.
Brandon you can be serious? The contract will be 8 years 100 mil with 40$ mil in guarntee so than it will be around 8 yrs. 60mil which is 7mil a year, so u think they going to do all this for a backup?? Come on if your going to try to replace Eli come with something better than Woodson
‘Brandon you can be serious? The contract will be 8 years 100 mil with 40$ mil in guarntee so than it will be around 8 yrs. 60mil which is 7mil a year, so u think they going to do all this for a backup?? Come on if your going to try to replace Eli come with something better than Woodson’
No one is debating that Eli is going to be franchised, but Andre Woodson is going to be a problem. Jerry Reese knew who he wanted to pick w/ his pick this is his QB pick he wouldn’t have drafted him in Rd. 6 if he weren’t targeting him for a specific reason. He is going to be a problem.
Your are kidding me, this isnt the 1st time a GM picked a QB in the 6th rd. If Woodson starts more than 4 games for the Giants while ELI is still in UNI I will send you a free GMENS jersey your choice
“Your are kidding me, this isnt the 1st time a GM picked a QB in the 6th rd. If Woodson starts more than 4 games for the Giants while ELI is still in UNI I will send you a free GMENS jersey your choice”
Sweet I have Kenney Philips, Dominek Hixon and Brandon Jacobs….get me Webster or Bradshaw, preferably white and red.
Here is a article on Yanks and Cashman’s thoughts on what else their is to do:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01.....nted=print
Ill give you a WOODSON since hes going to be the starting QB of the GIANTS!!! haha
‘Ill give you a WOODSON since hes going to be the starting QB of the GIANTS!!! haha’
I said he might, he definitely has the skill set, don’t sleep on him. Or we can go that route w/ his rookie card.
some more great new yankee stadium photos
http://zellspinstripeblog.com/.....-update-3/
If they had any long term interest in Woodson they wouldn’t have cut him then stuck him on the practice squad where anyone else could sign him all year.
The Giants lost Spags, but they are getting Osi back and they do have a lot of picks and cap room to help the D. Sheridan will probably be the new DC.
“A: Oh, definitely the pace of the game. It continues to have too many slow moments. Did you see Larsen’s perfect game on the MLB Network? The batters never left the batter’s box between pitches. I’d love to see a return to those days, to 2:20 games. Oh and a ban on people sitting behind home plate waving to the cameras while they talk on their cellphones. Those people need to be ejected.”
Second that!!!!
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
*THE RAMS HAVE HIRED DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO AS THEIR NEW HEAD COACH*
I’ll miss ya Spags.
brandon was saying on the other side the all the yankees prospects were going to turn out so good that wang would be let go. thats why i brought up his eli comment.
he obviously overvalues unproven talent.
Been hearing good things about Mark Mulder this offseason….over his injuries and got his arm slot back when he had success in Oakland
he a solid lefty if healthy
‘brandon was saying on the other side the all the yankees prospects were going to turn out so good that wang would be let go. thats why i brought up his eli comment.
he obviously overvalues unproven talent.’
Ok that’s nice.
Brandon– I usually agree with you but I’m not sure Woodson is a threat to the newest 100 million dollar man. I read in the paper they were looking to make him the highest paid player in the game? Possibly a 120m deal? But that isn’t my real issue with what you’re saying.
My real issue? Why would you want a red jersey? Those may be the ugliest jersies in football!
Brandon– With Spags gone I hope they fire Gilbride too and just look for 2 new guys. Gilbride is the worst considering the stable of RB talent he had he just wasted it, all year. Got away from running Ward/ Bradshaw in the second half and started just splitting the carries throughout the game. That failed.
We need a #1 WR next year, what do you think about looking into Chad Ocho-Cinco?
Trish, in response to your question in the previous thread, I don’t know what’s going to happen to Melky. It seems as if Cash is willing to go into the season with Gardner/Melky combo, but that would be asinine. I don’t think he has a place on this team – it’s bad enough if your a good player with an attitude, but a bad one? I guess Cash is no longer interested in Cameron – too bad and I don’t get it (Cash wants to hold onto Melky and Igawa?). I’m just hoping that he is working on something in secret – you can not have a black hole like that at any position, not if you hope to be a serious contender. It’s one thing to have an average player, but Melky/Gardner can only hope to ever reach that level.
This was one of the best pinch-hitter posts. I remember seeing Marty Appel’s name on all the Yankee broadcasts from that period, and thinking, “That must be a cool job!”. Nice to know that he’s doing well. Looking forward to that biography of Munson.
Betsy – For all we know, Cash has been working on a deal for Grady Sizemore. And if it falls apart at the last minute because Cleveland decides they want Joba thrown in, well, then we’ll never know about any of it. That’s part of being on the outside and trying to look in, I guess.
so….who was in Manhattan last Saturday and saw this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9La40WwO-lU
Bill Sheridan will most likely be the new Giant DC.
On Andy – I’ve seen in another board I post at that some (not the majority, who support the Yankees) that some fans claim the Yankees are playing hardball with Andy.
I don’t see how the Yankees are playing hardball. That word has a negative connotation and I see nothing wrong with the Yankees placing a value on Andy or any player. Just as players have every right to get as much $$$ as they can get, teams have every right to draw the line at whatever point they see fit. Continually caving in to players is not good business. I still don’t get why playing so-called “hardball” is ok for the Sox (and fans proclaim Theo a genius for this) and why it is not so ok for the Yankees.
I think that flexibility is a good thing in business, but we really have no idea what went on in that meeting between Cash and Pettitte. Perhaps Andy was so intransigient about what he’s looking for, that the Yankees dug in their heels. In any case, I think the Yankees should move on now. They have got to get their #4 starter in order and the more time that passes, the more the # of palatable options diminishes. I don’t see any evidence of on-going negotiations – you can only negotiate when both parties are amenable to doing so. The Yankees need to officially make their peace with this and proceed. Andy needs to do whatever is going to make him happy – retire or take less $$ to go elsewhere if he really wants to pitch. He’s not going to be able to have his cake and eat it too (the cake itself being playing in the new YS and the act of eating it being the $$)
__________________
‘With Spags gone I hope they fire Gilbride too and just look for 2 new guys. Gilbride is the worst considering the stable of RB talent he had he just wasted it, all year.’
We won the SuperBowl in spite of him. Please Oakland take him.
Spagnulo gone? Too bad. At least he didn’t waste his life becoming coach for the Jets.
Then again, anyone from New York who has been to that flyove called St. Louis might think the same thing.
I still wish him well.
pinch-hit homer
Is someone really disappointed in cashman not going after cameron and at the same time saying a team can’t have a “black hole” at ANY position? Have you ever looked at cameron’s stats or the rosters of other teams? Cameron brings absolutely nothing to the table over melky, beyond a weaker arm and a million dollars in salary for every extra homerun that he might hit in accompaniment of his 36 year old 240 average.
The idea NO team, let alone this yankee offense, does not, or can not, carry a bat like gardner or melky’s is beyond crazy.
I love how Giants fans have a good young QB with great stats and a superbowl ring and they are speculating his job status. As a Jets fan I’d like Eli on my team anyday. I see Spags went to the Rams he can have fun on a team with no talent, our guy is Rex Ryan.
‘Kennedy Yankees Opening Day Starter?’
lvironpigs.wordpress.com
Ed- that is the most revolting thing I’ve ever seen. I hate touching anything or sitting on the subway with pants on. Why the hell would you sit on those disgusting seats in your underwear? EWWWW
AL agree 100%. Im a GMEN fan and makes no sense for Spags. He is a “d” guy so he takes over a team with no “O” and now has to make over both sides of the ball. I wish him well but bad job choice for him. Eli is a fine QB and how many NFL teams really have a better QB?? and what are the chances of the GMEN getting one of them?? ZERO!!
I’ll bet Marty has some great tales about the 77-78 Yanks…Also I wonder what his impression was of the ESPN docu-drama “” The Bronx Zoo “”……I think back in the early 70′s he was the guy who handled the Topp’s Card photo shoots during Spring Training…It was so long ago, and far different than it is today……GB7, Gentleman Al Downing # 24 I think was outstanding as he complimented Jimmy Bouton….
Nice job Drew!
Donnie Baseball- Other than Brees, Manning(big bro), and Brady(when healthy), who is significantly better than Eli? Giants fans treat him just like bad Jets fans used to treat Chad, and Eli at least won a SB! It must be a thing about NY QB’s they never get the credit they deserve. Francesa in his post Giants loss rage said Eli was an average QB. Giants fans don’t give the guy any credit, its forgotten that the guy who had a terrible game against the Eagles had 10 flawless games in a row leading through the SB last year.
but Andre Woodson is going to be a problem.
========================================
Brandon, please tell me someone took over your computer and typed that.
Donnie Baseball 23 January 17th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
AL agree 100%. Im a GMEN fan and makes no sense for Spags. He is a “d” guy so he takes over a team with no “O” and now has to make over both sides of the ball. I wish him well but bad job choice for him. Eli is a fine QB and how many NFL teams really have a better QB?? and what are the chances of the GMEN getting one of them?? ZERO!!
=================================================
Not to mention the fact that the Rams front office seems a bit..off? I just wish the guy the best. Sucks that he is leaving us.
Regards to Eli-after hearing what some of my fellow Giants fans are saying about him, I am embarrassed to be associated with them.
Al-
Eli has benefited from the team around him, especially Plax when he was with the Giants. i’m a Giants fan, but there are plenty of QB’s better than Eli. That goes without saying, Eli could potentially get better, but, as of now, the guy makes too many mistakes to be considered one of the top in the league at that position. Brees, P. Manning, McNabb are all better than Eli.
Just because a guy had a GREAT stretch of games leading up to a Superbowl, doesn’t put him in the discussion for great QB’s.
Ed – American League, prepare to be scared! CC, Aj, and MT!! January 17th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
so….who was in Manhattan last Saturday and saw this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9La40WwO-lU
===============================================
I am glad I missed out on seeing that!
JoeyA- I didn’t say that he was a GREAT QB or all time. However when I hear Giants fans throwing around terms like “average” and “ok” I think its absurd. Eli is a good QB not great but good.
jennifer,
uh….dont shoot the messenger. lol
SA,
I was glad I stayed home last Sat, they must had froze their butts off. :X hahas
McNabb are all better than Eli.
=======================================
McNabb does indeed know how to vomit on the football field better than Eli.
Eli isn’t the kind of quarterback that can take a game over and win it by himself. You don’t see Eli throw for 300 yards a game very often.
Part of the reason is the system the Giants use, but part of the reason they use the system that they do is because they know Eli’s limitations.
Ed-If I don’t wear gloves, my teeth are chattering. No pants and sitting pants-less on a subway train? Oh no no no
:O
Al-
point taken. I would say he is an average to above average QB. With that said, IMO, you put Eli in one of these pass first offenses, such as N.O. or Philly (until lately), and I don’t think he would have had a job for very long. When the Giants have a balanced attack and don’t let Eli throw too often, Eli comes off as a very successful QB, which is all the Giants need him to do. BUT, when Eli has to throw 35+ times, it is less likely to be a pretty game for a Giant fan.
Average to above average, but I wouldn’t put him in the class with the best QB’s in the league.
SA,
speaking of no gloves, my hands are freezing right now.
Put on some gloves Ed!
18 degrees outside right now. I love this weather.
SA,
wait what? you serious? lol.
SA,
gunna hunt for dinner now, ttyl.
lol
Seriously, I love the cold. Enjoy dinner!
“After eight years, we’re due”
Is this a right or something? There’s plenty of other teams in MLB that’s due too.
“Although the truth is, when the Yankees are strong, baseball is strong.”
I would like to hear more about this explanation…sounds very arrogant.
“Im a GMEN fan and makes no sense for Spags. He is a “d” guy so he takes over a team with no “O” and now has to make over both sides of the ball. I wish him well but bad job choice for him.”
A bad choice? so he should stay a coordinator and not become a head coach? Disagree. He won’t have his choice of jobs next year – who knows how many will be open. Plus Cowher, Holmgren etc. will be looking for jobs next winter. Spags’ Super Bowl win will be another year older … It’s now or never for this guy to get a gig, especially with the trend to hire head coaches in their mid-30s.
“After eight years, we’re due”
I hope you are not serious! 8 years?
Great post, a very interesting interview.
That pants-less subway ride was hilarious.
Baseball Diehard, stop being a hater.
Very happy that the Phillies reached a deal with Cole Hamels to avoid arbitration. However when you look at the numbers yes I realize that Hamels is only in his first year of arbitration but he will be getting only a little less than Wang this year and if an ace of the Phillies staff is only getting 10 milla year 2 years from now not sure once again that Andy asking for 16 makes a lot of sense in this market place. Maybe I amwrong an when it comes to potential arbitration deals this is in line but it seems awfully low to me for someone like Hamels.
From SI.com
Hamels makes $4.35MM this year, $6.65MM in 2010 and $9.5MM in 2011. If Hamels wins the Cy Young his contract goes up by $500K the following season and he’ll get a $250K raise the year after a second or third place finish. Presumably he’d get an immediate bonus if he finishes in the top three in voting in the deal’s final year.
According to Sherman, Hamels is in line for additional bonuses of $100K, $75K and $50K if he finishes first second or third in Cy Young or MVP voting. If he’s the World Series MVP he makes $100K and if he’s the LCS MVP or on the All Star team he gets a $50K bonus. Hamels, who has a .390 OPS as a hitter, makes $25K for winning a Silver Slugger or a Gold Glove.
Hamels made $500K last year and was arbitration-eligible for the first time. The new deal doesn’t cover any of his free agent years.
ok I am obviously wrong i thinking that it is low for arbitration found this on biz of baseball site. I guess with arbitration they go based on past cases rather than worth on the current marketplace?? Perhaps someone can explain this better.
It is the largest annual average for a starting pitcher in his first year of salary arbitration (Hamels is considered a “Super-Two” with 2.143 ML service time, fourth lowest in this year’s salary arbitration class).
No the GMEN shouldve made him the highest paid DCORD and Associate head coach and guarntee him their head job when Coughlins contract is up where he will be a then 61 I think.
Drew: Great job!
Thanks everyone for the positive feedback!
Drew, very nice job with your interview and guest post.
PAT M: If you’re out there, I hope you got a piece of the Cal +2.5, I got home just in time for the tip.
He’s right about those people behind home plate on their cellphones. Kick ‘em out. Also kick out anyone waving a towel, or anyone bashing two pieces of plastic together. This isn’t a damn college football game.
I’ve sat in the front row twice-once along the third baseline when my dad surprised me with tickets the day before my 18th birthday, and once last summer where I got to sit right behind Laura Posada.
I can promise you I was not on my phone either of those times.
Drew, nice interview. I really enjoyed it. From the tone of the answers, it sounds like Marty Appel liked it, too.
Like anyone could see you behing Laura Posada!
Nick in SF…..I’m all over Cal Berkley ( + 2.5 ) Hit big with The Hoyas ( + 11 ) today , but gave some back on UCLA…..
Great game. I bought the extra half point to go -120. Visions of a last-second 3 to break a tie spooked me.
Food for thought…
Why the heck are so many teams hot to trot for Nick Swisher? And how did Cashman get him for virtually nothing and seemingly out of left field? Good job, Cashman.
Nooooooo, Cashman got Swisher out of center field.
Keeping Swisher out of CF is a good thing, right?
Every time he plays center, an angel loses its lunch.
Great post.
Unless they’re playing the Angels.
Did you lose $$ on the UCLA game?
“Unless they’re playing the Angels.”
like his Yankee debut, in his first at bat.
“like his Yankee debut, in his first at bat”
uh..never mind. I was thinking of Cody Ransom. lol
BTW, those of you who think the door has closed on Pettitte returning to the Bronx – it hasn’t.
At least that’s what Pete Caldera say in his latest blog entry:
http://njmg.typepad.com/yankee.....titte.html
Is there any room for Andy Pettitte to re-up with the Yankees? Apparently. But a person with knowledge of the situation said that it’s up to Pettitte to initiate the discussion. If so, there might be a willingness on the Yankees part to take the offer from $10.5 million to $12 million.
It’s a little curious why incentives haven’t been floated as a way to get closer to a midway point between the Yanks’ offer and Pettitte’s $16 million salary last season, but that might only happen during a negotiation — and, by all indications, there hasn’t been much of a dialogue since Mr. Cashman went to Houston last month.
Either way, there’s plenty of incentive for the Yanks to prefer Pettitte over the pool of pitchers led by Phil Hughes, if only to provide a deeper pool to guard against injury. And if the Yankees take Xavier Nady’s projected $5 million salary off the books via trade, there’s room to add payroll.
Nope, didn’t have any action on it either way. Cal is my play of the day.
Nick: Actually, Laura’s pretty short.
Uh, that’s not really what I meant.
Looking like we’re in trouble Nick in SF….
Rebecca,
You’re uncle would ask you to never take me again b/c I would so ask Laura if they’re real.
This is the worst they’ve looked since the missouri game, bad time for it.
*your*
Tarheels in a bad spot, too.
Nick– I remember the other day you were looking for mel who has been mia, any luck?
Regarding Eli manning– a little overrated IMO. Not as overrated as Tony Romo but a bit overrated. I sat at every game but two this season and when he isn’t on he can’t hit the broad side of a barn. Whatever happened to amani (it’s not a) toomer? Guy had like 7 catches the last six weeks of the season when we had ZERO passing game. The man can still catch. IMO get chad 85.
The yankees are good for baseball not because of arrogance but because everybody either loves them or totally hates them. Those of us who love em watch hoping they win. Everybody else watches too… Hoping they lose. Bad Yankee teams don’t suck in that fringe fan, or ‘hater’.
“Nick— I remember the other day you were looking for mel who has been mia, any luck?”
uh…Rob, if you didnt know, “m” is mel. lol
Rob NY: yes, she is posting right now under a cleverly-coded name.
Come on Cal, make a run….
Guiseppe Franco what does some guys blog know…..LOL
if Pettitte is sulking about 1.5mil, he is just a big a phony as i thought
be wise to stay well clear of Andy.he going to be spending more time in a court than on the mound
Rob NY,
I’m right here. Debating whether to use ‘m’ or ‘mia’ or ‘M.I.A’ when registration is required.
Eli needs to get rid of that hang-dog look. It doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in his team.
This stuff usually doesn’t bother me but this quote is propaganda at its finest.
Quote from Jim Rice reported in Newsday:
“Rice remains annoyed by the Yankees’ habit of throwing money at their problems. Not surprisingly, he lauds Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein for doing things the right way. “If you look at the Red Sox now, you see them bringing guys up in the organization,” he said. “That’s why Theo has been the person he’s been over the last couple of years. He’ll bring young kids up and stay within the organization.”
Obviously Mr. Rice and most others didn’t noticed that Theo threw money at Dice K and JD Drew with both fists and Ortiz, Lowell, Ramirez, Beckett, Wakefield, Shilling, Varitek, Lugo, Bay and Crisp only know where Pawtucket is from rehab assignments.
Boston has done a really good job with their young players lately but comparing 25 man rosters, there is little disparity in the number of homegrown players on the Yankees and the Sox.
booooooo. Oh well, they made it exciting at the end, almost got back to the number. Take it out on Oregon next week!
IMO get chad 85.
==================
Do you want TC to go to jail? If we get Chad, I’m willing to bet TC will physically hurt him.
Then the cops will have to be called
Chad will press charges
One big old mess!
Syracuse won today so I can’t complain
CC talks Yankees prior to accepting Spahn Award.
http://www.google.com/hostedne.....vW6e0WXt8A
S.A. — yeah but if the team was able to tolerate Plaxico 17 all this time why would Chad 85 be a problem? Eli needs that kind of wr in his life again.
M — well I’m glad I asked, apparently I missed your return or change to the new handle. Did you testify in a federal trial and are currently in witness protection (in which case there is no mel) or join the men in black (agent m), or just decide it was time for a change?
And Eli does look like a dog sometimes, maybe a hound dog. I’d imagine when he gets the urge to bark or fetch he just shines his superbowl ring. He also remembers how poor a showing the lakers had in the nba championship and doesn’t feel like a dog anymore.
Good to see m back here posting semi regularly.
Nick’s getting all the laughs to himself.
Rob-I think Chad is kind of a different animal than Plax. A more annoying person. Plus, I don’t think TC wants to or will deal with that type of persona again. Get me Housh instead. Or maybe trade for Boldin?
I dunno, but the Giants do need a receiver. But I vote no to Ocho Stinko(not that I have a say in the matter or anything).
From the link Pat posted:
“Before Saturday night’s ceremony, he said he’s looking forward to having Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera there to close out games for him, and he’s already talked to Chamberlain about it.”
Weird…
pat January 17th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
CC talks Yankees prior to accepting Spahn Award.
http://www.google.com/hostedne.....vW6e0WXt8A
===========================================
Before Saturday night’s ceremony, he said he’s looking forward to having Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera there to close out games for him, and he’s already talked to Chamberlain about it.
“To have that bullpen and have just the support of that team, that team is unbelievable,” Sabathia said. “To add me and A.J and put Tex in that lineup, I think it’s going to be an unbelievable team. Hopefully we have a special year.”
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I don’t think the “Joba will be a starting pitcher” memo has gotten to everyone yet.
CC was clearly misquoted by that tricky reporter from Canadia, but I like this:
“Sabathia won the Spahn Award for the second straight year as baseball’s top left-handed pitcher after leading the Brewers to the playoffs for the first time since 1982. After Cleveland sent him to Milwaukee in a midseason trade, Sabathia went 11-2 and threw seven of his league-best 10 complete games.”
They mocked me for talking about the Warren Spahn Award, *but nobody’s laughing now!!*
“It is a great way to honour my dad’s memory, and we’re tickled to death to have CC back here again this year,” said Greg Spahn, Warren’s son. “I’ve challenged him to come back for a third one, and we hope we can see that happen.”
Yes, I hope so too! Thanks for posting that, pat.
“I don’t think the “Joba will be a starting pitcher” memo has gotten to everyone yet.”
and he calls himself a Yankee? pfft.
Funny he talked about Joba that in in his interviews/pc at the stadium as well. I think he only knows him as a reliver yes?? WHen they faced the Indians in the playoffs and the year he was wih the Indians and at the beginning f this year when he was there Joba was in the pen.
It was not until he was traded to the Brewers that the JOba move to rotation started. So maybe he is not in the loop so to speak??
Guess CC didn’t get the memo
You’re welcome Nick. Couldn’t remember if it was you or GB who keying on the CC/Spahn angle but I remembered someone was.
CC probably talked to the Joba impersonator.
Or maybe Joba had been… um… well, maybe Joba wasn’t thinking clearly at the time.
I’m not sure why many of you are surprised by CC’s comment. It’s already on record that Joba is still on an innings limit which means he has to go to the pen again during some point in the season.
hey Nick hopefully that conversation ended with CC getting Joba a cab.
Speaking of the Fake Joba, I never realized just how..um..busy..he was while pretending to be Joba.
http://tinyurl.com/a7wtxq
Does anyone know what’s happened regarding the Yankees Chick blog? She hasn’t posted in over two months.
Hey Rob,
you still playing the show?
Ed– not really. Decided to dedicate hardcore to school and with good results. You?
Rob,
yep, everyday. lol…after since fall semester had ended, got nothing else better to do than just playing games. lol…
From the St. Louis Post Dispatch
“The asking price the New York Yankees set for second baseman Robinson Cano when the Cardinals called about a deal: Adam Wainwright. The conversation did not last long. …”
Poor CC – it will be interesting Spring for him….
CC: Hey Cash-MAN, what’s Joba doing out here?
Cashman: He’s a starter now CC.
CC: Huh? How come?
Cashman: We needed starters.
CC: How about that Moose guy and Pettitte?
Cahsman: Mussina retired. Pettitte is home pouting.
CC: Seriously? How about Sir Sidney and that Raz dude?
Cashman: Ponson is long gone. Rasner was sent to Japan.
CC: Traded for that guy over there?
Cashman: No. That’s Igawa. He’s our AAA pitcher of the year!
CC: Whatever. Cool shades tho.
Cashman: We still have Ching Ming Wang.
CC: He’s ok, but he ain’t no ace. Where’s Cammy?
Cashman: Umm.. CC, sorry, We didn’t do the Cameron trade.
CC: Huh? Who’s gonna hang with me? You promised!
Cashman: Um…Well.. Ahh… You see…Umm…
CC: Nevermind. I’ll go hang with the Big G. He’s cool.
Cashman: Um… I should get you an updated Yankee roster.
““The asking price the New York Yankees set for second baseman Robinson Cano when the Cardinals called about a deal: Adam Wainwright. The conversation did not last long. …” ”
LOL no.
Roy: I think she writes for AOL Fanhouse now, no?
Pat: Good to know the Yankees have their heads in the right places!
be wise to stay well clear of Andy.he going to be spending more time in a court than on the mound
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No, I don’t think so. They still need another innings eater in that fourth slot in the rotation.
Joba is their fifth starter since he’s on the innings cap.
Regardless of what people think of him personally, Pettitte still makes more sense than anyone else available.
I believe they will work something out. They need him more than a lot of Yankee fans think.
The CC article was great –
I think the “rude things” comment is hilarious, lol
Interesting that CC started out right-handed and sucked at the game……
About the chemistry – I just have a good feeling about this team. CC will bring his friendly, happy attitude; AJ will bring his quirkiness and Tex will be his humble, professional self. I think A-Rod and Tex will get along just fine…….I can’t wait until ST begins – it seems like it’s a lifetime away
As to Jim Rice, I guess now that he’s been elected to the HOF, it’s given him a platform for his anti-Yankee stance. He should have shown some guts and aired out his resentments in his HOF speech (just kidding!)….Sheesh
David Lennon is no prince either – what did he do, seek Rice out for inflammatory comments? LOL Rice has reason to be bitter? This guy sounds just like all the other sportswriters out there – how appropriate that he covers the Mets.
Great job, Drew! Very interesting and informative. Thanks!
Giuseppe Franco
January 17th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
—————-
No, I don’t think so. They still need another innings eater in that fourth slot in the rotation.
Joba is their fifth starter since he’s on the innings cap.
Regardless of what people think of him personally, Pettitte still makes more sense than anyone else available.
I believe they will work something out. They need him more than a lot of Yankee fans think.
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Andy cant eat innings while in a courtroom can he….he aint coming back. and we dont need that phony
Thank you for the great read and nice change of pace!!