A-Rod on the disabled list
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Apr 04, 2009 
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The Yankees placed Alex Rodriguez on the disabled list retroactive to March 27. So technically, he could return on April 11.
The Yankees rarely give any updates on his rehab. He’s supposedly still in Colorado under the care of Dr. Marc Philippon and Dr.Mark Lindsay, a rehab specialist. He is expected in Tampa any day now to start doing baseball stuff.
A-Who?
I really don’t think we need or want ARod.
We’d be better off if he retired.
His circus act/soap opera show has grown tiresome.
Jimmy T you play for the yankees?
“So technically, he could return on April 11.”
I really hope that Alex isn’t pushing himself so that he can return early. The last thing we need for him to do is to come back early only to re-injure himself and be out for even longer.
“We’d be better off if he retired.”
Yeah, because a guy who can hit 45+ dingers and drive in 140+ RBIs is totally useless on a contending baseball team.
Carl-
yes.
I’m using a psuedoname only because management wouldn’t like me using my real name.
When A-Rod gets back its only gonna make Tex and our Offense better. I can’t wait.
I have a feeling we’re going to be like 25-10 when A-Rod comes back and we’re going to have a tough decision to make about whether to risk hurting chemistry by putting him back in the lineup like we did against Detroit when we added Sheffield.
A-Rod is not a good oman!
I guess the dumbells are back for the start of the season.
Yeah, the Yankees don’t need Arod. They have Cody Ransom and Ramiro Pena. Who needs the best all around player in the game.
Another reason why there should be year round school for some.
Carl when LigtnRod gets back, he’ll bring a mountain of distractions. Face it, he’s not a really yankee.
We would not have had the Spring record and winning chemistry that we developed if A-Rod has been in camp.
Notice all the chaos and negativity surrounding the team when he was here, compared to the breath of fresh air when he left? It was about the team finally, not about him and his crys for attention.
SK44 you’re a joke. Always have been, always will be.
“I have a feeling we’re going to be like 25-10 when A-Rod comes back and we’re going to have a tough decision to make about whether to risk hurting chemistry by putting him back in the lineup like we did against Detroit when we added Sheffield.”
This is clearly the comedy hour here. Yeah, the Yankees are going to have to decide whether to put a guy they are paying 32mil a year back in the lineup or keep Handsome Ransom playing everyday. Truly hysterical!
Fran, you’re exactly right. ARod is an empty suit and a team cancer.
“We would not have had the Spring record and winning chemistry that we developed if A-Rod has been in camp.”
You don’t know that. Maybe the Yankees would have gone undefeated during ST if Alex played. Maybe they would have lost all of their games. There’s no way to know.
One of the main reason why the team came together was because of A-Rod and his steroid admissions so what are you talking about? Doesn’t matter if you like that or not.
People chill. They guy is under contract for oodles of years at oodles of money. He’s not gonna be traded or benched or whatever. He’s gonna come in and scare the opposing pitcher to crap his pants. Distractions no distractions. I do really like the look of this Ransom kid though. Hope we don’t trade him.
Reasons***
“SK44 you’re a joke. Always have been, always will be.”
You know, if you are going to insult someone, it might work better if you actually type the right name.
Not as much as you “Jimmy T”. Keep giving us more pearls of wisdom.
Using ST games as a gauge of anything has always been fools gold.
If you don’t think this team needs Arod, you know nothing about the game.
But, hey, keep educated the “jokes” on here with your idiocy. Its always good for a laugh.
Fran
The argument could be made that Alex’s press conference on the first day of training camp was what set the tone for everyone having a team mates back.
You guys are hilarious and NUTS!!
arod is arguably the best player of all time he is a our starting 3B and cleanup hitter with potential to hit 40 homers and play good defense, why in gods name would you bench him if we were 25-10? if he was on the team we wouldve mostly like have been 30-5 , get what I am putting down?
What’s so funny about these dolts saying that we don’t need Alex is that if you were to ask every single player in that clubhouse, they would tell you that they’d take him back in a heartbeat, warts and all.
Carl, that’s silly.
The team was angry, especially Jeter, that they had to endure another PED spectacle.
Face it, ARod is the smiling version of Barry Bonds. The team doesn’t call him AFraud for nothing.
He’s never been a team cancer. Never. Go find a quote from any past or present teammates calling him a cancer. They don’t exist.
Don’t mistake being a diva with being a team cancer.
Guys like Randy Johnson were a whole lot worse in the clubhouse than Arod has ever been.
Even Clemens last go’round with the Yankees didn’t help team chemistry in general and Joba in particular.
If you want to hate on Arod, fine by me. If you are going write such idiocy that the team “doesn’t need him”, you would find 24 players, a manager and a coaching staff who would strongly disagree with you.
Why did they all go to his press conference Jimmy?
“A-Rod is not a good oman!”
He’s been called a lot of things but a bad Arab country is a new one.
SK did I hurt your feeling? That’s so sweet. You really need to soak in some pickle juice and toughen up.
I’m shocked the Yankees picked Pena – I would have chosen Berroa because he’d be easy to DFA if he didn’t do the job. However, they didn’t make this decision on a whim – they thought long and hard about it. They know all the issues with the 40 man and still they chose Pena – I’ll trust them on this one.
Leave it to the A-Rod post to bring all of the nut jobs out. Pete, you finally do an A-Rod post that is actually real news and it still turns this place into Bellevue.
Thanks a lot, Pete!
Carl.
They were force to attend. But look, actions speak louder than words. Just look at all the photos and note the p.o.ed looks on their faces.
The team wasn’t angry at Arod. Especially Jeter.
You know who has been his biggest supporter since the steroid stuff came out? Jeter. He’s been in the guys corner all the way.
As others have stated, the team actually came together over this stuff and didn’t allow it to be a distraction.
As Laura correctly states, it set the tone for the entire camp.
If you want to post nonsense, at least have it contain some shred of truth.
In this case, you couldn’t be more incorrect in your assessment of the situation.
“I’m shocked the Yankees picked Pena”
I was too, Betsy. I thought for sure they’d go for Berroa because of his big league experience. Here’s hoping that Pena proves their decision to be the right one.
Fran, I’m sorry, but I don’t see how you can know that. People are projecting their dislike and disdain for Alex onto the Yankee players and assuming the worst. It’s just silly. The Yankees wouldn’t have good chemistry without him? I’m not even going to go there….All I know is that the Yankees will welcome Alex with open arms when he comes back and it doesn’t matter what the fans think.
“As Laura correctly states, it set the tone for the entire camp.”
Actually, it wasn’t me who said that, but I said a lot of other things that made sense so I’ll take credit for those.
Laura, give it up. Unless you look like a guy and you’re 50 years old, ARod isn’t gonna respond your fan mail.
Sorry to change the subject, but does anyone watch the MLB Network? If so the game right now is O’s vs Nationals…and for some reason is BLACKED OUT in my area of Newark, DE. Anyone have any idea how this can happen? MLB Network is a standard channel (like ESPN), how can a game be BLACKED OUT! That drives me crazy, because I got Direct TV so I could get the YES Network and all games are BLACKED OUT!!!! WHY GOD WHY???
SJ = fanboy
“You know who has been his biggest supporter since the steroid stuff came out? Jeter. He’s been in the guys corner all the way.”
That’s because Derek wants to win and he knows like most sane Yankee fans do that our chances of winning are slim to none w/o A-Rod.
Nobody was forced to attend the PC.
I never let 12 year olds hurt my feelings so, you are wrong again.
Laura,
The funny thing is, when Arod comes back and starts hitting HR’s, guys like “Jimmy T” come back on here with a new name touting him for MVP.
That’s how it works here.
I’m glad they kept Pena. The Yankees aren’t a team that needs to worry about starting one’s arbitration clock.
For guys like Pena and Albadalejo, they earned their spots on the team with solid play. Its the right thing to do in rewarding them spots on the roster. Especially over older guys because this team has to get younger, even if it means forcing some into the action early.
Another great day at the stadium here is the updated photos from the first 2 days.
My ONLY suggestion to the Yankees so far about the new place. I BEG you please get rid of the girl who does the recap with Ryan and she also does the trivia and number questions her voice is so annoying it grates on you.
http://2009thefirstseasonatthe.....terfly.com
A.rod brings nothing positive to the yanks… Retire a.rod,please!
“MLB Network is a standard channel (like ESPN), how can a game be BLACKED OUT!”
Not sure, but they put up a disclaimer about the exhibition games against the Cubs that it might be blacked out here in Chicago. Thank God it wasn’t.
Great, great news Pete. April 11th is nothing. I thought he was going to be down and out for alot longer when I first heard the news. April 11th is only 1 week away!!! It’s all coming together, baby.
SJ, you should RUN to teach and complain that someone is being mean to you. That’s what you usually do when you lose.
Josh
MASN probably blocks it in your area just like YES blocks MLB Network Yankee games in the NY area.
Josh-
I grew up in WIlmington good to see another Delawarian on here. Newark may be considered in the Baltimore market believe it or not. I know that delaware is split between the Philly and Baltimore TV DBA’s. I just forget if the split starts in Dover or a bit North.
SJ, just to get back to baseball talk (there must be a full moon tonight, or something)………As the team nears Opening Day, what are you seeing that you like or don’t like? I know the division is brutal (but it should make for a fantastic race and for some high-quality baseball), but I have a really good feeling about this team. I love the Yankees no matter what, but there’s something about this group just personality wise that is very appealing. I feel like this is a real team for once…….of course, the fact that they have outstanding pitching helps, lol.
Guys, there is a troll here using the names of regulars to post crap. Just ignore him/her.
I guess Bellevue Hospital is continuing to let patients use the computer/internet?
We need Alex. We are a better team with A-Rod.
Those are some great pictures gayle!
I gotta agree, ARod is a “Jonah”
I don’t know why people like SJ44 continually apologize for Afraud.
The whole “Arod is a cancer” stuff is coming from one 12 year old who hates the guy and has nothing to do but post gibberish about him this evening.
Even the beat guys who follow the team everyday, many of whom aren’t fans of the guy, know he isn’t a “team cancer”.
Perhaps one doesn’t know the meaning of the term “team cancer”. Maybe that’s the problem.
A “team cancer” is a guy who causes problems in the clubhouse. Arod has never caused problems in the clubhouse in any of his stops.
Is he a diva? Absolutely. But, he is a good teammate.
It doesn’t take much work to read what guys like Pettitte, Mo, Damon, Cano and others have said about him as a teammate.
It won’t fit with the “cancer” theory. However sometimes, even on a blog, reality has to come into play every so often.
Laura-
Oh, that explains it. Someone is impersonating SK44. I didn’t think he was that stupid.
Pete knows A-Rod the best, I’d take his word on him over anyone here.
Betsy,
Things I like about the team:
1. The fact that it looks like Posada can catch. IMO, this is the most important development coming out of ST.
All of the other talk about the team is meaningless if Jorge can’t catch everyday. Him being back in the lineup and in the clubhouse is HUGE for this club. He was greatly missed last year.
2. The starters. Its the strength of the team and we haven’t been able to say that for almost 6 years. There are 5 guys who can dominate in any given start. That will help this club. Especially early in the season.
3. Gardner, Pena, and Albie winning spots. Why is this important? Because it shows this team is beginning to move toward getting younger, more athletic and awarding good play, regardless of one’s experience. In past years, vets always won spots, regardless of performance. IMO, that makes a team a bit soft.
The competition this spring has been excellent and its made the team better.
Things I don’t like about the team.
1. The offense will scuffle with Arod out. That means, they are going to have to find ways to wins games without slugging. A departure from recent years. They can do it and I hope we see more hit and run and more running to try and generate offense.
2. Defense. Its not a good defensive team. Its not about the errors, its about the lack of range in several positions.
It would help greatly if Cano can return to his 2007 form and Jorge is solid behind the plate. I’m not worried about Gardner in CF. When you build a team around pitching, your defense has to be solid. It may be one reason why Pena made the team out of ST. Its going to be interesting if we see him in late inning defensive situations early in the season.
Overall, I like what I see from this team. Its not only talented but, it seems to have taken on a team first mentality and that’s good to see.
Its a brutal division but, they have the pitching to stay in the race all year.
Once Arod gets back, I think the offense will be better. At that point, its going to be fun to watch these guys play this year.
Even the beat guys who follow the team everyday, many of whom aren’t fans of the guy, know he isn’t a “team cancer”.
————
I was actually floored when our own Pete Abe suggested a couple of weeks ago that the Yanks are a better team without A-Rod.
Now this was Pete, not the brainless Bill Madden, and I think many on the blog were really taken aback by Pete’s comments.
Pete didn’t use the word “cancer” but he did say this team was better off without him because it’s a 24+1 team when he’s in the clubhouse.
Roberts moved her book release back to May right?
That should be fun
April 11th isn’t even 5 weeks after surgery. That’s too early for even best case scenario.
Come on Mich St!!! Hold on!!
Giuseppe Franco-
“Pete didn’t use the word “cancer” but he did say this team was better off without him because it’s a 24+1 team when he’s in the clubhouse.”
Great point: a team of 24, plus ARod.
Franco – Maybe because Pete knows the truth, not what the fans want to hear.
Pete was there while A-Rod was out and when he was there. I trust him over the other guys like Madden, Sherman etc.
It was only his opinion, but it came from someone respectable who actually hangs out with the team.
SJ–
I Know it is only a few games and it is SPring but not really thrilled by what I saw from Jeter at SS. There were a few plays I saw in the Cubs series on balls that he just isnt making anymore. There was a ball in the game today that Berroa got to that I said to the person next to me if that was Jeter it would be a hit for sure. I know there is nothing we can do about it as for this team there are no other options but it sure is worrisome.
I also think TEX will help a lot on the defensive side it is so nice to finally see a real first baseman for this team after so many years of not having one.
Roberts moved her book release back to May right?
====================================
http://www.amazon.com/Rod-Many.....038;sr=8-1
May 12th to be exact?
Head to the liquor store May 11th. Some whiskey might be necessary to get us through that possible soap opera
Great point: a team of 24, plus ARod.
—————
Yeah, and I thought Pete was insane for making such a suggestion.
Being a diva is far different from being a cancer.
For all of A-Rod’s “faults,” it’s worth noting that this team doesn’t make the playoffs in 2007 without him. He carried this club on his shoulders all season and had no business playing in October.
You could make a very strong case they might not have made the postseason without A-Rod in 2005 as well, especially with guys like Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon in the rotation.
May 12th… right about the time A-Rod comes back. I knew she wouldn’t stick with the early date.
Bay – Damon
Ellsbury – Gardner
Drew – Swisher
Lowell – ARod
Lowrie – Jeter
Ped – Cano
Youk – Tex
Papi – Matsui
Vtek – Posada
Beckett – CC
Lester – Wang
Dice-K – AJ
Wake – Pettitte
Penny – Joba
Papsmear – God
Buch – Hughes
I don’t see a lot of large differences in age. Jeter and Lowrie is one but ill wash that with Penny and Joba. Hopefully Melancon comes through to match up with Papsmear.
Franco – Maybe because Pete knows the truth, not what the fans want to hear.
Pete was there while A-Rod was out and when he was there. I trust him over the other guys like Madden, Sherman etc.
———–
But Pete sometimes has issues with being objective about the guy because he doesn’t like him.
I think A-Rod’s teammates feel differently about him and those are the only opinions that matter.
I don’t think A-Rod is a cancer. His teammates probably just think he’s a clown who is starved for attention.
‘supposedly in Colorado’… let the conspiracy theories begin…muahhhhhhhhhh
Gayle,
The Jeter stuff is interesting to me. I don’t think he’s as bad as the stat folks try to sell he is defensively.
That said, he isn’t as good defensively as he used to be.
He does miss getting to balls he used to get to a few years ago. No question about that.
If you are Girardi, do you take him out for defensive reasons, and insert Pena, late in games?
As my friend Bill Raftery would say, “that would take some real ONIONS” on the part of Girardi.
Pena was kept for a reason, even if its for a short time. He can really pick it at SS. He has improved a ton since I last saw him in game action.
Improve enough to replace Jeter late in games? Man, I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision! lol
There are only two things that can derail us this year
1. Injuries
2. A slow start (you do not want to be chasing teams like Tampa/Boston in the dog days of summer expecting them to lose multiple games in a row so we can catch up. Like us, they are trotting out quality starters every night)
Unfortunately, those things are out of the player’s control.
dave April 4th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Maybe because Pete knows the truth, not what the fans want to hear.
Pete was there while A-Rod was out and when he was there. I trust him over the other guys like Madden, Sherman etc.
It was only his opinion, but it came from someone respectable who actually hangs out with the team.
********************************************************
Exactly. Right on point.
That’s why I laugh at AROD’s fanboy-apologists.
It’s also worth noting that the Yanks went 25-11 without Derek Jeter in the lineup in 2003 after he separated his shoulder.
I don’t recall anyone stating at the time that the Yanks were a better team without him.
They’ve been winning in ST because their pitching has been excellent. They will win during the regular season if their pitching continues to excel.
Just like 2003 when Jeter was out.
V Torch – the injuries tied into the slow starts. Every year we had either a key pitcher or hitter go down. This year it is ARod. Hopefully Tex can keep up his hot hitting.
Joe Torre said that A-Rod’s only friend on the team was the bullpen catcher
Roberts’ book won’t be an issue as long as the players (especially Alex) agree not to answer any questions about it. All they have to do is stand at their lockers and say “No Comment”. Once the media realizes that they aren’t getting any responses, they will stop asking them questions.
“It was only his opinion, but it came from someone respectable who actually hangs out with the team.”
Sorry, but you can’t equate Pete’s job with hanging out with the team. Is he on the plane with them? Is he on the field during workouts and practice? Is he in the hotel with them? Pete is a reporter who asks them questions before and after the game. If the players were to write down their list of people who are close to them, I doubt that Pete’s name would be on the list (save for CMW).
COL 88 April 4th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Joe Torre said that A-Rod’s only friend on the team was the bullpen catcher
**************************************************************
Ouch!
Just got back from dinner – Went to the Stadium today, first time –
1. The place is awesome. Outside of the young woman who did the interviews on the HUGE hdtv who did have an annoying twang (I agree, gayle), it was tremendous. Even parking in the garage was smooth.
2. The Mohegan Sports Bar was great – a really, really nice place to hang out and watch BP. A great way to start the game.
3. Walking aroung the place, even in the chill, was something. EVERYBODY was smiling and in a good mood. The staff was uniformly helpful, even the parking people. They must have taken a course on hospitality, because they seemed to go out of their way to help fans.
4. The food choices are a step up.
5. Most of the people seemed like those who went to games last year – ordinary people, decked out in their Yankee best.
6. You can’t do it all in one day – definitely have to break it up into multiple trips.
7. I’m glad Ramiro Pena made the team. Cody Ransom better play hard and well, there’s no guarantee that Pena will be the one sent down when Alex gets back.
So Roberts changed the release date twice to coincide with A-Rods return?
“Joe Torre said that A-Rod’s only friend on the team was the bullpen catcher”
Was it Torre or Verducci who said that? Hard to tell where one ends and the other begins sometimes.
“So Roberts changed the release date twice to coincide with A-Rods return?”
Of course she did. If the book comes out while Alex is rehabbing, the level of interest would be diminished.
In the end, I think that her scheme is going to back fire on her. I think that fans are so tired of hearing about Alex that they aren’t going to be interested in the book. Of course, I thought that no one would want to read Torre’s book either.
Laura-
Remember how ARod left last year’s All-Star-Game early? He left the stadium after, what the 3rd inning, while guys like Jeter stayed until the final extra-inning out.
Remember how ARod threw a BIG party, the night before, but none of his team mates attended.
I know Derek Jeter is older (aren’t we all!) and slowing down a bit in the field; but what other starting AL SS would you rather have? Any names come to mind? In the NL there’s Rollins and Hanley Ramirez (I think Reyes is too immature and sometimes turns it off); but, and I could be wrong, no names really come to mind in the AL.
Laura,
If the book contains any revelations that are disturbing or things that further ruin his image and he just ‘no comments’ it, then it will be assumed as true. Right now, the credibility is on her side, not Alex’s.
Sure, if A-Rod had it in him to not care what people think he could brush it off. He has shown nothing to support that though.
Thanks, SJ – great evaluation. I know they can’t always get the run home from 3rd with less than two out, but I’m looking for them to do that most of the time. There’s no reason why such good hitters like Jeter, Damon, Tex and Matsui (who aren’t pure sluggers – even Tex) can’t do that. I almost didn’t want to see all the HRs today – as odd as that may sound (the more runs, the better, after all) because it kind of looked like an all or nothing team. I honestly don’t believe that’s what they are. We saw AJ backing up Jorge today, Gardner laying down a bunt (and yesterday making a good throw home), Swish almost nabbing a guy at 2nd – good stuff.
I agree with you about Jorge – his recovery is HUGE for this team. He gives the Yankees an advantage over most teams at catcher and he allows Molina to do what he does best – be a very strong backup.
I wonder about the Pena choice, but again – as I know the Yankees took everything into consideration (40 man included), I have to trust them here. I do like that they are rewarding players for performance……though Berroa really hit. I might have taken a long man, but I really like Alabadejo and I’m glad he made it.
The starters are unbelievable – and yet underrated, if that’s possible, by the national and even some local media.
Cano is going to have a big year – he’s enormously talented.
This is going to be a fun year ……
One of the book reviews for the Roberts book said that “If you think A-Fraud was bad, wait until you hear what else his teammates called him”. Things like that, A-Rod can’t hide from. That’s when it becomes a distraction for the whole team.
I thought Pete was kidding when he said that because he couldn’t possibly be that hateful towards Alex, but now I actually think he did mean it. It was a remarkably ignorant comment.
Selena Roberts and her publishing company look like clowns for continuing to move the date……….and certainly it makes Roberts look like she has an agenda (which I believed anyway) against Alex. I suspect that all of these revelations about Alex that have come out may have taken much of the sting from her book. In any case, I want Alex back and doing his thing.
Bottom line – Pete knows more than anyone else here, he is a beat writer, he spends more time with the team than he does his family. Whether people choose to have their blinders on is up to them. Pete reports the facts.
Jeter was missing from the clubhouse for most of ST also. Did his absence make for better team atmosphere?
Winning consistently made for better team chemistry, as Girardi said emphatically after the game today. And the winning was a direct result of much better pitching.
Last year’s ST atmosphere was corrupted by the confrontations with Maddon. This year, NYY pitching put all of those lesser life forms back in their place.
When AROD comes back the team will build on the positive momentum. Be prepared for lots of back-to-back HRs and 100+ wins.
Jimmy T.
Really unsure of your motive in bashing Arod. He is a top 2 player in MLB. IMO it is a toss up between Arod and Pujols. The reason he has not won in the post season is starting pitching, again IMO. I am not an Arod fan at all however he is an amazing talent and I am Red Sox fan. There is no way any team is “better” without Arod. Clubhouse harmony is not a huge deal. Talent is.
-dennis
Jimmy -
That’s the difference between A-Rod and Jeter. Jeter stayed on the top step in the dugout for 14 innings and until 2 in the morning, signing autographs, and supporting his AL teammates. Whereas A-Rod leaves in the 5th inning to go out and see Madonna.
He just doesn’t get it and he wonders why everyone thinks he is a clown.
Um, I think the world knows that Roberts has an agenda against A-Rod.
But that doesn’t mean anything if the revelations in the book are true. She had to coincide the release with A-Rod’s return. Nobody will care about the book if A-Rod is hiding in Colorado.
“Sure, if A-Rod had it in him to not care what people think he could brush it off. He has shown nothing to support that though.”
Well, he’s going to have to change his ways and change them fast. He should focus on his game and let the other stuff just slide. Otherwise, the team will pay the price.
Just got home. In one word. WOW, AWESOME, FANTASTIC, UNREAL. Okay I guess I can’t sum it up in one word. I’ll upload some photos later and link them.
Joe from LI-
Agree parking was unbelievably easy parked right at the entrance to the new parking lot on 164th and river. Last night I took the subway from the work in NYC, today I drove from home in NJ and actually each was just as easy which says something.
On the Jeter front I agree there is no other AL SS I would rather have right now just think everyone shoudl be prepared as Pete said yesterday for lots of “just under the glove” or just to the right or left of Jeter happening this year.
“But that doesn’t mean anything if the revelations in the book are true.”
The only thing in the book that can really do any damage to Alex is if she has proof that he used after he signed with us. If the book has a lot of cheap sex stuff (which I believe it will), nobody will care.
Arod isn’t the team Cancer.
He’s the team Leo.
You can look it up.
Wishful thinking by you guys if you think the book will be swept under the rug. Selena Roberts has the entire media in her corner. They will do everything they can to pump up this book and keep it in the mainstream. A-Rod sells papers and creates buzz, they are going to milk this as long as they can, when the book does get released.
You guys can say “I don’t care” all you want, but on the morning of the book release, this blog will have 500 comments in 1 hour. A-Rod sells…. remember that.
“Arod isn’t the team Cancer.
He’s the team Leo.
You can look it up.”
Jennifier–
You like the new stadium more than the old stadium?
“Wishful thinking by you guys if you think the book will be swept under the rug. ”
Oh, I don’t think the book can be swept under the rug. I do think that the damage done can be limited by the team maintaining their focus on baseball. The media is going to do what they are going to do. That doesn’t mean that the team has to play into it.
Bingo, Laura. It’s up to A-Rod to change his ways otherwise this WILL be a big distraction to the team.
NickSF.
My guess is that you teased Nova…
-dennis
I feel bad for the White Sox. I mean, are they even acknowledged in Chicago?
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....reseason09
Is this a joke?
How in the world are either the Sox or the Rays better than the Yankees, even without A-Rod?
Our pitching is so far superior to either team that it’s ridiculous and our offense, if things even go worse than expected, is at the very least equal.
This is ridiculous that we’re not favored just because A-Rod might be gone for a couple of weeks.
Brian Cashmans last will and testament as Yankees GM will be to trade A-rod to the NL West… my bet is that he will start having conversations after this season…
“I feel bad for the White Sox. I mean, are they even acknowledged in Chicago?”
Not really. The only time they garnered any respect was back in 2005 and that was only because the city had no other choice.
“Brian Cashmans last will and testament as Yankees GM will be to trade A-rod to the NL West… my bet is that he will start having conversations after this season…”
Really? And which team in the NL West do you think can afford A-Rod’s 300mil contract?
I find it comical how some of you make comments about A-Rod as if you “know” him. First off, Pete sees Alex a lot more than any of you do, and also, he doesnt write this stuff about A-Rod for his paper. He writes it in HIS blog. He gives you his opinion and tells you what is going on about all players, and you discount everything about Alex because some of you have this perception that he is this great guy and teammate. I bet if you actually KNEW people and asked around, you probably would hear the same thing.
Now regardless of all that, the Yankees need Alex to perform and lets hope he can move on from more of the drama he has created and just play baseball. But you know with Alex that it may be a difficult thing for him to stay out of the limelight.
The Padres?
““So technically, he could return on April 11.””
That would be a nice birthday present for me (and Teixeira who also was born on the 11th)
That is a difficult question to answer. The new stadium, everything is well new. It is much easier to navigate around the new stadium, much much wider concourses. You also won’t miss a minute of the action unless of course you are in the bathroom. This still isn’t home yet, but I can’t wait to go back.
“He gives you his opinion and tells you what is going on about all players, and you discount everything about Alex because some of you have this perception that he is this great guy and teammate. I bet if you actually KNEW people and asked around, you probably would hear the same thing.”
I don’t know Alex, but I believe that SJ44 does. He seems to have a good read on Alex and how his teammates feel about him. He also doesn’t have a bias against him like Pete does. Yes, I know – Pete is just a reporter doing his job. Blah, blah, blah. I’m entitled to my opinion and that opinion is that Pete is biased against Alex and it shows in his posts. This will not come as a surprise to Pete. We’ve discussed it via email. Suffice it to say, he disagrees with my assessment. Shocking, I know.
Jennifer, great place right! Did you hit any of the bars inside? Fun, homer happy game you caught.
Christina,
Great post. People discount Pete because he doesn’t sugarcoat anything about A-Rod. Rather than appreciating true, unbiased journalism, they are delusional enough to call it ‘hating’. Like they somehow can’t believe that A-Rod isn’t this great teammate and clubhouse guy.
Pete knows more than anyone here.
jennifer – I was half-expecting TVs in the men’s room.
The photos of heroes past that were seemingly everywhere were a nice touch.
Laura – Anyone claiming to be an ‘insider’ or knowing people in the business, on a blog, are usually full of it.
I would take Pete, who is an actual beat writer for the team, over the words of some anonymous poster on a blog.
“I would take Pete, who is an actual beat writer for the team, over the words of some anonymous poster on a blog.”
Normally, I would too. But I’ve read enough of SJ44′s posts to believe that he’s legit. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
Actually, Pete could clear that up. Supposedly, SJ44 has told him who he is. However, I doubt that Pete would betray that confidence.
“You like the new stadium more than the old stadium?”
I realize this wasn’t addressed to me but I went to the game today and I have to say, I’ll take the old stadium every day of the week.
“1. The offense will scuffle with Arod out. ”
If Cano, Tex, and Jeter can avoid slow starts this season it will go a long way. Throw Matsui in there since he’s coming off injury.
Their offense is good enough to win games without ARod but they obviously need to hit well with RISP and not get off to slow starts.
“I realize this wasn’t addressed to me but I went to the game today and I have to say, I’ll take the old stadium every day of the week.”
Bronx Jeers, why is that? Is the new stadium too modern?
Thanks Patrick
Laura: Who is SJ44? Like really, who is he? Besides a man with a few letters and numbers. I could say I know A-Rod and hes great too. I have met him on several occasions, and I have never had an issue with him. But it certainly doesnt constitute me “knowing” him to make an assumption on how he is as a person.
Anyone can pretend things on the internet. Perhaps he is A-Rods cousin and knows him well. But would that really then make him objective in itself, in the same was you say Pete isnt objective?
Does it even matter if SJ44 knows ARod?
I haven’t heard any of ARods teammates say he’s a cancer. It doesn’t seem like he is (he has trained with Cano and Melky and they seem to like him).
Until there is any reason for us to believe that Alex is unwanted in the clubhouse, it’s foolish to assume he is because of what the media wants us to believe.
I am uploading photo’s to my facebook, next I’ll be uploading to shutterfly and link it here.
Christina-
sj 44 obviously has a fan crush on ARod. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it causes him to post jealous outbursts.
““You like the new stadium more than the old stadium?”
I realize this wasn’t addressed to me but I went to the game today and I have to say, I’ll take the old stadium every day of the week.”
I would take the old stadiums prices. Other then that you would be an utter fool to take old Yankee stadium sight lines, bathrooms, seats, etc
Did you see the photo of Lou when he made his speech? They had it playing as well.
“Laura: Who is SJ44? Like really, who is he? Besides a man with a few letters and numbers. I could say I know A-Rod and hes great too. I have met him on several occasions, and I have never had an issue with him. But it certainly doesnt constitute me “knowing” him to make an assumption on how he is as a person.”
Clearly, I don’t know who SJ44 is. I don’t know if he’s another beat writer, A-Rod’s cousin or Cynthia Rodriquez. I do know that I’ve read a ton of his posts and he has a knowledge of baseball, the Yankees and Alex that indicates that he’s either an insider or Allyson the psychic from the TV show “Medium”.
SJ44 isn’t the issue and he has nothing to do with my thoughts on Pete’s A-Rod’s posts. Take SJ44 out of the equation and I still think that Pete has a bias against Alex. Look, I’m not saying that Alex is some great person, a saint or even the best baseball player in the world. What I’ve been saying for months and months and months now is that Alex Rodriquez is a New York Yankee. As a fan, I will stand by him until he gives me a reason not too. And no, doing ‘roids while in a TEX uniform doesn’t count.
‘A-Who?’
Alex Rodriguez, Arod or Al you know our third baseman that carried us into the playoffs in 2007, the guy you probably was jumping up and down about when he hit those 350 + ft shots, that guy and most likely you’ll jump when he hits them out of this park too.
Laura, we get it. We get it. ARod is handsome. He is.
The thing is that Pete isn’t saying anything differently from the other beat writers. Pete obviously goes into more detail, but the general feeling of A-Rod and his place with the team has been consistent with all the beat writers.
You’d have a better case against Pete if he was out on an island with his observations. He isn’t. The people who cover the team all concur with him, if you read their blogs and articles.
Guys, does it really matter what kind of person Alex is? He is what he is. (Alex being Alex.) As a fan, to me the only thing that matters is that he gets along well enough with his teammates so that he produces at the level that he is capable of. That, and that he not do anything criminal, a la Plaxico Burres. Whether he is a social code, or how many times he goes out to dinner with Derek, Jorge and the guys, doesn’t matter. It’s really schooyard stuff.
“Other then that you would be an utter fool to take old Yankee stadium sight lines”
Huh?
What’s with this “sight line” stuff?
The Tiers have been pushed back and their’s more foul territory in the infield, sans the backstop.
How can the sight lines be better, if on average, you’re sitting further from the field?
It’s not that. It’s just that Yankee Stadium was unique. This stadium is not. And for 1.4 billion or whatever it cost to construct, I was expecting more.
From the outside, it looks great. I’ll give it that. The Great Hall is cool although that bahama bar was a disaster.
The inside though. Nothing extraordinary. Very much like any other new stadium. Actually in some ways worse than other new stadiums.
To put it as bluntly as I can… I feel like we traded history and tradition for garlic fries and bigger bathrooms.
Just an opinion.
“You’d have a better case against Pete if he was out on an island with his observations. He isn’t. The people who cover the team all concur with him, if you read their blogs and articles.”
Perhaps if I had a higher opinion of the media, that would mean something, but it doesn’t. The media has proven that they will print whatever will sell papers. Painting Alex as this pariah that everyone hates sells papers. We’ve seen that for ourselves here on this blog. Which posts gets hundreds of hits? Yep – the ones about A-Rod.
I have no doubt that Alex can be a self absorbed dufus and a major diva. That’s what happens when you are extremely talented, extremely rich and didn’t have a father growing up. That doesn’t make him a team cancer. There’s a big difference between being a cancer in the clubhouse and being a knucklehead who annoys his teammates every now and then.
Christina
The fact that Pete doesn’t use the “stuff” for the paper doesn’t help your case. If it was news, he would. It’s gossip and much of it unsubstantiated so he doesn’t.
If you don’t like that he’s an adulterer, has been connected to Madonna or a Madam, has highlights, his wardrobe, his smile, his laugh or his personality, don’t invite him to your next party, date him or marry him. You don’t like that he cheated the game, don’t root for him and any other player who cheated the game by using steroids, greenies, a scuffed ball or a corked bat.
Why take issue with SJ44 saying he knows him and he’s a not a bad guy. You don’t know him and you’re saying he is.
I don’t care if you, Pete or SJ is right. I care that he can hit a ball, make the throw from 3rd and run the bases. That’s it.
Reggie Jackson was hated by everyone in the Yankee clubhouse when he played but is celebrated by the organization and fans now. Why? Because he could hit a ball. That’s all anyone needs to know about him and all I need to know about A-Rod.
Zombrano said he would like to see the Cubs build a new ballpark in Chicago for them.
“Alex Rodriguez, Arod or Al you know our third baseman that carried us into the playoffs in 2007, the guy you probably was jumping up and down about when he hit those 350 + ft shots, that guy and most likely you’ll jump when he hits them out of this park too”
I would have to second that.
“Zombrano said he would like to see the Cubs build a new ballpark in Chicago for them.”
Tell Zambrano to put the crack pipe down. That will never happen. They treat Wrigley Field here as if Jesus Christ built it. It’s not going anywhere.
I remember during the winter, they were doing hot-stove previews for each division and when they did the AL East, the first thing Ravech asked Steve Phillips was how the Rays could even compete after how much money the Yanks spent this winter.
“Huh?
What’s with this “sight line” stuff?”
pretty easy, you can see the field from the newly WIDE concourses vs a wall.
Unless you are in the clubhouse, how are you one to say that it isn’t happening?
I dont care what A-Rod does, as long as it doesn’t start affecting the team. The A-Rod stuff sells papers and stirs controversy (ie. this conversation)
In sum, I dont know Alex and I cant sit here and preach he isnt a cancer. You arent going to hear his teammates say he is a cancer, so using that as your reasoning is hard to fathom. But all in all, if it isnt affecting the team,whatever. Let him look at mirrors, play with cougars in colorado, enjoy strippers, ignore his children, and not wash his hands after he goes to the bathroom. It doesnt affect my life but at times it does bring some comical relief.
laura – I give you credit, you’ve stuck with A-Rod through thick and think regardless how much venom was directed at him
i’m proud of you
I don’t think of Alex as a cancer. To me he is more like a little weirdo and he is our little weirdo that I will support. The man isn’t evil..more like..misguided.
Also Pete unbiased? I would say that is true with regards to his articles for the newspaper, but here on his blog? *snort*
Yeah okay
The snark/jabs come out strong when Pete discusses Alex. That’s how I see it. But, it’s his blog and he can say whatever he wants. It his opinion. I don’t always with everything he has to say.
just be gracious that there havent been any A-Rod headlines lately. geesh.
*I don’t always *agree* with everything he has to say
“In sum, I dont know Alex and I cant sit here and preach he isnt a cancer. You arent going to hear his teammates say he is a cancer, so using that as your reasoning is hard to fathom.”
Well, it depends on what you think a team cancer is. To me, if a team has a cancer in it’s clubhouse, they aren’t going to win. No team can win where there is such a divisive factor in their midst. That’s how I can say that he isn’t a cancer. Alex is not the reason the Yankees haven’t won; poor play (particularly bad pitching) is.
I’m not old enough to know, but they say the slightly, and it is slight, extra foul territory is the dimension of the stands from the original stadium, ie not the refurbished 70′s YS. The history of the location remained but the stadium obviously changed in a big way far before 2009, I acknowledge that and enjoy the new stadium.
“It doesnt affect my life but at times it does bring some comical relief.”
I think thats the way we all look at it. He is just a clown… it is more funny than it is annoying or infuriating.
I do have to say, I thought he did a great interview with Kay on that Pride Power Pinstripes Show, that i have watched about 12 times now. He seemed genuine with what he said. Did anyone else see it?
That’s the thing. The sightlines aren’t that great. The main section ( the “2nd” tier ) is nice. The field seats are pretty much the same albeit a little more comfortable. The terrace and grandstand though. No improvement and in many cases, much worse.
The bleachers got the biggest upgrade in my opinion. Especially in left. After today I’m upset I spent 50 bucks a pop for my terrace seats. I would trade for them for even the last row of the bleachers. And don’t expect any upper deck blasts. It’s gonna take a MONSTER shot.
NYYanksfan – pretty decent comparison with Reggie Jackson. Alex may be a real knuckelhead, as somebody described, above, who makes guys roll their eyes when his name is mentioned. And maybe Alex only felt comfortable talking to Mike Bordello, the bullpen catcher; reportedly, Reggie’s only friend was Fran Healy, the backup catcher. But if asked the other players if they wanted that kind of bat in the lineup, helping them win, I bet it would be a landslide.
And that’s the only thing that counts. The rest is Alex being Alex.
Christina
If you keep turning the pages past #6 in the newspaper, there’s a sports section.
okay, here are my pictures, I really didn’t get a chance to delete the bad ones.
http://yankeesexhibitiongameap.....erfly.com/
“If you don’t like that he’s an adulterer, has been connected to Madonna or a Madam”
———————–
For every MLB player who doesn’t cheat on their wife, there are 6 or 7 who do. Just the way it is.
Did Zambrano want a new park before he stepped into YS Friday?
I guess stepping into a spanking brand new park with great facilities/amenities will make you want one.
I’m sure the visitors club house looks a lot better then the Cubs home club house.
“Did Zambrano want a new park before he stepped into YS Friday?”
Yes. All Cubs players do. WF is a rat hole. Going to YS just made him want it more.
Team cancers can have different meanings to different people. Not every cancer is like Sheffield or someone who berates their teammates.
Boston Dave
Many are doing it is a bad excuse. True, but a bad excuse.
To anyone who went to the new stadium, I’m curious. The great hall is lined with pictures of current and past Yankees. Is Clemens’ picture there?
nice shots jennifer, did you go to many of the bars inside? if so, how were they?
jennifer, those are some awesome pictures.
I’m a big fan of alexs talent, his off field shenanigans….who cares
its really not a popularity contest
he rakes…. we love him
he fails we hate him…. simple
and that’s the price you pay for being one of the best, and making the most money
as for Sj44: he seems pretty insightful…his posts are usually right on….but for all l know he could be Alex …and i don’t care as long as he drives in 130 runs a year
Thanks
No didn’t go into any bars there. Tried to sneak in one, but was turned away. 
Thought about slipping a 20, but decided against it.
“as for Sj44: he seems pretty insightful…his posts are usually right on….but for all l know he could be Alex”
True, but I don’t think so. That would mean that Alex is very self aware, which clearly, he is not.
Why does Zombrano want a new ballpark? Wrigley is a majestic, historic ballpark. The vines, the brick, the location, everything. It is an American icon. The best place to watch a baseball game in the world… the atmosphere is amazing, really feels like old-time baseball.
“pretty easy, you can see the field from the newly WIDE concourses vs a wall.”
This is true. Many people were just standing behind the last row of field seats.
Don’t get me wrong. I like wide concourses and more bathrooms etc. It’s just that I would happily sacrifice those things to watch a game in the worlds most renowned sports stadium. This one is very nice from the outside and I think the Great Hall in definitely unique ( the Bahama bar was a joke though)
It’s just that once you’re inside, it’s like any other new stadium. Nothing remarkable. Well the TV is nice and big.
“Is Clemens’ picture there”
Hell no.
The Yankees have hundred’s of photos through out the stadium and from the ones I’ve seen, Clemens isn’t on any.
Those are some great pictures jennifer!
I still can’t believe how gigantic that tv screen is.
NEW YORK — Standing in the plush visitors’ clubhouse of Yankee Stadium, Carlos Zambrano made a plea for Chicago to replace Wrigley Field.
“You come into a ballpark like this and you see great things,” the Cubs ace told The Associated Press on Saturday before his team’s 10-1 exhibition loss at the sparkling ballpark in the Bronx.
“You wish that Chicago’d build a new stadium for the Cubs,” he said.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=4042580
bah, slipping a 20 to get into any bar in the stadium would have been a waste. I thought the tommy bahama bar was supposed to be open to everyone all the time and the rest open to the public for the exhibition games. Who knows, the old prices to be a part of the clubs at the old stadium were reasonable, I’ve got a bad feeling they probably doubled.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Arod come back just a bit early and ease him in with some DH duty until he is 100% healthy. I really like Ransoms athleticism and still think Matsui is a ways away from being able to run at 100%. Let Arod and Matsui split some time at DH until they are both at full strength.
I think what I like most about the new stadium (from pictures since I’m stuck here in Chi-town) is the outside. It has a very regal, old school look about it. It’s very coliseum like.
Laura
“as for Sj44: he seems pretty insightful…his posts are usually right on….but for all l know he could be Alex”
True, but I don’t think so. That would mean that Alex is very self aware, which clearly, he is not.
I have to agree…..he speaks/types too well to be Alex.
“Why does Zombrano want a new ballpark? Wrigley is a majestic, historic ballpark. The vines, the brick, the location, everything. It is an American icon. The best place to watch a baseball game in the world… the atmosphere is amazing, really feels like old-time baseball.”
To some. However, the player accommodations are horrible. That’s probably what prompted his comments.
Zambrano is just jealous.
got home from the game not too long ago, and thought i’d give my two cents here.
I had tickets for June, but I knew I just couldn’t wait, so I bought some cheap bleacher seats, grabbed a couple buddies and took the train down today. We had an awesome time, and I came home in awe of what they built across the street from the stadium I’ve loved for my entire baseball life (which is admittedly short since I’m only 21, but nonetheless…). I disagree with those who say the stadium is “too modern” or “prices out the ordinary guy” or “leaves tradition behind”. When you get inside, it’s hard to believe how much it looks exactly like the old stadium, aside from the monstrous 60 foot HD display above the batters eye. It makes an incredible improvement in watching replays and keeping track of innings/pitch-ball count/pitch speed. Also, the screen to its left has the lineups up all game, which is nice. The bathrooms are better set up, and I barely waited in line, and the food options are a millions times better, with hd screens everywhere you look so you don’t miss a second of the on-field action. That was great, I used to hate getting up to get a hot dog and trying to squint at the shitty little tv’s they had while you waited in line – it couldn’t be a bigger improvement. But the best part was how you can see the field from anywhere in the concourse….we got up from our bleacher seats to go explore after the second inning, and ended up standing in the area of the concourse behind home plate where you have an awesome view, and never went back to our seats haha. They let you stay there as long as you’re not standing right on top of the people sitting in their seats, which was great. Instead of sitting in the bleachers, we stood behind seats which were probably 5-6 times the cost of what we payed, so I was excited and I really didn’t mind standing.
Overall, I came home super-impressed with the job the Yankees did. The kept the feeling of the old stadium and made major improvements on things that genuinely needed improving. When you’re the most storied franchise in the sport, and you have the greatest financial resources, you really need to step up and improve the fan experience. I think the Yankees succeeded and went well above my expectations. I can’t wait to get to as many more games as I can this season, and to spend the rest of my baseball watching life in the beautiful stadium the Steinbrenners built.
jennifer – thanks for the pix. Very nice.
You can get into the Mohegan Sun Sports Bar without special tix. Just beat the crowd! We started there, as we entered at Gate 8, and loved it. You can watch BP while having a nice drink and have some very tasty food. The staff there was very helpful, also. One guy we talked with said he was from the Bronx, and had worked at the old Stadium for 5 years.
Jen
Add me to the list to say thank you for the pictures,
the stadium looks awesome.
Some cool things about the stadium.
I absolutely loved photos all around the stadium, and in the food court, they were all food shots, too cool!
Loved the replica emblem along with the picture of the original stadium.
Loved the picture of Lou making his famous speech with the speech playing.
Loved being able to see a game while waiting for your food.
Loved no YMCA today.
sound system conked out in the 6th inning. It was very strange watching the game without any players or music.
Silent Eyed Joe was the best, some guy in the booth was just dancing around.
Joe- How expensive were the drinks?
Maybe SJ44 is Joe Torre
I went to the Bahama bar which is a flight up from the great hall.
it was ridiculous.
There was room at the bar which was great but so i belly up and I see the “bartender” trying to make a mai tai or something. She’s reading the menu because obviously she doesn’t the slightest idea of how to make it even though it’s one of their feature drinks.
Anyway she was making two drinks in one shaker and when she pours them out she only has enough to make 1 and 1/2 drinks. So what does she do?
she fills the half empty drink with juice and serves it. 18$ for a plastic cup of juice. I just left at that point.
The Mohegan bar looked cool but there was a big line just to get in.
“Loved no YMCA today. sound system conked out in the 6th inning. It was very strange watching the game without any players or music.”
Wow, they spent how many billions on the place and they can’t get the sound system working? They don’t know anybody at Best Buy?
Cubs!
I just switched from Direct TV to Fios and now my channel 8 is WGN – I had no idea. Better than another QVC or bible show. Special on Cubs fantasy camp now.
Cubs!
I just switched from Direct TV to Fios and now my channel 8 is WGN – I had no idea. Better than another QVC or bible show. Special on Cubs fantasy camp now.
Laura- we were joking that someone was fired.
but seriously that is what they have these games for. To find out what works and doesn’t. I wonder if the wind had anything to do with it too. It was extremely windy there today.
jennifer – I don’t know, my friend paid; all I know is that for three drinks – Scotch for me, Cosmo for my wife, and I’m not sure what for him, he did not looked shocked, bitch, or moan.
You want to go to a nice stadium bar? Go to Oakland. They’ve got a great bar right behind home plate where you can sit and enjoy the game.
You don’t need to buy a special pass or join a club either.
The Bahama bar in the Great Hall was a joke. i could tell you a funny story but I can’t get anything through the filter.
The mohegan bar looked cool but the lines to get in were too long.
I can’t get anything through these filters.
Did the Yankees buy lohud?
I can’t post?
jennifer – I don’t know, our friend paid for the drinks. All I know is that he paid for three drinks, and didn’t flinch, bitch, or moan. And was willing to pay for another round.
I got back from the game not too long ago, and man am I in awe. I had tickets for June, but I knew I couldn’t wait, so I bought some bleacher seats, grabbed some friends and went down today.
I’ve been looking at pictures for months now, but they don’t do it justice – the stadium is beautiful, and they preserved the feeling of the old stadium when you get inside, added that incredible great hall/concourse area, and upgraded what needed upgrading. Bathrooms are better, food options are wayyy better, and the monster 60 foot scoreboard is incredible – I never thought they could play hd video that big, but they managed, and replays look awesome. The screen to the left has the lineups all game, which is nice too. The hd displays are everywhere when you get away from the field, so you don’t miss a second of the action. Finally, it is *so* cool how you can see the field from anywhere in the concourse. We left the bleachers in the 2nd inning and started looking at the views from behind 1st/3rd and finally behind the plate, and realized that they’d let us stand behind the seats and stay there….so we stayed there for the rest of the game and I had some of the best views I’ve ever had at a game (admittedly I’ve never had great seats, and I’m totally fine with paying 20 bucks and sitting in the bleachers, but anyway…) Needless to say, we had an incredible time, and I can’t wait to get to as many more games as I can in the beautiful ballpark. I’m happy to say I’ll be watching games here for the rest of my life, hopefully owning season tickets some day, and watching another dynasty start on river ave.
jennifer –
I don’t know, my friend paid for the drinks. He didn’t flinch about the bill, for what it’s worth.
Just a few thoughts.
-Those harping on Melky vs. Gardner’s age and what they were doing at different ages need to get a clue. Melky was drafted 3 years before Gardner. Stop using that argument.
-The Yankees obviously chose Pena because they have a plan. This was not a nilly-willy decision.
-It may or may not be coincidence, but this team’s in a really good place right now.
-A-rod has every right to show up and join the team in Tampa or New York. And he really should be at the Home Opener. But part of me is hoping he’ll respectfully decline the invitation.
Tony that sounds great – glad you had such a good time and thanks for sharing!!
Well I don’t know your friend, so I don’t know what that really means to me.
I’ll have to convince my friend to dump Yankee Tavern, tat least for one game.
I am also pleasantly surprised that the Yankees choose Pena over Berroa. As Pete stated, it shows a change in philosophy choosing a rookie over a ‘vet’.
In addition to visiting the restaurants, concessions and team stores, fans took in the game from various angles, not all of which gave them a full view of the field. Some fans are irked that the team did not label or discount tickets for seats that leave something out.
“I don’t get how they build this stadium with those views,” said Jeremy Freed, 30, who was sitting with his wife, Rachel, and his friend Evan Stern in Section 332, where only the left-field corner was obscured.
—————————————-
Interesting. The Mets claimed that they didn’t have obstructed views. Well guess what they lied. I walked around most of the upper and lower deck at YS and didn’t find an obstructed view. The ones that we know about are the bleacher sections surrounding the cf bar.
m
The Pena Plan. Stay tuned.
Is the coincidence that Jeter was gone for 3 weeks, A-Rod for 4 weeks , either, neither or both? IMO, the new kids seem to be setting the tone rather than playing follow the leader and that’s a good thing.
If A-Rod shows, people will say he wants attention and is a distraction, if he doesn’t show, they’ll say he doesn’t care about the team. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Tony brings up a good point re his experiences. He left his seat and just walked the concourse. I hope that this is just an early look around the stadium kind if thing and not an everyday occurence as I thought this weekends games lacked a bit of crowd impact. Now could it be that they were exhibition’s and didn’t really man anything yes.
However, when I noticed all the people in the concourse I realaized there were tons of people watching from the concourse and not their seat thus the noise from the crowd certainly was not the same.
That comment about the offense scuffling without Alex is insulting – I mean, the Yankees still have Jeter, Tex, Damon, Posada and Matsui. Whatever – I despise ESPN and am not surprised at anything they say. I don’t care what any of these hypocrites say (I call them this because they hold the Yankees to different standards than the other teams) or no-nothings (because they don’t). The only thing that counts is what happens on the field.
LOL at the idea that we are supposed to take Pete’s word as the word of God. He dislikes Alex immensely, doesn’t pretend to feel otherwise and can not hide it in any way, shape or form. He has zero, ZERO objectivity when it comes to the man…..When those who hate Alex call those who don’t (or who try to be objective) apologists, it just shows how weak their arguments are – having to resort to name calling. I’ll believe SJ44 anyday of the week and a hundred times over in regards to Alex than Pete
Bill, – I don’t care about what the beat writers think and I don’t base my opinions on their opinions.
Well, I’m in a conundrum in re: to whom I believe about Alex. SJ has personal ties, so I believe some of what he says. Then again, Pete has daily contact with Alex and observes him far more than probably SJ does. Pete also sees Alex in his natural environment, too.
The truth is probably somewhere in between, and enough’s been printed that I’m leaning one way more than the other. But that doesn’t mean that the other’s POV doesn’t have merit.
Betsy,
You may not base your decisions on what the beat writers think, but you definitely care about what they say.
What is that glass/cement thing projecting from the right field stands? It looks weird…….
LOL M Touche………but I’m working on that, lol. I’ve really truly given up on caring about predictions because if I roll my eyes one more time, they are going to roll right out of their sockets. The Yankees will just have to prove them wrong, that’s all. From now on, if I can avoid negative articles (I don’t mean criticizing the Yankees if they’re playing badly, I mean articles like Davidoff and Sherman’s pieces whose premises were way off), I’m going to. Much less stressful that way…….and why give them free publicity?
Jennifer,
I checked out my future seats in sec 306 row 2 and I could barely see the CF wall and forget RF. If I was in those seats today I would not have seen Jeter’s or both of Tex’s HRs.
I also checked out the equivalent of my old seats and saw no discernible difference.
I understand it’s impossible to make every seat have an unobstructed view but I’m paying 50$ a ticket. I should be able to see CF.
Honestly, I think the bleachers are way better than my seats.
Bronx Jeers,
the only thing that I don’t like about the bleachers seats is no backsupport on the benches.
Sat in the bleachers once, I hated it.
bronx jeers,
i gotta agree with you there.
Are people allowed to bring bleacher cushions? They sell the ones with a back support now. They probably wouldn’t let people bring those in.
“The Yankees obviously chose Pena because they have a plan.”
They said the Cylons had a plan too, and now I have to wonder.
m,
i saw some people brought in their pillow to sit on. never saw a cusion with a backsupport.
I’ve sat in the bleachers a couple of times. Once for game 1 of the 2004 ALCS when Schilling got rocked. You had to stand on your bench the whole game to see anything. After that I swore off bleachers.
But these new bleachers are pretty good. More spacious and with really good access to amenities.
The old LF bleachers were really far away from the action and much worse than the RF seats. In this version they’re both pretty decent.
“What is that glass/cement thing projecting from the right field stands? It looks weird…….”
I think you’re referring to a staircase. There’s one in left center as well but it’s shaped a bit differently.
Also, There are no more escalators to the upper deck. There are a few ecsalators that go from the field level to the main level and that’s it.
There is an elevator bank in the Great Hall but not nearly enough for everybody. Another minor oversight.
I think i just spit out what I was drinking I read that this was the Sterling HR call. For those that listened is that really true??
Teixeira hits one to deep right center. That ball is high! It is far! It iiiiiiiiiis goooooooooooooone! What a shot by Teixeira! Oh, there’s a Tex message in the right centerfield seats! You’re on the Mark, Teixeira! And the Yankees take a 5-1 lead.
As long as they remain relatively healthy, the Yankees are winning #27 this season.
I never read predictions in the media because most either don’t know what they’re talking about or are trying to be controversial merely for the sake of being so.
gayle- NO way, that is totally lame!! He had 4 months to come up with something and that is the best he could do?
Bronz Jeers I saw multiple elevator banks at least 3
Gayle was that really the call? Love it.
Waaaay too much stuff other to comment on tonight – classic stuff. good and bad
Either call is fine. But both? Overkill. I do like the irony of an 80 yr. old man using the “Tex message” call, though! Hopefully, Tex can send a message to Sterling the next time there’s a warning track “homerun”.
Thanks, Bronx Jeers!
Yes, Sterling really said that……..but I think Handsome Ransom is worse. Worse still is when he makes a fly ball sound like a HR…….it drives me crazy. That said, I don’t dislike him; I don’t spend much time listening the the games on radio……..
Sterling’s not 80……..is he?
There are several elevators that are only intended for premium ticket holders and for guests with disabilities.
There are also elevators for the steakhouse.
There are 8 elevators in the Great hall for regular ticket holders. they’re fast but really packed.
The ramps aren’t as steep as the old ones though. It’s not a bad hike and there is certainly better ventilation. !0 times better.
The right field upper deck was like “March of the Penguins”
Betsy
Sterling’s not 80……..is he?
__
I think he’s 67, but his vision is 97.
m Sterling is only about 60. Take your point though.
Sterling is flawed BUT he’s entertaining. They are not making Scullys or Barbers or Harwells anymore. I like Sterling because he is SO different.
m Sterling is only about 60. Take your point though.
Sterling is flawed BUT he’s entertaining. They are not making Scullys or Barbers or Harwells anymore. I like Sterling because he is SO different.
“Oh, there’s a Tex message in the right centerfield seats!”
Ahh that’s not too bad.
Sorry double post
I would rather listen to Sterling and Waldman than any others their faults and their idiosyncrocies set them apart.
all the other radio teams I’ve heard recently are BOrrrring
Sorry double post
I would rather listen to Sterling and Waldman than any others their faults and their idiosyncrocies set them apart.
all the other radio teams I’ve heard recently are BOrrrring
Why retroactive to March 27th and not March 9th, when he had the surgery (or even earlier, March 3rd or whatever when the condition was diagnosed and he stopped participating in games)? If they made it earlier and something happened during his rehab, they could put him on the 60-day if that were useful.
“Why retroactive to March 27th and not March 9th, when he had the surgery (or even earlier, March 3rd or whatever when the condition was diagnosed and he stopped participating in games)? If they made it earlier and something happened during his rehab, they could put him on the 60-day if that were useful.”
Because MLB rules don’t allow it.
I see today was the regularly scheduled Alex debate and I missed it. Bummer.
They may only be the Pirates but they are major leaguers and have likely faced off against them all this spring:
Not including the Pirates, which team is your pick to win the World Series?
Yankees — 7
Mets — 5
Red Sox — 4
Rays — 3
Phillies — 1
IM BACK FOR THE SEASON! THE CURSE IS GONE! GO YANKEES!
oh my oh my! and i thought we had been promised a permanent retirement!
LOL at the person who said the would take Pete’s word over anyone else’s because he’s hung out with the team.
_ _ _ _ _ _
I highly doubt that Pete has hung out with Arod on a regular basis so he probably doesn’t know the real Arod. Nor do we know who Pete really is….other than a beat writer who likes the Patriots neither of which should qualify a person to make decisions for you as an individual.
SJ44
April 4th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I guess the dumbells are back for the start of the season.
Yeah, the Yankees don’t need Arod. They have Cody Ransom and Ramiro Pena. Who needs the best all around player in the game.
Another reason why there should be year round school for some.
=========================================
Yes, and what of the other “dumbells” that appeared in droves in this space last season exhorting the Yankees to trade Robinson Cano?
Re: Pete Abe – Beat Writer
A beat writer follows the team and tells us all about it. A beat writer knows the pulse of the team as it beats. A beat writer knows the players far better than SJ44. The reason this cheater’s supporters lash out against Pete is because he challenges their firmly entrenched perceptions of Arod. They’re convinced he’s a great guy and great teammate but when presented with evidence from the coach of 10+ years that his beloved teams call him a fraud, they lash out at the coach as if he’s just making stuff up to sell books. Now with Roberts they’re using this word ‘agenda’ which would imply that Roberts isn’t reporting the facts or supporting claims with actual quotes/testimony from Arod’s very own teammates. Rather than adjust your own opinions or admit your miscalculations, you attack the messenger. It’s a sign of intellectual laziness to stubbornly refuse to change your opinion based on mounting evidence that you are wrong.
I got news for Arod apologists. You are losing this war. Your favorite player has the worst image in baseball – aside from admitting to cheating the game by using steroids. The coaches know it. The beat writers know it. Rest assured his teammates know it.
Still making excuses.
Bret,
Let’s say everything in your idiotic comment is true, and all the Yankees hate ARod. So what.
He is still one of the best players in baseball, he is still the third baseman of a team that has does not have a good replacement at that position, and he is still one of the hardest workers on the team. And even if his teammates truly loathe him, there’s no sign that he makes any of them play worse.
So by all means, obsess about ARod’s personality and reputation on his team and ignore what he actually does on the field. No one who really cares about baseball is going to get sucked into your so-called “war.”
How is he one of the best players in baseball if all of his accomplishments are in question right now? He cheated. That means his stats and status don’t mean a damn thing.
Idiotic comment indeed.