Bern, Bernie, Bern! Your Dreams of a Comeback, That is.
Friday, February 20, 2009
From the "give it up already, dude" file:
Bernie hasn't been on a major league roster since the final game of the 2006 season (AKA "The Year the Yankees Coughed it up to the Tigers and Ruined My Weekend in Vegas"), but he is not content to bask in our adoration and enjoy his twilight years. Despite there being no signs of any interest in him as a player from any team (much less the Yanks), Bernie has yet to retire and has even said he may never do so.
After almost two years of living the recluse life (and by that I mean he was harboring a grudge against the Cash Man for choosing sensibility over sentimentality), Bernie made his triumphant return to New York last September when the Yanks bid adieu to the old stadium, looking the whole time like he was half a second away from trapping Damon in a closet, stealing his jersey and taking the field in his place. Apparently jogging around the infield that night only served to further convince him that he is still capable of playing. Since then he's signed on to play for Puerto Rico in this Spring's WBC, and this week he's down in Tampa working out with his old crew and even hit some pitches off the Wangster.
It's pretty obvious to me that there is virtually zero chance of Bernie ever playing in the MLB again, but I hope someone has (gently, perhaps with a Torre-supplied pat on the back) relayed that information to the man himself. His refusal to retire is a tad on the pathetic side and leaves everyone in limbo - how can your number be retired if you're pretending to be a viable active player? I'm crossing my fingers that his WBC experience will serve as a lovely and fulfilling last hurrah and he can finally bow out with some dignity.
Watching Rickey Henderson play on the Surf Dawgs was a little bit sad. Let's not repeat that.
BTW... a) This is the first time I've been able to use the Bern Bernie Bern tag in 9 months b) It is also the first time I've used Jorgie Porgie's tag since his injury
So! Y'all know that I've been more than just a tad disappointed about the FAIL way the team played in the middle of the season and truly think that they HAD the potential to make it to the post-season and simply squandered away their chances by playing sloppily and without passion. I do understand that a team can't make the playoffs every year and blah blah blah, but when a team is packed with talent it's still a disappointment.
Last night, though, I completely forgot about that disappointment. In a word, last night was magical. I know that sounds a bit cheesy, but I implore you to deny that it was just that. I could not have imagined a better send-off for the stadium - it was incredibly well done. The turnout of Yankee legends made the night so special, especially to see them all on the field. The highlight for me was the tribute and special attention given to Bernie, since nothing like that was done after his final game back in '06. I kind of thought they might take the opportunity to retire his number, but perhaps they'll do that once he finally "officially" retires.
Other fave moments:
Boomer! God I love that man. He seems like such good times, even though I fear that if I were to hang out with him (how 'bout it, Boom Dawg?) I would wind up in a jail cell in Tijuana (even if we were partying at a bar in NYC. Somehow, we would end up there.)
I'm so glad Jorgie was there. It was awesome to see him back in the dugout and chit-chatting with the Jeet et al.
Having Babe's daughter throw out the first pitch was the most perfect choice they could have made.
Even though he can be annoying, I appreciate them giving Michael Kay the mic for all the pre-game announcing. He's the TV voice/face of the Yanks and deserved the honor.
Mariano's 1-2-3 9th was the perfect way to end the game and cap off 85 years of Yankee Stadium. He's the best closer in the history of the game and to have anyone else throw out the final pitch would have been a shame.
Obviously, the fact that they won was ideal. Woulda been a bust if they went out on a loss.
Jeet's fan-appreciation speech after the game was classic and heartwarming. Things wouldn't be the same without all the hardcore fans, and it was nice to see the crew tipping their hats in thanks.
I am not one of those folks that think moving to a new stadium is some horrible act of sacrilege that will ruin tradition - I'm looking forward to it and think sparkly new digs suit the grand aura of the Yanks. Last night was the perfect way to end the era, celebrate the past and get excited for the future.
One last thing: I honestly and truly believe that ANY true baseball fan should have enjoyed or at the very least appreciated the extravaganza last night. I don't care if you're a Red Sox fan, lifelong Yankee hater, engaged in a plural marriage with Manny Ramirez and Pedro Martinez - last night was about history. I've already heard a couple Red Sox fans denouncing it and saying "YOUR TEAM DIDN'T EVEN MAKE THE PLAYOFFS LOLZ" and I find that pathetic. Don't bother calling yourself a baseball fan.
One more last thing: Here's a vid of the final inning I found on the ol' You Tubez. Relive the magic!
Like most Yanks fans (I think, anyway...) I love Bernie Williams. His contributions to the team - yes, even in his last year! - are countless and undeniable - and I truly find it hard to believe that anyone invested (emotionally or otherwise) in the team would have hard feelings towards the dear man.
Apparently there is at least one man harboring feelings that are a tad bit less cheerful toward the Bernster: The Cash Man! On Friday night he expressed some feelings on Bern, saying that he had a "terrible" season in 2005 and it was wrong of Torre to play him as much as he did. To be fair, Bernie did have a poor year offensively - .249 average, 12 homers .321 OBP - but his defense was fine (.991 fielding percentage) and he still had a positive impact on the team as far as attitude and morale goes. The real surprising part of this story to me is that considering the fact that Cash really hasn't been all that outspoken when it comes to dissatisfaction with individual players, and saying such things about a player that isn't even on the team anymore seems pointless (what is to gain?), why would he bother?
I don't know, folks... what dost thou think? Should he have shut his face and kept his negative feelings about a player that has meant so much to the fans and his teammates to himself? Or are his feelings valid and perfectly fine to share in a manner that obviously would make its way to the public?
Top Ten Tuesdays: Valerie Bertinelli Says To Lose Weight In 2008!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy 2008, my delightful friends and foes! I hope your night was one of wholesome Monopoly-playing and included neither drunken debauchery nor sobbing over a glass of champagne about your relationships/work/weight/family/lack of Spice Girls reunion show tickets. Many folks look at the dawn of a new year as a time to take stock of their lives and make a commitment to change (commitments that will be forgotten by February 1st or at the latest the beginning of Spring), and I see no reason why a baseball club shouldn't do the same. The Yanks have been working on improving the team all off-season, of course, but I think that making some solid resolutions - and sticking with them at least through the summer - couldn't hurt.
Top Ten New Years Resolutions The Yanks Should Consider
10) Burn Giambi's glove so that if Girardi gets confused and accidentally tries to have him play first base, Jason will have to say "no can do, boss" 9) Allow the Cash Man to actually speak every once in a while (that one is directed at YOU, Hank and Halitosis) 8) Shove Pavano in a box and deny his presence on the team (kinda like last year!) 7) Now that Torre is gone, try not to blow out a reliever's arm by June 6) Do something to honor Bernie (remember him?). Give him a job or something. Retire his number. Let him play some guitar during the national anthem perhaps? 5) Keep an eye out for pitching in foreign markets, like this dude 4) Prevent the Sox from getting Santanamania. I don't care if the YANKS get him, but if Boston gets him that will prove very troublesome. Pull some strings and Svengali that lad on over to the Mets 3) Make a huge effort to throw some public support behind A-Rod. He was under enough scrutiny the last few years BEFORE he opted out and then became the highest player in the history of the universe, and if he is going to succeed in New York for the next 97 years (or however long that contract is), his sensitive soul is going to need some positive reinforcement. A little "we love him on the team!" PR could go a long way here. 2) If the team makes it to the playoffs (I'd like to say "when", but let's not get all cocky and start assuming things mmkay?!), start acting like the division series is as important as the World Series. It really seems to me that for the past few years they've been approaching the ALDS like it's a few silly practice interim games they will breeze through on their way to the next round, and we know how THAT'S been turning out (not well, if you're new around here). 1) Actually keep a couple of these resolutions...
Now that Jorgie Porgie's spot on the team has been secured for the next 4 years and all indications point to a 3 year deal for Mo, we can effectively stop worrying about those two roster spots and instead start thinking about what we're going to do with those old dudes in the last years of their respective contracts. Jorgie will be 40 when his contract ends and Mariano will be close to 41, old by any baseball standards (unless you're on the juice, or are Roger Clemens or are Roger Clemens on the juice) but especially ancient for catchers and closers. It's possible that they'll both still be able to play well at that old age, but it is more likely that the Yanks will have to find something else for them to do. I've got some ideas...
Top Ten Things Mo and Jorgie Can Do In Their Final Contract Year 10) Make daily calls to Tampa Bay to see if they will sign them once they're done with the Yanks 9) No longer afraid of not being re-signed, begin telling Steinbrenner what an ass he is. Constantly. 8) Run the stadium tours while the team is out of town (because the team surely won't be taking them on the road trips) 7) Whiskey. 6) Tell stories to the youngsters about the olden times when they had to walk uphill in the snow 2 miles each way to the stadium every day. 5) Taunt Bernie by repeatedly asking him where HE is playing this year 4) Embrace new role of "token Yankee veteran" at public affairs with gusto. 3) Botox parties!!! 2) Start campaigning for coaching jobs in LA with Torre 1) Enjoy lavish retirement parties and gifts, and then un-retire.
After an excruciating 10,895.87 baseball-free days (approximately...), during which time the Yankees managed to trade 2 starting pitchers, fire some coaches, watch a 3rd baseman bare his soul to the media for no discernible reason and drop the ball on one Japanese pitcher but sign another, Spring Training is at last upon us. The Yankees officially kick off the pre-season against the Twins at 1:15 EST tomorrow, and although the Yankees Chick will sadly not be in attendance (by some strange and unexpected twist of events, Yankees officials failed to fly me out [first class, of course] and give me an all-access press pass for the games; I'm sure my invitation got lost in the mail) I most certainly will be dialed in via MLB TV to enjoy every pitch and double-play ball the Yanks and Twins have to offer.
Now that the season is literally mere hours away, methinks it would be wise for us to take a walk down memory lane and review the excitement that took place out in the Bronx this winter. Let's take a peak at the goings-on over the course of the Yank's off-season to catch us all up - - just in time for tomorrow's game!
November 12: Yanks ditch Jaret Wright in favor of Orioles' reliever Chris Britton, despite the fact that Jaret really stepped it up in '06. Britton is much younger, though - he's only 24, while Mr.Wright (who the Yanks found to be Mr. Wrong [god I'm hilarious]) is the ripe old age of 31.
November 28: The Moose gets a new 2-year deal worth $23 mil. Love his pitchinig (3.63 ERA, 1.177 WHIP in 16 seasons; 3.58 ERA in 22 post-season appearances), appreciate his fielding prowess (.979 lifetime fielding percentage), and admire his smarts (he's a Stanford grad, don't forget). Glad he'll be back.
December 11: Promoted Don Mattingly to bench coach; named Kevin Long hitting coach. Mattingly's promotion has made many people anticipate a move to manager-status once Torre's time as Yankees' ruler ends (this is the last year of Joe's contract, but he could very well return...).
December 22: Andy Pettitte agrees to return to the Bronx for a 2nd tenure with the Yankees, making your Yankees Chick very happy - not just because I love A.P., but because this makes the likelihood of a Rocket return a very feasible dream. I'm crossing my fingers, toes, and hair on that one.
December 23: Infielder Juan Miranda joins the team and the 25-man roster as a benchman. I know nothing about him other than the fact that he's a youngster (23-years-old), which I like, and was a Cuban prospect, which I like because I love communists (and socialists. and totalitarians.)
December 27: The Yanks sign 26-year-old Kei Igawa from Japan in hopes of using him as a 4th or 5th starter. He's no Matsuzaka, but he was a much better deal and Cashman is on a lets-save-money-for-someone-really-worth-it kick, which is the best thing I've heard in all my years of Yankees fandom.
January 5th: Doug Mientkiewicz signs a 1-year contract to provide the Yanks with some much-needed defense at first base. Much needed.
January 9th: Randy Johnson heads back to Arizona and the Yankees acquire RHP Luis Vizcaino, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, RHP Steven Jackson and SS Alberto Gonzalez in return. I respect and admire his past accomplishments, but good riddance to the Unit and his back problems.
January 10: Bernie declines the Yankees minor league offer and invite to Spring Training. Everyone from Jeter to Torre to the Yankees Chick is very sad (as is Bernie), but there is just no room for him on the roster...unless Andy Phillips is injured in a mysterious accident within the next few weeks.
January 26: Miguel Cairo resigns to his post as utility-man extraodinaire, ready to play wherever he's needed, apparently including the outfield this season.
February 26: Bobby Abreu strains his oblique muscle and will miss 2-3 weeks of Spring Training, but according to all reports he will be ready in time for opening day. He better be, or I will personally fly out there and whip him into shape myself.
Ongoing Forever: I am not one bit confident in Pavano, and I won't be until he remains injury-free for 90 days. In other words, I will never be confident in him.
My lovely readers, I really am waiting with bated breath for tomorrow's game. Wang will be starting and all of the usual suspects will be making an appearance for at least an inning or two, and a good start in Spring Training (and I'm assuming/hoping that it will indeed be a strong start) shall bode quite well for the '07 season. World Series, anyone?
The only person more hurt by the minor league offer than Bernie is Torre...aka the most sensitive soul in sports
A few weeks ago, I confessed that despite my love for Bernie I felt it was time for the Yanks to let the guitar-weilding outfielder go in favor of more pitchers and a younger core. I explained that while Bernie has proved that he is certainly capable of continuing to be productive, the Yankees have no need for another outfielder - - Melky is more than capable of serving as the 4th man - - and going with 12 relievers rather than another bench player simply makes better sense. It broke my heart to admit it, but I was confident that the time had come to let the Bernie era end. I thought it was a kind gesture that the Yankees offered him a minor league deal and a spring training invite to allow him to compete for a roster spot, but I thoroughly expected Bernie to make a retirement announcement imminently.
Fast forward one month, and I am choking on my words. Bernie has turned down the minor league deal and declined to show up to Spring Training, and he has been very vocal about his hurt feelings and choice to keep holding out for a guaranteed roster spot with the Yanks. Everyone from Torre to Jeter to Cano has expressed their support and desire for Sir Bernie to give the Spring Training gig a shot, but the rest ofthe crew has shown up in Tampa to begin getting in shape and there's no Bernie in sight. Surprisingly, despite my past convictions, I find myself feeling incredibly sad about these recent turn of events.
I pride myself on being as objective as possible in my fandom, eschewing emotions for strategy, and am generally more than happy to ditch a veteran (sorry, Tino Martinez) to usher in a youngster. When the Yankees made the decision to remove Bernie from daily center field duty after the 2005 season, I was happy with the decision and even excited about the signing of Damon (although it did mean I had to learn to stop calling him "Demon"). Like many people, I considered the 2006 season to likely be the last season Bernie would play not just with the Yankees, but for any team.
I suppose I am a bit more sentimental than I originally thought, though, because now that the Yankees have all but written dear Bernabe off I find myself inexplicably changing my stance to one of staunch bring-back-Bernie support! Unlike some supporters who contend that the Yankees "owe" a roster spot to Bernie in honor of his loyalty and legendary contributions to the team over the past 16 years (including a .275 lifetime post-season average and lifetime .990 fielding percentage), I actually feel that the Yankees could still benefit from Bernie's skills on the field. His addition to the roster would give the Yankees 3 switch hitters (Posada and Melky are the others) and is in great health and has been throughout his career, meaning he is likely not much of an injury-risk. His numbers of tapered off over the last few years, but he has continued to hit when it really counts: over the past 3 years his average with runners on base with 2 outs is .293 and his post-season average since 2000 is .278.
Now that I've copped to being an emotional little baby, I must remind you that I am not impractical. I recognize that with the Yankees' current plan of a platoon at 1st base and a reliever-heavy pitching roster, there is logistically no room for a 5th outfielder/pinch hitter. This is not to say that finding a spot for Bernie would be impossible, though. Theoretically, though I like Andy Phillips, the Yankees could forgo the platoon and use Mientky and Giambi as the 1st base handlers; another option would be choosing to go with one fewer reliever. I'm not 100% sold on either of those ideas myself, but they are options. Had Bernie opted to accept the minor league deal, it is possible that he would have been brought up to the active roster at some point during the year if the platoon did not pan out or in the case of another injury, like last year...but alas, Bernie's pride won out and I highly doubt he will relent on his current "no thanks" stance.
Ideally, Bernie will either choose to accept the minor league offer and show up at Spring Training (albeit a day or two late), or else he will retire and show up on opening day as some sort of coach. Certainly I am not alone in the feeling that seeing him in another team's uniform would break my heart....after all, I am practical, but not unemotional.
It's been a busy week in the life of the Yankees Chick (ESPN still hasn't hired me to take over Bonnie Bernstein's position as Token Female Broadcaster, so I've been forced to continue to show up at both work and school), but despite my pleading to slow down until the weekend, the baseball gods orchestrated several interesting tales throughout the week. Much as I love to rant and rave in depth about everything from Boston's spending to Bernie's guitar work, I feel I must put my pending Balco Expose and 2007 team preview articles on hold in favor of a rundown of the current events, so let's saddle up and take a quick gander - if it can't be summed up in 10 words or less I'll have to revisit the issue at a later date* - at the goings-on in the baseball world:
JD Drew: Shoulder will bust. I will laugh at Red Sox.
Roger Clemens: Yanks still want him, Cano offers number. Rocket says nothing.
Bernie: Looks like retirement vs. minor league deal. Designated dugout guitarist?
Bonds: Contract stalled. No one likes him.
Pavano: Working out, wants to pitch. God help us all.
Sammy Sosa Comeback:He didn't juice, like I didn't cheer against Boston in '04.
Extra Innings moves to Direct TV: Conspiracy by the government and their Big Satellite ties.
Spring Training: 1st game on March 1. Fly me out there?
2008 All-Star Game: Yankees host. NL will fall short...again.
Jeter and Jessica Biel: Mary Camden is too good for Jeter? No ma'am.
* see Sosa, Sammy and Bonds, Barry - - I wasn't joking about the upcoming Balco article...
Emotions Speak Louder Than Logic - - But There's NO CRYING IN BASEBALL
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Even though I'm pretty sure Bernie stole that shirt from Salma Hayek's closet, you would have to be a heartless beast to dislike this man.
Yankees Chick readers (all two of you), I fear I may be turning into the kind of fan I hate with a passion - the type of fan that cares more about the team winning than about the players themselves. On Monday, I shared my desire for Roger Clemens to rejoin the Yanks, despite the fact that I abhor the behavior he's displayed over the past few years, and today I shall admit another secret: I don't really think Bernie should be back in pinstripes this year.
Like most Yankees fans, I have reserved a special corner of my heart for dear Bernie Williams. For the past 16 seasons, we have watched Bernie rise to the status of baseball icon, break records, and rack up an incredible number of post-season feats (see left!), and I think he might be the only athlete (or celebrity, or politician, or D-list talk show host...) that has managed to go his entire career without offending a minority group or partaking in an embarrassingly hilarious alcohol-induced altercation with Lindsay Lohan. His dedication to great causes like Neighbors Helping Neighbors and the Childrens Health Fund sets Bernie apart from the self-centered norm, and even a punk-loving gal like the Yankees Chick must admit that his jazzy-classical CD is quite good - not to mention positively endearing. Bernie is a great ballplayer and a class act, there's no doubt about that.
Everybody loves Bernie, and a lot of Yankees fans are wholeheartedly rooting for the Yanks to resign him for the 2007 season. The Yankees Chick herself has even been pulling for the return of Bernabe, but lately I've been taking a good, hard look at the Yanks' roster and their 2007 needs, and I must admit:
The Yanks have no business resigning Bernie for 2007.
It pains me to no end to admit this, but I'm afraid it's true. I still contend that Bernie has plenty left to offer; a team could do much worse for a backup outfielder - but the Yankees have no need for another outfielder or even another bench player. Melky, who is 16 years Bernie's junior and has the potential to be a integral piece in the Yanks' puzzle (even if its as trade bait at some point...), is more than capable of serving as the 4th outfielder behind Matsui, Abreu, and Damon. As for extra bench spots, the signings of Cairo and Mientky have all but closed the door on any chance of Bernie being signed on as a pinch-hitter/occasional DH - - - and if there is any extra room on the roster, Cashman would almost certainly stock up on more pitching.
Much as I hate to see an era end, I'm afraid Bernie's days on the Yanks' field are over. Sad as that makes me, #51 will be retired and out in Monument Park in no time, and I'm willing to bet Bernie will wind up back on the bench with a coaching job before long - - and only then will I be able to assuage my guilt for publicly admitting that the Yanks don't need Bernie for a 17th season.
Yanks Pitching Report (Now With 25% Less Bitching!)
Friday, December 22, 2006
All of these gentlemen are named "Mike Gonzalez", but only one of them is a potential Yankee pitcher.
The Yankees Chick has done quite a bit of complaing about the Yanks' pitching over the last couple years - I've disparaged the departed soul of Kevin Brown (oh, he's not dead?) and have created some deliciously sophisticated and original nicknames for everyone from Sturtze the Hurtze to Carl Painvano - but in light of the recent choices the Yanks have made this winter I am feeling decidedly more optimistic about the state of the pitching affairs in the Bronx.
Andy Pettitte's decision to reunite with the Yankees certainly brought a smile to my face, and the accompanying speculation that his move could motivate the Rocket to follow suit are most intruiging. By most accounts, he will pitch in 2007, but he may wait until June or July to make his decision again - a decision which will no doubt be based on which of his chosen teams (the Astros, Bosox and Yanks) is doing the best at that point in the season. That brazen cockiness and mercenary attitude actually sickens me in theory, but if he decides to join the Yankees I will not complain.
Last week's signing of 27-year-old Kei Igawa (which is nearly official, save for the mandatory physical that for some reason seems to foil not steroid users but overpaid outfielders) dropped the average age of the pitching staff down to about 40, which is a move in the right direction. Igawa is no Matsuzaka, but I sincerely appreciate the fact that the Yankees will be paying a total of $46 million for 5 years of his service, and that includes the $26 million Big Stein had to pony up just for the chatting rights.
Interestingly enough, even the Pavano situation is looking up. Take a moment to re-read that sentance, I can wait. Back? Ok. Sir Carl of Injuredville has reportedly been doing some hardcore training in Arizona all winter in an effort to show the Yanks that he is serious about getting healthy and ready for some hot pitching mound action come April. To be honest, it is pretty pathetic that training is out of the norm for Pav, but if he does stay healthyish it will obviously be great for the Yankees. His health-kick also makes him more attractive as trade bait - - the Cardinals have already expressed an interest, albeit slight, and have requested his 309834289032490 page medical file to review.
In reliever news, the Pirates are looking to trade lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez(see top photo) for a lefty power hitter, and the Yankees are allegedly willing to give up Melky in exchange for the bullpen help. Gonzalez, who is a nice spry 28-years-old, has had an impressive major league career thus far, saving 24 games in 54.0 innings last season. There were rumors last week indicating that the Pirates, Yankees, Braves were working on a 3-team trade that would send Gonzalez to New York, Adam LaRoche to Pittsburgh and Melky to Atlanta, but those plans have either stalled or were never true in the first place. Much as I love Melky, bringing Gonzalez to New York would offer some much needed support to the bullpen - - and the move would open the 4th outfielder spot up for a certain beloved guitar playing switch-hitting 38-year-old...
Finally, the Yanks are in possession of some great kids that could make quite a splash in '07. There's Humberto Sanchez (left), who came over from the Tigers in the Sheffield deal, and of course the much-anticipated Phillip Hughes, who may be called up in April. Jeff Karstens and Brian Bruney, who both pitched towards the end of last season, will also be waiting in the wings for a chance to back up the offense.
I am, of course, still concerned about The Unit, and I'm not convinced that Pavano will even be walking in April, much less pitching. But right now, I'm feeling optimistic. Now let's just hope this feeling can last through next October.
The World Series is over, awards season is in full swing, leaves have changed colors from green to Cardinals red and the time has come to clean up the Yankees' figurative house. Six Yanks have already filed for free agency, and while simply filing does not mean that the Yankees can't or won't resign them, it does allow Big Stein and the Gang (not to be confused with Kool and his Gang) to ditch some dead weight and look for greener pastures. Free agents can't sign with a new team until November 12th, giving the team they played for this year a chance to make an offer before other teams swoop in (and by "swoop in", I mean "begrudgingly decide to sign someone after realizing that the anemic market inflated Barry Zito's asking price to $2349084329082 million").
Tanyon "Bring In Da Noize, Bring In Da Hurtz" Sturtze(right, accurately imitating the face I make whenever I see him pitch), Miguel Cairo, Craig Wilson, Octavio Dotel, and Ron Villone were the first Yanks to file this week. The Yanks have not given any indication that they will resign any of these five, but I wouldn't be surprised if Big Stein and the Cash Man decide to keep Villone, Dotel, or Sturtze around, simply because the Yankees' bullpen is a disaster and any one of these 3 will be cheap.
Bernie(left, partying like the rockstar he is) joined the free agent list yesterday, though he hasn't even decided if he will return to baseball for any team next year. He's been with the Yanks for 16 seasons - he's never played for a different team - and at 38 years old, he might be ready for retirement. On the other hand, he played very well this year, hitting .281 (and winning the Yankees Chick $20 in a bet!) with 12 homers and 29 doubles in 131 games, a performance significantly superior to any expectations placed upon him at the beginning of the season. Since the Yankees have Matsui, Damon, Abreu and Melky to play the outfield, Bernie could feasibly rejoin the Yanks in the role he was intended to play this year (before the Sheff/Matsui injuries): occasional DH/pinch hitter. If the Yankees do not make Bernie an offer, I believe Bernie would likely forgo an offer from another team in favor of retirement as a Yankee.
As for Gary "Sir Easy to Pleasey!" Sheffield (right, in a super-intimidating terry cloth hat), he will also become a free agent this year if the Yankees choose not to pick up his $13 million option. That is probably a moot point, though, since the Yankees have made it pretty clear that they do intend to pick up that option. Whether they turn right around and trade him remains to be seen, but regardless of the outcome I know I can rest assured that Sheff's reaction will be completely inappropriate and deliciously comedic!
Like the Sheffster, Moose (left...obviously) and Jaret Wright also have options on their respective contracts this year. Mussina's is for $17 million, which the Yankees can "buy out" for $1.5 million. It looks like the Yanks may go ahead and pay the $1.5 mil for the buy out and then resign Moose to a contract worth less than the $17 million, but if they opt to go that route they'll have to make the buy out decision by the 15th. Wright's option is for $7 million and the Yankees haven't announced what they plan to do with him, but it would cost them $4 million to buy out the contract and allow Wright to become a free agent, so I imagine they will go ahead and pick up the option.
In other housekeeping news, bench coach Lee Mazzilli has been given the boot and Don Mattingly has been promoted from hitting coach to Torre's right-hand man on the bench. Donnie has made managing an MLB team one of his career goals, and if he does a good job with Torre in 2007, we may be looking at the Yanks' future skipper...
Sheffield Going Under the Knife for Wrist Surgery; Out Till at Least September
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Shef has already spent most of the season on the disabled list, and after last week’s MRI confirmed that he needed surgery to repair a torn ligament and dislocated tendon in his wrist, he will be out for at least 3 more months before he can return to the Yanks’ lineup. The injury in question occurred back on April 29th when he slammed—full force—into Shea Hillenbrand at 1st base. Brian Cashman announced the surgery today, stating that, though serious, the injury will not prove to be season-ending for Sheff.
The Yankees have had to shuffle their roster almost daily this season, what with the injuries to Sheff, Matsui, Chacon, Bubba, Jeter, Mariano, et al. The seemingly never-ending parade of injuries plaguing the Yanks is disappointing, but the real surprise came not in the injuries but in their aftermath. Melky has exceeded even the biggest expectations the Yanks had for him; Torre noted that even if Melky were to hit a slump for the rest of the season his contributions during May and June are so impressive that he is confident Melky has what it takes to be a Yankee. Bernie, who was signed as a DH and 4th outfielder and was predicted by many to be virtually worthless this year, has stepped up to the plate (pun intended) both offensively and defensively: he’s hitting .269 and has made just 1 error in the outfield. With Giambi playing DH more often, Andy Phillips has been manning 1st base and despite a slow start (he was hitting .208 as recently as 10 days ago) he has shown perseverance and power, including a recent hot streak that has boosted his average all the way up to .284. Even Miguel Cairo, who filled in for A-Rod at 3rd during his flu-induced absence and has been playing shortstop while Jeter’s wrist is hurt, has been playing decently.
Before tonight's game against the BoSox, the Yankees’ record stood at 35-22, a record better than all but 2 MLB teams (Tigers and White Sox). They’ve managed to beat some of the best pitchers in the league and have shut down power-offenses, all without the help of Sheff or Matsui, and even Jeter as of late. Sheffield’s surgery is bad news, but I imagine it will prove to be no more than a blip in a season of tough luck and incredible playing by the remaining roster.
Damon-Bernie Stat Comparison Brings Arguments and Bad A-Rod Puns
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
After last week’s signing of Johnny Damon and the accompanying stat-chat, I posted a comparison of Bernie's and Damon's OPS throughout their respective careers. The post illustrated the fact that while Bernie’s performance has slowed down over the years, his career performance has been steady and his decline followed a natural progression. On the other hand, however, every year has been up and down for Damon; his 2005 season appears to be the one high note standing out in an otherwise standard above-average career.
The post brought forth several interesting comments on the performances of both Bernie and Damon, but one anonymous reader, possibly personally jilted by A-Rod, thought that it would be wise to analyze the stats of the Bronx’s third baseman:
"The guy whose stats you should analyze is that choke artist A-Fraud"
Alright, Senor Anonymous. Let’s take a gander at A-Fraud’s stats. We better look closely so that we can point and laugh at how much he chokes and what a fraud he is.
Seasons: 12 Career BA: .307 Highest BA: .358, 1996 Lowest BA: .204, in 17 games in 1994; .235 in 1995 Career OBP: .385 Highest OBP: .421, 2005 Lowest OBP: .241, in 17 games in 1994; .264 in 1995 Career OPS: .962 Highest OPS: 1.045, 1996 Lowest OPS: .445, in 17 games in 1994; .672 in 1995 BA with RISP: .304 BA with Bases Loaded: .317 Career Fielding Percentage: .976 Career Errors: 156 Highest Error Season: 1997, 24 Lowest Error Season (Full-Seasons Only): 2003, 8
Looking at these numbers, I have to say that I’m having trouble figuring out how A-Rod might have been fraudulent. His averages are consistently high, his OPS is amazing, and he comes through when it counts - - with runners in scoring position and with the bases loaded.
When Senor Anonymous referenced choking, I assume that what he was referring to A-Rod’s post-season performance.
The only “choking” I can really see with A-Rod’s post-season performance would obviously have to be the five games he played against the Angels in 2005. He got just two hits in his fifteen at-bats, no RBIs, and struck out five times. I’m certainly not going to say that I wish he would have performed better, but I do think that it’s incorrect and unfair to place all the blame on him. Not to mention the death of his uncle, which occurred right before the start of the ALDS and reportedly affected A-Rod’s ability to play at his fullest potential.
Assuming anyone is still even reading this, tell me: am I wrong? Am I missing something? Perhaps misinterpreting the numbers? Because I’m getting pretty sick of people selling A-Rod short and referring to him as a fraud or a choker. He may be a pretty-boy, and he may care about fashion more than the average high school cheerleader, but he is a damn good athlete and I am quite happy to have him on my team.
Poor Bernie has been at the center of much criticism this past year. He’s been disparaged for his ever-weakening throwing arm, his declining batting average…Over the past year Bernie has become viewed as some soft of albatross dragging the Yankees down both in the field and at the bat.
I beg to differ. Last year was his fifteenth season and he was still able to play in 141 games. His batting average was only .249, but he had 19 doubles and 12 home runs, and how many times has he come through in the clutch?
Now the Yanks have signed Damon, who has had a great career thus far. Boston fans loved him, Yankee fans coveted him, and now he’ll be in the Bronx for the next four years. He’s still young, just 32 right now, but will he be stealing 18 bases and hitting 30 doubles when he's 36? Doubtful.
Over at Sons of Sam Horn, an elitist BoSox forum, the writers put together this Bernie/Damon comparison that I found to be quite revealing.
As you can see, Bernie outdoes Damon at the plate. His career OPS is significantly hire than Damon's is (or ever will be). Bernie's hitting followed a very typical natural pattern: in his first years he struggled, improved steadily, then reached his peak at around 30 and slowly - but not drastically - began his decline. Damon, on the other hand, has been much more inconsistent. At 26 he hit a high note, but the very next year his OPS was down over 2 points. Every year since then has been up and down; his hitting seems to follow no natural pattern.
Damon is certainly talented and I am not down-playing that. However, his erratic slugging and batting averages (he hit .273 in 2003, then .316 in 2005) concern me. Do we really know what to expect in '06? With Bernie, his decline in stats is due to one factor: his age. He is an excellent athlete and even at his "worst" (2005) he still drove in 64 runs and had a better OBP than Damon did at 27. Let's all just say a collective secular prayer that Damon stays on the high he's been on for the past two years.
Bernie Will Be Back to Attack in 2006 - - On the Bench, Anyway
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Even though the exciting signing of Johnny Damon isn’t yet chiseled into proverbial stone, the Yankees have already lined up a backup for him.
You may be familiar with the man they selected as their fourth outfielder/DH. I’ll give you some hints:
1. He has played for the Yankees for the past fifteen years and has been their starting centerfielder for thirteen. 2. He earned twelve million dollars last season 3. He’s hit 275 homers in his impressive career, making him sixth in the Yanks’ all-time list. 4. He is a classical guitarist 5. His career batting average is the same as Mickey Mantle’s - .298
Still scratching your head? If so, I suggest you check the URL and realize that you are reading Yankees Chick, not howtoinstallagarbagedisposalinyourbathtub.com (I can see how you would get us confused).
Yes, I’m talking about Bernie Williams. Some have called him washed-up, useless, slow, past his prime…even I’m guilty of referring to him as “Old Man Bernie” (endearingly!). 2005 marked the end of his contract, and when Cashman made it clear that Bernie would definitely not be the starting centerfielder in ’06 many feared that he would end up spending the last year or two of his incredible career down in Tampa Bay or Kansas City. Dealing with Bernie’s free agency was not a high priority for the Yankees; with the gap in centerfield and the many holes in the bullpen signing and aging backup player seemed to not even be in Cashman’s master plan. However, with Ruben Sierra gone and Bernie’s arbitration deadline looming it made perfect sense to sign him as a fourth outfielder benchman.
Bernie’s one year deal will yield him $1.5 million and offers incentives based on performance. This year will be his sixteenth in a Yankees uniform, the only major league uniform he’s ever worn.
There’s Hope Left for Bernie: Cashman and Boras Get One More Month
Thursday, December 08, 2005
As the Yankees Chick mentioned previously, yesterday was the last day for the Yankees to offer arbitration to old man Bernie. While they didn’t make any real offers or come to any agreements, Cashman and Boras were able to extend their deadline by a month by having Boras decline a sham arbitration offer.
It is well known by now that if Bernie does come back to the Yankees next year, it would not be in an everyday capacity. It looks like Bernie would still be willing to be a Bomber even if it means operating as a fourth outfielder and occasional DH.
Interestingly, even if the Yankees decide not to re-sign Bernie, he could end up playing in New York again next year - - in Flushing. Apparently, the Mets are also interested in signing Bernie as a fourth outfielder should he not be able to come to terms with the Yankees.
Bernie Getting Nervous as Arbitration Deadline Approaches
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Perhaps after filling the gaps in the bullpen and the outfield, Cashman will move on to finding a musician with stellar classical guitar skills to entertain in the clubhouse... December seventh – that’s tomorrow, folks – marks the deadline for the Yankees to begin arbitration with Old Man Bernie. If the Yankees do not make an offer to Bernie by tomorrow, they will waive their rights to sign him until the first of May. Bernie has been on the back burner (no pun intended) for the Yanks this off season; the focus has mainly been on pitching and finding an everyday centerfielder. The Yankees are not writing Bernie off completely but have made it clear that he would definitely not be signing Bernie to an everyday position contract.
It is doubtful that any contract would get hammered down by the December Seventh deadline, but there is still hope for Bernie. One way for both the player and the club to buy time is to extend an offer to the player with the understanding that he will turn it down - this extends the deadline by about a month. According to Cashman, dialogue between Bernie, his agent Scott Boras, and himself will likely occur by tomorrow.
In 2009 Curtis Granderson published a book: All You Can Be: Dream It, Draw It, Become It! Granderson "shares the lessons that he learned growing up--the importance of family and choosing the right friends, the power of listening and staying positive, and most important, the value of being yourself."
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