Pride of the Pinstripes

Could Danks be the Yankees Number 2?

2011-12-19T20:31:00.001-05:00

It seems pretty clearly that Yu Darvish is not going to be a Yankee. So as it stands now, the 2012 Yankees pretty much look exactly the same as the 97 win 2011 team that got bounced out of ALDS. Names have floated but nothing has gotten serious. Felix Hernandez and Gio Gonzalez would be the best choices for the Yanks but the asking price is way too high, pretty much cleaning out the best of their farm system. The Yankees really need a number 2 starter and the most realistic choice at this point would be John Danks. Danks, who is a 26 years old lefty, won 15 games in 2010 but struggled last year going 8-12 with a 4.33 ERA.

Danks will become a free agent after next season and although his asking price from the White Sox has been somewhat high this winter you might see it lower as Spring Training approaches in a "mild rush" to get something for him. The young guns the Yanks have in their farm system are A+ prizes and look to be future stars so rushing to get rid of them for ANY pitcher is dumb. If the price comes down and is right for Danks, the Yankees really have no choice but to make a move and to try and solidify a better rotation for 2012.

Is this trade worth King Felix?

2011-12-15T13:07:00.000-05:00

Felix Hernandez in pinstripes? This has come up many times over the last few years but every time Yankee fans start to get excited it dies quickly. If the Yankees were to make a deal, this is probably what it would look like according to ESPN's Jim Bowden: Yankees Acquire RHP Felix Hernandez Mariners Acquire RHP Ivan Nova, C Jesus Montero, RHP Dellin Betances.

During the Winter Meetings, Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said he would not trade Hernandez but a big deal like this could really help Seattle become contenders. Nova and Betances would fit well into an already young Mariners rotation while Montero would give them a solid bat in the middle of their order for years to come.

*HERE'S THE KICKER* Not only would it be amazing if the Yankees acquired Hernandez to go behind C.C. Sabathia in their rotation, but all the money saved on Hernandez could give the Yankees the opportunity to go after Price Fielder and absolutely solidify a championship team.

Cano working hard to move up in the order

2011-12-14T14:28:00.001-05:00

Without a doubt the best number five hitter in the league, Robinson Cano is working very hard this off-season to bat third in the Yankees lineup this season. Cano says he is going to work very hard over the next couple of months to start the season in the three spot, bumping Mark Teixeira to possibly fifth in the order like he does in the playoffs.

"I want to work even harder to not let the team down in getting the opportunity to move up to the third spot," Cano said at the Yankees food drive on Wednesday. Cano batted fifth for most of the regular season batting .302 with 28 HR's and 118 RBI's.

Kevin Long Upsets Josh Beckett, Boo Hoo!

2011-12-12T12:15:00.001-05:00

Well what do you know, someone on the Red Sox has a problem with someone on the Yankees. Boston Red Sox ace Josh Beckett is upset with Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long for saying he takes too long in between pitches, throwing the hitter off his rhythm. These comments were brought up by new Sox manager Bobby Valentine this past Saturday at an event. However, the funny thing is last season Valentine called Beckett out during Sunday Night Baseball saying "That’s a half hour added to this game of him standing around and us sitting around watching him do nothing".

Josh Beckett needs to go back to eating his chicken, drinking his beer, and playing video games during games instead of being concerned about what Long says. I remember when I was watching that game last year someone mentioned that the rule book says that the average time between pitches is supposed to be around 13 seconds, Beckett takes almost 30! I mean the Yanks/Sox games aren't long enough right! Just another useless Red Sox player thriving for attention. Disgusting!

Goodbye A.J.?

2011-12-07T11:57:00.001-05:00

Could this be the end of the A.J. Burnett saga? Numerous sources have reported that Brian Cashman and the Yankees would consider finally shipping off Burnett, even offering to pay $8 million of the $33 million remaining on the final two seasons of his contract. Burnett does have a limited trade clause making the teams interested in him vary.

If Burnett goes, this will open a spot in the already "iffy" Yankees starting rotation but could allow them to sign someone more reliable like Hiroki Kuroda or Gio Gonzalez (my favorite). Last season Burnett went 11-11 with a 5.15ERA and did nothing but annoy Yankees fans and Joe Girardi with his inconsistency. It really is a shame that someone with such electric stuff could be such a headache so I think this would be a good move by the Yanks. Let him go to the NL and flourish there because the AL is pretty much Burnett's "daddy".

2012 New York Yankees Exhibition Schedule

2011-11-10T21:13:00.002-05:00

The Yankees released their 2012 Spring Training schedule today beginning on march 2nd. Take a look.

Fri., Mar. 2 SOUTH FLORIDA GMS Field 1:05 p.m.

Sat., Mar. 3 at Philadelphia Clearwater 1:05 p.m.

Sun., Mar. 4 PHILADELPHIA GMS Field 1:05 p.m.

Mon., Mar. 5 at Philadelphia Clearwater 1:05 p.m.

Tue., Mar. 6 at Pittsburgh Bradenton 1:05 p.m.

Wed., Mar. 7 TAMPA BAY GMS Field 1:05 p.m.

Thurs., Mar. 8 at Toronto Dunedin 1:05 p.m.

Fri., Mar. 9 ATLANTA GMS Field 1:05 p.m.

Sat., Mar. 10 at Atlanta Lake Buena Vista 1:05 p.m.

Sun., Mar. 11 PHILADELPHIA (ss) GMS Field 1:05 p.m.

at Minnesota (ss) Fort Myers 1:05 p.m.

Mon., Mar. 12 HOUSTON GMS Field 7:05 p.m.

Tue., Mar. 13 BOSTON GMS Field 7:05 p.m.

Wed., Mar. 14 at Toronto Dunedin 1:05 p.m.

Thurs., Mar. 15 at Washington Viera 1:05 p.m.

Fri., Mar. 16 WASHINGTON GMS Field 1:05 p.m.

Sat., Mar. 17 HOUSTON GMS Field 1:05 p.m.

Sun., Mar. 18 at Baltimore Sarasota 1:05 p.m.

Mon., Mar. 19 Off Day

Tue., Mar. 20 PITTSBURGH GMS Field 7:05 p.m.

Wed., Mar. 21 at Tampa Bay Port Charlotte 1:05 p.m.

Thurs., Mar. 22 at Boston Fort Myers 7:05 p.m.

Fri., Mar. 23 MINNESOTA (ss) GMS Field 1:05 p.m.

at Philadelphia (ss) Clearwater 1:05 p.m.

Sat., Mar. 24 at Detroit Lakeland 1:05 p.m.

Sun., Mar. 25 DETROIT GMS Field 1:05 p.m.

Mon., Mar. 26 Off Day

Tue., Mar. 27 TORONTO GMS Field 7:05 p.m.

Wed., Mar. 28 at Atlanta Lake Buena Vista 1:05 p.m.

Thurs., Mar. 29 BALTIMORE GMS Field 7:05 p.m.

Fri., Mar. 30 PHILADELPHIA GMS Field 7:05 p.m.

Sat., Mar. 31 at Houston Kissimmee 1:05 p.m.

Sun., Apr. 1 at Marlins Miami (New Marlins Ballpark) 1:10 p.m.

Mon. Apr. 2 at Marlins Miami (New Marlins Ballpark) 7:10 p.m.

Tues., Apr. 3 at Mets Port St. Lucie 2:10 p.m.

Wed., Apr. 4 METS GMS Field 12:05 p.m.

Grandy Man still swinging a hot bat

2011-11-01T14:17:00.002-04:00

"The Grandy Man Can!" Yanks slugger Curtis Granderson continues to swing a hot bat as he and many other MLB superstars are playing in Taiwan. Granderson hit a grand slam to lead a team of major league stars to a 7-0 win Tuesday night. Granderson, who is still a front runner for AL MVP, is playing overseas with teammate and another MVP candidate Robinson Cano.

C.C. you no where else but New York

2011-10-31T20:40:00.003-04:00

Yankee fans I know the season didn't end up the way we wanted but this will sure put a smile back on your faces. C.C. Sabathia has agreed to a 5 year $122 million dollar contract extension to keep him in the Bronx and help try to secure the mission for ring #28. Sabathia had until midnight to opt-out but announced in a video tonight that he is staying and even tweeted, "Yankee fans, I'll be here fighting for #28 next year."

In the end, the Yanks added 1 year $30 million to his contract to avoid the opt-out as well as a hotel suite on trips, a no-trade provision, and a right to buy tickets. The Yanks will be conducting a conference call tonight at 9:15pm to discuss the deal. This was a must have for the Yankees this off season since their pitching is still questionable going into next year.

Rest easy Yankee fans, your ace is coming back and we will see what the team has in store further into the winter meetings and the remaining off season.

Louisville Slugger Museum Honors Derek Jeter

2011-10-17T12:21:00.002-04:00

The Louisville Slugger Museum has honored Yankee captain Derek Jeter with a life-size sculpture. This past Saturday was even recognized as "Derek Jeter Day." Jeter became the fourth player to have a sculpture made of in the museum along with Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Ken Griffey Jr.

C.C. to Texas?

2011-10-14T17:12:00.004-04:00

Well the title speaks for itself. A source today reported that the Texas Rangers would be willing to spend "a boatload" of money for C.C. Sabathia if he decides to opt-out, which is expected by most at this point in order to make more money. The Rangers, who are one win away from their second straight World Series appearance, are going to have to dish out some serious cash to keep their ace C.J. Wilson who is a free agent at the end of the season but Sabathia would be worth most of the money without a doubt.

Rangers principle owner, president, and CEO Nolan Ryan would love a guy like Sabathia on his staff because Ryan does not believe in holding his pitchers to pitch counts and Sabathia is a work horse, throwing 237 1/3 innings this past season. Although this is interesting I do believe C.C. will stay with New York but it does scare you a bit if you are a Yankees fan.

Throwback: Derek Jeter on Rosie O'Donnell Show in 1999

2011-10-11T16:13:00.001-04:00

Talk about a throwback. Derek Jeter making an appearance on Rosie O'Donnell's show way back in the day after leading the Yanks to their 25th championship. I don't know what to think but Derek looks real young and Rosie looks...well, ya. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnH1vRrcPjo

Road to Ring #28 Begins Tonight Against the Tigers

2011-09-30T12:15:00.003-04:00

Game one of the ALDS begins tonight in the Bronx at 8:37p.m. The pitching match-up is one for the ages, Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia against Tigers ace Justin Verlander. The Yankees, with the AL's best record, have their playoff roster set and ready:

Derek Jeter
Brett Gardner
Eric Chavez
Alex Rodriguez
Curtis Granderson
Andruw Jones
Jorge Posada
Robinson Cano
Mark Teixeira
Eduardo Nunez
Chris Dickerson
Rafael Soriano
David Robertson
Nick Swisher
A.J. Burnett
Freddy Garcia
Luis Ayala
Mariano Rivera
Ivan Nova
Boone Logan
CC Sabathia
Cory Wade
Russell Martin
Jesus Montero
Phil Hughes

Yankees clinch 45th playoff appearance in team history

2011-09-21T16:32:00.003-04:00

They've done it! The New York Yankees have officially clinched a playoff birth, their 45th in their amazing teams history, and their 16th in the last 17 seasons. The Yanks defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the first game of a doubleheader 4-2 behind a clutch game-tying lead off home run by Eduardo Nunez in the 8th off Rays ace James Shields who was pretty much lights out until then, followed by a 2-run double from the best, Robbie Cano.

Tonight in game 2 C.C. Sabathia will take the hill and if the Yankees win and the Red Sox lose the Yankees will clinch the AL East which would be pretty amazing for a team that came into the season with a lot of doubt and so-so pitching. Congrats to the the Yanks and thank you for a hell of a season so far but there is a lot more work to be done in order to win ring #28.

Mariano Rivera by the numbers

2011-09-19T20:34:00.003-04:00

The greatest closer and arguably the greatest relief pitcher ever, Mariano Rivera, became baseball's all-time leader in career saves with 602 this afternoon passing Trevor Hoffman. Rivera retired the Twins in order in the ninth securing the Yankee's AL best 92nd win. In honor of Mo's unbelievable career, here are his stats:

12-time All-Star.
5-time World Series champion.
5-time Rolaids Relief Award winner.
ALCS & World Series MVP.
All-time leader in postseason saves (42).
1,107 K's.
All time leader in career saves (602).

A-Rod expected to return as Yanks host Jays

2011-09-16T14:43:00.006-04:00

Great news Yankee fans, Alex Rodriguez is expected to return to the Yankees lineup tonight against Toronto. A-Rod has not played since September 9th as his thumb continues to bother him. A-Rod is 5-17 against Toronto's starter Brett Cecil (0-2, 7.36 ERA against NY this season). C.C. Sabathia will be on the mound for the Yanks, who lead Boston in the East by 4.5 games. Sabathia needs 1 win to become the 11th Yankee pitcher with at least 20 consecutive 20-win seasons. Even better news is that Jays' slugger Jose Bautista is 0-18 in his career against C.C., including 0-7 this year.

Mariano Rivera still remains one save behind Trevor Hoffman for most all time and with C.C. on the mound tonight I think there is a great chance you see him achieve the milestone tonight. GO YANKS.

C.C.'s time has to be tonight

2011-08-30T13:19:00.002-04:00

I don't think many people expected the New York Yankees to be only 1.5 games out of first in the AL East on August 30, 2011, let alone a 7.5 game lead in the wild card. With an inconsistent offense and injuries to key position players, the Yankees pitching staff has done more than impress to this point, especially the back end.

Tonight however is different. Tonight is the beginning of a three-game set between the Yanks and Sox at Fenway which could either keep the Yankees in the AL East race or pretty much kill their chances. Both of these teams are expected to make the postseason but it is always great to beat you bitter rival.

The Yankees will send C.C. Sabathia to the hill tonight, and for those of you who don't know, Sabathia has struggled greatly against the team he is paid to beat, going 0-4 with a 7.20 ERA this season against Boston. Amazingly, Sabathia is 17-3 with a 2.40 ERA against the rest of the league.

Why is C.C. struggling against Boston? Well Boston's left-handed hitters are batting .333 (16-48) against Sabathia with 2 home runs while all other lefties in the league are batting .153. Sabathia has fallen behind Red Sox hitters (26%) more than any other team in the league as well (18%). Falling behind is dangerous against any AL team but the Red Sox are that one team that will make you pay against the fastball. The kicker is that Boston has only swung at 43% of C.C.'s sliders, 30% out of the zone. The rest of the league is over 50%.

Tonight is a huge game for the Yanks and C.C. who needs to enter the postseason with a winning state of mind against Boston because I believe that these two teams will see each other in the ALCS.

Granderson for MVP? HELL YES!

2011-08-29T15:38:00.004-04:00

Without Curtis Granderson, where would the Yankees be this season? I can tell you right now not in first place in the wild card and only 2 out in the AL East. Granderson has been a machine and has carried a very inconsistent offense filled with aging stars. Granderson currently leads the AL in runs (121), home runs (38-MLB best), and RBI's (107). If the Yanks can hold on and make it into the playoffs, he is no doubt your 2011 AL MVP. The Grandy Man Can!!!!!

A.J. Burnett is useless right about now!

2011-08-26T21:29:00.003-04:00

After getting lit up during his last start against the Twins and mouthing off to manager Joe Girardi, the terrible A.J. Burnett was back at it tonight doing what he does best, SUCKING. Burnett went 5 innings allowing 9 runs on 9 hits, including 2 home runs, 5 doubles, and a triple.

In the month of August, Burnett has given up 30 earned runs in 22 2/3 innings. He did however manage to get his first win in August as a Yankee on 8/15 against the Royals. The big question is after so many consecutive bad starts what do the Yankees do with Burnett. Fans are disgusted with him and every time he steps on the rubber the first thing that comes to your mind is "Loss".

After tonight's performance I am anxious to see what Girardi will do. I pray that he doesn't get a start in Boston next week because that will be a nightmare. Do they throw him in the bullpen in September? What about the playoffs? Time will tell but right now he just plain blows!

Colon, Yanks look to sweep away Royals

2011-08-17T18:24:00.003-04:00

Bartolo Colon (8-6, 3.31 ERA) and the Yankees will look to sweep the KC Royals tonight and continue their hot streak. The Yankees are currently on a 13-4 run, hitting .313 with 22 homers and averaging just about 7 runs per game (YEAH BUDDY). The Yanks are 28 games over .500 and currently have a 1 game lead over Boston who lost today, and can make it 1.5 by the end of the night. This would be a great win for the Yanks as they enter a stretch of easy competition with the Twins, Athletics, and Orioles who they are a combined 16-3 against this year.

"El Duque" Retires....wait what?

2011-08-17T18:11:00.002-04:00

Orlando Hernandez, or better known as "El Duque", officially announced his retirement yesterday. Hernandez hasn't pitched since 2007 when he played for the White Sox. In his career, "El Duque" had 90 wins, 1,086 strikeouts, and 4 rings. He was well known for his HIGH leg kick which I even tried to attempt while pitching in little league. He was a great Yankee and was always respected, by me at least. I will end this by saying thanks Orlando and I had no idea you were even in existence on this planet.

A-Rod homers on first swing in rehab game

2011-08-12T19:15:00.004-04:00

I am currently watching the Yankees game and Michael Kay just announced that Alex Rodriguez has hit a home run on his first swing during his rehab game tonight. Great news for Yankee fans and it kind of reminds you of 2009 when A-Rod made his way back after his hip injury in May and hit a dinger on the first pitch against Baltimore, hmmmmm.

Must win rubber game for Yanks tonight against Bosucks

2011-08-07T19:36:00.004-04:00

Boston, MA. A city known for its victorious sports teams and cocky fans. However, there is one team in Boston that is an utmost disgrace and embarrassment to the city and that is the Red Sox. For a team with such a long and rich history of losing I just don't understand how this pathetic franchise and their dedicated but meaningless fans get the attention they do. Oh wait, yes I do, it's because their rivals, the Yankees are the winning-est franchise in all of sports and this happens to be the greatest rivalry. Now you might say Yankee fans are just as cocky, probably worse, that is because they have every right to be because they WIN.

Now listen up Boston fans, you might have the advantage going into tonight's game with your ace on the mound Josh Beckett, but don't laugh at Freddy Garcia like you did at the beginning of the year because he has proved himself, this is just the ultimate test. The winner of tonight's game will take a 1 game lead in the AL East. OHHH BOYY 1 friggin game with 2 months to go, woopdie doo. I'll tell you what if the Sox win this game their fans will treat it like it's game 1 of the ALCS because that's usually all they ever win, regular season games.

I love this rivalry and I love the game of baseball, but listening to Red Sox fans talk this weekend really aggravates me and always makes me smile when I think of the greatest statistic known to man as of now: Yankees 27 rings, Boston 7 rings. LET'S GET IT TONIGHT YANKS!!!! And you guys can cut it with the "Yankees Suck" chants. Don't take out all your jealousy on a winning team with a couple of words.

Huge win for the Yanks, next up C.C.

2011-08-06T09:28:00.003-04:00

The red hot New York Yankees entered Fenway Park on Friday night riding a 7 game winning streak and made it 8 after last nights HUGE 3-2 win over the Sox. Bartolo Colon was good but not great as he was pulled by Joe Girardi in the 5th going 4 2/3 innings. I couldn't believe it when I saw Girardi come out but it sure as hell was the correct call as the Yankees bullpen was outstanding, shutting down the Sox offense completely.

All three of the Yanks runs came in the 6th against Jon Lester, who has dominated New York over his career. Nick Swisher had the biggest hit as he roped a 2 out ground-rule double down the third base line to give NY the lead. The Yankees now have a one game lead in the A.L. East and it only gets better as they send C.C. Sabathia to the hill today to face a terrible John Lackey. First pitch is at 4p.m. ET on Fox! Let's get it NYY!

Former Yanks pitcher Irabu found dead

2011-07-28T18:40:00.003-04:00

Former Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu was found dead today in his California home on a suspected suicide, he was only 42. In three seasons with New York, Irabu went 29-20 and was known as a strikeout pitcher with a mean fastball. However, his best years came while he played in Japan. Irabu signed with the Yanks in 1997 with a 4 year $12.8 million dollar contract. R.I.P. Hideki Irabu.

P.S. Mr. Costanza wasn't a big fan!

Derek Jeter's HBO special trailer

2011-07-25T16:31:00.002-04:00

Here it is folks, the trailer to DJ3K's HBO documentary that is set to air this Thursday. Check it out!