WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND
Tino not Jason winning Yankee fans hearts




By: Russ Rose
Special to Yankees Talk Shop
May 11, 2005

For Tino Martinez the road back to New York has been a long and tedious one. It has been a road fraught with sadness, expectations, failures, rebirth and redemption. The same can be said of Jason Giambi’s road, but not necessarily in the same order.

Who can forget the agony and ecstasy of the 2001 World Series? The Yankees losing the first two games in the desert of Arizona to the upstart Arizona Diamondbacks, only to go home and sweep the Snakes to take a 3-2 series lead. Who was behind the biggest moment in that sweep? It was none other than Tino Martinez. With the Arizona leading the series 2-1, and leading Game 4 3-1 in the 9th inning Martinez strode to the plate to face D-back closer, Byung-Hyun Kim. With Paul O’Neill standing on first base and two outs Tino wasted no time with Kim. He sent Kim’s first pitch over the right field wall to tie the game 3-3. Yankee Stadium went absolutely nuts. Derek Jeter ended the game in the 10th inning with a walk-off home run to right field as the Yankees won 4-3. Jeter earned the title of “Mr. November” for that home run, but it was Tino who earned the fans’ love. Without Tino’s knock Jeter doesn’t come to the plate.

The 2001 World Series didn’t end with another Yankees’ title, but it was one for the ages. It put more pages in the Yankee-lore book for the heroics displayed throughout the series. With all the great moments to point to coming out of that World Series Tino Martinez’s two-run blast clearly stood out as the most memorable.

Unfortunately, for Tino and his fans Game 7 was the last game (or so it was thought) he played as a Yankee. Martinez, who accomplished the improbable by winning the hearts of fans six years prior by replacing legend Don Mattingly, was not resigned by the club. Instead George Steinbrenner went in a different direction. He eyed an offensive monster playing on the west coast by the name of Jason Giambi. Giambi was the center piece and leader of the Oakland Athletics. He, too, had played out his contract and was available. Giambi the 2000 MVP and first runner up in 2001 (he lost to Ichiro Suzuki by a mere 7 votes) indicated he wanted to come to New York and Steinbrenner indicated he wanted him there. So with little fanfare Tino was ushered out the door and Giambi was invited in where he signed an astronomical 7-year deal worth $120 million.

In the meantime, Tino signed a 3-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals to play first base. Before the cameras Tino looked happy to play in another worthy baseball town, but it was known that Tino was hurt by what had transpired. He never wanted to play anywhere else other than New York.

In 2002 the deal the Yankees made appeared to pay dividends. Giambi batted .314, knocked in 122 RBI, hit 41 home runs and had an OPS of 1.033. In the 2002 ALDS Jason hit .357 with a home run and 3 RBI. Simultaneously, Tino had a mediocre season with St. Louis. He batted .262 with 21 home runs and 75 RBI. Most of his power numbers came later in the season. His OPS was .775.

The following year Tino struggled again, but Giambi wasn’t the same player either. He fought an early season staph infection in both eyes, which affected his seeing the ball clearly. He later battled a sore wrist and back. Although most of Jason’s numbers were respectful something didn’t seem quite right. Giambi never seemed to get back to 100 percent. His average dropped to an eight year low of .250. He still hit 41 home runs, but his RBI total dropped to 107. His OPS was still a very good .939. What was very telling was how Jason performed in the 2003 playoffs. Jason’s average for the combined ALDS, ALCS and World Series was .237. In 59 at bats Giambi hit four home runs (one every 14.75 at bats) and six RBI. His OPS averaged out to .832. A lot of Giambi’s poor October showing was due to his not being able to properly heal during the regular season. He developed a bad left knee and was unable to push off on it. This obviously affected his swing and ultimately his power. The 2003 season ended on a very sour note for Jason.

Meanwhile, Tino had his own problems. Wanting to improve on a middle-of-the-road effort in 2002 Tino desired to come out blazing for the 2003 campaign. The results were mixed. Although Tino raised his average (.273 from .262) and his OPS (.781 from .775) his production numbers in home runs and RBI dropped from the previous year. During the off-season the Cardinals went in another direction and traded Tino to his hometown club the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The move appeared to be a good one for both Tino and the Devil Rays. The Rays manager Lou Pinella had managed Martinez from 1993-1995 when both were in the Seattle Mariner organization. Once again, Tino produced average numbers. His batting average dropped from the year before back to .262. He did improve his power numbers and OPS to their 3-year best average. Tino potted 23 home runs, 76 RBI, and had an OPS of .823. Tino finished out his season with the Rays as well as his contract. During the off-season Tino contemplated retirement.

Back in the Bronx, Jason Giambi’s 2004 season was a disaster. He came to spring training considerably thinner, but told reporters he had only lost four pounds from his playing weight the year before. Even the most gullible of people had a hard time swallowing the story. The rumor of steroid use began to circulate as the BALCO investigation heated up and Giambi’s name had been linked with the use of steroids. It was learned Giambi had testified before a closed session of the federal grand jury during December, 2003. However, the substance of his testimony wasn’t revealed until after the 2004 season.

Additionally, Giambi’s gimpy knee flared up before the regular season and both he and Kevin Brown contracted intestinal parasites while playing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Japan to start the 2004 season. In May Giambi sprained his ankle, leading to a two-week rest on the bench. All through his physical woes Giambi continually felt weak and tired. At first, it was believed to be an extension of the intestinal problems. However, after having a battery of tests performed a more sinister ailment was discovered.

After having a series of tests performed for various cancers doctors located a small tumor near Giambi’s pituitary gland. Although not considered life-threatening it was determined to be the source of Jason’s weakness. Giambi received treatment to shrink the tumor and in September Yankee manager Joe Torre gave Jason an opportunity to get back into the line up. However, Giambi was unable to find his stroke and he was victimized by opposing pitching. The Yankees made the decision to leave Giambi off their active playoff roster. What they had was a $120 million cheerleader.

After the Yankees improbable loss to the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS Jason Giambi wanted to go home and forget about his horrendous season. His offensive numbers were mind-numbing. He hit a career low .208 while only contributing 12 home runs and 40 RBI. He also had a career worst OPS of .721. In December of 2004 Jason Giambi’s world came crashing down.

Excerpts of Jason Giambi’s 2003 grand jury testimony became public. Before the grand jury Giambi admitted using steroid substances commonly referred to as the “clear” and the “cream.” After years of denying any steroid use Jason Giambi’s dirty little secret was out. He was a liar and a cheater. The New York press howled for his head. Yankees’ fans wanted Giambi off the team. Steinbrenner was incensed and the Yankees sought ways to void the remainder of Giambi’s contract. Ultimately, Giambi reported to spring training and is still a member of the Yankees.

In a move considered to be insurance against a crumbling Jason Giambi, the Yankees went out and signed the guy they had showed the door to three years before. Tino Martinez was brought back to play a back up role to Jason Giambi at first base. Tino was thrilled with the notion. He later told everyone the Yankees were the only team he would have played for. His dream of ending his career in pinstripes was being answered. Tino signed a one-year deal in the neighborhood of $3 million.

Both Jason and Tino reported to spring training in Tampa to start the 2005 season. Tino’s goal was to help his beloved team in any capacity he could. Giambi’s was to begin the process of rebuilding his career and reputation. After a period of silence Giambi held a news conference and “apologized” to his owner, teammates and fans. However, Giambi never actually said what he was apologizing for, but it was apparent he was attempting to say he was sorry for being a deceiver.

The Yankees closed ranks and got behind their beleaguered first baseman. Giambi appeared to be making improvement during the spring training. He was being praised by his manager for his effort. However, once the season started Giambi went back into his all-to-familiar tailspin. In 27 games Giambi is batting .195 with only 3 home runs and 6 RBI. Along with Jason’s plummet the Yankees started out the 2005 season with their worst start since 1975.

Over the past four games a familiar player has emerged and taken this team and put it on his back. Tino Martinez has hit four home runs in four consecutive games and has eight so far on the year. He trails only Alex Rodriguez in that category. He has provided the offense Jason Giambi has been unable to produce. Tino has helped turn the Yankees fortunes around. In 30 games this season Tino has raised his average to .270 and has an OPS of .932. In the past four games he is hitting .333 with 4 home runs and 8 RBI. For the month of May Tino’s OPS is 1.477.

Meanwhile, the Yankees have approached their beleaguered slugger and asked him to accept a minor league assignment to Columbus in order to help Jason get his offense going again. Giambi is mulling it over, but it doesn’t look like he’s warming up to the idea. If I were in Giambi’s shoes I’d take the assignment and do all I could to appease management. Right now, Jason’s got one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel.

In the interim, Tino is giving the Yankees and their fans what they want and need. He is giving them much needed offense, and a glimpse in the rearview mirror to better times in the Yankees storied past. How long will Tino’s hot bat go? Who knows, but enjoy the ride for as long as it lasts. Welcome back Tino.

PLAY BALL!


© 2005 Yankees Talk Shop @ ezboard.com

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WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY, AND THEY ARE US
Costly mistakes by Bombers help D-Rays take series




By: Russ Rose
Special to Yankees Talk Shop
May 5, 2005

As of this evening my son’s AAA Little League team, the Yankees, are emulating their namesake in a couple of regards. Both teams are disliked by every other team in their divisions, and both have won the same amount games in their respective seasons. However, our team has only lost two games, and are in first place, while the New York version has dropped their 18th game, and are in last place. Thanks to a series of mistakes, the Yankees are now in a dead-heat tie as the least in the East with the team that just beat them 6-2.

The New York Yankees at 11-18 have started the 2005 season with the worst start since 1975. With what was supposed to be a new and improved offering the 2005 squad has become a $200 million dollar giveaway.

Manager Joe Torre held a team meeting before tonight’s game in the hopes that a little butt chewing and encouragement would shake this team, at least for one night, out of it’s tailspin. It has been a tailspin that has seen this team drop seven of their last nine games. Three of four of which has come at the hands of the Devil Rays. The Rays who have a budget of slightly over $29 million (30th out of 30 teams) beat the Yankees like a drum. The Bombers who used to tee off on other team’s mistakes are now doing duck and cover on teams taking advantage of theirs.

Tonight was a classic example of a troubled team. With the score 3-2 in the fifth inning Alex Sanchez of the Rays bunt singled to start the inning. He proceeded to steal second base on a pitchout when catcher Jorge Posada bounced the throw to shortstop Derek Jeter. The following batter Julio Lugo was walked by Yankees’ starter Chien-Ming Wang. The next batter, Carl Crawford popped a ball into foul territory just past third base. Alex Rodriguez gave chase and after taking a quick look to check his position poised himself to make an over-the-shoulder basket style catch. The ball hit the side of his glove with a thud and fell to the turf. Crawford hit into a fielder’s choice, but what should have been the first out of the inning leaving men at first and second, became a first and third situation.

Wang, the rookie AAA hurler from Columbus, was now in a dogfight. Needless to say, Wang victimized by his ineffectual defense gave up a single to Aubrey Huff and a sacrifice fly to Josh Phelps and suddenly Tampa led 5-2.

The troubles with the Yankees didn’t stop there. In the 6th inning Jorge Posada, with one out doubled to right field. On the very next at bat, Posada got himself into trouble when his indecisive base running between second and third got him thrown out on Hideki Matsui’s grounder. A runner in scoring position was scratched and the Yankees failed to cross the plate again.

In the seventh inning Alex Sanchez added Tampa’s final run with a solo shot off reliever Buddy Groom. The Yankees failed to answer in the 7th , 8th and 9th innings as they went down in order in each of those innings.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have to be feeling like supermen right now. A team that dropped 15 of 19 against the Bombers last year are now 4-2 against their eastern rivals. In fact, Rays’ starter Mark Hendrickson lost all three starts against the Yankees in 2004. Tonight he pitched 7-1/3 strong innings, giving up only two earned runs on the strength of Gary Sheffield’s 2-run home run in the 4th inning.

The Yankees are in dire straits. As of today they are 8 games out of first place and it is only the 5th of May. The season is quickly slipping away. This is a team that would use workmanlike precision to dismantle opponents. All of a sudden it is a team unsure of itself and its identity. They are lost in darkness of the Eastern Division cellar, and they need to quickly dig themselves out of their self inflicted hole to have any chance of having a say in the playoff picture.

The Yankees head home with their collective tails tucked between their legs. Their next opponent, the Oakland Athletics, won’t be sending any sympathies the Bombers way. The Yankees have to remember how to win and swiftly. They have become their own worst enemy. Captain Derek Jeter said yesterday the season couldn’t get any worse. We shall see.

PLAY BALL!



© 2005 Yankees Talk Shop @ ezboard.com

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OVERPAID, AND JUST PLAIN OVER!
Yankees pay big bucks and get big whammy for aging veterans




By: Russ Rose
Special to Yankees Talk Shop
May 4, 2005

Tonight’s performance by Kevin Brown should be a big wake up call to George Steinbrenner. Paying big money for overrated stars isn’t working. The formula of the 1980’s isn’t working any better now than it was then.

In case you haven’t been following all that has been going on in the past couple of years the New York Yankees have gone from first to worst in both the standings and in getting quality performances from their highest paid players.

In the aftermath of the 2001 World Series Yankees owner George Steinbrenner looked west and coveted a free agent first baseman by the name of Jason Giambi. In order to do that Steinbrenner turned his back on the man who successfully replaced Don Mattingly at first base. That man was Tino Martinez. Martinez who helped deliver five appearances and four championships in the World Series was shown the door in order to make room for a behemoth of a man in Giambi. Giambi had been the 2000 American League MVP and was the runner-up in 2001. He hit home runs, drove in runs, had a great eye and could hit for average. So what if he had less than superior defensive skills. His offensive numbers would more than make up for any lapses using his glove.

In 2002 Giambi performed pretty much as advertised. He hit .314 and knocked in 122 RBI while depositing 41 balls over various stadium walls around the major leagues. However, over time a deep dark, but suspected secret would come out. In 2003 Giambi stumbled out of the gate and never repeated his first year with the Yankees. His home run production was the same, but his RBI production dropped from 122 to 107. His average dropped from .314 to .250 and his strikeout rose from 112 to 140. Something definitely wasn’t right. In the 2003 playoffs Giambi basically disappeared. In the World Series against the Florida Marlins Giambi knocked in only one run and hit one home run. His batting average for the six-game series was .235

Over the winter the MLBPA and MLB agreed on a drug testing program. When spring training started in Tampa, Florida signaling the beginning of the 2004 season Giambi showed up noticeably thinner. He told reporters he only lost four pounds of fat while changing his diet. Anyone with half an eye could see Jason was much slimmer than would be indicated by a four pound loss in weight.

As the season progressed Giambi started missing games due to various injuries. Rumors swirled around that he was very ill, but neither he nor the Yankees would spill the real reason for Giambi’s illness. All anyone knew was he was experiencing weakness and lack of stamina.

Around the beginning of September, 2004 the New York Post broke a story saying that Giambi was being treated for a tumor near his pituitary gland. As reported these types of tumors are often associated with steroid use. Giambi only appeared in 80 games while hitting .208 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI. Not great production from a guy who only two years ago signed a 7-year, 120 million dollar contract.

During the off-season Giambi, along with other prominent MLB players, was subpoenaed to testify in the now infamous BALCO case. Information leaked from the secret grand jury hearings indicated that in his testimony before the grand jury Giambi admitted he knowingly used performance enhancing drugs while playing major league baseball. Giambi’s secret was apparently out. He later apologized to the New York fans, the media and team(mates), but never really said what he was apologizing for?

Giambi promised to bounce back for the 2005 season, saying his physical problems were behind him. He was ready for a fresh start. So what has happened so far this season? Giambi has played in 24 of 27 games while hitting below his reported weight (.217/230 lbs). He has hit 3 home runs and knocked in 6 RBI. He is still able to draw the walk, but he has 25 strikeouts compared to 16 walks. Is this what George Steinbrenner paid $120 million for? I think not.

What makes this situation so surreal is the Yankees signed a free agent first baseman to play first base, while Giambi got swings as the designated hitter. The name of that free agent is Tino Martinez. What’s that saying? What goes around comes around?

Let’s look at another disaster by the name of Kevin Brown. You know the same selfish guy who decided to break his left hand in the middle of a pennant race last year by punching out a clubhouse wall.

Brown or KB as he is “affectionately” known was brought over from the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2004 campaign in a trade that sent snake bit Jeff Weaver west. Brown was in the final two years of his 7-year, $105 million contract. Steinbrenner was hoping for the pitcher who went 14-9 with a 2.39 ERA for the former Brooklyn Bums. Instead, he got more of what he sent west. Although, he amassed a 10-6 record Brown bloated his ERA to 4.09 during which he spent two tours on the disabled list. The latter was due to the aforementioned self-inflicted physical abuse he heaped upon himself. The Yankees hierarchy and teammates wanted to kill this guy, but murder is still a huge infraction on the law books.

Hoping against hope the Yankees were praying Kevin Brown would rediscover the form that made him one of the most intimidating and feared pitchers in baseball. They wanted the guy who had some of the filthiest stuff on the planet. Instead of getting lemonade the Yankees have gotten lemons.

What is Brown’s line so far in 2005? How about an unimpressive 0-4 record with an ERA of 8.25? Brown has given up 22 earned runs on 41 hits in 24 innings of work. That is nearly one run per inning. Is this a $15 million dollar per year player? That’s not even pitching in single A ball.

The list of underachievers almost appears endless. Bernie Williams? He’s making over $12 million this year, while hitting .247 with one home run and 9 RBI. He has mercifully been benched as he can no longer make a decent throw from shallow center field to throw out a runner tagging up from third base. Another free agent acquisition named Jaret Wright was signed to pitch for the Bombers at $7 million per year for three years. So far Wright has earned a record of 2-2 with an ERA of 9.15. Wright’s .500 record is thanks in part to a 19-8 drubbing the Yankees gave the Tampa Bay Devil Rays earlier in the season. As of now Jaret Wright is cooling his heels on the disabled list.

Right now only Alex Rodriguez (who had a very sub-par 2004 season), Derek Jeter, Gary Sheffield, Carl Pavano and, earlier, Hideki Matsui have earned anywhere near their salaries. If you want to see who is overpaid with how they’re performing so far this season I invite you to click on this link [url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/salaries?team=nyy]2005 salaries[/url] and you’ll see what I mean.

This aging team isn’t getting any younger. Old age, over-spending and a depleted corps of minor league players may have finally caught up with the Yankees. We may be witnessing the beginning of a collapse feared by Yankee watchers for some time now. We may be harkening back to those dark days known as the 1980’s. It’s too early to give up on this team yet, but the vital signs aren’t good. If this team sinks any lower life support may be too late to save it. The Yankees have a proud tradition and now is the time for every player to gut check themselves and ask if they have what it takes to make it to the top of the mountain one more time. All we can do is hold our collective breaths and stand by. Right now this is an overpaid and over-the-hill team playing like a bunch of geriatrics. Are the Yankees finally over or just overdue? We will all find out very shortly.


PLAY BALL!


© 2005 Yankees Talk Shop @ ezboard.com

Redistribution, rewriting, rebroadcast, or republication of this story is prohibited without the prior written consent of Yankees Talk Shop and it's affilitates

Is Steinbrenner Sharpening His Axe?
Aggravating April can’t be sitting well with the Boss




By: Russ Rose
Special to Yankees Talk Shop
May 2, 2005

The calendar has turned another month and George Steinbrenner’s stomach may be turning as well. After watching one of the worst April’s in New York Yankees’ history the owner of the most storied and expensive team in sports may be on the verge of making some moves of his own. The question is who is going to be the first recipient handed a pink slip and more importantly when is it going to happen?

The Yankees have only won two series since Opening Day, taking two of three against Boston and sweeping Toronto in an abbreviated two-game series in Canada. They finished the month 11-14. Not exactly the kind of record teams sporting $200M budgets should be accumulating. The Month of May didn’t start out any better either as the visiting Toronto Blue Jays overcame an ineffectual Yankee bullpen and 6-3 deficit to take the rubber game of the weekend series with an 8-6 victory. The loss dropped the Yankees further back in the race for the East Division as they fell 7.5 games behind the division leading Baltimore Orioles. There’s no denying the obvious any more. This team is in complete disarray.

Something’s got to give. But, when you start analyzing this team where do you start? Hitting appears to be the least of the Yankees problems. As of today the Yankees rank fourth in the American League with a .273 team batting average. They are fourth in runs scored, SLG% and tied for second in OBP. The Yankees are third in home run production and fourth in RBI. Offensively, the Yankees are hanging in with the league leaders.

This brings us to the pitching, which has been horrendous. The Yankees pitching staff, which is usually among the league leaders has fallen way off this year. In what was supposed to be a new and improved version of last year’s staff has begun the season well below expectations. The Yankees' pitching staff ranks 11th (out of 14 teams) in overall effectiveness. Opposing team batting is averaging .303 and an OPS of .810 against them. Carl Pavano is the most impressive starter to date, as he has amassed an ERA of 3.10 with two wins and two losses. Randy Johnson, who is the centerpiece of the staff, has struggled since his Opening Day start against Boston. So far Johnson has accrued a 2-2 record with an ERA of 3.74. For mere mortals that’s not too bad a start, but for a pitcher of Randy Johnson’s stature it is below par. Johnson’s ERA average over the past five seasons is 2.86. Mike Mussina has been a Yankee for the past five seasons. Last year, Mussina struggled to a 12-7 record with an ERA of 4.59. So far this season the Moose has blown up with an ERA of 4.97 in five starts.

Rounding out the pitching staff is Jaret Wright (9.15 ERA in 4 games started) and Kevin Brown (6.63 in 3 games started). Wright was signed based upon the strength of his record with the Atlanta Braves in 2004. Wright compiled a 15-8 record in 32 starts and had an ERA of 3.28. Steinbrenner signed the right-hander to a 3-year deal at $7M per year. Wright is currently on the DL with a right shoulder problem.

Kevin Brown has been a huge disappointment since coming over from the Los Angeles Dodgers last year for Jeff Weaver. Brown at one time was one of the most intimidating pitchers in baseball. In 1996-97 Brown totaled a mark of 33-19. He led the Marlins to a World Series championship over the Cleveland Indians. In the off-season Brown signed a-then astronomical 7-year contract with the Dodgers for $105M. The Yankees in wanting to get rid of Jeff Weaver as quickly as possible took on the remaining two years of Brown’s contract, plus all the amenities (such as private jets to fly his family to New York). Brown spent the entire 2004 season mired in controversy. First, he pitched poorly against every team not named the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and he spent two tours on the disabled list. The second stay was due to a self-inflicted injury. Brown took his frustrations on a sub-par season by punching out a clubhouse wall, breaking his left hand in the process. Because of this act of stupidity and selfishness Brown missed most of September, and angered his owner, manager and teammates.

Brown needed to start quickly this season to overcome some of the ill will he developed. However, in his first two starts Brown looked nothing like a pitcher who used to have some of the filthiest stuff on earth. Brown gave up 11 runs in 12 innings pitched on 19 hits. In his third start KB deserved a shot at the win, but a lack of offensive support sent Brown to his third straight loss.

The relief corps has not been an innocent partner in this debacle. From top to bottom the middle relief and closer has had their share of problems. Without going into all the examples available the bullpen has not performed as expected. The one bright spot has been 39-year old Buddy Groom who has yet to surrender a run. Without Groom’s numbers in the picture the relief corps has an ERA of 4.53. Tom Gordon and Mariano Rivera have combined for four blown saves and it appears the middle relief cannot be relied upon to keep a lead.

It may be time for a change in pitching coaches. Mel Stottlemyre no longer appears to be able to fix problems. Last year his pitching staff had an ERA of 4.69. Pitchers such as Jeff Weaver, Jose Contreras and Javier Vasquez who never seemed comfortable in New York were unable to get out of their funks. Stottlemyre never seemed to be able to correct what was wrong in their heads. Javier Vazquez, especially, stated he had no idea what he was doing out on the mound when he had his second half problems. Apparently, neither did Mel Stottlemyre. Vazquez was another in a growing line of pitchers who were unable to thrive at Yankee Stadium.

Maybe it’s time for a new manager. Joe Torre has been at the helm since 1996. Success came early and often for Torre, who won four World Series rings in five years. However, since the Subway Series of 2000 the Yankees have been to the Fall Classic twice (2001 & 2003) as overwhelming favorites only to walk away empty-handed. It has now been four years since the Yankees tasted champagne and the Boss is getting thirsty. Although, Torre just signed a new 3-year extension job security isn’t guaranteed as Steinbrenner won’t hesitate to jettison his popular manager if he thinks it will shake up the club in a positive way.

One thing is for certain. This team is running on six cylinders instead of eight. It seems the more money Steinbrenner pays out the less he gets in return. He has bankrupt the farm system over the past several years in pursuit of the World Series championship he feels belongs exclusively in New York. Twenty-six of those babbles already line his trophy case so who can blame him? What one can blame him for is continually depleting his minor league system of potentially star players in pursuit of veteran players whose best years are behind them. The Yankees get older by the year and more and more starters do time on the disabled list. The average age of the Yankees is 34.1 years. These guys aren’t getting any younger. Who do the Yankees replace these aging players with down the line? The Yankees have painted themselves into a corner. They need to develop players like they did when Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada came up from the minors. Spot trade for veterans like Paul O’Neill, Tino Martinez or Scott Brosius. That seemed to be the formula for winning championships. No superstars, just hardnosed, professional players who knew what it took to win.

As has been said many times, a baseball season is a marathon and not a sprint. The Yankees still have time to turn this campaign around. However, they need to quit limping and start running if they want to have any chance of playing in the post-season. Another month like April and Yankees’ fans can start making other plans for October.

PLAY BALL!


© 2005 Yankees Talk Shop @ ezboard.com

Redistribution, rewriting, rebroadcast, or republication of this story is prohibited without the prior written consent of Yankees Talk Shop and it's affilitates