WHY THE YANKEES NEED THE HUNGER AGAIN

It’s the off-season early for the New York Yankees and all of us Yankee fans are walking around aimlessly with nothing to do. Yes, we could watch the postseason without the Yankees, and yes, I’ve told you numerous times that if baseball is on, I watch, no matter who’s playing.

But let’s face it, this is October and the Yankees aren’t playing, and I don't want to watch. I want to scream like Mark Wahlberg in the Other Guys, I cannot take it. Sometimes I feel like the more we try to do things right, the more we screw them up. The Yankees need that hunger back and the fans are craving it.

The Yankees looked like scrubs out there as I reflect on the ALDS, with the exception of Jorge Posada and Brett Gardner and even Derek Jeter to some extent. Where was the hunger? Where were the bats? I firmly believe that hot teams move forward and it all has to do with momentum. I don't necessarily believe great teams win it all. I think great teams need to be hot to win it all. The Yankees were great with 97 wins going into the ALDS, but they weren't great and hot, plain and simple. Now all we’re doing is sitting in front of our computers, looking at Twitter and bitching at each other.

I long for the days when Steinbrenner would put out a press release, thanking the Yankee fans for their support and apologizing for failing to win it all. Then, weeks later, we’d go out and find the top free agent out there and all would be well in Yankeeland again, we would forget, just for the moment, that we blew it.

Time is running out for some of our icons. Yes, Jorge Posada was close to possibly getting a 5^th ring, but we fell short. Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are close to retirement; wouldn’t it be nice to get one for championship before they sail into the sunset? It would, for all of us.The pitching rotation will be a priority again this year, just like it is every year and while Cashman preached patience and picked up Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia and had lightening in a bottle, that charade won’t work this winter; fans get impatient, Yankee Brass gets impatient and I expect a big splash. Yes, Cashman needs to agree to a deal, but once that is done, CC Sabathia is next and then after what, who? I'm a fan of Mark Buehrle and I would love to get him, but who else? CJ Wilson? Matt Cain? Yu Darvish? Felix Hernandez?

Look, Felix is my top name after CC Sabathia. I’m not too big on “Pretty Boy” Wilson because I hate his pompous attitude. I’m also not sold on him. Matt Cain, yeah, he good, but we need him to be great. Yu Darvish…we’ve been through that Japanese pitching thing before. Felix Hernandez is the guy and if that means waiting until he’s a free agent, so be it; If it means being creative with you we unload for him, so be it. I have no desire to trade off someone like Jesus Montero for the King. After seeing him hit, it reminded me a hell of a lot like Miguel Cabrera. I can’t part with the guy.

Something needs to be done about Nick Swisher, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira. Look, no doubt they are pissed that they didn’t deliver and they looked foolish in the ALDS, but let’s face it, they always do. 2009 is long gone, these guys get paid a fortune to perform, bottom line and October is the biggest show on earth, and they need to show up. They didn’t and it’s pathetic. If I’m the Yankees, I pick up Swisher’s option and I’m bringing in a bright young outfielder this spring and have him compete for Swisher’s job. Light a fire under Nick’s ass and let him know, no job is safe.

Alex is Alex and he’s owed a ton of money. You can’t eat his contract and you can’t trade him and the Yankees won’t, they want him to hit 700 and they want him the break the home run record in pinstripes... he’s not going anywhere. I also believe ARod wasn’t healthy and while nerves were a factor in the ALDS, he’s not better yet because of injury. Hopefully a long winter’s nap will heal this guy and in Spring 2012, he’ll be back.

Mark Teixeira seems to shrivel up at the wrong time...October. Not sure what happened to this guy. He’s a great hitter…when he hits, and I would never suggest we cut Tex lose for someone better, because; let’s face it, who’s better? Tex is one of the best defensive first basemen we’ve ever had; he just needs to get his swing tweaked by the King of Swing…Kevin Long. Maybe the pressure gets to Tex, who knows, but something‘s got to happen.

The Yankees hunger is gone while the hunger by the fans grows. We need something drastic, a shakeup… so we can stand up and say, “The Yankees put the best on the field and we will return to win it all.” Because, let’s face it, 1 championship in 11 years is not a dynasty, it’s average.

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WHY THE 2012 YANKEES WILL LOOK DIFFERENT: PART 2

Let's take a look at the Yankee catchers... who will stay and who will go?
Francisco Cervelli: .266, 4 HR, 22 RBI in 43 games. Cervelli may never be a star catcher, but he’s energetic and calls a great game. He’s currently recovering from a concussion and there’s no telling if he’ll ever be the same (see Brian Roberts or Sidney Crosby). If he’s able to recover, the Yanks should bring him back to reprise his role as well as filling in at other infield spots.

Russell Martin: .237, 18 HR, 65 RBI in 125 games. Martin is a terrific catcher. His batting average dropped from the NL, but his home runs and RBIs are on par. The pitchers love him and he’s tough as nails. If he’s not resigned someone in the front office needs their
head examined.Jesus Montero: 20 for 61, 4 HR, 12 RBI in 18 games. Montero is the real deal, offensively. Defensively, he’s average at-best. Yes he’s 21 and will continue to improve. With all of the high profile veterans on the team, the Yanks are not in a position of carrying a full time DH. Nor at 21 does Montero want to pigeon holed as just a DH. I say trade him now, while his value is at its highest, for top level Major League-ready pitching. Many disagree. That's what opinions are for.
Jorge Posada: .235, 14 HR, 44 RBI in 115 games. Look, Jorge has had a fabulous career but a 40 year-old catcher needs to know when to hang up the spikes. I know he says he wants to play next year, but I can’t imagine him in any other uniform. I know where Jorge should spend
2012, but more on that later.

Austin Romine: .286, 6 HR, 47 RBI in 85 games at AA Trenton. Obviously, Romine needs to show what he can do at a higher level. He looked sharp behind the plate during September. Hopefully a full season at AAA will do him some good and we’ll see him in 2013.

-- Lem Allen, BYB Freelance Writer
bybcurmudgeon@gmail.com



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WHY REAL MEN CRY

Jorge Posada has been a great New York Yankee and that means something... he's never let down the true fan base and while this season was frustrating, the playoffs was his for the taking and me personally, I loved every minute of it, because it wasn't a great player fizzling, it was fizzling player shining. If there was a way to go out on a high note, Jorge did. I'm proud of him.

Jorge was never supposed to be a superstar catcher, but he was many a season. Sure, there were down seasons but 4 rings later this guy has transformed into a Yankee icon. The Core Four truly had a great run and after Andy Pettitte retired and now Jorge Posada's possible career in pinstripes coming to an end, well, it looks like we may be saying goodbye to our hero.Look, anyone who reads Bleeding Yankee Blue knows how much I love and appreciate Jorge Posada. I didn't like the way he was squeezed out and I watched the poor guy get pushed to the back of the line throughout the season. It could have been done differently, although, I understand, that's business.

I wrote AN OPEN LETTER TO JORGE POSADA because after everything that went on, his changing role and the reality that the Yankees needed to move forward, as did Jorge, I wanted to express my emotion. Well, that emotion came full circle watching my hero get choked up after Game 5 of the ALDS. Jorge cried, and guess what...good for him. Real men cry.



Look, this is a guy that gave his heart and soul to the New York Yankees and it had ended, while on a personal high note because successful in the ALDS, it ended on a low note for the Yankees as a team. Team is all that Jorge thought about. At that moment, as far as he knew, his tenure in pinstripes is over. He's probably not coming back to the Bronx, a place he's called home for 17 years. It's saying goodbye and so, Jorge cried. Look, I totally get it. I cry when my son wins a heat in a swim meet, or when my other guy gets a winning hit. I cry when I watch Rudy, or when the Yankees win the World Series. It's a life thing...success, the thrill of victory, or in his case the agony of defeat.

No one knows what will happen to Jorge Posada, but his future with the Yankees is certain, no, not as a player, put perhaps a coach or an advisor or maybe he'll just stay away for awhile reflecting, but expect something big to happen, when we least expect it...perhaps a number retiring, or a Jorge Posada Appreciation day. One things for sure, Jorge will never be forgotten. With the future of the Yankees catching looking bright in Jesus Montero and Austin Romine and hopefully the return of Russell Martin the Yankees will be OK. And guess what, so with Jorge Posada. No doubt Poe will go down as a Yankee legend for if anything, his incredible drive and heart as a member of the New York Yankees. He is truly Bleeding Yankee Blue and as a fellow peer, meaning, he and I are the same age, I say this, "You played your guts out Jorge. Now's your time. Walk into the sunset and remember all the great times, and most of all, thank you."

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WHY MONTERO TRADE TALK IS RIDICULOUS

(Photo: Getty)
The Yankees season is over and already it's starting. John Harper has a piece out titled Yankees may part with catcher Jesus Montero in order to get the top pitcher they sorely need. Read it HERE.

John Harper makes you think and I like him a lot, but the suggestion that Montero should go is already getting me aggravated. The Yankees have lost and I get the need to want to panic, but it's not like we didn't have the parts to perform, we did, we just never had the timely hit. Yes, we need a pitcher, but I find it ironic that after all the hype about how Montero was the real thing and how the Yankees PR machine went into overdrive in September proving the Yankees were right to NOT trade Montero in the Cliff Lee trade last year, that suddenly, Montero would be available. Honestly, I think the story is bogus and I don't buy it.

The reason is simple, Jesus Montero can hit and he can catch. Austin Romine, it appears, can catch and not hit, yet at least. You're not going to unload this Montero's bat especially after he had a terrific fall run in the pros.

In 18 games, Montero had 20 hits in 61 at bats. He batted .328. He had 4 home runs and 12 RBIs. Yes, he struck out 17 times but this small sample proves this kid's got a future. Don't forget, Reggie Jackson struck out 2597 times in his career, yet, he was considered one of the greatest home run hitters in the game. I'm not comparing Montero to Reggie, but I am making a point; Montero's young, it's early, patience at the plate will come, you just can't give up that bat, it's too early.
(Photo: Getty)
Austin Romine's defense behind the plate was awesome this fall, but his bat needs some work. In 19 at bats, Romine struck out 5 times and only had 3 hits. Again, yes, it's a small sample, but the fall is your audition and while Montero made more plate appearances, he took advantage of that and shined, Romine did not.Also, let's not forget Jesus Montero's appearance in the ALDS. He had 2 hits in 2 at bats and had an RBI. I'm not saying Montero will be a superstar, although, from what I've seen, he can be.

Harper suggests that one Major League scout said Cashman may flip Montero to the San Francisco Giants for Matt Cain. I don't see it. Why would the Giants trade away one of their top pitchers for hitting? Money? Maybe, but I've watched the Franchise on Showtime and I see how dependant the Giants are on likes of Cain. Yes, if Cashman can trade someone on the farm and not part with Montero, I see this as a great scenario, but what do I know?

Harper continues: "Cashman, of course, was willing to trade Montero for Lee in July of 2010 in a deal that was nearly made with the Mariners. Since then he has said publicly that it would have to be a pitcher on that same ultra-elite level for him to even consider dealing Montero.

Still, while Cashman says the organization is committed to Montero as a catcher, not just a DH, questions about his defense remain. When Francisco Cervelli missed the last few weeks of the season because of a concussion, the Yankees called up Austin Romine to back up Russell Martin, even though Montero was already here."

Look, again, I get it, it's panic time, but is it at Montero's expense? Personally, my gut says no.
Look, the New York Yankees may have lost the ALDS this season, but they had the best record in the American League and Montero contributed.

What ever happened to Patience? Remember that? Everyone needs to take a deep breath... the Yankees may have lost the ALDS, but we didn't die. Let's not panic.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DANTE BICHETTE JR.

We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue have tried to give you things that the other blogs don't. One of the big things that make us unique are our interviews with former Yankee players as well as stars like Kimberly Jones. Well, It's my pleasure to offer an interview with one of our favorite "new" Yankees and down to earth guy, Dante Bichette Jr.

Dante is the future of the New York Yankees and when we were able to secure an interview with him, we were psyched. So here it is, our BYB Exclusive with Dante Bichette Jr. Enjoy!


BYB: First of all, congratulations on the Gulf Coast League MVP this season and your GCL Championship. How satisfied are you with your first year?

Dante Bichette Jr: My first year in pro ball was an awesome experience. I was lucky enough to go to the team I wanted to go to and lucky enough to have a crazy good Gulf Coast League team. One thing that made the jump from high school to pro ball such a great experience was having the coolest combination of coaching staff and management that I have ever played for.

BYB: What's it like to be drafted by the biggest sports franchise in the world, the New York Yankees, as compared to say, a smaller, less successful franchise?

Dante Bichette Jr: Being drafted to a franchise that just wins and wins is a great thing. The way to have the most fun in this game is to have success and win. I was on two winning teams this year, and will have two rings! That is something I feel like I could only have done being a Yankee.

BYB: Can you try and explain to Yankee fans what the draft process is like? Is it similar to the NFL draft, etc?

Dante Bichette Jr: I have never watched another draft other than mine so I cannot compare. But I can say it is basically a year of interviewing for a shot at a dream job, except you don't really know who your future employer will be until you are actually chosen.

(In Photo: Jesus Montero)
BYB: When you look up at the Yankees roster at the Major League level and see Montero and Romine making names for themselves, can you see yourself doing the same thing soon?

Dante Bichette Jr: It has been my dream since I was a little kid to be doing what they are doing. I think that if I keep putting in hard work consistently and making adjustments when I need to make them, and if God keeps me safe then I can definitely see myself there when it is my time.

(In Photo: Dante Bichette Sr)
BYB: Growing up as the son of a celebrated ballplayer, Dante Bichette Sr, what was it like growing up watching your dad play?

Dante Bichette Jr: I remember some things here and there. One thing I remember vividly was when my dad took me out to hit at Fenway Park. That was a pretty awesome experience.

BYB: Who are some of the other players you looked up to?

Dante Bichette Jr: My favorite player now is Derek Jeter. I love how you knew who just walked in the clubhouse when he showed up at our facility to rehab earlier this year. Of course, I like how he plays when he's on the field but I really admire his quiet confidence when he goes about his business.

BYB: What will you be doing during the off season to continue your development?

Dante Bichette Jr: This off season I will be hitting the gym hard to try and get my strength up. I have a pretty good routine of ground balls, hitting with my dad, running and throwing that I will be doing as well.
BYB: Growing up, who was 1 baseball player, besides your father, that you admired and wanted to emulate?

Dante Bichette Jr: I thought Barry Bonds was the man growing up. He was in the same division as my dad so it was easy to watch him. I was too young at the time to realize any controversy surrounding him, but I just knew he was a beast.

BYB: Have you ever read Bleeding Yankee Blue?

Dante Bichette Jr: As a rule, I don't read anything that has to do with me, but I have run across a few things from Bleeding Yankee Blue that have been tweeted to me.

BYB: We here have written about you extensively and are excited that you're part of the Yankees. Any kind words you'd like to say to the readers of our site?

Dante Bichette Jr: It's great to know people are rooting for me. I appreciate it a lot! Hopefully I will continue to give you reasons to be excited about me.

Dante Bichette Jr reminds me alot like Derek Jeter. Proud to be wearing the pinstripes and eager to please, he works hard and knows that nothing is handed to you in life. He has a good head on his shoulders and that clearly stems from an upbringing of tremendous parenting.

We truly appreciate Dante interviewing with us here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. Our Senior Writer, Mikey Blue gave me the assist on this interview with Dante. Thank you Mikey.

One more thing to Dante Bichette Jr...go get'um kid, we're all rooting for you and can't wait to see you in the pros!

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer
Email: DonnieBaseball2323@gmail.com
Twitter: @MikeyBlu23

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WHY IT'S "THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SIGHT THESE EYES HAVE EVER SEEN!"

The Yankees in the playoffs! I stole that line from Ned Beatty who played the role of Rudy Ruettiger’s father in the film Rudy, a film that still makes me cry like a little bitch. I like that line because while it’s simple, yet says so much.

Emotionally, I watched the mountain the Yankees had to climb this year and when you looked at that opening day Pitching rotation, there is no way in hell that you believed that the New York Yankees would win the American League Eastern division. But’s exactly what's happened.

Seeing Jesus Montero and Eduardo Nunez pouring champagne on Robinson Cano is truly extraordinary. Seeing Curtis Granderson and Rafael Soriano smiling ear to ear actually makes me really happy. And thinking about Brian Cashman’s patience rule come into play, it’s almost like he was Biff, using the Delorean to get the Sports Almanac and bringing it back with all the solutions to bring the Yankees yet another postseason berth.

Admit it, you believed in your Yankees, but did you REALLY BELIEVE when Phil Hughes went down and Bartolo Colon suddenly filled the void? Did you believe that Curtis Granderson was going to have a season for the ages? Did you truly believe that DRob would emerge as the greatest 8^th inning guy you’ve ever seen? Yankee fans believe in their team, but you just never know how 25 individuals will come together. When AJ Burnett started falling apart, the bullpen and offense lifted him up. When Rafael Soriano lost his 8^th inning job, he accepted anything to help his team win, and checked his attitude at the door. And when Jorge Posada was called upon to pinch hit, he never complained and he delivered.

These are my New York Yankees. And while they are terrific this season, you have to also give some created to Joe Girardi. Yes, sometimes the Girardi binder pokes in it’s head and tries to lead Joe, but Joe’s less dependant lately, and he’s developed into a pretty damn good manager I’d say. Maybe Manager of the Year and I’m impressed.

One things for sure though, it’s not over. Not only do we need to keep winning, we’ve achieved 2 goals but we need to achieve 3 more:

WINNING THE ALDS: A short series win is more important now because it tests our pitching. We’ve seen the Yankees win plenty of Series’ this season and I’ve always preached that winning every series will get the Yanks to the playoffs, but now we’re going and it starts all over. We need to strike early and often and never lose the focus. We need to play hard until the end of the season and keep momentum going into the playoffs.

WINNING THE ALCS: A slightly longer series but important just the same. The prize is winning the World Series but you can’t do that until you win the ALCS. I believe that when we get through the ALDS, winning the ALCS will happen, again it's momentum. That’s the key.

WINNING THE WORLD SERIES: You can’t go to the World Series and lose. We’ve experienced that before and it sucks. The Marlins... the Diamondbacks... those losses still sting. We’ve learned our lesson. The World Series is a must win, and winning it all in our house is always better.

Yes, when the Yankees clinched and Soriano locked it down, followed by the Yankees having alittle celebration, it was in fact "The most beautiful sight these eyes have ever seen." But let’s be honest, it's bigger than that now, seeing them in the playoffs is, and then going further will be as well. I want to have more of that. We’re almost there.

As Jeet says “One game at a time, one game at the time.”

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WHY THE YANKEES BENCH WILL BE KEY

There is no doubt that the Yankees have players that have contributed in every way this season and the bench is pretty decent. But not all of them can come to the ALDS. Let's check out some of the names this year that have contributed.

Andruw Jones did what we needed him to do hitting lefties and hitting home runs this year. It’s clear that Andruw Jones has slowed down, but I was happy he was there. Here are his numbers this year:

This season he's 46 for 186. He has 12 home runs and 32 RBIs. His average is .247.

In my ALDS scenario, Andrew Jones will not be joining us. Although looking at the way guys like Chris Dickerson and Greg Golson contributed to last night's loss to the Rays...Golson getting picked off third with a chance to win the game, Jones may now make my list. You know what I mean? The other factor that comes in consideration is whether or not Jesus Montero is OK. Last night he was lifted from the game and there were concerns about his availability in the ALDS. We will have to see. If Montero is healthy, clearly I would platoon with Jorge Posada in the DH role. Again, maybe Jones gets to be there too.

I like speed as you know and that’s where Eduardo Nunez and Chris Dickerson would have come into play in my scenario. Although, Dickerson didn't impress me last night.

No doubt Eduardo Nunez has a terrific bat and great speed to do damage on the base paths. I would never suggest putting Nunez in as a late inning defensive replacement, because, let’s face it, he’s not good defensively. Last night he made his 20th error of the year. How embarrassing. But in a tie game in the 9^th inning at home, I’m pinch-running him no doubt.

Eric Chavez is a must have and apparently he's probably a starter now that word is out that Alex Rodriguez has a cranky knee. Read about that HERE. The reason I like Chavez... he gets on base. He seems to be clutch at the right time, plus, as I've stated, he plays third base and first base, if things get desperate. I’ve always liked Chavez, I just hope Mr. Fragile can hold it together.

Jorge Posada is our Designated Hitter, but in the event he doesn’t get the call for the DH against lefties, he is clearly a late inning pinch hitter, he can substitute at first if needed, as we saw last night and if the world came crumbling around Yankeeland, we could slot him in at catcher. We have options.

Options are good Ladies and Gentlemen and our bench looks good. If things click, we have incredible shot to win the ALDS, whomever it will be. After all, we’re the God damn New York Yankees, right? We can do this, I have faith.

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WHY VETERANS & YOUTH A GOOD MIX FOR BRONX BACKSTOP

(Photo: Getty)
It won’t be an easy decision for Joe Girardi, but with Francisco Cervelli season to be over, read HERE, the Yankees won’t have a backup catcher. True, Joe Girardi stated that Russell Martin would not need a backup… but let’s face it, what if Martin makes another joke (story HERE) and gets tossed in Game 1 of the ALDS? The Yankees will clearly need one then, won’t they? Luckily, having Jesus Montero or Austin Romine to choose from is not exactly a bad problem. Couple that with veteran Jorge Posada who’s on the bench, chomping at the bit and we have the catching role pretty solid. Veterans and Youth, it’s a good mix.

No one really knows what will happen with Romine and Montero yet, but I suspect at least Montero is going to the ALDS. Austin Romine is a very good defensive catcher, but Jesus can catch as well and in my opinion, you just can’t bring both. I feel like you still need 11 pitchers and you also don’t want to short change the bench. Read WHY I KNOW THE YANKEES 2011 ALDS ROSTER. I broke it down the way I see it. Again, it’s my opinion, there are plenty of scenario’s out there.

While Jorge Posada is the Yankees DH, Jesus Montero is a more logical Designated Hitter merely because you pounce on hot hitters and Jesus is hot right now. That being said, look for Girardi to go with Posada against righties and Montero against lefties. Montero has been hitting and hitting nicely and has a young, hungry energy. Posada has postseason experience and Lord knows that adrenaline will start pumping for him like it has for years in the postseason. Just the surroundings alone will get Posada going. Whatever Girardi chooses must be decided on their defense as well as their hitting. Yes, the ALDS is a short series, but there is nothing wrong with having players that can do more than ride the bench. Montero can be your DH and catch. Posada can DH, pinch hit, play first base and catch. Options are key, the Yankees have them…again... veterans and youth, and that’s a good mix if needed to back up Russell Martin.

Check out the numbers of our catchers and DH’s this season:

Russell Martin: 98-413, 17 HR, 17 2B, 64 RBI

Jesus Montero: 20-57, .351 AVG, 4 HR, 12 RBI

Jorge Posada (batting lefty off the bench): .270 AVG, 14 home runs, 39 RBIs

Austin Romine: 3-18, .167 AVG, 1 BB, 4 K

If Girardi can figure out a way to bring Romine, Posada and Montero, I think you will see a decent batch of talent, but I’m not so sure I see it happening. But, what the hell do I know? I’m just a blogger in my basement wearing my worn out REGGIE T-shirt.

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JORGE POSADA: WHY IT AIN'T OVER YET

Poe has not had the best season, with age comes decline. But I have never given up on my Yankee hero. I hear it all the time and read it on Twitter. “Posada doesn’t deserve to be out there, he didn’t earn it.” Really? He hasn’t earned a spot in the New York Yankees roster after 4 rings and multiple big plays? I know I'm living in the past, but last time I checked the Yankees signed him to a contract... to play and the guy contributes any way he can. Look at last night at first base. He has 2 big plays both coming home and both times, he got the runner out. Sure, this year's been a long road for Poe, but the guys got more heart than anyone I’ve ever seen and when he come up big… it’s big.

(Photo: AP/Martin tagging runner on Posada throw home)

Jorge Posada was never a super athlete, but for years he’s been in some of the biggest plays of our Yankees generation. Remember the winning hit last week.. the dude's still got it. He got that hit not to say “Goodbye”, but to say “Hello, I’m not going anywhere”, not yet at least.

Yes, the times they are a changing, Russell Martin’s in Jorge’s old slot, and youth like Austin Romine and Jesus Montero have emerged as the future of the Yankees. Sure, the future looks glorious, but it was glorious for years. Have we forgotten? What is so wrong with a true Yankee champion who’s been a staple in the clubhouse for years, still being able to contribute when he can? Nothing.

Posada brings pride and maturity to this Yankees club. Same with Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter. You can say to me, "Well, Jeter and Mo contribute, Posada hasn’t." Have a Heart. Yes, it’s business, and yes the harsh reality is Posada is older, but the guy was moved out of a spot he manned for 17 years and put into a new role with more time to think about his career crumbling around him. So, he couldn’t hack it early, that’s no reason to write him off. So, yes, while Mo and Jeter “contribute”, it’s partically because they play a hell of a lot more than Jorge Posada at hte positions of SS and Closer...where they started. Posada is in his dimished role has contributed the best he could with what he has left.

I know, I sound like an apologist for Posada. I sound like a promoter, an agent. No, I’m just a fan, a God damn Yankee fan that won’t forget what got us here. So, call me a fool, that’s fine, but Posada is a big part of this team until the last pitch is thrown this year. And then, when the lights go out in the Bronx and we put our 28^th championship award in our trophy case and say our goodnights, then and only then will we say goodbye to Jorge Posada. Because as far as I’m concerned, he’s contributed just fine… and you know what? He’s earned his spot, on our team this year and on our postseason roster... That's the bottom line.

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WHY GOD IS SMILING ON YANKEELAND

I feel like I'm getting Punk'd. I feel like I'm being watched, and I keep containing myself, not to get too giddy, like someone's about to jump out from behind a door in my house and point their finger at me and laugh hysterically. Then Ashton Kutcher will come out and tell me it's all a joke, that the Red Sox really aren't this bad. But the reality is... they are. Couple that with the Yankees just looking so good right now and it's the perfect recipe for Yankeeland.
David Ortiz said it best a few weeks ago and believe me, all of Red Sox Nation heard him and groaned. "Hell yeah, you've got to panic." To me, that's giving up. You never show your hand and never show doubt in your club publicly. That statement did both. Remember when I wrote WHY RUSSELL MARTIN HAS BALLS? That statement by Ortiz demonstrates no balls.
Today was a beautiful day in the Bronx. Seeing the number 61 on the field to honor Roger Maris, with no asterisk by the way, was awesome. I've always read about and appreciated Roger Maris for all he did in pinstripes and I'm so glad he's honored in the Bronx.

Let's start with AJ Burnett today. The guy looked good. They guy looked like he can handle another game and he looked like he's the "good" AJ right now. Although, I noticed a "look" while he was coming off the field today. It wasn't a look of a dominant pitcher. It was a look of a pitcher who was still uncertain with himself. A pitcher who clearly still has confidence issues. Look at it, tell me what you think:This was after the 4th inning.

2 stories today, the Yankees offense continues to be great and AJ Burnett. Burnett will give Girardi a headache I'm sure, now Joe must decide who follows Ivan Nova in the rotation; AJ Burnett, Freddy Garcia or Bartolo Colon.

Today Burnett went 7.2 innings, he allowed 5 hits and only 2 runs. He had 6 strikeouts and allowed 2 homers today. Ultimately, he did good. Enough to think maybe he'd be in the running for the 3rd man in the rotation in the ALDS. Personally though, if it came down to me deciding, I'm choosing Freddy Garcia because of his veteran grittiness and that Burnett picture doesn't excite me. That's my bottom line.Jorge Posada had his 14th homer today and 2 RBIs. I love Posada at DH from the left side and it's clear, Jesus Montero will be in against lefties, so that DH platoon seems to be working out nicely, wouldn't you say?

Derek Jeter was 3 for 4 today and is batting .300 Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm just saying. Oh Captain, my Captain...lead us.

One play stood out and spoke volumes today. There was nothing better than watching Carl Crawford miss a ball he should have caught off of Jeter's bat today. But this is what was really telling; As the ball bounced, he swatted at it and missed, and as the ball continued to the wall, he actually looked at his glove like someone put a hole in it. I'm not kidding. I had to take a picture of this play because it was laughable. This is a guy that has a monster contract and he can't do a thing right right now. So why is this play significant to me? Because Jeter came around to score on an Alex Rodriguez hit. Runs win ballgames.

David Robertson came in and closed out the game nicely. Houdini does it again. The future New York Yankees closer? I don't mean to sound like I'm pushing Mariano out, I'm not. I'm just saying, the future's exciting.

Final Score: Yankees 6 - Red Sox 2

Game 2 tonight, keep rolling Yankees!

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