EXCLUSIVE: CLUBHOUSE CONFIDENTIAL

Luis "Squeegee" Castillo was a Yankee Clubhouse kid during one of the most important times in recent Yankees history. From 1998 to 2005 he was a bat boy and clubhouse attendance and witnessed first hand, 3 World Championships and a trip to the playoffs every single season. Derek Jeter gave Luis the nickname "Squeegee" because of his rail thin appearance.



When I first heard about Clubhouse Confidential, I got nervous. I was concerned that my New York Yankees were about to be tainted and young kids who picked their idols in that Yankee clubhouse were about to be disappointed. I was wrong, this book is smart and while Luis was on the inside, he didn't disturb the clubhouse perception. You walk away with a few great nuggets and you never lose that love for your team and players. These are different nuggets than the other interviews you saw with Squeegee, so enjoy it. With that, I bring you, Squeegee.

BYB: What made you decide to write this book?

Squeegee: I wrote CLUBHOUSE CONFIDENTIAL because I wanted to let Yankees fans know what happens behind the scenes, how much fun the players have off the field, what conflicts they run into, and how they cope with the stress of being Major League Baseball stars.

BYB: Former Yankee, Jim Bouton wrote Ball Four and it was considered extremely controversial at the time because it revealed a lot of the secrets of the Yankees Clubhouse and tarnished Yankee Greats. Why did you feel that it was OK to write this book?

Squeegee: As Mr. Bouton said "These guys have voluntarily gone into a business where people know that everything that they do or say is subject to being written about. They act as if they're surprised when somebody tells what they do." My book about the Yankees is filled with new information about the superstars, and people have a right to know. I also enjoyed telling the stories, just as people always enjoy listening to me talk about my eight years working for the greatest team in baseball history.

BYB: Who were the big party animals on the team during the championship years you were there and what did they do that was so outrageous?

Squeegee: Almost every one on the team liked to party, but probably Jason Giambi and Chuck Knoblauch enjoyed it more than others. Once Jason invited me to a party that didn't break up until 5 AM the day before an afternoon game. How he woke up to go to work is a mystery to me.

And Chuck always seemed to be having a good time, even in the clubhouse.

BYB: You did you admire the most and why?

Squeegee: My idol was David Cone because I also pitch and he symbolized the greatness of the sport to me. He was technically at the top of his game, and yet he had the friendliest personality and was always relaxed and willing to talk. When I warmed him up during his 1999 perfect game it was a real honor.

BYB: Explain how the Matsui "Ho's" speech came about?

Squeegee: At the end of the team meetings, Mr. T (Joe Torre) asked what we were going to do. He usually directed this question at Posada. But on this occasion he turned to Matsui and asked. Matusi said, "Let's kick ass. Pop champagne. And get some ho's."

BYB: Did you get a ring? If not, why?

Squeegee: I did not get a World Series ring and I was disappointed because I had done as much work, or more, than another clubhouse attendants who did get one. I have fond memories of working with the guys and wish I had a memento to remind me of the good time we had together.

BYB: Have you heard from some of the players since the book was released? If so, who and what did they say to you?

Squeegee: I hear from lots of players and keep in contact with some of my best friends, including Homer Bush, Jorge Posada, Ruben Sierra, Ramiro Mendoza, and others. They say things like, "Hey, what are you doing tonight? Wanna hang out together?" It's great having friends like that. Chuck Knoblauch contacted me recently and said, "What's up, my main man? Can't wait to read the book!"

BYB: Have you partied with some of the Yankees?

Squeegee: I have partied with almost all the Yankees on the teams from 1998-2005, including Derek Jeter, who is always well-behaved in public.

BYB: I am a huge Joe Torre fan. Describe his demeanor in the clubhouse?

Squeegee: It's funny that you ask about Mister T's demeanor since he never smiled and always looked grumpy. I always thought he was in a bad mood. But really he was all business. That's just the way he worked.

He used to start the day off by going on the treadmill before batting practice. He would have a newspaper tucked under his arm. He also used to smoke cigars in his office all the time.

BYB: What was the most humiliating thing a player did to you?

Squeegee: The most humiliating thing was get thrown into a garbage can by Tanyon Sturtze! He was in a bad mood at the time but later apologized and we became good friends.

BYB: Do you read Bleeding Yankee Blue?

Squeegee: Yes, I'm a big fan of Bleeding Yankee Blue and read it all the time. Keep up the good work!

Squeegee, you're awesome for talking with us and much thanks for Stephen Lee at St. Martin's Press for helping coordinate this interview.

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WHY BERNIE WILLIAMS SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN

We constantly drop the phrase “Core Four” and even now, after Andy Pettitte hung it up. Yes, it rhythms, but what about Bernie Williams? Have we forgotten one of the true Yankee greats of our time? Why not the Core Five? I hate to ignore this guy, he was so damn good for us and yes, won 4 rings for us.

Bernie Williams was home grown, just like our iconic Four… Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera. True, the others have 5 but at this point, isn’t 4 an accomplishment too?

These 5 guys represented leadership for many years on the New York Yankees and without them, I would suggest the may not have had our Championships. Bernie Williams came up big for us many times in the playoffs, dating back to 1996. Remember the 1996 ALDS against the Texas Rangers where he his .467? Remember the ALCS that year where he cranked out the home run in the 11th to put us ahead of the Orioles and eventually go to the World Series? Derek Jeter made some incredible plays and some major hits including his first and only walk off homer run against the Arizona Diamondbacks? “Mr. November!” was Michal Kay’s home run call as his circled the bases on that chilly night in 2001. Bernie was there for that.

I remember Jorge Posada hitting Pedro Martinez in the 2003 ALCS and tying the game when Hideki Matsui scored? I remember him screaming at the top of his lungs as he stood on second with his fists clinched. Bernie was there. And what can you say about Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera in the post season for all those years?… lights out and guess what? Bernie was there for almost all of it. My point is Bernie Williams is just as iconic as our Core Four and has been apart of the same teams with the same great memories and the fact that on a daily basis we leave him out aggravates me. Put it this way, when your at the stadium, you still see #51 on the backs of many hardcore fans. The Yankees are not giving that number to a player on the Yankees right now either. Why? Because Bernie’s royalty. #51 should and will never be worn again by another New York Yankee just like #2, #20, #42 and #46. Who knows when it will happen, but let’s face facts, the New York Yankees Core Five will all be retired one day in Yankeeland because without these guys, the Yankees would be just another ball club in the late 90’s. Sure, the other guys would have contributed, but the championships would have been eliminated without Bernie and company, no doubt.

So, when you’re chatting with friends and you talk about the recent Yankee greats, try dropping the "Core Five". I guarantee they'll know what you're talking about. After all, Bernie Williams cannot be forgotten.

By the way, Bernie Williams still going hot and heavy, this time with his music. He also has a new website www.bernie51.com. Be sure to check it out.

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WHY MATSUI MADE THIS YANKEE LOSS STING

(Photo: New York Times)
I really wanted this win. I wanted it so the Yankees could be up 2 to zip in this series and I wanted it for AJ Burnett. Burnett needed a confidence builder and the Yankee fans needed confidence in AJ and our sometimes wobbly rotation. Today, AJ wasn't awesome, he was just OK, and that wasn't good enough. And to make this loss sting the most, Hideki Matsui's home run off of Boone Logan to make it 4-2 in the game was the difference. Yes, Matsui burned us because even though we scored that 3rd run in the 9th, Godzilla came back to the Bronx to continue "the homer show" and as nice as it was to see Matsui get a standing ovation at Yankees Stadium, Matsui put the game out of reach for the Yankees and there is no excuse for allowing that homer to happen. None.(Photo: AP)
AJ Burnett went 5.2 innings, allowed 6 hits and 3 runs. Again, that 4th and lethal run was allowed by Boone "I can't do my job" Logan giving up that homer. That was the difference. If Joe Girardi stopped looking at his binder and started to use his gut and realize that his lefty specialist isn't so special, maybe he'd throw someone else in the mix in that situation. Surely you know that Matsui hits lefties very good Joe, don't you? What's wrong, that's not in your book?
Rich Harden pitched 5.1 innings for the A's and kept the Yankees at 2. Russell Martin was able to knock an RBI single off him in the second. Derek Jeter walked once and had 3 hits today and Nick Swisher cranked out a solo shot. It was later on that Mark Teixeira had a sacrifice fly to score the third and final run of the game for the Yanks. We just fell short.

Final Score: Athletics 4 - Yankees 3.

Tomorrow, Gio Gonzalez will face Bartolo Colon. 2 things have to happen; the Yankees need to hit and score runs and Colon needs to redeem himself and prove to the Yankees not to fear when Big Bart's on the mound. Hopefully tomorrow he's back to his dominant self and all in Yankeeland will be great once again. Damn I hope so.

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WHY MATSUI'S 500th BRINGS BACK MEMORIES

(Photo: Getty)
He may not be a New York Yankee any more, but to me he’s a Yankee for life. Hideki Matsui took over New York like no other and the international sensation translated well from Japanese baseball to America’s pastime, continuing to hit home runs here after having such a successful career in Japan where he played for the Yomiuri Giants.

Hideki Matsui hit his 500^th home run for the Oakland Athletics 2 nights ago and at that moment, everyone in Japan cheered loud enough to hear them in New York and Oakland for that matter. It amazing that there's always so much hype for huge home run milestones, but the announcers in this video kept it tame probably because the home runs weren't all in this league. Who knows. Anyway, check it out:

Matsui was a silent leader on the Yankees. While his English wasn’t at all good, he spoke with his bat and did it in style...bombs, bombs, bombs. It all started with his first home run in the Bronx, a Grand Slam and why would you expect anything less from Godzilla? The next few years on the Yankees he continued his tear of home runs and it was right about the time my sons started asking me about baseball and asked me who Godzilla was. I remember I was in my TV room and I showed them a picture of Hideki Matsui and then I had to go through the whole explanation about how before Matsui was Godzilla, there was the sci-fi Japanese Godzilla and I showed them the toy character and all of that. Next thing you know, we were watching a few Godzilla movies and yes, when Matsui would come to the plate, there was nothing funnier than watching a 6 and 5 year old cheer for “Godzilla” when he stepped in the batters box. I remember thinking "Wow", because at that moment, Japanese Hideki Matsui translated to two American kids in the United States. He may have been Japanese, but baseball is universal and it was so evident at that moment. Matsui was in fact larger than life, just like that giant lizard.

Matsui is a private guy and I knew that when I was lucky enough to meet him last year. I met him, shook his hand and I only had to show him my baseball. He smiled, he signed it and returned it to me and I thanked him. It was a brief, yet, important meeting for me. That baseball sits on my kid’s shelf as a reminder that Godzilla is one of the best international baseball players of all time. My boys love it and when he ended his contract in the Bronx, I remember my oldest son asked me why the Yankees would ever let him walk away, he was sad. I had to explain contracts and all that stuff and of course, it's never easy to explain that to a kid, but after all that, we moved on. I at least kept him updated when Hideki moved on to the Angels and then to the Athletics. It's fun for them to see Matsui in a different uniform. My oldest says "Dad, he doesn't look like an Athletic, he still looks like a Yankee." I get that, I really do. When the Athletics play the Yankees, it’s a treat to see Matsui play. You never want the opposing team to do well against the Yankees, but I’m not going to lie, my sons and I will openly root for Matsui, how can you not?

When Matsui was with the Yomiuri Giants, he cranked out 332 home runs. While in the Bronx, he knocked 140. Add 28 to that between the Angels and Athletics and that gives you 500 homers and relief I’m sure for Matsui.

The Associated Press had a quote from Matsui about the achivement. He said “I’m happy to get it over with, and it is even better that it helped us win a game. It isn’t like I’ve been aiming for this, because I don’t really combine numbers from Japan and here. To me, they are two separate leagues.”

Hideki, it’s a huge achievement and you may not combine the 2, but let’s be honest, not too many people hit 500 home runs in a career. Congratulations and enjoy it Godzilla, just enjoy it, my boys do.

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WHY IT WAS A TOUGH NEW YORK LOSS

(Photo: Getty)
Kyle Farnsworth got the save tonight and I wanted to choke on my popcorn. This guy couldn't do a thing when he was in New York and suddenly he's getting a save against the Mighty Yankees. That's baseball, you can't predict it.
(Photo: AP)
The Yankees lost tonight but in the world of pitching duels, this was one that you needed to watch. I just wish it was the Yankees on top. CC Sabathia went 8 innings tonight, gave up 5 hits and 2 runs and struck out 8. It was a great effort by "CC Monster" as my 2 year old would say, but he didn't have run support, so there you go.

James Shields was dominant, more dominant than I've ever seen him. Now I'm starting to think that the talk from Buster Olney about the Rays and their willingness to unload him for the right price may in fact be an interesting rumor. Shields allowed 6 hits and 1 run over 7.2 innings. It sucks to lose to a rival, but tip your cap, it was a battle till the end.
(Photo: Getty)
The 1 highlight tonight was Robinson Cano doubling to right and knocking in Derek Jeter. That's the run, that's the game.

I'm disturbed by Mark Teixeria right now. He's not doing a blessed thing and it's one thing to be slow in April and hot in May, but it's another thing to be cold in the second half of the season when your team really needs you. Tex needs to snap out of it.

Final Score: Rays 2 - Yankees 1

The Yankee split against the Rays in a 4 game series. While I would have wanted a 3-1 series, I'll take it, there will be more match ups and we can improve. The Oakland Athletics are next. Get ready, here comes Hideki Matsui.

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WHY GAME 7 OF THE 2003 ALCS IS THE GREATEST GAME EVER

Not too long ago, the Major League Baseball Network finished their countdown of the 20 greatest games ever played from 1961until now. Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS between our Yankees against the hated Red Sox came in at number six. In my opinion that is five spots too high.

First of all, this is Yankees verses the Red Sox in game 7. Who ever won obviously goes to the World Series for crying out loud. This was a rollercoaster ride of a series with emotions high from first pitch game 1 to Aaron Boone's final blast in game 7. Remember, game 3 of that series was Pedro Martinez throwing Don Zimmer to the ground after Manny Ramirez tried to charge the mound when Roger Clemens threw one up in the zone. Also remember it came nowhere near Manny's head. It was a heated series.In case you were wondering what games were ahead of this game you can check the list HERE. There were some great games ahead of this game, but they fail in comparison to game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. None of those games had the intense rivalry of Yankees and Red Sox. Remember, the Red Sox still hadn't won a World Series since 1918, and the Yankees wanted to squeeze at least one more championship in their dynasty run that started in 1996. I hate to admit it, but at that time, it would have been monumental in the city of Boston if the Red Sox had won that game 7 and advanced to play the upstart Florida Marlins in the World Series. For some weird reason, if you forgot what exactly happened in that game, here's a quick recap:
(photo: AP)
It was a rematch on the mound from game 3. Roger Clemens for the Yanks and Pedro Martinez for the Sox. Clemens had a rough outing as he lasted three plus innings, allowing homers to Kevin Millar and Trot Nixon, and thus the Yanks fell behind 4-0. But, an unsung hero in that game was Mike Mussina who made his first career relief appearence ever. (Photo: AP)
He got a huge double play from Johnny Damon to get out of the fourth, and he pitched a scoreless fifth and sixth inning to keep the Yanks in the game. Then DH, Jason Giambi, who was batting seventh, did his part to keep the Yankees in the game as he homered off of Pedro Martinez twice--one in the fifth and another in the seventh.The Sox added one more in the top of the eighth on a David Ortiz solo shot off of David "Boomer" Wells. But, come the bottom half, the wheels came off the bus for Pedro and the Red Sox. After a one out double by Derek Jeter and an RBI single slashed down the right field line by Bernie Williams, Red Sox manager Grady Little came out to the mound to talk to his ace right hander who was about to face Hideki Matsui. With lefty reliever Alan Embree and righty Mike Timlin warm in the Sox bullpen Little stuck with his 14 game winner. The move backfired and Matusi slashed a ground rule double to bring advance Bernie Williams to third. After getting Nick Johnson to lead off the inning, Pedro Martinez still hadn't recorded an out. Next came Jorge Posada. Still convinced his ace would get out of it, Little stuck with Pedro once again. And once again he failed. Posada blooped a double in front of Johnny Damon in center to send home Williams and Matsui, and the game was knotted at five. Little finally pulled Pedro and Embree and Timlin got out of further damage.

The Yankees and Red Sox traded zeros from the top of the ninth until the bottom of the 11th. Extra innings here we are and another hero in this game was Mariano Rivera. Mo once again came up big in the playoffs as he pitched three scoreless innings. But, come the bottom of the 11th, they didn't need him for the 12. Boston brought in knuckleballer Tim Wakefield to face third baseman Aaron Boone. Boone came on earlier in the game as a defensive replacement for Enrique Wilson. And on the first pitch he saw, Boone blasted a knuckleball placed on a tee by Wakefield deep in the left field seats. It was pandamonium in the Bronx that night as Boone was the hero for the Yankees, and sent the Red Sox home once again.

I mean, how could that not be the greatest game of all time? I know it wasn't in the World Series, but in my opinion, this was the biggest Yankees/Red Sox game ever. This was game 7, a chance to play in the Fall Classic. This is the greatest rivalry in sports and no other rivalry in any sport at any level compares to that of Yankees vs. Red Sox.

There were plenty of great games, but this one takes the cake. We salute you Jason Giambi, Mike Mussina, Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and of course Aaron Boone for your key contributions for this monumental win.



--Jesse Schindler, BYB Staff Writer




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WHY GODZILLA WAS OUR UNSUNG HERO

I was bored with nothing to do yesterday and I was going through my iPod, and being the insane Yankee fan I am, I have every game the Yankees won in the '09 World Series on it. I decided to turn on Game 6 to relive some of that old glory.

As Joe Buck and Tim McCarver were going through the Yankees lineup, I read Hideki Matsui's name in the 5 spot. All of a sudden, so many old memories went through my head to his first home run as a Yankee, that sweet Grand Slam, to his greatness in Game 6 of the '09 Series.

Most of you already know this stuff about Godzilla, and your probably wondering why I'm writing this, right? I just think Matsui is the unsung hero of the New York Yankees and there is so much credit he really and truly deserves.
Although he won the MVP in the 2009 World Series, the Yankees did not make any serious attempts to resign the Godzilla. That was a big mistake in my opinion, as he would have definitely been a better DH option for 2010 then Nick Johnson or Marcus Thames provided. In fact, he would have been a better option then Jorge Posada, as much as I hate saying that, as I respect Posada a whole hell of a lot.

Hideki was always a steady player, he, as well as other Japanese ballplayers such as Ichiro and a South Korean superstar named Shin Soo Choo, all display supreme consistency and discipline that most American or Hispanic ballplayers lack and that discipline goes all the way back to the Yomiuri Giants.
(Photo: Agence France-Presse)
Godzilla never really got into long slumps. He was a consistent high .200's- low .300's hitter as a Yankee. As you may have noticed, Hideki's swing was always the same and never had to be adjusted which explains his great mechanics as well.

He was never one of the Yankees biggest producers or MVP's like A-Rod or Jeter, but whenever the Yanks needed a big hit, he was almost always there to supply it. Being clutch is a huge part to being a ballplayer, and Hideki supplied that night in and night out.

Why do I love the Godzilla? Well, first of all, he was my brother Adam's favorite player on the Yankees ever since they signed him out of Japan and he was devastated when he went to the Angels. Secondly, because one day when I was at Barney's in New York just looking around, I turned around and there he was, Matsui himself. He was standing there looking at some ties with the woman whom I assume was his girlfriend at the time. I approached him and shook his hand, and although he didn't speak much English he looked at my Yankees hat and gave me a smile. I love him simply for those 5 seconds.

Godzilla definitely deserved more credit than he received, and I wish the Yankees had resigned him. To me, he was a proud Yankee when he wore the pinstripes and showed it every day. But that's just me getting sentimental. What do you think? Comment and let me know.



--Will Cohen, BYB Staff Writer

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TAKING CATCHING TO A NEW LEVEL

We've had some pretty bas ass catchers in our time. Yogi, Thurman, Girardi, Posada. All of which got dirty, kicked ass, yelled at umps on close plays, hell Posada even had words with Pedro Martinez.

Well, Russell Martin may be a bad ass, but he also paints his finger nails. Hmmm. Now, before we all get crazy, it's about helping his pitchers, I swear.(Photo: Martin's photo from Twitter)
Martin paints his nails so it's easier to read his signs. It's dark between his legs (that's what she said) and neon yellow is easy to see. My concern only concern is the opposing team stealing signs from second base. Should we be worried about that? Just asking, because I just don't know. I'm just thinking, say for example, Carl Crawford gets to second base in the next Yankees-Sox game, hard to believe, but possible. Could he see the signs from second?Now, no doubt I'm confident in Russell Martin right now. he's been throwing out base runners and has a hot bat. And Yes, it's true, back in February, I wrote a piece before Martin even played a pro game in Pinstripes called WHY #55 SHOULD NOT BE WORN because I'm a big Matsui fan and I was certained, no player should replace Matsui's #55 in the Bronx. Well, I like being wrong and Russell Martin clearly reads BYB because he's proved me wrong.

Russell, you do what you do best, kick ass like all the other great catchers in our Yankee history, and if you want to do it with painted nails, no one, and I mean NO ONE will judge you Sally...
er, um... I mean Russell. Go get'em bro.

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WHY HEART DRIVES RUSSELL MARTIN

(photo: Getty)
There isn’t any better way of putting it, Russell Martin is a New York Yankee because of his heart. This guy has been a pleasant surprise and while we wrote about Russell in WHY MARTIN’S A FACTOR, let’s be honest, no one really thought he would explode as well as he did.

The hardest part for Martin when he came to New York was his adjustment from the West coast to the East coast and working with an entirely new pitching staff while trying to adapt to the AL and calling games for the Yankees rotation. CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett were already pretty seasoned and established and know the routines of the Yanks. They may need advice, but for the most part, they have it under control. Although, it has been reported that Burnett absolutely loves Russell Martin and the way he calls a game. Burnett depends on Martin and Rothschild alot so, hey, for Martin, it's good to be wanted. As for the other pitchers, Hughes and Ivan Nova are the sponges, so working and teaching them may be a challenge for Russell, but youth usually absorbs all they can from their catcher. Then you have veterans in Garcia and Bartolo Colon and while they are seasoned pitchers, they are on their comeback tour, so, naturally they wanted to do what they can to thrive with their catcher.

Martin has been able to harness it into a pretty respectful group of pitchers. I’d say, so far, Martin has shined and life is good.

(photo: Getty)

In the batter’s box, Martin started off on fire and continues his assault. He’s been scorching the ball which basically means that the kid is comfortable where he is and confident he can do the job, whatever it may be.

Overall, Brian Cashman has to be hysterical right now...in a good way. Russell Martin may be the diamond in the ruff that the Yankees needed to jump start their 2011 season. I’ve said this a thousand times but it still rings true. Martin’s like Swisher was in 2009, under the radar, just another player and suddenly, his acquisition looks like one of the best moves made in the off-season. If Martin can continue his rampage and stay healthy, look for an All-Star pick by July and a new Yankee fan favorite will emerge, no doubt.

It was hard for me to see another 55 on the New York Yankees after the departure of Hideki Matsui, but I can say with confidence, Martin's his own guy and filling that number's shoes just wonderfully. Thank you Mr. Martin. Keep it up bro.

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WHY POSADA HAS SOMETHING TO PROVE

Adjusting to any position is difficult. For example, from outfield to first base is tricky. You go from shagging flies, sprinting to balls and sometimes not always getting action out there, then you could move to first and well, your now part of almost every single play in the game. You need to stay in front of the ball, keep your foot on the bag and be a Venus flytrap over there. It's busy. I'm going to be honest about this, I wondered what it would be like for Jorge Posada, who was a terrific catcher for so many years to now being a Designated Hitter with the Yankees in 2011. I was alittle worried. It's got to be strange for him. As a catcher, there's constant conversation about batters with your pitchers, you're reading the old Girardi binder, calling a game and there's plenty going on. The mind is racing always. Suddenly Posada's the Designated Hitter and there a lot more time between at bats. There's a lot of pacing, sitting, water breaks and Jorge probably feels he's not doing enough. He may feel helpless, like he's offering less to the ball club because he's been directly involved for so many years as a catcher and now his role seems diminished. The good news is Jorge still has a bat. It was evident against Detroit with his 2 home runs and 4 RBIs and it was last night when he cranked another out. Yes, getting adjusted to the DH role is tricky for a once very day active Posada, but if he can harness his energy correctly, he could be a driving force in the Yankees lineup. First off, Russell Martin's gonna have questions and Jorge knows the inner workings and can be Russell's teacher, a mentor in between at bats. "Look for this batter to swing at fastballs out" or "go inside on this guy". Teaching the tricks of the trade and knowing how each pitcher operates.And speaking of pitchers operating, Phil Hughes is a perfect example. No one knows Hughes better than Posada and I'm sure they spoke with Rothschild to try and figure out what happened to Hughes velocity yesterday. See? Posada, if he plans accordingly, can have the best of both worlds without even stepping behind the dish. Thirdly, now Posada has more time to think about his own at bats against the pitching he's seeing. There are definitely positives for Jorge Posada as a DH. If he rethinks his routine, I see Posada being incredibly valuable. Posada will just need to ease his mind, be a mentor when called upon and embrace the roll as DH.Put it this way, others in the past have had problems adjusting. Giambi couldn't hack it. Hideki Matsui took a while to adjust. Posada will be different. Why? Because Posada is no nonsense and he has something to prove to the Yankees organization and the fans. He's a Yankee for life and he will make it as a DH for sure... after all, he's the ultimate New York Yankee...Bleeding Yankee Blue, as always. Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

WHY #55 SHOULD NOT BE WORN

Look, I'm no fan of retiring numbers every time a Yankee player has a decent time in pinstripes, especially if the numbers don't reflect greatness. But based on what the Yanks invested in Hideki Matsui, I think it's safe to say they got a pretty good return on their investment and there should be some kind of temporary "hold" put on #55. Sometimes the Yankees don't offer certain numbers to players because of the career they had with the team. They do this, until they decide if or when a players number should be retired. I say think about doing it with #55. Here's why:

Matsui hit many home runs for the Bronx Bombers over his career. Yes, there were a few down years during the wrist injury, but hitting home runs was his job. During his Yankee career, the Yankees made it to the post season every year except 2008.

Godzilla finished his Yankee career like he started, kicking ass. In his first at bat on Opening day at Yankee Stadium in 2003, he hit a grand slam. Years later, in Game 6 verses the Phillies in 2009 and he finally got a championship with the Yankees by literally winning that game himself with 6 RBIs. (The 2009 World Series, Matsui hit .615 (8 for 13) with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs.)
At the end of Godzilla's career with the Yankees, he batted .292 and had 140 home runs after 7 years in the Bronx. Matsui was also a 2 time All Star in New York and received the 2009 World Series MVP award. Anyway, the crazy thing is the home runs. 140 and missed a lot of time with that wrist injury.

So, you're looking at that and saying it isn't enough, right? Well, look at this:

Number 21 was worn by "the Warrior". Paul O'Neill was a 4 time All Star with the Yankees and was part of 4 championships yes, bu,t at the end of Paul's career he batted .288. That's with the Yankees and the Reds. But in his Yankee career alone, these are his numbers: 185 home runs and batted a .303 average. That's 9 years on the Yanks.

No one wears #21. #55, in my eyes, needs to be in the same category.

It's weird to see Russell Martin wearing #55. Yes, it's his number since his days in Los Angeles, but on the Yankees, it's not. For me, it will always be Godzilla's. Think about it.

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

WHY TORRE IS A CLASS ACT

Joe Torre is a class act and the people he surrounds himself with are even classier. Last night's Joe Torre Gala is today's talk of the town. The stars were gracious, and the cause was and is courageous. The Safe at Home Foundation and Margaret's Place is headed up by Joe and Ali Torre and is about helping abused children and letting them know that they have someone to talk to. No child, or adult who's abused or has witnessed abuse is not alone. Bravo to the Torre family for such a terrific event.


Derek Jeter was honored last night for being a leader and positive role model for children. Damn, what can I say about this guy, he's the man. Even if you wanted to dislike him, you really can't, his date last night was his grandmother. That alone just got him 1OOO more fans.

Garth Brooks and Bernie Williams performed, Lorraine Bracco, James Lipton, Bobby Valentine, Todd Zeile and Brian Cashman were also there. Cash was literally on his phone all night.

I get it Cash, go get Lee. Lee Mazzilli was there. Love that dude. Suzyn Waldman was there but I never found her. Goodness Gracious . I did see John Sterling and for a brief moment, it was funny, he stood up and looked around and I think right at that instant he had no idea where he was. Then it registered and he walked out of the room briefly.

I met Mariano, Al Leiter, O'Neill, John Franco and Matsui. All standup guys. Godzilla even signed a ball for my kid.

Jeter made a few jokes about his contract and it got huge applause. Matsui suggested Jeet and Mariano and he go to play in Japan because they were all Free Agents. He killed. Funny stuff.

So, why am I telling you this? Because sometimes you just have to sit back and take it all in. I looked around the room and I saw grown men and women standing around tables watching the celebrities eating, me included. It was like being in a zoo. We all waited for the moment when the plate was clean and the pictures could start again and let me say this, it was probably very annoying for them, but all of them, every single celebrity there couldn't have been more patient and gracious to their fans. Classy. I watched Jeter look at Torre at their table trying to talk, but the crush of people was just too great. Occasionally, they would stop, sign a few things, shake a few hands and take a few pictures and the whole time I'm watching in awe thinking "What a balancing act". I was impressed. I AM impressed. I've met Jeter once in my life, Torre 4 times. I find them both to be truly remarkable people. Both have foundations, both give back, both live in a fish bowl but maintain their cool, focus on their life, but balance it with putting a smile on a fan's face once in a while.

Finally, I need to mention this for my Mets friend Dan. I have never been a Mets fan, and over the years, I've managed to like individual players in the Mets organization rather then the club as a whole. If you've ever thought it was impossible to hang out with a celebrity like a "regular" person, you've never hung out with Todd Zeile, Al Leiter and John Franco. Three of the most regular dudes around. I was impressed. Leiter talks to you like the two of you went to high school together. Its kind of comforting.

A salute to the Torre Family. The Safe at Home Foundation is a terrific charity. Bravo to you Joe and Ali. Well done.

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.