One guy's career that I've followed is Todd Zeile. Mr. Zeile played for the Cardinals, the Mets, and even the Yankees among several others. Not only was he a stand up guy, giving Bleeding Yankee Blue an interview, he also gave us some pretty interesting and surprising answers to our questions. It was a pleasure to talk with Todd Zeile, and we're are pleased to release Bleeding Yankee Blue interview with him for all of you. Enjoy!
BYB: You started your baseball career as a catcher with the Cardinals. At the time, Joe Torre was the manager and it’s been reported that he thought you were a true talent and wanted you more utilized so he suggested you play first or third base. First off, is this true, and secondly, describe your relationship with Joe Torre then and now?
BYB: You were with the Mets in 2000 with Al Leiter. Tell me about the World Series that year and what is was like playing at Yankee Stadium against your cross town rivals?
Jason Giambi's awesome. Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte helped me hone in on my golf skills on the road. The team was filled with classy guys and great players.
Todd Zeile: I wasn't upset about the way it was handled, I was actually appreciative to be given an opportunity to go somewhere to play every day. I pleaded with Joe to let me go...Robin had been traded and Aaron Boone was playing third at the time. I got a chance to go to Montreal and had a great month plus with a hungry team fighting for a playoff spot.
Todd Zeile: That's tough...I was a Dodger fan, so I watched them as a kid, and admired Steve Garvey, and emulated his hitting approach. However, I was also a catcher, and Johnny Bench was the best, so I was a little conflicted.
BYB: A lot of people don’t know this but you’re married to another famous athlete, Olympic Gold Medalist Julianne McNamara. She was the first American Gymnast to receive a perfect 10.0 Right? How did you 2 meet?
We just shot his Roast for Comedy Central, which will air tonight, 9/19 at 10 pm. It is epic...and will be a huge success. If you watch, you might see a familiar name scroll through the end credits as Co-Executive Producer.
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.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.
THE MALE FANA lot of positive response from BYB fans and Yankee fans alike who got a kick out of Christy Lee’s piece titled WHAT IS A YANKEE GROUPIE? THE FEMALE FAN from last week. Many asked though, why is it only targeting the women? Let’s be honest, everything Christy laid out is true, many women fall into these 3 categories… The Diva, the Cougar, the SuperFan, but the reality is, men have their own titles and categories. Us Yankee fans are a large community with all different personalities and that’s what makes us great. We’re like the Smurfs, except there are a ton of Smurfettes that want Derek Jeter to themselves. So while there are a ton of Yankee women who fall into say the "Cougar" category at the stadium, men have titles too:
"The Frat Boy": This guy usually stays until the last inning but doesn’t watch a moment of the game. He’s usually starts off wearing his Giambi or Munson jersey, not buttoned, and by the end of the night, it's off. He usually has his hat on backwards and that's usually missing or in his back pocket late in the game too. He walks around the stadium all game razzing non-Yankee fans and getting true Yankee fans pumped. He’s the guy that shouts down attractive rival female fans, but the reality is, he wants to bang them and in his intoxicated mind, he thinks his shouting is flirting with those ladies. Fans with kids at the game usually want to hide their kids from this guy, but they end up letting them watch the comedy unfold. Cops will approach these characters at least once if not more, but because they're Yankee fans, they are usually just told to tone it down. The frat boy usually has a seat but never sits in it, he’s just constantly drinking his $10 beer, walking around and yelling “Let’s go Yankees!” They’re alittle embarrassing, yet a staple in the Stadium and it wouldn’t be the same if they weren’t there.
"The Possum": This is the fan that wants to be "The Frat Boy" so badly, but will instead wear his perfect Yankee cap and talk trash about the crappy opposing teams fans to his friends, but won't razz the same fans he's bitching about because he doesn't want any trouble. Quite simply, he's really there to enjoy the game, but is a wanna be tough guy. He also will have a collared shirt under his nicely pressed pinstriped jersey, usually wearing Mussina or Pettitte.
"The Sign Guy": This fan is always at the stadium and comes equipped with a sharpie and poster paper and always has the American Flag for the 7th inning that he drapes over 15 fans and shares holding it with a Yankee fan he never met before in his life. It doesn’t matter, they’re both there for the same thing, they’re looking for a Yankee win. He’s the guy that comes up with creative ways to get on camera, making signs that say “I play the Michael Kay drinking game” or uses the Captain from Capt. Crunch cereal as the “K” for when CC pitches. He's the guy that would quickly make a sign that reads "Pedroia, say hello to your mother for me" if his original sign with Ortiz's name didn't apply because of a last minute scratch from the lineup. Bottom line, it's all about topical signage at the stadium for this guy, and he's great at it.
"The Nerd": Yeah, every game has one, the guy who has the radio earplug in his ear, his faded Yankee cap from the 70’s and a stat book keeping track of the game and listening to the radio play by play at a live sporting event. You really have to respect it because there have been times where if the crowd get’s too loud, he will literally turn to the crowd and "shhhhhh" them like they're in a library. It’s always a bizarre scene, but without these guys at the game, it isn’t really a game now, is it?
Let’s Go Yankees!
On December 13, 2001, a freshly shaved, short-haired Jason Giambi (#25) signed a 7-year contract with the New York Yankees. The slugger from the Oakland A’s became a staple in the New York Yankees’ lineup, much to Oakland’s dismay. Giambi was a top hitter, and considered to be the team leader, losing Giambi was a devastating blow for Oakland.
Oakland’s loss was New York’s gain. By 2002, he led the MLB for the second consecutive year in reaching base. His stats boasted a .314 batting average, 122 RBI’s, 109 walks, and included 15 hit-by pitches. He also hit an unbelievable walk-off grand slam against the Twins in extra innings, a game that Yankee fans won’t soon forget.
Jason Giambi’s Major League debut was on May 8, 1995, with the Oakland A’s, where he played until 2001 when he signed with the Yankees.. His career is mostly known for his hitting, but Giambi has also played the outfield, and first and second bases when needed. He was also a frequent designated hitter until signing with the National League. His all around, award winning performances have earned him praise in the MLB community, but there’s also been some controversy after being named in the PED (Performance-Enhancing Drugs) scandal involving many MLB players. In 2004, he was diagnosed with a benign tumor that put him on the Yankees’ disabled list from July to September. None of this seemed to put a stop to Giambi’s determination on the field. In July 2005, he hit his 300th home run, tying Mickey Mantle’s home run record. By the end of the season, he led the league in walks, on-base percentage, and hit 32 home runs. He was also named the American League Comeback Player of the Year.
By 2007, Giambi’s numbers started to dip due to injuries, and in 2008, the Yankees declined the option and his contract, making Giambi a free agent. He played for the Oakland A’s until 2009, where he also recorded his 400th home run. However, his low batting average and time on the disabled list was enough for Oakland to release Giambi, who then signed with the Colorado Rockies, where he remains today. He is enjoying resurgence in his career, and on May 19, 2011, he became the second oldest player to hit three home runs in three at bats in one game.
(Photo: SI)
(Photo: AP)
(Photo: AP)
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.
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)
(Photo: AP)
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.
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.
So many memories from that crazy game! I am so glad Aaron Boone ended it in the 11th for two reasons: 
P.S. Feel free to let me know where you rank this game in your all time list in the comment box below or hit me on twitter @MikeyBlue2323
--Mikey Blue BYB Senior Writer
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 can't the Yankees just play baseball? Why can't Yankee fans just enjoy their players? I'll tell you why, because columnists and baseball know-it-alls like Peter Gammons and Tom Verducci need to rain on our parade, always. The latest? "Oh No, Mark Teixeira's on the decline"... brought to you by our friend Tom Verducci.Let's take a look at 2009. Mark started off slow, but ended with great numbers, so great, you didn't even notice the slow start. He batted .292, had 39 home runs and 122 RBI's. To me, that looks terrific.
In 2010, Mark struggled. OK, fair enough, players struggle sometimes. It's baseball. It's life. Even sports writer's struggle sometimes, like this article from Tom Verducci, it's terrible. My point? You get back up and do it again, and better yourself next time.
But back to my point, In 2010, Mark batted .256 AVG, 32 home runs, and 108 RBI's. For an average player, the batting average isn't great, but those home run and RBI's are nice.
Now, one thing IS important. Strikeout total. Mark's striking out a lot more. Early in his career, he struck out over 100 times the first 5 seasons of his career, that dropped by to under 100 in 2008 and then it rose again when he joined the Yankees, 114 in 2009, 122 in 2010. That tells me he's either not seeing the ball great, and/or mechanics are an issue, but that's where Kevin Long comes in, like I said earlier. That's why Kevin's there Tom. You don't just tell a veteran he needs to change his swing one day and make a drastic change. You need to watch him consistently, take notes on the bad, and approach and fix the problem. Guess what, that's what Kevin Long is about to do.
Look, every player has a bad season, Jeter, A-Rod... it happens, but Mark Teixeira is not on the decline. The dude is 31 years old. Is this what we're doing now? A bad season equals a decline? Verducci's a smart guy, but I don't buy it.
Verducci recently spoke with Kevin Long about Teixeira. Kevin Long said he'll be working with Tex on his mechanics and slow starts. OK, Tom, again, that's obvious, a hitting coach will usually work with a player who sucks the year before, even Jeter's doing that. The fear, according to Mr. Verducci, is that if Teixeira fails to make these adjustments there is a real danger that his age will catch up with him and he’ll become the next Jason Giambi. OMG. Mark Teixeira is not going to end up another Jason Giambi. We are comparing to totally different players.
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