Joseph Gallo

With Boston’s 5-4 victory over Cleveland last night (screw you Cliff Lee), the chance at returning to the postseason for the 14th straight season officially vanished for the Yankees.  Yankee fans have known this day was coming for a few weeks now, but you never know how you will feel until it actually happens.  As a Yankee fan you do feel some frustration when you look at the standings and see that Boston only leads by 6 games (with 3 head-to-head remaining), and then you think of all the games that should have been won back in April and May.  Still perhaps this will be an October where Yankee fans can finally relax and enjoy the remaining 8 teams who are battling to be number one.  Perhaps no tv remotes will be broken this October and no dents will be imbedded into the walls….that is unless the Redsox win the World Series again.

Also now that the Yankees are officially eliminated, we know that Sunday’s game against Baltimore was the final game ever played on that hallowed ground known as Yankee Stadium.  Luckily I was able to attend, and although it was a long day (nearly 12 hours in the Bronx), it was definitely a memorable one.  I’m going to give you a run though of what I enjoyed and what I found disappointing on Sunday night in Part 1 of this blog entry, and then conclude the blog with my Top 10 moments at Yankee Stadium.  My top moments will be in Part 2, which will be posted sometime tomorrow. 

Disappointments

Something many fans were looking forward to was having the opportunity to walk on the warning track around Yankee Stadium, which was open to any fan who had a ticket between the hours of 1pm-4pm.  I figured there would be a large line for this, however I figured incorrectly that if I reached the gates around 1 that I’d make it in to see Monument Park and grace the field with my presence.  However while the Yankees excel in putting a fine product on the field for the fans, they lack severely in customer service.  From what I’ve heard there was a line around the stadium as early as 10am to get inside, and since they didn’t push the fans along briskly through Monument Park, anyone who lined up after 1pm was not getting in.  Although I waited in line for 45 minutes and listened as numerous employees apologized and promise we’d get in, eventually the annoucement came that Monument Park was full and they weren’t allowing anyone else in.  So much for being open between 1pm and 4pm.

And since it was 2:30 at this time and the bleachers didn’t open until 4pm, myself and Lou the Greek walked over to the players entrance and watched as our favorite Yankees arrived in their $80,000 cars.  To be honest this was probably more fun than waiting in line in Monument Park.  I’ll see Monument Park next year when its open to all fans in the stadium, and anyone can walk on the field if they sign up for a stadium tour which is only $20.  Instead I got to see Spike Lee kiss every players ass that walked by him, a bomb sniffing dog check a bag left behind by a Japanese photographer who rushed inside after Hideki Matsui and Joba Chamberlain come outside to sign some autographs.  I didn’t feel the need to fight through dozen’s of people to get Joba’s autograph, because earlier after being shunned from Monument Park, I got my picture taken with Joba’s father, Harlan Chamberlain! 

Aside from that PR nightmare, the only other problem I had with the night (aside from a group of idiots behind be who boo’d Arod and argued with me that they rather have Scott Brosius on their team than A-Rod) was the Yankees snubbing Roger Clemens and Joe Torre in their player introductions.  Granted Clemens is public enenemy #1 in sports right now, but it’s a bit hypocritical to ignore Clemens when you trot Giambi out there to play first base everyday.  I’ve read Clemens was hurt by this and honestly I don’t blame him.  As for Torre, well I’m sure these little shots at him will continue until he finally returns to the stadium in say 5-10 years.  The same thing happened with Roger Maris, as well as Yogi Berra for over 10 years in the late 80s and early 90s. 

Oh and the fans were only given a magnet that said Yankee Stadium: 1923-2008 when we entered the stadium.  And all I could think to myself was “this is it, not even a freaking pin, cheap!”. 

Highlights

Okay where do I begin, well I already mentioned taking my picture with Harlan Chamberlain.  I wasn’t going to bother approaching the crowd that surronded him, but after being rejected from entering the stadium, I figured why not.  He was extremely friendly and very patient with all the fans who were crowding him for autogrpahs and pictures.  Plus he was nice enough to pose doing the patent Chamberlain fist pump in our picture.  Then to see Joba be the only player to come out to sign autographs, well it makes you realize how nice it is to have the Chamberlain family be apart of the Yankee organization.  Kevin Millar gave the fans a wave and promised to come back out after he changed as well, but I was long gone by then.  Although Yankee fans give Millar a hard time, there’s something between him and the Yankee fans, I don’t know maybe its a twisted form of respect. 

Afterwards I headed inside to watch batting practice, and was able to get a spot right on the railing, which was great because I got a great view of the players screwing (namely Phil Coke and Damaso Marte) around in the outfield and was able to shake Reggie Jackson’s hand when he walked by.  Reggie up close is really showing his age, but I’ll give him credit for acknowledging the fans.  And of course Spike Lee was attached to his ass, as he must be lonely since there aren’t many Knick fans left for him to talk to.

After 6 hours of waiting around, the pregame ceremonies finally began.  Personally I enjoyed every second of it, although I’ve read a few columns of people complaining that it was too much like old timers day or the All-Star game celebration.  To a degree that is true, but the bottom line was Sunday night was for the fans, and the fans always enjoy cheering their hero’s in person.  The actors dressed as former Yankee players was a bit cheesy, but it was kind of cool to stare down into centerfield and see the #5 looking back at me. 

Aside from the Torre & Clemen’s omissions, I think the organization did a nice job including all the past and present Yankee greats, although I could have done without Jesse Barfield being included with the greats of right field.  The Derek Jeter chants were running rampant, and it’s clear to me that in 20 years or so Jeter will probably be remembered as the most revered Yankee of all time, surpassing Mantle, Mattingly, O’neill or whomever else holds that title as of today.  Some of the biggest cheers came for Phil Rizzuto and his wife Cora, Bobby Murcer and his family, Mickey Mantle and his son, Reggie Jackson, Scott Brosius, Tino Martinez, Paul O’Neill (who would have received the biggest if not for….) and Bernie Williams. 

Bernie finally made his return after a 2 year absence, and the fans let him know they were glad to have him back.  There was a rumor floating around the stadium that Williams may play an inning of the actual game in centerfield, however that proved to be false.  I feel bad for anyone who couldn’t enjoy the ceremonies, because whether you like the Yankees or not it was a special night for the game.  I still hear people argue that “the ceremony was more about the players than the stadium” but to me the stadium is just concrete and bricks.  What makes the stadium such a magical place are the people that play there and the fans that voice their displeasure and their joy.  We are losing our place to enjoy the game we love, but next April we will have a new home, which will eventually be filled with moments and memories which will last another 100 years. 

Oddly the game which was basically an exhibition had a playoff feel to it.  I’ve only been to one playoff game in my life (last year’s loss to Cleveland) but the fans seemed far more into Sunday Night than they did last year.  The electricity in the air definitely had a World Series feel to it, as if the fans were saying if we are not making the playoffs, at least win the last game at Yankee Stadium.  

And finally we were given one last chance to say good-bye after the game, as Derek Jeter addressed the fans with a heart felt speech and then led the team on a lap around the field (which at this time was surronded by riot cops and men on horseback).  It was a strange moment because it felt like we were saying good-bye forever, which is somewhat true since the stadium will be no more, but yet the team is obviously not going anywhere.  What I’ll remember the most from those last few minutes (aside from the fan who made a Barry Sanders like run past 10 cops and a horse before taking a beating worse than the NY Stock Market) was watching all the players surrond the mound and scoop up dirt for their own private collection.  And the last picture I saw on the scoreboard before heading through that tunnel one last time was Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada posing together for a picture, which was only fitting since these 4 are the only remaining players of the dynasty teams which kept the stadium alive the past few seasons. 

That’s it for Part I, be sure to catch my top moments at Yankee Stadium in Part II tomorrow.  Thoughts or comments can be sent to josephgallo@sportstalkbuzz.com.  Again if you have any memories you’d like to share, leave them below or send me an email and I’ll be sure to include them in tomorrow’s blog.  Until then, see ya!.

Joseph Gallo

I’ve been reading all sorts of articles and blogs the past few weeks where writers and fans have been giving their ideas on how to improve the 2009 Yankees. I’m not going to get into how the team should be re-constructed this offseason (I’ll save that for another time), but I think people are getting a tad bit carried away with how much free money the Yankees will have to spend in the offseason.

Granted it’s true the Yankees can probably spend whatever they want, since they happen to play in the largest media market in the world and they have a brand spanking new stadium opening up which mine as well be called ATM Park. However Yankee GM Brian Cashman does work on a budget, and over the years he’s tried to keep the payroll under control by developing young affordable players instead of chasing over the hill veterans via free agency. As of today the Yankee payroll sits at about 207 million dollars, give or take depending on where you look. I’ve heard people suggest the Yankees can add two big ticket free agents if they please since the payroll will drop by almost 100 million dollars. However I’d like to be the voice of reason and show that that belief isn’t necessarily true.

Let’s take a look at who could leave the Yankees in two weeks, and how much of their money is cleared from the books:

1) Jason Giambi: 2008 Salary: 21 million, 2009 Status: 22 million dollar option ($5m buyout)

- I think its safe to say Giambi won’t have his option picked up. While I can see how he’d be a tad bit tempting to keep as an everyday DH, it would benefit the yankees best to let him walk and pick up the Type B draft pick he’ll provide. Savings for 2009: 15 million

2) Pudge Rodriguez/Kyle Farnsworth: 2008 Salary: 11 million/5.5 million, 2009 Status: Free Agent

- I doubt Farnsworth will be resigned, even though there were a few watery eyes when he left in July. There were thoughts that Pudge could return as a backup in 2009 until Posada is 100% healthy, but his 2008 audition has eliminated any chance of that. Savings for 2009: 5.5 million

3) Bobby Abreu: 2008 Salary: 16 million, 2009 Status: Free Agent

- He shouldn’t be allowed to play the outfield anymore, as he ranks among the worst in baseball in right field. His bat has come on strong late in the season, but he doesn’t hit for enough power or consistency to be the everyday DH in my opinion. Also you’ve already got Matsui in the DH spot, and Nady can slide to right while Damon takes over left everyday, so I’d let Abreu walk this off season. Besides he should net the Yankees two first round draft picks. Not to mention there’s been a lot of talk about the clique he’s formed with Cano and Melky, although who knows how true that all is. 2009 Savings: 16 million

4) Andy Pettitte: 2008 Salary: 16 million, 2009 Status: Free Agent

- I’m a huge Andy Pettitte fan, however his performance in the second half this year has been brutal. He’s stated he really wants to return in 2009, but I’d say that all depends on whether or not he’s completely lost his ability to pitch or whether he’s seriously injured. If the shoulder is what’s causing him to struggle (as has been reported lately), and he’s healthy next Spring, then I say bring him back at a reduced rate. However if he really has lost it, then any money you give him would be the equivalent of flushing it down the toilet. He won’t pitch anywhere else other than NY in 2009, so the Yankees won’t get any draft picks for him. I’ll assume Sunday is his last start as a Yankee. 2009 Savings: 16 million

5) Mike Mussina: 2008 Salary: 11 million, 2009 Status: Free Agent

- Going into this season I would have bet a million bucks this would be it for Mike Mussina. Now, well he could get a 2 or even a 3 year deal. However I think the Yankees bring him back on some type of 1 year deal with an option for 2. Especially since Hughes, Kennedy and Joba are no lock for the 2009 rotation as of today. Assuming however he retires or signs elsewhere, 2009 Savings: 11 million

6) Carl Pavano: 2008 Salary: 11 million, 2009 Status: 13 million dollar option ($1.95m buyout)

- I’ve heard some suggest, and I even considered it myself that they could bring him back and then try to trade him for a player or two. Because as terrible as he’s been, chances are Pavano will still see 2 year offers this fall probably totaling about $10 million dollars. So after paying him and getting nothing in return for 4 years, perhaps now that he’s healthy (we think) the Yankees can finally get something from him. Still I think the organization has had enough with Carl, and a clean break would best suit both parties. Thus say goodbye to the man who will be regarded as the most hated Yankee (although Kevin Brown is close) of the past 20 years. 2009 Savings: 9.05 million

Okay so there you have 6 big contracts which give the Yankees a grand total of $73.5 million dollars coming off the books. They could perhaps trim a few more dollars off if they non-tender Wilson Betemit and a few other fringe minor leaguers, however as you can see that figure isn’t close to the $100 million dollar amount some people have been mentioning.

Now let’s briefly look at who’s coming back next season:

A-Rod: $32 million (which is a $5 million dollar increase from 2008)

Jeter: $20 million

Rivera: $15 million

Posada: $13.1 million

Damon: $13 million

Matsui: $13 million

Wang: $4 million (shouldn’t increase much at all during arbitration)

Nady: N/A (he made $3.35 million this season, and you can bet that will increase to around $6 million or more after arbitration)

Cano: $6 million

Marte: $6 million (I could have included him above, as the yankees hold an option on his 6 million, however I wouldn’t be surprised to see them pick up the option since lefties are a hot commodity)

Molina: $2 million

Remaining: Then you have the list of players who make under $1 million dollars, such as Hughes, Joba, Cabrera, Kennedy, Ramirez, Bruney, Veras, etc. So let’s just add them all up to about $4 million.

So without the 6 mentioned above, as of today the Yankee payroll for 2009 stands at about $135 million dollars.

However then you add in the players who may be resigned such as Mussina at probably about the same salary (11), Pettitte who could come back at half of what he made this year (8) and Abreu at a reduced rate (10). Then you have to figure at least 1 big free agent will be signed, whether its Teixeira, Sabathia, Burnett or M. Ramirez. So let’s just estimate about $20 million dollars on one of those guys. In case you’re wondering that would put the team at about $185 million. Then figure they have to find either a new first baseman or another starting pitcher (depending on who they sign), so in total I have them coming in at just under $200 million for 2009.

That doesn’t seem like a huge drop off to me. But perhaps I’m bringing back to many guys or just overestimating. Again I hope Cashman (or whomever comes in) can do their best to lower the payroll and field a competitive team, but then again after missing the playoffs and getting a new credit card, Hank may just spend $300 million.

That’s it from me today, please send you thoughts or comments to my NEW email address josephgallo@sportstalkbuzz.com. Join me either Sunday or Monday as I say good-bye to the old/renovated Yankee Stadium by giving you a countdown of my personal favorite memories over the past few decades. If you have any that you think I should definitely include, or just want to share an experience you had and enjoyed, just email me and I’ll be sure to mention them. Enjoy the weekend!

Joseph Gallo

With baseball, or any sport in this regard, fans tend to overreact and the media tends to exaggerate.  You really can’t fault either side for their knee jerk reactions, because fans become emotionally and to a degree financially involved in their team, while the media has to create an interesting story for the reader so they can sell newspapers.  However since as a blogger I don’t have to sell anything, and as a fan I try to stay level headed, I can observe these two groups and laugh when they declare the sky is falling.

No one can dispute that the 2008 season has been a disappointment for the New York Yankees, but I have seen fans and the media take it to the extreme by calling the 2008 Yankees a “colossal disappointment” or a “massive failure”.   I find this comical because they are really exaggerating, because with a few lucky breaks and fewer injuries, the 2008 Yankees could have been a playoff team.  Currently with 12 games remaining in the season, the Yankees sit at 80-70, which leaves them 9 games out of the wild card & first place in the AL East.  Compared to this point during the 2007 season the Yankees were 85-64, which put them in possession of the wild card, and only 4 games behind the Boston Redsox for 1st place in the AL East.

Does the difference of 6 games take a team from being a World Series contender to being a mammoth failure?  I mean it’s true that certain players on the Yankees have underperformed this year.  People love to point the finger at A-Rod for not putting up the same numbers he did last year, but is that really fair?  I mean how often does anyone in the majors replicate the offensive production he put up last year?  If anything they should cut him some slack because his back must still be hurting from carrying this team into October in 2007.

Then take into account Jeter’s slight drop in production (OPS+ of 121 to 108), the artist formerly known as Robinson Cano, the season ending injury to Chien-Ming Wang, the loss of Matsui for 3 months and zero wins from 2/5th’s of the opening day starting rotation and I’m sure you can find your 6 fewer wins. 

I don’t mean for this to sound like I’m making excuses, because I’m not.   Over a 162 game season all teams suffer injuries and setbacks, but I just want to make the point for whomever is reading this that they shouldn’t get caught up in all the anger and hatred of the 2008 season being a failure of epic proportions talk because there isn’t much at all that separates the 2007 Yankees and the 2008 Yankees.  The offense may be worse but the pitching has actually been better, believe it or not (runs scored vs. allowed in ‘07: 871-710 & in ‘08: 723-688).

The main difference however comes from the other AL East teams, mainly the Tampa Bay Rays.  The Rays won 66 games last season, this year they’ve already won 88.  Toronto will pass last years total of 83 wins while Baltimore will also pass their 69 wins from 2007.  Bottom line is the AL East is much improved, which is making life far more difficult for the evil empire.  If the Yankees won’t to return to the playoffs in 2009 and beyond, they will need to upgrade their offense and keep their pitchers healthy going forward.  Also they need to continue to develop young players from their minor league system instead of throwing money (which they haven’t done as much lately) at the big ticket free agents.  Because in my opinion the main reason the American League in general has become more competitive is because the small market teams have been able to put more money into their scounting and development programs, money that has come directly from George Steinbrenner’s pocket thanks to the luxury tax and revenue sharing.  So I say let’s not loose our heads here.  The 2008 season has been disappointing for the Yankees, but the franchise is not folding out of embarrassment anytime soon either.  They will be back and competitive in 2009, the question is will they improve enough to make up the 6+ wins they lost from 2007 to 2008?

Minor League News

- Congratulations to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees and the Trenton Thunder, both of whom captured their respective league championships earlier this week.  Managers Dave Miley of Scranton and Tony Franklin of Trenton both did an excellent job steering their teams towards a championship (especially Franklin, as this makes back to back championships for him with Trenton) despite having to consistently juggle their rotations and lineups due to trades and mid-season call-ups.  There isn’t a lot of glory in managing a minor league team, but both should be able to hold their heads up high today.  And for Yankee prospect followers out there, you’ll be happy to hear that CF Prospect Austin Jackson was named the Eastern League Finals MVP.

Scranton’s season is not finished however, as they will participate in a one game showdown with the Pacific Coast League’s champion the Sacramento Rivercats (Oakland’s AAA team) tonight @ 7:05 pm on ESPN2.  The game will take place at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City and is known as the Bricktown Showdown to determine the best team in AAA.  It would be especially sweet to see the Yankees win this game since the game’s best player is presented with the Baseball America Bobby Murcer MVP Award.  My money is on Shelley Duncan, although the Rivercats will be extremely tough to beat since their outfield consist of former major leaguers Carlos Gonzalez, Travis Buck and Chris Denorfia.  And as if Yankee fans needed any more incentive to watch, Ian Kennedy will be the starting pitcher for Scranton.  So be sure to catch some of this as you flip between the Yankee game in hopes of seeing Jeter pass Lou Gehrig for most hits ever at Yankee Stadium.

In other News:

- Congratulations also to Jorge Posada, who apparently received his MD while rehabbing over the past few months.  If you haven’t heard by now, Posada stated yesterday during the taping of his episode on YES’s Centerstage (WITH MICHAEL KAY!) that Joba should stay in the bullpen because he’ll get hurt as a starter.  It’s nice to know that Posada is a shoulder specialist and can foresee future injuries, perhaps now the Yankees can configure their 2009 rotation without any worries. 

Seriously though I’m really tired of talking about this, and hopefully the players keep quiet and allow management to make their decision on what to do with Joba (*cough* STARTER *cough*).  And before you give me the whole “players know what’s going on” speech, let me remind you that the players know whats going on with themselves and thats it.  These are the same players that felt Jason Varitek and Joe Crede were worthy of All-Star spots this year.  I love you Jorge but pipe down and worry about yourself coming back at 100% next spring.  And if you don’t want to listen to what I say, just ask Joba how he feels.  This is courtesy of Peter Abraham at lohud.com:

Chatted a bit informally after the game with Joba Chamberlain. He’s really sick and tired of the whole debate over his role. To Joba, it’s pretty simple. He has been a starter all his life until last July. You know why he’s a good reliever? Because he’s a good starter. He wants to start, period.  The Yankees might have to finagle this a bit next season. But if they put him in the bullpen, he’s not going to be happy.

- Amusing fact of the day: Robinson Cano’s father, Jose Cano’s (who played 6 games in the majors for the Houston Astros in 1989) actual name is Joselito (”José”) Canó Soriano.  Am I the only one that finds it amusing that both Robinson Cano and Alfonso Soriano were both seen as untouchable Yankee second basemen for their first 3 seasons in NY, before the fans wanted them traded because they were viewed as lazy and refused to take a walk.  Maybe on second though we should hold on to Cano for a little while longer, unless of course Cashman can pull off another miracle and trade him for Albert Pujols.

Okay that’s it from me today’s, enjoy the last two weeks of the season which should provide us with a few close races.  Thoughts and comments can be sent to jvg019@yahoo.com.  Later.