Hypocrisy knows no end and the saga of Joe Torre is living proof. Am I calling Torre a hypocrite? Absolutely not. I think he's a genuine person who carries himself with integrity. What I am referring to is the way that literally thousands of people can resort to revisionist history to suit themselves.
Prior to the 1996 baseball season, the hiring of Joe Torre by the Yankees was almost universally questioned and criticized. The tabloids tactlessly referred to him as “Clueless Joe”. His managerial record was atrocious during his stints as skipper of the Mets, Braves and Cardinals. He had the reputation of being a good human being who was a bad manager due to a simplistic and passive style of leadership (hence the title of Clueless). Quite frankly the description of Joe the person still remains exactly the same. How is it though, that after 12 seasons with the Yankees many of these same people now contend that he is a great manager?
I’ll tell you why. To their many legions of haters, everyday is a great day to criticize the Yankees. On top of that, this is exactly the type of story the media will exploit to no end.
Ask yourself this. Why is it that the majority of people who now defend Joe Torre are not fans or even followers of the Yankees? I may not have conducted a Gallup poll but I do know LOTSof Yankees fans. Most of the ones I know aren’t disappointed to see Joe go. Sad perhaps but not angry. Somebody will no doubt tell me that these Yankees fans are not upset to see him leave because Yankees fans are… and always have been… total A-Holes. Yeah, that’s a great argument…but bring it if that’s all you got. Besides, that would only serve to reinforce my point about the blind hatred of all things Yankee that so many have.
I remember when the team was on its run of 4 World Series titles in 5 seasons. The common perception of Joe Torre was that he was not an elite manager and that a #### could lead the club. The team had great players and anything they were lacking could be easily attained using their vast finances. All Torre had to do was kick up his feet, get caught picking his nose on camera at least twice a game, collect his check and enjoy the ride. The Yankees were the Evil Empire, they were “ruining” baseball by winning all the time and it had nothing to do with the ability of “Clueless Joe” (their words not mine).
Now that New York hasn’t won a title for 7 straight seasons Joe Torre suddenly becomes a great... no make that legendary manager. Somebody please explain to me how that works. His teams win in the late 90s and according to his critics he had little or nothing to with it. Since 2001 Torre’s teams lose and these same pundits claim the players are a bunch of overpaid bums that are wasting the efforts of their divine leader. The fact that he managed the team to post-season appearances every year of his tenure is now proof of his abilities, but it wasn'tbefore? WHAT?!?!?!
It doesn’t matter if the Yankees win or lose because no matter what the situation there are those who will look to discredit someone or something within the organization. When they were on top Torre got zero props. Now that the team keeps falling short these same people use Torre as a means to take pot shots at the players. Hate the Yankees all you want but at least keep your stories straight. Torre is the same manager he always has been… and that would be an average one.
The fact that so many Yankees players spoke up for Torre should surprise no one. For Jeter, Posada and Rivera he is practically the onlymanager they have ever known. They briefly played for Buck Showalter in 1995 but that was as late season call-ups. Other players would support him too. Why wouldn’t they? He doesn’t get on their backs when they play poorly and he lets them do their thing. He’s an emotional fatherly figure with a kind heart. How could they dislike him? They certainly wouldn’t blame him, nor should they have.
I’m not saying that teams need to fear their managers or love them to be successful. Ultimately it is a working relationship or at least it should be. Things obviously haven’t been working in Yankees Land during the last 7 post-seasons. You know... the land where only a championship will do. Yeah, if that were the case then Joe would have been axed no later than after the 2003 World Series loss to the Florida Marlins. Just pointing that out since "championship or bust" is another misconception Yankees haters harp on.
In reality the blame is shared between Joe and his former team. As we know you can't fire all the players and keep the manager. However, there is a fine line that separates an elite manager from an average one such as Torre. People only remember this next point when it’s convenient, but so much of achieving success in any sport is mental. The elite coaches are the ones who can provide their teams with an edge where it matters most. That would be in their heads. This ability is lacking in Torre and it always has been. It just got covered up during the early years of his tenure with New York. The team won 4 World Series in spite of Joe Torre, not because of him. The real leader was Paul O’ Neill. For all intents and purposes he was virtually a player manager. Paul led by example on the field and in the clubhouse. It’s no coincidence that the fire has been missing since he retired.
George Steinbrenner should have conducted his business behind closed doors. Joe Torre was owed that. I’ll tell you this though. Joe Torre owes Steinbrenner and the Yankees a lot more than they owe him. They hired him when everyone else scoffed. They used a “blank check” policy to lavish him with players to field an elite level team year after year. They made him the highest paid manager in professional baseball…AND despite knowing better they still made him an offer to come back next season. An offer they knew he might refuse…but an offer that would have still kept him the most highly compensated manager in the sport by far. Just because it was a one-year deal that implied, "this is your last chance to win it all", doesn’t change the fact the Torre is the one who decided to leave. Point blank, the Yankees provided him with the opportunity to enjoy the best 12 years of his managerial life.
I love you Joe Torre but good riddance. The distraction you had become to the team, along with your managerial flaws, is not worth 5 million dollars. Change is good.
When will you people ever learn? Haven’t you seen enough horror flicks to know that you never assume the evil monster is dead? Of course not. It’s human nature to see what we want to see, hear what we want to hear and believe what we want to believe. Sure, sooner or later Jason Voorhees and other fiends were bound to really die, but along the way a lot of people had to pay the price. By the way…check your calendars. You do know what this Friday is, don’t you? The 13th might symbolize the beginning of bad luck and a return to normalcy for the rest of baseball.
Although it has become chic in many circles to write off the Yankees, be careful when making predictions. Sure they under-performed during the first half of the season. If you take into account all the injuries to their starting pitchers, which resulted in 6 rookies making starts for the team, a 42-43 record just might be a bit deceptive. Considering they were once 21-29, one game under .500 really isn’t all that bad. Despite enduring a brutal 3-9 stretch at the end of June, they rebounded to beat the playoff contending Twins (3 out of 4) and the Angels (2 out of 3) to close out the break. Did I mention that they are only 7 games behind Cleveland in the loss column for the Wild Card with about half the year to go? Your "juvenile premature enunciations" of foretold Yankees woe may have to wait for at least another month.
Thanks to the baseball Gods, the Yankees had to endure one of the most difficult first half schedules in the game. The team also suffered through the decimation of their rotation, injuries to key players (Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, Doug Mientkiewicz) and unexpected slumps by .300 hitters (Bobby Abreu, Robinson Cano, Hideki Matsui). This toxic mixture of bad fortune and foul play made for panic in the Bronx and blissful pandemonium everywhere else. “Ding-#### the Yanks is dead, the Yanks is dead, the Yanks is dead. Ding-#### the wicked Yanks is dead!” Not so fast flying ####. The team would rather not be in this situation, but the next month will tell the tale. We may actually need more time than that before we can officially get the headstone ready for the funeral.
The Yankees will resume activity this Thursday. From July 12th- August 10th they will play 28 games. In that span they will compete against only 5 teams. Those fortunate clubs and number of games are as follows: Tampa Bay (8), Toronto (7), Kansas City (7), Baltimore (3) and Chicago (3). As old farmers across America would say, “Gentlemen it’s time to make hay while the sun shines”. July is looking to be a beautiful month in the Bronx. With this schedule don’t be surprised to see the Yankees claw their way back into the mix.
Still not buying? Let’s check out their wild card competition during the same period of time:
Mariners: Big series with Detroit, Oakland, Anaheim and Boston.
Twins: Matchups with Oakland, Detroit, Anaheim and Cleveland.
A’s: Clashes with Minnesota, Anaheim, Seattle and Detroit.
Indians: Tough games with Boston and Minnesota.
Blue Jays: Numerous battles with the Yankees, Boston, Seattle and Minnesota.
Tigers: Confrontations with Seattle, Minnesota, Anaheim and Oakland.
As for the Red Sox? I’ll lay off them for now. Let’s just say that this side of the Yankees, Boston probably has the easiest next month or so. However, they do face the Indians, Mariners and Angels during that span. Besides, I can only concentrate on one thing at a time. As any good Yankees fan knows, division titles are over-rated to begin with. The team needs to get back in post-season contention before any aspirations of running down the Red Sox can truly commence. If they never catch Boston then good riddance. I rather enjoy the underdog role for a change.
If New York gets back into the race, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Oh, and try not to be overcome with nausea as heat from the dog days of summer overwhelms you in your disgust. If I’m wrong I promise to shut up long enough so you can start getting the nails ready for the coffin. I may see you then... “But not yet”. It's just not time to quit. They're not as dead as you think.
What’s that saying again? I think it goes…every party has a #### that’s why they invited you. Or is it…someone always wants to rain on the parade? Seems to me that some people are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. Take Roger Clemens for example. The Rocket has elevated modern pitching to heights from the distant past... he has aged as gracefully as fine wine and cheese…yet for many cheesy whiners he simply serves as a target of unjustified resentment.
Last night Roger Clemens won his 350th game by pitching 8 innings of 2-hit ball to beat the Minnesota Twins. At the tender age of 44, Roger is showing that he continues to be better than most pitchers half his age. He doesn't throw quite as hard as he once did. Then again if he did people might start accusing him of using steroids without having any real evidence to support their claims.In a moment where praise should belaudedupon himfor his body of work, we find more fans lining up to hurl criticisms at the greatest pitcher of this generation. Actually make that two generations since he dominated the materialistic minded Big 80s as well as the Generation X 90s. If he manages to pitch until 2010 he’ll be able to boast having chucked heaters in four different decades.
It seems like just yesterday when former Boston Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette provided us with some tiny pearls of wisdom. Way back in the fall of 1996 he uttered these famous words: “We see Roger Clemens as a pitcher in the twilight of his career.” They do say that hindsight is 20:20 but history clearly proved that Mr. Duquette was either a blithering #### or came from outer space. My guess would be that Dan is actually from Jupiter, where it takes 11 Earth years to travel around the sun…or approximately the same length of time that has passed from his dubious statement until now.
After being run out of Boston, the former 3-time Cy Young Award winner signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for 2 seasons, then played with the Yankees for 5 more and finally headed home to Texas where he spent 3 years with the Houston Astros. 4 Cy Young Awards, 158 wins, 2,040 strikeouts, 5 World Series appearances, and 2 Championships later…maybeRoger is finally approaching twilight as Dan Duquette watches on from the largest planet in our solar system.
Which begs these questions: 1) Why do so many dislike the best pitcher that most of us have ever seen? 2) What is wrong with some people in America? (Perhaps Duquette brought them all here with him.)Every reason I have come across is riddled with utter nonsense, hypocrisy or both. .
The “Roger Is A Mercenary” Theory: Not to get all Yoda with people who feel this way but whenRoger’s age you reach…waste your time you will notwish to do. The man will turn 45 years old exactly one month from tomorrow. He has been pitching since 1984. He's started 695 baseball games not including the post-season. If he can pick and choose where he wants to play then so be it. He’s earned it. Robert DeNiro, Tom Hanks and Denzell Washington don’t have to audition for B-movies. Just sit back, relax and enjoy. Like rapper Main Source once said, “Watch Roger Do His Thing”... for just a little while longer anyway.
The “He's Overpaid” Excuse: Why does anyone care how much money Roger is making (Even if it is a rather fetching prorated wage of $28 million dollars this year)? In my humble opinion middle relievers who make $5 million dollars a year pitching mop up duty are pretty overpaid too. It’s George Steinbrenner’s money and he still has a lot left over. Check that…it’s Roger’s money now and he’d still have plenty if he were sitting at home. Would you have told Big George no thanks? Didn’t think so. Besides, what do truckloads of cash have to do with a legend winning his 350th game? Nothing unless you’re jealous…and last I checked he’s not robbing any of us.
The “Who Does He Think He Is?” Club: Let’s approach this logically instead of with the all too popular knee-jerk reaction of the day. Roger does not want to go to spring training or pitch in the beginning of the season. Many view this as his way of saying that he is “above” the rest of the players on the team. Well, other than the fact that he is Roger Clemens and that thousands of extra fannies pack stadiums on days he pitches…he’s worth no more than anyone else (Ha Ha). The reality is that during his last full season in 2005, his aging body finally betrayed him. Roger had been losing steam down the stretch and his hamstrings finally gave out when his team needed him most. Unfortunately he had be lifted after just 2 innings of painful and ineffective work during Game 1 of the World Series against the White Sox. Roger did not pitch again in the series. The Astros were swept 4 straight despite being outscored by only 6 runs total. Now you tell me…Would you want Clemens feeling fresh in spring training and April/May or would you want him feeling fresh in the post-season? (please refrain from any "the Yankees won’t be in the post-season smack" for that is not the point) Clemens is a competitor and only he knows his body's current capabilities the best.
No matter how people feel about Roger (and the Yankees) the criticism of his motives to play are asinine. He’s just doing what he's always done. That would be pitch baseball games and make absurd amounts of cash. If you have a problem with that then you should have a problem with all the younger athletes who play with far less passion than Roger and for all the wrong reasons. Unfortunately it seems that so many of us save our ire only for the cream of the crop and the lowest of the low…in other words for superstars who do not kowtow to our way of thinking and “thugs” we cannot relate to.
Roger just won his 350th game. Let’s appreciate the fact that we got to see it and now have something else to tell our grandchildren about some day. Although it sometimes feels that way, it won't last forever. It’s been 44 years since the great Warren Spahn last won this many. The same 44 years that Roger Clemens has been breathing air on Earth. Coincidence? Who knows? Just don’t ask Dan Duquette what he thinks. He’s only had 1"Jupiter year" to ponder his blunder back on the mother world.
In case you hadn’t noticed Alex Rodriguez is having one heck of a season. My how times have quickly changed. Last October A-Rod was the butt of water cooler jokes around America. Just a scant few months later he is once again the toast of the baseball world. Thanks to a carefully placed clause in the 10 year- $252 million dollar contract he signed with the Texas Rangers in 2001, Alex can actually opt outof this deal at the end of the season and become a free agent.
As the situation stands A-Rod will earn $27 million dollars this season and is slated to make the exact same amount each year from 2008-2010 (when the contract expires). Back when mega-agent Scott Boras brokered the deal, salaries in baseball skyrocketed annually. It’s likely that Boras and A-Rod thought that their numbers could be surpassed over time. This “out clause” provided an escape in the event that Alex somehow wound up being “underpaid”. However, since then new contracts have basically stabilized. No other player has approached Alex’s high water mark. Even so, there is wide speculation that perhaps he will test the free agent waters. My question is: Why?
Can A-Rod Make More Money Elsewhere?
I suppose anything is possible but I just don’t see any team other than the Yankees paying A-Rod more than $27 million dollars a season. The Yankees and Rangers currently split the payments on this existing albatross of a contract, making it somewhat more bearable. If a new deal were made the next team would have to shoulder the load independently. That’s not overly likely to happen. Having already been labeled as greedy in certain circles, is this the type of public image the sensitive A-Rod would want to perpetuate? This would leave him vulnerable to even more nationwide scorn.
Is A-Rod Bitter Over All The Booing Last Season?
This is definitely a possibility, especially considering that he is a sensitive sort as I just stated. Factor in his recent troubles with New York tabloids that went out of their way to expose his extra marital affairs (Stray-Rod) and the plot thickens. Then take into account that these same tabloids did not always choose the kindest of words when writing about his notorious struggles and the motive to leave increases. Finally, keep in mind that he originally tried to negotiate a trade from Texas to the Red Sox in order to beat the Yankees and the wheels really start turning. Boston is one of a few teams that could possibly afford him. Would a spiteful A-Rod stoop to this level of vengeance? They do say that revenge is a dish best served cold.
If You Can Make It Here, Can You Make It Anywhere?
All statistical accolades aside, and two MVP awards not withstanding, Alex has never won a thing. It don’t mean a thing, if you ain’t got that ring. In fact people have already begun to bandy about the so-called “Curse of A-Rod”. I don’t know how these things get created but they certainly are amusing. When something is hard to explain, let’s bring in the supernatural. Alex has publicly stated that he loves New York and wants to win a title withthe Yankees. Then again the term "straight shooter" hasn’t always been associated with A-Rod. SSSHHHHHHH…don’t tell anyone but some people have even accused him of being a big phony. As the season goes along and we receive less and less information from Alex about his intentions, we’ll see how just badly he truly wants to win in New York. Sticking it out in the Bronx would be a visible sign of toughness for the superstar with the “soft” reputation. Especially if the team misses the playoffs or he tanks in the post-season again.
Exactly How Much Does A-Rod Care About What We ThinkAnyway?
To hear all the closet shrinks theorize (feel free to include me in that group) Alex cares more than a little too much about what everyone thinks of him. He’s stuck his foot in his mouth on several occasions, has had his words twisted out on context at other times, and usually seems to be looking for the right thing to say instead of speaking earnestly from the heart. He is meticulous with his appearance to a fault and is on record for saying that, “Maybe people dislike me because I'm rich, bi-racial and handsome”. Hmmm…don’t hate him cause he’s beautiful. Yep, the R in Rodriguez is really short for Revlon. Even if some people do feel that way, the fact that he even stated this provides insight regarding his vanity. Or is it insecurity? I think it’s both. A-Rod has a very high opinion of himself and truth be told I can’t blame him. He is rich, bi-racial, handsome and perhaps the future career home run king after all. For the life of him (and me) he can’t figure out why so many people can’t stand him. The more time that goes by, the harder it will be to find the adoration he is desperately looking for.
What Will A-Rod Do?
I’m not 100% sure what he will do but I am pretty sure what he won’t. In my opinion A-Rod’s legacy matters far too much for him to give his critics any more fuel to attack him with. He craves acceptance. Turning his back on the Yankees of all teams, perhaps the richest franchise in all of sports, in a quest for more money is marketing suicide. That move, even at the Yankees’ expense, would send further contempt his way. The sheer fallout involved there could be immense. If the first contract felt like the weight of the world, what would a bigger one feel like?
There are two things I feel A-Rod wants: A World Series ring and the adulation of spectators. If he stays in New York he is well on his way to winning over ALL the fans, if he hasn't already. Believe it or not he has always had more supporters than critics in New York. Those who boo sound a lot louder and are easier to pick out than those who cheer. If he decides to play elsewhere, mark my words, it will probably have to be for less money. If he does this it will lay to rest many negative innuendos about his character. It will show that winning and happiness don’t always lose to the almighty dollar. The willingness to play for a lower salary would probably earn him newfound respect in many places. Plus it won’t be for everyone’s favorite team to hate, the New York Yankees.
What’ll it be for A-Rod? Win over the New York fans and keep the most cash or win over everyone else and settle for less? Either way does he lose? I think not…unless the curse of A-Rod is realand if the only thing that truly matters is that diamond encrusted ring. Then he’ll have his absurd bank account and the rest of his life to figure out where it all went wrong.
He should do what his heart tells him to…and then never look back.
Sure the Yankeess may be 12 ½ games behind Boston in the AL East, and 7 behind the Tigers in the Wild Card race, but last night was a sweet treat for their fans anyway.
Yet another Yankees lead in Fenway… yet another come from behind Red Sox rally…and yet another dismal let down brewing for New York in what has been a damper of a season. The fact that it started raining buckets in the last few innings, made another potential loss seem even more fitting.
After the Yankees jumped out to a 4-0 lead against Josh Beckett, they quickly gave it right back to Boston. The Sox put a 5-spot on the board in the bottom of the 5th. To make matters worse it appeared that starter Andy Pettite hurt something in the inning, as he needed to get pulled during Boston's rally. Fortunately for the injury riddled and pitching light Yankees, it was determined to be just back spasms. Phew…
Boston nursed their 5-4 lead into the 8th. Enter newly crowned Yankees killer Hideki Okajima. Lick the glue, place the stamp, and send the mail cause this one is signed, sealed, delivered. Umm…not exactly. The only thing getting killed was Okajima’s pitch, as Robinson Cano delivered it 400+ feet off the center field wall for a game tying RBI triple with nobody out. Quite frustratingly third base is right where Cano stayed as three straight teammates failed to bring him home.
With the Yankees bullpen having already held Boston in check since the 5th, most figured they were due to implode. Not so fast. Brian Bruny held serve in the bottom of the frame. Where did this guy come from anyway? He’s been throwing BBs at hitters all season long. However, with Jonathan Papelbon coming in to pitch the top of the 9th, and with Mariano Rivera likely to pitch the bottom on the inning, it didn’t look good (considering Mo’s track record of late against Boston).
Papelbon quickly retired Derek Jeter on a grounder to first and then blew away Bobby Abreu. He jumped all over Alex Rodriguez and instantly had him buried in an 0-2 count. Papelbon was throwing cheese…hot stinky Limburger cheese. Wait a minute Chester, you cheesy cat. That’s Not-Cho Cheese that you’re throwing anymore...It’s his cheese…It’s A-God’s cheese. Hey Jonathan... turn around your patented stare because your fastball just landed way out there. Your game face now gets the gas face. Much like King Midas, everything Alex has touched with his bat this season has turned to Golden Cheddar. How fitting that the man with the most “Cheddah” went deep again in the 9th. How fitting it was that it closed out this week. A week filled with cheesy blond bombshells exposed on the side…cheesy “bush” league tactics shouting "HA-HA"-OR-"MINE"…cheesy Papelbon fastballs taking a RIDE! Yanks lead 6-5 as A-Rod flips off his critics with one swing of his stick.
Just one more place to go. Gotta go to Mo’s. Remember him? The greatest closer of his generation…the greatest closer of any generation…written off by many because of presumed degeneration. A classic rain soaked battle with David Ortiz ensued to start the bottom of the ninth. Foul ball, after foul ball, after foul ball…then it’#### deep to right…it is high... it is far... it is caught. Manny Ramirez is next up to bat. Strike one---strike two---strike three. Oh well, that’s just Manny being sat down. That's just one more out to go. Up now is Mr. Kevin You-Kill-Us. The new Johnny Damon... the new bearded favorite. Ooops...here take that...kerplunk; hope you enjoyed getting hit by a pitch... again! Who’s next? That tough guy Mike Lowell? The lowbrow looking man who likes to bowl over second baseman making plays halfway between the bags? That’s more “bush league” that yelling “HA”! But strike three you’re out too and the last laugh of this series was on you.
Yes the Red Sox have a big lead. Yes the Red Sox are in the driver’s seat. Yes the Yankees have things to work out and ground to gain. However, on one dark and soaking wet night the skies cleared for just a second...and Boston, for a change, was singing the blues in the rain.
Only 7 games back in the Wild Card? I'm feeling Lucky Seven. The way they've played it could be worse. The Yankees are now 2-1 in June. It's a new month. You still willing to count them out? I sure hope so.
Ask yourself this; if it’s the players who are always to blame when a team loses, then why do we have managers and head coaches in the first place? According to the simplistic reasoning of some people, we can put a clipboard in the hands of a bright #### and the results should be just about the same. All a team needs is a person to fill out the lineup. Someone has to decide who plays and who sits. After all, we wouldn’t want a bench guy in the game just because he could beat the snot out of the better players. Other than that the role of the manager is strictly symbolic, right?
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO and if that isn’t clear enough let me spell it out for you. N-O.
The manager is responsible for the mental health of his team. He leads by placing HISstamp on his players. His mentality is the team’s mentality. His laws are the team’s laws. It doesn’t matter if he “rules” through fear or love, but for God’s sake rule he must. All things considered, Joe Torre must have done his job. It may have taken time to evolve to this point but the team is blemished by his bland image. They wear his mark like a scarlet letter, or more fittingly the cursed black spot. The word on the street is that Torre has about 2 weeks to turn things around or it’s off to the “gallows” for “Lifeless Joe”.
Every coaching situation is unique because every player on any team has different needs. One size does not fit all. It’s the manager’s job to determine when:
The slumping right fielder needs a kick in the pants
The all world third baseman a pat on the back
The team requires a few well-placed rants
I think that it’s time you hit the road jack
What do you think old school manager Billy Martin (RIP) would have done to Bobby Abreu by now? Would he have stood for his timid, deer in the headlights play? Of course not. He would have lit into him and hopefully ignited a raging fire that would have inspired some on the field passion. Even if his play still suffered at least something would have been done. Joe Torre just watches and waits.
How about Lou Piniella and his notorious short fuse, especially for pitchers? Would he have yanked around starters and relievers due to inept play? Most probably, but Sweet Lou would have done so with style and purpose. He would have let some of those rag tag fill-ins take their beatings in the best interest of the team. Why burn out the whole staff when you can let one or two disposable players earn their “keep” for a day? I could hear Piniella now: “You want to pitch like a dog? Well stay in there, take your lumps and make sure it doesn’t happen again if you don’t want this to happen again”. Joe Torre just makes the same pitching staff mistakes over and over.
Would current Mets manager Willie Randolph have sat and watched idly as many fans booed Alex Rodriguez last season? Seeing him manage in Queens makes it clear that he would have come to the defense of his best player, unlikeTorre. Witnessing the guys at Shea play with reckless abandon, aggressiveness and most of all joy is making many a Yankees fan green with envy. How has Willie done it with a team that had more question marks in the rotation and line-up than did the Yankees in spring training? By being THE leader on the field, in the clubhouse and in the media...that's how. By placing HIS stamp on his team.Torre just lets his “superstars” lead themselves. His stamp must be made of rubber now because whatever inspirational messages he is sending clearly just bounce away.
If the players are so in favor of Joe Torre as they claim, they had better start showing it immediately. Since Joe is clearly incapable of motivational tactics, it is up to them to stop being tin men and find the hearts to play for him. Otherwise, bring us the one named Girardi. He’s been following the team all season long from the Yankees broadcast booth. You have to believe he has plenty of ideas regarding what the team needs and is licking his chops to try them out (whether he cares for Joe Torre or not).
If the team continues to lay eggs, then Joe must go. It will be painfully clear that he is past the point of usefulness. If they cannot even play well to save his job, then what does he bring to the table besides nothing? At least if they can rally forhim, then he still has something to offer. Otherwise, as always, it starts with the head and in more ways than one. Fail and the players will have a new leader trying to figure out what is going on inside their craniums.
Time is ticking and it's not Torre’s friend. We’re at T-Minus two weeks and counting. He has 12 games in 14 days to right this ship. The Yanks are 10 games behind Boston in the loss column. Starting tonight they play the Red Sox (3), Angels (3), Blue Jays (3) and Red Sox again (3). Let’s just call these games the dirty dozen. If the Yankees get manhandled by Boston, as well as play poorly against the Angels and Blue Jays, there will be a new manager leading the Bombers as they limp out of Fenway Park and head to Chicago on June 4th. The official watch begins.
Barry Bonds is going to break Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record and from the looks of things it’s going to happen much sooner than later. After missing almost the entire season in 2005, followed up by a sub par, gimpy campaign in 2006, many detractors openly hoped that this indicated his body was breaking down from years of suspected steroid abuse. Thus far this season the future home run king has played vintage baseball reminiscent of what we came to expect. He is hitting for average (.338), power (11 HR/23RBIs) and showing he still has the best plate discipline in the game (31 walks). These numbers project to 56 HRs, 116 RBIs and 157 walks.
Which leads to me wondering. If he can play this well “cleanly” at age 42, then who’s to say that he was incapable of reaching his zenith of 73 bombs at age 36 without “cheating”? Maybe he is just that good and had a dream season for the ages. Although anything is possible, I would wager that Bonds is drug free at this time. With those prior allegations of possible steroid use, along with a positive drug test earlier this year for amphetamines, one should safely assume that Barry is legitimately putting up these huge numbers. He is probably the most chemically scrutinized athlete in professional sports after all.
While we are on the subject of assumptions, we can readily admit that all of his critics and even some of his supporters believe that Barry was indeed doping. They cite the “evidence” of weight gain, increased muscle mass, head & foot growth, new heights of long ball prowess, a surly disposition and an injury plagued 2005-2006 as their smoking gun. It does look pretty damning when viewed through a filter of guilt, but it still is ALL perception. We could also say that most people gain weight as they get older, that age 40 is considered the new 30, that many athletes continue to improve with practice, that Barry has always been surly, and that injuries are a common part of the game. As for head and foot growth? That certainly doesn’t seem to happen often, but it does NOT tell us exactly when or for how long Bonds used steroids (assuming that he did).
No one other than Bonds and his closest associates know when and for how long Bonds cheated. For the sake of theory, let us state that Bonds knowingly used steroids and/or steroid based products. As we know steroids increase muscle mass while helping the body recover from injury and other physical stressors. They also say that steroid use wears away specific tissues in the body, which increases the risk of certain injuries. Seems to me that a steroid user would be negating one presumed physical benefit with an equally dangerous physical risk. You can’t play if you get hurt as a result of your actions. If that's the case with Bonds’ recent injuries, one could argue that his career home run total is right about where it should be. This is all speculation, but if he hit X-number of steroid aided homeruns, it’s very possible he lost even more home runs during the last 2 seasons when his body began to break down once he went clean. Sounds like it could have been an “even trade" to me. If you keep in mind that Barry always had far more than “warning track” power, his performance was probably enhanced less than it was ultimately hindered. In fact, maybe he’d have stayed healthy throughtout and already passed Aaron if he hadn’t used steroids as most people believe. We just can’t say and that’s my whole point. There is almost nothing that anyone knows for sure
Well then, what do we know for absolute certainty? We know that Bonds has been a heck of a baseball player, maybe the best ever, with or without drugs. We know that he tested positive for amphetamines. We know that according to baseball itself, a huge amount of other players did so also. We know that we don’t know who these other offenders are, but conveniently (not coincidentally) it was Barry who had his name leaked after what was a “confidential” first time offense according to league policy. Why not denounce the whole lot of them instead of singling him out? Is it really all about the home run record?
When thinking about records, let’s remember that they are only set to be broken. In fact we typically celebrate and rejoice when a new mark is established. However, this isn’t Ruth’s baseball anymore with illegalboozing and bold debauchery by The Babe during the prohibition era. As a matter of fact it isn’t Hank Aaron’s baseball either, where the ugliness of racism tarnished his accomplishment. Could you blame Hank if he used illegal“greenies” with all the hell he had to deal with? No, this is Barry Bonds’ baseball. He lives in a world where lives are gladly ruined by a media that kowtows to the almighty dollar because sensationalism sells. He plays in a sport that will readily sell him up the river if it means preserving their so-called integrity. How come?
I’ll tell you why. It’s because of what he stands for. He’s the impending all-time home run king and a perceived jerk at that. It’s a national witch-hunt fed by the 2-faced media. Who cares about the low-level potion makers when you can bring down the head warlock? Besides, they don’t want the truth. They couldn’t handle the truth. If the truth ever came out, the doors to the Hall of Fame might have to be closed forever to other legends of the game. Can you imagine if one day we learned that Cal Ripken’s iron man streak was a result of performance enhancers? How about if the longevity of Roger Clemens isn’t due to natural causes? What if Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine are still able to throw quality "junk" because of some junk they’ve put in their bodies over the years. Has anyone ever explained statistical anomalies such as Brady Anderson’s 50 homeruns in 1996?
Do you think the commissioner would really want information like that to get out anyway? It may not be the players I mentioned, but you’d best believe they have a long list filled with many names. Baseball will give them Bonds instead if necessary. Discredit him and spare the others, for he alone could satisfy the angry mob’s hunger for justice and save other parts of baseball's history . If that is the type of justice yousupport, then grab your torch. I say let Barry have his petty record and concentrate on preserving the future. His deeds are in the past and perhaps hidden forever. His inevitable home run record on the other hand? He’s just holding it temporarily until someone else comes along to claim it. Until then he will be king and rightfully so...even if it’s wrong.
It’s a timeless debate in sports. When a team struggles do you blame the players or the coach? More often than not, it’s the coach that is held accountable. Although some might be reluctant to lower the axe when problems are related to injuries, how one responds to that unexpected adversity is fair game for analysis.
The struggles of the Yankees pitching staff, just 18 games into the season, is already well chronicled. Injuries to starting pitchers Chien-Ming Wang (Cy Young honorable mention), Mike Mussina (battle tested vet) and Carl Pavano (stop collecting free lunch) have left their rotation in tatters. Manger Joe Torre has responded by doing what he has always done. That would be butchering the pitching staff, and specifically his bullpen.
Believe me when I say that this is by no means unprecedented for him. When the Yankees won their first World Series under Torre in 1996, he did basically the same thing. Mariano Rivera wasn’t a household name yet, but fans remember Joe’s formula. The starters could hopefully give the team 5-6 innings, Rivera would next pitch the 7th and 8th innings of every close game that the team played, and closer John Wetteland would then shut the door. By the time the season was nearing an end, Mo was grimacing in pain from the exertion of pitching so much. No doubt from the pins and needles he was feeling in his arm after the 108 innings he logged as the set-upman. Win a World Series and all is forgotten, ill advised as the strategy may have been.
As the team continued their impressive run of 4 World Series titles in 5 years, Torre continued to mangle his manipulation of Yankees relievers. To this day we still hear “know-it-all” announcers Joe Morgan and Tim McCarver reference those “great” Yankees bullpens of the championship years. It’s a good thing that baseball players don’t get paid over time, because Yankees relievers Mike Stanton and Jeff Nelson might have over-taxed George Steinbrenner’s wallet even further. From 1997-2002 Stanton averaged 71 appearances. Nelson played 5 years in New York but was only fully healthy for 3 of them. In his healthy seasons he averaged 74 appearances. Once again, more often than not, they got the job done. Once again, Joe Torre was fortunate that this lack of foresight didn’t blow up in his face.
During the last few years the bullpen hasn’t had the type of pitchers that Joe Torre consistently felt comfortable using. Therefore he regularly turned Mariano into the only remaining version of the now extinct 2-inning closer. At the beginning of this season Joe stated that he would no longer use Mo in such a manner. That solid strategy (for a change) didn’t even make it out of April, as Rivera’s highly publicized collapse against Boston last weekend transpired in the 8th inning. Once more the standard; “Is Mariano washed up?” questions have surfaced. Maybe if Torre would give him adequate work in non-save situations, of which there have been plenty, Rivera would have the command and velocity we've become accustomed to seeing.
Let’s backtrack one season to take a look at Joe’s latest “workhorse”, Scott Proctor. Scott had a solid and VERY busy year. Quite honestly I’m surprised his arm didn’t fall off. He was overused and seemed to run out of gas down the stretch. His 83 appearances and 102 innings for a reliever ranked at or near the top of the Major Leagues. How did Torre respond this April? By “rewarding” him with a record (I believe) 12 appearances in the team’s first 17 games. I guess A-Rod isn’t the only Yankee setting new standards. Proctor’s latest outing on Sunday against Boston saw him give up a 3-run homerun to Mike Lowell that in effect lost the game for New York. To make matters worse, Joe brought him in to face Manny Ramirez of all players to start the inning. All Manny had done was hit 3 bombs off of Scott in 8 career at-bats against him. Although Manny didn’t go yard in his 9th at bat, he did lead off with a hit and later scored on the Lowell blast.
Point blank, Torre is burning up his bullpen. The truth is he has been doing this since he got to New York. Unfortunately for the Yankees, this is his absolute worst job of it yet. The team has a ton of relievers, but none with clearly defined roles. He’s done a deplorable job of mixing and matching the right man to the right situation, as well as making sure that each player gets adequate game repetitions or adequate rest. The bullpen is a mess and not from a lack of solid arms. The bullpen is a mess because of how Torre manages it.
Those who know me best know that I called for George Steinbrenner to replace Torre after last season. I’m no Tory for Torre. In the history books, Tories were American colonists who remained loyal to King George and the British Empire during the Revolutionary War. My apologies to Joe but it’s nothing personal. I actually like and respect him a ton. However, my loyalty is done, finished, kaput. I have my eye on another Joe. Joltin’ Joe Girardio as a matter of fact. Girardi played with Yankees mainstays, such as Jeter, Posada, Pettite and Rivera. He would instantly command the respect of the team in the clubhouse, for he is no outsider. His fiery personality would be a big boost to the team, as well as serve notice that their level of play must stay consistent. Torre’s philosophy on the other hand, is akin to a gym teacher who rolls a ball onto the field and tells the kids to go out and play. Professionals or not the team needs more than that. Knowing how to play, and being inspired to do so, are totally different things. And besides, Girardi certainly couldn’t manage a bullpen any worse.
If this keeps up Torre’s time will come, as in time to go (and maybe sooner than later). This “King George” hasn’t had a blow-up in awhile and he's way overdue for an eruption. My baseball seismograph is starting to twitch as I’m already sensing future tremors in the Bronx. Not panic... just rumblings…look out.
He’s not a Puerto Rican but he’s speaking so that you know.
Alex “Am I Dominican or am I American?” Rodriguez is serving notice (I never understood why that mattered so much to so many). Back off all you punks who jump up to get beat down, cause he’s back, way back, hitting home runs into the black back. Playing with silent inspiration. Keeping an eye on the Holy Land. A hypothetical destination. Say, who is this walk-off man? If you hadn’t heard A-Rod hit another one out, as the Yankees completed a three game sweep of Cleveland. This time, a 3-run jack, to cap a bottom of the 9th comeback, after being down 6-2 to start the inning in fact.
I don’t know which shrink or sports psychologist Alex finally settled on, but whoever it is deserves double pay. The man is scowling at foes, cutting it up with teammates and openly enjoying life for the first time since he got to New York. All you depressed souls out there might want to do some research and figure out who this good doctor is. Rather than asking for A-Rod’s autograph, you might want to ask for Professor Cure All’s business card instead.
I didn’t want to come out bragging earlier on but enough is enough. As Popeye once said, I’ve had all I can stands and I can’t stands no more. “Arrogant” Yankees fans like myself get blamed for everything from east coast bias to global warming. Apparently because we blow so much hot air. I figure if I'm going to get accused of it, I might as well live it every once in awhile. You can take this slice of not so humble pie and stick it down your throat. Are all you A-Rod bashers liking how this tastes? (and this goes for POSER Yankees fans that boo MVPs too) Revenge is a dish best served cold, but red-hot baseball style isn't bad either.
This just could go down as the best April of all-time. Alex already has 10 homeruns and 26 RBIs to go along with a most robust .351 batting average. This in a month where the weather has made it seem more like February. Wait until New York turns into Hot Town. What a summer in the city it could be. It’s still so early that it might as well be 5AM on Monday, but this is how seasons for the ages begin. This is how records get broken. It would be poetic irony if in the year that Barry Bonds passes Hank Aaron’s career homerun run record, A-Rod blows up like Chernobyl and claims the single season mark. Wouldn’t that drink go down nice and smooth at your local Player Haters Club?
Over hill, over dale, we have hit the dusty trail
And those Yankees go rolling along
In and out, hear them shout, on to Boston there's no doubt
And those Yankees go rolling along
Forget the Red Coats you stinking Bean Eaters. The Yanks are coming, the Yanks are coming. If you live in Nebraska or somewhere else that isn’t “east”, and you just can’t stand anymore of the best rivalry in sports, then press the button to change the channel. Either that or avoid the Fox Network on Saturday and ESPN on Friday/Sunday altogether. To be honest, I can’t figure out what’s wrong with you. What do you have against a little playoff quality baseball in April?
A-Rod... A-Rod... A-Rod is on fire. He don’t need no water let your jealous envy burn. Burn jealous suckers…burn.
Damn that felt good. I’ve been sticking up for him since day one. And if you don’t know, now you know.
Major league baseball players make up a pretty exclusive club. When it comes to good catchers the list is even more limited. Wearing “The Tools of Ignorance” takes serious tolls on players’ bodies. It’s not actually the tools themselves, but what they protect from. Few players are able to handle the physical demands of the position, while maintaining productive offensive careers that withstand the rigors of time. You’ll hear of no Iron Man streaks among catchers. Even the strongest need several days off during the seemingly endless 162 game seasons.
If you were to examine the credentials of those to ever play the position, you’d likely be very surprised with how favorably Javy Lopez and Jorge Posada compare to the legendary names of the sport. When listening to discussions regarding great catchers from this recent era, the two names most often mentioned are Mike Piazza and Ivan Rodriguez. Although Piazza is widely viewed as the best hitting catcher of all time, and Rodriguez the most complete backstop of his generation, I find it a bit unfair that Lopez and Posada do not receive more accolades for extremely productive, and dare I say Hall of Fame worthy careers.
thousands of people can resort to revisionist history to suit themselves. 
Ask yourself this. Why is it that the majority of people who now defend Joe Torre are not fans or even followers of the Yankees? I may not have conducted a Gallup poll but I do know LOTS of Yankees fans. Most of the ones I know aren’t disappointed to see Joe go. Sad perhaps but not angry. Somebody will no doubt tell me that these Yankees fans are not upset to see him leave because Yankees fans are… and always have been… total A-Holes. Yeah, that’s a great argument…but bring it if that’s all you got. Besides, that would only serve to reinforce my point about the blind hatred of all things Yankee that so many have. 
common perception of Joe Torre was that he was not an elite manager and that a 
The fact that so many Yankees players spoke up for Torre should surprise no one. For Jeter, Posada and Rivera he is practically the only manager they have ever known. They briefly played for Buck Showalter in 1995 but that was as late season call-ups. Other players would support him too. Why wouldn’t they? He doesn’t get on their backs when they play poorly and he lets them do their thing. He’s an emotional fatherly figure with a kind heart. How could they dislike him? They certainly wouldn’t blame him, nor should they have. 
separates an elite manager from an average one such as Torre. People only remember this next point when it’s convenient, but so much of achieving success in any sport is mental. The elite coaches are the ones who can provide their teams with an edge where it matters most. That would be in their heads. This ability is lacking in Torre and it always has been. It just got covered up during the early years of his tenure with New York. The team won 4 World Series in spite of Joe Torre, not because of him. The real leader was Paul O’ Neill. For all intents and purposes he was virtually a player manager. Paul led by example on the field and in the clubhouse. It’s no coincidence that the fire has been missing since he retired. 
players to field an elite level team year after year. They made him the highest paid manager in professional baseball…AND despite knowing better they still made him an offer to come back next season. An offer they knew he might refuse…but an offer that would have still kept him the most highly compensated manager in the sport by far. Just because it was a one-year deal that implied, "this is your last chance to win it all", doesn’t change the fact the Torre is the one who decided to leave. Point blank, the Yankees provided him with the opportunity to enjoy the best 12 years of his managerial life. 
see what we want to see, hear what we want to hear and believe what we want to believe. Sure, sooner or later Jason Voorhees and other fiends were bound to really die, but along the way a lot of people had to pay the price. By the way…check your calendars. You do know what this Friday is, don’t you? The 13th might symbolize the beginning of bad luck and a return to normalcy for the rest of baseball.
Cano, Hideki Matsui). This toxic mixture of bad fortune and foul play made for panic in the Bronx and blissful pandemonium everywhere else. “Ding-
e any aspirations of running down the Red Sox can truly commence. If they never catch Boston then good riddance. I rather enjoy the underdog role for a change.
as he once did. Then again if he did people might start accusing him of using steroids without having any real evidence to support their claims. In a moment where praise should be lauded upon him for his body of work, we find more fans lining up to hurl criticisms at the greatest pitcher of this generation. Actually make that two generations since he dominated the materialistic minded Big 80s as well as the Generation X 90s. If he manages to pitch until 2010 he’ll be able to boast having chucked heaters in four different decades. 
Awards, 158 wins, 2,040 strikeouts, 5 World Series appearances, and 2 Championships later…maybe Roger is finally approaching twilight as Dan Duquette watches on from the largest planet in our solar system.
He’s earned it. Robert DeNiro, Tom Hanks and Denzell Washington don’t have to audition for B-movies. Just sit back, relax and enjoy. Like rapper Main Source once said, “Watch Roger Do His Thing”... for just a little while longer anyway.
stadiums on days he pitches…he’s worth no more than anyone else (Ha Ha). The reality is that during his last full season in 2005, his aging body finally betrayed him. Roger had been losing steam down the stretch and his hamstrings finally gave out when his team needed him most. Unfortunately he had be lifted after just 2 innings of painful and ineffective work during Game 1 of the World Series against the White Sox. Roger did not pitch again in the series. The Astros were swept 4 straight despite being outscored by only 6 runs total. Now you tell me…Would you want Clemens feeling fresh in spring training and April/May or would you want him feeling fresh in the post-season? (please refrain from any "the Yankees won’t be in the post-season smack" for that is not the point) Clemens is a competitor and only he knows his body's current capabilities the best.
expires). Back when mega-agent Scott Boras brokered the deal, salaries in baseball skyrocketed annually. It’s likely that Boras and A-Rod thought that their numbers could be surpassed over time. This “out clause” provided an escape in the event that Alex somehow wound up being “underpaid”. However, since then new contracts have basically stabilized. No other player has approached Alex’s high water mark. Even so, there is wide speculation that perhaps he will test the free agent waters. My question is: Why?
I suppose anything is possible but I just don’t see any team other than the Yankees paying A-Rod more than $27 million dollars a season. The Yankees and Rangers currently split the payments on this existing albatross of a contract, making it somewhat more bearable. If a new deal were made the next team would have to shoulder the load independently. That’s not overly likely to happen. Having already been labeled as greedy in certain circles, is this the type of public image the sensitive A-Rod would want to perpetuate? This would leave him vulnerable to even more nationwide scorn. 
just stated. Factor in his recent troubles with New York tabloids that went out of their way to expose his extra marital affairs (Stray-Rod) and the plot thickens. Then take into account that these same tabloids did not always choose the kindest of words when writing about his notorious struggles and the motive to leave increases. Finally, keep in mind that he originally tried to negotiate a trade from Texas to the Red Sox in order to beat the Yankees and the wheels really start turning. Boston is one of a few teams that could possibly afford him. Would a spiteful A-Rod stoop to this level of vengeance? They do say that revenge is a dish best served cold.
All statistical accolades aside, and two MVP awards not withstanding, Alex has never won a thing. It don’t mean a thing, if you ain’t got that ring. In fact people have already begun to bandy about the so-called “Curse of A-Rod”. I don’t know how these things get created but they certainly are amusing. When something is hard to explain, let’s bring in the supernatural. Alex has publicly stated that he loves New York and wants to win a title with the Yankees. Then again the term "straight shooter" hasn’t always been associated with A-Rod. SSSHHHHHHH…don’t tell anyone but some people have even accused him of being a big phony. As the season goes along and we receive less and less information from Alex about his intentions, we’ll see how just badly he truly wants to win in New York. Sticking it out in the Bronx would be a visible sign of toughness for the superstar with the “soft” reputation. Especially if the team misses the playoffs or he tanks in the post-season again. 
his foot in his mouth on several occasions, has had his words twisted out on context at other times, and usually seems to be looking for the right thing to say instead of speaking earnestly from the heart. He is meticulous with his appearance to a fault and is on record for saying that, “Maybe people dislike me because I'm rich, bi-racial and handsome”. Hmmm…don’t hate him cause he’s beautiful. Yep, the R in Rodriguez is really short for Revlon. Even if some people do feel that way, the fact that he even stated this provides insight regarding his vanity. Or is it insecurity? I think it’s both. A-Rod has a very high opinion of himself and truth be told I can’t blame him. He is rich, bi-racial, handsome and perhaps the future career home run king after all. For the life of him (and me) he can’t figure out why so many people can’t stand him. The more time that goes by, the harder it will be to find the adoration he is desperately looking for. 
spectators. If he stays in New York he is well on his way to winning over ALL the fans, if he hasn't already. Believe it or not he has always had more supporters than critics in New York. Those who boo sound a lot louder and are easier to pick out than those who cheer. If he decides to play elsewhere, mark my words, it will probably have to be for less money. If he does this it will lay to rest many negative innuendos about his character. It will show that winning and happiness don’t always lose to the almighty dollar. The willingness to play for a lower salary would probably earn him newfound respect in many places. Plus it won’t be for everyone’s favorite team to hate, the New York Yankees. 
Hideki Okajima. Lick the glue, place the stamp, and send the mail cause this one is signed, sealed, delivered. Umm…not exactly. The only thing getting killed was Okajima’s pitch, as Robinson Cano delivered it 400+ feet off the center field wall for a game tying RBI triple with nobody out. Quite frustratingly third base is right where Cano stayed as three straight teammates failed to bring him home.
throwing BBs at hitters all season long. However, with Jonathan Papelbon coming in to pitch the top of the 9th, and with Mariano Rivera likely to pitch the bottom on the inning, it didn’t look good (considering Mo’s track record of late against Boston). 
of his stick. 
then why do we have managers and head coaches in the first place? According to the simplistic reasoning of some people, we can put a clipboard in the hands of a bright 
HIS stamp on his players. His mentality is the team’s mentality. His laws are the team’s laws. It doesn’t matter if he “rules” through fear or love, but for God’s sake rule he must. All things considered, Joe Torre must have done his job. It may have taken time to evolve to this point but the team is blemished by his bland image. They wear his mark like a scarlet letter, or more fittingly the cursed black spot. The word on the street is that Torre has about 2 weeks to turn things around or it’s off to the “gallows” for “Lifeless Joe”.
Bobby Abreu by now? Would he have stood for his timid, deer in the headlights play? Of course not. He would have lit into him and hopefully ignited a raging fire that would have inspired some on the field passion. Even if his play still suffered at least something would have been done. Joe Torre just watches and waits. 
those rag tag fill-ins take their beatings in the best interest of the team. Why burn out the whole staff when you can let one or two disposable players earn their “keep” for a day? I could hear Piniella now: “You want to pitch like a dog? Well stay in there, take your lumps and make sure it doesn’t happen again if you don’t want this to happen again”. Joe Torre just makes the same pitching staff mistakes over and over.
question marks in the rotation and line-up than did the Yankees in spring training? By being THE leader on the field, in the clubhouse and in the media...that's how. By placing HIS stamp on his team. Torre just lets his “superstars” lead themselves. His stamp must be made of rubber now because whatever inspirational messages he is sending clearly just bounce away.
Yankees broadcast booth. You have to believe he has plenty of ideas regarding what the team needs and is licking his chops to try them out (whether he cares for Joe Torre or not). 
d counting. He has 12 games in 14 days to right this ship. The Yanks are 10 games behind Boston in the loss column. Starting tonight they play the Red Sox (3), Angels (3), Blue Jays (3) and Red Sox again (3). Let’s just call these games the dirty dozen. If the Yankees get manhandled by Boston, as well as play poorly against the Angels and Blue Jays, there will be a new manager leading the Bombers as they limp out of Fenway Park and head to Chicago on June 4th. The official watch begins.
drug test earlier this year for amphetamines, one should safely assume that Barry is legitimately putting up these huge numbers. He is probably the most chemically scrutinized athlete in professional sports after all. 
o say that steroid use wears away specific tissues in the body, which increases the risk of certain injuries. Seems to me that a steroid user would be negating one presumed physical benefit with an equally dangerous physical risk. You can’t play if you get hurt as a result of your actions. If that's the case with Bonds’ recent injuries, one could argue that his career home run total is right about where it should be. This is all speculation, but if he hit X-number of steroid aided homeruns, it’s very possible he lost even more home runs during the last 2 seasons when his body began to break down once he went clean. Sounds like it could have been an “even trade" to me. If you keep in mind that Barry always had far more than “warning track” power, his performance was probably enhanced less than it was ultimately hindered. In fact, maybe he’d have stayed healthy throughtout and already passed Aaron if he hadn’t used steroids as most people believe. We just can’t say and that’s my whole point. There is almost nothing that anyone knows for sure
Barry who had his name leaked after what was a “confidential” first time offense according to league policy. Why not denounce the whole lot of them instead of singling him out? Is it really all about the home run record?
e home run king and a perceived jerk at that. It’s a national witch-hunt fed by the 2-faced media. Who cares about the low-level potion makers when you can bring down the head warlock? Besides, they don’t want the truth. They couldn’t handle the truth. If the truth ever came out, the doors to the Hall of Fame might have to be closed forever to other legends of the game. Can you imagine if one day we learned that Cal Ripken’s iron man streak was a result of performance enhancers? How about if the longevity of Roger Clemens isn’t due to natural causes? What if Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine are still able to throw quality "junk" because of some junk they’ve put in their bodies over the years. Has anyone ever explained statistical anomalies such as Brady Anderson’s 50 homeruns in 1996? 
the coach? More often than not, it’s the coach that is held accountable. Although some might be reluctant to lower the axe when problems are related to injuries, how one responds to that unexpected adversity is fair game for analysis. 
t, but fans remember Joe’s formula. The starters could hopefully give the team 5-6 innings, Rivera would next pitch the 7th and 8th innings of every close game that the team played, and closer John Wetteland would then shut the door. By the time the season was nearing an end, Mo was grimacing in pain from the exertion of pitching so much. No doubt from the pins and needles he was feeling in his arm after the 108 innings he logged as the set-up man. Win a World Series and all is forgotten, ill advised as the strategy may have been. 
Joe Torre was fortunate that this lack of foresight didn’t blow up in his face. 
Point blank, Torre is burning up his bullpen. The truth is he has been doing this since he got to New York. Unfortunately for the Yankees, this is his absolute worst job of it yet. The team has a ton of relievers, but none with clearly defined roles. He’s done a deplorable job of mixing and matching the right man to the right situation, as well as making sure that each player gets adequate game repetitions or adequate rest. The bullpen is a mess and not from a lack of solid arms. The bullpen is a mess because of how Torre manages it. 
ories were American colonists who remained loyal to King George and the British Empire during the Revolutionary War. My apologies to Joe but it’s nothing personal. I actually like and respect him a ton. However, my loyalty is done, finished, kaput. I have my eye on another Joe. Joltin’ Joe Girardio as a matter of fact. Girardi played with Yankees mainstays, such as Jeter, Posada, Pettite and Rivera. He would instantly command the respect of the team in the clubhouse, for he is no outsider. His fiery personality would be a big boost to the team, as well as serve notice that their level of play must stay consistent. Torre’s philosophy on the other hand, is akin to a gym teacher who rolls a ball onto the field and tells the kids to go out and play. Professionals or not the team needs more than that. Knowing how to play, and being inspired to do so, are totally different things. And besides, Girardi certainly couldn’t manage a bullpen any worse. 
He’s your idol, the highest title, numero uno.
once said, I’ve had all I can stands and I can’t stands no more. “Arrogant” Yankees fans like myself get blamed for everything from east coast bias to global warming. Apparently because we blow so much hot air. I figure if I'm going to get accused of it, I might as well live it every once in awhile. You can take this slice of not so humble pie and stick it down your throat. Are all you A-Rod bashers liking how this tastes? (and this goes for POSER Yankees fans that boo MVPs too) Revenge is a dish best served cold, but red-hot baseball style isn't bad either. 
lub? 
good catchers the list is even more limited. Wearing “The Tools of Ignorance” takes serious tolls on players’ bodies. It’s not actually the tools themselves, but what they protect from. Few players are able to handle the physical demands of the position, while maintaining productive offensive careers that withstand the rigors of time. You’ll hear of no Iron Man streaks among catchers. Even the strongest need several days off during the seemingly endless 162 game seasons. 
es of the sport. When listening to discussions regarding great catchers from this recent era, the two names most often mentioned are Mike Piazza and Ivan Rodriguez. Although Piazza is widely viewed as the best hitting catcher of all time, and Rodriguez the most complete backstop of his generation, I find it a bit unfair that Lopez and Posada do not receive more accolades for extremely productive, and dare I say Hall of Fame worthy careers.