Kuzul

Hasn’t the New York Yankees brass put us fans through enough already?

So far, the 2010 offseason has been emotionally draining for those loyal to the pinstripes.

To be fair, we were warned the moment owner Hal Steinbrenner uttered the word “messy” pre-captain Derek Jeter’s negotiations.

After weeks of vandalizing Jeter, one of the most luminous Yankees ever, and seemingly giving Mariano Rivera the silent treatment, Yankee fans have had about 24 hours of peace.

That was Saturday, today is Tuesday and the Winter Meetings are in full swing.

The MLB Network has around-the-clock coverage, filled with interviews and introductions. The first 24 hours a majority of teams’ GMs and owners sat down to give their respective clubs plan for 2011. I learned a lot:

• The West Coast, NL version of Yankees Mark Teixeira has left San Diego for Beantown, as Adrian Gonzalez is now with the Boston Red Sox. During his press conference, Gonzalez said he couldn’t wait to beat the Yankees. Boston gave up three coveted prospects and one player to be named later to the Padres for the All-Star. GM Theo Epstein said Kevin Youkilis would move to third-base, so Gonzalez can play at first. Gonzalez is described as a left-handed Manny Ramirez and hit .337 in 2010. Merry Christmas Red Sox fans!
• Jayson Werth signed a monster contract for seven years and $126 million with the Washington Nationals. So, now you know Scott Boras is in attendance. As for Werth, he better hope rolling around in dollar bills will ease the pain of losing. Not to worry as no one watched the Nationals games and Stephen Strasburg won’t be back till 2012 so stash some of the green in your locker, too.
• My love affair continues to grow stronger with White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, as he once again told it like it is and it is so refreshing. Ozzie was elated about his team’s new addition of Adam Dunn from the Nationals. Ozzie said his White Sox are AL Central’s team to beat. Ozzie ended his talk by stating he wished he was Jayson Werth’s wife.
• Also, heard from higher-ups of the Rangers, Mets, Braves, Padres, Phillies, Angels and others who took the time to inform us what they are up too. Also, the Red Sox have officially been labeled the favorites to win the 2011 World Series.

So, what news came out of Yankees camp?

Well, we were told that Andy Pettitte is leaning towards retiring, according to a friend of a friend. That is very reliable reporting.

Has anyone found the guy who heard this news from Pettitte’s buddy?

Obviously the answer is no, as no one even knows the “mole’s” name.

On to the Cliff Lee front, all I picked up from listening to this banter is that the Yankees are not the only club Lee’s camp is taking to.

This felt like some kind of polite warning.

Fact remains, sans the two southpaws spells trouble for Yankee universe.

One of the hosts said if this becomes the Yankees’ reality, that for sure the Royals’ Zach Greinke would be in pinstripes. I think this is a baaadddd idea.

I mean what’s next a press conference reintroducing Carl Pavano to New York?

I will happily put my foot in my mouth if GM Brian Cashman comes on TV with both Carl Crawford and Cliff Lee.

Only because that is the Yankees way….still?

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When I saw the latest MLB news was that ex-Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth had signed with the Washington Nationals, I ran right to my computer to Google the truth.

To my utter disbelief, it was true. Werth signed with the Nationals for the next seven years and $126 million dollar paycheck.

Werth had many options as one of the coveted free agents this offseason, with teams like the Red Sox, Angeles and his own Phillies in the mix.

So, signing with the not-going-to-win Nationals was shocking—until you saw the price tag and remember he hired a new agent named Scott Boras.

Moving from the Phillies, who won the 2008 World Series and four straight NL East titles, to one that finished in last place in 2010 with a 69-93 record and has yet to have a winning record since 2003 makes absolutely no sense for three reasons.

1) Playing for the Nationals and your chances of even getting in playoff contention is slim. Hope rolling in dollar bills can make up for having to play everyday and losing consistently.

2) From the franchise’s prospective, it makes no sense to spend that money on a 31 year old that made $2.5 million in 2010.

What a way to piss off all the other teams the day before the Winter Meetings, especially Los Angeles Angels GM Tony Reagins, who must be ready to kill Boras and the Nationals, along with every other GM in baseball because prices just went up.

3) For Werth, a lesson will be learned because playing 162 games for a losing ball-club, who will have an empty park, is worth no amount of money. Werth was an All-Star as a Philly too. Remember that Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg is out for the entire 2011 season and that was the only time fans showed up.

This reeks of Scott Boras. Boras tends to get his players to go for the green instead of where they can utilize their skills. Yes, it usually means less of a payday, but gaining personal achievements to be a tad less rich is a no brainier.

Boras brainwashes his clients that the better deal pays more, as if the team that is showing Werth the money appreciates his value more.

It couldn’t be further from the truth, as Boras is looking for himself. Boras gets the bigger payday at what price because his job is done, it’s the player who has to weather the consequences.

Teams, like the Nationals, have to offer players, such as Werth, a reason to take such a professional step down and bring their talents to a losing team.

Werth lead the National League in 2010 with 46 doubles, 27 homers and 85 RBIs.

Guess that speaks volumes about Jayson Werth’s goals, as he is playing for a paycheck and it won’t be easy at all.

One person is going to reap the Boras benefits is free agent Carl Crawford, who is having a party as we speak.

Werth just made him a richer man and one that will get paid from a contending club like the Los Angeles Angels and don’t count out the New York Yankees either.

Werth is going to miss being a superhero in Philadelphia, playing in an always filled Citizens Bank Park but most of all he will miss being an athlete on a winning team.

As a Yankee fan, I was am happy that Werth is not a Red Sox or an Angel.

Now Jayson’s worth just became irrelevant in the world of baseball, which is a darn waste of a fun player that now no one will watch.

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My hometown is a small island known as New York City.

Numerous pro-sports teams bear the words New York on their jerseys.

Fans and players alike wear their respective team’s apparel with such pride.

No matter the number or name, or whether it’s game-green or pinstriped, they all represent the same special place.

This is why the last few weeks have been so tough, as the talk turned to obsession regarding New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter.

Jeter was the talk of the town, which is no easy feat in the Big Apple, and not necessarily something you want to go through.

It’s a city of ego, making jealousy an easy path to choose and Jeter isn’t so hard to envy.

With a resume consisting of professional athlete, Yankee captain, not hard on the eyes, easy-going, polite, five-time world champ and an endorsement list that rivals Michael Jordan—who named a sneaker in his honor—caused New Yorkers to get nasty.

Other than Jeter’s desperate need for an off-the-field stylist, try and find me a guy who wouldn’t want to be Derek Jeter for a day, because he is living the dream.

Looking back on Jeter’s contract negotiations, the emotions were not so jealously driven as much as I felt betrayed.

Baseball is a business, but the players are still people.

See, Jeter is not just a shortstop or a professional baseball player to most of us Yankee fans. This made it very personal for us.

If George Steinbrenner were still alive, I doubt he would have allowed any dirt to be kicked on the captain.

Darryl Strawberry reiterated this sentiment by stating:

“George would roll over in his grave if he knew the way they’re treating Jeter,” Strawberry told the New York Daily News.

“The Boss never would have let this happen. If the Boss was alive, there’s no question they’d pay Jeter. I got to know George personally, and I know how much he cared about his players. And Jeter was like a son to him. I’m telling you, this wouldn’t be happening.”

See, the New York Yankees are under a new regime for the first time since 1973.

Passing the torch to his sons Hank and Hal, it has become clear that the only similarity seems to be their last name.

Say what you want about “The Boss,” but no one can deny his determination to win and anything short of perfection just wasn’t good enough.

Many of Mr. Steinbrenner’s decisions were controversial, ridiculous and unreasonable at times because he was a baseball fan. That true passion would constantly supersede his decision making as an owner.

The sons seem to be disconnected from the actual love of the game.

The fact that Hank and Hal even left the door open for Jeter to wear another uniform was all the proof I needed.

The initial pitch of $45 million for three years is measured as generous when compared to baseball in its entirety.

Let’s not forget that this is the Yankees, who play in New York and they have always been a different kind of beast.

“The Boss” did not strive to be an average person and he surely never ran the Yankees with that sentiment.

As he once said:

“When it comes to hiring, number one for me is loyalty. I want a person who’s devoted to the task.”

Unfortunately, Mr. Steinbrenner no longer has a voice and I don’t think Yankee fans are used to baseball being purely about business. It is something only time can heal.

I guess New York never realized that “Our Boss” was first and foremost just another Yankees fan.

For now, I am just happy our captain is back.

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Finally, there is some good news regarding the contract negotiations of New York Yankees Captain Derek Jeter.

The New York Daily News claims that the Yankees and Jeter could have this contract signed by Saturday. Yes, tomorrow could put Yankee Universe at ease again if this becomes a fact.

What did it take for both sides to agree?

Rumored to be in the ballpark of about $19 million per season, over three years with an option for a fourth. The fourth season is TBD on Jeter’s performance, no specifics are known as to what these requirements entail.

This means Jeter keeps the same salary as his last contract, which was 10 years at $189 million bucks.

That is a fair price for an icon.

I am truly content to spread this news around, but will be elated when the hearsay turns into our reality.

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Phew! Rumor has it that the greatest closer in the history of baseball will stay in pinstripes.

That is great news for the New York Yankees who are said to be re-signing Mariano Rivera for two more years at $30 million.

Rumor has it that two of the Bombers’ biggest rivals, the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels, tried to steal Mo from New York.

One team supposedly offered Rivera three years at $17 million a season.

The only response to both suitors is loyalty is not gone from sports, as Rivera wants to stay for less money and years exactly where he started.

Rivera just turned 41 years old on November 29, but he sure doesn’t show his aging on the pitching mound.

Last season Rivera posted a 1.80 ERA, over 60 innings of work. Mo made 33 saves in 2010.

Rivera’s cutter is still baffling hitters after 16 seasons.

Add that talent to a most intimidating presence on the mound and it is so hard to imagine the most graceful and humble demeanor is behind such an existence.

Mariano Rivera is just all class.

Mo and the Yankees Universe are finally breathing for the first time this offseason.

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No it’s not Jeter, Rivera or Pettitte and as far as I know Cliff Lee has never been a Yankee so who could it be?

As I type with complete and utter nausea, the player is Sergio Mitre.

No, this is not a joke, as the Yankees have signed Mitre for another year at $900,000 to bring his talents back to the Bronx.

What talents convinced the Yankees to make this decision?

Please, someone let me know ASAP.

This has skipper Joe Girardi’s name written all over it because we know he loves players from his Florida Marlins days in 2006.

Do you remember whose brilliant idea it was to pay Nick Johnson over bringing back the World Series MVP Hideki Matsui?

Well, it was Girardi as Johnson was on the 2004 Marlins too.

GM Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner are doing a great job so far.

Signing Mitre totally solves all the problems on the mound because Mitre has been so good in the past.

Mitre has a career record of 13-29, with a 5.27 ERA over seven seasons. Stellar record, but he also is injured a lot and struggles in big jams on the mound.

Mitre gives Yankee fans shivers, the same way Kyle Farnsworth used too.

What’s next? Announcing that Mitre is going to play shortstop too?

Sorry, but this was one player I was hoping to not see in pinstripes ever again.

Well, I guess Mitre can just hog a roaster spot again for 2011.

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After the long overdue firing of skipper Jerry Manuel, the New York Mets owners announced the two-year signing of Terry Collins to be the franchises 20^th skipper.

COLLINS BACKGROUND:

Collins started his pro career as a shortstop drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971.

Over the next 10 years, Collins played for the Pirates and Los Angeles Angels, but only in the minors.

In 1981, Collins started managing in the minors, but this time he did break in to the majors. From 1993-99, he managed the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels.

COLLINS AND HIS MESS:

No doubt this new venture will be Collins hardest because the Mets are in dire straits.

See, unlike the other New York team, winning is not a word in the Mets vocabulary. Of course, neither is leadership, sportsmanship, respect, healthy or any other positive aspect used to describe a quality baseball team.

So, the question remains: Is Terry Collins the man who can right the Mets back from mediocrity?

No one can answer this for certain, but if history means anything, this could be another rough ride for Mets fans.

Collins will bring a much-needed energetic personality and is a direct straight shooter—two traits Manuel severely lacked, but something the players so desperately required.

A lot like New York Yankees skipper Joe Girardi, Collins has a drive to win and is always overly prepared.

The difference is the Yankee players share Girardi’s sentiments of never giving-up a win; the Mets players are familiar with continually collapsing under pressure.

Collins two other stints in charge with the Astros and the Angeles were successful record-wise, then consistent September breakdowns of both Collins-lead franchises lead to missing the playoffs and falling back to second place.

Both times the playoffs were well in reach, but the players were burnt from Collins “live and die with each play” and too intense for a 162 games to handle.

Overcompensating might work in the short term, but Collins is going to have to control his emotions when the Amazins’ start to slump. Collin is dealing with a lot of frisky “it’s all about me” types on his Mets roster and a captain who no one is scared of in David Wright.

Look, fact is anything is an upgrade from Manuel. It would be hard to imagine the Mets could get much worse than they currently are, but never say never when talking about the Amazins’.

As for Collins, it will be refreshing to see some emotion coming from the dugout in Citi Field. Will it be overkill for the players? Well, this is what remains to be seen.

For now, look at it as a sign that things are finally starting to change for the blue and orange.

The pieces are in place in regards to talent, but it’s the teamwork that needs a face lift.

If anything, the Mets owe it for their fans to support Collins and respect his authority.

A MESSAGE FOR THE METS FANS:

All I can say to the many loyal Mets fans out there is that it’s a start in the right direction.

You all truly deserve to see a good team in 2011, but more than anything else try to not live in the past.

Try to stay positive, which I hope is not asking too much.

As hard as it is, you have to start to trust the Mets again.

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The second time was not a charm for Javier Vazquez as a New York Yankee

After almost winning the NL Cy Young in 2009, Vazquez bravely returned to the Bronx in 2010. He had high hopes to end the Yankee fans smear campaign, which dated back to the 2004 season.

Just in case you were subconsciously blocking out 2004 (trust me I do), it was the year the Boston Red Sox finally beat the Yankees in the ALCS. The Yankees blew the series after being up 3-0 in games, with three outs to sweeping the series.

Obviously, Vazquez is by no means to blame, as the Yankees imploded pretty well as a team.

Vazquez started a tremendous emotionally charged Game 7, by giving up two homeruns, one of which was a grand-slam, to than Red Sox Johnny Damon.  It was the breaking point for Yankees fans and no need to reminisce anymore.

Still, I have to give credit to the Red Sox, as Boston deserved to win the 2004 World Series. That ALCS is hands down one of the greatest comeback stories in sports history.

If you are really interested in Vazquez’s round one in pinstripes ESPN did a 30 for 30 called Four Days In October – Don’t Let The Red Sox Win! Yankees Self Destruct. You might have caught it on October 5, 2010, when ESPN debuted the short film the night before Game One of the 2010 ALDS.

So, Javy’s second chance did not go over well with the Yankee fans making it quite an unhappy reunion to say the least. This was evident when Vazquez got booed before throwing his first pitch at the Stadium.

Call it ill-fated timing with Alex Rodriguez finally being clutch in the post-season set the precursor for Yankee fans to open a can of whoop ass on Vazquez. It was pretty ruthless and pointless, as the only place that should want to remember 2004 is the city of Boston.

Vazquez couldn’t hide his sadness and the damage clearly affected his production in 2010. The proof that it was New York and not Vazquez was that he had been first-rate everywhere else he has pitched.

Vazquez as an Atlanta Brave finished 2009 with a 2.87 ERA, throwing for 219 innings, giving up 20 home runs, 44 walks and striking out 238 batters.

As a Yankee in 2010 he only pitched 157 innings, with an ERA of 5.32, giving up 32 bombs, 65 walks and striking out over 100 less batters with a total of 121.

Skipper Joe Girardi had no choice but to cut Vazquez from the 2010 playoff roaster. Translation is that AJ Burnett was more reliable than Vazquez had been.

The Yankees and Vazquez were done. Vazquez couldn’t be happier to get the hell out of the Bronx, and I don’t blame him.

So when the Florida Marlins came knocking Vazquez ran and took a significant pay cut from the Marlins due to the Yankees offering him aberration. Textbook call by GM Brian Cashman as there was no way Vazquez would accept it, and the Yankees came away with the Marlins best draft pick. Presumably, this is the reason for the discount given by team Vazquez to get the deal done.

It’s about darn time the Yankees have no reminders of the 2004 season on there roster, and let’s hope we never do again.

All I have to say to Javy Vazquez is “Adiós para siempre!” (“Goodbye Forever”)

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The New York Yankees are one of the most decorated and historic franchises in sports.

Names like Mickey Mantel, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra and the Babe are just a handful of the historic names to don pinstripes.

“Winning Championships” is the Yankees motto. Baseball is a team sport, which makes individual accomplishments merely an added bonus. Awards for anything other than a World Series will not absolve a season’s failure.

The Yankees have housed 22 MVPs, five CY Young winners, eight Rookies of the Year, 12 World Series MVPs, eight ALCS MVPs and two Triple Crown Winners (Home Runs, RBI, Batting Average).

The franchise itself has won 27 World Series Championships and has been witness to every kind of individual player accomplishment except one.

That one is a hitter’s most elite club. Membership is only given to a player who reaches 3000 hits over his career.

There are a mere 26 members in this section of the Hall Of Fame, but not one of them has worn New York pinstripes.

Well, the chance for a Yankee to be represented on this list has come again, and this time the player could not be more fitting: It’s Derek Jeter.

Jeter is a homegrown Yankee who has been the Captain of the pinstripes since 2003.

In 1996, his first year in the pros, Jeter won the Rookie of the Year Award.

In 2000 Jeter was both the World Series MVP and the All-Star Game MVP.

Jeter has played in 11 All-Star Games, won five Gold Gloves, four Silver Sluggers, two Hank Aaron awards, a Roberto Clemente award—and that is just the top of the list of awards.

Decorated to say the least, Jeter also has five World Series rings as a Yankee, which is well beyond any expectations.

So, how perfect if the name Derek Jeter were to be the first New York Yankee to grace the 3000 hit list?

Well, what seemed like destiny for Jeter, who has just 74 hits till 3000, is no longer.

Jeter is no longer tied contractually to the pinstripes, a slight predicament which no one imagined would ever be the thing standing in his way.

If the Yankees and Jeter could find a happy medium, then a New York player could be represented on yet another exclusive list.

It would make the Yankee fans ecstatic if it were our Captain Derek Jeter.

Vince Lombardi once said, “It is time for us to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever, the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it.”

The Yankees should give this chance to Derek Jeter, who has done so much for the team. He deserves to have all his triumphs cemented in his pinstripes.

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With each passing day, this seemingly solid and prosperous marriage between Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees seems to be on the verge of divorce.

No doubt the two are more perfect as a union, as I don’t know one baseball fan that can imagine either surviving without the other.

Whose side are you going to choose TEAM JETER or TEAM YANKEES?

Let’s take a look at TEAM YANKEES…(click on TEAM JETER to read that post.)

TEAM YANKEES

The other side to this saga has sent people into a tailspin, as $45-$50 million over three years is way more than Jeter’s athleticism is worth.

This is true, but Jeter would still be the highest paid shortstop in all of baseball by millions of dollars. Look at the players below in comparison to Jeter:

Jeter is by far the oldest active shortstop, as well as the highest paid in 2010, taking home a $22,600,000 paycheck.

No one can hide the fact that Jeter’s age started to show last season, as his skills took a dive.

He’ll turn 37 in June 2011, and inevitably the wear and tear will only get worse.

Also, considering the shortstop position is the most athletic on the field, Jeter is seemingly way out of his prime years of production.

So, being offered $15-$18 million a season for a declining shortstop is beyond generous. It keeps Jeter way atop the payday list at his position.

It would seem ludicrous for him to not to be happy with that money. No other ball club is going to offer anything near that.

Who figured the player who says it’s not about the money would be baffled by this contract. If it is all about winning then why would he hold up more money that could be used elsewhere?

Could he be jealous of Alex Rodriguez’s bigger paycheck?

Well, then Jeter should never have signed for 10 years. He could have made his first big contract seven or six years and then we wouldn’t even be having this discussion.

At the time of his contract negotiations, A-Rod was younger and a better player than Jeter; he still is both of those.

Off the field Jeter’s behavior has been perfect, which can’t be said for the PR shit-storm A-Rod has caused the Bombers post contract.

Basically if you want a better friend, Jeter is your guy. Remember that baseball is about winning, not about who did what three years ago.

Jeter is already rich and it’s not like the Yankees are low balling him. Looking at the market, he is getting way more than his skills are worth.

The fact now is that GM Brian Cashman has made Team Yankees position clear with this statement:

“We understand his contributions to the franchise and our offer has taken them into account. We’ve encouraged him to test the market and see if there is something he would prefer other than this. If he can, fine. That’s the way it works.”

Jeter is going to get a big wake-up call when offers don’t come rolling in with his price tagged, but the fan backlash is what will sting for the Captain.

Jeter wants a bigger paycheck than $45 million in an economy where people can’t afford to eat and have lost their homes.

I would love to hear Jeter’s explanation to Yankee fans, listing all the reasons why that is not enough money to bring his talents back to the Bronx.

Jeter once said:

“We just want to win. That’s the bottom line. I think a lot of times people may become content with one championship or a little bit of success, but we don’t really reflect on what we’ve done in the past. We focus on the present.”

So, why is Derek Jeter so “baffled” by the Yankees offer if the focus is on the right now?

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