Yanks prez: Rangers owner 'delusional'
NEW YORK -- Yankees president Randy Levine has fired back at Texas Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg, calling him "delusional." The message was direct: Mind your business and keep your team off "welfare."
Levine made his comments in response to Greenberg's opinion that the Rangers kept the chase for Cliff Lee going long enough for the Phillies to sneak in and take Lee from the clutches of New York to the National League.
"I think Chuck is delusional," Levine told ESPNewYork.com. "He has been running the Rangers for a few minutes and seems to believe he's mastered what everyone else is thinking. I think he should let Cliff Lee speak for himself. I'll be impressed when he demonstrates he can keep the Rangers off welfare. What I mean is make them not be a revenue-sharing recipient for three years in a row, without taking financing from baseball or advance money from television networks. Then I'll be impressed."
The Yankees and Rangers have been going at it in the board room and in the media ever since the Rangers beat the Yankees in the American League Championship Series. The Yankees were chapped that Greenberg said Lee might not want to play in New York because of how the fans acted toward Lee's wife.
The Yankees, including part-owner Hal Steinbrenner, went to the airwaves and responded, calling out Greenberg. Now, Levine is taking on Greenberg again because the Rangers' owner said he was glad that Lee ended up in the NL and not with the Yankees.
"We didn't know specifically that Philadelphia was in on Cliff until the day he agreed to terms with Philadelphia," Greenberg said Sunday at Rangers Fan Fest. "But all along we thought if a mystery team would come forward that there was a pretty good chance that it would be Philadelphia.
"We had three different meetings with Cliff and his wife and his agent in Little Rock. At the very first meeting he spoke very highly of the experience he had pitching for the Phillies. And it was clear that pitching here and in Philadelphia were the two most enjoyable experiences of his career. Even though Philadelphia was probably not in, they were always in the back of our mind.
"I think if we wouldn't have gone to Arkansas that last time, I think he was going to sign with the Yankees. We pried the door open a little bit to give ourselves another opportunity. And ultimately the Phillies were able to take advantage of that opportunity that we created. While we would have preferred that he would have chosen to go with us, we're real pleased that he's going to the other league."
Greenberg, along with Nolan Ryan, completed the purchase of the Rangers this year, but the transaction was held up for quite some time, leading to Major League Baseball coming in to help the franchise pay its bills.
Andrew Marchand covers the Yankees for ESPNNewYork.com. ESPNewYork.com's Wallace Matthews contributed to this report.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Do You Want to Meet Mariano Rivera? Live and In Person? Check This Out!
An Evening with Mariano Rivera
Steiner Sports is proud to offer you the opportunity to spend an evening with the Greatest Closer in Major League Baseball History, 5-Time World Series Champion, and Future Hall of Famer, Mariano Rivera. On Monday, February 7th, a limited group of people will be talking baseball and enjoying time with Mo at our New Rochelle Corporate Office.
Everyone in attendance will take home a Limited Edition 8x10 Photograph Framed, Hand Signed by Mariano Rivera and inscribed Enter Sandman, Final Pitch 9/21/08 This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be limited to just 100 people. These packages will sell fast so don’t miss out. If you have any questions, or wish to reserve spots, please reach Jason direct at 800-909-9162. Have a great day!
Breakdown of Mariano Rivera Event
When: Monday, February 7th, 2011
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Who: Mariano Rivera
Where: Steiner Sports Corporate Offices
Spots Available: 100 Total Packages
What You Get:
Package 1- RIVEEVE20711A
- 1 Ticket (1 person)
- 1 Mariano Rivera Final Pitch at Yankee Stadium Scoreboard 8x10 Photo Framed Inscribed “Enter Sandman, Final Pitch 9/21/08”
- Q&A Session with Rivera
-Photo Opportunity with Rivera
- Light Food and Drinks
Price: $499
Package 2 - RIVEEVE20711B
- 2 Tickets (2 People)
- 2 Mariano Rivera Final Pitch at Yankee Stadium Scoreboard 8x10 Photo Framed Inscribed “Enter Sandman, Final Pitch 9/21/08”
- Q&A Session with Rivera
-Photo Opportunity with Rivera
- Light Food and Drinks
Price $899
-Jason (800-909-9162)
Jason Klein
Director of Editorial & Web Content
Steiner Sports Memorabilia, Inc.
145 Huguenot Street
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Direct: 1-800-909-9162
Direct: 1-914-307-1093
jklein@steinersports.com
George Wanted Me to Burn the Letters by Mary Jane Schriner's Blog
Check out the latest entry from Mary Jane Schriner.
http://mjschriner.wordpress.com/2011/01/26/george-wanted-me-to-burn-the-letters/
http://mjschriner.wordpress.com/2011/01/26/george-wanted-me-to-burn-the-letters/
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
YANKEES, SORIANO AGREE ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT
YANKEES, SORIANO AGREE ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT
The Yankees officially signed free agent relief pitcher Rafael Soriano to a three-year deal on Tuesday. Soriano, 31, led the American League with 45 saves while serving as the Tampa Bay Rays' primary closer in 2010. He posted a 1.73 ERA in 64 appearances and was rewarded with his first All-Star nod in his nine-year career. Prior to joining the Rays in 2010, Soriano, who boasts a career 2.73 ERA, pitched in relief for the Mariners and Braves.
from Yankees.com
The Yankees officially signed free agent relief pitcher Rafael Soriano to a three-year deal on Tuesday. Soriano, 31, led the American League with 45 saves while serving as the Tampa Bay Rays' primary closer in 2010. He posted a 1.73 ERA in 64 appearances and was rewarded with his first All-Star nod in his nine-year career. Prior to joining the Rays in 2010, Soriano, who boasts a career 2.73 ERA, pitched in relief for the Mariners and Braves.
from Yankees.com
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Cano, Hughes to be honored at BBWAA dinner
Cano, Hughes to be honored at BBWAA dinner
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
Wednesday, Jan. 12 12:26 PM ET
NEW YORK -- Robinson Cano and Phil Hughes will be presented with awards from the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America at its annual dinner on Jan. 22. The gala affair, to be held at the New York Hilton, also features the presentation of baseball's eight national awards to both league's MVPs, Cy Youngs, Rookies of the Year and Managers of the Year. Cano has been selected for the Joe DiMaggio Toast of the Town Award, coming off a breakout season in which he batted .319 with 29 home runs and 109 RBIs in 160 games for New York.
Hughes is being presented with the Good Guy Award after posting a career-high 18 victories and his first career All-Star Game selection, recording a 4.19 ERA in 31 games (29 starts).
Longtime Yankees principal owner George M. Steinbrenner, who passed away on July 13 at age 80, will also be posthumously honored with the Joan Payson Award for community service.
The New York chapter is also welcoming a trio of retiring managers for the Willie, Mickey and the Duke Award, honoring Bobby Cox, Lou Piniella and Joe Torre, who combined for 6,887 victories, 12 pennants and six World Series titles at the helm of their respective clubs.
The Mets will be represented at the function by pitcher R.A. Dickey, who has been selected for the You Gotta Have Heart Award.
Other award winners selected by the New York BBWAA chapter are Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton, Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum and Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew.
Tickets for the 88th annual BBWAA dinner are priced at $225 and can be purchased by e-mailing Phil Pepe at philpepman@cs.com.
Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Don Mattingly host first Mattingly Charities fundraising event at Mickey Mantle's Restaurant - January 27, 2011
Don Mattingly host first Mattingly Charities fundraising event at Mickey Mantle's Restaurant
Schulte Auctions to Conduct On-Line Auction Supporting Launch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shelton, CT - Mattingly Charities,a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, today announced their first organization fundraising event will be held Thursday, January 27,2011, 6pm - 10pm, at Mickey Mantle's Restaurant, located in New York City.
The event, hosted by Len Berman, will include an intimate cocktail reception, dinner, a silent auction, a question/answer session with Don Mattingly and will conclude with musical entertainment featuring talented youth members from The Boys' Club of New York. Former baseball greats Bernie Williams, Tom Seaver along with former New York Rangers' legend, Rod Gilbert will be attending, in addition to other athletes and celebrity friends expected to attend to support Don's launch of Mattingly Charities.
Founded by former New York Yankee Captain and current Los Angeles Dodgers' manager, Don Mattingly created Mattingly Charities to serve under- privileged youth by supporting programs that promote baseball and softball participation.
"We are very excited to officially kick-off Mattingly Charities and announce a very special relationship with the Boys' Club of New York," said Don Mattingly, 1985 American League MVP.
Schulte Auctions will be conducting an on-line memorabilia auction featuring numerous signed collectible items to benefit the fundraising efforts of Mattingly Charities. A Charlie Daniels signed fiddle, a B.B. King signed Lucille guitar, a Rascal Flatts and Martina McBride signed guitars, are just a few items currently posted LIVE on www.SchulteAuctions.com closing, Monday, January 31, 2011 at 10 pm EST.
For more information on how to purchase event tickets or donate on-line please visit www.MattinglyCharities.org or e-mail arielle.mazzei@mattinglybaseball.com
About Mattingly Charities
Mattingly Charities is a non-profit organization, created to serve underprivileged youth by supporting programs which promote baseball and softball participation in conjunction with other developmentary related activities, for the benefit of underprivileged youth, youth leagues, and social welfare and related organizations. 100% of the efforts of the organization will be focused on these activities. Initially, Mattingly Charities will partner with existing charities that already have established operations and aligned mission statements and serve primarily as a source of funding and equipment for these organizations. Funding will be generated year round through various activities including special events and direct solicitation of the general public.
Event Contact: Arielle Mazzei
arielle.mazzei@mattinglybaseball.com
http://www.mattinglycharities.org/
Media Contact: Ray Schulte
Ray@SchulteSports.com
(410) 350-6226 (cell)
http://www.schultesports.com/
Schulte Auctions to Conduct On-Line Auction Supporting Launch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shelton, CT - Mattingly Charities,a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, today announced their first organization fundraising event will be held Thursday, January 27,2011, 6pm - 10pm, at Mickey Mantle's Restaurant, located in New York City.
The event, hosted by Len Berman, will include an intimate cocktail reception, dinner, a silent auction, a question/answer session with Don Mattingly and will conclude with musical entertainment featuring talented youth members from The Boys' Club of New York. Former baseball greats Bernie Williams, Tom Seaver along with former New York Rangers' legend, Rod Gilbert will be attending, in addition to other athletes and celebrity friends expected to attend to support Don's launch of Mattingly Charities.
Founded by former New York Yankee Captain and current Los Angeles Dodgers' manager, Don Mattingly created Mattingly Charities to serve under- privileged youth by supporting programs that promote baseball and softball participation.
"We are very excited to officially kick-off Mattingly Charities and announce a very special relationship with the Boys' Club of New York," said Don Mattingly, 1985 American League MVP.
Schulte Auctions will be conducting an on-line memorabilia auction featuring numerous signed collectible items to benefit the fundraising efforts of Mattingly Charities. A Charlie Daniels signed fiddle, a B.B. King signed Lucille guitar, a Rascal Flatts and Martina McBride signed guitars, are just a few items currently posted LIVE on www.SchulteAuctions.com closing, Monday, January 31, 2011 at 10 pm EST.
For more information on how to purchase event tickets or donate on-line please visit www.MattinglyCharities.org or e-mail arielle.mazzei@mattinglybaseball.com
About Mattingly Charities
Mattingly Charities is a non-profit organization, created to serve underprivileged youth by supporting programs which promote baseball and softball participation in conjunction with other developmentary related activities, for the benefit of underprivileged youth, youth leagues, and social welfare and related organizations. 100% of the efforts of the organization will be focused on these activities. Initially, Mattingly Charities will partner with existing charities that already have established operations and aligned mission statements and serve primarily as a source of funding and equipment for these organizations. Funding will be generated year round through various activities including special events and direct solicitation of the general public.
Event Contact: Arielle Mazzei
arielle.mazzei@mattinglybaseball.com
http://www.mattinglycharities.org/
Media Contact: Ray Schulte
Ray@SchulteSports.com
(410) 350-6226 (cell)
http://www.schultesports.com/
Ex-Yankees pitcher Ryne Duren dies - AP
Friday, January 7, 2011
Ex-Yankees pitcher Ryne Duren dies
LAKE WALES, Fla. -- Ryne Duren, an All-Star pitcher known for a 100 mph fastball, occasional wildness and Coke-bottle glasses that created a most intimidating presence on the mound, has died at his winter home in Florida. He was 81. Duren died Thursday, stepson Mark Jackson said Friday. An All-Star in three seasons, Duren helped the New York Yankees reach the World Series in 1958 and 1960. Duren's unique first name lives on in baseball history. Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg's plaque in Cooperstown includes this note: "Named after former Yankees pitcher Ryne Duren." They are the only major leaguers named Ryne, according to baseballreference.com. But it was Duren's blazing heater -- and 20/200 vision in his left eye, 20/70 in his right -- that always attracted attention. The look was very Ricky Vaughn from the movie "Major League." Duren was known for coming out of the bullpen and throwing at least one of his warmup pitches to the backstop on the fly. He later kidded that he sometimes did it on purpose. Either way, opposing batters took notice, and Duren's reputation grew. "Ryne could throw the heck out of the ball. He threw fear in some hitters. I remember he had several pair of glasses but it didn't seem like he saw good in any of them," Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra said Friday. "He added a lot of life to the Yankees and it was sad his drinking shortened his career," he said. Duren wrote about his alcohol problems in his books "I Can See Clearly Now" and "The Comeback." He spent many years working with ballplayers, helping them with their addictions, and was honored by the Yankees for his efforts. Duren played for seven teams during a big league career from 1954-65. He went 27-44 with a 3.83 ERA in 311 appearances, all but 32 in relief. The right-hander struck out 630 and walked 392 in 589 1/3 innings, and threw 38 wild pitches. "Everybody knew Ryne," former Yankees teammate Bobby Richardson told The Associated Press by telephone. "He was a legend. "It got to be a thing at the Old-Timers' games. He'd come in and throw one into the stands. It was a lot of fun. But I can tell you, it was no fun to hit against him. Everyone was afraid he was going to hit them." Richardson recalled being on second base in a game when Duren was pitching for the Los Angeles Angels. Richardson noticed the catcher was softly tossing the ball back to Duren, so he started running and stole third without a throw. "Ryne took it as a slight and came over and told me that the next time he faced me, he was going to throw one right at me," Richardson said. That's when one of Duren's old carousing buddies, Yankees star Mickey Mantle, stepped in. "Mickey took him out drinking that night and calmed him down," Richardson said. "I saw Mickey later and he said, 'You're all right, he's not going to hit you now." Richardson, the 1960 World Series MVP who later worked for the Baseball Assistance Team and Baseball Chapel, praised Duren's efforts off the field. "He helped so many former ballplayers, counseling them and doing follow-up work. He really made a difference in so many lives," he said. In 1986, Duren testified in New York at a state Assembly hearing that was considering a bill requiring an alcohol-free zone at sporting events with 250 or more spectators. Rinold George Duren was born in Cazenovia, Wis., and was a prep star. His fastball was so overpowering, his youth coaches often had him play the infield, rather than risk having him hurt someone with his pitches. Duren once recalled he frequently played at second base as a kid. He could simply underhand the ball over to first and besides, he couldn't see well enough to play the outfield. He made his major league debut with Baltimore in 1954. He led the AL with 20 saves for the Yankees in 1958. That fall, he won Game 6 of the World Series with 4 2/3 impressive innings against the Milwaukee Braves, his favorite team as a boy. The Yankees then won Game 7 at Milwaukee for the championship. Duren was 1-1 with a 2.03 ERA in five World Series games. He was with the Yankees from 1958-61 and played for Baltimore, the Kansas City Athletics, Angels, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Washington. Duren was the first Angels pitcher to strike out four batters in an inning. His name is on the Walls of Honor display at Miller Park in Milwaukee as a Wisconsin-born big leaguer.
Ex-Yankees pitcher Ryne Duren dies
LAKE WALES, Fla. -- Ryne Duren, an All-Star pitcher known for a 100 mph fastball, occasional wildness and Coke-bottle glasses that created a most intimidating presence on the mound, has died at his winter home in Florida. He was 81. Duren died Thursday, stepson Mark Jackson said Friday. An All-Star in three seasons, Duren helped the New York Yankees reach the World Series in 1958 and 1960. Duren's unique first name lives on in baseball history. Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg's plaque in Cooperstown includes this note: "Named after former Yankees pitcher Ryne Duren." They are the only major leaguers named Ryne, according to baseballreference.com. But it was Duren's blazing heater -- and 20/200 vision in his left eye, 20/70 in his right -- that always attracted attention. The look was very Ricky Vaughn from the movie "Major League." Duren was known for coming out of the bullpen and throwing at least one of his warmup pitches to the backstop on the fly. He later kidded that he sometimes did it on purpose. Either way, opposing batters took notice, and Duren's reputation grew. "Ryne could throw the heck out of the ball. He threw fear in some hitters. I remember he had several pair of glasses but it didn't seem like he saw good in any of them," Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra said Friday. "He added a lot of life to the Yankees and it was sad his drinking shortened his career," he said. Duren wrote about his alcohol problems in his books "I Can See Clearly Now" and "The Comeback." He spent many years working with ballplayers, helping them with their addictions, and was honored by the Yankees for his efforts. Duren played for seven teams during a big league career from 1954-65. He went 27-44 with a 3.83 ERA in 311 appearances, all but 32 in relief. The right-hander struck out 630 and walked 392 in 589 1/3 innings, and threw 38 wild pitches. "Everybody knew Ryne," former Yankees teammate Bobby Richardson told The Associated Press by telephone. "He was a legend. "It got to be a thing at the Old-Timers' games. He'd come in and throw one into the stands. It was a lot of fun. But I can tell you, it was no fun to hit against him. Everyone was afraid he was going to hit them." Richardson recalled being on second base in a game when Duren was pitching for the Los Angeles Angels. Richardson noticed the catcher was softly tossing the ball back to Duren, so he started running and stole third without a throw. "Ryne took it as a slight and came over and told me that the next time he faced me, he was going to throw one right at me," Richardson said. That's when one of Duren's old carousing buddies, Yankees star Mickey Mantle, stepped in. "Mickey took him out drinking that night and calmed him down," Richardson said. "I saw Mickey later and he said, 'You're all right, he's not going to hit you now." Richardson, the 1960 World Series MVP who later worked for the Baseball Assistance Team and Baseball Chapel, praised Duren's efforts off the field. "He helped so many former ballplayers, counseling them and doing follow-up work. He really made a difference in so many lives," he said. In 1986, Duren testified in New York at a state Assembly hearing that was considering a bill requiring an alcohol-free zone at sporting events with 250 or more spectators. Rinold George Duren was born in Cazenovia, Wis., and was a prep star. His fastball was so overpowering, his youth coaches often had him play the infield, rather than risk having him hurt someone with his pitches. Duren once recalled he frequently played at second base as a kid. He could simply underhand the ball over to first and besides, he couldn't see well enough to play the outfield. He made his major league debut with Baltimore in 1954. He led the AL with 20 saves for the Yankees in 1958. That fall, he won Game 6 of the World Series with 4 2/3 impressive innings against the Milwaukee Braves, his favorite team as a boy. The Yankees then won Game 7 at Milwaukee for the championship. Duren was 1-1 with a 2.03 ERA in five World Series games. He was with the Yankees from 1958-61 and played for Baltimore, the Kansas City Athletics, Angels, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Washington. Duren was the first Angels pitcher to strike out four batters in an inning. His name is on the Walls of Honor display at Miller Park in Milwaukee as a Wisconsin-born big leaguer.
Girl killed in AZ melee Former Yankees Green’s grandkid - AP
Girl killed in AZ melee Green’s grandkid
January 9, 2011 by The Associated Press
Christina-Taylor Green was shot outside a Tucson grocery story when she went to see Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was meeting with constituents there. Giffords was among 13 people wounded in the melee that killed six people, including Arizona’s chief federal judge and an aide for the Democratic lawmaker.
“The Phillies organization expresses our heartfelt condolences to Dallas and Sylvia and the entire Green family on the senseless, tragic loss of Christina’s life,” team president David Montgomery said. “She was a talented young girl with a bright promising future. Her untimely death weighs heavily on our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected by yesterday’s horrific shooting.”
Dallas Green is a former pitcher and manager in the major leagues. He’s an executive advisor for the Phillies, the team he managed to the World Series championship in 1980. Green managed the Yankees in 1989 and the Mets from 1993-1996.
Pettitte Not Coming Back Because of Clemens? Could Be....
Friday, January 7, 2011
Updated: January 8, 3:01 PM ET
Clemens reason for Pettitte's pause?
Nearly four years after he cashed his last Yankees paycheck, $18 million for a half-season's work and a 6-6 record, it is possible that Roger Clemens is still exacting a heavy price from the team.
We are now barely a month away from the beginning of spring training and Andy Pettitte has still not decided whether he wants to pitch in 2011. On Thursday, he told a New York Post reporter who showed up on his doorstep in Deer Park, Texas, the same thing he told reporters in the clubhouse in Arlington the night the Yankees were eliminated by the Texas Rangers, the same thing he has been telling the Yankees during their infrequent conversations this offseason: that he hasn't made a decision. All season long, I believed his reason -- a desire to spend time at home with his young but growing family, a desire I can relate to with two children of my own. But now, as Pettitte continues to dither on what he really wants to do, the thought occurs that there might be another factor at work. Clearly, it's not a matter of ability -- Pettitte's 11-2 record up to the point of his groin injury in July that robbed him of two months of the season proves he can still pitch, and probably better than anyone in the Yankees' rotation not named Carsten Charles. And it's not a matter of money -- right now, the Yankees' payroll sits at a treacherously low $170 million and with Cliff Lee out of the picture, you know that $30 million of Boss Bucks is just burning a hole in Brian Cashman's pocket. So either Pettitte wants to pitch, or he doesn't. What's taking him so long to decide? Well, maybe it is what is waiting for him in July, a hot seat on the witness stand in the upcoming federal perjury trial against Clemens. Pettitte is expected to be the government's star witness against his former teammate and buddy, and in fact, might be the only man standing between The Rocket and a jail cell. Clemens, of course, is a slimy character. His accuser, Brian McNamee, is every bit as slimy with a background that is maybe even more shady. No matter how strong the evidence or how many dirty syringes McNamee saved in a soda can in his basement, his and Clemens' testimony will probably cancel one another out just on the sleaze factor alone. That leaves Pettitte, and his word, as the swing vote -- and you know Clemens' attorney, Rusty Hardin, is going after Pettitte in the only areas he can in order to discredit his testimony. He is going to do his level best to crush Pettitte's reputation for honesty and sincerity and religious convictions. Simply put, he is likely to try to paint Pettitte as a lying hypocrite whose word cannot and should not be trusted. The cross-examination could get embarrassing and highly personal.
And in a situation like that, pitching for the New York Yankees every five days and facing a ravenous media horde on a daily basis is not exactly where anyone in his or her right mind would want to be.
In that context, Pettitte's indecision becomes not only clear, but quite understandable. When Pettitte says he hasn't decided, it seems to mean that he really wants to pitch, but something is keeping him from committing himself to it.
True, there have been other offseasons in which he waited until well into January to decide -- one season, he announced his decision on Jan. 26 -- but never one in which this kind of thing was looming over his head.
Facing reporters to answer questions regarding his HGH use in a news conference in spring training was like an appearance on "The View'' compared with being grilled by a defense attorney trying to keep a client out of jail.
My guess is the fear of that is keeping Pettitte on the shelf so far this winter -- and if so, then Clemens is about to drag down his old team once again.
This, of course, is as much the Yankees' fault as it is Clemens' -- for forging an unholy alliance with a player almost universally despised in their clubhouse before he joined them, for indulging his "special desires,'' for allowing him to write his own rules. Clemens pitched well in his first stint with the Yankees, but the negative things he brought along with him negate many of his accomplishments.
He embarrassed the team by throwing a broken bat at Mike Piazza, forcing Joe Torre into the impossible position of having to defend the indefensible. He forced them to hire McNamee, who brought his own variety of shame and dishonor to the club.
Clemens, too, strung the Yankees along on what seemed like an annual Hamlet routine of to pitch or not to pitch, one year even going so far as to accept thousands of dollars worth of ''retirement gifts'' -- only to resurface the next year as a member of the Houston Astros. He neither returned the gifts nor showed an ounce of embarrassment.
But his crowning achievement came in 2007, when he played the Yankees for an $18 million contract -- more like $28 million if projected over a full season -- sat out until June, and then delivered a .forgettable 500 season. That was followed by his star turn in the Mitchell report, his shameful performance before Congress in which he introduced the word "misremembered'' to the sports lexicon, and then he slunk off, many of us
But now, perhaps he is rearing his ugly head again. Now, he may be one of the reasons -- not the only one, of course -- why the Yankees head into spring training with a pitching rotation that is decidedly third-best in the division. Perhaps he is the reason Pettitte is so reluctant to do what it appears he really would like to do for one more season.
As a man who has ties to both the Yankees and Pettitte told me Friday, "He's afraid of a lot of things right now. People have told him he's going to be a major distraction this year. He knows his name is going to be dragged through the mud and he knows that when you're a Yankee, there's nowhere to hide.''
Maybe Pettitte is hoping Clemens will come to his senses and cop a plea before his case ever gets to trail. Maybe he is waiting to see if U.S. district judge Reggie Walton, who has already pushed back the start date from April to July, will delay the trial further, to October or November.
Or maybe he really is wrestling with the issues he discussed all season, the struggle between wanting to continue doing what he does so well and wanting to enjoy his family while they are still around to be enjoyed.
But if that was the whole story, you would think he would have made his decision by now.
Something is keeping Andy Pettitte from issuing the final verdict on his 2011 intentions.
Perhaps it's the prospect of having to testify against Roger Clemens and stand up to what could be a public humiliation, both in the courtroom and in the clubhouse.
If that's the case, then once again The Rocket will have cost his former team a whole lot more than just money.
Wallace Matthews covers the Yankees for ESPNNewYork.com. You can follow him on Twitter.
Updated: January 8, 3:01 PM ET
Clemens reason for Pettitte's pause?
Nearly four years after he cashed his last Yankees paycheck, $18 million for a half-season's work and a 6-6 record, it is possible that Roger Clemens is still exacting a heavy price from the team.
 | |
| Pettitte and Clemens used to be very close, but not anymore. |
And in a situation like that, pitching for the New York Yankees every five days and facing a ravenous media horde on a daily basis is not exactly where anyone in his or her right mind would want to be.
In that context, Pettitte's indecision becomes not only clear, but quite understandable. When Pettitte says he hasn't decided, it seems to mean that he really wants to pitch, but something is keeping him from committing himself to it.
True, there have been other offseasons in which he waited until well into January to decide -- one season, he announced his decision on Jan. 26 -- but never one in which this kind of thing was looming over his head.
Facing reporters to answer questions regarding his HGH use in a news conference in spring training was like an appearance on "The View'' compared with being grilled by a defense attorney trying to keep a client out of jail.
My guess is the fear of that is keeping Pettitte on the shelf so far this winter -- and if so, then Clemens is about to drag down his old team once again.
This, of course, is as much the Yankees' fault as it is Clemens' -- for forging an unholy alliance with a player almost universally despised in their clubhouse before he joined them, for indulging his "special desires,'' for allowing him to write his own rules. Clemens pitched well in his first stint with the Yankees, but the negative things he brought along with him negate many of his accomplishments.
He embarrassed the team by throwing a broken bat at Mike Piazza, forcing Joe Torre into the impossible position of having to defend the indefensible. He forced them to hire McNamee, who brought his own variety of shame and dishonor to the club.
Clemens, too, strung the Yankees along on what seemed like an annual Hamlet routine of to pitch or not to pitch, one year even going so far as to accept thousands of dollars worth of ''retirement gifts'' -- only to resurface the next year as a member of the Houston Astros. He neither returned the gifts nor showed an ounce of embarrassment.
But his crowning achievement came in 2007, when he played the Yankees for an $18 million contract -- more like $28 million if projected over a full season -- sat out until June, and then delivered a .forgettable 500 season. That was followed by his star turn in the Mitchell report, his shameful performance before Congress in which he introduced the word "misremembered'' to the sports lexicon, and then he slunk off, many of us
But now, perhaps he is rearing his ugly head again. Now, he may be one of the reasons -- not the only one, of course -- why the Yankees head into spring training with a pitching rotation that is decidedly third-best in the division. Perhaps he is the reason Pettitte is so reluctant to do what it appears he really would like to do for one more season.
As a man who has ties to both the Yankees and Pettitte told me Friday, "He's afraid of a lot of things right now. People have told him he's going to be a major distraction this year. He knows his name is going to be dragged through the mud and he knows that when you're a Yankee, there's nowhere to hide.''
Maybe Pettitte is hoping Clemens will come to his senses and cop a plea before his case ever gets to trail. Maybe he is waiting to see if U.S. district judge Reggie Walton, who has already pushed back the start date from April to July, will delay the trial further, to October or November.
Or maybe he really is wrestling with the issues he discussed all season, the struggle between wanting to continue doing what he does so well and wanting to enjoy his family while they are still around to be enjoyed.
But if that was the whole story, you would think he would have made his decision by now.
Something is keeping Andy Pettitte from issuing the final verdict on his 2011 intentions.
Perhaps it's the prospect of having to testify against Roger Clemens and stand up to what could be a public humiliation, both in the courtroom and in the clubhouse.
If that's the case, then once again The Rocket will have cost his former team a whole lot more than just money.
Wallace Matthews covers the Yankees for ESPNNewYork.com. You can follow him on Twitter.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
IBWAA SELECTS ALOMAR IN 2011 HALL OF FAME VOTE
IBWAA SELECTS ALOMAR IN 2011 HALL OF FAME VOTE
Los Angeles - The Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA) has selected second baseman Roberto Alomar in its second annual Hall of Fame election.
Alomar, an even .300 lifetime hitter, who played for seven teams in a 17-year major league career, was named on 75% of IBWAA ballots, and was the only player to receive three-quarters of the vote, the same threshold required by the Base Ball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), in the election which determines the actual inductees.
With the exception of Bert Blyleven, who the IBWAA selected last year, ballots listed the same 31 nominees as did the traditional writers association, with a December 30, 2010 deadline for votes to be valid, and no rounding up of percentages permitted for selection (i.e., a 74.85 count would not suffice).
Alomar, who began his career with the San Diego Padres in 1988, made 10,400 plate appearances total, recorded 2724 hits, with 504 doubles, 210 home runs, 1134 RBIs, and a lifetime on base percentage of .371.
He won ten Gold Glove awards, the most by a second baseman, played in 12 All-Star Games, won an All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award in 1998, and an American League Championship Series MVP in 1992.
Alomar excelled in October baseball, finishing with a .313/.381/.448 line, with 17 doubles, four homers and 33 RBIs in 11 postseason series. He was a vital contributor to two Toronto Blue Jays World Championship clubs, batting .423 in the 1992 ALCS versus the Oakland A's and .480 in the 1993 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
After a much-debated trade from San Diego to Toronto in 1990, which also sent Joe Carter to Canada in exchange for Tony Fernandez and Fred McGriff, Alomar spent five years with the Jays. He played in Baltimore for four seasons, after signing as a free agent with the Orioles in 1996, spent three years with the Cleveland Indians, two with the New York Mets, two with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and three with the Chicago White Sox.
Complete 2010 voting results are as follows:
Roberto Alomar 75%
Jeff Bagwell 70%
Lee Smith 65%
Jack Morris 55%
Barry Larkin 50%
Edgar Martinez 50%
Tim Raines 50%
Larry Walker 45%
Mark McGwire 40%
Fred McGriff 40%
Dale Murphy 40%
Rafael Palmeiro 40%
Alan Trammel 35%
Dave Parker 25%
Don Mattingly 20%
John Franco 20%
Harold Baines 10%
Carlos Baerga 5%
Kevin Brown 5%
Juan Gonzalez 5%
Lenny Harris 5%
Al Leiter 5%
John Olerud 5%
The IBWAA was created July 4, 2009 by Howard Cole, editor of BaseballSavvy.com, to organize and promote the growing online baseball media, and to serve as an alternative to the Base Ball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).
Among others, IBWAA members include Kevin Baxter, baseball writer for the Los Angeles Times; Tim Brown, YahooSports; Tom Hoffarth, Media/General Columnist, Los Angeles Daily News; Tony Jackson, Dodgers reporter, ESPNLA.com; Ben Maller, FoxSports.com; Gary Warner, Travel Editor, Orange County Register; and prominent baseball authors Peter Golenbock, Seth Swirsky and Dan Schlossberg.
Association memberships are open to any and all Internet baseball writers, with a yearly fee of $20. Discounts for groups and scholarships are available.
For more information on the IBWAA, please contact Howard Cole.
Contact:
Contact:
Howard Cole
Director, IBWAAbaseballsavvy@aol.com
Director, IBWAAbaseballsavvy@aol.com
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