Orioles Fan Turns His Back on A-Rod Before Hitting 656th Homerun to Tie Derek Jeter

On a 2-0 pitch in the fourth inning, Yankees' DH Alex Rodriguez demolished a 92-MPH fastball from Orioles' pitcher Bud Norris, depositing the ball deep into the left field seats.

Image Credit: Tommy Gilligan | USA TODAY Sports

The homer was A-Rod's 656th of his career, and the run tied him for 9th all-time on the runs (1,923) list with none other than former Yankees shortstop and captain Derek Jeter.

The homer made it 3-1 Yankees.

Rodriguez is doing pretty well this season for someone who missed the entire 2014 season. He is currently batting .286 with 2 HR, 7 RBI, and a .394 OBP.

However, not everyone is happy with A-Rod's success so far this season. An Orioles fan turned his back to the field every time A-Rod stepped into the box on Monday night, folding his arms and staring back at the rest of the fans sitting in section 78 in left field.

“I don’t respect him,” Tolbert Rowe told the Washington Post. “He doesn’t deserve to be watched. Absolutely not, I’m sorry. You know, and now they got all this about his tying Willie Mays’s record and the $6 million, and he has the audacity to think that he should be paid. I’m sorry. I don’t respect the guy. Not one bit.”

"He’s the worst. He’s the epitome of all that was wrong about it," Rowe told the Post. "And he’s been so successful. Maybe it’s jealousy, maybe it isn’t. But I just don’t think that he deserves to be in the class with other players that have never had … and I mean, he lied about it. I’m sorry. He doesn’t deserve my respect.”

However it is still unknown if he booed Nelson Cruz, Rafael Palmeiro, Miguel Tejada when they played for his O's. 

#FORG1V3

Christine O'Connor

@christineeeeO

Latest on the Yankees; a Look at Spring Training, A-Rod, Gardner, the Bullpen, and more.

Between spring training games, the A-Rod spectacle, significant questions floating around and statements Sent from my iPhone

For most teams, spring training is a time when players compete for a roster spot. The biggest competition in Yankees camp this year is which roster spot should cause the most concern.

Take the day Alex Rodriguez attracted all the attention for his spring debut. Obviously, what remains of his ability will be one of the most scrutinized issues all spring and for the entire season.

Image Credit: www.springtrainingconnection.com

There hasn't been much discussion on whether CC Sabathia can rebound from the worst year of his career. Or if an apparently healthy Michael Pineda has regained the consistency and stamina to provide more than year's 76 stellar innings.

Masahiro Tanaka, with the seven-year, $155 million contract he signed before last season, is the Yankees one legitimate chance for a dominant ace at the top of the rotation. He was 11-1 with a 1.99 earned run average in mid-June last year. He reported elbow pain after July start in Cleveland, but counting the three outings before that one through the two he made in a September bid to check the progress of his ongoing rehab project, he was 2-4 with a 4.91 ERA. 

Tanaka says he's been building his strength, continuing the treatment that includes platelet-rich plasma injections and expects to start a spring game next week. If this doesn't work, especially if it takes a bit longer to decide he's not beating the odds that catch up to most pitchers trying to rehab a partial tear, Tanaka could be nearly halfway through the contract before he pitches again.

Image Credit: (Lynne Sladky | AP)

While Alex Rodriguez has been getting back to form, what his time in Tampa will not tell is if he is ready for regular-season major league at-bats. This is a man who didn't look like A-Rod we knew when we saw him in a batter’s box, and then he took a full year off, plus he’s had two hip surgeries and will turn 40 this summer. So unless he is completely overmatched during the Grapefruit League, it won’t be possible to make an accurate judgment.

So, if we learned anything over Rodriguez’s first 12 days at Yankees camp, it is that he is just as curious as all of us to find out how he matches up with other major leaguers at this point in his career.

Amid the worries, there have been some positive finds during spring training. 

​

Image Credit: nydailynews.com

While the current crop is no "Core Four," there might finally be some decent position player prospects on the near horizon for the Yankees. Three of the best, second baseman Rob Refsnyder, first baseman Greg Bird, and outfielder Aaron Judge, are making strong impressions in big league camp, and Refsnyder could possibly open the season in the majors.   

With only Stephen Drew standing in his way, Refsnyder has a decent chance of winning the Yankees’ second base job at some point in the near future. On Friday, Refsnyder continued his hot hitting against the Phillies and looks like a guy who should bat .275 or better in the majors. With a compact swing, good plate discipline, and plus bat speed, Refsnyder has all the tools to be solid No. 2 hitter in a big league lineup. He doesn’t have much power and isn’t a big base-stealing threat, but he’s a guy who could contribute batting average, runs, and RBI in the majors as soon as this year. 

 

Bird’s future is a little less certain. He’s limited defensively and has had a history of back injuries. On the plus side, he has good power, above-average plate discipline, and a smoother, shorter swing than most players his size. Bird has handled everything he’s seen thus far in big league camp and hasn’t been phased by quality pitching in the at-bats I’ve observed. Here in spring camp, he’s demonstrated a patient approach, used the whole field, and punished the mistakes he’s gotten. Bird will likely return to Double-A to begin the season, but he’s starting to look like he might be the Yankees first baseman of the future. If he continues to develop, a .270-20-90 line is within reach.   

 

Judge is the furthest from the majors, having split last season between Low-A and High-A. He can still get beaten by quality stuff, but his excellent plate discipline and simple swing will help keep his batting average in the .270 range. Judge has huge raw power, but he doesn’t sell out for home runs during at-bats. As he matures, that power could start to show up in games, making him an intriguing prospect who profiles as anything from a fourth outfielder to a power-hitting right fielder with 25-plus home run pop. While he’s not there yet, Judge is definitely a guy to track.

Image Credit: cbssports.com 

The New York Yankees have officially had 16 Captains in their history, names ranging from Babe Ruth to Lou Gehrig, Thurman Munson to Ron Guidry, Don Mattingly to Derek Jeter.

In an appearance on The Mike Lupica Show on ESPN Radio 98.7 FM on Thursday afternoon, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that when Jeter's No. 2 is eventually retired, the Yankees' captaincy should be retired as well.

"I think Derek did it as well as anyone can,'' Cashman told ESPNNewYork.com. "He wore it well, and I'm not a big advocate of giving out the captaincy anyway. I'm not going to recommend anyone being named captain of the New York Yankees right away.''

Jeter was named captain in 2003, eight years after Mattingly retired, and he held the title until his retirement at the end of last season. Among the current Yankees who could be considered possible successors to Jeter are Brian McCann, Mark Teixeira, Chase Headley, Brett Gardner and Alex Rodriguez.

While there isn't a rush to name a captain, there should be a time in the future that a leader emerges in the clubhouse. 

While the theme for this season seems to be uncertainty, the Yankees may be able to put something together and hopefully will make it to playoffs this season. 

Christine O'Connor

@christineeeeO

Why Brett Gardner Should Be the New Face of the Yankees

During Derek Jeter‘s career, he was the undisputed face of the New York Yankees. He was “The Captain," he was a leader and he was a respected player around baseball. But with Jeter retiring, the Yankees need someone to represent the team. That player should be Brett Gardner.

He has spent his entire eight-year career with the Yankees. Gardner did exhibit leadership qualities while Jeter was out for the 2013 season and did so again even with Jeter on the team last year. 

Image Credit: usatoday.com

The New York Yankees produced the third worst offense in the American League last season, but Brett Gardner was not a part of the problem, at least not until August. Gardner enjoyed one of his better overall statistical seasons in the Bronx and solidified his place atop the Yankees batting order with an amazing first four months. 

This season Gardner, who's signed through 2018 and coming off abdominal surgery, will start the year in left and likely lead off. Last year he popped 17 home runs while his average dropped nearly 20 points from 2013. Will the power surge continue? Sure, the Yankees will take 17 home runs again, but if he can steal bases like its 2011 and get on base at a higher rate than last year (.327 on-base percentage, a career-low), well, the home runs can shrink in the name of more production elsewhere.

A .265/.340/.415 line with 50+ extra-base hits is not out of the range of possibilities given a full season of plate appearances. There is still plenty of upside in Gardner’s abilities at the plate. Gardner’s importance to the lineup cannot be understated. The Yankees offensive success starts at the top with Gardner leading the way. Further, much like Ellsbury, Gardner might need to be at the top of his game for an entire season to make up for the possibility that the aging middle of the lineup cannot turn things around as hoped.

Homegrown players have an obvious financial impact on a baseball team, and successful player development is surely the easiest way to build a roster without having to enter the murky waters of free agency. But beyond all that, homegrown players who stick around build common ground with the fan base. They create an easy connection. They spark loyalty.

Christine O'Connor

The Media and Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez finally said he was sorry to the public with a handwritten apology on the eve of his return to the New York Yankees.

A-Rod should be given credit where it is due. No matter how he apologized, he would be criticized for it. But the fact is he did apologize. Rodriguez should realize every time he does something, anything at all, writers are going to kill him for it.  If it had been a typed apology, he would be criticized for being disingenuous. If he held a press conference, he would be criticized for his body language and tone. A lot of people are criticizing him for handwriting the note, but it does add a personal trait to the apology.

Apologizing is hard to do, as evidenced by the difficulty Lance Armstrong has with them. He went on with Oprah to confess that he cheated to win all seven of his Tour de France titles in an appearance that was widely panned as staged and insincere. 

Image Credit: ridethepine.com

Athletes have a distinct responsibility as a public figure to have class and an attitude that Rodriguez hasn't always exemplified.  There has always been a lot of comparison between Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, but they have become complete opposites. Alex Rodriguez is the most hated player in baseball and Jeter serves as a role model to many people and his career is often considered to be done "the right way." 

Let's face it, Alex Rodriguez has cheated with PEDs, lied numerous times, and attempted to sue the Player's Association. His behavior was inexcusable.The punishment fit the crime. 

But while he does seem to be the poster child for Performance Enhancing Drugs in the MLB, people seem to forget there are other players that have used and lied. He is the sole punching bag for sports writers and baseball fans. 

Does anybody remember Ryan Braun? Let's take a walk down memory lane for a second. 

The Brewers star told players around MLB prior to 2012 spring training that the man who collected his urine sample that tested positive for synthetic testosterone was anti-Semitic in an attempt to discredit him. He took oath upon his own life that he was telling the truth. He stood before microphones a few years ago and talked about how he would never cheat, and how he was offended at the accusation, and that he literally would stake his very life on his integrity. "I would be bet my life that I'm clean," Braun told CBS Sports in 2012.

Here a few questions: What makes A-Rod so different from players like Braun? Why does he remain the reoccurring joke of baseball? When will it finally be the time to move on? 

Yes, Alex Rodriguez did lie and cheat, but there are far worse things that other have athletes have done off the field, yet are welcome back to play their sport. The media and fans have moved on from those athletes. While I think Performance Enhancing Drugs have greatly hurt baseball, I don't think A-Rod is that different from the rest of us. I think many people would take a drug to improve at their occupation to get paid more money. 

#FORG1V3

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

Willie Randolph, Bernie Williams, and Half of the Core Four to be Honored at Monument Park

The Yankees announced today that they will retire the uniform numbers of Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte in pregame ceremonies at Yankee Stadium this season.

Image Credit: nydailynews.com

Willie Randolph, a member of the Yankees' 1977 and 1978 world championship team, a former Yankees' co-captain and was a coach for 11 seasons, will also be honored with a plaque in Monument Park. Randolph played 18 Major League seasons (12 with the Yankees) where he hit a career .276/.373/.351 with 54 HR’s and 687 RBI’s.

Image Credit: foxsports.com

Bernie Williams, who played center field for the team that won the World Series four times in five seasons between 1996 and 2000, will be honored on May 24 before a Sunday night game against the Texas Rangers. Williams played his entire 16-year career with the Yankees, hitting .297 in 2,076 games, and is fifth in franchise history with 2,336 hits. He is the club leader with 22 postseason home runs and 80 postseason RBIs.

Jorge Posada also played on four Yankees championship teams, including the 2009 team that beat the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series. (He appeared in eight games for the '96 team but didn't play in the postseason.) Posada played his entire 17-year career with the Yankees, hitting .273 in 1,829 games. He is second all time with 125 postseason games. He will be honored on Aug. 22 before a Saturday afternoon game against the Cleveland Indians.

Andy Pettitte finished his career with a 256-153 record and 3.85 ERA. He has won more games (19) than anyone else in playoff history. His postseason ERA is 3.81 in 276 2/3 innings. Pettitte, a member of five Yankees world championship teams, will be honored on Aug. 23.

Their numbers join those of Billy Martin (1), Babe Ruth (3), Lou Gehrig (4), Joe DiMaggio (5), Joe Torre (6), Mickey Mantle (7), Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey (8), Roger Maris (9), Phil Rizzuto (10), Thurman Munson (15), Whitey Ford (16), Don Mattingly (23), Elston Howard (32), Casey Stengel (37), Mariano Rivera (42), Reggie Jackson (44) and Ron Guidry (49).

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @ChristineeeeO

A Summary of NBA All Star Weekend in NYC

The City had a huge weekend and was host to many events this very cold February weekend. There was the NBA All Star Weekend, Fashion Week, the star-studded Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special and a huge concert full of hiphop heavyweights. What do these events have in common? Kanye West was at each one of them.

Image Credit: sandrarose.com 

The stars migrated from L.A. for the Grammys to New York for Fashion Week. On Thursday, Kanye West presented his first Yeezy collection with Adidas Originals, and all the big names were in attendance.

The front row was a who’s who of music and fashion elite including Beyoncé, Jay Z, Rihanna, Diddy, Cassie, 2 Chainz, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Pop queens Rihanna and Beyonce snapped a photo together backstage, while hip-hop moguls Jay Z and Diddy supported Kanye and his new collection.

Image Credit: hiphop-n-more.com

History was made on Thursday night when the East Coast and West Coast united for Hot 97’s “Tip-Off” concert hosted by Diddy and Snoop Dogg at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. The star-studded event, which kicked off NBA All-Star Weekend, featured surprise guests, reunions, and plenty of nostalgia, bringing out guests such as Busta Rhymes, French Montana, Dr. Dre, T.I., Lil Kim, The Lox, Kanye West, Nas, and many more during an unforgettable live event.

Diddy’s all-star lineup of guests included Busta Rhymes, Jermaine Dupri, and Kanye West, who performed “Can’t Tell Me Nothing." Black Rob guested on “Whoa!” and Diddy reunited R&B group 112, who performed their 2001 hit “Peaches & Cream” and the Notorious B.I.G. tribute “I’ll Be Missing You,” backed by Faith Evans and a choir. Nas hit the stage for “Hate Me Now” and “Made You Look,” while Naughty by Nature served their classics “O.P.P.” and “Hip Hop Hooray.”  Snoop Dogg brought out Dr. Dre for “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang." Then T.I who performed “About the Money.” The crowd went crazy when Lil’ Kim and The Lox  performed “Money, Power & Respect” and “It’s All About the Benjamins,” and Diddy’s son Christian Combs filled in for Ma$e on “Been Around the World.”

Other guests included Big Sean, Keyshia Cole, Doug E. Fresh, 2 Chainz, French Montana, A$AP Ferg, O.T. Genasis, Troy Ave, and ILoveMakonnen.

Image Credit: nba-events.com

It was NBA All-Star weekend, but it seemed as if all the stars in the celeb world were taking part in the swanky dinners, posh parties and concerts before Sunday's big game.

 

Official All-Star events, like Friday's celebrity game and Saturday's skills competition, attracted Rihanna, Kevin Hart, Mo'ne Davis and Floyd Mayweather, but other events had star power, too.

On Friday night, Nas and Drake gave a concert that featured Kanye West, while James held court at a dinner thrown at the Italian eatery Carbone by Beats. Farther away, All-Star John Wall had his own dinner at STK with Luc Belaire, where he mingled with guests, including rapper Pusha T and actress Keke Palmer.

On Saturday afternoon, Derek Jeter gathered his former Yankee teammate C.C. Sabathia, quarterback Russell Wilson, and others to discuss the launch of his after-career venture, the Players Tribune, a digital media company designed to give athletes a platform to tell their own stories; a late night launch party followed with a performance from rapper Common.

Sunday's game attracted some big-name musical talent, including a performance by Christina Aguilera and Nas before the start of the action. Among those attending the game was former President Bill Clinton, who sat with former NBA basketball player Dikembe Mutombo. Others seen at the game include film director Spike Lee and comedian Chris Tucker.

Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj provided the halftime entertainment, while Tamia sang the Canadian national anthem and Queen Latifah performed an acoustic version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Russell Westbrook with his 3s, dunks, and swagger, was perfect for the All-Star Game. The Hawks played best when they were together, sharing the ball and making plays. LeBron James  had 30 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. However, much like the weather in New York, Carmello Anthony was frozen this weekend.  

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @ChristineeeeO

Alex Rodriguez Says Sorry

In a hour and a half meeting at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, Alex Rodriguez apologized to New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and team executives for his suspension for performance-enhancing drug use and the inappropriate behavior he exhibited in attempt to defend himself. 

A joint statement was issued on behalf of four key Yankees executives as well as Rodriguez and his legal counsel.

Image Credit: hellogiggles.com

"Today we held a meeting at Yankee Stadium between Hal Steinbrenner, Randy Levine, Brian Cashman, Jean Afterman, Alex Rodriguez and (legal counsel) Jim Sharp," the statement read. "Alex initiated the meeting and apologized to the organization for his actions over the past several years."

A-Rod was suspended without pay for the entire 2014 season for his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The suspension was ultimately reduced to 162 games, or the length of a complete baseball season.

A-Rod was then was out of the spotlight. He appeared at a couple of sporting events and took to social media a couple of times, but he remained quiet. Rodriguez dropped his lawsuits against the players' union and the Yankees' medical staff. He stopped giving obnoxious interviews proclaiming his innocence in the wake of a massive investigation that found him guilty of using performance enhancing drugs from the Biogenesis clinic in Miami.

Yankees pitchers and catchers must report for spring training in Tampa on Feb. 20, and position players such as Rodriguez have a reporting date of Feb. 26. The Yankees reportedly told the 20-year veteran to schedule a press conference before then, in order to clear the air as much as possible before re-joining the team.

The Yankees owe Rodriguez $61 million over the next three seasons, not counting the potential home run bonus money. They signed Chase Headley for four years and $52 million to play Rodriguez's position of third base. The general idea is that A-Rod will be the DH if he shows that he can still keep up with fastballs at 40 years old. 

Some of Rodriguez's teammates such as Ivan Nova and Dellin Betances have spoken out and showed their support for the fellow Yankee. If his teammates can support him, Yankees fans should be able to rally behind him, especially after a season with such an offensive struggle. A-Rod wants to prove himself and earn those home run bonuses. The Yankees organization should support him and keep the incentives on the table in order to boost the offense. 

"He's going to be there (in spring training)," Hal Steinbrenner said during last month's owners' meetings. "And if Alex is Alex, he'll show up in shape; he always does. There certainly are some unknowns for all of us, including him. His age. Two surgeries. We'll just have to see. He'll be there, but the situation is the situation. We just need to concentrate on keeping him healthy, and he needs to concentrate on staying healthy, and we'll go from there."

If A-Rod sees support from Yankees fans, teammates and the organization, that might be the motivation he needs to get back to his old ways.

 #FORG1V3

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @ChristineeeeO

Yankees Will Try to Void A-Rod's Milestone HR Bonuses

Article by: Christine O'Connor
Twitter: @ChristineeeeO

Image Credit: bronxbaseballdaily.com

Alex Rodriguez, who is fifth on the all-time home run list, has 654 career home runs. If he hits six more to equal Willie Mays' 660, Rodriguez would be in line for a $6 million bonus. He would then make another $6 million each time he ties Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762).

The bonuses, set as incentive to partake in public relations and promotional campaigns during the record chase, are tied to a deal Rodriguez signed in 2007 that is separate from his player contract, which still owes him $61 million over the next two seasons.

When the Yankees and Rodriguez came to the agreement back in 2007, the Yankees saw it as a marketing opportunity. They could sell merchandise, sell tickets, create excitement and make it something worth watching. But now with the off-the-field spectacles with Rodriguez, nobody will care if he reaches 660 home runs because those numbers are tainted. The Yankees see these bonuses as worthless because they won't be seeing the revenue from him reaching the milestones.

But the Yankees now consider the marketing bonuses invalid after Rodriguez's suspension for violating the MLB's drug policy, the report said. His tactics to launch attacks against the team and the league only further alienated Rodriguez, and the
Yankees will argue that he signed the contract under false pretenses, severing his right to the bonuses based on his lies and eventual admission to the use of PEDs.

Rodriguez, along with the MLB Players Association, would have the right to file a grievance that could return the ugliness from the Biogenesis investigation. This could reopen Rodriguez to questions about when and where he has done PEDs.

This news should add another layer of awkwardness to the team's spring training camp. The Yankees already have said that Rodriguez, who also is coming off a second hip surgery that limited him to 44 games in the 2013 season, no longer will be their starting third baseman. That job belongs to Chase Headley, whom the team re-signed during the offseason.

Nothing in here seems even the least bit surprising, since Rodriguez and the Yankees have been at odds in public for the better part of the last two years now. Presumably, the Yankees will pursue every reasonable angle for getting out from their monetary commitments to A-Rod, and A-Rod will try everything he can to salvage what’s left of his reputation and get back on the field. There will probably even be more legal proceedings.

With what we saw with the team's offensive struggle of the 2014 season, if A-Rod hits enough home runs to earn his bonuses, the Yankees should be more than happy to pay them.

The Return of Alex Rodriguez: Are Yankees fans ready to Forg1v3?

(Rodriguez photo Credit: Getty Images/Jonathan Daniel)

By: Cyndi Riegger
Twitter: @Label_Whore_Art

With a somewhat harsh reality settling in for Yankee fans, a post Core
Four season starts in 2015. The thought of what the team is currently
capable of is the subject of some worry. For most, the thought of what
it means to be without beloved captain, Derek Jeter, is sending folks
into a “The sky is falling” type of mentality and giving life to the
idea that hope is lost for the team unless Brian Cashman makes some
important moves in the offseason.

The start of the 2015 season also means the return of one of baseballs
most notorious headline grabbers: Alex Rodriguez.

His eminent return is receiving mixed reviews, as one would expect
given the reason he had to leave baseball to begin with (For those of
you who have been living under a rock, Rodriguez was suspended the
entire 2014 season due to his involvement in a Bio-genesis scandal). A
theme of perhaps offering forgiveness, as per a timely shirt designed
by Bleacher Creature extraordinaire, Vinny Milano aka Bald Vinny, that
emulates The Captain's Jordan “Re2pect” campaign; is making its way
around social media.

(Bald Vinny t-shirt photo is courtesy of Vinny Milano's Twitter: @baldvinny)

Rodriguez's t-shirt simply reads “Forg1v3”, which it sounds like most
fans are prepared to at least try to do next season. But, what does
this mean for the Yankees?

Already, the once star third baseman's age and physical condition has
come into question. The effectiveness that a 39 year old could
possibly have in the physically demanding position of playing 3rd base
and the possibility of A-Rod spending some time at 1st base to relieve
a frequently injured and ailing Mark Teixeira.. Via a report by Bryan
Hoch on MLB.com, it was said Manager Joe Girardi has run the idea by
Rodriguez. It, however, did not mention Rodriguez's reaction or
readiness to do so.

Still, with the 2014 Yankees season over, the return of Alex Rodriguez
could serve as some sort of comfort for those missing a more familiar
name and face on the roster. With big names like Jeter, Rivera,
Pettite and Posada now gone, thus ending an era for the team, perhaps
a newly invigorated Rodriguez might be what the team needs.

At 39 and having missed an entire season of play, Rodriguez's at bat
presence is sure to have suffered, though given his work ethic which
no matter what scandal he has been involved in, has always been
reported as remaining at a high level; this Yankee fan is certain it
has been worked on at length in his time away. With any luck, A-Rod
can be reconditioned in Tampa next Spring and Bronx ready by Opening
Day.

Til then, Brian Cashman has some work ahead of him to hopefully
rebuild the team known for its love of championships and with any
luck, they'll see one in 2015 with an enthusiastic and focused Alex
Rodriguez perhaps leading the charge.

The Captain Derek Jeter, "Walks Off" With His Final RBI Walkoff Win EVER at Yankee Stadium, Before Closing Out His Final Game EVER in Style, at Fenway Park.

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)

September 25th, 2014 was probably one of the most painful, heartbreaking days, any TRUE Yankee fan has come to experience. Watching our captain hang up the hat, at his last game EVER played at Yankee Stadium, just truly is so hard to put into words. We all knew for a while that this day was coming, but I didn't let it hit me in full force until Thursday night. 

The first set of tears ran down my face while John and Suzyn were talking during the pregame on WFAN; then watching Jeter walk out on the field in the first inning for the last time, is when it got me even more. But it hit me even harder in the 9th.....I broke down.

No one knew how the game would end. We didn't know if he was going to be pulled off the field in the 7th, 8th, or 9th. We didn't even know if he would be pulled at all. Predictions were being thrown all over the place by many fans, and even former Yankee great like Mariano Rivera. I myself thought he would be pulled off the field in the 9th, similar to Mo being taken out in the 8th inning last year, with a PROPER farewell to "The Sandman." But I don't think ANYONE could've predicted the game would end the way it did. 

Of course, David Robertson blew the save as the Yanks were up 5-2. Adam Jones hit a two-run homer off Robertson, and Steve Pearce hit a bases-empty shot to tie the score. I have seen on Twitter and other social media networks, a few (dumb) Yankee fans saying that Robertson did this on purpose. He purposely BLEW the save to give Jeter one last at-bat. So my question is, what would've happened if he DIDN'T get a hit? Did anyone think about what would've happened in the top of the 9th IF Baltimore didn't fire back to tie up the game? What would've happened after the 3rd out, if the Yankees WON the game? It would've been just a regular win that meant nothing. Their playoff spot is gone and the Orioles have already clinched. Did anyone stop to think what would've happened if Jeter did NOT get that RBI to win the game? What was going to happen if we went into extra innings? How would it have ended properly with respect to the FINAL game ever at Yankee Stadium, for The Captain? 

You cannot plan these things. Maybe in football, or even basketball. But baseball? It doesn't work that way. For any Yankee fan to say that Robertson purposely blew the game is absolutely ubserd. 

A story book ending? Sure. For most. Not for me. This isn't how I wanted to see the game end, as crazy as that sounds. I feel it wasn't appropriate and something else might've been planned if Robertson didn't give up those hits. What was planned, IF there was something planned, we may never know. Whether the game resulted in a win or not, Robertson still ruined the game in my eyes. 

To me it looked like Joe (Girardi) was pondering, and possibly READY to do "something else" before Jones knocked out that 2 run homer. 

Derek Jeter was more known for being the shortstop of the New York Yankees, rather then being their power hitter. Coming thru clutch? Absolutely. He came thru ALL the time for us. But being on that field at shortstop is where his heart was set. Exiting the game with a winning WALKOFF RBI was definelty a way to leave in fashion, how ever I would've preferred to see him leave the game, by leaving shortstop.

(Derek Jeters nephew tipping his hat to his Uncle DJ.)

Derek made it quite clear that Yankee Stadium was the last place he wanted to play shortstop. Girardi put him in the lineup as the DH on Saturday and Sunday for the series in Boston, but requested for a day off on Friday. The guy who nearly blew Jeters final game at Yankee Stadium spoke of Jeter on Friday. 

According to ESPN.go.com

"It doesn't surprise me," said David Robertson, who earned his 39th save. "There's a lot of Yankee fans in the seats tonight and I know that the Red Sox fans love and respect him."

"I don't know if they love him," he said with a grin, "but they respect him."

Jeter left Yankee Stadium with an RBI win, and left BASEBALL with another RBI in Boston, on Sunday. 

The Core Four is gone, and baseball will never be the same again. 

MLB: Another Baltimore Boy Strikes Again! Orioles Fan Favorite Chris Davis SUSPENDED! Plus Dererk Jeter, Chase Headley, Chris Young, Giancarlo Stanton & more.

Image Credit: David Butler II; USA TODAY Sports

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)

It's a WHOLE new ball game now, as the race for the AL East just shifted gears rapidly. Orioles power hitting first baseman Chris Davis, has been suspended for 25 games, after testing positive for Amphetamines. This substance could also be referred to "ADDERALL," a medication used for those who have been diagnosed with A.D.H.D., as it helps them to focus, & concentrate better.

Davis made a statement earlier today; 

"I apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Orioles organization and especially the fans. I made a mistake by taking Adderall. I had permission to use it in the past, but do not have a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) this year," Davis said. "I accept my punishment and will begin serving my suspension immediately."

This suspension is obviously gonna take a huge toll on the first place Orioles. I personally think this is a little ridiculous. Although he currently isn't prescribed this medication, as he stated, it HAS been prescribed to him previously. Period. 

Someone who is playing major league sports 7-8 months out of the year might not have TIME to go see a doctor for a refill, or even to be reevaluated. So the big question mark is; recreational use, or was it actually NEEDED? That's irrelevant now. This couldn't have come at a WORSE time, as he is out for the rest of the season. 

Image Credit: Brad Penner; USA TODAY Sports

Last night Chase Headley was hit in the face by Rays pitcher Jake McGee, right in the FACE with a 96 mph fastball! Headley was bleeding pretty badly from the hit. He was sent to the hospital for tests, including an X-Ray. Now we wait...

Image Credit: Benny Sieu; USA TODAY Sports

Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton was also hit last night by Brewers pitcher, Mike Fiers. He took an 88 mph fastball to the face, and was carried off the field on a stretcher. Marlins manager Mike Redmond stated that he has fractures & a laceration on the left side of his face/ cheek, and will miss the rest if the season. This was also a very scary, bloody scene.

Image Credit: Kathy Willens; espn.go.com

Derek Jeter got pinned as well, joining Headley & Gardner on the bench, as he was out of the lineup today against the Orioles. Jeter was hit in his left elbow by a 94 mph fastball, and was taken out of the game last night against Tampa Bay. X-Rays came back negative, and at this point it is unknown when he will be back in the lineup. Both The Captain and manager Joe Girardi spoke of the incident. "If I can play, I'll play," Jeter said in the clubhouse after the game Thursday. "He's sore," manager Joe Girardi said. "He was pretty sore last night, so I'm not sure what we'll have."

Image Credit: Corey Sipkin; New York Daily News

On a happier note, the Yankees were trailing last night, only to come back with a walk off victory, by the hands of former New York Met Chris Young, and Martin Prado. Prado hit a 2 run homer in the bottom of the 8th inning, followed by a 3-run game winning walk off HOMERUN by Chris Young! Michael Pineda however,  struggled last night allowing 4 runs on 10 hits, in 7 innings. 

With Baltimore INFAMOUS power hitter Chris Davis DONE for the remainder of the season, we could only hope their bullpen starts to slack. Tanaka is possibly due back for the Yankees sometime next week. Pineda needs to pick up his pace, and once Jeter, Headley, & Gardner are back in the starting lineup full time, this team has a potential wildcard spot. 

LGY!

WWE Superstars John Cena & The Big Show Pay Their Respects to TheCaptain Derek Jeter, on Derek Jeter Day

The retirement ceremony took place on Sunday September 7th and was packed with fans and celebrities, including Michael Jordan. Also celebrating Jeter's career, John Cena and the Big Show confess their true feelings for No. 2 in a tribute video posted on the YES Network. Big Show proclaims Jeter to be a legend and a hero. Cena admits to emulating the Yankee's shortstop. WWE Superstars are HUGE Derek Jeter fans. 

Who would have thought? Seeing as Big Show is from South Carolina and John Cena is from Boston! Either way, it's good to see the love and admiration these athletes have for each other. 

See the video of Cena & Show honoring one of the best Major League Baseball players, to ever play the game.

-Loveblump

Edited by: Dana Pellotta

Editor in Cheif/Owner

Derek Jeter Day at Yankee Stadium Recap; Core Four, Michael Jordan, Cal Ripken Jr., and more.

Photo Credit: Yankees official Instagram (@ Yankees)

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)

A star studded event it was, indeed. On Sunday September 7th, 2014, Yankee Stadium held a pregame ceremony for the captain, dedicating the day to him for "Derek Jeter Day." 

Derek Jeter was joined by his entire family; both his actual family, and his Yankee family. He was also joined by some of his closest friends, as the ceremony took place prior to the game, with everyone in attendance from his parents, to his former teammates, taking the field to show their #Re2pect to the captain. Some of Jeters former teammates included; David Cone, Tino Martinez, Paul O'Neill, Bernie Williams, Hideki Matsui, Mariano and Jorge Posada. Bernie, Mariano, Jorgie, and of course Matsui, seemed to have gotten the biggest ovations, before the man of the hour himself, Derek Jeter took over the field. 

Also at the ceremony were Joe Torre, Reggie Jackson, Tim Raines, Gerald Williams, Gene Monahan, Harold Reynolds and commissioner-elect Rob Manfred.

But here's the big question; where was Andy Pettitte? Did anyone else notice this, as he was the ONLY Core Four member missing from Derek's big day?

Other "surprise appearances" included another all time great major league shortstop, Cal Ripken Jr., as well as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history; 6 time NBA champion, 5 time MVP, 14 time All Star, 3 time All Star MVP, & Olympic Gold Medalist, number 23, Michael Jordan! 

After acknowledging every person on the field individually from his close friends, to his family and former teammates, Derek took the mic for a short speech, because well, " We got a game to play," said the Captain before handing the mic back over to take the field for their 1:05pm game.

“In my opinion, I’ve had the greatest job in the world; I’ve had the chance to be the shortstop for the New York Yankees — and there’s only one of those,” Jeter said. “I always felt as though my job was to try to provide joy and entertainment for you guys. But it can’t compare to what you’ve brought me, so for that, thank you very much.”

“I think my hand was shaking a little bit,” Jeter said. “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank them. The fans are the ones that made this fun. It’s been an extremely fun 20 seasons. When you’re out there playing, you’re out there trying to do your best. You’re playing as hard as you can and you’re doing it for the fans.” Jeter said.

The Yankees were very generous with gifts to their current shortstop. A 10 day trip to Tuscany Italy, and a donation to Derek's Turn 2 Foundation, with a HUGE check in the amount of $222,222.22, were given to the Captain as well. 

Derek Jeter took the field solo at the top of the 1st inning of his game against the Kansas City Royals. His current teammates stood in the dugout, while Jeter unexpectedly ran on the field to take shortstop, as they wanted him to get one last ovation on his big day. 

“My first thought was that I had run out there too early,” Jeter said. “I appreciate my teammates doing that for me.” Jeter said in his post game interview. 

Incase you missed Derek Jeter Day, footage of the ceremony can be seen here as well as some post game interviews with Derek, his former teammates, and close friends here.  

Derek Jeter Hits #6, On The All Time Hit List.

photo credit: justjared.com

After Saturday's game against the Cleveland Indians, Derek Jeter has officially moved into 6th place on the all-time hits list. 

Jeter, who plays shortstop for the New York Yankees, has a total of 3,431 hits in his career and 1,914 runs. He has now passed Honus Wagner, who was the last shortstop on the hit list, meaning Jeter has more hits that anyone who has ever played that position. 

After the hit was made, the crowd gave Jeter a standing ovation as the ball was retrieved. 

Jeter, who announced his retirement prior to the season, stated, "It is one of those 'wow' moments." As one of the most respected and looked up to players to ever play for the New York Yankees, Jeter is definitely making his final season something to remember. 

Ashley Barela 

More Insight On The 2014 MLB All Star Game

MLB All Star Game

As bad as the home run derby was (and it was bad, more about that here), the All Star game delivered.

Derek Jeter shined on the first play of the game, making a diving grab and throw that would have gotten anyone but Andrew McCutchen out. And he didn't stop there. Jeter went 2 for 2, with a double and a single, and scored a run. He knocked the double off the right field wall as a well lubricated fan yelled, "Overrated!" (Did anyone else hear a bit of a Bostonian accent in that heckle?)  MVP material, right? Well, it would have been had Mike Trout not gone 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, a triple and a run. He was awarded MVP as MLB prepares to pass the torch to younger players. To ensure its continued success, MLB must do a better job branding its young stars. This was a baby step in the right direction.

One young player not ready to carry the torch is Yasiel Puig. He stayed consistent with his performance in the derby, striking out in all three of his at bats. Yikes.

As I said, the game itself was a good one, and if you cared, you watched it. The American League won 5-3, and as MLB is constantly reminding us because "This time it counts," secured home field advantage for the World Series.

As is usually the case with these events, though, the most compelling story lines didn't come from box scores or defensive gems. First, the players can't seem to decide if the game counts to them or not. Adam Wainwright, the starting pitcher for the NL, may or may not have given Jeter "a couple of pipe shots," as he told Jeff Pasan of Yahoo Sports. Wainwright later backed away from this statement. Try as MLB might, the All Star game seems like an exhibition game still to fans and players.

Jeter got a lot of attention, and if you didn't like it, well, too bad. Any baseball fan should be able to tip their hat to the man. RE2PECT, right? Jeter has respected the game his entire career, played within it, and never tried to become more than the game. His introduction, send off, and the RE2PECT commercial were moments true sports' fans cherish, regardless of their allegiances. Even some Southies will miss Jeetah when he's gone. Too much?



A lot was made over the lack of tribute to Tony Gwynn. Twitter nearly broke from fans expressing their rage. Much of it was exaggerated, and as goes with everything on Twitter, the rest was from people piggybacking a trending topic. I'm in the apparently small camp that doesn't feel an All Star game is the proper moment for a tribute. MLB later said they didn't want to single out any individuals, and, although their phrasing was poor due to the attention given to Jeter, I believe them.

Anyway, we're only halfway through the season, so let's carry the good moments from the All Star game into the rest of the year.

Oh, and next year, if you want the AL to win again, and you want to play your part in that, vote the entire Mets' bullpen in for the National League.

by:: Josh Henderson

Twitter: @verybadwrong

A-Rod Being MOCKED in a new "NO RESP3CT" YouTube Commercial

   

For shame. Absolutely appalling. Watch this video here, as A-Rod is being TORTURED, once again. 

Did you laugh? Well I damn near cried. This is so tasteless and DISRESPECTFUL. You can call him a "cheater" all you want, it's HIS prerogative if he chooses to use ENHANCEMENTS, that help him be a better performer, on the field. To judge someone on the choices they make on what they decide to do with THEIR life, is just absurd. There is NO doubt in my mind that Alex, is 100% passionate about baseball. His love for the game is something I could sense from years and years ago. 

I always have, and always will, defend A-Rod to the GRAVE! Everyone makes mistakes, and his mistake was PETTY in my eyes. Sure, he's done plenty to hurt his team and teammates, but you all are SO quick to forget about the times he's HELPED the team. Booing him when he comes off suspension, as he's slumping, then cheering for him, and prasing him once he starts hitting the ball again. This is one of the MANY reasons that makes me ASHAMED, to be a Yankee fan! MOST (current) Yankee fans, have got to be the most CONFUSED people I've ever witnessed! Such hypocrites! 

(YES Network footage, August 5th, 2013)

(Front Page of The Record, Bergen County New Jersey, August 6th, 2013)

(Wide spread of the Daily News, August 6th, 2013)

YES! That is ME holding that sign! 

by:: Dana Pelotta; Blog Owner/Editor In Chief)

Yankees Core 4 and the end of an amazing ERA

Yankees Core 4 and the end of an amazing ERA

By Frantz Paul 

Photo Credit:cbsSports.com

Well Yankees nation, it’s been a hell of a run we’ve had since 1996. The run I’m talking about is the one involving the core 4 Yankee legends of Mariano Rivera, Andy Petite, Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter. That quartet of greatness has brought Yankees fans across the globe some of the greatest moments in our sporting lives, and we can never repay them for what they brought to Yankees nation. But with the core four almost completely off the playing field with Derek Jeter retiring after this 2014 MLB season, how will we cope and prosper?

The Core 4 And Why Yankees Nation Is Scared… 

As much as the world loves to make a bid deal about the supposed abhorrent amount of money that late great Yankees owner George Steinbrenner spent on players over the years, detractors always fail to mention that the cornerstones of the franchise for the last 20 years were homegrown Yankees. Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter, Andy Petite and Mariano Rivera are all true Yankees to the core and came up with the organization from the outset. With Jeter at shortstop, Petite on the mound, Posada directing traffic, and Rivera shutting the door on batters for years, the core 4 brought the Yankees 5 championships. With those 4 players on the Yankees roster, the Yankees always stood a chance to go deep in the playoffs and bring championships to the Bronx. If there was ever a need for a clutch hit, who was better on an 0-2 count in the playoffs than El Capitan himself Jeter? No one, and all his clutch hits and plays over his career have proved it. Whenever the Yankees needed an Ace to come to the mound and give Jeter and the boys a chance to win, Joe Torre always called on Andy Petite to go deep into the pitch count and make sure he kept rival bats quiet. And crouching behind the batters throwing guys out and quarterbacking the offense was the always-reliable Jorge Posada; who was there for a timely hit when the Yankees needed him. And last but definitely not least is the Hammer of God himself Mariano Rivera. Any man that comes out to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” is a Legend for that alone. But once Mariano touched the mound, opposing batters knew their number was up. In baseball there are 5 tool players meaning an athlete who excels at hitting for average, hitting for power, baserunning skills and speed, throwing ability, and fielding abilities. Those are the ideal position players. And then there are pitchers that have multiple pitches they can beat you with. Mariano is the greatest closer of all-time and he did it with one pitch his entire career, the fastball. They say the true sign of madness is doing something over and over again and expecting a different result. Batters facing Mariano knew what was coming, were ready for it, swung thinking there would be a different result from their prior encounter with Mariano, only to find themselves walking to the dugout with a broken bat and shattered dreams. Of course George spent money to build a powerhouse team on the foundation that was the Core 4, but it all started with them. But now, there’s only one left standing, and Jeter’s run has come to its end. It looks like there may be dark times ahead for the Yankees and there isn’t another Core 4 waiting in the wings to build on.

The Yankees have Yangervis Solarte who is still relatively young at 27 years old and is a really good 3^rd basemen. And they also have their newest ace in Masahiro Tanaka who has taken Major League Baseball by storm and is just 25 years old. Tanaka is still too early in his major league career for us to know if what he’s been doing in the Majors is sustainable. But if what we’ve seen so far is the real deal, then the Yankees have their future ace for years to come. But barring those two and maybe a few guys in the minors, the Yankees future doesn’t seem like an envious one right now.  The Yankees are an older team who are injury prone and just fighting to stay alive in their own division. The Yankees are playing .500 baseball so far this season, and are 5 back in the division behind the Baltimore Orioles. With players like Tanaka, CC Sabathia, Michael Pineda, Ivan Nova and Carlos Beltran on the Disabled List, the Yankees are short on arms and some hitting. Maybe the Yankees will get all those players back at the right time in August, and start making a run for October. But once the season is over, the Yankees organization as a whole has to really take a look at everything from top to bottom and figure out how this team will get back to winning trophies regularly like the fans were used to under the Core 4. 

We will all miss what Jeter, Posada, Petite, and Rivera brought our lives since the mid-90’s. Hopefully the Steinbrenner’s have something players brewing in the minors that’ll propel the organization back into the forefront after some grooming. If not, Yankees Nation should enjoy what we have left of Captain Jeter, and what the other three Core 4 members gave us, and be glad you were part of it. I know I am. 

Follow @LSN_Frantz on Twitter  

Yankee injury update, Yankees are no longer "The Yankees," Derek Jeter, and more.

With only one member of the Core Four left, and very few "original Yankees" left from the farm system, you're looking at a team filled with free agents and minor league guys. The FEW Yankees left from the farm system are; Derek Jeter, Brett Gardner, Alfonso Soriano, David Robertson and Francisco Cervelli.

Brian Cashman has put this team together that was supposed to be built to win a championship this year. Instead, majority of them are on the bench, and its looking like they will be lucky to even land a wild card spot.

Let's take a look at the injuries:

"Ace" pitcher and #1 starter CC Sabathia, has been struggling the entire season. Now he is on the DL til at least July 1st, with a right knee injury.

#3 starting pitching, Ivan Nova has underwent Tommy John surgery and is out the entire season.

#5 starting pitcher, Michael Pineda has had ZERO luck this season. While serving his 10 game suspension, it was announced that he would be on the DL for 3-4 weeks with a strained back muscle.

.......60% of this rotation is done.

Let's also not forget relief pitcher Shawn Kelly, who is out til at least the end of May, with a back issue. Also backup catcher Francisco Cervelli, who's out til at LEAST mid-June, with a right hamstring injury.

Jacoby Ellsbury has been on and off the DL quite a bit this season. But most recently, Carlos Beltran has been placed on the DL for a right elbow injury, which could keep him out for a while.

Wait a second, WHO are all of these guys again? I've been to 6 games at Yankee Stadium this year, and its just, not the same anymore. The vibe is gone. It's really not even fun anymore watching these guys who aren't REAL Yankees. Brain Roberts is absolutely atrocious both on the field and at the plate. Not even Derek Jeter is having that good of a year. He's had quite a few errors, and for the most part, he's been average at the plate. Could this be from all the pressure that it's finally setting in, that this is his final season? Usually, Jeter handles pressure pretty well, from what I see at least.

I'm gonna have to say that the only guys on this team who have truly kept it together so far this season, are Tanaka and Solarte. But these 2 CAN'T hold the entire team together, and lead them into the playoffs, alone.

The front office really needs to reevaluate what they've done here, to avoid making these kind of mistakes again. First I'm gonna say, get a new manager. My pick would be Lou Pinella. Also, maybe they can come to the conclusion that signing old, washed up guys, really DOESN'T always work out in their best interest? Especially those who are SO injury prone......

I love the Yankees. I love this TEAM no matter WHAT. But my heart can barely handle this! 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)