Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com has a long interview with Hal Steinbrenner, covering a myriad of issues.
Despite the team's success in recent years -- 13 consecutive trips to the playoffs, four World Series titles and six American League pennants since 1996 -- huge revenue sharing payments have resulted in the team failing to turn a profit, Steinbrenner said. Much of this occurred because his dad insisted upon pouring revenue back into the team.
"It's frustrating," Steinbrenner said. "People don't realize that for the last 10 years, even when we were winning all these championships, we were not making a profit. People were thinking that we were stockpiling money left and right and that's not the way it is. We won in '96 and lost money. In '98 we came close to breaking even; we made a little bit in some sense. There are things that we are trying to do that will at least get the team back to an even baseline. We have been successful, though, in utilizing the Yankee brand to initiate other businesses like the YES Network."
"It's frustrating," Steinbrenner said. "People don't realize that for the last 10 years, even when we were winning all these championships, we were not making a profit. People were thinking that we were stockpiling money left and right and that's not the way it is. We won in '96 and lost money. In '98 we came close to breaking even; we made a little bit in some sense. There are things that we are trying to do that will at least get the team back to an even baseline. We have been successful, though, in utilizing the Yankee brand to initiate other businesses like the YES Network."
Posted by: Seamus
Sidney Ponson did not have his best stuff against his former team, and it looked for a little while the Yankees might waste a good offensive performance after wasting three straight good pitching performances. The Yankees' offense did more than enough and then some, though, as they bounced back from a 7-6 defecit in the 7th and exploded for an 18-7 victory. The Red Sox lost, meaning the Yankees will enter their four-game set tonight with Boston only four games behind them in the wild card chase.
The Yankees scored more than twice as many runs last night as they did in the previous four games combined. It wasn't looking good at first for the Yankees, as they fell behind 3-1 early, but a grand slam by Jason Giambi in the bottom of the 3rd put the Yanks ahead by a score of 5-3. A bases loaded walk by Posada in the 5th made it 6-3 and it would have been 9-3 had it not been for a great diving play at first by Chris Davis to rob Robinson Cano of a bases clearing extra-base hit.
Sidney Ponson was laboring throughout the game, however, and you're only going to work your way into so much trouble before it catches up to you. Ponson allowed allowed a two-run homer to Milton Bradley and then one to Chris Davis, all before he was able to record an out in the 6th inning before leaving the game, as the Rangers went ahead by a score of 7-6. Ponson finished with a line of 7 runs off 9 hits and 3 walks in just 5 innings.
The Yankees would fail to score in the bottom of the 6th after having two on and nobody out as Derek Jeter grounded into a double play to end the Yankees' threat.
The Rangers brought in Wilson Madrigal into the game in the bottom of the 7th, who was making his Major League Debut. What ensued is what you might expect fof a pitcher when the first batters you're facing in the big leagues are Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi and Jorge Posada. The poor guy allowed 6 runs in just a third of an inning as the Yankees had regained the lead and made it 10-7 before even recording an out. It was a 9-run inning for the Yankees, which was capped off by a three-run homer to right by Alex Rodriguez. Giambi had the go-ahead two-run double in the inning, giving him 6 RBI on the night.
The Yankees scored three again in the 8th to make the score 18-7, which would prove to be the final.
Brett Gardner finally picked up his first hit in this game, a base hit to right in the Yankees' 9-run 7th. He also had a stolen base and a walk, and was robbed of a hit earlier when he lined a ball right at the pitcher.
The bullpen did another solid job, with Edwar Ramirez, Kyle Farnsworth and Latroy Hawkins throwing a combined 4 innings of scoreless ball.
Well, here we go. The Yankees can enter Tuesday tied for the wild card or they can be 8 games back. Should be a fun series starting tonight, as Andy Pettitte will take the mound to face Jon Lester. Game starts at 7:05 E.T.
The Yankees scored more than twice as many runs last night as they did in the previous four games combined. It wasn't looking good at first for the Yankees, as they fell behind 3-1 early, but a grand slam by Jason Giambi in the bottom of the 3rd put the Yanks ahead by a score of 5-3. A bases loaded walk by Posada in the 5th made it 6-3 and it would have been 9-3 had it not been for a great diving play at first by Chris Davis to rob Robinson Cano of a bases clearing extra-base hit.
Sidney Ponson was laboring throughout the game, however, and you're only going to work your way into so much trouble before it catches up to you. Ponson allowed allowed a two-run homer to Milton Bradley and then one to Chris Davis, all before he was able to record an out in the 6th inning before leaving the game, as the Rangers went ahead by a score of 7-6. Ponson finished with a line of 7 runs off 9 hits and 3 walks in just 5 innings.
The Yankees would fail to score in the bottom of the 6th after having two on and nobody out as Derek Jeter grounded into a double play to end the Yankees' threat.
The Rangers brought in Wilson Madrigal into the game in the bottom of the 7th, who was making his Major League Debut. What ensued is what you might expect fof a pitcher when the first batters you're facing in the big leagues are Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi and Jorge Posada. The poor guy allowed 6 runs in just a third of an inning as the Yankees had regained the lead and made it 10-7 before even recording an out. It was a 9-run inning for the Yankees, which was capped off by a three-run homer to right by Alex Rodriguez. Giambi had the go-ahead two-run double in the inning, giving him 6 RBI on the night.
The Yankees scored three again in the 8th to make the score 18-7, which would prove to be the final.
Brett Gardner finally picked up his first hit in this game, a base hit to right in the Yankees' 9-run 7th. He also had a stolen base and a walk, and was robbed of a hit earlier when he lined a ball right at the pitcher.
The bullpen did another solid job, with Edwar Ramirez, Kyle Farnsworth and Latroy Hawkins throwing a combined 4 innings of scoreless ball.
Well, here we go. The Yankees can enter Tuesday tied for the wild card or they can be 8 games back. Should be a fun series starting tonight, as Andy Pettitte will take the mound to face Jon Lester. Game starts at 7:05 E.T.
Posted by: Patrick
Benjamin Hill and Peter Abraham report on the new rules relating to ambidextrous pitchers, released by the Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation. Here they are:
The pitcher must visually indicate to the umpire, batter and runner(s) which way he will begin pitching to the batter. Engaging the rubber with the glove on a particular hand is considered a definitive commitment to which arm he will throw with. The batter will then choose which side of the plate he will bat from.
The pitcher must throw one pitch to the batter before any “switch” by either player is allowed.
After one pitch is thrown, the pitcher and batter may each change positions one time per at-bat. For example, if the pitcher changes from right-handed to left-handed and the batter then changes batter’s boxes, each player must remain that way for the duration of that at-bat (unless the offensive team substitutes a pinch hitter, and then each player may again “switch” one time).
Any switch (by either the pitcher or the batter) must be clearly indicated to the umpire.
There will be no warm-up pitches during the change of arms.
If an injury occurs the pitcher may change arms but not use that arm again during the remainder of the game.
The pitcher must throw one pitch to the batter before any “switch” by either player is allowed.
After one pitch is thrown, the pitcher and batter may each change positions one time per at-bat. For example, if the pitcher changes from right-handed to left-handed and the batter then changes batter’s boxes, each player must remain that way for the duration of that at-bat (unless the offensive team substitutes a pinch hitter, and then each player may again “switch” one time).
Any switch (by either the pitcher or the batter) must be clearly indicated to the umpire.
There will be no warm-up pitches during the change of arms.
If an injury occurs the pitcher may change arms but not use that arm again during the remainder of the game.
07/02: Baby Bomber All-Stars
Posted by: James
Justin Christian was named an All-Star (the lone Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankee on the team). As Chad Jennings points out, Brett Gardner and Dan Giese probably would have made the team had they not been promoted.
At the AA level, Trenton OF Austin Jackson, RHP Jason Jones, 1B Chris Malec and C P.J. Pilittere were named All-Stars.
Nice work to all of them.
At the AA level, Trenton OF Austin Jackson, RHP Jason Jones, 1B Chris Malec and C P.J. Pilittere were named All-Stars.
Nice work to all of them.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham reports that the Yankees have signed three 16 year old ballplayers from the Dominican Republic. They are outfielder Yeicok Calderon and shortstops Anderson Felix and Gian Arias.
As an aside, he also adds that the Yanks signed their 29th round draft choice, outfielder Mike Jones. Who? Mike Jones.
As an aside, he also adds that the Yanks signed their 29th round draft choice, outfielder Mike Jones. Who? Mike Jones.
Posted by: Patrick
Chad Jennings reports that Shelley Duncan hurt his shoulder on a diving catch in yesterday's game. Duncan believes he has separated his right shoulder.
Meanwhile, after announcing that Alan Horne would be headed to the DL, the Yankees decided he wouldn't be. His pitching coach, Rafael Chaves, told Jennings that "I don't think it will be long [until Horne's next start]."
Meanwhile, after announcing that Alan Horne would be headed to the DL, the Yankees decided he wouldn't be. His pitching coach, Rafael Chaves, told Jennings that "I don't think it will be long [until Horne's next start]."
07/01: Yankees Lose Late, 3-2
Posted by: Patrick
Joba lasted only four innings in this one, thanks to a pitch count of 91 (with only 49 strikes). Only 2 runs scored, however, while he allowed 5 hits and walked 4. When he left the game, the Yankees were down 2 to 1, with the lone run coming on a Robinson Cano RBI single, scoring Giambi.
The bulletin was solid in this one. Dan Giese threw a scoreless frame in the fifth. Following Giese, David Robertson threw 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3 and walking 2 while allowing no hits. Wilson Betemit tied the game up in the 6th, with an RBI single that scored Posada.
Jose Veras threw a scoreless eighth, but the Yankees offense was unable to get anything going. Mariano Rivera entered in the ninth and immediately ran into trouble, allowing a lead off double to Ian Kinsler, who proceeded to steal third. Michael Young singled him home to give the Rangers the lead. After that, Mo retired 3 of the next 4 batters to keep the Yankees within a run.
In the bottom of the 9th, Betemit lead off with a walk and Alberto Gonzalez pinch ran for him. With Jeter on the bench, Girardi allowed number 9 hitter Melky Cabrera to remain at the plate, but didn't call for him to bunt. He swang away and hit into a crushing double play. Jeter got up to pinch hit for Brett Gardner (the 2 hitter) instead - but he never got a chance to hit as Damon grounded out to end it. Frustrating.
Damon, Cano and Posada each collected 2 hits. For Cano, this raised his average to .245 or the best it's been since opening day when he went 1 for 3 and was hitting .333. Brett Gardner remains hitless at 0 for 6 now, but he did collect a sacrifice.
Tomorrow, at 7:05 PM, we'll have Sidney Ponson (5-1, 3.50 ERA on the season. 1-0, 0.00 as a Yankee) against Luis Mendoza (1-2, 5.40). This could actually work out in our favor. Ponson angling for a little "revenge" against his former team?
The bulletin was solid in this one. Dan Giese threw a scoreless frame in the fifth. Following Giese, David Robertson threw 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3 and walking 2 while allowing no hits. Wilson Betemit tied the game up in the 6th, with an RBI single that scored Posada.
Jose Veras threw a scoreless eighth, but the Yankees offense was unable to get anything going. Mariano Rivera entered in the ninth and immediately ran into trouble, allowing a lead off double to Ian Kinsler, who proceeded to steal third. Michael Young singled him home to give the Rangers the lead. After that, Mo retired 3 of the next 4 batters to keep the Yankees within a run.
In the bottom of the 9th, Betemit lead off with a walk and Alberto Gonzalez pinch ran for him. With Jeter on the bench, Girardi allowed number 9 hitter Melky Cabrera to remain at the plate, but didn't call for him to bunt. He swang away and hit into a crushing double play. Jeter got up to pinch hit for Brett Gardner (the 2 hitter) instead - but he never got a chance to hit as Damon grounded out to end it. Frustrating.
Damon, Cano and Posada each collected 2 hits. For Cano, this raised his average to .245 or the best it's been since opening day when he went 1 for 3 and was hitting .333. Brett Gardner remains hitless at 0 for 6 now, but he did collect a sacrifice.
Tomorrow, at 7:05 PM, we'll have Sidney Ponson (5-1, 3.50 ERA on the season. 1-0, 0.00 as a Yankee) against Luis Mendoza (1-2, 5.40). This could actually work out in our favor. Ponson angling for a little "revenge" against his former team?
07/01: SI.com Interview with Jeter
SI.com has a cool interview with Jeter where he speaks on relationship rumors and more.
That's really why we don't report that stuff here. One thing I've learned from writing for Bad Boy Blog is that people make up a lot of stuff.
Via Alex.
SI.com: There was also this funny story about something that happened in Miami.
Jeter: The parking? That was all made up, man. All made up.
SI.com: Really? We had a lot of fun with that story.
Jeter: [Laughing] So did my sister. She had a blast with that one.
Jeter: The parking? That was all made up, man. All made up.
SI.com: Really? We had a lot of fun with that story.
Jeter: [Laughing] So did my sister. She had a blast with that one.
That's really why we don't report that stuff here. One thing I've learned from writing for Bad Boy Blog is that people make up a lot of stuff.
Via Alex.
Posted by: Seamus
Mike Mussina was great and the bullpen was solid as well, as the Yanks as a team allowed just two runs on seven hits. Somehow, though, holding the highest scoring team in baseball to two runs was not enough, as the Yankees managed only four hits and one run. The Yankees lost the game 2-1 and fell 6.5 games behind division leading Tampa Bay.
It was kind of a frustrating loss for the Yankees, considering the Rangers lead the Majors in runs scored (458) and still have allowed more runs than they've scored (468). That's compounded by the fact that the Rays and Red Sox are playing against each other, so the Yanks are guaranteed to lose ground on somebody with a loss.
The only offense for the Yankees came in the 4th inning, via a mammoth home run by Alex Rodriguez that bounced in the back of Monument Park and landed up in the left field bleachers. Posada doubled later in the inning but was stranded at 2nd.
Jason Giambi hit a ball off the right centerfield wall in the bottom of the 6th with two outs, and since he ran hard out of the box and the ball took a weird bounce, he was able to get to third without a throw for his first triple of the season. Makes you wonder how many more doubles and triples would be hit in this league if some players weren't such prima donnas.
It's unfortunate that Mussina had to get hit with the loss, because he was on his game last night. Moose threw 103 pitches in 6 innings, striking out 8 and allowing five hits. The Yankees did a good job against most of the Rangers' big hitters, as Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley went a combined 2-12 (Bradley struck out four times). Michael Young went 3-4, but did not score or drive in a run.
The Yankees will try to bounce back tonight as Joba Chamberlain will take the mound and will face Kevin Millwood. Game starts at 7:05 E.T.
It was kind of a frustrating loss for the Yankees, considering the Rangers lead the Majors in runs scored (458) and still have allowed more runs than they've scored (468). That's compounded by the fact that the Rays and Red Sox are playing against each other, so the Yanks are guaranteed to lose ground on somebody with a loss.
The only offense for the Yankees came in the 4th inning, via a mammoth home run by Alex Rodriguez that bounced in the back of Monument Park and landed up in the left field bleachers. Posada doubled later in the inning but was stranded at 2nd.
Jason Giambi hit a ball off the right centerfield wall in the bottom of the 6th with two outs, and since he ran hard out of the box and the ball took a weird bounce, he was able to get to third without a throw for his first triple of the season. Makes you wonder how many more doubles and triples would be hit in this league if some players weren't such prima donnas.
It's unfortunate that Mussina had to get hit with the loss, because he was on his game last night. Moose threw 103 pitches in 6 innings, striking out 8 and allowing five hits. The Yankees did a good job against most of the Rangers' big hitters, as Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley went a combined 2-12 (Bradley struck out four times). Michael Young went 3-4, but did not score or drive in a run.
The Yankees will try to bounce back tonight as Joba Chamberlain will take the mound and will face Kevin Millwood. Game starts at 7:05 E.T.
Posted by: Patrick
As we've now entered the month of July, I thought that I would post a standings update on the Yankees Bloggers League. Here's how things look:
Rank Team W-L-T GBAziz has a sizable 12 game lead, thanks to a balanced attack that has him 3rd in runs, 6th in home runs, 8th in RBIs, 7th in stolen bases, 9th in batting average, 4th in wins, 3rd in saves, 7th in strikeouts, 2nd in ERA and 5th in WHIP.
1. Aziz (Pride of the Yankees) 81-43-6 -
2. Dan (Pinstripes, Pa.) 65-51-14 12
3. Steven (The Yankees: Minors to Majors) 67-55-8 13
4. James (YanksBlog.com) 66-56-8 14
5. Patrick (YanksBlog.com) 62-58-10 17
6. Mike (River Ave. Blues) 60-57-13 17.5
7. Greg (Sliding Into Home) 63-60-7 17.5
8. Andrew (Scott Proctor's Arm) 60-59-11 18.5
9. Jason (My Baseball Bias) 60-62-8 20
10. Brent (The Bronx Block) 60-64-6 21
11. Ben (River Ave. Blues) 57-64-9 22.5
12. Emma (Eephus Pitch) 51-68-11 27.5
13. Dave (Pride of the Yankees) 54-72-4 28
14. Joe (River Ave. Blues) 41-78-11 37.5
