Catching Up

Wow, it's been a while since I've blogged. Haven't really been feeling it lately. The break has been nice, but I'm getting ready to get back into the swing of things now that spring training is underway. I was going to "report" on the mandatory date of March 1st, but I thought I'd show up early to get some extra work in. I'll get right into it.
So Derek and Alex aren't the best of friends anymore. Does that really come as a shock to anyone? What shocks me is the amount of coverage and discussion this topic gets. I'm also shocked at how overblown the whole thing is. If you really think about this logically, I mean sit down and put some time into your thought processing, you'll realize this is such a non-story. Here are two guys that met in their teen years and have known each other for 15 some-odd years. At one time, the two probably were as close as brothers. But as people grow up, they grow apart. It happens to everyone. If you're in your early 30s, like me, ask yourself how many people you still talk to from high school? Me? I talk to two. Do I talk to them nearly as much as I did when we were younger? No. Would I say our friendship has cooled? Hardly. The fact of the matter is people grow up. Get married. Have kids. Start a family. A-Rod is married with a kid. Derek is the single bachelor. Do people honestly think these two are going to go out every night combing the streets for tail? What high-profile married man would even put himself in that position? Everything that Alex said about the pair is simple and true. They're not as close as they used to be. That's the way life goes. Don't look for any deeper meaning. You won't find it.
I'm really hoping Carl Pavano gets traded sometime before Opening Day. I'm with Mussina on this one. His lack of desire has been evident from day one and everybody knows it. He's done nothing to demonstrate that he wants to be a Yankee. I don't know how at this point, CP can expect anyone to have faith in him. Like Mussina said, "Actions speak louder than words." CP's actions don't show any commitment to the team. You can say you're committed all you want, but right now, no one is buying what you're selling. Don't be so surprised if he gets booted out of Legends Fields before spring training is over.
Despite his comments, Mariano Rivera isn't going anywhere when his contract is up. If you follow baseball, you know that most clubs don't talk contracts until the year is up. That's the nature of the business. Sure, you see the occasional pre-season extension, but by-and-large, those discussions are saved for after the World Series. Mo knows this. Quite frankly, I think this entire story started and kept rolling because the press had nothing else to write about. The press is a funny animal. You answer their question, they don't like your answer, so they re-ask the same question in a different way. I don't know how many of you heard the audio of A-Rod discussing his relationship with Jeter. The press asked, he answered, they asked again, but in a different way. Alex responded with something like, "I gave you guys a good answer. I'm not talking anymore about it." Or something like that. You ever see in the movies when a snowball rolls down the mountain and just gets bigger and bigger and bigger. The snowball effect they call it. That's what these stories remind me of. The press just keeps rolling and rolling and then there's this huge story, that's not really huge. I can see why players hate talking to the media. They do make themselves look like idiots at times.
It looks like this is the end for Bernie Williams, and I'm a little bummed about that. But I'm still holding out that he'll be back in Pinstripes in 2007. I can understand why he rejected the minor-league offer. It makes total sense. He sees no guarantee that he'll be on the Opening Day roster. From an organizational standpoint, the Yankees hands are tied when it comes to Bernie. There really isn't room for him. Scratch that, there is room for him, but you can't guarantee him that spot at this point in the spring. He's obviously not fitting into the OF will Abreu, Damon, Matsui, and Cabrera. Had the Yankees traded Melky, then you'd see Bernie there right now, no question. But the team needs to get younger. Giambi is going to be the full-time DH, no room there. The only other option is to slot Bernie in at first base, to platoon with Doug Mientkiewicz. And there's no guarantee he gets that position as there's Andy Philips and rule 5 pick Josh Phelps. I'd take Bernie in a heartbeat over both of those 2, but he would have had to come to camp on a non-roster invite. I love Bernie, so I'm knocking on wood that he shows up at some point. I don't want to see anyone get hurt, but I'd have to think if someone does, Bernie is getting a call. So Bernie if you're reading this, stay in shape. You will be needed. But if I've seen you play your final game in Pinstripes, it was a good run. You are one of the greatest Yankees of my generation. I'm glad I got to see you play.
I think it's pretty cool that the Yankees will be honoring the memory of Cory Lidle by sporting arm bands throughout 2007. It's a fitting tribute to one of their teammates, made even better by not assigning Lidle's #30 to anyone this season. Cheers to the Yankee brass for this.
Jeers though to Yankees general partner Steve Swindal, who was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. Bad form.
And what would my blog be without a little Red Sox talk. I'm not sure if there is any truth to this rumor, but a guy at work was telling me that the Sox have decided on their closer, they're just not announcing it yet. He said it was mentioned on ESPN, but I didn't see it. Apparently, it'll be Jonathan Papelbon. Let him start, let him close. I don't care. I personally see him getting lit up this year, especially if he starts. As a closer, he'll be alright, but an ERA of 2.5-3.5 is in the cards for him. If you think he's going to dominate and have another sub 1.00 ERA, come talk to me in October, so I can say I told you so. The league will figure him out. And is it me, or is Daisuke Matsuzaka looking a little pudgy? A little reminiscent of Hideki Irabu?
RIP Hank Bauer.
And finally, I'm not feeling the new BP hats. I'm not feeling the stripe. But that's just me.
Opening Day is around the corner. Peace, love, and Pinstripes.
J