THIS IS THE END!

All things must come to an end, eventually. I wish some things could be prolonged like Christmas Day, weekends, vacations, girls night out and last but not least.....Mark Teixeira in pinstripes. It's true, I may be one of few but it's not going to happen. His time is coming to an end. This is his big finale as a Yankee and I am just going to start talking about this now so once the end of the season gets here I will slowly but surely be accepting. Maybe.

The youth movement is finally hitting the Yankees. Sure, it is happening later than it should have but better late than never, right? It's a different era for the Yankees. This is not the same leadership that went out after a very disappointing 2008 season and went on a major shopping spree that brought AJ Burnett, CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira to the Bronx.

That same shopping spree brought us a World Series ring the following year in our brand new stadium. That was a different lifetime, a different ideology, and a bottomless bank account.

Here we are years later, in the Youth Movement and luxury tax age. Now, even the teams with deeper pockets are more inclined to try and build the younger more athletic team. Now the long term contracts of ten years are not only not "hip" but it is almost thought of as a bad investment made on the stock market. The days of the Albert Pujols and Robinson Cano contracts are fewer and far between. Now it is shocking, even for Yankee fans who didn't blink at those like other fans did. The cool thing to do now is to keep the prized prospects help develop them and then put them in the big leagues when they are young and exciting......and cheap. Now winning is more exciting when you can do it cheaper and you can also avoid paying that annoying luxury tax.

Mark Teixeira has had an underwhelming career as a Yankee, even I can admit that. The Tex we saw in 2009 was something of a "one hit wonder" until he magically resurfaced last season. He stayed healthy until the end of the season. I was disappointed because he was my comeback player of the year for the Yankees. I still wonder what his final stats would have been if he would have played the entire season. Sadly, this is the final year for him. At least, I will be able to start to let go when he stops by Chase Field in May. All things evolve, and sadly someone else is waiting in the wings.

If I had to pick one guy to fill his shoes in 2017 the only person I would even want to pick would be Greg Bird. It takes a lot for me to write that and say that YES I AM SINCERE. Tex is my favorite player but even I cannot deny the talent and presence that this kid has. He impressed me with his bat last season and how poised he was. He didn't look scared, and he is a smart hitter. He doesn't swing at garbage at the plate and yes, he has a good glove. It's no Tex Gold Glove but.....he will get there. He is the future, and I know this.

So I am setting myself up for the future now because this will be a process for me. No, Mark Teixeira is not coming back in 2017. He will be playing for some other American League team. Who knows, maybe he will still be a stating first basemen for some other team. Or maybe, he will be a bench player or DH for someone like the Oakland A's. I don't know.....I don't have a crystal ball. All I do know is that YES THIS IS THE END.....so if you are a Tex fan like me then enjoy every minute of it. Greg Bird and the rest of the youth movement are taking over, and that is just part of the game.


   
--Jeana Bellezza, 
BYB Senior Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ 
 





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BUT CAN THEY PITCH FOR THE YANKEES?

There is a lot of attention these days around the Yankees' pitching staff, and attention usually means trouble. It's hard to look at recent performances, in which the Yankees gave up 9 runs or more three times this week, and not think that the sky is falling. It's given rise to a bunch of rumors, the most popular one being about Johnny Cueto. Everyone knows the Reds are going to be unloading Cueto, everyone sees the instability of the Yankees rotation, and well ... you can do the math.

So here's the problem with the Cueto scenario. There are some players that do well with the Yankees, and some that do not do well. It's tragic when we sign a pitcher that is not "Yankees-friendly". He has some amazing numbers to prove that he is a good pitcher, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot see Cueto in that Yankees-friendly category. He is the stereotypical guy who I expect to be unprepared for the pressures of playing baseball in New York. He has only pitched for the Reds his entire career. Pitchers who pitch on low revenue, small market teams tend not to do as well under the bright lights and high pressure of Yankee Stadium. The fact that his career ERA is almost two-thirds of a point higher on the road than at home is something to notice too.

There are plenty of great pitchers who just could not hack it here. A.J. Burnett is a great, recent example. I loved what he did for us in 2009, but if you even include that year, his ERA's prior to joining the Yankees (3.82) and after he left the Yankees (3.59) were almost and more than a full point lower than his combined ERA in his 3 years as a Yankee (4.79), respectively. Looking at his HRs per season (12 before joining the Yankees, 27 as a Yankee, and 13 after the Yankees) gives you even more proof that he was not Yankees-friendly. He is not the only one.

Decisions made under pressure, without the luxury of breathing room to make objective evaluations and rational decisions, tend to go badly. This is especially true when you feel an urgent need to make a quick fix to an immediate problem. This is where I get worried. Honestly, Cueto does not look like a fit. I get that he is a 20-game winner and came in 2nd in the Cy Young voting last year. Randy Johnson came in second in the Cy Young and threw a perfect game the year before joining the Yankees. Kenny Rogers was 4th in the league with wins (17) and a perfect game winner the year before when he joined the Yankees. The list of pitchers who pitched well where they were before joining the Yankees is longer than you might think. Let's not add to it.

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row







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FORMER YANKEES: HOW'D THEY DO?

It's coming down to the wire. With just a few games left I am already looking back at the season and checking in with some former Yankees. Some of them you may have adored, like me. Some you may not even think about anymore, and some of them you may look at what they have accomplished this year and wish that they were still here. So, where are you now fellas?

Eric Chavez: Anyone else miss him like I do? Considering how many third basemen we saw this year that made me miss him even more. I guess I am fortunate enough to live in Arizona where has been been playing for the Diamondbacks, but obviously it's not the same. It's been a rough season for Chavez. I have heard a lot of fans here blame the Diamondbacks staff for overusing Chavez to the point where he landed on the disabled twice. The first time was in May after the Diamondbacks used him 10 games in a row causing a neck injury. He was out for most of June. He went on the disabled list again in August. I guess the Diamondbacks thought thought couldn't afford to sit him earlier in the season when they were leading their division because he was a very productive player for the team. There are rumors out there that despite the rough season, Chavez really wants to sign another one year deal with the Diamondbacks next season because he lives in Arizona, read that HERE. I guess I shouldn't hold my breath hoping for a reunion.

Raul Ibanez: I admit, I am still not over the fact that the Yankees just let him walk away. I should be over it but I am not. That said, the Mariners definitely got a lot of production out of him, and at 41 years old he has been more durable for them compared to almost the entire Yankee lineup. This year he has logged more time in the outfield and had more at bats for the Mariners, then compared to last year and his second half proves he has had a lot of time out there, but his 27 home runs are impressive. Ibanez is also talking about a return next year also, so even as tired as he may be he is eager for more, read that HERE. He didn't say he was set on returning to the Mariners next season so whoever gets him will be lucky in my opinion. He is an asset to any team, and clearly the Mariners agree because they have already nominated him for the Roberto Clemente award so congratulations to him because he does deserve it. We have always been a big fan of his here, read our interview with him BYB EXCLUSIVE. IBANEZ TO SANDY VICTIMS: "I AM HERE TO HELP" for more on that and you will see why.

Russell Martin: Possibly another decision that the Yankees are regretting. Not that the Yankees could have ever predicted the injury and suspension of Francisco Cervelli, but his defense is still top notch and can't compare to Chris Stewart offensively or defensively. Martin's power has certainly been missed by the Yankees, but it has been of benefit to the Pirates. He has 14 home runs this season and he is a big part of the reason why this team is only 2 games out of first place in their division and is enjoying their first winning season since 1992. Martin's new role agrees with him, and with a contract that lasts through 2015 he is enjoying the stability. He is going to help this team become even stronger, and I know as a baseball fan I am cheering for the Pirates to win their division. It would make a great Cinderella story right?

AJ Burnett: We may not miss Burnett these days, but he certainly has rebounded since his trade to the Pirates. Obviously he and Martin are helping that team and steering them in the right direction. The team is basically a shoe in already for a wild card spot, but are still in the mix for taking the division away from the Cardinals. Burnett has been ace like for the Pirates and actually leads the National League with 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings and also has a respectable 3.43 ERA in 28 starts this year. He has already admitted to considering retirement after this season, so I am sure the team results this postseason will play a big part in his decision.

Nick Swisher: May have the last laugh here. Even after signing a lucrative deal with the Indians his first year has been rough and his bat has not been consistent. His .250BA and 20 home runs though can't be hurting the team that much though because unlike the Yankees, they at least are holding on to a wild card spot right now. As rough as his first year with the Tribe has been if you look at his numbers, they are pretty similar to what he did for us in the Bronx in several categories. Either way, Swisher is sitting pretty right now because out of all remaining schedules for wild card hopefuls, they have the easiest schedule by far. If he makes the postseason and the Yankees don't it would be ironic and depressing. Of course, we have always been big Swisher fans here though. It will be interesting to see how this wild card race plays out.

So who are you missing, anyone on this list? It looks like we could be watching a few ex-Yankees play into the postseason. GAME ON!





--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ



 

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IMAGES OF YANKEELAND IN TAMPA: PART 2

Looking at our New York Yankees in Florida as they prepare for Opening day was one of the most popular posts for Bleeding Yankee Blue in a while, so here's Part 2. Enjoy this.Here the Yankees are running it out. No doubt cardio is probably one of the most important things the Yankees will do to prepare for the long season. It's good to see the boys of summer warming up. Ladies, calm down, I know you are all digging David Robertson right now.

Mariano Rivera is showing the others just how good he is, fielding a ball and no doubt throwing to first. Mariano is the greatest and one of the most athletic pitchers in the game today. I'm so happy he's a New York Yankee and I cannot imagine him in any other uniform.

No doubt Derek Jeter was just told to read Bleeding Yankee Blue's SABATHIA & BURNETT EXCHANGE TEXTS: PART 4 post and he thinks it's absolutely hysterical. Or, he's just happy to be starting up baseball again.

This is Joba Chamberlain, Cory Wade, Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova running, running, running... I'm looking forward to Joba coming back and to Phil being the Phil of 2010. I can't wait.
Here's a look at Hiroki Kuroda throwing down in Tampa. I didn't really care for the guy coming to the Bronx, I was one of the few, but now I'm getting excited to see him in with the Yankees. Of course it's a different ballgame in New York compared to LA, so we'll need to stay tuned...
Francisco Cervelli shows his passion as he chucks it down to second base here. No doubt, right after he fist pumped... I don't care, I love the heart on this guy.Ivan Nova is definitely going to fight for the #2 slot on the Yankees this year. Who knows what will happen, but it's exciting to think that the Yanks actually have 5 guys that can get them to a World Championship in 2012.

More to come, if you like this, we'll give you a Part 3... just comment and let us know you long for more.

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BREAKING NOW: YANKEES TRADE BURNETT TO PIRATES

The Pirates and Yankees have finally agreed to a trade that will send A.J. Burnett to Pittsburgh, reports Ken Rosnethal of FOX Sports. The Yankees will send Burnett and $20-million to the Pirates in exchange for two low-level minor leaguers: Right-hander Diego Moreno is one of the prospects reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post and outfielder Exicardo Cayones is the other prospect in the trade, reports Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com. The Pirates will also be responsible for the remaining $13-million left on Burnett's contract. Pitssburgh will pay Burnett $5-million this season and $8-million in 2013, tweets Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Burnett will take a physical on Sunday and, the trade just needs to be approved by the league.

For the Yankees, getting $13-million of Burnett's salary off the books frees up enough payroll space for the team to pursue a lefty DH and maybe sign Eric Chavez for another year. Check out the BYB piece we just posted on why Yanks may choose Raul Ibanez over Johnny Damon for that DH role.

BYB will have much more analysis later on the trade so please be sure to check back. But we wanted to bring you the news as it happens.

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer
Email: DonnieBaseball2323@gmail.com
Twitter: @MikeyBlu23

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WHY CASHMAN IS MULTI-TASKING

Make no mistake, while the Yankee world focuses in on this possible A.J. Burnett deal with the Pirates, Brian Cashman is equally as concerned, if not more, in getting Eric Chavez signed and landing a lefty, power hitting DH. I was telling Casey this morning that I think this could be a busy Friday or weekend in Yankeeland because if and when Burnett finally gets traded, the money the Yankees save won't even hit the bank before Chavez and that player-to-be-named DH will have inked deals with the Bronx Bombers.

Now, the question and debate goes back and forth: Who should the Yankees sign as that power hitting left-handed bat that will mainly be a DH, but someone who you could, in a pinch, throw out in the field somewhere? Well our Bleeding Yankee Blue readers certainly made it known in our recent BYB Poll choosing Johnny Damon as the guy they want back in pinstripes as the DH. Although I would not mind having Damon back in the Bronx I am in the minority with who I think would give us the best chance at another World Series run...Raul Ibanez. And here's why...

Over the last 2 seasons here is how Damon and Ibanez match up head-to-head (these numbers are what they averaged over last two seasons):

2010-2011 -- Johnny Damon (2 year avg.)
147 Games Played -- Batting Avg. .266 -- HR's 8 -- RBI 62 -- BB's 60 -- OBP .340 -- 2B 32

2010-2011 -- Raul Ibanez (2year avg)
150 Games Played -- Batting Avg. .260 -- HR's 18 -- RBI 84 -- BB's 51 -- OBP .320 -- 2B 34

Look, just to repeat, I am not opposed to having Johnny Damon back in the Bronx. I love the guy and think he would be a solid DH for the Yankees. But for some reason, I think Ibanez is getting overlooked by fans. A lot of fans have this idea that Ibanez is on a huge decline in his career? Where is that coming from? If you look at his cumulative stats above over the last two years he has averaged 18 HR's and 84 RBI. Meanwhile Damon in those same two years has averaged only 8 HR's and 62 RBI. If we are looking for the most productive DH between Damon and Ibanez, based on those numbers, wouldn't you have to argue Ibanez is the guy? Let me know what you think...

Keep it hear for all your Yankee news and be sure to #BYB on Twitter.

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer
Email: DonnieBaseball2323@gmail.com
Twitter: @MikeyBlu23

Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.