DON'T KID YOURSELF, TOM BRADY IS NO DEREK JETER!

And sorry, but in at least one way he never will be. For the past week I have seen article after article on the Internet comparing the two. I have also heard hours of conversation talking about it thanks to those articles and the upcoming Super Bowl. I just can't avoid talking about it anymore. To be perfectly clear I am NOT a Tom Brady fan and while I agree they are both sports legends in their own right but....Derek Jeter is in a class of his own!

Just as I am on team Jeter, Rolling Stone is on team Brady going so far as to call Jeter "overrated" HERE. Maybe they should stick to music but regardless, yes, Tom Brady is an incredibly fortunate man. He has a beautiful model wife (hell, even I won't deny that!), good looks, a fan base that worships the ground he walks on and four super bowl rings. Derek Jeter doesn't have ANY of that.....OH WAIT......          

                         

Jeter has ALL of that and then some. He definitely has the good looks part down. He dated some of the most beautiful women in the world before he finally tied the knot with model Hannah Davis! I mean, I think mensfitness.com absolutely NAILED it with this picture called the "dating diamond." The women on this diamond are gorgeous.

I mean, hello.....Adrianna Lima anyone? I haven't met a man yet that would say "no thanks." So, both men have their supermodels.

Here's a good one for you. Like Patriots fans, we worship Derek Jeter. In fact, we have adored him for so long and so did the entire organization that he was given a tremendous honor when he was named the 15th Captain in franchise history. He held his title proudly from 2003-2014 and even after he retired we still don't have a new one. We probably won't for a long time because those are hard shoes to fill and the Yankees just don't have that kind of leader on the team yet.

Unlike the Patriots, who have more than one "Captain" and this year for example, Brady gets a co-captain with Rob Gronkowski. Before anyone wants to go off on a tangent and say "you need captains for offensive and defensive lines" OR "Football is different, you can't judge it the same!" Leadership is based upon the same principles no matter what the context is. Jeter was the very definition of it and didn't need a wingman.

Oh and how about those rings? Until the Super Bowl reveals it's winner tonight....Brady has FOUR rings to Jeter's FIVE and I sincerely hope it stays that way. Jeter was not only the face of the Yankees but he was the face of baseball. His abilities and leadership brought winning baseball back to the Bronx after our own long drought and he delivered under pressure.

Both of these men have been important to their sport. However, there is still another big difference here. Brady has been the star quarterback that Bill Belichick has needed all of these years just as Jeter was the star Captain and shortstop that Joe Torre and Joe Girardi needed but without all of the controversy.

Jeter was the classiest guy in the game. Even some of the biggest Yankee haters but intense baseball lovers I know have said that. You can hate the Yankees all you want but Jeter was all about class and he was and still is so respected. I will NEVER forget how Casey Kotchman tipped his cap as Jeter ran the bases after his infamous 3000th home run hit. Former teammate Johnny Damon even came out of the Rays dugout to congratulate him and David Price graciously left his glove on the mound and walked to the dugout to let Jeter enjoy his moment. That is incredible respect from your peers!

Jeter played the game the right way and he didn't let his success go to his head. Even off of the field he made all of the right moves. You would find Jeter's name in the newspaper, but it was all business. There were no unpleasant tabloid stories plastered on the gossip columns. He had a clean image and he was a true role model. I hope that some day my kids will have a "Derek Jeter" to look up to but I wouldn't be surprised if he is a one-of-a-kind.

So there is no avoiding it. Brady doesn't have a squeaky clean image. He was in the tabloids and there is no taking 2007 away and erasing it. Yes, news broke that Brady's "old" girl Bridget Moynahan was pregnant with Brady's baby right before he began dating Gisele Bundchen. That chapter is missing in Jeter's legacy, thankfully.

And of course, the chapter that will never be forgotten....the great Deflate-gate. It doesn't matter if you or anyone else thinks the man is guilty as sin for cheating or completely innocent. The odd dynamics of the situation casts doubt on his reputation. No matter how you spin the story, it still cost Brady a four game suspension and a lot of controversy. The NFL commissioner may have conducted a flawed investigation but it makes no sense to keep one of the biggest stars out of the game if there was no reason to believe that there was some measure of dishonesty. After all, a suspension means no appearance on televised football games, fewer fans buying tickets and decreased TV ratings. It all boils down to lost money and the NFL would not take a decision like that lightly.

It all boils down to reputation and respect.

When Jeter announced retirement, commissioner Bud Selig had nothing but praise for him.

"In the 21-plus years in which I have served as Commissioner, Major League Baseball has had no finer ambassador than Derek Jeter. Since his championship rookie season of 1996, Derek has represented all the best of the National Pastime on and off the field. He is one of the most accomplished and memorable players of his - or any - era."

I will make a bold prediction here and say that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell probably won't have a statement like that once Brady decides to retire.

So Rolling Stone and all of the other recent Brady loving fans and publications out there can keep Brady. The "overrated" Derek Jeter left a mark on America's favorite pastime that will never be tarnished. Too bad Brady can't say the same thing. No matter what the outcome of the game is this weekend I will never forget that.

GO FALCONS! GO NUMBER 2!

--Jeana Bellezza
BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ

THE RED SOX ARE PLAYING HARDBALL WITH NAPOLI

Sounds like there is more trouble in paradise between the Red Sox and Mike Napoli. Baseball can be a funny business, and the recent rift could play nicely into the Yankees hands. I can't help but wonder if the Yankees are just laying in the weeds waiting to pounce on this one...

Back on December 3rd, the Red Sox agreed to sign Mike Napoli for a three year, $39 million dollar contract. Here we are alomst a month and a half later and there has been no contract finalized after a requisite physical gave the Red Sox cause for concern. Napoli is no stranger to injury, and it looks like his recurring hip injuries have scared the Red Sox.

It has been reported HERE by Pete Abraham that the Red Sox have now changed their plans and want to give Napoli a gauranteed one year deal. Doing this puts the pressure on Napoli to give them the plate appearances they expect, otherwise he could find himself a free agent again.

This could give other teams, like the Yankees, the opportunity to pounce. Clearly, things are not going smoothly here. I'm no expert, but I understand why both sides feel the way they do. If I am Mike Napoli, I want the three year deal that was given to me and I want to just sign on the dotted line and get myself ready to report for Spring Training next month.

On the other hand, if I am Ben Cherington do not want to give a player a handsome three year deal that involves a lot of risk to it. Clearly, they saw something in his test results that are not pretty. It's rebuilding time, and you can't expect optimum results on a high priced player with warning signs on a long term deal. Maybe he isn't sweating yet because the Red Sox also went through this already back in 2007.

 

(In Photo: JD Drew)

It took the Red Sox 52 days to finalize a five year, $70 million dollar deal with JD Drew. They waited it out and eventually got the contract they wanted forcing him to agree to a deal that enabled them to void the contract after three years if Drew were to re-injure his shoulder. Maybe this is the route they will go again.

This scenario has "sneak attack" written all over it. The first basemen market is extremely thin now that Adam LaRoche has signed with the Nationals. Other players available are Carlos Lee, Aubrey Huff, Lyle Overbay and Casey Kotchman, and these guys don't have the same bat power. If Napoli is upset enough to test the waters elsewhere some other team could swoon him away, but it is very unlikely he will get the three year deal and money that was originally offered to him.

I am sure the Yankees are keeping close tabs on this one. Napoli's value has clearly been diminished, and if the Yankees want to continue giving out one year deals, it's not unreasonable to think that they could come in and pull off another big steal. If Napoli is willing then it really poses no risk.

Stay tuned....this could get very interesting. Of course, if anything else develops we will definitely let you know here at Bleeding Yankee Blue.

--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Writer and Editor

Twitter: @NyPrincessJ



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THE IMPORTANCE OF ANDY PETTITTE AND IVAN NOVA

One of the reasons why the Yankees have been playing lackluster baseball for the past 50 days, give or take, is because the starting pitching has been sub par. The Yanks once held a 10 game lead and everything looked great. Now that their lead is trimmed to one game (it has been tied on a few occasions) thanks to going 22-27 from July 19- now, the team is searching for answers.

In this stretch of 49 games, the Yankees as a team have pitched to a 4.23 ERA. That’s not horrible by any means, but it’s certainly not as good compared to the 3.72 mark they posted in the first 91 games of the season.

Not everyone has pitched poorly during this period, to be fair. Hiroki Kuroda has pitched to a 2.31 ERA in that span, and Phil Hughes has pitched to a 3.98 ERA as well. Unfortunately, those are where the positives end.

Though Kuroda and Hughes have been awesome and decent, respectively, there are others who haven’t been as fortunate. Freddy Garcia is one of those guys, as he’s pitched to a 5.12 ERA in his last 10 starts. He’s actually been worse than that, really, as he’s failed to complete five innings in any of his last four starts. They got five pretty good starts out of him from July 24-August 15, but he’s really struggled since. As I said in my recap titled YANKEES WIN BIG OVER ORIOLES, Freddy’s just about out of gas. A transition to the bullpen makes the most sense once everyone gets healthy.

David Phelps has been a culprit as well. Since July 19 he has pitched to an even 4.00 ERA, though he’s only made six starts in that span. His last three outings have hurt the team, however, as he’s pitched to a 7.20 ERA while failing to get out of the fifth inning in his last two starts. What’s even uglier is that he’s given up five homers in that 15 inning stretch (3 HR/9 inning rate) of games. Again, like Garcia, a transition to the bullpen makes sense, though I’d like for Phelps to pitch in more important innings, while Garcia takes over as the mop-up man in place of Derek Lowe.

The Yankees have had three different starters spend time on the DL in this 49-game stretch. CC Sabathia is one of those pitchers, as he missed two weeks from August 9-August 24. He has come off the DL since and has not been the CC we know and love. Andy Pettitte was placed on the DL in late June after breaking his fibula on a line drive come backer off the bat of Casey Kotchman, and he’s inching closer to a return. Finally, Ivan Nova was placed on the DL on August 22, but he has recently been activated and could be inserted back into the rotation in near future. The Yankees could really use the latter two of the trio, considering the starting staff as a whole has been suspect.

I’m well aware that Ivan Nova struggled pretty mightily before he landed on the DL, but hopefully the time off refreshed him both mentally and physically. Pettitte’s rehab process has seemed to go well, too, but my fingers remain crossed. In the ideal world, both of these guys come back, prove they’re healthy and effective, and both are a part of the postseason rotation. I would like Nova to out-pitch Hughes when he comes back, simply because I like Hughes in the bullpen more than I do Nova. Of course these days it’s a case of “if” the Yankees make the playoffs than a “when,” but if both of these guys pitch like they’re capable of, we’re almost assured of October baseball.




--Jesse Schindler, BYB Lead Staff Writer
Follow me on Twitter @SchindlerJesse


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WHAT I MIGHT DO AS THE YANKEES GM

On June 25th the Yankees defeated the Indians 7-1, Hiroki Kuroda got an impressive win throwing 7+ innings of 1 run ball with 7 strikeouts, propelling the Yankees to their 13th win in their past 16 games, and their 8th straight. Sure, it happened 2 weeks ago, but it was significant, it was the beginning of something good for the Yankees, a gelling if you will. The bombers were really clicking on all cylinders and the whole city knew it.

 Then, on June 27th a couple of hours before game time the Yankees announced that CC would be put on the 15 day DL for a groin strain, read HERE. At that point, I was still optimistic for the Yanks because they still had another left hander in the rotation, old reliable Andy Pettitte.  But that changed when Andy went down with a come backer off the bat of Casey Kotchman, busting his ankle, read HERE. It's devastating, but this isn't a cause for complete, "abandon ship" type of concern... we should however look further than who we have to fill the holes, my opinion of course. Why? Because since those injuries, some of the moving parts just aren't working and there is need for improvement....outside the organization.

 Let's break it down. Cory Wade has been good, but not recently.  That was why he was sent down and it's my opinion that he shouldn't have even been in last night's game against the Red Sox, read WADE HAPPENS. They Yankees picked up Chad Qualls and while I'm not exactly sure how effective he really is yet, I'm not exactly pleased with Wade's recent performance and I'm not too confident in Qualls ability.

I'm thinking another solid reliever in that bullpen could really do wonders. If I were assigned the Yankees GM role for the day, I would work very closely with the Houston Astros to make a trade for Brett Myers & Wandy Rodriguez a rental starter and reliever that could really help our club.

• Brett Myers is a former starter turned closer who really can do either.  Throughout his career he has been a starting pitcher on the Phillies (2002-2009) and the Astros. Sure, there were 2 seasons in 2007 when he was with the Phillies and became a closer for a good portion of the season after former Yankee Flash Gordon went down for some time. Bottom line, Myers did such a good job that when Gordon came back, Myers stayed as the closer for the rest of the season recording 21 saves. 

This year Myers was appointed closer when Mark Melancon was traded to the Red Sox. This season Myers has 18 saves already with a 3.54 ERA. He is a solid option to shore up the Yankees bullpen and in my opinion, a better option than Chad Qualls or Cory Wade.

• Wandy Rodriguez is the other piece to this potential deal.  He is the ace of the Astros pitching staff and is a proven left handed pitcher.  Rodriguez has posted an ERA under 4 every season since 2008.  He could be the piece that can fill the void as a lefty with 2 lefties out. Plus, the Astros are a team in serious rebuilding mode. They easily traded Houston fan favorite Lance Berkman to the Yankees in the summer of 2010 for just 2 mid level prospects. 

If Brian Cashman could work the Astros again and get a trade going again, give up a few low level prospects and get the Astros to eat some salary on Myers and Rodriguez, I'd be all over this.

Sure, there are other pitchers out there, but we all know Cole Hamels is just too expensive for the Yankees, Read HERE. How about Huston Street who's a good target (read HERE), and Matt Garza whom the Yankees really like and has already proven himself in the AL East, read HERE, but I tell you what, it's my opinion Myers and Rodriguez could be the best option by the deadline, a reliever and starter, both rentals, both reliable and both for low level prospects. If I'm the Yankees GM for a day, that's what I'd do, what about you? Comment.



--Will Cohen, BYB Contributor




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COSTLY WIN FOR YANKEES TODAY

(Andy Pettitte leaving mound in 5th inning today after a hard line drive bounces off his ankle)

The New York Yankees completed a sweep of the Cleveland Indians this afternoon winning 5-4.  The win gives the Bronx Bombers 5 wins in a row and increases their lead on top of the AL East.  But looking at the Yankee dugout after the game, the mood certainly was not a festive one.

Earlier in the day we reported that CC Sabathia was placed on the 15 Day DL with a pulled groin that he suffered against the Mets last week.  Certainly bad news for the Yankees and their fans, but, believe it or not, the news gets worse.  Today's starter, Andy Pettitte left the game in the 5th after Indians' Casey Kotchman sent a hard liner off Pettitte's left ankle.  Pettitte tried to continue but immediately limped and almost fell after throwing just one live pitch.  Girardi immediately yanked Pettitte from the game to get his ankle checked out.  Well, by the time the 6th inning rolled around the Yankees diagnosed Pettitte with a fractured left ankle.  He will now be out a minimum 6 weeks. 

(Robinson Cano and Joe Girardi look on as Andy Pettitte tries to shake off the pain)

Just terrible news for Pettitte who was making an amazing comeback this season after returning from semi-retirement.  You just have to feel for the guy.  Lord only knows what Brian Cashman and the Yankees are going to do to "replace" our Ace of the staff, CC, and Pettitte, who has arguably been one of the best starters in the American League this year.  BYB will bring your further analysis and opinion on what the Yankees might do to somehow keep the Yankee boat afloat.

(Arod greets Cano at home after Cano's 2-run home run gives Yankees 4-3 lead)

In the meantime, yes, the Yankees did win today.  Pettitte was in cruise control for the 4 innings of work before getting hurt.  And despite the bullpen not looking 100% sharp today, pitched well enough to not allow the Indians to put a big inning together.  Although Cody Eppley came in and gave up the lead to the Indians, Robinson Cano hit his 18th home run of the year in the 6th with a man on second to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead and they never looked back.  Cano finished the day 3-4 with 2 RBI.  Meanwhile, Eric Chavez is quietly having a fantastic season for the Yanks.  Chavez went 2-3 with 3 RBI today.  After Eppley, Clay Rapada, Freddy Garcia and David Robertson held the Indians in check til the 9th when Rafael Soriano took over.  Soriano had a very shaky 9th, loading the bases and giving up 1 run but held on for his 17th Save of the season.

Bottom line, Yankees are winning and now must find a way to keep churning out wins.  The offense is really going to have to step up and our starters, whoever they are, will have to keep us in every game.  Once again, Yankees win this afternoon 5-4

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


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BREAKING: ANDY PETTITTE LEAVES GAME IN 5TH; TAKES LINER OFF LEG

Andy Pettitte has left the game against the Cleveland Indians just a short time ago after he was nailed in the lower leg in the fifth inning.   Casey Kotchman's low line drive hit Pettitte near his left ankle. Pettitte took a step after the ball near the third base line before gently dropping to the infield grass. Pettitte threw several warm-up pitches and seemed okay and stayed in the game but then came up limping after throwing his first live pitch. Girardi flew out of the dugout and immediately took Pettitte out and brought in right-hander Cody Eppley.

We don't know the severity of the injury yet.  Could just be Girardi being cautious, or just a bruise, etc.  Let's hope for the best.  Of course, this comes on the heels of the news this morning that CC Sabathia has been placed on the DL with a strained groin.

You all kow the saying, when it rains, it pours.  We will keep you posted on Pettitte's situation and hopefully have some news by the time we post the recap.  Stay tuned...

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

Twitter: @MikeyBlu23


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WHY THE RAYS PUT ON A CLINIC AGAINST SABATHIA

(Photo: Andrew Theodorakis/New York Daily News)
It was a marquee match up on Friday at the Stadium. CC Sabathia for the Yanks and David Price for the Tampa Bay Rays. But only one of those guys stepped up in this one, and it wasn't CC as the big fella gave up a career high five home runs, all of which were solo shots.

It's now back to back starts that CC has not pitched up to his capability. He went eight innings though, so at least he gave the bullpen a breather. He allowed 10 hits, five which left the park, while not allowing a walk and seven strikeouts. The home runs he allowed came from Casey Kotchman, Kelly Shoppach, Johnny Damon, Elliot Johnson, and Evan Longoria. Maybe the six man rotation is messing him up a bit. We'll find out his next time out as the six man rotation will end on Monday.(Photo: Andrew Theodorakis/New York Daily News)
Meanwhile, Co-Ace David Price was great in this start. He went eight innings, allowed six hits, one run, two walks and four strikeouts. The Yankees as a team are now 0-5 in games in which CC and Price oppose each other.
Obviously with Price dealing the Yankees couldn't muster up much on the scoreboard. They were able to get a two out rally, which was started by a Robinson Cano single, a Nick Swisher walk, and an Andruw Jones double to right center. Robbie scored on the double, but Swish got thrown out on a close play at the plate. Tough luck for Nick.

Final Score: Rays 5 - Yankees 1

The Yanks now fall to 19-20 in series openers. Not good. But, Phil Hughes (2-4, 7.11 ERA) will try to make his case to stay in the rotation as he faces Jeremy Hellickson (10-7, 3.05 ERA) on Saturday.



--Jesse Schindler, BYB Staff Writer




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WHY IT'S MORE THAN 3000, IT'S DESTINY

(Photo: Getty)
Where were you on July 9, 2011 at 2pm EST? Were you at home watching the Yankee game with friends and family? Maybe were you lucky enough to be at Yankee Stadium? No matter where you were, you got to see something that has never been done by any other Yankee before.

Yankee fans already know how special our Captain, Derek Jeter, is and we will tell anyone who wants to listen. We watched him pass Lou Gehrig as the all-time hits leader with 2722, and on this past Saturday….we watched him go five for five with a home run to left field marking his 3,000th hit.When I think about everything Jeter has accomplished throughout his career, I have my favorite moments just like everyone else does. Although it is hard to choose just one, the “dive into the stands” against the Red Sox on July 1, 2004 ranks near the top.
The Captain selflessly risked his own health to make a play that only he could make. I remember his cheek swelling, the gash on his face, and the way he walked off the field, like it was no big deal and it was just part of a hard day’s work. This game has a permanent reserved space on my DVR, and is always there to remind me of how he is “Captain Clutch.”I also remember Game 4 of the 2001 World Series where the Yankees took on the Arizona Diamondbacks. I can still see the 3-2 pitch leaving Byung-Hyun Kim’s hand in the 10th inning and Derek’s bat depositing it in the seats.
(Photo: NY Daily News)
As I sit here and write about our Captain and his amazing career, I reminisce about everything I saw on Saturday. I appreciated how first baseman of the Rays, Casey Kotchman, tipped his cap as Jeter ran past him and how former teammate Johnny Damon left the dugout to stand on the field and applaud Derek as he took his victory lap. Perhaps the biggest impression that the Rays left on me was when David Price leaving his glove on the mound and went back to the dugout to let Jeter enjoying his time in the spotlight…that was respect. Of course, the celebration at the plate was even better to watch. To see Jorge Posada be the first one to greet him at home plate and hug him brought a smile to my face. (Photo: Getty)
To watch his entire team crowd around him to hug and congratulate him, and to hear Alex Rodriguez on an opened mic say “That’s unbelievable!” gave me chills.

I have so much respect for the game and I analyze everything, and I find myself asking if there is more meaning behind this. Baseball is a game of superstition; ask any baseball player they have their beliefs….and in this case, so do I.(Photo: Getty)
Anyone notice that Derek is only the 28th player to achieve the 3,000 hit mark? Of course, we all know that this year we are back in the hunt for World Series championship #28 as well. I also draw reference to the ball that Jeter hit today, similarly to his hit in the 2001 World Series; it was also on a 3-2 pitch. I can’t help but look at these points and just think that this is more than just a coincidence….this is destiny. Time will only tell because there is still a lot of baseball left to be played….but I will always believe.



--Jeana Bellezza --BYB Writer and Editor



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