#OHTANIGATE IS ANOTHER ROB MANFRED FAILURE!

This is HUGE, folks. This is bad for baseball and just shows how Rob Manfred is bad for the sport and needs to be fired. This is a BIG deal. The more information that comes to light, the worse it looks. 

Shohei Ohtani is the face of baseball, but now he's in some hot water. The story now is that Ippei Mizuhara who is Ohtani's best friend and was his English Japanese translator allegedly stole $4.5 million to cover his own gambling debts. There are so many questions that need to be answered. A lot of details that just don't make sense, but no matter what the facts may be this is terrible for baseball.

Major League Baseball is officially investigating, and while we can sit here and hypothesize just how involved Ohtani was with this, there really is no good scenario with this. If he knowingly gambled on the sport that's a huge no-no that could end his career. Betting on baseball is not permitted and sports betting in California is illegal, period. Even if Ohtani wasn't directly involved, the company he keeps makes me a little skeptical of him.

More details are coming out about Ippei Mizuhara, and the latest one is a tie back to the Yankees, check it out HERE. The Los Angeles Angels media guide outlines Mizuhara's MLB resume, which says he worked for the Yankees in Sprint Training 2012 as an interpreter for Hideki Okajima. Interesting tidbit here is Okajima failed a physical before Sprint Training started and was released. So, the connection to the Yankees doesn't add up. Could he have worked as Okajima's interpreter before Spring Training started? Sure, it's not uncommon for players to show up for Spring ball early, but that doesn't mean he worked for the Yankees. Also interesting to note, when Okajima was with the Red Sox, multiple reports show Mizuhara was his interpreter. The Red Sox have now come out and said this is not true and two other interpreters were used. Boston is flat out denying this....what else is this guy hiding?

And what about his education? The Angels media guide also said Mizuhara graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2007 but a school spokesperson was quoted as saying "Our university records do not show a student by the name of Ippei Mizuhara having attended UC Riverside." That's pretty interesting. Is it possible he attends UC Riverdale under a different name? Maybe....but the spokesperson did not clarify if another name was used. That's fishy.

So honestly, Mizuhara is a questionable character in my opinion. Something just doesn't sit right with me. I am not a gambler. I just don't do it because I am cheap. I googled "how much money did Ohtani's translator make?" and ESPN source came up that said Mizuhara made between $300,000 and $500,000 annually. That's a lot of money, and I don't know much about gambling, but I can't imagine any bookie would give a $4.5 million credit on this kind of salary without a guarantee from a bigger wage earner like Ohtani for example. I also have a hard time believing that Ohtani wouldn't know about transfers of this amount coming out of his account to cover the debts. Hence the theft story....it just doesn't add up to me, I'm having a hard time believing it.

Baseball is in shambles under this idiotic commissioner named Rob Manfred. He's made ridiculous changes to the game, and now has two scandals under his belt. The ASSTROS cheating scandal was bad enough because there was literally no punishment for this. Now, another gambling scandal with connections to the $700 million man who is the face of baseball. This man is a LIABILITY to the game and needs to be fired, period.

Manfred AND MLB better understand the game is bigger than the dollar signs Ohtani brings. There needs to be accountability here. Pete Rose was banned from baseball and is not in the hall of fame, so all eyes are on Manfred and how he handles this. IF Ohtani is directly involved in this, he must suffer the same fate otherwise the hypocrisy will kill this sport.

The game is tainted again due to #OHTANIGATE and a moronic, weak commissioner that needs to pay the ultimate price. He needs to be fired. If Ohtani is guilty, he needs to pay the ultimate price.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

WHY THE YANKEES SIGNED RAPADA TO A MINOR LEAGUE DEAL

Just a quick note to keep you in the loop. Yanks made a move to help with stability out of the pen by signing Clay Rapada to a minor league deal. He also got an invite to spring training. Bryan Hoch as the story HERE.

The reason the Yankees went after Rapada, who's a lefty reliever, was to replace Hideki Okajima, the original lefty reliever they picked up this winter. Why you ask? Well, just a few short days ago, Okajima failed his physical, read HERE and read our piece titled WHY THE YANKS WILL HAVE TO DO IT WITHOUT OKAJIMA. At that point it was clear, he wouldn't be joining the New York Yankees.

Enter Rapada ...whom I like. He was released from the Baltimore Orioles just a few days ago and the timing was right... hopefully things work out for him and the Yankees. I've always wanted another lefty in the pen to help out Boone Logan, whom I'm not fond of but the more the merrier and I hope Rapada makes the team.

With the Orioles, Rapada had a 6.06 ERA and a 2-0 record in 32 games in 2011. His career numbers are 5-0 record, 5.13 ERA in 78 appearances. That record spans the Cubs, Orioles the Tigers and the Rangers.

Welcome Clay... now get to work.

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WHY IT'S THE MAKING OF ANOTHER YANKEES CHAMPIONSHIP

You can look at what we have and make a very very good argument for a future World Championship Yankees club...2012 style. It's true. We have the tools and as far as I'm concerned, that combination of veterans and youngsters sprinkled in with the reliables and a Captain like Derek Jeter in the new Yankee Stadium... well, let’s just say it gives me goosebumps.

We have "the ace", the guy that literally can set the tone every 5^th day. CC Sabathia is better than anyone ever anticipated, and it’s happening in front of our eyes. We have our veteran closer in Mariano Rivera to shut the door when we need him but more importantly, we need to get to him, and we do with pitchers who can eat innings and a bullpen that will once again be touted as the best in major league baseball. I didn’t just make that up, they’ll live up to that hype. I have no doubt.

David Robertson by far is the hungriest of our bridge to Mo, and let me also state that I never had a “favorite” relief pitcher before Mo, but he set the tone and I find myself rooting hard for Robertson now because you can see it in his eyes... he never wants to lose. Any chance they’re selling Robertson shirts this year? If so, I’ll need to pick one up.

The Yankees are inviting 27 players to Spring Training and it’s a crew made up of guys as young as 18 that probably won’t have a shot, to older guys like Russell Branyan who has enormous power. Branyan needs to make the club first, after all he signed a minor league deal and received and invitation to Spring training, but assuming he does make it, he will be there strictly for home runs at Yankee stadium.

He, Andruw Jones, Bill Hall Manny Delcarmen, Dewayne Wise, Hideki Okajima… sure, the names seem random but there is talent there. It’s actually a very nice makeup and I applaud Cashman for his patience, his weeding through the fat to find the diamonds in the rough…hopefully at least.

Alex Rodriguez is supposed to be healthy and ready to do damage, and Yankeeland needs to get behind this guy, he’s overdue. Mark Teixeira needs to put the criticism behind him and mash the ball. He needs that average to rise dramatically or he will get the rep of being the next Jason Giambi, high home runs, low average. No one wants that for Tex, we want the guy to succeed.

Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson will hopefully continue their assault and put up sick numbers. Granderson is a new man ever since Kevin Long helped get his swing on track. The relationship with Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher and he is tight knit and there will no doubt be pure dominance this season in GGS…speed and power, it’s the perfect combination. Hopefully Curtis and Brett will run more, speed helps a ball club dramatically.

Sure, it all looks great on paper, but now comes the hard part, winning 95 + games and getting to the playoffs again. Girardi needs to make smart choices this year. If he does that with Kevin Long and Larry Rothschild by his side, there is nothing this guy can’t do. In the end, it comes down to team, the New York Yankees, the greatest franchise ever… it’s my team and I cannot wait for the smell of fresh cut grass and the crack of the bat…baseball is just about here Ladies and Gentlemen… I can smell it.

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WHY I HAVE THE YANKEES SPRING TRAINING INVITES LIST

Just a quick note. Here's the list of the 27 guys invited to Spring Training. In this list they have invited 13 minor leaguers which is always fun to watch, as well as some of the guys they just signed like Manny Delcarmen, Bill Hall and Russell Branyan. Check it out... this is in no particular order:
DeWayne Wise: Wise is a terrific outfielder. He'll be a good asset to the Yankees outfield if he makes the Bigs again. The problem with Wise is he has a horrendous career average of .211 in 9 seasons.Russell Branyan: Great lefty power. He was signed yesterday, read HERE. He had 31 homers in 2009. With the Yankees short right field porch, this season could be fun for Branyan and the Yankees.

Manny Delcarmen: A former Red Sock but don't hold it against him. He could be helpful in the pen if he makes the big club. Read all about his signing HERE.Hideki Okajima: I've always like Okajima but it appears that batters have figured him out. In 5 years he has a career 3.11 ERA. Read about his signing HERE.

Doug Bernier: Bernier is an infielder that played for Scranton Wilkes Barre in 2011. He batted .237 last season with 13 doubles and 29 RBIs. He's 31.Manny Banuelos: What can we say about Banuelos other than we can't wait to see him again. I expect to see him up this season at some point. Read about him in THE GUMPTION OF MANNY BANUELOS.

Juan Cedeno: The New York Daily News has this on Cedeno: "has not pitched during the regular season in each of the last three seasons, appearing only in the Dominican Winter League. In 2011, he made 15 relief appearances with the Tigres de Licey and went 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA (8.2IP, 1ER)."

Matt Daley: We got Daley from the Colorado Rockies and he's played in the minors with them. He's 29 years old. In 92 games with the Rockies (MLB) he is 1-2 with a 4.71 ERA.
Colin Curtis: Colin is a solid outfielder and I expect to see him at some point this season. The Yankees are holding on to him believe it is my opinion they believe in him. He did have an injured shoulder in 2011, but in 2010 he has 11 hits in 59 at bats with 3 doubles and a home run.

Kyle Higashioka: Kyle was drafted in the 7th round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft. He's a 21 year old catcher, one of many in the Yankees farm system.

Brett Marshall: The New York Daily News has this on Brett Marshall, "played the entire 2011 season with Single-A Tampa and went 9-7 with a 3.78 ERA (1401.IP, 59ER) in 27 games (26 starts)."
Jayson Nix: We wrote about Jayson Nix HERE when the Yankees signed him. Nix is an infielder who is better defensively than he is with his bat. Maybe he can be useful for the Yanks at some point this season.

Daniel Burawa: a 23 year old right handed pitcher with a lot of potential. Between Charleston and Tampa he was 5-4 with a 3.64 ERA.

Cole Garner: Garner was with the Colorado Rockies minor league system and has 76 home runs in 7 years in the minors. He has a career .286 AVG and is 27 year old outfielder.

Jose Gil: A catcher for the Yanks. The New York Daily News has this on the 25 year old catcher: "has appeared in 506 career minor league games, all in the Yankees organization, hitting .240 (405-for-1,691) with 98 doubles, 34 home runs and 224 RBI over 8 seasons."
Bill Hall: A strong second basemen and outfielder with some pop in his bat, I believe Bill Hall is a low risk pickup the Yankees will be thrilled to have signed down the stretch. Read about Hall HERE.

Adam Miller: We got Adam Miller this winter and he is a former Cleveland Indian. He's never gone pro. His minor league career with the Indians is 33-30 with a 3.71 ERA.
Gustavo Molina: Molina was helpful last season in the beginning of the year when we needed him. He is a solid catcher and a likable guy. Last year he batted .253 with 4 home runs and 21 RBIs for Scranton Wilkes Barre.


JR Murphy: Many expect big things from this kid, another catcher in the Yankees organization. He's only 20 and has a career .274 AVG. Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft.

Mike O'Connor: O'Connor is a lefty pitcher from the Mets organization. I believe we'll see him this season to help out our lone lefty in the pen, Boone Logan. Read about Mike O'Connor HERE.Ryan Pope: The New York Daily News has this on Pope: "combined to go 2-3 with a 5.12 ERA (45.2IP, 26ER) in 40 combined relief appearances with Single-A Tampa, Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2011."

Gary Sanchez: BYB likes Sanchez but we don't care for his attitude and there has been plenty written about it. We just wrote a recent piece about Sanchez and you need to check it out HERE. In Charleston this year, he had 17 homers and 52 RBIs. There is no doubt he could be a star, but I'd prefer that he lose the attitude and become a team player.

Adam Warren: Warren was in Scranton the entire season and racked up a 3.60 ERA and a 6-8 record. He's only 24 and I will bet we see Warren at some point this season, even if it's brief.

Graham Stoneburner: The Daily News has this on the 24 year old righty pitcher: "owns a career 10-13 record with a 3.03 ERA (234.1IP, 79ER) in 45 combined minor league games in the Yankees organization since 2009. In 2011, he combined at three different levels (GCL, Single-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton) to go 1-5 with a 4.04 ERA (91.1IP, 41ER) in 18 games (16 starts)."

Jorge Vasquez: We love Vasquez and his bat and we believe he can do a lot of damage, but his strikeouts are incredibly high and we wonder at Bleeding Yankee Blue is there is a way for fix that. We wrote about Jorge back in December...read HERE.
Kevin Whelan: Whelan had 23 saves and a great 2.75 ERA in Scranton this season...that was in 45 appearances. He can improve but that's not bad, he's 28. We recently wrote about Whelan HERE.

Chase Whitley: The New York Daily News has this in Whitley: "has appeared in 72 combined career minor league games (one start) with the Yankees since 2010, going 7-7 with a 2.17 ERA (128.1IP, 31ER). In 2011, he went 3-5 with seven saves and a 2.47 ERA (91.0IP, 25ER) in 42 combined games at Single-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton."

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WHAT'S UP WITH JOBA THESE DAYS?

Like many of the Yankee family I often browse the Yankee player's twitter accounts to see what they are up to. I just can't get over how cool it is that these guys tweet what they are eating, or where they are, or what movie they are watching just like you and I. I get it. I know not every player is personally tweeting all the time. I'm sure sometimes their are player's publicists that send out tweets when they are sponsoring an event or something. But for the most part, especially the younger players, these guys genuinely interact with the fans.

One of those players who stays pretty active on twitter is Joba Chamberlain (@Joba_62). He seems to be a great guy and I can see by his tweets that he tries to write back to the fans. I can only imagine just how many tweets a guy like Joba gets from fans everyday so it would be unreasonable to expect him to answer us all. But one thing I will give Joba credit for is how open and honest he has been with his elbow since the Tommy John surgery. Through his twitter account he has been updating his progress and, thank God, it's been all good news. In fact, just a couple days ago I read a tweet telling one of the fans that his "elbow is great!" That was nice to see! With all the talk about who the Yankees need in the starting rotation and now with the addition of lefty Hideki Okajima (to a minor league contract), it's easy to forget what we have waiting for us when Spring Training rolls around in just about 6 +weeks.

Although Joba probably won't be ready for game time action for the first 1/3 of 2012, it goes without saying that WHEN he does come back healthy, his presence in that bullpen can be a game changer. Bleeding Yankee Blue has written several pieces arguing how important Joba is to this team. You can read a couple of them HERE and HERE. Joba could be that one puzzle piece we often hear about that completes the Yankee puzzle. Look I'm with you all...we need another solid starter...at least one, if not two. But what happens if we don't? Let's be honest, it's getting late in the off season and we haven't really come close to improving our starting rotation, in fact, it doesn't look like we're going to. Well, to me, what that means is, our bullpen will become that much more important.

Say on average, our starting five only pitch 5 innings per start...this is just a hypothetical. If that was the case than it's obvious how important our bullpen becomes. Especially if we are leading after five innings or we are within striking distance of just a run or two where we need the bullpen to hold the opposing team where they are. Believe it or not, Joba is practically becoming a veteran out in that bullpen and will be relied on to remain consistent and lights out. That's what we need from Joba this year when he comes back: consistency and guts! That's what I think at least.

Anyway... back to the Twitter stuff. I encourage my Yankee family to jump on Twitter if you aren't already signed up and follow the Yankee players who have twitter accounts. Oh, and don't forget to follow us @BleednYankeeBlu -- Here is a list of all the current Yankees who are on Twitter as of today. If I missed any, please feel free to leave who I missed in the comment section below. Keep in mind I did not include former Yankees or minor leaguers.

YANKEE TWITTER ACCOUNTS:

Robinson Cano = @RobinsonCano

Francisco Cervelli = @fran_cervelli

Joba Chamberlain = @Joba_62

Curtis Granderson = @cgrand14

Phil Hughes = @PhilHughes65

Russell Martin = @russellmartin55

Mariano Rivera = @MarianoRivera

David Robertson = @DRob30

CC Sabathia = @CC_Sabathia

Nick Swisher = @NickSwisher

Mark Teixeira = @teixeiramark25

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


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WHY THE YANKEES SNAGGED HIDEKI OKAJIMA

Look, this signing is no big secret. I've been wanting the Yankees to sign a lefty reliever for a while now and I actually wanted the Yankees to pick up Hideki Okajima earlier in the year when we could have really used him to help out Boone Logan. Read WHY I'D TAKE A CHANCE ON OKAJIMA. It was written in May... just so you know I'm not making it up.The Yankees could use some lefty relief help and I've always believed that. Boone Logan can't do it alone and I've always liked what Okajima could offer. Now, this deal the Yankees signed with Okajima is a minor league deal so he'll fight his way onto the big team, but there is no doubt he has what it takes to do that. Read about the signing HERE.
Look, I don't expect Okajima to be the savior the Yankees need as the "lefty specialist." It's clear they like Logan as their main guy and that's fine. My point is, why not have 2 lefties to contribute in the pen? Honestly, sometimes I am looking for an alternative to not using Boone Logan all of the time. And in those games where we'll need both, Hideki can face a few batters and do what he needs to do, and then interchanging him with righties and Boone as the game progresses...that's baseball. That's matching up pitching with hitting. I wouldn't put him in to go 4 innings, that's just not in the cards, especially if you look at his career numbers since coming over the to the evil Red Sox in 2007. There is no doubt he's faded, but he still has something to offer and if he's used the right way, I see him as a asset, not a liability.... Look, this is my opinion, what's yours?

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WHY IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER LEFTY IN THE YANKEES PEN

Boone Logan lasted through another Yankee season and much like Joe Girardi’s fascination with Sergio Mitre in the past, I feel like he has a strange attachment to Boone Logan. Look, I’m not going to sit here and hammer Logan for 2011. I feel like the guy has good and bad moments. One thing Logan was not, was stellar. Getting out a lefty didn't really work for him, even though it was his job. I have always felt that another lefty in the Yankees bullpen would help. I've said it for a while now. Anyway, these are Logan's numbers this season:

5-3 3.46 ERA / 41.2 IP / 46 K / 13 BB / 16 ER / WHIP 1.344

I'll tell you what, and I know he’s gone, but I liked the small batch of Raul Valdes that I saw down the stretch for the Yanks. He impressed me quite a bit and I wanted to see more of the guy. In fact, I suggested he be part of the ALDS Roster. Read WHY I KNOW THE YANKEES 2011 ALDS ROSTER, I made my case there. Here are his numbers as a Yankee:

6 G / 2.70 ERA / 6.2 IP / 8 K / 2 BB / 2 ER/ WHIP 1.500

So, who’s out there that the Yankees could snatch up? Here's the list of Free Agents that could be interesting:Hideki Okajima

Brian TalletDarren Oliver

John Grabow

Dennys Reyes

Also, earlier in the year, I was even so desperate, I suggested the Yankees bring in Scott Kazmir, let him pitch to one or 2 batters every few games and train the guy to become a specialist and a reliever. I could have been a diamond in the ruff. It also could have blown up in our faces, but many starting pitchers have reinvented themselves that way and I was convinced Kazmir could have done the same. Kerry Wood did it and that guy's been to hell and back. I’m just saying, lefty pitching in the pen is important and I don’t believe 1 works, I just believe 2 helps tremendously... you can mix and match.

So, Who would you choose for the extra Yankee lefty in the pen? Comment and tell us who and why. We love to hear from you.

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WHY I'D TAKE A CHANCE ON OKAJIMA

Right now, the Yankees have 1 lefthander in the entire bullpen in Boone Logan. This is a guy that did a good job for us last year, but this year, he's struggled, although in fairness, Logan's been straightening out a bit as of late. Still, having more than 1 lefty specialist in the pen is always a good idea.

With Damaso Marte on the shelf and Pedro Feliciano slowly working he way back, (both by the way, I really don't see coming back until September or never), we need another lefty. Well, Hideki Okajima was designated for assignment by the evil Red Sox and he happens to be a lefty, right? Do you see where I'm going with this? The full story is HERE.

Over his career with the Red Sox, Hideki has these numbers, 17-8, 3.11 ERA, 215 SO. Not too bad for a guy the Sox signed to be friends with Dice-K. Okajima has held his own though and good for him. Yes, it's true, I'm suggesting that it would be a goood pickup if Hideki went to the Yanks? Why? Because adding a lefty would mean 2 lefty specialists in the Yankees pen. That's something that we could use in those late situations.

Yes, it's true, I know what your thinking. Okajima has struggled this year which is why the Sox released him. He is 1-0, 4.32 ERA, 6 SO, but let's get "Yoda" Rothschild in the mix and get this guy right. I believe it would be a good change of scenery for Okajima, plus Rothschild is a God, he can fix anything. I would say we have the tools to fix him and make him a valuable part of our pen.
(photo: Getty)
Plus, wouldn't it nice to put him in against the evil Red Sox next Series and beat them. Very satisfying to say the least. He, Boone Logan in a mix and match situation to shut down the righty hitters. I actually believe having another lefty specialist in there will help Boone thrive a bit as well. They can work with each other speaking the language of baseball.

Look, all I'm saying is anything is possible. I say, take a chance on Okajima... How about you?

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