ESPN'S "DEBBIE DOWNER" POST ON ICHIRO

(pictured, Suzuki gets ready for his first at bat as a New York Yankee last night in Seattle)

Leave it to ESPN and Buster Olney to rain on the Yankees parade. Not even 24 hours after they acquired Ichiro Suzuki from the Mariners for D.J. Mitchell, Danny Farquhar and an undisclosed amount of cash, Olney is already on his "What if Ichiro doesn't hit?" rant.

Look, Buster's allowed to write whatever he wants to, Lord knows he does all the time anyway, but my point is, give Ichiro 20 to 30 at bats before writing that crap. We don't even have a big enough batch in pinstripes to dip from to make that leap. Plus, a new team brings new energy and I'm banking on a change in Ichiro in his last 60 plus at bats this year.  Sure, Ichiro could suck, but Ichiro also may not and it's my opinion, on a big trade day like yesterday, you really need to let it settle for 24 hours before jumping down the Yankees throats. It's silly.

This is the best part of Olney's piece. He writes: "Others ahead of him (Ichiro)  in his OPS neighborhood this year are Jeff Francoeur, Rickie Weeks and Drew Stubbs. DeWayne Wise, designated by assignment by the Yankees to make room for Ichiro, had a .778 OPS in 53 plate appearances with New York -- significantly higher than Suzuki's OPS in each of his last three full seasons."

(pictured, "Debbie Downer" character from Saturday Night Live)

Let me say something that makes all that irrelevant... If Ichiro Suzuki falls in your lap, you got for it. The Yankees went for it.  That's the problem with these types of pieces... All the stats in the world don't matter especially if Ichiro delivers. As a Yankee fan, you have to believe. I do. Look, Olney does write that Ichiro could be fine being surrounded by better players in the Bronx, but ends his piece charged, writing that the move:  "also has the chance to become something of an embarrassment."

Let's not write about embarrassments Buster, seriously.

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BYB PRESENTS: YANKEES SHORTS #5

10. Trust It… Wins Will Come!!

Andy Pettitte’s debut did not deliver a win but Friday night he was stellar and did. BYB believes Andy Pettitte will be the key to turn things around (Read HERE) and remember, this is the great Andy Pettitte we are talking about. The rust is gone! Here comes Andy...

9. A Closing Fiasco

With the unfortunate loss of Mo for the season and DRob suffering from his own injury, the Yanks move on to #3. Hoping the old saying "3rd time’s a charm" applies to Rafael Soriano in his role as the pinstriped closer, it goes without saying you always have to think ahead. Read HERE. So here’s a thought Mr. Cashman:  If "3rd time is not a charm", you should consider bringing the other Enter Sandman Billy Wagner out of retirement for the Yankee season.  Just a thought, and some think it's silly... but it could be a Great One!!

8. Incedible Gesture

This isn't a Yankee thing, but instead it's a life thing. Royals outfielder Jeff Francoeur recently tossed into the stands a $100 bill wrapped around a ball inscribed "Have a few drinks & dogs on me." According to Sports Illustrated "It was a classy gesture to fans - who are enduring a 9-18 season." We at BYB agree.  Sometimes fans pay their hard earned money to root for their team and they just want a win!  We tip our cap to Francoeur, you're a class act!

7. The Heat is On

Never did I question Robinson Cano’s so called slow start. Neither did BYB. Read WHY THERE'S NO WORRY WHEN IT COMES TO CANO.  As long as I’ve been a Yankee fan, it seems to me the Yanks start off a little slow but always finish strong. Face it, Cano is a forced to be reckoned with whether on the field or at the plate. 

6.  Sonia from the Block

US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor addressed NYU student’s at Yankee Stadium, read HERE. Standing on second base she spoke of her love for the city, stating she grew up in the Bronx a few blocks from the house that Babe Built. Sotomayor said “There’s a magic to being part of this city.”  I agree with that statement. Sonia, I’d like to know if you felt the magic of Robinson Cano while standing on his 2nd base? Just Wondering…Congrats Grads!

5. Jeter and Twitter

Bleeding Yankee Blue posted some fun stuff about Jeter and Twitter.  Sure we used our creative juices to entertain you and we simply asked if anyone thought Jeter would come off as arrogant in his tweets or would he be the same guy. It was all in good fun of course. Read WHAT WOULD JETER TWEET DURING HIS HOT STREAK? Me, being a huge Jeter fan, I must share my thoughts on this... Derek Jeter would NOT be arrogant. He would stay true to himself.  Crediting his success to hard work he would acknowledge his trainers, team, etc.  Jeter would express his desire to win and simply say "I’m here to do a job and hope to have continued success throughout the season and post season." Now with that said, if Kate Munrow could tweet for Jeet... I would say a little something like this:  "So critics, I see you’re back on the Jeter train. What happened to the comments about being at the end of my career?  Yeah, I see the cats got your tongue now. Like Marilyn Monroe said 'if you can’t take me at my worst, you sure as hell can’t have me at my best!'" What can I say, I’m not as humble as Mr. Derek Jeter…Oh well...

4. Memory Lane

Hey Yankee Fans... does May 17th, 1998 ring a bell to you? If not, let me remind you that 14 years ago David Wells pitched a perfect game and wrote his own page in the history books, Read HERE. Once citing "if you embrace New York, New York will embrace you"… I believe he proved his statement to be fact! Congrats to you again David Wells for that incredible game and always know Yankee Nation will always embrace you!

3. Yankee Prospect? 

  

Yankee Scouts get your note pads out! This 6 year old has already had the game of his life! Ross Bernath turns an unassisted triple play during a little league game in Georgia. Wow! Can you imagine the things to come? Congrats little guy!

2. All I do is Win, Win, Win…No Matter What!

In lieu of Derek Jeter’s phenomenal season, he continues to hit milestones and break records. Whose record is next to be broken in his pursuit? Check out five of the records in sight HERE. All I can say is no record is safe!

1. Honorary Bat Girl Gives Back

Erika Rech was selected as this year’s Yankees Honorary Bat Girl. Her story is an inspiration to us all. Read HERE. At the age of 15 she started a charity called “Breast Intentions” after getting news that her mother and two aunts were diagnosed with breast cancer. The charity provides financial help for every day expenses to those women and their families that are fighting the fight. Now at the young age of 19 she plans to continue adding locations for her charity. Thanks to the New York Yankees and Erica for bringing awareness to this devastating disease! Keep up the fight!

Hope you enjoys Yankee Shorts this week...stay tuned for more!

--Kate Munrow, BYB Staff Writer

ORDER A BYB SHIRT NOW, DROB WEARS ONE! Also, 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.