YANKEE SPRING STORYLINE 6: A NEW LEADER EMERGES

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

Our Yankees made some moves this off season that are going to put us on the path to greatness.  We, as fans, know what is coming down the pipeline but at the same time, we are realistic and it takes more than just one signing to get us to the top of the AL East. Yet, one of the best signings this off season is undoubtedly adding Matt Holliday to the roster.

Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America

I would describe the Matt Holliday signing as a steal for our Bombers. Having a veteran guy, who’s has had solid numbers his entire career, who wears the number 7 as a tribute to Mickey Mantle in a young Yankees' Clubhouse could be the perfect formula for success. I think we can all attest to the waste of time and money that the Nick Johnson signing in 2010 was, however I don’t believe for a second that this will be the case with Holliday.

Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America

According to the YES Network, "Holliday, a former first baseman and outfielder, may see some time in the field if the situation calls for it, but the Yankees will be hopeful he can deliver the goods with his bat, after piling up 295 career home runs in his first 13 MLB seasons."

Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America

This kind of track record that Holliday has is just what the Bombers need this season. As he continues to integrate himself in the clubhouse however, the most important thing Holliday can bring to the team is being a mentor. When young guys can connect with a guy like Holliday they feel more comfortable and learn from the experiences he’s had. That’s how baseball works. He’s a World Series Champion (2011), 7x All-Star, and 4x Silver Slugger.

Source: Scott Kane/Getty Images North America

"I think it's part of the game; as a young player you get guys that take you under their wing, help you out and make an impact on your career," Holliday said. "I had guys like that, and so to now get a chance to possibly provide a friendship that could impact the next generation of players…the relational part of baseball is something I find fascinating, and that's the cool part of baseball," reported the YES Network earlier this week.

Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America

A strong major league legacy, a positive attitude geared toward success and a humble disposition: a magic formula for a veteran guy to bring to an up and coming club.  "I'll just be myself really, and just start to kind of get to know people and build relationships," Holliday said. "I like to talk baseball and talk about hitting, and I think out of that you get a chance to just get to know people and express your opinion without coming across as if you know everything."

 Source: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America

Exciting times for the Yankees and me, a 19-year-old Syracuse University student who is looking forward to a great season and an opportunity to bring the youth's perspective to you here at Bleeding Yankee Blue this season.

--Chris Carbonaro
BYB Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @Carbs_

PRESSURE FALLS ON CASHMAN IF SEVERINO FAILS

I read a headline that I disagree with 100%.  Lots of Pressure on Luis Severino.  The headline is from a Fansided piece that reads:

"Being a top prospect usually comes with pressure, but in New York, that pressure is always intensified. Many fans were expecting the Yankees to trade for an ace, but when the trade deadline came and went, no deal was done.

Brian Cashman and the Yankees stayed true to their word that they wouldn't be trading any of their top prospects. Now, added pressure will be on them to perform at the major league level."

Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Sure, say the pressure is on these kids all you want, but the reality is, if the Yankees, who have touted these "superstar" prospects as the next big thing, send these kids out there and the kids blow it... the pressure won't be on them.  No, no... pressure will build against Yankee brass.  The reason? Overhype.  Overhype by the Yankees to the media and to the fans.  These players go out there every day and do their job, on the farm, in hopes of making it to the Bigs and staying there.  But it's the Yankee Machine that has famously overhyped and sometimes destroyed these players just by a few phone calls.

(In Photo: A young Phil Hughes)

Joba Chamberlain. Phil Hughes is a good one. Austin Jackson was supposed to be the next "big" centerfielder for the New York Yankees, only to be traded. Ian Kennedy. Nick Johnson. There are others, but you get the point. We fans are many times sold a bill of goods.  Fans don't want to see these kids flop and the kids don't want to flop, but Yankee fans are also smart enough to realize that the Yankees many times tout kids as "truly great" over and over again, only to have fans disappointed if these prospect don't live up to the hype.  And then, fans grow impatient and the Yankees end up flipping them for a veteran, or letting them die in the minor leagues, because "Things just didn't work out."   I've never liked the way they handled it.  But fans are smart, and by fans, I mean you guys.  Yankee brass is on your radar and you'll be ready to crucify Cashman, especially after we did absolutely nothing but trading for Dustin Ackley this trade deadline and especially if Severino shits the bed tomorrow.  You see what I mean?

Enter young Severino.  Look, there's no question he could turn into an ultimate superstar in New York and I'm rooting for it. Lord knows he can be, but I've been reading alot about this guy, and 1 thing that I've found, and it's a brilliant nugget that not many are reporting on, is that maybe Severino is just a bullpen guy, and not a starter at all.  The reason? Too much arms and not enough legs. Seriously. This is fascinating to me...

Keith Law from ESPN who suggests that because of Severino's violent delivery, he could end up in the bullpen for the Yankees. In short, that kind of delivery isn't designed to be a 15 year career starter thing.  Then of course there is Baseball Prospectus' Christopher Crawford, who is great at this stuff:

"There's no question that Severino has the stuff to pitch every fifth day, but there are some reasons to be concerned about the long-term profile. In addition to the less-than-ideal size, Severino has a delivery that is extremely arm-heavy; relying on his impressive arm strength to produce the big velocity and deception. It shouldn't hurt him in the short-term, but because of the stress this can put on the arm, it could have long-term ramifications."

These are important things that as a Yankee fan you need to think about.  Not just because we're excited about Severino, but about how the Yankees are exposing him to the media and the fans as being the next big thing!  Well, maybe he'll only be the next big thing for a few years... then what?

Should we be worried? I say no, not yet at least. But I will caution whether or not this guy is a "superstar" prospect.  Sure, the books say he is, the Yankees say he is, but we don't know if he is, because he hasn't done anything in the Bigs yet.

So, I suggest caution.  I also suggest that if this turns out to be a total disaster, we remember that the pressure shouldn't lean Severino's way at all.  He's just a pitcher trying to get a nut in the Bigs with the New York Yankees.  No, if this turns out to be a flop, we can look Cashman and Co. square in the eyes and wonder once again... what is happening on the farm?

Look, let's hope we are reading piece in the BYB archive in 5 years after 4, 20 win seasons for Severino and laugh.  I would rather the Yankees were right about this, and the critics were wrong... that would make me very ,very happy.

Anyway, an interesting nugget I had to share.

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RED SKY AT NIGHT...

We’ve all heard the expression.  “Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.  Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.”  The nuts and bolts are if we see a red sky in the AM a storm may be brewing.  And if we see a warm, red sky at twilight the day ahead should be a great one.

As of late I am admittedly a cold shower on the warm, spring hope for the New York Yankees.  I have never been this much of a downer and for that I am truly sorry.  Maybe it’s the retirement of Yankees that are my age that bums me out.

I always had a glimmer of belief knowing Jeter was at short; Jorgie was behind the dish, Andy was in the rotation and the was Sandman waiting in the pen.  Those days are gone forever and to be honest Stephen Drew doesn’t inspire any sense of pinstriped pride.

I take Tex to the woodshed like it’s my job.  I wish it were because, “Cousin, business is a boomin’.”  I was so livid that I recently wrote a “Shock and Awe” piece addressing our all natural, gluten free joke of a clean up hitter.  But after I drank a bottle of antacid and hit the heavy bag for an hour I realized I am a storm cloud with no silver lining…but hold the phone.  Tonight’s sky is in fact warm and beautifully red.  Tomorrow will be a great day in the Bronx.

Now unfortunately, I mean tomorrow as in "the coming years."  Alas, the immediate tomorrow will be much of the same.  Over the hill, over priced contracts failing to hit and making the pitching staff wish they’d listened to their guidance counselors and spent more time on the books and less on baseball.  The Yankees are what they are.

They won’t be the worst team in the game, but they most likely won’t be the best.  I know what you’re saying, “Mikey, you can get to the good news any time now, champ.”  And so I will... 

The kids are ready to play, folks.  I have such a great, gut feeling about the Baby Bombers.  Not the guarded grin I made when hearing about Nick “The Stick” Johnson or Phil “Can’t Miss” Hughes.

No, I mean the feeling I had watching a skinny center fielder with glasses named Bernie first play.  The jolt I got seeing a kid, from Kalamazoo of all places, crush a ball out of The Jake in Cleveland.  The next crop isn’t close, they are ready to go and they are a simple phone call away.

Bird is the WORD!  Tex, you are on notice.  This kid does it all and doesn’t care that you think you are a switch hitter.  Greg wants your job.  Consider yourself WARNED!

When Dave Winfield makes a point to meet you because he’s heard things…well, Aaron Judge you have more than blipped the radar, kid.

Severino? To quote Bobby D. playing Irish mobster Jimmy Conway in “Goodfellas”, “TAH DAY! TAH DAY! TAH DAY!”  This young man is coming and soon in my opinion.  What about RR? Yes, he could use some more time learning 2nd base, but I’d keep a highlight reel of him hitting the tar out of the ball on loop in front of Stephen Drew’s locker in the Yankee clubhouse with John Williams’ JAWS theme blaring with the volume at 11!



My Nana used to say, “Mikey, smile.  This too shall pass.”  And it will Yankee fans.  We will be fine.  No.  We will be better than fine.  The New York Yankees will return…and they will be hungry.

Enjoy the calming seas, sailors.

** Cheesy, but true.  Sing IT Annie!**



 
--Mike O'Hara
Senior "Features" Writer
Twitter: @mikeyoh21




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CALLING IT QUITS: WHEN IS ENOUGH ENOUGH?

Earlier in the week BYB updated the status of Nick Johnson from active to retired. Read NICK JOHNSON GETS INJURED RETIRING.

This got me thinking, when is enough, enough?  When is it time to hang up the cleats and pick up a pair of Nikes to run to the next chapter?   Since there is no mandatory retirement age for Major League Baseball players, the answer is simply, "it depends."  Some guys, like our buddy Nick, listened to their bodies and knew when to say when. Yet others wait a little too long.

June 2, 1935.  A somewhat insignificant date at first glance to most, but if you ponder it for a bit, you may have a few guesses.  Interestingly enough, it is the date that Babe Ruth retired.  That’s right, in the middle of the season, ironically in Boston- not with the Red Sox, but with the Braves, Babe said good-bye.  He played 28 games that season with his last being May 30th.  He retired because he was done (read HERE), he was slowing down and his health was getting the best of him, so he left Nickerson Field (now on the campus of Boston University) and moved on to his next chapter in his short life- a coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Babe said enough is enough and moved on, but others linger too long.

Again, it does not have to do anything with age necessarily.  Nick Johnson is only 34-years-old, the Bambino 40.  Even though Jamie Moyer was released by the Colorado Rockies and waived by Toronto last season, he says, even at 50, he is not retired.  But will he throw a pitch in 2013 at age 50?  Can he throw a pitch?  “I’m not retired, I’m not retired. I’m just kind of laying in the weeds and just trying to figure out what’s going on,” Moyer said. “I’m just going to step back after the season and assess what’s going on, and see how I feel and go from there,” said Moyer in an interview last season with NBC Sports’ Off the Bench, HERE.

If Jamie has the velocity to pitch, even at 50, someone should pick him up.  You can never have enough leaders, let alone pitchers.  And Jamie may have it but if he doesn’t, that’s okay, he will make a great coach, analyst, or some other kind of contribution to sports- maybe he will even make a second career in golf?

The movie “For the Love of the Game” stars an aging Detroit pitcher, Billy Chapel, who despite an injury to his pitching hand, battles back and pitches a no-hitter in yes, the greatest ballpark in the world, Yankee Stadium.  Although fiction, the story is not uncommon.  I think Mo has the possibility of having a great season.  Even at age 42, Mo is an athlete who listens to his body.  And after being “red shirted” or “sidelined” last season with a torn ACL, he wants one more shot, one more year.  He should get it and if all goes as planned, he will perform the way he is visualizing.

See, Mo, is a true competitor, and after this season, he will move on.  He will retire as a Yankee, the team that gave him his start.  There is no better way to say goodbye than to do it graciously.  I expect the same from Derek Jeter and I know that if he is not at his best this season, he will move to DH like many aging players do thankful for the American League position, graciously and eventually, retire, quietly because overstaying your welcome is no good for anyone.


As Cowboy Toby Keith so eloquently says in his ballad As Good As I Once Was:

"I ain't as good as I once was
My how the years have flown
But there was a time back in my prime
When I could really hold my own…"

So for all of the fans of  Jim Thome, Jason Giambi, Ichiro Suzuki, Derek Lowe and Omar Vizquel, I wish you and your players well this season and next, if it is realistic, but for some, just like Chipper Jones and our Great Bambino, let’s hope they bow out with dignity, and swallow their pride when their bodies say, enough is enough.

Like what you read? Comment.

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Opinion Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof




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NICK JOHNSON GETS INJURED RETIRING

(In Photo: Disorderly Orderly Movie)
Sure, that title is just me poking fun at good old Nick Johnson, because it seemed like every season the kid played, he got hurt. The most games he ever played in a season was 147 and that was with the Nationals in 2006.  2000 was supposed to be his rookie season, but he was out because he was hurt. He'd get hurt a lot, what can I say.  When Nick Johnson was on, he was effective at the plate. I loved his stance, his uniform was always dirty, he looked like a throwback, or at least had that throwback mentality.  The difference is a throwback would always be in the lineup. Nick was always sidelined.  That being said, it's my opinion that he was a good Yankee, he just had a worse injury streak than Mr. Fragile himself, Eric Chavez.

So yeah, it's being reported HERE that Nick Johnson is calling it quits, he's officially retiring. Let's hope he doesn't get hurt doing it.

Good Luck Nick.

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WHY MATTINGLY IS YOUR FAVORITE YANKEE FIRST BASEMAN

I promised to get you a piece on the results of our "Who's your favorite Yankee First Basemen? poll and finally it's here.  Great poll and great results and I really appreciate everyone who participated. The winner? Donnie Baseball...

It comes as no surprise considering in this generation, there are so many that saw Don Mattingly play and another handful that heard all the great stories from their fathers and mothers about this man. That being said, Lou Gehrig, the Iron Horse is right there and for good reason…he was one of the greatest baseball players ever.

But let's check out the poll, which actually fell into place the way I thought it would. In first place was Donnie Baseball, Don Mattingly with 52 votes, followed by Lou Gehrig with 43.  In  third place was Tino Martinez with 22 votes.  Tino was on some pretty incredible Yankees' teams and no doubt he would be in the Top 5. Let's not forget how when Mattingly left and Martinez showed up, many we still stung by the 1995 playoff loss... a loss to the Mariners, Tino's old team.  But he came in and did his job.  He contributed so much while he was in pinstripes and fans fell in love with him.

Mark Teixeira and Moose Skowron each had 6 votes each.  Each player outstanding in their time, and poor Moose just lost his battle with cancer recently so it’s significant that we remember a great Yankee in this poll. (Read about Moose HERE). 

Mark Teixeira is known as one of the greatest defensive first basemen ever and perhaps he should have scored higher in the poll, but let’s be honest, there are too many great Yankee first basemen ahead of him. Plus, Tex is getting hammered right now carrying a .221 batting average so far in 2012.  Not good, really not good.  Tex knows he's better than that. Come on Tex, get it together!

Chris Chambliss was on a few great Yankees teams too, in 1977 and 1978 and received 5 votes. Good choice. Next with 4 votes was Joe Pepitone. 

Trust me, if we were voting on hair, Pepitone would have won that poll!  Joe was a good first baseman for the Yankees and another good soldier in the Yankees army.

Jason Giambi never won a championship with the Yankees, but when we signed him, that was our intention and he was going to be the muscle behind it.  He hit a lot of home runs, but was an awkward first baseman. We all know why we signed him…power. He ended up with 3 votes.

With only 2 votes was Nick Johnson.  To be honest, I’m shocked he received any votes.  Because of injury, he just became a dud in my eyes and only had alittle hope when he went to the Washington Nationals… but even now, he’s just not a threat offensively or defensively. It's a shame how this guy's career tanked because of injury and bad luck. 

Those numbers total 143 votes. Great poll! Look, let's not forget, this poll was based on personal opinion.  The truth is there is no wrong answer, it’s just fun.  If you liked a certain first baseman, that’s your pick and no one could really dispute that.  I’m just thrilled you guys voted and contributed.  Thank you so much.

Next we’re going to do second basemen.  Keep checking back here at Bleeding YankeeBlue for the new poll and we’d love to have you vote again.  Thanks!

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EX-YANK NICK JOHNSON SIGNS WITH ORIOLES

The Orioles have agreed to sign Nick Johnson to a minor league deal, Roch Kubatkoof MASNsports.com tweets.

Johnson last played in the Major Leagues with the 2010 Yankees, and thoughhe has had trouble staying on the field, he owns a .401 career on-base percentage. A wrist injury limited Johnson to 24 MLB games in 2010 and hespent the 2011 season in the Indians' minor league system. Johnson posted a.201/.326/.328 line in 225 plate appearances in the upper minors last year.

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


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WHY THE "YANKEES CAN'T DEVELOP HOMEGROWN TALENT" ARGUMENT IS BOGUS

This is something that has gotten me fed me up for years, and because I've been given the opportunity to write for BYB, I can express my displeasures. Whether it's people I've talked to in person or on the Internet, who happen to not be Yankee fans, I've been told for the longest time that the Yankees cannot develop their own talent. This narrative must come to an end at once. People need to do their homework regarding this issue, and it's obvious.

First, take a look at all the homegrown talent that will be on the Yankees' major league roster next season...

Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Robinson Cano, Brett Gardner, Ivan Nova, Jesus Montero, David Robertson, Hector Noesi, Eduardo Nunez, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain.That's 11 right there (10 if you exclude Joba, who'll probably be back by mid-June. Read WHY JOBA WILL BE A FORCE TO BE A FORCE TO RECON WITH. But that total is still very impressive for a team that "buys" all its players. And of course that list doesn't include Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, and Bernie Williams, who hasn't played since 2006, all of which were homegrown.

Let's not forget some of the homegrown talent the Yankees have had to trade away to get talent from other teams over the recent years. Take a look...
First Javier Vazquez trade- Dec. 2003: Yankees traded Nick Johnson, Juan Rivera, and Randy Choate to Montreal Expos.

Alex Rodriguez trade- Feb. 2004: Yankees traded Alfonso Soriano and player to be named later (Joaquin Arias) to Texas Rangers.

Jonathan Albaladejo trade- Dec. 2007: Yankees traded Tyler Clippard to Washington Nationals.
(In Photo: Xavier Nady)
Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte trade- July 2008: Yankees traded Jose Tabata, Ross Ohlendorf, Daniel McCutchen, and Jeff Karstans to Pittsburgh Pirates.

Second Javier Vazquez trade (includes Boone Logan)- Dec. 2009: Yankees traded Melky Cabrera, Arodys Vizcaino, and Michael Dunn to Atlanta Braves.

Curtis Granderson trade- Dec. 2009: Yankees traded Ian Kennedy to Arizona Diamondbacks, Austin Jackson and Phil Coke to Detroit Tigers.

You know, it's not just the homegrown talent that is currently in the majors that counts. It's also the potential gold in the minors. Take a look at just some of the talent down on the farm for the Yankees...

AAA:C. Austin Romine
3B/1B. Brandon Laird
SP. Manny Banuelos
SP. Dellin Betances
SP. Adam Warren
SP. David Phelps

AA:(In Photo: Corban Joseph)
2B. Corban Joseph
RP. Chase Whitley
RP. Pat Venditte

A/A-:
C. Gary Sanchez
C. JR Murphy(In Photo: Slade Heathcott)
OF. Slade Heathcott
SP. Brett Marshall
SP. Jose Ramirez

Short Season/Gulf Coast League:(In Photo: Isaias Tejada)
C. Isaias Tejada
OF. Mason Williams
OF. Ravel Santana
SS. Cito Culver
3B. Dante Bichette Jr
3B/1B. Tyler Austin
2B/SS. Claudio Custodio
SP. Bryan Mitchell
RP. Mark Montgomery

Of course it's not a guarantee that everyone, or even any, of these prospects reach their full potential. But it is clear that the Yankees do have a farm system chalked full of talent, to go along with the homegrown talent already in the Bigs. Yes, I know the Yankees "buy" a lot of their players, but that doesn't mean their farm system is thin. Heck, even Baseball America had their farm system ranked number five last March, and with none of that talent being traded away (thus far), I expect the Yankees farm to be right near the top once again in 2012.




--Jesse Schindler, BYB Staff Writer




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WHY HUGHES TO ALDS A NO-GO

Look, Phil Hughes has had a tough year. We all know he can pitch, after all, he’s young and talented, but sometimes when your back’s against the wall, literally, and it’s the last week of September, you need to come to the realization it ain’t happening this year. Luckily for Phil, Girardi has an idea.

After the most recent setback with Phil's cranky back followed by the epidural shot, Joe suggested that maybe the best thing for the Yankees and Phil would be the bullpen for the ALDS.

Joe said: “I think you have to think about it. Just because he hasn’t thrown in a while.”

Now, I think that's interesting, although to tell you the truth, in the first round of the ALDS, I would suggest NOT bringing him. Phil hasn't contributed. He's not 100% and even tonight, he didn't impress me against the Rays.

Now yes, it's true, I wrote a piece awhile back called WHY THE PEN IS WHERE PHIL HUGHES BELONGS and at the time, I meant it. But Ladies and Gentlemen, this is September and it's way too late. I personally don't think Hughes can add anything to the first round of the postseason. If anything, let him work out some kinks now, have him throw bullpen sessions while the Yankees take care of business in the ALDS and if things look promising, Hughes is welcome to the ALCS. Otherwise, time to move on in 2011, see you in 2012. Sorry to sound harsh, but that's the reality in my opinion.

Phil Hughes is a talent but since that injury in Texas where he was pitching a no-hitter back in 2007, I feel like Phil's got a case of Nick Johnson-itis. Bad luck and injury is Phil Hughes right now. Can we straighten out the ship? Yes, but much like Eric Chavez, who’s incredible when he’s healthy, bad luck follows you everywhere.

So, what do you think? Should Hughes stay home in the ALDS or should he join the bullpen. Be sure to vote in our poll.

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WHY MARK PRIOR CAN'T CATCH A BREAK

Mark Prior’s hurt again. I swear to God. It’s like a bad bad joke. I suggest he cut all ties with Nick Johnson immediately, this is ridiculous. Prior was scheduled to pitch yesterday, but because of what seems to be a sore shoulder, they scratched his pitching appearance. Read about it HERE.

When does a player decided that enough’s enough? Mark Prior, who has fought his way through arm surgery, soreness, groin pulls and who knows what else has to think that he’s getting Punk’ed right now and Ashton Kutcher’s about to pop up in Tampa and laugh his balls off. But it’s not that simple. Clearly Mark Prior’s body’s not working right. The Associated Press reports that he was supposed to pitch in a Gulf Coast League game and because of that soreness, they decided to give it a few days. Let’s hope it’s just a few days.

Look, I wrote about my love for Mark Prior in THE PATIENCE OF MARK PRIOR. Maybe I should just cut ties with my obessession, it’s clear this guy may not make an appearance this year. But yes, it’s true, because of Prior’s drive and dedication to make it, I can’t walk away just yet. Now look, if he comes back from this injury and suddenly gets hit by a truck, I really have to rethink this. For now, I have some strict ground rules for Mark Prior getting back to the Bigs:

• Prior must stay in the bubble and only come out if there is a catcher 6o feet 6 inches away.
  
• He must make sure it’s at least 75 degrees and sunny and he needs to wear sunscreen.
• Prior must make sure your shoes are tied, or better yet, get Velcro cleats.
• He make be sure the mound is manicured and there is no rosin bag. We don’t want him to trip over it.
  
• Only throw 5 pitches, that’s safe.
  
• He should wear sunglasses. We don’t want dirt to accidently get kicked in his eyes.
  
• When Prior's finished throwing, he needs to walk slowly to the dugout. DO NOT step on the foul line. Instead, he needs to step over it. I’m supersticious.

Mark, I hope you read Bleeding Yankee Blue and yes, I know it’s got to be frustrating at this point but we have to laugh. It’s pure comedy. How does someone get hurt as much as you and NOT laugh. Sorry Eric Chavez, I forgot about you.

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