WHY SCHILLING PICKED THE YANKS TO BENEFIT HIMSELF

You want to make headlines to promote something you're working on? Say something that no one would believe you would say, and you'll snag publicity. I fell for it, sure, but I'm doing it to make a point. Curt Schilling doesn't really think the Yankees are a great team, he hates the Yankees. No... he has another motive, promoting his 38 Studios thing.

The Post's Anthony Sulla-Heffinger writes HERE, that Curt Schilling said this about the New York Yankees:

"I can’t bet against the Yankees right now, especially after doing the [Pineda] trade," Schilling said Tuesday. "Right now, I would go with [the Yankees]. The Red Sox will have to see how (Carl) Crawford comes back."

But what wasn't in the article, but instead in an article printed later from the same day, February 1st, Schilling talked about his newly founded company called 38 Studios and his new game called Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning:

The Providence-based company will release its first game next week, titled Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. For Schilling and 38 Studios, Reckoning’s release represents more than just a title they hope will fly off the shelves.

Schilling himself says the influence of other titles have shaped parts of Reckoning, but ultimately, the game is a unique experience.

“I’ve said in the past that it’s God of War meets Oblivion, but you will see 10-12 different titles in this, there is the DNA of your favorite games in this,” Schilling told The Post. “I believe this game is first ever of its kind. Once you start playing, you will start to see depth and breadth.”

The full piece is HERE. Odd right? Am I mad at anyone for feeling duped? No, I just wanted to point something out. Curt Schilling doesn't care about the Yankees, that Yankees headline:Yankees best in the East, Schilling says was a provocative headline, nothing more. New York fans I suspect are supposed to feel happy Schilling said that about our mighty Yankees and then later turn the other cheek and go out to the store and buy his game. Do I think it's worth buying Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning? Look, I'm a gamer, and I love to play, but let's be honest; since I've had kids, I have a tendency to buy games and they sit on the wrapper on a shelf and I play them for 5 minutes, 3 years later and then sell them. If I had to choose whether or not to purchase this game based on my current "lack" of gaming and the fact that I DON'T care for Curt Schilling and his ketchup soaked sock...I'd personally pass... what who am I to tell you what to do.

I just thought this whole chain of events was interesting... my opinion of course.

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WHY GIRARDI HAS IDEAS FOR THE YANKEES DH

MLB's Bryan Hoch, one of best reporters out there writes HERE about Girardi being quite vocal about the Yankees and the need to add 1 more bat in his opinion before Spring training. This is what the blog world has been talking about Joe, thank God you spoke up.

Yes, it's true that some of you like the idea of going into Spring Training with what we have, seeing how it goes, maybe getting some of the kids some innings pitched or at bats to see what they have. I love that idea of mixing in the youngsters with the veterans, but let's face it, we have a nice short deck in right field and we could use a lefty to crank it out of there at least 20 to 25 times season.
Enter Joe Girardi. Bryan Hoch has some quotes from Joe talking about 3 of the candidates, Raul Ibanez, Hideki Matsui or Johnny Damon as well as his thoughts that a DH may be needed:

"I think it will be helpful; I do, I think we've had a good offseason; I think Brian has done a really good job this offseason in what he's done. But I think it's important to our club that you add that other bat. The American League is going to be tough."

So far so good and I'm on point with Joe. But then he said something interesting. Something I've been supporting this whole winter, the fact that former Yankees should come home to roost again... Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui, one more time. That being said, this is what Hoch wrote:"Girardi said that their history in pinstripes wouldn't necessarily give them an edge over Ibanez.

"'When you think about Raul Ibanez, he has had success wherever he has [gone]," Girardi said. "There could be other things that could happen; I can't tell you it is going to be one of those three guys, or anyone. But obviously, we know they know how to play here.'"

Not that this is a big surprise, because it's not... Business is business, even I get that. If the Yankees find a guy that they believe can contribute and he's NOT a former Yankee, that's fine, especially if they think it works for them. My only reasoning for someone like Matsui or Damon was we are familiar with what they can offer and they in turn are used to the pressures of being a New York Yankee. That being said, I'm behind my boys 100% no matter who they choose.

Look Ladies and Gentlemen, Spring Training is coming fast and furious, bottom line. I'd like an extra bat just like Joe... let's hope we get it to complete the puzzle...Go Yanks!

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WHY MY GUT SAYS DAMON WILL BE A YANKEE

I'm not exactly sure why, but my guts acting up again. I read today that Johnny Damon is demanding a price tag of $5 million to play for a team and I assume that means any team, but I know if the Yankees and he spoke, it would be a done deal. Anyway, read Jayson Stark HERE. To me, personally, that's a no brainer for the Yankees. First off, the price is right and secondly, We know what were getting with Damon. Damon's a lefty bat that can crank it out to Damon's deck and as a platoon with Andruw Jones, there is no doubt in my mind that that can be productive platoon.

Now there are plenty other guys equally qualified to come to New York and swing a bat, not to mention someone like Bill Hall, who while he has a decent bat, can also be a great utility, playing the outfield and second base. Read HERE. I like Bill Hall, but I love the idea of a Johnny Damon reunion.You also have to think about guys like Hideki Matsui, who went out with a bang in 2009 and has played with the Athletics and Angels since then. Matsui too would be someone worth pursuing, but the price tag needs to be $5 million or less. This way, if the Yankees wanted to still go after Bill Hall or a Eric Chavez, they could afford it.

Vladimir Guerrero, Manny Ramirez and Raul Ibanez are also out there. And yes, it was being reported HERE, that the Yankees and Ibanez were talking. I just don't see it. While he could be a production piece to the Yankee puzzle, at this point, I think the Yankee really want familiarity and Damon or Matsui fit that mold. I do NOT see the Yankees pursuing Manny Ramirez. Back in the day, that may have been fun to have Manny in the lineup. Hell, I would even suggest that if the Boss were alive, he'd give Manny a second... or third chance to get back on his feet after his suspension. But in this day and age, it's not happening.Guerrero would be nice, but we already have a righty hitter in Andruw Jones. To me, signing Vlad doesn't make sense now. It only would have made sense if the Yankees needed a righty.

No, I'm pretty confident that Cashman would reach out to Johnny Damon and try and nail him down with just a few weeks to go before Spring Training. After all, Johnny Bravo would be a great addition and I have no doubt that he'd also be productive. But vote in our poll tell us who you like...which DH do you want? When the poll concludes, we're write a piece on it.

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YANKEE RUMORS & BYB: PART 31

Eric Chavez: The Yankees are still interested in Eric Chavez, but there has been nothing new coming out of Yankeeland. I like Chavez, and I'd love for him to come back to New York. He's a great backup for ARod at third base and still has a bat. Read HERE. That tweet about Chavez comes from ESPN's Andrew Marchand. Marchand also says that the Yankees are still looking at Bill Hall and it wouldn't be out of the question if the Yankees sign both.
Edwin Jackson: Congrats to Edwin Jackson, he signed a 1 year deal with the Washington Nationals, read HERE. There is no doubt he'll be able to contribute nicely for the Nationals, but don't be surprised if another team that competing for a playoff run tries to sign him down the stretch in 2o12, similarly to the way the Cardinals did it last season. I wrote WHY EDWIN JACKSON'S THE LAST MAN STANDING because I couldn't believe how much Scott Boras overshot. I'm glad at least that EJax was able to latch onto someone...Boras almost blew it for him.Curtis Granderson: The Wall Street Journal has a piece about how the Boston Red Sox almost traded for Curtis. Instead, the Yankees did it. Read about it HERE. The piece reads:

"...the Red Sox were in talks with the Detroit Tigers to land the center fielder, a what-if deal that might have dramatically reshaped the way the AL East stands today.

Before the Yankees pulled the trigger, Detroit asked Boston for two of its star young players, Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury, for Granderson."

Luckily for us, things worked out in our favor, otherwise we would have all hated "The Gentleman"... if you can believe that.

As more develops with anything, we will bring it to you here at Bleeding Yankee Blue.

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WHY GERARDO CONCEPCION IS A CHICAGO CUB

That was fast. It's being reported by by the El Nuevo Herald that Gerardo Concepcion has signed a multi-year deal with the Chicago Cubs. Good for Theo and good for the Cubs over the long term this could be a good move for the Cubbies, Concepcion is supposed to be a real talent. Read HERE. Look, I believe the Cubs will be all in on Yoennis Cespedes as well, although ultimately, it is my gut feeling that the Miami Marlins will sign Cespedes at the end of the day. After all, he is supposedto meet with Marlins management next week. Read HERE. That's a tweet from Rosenthal who writes that the Cubs are "deeply involved" with Cespedes as well.

The Concepcion deal is worth $7 million in incentives. Concepcion is 18 years old and what can I say, this is a truly nice pickup by the Cubs. In the back of my mind, I was hoping the Yankees were involved in signing this kid, but it doesn't appear to have ever been the case. This is the last report about the Yankees interested in Concepcion.... from January 18th. Read about it HERE.

And there you go.

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WHY WE'RE ON CESPEDES WATCH

FOX Sports is reporting that Cuban superstar Yoennis Cespedes will meet with the Miami Marlins next week. You can read Ken Rosenthal’s Tweet HERE. Look, we’ve been hearing about the Marlins being front runners on this kid for a while. We also heard that the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Washington Nationals, Texas Rangers, Bad News Bears and the South Carolina Buzz from Major League 3 are also involved. No question, everyone would like a piece of Cespedes, but who will get him?

In the end, I predict the Miami Marlins. I believe Ozzie Guillen and the Marlins have been waiting for this kid for months. If they weren’t, they would have signed other guys and forgot all about the kid. Ozzie will woo Cespedes like he did Carlos Zambrano, Mark Buehrle, Jose Reyes and Heath Bell. It’s the Marlins year to try and shine as a Major League leader, not a Major League chump. Hey like I’ve always said, if you have the money, use it. That used to be the Yankees way, how else do you compete? If you need talent and you don’t have it in your farm system, sometimes you have to buy it. It doesn’t make it wrong, it just makes you competitive. Again though, if the Marlins do throw money at Cepsedes and snag him, there will be nothing but praise about the Marlins. None of those headlines will be of the Marlins “buying championships.” No… instead it will be about how it’s “good for the Marlins and good for baseball.” Yet, if the Yankees did it, we’d be “buying championships.” Sure, hating the Yankees sells papers, but enough already.

In the back of my mind I’d love to see the Yankees snatch up Cespedes. I’d love to see them hand him a sack of money and I’d love to see what this kid can do in the Bronx. But with what we have in our outfield already, GGS is stronger than ever and I wonder if the Yankees will just not get involved, spending that kind of money on a guy that just has a really really entertaining Youtube video.

And if and when Cespedes is off the market on another team, will the Yankees seriously pursue another guy they’ve been keeping close tabs on, Jorge Soler. Then again, it’s being reported that Gerardo Concepcion, the 18 year old Cuban lefty pitcher is “close” to signing with a team. Read HERE in Spanish. Could the Yankees be that team? Stay tuned ladies and gentlemen…. I’m not sure why but in the back of my mind I feel like the Yankees are about to make 1 more move; be it Soler, AJ Burnett, Concepcion… who knows, but I feel like the other shoes about the drop.

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WHY CASHMAN BACKS AJ BECAUSE NO ONE WILL

I understand what Brian Cashman is doing and he's doing it because no other team will... he's telling all of Yankeeland that he supports AJ Burnett. Yet, just 1 month ago, he was trying to trade him to anyone who would listen and just a few weeks ago he suggested his "pitching surplus" could get him a DH, read HERE. All of this may sound confusing but that's what you do when you can't give someone away... you pretend it's all going to be OK to ease anxiety and calm the situation. Then, when the smoke clears and a team pokes around the Yankees fire hydrant... WHAM! He's traded for a bag of balls and AJ is shipped out of the Bronx...just like that.

For those of you who didn't read it today, Brian Cashman spoke to the media, read HERE and told them that he supports AJ Burnett. Here is the quote from ESPN:

"I am comfortable with AJ... He's extremely talented and has been inconsistent, but I can tell you I'm comfortable with the effort he's giving, I'm comfortable with everything that he does, the accountability that comes with him. Obviously, we signed him to have more success than he's having, but it's a competitive industry and as long as he's not going to give up on himself, then I'm going to have his back the entire way."
I like what Cashman had to say and to be honest, I'm not going to pretend that I hate AJ Burnett... I don't, most do. I remember writing WHY CRUCIFYING AJ NEEDS TO STOP back in August because the honest truth is, this guy is getting the crap kicked out of him daily. It's honestly a shame. I don't like to hate people and I actually feel bad for the pile-on. Sure, he needs to deliver, but there's no question there is a disconnect. I wish to God that AJ has the season of his life in 2012 and all this goes away. Who really knows though. This is the toughest situation I've seen in a pitcher since Kevin Brown. Bottom line, some people can handle the pinstripes and some can't... maybe, just maybe AJ Burnett can't.

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WHY LAURA POSADA SHOULD BE THE NEXT KIM JONES

So as most Yankee fans have heard, Kimberly Jones has left the YES Network, which, of course, now means she will no longer be covering the New York Yankees. Casey wrote about Kim's leaving YES and the circumstances surrounding her departure earlier this week. You can read about that HERE.

So it got me thinking, who could replace Kimberly and still give us solid reporting and interviews she delivered each and every game? How about Laura Posada? Yup, I went there, I'm talking about Mrs. Jorge Posada herself. And why not? It's really not that crazy...think about it

Laura is not only gorgeous, she knows these players, has always been surrounded by the game and the Yankee history since Jorge has been in the Bronx. To me, she seems like a natural for television. You have to remember Kimberly Jones was learning on the job when she first started with YES Yankee games. So what better place for Laura to start? With her Yankee family!

It is well known that Laura and Jorge have gone through hell and back dealing with Jorge Jr and Craniosynostosis and they formed the Jorge Posada Foundation because of it. Well, that courage, determination, and drive that Laura possees is something you cannot teach a journalist. You either have it or you don't. Laura HAS it..

Now I know that Jorge just retired and the whole game plan now is to enjoy the family. I’m not suggesting Laura do this every single game during the season, I’m saying, maybe a handful of home games, this would also keep Jorge and the family around our Yankee Family. I think she’d be dynamic. I mean, who knows the current Yankee players better than Laura? Her interviews with players like Jeter and Mo would be awesome. It would be like 2 friends chatting with each other after the ball game. It’s an extra element perfect for broadcast television.

Look, this is my mind wondering, and yeah, it could even sound a little far-fecthed, but in Yankeeland, anything can happen. Hell, we’re bringing Lou Piniella back aren’t we? Read HERE. Hey Laura, if you happen to read this, give us an RT on Twitter, we’d love to hear what you think of our idea.

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

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MEETING YANKEE ROYALTY: A RED SOX FAN'S TAKE

(Photo Credit: Bill Menzel)
On January 29th this member of Red Sox nation briefly had pinstripes trickling through his veins. To actually be elbow to elbow with the likes of such Yankee players as Charlie Hayes, Roberto Kelly, Don Mattingly, and Bernie Williams was a treat in itself. But to interact
with them, see them sitting at tables with regular people, made it that much better. On this night, these gentlemen took the time out of their busy schedules to enjoy an evening with sports enthusiasts from around the New York and Connecticut area to help Bernie Williams in his cause for the Hillside Food Outreach. (Photo Credit: Bill Menzel)
It’s nice to see the human side of baseball players, and these guys showed that off to a tee. Welcoming photos, handshakes, and even brief discussions is not something you see every day. Often you see a quick scribble of the pen and a toss of the ball back to the welcoming fan. No time for conversation, just business as usual. But here there was laughter, discussion, and just the right amount of humility.

It was my privilege to attend an event to help out others. Even more so, it was an honor to be in the presence of so many Yankees that contributed to baseball history, and to see them as human beings rather than superstars……..even for a Red Sox fan.



--J.L. BYB Guest Writer




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JETER AND THE MAN CRUSHES

The line of man crushes on Derek Jeter continues to grow. First it was Eli Manning singing the praises of the Yankees Captain in an article posted on ESPN.com yesterday. If I can be serious for one min (just one) it's actually a great story that shows just what an awesome human being Jeter is. I recommend giving it a read HERE. But now, on the heels of the ESPN.com piece, it appears Tom Brady has his eyes fixed on someone other than Gisele?! The New York Daily News has this little item in today's sports section, which you can read HERE:

“You see someone who plays the game the way you think it needs to be played, like Derek Jeter. I love the way he plays the game.”.

Brady goes on to say:

“Those great-caliber athletes you look up to and admire for what it takes day in and day out to be a great player. You always watch other athletes and how they play the game, what makes them successful.”

Look, I know I'm being silly to say that Brady has a man crush on Jeter. Obviously everyone is just having some fun with this. I actually give Brady some props for recognizing the greatness of Jeter and not, holding back on his man crush for him! Makes you think, wonder what Giselle thinks of Minka?! hmmmmm

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

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WHY DAVID ROBERTSON IS THE YANKEES' GOLDEN BOY

Obvious headline for any Yankee fan, right? Well, consider this; DRob probably has the best chance to become Mariano Rivera when Mo decides to hang it up. It could be this year, it could be next, but I have no doubt in my mind that Houdini’s being groomed to be the next closer of the New York Yankees.

Joba Chamberlain was the guy I thought would have the torch passed to him and you know what? There is always a very good chance that Joba comes back healthy this season, provides stability in the pen and DRob stays in the exact same role as he’s in now with Joba becoming the Yankees closer, but let's face facts, after the great season Robertson had in 2011... I doubt it. Instead I feel like history will repeat itself in Yankeeland.

(In photo: John Wetteland)

John Wettland was the Yankees closer to 2 years back in 1995 and 1996 and during that time, little, skinny Mariano Rivera was his setup guy. He went out there and chucked it, forming a bridge to Wettleland. In essance, he was a second closer for the Yankees at that moment. Opposing hitters had a hard time getting through those 3 innings and essentially, the Yankees prevailed more times than not... Mo for 2, Wettleland for 1, game over.

David Robertson is the 1995-1996 Mariano Rivera all over again. This time he’ll be bridging to the veteran...Mr. Dominant, Mariano Rivera. Couple that with must have bullpen guys like Cory Wade, Rafael Soriano, and Joba (when he’s healthy) and we have an unstoppable pen.

Look, David Robertson is extrordinary and the Yankee fans adore him. What’s not the adore? He’s great at his job, he’s a boy for Alabama who gives back to his community (Read HERE) and he wants the ball every chance he gets. He’s a pitcher with Mariano’s mentality, clearly he learned from the best. It's that “Here it is, try and hit it” mentality. Sure, he doesn’t use 1 pitch like Mo, but that’s what makes him unique as the torch will eventually be passed to him. He utilizes the traits he learned from the great Mariano and couples that with his own talents. I see DRob as the future closer of this organization and anything otherwise would be silly, wouldn’t it?

I see big things for DRob in 2012 and beyond... ain't no doubt about it.

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM BURNETT IN SPRING TRAINING

There’s been a lot of buzz about AJ Burnett during this off-season. Many people are concerned about what his performance will be like this year after a shaky season in 2011. I’ve done the research, looked at stats, video, and read many educated opinions about what the so-called
experts think will happen with AJ this season.

It’s no secret by now that my own predictions have been a bit “off” when it comes to our baseball recently. Let’s review, shall we?

• I predicted the Yankees would win the World Series in 2011
• Then I predicted that Texas would win (GAME 7: CHUCK NORRIS VS. WOODY WOODPECKER)
• I was certain that we’d keep Jesus Montero
• I postulated that we’d keep Jorge Posada for one more year
  

I could go on, but I think we all get the point. I’ve been wrong...A LOT. Therefore, I am taking a different approach when it comes to predicting what AJ Burnett will look like on the mound this year.

Quite simply…he’ll suck. I mean, not just suck, but he’ll pitch so badly that my Nana will fly to Tampa to show him a trick or two. Mariano Rivera will watch from the bullpen, wondering if he’s
accidentally looking at a pro-bowler and not a Major League Pitcher. Nick Swisher will beg to go in as relief and Joba will begging for the flies to return, but not him this time... on AJ.I predict that Burnett's performance this season will be so bad, that Francisco Cervelli will yell “fore!” after every pitch that doesn’t make it in the dirt.Bob Uecker will come out of retirement just to bring back his famous saying, “Just a bit outside” when AJ’s curveball does a 180 into the stands. The Steinbrenners will have to install yards of plexiglass in 360 degree radius to avoid injuring other players. You’ll see soccer net behind the plate every time AJ starts, for obvious reasons. His aim will be so off, that he won’t even be able to hit the right guy with a pie in the face.

I predict that AJ will give up so many hits that the ink in his tattoos will fade a little every time a line drive whizzes by him at lightning speed. His hat will blow off his head so many times, that
the League will make an exception for him that he doesn’t even have to wear one, and they’ll issue him a safety helmet instead.Keeping AJ in the starting rotation will be a relief to him. I mean, who needs those flashbacks of being the last one picked for a team during high school gym class? We all remember that feeling. At least he’ll have a place in the lineup and have to avoid the shame and embarrassment of being paired up with the gym teacher.

Mark my words, this will be AJ’s worst season yet, he won’t pitch well, hitters won’t fear him, and he won’t assist the New York Yankees to a World Championship this year. Nope. I predicted it, therefore, it shall be so. *wink*

--Christy Lee, BYB Staff Writer



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