WHY WE REALLY CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY

On Saturday, I was walking down the street to the hardware store.  It was early and I wanted to get some stuff done before the day started.  At the entrance was an old man with a bucket and was wearing his uniform.  He was a U.S. military veteran and now wears his uniform for special occasions. Clearly he's been retired for a while.

I saw a father and son walk to the entrance and I could see some kind of conversation. Then I watched the father lean down, whisper in the boy's ear, the boy must have been 4 years old.  The next thing I saw made my heart flutter.  the boy extended his hand as if to shake the old man's, clearly a gesture of thanks.  I couldn't tell if the boy said anything, but I understood what he did.  The vet leaned down, shook that boy's hand and that was enough for me, I teared up immediately.

This is Memorial Day weekend. Today is Memorial day.  It is so important that we take a moment to walk up to the men and women that have sacrificed so much to protect this great country and thank them.  Shake their hand like that 4 year old boy did, or just donate to the veterans or say the words "Thank you for your serve." Feel good about it, let them know you know why you're free, because these men and women don't walk around town telling people what they did.  They knew they had a choice to help and serve America and they went above and beyond.  Say "Thank you." Believe me, they need it. 

Sure, this isn't a Yankee thing, but it's a life thing.  Our United States soldiers and veterans need an acknowledgment.  They do so much and it's important as Americans, we let them know we appreciate them. After all, We are America.

Enjoy  the day ladies & gentlemen...and Let's go Yankees!

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KURODA CRUISES, YANKEES WIN STREAK NOW AT 5

What can I say; the Yankees are on a roll right now and everyone’s in a good mood because of it. Behind a strong Hiroki Kuroda, the Yankees completed a three-game sweep over the Oakland A’s, 2-0, and they now have a five-game winning streak overall.

Kuroda, as noted in the headline, cruised in this one. Yes, I know it was against the A’s, but c’mon, the guy needed to have a good outing. He did that and then some, pitching 8 shutout innings while allowing just four singles. I know this may just be just another stop on the Kuroda rollercoaster, and he may suck next time out against the Detroit Tigers, but hey, let’s just enjoy this start and cross our fingers next time around.

The offense was a different story in this one, however. The Yanks scored just two runs on eight hits against Tommy Milone, whom the Yankees have never seen before. The first run came in the 2nd on a mammoth homer by Andruw Jones, while the second, and final run, came in the 7th on a Mark Teixeira RBI double. Tex is officially on fire, folks.

He’s hitting .434 (10-for-23) in his last six games. But, the Yankees, as a team, went 1-for-11 with RISP on Sunday. You can get away with that when your starter dominates, but more likely than not you can’t. Hopefully they’ll get back on track in that department going forward.

When I saw the A’s on the Yankees’ schedule I was expecting sweep, and sure enough, the Yankees swept the A’s. Anyway, the Yanks will head on down to Anaheim to take on Albert Pujols and the Angels. Phil Hughes (4-5, 4.94 ERA) will look to continue his awesome May against Jered Weaver (6-1, 2.61 ERA) on Memorial Day.

 

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


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WHY BETTY SWISHER KNEW BEST & ESPN'S BIG FAIL

"Just hit the damn ball." --Nick Swisher's Grandma Betty Swisher

Here's a really fun nugget, yet a story about a true appreciation for family and personal drive that was totally missed by ESPN. Luckily, it wasn't missed by BYB. Enjoy this.

As you know, Nick Swisher is off to a slower start this season, a .243 average, only 36 hits in 148 at bats  to put it in perspective.  Not exactly wonderful.  But in working through extra batting practice with Kevin Long, it was revealed that Swisher thinks fondly of advice that his grandmother gave him once....quite simply she told him,  "Just hit the damn ball."   He took that advice literally on Friday night and thank God he did, because maybe that home run he hit (read HERE) jolted him to have a terrific year.

It's funny though, reading this piece by ESPN (HERE), I was touched, so I did some research because I wanted to know more about Betty Lorraine Swisher, this strong woman who Swish was so crazy about.  So I Googled her.  To my disappointment, I realized that Betty passed away in 2005 to cancer. Why did ESPN fail to mention that?  The way the piece reads, you'd think Swisher just got off the phone with his grandmother on Thursday night and then hit homer on Friday, like clockwork. There happens to be a big gaping hole in that piece, what a bunch of bunk.

Just so you understand the background, Nick's dad Steve Swisher and his mom divorced when Nick was 11, his grandparent's practically raised him and after Betty passed away, Nick had a tattoo made right above his heart on his chest that reads BLS in honor of his grandmother.  WOW, I was blown away by that.  Not only was I touched by that story, I truly appreciate how Nick still holds his grandmother's memory do dear to him.  Sure, some of you may already know this, I don't know how I missed it, but that being said, I was moved.

Look, I like Nick Swisher and I believe he can overcome this slow start.  To me, it's simple baseball. Sometimes when you over think, you can't function on the field.  I've learned that in my own short lived career and you hear so many players say it all the time... "Don't think, do", much like Betty Swisher's "Just hit the damn ball" it goes back to basics.   Read YANKEE BASEBALL: THE BASICS OF HITTING.  If you just take that moment, remember the basics and go out and play, most of the time, you succeed.  It's almost like a reprogramming of yourself.  Through a career you're given so much advice and sometimes it all gets mucked up.  To me, I love the way Swisher carries with him that basic vision from Betty, especially when there's that tendency to over think always in the back of his mind.

And sure, maybe I was over thinking trying to pin down ESPN for their lack of information in a piece about Nick Swisher's grandmother, but let's face facts; I found it to be incredibly irresponsible to have a piece titled Swisher: Thanks Grandma, and yet her words "Just hit the damn ball" are just a mention. If you delve into Nick's life even more, you realize just how important those words are...that personal story was totally missed. Wow, that happens to be the "meat" of the story... Disappointed doesn't even begin to describe that piece...Nick Swisher deserves better...knowing what I know now.

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YOUNG GUNS III: STRUGGLE OF THE KILLER B'S

Once again this Spring the Yankees gave the Killer B's Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos a few moments to shine and then, much like they've always done with young talent, they send them back down to the minors to work during the regular season.  As time goes on, articles pop up about progress and just when we think we may get a glimpse of these "Young Guns"...nothing.  Sure, everyone is looking forward to it and let's face it, last year when Betances came up for a brief time in the fall, many wondered if Banuelos would follow.  It never happened.

Now we're looking at 2012, a season which brought plenty of injury to Banuelos, read HERE and questions have started popping up... Could the Killer B's not be the "Young Guns" we think they are?  Instead, are Betances and Banuelos just overhyped?

The New York Post's Joel Sherman is one of the most respected journalists out there and wrote a really good piece you should check out titled Veterans carry Yankees as young guns struggle. In it, Sherman breaks down the concern with Betances and Banuelos and says: "The potential high-level reinforcements at Triple-A were supposed to be Manuel Banuelos and Dellin Betances. But Banuelos is on the disabled list for the second time this season, now with an elbow injury. And Betances again is reinforcing the notion — like another supposed Killer B before him, Andrew Brackman — that he is a big guy unable to master a consistently smooth delivery (38 walks in 44 2⁄3 innings).  One person who has worked with both prospects told me this week he thinks Banuelos and Betances were overhyped, citing a lack of fastball command for both."

OK, so all of that is critical of the B's but practice makes perfect right? Wrong, this is the part that bothered me most. Sherman writes: "...the Yankees’ duo remains nowhere near helping the rotation in 2012, and maybe beyond."

Now I've seen players over the years placed on a pedestal  in the Yankees organization as the next great thing and eventually either injury, or a trade takes place with that player involved.  I'm not saying any of that will happen...I'm just saying that if the Yankees have grand plans for the Killer B's in the Yankees rotation, and we attach an injured Michael Pineda to that... what are we looking at for seeing these kids as our future leaders...2015, 2016?  If this Sherman report is right, it almost seems like the Yankees will end up doing what they always do when they're looking for pitching, go out and buy it on the Free Agency market.

Look, you never know, Betances and Banuelos still could develop into superstars, but one thing's for sure, if they don't start acting like it, they may be shipped off, much like Andrew Brackman...remember him?

Anyway, Sherman wrote a good piece and it's definitely something we need to keep our eyes on as Yankee fans.

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WHY MARK TEIXEIRA & THE YANKEES ARE CATCHING FIRE

Remember when the Yankees couldn’t buy a win just a week ago? Me neither. With a 9-2 victory over the Oakland A’s, the Yankees now have a four-game win streak, and everything has clicked during this run.

Mark Teixeira had a great game in this one. In a game started by former Yankee Bartolo Colon, Teixeira went 4-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI.

Robinson Cano also had a good game; he went 3-for-5 with a solo shot. Also chipping in offensively were Derek Jeter, Nick Swisher, and Eric Chavez with two hits apiece. Teixeira, by the way, is batting .429 (8-for-19) his last five games while knocking out three homers.

CC Sabathia started, and he got back on the winning track. CC went 7 innings allowing just two runs on seven hits while striking out four. After losing his two previous starts to Baltimore and Cincinnati, CC didn’t want to lose three straight games for the first time in his Yankee career, and thankfully he didn’t.

The final was 9-2, Yankees. They’re now have a four-game win streak and things are looking good in Yankeeland. Hiroki Kuroda will take the mound on Sunday, looking for a sweep against the A’s. Let’s finish Oakland off!

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


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WHY ERIC CHAVEZ IS AT HOME IN THE BRONX

No one does it better than Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record.  You've heard me say that before, it's true.  Not only does he give me news about my New York Yankees, he gives us nuggets that the others don't give.  Like for instance this terrific personal story in reference to Eric Chavez, a Yankee I love and a player I respect as well as feel bad for. The guy's had a streak of bad luck and injury, yet, I wonder...if he never hurt his back and didn't have a string of injuries, would he be on the road to the Hall of Fame? I wonder, I really do...he was THAT talented.

Caldera chatted with Chavez in a piece called Chavez embracing time with Yankees. The piece is terrific, it's the human side of baseball. Chavez speaks about being with the Yankees and liking it, but not only that, there are some really interesting quotes from Chavez that I never saw coming. For example, when speaking about the Yankees, Chavez says:

"You know, I remember earlier in my career I said that I'd never play in New York. And here I am, back-to-back years...But it's been refreshing. It's been a good spot for me." Chavez goes on to say that he put a lot of East Coast teams on his no-trade clause early on.  Sure, I new Chavez was a West coast guy but I didn't expect that.  That being said, he's a fan favorite in New York. It's almost like Chavez has reinvented himself.  He's no longer that every day player and sure, that stinks, but he's embraced this new role with the Yankees, and if he stays healthy, he can and will be valuable.

Chavez went on about the Yankees, his new team. Here's what Caldera wrote: "'I always respected everyone in this organization and the way they went about playing the game....I always admired them … except one,' Chavez said with a laugh, after being kidded by Derek Jeter, who was listening at the next locker....'They didn't practice that play, either,' Chavez said, eliciting a laugh of his own."

"Of course, Chavez couldn't resist a reference to Jeter's famous 'Flip Play' in Game 3 of the 2001 division series and the spring training assertion (later amended) by Boston manager Bobby Valentine that the Yankees couldn't have actually practiced that play."

Look, I love this kind of stuff, you don't always get the real side of these players and I love the lightheartedness every once in a while. It makes you realize that this may be a job, but the players need to keep it light.  Baseball is also a game and I loved what Caldera captured that in this piece. 

I also appreciate Chavez so much. Sure, I break chops and call him Mr. Fragile, but the reality is, Chavez is useful, and when healthy, dependable.  I love that the Yankees wanted him back and I love that he wanted to come back.  The Yankees are family...and Chavez clearly feels that way.

Kudos to Pete Caldera for a get piece about the baseball's personal side.  Love it.

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GARDNER & ROBERTSON ALMOST READY ...BUT NOT YET

Both Brett Gardner and David Robertson are on the mend, we all know that right now, but don't expect the see them on this West coast swing... according to Joe Girardi  "I'm not at all sure that's going to happen.'' Wally Matthews of ESPN (HERE) says the consensus is they will be ready to go for the next homestand in the Bronx.

Right now, just so you know, DRob and Gardy are in Tampa.  If you don't remember, the update on Brett Gardner was simple.  As of this week, after the MRI, it was revealed that there was still some tenderness in his elbow. (Read HERE.)  So, they asked him to push his rehab of hitting off a tee until Monday.  That just gives him a few extra days to not push himself and have another setback.

As for David, it was revealed that he wouldn't be ready after his 15 day DL stint was up, so they would give him alittle more time.  Why force it right now, we need these guys healthy, after all, it's May, not September, You know what I mean? (Read HERE)

Matthews also wrote this: "Last week, Robertson had expressed hope that he could rejoin the team when it gets to Detroit for a three-game series on June 1. But Girardi said he doubted that would happen."

Whenever we get more, we'll bring it to you on Bleeding Yankee Blue.

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THE BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE NEWSSTAND VI

Hideki Matsui: According to NBC Sports (HERE), Godzilla appears to be struggling in the minor leagues of the Tampa Bay Rays.  According the Aaron Gleeman "Matsui has hit just .121 with zero homers in nine games for Durham, striking out six times while drawing just one walk.  Matsui’s contract is worth a prorated share of $900,000 if he’s called up to the majors, but until that happens he’s earning around $10,000 per month in the minors after being paid approximately $83 million during the past nine seasons."

Wow. Looks like the Yankees may have made the right choice with Raul Ibanez.  Even if you looke at someone like Johnny Damon this season, he's batting .156 with no home runs.  Ibanez is batting .263 with 9 home runs and 26 RBIs. Just sayin'.

Bill Hall: You know I'm a Hall fan and wrote WHY I LIKE WHAT I SEE FROM BILL HALL back in March. Let's face it, I was set, I thought for sure Hall would make the Yankees. When he didn't and then left us to sign a minor league deal with the Orioles, I wished him well, but now it turns out Hall was designated for assignment.  Read the Washington Post HERE on that.  You have to wonder if he'll pass through waivers or if someone will pick up Hall.  He's actually a pretty reliable defender with pop in his bat. I wish Hall well.

Chad Curtis: This is disturbing and I debated even writing about it.  But according to CBS News (HERE), "Former major league outfielder Chad Curtis has been charged with sexual misconduct after two teenage girls accused him of touching them at a Michigan high school where he volunteered... The charges are based on complaints from two teenage girls who are students at Lakewood High School, according to Barry County Prosecutor Tom Evans. He told WZZM-TV that he authorized the charges against Curtis." When we know more, we'll bring it to you.

Snoop Dogg: Did Snoop sign a major league contract? No, but he's actually threw out the first pitch at Chicago White Sox game on Thursday night, according to the Chicago Tribune.  Read the Tribune's piece HERE.  What do you make of that?

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WHY 3 IN A ROW IS A YANKEES WINNING STREAK

My Yankees won again last night against the Oakland Athletics. Don't look now but a 3 game winning streak is in full effect.  The most important part about last night's game for the Yankees is that the hits are translating into runs.  12 hits, 6 runs for the Yankees...couple that with Yankees pitching that was able to hold the A's to only 3 runs and...well, that's baseball.

Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano and Nick Swisher homered last night. Alex Rodriguez had 2 hits as did Curtis Granderson, Raul Ibanez and Tex and Swish. ARod even had a stolen base. 

For the most part, the offense was there and right now this 3 game winning streak on the opposite coast needs to continue, for confidence, for motivation and for us Yankee fans...we need to believe... and we are. Bottom line...when you're winning, you're having fun...just look at Nick above.

Ivan Nova (5-2) went 7 innings, allowed 6 hits and 3 runs.  That was all and not only that, the bullpen held down the fort and didn't allow any further damage.  Boone Logan's been impressing me, going 1 inning and not allowing a hit and of course, Rafael Soriano got the save, his 4th and it's clear that Soriano is in his happy place right now. 

To be honest, I'm OK not moving RaSo from that closing role once David Robertson returns.  Why move him? It's like last year when Soriano got hurt and DRob took over the set up role...this year DRob's out and if RaSo is pitching well in that closing role, why move him out? Keep him there Joe, keep him there.

Final Score: Yankees 6 - Athletics 3.

Yes, don't look now, but the Yankees are winning.  3 in a row and much more to go.  Never give up on your Yankees... once they get into a groove....they will always find a way to win.

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WHY ALEX RODRIGUEZ KNOWS HIS ROLE

2 home runs in the game against the Royals 2 nights ago was big (Read HERE), make no mistake about it.  Alex Rodriguez needed that and I believe that now that he's homered, consistency will come into play and not only will he get his rhythm, he'll be Alex again.  No, I don't mean Alex from the Texas Rangers days when he was the greatest player on the planet...that would be a silly prediction.  I'm merely suggesting that perhaps Alex will get that jolt he needs to start hitting close to like he did in those few MVP seasons (2005 and 2007) as a New York Yankee.  I actually don't think that's unrealistic. Even Alex said earlier in the week...he's starting to feel good, "I feel like I’m taking really good swings, I’m seeing the ball well... Every time I go up there, I feel like I’m going to crush.''  He's close.

Wally Matthews of ESPN wrote a bold commentary the other day.  He wrote a piece titled ARod's days of being great are over. Wow, that's a revelation.  Isn't that obvious? The guys 36 years old, Alex is slowing down, no one is expecting him to bat .350 and have 50 home runs anymore.  What we do want as fans is consistency or, a guy that's clutch at the right time...maybe like in that 2009 playoff run where he carried the Yankees to the finish line like a true champion.  In fairness, Wally expressed how Alex is still good, but still struggles.  He writes: "...On Monday, with his team struggling for runs, he had a chance to make a huge difference with one swing, but instead took two bad swings at two pitches down around his ankles. He heard the boos that night, and he was hearing them again Tuesday..."

All true, but now I'm going to make a bold statement. Alex will be fine.  I think those 2 home runs on Wednesday were significant.  I think he knows the pressure to hit is upon him and I think now, years later he's old enough and mature enough to know what is expected of him if you wear the pinstripes.  Alex grew up in 2009 when he won a ring...he became a New York Yankee and since then he realizes the importance of delivering not only for the team, but for the fans.

Yes, I believe in ARod and I hope this West coast road trip is huge for both the team and for Alex.  Let's hope so at least.

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WHY JOHN MAINE? INSURANCE

It appears according that the Yankees have signed former Mets pitcher John Maine to a minor league deal. You can read this Tweet HERE. Clearly this is just a move to stock pile arms. Apparently he's been working out for the Yankees and good for him, but this move is nothing more than just a look-see, meaning, let's see what this 31 year old still has and maybe he can help us out...and maybe not. Don't panic Yankee fans. 

Maine last pitched in the majors in 2010.  His record then was 1-3 with a 6.13 ERA. After that, he needed shoulder surgery.  In 2011 he was with Colorado in their minor league system and went 1-3 with a 7.43 ERA. 3 days ago the Red Sox released him from their minor league deal.  Read about that HERE.  Now it appears the Yankees may have him and believe me, they're just seeing if this guy has anything left to offer.

The Yanks do that once in a while and they have for years, a cheap alternative and an opportunity to watch these guys work...just in case.  Don't forget, a few weeks ago it was reported that the Yankees were looking at Armando Galarraga at their facility in Tampa. Read HERE.  Galarraga ended up signing a minor league deal with the Astros shortly after that report. Read HERE.

Whatever the case, teams do this, they get a look-see at pitchers and stock pile arms if they think these pitchers have something to offer in the minors. Then, if they dig them, they bring them up to the Bigs.  Maybe Maine does, maybe Maine doesn't.  We will see.

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WHY SWISHER COULD STICK AROUND IN THE BRONX

It’s true, if Nick Swisher, who is in a free agent year continues to not hit, I wouldn’t be surprised if he tries to latch onto the Yankees at a discount price just to continue playing in the Bronx.  Look, there is no question that in Free Agent year, you need to do well, push hard and go out and try and get the biggest contract you can get.  This is Nick Swisher's year for that, and I'm not denying that he shouldn't...but things haven't exactly worked out for him so far this year...it's been going slow for Nick.

So if Nick doesn't dominate in 2012, what happens? Say his season is just mediocre?  Does he just go through the “free agent” motions any way just come back to Yankee Brass and try to hammer out a deal for less money, less years and continue to man right field in New York? I say anything’s possible and this actually makes a lot of sense.

Nick Swisher is loved in the Bronx.  He’s one of the most popular New York Yankees that has been in pinstripes for such a short amount of time that I can recall. Usually guys come up through the system and because they're farm hands, they grow up in front of our eyes and we fall in love…Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Bernie Williams, MarianoRivera.  You know the drill. 

Others come in and just dominate and we love their contributions…Paul O’Neill and Tino Martinez for example.  Nick Swisher’s right there in recent memory and no doubt about it, he’s IS the man.  Look, we even got a chance to interview him here at Bleeding Yankee Blue...you can read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: NICK SWISHER. Plus the Facebook page We want Nick Swisher to host SNL is still as popular as ever on Facebook. The guy is a god in New York and believe me, if he were to come back at a discount, Yankee fans would embrace him more.

Look, Free Agency does a lot of things to a lot of players.  Some move on from their team to a new team and just become super rich and loved in another city.  They took the plunge and took the money.  Some take the money and monster contract and just can’t hack it. Over time, sometimes those players just fade away.  Then you have the guys that just love their surroundings and stay where they can call home for as long as they can. For them, it’s not about the money, but instead their comfort, their love of the fans and the team and nothing more.  They’re thinking is, “I have the best job in the world and play for the best fans.”

Sure, in the back of my mind, I’m kind of hoping Nick understands what New York has become with him in town and hopefully we understand just how great this guy is in pinstripes for the energy of the Bronx.  But don't forget, Swisher has that right to try and get his pay day. That being said, whatever happens, I wish Swish well, whether he says home or leaves us. No doubt we need to pay attention to this one, because he's been a fan favorite since 2009 and a stable in that Yankee clubhouse.  Nick Swisher leaving New York would a sad day for us fans...hey, who knows...maybe he takes the discount... 

 

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