Highlights from Cashman's interview on The Michael Kay Show (from NYYFans.com). Bernie Williams - An invite was extended to him for spring training out of respect not lack of respect. The Yankees have tremendous respect and love for Bernie but there is no roster spot for him right now. The strong offensive line-up will not afford much pinch hitting opportunities and it is believed Bernie will not be very effective with very limited, sporadic at-bats. The choice boils down to Bernie or Melky; if Bernie is on the team Melky will get so few at-bats that he might end up in Scranton. Cashman personally thinks Bernie does have enough left in the tank to be very effective, however, the Yankee roster does not have a spot that would afford him the opportunity to do so. He said that the whole process has been very hard on him, Torre, Mattingly, every one who loves Bernie - but he (Cashman) has an obligation to put the best team on the field to win now (2007) and in the future, which really restricts flexibility. Mo - He was surprised at Mo's quotes but spoke to him yesterday and feels everything is fine. He does not plan to negotiate contracts until the end of the season - not out of disrespect for any player but because there are several contracts that are due and it can open a can of worms to work on one expiring contract and not on another. If The Yanks want a player, as they most assuredly will want Mo, and a player wants to play for The Yankees then "...The Yankees are not afraid to write a check". Sometimes a player does not want to remain with The Yankees (and he referenced Andy Pettitte for whom The Yanks offered more money than The Astros) and then it doesn't get done. A-Rod - He agrees Torre does not need to "sit down" with him (because of batting him 8th in the playoffs). He said the two spoke about that last year and are fine. A-Rod is very well liked in the clubhouse and the Jeter-A-Rod stuff is really a non-issue (although he did admit there was issues with them in the past - pre-Yankee I think). He had difficulty choosing the right words (his characterization) but noted that the press coverage and fan perception that this guy is not a winner and is not a very good person is baseless and he is and has been at a loss as to why this perception is out there. Torre - Torre does not have to "win it all" to keep his job. He has to do the best he can do with what he has. The reason The Yankees haven't won in a few years is lack of pitching - plain and simple. He noted that no one wonders if "Jeter forgot how to win..." because he hasn't won a ring in several years; or if Coach K has forgotten how to win because his team is doing poorly this year. -------- The Yankees are in great hands.
To think Mo is even close to washed up is nonsense, IMO. Like 10P said, he defies logic. Not only has he not downgraded over the past few seasons, he has improved. Yes, closers have a shorter shelf life, but Mo is the king of the exception to the rule. For years I said people would eventually catch up to his cutter, and yet no one can. Sure, someday the time will come to turn the page. I just can't see that time coming this year, or even next. If Farnsworth can stay healthy, that will preserve Mo even further this season. (As long as Joe wakes up and starts resting guys when necessary.) Speaking of Joe, why does he need to justify his movement of ARod? EVERYONE, including the same reporters who are now questioning the move, were demanding that exact situation back in October. Now everyone knows I am not a Torre fan, but come on. ARod hits like shit when the leaves change, this is nothing new. F'n reporters just stirring shit already. I am sick of hearing about his love camp though. It's like watching Herm Edwards manage a baseball team. Hey Joe, I know you have man-love for your guys, but you need to right this ship. Nothing short of a title this year is going to make anyone happy, and The Boss is going to can you if you don't deliver, and quite possibly, even if you do.
I don't think it's a "love camp", and it's different than football. Herm's player friendly camps hurt the team because of how important conditioning and things like that are to the game. It's different with baseball, especially with a veteran team like this. Spring Training is far less important than a training camp.
Don't get me wrong, I know they are vastly different situations, but I am just tired of Torre. The only guy that I see consistently play well for him is Jeter, and that's more to Jeter's own credit, than to Torre's influence. I'm not saying he needs to be Billy Martin, but he does need to light a fire under some asses this season.
http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1171518894267770.xml&coll=1 http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...215,0,1516743.column?coll=ny-sports-headlines
BP ranks the Yankees system 4th in MLB. https://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=5870 On the 20-80 scouting scale, Yankees got a 74 in pitching (best in the game). Incredible. Need to improve offensively in the next draft.
I knew Mussina was my favorite Yankee for a reason. http://yankees.lohudblogs.com/2007/02/15/pavano-gets-no-breaks-from-mussina/ He said exactly what every player and coach in that locker room feels.
Moose has not always been my favorite player, mostly because of his shell he was stuck in for so long, but since really breaking out of it last year, he is really showing himself to be a leader, and a good voice for the team. This is the second time he's called out Pavano. That ass better wake up. He's a jackoff, and he doesn't even realize it, or maybe he just doesn't give a damn. Anyone want to guess how long he'll be with the team? I'm giving him until the end of April.
The future owner of the Yankees arrested for DUI. :rofl: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2767251
u forgot Cone jerking off in the bullpen and vince coleman and keith hernandez blowing guys in the clubhouse
You'd think the Mets would have enough F-ups that you wouldn't have to pick the two that Steinbrenner signed long after the Mets gave up on them.
Excellent point. They brought up Cone too... LMAO Can't wait until this lush takes over the Skanks and starts preaching "budget" to stuff his pockets.
