Sunday, December 31, 2006
Renovations Complete
The renovations for BronxBloggers is finally complete, sorta. 90% complete. I created a new header that I will use for a long time now and have a back up header featuring the older Yankees greats in black and white and may beta it in the future.
I threw in a little scripted text on the left commemorating the Yankees Eastern title.
On the right side I changed the sidebar a bit. I added some manual drop down menues cleverly themed with the Yankees front office positions. In the General Manager menu you can find a complete listing of starting rotaions and starting position players dating back to 1901. These two lists will be featured in my upcoming book which I hope to release before the 2008 season.
The only reason why I am 90% complete is because I am still creating a logo which I may redo and I also have the black and white header that I will put on trial that you will (please) vote on.
Tell me what you think and what you would like to see on BronxBloggers. Your idea may be my next project.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 8:52 PM
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Bobby Murcer Recovering from Brain Surgery
Bobby Murcer, the Yankees' broadcaster and former All-Star outfielder, underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in Houston on Thursday afternoon.
A statement released by The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center said that Murcer was "awake and resting comfortably" following the operation.
"The Murcer family would like to thank all those who have extended their well wishes and support," the statement said.
The New York Daily News reported Thursday morning that Murcer, 60, had been suffering headaches and a loss of energy in recent days. An MRI on Christmas Eve revealed the tumor.
"I'm feeling OK and we're just going to have to see what this surgery will bring," Murcer told the newspaper Wednesday night. "I'm hopeful that everything will turn out OK and I'm thankful to have so many friends who are rooting for me."
Murcer was a five-time All-Star during his 17 big-league seasons, with four of those All-Star appearances coming as a member of the Yankees.
For most of the last 23 years, Murcer has worked as a Yankees broadcaster. Murcer was in the radio booth as color analyst from 1983-85, and has been on TV as a color commentator since 1987. He served as the team's assistant general manager in 1986.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 9:19 PM
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
2006 in Review
Taking a look back at the events that made 2006 the year it was for the Yankees...
JanuaryHaving already added Johnny Damon, Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Myers and Ron Villone, the Yankees continued to shape their roster in January by signing Miguel Cairo as their utility infielder. Alex Rodriguez decided to represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic, ending months of speculation. Back in the Dominican Republic, Melky Cabrera was getting valuable experience under pressure, playing in the league's championship series.
FebruaryAs the Yankees prepared to report to Spring Training, Jason Giambi was healthy, happy, and looking forward to a big season in 2006. Carl Pavano was also looking forward to a new year, but his spring began in disappointing fashion, as a back injury kept him from starting camp with the rest of the pitching staff. Pitchers and catchers reported to Legends Field, but the major attraction was Damon, who made his first appearance in Tampa a little earlier than expected.
MarchJoe Torre wasted no time in naming Randy Johnson as the Yankees' Opening Day starter. Five Yankees left the team to participate in the World Baseball Classic, giving some of the team's young prospects a chance to shine in their absence. When the Classic participants returned, Al Leiter pitched in one game for the Yankees before announcing his retirement. Damon got his first look at the other side of the rivalry, playing the Red Sox in an exhibition game. With the season opener just days away, Pavano was finally ready to return to action, only to suffer a bruised backside in his first outing of the spring.
AprilThe Yankees opened the season with offensive fireworks against Barry Zito and the A's. Although the first road trip wasn't a successful one, Derek Jeter lifted the Yankees to a win in the home opener with a dramatic home run. Mike Mussina got off to a hot start in April, showing that even at the age of 37, he still had enough left to get the job done. After getting off to a solid start, Gary Sheffield's season was derailed by a wrist injury, suffered in a collision with Toronto first baseman Shea Hillenbrand.
MayDamon faced his former fan base for the first time, making his return to Fenway Park. Torre earned the 1,000th victory of his managerial tenure in New York, becoming just the fourth man to reach that mark. Wang started to open some eyes with a great game against Oakland, a sign of things to come for the young pitcher. With Sheffield already out of action, the Yankees' outfield suffered another major blow when Hideki Matsui fractured his wrist while trying to make a catch. The injury ended Matsui's consecutive-games streak, leaving the Yanks outfield in shambles. The Yankees also lost Tanyon Sturtze for the season, as the reliever underwent shoulder surgery. Jeter reached a major milestone, collecting the 2,000th hit of his career.
JuneThe Yankees went heavy on pitching in the First-Year Player Draft, selecting USC's Ian Kennedy with their first pick. The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry continued with several classic games, including a 2-1 win on June 7, highlighted by Cabrera's stunning catch. The Yankees' first trip to Washington since 1971 was memorable, but not for the right reasons, as the Nationals handed New York a pair of terrible losses. David Cone and Darryl Strawberry made their first appearance at the Yankees' 60th annual Old Timer's Day, thrilling the Bronx fans. Having endured a miserable month, Alex Rodriguez had a memorable moment with a walk-off home run against the Braves.
JulyFour Yankees players were named to the American League All-Star team, including A-Rod, who continued to be the primary target of the home crowd. Rodriguez responded with a huge performance against the Mets, temporarily silencing his critics. Mariano Rivera earned the save for the AL, his third career All-Star save. But Rivera recorded a bigger milestone the following week, notching his 400th save. A-Rod reached a pair of milestones with one swing, recording his 450th home run and 2,000th hit against Toronto. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, Brian Cashman pulled the trigger on a big deal, adding Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle in a trade with the Phillies. Cashman also swapped Shawn Chacon for Craig Wilson on deadline day.
AugustJohnson joined the milestone parade, recording the 4,500th strikeout of his career. While the Bombers prepared for a five-game showdown in Boston, the Yankees celebrated the future with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Yankee Stadium. Damon, Jeter and Abreu each played a major role in the Yankees' five-game sweep of the Red Sox, giving New York control of the AL East.
SeptemberYoung pitchers such as Jeff Karstens and Darrell Rasner were impressive while starting for New York, giving fans a glimpse of the future. Wang cemented his status as a Cy Young candidate, while Jeter continued to hear his name mentioned in the MVP race. Matsui returned after missing four months, as the Yankees began to get healthy for the postseason. Sheffield's return came next, though he didn't have much time to get broken in at first base. The Yankees captured their ninth straight AL East title, but the remaining members of the championship teams deflected much of the credit.
OctoberThe Yankees' Division Series started off on a good note, as Wang, Jeter and Abreu led New York to a Game 1 win. After a rainout, the Tigers took Game 2, sending the series back to Detroit tied at a game apiece. Kenny Rogers dominated the Yankees in Game 3 while Jaret Wright couldn't get the job done in Game 4 sending the Yankees home for another early offseason. The playoff disappointment led to plenty of speculation regarding Torre's future, but George Steinbrenner decided to bring the manager back for 2007. The day after that announcement was made, the Yankees and the rest of the baseball world were stunned by the tragic death of Cory Lidle, who died in a plane crash. Several Yankees received postseason honors, as Jeter won the Hank Aaron Award and Rivera earned the DHL Delivery Man of the Year award.
NovemberWith an eye toward 2007 and beyond, the Yankees promoted Don Mattingly from hitting coach to bench coach, making him the logical choice to eventually succeed Torre as manager. Jeter continued to rack up the hardware, adding a third straight Gold Glove and first career Silver Slugger to his trophy case. The Yankees picked up Sheffield's option, then parted ways with the slugger, trading him to Detroit for three pitching prospects. The Yankees continued to reshape their roster, dealing Jaret Wright to the Orioles for reliever Chris Britton. Wang finished second in Cy Young voting, while Jeter placed second in the MVP voting. The Yankees finished the month by agreeing to a new two-year deal with Mike Mussina and winning the negotiating rights to Japanese lefty Kei Igawa.
DecemberOn the final day of the Winter Meetings, the Yankees selected Josh Phelps in the Rule 5 Draft, giving them another option at first base. But the day after the meetings ended, the Yankees made their big move, bringing Andy Pettitte back to the Bronx with a one-year, $16 million deal.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 6:57 PM
Thursday, December 21, 2006
The Holy Trinity of Baseball Cards
Disclaimer: The words "Holy Trinity" are not in reference with religion, if you take offense, leave!
And now back to the blog.
I was searching around eBay last night seeing what I can get myself and others for Christmas and I came across a certian card that usually goes for well over $40,000 for a fair conditioned card. I was the first bidder with $30, weak. Five minutes later I get an e-mail stating that I was outbid. Of course.
The card was a 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig #92, one of the most sought after cards in the business. Although the twin copy of the card (#160) is valued more, the #92 remains as one of the three cards in the Holy Trinity not only of the Yankees brand, but of all of baseball. To own this card with a PSA rating of 4 or higher is commendable.
Another card that is in both the eyes of Yankees fans and baseball fans is the most famous of all cards. This card is the second most vaulable card in the market behind the Honus Wagner card. The 1952 Mickey Mantle #311. Although this card is one of the most valuable cards, it is not his rookie card. His actual rookie card was issued with the 1951 Bowmen set, but is not worth as much since Bowmen was not a huge company at the time. Although Topps issued a commemorative reprint set of past Mantle cards including the #311 back in 1996 when they retired #7 from circulation, it did not affect the original cards value and demand. This card can go upwards of $15,000 to $20,000 with a PSA rating of 8.5 or higher.
The final card in the trinity is one of a more recent nature. The 1993 SP Foil Derek Jeter #279 card features Jeter tossing the ball underhand to Randy Velarde (not shown on card) on a silver foil background. The card is worth more than the 1993 Topps Draft Pick and the Bowmen version for reason's I dont understand. This card can be found on eBay for up to $200 for a PSA rating of 9.5 or 10.
You may disagree with the final selection for the Holy Trinity, but these three cards are one of the most respected and wanted cards in the trading business. I have both the Gehrig and Mantle reprints, and if you have any of the originals, we need to talk.
And since we are on the topic of old and worthy baeball cards, the most prized one in my collection is a 1962 Topps Roger Maris #1 worth around $90. This card was produced after his record breaking season.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 6:46 PM
Monday, December 18, 2006
Igawa a Yankee
The Yankees are expected to officially welcome Andy Pettitte back to the Bronx later this week, but he may not be the only left-hander to put on his new pinstripes.
A report in Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun said Kei Igawa, the left-hander whose negotiating rights were won by the Yankees with a posting bid of more than $26 million, had agreed to a five-year, $20 million deal with New York.
The newspaper reports the deal also includes incentives, though the story did not specify what those were.
Igawa will join Pettitte, Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina, Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano as starters on the Yankees, with Igawa and Pavano likely to battle for the fifth spot in the rotation. Johnson is recovering from back surgery, so both pitchers could open the year in the rotation if the Big Unit isn't ready by Opening Day.
Pettitte is expected to arrive in New York on Tuesday or Wednesday for his physical, with a press conference at Yankee Stadium likely to take place on Thursday. The Yankees signed Pettitte to a one-year deal worth $16 million, with a player option for 2008 worth another $16 million.
Igawa had a record of 86-60 and a 3.15 ERA in eight seasons with the Hanshin Tigers in the Central League. He won the league's MVP award in 2003, posting a 20-5 record and 2.80 ERA in 29 starts.
Igawa, who features a 90-mph fastball and an above-average curveball, went 14-9 with a 2.97 ERA last season, striking out 194 batters to tie for the league lead. It was the third time he won the Central League's strikeout title, also doing so in 2002 and 2004.
The Yankees won Igawa's negotiating rights on Nov. 28, outbidding several other teams, including the Mets. New York and Arn Tellem, who represents Igawa, had until midnight ET on Dec. 28 to come to an agreement, or Igawa would have been returned to Hanshin.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 11:10 PM
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Melky Leaving?
Melky Cabrera, one of our most promising youngsters, may fall victim to Steinbrenner's Syndrome. Symptoms of this ailment include trade rumors and possible team switching at the start of a career. Steinbrenner's Syndrom has also affected such stars as Alfonso Soriano and Nick Johnson. Both have become notable stars for their new teams.
Melky Cabrera has already made a name for himself winning the "This Year in Baseball Awards" for Play of the Year robbing Manny Ramirez of a sure home run in a crucial game.
(shown)Even though Melky is a spare player, he is better than Bernie Williams. Williams is expected to be the back up outfielder in 2007, however, a younger set of legs will do better.
And who do we want for Melky? As I see it, we lose no matter what deal we make. Wether we trade him for a set up reliever or a first baseman. Sadly, we need both.
Our bullpen was awful costing the Yankees many games during the regular season. As for a first baseman, I don't know. We had two, one is now in the DH position, the other we traded off. Jason Giambi could stay at first base and during spring training, groom him for that position and place Williams in the DH role. The Williams retirement will have no effect on the starting roster IF we keep Cabrera. Damon, Matsui, and Abreu roam the outfield and Cabrera could share the DH role with Abreu.
If we lose both Cabrera and Williams, first base would be an issue filled possibly by Adam LaRoche, otherwise we get the Pirates set up man Mike Gonzalez.
Ok, one last scenario, we lose Melky, Williams, and do not get Gonzalez. What now? Just two people in the minors named Josh Phelps
(.328, 5, 26) and Andy Philips
(.281, 7, 29).
Posted by Steve Kenul at 5:22 PM
Saturday, December 16, 2006
I Spoil Myself
Thanks to my sponsor
BetUs.com, I have been able to treat myself to some early Christmas gifts.
One of the things I got was a program that I will put into use for the 2007 season. This is an automated scorekeeping program that will enable me to not only input a scorecard as the game is running, but also produce reports and stats that I will use through out the season and become more of a stat based blog instead of the constant news reports.
Besides this program that I can't really use until April 3 of next year, I decided to get myself a few things on eBay.
Everyone loves a little something something from their favorite stars, players, or what not. Me, I like autographs.
I already have a few sigs from some old-time players including Don Larson, Phil Ruzzito, Enos Slaughter, Don Mattingly and Reggie Jackson. That wasn't enough, in my books.
So I got ten more. Ten 8x11 signed photos of Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Paul O'Neill, Bernie Williams, and a few other that I can't remember off the top of my head.
I lost bids for an autographed Darryl Strawberry 1996 World Series autographed baseball and a Melky Cabrera autographed baseball bat.
Another thing that I purchased on eBay was an XM Radio Myfi set. I always wanted one of those. I had XM radio in the past, but not a Myfi.
EBay wasn't enough for me. Living in New York means more stores carry Yankees merchandise and more merchandise means I get to splurge.
I went to a local sports store and purchased four Yankees photos in stunning clarity and quality. A photo of Mariano Rivera in mid stride, Don Mattingly hitting a ball, Jeter pumping his fist in the air, and Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio standing side by side.
I also had to get the 5 DVD set of vintage Yankees World Series films which completes my Yankees DVD collection.
And the most unique item I saw, and purchased, is some infield dirt from Yankee Stadium encased in a coin authenticated by MLB.com
So that's my story. I am spoiled in Yankees merchandise and they are prospering with their profits.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 4:29 PM
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Four Yankees Take Home TYIB Awards
Derek Jeter and Chien-Ming Wang may have placed second in the American League's MVP and Cy Young vote, respectively, but the two Yankees topped the vote in MLB.com's fifth annual This Year in Baseball Awards.
Jeter was named the top hitter in the Majors, beating out 11 of the game's top sluggers, including AL MVP Justin Morneau and NL MVP Ryan Howard.
Wang was voted the game's top starter, edging out Cy Young winners Johan Santana and Brandon Webb, as well as nine other starting pitchers.
Two other Yankees captured TYIB awards as well, as Mariano Rivera earned his third consecutive Closer of the Year Award and Melky Cabrera captured Play of the Year honors.
Jeter ranked second in the American League with a .343 batting average and 118 runs scored, fourth with a .417 on-base percentage and sixth with 34 stolen bases. Jeter also homered 14 times and drove in 97 runs out of the No. 2 spot in New York's lineup.
"To really appreciate the kind of work he does, you have to see him on a regular basis," Yankees manager Joe Torre said last month. "We've had players who have come over from different organizations, and after a month or so, they've come to me and said, 'I always knew he was a good player, but I never realized how good he was.'"
Wang tied Santana for the big-league lead with 19 victories and ranked among the league leaders in several other categories. His .760 winning percentage was third in the AL, his 218 innings pitched were fifth and his two complete games ranked sixth. Wang's 3.63 ERA was eighth in the league. The Yankees went 22-11 in Wang's 33 starts.
Although his strikeout totals paled in comparison to Santana's, Wang made up for it by inducing 33 double plays this season, the second-highest total in the AL behind Jake Westbrook's 36.
Rivera, who also earned the DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award last month, captured Closer of the Year honors for the third time in the three years it has been awarded. He beat out nine of the game's best closers, including Boston's Jonathan Papelbon, San Diego's Trevor Hoffman and Francisco Rodriguez of the Angels.
Rivera notched 34 saves in 37 opportunities, posting a 1.80 ERA. He struck out 55 batters over 75 innings pitched while allowing 61 hits.
Rivera also earned the save in the American League's 3-2 win in the 77th All-Star Game. The save was Rivera's third in the Midsummer Classic, tying him with Dennis Eckersley for the most in Major League history.
Rivera posted solid numbers both on the road and at Yankee Stadium, where he converted all 20 of his save chances with a miniscule 1.51 ERA in 32 games. In 31 games away from the Bronx, Rivera struck out 31 batters while walking just four.
Cabrera joins Jeter as a recipient of Play of the Year, as the shortstop won the award in 2004 for his dive into the stands.
Cabrera didn't go into the stands for his gem, but the rookie did leap over the wall in left-center field at Yankee Stadium, robbing Manny Ramirez of a game-tying home run in the eighth inning of a 2-1 win over the Red Sox on June 6.
VIDEO with a little extra footage including a Posada strike out and a Rivera save.
"Probably as good a catch as I've ever seen," said Bernie Williams. "Given the situation of the game and just how valuable his play was in the outcome of the game, it was as good as I've ever seen."
Other TYIB winners were Jim Leyland (Manager), Francisco Liriano (Rookie), Joel Zumaya (Setup Man), Albert Pujols (Single-Game Performance), Sean Casey (Blooper), Mike Lowell (Defense) and Endy Chavez (Postseason Moment).
Posted by Steve Kenul at 6:09 PM
Monday, December 11, 2006
More Changes
Ok, the new header that I have added not too long ago will undergo its first renovation. With the return of Andy Pettitte and the Bobby Abreu mistake, both Kyle Farnsworth and Scott Proctor will be replaced.
The bandwagon will change too. Actually, let me explain the bandwagon. Calling the section of the sidebar "links" is too damn dull, so to make it fit the theme of the blog, and the "fans" (I'm quite sure there are real fans out there) of the team, all links will be referred to as the bandwagon. What's going to change with that is once I can get back to my old computer, I am going to personalize each link and make it more fitting with the blog, no oversixed blue boxes, no mixed-matched boxes, none of that crap, nice fitting buttons.
Another thing that I am considering is the addition of a segment that I like to call "Relive the Season". Basically it's a look back at past seasons of the Yankees. I don't know how I am going to do it, but it will be done and you will enjoy it.
My book, aka Project PATR, aka pile of papers tossed aside; will be back into my work schedule. Good thing for back up notes, the original papers got lost in the move.
And finally, contests. I've had them in the past and I will continue to have them. Only this time, no caption contests, I didn't get too much feedback on them. The next contest will feature the header (study it), and a treasure hunt like contest. Once I can decifer the thoughts for it in my head, I will explain. Bottom line is, you win
BlogExplosion credits. Sorry BlogMaddians.
I leave you with a quote from Joe DiMaggio:
"I thank the Lord everyday for making my homepage Bronx Bloggers..."
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:05 PM
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Pettite is Back
A familiar face is on his way back to the Bronx.
Andy Pettitte and the Yankees reached a one-year, $16 million agreement on Friday, adding the left-hander to New York's rotation for 2007.
The contract also includes a player option for 2008, also worth $16 million.
"We have preliminarily agreed to terms with Andy Pettitte on a contract to pitch for the New York Yankees, pending the passing of a physical examination," general manager Brian Cashman said in a statement. "At this time, I will have no further comment."
Pettitte joins a rotation which includes Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina, Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano. The Yankees also have the negotiating rights to Japanese left-hander Kei Igawa, who would likely battle Pavano for the final spot in the rotation if he signs.
"I think it's exciting," Mussina said. "We all know he can pitch here; he had great success here. It will be good to have him back."
Houston had been offering Pettitte a one-year, $12 million deal, and had apparently decided not to go higher than that for the left-hander. Thursday, it appeared that the Astros had a trade in place with the White Sox to land Jon Garland, a sign that they had decided to move on without Pettitte. The trade with Chicago fell through, but the message had been sent.
"We told the Astros we would do the same deal at $14 million," Randy Hendricks, Pettitte's agent, said in an e-mail. "They have been stuck on $12 million and essentially said take it or leave it. The aborted Garland trade proves they had no intention of increasing their offer. So there was nothing more to wait for except a decision by Andy, which he made this afternoon."
Pettitte just completed a three-year, $31.5 million contract with Houston, going 37-26 with a 3.38 ERA for the Astros. Pettitte spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Yankees, going 149-78 in the regular-season and four World Series rings.
Pettitte went 14-13 with a 4.20 ERA in 2006, leading the Majors with 35 starts. Pettitte threw 214 1/3 innings, the second consecutive season in which he has topped the 200-inning mark.
After a poor first half in which he want 7-9 with a 5.28 ERA, Pettitte went 7-4 with a 2.80 after the All-Star break last season.
"It's been a brutal several days trying to come to this decision," Pettitte told KRIV-TV in Houston. "It's been extremely difficult. That's really all I can say right now.
"It's been an emotional day. It's been an emotional couple of days. Tomorrow I am going to try and set something up and get everybody [in the media] together, and we will talk about everything, and maybe I can be thinking a little clearer than I am right now."
Pettitte will be addressing the media on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. ET in Houston.
The addition of Pettitte will also begin the speculation that Roger Clemens could join him back in the Bronx later this season.
"Way too early to tell," Hendricks said.
Clemens and Pettitte have been teammates since 1999, playing five years together in New York and the last three in Houston. Clemens has a 10-year personal services contract with the Astros waiting for him when he retires, but the idea of pitching with Pettitte and rejoining former teammates such as Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera might be enticing to the seven-time Cy Young winner.
"I think there's a strong relationship between the Astros and Roger Clemens, whether he plays for us or not next year," Astros GM Tim Purpura said. "With his future being involved with us on personal services basis, that relationship will always be strong. I hope that doesn't change."
Regardless, Pettitte adds another experienced arm to the Yankees' rotation. The left-hander had no trouble handling the pressure of October, either, winning 13 games in the postseason for New York.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:57 AM
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Winter Meetings
The winter meetings have come and gone.
Wait, we had winter meetings? Why didn't I hear anything about it?
The reason why you didn't hear anthing about it is because the Yankees were silent. So silent in fact it seemed GM Brain Cashman forgot to show up and start spending money.
No contracts were handed out, no deals proposed, only a free buffet eaten by Cashman.
However there is one rumor circulating around the empire.
The possible return of a former pitcher.
Andy Pettite.
A big game pitcher for the Yankees in their World Series run back in 1999-2000 has decided either retirement, or coming back with one of two teams; the Yankees or the current team he is with, the Houston Astros.
The Yankees and all Yankees fans would love to see Andy back in pinstripes and bolster their weakening pitching rotation.
Pettite once belonged in a rotation consisting of Roger Clemens, David Cone, David Wells, and Orlando Hernandez.
If he does return, the Yankees may reclaim their reputaion of dominant pitching along side Mussina, Wang, and possibly Pavano. I didn't mention Johnson because he is not Johnson anymore.
Cashman, open that checkbook and let our hero back.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 4:57 PM
Monday, December 04, 2006
Yankees Christmas List
Dear Santa,
We are the New York Yankees and we have been a good team this year. We have had our bad times like when we all made fun of Alex Rodriguez and Joe Torre's job was at stake, but other than that, we have been good this year.
For Christmas, I would like the following:
One (1) first baseman. He must be agile and be able to catch a ball that will short hop or fly over his head.
Four (4) more outfielders to confuse fans and make a mess out of the scorecard.
Two (2) former managers to disgrace as base coaches.
One (1) extra Carl Pavano, because we all know he will be injured again, so a spare one will be of use.
One (1) back for Randy Johnson. I don't know how much good it'll be for him, but it's the holiday for giving.
Three (3) set up relievers, the ones we have don't work as well.
Zero (0) sophomore jinxes for our rookies, we need them because Mr. Steinbrenner has a bad habit of signing old players.
Five (5) starting pitchers. Scott Proctor should not be one of them.
One (1) cool nickname for one of our players. A-Fraud was good, but it got old.
One (1) new announcer. Even Yankees fans hate John Sterling's "Yankees win, theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Yankees win!" call.
More real fans, it pains me to know that people like us because we either are winners, or they think Derek Jeter is "hawt".
More money, who knows how much Steinbrenner will spend this year.
Less people whining that we "buy" our championships. I haven't seen a receipt lately.
Less Yankees publications, it'll make my weekly trip to the bookstore a lot faster.
Real champagne in the locker room for winning something, sparkling cider is very sticky.
A tenth (10th) division title, I know it's much, but the upgrads are worth it.
AND...
A 27th World Series title, we haven't won once since the millenium started.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 6:35 PM
New Look
Most of my readers may have noticed, and if you haven't, go see an optometrist, that I have once again changed the look on my site.
When this site made its debut back in September of last year, it was boring. White background, no fancy headers, no fancy colors, nothing, an endless vortez of white. That was when we were known as Baseball Today for Tomorrow.
During the Baseball Psychic days we switched to a black background and that's when I started playing with headers. I created this monsterous header, with a dark and mysterious look to it. Baseball isn't dark or mysterious. Well, maybe mysterious to those who don't understand the sport.
After the psychic left, we switched to Yankeeography. Having a public site called Yankeeography was trying to rob a car in daylight. It's possible, but one slip, and your busted. Yankees fans know Yankeeography to be a documentary about past and present Yankees players featured on the YES network and mass produced into four DVD sets, all which I own.
So to prevent any legal issues, we came up with a name that will stick for a long time, Bronx Bloggers. A spin on words as the Yankees are known as the Bronx Bombers.
Bronx Bloggers went through a few designs, with the first one being a Yankees jersey, that lasted about a week till I got help from a webdesigner and she created the general design we still have today. The headers were all my doings; from the Yankeeography logo, to the tacky Bronx Bloggers on the freize, to the present one.
The frieze version seemed to cluttered and gave a messy appearance on the site.
The new one is much better. I pictured all the current Yankees players except for one; at three in the morning Bobby Abreu never came to mind and will be added shortly. The players fade to the background giving us a nice even flow and a clean look, one that will last for a long time.
If you like the current header, shoot me a comment.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 5:17 PM
Saturday, December 02, 2006
2007 Schedule Released
The Yankees front office has released the schedule for the 2007 season. Opening day is set for April 2 at Yankee Stadium when they host the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Logo coming soon.
Yankees first series against the Boston Red Sox begins on the 20th of April at Fenway Park and lasts for three days.
Interleague this year is different than the past. Instead of squaring off against their National League East counterparts, they are playing a team in each division.
Mets @ Yankee Stadium (June 15-17)
Diamondbacks @ Yankee Stadium (June 12-14)
Pirates @ Yankee Stadium (June 8-10)
Giants @ PACBEL Park (June 22-24)
Rockies @ Coors Field (June 19-21)
Mets @ Shea Stadium (May 18-20)
Tickets and ticket plans are still available at
Yankees.com. Most plans do not include premium games. This years premium games include Opening Day, Old Timers Day, and all series against the Red Sox, Anaheim Angels, Detroit Tigers, and the New York Mets. Tickets to those games can be sold separately if available.
The Quest for 27 continues...
Posted by Steve Kenul at 2:41 PM
Bobby Murcer, the Yankees' broadcaster and former All-Star outfielder, underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in Houston on Thursday afternoon. 
I was searching around eBay last night seeing what I can get myself and others for Christmas and I came across a certian card that usually goes for well over $40,000 for a fair conditioned card. I was the first bidder with $30, weak. Five minutes later I get an e-mail stating that I was outbid. Of course.
Another card that is in both the eyes of Yankees fans and baseball fans is the most famous of all cards. This card is the second most vaulable card in the market behind the Honus Wagner card. The 1952 Mickey Mantle #311. Although this card is one of the most valuable cards, it is not his rookie card. His actual rookie card was issued with the 1951 Bowmen set, but is not worth as much since Bowmen was not a huge company at the time. Although Topps issued a commemorative reprint set of past Mantle cards including the #311 back in 1996 when they retired #7 from circulation, it did not affect the original cards value and demand. This card can go upwards of $15,000 to $20,000 with a PSA rating of 8.5 or higher.
The final card in the trinity is one of a more recent nature. The 1993 SP Foil Derek Jeter #279 card features Jeter tossing the ball underhand to Randy Velarde (not shown on card) on a silver foil background. The card is worth more than the 1993 Topps Draft Pick and the Bowmen version for reason's I dont understand. This card can be found on eBay for up to $200 for a PSA rating of 9.5 or 10.
You may disagree with the final selection for the Holy Trinity, but these three cards are one of the most respected and wanted cards in the trading business. I have both the Gehrig and Mantle reprints, and if you have any of the originals, we need to talk.
Melky Cabrera, one of our most promising youngsters, may fall victim to Steinbrenner's Syndrome. Symptoms of this ailment include trade rumors and possible team switching at the start of a career. Steinbrenner's Syndrom has also affected such stars as Alfonso Soriano and Nick Johnson. Both have become notable stars for their new teams.
Kokoyaku
