Sliding Into HomeSliding Into HomeA New York Yankees blog providing the most up-to-date information on the net. 
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Boras Still Hasn't Recovered From A-Rod's Pounding
2007-12-30 11:16:00 From the NY Daily News:Several weeks after Alex Rodriguez broke free from Scott Boras’ influence and personally talked Hank Steinbrenner into rethinking his Yankee opt-out ultimatum, a lingering media perception suggests that it was all some clever plan contrived to get A-Rod his $300 million and repair his battered image. Perhaps A-Rod has only himself to blame for such cynicism that surrounds his every move. But baseball insiders insist the hard feelings on A-Rod’s part toward Boras are genuine, that in taking over the negotiations himself he accused his agent of betrayal by misleading him about the level of interest from the Yankees. Likewise, they say that Boras is reeling from the ego blow A-Rod dealt him by telling the world on “60 Minutes” he’s not even speaking to his agent these days.I was one of the people who felt all of this may have been the work of Boras, but I'm glad I was wrong. Boras being humbled is good for baseball, maybe he won't be so greedy from no...
Canseco to Pen 'Juiced' Sequel
2007-12-29 22:49:00 From the NY Daily News:It has been a most foul holiday season for Bud Selig and Major League Baseball in the wake of the Mitchell Report's release. But the 20-month investigation into the sport's steroid culture — which outed Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte as having used performance enhancers — may pale in comparison to what former Bash Brother Jose Canseco has in store for Opening Day, 2008. According to his attorney, Canseco has finalized a deal to publish the sequel to his 2005 best-seller "Juiced : Wild Times, Rampant ‘Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big," and is targeting the new book's release date to coincide with the start of next season. Happy New Year, Bud. "We just signed the deal. ‘Vindicated' is still the working title. It's dependent on us delivering a manuscript by January 11. It's up to us now to finish up and get it to them," Robert Saunooke, Canseco's attorney, told the Daily News. Saunooke did not disclose the publisher, but said it would no... More About: Sequel
This Week In Yankees History
2007-12-29 21:09:00 Dec 30th- January 5th December 30th1927- Yankees released INF Ray Morehardt and P Joe Giard, they both retired.1930- Former Yankees minor league INF Milt Graff was born. Graff was traded by the Yankees in February of 1957 in the Bobby Shantz trade with the A’s. He was unable to break into the crowded Yankee INF.1940- The Yankees swap P Monte Pearson (1936-1940) to the Reds for INF Dan Lang and $20,000 cash. Lang will never play for the Yankees.1995- Free agent P Kenny Rogers is signed by the Yankees to a 4-yr contract. The Gambler went 18-15 in 62 games for the Yankees. On November 7, 1997 he was traded by the Yankees, along with cash to the A’s for a player to be named later. The Oakland sent INF Scott Brosius to the Yankees to complete the trade in November.2002- Citing this will probably be his last MLB season, 40-year old P Roger Clemens agrees to a $10.1 million, 1-yr deal with the Yankees. The 19-season veteran, who has won the Cy Young Award 6 times, is 7 victories ... More About: History , Week
McNamee Adds Prominent Lawyer to Legal Team
2007-12-29 13:00:00 From the NY Times: Richard D. Emery is a prominent New York lawyer who has made his mark in the area of civil liberties. Two months ago, he prevailed in a case against New York City’s Department of Correction, which agreed to settle a lawsuit that Emery had filed on behalf of tens of thousands of nonviolent inmates who had been wrongly strip-searched. On Friday, Emery revealed he was preparing to take on a new, and quite different, opponent — Roger Clemens, the 45-year-old pitcher who now finds his once-certain Hall of Fame career jeopardized by the Mitchell report. The report directly links Clemens to the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Emery has been asked by the lawyer for Brian McNamee, Clemens’s accuser and former trainer, to assist in defending McNamee against allegations that he lied to Mitchell’s investigators about Clemens’s use of steroids and human growth hormone. The lawyer for McNamee, Earl Ward, said Emery had been recruited because he has parti... More About: Lawyer , Legal , Team
Jim Leyritz Arrested on Suspicion of DUI and Vehicular Homicide
2007-12-28 22:18:00 From WPLG Miami:FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- A former major league baseball player left the Broward County Jail Friday after an 11-hour stay after being arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide.Police said Jim Leyritz was behind the wheel of a Ford SUV that collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Southwest Seventh Avenue and Second Street in the Himmarshee area of downtown Fort Lauderdale.The impact caused the other car to roll over. Police identified the female driver as Fredia Ann Veitch of Plantation. She was ejected from the vehicle and died after being taken to Broward General Medical Center, police said. Veitch was returning from her job at the Original Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale. Police said she is the mother of two children, ages 5 and 13 years old.I always liked Leyritz, very sad story. My best wishes go out to the family of the victim. More About: Arrested , Homicide
The Squirrel Has A Baseball Card...
2007-12-28 08:11:00 Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the 2007 Topps "Poley Walnuts" card:This is not a joke, this is a real Topps baseball card, it's card number SQ1. You can buy it on Ebay, just search for "Poley Walnuts"... Sadly, I want one. More About: Card , Baseball , Squirrel
Can The Yanks Get Santana Without Giving Up Hughes?
2007-12-28 06:51:00 From MSNBC:Part of the problem is the size of Santana ’s soon-to-be-negotiated contract extension. When you pay that kind of price, you don’t want to surrender the elite of your farm system, too. The Twins also find themselves in a position where they need big-league-ready talent, and not prospects who will pay off a few years down the road. So the right match has yet to be struck, although it will be soon enough. (It says here the Twins should grab a Yankees’ package of Ian Kennedy and Melky Cabrera if Phil Hughes is off the table.)But the fact is, the Twins are backed into a corner and have to deal — and it is up to new general manager/longtime Ryan assistant Bill Smith to maximize the return. But Smith has a tough act to follow, as Ryan constructed rosters that posted four 90-win seasons and four division titles in five years 2002-2006.It may just be speculation on the part of the writer, but if the Yankees can somehow acquire Santana without giving up Hughes it will be a ... More About: Giving
Yankees To Cano: No More Winter Ball
2007-12-28 06:36:00 I must give props to Ben K. at River Ave. Blues for posting this.From ESPN:ORLANDO -- The New York Yankees told second baseman Robinson Cano to stop playing winter ball, his Dominican Republic team told ESPNdeportes.com on Thursday. "The Yankees sent a letter to Cano to stop playing, but they didn't offer many details or reasons," said Alfredo Griffin, the Estrellas Orientales general manager.Cano told Estrellas teammates, however, that the Yankees didn't want him to aggravate a calf injury that is still healing.I like this move by the Yankees, the last thing you want is your starting second baseman injuring himself in a meaningless winter ball game, especially if he has nagging injury. More About: Winter , Ball
My Top 10 Moments Of 2007
2007-12-27 10:12:00 10. May 1st at Arlington Stadium: Phil Hughes “No-Hits" The Rangers – Yankees rookie phenom Phil Hughes throws 6.1 innings of no-hit baseball, while striking out six and walking three. Hughes was forced to leave the game in the 7th, when he pulled his hamstring throwing a curve ball. The Yankees went on to win the game 10-1.9. September 26th at Tropicana Field: Yankees Clinch The Wild Card - The Yankees beat the Devil Rays 12-4 behind six strong innings on the mound from Chien Ming-Wang who won his 19th game of the season. The Yankee bats were led by Robinson Cano who was 2 for 5 with a homer and five runs batted in.8. September 5th vs. the Mariners at the Stadium: Alex Rodriguez Hits Two Home Runs In The 7th Inning - The first homer was hit off Mariner’s starter Jarrod Washburn, and tied the game at two. The second, off relief pitcher Brandon Morrow, extended the Yankee 7-2 lead to 9-2. Another significant part of this night was that it was Joba Chamberlain’s first Major ... More About: Moments
Dayn Perry 10 Impact Rookies For The 2008 Season
2007-12-26 22:32:00 The only Yankee on the list was Joba Chamberlain, he was number two. People may be wondering where Phil Hughes is on this list, he apparently threw too many innings to be considered a rookie next season.2. Joba Chamberlain, SP, Yankees, 22Chamberlain's already made a splash at the highest level, but his rookie status is still intact. Down the stretch he was a highly valuable reliever for the Yankees, but in 2008 he'll be in the rotation. He boasts a devastating fastball and one of the filthiest sliders you'll ever see. The concerns are his injury history and that, after pitching in relief for so long, he may have lost his feel for his changeup. He'll need to refine that third pitch if he's to thrive as a starter, but he should do that in time. The Yanks need Chamberlain to transition in a hurry, and he's got the stuff and makeup to do just that.For the rest of the list go here. More About: Rookies , Season , Perry , Rookie
Prior Signs With Padres
2007-12-26 22:18:00 Buster Olney reports:Mark Prior, cut loose by the Cubs earlier this month, has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres .Prior receives a one-year major league deal with a $1 million base salary. The contract, which doesn't include an option, contains incentive clauses that could take the total value of the deal to over $3 million.I really don't understand why the Yankees didn't sign Prior to a similar deal. I well aware of his history of injury problems, but for a million bucks it was worth the risk. If Mike Mussina, or one of the rookies, turn out to be ineffective this season the Yankees will have to go out and trade for a starting pitcher, a starting pitcher they could have locked up for only $1M. More About: Signs
Yanks Recieve $24M Luxury Tax Bill
2007-12-26 19:13:00 From the NY Daily NewsAfter receiving a $24 million luxury tax bill at the end of last week, the Bombers really were a $232 million letdown.Major League Baseball clubs adopted a team payroll threshold during the collective bargaining sessions in 2002 in an effort to contain costs; each time a team exceeds the league-wide figure, its tax rate increases as punishment. The Yankees have been over the limit all five seasons and this year paid a 40% tax on all salary above $148 million. That means that when the club gave Roger Clemens a prorated $28 million deal at midseason - that equaled about $18 million in salary - the Bombers actually ended up paying him $25 million for the 18 starts during which he went 6-6 with a 4.18 ERA. Clemens then lasted only 2-1/3 innings in his lone playoff start before being named in the Mitchell Report. "I can't imagine that was the return they were looking for on that deal," said one executive from another AL club who requested anonymity. "If his postsea... More About: Luxury , Bill , Reci
Clemens' Attoney To Launch Probe
2007-12-26 18:31:00 From ESPNRoger Clemens ' lead attorney told The New York Times that his firm is launching its own investigation into allegations the seven-time Cy Young winner used steroids and human growth hormone."We are convinced the conclusions in Mitchell's report are wrong and are investigating the findings ourselves," Rusty Hardin told The Times. "At this stage we have uncovered a lot of logical people who we thought Mitchell was going to talk to but never talked to him or his investigators. That's troubling."Hardin declined to tell The Times the names of the individuals he was referring to.Clemens will tell his side of the story in a CBS "60 Minutes" interview with Mike Wallace that will air Jan. 6. Hardin told The Times that Clemens will answer other reporters' questions after that interview."After 60 Minutes airs he will be sitting down to answer questions directly to members of the media," Hardin told the newspaper. "We haven't figured out where it will happen but he will answer ques... More About: Launch , Probe , Robe
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
2007-12-25 09:36:00 I hope everyone has a very happy, and healthy holiday. More About: Christmas , Merry Christmas , Merry
McNamee responds to Clemens
2007-12-25 00:54:00 From the NY Daily News:Brian McNamee hasn't talked to Roger Clemens since the personal trainer's explosive testimony in the Mitchell Report fingered the Rocket as an abuser of steroids and human growth hormone.But McNamee, whose work Clemens credited for years as one of the reasons he was able to dominate into his 40s, would like to one day discuss the matter with Clemens, McNamee's lawyer, Earl Ward, said Sunday. "Brian would be open to it, certainly," Ward said in a telephone interview. "I don't know if Roger would. But Brian would be open to it because he knows what he's been saying all along is honest and truthful and he'd want Roger to understand he was obligated to tell the truth. "The bottom line is he did not want to implicate a friend and a baseball icon in a steroid scandal," Ward added. "He was asked to tell the truth and he has. That's always been his position since Day 1."This soap opera just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it? Sadly this is a story tha...
New Yankee Stadium construction site aerial photo
2007-12-24 08:45:00 Here is the main page for the new Yankee Stadium updates. More About: Photo , Construction , Site
Remember Dan Naulty?
2007-12-23 20:12:00 You probably don’t, I don't. He pitched for the Yankees during the 1999 season, and was 1-0 with a 4.38 ERA in 33 games. He also is a former steroid, HGH, and amphetamine user, and was one of the few players who spoke to George Mitchell for the Mitchell Report. Today in the Daily News he describes the story of his road to the Majors, his PED use, and struggles he faced. Here's the article.
Clemens Issues Video Denial
2007-12-23 19:52:00 The article about the video is can be found hereHere's the videoNothing earth-shattering, but he seemed sincere. Although anyone could seem like they were telling the truth when they know their legacy is on the line. I just hope he's innocent. More About: Video , Issues , Denial , Issue , Clemens
Yankees Plan To Use Joba As A Stater
2007-12-23 11:34:00 ... most of the time. Kat O'Brien reports:An ESPN.com report Friday said, "Chamberlain is likely to start next season in the Yankees ' bullpen as part of the team's effort to limit his innings" if the other five starters are healthy and performing. However, Cashman, Newman, senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner and pitching coach Dave Eiland said Friday that the plan is to have Chamberlain in the rotation."We plan to have him go into spring training as a starter," Cashman said.Said Steinbrenner: "At this point, we're all planning to ... it's everybody's plan to start him as a starter, and that's Joba's preference, too. He said it on ESPN. I know he'd do anything and give it his best, but that's his preference. As far as me and Cashman and Newman and [Damon] Oppenheimer, I think we all want him in the rotation."It's possible that Chamberlain could spend some time in the bullpen to help cap his innings, Newman said. That's not in the early-season plans, though."I'm not e... More About: Plan
This Week in Yankees History
2007-12-23 09:09:00 Dec. 23rd - Dec. 29th-December 23rd1929- Former Yankee pitcher AL “Bozo” Cicotte (1957) was born.(1929-1982) Al was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1948. He went 2-2 in 20 games with 2 saves for the Yankees in 1957. On May 14, 1958, he was purchased by the Washington Senators from the Yankees. Al was Great-nephew of HOF pitcher Eddie Cicotte.1958- Former Yankee pitcher Tim Leary (1990-92) was born Tim was a former 1 draft pick by the Mets in 1979. On December 12, 1989: He was traded by the Cincinnati Reds along with OF Van Snider to the Yankees for OF/1B Hal Morris and pitcher Rodney Imes (minors). Tim went 9-19 in 31 games in 1990, 4-10 in 28 games in 1991 and 5-6 in 18 games before being traded by the Yankees on August 22, 1992, along with cash to the Seattle Mariners for Sean Twitty (minors).1981-The Yankees sign free agent OF/1B Dave Collins for a reported $750,000 a year for at least 3 seasons. Collins, who stole 79 bases for the Cincinnati Reds in 1979, w... More About: History , Week
George Vecsey NY Times Article
2007-12-23 07:23:00 Go read it, it's great.Seeking Role Models And Finding Human Beings More About: Article , George , Times
BigGuy's Minor League Notes - Dec. 12-22
2007-12-23 00:47:00 WINTER LEAGUE NOTES: Robinson Cano continues to hit well in the Dominican League for Estrelles. In 7 games he's hitting .393 (11-28), 3 rbi, 1 double, OBP .400, Slg .429, 0K's and 1 walk...........Jonathan Albaladejo reliever picked up from the Nats gave up his 1st earned run in the last 10 games. In 27 games he has 4 saves, 26 IP, 7 earned runs, 23 hits, 20K's--8 BB, BAA--.240........Alberto Gonzalez in 29 games in the VWL is batting .336 (36-107), with 3hr and 12 rbi, he has a .388 OBP, and is slugging .495........Jose Veras could be finished for the winter. He hasn't pitched in a week. In 9 games, 2 saves, 8.2 IP, 1 earned run, 4 hits, 13 K's--4BB, BAA of .138 ........Edwar Ramirez after pitching in only 2 games in the middle of Nov., pitched in a game last week, giving up 1 run in .2 IP. Overall in 3 games, he’s thrown 2.2 IP, and given up 2 earned runs, 2 hits, while striking out 2 and walking 3. SCOUTING REPORT: This week’s prospect is RHP Jeff Marquez. 1... More About: Notes , Minor
RIP Tommy Byrne
2007-12-22 22:51:00 From George King of the New York Post - December 22, 2007 -- When Tommy Byrne is buried in North Carolina on Thursday, the left-handed pitcher who was also a solid hitter will have a Yankees cap on his head. "Being a Yankee was his lifelong dream," John Byrne, Tommy Byrne's son, said last night from North Carolina......Byrne, who had two stints with the Yankees (1943-51; 1954-57) died of congestive heart failure Thursday morning in the town of Wake Forest, N.C. He would have been 88 New Year's Eve.Bill Madden of the Daily News described Byrne's wildness, as well as a quote from Yogi Berra -"Tommy had a great curveball and after he came back from the minors, he had a slider," Yogi Berra said Friday. "He was a great guy, one of my first roommates, and loved to have fun. He used to yell at the hitters, telling them what pitch was coming and they never believed him. I remember the time he came into the game and was warming up when all of a sudden he hit Mickey Vernon in the on-de...
The House May Invite Players Mitchell Report Hearings
2007-12-22 22:39:00 On Thursday Rep. Tom Davis told several media outlets that players weren't going to be invited to Congress. Today the Post is reporting Phil Schiliro, chief of staff for Rep. Henry Waxman, the chairman of the House Government Reform Committee, said his boss is still considering whether to invite players, including Roger Clemens, to the Jan. 15 hearing on the Mitchell Report ....A decision probably would not be made until early January. Congress began its year-end recess Wednesday night."We're not interested in having players here for the sake of having players here," Schiliro said. "If there's something constructive or important by having players here we'll do that."I just hope these hearings aren't going to be as embarrassing for Major League Baseball as the first one was. More About: Players , Invite , The House |
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