Gerald Green With The Dunk of The Year

Freddy Garcia Making Case for 5th Spot in Starting Rotation

TAMPA — It has been widely assumed that Freddy Garcia will be the odd man out of the Yankees’ rotation competition this spring, and while that still may ultimately be the case, the veteran plans on making that decision difficult for Joe Girardi.  Garcia tossed three shutout innings Friday against a Braves split squad, setting the tone in the Yankees’ 3-0 win at Steinbrenner Field. “Like I’ve said before, I’ve got to pitch good to earn the spot,” Garcia said. “I don’t want to take it for granted. I got to go out there and pitch. That’s all I can do.” Though Ivan Nova has allowed six earned runs over his first 4 2/3 innings (11.57 ERA), Girardi has said he’s not putting too much stock in a pitcher’s first start or two as his hurlers get their legs underneath them. Still, Garcia — traditionally a bad spring pitcher — knows that every game he throws will be an important one as he attempts to defy the odds and capture a spot for the second straight spring. “It’s important; doesn’t matter, first couple of starts, every start I want to go out there and try to pitch the best I can pitch,” said Garcia, who allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two. “That’s the point, to get people out. I got five pitches and I’m trying to throw every pitch." Girardi called Garcia’s outing “vintage Freddy,” noting that the 35-year-old is keeping himself entrenched in the competition. “There’s stages in your career: proving you can play, then just getting ready, then again proving that you can still play. I think, for Freddy, he’s in a competition. I believe Freddy can still pitch, though. The best thing for me is to have a tough, tough decision come April 6.”  Full Story

Freddy Garcia took a big step toward winning the 5th starting spot in the rotation with his first two outings in spring training. Yesterday against the Braves, Garcia allowed one hit, one walk, and struck out two to get the victory. He's effectively using all five of his pitches, and when he got behind in the count, made the right pitches to get out of the inning. Compared to Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes, Garcia is actually looking the most consistent right now. Even though he was hammered by the Red Sox and other better teams last year, at 35, he does have coveted veteran experience and went 12-8 as a starter. I still maintain that the 5th spot is Hughes to lose, but if he can't get his act together then fuck em' let's go with Garcia. Better wake up Phil, Sweaty Freddy is about to put you back in the bullpen.

Yeah, I said it Phil.

Good News: Robertson Only Has Bone Bruise

TAMPA, Fla. — After four medical tests and after several experts pored over the results, David Robertson got the diagnosis he was hoping for Friday. Instead of something more sinister, Robertson has a bone bruise on the top of his right foot, Yankees Manager Joe Girardi said, and he is not expected to miss significant time. Girardi said he was worried that Robertson might have broken his foot or torn something, so when he was informed of the diagnosis shortly before the end of the Yankees’ preseason game with the Atlanta Braves, he was comforted. “It’s a huge relief,” Girardi said. “I got worried when they said there was a cause for concern, but obviously this is good news.”
Robertson, the Yankees’ setup man, will continue to wear a protective boot on his foot through Sunday. Then he will ease back into action based on his pain tolerance. On Wednesday night, Robertson tumbled down a step at his home while moving empty boxes. X-rays were negative and the initial diagnosis was a midfoot sprain, leading to fears Robertson might have damaged his Lisfranc ligament, which takes several weeks to heal.  It is difficult to predict how long it will take for the bruise to heal, and there is no guarantee Robertson will be ready when the Yankees open the regular season against the Rays in Tampa on April 6. Full Story

It's not great news when your All-star set-up man gets hurt, but it is good news to hear that the severity of the injury is not as bad as originally thought. We can all breath easy now. The initial diagnosis of a sprain was reminiscent of Chien-Ming Wang's in 2008, whose injury was later revealed to be a season-ending Lisfranc foot injury.  Hopefully this bruise will heal with no complications as Robertson is coming off an All-Star season in which he was 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA. Listen D-Rob, you're the heir apparent to Mariano Rivera, stop fucking moving boxes at home and focus on baseball.  Remember you bring home the bacon, your wife can do that stuff.  Robertson has about a month to get ready for Opening Day, but he's not in the clear yet. I know the Mets Ike Davis suffered a bone bruise on his ankle last year that caused him to miss most of the season.  I think the Yankees have much better luck than the Mets though, and I really hope Robertson makes a speedy recovery; key word here being speedy because Rafael Soriano is absolute fucking garbage.

Nova Needs To Find Control of Fastball If He Wants to Start

DUNEDIN, Fla. — If Ivan Nova doesn’t start locating his fastball there is a chance he will be relocated from the Yankees’ rotation.  Yesterday against the Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, Nova struggled to throw the fastball for strikes and gave up five runs and five hits in 2 2/3 innings in a 6-1 loss. “I felt good, but the location again,’’ said Nova, a 16-game winner last year as a rookie who doesn’t have a guaranteed spot in the rotation. “If you can’t get ahead with the fastball you are going to have problems.’’  Nova is competing with Michael Pineda, Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes for the final three spots in the rotation.  “Hopefully, it will be there next time,’’ Nova said of locating fastballs for strikes. “Whatever happens, happens.’’  Nova is confident he can throw fastballs for strikes but is puzzled by how different the results are in bullpen sessions compared to his two exhibition outings.  “I am perfect in the bullpen, but I get [in a game] and try to do too much,’’ Nova said. “The fastball is a problem right now but I know I will get it back.’’  Girardi insisted the 53-pitch outing, which included a homer by J.P. Arencibia, didn’t put a dent in Nova’s status as a contender for a rotation spot.  “It’s the second start, these guys are getting ready to compete,’’ Girardi said.  “We saw velocity, we saw 95 [mph] today.’’  Nova’s fastball was clocked at 93 to 96 mph, his slider at 87-88 and the change at 83-84.  So, the arm strength is fine but the location needs to improve.

There's a lot of pressure on Ivan Nova to avoid a sophomore slump this year.  The 25-year was arguably the Yanks most consistent starter last year after C.C. Sabathia after going 16-4 with a 3.70 ERA. His solid record and 12-0 finish to the season prove that he can pitch in the big leagues as a number 2 starter, but if he can't find control of his fastball, he's not going to earn his spot back in the rotation.  As with each of the four pitchers competing for the last three starting spots, it's still early and 87 total pitches so far in spring action is not enough to make an accurate judgement yet.  Nova did have a big season last year, but I really hope he doesn't turn into the next Phil Hughes.  Not that Hughes has ruined his career or anything yet, but he did go off for 18 wins two years ago, only to show up to camp last year out of shape and lacking the velocity he previously had.  Nova isn't having problems with velocity, but if he can't improve location, he won't be starting.  Hopefully his issues are just a result of spring training rust.  A lot of people are saying that Nova can potentially be a Dominican Andy Pettitte, throwing a fastball, curveball and slider, and also showing poise on the mound.  We'll see. Pettitte probably would have fielded a ground ball better than this...

Giants Cut Brandon Jacobs

The New York Giants have released Brandon Jacobs after the team and the running back were unable to come to terms on a restructured deal. The team wanted to reduce Jacobs' salary to create more cap flexibility. Jacobs said he was open to the idea as long as it was fair. But both sides could not come to an agreement, as the Newark Star-Ledger first reported. Jacobs was due a $500,000 roster bonus in March to go along with the $4.4 million he was due this season. Jacobs, the Giants' fourth-round pick in 2005, is fourth in franchise history with 4,849 rushing yards and has a franchise-record 56 rushing touchdowns. "It's been a great ride," Jacobs said in a statement. "It's a great organization, a standup organization. I had fun. Won two Super Bowls here. I accomplished a lot in my career as a professional athlete here. That's it. It's been a good ride. Time to move on."

I'm not surprised.  With 20 free agents, the Giants already had to restructure Eli's contract and I didn't see Jacobs taking a pay cut for the second year in a row.  It clears up about $5 million in salary cap space and just about puts the Giants under the cap so I think it makes sense.  It's not easy to cut a guy whose been around for seven years and played on both Super Bowl teams, but when he's not producing the numbers he was when he initially signed his contract, changes need to be made.  This leaves the Giants with Ahmad Bradshaw, D.J. Ware and  Da'Rel Scott at running back.  With Bradshaw's history of foot injuries, I wouldn't be surprised if the Giants draft a running back or pick up a veteran on the cheap via free agency.  It was a nice one-two punch they had for a couple years with Jacobs and Bradshaw, so I'm interested to see how the running game shapes up next year.  Although Jacobs did run his mouth a little too much sometimes, anybody is better than having fucking Tiki Barber on your team.  

Peace out Brandon Jacobs.  Keep on truckin.

Also...

Eli Manning Restructures Contract To Create Cap Space

The New York Giants had some work to do with their salary cap situation, and general manager Jerry Reese has freed up nearly $7 million of cap space by restructuring Eli Manning's contract. According to NFL Players Association records, Manning's base salary is now $1.75 million, down from $10.75 million. The Giants, who were at $9 million over the cap at one point last month, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, created approximately $6.75 million in cap space with the Manning move, multiple media reports said. The franchise quarterback still will get all of the $10.75 million, with $9 million of it being paid up front and guaranteed, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. Reese had said at the NFL scouting combine last month that he had some work to do to free up cap space. Manning's 2012 cap number counts for $9.6 million now, down from $16.35 million, the New York Daily News reported. The Giants still have some other moves to make and could restructure more contracts, such as re-working Brandon Jacobs' deal. He is due a $500,000 roster bonus next week and an additional $4.4 million this season. The Giants will either restructure his contract or release the running back. The Giants have 20 unrestricted free agents, including Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham, who is expected to depart via free agency. Full Story

Eli and Jerry Reese are making big time moves for the future. Restructuring Manning's deal puts the Giants back under the cap and gives them the extra cash they needed to resign some key free agents this offseason. They franchised Steve Weatherford and apparently have resigned Jake Ballard, who will most likely start next season on the PUP list. There's also guys like Terrell Thomas, Aaron Ross, Chase Blackburn, Deon Grant, Dave Tollefson, Jonathan Goff and Rocky Bernard on defense who are all free agents. As I've already stated, I don't see Mario Manningham getting the money he wants so I think he'll walk, and tackle Kareem McKenzie probably won't get a new deal because of his age. It might be a good idea to draft a tackle and a linebacker since I don't know if we will be able to bring all these guys back. Speaking of not bringing guys back, literally as I am writing this I see that the Giants just cut Brandon Jacobs...

David Robertson is a Jackass

DUNEDIN, Fla. — The first black cloud of spring training could flood the Yankees’ bullpen.  David Robertson, the best eighth-inning reliever in baseball, underwent four separate tests on his right foot yesterday and the Yankees have their fingers crossed there is nothing seriously wrong with the mid-foot area which is where the dreaded Lisfranc fractures and sprains occur.  However, the reason for additional tests following an X-ray and MRI exam has to be unsettling. “The initial tests he took gave us cause for concern,’’ manager Joe Girardi said of Robertson, who was sent for a CAT-Scan and a weight-bearing X-ray. “All tests will be sent up to [Yankees’ physician] Dr. [Chris] Ahmad [yesterday]. I am not going to speculate on what he has. We are not sure what’s going on. I imagine we will have [results] some time [today]. I was concerned when he went today because I saw him walking out.’’  Robertson, who was supposed to pitch an inning against the Blue Jays yesterday, hurt the foot Wednesday night at his St. Petersburg home when he stumbled down the stairs carrying empty boxes.  When he arrived at George M. Steinbrenner Field yesterday morning Robertson was sent for the X-ray and the MRI exam. When those results didn’t satisfy the medical staff, Robertson was sent back for the other two tests.  Robertson was seen at GMS Field in a boot and using crutches.   Robertson took over the eighth-inning role last year when Rafael Soriano went on the disabled list and never gave it back. He went 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA in 70 games, held hitters to a .170 batting average, fanned 100 in 66 2/3 innings and was a first-time All Star.  Full Story

What the fuck Robertson you clutz.  Dude, the boxes were EMPTY.  What's that about? Not a good start to the season Dave.  He's proved to be a reliable set up man for Mariano Rivera, so it's a big loss if he's out for awhile, but he's still awaiting tests right now.  Yo D-Rob, if you wanna be the guy to replace Mo stop doing dumb chores like moving boxes at home.  Ditch the socks too.

Fortunately, Robertson isn't as big of an assbag as the Rays pitcher David Price, who injured his neck "toweling off too vigourously."

Michael Pineda Loses Some Pounds, Adds Change-up, Takes Fashion Advice From Phil Hughes

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The extra pounds have almost been shed and the velocity will increase as March moves toward April.  And while those are indications Michael Pineda is moving in the right direction, the best nugget to take from the big right-hander’s Yankees spring debut yesterday was the command of the changeup. “The changeup will be a monster pitch for him,’’ catcher Russell Martin predicted of the pitch GM Brian Cashman called below average at the start of the camp. “There are a lot of aggressive hitters who will be out in front of it and roll over for a ground ball. They will have to respect the heater.’’Against the Phillies at Bright House Field, where the Yankees lost, 9-3, Pineda’s heater fluctuated between 89 and 91 mph. While that is below the 95-96 range he reached last year as a Seattle rookie, it’s not alarming at this time of the year. “I am not focusing on my velo,’’ said Pineda, who worked two scoreless innings, allowing a single, striking out two and not issuing a walk. Nineteen of Pineda’s 30 pitches were strikes. “My focus is making good pitches with my slider and changeup and be ready for the season.’’ Acquired from the Mariners for stud prospect Jesus Montero, the 6-foot-7 Pineda arrived in camp 10 pounds above the 270 he finished 2011 at. He also had what Cashman said was a “below average’’ changeup. According to Pineda, he has lost seven to eight pounds, and he got results from most of the five changeups he threw at the Phillies. “It’s not easy,’’ said Pineda, who has adjusted his circle change grip under pitching coach Larry Rothschild. “I am a little bit surprised by the changeup being good. Right now I feel a little more comfortable. I had fun on the mound.’’   Full Story

As a Yankee fan, this is an encouraging start from offseason acquisition Michael Pineda.  Although it's not a good sign to come to training camp overweight, it does seem like he's moving in the right direction by losing a couple pounds and focusing on developing his change-up.  We know he can throw the fastball and slider, so if he can develop the change-up at a good velocity then I'm excited to see what he can do this year.  A couple innings is a good start so far, but certainly not enough for Joe Girardi and his staff to make any decisions about who makes the starting rotation yet.  While Pineda hasn't locked up a spot in the rotation, I'm sure he'll start.  It's early, but he's got a live arm, a big body, and the Yanks gave up Jesus Montero to get him.  I think Yankees fans have to remember that Pineda is young, he's only 23.  It's always difficult joining a new team, especially coming from Seattle to the big time Yankees.  Give him a chance to lose a few more LBs, master the change-up, and get used to playing on the big stage in New York.  He'll learn to be a Yankee, and even if it takes him some time to adjust, I'll take him any day over that fucking headcase A.J. Burnett.  By the way, how's your broken face bro?

P.S. Any chance we can get this guy to jump on the Giants d-line?  Ya know, pull a Deion Sanders and play both baseball and football.  The guy is a monster at 6'7'' 270.  Maybe if we can't work out a deal with Osi and Pineda doesn't reach his potential the G-Men could give him a look.  Just sayin.

Also, is Michael Pineda receiving fashion advice from Phil Hughes?  

Not a good look dude. Remember you play in New York now.

Mitt Romney Calls His Wife Fat

I don't give a shit about politics, but I love when politicians just flat out take their foot and shove it right in their own mouth.  This was a gem from Mitt Romney.  "I introduce to you, the heavyweight champion of my life.  Wait, that didn't come out right." Uh oh, time to backtrack.  "I didn’t mean weight,” he said, laughing. “That didn’t come out right. She’s just a great fighter is what I mean. And I say that because anyone who can raise five boys and keep them on the straight and narrow, that’s a champion.”  Umm, good save i guess?  Sorry Mitt,  still looks like it's gonna be sofa city for you bro.

Rick Santorum's Son Sums Up My Feelings About Politics

Count the yawns.

I feel the same way bro. Politics put me to sleep unless Bill Clinton is involved.  The girl standing behind him can get a shot at the title though.  I'd knock the dust off Santorum's wife too.  Haters gonna hate.

This yawning kid has nothing on Rudy Giuliani's kid though.

Love the green suit Rudy.  I also love Chris Farley.

Phil Hughes: "Last Year Was a Failure"

Unlike a year ago, when Hughes arrived in spring training guaranteed a spot in the Yankees rotation and showed up overweight, the right-hander reported last month lighter and in better shape. Hughes is competing with Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia and Michael Pineda for those three spots. And while general manager Brian Cashman has repeatedly said the Yankees view the 25-year-old Hughes as a starter, he does have more bullpen experience (49 games) than the others combined. “I try to throw as well as I can. If that’s competing, sure,’’ Hughes said when asked about the fight being on his mind. “It’s always there.’’Two years ago, Hughes won 18 games, dominated the Twins in the ALDS and then was spanked twice by the Rangers in the ALCS. Last year his velocity never showed up and he spent close to three months on the disabled list with an inflamed right shoulder. When he returned, he was pedestrian and finished the year 5-5 with a 5.79 ERA. Two weeks after digesting last season’s disappointment, the 6-foot-5 Hughes went to work on his body, which was listed by the Yankees last season at 240 pounds.It was something I wanted to do,’’ Hughes said when asked if the Yankees talked to him about weight, as they did with Sabathia. “Last year was a failure and I didn’t want to do that again. It’s on me.’’  Full Story


"Last year was a failure." Uhhh yeah you can say that again Phil. Get the fuck in shape and start pitching like you did two years ago when you won 18 games for us. I think Nova and Pineda will lock up the 3rd and 4th starting spots in the rotation behind C.C. and Hiroki Kuroda. As far as I'm concerned, the fifth spot is Hughes to lose (like that rhyme?). And I don't mean any disrespect to Freddy Garcia, he's just ten years older. Garcia very well may beat out Hughes and put him back in the bullpen. At 25 though, it's about time the 2004 first round pick returns to All-star form to have a breakout season. Cut out the Captain Crunch like C.C. did and you're golden Phil. Another word of advice, don't ever wear this shirt again.

Brian Cashman Assures Yankees Fans That We Are Still the Richest Team in Baseball

TAMPA — Brian Cashman will be charged with getting the Yankees’ payroll below $189 million before the 2014 season, but the general manager doesn’t want anybody to think that the Bombers will be dramatically altering their approach. “We’re still the Yankees,” Cashman said. “We’re still going to outspend everybody else. That’s not going to change. We’re still going to be there for our fan base and try to make sure every year that they have legitimate hope that this can be a special season.” While the Yankees’ way of doing business may not change dramatically, Hal Steinbrenner’s edict that the payroll must fall beneath the 2014 luxury-tax threshold of $189 million will surely force Cashman to make some difficult decisions over the next 24 months. Russell Martin and Nick Swisher will both hit the free-agent market in the fall, while Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson and Phil Hughes are among those who will be free agents following the 2013 season. “This is something where there’s a strong motivation from a business reason because of how the new basic agreement is set up to get to that level for that year, no question,” Cashman said. “At the same time, it’s business as usual in terms of the general manager’s job is to constantly bring to their ownership opportunities.” Full Story


Doesn't Brian Cashman have enough problems besides the Yankees payroll? Affairs, a divorce, a stalker, extortion, the list goes on. B-Cash has 99 Problems but spending Hal's money ain't one of them.    Oh you want to cut payroll to $189 million?  Did you forget we were the fucking Yankees Hal?  Where's George Steinbrenner when you need him?  I have faith in Cashman to get deals done for Cano, Granderson and Martin though.  His name is Cashman, he's the cash man.  And we're the New York Yankees.  We make it rain. Got a handful of stacks better grab an umbrella.

PS: Does anyone else think Brian Cashman looks like a really tired Michael Scott?

Right?

Joe Girardi Brings In Motivational Speaker, Robinson Cano Impressed

TAMPA -- Donnie Moore is a Northern California educational and motivational speaker who also runs baseball-chapel gatherings in Oakland. Yesterday, Moore was brought into the Yankees clubhouse to address the players and left them with mouths open. In addition to preaching a vision is needed before success reached, Moore put on several displays of mental and physical strength. “He rolled a frying pan like a burrito,’’ manager Joe Girardi said. Moore also broke a bat with his hands and ripped a phone book and a can in half.  “That guy was amazing. To see that guy roll that frying pan was pretty exciting,’’ Robinson Cano said. “And to rip a can in half, rip the phone book, it was unbelievable. It shows you can control, with your mind, what you can do. Everybody was looking at each other like, ‘Are you serious?’ It helps hearing that kind of positive message, especially in baseball because you are going to struggle. That is a guy who has something special.’’  Full Story


How does Joe Girardi get the Yankees motivated to win you ask? By bringing in a motivational speaker to rip phone books and soda cans in half and roll up a frying pan like a burrito.  Girardi has a history of organizing weird bonding activities, such as a day of role-playing and improv before training camp. It's all good though.  I don't care who gives the Yankees motivational speeches, if he's going to inspire Robinson Cano to have another MVP-like season, he's good people in my book.  Bravo Donnie Moore.  And Joe Girardi as well, seems like the team is eating it up the field trips and motivational speeches.  Twenty bucks says Cano is crushing phone books within a week.  I don't care if it takes this dancing banana.

If it works, I'm on board for more weird shit.  Just don't have Tony Dungy be a guest speaker again because he is the worst.

Preach on, Donnie.

Kobe Wears Black Mask: Who Does He Look Like Most?

Last Wednesday, Kobe Bryant dealt with the broken nose he suffered in the All-Star game by wearing a transparent protective mask. Lots of players have donned similar pieces in the past, but none have been quite so funny as this one, mostly because Kobe takes himself incredibly seriously on the court. Luckily for him, he's played pretty well while wearing the mask, scoring at least 30 points in all three games. However, Bryant found the mask uncomfortable, claiming it fogged up and got way too hot. To fix these issues, he's changed his mask, opting for a black one. Except that made him look even more ridiculous, as if he decided to dress up as a caped crusader for a comic-book convention. Sadly, the experiment was short-lived. At end of the first half, Kobe had switched back to the clear mask, likely in the hope of correcting his 2-of-10 shooting from the field before halftime.

I'm pretty disappointed that Kobe decided to ditch this black mask because I think it's actually pretty badass.  Anything is better than those dumb clear plastic ones that players wear when they break their nose.  Geek alert.  Yeah, I'm talking to you Richard Hamilton.  That mask you've worn for no reason at all since 2003 looks dumb as hell and so do you.  I'd rather break my nose again than ever wear that thing.

I think the question remains: who does Kobe look like with the black mask?

The Hamburglar?

Batman?

 

Swiper?

R. Kelly?

The Lone Ranger?

Zorro?

Gladiator?

Nah. Hands down, it's MF DOOM.

Considering the Lakers just lost to the Pistons and blew it against the Wizards last night, I don't think the mask is achieving success at success at success...

You can do better, I know you can.  Good luck to you, Kobe Bryant.  Make me proud.

Nice Layup Nick Young

Nice shot bro.  The backboard might help next time.

Devils vs. Rangers Tonight

The struggling Devils will try to keep pace in the Eastern Conference standings as they face the Rangers tonight at the Prudential Center.  With the Rags pulling away in the Atlantic division, the Devils continue to chase the Flyers and Penguins for the 4th seed in the conference. The Devils are 1-4-1 in their last six games after losing to the Islanders on Sunday. Currently in the 6th seed with 77 points, a big win against the conference-leading Rangers would give us some confidence going forward.  The players know how important every game will be for the rest of the regular season.  Right winger David Clarkson said, "Every game means everything with how close the standings are.  We can't sit here and dwell.  We have to get ready for the Rangers."  After earning 19 penalty minutes against the Rangers when they played last week, I'm sure they have their eye on Clarkson.  We'll see who he drops the gloves with tonight, because I'm sure he will.  I'm ok with another flying charge though.

For tonight, Andy Greene is a game-time decision with a bad back and Alexei Ponikarovsky is out with an MCL sprain. Luckily, the Devils have Zach Parise in the lineup after getting hit in the hand by a slapshot. Devils points leader Ilya Kovalchuk hasn't scored a goal in his last nine games, so let's fucking go Kovy.  Fuck the Rangers.

LET'S GO DEVILS

Yes, I will keep saying Rangers Suck until they do something in the playoffs since 1994.