The Final Season

I.P.AWFUL

2008-08-09T09:24:00.003-04:00

IPK, you are a JOKER! I rode with you from the bigging and hyped you up when everyone else said u sucked! I am so sick of you talking about how nasty you are in Triple A then when we need a quality start from you in the bigs you cant even get out of the third inning. I'm glad we kept you and Melky instead of getting Santana you piece of garbage!

Heres the kicker....

“I felt like I made some good pitches,” he said. “I’m not too upset about it. … What was it, a bunch of singles and three doubles? I’m just not real upset about it. I’m just going to move on and I’ve already done that.”

God I hope Damon, Giambi and co. beat the everliving piss our of you soon!

Wipe that sh*t eating grin off of your face too!!!

You and I are officially Divorced!

UGGGGGGGGGGGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-07T10:22:00.001-04:00

One from the Vault

2008-08-01T11:21:00.001-04:00

Me and Jean, October 2004

Nice Moves Cash!

2008-07-31T10:53:00.002-04:00

Nice work Cash! It seems to me like the yanks are going for it!

We basicially stole Marte and X-man from the pirates and Farnsworthless will not come through in a big spot anyway so he can go screw. Pudge is gonna love the spotlight of NY and will probably rip it for the next 2 months!

Melancon just got promoted to AAA and ripped it in his debut last night. 2 scoreless 19 pitches, 15 of which were strikes. He could be the answer come Sept. I have been saying it all year and hopefully I do not mush him.

IPK is dealing down in Scranton......Hughes is working his way back......Wang got his cast off......Sui started hitting off a tee and reported no pain.....and some dude named Pavano is throwing down in Tampa.

Despite all the injuries, the Yanks aren't mailing it in. I love it!

UHGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH

Balls Out....

2008-07-28T10:34:00.000-04:00

"If it don't snap...it aint a Saberette!!!!!

2008-07-26T22:25:00.002-04:00

Derier Evaluations is not your F-in Forte'

2008-07-26T22:07:00.003-04:00

The Greatest of All Time

2008-07-26T21:54:00.001-04:00

Ice Cream of the Future????

2008-07-26T21:45:00.001-04:00

The Big Z

2008-07-26T21:42:00.001-04:00

Sick Pre-Game Fly By

2008-07-26T21:35:00.001-04:00

DHL All Star Game

2008-07-26T21:25:00.003-04:00

The Josh Hamilton Show!!!

2008-07-26T21:02:00.002-04:00

Pre-Derby Pics and Predictions

2008-07-17T23:15:00.004-04:00

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-17T23:10:00.001-04:00

Dirty Water Dog......(Gotta have good snap!!)

2008-07-17T22:59:00.001-04:00

Frozen Jager Bomb Challenge - Billys Pre-Game

2008-07-17T22:50:00.001-04:00

Home Run Derby Pre-Game Mayhem

2008-07-17T22:36:00.003-04:00

Laces OUT!!!!!!

2008-07-17T22:31:00.001-04:00

McG QB1 a.k.a. FOOTWORK.......Elite 11 QB Camp Take Notice!!

2008-07-17T22:28:00.002-04:00

Live From the Futures Game 7/13/08

2008-07-16T11:35:00.006-04:00

"Who is the only player to be named both the MVP of the All Star Game and the World Series in the same year??"

The answer is C, Derek Jeter..... Congratulations Josh!!!

Erin Andrews........SLAMMIN!

Jesus Montero aka "Young Jeezy" - first ever at bat at yankee stadium

Rest in Peace Bobby Murcer

2008-07-12T19:14:00.002-04:00

NEW YORK (AP) — Bobby Murcer, a five-time All-Star outfielder who spent nearly four decades with the New York Yankees as a player, executive and announcer, has died. He was 62. The Yankees said Murcer died Saturday due to complications from brain cancer. He was surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital in his hometown of Oklahoma City, the team said.

"Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine," Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said. "I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy."

Murcer was diagnosed with a brain tumor on Christmas Eve 2006 after having headaches. He had surgery that week in Houston and doctors later determined the tumor was malignant.

The only person to play with Mickey Mantle and Don Mattingly, the popular Murcer hit .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBIs in 17 seasons with the Yankees, San Francisco and the Chicago Cubs. He made the All-Star team in both leagues and won a Gold Glove.

"All of Major League Baseball is saddened today by the passing of Bobby Murcer, particularly on the eve of this historic All-Star game at Yankee Stadium, a place he called home for so many years," commissioner Bud Selig said. "Bobby was a gentleman, a great ambassador for baseball, and a true leader both on and off the field. He was a man of great heart and compassion."

Always a fan favorite in New York and known for his folksy manner as a broadcaster, Murcer won three Emmy Awards for live sports coverage. His most dramatic words came on one of the saddest days in Yankees history.

Murcer delivered one of the eulogies in Ohio after captain Thurman Munson was killed in a plane crash in August 1979. The team flew home after the funeral and, that night, Murcer hit a three-run homer and then a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth to beat Baltimore 5-4.

A tearful Murcer fell into the arms of teammate Lou Piniella after the game and gave his bat to Munson's wife.

"There is no way to explain what happened," Murcer said. "We used every ounce of strength to go out and play that game. We won it for Thurman."

Touted by many in New York as the next Mantle — they were both from Oklahoma, played shortstop and came with strokes fit for Yankee Stadium's short right-field porch — Murcer made his major league debut as a 19-year-old in 1965.

After serving in the U.S. Army during the 1967-68 seasons, Murcer homered on opening day in front of President Nixon in 1969 at Washington to launch a career as a full-time player.

Murcer moved from shortstop to third base to begin that year, but soon was playing in center field, Mantle's old spot. Murcer also took over Mantle's locker.

Murcer spent most of his career in pinstripes. He was traded to San Francisco for Bobby Bonds after the 1974 season and was still with the Giants when the Yankees won the World Series in 1977 and 1978.

After a stint with the Cubs, Murcer came back to the Yankees during the 1979 season. He had a pinch-hit grand slam in the 1981 opener and was a part-time player when he reached the World Series for the only time later that year, with New York losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

During his career, Murcer had a three-homer game, hit for the cycle and once homered in four straight at-bats.

Smart at the plate, he beat out Willie Mays in 1971 to lead the majors in on-base percentage. The next year, Murcer set career highs with 33 homers and 96 RBIs, and led the AL in total bases and runs. He finished with more career walks (862) than strikeouts (841).

Murcer made the All-Star team for five straight seasons, starting in 1971.

He retired in June 1983 and moved into the broadcast booth that season, working as a color analyst on radio. He served one year as assistant general manager of the Yankees, returned as an announcer in 1989 and stayed in the booth.

A family service will be held within the next several days in Oklahoma City. In addition, a celebration of Murcer's life will be held at a date to be determined, the Yankees said.

Murcer is survived by his wife, his children, Tori and Todd, and his grandchildren.

New York Sports Radio Personality Bracket!!!!

2008-07-11T15:17:00.002-04:00

Ohhh Snap! Check this one out and tell me who wins!!!

UPDATED Yankee Announcer Bracketology

2008-07-09T10:42:00.003-04:00

Several peeps got mad b/c I randomly seeded the first bracket, so I tried a little harder to re-seed. Michael Kay, John Sterling, Ken Singleton, and Bpb Lorenz got the #1 Seeds, now lets see what you guys think!

Fire Bobby Meachem NOW!

2008-07-08T22:05:00.003-04:00

Bobby Meachem is the worst 3rd base coach in the history of baseball. He is right up there with Luis Sojo & Dale Sveum. He needs to be fired ASAP before he gets someone hurt!

Posada runs with a piano on his back and yet Meachem sends him from second once again only to get pegged out at home!

I hope he catches bird flu.

Way to go BG!!!

2008-07-07T13:24:00.000-04:00

I'm Wicked Psyched to Be Here

2008-07-07T10:43:00.001-04:00

Mo Sneaky...

2008-07-06T16:43:00.001-04:00

"I'll tell you what," Gardner said. "I told somebody coming off the field today, I asked, 'That's about as crazy as it gets, huh?'

"Standing in the outfield. It felt like the place was shaking. It was pretty intense. It's that close of a game and everybody - not just us, but also the fans - knew how big of a game that was for us."

Bird is the Word!!!

2008-07-06T16:39:00.001-04:00

"I can shut your mouth with 2 dollars worth of gas and a lighter"

2008-07-06T16:26:00.001-04:00

Jean Rice vs. Lloyd

2008-07-06T16:22:00.001-04:00

Small Ball MVP QB

2008-07-06T16:07:00.002-04:00

7/5/08 The Return of Kim Dog.....

2008-07-06T15:39:00.008-04:00

B to the Mutha F-in G

2008-07-03T09:46:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the bigs Brett Gardner. The scrappy, speedy rookie came up in the nine-run seventh inning and lined an RBI single into right - big-league hit and RBI No. 1.

"It meant a lot," Gardner said. "Heck, it took long enough, three nights. Actually, before I came up here, I took a couple of o-fers, so it seemed longer than it really was."

The fans gave him a standing ovation.

"These are the greatest fans in the world," said Gardner, who went 1 for 4. "I'm really lucky to be here playing for the greatest franchise in all of sports. It was a great moment."

Yankee Announcer Bracketology

2008-06-30T14:23:00.001-04:00

David Cone & Bob Lorenz could be my sleepers!!!!!

Click to enlarge and please give me your thoughts

Jeremy at the Toilet Bowl in Queens

2008-06-30T11:03:00.006-04:00

What a DUMP!

Citi field looks tight I aint gonna lie! I will def have to check out a game there next year

One word......WEAK.......... I'd rather drink a cup of urine!!!

Welcome to New York BG!

2008-06-30T09:51:00.002-04:00

Gardner’s legs are his strength. He’s the fastest baserunner in the organization, has 80 speed on a 20-80 scale, and has solid baserunning instincts. He’s adept at picking spots, knowing when it’s more valuable to the team for him to use the threat of a stolen base to get the pitcher to throw fastballs to the heart of the order.

He has outstanding plate discipline, draws a good number of walks, and uses the whole field while making consistent, hard contact. Baseball America rated him as having the best strike zone discipline in the Yankees minor league system after the close of the 2006 season.

His speed and excellent sense in the outfield translate to an outstanding defensive game, among the best in the Yankee farm system. His arm is average, though fairly accurate.

Pat Venditte is my new favorite player!

2008-06-20T13:00:00.002-04:00

BOOYA!

2008-06-16T11:00:00.004-04:00

It's gonna be a fun couple of days in mid-july! Quote me on this.....I am going to accomplish 2 things I have yet to do in the stadium:

1. Sit in the left field bleachers: (All-Star Game seats - Left Field Bleachers Section 57) I am pretty amped to sit out there for the first time and see what its all about. Non-Alcohol.....No Worries, we will just get banged up at Billy's before the game.

2. Catch or Get a ball: We had seats near the visiting dugout years ago and I asked that piece of Sh*t Pudge Rodriguez for a ball and he laughed at me. Another time, I was in the right-field bleachers and came close. Another year at old-timers day we went in late b/c we were tailgaing in the parking lot and when we got in, the guys next to us said a ball hit my seat!

I don't care what I have to do, I WILL get a ball during the workout day/homerun derby.

Fettuccini Alfredo

2008-06-12T13:14:00.001-04:00

On how he signed with the Yankees:

“In Mexico, I played with Monterrey. The Monterrey GM, they have to talk with the people from the teams in the States. The Yankees, Cleveland and the Blue Jays and like four or five more. The Yankees had to wait to see what the best post would be, so they take the best. I had to wait too. I can’t do anything.”

On why he was in the Mexican League for so long:

“I played with Yucatan first, then they sell me to one team, the Blue Jays. So I go to the Dominican Republic, but I don’t like it. I played there in the summer league, it was too hard for us. The people, the food, and it was too far. I was too young to be alone for the first time. I can’t handle it, I can’t. So the next year, I said I didn’t want to do it anymore. If they wanted to bring me to the States, I’d go. But the Dominican, I don’t go. So I started my career in Mexico. They sent me to Monterrey, traded me. I played there one year as a starter, then the next year as a starter. The next year, I came here.”

On what he throws:

“Fastball, curveball, change and cutter.”

On what he’s working on:

“In the bullpens, we’re working on cutters.”

On if he’s surprised he’s done so well:

“A little bit. I don’t think too much about it. I just live day by day, but I keep it in mind, because it’s good. I came from Tampa, and I threw well there, and then it was two games here that were good. Just keep calm, keep easy, work hard, keep doing my stuff.”

On what it’s like to go from having nobody know who you are to everybody knowing:

“It’s a good taste in my mouth.”

Bring Him Up Please

2008-06-12T10:24:00.002-04:00

Melancon at Trenton: 8 games, 21.2 innings, 10 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, 19 strikeouts.

www.bosoxsuck.com

2008-06-10T20:27:00.001-04:00

Yanks Royals - 6/7/08

2008-06-09T09:45:00.009-04:00

A-Mizzle........

Rockin out to "Woody Woodpecker"

Josh's favorite vendor of all time.........

The Big 3.....

Random MILF.......

The "Sin Bin"

Jeremys new purchase.....

Jake Beazley in the House! 6/5/08

2008-06-06T15:21:00.009-04:00

RAB Yanks Top 30 Prospect List

2008-06-04T14:04:00.000-04:00

Joba Chamberlain, RHP - right at 50 IP for his career, so he hasn’t passed the rookie limit yet … i think we’re all looking forward to seeing him in the rotation for the rest of the year (or at the least the smart ones are)

Jesus Montero, C - surpassed all expectations for this year, there’s no one in the draft class that can knock him from this spot

Austin Jackson, CF - improved his plate discipline, hitting for power, playing good D … there’s a lot to like here

JB Cox, RHP - came back from TJ like a champ, much better than I expected

Mark Melancon, RHP - see above

Zach McAllister, RHP - went from sleeper to stud thanks to his lights out first half

Dellin Betances, RHP - the walks are high, and the tired shoulder is a minor concern, but he’s doing about all you could ask him to do in his first attempt at full-season ball

Ross Ohlendorf, RHP - yep, he’s technically still a prospect, and he’s better than his numbers suggest

Alan Horne, RHP - if it wasn’t for the biceps injury, he would probably be in the bigs

Andrew Brackman, RHP - too much talent to ignore, TJ or not

Jose Tabata, RF - if you want to act like a baby I’ll rank you like one … lucky for him he’s just 19

Brett Gardner, CF - hitting for enough power to keep pitchers honest, and that’s all he needs

Jeff Marquez, RHP - finding out that Triple-A hitters make you pay when you don’t get the ball down

Carmen Angelini, SS - not the best start to the year, but he’s young for his league and has loads of ability

David Robertson, RHP - just keeps mowing guys down

Dan McCutchen, RHP - is he the guy that dominated Double-A, or the guy that’s scuffling in Triple-A?

Abe Almonte, CF - flashing all 5 tools and putting up the numbers … stud

Austin Romine, C - having an impressive year at the dish and behind it, which is more than you can ask from a teenage catcher in full season ball

Chris Garcia, RHP - getting back into game action was step 1, step 2 is putting in the work needed to be great, because he’s got all the talent he’d ever need

Colin Curtis, LF - not flashy, but he does everything just good enough

Jairo Heredia, RHP - too bad I don’t know what the “upper body injury” was

Humberto Sanchez, RHP - still MIA

Bradley Suttle, 3B - mashed his way into the top 20 between injuries this year after a brutal debut last year

Juan Miranda, 1B - shoulder issues have sapped his power, but it was already clear that he’s a classic platoon first baseman/DH

Kevin Whelan, RHP - almost a forgotten man in the system

Ryan Pope, RHP - enigmatic isn’t the right word, but he’s … unique

Frankie Cervelli, C - holding down a spot based on reputation after the injury

Mike Dunn, LHP - hopefully he won’t be the top ranked lefty when I do the post-draft list, no offense to Mike

Edwar Ramirez, RHP - still prospect eligible, and still striking out almost 2 batters an inning

Justin Snyder, 2B - all he does is get on base and score runs

RiverDogs to Send Five to SAL All-Star Game June 17th

2008-06-03T09:47:00.001-04:00

CHARLESTON- The Charleston RiverDogs will be represented by catcher Jesus Montero, second baseman Justin Snyder, pitchers Jason Stephens and Jonathan Ortiz and Manager Torre Tyson at the 2008 South Atlantic League (SAL) All-Star Game on June 17th at NewBridge Bank Park in Greensboro, NC, the league announced Monday.

“I am happy for the four players who are getting this opportunity to represent our team at the All-Star Game,” Tyson said. “I also feel that we would have had more players deserving of the honor had they been able to stay healthy for more of the half.”

Montero will serve as the Southern Division’s starting catcher, following a first-half in which the 18-year-old put up potent offensive numbers. The number six overall prospect in the Yankees organization, according to Baseball America, is currently hitting .308 with a team-leading six home runs, 40 RBI and 35 runs scored. The Venezuela native burst onto the scene in the month of April, batting a scorching .360 clip with three home runs, 20 RBI and 20 runs scored.

Snyder has been selected as a utility infielder for the Southern Division team, and has been one of the RiverDogs’ most consistent bats this season. The former University of San Diego standout has started 55 games for Charleston this season and is hitting .303 with three home runs, 22 RBI and 33 runs scored.

Stephens, a Tallmadge, Ohio native, makes his first SAL All-Star appearance in the midst of his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. The 6’5” right-hander has a 2-2 record with a 1.64 ERA in 14 appearances, which include five starts since joining the Charleston rotation on May 8. A former 6th round draft selection in 2003, Stephens had the best start of his six-year career on May 30th against Hickory, tossing seven shutout innings allowing just six hits with no walks and a career-high 12 strikeouts in a 5-0 RiverDogs victory.

Ortiz, signed by the Yankees as an non-drafted free agent in 2004, has been one of the premier closers in the league this season with 16 saves in 19 opportunities. The Bani, D.R. native has a 1-1 record with a 1.69 ERA and is tied for the league lead with 24 appearances.

Tyson, in his second season as the RiverDogs’ manager, will serve as a coach on the Southern Division team. It will be a bit of a homecoming for the Charleston skipper, as he played for the SAL’s Greensboro Bats in the 2000 season, when the franchise was a New York Yankees affiliate.

“Personally, I am excited to get my first opportunity to coach in an All-Star Game,” Tyson said. “This means a lot to me, especially because I played in Greensboro. I’m sure it will bring back a lot of great memories.”

The Big G Mashes in B-Town - Photo From Josh

2008-06-02T10:20:00.003-04:00

Josh Luksberg visited Camden Yards for the first time yesterday and sent this photo along for the blog. A Symbol of a 420 foot bomb that the Big G hit a few years ago.

Yankees 1B/DH Jason Giambi hit a home run out of Oriole Park and onto Eutaw Street beyond the seats in right field Wednesday against the Orioles. There have been 42 home runs hit out there in the 17-year history of Camden Yards and Giambi now has three of the past five.

Tabby, you better smarten up!

2008-05-30T10:41:00.003-04:00

Jose Tabata, wtf is wrong with you? Seriously? You have 5 tool talent and can be a future cornerstone in the yankee outfield for years to come, yet you are acting like a punk!!!

May 29th - Tabata's benching was directly related to a play in which Austin Jackson dove for a fly ball, and Tabata failed to back him up as the ball rolled past Jackson and the runner got all the way to third. Tabata was expelled from the dugout.

April 26th - Suspended three games by the Yankees for leaving Waterfront Park following a strikeout that dropped his batting average below .200

A-Mac Representing..........

2008-05-28T13:10:00.001-04:00

Shes Tougher than Her Husband

2008-05-28T13:00:00.001-04:00

THIS SEASON
Allison Jaskowiak Kennedy returns for a fifth season of eligibility, providing a core of reliable defense and dedication for her final year with the Women of Troy.

Jaskowiak started 21 games, including the past 11, appearing in 27 this season... Was sidelined for the first three games to heal from knee surgery following the 2005-06 season... Averaged 3.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 24.8 minutes per game... Hit two 3-pointers in three games this year: at Cal, against Washington State and at Washington... Set new career highs with five steals at Oregon State and five assists against UCLA... Scored in 21 games this year, hitting double figures twice.

Shark Attack...........

2008-05-28T09:41:00.003-04:00

Last Night against New Hampshire - Mark Melancon: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K,

Click Clack......can't wait till this kid gets called up b/c we need him!!

Just a heads up....

2008-05-27T09:46:00.003-04:00

The last time I went to a game at Shea was 18 years ago, and I vowed never to go again until Citi Field opens next year.

BUT

If Maz becomes the manager of the New York Metropolitans, I will have no choice but to root for them.

Just letting you know in advance...........

Would you hit it for a yankees world title?

2008-05-22T16:00:00.004-04:00

SKANK!!!

See you in 2012

2008-05-22T15:11:00.005-04:00

Carmen Angelini - Shortstop of the future

Senior year of HS - 40 Games Played

.443 Avg
14 Doubles
8 Triples
6 Dongs
52 rbi
38 Stolen Bases

Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year

Louisville Slugger/National High School Baseball Coaches Association Louisiana Player of the Year

All Southwest Louisiana Big School Player of the Year

Louisiana’s Mr. Baseball

Louisiana’s Class 5A MVP

Louisiana’s All-State Baseball First Team

Louisville Slugger First-Team All American

EA Sports Second-Team All American

Outlook: Angelini adds some much-needed depth at shortstop due to Derek Jeter’s decline. When Jeter is not able to play for the Yankees anymore, Angelini is his successor. Angelini’s raw power is coming along already, and he is a very polished player. He should be a quick riser for a HS prospect.

More Laura..........I just cant stop

2008-05-22T10:54:00.001-04:00

Heres a pic of Jorge's smokin hot wife with their daughter Paulina

Laura...Please stop hurting us!

2008-05-22T10:51:00.001-04:00

Jorge crushes this............

SWEET SWEET LAURA............

2008-05-22T10:27:00.000-04:00

Joker

2008-05-22T09:49:00.007-04:00

May 6th 2007. I remember this day vividly. I was lining up for my second shot on the 12th hole at E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course in Stamford, CT when a golfer who was driving his cart to the 13th tee box shouted at my group "ROGER CLEMENS JUST SIGNED WITH THE YANKEES!!" I was so fired up when I heard this news....the rocket was going to save our season!!!

"Thank y'all. Well they came and got me out of Texas, and uhh, I can tell you its a privilege to be back. I'll be talkin' to y'all soon"

The yanks threw a pro-rated salary of $28,000,022 at him or about $4.5 million per month.

I was at his first start against the Pirates on Saturday June 9th "the rocket re-launch". He rewarded us by throwing 6 strong innings striking out seven. I remember being pretty fired up as they played Elton John's "Rocketman" as he walked off the field to a standing ovation and Jeter gave him a leaping "high five"

That should be my lasting image of the Rocket but he turned out to be a real piece of SH*T. Thank you for SHATTERING my hopes and dreams Roger. I used to think you were the bomb. Boy was I wrong.

Mark the Shark.........

2008-05-21T09:22:00.001-04:00

Last night against Redding

Mark Melancon: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K,

Get Off Him!

SWOOOOSH!

2008-05-20T09:49:00.002-04:00

Nike and the New York Yankees have agreed in principle to a five-year sponsorship agreement that will begin in 2009, the team’s first in the new Yankee Stadium.

The cash and product deal ends a historic 11-year relationship between Adidas and the Yankees that remains one of Adidas’ biggest U.S. sports marketing expenditures…

But with the deal ending, sources said that the Yankees originally tried to sell Nike a signage package, but that Nike was more interested in other rights. Consequently, Nike’s deal with the Yankees is short on branding and long on marketing. Nike will be able to increase the amount of team apparel it already sells as an MLB licensee and it will have a store-within-store shop at the new stadium. It will also run local marketing campaigns, grassroots initiatives, and outfit Yankee coaches and minor leaguers with cleats and other performance wear.

Thanks for NOTHING Drew!

2008-05-19T16:14:00.002-04:00

What color do you get when you cross Yankees Blue with Michigan Blue? July 27, 1998

Drew Henson's mother said blue must be her son's color.

The incoming Michigan freshman will wear two hats, or caps, this year, having signed a four-year contract with the New York Yankees early Friday. Henson will be fighting for the starting quarterback spot with the Wolverines in the fall as well.

After a summer of negotiations, the three-sport star from Brighton High School suited up for his first game Friday in Yankee attire, which he will soon trade for a Michigan football jersey.

"It's nice to look in the mirror and see the stripes on your legs and the 'NY' on your shoulder," Henson said, adding that the significance of signing a pro contract hasn't really sunk in yet.

But professional baseball - even at the Rookie League level - quickly taught him a lesson this weekend, throwing him a curve ball early in his career. He went 1-for-3 in Friday's game and 0-for-5 Saturday against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of the Gulf Coast league - a game Henson could have won for his team.

The Yankees were losing 3-2 in the bottom of the 10th with two outs and two men on base as Henson stepped up to the plate. With his family, his team and cameras looking on, Henson struck out. Without flinching, his father Dan looked down and uttered, "Welcome to pro baseball."

"It's just like any other summer team," Henson said. "But between the lines they just play at a higher level."

And Henson won't have much time to adjust to the pros since he's scheduled to report to Michigan for football practice Aug. 10.

Yankees owner "Mr. (George) Steinbrenner told him that he can't think of a better combination - Yankees for baseball, Michigan for football," Henson's mother Carol said. "What other team would you want to play with?"

By signing with a professional team, Henson must give up his football scholarship.

Throughout high school, Henson's athletic ability earned him awards and accolades but also elicited a storm of questions, as coaches, scouts and the public continuously asked him to choose a sport, Carol Henson said.

Back then, he avoided the pressure by concentrating and training for the task at hand, but Carol Henson worries that the outside pressure will grow stronger.

"There's greater expectation from the outside," she said. "It's really the biggest question now. That's why he has to do this - so he'll know."

During his junior year at Brighton, Henson announced his intent to play for Michigan, without making other recruiting trips or feeling the need to be "wined and dined" by other universities, Carol Henson said.

But he didn't commit himself to baseball or football.

"At the right time, he'll decide and not look back," she said.

Henson said for now he is getting the best of both worlds. Well, he will soon learn about one of them. The newest Yankee will learn the joys of dorm life and cafeteria food as he moves into East Quad today for new student orientation.

"A lot of things I'm going through, most kids have never had the chance to do," Henson said. "I try to remember that and be grateful. Most kids are worrying about their roommates, classes and orientation. I don't have a chance to worry about those."

He's too busy thinking about juggling the lives of college student, football quarterback and professional baseball player.

Between games in Tampa this weekend, Henson divided his time between sitting at the beach with his family and posing for Sports Illustrated.

The Yankees are hoping they can lure Henson away from football and college life in the next few years by taking him to a World Series game and letting him play with the major leaguers, so he can "learn what it is like to be a Yankee," Yankees Vice President Mark Newman said.

"We're not going to pressure him," Newman said. "We hope ultimately he is going to be a baseball player. When he commits himself completely he will move to the big leagues very quickly."

Yankee veteran Chili Davis, who had been taking batting practice with Henson at the Yankees training center in Tampa, said eventually Henson will have to make a choice, but he can't blame Henson for wanting to do both.

"It's going to be tough trying to juggle both sports," Davis said. "Deion (Sanders) did it. Bo (Jackson) did it. There's no reason he can't do it."

The Henson Deal
What: A five-year deal to play professional baseball in the New York Yankees organization.

When: Henson will play summer ball with the Yankees when he's not attending classes at Michigan.

How much: Minor-league base salary plus a $4.5 million signing bonus - $2 million up front and another $2.5 million upon his Michigan graduation if he commits to baseball.

How: Although he is a professional athlete, the NCAA allows a student to be a professional in one sport and maintain amateur status in another. This allows Henson to keep his football eligibility. He forfeits his NCAA baseball eligibility, though.

Preakness Toilet Races

2008-05-19T16:02:00.002-04:00

Watch this dude get his wig rocked by a beer can 19 seconds in..............

Yanks vs. Mets 5/17/08

2008-05-19T15:49:00.008-04:00

Beazley Burgers were flowin............

Jeremy was suckin off met fans............

Kennedy was sellin tickets to the Gun Show............

O'Toole was keepin it real.............

And Mike was smooth as sandpaper gettin caught takin pictures of girls asses!!!!! At least I "man'd up" and admitted it when she called me out and told me she was sitting with her dad!

Thanks Tom O'Toole for sending this!

2008-05-16T14:47:00.000-04:00

New York University held their graduation ceremony at Yankee Stadium because of construction conflicts at the usual location of Washington Square Park. The graduates were given one strict guideline - DO NOT GO ONTO THE FIELD.

For one young man, that was merely a yield sign and not a stop sign.

William Lopez of Manhasset, Long Island, jumped over the right field wall and dashed around the bases. Turning third, donned in his blue graduation gown, Lopez was nailed by the cutoff men -- NYPD Cops.

"I was trying to make it to home plate. I wanted to do a head-first dive. I almost made it, only 10 feet to go."

Check out the hilarious video above.

Lopez was told by the NYPD that he had ruined graduation. As you'll notice from the video, that was hardly the case.

'Are you kidding me? The crowd was cheering me on.' "

To top is all off, young Lopez even impressed his parents.

Lopez's father, Bob Lopez, said when he saw the figure running on the field, "My wife asked, 'Could that be William?' I said, 'No. That kid's an athlete."

Here's to William Lopez jumping into the real world with all the enthusiasm necessary to make something of himself and also, here's to the NYPD for demonstrating to the Yankees how to successfully stop visitors from reaching home plate.

Mark Melancon

2008-05-16T10:03:00.003-04:00

Now that IPK has officially dicked me, I guess I need to ride with someone else.

Mark Melancon was just called up to Double A Trenton and threw two innings last night. He throws gas and could be the answer in the 8th inning along with JB Cox when Joba becomes a starter.

Age: 23 (March 28, 1985)
Position:P Throws: Right
Ht/Wt: 6'2" 210 lbs
From: Wheat Ridge CO USA

Expected to be an early round pick back in 2006, Mark Melancon slipped down to the Yankees in the 9th round that year due to injury concerns. Succumbing to Tommy John surgery after just six professional appearances with the Staten Island Yankees that same year, the former University of Arizona closer has worked his way back and some insiders believe he could have a 'Joba-like' year in 2008.

FINALLY!

2008-05-11T22:59:00.004-04:00

This must be a dream or some kind of April fools joke...........The Fightin Blue Hens FINALLY woke up and got legit football unis!!!

CLICK CLACK...........I think you hear the Hens comin!

Beazley Burgers Rip

2008-05-11T13:04:00.003-04:00

I'm not gonna lie, Beazley burgers pretty much rip it! I am looking forward to having one on May 17th against the Mets.

Thanks a lot Kei

2008-05-11T13:00:00.002-04:00

Dear Kei Igawa,

Thank you for ruining me and my son's first ever time watching the yankee game together. I put him in his yankee outfit, grabbed a beer and sat on the couch only to watch you get absolutely SHELLED in three innings! How the yankees are paying you 46 MILLION dollars completely baffles me! You are one of the biggest jokers alive.

Thanks Again you piece of Sh*t!

Mike and Aidan McGrath

Good Job IPK!

2008-05-07T09:59:00.002-04:00

"I woke up today and told my wife, 'I have a feeling I'm just going to make these guys look stupid,'" said Kennedy, laughing. "I'm trying to say it humbly, it doesn't matter.

"I'm happy to get the first win of the year out of the way, hopefully there's many more to come. It feels really good to get the first win, though."

Who Let the Dogs Out??

2008-05-06T15:16:00.004-04:00

Josh's favorite team of all time, the Charleston River Dogs are being led by their two stud catchers:

Jesus Montero - 6'4 225lbs
BA - .326
Doubles - 12
RBI - 25

Austin Romaine - 6'2 210lbs
BA - .351
Rated as having the 3rd strongest arm of any high school catcher in the nation in 2007. Good luck running on this kid!

New Yankee Fan!!

2008-05-06T15:01:00.002-04:00

Aidan O'Hagan McGrath. Born April 23rd 9:21pm. 6lbs 2 oz.

Yanks vs. Seattle - 5/3/08

2008-05-06T14:58:00.003-04:00

The newest addition to Section 8......Matty and Jeremy enjoying the view from their new seats. Also peep the chick riding the motorized cooler! We need to get one of those!!

Luke Noah Newman's First Game. 5/3/08

2008-05-06T14:49:00.004-04:00

I miss you L-Bow...........and so does Cano!!!

2008-05-06T14:36:00.004-04:00

I have hated Bobby Meachem since I was 10 years old and always will. My dad took me to a game when I was a kid and we had box seats right near the tarp in right field. We got there really early and were watching the players warm up. I was about 5 feet away from Meachem who was having a catch with Dave Winfield. I asked Bobby Meachem about 50 times for an autograph of my "Sticker Book" and that piece of trash didn't even aknowledge my existence. Looking back at it today, why the hell would I even want an autograph from a career .236 hitter?

I was at the game on sat and watched Meachem coach third. I put him up there as one of the worst 3rd base coaches I have ever seen with the likes of Luis Sojo and Dale Sveum. He held Jeter at third on a base hit with two outs that he would have scored on even if he jogged to home plate. The next batter flied out ending the inning. Good thing they had a 5 run lead.

L-Bow is regarded as the best 3rd base coach in all of Baseball and has worked wonders with Robbie Cano on defense and always kept him sharp mentally. Meachem, you haven't showed me anything yet......TIME TO STEP UP AND EARN YOUR PINSTRIPES THAT YOU NEVER EARNED WHEN YOU WERE A PLAYER!!!!!

Killer Lettuce!

2008-04-15T14:57:00.005-04:00

Joe Possidento a.k.a. "The Maestro" Circa 2003

Starting Lineups....

2008-04-11T18:38:00.001-04:00

Prediction Time......

2008-04-11T18:25:00.001-04:00

Phil Hughes......CLICK CLAK

2008-04-03T22:21:00.002-04:00

I think you hear him comin...............I just with he kept #65 Dammit!

The Kid Gettin his Swerve on!

2008-04-03T22:18:00.000-04:00

Cool Pic

2008-04-02T15:52:00.003-04:00

Here is a pretty cool pic I took from the roof on Monday when we were waiting to see if they were gonna get the game underway.

2008 Opening Day.....Take 2

2008-04-02T15:40:00.005-04:00

Dirty Water Dogs for the peeps................

2008 Opening Day..........Take 1

2008-04-02T15:29:00.004-04:00

At least we got to hear my man play "Woody Woodpecker". That made Josh very happy!

Sweet Sweet Laura.....

2008-03-28T15:43:00.002-04:00

Jorge is a total stud.....

See you in September B.G.

2008-03-28T10:51:00.002-04:00

My boy Brett Gardner finally got sent down to the minors last night after tearing it up this spring. He is going to he the yanks secret weapon this fall come playoff time cause this whiteboy has JETS. If they need someone to swipe a bag this fall, he is your man......

I also root for this guy b/c he was a walk on in college and worked his way up to being al all-american and a 2nd round pick. Mark my words, he is going to cause some havoc on the base paths this fall if the yanks make the playoffs.

My Brother in Law's Trip to see the Yanks...

2008-03-25T17:05:00.009-04:00

The Yankees in Sarasota

By Christopher Pierznik
Special Guest Contributor

Unlike most Phillies or neutral fans, I’ve never hated the Yankees. There may have been times that I haven’t been pulling for them, but I’ve always respected them and Derek Jeter should be revered as being the epitome of what a baseball player should be.

So when I found out that the first spring training game I would ever attend in person would be pitting the Yankees against the Cincinnati Reds, I was almost as eager as I would’ve been had it been a Phils game.

I was visiting a close friend in Sarasota and he lives less than ten minutes from the Reds home field, Ed Smith Stadium, in Florida (until the club’s probable move to Arizona next year). Approaching the “stadium,” it feels as if you’re attending an American Legion playoff game, only with more traffic. Parking wasn’t a problem since there is a large grass lot that is open to everyone for the astronomical price of $5. No umbrellas are permitted in the stadium and with rain appearing on the horizon, it looked ominous but I wasn’t deterred. (After all, I was on vacation.)

Once inside the gates, it feels crowded but not cramped. Those who are afraid of the weather purchase see-thru Reds ponchos but most of us decide to take our chances rather than looking like the Kool-Aid guy. We buy a few beers (great selection, by the way) and make our way to our seats.

Here again the old-time ballpark feel is evident. While there are seats (not benches) in almost every part of the stadium, there aren’t many aisles, so if your seats are in the middle of the row, like ours were, then getting to your seat and going to the bathroom is a much bigger ordeal than even in the oldest of MLB parks. Also, it’s Florida, so old retired people are everywhere and they do not like to get up for young people (nor do they move very fast).

We get situated and the sightlines are fantastic. I’ve heard the term “not a bad seat in the house” used repeatedly but I only felt it was appropriate when talking about Citizens Bank Park (sorry, The House That Ruth Built). However, this place is so small and the seats are so close to the field – and one another – that there really isn’t a bad spot in the building. (If you’re willing to stand throughout the whole game, then your spot is even better because the walkways of Ed Smith Stadium make you feel like you’re standing next to Jeter & A-Rod.)

The bottom of the first sees Rodriguez hit a 3-run jack over the wall in left-center field and the assault on Matt Belisle was underway. (Giving up seven runs and eight hits in three innings? Ouch.) Ken Griffey Jr. also had an RBI (he finished 1-for-4) in the first – and probably last – game I’ll ever see him play live. Phil Hughes gave up “only” four runs but did he allow nine hits in less than three innings of work.

After five innings, Jeter, A-Rod, and Damon are done for the afternoon. They make their way to the warning track in leftfield and 65% of spectators follow to watch them do wind sprints from the leftfield corner to the scoreboard in center. Despite pleas and stares of love and adulation from both males and females (of all ages), they make their way back to the Yankee dugout and immediately to the showers. Speaking of showers, as if the clouds were waiting for the stars to get undercover, the sky immediately opened up and a heavy rain descended upon us as we ran under the bleachers in shallow left.

The tarp was brought out and it looked like the game was over (we were stuck there as our ride had to run to the office for an hour) but the rain let up and the teams’ young future stars and hopefuls got back out there. We took a walk around and saw a white dude wearing a backwards hat with a pad of paper on his lap signing autographs. As it turned out, it was the architect of the Yanks, Mr. Brian Cashman, with a crowd waiting patiently to meet him.

Meanwhile, a much larger crowd had gathered around a roped-off walkway in the concourse near the front of the stadium where the visiting team’s players left the locker room. Fans with bats, balls, pictures, cameras and notepads waited for a glimpse – and hopefully more – of one of the Yankees as some cars more expensive than many houses waited just outside the gate.

Johnny Damon was the first to emerge and he signed a few autographs for the crowd on his way out. A-Rod was next, led by his manager with an expensive blue pinstripe suit, and he didn’t even acknowledge the fans begging for his time. He hopped in the passenger seat of the biggest – and whitest – white Chevy Suburban I’ve ever seen. Finally here comes Jeter, signing a few items, smiling that famous smile, before hopping into his tricked-out champagne-colored H2 and taking off. Without him, there wasn’t much more to see and the rest of us followed their lead and left while the younger kids played on, trying to earn a roster spot.

See you in a week!!!!

2008-03-25T10:16:00.001-04:00

Jean Rice and me, holding it down in lot 13 - May 2004............

10 Days Away Baby!!!

2008-03-20T13:33:00.002-04:00

Just received our tickets for the final opening day at Yankee Stadium. Melk Man and S.D.F. will not be suspended for the game as their appeal hearing has been pushed back! Let me know if you are going and we will meet up in the parking lot for a few beers.

Va Tech

2008-03-19T10:50:00.000-04:00

Hughes, a Bostonian who coached at Boston College, received a text message from Red Sox manager Terry Francona early Tuesday morning.

"He said, 'Good luck. Pound Jeter inside. Go get 'em,'" Hughes said. "It was pretty cool."
Still, even as a lifelong Red Sox fan, Hughes was thrilled to welcome the Yankees to English Field, chatting with manager Joe Girardi and several players before the game.

"You grow up hating the Yankees your whole life and your kids are born into that mentality," Hughes said. "I will forever look at them differently after today. For these guys to get out of their spring training routine because it's important for them to be a part of this - and they gave a million dollars - I look at the Yankees differently now, and I always will."

Brack-Attack

2008-03-18T11:24:00.003-04:00

• The Yankees have told Andrew Brackman, the 6-10 NC State fireballer/power forward who signed and had Tommy John surgery in August, to forget about trying to pitch in 2008. "They told me not to even think about pitching this season, just get healthy," says Brackman, who may be a monster talent.

Papelblown is a mouse

2008-03-16T21:34:00.001-04:00

“Being insulted by Papelbon is like being attacked by a mouse,” Steinbrenner said. “John Henry and I traded a couple of jabs good-naturedly. So now, all of a sudden, this player, this 20-something kid who really doesn’t know his way in the world, comes out with a personal insult. There’s no excuse for that.”

Melk Man and Shelley Suspended 3 Games

2008-03-14T13:31:00.002-04:00

This sucks! I was looking forward to watching them down in the bronx on opening day. Apparently Melky punhced Evan Longoria in the face! Dont F with Melky!

This means that damon will be in center and Sui in left leaving someone to DH. Cripes!

Also - My brother in law is down in tampa at todays game and said A-Rod just hit a 3 run jack in the bottom of the first. He's a beast!

Cead mile failte

2008-03-14T13:05:00.001-04:00

Happy St. Patricks Day my peeps!!!! GO YANKEES!!!!

Frankie, Shelley has your back!!!!!

2008-03-12T16:23:00.001-04:00

In the second inning on Wednesday, Yankees first baseman Shelley Duncan slid hard, spikes high, into Rays second baseman Akinori Iwamura. Duncan was subsequently tackled by Rays right fielder Jonny Gomes, clearing the benches.

Duncan, Gomes, hitting coach Kevin Long and Yankees third base coach Bobby Meacham were ejected.

On Sunday, Duncan had dropped a hint that the Yankees might match the Rays' intensity on the basepaths."What it does is it opens another chapter of intensity in the spring training ballgames," Duncan said, referring to the home-plate collision. "They showed what is acceptable to them and how they're going to play the game, so we're going to go out there to match their intensity -- or even exceed it."

Who you riding with in 08???

2008-03-10T13:12:00.002-04:00

This is a tough one............Many are saying Phil Franchise is gonna have a big year. Leave your answer in the comment section if you wish.

Tough Break Frankie

2008-03-09T15:12:00.003-04:00

Francisco Cervelli will be out for 8-10 weeks following yesterday’s collision with the Rays Elliot Johnson. “I think it’s uncalled for in spring training. You get people hurt and that’s what we got, we got Cervelli hurt,” said Joe Girardi.

It's Not Funny Benedict!!!

2008-03-07T10:16:00.002-05:00

Yanks not blessed by April schedule

The Yankees' April schedule is "terrible," as general manager Brian Cashman said yesterday, and it will affect the roster decisions they make in spring training.

After an eight-day, seven-game homestand, the Yankees spend 19 of the next 21 days on the road -- the only exception a two-game series against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees are scheduled to play 18 road games in April, which would be a franchise record.
Traditionally, teams get extra off days in April. But this year the Yankees have a stretch of 19 consecutive days with a game, April 2-20.

"It's pretty stupid," Johnny Damon said. "Every year it doesn't make sense. We come home for two days. It's brutal. We're gone for seven, come home for two, gone for 10. Why even come home?"

There is one reason for the brutality:

The Pope. The original schedule had a more balanced April. But after it was completed, Pope Benedict scheduled an April 20 mass at Yankee Stadium. So some Yankees home games were flipped to accommodate the event and its preparation.

Jakey Boy!

2008-03-07T10:02:00.000-05:00

Jake Beazley's first ever Yankee Game!

Keepin it Gangsta

2008-03-06T13:06:00.000-05:00

S.D.F.

2008-03-06T09:54:00.007-05:00

2 bombs....9 RBI so far this Spring. The Yanks need to get this kid some run this season b/c he's pretty much money

"He's done everything you can ask a man to do when he's trying to earn playing time," Joe Girardi said of Duncan, who is fighting for a spot at first base or in the outfield. "He's taking advantage of it. He's a ball of energy."

S.D.F.....Shelley Duncan Forever

Brett Gardner Rips

2008-03-05T10:11:00.004-05:00

MiLB.com: What is your greatest accomplishment, on or off the field?

BG: Just getting to where I am today. Obviously I haven't played in the Major Leagues but out of high school I wasn't recruited by hardly any colleges. I barely made the team at College of Charleston as a walk-on. But I've worked hard, just to make the college team and then to get a couple of at-bats and then to become a starter. Just getting an opportunity to play here for the Yankees and be here in big league camp, I'm just glad to be in the situation I'm in right now.

MiLB.com: What is your favorite aspect of playing in the Yankees organization and why?

BG: The fans. The fans are tremendous. At nine, 10 in the morning there are two thousand people here to watch us stretch. We love them and appreciate them and no matter where we're playing, whether it's New Hampshire or Kentucky or New York or New Jersey we always have fans there. There are always Yankee fans around.

"It really motivates you when you're in the Minor Leagues to see guys you're playing alongside get a chance. And I'm not speaking just for myself, I'm speaking for 150 other guys. When I became a part of this organization in 2005 it wasn't like this. Everybody was kind of like, 'I hope I get traded.' Now the way the system is being run, a lot of guys are getting opportunities. Even if it's just for a few weeks, all guys like us want an opportunity."