Sabathia to Yanks a done deal

The big man made his decision, and it's to play for the Yanks.  After Cashman and "special advisors" Joe Girardi and Reggie Jackson wined and dined the big lefty, he decided he would sign the largest contract ever given to a pitcher.  Sabathia's contract is for 161 million dollars over the course of 7 years.  He will have an opt-out clause after 3 years, at which point he will have earned 69 million dollars.  The Yankees are confident that they will be able to make Sabathia and his family comfortable in New York, so that he we will not elect to use the clause.  The deal is still pending a physical, so the Yanks are obviously still being very quiet about it.  Expect a press conference next week sometime, which could feature not only Sabathia, but possibly A. J Burnett also.  More on that soon...

Photo taken by the Associated Press.

Haven't posted in forever

Hey guys, I haven't posted in forever, it was starting to consume way too much of my time.  I am going to start back again though.  Feel free to leave your comments and concerns as the blog begins to get underway again.

What can Duncan do?

In the first inning of tonight's game, Shelley Duncan made another error, throwing the ball wide to second, and pulling Derek Jeter off the bag.

If Duncan were hitting, we might be able to put up with his atrocious defense.  Unfortunately, he isn't doing that either. 

Joba to make first career start Tuesday in the Bronx

The Yankees have made a decision regarding reliever turned starting pitcher Joba Chamberlain.  He will make his first career start Tuesday when the Yankees come home to the Bronx to face the Blue Jays.  

Manager Joe Girardi told WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog that the Yankees are expecting Joba to pitch about five innings, and throw no more than 70 pitches. 

Andy Pettitte will make the start Monday night in the finale against the Twins in Minneapolis.

Game 54 Preview: Moose going for 8th victory

New York Yankees @ Minnesota Twins

Friday, May 30 2008, 8:10 P.M EST

TV: MY9 Radio: WCBS 880

Pitching Matchup

RHP Mike Mussina (7-4, 4.39 ERA) @ LHP Glen Perkins (2-1, 2.77 ERA)

Yankee Lineup   Twins Lineup

 

1.) Jeter SS   1.) Gomez CF

2.) Abreu RF 2.) Casilla 2B

3.) Rodriguez 3B 3.) Mauer C

4.) Matsui LF 4.)Morneau 1B

5.) Giambi DH 5.) Cuddyer RF

6.) Duncan 1B 6.) Kubel DH

7.) Cano 2B 7.) Young LF

8.) Molina C 8.) Lamb 3B

9.) Cabrera CF 9.) Harris SS

Pregame Concerns- Mike Mussina only pitched five innings in his last outings before Joba Chamberlain came in for relief. Mussina gave up four earned runs on seven hits in that outing.

Does the "Melk-Man" really deliver?

New York Yankees center fielder Melky Cabrera is one of the most interesting players on the team, in that he seems to always fly under the radar.  For one, the fans never seem to get on him when he goes into an extended slump, which he seems to be struggling with lately, despite a few clutch hits.  I find that quite interesting because he has basically taken over for one of the most loved center fielders of all time in Bernie Williams.  This is most likely attributed to the fact that the Yankees lineup is stacked with stars, but Melky still seems to never be talked about if he is slumping, or if he is doing great.  

 Melky is at a point in his young career where he is most likely about to go in one of two directions.  He could either completely explode, and have a great year, which he showed signs of in April.  Or, he could continue to be slightly above average and hit his usual .270.  Even if he did stay slightly above average offensively, he still fits in nicely in this Yankee lineup, especially when Posada returns.  Also, he has been very good in center field, which the Yankee's seem to be thrilled with.  But will be be around for years to come if he doesn't begin to break out offensively?  The answer is probably not.  Center field prospect Austin Jackson, who the Yankees scouted since twelve years old, is still grooming in the minor leagues.  The Yankees say he has tremendous speed, and has a swing that they have compared to Derek Jeter.  They say at about 20 years old, Jackson is already ahead of where Bernie Williams and Jeter were when they were his age.  

So does Melky have a future here in New York, or is he just filling in until Jackson is ready to take over?  I don't know for sure, but I think the "Melk-Man" should consider delivering at a faster pace. 

Posada still on the right track

More good news has recently surfaced in regards to Yankees catcher Jorge Posada.  He played in another extended spring training game today and continued his rehabilitation program by catching seven strong innings, and also making hard throws to second and third before the game.  He also went 1-for-2 with two walks.

Posada has been out since April 27th, but could rejoin the Yankees lineup as early as Tuesday, when the team will start a home stand against Toronto.