Yanks Get A Ring In 06'?

Ramrod,

Do you think G. Gordon Liddy is involved in this too?

And maybe even the CIA - like a vast conspiracy.

LOL

Ramrod on board....and RR knows and commensurates with Calbb.....gosh darn.....well....do see a commonality...but lighten up guys....promise....not out to sabotage your sons or your posts.....

TPM....you may claim ARod as a native son of Florida and the good old USA....but don't think he's too sure of where he stands...post season aside......You do know that he has declined to participate in the World Baseball Classic.....seems he couldn't decide if he should represent the Dominican Republic or the USA....according to reports....he orginally intended to represent the Dominican......but when questions arose......he took the best of all possible paths for ARod...he won't play at all....he couldn't choose between the Dominican and the United States...but one thing we all know....requires very little thought.....or committment.....

The pay is better here.....

Well, since the thread has been hijacked to talk about ARod, I might as well join in.....

I think the jury is still out on whether or not he will perform in the post-season.

But I think the guy is a virtual lock to make a run at the all time HR record. He's at 429 homers in 11+ seasons. The guy is only 30 years old.

All he has to do is average 40 homers for 9 more years and he's got the record. The last time he had fewer than 40 in a season was 1997 - his third year. Barring injury and a lack of interest, he will break the all time home run record.

Is he a clutch player? If I remember, Sabermetrics types discount the idea that there is statistically significant difference in performance under pressure for most players. I'm guessing the question about ARod is a produc of a small sample size of playoff AB's, and as he has more his statistical performance will approach his averages.

But if he stays healthy and interested, he's a lock to break Aaron's record (or whoever owns it at the time.)

Wow Arizonared, all I said was that he was one of our local boys, so I had nothing bad to say. I didn't even get into his record or performance.
I did not know all that you have told me, but it really doesn't matter. I don't really follow the Yankees as much as other teams, but I do know that Arod is treated with some respect here for what he has accomplished plus he gives lots of money back to our community. For me that's important.

TPM....sorry if you found anything in my last post offensive....certainly was not my intention.....I really think it comical....that ARod couldn't commit to play for the USA....

Hope you are enjoying the Holidays!

The 'World Cup' thing, although an interesting idea as well as an excellant way to both encourage international ball and expand the fan base, will have a few challenges. The competition begins just a couple of weeks after position players normally report. I'm assuming the national teams will train earlier than usual; if not, going into 'serious' games so soon after reporting could be risky.

What happens to the regularly scheduled ST games during March? Having a number of stars in the world games could impact attendance and ST interest; conversely, it could give a few prospects an excellant opportunity for PT they wouldn't otherwise have.....somebody might just owe their career to these games on down the line, without ever having played in one!

So....about what players play....not participating in the games would seem churlish; but how many of us would be indifferent to our Home Team Star getting injured in one of these games and missing any part of the season? Apparently the clubs can't prevent players from participating, and some rules have been established on pitch counts and relief appearances and such, but I can sure see any given player deciding that his loyalty to his team/boss/paycheck/fans comes before a new, untested, world tournament format.

quote:

but how many of us would be indifferent to our Home Team Star getting injured in one of these games and missing any part of the season? Apparently the clubs can't prevent players from participating, and some rules have been established on pitch counts and relief appearances and such, but I can sure see any given player deciding that his loyalty to his team/boss/paycheck/fans comes before a new, untested, world tournament format.

Orlando

I see this as the same sort of issue as the All Star break but on a larger scale. Managers and coaches do try to stay out of it but as you know, many are very relieved to hear that the player has made the decicion not to play.

Apparently each manager does have the abilty to petition the commissioners office? to block players from participating. Some managers have done that and in the end, I'm not sure if we (the public) know for sure if the player has declined on his own or has been blocked.

As a fan, I would hope the player's put the season first.

The Yankees will win the World Series on the sole fact that they are the best team in baseball. No other team has the talent up and down the lineup that the bombers do. There's no way they'll keep this title-less streak going on much longer.

I somewhat agree with that statement. They have more "names" than any other team in baseball. I dont want to say has-beens, but alot of their roster is on the downward slope of their career.

Yankee...I would take the White Sox staff over the Yankees staff any day....Yankees are done. No pitching.

White Sox again in 2006.

Deal with it.

With the kind of lineup they have, i see no problem in scoring runs. With a revamped bullpen, their pitching staff will be good enough to carry them to world series. I don't see the white sox closer having another year like last.

Yankees win in 2006.

Deal with it.

I'm sure if the don't start out running away with the AL East, George will find some additional arms.....

But wasn't all that true about the Yankees in 2005 as well?

I remember reading somewhere years ago that any team with more than two sure HOFers has never won the WS. Because of egos or (more recently) salary issues, perhaps.

George does tend toward proven veterans and it's quite a gamble to get those veterans when they're still going to improve. The Cards do the same thing on a smaller scale...and those 'proven vets' tend to run out of steam late in the season.

Guess they'll just have to play the games to find out

Chill, the World Cup games could be very interesting. There will be different styles of play to a degree, like footies' World Cup and Rugby's. My son found European ball (he's played some of the teams that will be represented) pretty much Arm and Hammer, with defensive holes --- and very physical. That part concerns me.

Arod-- a native son of Florida---HARDLY ---he spent his younger years in NYC before moving to Florida--in fact the story is that if he had remained in NYC he would have played with Manny in HS on the same team

The Yanks will be interesting this season.

Do they pitch the money arms or the arms that have been successful? Chacon, Small and ChienWang delivered while the expected starters, with the exception of Johnson and Mussina, didn't perform. It will an interesting decision for Torre.

The Yankees do not start the season thinking that they have to make the playoffs, they start the season thinking that they are on the road to winning the World Series.

On A-Rod, he should become a New York type money ball player this year. He didn't deliver last year in the clutch.I don't know if he was told to swing for the fences or if he decided to hit the ball to the left side with no outs and men on first and second. If that was his decision, he may have seen why a great player hits the other way in that circumstance.

Only playing the game will tell it.

I'm still watching for George to get Soriano back at second base.

Torre is right.

Manager has NOTHING to do with winning or losing.

If you don't have the talent, you don't win.

The Yankees have talent...but not good enough.

White Sox win it all in 2006.

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
Arod-- a native son of Florida---HARDLY ---he spent his younger years in NYC before moving to Florida--in fact the story is that if he had remained in NYC he would have played with Manny in HS on the same team

Hmmm, I didn't mention he was born here, did I? He did attend Westminster Academy and drafted out of HS from there and whole family lives here and he makes his home here in winter. Just donated over 3M to UM for stadium inprovements.

That makes him a home town boy.

I'm just guessing that the rings will go to those not mentioned much before the season. Who picked the Angels before 2002, the Marlins before 2003, or the Red Sox before 2004 or the White Sox for crimminy sake before last season? The Yankees were favorites before each season. Wuhappen?

It's fun predicting the future. The only reliable thing is that it's tough to predict the winner.

The Yankees were old last year. They are a year older this year.

Revamped bullpen with Kyle "Wildthing" Farnsworth and Mike Myers? Please.

Arrivals: CF Johnny Damon (free agent), RHP Octavio Dotel (free agent), RHP Kyle Farnsworth (free agent), LHP Mike Myers (free agent), LHP Ron Villone (trade), C Kelly Stinnett (free agent)

Departures: RHP Tom Gordon, 1B Tino Martinez, C John Flaherty, OF/DH Ruben Sierra, RHP Kevin Brown, LHP Alan Embree, 2B/OF Tony Womack, OF Matt Lawton, INF Rey Sanchez, INF Mark Bellhorn, RHP Felix Rodriguez

Damon will help some but it always comes down to pitching. Smalls and Chacon had selling-soul-to-the-devil career years. I doubt they repeat. Johnson at 42 yo and Moose at 37 yo are both a year older. Carl Pavano is not a #3 starter. Posada at 34 yo and Sheff 38 yo are old(er).

They still look like the same division champs that ran out of gas last year to me. I could be wrong. I have before.

Ron Villone is going to get them a ring?

See it as you see fit !!!!


Added note on AROD who I think is one heck of a player-- he didnt win in Seattle, he didint win in Texas and to date has not won in NY--interesting isnt it ?

Time is catching up to the Yankees Dad04.

I would be hard pressed to pick any other team than the White Sox to win it all next year.

I guess the sleeper team on paper right now in the AL may be the Blue Jays.

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
See it as you see fit !!!!


Added note on AROD who I think is one heck of a player-- he didnt win in Seattle, he didint win in Texas and to date has not won in NY--interesting isnt it ?

TR,
I am not disagreeing with you. But just he is a local guy. Same with quite a few others in our area.

Same allegiance we have to Kris Benson, Khalil and other former CU Tigers, as well as any other MLB players from the program. We just can relate.

Hey look, I am even going for the Mets this year, so cut some slack.

If any of you get a chance to read past quotes by A-rod's past teammates, you will find them enlightening. I believe the young rangers called him the cooler. He could make the hottest team cool off. Much of what has been written about him says that he's too immature, still treats his players like high schoolers and would cheat or steal his way on top. I am not a disliker of A-rod. He is one of the great talents of all time. His head gets in his way and unless he grows up, stops hand slapping up the 1b line, stops telling teammates to bang into opposing catchers when there is no play at the plate, he will not win. Just look at his face after an error. He believe's that it effects everyone, and in the big league game, you have to move on after errors. He believe's he's the most important player out there all the time. Team players like Jeter don't think they're the most important, they just play like it. His ego is much bigger than his contract. He will win more MVP's but I doubt a series ring.

Coachric

Texas had nothing to go with ARod… nothing to cool off. Other than him they had the worst talent in the big leagues.

He’s been with the Yankees two years… They won their division both years. In 2004 they saw the Red Sox come back from 3 games down or the Yankees would probably have been World Champs.

ARod is still young and should win some championships and more MVPs before he’s done. If he were such a bad apple for a team… why do they pay him so much?

Has ARod been mentioned in the steroid talks?
Has he been involved in club house fights?
Has he publicly cut down a team mate?
Has he taken time off against tough pitchers?
Has he done anything that would cause problems other than make too much money?

Reading what others have to say, can be misleading at times. Especially when those “others” speak anonymously. I do remember him being quoted as saying Jeter is the Yankee's team leader. I do remember him saying he is willing to play 3B (and he did) or do what ever is asked of him. How often do we hear super stars say things like that?

I don’t think it’s fair to label players as losers! Especially when they are among the best who have ever played the game.

PG

I agree but in todays market with players such AROD, and as I stated above ,I think he is a heck of a player, the fans and the media expect the player to carry the team to the Championship--- in three stops AROD has not done that and in NY that can be a mortal sin

I expect "fans and media" to be unrealistic. Fans and media can be downright ugly and clueless at times.

I'd like to think those who are deeply involved, coaches, scouts, players, etc. would understand how things really are.

One can say ARod has not won the big one. One can say he didn't do well in the playoffs. I just don't like the rumors and inuendoes thrwon out there in addition to the real facts.

Just because someone has not won the World Championship... do we need to rip into his character?

Agree with PG.

I expect alot from a guy that makes as much as he does - especially in the big games. And IMO - he has been very disappointing in the big games.

But assailing the man's character just isnt right IMO.

I recall Dave Winfield getting similar type of treatment as Arod is now. I don't remember but don't think he won any championships until he went to Toronto.

Cleveland - And Dave is one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

A real gentleman with a good heart.

A couple years back - the morning before he was getting honored at Yankee Stadium - we had breakfast together and just talked for about 2 hours. My eldest son was injured - and disappointed - and Dave wrote him a really nice letter - signed a baseball with an inspirational message on it - and even offered to call and speak with him.

Just a great guy IMO.

Its - Nice story. He was a positive influence his short time in Cleveland as well. Sometimes you just can't please everyone and as Ricky Nelson said, you might as well please yourself.

To quote a poster: "I expect "fans and media" to be unrealistic." and "....fans and media can get down right ugly and clueless at times" Isn't that as bad as calling ARod the cooler? What's the difference?

The difference is that the fans and media know ARod is being paid big bucks to deliver.....and a consequence of receiving such big pay checks is that when you fail....you hear about it. Could be worse.....in a regular job, with a regular paycheck....he'd be fired.

I'm not into ripping anyone's character....even a Yankee.....but the "realism" of it all is that the fans and media expect a lot, and yes maybe too much, for the money they take from their regular paychecks to get into the stadium.....it keeps costing them more and more....and they know why.....yes, they have expectations, and yes, they can get ugly if a player fails.....that's the game.....and one the consequences for being a major league player.....it's been going on for as long as the game existed....

Doesn't anyone have hopes for the Red Sox? I know....it's a question that keeps getting more silly with each passing trade....

Not bad numbers!

Since I have been reading here, the one constant has been opinions expressed regarding pitching:

The name of the game is pitching.

Pitching and defense wins ballgames.

Good pitching beats good hitting.

When pitching is good you give your team a chance to win.

Has that changed? Why then, would Arod carry sole blame for only winning the divison and not the ring?

Here's another good one: Pitchers are
(or, can be) the most important and least precitable player on the ballfield.

quote:

To quote a poster: I expect "fans and media" to be unrealistic." and "....fans and media can get down right ugly and clueless at times" Isn't that as bad as calling ARod the cooler? What's the difference?

As it was I who was the poster quotd above, I will respond.

ARod, Alex Rodriguez is one individual who everyone recognizes. Fans and media are large groups of people who have proven beyond any doubt can get down right ugly and clueless at times. In fact, I saw it again yesterday at the Outback Bowl in Tampa!

It’s kind of like saying people can be mean… it doesn’t mean every individual is mean.

Do you really think this is the same thing as calling someone out by name, calling them a baby, an egomaniac, bad for a team and that that individual will lie and cheat to get what he wants. And yes, to a smaller extent call him a “cooler”?

Unless you as an individual who represents all fans and all media… surely you can see the OBVIOUS difference! One is an attack on an individuals charater... The other is a general observation without naming a single person.

People can say anything they want about Alex Rodriguez the baseball player. What is the need for the other stuff? People can be cruel! There I did it again!

PG....tell you what....pay me what the Yankees pay ARod.....and you can call me anything you want.....you can take out a newspaper ad....you can broadcast it over all the major tv networks....call me anything....but not late to pick up my paycheck......

If I failed to deliver....I'd probably expect it...and I think ARod does too......but I'm sure he appreciates you're defending him....

....and again, I'm not calling him anything....we will not even hiss or boo at games....we see others behave very badly too....but we don't....I also think it's unfortunate that people behave badly....but it's part of the game.....and beer concessions....but that's another topic.

I'm not going to get into a debate with you about what is acceptable and unacceptable at ball games. Stadium managers have officials in attendance to resolve crowd/fan misbehavior....it's their job to determine acceptable conduct....not mine. There are also consequences for actions.....or consequences for inactions......

Media, fans.....they will respond accordingly....you can call it cruel all you want....some call it consequences.....

arizonared,

I'm not defending anyone. Also never have I attacked someone's character in a public forum.

I'm very well aware of how the system works. Fully understand the position these players are in. Booing and hissing go with the job. Character assasination is yet another issue.

You say someone can call you anything, take out an ad, broadcast it on Television, so long as you get your paycheck. Think about that for awhile and get back to us.

In this case, I think we are talking about two completely different things. Your comments, as most, are formed based on how much money they pay the guy. If he were the 20th highest paid player, these discussions wouldn't take place.

I'm not a Alex Rodriguez fan, I just don't like random rumors that amount to character assasination. It's that simple!

arizonared,

To take this a step further... If you were making that kind of money and people came on here wityh rumors that you were a baby, and would cheat/lie to get ahead, etc.

I would be right here arguing on your behalf. Whether you cared or not!

bbscout....I don't know what you are talking about....why address your post to me? How is it related to what I've posted?

PG.....I never said you attacked anyone's character....and yes....I can think about it for a long time.....and even if you pay me less than ARod.....say just as much as the average MLB player gets...yeah...you can still call me names....it will be okay....promise.....

I also know that you are very well aware...of lots having to do with baseball...and that's great too.....wish I had half of your knowledge.....truly.....

Don't know if we are talking about 2 differnt thing or not as you say.......and I don't want to be repetitive....also don't want to get into a debate with you....obviously you have more knowledge about the game and the players than I do....I do read your posts.....and I'm impressed....just like lots of others...I do see the posts you receive in turn....

I'm only a fan.....and that's where I'm coming from....pure and simple....maybe I am "ugly, clueless and unrealistic".....and if ARod messes up...you may not hear from me...but you will from other fans.....it won't all be pretty either....but that's their right....and I'll debate that with you until the cows come home. If anyone's behavior gets too out of line....there are recourses for players....and stadium officals.....we all know that too.....

One final thing....my comments are not based solely on what they pay the guy....my comments are based on what they pay the guy and the consequences for not performing the job to everyone's expectations....especially the fans....whom I think have something to do with payday..

I dont know about all that other stuff - and I too dont think it is fair to assail his character.

As for his performance - this past year he was very bad in crunch time IMO - and the year before - despite what appears to be good numbers - he came up empty in several big time clutch spots IMO.

I sure as heck dont have anything against him either. Seems like a nice guy to me.

Given what he earns - I would expect more from him when it matters most.

Wow! These things get deep. I was merely stating reported facts about the guy. The on field tactics he has used appear a bit bush for a guy that wants everyone to think that he's a nice guy. During on extra base hit, he and Jeter were rounding the bases when he hollered out for Jeter to run into Varitek with no play at the plate. Jeter ignored him. Sox 3b coached verifed the story to reporters and Varitek had heard him. When he crossed the plate Varitek told him that he didn't have the nerve to try. Varitek verified that to reporters. Its one incident on the field and I am sure there are many that go unreported. He just the most popular guy doing it so the media loves this stuff. I have heard many say that hes a great guy, and others say that he's much different behind the scenes. I thought he had great teams in Seattle, where they won 116 games after he left, but still no ring. Texas did mortgage the house on him, but their young players did expect a mature leader and classy player. Many there have quietly been quoted as saying he was not, that he was full of himself. Hey, many stars are. We cannot assasinate character by quoting or paraphrasing others. IMO he will carry the tag of great player, not a winner until he gets his ring. The easiest place is in NY and many have thought they should have won one by now. Its not about money for me, all the power to him if he can get his from the billionaire owners. No one seems to care that they're all rich. Hey, maybe he'll shut us all up this year. IMO I just don't see it happening. And that was the question the original poster put up.

Coachric

quote:

I was merely stating reported facts about the guy

Coachric,

Reported “facts”? Don’t you really mean “reports” period?

Can’t we talk about his performance, or lack there of, rather than “reported facts” regarding his character? If they are truly “facts” we will all find out soon enough. Tabloids are full of reported facts that turn out to be no more than sensationalism. I have a hard time calling a sure fire first ballet, hall-of-famer, a bush leaguer.

Arizonared,

You have every right as a baseball fan to think what you want. Most everything you said makes sense. I have no problem with those who debate a professional player’s performance. Just bothers me when it goes beyond that point. Guess I’m not a real fan in the true sense of the word. Sorry if anything I said offended you.

And also...

Why the comparisons to Jeter. My son was a team mate of Derek Jeter’s and still remains a close friend. He is a one in a million type player and person. I've never met Alex Rodriguez, but A-Rod is by far the better hitter… it’s really not even close. There are “reported facts” that some think A-Rod is also the better shortstop. Of course, those would just be opinions!

The topic was will the Yankees win it all in 06. Not whether some individual and league MVP is a bush leaguer. And there's been many of the greatest players who never won a World Championship.