Top 10 Yankee Moments of 2009

So, I decided to step aside from my LA blog for a moment and discuss the Yankees 2009 season considering they were crowned World Series Champs a week ago. It was a fantastic season for the Yanks with many ups and downs along the way, but in the end, they were truly the best team in baseball. There were so many great moments along the way, but I narrowed the list down to the 10 that stick out the most in my mind. Let me know what you think. What's missing? What shouldn't be there? Should anything move up or down? I'd love to hear your opinion!

#10 - Yanks Open New Stadium


While the Yankee bullpen imploded and the bats were silenced by Cliff Lee, the opening of the New Yankee Stadium could not go unnoticed. The grand facility began a year marked by criticism for expensive tickets and empty seats, but also marked by pies in the face after walk-off wins and a tremendous amount of tribute to the Yankees history. It was the “House That George Built” and it would end up hosting the final game of the Yankees’ World Championship Season.

#9 - Yanks Sweep Away Sox


In early August, the Yanks were sitting in first place, but by just 2.5 games over the Red Sox when the rivals came to town. The Yankees had started the year 0-8 vs. Boston and needed at least a win or two to give them some credibility. What followed was a four-game sweep of Boston that featured a 13-6 blowout of John Smoltz in Game 1, a walk-off homer by A-Rod for 2-0, 15-inning win in Game 2, a masterful performance by CC Sabathia en route to a 5-0 shutout in Game 3, and a Mark Teixeira go-ahead homer in the 8th inning of a 5-2 win in the final game. The Yanks were now up 6.5 games in the east and cruised to the division title.

#8 - Mo Enters 500 Club and Adds 1st RBI


Against the cross-town rival Mets, and on National TV, Mariano Rivera came into the game with two outs in the 8th, needing 4 saves for #500. He gave up just one hit, struck out two, and joined Trevor Hoffman in the 500 club. Not only did he get that milestone, he also got career RBI #1 when he drew a bases-loaded walk against elite closer Francisco Rodriguez. It was the performance that elated Yankee fans and drove Met fans off the side of a bridge.

#7 - Pettitte is #1 on Playoff Wins List


After having to wait an extra day because of rain, Andy Pettitte took the mound in Game 6 of the ALCS looking to get the Yanks back to the Fall Classic. Not only did he win the game, but he won his 16th career postseason game, surpassing John Smoltz for first all-time. Andy threw 6 and a third innings giving up just 1 run and striking out 6 in the victory, sending the Yanks to the World Series, and moving him within four wins from Ring #5.

#6 - Game 2 Heroics




Game 2’s to me are always big momentum swingers. It could end with a team holding a commanding 2-0 lead or in a 1-1 tie, right back like it was at the beginning. In these two, the Yankees were looking to take that dominant lead, and they’d need extra innings to do so both times. In the ALDS against Minnesota, the Yanks were down 3-1 in the 9th. Up came Alex Rodriguez with 1 on, and he unloaded an A-Bomb into the right field bullpen off Joe Nathan to tie the game and send it to extras, beginning his exorcism of the playoff demons that haunted him since 2004. In the 11th, Mark Teixeira lined a bullet to left that hit off the top of the wall and skipped into the stands for another Yankee walk-off and a 2-0 series lead.

In the ALCS, the Angels had taken a 3-2 lead in the top of the 11th. Up came A-Rod again against another strong closer in Brian Fuentes. He hit another homer to right, just clearing the wall, and further exorcising the demons, and the game was tied up again. In the 13th, Maicer Izturis inexplicably tried to turn an impossible double play, threw the ball away at second, and Jerry Hairston Jr. scored the game winner.

Then in the World Series, after getting completely shut down by Cliff Lee in Game 1, the Yanks needed AJ Burnett to step up in Game 2 and shut down the Phillies. He tossed 7 innings of one-run ball, striking out 9, and allowing only 4 hits and 2 walks in a 3-1 win. Two excellent walk-offs, which was the Yanks theme of the year, and a masterful performance on the mound, turned the tide in each series.

#5 - Matsui's 6 in Game 6


Game 6 wasn’t a must-win situation, but after losing Game 5, the Yankees no doubt wanted to close out the Series rather than send it to a Game 7. Hideki Matsui was up to his usual tricks against Pedro “Who’s Your Daddy?” Martinez. Godzilla had a two-run homer, a two-run single, and a two-run double, knocking in 6 of the Yankees’ 7 runs to lead the Bombers to a 7-3 series clinching win and earning him World Series MVP honors.

#4 - A-Rod Returns in Style


After missing the first month of the season recovering from hip surgery, Alex Rodriguez made his first start of the year on May 8th in Baltimore. At the time, the team was 13-15 and terribly missing its power bat. With boos raining down from Orioles fans in regards to his steroids admission during the offseason, A-Rod stepped in to face Jeremy Guthrie with two on in the first. The result? A 3-run homer on the first pitch he saw. The Yanks won the game 4-0 and were the best team in baseball from there. This was no doubt the turning point of the season.

#3 - Damon's Double Dash


If there is one play Yankee fans and the media will remember from this postseason, Johnny Damon’s double steal in Game 4 of the World Series is it. The Yanks were up 2-1 in the series, but had just blown a lead in the late innings. After a 9-pitch at-bat, Damon lofted a single into left in one of the great at-bats in postseason history. Then, Damon took second easily on a horrible through from Carlos Ruiz, and with the Phillies infield shifted to right for Mark Teixeira, Damon instantly took off for third after noticing no one was covering the bag. It was the type of veteran, heads-up play that turned the Series around. Brad Lidge’s slider was taken away, A-Rod would later double Damon home, and the Yanks went on to a 7-4 win, their second straight victory in Philly, and a 3-1 series lead.

#2 - Jeter Becomes Yankees Hit King


On the 8th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Derek Jeter once again lifted the spirits of New Yorkers when he became the team’s all-time leader in hits. Jeter’s third inning single gave him 2,722 in his career, moving him one ahead of Lou Gehrig for the top spot. The Stadium gave him a standing ovation, and he rightfully deserved it.

#1 - Title #27, For The Boss


You can’t really argue there was a better moment than this one. After 2000, the team endured a shocking loss to the D-Backs in 2001, an even bigger shocker to the Marlins in 2003, and the collapse in 2004. After missing the playoffs in for the first time since 1993 in 2008, the Yanks completely turned it around and are now at the pinnacle of the sports world: World Series Champions. The phrase “Boss, this one’s for you!” was up on the big scoreboard in centerfield, in a true display of what he means to the team.

Break Time

Hello Everyone,

I am going to be taking a little bit of a break from my blog over the next few months. I will be spending my fall semester in Los Angeles and will be very involved with an internship and classes. However, when some important news breaks, I will do my best to update here and give you my take on it.

Until then, please follow my new blog that I created specifically for my LA Journey. Here's the link.

Enjoy!

Rangers Walk Away from Nik Zherdev

The Rangers today have decided to part ways with forward Nikolai Zherdev after an arbitration hearing on Friday resulted in a figure the Rangers didn't want to pay. The Rangers presented an offer of about $3 million while Zherdev wanted about $4.5 million. The arbitrator went about right in the middle at $3.9 million and the Rangers decided it was best to walk away and let the Russian become an unrestricted free agent.

So what happens now? Zherdev can sign negotiate and sign with any other NHL team or with a team in the KHL in Russia. The Rangers have freed up some cap room, which they will likely use to sign Brandon Dubinsky to a deal and possibly add another winger. Some names involved could be Alex Tanguay, Mike Grier, or Petr Sykora.

This was an expected move, and in my mind, the right move for the Rangers. Zherdev is a talented player who can score and stick handle tremendously. However, he has shown a lack of energy and desire on a nightly basis. Some nights, he'll play well and give it his all. Other nights, he wishes he was elsewhere. This team cannot afford to pay big bucks for a player like that.

Dubinsky is a bigger piece to the Rangers' future and has plenty of talent as well. Lock him up and get a veteran that can provide some experience and scoring to give the roster some depth. However, the Rangers are all about bringing up their talented youth and letting them help the team. Zherdev appears like a guy who would rather play in Russia rather than in the NHL. Either way, you can't fault the Rangers for walking away at this point. It's sad that a guy with so much talent simply doesn't bring it every game.

Lighthouse Project Hopefully Takes Another Step Forward

This morning, there was a rally outside Nassau Coliseum to support the Lighthouse Project. As I write this, a hearing is being held at Hofstra University to discuss the environmental impact of the project. Several people are in attendance from Islanders owner Charles Wang to current and former players (Mike Bossy, Josh Bailey) and County Executive Tom Suozzi. So, the big question is, is this good news for the project?

For those who are unaware, Charles Wang wants to completely renovate the Nassau Coliseum and the surrounding area. His development group has come up with a plan to revitalize the area, completely sprucing up the arena and making a residential and business community around it. There will also be a sports technology center, retail shopping, and other features.

However, the project has been held up for years now and Charles Wang has imposed a deadline of October 3rd to be told whether or not the project can happen and if construction can begin. Nothing has happened as of yet in terms of groundbreaking, and it likely won't happen for a while. However, getting the environmental kinks worked out is a big step in the process. Many people are believed to support the project and they will likely be in attendance at this meeting.

Anything that helps the project toward an eventual decision is a success at this point. The Islanders need this to get done if they want to have any chance at building a successful franchise and attracting talented players. However, there are definitely many environmental concerns. Traffic around that area of Long Island is already heavy, and this project would likely create more congestion. The size of the project is also a concern as is the sustainability factor.

There is no question that the majority of people support this project. The Islanders do have a dedicated fan base and want their team to remain on Long Island. With all the new arenas that have been constructed or are being built in the area now, the Islanders have to feel neglected. It will be interesting to see if this gets done and what comes out of today's meeting. For updates on what is going on, check out Newsday's live-blog with Katie Strang from the meeting today.

Jets Camp Starts - Leon Washington in Attendance

The New York Jets took the trip up to Training Camp in Cortland on Thursday from their facility in Florham Park, NJ. Everyone went with the exception of running back Leon Washington. On Friday, the Jets took to the field at SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex for their first practice, and guess who was on the field...Leon Washington.

The Jets' 26-year old running back/kick returner was in uniform and on the field in upstate New York despite his contract situation. For those who don't know, Washington is in the final year of a four-year rookie contract and is due $535,000. However, he is demanding a raise to fair market value, which is approximately $6 million. While it hasn't been reported a new deal has been reached, it is likely close between the Jets and Washington's agent Alvin Keels.

Washington likely did not want to hold out from training camp even without a deal. The biggest reason is probably the $17,000 a day fine that he would have to pay for missing camp. Other reason are that he is still under contract, wants to play for the Jets, and the fact that he is not the type of player that will stay away just for money. He loves football and the Jets. He wants fair market value, and he deserves it for the way he has played. Choosing to miss camp would not have helped the situation.

Here are some other notes from the beginning of camp so far:
-Everyone showed up at the team's conditioning test Thursday in Florham Park, NJ and at Training Camp except for Washington (until today).

-Everyone passed the conditioning test and no one will be put on the physically unable to perform list.

-Thomas Jones still did not speak with the media about his contract situation. He wants a raise too, but it likely won't happen since he's already received a lot of money from his contract.

-Rex Ryan claimed that Kellen Clemens was #1 on the depth chart at quarterback ahead of Mark Sanchez and then Erik Ainge. However, he said that could change and that Sanchez would see time with the first team and be given a fair shot at the starting job.

-Calvin Pace spoke to the media about his 4-game suspension for violating the league's banned substance policy for the first time. He said it was from a workout supplement he was using that hadn't been banned before 2008 and was on the list that year. He was unaware and took full blame for not knowing.

Get excited for football season in New York! The Jets certainly should have many storylines heading into this season. Here are a few of those heading into camp.

With Trade Deadline Looming, Yanks Eye Pitching Help

A couple of deals have already been made today as the non-waiver Trade Deadline creeps closer. Here's the biggest move so far:

Phillies acquire Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco from the Indians for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson.

Overall, a good trade for the defending champs who get a quality front-end starter without giving up J.A. Happ or Kyle Drabek

Here are other notable acquisitions:
-Mariners acquire Jack Wilson and Ian Snell for 5 guys.
-Reds acquire Wladimir Balentien for Robert Manuel.

Still, many big names remain out there as the deadline approaches. With the Yankees in need for a 5th starter and another reliever as well, here are some names the Yankees have been linked with:

Roy Halladay: Obviously, he's the biggest name on the market right now. The Blue Jays want to part ways with arguably the best starter in the game and want a big return. They've said they won't trade him unless they are "wowed" by a deal and basically want a team's farm system for him.

The Yankees likely will not get Halladay, nor should they. Could he help in the short-term? Definitely. But who knows if he'll be signed long-term? Brian Cashman has been steadfast in not depleting the farm for rentals, and I doubt it will change here.

Jarrod Washburn: This is the guy the Yankees seem to have their eye focused on. The lefty from Seattle is having a solid year and has a low ERA. Washburn would be a better-than-average fifth starter for the Yanks and would provide some more experience in the Yankees rotation.

The only problem for the Yanks is that there are many teams interested in him, so the asking price could be higher than expected. The Yankees shouldn't give up prized prospects or talent for him, but they should definitely try to pull off a trade. Washburn's experience and ability to still pitch well in a fairly tough division is too valuable to pass up.

Bronson Arroyo: The former Red Sox and current Reds starter has been on the Yankees radar. His numbers aren't great, but he does have the experience to provide some help at the back-end of the rotation.

It is unlikely the Yanks will go after Arroyo due to the amount of money he is owed. The Yankees almost never make money a concern, but they don't want to add his high salary to their already large payroll. Washburn would be a better choice.

Heath Bell: In terms of relief help, Bell would be a good choice. Now, the Yankees would prefer a lefty in the bullpen to help spell Phil Coke, but Bell is too good to pass up. He strikes out a lot of batters, walks few, and has been great in the closer role for the Padres.

The only issue here is that the Padres could ask for a lot in return since Bell has been so good. The Yankees don't want to give up big-time prospects, Joba, or Hughes for Bell, so there is a chance the Yankees could be priced out here. There's also a lot of competition for Bell's services.

There may be some other names out there that the Yankees could eyeball. However, these are the big guys the Yankees have been connected to as of now. Do I think the Yankees NEED to make a move? No. I think the roster is solid as is. Mitre isn't going to dominate as the fifth starter, but he'll be better than most guys out there. However, if the Yanks can grab Washburn to fill the void it would help. Same goes for the bullpen. The Yanks have the tools to be successful, but if they can obtain Bell or another solid reliever to help give other guys some rest, it would be a positive.

Let me know who you think the Yankees should or could get.

Live Blogging for Tonight

Hello All! Welcome to tonight's live-blog for the Yankees and Mets game. The Yankees will battle the Rays in the 2nd of three in Tampa while the Mets play the 2nd of 4 against the Rockies at Citi Field. Lots to talk about with the whole Omar Minaya-Adam Rubin fiasco from yesterday and with the trade deadline approaching.

To join the live chat, click the play button on the console below, type your name and comment/question in the box and send it. Simple as that.

Here are the line-ups and pitching match-ups for the games tonight:

Yankees (61-38, 1st in AL East) vs. Rays (54-46, 3rd in East, 7.5 games back)
CC Sabathia (10-6, 3.67 ERA) vs. Scott Kazmir (4-6, 6.69 ERA)
CC Sabathia vs. Rays Hitters
Scott Kazmir vs. Yankees Hitters

Yankees Line-Up:
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF

Rays Line-Up:
B.J. Upton CF
Carl Crawford LF
Evan Longoria 3B
Ben Zobrist 2B
Pat Burrell DH
Carlos Pena 1B
Gabe Kapler RF
Dioner Navarro C
Jason Bartlett SS
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Mets (47-51, 10.5 GB in NL East) vs. Rockies (54-45, 8 GB in NL West, Lead Wild Card by 1 Game)
Mike Pelfrey (7-6, 4.99 ERA) vs. Jason Marquis (12-6, 3.49 ERA)
Mike Pelfrey vs. Rockies Hitters
Jason Marquis vs. Mets Hitters

Mets Line-Up:
Angel Pagan CF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Daniel Murphy 1B
Jeff Francoeur RF
Cory Sullivan LF
Brian Schneider C
Alex Cora SS
Mike Pelfrey P

Rockies Line-Up:
Dexter Fowler CF
Seth Smith LF
Todd Helton 1B
Brad Hawpe RF
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Ian Stewart 3B
Chris Iannetta C
Clint Barmes 2B
Jason Marquis P

Live-Blog is below. Enjoy everyone!