All Things Bubba

Yesterday, there was a bench-clearing brawl during the Yankees-Rays game. In an earlier game, Tampa's Elliot Johnson flattened New York's Francisco Cervelli in collision at home plate. The Yankees were irate, since it's only a spring training game. Cervelli's wrist was broken, and Shelley Duncan had hinted that he would find a way to retaliate.


Sure enough, he slid hard into 2B, spikes high. He ended up stabbing Akinori Iwamura in the thigh. Jonny Gomes ran in and tackled him, and the benches emptied.



Duncan was ejected. He said he didn't do anything wrong, and that his spikes weren't that high. Uh, right. Let's take another look:


Yankees coaches Bobby Meacham and Kevin Long were also ejected. Pitcher Heath Phillips was ejected for pitching inside.

The Yanks play Tampa again on Saturday. And about a million times during the regular season.

Girardi is getting some criticism, for complaining about the collision at the plate, and implying there would be retaliation. I hope he's not this hot-tempered all the time. While many fans want the Yankees to retaliate more often, in this case, it didn't deserve retaliation.

Last year during spring training, Bubba broke up a double play by sliding hard into 2B. Brendan Harris wasn't happy about it, but everyone understood that Bubba was "playing the game right." He wasn't trying to hurt anyone; he was just trying to make the roster, and his baserunning is a big part of what he has to offer. He had to show what he can do.

Similarly, Elliot Johnson is a kid hoping to break into the big leagues by virtue of his speed. You can't expect him to not knock the catcher over - any more than you can expect a young catcher to not block the plate. And Girardi, of all people, should understand that.

I just hope no one gets hurt. It would be monumentally stupid if someone gets seriously injured because of a spring training feud...with the Rays.

Labels: Yankees

Well, last night was not a good night for Yankees fans. Their arch-rivals won the World Series for the second time in four years, while the Yankees haven't won this millennium. And the Yanks' MVP, Alex Rodriguez, announced that he's opting out of his contract. While some think it's just a negotiating ploy by the ruthless Boras, most believe it's the end of A-Rod's time in pinstripes.

Hat-Man sums up my feelings on it pretty well: "The Yankees will miss his production, but they’ll be better off without him." A lot of Yankees fans are happy A-Rod is leaving. Others are upset, or angry. Me, I have mixed feelings. He's probably the best player of his generation, maybe the best ever. One day, people will envy those of us who got to see him play.

But he's also very high-maintenance. He's so eager for approval and attention it's painful to watch. The pressure he put on himself to live up to his contract was also painful to watch. I don't really blame him for wanting out of New York. Some people can make it in NY, some can't. From the beginning, he seemed to be one who can't. The fans were brutal to him, but he pretty much brought it on himself. New Yorkers hate a phony, and that's what he came across as. Even now, it's hard not to remember that only last month, he said New York felt like home to him and he wanted to stay. (Why climb out on that limb, Alex? You could have said something noncommital, or just refused to talk about it until after the season was over.)

MLB is pretty upset at A-Rod's making the announcement in the middle of Game 4. I don't blame them. It was tacky, tacky, tacky. And don't tell me it's Boras' fault. Boras wouldn't have done it without A-Rod's permission. They could have waited a day or two, and let the Rox and the Sox have their day in the sun. No class at all.

But all in all, I'm not really angry at A-Rod. Nor will I boo him, when he comes to Yankee Stadium wearing some other team's uniform. (I'm sure many others will, though!) I feel kind of sorry for him. As Celizic put it:

That’s what’s so sad about him. He has everything, and yet he has so little.

All the money has not brought him serenity, nor has it won him the approval of the fans or the affection of his own teammates. You see him playing a team game alone, and you wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

That’s why he won’t end up in Boston. The Red Sox had generations of teams that were characterized by 25 players taking 25 cabs. No wonder they spent 86 years between championships. Now, they’ve won twice in four seasons by becoming a band of brothers who seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company. They have stars, but you think of them as a true team. To add a person who has never had many friends in the clubhouses he’s inhabited doesn’t make sense.

(The Red Sox fans chanted, "Don't sign A-Rod" during the game last night. And it seems the front office is in agreement; they are reportedly more interested in Lowell than in A-Rod.)

In other Yankees news, it looks like the new manager will be Girardi. Mattingly has already told the press he's not interested in a lesser job with the Yankees, and has offered his congratulations to Girardi. (Pena will remain as a coach.)

Labels: Yankees

Today was the big meeting where Joe Torre's fate was supposed to be decided. The reporters gathered outside the gates of Steinbrenner's Tampa mansion, and the Yankee faithful waited with bated breath...but the meeting ended with no decision made. The smoke is still black. The cardinals are still arguing. A Pope has not been chosen.

But I have to think this is good news for Torre. If they were going to cut him loose, they'd have done it by now...wouldn't they?

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I like Torre. On the other hand, I think it may be time for him to go, just because he's been there for so long. Someone - was it Bill James? - did a study and found that managers are most effective in their first two or three years on the job. The reason, supposedly, is that when you're new, you can see what's wrong, and do what it takes to fix it. Once you've been there for years, that becomes a lot harder. You no longer see what's wrong with the team. And even if you do, your loyalties may make it hard to do what you have to do. (Think Torre sticking with Bernie Williams years past his sell-by date.)

I don't blame Torre for this disappointing season. I just think it may be time for some fresh blood in the manager's office.

Labels: Yankees

The Reds are in 4th place in their division, with basically no chance at the wild card. The Yankees are in second place in theirs, and still in the wild card race. But Cincinnati is filled with improbable hope, while Yankees fans are in deep despair.

Part of it, of course, is "what have you done for me lately" syndrome. The Reds are on a hell of a roll, the Yankees have recently fallen off one. It's a lot easier to be optimistic when your team is winning, and the Reds are. They've got a 6-game winning streak, amazingly.

Only a little while ago, the Yanks were only four games back. Now, having lost 2 of 3 to the Tiggers, while Boston beat Chicago like a red-headed stepchild, they are 7.5 games back. Ouch.

Cincinnati, OTOH, was 14 games back not too long ago, and is now "only" 6.5 games back. Yes, that's right: they are closer to first place in the division than the Yanks are.

And of course, Yankee fans have far higher expectations. Anything less than a World Series championship is a disappointment, and missing the post-season is unthinkable. Reds fans have a proud and storied franchise, but they've endured years of losing. At this point, they'd be happy to have a winning season, and ecstatic at making the post-season.

At this point, it's looking like a long shot for either team to make the playoffs. When the Yankees were making up ground on the Sox, they were playing weak teams while the Sox were playing tougher ones. Now it's reversed. The Yanks have had some tough opponents, while the Sox had some patsies. You can never rule the Yanks out, especially with so many games against Boston still to play, but it's not looking good.

The Reds are playing in a weak division, and they've played well since Mackanin took over, but they're in a deep hole. Logically, it's silly to think of making a run. If they make it, it would be among the most improbable come from behind surges ever. But...many fans are now dreaming of making a run, and I think the Reds are, too. There's an optimism in the air that hasn't been there since spring training. It's insane. It's probably just setting everyone up for heartbreak. But if they make it...wow, what a comeback it would be.

Labels: Reds, Yankees

There's a problem with the timing
There's a problem with the groove
There's an overwhelming lethargy
Nothing can improve
You can sense defeat get closer
Every time they add a move...

A lot of things are going right for the Yankees. They acquired a Molina brother (how many of them are there, anyway?) to replace Wil Nieves, who is now back in Scranton. Andy Phillips is proving himself an upgrade, offensively and defensively, over Minky and Phelps. Melky Cabrera, who was hitting below the Mendoza line for awhile this year, is en fuego this month (though he's still not as good on defense as Bubba). A-Rod is about to hit his 500th home run. The Bombers are winning more games than they were. The division is probably out of reach, but the wild card is not.

And yet...there's just a sense of impending doom over this team. Last year, and the year before, I never thought the Yankees were out of it, ever. This year...I'm finding it hard to believe they can make the post-season.

Thus, I wasn't exactly astonished that they lost the series to the very bad Baltimore Orioles. (Bubba's onetime roommate, Brian Roberts, was a real thorn in the Yankees' side. The kind of speedy, scrappy little guy that gives them fits.) They really can't afford to lose to teams like Baltimore...but they did.

The trade deadline is tomorrow at 4pm. A lot of fans love trades, but I'm always a little apprehensive. I guess I'm leery of change, even change that's supposedly for the better.

I remember when Bubba was traded to the Yankees minutes before the deadline. I wasn't happy. I liked Robin Ventura. Of course, it turned out to be a great trade for the Yanks.

Then there was last year, when Cashman made what looked like two great deadline trades. But they sealed Bubba's fate, since with Abreu and Wilson joining the roster, they didn't have room for him any more. Though they seemed like terrific trades at the time, they didn't really help the Yanks. They didn't win any more games than they already were. And it didn't really set them up for this year, either. Lidle died in a plane crash shortly after the Yankees' season ended. Craig Wilson never played well in NY. He struggled to find a new team, was signed by the Braves at the last minute, then was released. He landed with the Charlotte Knights. (But he's not playing for them tonight. Like Bubba, he ended up getting shoulder surgery, and will likely be out for the season. The bad shoulder might explain why his batting fell off so precipitously this year.)

Bobby Abreu is the only player from those trades still with the Yankees, and he hasn't been all that great. He hasn't hit all that well, and even his on base percentage has fallen off. And his defense is pretty awful. He won't dive for balls, he still shies away from the walls, and he has four errors so far this year. That's really astonishing, since outfielders don't get many errors. (Bubba has two errors in his entire big league career.) IMO, we'd have been much better off with Sheff, bad attitude and all.

So, will the Yanks make any moves before the deadline? Maybe, but already a couple of the players they were likely coveting have been traded elsewhere. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the Braves' young stud catcher, has been traded to Texas for Mark Texeira, probably the only first baseman the Yanks were seriously interested in. My guess is that if Cashman does make a move, it will be for relief pitching. It's what most needs improvement, and it's really the only area where they have any kind of flexibility.

Labels: Yankees

Well, the Yanks made their move yesterday, and Andy Phillips did not get the call. Instead, they called up Chris Basak.

Basak is not hitting anywhere near as well as Andy. And no, it's not a matter of giving a young player with more upside a chance. Basak is 28, only a year younger than Andy. He was drafted at the same time, but has never been called up until now. This guy is not a prospect.

I suspect Basak got the call instead of Andy because he has options left, and Andy does not. Basak is probably going to be the "break glass in case of emergency" backup, perhaps riding the Scranton shuttle periodically. Miguel Cairo will probably be getting most of the starts at 1B.

I like Miggy. He's a good clutch hitter, can bunt well, and is solid on defense. Bowa said he was the best baserunner on the team. And he's content to be a backup, and to play any position they ask. Infield, outfield, catcher - he's game.

But a little Cairo goes a long way. He's best as a utility guy. I'm fine with him spot-starting, but Minky is going to be out two months or more. In this situation, they should call up a player and use him every day, and keep Cairo as the backup. This was one reason I wanted Andy called up. I think Joe trusted him enough to use him every day, ahead of Miggy.

The Yankees also made other moves. Matt DeSalvo was sent back to Scranton. Sean Henn was recalled. Kevin Thompson was sent down to make room for him. And Carl Pavano was moved from the 15-day to the 60-day DL to clear space on the 40-main roster for Basak.

This is just maddening. Kevin Thompson got all of one start in the month he was in the big leagues. DeSalvo and Henn deserve longer leashes than they've gotten.

It's classic Torre, really. Sit the kid on the bench until he's cold as ice and covered with rust, then throw him out there. When he fails, decide he'll never make it, and bury him at the back of the bench.

The jump from AAA to the big leagues is huge, much greater than any of the minor league jumps. Players need time to adjust if they hope to succeed. The Yankees have been notoriously impatient with young players, and I think Torre is a big reason why. He never gives the kids a chance, unless he's forced to, or they are heralded as the next superstar.

Maybe players like Andy Phillips and Bubba Crosby were never going to be hall of famers, but they could have solid big league careers, and be very useful. But not with Torre in charge.

I have been on the fence about Torre. I don't hate him, and I haven't bashed him like many other fans. I recognize and appreciate his strengths (dealing with player egos and the rats-on-crack New York media). I didn't really want him fired.

I've changed my mind. Joe must go. Not because he can't seem to get along with A-Rod. Not because of his push-button game managing and terrible bullpen use. I want him gone, because of what his "veterans only" bias is doing to the careers of young players - and to the future of the Yankees. Enough, already.

Labels: Yankees

The photo is from spring training 1999, which would make Bubba 22 years old when it was taken. I've added several more portraits to the Web site, from Bubba's Dodgers and Yankees days.

And I've come across several familiar names recently, and thought I'd do a brief rundown...

Poor Doug Mientkiewicz got kicked in the head by Mike Lowell yesterday in a collision at 1B. He has a concussion, a sprained neck, and a broken wrist. He's on the DL, expected to be out 6-8 weeks. The Yankees have called up pitcher Matt de Salvo again for now, but eventually will have to call up a first baseman. A lot of Yankees fans are hoping for Shelly Duncan, who is raking. But most think that it will be Andy Phillips. He was held out of the Scranton lineup tonight, giving weight to the rumors.

I wouldn't mind seeing Andy again. It did pleck me off when they kept him but DFA'd Bubba. I felt Bubba had a lot more to offer as a bench player than Andy, who couldn't hit, was mediocre on defense, and was a terrible baserunner.

But Andy's defense is much better than Josh Phelps'. And he could probably learn to hit big league pitching. His left/right splits were reversed last year, and I suspect it was because the scouts found a hole in his swing and pitchers adjusted. He has to made adjustments in turn, and I think he can.

Besides, I'm kinda sentimental. I think of former Yankees as old friends, and I'm always happy to see them again.

Speaking of which...I was surprised to find Craig Wilson in the Charlotte Knights lineup last week when they were playing the Bats. I'd heard Atlanta released him, but I hadn't heard he'd been signed. He was. The Chicago White Sox signed him to a minor league deal.

I never expected his stock to fall so far, so fast. He's just never been the same since he left Pittsburgh.

And part of my recent vacation was spent in the Pittsburgh area. I watched a lot of Pirates games. (I stayed with a friend who's a rabid Pirates fan.) Shawn Chacon had been relegated to the bullpen, but did so well there that he was promoted to fifth starter. I saw his first start, and it wasn't great. It was typical Obi-Shawn - a lot of walks, a lot of hits, but the score not as bad as it could be. He was pulled in the 5th inning. Probably partly because he was in trouble, partly because it was his first start. But he did a lot better in his second start: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 10 K. He didn't get the win, though, because the closer, Salomon Torres, blew it. Torres was sent down the minors after the game. Guess they miss Gonzo.

And I watched part of the Yankees Classic game on YES this afternoon. It was the one where Jeter flies face-first into the stands. I hadn't noticed before, but they showed Bubba cheering in the dugout a lot. He got so excited he was jumping up and down like a rabbit on crack.

Labels: Yankees

...and hitting a brick wall.

I really thought the Yanks' struggles might be behind them, after the nice win against the Sox yesterday. Alas, the baseball gods were only setting me up.

I guess I should have known when the report on Clemens came in. He's got some kind of groin injury, and has been scratched from his 2007 Yankees debut. Kei Igawa may start in his place.

Today's game looked good at first. The Yanks were hitting, even players like Melky who haven't been hitting. But Moose was not pitching well, and he kept letting the Red Sox back in it. The Yanks had a lead and blew it...three times. It was the 7th inning that put a stake through the pinstriped heart. It was just horrendous. A microcosm of the Yanks' season. Torre mismanaging the bullpen with disastrous results. (I was wishing Everyday Scott Proctor had been suspended for throwing at Lowell's head yesterday, so Joe couldn't use him.) The bullpen blowing a lead...again. Bobby Abreu letting a deep fly drop in, because he's afraid of the wall. (Bubba would have gotten that one.) Jeter making two errors in the half-inning. Lowell kicking Minky in the head in a collision at 1B (he's in the hospital undergoing tests). The Sox scored five runs, and that pretty much put the game out of reach.

I hope Minky is okay. I know a lot of fans are probably hoping he'll be out awhile, to give Phelps a chance, but I hate to see any player hurt. And I like Minky. He doesn't hit much, but he's much better on defense than Phelps (or Giambi, though Giambi won't be playing any time soon). And I really think the Yanks need defense more than hitting right now. Their bats are coming alive; it's pitching and defense that's killing them.

Labels: Yankees

Put a fork in 'em?

I used to love rivalry weekend. Interleague play may have lost some of its sparkle over the years, but there's always a certain electricity in the air when the Yanks play the Mets.

This year, though, it's hard to get too excited. The Yankees are just...flat. Flat as Kansas. Flat as day-old beer. Flat as Roseanne Barr singing The Star-Spangled Banner. They've got All-Stars at every position, they're reasonably healthy, and yet...they don't win.

The Yankees have been way behind before, and come back to win the division. I was confident they would bounce back last year, and the year before. But this year seems different, for some reason.

I loved last year's team especially. Injuries resulted in a team very different from the one Cashman originally planned. And such a scrappy team they were, winning with the likes of Melky Cabrera, Nick Green, Miguel Cairo, and Aaron Guiel starting. And Bubba, of course. It was a nice mix of youth and experience, contact and power, speed and defense. They somehow found a way to win. And had fun doing it. Even people who usually hated the Yankees were rooting for them.

At the end of the season, the injured veterans came back (not quite at 100%, to be fair). The team became old, slow, and one-dimensional. They lost that never-say-die scrappiness. They didn't last long in the postseason, and didn't even put up much of a fight going down.

It seems that team has carried over this year. They seem old and tired - even the youngsters, Cabrera and Cano.

It's only May. They will pull out of this slump; they're too talented not to. And the Sox will fall back to earth. But it's getting late early. They've got a lot of ground to make up. And even if they make it to the postseason, they just don't seem like the kind of team that can win it all.

I think they need a few hungry players, like Bubba. Guys who are happy just to be on the team, who have reason to keep trying even when the game seems hopelessly out of reach. Players who still have something to prove.

Labels: Yankees

There's a Rocket headed this way. I was watching the game on TV yesterday when they announced it. It was a total surprise. YES was caught flatfooted. They had gone to a commercial break, and had to rush back. ESPN was even more worse. Several minutes after everyone online was talking about it, ESPN still didn't have a clue.

I'm not a big fan of Clemens, but heaven knows, the Yanks desperately need a power pitcher.

And Saturday, Wang came within 5 outs of a perfect game. Alas, it was not to be. He gave up a home run, destroying the perfect game, the no-hitter, and the shutout.

I thought the pressure was getting to Wang, but maybe he was just tired. After the game, he said he didn't even know he had a perfect game into the 8th. He was wondering why no one was talking to him!

That's just hilarious, and so much like him. He's so cute. I can just imagine him wondering, "Why is everyone avoiding me? Did I forget the deodorant this morning?" I think Wanger is my favorite Yankee, now that Bubba's no longer in pinstripes.

Labels: Yankees

Spring training is winding down, and teams have until 3pm Sunday to get their active rosters down to 25 players. Most of the decisions appear to be made, for both the Yankees and the Reds.

Trent reports that third catcher Chad Moeller will get the last roster spot in Cincinnati. I was expecting that. I was expecting it even before Hopper and Deno got hurt. Deno, Hopper - and Bubba - never really had a chance with Hamilton in the picture. A lot of teams carry only four outfielders; no way were the Reds going to carry six.

And the Yankees have announced some roster moves as well. Carl Pavano will be the opening day starter. (Who'd have thunk it last season?) Rule 5 pick Josh Phelps has won the 1B spot over Andy Phillips.

Andy was classy as always at being cut. I haven't heard what he's planning to do, if he's cleared waivers, etc. Phelps over Phillips was the obvious choice. (I'm surprised the Orioles didn't protect Phelps, because they were planning to use him.) Heck, I thought Andy should have been cut before Bubba last season. Aside from a brief hot streak when he hit like crazy, he was dead weight on the roster. Below average on defense, not a very good hitter, slow on the basepaths and a poor base runner. Bubba was at least a defensive upgrade and excellent pinch-runner, even if the Yanks didn't trust his bat.

But I always liked Andy. He seemed like a really nice guy. I wanted him to do well; he just never did. I hope he latches on with another team. Maybe one that can fix that hole in his swing.

No double-header for Bubba today. The Bats and the Reds play at the same time (the Bats on the road), so unless he's been cloned, he can't play in both games. Dunno which game he'll play in.

UPDATE: I guess Bubba's with the Reds today. He just entered the game, pinch-running for Dunn.

Labels: Reds, Yankees

If I were the superstitious type, I would think that this is not going to be the Yankees' year. They were attacked by bees in Sarasota last week. It happened again, in Lakeland. This time, there were thousands of them.

Hat-Man thinks the Yankees next year will be missing a lot of familiar faces. Mo, Moose, Jorgie, A-Rod...all could be gone at the end of this season. It's hard to think about, but he's probably right. Cashman has shown that he's not the sentimental type.

I do think Celizic underestimates what Mo brings to the team. A good closer is key in the post-season, or so the stat-heads tell us (and I believe it). And Mo is the best. He'll be hard to replace.

WaPo declares: Thanks to Yanks, the Sugar Daddy System Is Over

In the offseason, almost imperceptibly, the very foundation of baseball's talent-flow system -- the means by which rich and poor teams amass players and move them among each other -- was jolted by a tectonic shift. When the New York Yankees not only held onto their best pitching prospect, right-hander Philip Hughes, but also traded away two potential Hall of Fame veterans, Randy Johnson and Gary Sheffield, for six prospects, it may have marked the end of an era -- one that we shall call what?

"We're not going to be anybody's sugar daddy anymore," Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman said this spring, when asked about this shift.

Actually, I think this shift occurred earlier - during the regular season, when they refused to trade prospects for a star outfielder, even when Godzilla and Sheff went down with what looked like season-ending injuries. No one believed it, and they kept asking for Hughes, Duncan, Cox, even Cano, Wang, and Melky. Looks like it's finally sinking in.

I must say, I was impressed with Matsuzaka the other day. He wasn't at his best, and was pretty bummed about it afterwards. But jeez, he held the Reds' first string lineup hitless for five innings. True, he gave up five walks, but still...if that's a bad day for him, the Sox got a steal.

Former Major League baseball pitcher Ugueth Urbina was sentenced to 14 years for attempted murder. Prosecutors say he attacked a bunch of his employees with a machete and poured gasoline on them. He was angry because they swam in his pool without permission.

The Bats played Indianapolis in Sarasota today, winning 8-4. Bellhorn hit a homerun. Dunno if Bubba played, or how he did. They don't seem to have box scores.

Shawn has this to say about Bubba going to the minors:

Mark Bellhorn and Bubba Crosby both accepted assignment to the minor leagues. That's a minor surprise, but given that this is roster crunch time of year, not a big one. The Reds may have promised to pursue trades for each if an avenue opens. I find it hard to believe that the Nationals weren't interested in Crosby, as he would be better than what they have in center field now.

I find it hard to believe the Nationals weren't interested in both of them, because they seem to be assembling a collection of former Reds. Maybe Bubba and Bellhorn weren't Reds long enough.

Labels: MLB, Reds, Yankees

Bubba gets only his second start of spring training today (and the only reason he got the first one is Ryan Freel was a late scratch in one game).

Today's lineup, courtesy of Trent:

27 Chris Denorfia ..................RF
21 Scott Hatteberg ................ 1B
4 Brandon Phillips ............... 2B
19 Jeff Conine .......................DH
17 Javier Valentin .................... C
46 Mark Bellhorn ................ 3B
9 Juan Castro .........................SS
16 Bubba Crosby ...................LF
34 Jerry Gil ............................CF
40 Paul Wilson ........................ P

The game will be televised in parts of Ohio. Which means it will be on MLB.TV, not just Gameday Audio. So if Bubba does anything amazing, we should have video. :-)

In other news, former Yankee and Red Tony Womack has been cut by the Nationals. He was 0 for 7 in spring training, and they decided to let him go early, to give him a chance to hook up with another team.

Andy Phillips has rejoined the Yankees. I was wondering why I hadn't seen his name in the lineup. His mother was in a serious car crash back home in Alabama. T-boned by an 18-wheeler that ran a red light. Sheesh. Poor Andy has lousy luck. Anyway, his mom is doing better now, though she's still hospitalized.

Ron Villone signed a minor league deal with the Yankees. He got offers from other teams, but they weren't as lucrative as he'd hoped. His family is in the NY area, so he decided to sign a minor league contract with the Yanks rather than a major league deal elsewhere. He's pitching so well in spring training that he's pretty much guaranteed himself a spot on the 25-man roster. This likely means Bruney will be booted down to Scranton.

Labels: Reds, Yankees

Bubba actually is in this photo: #16, on the right.

Bubba worked with hitting coach Brook Jacoby yesterday.

Today, Narron talked a bit about the outfield situation:

Narron plans on carrying five outfielders and at the moment, already has four of those spots locked up for Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, Ryan Freel and Jeff Conine. Hamilton is vying against Chris Denorfia, Norris Hopper and Bubba Crosby for consideration at the fifth spot. Narron also didn't rule out carrying a sixth outfielder if Freel was moved to the infield.

Because of his layoff and his past, Hamilton can be considered a long shot to break camp with the Reds. A lot will depend on if the Reds carry 11 or 12 pitchers, two or three catchers and injuries. Not wanting to risk losing someone with Hamilton's ability, Cincinnati will likely give him every opportunity to make the team.

Six outfielders sounds ridiculous, but Conine and Freel are infielders as well as outfielders, so I guess you could count them as 1/2 an outfielder each.

I still think it's a mistake to carry only Conine and Hamilton as reserve outfielders. With Dunn, Freel, and Griffey as the starters, you're going to need a solid backup - someone who is a defensive upgrade, and who can step in in case of injury.

Interesting that Narron is considering moving Freel back to the infield, though. Who would be the starter in RF then? Conine?

I still think the Reds should try to work a trade with Tampa so they can send Hamilton to the minors. Even if they can carry him all season on the 25-man roster, it wouldn't be good for him. He wouldn't get much playing time, and what he needs most is lots of at-bats. Warming the bench for a whole year would stunt his development. Yes, I know they did something similar with Wily Mo, but that was different. Hamilton has already missed four years. He'll be 26 years old in a couple of months. He really can't afford another year without playing.

Speaking of which...Joe Torre won't commit to giving Melky Cabrera three games a week. Last year, he said he'd rest one outfielder a day so Melky could play every day. Now he won't even commit to three games a week. Why am I not surprised?

Bobby Abreu will be out a couple of weeks with an oblique strain. And of course, the first question is whether this means an opening for Bernie. (Answer: no.)

Labels: outfield, Reds, Yankees

Arroyo at Reds Rally

Not much news yesterday because everyone left early for a fan event called Reds Rally. The image above, of Bronson Arroyo, is the only photo I've found. I think that's Chris Denorfia next to Arroyo; looks like a DE on the jersey, and first number looks like a 2. (He's wearing 27 now.) The next guy over might be Bubba; looks like it might be a CR on the jersey. But it's so low-res, you can't really tell.

The Reds have announced the starting rotation for the first four exhibition games: LHP Eric Milton on Thursday at Pittsburgh, RHP Kyle Lohse on Friday at Minnesota, RHP Aaron Harang on Saturday vs. Minnesota and RHP Bronson Arroyo on Sunday at Pittsburgh.

Meanwhile, the Yankees soap opera continues. Bernie's mom says she's praying her son accepts that his Yankee career is over. Oy. I hope when the time comes for Jeter, Jorgie, and Mo to hang up their pinstripes, that they just make a clean break. Sign with another team, or retire in glory. Don't hang around like Bernie. The last couple of years, fans have been calling him GOB (for "Ghost of Bernie," referring to his faded skills). It seems even more appropriate this year.

Meanwhile, Ted Robinson wonders why the Yanks didn't trade A-Rod during the off-season:

...Rodriguez should have known the end began on that day last October in Detroit when Joe Torre batted him eighth. It may have been the prudent move on that day for the Yankees' playoff hopes, but it left Rodriguez marooned on an island of embarrassment from which there is no return.

I'm kind of surprised the Yankees didn't trade A-Rod. Lots of teams would have been interested, and A-Rod would probably have agreed to almost any team that could afford him. Now the opt-out clause looms - a further distraction to a man who doesn't handle distraction well.

Then there's Carl "Glass-@$$" Pavano. He got hit on the foot by a line drive, and had to go for an MRI. Unbelievable.

I dunno, for some reason I am more pessimistic about the Yankees' chances this season than I have ever been. The starting rotation seems shaky, especially compared to Boston's. The A-Rod/Jeter thing seems to be getting worse, not better. An already old team is a year older; in particular, Giambi as an everyday DH seems like a bad idea on a team where there so many aging veterans who might need a half day off now and then. (Though Giambi playing 1B is an even worse idea.)

Ah, well. I'm not giving up, by any means. If Jeff Weaver can pitch the Cards to a World Series championship, anything's possible.

Labels: Reds, Yankees

It's now the Year of the Pig. (FWIW, Bubba was born in the Year of the Dragon. Fire Dragon, specifically. The only reason I know this is my sister was born in the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is by far the coolest sign of the Chinese zodiac. Or so she told me. Repeatedly. :-)

Spring training is gearing up. In Sarasota, Griffey has been cleared to play. But Gary Majewski's shoulder is still hurting.

Yahoo has some new spring training photos from Sarasota. None of Bubba yet, alas, but position players don't officially report until Wednesday. Most of the coverage is on pitchers and catchers, not surprisingly.

The Yankees soap opera continues. Bernie has not turned up in Tampa, though Torre, Jeter, and others are begging him to give it a shot. Position players report today for the Yanks, and he has not reported. If he's not there tomorrow for a physical, I guess that's the end of his Yankees career.

The Rockies are interested in Pavano. Though the Yanks just might be keeping him. Supposedly, his workouts have been impressive. And it's not like the Yanks have a lot of spare starting pitching, especially if Clemens really does retire, as he says he will.

The Red Sox are drooling at the idea of signing Mariano Rivera. I think Mo will remain in pinstripes, despite the tough talk on both sides, but jeez. If there's one player I don't want to see in a Boston uniform, it's Mo.

Labels: Reds, Yankees

Pitchers and catchers report today. Not much going on yet, and no photos of Bubba so far, so I posted one from last year's spring training.

Griffey has finally revealed how he broke his hand: it happened when he was wrestling with his kids. (Dunno why it took him so long. It was his reticence that made it such a big deal.) He says the dirtbike story is untrue; he hasn't ridden since he blew out his hammy three years ago.

And oh, boy. The Yankees are really putting the fun in dysfunctional these days. Bob Klapisch says the Yankees' top need is Dr. Phil, and I see what he means. Even though I really hate Dr. Phil...

Let's see...we have Steinbrenner's son-in-law and heir apparent, Steve Swindal, arrested for DWI. (Cutting off a patrol car is generally a really bad idea, Steve.) Moose made a splash on the back pages, publically dissing Pavano (they kissed and made up yesterday). Torre is involved in a power struggle with Cashman over Bernie Williams' fate. Cashman doesn't want Bernie back, except for Bernie Williams Day. Torre does. He is begging Bernie to come to camp and try out for first baseman.

Gawd. It's probably lucky for Bubba that he's out of there. IMVHO, Torre's infatuation with Bernie has really hurt the Yankees. I love Bernie as much as anyone, but even the best career comes to an end eventually. Torre seems utterly unable to face this. It was clear three years ago that Bernie was dropping off rapidly. If they didn't think Bubba could do it, they should have gotten someone else. Either a free agent, or a trade, perhaps for a high-level prospect. Some have wondered if the Yankees didn't go after Vlad because Torre was so hell-bent on sticking with Bernie.

Last year, I read an article arguing in favor of signing Johnny Damon (this was before the deal was done). The writer liked the idea of Bubba as starting CFer...if Torre weren't manager. With Torre the manager, the Yanks needed to get a superstar CFer. Because, he argued, if Bubba went into a three-game slump (which happens to the best of them), Torre would bench him and put Bernie in. That certainly proved prophetic, as Torre's stated plans to platoon Bubba, Guiel, etc., quickly turned into "all Bernie, all the time."

And now Torre wants Bernie at first base (presumably at Andy Phillips' or Josh Phelps' expense). But if he's on the roster at all, Torre won't be able to resist using him in the outfield (sorry, Melky). I hope Cashman just says no.

Meanwhile...the Red Sox signed Wily Mo Peña, avoiding arbitration by the skin of their teeth. (Peña was originally drafted by the Yankees. He was traded to the Reds...for Drew Henson.)

Labels: Reds, Yankees

Bernie Williams did a charity concert last night, with Chynna Wilson of Wilson Phillips. He talked to the press beforehand, and said he was going to turn down the Yankees' offer of a minor league contract and spring training invite. He doesn't think he has a legitimate chance to make the team that way, so he's not interested.

So what is he going to do? He didn't seem to know. He talked about how he's got a lot of other interests besides baseball, but added that he didn't mean he was going to retire. When asked if he was considering playing for another team, he said, "Not yet."

My impression is that Bernie is in denial. He's not ready to face the prospect of retirement or of playing for another team yet. Intellectually, he knows his career in pinstripes is likely over. Emotionally, he's struggling to accept it. He understands why the Yankees are doing what they're doing, but he feels hurt and betrayed anyway.

And he's hoping against hope that they change their minds. Maybe the injury bug will bite again. Maybe Melky Cabrera will be traded during spring training. Maybe the entire outfield will be abducted by aliens. If the Yankees call, Bernie will be ready.

Meanwhile...this guy thinks the Yankees will never win another championship with A-Rod on the team. Of course, he's got an ulterior motive. He wants A-Rod to play for the Giants. He claims that San Francisco won't mind that A-Rod is as phony as a $3 dollar bill. New York hates phonies, he says, but SF doesn't care if you're a phony, as long as you put up good numbers.

And in Redsland, Krivsky shocked everyone by signing Arroyo to a two-year extension. Arroyo still had two years left on his deal, and the rumor was he didn't like Cincy and wanted to go back to Boston. But Boston was not a factor. He said he loves Cincinnati, and the fans have "embraced" him. He just wishes more of them would come to the games.

This is good news for Reds fans. Signing Harang and Arroyo to long-term deals is a declaration of serious intentions.

Elsewhere...Kenny Rogers didn't have pine tar on his hand:

According to someone who would know, that substance on Tigers pitcher Kenny Rogers' glove in the World Series was the tacky adhesive used by trainers in wrapping ankles.

Then there's this. NESN is planning a reality dating series called Sox Appeal. Each episode will be shot in Fenway Park, at a Red Sox game. An eligible single will spend two innings with each of three different dates, then pick one of them to watch the rest of the game with.

What a dopey idea. I mean, who'd want to date a Red Sox fan? (Just kidding, Lisa, if you're reading this. ;-)

Labels: MLB, Reds, Yankees

Well, Da Bears went down in flames. So much for my prognosticating. I thought Chicago would have the advantage in the wet, sloppy conditions, seeing as Indy plays in a dome. But aside from that early runback for a TD, the Bears didn't put up much of a fight.

It was a dud as Super Bowls go. Vinatieri actually missed a chip shot (shocking, but true), but it didn't matter. The weather was a downer; part of the fun of the Super Bowl is usually the warm, sunny climate. This time, we got drenching rain. Even the commercials were a disappointment; I think this year was the worst showing for Super Bowl ads that I can remember. (And why is MLB.com trying to sell me Super Bowl stuff?)

At least Manning did finally win the big one and get the jewelry. He doesn't have to move to A-Rod's neighborhood after all.

Speaking of A-Rod...he's at the center of a media ruckus again. Apparently, what was supposed to be a nice children's book signing turned into a circus.

ESPN lays out the possible futures for A-Rod. Me, I wonder if he'll still be playing in 2013. He did once say he might retire at age 35, and I could see him doing it. He doesn't seem to enjoy playing baseball, nor does he have the kind of tight friendships with teammates that keep Bernie hanging around.

Bernie is still considering the Yanks' spring training invite. Sounds like Boras is still trying to get Bernie a Major League deal. He's also hinting that Bernie might sign elsewhere if the Yanks don't come through.

The article also quotes Jeter as saying he thinks Clemens will pitch this year, maybe for NY. (Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Miguel Cairo are already working out in Tampa.)

The final report on the Cory Lidle crash was released earlier this week. Looks like Lidle's legacy will be permanent flight restrictions over the East River.

The Post ran this interview with Joe Girardi a few days ago. They think he might step in when Torre retires.

And there's this article (scroll down to the bottom):

The Yankees are not seeking to enter discussions about extending Mariano Rivera's contract during spring training, according to a person familiar with the situation. In November, Rivera, 37, expressed hope "the Yankees will do the right thing," and extend his contract, which runs out after this season.

Ye gods and little fishies. The Yanks wouldn't let Mo go, would they?

Labels: NFL, Yankees

Yesterday, Mike G. of Yankees Roundtable offers a Proper Sendoff for Bubba:

I know this comes very late, but I realized that we never gave Crosby a proper goodbye after his four years with the Yanks...

While there was certainly no room for Bubba anymore on the Yankees, it was a little sad to see him go. He did have a lot of great moments and provide us with some good memories... He left the team leaving Yankee fans with a good feeling about his tenure.

Today, Mike T. had this followup:

Saw Mike’s post on Bubba Crosby and the video clip. Take a look at it again and note the following:

The Defensive clip is essentially the same play from the ALDS against Anaheim when Sheffield collided with Bubba. Note how fast Bubba tracked down the ball and crashed into the wall, while Sheffield clearly had decided to play it off the wall. If only Sheffield had done that in 2005.

Well, at least some fans don't put all the blame on Bubba for that play...

Sigh. I always thought if Torre had played Bubba more that year, instead of futzing around with the likes of Womack, Lawton, and Sierra, Bubba and Sheff would have been used to each other, and would have avoided that collision. Heck, the team might have been more rested, too. That brutal stretch run was exhausting. I could hardly stand it, and I was only watching. Given how close the division race turned out to be, you can't help thinking that playing Bubba for the 66 games Womack got in the outfield might have made a big difference. Bubba hit better than Womack, and his defense was better, too. (Womack's an infielder, fer crissakes.)

Labels: Yankees