Friday, November 22, 2013

Jhonny Peralta Seeks 4-5 Years

Peter Gammons is reporting that Jhonny Peralta has a deal "in-hand" worth four years and $56 million. Meanwhile, Peralta is apparently seeking a four or five-year deal worth $14 to $15 million a season.

While I'd be okay with giving Jhonny a contract worth up to $15 million a year, I wouldn't go more than 3 years. He'll turn 32 in May, and his poor 2010 and 2012 seasons have not been forgotten.


The Full Alex Rodriguez Interview On Mike Francesa



 Here is the full Alex Rodriguez interview on Mike Francesa on Wednesday afternoon. I did not hear the entire interview until yesterday and wow... That's all I got.

A Quick Thank You To Mike Ashmore


I was looking around various New York Yankees blogs the other day and I noticed that Mike Ashmore, of Thunder Thoughts, said that there was a very distinct possibility that he will no longer be covering the Trenton Thunder in 2013. Now I speak with Mr. Ashmore when I can on Twitter so I knew this was coming before most but it is still bittersweet. I am extremely happy for Mr. Ashmore because he is a humble guy, a great guy, and an even better beat writer. His attention to detail, his love for what he does, his passion, and his work is unmatched by anyone that I have seen in my short time as a Yankees blogger.

I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Ashmore once and have interacted with him a few times on Facebook and on Twitter, I try not to be one "of those" people that bother him all the time, and truly no one deserves what he has achieved more. Mr. Ashmore is still down to Earth, appreciative, humble, and one of the (as cliche as it sounds) good guys left in the game. I have not seen anyone cover a team like Mike has and I don't think that I ever will again to the extent that Mr. Ashmore did.

I want to personally thank you for everything you have done, for taking the time out for what was an even smaller blog then we are today for an interview, and always taking the time to put the "social" in social media. I am a true believer in karma and you get what you put in and you, sir, are the walking poster child of that. Congratulations in everything you have accomplished and I raise a glass to you for your efforts throughout the years. You are in my thoughts and prayers that all your wishes come true both in life and in your career, but I have a sneaking suspicion that you won't need them. Good luck Mike and I personally appreciate everything once again, you are a class act.

Mr. Ashmore is hoping to latch on with MyCentralJersey.com next season so go over there and give them a bookmark and wait for an Ashmore sighting.

Pettitte & Rivera Retiring A Good Thing For New York?


Crazy question I know but could it possibly be a good thing that Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera retired after the 2013 season? Hear me out before you delete your bookmark for the site, unfollow us on Twitter, and start a rally cry for my head. The Yankees have made it a habit lately of winning World Series the season after losing big time Yankees legends that are beloved by the fans.

 Don Mattingly started his Yankees career way back in the 1982 season back when the Yankees were still terrible. Mattingly played 14 seasons in New York including an MVP season in 1985, and garnering MVP votes in six other seasons including a second place finish in 1986, and was a six time All Star and nine time Gold Glove winner. What Mattingly missed out on most was the postseason as the first place Yankees 1994 season was cut short due to the strike and the World Series being cancelled following 12 seasons prior playing for one of the worst teams in baseball. Mattingly did see the postseason in 1995 as the Yankees were the first ever Wild Card team for the American League but ended up having his heart broken as the Seattle Mariners won the series in five games. Mattingly, fighting back injuries, retired after the 1995 season right before the fun got started.


Enter Tino Martinez who had the weight of the world on his shoulders having to replace the Yankees legend at first base on top of having to live up to a $20.25 million contract. Tino responded well with seven seasons total in New York if you include his one year deal in 2005 with, as you can see above, four World Series rings. Tino was never under consideration for the major awards much, although he did finish in second place in the MVP chase in 1997 and got votes in 2001 as well, but all he did was win and win on the big stage.

Mike Mussina was already an established veteran pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles before the Yankees lured him to the dark side in 2001 with an $88.5 million contract for six years. While Mike went to the World Series in 2001 and again in 2003 Mike would not win a ring in his time in pinstripes. Moose would finally get the 20 win season that has evaded him his entire career in 2008 before riding off into the sunset and retiring about a year too early.


Enter the offseason spending spree of 2009 where the Yankees brought in AJ Burnett, CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and Nick Swisher among other pieces. As we all know and remember the three man pitching crew of CC, AJ, and Andy Pettitte pitched all the way through every team in it's way to win the 2009 World Series. While AJ has moved on to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade, and is currently a free agent Brian Cashman hint hint, CC is still toeing the rubber at the top of the Yankees rotation every Opening Day.

Now the Yankees are entering the 2014 season having lost two Yankees legends, two fan favorites, and two beloved men in pinstripes. Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera have retired from baseball so ....

Yankees in 2014?

The Dean Anna Interview That Really Excites Me



Dean Anna was acquired from the San Diego Padres for an A Ball pitcher on Wednesday night so I scoured the internet and found this interview with him. Just listen to him name off the positions that he plays and listens to all the fundamentals. He is confident, which helps in New York, and may be the end of Eduardo Nunez if Alex Rodriguez is not suspended.

Anna is coming off an impressive 2013 where he posted a .331 batting average with nine home runs, 38 doubles, and 73 RBI's in 132 games. Anna is 26 years old and has gotten as high as AAA in the Padres organization and may be ready to finally break out in 2013, so watch out for him.

This Day In New York Yankees History 11/22


On this day in 1957 Mickey Mantle edges out Red Sox superstar Ted Williams for the Most Valuable Player award for the American League. Two Chicago writers had Williams ninth and tenth on their respected ballots which slipped Ted to second place even though he had a .388 average with 38 home runs and a .731 slugging percentage.


On this day in 1977 the Yankees signed Rich "Goose" Gossage to a six year deal worth $2.75 million as a free agent. Gossage was coming off of a 26 save and 1.26 ERA season with the Pittsburgh Pirates.