Robinson Cano Banned 80 Games for Failed PED Test

Former New York Yankees second baseman and current Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano has been banned for 80 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a banned substance.

Cano's failed test was for a substance called Furosemide. A quick Google search of Furosemide and a trip to WebMD brings up the following:

Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen.

This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

Furosemide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt.

Kind of sounds like something you would take had you known a steroid test was coming, huh?

More to come as information becomes available. #BlameJayZ.

Agent for Cespedes Called the Yankees & Loves New York

Yoenis Cespedes loves New York, who doesn’t though right? Call me bias since I was born in the Bronx and lived there for much of my life but New York is the greatest place on Earth. The greatest place I’ve ever been to anyway. The place is so diverse, the food is amazing, the atmosphere is breathtaking and every once in a while the people surprise you and will be friendly. There’s a Starbucks on every corner and its home to some of the greatest sports franchises in the world including the New York Giants and Jets, the New York Rangers and Islanders, the Buffalo Bills, the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets and the New York Yankees and New York Mets. Cespedes got a taste of the Big Apple last season with the Mets as he helped the team reach the World Series for the first time since 2000 and he doesn’t want to leave any time soon.

While Cespedes was negotiating with the New York Mets to stay and the Washington Nationals to leave on a free agency contract the agent for Yoenis made an interesting phone call to Brian Cashman. Apparently Cespedes would prefer to stay in New York and turn down a five-year deal worth a reported $100 million from Washington and he doesn’t seem to have a preference which New York team he would sign with. Roc Nation, yes that Roc Nation, reached out to the Yankees on Thursday to tell them of Cespedes’ interest in playing the outfield inside Yankee Stadium in 2016. The agents asked the Yankees if they wanted to “jump in with a three-year offer” and I wonder who hung up first, Hal Steinbrenner, Jay-Z or Robinson Cano. 

Preview: New York Yankees vs. Seattle Cano's 4/29

The New York Yankees will host the Seattle Mariners tonight in the first of a three game set in the Bronx. This obviously marks the first time that Robinson Cano has made his way back to the Bronx and to Yankee Stadium since teaming up with Jay Z and shocking the baseball world by signing a 10 year and $240 million contract with the Mariners over the winter. The Yankees will send CC Sabathia to the mound to face off with the M's Chris Young among all the boo birds in the Bronx. The game will be played at 7:05 and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, on your computer with MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Sabathia has won two straight starts and seems to be back to more of the CC Sabathia of old and less of the inconsistent 2013 version. To be honest CC was helped out a lot by the Yankees offense that scores 24 runs in his last two starts against the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox but CC did more than his fair share giving up only one earned run in seven innings against Tampa and only gave up two runs in six innings against the Red Sox. For the Yankees sake let's hope we will see more of the same from Sabathia tonight.

Young is coming off a start in which he gave up three runs on four hits with five walks in a seven inning no decision against the Houston Astros last time out. Young did not pitch in the Major Leagues last season because of shoulder problems but is still a intimidating force standing at 6'10" on the mound. Let's hope the Yankees can jump on his rust and score early and often to spoil Cano's return to the Bronx.

Go Yankees!!

Cano I Will Applaud Tonight, Jay Z Not So Much...

Okay so a couple of hours ago I praised, appreciated, and basically thanked Robinson Cano for his tenure in the Bronx as a Yankee but that doesn't mean I need to do the same for Jay Z. Just listen to the song, it tells my thoughts on the matter perfectly.

New York Yankees Off Day Music Recommendation

I thought it was interesting that this season Major League Baseball created a rule that directly impacted a players walk up music. MLB announced that a player would only be allowed 15 seconds of walk up music, who would have thought this would even be a pressing issue. Oh well, I decided to take advantage of the off day and our music recommendations by posting our lead off hitters walk up music since this is our first of hopefully many walk up music posts for off days. Jacoby Ellbury walks up to N****'s in Paris by Jay Z and Kanye West so that is what is above. This is obviously not safe for work or children so listen with discretion.

CC Sabathia Joins Roc Nation Sports

#RocNationSports La Familia pic.twitter.com/DvFKr3PpN7
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) January 17, 2014

CC Sabathia has switched his agents from Legacy Agents to Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports. Jay Z is apparently targeting the New York Yankees and their high profile players. Jay Z now has two baseball players in his fold, Robinson Cano and now Sabathia, and Kevin Durant in the NBA. Sabathia is under Yankees control for the next three seasons and New York is on the hook for $76 million so I don't think this will affect us at all so nothing to see here.

Alex Rodriguez Is A Yankees Traitor!!

Great time at the Jay Z show last night with @YonderalonsoU and Manny Machado! pic.twitter.com/OvOaDYdBhj
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) January 3, 2014

Alex Rodriguez is a traitor to himself, the New York Yankees, and to the game of baseball. A Rod was recently spotted at a concert with Baltimore Orioles star Manny Machado and San Diego Padres standout Yonder Alonso while in Sunrise, Florida. Alex attended a Jay Z concert of all people begging the question, where was Robinson Cano?

The Yankee Stadium Experience: Special Events

PART EIGHT: Special Events at Yankee Stadium

Where is the Pope-Mobile?

The Old Yankee Stadium hosted some very special events: from three Papal visits to the Stadium to hold mass for the Catholic Church (the last being in 2008) to Nelson Mandela addressing a large crowd stating "You know who I am, I am a Yankee" in 1990 during a concert featuring Tracy Chapman.

The Best Wear Pinstripes

Several high profile college football games were also played in the stadium with the first being October 23, 1923 featuring Syracuse and Pittsburgh.  The score that day was just like a baseball score, 3-0 in favor of the Orangemen. Notre Dame and Army frequented the Stadium playing 24 and 38 games, respectively, with games between the two annually from 1925 through 1946.  The 1925 game was famous for the "Win One for the Gipper" speech given by the legendary Knute Rockne at halftime.

Rud-y! Rud-y! Rud-y! Oh Wait...

Many of you probably didn't know that there were several incarnations of the New York Yankees professional football team that attempted to take root in New York in the early 40's but that ultimately failed.  However, the game known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played" occurred at Yankee Stadium in 1958 in the form of the NFL Championship game between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants.  With 7 seconds left Johnny Unitas led his team to a game-tying field goal and eventually a 23-17 win in overtime.  The game single-handedly elevated the league as a professional sport in the eyes of the public.

Several international futball (soccer) games were hosted in the old Stadium as well mostly in the 1950s and 1960s most notably featuring teams such as Totenham, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Santos of Brazil (with the famous Pele'), Real Madrid, Juventus, and A.C. Milan.  International friendlies were also held at the Stadium including the U.S. National Team facing Israel in 1968.

"I am the greatest!"

Perhaps the most famous soccer played in the Stadium revolved around the New York Cosmos who played their home matches there between 1971 and 1976.  In 1976, Pele' himself came to the Cosmos and thrilled the city as he was known as the "King of Football" throughout the world.  That year also saw England defeat Italy 3-2 as part of the Bicentennial Cup Tournament.  Kind of ironic that England won in 1976 as opposed to their huge loss in 1776 that everyone was celebrating that day ('Merica!).

"Rocky Marciano?....He kicked Joe Louis' Ass"

But of all of the events held (not baseball-related), the most famous could have been the boxing matches.  Boxing "back in the day" was the real deal...everyone knew who the Heavyweight Champ was and most kids knew how to box.
The most famous boxing event ever held at Yankee Stadium was perhaps the rematch between Joe Louis and Germany's Max Schmeling on June 22, 1938.  Joe Louis knocked Hitler's "superior" fighter out in the first round.  The only other match that could come close to that one was between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton on September 28, 1976. Ali won that match by unanimous decision.

Could have been you Cleveland...

Fast forward to the here and now and to the New Yankee Stadium.  You can still enjoy events such as that above, but they are more spread out and selective.  The amount of money made by Major League Baseball teams is insane compared to what owners made back in the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and even the 80s.  Therefore, owners act less like promoters and more like businessmen.  Just think...The Boss purchased the Yankees from CBS for a reported $8.8 million dollars.  Today the franchise is worth $2.3 billion.

Here is a short list of the events that have been held in the New Stadium since 2009 and some of the upcoming events that you may find yourself wanting to attend:

April 25, 2009 - Joel Osteen held a prayer service at the Stadium as the first non-baseball event in the Stadium.

May 13, 2009 - New York University held their Graduation Ceremony featuring a key-note address by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

September 13-14, 2010 - Jay-Z (boooooo!) and Eminem held back-to-back concerts in front of sellout crowds at the Stadium as the first concert in the new digs.  B.o.B., 50 Cent, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, and Dr. Dre made appearances as well.  What a lineup!  I had a chance as a season-ticket holder to go to this but passed. Damn!

November 20, 2010 - Notre Dame and Army rekindled their historic rivalry although ND easily defeated the Knights 27-3.

December 30, 2010 - The first Pinstripe Bowl occurred between Syracuse and Kansas State.  The 'Cuse won 36-34.

July 15-16, 2011 - SIR Paul McCartney played the Stadium and had a special guest on the second night in Billy Joel.

September 14, 2011 - "The Big Four" of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeath, and Anthrax played in front of 41,762

July 6-7, 2012 - Roger Waters of Pink Floyd had over 62,000 in attendance for the 2 days.

July 22, 2012 - Chelsea and PSG played to a 1-1 tie in front of 38,202.

August 8, 2012 - Real Madrid beat A.C. Milan 5-1 in front of 49,474.

September 6 and 8, 2012 - Madonna played 2 sold out shows.  These shows sold out in under 20 minutes for close to 80,000 tickets in total.

May 25, 2013 - Manchester City defeated Chelsea 5-3 in front of 39,462.

June 11, 2013 - Spain defeated Ireland 2-0 in front of 39,368.

July 19-20, 2013 - Not to be outdone by Madonna...Justin Timberlake sold close to 90,000 tickets for his two shows.  Jay-Z made perhaps his last welcome appearance as well.

N'Sync sure looks different...

EVENTS STILL TO COME:

December 28, 2013 - the Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the 2013 Pinstripe Bowl.

January 26, 2014 - New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils - Outside Hockey!

January 29, 2014 - New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders

I am sure you could get tickets to the 3 events above.  Just hope there isn't a blizzard.

I Think The Yankees Are Targeting Stephen Drew

Stephen Drew's decision is awaiting some further Yankee clarity
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) December 21, 2013

I called it a few weeks back and now the Yankees may finally be listening as I think New York is finally targeting Stephen Drew, at least according to Peter Gammons. Are the Yankees still after Drew even after signing Brian Roberts? I sure hope so.

I wonder what the "clarity" that Drew needs though. Is it waiting on the Alex Rodriguez decision? Is it waiting on the Masahiro Tanaka decision? Do the Yankees want him to play a position he is not normally playing, like say third base? Is Jay Z trying to get Drew too just to screw the Yankees?

Here's to hoping for clarity soon, either way.

Jay Z Makes The Mariners Hat More Famous Then....

Well you guys know the rest. Here is my weekly "I Love NoMass" post. 

Jay Z and Robinson Cano Got 99 Problems

Cano May Or May Not Have Traveled To Detroit Recently

As the world turns, and when I said the world I mean the negotiations with Robinson Cano in his search for a $300 million contract on a 10 year deal. The only reason that this is news is because of how dreadfully slow the offseason has been for the Yankees to date. I mean, to put this in perspective, my wife and I had a baby this  weekend and the only "Yankees news" I missed was David Freese being traded to the Angels.

There is a rumor circulating that Robinson Cano recently charted a private plane to Detroit over the weekend to talk about a potential contract. This is somewhat surprising seeing as the Tigers just acquired Ian Kinsler, a second basemen, from the Texas Rangers. This could all be part of the plan for Dave Dombrowski to play Kinsler at first and free up the money to sign Cano as the second basemen. This could also be a part of the plan from Jay Z to make the Yankees want to up their offer or make an offer sooner so who knows. Jay Z would probably not be above using rumors and such to get a maximum contract for his client and the Tigers would not be above using Kinsler at first base since the Rangers were talking of using him at first anyway before trading him.

That's what makes it fun, we just don't know and probably never will. Anyway here is the "rumor" that sparked all the discussion in Yankees land:

There was, indeed, a charter plane that took off from Teterboro, N.J., about a half-hour outside New York City, at 6:59 a.m. Friday and landed at Willow Run 90 minutes later. The plane then sat at Willow Run until 2:04 p.m., when it headed back to Teterboro. The plane in question is a Kelso Air-owned business jet, a Bombardier Challenger 600, which seats between 14 and 18 passengers. This plane could cost as much as $4,100 per hour to charter, or more than $32,000 for this particular trip - impressive, to be sure, but not much of a dent for someone who made, say, $15 million in salary in 2013.

This jet also has made no other recent trips to Michigan. Its recent getaways include such locales as Augusta, Ga. (home of swanky Augusta National Golf Club); Bermuda; Sacramento, Calif.; San Diego; and Chicago.

An atriptic of Robinson Cano...2nd baseman

An atriptic of Robinson Cano...2nd baseman 

  An atriptic painting ...a work consisting of three painted panels, hinged together. It can, be used to represent the past, present, and future. Art work can be very subjective. Here's my take.

PANEL ONE :  " No Tequila Sunrise, at Arlington Stadium, Texas. "

Prior to the trading deadline, I posted endlessly...trade Robinson Cano. The Yanks biggest chip.

Then one day, coming off a hot beach, back in July, I get in my car, only to hear that ESPN, FAN, etc. are reporting that the Texas Rangers are interested in trading for Robinson Cano. Fabulous !
Now the Yanks can do what Boston did over the winter...jump start this team !
Even better...Jurickson Profar, second baseman, and Texas's top prospect is the name being circulated. Am I in heaven ?...this can't be true. For the next 24 hours, I'm crazed, hoping the Yankees will add others to the mix, to make Texas want to pull the trigger!... Give them Slade, a catcher, Cervelli's girlfriend, Matsui's collection of porno tapes.....anyone / anything. Just get it done !

And, just as quick as firestorm started, it ended......."Today,  Brian Cashman announced that the Yankees have no interest in trading Robinson Cano."  Are they nuts ! They must be.

Just think if Jurickson was obtained, and the monies saved with  Cano's contract demands. They could of been used for someone like.....the Cuban first baseman, Jose Abreu ?...a masher. And others.

PANEL TWO : " The Sports Agent. "

The agent's name is Shawn Carter. To some, he is called JZ. He is a pusher. He will always be a pusher. Rap lyrics will never erase that fact. Shawn Carter's clients probably robbed, or killed, or wrecked lives, in order to get the money to buy what Shawn Carter was pushing. This guy is garbage.

At this most important time in Robinson Cano's career, he chose Shawn Carter to be his agent.

" JZ-Credits Drug Dealer past for preparing him as a sports agent. "

Forbes magazine. Darren Heitner. Oct. 1, 2013.

NY Daily News...Dec. 3, 1999....

"JZ charged, in stabbing Lance Rivera in the back, with a 8 ' knife. Over a dispute.

JZ pleads guilty. Given probation...Oct, 2001.

PANEL THREE : " A Few Dollars More. "

From a  Clint Eastwood trilogy...came ..." A Few Dollars More "..appropriate for Robinson.

They will always want to extract more money from the Yankees. They will demand more, and more. Even after reaching a king's ransom stratosphere. The " agent " wants it that way !
In the end, I see Robinson running off to some team, that just over pays the Yankees bid.

The agent will drive this, and Cano will just sit there, and swill his $900 bottle of champagne. Straight from the bottle, no glass for him.......he's in the crib.

No home team discount, no family discount, no Yankee monument for Robinson. Nothing.

The expiration date on Robinson's career, will now have a shortened shelf life. So it goes.

At some point during the negotiations, the agent JZ will whisper to Brian Cashman.....

"I've got some good cano for you, ....for only .......A Few Dollars More."

Rant On Robinson Cano, Jay Z, & Free Agency Games

I have not written a rant in a very long time, probably since the September and October run of the 2012 Yankees, but it’s time… It’s beyond time. Robinson Cano, Jay Z, and this whole debacle have made it time. Here goes nothing.

The New York Yankees President Randy Levine said that they would not be willing to go $300 million on a deal for anyone or go 10 years on a contract, both of which Robinson Cano is asking for. Good for him and good for the Yankees if you ask me. Cano is not coming off of his demands for a major contract and thinks that his super-agent Jay Z is going to get him all the wealth he could ever want, and he will. Cano thinks he has the Yankees over a barrel much like Alex Rodriguez did in 2007 but he is wrong and here is why. In 2007 the Yankees were coming off of a postseason appearance and an American League East title, we had nowhere to go but down. What’s the worst that happens if we don’t sign Cano we finish in a tie for fourth place and miss the playoffs? Oh wait…

Jay Z thinks he is smarter than everyone else because he has built a MUSIC empire in Rockafella Records and even went as far as to “diss” Scott Boras in one of his songs but I have news for him, his posturing is working. Does anyone really think that the New York Mets have the money and the inclination to hand Cano his contract demands? They can barely afford what they have now regardless of the fact that they just got out from under, partially minus the buyout, the Johan Santana contract. The Mets are not spending that kind of money and if they are it will shock the hell out of me. If Jay Z really wants to scare the Yankees take Cano to go see a team with a real need at second base, a team that will be in contention next year and beyond, and a team that will actually spend the money. Go see the Detroit Tigers, go see the Los Angeles Dodgers, go see the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Atlanta Braves (if they can trade Dan Uggla), etc. You’re bluffing and your poker face sucks Shawn Carter and if this is how we’re going to play then adios Cano. We don’t want you Robbie if you’re going to be a greedy prick, and I know that sounds funny coming from a guy who once started  a Yankees blog called The Greedy Pinstripes. And we don’t need you if you are going to be all about the money.

We have won a lot more World Series with guys like Scott Brosious, Jim Leyritz, Shane Spencer, and Chad Curtis then we have handing out 10 year maxed out deals to pre-Madonna’s like Alex Rodriguez. If Robbie doesn’t want to sign with us and meet in the middle, in the immortal words of the great Michael Kay, see ya! If Cano wants 10 years or even nine years, see ya. If Cano wants a dime over $200 million, see ya. We go out and we sign a Kelly Johnson or an Omar Infante, we take the hit and loss in production at second base, and we go upgrade elsewhere. We go sign a Jacoby Ellsbury to take over in right field and we sign a Brian McCann to give us an upgrade at catcher and we sign a Jhonny Peralta to replace the suspended Alex Rodriguez, we spend wisely on starting pitching, we upgrade the bench and the minors with depth, and we go out and we win in spite of it all. Robinson Cano is not irreplaceable, nobody is no matter what anyone says, and it may take a season or two but we will rebuild, we will re-tool, and we will reconquer Major League Baseball, with or without Cano.

Yankees To Meet With Robinson Cano Next Week

And it's about time!

The New York Yankees are finally set to sit down and meet with free agent Robinson Cano and his agent Jay Z. This coming off the heels that Cano is willing to go after Christmas before signing with a team if necessary, which is not great news for the Yankees whatsoever.

Cano and his camp still are holding on to the 31 year old wanting a $310 million dollar deal in the 10 year range but he will definitely have to come down off of that ledge to come back with the Yankees I would think. Jay Z is said to be ready to be "intimately involved in all areas" of Cano's negotiations according to the CAA agent who is working with Jay Z Brodie Van Wagenen in an interview with MLB Network.

I really have a feeling that this gets ugly before it gets better and that is not a good thing for the penny pinching Yankees.

Cano Has No Other Offers But Yankees Offer

I know it is still a little early in free agency to really worry about such things but Robinson Cano, according to Dan Martin, has yet to receive another offer other then the Yankees reported offer. Many teams may be waiting to see if Cano rejects his qualifying offer as expected tomorrow before making a formal offer to the All Star second base free agent. Joel Sherman has already reported that the Yankees cap for Cano is going to be six to eight years and $180-$200 million, something I have been saying the maximum should be all along.

The market will not be set until at least the Winter Meetings in December if history is any indicator of this market so Jay Z and Robbie shouldn't be too worried just yet. They will have to come down off their $305-$310 million ten year contract demands if they want to play ball, especially with the draft pick compensation that is expected to come with Cano.

Jay Z Under Investigation Due To A Gift To Robinson Cano

Remember when I posted pictures of Robinson Cano's birthday party with Jay Z showing all the alcohol they drank and the gold watch that Cano received? Yeah apparently that is against the rules because it is against Major League rules for an agent to give one of his clients a gift. The reason behind it is because they do not want players being bought and enticed into keeping the agents services and such. Chad Jennings of LoHud said it best when he said "ninety-nine problems, am I right Jay?"

Robinson Cano Spending Money Like He Is Jay Z

Robinson Cano spent his 31st birthday in Belgium with his agent Jay Z. Jay threw a party for his soon to be very well paid Yankees superstar. Cano posted some pictures on instagram that are sure to make some people jealous as Cano and Jay were drinking gold bottles of some sort of alcohol all night long. Here is the photo proof...

This stuff is so expensive I don't even know what it is, and I have expensive taste. 

S. Carter gold watch, it's ugly but I'd still roc it (see what I did there).

A year's worth of my salary down the toilet... literally... eventually.

No New Talks Between Yanks & Cano

Robinson Cano and his new agents, CAA and Jay-Z, have not had discussions with the Yankees and their management yet for a new contract. The Yankees have a policy where they refuse to discuss a contract extension before a player hit free agency but the Yankees seem willing to suspend this policy to keep Robbie before he hits free agency. The Yankees let big time stars like Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera to name a few hit the free agent market due to this policy but it seems like times are changing in Yankeesland. Cano, if he hits free agency, will easily be the best free agent in the entire market and with big money teams like the Dodgers and the Angels lurking it scares the hell out of me to think that Robbie may test the waters. Robinson Cano will turn 31 years old in October and will likely command a $200 million contract this off season so I really hope the Yankees can get this done before the season is over.