Mariano Rivera- Role Reversal?

Mariano Rivera has long been known for closing the door with a save, but this time he's opening some. 

In particular, his wife's Church in New Rochelle that has been closed to this point until Mariano led a three million dollar restoration project funded by his foundation. The church, which is 107 years old, is known as "Refuge of Hope". The Pentecostal Christian congregation is led by his wife, Clara.

In his typical humble fashion, Mariano kept quiet about the project, not even the local residents knew about it until the opening. This is no surprise with Mo and he has always been an inspiration in my eyes through his faith. 

He has openly shared his faith through his years as a Yankee and always places God first in his life. This has shown not only in his career but in his personal life and family.

Thank you Mo, not only for your impression on baseball as the greatest closer of all time, but also by showing us that even that won't come before your faith. You are a true inspiration.

"Everything, I have and everything I became is because of the strength of the Lord, and through him I have accomplished everything. Not because of my strength. Only by his love, his mercy, and his strength."  -Mariano Rivera

What if it all Goes Right?

Odds makers already have the Yankees having a worse season than last year. 

Why?

Well, I guess things could go horribly wrong. We did bring in some players that are closer to retirement than their prime productive years. We also have some players that didn't live up to their potential last season. Injury risk is a HUGE key to this season.

I guess the "odds makers" have a point, but...

What if it all goes right?

What if Brian McCann becomes the Paul Oneill like heart of the team like many say he will? What if C.C. And his new work out regimen become the formula of a 20 win season? What if Pineda goes back to who he was when we dealt Montero for him two years ago? What if Tanaka lives up to that huge contract we gave him? What if Beltran and Soriano both hit 20 bombs with 85 RBIs, while Ellsbury and Gardner steal 40 bags and score 90 runs apiece? What if Jeter goes out looking like....well, Jeter?

 

I know, it's a lot of "ifs", and apparently the odds aren't in our favor....but, with this group of grizzled veterans, why not? One thing that you don't see in the numbers is a group of players that are coming to the end of their careers. Many of these guys are going into this season knowing that they only have so much time left on the MLB time clock, so it's time for that last push to the finish line. That is a dangerous combo, and it's hard to guess an over under on heart. 

Although, if you ask this fan, I'm going "all in" on the Yankees this season. 

The Tanaka, ARod connection.

I know, I know, how in the world could these two baseball stars be connected. So many variables work against them having anything in common. They live in different countries, they are generations apart in age, heck, they don't even speak the same language!? Well, hear me out.

One thing they could have in common is a large contract from the New York Yankees. If Tanaka were to sign a contract with the Yankees it would have to be an exorbitant amount for many years, just like they had to with Mr. Rodriguez. 

I know this doesn't seem like a big deal, but you have to wonder how closely Tanaka and his camp are watching the trials of a ring holding Yankee that they invested so much into? It also makes you wonder if this is why the Yankee brass is admitting to take ARod back after his suspension?

I know, it sounds ridiculous, we would never turn on the latest oriental darling?Although, we don't exactly have a sparkling past with imported pitchers. Hideki Irabu (whom was compared to a fat toad by Yankee brass) and Kei Igawa (banished to the minors) 

Although, that isn't where I'm going here. What if Tanaka did sign and something along the lines of Carl Pavano happened. Slowly things go south after minor surgeries turn into Tommy John! Then, would those same Yankee fans that have pre-ordered Tanaka jerseys for $90.00+ a clip, well, would they still love him? Would they stick with him, or try and run him out of town? I know it's not as big a deal as a PED scandal, but when the Yankees are paying a large percentage of the payroll to someone who is sitting and watching, well, things get ugly in the Bronx.

I hope I'm WAY off the mark here, but you have to wonder.

ARod the Movie?

With the latest news on coming from the ARod camp, we hear about how he's looking forward to a break. 

“I think that the year 2014 could be a big favor that [Major League Baseball has] done for me because I’ve been playing for 20 years without a timeout,” he said. “I think 2014 is a good year to rest mentally and physically and prepare for the future and begin a new chapter in my life.”

While everyone picks their collective jaws up from the ground, think about this...are we missing the big "picture" here?

It has been rumored that a "tell all" book was in his future, but could it be written on a one year hiatus? We all know ARod is a terrible liar so is he actually dropping hints without realizing it? ( Prepare for the future? Begins new chapter?)

Hmm, well knowing ARod and his camp, it's only a matter of time before ARod the book becomes ARod the movie! You know how things progress in his world, bigger is better, so grab some popcorn and if I had to guess, your 3D glasses and lets cast this puppy!

Playing ARod: A hero type that everyone loves and can't possibly hate. Also, known for causing trouble and breaking the law but all for the greater good. 

That's right...Robert Downey Jr!

Playing Bud Selig: Has to be a man that America hates. Also wants the viewing audience to think he has a hidden agenda to destroy America (and its past time!)

 Perfect, although, he might have to sing him a Birthday song and possibly play some ball overseas to get him to agree?

Now, last but not least. 

Playing Tony Bosch: Has to be lower than scum. Someone who is known for taking thing that are precious (career and chances of getting a ring or crown for that matter) Drum roll please...

Wait, you say, he's not real? Honestly folks, after what has transpired over the past few months...does any of this seem real? 

After all, it is ARods world, and were just watching. So like I said before, pony up the 58.00 and grab some popcorn, sit back and relax, because the show has just started.

Papi Goes the Weasel!

Seems like just yesterday when David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez were sharing a drink and a cigar on the golf course at Ortiz's charity golf touney. Through all of the allegations and scandal that ARod was dealing with, all was well in the cozy seat of a golf cart in the sun drenched beauty of the Dominican Republic.All was right with the world.....ahhhhhhh.

Well, A funny thing happened today on ESPN radio. The ever so boisterous talk show host Colin Cowherd had a chat with Joe Tacopina and within a blink of an eye, buried one of ARods few remaining friends in baseball. That bridge was burned when this comment was made by Tacopina...

“No one else was compelled to say anything and no one else did say anything,” Tacopina said about the time period when a Selena Roberts book was released detailing Rodriguez’s alleged PED use and the Times story broke. “People were denying stuff. And I’m not gonna start naming all the other players, but some of them are God-like in Boston right now, and people seem to forget that … Alex came clean and admitted something when he didn’t have to.” 

Let's get real, no one is really surprised by this comment. Ortiz has dealt with allegations of steroid use for years now and for good reason, as Cowherd stated...

When it’s too good to be true, it is … Here was a guy in May of 2009, batting .222 with a slugging percentage of .300, no injuries and he couldn’t hit … He’s significantly better today than several years ago. Interesting story. The story of David Ortiz hitting .733 is about as believable as Big Foot.” 

Although, with it coming from the mouth of Tacopina, this will certainly have an immediate backlash. Let it be known though, it certainly won't be coming from Yankee fans! 

The steroid accusation is so freely used by Sox fans (2nd only to "buying our team") as the reason for the Yankee's championship success. Even after Manny Ramirez and his suspensions for anything from steroids to his...female fertility pills..heh, heh...Manny being Mary? Anyway, it still seems that it just disappears within the gates of Red Sox nation. 

I figure, if ARod is going to keep shooting off cannons while the ship sinks, why not aim it at the Red Sox?

A Bomb: The Countdown

I used to love spring training. Seeing the players getting back together and running around like last seasons injuries never happened. Jeters wheels, Teixeras wrist and look over there...it's ARod!?!?

Is this really happening? Who knows, after today's A bomb by A Rod and the fact that he's trying to sue the MLPPA, nothing surprises me anymore. For all we know, he will not only show up, but he'll play and play well! Imagine him finagling his way into some spring games and hitting .543 with 8 hrs and 20 RBIs. Would you be that surprised? This guy is the ultimate enigma.

I just can't wait for the day that we go into Spring Training without anything worthy of Page 6 in the Post. An ARod free bottom line on SportsCenter? A season that has nothing to do with suspension reviews or court appearances?  I mean, can you imagine how this court hearings going to go?!

Judge: Mr. Rodriguez, what do you have to say about these charges against you?
ARod: Bud Selig is out to get me!
Judge: What? No I mean the...
ARod: it WAS THE PLAYERS UNION!!
Judge: Mr. Rodriguez! Please just answer the questi...
ARod: OMAHA, OMAHA...BLUE 42

Well, that might be a bit of a stretch, but I have to ask you....is it?

The sad part is, and I'm sure some of you fans can attest, I'm becoming immune. This guy could show up to court or spring training in a dress, dancing the Macarena and holding a puppy at gunpoint and I would just roll my eyes and grab another cup of joe. Nothing surprises me anymore.

Although, that doesn't mean I can't wait for the day...61 million dollars in the future...that I can love spring training again.

Luis Sojo: The Little Guy that came up Big

I just received an update that Luis Sojo was added to the AAA coaching staff. It is well deserved by a man that became one of my favorite Yankee's on a random October night in 2000.


I remember it like it was yesterday. My father, my brother and I, we were standing in line, surrounding our television in disbelief of what was happening. Two on and two out with Al Leiter on the mound and clearly on the ropes! This is one of those great October moments that we will cherish for year's...who's up next?

..and up comes Luis Sojo!?

Wait, what?? Of all the great Yankees on that 2000 World Series team, all our hopes were on a 5' 11" utility infielder named Luis Sojo?

Then my Dad spoke (which never happened during a Yankee game unless it was something vile against ARod or Michael Kay) He said, "Why not Luis?"

This was my father in a nutshell, always rooting for the underdog. He was the biggest fan of guys that are long forgotten. Alvaro Espinoza, Andy Stankiewicz, Ricky Ledee, Charlie Hayes...and his all time favorite Chili "Dog" Davis. He just loved rooting for the little guys.

Well, Luis was a little guy and as we started to turn our favor towards Luis, he proceeds to get a huge 2 out 2 RBI knock up the middle and the Yankees go on to win game. The rest, of course is history as the Subway Series is wrapped up and another title is on the Boss's shelf.

This was one of those defining moments that taught my brother and I so much about being a fan. It is so easy to root for the guy that sells the most jerseys, but to root for the little guy and have him come through...well, that's priceless.

Anyway, congratulations Luis, you will always hold a place in this Yankee families heart. Because of guys like you, I will always root for the whole team, not just the players that sell the overpriced jerseys.

"When we saw him in spring training in a Pirates uniform, you knew he wanted to be with us," said a champagne-soaked manager Joe Torre.