The Happiest Day of the Year!! Opening Day!

IT'S FINALLY HERE: OPENING DAY FOR BASEBALL!!!!

Today's NYY vs. BOS Opening Lineup

NYY

1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Eduardo Nunez, SS
3. Robinson Cano, 2B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Vernon Wells, LF
6. Ben Francisco, DH (Ugh)
7. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
8. Jayson Nix, 3B
9. Frankie Cervelli, C

CC Sabathia on the Hill

BOS

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Shane Victorino, RF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. Mike Napoli, 1B
5. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
7. Jonny Gomes, DH
8. Jackie Bradley, Jr, LF (Really intrigued to see how he does)
9. Jose Iglesias, SS

Jon Lester on the Hill

Thoughts about the Yankees before Opening Day

Well, we have our roster.

Starting Lineup
CF Brett Gardner
RF Ichiro Suzuki
2B Robinson Cano
3B Kevin Youkilis
DH Travis Hafner
LF Vernon Wells
1B Lyle Overbay
SS Eduardo Nunez
C   Francisco Cervelli

Presumably, but we might see a different DH on Opening Day with Jon Lester on the hill.  This is really going to take some getting used to, but at least things will look better by May.  Derek Jeter shouldn't be out too long, and Granderson and according to Tex himself, Mark Teixeira, will be back in May some time.  The Yankees totally overreacted to what looks like an easy April, but at least the bench is younger (but not better).

Bench
C  Chris Stewart; IF Jayson Nix; OF Brennan Boesch; OF Ben Francisco

I really wish Ronnie Mustelier made the team - a bone bruise kept him from that, but he should be an early call-up if needed. Ben Francisco will definitely be the first cut when Jeter is back, but at least he'll get his signed ball added to the Yankee Stadium Museum.  I would also enjoy either Ramon Hernandez over Chris Stewart.

Starting Rotation
SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Andy Pettitte
SP Ivan Nova
SP David Phelps

No worries 1-3 to start the year.  Hughes should hopefully only miss 1 start based on early April travels. I am slightly worried about 4&5.  Nova's spring fell apart towards the end and as much as I am a Phelps fanboy, he can't seem to get past the 5th inning. At least there is some depth there.

Bullpen
CL Mariano Rivera
SU David Robertson
SU Joba Chamberlain
SU Boone Logan
SU Cody Eppley
SU Shawn Kelley
LR Adam Warren

I wanna know this: Why did David Aardsma get cut in favor of a RHS in Cody Eppley and a pitcher with minor league options in Kelley? I get Warren to sub in Phelps or Nova's LR role for now, but considering Aardsma'a a former closer with a CHEAP $500,000 salary, I don't get it.  Rapada starts the year on the DL but the back-end is just fine.

The Yankee haters forget the fact the pitching staff is relatively intact, and a top 5 in the AL overall.  They'll keep them in contention until the heavy hitters are back.

Figuring out the mess that is the Yankees Offense

Finally got around to doing another blog post - it's been weeks, literally. Lotta stuff coming up personally and in finishing school, so my time is fairly limited, but glad to be back. Lots of Yankees news since then, particularly surrounding the offense. Let's recap:

• We've added some more injuries: Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter will begin the year on the disabled list, but Jeter's stint will be backdated so he should only miss about a week.
• We've removed some competition: Matt Diaz has been released, and minor leaguer Zoilo Almonte has been sent down. 
• We've added some competition: Rivera likely becomes the everyday first baseman (ugh), which adds more OF competition: Brennan Boesch has been signed, Vernon Wells has been traded for, and Lyle Overbay and Ben Francisco have also been signed. 

So, the one positive is that the pitching staff is intact. Even with Hughes being on DL for his first start, Nova/Phelps will be fine. Clay Rapada will likely start on the DL, but ST sensation Vidal Nuno has all options remaining and profiles as a lefty bullpen guy in the MLB, so for a few weeks, lets see what he has. Figure trade acquistion Shawn Kelley or Cody Eppley will fill in for the other bullpen spot temporarily, but the top of the rotation and the back of the bullpen are all good to go, so let's try and figure out what's gonna happen with the offense.

Who's not in jeopardy:

• CF Brett Gardner
• RF Ichiro Suzuki
• 2B Robinson Cano
• 3B/1B Kevin Youkilis

We know they'll be in the lineup everyday. The question is, how do we fill out the rest of the team?

• Catcher: It's 95% likely it's Stewvelli. Now, if Ramon Hernandez becomes available, I would dump Stewart in a heartbeat for him.  But, unfortunately, the Yankees are comfortable with this: let's pray Austin Romine crushes AAA pitching and gets a summer call-up.
• Corner IF: I expand this because I want to include Ronnie Mustelier. The Mustelier fan club includes this guy right here; I love the fact that he has raked at each level in the minors and in ST. But, Juan Rivera has hit as well, and we know the Yankees: they're going with the veteran...always. Dan Johnson is a non-factor with a .063 average. I also doubt Lyle Overbay will make the team, too. Offensively, they'll be better with Mustelier at 3B and Youk at 1B, but is that going to happen? Not likely. I expect Rivera here.
• IF: The Jeter DL stint just flat out sucks. Now, Jayson Nix will make the team, but once Jeter comes back, what do the Yanks do? Send Nunez down? Cut Nix? Tough, but Nix makes the team for now.
• Outfield: Ugh. Well, Gardner and Ichiro are set, so who makes the cut? I don't see how its not Boesch and Wells, right? Mesa hasn't hit a lick at the plate. Thomas Neal should function as AAA depth, but Ben Francisco has had a good spring. Let's hope he'll stay on that minor league deal.
• DH: Pronk's due to get hurt anyway, but if he doesn't hit, I'm going to Boesch every day.

FINAL ROSTER PREDICTIONS by Opening Day

C: Cervelli, Stewart

IF: Cano, Youkilis, Nunez, Nix, Rivera

OF: Wells, Gardner, Boesch, Suzuki

DH: Hafner

SP: Sabathia, Kuroda, Pettitte, Nova, Phelps

RP: Rivera, Robertson, Joba, Aardsma, Logan, Nuno, Kelley

First Base Options- Chris Carter

Chris Carter- Houston Astros

Chris Carter has recently been traded from the Oakland A's to the Houston Astro's in the Jed Lowrie deal. We all know the Yankees need a first basemen, and he seems to be available. The astros said that they would part with either him or Carlos Pena. Carter is younger and has a much bigger upside. He is only 26, and hit 12 home runs in only 250 at bats. So that translates to about 24 home runs for a full season. Also, he is right handed and the Yankees need some right handed power. He will not kill you in the field with his glove, but he is not Mark Teixeria. So my theory is why the heck not? They just brought in Vernon Wells, and he is slated to be the starting LF. Do with that what you may but, if their willing to try on Wells, what about a younger player to play a position you need. If it were either him or Pena, I would take Carter, mostly because he can at least hit over .200 and isn't going to kill you with the glove. Plus if Teixiera comes back healthy and ready to go in month, you can always DH him, use him as a power bat off the bench, or if he performs trade him for some young pieces.
Just something to think about, and sources have led us to believe that the Astros will trade him, and not for extremely bulbus amount.

Follow me on Twitter- TheDonnyFinkle

Grading the Giants Offseason so far

Needless to say, the Giants season followed the continual trend of Super Bowl hangover. After winning it all in 2012, the Giants beat themselves out of a playoff spot. Now, as I examined a few weeks back (Giants Offseason Guide) there are positions which need to be addressed, most notably on the defense. Now, the Giants still need to look at a few things, so let's take a look at what has changed.

Quarterback
David Carr could still be back, but he's not a priority. Ryan Fitzpatrick would be a great target as a backup. Again, not a big priority. UPDATE: Carr is reportedly re-signed. Grade: B

Running Back
I would still like to see a veteran for depth. There are many options, but ensuring Andre Brown does not sign an offer sheet with another team is important, and Ryan Torain has been resigned. Michael Turner would be a great signing. Grade: C+

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Martellus Bennett is gone, and Domenik Hixon and Ramses Barden are UFA's. I would like to see Hixon back, particularly in the return game. The Giants signed WR Louis Murphy for some reason, but at least he's speedy and adds depth. They must sign Victor Cruz to an extension; a 1st round tender will scare away teams but he's crucial to the team. For tight end, the Giants have 3 options: internal with Adrian Robinson, external with a Brandon Myers/Fred Davis or draft via Zach Ertz or Tyler Efert. I would like Brandon Myers as a pass catcher; tight end in the 1st round is a waste of a pick with bigger needs present.
UPDATE: Brandon Myers has signed withe Giants. New grade to the right: Grade: B-

Offensive Line
LT Will Beatty was resigned, thankfully, but work needs to be done. I do not love Kevin Boothe, but the Free Agent O-Guard market is not pretty at all, so he's a priority. I want David Diehl cut, but it looks like the Giants will only restructure his contract. The Right Tackle market is loaded, so the Giants could make a splash, but the safe route would be signing Sean Locklear back and have him and Jim Brewer compete at RT. Grade: B

Defensive Line
At DT,Shaun Rogers had a clot and missed the season, but was resigned. Cullen Jenkins was signed from the Eagles. They're solid vets who do their perspective jobs well (Rogers run stopping and Jenkins pass rushing). I would like to see some more depth, particularly with a run stuffer (Alan Branch or Casey Hampton would be nice, particularly Branch). DE needs some work. Tuck looked slow last year, and rumor has it Dwight Freeney might want to play for the Giants (he's from CT): as a pass rusher, its a great move. Also a great move: move Mathias Kiwanuka back to DE. Grade: B-

Linebacker
Total overhaul needed. Even if Kiwanuka stays here, 2 starters are needed. I don't want to see Paysinger or Williams compete for 1 OLB job: they're not good enough. Keith Rivers has been resigned and I would like him to compete for a starting gig. Newly signed Dan Connor makes total sense as a MLB starter, but since the LB market is still saturated, the Giants could take a look at 2 more free agent starters, particularly Karlos Dansby or Rey Maualuga. Grade: C+

Defensive Back
Let's start at Corner: they're letting the bottom feeders go, thankfully. Aaron Ross is back as a depth piece (so he can get burned deep toiling in mediocrity again) and Corey Webster took a pay cut to not get cut (should be packing his bags, though). There are plenty of veteran corners available: Quentin Jammer would be a fantastic pickup as a short-term starter, but the Giants must go here in the draft. At Safety, no worries with Antrel Rolle, but Kenny Phillips is gone and Stevie Brown is an RFA. Brown needs to be back. Signed was Ryan Mundy from Pittsburgh: will he start at SS? Who knows? Will the Giants go with some quasi-rotation with Mundy in run support, Brown in pass coverage and Will Hill? We will see, but Quintin Mikell would be an excellent signing. Grade: D+

Special Teams
Lawrence Tynes will be replaced either by Josh Brown or David Buehler, presumably Brown. Brown's a solid kicker. Weatherford is a solid punter. I do wonder who will be doing kick-offs with David Wilson starting at RB. Using Rueben Randle on Kickoffs would increase his versatility, and since he does punt returns already, why not? Looking for a speedy return guy would be nice in the draft, but not a priority. Grade: B+

Yikes. Work is needed, but since free agency is only a few days old, the Giants have plenty of time until the draft rolls around in 5 weeks to will some needs, but so far? Grade: C+

Old Timer's Day Redone: Doin' Timer's Day

My brother and I stumbled upon this amazing idea. One day, we were talking about older Yankees, particularly ones who were recently arrested and played during our youth (essentially mid 1980s on). We stumbled across a great idea: the Doin' Timer's Day. We're going to take Old Timer's Day, the classic Yankees game of former players, and do a team of former Yankees who have been arrested. It'll be in a prison and we'll call it The Doin' Timers Day game. So, what qualifies you to make the team? There are a few requirements.

1. They had to play for the Yankees in some capacity. Outside of a current prospect and a former prospect who was a bust, each player played for the Yankees at some point in their career.
2. They have to have a verifiable arrest, either a mugshot that was released, a police report notice or a news clipping that can be traced (most papers have posted old, archived articles on the internet).
3. Position, Name, Charge listed in order 

Let's take a look at who could be on the roster:

Offense

C   Jim Leyritz (Vehicular Manslaughter)
1B Joe Pepitone (DUI, Assault, Cocaine Possession)
2B Chuck Knoblauch (Assault)
SS Dale Berra (Drug Possession/Drug Raid)
3B Butch Hobson (Cocaine Possession)
LF Chad Curtis (Sexual Misconduct - inappropriately touching children)
CF Mel Hall (Rape - 12 year old girl)
RF Jose Canseco (What didn't he get arrested for? Reckless Driving, Battery, Loaded Weapon)
DH Darryl Strawberry (Drug Possession, Prostitution Solicitation)

Bench 
OF Otis Nixon (Drug Possession), OF Andruw Jones (Assault), OF Rusty Torres (Sexual Abuse), OF Luis Polonia (Sex with underage girl), OF Austin Kearns (DUI), OF Shane Spencer (DUI), OF Karim Garcia (w/Spencer, beat up a Pizza shop owner), OF Claudell Washington (Drug possession/Spousal assault), OF Slade Heathcott (Top Prospect currently/DUI)

Starting Pitching

SP Doc Gooden (Assault, Battery, Drug Possession, DUI multiple times)
SP Brien Taylor (Did not play in majors/Bar fight, Child Abuse, Cocaine Trafficking)
SP Michael Pineda (DUI)
SP Matt Keough (DUI multiple times)
SP John Montefusco (Aggravated assault, terroristic threats)

Bullpen

RP Al Holland (May not have been arrested but suspended by MLB for Drug Use)
RP Shawn Chacon (Unpaid gambling markers)
RP Joba Chamberlain (DUI)
RP Jeff Reardon (Armed robbery, drug use)
RP Jason Grimsley (Drug raid)

The Deceased (may they rest in peace)


SP Hideki Irabu (DUI)
SP Rod Scurry (Drug Possession)
SP Pascual Perez (Drug Possession)
RP Steve Howe (Drug/Alcohol)

Pseudo Arrest - Steve Sax (in the classic Simpsons episode, Homer at the Bat)

What do you think? My biggest question is: Why are there so many outfielders?

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Spring Training: Part One

Spring Training has been a blast so far, so before I get to the first two games, here's a brief synopsis of the trip down. (SCROLL DOWN FOR THE GAMES/STADIUMS). I left school Friday morning and took the bus to Providence Train Station. I got off the bus a little too early and dragged my suitcase through some more snow than I wanted, but whatever. The train to Washington D.C. left around noon and I got into D.C. at about 6:45. No big complaints, except I had probably 4 different people sitting next to me at various points, including the biggest guy on my car (he had to be at least 300 pounds) and this girl who sat across from her sister and the sister's BF and didn't shut up. I did some Blockbuster closing hunting with my brother on Saturday: scored some ridiculously good deals. Sunday morning at 4 we left for Baltimore airport and I didn't get groped by TSA, which is really satisfying. First flight was to Denver - our pilot got us in like an hour early: totally kickass.  Weird getting used to the time zone changes and having lunch at 9:30 AM Denver time, but that Pizza Hut hit the spot. Flew out of Denver at 11ish and the pilot got us into Phoenix early at noon - awesome again. So, we went to get our rental car, which resulted in an experience close to this: (Seinfeld Car Rental). We went on our way to the first game and since then, after a hotel changeover and restaurant hunting, it's been solid since. I will also be featuring a random comeback player from my high school days at each game if I can)

WBC
The US has been quite in and out. I saw Dickey's clunker against Mexico. You know you're crap when getting your ass beaten by Eduardo Arredondo.  Who? Exactly. I did get to catch the Mexico/Canada brawl, which was awesome. My brother seems to think Jim Kaat is the common denominator because he broadcasted that game and the Yankees/Orioles fight of 1998. But, the US redeemed themselves with Wright's grand slam in game two and beating Italy and Canada. Gio Gonzalez starts tonight against Puerto Rico (which would be nice as the 51st state, right?). Hope the US goes to at least the finals.

Angels vs. Dodgers (Random Comeback player of the day: Chad Cordero/Willy Taveras)

The first game we went to was the K.C. Royals vs the L.A. Angels at the Royals/Rangers home park, Surprise Stadium in Surprise, AZ. One of the newer parks (2003), and really nice. You can see it above. We got seated in the geriatric section apparently, because we brought down the average age by about a decade by being the only ones under 50. Fortunately, the older gentleman next to us was a lot of fun to talk to. He knew his Angels really well and baseball in general. There was also an older gentleman who was a Royals fan that was WAY TOO into it: clipping insanely hard after each hit. The park lacked some actual food food, mostly snacks available. On to the game:
We got there in the 3rd inning, due to a few delays, but this was a doozy. The Royals won 17-11. Up to when we got there in the end of the 3rd, the Royals scored 5 off Tommy Hanson and the Angels 2 via a Vernon Wells HR.
This game was full of errors. Hank Conger was AWFUL: he made the same error 3 times: a snap throw to first that went wrong. This game featured a total of 7, 7 errors with 6 by LAA.
So, we watched Ernesto Frieri relieve Hanson and had a stat line of 1/3 of an inning, 5 hits, 1 BB and 5 earned runs allowed - awful. But, it was cool to see Chad Cordero not only rail thin but really effective with a scoreless inning and 2 K's. I hope he makes the team. Offensively, Pujols and Conger hit bombs that I saw. Vernon Wells has decided to hit and my boy Kole Calhoun got on base all 3 times. I hope some team picks him up as a starter in OF or at 1B.
Kansas City offensively continued to be torrid. All of KC's starters got at least 1 hit. Bruce Chen was bad, giving up 5 runs and Aaron Crow was shaky. Bueno (one of KC's relievers) esta no bueno. Random comeback player Willy Taveras had a hit in one at bat. But, nevertheless, a fun game to watch a ton of offensive output. Not to mention one of my favorite lines of the spring, "Time to go back to the drawing board, Scioscia!!"

Dodgers vs. Brewers (Random comeback player of the day: Bobby Crosby)

This game was much more of a regular baseball game. The Brewers won 3-2, with all of the offense coming in the 4th inning. This was Maryvale Baseball Park in Phoenix-Maryvale area. This opened in 1998 and outside of the weird white overhangs which are ugly, another great park. Lots of grass area in the outfield, with a very weird CF wall. The scoreboard in left-center was pretty large. The food here was really good, I had the chicken tenders with a spicy breading, and there were a lot of choices available. Here, we changed it up and sat in the grass: everyone should give it a shot at one game.
I discovered that out of the every day lineup, only Norichika Aoki hits lefty. Wowzers, indeed. He also made a great catch in RF. Offensively, Rickie Weeks did most of the damage with an RBI Triple and he scored the tying run with Blake Lalli bringing him home for the winning run. Weeks also had 2 boneheaded plays at 2nd and OFs Carlos Gomez and Khris Davis made poor plays as well: Gomez's error led to LA's 2 runs. Starter Mike Fiers was okay but the bullpen was shut down: only 3 hits over 5 innings. Fiers also came out and signed for the fans but I didn't have a pen (damn). The clubhouse tunnel is exposed for fans to come over and ask for signatures. Bobby Crosby had 1 hit but is trying to make it as a utility man.
The Dodgers looked out of it. Hyun-Jin Ryu started for Zack Greinke and gave up all 3 runs. Mark Ellis, AJ Ellis and Yusiel Puig, top OF prospect, did the offensive damage. Puig looked impressive. Skip Schumaker misplayed Weeks' ball and give him his triple. Unimpressive game by them.
Fun parts of this game: Chris Narveson (MIL P)'s mom was in front of me in line at the Team Store. I wore my Seattle Pilots (who became the Brewers after 1 year of existence) jersey and I got SIX, count them, SIX individual compliments, including "Best jersey here today" by 1 guy. The Brewers store cashier even got the player I was wearing correct: Jim Bouton. Most popular dude at the game. Sweet.