The Yankees have decided not to renew the contract of 3B coach Bobby Meacham. Brian Cashman just handed down word via media relations director Jason Zillo.

Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News

A source with knowledge of the situation told the Daily News that Rich Monteleone, who served as the Yankees’ special pitching instructor, will also not be retained for 2009.

It was pretty obvious someone--or multiple someones-- were going to take the fall. Bobby Meacham was the obvious choice; with all due respect to the man, he did a terrible job as Third Base coach. Best of luck and much success to him elsewhere.

The second firing, I do not understand. Rich Monteleone did nothing but chart pitching and have pre-game duties. He was never even in uniform. Why did the Yankees fire him? To show the fans that they aren't scared to fire anyone?

In my personal opinion, looking from the outside in, Rob Thompson had to go. I saw him interacting with the players maybe three-to-four times throughout the entire regular season. Did anyone see him do anything, besides huddle up as closely as possible to Joe Girardi? The man just stood there looking angry all season long. I could be wrong though, this is just a fan's perspective.

Kevin Long? I'm undecided on whether or not the man is a good hitting instructor. In 2007, he was the hitting coach for an offensive Yankee Juggernaut which scored 968 runs. In 2008, he was the hitting coach for a Yankee team which scored almost 200 runs fewer. The players do seem to love the man, and he does work hard, evidenced by the fact that he was--and maybe still is--in the Dominican Republic working with Robbie Cano on his swing.

Possible Replacements for Third Base Coach? Peter Abraham says:

the Yankees have not named a replacement. There are several ways they could go here:

1. Name a new 3B coach

2. Move Rob Thomson or Tony Pena to 3B and name a new bench coach or first base coach.

Single-A Tampa manager Luis Sojo would appear to be a candidate but he was not particularly good at coaching third when he had the job a few years ago.

This is all just speculation.

Who will replace Rich Monteleone? Who cares.

Might someone else need to get the boot? Just a thought.

Even though the Tampa Bay Rays took a two-games-to-one lead in the best-of-seven American League Championship Series, it's way to early to say the Boston Red Sox are done. The team has come back many times in the playoffs. Boston rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat Cleveland in last year's ALCS and overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS, going on to win the World Series in each season.

But last night may have been a season defining win for the Cinderella Rays. I've been telling people since March to watch out for this young and talented team. Yes, I went to school and played Little League in the Petaluma American Little League with Jonny Gomes and his brother Joey but I'm not biased. This team has talent.

From Sports Illustrated/CNN:

Downplay it all you want. After Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Monday, that's what both the Rays and the Red Sox tried to do.

But let's not be fooled here. Tampa Bay's 9-1 win Monday night in Fenway Park was hugely important. Perhaps history-making important. The Rays just took down Boston's best pitcher. Beat him like a dirty rug. Knocked him around the park as if he had "Rawlings" stamped on his backside.

And Tuesday night, in Game 4 of the ALCS, Tampa Bay will take its swings against Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield who hasn't exactly been Mr. October in recent years. Wakefield hasn't pitched in this postseason yet, but in his last nine playoff games, going back to the start of the 2003 ALCS, Wakefield is just 3-3. He has a 6.43 ERA.

This is where we stand in an ALCS that was practically unseeable four months ago. The Rays are up two games to one in the best-of-seven series. They've wrested home-field advantage back from the Sox. They just made Jon Lester the undisputed ace of the Sox, look like a joker.

Doesn't all of that say something? Anything?

"It doesn't say a thing," Tampa Bay relieve r J.P. Howell said through his teeth -- with a straight face, even -- after the game. "Their 2, 3, 4 and 5 guys are all pretty good, too."

Coaches, players, front office personnel, etc...  Nobody is safe!!

But, for the life of me, I cannot figure out why Alex Rodriguez gets hit so hard.  I understand that he is the highest paid player in baseball.  But somebody has to be, right??  I mean of all of the players in the majors, does anyone deserve to be higher paid than A-Rod??

Check out what he has done offensively for the Yankees since he joined them back in 2004.

These stats are incredible over just 5 seasons.

Has anyone done more offensively to help their team than this guy??  The Yankees have several holes to fill on their roster, but 3rd base is definitely their most secured position.  If the Yankees want to compete and not only make the playoffs but contend for a World Series title, they need to focus on revamping their outfield positions and pitching staff.

At 32 years of age, Alex Rodriguez could conceivably give the Yankees this kind of offensive production for the next 7-8 years with minimal decline.  It's up to them to make the right moves and surround A-Rod with talent that compliments his game.  Until they do that, they will always be looking up in the standings at teams preforming better than them.

I couldn't resist this card, and at a really incredible price too.  I love old Reggie cards from his days with the Oakland A's and New York Yankees.  To this day, it is still kind of hard to see him wearing any other jerseys besides these 2 legendary ones.

To date, this is now my oldest Reggie Jackson card.

1. 2007 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects

You can never go wrong with a true "1 of 1" Superfractor, especially when the Super is of New York Yankees, soon to be phenom, Joba Chamberlain. Sure, it's not his most recognized rookie autograph (that would be '07 Bowman Chrome) and it doesn't feature an autograph, but c'mon, it's soooo shiny!

2. Topps Allen & Ginter

Last season I was one of the most disappointed collectors with Allen & Ginter until I opened the lone blaster box of this product in 2008 and found out just why collectors drool over this product every season. Simply put, the base cards, inserts, and "hits" are absolutely beautiful. Just look at how a nice border with a clean design can add so much to your baseball card. This card won't break your piggy bank but will look perfect in a nice case.

So what's it gonna be?!?

This new section came about because there are so many new collectors to the hobby, that I decided a nice lesson in what are the must have cards in your collection.  I will do this for both baseball and football since that is where my expertise lies.  I hope you enjoy this section as much as I do.

Player: Thurmon Munson

Set: 1970 Topps

Card Number: 189

Why is This Card a Must Have?: I decided to start with this set and this card because this is the oldest, easiest to get card. Once you get older than 1970 the rookie cards start to skyrocket in price.  This card is listed in Beckett at $100, but you can find it on eBay for as little as $10 - $20.  This is a must have card simply because it's of a player who was cut down so early in his career.  At the time of his death in 1979, he had a Rookie of the Year and MVP award, plus he was the captain of the most popular team in baseball (Yankees).  His gritty play is what made fans adore him.  He was not a Hall of Fame caliber guy, but years after his death he is still one of the more collected players.

What Ever Happened To: Dave McDonald, well it was a short pro career for him.  He ended up with 9 hits in 62 at bats over the course of 2 seasons, ironically not in 1970 though.

On a Scale of 1 to 10, How Must Have Is This Card?: A solid 7,definitely not the most important card in the definitive collection, but it is a key card, and a difficult one to get in great shape.

To be honest, I'm getting tired of Hank Steinbrenner's mouth.  I'm not sure whether or not the Yankee organization is as unorganized as it seems, but Hank sure does his best job at making it seem it is. Below is an excerpt from King's piece:

"There is one very important point here," Steinbrenner told The Post during an exclusive half-hour session. "The most important thing to remember is this: If you didn't get it from me or my brother [Hal], it doesn't mean [anything]. I don't care about some piss-ant employee. If you don't get it from me or Hal, it's meaningless. I have a lot of things [in Tampa] and Hal is in New York, which is good."

With a King Tut-like air of superiority about him, Hank lets the general baseball public know that he doesn't give a damn about his employees. I don't know if this is a case of being so dumb you don't realize that everyone working for the Yankees is an employee, or if it's just Hank, continuing to be the disrespectful person he comes off as. What's going through Brian Cashman or Gene Michael's heads, when they hear this nonsensical, tyrannical blabbering? I have to wonder if Cash is kicking himself in the rear end for accepting the job. After-all, he's just a piss-ant employee.

Hank loves the spotlight and he loves to stir up a frenzy, but he has to realize that no-one likes him; if he doesn't realize no-one likes him, then it must be his enablers convincing him otherwise--the people who run up on a Manhattan sidewalk and ask for his autograph. I know for a fact most Yankee fans dislike Hank, because I'm amongst Yankee fans daily. There's never a positive word uttered on his behalf. I don't know if he's trying to emulate his father, a man who lived and died with the Yankees for over thirty years, but he is not and never will be The Boss.

Hank should stick to horses and leave the baseball business to people who both care about the Yankees and know what they're talking about; the Pseudo Boss doesn't possess either one of these qualities.

No story may be more entertaining then when Reggie's was released to the public.  On Opening Day at Yankee Stadium, all Yankee fans were treated to the new candy bar of their most valuable slugger.  Unfortunately when Reggie stepped up to the plate, the field was quickly covered in candy bars by the fans.  To top it off, Reggie even hit a home run in that same game...

The candy bar itself was not a hit.  Noted for having an odd shape with too much caramel and peanuts, the bar never became the smash that Reggie had hoped for.

This just goes to show you that Reggie Jackson has more nuts than the competition...

Build a big fire on home plate out of your Louisville Sluggers baseball bats,
And toss my coffin in
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow
From the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind
When my last remains go flying over the left-field wall
Will bid the bleacher bums adieu
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue.

A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request
Steve Goodman

Today's New York Times carried this story about the ghosts of Yankee Stadium. They're not just talking Ruth, Gehrig, and DiMaggio, but regular guys like Ned Marvin, life-long fans who wanted nothing more than to spend eternity mixed in the playing fields of the Yankees.

But with the stadium slated for demolition, what happens to their "remains?" Nothing. They'll all remain amid the ruble until they put up whatever it is they'll put up.

"They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot."

]]> http://everythingbaseball.wordpress.com/?p=92 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:12:38 +0000 everythingbaseball http://everythingbaseball.it.wordpress.com/2008/10/11/quick-hits-manny-blogging/ Just a couple of quick thoughts as I sit here, having trouble getting to sleep.

First, if the World Series ends up being Boston vs. Los Angeles there will be a very unusual set of circumstances in place. Manny Ramirez will take home a share of the WS bonus and a championship ring regardless of which team wins. Kind of doesn't seem fair now does it? I need to do some research on this one to see if such a situation has ever arisen before. I cannot think of any examples where a player was traded from one league to the other during the season and the two teams involved faced eachother in the WS.

Secondly, I haven't been blogging much lately because I just haven't had the time. But, I hope to rectify that situation in the near future. I will be posting more frequently here and it looks like I will also be contributing over at Sox and Pinstripes - a blog about the Sox/Yankees rivalry. Details are still being worked out but I'm looking forward to the opportunity to contribute on another blog with the guys currently writing over there. I will post more information about my contributions once we've worked everything out.

Yankees cancel Stadium's closing ceremony, September 21st's game becomes said ceremony: Can't argue with this. It was a beautiful night for the Yankees, the fans, and the Stadium. There's really no reason to go any further, and it's nice to hear the Yanks are still donating 500,000 to the Baseball Assistance Team.

Yankees may be interested in Peavy: Also a little talk about Adrian Gonzalez. I'm not sure how true any of this is, but I love Peavy and A-Gon, so I would love to make such a trade work out. Word is, Yankees may also sign Matt Clement to a minor league deal.

Pierce misses last two days of practice: I don't care what anyone says, Antonio Pierce is the reason marginal defenders look like professionals in the Giants defense. One of the great on the field commanders, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Allan Houston not playing again in preseason game 2: Surprise surprise... I think everyone expected Petr Nedved to be this useless in camp too (which was not the case). Love H20, but this just isn't going down.

Basically, it's On Base Percentage combined with Slugging Percentage, adjusted to ballpark quirks. It's a very, very solid method used to value a hitter's overall offensive contributions--especially for hitters in the middle of a batting order.

The OPS+ statistics I'm going to use for all of these men are based on their last complete season played.

Bobby Abreu and Jason Giambi have most likely seen their last days in pinstripes. Giambi definitely, Abreu most likely, unless he's willing to accept a one or two-year contract. When these two players leave the Yankee organization, that's going to take away a lot of production. A good way to measure any player's production, is OPS+. Last season, Giambi and Abreu combined for a OPS+ of 255

There are three different scenarios I see happening here, as an effective way to replace this production. Two are plausible, one is improbable but possible

Plausible Combination Number One: Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui are a combined OPS+ of 267.

Plausible Combination Number Two: Manny Ramirez and Hideki Matsui are a combined OPS+ of 277

Improbable Combination: Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira are a combined OPS+ of 307

As you see, all three possibilities are actually an improvement over Giambi and Abreu.

Yes,  I have taken into consideration that Manny Ramirez is aging, and that Hideki Matsui is coming off of knee surgery. But Jason Giambi is older than both Manny and Matsui, and Abreu is slightly older than Matsui. Jason Giambi is also the most injury-prone player out of all of them. Any combination of Matsui, Teixeira and Ramirez is an improvement in age, health and production over the combination of Abreu and Giambi.

With that said, I would much rather have Teixiera over Manny, for the simple fact that he's younger and plays a dynamite 1st base. But I would gladly take Manny Ramirez as the Yankee DH if Teixeira wasn't available.

I know a lot of people do not want Manny, because of his past problems with the Red Sox and his age. But If it came down to giving either Manny Ramirez, Bobby Abreu or Jason Giambi a three-year contract, who would you choose? I think the logical answer is Manny Ramirez. By the looks of his 2008 season, he isn't slowing down much at all; as a matter of fact, his regular-season OPS+ of 164 is nine points above career average. I know, I know, all this jazz about Manny playing for his next contract could be true. But the thing to consider is that Ramirez grew up a Yankee fan, and had a vendetta against the Red Sox. When Ramirez is living a dream and out to prove something, he produces at a rate not even Albert Pujols can match.

I know there are holes in this plan, just as there are holes in any plans laid, but this is the best I could come up with. If you have any better ideas than what I have come up with, I'd love to hear them. I'm sure someon has a better idea than this.

Yankees: 35%

Mets: 30%

Astros: 25%

Assorted Companys/Teams: 10%

Does that make any sense to anyone? Who the hell told all of Brooklyn that the Astros were cool? Is it because they're the perennial underdogs? Why must they steal my team?

I guess I figured I would go from being the only dude in Worcester who roots for the Astros to the only dude in New York who doesn't root for the Yankees. But now I'm just another dude with an Astros hat. Kind of a let down, but also partly exciting to know that people support my team.

It was great to see old friends again, who I see less frequently the more time goes on. My dear friend Jess put up with me for the weekend, and we had a blast arguing over politics, right Jess? :) For some strange reason she thinks I'm some crazy liberal . . . I like to think I've expanded my horizons a bit and opened my eyes.

So, what else have I been up to lately? A quick trip to New York to see the second to last game EVER at Yankee Stadium. I went with my friend Bindu, and we had a blast, as we always do. We also got to take a harbor cruise and see the New York Waterfalls art exhibit and also checked out Justin Timberlake's restaurant, Southern Hospitality. Quality.

And last week, I saw New Kids on the Block in concert at the Verizon Center. You might remember my earlier obsession with the boys, that included standing in the rain in the middle of the night to see them on the Today Show. Well, I think I love them just as much as I did when I was 7 years old. Slightly pathetic, but the concert was so much fun as we got to belt out all our old favorites!

And since reading about my life probably isn't as fun as it could be . . . pictures are after the jump.

What can I say about this card?  It is certainly not the most flattering picture I have ever seen of Reggie Jackson.  Whenever I see a card like this, I always wonder how this was the shot that the baseball card company thought was the best one to use for their product.  Of the hundreds if not thousands of pictures that had been taken of Reggie in a New York Yankees uniform, this was their choice??

Oh, and nice glasses Reggie...

After doing some research I found that Pinnacle was one of the first companies to insert printing plates in packs of baseball cards in the late-90's. Of course, a few weeks later I found boatloads of early-90's Classic printing plates on eBay and began to wonder where the heck those came from.

So, my educated guess is that Pinnacle Brands was the first to insert printing plates into packs and oddball sets like Classic and Conlon Collection (link) sold the printing plates when they went out of business either on eBay or in some auction. Now, as far as "vintage" printing plates, this 1989 Classic Don Mattingly is the oldest I could find. It could be had to spice up any Yankees fan's collection for $150.00 dollars (link).

Of course, for the same price you could pick up one of Donnie Baseball's better autograph/jersey cards. The choice is all yours. I have personally seen the old printing plates and know that they aren't in the best condition. All that I am saying is, don't expect something like an Allen & Ginter plate.

In this game, Larsen retired 27 Dodger batters while only needing 97 total pitches.  Of the 27 batters he faced, only 1 was able to get to a count of ball 3 against Larsen.

In what may very well be the most popular World Series moment in baseball history, after Larsen recorded out #27, his catcher Yogi Berra leaped into his arms and was soon swarmed by all of his teammates.

Watch this clip, it's only 51 seconds long and captures the final out of Larsen's perfect game back in 1956.

Happy Anniversary Mr. Larsen!!!

Mariano Rivera undergoes sucessful surgery, throwing in 3 months: I'm just glad it's over with. Nothing like hearing your favorite pitcher of all time needs surgery on his shoulder. Let's hope without the injury Mo can step his game (is that possible after this year?).

Former Ranger Ryan Hollweg suspended 2 games: Who hits from behind in the preseason? His recklessness is an asset at times, but is mostly just a detriment to his team.

Rangers coming home: The Euro trip was a blast, but it'll be nice not having to wake up at crazy hours of the morning to view their games.

Brendan Shanahan decision still not made: I don't see the big deal. Glen Sather should just have told Shanny that he's not in this team's future, it's that easy. Instead, the future hall of famer is just sitting around with his fingers crossed, hoping he can get one more chance to disappear in the playoffs for the Blue shirts.

Plax back with the G-men: And his replacement is suffering from a concussion. Plax took his suspension like a man, and promised to call next time he has a family emergency instead of just doing whatever willy nilly. I feel like all week Plax will say something and then the entire rest of the team just looks at him crazy. Without Stray and Shockey to help in the battle against Eli and Coughlin's hold over the team, Plax is sort of the odd man out, until Sundays that is.

Here are some of my favorite Reggie Jackson quotes:

• "God do I love to hit that little round son-of-a-bitch out of the park and make 'em say 'Wow!'
• "I have a hard time believing athletes are overpriced. If an owner is losing money, give it up. It's a business. I have trouble figuring out why owners would stay in if they're losing money."
• "I'm human and I've played my butt off for ten years. I'm not a loafer, I'm not a jerk, I'm a baseball player."
• "The only reason I don't like playing in the World Series is I can't watch myself play."
• "The only way I'm going to win a Gold Glove is with a can of spray paint."
• "You don't face Nolan Ryan without your rest. He's the only guy I go against that makes me go to bed before midnight."

Yankees get: Albert Pujols

Cardinals receive: Ian Kennedy, Shelly Duncan, Melky Cabrera and "a low-level prospect"

Laughed so hard I almost lost my breakfast. This type of thing never ceases to amaze me, it really doesn't. You do not have to be a Sabermetrics wizard to figure this out. While talking trades, all you have to do is apply logical scenarios; just be reasonable.

Would you trade a $100 bill for a $1 bill? No, I didn't think so. So why in God's name would the Cardinals want to trade Pujols away for 3 unsuccessful former big-league players and one unknown, non-projected prospect? Makes about as much sense as Karate chopping yourself in the neck for 11 hours straight.

RHP Phil Hughes

OF Austin Jackson

1B Juan Miranda

RHP Humberto Sanchez

RHP Jeff Marquez

RHP Kevin Whelan

INF Kevin Russo

The players we're going to want to pay specific attention to, are Phil Hughes, Austin Jackson, Juan Miranda and Humberto Sanchez considering they're going to be competing for a spot during Spring training. Jeff Marquez could also, possibly, make some sort of impact on the 2009 team. And where is Ian Kennedy?

Hughes goal is to throw 35-40 more innings, in order to reach his projected pre-2008 Season mark. He also has his change up, and newly developed cut fastball to improve on. I believe this is vital to Hughes progression as a pitcher, and it's imperative he continues to build on his late-season success at both the Minor and Major League level.

I believe Humberto Sanchez is attending the fall league, in order to build arm strength and stamina. We saw him make a couple of appearances with the Yankees in September. In one appearance he was throwing a very heavy mid-90's fastball and knee-buckling overhand curve ball. In another appearance, his fastball was flat in the upper 80's and his Hook looked more like rainbow. He obviously is still strengthening the elbow in which Tommy John surgery was performed.

Austin Jackson, I believe, is attending the AFL so he can face top-notch talent. He has never competed above the AA level, so in order for him to have any consideration for an out field position with the Yankees, he's going to have to post monster numbers in both the AFL and Spring Training. Austin is absolutely a black horse candidate for Center Field and could make Spring Training much more competitive and interesting. Being the super-human athlete he is, and his ability to deliver in the clutch, I believe Jackson is going to make a case for himself.

Jaun Miranda simply has to continue to work on his First Base defense, and continue to hammer out that almost-pretty swing he has. Is it only me that sees a ton of potential in this guy? He's got a good a good idea of what he wants to do at the plate, has power, has the ability to hit the ball to all fields and has a decent eye. A man with a plan. If you read a previous post of mine, I list the moves I would make if I was Brian Cashman. Having a first base platoon of Miranda/Ransom is one of them, and should absolutely be taken into consideration if he rakes in the AFL and Spring Training. Miranda absolutely mashes right-handed pitchers.

Another player we should follow, is Jeffery Marquez. Scouts like his delivery, they like his stuff, they like his consistency. For some reason though, all of these attributes have not translated for Marquez. As a Sinkerballer, he will give up his fair share of hits; perhaps he needs to refine his breaking pitchers, or develop a cut fastball in order to give him the scissor effect.

All of these cards were found in the 5 for $1 box.

 1984 Topps - Active American League Home Run Hitters; 1984 Topps - Active American League HIt Leaders with Rod Carew; 1985 Topps - Reggie Jackson; 1987 Donruss - Reggie Jackson; 1983 Topps - Super Veteran  

Even though the Brewers couldn't get it done in the playoffs, they were sort of like last season's Phillies, a team that sort of made it to the playoffs against all odds and was just happy to be there.

C.C. Sabathia on the Brewers was a fun time in baseball history. I say history because I don't know how a team like the Brewers, a team that spends very little, could possibly afford to pay Sabathia unless they raise their ticket prices by 600%.

If the happiness thing is true, it sounds like Sabathia is already trying to rule out the Yankees. Sure, they'll give him an island in the South Pacific with a mountain made of $20's, but I'm pretty sure he'd be unhappy to suicidal playing under Hank Steinbrenner and the constant shit-stained spotlight of the New York Media.

The Mets might work to a lesser extent...but who knows.

Sabathia apparently loves Southern California, which makes the Angels, Padres and Dodgers possible targets. I don't know what the Padres can afford, the Angels already have a great pitching staff but the Dodgers could probably use a big anchor...

Maybe the Rangers will step up, offer him $500 million over 14 years, not be able to pay that contract and then trade him to the Yankees after a few seasons...

I'd love for Sabathia to come to Boston but I don't think it is going to happen.

Either way, Sabathia was great this season. I'm excited for the upcoming sweepstakes.