New York Yankees trainer falls ill

The New York Yankees head athletic trainer Gene Monahan is taking a leave of absence. He will miss his first spring training in 47 years. He has a undisclosed illness and will miss all of spring training and the beginning of the season. The New York Post was the first to report this yesterday. He will remain in New York and receive extensive treatment over the next few weeks. Gene Monahan had this to say, " I miss being around my professional family already, but im battling." " The New York Yankees have gone above and beyond in this most difficult time. I couldn't do this alone, but with the support of my immediate family, my family within the organization, the dedication and expertise of many fine doctors I look forward to resuming my role with the team this season." Gene Monahan is the longest tenured head athletic trainer in the major leagues. He has worked in that capacity for the last 38 years. He was honored with an induction into the New York State Athletic Trainers Hall Of Fame in 2007. He received the distinguished athletic trainer award from the National Athletic Trainers association in 2009. Steve Donahue who has worked with Gene Monahan for the past 25 yrs as a trainer will replace him in his time of absence. The Yankees will have someone assist him but are not sure who yet.

Daniel Murphy and Keith Hernandez

The New York Mets are committed to having Daniel Murphy play first base with Fernando Tatis being his caddy. The Mets made a good decision as they have now enlisted Keith Hernandez to tutor him. Keith Hernandez is arguably the best fielding first baseman ever. I would argue it because my favorite player of all time is Don Mattingly, that was the great debate of the 1980's. Those of us who grew up in that time would go back and forth on it if you were on opposite sides of the fence. The New York Mets should of got him to help last year but it is better late then never. The other good thing is that Keith Hernandez is a broadcaster for the team so he sees what is going on from upstairs and definitely has an eye for what can be done. I think Daniel Murphy actually did a pretty good job at first base after just bombing out in the outfield. I don't know if he will ever be a legitimate first baseman but at this point it is best to try and find out and get as much help as possible for the young man. Mookie Wilson who is one of the most beloved Mets of all time is back with the organization. He excepted a position as the minor league outfield and base running coordinator. The Mets avoided arbitration with Angel Pagan who most likely will be the opening day centerfielder. He agreed to a one year deal worth 1.45 million. The Mets also are close to a minor league deal with Mike Jacobs who played with the Royals last season. He batted 228 with 19 homeruns and 61 rbi's last season.

Nick Johnson conference call

The New York Yankees officially signed Nick Johnson yesterday. Brian Cashman and Nick held a conference call with reporters. Here is some of the quotes from that call. Brian Cashman on the decision to bring back Nick: " There is no doubt that on-base percentage played a big role in the Yankees thinking that Johnson could be a replacement for Hideki Matsui at DH and for Johnny Damon in the two hole. But the big question is, can he stay healthy? It seems like DL has been just as prevalent in Johnson's career as OBP." " It is clear to dream about what he does and what he can provide if he stays healthy," Cashman said. " Certainly at the same time, I recognize and can't ignore the risk that comes with his trying to stay on the field and stay healthy." " This was a decision I was willing to make, recognizing that there's risk that comes with it because of his health history. Is there a rsk in signing him? Sure there is." Nick Johnson on coming back to the Yankees: " I started my career here, and I am just really happy to be back and put those stripes back on and to be with a great organization," Johnson said. " It is all about winning. That's something that I want to get back to doing."

Miguel Cabrera, what is he thinking?

The reports came out today that Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera was out partying with the opponent on friday night and when he returned home early in the morning got into a fight with his wife. He had a cut on his face and apparently said it was from his cat but turns out it was a domestic dispute and the police were called. It is bad enough that he was in the middle of a pennant race and went out partying with the opponent but then comes home drunk and gets into a fight with his wife. If he did hit her he is really really low. Here is the question I would pose, he has disgraced the franchise and would you suspend him even though you have a 1 game playoff or just go about your business and do nothing??? I think if it was me I would suspend him and show that the organization won't put up with any nonsense like this.

The Derek Jeter problem

The New York Yankees have a upcoming issue with Derek Jeter. I am sure most of you are thinking what is this guy nuts, how could there be a problem when he is having one of his best seasons all around. The problem is this Derek isn't getting any younger, his contract is up at the end of next year. I would not expect a older Derek Jeter to play SS if his range is severely limited and he just can't play there anymore. Most SS that were offensive players also moved to another position, it is just too physically demanding of a position to stay there, Cal Ripken, Robin Yount and others moved. The problem is this Derek Jeter is not a willing participant if you read some of his comments he is hinting at it. Peter Abraham on his Yankees Lohud Blog had a quote from Jeter where he said he jokes around with Joe Girardi about being a DH in 5 years but then when asked by Peter Abraham could you see a 41 yr old Jeter at DH, he smiled and said you could see a 41 yr old Jeter at SS. The sunday NY post always has a Q and A with a sports star and a few weeks back it was with Jeter and he also said in there that he never thinks about another position because he is a SS and that is where he intends on staying. The problem for the Yankees is this, Derek Jeter is their captain he is beloved and should never be anything other then a Yankee so they may have to do whatever he wants not only with the postion but also his contract but they also have to do what is best for their organization and what they think will be most conducive to them winning. This is going to be a very hard thing to go through and I wouldn't want to be the one to have to go talk to Derek Jeter, stay tuned for the drama.

Terrible Tragedy hits the baseball world

UPDATE: I apologize, Nick was pitching for the major league club, he just made his fourth career start last night and was the #3 starter on the team because of the injuries on the staff. This incident happened after the game around 12:30am. A terribly tragedy hit the baseball world this morning. 22 year old Angels pitcher Nick Adenhardt was killed in a car accident. He made his first start of the year in the minors yesterday. His car was struck by a vehicle that ran a red light and it was a hit and run. He was killed with someone else in the Angels organization which no one knows who it is yet. Edwar Ramirez, Jose Molina and Mark Teixera were all with the Angels, Tex didn't play with him but knew of him. They were all shocked by this as I am sure everyone else was also.

Phil Coke News

I forgot to mention this before but Peter Abraham of the Journal News did ask Joe Girardi in the clubhouse today about Phil Coke. Phil Coke was told to prepare to be a starter but then of course the Yanks went out and signed CC,AJ and resigned Andy Pettitte. Joe Girardi said he is a reliever and that is how the organization now views him. Phil Coke said although he was always a starter he enjoyed being a reliever last year and would like to continue in that role especially if thats how he will make the team. I think there is a good chance he will make it and be a second lefty in the pen which i think is important. I do think Phil Coke can be this teams left handed version of Ramiro Mendoza as he could spot start, long relieve, face one lefty or pitch an inning. A guy like that can be very valuable and I expect Coke will be used in that way. There is no word yet on Edwar Ramirez shoulder, hopefully I will find out tonight and be able to post something about it later on.