The Calm before the Storm

The title says it all, as we all wait for the snow up here in the Tristate area we can start thinking of spring training. The Yankees truck day will be on Monday. That is the day where all the equipment and stuff needed for spring training is loaded up and heads down to Tampa. Pitchers and catchers will be reporting to spring training in 13 days. Derek Jeter is already down there working out and Joba Chamberlain will be heading there on Monday. I am sure there may be some others. It has been a long cold winter and I am sure we will be getting hammered with snow this month but at least we can think spring with pitchers and catchers about to report to spring training. It is time to get excited and feel the warmth of spring. It has been quiet for a couple of weeks now but we will be geared up now to bring all the news and notes from spring training. I will be posting pictures of spring training as well so come back and check it out once spring training begins. The Minnesota Twins signed Orlando Cabrera. The Toronto Blue Jays signed reliever Kevin Gregg. Melvin Mora signed with the Colorado Rockies for 1 yr and 1.275 million. There aren't many free agents left out there but one notable is Johnny Damon. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. His agent Scott Boras is still claiming there are 3 or 4 teams out there. I haven't seen one that has offered him anything. Detroit has been the chatter lately but they were clearing money off of their books so who knows.

What is the deal with Johnny Damon

I have maintained pretty much all winter that there really is no market for Johnny Damon. The last few days have brought rumors of Detroit and Atlanta being interested and that was about it. Today it came out that Detroit and Atlanta basically said there is no way they would sign Johnny Damon. I know that people can say lots of things and not mean them but it really looks like right now Johnny Damon has no market. I am sure that could change and some mystery team can come out and sign him but it doesn't look like that would happen at this point. The Yankees may be his best option but he may have screwed himself by not working it out with them in the first place for the 2 years. I think both sides just need to get together and work something out. I think Damon needs the Yankees more then they need him but he was a pretty good #2 hitter and they wouldn't be worse off for resigning him.

Spring Training Preview

We are now a week away from pitchers and catchers and I couldn't be more excited. Derek Jeter said the other day this is the most excited he has been in a few seasons and I agree with him, we have some pitching and a non statue at first base, no offense to the Big G. I wanted to do a little spring training preview. I want to list what I think the batting order and rotation will be as well as the bullpen. Lineup Damon Jeter Tex Arod Matsui Posada Cano Nady/Swisher Gardner/Cabrera Rotation CC AJ Wang Pettitte Joba Pen Mo Bruney Marte Edwar Veras Aceves Coke or Melancon I think Gardner will win the CF job but Melky had a good winter season and it will be interesting to see if he is motivated and plays better then Gardner. I think Nady and Swisher should stay and will stay and I think Joe G will find a way to work them all in. I would watch for Posada and Matsui to see how they bounce back, if they are healthy then this will be a very good lineup. I think the bench is better with having Nady/Swisher and Melky/Gardner on the bench along with Molina and the backup infielder which will probably be Ransom and maybe Angel Berroa. I think the Yanks finally have the ace they have been looking for in CC and that if AJ is healthy they have the best rotation. I think Tex will make them so much better not just in the lineup but the whole infield defensively because of him. The biggest thing to look for is the health. I also think guys like CC and Tex and Swisher will be the grinders and chemistry guys that will help them also. I hope everyone who is going down to Tampa enjoys and soon enough we will see them in action as they begin grapefruit league play. February 26 is the first game on YES. I cant wait and Lets Go Yankees.