Bleacher Report - Articles by Micheal Robinson

Five Years In The Making, Alex Rodriguez Becomes a Yankee

Micheal Robinson — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:51:55 -0400

It took over five years for it to happen, but it seems as if Alex Rodriguez has won over most of the New York brass with his recent clutch play against the Boston Red Sox.

It is hard to believe one series and a few swings of the bat can change someone's perspective about Rodriguez, but for the most part, that is what has happened.

Before getting into what A-Rod accomplished during the recent Red Sox series, I would like to flashback on the long road traveled by number thirteen, and fans like myself, who have been behind him since he got drafted out of High School.

In 2004, the hero of the 2003 ALCS Aaron Boone injured his leg while playing a pickup game of basketball, leaving the Yankees in search of a third baseman.

Alex Rodriguez was the guy they found.

However, there was a slight problem, Rodriguez is a shortstop, not a third baseman.

A-Rod only hit .286 that season, but still managed to hit 36 home runs and 106 runs batted in, becoming the third player in baseball history to hit at least 35 home runs, 100 runs, and 100 rbi in seven consecutive seasons.

Ironically, this is the year that the Boston Red Sox spoiled the Yankees three game lead in the ALCS and went on to shock the world.

During the playoffs in 2004, Rodriguez dominated the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS, batting .421 and managing two extra inning hits that led to Yankees victories. During the ALCS against Boston, he scored five runs during Game 3, a single-game post season record.

In 2005, A-Rod hit .321 with 48 home runs and 130 rbi to win his second MVP award and first with New York.

2006 saw Rodriguez cool off just a bit, but he still managed to hit .290 with 33 home runs. This would be the year Rodriguez would catch some attention from the New York crowd, by going 1-for-14 with four strike outs against the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS.

Along came "Mr. April" in 2007, where A-Rod would hit two walk-off home runs in April, a grand slam against the Baltimore Orioles and a three-run shot against the Cleveland Indians just a week later.

Rodriguez became the first player in baseball history to hit 14 home runs in 18 games and tied a Major League record for most home runs in the month of April, with 14.

A-Rod would win MVP in 2007, his third in the past five seasons and second as a Yankee.

However, the Yankees were eliminated in the Division Series for the third year in a row during the playoffs, as Rodriguez's .267 average and single home run and rbi didn't do the job.

Then Rodriguez was forced to deal with the opt-out controversy during the World Series.

Rodriguez said he would like to remain a Yankee for the rest of his career during the season, but word got out just hours before the Boston Red Sox would capture their second World Title in the past three seasons that Rodriguez would be leaving the Yankees.

However, after realizing that he didn't make the best choice for him and his family, Rodriguez bypassed his agent Scott Boras' advice and received some guidance from a close personal friend and advisor, Warren Buffett.

In November of 2007, Rodriguez signed a new contract with the New York Yankees, a 10-year $275 million dollar deal and with bonus incentives if he breaks the all-time home run record in pinstripes.

Rodriguez had a quiet season in 2008, compared to his big 2007. He only launched 35 home runs but still hit above the three hundred mark with a .302 batting average.

The Yankees missed the playoffs in 2008 and then came the off season. This would bring a hip injury and admission of steroid use during the 2003 season while with the Texas Rangers.

During an interview with ESPN's Peter Gammons, Rodriguez said, "an enormous amount of pressure to perform" caused him to take performance enhancing drugs that year.

"Back then, [baseball] was a different culture," Rodriguez said. "It was very loose. I was young, I was stupid, and I was naïve. And I wanted to prove to everyone that I was worth being one of the greatest players of all time. I did take a banned substance. And for that, I am very sorry and deeply regretful."

Rodriguez went to have a cyst drained in his hip and come to find out, he had a torn labrum that would permit him to miss the World Baseball Classic and up to three to four months of the Yankees season.

A shocking recovery found Rodriguez back with his team on May 8th of 2009 at Camden Yards against the Baltimore Orioles, and they needed him dearly.

The Yankees were 13-15 on the year, coming off a five game losing streak and sweeps from AL East rivals, Tampa Bay and Boston.

On the first pitch A-Rod saw, he deposited it into the seats in left, giving the Yankees a 3-0 lead in the first inning and they would go onto win 4-0. Since his return, the Yankees are 56-27 and have recently pulled away in the AL East with a 69-42 record overall, the best in baseball.

This year, in the seventh inning or later, Rodriguez has hit 10 home runs with a .648 slugging percentage and a 1.077 ops which is among the best in baseball. Six of A-Rod's homers have tied or given the Yankees the lead.

That is clutch my friends.

Most recently is when things really started to come together for him, during the four-game Boston Red Sox series in Yankee Stadium.

Coming into the series, the Yankees were leading the AL East by two and a half games and were 14-5 since the All Star break.

During the second game of the series, pitchers Josh Beckett and AJ Burnett battled for seven innings to a scoreless game. Over five hours after it started, the game ended up going into the bottom of the 15th inning.

In that inning with two outs and at 12:42 a.m., Rodriguez served a 2-1 pitch from Red Sox rookie pitcher Junichi Tazawa into the Bronx morning air for a epic walk-off two run homer for the Yankees victory against their hated rival.

Two days later, during the final game of the series while the Yankees were looking for the four game sweep and a six and a half game lead on Boston in the AL East, Rodriguez came through again.

He hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to break a scoreless game. The Yankees went on to win 5-2.

As it stands now, Rodriguez still doesn't have a ring, and the Yankees haven't won the World Series since the year 2000. But, things are headed in the right direction for A-Rod and his teammates none the less.

Yankees-Mariners: Lucky No. 13 Delivers NY's Seventh Straight Win

Micheal Robinson — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:52:54 -0400

The New York Yankees haven't trailed in a game since I saw Joe Girardi in my hometown of Atlanta get thrown out of the game at Turner Field.

Since that moment, the Yankees have won seven games in a row and the offense is starting to click.

Alex Rodriguez has hit four homers in his last six games and now has 13 on the season. He took a Jarod Washburn pitch to deep center in the bottom of the sixth to break a two-all tie with Mark Teixeira on first base to give the Yankees a 4-2 lead.

A-Rod has homered in two straight games in Yankee Stadium this week, and after a single in the eighth, his average has climbed up to .239 on the season. He remains second in third base voting behind Tampa's Evan Longoria as he looks to make the All-Star Game in St. Louis via a reserve role.

It's been a magical last few days for Mariano Rivera. He notched career save 502 on Wednesday night to shut the door on the Seattle Mariners for the 4-2 win.

This save came after last night's save against the Mariners and the big No. 500 Sunday night against the New York Mets at Citi Field.

Melky Cabrera's bat remains hot. After his three-RBI performance Tuesday, he hit a towering shot to the upper deck in left field that would eventually be reviewed and upheld by instant replay, his eighth homer of the year.

Andy Pettitte got the start for the Yankees and looked great early on, but a sixth inning home run off the bat of the great Ken Griffey Jr. tied the game at two. However, Pettitte would get his eighth win of the season to move to 8-3 after the Yankees took the lead in the bottom of that same inning.

Pettitte went six innings, giving up two earned runs and one walk on five strikeouts. His ERA is now at 4.25 on the season.

The Yankees are now a season high 13 games above the .500 mark at 45-32 and remain two-and-a-half games behind the Boston Red Sox in the American League East.

Up next for the sizzling hot Yankees is the final game of a three-game set against the Mariners, where CC Sabathia (7-4, 3.55) of the Yankees will take on Jason Vargas (3-3, 3.79) of the Mariners.

After that, this Fourth of July weekend, the Toronto Blue Jays come into the Bronx for a four-game set. Then the Yankees hit the road one more time before the All-Star break.

A-Vote: Alex Rodriguez Storms Past Michael Young in All-Star Voting

Micheal Robinson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:34:13 -0400

While Alex Rodriguez remains more than one million votes behind Tampa Bay Rays' Evan Longoria, he isn't in third anymore. With more than 1.1 million votes, Rodriguez looks to make the All-Star team if he doesn't start. It will be close.

Rodriguez hasn't missed an All-Star game since 1999, when Nomar Garciaparra (Red Sox), Derek Jeter (Yankees), and Omar Vizquel (Indians) filled up all of the shortstop spots.

Just like this year, in 1999, Rodriguez played a shortened season, only in 129 games as his average was a low .285 to end the year as well.

This season, there is a lot more to it then just missing April baseball. Unless you are coming out of a comma, you know about the admitted steroid use in the offseason during his Texas Ranger years from 2001-2003.

Rodriguez is still given support by his die hard fans and by most New York Yankee fans through this time.

With his recent hot-bat in hot-lanta against the Braves, Rodriguez has dug his average out of the gutter somewhat, from .207 to .223 in the last three games.

He also connected with his 10th home run of the year, this one a monumental one as it tied Reggie Jackson for 11th on the all-time home run list with 563 blasts.

Also, with clutch at-bats, Rodriguez has six RBI in the past two games, giving him 34 on the year.

With one week left in voting, it would take a miracle to catch Longoria, but it looks like A-Rod will be suiting up for the game in a reserve role.

A reserve role at the 80th MLB All-Star game in St. Louis, after what he has been through, I think that would be a personal victory.

Up next for Rodriguez and the Yankees, a subway series at new Citi-Field in Flushing, NY against the cross town rival Mets.

After that, a homestand against A-Rod's former team, the Seattle Mariners.

A-Rod Ties Reggie and I Was There To See It

Micheal Robinson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:54:01 -0400

After nearly a month-long hiatus, I have returned to Bleacher Report, but who cares, lets get on with the article.

It didn't take long Thursday night before Alex Rodriguez tied Reggie Jackson for 11th on the all-time home run list with his 563rd blast of his career in the first inning.

What more could I ask for since I was there? Well the ball could of landed in my lap, but that would be too good to be true. I got a nice view of it as I was three rows back in left and I knew it was gone as soon as it reached the outfield. The wind was blowing out.

"We needed that," Rodriguez said. "I needed it. I felt like my body was reacting pretty well."

The Yankees went on to win 11-7 in a slug fest to secure the victory and a series win.

I was at all three games of course since this is my hometown, I couldn't miss out on this.

Tuesday's loss was a joke, but after Joe Girardi got tossed on Wednesday night, it turned around very quickly.

Francisco Cervelli connected with his first career home run as he was the very next batter, and the Yankees went on to win 8-4.

I acknowledged Cervelli the next day, telling him congrats on his first shot, he replied, "Thank you." I then asked him if he got his ball because it never went into the stands, he said, "Nope."

Random notes from the series:

- The roll call was performed all three games. It never took off well on Tuesday, but on the next two games, it went around the entire outfield and infield and was acknowledged by the players. I got a nice laugh from Johnny Damon Thursday night as I yelled, "Yoooooo Johnnyyyyy!" in the first inning, since he was right in front of me. Good stuff.

- Yankee fans were spread throughout Turner Field and it was a nice showing all three nights. Fans were pretty bummed Tuesday and the first part of Wednesday, but as soon as Girardi got tossed, the "Lets Go Yankees" chants got louder and it turned around.

- Nick Swisher has a tattoo guy in Atlanta and Phil Hughes and himself, got tattooed on the inner part of their upper arms on Tuesday night, a couple of bible verses.

- The Yankees got a surprise visit from Brian Cashman on Thursday as he flew into Atlanta to take in the game.

- Outfielder Xavier Nady, who is trying to recover from an elbow injury, pulled himself from a game with Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday after a painful throw. “It could be the worst-case scenario,” General Manager Brian Cashman said.

- CC Sabathia, who left his last start in the second inning because of biceps tendinitis, will start on Friday against the Mets at Citi Field. Sabathia played catch on Thursday before flying ahead of the team to New York.

- Second baseman Robinson Cano was out of the lineup Thursday with a sore right wrist.

Alex Rodriguez: You Gotta Believe In Number Thirteen

Micheal Robinson — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:18:34 -0400

Since Alex Rodriguez returned to the New York Yankees lineup on May 8, the team has an outstanding record of 16-5.

While he isn't directly responsible for every win, he did help win three games on his own.

He hit a three-run shot in his first swing back, propelling the Yankees to a 4-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on May 8.

After A-Rod's return, Orioles pitcher Jeremy Guthrie spoke out, “What a hitter. What a player,” Guthrie said. “To come off the DL like that, I throw that fastball on the black inside, and he just takes it for a home run…It’s a real special at-bat for him. He stepped up in the big moment right there, center stage, and does what he does best.”

On May 16, against the Minnesota Twins, in the bottom of the 11th inning, in only his second game at the new stadium in the Bronx, he smashed a two-run walk-off homer to win the game.

After the walk-off homer, Rodriguez said, “For me, I gave you guys something to talk about and write about in the 11th inning and I didn’t have to open my mouth, and that’s kind of the way I want things, you know. Stay out of my own way.”

Most recently, on May 23, a two-run game saving homer off Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge kept the Yankees alive who went on to win the game.

On May 25, in his return to The Ballpark in Arlington against the Texas Rangers, Rodriguez answered the boos from the crowd with a 5-for-5 game at the plate, matching his career high.

Mark Teixeira has also seen his numbers increase drastically with the return of Rodriguez.

Without A-Rod in the lineup, Teixeira played 25 games and had a .198 batting average with five HR.

With A-Rod in the lineup, in 20 games, he has a .363 batting average with 10 HR.

It looks as if the team chemistry has taken a 180 and is on another level, one not seen in quite some time.

From walk-off wins to pies in the face, things are looking brighter then ever in the Bronx.

The team is having fun, and it shows, as the Yankees are leaders of the American League East for the first time since 2006, with a 29-20 record. They hold a one-and-a-half game lead over the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays.

In reference to Rodriguez, “He’s been a huge part of this little run we’ve been on,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said after a win on May 19.

Bottom line, as a Yankee fan, you have to learn how to like this guy for the time being. He is doing all the right things.

The thing I have noticed, which is hard from my perspective, is that it seems like he is one of the guys again and having a good time.

I would almost imagine that he isn't staying out as late as usual and is spending more time in the batting cages instead of night clubs.

All of my friends know how passionate I am about Yankees baseball and my favorite player. Some think I am insane for backing up and respecting a player who has let me down so many times.

In retrospect, Rodriguez has lifted me up more times then he has let me down. The way he plays the game, the big moments he has had, its all been worth it to me.

We all know the mistake that he made and the fact he owned up to it, yeah he got caught, but he didn't duck and run like other players, he faced the music.

Right now, for the sake of argument, I am throwing his stats out the window, they aren't important, for many reasons. Winning games is important, and he is contributing to that.

Due to his hip injury and the missed time, Rodriguez has had little time to contribute to the team.

A 12-time All-Star, with his PED admission, fans are taking notice, as early poles are out on All-Star voting. Rodriguez is around 50,000 votes shy of making the trip to St. Louis in July, which would be the first All-Star game missed since 1999.

All-Star voting according to MLB.com as of May 27:

Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay Rays) 664,060
Michael Young (Texas Rangers) 292,025
Alex Rodriguez (New York Yankees) 245,414

With many years left in the league, Rodriguez wants to right his wrongs. A World Series ring is his ultimate goal, and with the way it looks, it is in sight.

I believe in Alex Rodriguez, maybe you should start. I don't want you to miss out on all of the fun.

Various quotes used from Yahoo.com via the Associated Press.

Which Yankees Will Travel to St. Loius For the All-Star Game?

Micheal Robinson — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:01:42 -0400

On July 14, baseball's best players will head to the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis for the 80th annual MLB All-Star Game.

The question I impose: Which New York Yankees will make it?

Voting will end on July 2.

Catcher Jorge Posada has been injured most of the season, so he is pretty much out of the question. However, his hamstring strain in his right leg is getting better and could return in a few weeks.

Mark Teixeira could very well make the roster this year. He has really turned it around as of late.

"Big Teix" is only hitting .268, but that is night and day compared to what it was a month ago. He has 13 home runs and 34 RBI, which leads the Yankees in both of those categories. His glove helps as well, which he has flashed quite often over at first base.

Robinson Cano is hitting .313 with eight home runs and 25 RBI. While he is having a decent season, Rangers' Ian Kinsler should get the starting nod at second base. Cano could sneak into a reserve role, but that's up to how he plays until July and the fans' votes.

Derek Jeter is a nine time all-star and is looking to play in his third July classic in a row. He is only hitting .287, but is a big time fan favorite.

His power numbers have increased somewhat this year, having already hit seven homers this season. Jeter only hit 12 and 11 homers in his last two seasons and will break that easily this year. Throw in nine stolen bases, only being caught once if that helps his cause.

I like Jeter's chances, the competition is pretty light and Jeter is a fan favorite.

Alex Rodriguez. Alex, Alex, Alex... where do I begin? Unless you have lived under a boulder or you were in a deep comma, you know that Alex Rodriguez was injured and has recently admitted to PED use from 2001-2003.

A-Rod is a 12-time all-star and since 1996, he has only missed one year, in 1999.

Since returning on May 8, Rodriguez has hit seven home runs, the problem is, he only has 10 hits.

His competition consists of Brandon Inge, Chone Figgins, Mike Lowell, Michael Young, and Evan Longoria.

A-Rod is also one of 10 American League players who are candidates to be voted into the Home Run Derby.

However, the New York crowd seems to be standing behind him more then ever and he could get voted in. He has a lot of haters, but we have to remember, he has a lot of fans too, he has my vote.

Outfielder Johnny Damon has a nice shot of making it this year, he is hitting .307 with 10 home runs and 29 RBI. He is loving the new stadium, painting the short porch in right field, at this point, he pretty much owns the second deck.

Melky Cabrera is probably getting some write-ins after his clutch hitting and all of his walk-offs this season. Melky leads the Yankees with a .328 batting average. He also has five homers and 20 RBI. I penciled him in as one of my write-ins, it was an easy choice for me. Got Melk?

So, who do you think will make it? Who has your vote?

How Will A-Rod Be Received in Arlington This Week?

Micheal Robinson — Mon, 25 May 2009 10:39:10 -0400

Today, the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers face off in a three-game series at the Ballpark in Arlington.

There's a little problem though. That is Alex Rodriguez's former team, and the team where he admitted to taking steroids during his tenure there.

Rodriguez tested positive in 2003 and admitted to using PEDs from 2001-2003 while playing for the Rangers.

We all know he as come out, admitted, and apologized specifically to fans in Texas.

I am sure there will be a lot of jeers from the crowd this week. I just hope that Rodriguez makes it into and out of Texas safely and no fan or fans go overboard.

The Yankees are 12-4 since the return of A-Rod on May 8 in Baltimore. This will only be the second series on the road for him.

Rodriguez made an immediate impact with his three-run shot that catapulted the Yankees to a 4-0 win over the Orioles, this coming after a five-game losing streak.

He had the walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning on May 16 against the Minnesota Twins.

His most recent home run tied the game up with a two-run shot against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure a 5-4 win.

In 15 games since returning from hip surgery, Rodriguez only has 10 hits. Seven of them are home runs.

“Right now, I’m probably the happiest .200 hitter in baseball,” Rodriguez said.

A-Rod's homecoming tour doesn't stop after this week. On August 13, the Yankees travel to Seattle to play the Mariners, his first team ini the MLB.

AL East Heats Up As Yankees Storm Back Into Race

Micheal Robinson — Sun, 24 May 2009 12:27:58 -0400

With the recent home stand of the New York Yankees that included a nine-game winning streak and four walk-off wins, they are now right in the thick of things in the American League East.

A few weeks ago, they were 6.5 games back and playing .500 baseball. Since then, they have won 10 of their last 11 games, the best in baseball.

Whether he is responsible or not, the Yankees are 12-3 since the return of Alex Rodriguez on May 8 in Baltimore.

A-Rod made an immediate impact with his three-run shot that catapulted the Yankees to a 4-0 win over the Orioles, this coming after a five-game losing streak.

He had the walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning on May 16 against the Minnesota Twins.

His most recent home run tied the game up with a two-run shot against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure a 5-4 win.

In 15 games since returning from hip surgery, Rodriguez only has 10 hits, but seven of them are home runs.

“Right now, I’m probably the happiest .200 hitter in baseball,” Rodriguez said.

The Toronto Blue Jays had a nice lead over the Yankees and Boston Red Sox, but have lost five games in a row, the two most recent at Turner Field in Atlanta during interleague play against the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves look to sweep Toronto on Sunday, while the Red Sox and Yankees both look to take over the AL East with a win and a Toronto loss.

The Yankees and Red Sox are both 25-18 on the season.

Meanwhile, after a slow start, the Tampa Bay Rays have climbed up to a 23-22 record and just 3.5 games behind Toronto, and three games behind the Red Sox and Yankees.

The Rays are currently on a three-game winning streak.

The Yankees haven't won the AL East since 2006.

Toronto hasn't won the AL East since they won it back-to-back in 1992 and 1993, the years they went on to win the World Series.

Only two months into the season, it looks like things in the AL East could stay tight throughout the year.

Yankees vs. Phillies: A-Rod Homers in Clutch To Prevail

Micheal Robinson — Sat, 23 May 2009 21:07:55 -0400

Not clutch? After Saturday, Alex Rodriguez has 18 home runs on his career to tie or win a game. Among active players, that goes for second, behind Gary Sheffield's 22 long balls.

With one out in the ninth inning, Rodriguez hit a full count pitch from Phillies closer Brad Lidge into the right field seats, to tie the game at four runs apiece.

The Yankees were trailing 4-1 when Derek Jeter homered in the sixth inning, to make it 4-2.

Down by two, Johnny Damon was on base when Rodriguez tied it up.

Soon after, Robinson Cano singled and stole second. Melky Cabrera then ended it with a walk off double to right center. This was his third walk off of the young season.

The home run by Rodriguez was number 560 of his career, and the seventh of the season. He has homered two games straight.

Jose Veras (3-1) picked up the win in relief, while Brad Lidge blew his third save this season, in 11 chances.

Andy Pettitte started for the Yankees and gave up a few big hits, including a three-run shot from rookie John Mayberry Jr. in the fifth inning, in his first Major League game.

The Yankees are now 25-18, and have won 10 out of their last 11 games; that is the best in the majors.

After the game, the Yankees move to just one game back in the AL East, while the Toronto Blue Jays are still playing against the Atlanta Braves.

After the game, Yankee newcomer A.J. Burnett was back to his old tricks, giving a pie to the face to Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano.

Today's walk off double by Cabrera was the fourth walk off game for the Yankees in their past nine games...that is just unheard of.

Up next for the Yankees is ace vs. ace, as Cole Hamels (2-2, 4.95) of the Phillies takes on CC Sabathia (4-3, 3.43) of the Yankees to wrap up the first interleague series of the season.

Phillies-Yankees: Chien-Ming Wang Didn't Relieve NY As Expected

Micheal Robinson — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:38:57 -0400

Chien-Ming Wang came back Friday and got smashed by the Philadelphia Phillies like a roundhouse kick from the foot of Chuck Norris.

Wang came in relief during the seventh inning to face some tough hitters in the Philadelphia lineup.

He got Chase Utley out on a ground ball to start the inning, but then it went downhill.

Raul Ibanez hit his National League-leading 16th homer of the season, and it went out like a fat kid in a game of dodge ball. One of the longest shots at the new Yankee Stadium, it was hit to deep right-center.

He returned to strike out Ryan Howard looking, but getting Ryan Howard to strike out is like getting Mario Mendoza to hit below .200; anyone can do that.

Jayson Werth then took a sinker that didn't sink well to center field for a base hit.

Shane Victorino then hit an 0-2 pitch right up the middle past Wang for the third hit of the inning.

A sharply hit ball by Matt Stairs stabbed by Mark Teixeira got Wang out of the inning to strand the two runners.

Wang returned to pitch the eighth inning as well.

The first batter he faced was Pedro Feliz, who hit a ground ball right up the middle for a single to start the inning. He then struck out Carlos Ruiz swinging to bounce back.

Jimmy Rollins then singled to left on the second pitch he saw on an 0-1 count, which was the fifth hit Wang gave up on the night.

Chase Utley then got an RBI single to right to plate Feliz and move Rollins to second.

Robinson Cano then saved another run as he snagged a ground ball, flipped it to Derek Jeter, who threw it to Mark Teixeira to end the inning on a double play.

After 41 pitches, six hits, and two earned runs, he returned for yet another inning to eat up some work in a four-run ball game.

Howard flew out to left-center on a routine fly ball to start the inning, then Werth walked.

Victorino flew out to right center for the second out of the inning.

A line drive off of the bat of Stairs to Cano ended the inning and Wang's night.

Not a horrible outing, but still not what the Yankees were looking for. Still...it's a start.

Wang had been scheduled to start on Friday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Pawtucket, but with injuries to Brian Bruney and Joba Chamberlain, an overworked pen needed someone to eat up innings.

Well, he can eat up some innings, but he can give up some runs too.

It's hard to believe this is the same pitcher who had back-to-back seasons in 2006 and 2007 with 19 wins.

Wang had a 34.50 ERA in three big-league starts before going on the disabled list with weakness in his hips. He threw 13 scoreless innings at Triple-A and looked sharp in a bullpen session at Yankee Stadium.

Before the game Friday, Wang said, "Pitching as a whole, balance-wise, I feel much better."

Well, it doesn't look like he has it quite worked out yet, but to his credit, Raul Ibanez is on a tear and has hit a lot of pitchers well before the home run off of Wang.

Cano Surges New York Yankees to Sweep of Orioles and Ninth Win in a Row

Micheal Robinson — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:16:56 -0400

It just hasn't been much better then this in a long time. The New York Yankees are now 24-17 and have won nine games in a row after a 7-4 victory and a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night.

Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his ninth save of the season and his second save in the past two days. He struck out Aubrey Huff swinging on a 93 mph cutter down the middle to end it.

If you had to find a downside, it would be the fact that Joba Chamberlain left the game with only two outs in the first inning after a line drive off of the bat of Adam Jones struck Chamberlain near the knee.

He tried to stay in, but after a base hit and a noticeable limp, Yankee skipper Joe Girardi made the move and brought in Alfredo Aceves.

It seems Chamberlain is day-to-day and more will be known in the coming days. This may force the Yankees to bring Chien-Ming Wang up earlier then expected.

Meanwhile, Aceves pitched three-and-one-thirds scoreless innings and earned his third victory of the season and third this week. He also holds a 1.38 ERA and no losses.

Adam Eaton earned the loss for the Orioles and struggled early and often, giving up four doubles in the first two innings and never recovered after a four run first inning.

Robinson Cano was moved up to second in the batting order tonight due to a sore Johnny Damon getting the day off. He made the decision worth wile.

Cano had three hits, including his 11th double of the season and his eight homer, a two-run shot in the second inning that plated Brett Gardner.

Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez hit the ball hard a few times tonight, but ended up going 0-4 with five men left on base.

Hideki Matsui added an insurance home run in the fifth inning, his fifth of the season.

Up next for the New York Yankees his interleague play at Yankee Stadium against the Philadelphia Phillies (22-17).

Friday at 7:05 PM ET: PHI-Brett Myers, RHP (3-2, 4.50) vs. NYY-A.J. Burnett, RHP (2-1, 5.02)

In other MLB news, the Toronto Blue Jays (27-17) were swept by Boston and now just hold a half game lead of the AL East over the Rex Sox. The Yankees are now one and a half games out of first.

Homer Happy Yankees Reach Eight Wins In a Row

Micheal Robinson — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:26:38 -0400

Lately, it seems as if nothing can stop the 2009 New York Yankees.

They are now winners of their last eight games after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 11-4 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.

They were never without the lead except for when it was knotted up at zero.

Mark Teixeira got things going in the first with an RBI double that plated Johnny Damon—his eighth double of the season.

In the second inning, the Yankees went back-to-back-to-back with three homers in a row.

Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano, and Melky Cabrera all homered to right field off of Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie.

The early lead is all Phil Hughes needed as he went five innings and struck out nine to receive the victory.

Chien-Ming Wang looks close to returning, so Hughes wanted to make a nice impression on his team, if it were to be his last for a while.

In a 5-3 game in the eighth, the Yankees went with closer Mariano Rivera to get the final out of the inning and three more in the ninth.

What Rivera didn't expect is to get a six run outburst by the Yankees offense to make the game 11-3.

In the top of the ninth, 25-year-old youngster Nolan Reimold got his first career home run, off of none other then Mariano Rivera, something he will most likely never forget.

Rivera still managed to get the save since he came in when the game was in a save situation, it was his eighth save of the year.

Up next for the Yankees his the final game of the three game set with the Orioles as they go for the sweep and their ninth in a row.

Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 3.76) will take the hill for the Yankees and the Orioles will send out Adam Eaton (2-4, 7.93).

This weekend, interleague play begins as the Philadelphia Phillies come into Yankee Stadium to face the Yankees.

The matchup on Sunday is slated to be ace vs. ace as Cole Hamels of the Phillies takes on CC Sabathia.

In other MLB news, the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays again, knocking the Yankees within two and a half games of the AL East lead.

A-Rod Homers Again, Yankees Win Seventh in a Row

Micheal Robinson — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:58:15 -0400

Homers and wins are becoming a normalcy around the Bronx.

After Tuesday's big 9-1 victory, the New York Yankees are now 22-17 and have won seven games in a row.

CC Sabathia got the start against Brad Bergesen and the Baltimore Orioles.

Alex Rodriguez gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead after his two-run blast in the bottom half of the first inning, a hit that plated Johnny Damon from third.

The monster home run over the left bullpen was A-Rod's fourth in four games and fifth since returning on May 8th.

Rodriguez now has 558 career home runs, just five behind Mr. October Reggie Jackson for 11th place on the all-time list. Jackson attended the game and visited with Rodriguez before the start.

Mark Teixeira added a two-run shot to cap off a seven run inning in the seventh to put Baltimore away for good. The homer was Teixeira's 11th of the season.

The blast, like A-Rod's, was Teixeira's fourth in four games.

Up next for the Yankees, a struggling Phil Hughes (1-2, 7.56) will take on Baltimore's Jeremy Guthrie (3-3, 5.21) on Wednesday night.

In other MLB news, the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1. That win moved the Yankees within three and a half games of the AL lead, remaining just one game behind the Red Sox.

Sabathia Goes Hunting For Orange Birds At Yankee Stadium

Micheal Robinson — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:49:49 -0400

The Baltimore Orioles (16-22) are making their first trip to the new Yankee Stadium.

Not that it is up to them, but it isn't a really good time to come.

After the Minnesota Twins were dismantled by the surging New York Yankees (21-17), who have won six games in a row, the Yanks look to remain hot against the Orioles.

CC Sabathia is coming off a big win in Toronto, against the AL East leading Blue Jays. He pitched eight innings, giving up two runs on five hits. However, he did walk five batters, but struck out five as well.

Let's not get carried away though, the Baltimore Orioles rocked CC Sabathia on opening day in Baltimore on Apr. 6.

Sabathia gave up six earned runs and only pitched four-and-one-third innings.

Not so fast though, Sabathia faced the Orioles again nearly two weeks ago. He pitched a complete-game shutout, with eight strikeouts and only one walk.

Tuesday night will be the third time he has seen the Orioles this season.

The Orioles counter with Brad Bergesen (1-1, 5.27). Opponents are hitting .348 off of Bergesen this year and he will have to keep the ball down to keep the hot Yankees from hitting it over the outfield wall.

Bergesen last pitched in Tampa against the Rays. Taking the loss, Bergesen allowed nine hits and four earned runs against the Rays over five-and-two-third innings.

After a three-game series with the Orioles, the Yankees remain at home to take on the Philadelphia Phillies in this years first set of interleague play.

Don't Call It a Comeback: New York Yankees Sweep Minnesota Twins

Micheal Robinson — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:42:56 -0400

The Yankees didn't need a walk off win this time, but managed to win.

With their sixth win in a row and a sweep of the Minnesota Twins, the Yankees did it all over the weekend. After three straight walk off victories, the Yankees grabbed the lead in the bottom of the first on Monday and never looked back.

Andy Pettitte surrendered a couple of first inning runs to put the Yankees behind early, but the bats came out swinging in Bronx shortly after.

Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon started the game off with singles and after a Glen Perkins balk, Mark Teixeira put the next pitch five rows back in left for a three run home run, his ninth of the year, to give the Yankees the lead.

Up next, Alex Rodriguez, on a full count, hit a screamer to left center that got out in a hurry, his fourth of the year. A-Rod has now hit a home run in each of the last three games.

Glen Perkins gave up three more runs before being replaced by R.A. Dickey in the first. The Yankees batted around and took a 6-2 lead. Derek Jeter had two singles in the first inning.

Twins outfielder's Michael Cuddyer and Denard Span tried single handed to get their team back into it.

Cuddyer homered off of Pettitte in the fourt to draw the game within three and Span hit a run scoring single in the 6th to make it 6-4.

In the bottom of the seventh, Mark Teixeira sent a Luis Ayala pitch into the seats in right, his tenth of the year. For the second time this season, Teixeira homered from both sides of the plate and hit it to both ends of the field. He is starting to come around.

“Pitchers are just making a few more mistakes,” Teixeira said. “It puts a lot of pressure on them when Alex is in the lineup and, you know, a pitcher is not going to want to get into deep counts and maybe walk me with a guy like A-Rod behind me.”

Span homered in the eighth inning off of Edwar Ramirez to draw the Twins within two runs.

Span offered his displeasure for the past four games, “I can’t wait to get out of here,” Span said. “Not just the stadium, but the whole city.”

The Yankees went with Phil Coke for the save, giving Mariano Rivera the night off after pitching two innings on Saturday and one on Sunday.

Coke surrendered two home runs over the weekend and looked to bounce back in a big spot. Cuddyer got a run scoring ground out to get the Yankees lead to just one run, but it wouldn't be enough.

The Yankees wound up winning 7-6, but it almost got to be a tie game again and who knows what would've happened after that.

“As they start chipping away, you start thinking about, oh boy, here we go again. We’re going to have another one of these nights,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

After the sweep of the Twins, the Yankees look to remain hot as they play the Baltimore Orioles for their third series with them, but first at Yankee Stadium

Brad Bergesen (1-1, 5.27) of the Orioles will face Yankees ace CC Sabathia, (3-3, 3.70).

The Toronto Blue Jays won again on Monday, so the despite the Yankees streak, they haven't gained ground on the AL East leader, but the Red Sox are now just one game ahead of the Yankees.

Hey, Put that Back! Leave Yankee Stadium Alone!

Micheal Robinson — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:40:29 -0400

First, Monument Park was destroyed, then the grass was pulled up. Now, the seats are being ripped out like Ruth's heart is being ripped out of his chest.

Regardless of the 1976 renovation, with every pull of a blue seat, every Yankee legend, alive or gone, feels the pain.

While the 2009 New York Yankees and their fans celebrate across the street with three walk-off victories in May of 2009, old Yankee Stadium is alone and empty, with strangers inside wearing construction jackets ripping apart its insides.

Let's face it: it had to happen eventually. We all know that, but that doesn't mean we want it to happen.

I was lucky to go to two games in the old park, and it still hurts me. I could imagine how others must feel.

My first game was in upper deck behind home plate in August of 2005 against the Chicago White Sox, a 2-1 loss.

My second and final game was in September of 2007, a victory against the Toronto Blue Jays where Joba Chamberlain got his only career save so far.

The new ball park isn't a bad thing. I am excited to get in there and see it.

The home announcers and visiting announcers have had nothing but good things to say about the park. I am sure that's because they get treated like royalty in those nice booths.

Still, I will have a hard time seeing the old stadium get taken apart piece by piece this year, to be demolished by 2010. I would like to get my hands on something from the Stadium, but the prices make me sick to my stomach.

The price for dirt isn't too bad from what I have seen, but I would like to get a hold of a seat or a piece of a bench.

I would like to know what Derek Jeter took on his last day at the Stadium. He claims he was going to take something and wasn't going to tell anyone about it.

One of the unique articles offered in an upcoming Legends Auction is the door to the workout room that has a gash in its middle due to Derek Jeter hitting it with his bat before every single game.

Sooner or later, the stadium will be gone. Just wake me up when it is over. I don't want to see it go down.

Yogi Berra said it best last year before the stadium's last game, "It ain't over 'til it's over...this time it's really over."

Easy as Pie: Johnny Damon Hits Walk Off Shot on Sunday

Micheal Robinson — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:04:33 -0400

Tony Pena was in the Yankees dugout in the bottom of the 10th and called the walk off home run by Johnny Damon.

In a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the tenth, Johnny Damon unloaded on a full count pitch from right-hander Jesse Crain.

Why a right handed pitcher is in there against Damon and pitching a ball where he pitched it as hot as Damon is right now is beyond me.

As he rounded third base and headed home, Damon threw his batting helmet in the air and Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera both went for it. Melky jumped in front of A-Rod to catch it but seconds later, A-Rod snatched it out of Melky's hand. That's just the kind of fun this team is having right now.

The fun doesn't stop there, this is the Yankees fifth win in a row as they are now three games above .500 and have won five in a row.

Rodriguez was pied by AJ Burnett on Saturday and Burnett struck again on Sunday, slapping a pile of whipped cream on a Yankees t-shirt and throwing it into Damon's face before his post game interview.

The last three wins are all walk off wins. Friday, Melky Cabrera ended it with a RBI single. Saturday, Alex Rodriguez hit his fifth walk off home run as a Yankee, a two run shot in the 11th inning. Then the latest, Damon's homer on Sunday.

The Yankees haven't won three games via walk off since 1972.

Alex Rodriguez hit a long ball in the seventh inning. A solo shot, to put the Yankees on the board and make it 2-1 to begin the rally. The home run was his third of the year since returning last week.

Brett Gardner almost won the game in the bottom of the ninth when he rounded third to go home, but Mauer faked a throw to first and tagged Gardner out on a bang-bang play.

The Twins aren't having good luck in the Bronx, losing 22 of 25 games in New York.

"This is great, three straight walk-offs, this is pretty exciting for us," Damon said. "Hopefully this means we will start playing better and things feel good right now."

Right handed Alfredo Aceves got another win, his second in a row, after he pitched a scoreless inning of relief in the tenth. He is now 2-0 on the year with a 2.16 ERA.

AJ Burnett pitched a great game but got himself into trouble in the seventh and gave up the two Twins runs. The six walks he surrendered did him in.

The Yankees bullpen came through with 3.1 innings of scoreless relief to lift the Yankees to the comeback, their 14th come from behind victory this season.

Toronto Blue Jays won again on Sunday and they remain four and a half games ahead of the Yankees, but the Red Sox lost and moved to just a game and a half ahead of New York.

Up next for the Yankees is the final game of a four game set against the Twins on Monday. Left handed Glen Perkins (1-2, 4.27) for the Twins will take on Andy Pettitte (3-1, 4.00) will throw for the Yankees.

Perkins is only the second left-handed starter to face the Yankees since Alex Rodriguez's return to the team. He hits well against south paws and shouldn't disappoint on Monday.

Why the Wait on Wieters? Put Him in Coach!

Micheal Robinson — Sun, 17 May 2009 12:12:21 -0400

Catching prospect Matthew Wieters turns 23 years old on May 21st.

On Friday, he hit hit his fourth home run for Triple-A Norfolk.

Wieters played for Georgia Tech, following in the footsteps of players like Nomar Garciaparra, Mark Teixeira, and fellow catcher Jason Varitek.

He was drafted fifth overall in the 2007 amateur draft by the Baltimore Orioles, and four other teams are out of their minds for passing him up. However, David Price was picked number one that year by the Tampa Bay Rays and I can't argue that.

But, the Royals, Cubs, and Pirates passed him up, Baltimore didn't.

Going in to the 2008 season, he was ranked 12th by Baseball America on their 2008 Top 100 Prospects List and was the highest ranked catcher on the list. He participated in 2008 spring training with the Orioles but started out in Single-A Frederick Keys. Weiters earned a quick promotion midseason to the Double-A Bowie Baysox.

In 130 games for the Keys and Baysox, hit a combined .355 with 27 home runs and 91 RBI. Wieters earned the 2008 Minor League Player of The Year honors from Baseball America. Some say his 2008 Minor League season was the best by a Minor League player in some 40 years.

Wieters hit .343 in 35 spring training at bats for the Orioles in 2009, but was sent down to Triple-A Norfolk to delay the start of his service time and extend the time until he becomes eligible for salary arbitration and free agency.

Which leads me to breaking down the reason why he isn't an Oriole yet—salary arbitration.

Q: When does a player become eligible for salary arbitration?

A: A player with three or more years of service, but less than six years, may file for salary arbitration. In addition, a player can be classified as a “Super Two” and be eligible for arbitration with less than three years of service. A player with at least two but less than three years of Major League service shall be eligible for salary arbitration if he has accumulated at least 86 days of service during the immediately preceding season and he ranks in the top 17 percent in total service in the class of Players who have at least two but less than three years of Major League service, however accumulated, but with at least 86 days of service accumulated during the immediately preceding season.

While we all know Wieters deserves to be on the big team right now, the Orioles have a bright future and are playing it smart. They know they won't compete in 2009, but in a few years, that could all change.

Their move, fair or not to Wieters, is all about saving money for the future. I don't know how well Matt understands this or not, but his agent is Scott Boras, so he obviously will get a big check sooner then later.

Rays slugger Evan Longoria had to go through the same ordeal last season.

With the likes of players such as Nick Markakis and Adam Jones, the Baltimore Orioles do have a bright future indeed. With some solid pitching in a few years, they will compete in the AL East.

The Perfect Cure: A-Rod Hits A Shot In The 11th

Micheal Robinson — Sun, 17 May 2009 11:09:24 -0400

In a game the Yankees were winning after a third inning three run home run by Mark Teixeira, the bullpen let the Twins get back into it.

Joba Chamberlain looked sharp, pitching six strong innings and only giving up two runs on six strikeouts. He would have to settle with a no decision after Phil Coke gave up a game tying homer to Justin Morneau in the eighth.

Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless ninth and 10th inning and Alfredo Aceves pitched a perfect inning in the 11th to give the heart of the order a shot to win it.

Due up in the bottom of the inning was Teixeira, Rodriguez, and Swisher. Nick Swisher wouldn't have to bat.

Mark Teixeira singled to start off the inning, to go 4-4 on the day with the three run homer earlier in the game.

Enter, Alex Rodriguez.

He was slumping as of late, 0-3 heading into his 11th inning at bat. To his credit, he has been drawing a lot of walks.

After Rodriguez took an inside strike looking, left hander Craig Breslow decided to throw one right down the middle. A-Rod made him pay.

Rodriguez hit a long fly ball to left, left fielder Jason Kubel gave it a look, but slowly started to walk towards the Twins dugout.

A flip of his bat and with fists high in the air, A-Rod ended the game on one swing to an erupting Bronx cheer for the Yankees slugger.

The team was waiting for him at home plate just like they have been waiting for him for over a month. A moment for Alex, long overdue in my opinion. Shut them up with your bat and enjoy the game.

“I gave you guys something to talk about and write about in the 11th inning, and I didn’t have to open my mouth,” Rodriguez told reporters in the clubhouse. “That’s kind of the way I want things. Stay out of my own way.”

New Yankees pitcher AJ Burnett slammed a pie in A-Rod's face during his post-game interview with YES Network's Kim Jones.

A-Rod's big moment doesn't overshadow the fact that Teixeira looks like he is starting to feel it again after taking a day off from first and playing at DH on Saturday.

“Mark and I, we’re going to make a good team,” Rodriguez said. “More often than not, if he doesn’t get you, I will.”

On this day, Rodriguez was one of the boys and nothing else mattered but a 6-4 Yankees win.

The Yankees have won four straight now and are two games above .500, four and a half games out of first in the AL East.

Up next is a Sunday afternoon game against the Twins, AJ Burnett (2-1, 5.36 ERA) will take on the Twins pitcher Kevin Slowey (5-1, 4.91 ERA).

MLB.com contributed on the quotes.

A-Rod Needs To Be Welcomed with Open Arms at His Stadium

Micheal Robinson — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:02:27 -0400

This Friday marks Alex Rodriguez's return to the Bronx and his first game at the new Yankee Stadium.

It's his opening day, nonetheless.

The timeline is long and it would have to be broken down over a few pots of coffee, but Rodriguez is back on the team.

After the offseason of steroid admission, the recent book release, and the return from a March 9 hip surgery, it is about time for Rodriguez to take a deep breath and relax.

Let's face it: booing someone who plays on the team you love, regardless of how your personally feel about him, can't be the brightest thing to do.

I can understand a boo here and there for a play, not ran out hard or trying to get someone out of a slump, but to boo him just for being him, is not cool.

Regardless of what he has done and admitted to, regardless of how you feel about him as a person and baseball player, he is a New York Yankee.

When he is on the road, he will hear all kinds of things, but when he is at home, he needs to be welcomed there. Yankee Stadium needs to be a place for Alex to call home with his time remaining in the league.

If you feel different then this, I would like to know why. It doesn't make sense to make the situation worse then it already is by a Yankee fan to bash him harder into the ground then he already is.

Look what he did on Friday. I bet even though you might not like him, you can appreciate the fact that he handed the Yankees a 3-0 lead right out of the gate at Camden Yards.

The Minnesota Twins will roll into the Bronx this weekend, and they don't care rather you boo or cheer A-Rod: they are there to win a series.

We need to support our team and its players while we try to get back on the AL East throne.

Flame-throwing youngster Francisco Loriano is slated to be on the mound on Friday as he brings his two-game winning streak with him. After starting out 0-4, he is now two-four on the season. This will be his first career start against the Yankees.

Damon Goes Deep to Guide Yanks to Win and Series Victory

Micheal Robinson — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:32:40 -0400

The New York Yankees haven't had much to cheer about this season, but all of that has changed after a series victory in Baltimore as they took two out of three against the Orioles.

Johnny Damon connected on his ninth home run of the season, a three run shot in the seventh inning that gave the Yankees the lead for good.

They were trailing 3-1 early on after Mark Teixeira hit his seventh home run in the first inning to make it 1-0, but only to be answered by a three run shot by Aubrey Huff in the bottom of the first.

It wasn't just any ordinary home run from Huff, he showed Yankee pitcher Joba Chamberlain up as he rounded first with a fist pump, and then again as he crossed home plate.

Huff claims he was just messing around and of course this stems from a 2007 game where Chamberlain made Huff look silly on a strike out and fist pumped as he walked off the mound.

Chamberlain did get the win and last laugh as he remained in the game and pitched six solid innings to earn his second victory of the season and is now 2-1.

“I didn’t even notice. It’s a home run. No reason to be upset; he did what he’s supposed to do. I made a bad pitch and he went and got a home run,” Chamberlain said.

Alex Rodriguez, playing in his third game of the season flirted with a home run on a fly ball to center, but settled with a 1-4 game with a first inning single to left.

Robinson Cano connected for his sixth home run of the season, a solo shot in the seventh inning to draw the Yankees a little closer before Damon blasted a home run for the lead.

Mariano Rivera seems to be back to normal somewhat after nailing down the save, his sixth of the year after receiving the loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.

He claimed he experienced some soreness in his surgically repaired shoulder, but looked fine on Sunday in Baltimore.

Up next for the Yankees is a much needed day off on Monday and then a three game series in Toronto against the Blue Jays.

AJ Burnett (2-0, 5.26 ERA) will return to the Rogers Centre on Tuesday and face his former team and former teammate and friend Roy Halladay (6-1, 3.29 ERA).

The Yankees will have to bring their A-game if they want to win in Toronto against one of the best pitchers in the league. It should be interesting to see how Toronto receives Burnett in his return.

One Flip of A-Rod's Bat Silences City of Baltimore

Micheal Robinson — Sun, 10 May 2009 00:08:58 -0400

It wasn't just any ordinary night in Baltimore, Maryland on Friday when the New York Yankees rolled into town, Alex Rodriguez made his season debut after his March hip surgery.

Not to mention, the Yankees were on a five game losing streak headed into the beginning of their current road trip and needed a lift, and a lift is what they got.

Fresh off of an oblivion of steroid questions and hip rehab, Rodriguez shocked the world and wrote a script that Jerry Bruckheimer couldn't even write on his best day.

First pitch, see you later.

A crack of the bat and a black Louisville Slugger flipping into a sea of camera flashes, a three run shot in the first inning that catapulted the Yankees to a 4-0 win.

Still, it is something you have to see to believe.

I've watched a digital video recording of the game off of the YES network a few times over and it is still hard to believe, but I can't say that I am completely shocked.

I finished off my last article with this statement, I am looking forward to seeing A-Rod play again, and I hope he keeps his head held high and hits a home run when the "boo-birds" come out to the park in Baltimore tonight.

He didn't disappoint.

There will be non believers, and there will be trash talkers, but when my favorite player performed the way he did on Friday night, I couldn't be happier no matter what anyone else thinks. It is what I think about him that matters the most to me.

You don't have to like him, after his admitted drug use, you don't even have to respect him, but you have to admire the fact that he can go out there and do what he did on one pitch.

If you don't admire it, then you are missing out.

Look, I know he disrespected the game, and he will pay for it greatly. However, he has eight some odd years to right his wrongs and play the game with the love for it he has had since he was a kid.

I have said it before and I will say it again, he can't wash away the past, but he can face his fears head on, so his present and future are not dictated by the mistakes he may have made in the past.

No allegation, scandal, or tabloid can take away his passion for the game he holds right now.

Stage is Set for A-Rod's Return

Micheal Robinson — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:20:39 -0400

The New York Yankees are 13-15, five-and-a-half games out of first, and have dropped five straight at Yankee Stadium.

Injuries have taken their toll on the Yankees, to say the least. Reliever Brian Bruney is on the DL and doesn't know when he will return.

Catcher Jorge Posada just went down with a hamstring injury, and his replacement Jose Molina hurt his quad and may miss some time.

Mariano Rivera—who's surgically repaired shoulder has been giving him fits—will receive a few days rest after giving up back-to-back home runs in the ninth inning to the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night.

Cody Ransom, who started out playing third base this season, also went down last month with a hamstring injury.

Ramiro Pena and Angel Borroa have been splitting time at third base since then, and while they haven't been horrible, the Yankees have someone better waiting in the wings.

Enter Alex Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has missed 28 games this season after offseason hip surgery in March. He will make his season debut against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night at Camden Yards.

In extended spring training games starting Saturday, Rodriguez hit four home runs. The only thing that can slow down his return tonight are the thunderstorms forecast for Baltimore.

"He played three innings, and took extra BP and extra ground balls and it leads me to believe that he is not hurt and is encouraging. I would know if he wasn't ready to go," Girardi said on Thursday after A-Rod's final rehab game.

After months of steroid talk, surgery rehab, and anything else you can think of in the life of Alex Rodriguez, he is ready to do what he does best and play the game of baseball.

The past can't be changed. It is there, and it is over.

As far as the future goes, we should know by now that the chance of him using any kind of PED's from here on out is a very slim.

I am looking forward to seeing A-Rod play again, and I hope he keeps his head held high and hits a home run when the "boo-birds" come out to the park in Baltimore tonight.

A-Rod, or Alex Rodriguez: Which One Will Return?

Micheal Robinson — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:23:58 -0400

After a long offseason, a hip surgery, a Sports Illustrated article, and a "tell-all" book, the man known as Alex Rodriguez, or A-Rod to some, makes his long-awaited return to the baseball field.

The Yankees crusader will take over the third base position as early as this weekend, but the question remains: Who will show up to the park?

Will the man who has hit more home runs then any other New York born player, hit more home runs into the night?

Or, will the off-the-field distractions be too much to take for the man who has it all but is still searching for peace?

Regardless of the situation, the city of New York is in need of a savior as the Yankees have dropped four straight games to their arch nemesis, the Boston Red Sox.

Rodriguez has been deemed to have alter egos when he is on the field and when he is off. He is said to be a constant professional on the field, but an insecure person off the field that enjoys being in the spotlight.

If Rodriguez can figure out who he is and what he wants to accomplish, he can still have a successful career as a New York Yankee.

He can't wash away the past, but he can face his fears head on, so his present and future are not dictated by the mistakes he may have made in the past.

It's time to move on and write a new chapter in the life of Alex Rodriguez, the winning chapter, where Alex grabs the brass ring and holds it high in the air.

It's time to not worry about what other people think about you—It is what you think about yourself that matters most.

There are people out there who still believe and you and know that you can make it through this. You are a human being just like the rest of us and we all make mistakes. It's how you handle yourself after a mistake that makes you who you are.

There might not be a No. 13 symbol in the sky from Yankee Stadium asking for your help, but believe me, that the Yankees need you right now.

Selena Roberts' Sequel Book: The Many Lives of Joba's Mother (Humor)

Micheal Robinson — Mon, 04 May 2009 19:41:57 -0400

As rain pours onto Yankee Stadium, Selena Roberts was seen in a yellow rain coat and a clipboard, jotting down notes as Joba Chamberlain walked around the field.

Selena Roberts, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated, has just finished writing a book about Alex Rodriguez and every move he has made in his life, even when he urinated in a public unisex restroom and didn't lift the seat up or flush. Rumors are, he didn't wash his hands, either. MLB is investigating the incident.

Roberts is now spending her time in Nebraska as she was undercover as a drug user named Iwanta Morespeed. She caught Chamberlain's mom red-handed this past weekend, as Jacqueline Standley, 44, has sold drugs for her last time.

The following report is taking from the New York Post:

The mother of Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain has been jailed in Nebraska and faces a felony charge after being arrested on suspicion of selling methamphetamine to an undercover police officer in February.

Lincoln Police Capt. David Beggs said Monday that 44-year-old Jacqueline Standley was arrested at her apartment Saturday night.

Beggs said she allegedly sold 1 gram of a substance believed to be meth to an uncover officer for $110 on Feb. 11. The substance tested positive for meth in testing at the state laboratory.

She was charged Monday with delivery of an exceptionally hazardous drug. Her bail was set at $5,000, and she was assigned a public defender, whose name was not on her jail record.

With this being said, Roberts is now working on her second book, and suspects that Joba Chamberlain gets his velocity from pills, not hard work and passion for the game.

She also has taken an intriguing photo of Chamberlain where he was seen smoking a substance out of a hollow baseball.

Roberts has mentioned she would like to delve into the personal life of Yankee legend Yogi Berra for her third book, claiming that he has added more years onto his life by drinking too many Five Hour Power Energy shots.

My Open Letter to Alex Rodriguez

Micheal Robinson — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:06:48 -0400

May 1, 2009

Dear Alex-

The last time I wrote you, it wasn't in a letter that was viewable to the entire public. However, because of the recent findings in the past few months, I have chose not to write just directly to you, but instead, put it out there for everyone to see.

To be completely honest with you, over the past 10 years, you have been my "safe zone" if you will. No matter what is going on in my life and how stressful it is, I can come to someone I don't even know or can't even speak with.

I don't really understand why and never will, all I know is that when you play baseball and I watch you, everything in life is more grand then one of your slams will ever be.

The last time I saw you was on Feb. 24 of this year, at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa at a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins. This was just weeks after the Sports Illustrated report came out and just a week before your hip surgery. I sat right behind the Yankees dugout and got there well before the start of the game.

I never got a chance to speak with you because you had a sit down interview with Michael Kay of the YES Network before the game. However, you did acknowledge me during the game while coming off the field when I held up your white and blue Westminster High School jersey with a No. 3 on it.

I know that you share the same passion for baseball as me. Unlike you, I never made it to the big show and god and everyone knows I don't have the talent that you do. To be honest, I don't think anyone has the talent you do.

I know deep down in my heart of hearts that you are a gifted baseball player and didn't need to take performance enhancing drugs. However, since it was something a lot of others were doing and your contracts kept getting bigger and bigger, I can't understand the situation enough to judge you and I can't hold it against you or hate you for it.

The fact that I forgive you doesn't stop the hurting and the sadness of the situation though. Because no matter what you do from here on out, it will be a dark cloud that hangs over your head and my head for that matter. But, I can live with it.

I was glad when you came to the New York Yankees for many reasons in 2004. One being, I wear a necklace with the charm of No. 13 on it everyday, as it was also my number when I played sports.

Last year, I got a tattoo on my right shoulder that is blue and black with the interlocking Yankees symbol with a No. 13 below it. It was in dedication to you, my unlucky number that is lucky, and the Yankees.

You have been my favorite player for as long as I can remember, you and Derek Jeter. However, I have always seem to think more of you because I can relate to being a human being and making mistakes. I could imagine how hard it can be at times for someone of your stature but you always seem to keep your head up when times are tough.

Regardless of what you have done in the past, and regardless of the times you haven't been so honest with your fans, you are still a special person to me and I will never give up on you and the difference you can make in my life and others as well.

There is no one out there more then me that wants to see you finish off your career with a smile on your face and your head held high. You don't need a record, and you don't need the hall of fame, as bad as you want it, you don't need a ring either.

What you need most is to walk away from the game with no regrets and to be proud of yourself, and only you can do that.

Even though you have made some mistakes that has possibly tarnished your career forever, you can still do the right thing now. It won't fix the fact that what is done is done, but it can only make you stronger if you don't let it bring you down.

I could take this letter into the extra innings but I think I have said enough. Even if you never read this, I want to let you know that you can always count on me no matter what. Without even knowing it, you have made my life enjoyable with every crisp swing from your black 31 oz. ash Louisville Slugger.

Thank you Alex Rodriguez. Thank you for everything you do.

Your fan,
Micheal Robinson

PS—"Forget what I said about the ring, go get one of those."

Phil Hughes Plays Hero Role In Big Yankees Win

Micheal Robinson — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:02:49 -0400

Phil Hughes couldn't of been better in his return to the big league roster in his first start of the season after being recalled from Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The New York Yankees, beat up and injured, were fading fast and needed a big win to stop the streak. They got it from Hughes.

Hughes, who has replaced the injured Chien-Ming Wang in the rotation for now, wants to let everyone know he is in the rotation to stay.

He pitched six strong innings only giving up two hits, along with six strikeouts and no runs against a tough Detroit Tigers lineup.

The problem was that he didn't receive any run support and was about to leave the game with a scoreless tie.

However, the Yankees bats finally came around in the seventh inning and it all got started with a Jose Molina sacrifice bunt. Oddly enough, he would come up later in that same inning and hit a grand slam.

Jorge Posada, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera, and Robinson Cano all added an RBI each in the same along with the Molina grand slam for a 10-run seventh.

Nick Swisher added a solo shot in the ninth, his fifth on the season, to make the game 11-0, which would be the final score.

Mark Melancon, Edwar Ramirez, and Jose Veras all pitched a scoreless inning each to close out Hughes' big win.

The Yankees are now back at .500 after losing four straight and are 10-10 on the season.

On Wednesday night, the series wraps up at Comerica Park as Joba Chamberlain (0-0, 3.94 ERA) of the Yankees takes on Rick Percello (1-2, 4.50 ERA) of the Detroit Tigers.

Alex Rodriguez continues to progress during his rehab in Tampa from his March 9 hip surgery and slid on the base paths today. He should play in a minor league game later this week and could return as early as May 9th, but no later then May 15th.

The New York Yankees Legacy is Still Alive Despite Struggles

Micheal Robinson — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 09:59:35 -0400

Two games versus the Boston Red Sox in April does not mean anything.

As far as I am concerned, without Alex Rodriguez and the struggles of our number two starter Chien-Ming Wang, I am satisfied with a 9-8 start heading into Sunday.

Watching the last two games has been tough, because both games the Yankees could have easily won and they let them get away.

The positives I am seeing aren't outweighing the negative, but it is close.

Robinson Cano is hitting .366 and tearing the cover off the ball, adding two home runs and five RBI in yesterdays loss.

Our top two hitters, Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon are both hitting over .300 and Jeter is off to his best start, power-wise, since the 1999 season with four homers already.

Nick Swisher hasn't been as sweet as he was the first two weeks of the year, but he is still hitting well.

Mark Teixeira hasn't paid off much at the plate yet, but his glove has shown up many and that is a sign of great things to come at first base.

Despite A.J. Burnett's performance in Boston, he is still 2-0 and one of our better pitchers, eating up innings after Wang destroyed the bullpen.

Alex Rodriguez is to begin a minor league assignment this week and could return before the original May 15 target date.

The Yankee fans who didn't side with him need to realize that we are better off with him right now then without him.

With all of the drama to the side, you have to realize that Rodriguez is a crucial part to this line-up and it is showing.

My opinion is to just back him up while he is wearing the pinstripes and live with him until its over. Good things may happen, but not supporting him is only going to make it worse.

So all in all, its been a rough season, but the Yankees still have a winning record and a lot of positive things to drive off of.

Listening to the "Yankees Sucks" chants every time the Red Sox do something good or grab the lead back does get under my skin, but you expect that.

However, they weren't chanting anything when it was 6-0 in the fourth inning. How about getting behind your team when they need it, not just when they are doing good.

The Yankees need support, not abandonment.

I had two Red Sox fans that I know text me the score of yesterdays game when it was over, "16-11."

I simply replied with "26-7."

Its only April, and today is a new day.

A win from the Yankees tonight can turn the tide in a heartbeat.

Yankees skipper Joe Girardi said after the game Saturday, "Everyone struggles in this game—that's part of the nature of this game."

I agree with him. It is how you pick yourself up when you struggle that matters the most and we will see that Sunday night.

Regardless of how they are performing right now, the Yankees have been a team on a mission and are destined for great things. It might not happen this year, and I can live with that, but another title is to be had by the Yankees sooner then later.

Since their first championship in 1923, the New York Yankees have won two or more World Series titles in every decade except the 1980s and the current decade, when they won only one.

Also, they have won at least one American League pennant in every decade since the 1920s.

You don't have those kind of numbers and passion for winning and not eventually get rewarded.

So I say to Red Sox fans now, enjoy your two recent titles, you've earned them. Enjoy all of these regular season victories. However, the Yankees are going to win when it counts, very soon.

Extra! Extra! Melky Cabrera Ends Game with Walk-Off Blast in the 14th

Micheal Robinson — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:13:42 -0400

Melky Cabrera started most of the games last season in center field. This season, he has company.

Brett Gardner has been used as the regular starter in center thus far this season and was given the day off.

Cabrera made the most of it.

In the bottom of the second, he followed a solo shot from Hideki Matsui, with a solo shot of his own, his third of the season.

He wouldn't stop there, hitting a two-run blast to right field off of former Yankee Dan Giese in the bottom of the 14th to send the Athletics packing.

He stared down the Yankees dugout on the way to first and rounded the bases with a big grin on his face before he was met at home plate for the first walk-off celebration and extra innings game ever at the new Yankee Stadium.

A record 26 homers were hit on the opening home stand, one more than the previous mark for a major league venue established at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium in 1955, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

CC Sabathia went six and two thirds and gave up six earned runs and two walks. He continues to get behind in counts and it is causing his pitch count to be higher then it needs to be late in games.

He received the no decision after leaving with a 7-7 tie.

Brian Anderson started for the Oakland Athletics and gave up five runs on five and one-third innings pitched and received a no decision.

Jose Veras (1-1) was amazing in relief during extra innings. He pitched three and and one third, striking out four and never gave up a hit.

Veras' season ERA jumped down to 5.59 after it was at 8.53 after a rough outing against Cleveland on April 16 in where he gave up three runs and received the loss.

The Yankees threatened in the bottom of the seventh inning when they loaded the bases in the 7-7 tie with none out but couldn't get home a run.

The game lasted nearly five hours and the stadium was barely at half capacity when the game started due to the weather and a weekday afternoon game.

Not many fans were around to see the Yankees win their third straight game and move to three games above .500 at 9-6 on the season, just one game behind the Toronto Blue Jays in second place.

Derek Jeter continued his torrid season with a deep home run to center field that landed in Monument Park that broke a tie and briefly gave the Yankees the lead.

Jeter hit his fourth home run and his third double, but went 2-7 on the day and brought his average down to .286 on the season. However, he is still having a good year thus far in the leadoff spot.

Jorge Posada passed Yankee great Yogi Berra on the all-time doubles list with his 322nd double and asked third base umpire to retrieve the ball for a keepsake.

The Yankees are off on Thursday and then head to Fenway Park for their first series against rival Boston Red Sox this weekend.

On Friday night, Joba Chamberlain (0-0, 5.06) will face Jon Lester (1-2, 5.50 ERA) to open up the three game series.

In other Yankee news, Alex Rodriguez continues to rehab in Tampa and is running bases, taking tons of swings, and participating in drills at third base.

He remains on schedule to possibly return before the May 15 target date from his hip surgery.

Posada Hits Go-Ahead Home Run As Yankees Beat Indians 7-3

Micheal Robinson — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:06:43 -0400

It looked grim early on, and Carl Pavano was well on his way to mowing down the Yankees and getting the victory, and the series win for the Indians.

The Yankee bats had something to say about that late in the game though.

The Yankees were playing from behind all day, trailing 3-0 early via the long ball.

A solo from Shin-Soo Choo in the first and a two-run shot by Ryan Garko in the fourth had A.J. Burnett reeling.

Burnett walked seven hitters today and managed to still go six and a third and get a no decision.

Mark Teixeira hit a nice opposite field base hit in the bottom half of the fourth to bring the Yankees within two.

Jonathan Albaladejo came in during the top of the seventh with the bases loaded and one out, he quickly got Mark Derosa to ground out.

Cody Ransom, who is filling in for the injured Alex Rodriguez, showed a nice glove, going home with the ground ball to force the runner out at the plate.

Victor Martinez then grounded out to end the bases loaded threat.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Yankees took the lead and never looked back.

Robinson Cano doubled down the left field line to get the inning going and was knocked in by Hideki Matsui with a single to center.

Jorge Posada pinch hit for Jose Molina, and that would be the difference of the game.

Posada hit a high fly ball to right field that looked playable but made it to the seats.

It was almost caught by Trevor Crowe in right, who had just taken over for Ryan Garko to start the inning.

Crowe had no idea he was about to be a part of a game changing moment and a play that was ultimately reviewed by the umpires in the first replay review of the season, and first ever at the new Yankee Stadium.

The ruling on the field was a two-run home run by Posada that scored Matsui and it was a close call because the fan almost reached over.

After the review, it was upheld and the Yankees took the lead, 4-3.

In the bottom of the eight, Cody Ransom added some insurance on a bases loaded double that should have been caught by left fielder Shin-Soo Choo but he lost it in the sun.

The Yankees went on to win the game 7-3 as Mariano Rivera got some work in the ninth in a non-save situation.

Albaladejo would get his first win of the season after his nice efforts in the seventh inning.

The Yankees got a much needed win as they split the first ever series at the new Yankee Stadium and after the embarrassing 22-4 loss on Saturday.

The Yankees are now 7-6 on the season, two and a half games out from the red hot Toronto Blue Jays.

Up next for the Yankees is a three game set starting on Monday at the stadium against the Oakland Athletics.

Jason Giambi will be making his return to the Bronx. It's time to see how well he is received by the fans as he is coming in with a gray beard and a green, and yellow uniform.

My feelings is that it will be mixed. I liked the guy and enjoyed a few of the big moments he had, but I am happy with Mark Teixeira and his amazing glove at first, seeing signs of Don Mattingly all over again.

It will be lefty versus lefty as Andy Pettitte (1-0, 2.51 ERA) will defend the stadium for the Yankees against Dana Eveland (0-0, 6.75 ERA) for the Oakland Athletics.

In other Yankee news, according to the Newark-Star Ledger, Alex Rodriguez hit "several long homers" during a batting practice session Saturday.

A-Rod also took infield grounders from the dirt, a sign that he's just about ready to begin playing in games. The Yankees haven't decided if he'll head out on a minor league rehab assignment, but he'd be ready to begin one next week.