Zimmer's Way

Yankees shock pundits everywhere, and win first game!
Despite numerous articles on ESPN.COM and in the New York Times, Post and Daily News, not to mention various message boards and blogs the Yankees are not going to finish in last place.
Judging by yesterday's coverage one would have been led to believe that the Yankees were decimated by a plague, instead they lost one meaningless game.
I missed the first four innings but woke up in time to watch Jorge Posada do his best Mickey Mantle impression by bashing three run homers from both sides of the plate. With Gary Sheffield and Jason Giambi both being locks to finish in the top ten in on base percentage at the end of the year there should be plenty of opportunities like this morning for Jorge. Look for him to set a career high in RBIs.
Watching Kevin Brown was a blast. His stuff is filthy and I love the hitch in his wind-up. When he's on the mound he's got an intense look that borders on pure insanity, I have a feeling he's going to be big for the Bombers this year.
On a side note is there anything more intimidating than watching Lou Pinella storm the mound to pull his pitcher after the guy just walked a couple and gave up a three run blast. I'd cry as soon as I saw Lou leave the dugout if I were a Devil Ray reliever.

There Goes The Perfect Season
If I had known that Tampa Bay was 3-0 for their last three opening days, including beating Pedro Martinez, I would not have woken up at 5 AM this morning. Actually, I don't mind the early AM hours, but I would not have woken up my beautiful, understanding and hopefully forgiving fiancee had I known of Tampa's peculiar ability to win on opening day.
The game can be summed up with Mike Mussina had a terrible day. He was missing up in the zone and he wasn't striking anyone out. He even walked two batters in the same inning. Mussina's generosity led to career days for Toby Hall and a blast from the past for Tino Martinez.
Now for the few highlights:
Jason Giambi hit a two-run rocket in the first and mashed a double in the eighth. He appears to have regained whatever he lost last year due to the various maladies - this is good both for the Yankees and one of my fantasy teams.
Alex Rodriguez looked sharp at third making a couple of nice plays, however he almost collided with Paul Quantrill fielding a bunt. That was bad because Quantrill looked fantastic getting three outs on three pitches. If he's hurt the Yanks could be screwed.
On a side note, despite their victory today, the Devil Rays truly stink. They are below average offensively at every infield position including catcher. Aubrey Huff is a legitimate All-Star but Rocco Baldelli and Carl Crawford both have a long way to go before they recognize the lofty status bestowed upon them by the writers of the Sports Weekly Baseball Preview. Unless they're pitching can keep the other team to under five runs they're going to lose a lot.
I'm not waking up at 5 tomorrow, which means Kevin Brown will probably pitch a perfect game and A-Rod will hit four homers. Oh well...

Yankees Announce Roster
With opening day less than 24 hours away, at least for New York and Tampa the Yanks have opened their opening day roster.
First the good news, Homer Bush, Darren Bragg and Joe Girardi did not make the roster. The fact that these guys were even in camp was more scary than funny. Girardi has been little more than a corpse since...oh, 1996/97. However, I think his presence had more to do with his impending Yes contract than anything else. As for Bush and Bragg, they're both old and neither of them were every any good so lets just pray that they refuse their assignment and cease to be linked to the Bronx ever again.
Some more good news comes in the fact that Bernie Williams will not start the season on the disabled list. This news is bolstered by the fact that Joe Torre is starting Kenny Lofton in the nine hole. The combination of those two events should only make it easier for Williams to get the lion's share of the playing time. Although I don't love the idea of Jeter leading off all season, I think he makes a better number two hitter, he's better than Lofton. However, all Lofton really needs to do is have three or four good games in a row and he'll probably move to the top of the order. If there's a god he'll be released by mid-season and the Yanks will trade for Carlos Beltran to play centerfield.
The final piece of good news comes in the form of Bubba Crosby and Jorge De Paula making the roster. Neither are top prospects, but they're both young and they both have upsides, something that cannot be said from the aforementioned corpses who were in camp this spring.
Now the bad news. Donovan Osborne made the team. I know, I can't believe I actually had to type that. I watched him face the Hanshin Tigers last night - he was awful. An optimist would point out that most of the hits he gave up were dink singles, a realist would point out that had he made those pitches against Boston those dinks would be dongs and instead of giving up seven in one inning he may have given up fourteen. If Lieber doesn't get healthy soon I'd be shocked if the Yanks don't make a trade for another arm.
This next bit of bad news isn't tragic, but I don't really like Hideki Matsui battting second. We don't call him Hideki "4-3" Matsui for nothing. The idea of him erasing Jeter by grounding into double plays is especially tough when you consider that after Matsui grounds out, pitchers are going to have to navigate A-Rod, Giambi and Sheffield - yikes!
Fantasty Update: Got two trade offers this week and made on in the Vero Beach League. I was offered Miguel Cabrera for Josh Beckett, I was tantalized, however I couldn't give up my second best pitcher for a guy who would only be my utility infielder. I was also offered Jamie Moyer and Dontrelle Willis for Tim Hudson - no comment needed.
I did make the offer of Derek Lowe, Damosa Marte, Jim Edmonds and J.D. Drew for Roy Halladay and Pat Burell. The deal looked like it was going to happen when the other guy got cold feet about giving up Burell. Then, he got cold feet about giving up his ace. Unfortunately he got caught in the whole valuing a guy for his name more than the value the trade would have brought to his team. Oh well.

Current Playlist: Kanye West - The College Dropout, Elbow - Cast of Thousands, Belle and Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress and The Strokes - Room On Fire

Draft Two
My second fantasy league, the Vero Beach League, had our draft last night. This is a five by five, head to head team of ten teams with the winner getting $600. (Second gets $300 and third gets $100). I also have the pleasure of knowing and being freinds with everyone in the league which makes this more interesting and more fun.

I ended up with the ninth pick. Which means that once again the fantasy gods have seen me unfit to draft in the top five. It also means that once again I would not be in a position to draft A-Rod, who went first. There were a ton of strategies flying around, teams focusing on middle infield and catcher, teams focusing on speed, teams focusing on sleepers, etc. This forced me to change my strategy which was draft young players on the verge of breaking out for responding to the trends by bucking them, this left me with a lot of outfielders and starting pitchers. I did continue my strategy of ignoring the positions that only had three or four worthy of being drafted (C, 2B, SS, 3B) early as soon as those three or four were drafted. This meant didn't draft a C or 2b until the latter rounds.
My first pick was Barry Bonds - this will also be known as the pick I did not want to make. I do not like Bonds and I'm a bit weary about all the surrounding hullabaloo that he will be dealing with this year. Turns out everyone in my league felt the same way. Despite my misgivings I could not miss out on a chance to take the most devestating player in the game with the ninth pick.
I was also in charge of tracking everyone's picks - something I vow never to do again. Therefore, I do not remember the order of who I picked so here's my breakdown by position.
Catcher: A.J. Pierzynski - Predictably Piazza, Pudge and Posada all went way too high. So I didn't mind holding off on picking a catcher till the later rounds. It was between him, Mike Lieberthal and Victor Martinez. At the moment I was happy with the pick. At the moment I was also coping with a room that was fast approaching one thousand degrees. As of this morning I have post draft depression and doubt that Pierzynski will make my opening day roster. However, if he ends up batting fifth, behind Bonds, I may keep him.
First Base: Jim Thome - Thome is the pre-eminent masher in all of baseball and I couldn't resist with my second pick. The guy had what some consider to be an off season and still crushed 47 dingers and 120+ ribbies. Between him and Bonds my first two picks could yield 90+ HRs and 220+ RBI's. There was a reason why I was smiling after the first two rounds.
Second Base: Ray Durham - This was the "oh my god I have the slowest team in the league pick." I'm pretty indifferent about Durham. It was between him and Loretta and I grabbed Durham cause he has a bit more speed.
Third Base: Eric Chavez - He's on both of my fantasy teams - obviously I think he is going to break out this year.
Shortstop: Derek Jeter - I was willing to forego two positions, not three. When A-Rod, Nomar and Tejada got snapped up in the first three rounds, I was drafting Jeter or Renteria with my next pick. Both were available with my third pick and I went with my hometown favorite. The way I see it screw all the haters - Jeter is going to have an MVP type season, regardless of whether or not he's overrated defensively. Incidentally, Renteria was taken immediatly following Jeter. Those two picks were followed by numerous groans around the table.
Utility - Bobby Crosby - I was estatic that he was available in the last couple of rounds. Everything points to him being a legitimate stud and even his low end predictions would make him a top ten shortstop. I'm also a big believer in take at least one or two flyers on young guys who could break out and Crosby fits that description to a tee.
Outfield: Bonds, Lance Berkman, Jim Edmonds, JD Drew, Shawn Green, Marlon Byrd and Austin Kearns. Remember what I was saying about a glut of outfielders, well there was a six round span where I only drafted outfielders and starting pitchers. Berkman was my second outfielder drafted. It was between him and Brian Giles and when Giles was grabbed with the pick proceeding mine the decision was made. I grabbed Edmonds and Green back-to-back and I think there's a good shot both could hit thirty plus dingers, although most of 'em may be solo shots. Marlon Byrd was part of my draft anyone with speed strategy that developed in the latter rounds. I got Drew and Kearns late, real late, and all the other teams really blew it by leaving them on the board. I'm a big believer in organizational strategy. So if Drew is good enough for the Atlanta Brass he's good enough for me. Adam Dunn went pretty early and I think the guy who took him had him confused with Kearns. Let's get one thing straight Kearns was on the verge of stardom when injuries derailed him last year. Not only that but Riverfront stadium is a hitter's park. Let's just say he may be my best oufielder by the end of the year. Keep in mind guys like Raul Ibanez and Dave Roberts were taken before him.
Starting Pitchers - Tim Hudson, Josh Beckett, Derek Lowe, Wade Miller, Jake Peavy, Jeremy Affeldt - Husdon and Beckett are on both my fantasy teams which should make tracking stats a bit easier. Pedro was taken with the eight pick in the draft. After that no starting pitcher was taken till the third round when there was a run. I really wanted Javier Vazquez or Mike Mussina, I grabbed Hudson when both of those guys went within a pick of each other. Beckett was my second starter chosen and I the two give me strong top of the staff punch. I took Lowe and Miller late and I figure each should be good for around 15 wins with solid ERA and WHIPs. I grabbed Peavy to help give my staff some punch-outs, at least one owner was noticably upset when I snatched him up. Peavy was one of those "how long do I wait picks." Luckily I grabbed him in the ninth or tenth round - exactly where I wanted him. Jeremy Affeldt was the last player I drafted. Once again, Jeremy Affeldt was the last player I drafted. If his blister problem is over, and all indications are that they are, some people are gonna be mighty upset come October.
Relief Pitchers - Trevor Hoffman, Armando Benitez and Damoso Marte - Solid bunch. Not much to say other than that.

My First Fantasy Draft of the Season
The Carver High Fantasy League had our draft today. Before I go into my draft I'll give some basics. It's an eight team league, cumulative numbers, stats cats are R, HR, RBI, SB AVG., OBP., OPS., W, SV, K, ERA, and WHIP.
Positions are C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, OF, OF, OF, U, SP, SP, SP, RP, RP, RP, P, P and two bench slots.
I had the fifth pick in the draft. I was hoping for the first pick just so I could grab A-Rod. I ended up with Alfonso Soriano with my first pick and I have to admit I was pretty psyched to get him so low in the first round. Predictably the first pick was A-Rod, followed by Pujols, Bonds, Sheffield, Soriano, Helton and Gagne. I'd like to add that as a rule live drafts and pre-set drafts don't work. For proof look at the fact that Gagne was a first round pick. I was surrounded by two computer drafters and it sucked because the computer selected the best player as opposed to the best player for the team which meant that I had to alter my draft strategy to compensate. It also cost me Carlos Beltran - I'm very bitter.
My from the heart pick was giving the last bench spot to Bernie Williams.
My potential steal was Hank Blalock as my other bench player, I think I'll have some real flexibility.
My could blow up in my face moves: Rich Harden and Jose Contrers are on my staff they could be my salvation or my road to ruin.
Here's my round by round re-cap:
1: With the fifth pick Soriano was a no-brainer. Despite his playoff mishaps he had a great year and now he'll be mashing in Texas - I love this pick.
2: I took Eric Chavez, possibly a little early, but he's 26 and in a walk year, plus the writers at Baseball Prospectus love him. He was one of three players (A-Rod and Beltran being the others) who I really wanted going into the draft so I was happy to get him.
3: Pedro Martinez - yes, I still hate him. And yes if Mark Prior didn't have that nagging injury I would have taken him here. However, given that Prior threw a ton of innings last year and that Dusty Baker has no idea how to nurse a young pitcher I was uncomfortable grabbing Prior so high. Instead I'll have to live with a ton of strikeouts, a great whip and ERA.
4: Miguel Tejada - I think he may be a steal given that he was going from a pitcher's park to somewhat of a hitter's park. Plus he killed the AL East last year.
5: Jason Giambi - I needed a masher and a Yankee, Giambi was both. None of my first three hitters are high AVG., but they all have power and adding a guy who can crank 40 jacks and lead the leage in OBP made this a no-brainer.
6: Tim Hudson - I was in a bad place when this pick came around, I was really hoping to get Mike Mussina, Javier Vazquez or Kerry Wood - all were selected in the fifth round. All three of those guys will most likely have more strikeouts than Hudson, but Hudson should have a better ERA and WHIP and will win as many games, the more I think about this pick the more I like it. With Pedro and Hudson I arguably have the two best starters in the AL.
7: Mariano Rivera - I love Mo, I hate this pick. I made a rookie error. I thought I could steal Jeter as my utility player here, he went two picks ahead. So, I got crazy about not having enough of my favorite Yankees (A-Rod, Jeter, Moose, Vazquez, Posada and even Sheff having been picked) so I grabbed the best availabe one. Unfortunately it was probably too high as he was the third closer taken and guys like Billy Wagner and Trevor Hoffman were still on the market.
8: Andruw Jones - I needed an outfielder I got one of the best at what I consider a pretty low pick. I was a little nervous about not having an outfielder at the 8th round but this brightened my feelings.
9: Brian Giles - If Jones made me feel better this made me celebratory.
10: Josh Beckett - I couldn't resist, yes he's young, but the thought of teaming him with Pedro and Hudson gave me chills. I could lock up strikeout with these three alone.
11: Octavio Dotel - Let's be honest my pitching staff may have the filthiest stuff imaginable. Looking at Dotel's numbers from the past years I think he can easily replicate Billy Wagner, plus him and Mo give me two relievers who strike batters out and don't walk a lot of people.
12: Chipper Jones - How about that for a twelfth round pick. I don't have to like Larry, I just have to know he's good for .300/30/100 every year.
13: Miguel Cabrera - He's my utility guy and I think he could be a stud.
14: Damoso Marte - At first I thought this was a steal, the White Sox have an unsettled bullpen and Marte has the best stuff out of anyone they have. But I have a sneaking suspicion that Ozzie Guillen will be the worst manager in baseball and I think that may destory some of Marte's potential.
15: Rich Harden - risky but I liked it hear. Millwood and Maddux got snapped up right before him and Russ Ortiz, Matt Morris and Wade Miller all got picked after him. All of those guys have better pasts, but Harden has the brightest future.
16: Jose Contreras - all I'll say is he's sitting when he pitches against Boston.
17: Jason Kendall - The stand out catchers were all gone pretty early Posada (third round), I-Rod (seventh round), Varitek and Piazza (eigth round). Therefore, I felt I could hold off on the position given that out of the next batch I didn't really feel any stood head and shoulders above the rest given that I was thrilled to grab Kendall so late.
18: Hank Blalock - He's my first bench guy and could provide valuable trade material - especially since he's probably the third best thirdbasemen in the AL.
19: Bernie Williams - purely one for the heart, had to take my favorite Yankee.
Overall I'm happy with my team. I've got decent speed and more than enough power. Other than Giambi and Chipper Jones most of my hitters are young and just entering their prime years with any luck I could get a career year out of a couple of them. On the pitching side I've got a bunch of high strikeout, low walk guys just what I wanted. Harden, Contreras and Marte are somewhat risky but given how solid the rest of my staff is I'm happy.
I have a draft for my other league next year, I'll update as soon as it's over.

Spring Training: Game Two
In the first inning Derek Jeter won the disco battle with Alex Rodriguez as the cheering was noticeably louder when his name was announced.
Although the first two games have been home games, Jason Giambi has not been subject to the booing that Barry Bonds has. It also appears that Giambi's knee is better, even when fouling pitches off he seems to be doing so with more authority. Although a spring training grand slam doesn't mean much it's hard not to get excited about watching Giambi come up with the based juiced. People can argue for the Red Sox's lineup, but I think the Bombers are going to be the ones giving pitchers the jitters.
Travis Lee may prove to be an invaluable pickup. Ideally the Yanks will up some big numbers early allowing him to come in at 1B and provide some defense. He could also act as Kevin Brown's personal firstbaseman. On those days Giambi coud DH and Bernie or Kenny Lofton can get some rest.
It may take A-Rod some time to get used to third but he's got a cannon that will allow him to make up for some bobbles and what not. As long as he keeps it in front of him, he'll gun most runners down.

First Spring Training Game
Well the sun rises on another season for the Bronx Empire. Not only does A-Rod look great in pinstripes he handled two chances flawlessly, one was a bad hop too.
Kevin Brown was clearly in spring training mode and gave up four singles, though only one was hard hit and the others were just ended up where the fielders ain't.
The hitters were also in spring training mode as almost every Yankee hitter swung at the first or second pitch. The exception was Hideki Matsui who worked the count full and then got called out looking. At least he didn't ground out to secondbase. Matsui did throw Jimmy Rollins out at third.
John Kruk had his debut as an ESPN announcer and he's already miles better than Jeff Brantley aka. the worst announcer in the history of televised sports. Kruk's best line so far was "First base is a good position for fat guys."

Sorry for the unavoidable delay
A lot has been going on since I last updated this site, unfortunately a legal brief for my legal writing course sapped all of my abilities to use words in cohesive sentence structures.
ESPN broadcasted there first baseball game yesterday afternoon - Mets v. Dodgers. It was so good to watch a game again, I even managed to stay tuned in while the Mets pitchers were doing their best wild thing imitations. While they're still the Muts, with the additions of Mike Cameron and Kaz Matsui, a healthy Cliff Floyd and Mike Piazza and a developing Jose Reyes they're actually going to be fun to watch.
I'm still unsure of how I feel about how the whole steroids debacle. On a top level I realize that they're awful and should be banned from baseball. I also think that MLB and the player's union need to institute a more comprehensive testing mechanism, even if it is mostly to placate the fans.
I do think it's bullshit that all of a sudden players like Johnny Damon and Turk Wendell are calling people out. I'd like to see how vocal they were over their concerns when the drug testing issue was being discussed in the last collective bargaining agreement. Finally, anyone who thinks that Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield and Barry Bonds are the only stars who may have abused steroids...well I've got a bridge to sell you.