I Just… Don’t… Get It…..

Yahoo’s baseball experts decided to get together and predict the 2008 baseball season. I didn’t read every one of their predictions, but I did manage to read each of their AL East predictions and wow, I must ask, what world are these guys living in?

Below is Steve Henson’s prediction. I’d like to talk about each person’s prediction, but they’re essentially the same, as each predicts the Sox over the Yankees for the same reasons (one guy even says the Blue Jays will overtake the Yankees):

Late March adventures in the Tokyo Dome and the L.A. Coliseum might cause the Red Sox to start slow, but this is one of the best rosters in recent memory. Better than the Yankees, who are counting heavily on young pitchers and aging position players, and the Blue Jays, whose team doctor should be MVP if they win the division. The Rays are improving but are still middle-school level to the Red Sox graduate students.

So, let’s see here. They have a better roster because the Yankees are “counting heavily on young pitchers and aging position players…” Hmm, this concept has been talked about endlessly by many sportswriters, analysts, and of course, fans. However, is this statement truly accurate? Let’s look at the rosters.

The Red Sox have the following starting lineup: Jacoby Ellsbury (24), Dustin Pedroia (24), Kevin Youkilis (29), David Ortiz (32), Manny Ramirez (36), Mike Lowell (34), J.D. Drew (32), Jason Varitek (36) and Julio Lugo (32). Their SP’s are Josh Beckett (28), Dice-K (27), Jon Lester (24), Tim Wakefield (41), Clay Buchholz (22).

The Yankees have the following starting lineup: Melky Cabrera (23), Robinson Cano (25), Jason Giambi (37), Hideki Matsui (34), Johnny Damon (34), Alex Rodriguez (32), Bobby Abreu (34), Jorge Posada (36) and Derek Jeter (34). Our SP’s are Wang (28), Andy Pettitte (36), Phil Hughes (22), Mike Mussina (39), Ian Kennedy (23).

If you look at the ages provided above, exactly where is the big difference? The Red Sox have 6 hitters playing on the wrong side of 30 (32+) and the Yankees have 7. One of those 7 was actually the AL MVP last year. The Yankees have offensive consistency up and down the lineup. Can you really say that with the Red Sox? What can you expect from Varitek, JD Drew, or Julio Lugo? Now what about the pitching? I see both teams relying upon their young arms this season, not just the Yankees. What was Henson talking about? Also, last time I checked (uh, just now), the Yankees actually have more experience in their rotation than the Red Sox.

Please, everyone, stop the madness already.

Karstens to be Placed on the DL

Kat O’Brien reports that Jeff Karstens suffered a groin injury during his outing against the Pirates (today). He’s expected to start the season on the DL and will not make the team as a long-reliever. So, the battle comes down to Rasner and Igawa. I think Igawa has a good shot simply because his contract forces him into the position, although he did pitch poorly today. It’s not even the 4 ER that probably bother Girardi. However, walking 3 in 3.1 innings probably does bother him. Rasner has walked 9 in 14 innings.

Reggie to Throw the First/Last Pitch

Reggie Jackson will throw the ceremonial first pitch at Yankees Stadium. It’ll be the last of its kind in the old stadium as the new stadium continues along in its development. It would’ve been nice to get Bernie Williams back, at least for this special moment, but I guess, for now, that bridge has been burnt beyond repair (especially with Cashman’s more recent comments about Bernie).

Shelley Awarded

Today, Shelley Duncan received the Yankees’ James P. Duncan award, which is offered annually to the top rookie in Spring Training. When told of the award, Shelley screamed, “Cool!” and then he did a spikes up slide into his locker, taking out Mike Mussina who was in the middle of a crossword puzzle (….). For those who don’t know, the Duncan award was made to commemorate James P. Duncan, a NY Times sportswriter who passed away while covering the Yankees in Spring Training.

Let’s hope Shelley fares better than last year’s recipient–Kei Igawa.

Exhibition: Yanks VS. Pirates

The Yanks lost to the Pirates today (2-5) and were shut down by my boy Tom Gorzelanny (a fantasy sleeper), although he did allow 1 ER. Here’s a rundown of the game, including some information about Jeff Karstens who apparently injured his leg. Kei Igawa also pitched today and gave up 4 ER in 3.1 IP, but with Karstens injured I wouldn’t be surprised if he locks up the long-man role. Rasner could even get a shot.

Steinbrenner Field

Legends Field was officially renamed today, as it is now George M. Steinbrenner Field. Bryan Hoch has a nice writeup on the event/ceremony that took place. The renaming concept, although connected to Steinbrenner’s desire and passion for winning at all costs (literally), was also designed to honor the philanthropic work he’s done and been involved with in the Tampa community. Jeter, Pettitte, Girardi and the Steinbrenner sons all chime in to congratulate George and it seems like an emotional day in Florida.

Hank Disses Canseco

From Pete Caldera:

“Consider the source, that’s No. 1,” Steinbrenner said of Canseco. “He wouldn’t have been able to hit the ball out of the infield without steroids.”

Agreed. Hank Steinbrenner has spoken.

Pettitte to Start Sunday

Andy Pettitte threw some long toss today and will have a bullpen session tomorrow (barring any incidents or back-related issues). He’s expected to start in a minor league exhibition game this Sunday. This sets Pettitte up to start on April 4th as opposed to the 3rd (he was pushed back an extra day).

MLB Investigating Salcedo’s Age

According to Baseball America, the MLB is currently investigating Edward Salcedo’s age (he reportedly 16) and they are trying to establish whether or not his documentation is valid. Salcedo is a highly touted prospect from the DR that has been linked to the Yankees in the past. Judging from these supposed pictures of the kid, he looks 16-19.

(Thanks to MLBTR).

Sorry Ladies

Hideki Matsui has gotten married. I guess he’ll finally have to get rid of that extensive porn collection that he loves so much. Yes, that’s right, Matsui loves porn. They even mention it in that article… Okay, I’ll stop talking now.

Actually, before I go, here’s a funny tidbit about the marriage. PA from the LoHud Blog tells us that Matsui, Abreu and Jeter actually had made a bet at the beginning of Spring Training over who would get married first.

Whoever got hitched first would win. But there was a caveat: the losers could keep their money if they got married as well.

Abreu, because he already has a girlfriend, would get six months. Jeter, who is single, would get a year.

Jeter was stunned when he walked into the clubhouse this morning and learned that Matsui got married in New York yesterday. Captain Cool, the man who loves to say nothing surprises him, was astonished.

“He what?” Jeter said. “Seriously?”

Jeter quickly conceded the bet. “I got one year? No chance,” he said. “I’ll give him the money today. That’s pretty good. How do you say sneaky in Japanese? Ain’t that something? I should have known he was up to something.”

Said Abreu: “I’m writing him a check.”

Matsui was having a good time with the whole thing.

“Derek has a year or I win,” he said.

Asked whether he got married just to win the bet, Matsui let out a loud laugh. “Maybe,” he said.

Thursday Morning Bits: Pettitte, Tino, A-Rod, PED Penalties

A couple of news items to start off the day:

1) Andy Pettitte threw a bullpen session yesterday and is expected to throw a light side session today. If today’s session is completed with no ill-effects felt, then Pettitte is expected to have a final ST start on Saturday against a minor league lineup, allowing Girardi to pencil his name in for April 3rd. However, depending on how he feels after today’s session, he could be pushed back an extra day.

2) Next up, some great news on Tino Martinez. Apparently, Tino, despite his earlier feelings about not wanting to coach, seems enamored with coaching and has enjoyed his position with the Yankees this year as a special instructor/consultant. However, not only will Tino be helping the Yankees, and particularly Shelley Duncan, with both fielding and hitting, he’ll also assist the club with the minor league system. When asked about coaching full-time with the Yankees, Tino stated that he would definitely like to do it and that it’s basically up to the club to figure out what they’d like to do (and when).

3) Mike Borzello, former Yankees’ bullpen catcher, and a well known A-Rod confidant (when he was with the team) has spoken up against the allegations put forth by Jose Canseco pertaining to A-Rod and steroids. Borzello essentially states that A-Rod has never said or taken anything to his knowledge and that he was the one person A-Rod really trusted while he was with the club. Apparently, A-Rod would go to Borzello in order to discuss anything and everything, and Borzello swears by Rodriguez’s hard work and desire to be the best. In the end, Borzello ends up saying, “In the 4 years I spent with him,” he never took steroids, which is pointless because Canseco’s story never really said that he did that (the book insinuates that he took steroids well over 4 years ago). Borzello offers himself up as a good character witness though, letting everyone know that A-Rod is known to be somewhat “scared” of alcohol and drugs, amongst other things.

4) Speaking of PEDs, the MLB is close to tightening up their PED rules and regulations, providing tougher laws in relation to steroids, amphetamines, and other banned substances. An AP source has stated that an agreement could even be reached by Sunday. Basically, it’s contingent upon legal factors between players and owners.

5) And, finally, for you fantasy baseball players out there, I was looking through Sports Illustrated’s fantasy rundown which projects player statistics and outlines the best players at their respective positions for the 2008 season. In their 2B ranking SI fails to put Robinson Cano in their top 10 and instead label him as a “sleeper.” How does that work? They actually have Howie Kendrick, who I love, ahead of him. Huh?

The Parasite That is Jose Canseco

Here’s a tremendous read about Jose Canseco by esteemed writer Pat Jordan. Jordan’s outline of Canseco’s life and his behavior is so detailed and intricate that once you read it, you’ll likely hate Jose Canseco and think that he is a waste of human flesh (although you probably didn’t need this text to feel that way). You’ll also get a great internal look at Canseco’s financial troubles, brought on primarily by his own general stupidity and arrogance. Be warned however, the article is rather long and contains explicit material about a variety of issues (e.g. sex, steroids, foul language, etc.).

Thanks to Dan from Pinstripes PA for providing me with this.