Yankees baseball blog

Moose pitches advice to Pavano

The Yankees are counting on Carl Pavano to occupy one of the five spots in the rotation, at least until Roger Clemens makes up his mind about his future. Mike Mussina believes that Pavano will have more to do this spring than to prepare on the field, as he must do some work to win back the trust and respect of his teammates as well.

Mussina, who was honored at last night's Thurman Munson Awards dinner at the Marriott Marquis, said that Pavano, who hasn't pitched in a big-league game since June 27, 2005, can salvage his relationship with his teammates by simply being in the clubhouse and taking the mound every five days. "I think he has to do his job, just kind of be a new guy again," Mussina said. "He's been away a long time.... He's got to earn some trust from some players again, from a coaching staff and a manager. If he can do it, we know he can pitch and we know he can get people out. If he gets over those other hurdles, he'll be an asset." Continue

Murcer full of cheer

Bobby Murcer welcomed a familiar friend yesterday, receiving a visit from Andy Pettitte in Houston. Murcer is beginning his third week of chemotherapy and radiation to fight brain cancer at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

"I'm feeling great. Everything is going along fine with no repercussions or setbacks," Murcer said. "It was great having Andy come over, although I'm sure one of the reasons was because Roger is out of town and he didn't have anybody to work out with" Continue

Bernie torn on future

Bernie Williams is all too aware that the Yankees seem to be close to closing the door on his career in pinstripes, and he said he's not taking it personally. But as he spoke about his baseball future last night, he said nothing definitively to answer the question of whether he is ready to call it a career. Speaking to reporters at his Hillside Food Outreach fund-raising dinner in New Rochelle, Williams left open the possibility of playing another season, saying he feels his body has a couple more productive years left in it.

On the other hand, he said he has mixed emotions because of his family and interests outside of baseball. Most significantly, he wouldn't say if he would consider signing a nonguaranteed contract to come to spring training with the Yankees, or if he would consider signing with another team. Continue

Cairo in as Bernie mulls options

Miguel Cairo officially signed his one-year, $750,000 contract with the Yankees yesterday, filling one of the few remaining openings on the Bombers' roster. Cairo will fill the same role he did last year, serving as the backup at second base, third base and shortstop. The 32-year-old Cairo hit .239 with 30 RBI in 81 games in 2006, starting 57 of them at five different positions, including 36 at second base.

With the Yankees expected to carry Doug Mientkiewicz and either Andy Phillips or Josh Phelps at first base, as well as designated hitter Jason Giambi, the only remaining opening they have is for a backup catcher. Once the team chooses from among Todd Pratt, Wil Nieves and Raul Chavez, the Yankees will have a full 13-man complement of position players. Continue

A New Carl

You have heard this before. Now, get ready to arch your eyebrows again. Carl Pavano will throw a bullpen session today in Phoenix. After spending the winter in Phoenix working out with fitness guru Brett Fischer to reinvent his oft-injured body, Pavano takes the hill today for the first time since suffering a broken rib in an auto accident last August. Pavano was coming back from surgery that removed chips from the right elbow when he totaled a Porsche while on a minor-league rehab assignment. Continue

Murcer gives fans his thanks

Bobby Murcer, the long-time Yankee broadcaster and player, thanked his fans yesterday for their support during his battle with brain cancer. "I've been wanting to jump in here and let you all know how much your E-mails of good wishes have meant to me during the past few weeks," Murcer said in a statement issued by the Yankees. "I never imagined this outpouring of support would come my way, but your prayers are doing more for my recovery than any medicine ever could." Continue

Cut him loose

I like Bernie Williams a great deal. It feels proper to start there when I am about to support the Yankees' current plan not to bring back one of the most important and beloved players in their history. To many of my brethren, Williams was viewed as too flighty or too shy, and that often served as an invisible wall between media and the player except for when Williams absolutely had to be interviewed.

But I have enjoyed chatting with Williams as much as any player during the years. He was unique, an artist in a jockstrap. He was contemplative. He actually considered questions and was a cliché-free zone. He was bright, articulate and insightful in his second language. He was polite, dare I say a gentleman in a forum that does not beget many. Continue

Jorge: Bernie won't retire

Bernie Williams has still not spoken out about his baseball future, but one of his closest friends and teammates said last night that the veteran outfielder has no plans to hang up his spikes just yet. Jorge Posada, speaking before last night's Baseball Assistance Team dinner at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, said Williams plans to play in 2007, though it is unclear whether that will be in Yankee pinstripes. "He's not even thinking about (retirement) yet," Posada said. "He said he wants to play one more year." Continue

Cano's No. 22 to Rog - if ...

The Yankees are preparing for Roger Clemens - at least, numerically speaking. Recently, the club asked All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano to hand over his No. 22 in the event of another Rocket launch in The Bronx, The Post confirmed yesterday. Cano will switch to No. 24, and he's as eager as anyone to see the seven-time Cy Young Award winner in pinstripes again. Cano's number already has been officially adjusted on the team roster, according to a source.

"I was happy to give up the number to a future Hall of Famer if Roger comes aboard," Cano said in a statement. "Hopefully, he will be one of my teammates, I'll have the pleasure of playing with him." Moreover, indications are the Yankees already have relayed Cano's number switch to Clemens' camp - even if the 44-year-old righty has no imminent plans of making a decision of where to pitch in 2007, or whether to retire. Continue

It's official: Yanks to host '08 All-Star game

Major League Baseball and New York City will hold a news conference on Wednesday, Jan. 31st, to officially announce Yankee Stadium as the site of the 2008 All-Star Game, Newsday has learned.

New York City Michael Bloomberg and baseball commissioner Bud Selig are expected on site. Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner doesn't plan to attend, The Boss' spokesman Howard Rubenstein said today.The 2008 All-Star Game will serve as a national farewell to Yankee Stadium, as the Yankees are on schedule to open their new ballpark in 2009. Yankee Stadium last hosted the All-Star Game in 1977, which was also the last time the Midsummer Classic took place in New York. Shea Stadium last hosted the game in 1964, the ballpark's first year, and the Mets are also on target to open their new stadium in 2009. Continue

Yanks keeping Bernie in limbo

The Yankees haven't made a final decision regarding Bernie Williams, a source told The Post yesterday afternoon. But that doesn't mean Williams will be back since there is little room for him on the 2007 roster as it currently stands.

Williams' agent, Scott Boras, did not return phone calls yesterday, and GM Brian Cashman is on vacation this week. However, the source believed Cashman was still having dialogue with Boras and the Yankee GM may have even spoken with the 38-year-old Williams directly at some point this winter. Continue

'08 All-Star game likely at stadium

The home stretch for Yankee Stadium figures to be the 2008 season, and part of it is likely to include the All-Star Game. The Midsummer Classic hasn't been in The Bronx since 1977, but 31 years later, Yankee Stadium is the probable venue. ESPN.com yesterday reported that the Stadium will be site of the 2008 All-Star Game. On seven prior occasions the All-Star Game has been held in New York, with Yankee Stadium having it three times (1977, 1960, 1939), the Polo Grounds twice (1942, 1934) and Shea Stadium and Ebbets Field once each (1964 and 1949, respectively). Continue

On deck with Donnie

Yankees fans still see Don Mattingly as a player. And when the ever-popular icon walked the stage at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center, bat in hand, he still looked as if he could turn around a 95-mph fastball.

But fans weren't lined up for an autograph signing; they were there to listen to him share his knowledge about fielding and hitting at the World Baseball Coaches Convention. Mattingly, who still has the best fielding percentage among first basemen in the history of the game (.996), captivated the capacity crowd in a fielding session Thursday night and a hitting session Friday evening. Continue

Nelson returns to retire

Jeff Nelson wanted to retire in pinstripes, so the former Yankee reliever accepted an invitation to spring training with his old club and then announced yesterday he was ending his 15-year career. The Yankees also released a list of 20 players they have invited to spring training, and while the Bombers' habit has been to fill that list with older players and marginal major leaguers, this year's invitees are mostly prospects, including pitchers Phil Hughes and Tyler Clippard and 18-year-old slugger Jose Tabata.

Only four of 20 invitees are not from the Yankee system - infielder Angel Chavez, ex-Met catcher Todd Pratt, lefty Ben Kozlowski and catcher Raul Chavez, who could compete with Wil Nieves to be Jorge Posada's backup. Continue

Will Rocket follow Andy?

The Yankees did everything they could yesterday to make Andy Pettitte feel as if he had never left, as the lefthander received his old jersey and locker and then a call from The Boss. And while they're in a mood to reminisce, the Yankees would like to give Roger Clemens the same treatment."If Roger is interested in coming to New York," general manager Brian Cashman said, "I'd love to talk to him."

What's old suddenly is new again for the Yankees, and Pettitte couldn't hide his excitement about the thought of playing with Clemens again. "Does he know I would love that?" Pettitte said. "Of course." It could happen, although Pettitte was intentionally tight-lipped about any details Clemens may have shared with him while they played golf in the last few weeks. Continue

Big Unit's failure mystifies Rivera

Mariano Rivera won four World Series titles closing for Andy Pettitte and saw little but disappointment with Randy Johnson as a teammate, and he still can't figure out exactly why. "I don't know what happened," Rivera said of the Big Unit, who was dealt back to Arizona. "From what I saw, Randy gave his best all the time. Unfortunately, it didn't work out the way we wanted it to. But I can't say he didn't do all he could."

Indeed, Johnson's two years in Pinstripes featured first-round playoff exits and the tall lefty failing to contribute in the postseason. He was a far less effective pitcher than the one who repeatedly shut the Yankees down when he was with the Diamondbacks and, before that, the Mariners. Rivera didn't see the same stuff with Johnson as a teammate, which is likely the reason the aging Johnson didn't succeed with the Bombers. "When Randy came here, he didn't have the same stuff he used to have," Rivera said. Continue

Murcer asks longtime fans to pray for him

Bobby Murcer made a direct request of the fans who have followed him from his days as a Yankees phenom through his tenure as a veteran broadcaster. In announcing that the brain tumor that was removed last month was malignant, he asked for their prayers.

Murcer is maintaining his usual positive outlook, according to friends, who are hoping for a miracle. "He knows there is a very difficult time ahead," said Marty Appel, a former Yankees public relations director who says Murcer has seemed like a brother for nearly 40 years. He spoke with Murcer yesterday after the former player issued the statement about his Dec. 28 surgery. Continue

Cashman puts Big Unit behind

At the end of yesterday's media teleconference, Brian Cashman thanked Randy Johnson for being a Yankee. It was a touching statement that once again proved the Yankees GM is a class act. But in the eyes of many, it's good riddance. In the Johnson deal, Cashman received right-handed pitchers Luis Vizcaino, Steven Jackson and Ross Ohlendorf and infielder Alberto Gonzalez from Arizona. All but Vizcaino are expected to start the season in the minors.

Cashman labeled Gonzalez "a special defender" and noted Vizcaino's nickname was "Daily" for how often he took the ball. He said Jackson and Ohlendorf were big, durable righties who will augment a burgeoning farm system. Johnson's tenure, simply by counting the World Series rings he helped earn - zero - was a failure, although Cashman touted the back-to-back AL East titles in 2005 and '06. Johnson, his back aching and his ERA soaring, in the end proved a shell of his former five-time Cy Young Award self. "I'm very excited about being back here," Johnson said during a 30-minute press conference yesterday at Chase Field in Phoenix. "I'm excited about being around family and friends." Continue

Igawa greeted with changeup

The Yankees gave Kei Igawa the bells-and-whistles treatment yesterday that is typical of a big-time free-agent acquisition, showing him off in one of those news conferences filled with optimism and high hopes. Yet once the cameras stopped flashing and the Stadium Club at Yankee Stadium emptied out, general manager Brian Cashman quickly reverted to downplaying the lefthander as best he could.Although Igawa acknowledged he will likely be compared to the Red Sox's Daisuke Matsuzaka for perhaps his career, Cashman did his best to quell the debate long before pitchers and catchers head south. Continue

Unit gets pact, needs

A physical examination today is all that stands in the way of the Yankees finalizing their divorce from Randy Johnson, and possibly setting up a reconciliation with Roger Clemens. The Big Unit's agents reached agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a contract extension before yesterday's 5p.m. closing of their 72-hour negotiating window. The deal completes another hurdle in facilitating Johnson's return to the desert in a five-player trade after two tumultuous seasons with the Yankees.

Johnson had one year and $16 million remaining on the contract he signed two years ago with the Yanks. The Associated Press reported his new deal as two years for $26 million, with $12 million in signing bonuses spread over the next four years ($3.5 million, $0.5 million, $4 million and $4 million). Johnson also will earn salaries of $4 million this season, half of which will be paid by the Yankees, and $10 million in 2008. Arizona also owes him more than $40 million in deferred payments and interest through 2012 from his previous stay with the D-Backs. Continue

Randy, D-Backs keep on talking

Negotiations continued yesterday between Randy Johnson's representatives and the Diamondbacks to complete a contract extension - and effectively end the Big Unit's days with the Yanks - before their 72-hour window closes today at 5 p.m. "Barry (Meister, Johnson's agent) and I are optimistic that we will reach agreement before the deadline," agent Alan Nero, who also represents the lefty, said late last night via E-mail.

The Yanks reached a tentative agreement Thursday on a deal that would send Johnson back to the desert in exchange for four players: reliever Luis Vizcaino and minor-leaguers Ross Ohlendorf, Steven Jackson and Alberto Gonzalez. The Yanks, who already have added lefties Andy Pettitte and Kei Igawa to their rotation this offseason with a chance to eventually reacquire Roger Clemens, also have agreed to pay $2million of Johnson's $16million salary for 2007. Continue

With Unit gone, Bombers set sights on Rocket

With an eye to the desert, and the finalization of the Randy Johnson trade with the Diamondbacks, you can expect the Yankees to soon begin the free-agent dance with Roger Clemens. Asked about Clemens yesterday in a late afternoon conference call to re-introduce first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz to New York, GM Brian Cashman said, "I have nothing hot going with any free-agent pitcher right now." The key words are "right now."

That will change once Clemens makes it clear he is ready for season No. 24. Although the door is wide open for Clemens, it is closing on Bernie Williams. With the addition of Mientkiewicz, who will platoon at first base, there is no room for Williams, who has been part of the organization since signing with the Yankees in 1986. Continue

Yanks re-sign Cairo for 1 year

After flirting with Mark Loretta, the Yankees returned to a comfortable, familiar place to secure their utility infielder, re-signing Miguel Cairo for one year at $750,000. It is a move sure to be met with general appreciation within the Yankee clubhouse since Cairo is a positive sort who is popular with Joe Torre and his teammates.

In his second stint with the Yanks last year, Cairo hit .239 with 13 steals in 14 tries. The 32-year-old has played all four infield positions for the Yankees. There is a possibility - albeit small - that Cairo could serve as the righty-hitting caddy to Doug Mientkiewicz at first base, which would potentially open a roster spot for Bernie Williams. Continue

Who's at first?

There will be a platoon at first base, general manager Brian Cashman confirmed Friday, as the Yankees announced the signing of Doug Mientkiewicz to a one-year, $1.5-million contract. There still will be a reserve infielder signed. And the team intends to deploy 12 pitchers.

So when you tally seven infielders (including designated hitter Jason Giambi), four outfielders, two catchers and 12 pitchers, that's 25 players. And no room for Bernie Williams.More than ever, it looks as though the ultra-popular outfielder will have to play elsewhere if he doesn't want to retire. Cashman wasn't ready to declare that Friday, but he didn't say anything to dispute that notion. Continue

Scout: Young pitcher 'Steal' of deal for Cashman

The Yankees hope they have something similar to Chien-Ming Wang in young Ross Ohlendorf, the pitcher they targeted in the Randy Johnson deal with the Diamondbacks. "This kid is special," explained a National League scout last night. The scout has closely watched the development of Ohlendorf, 24, a sinkerballer, like Wang. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound right-hander struck out 125 batters and walked only 29 last year in the minors as he posted a 10-8 record with a 3.29 ERA at Double-A Tennessee and a 0-0 mark with a 1.28 ERA at Triple-A Tucson.

"He's a tough kid, a smart kid," the scout said of the former Princeton star. "He got over 1,500 on his SATs." The Diamondbacks thought highly of Ohlendorf, too, but to get Johnson, they thought the gamble was worth it. Continue

Randy set to shove off

Randy Johnson's uneasy two-year tenure in New York is one step from being over. The Yankees and Diamondbacks yesterday agreed on the package of players the Yanks would take to send the Big Unit back to the desert, meaning the trade now hinges only on whether Arizona can work out a contract extension with Johnson, which seems likely considering he wants to pitch close to his home in the Phoenix suburbs.

The Yankees will get righthanded reliever Luis Vizcaino and three prospects - the Yanks believe the plum of the group is 6-4 righthander Ross Ohlendorf, a Princeton product - in return for Johnson, according to several baseball officials. The Yankees will kick in $2 million to help the Diamondbacks pay Johnson's $16 million salary for next season, sources said. Continue

Yankees and Diamondbacks reach tentative agreement on Johnson trade

The New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks reached a tentative agreement Thursday on a trade that would send Randy Johnson to Arizona, a move that allows the Big Unit's agents to get him a contract extension. The teams informed the commissioner's office of the specifics of the trade, a baseball official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made. Arizona would send pitcher Luis Vizcaino to the Yankees along with minor league pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and shortstop Alberto Gonzalez, another baseball official said, also on condition of anonymity. The Yankees also might receive another minor league pitcher, the official said, and would pay between $1.5 million and $2 million of Johnson's $16 million salary this year.

Teams are granted a 72-hour window by the commissioner's office to close tentative deals, but it was not clear when that time would begin. "When we have been granted that window, we would be willing to discuss everything with the Diamondbacks," said Alan Nero, who represents Johnson along with Barry Meister. "Once that window is open, we will do our best to work out a deal." (AP)

Yankees and Diamondbacks reach tentative agreement on Johnson trade

The Yankees and Arizona reached a tentative agreement Thursday on a trade that would send Randy Johnson to Arizona, a move that allows the Big Unit's agents to get him a contract extension. The teams informed the commissioner's office of the specifics of the trade, a baseball official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made. (AP)

Pods' payoff pitch to Unit

The Yankees are still working to trade Randy Johnson, and while the Diamondbacks still seem like the Big Unit's most likely destination, the Padres have made what a Southern California newspaper termed their "final offer" for Johnson. And a person with direct knowledge of the talks said that while Arizona and San Diego have been the most likely landing places for Johnson, other clubs have called to discuss potential trades, too. The person refused to identify the clubs, but added that other teams have been involved since the Yankees first began discussing trading Johnson.

The North County Times, citing a major-league source, reported yesterday that the Padres are "definite players" for Johnson. The source told the paper that the Padres have offered a package of prospects and major league talent for Johnson. Reliever Scott Linebrink, who was 7-4 with a 3.57 ERA last season, has come up in discussions between the teams. Continue

Yanks, Doug reach tentative deal

While no agreement was reached regarding Randy Johnson yesterday, the Yankees did make one move. They reached a tentative deal with first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, and he will be undergoing a physical today.

Mientkiewicz, a former Met who recorded the last out of Boston's 2004 World Series victory, should bolster the team's defense at first, allowing Jason Giambi to DH more often. The 32-year-old left-handed hitter batted .283 with four homers and 43 RBIs in 314 at-bats for the Royals last season. He must pass his physical, of course, before his short-term deal becomes official. Continue

Arizona deal closer

Momentum continues to build toward Randy Johnson's return to Arizona, as one official involved in the discussions described the odds of such a deal as "good." It appears just a matter of time now before the Yankees ship the Big Unit back to the team from which they acquired him two years ago.

The remaining issues to be resolved largely concern money, the official said. The talks have advanced far enough that Johnson and his agents, Barry Meister and Alan Nero, are in the loop. Johnson and his family have returned to their Arizona home after a vacation in Hawaii.The financial negotiations regarding Johnson are multi-tiered. The Yankees and Diamondbacks must agree on the Yankees' contribution to Johnson's $16-million salary in the 2007 season. Obviously, the more the Yankees pay, the better package of players they'll receive in return. Continue

Money delays Unit trade

Randy Johnson has returned home from his vacation, and now he must figure out if he is going to stay in Arizona for the rest of the year. With New Year's Day now past, Johnson is expected to become more involved in the decision-making process that most likely will make him an ex-Yankee soon.

The complicated issue that needs to be resolved with the Diamondbacks to make a trade between the clubs official is how much money Johnson will make over the next two years. Sources reiterated this weekend the major issue - as the Post's Joel Sherman reported Friday - is how much of Johnson's $16 million salary for the 2007 season the Yankees will eat and how much the veteran left-hander is willing to redirect toward a 2008 extension. Continue

Yankees push for 'Rocket'

As soon as the Big Unit Watch ends, the clock on the Rocket Launch will start ticking. While the Yankees have not officially unloaded Randy Johnson to either the Diamondbacks or the Padres yet, if - or is it when? - they do they will clear money to invest in Roger Clemens. The fact that the Yankees plan to go hard after Clemens is not shocking, as it has been speculated since the signing of Andy Pettitte. What is interesting is that the Yankees, according to a report on Sports Illustrated's website, will attempt to have Clemens join the team much earlier than he did with the Astros.

In Houston last year, Clemens signed on May 31 and then made his initial major league start a little less than a month later. The Yankees may want to have Clemens during spring training, making a full-court press to sign him the likely next move on Brian Cashman's offseason chess board after he completes the Johnson swap. Continue