My Yankee Creampies

The Yankees seem to be having fun these days- something new for a club whose mentally of 'business first' has carried them into playoff contention for over a decade. With the last three victories coming from walk-off at bats, and four(!) players receiving the whipping cream pies to the face, something I've never witness for the Yankee clubhouse, there's this looser sense and atmosphere even a fan watching can pick up on. Winning also helps.

Yes, the hiring of Joe Girardi is still in question, but one thing is for sure- he's slowly shredding the "seriousness" in the clubhouse to somewhat positive effect. Adding youngbloods such as Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and a growing favorite of mine- Brett Gardner, into the mix helped just like the addition of younger players usually do. 

I hope this "funner" atmosphere translates tonight when I go to my first game at the new Yankee Stadium tonight. I would LOVE to see a fourth consecutive walk-off another creampie from resident joker AJ Burnett. 

My Second Open Letter To Brian Cashman

Mr. Cashman,

I know I've written to you once before regarding last year's "rebuilding year" and was glad to see that you didn't end up trading our prospects for a run for the playoffs. See what the Tampa Bay Rays did? It was all with prospects and simple trading. But the reason I'm writing this time is to support your much criticized comments regarding Alex Rodriguez. 

“We’ve invested in him as an asset. And because of that, this is an asset that is going through a crisis. So we’ll do everything we can to protect that asset and support that asset and try to salvage that asset.”

Yes, it was a bit cold- but it is exactly what most Yankee fans are thinking. It is time to begin impersonalizing ourselves with Rodriguez. He's a great player but with all the baggage that comes along the good, I couldn't find a better word to describe him than the word you chose. 

Good luck this season. Your stadium looks great,

Peter

P.S.- It is so uncool your people don't return calls to people you interviewed for job openings. 

My Baseball Hatin' Self

So yeah, my Yankees have been out of the running for the playoffs for quite some time now and to channel that frustration and to relieve myself from this said disappointment, I keep telling myself that it's a "rebuilding year", which is kinda is- but it's not enough. What would be enough is if the season ended today, both the Red Sox and the Mets will lose their division.... that would be enough. I'm just sayin'.

My Open Letter To Brian Cashman

Mr. Cashman,

First of all, I'm glad you're finally letting go and have what will be the closest thing to a rebuilding year the Yankees are ever going to get. With that in mind, I hope you're not tempted to make any trades before the deadline with most of your stars on the disabled list. We need those young talent and giving someone like Brett Gardner, Phil Hughes or Daryl Rasner up for a bat to the end of the season just isn't worth it. Getting someone off the current available market like Richie Sexson is the kind of move the Yanks need to make for the interest of the bigger picture.

I know, I know, that new boss Hank is boning you about how all his opening day starters have appeared on the DL (see picture), but don't worry. Between you and me, I think he's just trying to impress his dad. Just smile and nod while his saliva-ridden mouth goes off on you, it'll get better.

Okay, that's all for now. Until then,
Peter

P.S.- Mango pudding IS suppose to taste like gelatin!

My Yankee Gang

In more gang related news, Major League Baseball is surprised some of their merchandise is still on the market- particularly Yankee hats and jersey with designated 'gang colors and patterns'. First of all, I always thought it was just a hip, ghetto thing and had no idea each gang had its own color. Second, what if some innocent guy came into Modell's asking for one and mistakenly joined a gang by accident? Geez. (NYD)

My Leadoff Yankee

I love that baseball is just around the corner. Spring training, which to me has always been a bore and overhyped, just got a little interesting. After a heavy brawl yesterday with the Devil Rays, the Yankees are scheduled to play this afternoon with none other than comedian Billy Crystal as their leadoff hitter! What an experience this would be for the longtime Yankee fan. So all I have to do now is to be in a few more movies? Let me start working on that. (AP)

UPDATE: Crystal struck out on a 3-2 breaking ball. This marks the first time someone got a standing ovation and hugs from everyone after striking out.