Big Expectations In The Big Apple

beatnikpoet13 · 04-30-2004, 09:20 AM

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beatnikpoet13 · 04-30-2004, 09:38 AM

Expectations are high this year as the Yankees prepare to take the field for the 2004 season. This offseason was busy for the Yankees, as they acquired relievers Tom Gordon and Paul Quantrill via free agency, along with starting pitcher Donovan Osborne, centerfielder Kenny Lofton, first basemen Tony Clark and Travis Lee, second baseman Miguel Cairo, and slugging outfielder Gary Sheffield.

The Yankees were also able to acquire ace pitchers Kevin Brown and Javier Vazquez via trade, along with with superstar shortstop Alex Rodriguez, who will take over at third base for the Yankees.

Now we'll start taking a look at the Yankees, position by position, starting with the starting rotation.

Starters
This group is led by Mike "Moose" Mussina, who enters his fourth season with the Bronx Bombers. Mussina is a crafty veteran workhorse who can be counted on for 200+ innings and 18-20 wins. Right behind Mussina will be newly acquired Kevin Brown, who at 39 years old may have seen better days. Brown, who was acquired this offseason for Jeff Weaver, has been plagued by injuries the past few seasons, but rebounded last year to post an outstanding 2.39 ERA to go with 14 wins for an anemic Dodgers team. With this Yankees offense, Brown could quite possibly win 20 games, provided he can stay healthy.

Young fireballer Javier Vazquez will anchor the number three spot in the rotation, perhaps giving the Yankees the best number three starter in the American League. Last season Vazquez won 13 games and struck out 241 in 230 innings pitched, and this season he should increase his win total to somewhere near 20.

Rounding out the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation will be crafty Cuban fireballer Jose Contreras and rookie Jorge Depaula. Contreras, who posted a fine 3.30 ERA and 7 wins in limited duty last season, will be counted on to provide the Bombers with quality innings at the back of the rotation. Jorge Depaula is one of the top pitching prospects in the Yankees farm system, and hopes are high that he will be able to provide the big club with quality innings in the number 5 spot in the rotation.

Injuries

Jon Lieber and Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez will start the season on the disabled list. When he returns, Hernandez may step into a long relief/spot starter role, while the team is hopeful that Lieber will be able to step right into the rotation as the fifth starter.

Up next...a preview of the bullpen.

NYJuggalo45 · 04-30-2004, 09:52 AM

jesus, you didn't just fire Cashman, you killed him off. Definitely have the Yankees mentality with that

potatoman · 04-30-2004, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by NYJuggalo45
jesus, you didn't just fire Cashman, you killed him off. Definitely have the Yankees mentality with that

beatnikpoet13 · 04-30-2004, 03:02 PM

Bullpen
The Yankees bullpen begins and ends with future Hall Of Fame closer Mariano Rivera. Arguably the premier closer in baseball, Rivera will once again be counted on to close out games for the boys from the Bronx.

The setup men in the Yankees 'pen will be righties Tom Gordon and Paul Quantrill, both of whom were free agent pickups during the offseason. Gordon, who help close out games last year in Chicago, will also serve as insurance in case of a Rivera injury. Quantrill had an outstanding year in 2003, posting a fine 1.75 ERA in 77 innings pitched.

Middle relief will be capably manned by lefties Felix Heredia, Gabe White, and Donovan Osborne. Osborne, who can also start if need be, will also fill in as a spot starter if needed. Look for either Heredia or White to be dealt this season, as the Yankees appear to have more than enough lefties in the bullpen. All in all this is a solid group, so the sixth inning on will be anything but easy for opposing teams.

beatnikpoet13 · 04-30-2004, 03:31 PM

Catcher
Jorge Posada will once again be behind the plate for the Yankees. Last season Posada hit 30 homeruns with 101 RBI's, both among the team's leaders. Posada is average behind the plate, but his offense more than makes up for his defensive shortcomings. Backing Posada up will be John Flaherty, a more than capable backup with an above average throwing arm.

First Base
Jason Giambi returns for his third season with the Yankees, and all eyes will be on him in light of the offseason's steroid scandals. Last year Giambi led the team in homeruns and RBI's, with 41 taters and 107 men batting in. Giambi's batting average was a career low .250, and his RBI total was his lowest since 1998. Look for Giambi to have a breakout year this season, as he has a lot to prove. Giambi is a subpar fielder, however he'll need to play in the field, because Bernie Williams will be the team's DH this season.

Backing up Giambi will be newly acquired Travis Lee, who in his six seasons in the majors has yet to live up to expectations. Lee is a superb fielder, so look for him to spell Giambi in the late innings of close games. The Yankees also signed Tony Clark this offseason, but don't expect much out of him, as he may very well start the season in AAA Columbus.

Second Base
This is without question the weakest position on the team. Miguel Cairo gets the nod as the starter, but he's subpar both in the field and at the plate, so look for the Yankees to make a move to shore up this position. Last season Cairo hit an anemic .245 in limited duty with the Cardinals. Enrique Wilson will back Cairo up, while also serving as the utility infielder.

Shortstop
Shortstop will be capably manned by Team Captain Derek Jeter, who is entering his tenth season with the team. Last season Jeter hit .324 with 10 homeruns and 52 RBI's, and his leadership and intangibles will be invaluable as the Yankees try to win another world championship. Enrique Wilson will serve as Jeter's primary backup.

Third Base
In perhaps the biggest offseason trade, the Yankees acquired Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers in return for Alphonso Soriano. Rodriguez came to the Yankees only after agreeing to move to third base. The jury is still out on his defensive ability to play third, but no one doubts that he'll be the same player offensively. Last season Rodriguez was among the league leaders in homeruns, RBI's, and runs scored. Once again Enrique Wilson will serve as Rodriguez's backup.

beatnikpoet13 · 05-02-2004, 07:29 PM

The Farm System
To borrow from a children's tale, the Yankees are Old Mother Hubbard and the cupboard is bare. The two best prospects in the Yankees organization are both playing for the Double A Trenton Thunder.

Dioner Navarro, a slick fielding catcher, is projected as Jorge Posada's eventual replacement. While Navarro is superb defensively, he's no slouch at the plate either. Navarro hasn't hit for power yet, but at 20 years old he's got a lot of developing left to do, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him hit 20+ homeruns in the majors once his body develops.

Eduardo Sierra, a lanky righthanded middle reliever, has a tremendous upside, and may be converted to closer to take over for Mariano Rivera when he decides to retire.

Other minor leaguers of note include third baseman Eric Duncan, outfielder Bronson Sardinha, middle reliever Sam Marsonek, and starting pitcher Tyler Clippard.

Baseball insiders rank the Yankees farm system as being the worst in major league baseball, with no prospects in the top 100 in the minor leagues. However, the Yankees have the best revenue stream in the majors, so look for them to invest heavily in upgrading their minor league system, espcially with their major league roster advancing in age.

beatnikpoet13 · 05-02-2004, 07:41 PM

As opening day in Tokyo, Japan approaches, the Yankees have announced their starting lineup, along with their pitching rotation.

Lineup vs. Righties

CF Kenny Lofton
SS Derek Jeter
RF Gary Sheffield
3b Alex Rodriguez
1b Jason Giambi
C Jorge Posada
DH Bernie Williams
LF Hideki Matsui
2b Miguel Cairo

Lineup vs. Lefties

CF Kenny Lofton
SS Derek Jeter
RF Gary Sheffield
3b Alex Rodriguez
C Jorge Posada
1b Jason Giambi
DH Bernie Williams
LF Hideki Matsui
2b Miguel Cairo

Starting Rotation

RHP Kevin Brown
RHP Mike Mussina
RHP Javier Vazquez
RHP Jose Contreras
RHP Jorge Depaula

beatnikpoet13 · 05-02-2004, 07:47 PM

I just realized that I haven't really explained the particulars of my league. I'm using the CBL Cardinal v2.0 roster set, with trading difficulty set to normal and Trading AI Prefernce set to neutral. Team cash maximum is 25 million dollars, and National TV Contract is set to adjust to market. Everything else is pretty much standard, and home field advantage is turned ON.

I'll be simming a week at a time, and I'll be updating at the end of each sim. I'm not going to do a game-by-game recap, because to be honest that's going to be too time-consuming.

Let me know if there's specific things you'd like to read about, because I'll be sure to include them.

beatnikpoet13 · 05-02-2004, 08:29 PM

The first week of the season is in the books, with the Yankees having split two games in Tokyo against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Kevin Brown opened the 2004 season with a 7 hit shutout against the D-Rays. Leading the way for the Yankees offense was John Flaherty, a surprise starter after Bernie Williams was scratched from the lineup due to appendicitis. Flaherty led the Yankees with 3 hits and 3 RBI's in 5 at bats, while Jorge Posada contributed 3 hits and 2 RBI's in 6 at bats. The Boys from the Bronx won game one of the two games series 11-0.

In game two however, the fortunes were reversed, as the Devil Rays posted 11 runs of their own, defeating the Yankees 11-4. Yankees starter Mike Mussina was rocked for 7 earned runs in 4 and 2/3 innings pitched, and his replacement Felix Heredia fared no better, giving up 3 runs in 3 innings pitched. Rocco Baldelli led the Devil Rays with 4 hits and 4 RBI's in 5 at bats, while Jared Sandberg chipped in 3 hits and 3 RBI's in 3 at bats.

Leading the way for the Yankees was Gary Sheffield, who had 2 hits and 2 RBI's in 4 at bats. Absent from the lineup once again was Bernie Williams, who sat out after undergoing surgery on his ailing appendix. After a long road trip to the far east the Yankees stand at 1 win and 1 loss, one half game behind the hated Boston Red Sox.

beatnikpoet13 · 05-02-2004, 09:54 PM

Week 2 started off with catcher Joe Girardi, who rejoined the Yankees this offseason, announcing that this would be his final season as a major leaguer. Girardi, who was recently recalled to the major league roster to replace the demoted Bobby Crosby, said that he felt it was time for the youngsters to take his place.

Highlights:

Since splitting their season opening series with the Devil Rays, the Yankees have reeled off 6 consecutive wins, led by the hot hitting of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Gary Sheffield, all of whom have started the season hitting over .400. Kevin Brown, as if to answer questions about his durability, has won all three games he has started, pitching into the seventh inning in each game.

Lowlights:

Jorge Depaula, who had been counted on for some quality innings as the fifth starter, has only pitched one game, having been rocked for 6 earned runs in 4.2 innings pitched. Tom Gordon is also off to a rough start, who has pitched in 3 games and has a 10.13 ERA. Jorge Posada is also off to a rough start, batting .192 with 7 strikeouts in 26 at bats.

Standings:
New York currently stands at 7 wins against 1 loss, with the Boston Red Sox one half game behind at 6 wins and 1 loss. Other division leaders include Kansas City, Anaheim, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and San Diego.

Of Note:
Pittsburgh has started the season at 4 wins and 2 losses, while the San Diego Padres have started 5-1. In the AL, Shannon Stewart is off to a hot start, batting at a .584 clip, while Alex Cintron has been dominating National League pitchers to the tune of a .529 batting average.

Montreal is drawing approximately 13,000 fans per game, and with a 2-4 record, things aren't looking too good north of the border. Barry Bonds is off to a rough start, batting .182 with 3 homeruns and 4 RBI's.

yanksare · 05-03-2004, 07:09 PM

Me likey. I wish the real life Yanks would have started as well as yours have. Finally we have a dynasty about the "Dynasty" and we don't have to waste our time reading about 2nd rate teams from New England.

beatnikpoet13 · 05-03-2004, 11:45 PM

Week three began with two games against the Devil Rays and ended with three games against the hated Boston Red Sox. The Yankees split their set with Tampa bay, then went on to win two out of three games against Boston.

Highlights:
Alex Rodriguez is hitting .440 with 5 homeruns, 14 RBI's, and 4 stolen bases. Javier Vazquez has a 1.08 ERA thus far, and Donovan Osborne has a 1.29 ERA in 7 innings pitched.

Lowlights:
Jorge Posada has barely been able to get above the Mendoza Line, hitting .200 in 45 at bats with 12 strikeouts. Miguel Cairo is batting .138, and Kenny Lofton is hitting .230 from the leadoff spot.

Standings:
New York's record is 10-3, which ties them with the Red Sox for the lead in the American League East. Other division leaders include Kansas City, Oakland, Philadelphia, Houston, and Arizona.

Of Note:
Montreal's attendance has fallen off from the last few weeks, bottoming out at approximately 10,000 paying customers per game. Detroit is averaging about 14,000 fans per game, and both teams are on pace to lose boatloads of money this year.

Travis Lee was activated from the Yankee's injured list and added to the 40 man roster. Lee was then promoted to the major league roster, and Tony Clark was designated for assignment.

AZTarHeel · 05-04-2004, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by beatnikpoet13
The Yankees split their set with Tampa bay, then went on to win two out of three games against Boston.

The Sox will get 'em next week when the series returns to Yankee Stadium!! Haha!

Seriously, good luck with your dynasty -- it will be interesting to compare it to my Sox dynasty, though you'll probably get done more quickly...

beatnikpoet13 · 05-04-2004, 10:38 AM

"Hello?"

"Hi Zachary, this is George."

"Well hello Geo...I mean, Mr. Steinbrenner!"

"It's okay Zachary, you can call me George."

"Okay George, to what do I owe this call?"

"Well, I just wanted to call and let you know that I'm pleased with the way the team is performing on the field thus far, and I wanted to let you know that you have free reign to pursue whatever deals you think might improve the ballclub."

"Well that's good to know sir, because I was actually thinking about the possibility of upgrading our talent at second base, because that seems to be a real weakness in our lineup."

"Well, do whatever it takes, as long as you run it by me first."

"I'll be sure to do that sir, and thank you for your call."

"You're welcome...keep up the good work and we may not have to look far to find a permanent replacement at General Manager."

"Well that's good to know!"

*click*

NYJuggalo45 · 05-04-2004, 02:29 PM

wouldn't worry about Posada this early, he's finish with 25-30 HRs and 90-100 rbi. Could use an upgrade at 2b, but with the potent lineup you have, i'd try to add some speed and defense before another masher.

AZTarHeel · 05-04-2004, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NYJuggalo45
wouldn't worry about Posada this early, he's finish with 25-30 HRs and 90-100 rbi. Could use an upgrade at 2b, but with the potent lineup you have, i'd try to add some speed and defense before another masher.

it's interesting -- in my 2004 rosters dynasty with the Red Sox (Win at all costs!) -- the Yanks went out and got Mark Grudzelanik (spelling??) at second base. He's one of their best hitters right now through mid-May, hitting about .330 or so... just a thought... not that I want to help the enemy or anything...

AZTarHeel · 05-04-2004, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by beatnikpoet13
"Hello?"

"Hi Zachary, this is George."

"Well hello Geo...I mean, Mr. Steinbrenner!"

"It's okay Zachary, you can call me George."

"Okay George, to what do I owe this call?"

"Well, I just wanted to call and let you know that I'm pleased with the way the team is performing on the field thus far, and I wanted to let you know that you have free reign to pursue whatever deals you think might improve the ballclub."

"Well that's good to know sir, because I was actually thinking about the possibility of upgrading our talent at second base, because that seems to be a real weakness in our lineup."

"Well, do whatever it takes, as long as you run it by me first."

"I'll be sure to do that sir, and thank you for your call."

"You're welcome...keep up the good work and we may not have to look far to find a permanent replacement at General Manager."

"Well that's good to know!"

*click*

What?!? The Boss didn't even ask for a Calzone?

beatnikpoet13 · 05-04-2004, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AZTarHeel
What?!? The Boss didn't even ask for a Calzone?

nice seinfeld reference.

ha!

beatnikpoet13 · 05-04-2004, 05:33 PM

By Peter Gammons
Special to ESPN.com

I've heard from a number of general managers and baseball insiders that talks between the Yankees and several other teams have picked up tremendously over the past few days, as the Yankees seem to have decided that Miguel Cairo is just not a viable option at second base.

One general manager was quoted as saying, "Cairo just isn't doing it for them, plain and simple. I know the like Enrique Wilson, but they know that his true value is as a utility infielder."

There are several names being talked about as possible targets for the Yankees, but the name on most insider's lips was Jose Vidro from Montreal, who has rebuffed GM Omar Minaya's attempts to sign him to a long-term contract extension. "He's their guy; he's the one they've got their sights set on. I just don't know if there's enough in their farm system to get a deal done," said one baseball insider.

04-30-2004, 09:20 AM	#1
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	Big Expectations In The Big Apple ... Last edited by beatnikpoet13; 08-07-2006 at 08:51 PM.

04-30-2004, 09:38 AM	#2
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	Preseason Preview Expectations are high this year as the Yankees prepare to take the field for the 2004 season. This offseason was busy for the Yankees, as they acquired relievers Tom Gordon and Paul Quantrill via free agency, along with starting pitcher Donovan Osborne, centerfielder Kenny Lofton, first basemen Tony Clark and Travis Lee, second baseman Miguel Cairo, and slugging outfielder Gary Sheffield. The Yankees were also able to acquire ace pitchers Kevin Brown and Javier Vazquez via trade, along with with superstar shortstop Alex Rodriguez, who will take over at third base for the Yankees. Now we'll start taking a look at the Yankees, position by position, starting with the starting rotation. Starters This group is led by Mike "Moose" Mussina, who enters his fourth season with the Bronx Bombers. Mussina is a crafty veteran workhorse who can be counted on for 200+ innings and 18-20 wins. Right behind Mussina will be newly acquired Kevin Brown, who at 39 years old may have seen better days. Brown, who was acquired this offseason for Jeff Weaver, has been plagued by injuries the past few seasons, but rebounded last year to post an outstanding 2.39 ERA to go with 14 wins for an anemic Dodgers team. With this Yankees offense, Brown could quite possibly win 20 games, provided he can stay healthy. Young fireballer Javier Vazquez will anchor the number three spot in the rotation, perhaps giving the Yankees the best number three starter in the American League. Last season Vazquez won 13 games and struck out 241 in 230 innings pitched, and this season he should increase his win total to somewhere near 20. Rounding out the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation will be crafty Cuban fireballer Jose Contreras and rookie Jorge Depaula. Contreras, who posted a fine 3.30 ERA and 7 wins in limited duty last season, will be counted on to provide the Bombers with quality innings at the back of the rotation. Jorge Depaula is one of the top pitching prospects in the Yankees farm system, and hopes are high that he will be able to provide the big club with quality innings in the number 5 spot in the rotation. Injuries Jon Lieber and Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez will start the season on the disabled list. When he returns, Hernandez may step into a long relief/spot starter role, while the team is hopeful that Lieber will be able to step right into the rotation as the fifth starter. Up next...a preview of the bullpen. Last edited by beatnikpoet13; 04-30-2004 at 09:43 AM.

04-30-2004, 09:52 AM	#3
NYJuggalo45 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,045	jesus, you didn't just fire Cashman, you killed him off. Definitely have the Yankees mentality with that __________________ This space for rent

04-30-2004, 03:02 PM	#5
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	The Bronx Bullpen Bullpen The Yankees bullpen begins and ends with future Hall Of Fame closer Mariano Rivera. Arguably the premier closer in baseball, Rivera will once again be counted on to close out games for the boys from the Bronx. The setup men in the Yankees 'pen will be righties Tom Gordon and Paul Quantrill, both of whom were free agent pickups during the offseason. Gordon, who help close out games last year in Chicago, will also serve as insurance in case of a Rivera injury. Quantrill had an outstanding year in 2003, posting a fine 1.75 ERA in 77 innings pitched. Middle relief will be capably manned by lefties Felix Heredia, Gabe White, and Donovan Osborne. Osborne, who can also start if need be, will also fill in as a spot starter if needed. Look for either Heredia or White to be dealt this season, as the Yankees appear to have more than enough lefties in the bullpen. All in all this is a solid group, so the sixth inning on will be anything but easy for opposing teams.

04-30-2004, 03:31 PM	#6
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	The Infield Catcher Jorge Posada will once again be behind the plate for the Yankees. Last season Posada hit 30 homeruns with 101 RBI's, both among the team's leaders. Posada is average behind the plate, but his offense more than makes up for his defensive shortcomings. Backing Posada up will be John Flaherty, a more than capable backup with an above average throwing arm. First Base Jason Giambi returns for his third season with the Yankees, and all eyes will be on him in light of the offseason's steroid scandals. Last year Giambi led the team in homeruns and RBI's, with 41 taters and 107 men batting in. Giambi's batting average was a career low .250, and his RBI total was his lowest since 1998. Look for Giambi to have a breakout year this season, as he has a lot to prove. Giambi is a subpar fielder, however he'll need to play in the field, because Bernie Williams will be the team's DH this season. Backing up Giambi will be newly acquired Travis Lee, who in his six seasons in the majors has yet to live up to expectations. Lee is a superb fielder, so look for him to spell Giambi in the late innings of close games. The Yankees also signed Tony Clark this offseason, but don't expect much out of him, as he may very well start the season in AAA Columbus. Second Base This is without question the weakest position on the team. Miguel Cairo gets the nod as the starter, but he's subpar both in the field and at the plate, so look for the Yankees to make a move to shore up this position. Last season Cairo hit an anemic .245 in limited duty with the Cardinals. Enrique Wilson will back Cairo up, while also serving as the utility infielder. Shortstop Shortstop will be capably manned by Team Captain Derek Jeter, who is entering his tenth season with the team. Last season Jeter hit .324 with 10 homeruns and 52 RBI's, and his leadership and intangibles will be invaluable as the Yankees try to win another world championship. Enrique Wilson will serve as Jeter's primary backup. Third Base In perhaps the biggest offseason trade, the Yankees acquired Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers in return for Alphonso Soriano. Rodriguez came to the Yankees only after agreeing to move to third base. The jury is still out on his defensive ability to play third, but no one doubts that he'll be the same player offensively. Last season Rodriguez was among the league leaders in homeruns, RBI's, and runs scored. Once again Enrique Wilson will serve as Rodriguez's backup.

05-02-2004, 07:29 PM	#7
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	Down On The Farm The Farm System To borrow from a children's tale, the Yankees are Old Mother Hubbard and the cupboard is bare. The two best prospects in the Yankees organization are both playing for the Double A Trenton Thunder. Dioner Navarro, a slick fielding catcher, is projected as Jorge Posada's eventual replacement. While Navarro is superb defensively, he's no slouch at the plate either. Navarro hasn't hit for power yet, but at 20 years old he's got a lot of developing left to do, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him hit 20+ homeruns in the majors once his body develops. Eduardo Sierra, a lanky righthanded middle reliever, has a tremendous upside, and may be converted to closer to take over for Mariano Rivera when he decides to retire. Other minor leaguers of note include third baseman Eric Duncan, outfielder Bronson Sardinha, middle reliever Sam Marsonek, and starting pitcher Tyler Clippard. Baseball insiders rank the Yankees farm system as being the worst in major league baseball, with no prospects in the top 100 in the minor leagues. However, the Yankees have the best revenue stream in the majors, so look for them to invest heavily in upgrading their minor league system, espcially with their major league roster advancing in age.

05-02-2004, 07:41 PM	#8
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	Opening Day Approaches As opening day in Tokyo, Japan approaches, the Yankees have announced their starting lineup, along with their pitching rotation. Lineup vs. Righties CF Kenny Lofton SS Derek Jeter RF Gary Sheffield 3b Alex Rodriguez 1b Jason Giambi C Jorge Posada DH Bernie Williams LF Hideki Matsui 2b Miguel Cairo Lineup vs. Lefties CF Kenny Lofton SS Derek Jeter RF Gary Sheffield 3b Alex Rodriguez C Jorge Posada 1b Jason Giambi DH Bernie Williams LF Hideki Matsui 2b Miguel Cairo Starting Rotation RHP Kevin Brown RHP Mike Mussina RHP Javier Vazquez RHP Jose Contreras RHP Jorge Depaula

05-02-2004, 07:47 PM	#9
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	A little information... I just realized that I haven't really explained the particulars of my league. I'm using the CBL Cardinal v2.0 roster set, with trading difficulty set to normal and Trading AI Prefernce set to neutral. Team cash maximum is 25 million dollars, and National TV Contract is set to adjust to market. Everything else is pretty much standard, and home field advantage is turned ON. I'll be simming a week at a time, and I'll be updating at the end of each sim. I'm not going to do a game-by-game recap, because to be honest that's going to be too time-consuming. Let me know if there's specific things you'd like to read about, because I'll be sure to include them.

05-02-2004, 08:29 PM	#10
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	Week 1 The first week of the season is in the books, with the Yankees having split two games in Tokyo against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Kevin Brown opened the 2004 season with a 7 hit shutout against the D-Rays. Leading the way for the Yankees offense was John Flaherty, a surprise starter after Bernie Williams was scratched from the lineup due to appendicitis. Flaherty led the Yankees with 3 hits and 3 RBI's in 5 at bats, while Jorge Posada contributed 3 hits and 2 RBI's in 6 at bats. The Boys from the Bronx won game one of the two games series 11-0. In game two however, the fortunes were reversed, as the Devil Rays posted 11 runs of their own, defeating the Yankees 11-4. Yankees starter Mike Mussina was rocked for 7 earned runs in 4 and 2/3 innings pitched, and his replacement Felix Heredia fared no better, giving up 3 runs in 3 innings pitched. Rocco Baldelli led the Devil Rays with 4 hits and 4 RBI's in 5 at bats, while Jared Sandberg chipped in 3 hits and 3 RBI's in 3 at bats. Leading the way for the Yankees was Gary Sheffield, who had 2 hits and 2 RBI's in 4 at bats. Absent from the lineup once again was Bernie Williams, who sat out after undergoing surgery on his ailing appendix. After a long road trip to the far east the Yankees stand at 1 win and 1 loss, one half game behind the hated Boston Red Sox.

05-02-2004, 09:54 PM	#11
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	Week 2 Week 2 started off with catcher Joe Girardi, who rejoined the Yankees this offseason, announcing that this would be his final season as a major leaguer. Girardi, who was recently recalled to the major league roster to replace the demoted Bobby Crosby, said that he felt it was time for the youngsters to take his place. Highlights: Since splitting their season opening series with the Devil Rays, the Yankees have reeled off 6 consecutive wins, led by the hot hitting of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Gary Sheffield, all of whom have started the season hitting over .400. Kevin Brown, as if to answer questions about his durability, has won all three games he has started, pitching into the seventh inning in each game. Lowlights: Jorge Depaula, who had been counted on for some quality innings as the fifth starter, has only pitched one game, having been rocked for 6 earned runs in 4.2 innings pitched. Tom Gordon is also off to a rough start, who has pitched in 3 games and has a 10.13 ERA. Jorge Posada is also off to a rough start, batting .192 with 7 strikeouts in 26 at bats. Standings: New York currently stands at 7 wins against 1 loss, with the Boston Red Sox one half game behind at 6 wins and 1 loss. Other division leaders include Kansas City, Anaheim, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and San Diego. Of Note: Pittsburgh has started the season at 4 wins and 2 losses, while the San Diego Padres have started 5-1. In the AL, Shannon Stewart is off to a hot start, batting at a .584 clip, while Alex Cintron has been dominating National League pitchers to the tune of a .529 batting average. Montreal is drawing approximately 13,000 fans per game, and with a 2-4 record, things aren't looking too good north of the border. Barry Bonds is off to a rough start, batting .182 with 3 homeruns and 4 RBI's.

05-03-2004, 07:09 PM	#12
yanksare Bat Boy Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 9	Me likey. I wish the real life Yanks would have started as well as yours have. Finally we have a dynasty about the "Dynasty" and we don't have to waste our time reading about 2nd rate teams from New England.

05-03-2004, 11:45 PM	#13
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	Week 3 Week three began with two games against the Devil Rays and ended with three games against the hated Boston Red Sox. The Yankees split their set with Tampa bay, then went on to win two out of three games against Boston. Highlights: Alex Rodriguez is hitting .440 with 5 homeruns, 14 RBI's, and 4 stolen bases. Javier Vazquez has a 1.08 ERA thus far, and Donovan Osborne has a 1.29 ERA in 7 innings pitched. Lowlights: Jorge Posada has barely been able to get above the Mendoza Line, hitting .200 in 45 at bats with 12 strikeouts. Miguel Cairo is batting .138, and Kenny Lofton is hitting .230 from the leadoff spot. Standings: New York's record is 10-3, which ties them with the Red Sox for the lead in the American League East. Other division leaders include Kansas City, Oakland, Philadelphia, Houston, and Arizona. Of Note: Montreal's attendance has fallen off from the last few weeks, bottoming out at approximately 10,000 paying customers per game. Detroit is averaging about 14,000 fans per game, and both teams are on pace to lose boatloads of money this year. Travis Lee was activated from the Yankee's injured list and added to the 40 man roster. Lee was then promoted to the major league roster, and Tony Clark was designated for assignment.

05-04-2004, 10:38 AM	#15
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	The Boss Calls "Hello?" "Hi Zachary, this is George." "Well hello Geo...I mean, Mr. Steinbrenner!" "It's okay Zachary, you can call me George." "Okay George, to what do I owe this call?" "Well, I just wanted to call and let you know that I'm pleased with the way the team is performing on the field thus far, and I wanted to let you know that you have free reign to pursue whatever deals you think might improve the ballclub." "Well that's good to know sir, because I was actually thinking about the possibility of upgrading our talent at second base, because that seems to be a real weakness in our lineup." "Well, do whatever it takes, as long as you run it by me first." "I'll be sure to do that sir, and thank you for your call." "You're welcome...keep up the good work and we may not have to look far to find a permanent replacement at General Manager." "Well that's good to know!" click

05-04-2004, 02:29 PM	#16
NYJuggalo45 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,045	wouldn't worry about Posada this early, he's finish with 25-30 HRs and 90-100 rbi. Could use an upgrade at 2b, but with the potent lineup you have, i'd try to add some speed and defense before another masher. __________________ This space for rent

05-04-2004, 05:33 PM	#20
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	Talking Second Sackers By Peter Gammons Special to ESPN.com I've heard from a number of general managers and baseball insiders that talks between the Yankees and several other teams have picked up tremendously over the past few days, as the Yankees seem to have decided that Miguel Cairo is just not a viable option at second base. One general manager was quoted as saying, "Cairo just isn't doing it for them, plain and simple. I know the like Enrique Wilson, but they know that his true value is as a utility infielder." There are several names being talked about as possible targets for the Yankees, but the name on most insider's lips was Jose Vidro from Montreal, who has rebuffed GM Omar Minaya's attempts to sign him to a long-term contract extension. "He's their guy; he's the one they've got their sights set on. I just don't know if there's enough in their farm system to get a deal done," said one baseball insider.