New York Yankee: Maelstrom Report

[InfamousMP]

Most of you that check these boards on a regular basis should have at least heard of Baseball Maelstrom by now. In my opinion it is one of the best leagues going today, and is so in-depth it really is unreal. Lead by Babe Ruth (each team has one "legend" on its roster)I am the General Manager/Owner of the New York Yankees. This is where you can read about the dynasty we hope to create.

Baseball Maelstrom is in its first season, about 40 games in. The New York Yankees won the first ever Spring Training tournament (and gained $500,000 for doing so) and headed into the season as one of the favorites to win the World Series.

I will do my best to update this section often, not just throwing out stats and standings, but also putting up the articles that I send in for my team page, along with other small updates to keep you all interestead. I do hope you enjoy and of course all feedback (positive or negative) is appreciated.
-------------------------------------------------
AP: Bronx, New York

The New York Yankees were in good shape as the season started in Baseball Maelstrom. After winning the Spring Training tournament, everything was looking good as the Yankees appeared to be the team to beat in the American League. Still, even after that victory, the Yankees stlll continue to make roster changes in an attempt to make sure this October in Yankee Town will be a memorable one.

In what can only be described as a blockbuster, the Yankees made a trade with the Houston Astros that has made headlines all around the baseball world. With most teams still very close in the standings it was strange to see a team that was considered a favorite at the start of the season make such a bold move. The Yankees sent Brian Giles, Rafael Furcal, Bruce Chen, Joe Randa, and minor league 2B Henry Mateo to Houston in exchange for Johnny Damon, Devi Cruz, Ben Sheets, and Chipper Jones.

"It was a tough move for us to make, but you have to break the trade down player by player before you can judge the deal." said Yankee General Manager Michael Paciga the night the trade was announced. "Brian Giles is a great player and I have a lot of respect for him. Still, Johnny Damon gives us some solid defense in LF and brings a lot to the table with his bat and speed. Rafael is incredible, but with Louis (Castillo) sitting at the top of the lineup, it made it hard for us to find a place for him, a natural leadoff hitter. With Devi Cruz you get the same sweet defense, a solid bat, and someone who just kills left handed pitching."

Several people had questions about adding Chipper, a free-agent at the end of the season, and Ben Sheets, who can end up at the top of any rotation. "I have a lot of respect for Joe Randa, he is a professional and gives you a great glove at the hot corner, but Chipper is a MVP candidate every single season. Its tough to pass on someone like that. Yes we do know his contract is up after the season is over, and we have already had a conversation with Chipper about it. He knows that we would like to see him remain in a Yankee uniform for a long time. The season is early, lets see how things develop."

When the topic changed to Sheets, Paciga was almost glowing. "I think Ben Sheets is going to be a dominant pitcher in this league, and a lot sooner then some people think. When you add him to a rotation that already includes Tim Hudson, Jeff D'amico, and Kris Benson you are talking about a top four that can compete with anyone in the game. And we plan on keeping that core together for a long time."

In other news, the team has already sat down with agents for Tim Hudson and Rondell White about contract extensions and sources say that the team is getting ready to sit down with Pedro Astacio and Denny Reyes in the near future.

[HolyCow98]

Cool post....keep it coming ..

[InfamousMP]

New York Yankees
29-23 Tied for Second Place .5 Games Back (From Toronto)

With over 100 games left the New York Yankees are getting ready to make some strong moves. Closing out the Detroit series with a defeat, the Bombers came back to take 2 out of 3 from both the Angels and Royals. The best news was not winning 4 of the last 7, but that Tim Hudson, ace of the staff, is ready to return from the disabled list. Jason Schmidt will be sent back to Triple A to make room on the roster.

Hudson, on the shelf for about a month with bone chips in his shoulder, has been missed. He was 2-1 with a 3.09 ERA in his 6 starts, while his replacement, Schmidt, has gone 1-3 with a disgusting 10.34 ERA. That ERA comes after Jason pitched 7 innings of shutout ball in his first start. Manager Joe Torre was asked about Hudson coming back: "What can you say, Timmy gets the job done and is a big part of this club. That's why Mr. Paciga made him our first pick. Jason had a great debut but I think he was trying after that and not just letting his talent take over. Some time away should do him a world of good." Schmidt was responsible for 2 of the 3 losses last week.

Yankee Standouts:
Johnny Damon, acquired in the blockbuster with Houston, had a great week batting .444 (12 for 27) to raise his average on the season to .318

Although Pedro Astacio and Kris Benson both had great games last week, Ben Sheets stands out above them all. Sheets dominated the Kansas City Royals throwing a 3 hit, shutout while striking out 5. Sheets improves to 5-4 on the season.

In other news, the Yankees have called a press conferance for later on in the week although specifics were not released. More on that as it goes down.

[InfamousMP]

In what was going to be a nice Yankee party instead turned out to be a little press meeting with a few notes and nothing more. Yankee Spokesman and Announcer, Michael Kay, was on hand and greet the media this afternoon.

After a little back and forth with the local media (Daily News, New York Post, Newsday, YES, MSG, Fox Sports, and several others were there) the team made its formal contract announcements.

Tim Hudson, ace of the staff, had been signed to an extension worth about $13 Million over 3 years or $4.4 per.

Pedro Astacio, fifth starter, took a paycut to resign with the team, coming to terms on a 5 year deal that is worth about $1.6 per season.

Denny Reyes, the youngest man in the pen, has been signed to a 5 year deal that is worth $300,000 per season.

Rondell White, who has become the everyday DH now that Johnny Damon is the regular LF, has agreed to an extension that is worth $20 Million over 5 seasons.

General Manager Michael Paciga and Manager Joe Torre were scheduled to appear at this event but instead were at a meeting. Sources say that this meeting was with former Cardinals Manager Ozzie Smith, who was fired last week. Although the nature of these discussions are not known at this point in time, some say the Yankees would like to see Ozzie come in as an infield coach to help along Castillo and Cruz. More on this story as we get it.