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2007-07-13 06:32
by Alex Belth

The Yanks started the second half right with a 7-3 victory over the Devil Rays in Tampa Bay. Stop the presses, they are a .500 team again. I didn't catch but the last two innings though on the count of I met up with a group of old New York Giant fans up the block (Cait Murphy came and spoke about her new book, Crazy '08, which looks excellent). But I was thrilled to learn that the Bombers caught James Shields on an off-night. Andy Pettitte wasn't great, but he was good enough as Bobby Abreu led the offense. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Abreu hit back-to-back-to-back dingers in the fourth inning. Sweet.

Jeff Karstens had a re-hab start. Be nice to see him back in the bigs, huh?

Comments (102)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-07-13 06:51:25
1.   JL25and3
If I write fast, can I be first, for the first time ever? Nah, probably not. I'm too damn wordy.

Alex, I'd like to congratulate you. Two paragraphs, and the only mention of the third baseman was his home run.

2007-07-13 07:12:14
2.   DarrenF
Alex, I enjoyed your recent article on si.com regarding the '77 Yankees. I apologize if this topic has already been discussed in detail. I've also noticed hot the players from the '70s didn't screw around. The pitchers pitched and the batters batted. I wonder when and why this has changed so much. I suspect the money has something to do with it -- i.e., each at-bat seems more important when $100M contracts are on the line. I was also tryin to identify the tipping point, the Typhoid Mary of stepping out of the box: Dave Winfield? Frank Thomas? Chuck Knoblauch? Mike Hargrove?
2007-07-13 07:16:37
3.   Jim Dean
Today's the day to call up Shelley, if ever. He hit another 2 HR last night. And the Yanks have been just terrible against LHP (.388 SLG). If there's any sense, Shelley is the DH tonight.
2007-07-13 07:19:35
4.   Jimmy Clark
"Crazy 08" is pretty good but "More Than Merkle" is better.
2007-07-13 07:23:34
5.   Sliced Bread
Has .500 baseball ever felt as promising?

Anybody know where to find Sterling's calls from the homer happy 4th last night? I'm in the mood to hear Lumpy and Chuckles's heads exploding this morning.

Hughes tonight! Counting the days...

Good stuff from Torre with Mad Dog yesterday. I didn't know Aaron and Mays avoided each other back in the day. Joe says Henry didn't like playing 2nd fiddle to Willie.

2007-07-13 07:35:07
6.   Count Zero
That was a nice W last night -- several encouraging take-aways:

1) Abreu. "We play at a very high level when Bobby plays well," Alex Rodriguez said. "Bobby's going to have a big second half; I feel it." I hope Alex is a prophet.

2) Melky is the starting CF on this team now -- I don't care whether JD gets healthy or not. The defensive gain up the middle coupled with the fact that Melky is actually hitting since he became an everyday player should push JD out of that spot permanently.

3) Can it be that Guidry et. al. figured out Farnsworthless' mechanical problem and can actually get him to fix it? It was a 180 degree turnaround after Gator came out to the mound. (Kudos to Flaherty for pointing out the result of the front shoulder opening up.) At the very least, that showing increased his trade value.

4) Mo looked strong. Did Casanova do something bad to deserve being sent up there to PH against that? :-D

2007-07-13 07:55:16
7.   Murray
It's good to know there are still some old Giants fans around. Horace Stoneham is a bigger villain than O'Malley, I think. He didn't even try to make it work at the Polog Grounds, and yet five years later, with a worse team the Mets were outdrawing the Yankees in the same ancient ballpark.
2007-07-13 07:55:41
8.   ny2ca2dc
Here's an interesting tidbit from the Post article Alex linked:
" "Competition is healthy," Cashman said. "[Personnel decisions] depend on what our big-league need is. Matt DeSalvo has been pitching really well at Triple-A. He'd be next in line right now."

Karstens' stock might be boosted by his ability to pitch out of the bullpen, which is an area of need for the Yankees.

"He has the capability to do that, no doubt about it," Cashman said. "
--

With Igawa not yet announced as the starter for the fifth game of the second half, maybe we'll be seeing Matty again?

Hard to believe Britton is still in AAA. They're going to really have to shake out the bullpen this month, after playing darts all year...

2007-07-13 08:09:15
9.   Jim Dean
8 On MMD yesterday, Torre said Igawa is the starter for that game.

To which Dog groaned. And Torre said "Now, now, everybody gets a fresh start in the 2nd half" or something like that.

2007-07-13 08:09:23
10.   JL25and3
8 Interesting. If I were Cashman, I'd be more likely to base the decision on who's already pitched well in the majors.
2007-07-13 08:25:46
11.   JL25and3
8 With any luck, they'll be able to trade a reliever or three. That's pretty much the only marketable commodity they've got.
2007-07-13 08:26:50
12.   JL25and3
In fact: think about this, Jim, maybe Cashman can pick up some more pitching prospects!
2007-07-13 08:38:49
13.   Shaun P
Presented without any comment from me:

Become President of Red Sox Nation:

http://tinyurl.com/yq7rgd

2007-07-13 08:44:01
14.   Knuckles
13
Job requirements:
Candidate must have a goatee, be 5'7" or shorter, and apt to start a fight after 2 beers (bee-yahs).
Special consideration will be given to anyone fired from Dunkin' Donuts or Store 24.
2007-07-13 08:47:39
15.   Yankee Fan In Boston
13 14 affleck and jimmy fallon are going to wrestle each other in hahvahd yahd.
2007-07-13 08:52:12
16.   cult of basebaal
From the SWB blog ...

In other news from Double-A, the Trenton Thunder issued this press release stating that Phil Hughes will start for the Thunder on Friday and again next Wednesday, making it quite possible that Hughes will skip Triple-A in his return to the Yankees rotation. The press release also stated that Jeff Karstens will likely start for the Thunder on Tuesday. That suggests Karstens could be ready for a Triple-A start on Sunday, July 22

c'mon cavalry ...

2007-07-13 09:05:59
17.   Bama Yankee
14 and be able to throw pizza "wicked hahd"...
2007-07-13 09:07:39
18.   Mattpat11
Karstens is a nice guy and all, but by the time he's ready to come back, I see no spot for him.
2007-07-13 09:10:03
19.   Mattpat11
8 Why would we want to see the return of DeSalvo?

Hughes can't come back soon enough.

2007-07-13 09:35:20
20.   ny2ca2dc
Some funny stuff on David Wells's suspension:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2934277

" The 44-year-old lefty criticized Watson and said the game is changing so much that "pretty soon we'll all put skirts on and we're all going to play softball.""
...
" Wells thinks Watson has something out for him, perhaps stemming from the days when Wells pitched for the New York Yankees and Watson was the general manager.
Before Thursday's workout, Wells took the letter he received from Watson and taped it to a clubhouse wall.
"That's for your amusement," Wells told reporters. Minutes later, he walked by and called Watson "a henchman and a yes man for Bud Selig.""
---
Priceless. Someone should remind Boomer there's no crying in baseball.

2007-07-13 09:52:03
21.   YankeeInMichigan
18 Karstens could be quite useful against the Royals, Orioles and Angels, whom the Yankees play 14-1/2 times (the 1/2 is for the completion of the suspended game against Baltimore) between July 23 and August 22. I wouldn't let him near a slugging team.
2007-07-13 10:06:25
22.   Zack
I don't know if its hit anyone else, but A-Rod's at 495 HRs. Last night also marked his 150th HR as a Yankee, meaning he came with 345 HRs. In any case, really really really soon he will hit #500. I know that 500 HRs has lost some luster, but I have never seen a Yankee do it. I am excited at the prospect, I just think its flying under the radar, surprisingly. With all the talk of contracts etc, A-Rod is going to hit his 500th HR almost a full year ahead of Jimmie Foxx...

Especially with the most recent 500 home run hitters either being the likes of Palmeiro and Bonds, or being shells of their once great selves, a la Thomas and Griffey, A-Rod is really remarkable...

2007-07-13 10:16:28
23.   RIYank
22 Am I right that he'll be the youngest ever to hit that mark? Ah, that's what you meant by saying he'll be almost a year younger than Foxx. Wow.
2007-07-13 10:17:24
24.   monkeypants
22 "or being shells of their once great selves, a la Thomas and Griffey."

Griffey is hitting .286/.391/.566.

2007-07-13 10:33:50
25.   Mike T
23 Alex will be the youngest ever to 500, and it's not even close.
2007-07-13 10:37:10
26.   Count Zero
22 I was thinking the same thing last night...pretty soon, I'm going to have to make sure I watch every single game and A-Rod at bat.
2007-07-13 10:39:21
27.   Zack
24 Yeah, he's having a good year. What I meant was more of both of them as testaments to what could have been. Both of their #s are nowhere near what they should/could have been without injuries etc...Alex, knock on wood, hasn't had that problem of yet...
2007-07-13 10:43:10
28.   Zack
26 Exactly. I mean, as it is I try and catch every AB this season b/c hes been that kind of player this season. Like Griffey USED to be. The kind of player where you put off going to the bathroom b/c they are coming up that inning. And as he gets closer to 500, especially with crappy D-Ray's pitching and other crappy teams coming up, I'll definitely be glued to the games.

The scary thing (I know, getting way way ahead of myself). A-Rod could be going for 600+ in 2009! Say he finishes this season with, oh, 510 HRs (only 46 on the season, it could be as many as 520). And next year he hits another 40....Yeah, crazy...

2007-07-13 10:44:20
29.   Shaun P
24 Yes, but look at his performance over the last 7 years. He hasn't played in over 140 games since 2000, and his last back-to-back years without serious injuries in both were 1999-2000.

As a Mariner (1989-1999): .299/.380/.569, 36 HRs/season, 140 G/season

As a Red (2000-2007): .273/.364/.533, 25 HRs/season, 95 G/season

I think its fair to say that, due to injuries, Griffey is a shell of his once great self. On the rare occasions when he's healthy, he still puts up great numbers - but he's so rarely healthy anymore. If he plays 140 G this year and next, I'll be shocked.

2007-07-13 10:56:09
30.   Yankee Fan In Boston
29 i agree with your take on griffey. it's amazing the kind of numbers he's been able to rack up considering how much time he's spent on the shelf. it's good to see him healthy and raking, but it makes you wonder what he might have done had he not missed so many games.

...so enjoy watching rodriguez. this is special.

2007-07-13 11:07:54
31.   Shaun P
30 Not only is it special, its all the more reasons the Yanks should make sure they keep him.
2007-07-13 11:26:39
32.   Yankee Fan In Boston
31 it would be nice to have the all-time HR king be a yankee again.
2007-07-13 11:31:24
33.   JL25and3
22 He'll be the first Yankee to hit #500 since Mantle, right? (And I do remember that one.)

And if he does remain a Yankee, next year he'll become the first Yankee to hit #537 since Babe ruth.

2007-07-13 11:32:18
34.   JL25and3
By the way, Shaun, I read your comment yesterday and i appreciated it. Thanks.
2007-07-13 11:34:43
35.   Shaun P
34 You're welcome. Let's hope the madness doesn't come over the Banter today.
2007-07-13 11:37:33
36.   bob34957
I hope that my optimism doesn't seem foolish. Yes, our team has struggled mightily over the first 1/2 of the season. Yet, I believe with Wanger, Rodger, Andy, Momo, Moo, Moose, and Phil the balance of the season will be remarkable and legendary. Our bench has to be straightened out pronto: Nieves, Cairo and whomever lesser have to go and go quick and be gone!
2007-07-13 11:38:02
37.   Zack
33 Yeah, Reggie did it with the Angels. And, of course, if he remains with the Yanks, he'll also become the first Yankee to hit HR #715 :)

Once again, all the more reason to do what it takes...

2007-07-13 11:38:36
38.   JL25and3
Watching Junior play was one of the great pleasures of the 90's. Yeah, he used to destroy the Yankees, but I couldn't hate him. He did everything exceptionally well, and he did it beautifully. He makes my short list of players I'd pay to watch.

With the injuries and the decline, he's still got a careeer OPS+ of 141. As Scooter would say, not too shabby.

2007-07-13 11:42:43
39.   standuptriple
I still think they should present the same $/yr as the current and let him try and find that on the open market. Time to play chicken with Boras. I'd be ok with saving $ to get Zambrano and Santana.
2007-07-13 11:50:58
40.   Yankee Fan In Boston
39 if the red sox look to spend like they did in this off season (and offer rodriguez the chance to play SS... lugo is hitting under .200 at the moment), i'm not too sure i'd want to risk letting them call boras. with drew and matsuzaka last year, it looked like the red sox front office and boras liked working together.

that said, santana would be nice, too.

2007-07-13 11:51:15
41.   JL25and3
39 I have no interest in playing chicken, because if the Yankees lose we're looking at some dreary years ahead. Try to sign him as soon as the season ends, before he opts out. It will be to his advantage as well as the Yankees - their current advantage should enable them to offer a huge deal. Pony up and keep him.
2007-07-13 11:53:28
42.   Shaun P
38 I just wish he had kept himself in shape, and not let talent carry him all those years in Seattle. Imagine what a fully healthy Griffey would be doing right now, as Zach suggested in 27.

This isn't the greatest method, but just for kicks . . . if Jr had been healthy all this time, and averaged 36 HRs/year like he did in Seattle, he'd be at 668 HR now for his career. He could have caught Ruth, and probably Aaron, and maybe even Bonds. (He's only 37, and athletic guys with speed do tend to age well.) And there's never been a question about Jr and PEDs. Incredible.

I imagine if this is what people felt like when they looked back at Mickey's career, and wondered what might have been, but for the knees and the carousing.

2007-07-13 11:54:24
43.   JL25and3
39 You're assuming that you can actually get Zambrano and/or Santana. I see no reason to assume that.

Besides, if you don't have a third baseman, you're going to have a lot of doubles down the left-field line (apologies to Casey).

2007-07-13 12:00:37
44.   JL25and3
42 Gee, I've never heard that he wasn't in shape, or that that was why he got injured. I know there's been some speculation that all those years on turf might have contributed, but I've never heard that he was lax in his conditioning.
2007-07-13 12:02:43
45.   JL25and3
42 Oh, and the answer to your last paragraph is: Hell yes. It's one of the first thoughts.

Mantle always thought he'd die very young, as his father did. He later said that if he'd known he was going to live as long as he did, he'd have taken better care of himself. Typical Mantle self-deprecating humor.

2007-07-13 12:03:40
46.   matt nokes forever
40 The Red Sox are in bed with their mendoza line ss for the next four years with a nice chunk of change attached to a contract that no team in their right mind would accept that. They're in man love with that little shit at 2B so they can't even shift Lugo over to make room for ARod. So if they sign him, it'll be at 3B and they will probably surpass us in payroll for the first time ever as long as we don't throw a boatload of money at the wrong guy this offseason. Save it for Johan and Carlos, and work with what we've got for the next year and a half.
2007-07-13 12:05:21
47.   Shaun P
43 Very funny, JL.

I just stumbled across Jose Tabata's milb.com Player's Journal (thanks to the guys at River Ave Blues). I almost missed a sentence in this entry that had me do a double take; does anyone else notice it?

http://tinyurl.com/2rq6o5

2007-07-13 12:05:41
48.   NJYankee41
Does anyone know or have a good idea of how much the Yanks make in tickets alone per year? Just wondering.
2007-07-13 12:05:52
49.   matt nokes forever
42 Let's just hope he passes Sosa by the time all is said and done. It would be an insult to have Sammy higher than Junior on that list for long.
2007-07-13 12:07:08
50.   yankz
47 I'm pretty sure they have kids.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-07-13 12:07:24
51.   NJYankee41
47 Being married?
2007-07-13 12:10:41
52.   yankz
Reading LoHud, it makes me think that A-Rod is an absolute must. His quest for 800 will fill up every seat in the new stadium.
2007-07-13 12:13:56
53.   matt nokes forever
48 http://nymag.com/news/features/2007/profit/32903/

Looks like $117 million a year or so...

2007-07-13 12:14:16
54.   Shaun P
44 I didn't phrase that well.

Griffey Jr was always "in shape", that is, never fat or overweight or anything like that. But my understanding is that, while he took basic care of himself, he didn't devote himself to keeping his body at 100%, compared to, say, Clemens, A-Rod, or Jerry Rice. He let his natural talent (almost alone) carry him.

Then, when he crossed 30 and all those leg issues came up, again and again and again, his lack of (I'm not sure if conditioning is the right word) came back to haunt him.

Or so I've read.

2007-07-13 12:16:28
55.   matt nokes forever
52 Cause they won't be filled already? They already sell out nearly every single game and the new stadium is going to have 5-10,000 fewer seats? I want ARod back bad, but from a business standpoint, they don't need him to get butts in the seats.
2007-07-13 12:17:26
56.   Shaun P
50 51 Yeah - that's it! And Tabata doesn't turn 19 for another month!

I don't have any problems with it, or anything like that, but it really caught me by surprise. It just seems so young. And the last thing you ever hear about 18-year-old MLB prospects is that they're married, with kids.

2007-07-13 12:19:59
57.   standuptriple
I think we can all agree the fans/media are worse in BOS. YOu think A-Rod wants to go into that situation. Listen, I think they should re-sign him, but not at $30M per. Basically because I don't think any other club can come close to that. Keep in mind the Yanks are not even covering the Rangers full amount and the contract is still considered an albatross in MLB.
2007-07-13 12:21:37
58.   NJYankee41
50 One of his other journals said his wife is due with twins in the fall.

56 I think that being married with this situation shows a level of maturity. Maybe its not a big deal, but he seems to have a good head so far. Maybe if he has s boy he can do what the Griffeys did.

2007-07-13 12:29:05
59.   yankz
55 I don't know; would the average idiot Yankee fan want to see a bunch of kids pitching and old people playing behind them? You're probably right, but I'm sure A-Rod makes the club a ton of money, more than anyone but Jeter I'd guess.
2007-07-13 12:37:31
60.   JL25and3
55 I don't think the point is whether they need Rodriguez to fill the new Stadium - though they might need a contending team and some marquee players to keep attendance up after the first couple of years, after the novelty wears off.

But the new Stadium also means that they can afford him even more easily. Their revenues are going to go through the roof.

2007-07-13 12:42:29
61.   standuptriple
60 And that's why Boras is positioning himself the way he has been. The Yanks have the $ and will have more. I just hate the ideology that "there is no ceiling" talk. It's BS and I'd hate to see the Yanks get sucked into overpaying (which is all Boras really wants).
2007-07-13 12:44:02
62.   Start Spreading the News
59 Actually, if I had to guess i would say that Matsui brings in the most money to the Yanks. He is the reason why Yanks are broadcast in Japan and why Japanese tourists and ads are in the stadium.

That said, I heard the day that Arod came to the Yanks, that week the Yanks sold so many additional tickets that it paid for Arod's salary that year.

2007-07-13 12:48:23
63.   JL25and3
61 I have no problem with overpaying for top quality. I'd rather overpay for one $30M player than for two $15M players.
2007-07-13 12:49:44
64.   matt nokes forever
59 60 Business wise, they don't need him at all. They are going to make a ton of money one way or the other. Just look at the link I posted in 53. They don't need to make money with the team/stadium revenue directly. It's all the satellite businesses --- merchandising, YES network, etc. --- that really make it a billion dollar enterprise.

Now from a baseball fan standpoint, I don't see how letting one of the best player in the history of baseball walk away could ever possibly be a benefit to your team. When all is said and done, ARod will be mentioned in the top 5 players of all time. We have to make a serious play for him, as we are one of the only teams that can accomodate him and his asking price.

2007-07-13 12:51:46
65.   williamnyy23
62 The problem is that most of the money Matsui brings in is split evenly among the teams. Merchandise and international media rights are all shared collectively, so the only marginal revenue that Matsui brings the Yankees are Japanese tourists attending games and Stadium signage.
2007-07-13 12:53:47
66.   matt nokes forever
63 As long as that $30 million dollar player is a lock... and in this case it is with ARod. I agree 100%.
2007-07-13 12:55:54
67.   JL25and3
64 That was my point - they won't need him for the revenue, but the revenue makes it even easier for them to afford him. Or, to build on your last post: in their new Stadium, they'll be able to afford to build the best team possible. Alex Rodriguez is the best place to start. From a baseball standpoint, I don't see how they can afford to let him walk.
2007-07-13 13:02:05
68.   Jim Dean
Me, I don't think the cover count and the increasing attendance every year since 2004 is just happenstance. A-Rod is the most marketable player on the team - the newspapers know it and the fans know it.

Yearly attendance:
1996: 2,250,877
1997: 2,580,325
1998: 2,955,193
1999: 3,293,659
2000: 3,227,657
2001: 3,264,552
2002: 3,461,644
2003: 3,465,600
2004: 3,775,292
2005: 4,090,440
2006: 4,200,518

In the three years since A-Rod joined the team in 2004, they now sell about 425,000 more tickets year. Being consistent winners over eight years (1996-2003) increased sales by about 1.2 million but stagnated in 1999-2003. A-Rod took them to a whole new level.

The point is: Even if you aren't a big fan of baseball, A-Rod is the story of the NY Yankees. And it puts the causal fans in the seats.

2007-07-13 13:05:26
69.   Shaun P
64 The reason the Yanks have been a billion dollar enterprise is because they've been going to the postseason every year for so long. A streak of even winning, but non-contending seasons, is going to hit the bottom line in a big way. Ratings will go down, not as much merchandise will sell . . . it will be the mid-80s all over again.

I would not discount the value of A-Rod in making the Yanks a playoff team vs a non-playoff team. The offense next year, without A-Rod, would be barren. You'll have Jeter, Posada (but likely down - he's having a career year), Matsui, and . . . we hope Melky and Cano. After that, . . .

2007-07-13 13:05:47
70.   matt nokes forever
67 Exactly. Plus, how many teams can realistically pick up his price tag? Five? Six? Boras knows that, and so does ARod. Plus, if he really is upset about this whole "The Yankees are Derek Jeter's team" thing, what better way to incorporate himself into the NYY lore than to help them win their first title in their new stadium? If it's not just the money, and he really does care about the image and the fame, this is the place to be. If it's just the money, we can accomodate that too. And I wouldn't argue it.
2007-07-13 13:06:38
71.   williamnyy23
68 I don't know if you can attribute that entirely to Arod. I'm sure the pending demise of the Stadium has also led many more people to flock to the games, either to catch a last look or to get their name on the season ticket rolls. I can see the idea that Arod contributed to the jump between 2003 and 2004 (probably all in people buying tickets with excitement around the time of the trade), but the subsequent gains are likely the result of other factors.
2007-07-13 13:09:05
72.   Zack
And, from the opposite side, A-Rod NEEDS the Yanks as much as they need him. If he walks away, he'll be walking away from the biggest stage, his most consistently realistic chance to win a WS (even despite this bad year), AND he'll have to constantly ace the elephant in the room of 'not being able to make it in NY" etc. I'm not saying its legit, but it will be there. A-Rod stays in NY, breaks the record, possible wins a WS, and he goes down as a God.
2007-07-13 13:10:36
73.   Ben
(68.) Excuse me Jim. But I believe the increase in attendance between 2004 and 2005 was due to the signing of one Tony Womack. Check the facts.
2007-07-13 13:11:05
74.   Shaun P
67 That's a heck of a point. Wow. I can't believe they didn't sell more than 3 million tickets in 1998.

Pete Abe says the Yanks need A-Rod, and A-Rod needs them. You know, I think he's right. Negative tabloid crap aside, being a huge star for the winningest, most famous team in the world, in the media capital of the world, is an advantage no other city in the world can offer.

2007-07-13 13:12:09
75.   williamnyy23
72 That all assumes Arod cares about those things. I think the outcome is really a simple one. If Arod likes being in NY, he'll stay. If he doesn't, he'll go. I honestly don't believe money is going to be an issue. I'm sure the Yankees will make every effort required, but ultimately, Arod has to decided what is best for him. He may very well prefer playing in the laid-back atmosphere of LA, for example. If so, God bless.
2007-07-13 13:14:20
76.   matt nokes forever
68 69 I agree that ARod increases the marketability of the Yankees exponentially, especially to the casual fans. But we are still talking about monopoly money to most teams, as the Yankees were once again easily number one on the Forbes sports teams list again this year. W/O ARod, it's obvious that the ratings would drop, but the Yankees would still be a ridiculous cash cow.

But I hope that the Without-Alex scenarios are negated by his resigning, and we don't have to even think about life after AGod. If he goes, we'll have to figure out something to bolster that lineup b/c it won't be enuff.

2007-07-13 13:14:27
77.   Bama Yankee
68 & 71 don't forget the Andy Phillips factor...
;-)
2007-07-13 13:15:59
78.   Jim Dean
71 His acquisition alone increased sales by 300,000 (the only big difference between the 2003 and 2004 teams). And that was before the new stadium was finalized. The following year it increased another 300,000 - again before the Stadium plans were finalized.

All told - having A-Rod on the team has meant over 750,000 more ticket sales each year (got the difference wrong in 68). And that's without the team winning anything.

I feel very comfortable calling it the A-Rod effect, especially considering attendance had stagnated in 1999-2003.

2007-07-13 13:17:31
79.   Zack
Besides, without A-Rod, what the heck will the tabloids have to talk about? I guess they can still talk about A-Rod, but even more negatively...
2007-07-13 13:21:49
80.   matt nokes forever
78 You wanna know what's funny, though. They still posted $28 million in losses last year.
2007-07-13 13:22:55
81.   williamnyy23
71 First off, you keep referring to stagnation, but what explains the 6% leap between 2001 and 2002? Giambi? That increase isn't far behind the 9% rise between 2003 and 2004.

I am not sure how you can attribute the entire 300K rise to one man. Surely other factors were involved. For example, I'm sure the riveting 2003 ALCS with Boston lead to more interest in 2004. I definitely think the Arod signing heightened interest, but don't see how you can assign full credit to him.

Also, why exactly would the Arod effect last for two years. Are you suggesting their were fans who held off a year before taking the Arod plunge. If there was an Arod-specific boost, it would have to occur immediately after the acquisition.

Finally, the team has won something, just not what you want them to win.

2007-07-13 13:23:55
82.   Jim Dean
80 I know - hilarious. And yet how much did YES make?
2007-07-13 13:29:37
83.   matt nokes forever
82 $250 million... $60 mill of which goes to the Yankees/Steinbrenner...
2007-07-13 13:31:37
84.   Jim Dean
81 They went from being the best team in baseball to not being the best team in baseball. Call that whatever you want.

2001 to 2002 I'd ascribe to 9/11. The Yankees were a very nice diversion for people in the city.

Then things stagnated again - no change between 2002 and 2003.

Until A-Rod arrived.

I don't doubt that Sox-Yanks helped, but then again A-Rod was at the center of that too. And the Yanks only play the Sox 9 times at the Stadium each year. By contrast, they're selling 750,000 more tix since A-Rod arrived.

Again, I'm comfortable calling it the A-Rod effect.

Gotta run. Donuts.

2007-07-13 13:45:35
85.   Mike in DC
I am going to be a stickler here and comment that Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Abreu did not hit back-to-back-to-back dingers in the fourth. Matsui was batting 5th and Posada was hitting 6th. They both made outs before Abreu's homer... for what that is worth.
2007-07-13 14:14:28
86.   Start Spreading the News
Showing the data in 68 a different way:
Year, Sales Difference from Previous Year
1997, 329,448
1998, 374,868
1999, 338,466
2000, -66,002
2001, 36,895
2002, 197,092
2003, 3,956
2004, 309,692
2005, 315,148
2006, 110,078

I would lean towards the additional sales in 2004 to being an Arod affect. A lot of fans (and Tony Womack's mom) wanted to see Arod play.

I would similarly attribute 2005 sales to be the Randy Johnson factor. I was really sure that with RJ joining already a pretty good team that we would definitely win it all. So I did a season ticket package with friends that year. Last year I didn't. Neither did I this year.

2007-07-13 14:26:09
87.   JL25and3
85 Back-to-back-to-WW-to-WW-to back.
2007-07-13 14:26:51
88.   Vandelay Industries
Hey, did you guys hear? You can be a part of Red Sox Nation for only $14.95, that's right floks, you too can be a fan for this low low price. Can they raise the 35 mil. per that they are going to need?

Sheesh!

2007-07-13 14:44:11
89.   Vandelay Industries
75

With all due respect, have you read the contract that he signed with Texas? Money will most certainly be an issue, in fact it will be the only issue, and that is precisely why Boras is recommending that he wait until season's end to negotaite. He'd still be in Texas if they could afford him. Arod had no desire to go here or there, Boston simply wouldn't make an offer to Texas that made any sense. Basically offering Manny and a few million per. for Arod. Thereby not assuaging the finacial position that Texas was attempting to dig out from. He'll have a career year and parlay that into a huge long term deal that some other team will later be unable to afford and deal him once again. It's pretty obvious to me what is going on.

When the Yankees, who absolutely do not negotiate during the season, offer to negotiate, you do it if you want to stay. You do it if it is your intention to stay. It is not as if Arod is going to sit in the meetings with Cashman and Boras! He is free to continue playing as he is with very little if any distraction. He could grab a seven year deal right now worth around $200,000,000. He's gone at season's end, period. And since I don't believe in coincidences, he's having his best year precisley when he has an opt-out clause. Coincidence, I doubt it. If he gets hurt, blame Boras, not the NY Yankees.

Sheffield calling Joe Torre a racist! Seriously, there were people here that thought we should keep that scrub. Its not a coincidence he'll play for 10 teams before he's finished. But Jeter Sheff.... But Bernie Sheff.... But ..... What a human piece of shit he is.

2007-07-13 14:55:26
90.   Count Zero
I think one of the keys to the A-Rod negotiation is the opt-out. Don't forget -- if they sign an extension, the Yankees still get to have Hicks paying big bucks through 2010. But if A-Rod opts out, then Hicks is off the hook.

I thought Pete did a good job of explaining that today. According to DN today: "A source told the Daily News that the Bombers have made it clear to A-Rod and his agent, Scott Boras, that they have no intention in taking part in a free-agent bidding war for the two-time American League MVP, and that if he chooses to opt out of his current contract and open the bidding to the rest of baseball, his days in pinstripes will be over."

I'm not a big sucker for DN rumors, but I find that to be a very believable negotiating tactic on the Yanks' part. Even if it happened, it could be a bluff -- but it's a damn good one and one Boras will understand. An extension could easily lead to a six-year deal worth $30MM per, but the Yanks save $21MM the first three years. If he opts out, the exact same deal costs them an extra $21MM.

2007-07-13 15:13:33
91.   ny2
89 apparently jeter doesn't count because he's not "all the way black"
2007-07-13 15:15:52
92.   Marcus
89 But you are completely forgetting the most important part: A-Rod offered to renegotiate his contract to get traded to Boston. He was offering to get paid less to play for a contender! A-Rod sure as hell wanted to get out of Texas. I'm sure money played a part as well (bigger media markets = more endorsement deals and recognition in general).

I don't see why it isn't understandable that A-Rod really doesn't want to deal with negotiations during the season due to the distraction factor. The guy can clearly get distracted, and you know these negotiations aren't going to be simple.

2007-07-13 15:27:34
93.   Marcus
91 What about this line:

"In a million years, I don't care what anybody says, steroids is something you shoot in your butt. I do know that ... The bottom line is steroids is something you stick in your butt -- period."

So Sheff has no moral qualms with steriods. Just a paralyzing fear of sticking things in his butt. Fair enough.

2007-07-13 15:36:48
94.   JL25and3
92 I agree, I think people should at least consider taking Rodriguez at his word. Even if he doesn't care that much one way or the other, he knows he should say he wants to put the team and the season first. Maybe he's finally learning something from Jeter about what to say to the press.
2007-07-13 15:50:47
95.   JL25and3
As for this Sheffield thing: I don't want to say I told you so, but...
2007-07-13 16:18:25
96.   Vandelay Industries
92

Come on man. He wants to avoid distraction? Well then he has an odd way of avoiding it. He refuses to negotiate mid-season, basically saying that he intends to opt-out. Otherwise he'd be a fool to simply play out the final thre years of his deal, something he has no intention of doing, I can assure you of that. Refusing to negotiate mid-season creates more distraction, not less. It fuels media specualtion and forces the Yankees hand.

Now, speaking as a lawyer, the Yankees have done the only proper thing here. It's a contract negotiation. The Yankees are making concessions, allowing him to negotiate mid-season, and considering an extension while Arod is in the superior bargaining position given the season taht he is having. Now, if he refuses to negotiate, then the Yankees are right to inform him that he can either play out his contract or opt-out, but that he owes them as much as to negotiate with them first, and if he refuses, then good luck to him.

It may simply be another case of the agent leading the client. But if it is, that's Arod's responsibility, and letting Boras lead the way, he will get much richer, but won't be playing for a winner. His position that he wants to avoid distraction is specious at best.

2007-07-13 16:19:51
97.   Vandelay Industries
Jeter, the DP king. Is he trying to hit into as may as he turns?
2007-07-13 16:21:48
98.   Vandelay Industries
92

That was a legal tactic followed by Boras and nothing more. Arod was able to appear willing to take less money to play for a winner while all the while, Boras, and every other labor lawyer in the country knew damn well the union would never allow it. Its labor law 101.

2007-07-13 16:27:45
99.   Vandelay Industries
Roger looks good! Why the hell is Abreu off again? Quick hooks killing guys confidence. Taking the guy, who for some reason seems to determine whether we win or lose out of the lineup against Kazmir. Joe Joe Joe.......take your vitamins.

When he does this Damon should be getting time at 1B and Abreu should be DH. Ugh!

2007-07-13 16:30:13
100.   OldYanksFan
66 ARod's Current contract calls for $32m salary in 2009 or 2010, or he can Opt-Out.
Of course, Texas is paying around 9+/- of that, so it's 23+/- to us. So, if we give him the raise (and we may have to to keep him), in 2008-2010, he gets paid $91m ($63m for us). So what's next... 5 years at $120m?
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-07-13 16:31:07
101.   OldYanksFan
67 They will need him to make the PS, and that generates a LOT of revenue.
2007-07-13 16:32:48
102.   rbj
Pssst, new game thread.

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