the chalk lounge letters

Jimenez Will Get the Split

A few years ago, Ubaldo Jimenez was touted by Rockies scouts for his live arm and great control at a young age.  He was drafted as a 17-year-old in 2001, and made an impression right away by K'ing 65 batters in only 62 IP.  He followed that up by winning 10 games and striking out 138 in 152 innings.

Ubaldo Jimenez

He might have made it into the bigs a lot sooner had a right shoulder strain not knocked him out in 2004 only a few pitches into the season.  After rehabbing his way back, Jimenez finally got the call in August to join the big league team and take Jason Hirsh's spot.  He hit a few road bumps but pitched great to end the season and join the playoff roster.

 

It's Not About The Money

Joe Torre will address the media today, thus ushering this Yankee managerial circus to the next phase of its existence -- closure.

Pundits everywhere have opined "Joe didn't want to take a pay cut."  Maybe in their worlds, money is everything and the two-million dollar drop in base salary was an insult.  But in Joe's world, it's all about quality of life for his players, and what he felt the Yankees were trying to say to him.

Torre is Indeed Done...His Way

Joe Torre received an offer from the New York Yankees for 1 year/5 million dollars, plus 1 million dollars for each level of playoffs the Yanks reach.  If the Yanks made the WS is '08, he would have made 8 million dollars in 2009.

He turned it down.

I'm still pretty stunned here, but I feel very good for Joe Torre.  The man went out on his own terms.  He went out on top.

That said, it's a sad day for the New York Yankees.

Joe Torre Ain't Done Yet

I know, I know, I must be crazy.  The Yankees haven't been the same since 2004's collapse against the Sox, and it's time for a change in New York.  Three straight 1st round exits is inexcusable, and Torre's gotta go.  Anybody can do his job, right?  Well...here's the thing.  When all the smoke clears, does that really make sense?

The Yankee Brass (George & Co.) will be meeting next week in their Tampa bunker to discuss Torre's future, among many other things.  Here's why Torre will be welcomed back with (semi)open arms.

Why the Yankees Will Win Game 2

The Yanks fell to C.C. Sabathia and the Tribe in surprising fashion in last night's Game 1 of the ALDS.  While it's true that today is something of a must-win, it's not panic time just yet.

We're actually quite calm today here in New York.  Call it the Andy Pettitte Effect.

Here's why the Yankees will win this afternoon and come back to the Bronx with the much needed split.

1. The Stopper - Andy Pettitte brings calm after a loss with his solid, consistent approach.  Not dominant, but good for a 6-inning, 2-run start.  Just what we need to get to Joba/Mo.