injury updates; jeter's progress

  Oh–Yankees, Yankees, Yankees.  One injury after another; You just can't catch a break these days.  Derek Jeter's season is in doubt, Kevin Youkilis is now on the disabled list, and Mark Teixeira is still quite a ways behind from returning to the line-up.

  With all of the news to keep track of, I decided to dedicate this blog to updating the injury reports for the fans.

•   It was discovered that Jeter has a new fracture in his surgically repaired right ankle. The fracture was thought to have happened after Jeter felt stiffness in his ankle during a game on March 19th in Florida, against the Phillies. Although not being able to play has been both frustrating and tough for Jeter, he maintains a positive attitude about it, stating that there is no doubt he will be back before the season ends.  It is to be expected that he won't return until after the All-Star break in July, though no date has been set.  Originally, Jeter was set to make his debut on Opening Day 2013, after injuring in ankle during the play-offs last year.  "My job is to be ready for Opening Day. I feel like I didn't do my job," he said. Jeter stated, "My job was to be ready; unfortunately, I wasn't. I don't regret it, because I think you have to set goals to try to reach those goals. I'm never one to just sit back and have a lot of patience when it comes to anything being wrong." 

• Catcher Francisco Cervelli is set to have surgery on his fractured right hand.  During a game off of a foul ball against the Toronto Blue Jays.  Catcher Chris Stewart will now take the leading role in the position, while top prospect Austin Romine has been called up from Triple A for back-up.  Cervelli is expected to be out for at least a month and a half.  "It is disappointing for him because of all that he has been through," Girardi said.  After the Yankees acquired Chris Stewart to back up former Yankee Russell Martin, Cervelli was sent down to Triple A for most of the 2012 season.  He worked extremely hard during the off-season in order to prove he deserved to be an everyday player in the Yankees line-up.  Although Cervelli and Stewart were battling to become the everyday catcher, Cervelli played in 17 of the first 22 games, as opposed to Stewart's eight games.

 

• Starting pitcher Ivan Nova has soreness in his elbow, causing him to leave the game early last week. Before the start of the third inning where he was faced with a comeback single, Nova approached Joe Girardi and trainer Steve Donohue about discomfort right above his tricep or elbow.  He continued to pitch into the third inning, but was taken out by both Girardi and Donohue after they noticed he didn't look okay.

• Kevin Youkilis is now on the 15-day disabled list due to a stiff back.  Youkilis missed nine games due to the soreness in his back.  He received an epidural the other day in order to reduce the pain.  Youkilis will not be able to come back earlier than mid-May because he played Girardi put him in Saturday's game, which makes him ineligible to return any earlier. 

•  Outfielder Curtis Granderson taking batting practice, he is expected to return to the Yankees line-up at the beginning of May.  Granderson fractured his right forearm during the team's home opener during Spring Training.  On a two ball and two strikes count. he was by J.A. Happ.  “Five pitches in we have a little setback,” Granderson said. “They said it could be worse, but… Now we rest, recover, get it back and get ready to play whenever that day comes.”  Granderson will be a free-agent following the 2013 season.  He led the Yankees in homers for the past two seasons. 

• First baseman Mark Teixeira is still a little ways from returning to the team.  Teixeira tore his tendon sheath in his right write in the midst of preparing for the World Baseball Classic .  Originally, the first baseman was set to come back on May 1st, but that timetable doesn't appear to be realistic right now.  Tex says his wrist is still quite stiff, making it difficult to continue to progress into hitting baseballs.  He is currently taking dry swings as practice.  "I've said all along, this is probably the most unpredictable one," said Girardi.

• Bullpen reliever Joba Chamberlain was just put on the 15-day disabled list for an oblique strain.  Chamberlain stated that he felt quite a bit of discomfort while prepping for a game this past week.  Tests results later on showed the oblique strain, which makes him the tenth Yankees player to be placed on the disabled list thus far. 

 

 

 

So What's It Really Like Behind the Scenes? Interview post

I recently got the chance to interview Jonathan Galed, who works as a photographer for the WTVT-TV news station in Tampa, Florida.  He has covered the Yankees many times before, and has even interviewed some of them.  Since I want to be in production and in the news industry, Mr. Glaed would be a good connection to have.  Especially since he covers the Yankees and I am a huge fan!

 

1)  What has been your favorite event for the Yankees that you have covered?

 My favorite event was covering the first spring training meeting between the Yankees and Red Sox in Fort Myers at the former home of the Red Sox spring training, City of Palms Park. I was with the CBS station WINK-TV. It was a nationally televised night game on ESPN. My reporter and I were covering the fan element as it pertains to the rivalry. There is a lot of Red Sox fans in Fort Myers so that game is always a big one for the area. We shot pre-game warm ups and player interviews, fans enjoying the game, and then went live inside the ballpark post-game. First exposure to how ESPN rolls and the amount of equipment they bring. Funny story: I was packing up my live truck and pulling back cable, making a comment that I have so much cable to pick up (about 500 ft of a/v and power). A tech from ESPN taps my shoulder and says he has 1 mile. Of audio only. I promptly stopped complaining.
 

2) Some directors can get quite loud when yelling in your ear while covering a game. How do you react and stay calm during possible pressure situations?

Honestly, the best way to deal with a loud producer is to be proactive. Directors only talk to the production staff, producers talk to news crews. A happy producer wants to see all the elements they're expecting from you to be ready to go. Have the video that's going to air in ahead of time and have your live shot up with everything working. If you have a problem call them. Producers don't normally yell and scream unless they're inexperienced. And if all else fails, take the earpiece out!
 

3) Do you use portable or fixed-position cameras?

 I use a portable Panasonic p2 camera (HD). I'm field work so all my gear is meant to be portable.
 

4) Which Yankee player do you or did you look forward to interviewing the most? And why?

 I've interviewed CC, Kuroda (through translator) Pettitte, Rivera, and Carl Pavano (when he was with the Twins). I enjoyed the Rivera interview the best (press conference where he announced his retirement). Mariano was always my favorite Yankee growing up so I was the most excited to interview him. Even thought it was a press conference with a lot of reporters we all ask the same stuff. However, my dream interview would be with Paul O'Neil or Bernie Williams. They define what scrappy baseball is. They played with so much intensity. And I've always wanted to know what made that 1998 team so special. Was it a collection of talented veterans and young rookies? What happened in that clubhouse? And I'd want to hear why O'Neil beat up so many coolers and how many bats he'd go through a season.



It would have been a dream of mine to be at Mariano Rivera's press conference!  Although Galed had said that Mariano Rivera was his favorite player, I must say that mine would be Derek Jeter.  They are both two of the classiest people that have played the game.  The fact that Mr. Galed was able to interview future Hall-of-Fame players is something I hope to accomplish in my career. 
 

Wikipedia Post: Part II.

  They changed my comment I made to the Yankee Stadium Wikipedia page! Although I'm not quite surprised they changed my comments because some take these Wikipedia pages seriously, I still thought I had a valid point.  I have had many professors tell their students that Wikipedia is not a valid source for information because anyone can edit the page; It seems as though if you write something silly, they will correct your remark, but anyone can a comment on the page.  


  Here's what I wrote in my previous blog post concerning the Yankee Stadium Wikipedia page: The Yankee Stadium Tell-All.   

  As of now, the Yankee Stadium Wikipedia page says: "The stadium has also been criticized for its lack of fan noise. During a Sunday Night Baseball telecast in 2012, commentator and former Red Sox manager Terry Francona spoke about the different atmospheres in the old and new stadiums saying that "As a visiting team, especially for the Red Sox, by the time the (national) anthem was over, you couldn’t wait to get back in the dugout. Now (there is) a little different (kind) of fan sitting around down there by the dugout." Games at the new stadium do not feature the same deafening crowd moments and often sound eerily silent.^[72] 

 I thought it would be amusing to write the same comments in again that I had previous to it being deleted.  Yankee Stadium has always been a tough stadium to play in due to the amount of pressure the fans put on the players. The noise, especially during playoff season, is something to experience. The whole stadium is lit up; the fans are running around the streets chanting for the Yankees. Even some Yankee players, such as A.J. Burnett had a tough time playing in New York due to the amount of pressure. Baseball players from other teams look forward to playing here because of the experience. It is like no other stadium.

I decided to check back ten minutes later, and found a new message from a subscriber on WIkipedia, saying it is in no way meant for advertising or using a soapbox. I need to look at the Wikipedia policy page. Ha! It was worth a try to put my comment on the page.   

How To Steal A Base

  Stealing a base is a technique every baseball player has to learn, but not many can master.  Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner is one of the best at this craft.  He has 138 stolen bases since his major league debut five years ago.  Although Gardner is one of the fastest in the major leagues; stealing  a base is not all about speed.  Some of the all-time best base runners were not the fastest in the game, instead they focused on reading the pitcher, timing, and skill. 

 This is a short tutorial on how to steal a base.

                                                    How to Steal A Base




  1) Read the sign:  Once you have successfully reached first base, the key is to be aware of your coaches and the pitcher's actions. In the MLB, there is a first and third base coach.  As a player, you should be listening to what the first base coach is saying to you while you're on the base.  In the meantime, the third base coach will be throwing out various signs to pay attention to.  The pitcher usually has an idea if a batter is getting ready to steal to second base.  He will throw back to the first baseman a few times to keep you close to the base.  You need to pay attemtion to an tip offs, such as the wind-up the pitcher takes before he throws.  Pitcher Andy Pettitte is known for throwing batters out at first because of his little movement and quick reaction.

  2) Get a good lead:  Getting a good lead is extremely important when stealing a base.  Faster runners can take a bigger lead off of first because they can get back to the base quicker if the pitcher throws to the first baseman.  Digging your cleat into the ground ensures that you do not slip as you start to run to second.

  3) Bluff the pitcher:  Although players on the field must be on alert when there is a base runner, some teams are simply not paying attention.  Many times if there is only one base runner on and it is not a pressure situation, the pitcher won't pay attention to the player on base.  A good base runner will bluff once or twice by taking a big lead and pretending that he is taking the jump to second.  The catcher will then throw the ball to the second baseman, if he knows he has a chance of getting the player out. 

  4) Time the pitcher's movement:  When in the batter's box, watch the pitcher's movement and timing.  It'll help you when you are on first base and getting ready to steal.

  5) Learn how to use the bag:  When you are sliding into the base, make sure that the fielder has as little room as possible to tag the base.  This means sliding into the base feet first.  If they are fielding the ball in front of the base, slide towards the back of the base and vice versa.

Just remember, stealing base is not all about speed.  Consistency, time, and skill are all qualities that good base-runners have.  If you follow these tips and watch the videos, you are on your way to become a great base stealer!

Oh, Sweet Caroline!

 Who said the Red Sox and Yankees can't get along?  Following Monday's bombings at the finish line during the Boston Marathon, the Yankees dedicated the end of the third inning to playing the song "Sweet Caroline," a tradition at Fenway Park.  

  Before the start of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Yankee Stadium, there was a moment of silence held for all of the victims, as well as for the city of Boston.  Former Red Sox Kevin Youkilis discussed the tragic event to reporters on Tuesday. Needless to say, this story hits very close to home because he's had family members running in the marathon while he waited at the finish line for them.  "We were pretty much sick to our stomach," Youkilis said. "For my family and I, it was supposed to be a good off day with the kids, but it turned into a lot of phone calls and worry."

  The finish line of a race is a moment to rejoice and celebrate what you accomplished.  Although I have never ran a marathon before, I attended a half marathon in New York City a few months back.  There are hundreds of people walking and standing around, cheering on the runners as they approached the finish line.  Families are waiting to congratulate loved ones; while dedicated marathon runners are running to finish off an amazing feat.  Once you see that finish line it's like nothing else matters at the moment except the experience of what you have just completed.

 As a runner, myself, I was thinking of signing up for a 10k race in New York City in June.  It's as if we now have to take extra precautions even when we are so focused on this long, tough run ahead of us. 

What happened in Boston on Monday was a tragic event, to say the least. Some of the people who were running in the marathon were doing it in rememberance of the Sandy Hook victims.  The Yankees organization said it best: "We stand united with the participants, volunteers, staff and spectators of the Boston Marathon and the people of Boston."

Rivera and Pettitte: History in the Making

Savor the moments in history, Yankee fans.  Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera pitching in the same regular-season game since July 8, 2010.  You won't be seeing these two pitching together much longer, since Rivera announced his retirement after the 2013 season.  Pettitte's decision on retirement is still up in the air, but chanyear playing professional baseball, as well.


While starting pitcher Pettitte recorded his first win of the season against Boston; Rivera struck out a batter to earn his first save of the season.  Both pitchers suffered season-ending injuries last year, which is the main reason why Rivera chose to come back for the 2013 season.  After injuring his ACL while catching fly balls in the outfield during a pre-game, Rivera feels like has unfinished business to take care of, a.k.a. the World Series Championships.  As Pettitte stated, "It'll be special for me watching him this year and know that after this he won't be closing any games for us. I'll savor it as much as I can. But we have a lot of work to do, a task at hand that we have to focus on, also." (yankees.com) 

Apart from when Pettitte was traded to the Houston Astros for three seasons, the duo have been a constant force in the Yankees winning legacy.  Back in 1997 Rivera made his debut as a closer for the Yankees after struggling to find a place as a pitcher.  Fast forward to 2013 where Rivera has saved 69 of Pettitte's 246 wins.  Rivera has recorded at least one save in eighteen seasons,  another Major League record bringing his total to 609 wins all-time.

Here's are a few more accomplishments the duo have succeeded in together: 

1.  Five World Series Wins
2. Seven American League pennants
3. Pettitte has 19 wins in the post-season. (All-time Major League record)
4. Rivera has 42 saves in the post-season. (All-time Major League record)

It has been debated whether Pettitte belongs in the Hall of Fame. There is no doubt that Rivera belongs there, though.

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the New York Yankees

Although I have never officially researched it, I often wondered how the Yankees got their team name.  That is until I came upon an article today on the Yankees website about how the team just celebrated their 100th year anniversary. Before I discuss how successful the Yankees have been since the name change on April 10, 1913; it is only necessary to take a big step back in history to when the team first was accepted into the American League. 

•  Originally a Baltimore franchise, owners Frank Farrell and Bill Devery purchased the team for $18,000 and relocated to New York City.
• The team, named the New York Highlanders, were accepted into the American League as of March 12, 1903. 
• The Highlanders home turf was located between 168th and Broadway at the Hilltop Park.
• In April of 1913, the team changed their name to the Yankees, after moving to the Polo Grounds to share the space with the New York Giants. 
• This change came after almost ten years of the local newspapers using the name the "Yankees"instead of the Highlanders, in order to save space in their headline.
• The team's first game as the official Yankees ended up in a loss to the Senators. 
• The Yankees first win was against Boston. 

                                                       

  
It is safe to say that no other professional sports team in history has accomplished as much as the Yankees have.  With 27 World Series Championships and 40 American League Pennant wins, the Yankees have conquered it all, yet still continue to make history almost every year. 

Cheers to another 100 years, Yankees!

(Little history for all of you Yankee fans. Enjoy!)
Timeline of the Bronx Bombers

Opening Day: Yankee Stadium 1923

The story of opening day at Yankee Stadium all started on February 6, 1921 when news circulated that the Yankees purchased ten acres of land in the Bronx, just across from the Harlem River, from William Waldorf Astor.  The purchase price of the land was $675,000. That land was where history was going to be made. What a bargain, right?  Previously, the Yankees shared the Polo Grounds with the National League Giants.  Once attendance started to soar for the Yankees due to stand-out performances from the players, the Giants basically told the Yankees to pack up and vacate the premises.  Once co-owners of the Yankees Jacob Ruppert and Tillinghast l'Hommedieu Huston purchased the property, the plans were in place to build a three-story structure that be the first to ever be called a  'stadium.' 

 

Construction on Yankee Stadium amounted to $2.5 million and amazingly only took 284 days to build.  The American Flag and Yankees pennant were hoisted by center field by the Seventh Regiment Band, John Phillip Sousa, and both the Yankees and Red Sox.

 

On April 18, 1923 with a crowd of just over 74,000 fans, Yankee Stadium opened its doors to the world to watch the Yankees take on the Boston Red Sox.  As history was made, fans crowded themselves outside the gates of the stadium.  Babe Ruth, one of the greatest players in the history of the game, scored a three-run home run to lead the Yankees to their first win at Yankee Stadium.  What a way to finish off a historical day in the Bronx!

 

 

      Other Yankee Stadium facts:

• Yankee Stadium became "The Home of Champions" due to the amount of World Series they won.
• The Yankees won their first World Series against the Giants (remember the Giants kicked them out of the Polo Grounds?)
• The stadium was expanded in 1928.
•  It completed a $1.5 million renovation in 1966 to 1967.
• The Yankees moved to Shea Stadium for three season after a 1973 decision to renovate the ballpark once again.
• On September 21, 2008 the Yankees finished off an incredible end to what was the original Yankee Stadium, before it was to be torn down.
• Catcher Jose Molina scored the last home run; Andy Pettitte was the winning pitcher, while Mariano Rivera threw the last pitch to close the game.
• The all-time Yankee attendance was recorded at 151,959,005.