Curtis Granderson and Brian Bruney trades

It seems Yankees never stay still during any point of season, including off-season and playoffs. This certainly gives Yankees fans many things to talk about and have chances to love Yankees more which is a good thing.

There is no exception this off-season as well.

As for Brian Bruney trade, I really can't say I will miss him because it seems to me he always walks tons of guys that is a big no-no for me to a pitcher. I rather pitchers to give up hits than walking guys.

As for Curtis Granderson trade, my first reaction is Yankees giving up a little bit too much for him. Personally, I won't give up Austin Jackson for him. That being saying, I will rather Yankees have him than giving another big long term contract to relative older players, such as Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Of course, I know they are much better overall players than Curtis Granderson. But, at some point, you have to ask how many long term contracts Yankees want to tie to for at least next 5 years.

I don't know prospects good enough to say which team gets the best deal out of this three-way trade. However, no one knows for sure how all the prospects will turn out to be.

If what Brian Cashman says is true which Yankees’ priority this off-season is pitching and a left fielder with no-so-firm fewer pay roll on hand, I think this deal means few things. First of all, I think this deal pretty much closes door on Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Brian Cashman always likes to have flexibility. I don’t think he will go out to give another long term deal.

As for Johnny Damon, Yankees probably gain some leverages during negotiation. If Damon asks more than 2 year deal which I won’t give to him, I can see Yankees go to lesser players in order to add some depth. As we see this season, Melky and Gardner can handle the platoon situation. That being saying, Damon is a good fit to no.2 spot as DH and plays some games at the left field in order to give DH spot for Posada, Jeter, A-Rod and Teixeira once a while.

Brian Cashman probably focuses on starting pitchers and bench players from this point on. However, I think this deal may have an impact on Roy Halladay deal for couple of reasons. Of course, I assume Yankees will get Pettitte’s deal done at some point of this off-season.

Firstly, I don’t think Cashman is willing to give up prospects and giving another big long term contract to a pitcher after signing AJ and CC the past off-season. As history shows, there is a big risk to give any pitcher a long term contract. One will think two long term contracts to pitchers will be enough. I know Roy Halladay is an ACE, but he will be 33 year old in 2010. Do you really want to sign him through 37,38?

Secondly, I don’t think Cashman want to give up all good prospects he has at the same off-season after dealing Austin Jackson, Ian Kennedy and Phil Coke. You don’t give up prospects and let him walk at the end of 2010 season. Draft picks mean much less for Yankees than other small market teams. As Girardi shows he can handle the bullpen well, Yankees will need all the pitching depth they have on the higher minor league system to fill up their bullpen and(or) rotation. You can’t deal all of them away.

If I have to guess now, I think Yankees will bet and sign one or two veteran starting pitchers for a short term deal this off-season in order to fill up the end of rotation. Let us wait and see.

Let’s Go Yankees!

Yankees have a 1-0 series lead

Jeter is the man. This man is unbelievable. I know CC and the rest of bullpen pitch well. Of course, A-Rod finally comes through with man on base with two RBI. Plus, don't forget Swisher and Matsui for their big hits.

But, in my opinion, the hero is the Captain, Derek Jeter. When CC gives up two runs, Posada looks nervous for whatever reasons and the whole lineup can't hit against a guy they don't see often, Jeter wakes up the whole team.

Game 1 of ALDS_Twins at Yankees

8pm It's 8am in the morning in Taiwan. I wake up on time to see A-Rod come through with a big RBI single. And then Matsui hit another home run against lefty. Of course, I miss the big two-run home run by Captain.

8:20pm At the same time, a well rest CC with run support keep putting on zero on the scoreboard.

8:35pm Well, It starts making everyone nervous, doesn't it? Come on, CC.

8:40pm A job well done by CC. Let's go Hughes. We need this big out.

8:48pm Guess what? Hughes get that big out by throwing fastball right by Cabrera

9:03pm A-Rod likes to face Twins in the post season, right?

9:21pm It's good to get everyone in the game to feel the pressure of playoff.

9:47pm It's hard for me to get nervous when Mo is on the mound. Congrats to Yanks for game 1 win(7-2).

Pettitte vs TOR

1:36pm Today, I need to work on some of my family stuffs, so I will stay up late. Of course, That means I can watch some Yankees games. It's 1:36am in Taiwan.

1:39pm I just watch opening ceremony of 2009 Summer Deaflympics in Taipei. It is great, especially the part presents Taiwan delicious food. It is so cue. If you have the chance to watch it. Do it and tell me how you feel.

1:46pm OK, go back to the Yankees game. Amazing. Our bombers don't waste any more time to get a lead on the top of second inning.

1:52pm I only can say Jeter is a great actor for that ball 4.

1:54pm I thought I could see Swisher work the count to get a ball 4 for a run.

1:57pm Man, that is quick. Pettitte just gives up a run right back.

1:59pm Wait. I don't think it is a homerun. I guess replay agree with me as well.

2:26pm It seems to me Melky pays for his buddy, Cano for that homerun.

2:43pm That is a great play by Cano to get the 3rd in order to avoid Blue Jays scoring that lead run.

2:46pm That is a great job by Teixeira to give Yankees and Pettitte a lead back this soon.

3:34pm This is the breathing room Pettitte and Yankees bullpen needs.

CC vs Angels

Hello, everyone. Sorry for lack of posts lately. I am expecting a busy May. I get a lot of works need to be done in May. So, I probably won't be able to post a lot in May. Once I get pass May safely, I will be back to post more. Thanks for patience from everyone.

1:16pm CC has an impressive first inning with two strikeouts. The most important thing is he throws different pitches for strike. It is certainly a good sign for Yankees. However, I am not sure how many runs Yankees offense is able to put on when you look at the bottom of Yankees lineup.

1:20pm Man, Jeter was hit by a pitch from Angel's starting pitcher. We can't have another injury from our starting lineup.

1:24pm It looks like Jeter hurts his neck when he steals second base. Hopefully, he is alright. By the way, Aybar was taken out the game at the same play Jeter hurts his neck. Angels certainly can't hit more bad luck this season.

1:40pm CC is in the jam now with bases loaded. This is the big moment of the game. If CC is able to get out of this inning without giving up any run, it will frustrate Angels team. CC gets a big strikeout and a line out to end the inning.

1:51pm As many of us expect, the bottom of lineup do nothing in the bottom of second inning.

1:57pm I was about screaming at "Don't walk the leadoff hitter of the inning" and then CC got him out with a infield pop out.

2:00pm Is it just me to feel this way? I feel 2009 Yankees team is so different than the Yankees team the past few year.

2:02pm Melky makes a great diving catch at right field after Gardner makes a diving catch at center field. Great plays for both Yankees young outfielders.

2:11pm The way Yankees offense looks the first three innings of the this game. CC better has a great day. However, I will definitely feel nervous when Yankees bullpen has to hold a one-run lead.

2:14pm Pena just makes a great play at 3B. Yankees has made three great defense plays behind CC. It's so nice to see that from Yankees team. Oh, by the way, CC hits one of Angels to send a message, "Don't keep hitting my teammates."

2:33pm CC has pitches 5 scoreless innings. However, he uses a lot of pitches to do so. At this rate, We will be lucky if we can get 7 innings out of CC. And then.......?

2:38pm Yankees always turn no-name pitchers or everyone-hit-hard pitchers into Cy Young award winners for some reasons.

2:44pm Pena just makes another nice play and Yankees almost get a double play. Now, Jeter makes an error.

2:50pm Now, double steal from Angels. Angels tie the score. This one hurts because Jeter makes an error.

2:59pm Jeter certainly redeems himself for that leadoff double. Hopefully, Yankees is able to play abc ball to get that run in.

3:00pm Damon does his part to get Jeter to third base with less than 2 outs. Teixeira doesn't do his job.

3:13pm CC picks up another huge strikeout.

3:39pm CC ends up with giving up 5 runs. The way Yankees bullpen goes, it certainly can't fault Girardi to let CC pitch 7th inning. When CC hasn't pitched like an ACE so far this season, he hasn't pitched badly.

3:46pm I understand Veras has a great arm. However, the way he pitches I don't understand why he is still on Yankees team. The reason I says this is not from his terrible pitching performance. Veras never has good command of strike zone. I hate a pitcher can't throw strike. Let alone a relief pitcher who pitches late in the game can't throw strike. I know Veras doesn't have options left, but I don't think losing him is a big lost for Yankees.

4:10pm Well, Robertson certainly doesn't do himself any favor. I don't care about two runs, but I care about two walks he gives up.

4:18pm Posada hits a two-runs homerun to keep Yankees alive.

4:30pm Gardner walks and then scores on Angels' error. The three runs Yankees bullpen give up look big right now.

4:33pm I finally have a little free time to watch a baseball game and then witness Yankees end their 4-games winning streak. However, I am pride of what Yankees keep fighting.

USA wins in bottom of 9th

Well, I guess I miss the most exciting part of this game when I fall sleep and turn off computer. My first impression is the closers of two teams are terrible. Thanks god we have Mo.

I actually think Jeter demonstrates better range up to middle even though he doesn't come up with two balls hit toward middle. Of course, Jeter obviously slow down because of age that is natural. Not to mention, Jeter walks in the 7th inning on critical spot and hits ball hard in the 9th inning. It will be important for Cano to play better defense and help out Jeter up to middle.

Two teams certainly put on a great show. As a baseball fan, I certainly can't ask more. The most impressive play for me is the catch Beltran does in the center field.

As Jeter keeps playing WBC, we certainily get more chances to watch more prospects and bench guys playing. The spring training is long way to go. There is no need to rush any player or get Jeter back as long as they are healthy.

oh, no, Marte and Cano get hurt in WBC

According to the report from Peter's blog, Marte and Cano get hurt in WBC and are going to check out by doctors tomorrow. Hopefully, they don't have serious injury. Hopefully, they just have normal sore and pain that happen in the spring training all the time. We better start praying for Jeter and hope USA team to lose sooner than later.

By the way, who you worry more?

Joba first spring training game

1:27pm Posada has been scratched because of shoulder discomfort. Hopefully, He is fine. I never want any player get hurt including players on other teams. That's why I don't want to see Santana hurt as well.

1:35pm It seems both starters have rocky start. I don't think Joba has his velocity back yet.

1:45pm Giese is up. I believe Girardi will have a long man in the bullpen. Giese should be a leading candidate for that role. Is wind blowing out today?

1:55pm Is this the Yankees team I know? Two sacrifice flies in a row? Play small ball well?

2pm Why every ball is flying out(or almost) the ballpark? It seems to me Giese doesn't have command yet.

2:20pm Even though Cano has a down year last season, he is still better than many second baseman in the league. We really need him offensively and defensively. He certainly can help out Jeter defensively and lengthen lineup offensively.

2:25pm Veras is up now. When I look at Veras's velocity, it seems not so many players have their velocity back to normal at this stage of spring training.

2:35pm I switch audio between Kay and Sterling. I must say this. If I have to choose one among them, I definitely go with Sterling. Kay is really boring.

2:45pm Teixeira just makes a terrific play at 1B. His defense will help us a lot. By the way, did I mention Molina throw out another base runner? Yankees should send a note to every other teams in the league,"Don't even try to steal off Molina"

3:20pm Because internet is so expensive in Australia, I switch to WCBS once Yankees put Igawa on.

My first game of 2009

YES. This second spring training officially opens 2009 season for me. If "most" people stay healthy, we are going to have a fantastic 2009 season. I will try to liveblog this game as much as I can.

1:10pm Watching a introduction clip of free agents signing get me to feel exciting for 2009 season.

1:22pm Does Hughes hit batters because he throws cutters?

1:27pm Not a bad first inning for Hughes,right?

1:33pm I am a little bit disappointed at Teixeira's first at bat. Ha! I think I expect too much. This is just a spring training game. However, his defense is certainly great.

1:39pm Hughes has better command at second inning. I think we should stop looking at radar gun reading at this stage of spring training.

1:46pm Is it possible for Yankees broadcasting crew not to talking about steroids? I am just tired of hearing the same thing again and again.

1:48pm The first two innings of this game let us know what AL East will look like. Pitching & Defense.

1:50pm Hughes is done after 2 innings. In my opinion, as first outing of spring training, it's good performance for him. Coke is up now.

1:53pm Cano makes a great great play.

1:58pm Welcome back, Posada. Posada will play a huge role in 2009 season. By the way, what a contract between Posada and Molina in term of offense.

2:37pm I miss a little bit because of my computer, but come back on time for Posada's another RBI. By the way, Melky doesn't look so great at his first game of spring training. Burney looks good, especially his velocity at this stage of spring training.

2:40pm That's why Jeter is the captain who everyone wants him on his team. A great relay.

3:10pm Shelley Duncan certainly loves to hit Rays. I really think Shelley should be able to contribute to other major league team as a power righthand batter off bench. If he can somehow figure out breaking balls, he will become quite a player.

3:15pm Gardner makes a great catch and almost double up runner at second base. Gardner certainly has an edge over Melky right now.

3:16pm Melancon is up now. Most his pitches are at lower part of strike zone. He also changes speed quite well.

Hopefully, Jeter is fine

We all know what Jeter will say regard of his injury. But, it certainly causes concern for our Yankees fans. However, it will be nice if this minor injury can lead Jeter to give up WBC. But, we all know this is close to be impossible.

Marte and Edwar also have some small to maybe-big injury news. Hopefully, they will be fine as well. That being said, Posada is doing well according to Peter's blog.

That's why I Jeter is the man

Quotes from Jeter

"One thing that is irritating and it really upsets me a lot is when you hear everybody say, `It was the Steroids Era. Everybody was doing it.’ You know, that’s not true. Everybody was not doing it,"

Manny's attitude is not the main concern for Yankees

There are two different news coming out regard of Jeter's comments on Manny. One is from Mlb. The other from the Star-Ledger.

Jeter is kind of person believe Yankees can win with whatever team they have. Even if Yankees don't sign CC and AJ, he would say Yankees can win it all as well. I remember Jeter said Wang is the no.1 pitcher and believe young pitchers when everyone cry for Santana last off-season, including Posada. Of course, he feels Yankees have enough offense with what they have in the lineup now.

The most interesting quote from Jeter's interview is

"It's just when you're out on the field, you're trying to accomplish one thing, and we welcome people with their own personalities."

I always feel if there is one team out there can handle Manny's attitude, it will be Yankees. Players on Yankees can play with anyone with all kind of personalities. The question becomes "Can Manny play hard all the time on Yankees?" I actually believe Manny will do that as long as Jeter, Mo and Posada are still on the Yankees.

In the end, I believe Manny's attitude is not be the thing Yankees concern the most. Yankees probably concern about his not so good defense on left field, many players for limited spots and years they need to give for a soon to be 37 year old slugger. I guess Yankees will wait out the market and hopes price to come down within reasonable range. Of course, this assumes Yankees don't get Teixeira.

It's over, but don't play blame game.

First of all, I am so happy for Moose for his 19th win. I really hope he can win 20 this season. When I was watching Yankees game yesterday, I can't help myself about keep tracking score of Red Sox-Indians game. I usually don't care much about what happen to Red Sox and only check boxscore. I was hoping Yankees was eliminated because of losing game, not because of Red Sox winning game.

I know there are tons of news about how poor Yankees have been played, how much Yankees should miss Joe Torre, how well Red Sox has played, how many players Red Sox raised from their farm system, how badly Yankees spend their money, how terrible job Brian Cashman does, how dreadful Yankees young players have been played and why Yankees should trade for Santana. Anything else?

But, I am not going to talk about this. As you guys know, this is a blog to talk about positive things. These are all second-guess. No one knows what would happen during any game. No one knows what would happen if Joe Torre was here. No one knows what would happen when you sign any free agent and draft any prospect. No one knows how young players would peform every year. No one knows what Hughes and Kennedy would do the rest of his career. No one knows what would happen if Santana was here. No one knows how Santana would perform the rest of his contract for Mets. No one knows if we really go after Santana, how many potential major league players or superstars we would give up. No one knows if we really go after Santana, he may end up in Boston.

The things I know for sure. We will have a great bullpen next season. Wang, Matsui, Posada, Hughes, Joba and Jeter will be back and healthy for us next season. A-Rod and the rest of position players will not hit worse when runners on base than this season. Joe Giradi will do his job better when he gets his feet wet this year, especially when you consider he well he manages the bullpen. All young players get one more year experience. We will have money to address our problems this off-season. What else?

Let's Go Yankees!

Two quotes from Jeter bear my mind

There are a few things that New York Yankees that never change. That’s pride, tradition and most of all we have the greatest fans in the world. (part of Jeter's speech)

“There’s some soreness in there when I swing. It’s frustrating but if I can’t swing the way I know I can, I can’t help the team. And these games are still extremely important. We’ll see where I’m at tomorrow and go from there.”(Jeter's reaction about not able to playing yesterday game)

This is our captain, isn't it?

The most impressive thing tonight for me is......

Today is absolutely happy day for Yankees fans who basically can choose whatever reason among others make you feel happy the most, but the most impressive thing for me is the way Yankees play defense at the 2nd inning.

What a inning is! First of all, Melky made a great play in the center fielder and then Cano with Jeter turned a beautiful double play after that. I was screaming at my computer and couldn't believe what I just saw. Amazing! When you consider the game ends at 1:0, I only have one word to say our Yankees team "WoW!" No matter how many Yankee fans complain about the offense production from Melky, Cano, and Jeter, don't count on me. These are three positions we need to have strong defense in order to become a championship team. Of course, you have to add on Molina on this department as well.

Joba and Mo are pretty amazing tonight. I can't help to think what will look like in Yankeeland when we have Joba, Wang, Pettitte, Moose and Hughes at the rotation at the same time.

Another Exciting win...

It seems to me I can use this title for every single game right now. Coming up with a good title is always a big problem for me, so please Yankees keep playing great games like we got recently and I don't have to worry about titles.

Well, Where is our offense? I still can't figure out why. The time will tell. When our luck on hitting on RISP comes back, I think our offense will be back as well. For today game, I think homeplate umpire has a big strike zone. I think this is the reason contributes to our poor offense. As you guys know, I enjoy watching this kind of pitching/defense game.

I think Ponson will be a .500 pitcher. One good one follow another bad one and make us nervous through out the whole game. As long as we play good defense behind him, we will be fine.

Derek Jeter is still the man, isn't he?

Send them a tape

This is the quote from our Captain, Derek Jeter, when he was asked what he thought about criticism for his defense. Ha! Jeter surely pay attention on what is going on around the world. This tells me a lot how good Jeter is on how to deal with pressure and not let those things affect his performance on the field.

When I was watching yesterday game, I yelled at my computer and said, "No, here we go, the see-eyes ground ball after that ball pass A-Rod " But, Man, What a great play Jeter made. That play is huge.

Well, By the way, Jeter got that big hit for first two runs of the game when Kazmir is on his way to get tons of strikeouts.

I actually think Jeter's range for his defense improves this season. The special workout program Jeter has for this past off-season seems to pay off in my opinion. But, for whatever reason(injury? His wrist? His shoulder), Jeter's throw just a little bit off line. This also effects him on driving the ball off the infield. The result is his offense number. I don't know, but I still believe Jeter is the least on of the players on Yankees team we need to worry about. Of course, Mo and Pettitte are on my list as well. Pettitte was great yesterday, wasn't he?

Don't tell me Reyes is better than Jeter

When you look at the way Jose Reyes play offensively and defensively, there is no way I will take Reyes over Jeter. I know Jeter's age, range, potential, power, etc... But, I will take Jeter every day. Why? Jeter is winner with right attitude who always play the game in the right way. I won't get too far to say Reyes loses this game for Mets because you never can predict what will happen in the baseball game. If Reyes didn't get pickup and Wright was still at the plate, I believe Pettitte will be careful and pitch around Wright with two out. You can say Yankees win this game because their outstanding pitching from Pettitte, Veras, Farnsworth, and Mo or Mets' offense is bad.

Santana didn't pitch badly, but Pettitte is better. You know what, Some players sometimes have sexy stats all over the paper, but they can't get the job done for whatever reasons. In contrast, some players don't have those "wow" number and a lot of so called "experts" rank them overrated. But, they are winner. They know how to get the job done. It seems they always figure out the way to win ball game. Right now, Jeter, Mo, Posada, Pettitte, Wang, Melky, Damon, Giambi and Molina are on my list. Unfortunately, A-Rod is still on his way to my list. By the way, Who else is on your list?

After hearing post-game interview from Santana, this is my reaction. Last time, Santana complained about the error Wright made for that grand slam. This time, He blamed umpires for this game. Stop complaining, Santana. I am glad we don't trade him. Depend on what I saw and what I hear so far, Santana's attitude won't fit to play for Yankees. If he can't survive under spotlight, I don't care how good he is. He won't be a good piece on our Yankees team. From this point on, Cashman shoudn't let any player leave once they prove they can survive in New York. By the way, Basically, Santana is a 6-innings pitcher now in the National league. I couldn't image how well he will perform in AL East for 6 more years.

I learn one thing when I was studying in California few years ago. I don't learn this from Taiwanese culture. When you make mistakes, only thing you need to do is to admit it, correct it and work hard for improvement for next chance.

By the way, How beautiful it is to watch Mo pitching, Melky catching and Cano smiling. Great day in Yankeesland.

I told you so...

Follow me to repeat this word "DEFENSE". You can't win a champion without "decent" defense. You can see the reaction from Jeter toward Cano who is supposed to be on second base to receive the force, but Jeter should take some blame for high throw to first base as well. Damon also lost a flyball.

Most people always say, Pitchers should pick up his teammates after errors. In my opinion, Pitchers are human beings as well, how come you can expect them to keep their emotion in check every time when position players make errors, especially when you consider if those errors lead to runs.

But, Of course, Moose and Jeter doesn't point their fingers to anyone else but themselves. I believe they will turn this around from their reactions after the game.

When we feel good about the return of A-Rod, Jeter gets hit on his hand whose status is listed day to day.

Can this be our turning point of season? I hope so. Oh, By the way, A-Rod hit a two run homer and it seems Edwar Ramirez is a real deal.

This is our captain.

"If Kyle said he slipped, he slipped."

"Close. I get hit all the time. Close doesn't hurt. When you get hit, it hurts"