oh,No.No.No. 10 weeks out for A-Rod?

I just post a post regard of A-Rod's injury and wish he is fine. And then I get this terrible news regard of A-Rod. Image that we hear this news when Teixeira is on Red Sox. So, if this news is true, all we do now is thinking about the solution. The good news is this happens in March. If we have to have injury, it's better to have sooner than later in the season.

Cashman may need to work out a trade to bring someone who is capable 3B. How about an internal candidate or a free agent? Swisher? any prospect down the farm? Eric Duncan? I don't know. Any good suggestion? If we have Cody Ransom to play 3B, we need to bring in another utility infielder. This certainly puts more pressure on newcomers(A.J., C.C, Teixeira) or other players on the team(Cano, Gardner, etc.) to perform.

By the way, Anyone feel happy about any players' injury should feel shame on yourself.

some stories between Wang and his teammates, coaches

As you guys know, there are tons of Taiwanese reporters following Wang's every step. That's why I always laugh people feel CC and A.J. can release some pressure off Wang. If you are one of those persons feel that way, you may need to concern how CC and A.J handle spotlight of New York first.

Ok, go back to the topic. There are few tidbits between Wang and his teammates and coaches on Taiwanese newspapers. Those stories can show you how much attention Taiwanese pay on Wang. I don't know how you guys feel, but I really like to read those tidbits about any player.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
CC with Wang about Wang' new glove

I show you guys different versions of Wang's new glove earlier. Few days ago, there is a tidbit between Wang and CC. During spring training, a lot of companies sell equipment will allow come into clubhouse to sell to players. Of course, Nike will be one of those companies. CC brings one of Nike's staff to Wang's locker in order to show Wang's new glove because CC wants Nike to design one for him based on that idea. This whole glove becomes a huge story in Taiwan as far as I know. When this CC story comes out, there are some Taiwanese Yankees fans start designing different versions of CC's glove on the website.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Wang with Joba about steroids

As you guys know, Wang and Joba become very good friends since Wang rehabilitated his hamstring in 2007. Tons of Yankees players like to joke with Wang all the time because Wang gets a good sense of humor and great personality.

This story between Wang and Joba happen when Yankees drive 2.5 hours to play their third spring training game with Twins. Before practice in the morning, Joba use his milk powder to make milk. Wang enters the clubhouse and yells at Joba,"Joba, you eat steroids?" Of course, Joba is going to fight back. Joba then says, "I know you drink green tea steroids because you always look full of energy after drinking green tea"

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Wang with Gator about bunting

Yankees pitchers need to practice bunting this spring. I guess Yankees learn a hard lesson and want to make sure that won't happen again during interleague games. After practicing many times, Wang improves his bunting little by little. Few days ago after practicing bunting, Taiwanese reporters say to Wang how well he bunts that day. Wang replies, "Today the ball is slower". Later on, reporters find out Gator is the one throw pitches to pitchers for practicing bunting that day.

All Taiwanese reporters know the special relationship between Gator and Wang. Then they tell Gator what Wang says to them. Gator says to reporters, "really? Wang says that to you guys. I am going to kill him". Later on, Gator tells reporters, "I tell Wang to be careful next time when I throw to them during bunting practice because my command is not the same anymore." Yesterday, Wang was hit by pitch during bunting practice. Gator is the pitcher.

P.S. Wang has threw 2 more bullpen sessions. One is for 56 pitches. The other is 46 pitches. Wang's command is getting better. However, Wang hasn't gotten his velocity back.

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.

How bad it can be for A-Rod?

I was reading a news from a Taiwanese website regard of Yankees' clubhouse yesterday.

Nick Swisher was playing rap music loudly after practice in the clubhouse. Swisher was dancing with music and certainly loosing up Yankees' clubhouse and his teammates. After a while, when A-Rod entered the clubhouse, someone lowered the volume of music and everyone suddenly was silent.

A-Rod really has a long way to repair his relationship with his teammates even though we all know they say all the right thing in front of media.

Not to mention, there are more news revealing and coming for him and Yankees. That being said, Yankees will be fine as long as there are no evidences to prove A-Rod use steroids after 2003. The worst case scenario is A-Rod being suspended for 50 games if there are evidences to show A-Rod use steroids after 2003.

As Yankees fans, we can care less about A-Rod's legacy and his place in HOF as long as he can contribute to our Yankees team and help us to win champions.

Don't get me wrong. Of course, I have been very disappointed at A-Rod's behaviour and I will be extremely disappointed if A-Rod use steroids after 2003 and before 2001. I don't care how and where he gets steroids and how often he uses.

No more

Damaso Marte has stiff hamstrings. Hopefully, this is only one we have all spring training and all season even though I don't think so.

By the way, Peter holds a steroid-free activity. Please support him and this activity. I am sick of this topic as well.

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,"

Wang spring training watch-Feb18th

As you guys know, I am a Taiwanese. Because I am able to read Taiwanese news and there are many Taiwanese reporters following Wang all the time, I will try to post some news regard of Wang's progress or anything happen in Yankee land from Taiwanese reporters' respectives every day.

----------------------------------------------------------

About steroids....

Taiwanese reporters ask Wang about steroids, Wang said he doesn't take and even doesn't take any nutriment. Wang said he never think about taking any performance enhancing drugs. For him, he even doesn't know names of those drugs and how to use them.

Even though he is sick, he doesn't like to take any medicine. If he really needs to take medicine for illness, he will go to trainer to get one.

Even though he is injured, he never think about taking. Only thing on his mind is working hard for rehab.

About A-Rod....

Wang says he has a good relationship with A-Rod. That's why he is in A-Rod's press conference. On top of that, many teammates will go as well.

Wang's progress....

Wang threw 47 pitches at last bullpen. He hasn't gotten his velocity and feeling back. Wang said this is normal for him at this stage of spring training. He normally needs more time to get into game form than others.

Teammates

Hopefully, A-Rod tells the truth and doesn't waste the support he gets from so many teammates.
(photo from Newsday.com)

I believe what A-Rod says

If you want to believe him, you will come away with great reaction. If you don't like him and don't want to believe him, you will find many holes in his answers.

Everyone is different and handles things differently. A-Rod will handle things who he is. As a Yankees fan, I want to give him every opportunity to lead me to believe him. And I did. I believe him and hopefully he tells the true story. At least, most of them are true. I know many people feel many answers from him are not logical.

But, I believe him because I know how hard for anyone to admit his own mistakes. We always come up with million of excuses for our own mistakes. It's very easy to point fingers to others when they make mistakes. But, when you make mistakes, you realize how hard it is to admit.

A-Rod Press Conference

12pm: I heard Jeter will talk to media tomorrow. I guess Jeter wants to hear what A-Rod says first before saying anything. I think this is a smart move.

1:30pm: We are waiting A-Rod now.

1:50pm: A-Rod brings a huge note with him.

1:59pm: Wow. an emotional A-Rod. A huge pause and say "thank you" to his teammates.

2:01pm: He answers great so far in my opinion.

2:03pm: Don't answer about "cheating" question. First mistake.

2:06pm: Mark of Daily News asks a great question.

2:10pm: Apology to everyone, including Yankees organization.

2:12pm: Another great question. If you don't think you do something wrong, why keep so secret? Great question.

2:15pm: I should learn how to speak Spanish when I am in California.

The more I hear and see from Teixeira, the more I like him

This is the quote from Teixeira regard of steroids,

"I grew up in a family (where) there was zero tolerance. There were no drugs; there was no alcohol. That kind of stuff just didn’t fly," Teixeira said.

I believe him. I am from a single family. My mother is my father. She educates us(My sister,brother and me) very well. A lot of things doesn't allow in my family, such us drugs, tattoes, alcohol, gamble, cheat, skip classes, stay outside too late, etc.

I remember I bought a mah-jong(a famous game among Chinese people) cards when I was in junior high school due to curiosity. When my mother found out, I got beat very hard. I still don't know how to play mah-jong now that is very odd for Chinese people.

Not to mention, I lied to her first time of my life that is in elementary school and got beat very hard as well. Since then, I tell her everything. My mother leads by example.

I am not perfect. I make mistakes as well. But, I learn two things from my mother. First one is never giving up and doing your best. Second one is be honest.

Hopefully, A-Rod can be honest and be himself tomorrow. He needs to think about Yankees and his teammates more than himself. He already gave Yankees and his teammates a lot of troubles. However, I doubt how honest he will be tomorrow.

Can we talk baseball now?

So, A-Rod admitted using steroids 2001-2003. I am sick of steroids topic. Can we talk about baseball now? Everyone has enough pressure in real life. We hope baseball offers us something to enjoy,right?

I just want to talk about baseball in Yankeeland. Part of reasons I am not a big fan of A-Rod because he brings so many drama on and off-field.

If you guys come to my blog to read about this, I am sorry about disappointing at you. I don't really want to talk about this. This just make me feel depressed.

I only can express my feeling. I have mixed feeling after hearing what A-Rod said. As a Yankees fan, I really want to believe him and support him. On top of that, I believe no one is perfect. We all have experiences of lying something to someone or making mistakes. It takes a lot of courages to admit what you have done.

However, I feel disappointed at hearing A-Rod using steroids. I remember what he said and lied to us in the past which makes it more difficult for me to believe what he said yesterday. There are few holes in the interview that is hard to believe. I can't stop wondering how many players use steroids.

In the end, I still believe some players don't use steroids. I am glad A-Rod admits his mistakes.

Another human being

It turns out A-Rod is just another human being.

Do you guys think this whole steroids scandal may help A-Rod in the long term? Of course. In the near future, there are many media going after this story. If A-Rod apologies for it, most Yankees fans may not treat A-Rod as the greatest player in the game anymore and think A-Rod is a another baseball player with some shortcomings. Does A-Rod relax more and perform better under pressure?

I don't know. Time will tell.

Things never are easy in Yankeeland

I am not a big fan of A-Rod, but I support any Yankees player and always respect how hard he works. I guess things never are easy in Yankeeland.

I just hope A-Rod can do something quickly and let this whole steroids things go away. Don't give Yankees and his teammates more troubles to deal with. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely. When A-Rod learned this story on Tursday, he didn't tell Yankees and Yankees knew this story on Satursday morning.

I don't want to make a judgement before listening to what A-Rod wants to say. At this points, only few players will surprise me if they use steroids. But, I still believe some players won't use steroids.

When I was in university, many classmates cheated during test. But, I didn't. I wasn't jealous about their high score and wasn't planning to join them because I know I am the one learning the most out of class.

When I worked at TV Station, many co-workers have so many bad habits. But, I didn't because I know what I should do and what I should not do in my life.

That's why I believe some players won't use steroids.

Don't disappoint me, Andy

I will be extremely disappointed if Andy go to Dodgers. Actually, I will be more disappointed at seeing Andy to leave than losing CC to one of teams in California. I hope what I heard so far regard of Andy with Dodgers is just the game Andy and his agent play as a leverage for free agent. Just like Posada and Mo did a year ago at the same time. I know loyalty is two way street, but Andy need to put Yankees fans in this equation if what I heard and what I saw from Andy Pettitte is really what he meant.

I don't believe Yankees haven't made an offer to Andy. If Yankees don't think they can get him back, they would just offer arbitration to him like Abreu. I understand loyalty is two way street and players need to get most out of their short career. That's why I don't mind players go to somewhere are willing to pay them much more. However, Andy always keeps saying how much he loves our Yankees fans and playing for Yankees, especially for the opportunity of playing in New Yankees stadium. He also does not care money. That's why how much more loves he gets from Yankees fans. If Andy means what he says, I will be extremely disappointed if Andy goes to Dodgers.

Of course, the offer Yankees made certainly is less than 16 million Pettitte made. Again, Pettitte don't care about money, right? A lot of players say they love to stay at their own teams, but they don't say they don't care about money. Some of them are willing to take less money to stay that certainly shows what they mean, such as Lowell, Peavy, etc.

I understand money for players sometimes show how much teams want to keep them or respect. However, it sometimes just reflects performance. The same thing happen to our regular people. When we get more experience and perform better or make less mistakes on our jobs, we get paid more. I don't get the notion about Pettitte doesn't want to get a pay cut. Pettitte has leverage two years in a row to get his 16 million salary or a multi-year contract. It's his choice not to get a multi-year contract. I am pretty sure if he wants to he can get one from Yankees two years in a row. So, he can't blame Yankees to use that leverage now and want him to take a pay cut.

Not a big free agent sign with teams yet. A lot of free agents even haven't get an offer from teams, so Pettitte can't blame Yankees don't show enough love or respect to him. Not to mention how much support he get from Yankees and Yankees fans during his HGH events.

I love Andy and want him back. I also believe he will have a bound back year in 2009. Hopefully, he won't disappoint me.

My take on Clemens public hearing

We all know who is going to lose this battle before even coming into that public hearing. It’s Clemens. Why? In Taiwan, an old saying goes, which side need to provide more evidences, which side is going to lose that trial. Why? The more evidences you have to provide, the more holes other side is going to find out.

No one is a winner in my opinion after this public hearing. Am I disappointed at this whole steroids issue? Yes. As I said earlier regard of this issue, What is the whole point of looking past? They should look forward and find out how to solve this problems which may occur among young athletes.

If Roger Clemens is innocent, there must be too many coincidences which lead to this conclusion or Clemens must have problems how to get along very well with his friends.

Who get the best reaction for this whole Clemens public hearing?
Jeter. Jeter said:”I realize I can’t hit a lot of homeruns long time ago” when he was asked has he ever wanted to use steroids or HGH? Ha! Our great captain. Priceless.

What is the most surprising part for whole Clemens public hearing?
In Australia, I can’t get any news related to this topic on TV at all. I guess baseball is really not popular at all here. Good news is Yankees just signed two Australian players recently. This may increase the population of Yankees fans or baseball fans one day.

Would you guys please do things which is more important than steroids?

All international players can't go back to USA to start their personal training in order to get ready for spring training, including Wang because they haven't gotten their employee's cards from MLB. Wang told Taiwanese media before Christmas that he wants to go back to USA earlier than he did last season even though he keeps workout through out whole winter.

What are they doing?

I don't know who is telling the truth and who is lying. I don't care. Actually, I for one who doesn't care much athletes take steroids as long as they play hard. You guys will know that if you guys read my opening post for this blog.

We all have this kind of experience when we are at school. When I was in university, some of my classmates cheated in exams in order to get higher score. Some of my friends were so angry at this kind of situations. Me? I don't care. Only thing I care is what and how I do in exams. If I study hard, I get high score eventually. The difference between those who cheated in exams and me is I got knowledge on my head, right?

This whole saga between Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee. I just have one feeling. What are they doing? Don't look into the past. The whole focus should be how to improve or fix this situation which more and more athletes take steroids. What are they doing? If Govnerment turn McNamee from suspect to witness, should they protect McNamee from exposures to the public? I don't try to protect McNamee. I just wonder at why powerful people on the society always do something which gets them on the page of newspaper, but not for something challenges the real bad guys on the society.

Basically, Mitchell just put McNamee on his report and let everyone know who is his source. Mitchell should just try to come up with good idea how to change this situation instead of putting tons of athletes names on his report. Ridiculous.

Admirable Courage

Andy is the man.I knew he will do this.Human beings make mistakes.One of Quotes from Wang which I like the most says"No one is perfect"It's not easy for people to admit their mistakes,especially you have to confess to a lot of people.Of course,I am disappointed at Andy's wrong behavior,but I am still his fan because of his admirable courage.I believe what he said.The same situation happened to Taiwan gamble scandal as well.Only victim of whole event is players,not owners and gangsters.Players got caught and destoryed their whole career and then they came out for apologies for their wrong behavior.Gangsters got nothing because they told police officers the list.Owners came out to say nothing and did nothing to improve players' life.

Do right things,not fancy things.Stop being politicians

Well,obviously,Mitchell Report becomes the hottest topic this off-season.Are you one of them curious to know who is in this report?Do you feel frustrated at your favorite player on this list?Do you think no one is clear in this steroid area after this report?Me?How do I feel?I want to share two stories to you guys....

I was working at TV station and production company in Taiwan for 5 years.Making films or TV programs to audiences they like is my dream.I will keep going after this dream for my whole life.If I make it successfully,I want to improve film industry and sport environment in Taiwan.My mom doesn't like my job at all.I always have to work for ridiculous long hours without getting paid well.The most important thing for her is working environment at TV station and production company which is very complicated and is easy for people to get lost.You always have to have extremely great relationship with supervisors in order to get promotion.There are many people willing to do whatever they can in order to please supervisors,boss,clients and everyone.Tons of my coworkers have complicated relationship,endless night life,and bad habits,such as smoking,gambling,drinking and drug using.That's why she doesn't like it at all.Me???I still have to work that ridiculous long hours,but I don't have the rest of problems.Why I didn't get involved in all kinds of bad habits?That's easy.I keep my life simple and never join them.It just takes me much longer to get promotion.I show my mom I am still his little girl and nothing change.That's why she let me keep doing that.

If you are loyal readers for my blog,you probably know this story.I think I mention this story on my opening post.I am big baseball fan since I was a child.My favorite Taiwanese pro baseball team got caught by gamble scandal ten years ago.This team is no longer existed.A lot of players on that team got different sentences for that,including my favorite player.I was so frustrated at this event and felt betrayed by them.During the whole investigation,the government and police officers claimed to put their most efforts to clean this up.That was their purpose for this whole investigation.All they did is to catch players as many as they can.They didn't catch gangsters who try to control the outcome of game.Owners and government didn't do their best to improve baseball environment and players' life.Ten years later,we have another mini gamble scandal again in Taiwan and another pro baseball team may be disappear because of financial problem.Whose is fault?Government keep ignoring their responsibility to improve baseball environment and Owners only care their profits and control players as much as they can.They blame fans doesn't care Taiwanese pro baseball.