(Syndicated from It’s About the Money)

Sometimes I have days when my mind is going a million miles an hour – okay, so it happens at least six out of the seven days in a week – and on those days, when my thoughts are all over the place, I like to write them out. Aren’t you lucky?

I’ll usually post only the baseball thoughts but an occasional, random thought about other stuff like music, life, or even the weather will creep in.

And away we go…

We’re a week away from Opening Day. The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros are the inaugural Sunday Night ESPN game for 2013. Yes, I have the same thought – the poor Astros.

The Yankees will open a week from tomorrow against the Boston Red Sox in what most “experts” (and I put that in quotes for a reason) are predicting will be a battle for the American League East cellar.

I don’t think the Yankees will end the season in last place.

I’ve been known to be incorrect in my predictions.

I’ve also been known to be very correct in my predictions. Case(s) in point: In a phone call to my dad on April 20, 1997, I told him the Florida Marlins were going to win the World Series. Or the time I correctly predicted the 2007 Yankees’ regular season record in March. My favorite was when I predicted Jason Giambi‘s 30+ home run season in February 2005. (He finished with 32.)

Can Spring Training seem any longer?

Or be more boring?

Can the person with the Yankee voodoo doll please put it away? Thanks.

I cannot stop listening to Justin Timberlake’s new album. Like, I mean, I’m listening to it every waking hour on repeat. I think need an intervention.

I hope one of the Yankees uses at least one of his songs as their walk up song this season.

I’m interested to find out what the new guys’ songs will be because Ichiro coming to bat to LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem always amused me.

I hope if Derek Jeter goes old school he picks something better than Puff Daddy.

Yes, he’s still Puff Daddy to me.

» Continue reading “Stacey’s Random Baseball Thoughts”

(It is currently 12:53 a.m. and “How Will I Know?” by Whitney Houston is playing on the 80s Music Choice channel as I begin this post. I figured I’d give you an idea of the frame of mind I was in when I wrote it because I am planning on scheduling this post to appear on the site at 9 a.m. just in case I oversleep because I stayed up late to watch the Oscars.)

First things first, this is going to sound a bit nit-picky but as I was looking at Google News for links to put into this post, I kept seeing article titles that say, “Curtis Granderson Breaks Arm,” and that is actually annoying me because he didn’t break his own forearm. It wasn’t like he was diving for a ball and landed on it strangely, J.A. Happ was the one who broke Granderson’s forearm with an errant pitch so let’s not get it twisted, okay? Thanks. Like last season when “Alex Rodriguez broke his finger.” No, Felix Hernandez of Seattle Mariners broke Alex’s finger. Thanks again.

And by the way, my friend’s mother likes to make voodoo dolls, so Mr. Happ better look out because I may be asking for one.

Another thing that’s been bothering me all night is the fact that I was witnessing fans of other teams laughing at Yankee fans who were upset about Granderson’s bad break. More specifically, fans of the Toronto Blue Jays, the team whose pitcher injured Granderson. Did these people not learn from their experiences last season when they lost their entire starting five to injury and lost Jose Bautista to a wrist injury for an extended period of time? You don’t make fun of a guy when he gets injured. It’s not good juju. Plus, they have Jose Reyes and Josh Johnson who both could be injured by April 2 and out for the entire year. Their team’s home field is made of fake grass layered on top of concrete, if Melky Cabrera attempts to make a diving play like the one he made robbing Robinson Cano of a base hit in yesterday’s game, he could break his face or something.

Thirdly, can people please stop declaring the Yankees dead? It’s still February. Is Granderson’s injury bad? Of course it is but if everything goes as scheduled, he’ll be back a month into the season. It’s not a season-ending injury and the Yankees can just plug someone into left field. I know some of you are thinking, “But Stace, they already lost like 1800 home runs with Martin and Swisher leaving for other teams.” Again, it’s way too soon to panic. Does anyone else remember 2007? The Yankees were 12 games out as late as June and they still made the playoffs. Everyone just needs take a few deep cleansing breaths and calm down. I promise, it will be fine.

Next, I briefly touched upon this subject on Saturday but just in case you missed it, trademark judges ruled that an entrepreneur can’t register “Baseballs Evil Empire” because that moniker belongs to the New York Yankees.

“The record shows that there is only one EVIL EMPIRE in baseball and it is the New York Yankees.”

I love this so much that I think the Yankees need to go all out and let everyone know that they are indeed the Evil Empire. They should embrace the evil by dressing Stadium security guards in Imperial Army uniforms and by playing the Imperial March during their lineup intros. Okay, maybe not.

And lastly, Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York tweeted this during the Oscars telecast:

“I didn’t think Seth MacFarlane was that bad. But I listen to Joe Girardi for a living.”

Some people thought it was a good zinger. I thought it was stupid but hey, what do I know?

(By the way, as I ended this post at 1:19 a.m., the 80s channel was playing “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” by Milli Vanilli. Oh, and I’m joking about the voodoo doll. Not about my friend’s mom making them but about me ordering one. Happ’s safe, for now…) 

The first full week of Spring Training – full as in the whole team was in camp – is nearly over and what have we learned?

Well, for one thing, we learned that the Yankees are open to switching the defensive alignment of the outfield by placing Curtis Granderson in left field and allowing Brett Gardner to patrol center field. This is all in the beginning stages and it may not even come to fruition but the fact that the Yankees are open to this idea makes me happy. I believe the stronger outfield would have Gardner in center.

Another thing we learned is that Ichiro Suzuki is pretty funny. From him showing up on the first day of training camp in a glittery Yankee cap – at least according to the beat writers who couldn’t take pictures in the clubhouse so there actually isn’t any proof that this hat exists. I guess we’ll have to take their word for it – to his quote in which he subtly made fun of the New York sports media for focusing on Derek Jeter’s weight which, surprise surprise, turned into a non issue to him tipping his cap or, in this case, helmet after he blasted a batting practice home run off fellow countryman Hiroki Kuroda. I like Ichiro. He can stay.

Next up, we have Mariano Rivera who seems to be healthy and ready to pitch in 2013. He threw his first live batting practice and said he felt good. He said that he was more worried about how his knee would respond to fielding practice than he was about pitching. You and me both, Mo. Let’s hope everything stays copacetic.

Jorge Posada returned to Tampa as a guest instructor this week. He already shot down the comeback idea. According to Posada there will be no repeat of what happened with Andy Pettitte last season although some Yankee fans wouldn’t mind it considering the team doesn’t actually have a starting catcher as of this moment.

Phil Hughes hurt his back earlier in the week and was diagnosed with a bulging disc. The Yankees conservatively estimated he’d be out two weeks. Hughes started getting ready for the season two weeks earlier than usual so these next weeks off, according to him, will put him right on schedule. Or something.  Frankly, I’m concerned because this is the third season in a row that Hughes has had a back issue. His 2012 ended when he left Game Three of the American League Championship Series with a back problem.

What else happened in Tampa?

• Joba Chamberlain grew this thing on his face. 
• New Yankee Kevin Youkilis arrived and hugged it out with Joba.
• Alex Rodriguez issued a statement about his rehab and the New York Daily News which seems to be obsessed with Alex, reported that he ate at the same seafood restaurant three nights in a row this week. He ordered oysters. No word on if this is all a part of his rehab.

It’s the first day of Spring Training and there are certain things Yankee fans can expect: Reports about who is fat and who is skinny, uniform numbers, which new players are getting which former players’ lockers, and A-Rod.

The weight update is about CC Sabathia who told reporters he’s down to 290 lb. and that he cut Cap’n Crunch from his diet, again, just like he did in previous off-seasons. He also told reporters that his surgically cleaned-up elbow is feeling good which is positive news.

This next section of text (about numbers, lockers and Austin Romine) is mostly taken from a post I wrote earlier this morning on It’s About The Money, Stupid. I know I’m probably breaking cardinal rule of writing but I’m lazy and I apologize for plagurizing myself.

Now, as you are well aware, Yankee uniform numbers are very serious business and that certain numbers are treasured by fans. So prepare yourselves for the following news. Maybe grab a seat or take a deep breath…

Oh, I’m joking, it’s not that important but since we’re lacking any serious news – for now – I figured I’d let everyone know what’s happening down in Tampa.

This information is from Mark Feinsand of the Daily News and his tweets:

• Travis Hafner takes over Nick Swisher‘s spring locker as well as his uniform No. 33.
• With Rafael Soriano gone, Francisco Cervelli reclaims his No. 29.
• David Phelps has changed his number to 35. He reminds me of a young Mussina, so it makes sense.
• Michael Pineda, formerly No. 35, will now wear 43.
• More uni numbers: David Aardsma 34, Matt Diaz 22, Dan Johnson 27, Juan Rivera 54.

I know, I forgot that the Yankees had some of these guys too.

And for some locker news, again from Mr. Feinsand:

• Correction: Kevin Youkilis is in Swisher’s corner locker. Hafner is next to him in Eric Chavez‘s old spot.

Also, Austin Romine who will be battling Chris Stewart and Francicsco Cervelli for the starting catching job, let everyone know that his back is feeling “absolutely fantastic,” and that he would like to win that starting catching job and avoid going back down to Triple A.

And last but certainly not least, some news about A-Rod. Alex Rodriguez is not in camp because he’s rehabbing from his hip surgery in New York. Manager Joe Girardi said the most important thing is to get him healthy. Of course, there are rumblings that Alex isn’t in Florida so he isn’t a distraction to the team. I’m one of those weirdos who thinks he just had hip surgery and is recovering so he doesn’t really need to be in camp and that the people complaining about him not being there will have to find someone else to write horrible stories about.

Ahem.

Happy Fat Tuesday, everyone! Except for CC Sabathia who isn’t fat anymore, well, for now…

(Originally published on It’s About The Money, Stupid)

So the Daily News published a story this morning about Alex Rodriguez‘s paranoia. Bare with me.

In the story, anonymous sources (of course) claim Alex believes MLB – with the help of the Yankees – is out to get him and that this whole investigation into Biogenesis is a way to get him out of baseball.

Alex Rodriguez is taking his wildest swing yet in his fight against steroid allegations: The Yankees and MLB are conspiring to push him out of the game. Sources say the embattled Yankee star is “scared” that bigger forces are at work to try to discredit him and sink his career … “He’s scared, because he thinks this is so unbelievably false, and he’s wondering who could be behind this … He thinks something could be going on larger than anyone might think.”

Maybe it’s the illuminati!

I will give you a few seconds to laugh. Okay. Let’s get serious for a few moments.

1. Is the Daily News kidding?
2. Who is the source saying this rubbish?
3. I actually wouldn’t blame A-Rod for being paranoid. According to most, he’s the most evil person ever born.
4. What did Alex do to the writing staff of the Daily News to make them this angry at him?
5. No, really, is the Daily News kidding?

As Craig Calcaterra of Hardball Talk said earlier this morning, this “story” seems to be another in the line of “A-Rod is done as Yankee” nonsense that the Daily News seems very happy to publish with no real proof of any of it actually happening.

I’m really not a fan of either New York tabloid newspaper these days but I’d expect this sort of story from the Post more than the Daily News.

Just in case you were strapped to some styrofoam and launched into space like that poor monkey in Iran, a report came out yesterday that links Alex Rodriguez (and others) to performance enhancing drugs. And just like with every other time Alex Rodriguez has been linked to PED, there were rumblings last night that the Yankees were looking into ways that they could void Rodriguez’s contract.

Some people, namely Darren Rovell of ESPN/ABC, were even suggesting he commit insurance fraud in order to get it done. Yes, I’m serious.

Anyway, I came up with an idea. I created a “Good-bye” iTunes playlist that the New York Yankees could send to A-Rod, if they’re serious about this whole thing. Think of it like an old school mixtape a lovelorn person would send to their paramour. Or better yet, a mixtape someone would send the person who broke up with them.

Enjoy the playlist after the jump!

» Continue reading “The Yankees’ “Good-Bye” iTunes Playlist for A-Rod”

Alex Rodriguez’s statement on today’s report:

“The news report about a purported relationship between Alex Rodriguez and Anthony Bosch are not true. Alex Rodriguez was not Mr. Bosch’s patient, he was never treated by him and he was never advised by him. The purported documents referenced in the story — at least as they relate to Alex Rodriguez — are not legitimate.”

Hmmm and the plot thickens.

Flickr Image Courtesy of andy.wolf

It’s odd numbered year, Alex Rodriguez is recovering from hip surgery and he has once again been “implicated” in a PED scandal by a paper with the word Times in the name.

Hey, that sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Here’s the Yankees’ statement on the issue:

 “We fully support the Commissioner’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. This matter is now in the hands of the Commissioner’s Office. We will have no further comment until that investigation has concluded.”

I haven’t had enough coffee to even think about attempting to form an opinion on today’s news. But I’m hopeful, I’ll have something to say later on today other than, “Of for f@#$’s sake, Alex.”

[Editor's note: Last week, I had asked some of my Twitter followers who their first favorite baseball player was - the one that made them fall in love with baseball - and I got a lot of answers ranging from Barry Bonds to Dave Winfield to Thurman Munson. While this was happening, it was suggested that I invite people to write guest posts about the subject and I thought, "What a great idea!" So here is post number one of what I hope will become a series this year. It was written by Steven Mataya who writes for Aerys' Seattle Mariners site, Needleball. Enjoy! -Stace]

Growing up in the mid-90s in Seattle was fun, especially for a baseball fan. The Seattle Mariners, who began as an expansion team in 1977, were finally hitting their stride. They achieved their first winning season in 1991 but by 1995 they really began to get into a groove. A kid who followed the team had a number of players to look up to, each one providing his own unique personality to become attached to.

There was Jay Buhner, the brash but lovable bald-headed power hitter with the pine tar ever present on his thigh. Some would pick Edgar Martinez, Mariner through and through, who would put up an OBP of .479 in 1995, starting a streak of nine seasons in which his OBP would exceed .400. Randy Johnson and his mean streak were easy for Mariners fans to get behind. The most popular Mariner, however, was Ken Griffey, Jr. The Kid, who had debuted for the Mariners in 1989, had already put together five All-Star seasons by the time 1995 rolled around. Having been born in 1989 and only starting to really care about baseball in 1995, however, I was drawn to a rookie. I decided that I wanted to be like Alex Rodriguez.

» Continue reading “Steven Mataya: How Alex Rodriguez Made Me A Fan”

AND HE’S STILL ALIVE!!! HOORAY!

In all seriousness, the surgery went as planned, according to the Yankees, there no complications and they didn’t discover anything other than what they went in to fix.

So that’s good, right?

The timetable for his return is six months which puts it at around the All-Star break. Hopefully he won’t experience any setbacks.

UPDATED

Alex posted this picture of himself on Facebook:

I love this man so much. I really do. And I’m pulling for him to come back and shut the haters up.

Do it, Alex!