I figured I would make this thread for us to talk about happenings around the Yankees throughout the year rather than starting threads for insignificant topics or discussing them in game threads, which as we all know get FLOOOOOOODDDDDEEEEEDDD anyway (10 pages in less than an hour is not unusual
)
I wanted to throw out that FINALLY, after being relentlessly booed throughout the first homestand, being serenaded with "Paul O'Neill chants, and having a chat with Jeter and Mo; LaTroy Hawkins has decided to relinquish number 21 and switch back to 22, which he woe in the spring while 21 was occupied by Morgan Ensberg. A small step down in my eyes, going from Paulie to Roger, but I don't think Roger has much clout anymore, so I can't complain. I think this should be a clue to Hank, Hal, and Daddy-o that O'Neill is deserving of having his number retired. As suggested by Greg Cohen on his Sliding Into Home Yankee blog (a very good one, I might add), how about June
21 st, when the Reds come into town.
http://www.newsday.com/topic/ny-spyn...,2848930.story
Also, interestingly, the idea of putting Piazza in pinstripes to help deal with the current lack of catching depth due to injuries has been thrown around by some online. I know a few years ago I wouldn't have minded seeing Piazza in pinstripes backing up Jorgie and being a lethal bat off the bench, but at this point with his inability to catch I initially just dismissed it as a dumb idea. I still feel that way, but I wouldn't be completely 100% opposed to it if the Yankees could make it work with three catchers. Appearantly, neither would Cashman. According to a team insider, Ca$h-money and his advisers are meeting (this was yesterday, so I dont know if they plan on meeting or have met already) to discuss whether o not signing Piazza would be beneficial and help deal with the current catching problem. I, for one, am more than content with Molina backing up a healthy Jorgie. But Piazza's bat off the bench could prove helpful. He would have to be willing to play some first once in a while, as having three exclusive catchers does NOTHING for our benches depth and versatility. I should point out though that Molina has played some first base throughout his pro career both in the Majors and in the Minors (I thought he had played some third too, but upon further research found nothing to validate that) and that Posada came up as a second baseman and could be a candidate to move to first sometime in the next few years.
Now I certainly don't think this is a move that is ultimately going to happen, as it just doesnt make enough sense, but an AL scout who followed Piazza closely last year says that "any team that adds Piazza will be getting a player who is obsessed with winning a World Series." I think it's an intriguing possibility and topic of conversation. And I must admit, that going back to his Mets days I've always had small desire to see Piazza in pinstripes.
http://gothambaseballmagazine.com/ya...the-bronx.html
Apparently, this is a rendering of what the alter will look like this Sunday at the Stadium when Pope Benedict does mass at the Stadium.
I guess the Yankees have instructed the vatican to make sure the pope-mobile, or anything/anyone for that matter doesn't touch the grass. Being raised catholic (not the most devout or religious person anymore) and actually visiting the Vatican (during John Paul's papacy) I've really wanted to go see this since hearing of it last year. But considering tickets are only available through the church, and the fact that I haven't been to mass in FOREVER I wouldn't feel right. Besides, Sunday is sort of a holiday for me and I'm probably going to be busy most of the day.
...ok, so got all of that out of my system
Back to bed..