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moomoo24
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Aug 7 2004, 03:56 PM
Post #31
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ONE-BY-ONE
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Aug 8 2004, 12:34 AM
Post #32
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- Posts:
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- Mantlemurcer
- Aug 7 2004, 04:54 AM
The Star-Ledger January 23, 2005 By Dan Graziano
Moments after the final out was recorded in Game 7 of the 2004 World Series vs. the St. Louis Cardinals, George Steinbrenner promised sweeping changes despite the Yankees winning their record 27th World Championship. Steinbrenner wasn’t kidding. In November, he completed sale of the team to business tycoon Mantlemurcer for seven hundred-fifty million dollars. Mantlemurcer made his fortune with a chain of ice cream stores called, “Eat My Cone”. He immediately stunned the baseball world by naming himself as General Manager.
Mantlemurcer promised to keep the aggressive attitude of the front office, not to cut payroll, and to start mixing in youth. Mantlemurcer cited the New York Rangers as a team who constantly purchased high priced veterans, dismissed youth, and still could not win as motivation for his approach.
“We want to be in a position so that players like Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter still get a chance to play for the team they were drafted by.”
Coming into Spring Training 2005, the team looks like this. Holdovers from last year include the starting infield. First baseman, Jason Giambi reported in the best shape of his career. Miguel Cairo returns at second base, while the left side of the infield remains intact with Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.
Proving he would still spend money as his predecessor did, Mantlemurcer signed Carlos Beltran to a 5-year deal worth $75 million dollars. Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield return to man the corner outfield positions. Mantlemurcer also sat down over with Bernie Williams, and got the long time Yankee to accept reduced playing time as an extra outfield and part-time designated hitter.
“You don’t discard an all-time great Yankee like Bernie Williams like he was a piece of trash”, said Mantlemurcer. “He has represented this organization with class and dignity, and he should retire wearing the pinstripes.”
Jorge Posada is back as the starting catcher, but who will be throwing to him has changed quite a bit. Kevin Brown and Javier Vazquez return, as does Esteban Loaiza who won Game 4 of the World Series, and was signed to a free agent deal in the off-season. One notable gone from the rotation is Mike Mussina. Mussina was traded in December back to Baltimore for young left-hander Erik Bedard and prospects. Bedard will compete with Orlando Hernandez for the 5th spot in the rotation. Also joining the start rotation is hard throwing right-hander, Carl Pavano. Pavano was inked to a three year deal worth $27 million, plus an option for a fourth year at another nine million dollars.
The bullpen is still anchored by closer Mariano Rivera, who will be joined by returning teammates, Tom Gordon, Paul Quantrill, and Scott Proctor. The new lefty in the bullpen will be “Every Day” Eddie Guardado who was acquired for Brett Prinz and one of the prospects acquired in the Mussina deal. Youngsters Andy Beal and Charlie Manning will compete with veteran CJ Nitkowski for the final bullpen spot.
Joining Williams on the bench, are Tony Clark (“a cool cat”, said Mantlemurcer), Bubba Crosby, new acquired Frank Catalanotto, and Felix Escolona.
The future of the Yankees is also getting a good hard look this Spring. Originally drafted as a third-baseman, Eric Duncan will be moving to first-base full-time this Spring, with the hopes that he will eventually supplant Giambi in the starting lineup. Mantlemurcer also expects second baseman Robinson Cano to join the big club “some time this season”.
The changes aren’t just on the field either. Vacancies were created when pitching coach Mel Stottelmyre retired, and Willie Randolph was hired as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. Former Yankee stand outs Ron Guidry and Joe Girardi were hired to fill the void. Luis Sojo (third base coach), Don Mattingly (hitting coach), Roy White (first base coach), and Rich Monteleone (bullpen coach) return to fill out manager Joe Torre’s staff.
Heh nice signing my home town boy, Carl Pavano, New Britain, Conn..... :rock:
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Big_Lou
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Aug 8 2004, 12:51 AM
Post #33
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