Checking up on old friends

Periodically, I will check up on some of our old friends who have left New York for the 2009 season.

Jason Giambi (OAK) – 31-146 (.212/.346/.356), 5 HR (hit 400th career home run on May 23), 22 RBI, 6 2B, 25 R, 27 BB, 32 K

Bobby Abreu (LAA) – 47-152 (.309/.414/.408), HR (hit first of the season on May 26), 19 RBI, 8 2B, 2 3B, 20 R, 28 BB, 18 K

Wilson Betemit (CWS) – 9-42 (.214/.283/.333), 3 RBI, 5 2B, 2 R, 4 BB, 13 K

Ivan Rodriguez (HOU) – 35-135 (.259/.303/.452), 5 HR, 21 RBI, 7 2B, 2 3B, 15 R, 8 BB, 33 K

Carl Pavano (CLE) – 5-4, 5.50 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 55.2 IP, 66 H, 34 R, 34 ER, 6 HR, 13 BB, 46 K

Kyle Farnsworth (KC) – 1-3, 1 BSV, 3.71 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 17 IP, 15 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 17 K

AP Photo

Swisher is making me look bad, really bad

Was this a knee-jerk reaction or what?  After six at-bats back in April, I started my “Draft Nick Swisher for starting RF” campaign.

Yes, Swisher had a great April, belting seven home runs and hitting to a tune of a 1.144 OPS.  As great as his April was, his May has been impossibly awful.

He’s batting .119/.291/.224 in May compared to his April numbers of .312/.430/.714.  Yes, his slugging percentage is down .490 points!  What??

To say he’s been exposed would be a severe understatement.  It’s unfortunate because for a long while it looked like the Yankees stole him away from the Chicago White Sox for just the incompetent Wilson Betemit.

As quick as I was to anoint Swisher as the savior, I won’t be as quick to bury him.  There is talent there.  He has just proven he’s not an everyday player.  Xavier Nady needs to come back soon, and Brian Cashman looks pretty good right now in deciding not to trade either of them last offseason.

Checking up on old friends

Periodically, I will check up on some of our old friends who have left New York for the 2009 season.

Jason Giambi (OAK) – 20-for-96 (.208/.345/.344), 3 HR, 13 RBI, 4 2B, 17 R, 16 BB, 22 K

Bobby Abreu (LAA) – 34-for-110 (.309/.389/.355), 0 HR, 12 RBI, 5 2B, 10 R, 15 BB, 17 K

Wilson Betemit (CWS) – 9-for-31 (.290/.333/.452), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5 2B, 2 BB, 11 K

Ivan Rodriguez (HOU) – 27-for-99 (.273/.318/.495), 4 HR, 14 RBI, 6 2B, 2 3B, 6 BB, 22 K

Carl Pavano (CLE) – 2-3, 6.61 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 31.1 IP, 40 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 4 HR, 8 BB, 23 K

Kyle Farnsworth (KC) – 0-3, 1 BSV, 6.10 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 10.1 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 4 BB, 10 K

Checking up on old friends

Periodically, I will check up on some of our old friends who have left New York for the 2009 season.

Jason Giambi (OAK) – 9-for-30 (.300/.432/.367), 5 R, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 6 K

Really, a SLG lower than OBP?

Bobby Abreu (LAA) – 9-for-29 (.310/.344/.345), 1 R, 2B, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 SB

Wilson Betemit (CWS) – 1-for-5 (.200/.333/.400), 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB, 2 K

Ivan Rodriguez (HOU) – 5-for-23 (.217/.250/.391), 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 7 K

Carl Pavano (CLE) – 0-2, 16.71 ERA, 2.43 WHIP, 7 IP, 14 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 3 BB, 9 K (Thanks, V!)

Kyle Farnsworth (KC) – 0-1, 9.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 4 K

Six degrees of Nick Swisher

This blog post by Tyler Kepner just blew my mind.  Basically, Kepner connects the signing of Ruben Rivera to the trade for Nick Swisher.

1990 – Yankees sign Rivera from Panama.

1997 – Yankees trade Rivera to Padres in Hideki Irabu deal.

1999 – Yankees trade Irabu to Expos for Jake Westbrook (and others)

2000 – Yankees trade Westbrook to Indians for David Justice

2001 – Yankees trade Justice to Mets for Robin Ventura

2003 – Yankees trade Ventura to Dodgers for Scott Proctor

2007 – Yankees trade Proctor to Dodgers for Wilson Betemit

2008 – Yankees trade Betemit to White Sox in Swisher deal

Absolutely brilliant work by Kepner.

Meanwhile, here are some words from Swisher to make you smile before you go to bed (via Peter Abraham): “I’m loving it,” he said. “It’s like I almost don’t want to wake up. I don’t want to soak it in right now. I want to keep that fire and keep that passion and keep that attitude going right now. I know in this game you’re going to go through ups and downs. But right now it’s going pretty well.”

(Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images

Betemit gets a raise

Wilson Betemit, traded to the White Sox in the Nick Swisher deal, is getting a pay raise.

He will receive $1.3 million. He made $1.165 million last season after hitting .265 with six home runs and 25 RBI.

$1,300,000 doesn't buy what it used to these days. It's signings like this one that makes me wish I played professional baseball.

The (unofficial) Yankee Stadium soundtrack

Those who are frequent attendees of games at the old Yankee Stadium will notice that the Yankees tend to play the same songs over and over again. With the help of my friend Charlie, I've compiled a list (and accompanying audio/video) of those songs that you love to hate.

1. Nelly - Heart of a Champion



Ah, the track from the St. Louis rapper that samples the famous NBA on NBC theme song "Roundball Rock." The Yankees played this song early during the game experience, usually as the background music to the team's video montage. I don't know about you, but this song pumps me up.

2. The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again



The synthesizer beginning to this epic song gets the crowd in the mood for some Yankees baseball. Before the lyrics start, the music fades into track No. 3. Parts of this song are also used when a Yankee hits a home run. YEEEEEEAHHHHHH!

3. 2 Unlimited - Get Ready for This



Get ready for Derek Jeter and friends warming up! The Yankees use the beginning of another 2 Unlimited song, "Workaholic," when they score a run.

4. Scorpions - The Zoo



You know recently retired Mike Mussina is starting when you hear this song blaring.

5. Star Wars - Imperial March



This song plays when the opposing lineup is announced, followed by Yosemite Sam playing the role of umpire on the Diamondvision screen.

6. Aerosmith - Walk this Way



Lucky for you, Johnny Damon led off the game with a walk! Get ready to hear this as he's strolling down the first base line.

7. R. Kelly featuring T.I. & T-Pain - I'm a Flirt



Following Damon, of course, is Jeter. He's gone through many walk-up songs, but this is one of his most recent songs.

8. Jay-Z & Linkin Park - Numb/Encore



Alex Rodriguez is pretty consistent with his music, rarely having more than one walk-up song per year. Rodriguez used this mash-up for most of the 2005 and 2006 seasons, I believe.

9. Mims - This is Why I'm Hot



Rodriguez used this song for his 2007 MVP season, and part of the 2008 season. With how he performed in 2007, this song was rather apropot.

10. NWO - Wolfpack Theme



Jason Giambi always used this song for his first at-bat of the game. The howling wolf signaled Yankees fans to Giambi's arrival in the box. Don't turn your back on the Wolfpack!

11. AC/DC - T.N.T.



For some reason, Hideki Matsui uses this song to come up to bat.

12. Pearl Jam - Better Man



Like what I wrote in No. 11, for some reason, Wilson Betemit walked up to this song. While I get the whole "bet-" parallel, Betemit probably has no idea who Pearl Jam is.

13. Village People - Y.M.C.A.



Love it or hate it, the ground's crew has been doing the hand signals for "Y.M.C.A." since 1996 at the end of the fifth inning. I can't see them stopping anytime soon.

14. Kate Smith - God Bless America



So the game's moving along just fine. All of a sudden, instead of hearing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," fans are treated to the sweet sounds of prerecorded Smith wonderfulness. Now, I'm as big a patriot as the next guy, but can this song please go with the old Stadium? It's fine to do it during holidays and playoff games, but playing it every game kind of cheapens the meaning, no? And YES showing it all the time doesn't help matters, either.

15. Rednex - Cotton Eye Joe



I haven't met one person who likes this song. Yes, it's fun to dance to at the occasional Bar Mitzvah or wedding, but that's once in a blue moon. After each and every game, it gets annoying. Remember when they used to say the dancing intern wearing the straw hat was on the Intrepid or at the U.S. Open? It was obvious he was still in the control room. At least they stopped trying to fool us there. I hope this is another tradition that dies with the old Stadium.

16. Ram Jam - Black Betty



This is played usually when the Yankees are rallying and the pitching coach comes onto the field for a conference on the mound.

17. Andrea Bocelli - Time to Say Goodbye



This is played when an opposing pitcher is taken out of the game. I'll give the Yankees credit for this one. It's a lot more original than playing "Hit the Road Jack."

18. The Who - Baba O'Riley



The Yankees love playing The Who. They would sneak this in as Bernie Williams, Tino Martinez and, most recently, Giambi came up in clutch situations. It always made for a nice moment.

19. Mötley Crüe - Shout at the Devil



When Joba Chamberlain was a reliever, he'd run out to this song in the eighth inning, exciting the crowd. I never went to a game with him as a starter, so I'm not sure if he still used this.

20. Metallica - Enter Sandman



A Yankee Stadium staple. When Mariano Rivera runs out to this song, the Stadium stands, cheers and screams. I like to make fun of Yankee Stadium's music selection, but this is always a cool moment, and I regularly get chills.

21. Liza Minelli - Theme from New York, New York



Sorry for posting this version, but I have to. The Yankees used to play Minelli's version of this song after losses, which made me doubly angry - at the loss and the fact that I'd have to hear this version. Luckily, they have stopped torturing Yankees fans, and have exclusively played No. 22 after each and every game.

22. Frank Sinatra - Theme from New York, New York



Ol' Blue Eyes recorded his version of the song two years after Minelli, saving Yankees fans from torture. Thank you, Mr. Sinatra.

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This is all I can think of for now. Of course, if you think I missed something, please let me hear about it in the comments.

For now, have a happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your day of turkey, football, and, of course, no work.

Betemit's reign of terror is over

I was happy when I first found out the Yankees traded for Nick Swisher. I was even happier when I found out later that Wilson Betemit was included.

Betemit has been a thorn in my side since he was traded to the Yankees for the namesake, Scott Proctor.

His play on the field did nothing to change my already negative preconceived notions.

Betemit struck out 89 times as a Yankee, compared to only 12 walks. Part of his appeal was that he was a guy who would draw a lot of walks and hit for power. That was never displayed in New York. He'd hit the occasional home run, but the bad outweighed the good.

Every time his name came up in trade talks, I wanted him gone. I didn't care for whom, I just wanted him out. To get Swisher back in return was a bonus.

Vaya con dios, Wilson.

Crasnick: Yankees acquire Swisher

The Yankees have traded for Chicago White Sox OF/1B Nick Swisher, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. Crasnick's source says Jeff Marquez will be headed to Chicago and it's uncertain if any other players are involved.

In 588 plate appearances last season, Swisher batted .219/.332/.410 with 24 home runs and 69 RBI. While his numbers were down, Swisher has the ability to draw walks (97, 100 and 82 his last three seasons) and plays solid defense.

In 14 starts for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season, Marquez went 6-7 with a 4.69 ERA in 80 2/3 innings. He also struck out 33 while walking 24.

Swisher, who will turn 28 in 12 days, split time last year at both first base and center field, both glaring needs for the Yankees, so this deal makes sense. He is signed through 2011 with a club option for 2012 and will make $5.3 million in 2009, $6.75 million in 2010 and $9 million in 2011. The option is for $10.25 million but can become $12 million with a top-5 finish in the MVP voting in any year between now and the end of the contract (thanks, Cot's Baseball Contracts).

If Swisher can find a way to get a few more hits and continue to draw walks, this has the potential to be a great trade.

The Yankees still have decisions to make regarding the outfield spots, but bringing Swisher into the fold is a nice move.

What do you of this trade?

Update - 4:15 p.m.: Crasnick has updated the article. Wilson Betemit and Jhonny Nunez have also been sent to Chicago. The Yankees will receive minor leaguer Kanekoa Texeira (no, not that Teixeira).

I like this trade even more with Betemit gone.

Melky et al. for Cameron?

According to The Post's Joel Sherman and George King, the Brewers could be interested in trading CF Mike Cameron for Melky Cabrera. The Brewers have asked around as to why Cabrera was so awful last year, and the Yankees would be willing to trade him and pitching for the Brewers' outfielder.

The writers suggest that Wilson Betemit could also be involved, but don't name a potential pitcher. Cameron's $10 million option was picked up by the Brewers earlier this week.

Cameron, a three-time Gold Glove winner in center field, would help shore up the Yankees defense. However, he is a strikeout machine - think Adam Dunn with half the amount of walks, and thus, a much lower OPS. He batted .243/.331/.477 in 508 plate appearances last season.

If the trade is Cabrera, Betemit and a mediocre pitcher, I'd have to do the trade, simply because getting anything back for Cabrera at this point would be a victory. However, the Brewers need pitching, and I'm not sure they'd accept a mediocre pitcher in return.

Epitomizing effort

When informed of the no-hit bid against the Yankees last night, I smiled and said, "Figures." Wilson Betemit had to ruin things yet again.

I wasn't watching the game, but had I been, I would have rooted for the no-hitter. Short of being mathematically eliminated, nothing would have symbolically ended the season more than a no-hitter by a pitcher making his first-career start for one of the worst teams in baseball.

Boston is nine games ahead of New York in the loss column and has a magic number of 14. The sooner this thing is over, the better.

Sweep city

After winning eight games in a row start to begin the second half of the season, the Yankees are 5-10 in their last 15 games.

Damaso Marte picked a bad time to walk a batter and, for whatever reason, Wilson Betemit and Robinson Cano barely moved on the ground ball that eventually ended the game.

With the pitching staff in shambles, things aren't looking good. It may be time to start making plans for 2009 sooner rather than later.

Brian Cashman can start by getting rid of Betemit and not re-signing Bobby Abreu.

Mussina helps Yankees bounce back

The Yankees had lost five of their last six before Mike Mussina shut down the Los Angeles Angels this afternoon on the last Old-Timers' Day in the current Stadium.

It didn't look good after 1 1/2 innings today, as Mussina fell behind 2-0 and had a relatively high pitch count. Everything seemed to change when Wilson Betemit hit a game-tying two-run home run off of Jered Weaver in the bottom of the second.

They would score two more in the third, including a Bobby Abreu solo home run, and that would be more than enough for Mussina.

He gave up two hits (both in the second inning) over seven innings while striking out five and walking two. He also retired the last 16 batters he faced. He is now 14-7 and has a 3.44 ERA after 23 starts this season.

In addition to Abreu's home run, Alex Rodriguez and Jose Molina (his first of the season) added solo home runs as well. Starting for the first time since the Yankees acquired Ivan Rodriguez, Molina went 3-for-3.

Darrell Rasner takes the hill for New York tomorrow afternoon as the Yankees look to split the four-game series against Los Angeles. John Lackey will oppose him.

(AP Photo/Ed Betz)

Roster changes

As a result of yesterday's acquisition of Ivan Rodriguez, the Yankees designated Chad Moeller for assignment. They also called up Chris Britton to replace Kyle Farnsworth's roster spot.

The Yankees also traded infielder Alberto Gonzalez to the Nationals for Double-A RHP Jhonny Nunez. What's with people spelling "Johnny" as "Jhonny"? Anyway, strange trade for the Yankees. Gonzalez seemed to be a better infield option than Wilson Betemit is.

By the way, Rodriguez will wear No. 12.

Yankees sign Sexson

Everyone had to see this coming from a mile away.

The Yankees seem to be a haven for other people's junk, as they have reached a tentative agreement with former Mariners' first baseman Richie Sexson, according to Buster Olney.

Sexson, a right-handed hitter, is batting .218/.315/.381 with 11 home runs and 30 RBI. However, he is hitting .344 against lefties.

In 604 innings at first base this season, he has committed two errors.

He is certainly a better option than Wilson Betemit is. And if he doesn't work out, the Yankees only owe the prorated minimum salary.

Live from Shea

I've seen just about enough of Darrell Rasner. Three balls on every hitter is getting old fast. Hopefully the Yankees brass has seen enough as well.

Wilson Betemit batting fifth? Really? The bench is almost as bad as the bullpen is.

Hopefully it starts raining. I'm that high in the upper deck that I'm covered.

Yankees survive poor pitching

The Yankees were able to get to the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner en route to their sixth straight win.

Jake Peavy only lasted four innings and gave up four runs (three earned) while throwing 93 pitches. Meanwhile, Darrell Rasner struggled again but broke his personal four-game losing streak.

The Yankees right-hander walked five and gave up two runs in five innings. He was inefficient, throwing 96 pitches, but was able to even his season record at 4-4. The bullpen also left much to be desired, as Edwar Ramirez gave up two home runs and Kyle Farnsworth chipped in with a home run allowed. Mariano Rivera was able to restore order in the ninth inning to save the Yankees' 8-5 victory.

Alex Rodriguez continued to hit the ball hard, going 3-4 with a home run and two RBI. He has now homered in four straight games. In his last 111 at-bats, Rodriguez has 41 hits (.369) with 10 home runs and 30 RBI. For some perspective, Rodriguez has 14 home runs and 40 RBI on the season.

Johnny Damon had yet another three-hit game and Wilson Betemit somehow had three hits (two doubles). All of the Yankees' starters had at least one hit except for Jason Giambi. With the way he's been going lately, he can have a pass.

All of a sudden the Yankees are 39-33. Joba Chamberlain will go up against Josh Banks tomorrow afternoon, as the Yankees look for the sweep.

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Hideki Matsui's knee

Hideki Matsui is out of the lineup for tonight's game due to knee inflammation, according to Peter Abraham.

The inflammation in his left knee is serious enough that it will need to be drained tonight and he may need an MRI. He had surgery on his right knee in the offseason.

Earlier this evening, Joe Girardi said he'd be able to pinch hit, but that's obviously not the case now.

As for the lineup tonight, Jason Giambi will start in Matsui's place at designated hitter and Wilson Betemit will man first base.

Comeback city

Johnny Damon earned his pinstripes (I hate that saying) with his 6-6 afternoon, including the game-winning ground-rule RBI single to go along with his three other RBI.

The Yankees came back from two four-run deficits to take the second game of this four-game series against Kansas City.

Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi hit two of the longest home runs I've ever seen hit at Yankee Stadium. It's only a precursor of what is to come in July during the Home Run Derby.

Andy Pettitte was awful and Mariano Rivera stunningly surrendered a home run (only his second earned run allowed this year and first home run allowed), but Damon and the offense were able to pick up the lack of pitching.

Jorge Posada hit his first home run since his return to tie the game in the ninth.

The Yankees had 19 hits, including multi-hit games from everyone except Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu and Wilson Betemit (Betemit was the only starter to go hitless).

They are back to .500 with the victory. Let's try to get past this for once, shall we?

Betemit back

My favorite player, Wilson Betemit, has been activated. He had been on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. In three rehab games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, he had three hits in 10 at-bats, with one home run and three RBI.

Alberto Gonzalez has been optioned back to Scranton, meaning that Morgan Ensberg is safe for the time being.