Yankees announce Old-Timer’s Day lineup and no ‘Core Four’ members on roster

The New York Yankees on Thursday announced the lineup of former Bronx Bomber greats expected to attend Old-Timer's Day on June 20 when Willie Randolph will be honored with a plaque in Monument Park.

This year's Old-Timers' Day will feature its usual share of former icons and legends. Seven Hall of Famers will be involved, including Yogi Berra, Wade Boggs, Whitey Ford, Rich "Goose" Gossage, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson and Joe Torre. 

But none of the "Core Four" members — Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada — are on the list.

The quartet did reunite on May 24 when Bernie Williams' number was retired and they could get together again at Yankee Stadium in late August when Posada and Pettitte have their numbers retired on Aug. 22-23.

Even without them, it's still the greatest collection of players from one team every year.

Pedro Martinez still holds grudge against Jorge Posada for insulting his mother and starting famous brawl: Report

The old Red Sox-Yankees rivalry has lost some of its edge over the last few years but whenever you mention Pedro Martinez, it seems like the bad blood is still at full boil.

On Wednesday, Martinez — the newly elected Hall of Famer — admitted that the one Yankee whom he despised most was Jorge Posada.

And it was personal.

Martinez, appearing on Daily News Live, made it clear that he still holds a grudge against Posada, claiming the ex-Yankee catcher carried their running feud too far at one point by insulting the Red Sox pitcher’s mother and instigating the famous brawl when he infamously decked Yankees coach Don Zimmer (video at bottom).

“Between Latinos you don’t mention anybody’s mother,” Pedro said. “And I never forgot that one. To this day.”

Martinez was on the TV show with fellow newly elected Hall of Famers John Smoltz, Randy Johnson and Craig Biggio when he made the revelation.

When host Jonas Schwartz asked why, Martinez said, “Because Jorge always seemed to have a bad attitude toward me.”

And, under further questioning, Pedro admitted to making fun of Posada’s ears at times, saying:

“I call him Dumbo, but that’s no reason for him to want to kill me.”

Martinez wasn’t clear if Posada’s insult helped ignite the brawl or the remark was delivered after Zimmer had charged Pedro and wound up on the ground.

"It was just competing," Martinez said of Posada. "But he was always mad at me for some reason.

“Then he let it go a little bit too far with the Zimmer incident. Between Latinos you don’t mention anybody’s mother. I did not appreciate that. I know it was in the heat of the situation, but that’s sensitive to Latino players."

And it was the mother of all brawls.

Jorge Posada bilked out of $11 million in 'jaw-dropping' money scam: Report

Former New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada has reportedly lost $11 million in a money-management scam that his lawyers have labeled "jaw-dropping."

The Puerto Rican catcher, once worth $117 million, was approached by a pair of Cuban-American men in 1999 who targeted Latin American baseball stars. Juan Carlos Collar and Anthony Fernandez proceeded to take total control of Posada's finances and regularly requested blind sign-offs while he was on the road, reported the N.Y. Post.

The full extent of their alleged fraud won't be revealed until they go to court next year as Posada and wife Laura prepare to sue Collar and Fernandez for $11.2 million in damages.

Posada did not discover the conspiracy until after he fired Collar and Fernandez, who operated under their own company Quantum Family Office Group, for unrelated reasons in 2010.

An independent audit by a new company unearthed the discrepancies.

According to documents seen by Vice Sports, the scams did not start until after the pair left Merrill Lynch to start up their own firm.

In one dramatic misplacement of funds, said The Post, the pair put $3 million of Posada's money into a plot of land their firm owned in Florida.

Posada was told they were "developing an elite equestrian-themed community for the wealthy" that he could have a stake in.

The land is now rented by a farmer and Posada has no control over it.

"I’ve never heard of anything like that. It’s jaw-dropping," Posada's lawyer Barry Lax said.

'They would go to Jorge and they would have a stack of documents to sign, and they would just say "Sign here."

"And Jorge would sign it. He completely trusted these guys with all of their finances.

"All of their money. Whatever the Posadas made went directly into their accounts with these guys. That’s the kind of trust they had.

"The Posadas never in any way used other money managers, other investments. Everything was through these guys."

A's will try and forget 'The Flip' during Jeter tribute

Sometimes moments which you would rather forget become so embedded inside your head that no matter how hard you try, those forgetful memories just can't be erased.

Such is the case with "The Flip,""one of the biggest moments of the Derek Jeter’s career — a play that will forever live in the darkest cranial recesses of the Oakland A's and their fans.

It was a thrilling fielding play nobody had ever seen before and will definitely not be seen this weekend at O.co Coliseum when the Jeter Farewell Tour rolls into Oakland.

Jeter’s legendary toss of the ball against the A’s in Game 3 of the 2001 American League division series was a moment that quickly became the signature play of his brilliant career.

And Oakland made a point not to include the famous play in the video the club put together for Sunday, when the A’s will become the latest team to honor Jeter in his final season.

The A’s tribute has "conspicuously eliminated all references to that play," vice president of sales and marketing Jim Leahey said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

And rightfully so. 

Would the French show Napoleon at Waterloo or the 7th Calvary advertise Custer at Little Bighorn?

And in case you forgot what Jeter's gem looked like — A's fans look away — here it is:

While Jeter probably doesn’t think much about his association with the play, he admits it might be the one — out of many — he is best known for.

“It was a big play,” Jeter said. “It’s probably the play you see the most of. At least that I see the most of.”

Not this weekend.

Jeter reunites with ‘Core Four’ for final Yankees home opener (VIDEO)

The Core Four are back together — at least for a day — as Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte threw out the first pitch to Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter at Yankee Stadium on Monday.

Under overcast skies, New York Yankees fans got their first chance at home to say goodbye to the retiring captain and they did it with a standing ovation.

Jeter's final opening game in the Bronx had a special feel to it, thanks to his old teammates.

Rivera threw the ceremonial first pitch to Jeter, while Pettitte delivered to Posada. 

Luckily, both pitchers' tricky cutters didn't cross up their catchers.

Mariano thinking he could play centerfield was all 'in his mind' says Jeter (VIDEO)

The Yankees’ five-time World Series champion “Core Four” — Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte — were all on hand for a celebration Monday night at Manhattan's Cipriani Wall Street, where 600 high rollers paid up to $4,000 for VIP packages to meet their heroes.

At one point, Rivera was asked about never completing his quest to play centerfield and The Sandman admitted turning down an offer from manager Joe Girardi to fulfill that dream in his final series in pinstripes against the Astros.

Jeter said that Mo's longtime quixotic pursuit might have been impossible anyway.

"In his mind, he thinks he could play centerfield," joked the captain.

It was all in good fun and even Rivera zinged his old teammate Bernie Williams, whom the four Yankees thought should be included in their exclusive club.

"Not the sleepy Bernie," grinned Rivera. "But the wide-awake Bernie who got so many big hits on four championship teams!" 

The mellow Williams was well-known in the Bombers clubhouse for taking a snooze almost up to game time.

Champions from the 1977-78 World Series team were also in attendance, including Reggie Jackson, Lou Piniella, Goose Gossage, Mike Torrez, Sparky Lyle, Willie Randolph, Bucky Dent and Roy White.

Mariano Rivera 'really happy' after throwing BP for first time

Andy Pettitte threw batting practice this morning before Mariano Rivera came to the mound and  — like he has so many times before — watched the closer breeze through batters in an important situation.

Unlike much of his career, Rivera wasn't sewing up a win for the Yankees, but baby-stepping his way back from knee surgery last season.

In front of GM Brian Cashman, manager Joe Girardi, pitching coach Larry Rothschild and former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, Rivera threw his first batting practice of spring training and, according to Rivera, everything went as planned.

"It was the first batting practice I threw this year and I am really happy with the results," Rivera said following a 25-pitch batting practice session at George M. Steinbrenner Field Friday morning. "And it will get better."

While no date has been set when the 43-year-old will pitch in a game, all signs tell the Yankees everything is going according to schedule.

"I felt real good. The big thing will be to do the real thing, running to first base and fielding bunts,'' Rivera said. "I have done that on the back field but that's not the same as a real game."

Rivera even joked with the minor league batters he faced and told New Jersey native Rob Segedin, "You better swing," before tossing the first pitch in his direction.

"I wanted to see hitters. I didn't do nothing different than from the bullpen [workouts]," Rivera said. "It helped me to see how the ball was moving, location and how they are swinging."

The all-time saves leader realizes he is coming back from a serious knee injury and will take it one day at a time.

"I am excited to feel the mound and see hitters. It was great,'' said Rivera, who hadn't thrown to a batter since last April 30 when he secured a 2-1 win over the Orioles. "I always appreciate it, that's why I love the game of baseball. You don't know when the last day you play (comes)."

From the looks of things, that might be the biggest question surrounding Rivera this year.  So, when is the last day?

"I don't know, I will let you know,'' said Rivera, who has said he does know but, like his cutter, is hard to see coming.

Mariano Rivera has doubts about returning in '13

The New York Yankees are well aware that the team has to get younger this offseason and there are already signs that change may start with some of the franchise's most historic players voluntarily not coming back.

Yesterday, general manager Brian Cashman said that he doesn't know if baseball's all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera is definitely returning next season.

"He said he doesn't know what he is doing yet," Cashman said, referring to a conversation he had with his 42-year-old closer on Tuesday.  "I asked him what his plans were and he said, 'I haven't decided yet.'  He said he was working his way through about 2013 and he would let me know soon."

Combine that with the similar talks the Yankees are having with 40-year-old Andy Pettitte and the retirement of Jorge Posada last year, and the Core Four could become the One-and-Done with a hobbled Derek Jeter left as the only link to the Yankees glorious 17-year run.

When Rivera suffered his season-ending torn ACL on May 3 in Kansas City, he vowed to return in 2013.  He even gave some thought to getting back this season, but was convinced otherwise.

"I'm coming back," Rivera said the day after he fell in the Kauffman Stadium outfield, clutching his right knee. "Put it down.  Write it down.  Write it down in big letters.  I'm not going down like this.  God willing and given the strength, I'm coming back."

Cashman isn't holding Rivera to his words and will take a wait and see attitude on his future Hall of Fame pitcher.

"He might retire, he might play.  he doesn't know yet." said Cashman.  "I told him when you know where you are at let us know."

Rivera has been working hard to rehab the knee and says he will be healthy enough to pitch again but the Yankees have to be concerned about him coming back from a serious injury at such an advanced age.

Asked if the Yankees want Rivera back in pinstripes, Cashman was adamant. "Yes," he said.

But the GM and free-agent still haven't talked money.  Rivera made $15 million last season and may be using his indecision as leverage in negotiations.

Cashman knows Rivera — the most consistent closer in history — wants to end his career as a Yankee and isn't interested in pitching anywhere else.  The same with Pettitte.  Both legendary Yankee players will be free agents immediately after the final out in the World Series.

"I talked to them because they are unique," said Cashman.  "I don't have to ask [free agents] Russell Martin and Nick Swisher if they are going to play [next season]."

It's hard for the Yankees to get younger when they still cling to so many emotional ties to the past.  It's the old story — youth vs. experience.  But we're talking about a lot of success in those tired bones.

For now, Cashman may hoping to steal one more year from the aging Key Three — Jeter, Pettitte and Rivera. 

Posada throws out first pitch to his dad, Jorge Sr.

While over 50,000 fans paid tribute to former-New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada with a rousing ovation— as he headed to the mound to throw out the first pitch at the 2012 home opener at Yankee Stadium— the career Yankee used the moment to pay a simple compliment to the man who "created me as a ball player" by tossing the ceremonial pitch to his dad— Jorge Posada Sr..

With his ex-Yankees teammates lined up behind him and his son Jorge Luis standing beside him, Posada lobbed the ball into his father's glove behind home plate.  The same man that spent countless hours playing catch and honing  Posada's switch-hitting skills as a youngster.

"There are three generations of Posadas here," Jorge proudly told YES Network.

Looking tan and fit, it was the first time in 17 years that the 40-year old catcher wasn't suited up in pinstripes at the home opener.  Today's appearance of the five-time All-Star and five-time World Series Champion was a surprise after last being seen in the locker room after the Yankees lost Game 5 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers.  There were tears welling in his eyes that night.  It was assumed it would be a while before he would return to the Bronx.

Posada shocked everyone— including his closest pals— by making his return engagement at Yankee Stadium so soon.

Last night, Posada was honored with the 2012 Pride of the Yankees Award and a reunion with some of his best friends including Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, comedian Tracy Morgan and even diplomat Henry Kissinger were just some of the big names on hand for today's festivities.

The only person noticeably missing was the last quarter of the Core Four— Andy Pettitte.

Posada making return to Yankee Stadium sooner than expected

New York Yankees fans who never got a chance to wish former-Yankees catcher Jorge Posada a final "Hip Hip Jorge!" will get a chance to do just that— only sooner than expected.

Tomorrow, Posada will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Bronx Bombers' home opener at Yankee Stadium.  This makes it Posada's 17th straight appearance at a home opener on the field— only this time he will not be in a uniform.

The team will welcome back the only member of the Core Four still not with the team after spending his entire 16-year career in pinstripes.

"I think it's going to be all kind of emotional, knowing Jorge," said his longtime teammate Mariano Rivera. "At the same time, he'll be happy.  We'll be happy.  I will be happy to see him."

The borderline Hall of Fame catcher will be on the mound and toss the first pitch before the Yankees host Albert Pujols and the Los Angeles Angels at 1:05 pm on Friday.  The pre-game festivities start at 12:40.

Posada, 40, will feted Thursday night with the "Pride of the Yankees Award" at the team's 2012 Homecoming Dinner.  Surprisingly, Posada will be only the 11th former Yankees player to do the honor including Mike Mussina, Bernie Williams, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, Whitey Ford, Phil Rizzuto, Mel Stottlemyre, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Bob Shawkey.

Posada's appearance so soon after retiring is kind of a surprise.  Most players usually wait a couple of years before making a grand re-entrance and most insiders thought Posada would go that route.

Yankees sign Andy Pettitte to $2.5 million minor league contract

It didn't take long for the pitching bug to bite Andy Pettitte— while he was hanging around the New York Yankees during spring training— and bring him out of retirement.

The Yankees have signed the Yankee great to a one-year minor league deal, according to the YES network's Jack Curry.  The deal is reported to be worth $2.5 million.

Pettitte— who retired after the 2010 season— had been in camp this year as a special guest instructor.  During that time, he admitted that being around the Yankees could tempt him to come out of retirement and make a comeback.

Pettitte retired from the team to spend time with his family and must have discovered that he can still do both at the same time.  Two and a half million doesn't hurt either.

He retired after having one of his best seasons (11-3, 3.28) in 2010 even after injuries dogged him during the end of that summer.

The lefthander was in Orlando with the team throwing batting practice before a game with the Atlanta Braves when Hal Steinbrenner gave his permission to increase the budget and sign the 39-year-old Pettitte.  The Yankees had been making a lot of noise about cutting the size of their payroll, but this is a clutch playoff pitcher we're talking about.

The fan favorite must have felt that the lure of getting career win No. 241 was just too great.

Adding Pettitte to the rotation presents a small problem for the Yankees who already have six arms vying for one of the five starting roles.

Freddy Garcia is out for a few days after getting hit with a ball on his right hand and, after CC Sabathia, the other four positions are up for grabs.

Just when when you thought the Core Four was cut in half, here comes Pettitte to make it the Key Three once again.

Can Jorge Posada be far behind?

Yankees Still Have Questions About Hughes, Soriano and Posada After Red Sox Series

Things looked pretty good for the Yankees after Brett Gardner slammed a seventh-inning pitch over the centerfield wall in Fenway Park on Friday Night.  The hit gave New York a come-from-behind win over the Boston Red Sox and manager Joe Girardi looked like a genius for his bullpen moves.  The Bombers were riding an eight-game win streak and their best pitcher, CC Sabathia, was scheduled for the next afternoon.

Girardi looked like he had all the answers that night.  He made all the right moves by pulling Bartolo Colon with the bases loaded  and using his bullpen to almost perfection.  The Yankees were in first place for the first time since July 6.  Everything looked sweet for the men in pinstripes.

Two nights later, by the end of Sunday night's typical Yanks/Sox marathon, there were more questions than answers after the Yankees dropped the final two games of the series and got knocked back into second place.

Neither of those losses were pretty and now Girardi is facing big questions regarding the starting rotation, the bullpen and the DH roles.  How fast things change.

If Girardi thinks he had a bad weekend, think about old Jorge Posada.  The veteran catcher could only watch from the bench Sunday after he was replaced by off-season acquisition, Eric Chavez.  The newly-appointed right-handed DH went 0-for-4.  Chavez is deserving and batting .304 so far this season

Posada didn't take the news as badly as he did when he was benched in May.  After the first benching, he actually followed his temper-tantrum by hitting .326 with three home-runs and 12 RBI's over the next 32 games.  Since the beginning of July, Posada has slumped and is hitting .205 with no home-runs and four RBI's in 26 games.  He might not get a second chance this time.

Girardi's benching can't be going over good with the one-time power-hitter, who is slowly being forced off the roster.  Reality struck hard yesterday, after the manager told the 38 year-old Posada his services as DH would no longer be needed.  Girardi hasn't exactly been subtle when sending his message. In both instances, the Core-Four member was demoted to the bench before nationally-televised games against the Yankees bitter rivals, the Red Sox.  That's gotta hurt.

"We're going to see how this works," said Girardi.  "We're going to try some different things.  We'll see how this works, and I told Jorge, 'You're still going to be a big part of this, and we're going to need you.' We're just going to do some different things."

And the check is in the mail.  It sounds reassuring until Posada realizes that Triple-A slugger Jesus Montero is breathing down his neck.

The relationship between Girardi and Posada should be interesting the rest of the season.  And the final chapter doesn't look good for the ex-catcher who first lost his backstop gig in spring training.

The bullpen's performance in last night's game opens up a slew of analytic equations.

Mariano Rivera blew his fifth save of the year--and at a most inopportune time.  Marco Scutaro laced a lead-off double against the Sandman which led to the game-tying run.  Getting to Rivera was instrumental in the Red Sox win.  It was a moral victory as well.  Sox manager Terry Francona put it bluntly," Getting that hit off Mo was big."

A situation which leads to the appearance of Phil Hughes in the 10th inning.  Girardi made it clear his righty would be available from the bullpen all weekend, if that what it took to beat the Red Sox.  After last night's game goes into extra innings, it gave Girardi the excuse he needed to use Hughes. The move ultimately takes Hughes out of this week's rotation, giving Ivan Nova one more chance to prove himself as a starter again this week.

Hughes showed nothing last night.  He followed his best start of the season by giving up a confidence-breaking game winner in the rubber-game for first place.  That 1/3 of an inning cost Hughes a shot at starting on Tuesday and possibly in the future.

Now Girardi has to decide what to with Hughes and Nova...again.

If Hughes allowed two hits and can't get three outs in relief, what does Girardi do now? The starting rotation and bullpen are both overstocked as it is and Hughes can't be feeling too secure.  It appears to be a situation Hughes couldn't win.  If he does well, he heads to the pen but that one out cost him a start.

This leads to the question of Rafael Soriano.  After a disappointing and injury-plagued first half of a season in New York, is the $35 million man finally showing his true talent?  Two perfect relief appearances in important games this weekend say 'I want a more prominent role.'

Since returning from the DL last week, the temperamental Soriano has retired all batters he has faced--including the 2-3-4 batters in the seventh last night.

The question surrounding Soriano is how long before the former closer mopes about his role on the team.  Last year's 45-save pitcher for the Rays has been demoted from that esteemed spot to set-up man and now middle relief.  After his fine performances this weekend, does Girardi move him up the pecking order to replace the All-Star Dave Robertson at times or even--this is blasphemy to Yankees fans--sometimes use him as an occasional closer?  He would have fared better than Hughes in the tenth last night.

Soriano has a history of erratic behavior, beginning with his days in Tampa Bay, when he refused to shag flies or take batting practice on Sundays, leading up to his slipping away from the New York media, because he refused to answer questions about a bad outing in April.

How long until Soriano's well-known frustration boils over into wanting more?  Girardi has to face the fact that Soriano could be a valuable weapon if the pitcher keeps his head.

Here's some extra credit questions for Girardi.  Will CC Sabathia ever beat the Red Sox this season?  The hottest pitcher in the American League--and the Yankees ace-- turns ice-cold against Boston.  The big man is 0-and-4 vs. the Red Sox this season and it's no secret how he dominates the rest of the league, as his 16-2 record will attest. 

Finally, where were all the fireworks between these two sworn enemies?  Fans want Charlie Sheen-Chuck Lorre acrimony, not Alec Baldwin-John Krasinski cuteness.

This Yankees/Red Sox series had it's share of intensity-- especially in games one and three-- but something was missing. There was too much mutual admiration. Sure, the teams were only playing for first place in the beginning of August and it looks pretty much like both teams are headed to the playoffs, but where was the nastiness... the Pedro Martinez knocking down Don Zimmer hatred? 

Oh, he was on the DL and his name is Alex Rodriguez.  This rivalry needs A-Rod like Obama needs McCain or Osi needs the Giants.  Every one's whipping boy is expected off the DL by August 15.  The next meeting between the two teams is August 30 at Fenway Park.

Hope the Yankees have answered a few questions by then.

Roger Clemens Witness List Looks More Like an All-Star Roster

Former pitching great Roger Clemens may call on ex-teammates to testify in his defense at his perjury trial.  At the same time, a prosecutor said he may call former players already implicated in the scandal to the stand as well.  It's virtually a Who's Who of future, potential and tainted Hall of Famers.

While throngs of potential jurors lined up outside the E. Prettyman Court House in Washington; both sides planned their strategies and it sounds like a lot of former baseball greats might be headed for the stand.

It sounded like U.S. District Judge might permit Clemens former Yankees teammates-- Chuck Knoblauch, Andy Pettitte and Mike Stanton-- to take the stand, after Clemen's attorney, Rusty Hardin, said that Clemens' main accuser, Brian McNamee, created evidence made to blackmail his client.

Other potential witnesses including Mark McGwire, Jorge Posada and Sammy Sosa also appeared on the list.

Yankees Fans: Where Have You Gone Russell Martin?

Russell Martin, in his first year as New York Yankees catcher, started the season at a blistering pace and made Yankee fans forget about not seeing Yankee stalwart Jorge Posada crouching behind the plate a lot easier to fathom.

The former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher had four home-runs and 13 RBI's by his thirteenth game in pinstripes and he became more than a just a transitional bridge between the Posada Era to the Yankees future catching star, Jesus Montero.

One problem, since May 24, Martin doesn't have an extra-base hit and is batting .136 (8-for-59) in his last 17 games?

What the hell happened?

Surprisingly,  Martin is still the leading vote-getter for the American League's starting catcher's spot--probably based on his early-season offensive explosion-- for this year's All-Star Game.  Martin currently has a 400,000 vote lead over the Texas Rangers Alex Avila who is slowly creeping up to the Yankee for the starting position.  Avila is batting .304 with 10 home-runs in his second season.

A two-time National league All-Star with the Dodgers, Martin was released by the team after slumping in 2009 and having a serious hip injury in 2010.

The 28 year-old backstop was signed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Yankees.  It immediately looked like the Yankees GM Brian Cashman salvaged an Antiques Roadshow-type find mixed in with his box of off-season garage-sale buys.  Martin looked like the early favorite for the comeback player of the year.

Along with Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia, the deal made Cashman look brilliant by landing Martin and his potential at a risky, but relatively bargain basement price.  It also kept the catcher from going to the Boston Red Sox.

By the beginning of May,  Martin had pounded nine home-runs, had 26 RBI's, stole six bases and had a slugging percentage hovering around .600.  Martin's early success helped take the pain out of the Yankees Cliff Lee fiasco.

Only today, the native Canadian is still stuck with nine homers and knocked in only four runs since.  Martin's slugging percentage has dipped to a pedestrian .398.

Give credit where it is due.  Martin has been solid behind the plate and, with the Yankees M*A*S*H unit full of starters and relievers, Martin is more Hawkeye than Frank Burns.  Yankees players say Martin's sense of humor and team work make him a popular and welcome figure in the locker room as well.

Two weeks ago, a back problem took Martin out of the line-up for a couple of days, but he resisted going on the 15-day DL.  It is quite possible he is still feeling the ill-effects of that injury and came back too soon.   Martin said he "felt pain when swinging."

It makes you realize that extending Derek Jeter's stay on the 15-day DL might not be such a bad thing after all.

Judgment Day 2011; Athletes Who Will Be Left Behind

The End is Near.  No, it's not a proclamation by either the NFL regarding the lockout or the GM of the Phoenix Coyotes on the hockey team's future.   It's the Day of Reckoning for Mankind, so say the lunatic members of a doomsday group who predict the world will cease to exist after the earth is rattled by series of earthquakes and tidal waves tomorrow between 5 and 6 p.m. 

New York City has been plastered with ads warning if the upcoming Apocalypse on Saturday July 21 and how God will only spare those who are pure of heart.

So people, you don't have to fret over overdue library books or the vig to your loan shark.  Go ahead, make that nasty, drunken text to your ex because, after tomorrow, it won't matter.   It'll all be over soon.

This presumed "Rapture" will spare the souls of the pure by whisking them into heaven while the rest of mankind will be left to face their doom on the crumbling earth.  Professional athletes--however adored on earth--are not an exception and some won't be making that trip up to eternal happiness.

I believe the world must be coming to an end because how can you explain Jason Giambi jacking three home-runs the other night.  Who even knew he was still around?

And what about the Cleveland Indians?  Best team in the majors?  Come on. We're talking about Cleveland here.  That's enough evidence for me.

Tomorrow's Doomsday is just more bad luck for Cleveland all around.  The Cavaliers finally get two top-four draft picks to make up for the left-at-the alter move by LeBron James and BOOM!   No more Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or Dawg Pound.  It's over.  If it makes Cavs fans feel any better, James will be one of the fateful ones slated to be left behind--with no championships.

The Apocalypse will bring some good things.  We won't have to wring our hands about the NFL owners and the NFLPA hugging it out.  They're all on God's naughty list anyway.

Right Place & Best Cure For Yankee Blues: Camden Yards & Boog's BBQ

The New York Yankees took the first step to overcoming a tumultuous week by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays last night, 6-2.  Now the New York Grandersons take a two-day jaunt to their home-away-from-home--Oriole Park at Camden Yards. 

The remedy to any Yankees slump seems to be a series against the Baltimore Orioles.  It's take two and call me on Friday.

The confines of the Baltimore stadium seem to be as inviting to the Yankees and their fans as one of those Boog Powell pulled BBQ sandwiches.

Posada Should Have Gotten Bronx Cheer Not Standing O

It only took one day for New York fans to forgive Yankees designated hitter Jorge Posada for abruptly yanking himself from the line-up one hour before a critical game against the Boston Red Sox.  The slumping Posada got a standing ovation from most fans when he pinch-hit for Andruw Jones in the eighth-inning of last night's 7-5 loss to their division rivals.

Neither Posada or the Yankees deserve any sort of applause after dropping their fifth straight game and nine of their last 12.

True blue Yankee fans will claim that the one-time starting catcher had shown remorse for his temper tantrum and earned the right to be upset after being demoted to batting in the ninth spot by manager Joe Girardi.  A spot where he hasn't hit in 12 years.

Truth is, Posada has been moping since platooning with Francisco Cervelli last year and was batting a measly .165 when Girardi penciled the prideful DH in at the # 9 spot.

Besides Posada's lack of production, it is his lack of clubhouse instinct.  After 17 years in the big leagues, you would think Posada would have figured out that something was in the wind.  A player with less of a history with the Yankees would have been benched weeks ago.  He was hanging on by tenure and World Series rings.  The statistics don't lie, so why was it such a surprise?

Posada Pulls Himself From Line-Up Before Crucial Yankees/Red Sox Game

In a move to shakeup the New York Yankees line-up, Manager Joe Girardi penciled  his slumping designated hitter, Jorge Posada, into the ninth spot of the batting order before tonight's game against their division rivals the Boston Red Sox.  Posada, the one-time starting catcher regulated to a DH position this season, apparently disagreed with the demotion and pulled himself from the line-up before Saturday's nationally-televised game.

According to Fox Sports, the proud Posada met with Girardi an hour before the game and came out saying he wouldn't play.  No one knows what was said in the meeting.

Before the two met,  Girardi explained why he was juggling the line-up and said, "It's been a struggle this year, we're trying to get things going."

During the past three losses, the Yankees have left 37 runners on base.

There was speculation that the 38 year-old Posada would not accept batting ninth and that there was even talk of retirement.  Chances are Posada, one of the Yankees original Core Four players, wouldn't walk away from the remainder of his $13 million contract.

This weekend's series against the Sox is an important barometer of where the Yankees are headed.  The team has lost three straight and dropped out of first place in the AL East.  They in the midst of a grueling schedule where they play 32 games in 33 days.  Discord in the clubhouse could make things worse.

Posada has been slumping badly.  He has an anemic batting average of .165 as the DH and hasn't hit a home run in weeks.  Fans have been calling for his head for the last month of play.

Russell Martin has been the Yankees starting catcher all season and hasn't let the team down.  The Yankees also have a streaking prospect, Jesus Montero, on their Triple-A  club in Scranton.  Montero is batting .325 and has 2 home-runs.  He looks ready to jump up to the bigs.

Whether or not Posada is in breach of contract with the Yankees is one thing, but acting like a spoiled brat is another issue.

The next month of the schedule will probably exhaust a lot of Yankees players.  If Posada decides not to play, it might be a blessing in disguise.  It would free up the DH spot and allow older players like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and even Martin the luxury of resting while having just DH duties.

Posada, as one of the respected veterans on the Yankees, should conduct himself in a more fitting manner.  He has no one to blame but himself for his poor showing so far this season.

Yankees Could Put Six Position Players on 2011 All-Star Team

Alex Rodriguez leads a team of nine New York Yankees All-Star hopefuls listed on the American League All-Star ballot released today.  The way things look right now,  six Yankees position players alone could be playing in the July 12 classic--maybe even seven.

A-Rod will be looking to be elected to his 14th All-Star game.  He is one of the league leaders in batting and RBI's with 17 and having one of his best starts ever.

Shortstop Derek Jeter, while showing signs of inconsistency this year, is always a perennial fan favorite and will be looking to make his fifth straight appearance and 12th all-time.  Even the one year Jeter wasn't there, other players said it didn't feel just right without The Captain.  Could it be his last?

The Yankees have been sending the ball over the fence at an unbelievable rate and all those home-runs could lead to All-Star turns for their sluggers.

Surprisingly, centerfielder Curtis Granderson is tied for the league lead in home-runs with seven and is looking to make his second All-Star slot.  His first and last was for the Detroit Tigers in 2009.

Another wonder has been catcher Russell Martin.  The off-season pick-up, with the rehabbed hip, is lighting up pitchers with a .328 average, six homers and 16 RBI's so far this season.  His OBP is one of the best in the league.  Martin was a two-time National League All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira round out the six Pinstripers who could be showing up at Chase Field in Phoenix for baseball's big showcase.

Cano, one of the best all-round players in the majors is batting .314 with 4 HR's and 14 RBI's.  It would be the second-baseman's third appearance.

Teixeira, battling his usual m.o., started the season fast then slumped badly.  Over the past week, the first-baseman has picked up steam and seems to be back on track.  He has six home-runs and 16 RBI's already this year.  His last All-star appearance was in 2009.

The Yankees could bring their own Home-Run Derby to the 82nd All-Star Game.  Five players--A-Rod, Cano, Teixeira, Martin and Granderson have 28 home-runs between them.  If you throw in Jorge Posada, who is on the ballot for the first time as a DH after five All-Star games as a catcher, you have a major-league leading line-up boasting 34 dingers between those six players.

Russell Martin's .600 Slugging Percentage Is Pretty Good So Far, Eh?

The New York Yankees have to be pleasantly surprised with their collection of garage-sale pick-ups this off-season and rising to the top of the scrap-heap is catcher Russell Martin.  The Dodgers cast-off, who was coming off two disappointing and frustrating seasons in Los Angeles, has a .600 slugging percentage this season; which ranks seventh in the AL.

Martin, who has caught every game this season except one, is taking over nicely for the veteran Jorge Posada.  The Yankee backstop's new-found positive attitude is showing too.  He blamed his poor performances in 2009-10 on being unfocused.  According to his new Yankees teammates, that is all in the past.

The young righthander's chemistry with his new battery-mates is blossoming as well.  He even painted his fingernails orange to make it easier for the pitchers to pick up his signals.

Starter A.J. Burnett--the recipient of three wins with Martin--joked that his new catcher might have just wanted his nails orange, but got serious when asked how the catcher is calling for more change-ups over fastballs in a game.

"He believes in it, and I'm starting to, more and more," said the 3-0 starter.

 Yankees GM Brian Cashman took a chance on Martin.  The Canadian native came up with the Dodgers in 2006 and had three solid years in a row before slumping in 2009 and breaking a hip in 2010.  He is a two-time all-star and has a Gold Glove award  on his mantle.  Last season looks like a faded ghost of the real Martin.  He hit only five home-runs in 97 games last year.

Now the new Yankee is hitting .289 with four home runs and 11 RBI's in 13 games.  If anyone believes a catcher, built like a fullback, can't steal bases, especially after watching Posada chug around the base paths, should know Martin already has a couple of stolen bases too.  

Martin chose the Yankees over the Boston Red Sox because he said the Yankees wanted him more.  He signed a one-year deal for $4 Million.  Now the insecurity of his last two seasons has been put far behind.

 "I want to prove to myself I can do it," said Martin.  "I'm 28 years-old.  I don't really feel old.  I don't really feel beat up.  I've healed from my injuries.  I feel back in shape and I' enjoying playing baseball."

Martin's transition from Dodger blue to Yankee pinstripes had to be made easier by associating with Dodgers and former Yankee idols--hitting coach Don Mattingly and manager Joe Torre.  Martin was under the tutelage of the two Yankee legends for the past few seasons and it's a sure bet Yankee tradition was not unspoken in the  L.A. dugout.

Cashman's flea-market pick-up of Dodger's reject Martin, so far, looks like an "Antiques Roadhouse" type bonanza.  One man's trash...

Besides his offensive resurgence and contributions, Martin has ingratiated himself to the veteran World Series-winning Yankee players with his sense of humor and humility.

The six-year veteran Martin actually went up to Posada, whom he is replacing, and asked the veteran catcher--with 16 years under his belt-- for advice at the beginning of the season.  Not a bad company move by Martin--even for a pro with a couple of All-Star appearances himself.

"On this team, they think about winning, whatever it takes," he said.  "It's just a good environment to be in."

Martin may be considered to be one of the first-place Yankees' consolation prizes after the losses of Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford; but has already proven to be healthy and back to All-Star form.  He said his injuries were blown out of proportion and claims he's had only one surgery to "cleanup" a knee and his broken hip has healed on it's own.

"You guys can't always believe what you read in the paper," he joked.

.