Meet the New Boss, Certainly not the same as the old boss

By: Mike Sommer

Derek Jeter to follow in Michael Jordan’s footsteps? While Jordan had to go back to NC for possible ownership (no Bulls ownership for him), could Derek be angling for part-ownership of the Yanks? An intriguing possibility. Check out Kevin Kernan’s column in today’s NY Post.

Which reminds me of a quote once given by the Yankee Clipper himself. When asked (early 1980’s?) what he would have said to Topping and Webb had free agency been around in the late 1940’s, Joe D. replied that he would walk into the owner’s office, smile and say “howdy, partner.”

The lineup for the Yankees 1st spring training game had Girardi taking a look at Granderson in the #2 slot. From LoHud:

Jeter ss, Granderson CF, Teix 1B, Alex 3b, Marcus Thames DH, Jamie Hoffmann RF, Gardner in LF, Cervelli C, Ramiro the Slugger (see next post) Pena 2B with Gaudin P.

Even in S.T., the Yanks go all out. They introduced each former Yankee down in S.T., and the final three were Reggie, Bernie and Yogi (no last names necessary).

Joba back after a bout with the flu. Threw his bullpen, still weak. I think that many Yankees fans may want to see him keep the flu longer (sorry, Joba). That way it would force Joba into the bullpen where many think he belongs. Heck, many think Gaudin, Mitre or Aceves should be the #5 man, simply because they see a Hughes-Robertson-Marte-Joba-Mo back-end as simply being untouchable, and they may have a point.

For me, I love the “bonding” that Girardi is doing with last year’s pool tournament and this year’s video arcade. Because of the Yankees payroll, it is so easy to brand Girardi as a “push-button” manager, just as they branded Joe McCarthy with the same label. Having minor leaguers (as the Post pointed out) play in these games next to the veterans in games unfamiliar to them “levelled out” the playing field. It took away the “cliques” sometimes common in spring training workouts. Now when a minor leaguer is called up to the bigs for the first time, it may not seem as daunting. It also helps players traded for (Granderson) or free agent signings (Winn) get acclimated to their teammates. Push-button manager? Give Girardi credit for this one.]

I see Vienna and Jake are together as I predicted. Hey, some girl asks me to risk my life in bungee-jumping (which I would NEVER do, as I fear the cord would break), she better damned well marry me!

           

Sommer Frieze is a blog dedicated (mainly) to the Yankees. I'll touch on other things as well and the blog (as much as possible) will not only have Yankees news but also follow the Yanks' farm teams. Come visit at Sommer Frieze.

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