Old Time Magic

             Old Timer's Day has become something all too routine in recent years. The Yankees pretty much had the same roster to usher out each year, a few cheers, and on to the game. The excitement was pretty much gone. The new generation just couldn't connect with these players who came way before their time. Let's not forget that these players aren't always the stars, these aren't the Mickey Mantles, these are the guys who sometimes batted eight or ninth in the order. And in recent generations, who cares about Homer Bush? Fans aren't paying in some cases upwards of $200 a ticket to see a pinch runner.

             This year was different. This year we finally had a cast that the most recent generation can relate with. Not a sprinkle, not one or two players. But this was a healthy dose. Doc, Strawberry, Cone, Lloyd, Nelson, Wells, Girardi, Fielder, Tino, and finally the Older Timer debuts of Mr. Torre and Bernie. That's eleven people of substantial importance on a first name basis with the fans. Yogi of course gets the loudest ovation each year. He's Yogi. But while listening to the cheers for Torre and Bernie, a flood of memories came rushing back. This is an era that I didn't have to learn about from the back of a baseball card, Yankeeography, or even Google. This was for my generation, our golden age of Yankee baseball.

               Seeing Tino take Cone deep to drive in Bernie was magical. Traveling back in time became possible for just a few moments. It didn't count for anything. But in the minds and memories of many, it added to the luster. It gave younger fans something special to look forward to in the years to come. It gave Old Timer's Day meaning again. Mariano Rivera joked that he had wanted Michael Kay to announce him as well. He'll have his moment. Along with Jorge Posada, along with Andy Pettitte, and of course along with Derek Jeter. Maybe one day we'll have a chance to see the bulk of that 1996 team. That will be a truly magical day.

Daniel Mazler
Twitter - @DMazzle

Yanks in position to take advantage of Angels, Mets financial woes.

           The Yankees have some glaring holes. They lack a number two ace (Sorry A.J, you're paid like one but you don't pitch like one). Joba is gone till sometime next year and Rafael Soriano is in hiding after collecting his paycheck. Outside of Mariano Rivera and David Robertson, their relievers cannot be trusted. Their offense has failed to produce consistently as well. Curtis Granderson cannot be your most dangerous hitter. But if Brian Cashman looks around and spends his money wisely, there can be some potentially strong acquisitions.

            We've recently learned that Angels ownership has put a stop to anymore spending this season. Word is the team is cash strapped. Gary Mathews Jr, Torre Hunter, and Vernon Wells have basically produced nothing. The Yankees should inquire about Jered Weaver. There are not too many pitchers of his calibre available. He's arbitration available next season and a free agent in 2013. There has to be internal discussions taking place considering whether the pitcher, who's 8-4 with a low 2's era, will simply cost too much to resign. The Angels, who have one of the worst farm systems in MLB, could take a package from the Yankees, who boast one of the best. Most teams are interested in prospect Jesus Montero, and I have a feeling that much like one time prospect Austin Jackson, Montero will never see big league time with the Yankees. Sprinkle in a few young arms and a deal can be struck. While the teams are talking, perhaps the Yankees should inquire about former right fielder Bobby Abreu. He has a tidy $9 million dollar option for next season. The Yankees at this point will most certainly not bring back under performing Nick Swisher, who's option for next season will cost the team much more. Abreu still hits for a decent average, can drive in a few runs, still has the speed to nab a few bases, and still boasts one of the best eyes at the plate in baseball.

          Cashman should also give the Mets a call. They have several contracts they will be looking to unload and the Yankees should consider Francisco Rodriguez. The Rafael Soriano deal has so far blown up in the Yankees faces and they find themselves very thin in the bullpen. K-Rod can add some much needed depth and experience, rebuilding what would be a very formidable bullpen. The Mets will most likely eat a good portion of this year's remaining salary and his $17 million dollar option for next season doesn't seem too large considering Jorge Posada's expiring contract. Considering the Yankees current rotation after C.C Sabathia - Burnett, Garcia, Colon (who's currently on the DL), and Ivan Nova, you can clearly see the need for some serious bullpen help. Besides, it's a cheaper investment than the deal Heath Bell will be looking for.

        The Yankees have some opportunities to make themselves better. It may require spending some cash, but sense when has that ever been an issue? What remains to be seen is how long Brian Cashman will try to fill holes from within and at what point does he give in to the need for Major League ready players right now.

Daniel Mazler
Twitter- @DMazzle

Yanks Lose Edge Without The Boss

           We knew last year when George passed that things would never be the same. It's taken a little while, but that change has set in. And it's not for the good. The Yankees had been playing solid baseball as of late. Then they ran into the Red Sox. The arch nemesis Red Sox. The team that coming into town was in 2nd place. The team that would knock the Yanks on their rear ends and leave in first place. The Yankees dusted themselves off and took their frustrations out on the Indians the next few games. Hardly a statement. But there was a statement. The Yankees are no longer the cream of the East, and they haven't been for a few years. 2009 aside, we're looking at missing the playoffs in 2008, a Wild Card finish in 2010, and most likely a Wild Card finish this season. Certain teams are built to where those results could be called a success. Not in the Bronx. Ten years ago George would have had every one's head. Wild Card? Accepting second place? Not good enough. And that's the mentality that's changed around here. Last year Joe Girardi was ok accepting a Wild Card finish, keeping his players a bit healthier down the stretch. The Wild Card being a fall back option. An "at least we made it to the playoffs" mentality. Allowing your organization to accept that is disaster waiting to happen. As this team continues to age and Girardi attempts to weather father time, expect this team to lose its edge more and more. And unless the team is ready to listen to this new, edgy Brian Cashman and make the wholesale changes from within that he believes in, expect some lean times ahead.