Derek’s Dominoes, NY Post, January 29, 207

The Post comes out with this illuminating retrospective on the dating adventures of Derek Jeter. Sure it’s getting a little tiresome. But give credit to The Post for its innovative approach - affixing each Jeter conquest onto a baseball card. (Wow, wish we’d thought of that.)

Still, one has to wonder: Will all this off-season attention culminate in another Steinbrenner curfew warning?

Click here to view the Jeter Babe baseball cards.

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Bernie Chillin’ In Limbo, NY Post, January 28, 2007
Bernie Torn On Future, NY Daily News, January 28, 2007

• In what has become something of a pathetic quotidian ritual, today brings two more updates on the Bernie Williams saga.

There’s nothing compelling here. Nothing new at all. The fact is, Bernie was right the other day. If they didn’t offer him a contract and aren’t bothering to get in touch with him, he needs to walk away now with his pride intact. Why does this continue to drag on? Here’s the truth Bernie: to the Yanks you are now just part of the pantheon, a Yankeeography in waiting. That’s it. And there’s really no shame in it.

• Mike Lupica has figured out that A-Rod and Joe Torre are on the ‘hot seat’ this year. But frankly his ‘A-Rod could be Peyton Manning‘ logic is about as misguided as all those ‘Tom Brady is Jeter‘ comparisons.

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Williams waiting on Yankees, The Journal News, January 25, 2007

You can almost hear the resignation in Bernie’s voice:

“If this is the end, there are no regrets. I gave it my best shot. One of the things I’ve always wanted was to gain the respect from my teammates, and I think I’ve done that. I may be a little goofy at times, but nobody can say I didn’t play the game hard.”

But would he be willing to play for the Mets?

“Yeah, I think I could. The loyalty factor goes both ways… Part of me says if they (Yankees) wanted me, they would have made an offer by now.”

It could be an interesting Subway Series this year. Stay tuned.

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Yankees seek working agreement with China baseball, ESPN.com, January 25, 2007

We joke quite a lot about the branding of the Yankees and how it has seemingly become the dominant force that drives the franchise. So the news that the Yanks are forming some kind of pact with the Chinese Baseball Association is no revelation. But why send over coaches and trainers? What could possibly be in it for the Bombers?

The Yankees’ goal is to get their brand into the world’s most populated nation, and put themselves in position, down the road, to scout talent, while working with members of the CBA to improve the state of baseball in China.

It’s brilliant: Get them all wearing Yankee caps. School them in the ‘Yankee Way’. And eventually, pillage their best talent.

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A New Union?, NY Post, January 24, 2007

According to our favorite source for off-season shenanigans, Page Six, Derek Jeter (last seen relaxing at the beach with Jessica Biel) was spotted last Saturday night “flirting madly” and “dirty dancing” with actress Gabrielle Union.

When DJ Cassidy played “Put It in Your Mouth” by Akinyle, Jeter and Union dirty-danced before leaving together. A rep for Union said, “They are friends, but they did not hook up.”

Okay… So for those of you keeping score, that’s one occurrence of Jeter / Union dirty dancing and zero hook ups.

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Notes: Warm thoughts for Murcer, Yankees.com, January 23, 2007

YankeeLand walks a fine and awkward line as they praise the career of Bernie Williams while simultaneously shunning him from the ‘07 team. Admitted HGH and amphetamine user Jim Leyritz wants the Yanks to “hold a day in the outfielder’s honor”. And Lee Mazzilli “has been having a difficult time watching the Yankees begin to part ways with Williams”.

Well, here’s a good way to honor the man: let him know where he stands. Immediately. Don’t start to plan a retirement party for a guy who may still want to play. They may not owe Williams a spot on the ‘07 roster. But they owe him at least that much courtesy.

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CANO’S NO. 22 TO ROG - IF …, NY Post, January 23, 2007

The New York Post is reporting that Robinson Cano is (gasp) prepared to give up his number (22) IF / when The 44-Year-Old Man decides to join the team. What a selfless guy. What a team player.

And how sure are the Yanks that Clemens is coming back?

Cano’s number already has been officially adjusted on the team roster, according to a source.

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It’s time again for another season of YES’ Ultimate Road Trip. Apply by January 31, but only if you meet the stringent YES requirements:

• Must “worship” the Yanks

• Must have seven free months of your life to throw away

• Must be “comfortable with EVERY aspect of your life being aired on television” (What in the hell does this mean? Deployment of the YES ‘Bathroom-Bomber Cam’?)

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Sheffield Makes Noise Again, This Time in a Book, New York Times, January 16, 2007

In his forthcoming tell-all autobiography, Gary Sheffield describes Joe Torre as an “enigma” and his steroid cream as “no different from the Neosporin you buy at Rite Aid” (except perhaps for the $400 price tag). He also acknowledges taking Balco / Bonds ‘vitamins’ and recounts a few arguments with Torre:

“I’m tired of hearing you talk about how much you love (Vladimir) Guerrero. That disrespects me.”

Oh Gary, we miss you already.

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Report: Braves trade 1B LaRoche to Pirates for LHP Gonzalez, AP, January 17, 2007

If this report is accurate (Adam LaRoche for Mike Gonzalez), then it could mean the end of Bernie Williams in pinstripes. The popular rumor was Melky for reliever Gonzalez, which would have freed up the extra outfielder spot for Williams. Unless Melky moves soon, however, the likelihood of Williams returning to the Yanks becomes very dim.

But just how badly do they want to see Bernie retire as a lifetime Yankee? Considering that Jeff Nelson farce the other day, you’d have to think that either a.) the Yanks will figure out some way to get this done or b.) he retires as a Yankee before the season begins.

Only one thing is certain: We’re already eagerly anticipating the YES Bernie Williams Retirement Spectacle Special.

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