Kuzul

Let’s make this clear right off the bat before some of you start popping off a hate filled comment aimed in my direction, stick needles in a doll with my name on it or chant some ancient curse on me based simply on the title of this column (If I wake up tomorrow with blue hair on my tongue I will know it was one of you)…

Pujols, barring some freak career ending injury or some as of yet unknown steroids related scandal with his name attached to it, is a first ballot Hall of Fame member five years after he hangs up his glove. 

Albert Pujols is the best player in the game today, it’s not even close and if anyone deserves to be the highest paid player in the game it’s this guy.

However, for as good as he is, and all that he brings to the game, no man, not even Albert the Great, is worth the kind of contract he is reportedly seeking.

Pujols has played his entire career thus far for the St. Louis Cardinals, a franchise well known for being player friendly and in a city with some of the best fans of the game. Pujols is an icon in St. Louis and claims to want to be a Cardinal for life.

It’s kind of hard to believe him when his current salary demands hold his current employers hostage.

About that “I want to be a Cardinal for life” thing? Apparently his loyalty and desire to the Cardinals comes with a price tag that would cripple the franchise well beyond the length of whatever contract he is given.

Pujols reportedly turned down a nine-year deal worth $200 million. How is that not enough for one man?

It was apparently not enough for him to remain loyal to the franchise that he supposedly loves and wants to be a part of for his entire career.

It seems that Pujols wants a deal north of the record contract handed to Alex Rodriguez, who, like Pujols, is equally undeserving of such riches.

Pujols desires to be baseball’s first 30-million dollar man. In comparison to Rodriguez, Pujols deserves to be baseball’s highest paid player but this is getting completely out of hand.

It is hard to blame Pujols for not only asking for, but expecting that kind of payday for his skills towards a game in which he utterly dominates, but I do have issue with his turning down a rather generous deal from a franchise that has been very good to him and one that he claims to wish to remain a part simply because he wants to be the highest paid player.

He is 31 years old and the best overall player in the game. Will he still deliver a plus .300 average, hit 40 plus home runs and drive in 100 plus RBI half way through his contract? 

Unlikely.

Will he still be the best player in the game over the majority of any contract he will be given?

Unlikely.

Can he pitch? No. Can he deliver a World Series to St. Louis all by himself? No.

So he should be given this ransom just because Rodriguez makes more?

Please save the “He is a draw”, “He puts asses in the seats”, “He is worth that and more just from a marketing standpoint.”

Those arguments did not work for Derek Jeter and they don’t apply here either.

Sorry Albert, your math does not compute.

Just because the Yankees are incredibly stupid does not mean the Cardinals Franchise has to follow suit. I sincerely hope they don’t give in to Pujols’ ransom demands.

The real blame here lies in part with the owners, MLB, The Players Union and the agents that represent the players themselves. It lies within the player to realize their worth to the history of the game and beyond just a payday.

At some point someone with the authority to halt this must realize that this is a team sport that is bigger than any one man, even a man such as Pujols.

Recently the New York Yankees have voiced that they will not be in the market for Pujols, which is a start. Of course, if you believe the Yankees will not get involved I have some ocean front property in Utah to sell you, but it is the right way to go.

Just ask Ken Williams.

I applaud Ken Williams, GM of the Chicago White Sox, for recently stating that $30 million for one man is “asinine” and harmful to the game. He stated what many owners think but lack the balls to say to the media out of backlash from the fans. 

I mean, can you imagine any fan of any team not wanting Pujols on their roster?

Williams stated that tying up that much money in any one player, Pujols included, was ridiculous and damages the franchise and the game for decades.

“Sorry White Sox Fans, we are not gonna do it.”

However, there are many that will argue that Williams and the White Sox failure to spend the money is the direct reason why the White Sox are strangers to the postseason.

Then a smart person mentions Florida, Tampa Bay and other teams with low payrolls that actually won on talent and heart.

Bravo Mr. Williams, bravo.

Now we just have to wait while others follow your lead and force Pujols back to Earth and make him realize that while he is the greatest player in the game currently, and will go down as one of the greatest of all time, he is but one man in a team sport and he is smaller than the game itself.

It would be AWESOME if the best deal for Pujols came from the Kansas City Royals and he had to take what was offered. 

It would serve him right and it would right the sinking ship that the MLB has become.

Ken Williams’ stance should be the mantra of all MLB teams that can afford to consider such a salary but resist the temptation to offer it.

Are you listening Hal and John?

Over the last few seasons we have witnesses more fiscal restraint, a harder line if you will, in regards to salaries of aging stars. Players like Andy Pettitte, Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter were looked at more from a business standpoint than the star status attached to their careers.

That vision, that hard-line needs to continue, even more so, towards players like Rodriguez and Pujols. It’s too late to change the monumental waste of money that was hurled at the feet of A-Rod, but the MLB has a golden opportunity, with Pujols, to set a hard line on would be greedy robber barons.

Jeter’s 189-million dollar contract should have never happened.

It did and it set up A-Rod’s ridiculous current contract. His previous one in Texas is what set this train wreck in motion.

A-Rod was and is not worth the money he has stolen, I mean, been paid.

Cliff Lee? Ditto.

Pujols’ salary demands should be boycotted for the future of the sport. Yes, I know it’s not my money and it does not affect my wallet but it’s still mind boggling.

What better way for baseball to send the message than to deny Pujols. If they do, A-Rod’s contract will never again carry any weight into any negotiation.

However, we all know that it wont happen.

He will be, unfortunately, baseball’s first 30-million dollar man.

Pujols will get his payday and along the way to the bank, while he is laughing, he will lose the respect of many that he earned through his abilities.

He will be looked upon by many as yet another greedy player, another A-Rod, and the game will continue to depreciate from a once hallowed, respected tradition of sport into a cess pool of money and greed.

However, if an owner, such as John Henry of the Red Sox where I predict Pujols will sadly land, is dumb enough to pay the ransom…don’t hate the player.

Hate the game.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Unless you have been living under a rock you already know the deal.

The New York Yankees main focus in this past offseason was to acquire starting pitching. Brian Cashman’s genius plan was to put the teams hopes, dreams and eggs all in one basket named Cliff Lee.

Cashman, ever the fool, believed that the Yankees could wave their bank account under the nose of Cliff Lee, sprinkle it with the pride, power and prestige of the Yankee pinstripe tradition and he would become giddy like some 14-year-old boy getting his first real kiss…and sign on the dotted line while trying not to drool.

The arrogance and short sightedness of Cashman is truly astounding. The colossal mistake the Yankees have made and continue to make has nothing to do with Cliff Lee. It has everything to do with Joba Chamberlain.

(If only the Yankees had a farm system like the other teams where they could develop their own talent…What? They do? Hmmm…)

The Yankees need for Lee was obvious as their rotation coming into the 2011 season was anchored by the ever steady C.C Sabathia, an as yet to be fully tested Phil Hughes (one season of 18 wins coming off another season in which he was banished to the pen does not instill massive confidence in a repeat performance), a disappointing A.J Burnett (Well, I am not sure Burnett was really disappointing more than he was just slightly off what he usually delivers…he is a career .500 pitcher, it’s not like he is Cy young material) and an unproven rookie named Ivan Nova.

They needed Lee, or any pitcher. It would be nice if they had someone in the fold that could step up.

(Joba Chamberlain is available…oh wait, never mind. The Yankees are pissed that he has not delivered on his talent even though their management of him is the real problem. It’s easier to blame the kid.)

Then of course, at the time, there was the Andy Pettitte “will he or won’t he” dance that has become annoyingly familiar in New York.

To make matters worse, the Yankee pen was full of holes.

If they lost out on Lee and Pettitte retired, the Yankees were seriously looking at a third or fourth place finish…no joke.

(Joba Chamberlain can start…but won’t because Brian Cashman is not qualified for the role he currently fills in New York. He is, in every sense of the word, unqualified.)

Lee ended up in Philly most likely due to the fact that A:) He knew he could not handle the pressure of New York B:)The treatment of Derek Jeter told him what to expect C:) He did not like the way his wife was treated by the Yankees fans in the Post Season D:) He looked at the Philly rotation with him in it and well, the man is not stupid.

I do not care what Lee has said, nor what people believe…I believe that those are the reasons, and all played a role, in why Lee chose to take the job in Philly. I look at Lee as a coward that did not want the pressure cooker of New York. He is a very smart, well paid coward though.

(Joba Chamberlain is in New York…under contract…in pinstripes…he can start…hello?)

Pettitte finally manned up and made a decision to retire most likely due to the fact that A:) The Roger Clemens trial would be a distraction for him and the team. Pettitte is a creature of habit and does not like his routines to be messed with. B:) Without Lee in the mix Pettitte would have a ton of pressure upon him to perform…Pettitte is a big game pitcher but he is most comfortable as the middle of the rotation guy, not the savior C:) He honestly wants to spend more time with his family.

I do not care what Pettitte has said, nor what people believe, I believe that those are the reasons, and all played a role, in why Andy has chosen to ride the recliner in Deer Park and not don the pinstripes in 2011.

(Joba Chamberlain was seen getting a ticket heading to Tampa to report to spring training as a reliever when the Yankees need starting pitching. Cashman is a genius, not.)

So the Yankees, in fear of facing a third or fourth place finish go out and bolster their bullpen by landing Pedro Feliciano and Alphonso Soriano (In what will go down as the biggest contract joke ever in the history of baseball…I mean seriously, Cashman is a fool. I have no doubt Soriano will deliver, but 35 million dollars with an option for him to opt out at anytime? Are you kidding me?) giving the Yankees arguably, on paper, the best bullpen in the game right now with or without without Chamberlain who figures to play a very minor role this season because, due to his past performance, he cannot be trusted.

(Of course the Yankees and their management of him plays no part…no, of course not. The boy failed on his own in a team sport, imagine that.)

However, they need starters. The market is thin. What is a team to do?

(Joba Chamberlain as a starter has an ERA in the low 3’s…I think he is on the Yankees Roster. Does Cashman know he is there? Someone should email Brian and let him know that Joba has started before. Let’s not forget he is still young and a serious investment into his talent and ability could pay off for a decade or more…but hey, it’s easier to just toss him into the pen where he can do minimal damage, right Brian?)

In desperation the Yankees go the low risk, hopefully huge return route of signing former starting studs Mark Prior, Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia to minor league deals. There is nothing else out there, unless you consider Chamberlain, which Cashman in his infinite wisdom won’t do.

(Didn’t the Yankees have a young kid that was a “phenom” a few years ago? No not Phil Hughes…the portly big boy whose father was always in the stands. I think his name was Joba. What? He is still on the Yankee roster? Wait, wasn’t he a starter once?)

So, where does that leave the Yankees for 2011?

A starting rotation of C.C Sabathia, Phil Hughes, A.J Burnett, Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia is the most likely scenario at this point for 2011. Garcia was 12-6 last season and seems to have rebounded from injury. All he has to do is out pitch Sergio Mitre, which should be possible for the veteran, and he is in.

Again, the Yankees bullpen is set with the likes of Rivera, Logan, Feliciano, Soriano, Robertson, Mitre, possibly Prior and some kid named Joba Chamberlain, who has a 1.54 ERA as a reliever. I think he used to start once upon a time but hey, why quibble over small details.

Bottom line folks…the Yankees don’t need Chamberlain in the pen, they need him in the starting rotation. Yes, the debate rages on but seriously…

As a reliever Chamberlain goes against his natural talent and thinks too much on the mound. When Joba thinks on the mound bad things happen. He is a machine…adding artificial intelligence only mucks up the mechanics.

I have watched this kid, and yes, he is a kid, pitch as a starter and a reliever.

If you have watched him as well you will agree with me that when he comes on as a reliever he thinks too much. He has a starter’s mentality. When a runner gets on base he gets unnerved. He pitches from the stretch which is something a reliever should never do. 

He tries to be too fine with his pitches. He gets rattled too easily because in his mind he knows he is only out there for a few batters, maybe one inning…but he approaches it like a starter that is rushed and thus gets rocked.

When Chamberlain was “lights out as a reliever” he came in, worked quickly, did not shake off the catcher and just threw smoke. Look back when he first came up…work quick, smoke, pump fist. Check.

When he gets rocked he takes his time, throws a lot of off speed stuff and tries to be too fine…just like a starter.

When he started and did well, he worked quickly, did not shake off the catcher and threw smoke with a nasty change mixed in. As a starter he gave up slightly over three runs per game over his career starts. That is better than every starter currently in place to pitch for the team this coming season.

The Yankees, in my opinion, are making a monumental mistake of keeping Chamberlain in the pen and not working with him during the offseason to build his stamina, get him on a serious diet, work on his mechanics and pitching with runners on.

Chamberlain, when working quickly and just trusting his stuff, is a better pitcher than Burnett, equal to Hughes, blows Mitre away and has better stuff than Garcia.

Chamberlain in the bullpen is yet another example of Brian Cashman’s lack of baseball knowledge…and arrogance and ego of not wanting to look bad by committing the Kid to start. The less he is seen the less chance he screws up, right Brian?

C.C Sabathia, Phil Hughes, A.J Burnett, Freddy Garcia and Joba Chamberlain…it’s the Yankees best option for the coming year barring some blockbuster trade that appears unlikely to happen.

Joba gets a lot of flack from fans and media alike but the Yankees management of this kid is the real problem…it’s a disgrace actually.

Let the kid pitch…

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Andy Pettitte announced his retirement this past week. Is he done for good

Only Andy knows but something tells me the answer is no. Pettitte is competitive and the draw of the game will pull at him during the course of the season.  I suspect in large part his decision to retire came about due to…

A: His impending testimony in the Roger Clemens perjury trial would be a distraction to the team, and himself during spring training and throughout the first few months of the season. Pettitte is a creature of habit and he does not like to have anything interfere with his normal routines.

I believe Pettitte will silently work out through June, testify and wait for the call in July to help the Yankees if they are still in the hunt. It happens all the time, and will again in New York if the conditions are right.

B: Retiring now allows him to spend the time he wants with his family, watching his kids play ball in school, something he has missed over his career and has been very public about. If he comes back it will be in the summer when his kids are out of school.

Don’t forget, his family supposedly wants him to play…Andy is going to have a hard time not wanting to when he is free of some of his obligations.

Is Any Pettitte a Hall of Fame Pitcher?

In my opinion, as a left hander, you bet your behind he is. However my opinion and a bag of socks don’t matter in the real world.

On paper, Pettitte’s numbers are Hall worthy. His winning percentage as a lefty, his post season play—it’s all good.

However, the Hall of Fame is an elitist society voted on by narrow minded people that rarely base there decisions fairly.

Pettitte’s failing to reach the 300 win milestone, while not a specific criteria, will be a problem for some voters. The fact that he pitched the majority of his career for the Yankees is another problem for some voters (and don’t tell me it won’t….there is a prejudiced in Hall voting) and the PED allegations and his subsequent confession will hurt his chances greatly.

He should be in…but it took Blyleven forever and performance enhancing drugs were never in the conversation in regards to his consideration.

Sadly I fear that Pettitte will never hear the call for the Hall.

If the Yankees landed Cliff Lee would Pettitte be pitching for New York this year?

If the Yankees could have landed Cliff Lee, Pettitte would be reporting to Tampa on February 14^th relaxed and eager to pitch yet another season. I am completely convinced of that.

Why? Andy is many things, but he is not stupid. He sees the current state of the Yankee rotation without Lee in it and therefore his role changes dramatically with or without Lee.

With Lee on board, Pettitte would easily slip into the third slot in the rotation with little pressure. He would be able to just go do his thing every 5 days. With Lee, the prospect of winning increases greatly.

Lee stated he joined the Phillies because their rotation could be historic. Pettitte might have thought the same thing in being part of a rotation with Sabathia, Lee, Hughes and Himself.

Not so historic or tempting without Lee in the mix.

Without Lee, Pettitte all the sudden moves up to the number 2 slot and must be a savior. Would you want to come back under those conditions in the pressure cooking, must win every year powder keg that is New York?

Winning, without Lee in the rotation, is less of a certainty.

If the Yankees, with their patchwork, retread rotation, can somehow stay in the hunt come July I would not be afraid to be the House that Cashman makes a call to Deer Park…and that call will be answered.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

You will never see it on CNN or Fox News.

It will never appear on the front page of any newspaper across the globe.

You will never see it in a documentary on Discovery or the History Channel.

It will never be spoken of in any church on any given Sunday.

Yet according to many Yankee fans and sports media alike,  Andy Pettitte seemingly walks on water.  He is apparently the Yankees own personal second coming and the only one that can salvage their upcoming season.

Andy Pettitte, all by himself at the ripe old age of 38 and coming off his best statistical season cut short by injury, can save the entire Yankee season single-handedly.  

Apparently.

Andy Pettitte, the man that left the pinstripes for the uniform of the Houston Astros (for whatever reason you want to believe), can single-handedly save the season for Derek Jeter and company just by showing up it seems.  It was apparently because he left that the Yankees never won during his absence and only when he came back did they win again.  Yes, I get it. Right.

Apparently his mojo went on strike last season.

Andy Pettitte, the man who puts everyone through the same “will he or won’t he” dance every off season—the one who needs to decide every off season if he wants to play for the team that put him on the map—has, and he alone, the mojo that can fix what’s wrong with the Yankees of 2011.

Oh YES! Testify my brother!

Imagine that—Andy. Pettitte. Is. A. Super.Hero.

Newsflash.  If the Yankees landed Cliff Lee, you know the other dude that apparently walks on water, the Yankees would not be calling Pettitte and the fans would not be clamoring for his return so much.

If WE GOT LEEEE!!!!!, it would be nice to have Andy too.

Now—WE DID NOT GET #%&^$ LEE!!! WE NEED #^z*(^&$ PETTITTE!

If the Yankees landed Lee, Pettitte would be playing because the pressure would be off.  Without Lee, Pettitte knows he will be looked upon to be a savior.  It’s not a role he wants, never has.

Who the heck wants to come back for the grind with a sketchy back at age 38 if you are expected to hoist the team on it?

Andy Pettitte is many things but stupid is not one of them.

As a Yankee fan, Andy Pettitte will always hold a special place in my heart—but Andy was the one Yankee that taught me to not get used to Yankees staying Yankees.

The Yankees “Desperately Need” Andy Pettitte?

He would be nice to have, he surely could help, but “Desperately Needed”?

Sorry but this Yankee fan refuses to drink the Kool-aid so many of you are apparently drunk on.

One can argue that Andy Pettitte is a borderline Hall of Fame pitcher right now but we know he won’t get in. He is a Yankee and well there is that lil’ PED thing.  No one can argue that he is now, and will always be a legendary Yankee.  No one can argue (except the BBWA and the Elitist Brethren of the H.O.F), that he has been one of the best left handed pitchers in the history of the game.

However, and with all due respect to the many columnist out there including some of my fellow Bleacher Report columnists, stating that the ‘Yankees Desperately Need Andy Pettitte” is quite frankly a joke.

Could they use him?  Absolutely.

Could he help them?  Sure if he stays healthy.

Will he all by his awsome-ness save the season?  Umm…no.

Listen folks, I have been a Yankee fan since 1976.  Andy Pettitte is one of my all-time favorite Yankees, but he is neither the saving grace or nail in the coffin of this team.

It’s time to get real.

Yes I get the fact that he not only knows how to pitch in New York, but he knows how to win in New York.  I get that.

Yes I get that he is a big game pitcher and his presence on the mound motivates the players behind him.

I also understand that he is but one man.  He is 38 years old.  He is prone to injury.  His heart is not 100 percent committed to the game or the team.

Did you get that last part? His heart is not 100 percent committed to pitching.  I don’t think that when he came back from injury last year he was fully committed either.  I think the injury was a wake up call that he just did not want or need to do this anymore—or at least for a whole season.  I think before the season was over last year he knew that was it—or that was it for an entire season.

See where I am going? (Hint…repeated references to “entire season”…hint, hint).

The Yankees missed out on Cliff Lee, whom by the way also does not walk on water despite what the media and some fans believe, and all the sudden the Yankee Universe is coming to an end and Andy Pettitte is the only one with pinstripe tights and cape?

Shoot, why even play the season, just hand the trophy to Philly for the next five years and send everyone on vacation.

There is a reason the games are played on the field and not paper.

Come on people, this is nothing new in the world of the Yankees.  Pettitte would be nice to have but the Yankees are hardly desperate here.

Let’s look at this realistically.  How many games do the starters need to win the East or the Wild card and make it to the playoffs?

In a very strong East and in an improved American League in general, the Yankees, or any team for that matter, will not get into the post with anything less than 90 wins, in my opinion of course.

With a very good staff, okay we will use the Philadelphia Phillies dammit—a team can only hope for 63-65 wins max (18, 15, 12, 10, 8= 63) and that is really pushing the envelope.  Most team only get 40-48 wins per starting rotation but most teams don’t make the playoffs.  A good chance to dance requires a minimum of 55 wins out of the rotation with a decent bullpen backing it up.

The Yankees have, arguably, one of the best pens in the game (on paper). So what about the starters?

What can we expect given the rotation New York is fielding this year WITHOUT Pettitte?

The 2010 San Francisco “World Champions” top three starters won 43 games. They had a rotation of six and their “regular” top five starters won a total of 58 games.

More relative, if slightly less recent, we can look to the 2009 World Champion Yankees who went with a 4 man rotation most of the year and their 4 starters won a total of 55 games. 

Sabathia won 19, Pettitte won 14, Burnett, yes that guy, won 13 and Joba Chamberlain (I just threw up a little in my mouth), won nine.

C.C is still around.  Anyone think he can’t win, oh say 18 games in 2011?

Hughes chipped in eight wins in relief that championship season and turned in 18 wins a year later despite stamina problems the second half which should be corrected come this season.  He may not win 18 games again this year but is anyone doubting he cannot win oh say 14, like Pettitte did in 2009?

Can anyone on the Yankees current Staff win 12?  Yes, A.J Burnett, who averages 12 wins per season, and won 13 in 2009 when the Yankees won it all.  Yes he is coming off a poor season of 10 wins but they Yankees pitching staff is focusing heavily on his mechanics and I believe he can win 12 games this season, simply because he won 13 for New York in 2009.

That’s 44 wins among three starters right there people.

 “Desperate”?

How many wins will Ivan Nova notch?  No one ones but I would not be scared to bet the house on eight wins.

Freddy Garcia has a decent chance to make the Roster.  He rebounded last year and won 12 games for Chicago. I am not fool, so I am not expecting that so let’s be reasonable and give him eight.

Okay.  Of those five starters, if that is how it falls (and who the heck knows), without Pettitte the Yankees starting rotation would notch 60 wins…

“Desperate”?

Garcia does not make it and Sergio Mitre is there? Okay—five wins for him, that’s still 57 wins by starters.

That is still two more than the 2009 World Champion Yankees and one less than the pretenders to the throne last season.

Hell, Sabathia could go down on injury in his first game and everyone else wins less than 10 games and the Yankees finish last.  What would Andy’s presence do then?

There is a reason they play the game one out and one inning at a time people.  No team wins games in the off season.  Calm your doom engine down.

The 2011 Yankee Bull pen, on paper, is a lot stronger than the 2009 version so excuse me if I actually seem hopeful. 

Pettitte, at best, would contribute maybe 14 wins, his yearly average, if healthy and playing a full season which it appears he won’t do.  At age 38,  the chances he works the entire season anyway given his health issues is a huge risk without enough reward for him, his family or the club.

Even if he returned and won 11 games, it is possible that Nova or Garcia can equal that total.

STOP before you go there—no way shape or form am I suggesting Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia are equal to Andy Pettitte.  I am using realistic reasoning here (hopeful is another word), to get everyone off the “we need Andy or Armageddon is a coming’” bandwagon of doom.

Oh and btw, before you start on the “Andy is a big game pitcher and we will need him for the playoffs!”  He is.  I cannot argue with that however, no one knew when he pitched his first post season game that he would be the post season stud he has become.  Another in pinstripes can be born this season, who knows.

Andy Pettitte is a big game pitcher.  Andy Pettitte is one of the greatest Yankees and left handed pitchers in the history of the game.

Andy Pettitte is also one man, aged 38, coming off a great season that fell far short due to injury.

Andy Pettitte is not the answer folks.  He is a cog in the machine—he is not the machine itself.

However, have faith though my friends, all is not totally lost.

Andy Pettitte is also a business man and a smart one at that.  He learned something of value from Roger Clemens, his former mentor.  No, I am not talking about using PEDs.

Pettitte has learned to earn a full season’s salary for half a season of work so if the Yankees are somehow still in the show at the half way mark, rest assured the call to Deer Park Texas will be made and Pettitte will once again don the pinstripes in yet another quest for Glory.

However, it would only happen under certain conditions.

The rotation the Yankees have, as rag tag as it is, is not far off from the cluster mess that showed up in 2008.  If each performs up to expectations or level of talent, the Yankees will be in position to make that call for Mr. Big Game at the mid mark.

Before he answers the call, it must be right for Pettitte. 

In order for that to happen the Yankees must be healthy.  They need Sabathia at his ultimate Cy Young best, Hughes to live up to his hype, Burnett to get his head from out his backside and just pitch and Nova, Garcia or someone else to step up and do the unexpected .

Pettitte will be back for the stretch run is there is one and if and only if it’s almost a certainty they will get in.  Andy wants to be along for the ride.

He just does not want to drive the bus.

Like I said earlier—the man is not stupid.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Recently, I wrote a column about Derek Jeter and the speculation about his contract status (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/510665-derek-jeter-the-ridiculous-stupid-clueless-speculation-continues).

I inflamed it to stir passion about the subject to see what people would think about Jeter and his value to the sport.

The response was about what I expected.

Derek Jeter is either one of the greatest to ever play the game or he is merely an overrated ballplayer that has been blessed from his exposure on a big market team like the New York Yankees enjoying their financial ability to surround him with players that help to elevate his game.

Some of the arguments were valid, some were not. However, all were polarizing.

Derek Jeter, the Yankees‘ cornerstone and current captain, is without contract and on the market. Nearly everyone that has at least one active brain cell expects the Yankees icon to re-sign with the only team he has ever played for.

However, the fact that Jeter is coming off a sub-par season and is currently 36 has many speculating on just how much the man is worth, how long his contract should be and what his true value is to the team and the game of baseball.

Now before I get into the guts of this story, let me be up front and honest about my affiliation. I am, and have been since 1976, a die-hard Yankees fan. To me, as a young boy playing third base in little league, Babe Ruth and eventually high school, Graig Nettles was the man. Once he retired, my allegiance moved to Don Mattingly and then inevitably towards where it now resides and has since 1995.

Jeter is my favorite current player. I fully admit that I am a Derek Jeter fan but as with everything I do, I try to be realistic and objective, even when involving my beloved Yankees and all things Jeter.

With that being said, I invite you, the reader, on a journey with me as I try to take an honest look at Jeter’s career to determine what he is worth, how long his next contract should vs. what it probably will be and how history will treat him when he finally calls it a day.

Jeter Contractually

What will he get? What does he deserve? What will he ask for? Blah, Blah, Blah…

In one camp you have the Jeterholics, the die-hard fans of the Yankee Captain. They believe Jeter should be given the stars and the moon for his loyalty to the organization, his obvious (to them) future Hall of Fame induction, work ethic, penchant for being at the right place at the right time, and offensive numbers. Not to mention that they believe he has led the Yankees to five World Series Titles (some think he did it all by himself) so far, during his tenure.

Some of these fans believe that Jeter should be given whatever he wants, a blank check if you will.

Others in this group think that he should be given $20 million per year with a lifetime services contract while a few others believe that Jeter should be kept in pinstripes at whatever cost so that he can break the all time hit record currently held by Pete Rose. Jeterholics believe that the Yankees would never have won 5 titles without his services and will be hard pressed to win in the future without them either and therefore the Yankees should do whatever it takes, whatever it costs, to keep DJ in pinstripes.

Crikey!

Then you have Jeter’s detractors. I call them Jeterbeaters. Many in this group will state that Jeter is too old, washed-up, overrated defensively—some even go as far as to claim his is overrated offensively. They cite that he is by far the worst shortstop in the game and have tons of Sabermetrics stats to back them up…they even have the infamous Penn State Study, which claimed that Jeter was the worst fielding shortstop in the game between 2002-2005. In fact, they have it memorized.

Some in this group would love to see Jeter get a long term deal with millions and millions. Why? They believe it will ensure that the Yankees will have a black hole at short, thus hurting the team for years to come (that is an evil thought process but kind of hard to argue with).

Some simply believe that Jeter is nothing more than an average player whose game has been elevated by playing for the Yankees and what they can afford to surround him by. In other words, if Jeter played for the Royals, no one would be talking about the man.

So which group is right?

My conclusion on Jeter and his worth is discussed in the next few categories and will be revealed at the end of this column. In order to get to my conclusion, I will dissect Jeter’s career by looking at several factors and the perspectives, realistic or ridiculous, of both groups.

Jeter Defensively

Everyone has seen Jeter’s famous “The Flip” post season play, his two amazing foul ball catches (one memorably against the Red Sox), both of which saw him land in the stands. Jeter’s signature ground ball to the right, leap and throw play are seared into our minds. Jeter is one of the best double play pivot men in the game and he has great range towards the outfield on those bloopers that seem to always drop in for a hit. He has a high tendency of making few errors on balls hit to him, has a knack for knowing the player at the plate and will properly position himself, and has a very strong, accurate arm.

Sounds good right? All the things you want in a shortstop. So what’s the problem?

The knock on Jeter is that he does not and cannot get to balls that most other shortstops do. The truth about Jeter’s defense is hard to deny. Jeter handles balls hit at him well, something expected of everyone at any position on the field. He goes to his right well, but balls hit up the middle have a better chance of being stopped by Robinson Cano at second than any hope of Jeter getting a glove on them.

Wait a second, crazy man! Jeter just won another Gold Glove!

Yes Jeter did win a gold glove… another one, but he has yet to truly deserve any of the ones on his mantle. Getting awarded a Gold Glove because you led the league at your position in fielding balls makes about as much sense as a toothless man entering a corn on the cob eating contest.

Speaking of eating, here is a marketing idea for any Italian restaurant in Boston. You can make a mint of this. Rename your Spaghetti and Meatballs dinner to… wait for it… wait for it… “Pasta Diving Jeter.”

We can talk about the royalties and my fee later.

It is possible for a shortstop to make more errors than another and still be the better shortstop. Shortstop is about range. Jeter lacks it. Gold Glove consideration is a joke as is most often the Cy Young process and the MVP.

I am a Jeter fan… and I can honestly say that while his defense has not cost the Yankees a trip to the post season, a pennant or a World Series Title, I can equally say that the range of Alex Rodriquez at third, Robinson Cano and second and the glove of Mark Texeira at first make Jeter look much better defensively than his stats say he is.

Jeter’s defense has not cost his team pennants, playoffs or titles but it has cost the team runs. Turn an inning around here or there and Jeter’s defense is a problem. However, for the Yankees, it’s not a dire situation due to the overall range and glove work of the collective infield backed up by an offense that can overcome runs scored or created on balls that a shortstop should get to that Jeter cannot.

The one problem I have with Jeter, and the only problem I have with the man is that he has too much pride. He should have moved to third when the Yankees acquired A-Rod, the better shortstop. Now he should move to third and Girardi should move A-rod to DH to quell his growing problems with his legs and hips, and the Yankees should be actively looking for a shortstop while they also look to land Cliff Lee.

They won’t because Jeter’s pride, as does Posada’s at catcher, won’t allow the conversation.

The Cold, Hard Truth about Jeter Defensively

As long as he has the range surrounding him in Cano and A-Rod, and the glove of Tex at first, the Yankees offense will more often then not make up for any balls that get by Jeter. However, that is unacceptable to me as a realistic fan. Jeter is in fact, statistically and in comparison to more than two-thirds of the shortstops in the game over the last 10-years, an average to below average defender. Jeter will be 37 in June and as he gets older, it’s only going to get worse.

The Jeterbeaters win the defensive argument when discussing Jeter’s legacy.

The good news for Jeter fans is that baseball is an offensive sport and when players retire, it’s the offense that is remembered and discussed, not the defense. Offense gets you in the Hall, not the defense. Chicks dig guys that hit home runs…you never hear them brag about the guy that robbed one.

Jeter Offensively

Currently, Jeter enjoys a robust .314 lifetime average, is approaching 1700 runs scored, 1200 rbi, 500 doubles and will reach 3,000 hits somewhere near mid-season in 2011.

Hello? That’s HOF worthy.

When Jeter retires, several of his offensive numbers will surpass many of his contemporaries already in the Hall. Consider that when he does make the Hall, he goes in with more hits that Dimaggio, Mantle, Ruth etc.

Those numbers are undeniable to anyone, even his detractors.

Does Jeter benefit from playing with the Yankees and all they can afford to surround him with?

Certainly, but something must be said for a man that delivers those kinds of numbers on that kind of stage. Assuming that he might not have such numbers if he played for the Royals is like speculating on where Jimmy Hoffa is… we know he is dead and that’s the cold, hard truth. Jeter’s numbers are Jeter’s numbers… it’s indisputable.

Jeter will end his tenure in baseball as the career stats leader in several categories within the Yankees Franchise, which is nothing to sneeze at. On top of that, he will also lead a few in the AL and the Majors as well. Forget Jeter taking over the all-time hits record—it’s not going to happen— but he will finish in the top five if he stays healthy and plays until he is 42, which is conceivable.

Those who claim Jeter is done after a sub-par 2010 season, his worst statistically, are more than likely short-sighted, or wishful thinkers, than they are accurate prognosticators.

To his fans…the days of Jeter hitting .340 are equally unlikely from here out until he retires.

However, .300 is likely for a few more seasons. I fully expect Jeter to bounce back in 2011… if not, then the detractors with their “Jeter is on a decline” mantra will suddenly have traction.

The Cold, Hard Truth about Jeter Offensively

No matter how much you dislike the man you cannot deny his offensive abilities. The man is a clutch hitter—he is tenacious and patient at the plate, studies the game and has a great work ethic.

Yes, he is coming off his worst statistical season. Every player goes through it. What compounds last season for Jeter is his age. The knowledgeable baseball fan will wait to see what he does in 2011 before writing him off just yet.

One season, good or bad, does not determine a player’s value. It takes a career, and Jeter’s is Hall of Fame worthy right now, and will be when he retires.

The Jeterholics win the offensive argument in the war on Jeter’s worth nearly every time.

The Bottom Line Cold, Hard Truth about Derek Jeter

Defensively, it is hard to say he is overrated because most knowledgeable people already know he is not a great defender, so what’s to overrate? However, the Gold Gloves are unwarranted—this cannot be argued with by anyone with some semblance of intelligence.

Offensively, his record speaks for itself. Anyone stating that Jeter is overrated offensively comes off just as clueless as those that state he is an excellent fielding shortstop because he won 5 Gold Gloves.

Jeter is a first ballot Hall of Fame player—the plaque is already made folks—that plays the game the right way. He is a positive role model and a great ambassador of baseball. In fact, he is one of the few players in the game that the game itself would be proud to have as ‘The Face of the Game”. He has the respect of his peers, even those from the rival Boston Red Sox.

As far as the contract goes, he deserves the one he will get, this much is clear. Jeter puts asses in the stands and sells a ton of merchandise. He is the leading marquee player on the leading marquee team in baseball. Baseball is a business and Jeter’s contract will reflect his value on and to the business of the New York Yankees and not entirely representative of what is expected of him on the field in the years to come.

If Jeter were to leave the Yankees, and that is about as likely as Obama getting re-elected, he would probably get a salary in the seven-10 million range for one or two years at most from a handful of teams. His draw value alone would justify the investment even for a “poor defending 36-year old shortstop.”

It’s laughable that some merely state that “no one will pay for an over-the-hill, poor defensive shortstop” as if that is all Jeter is.

The Yankees will not give him a lifetime services contract because even though Jeter is a Yankee, at heart his goal is to own his own franchise. He wants to be a team owner… a lifetime services contract will be a conflict of interest and would not allow him to pursue that dream.

I have no idea what Jeter will accept or be offered, but I can foresee the Yankees offering Jeter something in the neighborhood of a four year deal in the neighborhood of $18-$20 million per year, or possibly less if loaded with incentives or deferred money.

If he expects more, he should seek therapy. However, if the Yankees are willing to pay more than that, it’s not my money and I won’t lose sleep.

Jeter will never wear another uniform in this game and will be overpaid for what he will do on the field (as is A-Rod, Ramirez, Beckett, Halladay…no matter how good you are, no one is worth, in my opinion, that kind of money to play Baseball) but will not be overpaid in regards to his value to the marketing machine of the New York Yankees.

It’s their franchise… only they can determine what his value is to them.

After all is said and done and he hangs up his cleats for the final time, it won’t be about contracts or Jeter’s defensive shortcomings. He will be remembered as one of the greatest Yankees to ever wear the uniform, one of the best the game ever saw and one of the classiest guys to ever step foot on the field.

Jeterholics are just going to have to accept, despite the rings and the intangibles, that Jeter, while a sure fire Hall of Famer is not in the top 50 of the greatest of all time. He is an offensive superstar and a defensive lightweight. 

Jeterbeaters are just going to have to live with the fact that while their argument on Jeter’s defensive shortcomings and the amount that he is overpaid are valid, at the end of the day, they do not hold water against what history will say about the man and his role in the game we all love to debate about.

That’s the cold hard truth about Derek Jeter.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Derek Jeter’s 10-year, $189-million contract with the New York Yankees came to an end with the final out of the 2010 World Series. With that, thousands of clueless neanderthals speculated on his possible future.

Free agency now beckons the 36-year-old whose future now appears to be quite murky after coming off the worst offensive year of his illustrious career.

I suppose I should clarify the aforementioned statement. His future is only murky to those that are totally clueless in the way of the New York Yankees and Derek Jeter.

Consider this column an open letter to ANY buffoon, be them a professional writer or Red Sox fan, that actually wasted their time and mine by even speculating on Jeter’s future as anything but a Yankee or his ability to still play the game after an off-year.

Let the education begin…

At the ripe old age of 36 and coming off the worst offensive year of his illustrious career, Jeter is apparently done according to the self-proclaimed Einsteins of the web.

This of course is what Jeter’s detractors (mainly comprised of Red Sox fans, some Mets fans and the entire staff of ESPN, you know “The Red Sox Network”) want us to believe.

It’s interesting that when posting such a claim they forget to include the following about Jeter’s 2010 season:

A) Every player in every sport experiences a down year. Jeter apparently just experienced his.

B) Unlike players like David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Sammy Sosa and others, Jeter’s offensive decline did not come in the wake of his being named as a steroid abuser. Yes, I omitted A-Rod because unlike the others, so far, his power outage seems to be due from injury. 

C) While it is true that some of Jeter’s offensive numbers were not “Jeter-esque” such as the .270 BA and leading the league in outs made, placing fifth in the league in grounding into double-plays they conveniently forget what he actually did do from a leadoff spot minus the bat of A-Rod and the slow bat of Texiera behind him for much of the season…

• His 663 at bats where the most he has had since 2002 and second-most in the league in 2010.
• He led the league in plate appearances.
• His 30 doubles were three more than the previous season when he finished third in MVP voting, and were his most since 2007.
• He drove in 67 runs from the LEADOFF spot, one more RBI than last season when he finished third in MVP voting.
• He was 10^th in the league in Times on Base.
• He lead the league in fielding percentage at short.

Any other team, in contention or not, with a shortstop leading the league in fielding, scoring over 100 runs and driving in nearly 70 from the leadoff spot would be considered successful.

However, because the numbers were posted by Jeter, the world and seemingly his career, is coming to an end.

Excuse me if I don’t rush to get my affairs in order.

Now being realistic and objective, something Jeter detractors never experience, Jeter could very well be on a decline. His age suggests his best years are behind him. He has played a lot of games over his career and after 15 years, the opposition is going to find out how to pitch Jeter and defend against his hitting spray.

However, the decline of most athletes that have enjoyed a relative injury-free career as has Jeter experience the natural, imminent decline over a period of years. Jeter does not show that pattern just yet. If Jeter experiences a similar season in 2011 then the detractors might have something. Until then, it’s merely wishful thinking on the part of the currently clueless, jealous and jaded.

Jeter needs to move to the outfield. His defense is too poor and he is too old to move continue to play that position.

I really love this argument. Nothing makes a Jeter detractor sound more ignorant than this old chestnut.

Let’s just be quick about this one shall we?

• Jeter led the league at short in fielding percentage.
• Jeter’s FA combined with his offensive contributions, even in a “off-year” made him more valuable than most at his position.
• Jeter’s strong accurate arm shows no sign of the advanced “age” that he is constantly tagged with.
• Jeter is a student of the game and leader on the field. He knows how and where to position himself per batter and communicates this knowledge to those in the field with him. It’s called intangibles—this does not show up in the box score or on a stat line, but it is infinitely more valuable.
• Jeter has a head for the game—when is the last time you saw Jeter make a “bonehead” play—he is a thinking man’s player that always make the ‘right” out.

To be fair, the range of Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano on either side along with the glove of Mark Texiera help Jeter, but that is what an infield is supposed to do.

The suggestion of speculation that Jeter needs to move to the outfield is a laughable one that clueless people that know nothing about baseball continue to make.

If Jeter is to be moved, and that is questionable, it would make more sense to move Alex Rodriguez to DH which would possibly help reduce what appears to be chronic leg and hip issues and move Jeter to third where his strong arm would feel at home and his range issue won’t be so much a factor.

The problem with moving Jeter anywhere is the Yankees do not have his replacement lined up (if you believe the Nunez stuff, I am laughing at you right now) so get used to seeing him at short for the next year or two.

Posada, Chamberlain, Burnett, one more starter and the pen are all more pressing problems than anything real or perceived about Jeter.

Still concerned with Jeter at short?

Ask yourself one question: How many games, regular season or playoff, has Jeter’s glove, arm or range cost the Yankees during his career?

What was that? That’s what I thought. You can collectively shut up now.

Jeter is not worthy 20-million dollars a year and is not worth what he expects or will ask for.

I love this one, I really do. I’m laughing at you.

1) It’s not your money, why worry? Save me the “the more money he makes the higher the ticket prices…” etc.  Is Jeter’s salary responsible for the rising cost of gas, milk, etc.? It’s called inflation. Look it up.

2) Baseball is a game that we played in little league. It’s a game that our kids play at the park. Jeter is a professional Major League Baseball player and Major League Baseball is not a game, it’s a business. The Yankees are the most valued franchise by far in MLB. In the first year of their new stadium, the Yankees NETTED $441 million. That’s after all the bills were paid, including the luxury tax, player and staff salaries, etc. Pretty successful enterprise I must say—and Derek Jeter plays a large roll in that profit.

Merchandise with Jeter’s name on it sells more than any other Yankee and quite possibly more than most players in the game. His continued presence in the lineup sells tickets. His pursuit of career and MLB milestones opens all kinds of opportunities for revenue. Jeter is a money-making machine and for the Yankees, the near $20 million a year investment has been well worth it.

3) Jeter is a private person and has never come out and revealed what he wants, expects or is willing to play for. What he has done is accepted what was offered.  No one, not professional writers or armchair hacks know what Jeter wants or is willing to play for. As for what he deserves, until you are running the Yankees and paying their bills opinions on his worth and value mean nothing more than what can be scraped off the bottom of his cleats.

In terms of advertising, merchandise, stature, reputation, image to the league, franchise and the game, Jeter, more so than many in the game, is worth every penny he has earned.

The Yankees need to think younger, and in order to land Cliff Lee the Yankees might need to dump Jeter and Mo.

I actually read that in a column right here on The Bleacher Report. Are you done laughing yet? Yes, it took me a while to stop too.

I won’t spend too much time on this because it’s so…Red Sox “stupid-esque.”

Jeter is a career-Yankee. He is this generation’s DiMaggio. He is 73 hits shy of 3,000 hits for his career, a feat few players have reached and one that no other Yankee in history has reached. It’s another revenue opportunity for the Yankees and Jeter is responsible for it.

Anyone actually speculating that Jeter will reach that milestone in another uniform is in need of immediate therapy and possible medication.

Mariano Rivera is still dominant in his role—regardless of age.

The idea that the Yankees would even consider dropping these two iconic, franchise players for any reason, let alone acquiring someone like Cliff Lee is amateurish speculation at best. It’s simply laughable.

Lee will be a free agent and if he want to play for the Yankees as much as the Yankees want him no other team will be able to outbid the Bombers for his services. The Yankees want to stay within a budget, but make no mistake about it, they have the revenue to get the job done without dropping their cornerstones to do it.

Will Jeter be in another uniform next season?

Yeah, I laugh at this one, too. While no one knows for certain because hey, sh!t happens, it’s very hard for a logical, forward-thinking, upright-standing non-low-browed human to picture Jeter in another uniform. Unless Minka likes to play dress up in the bedroom.

Bottom line people…

Derek Jeter is a Yankee for life. Anyone thinking otherwise is clueless, a disgruntled Mets fan or a wishful thinking, bitter Red Sox Fan. It’s laughable to think anything else.

If I had to guess, and why not, everyone else is…

Derek is not a “hang-around” type player—if he is not performing to a level that he feels he should play, he will retire mid-contract.

I see Derek getting $16-18 million per year for three to four years (taking him to age 40). Depending on how he performs will determine one-year contracts after that. He might even ask for percentages of profit or may accept less with a more incentive-laden contract.

As for next year, when Jeter once again hits over .300, the roaches, I mean his detractors, will return back under the woodwork.

Derek Jeter is a first ballot Hall of Famer that has played the game the way it should be played. Sabermatricians that churn out stats as to his fielding ability or lack thereof and anyone else that detracts Jeter are merely jealous that he does not play for their team of choice.

The man’s record speaks for itself.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Mr. Darcy Fournier

The debate about Pete Rose and his eligibility for placement in the Hall of Fame is well documented, with passionate arguments for and against his induction.

I am not a “fan” of Pete Rose. However, I am not oblivious to his contributions to the game, and the poor choices he made along the way.

I am equally not oblivious to the political football this has become, and how poorly this has been handled by just about everyone, Rose included.

The points of contention are as follows…

The Major Argument for his Induction: Rose is the all-time baseball hits leader. In fact, Rose holds 17 major league records, and seven National League records. He was a switch hitting machine that batted over .300 for his career, appeared in 17 All-Star games, and was a major part of three World Series championship teams.

He is a former MVP and a former Rookie of the Year. He was a switch hitter that could play anywhere in the field. He hustled on every play, and one would be hard-pressed to find his equal in the history of the game.

The major argument against his induction: He violated one of baseball’s rules by betting on baseball as a player and a manager. He lied about it for decades before admitting to the charges.

He agreed to a permanent ban, but did so because he was told that he could apply for reinstatement a year later. Rose had no clue that offer was just window dressing. The MLB never had any intention of letting Rose back into the game.

That’s the first reason to file suit.

There are of course other arguments that have nothing to do with what the man did on the field that others raise against Rose being allowed back into the game or elected into the Hall.

He evaded taxes. He is, according to some, of dubious character. His detractors will tell you he was selfish, and played too long in his quest to break the all-time hits record.  As a player-manager in his final years, some say he put himself in the lineup at the expense of younger players such as Eric Davis in his selfish pursuit of the record.

Those arguing these points conveniently forget that there was an organization behind him that allowed him to do just that.

He eats cornflakes without milk and knows where the weapons of mass destruction are. Okay, sorry about that…but hey, might as well argue that too, as it makes about as much sense as any other argument.

He appeared at such events that some appear to be “beneath” the game. Events like Wrestlemania, in which he dressed himself as the San Diego Chicken, and was pile-driven onto his head and into oblivion by a behemoth named “Kane”.

Can anyone picture DiMaggio doing something like that? Of course not, everyone knows that being known as “Mr. Coffee” is of the highest class.

It has been proven that Rose bet on baseball. That is clear. He violated the rules. It was proven by an independant investigation and by his own admission. He clearly violated the rules of the game. We get it.  

The only difference between Pete Rose and those in the Hall is that he got caught. What are the chances that some, many or all of those in the Hall violated rules of the game?

I would be willing to bet the odds are pretty high. I wonder if Pete would give me action on those odds. Sorry Pete, my bad.

The one thing that stands out like a sore thumb in the sad saga of Pete Rose is the fact that it was never proven that he bet against his own team. If this could be proven then a ban would be justified. It has not been thus far and therefore the ban seems political and petty.

When some argue that it was never proven he bet on his team to lose, it is often countered with the argument that it does not matter because in betting on his team to win he might be tempted to manage to the tune of his bets and not to the integrity of the game or the safety of his players.

Every manager in the game does everything they can to win. Ask any manager if they would bet on their team to win and all would say yes. Rose actually did. He believed in his team. 

It seems that the real sticking point, and the real reason why Rose has been denied, is the dark cloud over that question. Did he bet on his team to lose? He denies he ever bet on his team to lose, and there has been, to date, no proof to believe otherwise.

It seems that the MLB operates on the “I think they did, so therefore they must have” rule of thumb. Screw the Constitution, we’re Major League Baseball.

It is here that Rose has yet another reason to sue the MLB.

In the era of steroids, iconic records have fallen to less-than-iconic players that cheated, or appear to have. Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and company have all been accused of using performance enhancing drugs that greatly affected the history and integrity of the game.

They have not been banned from making a living off memorabilia. They have been placed on a silent, not formal, ineligibility list, because those that vote on the process have an ‘opinion” they used PED’S even though it has not been conclusively proven. Yet they have not been asked to sign such an agreement as Rose was.

The Mitchell report, baseball’s joke of an independent investigation into steroid use, names 103 players that had violated baseball’s performance-enhancing drug policy. However, it has been agreed that the 103 names should not be released, because it would hurt the integrity of the game.

The players union would fight and file suit against any attempt to release the names, so hidden they remain. The MLB and the Players Union cover their ass when it is convenient, and Rose’s buttocks are left hanging out to dry.

Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, and David Ortiz, among others, were rumored, admitted to, or have since been leaked as being on the list. Their numbers still stand, and they still make money.

Those 103 players mentioned in the report violated the rules of the game much like Rose, but unlike Rose they damaged the integrity of the sport. They altered outcomes and manipulated stats.

Of all of them, Alex Rodriguez is the only one that gets a pass. He admitted to using, and while he may not have been entirely truthful, he still admitted to it. Therefore, his stats from the years he admitted to using should be stricken, and then he should be judged on his career stats minus those years.

The others on the list should be banned from the game, stats stricken, and exiled.

Rose is a different animal.

He admitted, finally, to gambling. He still denies he did not bet against his team. It has not been proven. Therefore there are no stats to wipe, no integrity violated. Let the man back in.

Doesn’t every manager “bet,” in a sense, on his team to win? What more could Joe Girardi, the Yankees‘ current skipper, do to make his team win that Rose did as a manager? Did Rose inject his players with super juice to make them pitch better? Did his players fly?

The only difference between Joe Girardi, or any other manager, and Pete Rose, is that Rose bet, literally, on his team to win.

Put a plaque up about the player. Induct the player. He was never getting in as a manager, so why worry about it?

Don’t get me wrong, Rose’s actions are not commendable or excusable.  He is not exactly a sympathetic figure. However, since it can’t be proven that he damaged the integrity of the game, he should be allowed to be part of it once again.

He should be in the Hall of fame for his actions on the field, and nothing more.

Pete Rose the man deserves the reputation he has. He earned it. The Hall of Fame does not elect those based on their character…they elect those based on what they did on the field.

Pete Rose, the ballplayer, is getting screwed.

Pete Rose should sue for his right to be back in the game. He should sue for his right to be elected. He should sue for his inability to earn a living from the game.

The Hall of Fame is for performance, not personality. He is not the nicest guy on the bus, but in comparison to Ty Cobb, a Hall of Famer himself, Rose looks like an angel.

There are several in the Hall that don’t belong. There are many that should be in there now and have been overlooked. Rose is at the top of that list, and it’s about time he is rewarded for his contributions to the game as a player, and is inducted into the Hall where he belongs.

Until then, the Hall of Fame is nothing but an elitist club that is a stain on America’s pastime.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The pressure is on Phil Hughes, not Sabathia or Pettitte, as the Yankees seek the repeat.

Last season, during the playoffs and the World Series, the Yankees relied heavily, almost entirely, on the arms of Andy Pettitte and C.C Sabathia in their quest to obtain their 27th World Series title.

Girardi had little choice but to overuse Pettitte and Sabathia due to the ineffectiveness of A.J Burnett, Joba Chamberlain, and Phil Hughes. It was not exactly the blueprint for success the Yankees had in mind going into the postseason last year.

The Yankees consider themselves most fortunate that the Philly offense failed to show for the majority of the 2009 World Series. If the Phillies had delivered as expected, the Yankees would have had no one fresh or reliable on the mound for a seventh game.

But it went six, and fortune smiled on the Boys from the Bronx. They locked up title number 27 and the hunt for number 28 is underway.

It’s not going to be easy.

This season the Yankees, much like the Phillies, Rays, and Rangers, have improved defensively and offensively. But unfortunately once again the starting pitching headache remains for Joe Girardi and company.

Sabathia, the anchor of the Yankees rotation last year, turned in a Cy Young-worthy performance this season. He seems ready, and quite able, to once again hoist this team on his back and carry them all the way to another title.

But no matter how well he wears the tights, no matter how long his cape is, Sabathia cannot pitch three games in a five-game series, or four games in a seven-game series. He’s going to need a lot more help behind him than what he had in last year’s postseason.

Andy Pettitte is a big-game postseason pitcher, and while he put in his best year statistically this season, he might not be as reliable, physically, as he was last season, due to back and leg issues that have come up recently.

Pettitte is a warrior on the mound, and will grind out every ounce of energy he has to get the job done, but one cannot grind away leg and back issues.

As mentioned at the start of this column, Sabathia and Pettitte carried the Yankees in the postseason last year with little help on the mound from anyone else.  If Pettitte physically fails, and that is a possibility, someone has to step up.

It’s not going to be Javier Vasquez, who lived up to his reputation of not being able to pitch in New York. It’s not going to be Sergio Mitre, a pitcher that gives his all but lacks the stuff to get it done. It’s not going to be Ivan Nova, who appears to have the stuff but lacks the experience or poise to make it work like he wants just yet. And it certainly will not be A.J Burnett.

Burnett has proved to be an $82.5-million head case. He thinks too much. His problem is not mechanical, it’s mental. Post-game interviews show a man that seems aloof, sometimes unaffected, in regards to his poor season.  

It is hard to tell what is worse, Burnett’s laid back “After the kinda season I am having, I am not going to let it get to me. I have had worse nights and I will have even worse nights in the future” sentiments or Girardi enabling Burnett’s denial by constantly telling the media that Burnett “…did not have his stuff tonight. There were times went he flashed what we want to see, but in a few situations he lost control…”

Excuse me, Joe. The $82.5 million investment as the No. 2 starter on the premiere team in the game is 25-24 with an ERA close to 4.50 in the two years since being signed. I would say that is something that should be getting to him, and a red flag that he did not have his stuff most nights over the last two years.

Burnett should have been yanked from the rotation at the midseason mark and replaced with someone, anyone. Even a bag of balls might have done better, instead of allowing him to continue to hurt the team. His poor performance directly prevented the Yankees from winning the East this year.

So if the Yankees are going to repeat this year, and it’s far from a lock, someone has to step up behind Sabathia and Pettitte.  Someone has to give them a rock solid third-man alternative.

That someone has to be Phil Hughes.

When Hughes, once the highest-rated rookie in the minor leagues, first came up with the Yankees as a starter he was brilliant. He showed poise and power in his rookie season before falling to injury while pitching a no-hit bid through seven innings.

Since then, Hughes has struggled with command and endurance. He was placed on inning restrictions and was regulated to the bullpen where he pitched very effectively.

This year in spring training he was giving a shot, challenged by Joba Chamberlain, to be the fifth starter behind Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte, and the newly-acquired Javier Vasquez.

Hughes secured a spot in the starting rotation by beating out the extremely overrated and unreliable Chamberlain, and delivered a first half that was more than anyone could have expected. But his second half was a labored chore as fatigue set in and his control was challenged.

Overall he finished the year with No. 2 starter numbers. His 18 wins were second-most on the team and among the league leaders overall. His ERA was a bit high, at more than four per game, but it’s nice to have a team behind you that scores a full run more than that per game.

When Pettitte went down to injury late in the year, Hughes stepped up behind Sabathia and kept the Yankees in contention. He needs to do that once again for the Yankees to have any chance at all of repeating.

The Yankees, an improved team all-around from last year’s championship team, will score all the runs necessary to win it all this year.

However, scoring runs is only half the battle. Limiting the opposition in runs will be their challenge. It will all come down to pitching for the Yankees as they seek to repeat.

It will come down to Phil Hughes stepping up or falling down. It comes down to his ability to live up to the hype or to be just another promising pitcher than cannot handle pitching in the pinstripes pressure-cooker that is New York.

How will he fare?  Stay tuned.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com