International Hit King

Major League Baseball's exclusive 3,000 Hit Club has a new member and he goes by the name of Ichiro Suzuki. The Japanese baseball sensation who will soon be 43 years old, continues to pile on the milestones long after his prime, with his latest accolade making him just the 30th player in MLB history to reach the 3,000 hit plateau. Re-signing a 1-year deal with the Miami Marlins in the offseason with a club option for 2017, Ichiro has served a limited role almost as a utility man, often coming in to pinch-hit or as the team's fourth outfielder. And with a large contingent of Japanese baseball writers following him on the road after he was unable to collect the milestone hit at home in Miami, it would be Denver's Coors Field which saw the future Hall of Famer etch his name into the record books as he legged out a triple off of Rockies pitcher Chris Rusin for hit No. 3,000.

Given Suzuki didn't make his MLB debut until the age of 27 due to his time in his native Japan, he became only the second player ever to reach 3,000 hits after his 27th birthday, joining Pete Rose as the only other player to reach that feat. He also joins Cap Anson and Rickey Henderson as the only players to record hit No. 3,000 after turning 42. With many doubting Ichiro could succeed in the MLB due to his frame which pundits declared was too fragile upon migrating from Japan to the U.S., Suzuki proved doubters wrong and silenced his critics by winning both the Rookie of the Year and MVP Award in his first campaign while a member of the Seattle Mariners. He would string together a record 10 consecutive seasons with at least 200-hits to begin a career before setting a single-season record with 262 hits in 2004, breaking George Sisler's mark of 254 hits which stood for 84-years. While 3,000 hits is Ichiro's most recent milestone, it's not the only milestone he's accomplished in 2016 as he stole his 500th base back in April which made him one of only eight players to have stolen 500 bags and collect 2,900 hits in a career. And then there's baseball's all-time hits list.

Back in June, Ichiro leapfrogged Pete Rose to become baseball's all-time hits leader when combining the hits he's accumulated throughout his career in both the Japanese League and Major League Baseball. Though it's been several months now since Ichiro connected for hit No. 4,257, one more than Rose finished his career with, it's interesting how little attention it's been given throughout the world of sports. While most critics aren't ready to dub Ichiro the "Hit King" just yet, given 1,278 of those 4,257 career hits came during his time in the Japanese League where the talent pool isn't quite up to par with that of the MLB. However, some would argue that the talent in Japan is just as good and that Ichiro does in fact deserve the crown. Had he played his entire career in the Majors, we likely wouldn't be having this discussion and Ichiro would be crowned without any debate from Rose or anyone else for that matter.

Breaking down the 3,000: Ichiro compiled 2,533 of his hits while a member of the Seattle Mariners whom he will one day represent in Cooperstown. Another 311 hits while spending 2+ seasons in New York with the Yankees, and the last 156 hits (and counting) with the Marlins.

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Three-headed Bronxter

Until this past Monday, the New York Yankees have had themselves a pretty pedestrian offseason as the Bronx Bombers have watched from the outside looking in as the game's top free-agents signed elsewhere. But the Yanks finally nabbed a sexy talent with the recent acquisition of one of the most dominant closers in the game to add to an already robust back end of the bullpen and create a three-headed monster. That's right, 27-year old Cuban sensation Aroldis Chapman is heading to New York where he'll be donning the pinstripes in 2016 and joining the 1-2 punch of Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller.

In what's been a firesale of top talent for the Cincinnati Reds since July, their All-Star closer is the latest marquee name to be moved following the team's 98-loss season in 2015. Other notable names that found new homes after starring for the Reds this past season are Todd Frazier, Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake. Brandon Phillips would also be on that list had it not been for a blocked trade to the Nationals which the second baseman himself ordered just a week ago. Earlier reports this offseason had Chapman being traded to the Dodgers, but the L.A. ball club had a change of heart and the deal fell through after news surfaced of an alleged domestic violence dispute between Chapman and his girlfriend back on October 30. Chapman's girlfriend, the victim of the incident, was hiding in the backyard when more than a dozen policemen showed up to Chapman's home where she claims he allegedly choked her before firing off eight shots in his garage. The incident which is pending investigation, contributed to what eventually became a nixed trade to the Dodgers which ultimately led to a decrease in Chapman's trade value. That's where the Yankees came in to pull off what many (including myself) consider to be a steal.

Given the stability both Betances & Miller provide, the Yankees were one of the few teams that could pull off a trade for Chapman without feeling the immediate effects of a suspension if and when one is handed down. And for the low price of just four Minor Leaguers -- right-handed pitchers Caleb Cotham and Rookie Davis and infielders Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda, none of whom that jump off the page at you, you have to applaud New York for making the move. With an aging rotation no longer reliable like it used to be, the Yankees are now leaning heavily on their relief corps which should help shorten games as the 7th, 8th and 9th innings appear to be in good hands no matter the situation or order they're called upon.

Likely to receive a suspension given Major League Baseball's recent stand on domestic violence and the zero tolerance policy for domestic violence in sports altogether, the Yankees did their homework and believe the reward is worth the risk. Rumors have also occurred regarding a possible trade involving last year's closer Andrew Miller whom Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he spoke to directly and explained his intentions to keep him despite making the deal for Chapman. If the Yanks do keep all three -- Betances, Chapman and Miller, not only would they climb atop the list of the most dominant bullpens in baseball, but they would also be the first team in MLB history to showcase a 'pen with three pitchers who had at least 100 strikeouts in relief the season before. The acquisition of Chapman also gives Yankees manager Joe Girardi the luxury of having the top three relievers by strikeouts and K's per nine innings in the bigs. His latest addition, however, might be his most talented yet. An All-Star in each of the past four seasons, the Cuban defector who will become a free-agent at the end of next season is coming off a 2015 campaign in which he saved 33 games and struck out 116 batters in 66 1/3 innings while posting an ERA of 1.63.

It's no myth that Chapman throws a mean fastball. Just to put Chapman's heat into perspective, the Cuban fire-baller threw the 62 fastest pitches in the big leagues last season, ranging from 102.36 mph to 103.92 mph. And his 1,694 pitches registered at 100 mph and above are 1,192 more than the next closest pitcher (Kelvin Herrera of the Royals) since Chapman's debut in 2009. While a shutdown bullpen is definitely nice to have and figures to help the Yankees contend for a trip back to the postseason, will it be enough to combat the reigning division champion Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox whom made a splash of their own with the free-agent signing of $217 Million dollar man David Price? One thing is for certain, the AL East should make for some interesting baseball in the new year.


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The Captain's last Voyage

When the New York Yankees take the field at the start of the 2015 season, they'll be doing so without one of the team's fixtures and all-time greats. Entering his 20th and final season in Yankees pinstripes, shortstop Derek Jeter announced earlier this week that he'll be hanging up his cleats and retiring at the conclusion of the 2014 season. The franchise's all-time hits leader who turns 40 years old in June, broke onto the big league scene in 1995 as an injury replacement at shortstop, a position he would soon takeover and never look back while creating quite the name for himself and setting the standard for many of today's young players. Having achieved just about every highlight and award possible to go along with his five World Series rings as well as date a laundry list of some of Hollywood's hottest babes, there's very few things the one better known as "the Captain" has yet to accomplish throughout his Major League career that is nothing short of first-ballot Hall of Fame worthy.

When he wasn't making dazzling, acrobatic plays with his glove such as his signature "jump-throw", he was diving and crashing into the stands. And when he wasn't doing that, he was getting it done at the plate, driving in runs while earning such nicknames as "Mr. November" and "Captain Clutch". Whatever it was that he did, he gave it his all. But it wasn't until 2012 that we were all reminded that Derek Jeter is in fact human. Though the world didn't come to an end in 2012 like many predicted, the next closest thing happened in Yankee land when Jeter fractured his left ankle while reaching for a ground ball in the American League Championship Series versus the Detroit Tigers. Jeter's absence would be a devastating blow to the Yankees lineup as Detroit went on to sweep the series and advance to the Fall Classic. The injury to Jeter's ankle along with a handful of other ailments would plague his 2013 campaign, forcing him to miss all but 17 games last season. Prior to 2013, no other season saw Jeter play fewer than 119 games aside from the year he was called up to the Majors some 19 seasons ago. So if it seems like it's been forever since someone not named Jeter routinely roamed between second and third base, it's because it has been. At least it has for me.

Since I can remember watching baseball as a child, the Yankees were always the glitz and glamour of the Major Leagues, almost always had some of the best players and without a doubt had the nicest uniforms. It's hard to think back and see a Yankee team without Jeter as the everyday shortstop mainly because I was five years old at the time he was called up. And while I've never been a fan of the Yankees and would much rather root against them, Jeter is one of the few that has donned the pinstripes that I can honestly say I've always liked. With baseball's Spring Training in full swing, the Bronx Bombers are less than a month away from kicking off the season without another mainstay in closer Mariano Rivera who took his farewell tour just a season ago and received gifts from every ball club along his journey before calling it quits after 19 years in the Big Apple. Though he wasn't healthy enough to be on the field to witness most of it, hopefully Jeter took notes as he will take a similar approach while making his rounds across the country to other visiting ballparks around the league and receive gifts while doing so on his way out.

It's hard to believe that next year will be the first season in which neither Mariano River nor Derek Jeter's names will be called during player introductions. No 'Enter Sandman' by Metallica will be playing from the stadium speakers to introduce the "Sandman" himself who ran out of the bullpen gates to compile a record 652 career saves, the most all-time. And the famous recording of long-time Yankees public address announcer Bob Sheppard introducing Jeter as, "Number two" will no longer be heard. Highly regarded as a consummate professional among those he's worked for and played alongside of, Jeter is the type of guy you'd want your kids to grow up idolizing. At least that would be the case if I had kids. Jeter, a 13-time All-Star, wore the pinstripes the way they were meant to be worn -- with class. And though 2014 will see Jeter take his farewell tour, I like to think of it as a victory lap rather before he embarks on his next journey -- Cooperstown. 


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Throwback Thursday x Ichiro

While the 2013 New York Yankees have looked more like the second installment of the Bronx Zoo with all that has gone on with Alex Rodriguez who has once again found himself in hot water regarding PED's, there has been some highlights in a season that'll most likely see the Yankees miss the postseason, unfamiliar territory to baseball's most storied franchise. In the Bronx for game two of a three game set with the division-rival Blue Jays, Yankees outfielder Ichiro Suzuki stepped up to the plate on Wednesday needing one hit to give him 4,000 total hits in an illustrious career that started overseas. The Japanese star would waste little time to etch his name into the record books by slapping a single to left in the first inning against Toronto's R.A. Dickey who served as a teammate of Ichiro's in 2008 with the Seattle Mariners. The hit also helped him surpass Lou Gehrig on the all-time hits list.

After play stopped for a few moments while the Yankee dugout poured onto the field as each player hugged and congratulated Ichiro individually followed by a standing ovation from the 36,000+ fans in attendance to which Ichiro took a bow and waved his helmet in appreciation, play resumed but not before baseball added the legendary Ichiro to its list of all-time greats. Standing at 5'11" and weighing in at 170 lbs, Ichiro is small in size but has been anything but at the plate, having hit his way into the record books and pave his way to Cooperstown when it's all said and done. Beginning his professional career at the age of 18 for the Orix Blue Wave of the Japanese Pacific League, Ichiro Suzuki embarked on his journey as an unlikely candidate to reach one of baseball's most prestigious class of hitters. In 2001, the first Japanese-born non-pitcher to sign a Major League deal was introduced to the United States with lofty expectations, arriving to the show with 3 MVP Awards and 7 consecutive batting titles to his name while in Japan. How would he translate that success to the American scene? -- By hitting .350 with 242 hits and swiping 56 stolen bases on his way to winning both the Rookie of the Year Award and the MVP Award in his first season, becoming only the second player in MLB history to win both in the same year.

It didn't stop there, in fact the legend only grew as Ichiro went on to set an MLB-record by amassing 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons from 2001-2010 as well as set the single-season mark for hits in 2004 when his 262 hits broke George Sisler's record of 257 which stood since 1920. While Wednesday's first-inning single may have looked like just any other hit, it was more than that. The now 39-year old Ichiro who will celebrate his 40th Birthday in October, joined the elite class of Pete Rose and Ty Cobb as the only other players with 4,000 hits during a professional career. Though Ichiro's hits total is split from both leagues with only 2,722 of them coming in a big league uniform and the rest in Japan, 4,000 hits is a lot of hits no matter where they're from. While there are those that argue that the level of skill in Japan's baseball league isn't quite up to par with that of the Major Leagues, former Major League player and coach Bobby Valentine who spent six seasons managing in Japan's Pacific League, said when describing the talent in Japan that every player in Japan is good enough to make a big league roster. In fact, Japan has been every bit as good as the U.S. at baseball if not better as Team Japan won each of the first two ever World Baseball Classic's. Japan's passion for the game of baseball has even been felt throughout the Little League level as Japan knocked off Chula Vista, California to claim the Little League World Series earlier this week, the countries ninth LLWS title.

But back to the man of the hour -- Ichiro, who has 1 more year remaining on his contract, has been the benchmark of a professional wherever he's played regardless of continent or team. Having taken a backseat to all the buzz and media attention that Yankee teammate Alex Rodriguez has garnered as of late, Ichiro's milestone is undoubtedly one worth mentioning and celebrating. A lifetime .330 hitter between both Japan where he hit .353 and the Majors where he's compiled a .320 bating average, Ichiro has seen his numbers regress over the last few seasons but his fan base remains among the top of the list in the history of the sport and rightfully so. He's also as cool as the other side of the pillow off the field. Watch this vintage interview he did some years back with Bob Costas, it's one of my all-time favorites.



Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest

Deadline Dud

This year's MLB trade deadline was a whisper in the night opposed to years passed as there were no major splashes made in baseball's trade-o-sphere. However, a few clubs managed to address their pitching needs without dealing for marquee names. Perhaps the biggest name dealt was starting pitcher Jake Peavy who relocated from the Chicago White Sox to the Boston Red Sox. Though Peavy, a 4-time All-Star and former Cy Young Award winner isn't quite the pitcher he once was with the San Diego Padres as he's had a hard time adjusting to the offense-friendly American League, he gives Boston a much needed arm in a rotation that's been without arguably its best pitcher in Clay Buchholz who's been idle since June 8 with a shoulder injury. The move also benefits the player as the 32-year old Peavy (8-4, 4.28 ERA) departs a last place Chicago team for Boston who currently sits atop the AL East with an MLB-best 66-wins. Peavy is under contract through 2014.

One team hoping to spoil the party and prevent Boston from making the postseason if not meet them there, are the Baltimore Orioles who answered their division-rivals with a move of their own, acquiring hurler Bud Norris from the last-place Houston Astros. Norris, who served as the ace for a Houston ball club that's had a torturous 2013 campaign, owning baseball's worst record at 36-71 in their first year in the American League, has gotta be as happy as anyone now that he'll be shifting from the race for the worst record in all of baseball for what's expected to be a pennant race in the AL East. Orioles skipper Buck Showalter who helped turn the franchise around in 2012, leading them to their first playoff appearance in 15 years, knows his squad has been highly dependent on its power hitting offense while the team's mediocre pitching staff has fallen by the wayside, putting up numbers near the bottom of the pack in almost every major pitching category. That's where Norris comes in and hopes to make his presence felt.

However, as far as importance goes, both of these deadline deals fail to match that of the Texas Rangers acquiring Matt Garza from the Chicago Cubs for Mike Olt, C.J. Edwards and Justin Grimm, which took place last week. Nolan Ryan and company hope the addition of Garza will help the Rangers catch up to and pass the Oakland A's who dethroned Texas for the American League Western Division title last season and currently lead the division by 3.5 games. Garza who's been surprisingly consistent despite playing a majority of his career in the powerhouse AL East while with the Tampa Bay Rays and in the hitter-friendly Wrigley Field, will now be given the daunting task of having to pitch in Arlington, Texas where the triple-digit temperatures are no friend to a pitcher's earned-run average. But who wouldn't sacrifice a few notches on their ERA to play for a contender that's made two World Series appearances in the last three years.

Another name or beard rather that is quite popular among baseball fans is Brian Wilson. The former All-Star closer for the San Francisco Giants has been M.I.A. from the big league stage since April of 2012 while recovering from a second Tommy John surgery. After watching his team win the World Series without his help in 2012, negotiations with the San Francisco ball club went sour when the team he compiled 171 career-saves for over seven seasons failed to offer Wilson a contract following his second surgery. Wilson didn't shy away from expressing his disappointment with the Giants front-office as his feathers were ruffled so much so that he chose not to accept an invitation to the team's ring ceremony back in April. And to spite them even more, the former ringleader of the 2010 Giants club which were best known as a band of misfits, signed with the team's arch rival -- the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Signing with the Dodgers gives Wilson a chance to prove he still has something in the tank as well as play for a contender as it appears the blue crew is primed to run away with the division, barring a setback of suckage like the 2013 Dodgers prior to Yasiel Puig's arrival. The deal which keeps Wilson under contract for the remainder of the season is a low-risk, high-reward type of signing for L.A. considering they didn't have to give up any prospects to get an arm that helps bolster the bullpen assuming he resembles the Brian Wilson that led the National League in saves in 2010 with 48. And if not, they won't be obligated to his services past 2013 which makes it a win-win for Don Mattingly and company. 

Last but not least is Alfonso Soriano, the lone position player acquired before the deadline worth mentioning. After beginning his Major League career in 1999 with the New York Yankees where he spent five seasons, two of which he made the All-Star team in while donning the pinstripes, Soriano was dealt to the Rangers for Alex Rodriguez who he'll now call his teammate. The Yankees began the season as one of the better teams in the AL and remained near the top of the AL East standings until just recently where they're now looking up at everybody in the division except for the Toronto Blue Jays who still can't get over the .500 mark and continue to disappoint. Soriano is due $25 Million over the remainder of 2013 and through 2014, with the Cubs picking up nearly $18 Million owed to the 7-time All-Star. Though Soriano's batting average has dropped drastically over the years and he no longer poses a major threat on the base paths, he can still pile up RBI's as evident in 2012 when he racked up a career-best 108 ribbies while swatting 32 home runs, his largest total since 2007 when he hit 33 homers with the Cubbies. But even the addition of the 37-year old Soriano doesn't look like it'll be enough to help the Bronx Bombers overcome the much younger and talented teams ahead of them in the division. At least not this season.

The limited action at this year's trade deadline is most likely an indication that teams feel more eager to hang onto key players since the MLB's adoption of a second Wild Card team in each league which was introduced for the first time in 2012, thus making teams that would normally be sellers at the deadline into hopeful contenders. That move may have forever altered the landscape of the trade deadline we once knew to be one of the more exciting week's of baseball. But that's not to say moves still can't be made as there's always the waiver wire that teams can resort to. The waiver deadline is a whole different ballgame though, which doesn't end until August 31. With that said, lets keep our eyes peeled for any forthcoming deals made through waivers. For all we know, they might be more groundbreaking than what this dud of a trade deadline offered.


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Throwback Thursday x Mariano Rivera choosing to hang 'em up following 2013 season

One last go around - For 17 seasons, longtime Yankees closer Mariano Rivera has dominated the American League landscape with his devastating cutter, sawing off broken bats and fooling batters while on his way to becoming baseball's all-time saves leader with 608 career saves. Saturday afternoon, however, the 43-year old Panama native held a press-conference in front of the media where he announced his plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2013 MLB season, ending the distinguished career that began with the New York ball club in 1995. With plans to retire after the 2012 season last year, Rivera, a 12-time All-Star was forced to rethink his retirement when those plans came to an abrupt stop after suffering a knee injury while shagging balls prior to a game in Kansas City on May 3, which turned out to be a torn ACL that put the 17-year veteran on the shelf for the remainder of the season. Having been the poster boy for success during much of his career, many thought there was no way that one of baseball's most celebrated players would go out like that.

They would be right as Rivera refused to let his decorated big league career end at the hands of an injury, shooting down all rumors of that being the last we saw of the one they call 'Mo' toeing the rubber in the ninth inning with the game on the line. "I'm not going down like this," Rivera told the baseball world after undergoing knee surgery in June. And after those words left his mouth, the sun came out and the birds began to sing like a scene from a Disney movie. But like all Disney movies which feature a happy ending, the only way to properly end this saga will be for the Yankees to send their closer on a horse riding in the sunset with a sixth World Series title under his belt. With Rivera calling it an "honor to put on the pinstripes," it's been nothing short of an honor for us baseball fans to watch him take the hill during the ninth inning and do what he's done his entire career -- win ball games. And though I'm not a fan of the Yankees personally, I think I can speak for everyone when I say Mo wore the pinstripes the way they were meant to be worn -- with class. After watching another one of baseball's all around good guys take the field for one last hurrah in 2012, Mo could expect similar treatment to that of Chipper Jones who received gifts from every National League organization last season in what was his final year in the big leagues before calling it quits.

One gift that won't be given to him, however, is a sixth World Series Championship and is one he and his teammates want more than anything else. Unfortunately it won't be an easy task as the Yankees will be without much of their power hitters to start the year. With Mark Teixeira out 8 to 10 weeks with a strained tendon in his right wrist, Curtis Granderson sidelined until May with a fractured right forearm and Alex Rodriguez not expected back until mid-season at the very least while recovering from hip surgery, the Yankees will depend heavily on Robinson Cano to provide much of the pop for the Bronx Bombers. They'll also be looking for some much needed production from players such as Ichiro Suzuki, Travis Hafner and Kevin Youkilis, all of which were All-Stars for their respected former clubs. Not to be forgotten is Derek Jeter who himself is recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the ALCS last season and Brett Gardner who when healthy can run the base paths with the best of them. As for the pitching staff, Phil Hughes is expected to miss his first start of the regular season while battling back problems.

The injury bug has been so contagious to the Yankees organization as of late that even Yankees GM Brian Cashman hit the disabled-list with a broken leg and dislocated ankle suffered during a sky-diving stunt. For their sake, I hope this isn't a bad omen of things to come for those who support the pinstripes. And for the first time in awhile, the Yankees are entering the season as underdogs to make it out of their division on top with the recent retooling of the Toronto Blue Jays who many are expecting to contend for a title.


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Ichiro bids a Sayonara to Seattle

For 12 seasons, baseball fans in Seattle witnessed Ichiro Suzuki become a fixture, manning the outfield and breaking records on more occasions than one. Donning a Mariners uniform as recent as yesterday, M's fans were treated to a sight they were unfamiliar with on Monday night as the Japanese star took the field on the opposing side for the first time since he broke onto the big league scene in the U.S.. After helping the Mariners win games for over a decade, Ichiro would turn the tables and help beat them only a day later. With the Mariners fighting to avoid logging the worst record in the American League and most likely on their way to their third straight last place finish in the AL West and this season likely to be his last, Ichiro requested to be traded to a ball club currently in a much better position to make a push for the playoffs. A request Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik would fulfill by shipping him from the last place Mariners (42-56) to the first place Yankees (58-38) who currently boast the best record in the Major Leagues. Though the 10-time All-Star will now shift from playing on the west coast to playing on the east coast, for Ichiro, the move from his old ball club to his new one was as simple as walking from one dugout to the other.

With the New York Yankees in Seattle preparing to kick off game 1 of a 3 game set against the Mariners, there was no plane ticket or bus ride needed as Ichiro traded in his old M's uniform for Yankee pinstripes. And in his first game playing with his new ball club, plugged in as the number eight hitter, he would go up against the only other Major League franchise he's ever known. After being announced over the intercom by the public address announcer for the first time as a visitor, the 38-year old future Hall of Famer was given a standing ovation from the 29,911 fans in attendance at Seattle's Safeco Field before taking a bow and waving his helmet to the Mariners faithful. Those cheers would eventually die down as Ichiro singled in his first at-bat and stole second before finishing the ballgame 1-for-4 as the Yankees went on to win by a final of 4-1. 

Having struggled last year as well as the the first half of the 2012 season, hitting a career-low .261 thus far, Ichiro and the Yankees are hoping that plugging him back into a pennant race will help revitalize him at the plate. And while Yankees GM Brian Cashman isn't expecting the 38-year old to turn into the Ichiro of old who was winning batting titles in 2001 and 2004, his addition into the lineup is one the Bronx Bombers could definitely use with their speedy outfielder Brett Gardner likely to remain on the shelf for the remainder of the season as he's scheduled to undergo arthroscopic elbow surgery next week and Nick Swisher temporarily sidelined with a hip injury. In the final year of his contract with a Mariners ball club that was going nowhere but down, Ichiro sought a brighter future for the organization by helping them rebuild and get younger with right-handed pitching prospects D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar as well as cash considerations in exchange for himself as well as allow manager Eric Wedge to give playing time to another player in the outfield.

The deal is one that benefits both parties as Ichiro lands in a position to finally add a World Series ring to an already impressive resume which includes 2 American League batting titles, 10 Gold Glove Awards, 10 All-Star appearances, 1 All-Star Game MVP Award, 3 Silver Slugger Awards, 1 AL MVP Award and an AL Rookie of the Year Award. And that's not including all of his achievements in the nine years he played prior to the big league while in Japan.

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The $35 Million Dollar Setup Man

In what's been a relatively quiet offseason that is usually dominated by their vast payroll larger than most, the Yankees make their biggest move yet by signing free agent reliever Rafael Soriano to a 3 year, $35 Million dollar deal. After solidifying himself as one of the more dependable closers for the past two years in Atlanta and most recently Tampa Bay where he led the American League in saves last season with 45, Soriano will serve as a setup man for the future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera. Soriano, a 31 year old Dominican born converted outfielder, broke onto the big league scene in 2002 with the Seattle Mariners, where a number of injuries got the best of him. After being traded to the Braves before the start of the 2007 season, Soriano served as a part time closer alongside Mike Gonzalez.

Although Soriano will see a demotion moving from the closer role to the setup role in 2011, it'll be for a good cause, as Rivera chases the all-time saves record held by the recently retired Trevor Hoffman. Currently at 559 career saves, Mo could possibly surpass Hoffman's save mark of 601 this season to become the all-time saves leader. If Soriano has success in a Yankee uniform and decides to commit to all three years of his contract that includes options to opt out, he could very well succeed his fellow countryman as the Yankees next closer, a helm that's been held by Rivera since 1997. That's if the 41 year old Mo retires of coarse, after the 2012 season when his contract expires. Other than giving Rivera a cushion leading into the ninth inning, the addition of Soriano adds that much more depth to the bullpen, than the archrival Boston Red Sox who many including myself think has the better team offensively, after the additions of Crawford and Gonzalez.

Just how committed to the bullpen are the Yankees? For what it's worth, Brian Cashman and company has invested more money in the Yankees relief corps, than the Rays have invested in their entire roster. With left-handed reliever Pedro Feliciano as the other main addition to the New York bullpen, the only remaining concern lies within the starting rotation. While long time Yankee starter Andy Pettitte's future is still in question, the Bronx Bombers signed former 2005 AL Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Although fans of the pinstripes are hoping Colon can return to the form that saw two appearances in the mid summer classic, it's unlikely he'll have much of an effect given he hasn't pitched since 2009.

Rangers World Series Bound

The Texas Rangers are no longer strangers of the MLB - After defeating the reigning World Champion New York Yankees in 6-games, the Texas Rangers are going to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Throughout the teams 40+ year existence which saw a name and location change in 1972 from the team formerly known as the Washington Senators, the franchise has never made it to the Fall Classic, let alone won a single Postseason series prior to this year. All that talk can finally be put to rest as Josh Hamilton and company put together a 6-1 beating in Game 6 of the ALCS to defeat the evil empire of the baseball world. Not to mention in the most appropriate way possible, striking out former Ranger Alex Rodriguez for the final out of the ball game. Not only did Texas dethrone the Yankees as the American League Champions, but they've also assured us that a new champion will be crowned this year which is always a positive.

Hamilton received MVP honors while hitting .350 (7-for-20) with a double and 4 home runs, scoring 6 runs, totaling 7 RBI's, and drawing 8 walks, 5 of which were intentional, setting an ALCS record. Hamilton's four homers were also good enough to tie an LCS record. Keep in mind, he did all this while playing with banged up ribs. Imagine what type of numbers the 2010 batting champ would've put up if fully healthy. Not only does Hamilton's statistics deserve its own headlines, but so does his story of battling his demons that almost everyone is familiar with by now, which included drug and alcohol abuse. One of the cooler things we seen this Postseason, was the substituted champagne shower Hamilton's teammates gave him after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS.

Instead of the usual beer and champagne that players drench themselves with when advancing to the Playoffs and beyond, the Rangers clubhouse treated Hamilton to a Ginger Ale bath, dousing him with bottles of the sweet substance, before the real party began. Also included in the abnormal yet touching celebration was left-handed pitcher C.J. Wilson, who doesn't drink due to his straight edge beliefs and drug-free lifestyle. Cliff Lee continued to show his brilliance and prove yet again that he's an entirely different life-form when it comes to Postseason pitching, but much credit goes to Colby Lewis, who won two games in the series including the clinching Game 6. And to think a year ago, Lewis was on the brink of calling it quits in terms of the Major Leagues as he found a home in the Japanese Central League, starring as a pitcher for the Hiroshima Carp and leading the league in strikeouts in back-to-back seasons.

While recent stories regarding the Texas Rangers can be talked about for days, including the decision part owner and team president Nolan Ryan decided to make when standing behind his manager Ron Washington despite the cocaine issue that was brought up earlier in the season, or the team that filed for bankruptcy just several months ago and was fought over in a courthouse, the real story lies on the baseball diamond where one of the games most deserving teams will try to win their first ever World Series title. Whether they face the San Francisco Giants or the Philadelphia Phillies is yet to be determined, but it won't matter to the Texas Rangers who are looking to fulfill their dreams and put an exclamation point on the 2010 season that has been somewhat of a Cinderella story for the folks of Arlington.

Party in the USA

Intimidation can often play a big role in sports, but no sport favors one player intimidating another than those in baseball. Whether it's a pitcher afraid of a certain hitter or vice-versa. And to help their case, players of the home team are greeted at the plate or out of the bullpen with a 30-second intro song of their choice. Whether it's the likes of Eric Gagne who was introduced coming out of the bullpen at Chavez Ravine/Dodger Stadium with Guns N' Roses' 'Welcome to the Jungle' blasting out of the speakers as he made his way to the mound to close a game in the 9th inning, or New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez stepping up to the plate with a Jay-Z song bumping in the background. And then there's those who select a song that relates to their name.

Take Cincinnati Reds third-baseman Scott Rolen for example, who makes his visit to the batters box to Limp Bizkit's "Rollin". Or former big league pitcher Mike Myers who came out of the bullpen to the theme song of the horror movie Halloween. Now to me, those all make sense. One song a number of players have recently been introduced at the plate to however, is raising quite a few eyebrows, including mine. Whether they're not afraid to share their soft side or they're just expressing their not so secret interest in Disney's Hannah Montana, the truth may never be told. That's right, Florida Marlins center fielder Cameron Maybin and New York Yankees designated-hitter Nick Johnson have both made trips to the plate this season with yep, you guessed it -- the young female pop mogul Miley Cyrus' hit song "Party in the USA." Now if this was woman's softball I can understand, but the Major League's?

Playing in the big apple, it was only a matter of time before Yankee DH Nick Johnson was asked about his song selection. Johnson says the song is a favorite of his four-year old daughter who often watches her father play from the stands, but Johnson also admitted he likes the song as well by saying, "I'll get up in the family room and sing it. It's got a good twist to it." I'm guessing he's joking about the last part, but Maybin on the other hand has no excuse. As the 31-year old Johnson can use his daughter as an excuse for the decision to choose "Party in the USA" as his walk up music, Maybin can't do the same considering he's only 23 and doesn't have any kids. Maybe Hannah Montana is his little sister's favorite TV show? Neh, I'm not buying that. But as cheesy as the song is for a grown man to step up to the plate to, at least Maybin can get away with it given he plays for the Marlins who own a fan base or the lack there of who are infamous for not showing up to support their team. Johnson was a member of the Marlins last season, so maybe it's a clubhouse thing?

What would be my ideal walk-up song you ask?...

Year in Review x 2009

In the year 2009, the world of sports kept our minds off of our countries economic struggles, as we seen three of the biggest and most well known franchises in American sports finish on top to win tittles. The first of the familiar three were the Pittsburgh Steelers who became the first franchise in NFL history to win 6 Superbowl's, surpassing the 5 held by both the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers finished the decade winning two Superbowl rings, matching them with the New England Patriots for most in the last 10 years.


The Los Angeles Lakers were next in line after defeating the Orlando Magic to capture their 15th NBA world tittle. After raising the pennant in Staples Center, the Lakers find themselves only behind the rival Boston Celtics for most NBA championships of all-time. The Celtics have a total of 17 NBA tittles. L.A. finished with four rings within the decade and made it to the NBA Finals a total of six times within that span.


Last and certainly not least, the New York Yankees recaptured the top of the baseball pinnacle by outlasting the Philadelphia Phillies for their record 27th world tittle and second within the decade.


Aside from the rise of each team's championship quests, a familiar sports figure not only known throughout the United States, but throughout the entire globe rather had his downfall. Shortly after being named the year's biggest athlete, Tiger Woods fell from golfing world. Not from the rankings, but from popularity and sponsors, after it was announced that Tiger had not one, but twelve secret affairs with other women while cheating on his wife. The wackiest part of all, was his wife's attempt to bash in Tiger's back window and possibly his head after crashing his car into a fire hydrant and a tree the day after Thanksgiving. Woods was released from the hospital days later with minor lacerations on his face and ear. Although the story is just as annoying as it is interesting, it edges out another major sports story -- Andre Agassi's admitted use of methamphetamine and tanking matches. All leading to a dark cloud over one of Tennis's most well known figures. Cheers to a great 2009 and an even better 2010!

A-Rod Gets His

Just over a year ago, the Yankees and their fans bidded a fairwell to the old Yankee stadium and all the treasures that went with it. But something the organization brought along to the new stadium across the street, was the recent memories and the ones soon to be created. And similar to when renevations were made at the old Yankee stadium back in 19, the team brought home the gold in the stadium's first year. & For a tittle that means everything in the world to the players, means that much more to the Steinbrenner's. The homegrown Yankees -- Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera all said this one was for the boss. But A-rod knows this one means just enough to him as it does the fans.

A season that started on a sour note for Alex Rodriguez ends in the best way possible. Before the season started, Rodriguez was caught lying about using steroids back in his early years with the Texas Rangers and then publicly admitted using performance enhancers in an interview with Katie Couric, the same woman he lied to in an interview years back. Things then got worse from there as he injured his hip during spring training and later underwent surgery. In his first game upon his return against Baltimore, A-rod proved he was healthy by hitting a home run on the first pitch of his first at-bat.

Finally 16 years in the making, Rodriguez won his first world series championship and helped New York bring home their 27th world tittle and first in a 9-year drought. All of this came with the help of a productive A-rod, who prior to this year's postseason, wasn't a huge contributor when it came to postseason play. Instead, he played a huge role and contributed a ton in the team's championship run. A-rod capped off an 18 rbi postseason by batting .365 to go along with 6 home runs. Many are thanking actress and girlfriend of Rodriguez' Kate Hudson for his odd postseason success. & Over the weekend, A-rod and a few others from the 2009 championship team were introduced at a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

Talk is Cheap for Rollins

As we all know, actions speak louder than words. & While Jimmy Rollins did all the talking by predicting the Phillies to beat the Yankees in this season's Fall Classic, the Yankees were the ones who came out victorious. Prior to the 2009 World Series, Philadelphia Phillies short stop Jimmy Rollins said on national television that his team would beat the New York Yankees in 5 games and 6 if they were nice. They must of been extra nice if they let the Yankees beat them in 6 games, handing the evil empire their 27th World Series tittle.

Since then, J-Roll hasn't said much, other than answering "No" after being asked if he thought the Yankees fed off of his wild prediction. But Rollins' coach and teammates still think they're the better team. Why?, I don't know. The 2008 defending champion Phillies were unable to become back-to-back world series champions, leaving only two National League ball clubs to ever reach the feat. The 1921-1922 New York Giants and most recently the Big Red Machine who won back-to-back world series tittles in 1975-1976.

There's no denying the Phillies were a strong team, but with the Yankees' offseason additions of Mark Texeira, C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, the New York Yankees were the better team and are once again world series champions. Philadelphia will once again hope to push their world series hopes next season as they bring back ace Cliff Lee.

Welcome to New York!

The Yankees turn to Jay-Z for some inspiration after losing game 1 of the World Series at home to the Philadelphia Phillies. Jay's seen in the photo above sitting alongside actress and main squeeze of Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez -- Kate Hudson. Jay who's been seen a lot lately at the new Yankee stadium cheering on the Yankees all postseason long, is one of New York's biggest icons and most well known faces in both the music industry and NY sports.

Before tonight's game he will be performing a track off of his new album "The Blueprint 3" entitled "Empire State of Mind" featuring female artist and song writer Alicia Keys. The song has also been an introduction track for Yankees captain Derek Jeter. As for the pitching match-up, New York's A.J. Burnett will take on Philly's Pedro Martinez. Let the "Who's your daddy" chants begin!

Throwback Thursday x Vote 4 Pedro

This one's a little late, but like the saying goes "better late than never." & What better time to shine some light on Pedro Martinez than right now. In a press conference early Wednesday morning before game 1 of the 2009 World Series took place, Pedro went on to say he just might be the most influential player to ever step foot in Yankee stadium. Whether or not that's true, he'll be playing a big role in the fall classic by starting game 2. For once I agree with ESPN's John Kruk who said he wasn't too sure what Pedro meant by that.

Martinez was a huge factor in game 2 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he started the game not having pitched in 17 days. Despite not being on the mound in over 2 weeks, he went on to pitch 7 scoreless innings by striking out 3 and surrendering only 2 hits to a powerful young Dodger line-up. The now 37 year old veteran looked more like he did when he was 27 with the Boston Red Sox. However his outing resulted in a no decision, as the bullpen later served up both the lead and game in a 2-1 loss.

On to the main stage, the Phillies turn to Pedro in game 2 of the World Series and hope to see the same kind of success Martinez had in game 2 of the NLCS. Not only will he be trying to give his team a 2-0 lead heading back to Philly, but he'll also try helping his team become the first National League champions to win back-to-back World Series tittles since the 1975-1976 Cincinnati Reds aka "The Big Red Machine". He and the rest of the Phillies ball club will also be trying to disrupt the New York Yankees' quest in winning their 27th World Series tittle to add to their already crowded trophy case. Which now leads to my predictions. Last season I underestimated the Phillies and was expecting the Rays to win it all, so I'll be sure not to make that same mistake this time around. I'm saying Philly in 6. With that being said, Go Phils!

Throwback Thursday x Jeter passes the Iron Horse

Growing up as a child and a fan of baseball and sports in general, you're either taught to root for or root against one specific team, and that team is the New York Yankees. Whether it's jealousy or plain 'ol hatred a fan has towards the most historic franchise in sports history, you've got to give credit where it's due. And that's in fact what I'm doing. In my younger years, I was one of those fans that would root for both my team and whoever was playing the Yankees. However there's often a certain player that you want to cheer for deep down inside and in this case that player happens to be Derek Jeter.

2 Weeks ago, Jeter reached a number that many great players only dreamt about. And before 1995 when Jeter made his debut, he was one of those dreamers. That number is the All-Time Yankees Hits record. A record that stood tall for 72 historical years. Although he's not the greatest hitter to ever play for the franchise, he's certainly one of the most popular and hard working. Whether or not you're a fan of Jeter's, his work ethic is one that anybody can appreciate. The guy goes out there and does what's expected of him day in and day out. There's no wonder why Jeter's been named the only Yankees captain in all of it's success. Sure he's made a debatable case for an MVP award (which most likely won't happen), but only a ring added to his collection would complete the perfect season.

Jeter's record breaking 2,722nd hit came off of Baltimore Orioles' Chris Tillman. The milestone took Jeter 44 less games than it took Gehrig to set the mark, which is a big surprise. But what surprises me most about the Yankees franchise and all their glory, is that despite all their legendary players, no Yankee has ever reached the 3,000 hit plateau. & At the age of 35 and no signs of slowing down, Jeter could be the first Yankee to reach the hallowed mark with what looks to be at least five more seasons ahead of him. Regardless, Jeter's name is now added to some elite company that includes such names as; Ruth, Mantle, and Gehrig. How about a tip of the hat to the captain, Congrats Jeter, you've earned it!