Yankees Provide Insufficient Power Source: Homers Pile Up Without Impact

Much has been made of the somewhat secretive process of decreasing fencing distance heading from the right field foul pole toward the bleacher seats in the new Yankee Stadium.

Many more whispers have carried through the Bronx on the same wind currents helping to transform doubles into home runs and lazy fly balls into heart-stopping warning track peril.

The Yankees, who have subsequently launched 132 home runs into the stands, have actually failed to take advantage of the offensive opportunity in front of them.

On the eve of tonight’s MLB Home Run Derby, it was important to take a closer look at the record-setting souvenirs delivered by Yankee sluggers.

While power stats have accumulated in rather impressive fashion, the impact of the pinstriped muscle-flexing has left much to be desired. In many cases, they have provided less “bang for their buck” than a seeing-eye single by Brett Gardner.

Yankee home runs have generally been as “solo” as a socially awkward teenager at the middle school winter formal. They are often quietly sitting alone in the corner watching a halfhearted edition of The Electric Slide—wondering if anyone is noticing their presence.

To illustrate this with a little statistical analysis, not even one member of the Yankee double-digit power contingent has hit more than half their home runs with a teammate manning the basepaths.

This list includes Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Johnny Damon, and Derek Jeter.

They have accounted for 116 of New York’s 132 home runs (88 percent), but have produced “socially awkward teenagers” 70 times. This means that three out of every five homers that they hit is no more damaging a result than a sacrifice fly.

To put this into perspective, Kevin Youkilis and Jason Bay of the Boston Red Sox have hit just 36 percent of their round-trippers with nobody on base. Bay in particular has “gone solo” just five times out of 20 opportunities.

The Red Sox are so dangerous because they can truly change the game with one swing—always one hanging curveball away from a three-run homer. Their longballs provide damage, and help to shrivel opponent morale like a slug battling a salt shaker.

New York may be on an alarming power pace, but it needs to find a way to reserve its blasts for more destructive game situations.

Solo home runs can be quite dramatic when timed correctly, such as Johnny Damon’s walk-off in the 11th inning against Minnesota on May 17. The majority of the time, however, they are a minor bump in the road for an opposing starting pitcher.

In fact, many of the game’s great hurlers prided themselves on limiting teams to solo home runs, as they will nine times out of 10 not be the reason a team wins or loses a game.

Hitting well in key situations has been a problem for the Yankees, and even their home runs have been timed poorly during the flow of ball games.

They are currently sitting on a goldmine of power potential, and could soon be dishing out as many “grand slams” as Roger Federer and Denny’s Restaurants.

Yankee home runs need to stop acting like a socially awkward teenager, and much more like the captain of the football team.

After all, nobody likes to be left home alone on Saturday night.

Robinson Cano Somehow Escaping Ridicule for Failures in the Clutch

Yankees 2B Robinson Cano has been credited with having a very productive season—currently on pace for 28 HR, 99 RBI, 108 R, 200 hits, and a .300 batting average.

The problem, however, is that many fans are overlooking the stark differences in Cano’s performance in the heart of a clutch situation.

Time and time again, the talented young slugger will roll over an outside pitch—resulting in a double play or feeble groundout.

The biggest moments seem to paralyze Cano.

He is always one of the first players out of the dugout to hug Melky Cabrera after a thrilling last-second victory, but is never the Yankee wielding a bat when those moments manifest themselves.

Cano has dethroned Alex Rodriguez as the “King of the Meaningless RBI,” as he consistently piles up statistics in games often confused with football scores.

In Yankee victories, Cano is hitting a robust .377 with 23 extra base hits and 39 runs scored. In losses, he has hit just .219 with 6 extra base hits, a .246 OBP, and scored 7 runs.

Though these numbers are alarming and thought-provoking, they do not tell the entire story—as perhaps Cano has been a major catalyst in important, nail-biting victories.

Unfortunately, the numbers agree with the always important “eye test” that this is not the case.

With two outs and runners in scoring position, Cano is hitting just .212—unable to drive in virtually any of the back-breaking runs that help to grind out close games.

To further emphasize Cano’s inability to rise to the occasion, he hits .384 with no outs in an inning, and a startling .391 when the Yankees lead or trail by four or more runs.

Twenty-five percent of his home runs and runs batted in have been generated in these “blowout games.”

When removing these meaningless hits, Cano becomes nothing short of ordinary. He would be just a .288 hitter with a .324 OBP—on pace for 21 HR and 74 RBI.

Many hitters would have similar drop-offs in power numbers when removing blowout victories from their stat lines—and it is unfair to do so—but it is important to show the impact on Cano’s batting average and on-base percentage.

Cano has also failed miserably in key American League East matchups. After excluding games against the hapless Orioles, Cano is batting .228 (18-for-79) against divisional opponents.

Games against Boston, Tampa Bay, and Toronto often determine the Yankees playoff fate—as they face these three teams a combined 54 times.

Largely responsible for protecting A-Rod for the majority of the season, Cano has had a bevy of important RBI opportunities.

The successes of Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira—coupled with the recent failures of A-Rod—have placed key at bats with RISP in the hands of Cano. If he was able to come through at higher rates, the Yankees would be able to capture a few more of the recent closer and heart-breaking losses.

Cano is playing just his fifth Major league season, and has plenty of time to evolve into a dangerous middle of the order hitter. However, it appears as though he might not be ready to carry that torch at this stage of his career.

Although Cano carries himself as a cool, smooth, laid back performer without a care in the world, he needs to find a way to remove the lump from his throat in game-changing situations.

The Yankees need you, and it is time to elevate your game and progression to the next level.

Teixeira, Cano Seek Hardware: Right Side of Yankee IF Has “Midas Touch”

It has been virtually impossible to overlook the offensive production supplied by Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano in the middle of the Yankee lineup.

Teixeira is currently on pace for 53 HR, 145 RBI, 119 R, and .618 SLG. These would all be career highs for the new pinstriped addition, as he has become as likely an MVP candidate as any player in MLB.

Cano has rebounded fantastically from a nightmare 2008 campaign—on pace for 28 HR, 104 RBI, 111 R, 41 2B, and just 51 K. All of these production statistics would set or tie career highs for him, and the 51 strikeouts would represent his all-time low.

The way the two stars are producing in other ways, however, could lead to very high praise after the season’s end.

It is how these men are handling the leather—as opposed to the lumber—that is earning them recognition across Major League Baseball. Teixeira and Cano’s “Midas touch” on the defensive end could spell a pair of Gold Gloves in their immediate future.

Already a proud owner of the award, Teixeira has somehow elevated his defensive prowess to new heights.

The new Yankees 1B has erased the clumsy years of Jason Giambi from fans’ minds, helping to reminisce about Don Mattingly and Tino Martinez playing next to flawless at the position.

Teixeira has yet to make an error in 60 games played at first base—of course producing a 1.000 fielding percentage.

His aerial acrobatics and controlled dives have seemingly saved as many runs as he has produced, and he has shown a knack for throwing with accuracy and strength from his knees—or even his stomach.

Teixeira saves a teammate’s errant throw nearly every single night, whether with a perfectly timed stretch or a scoop even Yankees sponsor Turkey Hill would be proud of.

While “Big Tex” has been jaw-dropping at first base, he has been far from alone on the right side of the infield. Cano has partnered with Teixeira in creating the most dynamic defensive combination that New York has seen in quite some time.

It appears the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry has added yet another wrinkle, as they will have to wrestle the awards away from Kevin Youkilis and reigning MVP Dustin Pedroia.

While Youkilis has played equally as well at the position thus far in 2009, he has also played 15 fewer games at 1B than Teixeira—putting “Big Tex” slightly ahead in terms of deservingness.

In the second base war, however, Cano has actually out-defended Pedroia. Cano has just three errors, a .989 fielding percentage, and has turned 41 double plays. Pedroia has committed four errors, turned just 36 double plays, and has a .985 fielding percentage.

By no means has it been a stark contrast in skill, as Pedroia is as consistently good as anyone in the league. To this point in the season, Cano has simply supplied a few more karats of gold.

Though I believe Bill James’ new statistical analysis to be a farce along with the rest of sabermetrics, Cano does also have a better “range factor” at 4.50 than Pedroia’s 4.40.

No players were more responsible for New York’s record-breaking errorless streak than Cano and Teixeira, and the publicity generated from the accomplishment should shift Gold Glove votes in their favor.

It remains to be seen if the consistency and impact can continue for 162 games, but it is undeniable how important their glove work has been to the Yankees success.

Every ball lifted into the air to the right side of the stadium may be ending up in the seats, but any ball on the ground is ending up in Cano or Teixeira’s glove.

Yankees Lineup Dissected, Evaluated: Where Do the Bronx Bombers Stand?

In the wake of countless college graduation ceremonies being performed across the Untied States, it is once again time to put the Yankees through the GPA gauntlet.

After giving out the individual April awards during a May 1 banquet, we will now focus on where New York stands after a 2-6 stretch following that date.

The issues surrounding New York’s starting rotation and middle relief have been well documented and assessed, and represent a major catalyst for the team’s 15-16 start to 2009.

This grading evaluation will instead focus on the Yankee lineup; a group of men that were anticipated to pummel opponents’ rotations until they cried in the corner of the dugout in the fetal position.

Before I hand out the A’s, C’s, and F’s, let’s first focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the offensive attack at this juncture of a marathon baseball season.

Offensive Strengths:

The Yankees currently stand at 8th in MLB with a .273 team batting average, as well as 6th with a .353 on-base percentage. Additionally, they are 2nd in the league in slugging (.468), 4th in OPS (.821), 2nd in home runs (48), and 5th in runs scored overall (172).

They have shown flashes of greatness, and have had a knack for hitting the long ball when they need it most in recent weeks. The bullpen has helped to mask this fact, but there is some reason to view the situation as “half full” moving forward.

New York sits near the top of baseball in a bevy of offensive categories, all while performing far below its expectations and skill set.

Offensive Weaknesses:

The season has produced many games that have been first round knockouts, as the starting rotation has left New York with seven and eight run deficits to overcome.

Many other games have come down to clutch performance, a skill once the lifeblood of any Bronx lineup. This season, however, the team is currently third to last in the AL with a .244 AVG with runners in scoring position (RISP).

The RISP number is also slightly skewed toward the positive, as many of these hits have occurred in convincing victories. The reality is even more dismal than the statistics indicate.

To make matters worse, the Yankees hit just .240 with RISP and two outs, a stat that truly encompasses the team’s struggles to produce with pressures magnified.

The inability to drives in back-breaking runs late in games has left the bullpen in a position to instead break the hearts of Yankees fans.

Semester One Grading Assessment

Valedictorian: Johnny Damon (A+)

After yet another clutch home run against the Orioles on Sunday, Damon now has 9 HR, 25 RBI, 23 R, and a .314 batting average.

Damon has had an incredible resurgence in 2009, and has helped to keep a struggling lineup afloat in recent weeks. In nine May games alone, he has produced 5 HR, 15 RBI, and a .350 average.

The Good:

1. Melky Cabrera (A)

Once left for dead within the Yankees organization, Cabrera was as much trade bait as he was a prospective starter. He has saved a center field situation that had become a black hole, hitting .333 in 81 at bats. He has also added 4 HR, 10 RBI, and a .407 OBP.

2. Robinson Cano (A-)

Cano has often been considered a lazy or nonchalant athlete, appearing to approach the task at hand without full dedication. His hard work during the offseason has paid off, as he is hitting .321 with 6 HR, 18 RBI, and 21 R. A recent homecoming of certain bad habits at the plate has caused Cano’s consistency to slip, preventing an A grade.

3. Nick Swisher (B+)

The true darling of the Yankees roster in 2009, Swisher had box scores treating him as kindly as fans during April. He ended the month at .312 with 7 HR, 19 RBI, and a stellar .430 OBP.

An ‘A’ grade has quickly fallen to a ‘B+’, as Swisher is just 3-for-23 in May (.130). The three hits have occurred in consecutive games, however, so perhaps he is ready to get back on track.

The Bad:

1. Derek Jeter (C+)
If Jeter’s stats were stretched over a full season, he would produce the lowest AVG, OBP, and RBI totals of his entire career. He had two 0-for-5 games in the last week alone, and has been rather pedestrian overall.

The Captain nearly climbed out of the “bad” category as a result of numerous clutch performances in the early weeks of April, helping to prevent an even more embarrassing start for the Yankees.

2. Hideki Matsui (C-)

“Godzilla” was counted on to provide pop from the middle of the lineup in order to compensate for the losses of Alex Rodriguez and Xavier Nady. In 98 at bats, he has produced just 2 HR and 12 RBI, offering nothing more than a keen eye to New York.

A .410 OBP for the month of April is the only thing saving Matsui from the “ugly” category, as he is just 7-for-33 in May (.212) with 3 RBI and a .250 OBP. He also has a propensity to clog up the bases due to his damaged knees.

The Ugly:

1. Mark Teixeira (D-)

Teixeira arrived in New York with a $180 million contract and lofty expectations. The subsequent injury to A-Rod then placed the lineup squarely onto his shoulders, and he couldn’t handle the responsibility. Still hitting an appalling .198, Teixeira has turned a “historically slow starter” moniker into fears of a never-ending train wreck.

While “Big Tex” is still on pace for 40 HR and 97 RBI, he has come up very small. He has resembled Pedro Cerrano from Major League, as he looks as though he has never seen a professional curveball before. Boos will turn into disownment is he does not turn it around with A-Rod hitting behind him.

2. Third Base (F)

The combination of Cody Ransom, Angel Berroa, and Alex Rodriguez collected just 1 HR, 9 RBI, .178 AVG, and .233 OBP in 25 games. Yankees 3B were also leading the league in errors at the point of A-Rod’s return. Ramiro Pena played admirably, but his individual moments cannot overcome the calamity of New York’s “frigid corner.”

The Infirmary:

1. Jorge Posada (A-)

Before an injury placed him on the DL, Posada was also in the running for valedictorian. His .312 AVG, 5 HR, 20 RBI, and .402 OBP in just 23 games were numbers fit for an All-Star starter at the position. He reenergized the lineup, and had proven that a surgically repaired throwing shoulder would not at all affect his production in the batter’s box.

2. Xavier Nady (Incomplete)
Nady played just seven games before injuring his throwing arm, hitting .286 with 2 RBI. He is very important to New York’s second half success, but has not played enough to earn a grading evaluation.

3. Jose Molina (B)

Molina is potentially the best backup catcher in all of baseball. His defensive prowess is unquestioned, and he quickly became the biggest luxury on New York’s bench.

Not known for his offense, Molina’s .273 AVG is more than serviceable considering his expectations. Unfortunately, a recent quad injury has left the Yankees scrambling for a worthy and dependable backstop.

Cumulative GPA:

After calculating all of these grades on an even scale for each grade, the Yankees offense possesses a 2.74 GPA. This causes them to fall somewhere between a C+ and B- in terms of an overall grading evaluation.

Considering the consistent pitching struggles and strength of schedule, New York is going to have to hit closer to an A- in order to earn itself a playoff spot come October.

The New York Yankees Awards Ceremony: April 2009

MVP of the Month:

Derek Jeter – There are hitters on the Yankees roster with better stats and flashier personas, but Jeter continues to quietly dominate outside of a box score.

He has already produced more clutch hits in enormous situations than anyone not named Melky Cabrera, and has silenced critics of his perceived offensive decline.

Pitcher of the Month:

Andy Pettitte – Seemingly left for dead after a horrid 2008 second half, Pettitte has been the Yankees stopper time and time again in 2009. Amidst serious bullpen concerns and struggles by his mates in the starting rotation, he has gone 2-1 with a 2.96 ERA.

Pettitte’s arm appears fresh and revitalized, and he could provide a huge lift in a division he historically dominates.

Hitter of the Month:

Nick Swisher – Swisher is possibly the team’s MVP, biggest surprise, unsung hero, hitter of the month, and comeback player of the month all in one. Coming off of a season in which he hit just .219; Swisher generated 7 HR, 19 RBI, 15 BB, 21 R, and a .312 AVG. in the month of April.

Swisher has stabilized the Yankees right field situation after Nady’s injury, as well as provided a much needed emotional spark on and off the field.

Rookie of the Month:

Mark Melancon – Melancon may have only arrived a week before the end of April, but he has already supplied New York with a secret weapon. He has worked himself out of a bases loaded jam in Fenway Park, and looked poised and electric in one inning of work in Detroit.

Melancon has helped to pull hands away from the bullpen panic button, and keeps hopes alive of the rebirth of a reliever in the mold of Joba Chamberlain. He throws hard, and more importantly, he throws with conviction. He has 3 IP, 1 H allowed, 2 K, 1 BB, and a .100 BAA.

Comeback Player of the Month:

Robinson Cano – My original selection for AL Comeback POY before the season’s beginning, Cano has reemerged as a pure hitter once compared to Hall of Fame 2B Rod Carew.

Cano ended April hitting a robust .366, with 5 HR and 16 RBI. His defense has rapidly improved to Gold Glove levels, and he has displayed a more developed eye for pitch selection.

Rolaids Relief Man of the Month:

Phil Coke – Normally an award reserved for Mariano Rivera, Coke has earned the right to call himself the Yankees reliever of the month. He struggled mightily in the early part of the month, but responded admirably when New York needed him most.

Following Brian Bruney’s last pre-DL appearance on April 21, Coke has pitched 4.1 scoreless AND hitless innings, lowering his ERA from 9.00 to 3.72. He picked up an important win on the month’s final day, and has limited the impact of Bruney’s injury.

Biggest Surprise:

Melky Cabrera – Cabrera was not only left for dead, but also offered to virtually every team in need of a center fielder as trade bait. New York had decided that he was not at all a part of their future plans, and would prove to be insignificant upon Austin Jackson’s arrival.

Brett Gardner’s poor start, coupled with Xavier Nady’s injury, reopened the door for Cabrera in a Yankee uniform. He responded with a .327 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 11 R, and two game-winning hits. The success may not be sustainable, but Cabrera has been invaluable thus far.

Biggest Demise:

Chien-Ming Wang – How does a 54-20 career record quickly transform into a 0-3 record, 34.50 ERA, 4.83 WHIP, and .622 BAA? The Yankees are currently trying to figure that out, as last year’s ace has been relegated to a Minor League “rehab program.”

Wang failed so miserably that New York had to invent an injury just to figure out what is wrong between his ears. A recovery from last season’s foot injury could be contributing to the problem, but it also appears that he has lost all confidence in himself. His power sinker has become as flat as people once believed Earth to be.

The “Luis Sojo” Unsung Hero Award:

Jose Molina – In honor of former Yankee Luis Sojo, this award is intended to shine light on a player often lost in the fray of a team filled with big names and even bigger contracts.

Molina may not produce gaudy numbers, but he may be the best backup catcher in all of baseball. Hitting .276 with 1 HR and 5 RBI, he has actually been a better offensive contributor than anticipated.

Molina’s defense, however, is what truly sets him apart. He was the league’s best backstop in throwing out runners in 2008, and has already caught 50 percent of attempting thieves this season. His importance is elevated due to long-term concerns about Jorge Posada’s surgically repaired throwing shoulder.

Honorable Mention: Jorge Posada’s Right Arm – Speaking of Posada, his shoulder has responded very well to the extensive rehab he put in during the offseason. Often maligned across MLB, Posada’s arm has thrown out 10 of 25 runners (40%) this year. He has added 3 HR, 14 RBI, .275 AVG, and .366 OBP; showing that he is still a premiere AL catcher.

Yankees Awake to See May 1: Players Feel Differing Emotions

As the clock struck midnight on Friday morning, the calendar had officially flipped over to the month of May.

The Yankees awoke from a fulfilling night’s sleep, basking in the positivity of their recent three-game winning streak.

Currently sitting at 12-10 in the standings, New York has climbed back into striking distance of the leaders in the American League East.

The team’s record is rather remarkable considering the turmoil and misfortune that suffocated the Bronx during March and April.

The Yankees have won 54.5 percent of their games, on pace to finish 88-74 over a full 162-game season.

Virtually identical to New York’s 2008 finish of 89-73, it has done so without the luxury of even one at bat from Alex Rodriguez.

It seems more impressive when reflecting on the additional losses of Xavier Nady and Brian Bruney to elbow injuries, as well as the incompetence of the Yankees bullpen and high-priced free agent acquisitions. Chien-Ming Wang did not quite succeed as a No. 2 starter this season either.

Mark Teixeira, Damaso Marte, and Wang feared becoming the stars of their own version of Groundhog Day, unable to escape the nightmare of a never-ending April.

Many other Yankees, including Robinson Cano, Nick Swisher, and Melky Cabrera, would have leaped at the opportunity to avoid the arrival of May 1.

Swisher and Cano combined for 12 HR, 35 RBI, 21 BB, and 39 R in just 22 April games. Cano had added 34 hits and a .366 AVG to his list of accolades.

Cabrera, on the other hand, has entirely rejuvenated his Yankee career. In hitting .327 with 4 HR, he has won back the starting center field job in the Bronx, and subsequently rediscovered his confidence and swagger.

While assuming the reasonable statistical comebacks of Teixeira, Burnett, and Sabathia, it is easy to see why Yankees fans have reason for optimism and hope.

The ultimate success of Wang, A-Rod, and the bullpen are still in doubt. The simple return of A-Rod to the lineup, however, should help the team’s overall lineup depth. Teixeira should also feel more comfortable and assured at the plate with legitimate protection behind him.

If “April showers bring May flowers,” then perhaps the Yankees will be purged of their troubles; once again able to perform at the highest of levels.

May will almost certainly “come in like a lion” in terms of scheduled opponents, as the month’s first seven games are against the Angels, Red Sox, and Rays. A three-game series with the World Champion Phillies also looms later in the month.

The Yankees will be tested early and often in the season’s second month, but can feel very fortunate to be in their current position.

April “showered” the Bronx with controversy, injuries, underperformance, boos, and even a strange wind current dilemma.

I’m sure those players sad to see May’s arrival will be willing to sacrifice for the good of the team. I, for one, am not waiting until Cinco de Mayo on May 5 to start celebrating.

Jeter, Cano, Rivera Lead Comeback: Why Jackie Robinson is Smiling in Heaven

April 15 represents a moment in American history that is equally as significant as any ingredient of the Civil Rights Movement.

On that special day in 1947, Jackie Robinson tore down the walls that once impeded his race’s inclusion into America’s Pastime.

Robinson proudly donned a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform, and jogged onto a baseball diamond with motives far stronger and more powerful than winning a pennant.

He forced America to watch as a black man proved that he was not only an equal to his white colleagues, but far superior in many ways.

Robinson’s No. 42 has become as much a symbol for civil rights and equally in the United States as the commanding images of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.

In his honor, Major League Baseball has permanently declared April 15 as “Jackie Robinson Day.”

Stadiums across the country quickly become a sea of No. 42s, filled with appreciation and gratitude for the tireless fight of one brave man.

One game played across the Major League landscape on Wednesday truly encompassed what “Jackie Robinson Day” is all about.

The game involved the New York Yankees, whose city was Robinson’s battlefield for 10 years.

There may not have been a steal of home like Robinson had effortlessly done so many times before, but he was certainly watching and smiling from where we all hope to end up one day.

The heroes of a prototypical Yankee comeback were the only three players who could possibly have been involved on this day. On April 15, it had to be Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, and Mariano Rivera.

First, it was Robinson Cano’s turn to make a contribution.

Immediately after Andy Pettitte surrendered two runs, Cano responded with a blast to center field which tied the game. As momentum began to slip away, he made sure that he created a strong impact.

Robinson Cano is not only a proud black baseball player. Cano’s father named his son after Jackie Robinson, never knowing he would help to follow in Jackie’s bottomless legacy.

It cannot simply be coincidental that a man named Robinson was thrust into the center of an April 15 victory.

Cano also plays Robinson’s position at second base; as if part of him has lived on through a dyslexic version of himself (Cano of course wears No. 24).

The game’s go-ahead run was driven in off the bat of Derek Jeter. The son of a black father, Jeter is very proud of his heritage.

Who better to represent Robinson’s legacy than someone with the class and dignity displayed by the Yankee captain?

Jeter’s hard hit single through the left side of the infield gave New York a 4-3 lead, and set the stage for the ideal ending to “Jackie Robinson Day.”

As if stolen from the final pages of an inspirational children’s book, Rivera approached the mound to secure the game’s final outs.

Rivera is the only player in Major League Baseball that did not require a custom-made Jackie Robinson commemorative jersey.

He has proudly worn No. 42 for his entire career, and remains the only current player still privileged to do so.

The game was over in just eight pitches, and Rivera closed the book on a perfect tribute to the game’s most courageous performer.

Somewhere in God’s vast kingdom, Robinson was on a pristine baseball diamond playing the game that he helped to build.

At some point during the game, he briefly stopped to smile and acknowledge the immeasurable respect and admiration the country will forever have for him.

He couldn’t stop for long.

After all, the pitcher hasn’t looked him back all day, and home plate is his if he wants it.

Yankees Go Pole Dancing In Exhibition Opener Against Cubs

After Robinson Cano crushed Yankee Stadium's first home run into the night sky, the bleacher creatures officially received their first souvenir.

The Yankee power surge was far from over, and the paint on each of the newly installed foul poles was about to get tested.

First, Hideki Matsui lifted a high drive to right field that deflected off of the outside half of the pole. The homer temporarily gave New York a 4-3 lead.

It was now Cody Ransom's turn to test a foul pole's durability, this time along the left field line.

Ransom rotated his hips and launched an inside pitch toward the stands. It began to hook toward foul territory, but luckily the pole got in its way.

Following New York's first "pole dance," they led the Chicago Cubs 7-4. I felt the urge to begin tossing dollar bills into the air.

The first official baseball game played across the street was undoubtedly a success. Today's rematch with Chicago should begin to give fans some familiarity with their new home.

Now the Yankees hope to carry the excitement of the stadium's opening into a successful April 6 trip to Baltimore.

C.C. Sabathia does not have to wait long to begin to earn his record-breaking pitching salary.

A Day of Firsts: A Look into Attending the Yankees True “Opening Day”

The early morning fog and clouds cleared to reveal nothing but blue sky and sunshine.

The baseball gods would not allow anything to ruin the unveiling of the most remarkable structure its sport has to offer.

Crossing over the Macombs Dam Bridge as I have done hundreds of times before, my eyes grabbed hold of the place I once called my second home.

I could not help reflecting on all of the timeless moments that I had witnessed within the stadium’s high walls, and was forced to realize that there would be no further stories to tell.

Having to almost wrestle with the steering wheel in order to leave “The House that Ruth Built” in the rearview mirror, I quickly approached the new stadium.

At first it appeared much like a stepfather, forced into your life as a replacement for what you once loved.

Your mother would comfort you by saying, “Everything will be ok. It will just take time to adjust.”

You didn’t want to learn to like this new part of your life. You wanted back what you always had.

After parking the car in a newly built garage next to the stadium, I looked for a way to get back to ground level.

An elevator stood just twenty feet from my parking spot. Wow, the Steinbrenners had really ensured comfort to the finest of details.

Upon approaching the stadium’s Gates, I realized that I was standing within Babe Ruth Plaza.

What better way to attempt to appease the ghosts of Yankee past than to pay tribute to the man that began the franchise’s legacy?

Still somewhat uneasy about taking my first steps inside, I felt as though I was cheating on a long-term girlfriend.

As soon as I entered the stadium, however, I was welcomed by “The Great Hall.”

A miraculous passageway lined with huge banners of Yankee greats, it made me forget my trepidation and begin to drop my jaw closer and closer to the floor.

Everything around us was an impressive sight, from the record-breaking center field video board to the pinstriped hot dog boxes.

Even the team’s memorabilia stores are lines with countless HD televisions so that no game action is missed while you max out your credit card.

After working my way around the stadium, I began to catch my first glimpses of the players and field surface.

Equally as magnificent as its amenities and awe-inspiring façade, the field is as well-groomed as the front lawn of the White House.

The backdrop of the stadium is far superior to its older version, with the exception of no longer displaying the beloved black seats in center field.

As the stretching was completed and the workout began, I was able to witness a bevy of stadium “firsts.”

Ranging from C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett’s first stadium tosses to Mariano Rivera’s first bullpen appearance, everything I saw was being done for the first time.

Most notably, Rivera chose to jog out of the bullpen after his tour was completed.

Metallica’s Enter Sandman began to play louder and louder in my head. I could imagine the stadium beginning to shake as he makes his first real appearance on the mound.

Batting practice commenced shortly thereafter.

Derek Jeter continued the trend of firsts, as he fittingly took the stadium’s first swings. As if the Yankees would have had it any other way.

Johnny Damon then christened the new right field porch, making sure fans did not have to wait long to witness the cathedral’s first home run.

Just when I thought that this day could not possibly get any better, Robinson Cano casually fielded a deep drive into center field.

He turned and smiled into the bleachers, and tossed a ball high into the air. As soon as it was released, I knew that my 20 years of playing baseball was about to come in handy.

I jumped into the air with the aid of an obnoxiously long wingspan, and came down with a baseball in my hands. I did receive a right cross to the temple which knocked my hat to the ground, but it was well worth it.

Thrown balls into the stands quickly led to another Yankee Stadium first. This is of course referring to the breakout of the first fight.

A wrestling match over another Cano souvenir resulted in violent pushing, countless threats, and the utilization of five security guards to escort the men from the building.

That certainly did not take long…and between two Yankees fans no less?

Every day has its end, regardless of your wishes for its continuance. As it was time to leave, I was again forced to pass by the eerie view of the original stadium.

Its grass appearing as grotesque in color as Nick Swisher’s spit tobacco residue, Yankee Stadium looked nothing like I had always hoped to remember it.

Though somewhat against my will, I decided one last photo was needed to complete the stadium’s timeline.

As I lifted the camera to my eye, however, the screen turned black. At that exact moment, the camera had run out of power.

The timing was almost impeccable, as the spirits of “The House that Ruth Built” sent a clear message to one of its most passionate fans.

They wanted me to remember the greatness of their home the way I always had. They wanted the final photographs in my Yankees album to consist of the farewell ceremonies of September 21.

It is ok to feel saddened at the removal of the Bronx’s most famous sanctuary, but it is also ok to appreciate what lies in front of us.

Ruth, Mantle, DiMaggio, and Gehrig sent their message loud and clear. It is time for us all to attempt to follow their advice.

Robinson Cano Felt Pressure Stretching Far Beyond Baseball

Without the Yankees, Robinson Cano never would have had the opportunity to represent the Dominican Republic.

Cano conceded as much after it was learned that he concealed an injury from Joe Girardi to play in the World Baseball Classic.

He appears remorseful. He appears above all else to have learned his lesson.

However, Cano pointed to an interesting catalyst for his secrecy: PRESSURE.

Pressure is a word commonly associated with sports and its prized athletes, but it is a word that takes on a much different connotation within the context of international competition.

Cano was not feeling pressure to perform for a stadium of 50,000 fans. He was not pressured to play for a large contract to support his family for generations to come.

Cano was feeling the weight of approximately 9.5 million Dominican citizens on his shoulders. They are citizens as passionate about the game of baseball as anything else in their lives.

Cano is not only an example and role model for Dominicans. He also represents countless black and Spanish-speaking cultures throughout the United States.

It is hard for many of us to understand what he is going through. The United States is not as focused or committed to the WBC as other countries.

This disconnect is similar to recent years of international basketball competition, before a powerful rebirth of pride and nationalism during the Beijing Olympics.

While sports in the US are a form of entertainment or a means of escaping life’s problems, they take on a more powerful message outside of our borders.

In many countries, professional athletes symbolize the freedoms that their societies one day hope to achieve.

Sports are much more than entertainment here; they are a means of escaping a lower quality of life or a government that persecutes them.

Does this sound at all familiar to readers? It should remind you of what occurred in our own country during times of segregation and race wars.

Sports became much more than entertainment from the 40s through the 60s here as well.

They became a symbol of progression and equality. They provided a medium for viewing blacks and whites working together to achieve a common goal.

The bravery and determination displayed by Fritz Pollard, Earl Lloyd, Jackie Robinson, and Larry Doby may have been as instrumental in forcing change as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X’s efforts.

Black athletes were able to reach white audiences regardless of their beliefs. If whites wanted to support the Brooklyn Dodgers, they had to watch Jackie Robinson.

Now imagine if Doby, Willie Mays, or Robinson chose not to play on a roster composed of black stars.

The fans and culture that turned to them for hope would be left wondering how much they truly meant.

Athletes are never left wondering how much they mean to their international fans.

Watching the passion resonate throughout the stands during the Venezuela-Puerto Rico matchup was as exciting as the game played on the field.

Venezuelan fans even forcefully booed their own countryman Magglio Ordonez for his support of Hugo Chavez’s regime.

Athletes are more than role models in foreign countries; they can represent an influence and a powerful voice for the people of a nation in flux.

Cano was faced with much more than letting down his Dominican teammates. He was running the risk of turning his back on a nation that depends on people like him to make change.

It is very difficult for me to agree with Cano’s thought process in hiding an injury from the Yankees.

However, I find it even more difficult to fault him for following his heart.

UPDATE: Yankees Receive Good News on Cano, Marte Following MRI Exams

Enter Sandman.

No, not Mariano Rivera jogging to the mound to dominate another 9th inning.

Not the sounds of Metallica blasting throughout the stadium as fans scream song lyrics in unison.

I am talking about the other Sandman.

"The Sandman" has disguised himself as two very important MRI exams taken on the ailing shoulders of RP Damaso Marte and 2B Robinson Cano.

The entire Yankees organization will be able to sleep peacefully again tonight, as positive news was returned regarding both players' statuses.

Marte has simple inflammation in his pitching shoulder, and should be able to return without any long-lasting effects.

Cano has been diagnosed with shoulder bursitis, and is expected to take anti-inflammatory medication while rehabilitating. He could return to action as early as Friday.

It is very intriguing that Cano said he felt pressured to participate in the World Baseball Classic.

He felt discomfort in the arm dating back to before he left Tampa for the Dominican roster. However, he never mentioned it to the Yankees in order to avoid being perceived as backing out.

Cano has promised to be forthright in the future regarding his injuries, and understands that the Yankees hold first priority.

The secrecy is alarming, but I trust that Cano will not make this same mistake twice.

Cano and Marte to be Re-Examined Today

Robinson Cano and Damaso Marte returned home as damaged goods from the World Baseball Classic last week.

After their Dominican squad lost two gut-wrenching games to the Netherlands, the Yankees were informed that both players required medical examinations.

Initial reports claimed that Cano's throwing shoulder and Marte's chest were to blame for the concerns. It was later determined that Marte's own throwing shoulder was the body part in question.

While neither injured Yankee seems overly worried about their eventual diagnosis, it is never comforting to hear about arm injuries during spring training.

Players tend to exert themselves too much early on, causing injuries such as Cano's "shoulder tendinitis".

His throwing arm is his lead shoulder at the plate, and lingering tendinitis can affect his swing in the months to come.

In Marte's case, the reasons for concern any time a pitcher experiences arm trouble are self-explanatory.

He is vital to the Yankee bullpen success in 2009, especially with Joba Chamberlain's permanent switch over to the starting rotation.

After doctors determine the timetable for Cano and Marte's healthy returns, the Yankees will have a much better idea of how worried they truly should be.

Too many prolonged injuries before opening day could be a crushing blow to the team's confidence and hopes of achieving a 27th World Series title.

Replacing Cano with Angel Berroa would further shorten the depth of the lineup and widen the gap between the Yankees and their division rivals.

Let's hope it never comes to that.

Cano Returns Home: Dominican WBC Ride Ends in Heartbreak

After a second straight mind-blowing upset at the hands of The Netherlands, the roster of the Dominican Republic returned home with their tales tucked between their legs.

The Dominican team held the weight on their shoulders of a nation as passionate about the game of baseball as any other in the world.

The looks on their faces told the entire story as Netherlands outfielder Eugene Kingsale crossed home plate for the winning run in an epic extra-inning affair.

The Dominican Republic was not supposed to simply beat the Dutch team; they were supposed to annihilate them.

The loss left them with an eerie feeling of déjà vu, and sealed their fate as the second and final team eliminated from Pool D.

The Netherlands has become an instantaneously ally of the “Evil Empire” in the Bronx, making sure that 2B Robinson Cano and lefty Damaso Marte can return to spring training.

Although it appears that United States SS Derek Jeter will remain busy for a while, the Yankees can reunite the right side of their infield.

Cano struggled with the rest of his Dominican teammates, posting a .231 batting average and stranding five men on base in the team’s final game.

The Yankees will be excited to place Cano back under the instruction of hitting coach Kevin Long.

They worked tirelessly together during the offseason to fine-tune Cano’s swing. Their ultimate goal is producing results more similar to 2006 and 2007 than 2008.

Without a healthy Alex Rodriguez for at least the first month of the season, Cano will play a major role in the success of the Yankee lineup.

Cano has the potential to perform at a level equal to the best hitters in the American League. It is up to him to channel the work ethic necessary to achieve his goals.