Joe Girardi is the New Yankee Skipper

It's official. Joe Girardi takes over as the new manager of the New York Yankees. I thought that Joe Girardi, Don Mattingly and Tony Pena were all pretty good options. I thought each had their own different pros and cons. Originally, I was leaning towards Don Mattingly. However, after thinking about it a while, I agree with the Yankees decision. I think both Mattingly and Girardi have very good baseball instincts and knowledge. They also both have great work ethics. The edge Girardi has over Mattingly is obviously his experience. Girardi proved that he is able to manage rookies, which is quickly becoming more and more important on the Yankees. Girardi turned a team with 11 rookies on it into a playoff contending team. He has also played with Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada. I think this will show that hes able to handle the youngsters as well as the veterans. He has also been a part of 3 Yankee Championships in '96, '98, and '99. New York is the perfect fit for Girardi. I also heard a rumor that Paul O'Neil was considering becoming a coach under Girardi. I've always been a huge fan of O'Neil. I love his warrior mentality. I think that is something the Yankees have been missing the last few years. I've started seeing glimpses of it in Joba but you can't compare it to O'Neil. Girardi and O'Neil are close friends, O'Neil said he would strongly consider it if Girardi asked him. I really hope that Girardi does ask him because I would love to see him back in pinstripes.

A-Rod is gone. Lets move on!

I'll be the first to admit that I honestly thought A-Rod was staying. I heard and read tons of articles from sports reporters and MLB experts who all seemed to feel that A-Rod was opting out. I didn't believe them. I always defended him when it seemed like most Yankee fans wanted to crucify him. After this year, I thought finally New Yorkers are beginning to accept him. He has finally earned his pinstripes. I was wrong. A-Rod didn't even come to the table to negotiate. I thought this was the perfect chance for A-Rod to really become part of a team for the rest of his career. No longer will people view him as a "hired gun" who is constantly looking for the most money. I'm not sure why he opted out. Maybe it was too much pressure. Maybe he wanted more money. Maybe he didn't like the big question marks of Mo, Posada and Andy...I think thats unlikely. I think A-Rod and $cott Bora$ are looking for the next huge payday. He doesn't have any heart. I'd much rather have Jeter, Cano, Melky, Mo, and Posada. All that being said, I think now we need to look at how to replace him. I really don't think Wilson Betemit could handle it. I would absolutely love it if the Red Sox so how let him file for free agency but I don't think they will. I think we need to start looking at the other positions where we could improve on offense such as outfield or 1st base.