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Chavez Ravine to the Bronx reminds me of Tommy John for some reason…

Welcome to New York, Hiro!  It was a terrific debut at Yankee Stadium for #2 starter Hiroki Kuroda, as he shut down the Los Angeles Angels, 5-0 in the team’s 2012 home opener.  The Angels, historically, play the Yankees very well in New York, so Kuroda’s performance was significantly more impressive than if it had come against a team like the Minnesota Twins.  Obviously, the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher is not going to pitch like this every time out, but I do feel more confident in the #2 slot in the rotation than I did when it was held by A.J. Burnett. 

The game also marked the 630^th home run by Alex Rodriguez, which tied him with his former teammate, Ken Griffey, Jr. 

Chavez Ravine to the Bronx reminds me of Tommy John for some reason…

Welcome to New York, Hiro!  It was a terrific debut at Yankee Stadium for #2 starter Hiroki Kuroda, as he shut down the Los Angeles Angels, 5-0 in the team’s 2012 home opener.  The Angels, historically, play the Yankees very well in New York, so Kuroda’s performance was significantly more impressive than if it had come against a team like the Minnesota Twins.  Obviously, the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher is not going to pitch like this every time out, but I do feel more confident in the #2 slot in the rotation than I did when it was held by A.J. Burnett. 

The game also marked the 630^th home run by Alex Rodriguez, which tied him with his former teammate, Ken Griffey, Jr. 

The Yankees announced Jorge Posada will throw out the first pitch to commence the Yankees' 110th home opener in franchise history Friday afternoon against the L.A. Angels, the 11th former Yankees player to be bestowed the honor. Posada, who retired in January after 17 Major League seasons, will also receive the “Pride of the Yankees Award” at the 2012 Homecoming Dinner Thursday night.

A five-time All-Star and five-time World Champion, Posada played 17 seasons and finished with a .273 average, 275 home runs and 1,065 RBIs in 1,829 games. He is one of five catchers with 1,500 career hits, 350 doubles, 275 homers and 1,000 RBIs (Johnny Bench, Gary Carter, Carlton Fisk, Ivan Rodriguez). According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Posada was the first catcher since Bench to play 17 consecutive

The Return of an old Friend…

When I first heard the news, I kept looking for the tag that it was a joke.  I did have to think about what day it was, wondering if we had somehow fast forwarded to April Fool’s Day.  But alas, the reports of Andy Pettitte coming out of retirement were accurate. 

I am happy to see Andy back in Pinstripes, but it was still very surprising news.  Of course, those close to Andy realized how much he missed the game when he was at camp for a few days earlier this month, but from the distant view of a fan, it just looked like he was enjoying spending time with the team.  It sounded as though he was busy with his children’s activities in Texas, and could only spend a short amount of time in Florida as a result. 

The moment, the image, defines Jorge Posada for so many who have followed his career. Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium. Yankees versus Red Sox, door to the World Series wide open for both teams. Victorious team steps through, loser hears it shut with sudden slam.

Win or go home.

The Yankees are in a deep ditch early, down four runs with Pedro Martinez pitching flawlessly on the mound for the Sox, and the Yanks’ Roger Clemens out of the game by the fourth inning. Clemens followed by an all-hands, ad hoc relief corps of starters and relievers -- Mike Mussina leading the way -- that would shut the Red Sox down for several innings.

Bottom of the eighth, the Yanks had scored a couple of runs on a pair of Jason Giambi solo homers,

Thanks for the memories…

Although Prince Fielder had other ideas, today was Jorge Posada Day.  On a day when the Milwaukee Brewers’ talented free agent signed an unexpected 9-year, $214 million contract with his father’s former team, the Detroit Tigers, a Yankee Legend called it a career.  So, while Tigers fans are rejoicing, the Yankees Universe is united in sorrow to see the end of a tremendous career. 

It was time.  Although I knew that Posada could still hit, he was ill at ease at DH and he was no longer the consistent clutch hitter that he had once been.  He could have held on for a few more years in a more limited role, but I am grateful that he recognized that it’s best not to overstay your welcome.  It would have been awful

Jorge Posada's playing career may be over, but The Jorge Posada Foundation's efforts to raise money research into craniosynostosis is still going strong.

During his retirement announcement, Posada was lauded by Lisa Niederer, an ambassador for the Foundation. Like Jorge Posada Jr., who underwent nine operations, Niederer's son, Brett, has dealt with a disease since the age of two that causes bones in the skull to fuse prematurely.

"As the years went on and Brett had more surgeries, I had the urge to help in any way I could," Niederer said. "As I started to mentor families it became clear to me that Jorge nd Laura were driven not only to help families new to the diagnosis, but to educate all doctors on the condition, including medical students."

Posada thanked many for their contributions

In what was a nice touch to Jorge Posada’s retirement ceremony, Diana Munson was invited and helped pay tribute to a competitor that greatly resembled her late husband Thurman, a down-and-dirty gamer who served as team captain and on-field general during his 11 seasons as a Yankees catcher. Munson’s heart and courage warmed fans to his gruff exterior. He played the game right and played with passion, just like Posada did throughout his 17-season career.

Munson recalled the first time she met Posada. Appearing nervous, Posada introduced himself and told her about a clipping of a quote from Thurman that he keeps in his locker. Diana didn’t believe him, but Posada said he was telling the truth. Then Posada got up and left, which left Diana wondering if he had taken offense

The Yankees released a collection of statements on the retirement of Jorge Posada

“I want to congratulate ‘Jorgito’ on an outstanding career. He was one of the greatest catchers of his era, and one of the best Puerto Rican players to ever play the game. He was a great teammate, is a great friend and human being, and will always be a great Yankee. I was honored to take the field with him every day for so many years, and I cherish all the memories we have together, topped off by those World Series championships. Frankly, I can’t believe that ‘Jorgito’ is actually announcing his retirement before I do. Seriously, I wish him, Laura, and the kids happiness and success in their future. He will be missed by the Yankees family, all of his teammates, coaches,