The First Believeable "I unknowingly took this substance" Victim

The most exciting part of any suspension in sports is finding out the excuse the law breaker will come up with. Rarely do those caught come clean and it's almost always someone else's fault. We've heard of a vindictive masseuse that took down Olympic Champion Justin Gatlin, that Miguel Tejada messed around with Rafael Palmeiro's B-12, and "the hGH belonged" to Roger Clemens' wife Debbie. These are just a few of the laughable ones. However, with MLB's newest and biggest catch, I actually believe Manny Ramirez (cue me from three years ago punching myself repeatedly). This really is another "Manny being Manny" moment.

Let's forget he played for the Red Sox for a second so I can say truthfully he is the best right handed hitter of my generation. Been that way since he was a skinny kid for the Cleveland Indians. There's no way this man has been using something to enhance his performance now. Although the story is still developing, he's already accepted his fate and emphasizes his clean history of drug testing. Skeptics will say, if he tested positive for something, he had to know he was doing something wrong. He's having some sort of problem (probably mental), went to a doctor, obtained a prescription they both suspected wouldn't cause any problems, and he went about his business. There's no doubt he should have attempted to clear this medication under baseball's Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), but it's totally reasonable that he was absent-minded enough not to do so. Of all the athletes that have copped to "I unknowingly used this substance", this is one scenario in which I truly believe the guy. Who knew that all these year's of "Manny being Manny" could help to keep his name clean in an era where even one substantial rumor could kill your shot at the hall.

Yankees Officials to Fans: Mi casa NO es su casa

Forget the 0-5 start against the Red Sox. Brush aside Teixiera's batting average is riding on the interstates and Sabathia has only notched one victory. Even try to put aside that the third basemen, catcher, 8th inning guy, utility infielder, and number two starter are all on the Disabled List. Let's strictly talk about how utterly disgraceful Yankees' stadium personnel has been in breaking in their new home.

In the interest of full disclosure, I was one of the many trapped inside Yankee Stadium Monday night debating whether to wait out the rain delay or not. Like any informed fan should do, I waited for official word announced over the loud speakers. Many people were not so patient and decided to take their cues from team employees. They were left standing out in the rain when the game got under way. As you might imagine, they were not thrilled and caused quite a stir leaving one police offer hospitalized after a run in with a disorderly female fan. Whether fans were told the game would not be played by these employees or not, it has been clear at every point in their history that you will not be admitted for re-entry.

Despite being on the Yankees side for this one controversial issue, their stadium personnel has been generally despicable. The Yankees employ an absurd amount of ushers to guard over their higher paying customers. If you wish to even visit a friend in another section, do not expect to get anywhere near them. I have no problems with ensuring that people do not steal other people's seats, but the extreme measures they take is a severe disservice to other paying customers. And will someone please explain to me why, if someone has left the game for good, why it is a Class A felony to allow someone to move in to said unoccupied seat? Is it costing the Yankees anything? As I discussed with my buddy Matt at Monday night's game, such a move would probably only be beneficial. Especially in the seats with a wait staff, they may able to sneak a few extra hundred or thousand in concession sales by allowing for such moves.

While many things have bugged me over my first few trips to the Stadium, it wasn't until I read about how they mishandled a beloved former player and his wife. Yankee great Paul O'Neill was asked not to stand around the cage during batting practice, despite you know, being a television broadcaster who needs to see these things AND a part of the "family". Then, his wife was not allowed access to the "wives lounge" because her husband wasn't on the current roster. I know these things seem trivial, but to see how unwelcoming they are even to the most important members of the family, it's scary to think about what the future holds for those of us on the lower part of the totem pole.

CC Earning His Stripes

For the past several years, many Yankee followers have complained that the pitching staff lacked guys who will stand up for their teammates. You hit one of ours, we hit one of yours. That's the code. Even umpires who get warning happy understand the unwritten rules. Unfortunately, the guys who have been taking the bump for the Yanks have gotten lost in the corporate atmosphere and strayed from the code. With the additions of AJ Burnett, CC Sabathia, and Joba Chamberlain to the rotation, the Yankee have three enforcers on the mound. Despite his struggles, the highest priced acquisition of that trio may have taken his first steps towards being a "true Yankee" by an "errant" pitch in today's game.

In case you've missed it, a few Yankees have been on the receiving end of wayward pitches. A fastball to the elbow even knocked Nick Swisher out of last night's game and earned him a day off today as well. Fortunately, this fact has not been lost on Sabathia. In to the top of the fourth inning, with one out and nobody on, Sabathia planted a pitch in to the rear end of Angels catcher Mike Napoli. Hitting the catcher is the American League's equivalent to drilling a pitcher in the National League. In other words, it was a well-orchestrated purpose pitch by Sabathia. If he's going to earn the big money the Yankees paid him, he's going to have to do more than pile up wins and strikeouts. He needs to protect his hitters. He needs to be a guy his teammates know they can turn to with the deck stacked against them. And yeah, he's going to have to show the accuracy he used to hit Napoli to get a few guys out. Ironically, the pitch he's thrown farthest from the strike zone may be the most crucial to proving his value on this team.

Baby Bombers Propelling Yanks

The last week has felt a lot like the Summer of 2007. Solid bullpen pitching fresh from Triple A (Joba to Coke and Melancon), strong starting pitching, and a healthy dose of Melky (ok, maybe not as crucial this week, but I'm glad my "Got Melky" shirt is wearable again). Most importantly, Phil (Franchise) Hughes and Joba Chamberlain looked every bit the potential aces they are supposed to be. With a combined 13 innings of one-run ball from the two kids are the least earned runs given up on consecutive starts by Yankee pitchers by such young pitchers since the early 1980s. Of course, the New York media has to take a strength and make it appear to be an issue. Oh no! Six quality starting pitchers? What ever shall we do?

Perhaps even more ridiculous, beat writers and analysts alike are taking Hughes' strong start as evidence that Joba should be relegated to the bullpen. This couldn't be any more wrong. These are the same people who blamed the Yankees for having Joba prepare for the bullpen last year, only to be put in the rotation, then switched back to the pen. They say this contributed to his injuries a season ago. So, by what logic do they defend asking the Yanks to send him to the pen after he prepared all offseason to be a starter? Regardless of what role you feel he should fill in the future ( I believe he's a starter, but that's not the argument), you do NOT make a switch this season. They've made their bed, now they have to sleep in it.

Yanks Set Thursday Tryout for Wang

There were many question marks entering the 2009 season for the Yankees. How would they adapt to a new home? How would the new additions adjust to New York? Should Joba be in the pen? One thing was certain: Chien-Ming Wang would be the top number three starter in all of baseball. Unfortunately, after his first three starts, he couldn't be a number three starter on my co-ed softball team. The team has decided to skip his scheduled start this weekend in Fenway and have set up an audition at their extended spring training in Tampa. They estimate Wang will throw about 100 pitches and the outcome will determine his immediate future with the team. If he struggles and his velocity continues to be an issue, a trip to the Disabled List is a strong possibility.

So what should the Yankees do with Wang? They've already bruised his ego by shipping him south and skipping his spot in the rotation. Although it's early, the Yankees can't afford to let him work out his issues in the big leagues. Unfortunately they have very few options. They can't send him to Scranton without a trip through waivers. Even though Phil Hughes is off to a strong start in Triple A, listening to offers for Wang would be foolish because he has little trade value at the moment (except possibly in a heavy asian market such as Seattle).

Wang maintains that he has no injury or mechanical issues, but he'd get a strong opposing argument from Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi. Pitching coach Dave Eiland insists that the tall righty has had strong bullpen sessions and will carry that on to the field shortly. The Yankees are hoping to find out he's right during Thursday's audition.

Not Your Dear Abby Advice Column

Today I'm unveiling a new weekly spot for the site with my weekly fantasy sports advice column. With the NBA and NHL starting up their playoffs, (and who really cares about their respective fantasy leagues anyway) I'll focus on baseball. Some slow starts by some big names have owners worried, so for week one I'll take a look at a few of the big name guys you should be patient with and the ones you should deal while you can.

Any day now:

Brandon Phillips, Reds 2B- One of the top 2B available and a must-start guy in all formats. He's well below the Mendoza line after another terrible day from the plate on Monday, but he's a legit 20-20 guy and should still be considered an elite 2B talent.

David Ortiz, Red Sox 1B/DH- Ortiz started to emerge from his slump with a strong outing in the Red Sox convincing win earlier today. His inability to drive the ball has caused concern in Beantown, but manager Terry Francona was encouraged by a new dent put in the Green Monster by his cleanup hitter in today's game. While his days of 35/120 may be behind him, I'd be surprised if he didn't chase 30/100.

Just need a little time to clear their heads:

Chien Ming-Wang, Yankees, SP- Call me crazy, but I don't believe Wang has forgotten how to pitch. This is a guy who combined for 38 wins in 2006 and 2007. The injury he suffered last year is not a red flag for a pitcher (shoulder/elbow), but a freak foot problem. My only concern is whether it's still affecting his ability to plant his foot. Although Wang didn't want to miss a start, the Yankees will skip his turn in the rotation this weekend. I expect he'll regain his form within the next couple weeks.

Cole Hamels, Phillies, SP- The reigning MVP of the World Series has struggled in his first two outings after having his Opening Day start pushed back due to elbow concerns. Many pundits suggest his rapid increase in innings a year ago will cause the Phillies ace to take a step back or possibly miss some time. I don't see it happening. His stuff is too good for prolonged struggles and he'll be a force in the not too distant future.

Cut 'em loose:
Hideki Matsui, Yankees DH/OF- It pains me to include a Yankee on this list, but Godzilla does not appear to be fully healed from his knee problems. He's unable to put weight on his leg and has been swinging only with his upper half. Matsui consistently is stepping out of the box and is not driving the ball to any part of the field. The Yankees will have to give him more rest and it is highly unlikely he matches the production anyone expected of him this year.

Pat Burrell, Rays, DH/OF- A 30 HR machine for years as a Phillie, the switch to the AL has been unkind to the often over-looked Burrell. He's advancing in age and it shows. One encouraging thing for Burrell owners is that he should benefit from the hot starts of Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. As pitchers start to get more careful with the two Rays sluggers ahead of him, Burrell should have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs. The RBI's may come as a result of opportunity, but it's hard to imagine him matching his HR productivity of recent years.

Can Yanks win with a broken Wang?

An 0-3 start for a starting pitcher isn't the end of the world. And, believe it or not, neither is an astronomical 34+ earned run average. After all, when you're playing for the New York Yankees, it comes down to what you do in September and October. Unfortunately, when you struggle in April, the question becomes can the Bombers blast their way to the postseason in a loaded AL East with Chien Ming-Wang doing his best Sidney Ponson impression?

The Taiwanese sinkerballer anchored the staff in 2006 and 2007 with 19 wins each year. He was off to an 8-2 start a season ago before a freak injury on the base paths cost him the rest of his 2008 campaign. Pitching coach Dave Eiland insists that "the stuff" is still there in bullpen sessions, but Wang has been unable to replicate that on the field. Club personnel suggest mechanical issues. If so, one has to believe it's only a matter of time before he rights the ship. However, there are others insisting his velocity is down, which could be a reason for concern. His start on Saturday aired on Fox and the speed of each pitch was not displayed. The few they did show had his fastball touching around 90-91, which is slightly down. Although the coaching staff maintains its position on blaming the poor starts on his mechanics, Wang has publicly refuted those claims. So what else could it be? Judging by the pep talks he received upon his departure from yesterday's outing from Jeter and Girardi, it seems he's struggling with his confidence. With his next start scheduled for Fenway park next weekend, the Yankees are perilously close to dealing with a major crisis. If the Yankees hope to emerge from a brutal AL East, Wang needs to return to form against their arch rival.

Aura and Mystique are Dead and Gone

Many wonderful things have been said about the new Yankee Stadium. Concession stands go on for miles offering all the best fare the city has to offer. Everything is pristine, even the men's bathrooms. A fan can wander around the hallways and find stunning views of the field with each step. But one thing is missing: fans who actually care. Nearly two billion dollars bought all the players, food, and amenities that charm corporate America, but the Steinbrenners' and taxpayer dollars will not be able to recreate the magic of the old park. That seems harsh after one regular season game, but any real fan could tell the show has become the park, not the game. Fans reveled at all the new toys, but couldn't even muster a "Reg-gie" or "Yo-gi" during pre-game introductions. Never before has such a star-studded event been received so poorly in the Bronx. It may have been just day one, but the sights and (lack of) sounds do not bode well for the future of the new building.

People may suggest it was simply "an opening day crowd"; a crowd there more to be seen than heard. Unfortunately, this year projects to be full of "opening day" crowds. Even the most passionate fans can't justify the type of money it costs to catch a game. Those who can afford the most expensive seats, even in the old stadium, aren't the noisemakers. Unfortunately, in the current structure, those are the only ones who can be heard by the players. The new "concourse level" is closer to the Grand Concourse than the field. These differences were not lost on the beneficiaries of a home-field advantage. Players, past and present, remarked how different the park sounded yesterday. If the performance by the "10th man" continues to be lackluster, the Yankees once vaunted home-field advantage will be greatly diminished.