a j burnett

As I watched my beloved Yankees defeat the Phillies to win the 2009 World Series two weeks ago, several questions popped into my head regarding the science of the game. I'm a pretty casual fan, so maybe it was because I had spent most of the week in the library studying that I had my "the way things work" cap on. But something about watching A.J. Burnett throw filthy sliders past helpless Philadelphia batters made me curious about the science behind America's pastime.

Catching the knuckleball, it's like trying to catch a fly with a chopstick.   -Jason Varitek

 

It took a World Series title, but Yankee fans are finally warming up to Alex Rodriguez . Yet, there are still doubters out there. Of the close to 500,0000 votes cast in the Daily News' Keep 'Em or Dump 'Em online poll, 93% said the Bomber third baseman should stick around.  

A year ago, Brian Cashman stormed out of the gate with a $140 million offer to CC Sabathia on the first day that teams were allowed to talk dollars with free agents from other teams. As of 12:01 this morning, teams are allowed to start making offers to all free agents, but the Yankees plan to let the market develop before showering players with lavish offers. That's especially true since Cashman has yet to speak with ownership to determine what the payroll will be next season.

I'm not in a position to move on anything just yet; this is a long process   -Brian Cashman

 

A year ago, Brian Cashman stormed out of the gate with a $140 million offer to CC Sabathia on the first day that teams were allowed to talk dollars with free agents from other teams. As of 12:01 this morning, teams are allowed to start making offers to all free agents, but the Yankees plan to let the market develop before showering players with lavish offers. That's especially true since Cashman has yet to speak with ownership to determine what the payroll will be next season.

I'm not in a position to move on anything just yet; this is a long process   -Brian Cashman

 

Rhetoric is about to give way to real talk. When the clock strikes midnight on the East Coast, free-agent ballplayers will begin striking for gold, and club executives will begin striking needs off their lists. Or will they?  

Mark Teixeira , CC Sabathia , A.J. Burnett and Nick Swisher all were brought to the Bronx last offseason to help the Yankees get back to the top of the baseball world. After accomplishing that goal, the foursome was rewarded with its first ticker-tape parade, an experience that left each player virtually speechless. "It was more than I thought it was going to be," Burnett said.

It was more than I thought it was going to be   -A J Burnett

 

We did our best, as always. We met at Champs Deli, then headed to Broadway near the corner of Rector. We found some perfectly situated steps leading up to the Signature Bank , whatever that is.

I could order a pizza from Domino's and it would get here faster than the next float   -Mike Donahue

 

After (Joe) Torre. Worked out rather nicely, didn't it? So now they're world champs again, largely because GM Brian Cashman spent the Steinbrenners' millions wisely last winter on CC Sabathia , A.J. Burnett , and Mark Teixeira , free agents who were each more appealing than anyone available this winter.

My oldest boy is in high school now and I want to be there to see him play ball and everything   -Andy Pettitte

 

The site of their home field may have changed this season, but the Yankees will return to a familiar place Friday to celebrate their 27th world championship. After dispatching the defending champion Phillies in six games, the Yankees will parade up the Canyon of Heroes for the first time since 2000. "This is what you play for," said Derek Jeter , one of four Yankees who will take part in a fifth ticker-tape parade.

This is what you play for   -Derek Jeter