New York Yankees

In every interview with Alex Rodriguez, there's always at least one moment where I shake my head in disbelief and think to myself, "My God, what a goober."

It's become a cherished part of my Yankee fan experience these past six years.

In 1927 the New York Yankees won the World Series.

Their lineup was called Murderers' Row, and featured the likes of Tony Lazzeri, Earle Combs, and Bob Meusel.

Of course, in 1927 Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs, setting a record that would last for 34 years.

Babe also hit 29 doubles, eight triples (believe it or not), and drove in 164 runs that year.

But this story is not about the '27 Yankees.

This story is not about Babe Ruth either.

This story is about Lou Gehrig.

The Yankees are starting the 2010 season with only two locks in their outfield ,and a long list of outfielders—many of which will not make the Bronx roster, and instead will be in Scranton.

With Johnny Damon heading out of town, it appears that the Yankees are primed to hand an outfield job to Brett Gardner.  Does he have the potential to be a viable fantasy option?  It’s doubtful, but let’s take a look:

2009 Statistics:

248 At Bats
.270 Batting Average (67 Hits)
3 Home Runs
23 RBI
48 Runs
26 Stolen Bases
.345 On Base Percentage
.379 Slugging Percentage
.312 Batting Average on Balls in Play

What You Need To Know:

Whenever New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter speaks, it’s rare that he allows much to be known: Jeter likes to keep his true thoughts to himself, always has.

Earlier this week, Jeter held a press conference prior to the first day that position players were obligated to be in Tampa for spring training.

On Wednesday, Mike Francesa, on YES had an interesting discussion on who was the better hitter, Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays.

Francesa said without any question Mays was the better all round player. This writer, might even take some issue with that.

But this article is going to deal with what the numbers say about which was the better hitter in their best years.

Mantle was a three time MVP and also was very close in the voting for MVP in other years.

Mays was an MVP twice, finished second in the voting once and third once.

In the '03-'04 offseason, Aaron Boone, the Yankees third baseman who, the past season, sent the Yankees to the World Series on a homerun off knuckleballer Tim Wakefield to end a grueling, dramatic seven-game series with the Red Sox, tore his ACL in a pickup basketball game.

Thus, getting the Yankees to start looking for a new third baseman.

Thus, asking Alex Rodriguez if he'd be willing to move to third base to play for the Yankees.

Thus, eventually, making A-Rod a Yankee.

It proved to be a terrible mistake at first.

I have read a boatload of preview articles for the 2010 season, plus many articles on the 2010 Derek Jeter-led New York Yankees and their attempt to be the first team to repeat as World Series Champions since, well...the Jeter-led Yankees of a decade ago.

Most pundits agree that the New York Yankees have the best team in baseball and, coming off a 103-win, 2009 regular season and a World Series title, it is hard to argue.

The Yankees start playing spring training games Wednesday, March 3, and Bronx Baseball Daily will be hosting a live chat that day. The game starts at 1:05 p.m., so remember to come back then and join us all game long as the Yankees take on the Pirates.

It’ll be a great way to enjoy the game and chat about your favorite players and up-and- coming prospects.

Spring Training is finally getting under way for Major League Baseball.

And already, as the manager of the defending World Series Champions, Joe Girardi has a major decision to make.

Well, I guess you can call it a "major decision." Some might not see it as that.

But for the careers of Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, it is a major decision.

That decision is who will win the fifth and final spot in the Yankees starting rotation and who goes to the bullpen as the setup man.