Change That: A Two-Year Deal for Ichiro

Via wikipedia.org

So while we were all gasping at the Josh Hamilton to the Angels deal yesterday, a new development in the Yankees-Ichiro signing was announced, and I must say that I have no problem with this. Instead of signing Ichiro to a one-year deal, the two sides are now working on a contract that will keep Ichy in the Bronx for the next two years; this, according to a report from mlb.com. The Associated Press believes that the deal will fall in the range of $12-$13 million.

Why do I like this move? Because Ichiro still has plenty of game left in him; anyone that doesn't believe he can produce, was obviously not paying attention to how he closed the 2012 season, or to how he played in the 2012 postseason. Yes, numbers-wise, Ichiro has been on a steady decline in the past few years in terms of runs and hits, but he maintains his average in doubles, home runs and RBIs. Yes, the hits are the biggest part of his game, but to produce 178 of them at the age of 38 is still pretty damn impressive. And to end a season of transition with a .283 average is nothing to cough at either. Also, Ichiro still has one of the most lethal outfield arms in the game. His defense has not changed much from where it's always been.

And, by the way, the 38-year old played in all 162 games last year between Seattle and New York. He continues to maintain an average of 159 games per season. That's production. For those of you begging to understand why Alex Rodriguez can no longer produce a season of at least 140 games anymore, this should be much appreciated.

We tend to frown upon what we perceive as lengthy contracts for older players. But at the end of the day, greatness is what greatness is. Sometimes you have to look at the overall picture with some players; not every player can simply be deduced to stats. There is some decline, but with Ichiro, you're still getting a productive player with solid numbers who remains a defensive threat. Not to mention his reputation for being a true teammate. Something about playing in the pinstripes tends to bring the best out players, and it's not too late for Ichiro to give us his best and make this impending deal worth while.

Follow Rasheeda Cooper on twitter: @ra_cooper

Fan Poll: What is Your Opinion of the Kevin Youkilis Signing?

Now that Kevin Youkilis will officially be a Yankee, I thought it was time to present Bomber Boulevard's second Fan Poll. I've already heard from several fanatics on Facebook, now I'd like to get a feel for what the masses are really thinking about Youkilis wearing the pinstripes.

Please enter your opinions on the poll at the top right. Poll closes Sunday, December 16 at 11:59 pm.

Follow Rasheeda Cooper on twitter: @ra_cooper

Youk a Yank

AP Photo / Charles Rex Arbogast

Okay, so after a glorious night out with friends, I come home to find out that the Yankees and Kevin Youkilis have indeed agreed on a one-year, $12 million deal.

The baseball part of my brain sees Youkilis as a good option to cover third base in Alex Rodriguez' absence. We all know that he's excellent at the hot corner, and while he doesn't hit much for power, he can pop one at the right moment.

The Yankee fanatic part of my brain is not too happy. In my eyes, Youkilis will always be a part of Red Sox Nation, and that boils something awful in me. Sure, there have been many other players that played for the enemy, came to the Bronx and not only did well but were beloved. But something about Youkilis screams "Red Sox for Life" and that, well, irritates me to say the least. It's going to take something phenomenal for me to let my guard down and embrace this guy. Perhaps a walk-off? Yeah, that might do it.

Welcome to the Bronx, Kevin. Let the fan mud slinging begin!

Follow Rasheed Cooper on twitter: @ra_cooper

A-Rod To Have Hip Surgery

AP Photo / Carlos Osorio

Well, this could explain a lot of things and offer a bit of a reprieve for Alex Rodriguez. Or, this could tick off many a Yankee fan: another reason why Alex can't give this team a full, productive season at third base. Whichever side of this you fall on fanatics, the bottom line is, Alex needs surgery...again.

Let's take into account one thing here: 2013 is an odd-numbered season, and with the exception of 2011, Alex excels under odd numbers (superstitious fan, here!). Also, last time he had hip surgery, he came back with a vengeance and pretty much single-handedly led the Yankees to its 27th World Series Championship, And, oh yeah, that was in 2009 (odd number!) I know, people, I'm reaching here. Guess we'll have to wait and see what the baseball Gods have in store for us. Here's the report from Bryan Hoch at yankees.com:

A-Rod needs hip surgery, may be out until June

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 12/03/12 1:35 PM ET

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Yankees are planning to begin the season without third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who is headed for surgery on his left hip and could be sidelined until May or June.

 

 Rodriguez's injury was first reported on Monday by the New York Post, and it may have been a contributing factor during his difficult postseason. Rodriguez had surgery on his right hip in 2009, costing him the first month of the season. 

 

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is traveling to the Winter Meetings, but the club issued a press release on Monday afternoon confirming that Rodriguez will undergo a left hip arthroscopy to repair a torn labrum, bone impingement and the correction of a cyst.

 

Rodriguez had a checkup during the offseason in Colorado that revealed the tear, and a second opinion with Dr. Bryan Kelly -- who will perform the surgery -- confirmed the diagnosis. The procedure is expected to require four to six months for recovery. 

 

The surgery will be performed at The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York after Rodriguez completes a four- to six-week pre-habilitation regimen, as directed by Dr. Kelly.

 

According to a source, Rodriguez felt discomfort in his right hip during Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Tigers and was sent for an MRI exam, but the examination showed no new injuries. 

 

Dr. Marc Philippon, a Vail, Colo.-based specialist, repaired Rodriguez's right hip labrum in 2009, removing an impingement in the joint and draining a cyst. 

 

At the time, it was believed that Rodriguez would have a follow-up procedure after the '09 season, but Philippon was so encouraged by Rodriguez's progress as the Yankees charged to the World Series title that he said the slugger wouldn't need the second operation. 

 

Rodriguez, who will turn 38 in June, has $114 million remaining on a mega-deal that takes him through 2017 with the Yankees. 

 

Rodriguez batted .272 with 18 home runs and 57 RBIs in 122 games for New York last season, but he endured a tough postseason that prompted manager Joe Girardi to repeatedly bench and pinch-hit for the three-time AL Most Valuable Player. 

 

The news of Rodriguez's injury presents another challenge on the left side of the infield for the Yankees, who are already hoping 38-year-old shortstop Derek Jeter will recover from left ankle surgery in time to be in the Opening Day lineup. 

 

 A third baseman was not thought to be on the Yankees' shopping list as the Winter Meetings started on Monday, with the club expected to seek a starting catcher and a right fielder.  

 

In 2009, the Yankees got through the first month of the season with journeyman Cody Ransom holding down third base, and they'll be looking for help again this year with Rodriguez potentially out for a longer period. 

 

Veteran Eric Chavez is a free agent and could not be counted on for everyday duty this past season. The Yankees may also consider having Jayson Nix or Eduardo Nunez at third base on a limited basis.  

 

The Yankees do not figure to have a replacement for Rodriguez that they could promote from the Minor Leagues, though they may look at infielders David Adams and Ronnie Mustelier in the spring.

Follow Rasheeda Cooper on twitter: @ra_cooper