Results tagged ‘ Hal Steinbrenner ’
Hal Steinbrenner: “We’ve got some work to do”
We haven’t heard much from Hal Steinbrenner of late, but the Yankees managing general partner offered his first public comments of the offseason yesterday, saying that the organization’s commitment to winning has not wavered and that the club is not finished adding players for 2013.
Steinbrenner spoke to reporters from the New York Post and The Wall Street Journal on Thursday in Paradise Valley, Ariz., as he exited the Major League Baseball Owners Meetings, and he painted a positive picture concerning the Yankees’ winter work thus far.
“We’ve signed three or four of the biggest free agents on the market. We’re pretty happy with that,” Steinbrenner said. “It’s great to have Andy [Pettitte] back and [Hiroki] Kuroda and Ichiro [Suzuki]. [Kevin] Youkilis, I’m excited about. I’ve always liked him as a player. We’ve got some work to do, still. We need another bat. We’re not done yet.”
The Yankees are in the market for a right-handed hitter who can play the outfield; Washington’s Michael Morse is one potential target, as they’ve touched base with the Nationals to express their interest. Free agent Scott Hairston also remains available and is reportedly deciding between the Yankees and Mets.
Steinbrenner added that the Yankees have not opened negotiations on contract extensions for second baseman Robinson Cano or manager Joe Girardi, and reiterated the team’s intention of reducing payroll below $189 million for 2014. Steinbrenner also said that it is possible the Yankees will remain under that payroll figure in subsequent seasons. Check out the rest of the story here.
Yankees react to the retirement of Hideki Matsui
Hideki Matsui was without a doubt one of the classiest players I’ve had the pleasure of covering, wonderfully balancing his graceful nature with a flair for the dramatic. His final game as a Yankee, the historic Game 6 of the 2009 World Series, could not have been a more perfect conclusion to his seven seasons in pinstripes.
Derek Jeter often called Matsui one of his favorite teammates, and that’s high praise — and well deserved. I was personally always amazed by Matsui’s pain tolerance; you’d see him 20 minutes after the end of a game in which he more often than not did something to help the Yankees’ cause, and he would be grimacing at his locker with huge ice bags strapped to both knees.
More than once, I can remember seeing Matsui before a game and thinking there was no way he’d be in that night’s lineup. Not only would he go through batting practice and wind up in the starting nine, but flash forward a few hours and I’d be scribbling a ‘HR’ in the scorecard next to his name.
Here is the press release from the Yankees announcing Matsui’s retirement, with statements included from Hal Steinbrenner, Jeter and Brian Cashman:
DECEMBER 27, 2012
NEW YORK YANKEES REACT TO THE RETIREMENT OF HIDEKI MATSUI
Mobbed by his former teammates, Matsui receives his World Series ring in April 2010.
Earlier today, former Yankee Hideki Matsui announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.
Matsui – nicknamed ‘Godzilla’ – spent seven seasons with the New York Yankees (2003-09), combining to bat .292 (977-for-3,348) with 536 runs, 196 doubles, 140 home runs and 597RBI.
Originally signed by the Yankees as a free agent on January 14, 2003, following a 10-year career in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants, Matsui became first player in franchise history to hit a grand slam in his Yankee Stadium debut, doing so on April 8, 2003 vs. Minnesota.
The two-time All-Star (2003-04) did not miss a game over his first three years with the Yankees, playing 518 consecutive games – which remains the longest streak of consecutive games played to start a career in Major League Baseball. He also drove in at least 100 runs four times during his MLB career, including each of his first three seasons.
In his final game as a Yankee, Matsui went 3-for-4 with a home run and 6RBI in the Yankees’ World Series-clinching Game 6 win vs. Philadelphia on November 4, 2009. The 6RBI is tied the World Series record for a single game (also the Yankees’ Bobby Richardson in 1960 and Albert Pujols in 2011), and sealed Matsui’s unanimous selection as the World Series MVP.
Matsui soaks up the scene as a champion along the Canyon of Heroes in Nov. 2009.
STATEMENT FROM YANKEES MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER HAL STEINBRENNER
“Hideki Matsui, in many ways, embodied what this organization stands for. He was dedicated to his craft, embraced his responsibilities to his team and fans, and elevated his play when he was needed the most. He did all these things with a humility that was distinctly his own, which is why he was such a big part of our success and why he will always be a cherished member of the Yankees family.”
STATEMENT FROM YANKEES GENERAL MANAGER BRIAN CASHMAN
“Hideki is proof that baseball is an international attraction that brings people from all over the world together in their passion for the game. He was the type of player and person you want young fans of this game to emulate. He played with pride, discipline and of course talent, and flourished when the lights were at their brightest. People naturally gravitated towards him, and that’s a direct reflection of his character. He was a true professional in every sense of the word and it feels good knowing he was able to raise the championship trophy as a member of the Yankees.”
STATEMENT FROM YANKEES SHORTSTOP DEREK JETER (Matsui’s teammate from 2003-09)
“I’ve said it numerous times over the years, but it’s worth repeating now. I’ve had a lot of teammates over the years with the Yankees, but I will always consider Hideki one of my favorites. The way he went about his business day in and day out was impressive. Despite being shadowed by a large group of reporters, having the pressures of performing for his fans both in New York and Japan and becoming acclimated to the bright lights of New York City, he always remained focused and committed to his job and to those of us he shared the clubhouse with. I have a lot of respect for Hideki. He was someone we counted on a great deal and he’s a big reason why we became World Champions in 2009.”
Hal Steinbrenner says he’s “frustrated” by Yankees’ slide
Hal Steinbrenner admits to being “frustrated” by the Yankees’ recent swoon, but the club’s managing general partner told the New York Post that he still expects a winning performance down the stretch.
Steinbrenner spoke to the newspaper during Tuesday’s 5-2 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field, a defeat that – coupled with the Orioles’ 12-0 victory over the Blue Jays – ensured the Yankees woke up on Wednesday morning sharing first place with Baltimore.
“We’re all frustrated,” Steinbrenner said. “The fans are frustrated. I know that. We all expect great things out of these guys. We’ve had injuries all year long. We’re not the only team, but we’ve had our share. Each time, they push through.
“The fans and my family, we expect them to push through now. I’m sure they will. But it’s a little frustrating, no doubt.”
The Yankees are 19-25 since July 18, when they held a 10-game lead in the American League East; no Yankees club has ever held a double-digit advantage and missed the postseason.
Steinbrenner told the Post that, despite the skid, the jobs of both general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi are not in jeopardy.
“No, not at all,” Steinbrenner said. “Look, you start to get back into it, and someone else gets hurt. [Aug. 27], when Tex [Mark Teixeira] goes down [with a left calf injury], look, that’s got to be hard. They’re looking forward to Alex [Rodriguez] coming back, and then boom, Teixeira goes down.
“And then a few days ago, [Curtis] Granderson, we were worried [about his right hamstring]. He’s back. They’ve got to keep grinding. They’ve got to keep pushing. They will. They know what’s expected of them.”
Steinbrenner told the newspaper that he has recently spoken to both Girardi and Cashman. He was at Yankee Stadium on Saturday and Sunday for the contests against the Orioles before attending Tuesday’s game at Tropicana Field.
“I was in The Bronx [last weekend], where I belong. That was rough,” Steinbrenner said. “It was rough. We got a lead, and we gave it up. So it is what it is. But we’ll keep grinding. They know what’s expected of them. But we’re all frustrated. That would be my word.”
Hal Steinbrenner says Yankees are not for sale
Yankees managing partner Hal Steinbrenner just released the following statement in response to the stories in this morning’s New York Daily News, which suggested the Steinbrenners are exploring their options to sell the franchise:
“I just learned of the Daily News story. It is pure fiction. The Yankees are not for sale. I expect that the Yankees will be in my family for many years to come.”
Yankees send condolences to Dallas Green’s family
The New York Yankees today offered their condolences and sympathy to Dallas Green and his family on the loss of Dallas’ granddaughter Christina Green, who was killed in the Tucson shootings.Hal Steinbrenner, managing general partner of the New York Yankees, said: “The Steinbrenner family and the New York Yankees organization join the entire nation in mourning Christina and send our deepest condolences to Dallas Green and his family as they deal with this tremendous loss. This is a tragedy that is beyond words and our thoughts and prayers are with the Green family, as well as all of the affected families.”Dallas Green was a manager of the New York Yankees in 1989 and his son John, Christina’s father, pitched in the New York Yankees organization in 1989 and ’90.
With Jeter done, Steinbrenner ready to spend on Lee
Derek Jeter wasn’t the only one unhappy to see the details of his contract negotiations splashed on the back covers of the New York tabloids. In his office in Tampa, Fla., you can bet Hal Steinbrenner spent a few moments fuming, as what both sides agreed should be a private negotiation spilled into the public arena. Yankees mourn the passing of Elaine Kaufman
New York restaurateur Elaine Kaufman passed away Thursday at the age of 81.
STATEMENT FROM: NEW YORK YANKEES MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER HAL STEINBRENNER ON BEHALF OF THE STEINBRENNER FAMILY“We mourn the loss of Elaine Kaufman. She was a great friend to my father and our family, as well as a tremendous supporter of the New York Yankees. She was a special person who contributed so much to the rich fabric of New York City. I extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones.”STATEMENT FROM: NEW YORK YANKEES PRESIDENT RANDY LEVINE“My wife, Mindy, and I considered Elaine a dear personal friend and one of the greatest ladies in New York City. Not only was she a famous restaurateur and gracious host, but she was a delightful, wonderful person. We will personally miss her friendship. Elaine was one-of-a-kind, and she will be deeply missed.”
Hal Steinbrenner hits the airwaves
Hal: Yankees optimistic on Burnett
Back in New York after catching the red-eye from Las Vegas. In case you’re wondering, chalk these Winter Meetings up as a big ‘L’ for me at the tables … but more importantly, a huge ‘W’ for the Yankees. CC Sabathia is in the fold, the talks are still warm for Mike Cameron, and here’s a note we just put up over on the MLB Hot Stove blog:
Hal Steinbrenner is optimistic that A.J. Burnett will soon join the New York Yankees’ rotation behind CC Sabathia, accomplishing the club’s primary objective of upgrading their starting pitching.
The Yankees co-chairman told Newsday in a telephone interview Friday that Burnett – who is said to be in decision-making mode – could soon accept the Yankees’ five-year, $80 million offer.
“We’re interested in him and he’s interested in us,” Steinbrenner told the newspaper. “Obviously, New York has a lot to offer, and playing for the Yankees is just a great thing.”
The Atlanta Braves are pushing to acquire Burnett and are prepared to provide a similar offer, and agent Darek Braunecker said that a third unidentified team could serve as a potential suitor.
Catching up with Hal
If you were sitting in the press dining room this morning, your meal would have been interrupted by eight reporters charging through to try and catch Hal Steinbrenner on his way up to the elevators. Luckily for us, Hal slowed down and spent five minutes discussing various issues around the team, fresh from spending an hour with Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi.
Steinbrenner visits Girardi’s office every other week to touch on matters, but with July 31st right around the corner, you’d better believe trades were discussed behind closed doors. Here’s some of the highlights:
On current plans: “Right now we’re trying to get everybody healthy. We’re trying to get the guys that aren’t healthy back into the lineup, and we’re trying to win a championship. We’re analyzing trades and not getting into that [the offseason] yet. … I want a good mix, and Hank wants a good mix, of youth and veterans to mentor the youth. That’s the way it has to be.”
Disappointing season so far?: “There’s been times that the hitting has been disappointing to all of us. There’s been times that the starting pitching has been disappointing. There’s no doubt that the young pitchers at the beginning of the year, it was upsetting at times. It wasn’t what we thought and it didn’t go the way we thought it would go. That’s the way it is – we’re highly confident in (Ian) Kennedy and (Phil) Hughes and that they’re going to come back strong when they do come back.”
On plans for ’09: “This is New York and the fans deserve a team with marquee players. We all understand that. I think where we want to end up is a tremendous mix of young talent and veterans. The veterans, the free agents, they cost money, and we realize that. We are going to have a lot of money coming off the payroll, and that’s going to give us some options. Believe me, we’re going to use a good portion of it to get this city the team it deserves and to try to improve in the areas that we need.”
And on those pesky upstart Rays: “I’m hearing my fair share of all that. They’re just a great team. They’re going to be tough and they’re going to be in there until the end, I’m sure, and for many years to come. We’ve got another good rival to worry about in the division.”
Bryan Hoch
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