Home Opener

The stadium opens 3 hours before game time this year compared to 2 hours early in previous years. This gives you time to walk around and see the stadium. Now you're there before batting practice starts.

My seats in the stadium are in left field instead of right field where I sat the previous years in the old stadium. The view is very good from left, but I preferred right field. It is great to have front row seats in the second deck because I get a good perspective of the field and no blind spots.
For the opening ceremonies many former Yankees were there including Yogi Berra, Joe Pepitone, Ron Guidry, Mel Stottlemyre, and more. John Fogerty and Bernie Williams each performed before the game. Kelly Clarkson sung the National Anthem and at the conclusion 3 military jets flew over the stadium. It was great to see the jets from my seats because in the old stadium I was in the second deck and couldn't see the sky because of the upperdeck overhang.

That also poses a problem with my new seats. They are in the open and we are no longer protected from rain and sun. The weather forecast was mid-50s for opening day, but in my seats it felt like 70s since we had sun on us the whole afternoon. By the end of the day I had a nice sun burn. I'll certainly remember sunscreen for now on for any day games. I'll also be prepared to bring ponchos for rainy days.

There are a lot of choices for food at the new stadium. So far I have tried the garlic fries, the cheesesteak, and Johnny Rockets. Prices are a little higher than old Yankee Stadium but that doesn't stop the crowds. There were lines at every food stand. A larger garlic fries was 9 dollars and the cheesesteak was about 10 dollars.

It would have been a great day if the Yankees had won.
Johnny Damon enjoys interacting with the fans. He often throws balls into the stands. He's always been a fan favorite and still is. This is the last year of his contract and it would be ashame if he doesn't stay.

I'll write a bit about the new stadium in future postings.

Swisher and Nady

It is stupid to even discuss trading Swisher or Nady. Nady is the perfect corner outfielder for this team. He is good defensively--good arm and good speed (not afraid of the wall like Abreu). A proven New York performer, he was here with the Mets and proved he could come through in clutch situations for the Yankees. Nady is also great in the clubhouse.

Swisher is 28 and entering his prime. He has consistantly had a great OBP and is a switch hitter with power. He has proved he can play all of the outfield positions and can back up at 1st base. Swisher is a great addition to the clubhouse--an Ohio State graduate so he is a bright guy.

Who is the rocket scientist that says Damon can't play center? When they signed him they knew he didn't have an arm. Melky and his .240 batting average is too much of a liability. Gardner still hasn't proved he can play everyday and right now would be good for coming off the bench.

Damon and Matsui have had stints on the disabled list and they are not getting any younger. I would feel more comfortable relying on Swisher or Nady to play extended innings than Melky or Gardner. Both Nady and Swisher have played center field and can back up Damon.

What would the Yankees get in return for either of these guys? The bullpen is set, they'll never get a pitcher better than Hughes in return for these players, and there is no room in the infield or behind the plate. The Yankees would also have to pay a portion of their salaries if they trade them. There are so many free agent outfielders available, the need to trade for Nady or Swisher is minimal.

Can anyone enlighten me with the logic of trading Nady or Swisher? Am I missing something?