Another Day, Another DUI
Remember when I said things were eerily quiet in Yankeeville – free of scandal and controversy? Then came the A-Rod/Dr. Galea investigation. Who knows where that will lead. Today brought news that Yankees Senior VP of Baseball Operations, Mark Newman (not to be confused with MLBLogs’ fearless leader), was arrested in Tampa last night for driving drunk. Could somebody explain why people need to get in the car when they have no business driving? Is it that hard to call a cab, ask a friend to drive, or – what a concept – not drink yourself into a coma? Wasn’t the Jim Leyritz story scary enough to make people pay attention? Apparently not. Newman posted bail and will, hopefully, stick to Coke or Pepsi for the foreseeable future. I must say his mug shot isn’t bad at all. He just looks sort of like a little boy who got caught doing something bad.
Speaking of bad, that’s what CC was today against the Pirates. What can I say? He got roughed up in spring training last year and look how that turned out. Also of note, Curtis Granderson tripled! Yay. And Nick Johnson homered – twice. Posada and Swisher had good days at the plate too, and the offense is finally coming around, even if it was in a losing effort. By the time I’m in my seat next week, this team will be cooking.
Confessions of a She-Fan 
Ugh on the DUI… it’s just stupidity. That’s the only explanation.As for the Yankees, I try not to put too much stock in spring training stats … while it’s never fun to see CC get roughed up, it’s great to be seeing the boys again at all. Speaking of which, am I the only one who’s a little bit in love with Granderson despite him being 1-for-the spring? I think he’s so good looking. And every time I hear him interviewed I swoon a little bit. I believe we may have an excellent candidate for Ana’s Yankee Crush, Version 2010. (I tend to have one at least every few years to supplement my everlasting love for Mo.)I’m excited to see Joba and Phil go again tomorrow… hopefully Joba can take a few steps forward in a hurry. Mitre and Aceves have been giving both of them a little something to worry about!~Anahttp://enternight.mlblogs.com
Jane,
Have to say that Tampa is notorious for somehow finding celebrities or athletes in their car when they might have tipped the legal breath limits.
Usually two or three NFL Bucs players get popped, and who in the City that Never Sleeps can forget the one night so long ago that Dwight Gooden and his young nephew Gary Sheffield got caught in the wrong place with the wrong items in their car.
I agree 100 percent with you about knowing your limits before you get into a car. But sometimes it is ego that we think we can go that two miles wihtout a hitch, then we hit that poor concrete lightpole or almost side-swipe that pretty black Lexus on Dale Mabry.
I, myself if I drink more than three beers take a taxi. Might cost me $ 10,but I get to sleep in my bed and the driver is liable to miss the other drunks on the road…not me.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
Jane,
Have to say that Tampa is notorious for somehow finding celebrities or athletes in their car when they might have tipped the legal breath limits.
Usually two or three NFL Bucs players get popped, and who in the City that Never Sleeps can forget the one night so long ago that Dwight Gooden and his young nephew Gary Sheffield got caught in the wrong place with the wrong items in their car.
I agree 100 percent with you about knowing your limits before you get into a car. But sometimes it is ego that we think we can go that two miles wihtout a hitch, then we hit that poor concrete lightpole or almost side-swipe that pretty black Lexus on Dale Mabry.
I, myself if I drink more than three beers take a taxi. Might cost me $ 10,but I get to sleep in my bed and the driver is liable to miss the other drunks on the road…not me.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
I think Granderson is crush-worthy, Ana. And if he starts hitting the ball, he’ll even be adoration-worthy. It’ll be interesting to see what happens tomorrow with Hughes and Joba, particularly since Joba was getting over the flu last time and should be at full strength this time. And yeah, there’s competition from Mitre and Aceves, so let the games continue!
Tuesday was our last game. I got Granderson just before game started. My wife got Swisher on a picture we took last year. Overall we did well this year. CC was BAD Tuesday. We got to see only one win out of six games. Most of the Yankee farmhands except Curtis, Miranda, Weber and Russo don’t look to good (including all the pitchers). I left word with everyone of importance here of your eminant arrival. The welcome mat will be extended. Interesting about Mark Newman. We met him about 5 or 6 years ago. We had two nice girls and guys in front of us at a game and we learned that one young lady was a Yankee intern for two years. She told us her Uncle got her the job. She had many nice stories to tell. The Uncle came to visit her and her friends in the middle of the game. It was Mark Newman. She introduced him to us and he was very cordial (no pun intended). He seemed to be a very nice, soft spoken man. The sauce is a distructive thing. It will be interesting to see how Yankees handle this. Historically, they usually demote or cut ties rapidly. This guy has been an organization staple for many years. Heading home in a few hours. Wish you and Michael a great trip. Hope you enjoy your games.
Drunk driving..never a good thing. Remember Nick Adenhart.
http://catlovesthedodgers.mlblogs.com
Yeah, I’m not sure what it is about alcohol, Jane, but its pretty common that the drinker has more and more confidence in their ability to function the more he/she has to drink. I’m usually very lucky because my husband usually doesn’t drink alcohol anymore so he’s the designated driver. I love my red wine but even when I’m not driving I don’t overdo it anymore.
Heard about Nick Johnson’s bat yesterday — that was a good thing to see after the alleged back problems. I was pretty certain from the first news of his arrival that Granderson would be something that would make us happy. Hope he continues.
“Could somebody explain why people need to get in the car when they have no business driving?”…. AMEN. I’m a drinker. I like to drink. But I don’t drive. Not sayin’ I’m better than anyone, or anything like that, but if you’re gonna party ya ought to be able to do it safely without putting others at risk.
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
http://mtrredstatebluestate.com
I hate to say it, but I think your blog cursed us, Jane. Ever since that “controversy” blog a few days ago, we have been hit hard – both on the field and off. 😀
In all seriousness though, hes a scumbag. It’s one thing to risk your life, but when you drive drunk, you are risking other people’s lives as well. So in my book, he’s a piece of dirt.
Dang, for a second there I thought there was going to be a baseball themed Iron Chef or something. You trickster you…
I don’t understand the DUI stuff. It’s a ridiculous thing to do.
http://www.paullebowitz.com/
http://princeofny.blogspot.com/
I really don’t understand the need of drinking and driving. I agree with Jeff. Maybe Mark Newman forgets the public responsability he has being part of the Yankess (can I get his job? I promise I’ll never drink and then drive!)
And yes, CC was Terrible, but I’m glad he is terrible in spring training and not in the regular season.
Let’s hope this was the last “controversy” in the spring.
James
Hi, Jane (and all)…
Back from my trip to Fla., where it was windy & cold until getaway day (typical luck for us), but we still managed to squeeze in a spring training game up in Jupiter (Cardinals vs. Marlins, Jeff!)…and hey, everybody has to get the rust out right now…even Pujols went 0-for-3 with two backward K’s. A 6-5 game, maybe 5 runs scored on ERRORS. If these are two NL contenders, from what we saw, the Phillies may breeze…?!
Interesting what a nerve you struck with this DUI. Sadly, this guy Newman may be very decent, but usually if they get caught like that, it’s hardly the first time they drove with a big-league buzz. No sympathies, understood. And Renegade is the wisest one of all. It hurts because we got some awful news about our own son yesterday…so drunk last weekend that he was taken to the local hospital…has put his college career in jeopardy, and isn’t likely to ever return to that one…painful to share, but thanx I needed that…meanwhile, have a safe trip when u go…stay warm & happy in F-L-A!
There’s the controversies I was looking for! I feel better now. Let’s go Yanks!!!
Jane,
First, I have to tell you that when I opened your blog at home this morning, my screen only showed your headline and the picture from about the top of the eyes up. So, I was thinking I’m not surprised to read that Don Zimmer is drinking, but when did he come back to the Yankees?
As someone who enjoys watching games at a sports bar while having a few beers, I feel I may be the only person here today who is at least a little sympathetic to Mr. Warner. I at least wanted to withhold judgment until I heard some details, but I’ll admit I was troubled when I read a news account and saw that he refused to be tested. That’s probably a smart move when you can afford high-priced lawyers, but it says to me that he knew he had too much to drink.
Everything else you guys said is correct. Because it’s not just our own lives we’re risking, none of us should get behind the wheel drunk and both athletes and sports executives certainly have the resources to find other means of transportation in those situations.
In my case there’s not a decent sports bar within thirty miles of my house and that would be an awfully expensive cab ride, so it’s a two-beer limit (three if I’m having food). I’ve also found that bartenders don’t care what you drink, as long as you behave yourself, and tip them as if you were drinking something.
JOBA TO THE BULLPEN PLEASE!!!! FOR THE LOVE OF YANKEE
UNIVERSE!!!
Renegade, I remember that Gooden and Sheffield got into trouble in Tampa. And one of the Steinbrenner sons-in-law, Steve Swindal (I think that’s who it was), had a similar scrape that cost him his marriage and his position with the Yanks. What’s up with Tampa? Is it something in the drinking water there? Glad you’re being careful!
Good job getting Grandy and Swisher, John! I wish you’d hang around until I get to Tampa so you could show me the ropes. It will be interesting to see how the front office handles the Newman situation. My guess is nothing will come of it, since he’s been with the organization a long time and seems to be well respected. Hope you have a safe flight home. We’ve really enjoyed your dispatches, so thanks for reporting in every day. Much appreciated.
Couldn’t agree more, Cat, and Nick Adenhart is the perfect example why.
I’m lucky too, Diane, because Michael doesn’t drink anymore and is always my designated driver when we go out. Looks like both Johnson and Granderson are getting comfy at the plate – a very good thing.
Good boy, Jeff, on the drinking and driving. I’m no saint either, but I hope I won’t jeopardize someone else’s life by getting behind the wheel when I don’t belong there. Just not smart.
I’m totally guilty of jinxing, Brian. I wrote that damn post about the lack of controversy and – bam – controversy! My bad!
I love Iron Chef, kaiser. I’ve turned into a Food Network addict. Chopped is my other favorite show, plus all the Bobby Flay throwdowns.
Ridiculous and so unnecessary, Paul. Guys with Newman’s salary can afford a car and driver.
So right, James. If Newman doesn’t want to (or can’t) fulfill his duties with the Yankees, we’ll all be in line to take his job. And yeah, CC is allowed to be bad in spring training. Just not on Opening Day.
Welcome back, Dave. Glad you got to see that stadium in Jupiter. They were building it when I lived there. But oh man. So sorry to hear about your son. We’ve had a similar situation in our family, and it’s a very tough one. We all support you in this!
You must be thrilled, cheshirecat! Actually, you’re the one who put the bug in my head about controversies, so you’re the jinxer, not me. LOL.
HAHA, so you thought Newman was Zim, jojovanb? I guess there is a bit of a resemblance, give or take 20 pounds! Your two-beer limit (or three) sounds about right, but the main thing is that you have a good time at the sports bar and stay safe.
I hear you, yankeefaninthe805. I think Girardi will see the light in another week. He said the competition will begin in earnest on the 16th, the game I’ll be going to!
Dave, my thoughts are with you and your family as you help your son through this. Kids sometimes make huge mistakes without realizing the consequences. The main thing is that he is okay, and no one got hurt. Hopefully, he’ll learn from this mistake and move on to a better space. Hugs to all of you.
John, thanks for all your reports. Makes me want to plan my trip to spring training for next year!
Melissa
Peter, so sorry your wife was a victim of a drunk driver. I’m sure the subject makes both of you mad as hell. And you’re right about the impaired judgment aspect. That’s really the problem. People think they’re capable of driving when they’re not.
DUI’s not a very good addition to a resume…. why do they drink and drive… the beauty of alcohol is that it impairs judgment, hence the judgment of whether your capable to drive, which is why they get caught bad judgment under the influence…. some say I was only just over the limit, or I didn’t eat anything… the law is the law… knowing your going to drink you should pre-arrange a ride home… drink driving a pet peeve I’m afraid, my wife doesn’t enjoy her reconstructed, wired jaw, courtesy of a drink driver who walked away without a scratch, this also is normal the drink drivers never seem to be the ones who get hurt…
~peter
Outside the Phillies Looking In
http://devilabrit.mlblogs.com
The Wife is a Food Network addict. I like Iron Chef and Throwdown as well. Breaks up the menotany of the “how to” stuff!
I especially like Throwdown when Bobby loses to the local chef, kaiser. Like the other night – I think it was a repeat – he was bested by a guy who made fried chicken.
See, my wife digs that too, but I always want the Iron Chef to win for some reason. Maybe because he feels like the underdog when cooking in “enemy” territory.
I hear you on the underdog thing, kaiser. I also discovered Man Versus Food (I think that’s the title) on another network and that guy is hilarious. He stuffs his face with everything. Don’t know how (or why) he does it!
Check out the Mesa Grill !!! Absolutely awesome !!
Greg
http://baseballfix.mlblogs.com/