Game Face

It was never this bad before.

I'm not sure what's different about 2008. Maybe it's the eight years since the last World Series Title. But Yankee fans have become even more obnoxious and insufferable (and violent!) than ever before.

I had the privilege of attending the two-game series between the Yankees and the Red Sox back in April in the Bronx. I'd been to Sox/Yankee games at Yankee Stadium before, and while it was never a terribly welcoming enviorment, the trashtalk, the yelling and the t-shirts were always just part of the show.

You expect people to say stuff to you, but it was always easy to just kinda roll your eyes and laugh. When you're a Sox (or a Met) fan going to Yankee Stadium, you can cheer for your team, but keep to yourself.

Don't look at anybody, avoid any 'Brokeback Jeter' jokes. Basically, act like you're a guest in someone else's home. Be polite, and you'll end up out in one piece.

Not so much now. Yankee fans have become something else. For three hours on two consecutive nights, I sat there and had peanuts thrown at me, had beer intentionally spilled down my back, had my hair pulled by an intoxicated, overweight man in a Mariano Riveira jersey who demanded that I "get the *&^% out of the Bronx because Boston doesn't belong there."

It was really a test of character to not hit anybody, or say stuff back. Other than uttering a few naughty words under my breath, I kept my composure. The Yankee Stadim security threw out a Red Sox fan a few rows in front of us (who by the way, also saw her fair share of being hit by peanuts) for cheering for her team.

The people throwing stuff at her? They got to stay. A friend of mine (a Yank fan) said these were isolated incidents. Well, then explain them happening to me, two nights in a row, on OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE STADIUM.

The 18-1 chants (obviouisly a referral to the Patriots Super Bowl XLII loss) have become a staple at Yankee Stadium. Since when do the Yankees in all their 26-ringed glory (which is really the ONLY argument they ever have, and my favorite response is 'so how many of those rings were won in YOUR lifetime. The answers are fun) have to resort to citing other sports in proclaiming New York's superiority over Boston.

The point of all this is Yankee fans are something else now. They were always arrogant and obnoxious, but now they're violent and mean as well. Heck, they're even KILLING Sox fans now.

But OBVIOUSLY it's the same for Yankee fans in Boston.

Nah--I have a few Yankee fan friends, whose knuckles DON'T drag on the ground when they walk, who I've gone to games at Fenway with. While people aren't overly friendly in Boston, nobody threw anything at him.

Then again, I'd be pretty angry if Carl Pavano 'played' for my team. Or if Hank Steinbrenner were making any kind of decisions for the Red Sox. Or if the Sox were totally devoid of an ace. Or if we were stuck with Prima Donna Purple Lips for the next 10 years...

--Lizzy

(Photo compilation by Tim Fiorvanti)

... and we're back. Lets meet our next three eligible gentlemen. Bachelor number one?

Bachelor 1: Hi, I'm Avery, and I'm from Dallas. I was very successful at my last job, where I took my team to the playoffs every year I was their coach. In 2006, I was the coach of the year, and I helped the Mavericks to their first and only NBA Finals. I have a reputation for being unable to finish the job, but rest assured, that won't be a problem. I like to take long walks on the beach, and I can speak fluent German.

Alright. Bachelor number two?

Bachelor 2: Hey, I'm Mark from New York. I'm a retired basketball player, and I would looove to be your coach. I've grown up in New York, played my college ball in New York, and I played for the Knicks. I may not be as experienced as everyone else, but I make up for that with character and a willingness to try everything, at least once. If you make me your coach, I promise you that Stephon Marbury will stay out of trouble, and I'll keep him away from the interns.

And bachelor number three?

Bachelor 3: My name is Mike, I'm from Phoenix, Arizona. I was a little apprehensive to do this at first but my wi.... err, general manager thought it would be a good idea if we "started seeing other people". I took the Suns to the conference finals twice, and we made the playoffs all four full years that I coached. I like to play fast and furious, so if you think you can keep up, you should pick me. As long as the money's right.

Now lets introduce our contestant tonight. He's the president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks, ladies and gentlemen let's put our hands together for the great Donnie Walsh.

Donnie: Thanks, Chuck, it's great to be here. Let's get ourselves a coach!

Alright Donnie, let's get started with the questions. Donnie?

Donnie: Sure thing. Bachelor number one. If I make you the coach of the Knicks, what can you provide us that the other's simply can't?

Avery:: That's easy. My teams have dominated in the regular season, and that was in the Western Conference. No offense, but besides the Celtics, there's not much competition in the East. I can have this team competing for a conference title inside three years. And I've actually been to the NBA Finals, unlike some people...

Mike: At least I didn't lose to an eight seed in the first round.

Avery: They had Baron Davis! There were match-up problems.

Alright, settle down, you'll all have your turn...

Donnie: Bachelor number two, same question.

Mark: I know New York, I can handle the media and the pressure. I'd have this team playing tough, gritty defense, get em back to the fundamentals. If you give me a chance, I will rock your world.

Donnie: Good answer number two. Bachelor three?

Mike:I'd change some of the personnel, and we'd play real fast. I'd like to build around guys like David Lee and Nate Robinson, guys who can run it all game long. I'd find a way to tra..(Cell Phone Rings) Hello? John Paxson? $25 million? I'll be on the next plane to Chicago. Sorry guys, it's been fun.

Um, we're going to take a commercial break. See you in two and two....

-- Tim Fiorvanti

No human being can match a thoroughbred racehorse's package of speed, strength, determination and grace.

Horsemen, sportswriters, bettors and fans repose so much dreamlike admiration -- and such high financial stakes -- in horses that the animals are described as, and treated like, professional athletes.

(Remarkable performers though jockeys are, the athletes who primarily determine racing results are the horses.)

To read Max Dickstein's full column, click here.

It's hard to look at a 16-15 New York Mets team and call them over-achievers. The team with the second (or third, depending on your source) largest payroll in baseball made waves during the off-season by trading for Johan Santana, but the performance of some of their highest-payed players has been suspect at best.

For example, their clean-up hitter:

Carlos Beltran: .219 BA, 2 HR, 13 RBI, .369 OBP, .390 SLG

And their number five hitter:

Carlos Delgado: .216 BA, 4 HR, 16 RBI, .308 OBP, .362 SLG

The Mets have had some solid production despite the lackluster efforts of these two, from both expected and unexpected sources.

David Wright continues to establish himself as one of the top players in the game, on pace for another 30 home run, 125 RBI season at third base.

Santana has been very solid for an uncertain pitching staff, posting a sub-3.00 ERA. He's showing Mets fans exciting flashes of absolute brilliance between periods of very consistent pitching, and also making Omar Minaya look like a genius (between this and not signing Barry Zito a couple of years ago, this has been a very good year for Minaya)

Billy Wagner is still sporting a trim 0.00 ERA in 12 appearances, notching seven saves thus far while striking out 13. One unearned run and three hits are the only blemishes on his impressive start.

Some of the most surprising contributions, however have come from Ryan Church, a player who was seemingly an afterthought in the trade that sent Lastings Milledge to the Washington Nationals and brought back Brian Schneider (who has also seemingly overacheived, when he's played).

Church's numbers thus far:
.314 BA, 5 HR, 23 RBI, .379 OBP, .508 SLG

Add in the fact that their starting left-fielder, their number two and number five starters, and their starting catcher have all missed significant time this season, and that 16-15 record doesn't look all that bad.

With Brian Schneider (hopefully) healed, Alou finally taking his spot in left field, and Pedro Martinez on the mend, the summer months look promising for the Mets.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

And we thought the Mets were the biggest choke artists in the tri-state area!

Nets star forward Richard Jefferson was arrested today in Minneapolis for choking an uninvited guest at a private party Jefferson was hosting, police said. The alleged spat occurred on Jan. 27 at a hotel nightclub.

An Associated Press article in February, when it was revealed that Jefferson was under investigation, said the victim lost consciousness.

Jefferson is set to appear in court on June 18.

After this bit of news, we don’t think anyone -- Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn included -- would dare try to crash another one of Jefferson’s parties.

Photo by Getty Images

Last year, there were rumblings that Hideki Matsui’s best days were behind
him, with balky knees and age catching up with him. But almost six weeks
into the season, Matsui has been the Yanks' most solid bat in the lineup.
Hitting safely in 15 straight games, Hideki is hitting .342 with four homers
and 17 RBIs. In his last three games, Matsui is 7-for-12 with three RBIs. At
this pace, he’s a lock for his fifth 100-RBI season.
It's Godzilla's revenge!
— Pete Catapano

If Yanks GM Brian Cashman exits New York at the end of the season, he could be on the Phillies radar, the Philly Inquirer says.

With Gillick retiring at the end of the season, Cashman may be a candidate for the franchise if he gets fed up with the Steinbrenners, or vice versa.

— Pete Catapano

Add Mike D’Antoni’s name to the list of candidates to become the Knicks’ coach.

The Suns have given the Knicks permission to talk to D’Antoni, Phoenix sports radio station KTAR is reporting Monday. If Phoenix and D’Antoni announce a split, the coach doesn’t figure to be out of work long. (The Bulls also have reportedly received the OK to contact D’Antoni.)

D’Antoni has a 267-172 career record in six years as a NBA coach, leading the Suns to the playoffs the last four years and to the Western Conference finals in 2005 and 2006.

Former Knick Mark Jackson, ex-Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, fired Mavs coach Avery Johnson and Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau are also up for the Knicks’ job, with Jackson rumored to be the front-runner. But considering Jackson has also attracted some attention from the Bulls, why are the Knicks moving so slowly to strike a deal, if not that they are waiting to see if a proven winner, like D’Antoni, becomes available?

Our friend, Alan Hahn of Newsday, has more on the possibility of D’Antoni coming to the Garden.

Photo by AP

The Wizards, Hawks, and Rockets look to avoid elimination tonight. The Cavs, Celtics, and Jazz are all looking to end it. With Round 2 games already looming tomorrow (Hornets v. Spurs, Pistons v. Magic), who will step up in these crucial games?

Continue reading "A trio of game 6's: Who's going home?" »

amNewYork managing editor Pete Catapano will be sending us live updates from the Rangers Penguins game at Madision Square Garden.

Down 3-0 in the series, the Rangers had a solid, intense first period with no goals to show for it. No score after one

***

Celebrity sighting at game: Matt Dillon

***
At 12:09 of the second period still a lot of empty seats in the purple section of the garden. Best guess about 200. Strange.

***

Jagr wakes up lifeless crowd with goal at 7:15 of the second. 1-0 rangers

***

Malkin penalty shot at 17:53 shot saved. Second penalty shot save by Lundqvist this postseason

***

Brandon dubinsky scores on the power play 46 seconds in. 2-0 rangers

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9:20 rangers are cruising and are starting another power play after Sergei Goncahr's crosscheck

***

Got a little scuffle here near pens net. Crosby and Jagr pushing and shoving.

***

Jagr scores in empty net nmaking it 3-0 to put the game away. Now we have an end of game brawl. Ranger fans have gone from bitter to hopeful. Just gotta win three more.

I couldn’t even spell his name correctly on his goodbye cake. (It’s Erick with a “c” or a “k” — depending on one’s reference point.)
Naming issues aside, we hail Erick Blasco today, sports intern at amNewYork since November. Today was Erick’s final one at the office.
Only 20 years old, Erick shows a remarkable ability to analyze basketball both for us and for another one of his outlets, the open-source fan analysis site Bleacher Report.
Good luck in all your endeavors, my young friend!
— Max

The prevailing rumor at the moment is that Mark Jackson is the front-runner to become the next head coach of the Knicks. If he doesn't take the Knicks job, there are several other teams, such as the Bulls, who would love Jackson behind their bench.

While expectations might be low (how could they get lower than the eras of Isiah Thomas and Larry Brown), Knicks fans would likely prefer any candidate to have some level of experience. Marc Jackson is likely one exception to that rule, as a former Knick, but it got me to thinking about where he might gain experience on a slightly lower level.

Then it hit me like an errant Stephon Marbury jumper to the temple.

A college team, one that the city of New York has gotten behind in the past, but has fallen on hard times. A school that has emerged from scandal, but has thus far struggled to re-establish a winning identity.

They are the fifth-winningest program in NCAA Men's basketball history, with 1673 wins, and own the 7th best winning percentage (.680). They also have the 7th most NCAA tournament appearances (27), two Wooden National Player of the Year Award Winners, 11 consensus All-Americans, and 6 members of the Hall of Fame.

They play their home games at the World's Most Famous Arena. And it is the school where Jackson spent his collegiate career.

Give up?

Continue reading "Action Jackson" »

Now that A-Rod has reaggravated his quad injury (A-Quad anyone?), he's out of the lineup again tonight as the Yanks open a series at home against Detroit.

Also of note is the season debut of catcher Chris Stewart, who was called up after the injury of Jorge Posada.

Here's the line-up:

J. Damon CF
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
H. Matsui lf
J. Giambi dh
S. Duncan 1b
M. Ensberg 3b
R. Cano 2b
C. Stewart c

Roger Clemens had a 10-year affair with country songstress Mindy McCready, the New York Daily News is reporting.

The alleged affair began when the Rocket was still with the Boston Red Sox and McCready was only 15-years-old, the Daily News said.

The allegations surface as Clemens is in the midst of a bitter legal battle with former trainer Brian McNamee, after McNamee told George Mitchell during the MLB steroid investigation that the Rocket used steroids on several occasions.

I'm sure much more will come of this tomorrow.

--Lizzy

http://www.nydailynews.com

After 252 picks and 15 hours, we finally have our draft class of 2008, from Jake Long at #1 to this year's Mr. Irrelevant, David Vobora of Idaho.

The later rounds are important in building the foundations of teams, and occasionally a diamond in the rough emerges.

The Jets look to repeat their late-round draft prowess, having selected Leon Washington and Jerricho Cotchery, amongst others, on the second day of the draft. Day two looked like this for Gang Green:

Round 4, Pick 113: Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State

Round 5, Pick 162: Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee

Round 6, Pick 171: Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas

Round 7, Pick 211: Nate Garner, OT, Arkansas

The Jets tried to address skill positions on day 2 of the draft. Lowery and Garner have some potential, and Henry could be a solid #3 or #4 receiver. The most interesting pick Sunday for the Jets was the biggest name, Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge. Son of Celtics great Danny Ainge, Erik Ainge split time at quarterback his first two years at Tennessee, and dealt with injuries his other two years. While another weak-armed QB is not what the Jets need, Ainge has potential and could add more intrigue to the upcoming season's battle between Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens.

The Giants had arguably the best draft class by far in 2007, with almost every pick contributing in some way to their playoff run and eventual Super Bowl victory. Ahmad Bradshaw and Kevin Boss figured greatly in their offensive scheme. Here's how day two went down for Big Blue:

Round 3, Pick 95: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan

Round 4, Pick 123: Bryan Kehl, OLB, BYU

Round 5, Pick 165: Jonathan Goff, ILB, Vanderbilt

Round 6, Pick 198: Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky

Round 6, Pick 199: Robert Henderson, DE, Southern Mississippi

The G-Men took a couple fliers on offensive skill players, while adding depth to their lineback core and D-line. Manningham is a very solid, albeit undersized wide receiver who has an uncanny ability of getting open (as an unabashed Notre Dame fan that sentence is painful to write, and resonates with the pain of witnessing such catches first-hand). Woodson has the raw talent and size to be a great quarterback, but the intangibles and game management skills just don't seem up to snuff.

***

The other big story on Sunday was the selection of the Detroit Lions at pick 218. They selected Caleb Campbell, a safety from the United States Military Academy, otherwise known as Army. Because of recent changes in Army's terms of service, Campbell will now be able to immediately play in the NFL without having active military service. If he makes the Lions, and continues to play, he will still technically remain "active", though his service will essentially be spending some time at recruitment centers around Detroit.

The somewhat silent crowd at Radio City gave Campbell, who was in attendance, a hearty cheer upon hearing his name called. Campbell then got some airtime on the ESPN network, joining Mel Kiper and Co. for a short interview, followed by a video conference with his new head coach, Rod Marinelli who, they pointed out, was a Vietnam veteran himself. That's not the only tie that Campbell has to the Lions. Matt Millen's son Marcus was a teammate of Campbell's at Army.

A good way to end the weekend in this blogger's humble opinion.
(Caleb Campbell photo c/o usma.edu)

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Day one of the NFL Draft was over and done in six hours, flying by in comparison to past drafts. The Jets and the Giants each made two selections:

New York Jets

Round 1, Pick 6
Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

With Darren McFadden off the board at four, and Glenn Dorsey going to the Chiefs at five, the Jets selected the best remaining player in Gholston. A hybrid LB/DE, Gholston will fit well in coach Mangini's defense. Do you remember the game "Kill the guy with the ball" that you may have played when you were a kid? Gholston is the guy you'd pick first from this draft class. And that's what he'll (hopefully) be doing for the Jets for years to come.

Round 1, Pick 30
Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue

The Jets jumped back into the first round to grab Dustin Keller, a pass-catching Tight End from Purdue. Keller was not projected as a first round talent, but the Jets likely heard whispers that someone was either going to pick Keller, or trade up ahead of their early second round spot to grab him. He's not an incredible blocker, but he's big and fast, so he should be able to light up linebackers and nickel corners for the Jets. Whoever the Jets decide is their quarterback will see immediate help from Keller.

New York Giants

Round 1, Pick 32
Kenny Phillips, S, Miami

The Giants closed out round one by selecting Kenny Phillips of Miami, filling in the hole at safety left by Gibril Wilson, who they lost in free agency. Phillips is a bit raw, but he has speed and a wealth of potential. Depending on his progress, either he or Sammy Knight will start for the G-Men this year. The Giants improve their secondary here, and help add some youth to a veteran club.

Round 2, Pick 64
Terrell Thomas, CB, USC

More help for the aging Giants secondary comes in the form of Terrell Thomas of Southern Cal. He's a versatile big man with speed, but injury problems dogged Thomas in college, including two separated shoulders and torn knee ligaments. This is a gamble by the Giants, but it could pay off in spades if he stays healthy.

Other Highlights:

- Matt Ryan went to the Falcons with the third pick. Atlanta decided to make Ryan the face of their franchise, but it remains to be seen if Ryan will live up to the hype.

- The Raiders selected Darren McFadden at number four, adding yet another running back to their already plentiful stable of rushers. He'll sit atop a depth chart that also features LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush, who they drafted last year. Jets fans were notably upset at Radio City, but it's unclear as to whether or not this was related to the selection of McFadden.

- Joe Flacco of Delaware was the second quarterback selected in this year's draft. A Jersey guy who went to Pittsburgh before transferring to Delaware, Flacco continues his slow migration south by landing in Baltimore.

- For the first time since 1990, there were no wide receivers taken in round one. Even more surprising was that Donnie Avery of Houston was the one to break that trend, though he did set off a chain reaction that ended with ten wide receivers being selected in round two.

- Both the Dolphins and Packers selected quarterbacks in Round two, despite the fact that each had drafted a high-profile QB in the past several years. Aaron Rodgers waited until pick 23 in his draft, despite the fact he was tagged as a top-10 talent, and went through an endless saga with Brett Favre before finally grabbing the starting job in Green Bay. Now he has Brian Brohm breathing down his neck. John Beck hasn't had a chance to do anything in Miami, and already Chad Henne is there to compete for the job with him. Yikes.

The NFL Draft continues today at 10 a.m. Stay tuned for more coverage.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

After a seemingly endless off-season (o.k. maybe it wasn't that long), football becomes the center of all sports conversation for the next two days, as the 2008 NFL Draft comes at you live from Radio City Music Hall.

The draft has been held in New York since 1965, and has been held in a number of famous locations, including Madison Square Garden, the Javits Center, and at Radio City since 2006. If comments by Roger Goodell, featured in this article are any indication, the draft may be leaving New York after this year.

This is a bit of a shame for New Yorkers, who have grown accustomed to attending the draft every year. The Jets fans, often furious with the terrible pick their team has made (and who wouldn't be? After starting off strong with Hall of Famers Joe Namath and John Riggins, the Jets have drafted such stalwarts as Johnny Mitchell, Blair Thomas, and Kyle Brady over Warren Sapp). The Giants fans, mercilessly taunting the Jets fans.

Anyway, enough of the sad news. Here's a quick mock draft, for those of you out there who haven't quite seen enough of them, of the top ten picks plus the Giants' selection to end the round.

1) Miami Dolphins:Jake Long, OT, Michigan
The Dolphins have already signed the first Long to go in this draft to a contract, and he'll help to sure up their unsteady o-line. The first on a laundry list of issues starts is achieved, but it's a long road back for the Fish.

2) St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Despite the shortening of first round selections to 10 minutes this year, the Rams will give the fans a Long experience to make them feel right at home. (insert laugh track here)

3) Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
The need to sure up the defensive line and take a sure-thing will outweigh the desire to select a franchise quarterback and a face of the organization.

4) Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Oakland continues to stockpile running backs. Maybe Al Davis is trying to attract Matt Millen to help him run the Raiders.

5) Kansas City Chiefs: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
They traded Jared Allen, and Herm Edwards is on a campaign to do anything and everything to make sure his running backs don't have long careers, which seems to go against drafting an O-lineman.

6) New York Jets: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Yes, the Jets drafted a QB in the second round just two years ago. Yes, they have a serviceable veteran who can still grit his way through a majority of games in any given season. Gang Green will shop Matt Ryan, and realize teams like the Ravens 'loved him, but weren't in love with him', leaving the Jets with three quarterbacks, a whole lot of holes in their roster, and one more reason for the Jets faithful to boo the hell out of the commissioner.

7) New England Patriots:
Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Belichick continues his trend of picking tough guys with a lot of grit, and the Pats will go for the solid guy over the flash. Matt Light isn't getting any younger, and Nick Kaczur doesn't strike fear into the heart of any D-Linemen.

8) Baltimore Ravens: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
The Ravens will hope that Ryan falls to them here, but shrug their shoulders and get themselves some much-needed help for their secondary

9) Cincinnatti Bengals: Sedrick Ellis, DE, USC
Despite crossing their fingers and hoping that McFadden would fall to them, assuring them of maintaining their 'gangsta' image, the Bengals go value here and get a very solid value with this d-lineman.

10) New Orleans Saints: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
The Saints shore up their shaky D by strengthening their secondary. McKelvin also has some return skills

31) New England Patriots: No One. They lost this pick for spying on the Jets.
Who knows how bad it could get if the Matt Walsh situation leads to anything.

32) New York Giants: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Since their likely going to lose Jeremy Shockey, they have to keep up their Hurricane quota, and they'll improve their secondary in the process.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

With the NFL Draft, live from Radio City Music Hall, just 3 days away, we look today at the Jake Long, the offensive tackle the Dolphins have already agreed to terms with and have declared as the number one pick of this year's draft.

The Dolphins' scouts went to all new levels to test some of Long's intangibles before signing him. For example, this is one of the tests they gave him for hand-eye coordination:

Thanks to Deadspin for the video

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Benny the Bull, the scarlet-furred symbol of my childhood loyalty to the Chicago Bulls, is being sued for a high-five gone quite wrong.

I wish I could tell you that the Bulls' mascot accidentally grabbed someone's butt upon missing their hand, but alas, Benny — What??? He's not a bull? There's a real person underneath named Barry Anderson? — grabbed the arm of oral surgeon Don Kalant at a Feb. 12 basketball game. Anderson was falling forward in this action, hyperextending the doc's arm and rupturing his bicep, according to the lawsuit.

Kalant wants unspecified damages for hospital bills, pain and the four months of work he'll has to miss for his injury. All poor Benny wanted was someone to break his fall.
— Emily Ngo

Alex Rodriguez, the three-time MVP, became a D-A-D for the second time yesterday.

With A-Rod at her side, his wife, Cynthia, 34, gave birth to a 7-pound, 9-ounce girl in Miami, team officials said.

“We are thrilled with the birth of our second daughter and the blessing of having two beautiful, healthy daughters in our lives,” Rodriguez said.

The couple also has a 3-year-old daughter, Natasha. The newborn’s name has not yet been released

A-Rod, who is nursing the right quad he strained Sunday at Baltimore, missed Tuesday night’s game at the Chicago White Sox and isn’t expected to return to the Yankees until Thursday.

AP Photo