TAMPA – It will never reach the madness level that surrounded the George, Billy and Reggie Yankee teams of the late 1970s. But today has a chance to provide the type of turbulence that hasn’t been experienced in the Joe Torre Era.
Derek Jeter will respond to the masses about George Steinbrenner attacking his character in December.
Jason Giambi takes a physical and answers question about Steinbrenner considerably slicing Giambi’s personal trainer, Bobby Alejo’s, access.
And then there is Hideki Matsui, Steinbrenner’s $21 million marketing investment and left fielder, who will meet the media at 1 p.m. in a specially erected tent on the grounds of Legends Field.
As always, Steinbrenner’s presence will be everywhere. Jeter will talk about him. Giambi, too. And Matsui will be asked if he has talked to The Boss.
Yesterday, for the second time in three days, Steinbrenner refused to talk to the press and was escorted away from the media by two security members after lunching with GM Brian Cashman.
Agent Arn Tellem and Cashman insist Giambi is at peace with Alejo’s accessibility being slashed. Yet Giambi is a creature of comfort, and he is very comfortable with Alejo around everywhere. So, that will bear watching.
“You guys better have the ink ready,” Roger Clemens said to reporters.
Nobody expects Jeter to bury Steinbrenner with criticism, because that’s not Jeter’s style. However, he remains steamed about Steinbrenner’s comments that Jeter lost focus last year because he stayed out too late.
“He will probably answer four or five questions and that’s it,” said Jorge Posada, Jeter’s closest friend on the team.
“I don’t think it’s going to go on and on and answer every question. Hopefully it’s not going to take away from what we have to do that day, but I think it’s going to be all right. Derek is one of the best at preparing himself. He is a guy we need.”
As for the Matsui and the 50 Japanese media reps who hang on his every hair movement, Torre is ready for the daily distraction Matsui brings simply by showing up.
“Mayhem,” Torre said when asked what today will be like with Matsui slated to hold a news conference. “But we are the Yankees and we are used to mayhem.”
Asked about Matsui’s media coverage serving as a distraction, Torre said there would be times when it is.
“We are prepared for it, but will it be fun and games all the time?” Torre asked. “I doubt it.”
Torre doesn’t expect Jeter to rip The Boss but did admit the issue still hurts his All-Star shortstop and team leader.
“I don’t think it will be as dramatic as everybody anticipates,” Torre said. “Just knowing Jeter, I think he would like to put this to sleep, because I know his favorite thing is to play baseball. I don’t think anything has to be said or done to have his mind clear.
“Unlike some athletes, he knows he is a role model, and that’s an area he holds very dear, the way he has conducted himself. We have known him long enough to know what to expect when he comes to the ballpark. In the short version, I hope everything is over by [today] if that’s what needs to be done.
“We have more important things to deal with, and he knows that. I don’t know what he will say, but my guess is that he wants to put it to sleep.”
Nothing will ever match George, Billy and Reggie. But today, a “Fasten Seat Belt” sign inside the Yankees’ universe is lit due to turbulence.