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andrew


What drove you to write this book

Buster Olney
  (2:57 PM)


Hey, folks -- how's it going? Incredible day here in the Northeast; hope the rest of you have something close to it... Let's get going. Andrew: I finished on the Yankees' beat with the New York Times at the end of the 2001 season and contracted the book shortly thereafter. Then, as I did the research, it became much more clear that that era of 1996 to 2001, ending in Game 7 in Arizona, was distinct and separate, in the same way that the Babe Ruth Yankees ended in 1932 and the Joe DiMaggio Yankees began in 1936, and the Mickey Mantle era started in 1951. As Jeter said for the book, it's a different chapter now.

Justin H. (CT)


I have been saying it since the All-Star break, the Sox are going to win the AL East, but everytime I say it people laugh, especially since im in yankee territory. They are 5 1/2 back now, I think they have a legite chance at winning it, what do you think?

Buster Olney
  (3:00 PM)


Bill -- Can't see it, although they at least are making it interesting. The Yankees' offense will beat up on the awful AL East schedule for much of September, and they'll hang on; strong pitching is not required against the Jays, O's, Devil Rays. But I do think the Red Sox will win the wildcard, and will be dangerous in October, especially if Derek Lowe keeps getting a little better each time out.

Rat


Are the Cardinals lucky or really that good?

Buster Olney
  (3:02 PM)


Rat: They are really that good. Their defense, on a daily basis, is probably the best and most consistent element that any contender brings to the park -- and will bring in October. It's natural to have some of the same questions about the Cards' lack of power pitching as there are about the Yankees' lack of dominant starters...

Andrew P - CT


Who is your favorite Yankee of all time? Why?

Buster Olney
  (3:04 PM)


When I covered the team, I enjoyed watching El Duque pitch the most. He could be surly and unpredictable in conversation, but on the mound, he seemed to navigate his way through each threat, and never in the same way. And he was (is) fearless as an October pitcher.

Claudell, NJ


Since you covered the Yankees so closely: Was naming Jeter captain the right thing? Does he have leadership qualities?

Buster Olney
  (3:06 PM)


Claudell: It was probably inevitable that Jeter would be named captain, but at the time it was done, it was as much a slap at Joe Torre and others in the organization as it was a compliment to Jeter. He is a leader, but maybe in the same way that Mattingly was a leader -- by example, playing hard, occasionally calling out people but not as a habit. I think Derek expects other people to play hard and would greatly prefer they take care of their own business.

John (Portland, ME)


Do you think the Yankees regret making the Loaiza for Contreras trade now?

Buster Olney
  (3:09 PM)


John: Nope, not at all. I think they thought there was a good chance Contreras would thrive elsewhere, but after a year-and-a-half of feeling like they had to babysit him -- and feeling as if he would never be comfortable in the big moments while playing in New York -- their modus operandi was to save as much money from his contract as possible. I don't think they had much expectation that Loaiza would be that good; the only sure thing, from the Yankees' perspective, was they could save a little cash from a lost investment that they thought Contreras had become. They've never doubted his talent, only his ability to hold up under big-time pressure.

Kory, IL


Nomar has sat out the past two games for the Cubs, are the Cubs going to get good production from him? And what is your take on the Sosa saga?

Buster Olney
  (3:12 PM)


Kory -- It's almost as if the Sammy soap opera is destined to end in the same way Nomar's did in Boston. All the same elements are in place: Sensitive and older star, heavy media and fan interest. Wouldn't surprise me if Sammy comes back and has another burst of home runs, but he won't age gracefully as a hitter in the same way that Bonds has simply because he doesn't have the same kind of discipline. He hacks at everything, his bat has slowed down, and pitchers will be able to exploit this. As he strikes out more for high pay, he's going to get booed, he's going to be unhappy, and it won't end well. It's kind of sad...

Mike (Moorpark, CA)


Hey Buster! Ok, since the question was brought up regarding the Cards, what about the Dodgers? Are they as good as their record indicates or are they just lucky?

Buster Olney
  (3:16 PM)


Mike -- They aren't lucky; they're better than anyone really knows, I think, because they've got a good defensive infield, Beltre has been incredible and the back of their bullpen was remarkable for four months. I was one of those who really thought the Mota trade was bad for the '04 Dodgers -- maybe it'll be better for '05 and '06, but not this year -- and clearly, they've got a problem now. Gagne's work load has increased dramatically, Dreifort is out for the year (and if they assumed he would stay healthy, they haven't paid attention to his injury history) and now a strength has become a weakness. But, who knows -- I don't think there are really any dominant short-series teams in the NL right now, as they are playing...

Chris (Pittsburgh, PA)


Hey Buster.. I wonder if you've heard about the HBO show which explores the importance of the 2001 series in New York after the terrorist attacks. From the ads, it seems to overstate the importance of baseball in our society, but I'm curious as to your take on this subject...Thanks!

Buster Olney
  (3:17 PM)


Chris: I worked with them some on this and I've seen it -- within the show itself, it does not go overboard. Some of the billings and marketing for the show probably does go a little far. But the show itself -- terrific.

Jay (Larchmont, N.Y.)


Buster, how much credit should Brian Chashman get for the Yankees' success, and the scouting dept. as well?

Buster Olney
  (3:19 PM)


Jay: Cashman deserves a ton of credit, particularly for the 2000 Yankees, when he made some great deals. Gene Michael and Buck Showalter clearly were the architects of the dynasty of 1996-2001, and I wrote quite a bit about them...

Eric (Miami)


Edgar HOF or not? It looks like Bernie Williams will wind up with numbers comparable to Edgar's (not to mention a few gold gloves and World Series rings) and I don't think Bernie is a HOFer.

Buster Olney
  (3:20 PM)


Eric -- No on Edgar going into the Hall of Fame; I don't think he's close. And right now, I don't think Bernie is close to being a Hall of Famer. He's got to put up a couple of more years of real production to move into HOF territory.

Kyle (Long Beach)


What are the angels chances of going deep in the playoffs?

Buster Olney
  (3:22 PM)


Kyle: I like them a lot, particularly after seeing them against the Yankees all weekend. Very deep bullpen, serviceable starting pitching, power arms, great baserunning team, good hitters... I think they'll win the AL West, although it will be a hell of a finish with the Rangers, A's and Anaheim all beating the heck out of each other.

steve(Baltimore)


Buster, who wins the NL MVP and why. In my personel opinion it has to be Bonds, he is single handly carrying the team and his #'s are out of this universe

Buster Olney
  (3:23 PM)


Steve: hands down, not even close, Bonds. As Mike Schmidt said, the guy changes the basic dynamic of every game he plays in, and he's the only position player about whom this can be said.

Twonk (Boston)


Were Games 4 and 5 of the 2001 World Series the most exciting games you ever covered?

Buster Olney
  (3:26 PM)


Twonk: No doubt. I was standing at the back of the press box at the end of Game 5, with the Yankees down two runs; I had already filed a deadline story reflecting the fact that the Yankees had lost and trailed in the series, 3-2. When Brosius hit his tying-homer, I just couldn't believe it. That situation had only happened once before in WS history, in 1929, and then the Yankees did it on back-to-back nights. Incredible fun.

JC St. Paul, MN


Why don't the Twins receive more credit around the league? Is any team better at trading for prospects and developing players?

Buster Olney
  (3:28 PM)


JC: Among executives, Terry Ryan is very highly respected, and personally, I think he's done the best job of any GM in recent years. The reason why he isn't given as much attention is that there wasn't a major book written about him, as there was about Billy Beane; among people in the game, however, he is highly regarded, and very much liked.

John (Houston, TEX


Buster- Halfway through the book- It's terrific. It seems a given that Beltran will be a Yankee next year. True?

Buster Olney
  (3:30 PM)


John: Thanks for your thoughts about the book. I think it's all but certain Beltran will be with the Yankees next year. It has the same feel as Giambi all through 2001 -- tino was on the team, but we all knew George would spend like crazy to get Giambi, the best free agent, in the off-season.

Peter (NY)


The title of your book implies that the Yankee dynasty is over, so then what exactly are the Yankees doing right now?? are they on the decline?

Buster Olney
  (3:33 PM)


Peter: I think the Yankee dynasty, as we discuss it now, ended in Game 7 in Arizona in 2001 -- in the same way the Babe Ruth dynasty ended in 1932, in the same way the DiMaggio era began in '36, etc. The team has turned over dramatically in recent years; only three regulars remain from '96, only four with continuous service remain from the last Yankees' team that won in '00. And by the Yankee standards -- by Steinbrenner's standard -- any season that doesn't end with a title is a failure. As Jeter noted, the Yankees' tradition might go on, but that chapter is over. Maybe the A-Rod years will begin...

Duncan (Londonderry, NH)


Hey Buster, who is the best pitcher and the best hitter in baseball right now in your opinion?

Buster Olney
  (3:34 PM)


Duncan: Best pitcher is Jason Schmidt, best hitter is Barry Bonds.

Brian (Anaheim)


Do u think both the dodger and angels be in postseason this year?

Buster Olney
  (3:35 PM)


Brian: Absolutely. I think the Angels will be more dangerous than the Dodgers, because of their bullpen.

Matt (Houston)


What is your take on the payroll situation with the Yankees compared to small market teams like the Royals. Personally I think it is unfair to the players and more importantly the fans of those teams. MLB should use a cap and a floor. Something like a minimum of 60-70 Million and a max of 110 Million or so. I know it would never get through, but it is something that is needed.

Buster Olney
  (3:37 PM)


Matt: In a perfect world, they would all have the same resources and the same payroll, and then let the best team win. But it's not going to happen; the owners let that horse out of the barn years ago, and they'll never get it back. What they have now, with revenue sharing and luxury tax, is probably as good as it's every going to get. The Yankees will be the financial rabbit no one can catch, and I don't blame them for doing everything they can for winning within the rules of the system. Can't blame teams like the Royals for being upset, either. It's like a market fight between the local hardware store and Home Depot...

Andrew


What in your opinion happened to Chuck Knowblock when he came to the yankees

Buster Olney
  (3:38 PM)


Andrew: It's complicated, because of his father's illness that came on when he joined the Yankees, but purely and simply: He became afraid to make a mistake on the field, while throwing or running the bases or (later) catching the ball.

Hennelly Mekon


Thanks for chatting, Buster! The latest ESPN Power Rankings recently picked Bobby Cox for N.L. Manager of the Year; the Braves will exceed their expected win total by 8 or 10 victories, and St. Louis will surpass theirs by at least 20-25! Who's your pick for N.L. & A.L. best managers of '04? Thanks!

Buster Olney
  (3:40 PM)


Hennelly: Tony La Russa and Buck Showalter should be the MOY, with Cox, Torre, Piniella, Tracy getting some votes...

Bradley (Alhambra, CA)


Its assumed that Bonds and Schimdt will win NL MVP and CY Young, but who from the AL will win each of these?

Buster Olney
  (3:42 PM)


Bradley: I'd lean toward guys with winning teams. Mulder is the Cy Young right now for me; and the MVP -- a tough one. Right now, probably Sheffield, over Tejada. But the MVP is completely wide open.

Claudell, NJ


You said Knoblauch seemed afraid of making a mistake. Couldn't that also be said of other big stars who came to NY and didn't succeed (a la Giambi, Contreras)??

Buster Olney
  (3:43 PM)


Claudell: Absolutely agree with you.

Kevin SF,CA


Please give me something to hang onto as the Yanks started a downward spiral. Can they compete come October?

Buster Olney
  (3:44 PM)


Kevin: They've still got time for their three primary starters to recover their great stuff -- Vazquez, Brown and Mussina. Their defense is better, the back end of their bullpen is strong, Sheffield could be a monster in the post-season. But they've got to get more power stuff from those three guys before the playoffs start, I think...

Jeff, Houston


Any truth to the Glavine to Red Sox rumors?

Buster Olney
  (3:46 PM)


Jeff: I haven't heard that, other than in rumors; put in some calls and am waiting to hear back.

Kelso (NYC)


When Torre retires, the next manager of the Yankees will be: (A) Willie Randolph; (B) Lou Piniella; (C) Bobby Valentine; (D) someone else?

Buster Olney
  (3:48 PM)


Kelso: I like the Valentine suggestion. That fits George, and I don't think Mattingly will be frothing for the job. As the Yankees' coaches always said, you don't want to be the guy to replace Joe, you want to be the guy who replaces the guy who replaced Joe. Bobby would not be afraid of the challenge to take over for Joe, and he and Steinbrenner have a nice relationship, as detailed by Larry Rocca of the Newark Star-Ledger...

Jamie Denver


Is it impossible for the Yankees to trade for a pitcher with the sox below them on waivers?

Buster Olney
  (3:49 PM)


Jamie -- The Red Sox have to put in a claim to block the Yankees. In other words, if the Red Sox put in a claim on Randy Johnson, the Yankees cannot get him. Surprisingly, Boston let Wells get through them to the Yankees -- but the Yankees didn't get a deal done with the Padres.

Michael NY,NY


how good will scott kazmir be tonight and in the future? what were the mets thinking?

Buster Olney
  (3:50 PM)


Michael: I thought the Mets were nuts. They weren't good enough to make those kinds of deals; you don't give up prospects unless you are on the cusp of contention, and they were not. Really bad trades...

chris(Charlotte)


Do you think George will pay what ever it takes to get Pedro in the off season?

Buster Olney
  (3:51 PM)


Chris: There are Yankees' executives who very much hope the Red Sox sign Pedro to a long-term deal, because they know George will jump in and offer him big money -- and the Yanks' execs are afraid Pedro will finally break down at some point during his next contract.

santa maria, ca


great chats buster. but tell me, do the Mariners break up their current team, and if they do, who stays and who goes??

Buster Olney
  (3:53 PM)


Santa Maria: They've got a lot of work to do ahead of them, and they started by nudging out Olerud. Too bad; they missed their window of opportunity in '01-'03, when they probably could've done more to augment the team in midseason.

Michael (LA)


If the Dodgers don't resign Beltre, who are the leading contenders? Seattle?

Buster Olney
  (3:54 PM)


Michael: The Dodgers' people feel confident they will work out a deal with Beltre. It's going to be very important to new ownership to keep him, and they'll go the extra mile to make it happen. Like the theory about the Mariners, though...

rockville, MD


Why cant the orioles ever come out of their division winners, or even make the wild card? Evry year they are supposed to do it. Is it 'cuz they are with the Yanks and Sox or is there something else?

Buster Olney
  (3:56 PM)


Rockville: Wrote a section about the Orioles in the book -- the Yankees' execs view Baltimore as the great sleeping giant. The basic problem is that owner Peter Angelos, while not a classic meddler, does not easily trust people and won't sign off on decisions quickly enough for the team to act. The Orioles always seem to be scrambling in January to fill their holes, weeks after other teams. They should have been involved in guys like John Thomson last winter, and simply did not move fast enough.

Chris, NY


Buster, please take this question to put it to rest! and thanks for chatting! Whats so wrong with the Yankees lpaying by the rules??? Also, people seem to forget that the herat and soul of the Yanks - Jeter , Bernie, Rivera and Posada are ALL HOME GROWN. Something alot of teams don't have now adays. Also, yank haters seem to forget that their teams are doing the same ting - Cubs, Mets, BoSox, Giants, Astros, etc. all have star players that are NOT homegrown... your take??!?!

Buster Olney
  (3:57 PM)


The Yankees play by the rules, I agree. The rules might be flawed, but you can't blame the Yankees for that. George tries his best to win within the system, with all of his resources, and if he did anything less, I think that would be more of a travesty.

Scott (CT)


Now that the Red Sox have a strong starting rotation, bullpen, and legitimate closer in Keith Foulke. How do you stack them up against the Yanks now that the Sox offense is firing on all cylinders, and which team do you like better statistically from both an offensive and defensive standpoint?

Buster Olney
  (3:59 PM)


If the playoffs started today, the Red Sox and Angels would be the most dangerous teams in the AL, I think, Scott. The Boston rotation could be dominant, although they do need to get somebody else going in their middle relief... I think their improved defense makes their whole staff better...

Jason (Boston)


Buster, what other teams do you like? The Pistons? The Lightning? The Patriots? Just curious....

Buster Olney
  (4:01 PM)


Jason: Sorry, man -- I was scrambling today. Grew up rooting for some major losers. Vikings (0-for-4), Dodgers (losses in '74, '77, '78), Kings in hockey and Lakers in hoops (the '80s were great). Again, sorry about that... Hey folks, my time is up -- but thanks for your questions, and thanks for your interest. Take care.

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