A-Rod fever, let's predict his 2007 HR total ?

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>A very strange "twist of justice" is happening in NY this month. All the Alex Rodriguez "naysayers"<br /> are eating their nasty words from last year. A-Rod has comeback with a vengenance to shut-up<br /> his critics (especially the sports media) and those hyper-finicky Yankee fans.<br /> A-Rod is a "winner"....while the Yankees are "losing"....that's poetic justice....I love it !<br /><br />Here's his #'s so far.....<br /><br />14 HR's in 18 games (fastest start ever)<br /><br />BA = .400<br /><br />RBI = 34<br /><br />and, a 22-game hitting streak<br /><br />Anyone want to venture a guess as to how many HR's he will hit this season ? ?<br /><br />T-Rex TED<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Jason</b><p>64

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Posted By: <b>Rob</b><p>59<br /><br />i'm a huge yankee fan (and whatever team is playing the "sawx") and would love to see him break bonds' single season record, but i think a-rod will start trying to hit the HRs and mentally it could hurt him.

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Posted By: <b>Phil Garry</b><p>54

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Posted By: <b>john/z28jd</b><p> If it means the Yankees dont make the playoffs,he can hit 100 homers and i wouldnt care. The day they get eliminated ill even start rooting for him and chanting m-v-p

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Posted By: <b>Steve M.</b><p>Is there a prize?

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Posted By: <b>Patrick McHugh</b><p>I think he will hit 76 hr this year.

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Posted By: <b>Marty Ogelvie</b><p>I'm really excited to see A-Rod off to a hot start but if the Yankees don't get some pitching fast, geez.. This seems to happen almost every year. Someone comes out of the gate hotter than (insert clever medaphor here!)<br /><br />It was so frustrating to watch the Yankees score and score last night only to see the D-Rays counter punch every single bottom half. I finally stopped watching after the bases clearing triple in the bottom of the (I think) 7th.. I should have stayed up and watched Alex belt #14 but as exciting as that might have been, the Yankees were still down by 2!!!! <br /><br />Baring injury, I suspect A Rod to hit 50 or 60 but it doesn't mean much anymore. I am really numb to 50 or 60 HRs.. so what. I remember in the late 70s when the Big Red Machine was rolling and George Foster hit 52 one year. 52! WOW, I was totally amazed at that number. I was so hyped to think, he might hit 60 next year!!! It really blew me away. To make 52 even more amazing, Foster came back to life the next year with only 40 and never again hit over 30. 50 HRs used to mean something. 60 was unimaginable. I miss those days, a lot. It makes me wish I could have seen Maris' 61 in 1961. <br /><br />Perhaps one of you veterans who witnessed the Summer of '61 can chime in and give me a glimpse of what it must have felt like to be a baseball fan during that run. I hope the stigma of playing 162 vs 154 did not dimish the feat in most fans eyes.<br /><br /><br><br>martyOgelvie<br />nyyankeecards.com

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Posted By: <b>Scott Raasch</b><p>Well, baseball is a streaky game. A lot of hitters have some incredible streaks - of varying length. A-Rod has shown he can be a great hitter. He has had some monster years at the plate. But, one question remains for me: "Why can't A-Rod make his team better?"<br /><br />When he signed that monster contract with the Rangers he followed up with some great stats at the plate - but his team was a loser. Now he's on a tear again - and the Yankees are losing. Albert Pujols make the Cards a lot better team - he helps them win. Ryan Howard made the Phillies a better team last year. I could go on with a lot of examples. But A-Rod does not make for a better team. Why is that???

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Posted By: <b>Peter Spaeth</b><p>Obviously you can't draw any conclusions from a couple of at bats, but nonetheless who made the last outs, both with men on base in one run games, in Boston this weekend?

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>The Mantle fans and the media far outnumbered the cheers for Maris. The kid from Fargo was booed,<br /> and the media pressure was horrendous. Especially when Mickey, who was leading with 54 HR's, went<br /> on the disabled list in the last 2 weeks of the season.<br /><br />But, when Phil Rizzuto, in the broadcast booth, called (in the Scooter's inimatable fashion), Maris' 61st<br /> HR, it was great. And, as kids, we were really excited and didn't care that he did it in the 162nd game.<br />It was the media, who made a "big stink" about qualifying Maris' great record-breaking achievement.<br /><br />TED Z <br />

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Posted By: <b>Marty Ogelvie</b><p>Without A Rod, the Yanks loose 10-2 last night. A Rod went 4-5, 3 RBIs and scored 4 runs. He obviously makes them better just not good enough to win, if only he could pitch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br><br>martyOgelvie<br />nyyankeecards.com

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Posted By: <b>Bill Stone</b><p>In 1956 my favorite player was Dale Long . Having watched him when he played for the Hollywood Stars I continued ( as an 11 year old) to follow closely his career in the major leagues. I used to cut out and save every box score in the paper. In April 1956 he hit two home runs in one game and then in May 1956 he began his fantastic streak of 8 home runs in 8 consecutive games. Well I began to plot out the remainder of the season and figured that he would easily beat Babe Ruth's record and be the next home run king. Sadly for me he ended the 1956 season with 27 home runs --total ! Now I wish the best to A-Rod but I am guessing 47 total for the year.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>114.

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Posted By: <b>JK</b><p>Peter, <br /><br />I know ARod has a bad rap for not getting clutch hits and I know Boston is a big series, but I think that its a bit unfair to be calling him out for not getting hits in the Boston games without also mentioning that he has already walk off HRs in two games and had another two run shot in the 9th last night to give the Yankees a fighting chance.

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Posted By: <b>Steve M.</b><p>He'll hit my age.

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Posted By: <b>Jay</b><p>A-Rod has proved in the past that he wilts under media attention (more attention=greater wilt)so I think he will slump late and end up with 43 homers. He will then be traded in the off season for Roy Oswalt and Morgan Ensberg and will hit 83 homers next season for the Astros.

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Posted By: <b>JK</b><p>Scott,<br /><br />Actually, ARod does make the team better. In fact, offensively, he makes them much better. What he doesnt and cant do is provide the Yankees with decent pitching and once you get to the playoffs, pitching is the name of the game - just look at last year's playoffs as an example - Yankees win the division but cant get it done in the playoffs. Frankly, they have not had decent pitching since ARod joined the team. <br /><br />As far as the Rangers, their inability to win was, in a way, due to ARod - I think his contract was so big that it literally prevented them from surrounding him with decent talent, including, again, pitching. While the Rangers were cash strapped, the Yankees have less of an excuse since they can afford almost any player they want - they simply have wasted their money on older players past their prime (Johnson, etc.) or made poor free agent choices (Pavano, etc.).

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Posted By: <b>Josh Adams</b><p>He'll hit 35 hrs. <br /><br />The Yanks just aren't that good, and they don't have any pitching. A-Rod is a superstar though, and as someone else said, if only he could pitch!<br><br>Go Go White Sox<br />2005 World Series Champions!

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Truthfully, I think he can hit over 60 and break Maris's AL record if he stays healthy. Unlike Bonds, who had little protection and walked 200 times, A-Rod will see more good pitches. I don't think he will hit 70.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>Ever since Steinbrenner and Cashman shook up the pitching staff several years ago by letting go Clemons,<br /> Pettitte, "El Duque", and even Wells (one the best post-season pitchers in recent years) the Yankees have<br /> been losers.<br /><br />There has not been a reliable set-up pitcher for a while and you can't expect Rivera to keep saving games<br /> year after year.<br /><br />And, it bothers me to say all this, since I have been an avid Yankee fan since 1949.<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>Ryan Christoff</b><p>A-Rod is a loser, plain and simple. He is the anti-Jeter. Talk to me in October. I will gladly eat these words if A-Rod comes up big in the postseason and leads the Yankees to a World Series victory. This great run he's on now, and it truly IS great, is still just a hot streak in the single most meaningless month of the season. <br /><br />He's just making it worse for himself. When he chokes in October, everyone will look back to how great he was early in the season and suddenly remember what a loser he really is. <br /><br />Incredibly talented player. May wind up holding nearly every lifetime batting record there is. But what does that have to do with the Yankees winning the World Series? <br /><br />It doesn't matter if he hits 100 HRs this year, he CANNOT redeem himself in the regular season. I don't care if he hits homers in every one of his at-bats for the rest of the season, unless it translates into a Yankees World Series victory that he was instrumental in, he is still a loser. Just the Yankees winning it all won't redeem A-Rod unless they win BECAUSE of him, not IN SPITE of him. <br /><br />I'm actually surprised any Yankee fan could jump on this A-Rod bandwagon. <br /><br />You can keep Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi and all their numbers. I'll take Scott Brosius and Tino Martinez any day of the week. Especially if that week is in October, when it matters. <br /><br />-Ryan<br />

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Posted By: <b>Andrew Parks</b><p>"Why doesn't A-Rod make his team better?"<br /><br />One person does less for a team's success in baseball than any other sport. A player only has about four chances every game to do something offensely. In football, you can control what guys touch the ball. In basketball, it's the same...same as hockey.<br /><br />But in baseball, you have no control when your players will have an impact on the game. After the first inning, it's a turkey shoot as to when which player will get up to bat when and what situation.<br /><br />Defensively, your most important guy is the pitcher, but he only pitches once every five games. <br /><br />If a baseball team can not throw strikes and play defense, it doesn't matter if you have Ruth, Gehrig or Foxx hitting for you, you will not win. I repeat...you will not win!<br /><br />Even Babe Ruth's teams only won 10 pennants in 22 years. But they had a few other guys who could play a little AND pitch, too! <br /><br />Look at the Rockies - they had Walker, Castilla, Burks and Bichette hitting in the middle of the order - how many times did they go to play-offs?<br /><br />Pujols has been in the league sixth years (now in his seventh) - the Cards finally won the WS last year and this year, they have a losing record.<br /><br />If you can't pitch or catch the ball, you don't win - it ain't A-Rod's fault that the pitching staff can't stay healthy.

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Posted By: <b>Tony Andrea</b><p>Andrew - I couldnt have put it any better.<br />Well said.<br /><p>Tony

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Posted By: <b>Ed</b><p>I predict 49. Hot streaks come and go - slumps seem to last longer.

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Posted By: <b>steve</b><p>What if A-Rod was the original NY Yankee, not Jeter. Would fans/media then give this guy a break?<br /><br />Lets say Jeter came to NY mid-career, while A-Rod was the NY media darling. <br /><br />Would the tables be turned ? Then A-Rod could do no wrong, and Jeter would be on the hot seat?<br /><br />steve<br /><br />ps. 60 HR season, and MVP

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Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>A-Rod made the silly mistake of accepting a lot of money for doing what he does.<br /><br />As a result, he gets hammered for not hitting 8-run home runs every time he steps up to the plate. The reality is that until the 2005 postseason, he was an excellent postseason performer. His postseason batting averages were strong, and his slugging numbers were outstanding. And because of 19 outs (he made 6 outs in the 2005 postseason, and 13 outs in the 2006 postseason), he gets labeled a "loser."<br /><br />I suspect that A-Rod will hit .300 this season, with 45 home runs and 120 RBI. He'll score 100 runs and steal 25 bases, have an on base percentage over .400, and an OPS near 1.000. And Yankee fans will still wish for Nettles or Brosius, becuase despite the .250 batting average and 80 RBI those guys were good for, they were "winners."<br /><br />Scott Brosius' postseason batting average was .245. He hit 8 home runs and drove in 30 runs in 58 games.<br /><br />Graig Nettles' postseason batting average was .225. He hit 5 home runs and drove in 27 runs in 53 games.<br /><br />A-Rod's postseason batting average is .280. He's hit 6 home runs and driven in 16 runs in 35 games.<br /><br />I'll take A-Rod and his massive upside.<br /><br />-Al

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Posted By: <b>jay wolt</b><p>"The Yanks just aren't that good, and they don't have any pitching"<br /><br />They do have pitching, just currently they are injured and the bullpen is overworked.<br />What other team in baseball would survive w/ any wins with 3 of their top<br />4 starters out? How would the Bo Sox fare w/ Beckett, Schilling & Dice K out<br />w/ only Wakefield and rookies making up their staff?<br /><br />Mussina , Wang & Pavano will all be back shortly, w/ Wang pitching tonight<br />and their star prospect Phillip Hughes on Thursday. And who knows when/if<br />Clemens will be added to the rotation. And even Rivera will pitch out of his<br />funk.<br /><br />My prediction is they will be there when it counts battling Boston for the<br />division or worst case scenerio battling everyone from the Central division<br />for the Wild Card birth.<br />Its only April and we got a long way to go to finish 162 games.<br />Looks like it will be a great year....ohh and my Arod prediction....61

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Posted By: <b>Peter Spaeth</b><p>You are a Yankee fan and you have a huge, two out post season (or even regular season) at bat where you need a hit. Who do you want at the plate, Jeter or ARod? Bernie Williams or ARod? Don Mattingly or ARod? Thurman Munson or ARod? I don't quite go as far as Ryan, and I agree that obviously ARod's huge numbers contribute towards winning regular season games, but I generally agree with Ryan's drift.

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Posted By: <b>Fred C</b><p>Would you rather be known as Mr. October or Mr. April or Mr. May? He's riding an incredible streak. It's really early. We'll all find out which A-Rod shows up when it comes crunch time.

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Al,<br /><br />You can't seriously blame A-Rod for taking the money. I'm sure if we were in his shoes we would have taken the money and probably asked for more. With the money though comes the superman type expectations of the fans and media.<br /><br />Sometimes it's difficult to believe but A-Rod is still only 32.<br /><br />This could be a peak year for him, I'd like to see hit 62 and have a decent playoff instead of his normal playoff slump.<br /><br />Peter

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Posted By: <b>Ed</b><p>Sometimes, I actually feel sorry for A-Rod, even though he makes more per AB than I make in...well.... a while.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>Your point regarding Jeter vs A-Rod is exactly the situation that existed in 1961 with Mantle vs Maris.<br /><br />And, what many don't realize is that Mickey was booed a lot his 1st years and then when he won the<br /> TRIPLE CROWN in 1956 the fickle Yankee fans started to cheer him. But, then if he didn't deliver every<br /> time at bat after that year, they booed him again.<br /><br />It wasn't till mid-season of 1961, when the BB fans realized the developing HR contest between Mantle<br /> and Maris, that they finally started rooting for Mantle....and, haven't stopped ever since.<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>T206Collector</b><p>I'd like to see one in my lifetime. And ARod this year has as good a shot as any. Though I suspect he'll fall in batting average, he will make a run at HR and RBI.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>and re-evaluate Mr. A-Rod until after he turns in his late-season and possible post-season performance....and see if THAT is any better...because that is what people will remember....and care about.<br />April is forgotten as soon as May rolls around<br />

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Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>Peter C, I was being sarcastic. I'm an A-Rod fan.<br /><br />Peter S, whether I want A-Rod up in that situation isn't necessarily the question, I don't think.<br /><br />I want Reggie Jackson up in that situation. But Reggie Jackson couldn't carry A-Rod's jock over the course of an entire season. If I can't have Reggie, I take Tommy Henrich. Then DiMaggio third.<br /><br />But if I'm picking a team from scratch, am I choosing Jackson or Henrich ahead of Joltin' Joe? No way.<br /><br />If I had to start a brand new franchise, and had to take a current Yankee as my first pick, I'd be seriously torn about whether to take A-Rod or Jeter. Jeter is a great player, a leader with unbelievable intangibles, but not a power guy or a good defender. A-Rod puts up Bugs Bunny numbers but it seems to be easy to get in his head. Ultimately I don't think you could go wrong either way.<br /><br />-Al

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Posted By: <b>Peter Spaeth</b><p>I can't conceive of taking ARod over Jeter. The Yankees won before ARod and they will win after ARod. Jeter, from my perspective as a Red Sox fan, is the heart soul and guts of that team. EDITED TO ADD Al, Jeter not a good defender? You sure could have fooled me, and didn't he win the last three gold gloves?

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Posted By: <b>Jim Dale</b><p>Don't recall him starting strong; if Bonds is going to steal one record with his roids then I'd like to see him lose another. I've always liked A-Rod's comments on roids - have a question - test me. I don't know if that is true but that is what I heard. <br /><br />So here is to 80 HR's, .340 BA, and of couse MVP status. So long as it does not get them into the playoffs I'm good with that.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>Boy are you exact when you said TOMMY HENRICH...."Old Reliable" was his nickname. As a kid I saw him<br /> deliver in "clutch" situations, all season long, better than any other BB player I can remember.<br /><br />Joe D and Reggie were great, too....and don't forget Mantle....he was the original "Mr October", especially<br />vs the Dodgers.<br /><br />But, nobody did it better than TOMMY HENRICH......I think he is still alive in his 90's.<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>Ted, I love everything I've read about Henrich. Besides Carl Hubbell, Henrich was my grandfather's favorite player - more than Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, or any other player that played from the 20s til his death in the late 80s. He said Henrich - and Charlie Keller - made up 2/3 of the greatest outfield he'd ever seen.<br /><br />Peter, Raffy Palmeiro won the Gold Glove the year he played DH. Jeter makes the tough play and the hustle play, and goes into the hole as well as anyone, but just isn't consistent with the routine play. However, you'll notice his defense has improved the last three seasons - in my opinion, this is because he's got a guy with range playing to his right now. Brosius was a solid defender but didn't have range to his left. A-Rod does.<br /><br /><br />EDIT: I ran out to get a sandwich before, and they had ESPN on the TV - they had a graphic up that said A-Rod is on pace to hit 120 HR and drive in 300 runs. The media is ridiculous.<br /><br />-Al

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>Well, your Grandfather probably followed Tommy's career from the start, so he is certainly more qualified<br />than I. I have tapes of all the NYY World Series since 1941. And, as you know, Tommy was so good, he<br />even delivered in the clutch when he "struck out". I am alluding to the famous passed ball event in the<br />1941 WS vs the Dodgers.<br /><br />And again, your Grandfather was correct, when he told you about Keller in Leftfield, DiMag in Center, and<br /> Henrich in Right at Yankee Stadium. And, when Keller's back was aching, McCarthy, Harris or Stengel would <br />replace him with one of my all-time favorites....Johnny Lindell.<br /><br />I don't have to tell you, all four of these guys were not only great at bat, but were great at covering that <br />spacious outfield of the old Yankee Stadium.<br /><br />Thanks for the memories.<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p><br /><br /><br /> 46 home runs for A-Rod in 2007.<br /><br /><br />In a few months you'll be able to look it up!

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Posted By: <b>peter ullman</b><p>what was the question again? Oh yea...I say triple crown....382 63 homers 167 rbi's...obviously MVP!!!!!<br /><br />pete ullman in mn

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Ted, Al C<br /><br />Another clutch Yankee player from the general time period was Joe Gordon at 2B, I never understood why he never got as much consideration as Phil Rizzuto for the Hall of Fame.<br /><br />Peter

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Posted By: <b>B.C.Daniels</b><p>everyone has a stick!<br /><br /><br />prediction 63 homers 133 RBIs and .317 batting average~<br /><br /><br><br>BcD <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Al C.risafulli</b><p>I know this is an A-Rod thread, but it's refreshing to talk about the 1940s Yankees in the wake of David Halberstam's passing this week. Summer of '49 was a great book - and while those teams were certainly all about Joe and Ted, it's the guys like Henrich, Keller, Doerr and Pesky that make those teams real for a guy like me who never got a chance to see them play.<br /><br />As far as A-Rod is concerned, though, to get back on track - with guys like that, who are vilified on talk radio all day long - I try and step back and just soak up their playing. When they retire, and all the critics have moved onto someone else, people will talk about their talent. I have read so many things about how much Mickey Mantle was booed during his career, particularly after the Yankees stopped winning but also in the early '50s - and people just don't think of that today. I suspect the same will be the case with A-Rod.<br /><br />-Al

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Al,<br /><br />I also believe that history will be kinder to Alex Rodriguez, but it is unlikely that he will be worshiped anywhere near the degree that Mickey Mantle is.<br /><br />Peter

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>53 for the season for A-Rod<br />

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Posted By: <b>JK</b><p>.

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Posted By: <b>Glenn</b><p>70 HR<br />.370 BA<br />193 RBI<br /><br />I'd be happy to bet even money today that he'll win the RBI and HR titles. I expect him to be in the running for the batting title at least until mid-September, but I don't think he'll win it. <br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Glenn,<br /><br />If he bats .370 he'll win it, who's going to beat him out. Who's even more amazing is Joe Mauer, when was the last time a catcher had that kind of hitting stroke. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Peter<br />

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Posted By: <b>Lance</b><p>A-Rod is an outstanding athelete to say the very least. At his current pace, he will hit 126 HRS & have 306 RBI....LOL! I think 49 HR's & 121 RBI with a .329 BA + the MVP.

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Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>As a Seattle resident and Mariners fan, I don't believe people malign Alex for taking the big money to go the Texas Rangers. I believe people maligning him for saying money wasn't the reason he went to the Rangers. It also didn't help when he later complained about the Rangers losing so much, when the losing was caused by lopsided amount of the team budget earmarked to a single player.<br /><br />When he played in Seattle, he was popular with the locals and had a likable personality. He tends to speak in glossy platitudes to the press, which to many makes him come across as insincere, and sometimes an Eddie Haskel-type ("My, you keep a lovely kitchen, Mrs. Cleaver").

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Posted By: <b>Joe Drouillard</b><p>Guys,<br /><br />I think we are going to see something truly amazing this year from A-rod. It's more than confidence. Something in his swing is different. Even when he pops it up it looks like he is just missing. I'm betting 75 dingers, .350 avg and 155 RBIs. If Mauer slacks off it may be enough to get the triple crown. <br /><br />It would be good for the game, too.<br /><br />Joe

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Joe,<br /><br />75 dingers is a pretty bold prediction, but it may happen. Barry's record is pretty unpopular, there's going to be a lot of people rooting that ARod breaks it. Quite different than the situation Maris and Bonds faced when they approached the HR record.<br /><br />Peter

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Posted By: <b>Joe D.</b><p>"Something in his swing is different."<br /><br />-- its called a contract year. A phenomenon that changes many.<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm not A-rod basher (or big fan)... and this show he is putting on is very impressive. But, if he doesn't come through in the playoffs than he will be jeered and rightfully so.<br /><br />No matter what sport you are in - the goal is to win the championship. Those that come through in the clutch during 'championship time' will be loved.<br /><br /><br />Whoever has, or might in future posts, please do not bring up any of A-Rods postseason stats without putting them into context. I am guessing he is batting over 400 when a hit really doesn't matter and about 100 when you need him to do something.<br /><br />He is great when the yankees are up by 12 runs, or if there is nobody on base and two outs, and apparently - he is also great in April. Lets see how he does when its October, when there are two outs, and the Yankees are down by two with two men on. Lets see how he does then.<br /><br />Quite honestly - Yankees fans are dying to love the guy - all he has to do is come through in the playoffs... and ALL negativity gets washed away.<br /><br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>he continues hitting the ball solidly as he has this month, he will steal the "show" away<br /> from Bonds.....when Bonds finally hits 755 and 756.<br /><br />That would be real justice....even the "flaky" sports media will be distracted from Bonds.<br /><br />OK, I started this, so barring any injuries to A-Rod, I predict he will hit 77 Home Runs.<br /><br />T-Rex TED

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Posted By: <b>Bob</b><p>.322 BA 48 HRs 135 RBIs<br />Loses the AL MVP award to Joe Maurer who bats .365 and leads the Twins to the playoffs as the wild card team behind the Tigers. The Twins beat the Red Sox 4 games to 3 and the Angels 4 games to 2 but lose to the Braves in the World series 4 games to 3 with every home team winning and the NL finally wins the All-Star game and gets the extra home site.

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Posted By: <b>Larrie Dean</b><p>Go Yankees!

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Posted By: <b>damian</b><p><br />he'll hit 74 <br /><br />im rooting for the triple crown!

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Posted By: <b>Denny</b><p>87 LONG BALLS.......Sounds painfully high <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Life's Grand,<br />Denny Walsh

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Guys,<br /><br />Wouldn't you know it...we put too much pressure on A-Rod.<br /><br />Peter

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Posted By: <b>John Kalafarski</b><p> How many games since Popeye forgot to eat his spinach?

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Ted first posted when A-Rod hit 14 homers and we were all making ludicrous predictions. Since then A-Rod his an additional 0 home runs.<br /><br />Peter

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Posted By: <b>Cobby33</b><p>50 maybe. Hot streaks mean nothing in the grand scheme. It's a very long season.

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Posted By: <b>anthony</b><p>hopefully he'll get hurt in fridays game, and be gone for the season, and the red sox can increase their 6 game lead to 60 game lead over the "spankees"...<br /><br />the few times i root for the spankees is when...<br /><br />1. the win would help the angels or red sox anyway possible<br /><br />2. when my girlfriend is watching with me and they're not playing the red sox or angels<br /><br />3. in the play offs and the red sox AND angels are not in the play offs...<br /><br />4. when my girlfriend is watching with me and i want some nookie... <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>jay wolt</b><p><br /><br />"Guys,<br /><br />Wouldn't you know it...we put too much pressure on A-Rod.<br /><br />Peter"<br /><br />You jinxed the jinx, #15 was hit tonight<br />

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Posted By: <b>barry arnold</b><p>Great fun, TRex.<br />I guess 66.<br />if i'm right can i get a couple more commons?!!! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />all the best, friend<br /><br />Barry

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Posted By: <b>Bill Stone</b><p>Just for fun I thought I would bump this up ---since my guess was 47 and he is currently at 43, I suspect I will be too low.

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>In New York, I doubt if they are very concerned about the number of homers A-Rod hits this year. The Yankees are having a tough time just getting into the playoffs. Boston looks strong coming down the stretch.<br /><br />For the wild card Seattle looks very strong also.<br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>Of course, this means that he will need to get hot here coming down the stretch, something perhaps a little far-fetched for A-Choker, but hey, we'll see...

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Posted By: <b>peter ullman</b><p>boy was I irrationally ehxuberant! Hopefully he'll end hot, carry the yanks into and deep into the postseason!<br /><br />pete ullman

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Guys,<br /><br />It won't be A-Rod that carries the Yanks into the playoffs, it's going to be the starters and M. Rivera.<br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>Anyone want to change their numbers ? <br /><br />Since I haven't made a guess yet....I'll predict 60 HR's and 150 RBI's<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I'll say 55 and 155.<br /><br />Do you know A-Rod tied or passed Ott, Mathews, and Banks in just a single inning? It is fair to say that is a first.<br /><br />Edited to say I just added to my RBI guess. I figured it too low.

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>56 and 152

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>for the HR total, just because I want to stand on my original guess...but I will add an RBI guess...<br /><br />53 HR, 146 RBI<br /><br />That's 4 HR and 11 RBI for 22 games, pretty reasonable.

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Posted By: <b>Ryan Christoff</b><p>Ted, <br /><br />Actually, you predicted 77 home runs for A-Rod. In one season.<br /><br />-Ryan<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>Yes....but, did I say which season ?<br /><br />HA....just kidding with you, I just wish him the best....and, I will be happy if he produces in<br /> the post season.<br /><br />It is tough to have two "big stars" (Jeter and A-Rod) on a team. In recent years it appears<br /> to create contention (whether real or perceived by the media). I recall when Winfield went<br /> to the Yankees in 1981. It was, like Reggie had to go and he did the following year. One of <br />Steinbrenner's big regrets, as Reggie subsequently, had some good years.<br /><br />Anyhow, thanks for reminding me.<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>murcerfan</b><p>57<br /><br /><br />........and then he will undoubtably choke like always in the post-season

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>I think a more interesting poll, than coming up with numbers....is predicting what A-Rod will do in post-season play ?<br /><br />Of course we are assuming the Yankees will be there ? ?<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>Jim Dale</b><p>we can change our numbers...cool...I was hoping he'd toss Bond's 1 year record out the window this year which would have been sweet considering Bonds set the other record; <br /><br />I'm guessing he ends up with 55 he has to cool off before post season.

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Posted By: <b>Ryan Christoff</b><p>Jim, <br /><br />Actually, he usually waits until the post-season to cool off. Spring training is to warm up, post-season is to cool down. That how you maintain such regular season greatness. <br /><br />-Ryan<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>Well, if he you guys say he is not "Mr October"....perhaps, we can call him "Mr September".<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>The guy is so hot it is unreal. In the Yankees 100+ year history only 3 men have ever hit 2 HRs in a single inning. ARod was the fourth the other night. Tonight he hit an HR early in the game and then leading off a later inning. As the Yankees batted around that inning he came up again -- and was just a few feet short of hitting 2 HRs in the same inning AGAIN JUST A FEW DAYS APART!

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>JEFF L<br /><br />Who are the other Yankees to hit 2 HR's in the same inning ?<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>Joe D, Joe Pepitone and Cliff Johnson<br />

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>ARod just hit #52. Insane.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>He has 516 homers and he's only 32. I don't think Bonds will be the career leader for very long.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>It looks like you are more excited about A-Rod than I am. I hoping the Yankees make the Playoffs<br />because they bring out the best in Derek Jeter and perhaps A-Rod will not disappoint us with this<br />momentum he has going for him.<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>Barry, he hit number 500 on August 4. Today is September 9 and he has 516. <br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>Ted, I'm a Mets fan but I find it difficult to really dislike the Yankees over the past 10 years (they were quite unlikeable in the late 70s/early 80s especially because I was a Dodger fan as a kid). As a baseball fan one can't help but to be just totally blown away by ARod's talent; everytime the guy is up at the plate he may hit another one. Also, at least for me, I respect the rest of the team and really enjoy Jeter, Cano, Cabrera, Chamberlain, et al.<br /><br />I'd love to see the Yankees get in this year and perhaps have a shot to play the Mets again but I'm concerned about the real possibility that they will be playing the Angels in the first round of the playoffs; for some reason they just cannot seem to handle them.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>You are a very unusual MET fan......most Met fans I know hate the Yankees.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I know Jeff- A-Rod is on one of those tears that are a joy to watch. If he stays hot through the month he can easily finish with 60.

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Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>Barry they had a story about Arod at the Home Run Derby this year. They showed HR totals for Aaron from the same age as Arod til he retired. Basically if Arod just matches Aarons totals for the rest of his career Arod will finish with over 900 HR's. That of course depends on injuries and such but I really don't think its that unrealistic a number.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I actually saw a study that said he has either a 2% or 5% chance of hitting 1000! But you can't assume he will stay healthy forever. Just because you are durable at 32 doesn't mean you won't be breaking down at 38 or 39. Time will tell.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>A-Rod hit number 54 tonite and with 153 RBI's he is averaging an RBI/game......not too bad.<br /><br />After thus weekend we'll check out to see who came the closest in their predictions.<br /><br />TED Z<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>Correct me if I am wrong, and I haven't read the whole thread....is A-Rod still not one believed to use roids?

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Ted- in my final prediction I had 55/155. I'm pretty close right now.

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>154 - and counting.<br /><br />Barry -- he may have your total by 11 pm tonight.

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Posted By: <b>Paul</b><p>Just a hunch, but I say Arod is a non roid user. Also, I predict he will hit 54 hrs. Looks like I'm winning <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>I don't think ARod is a user -- compare his physical evolution to Bonds (not that this is the definitive test). Plus, his stats in his third year were as good as the ones he has now...no large jump in HRs.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>A-Rod is not an "A-roid"............

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>There are only two games left and he will almost certainly sit out Sunday. So I am a solo homerun away from the grand prize...which is??

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Posted By: <b>Paul</b><p>Sorry Barry, I predicted 54 about 45 minutes ago. <br /><br /><br />edited to say Arod doesn't cheat, so maybe I shouldn't either.

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>155 -- Barry, I was off by over an hour.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>He can't finish exactly at 55/155, but if he stays where he is or hits a solo HR I'm sitting pretty good.<br /><br />He also scored his 1500th run and recorded his 1500th RBI in last night's game. If he stays healthy and decides to play until 40, he will probably hold every offensive record.

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Guys,<br /><br />I sure hope that he breaks Barry's Career HR record, I do believe that would take BB off the steroid hook. <br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>Your numbers are about on the money.....but, they will fall short as the Yankees are going with the "B" team<br /> this evening. And, will do the same tomorrow. However, at a quick glance....you guessed best.<br /><br /> Hey guys, there is no stopping these Yankees.....the B team just scored 10 RUNS in the 4th inning.<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>A-Rod is at 54/155. What do I win if it stays there? <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>A free tofu salad at Morton's. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>dennis</b><p>barry 1st prize is tne official net 54 Criswell award.you can use this photo next to your login & you must now respond to any thread of this nature "i predict" <img src="http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l239/dcc1/iamcriswellsmall.jpg">

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Based on the suggested prizes, I think I'll root for A-Rod to hit two grand slams today! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>No tofu for you!<br /><br />ARod has 156.

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Posted By: <b>Ted Zanidakis</b><p>The Yankees have the "A" team going today and I'm rooting for Alex to hit his 55th HR....so, you win.<br /><br />I only called for HR predictions, not RBI-ees. <br /><br />If you win, I'll buy you a steak at Peter Luger's....or, I will treat you at my favorite Greek restaurant, Periyali's (on 20th St).<br /><br />I owe you, anyhow, for giving me a great headstart on my T206 Sovereign set last year at this time....when I won the 262<br />card T206 lot in your auction.<br /><br />TED Z

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Thanks Ted. Peter Luger's is a tad expensive, but I can always go for a tasty spanikopitas!

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>Any predictions on how ARod will do during the playoffs? New Yorkers are interested in only champions. That's why they adore the Babe, Dimaggio, and Mantle. World Series heroes. Will ARod finally come through in the playoffs this year?<br /><br />Peter C.

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Posted By: <b>Fred C</b><p>A-rod may show up but if the team doesn't do well it really doesn't matter. NY wants a RING, anything less is basically failure. What would be really bad is if the entire team comes alive and gets to the WS and the Yanks loose and someone has to perform a Heimlich on A-rod. <br /><br />Does anyone really think he'll opt out of that huge contract of his? Does he think someone is going to sign him to more money than what he's already making? I suppose there are the Mets (who are not in need of a SS or 3B). Maybe the Cubbies - they've got 3B covered, why not a power hitting SS to go along with that speedy Sorryano (sic) guy. Maybe A-rod will feel generous and want to do some good for baseball and play for less money for a small market team (yeah, right).<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>jay wolt</b><p>"I suppose there are the Mets (who are not in need of a SS or 3B"<br />I thought they were set for awhile w/ Reyes & Wright

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Posted By: <b>Jeff Lichtman</b><p>I think the point is that the Mets are one of the few teams that can afford ARod; however, as Fred points out they are not in need of a 3B or SS (however, it wouldn't kill me to see Wright learn to play 1B once the Mets are done paying Delgado for striking out with the bases loaded a couple more years).

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Posted By: <b>Jim VB</b><p>Peter Lugers? You guys are making me hungry. <br /><br />I started my retail career at Abraham & Straus in the 1970's. Luger's was too far to go for lunch, but was always a good choice if you had a vendor paying for dinner. For lunch we all loved Gage & Tollner, but not every vendor would spring for that. I understand that it became a T.G.I. Fridays. (UGH!)<br /><br /><br />As a poor college grad, barely scraping by in NYC, I too every free meal I could get. I was happy if I could get to Junior's.

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>I would be hard pressed to believe that A-Rod has not used PEDs, what with his other stunts like screaming at fielders while trying to field balls and knocking fielders' gloves while running to first...<br /><br />Man, I hope he's not wearing Cubbie blue next year!....don't want his classy wife teaching our wholesome Midwest kids new words...blech!

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Jim- did you work at the A & S on Fulton Street? It's no longer standing, but I used to shop there. It was practically across the street from Gage and Tollner. It's all just several blocks from where I live.

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Posted By: <b>Jim VB</b><p>Yep. 420 Fulton St., I believe was the address. That was a rough neighborhood after dark, but Brooklyn Heights, just a couple of blocks away was starting to bloom, even then (mid 1977 to early 1980.)<br /><br />It was actually a great place to work, but NYC was not a great place to live if you were "poor", even then! I lived in Forest Hills and commuted because the rents in Brooklyn Heights and Manhattan were 2-3 times what I paid.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I used to shop there all the time. I've been living in the neighborhood since 1974. Yes, it is very expensive in these parts, no question about it.

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Posted By: <b>peter chao</b><p>The Indians won the first game against the Yankees and were successful in pitching around ARod. He got 0 hits and 2 BB. Not a good start for the Yankees.<br /><br />Peter C.