Tino: Yanks need to WAKE up

From the New York Post
by Dan Martin

May 16, 2008 -- Tino Martinez has been on teams that were on the receiving end of some rather harsh assessments from George Steinbrenner. Since the end of last year, Hank Steinbrenner has taken over for his dad in the criticism department, and Martinez said he believes Hank's antics, at least in the most recent case, were warranted.

"I think Hank has every right to do that, because they're playing lackadaisical," Martinez said.

The younger Steinbrenner told The Post this week the high-paid Yanks "had better decide for themselves to earn that money."

Martinez added that statements like the one Steinbrenner made have an effect on a team and often work.

"It definitely does something to you," Martinez said of the commentary, which Hank hasn't been shy about this season. "I think it helps a veteran team like this one. You don't want guys getting complacent with huge contracts. This kind of thing sends a message that you're not afraid to get rid of guys, which is a good thing to throw out there. It ignites you."

Martinez doesn't have to concern himself with being that kind of target anymore. The former first baseman is in his first year as a consultant to GM Brian Cashman and saw part of this past series in Tampa. He was touring the city yesterday with 7-year-old Jack Berney, an award-winner with Diamonds in the Rough, a community baseball program that donates money to little leagues.

His current role is considerably less stressful than the one he used to have in The Bronx. Though the Yankees' slow start has put them in a bit of a hole in the AL East, Martinez thinks the upcoming Subway Series against the Mets is just what they need.

"They've pretty much struggled with everything - from hitting, to defense, to pitching - and they need to pick up the intensity level," Martinez said. "A series against the Mets is a great time to do that. Nothing against the Rays, but it's easier to get up when you're playing the Mets."

I think Tino has every right to make those comments. He was apart of those great teams and he knows what they need to do to bounce back. Injuries aside the pitching has been sub par, hitting has been nonexistent and they just look like zombies. Where is the fun like they were having last year? I know winning is fun but this team needs to relax and smile and remember it is just a game and games are meant to be fun. If they start having fun trust me their play will be much better. The team will turn it around. They usually do. It is still too early to worry. Ask me again next month. A three game sweep of the Mets might go along way to saying what kind of a team this is. Especially if they beat Johan tonight. If they get the game in. What they can't afford to do is get swept or lose the series to the Mets. Hank will have their heads on his wall.