Tough series loss for us, but we're always looking forward to the next match up. It's time to prepare for the Twins tomorrow on the road. 

Now that the season is in full swing, I can really reflect on the benefits that come with time off.  Specifically, one of the great things I enjoy about the off-season is the opportunity to improve my game.  As you get older you learn your body, which means you make needed adjustments to your workouts.

Personally, I think it's extremely important to stay in shape year round - you can't use the off-season to get back in shape, otherwise you lose time - no one wants to fall into a rut at this point in the season. 

Mentally my mantra is to stay focused.  Never let down and always try to improve.
 
What do you do to stay clear headed and prepared for the season?  

One series down.  It's always great to get those first few nerves out of the way. We feel good and are looking forward to taking on Tampa Bay.

Many of you have been asking about what I did during my time off.  I love going to the movies and I have to say, I was surprised by Avatar.  I didn't really want to see it at first.  I wasn't interested in watching blue people run around, but of course I went.  Visually, it's unbelievable.  What did you all think?

I have also had a great time working with my Turn2 Foundation.  My sister Sharlee has done a great job of coming up with new ideas.  But we were all really excited to see the annual celebrity golf classic go so well.  We exceeded all of our goals.

Considering the economy, we didn't know what to expect.  So when we raised $800,000, I was humbled. The sky is the limit when it comes to this organization and the people who work so hard to make it successful.

Some of the best moments I experience working with the Turn 2 Foundation come from talking to parents.  To speak with a parent one-on-one and learn how your program is positively influencing a child and their family is an honor.  

Do any of you volunteer?   If so, what do you enjoy about it?

Hi everyone.  Opening day is so close.   I gotta say we're all getting anxious for the home opener verses the Red Sox.  After 5 1/2 weeks of spring training, you're basically ready to get moving. 

While I enjoyed the off-season, it was a lot shorter.  Not that I'm complaining. We had a great 2009, the post season just happened to add about a month to our schedule - meaning we had a condensed break.

That was the single biggest difference for me this off-season.  There was simply less time. I started working out again on December 1st.    But as I said earlier, you're always anxious to get back to it.

I know for me, once you know what it's like to win, to really feel it, you're ready to go out and win again. Winning a World Series gives you a special opportunity.  It drives you to do it again.

Separately, the NCAA Final Four games are around the corner.  While I like Michigan State's coach and respect what he's done for the school, I can't say I'm cheering for them.  I'm a Michigan guy - it's that simple.  But it's hard to cheer against any specific team.  So you tell me, who do you think will win?

Hi everyone. We're headed down to LA and being on the road usually gives me a chance to catch up on things here on weplay.

I have to say I'm blown away by all your support. Not a game goes by without a host of Weplay friends leaving encouragement, advice and comments. Or course, I can't not mention the questions.  I'll hit on those next time, but what stands out is your excitement about the hits record.

Being a Yankee fan growing up and then playing here I've learned a thing or two about Lou Gehrig. What sticks with me is how he played the game. Day in and day out he always was out there playing. And, playing like a professional. That's often overlooked and really hard to do. Consistency is what I think all players should strive for.

Yet this is a team game. I appreciate the honor it is to be mentioned with Mr. Gehrig and I will look back at the past two weeks in awe of everyone's support, but my advice is to focus on the team. You win as a team and lose as team. That's the same with the Yankees as much as any youth program. At this stage in your games that's what really matters. Being a good teammate.

Thanks again, have fun and keep practicing.

We're off to Seattle. Tough flight, but also means more movies. Maybe
even three on the way out. You know how some people can't stop buying
shoes or something? For me, it's movies. I go to Blockbuster and get
them all.

A few of you (like Jennifer P.) have asked about what it's like on the
road. I'm a creature of habit. Usually end up going to the same
restaurants. And, often chicken is involved. Over the last couple
years I've been trying to take advantage of these trips and see the
cities like I should, but it's tough. Games end pretty late.

I also read that Cathy asked about HOPE week. I have to say it was a
great experience. I met some wonderful people and enjoyed spending a
little time with them. I know the entire team was looking forward to
it and felt good afterwards. Definitely would want to do it again next
season. I think every team should.

Nancy C. wrote in wanting to know when I thought women would play pro
baseball. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think a woman played in the
minors. Either way, I don't see any reason why she couldn't. I don't
think it makes a difference male or female.

A very perceptive Molly H. noticed I don't chew gum while playing any
more. I'm always amazed what you all notice. Truth is Molly... I kept
biting my tongue.

And, lastly to Nicole... Take care of that ankle sprain and do what the
doctor says to help it heal.

Today is a travel day in Toronto. I packed up this morning after a good breakfast.
That is, I packed after going back to bed for a while;) That's normal for me. Then it's
I caught the news today that Paula is leaving American Idol. In
Canada, it's not as big of a news story, but I heard about it first thing this
AM. It's going to be different without her. She's the nice judge. No
matter how someone performed, they could always count on Paula. I think
they'll bring her back. Otherwise just won't be the same.

Here on Weplay, I've read over the comments from the past month or so
and couldn't believe all your support. Win or lose you're there. And,
I appreciate all the best wishes for my birthday and for beating that
flu we had going around.

Before the end of the next home stand I'll jump back on answer some of
your questions here, but before I go... Denise, I'm not on Facebook so
whoever that is trying to friend you it isn't me. I'm only right here
on Weplay!

Monday means back to work or school today for a lot of you and we're no different. Well maybe a little different in that our schedule isn't exactly a 9-to-5 job. Sometimes I lose track of the days of the week. But as long as I know when we're playing and where, I'm good to go.

One thing I do know is that it's always great waking up in New York City. Opening up the new Stadium last week is a memory that I will keep with me forever. The park itself is obviously incredible, but seeing all of those great Yankees past and present together to usher in a new era was the highlight for me. So lots of memories over the past week full of high points and unfortunately even some low moments. But that's baseball

Couple of rough games mixed in there, but glad to be back on a winning track after yesterday. The first month of the season is always a feeling-out period, but we're coming together and know that it's a long way to the finish line.

There are a lot of great players on this team who have been around this league a long time, but we've also got some younger players, some guys new to New York.The thing that you try to relate to all the new guys is, you know, don't try to do anything differently. It's still the same game. Of course there's more attention here, more media, the fans expect maximum effort and you're under a microscope a lot more when you're playing in New York. But really, it's still the same game whether you're on AAA team or playing in New York. It's still baseball.

I think a lot of times people put unnecessary pressure on themselves as opposed to just going out and doing the things that made it possible for them to get to this point. So I just try to tell people to relax.

As a team captain, especially in our organization, I think you have a responsibility. You have a responsibility to the organization, your teammates, your coaches and the fans to represent yourself and the organization in the best light possible. Make sure that you try and think like them, that's first and foremost.

So that's the update from here. A few more games here at home with the A's we can hopefully put together a few wins in a row here before packing up again and heading to Boston this weekend. Stay tuned and have a good week.
-Derek

So big week for us... We've got an offday here in Baltimore as the new season started yesterday. It really is hard to believe it's been 14 years already since I got here, but some things don't change. A new year always starts with the same mission, and that's winning in October.

Goals don't change! My goal ever since I came up was to just do everything to help the Yankees win. That was true in 1995 and it's true in 2009. Everyone wants to have great seasons individually but the bottom line is that we go out there to compete and try to win a championship.

I learned early on, when we were winning a lot when I first came up with the Yankees, that helping Win the World Series is the only goals that we have. I believe that at the professional level, you only get better as a player individually when you're helping the team win.

We've now gotten a chance to spend some time in the new stadium and it is everything I hoped it would be, and more. I don't want to give much more away because I want people to come in and experience it like I did, soak it all in with no preconceived notions. I hadn't been there since right before Christmas, but it was great getting a few workouts and games there.

Now we're back on the road for a week, but can't wait to get back to New York for the official opening. It's going to be something special.

Until then, we've got business to take care of in Baltimore, KC and Tampa. And you can check out the contest they're running on Weplay where the winner gets to come and train with me for a day, a personal skills lesson that we'll also shoot and put on the Weplay site. It's already going on now I believe, so check it out.

Talk again when I'm back home,
-Derek

Back as promised, another beautiful day in Tampa winding down and I'm glad to be back in the blogging rhythm... feels good. So another Spring Training is coming to an end in just a few days, which means we'll finally get to kick off the 2009 season. It's been a long time coming, I'll tell you that. Feels like I've been getting ready for this season to start for way too long.

Obviously this past offseason felt like it was a few weeks longer than usual because it was. The timing of everything made it feel different. For the first time in a long time, the Yankees didn't go to the playoffs. And then in order to get ready for the World Baseball Classic, I had to start doing my regular baseball preparation activities a little bit earlier. That means everything was pushed up about three weeks or so, lifting weights earlier, running earlier, hitting earlier, throwing earlier... it was all just moved up in order to be prepared a little bit earlier than a regular Spring Training.

What I really like about the Classic is that not only do you get to represent your country, but it's a lot of fun getting to play with the different players. You know, guys that you've been around a little bit, but never really been around for two or three weeks. It really is different than just playing with some of these guys in an All-Star game were you're there for two days. And even then, some of the guys you don't see too much of and you don't get an opportunity to talk to because you go into different directions.

I've been a member of the Yankees for my entire career. Almost 15 years. So while it may be kind of awkward at first, getting the opportunity to put personalities to people and get to know guys is a treat. You get to enjoy playing with them.

And let's be honest - Spring Training can get kind of long at times and we're playing for like six weeks and once you get a few weeks in, you're just ready to go. So for me, to be able to leave and go play some important games for Team USA and then come back for 10 games before we get going again, it's been a nice change of pace. No game, even if it's Spring Training, is ever meaningless, but the WBC was a real help for me not just in terms of being ready to play on the field. It really did break things up - and that can only help in terms of mental preparation too.

And after another week back at Spring Training, I'm feeling good. This time is always kind of laid back, much more so than the regular season because sometimes you don't play every day. Maybe you play five, six, seven innings then come out of the game. Which means it's more relaxed. And it's also about catching up, I mean I haven't seen a lot of my teammates for the entire offseason, so I've enjoyed really getting to interact with them again.

One week to go until Opening Day. And remember, we celebrate Opening Day on Weplay tomorrow morning - 8 a.m. on Good Morning America. And if I'm getting up that early, so should you. Talk soon,
-Derek

Hey everyone, just wanted to let you all know that i got invited to appear on Good Morning America on Tuesday morning to talk about Weplay. Pretty cool. i'm still here in tampa but they're going to do it via satellite and we've got a little surprise planned then, so tune in around 8 in the morning.

And yes I know it's been awhile since the last update but I'm going to be much more diligent this season - you know how things get in the offseason. You're all right to get on my case for not blogging more, but I think i should have some free time tomorrow actually so I'll get back on then to go a little bit more into detail about what's going on.

So remember Tuesday morning on ABC. Catch it then. Talk more tomorrow,
-Derek