David Freese Returns to the Cardinals For Their Home Opener + Derek Jeter Hopes To Return To Yankees By May

On Monday, the Cardinals returned to St. Louis for their home opener game vs. the Cincinnati Reds. The best part about this was that third baseman David Freese was finally able to rejoin his team after being on the 15-day disabled list.  During spring training, Freese sprained his lower back trying to catch a foul ball that flew into stands. Thanks to this, he had to miss the first six games of the season. Matt Carpenter filled in on third base in the meantime. As part of Freese's rehab assignment, he was sent to the Triple-A Memphis, the minor league baseball affiliate of the Cardinals, for three games. Find out what Freese told The Associated Press about returning to the Cardinals for the home opener below:

Nick Swisher Is Leaving The Yankees

Arguably one of those most charismatic and fan favorites of the Yankees, Nick Swisher, has decided to leave the New York team for a four year, 56 million dollar deal with the Cleveland Indians. His departure was apparently expected, just not by me. I'm a bit shocked at his departure and I feel like we just lost what little energy the team had left. Alex Rodriguez is going to miss half the season due to hip surgery and Yankee captain Derek Jeter is recovered from a fractured ankle. It was also announced recently that Raul Ibanez, the home run king of the post season, would also be leaving for a 1 year deal with the Seattle Mariners.

Will you miss Raul and Nick?

Jorge Posada Throws Ceremonial First Pitch

Aww! Welcome back Jorge Posada! Yankee fans got a treat when Jorge Posada returned to Yankee Stadium to be honored by his team. He got to throw the ceremonial first pitch of the season while his team stood behind him as a sign of respect. His father was on the receiving end of the pitch.

Video:

Jorge Posada Announces His Retirement - Video

After 17 great years playing for the New York Yankees, Jorge Posada announced his retirement this morning following a press conference at Yankee Stadium. His decision came after fans wondered if Jorge would play for another team when his contract was up. An emotional Jorge told a packed room of reporters, family, friends, and teammates that he could never play for another team.

“I could never wear another uniform,” said Posada. “Being a part of seven World Series and having five rings was something I never imagined, and being a part [of] it was just priceless. I will forever be a Yankee.”

Check out the video of his announcement: 

A Look Back at Jorge Posada's Career

My New York heart is breaking. Jorge Posada is expected to make an announcement soon about his retirement from baseball. If the rumors are true, it seems Jorge would rather retire from baseball all together than play for another team. After spending 17 years with the same team, Jorge is a true Yankee. Man, I'm really going to miss the Core Four. Take a look at the highlights of Jorge's career here:

Jorge Posada Appreciation Post

We love you. You inspired the fans like never before this season. The odds were against you but you came back to kick some ass and prove exactly why you belong on the field. I never had a doubt you could. You never gave up and worked harder than ever. I can't contemplate the idea of you being in any other uniform. What would make me feel worse is if you didn't know how much the fans love you. If I could, I would go to wherever you are at this moment and give you the biggest hug I could muster. I hope I get to meet you one day so I can say this to your face.

Thank you for the last 17 seasons. Don't give up. Keep kickin' ass. Whatever decision you make, please continue to hang out with Andy Pettitte and be Silver Foxes together. We love you Jorgie.

Video of Jorge's exit interview from yesterday's game:

Andy Pettitte Throws First Pitch at Game 2 of ALDS

We miss Andy Pettitte so much! Before the Yankees squared off against Detroit for Game 2 of the ALDS, Andy returned to Yankee Stadium to throw the first pitch. He's lookin' good! We miss you Andy and the team could really use you this year.

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Derek Jeter Reaches 3000 With Home Run!

Derek Jeter couldn't have asked for a better day. Derek ended his quest to 3000 hits with a fairy tale ending. During their game against the Rays, Derek hit both 2,999 and 3,000 with 3,000 being an incredible home run. No one expected it and the energy in the stadium from New York fans was insane.

Derek is the first Yankee in history to reach this milestone and joins the now 28 players in MLB history who have also hit the goal. He is now the second player in history to hit 3,000 with a home run. Incredible.

Video:

Eight Yankees Hit In Last Five Games

Ouch! The Yankees have been having a rough week. The opposing teams have been using the New York players as Pinatas with 8 players being hit. Six out of eight of the painful blows came from the Boston Red Sox with the other two coming from the Cleveland Indians. This unfortunate string of hits resulted in Joe Girardi and both teams filing out onto the fields for a screaming match and the Indians pitcher being thrown out of the game.

In happier news, Derek Jeter is 7 hits away from a career milestone of 3000 hits. Here's hoping he succeeds in Yankee Stadium.

Check out video here: