2006 New York Yankees

Esteban Quiñones
Saturday February 10, 2024

Table of Contents

The final standingLost the ALDS to the Detroit Tigers
Regular season record97–65 (.599)
Post-season record1-3
Divisional rank1st
ALDS record and opponentLost 1-3 vs Detroit Tigers
AL rank1
ALCS record and opponentDid not play
World Series record and opponentDid not play
ManagerJoe Torre
CaptainDerek Jeter
Top batterHome runs: Jason Giambi (37), Alex Rodriguez (35), Johnny Damon (24), Jorge Posada (23)

BA: Derek Jeter (.343), Robinson Cano (.342), Bobby Abreu (.330 in 58 games), Hideki Matsui (.302 in 51 games), Alex Rodriguez (.290)

Runs: Derek Jeter (118), Johnny Damon (115), Alex Rodriguez (113)

RBI: Alex Rodriguez (121), Jason Giambi (113), Derek Jeter (97)
Top pitcher/ (W-L, ERA)Chien-Ming Wang: 19-6, 3.63
Mike Mussina: 15-7, 3.51
Randy Johnson: 17-11, 5.00
Attendance record4,248,067 (1st of 14)

2006 New York Yankees season: A brief summary

The 2006 New York Yankees clinched the franchise’s ninth consecutive American League East title after the Boston Red Sox lost to the Minnesota Twins. Despite losing 3-2 to the Toronto Blue Jays that day, the Yankees celebrated the division championship in a wild champagne-soaked clubhouse. The victory marked their 12th straight playoff berth.

The regular season had its share of challenges, with the 2006 New York Yankees overcoming major injuries to key players. The addition of right fielder Bobby Abreu in a trade with Philadelphia on July 30 provided a significant boost to the lineup. The race for the AL East was tight until the Yankees swept a crucial five-game series at Fenway Park in August, expanding their lead over the Red Sox to 6.5 games.

Manager Joe Torre praised the team’s perseverance in the face of adversity, emphasizing the importance of clinching the division early to allow players some rest. The 2006 New York Yankees finished the regular season with 97 wins and 65 losses, securing first place in the AL East with a .599 winning percentage.

The playoffs, however, brought heartbreak for Yankees fans. In the American League Division Series (ALDS), they faced the Detroit Tigers and were defeated 3 games to 1. The Tigers, considered underdogs with a “soup-line roster,” stunned the heavily favored Yankees with their victory. This disappointment was compounded by the success of the crosstown rival New York Mets, who swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series (NLDS) and earned the right to compete for the National League pennant.

The rivalry between Yankees and Mets fans reached new heights as the postseason unfolded. Messages exchanged in online forums reflected the intense emotions, with Mets fans reveling in the Yankees’ misfortune and Yankees fans facing the reality of an early postseason exit. The stark contrast in the teams’ fortunes further fueled the animosity between the fan bases.

In the end, the 2006 season for the Yankees was a mix of triumph and disappointment. The celebration of the AL East title showcased the team’s resilience, but the ALDS loss to the Tigers left fans yearning for a deeper playoff run. As the Mets advanced in the postseason, the dichotomy between the two New York teams became more pronounced, adding another layer to the complex and passionate world of baseball fandom in the city.

2006 New York Yankees most memorable moment

July 2, 2006, stands out as one of the most memorable moments in the 2006 New York Yankees season, marked by Alex Rodriguez‘s remarkable performance against the New York Mets. In a 16-7 Yankees blowout, A-Rod delivered an unforgettable display of power, hitting two home runs and driving in an impressive seven runs. However, it wasn’t just his prowess at the plate that made this night stand out; it was the theatrics and ensuing drama that etched this game into Yankees lore.

A-Rod’s histrionics during the game added a layer of intensity to the budding rivalry between the Mets and the Yankees in 2006. After hitting a grand slam, Rodriguez stared into the Yankees dugout, tossed his bat, and emphatically slapped his hands together, a celebratory display that drew the ire of Mets catcher Paul LoDuca. The grand slam, coupled with A-Rod’s animated reaction, set the stage for a heated exchange between the two players.

As Rodriguez neared home plate, Lo Duca couldn’t contain his displeasure and began chirping at A-Rod, expressing his disdain for what he deemed disrespectful behavior. The exchange escalated to the point where the two players had to be separated, highlighting the intensity and passion that often characterize matchups between the Mets and the Yankees.

The incident fueled the flames of the Mets-Yankees rivalry, providing fans with a memorable and contentious moment that added to the rich tapestry of the cross-town feud. A-Rod’s grand slam and the ensuing clash with Lo Duca became a focal point in discussions and debates among fans, contributing to the narrative of a fierce and competitive rivalry between the two New York teams during the 2006 season.

In the larger context of the 2006 New York Yankees season, this incident served as a microcosm of the emotional highs and lows experienced by Yankees fans. While A-Rod’s offensive onslaught showcased the team’s offensive prowess, the confrontation with the Mets symbolized the intensity of the rivalry and the heightened emotions that defined the 2006 season for both teams.

2006 New York Yankees season in videos

ALDS result

Yankees 1-3 Tigers

DateVisitorScoreHomeOTWin/LossSaveAttendanceRecord
1October 3Detroit4 – 8New York (AL)Wang56,2911-0
2October 5Detroit4 – 3New York (AL)Mussina56,2521-1
3October 6New York (AL)0 – 6DetroitJohnson43,4401-2
4October 7New York (AL)3 – 8DetroitWright43,1261-3

ALCS result

(Didn’t play)

World Series result

(Didn’t play)

2006 New York Yankees roster

NameAgeBTHtWtDoBYrsGGSWARSalary
Bobby Abreu32LR6′ 0″220Mar 11, 19741158551.9
T.J. Beam25RR6′ 7″215Aug 28, 19801st200-0.4
Colter Bean29RR6′ 6″255Jan 16, 19772200
Brian Bruney24RR6′ 3″235Feb 17, 198231901.1
Melky Cabrera21BL5′ 10″210Aug 11, 198421301213
Miguel Cairo32RR6′ 1″225May 4, 19741181570.8$1,000,000
Andy Cannizaro27RR5′ 10″170Dec 19, 19781st1310
Robinson Cano23LR6′ 0″228Oct 22, 198221221193.2$381,000
Shawn Chacon28RR6′ 3″212Dec 23, 197761711-0.9$3,600,000
Bubba Crosby29LL5′ 11″180Aug 11, 197646519-0.5$354,250
Johnny Damon32LL6′ 2″205Nov 5, 1973121491443.4$13,000,000
Octavio Dotel32RR6′ 0″230Nov 25, 19738140-0.5$2,000,000
Scott Erickson38RR6′ 4″220Feb 2, 19681590-0.4
Kyle Farnsworth30RR6′ 4″230Apr 14, 197687200.7$5,416,666
Sal Fasano34RR6′ 2″220Aug 10, 197192816-0.3
Jason Giambi35LR6′ 3″240Jan 8, 1971121391342.9$20,428,571
Nick Green27RR5′ 11″190Sep 10, 1978346220.5
Aaron Guiel33LR5′ 10″200Oct 5, 1972544210.5
Sean Henn25RL6′ 3″235Apr 23, 19812410.1
Derek Jeter HOF32RR6′ 3″195Jun 26, 1974121541545.6$20,600,000
Randy Johnson HOF42RL6′ 10″225Sep 10, 19631933331.7$15,661,427
Jeff Karstens23RR6′ 3″185Sep 24, 19821st860.8
Cory Lidle34RR5′ 11″175Mar 22, 197291090.5
Terrence Long30LL6′ 1″190Feb 29, 19768129-0.4
Hideki Matsui32LR6′ 2″210Jun 12, 1974451490.8$13,000,000
Mike Mussina HOF37LR6′ 2″185Dec 8, 19681632325$19,000,000
Mike Myers37LL6′ 3″197Jun 26, 1969126200.7$1,150,000
Wil Nieves28RR5′ 11″190Sep 25, 1977361-0.1$328,600
Andy Phillips29RR6′ 0″205Apr 6, 1977311053-0.4$333,150
Sidney Ponson29RR6′ 1″220Nov 2, 1976953-0.6
Jorge Posada35BR6′ 2″215Aug 17, 1970121431234$12,000,000
Scott Proctor29RR6′ 1″195Jan 2, 197738302.6$352,675
Darrell Rasner25RR6′ 3″210Jan 13, 19812630.4
Kevin Reese28LL5′ 11″195Mar 11, 197821020.2
Mariano Rivera HOF36RR6′ 2″195Nov 29, 1969126303.9$10,500,000
Alex Rodriguez30RR6′ 3″230Jul 27, 1975131541514.5$21,680,727
Gary Sheffield37RR5′ 11″190Nov 18, 19681939380.4$10,756,171
Aaron Small34RR6′ 5″200Nov 23, 19719113-0.8$1,200,000
Matt Smith27LL6′ 5″225Jun 15, 19791st1200.5
Kelly Stinnett36RR5′ 11″195Feb 14, 1970133424-0.2$650,000
Tanyon Sturtze35RR6′ 5″190Oct 12, 197011180-0.3$1,500,000
Kevin Thompson26RR5′ 10″195Sep 18, 19791st1970.4
Jose Veras25RR6′ 6″240Oct 20, 19801st1200.2
Ron Villone36LL6′ 3″245Jan 16, 1970127000.2$2,250,000
Chien-Ming Wang26RR6′ 4″225Mar 31, 1980234336$353,175
Bernie Williams37BR6′ 2″180Sep 13, 196816131104-0.4$1,500,000
Craig Wilson29RR6′ 2″217Nov 30, 197664025-0.9
Kris Wilson29RR6′ 4″220Aug 6, 1976551-0.2
Jaret Wright30RR6′ 2″220Dec 29, 19751031272.1$7,666,667

2006 New York Yankees additions, transactions, and trades

  • On November 3, 2005, Alan Embree entered Free Agency.
  • On November 4, 2005, Al Leiter also entered Free Agency.
  • Tino Martinez joined Free Agency on November 8, 2005.
  • Russ Johnson was signed as a free agent on November 15, 2005.
  • On November 16, 2005, Ben Julianel (minors) was traded to the Florida Marlins in exchange for Ron Villone.
  • Dusty Bergman was signed as a free agent on November 27, 2005.
  • Kelly Stinnett joined as a free agent on December 1, 2005.
  • Kyle Farnsworth was signed as a free agent on December 5, 2005.
  • On December 8, 2005, Tony Womack and cash were traded to the Cincinnati Reds, and in return, Ben Himes (minors) and Kevin Howard (minors) were received.
  • Jose Veras was signed as a free agent on December 12, 2005.
  • Matt Childers was signed as a free agent on December 14, 2005.
  • Mike Myers joined as a free agent on December 16, 2005.
  • Wayne Franklin entered Free Agency on December 21, 2005.
  • On January 3, 2006, Johnny Damon was signed as a free agent.
  • Octavio Dotel joined as a free agent on January 4, 2006.
  • On January 6, 2006, Frank Brooks, Miguel Cairo, Mark Corey, Ben Davis, and Al Leiter were all signed as free agents.
  • Damian Rolls was signed as a free agent on January 26, 2006.
  • Ramiro Mendoza joined as a free agent on January 30, 2006.
  • Graham Koonce was signed as a free agent on February 10, 2006, and Darrell Rasner was selected off waivers from the Washington Nationals.
  • On February 15, 2006, Jason Anderson was selected by the San Diego Padres off waivers.
  • Scott Erickson was signed as a free agent on February 16, 2006.
  • On March 19, 2006, Frank Brooks was released, and Al Leiter retired.
  • Graham Koonce was released on March 20, 2006.
  • Keith McDonald was purchased from the Texas Rangers on March 24, 2006.
  • Koyie Hill was selected off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 6, 2006.
  • Jesus Colome and Carlos Pena were signed as free agents on April 15, 2006.
  • Tommy Phelps was signed as a free agent on April 20, 2006.
  • Randy Ruiz joined as a free agent on April 23, 2006.
  • Keith McDonald was released on April 24, 2006.
  • Damian Rolls was released on May 1, 2006.
  • Todd Self was signed as a free agent on May 12, 2006.
  • On May 13, 2006, Jason Conti was received from the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a conditional deal.
  • Terrence Long was signed as a free agent on May 18, 2006.
  • Erubiel Durazo joined as a free agent on May 21, 2006.
  • Nick Green was purchased from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on May 24, 2006.
  • Multiple players were drafted in the amateur draft on June 6, 2006.
  • Todd Self was released on June 10, 2006.
  • Scott Erickson was released on June 11, 2006.
  • Jason Conti was released on June 13, 2006.
  • Scott Patterson was purchased from Lancaster (Atlantic) on June 17, 2006.
  • R.J. Swindle was purchased from Schaumburg (Northern) on June 20, 2006.
  • Brian Bruney was signed as a free agent on July 1, 2006.
  • Multiple players were signed as amateur free agents on July 2, 2006, and Erubiel Durazo was released.
  • Aaron Guiel was selected off waivers from the Kansas City Royals on July 5, 2006.
  • Edwar Ramirez was purchased from Edinburg (United) on July 9, 2006.
  • Dusty Bergman was released on July 10, 2006.
  • Sidney Ponson was signed as a free agent on July 14, 2006.
  • On July 26, 2006, Kelly Stinnett was released, and Hector Made (minors) was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Sal Fasano.
  • On July 30, 2006, C.J. Henry (minors), Jesus Sanchez (minors), Carlos Monasterios, and Matt Smith were traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, and in return, Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle were received.
  • Shawn Chacon was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 31, 2006, in exchange for Craig Wilson.
  • John Axford was signed as an amateur free agent on August 11, 2006.
  • Carlos Pena was released on August 16, 2006.
  • Frank Menechino was signed as a free agent on August 17, 2006.
  • Sidney Ponson was released on August 23, 2006.
  • On September 13, 2006, Ben Davis was released.

2006 New York Yankees player debuts

  • T.J. Beam – 06-17-2006 – 25 years old
  • Andy Cannizaro – 09-05-2006 – 27 years old
  • Jeff Karstens – 08-22-2006 – 23 years old
  • Matt Smith – 04-14-2006 – 26 years old
  • Kevin Thompson – 06-03-2006 – 26 years old
  • Jose Veras – 08-05-2006 – 25 years old

2006 New York Yankees team stats (batting)

PosNameAgeGPAABRH2B3BHRRBISBCSBBSOBA
CJorge Posada351435454656512927223933064970.277
1BAndy Phillips2911026324630591137293215560.24
2BRobinson Cano231225084826216541115785218540.342
SSDerek Jeter321547156231182143931497345691020.343
3BAlex Rodriguez3015467457211316626135121154901390.29
LFMelky Cabrera211305244607512926275012556590.28
CFJohnny Damon321496715931151693552480251067850.285
RFBobby Abreu3258248209376916074210233520.33
DHJason Giambi351395794469211325037113201101060.253
OFBernie Williams371314624206511829012612033530.281
2BMiguel Cairo3281244222285312303013113310.239
LFHideki Matsui32512011723252908291027230.302
RFGary Sheffield37391661512245506255113160.298
1BCraig Wilson294010910415224048004340.212
OFBubba Crosby296596879183116314210.207
UTAaron Guiel33449282162130411217200.256
CKelly Stinnett363487796183019005290.228
IFNick Green274682758185024115290.24
CSal Fasano34285749374015002140.143
OFTerrence Long3012403666100200480.167
OFKevin Thompson2619373059301620690.3
OFKevin Reese2810141225000110110.417
IFAndy Cannizaro27139852001100110.25
CWil Nieves2866600000000010
Team Totals31162645556519301608327212109021393564910530.285
Rank in 14 AL teams411511228382

2006 New York Yankees team stats (pitching)

PosNameAgeWLW-L%ERAGGSGFCGSHOSVIPHRER
SPChien-Ming Wang261960.763.63343312112182339288
SPRandy Johnson4217110.607533330200205194125114
SPMike Mussina371570.6823.5132320100197.11848877
SPJaret Wright301170.6114.4930270000140.11577670
SPShawn Chacon28530.62571711000063775449
CLMariano Rivera36550.51.863059003475611615
RPScott Proctor29640.63.5283012001102.1894140
RPRon Villone36330.55.047001900080.1754845
RPKyle Farnsworth30360.3334.367202400666623432
RPMike Myers37120.3333.23620600030.2291411
Cory Lidle34430.5715.16109000045.1492626
Jeff Karstens23210.6673.886200042.2402018
Aaron Small340308.46113200027.2422926
Brian Bruney24110.50.87190200020.21422
Darrell Rasner25310.754.4363100020.1181010
T.J. Beam252018.5200500018261717
Sidney Ponson2901010.4753100016.1262019
Matt Smith27000120600012400
Scott Erickson38007.9490200011.1131210
Jose Veras25004.09120400111855
Tanyon Sturtze35007.59180200010.217109
Octavio Dotel320010.8140700010181312
Sean Henn250104.824100009.11155
Kris Wilson29008.645110008.11488
Colter Bean290092010002222
Team Totals32.597650.5994.4116216215751431443.21463767708
Rank in 14 AL teams11464776467

2006 New York Yankees record vs. opponents/ team splits

Opponent (Games)WonLostWP
Atlanta Braves (3)210.667
Baltimore Orioles (19)1270.632
Boston Red Sox (19)1180.579
Chicago White Sox (6)420.667
Cleveland Indians (7)430.571
Detroit Tigers (7)520.714
Florida Marlins (3)210.667
Kansas City Royals (9)720.778
Los Angeles Angels (10)460.400
Minnesota Twins (6)330.500
New York Mets (6)330.500
Oakland Athletics (9)360.333
Philadelphia Phillies (3)210.667
Seattle Mariners (6)330.500
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (18)1350.722
Texas Rangers (10)820.800
Toronto Blue Jays (18)1080.556
Washington Nationals (3)120.333

2006 New York Yankees monthly record

Month (Games)WonLostWP
April (23)13100.565
May (28)18100.643
June (26)14120.538
July (25)1690.640
August (30)18120.600
September (29)18110.621
October (1)010.000

2006 New York Yankees All-Stars

  • Derek Jeter
  • Alex Rodriguez
  • Mariano Rivera
  • Robinson Cano

2006 New York Yankees awards and honors

  • Derek Jeter – AL Gold Glove, Hank Aaron Award, AL Silver Slugger
  • Robinson Cano – AL Silver Slugger

Other Achievements

  • Derek Jeter finished 2nd in AL MVP Voting.
  • Chien-Ming Wang finished 2nd in AL Cy Young Voting.
  • Joe Torre finished 4th in AL Manager of the Year Voting.

MVP Snub of ’06: Jeter’s unforgettable season overshadowed

In 2006, despite having one of his absolute greatest seasons, Derek Jeter found himself on the outside looking in when it came to the AL MVP race. The Yankees shortstop had been a consistent force for his team throughout his illustrious career, and this particular season was no exception. Leading the Yankees to a formidable 97-win season, Jeter showcased his exceptional skills both offensively and defensively. However, when the MVP award was announced, it was Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins who claimed the honor.

The 2006 New York Yankees, not among the best teams during Jeter’s era, owed much of their success that year to his outstanding performance. Jeter finished the season with a .343 batting average, collecting 214 hits, 118 runs scored, 97 RBIs, and 34 stolen bases. His offensive prowess was complemented by his defensive excellence, earning him his third consecutive Gold Glove Award at the premium defensive position of shortstop.

Despite Jeter’s remarkable season, the MVP went to Morneau, who compiled impressive numbers with a .321 average, 34 home runs, and 130 RBIs. The decision sparked controversy, with many questioning whether Morneau truly deserved the award over other candidates like David Ortiz, Jermaine Dye, Travis Hafner, and Vladimir Guerrero.

In hindsight, the debate continues. MLB.com conducted a re-vote in which 15 writers participated, considering the players who received MVP votes that year. The outcome of this re-vote placed Jeter at the top, with David Ortiz, Johan Santana, Grady Sizemore, and Travis Hafner rounding out the “new” Top 5. This exercise only fueled the frustration among 2006 New York Yankees fans and supporters of Jeter, underscoring the belief that he was unjustly denied the MVP recognition that season.

The absence of an MVP Award on Jeter’s otherwise illustrious resumé remains a point of contention and disappointment for many fans. Despite consistently being among the top players in the league, Jeter’s contributions often seemed undervalued when it came to individual accolades, leaving a lingering sense of what could have been in the 2006 New York Yankees.

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