Sunday, November 12, 2006
O-WRIGHT
Jarad Wright is once again with his mentor Leo Mazzone in Baltimore as the Yankees today traded the right handed disappointment for right handed reliever Chris Britton. The Yanks also send $4 Million to the Birds in the deal. Wright who seldom made it out of the 6th inning last season for the Yankees will be trying his luck in Baltimore. Jarad Wright pitched well down the stretch in 2006, going 6-2 after the All-Star break and 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA in three September starts. But his final start for New York came in Game 4 of the American League Division Series, when he was hit for four runs (three earned) in just 2 2/3 innings against the Tigers. The Yankees lost that game, 8-3, ending their postseason run much earlier than expected.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Reagan-Omics
Special Guest Blogger Kyle Reagan
WOW!!!!...I'll be honest I had never heard of any of these guys two days ago...but the more I surf around the net here and read about this guy I am thrilled with what (Brian) Cash(man) pulled off. I don't think we can talk or project the other guys just yet- although both have been great so far in young careers...but Humberto Sanchez is THE goods.
The pundits are SHOCKED the Yankees were able to get him...Baseball America is now calling 'Hughes and Sanchez as maybe the top 1 and 2 pitching prospects in ALL of baseball.
"Gadzooks!!!
Doesn't hurt that when you add their ages (21 and 22) together they are still younger than Randy Johnson!!!!!!!!!!Great job, Cash...now, keep Humberto out of barroom fights!
Bronx kid...welcome home!
Check this out...the Tigers really didn;t want to trade this guy...but they are GOING FOR IT
This season Sanchez has had the breakout year that everyone has been waiting on. His potential has come to fruitition dominating the Arizona Fall League and dominating in his return to the AA Eastern League. He has had two starts in AAA and has kept up his blazing stuff blowing away International hitters. He is now knocking on the door of the big club.
AA Erie:
1.76 ERA 71.2 ip 47 h 17 R
14 ER 2 HR 27 BB 86 K
AAA Toledo:
0.71 ERA 12.2 IP 9 H 1 R
1 ER 0 HR 3 BB 12 K
As is visable from these numbers Humberto has continued to keep the ball in the yard BUT has thrown more strikes and has in turn dominated hitters. That improved control has also lowered the rate of hits given up. Likely due to the fact that he has been in great pitchers counts this season. Sanchez is now sitting at a 10.58 K/9ip with a 3.24 BB/9ip between AA and AAA. That is a good sign of things to come as K/BB is often a great indicator of future success.
So what does the future hold for Sanchez? The sky is really the limit. With his stuff and with him seemingly figuring it all out this season he could become an anchor on a pitching staff in the majors. Sanchez could also become a dominating bullpen arm, at this point though it seems he should get every shot at starting. There is a chance that Sanchez will be used as trade bait to help push the current club over the top. Part of me doubts that move given the fact that Dombrowski and the Tigers love power arms and Sanchez certainly fits the bill since a 92-94 mph sinker is almost unfair.
By the way...if Humberto is 230 pounds...I'm 165, RJPinstripes is 140 and Knux is a svelte 155.230, my behind...that dude is 270 if he's a pound! 6-6, 270- if pitching doesn't work out he can go replace (Jeremy) Shockey in the swamps (football Giants).
Sanchez has to pan out...Whelan better, and Claggett? well that would be nice...all in exchange for a future hall of famer.I like it at face value...time will tell, always does.
"THE SHEFFIELD TRADE"
WOW!!!!...I'll be honest I had never heard of any of these guys two days ago...but the more I surf around the net here and read about this guy I am thrilled with what (Brian) Cash(man) pulled off. I don't think we can talk or project the other guys just yet- although both have been great so far in young careers...but Humberto Sanchez is THE goods.
The pundits are SHOCKED the Yankees were able to get him...Baseball America is now calling 'Hughes and Sanchez as maybe the top 1 and 2 pitching prospects in ALL of baseball.
"Gadzooks!!!
Doesn't hurt that when you add their ages (21 and 22) together they are still younger than Randy Johnson!!!!!!!!!!Great job, Cash...now, keep Humberto out of barroom fights!
Bronx kid...welcome home!
Check this out...the Tigers really didn;t want to trade this guy...but they are GOING FOR IT
This season Sanchez has had the breakout year that everyone has been waiting on. His potential has come to fruitition dominating the Arizona Fall League and dominating in his return to the AA Eastern League. He has had two starts in AAA and has kept up his blazing stuff blowing away International hitters. He is now knocking on the door of the big club.
AA Erie:
1.76 ERA 71.2 ip 47 h 17 R
14 ER 2 HR 27 BB 86 K
AAA Toledo:
0.71 ERA 12.2 IP 9 H 1 R
1 ER 0 HR 3 BB 12 K
As is visable from these numbers Humberto has continued to keep the ball in the yard BUT has thrown more strikes and has in turn dominated hitters. That improved control has also lowered the rate of hits given up. Likely due to the fact that he has been in great pitchers counts this season. Sanchez is now sitting at a 10.58 K/9ip with a 3.24 BB/9ip between AA and AAA. That is a good sign of things to come as K/BB is often a great indicator of future success.
So what does the future hold for Sanchez? The sky is really the limit. With his stuff and with him seemingly figuring it all out this season he could become an anchor on a pitching staff in the majors. Sanchez could also become a dominating bullpen arm, at this point though it seems he should get every shot at starting. There is a chance that Sanchez will be used as trade bait to help push the current club over the top. Part of me doubts that move given the fact that Dombrowski and the Tigers love power arms and Sanchez certainly fits the bill since a 92-94 mph sinker is almost unfair.
By the way...if Humberto is 230 pounds...I'm 165, RJPinstripes is 140 and Knux is a svelte 155.230, my behind...that dude is 270 if he's a pound! 6-6, 270- if pitching doesn't work out he can go replace (Jeremy) Shockey in the swamps (football Giants).
Sanchez has to pan out...Whelan better, and Claggett? well that would be nice...all in exchange for a future hall of famer.I like it at face value...time will tell, always does.
Friday, October 27, 2006
FROM HITMAN TO SITMAN
Don Mattingly will soon be known as The Sitman as he gets promoted to Joe Torre's bench coach. (How much coaching does a bench really need?) He replaces Lee Mazzilli who may wind up as 1B Coach if Tony Pena takes the job with the Nationals.
Donnie is the fourth bench coach since the incumbent Don Zimmer retired after being tongue lashed by the boss. He follows Willie Randolph, Joe Girardi and Lee Mazzilli.
Donnie is known to some as a jinx being the Yankees never won with him at 1B and have yet to take it all since he returned as the Hitting Coach. Probably the only two people in the world who are bigger jinxes than Mattingly are my good buddies who stole my job, (not really) at SILive.com Dave & Aziz Nekoukar who write the Pride of the Yankees Weblog. You see for years they wrote the NY Rangers Weblog over there, (enough said?).
Anyway, this opens the door for Hitman to become Sitman and when Joe retires Donnie become Mangeman. New York Snoozeday mentions that Kevin Long, (WHO!!!) Columbus' highly regarded hitting coach, is a leading candidate to replace Mattingly in his old position. Other candidates could include former Yankee Chili Davis.
Donnie is the fourth bench coach since the incumbent Don Zimmer retired after being tongue lashed by the boss. He follows Willie Randolph, Joe Girardi and Lee Mazzilli.
Donnie is known to some as a jinx being the Yankees never won with him at 1B and have yet to take it all since he returned as the Hitting Coach. Probably the only two people in the world who are bigger jinxes than Mattingly are my good buddies who stole my job, (not really) at SILive.com Dave & Aziz Nekoukar who write the Pride of the Yankees Weblog. You see for years they wrote the NY Rangers Weblog over there, (enough said?).
Anyway, this opens the door for Hitman to become Sitman and when Joe retires Donnie become Mangeman. New York Snoozeday mentions that Kevin Long, (WHO!!!) Columbus' highly regarded hitting coach, is a leading candidate to replace Mattingly in his old position. Other candidates could include former Yankee Chili Davis.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
DON'T TAKE THE WORLD SERIOUS
With the World Series tied at a game a piece and all the sports shows trying to hang Kenny Rogers, one has to think what would have, could have, only if. . .
Was it the rain that done the Yankees in? Or if Moose could have held the Tigers down after Johnny's dinger in the rescheduled game two, would it have been me freezing my but off watching the Yankees take on the Cards for the first time in World Series play since 1964. Yes a year that marked the end of a dynasty for the Yankees and a new era in pop music as the Fab Four set foot on U.S. turf playing the largest concert to date in Shea Stadium.
I for one don't beleive teams should be aloud to make announcements until after the World Series is over. Wait for November to to fire your managers, to take up your options, to let the free agents be declared. That would only hold over the interest and extend the season as we know it. And we sure know we don't need the national pastime to be upstaged.
I won't say who Iam rooting for in the World Series but I am sitting here with my Abbey of Seal Beach cap on. Anyone remember the significance of that cap?
Well what do the Yankees need? There will be enough time to discuss that after the last out of game seven.
Was it the rain that done the Yankees in? Or if Moose could have held the Tigers down after Johnny's dinger in the rescheduled game two, would it have been me freezing my but off watching the Yankees take on the Cards for the first time in World Series play since 1964. Yes a year that marked the end of a dynasty for the Yankees and a new era in pop music as the Fab Four set foot on U.S. turf playing the largest concert to date in Shea Stadium.
I for one don't beleive teams should be aloud to make announcements until after the World Series is over. Wait for November to to fire your managers, to take up your options, to let the free agents be declared. That would only hold over the interest and extend the season as we know it. And we sure know we don't need the national pastime to be upstaged.
I won't say who Iam rooting for in the World Series but I am sitting here with my Abbey of Seal Beach cap on. Anyone remember the significance of that cap?
Well what do the Yankees need? There will be enough time to discuss that after the last out of game seven.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Cory Lidle 3/22/72 - 10/11/06
Cory Fulton Lidle...Cory was neither a superstar or a hero. He was not the Captain nor an everyday Player. Lidle won't get a day or a retired number or a place in Cooperstown. But playing on 7 teams in 9 years he had a place in many players hearts. He married Melanie Varela (1/7/97) and had one son, Christopher Taylor (9/18/00) that he left behind. Baseball lost a player but life has lost a man. He won't be remembered as a Yankee, maybe not even a Phillie. He won't get more than the moment of silence next opening day and Old Timers. Cory Lidle will not be forgotten. What marks he didn't make in the record books he has made in the hearts of many of teammate. A 1990 graduate of South Hills High School (CA), where he was a teammate of Jason Giambi...Was All-State his senior year...His twin brother, Kevin, played minor league baseball, first as a catcher and then as a pitcher...Is a relative of Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat. God Bless Cory and his family.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
HOLD ON, JOE IS GOING NOWHERE
OK Press corps how does it feel to be out scooped by the New York Post? Joe Torre will be back on the helm in 2007. George Steinbrenner made it official today and Joe announced it at a 1PM press conference.
Steinbrenner, in a statement issued through spokesman Howard Rubenstein, said he told Torre: "'You're back for the year. I expect a great deal from you and the entire team. I have high expectations, and I want to see enthusiasm, a fighting spirit and a team that works together. Responsibility is yours, Joe, and all of the Yankees.'"Yes, I am deeply disappointed about our loss this year," Steinbrenner added. "We have to do better, and I deeply want a championship.
OK that rumor is quashed now be good boys and report on the games and worry about the Yankee moves when they happen. All announcements need to be made public after the World Series. It's bad enough the games are on after 75% of the kids (and me) are asleep. Don't distract from baseball.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the same writer that brought us the fact that Andy Pettitte signed with the Astros so his wife can keep an eye on him, can't be happy that Joe (Torre) is staying as he has to blame just about everything except the nuclear weapons in Korea on Joe Torre.
With the success of their Torre exclusive The Post also reports that the Yankees are not going to trade A-Rod.
Steinbrenner, in a statement issued through spokesman Howard Rubenstein, said he told Torre: "'You're back for the year. I expect a great deal from you and the entire team. I have high expectations, and I want to see enthusiasm, a fighting spirit and a team that works together. Responsibility is yours, Joe, and all of the Yankees.'"Yes, I am deeply disappointed about our loss this year," Steinbrenner added. "We have to do better, and I deeply want a championship.
OK that rumor is quashed now be good boys and report on the games and worry about the Yankee moves when they happen. All announcements need to be made public after the World Series. It's bad enough the games are on after 75% of the kids (and me) are asleep. Don't distract from baseball.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the same writer that brought us the fact that Andy Pettitte signed with the Astros so his wife can keep an eye on him, can't be happy that Joe (Torre) is staying as he has to blame just about everything except the nuclear weapons in Korea on Joe Torre.
With the success of their Torre exclusive The Post also reports that the Yankees are not going to trade A-Rod.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
ROGER's RANT
SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER: ROGER
How humiliating !!! Well Friar, looks like Rogers and Bonderman did a better job of impersonating Koufax and Paige than our boys did of impersonating “Murderer’s Row plus Cano”.Even with an “All-Star” at every position, I was never comfortable with this team. Usually, the winning team has an unsung hero – on this team who would that be ??
One of the more analytical things that Jeter has uttered the last few Octobers is that the “current” group of players has not been through this. Forget the looooooooooooong Yankee tradition (you don’t win simply because the previous generation won !!), if you go back to the recent past, as in the last 10 years – it was the O’Neills, Brosius’, Tinos, Pettittes, Williams’ etc etc that started their own tradition from the bottom. They learned how to win and how to overcome adversity together as part of the team they were playing on then. The teams we have been putting out there the last few years, project a feeling of entitlement – THEY ARE THE YANKEES…THEY WON BEFORE…SO, THEY SHOULD WIN AGAIN. Jeter and Posada are about the only guys that seem to recognize that this is not true and that you have to go out and do things to win each and every day.I don’t have any pat answers to correct this mentality but I have my own biases:
1. Joe Torre – I see that people are already calling for his head. I used to be extremely impressed when his post-season moves turned golden. But doubts crept in from the day he brought in Weaver against Florida. And since then, those doubts have only gotten louder. A question that occurs to me (as probably to many of you) is why mess with a line-up that was responsible for sweeping and finally quieting the Sox for the season, a lineup that provided a 10-11 game cushion for several weeks ? Thank you Mr. Torre for all you have done but your magical decision-making process seems to have vanished. I for one, would not be too upset if Torre is let go. But why Pinella ? Why rehash an ex-manager ? Yes, Lou is fiery and hot-tempered but he can also humiliate a player in full view of a National audience. Maybe they should have hung on to the guy cross-town. He seems to have done a good job My preference would be Girardi. He was respected by his teammates and most importantly, by the pitchers.
2. Sheffield, Giambi, and Rodriguez – I know they represent billions of HRs and RBIs during the season, but it is time to get rid of them if at all possible. Gary has a vicious swing but he is also extremely selfish. I never endorsed getting the one-dimensional Giambi. I would have been happy with Nick all the same. Giambi is at the center of too much discussion come playoff time – should he DH, should he play the field ? It is time to let him go. Rodriguez, he is simply never going to be able to play on the same field as Jeter. Enough Said !!!
3. The Giambi Paradox– There is the “Cub Factor” and was the “Curse of the Bambino”. Great ball player maybe but Oakland did not win with him and neither have the Yankees. I would like to include Mussina here also because, even though his Oriole teams were not that good, he has not proven himself to be big game pitcher. He as much admitted it severely years ago when he just accepted that he would lose the first game and Andy would come in to win the second game of a series.
4. Who goes … now what ?? – from my comments above, the answer to the first part is clear. The second part is tougher: pitching - If possible get young starting arms for Rodriguez and bullpen arms for Giambi. Bring up the Hughes. Position players – find a way to make Melky a full-time player, possibly by letting Matsui be the full-time DH. Let Phillips play first and get a second tier 3rd baseman who can play good defense. Lets add some more youte (as Cousin Vinny might say) instead of all-stars.Well, I have ranted enough. Some of it comes from being incredibly frustrated and some from wishful-thinking. Some might agree and some (maybe most) will not, but it is MY rant.
It will definitely be a loooooong Winter AGAIN !!!!
How humiliating !!! Well Friar, looks like Rogers and Bonderman did a better job of impersonating Koufax and Paige than our boys did of impersonating “Murderer’s Row plus Cano”.Even with an “All-Star” at every position, I was never comfortable with this team. Usually, the winning team has an unsung hero – on this team who would that be ??
One of the more analytical things that Jeter has uttered the last few Octobers is that the “current” group of players has not been through this. Forget the looooooooooooong Yankee tradition (you don’t win simply because the previous generation won !!), if you go back to the recent past, as in the last 10 years – it was the O’Neills, Brosius’, Tinos, Pettittes, Williams’ etc etc that started their own tradition from the bottom. They learned how to win and how to overcome adversity together as part of the team they were playing on then. The teams we have been putting out there the last few years, project a feeling of entitlement – THEY ARE THE YANKEES…THEY WON BEFORE…SO, THEY SHOULD WIN AGAIN. Jeter and Posada are about the only guys that seem to recognize that this is not true and that you have to go out and do things to win each and every day.I don’t have any pat answers to correct this mentality but I have my own biases:
1. Joe Torre – I see that people are already calling for his head. I used to be extremely impressed when his post-season moves turned golden. But doubts crept in from the day he brought in Weaver against Florida. And since then, those doubts have only gotten louder. A question that occurs to me (as probably to many of you) is why mess with a line-up that was responsible for sweeping and finally quieting the Sox for the season, a lineup that provided a 10-11 game cushion for several weeks ? Thank you Mr. Torre for all you have done but your magical decision-making process seems to have vanished. I for one, would not be too upset if Torre is let go. But why Pinella ? Why rehash an ex-manager ? Yes, Lou is fiery and hot-tempered but he can also humiliate a player in full view of a National audience. Maybe they should have hung on to the guy cross-town. He seems to have done a good job My preference would be Girardi. He was respected by his teammates and most importantly, by the pitchers.
2. Sheffield, Giambi, and Rodriguez – I know they represent billions of HRs and RBIs during the season, but it is time to get rid of them if at all possible. Gary has a vicious swing but he is also extremely selfish. I never endorsed getting the one-dimensional Giambi. I would have been happy with Nick all the same. Giambi is at the center of too much discussion come playoff time – should he DH, should he play the field ? It is time to let him go. Rodriguez, he is simply never going to be able to play on the same field as Jeter. Enough Said !!!
3. The Giambi Paradox– There is the “Cub Factor” and was the “Curse of the Bambino”. Great ball player maybe but Oakland did not win with him and neither have the Yankees. I would like to include Mussina here also because, even though his Oriole teams were not that good, he has not proven himself to be big game pitcher. He as much admitted it severely years ago when he just accepted that he would lose the first game and Andy would come in to win the second game of a series.
4. Who goes … now what ?? – from my comments above, the answer to the first part is clear. The second part is tougher: pitching - If possible get young starting arms for Rodriguez and bullpen arms for Giambi. Bring up the Hughes. Position players – find a way to make Melky a full-time player, possibly by letting Matsui be the full-time DH. Let Phillips play first and get a second tier 3rd baseman who can play good defense. Lets add some more youte (as Cousin Vinny might say) instead of all-stars.Well, I have ranted enough. Some of it comes from being incredibly frustrated and some from wishful-thinking. Some might agree and some (maybe most) will not, but it is MY rant.
It will definitely be a loooooong Winter AGAIN !!!!
Saturday, October 07, 2006
FOR LOVE OF GAME
Well, it was exactly as it was in 1999 in the fiction world of Kevin Costner. In the movie For Love Of Game Costner plays Billy Chapel, an aging pitcher for the Detroit Tigers heading for the mound for may be his last time ever. The team owner has sold the organization to a corporation and they have plans to trade Billy. His arm continues to fail him more every time he steps up to thrown. And to top it all off, Billy must deal with his tempestuous relationship with Jane, a woman he met by a broken down car on the side of the road five years ago and has yet to fully commit to. With all these thoughts swirling inside Billy's head, he unknowingly begins pitching a perfect game. Unable to keep his mind clear, Billy thinks back on his life during the game and considers the mistakes he has made and the people he has met.
Saturday afternoon in Comerica Park in Detroit it was not an aging star working on a perfect game but the 24 year old Jeremy Bonderman doing the deed. Well he took it into the fifth inning before Robbie Cano broke it up. Bonderman was sublime for 8 1-3 in leading Detroit to an 8-3 victory in Game 4 eliminating the Yankees in the first round once again.
Two years ago this Tiger team lost 119 games. Last weekend the were swept by the last place Kansas City Royals. This weekend they beat the team with the best record in baseball and knocked them out of the post season. What a difference a week makes.
Just how did the Yankees get to the post season? During their drive to first there were numerous come from behind late inning victories. Just too many to count. In a short series, especially a short one of five games you can't win that way. Especially with our bullpen. Chein Ming Wang was tired and was winning with his head. Moose was hurt as well as the Unit. Jaret Wright couldn't get us past the fifth inning and Cory Lidle was iffy at best.
We were playing much better team ball when Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield were hurt. Melky Cabrera and Bobby Abreu broght new life to this team, "team" being the highlighted word there. The team actually looked like they enjoyed winning for the first time since Paul O'Neill retired.
The relief corps were shot. Scott Proctor and Ron Villone were burnt out. Villone not even being used in the post season. Kyle Farnsworth was damged goods. His back locked up every other time out. The only bright spot was Brian Bruney who proved he could pitch the big games if he wasn't overworked. Mariano Rivera was well rested and back but his future is uncertain. We didn't get much chance to use him anyway. We have to start grooming a replacement in the minors.
To wrap it up the hitters weren't hitting causing the starters to pitch like they have to pitch a shutout to win. What leads they did get were handed right back by the inconsistancy of Mariano's bridgemen.
What about next season? We have all winter to discuss that.
Saturday afternoon in Comerica Park in Detroit it was not an aging star working on a perfect game but the 24 year old Jeremy Bonderman doing the deed. Well he took it into the fifth inning before Robbie Cano broke it up. Bonderman was sublime for 8 1-3 in leading Detroit to an 8-3 victory in Game 4 eliminating the Yankees in the first round once again.
Two years ago this Tiger team lost 119 games. Last weekend the were swept by the last place Kansas City Royals. This weekend they beat the team with the best record in baseball and knocked them out of the post season. What a difference a week makes.
Just how did the Yankees get to the post season? During their drive to first there were numerous come from behind late inning victories. Just too many to count. In a short series, especially a short one of five games you can't win that way. Especially with our bullpen. Chein Ming Wang was tired and was winning with his head. Moose was hurt as well as the Unit. Jaret Wright couldn't get us past the fifth inning and Cory Lidle was iffy at best.
We were playing much better team ball when Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield were hurt. Melky Cabrera and Bobby Abreu broght new life to this team, "team" being the highlighted word there. The team actually looked like they enjoyed winning for the first time since Paul O'Neill retired.
The relief corps were shot. Scott Proctor and Ron Villone were burnt out. Villone not even being used in the post season. Kyle Farnsworth was damged goods. His back locked up every other time out. The only bright spot was Brian Bruney who proved he could pitch the big games if he wasn't overworked. Mariano Rivera was well rested and back but his future is uncertain. We didn't get much chance to use him anyway. We have to start grooming a replacement in the minors.
To wrap it up the hitters weren't hitting causing the starters to pitch like they have to pitch a shutout to win. What leads they did get were handed right back by the inconsistancy of Mariano's bridgemen.
What about next season? We have all winter to discuss that.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
T IS FOR TUESDAY IS FOR TIGERS
Taking a page from the Hockey Rangers handbook the Detroit Tigers were knocked out of first place by the last place KC Royals. After jumping off to a 6-0 lead it looked as if the Tigers were destined to host the A's in Detroit this Tuesday but the scrappy Royals never said die and beat the Tigers in 12 innings handing our old friend Kenny Rogers the loss in relief.
The Yankees lost to the Blue Jays giving the Jays their first chance to finish ahead of the Red Sox and Behind the Bombers for the first time in 9 years.
Derek Jeter and and Robbie Cano came up short in the batting tittle race as the Yankees managed by Bernie Williams lost to the Jays 7-5 with "Four Eyes Farnsworth* taking the loss. With the game tied 5-5 in the ninth, Adam Lind hit a two-run, two-out homer off Kyle Farnsworth (3-6). Both Cano and Jeter collected hits but the Twins' Mauer got two hits to keep pace to become the first catcher to the the Batting Title in the American League.
*I also wear glasses so please don't anyone get insulted he just looked so different.
The Yankees lost to the Blue Jays giving the Jays their first chance to finish ahead of the Red Sox and Behind the Bombers for the first time in 9 years.
Derek Jeter and and Robbie Cano came up short in the batting tittle race as the Yankees managed by Bernie Williams lost to the Jays 7-5 with "Four Eyes Farnsworth* taking the loss. With the game tied 5-5 in the ninth, Adam Lind hit a two-run, two-out homer off Kyle Farnsworth (3-6). Both Cano and Jeter collected hits but the Twins' Mauer got two hits to keep pace to become the first catcher to the the Batting Title in the American League.
*I also wear glasses so please don't anyone get insulted he just looked so different.
Friday, September 29, 2006
TIME TO WORRY?
The Big Unit is now a Big Uncertainy for the post season. Randy Johnson has a herniated disc in his lower back, Yankees manager Joe Torre announced on Friday. The ever optomistic Joe Torre said he still expected the Big Unit to make his scheduled Game 3 start next Friday. Many of us who have suffered disc problems will tend to differ. Time i s not something that can heal "all" wounds. The good news is nmany of us didn't expect him to make major contributions anyway.
Torre said an MRI taken Wednesday or Thursday revealed the herniated disc. Johnson had an epidural shot on Friday to relieve his pain and discomfort. He was not at Yankee Stadium on Friday, but is expected to play catch on Saturday and throw a side session on Sunday. "Right now, he's gotten that epidural, and hopefully that will ease the discomfort," he said. "And if it doesn't ease the discomfort, I'm not sure he's going to be able to pitch, obviously." I just hope we know for sure by Tuesday so we don't waste a spot on the roster if he can't pitch.
In an answer to the title "Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah"
Torre said an MRI taken Wednesday or Thursday revealed the herniated disc. Johnson had an epidural shot on Friday to relieve his pain and discomfort. He was not at Yankee Stadium on Friday, but is expected to play catch on Saturday and throw a side session on Sunday. "Right now, he's gotten that epidural, and hopefully that will ease the discomfort," he said. "And if it doesn't ease the discomfort, I'm not sure he's going to be able to pitch, obviously." I just hope we know for sure by Tuesday so we don't waste a spot on the roster if he can't pitch.
In an answer to the title "Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah"
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
NOBODY GOES THERE ANYMORE, IT'S TOO CROWDED
Glad to see that the Yankees are still fighting away to gain home field advantage as the regular 2006 season draws to a close. Hideki Matsui, Gary Sheffield and Jason Giambi have all returned to the line up leaving less playing time for Bernie Williams and Melky Cabrera who both helped us get into the post season this year. I know Joe (Torre) will find a way to get them some at bats.
Randy Johnson will skip his next turn in the roration in an effort to get him healthy for the post season. Sam Bordem of the Daily Snooze explains it all. Peter Botte on the other hand clears the mystery of just what Robbie Cano needs to do to ge the 2006 Batting Title.
If the Twinkies win the central division are they going to celbrate again? Until next time.
Randy Johnson will skip his next turn in the roration in an effort to get him healthy for the post season. Sam Bordem of the Daily Snooze explains it all. Peter Botte on the other hand clears the mystery of just what Robbie Cano needs to do to ge the 2006 Batting Title.
If the Twinkies win the central division are they going to celbrate again? Until next time.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Murcerized - Yes Network Commercial
| YES Network broadcasters playing softball. * Al Leiter throws at a girl's head for winking at him * Bobby Murcer crushes a homer and says the ball was "Murcerized" * Jim Kaat (with the help of an obvious stuntman) does a double backflip to field a bunt * Paul O'Neill tells a furious Bob Lorenz to stop beating up the water cooler * Ken Singleton crushes a homer and just stands there at the plate doing his own game call and laughing evilly * David Justice just absolutely levels the opposing catcher | |
Monday, September 18, 2006
BOMBER ROUND UP
The weekend started out by the Yankees being washed out in the Bronx while jut 14 miles away on Staten Island the Baby Bombers captured their second straight NYPL Championship. The grounds crew really did as great job getting the field playable on the bitterly cold Friday night.
The rainout in the Bronx forced back to back split admission double headers which the Red Sox beat us 3 games to one. Those sawks were just determined not to let us clinch against them. I think we left about 200 runners on base this weekend. Mariano Rivera threw 26 pitches from the bullpen mound before Game 1 of Saturday's first game and said he felt fine. He will do another bullpen session on Tuesday. If all goes well, he could be back next weekend. I can't imagine going into the playoffs without him.
Cory "Chicken" Lidle will miss his next start because of inflammation on the inside of his right index finger, which he believes is from throwing his split-fingered fastball. He believes it's why he has struggled so much in his last two starts. He hopes to miss only one start and return with two starts to convince the Yankees he should be their fourth starter in the playoffs. Right now it's clearly Jaret Wright's job to lose.
Derek Jeter's 25-game hitting streak came to an end Sunday. It was the longest streak by a Yankee since Joe Gordon hit in 29 straight games in 1942. Jeter went 40-for-109 (.367) with eight doubles, three home runs and 18 RBIs during the streak. It was the third longest Yankee streak ever. Gordon was #2 and we all know who #1 is.
The rainout in the Bronx forced back to back split admission double headers which the Red Sox beat us 3 games to one. Those sawks were just determined not to let us clinch against them. I think we left about 200 runners on base this weekend. Mariano Rivera threw 26 pitches from the bullpen mound before Game 1 of Saturday's first game and said he felt fine. He will do another bullpen session on Tuesday. If all goes well, he could be back next weekend. I can't imagine going into the playoffs without him.
Cory "Chicken" Lidle will miss his next start because of inflammation on the inside of his right index finger, which he believes is from throwing his split-fingered fastball. He believes it's why he has struggled so much in his last two starts. He hopes to miss only one start and return with two starts to convince the Yankees he should be their fourth starter in the playoffs. Right now it's clearly Jaret Wright's job to lose.
Derek Jeter's 25-game hitting streak came to an end Sunday. It was the longest streak by a Yankee since Joe Gordon hit in 29 straight games in 1942. Jeter went 40-for-109 (.367) with eight doubles, three home runs and 18 RBIs during the streak. It was the third longest Yankee streak ever. Gordon was #2 and we all know who #1 is.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Staten Island Yankees are in the House
Now is the time to come to the support of you Baby Bombers Staten Island Yankees as they defend their NYPL Championship against the Wild Card winning Brooklyn Psyclones (Mets SSA). Brooklyn has Mother Nature to thank for their playoff berth as they played fewer games than the Aberdeen Ironbirds due to rainouts, thus they had one fewer loss.
The Yankees will take their league best W-L record across the gang plank to KeySpan Park on Saturday night. Game two of the semi-final series will be played Sunday, September 10 at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark.
First pitch is set for 4:00 PM. If necessary, game three will be held on Staten Island at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 12. That game will begin at 7:00 PM.
The Yankees will take their league best W-L record across the gang plank to KeySpan Park on Saturday night. Game two of the semi-final series will be played Sunday, September 10 at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark.
First pitch is set for 4:00 PM. If necessary, game three will be held on Staten Island at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 12. That game will begin at 7:00 PM.
Friday, August 25, 2006
DWEEB OF THE WEEK
Taking a page out of Bob Raissman's book of the NY Daily Snooze, I wouldllike to nominate my own Dweeb of the Week.
I nominate Mid-Island Little League president, Bob Johnson for coming out and dissing the Yankees and the Mets for not contributing more to their Little League World Series trip. WHile the Yankees had contributed $5000 to the youngster he went on to ask for more, singling out Alex Rodriguez on the way.
The Yankees and the Mets contrubuted heavily to the 911 victims, Derek Jeter and Jose Reyes have their own charity foundations. Bernie Williams and Mariano Rivera and constantly helping out victims from their own countries disasters. I won't even touch upon New Orleans and it hurricane tragedy.
Mr. Johnson this is baseball, these kids are healthy (I am not so sure about the absent minded Smith), Get on the corners, at the malls, have a raffle, dance, anything. Stop your whinning and start setting an example for the league you run. Keep your mouth closed.
In other news the Yankees take on the Angels in Anaheim this weekend in a three game set. It is time to pay back for the way the halos treat us.
I nominate Mid-Island Little League president, Bob Johnson for coming out and dissing the Yankees and the Mets for not contributing more to their Little League World Series trip. WHile the Yankees had contributed $5000 to the youngster he went on to ask for more, singling out Alex Rodriguez on the way.
The Yankees and the Mets contrubuted heavily to the 911 victims, Derek Jeter and Jose Reyes have their own charity foundations. Bernie Williams and Mariano Rivera and constantly helping out victims from their own countries disasters. I won't even touch upon New Orleans and it hurricane tragedy.
Mr. Johnson this is baseball, these kids are healthy (I am not so sure about the absent minded Smith), Get on the corners, at the malls, have a raffle, dance, anything. Stop your whinning and start setting an example for the league you run. Keep your mouth closed.
In other news the Yankees take on the Angels in Anaheim this weekend in a three game set. It is time to pay back for the way the halos treat us.
Monday, August 21, 2006
SWEEPIN' IT IN BEANTOWN
Most of us are too young to remember the Yankees play a five game series needless to say sweep it. Most of us would have been extatic to win three out of five of these games. But after we took the first three we wanted it all.
We swept out biggest rivals by no stretch of the imagination. We beat them on their home turf, in a Park, a beutiful one at that, where 5 runs is seldom enough. The New York Yankees completed an unimaginable five-game sweep at Fenway Park on Monday, extending their AL East lead to a season-high 6 1/2 games over the Red Sox.
Both teams limped into this series. The Bombers of the Bronx too it all and left no prisoners. We saw the Aflac Duck all weekend but Benifer was nowhere to be found. A series that had a slight hint of playoff aroma but even more of the emotion that goes with it. For the first time in two years the Yankees looked like a team, in and out of the dugout.
Was this series as good as the one in 1978? I say no. We had more to gain back then. In 2006 we have Big Papi, in 78 we had George "Boomer" Scott. In 78 we had Jim Rice in 06 we had Manny just being Manny. In 78 we had pitcher Ron Guidry in 06 we have pitching coach Ron Guidry. Not many of the players can even remember 78, I can! In 78 we had fun, in 06 we had more fun.
Am I still for a balanced schedule? You bet I am. But this was just a whole lot of fun. The sweep just made it sweeter.
We swept out biggest rivals by no stretch of the imagination. We beat them on their home turf, in a Park, a beutiful one at that, where 5 runs is seldom enough. The New York Yankees completed an unimaginable five-game sweep at Fenway Park on Monday, extending their AL East lead to a season-high 6 1/2 games over the Red Sox.
Both teams limped into this series. The Bombers of the Bronx too it all and left no prisoners. We saw the Aflac Duck all weekend but Benifer was nowhere to be found. A series that had a slight hint of playoff aroma but even more of the emotion that goes with it. For the first time in two years the Yankees looked like a team, in and out of the dugout.
Was this series as good as the one in 1978? I say no. We had more to gain back then. In 2006 we have Big Papi, in 78 we had George "Boomer" Scott. In 78 we had Jim Rice in 06 we had Manny just being Manny. In 78 we had pitcher Ron Guidry in 06 we have pitching coach Ron Guidry. Not many of the players can even remember 78, I can! In 78 we had fun, in 06 we had more fun.
Am I still for a balanced schedule? You bet I am. But this was just a whole lot of fun. The sweep just made it sweeter.
Friday, August 18, 2006
FIVE FOR FIGHTING
Forget the Subway Series this weekend is the real thing. A weekend where 1 = 1, not 1/2 or 0. A loss equals a loss equals a loss. The Yankees and Red Sox square off in a series where anything can happen and yes it really Ain't over till it's over. A Stadium where 7 runs are not enough. With pitching staffs that are both crippled and overused.
The Yankee starters need to go the extra inning this weekend with 5 games in 4 days. A weekend where stars are born or die. A series where you wonder which A-Rod will show up. You have to wonder if you should pitch to Big Papi or walk him, even with bases loaded.
Is is overhyped? Yes, but it is fun so sit back and enjoy, or get agrivated.
The Yankee starters need to go the extra inning this weekend with 5 games in 4 days. A weekend where stars are born or die. A series where you wonder which A-Rod will show up. You have to wonder if you should pitch to Big Papi or walk him, even with bases loaded.
Is is overhyped? Yes, but it is fun so sit back and enjoy, or get agrivated.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
MORE OR (FARNSWORTH)LESS
IMHO Joe Torre made a rare mistake last night which almost cost us the game after coming back.
Kyle Farnsworth was warming up prior to the eighth inning. For what ever reason, Farnsworth never came into the game. TJ Beam, who clearly wasn't warmed up enough was summoned to pitch the eighth. Needless to say TJ was not ready.
Torre should have started the frame with Farnsworth on the mound and then go out there with trainer Gene Monohan and pull Farnsworth due to injury. Then Beam would have had as much time as he needed to get ready.
As it went the tired Scott Proctor was summoned and relinquished the lead. Shawn Chacon was the luckiest man that night as he came in with bases loaded and nobody out trailing 7-6. He struck out the first batter he faced and got an inning ending double play which he started be nabbing a line drive.
The good guys won in the end and Jason Giambi homered with Derek Jeter aboard to bring home the bacon in the ninth as they won 8-7 with Mariano Rivera picking up the save.
Kyle Farnsworth was warming up prior to the eighth inning. For what ever reason, Farnsworth never came into the game. TJ Beam, who clearly wasn't warmed up enough was summoned to pitch the eighth. Needless to say TJ was not ready.
Torre should have started the frame with Farnsworth on the mound and then go out there with trainer Gene Monohan and pull Farnsworth due to injury. Then Beam would have had as much time as he needed to get ready.
As it went the tired Scott Proctor was summoned and relinquished the lead. Shawn Chacon was the luckiest man that night as he came in with bases loaded and nobody out trailing 7-6. He struck out the first batter he faced and got an inning ending double play which he started be nabbing a line drive.
The good guys won in the end and Jason Giambi homered with Derek Jeter aboard to bring home the bacon in the ninth as they won 8-7 with Mariano Rivera picking up the save.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
SI YANKS TO RETIRE WANG'S NUMBER
Chein Ming Wang who led the Staten Island Yankees to two NYPL Championships in three years will have his number retired this Thirsday at the Ballpark in St George (no relation to Boss George). They will be giving out Wang Bobble heads (with real hair) to the first 2000 fans in attendance. They will be taking on the Batavia Muckdogs (Phillies) They will retire his #41 which he wore in 2000. He did wear #17 in 2002. He missed 2001 due to shoulder surgery. He was know as Tiger Wang in 2000, but it was dropped in 2002 due to the fact that he disliked it. Wang will be there but don't expect a signing session. The Yanks are off so come on down and see Real Baseball Real Close. Right off the SI Ferry. You can buy tickets online.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
CHEER ON A-ROD
OK Fans, and I know I am speaking to a minoroity, let's stop this booing of Alex Rodriguez crap alreay. A-Rod isn't going anywhere and why should he? We have one of the best players in baseball who is now one of the NY Press's favorite whipping boys.
Alex is guilty of one thing and only one thing, trying too hard. He worries too damn much about what the fans think, what the press thinks and what his peers think. Alex needs to be a little more like Manny. Manny (Ramirez) probably doesn't even know the score of the game. He zones out everything. Sure he makes too much but it was Texas who paid him that and it still paying a good portion. We got him at a discount price and we need to cheer him on. Nobody would take the contract on as is. We would have a player being paid by three teams. Heck he would be making more for not playing.
So forget about the boos and get behind him and bring him around. Hitting is contageous, let's start by rooting for A-Rod.
Alex is guilty of one thing and only one thing, trying too hard. He worries too damn much about what the fans think, what the press thinks and what his peers think. Alex needs to be a little more like Manny. Manny (Ramirez) probably doesn't even know the score of the game. He zones out everything. Sure he makes too much but it was Texas who paid him that and it still paying a good portion. We got him at a discount price and we need to cheer him on. Nobody would take the contract on as is. We would have a player being paid by three teams. Heck he would be making more for not playing.
So forget about the boos and get behind him and bring him around. Hitting is contageous, let's start by rooting for A-Rod.
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