Tagged: Mike Mussina
Dedicated In Honor Of “Hall Of Famer” Red Ruffing
The latest mlblogs Fan “Leader’s List” [Feb 5 – Feb 15, 2009] was just released, and my blog, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life” was ranked #15 on this new list.
Thank you, to all who have visited my mlblog. I really appreciate all your support; and, also, all the many kind words, comments, and thoughts expressed by viewers of “BY&L”. I always look forward to your great commentary in the comment section of all my posts.
As has been my tradition on previous “Leader’s Lists”, I look forward to dedicating my ranking on each list in honor of a special player, or some other special meaning that number has in relation to the New York Yankees, baseball, or another special meaning in sports or everyday life.
The number 15 is a very special number in New York Yankees history, as it was worn by the Yankees great “captain” Thurman Munson, and retired shortly after Thurman’s tragic death in 1979.
I have already dedicated a post in honor of Thurman Munson from a previous #15 ranking on a past “Leader’s List” — “The Captain” #15 … Thurman Munson.
But, before Thurman Munson wore #15, the number was also worn by 12 other Yankee players throughout the history of the team, starting with Art Jorgens and Hank Johnson, who both wore the number in 1929.
In 1929, the New York Yankees were the first Major League Baseball team to begin wearing numbers on their uniforms on a regular basis. The numbers were assigned based on the position of the starting players in the lineup. So, this is the reason the players on the ’29 Yankees wore the following numbers …
#1 Earl Combs (CF); #2 Mark Koenig (SS/3B); #3 Babe Ruth (RF); #4 Lou Gehrig (1B); #5 Bob Meusel (LF); #6 Tony Lazzeri (2B); #7 Leo Durocher (SS/2B); #8 Johnny Grabowski (C); #9 Benny Bengough (C); #10 Bill Dickey (C).
[note: Dickey, Grabowski, Bengough, all shared the catching duties, with Bill Dickey catching most of the games for the Yanks in 1929. Dickey would later be assigned #8, which was also the number worn by Yogi Berra in the 1950’s and ’60’s. The #8 has been retired by the Yankees in honor of both Dickey and Berra].
After the 1929 season, the following Yankee players wore the number 15 …
Roy Sherid (1930-’31); Red Ruffing (1932-’42; 1946); Hank Borowy (1943-’45); Charlie Keller (1945); Tommy Henrich (1946-’51); Archie Wilson (1952); Joe Collins (1953-’57); Jim Risoni (1959-’61); Jack Reed (1961); Tom Tresh (1961-’69); and, Thurman Munson (1969-1979).
Of all the Yankee players to wear #15, Red Ruffing — probably the greatest righthanded starter in New York Yankees history, along with Hall of Famer, Jack Chesbro, who pitched for the Yanks from 1903-1909, including a (41-12; 1.82 ERA) season in 1904; Allie Reynolds; Vic Raschi; [and, more recently, Mel Stottlemyre and Mike Mussina] — is the only one of the players who have worn #15 to have been enshrined into Baseball’s “Hall of Fame”.
Of course, in my view, I truly believe Thurman Munson should also be enshrined in the “Hall of Fame”; and, have stated my opinion in praise of Munson on a previous dedication post in the “captain’s” honor.
Red Ruffing started his baseball career at the age of 19, with the Boston Red Sox, in 1924.
He was (0-0) in his brief rookie season with the Sox. Then, from 1925-1930, Ruffing recorded six straight losing seasons pitching in Boston, including back-to-back years of losing over 20 games, (10-25) in 1928; and, (9-22) in 1929. After a (0-3) start in the beginning of the 1930 season, and an overall (39-96) losing record with Boston, the Red Sox traded Red Ruffing to the New York Yankees for Cedric Durst and $50,000.
Ruffing compiled a (15-5) record pitching for the Yankees the remainder of the 1930 season; and, then, went on to become the ace of the Yankees pitching staff throughout the rest of his career.
Red Ruffing had a lifetime won/loss record of (273-225); but, was (234-129), a .640 winning percentage, pitching for the New York Yankees, including four straight seasons of 20 or more wins from 1936-1939. [(20-12, 3.85 ERA) in 1936; (20-7, 2.98 ERA) in ’37; (21-7, 3.31 ERA) in ’38; and, (21-7, 2.93 ERA) in 1939].
A “very cool” hightlight in Red Ruffing’s pitching career occurred on August 13, 1932, when Ruffing threw a 10 inning, complete game, 1-0, shutout, in which he won the game by hitting a 10th inning homerun off Washington Senators pitcher, Al Thomas, giving the Yankees the 1-0 victory.
According to the story in Wikipedia, this is not the first time this very rare feat was accomplished. And, at least through the 2006 season, no other Major League pitcher has also thrown a complete game, 1-0 shutout, while also hitting the game winning homerun in the victory.
Achieving the above rare feat, Red Ruffing was actually responsible for both scores on the scoreboard in the Yankees victory, which is very difficult to accomplish in any team sport. Just think about it, how would that same feat be accomplished in another sport?
My first thought brought me to the sport of Hockey. A similar rare feat in the game of hockey would be: the winning goalie recording a 1-0 shutout, while somehow scoring the winning, and only goal of the game, in overtime. Or, in football, with the quarterback running in the winning touchdown, in an overtime, sudden-death, 6-0 victory. All three feats are very rare, indeed. Can anyone think of other examples, in other sports?
Well, even though Red Ruffing’s, 1-0, shutout, feat, was very rare, the fact that he hit a homerun was not [at all] rare for Mr. Ruffing.
Red Ruffing was an excellent hitting pitcher, compiling a career .269 batting average over his 22 years in the major leagues. In 882 games, Red Ruffing had 1,937 at-bats, with 521 hits; 36 homeruns; 273 RBI’s, 207 runs; 97 base-on-balls; 98 doubles; 13 triples; .306 on-base percentage; and, a .389 slugging percentage; while only striking out 266 times. Also, Ruffing hit over .300 in a season “eight” times in his career, including: .364 in 1930; .339 in 1935; and, .330 in 1931.
Ruffing also excelled in the post-season, with a 7-2 winning record in seven World Series appearances, in which the New York Yankees won six World Championships, including, four straight World Championships in the years: 1936, ’37, ’38, and ’39.
Other honors achieved by Red Ruffing throughout his career, included …
* Selection to the American League All-Star team six times.
* Induction into Baseball’s “Hall of Fame” in 1967, with 86.93% of the vote on his 15th time on the Hall of Fame ballot.
* Was honored by the New York Yankees at an “Old Timer’s Day” ceremony in 2004 with a plaque dedicated in his memory in Monument Park, beyond the left-centerfield wall in Yankee Stadium.
Mr. Ruffing was called to serve our great Country in the military during Wold War II in 1943 and 1944. After his return to baseball in 1945, Ruffing was not able to regain his former greatness as “ace” of the Yankees pitching staff, and was released by the Yankees at the end of the 1946 season. He signed with the Chicago White Sox in 1947, which was his final Major League season.
Red Ruffing retired at the end of 1947, ending his brillant career as one of the greatest pitchers, and, also, one of the greatest hitting pitchers, in Baseball history.
After researching the great baseball career of Red Ruffing, one has to wonder why the New York Yankees organization never honored Ruffing by retiring his #15.
The Yankees have retired the numbers of only two pitchers, both lefthanders, throughout their outstanding history. Whitey Ford’s #16; and, Ron Guidry’s #49.
It probably is too late for the New York Yankees to also retire #15 in honor of Red Ruffing, since #15 [rightfully so] will always be remembered as an honor in memory of, the greatness of the Yankees “captain” Thurman Munson.
But, just as I believe Thurman Munson should be enshrined into Baseball’s “Hall of Fame”, an honor that Red Ruffing has already received; I also think, the New York Yankees organization should honor their great righthanded, Hall of Fame, pitcher, Red Ruffing, in some other special way, in addition, to the great honor they have already bestowed upon him, dedicating a plaque in his memory in 2004, in Monument Park, at Yankee Stadium.
Thank you, Red Ruffing, for making all Yankee fans proud of your many great performances, and efforts, as an “ace” pitcher throughout your awesome baseball career as a member of the New York Yankees; and, as a major force on the many Yankee Championship teams that you played on.
To view Red Ruffing’s lifetime stats, click on …
http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/ruffire01.shtml
Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Mike Mussina Now On Path To “Hall of Fame”
Mike Mussina finally made it official. After 18 outstanding years in the American League, pitching for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees, Mussina has retired.
Moose ends his brilliant career with a record of 270-153 (.638); with a 3.68 ERA.
Mussina was an All-Star 5 times; won 7 Gold Glove Awards; never won a Cy Young Award; and, never was part of a World Championship team. But, he was one of the best pitchers of this era, winning 117 games over the .500 mark; with 57 complete games; including 23 career shutouts. And, Mussina had excellent control throughout his career, allowing only 785 base-on-balls in 536 games (1.46 per game).
Last year, Mike Mussina won 20 games (20-9) for the first time in his career. Moose won 19 games twice: (19-9), in 1995; and, (19-11), in 1996, both with the Orioles; He won 18 games, three times: (18-5), in 1992; (18-7), in 1999, with the Orioles; and, (18-10), with the Yankees in 2002; and, 17 games, two times, with the Yanks: (17-11), in 2001; and, (17-8), in 2003.
Mike Mussina has only “one” 20 win season in his great pitching career, but with a little luck, and maybe a few breaks along the way, Moose could have had “six”, or even, “eight” 20 win seasons. Mussina was very close in the 7 years that he had 17, 18, or 19 wins; and, if those seasons took a slighty different turn, there would be no doubt that Mussina would be voted into Baseball’s “Hall of Fame” on the first ballot.
The crowning achievement in Mussina’s career was his 20-9 season with the Yankees in 2008, which may well be enough to move the votes needed in favor of Mike Mussina being enshrined into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, at some point in the future.
Most Yankee fans, including myself; and, also, other baseball fans, would agree that Mike Mussina has earned a trip to Cooperstown. Hopefully, when the time comes, those who are privileged to have a vote for the selection of future Hall of Famers will also agree that Mike Mussina is worthy of being part of all the great players that already grace the walls of the hallowed “Hall of Fame” shrine and building.
View Mike Mussina’s career stats on “baseball-reference.com”. Click on:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/mussimi01.shtml
Mike Mussina will be missed by all Yankee fans. We wish Mike and his family well, as we are confident that in retirement, Mike will be just as successful as he was during his great pitching career.
Thank you, Mike, for the great effort you always gave on the pitching mound; and, the many great memories and pitching performances that you delivered throughout the 8 years that you were a member of the New York Yankees. Enjoy your well-earned retirement, as we all look forward to the time when you return to the new Yankee Stadium in celebration of a “Special Day” in your honor. Also, it will be great to see you return for your first “Old Timer’s Day”; and, of course, listen to your “induction speech” the day your baseball path reaches it’s final destination as a member of Baseball’s “Hall of Fame”.
The day that Mike Mussina officially retired, my thoughts drifted back to some of the most memorable games Mussina pitched during this past season. Three games immediately came to mind, and I vividly recalled each game as I re-read the “Posts” that I had written, describing the events of these games, on my mlblog, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”.
The following are the “Posts” of the three games I referred to above. To view these Posts, just click on the URL from my archives, listed below each game:
* April 18, 2008 [Post] – Game # 17 – Red Sox 7, Yankees 5 – Mike Mussina (L, 1-3)
“Manny Blasts Mussina And Yankees, Again” …
An early season game against the Boston Red Sox in which Manny Ramirez hit two long homeruns off Mike Mussina, in a start that Mussina lasted only three innings. Mussina did not get off to a good start in 2008, as this loss lowered his record to (1-3) at the time.
http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/04/manny_blasts_mussina_and_yanke.html
* August 3, 2008 [Post] – Game # 110 – Yankees 8, Angels 2 – Mike Mussina (W, 14-7)
“Mussina Shines On Final Old Timer’s Day At Stadium”
Mike Mussina pitched a “gem”, the best game I think he pitched in 2008, in front of an overflowing “Old Timer’s Day” crowd at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees 8-2 victory was powered by four Yankee homeruns in a truly memorable game and day. Mussina earned his 14th win of the season in this game.
http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/08/mussina_shines_on_final_old_ti.html
* September 28, 2008 [Post] – Game # 161 – Yanks 6, Red Sox 2 – Mussina (W, 20-9)
“Mussina’s Final Start Ends With 20th Win Of Season”
Mike Mussina finally got the win that gave him his first 20 win season, at age 39, in his final start of 2008, in what turned out to be Mussina’s final start of his career. The 6-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox was saved by Mariano Rivera.
http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/09/mussinas_final_start_ends_with.html
Thank You, Mike Mussina !!!
Congratulations on having an “awesome” pitching career !!!
— Jimmy [27NYY], “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Yanks Can’t Be Serious About Starting Swisher At First
“Swisher’s acquisition from the White Sox helps Cashman avoid the Teixeira market. Swisher is not a Gold Glover like Teixeira, but is considered above average at first. He also can play any of the three outfield positions. But even if he ended up there [with a trade of Johnny Damon or Xavier Nady], the Yanks would likely still avoid Teixeira. They worry Posada, Rodriguez or Derek Jeter could end up needing to play first during the life of what would be a long-term deal for Teixeira.” … Joel Sherman, “New York Post”, November 14, 2008 — “New York Post” article, “Mark-ed down” Swisher means Teixeira unlikely
There has not been a lot of action yet in this winter’s “Hot Stove League”, but I do think the Yankees trade with the Chicago White Sox for “utility man” Nick Swisher and minor league pitcher, Kanekoa Texeira, in return for Wilson Betemit, and minor league pitchers, Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez was a good move by the New York Yankees.
Nick Swisher is an “average” to “good” player who can play first base; all three outfield positions; pinch-hit; and, be the DH on occasion. Swisher is a switch-hitter, with power, and has the ability to draw many base-on-balls. But, he will strikeout too many times, while not producing a very high batting average.
Last year, Swisher hit only .219 in 153 games played, with 24 homeruns; and 69 RBI’s. On the field though, he played only 71 games [46% of his total games played], at first base. Swisher also played 70 games in centerfield; 18 games in leftfield; and, 18 games in right.
So, Nick Swisher’s numbers show that he is a perfect player off the bench for the Yankees over the next few years; and, that is exactly the “role” Joe Girardi should assign Swisher in 2009.
Check out Nick Swisher’s career stats on “Baseball-reference.com”. Click on:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/s/swishni01.shtml
Another reason why this trade was a good move by the Yankees is the fact that Wilson Betemit was traded away. Betemit was very ineffective in his Yankee career, and his departure is a “plus by subtraction” that makes the deal with the White Sox a success just with Betemit leaving.
The headlines for this trade could have read: “Yankees Get Texeira”.
At first look, all Yankee fans would have been jumping for joy, thinking the Bronx Bombers had just signed Mark Tex. But, after reading the first paragraph of the article we all would be very disappointed because we would have realized that the headlines were misleading.
The real headline most Yankee fans want to see this winter is: “Yankees Sign Teixeira”.
A “dotted” i, is what separates Kanekoa Texeira, the minor league pitcher the Yankees received from the White Sox; and, Mark Teixeira, the free-agent, all-star, switch-hitting, .300 hitting, power hitting, great fielding, first baseman, that can be the New York Yankees starting first baseman for the next 7-10 years.
Click on, “Baseball-reference.com” to view Mark Teixeira’s career stats:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/t/teixema01.shtml
It is very disturbing to contemplate that the Yankees braintrust envisions Nick Swisher as the New York Yankees starting first baseman in 2009 [and in future seasons?].
The Yankees have a “Golden Opportunity” to sign Mark Teixeira, one of the best players in the game today; and, in the process, solidify their first base situation for at least the next seven years. All it will take is “Money”, and the Yankees making the best offer for “Tex”.
The Yankees have plenty of money. So, money should “never” be an issue in any deal the Yankees are considering. But, for some reason, the Yankees approach is going in the direction of “cutting” the payroll at a time when their bank vaults are overflowing with cash.
In my view, the Yankees have a huge advantage in the “money department”, and should pay whatever it takes to bring the best players to the Bronx. For this reason, the Yankees should be looking to increase their payroll, not cut it back, especially, with the “new” Yankee Stadium opening next season.
The Yankees have already made “big” offers to CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, basically knocking every other team out of the water right from the beginning in pursuit of these top free-agent “ace” starting pitchers. But, there may be limits regarding the limitless amounts of money the Yankees have, and are willing to spend this winter.
In the same Joel Sherman, New York Post, article, that I quoted at the top of this post, Mr. Sherman gives an insight into the Yankees thinking in regards to their payroll with the following quote:
“A Yankees official said, the club has no plans to spend all of the approximately $88 Million coming off the payroll. The expectation is the $209 Million, 2008 payroll, will be sliced to the $190 Million range or lower.”
Yes, that still is a very large amount of money to work with, and I’m confident the Yankees will prosper during this “Hot Stove League”, signing more than a few top free-agents, greatly improving the team.
But, I will be very disappointed if the Yankees signings this winter do not include …
CC Sabathia … Mark Teixeira … Bobby Abreu … Andy Pettitte … and, another Starting Pitcher … and, also, Mike Mussina [if he doesn’t retire].
My final thoughts regarding the Yankees signing Mark Teixeira, focus on the following concerns:
* Mark Teixeira is an “all-star”, and a much better player than Nick Swisher. To go into the 2009 season with Swisher as the Yankees starting first baseman, when Mark Teixeira was available on the open free-agent market, and all it would have taken for the Yankees to bring Tex to the Bronx was “offering him the largest amount of money” would be totally unacceptable to “not” have signed him.
There will be so much pressure on Nick Swisher to “match” the numbers that Mark Teixeira puts up in 2009, that “fairly or not”, Yankee fans will not accept numbers from our first baseman that does not equal those of Mark Teixeira.
* There are reports that the Boston Red Sox are very interested in signing Mark Teixeira. Enough said. For one of the same reasons that the Yankees signed Alex Rodriguez; the Yankees signing of Mark Teixeira will prevent the Red Sox from possibly signing the “all-star” first baseman.
* Finally, going back to 1976, the long line of great Yankees first baseman will be continued with the signing of Mark Teixeira …
Chris Chambliss, Don Mattingly, Tino Martinez, Jason Giambi, Mark Teixeira …
Sounds better, and makes a lot more sense to me, than:
Chris Chambliss, Don Mattingly, Tino Martinez, Jason Giambi, Nick Swisher.
Enjoy the “Hot Stove League” …
— Jimmy [27NYY], “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Mussina’s Final Start Ends With 20th Win Of Season
Mike Mussina finally reached the magic 20 win mark in a season, as the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox, 6-2, in the first game of a day/night doubleheader at Fenway Park.
After winning the first game of this three game series against the Sox, 19-8, on Friday, Saturday’s game was rained out. This resulted in the scheduled doubleheader on Sunday, the final day of the regular season. The rain also threatened to cancel these two games, but the on and off rainy day was clear enough to play, thankfully for Mussina. If these games were rained-out, they would not have been made up, because they would not have affected the final standings.
Mussina (20-9) threw only 73 pitches, over six solid shutout innings, allowing three hits, and two walks, while striking out three, and lowering his ERA to 3.37.
This victory was Mussina’s 270th career win, tying him with Burleigh Grimes, for 33th on the all-time wins list. Also, Mussina, 39, became the oldest pitcher to get his first 20-win season this late in his career.
Xavier Nady provided the Yankees with all the runs they would need, by hitting a three-run homer, off Boston starter, Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-3), in the top of the 4th inning.
With the 3-0 lead, Mussina got into his only trouble of the game in the bottom of the 4th, when Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz started off the inning by hitting back to back singles. But, Mussina got Kevin Youkilis to fly out to centerfield for the first out of the inning; and, then, J.D. Drew grounded into a double play, to end the inning without any further damage.
Mike Mussina’s start was finished after six innings; now it was up to the Yankees bullpen to hold the lead, and preserve Moose’s 20th win.
Phil Coke pitched a scoreless 7th inning, and was replaced by Joba Chamberlain in the 8th. Joba only faced two batters, though, allowing a lead-off walk, and then a double, bringing the tying run to the plate. At this point, Joe Girardi decided to make another pitching change, and brought Brian Bruney into the game.
Bruney allowed one run to score; and, was replaced by Damaso Marte, who allowed another run to score, cutting the Yankes lead to 3-2.
There were now two outs in the 8th, and Girardi made the call to Mariano Rivera to get the final four outs of the game. Rivera ended the rally by striking-out Dustin Pedroia on three straight pitches, the last one a swinging strike-three.
As it started to rain again, the Yankees scored three more insurance runs in the top of the 9th, off Boston closer, Jonathan Papelbon.
Robinson Cano (3-for-4) led off the inning with a single. Cody Ransom then grounded a perfect hit and run ball up the middle, setting up a first and third situation, with no outs. Jose Molina was up next, and hit a RBI sac fly to rightfield, driving home Cano for a 4-2 lead.
Brett Gardner then singled; and, Johnny Damon walked, to load the bases with Melky Cabrera coming up to the plate. Melky hit a RBI fielders choice grounder to third, that increased the Yanks lead to 5-2.
Alex Rodriguez was up next, with runners on second and third, and two outs. A-Rod completed the scoring by hitting a RBI single, for the 6-2 Yankees lead.
Papelbon struck-out Miranda for the final out of the inning. But, for Papelbon, this was the first time in his career that he ever gave up more than two runs in an appearance. So, as they say, you always see something you never seen before in each game. Well, today, it was the first time Papelbon gave up at least three runs in a game.
The “Great” Mariano closed out the Yankees 6-2 victory, and Mike Mussina’s 20th win of the season, by pitching a scoreless 9th inning, recording his 39th save.
Congratulations to Mike Mussina, for his outstanding 20-9 season !!!
Mussina Wins #19 … But, The Party Is Over For Yanks
Mike Mussina won his 19th game of the season, as the New York Yankees beat the Blue Jays, 3-1, last night in Toronto. It was the Bombers 9th victory in their last 11 games.
For Mussina, (19-9), it was career win #269, moving him into 34th place on the all-time Major League wins list.
But, the win was bittersweet, as the Boston Red Sox also won last night, to clinch the wild card spot in the American League playoffs, thus eliminating the Yankees from the post-season for the first time in 13 years.
October is not going to be a happy time for Yankees fans, or the whole Yankees Organization.
The 2008 Baseball Post-Season will look like a Yankees Old-Timers Day Celebration throughout the playoffs and into the World Series. But, none of the “Yankee Greats”, or games, will grace the old Yankee Stadium any more this year, or ever. “Closing Night” at Yankee Stadium ended eariler than expected in 2008, as the House That Ruth Built had it’s final great show on Sunday, September 21, 2008.
It will be difficult to watch the post season games this year, knowing that Joe Torre, Don Mattingly, and Larry Bowa, are now the braintrust of the Los Angeles Dodgers; and, may be playing the Chicago Cubs, managed by “Sweet Lou” Piniella, for the National League Championship.
Or, if that is not hard enough to swallow, the Yankees cross-town rivals, the New York Mets, may be in the mix in this year’s playoffs, if they don’t duplicate their disastrous collapse of last year, when up by 7 games with 17 to go they blew the lead in the NL East to the Philadelphia Phillies, who won the division, sending the Mets home to watch the 2007 playoff games on TV.
There is a difference, though, on the Mets roster this year. They have Johan Santana in their starting rotation, not Tom Glavine, who pitched poorly down the stretch in 2007, losing three key games that basically sealed the Mets fate to a shocking second place finish behind the Phillies.
Now, I’m not second guessing the Yankees decision to pass on a deal, at the winter meetings in December 2007, that would have brought Santana to the Yanks. I felt than, as I still do, the Minnesota Twins were asking too much in return for Santana. But, if the Mets do get into the playoffs, the great Johan Santana debate will arise again; and, no matter what side of the debate Yankee fans are on, it will not be pleasant seeing Santana on the mound, starting for the Mets, as the ace of their pitching staff.
Hey, it could have been even worse. If Wille Randolph was still managing the Mets, there would be a “triple crown” of former great Yankees leading their respective teams as Managers during the 2008 post-season.
Seeing Willie Randolph back at Yankee Stadium during this year’s All-Star Game; and, at the final game at the old Stadium, was a “good feeling”, that Willie is back as part of the New York Yankees family.
It also will not be pleasant for Yankee fans seeing the Los Angeles Angels, and the Milwaukee Brewers [if the Brewers get in], in this year’s playoffs. Both teams in the post season will be a constant reminder of two deals the Yankees should have made during this season’s trade deadline.
When George M. Steinbrenner, III, was totally running the New York Yankees, and making “all” the decisions, every effort would have been made to bring Mark Teixeira and CC Sabathia to the Yankees for the pennant drive. Both players, Tex at first, and C.C. as a key member of the starting rotation, would have made a huge difference on the Yankees roster, which may have been the perfect infusion of talent that would have fueled the Yankees into first place in the AL EAST.
Hopefully, the signing of free agents, Mark Teixeira and CC Sabathia, are the two top priories for the Yankees in this off-season.
But, the toughest part of this post season will be watching the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox, especially the Sox, playing in the playoffs.
The Rays now have Don Zimmer as a senior baseball advisor; and, all the good luck, and baseball knowledge he always brought to the Yankees during the early Championship Seasons of the Joe Torre era, has finally rubbed-off on his new team, the Tampa Bay Rays.
Since Don Zimmer left New York, the Yankees haven’t won a World Championship. I’m not superstitious, but it is a fact, since Zimmer has left, the Yankees have not won the World Series. So, it would be very difficult seeing the Rays win with Zim as part of the Organization.
Finally, with the Red Sox in the post season defending their 2007 World Championship, and the Yankees not part of October Baseball for the first time in 13 straight years, this is the most difficult of all to deal with. Enough said there.
Well, the 2008 Baseball Season has been very disappointing for the New York Yankees. The goal every year for the Yankees Organization is to win the World Series. Anything less is a failure, and unacceptable. The players, manager, coaches, and front office management understand this; and, the fans expect nothing less than “excellence”. This is what Yankees Tradition is all about.
As fans, we thank the Yankees, and the whole Yankees Organization, for all their efforts, and all the enjoyment and memories this final season at the old Yankee Stadium has brought.
We are proud to be fans of the greatest franchise, and team, in the history of baseball, and all sports, the New York Yankees !!!
Mussina; Abreu Make Solid Case For Return In ’09
When Mike Mussina walked off the mound after facing one batter in the top of the 7th inning, in yesterday’s 9-2 Yankees victory over the Chicago White Sox, the sold-out Yankee Stadium crowd gave Mussina a very warm round of applause, mixed in with shouts of “Mooooose”.
Maybe, many in the crowd had the thought that this could be the final pitching performance by Mike Mussina in a Yankees uniform at Yankee Stadium [old or new].
Moose tipped his cap, and waved it high into the air to the cheering crowd, as he entered the Yankees dugout. It should not be for the final time, though, as a New York Yankee at Yankee Stadium. Mussina’s awesome pitching effort this year was underlined with his great effort last night. Mike Mussina has earned at least a new two-year contract, which hopefully will lead the Yankees to another couple of World Championships, as we all enjoy traveling with Mussina on his journey to 300 career wins.
Mike Mussina threw 97 pitches, over six strong innings, allowing only one run, on five hits, two walks, and four strikeouts, to lower his ERA to 3.57, while raising his won-loss record to 18-9. It took two weeks for Mussina to reach 18 wins; and, with any luck in a few of his past starts this season, Mussina would have already won his 20th game. But, with two more starts to go, his first 20-win season is still in sight.
Also, this was another Yankee game in which more history was made at Yankee Stadium. The win by Mike Mussina was his 268th career victory, tying him with Jim Palmer for 33rd on the all-time win list. With each Mike Mussina victory, it looks more and more like Mussina’s path will lead to the Hall of Fame when his playing days are over.
In the Yankees 9-2 victory, it was the power of Bobby Abreu who helped seal Mike Mussina’s 18th win.
Bobby Abreu (3-for-5), with 6 RBI’s, had one of his best games of the year, hitting two long homeruns — a picture-perfect, two-run homer, deep into the upper rightfield seats in the first inning; and, a long solo shot into the right-centerfeld bleachers in the third inning, both off White Sox starter, Javier Vasquez (12-14), who has now allowed Abreu 9 homeruns throughout his career.
Abreu is now batting .299, with 19 homeruns, and 95 RBI’s, and clearly made a statement last night, [and, this season], that he should be re-signed by the Yankees, for at least the next three years.
The Yankees have to make many moves this off-season; and, the first two of these moves should be the re-signing of Mike Mussina and Bobby Abreu. In my view, both players are very important to the foundation of the next few Yankee seasons. They provide proven all-star experience that is needed [as a good mix] with all the young prospects the Yankees will have on their roster.
Whatever moves the Yankees make in the off-season, “money should not be an issue” when considering which players to re-sign, or which free-agents to bring to New York. This philosophy should start with the re-signing of both Mike Mussina and Bobby Abreu.
Always Great Moments At Yankee Stadium
Even though the 2008 baseball season has not gone well for the Yankees, history is still being made at Yankee Stadium.
The most recent historic events that have taken place at the House That Ruth Built, were milestones achieved by future Hall of Famers, Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter.
In the Yankees 4-2 win against the Chicago White Sox, in the first game of this current four-game home stand, The Great Mariano recorded his 479th career save, moving him into second place on the all-time save’s list. The San Diego Padres,Trevor Hoffman with 552 career saves, is number one on the all-time list.
With his save in this series, Mariano Rivera is now 36 for 37 in save opportunities this season. This has been one of Rivera’s best seasons in his long distinguished career with the Yankees; and, without “The Great Mariano”, the Yankees 2008 season would have been over a long time ago. Both, Mike Mussina and Mariano Rivera have been the Yankees MVP’s this year.
Last night, it was Derek Jeter who made more history at Yankee Stadium, in the Yankees 6-2 loss to the White Sox.
In the first inning, Jeter got his historic 1,270th hit, that moved him past the great Lou Gehrig into first place on the all-time hit list at Yankee Stadium. This is a record that Derek Jeter can only add to, as he did with hit number 1,271 later in this game, because after the Yankees play their final game at the Stadium on Sunday September 21, 2008, the history book will be closed on records at the “old” Yankee Stadium, and “the captain” Derek Jeter will forever hold the all-time hit total at the original Yankee Stadium.
Congratulations to Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. Both are future “Hall of Famers”; but, more importantly, they are two of the greatest players ever, to play for the New York Yankees, and grace the beautiful baseball diamonds of our great game of Baseball.
Update: Thursday, September 18, 2008 — The Yankees won game three of this four game series against the Chicago White Sox, 5-1.
History was made again in this game, as Derek Jeter played in his 1,000th game at Yankee Stadium. The only other Yankee players to play over 1,000 games at the Stadium, are: Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, and Bernie Williams.
Alex Rodriguez also made history last night, when he hit his 35th homerun of the year in the eighth inning. This homer marks the 12th year that A-Rod has hit 35 or more homeruns in a season, which places him with Babe Ruth as the only two players in baseball history to achieve this feat.
Also, with his homer, Alex Rodriguez became the first player in history to hit at least 35 homeruns and drive home at least 100 runs in 12 separate baseball seasons. This accomplishment passed Babe Ruth, who had 11 seasons with 35 homers, and at least 100 RBI’s.
And, finally, as if the Yankees need more historic moments to celebrate in this final season at the “old” Yankee Stadium, Bernie Williams is scheduled to appear at the Stadium’s final game on Sunday, September 21th. It will be Bernie’s first time back to the Stadium since he played his last game for the New York Yankees.
Now, Bernie Williams never “officially” retired from baseball; and, this fueled some interesting talk on Michael Kay’s 1050 ESPN New York radio show today. In a conversation with a caller, a thought was discussed regarding, what a great idea it would be, if the Yankees activated Bernie Williams right before the game, and actually placed him in the lineup, as the starting centerfielder.
Bernie has said he still works out, and is in baseball shape. So, if this were to happen, [remember, it was only a thought that was discussed on a Sports Talk Radio Program — a very fun thought, I would add], I think this would be another classic moment in Yankee Stadium history, with Bernie Williams getting a chance to play one more time in centerfield , get at least one more at-bat, and then retire, after this historic last game at Yankee Stadium. And, Bernie’s # 51 ? Should his number be retired ? Well, that would be “icing on the cake”, and just one more extra special moment to celebrate at Yankee Stadium.
Oh, how great it is to be a Yankees fan !!!
The New York Yankees: History, Tradition, and Greatness !!!
Yanks Drop Into 4th Place; Almost Out Of Playoff Race
A disastrous season continues to become even more of a disaster, as the Yankees lost 5-2 to the Mariners in Seattle yesterday. The loss, coupled with the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, resulted in the Bronx Bombers falling into fourth place behind the Blue Jays in the AL EAST.
The Yankees are now 4-3 [so far] on this ten-game road trip, when they really needed to be 7-0. They now head down the west coast to play a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels in which the Yankees desperately must win “all” three games for any chance to make the playoffs this year.
But, even if the Yankees sweep the Angels, time may have already run out for the Bombers. Any combination of 12 Yankee losses, and, or, 12 Red Sox wins, will eliminate the New York Yankees from the wild card in the American League playoffs in 2008.
Also, in the 5-2 loss, Mike Mussina (17-8) failed to get his 18th win; and, now it looks like his first 20-win season may not happen. Mussina will probably get four more starts, and is capable of pitching good enough to win three of those four starts. But, Mike Mussina cannot do it on his own.
The Yankees had opportunities to score some more runs in yesterday’s game, but, again, left runners on base, including Robinson Cano not being able to drive home a runner from third base, with less than two outs in the fourth inning; and, Alex Rodriguez getting picked off first base, with Derek Jeter at second base, on a play that looked like A-Rod was sleeping as the first baseman raced to first to start the run-down that resulted in the out — ending another possible rally in the 5th inning.
And, so it goes. As the Yankees lineup continues to leave runners on base, and not score runs, then, it really doesn’t matter how well the starters pitch. The losses will continue to be recorded, and the Yankees will fail to make the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. With 19 games remaining, it seems almost impossible that the playoffs will include the Yankees in 2008.
The only good news in yesterday’s game, was Derek Jeter reaching two milestones.
Jeter drove home his 1,000th run of his career, when he hit his 10th homer of the year in the first inning; and, then, Derek hit a single in the third inning, his 2,518th career hit, that tied Babe Ruth for second place on the all-time Yankees hit list.
After Derek Jeter passes Babe Ruth, he will set his sights on Lou Gehrig, who tops the Yankees hit list with 2,721. Jeter should reach that total in the beginning of the 2010 season.
Derek Jeter will then look to become the first Yankee player to get 3,000 career hits. That should happen sometime at the end of the 2011 season.
Congratulations to the captain, Derek Jeter.
Mussina Wins 17th … Yankees Still Standing
After losing two-out-of-three games to the Boston Red Sox and two-out-of-three games to the Toronto Blue Jays, in New York; then winning the first game of this ten-game road trip, a one game make-up game against the Detroit Tigers — the Yankees still continue to fight, as they beat the first place Rays 7-2 last night in Tampa Bay.
Mike Mussina (17-7) pitched six strong innings, throwing 104 pitches, giving up only two runs, on ten hits, one walk, and eight strikeouts, to earn his 17th victory of the season. Mussina now has 267 career wins, moving him ahead of Bob Feller and Eppa Rixey, for sole possession of 34th place on the all-time wins list.
Three Yankee relievers, Marte, Chamberlain, and Giese, closed out this 7-2 win, by pitching three scoreless innings. The bullpen appearances included the return of both Joba Chamberlain and Dan Giese from the disabled list.
With the Rays leading, 1-0, going into the top of the 4th inning, the Yankees scored three runs to go ahead for good in this game, 3-1.
The first Yankee run scored on a RBI sac-fly by Jason Giambi. Then, with one runner on base, Xavier Nady hit a long two-run homerun, deep into the catwalk up on the leftfield roof. The moon shot, inside the Tampa Bay Dome, looked like a scene from the great baseball movie “The Natural”.
The Yankees scored two more runs in the 5th; and, another run in the 6th inning, to up their lead to 6-1.
Rays starter, Garza (11-8) was finished after throwing 100 pitches over five innings of work, allowing, six runs (four earned), on five hits, one walk, and two strikeouts.
Tampa Bay cut the lead to 6-2 with a run in the bottom of the 7th; and, then, with no pressure left in this game, Alex Rodriguez hit a “meaningless” 8th inning homerun, a tack-on run, that completed the scoring in the Yankees 7-2 victory.
After hitting into 11 double plays in the month of August, and totally not getting many clutch hits [at all] this season — it is not exciting for his Yankees fan [and, I’m sure many others] to see A-Rod hit a homerun, in a game situation like in the 8th inning of yesterday’s win over the Rays.
The Yankees have now won two-games in a row on this very crucial ten-game road trip. So, with eight games left on this “up-hill” road journey, the Bronx Bombers just have to keep winning ball games for any chance to get into the playoffs this year.
Giambi Saves Yankees Season, for now
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher, Jon Lester, was pitching a 2-0 shutout, in yesterday’s 3-2 comeback Yankees victory, when he was replaced by reliever, Hideki Okajima, with a runner on second, and two outs, in the bottom of the 7th inning.
In the past, a starting pitcher would have remained in the same kind of game that Lester was pitching yesterday. But, after Cody Ransom doubled, the hook was given to the pitcher throwing a shutout. Just another pitching decision based on “pitch-count”, [Lester did throw 119 pitches up to this point], that has become the “norm” throughout baseball.
In this case, the move turned out to be a good one for the Yankees, as Jason Giambi was sent up to pinch hit; and, on one swing “Saved The Yankees Season” — at least, for now — by hitting a long, game tying, two run homerun, deep over the centerfield fence, off the base of the old centerfield bleachers to tie the score 2-2.
This homerun insured that both starting pitchers would not get a decision in the game, thus, wasting two excellent pitching performances by Mike Mussina and Jon Lester.
So, the Yankees had life in them.
The game moved into the bottom of the 9th inning, still tied 2-2.
Xavier Nady singled, and was replaced by Brett Gardner, who promptly stole second base. An intentional walk was issued to Hideki Matsui; and, Ivan Rodriguez also walked, loading the bases.
Red Sox closer, Jonathan Papelbon, was brought in to face the next batter, Jason Giambi.
Giambi worked the count to (0-2), and then on a high outside fastball, stroked a solid line drive hit to left centerfield, for the walk-off game winning RBI, as the Yankees avoided the sweep by the Red Sox, with the 3-2 win in this game.
Mariano Rivera, (5-5), who recorded four outs, was the winning pitcher for the Yankees; and, Jason Giambi was the hero, keeping the Yankees in this pennant race.
Until the numbers say otherwise, there still is hope that the Yankees will play baseball in October.
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 