Tagged: World Series
Not Wild About Yanks Wild Card Finish …
But …
The Yankees did hold on to make the Playoffs, even though they finished the season with a (9-17) record over the final 26 games.
This weak finish resulted in the New York Yankees (95-67) not winning the AL East, the toughest division in all of Baseball, which placed the Bronx Bombers in second place behind the first place Tampa Bay Rays (96-66), who also did not play very well down the stretch. Thus, the Yankees entered the 2010 post season via the “wild card” route.
Overall, though, it was a great season for the Yankees. And with all the talk about who the Yanks MVP was this season, in my view, that honor belongs to CC Sabathia (21-7) with a 3.13 ERA. This opinion also extends to CC being honored with the American League MVP Award, as well as the AL Cy Young Award.
Without Sabathia’s great pitching performances throughout the 2010 season, the Yankees would not be playing in the post-season this year. CC was “Money” all year long. Especially considering A.J. Burnett’s (10-15) lost season on the mound; Andy Pettitte’s injury at mid-season; And Phil Hughes not pitching as well in the second half of the season as he did in the first half. The rest of the starting rotation was okay at best, while CC was the Yanks “Ace”, “MVP”, and should be awarded the AL “Cy Young Award”, and AL “MVP” Award.
My opinion about CC being the Yanks MVP takes nothing away from the Yankees great lineup which was “awesome” this season. It’s just, I think, without CC Sabathia pitching as well as he did this year, the New York Yankees would not be playing ball this October. CC was the main key to victory for the Yanks in 2010. He was the one Yankee, at least in this season, and in my opinion, that was “indispensable”, even more so than the “Great Mariano” Rivera.
Anyway, its great that September finally ended. There were way too many “mixed messages” being sent out by the Yankees braintrust about wanting to win the AL East. But if the Yankees finished second, that seemed to be okay with Manager Joe Girardi and General Manager Brian Cashman, as the Yanks would enter the playoffs as the wild card team. And so, that ended up being the result. A second place finish by the Bombers. A wild card berth into October baseball.
Of course, the ultimate goal for the Yankees every year is to win the World Series. Anything less would be a failure. So seeing the Yankees playing important games in October once again puts their second place finish this season into a distant memory.
Another “Fall Classic” is clearly in sight for the Yankees. And when the sun sets on this Baseball Season, all Yankee fans hope the #27 will fade into the horizon of the great Yankees history and tradition, with a new number, #28, raising up to take its place center stage in the Yankees Universe, “shining” for all to see, and glowing proudly …
“New York Yankees, 2010 World Champions” !!!
Enjoy the “Playoffs”, everybody …
– Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Power Surge By Yanks In KC; Blast 5 HRs; 3 By A-Rod
After the major rain storm and lightning display in the Kansas City sky during Game Two of this four-game series at Kauffman Stadium, the Bronx Bombers provided their own air show in Game Three, an arsenal of pyrotechnics of the baseball kind, by sending into orbit five home runs, including three by Alex Rodriguez, in route to an 8-3 victory over the Royals.
The Yankees power display began in the top of the sixth off Royals starter Sean O’Sullivan with the score tied 1-1.
A-Rod led off the inning by hitting a long homerun (#19) into the left-centerfield seats. Then after Cano hit a hard liner to left for the first out, Jorge Posada blasted a high and deep 421ft homer (#13) over the centerfield wall. Curtis Granderson followed by going back-to-back with Posada, belting another hard-hit long homer (#11) into the upper rightfield seats to increase the Bombers lead to 4-1, and knock O’Sullivan (L,1-4), out of the game.
The Royals scored two runs, including a lead-off home run by Wilson Betemit (3-for-5), in the bottom of the sixth to cut the lead to 4-3 off starter Phil Hughes (W,14-5). This would be Hughes’ last inning in this game, as he pitched okay, delivering 99 pitches, allowing three runs, on nine hits, one walk, while not striking out any Royal batters.
With one out in the top of the seventh, Mark Teixeira stroked an opposite field single through an open hole at short, the result of the shift the Royals were playing against Teix. Then Rodriguez continued the Yankees “power show”, blasting a two-run homer (#20), on a pitch that was down-and-in from pitcher Kanekoa Texeira, over the centerfield wall 419 feet from the plate, that upped the Yanks lead to 6-3.
And, as the game entered the top of the ninth, Alex Rodriguez saved the best for last. After another single by Teixeira (2-for-5), A-Rod put the final stamp of approval on this historic night by soaring his third homer (#21), high into the Kansas City sky off pitcher Greg Holland. This two-run blast was the longest of all, arcing 439 feet from Rodriguez’s bat into the left-centerfield “flowing water fountain”, capping the score at 8-3. A-Rod was (4-for-5) in this game with five RBI’s, giving him a league-leading 97 RBI’s.
For Rodriguez, this was the second time he hit three home runs in a game as a member of the New York Yankees. On April 26, 2005 against the Angels at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, A-Rod blasted three homers off starter Bartolo Colon, driving home ten runs.
Also of note in this game, every Yankee starter in the lineup got at least one hit. And, after Hughes left the game after six innings, the Yankees bullpen was once again very solid allowing no runs and only one hit over the final three innings to preserve the 8-3 victory.
So, a great win for the Yankees (72-44), who remain in first place in the AL East, two games ahead of the Rays (70-46) and six games in front of the Red Sox (67-51), as both division rivals also won their games yesterday.
Watching Alex Rodriguez hit the three homers in this game was not exactly as exciting as watching Reggie Jackson hit his three home runs in Game Six of the 1977 World Series against the L.A. Dodgers at Yankee Stadium, on three straight pitches, against three different pitchers. But this power display by A-Rod was certainly exciting and fun to watch.
Most importanly though, Rodriguez, and Posada, and Granderson, all helped the Yankees win a big ball game, in the middle of a pennant race, with their home runs. And, that is the most exciting ending to this night. A Yankees victory.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Yanks Keep Rolling; CC Wins 15th In K.C.
The first place in the AL East New York Yankees traveled to Kansas City to play a four-game series against the last place in the AL Cenral Royals, in a series that certainly will lack the playoff atmosphere of the last two series’ against the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers. But all games are important. And the Yankees must continue to treat each series as if it were a playoff series; playing every game as if it was the last game of the World Series.
The Yankees built up an easy 3-0 lead through the first four innings.
A RBI single by Curtis Granderson in the second inning started the scoring in this game, putting the Yanks on the scoreboard first with a 1-0 lead. In the third, Mark Teixeira hit a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 lead. And in the fourth, Austin Kearns belted his first homer as a Yankee [his ninth this season], that upped the lead to 3-0.
Teixeira was back in the lineup after remaining in New York to be with his wife Leigh for the birth of their third child, a son, named Will. Our prayers and best wishes go out to the Teixeira family on this happy occasion.
Mark did not want to miss the two games the Yankees played in Texas, but he said, “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I missed my child’s birth or if anything happened. There was no question in my mind [being with Leigh for the birth].”
Mark Teixeira also had praise for the great series Marcus Thames had in Texas, batting third in the lineup in both games. Teixeira said, “That’s what a team is all about, twenty five guys. At some point in the season, everyone is going to chip in and step up in a big way.”
Kansas City scored a run in the bottom of the fourth to cut the Yanks lead to 3-1.
The Royals starter Bruce Chen (L,7-6), lasted five innings, in which he tossed 92 pitches, while allowing three runs, on eight hits, two walks, and two strikeouts.
CC Sabathia was pitching another solid game for the Yanks, who increased their lead to 4-1 on a RBI by Alex Rodriguez in the seventh inning.
This game was moving right along. And it looked like Sabathia just might take the mound in the ninth inning with a chance to earn his third “complete game” of the season. He already had the Yankees only two complete games so far, back-to-back actually, against Texas on April 16th, a rain-shortened victory; and, in Oakland on April 22th, an eight-inning pitched loss to the A’s.
Through eight innings in this contest CC had thrown only 100 pitches. So, yes, Joe Girardi decided to send Sabathia to the mound in the bottom of the ninth to complete the game, and close out the victory.
Sabathia retired the first batter Betancourt on a grounder to third. Gordon then singled to center. And Mike Aviles followed with a bloop hit to right that created a first and second situation with one out. Mitch Maier was up next and grounded into a force play (3-4) at second base. There were now two outs with runners at first and third.
At this point, with right-haned batter Willie Bloomquist up next, Girardi decided to call David Robertson into the game for the save. It seemed Mariano Rivera had this night off.
Sabathia ended up throwing 110 pitches over eight and two-third innings, allowing one run, on ten hits, two walks, and only three strikeouts. Both runners on base were CC’s responsibility, though. And it was Robertson’s job to keep them from scoring.
Bloomquist worked the count to (2-0), then hit a line drive two-run double to rightfield cutting the score to 4-3. This is not what is expected from the bullpen.
Wilson Betemit was the next batter, and dribbled a (1-2) pitch in front of the plate on the third base side that Robertson tried to field but could not get a grip on the ball, which resulted in an infield hit. It was now first and third with two outs with Jason Kendall coming up to the plate.
Robertson and the Yankees [now] had to really earn this victory.
The first pitch to Kendall was a ball. Then, a strike, to even the count at (1-1). The next pitch was in the dirt when Kendall swung and missed for strike two. Foul ball, still (1-2). High and inside, up by Kendall’s head (2-2). Foul ball, count remained (2-2).
Then, Robertson delivered a perfect breaking ball, “maybe the best pitch he has thrown this season”, said, Ken Singleton and John Flaherty on the YES television broadcast, that Kendall swung right through, missing the ball for strike three.
Yankees win !!!
This was Robertson’s first save this season.
CC Sabathia is now 15-5, with a 3.14 ERA.
The Yankees held on for a 4-3 win, in a game that looked like they would get an easy victory. But in the end, they really had to earn this win.
At this time of the year, all games are important, just like playoff games.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Babe Ruth Hits 500th HR … August 11, 1929
In 1929, the New York Yankees (88-66) finished in second place, 18 games behind the first place Philadelphia Athletics (104-46). The Athletics were the American League Champions that year, in a League that consisted of eight teams. The A’s then went on to beat the National League Champion Chicago Cubs (4-1) in the World Series.
The Yankees top three home run hitters in 1929 were:
* Babe Ruth …… 46 HR … 154 RBI … .345 BA
* Lou Gehrig …… 35 HR … 126 RBI … .300 BA
* Tony Lazzeri … 18 HR … 106 RBI … .354 BA
The top three home run hitters for the A’s in ’29 were:
* Al Simmons …. 34 HR … 157 RBI … .365 BA
* Jimmie Foxx … 33 HR … 118 RBI … .354 BA
* Mule Haas …… 16 HR ….. 82 RBI … .313 BA
On August 11, 1929, Babe Ruth hit his 500th career home run.
In the book, “The Big Bam” – The LIFE and TIMES of BABE RUTH, by Leigh Montville, the author describes the Babe’s historic homer in such beautiful detail …
“The Babe went back to his long-ball production. Despite missing 17 days and falling nine home runs behind Gehrig, he again would lead the league with 46 and hit .345. He reached a milestone on August 11 in Cleveland when he smacked Indians starter Willis Hudlin’s first pitch in the second inning far and wide over the right-field fence at League Park for his 500th home run. It was a startling figure, more than twice as many home runs as anyone in the majors ever had hit. The clout also was the Babe’s sixth home run in the past six games.”
“The ball ricocheted off a Lexington Avenue doorstep and rolled to the feet of Jack Geiser, 46, who was walking to catch a bus home to New Philadelphia. Geiser was found, brought to the Yankees dugout, and presented with two baseballs and an autographed $20 bill by the Bambino, in exchange for the ball in his possession.”
Just a little bit of [baseball history] and Yankees history on this date.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
George M. Steinbrenner III … “Passing of a Legend”
Sadness has fallen over the Bronx and throughout the whole baseball world as New York Yankees owner George M. Steinbrenner III, the greatest owner in the history of “all” sports, has passed away at age 80.
Now, within two days of the passing of legendary Yankee Stadium public address announcer Bob Sheppard (1910-2010), who passed away on July 11th at age 99, the New York Yankees Universe and Family has lost two of the most iconic figures of the past century, not just in baseball, but in all sports and parts of our society.
“An era of greatness has ended” !!!
It is a sad time for all Yankee fans. But, also, a fitting send-off for these two iconic giants, leaving this great earth on their journey into eternal life in Heaven during Baseball’s All-Star break, and just a week before the Yankees organization celebrates their annual Old-Timers Day at Yankee Stadium this upcoming Saturday, July 17th.
The Boss leaves us all as a winner [which he was his whole life], as his New York Yankees are defending their 27th World Championship this season, getting off to a great start heading into the All-Star break in first place in the AL East.
There are many wonderful memories and great things that can be said about Mr. Steinbrenner. And, I am sure we will all enjoy reading and viewing these stories and reports today, and in the days and weeks ahead.
For me, my memories began when I first started following the New York Yankees in 1967, as a young boy, during the Horace Clarke days and CBS ownership era. Mickey Mantle was at the end of his Hall of Fame career; Phil Rizzuto was in the broadcast booth always talking about the great Yankees history and tradition; and, the next “Mickey Mantle”, Bobby Murcer, my favorite Yankee player of all-time, was just beginning his great Yankee career.
The Yankees had many losing years and teams during my early days as a life-long, die-hard Yankees fan in the late 1960’s. But, it was the great New York Yankees “history” and “tradition” of “winning” with Hall of Famers: Ruth, Gehrig, Dickey, DiMaggio, Berra, Mantle, Ford, and many other great players throughout the years, that created the foundation of support by many fans [including myself] of the Yankees during those days.
Then in 1973, a little known ship builder from Cleveland, Ohio, George Steinbrenner, purchased the New York Yankees franchise, and brought the awesome Yankees tradition back to life, which had been dormant for many years since their last World Series appearance in 1964.
And the rest is history …
“Thirty Eight” years as owner [and, still owed by the Steinbrenner family].
“Thirty Two” Winning Seasons.
“Nineteen” Playoff appearances, including …
“Sixteen” AL Division Titles and “Three” Wild Card berths.
“Eleven” American League Championships.
“Seven” World Championships.
Which all enhanced the great history of the New York Yankees …
Increasing their World Championships to 27 !!! [and, counting].
Also, Mr. Steinbrenner was a very generous and charitable person, helping and supporting many different people and causes throughout the years.
From “The House That Ruth Built” to “The House That George Built”, Yankee Stadium is “The Home of Champions” and “Home of Championships” !!!
George M. Steinbrenner III is truly one of the greatest of any Yankee in their history !!!
I look forward to the tributes that will be given in honor of Mr. Steinbrenner and Mr. Sheppard at this year’s All-Star Game and Yankees Old-Timer’s Day celebrations.
But, the greatest honor I look forward to seeing George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard receive, is when both are enshrined into Baseball’s “Hall of Fame”. This is an honor that is long overdue for both these great icons. And, the Hall of Fame will not be complete until both George M. Steinbrenner III and Bob Sheppard grace the sacred walls of the “Hall” in Cooperstown, New York.
Thank you, Mr. Steinbrenner !!!
Thank you, Mr. Sheppard !!!
May God always bless you, and reserve a very special place in Heaven in which you will both enjoy eternal life, peace, and happiness !!!
Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …”
Yankees Start Journey For 28th World Championship
The New York Yankees had a very special year in 2009 — one of their best seasons in their history. But, a new season is just beyond the horizon, and, as always, the goal remains the same for the Yanks, as it was from the first day George Steinbrenner took over ownership of this historic franchise in 1973 …
“Win the World Series” !!! … “Anything less is a failure” !!!
This is the “Yankee Way”, which continues the great Yankees Tradition of greatness that goes all the way back to the 1920’s. And, all in the Yankees Universe can thank George Steinbrenner for always making “winning” the number one priority each and every season.
Without any major controversy [so far] this spring, it gives the Yankees braintrust, and fans, the opportunity to fully focus on key areas of concern that need to be resolved on the Yankees roster before the new season begins against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 4th, Easter Sunday night.
So, the following is my list of some major issues the Yankees need to address during Spring Training, and throughout the 2010 season …
1. Battle For Fifth Spot In Starting Rotation …
I have always been of the opinion that Joba Chamberlain should be a starter, as opposed to being “exiled” in the bullpen … Last season the Yankees braintrust devised all kinds of plans and rules that restricted Joba’s number of pitches thrown, and innings pitched … I think all these rules also restricted Joba’s development as a major league pitcher … In my view, the “Joba Rules” had a negative effect on Chamberlain’s “mindset” which resulted in an overall below average performance on the mound in 2009 … The one good and positive thing about the “Joba Rules” is that they are no longer in effect in 2010 … Chamberlain pitched enough innings during the ’09 season to not have any more restrictions in his starts this season … So, it makes all the sense in the world to pitch Joba Chamberlain as the fifth starter in a rotation that features: CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, and Javier Vazquez as the first four starters … We all need to see how well Joba can perform as a starter over a full season before any decisions are made that will send him to the bullpen … If Chamberlain fails to deliver by the All-Star break, then, Phil Hughes can step into the rotation for the second half of the season … No matter where Hughes pitches this year, [bullpen or as a starter], there will be restrictions [Hughes Rules?] placed on him … So, saving Hughes for the second part of the season will be insurance if Chamberlain is not effective … Also, I believe Phil Hughes is more valuable to the Yanks – in the bullpen – then, Joba would be … That’s my opinion based on how they both pitched last year … And, who knows? … In the future, the Yankees rotation may include both Chamberlain and Hughes pitching as starters … As for the other candidates battling for the fifth spot this spring, I think: Alfredo Aceves and Chad Gaudin will end up in the bullpen as long and middle relievers; and, Sergio Mitre will either start the season at (AAA) Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, or be released by the Yanks … Also, Aceves, Gaudin, or Mitre, could be part of some future Yankee trade.
2. The Lineup: Who will bat number two in the order?
It will be interesting to see who gets hurt more by Johnny Damon signing with the Detroit Tigers this year — the Yankees or Damon? … Certainly, the Yankees will miss Damon in the number two spot in the order … Damon’s working the count, getting on base, hitting for a good average with some power, and great speed, were perfect combinations batting behind Derek Jeter last year. Especially, Johnny’s speed and base running abilities will be missed … But, at this early point in the spring, it has been reported, Nick Johnson will start the season as the Yanks designated hitter and bat number two in the lineup … Johnson is a good hitter, with no speed, who will bat in the .290-.300 range, with power, and an on base percentage of .400 plus … Johnson is a good addition to the Yankees; but, I would rather have Hideki Matsui as DH and Damon batting second in the order … Of course, they are both gone, as Matsui will play for the Angels, and Damon for the Tigers, in 2010 … I don’t think Johnson is the perfect number two hitter; and, he has been very injury-prone throughout his career … But, with that said, the Yankees batting order will look something like the following most of this year:
(1) Derek Jeter SS
(2) Nick Johnson DH
(3) Mark Teixeira 1B
(4) Alex Rodriguez 3B
(5) Jorge Posada C
(6) Robinson Cano 2B
(7) Nick Swisher RF
(8) Curtis Granderson LF
(9) Brett Gardner CF
3. Who will play Left Field? … Center Field?
Joe Girardi has always had great praise for Brett Gardner; so, he will be given every opportunity to play everyday. And, when Gardner is in the lineup he will play center field because center is his best position, and he does play it well … This will then shift Curtis Granderson to left field when Gardner plays … The Yankees also have Randy Winn, Jamie Hoffmann, and Marcus Thames battling to become the fourth outfielder, with Winn probably the early-line favorite at this time … If Winn makes the team, he will play left field when he’s in the lineup, with Granderson playing center … Consistency is the key for success of the Yankees outfield: Granderson in left; Gardner in center; and, Nick Swisher in right … Granderson (.249 BA; .327 OB: .453 Slug; 91 R; 72 BB; 30 HR; 71 RBI; 141 K’s), had very similar stats as Swisher (.245 BA; .357 OB; .460 Slug; 84 R; 97 BB; 29 HR; 82 RBI; 126 K’s), in 2009 … Both players need to improve their numbers … Gardner needs to hit for a higher average; get on base more; and, steal many bases this season to justify being the Yanks regular center fielder … He has been working on his bunting this winter, which is a very positive sign that should result in many infield hits and sacrifice bunts for Gardner in 2010 … Another question that will be answered throughout the season will be: Which combination of players would be more productive for the Yankees this year ? …
Damon (LF) – Granderson (CF) – Matsui (DH) … or,
Granderson (LF) – Gardner (CF) – Johnson (DH)
Only time will tell.
4. Jorge Posada catching A.J. Burnett, and other starters?
The issue that some Yankee pitches have had difficulties with Jorge Posada catching their starts has been well documented over the years … Last year, A.J. Burnett seemed to be most distracted when Posada caught his games, which resulted in Jose Molina becoming Burnett’s personal catcher for most of the season … But, this year, Molina will be playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, and Francisco Cervelli will be the Yanks back-up catcher … It will be worth watching how this drama unfolds thoughout the year, but the early signs look positive as both Posada and Burnett are making every effort to work out all their issues during the spring …
In an article in the New York Daily News by Mark Feinsand, A.J. Burnett is quoted as saying, “I was looking forward to it [bullpen session with Posada] from the first day of camp, to be able to put that behind us and start working together. A lot of stuff was blown out of proportion last year. We’ve talked a handful of times already, so we’re excited to put that behind us, move on and learn from each other.” … “I hope he [Posada] catches me every bullpen and every game this spring. Me coming in here last year and feeling like I caused that controversy, I want to throw to Jorge. I don’t want to deal with that anymore.” … “I never questioned Jorge; I never would and never did. I questioned myself, but everyone thought I questioned Jorge. He’s caught in this league for a long time, so there’s a lot I can learn from him.” …
Posada was also quoted in the article, saying: “I can’t catch him [Burnett] every day, but I bet you the first time I’m not in there when he pitches, people will talk about it. If Cervelli catches him four in a row and he wins four in a row, I’ll make sure Cervelli catches him the fifth time.”
So, the signs look good that both Posada and Burnett are going to figure out how best to work together during games A.J. starts.
The one thing, though, that all the pitchers on the Yankees staff will agree on is … Jorge Posada’s bat in the middle of the lineup is very important to the Yanks winning … Posada has been a major part of “five” Yankee World Championship teams, and has produced many key hits and huge home runs throughout his great career … Those two and three-run homers make-up for any questions about Jorge’s catching abilities … And, for that, Posada deserves all the respect due him as one of the best catchers [maybe the best], in Major League Baseball over the past 15 years.
5. The Bullpen: “Bridge to Mariano” …
Mariano Rivera had one of his best seasons as the Yankees “closer” last year … And, there is every reason to believe that he will continue his dominance as the “best closer in the history of baseball”, in 2010, and over the next few years … Therefore, the main questions about the Yankees bullpen revolve around the middle relievers, eight-inning set-up man, and how well constructed the “Bridge to Mariano” will be built and hold-up over the course of the whole season … There are a full cast of characters that will battle it out during spring training to fill these bullpen spots, including: David Robertson; Damaso Marte; Mark Melancon; Jonathan Albaladejo; Edwar Ramirez; and newly acquired, Boone Logan; and Chan Ho Park; [plus others] … Also, in the mix are: Aceves; Gaudin; Mitre, as well as, Phil Hughes, who I think will start the season as the eight-inning “set-up man” … But, whatever the make-up of the Yankees bullpen is this year, my major concern is: I hope manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland do not overuse the bullpen [again] in 2010 … Dare I mention: “pitch-counts”, “inning-limitations”, and, a “parade of relievers” from the bullpen to the mound, in many games? … In my view, the key for the best performances from the pitching staff is for the starting pichers to be allowed to pitch at least seven or eight innings per game, and, even be allowed to “complete games” … It would be great to see some “CG’s” this season … But, the main key is Mariano Rivera, and how well he pitches … Victory is certain [again] when we hear many times this season:
“Mariano closes out the game, and the Yankees win” !!!
Everybody, Enjoy “Spring Training” !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
The Beauty Of Spring … “Baseball”
As one of the worst winters in recent memory has [finally?] started to fade away, Baseball has moved “front and center” on the sports scene with the beginning of Spring Training.
After a winter semi-hiatus from my blogging activities here at “BY&L”, seeing the sights and hearing the sounds of pitchers and catchers, really gives me, and I’m sure, all baseball fans, a sense that everything is all-right in the world. Baseball is back, continuing the thread of our National Pastime from its early days in the past to our present day. The future always looks brighter when baseball takes center stage.
It is kind of an interesting Spring Training for the World Champion New York Yankees, as this spring starts without any major controversial issues burning the back, or front, pages of the daily newspapers. I guess, winning a World Series makes everything okay at the start of spring the following year after a World Championship.
But, these are the Yankees. And, there will always be issues to resolve and talk about. Only this year we can all ease into these issues with the knowledge that no matter how some of the Yankee moves or decisions turn out, or whether or not we agreed with these decisions, the New York Yankees will have a very good team in 2010.
For now though, I just want to think about “the beauty of baseball in the spring” !!!
Thinking about the pressing issues the Yankees face this spring training can wait for another day.
Everybody, enjoy Spring Training !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
A Pattern Of Disrespect
“Due to this injury, I feel very sorry, and at the same time, very disappointed, to have let my teammates down” … “I will do my best to fully recover and return to the field to help my team once again.”
… Hideki Matsui
May 15, 2006 Press Release
After Surgery To Repair Left Wrist
On May 11, 2006, in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, Hideki Matsui broke his left wrist on an attempt to make a diving catch in left field. This great effort resulted in surgery to repair Hideki’s damaged wrist that kept him on the disabled list for most of the 2006 season, and, also, ended Matsui’s 1,768 consecutive games playing streak [1,250 with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, and 518 with the Yankees].
That injury, and apology in 2006, was the first thing that came to mind when it became official that Hideki Matsui had signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract to play for the L.A. Angels in 2010.
The tremendous level of “respect” Matsui always had for the Yankees and Baseball was repayed with a great level of “disrespect” by the Yankees braintrust when they did not re-sign him, and basically just let him walk away from the team.
It is interesting, 2006 was the last year Bernie Williams played for the Yankees, receiving the same disrespect that Matsui experienced from the Yankees organization.
Williams wanted to return to the Bronx for at least another year at a reported bargain rate of $1 million plus incentives; but, for unknown reasons, Bernie was not re-signed by the Yanks. Even though Williams did not retire or look for another team to play for at the time, his baseball career sadly ended at the end of the ’06 season.
Hideki Matsui was the perfect Yankee. And, the word “respect” has to always be associated with Mr. Matsui.
“I would like to thank Joe Torre from the bottom of my heart for having been considerate of my consecutive games played streak these past several years and placing me in the lineup every day”, said, Matsui, in his press statement in May 2006.
Of course, a year later at the end of the 2007 season, Manager Joe Torre also fell victim to disrespectful treatment by the Yankees organization. After leading the Yankees to 12 straight post season appearances, including six American League Championships, and four World Championships, Mr. Torre was only offered a one-year, incentive-laden deal — lame-duck status — when Torre felt he had earned at least a two-year contract offer to continue managing the Bronx Bombers. Torre turned down the one-year deal, and accepted the L.A. Dodgers managerial position.
To be fair, I understood at the time some of the New York Yankees braintrust concerns about Joe Torre returning as manager in 2008; and, there certainly were valid points on both sides of this issue. In the end though, I do think the Yankees should have offered Mr. Torre a two-year deal at the same rate [per year] he earned in 2007.
“It’s all about responsibility — what he [Matsui] thinks his responsibility is to the team and the organization, because the Yankees committed to him and he feels it’s a two-way street in that regard … He has done it before here, when he’s made an error and came up and apologized to me.” … [Joe Torre, commenting after Matsui’s ’06 press statement].
At the end of the 2008 season, the New York Yankees braintrust continued their streak of disrespect by not re-signing Bobby Abreu. I have written about, and made many comments voicing my displeasure regarding the Abreu move. The decision to let Abreu walk away from the the Yankees was “very wrong” as witnessed by the great year Bobby had for the Angels in 2009 — a MVP season for his new team.
Now, after blasting a grand slam in his first game at Yankee Stadium; and arching a deep shot into the outfield seats at the Tokyo Dome when the Yankees played in Japan a few yeras ago; and, finally, his most dramatic heroics, winning the 2009 World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui will be joining Bobby Abreu in 2010 as a member of the AL West winning L.A. Angels.
The city of Los Angeles is becoming New York [Yankees] West …
* Bobby Abreu
* Hideki Matsui
* Joe Torre
* Don Mattingly
* Larry Bowa
And, also, to add to the disrespect, it was reported on Thursday, December 17th, that the Yankees signed the injury-prone Nick Johnson to a one-year, $5.75 million contract, to be their designated hitter next year.
Hideki Matsui for Nick Johnson !!! …
Not a good deal [at all] for the New York Yankees in my book !!!
So, I guess the “Circle of Life” in Major League Baseball is really just a “Pattern of Disrespect” that can all be summed up as “The Business of Baseball” !!!
Sad … really sad !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
YANKEES ARE 2009 WORLD CHAMPIONS !!!
YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#27
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Phillies Win Game 5; Yankees Still Lead Series, 3-2
No second guessing [here] on my part regarding Joe Girardi’s decision to pitch A. J. Burnett on three games rest in Game 5 of the World Series against the Phillies. Even though A.J. was terrible in his start … in my view, Girardi, and the Yankees braintrust, made the right move in sending Burnett to the mound because basically: what other options did they have?
Chad Gaudin, the only possible fourth starter for the Yanks in this series, has not pitched in about a month. He would have pitched no more than three to five innings. So, it would have made very little sense in taking a chance with Gaudin on the mound instead of Burnett, especially, with all the ineffectiveness out of the bullpen.
A.J. was brought to the Bronx to pitch big games for the Yanks, and it seems very clear to me: Game 5 of the World Series was a “big” game. Since Burnett was available to pitch on three games rest, then, there really was no other choice for Girardi, but to pitch A.J. over Gaudin. Period.
There is no way to sugarcoat A.J. Burnett’s performance, though — he was awful.
A.J., who had a solid outing in Game 2, lasted only two innings, allowing, six runs, on four hits, four walks, and two strikeouts.
He was replaced by David Robertson with no outs in the third inning, after walking Utley and Howard, and, then, allowing RBI singles to Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez before being taken out of the game. Robertson allowed one more run to score for a 6-1 Phillies lead before getting out of the jam without any further damage.
The Phillies took their first lead, 3-1, in the bottom of the first inning on a three-run homer by Chase Utley after the Yanks scored a run in the top of the inning.
In the seventh inning, the Phillies increased their lead to 8-2 on solo home runs by Utley and Ibanez. Utley’s homer was his fifth of the series, tying Reggie Jackson’s record of five homers in the Yankees victory over the Dodgers in the 1977 World Series.
In the meantime, Phillies starter, Cliff Lee pitched seven solid innings before getting into trouble in the top of the eight inning.
Johnny Damon led off the eight with a single which was followed by a single by Mark Teixeira and a two-RBI double by Alex Rodriguez that cut the Phillies lead to 8-4.
Lee (2-0), was replaced by Chan Ho Park with no outs in the eight.
Park faced Nick Swisher, who advanced Rodriguez on a ground ball out. A-Rod then scored on a sac-fly by Robinson Cano that made the score 8-5.
The Yankees scored their final run in the top of the ninth, before Ryan Madson closed out the Phillies 8-6 victory.
The 2009 World Series now heads to the Beautiful Bronx for Game 6, with the New York Yankees leading the series “three” games to “two” over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Another classic pitching match-up is on tap …
Andy Pettitte, (Yankees) vs. Pedro Martinez, (Phillies).
In my view, I think both starters will pitch well, with Andy out-dueling Pedro into the seventh inning.
But, the key for a Yankees win will be a solid bridge directly from Pettitte, with seven strong innings pitched, to the “Great Mariano” Rivera, closing out the Yankees World Series winning final game by recording a two-inning save, pitching a scoreless eight and ninth innings.
Andy to Mariano is: “THE BRIDGE TO VICTORY” !!!
And, a final note: I look for huge offensive numbers by: Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, and Mark Teixeira in tonight’s game.
“GO YANKEES” !!!
ONE MORE WIN FOR #27 !!!
Enjoy the game tonight …
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 