It was supposed to be a simple outing at a Spokane Indians minor league game for 4 year-old twin sisters, Gracie and Ruby Weichman, but it turned into so much more. After the two girls won Monday night's paper-toss contest during the fourth-inning, their real prize was seeing their father, Sgt. Chris Weichman-- who had just returned home from his third tour in Afghanistan that morning-- walking towards them.
Sgt. Weichman hadn't seen his family for six months.
After Weichman stepped out of the Indians dugout, he dropped to his knees while his daughters raced across the field to hug him. As the tear-filled soldier embraced his twins and wife, the crowd of 4,000 gave the family a rousing standing ovation.
If that image doesn't put sports into perspective, nothing will.
The Indians, a Class-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, defeated the Yakima Bears, 1-0.
You tell me who the real winners are
Showing posts with label Texas Rangers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas Rangers. Show all posts
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Former Yankees Pitcher Hideki Irabu Found Dead Of Apparent Sucide
The long and troubling road of former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu came to a sad ending today. The one-time Japanese Pacific League star, and Major League bust, was found dead at age 42 of an apparent suicide in his Rancho Palo Verdes, California home.
Irabu was one of the of the key members of the great 1998 Yankees team which beat the San Diego Padres in the World Series and the Yankees team which beat the Atlanta Braves in1999 for the championship; although Irabu never threw a pitch in either series.
The much-maligned Irabu was once called the "Nolan Ryan of Japan" when he tore through the Japanese leagues. After Hideo Nomo successfully blazed a trail for Japanese pitchers, the exotic Irabu was brought to the U.S. in 1997 with high hopes. Japanese fans--many who had never even seen a Yankees game-- came by the thousands to the Bronx.
Irabu's most famous moment in the majors is probably when he ended up being called a "fat... toad" by Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, after the hefty righthander failed to cover first base during a game. Steinbrenner became increasingly more disgusted with his investment and the fact that he wasn't living up to the $12.8, four-year contract during his years with the team.
The Yankees first traded for Irabu-- after he refused to go to the San Diego Padres-- and the 28 year-old Irabu made his debut on July 10, 1997 against the Detroit Tigers in grand style.
Irabu thrilled the crowd of 51,000 as he struck out nine with a 96 mph fastball and got his first major league victory. Current Yankees manager, Joe Girardi, was the catcher that day. After that auspicious opening act, it seemed like it was all downhill from there.
Irabu's abrasive personality, lazy habits and language barrier caused bickering with teammates and the media. During spring training in 1998, Yankees pitcher David Cone finally had enough and verbally laid into the slacking Irabu in the locker room.
The increasingly unpopular Irabu finished the 1998 season 13-9 with a 4.06 ERA but manager Joe Torre had so little faith in Irabu, he kept the high-priced starter on the bench during the entire Yankees playoff run and World Series victory over the Padres.
Irabu went 11-7 during the 1999 season, which didn't satisfy Steinbrenner and he was traded to the Montreal Expos for Jake Westbrook and Ted Lilly.
Irabu fared no better up north. He gained weight and reportedly drank to excess. Knee and elbow surgeries plagued the ever-fattening Irabu and he was finally suspended by the Expos while on a rehab assignment in Triple-A. He played 14 games for the Expos and finished with a 2-7 record and 6.69 ERA.
The last chapter of Irabu's major league career ended before the 2002 season, when the Texas Rangers tried to convert the burned out Irabu into a closer. It was a major failure.
Irabu made millions from the Yankees but never made a mark in the league-- excluding the brilliant first game he pitched.
He was arrested for a bar fight in 2008 and a DUI in 2010. The reclusive Irabu attempted a comeback in Japan in 2009 but shied away from the media until his arrests and ending with the sad news of his death today.
"He was found dead by an apparent suicide," said Los Angeles County Sherriff's Sgt. Michael Arriaga to AP.
During six seasons in the majors (1997-2002), Irabu finished with a 34-35 record and a 5.15 ERA. His poetic legacy may be that he was an integral part of two World Series Championship teams but never played in one.
Irabu should be remembered for widening the door for Japanese position players like Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui.
The tragic reality is maybe, if Hideki Irabu never came to America, he would still be alive right now.
Irabu was one of the of the key members of the great 1998 Yankees team which beat the San Diego Padres in the World Series and the Yankees team which beat the Atlanta Braves in1999 for the championship; although Irabu never threw a pitch in either series.
Irabu's most famous moment in the majors is probably when he ended up being called a "fat... toad" by Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, after the hefty righthander failed to cover first base during a game. Steinbrenner became increasingly more disgusted with his investment and the fact that he wasn't living up to the $12.8, four-year contract during his years with the team.
The Yankees first traded for Irabu-- after he refused to go to the San Diego Padres-- and the 28 year-old Irabu made his debut on July 10, 1997 against the Detroit Tigers in grand style.
Irabu thrilled the crowd of 51,000 as he struck out nine with a 96 mph fastball and got his first major league victory. Current Yankees manager, Joe Girardi, was the catcher that day. After that auspicious opening act, it seemed like it was all downhill from there.
Irabu's abrasive personality, lazy habits and language barrier caused bickering with teammates and the media. During spring training in 1998, Yankees pitcher David Cone finally had enough and verbally laid into the slacking Irabu in the locker room.
The increasingly unpopular Irabu finished the 1998 season 13-9 with a 4.06 ERA but manager Joe Torre had so little faith in Irabu, he kept the high-priced starter on the bench during the entire Yankees playoff run and World Series victory over the Padres.
Irabu went 11-7 during the 1999 season, which didn't satisfy Steinbrenner and he was traded to the Montreal Expos for Jake Westbrook and Ted Lilly.
Irabu fared no better up north. He gained weight and reportedly drank to excess. Knee and elbow surgeries plagued the ever-fattening Irabu and he was finally suspended by the Expos while on a rehab assignment in Triple-A. He played 14 games for the Expos and finished with a 2-7 record and 6.69 ERA.
The last chapter of Irabu's major league career ended before the 2002 season, when the Texas Rangers tried to convert the burned out Irabu into a closer. It was a major failure.
Irabu made millions from the Yankees but never made a mark in the league-- excluding the brilliant first game he pitched.
He was arrested for a bar fight in 2008 and a DUI in 2010. The reclusive Irabu attempted a comeback in Japan in 2009 but shied away from the media until his arrests and ending with the sad news of his death today.
"He was found dead by an apparent suicide," said Los Angeles County Sherriff's Sgt. Michael Arriaga to AP.
During six seasons in the majors (1997-2002), Irabu finished with a 34-35 record and a 5.15 ERA. His poetic legacy may be that he was an integral part of two World Series Championship teams but never played in one.
Irabu should be remembered for widening the door for Japanese position players like Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui.
The tragic reality is maybe, if Hideki Irabu never came to America, he would still be alive right now.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Life Without Derek Jeter Ain't So Bad For The Yankees
It's only been a week since Derek Jeter strained his calf muscle and the Yankees had the monumental task of placing The Captain and his quest for his 3,000th base hit on ice. Jeter reluctantly went on the 15-day DL and now the Yankees seem to be sailing along nicely without their team leader.
The Yankees have scored 42 runs, including a sweep of last year's AL Champs the Texas Rangers to go 5-1 while Jeter treats his calf down in Tampa.
Jeter's replacement, 24 year-old Eduardo Nunez, isn't Derek Jeter circa 1998, but has handled himself adequately at the plate. In 77 at-bats, Nunez has knocked in 11 runs with two home-runs and eight stolen bases.
Jeter, before he went down, had 20 RBI's, two homers and seven stolen bases in 262 plate appearances.
The 24 year-old Nunez won't remind anyone of Ozzie Smith in the field. Every ground ball hit to short is an adventure with Nunez. On Saturday, he muffed a double-play grounder for his eighth error in 37 games. First basemen Mark Teixeira has probably saved half-a-dozen careless throwing errors from fumbling Nunez already.
The young shortstop knows his time at shortstop will be limited; no matter how good he is playing. It's only a matter of time before Jeter says "Helloooo Nunez...good job, now go."
"I feel good you know? It's my opportunity to show I can play," said Nunez. "But I keep telling you, I don't want to think like that. Some one goes down like Jeter, in two weeks, he'll be back in the same place."
While it's a given Nunez will relinquish his position at shortstop when Jeter returns, it is the resurgence of Brett Gardner that will give manager Joe Girardi headaches regarding the lead-off spot.
Right now, batting in the top of the order where Jeter was loosely ensconced, Gardner has become a torrid offensive force.
After a slow start, which made it easy to put the creaky-boned Jeter in the lead-off spot, Gardner is showing all the tools which kept him from being trading over the past few seasons.
Gardner is doing a little of everything to spark an aging, home-run slugging team.
The spunky left-fielder is batting .360 over his last 51 games and his average is creeping to .300. He has eight multi-hit games over the last 14 games.
When Jeter returns, Girardi's conundrum will be what to do with his current No. 1 and No. 2 batters. Gardner and Curtis Granderson, who is having an MVP-type season, have ignited the top of the Yankees line-up and it's a sure bet Jeter is squirming in his whirlpool while witnessing it.
Jeter's diminished play at short is still better than Nunez at full ability, but it's where he bats in the line-up after he gets his milestone 3,000th hit that will be intriguing.
Sure, Jeter has earned the right to bat first when he returns and, unless he acquires those six hits in quick succession, he will probably be dumped to a lower spot in the batting order after the big hit.
It's any one's guess where, and how tactfully, Girardi places the legendary Yankee. Jorge Posada took his demotion kicking and screaming. It's unlikely the cordial, but proud, Jeter will go the same route, but I seem to remember a blistering Jeter press conference after the Yankees front office leaked details of his contract talks last winter. So who knows.
Granderson is hitting both righties and lefties and there is no way you can move him from the No. 2 spot and Gardner is the speedster the team needs in the lead-off spot. He is a mini-weapon of mass destruction right now and the Yankees are a hell of a lot more fun to watch when Gardner is prowling the base.paths.
Where does Jeter actually fit in the line-up when he returns on June 29?
One through five are solid and have the team on cruise-control right now. The sixth spot is for the DH or Nick Swisher, who has also come alive. That leaves the seventh spot and even that is up for grabs.
It's easy to rip the unassuming Jeter, while he hobbles around his Florida mansion, and it almost seems blasphemous. He is about to make history and maybe that 3,000th hit is the only thing keeping the soon-to-be 37 year-old in the conversation, but he is still The Captain with a $17 million-a-year contract and on the verge of legendary stature.
The experienced and sure-handed Jeter, even lugging around a .260 batting average, is still the Yankees best choice at shortstop--even if he has to bat seventh.
Are the Yankees better without Jeter? This last week has produced an intriguing plot when he returns.
The Yankees have scored 42 runs, including a sweep of last year's AL Champs the Texas Rangers to go 5-1 while Jeter treats his calf down in Tampa.
Jeter, before he went down, had 20 RBI's, two homers and seven stolen bases in 262 plate appearances.
The 24 year-old Nunez won't remind anyone of Ozzie Smith in the field. Every ground ball hit to short is an adventure with Nunez. On Saturday, he muffed a double-play grounder for his eighth error in 37 games. First basemen Mark Teixeira has probably saved half-a-dozen careless throwing errors from fumbling Nunez already.
The young shortstop knows his time at shortstop will be limited; no matter how good he is playing. It's only a matter of time before Jeter says "Helloooo Nunez...good job, now go."
While it's a given Nunez will relinquish his position at shortstop when Jeter returns, it is the resurgence of Brett Gardner that will give manager Joe Girardi headaches regarding the lead-off spot.
Right now, batting in the top of the order where Jeter was loosely ensconced, Gardner has become a torrid offensive force.
After a slow start, which made it easy to put the creaky-boned Jeter in the lead-off spot, Gardner is showing all the tools which kept him from being trading over the past few seasons.
Gardner is doing a little of everything to spark an aging, home-run slugging team.
When Jeter returns, Girardi's conundrum will be what to do with his current No. 1 and No. 2 batters. Gardner and Curtis Granderson, who is having an MVP-type season, have ignited the top of the Yankees line-up and it's a sure bet Jeter is squirming in his whirlpool while witnessing it.
Jeter's diminished play at short is still better than Nunez at full ability, but it's where he bats in the line-up after he gets his milestone 3,000th hit that will be intriguing.
Sure, Jeter has earned the right to bat first when he returns and, unless he acquires those six hits in quick succession, he will probably be dumped to a lower spot in the batting order after the big hit.
It's any one's guess where, and how tactfully, Girardi places the legendary Yankee. Jorge Posada took his demotion kicking and screaming. It's unlikely the cordial, but proud, Jeter will go the same route, but I seem to remember a blistering Jeter press conference after the Yankees front office leaked details of his contract talks last winter. So who knows.
Granderson is hitting both righties and lefties and there is no way you can move him from the No. 2 spot and Gardner is the speedster the team needs in the lead-off spot. He is a mini-weapon of mass destruction right now and the Yankees are a hell of a lot more fun to watch when Gardner is prowling the base.paths.
Where does Jeter actually fit in the line-up when he returns on June 29?
One through five are solid and have the team on cruise-control right now. The sixth spot is for the DH or Nick Swisher, who has also come alive. That leaves the seventh spot and even that is up for grabs.
It's easy to rip the unassuming Jeter, while he hobbles around his Florida mansion, and it almost seems blasphemous. He is about to make history and maybe that 3,000th hit is the only thing keeping the soon-to-be 37 year-old in the conversation, but he is still The Captain with a $17 million-a-year contract and on the verge of legendary stature.
The experienced and sure-handed Jeter, even lugging around a .260 batting average, is still the Yankees best choice at shortstop--even if he has to bat seventh.
Are the Yankees better without Jeter? This last week has produced an intriguing plot when he returns.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
A-Rod's Banned Drug Mule Spotted On Yankees Road Trip
Major league baseball is looking into New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez's relationship with his steroid-supplying cousin Yuri Sucart after the admitted drug mule was spotted at the team's San Francisco hotel during the Yankees series against the Oakland A's.
Like bedbugs and Katie Couric, Sucart isn't easy to get rid of.
According to a team source, Sucart was seen at the St. Regis Hotel Tuesday night during the Yankees two-game series across the bay. Sucart has been banned by the Yankees from any team-related activities after Rodriguez admitted that his cousin supplied and injected him with performance-enhancing drugs while he was with the Texas Rangers in 2001-3.
The source said Sucart, Rodriguez's mysterious "trainer" and "personal manager," has accompanied the Yankee third-baseman on numerous road trips over the past two seasons and the Yankees and MLB aren't too happy about the donkey's alleged resurrection.
Sucart was Rodriguez's constant companion during A-Rod's playing days with the Rangers, the Seattle Mariners and the Yankees. He was banished, by the Yankees in 2009, from any Yankees team flights, stadiums or training facilities where the team was located. Unofficially, Sucart's banishment does not apply to team hotels or sitting in the stands as a spectator.
After a 2009 Sports Illustrated story reported that Rodriguez tested positive during a 2003 drug test, he confessed how Sucart would pick up the steroids (or "boli" as it is sometimes called) in the Dominican Republic and inject the drug into both him and his cousin when he played for the Rangers in 2001-3.
Since 2003, Major League Baseball has had it's own ban on personal trainers and managers who are not affiliated with the teams and is once again looking into A-Rod's questionable relationship with Sucart.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman had no comment on the allegations, but can't be too happy about his star player bringing another distraction to the team. MLB is already interested in the miraculous "stem-cell procedure" that has revived Yankees starting pitcher Bartolo Colon's arm.
The 48 year-old Sucart has seen better times since his Yankee banishment. He is in foreclosure on several real estate properties according to his lawyer and feels he took the rap for A-Rod's misdeeds.
"Everybody wants a scapegoat," the dejected Sucart once said.
Maybe that's a step up from being a mule.
Like bedbugs and Katie Couric, Sucart isn't easy to get rid of.
According to a team source, Sucart was seen at the St. Regis Hotel Tuesday night during the Yankees two-game series across the bay. Sucart has been banned by the Yankees from any team-related activities after Rodriguez admitted that his cousin supplied and injected him with performance-enhancing drugs while he was with the Texas Rangers in 2001-3.
Sucart was Rodriguez's constant companion during A-Rod's playing days with the Rangers, the Seattle Mariners and the Yankees. He was banished, by the Yankees in 2009, from any Yankees team flights, stadiums or training facilities where the team was located. Unofficially, Sucart's banishment does not apply to team hotels or sitting in the stands as a spectator.
After a 2009 Sports Illustrated story reported that Rodriguez tested positive during a 2003 drug test, he confessed how Sucart would pick up the steroids (or "boli" as it is sometimes called) in the Dominican Republic and inject the drug into both him and his cousin when he played for the Rangers in 2001-3.
Since 2003, Major League Baseball has had it's own ban on personal trainers and managers who are not affiliated with the teams and is once again looking into A-Rod's questionable relationship with Sucart.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman had no comment on the allegations, but can't be too happy about his star player bringing another distraction to the team. MLB is already interested in the miraculous "stem-cell procedure" that has revived Yankees starting pitcher Bartolo Colon's arm.
The 48 year-old Sucart has seen better times since his Yankee banishment. He is in foreclosure on several real estate properties according to his lawyer and feels he took the rap for A-Rod's misdeeds.
"Everybody wants a scapegoat," the dejected Sucart once said.
Maybe that's a step up from being a mule.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Time For Yankees Girardi To Make The Switch From Swish
It's been hard to watch Nick Swisher struggle at the plate while the New York Yankees bob-and-weave their way through the AL East, but it's even tougher to seeing Andruw Jones gathering rust in the dugout.
Last night, Jones was the knockout punch after he went 3-for-3 with 2 home-runs and 4 RBI's in the Yankees 7-3 win over division-rival the Toronto Blue Jays. Swisher's struggles continued as he went 0-for-3 and his average dropped to a miniscule .204.
It's time for Yankees manager Joe Girardi to make a move in right field and give Jones more at-bats.
Jones has been used sparingly since he signed a one-year deal with the team for $2 million. The reserve right-fielder/DH is batting .240 with 4 home-runs and 7 RBI's in 50 at-bats.
Swisher, meanwhile, has been consistent this year--consistently horrible. He has 2 home-runs and 19 RBI's to go with that barely-beating average in 152 at-bats.
It seems like a no-brainer, but it's not an easy call for Girardi. Swisher is one of the best liked players on the team, among teammates and fans, and played a major part in the Yankees 2009 World Series run. But facts are facts and Swisher is a black hole in the line-up right now.
Girardi always allows the regular players to get their fair share of time in so they can gain momentum and not lose confidence. Swisher's 152 at-bats has been enough time for him to lose momentum and confidence in one fair shake. Through it all, Swisher keeps smiling.
Jones' confidence is what Girardi should be nurturing. Especially with a rugged 19 game schedule facing the Yankees over the course of the next three weeks. Three weeks that could be the barometer of which direction the Yankees are headed.
The Yankees begin a nine-game west coast swing against three of the top four team pitching ERA's in the AL--the Seattle Mariners, the Oakland A's and Los Angeles Angels-- before coming home to three power-packed line-ups--the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers.
Girardi will need all the fire power he can muster.
The 34 year-old Jones knows his place on this team but, besides being a solid hitter, is a 10-time Gold Glove winner.
"It was a great day, you know," said Jones after yesterday's victory. "I had three swings today, I got three hits. So that's what I'm looking for."
Last year, with the Chicago White Sox, Jones was a back-up, but got 276 at-bats due to injuries to Carlos Quentin, and still banged out 19 home-runs.
The Yankees have shopped around the idea of adding another big bat. Jorge Posada's woes as DH and Swisher's light hitting have to be a concern to Girardi, even though the manager stuck with Brett Gardner through his slump until the left-fielder found his groove. Maybe Jones' bat has been the answer all along.
Jones' grin is a little puffier than the 19 year-old Atlanta Brave who batted .400 against the Yankees in the 1996 World Series or when he hit 51 homers in 2005, but the pop is still in his bat. Yesterday, one of his blasts cleared the 408-foot wall in centerfield.
For now Jones is thankful for any playing time.
"Everybody wants to play more," said Jones. "Nobody wants to be on the bench and watch the game."
Maybe it's time for Jones to stop watching. He deserves a shot.
Last night, Jones was the knockout punch after he went 3-for-3 with 2 home-runs and 4 RBI's in the Yankees 7-3 win over division-rival the Toronto Blue Jays. Swisher's struggles continued as he went 0-for-3 and his average dropped to a miniscule .204.
It's time for Yankees manager Joe Girardi to make a move in right field and give Jones more at-bats.
Swisher, meanwhile, has been consistent this year--consistently horrible. He has 2 home-runs and 19 RBI's to go with that barely-beating average in 152 at-bats.
It seems like a no-brainer, but it's not an easy call for Girardi. Swisher is one of the best liked players on the team, among teammates and fans, and played a major part in the Yankees 2009 World Series run. But facts are facts and Swisher is a black hole in the line-up right now.
Girardi always allows the regular players to get their fair share of time in so they can gain momentum and not lose confidence. Swisher's 152 at-bats has been enough time for him to lose momentum and confidence in one fair shake. Through it all, Swisher keeps smiling.
Jones' confidence is what Girardi should be nurturing. Especially with a rugged 19 game schedule facing the Yankees over the course of the next three weeks. Three weeks that could be the barometer of which direction the Yankees are headed.
The Yankees begin a nine-game west coast swing against three of the top four team pitching ERA's in the AL--the Seattle Mariners, the Oakland A's and Los Angeles Angels-- before coming home to three power-packed line-ups--the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers.
Girardi will need all the fire power he can muster.
The 34 year-old Jones knows his place on this team but, besides being a solid hitter, is a 10-time Gold Glove winner.
"It was a great day, you know," said Jones after yesterday's victory. "I had three swings today, I got three hits. So that's what I'm looking for."
Last year, with the Chicago White Sox, Jones was a back-up, but got 276 at-bats due to injuries to Carlos Quentin, and still banged out 19 home-runs.
The Yankees have shopped around the idea of adding another big bat. Jorge Posada's woes as DH and Swisher's light hitting have to be a concern to Girardi, even though the manager stuck with Brett Gardner through his slump until the left-fielder found his groove. Maybe Jones' bat has been the answer all along.
Jones' grin is a little puffier than the 19 year-old Atlanta Brave who batted .400 against the Yankees in the 1996 World Series or when he hit 51 homers in 2005, but the pop is still in his bat. Yesterday, one of his blasts cleared the 408-foot wall in centerfield.
For now Jones is thankful for any playing time.
"Everybody wants to play more," said Jones. "Nobody wants to be on the bench and watch the game."
Maybe it's time for Jones to stop watching. He deserves a shot.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Yankees Rivera Still 'Mo'ing Down Opposition
Is there anything in spring so sweet to the ears of New York Yankees fans than the bells of an ice cream truck or, even better, Metallica's "Enter Sandman"baring over the Yankee Stadium P.A. system. The two sounds are a prelude to a couple of sweet sights--ice cream and Mariano Rivera's trot out of the bullpen to the pitcher's mound.
Rivera continues to defy time as he marches towards his quest of becoming the all-time saves leader. The "Sandman" is now at an an AL record 566 and closing in on Trevor Hoffman's MLB record of 601 saves.
For the 2011 season, Rivera has been almost untouchable. He has had a hand in eight of the Yankees nine victories so far. He picked up save No. 7 after throwing a scoreless ninth against the Texas Ranger, in a come-from-behind victory, last night.
It's amazing how the 41 year-old defies nature. It seems like he is the only member of the original Core Four who isn't showing signs of aging. The other members, Derek Jeter hit 30 points below his average last season, Jorge Posada is struggling as DH and Andy Pettite is already enjoying retirement. Rivera keeps plugging away--and better than ever.
The righthander and his deadly cutter have gone nine innings in 2011, allowing 4 hits and zero runs. He is 1-0, has seven saves in as many chances and giant goose eggs for an ERA.
Rivera's cutter still baffles hitters. Last night, the powerful Ranger batters could only toss their bats at the darting balls. As predictable as Rivera's repertoire of pitches is, it is pretty amazing that opponents still can't touch him.
Since 1996, Rivera has always answered the call. Mo's body still looks freakishly as young as any twenty-something. In his 15th season in pinstripes last year, Rivera had 33 saves and was selected to the All-Star game.
This season he has reached seven saves in the fastest time ever and Rivera is on pace to equal his age in saves plus some.
Rivera has recently stated that 2012 could possibly be his last year. If that's the case, it's unfathomable to think that a 41 year-old leaving the game could be considered an athlete retiring in his prime. With Rivera, that would be the case.
Springtime brings a lot of perennials like the inevitable Baltimore Oriole's flop and European tourists in sandals and black socks, but there is nothing as dramatic as Mariano Rivera running across the Yankee Stadium outfield as the thumping chords from Metallica fill the air.
Ahhh...springtime in the Bronx.
Rivera continues to defy time as he marches towards his quest of becoming the all-time saves leader. The "Sandman" is now at an an AL record 566 and closing in on Trevor Hoffman's MLB record of 601 saves.
It's amazing how the 41 year-old defies nature. It seems like he is the only member of the original Core Four who isn't showing signs of aging. The other members, Derek Jeter hit 30 points below his average last season, Jorge Posada is struggling as DH and Andy Pettite is already enjoying retirement. Rivera keeps plugging away--and better than ever.
The righthander and his deadly cutter have gone nine innings in 2011, allowing 4 hits and zero runs. He is 1-0, has seven saves in as many chances and giant goose eggs for an ERA.
Rivera's cutter still baffles hitters. Last night, the powerful Ranger batters could only toss their bats at the darting balls. As predictable as Rivera's repertoire of pitches is, it is pretty amazing that opponents still can't touch him.
Since 1996, Rivera has always answered the call. Mo's body still looks freakishly as young as any twenty-something. In his 15th season in pinstripes last year, Rivera had 33 saves and was selected to the All-Star game.
This season he has reached seven saves in the fastest time ever and Rivera is on pace to equal his age in saves plus some.
Rivera has recently stated that 2012 could possibly be his last year. If that's the case, it's unfathomable to think that a 41 year-old leaving the game could be considered an athlete retiring in his prime. With Rivera, that would be the case.
Springtime brings a lot of perennials like the inevitable Baltimore Oriole's flop and European tourists in sandals and black socks, but there is nothing as dramatic as Mariano Rivera running across the Yankee Stadium outfield as the thumping chords from Metallica fill the air.
Ahhh...springtime in the Bronx.
Friday, April 15, 2011
N.Y. Yankees Put Hughes on DL with Case of "Dead Arm"
Today, Phil Hughes desire to be a season-long starter took another detour after the New York Yankees put the 24 year-old pitcher on the disabled list with a case of what they are calling "dead arm." The team is blaming the nasty sounding ailment for the cause of the right-hander's bloated 13.94 ERA.
Bartolo Colon, who was edged out of the fifth spot in the rotation in spring training by Freddy Garcia, will replace Hughes.
Hughes (0-1) has been roughed up in all three starts this season and his struggles came to a boil after giving up five runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings against the Baltimore Orioles last night. The Yankees came back to win in the 10th-inning after Hughes staked the O's to a 5-0 lead. Amazingly, Hughes' old ERA (16.50) dropped almost three runs after the beating.
After last night's blown outing, the Yankees took a hard look at Hughes' situation, decided to pull him from the rotation and put his arm on a slab.
"We just feel like he's going through a dead arm period," said manager Joe Girardi. "We don't feel that he's hurt."
Hurt or not, there is no arguing something is wrong with Hughes' right arm. The former flamethrower has seen his fastball turn into an 80 mph changeup. Now, his bread-and-butter pitch, which was once clocked in the mid-90's, has a hard time reaching the mid-80's.
After last night's game, Hughes stoically attempted to explain the unexplainable.
"I don't have a magic potion," the glum Hughes said. "I feel like I'm bringing nothing to the team. My fastball had a decent life after the first inning and then it just disappeared. I tried to balance it with cutters, but made some mistakes. Same old story, I guess."
While Hughes gets 15 days to revive his corpse of an arm, Colon will get to start. Fans had been calling for the hefty righthander to replace Hughes for the past few days after he had a couple of good outings while Hughes struggled.
Colon brings a respectable 3.97 ERA into the mix. In three relief appearances, he has struck out 16 batters in 11.1 innings.
Girardi must be wringing his hands over where he went wrong with his No. 3 starter. The manager had babied Hughes by limiting the number of innings he could through in a season (The Hughes Rules) and shuffling him between the starting rotation and the bullpen throughout his Yankee career.
The manager's hands-on approach seemed to work last year after Hughes went 18-8 with a 4.18 ERA and was selected to the All-Star team. Although Hughes faded down the stretch and got rocked in two playoff appearances against the Texas Rangers, the team believed this was going to be their young pitcher's first full season as a starter.
While Hughes attempts to regain the zip in his arm, his roster spot will be filled by right-handed pitcher Lance Pendleton from the Yankees Scranton affiliate. Pendleton is 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA for the Triple-A club.
Just yesterday Girardi said, "It's our job to get him [Hughes] right. We got to have him pitch. He can't just go on a sabbatical. We need to get this kid right."
Sabbatical? No. Morgue? Maybe.
Bartolo Colon, who was edged out of the fifth spot in the rotation in spring training by Freddy Garcia, will replace Hughes.
After last night's blown outing, the Yankees took a hard look at Hughes' situation, decided to pull him from the rotation and put his arm on a slab.
"We just feel like he's going through a dead arm period," said manager Joe Girardi. "We don't feel that he's hurt."
Hurt or not, there is no arguing something is wrong with Hughes' right arm. The former flamethrower has seen his fastball turn into an 80 mph changeup. Now, his bread-and-butter pitch, which was once clocked in the mid-90's, has a hard time reaching the mid-80's.
After last night's game, Hughes stoically attempted to explain the unexplainable.
"I don't have a magic potion," the glum Hughes said. "I feel like I'm bringing nothing to the team. My fastball had a decent life after the first inning and then it just disappeared. I tried to balance it with cutters, but made some mistakes. Same old story, I guess."
While Hughes gets 15 days to revive his corpse of an arm, Colon will get to start. Fans had been calling for the hefty righthander to replace Hughes for the past few days after he had a couple of good outings while Hughes struggled.
Colon brings a respectable 3.97 ERA into the mix. In three relief appearances, he has struck out 16 batters in 11.1 innings.
Girardi must be wringing his hands over where he went wrong with his No. 3 starter. The manager had babied Hughes by limiting the number of innings he could through in a season (The Hughes Rules) and shuffling him between the starting rotation and the bullpen throughout his Yankee career.
The manager's hands-on approach seemed to work last year after Hughes went 18-8 with a 4.18 ERA and was selected to the All-Star team. Although Hughes faded down the stretch and got rocked in two playoff appearances against the Texas Rangers, the team believed this was going to be their young pitcher's first full season as a starter.
While Hughes attempts to regain the zip in his arm, his roster spot will be filled by right-handed pitcher Lance Pendleton from the Yankees Scranton affiliate. Pendleton is 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA for the Triple-A club.
Just yesterday Girardi said, "It's our job to get him [Hughes] right. We got to have him pitch. He can't just go on a sabbatical. We need to get this kid right."
Sabbatical? No. Morgue? Maybe.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Yankees Garcia Slated to Start Saturday; Forecast: More Rain
New York Yankees fifth-starter Freddy Garcia is still awaiting his first start of the regular season after being bumped from his two previous attempts due to weather. It will be 18 days between his last start in spring training and his first regular season start on Saturday against the Texas Rangers. The forecast: rain.
Garcia's new nickname should be Dopler. So far this season, his slated starts are more likely to be called for rain than by any weatherman at National Weather Service--at least he's been more reliable.
Garcia's last scheduled start was pushed back again after Tuesday night's rainout at Yankee Stadium against the Minnesota Twins. After a bumpy spring training, Garcia is anxious to get on the mound. The gap between his last start and this Saturday's is the longest of his career.
"I've just got to pitch, that's it, " said Garcia. "I don't really know what to say."
Garcia earned the fifth spot in the starting line-up after an up-and-down spring training, but he is far from a lock to stay there, even if the bottom of the five-man rotation is looking a little stormy.
The 34 year-old Garcia's first start as a Yankee now carries a lot more significance than at the beginning of the season. CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are the only starters making any thunder so far this season. Slow starts by Phil Hughes, whose fastball looks more like fog than lightning, and the No. 4 starter Ivan Nova, who is still getting his feet wet have raised some concerns with the team.
If you believe Garcia, the early season layoff shouldn't affect his rhythm.
"I don't think so, I'm too old for that," the righthander joked. "I've got to go out there and pitch, that's all I can do, and win. If I don't have the rhythm, I don't have it, but I don't see a problem. I've got to go out and make my pitch, that's it."
Garcia did throw one inning of relief against the Boston Red Sox last week, giving up one hit and one run, but says he has been keeping in shape by throwing bullpen sessions while waiting to get an actual start.
"Working out, man, throwing bullpen, doing my stuff," He said. That's all I can do. That's all I can control. [I've been throwing] a lot, 40 [pitches], 50 , whatever I need. That's it, throw in the bullpen and [make] it like a game, two or three innings."
The Yankees signed Garcia to a minor league deal for $1.5 million. The veteran hurler won the fifth spot over Bartolo Colon and doesn't think pitching only one real inning in over two weeks can stop him on the mound.
The Weather Channel says: Avoid plans for the outdoors on Saturday; Freddy Garcia is slated to start.
Garcia's new nickname should be Dopler. So far this season, his slated starts are more likely to be called for rain than by any weatherman at National Weather Service--at least he's been more reliable.
"I've just got to pitch, that's it, " said Garcia. "I don't really know what to say."
The 34 year-old Garcia's first start as a Yankee now carries a lot more significance than at the beginning of the season. CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are the only starters making any thunder so far this season. Slow starts by Phil Hughes, whose fastball looks more like fog than lightning, and the No. 4 starter Ivan Nova, who is still getting his feet wet have raised some concerns with the team.
If you believe Garcia, the early season layoff shouldn't affect his rhythm.
"I don't think so, I'm too old for that," the righthander joked. "I've got to go out there and pitch, that's all I can do, and win. If I don't have the rhythm, I don't have it, but I don't see a problem. I've got to go out and make my pitch, that's it."
Garcia did throw one inning of relief against the Boston Red Sox last week, giving up one hit and one run, but says he has been keeping in shape by throwing bullpen sessions while waiting to get an actual start.
"Working out, man, throwing bullpen, doing my stuff," He said. That's all I can do. That's all I can control. [I've been throwing] a lot, 40 [pitches], 50 , whatever I need. That's it, throw in the bullpen and [make] it like a game, two or three innings."
The Yankees signed Garcia to a minor league deal for $1.5 million. The veteran hurler won the fifth spot over Bartolo Colon and doesn't think pitching only one real inning in over two weeks can stop him on the mound.
The Weather Channel says: Avoid plans for the outdoors on Saturday; Freddy Garcia is slated to start.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Red Sox Guarantee Cliff Lee Will Become A Yankee
If anything can light a fire under Brian Cashman, it's the Boston Red Sox. The New York Yankee GM has upped the Cliff Lee ante in his game of Texas Hold 'em with his Texas Rangers opponent by offering the prized pitcher a seven-year deal worth $161 million. Cashman's flop sweat is dripping onto the poker chips.
The Red Sox just snapped up outfielder Carl Crawford--the Yankees Plan B if they lost Lee--after signing first baseman Adrian Gonzalez last week. Both players--in the prime of their careers--have each agreed to seven-year deals worth nearly $300 million. Everything looks good up in the land of white clam chowder.
While the Boston GM Theo Epstein awoke from his two-year off-season slumber with a roar, Cashman is now faced with one face-saving option for this off-season--signing Cliff Lee.
Cashman's two-year deal with Mariano Rivera and his four-year contract with Derek Jeter were almost no-brainers--if you discount Jeter's contentious negotiations--they weren't going anywhere else. Both signings of past-their-prime players were important, but the deals haven't upgraded the team. Now with veteran pitcher Andy Pettitte seriously talking retirement and the Core Four looking like it might be whittled down to the "Key Three," Cashman has to go all in for Lee.
The Texas Rangers won't go away quietly, but their bark is louder than their bank account. The team filed for bankruptcy and the Lee numbers would take up between 25-30% of their entire payroll. The ace up Cashman's sleeve is the seventh year. The Rangers originally offered the lefthander a four or five deal and got real quiet after the Yankees threw a sixth year on the table. Seven could be too rich for their blood. Sure the new Texas regime has two major investors who are Texas oil barons and could pump out a few extra barrels to land Lee, but it seems unlikely they will go for the extra year.
Cashman isn't bluffing, even if he knows the sixth and seventh years could be throw-ins for the 32 year-old Lee. He recognizes the limitations of pitchers approaching the big Four-Oh. The GM also knows getting the lefty is an immediate antidote to the plague of a predominately left-hitting Red Sox line-up. The sight of Lee signing a Yankee contract could possibly entice Pettitte to give it another shot at a championship too. A starting line-up of CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes makes the Yankee Universe salivate. Sorry Kristen Lee, that's not fan's spit raining down from the mezzanine it is their drool.
As Cashman makes mild overtures at catcher Russell Martin, if only to keep him available and away from the Sox, and has Zach Greinke simmering on the stove--just in case Lee fails to sign--he realizes everything boils down to Lee.
The newly signed Gonzalez donned his new Red Sox jersey and proclaimed he was "ready to beat the Yanks," but it is Epstein who has made the loudest noise at the Winter Meetings.
The Red Sox/Yankees rivalry goes beyond the diamond and into the front office. Cashman has made the biggest off-season strides between the teams for the past two years and now the Boston GM has turned the tables.
It has now become a matter of pride to Cashman and the Yankees. If he can land Lee, and only Lee, the Yankees have beaten the Red Sox once again. Nothing else will do.
The Red Sox just snapped up outfielder Carl Crawford--the Yankees Plan B if they lost Lee--after signing first baseman Adrian Gonzalez last week. Both players--in the prime of their careers--have each agreed to seven-year deals worth nearly $300 million. Everything looks good up in the land of white clam chowder.
Cashman's two-year deal with Mariano Rivera and his four-year contract with Derek Jeter were almost no-brainers--if you discount Jeter's contentious negotiations--they weren't going anywhere else. Both signings of past-their-prime players were important, but the deals haven't upgraded the team. Now with veteran pitcher Andy Pettitte seriously talking retirement and the Core Four looking like it might be whittled down to the "Key Three," Cashman has to go all in for Lee.
The Texas Rangers won't go away quietly, but their bark is louder than their bank account. The team filed for bankruptcy and the Lee numbers would take up between 25-30% of their entire payroll. The ace up Cashman's sleeve is the seventh year. The Rangers originally offered the lefthander a four or five deal and got real quiet after the Yankees threw a sixth year on the table. Seven could be too rich for their blood. Sure the new Texas regime has two major investors who are Texas oil barons and could pump out a few extra barrels to land Lee, but it seems unlikely they will go for the extra year.
Cashman isn't bluffing, even if he knows the sixth and seventh years could be throw-ins for the 32 year-old Lee. He recognizes the limitations of pitchers approaching the big Four-Oh. The GM also knows getting the lefty is an immediate antidote to the plague of a predominately left-hitting Red Sox line-up. The sight of Lee signing a Yankee contract could possibly entice Pettitte to give it another shot at a championship too. A starting line-up of CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes makes the Yankee Universe salivate. Sorry Kristen Lee, that's not fan's spit raining down from the mezzanine it is their drool.
As Cashman makes mild overtures at catcher Russell Martin, if only to keep him available and away from the Sox, and has Zach Greinke simmering on the stove--just in case Lee fails to sign--he realizes everything boils down to Lee.
The newly signed Gonzalez donned his new Red Sox jersey and proclaimed he was "ready to beat the Yanks," but it is Epstein who has made the loudest noise at the Winter Meetings.
The Red Sox/Yankees rivalry goes beyond the diamond and into the front office. Cashman has made the biggest off-season strides between the teams for the past two years and now the Boston GM has turned the tables.
It has now become a matter of pride to Cashman and the Yankees. If he can land Lee, and only Lee, the Yankees have beaten the Red Sox once again. Nothing else will do.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Nolan Ryan Makes Play For Pettitte
By Tony Mangia
Maybe the the Texas Rangers realize they won't be able to sign pitching ace Cliff Lee and want to really zing the Yankees as revenge. Rangers president Nolan Ryan is playing this off-season like when he was on the mound---hard and fast.
Ryan might not be planning for a Lee exit but reports say he is making an attempt to lasso home-grown Texan star, Yankee pitcher Andy Pettitte to ease the pain if it happens. Cue the harmonica and start the first verse of "Home on the Range." Nothing Pettitte likes better than being back home--in Texas.
According to sources, Pettitte called Ryan to congratulate him after the Rangers eliminated the Yankees in the ALCS---leading to Texas' first World Series appearance. At that time, any contact with Pettitte regarding a stint with the Rangers would be considered tampering. Ryan waited until the Yankee lefthander became a free-agent before reaching out to him.
Pettitte hasn't declared his intentions for next season, but always expresses a desire to be near his family in Deer Park, a town outside Houston. Pettitte spent two seasons with the Houston Astros before returning to the Yankees in 2007 to be closer to his children. The Texas Rangers play in Arlington, only 250 miles from his family's home.
Pettitte, 38, has pitched well the past two post-seasons but is disappointed in the hard-line stance Yankee GM, Brian Cashman, took in an incentive-filled contract in 2009. The pitcher feels he getting paid as a No. 4 starter, when in reality he is the No. 2 behind CC Sabathia. He started last season with a 11-2 record with a 2.70 ERA but later missed a couple of months with a pulled groin.
Pettitte has been doing his annual 'Will he or won't he retire' routine. A couple of weeks ago, Pettitte told a Houston radio station he would play in "New York or nowhere for sure." Ryan has not denied expressing interest in the Yankee (he declined comment through a Texas spokesman), but Pettitte might be using this as leverage to get back at Cashman. Pettitte has never showed any interest in playing for the Rangers but it looks like logical plan B.
It seems improbable that Pettitte will leave the Bronx. He has stated many times his desire to finish career in pinstripes and has turned down offers from other teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers when Joe Torre was there.
Pettitte was paid $11.75 million last year, well below the erratic A.J. Burnett's $16.5 million. Burnett was a complete washout and Pettitte could be the most important key to next season's success. Unless Burnett completely turns it around--which is doubtful--he looks like dead weight until his contract is up.
If the Yankees land Lee and pair him with Sabathia, they will have the best 1-2 punch in the majors. Add that pair to Pettitte and Phil Hughes and it is the best starting rotation in baseball.
There are reportedly six teams still in the mix for Lee. The Rangers are climbing out of bankruptcy and a $130 million contract would take almost 30% of their total budget--not advantageous considering MVP Josh Hamilton's contract is up for renewal next year.
The Yankees are clearly the front runners for Lee, but Ryan is not going to let his ace go quietly into the Texas sunset. What the Rangers can offer family men Lee and Pettitte is the convenience of being near their homes and Ryan's reputation as a legendary Texan has a lot of influence. He might even offer a plan where the two pitchers could fly to their families on off days--ala Roger Clemens.
If by chance the Yankees lose Pettitte, they could be in a bad place. There aren't many quality starters of Lee and Pettitte's caliber. Sticky negotiations with two other members of the Core Four have already got Cashman and the Yankees crunching numbers. Derek Jeter has been told to 'test the market' and Mariano Rivera turned 41 the other day.
Everything looked so much easier for the Yankees only a few weeks ago. Cashman's unsentimental hard-line stance might have to soften.
Maybe the the Texas Rangers realize they won't be able to sign pitching ace Cliff Lee and want to really zing the Yankees as revenge. Rangers president Nolan Ryan is playing this off-season like when he was on the mound---hard and fast.
Ryan might not be planning for a Lee exit but reports say he is making an attempt to lasso home-grown Texan star, Yankee pitcher Andy Pettitte to ease the pain if it happens. Cue the harmonica and start the first verse of "Home on the Range." Nothing Pettitte likes better than being back home--in Texas.
Pettitte hasn't declared his intentions for next season, but always expresses a desire to be near his family in Deer Park, a town outside Houston. Pettitte spent two seasons with the Houston Astros before returning to the Yankees in 2007 to be closer to his children. The Texas Rangers play in Arlington, only 250 miles from his family's home.
Pettitte, 38, has pitched well the past two post-seasons but is disappointed in the hard-line stance Yankee GM, Brian Cashman, took in an incentive-filled contract in 2009. The pitcher feels he getting paid as a No. 4 starter, when in reality he is the No. 2 behind CC Sabathia. He started last season with a 11-2 record with a 2.70 ERA but later missed a couple of months with a pulled groin.
Pettitte has been doing his annual 'Will he or won't he retire' routine. A couple of weeks ago, Pettitte told a Houston radio station he would play in "New York or nowhere for sure." Ryan has not denied expressing interest in the Yankee (he declined comment through a Texas spokesman), but Pettitte might be using this as leverage to get back at Cashman. Pettitte has never showed any interest in playing for the Rangers but it looks like logical plan B.
It seems improbable that Pettitte will leave the Bronx. He has stated many times his desire to finish career in pinstripes and has turned down offers from other teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers when Joe Torre was there.
Pettitte was paid $11.75 million last year, well below the erratic A.J. Burnett's $16.5 million. Burnett was a complete washout and Pettitte could be the most important key to next season's success. Unless Burnett completely turns it around--which is doubtful--he looks like dead weight until his contract is up.
If the Yankees land Lee and pair him with Sabathia, they will have the best 1-2 punch in the majors. Add that pair to Pettitte and Phil Hughes and it is the best starting rotation in baseball.
There are reportedly six teams still in the mix for Lee. The Rangers are climbing out of bankruptcy and a $130 million contract would take almost 30% of their total budget--not advantageous considering MVP Josh Hamilton's contract is up for renewal next year.
The Yankees are clearly the front runners for Lee, but Ryan is not going to let his ace go quietly into the Texas sunset. What the Rangers can offer family men Lee and Pettitte is the convenience of being near their homes and Ryan's reputation as a legendary Texan has a lot of influence. He might even offer a plan where the two pitchers could fly to their families on off days--ala Roger Clemens.
If by chance the Yankees lose Pettitte, they could be in a bad place. There aren't many quality starters of Lee and Pettitte's caliber. Sticky negotiations with two other members of the Core Four have already got Cashman and the Yankees crunching numbers. Derek Jeter has been told to 'test the market' and Mariano Rivera turned 41 the other day.
Everything looked so much easier for the Yankees only a few weeks ago. Cashman's unsentimental hard-line stance might have to soften.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
A.J.: From Pie-in-the-Face to Pie-in-the-Sky Chance
By Tony Mangia
GAME FOUR STARTER DRILLS TWO IN PRETEND GAME
The sight of A.J. Burnett on the mound might scare a lot of opposing hitters---if only because he lead the league in "batters hit" with 19---but it should scare Yankee fans even more. Out of desperation for a fourth starter in the ALCS against the Texas Rangers Yankees manager, Joe Girardi, has called on the floundering Burnett to fill the pivotal role. In a simulated game yesterday, Burnett's first throw soared over catcher Francisco Cervelli's head before his third pitch drilled Greg Golson. Later, another errant pitch grazed Austin Kearns. It seems like Burnett hasn't lost his inclination to turn his outings into an audition for Wild Thing in "Major League III."
Girardi's choice of Burnett is based less on merit than necessity. Unlike last year's ALCS, there is no scheduled break between games 4 and 5. A three-man rotation can't be trusted to just the Yankees' big three---CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes. CC could probably handle the chore but to leave shortened rest-days to Pettitte, with concerns about his age and recent injury, or the inexperienced Hughes---who already pitched more than his allotted innings during the season---could spell trouble if they face down Cliff Lee in game seven.
Using Burnett could be a monkey wrench thrown into the machine-like efficiency of the Bronx team---which swept the Twins in the ALDS. In the six-inning "game" against the Yankee "B" squad, Burnett showed some signs of his old reliable self, but was mostly ineffective. After bopping Golson, Burnett said, "Everything was good. The hook was good, the curve was good." Just wait until he faces Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler and the claws and antlers of the Rangers' lineup.
Girardi is putting a lot of faith in the Pieman. Burnett was 10-15 on the season with a 5.26 ERA. By far the worst season by a Yankee in a long time. He stumbled down the stretch and faces a Texas team which swept the Yanks only last month and clinched the ALDS by winning three games on-the-road in Tampa. The erratic Burnett took his demotion from the starting line-up like a man. Let's see if he can man up for game four.
After yesterday's game, Kearns said," His stuff isn't the question. I think it's just, for him, can he keep throwing strikes." Burnett confessed that after pitching his first game in ten days, "My knees were shaking." If the imitation game was any indication, the Yankees' heads could be shaking on Tuesday night.
GAME FOUR STARTER DRILLS TWO IN PRETEND GAME
The sight of A.J. Burnett on the mound might scare a lot of opposing hitters---if only because he lead the league in "batters hit" with 19---but it should scare Yankee fans even more. Out of desperation for a fourth starter in the ALCS against the Texas Rangers Yankees manager, Joe Girardi, has called on the floundering Burnett to fill the pivotal role. In a simulated game yesterday, Burnett's first throw soared over catcher Francisco Cervelli's head before his third pitch drilled Greg Golson. Later, another errant pitch grazed Austin Kearns. It seems like Burnett hasn't lost his inclination to turn his outings into an audition for Wild Thing in "Major League III."
Using Burnett could be a monkey wrench thrown into the machine-like efficiency of the Bronx team---which swept the Twins in the ALDS. In the six-inning "game" against the Yankee "B" squad, Burnett showed some signs of his old reliable self, but was mostly ineffective. After bopping Golson, Burnett said, "Everything was good. The hook was good, the curve was good." Just wait until he faces Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler and the claws and antlers of the Rangers' lineup.
Girardi is putting a lot of faith in the Pieman. Burnett was 10-15 on the season with a 5.26 ERA. By far the worst season by a Yankee in a long time. He stumbled down the stretch and faces a Texas team which swept the Yanks only last month and clinched the ALDS by winning three games on-the-road in Tampa. The erratic Burnett took his demotion from the starting line-up like a man. Let's see if he can man up for game four.
After yesterday's game, Kearns said," His stuff isn't the question. I think it's just, for him, can he keep throwing strikes." Burnett confessed that after pitching his first game in ten days, "My knees were shaking." If the imitation game was any indication, the Yankees' heads could be shaking on Tuesday night.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
8 Things I Already Hate About The ALCS
By Tony Mangia
Another Fall, another Yankee playoff. This year the Bronx Bombers face the Texas Rangers in the ALCS. A lot has been made of Rangers finally winning a playoff series--tired of it already--and how the Yankees will be headed west to Texas to open the best of seven playoff on their quest to the World Series. The New York tabloids will have a field-day with their usual biased us vs. them comparisons. The Big Apple--no New Yorker ever called it that--against the Lone Star State. The city-slickers battle the hillbillies. Who cares! here's what is really going to annoy Yankee fans during the upcoming games.
TBS. Two words, Tim McCarver. He is filled with more hot air than Conan's promotional blimp. Bob Gibson got it right when, once in a mound conference, he told the know-it-all catcher, "When you learn to throw a fastball then you can tell ME when to." McCarver's subtle slaps against the Yankees' brass while in the broadcast booth this summer, in defense of his fired former-teammate Joe Torre, was none of his business. Joe came back for Steinbrenner's memorial service anyway.
Instant Replay Debates. Yankee fans were all for the idea last week after the umpire's (no six umps) blown call could have cost the Yankees a win. MLB, forget about the umpire's feelings. Just install a reviewing booth. Even pro bowling has replay to go with the trash-talking now.
Josh Hamilton's Past. Everyone knows its a great story of redemption and he is might be the league MVP but enough of Hamilton's ginger ale celebration shower in the locker room after the Rangers beat the Rays. When he said, "This stuff burns your eyes just like the other stuff," I wondered if his nostrils burned too.
Claws and Antlers. I don't know how this "tradition" started. The antler hands for a great speed play and claw hand to signal a great long-distance play. There are tee-shirts and I'm sure there will be crab and moose hats filling Rangers Ballpark out in Arlington (where exactly is that anyway?). Out of this ever-ending custom of teams not used to making the playoffs coming up with child-like team good luck charms appears this novel idea. Two years ago it was cowbells and mohawks introduced by the 300 or so Tampa Bay Ray fans. There have been hankies, towels, upside-down hats and monkeys. Where are they now? These cute animal parts will soon fade faster than Carl Paladino's political chances. Oh yeah, New York accepts the blame for introducing the "wave" at Shea Stadium.
A.J. Burnett. Alright, blame him for the shaving cream "pie-in-the-face" ritual after a walk-off win but hate him more for being named the number four starter. The $82 million, tattooed, door-punching and mysteriously black-eyed pitcher has been named to start the pivotal game. Should Yankee manager Girardi have gone with Javier Vazquez and will he pull Burnett at the first sign of trouble? Let the debate begin...and go on...and on...
Brett Favre's Text Messages. There is no way to avoid the Vikings quarterback and his Tigeresque ways. Will Jennifer Sterger cooperate with the NFL? Will Favre pay off the comely reporter? Will Rachel Nichols camp out on his Mississippi lawn? Which joint on Favre's body will finally cause him to miss a start? There is no avoiding Favre anywhere, anytime.
Cliff Lee's Greatness and Status. Sure, Lee is 6-0 with an ERA of 1.44 in the playoffs. He pitches complete games and strikes out at least 10. Well Andy Pettitte has 19 playoff wins and five rings to show for it. Get over it Yankee haters. Everyone knows that Lee is just auditioning for the Yankees and will probably be checking out the home team lockers in Yankee Stadium for next season. Hey Cliff, there are some nice homes across the George Washington Bridge that you might find in your $200 million price range.
Empire State of Mind. New Yorkers will have to endure the incessant playing of the Jay-Z song once again. At the stadium, on radio stations and TV commercials. Please make it stop. The Joy Behar Collection of Christmas Carols would be a welcome relief.
Honorable mention: Mayor Bloomberg (Thanks for jinxing the Yankees by already planning a parade), the humongous Steinbrenner Plaque (I'm sure there will be plenty of sentimental shots of the gargantuan monument) and The Hughes Rules.
