The Yankees had 89 wins this season. They should have picked up their 90th win against the Red Sox cast of minor leaguers on the final day the regular season. But who cares, what another blow to the pinstripes’ collective dignity?
The Yanks went 8-2 in their last 10. Those 89 wins were good enough for first place in two other divisions in baseball, the American League Central and the National League West, but let’s face it, that’s a glorified AAA conference.
I can’t say here what probably hasn’t been said already. So I won’t bother. I’ll just bid farewell to the 2008 season and hope the Yankees spend wisely this season. I’ll conclude with my partial wish list for next season:
1. Five healthy starters. I’m not wishing for one guy or another. I’d prefer Sabathia, but I’m leery of his work load and healthy. AJ Burnett is too big a risk, so too is Ben Sheets. The Yankees don’t need an ace, they have Chien-Ming Wang. They need guys to take the ball every fifth day and give them quality innings. You just don’t know what the AL East will do to a pitcher.
2. Patience at the plate. The Yankees strike out too much. They won so often because of clutch hits. Yes, some were home runs, but piling up doubles and singles does more to demoralize a team than one or two bombs. Those just look good on TV.
3. Giambi, out. There’s much talk about how important he is to the clubhouse. That can’t be as important as when he fields a sure-bet double-play grounder and heaves it into the the upper deck in left field.
Pavano, out. I thought for sure he would hurt himself congratulating Mike Mussina on win No. 20.
Matsui back as the everyday DH (for about half as much).
Posada should play first, but he won’t. It makes sense for his health, his longevity. But whatever, having him behind the plate isn’t awful. Molina will be back as the backup.
So then, someone who can field at first base - but looking at who’s available, I’m not inspired. I wonder if Juan Miranda gets a shot.
4. It’s an odd season for A-Rod, so he should hit 45 to 50 home runs. Not holding my breath on this one. Otherwise, I think he may get pelted with batteries.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Absent, not forgotten
I just got a Google alert about someone out there asking if Joe Torre and Roger Clemens were snubbed by the Yankees’ pre- and -postgame ceremonies commemorating the final game at Yankee Stadium.
The answer is: no.
Torre works for another team now. It would be improper to include him, despite his unmistakable contributions to the team. There’s no way to overlook what he meant to the Yankees. He was exactly what they needed ... calm, composed. He let the p layers play and he handled the rest, including Derek Jeter’s bat.
Torre undoubtedly will be honored, his number retired, a plaque hung - he deserves a monument - and so on. Yankees fans know what he did. We don’t need some scripted hyperbole from Michael Kay to remind us.
Clemens is another case. Yes, he meant a lot to those teams - he was a great pitcher, a lightning rod at times - but his connection to the steroids stuff is too strong to bring him to something that should otherwise have been a joyous stroll down memory lane.
Besides, the best clips of Clemens are him inciting the riot with Red Sox by throwing a pitch in the same time zone Manny Ramirez happened to be standing in; and again throwing, this time the sheared-off remnants of a bat, at a stunned (and some argue handcuffed) Mike Piazza. Not exactly family time stuff.
It’s unfortunate, but Clemens didn’t belong and Torre couldn’t.
The answer is: no.
Torre works for another team now. It would be improper to include him, despite his unmistakable contributions to the team. There’s no way to overlook what he meant to the Yankees. He was exactly what they needed ... calm, composed. He let the p layers play and he handled the rest, including Derek Jeter’s bat.
Torre undoubtedly will be honored, his number retired, a plaque hung - he deserves a monument - and so on. Yankees fans know what he did. We don’t need some scripted hyperbole from Michael Kay to remind us.
Clemens is another case. Yes, he meant a lot to those teams - he was a great pitcher, a lightning rod at times - but his connection to the steroids stuff is too strong to bring him to something that should otherwise have been a joyous stroll down memory lane.
Besides, the best clips of Clemens are him inciting the riot with Red Sox by throwing a pitch in the same time zone Manny Ramirez happened to be standing in; and again throwing, this time the sheared-off remnants of a bat, at a stunned (and some argue handcuffed) Mike Piazza. Not exactly family time stuff.
It’s unfortunate, but Clemens didn’t belong and Torre couldn’t.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wanted: One timely blog post
So, as only the Yankees can, they sent the Stadium out in fine, classy fashion. And with a win, no less.
It was nice to see the old gang, and really old gang in pinstripes. Most awkward moment goes to Thurman Munson's son coming out in uniform. Not necessary. The other wives/daughters/sons had jerseys and jeans/slacks ... maybe Mickey's son didn't. Anyway, they're not players, they're just representing the families.
Still, you wonder how the guys feel, from Berra to Williams, about the fans chanting their names. You could feel it through the TV. Amazing. Out of body. There has to be words to describe that feeling, but I don't have them.
It's sad to see the old place go, but someone on the amazingly long pregame said it best: Sure, the Stadium's a grand old place, but spend some time inside, in the bowels, and you see why it needs to be replaced. It's 85 years old and it shows.
I don't know if I believe in ghosts. I believe in the better team winning. I believe in the pressure of 57,000 people screaming at or for you, I believe in history, in legacy, so if that stuff adds up to ghosts, then so be it.
I predict no fewer than five numbers will be retired next season, and I imagine Yogi will get his own monument. I can't figure out the reasoning behind who gets what. You'd think Mantle would warrant one. Even Joe D doesn't have one, unless I'm mistaken. Jeter, Rivera, they'll get 'em. Williams, O'Neill, Posada, Pettitte, maybe even Tino will gets plaques.
Amazing to think I saw all that, beginning to what appears to be the end.
PS: In the roll call, there's no way Johnny Damon should have been in that roll call of centerfielders.
It was nice to see the old gang, and really old gang in pinstripes. Most awkward moment goes to Thurman Munson's son coming out in uniform. Not necessary. The other wives/daughters/sons had jerseys and jeans/slacks ... maybe Mickey's son didn't. Anyway, they're not players, they're just representing the families.
Still, you wonder how the guys feel, from Berra to Williams, about the fans chanting their names. You could feel it through the TV. Amazing. Out of body. There has to be words to describe that feeling, but I don't have them.
It's sad to see the old place go, but someone on the amazingly long pregame said it best: Sure, the Stadium's a grand old place, but spend some time inside, in the bowels, and you see why it needs to be replaced. It's 85 years old and it shows.
I don't know if I believe in ghosts. I believe in the better team winning. I believe in the pressure of 57,000 people screaming at or for you, I believe in history, in legacy, so if that stuff adds up to ghosts, then so be it.
I predict no fewer than five numbers will be retired next season, and I imagine Yogi will get his own monument. I can't figure out the reasoning behind who gets what. You'd think Mantle would warrant one. Even Joe D doesn't have one, unless I'm mistaken. Jeter, Rivera, they'll get 'em. Williams, O'Neill, Posada, Pettitte, maybe even Tino will gets plaques.
Amazing to think I saw all that, beginning to what appears to be the end.
PS: In the roll call, there's no way Johnny Damon should have been in that roll call of centerfielders.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thaaaaaaa Yaaaaaaaaaankeeeeeees w- ... wait, really?
Thaaaaaaa Yaaaaaaaaaankeeeeeees w- ... wait, really?
The numbers are baffling.
Johnny Damon
.308, 15 HR, 66 RBIs
Derek Jeter
.306, 11 HR, 69 RBIs
Bobby Abreu
.299, 19 HR, 95 RBIs
Alex Rodriguez
.304, 35 HR, 105 RBIs
Jason Giambi
.248, 31 HR, 93 RBIs
Robinson Cano
.264, 13 HR, 61 RBIs
The middle three in the Yankees lineup will end the season with or around 100 RBIs (by the way, it is RBIs, singular acronyms are pluralized — who says you don’t learn anything from bloggers?)
The top four hitters in the Yankees lineup will finished at or around .300. I’m excluding Xavier Nady, most of his stats were compiled in the NL.
They say the backs of the baseball cards tell the tales of every player. And it’s usually true. Most players can be expected to put up the same numbers year in, year out. Alex Rodriguez, for example, has 35 HRs and 100 RBIs (plus and plus) in each of the last 10 seasons. Derek Jeter, barring injury, will collect at least 180 hits, usually 200+ in a season. You pile that up and expect to win.
The 2003 Red Sox clubbed their way to the playoffs and pitched their way to ignominuos defeat. The 2004 Sox swapped hitting for more, better pitching and look where it got them, twice.
Mike Mussina has 18 wins. Andy Pettitte has 13, but 14 losses. Sydney Ponson, another guy off the scrap heap, has 8 wins, 4 of which, I believe, he picked up with the Rangers. The next guy in line, Chien-Ming Wang, who also has 8 wins, and has been injured since forever. From there, it’s a smattering of 4s and 5s. Mussina, Pettitte, Ponson and Darrell Rasner have made a few more than 100 start between them, 9 Ponson starts were with Texas. The team has 82 wins with 9 to play.
Conversely, in 1998, Andy Pettitte (16 wins), David Cone (20 wins), David Wells (18 wins), Hideki Irabu (13 wins) and Orlando Hernandez (12 wins) made 142 starts. The Yankees won 125 (11 playoff games). Ramiro Mendoza (10 wins), the long-relief hero of the era made 14 starts. That leaves two starts by guys no one heard of or from since. That’s 89 wins, 79 percent of the wins that season.
I won’t bore or sicken you with this year’s stats, but I’m sure if you go back 2003, you’ll see a similar trend. An inconsistent pitching staff, especially among the starters, has led to the Yankees steady decline and ultimate failures in the playoffs.
It’s clear the Yankees will pursue pitching this offseason, CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets come to mind. They may try to keep Mussina and obviously Wang and Joba Chamberlain, possibly Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy will be in the mix. But whoever forms the rotation has to start 25 to 30 games if the Yankees are going to do anything but tread water, maybe make the playoffs and then bow out quickly and shamefully.
The numbers are baffling.
Johnny Damon
.308, 15 HR, 66 RBIs
Derek Jeter
.306, 11 HR, 69 RBIs
Bobby Abreu
.299, 19 HR, 95 RBIs
Alex Rodriguez
.304, 35 HR, 105 RBIs
Jason Giambi
.248, 31 HR, 93 RBIs
Robinson Cano
.264, 13 HR, 61 RBIs
The middle three in the Yankees lineup will end the season with or around 100 RBIs (by the way, it is RBIs, singular acronyms are pluralized — who says you don’t learn anything from bloggers?)
The top four hitters in the Yankees lineup will finished at or around .300. I’m excluding Xavier Nady, most of his stats were compiled in the NL.
They say the backs of the baseball cards tell the tales of every player. And it’s usually true. Most players can be expected to put up the same numbers year in, year out. Alex Rodriguez, for example, has 35 HRs and 100 RBIs (plus and plus) in each of the last 10 seasons. Derek Jeter, barring injury, will collect at least 180 hits, usually 200+ in a season. You pile that up and expect to win.
The 2003 Red Sox clubbed their way to the playoffs and pitched their way to ignominuos defeat. The 2004 Sox swapped hitting for more, better pitching and look where it got them, twice.
Mike Mussina has 18 wins. Andy Pettitte has 13, but 14 losses. Sydney Ponson, another guy off the scrap heap, has 8 wins, 4 of which, I believe, he picked up with the Rangers. The next guy in line, Chien-Ming Wang, who also has 8 wins, and has been injured since forever. From there, it’s a smattering of 4s and 5s. Mussina, Pettitte, Ponson and Darrell Rasner have made a few more than 100 start between them, 9 Ponson starts were with Texas. The team has 82 wins with 9 to play.
Conversely, in 1998, Andy Pettitte (16 wins), David Cone (20 wins), David Wells (18 wins), Hideki Irabu (13 wins) and Orlando Hernandez (12 wins) made 142 starts. The Yankees won 125 (11 playoff games). Ramiro Mendoza (10 wins), the long-relief hero of the era made 14 starts. That leaves two starts by guys no one heard of or from since. That’s 89 wins, 79 percent of the wins that season.
I won’t bore or sicken you with this year’s stats, but I’m sure if you go back 2003, you’ll see a similar trend. An inconsistent pitching staff, especially among the starters, has led to the Yankees steady decline and ultimate failures in the playoffs.
It’s clear the Yankees will pursue pitching this offseason, CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets come to mind. They may try to keep Mussina and obviously Wang and Joba Chamberlain, possibly Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy will be in the mix. But whoever forms the rotation has to start 25 to 30 games if the Yankees are going to do anything but tread water, maybe make the playoffs and then bow out quickly and shamefully.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I almost forgot
I haven’t watched much baseball in the last week. Obviously. What more is there to say about the Yankees’ season?
Derek Jeter broke another record. On what I would call a home-cooking call. A Major League third baseman shoud field that ball. Hard hit, yes. A hit, no.
A-Rod strikeout with 2 on and 1 out in the first.
Robbie Cano was finally disciplined for his lazy play. I saw him mostly run out a grounder to short last night. I would call it “busting it’” Al Leiter’s description, but it was close enough to qualify.
Which makes me wonder how many hits and runs are lost every season because don’t run out grounders? I mean run out like Ichiro or Chone Figgins or even Garden Gnome Pedroia. Many, I think, but guys aren’t paid to run out grounders, they’re paid to hit home runs and double and what not.
The Yankees had cobbled together a modest winning streak that came to an end last night ...
I hate casino commercials ... that’s right, I’m talking to you Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods ... right at you.
Derek Jeter broke another record. On what I would call a home-cooking call. A Major League third baseman shoud field that ball. Hard hit, yes. A hit, no.
A-Rod strikeout with 2 on and 1 out in the first.
Robbie Cano was finally disciplined for his lazy play. I saw him mostly run out a grounder to short last night. I would call it “busting it’” Al Leiter’s description, but it was close enough to qualify.
Which makes me wonder how many hits and runs are lost every season because don’t run out grounders? I mean run out like Ichiro or Chone Figgins or even Garden Gnome Pedroia. Many, I think, but guys aren’t paid to run out grounders, they’re paid to hit home runs and double and what not.
The Yankees had cobbled together a modest winning streak that came to an end last night ...
I hate casino commercials ... that’s right, I’m talking to you Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods ... right at you.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Correction and a little more
A colleague of mine point of Wanger is from Taiwan. I stand corrected. In any case, Wanger run! No, wait, don’t, you might hurt yourself. Have someone carry you to the safety of your homeland.
I’ve stayed away from Yankees baseball this last week. Partly because it’s been past my new, aforementioned bedtime, but also because I don’t want to spoil next season.
The best I can hope for is bad things for other teams. This weekend is the final homestand for the pinstripers, against the first-place Rays of all teams, then the Stadium becomes, well, first a pile of rubble, than a memory.
I’ve stayed away from Yankees baseball this last week. Partly because it’s been past my new, aforementioned bedtime, but also because I don’t want to spoil next season.
The best I can hope for is bad things for other teams. This weekend is the final homestand for the pinstripers, against the first-place Rays of all teams, then the Stadium becomes, well, first a pile of rubble, than a memory.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Missed it by that much
So, Alfredo Aceves is our savior now.
His first appearance as a reliever, in Toronto, if memory serves, swas uccessful, and talk of him getting a start had been circulating, especially with Darrell Rasner sticking up the dugout.
The Yankees have been plagued by guys such as Aceves and Rasner. Guys that come out fast and look great, then sputter, then recover, then sputter, then get shelled, then rebound then stink and stink and stink.
And these guys keep getting chances, because they might catch lightning in a bottle. Who knows? Besides, what else do the Yankees have when Mussina isn’t starting? I love Andy Pettitte, but by God that guy is his own worst enemy. Sidney Ponson isn’t what he was in Baltimore, despite his knighthood. Wanger’s better off going back to Taiwan - thanks Dan - and chilling in his parents’ basement, he should bring Joba to keep him away from pointless starts.
Thanks for the 3-run bomb A-Rod. Good timing. You’ll get your 100 RBIs.
His first appearance as a reliever, in Toronto, if memory serves, swas uccessful, and talk of him getting a start had been circulating, especially with Darrell Rasner sticking up the dugout.
The Yankees have been plagued by guys such as Aceves and Rasner. Guys that come out fast and look great, then sputter, then recover, then sputter, then get shelled, then rebound then stink and stink and stink.
And these guys keep getting chances, because they might catch lightning in a bottle. Who knows? Besides, what else do the Yankees have when Mussina isn’t starting? I love Andy Pettitte, but by God that guy is his own worst enemy. Sidney Ponson isn’t what he was in Baltimore, despite his knighthood. Wanger’s better off going back to Taiwan - thanks Dan - and chilling in his parents’ basement, he should bring Joba to keep him away from pointless starts.
Thanks for the 3-run bomb A-Rod. Good timing. You’ll get your 100 RBIs.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Scraptastic
My new schedule prohibits me, mercifully, from watching much baseball. For a long, long time, televised baseball was my evening for the better part of each year.
Cubs and Pirates day games? Watched ‘em.
Braves and Cardinals on TBS in the early ’90s? Watched ‘em.
Every Yankees games from WPIX 11 to MSG to YES? Watched ‘em. Watched ‘em. Watched ‘em. Phil Rizzuto and Tom Seaver. Dwayne Staats. Tony Kubek. Al Trautwig. That other guy. Ah, good times.
Now, I almost resent all the time I spent doing it. What did I gain? Some memories, sure, some great ones and some horrible ones and some I don’t know what to do with - Jose Canseco pitching. Jose Canseco taking a fly ball off his head - fortunately they don’t all involve Jose Canseco, but they all consumed time, time I paid for the privilege of giving away.
For while, I lived in Maine, with no access to Yankees baseball. It was during these years they did most of their winning. By the time my wife and I moved, they were cycling down - great timing on our part. We enjoyed the entire 2004 season on YES and watched in disbelief as a stolen base turned a rather enjoyable walkover series into a nightmare. It hasn’t gotten better. (I say it was fixed, just like last year’s Super Bowl).
I caught one highlight from last night’s drubbing at the hands of the Angels. I thought, ‘Oh, that’s interesting, the Yankees are getting scrappy.’ Then I realzed the score was 12-1 (apparently Pavano wasn’t horrible though) and I thought ‘Why the hell are the Yankees fighting during a double-digit loss?’ But I suppose if they can’t hit the ball, they may as well hit the other team.
Cubs and Pirates day games? Watched ‘em.
Braves and Cardinals on TBS in the early ’90s? Watched ‘em.
Every Yankees games from WPIX 11 to MSG to YES? Watched ‘em. Watched ‘em. Watched ‘em. Phil Rizzuto and Tom Seaver. Dwayne Staats. Tony Kubek. Al Trautwig. That other guy. Ah, good times.
Now, I almost resent all the time I spent doing it. What did I gain? Some memories, sure, some great ones and some horrible ones and some I don’t know what to do with - Jose Canseco pitching. Jose Canseco taking a fly ball off his head - fortunately they don’t all involve Jose Canseco, but they all consumed time, time I paid for the privilege of giving away.
For while, I lived in Maine, with no access to Yankees baseball. It was during these years they did most of their winning. By the time my wife and I moved, they were cycling down - great timing on our part. We enjoyed the entire 2004 season on YES and watched in disbelief as a stolen base turned a rather enjoyable walkover series into a nightmare. It hasn’t gotten better. (I say it was fixed, just like last year’s Super Bowl).
I caught one highlight from last night’s drubbing at the hands of the Angels. I thought, ‘Oh, that’s interesting, the Yankees are getting scrappy.’ Then I realzed the score was 12-1 (apparently Pavano wasn’t horrible though) and I thought ‘Why the hell are the Yankees fighting during a double-digit loss?’ But I suppose if they can’t hit the ball, they may as well hit the other team.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Double gah
It took me until nearly 6 p.m. today to even bother checking the Yankees score from last night.
I now wish I hadn't bothered.
Misery and futility are being heaped upon one another in a catostrophic mix, building toward the crap heap of a Yankees season we're witnessing. This is historic in one way, I suppose. Never has a team worth so much played as if it were worth so little.
Triple gah.
I now wish I hadn't bothered.
Misery and futility are being heaped upon one another in a catostrophic mix, building toward the crap heap of a Yankees season we're witnessing. This is historic in one way, I suppose. Never has a team worth so much played as if it were worth so little.
Triple gah.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Swing and a miss
Leave it to A-Rod to hit the first replay home run. It was historic, but ultimately pointless, much like his increased production in the last few games.
Yanks are down 5-0 in the third to Scott Kazmir tonight, and they don't seem interested in staying in the batter's box very long. Can't blame them. No. 91 is pitching for the Yanks. This is where we are as a franchise. Gah. This guy's name is Alfredo, Alfonso, Alamo. Something like that.
Have you visited jetersfordchallenge.com? I haven't but I'm sorely tempted.
The G-men (I'm a Cowboys fan) are pounding the Redskins as I type this. Eli Manning is completing passes at will with his hot wife in the stands. Hear that Tony Romo? Eli. complete. pass. wife. in. stands. Hot women seem to be your Achilles heel, so let's keep them away this season, at least on game day. You need a shoulder to cry on/cuddle up to, TO is nearby. You're his quarterback, don't ever forget that.
Yanks are down 5-0 in the third to Scott Kazmir tonight, and they don't seem interested in staying in the batter's box very long. Can't blame them. No. 91 is pitching for the Yanks. This is where we are as a franchise. Gah. This guy's name is Alfredo, Alfonso, Alamo. Something like that.
Have you visited jetersfordchallenge.com? I haven't but I'm sorely tempted.
The G-men (I'm a Cowboys fan) are pounding the Redskins as I type this. Eli Manning is completing passes at will with his hot wife in the stands. Hear that Tony Romo? Eli. complete. pass. wife. in. stands. Hot women seem to be your Achilles heel, so let's keep them away this season, at least on game day. You need a shoulder to cry on/cuddle up to, TO is nearby. You're his quarterback, don't ever forget that.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
While they're winning
Mike Mussina continues his resurrection tour, giving up 10 hits in six innings but double plays and strikeouts when he needed them. He's been the one bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the Yankees. Well, him and Johnny Damon who's having a great season.
Derek Jeter has begun to salvage his his as he climbs ever higher on the Yankees' all-time lists - he's six hits away from second, nine from first. He's with Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Bernie Williams on that list. Amazing, and when he's done, those other guys won't be close.
You have to figure Jeter for about a decade more, half of which will be at his normal offensive output, with a decline beyond those years. So, at least another 1,000 hits, probably closer to 1,300, which will put him in the 4,000-hit range and chasing Pete Rose. Assuming health and desire are there, as well.
I tried burying my head in the sand these last few days, but it's tough when you keep hitting yourself with the shovel. The YES guys tried to assign some level of importance to this series with the Rays. It could have been pivotal, but at this point, it's more about honor and dignity than any realistic chance of making the post-season.
Derek Jeter has begun to salvage his his as he climbs ever higher on the Yankees' all-time lists - he's six hits away from second, nine from first. He's with Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Bernie Williams on that list. Amazing, and when he's done, those other guys won't be close.
You have to figure Jeter for about a decade more, half of which will be at his normal offensive output, with a decline beyond those years. So, at least another 1,000 hits, probably closer to 1,300, which will put him in the 4,000-hit range and chasing Pete Rose. Assuming health and desire are there, as well.
I tried burying my head in the sand these last few days, but it's tough when you keep hitting yourself with the shovel. The YES guys tried to assign some level of importance to this series with the Rays. It could have been pivotal, but at this point, it's more about honor and dignity than any realistic chance of making the post-season.
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