Results tagged ‘ Mariano Rivera ’
His name is easy, it’s Champion!…
Thanks for the memories…
Although Prince Fielder had other ideas, today was Jorge Posada Day. On a day when the Milwaukee Brewers’ talented free agent signed an unexpected 9-year, $214 million contract with his father’s former team, the Detroit Tigers, a Yankee Legend called it a career. So, while Tigers fans are rejoicing, the Yankees Universe is united in sorrow to see the end of a tremendous career.
It was time. Although I knew that Posada could still hit, he was ill at ease at DH and he was no longer the consistent clutch hitter that he had once been. He could have held on for a few more years in a more limited role, but I am grateful that he recognized that it’s best not to overstay your welcome. It would have been awful to see him put on a Rays, Marlins or Mets uniform. I am sure that we would have quietly supported him, but now this way, he bled pinstripes from beginning to end. I value and appreciate the untarnished career. Don Mattingly may call Dodger Stadium “home” these days, but he’s still a Yankee. The same holds true of Posada…once a Yankee, always a Yankee.
In the late 1970’s, my favorite Yankees were catcher Thurman Munson and closer Rich “Goose” Gossage. I truly did not believe that I’d ever see two players as great as those two legends. Of course, the great Mariano Rivera has eclipsed Gossage’s career, but Posada has certainly earned the right to stand in the same room with Munson, Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey and Elston Howard. It’s ironic that long-time projected replacement Jesus Montero and Posada officially exited the Yankees on back-to-back days, but the position seems to be in capable hands with Russell Martin until future star Gary Sanchez is ready for the major leagues.
I wish Jorge the very best in whatever he decides to do next. Selfishly, I’d like to see him stay in baseball as he’d make a great future manager. I love people who are passionate about what they do, and Jorge lived and breathed passion every day. He is the type of guy that you’d want to go to battle with so long as he was on your side. The immediate thought is probably to spend some quality time with his family, but hopefully, he’ll be back in Major League Baseball as a coach sometime in the not-so-distant future.
Hip, hip, Jorge! :)
If he is following his father’s footsteps, when does he become a Yankee?…
Speaking of Fielder, I was shocked when I heard that the Detroit Tigers had signed the prolific young slugger. There were constants reports of possible signings by the Texas Rangers and the Washington Nationals, and the occasional links to passive teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, but I have to admit that I did not suspect the Tigers. Of course, I didn’t foresee the Angels signing Albert Pujols but I suppose when you are talking about $200 million, it’s probably best not to tip your hand.
Photo ops for game winning hits…is that too much to ask for?…
I thought the Yankees and the Tigers were searching the same pool for an effective, low-cost option to DH. While I wanted the Yankees to sign Johnny Damon, I knew that he had enjoyed his time in Detroit and there seemed to be some level of interest there. Obviously, the Fielder signing takes the Tigers out of the market for someone like Damon or Hideki Matsui. But based on comments that Yankees GM Brian Cashman made earlier in the week, it sounds like a free agent slugger is Plan B. Plan A apparently involves the trade for a young, controllable hitter. I am sure that type of move is predicated upon moving a contract like A.J. Burnett’s even if it means packing a few extra dollars in his suitcases. My fear is that a trade could cause the loss of someone like Dellin Betances or Manny Banuelos which I’d hate to see. I am not sure what quality hitter is available and the market seems to be drenched with potential salary dumps. I wonder if Cash has his eye on a certain player. Still, I’d go the cheaper route and sign Damon, Matsui, or Raul Ibanez to a short-term deal. If the team offense struggles early on, the Yankees could potentially make a move in July for a veteran hitter. I am not sure that there is a young position player out there with the potential of pitcher Michael Pineda that could be had for a relatively inexpensive cost.
My fear with the Yankees offense, while they have produced, is they do not strike fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers. When Robinson Cano is in the groove, he is as good as anybody in the game. I know that Curtis Granderson had a near-MVP season last year, but I’d be surprised if teams planned their strategy around him. Yes, Alex Rodriguez was once the best player in the game, but he is a couple years removed from domination. Injuries have held him back and while he certainly has the potential to have a few more power seasons, he carries a big “if”. It would be great if Mark Teixeira could get back to the hitter he was a couple of seasons ago. Up and down the lineup, outside of Cano, there are questions. I am pleased with Granderson but I want to see him do it again before he has my complete trust.
It would have been foolish for the Yankees to pursue Fielder. Even if they have the money, it just doesn’t make financial sense to tie the organization to the player for the next decade at that kind of money. It makes me sick to think the Yankees pay A-Rod more than the Angels pay Pujols or the Tigers will pay Fielder. When A-Rod leaves the ballpark, I bet he pops the Dire Straits’ Brother in Arms into his CD player, listening to “Money for Nothing”…
A Sad Day lies ahead…
It was mentioned today that Mariano Rivera might be the next Yankees great to call it a career, possibly as soon as the end of the upcoming season. I’m telling ya, that’s going to be a day that I cry like a baby. Rivera has been my favorite among current Yankees and it will be a tough day when #42 simply walks away. I am glad that 162 regular season games and a few play-off series in October stand in the way of that dreadful day.
If Everybody Cared…
This is off-topic, but I am excited to have a ticket to the upcoming Nickelback concert tour, Here and Now. This will be my third Nickelback concert in three years. So far, I’ve seen them in two outdoor amphitheaters (San Jose, CA and Concord, CA) but this time I will be seeing them inside (in May at Target Arena, home of the NBA’s the Minnesota Timberwolves). I have also enjoyed Seether and they will be one of the opening acts. It should be a great show!
Amare, Carmelo and Fid…together again…
My next event at Target Arena, which will be my first visit to the facility, will be to cheer on the New York Knicks when they come to Minnesota to play the T-Wolves in February. Hopefully, the Arena won’t be rocking like it will with Nickelback when the Knicks come to town. In fact, I hope it’s eerily quiet. Score one for the away team!
–Scott
The Yankees did what?…
Yankees sign top free agent…
Well, it wasn’t exactly Prince Fielder but I’ve felt all off-season that re-signing Andruw Jones was important for the 2012 Yankees. In this off-season of inactivity, I was concerned that the Yankees would let Jones slip away to a team like the Boston Red Sox or the Texas Rangers. There’s no question that Jones is NOT the player that he used to be (that’s a given), but he fills a valuable fourth outfielder role and I prefer him over Justin Maxwell, Chris Dickerson, or Melky Mesa.
When I read that the Red Sox were potentially interested in Jones, I was worried that it would drive up his price tag (which was probably the prime reason for the Red Sox “interest”). But the base salary of $2 million (with additional incentives that could push the package to $3.4 million) was very reasonable for Team Suddenly Frugal. The Yanks have a good outfield with Curtis Granderson, Brett Gardner and Nick Swisher, but Jones allows the Yankees to play match-ups and move guys around. Plus, if any of the aforementioned starters spend any time on the DL, Jones is certainly a capable fill-in.
Wanted: Non-starting starting third baseman…
Now that the outfield depth has been filled, I am anxious to see what the Yankees do about the mandatory need to acquire a strong backup for third base. I remain in favor of the return of Eric Chavez, but regardless of what happens, the Yankees need a proven performer that does not weaken the team during the inevitable A-Rod absences.
Yeah, that’s the ticket…
It’s too bad that MLB teams don’t get a mulligan for bad contracts. They should give every team a one player exemption that could be called the “Stupidity Clause”. Given A-Rod’s $30 million annual salary with $5 million production, the Yankees could get a waiver for luxury tax on the bulk of A-Rod’s salary. Same goes for the Angels and Vernon Wells, the Cubs and Alfonso Soriano, or the Red Sox and Carl Crawford (although CC does have the ability to re-earn his money). It does stink knowing how much the Yankees will be paying A-Rod and Derek Jeter in several years in terms of the return. I remain hopeful that Derek Jeter will depart gracefully when he realizes that his performance is not equal to his compensation. But I know that A-Rod is into his contract for every undeserved cent.
Hats off to a rival…
In a statement of the obvious, I knew that Mark Melancon was not destined to be the closer for the Red Sox when they acquired the former Yank from the Houston Astros. This week’s acquisition of Andrew Bailey by the Sox from the Oakland A’s was a solid move. Bailey, a native Easterner, will thrive in Boston. He matches Jonathan Papelbon in ability, and exceeds him in character and integrity. The risk with Bailey is his health, but the Sox do have relievers with closing experience in Melancon and Bobby Jenks. While I don’t think that the Bailey acquisition is the big bold move I’ve been expecting from new Boston GM Ben Cherington, it is certainly one that improves the team.
Not looking forward to the day…
With the surplus of closer talent available this off-season, I hope that it is a similar environment when the ‘Greatest Closer Who Ever Lived’ decides to take his ageless arm and signature cutter home to Panama. I like Derek Jeter but I will be ready for the day when a younger, talented option becomes available. I will cry the day Mariano Rivera walks off the mound for the final time. I loved Goose Gossage as the Yankees closer, but it took so many years for an equal (or in this case, greater) replacement to emerge. There’s always been something so magical about a great closer. I grew up watching the wild antics of the Mad Hungarian, Al Hrabosky, in St. Louis, so the role of the closer became the “it” position for me at a very early age. There’s nothing better than a game-ending punch-out with high intensity.
Game plan: Success!…
Well, as 2011 comes to a close, I want to wish everyone a very Happy and Joyous New Year! May your dreams come true and your happiness reach heights never before imagined! It will be a fun and rewarding new year, and I’m glad you are here…
–Scott
Enter the Sandman, Exit the Legend…
There’s great and then there’s Mo…
Seriously, he didn’t need to record 602 saves to prove that he was baseball’s all-time best closer. Today, Yankees legend (go ahead and attach the tag) Mariano Rivera became the all-time saves leader, eclipsing former San Diego Padres great Trevor Hoffman by one. I don’t want to take anything away from Hoffman who clearly was one of baseball’s greats, but he clearly limped to 601 saves in those final years with the Milwaukee Brewers. Rivera, in contrast, retains his position as one of the best in the game despite his age. Hoffman’s final year, despite his record 9 years with 40 plus saves, did not include at least that threshold. Rivera, on the other hand, captured the record with his 43rd save of the season.
Many Yankees fans worship Derek Jeter. While I admire Jeter, and I am glad that he has spent his career with the Yankees, my favorite current Yankee has been Mariano Rivera. Going into 1995, my favorite player had been Don Mattingly for a number of years. Despite his back ailments toward the end of his career, I always appreciated the character and the quality of the individual. When you think of guys you’d like to emulate, Donnie Baseball was certainly one of those guys. He was always genuine and sincere, and the one opportunity I had to meet him in person only reaffirmed that he is a quality individual. When Mattingly retired, I obviously continued to follow the team but I can’t say one player stood out among all others to me. That is, until Mariano Rivera emerged from the shadow of closer John Wetteland, who departed via free agency after the 1996 season. At first, I was skeptical to see the break-up of the awesome duo of Rivera-Wetteland. I loved the way Mo would come into the 8th inning throwing nothing but pure heat with his cutter, and then Wetteland would come on in the 9th like a psycho and retire the side, albeit with a few nervous moments. After Wetteland moved on to Texas, I wondered if Rivera would be able to make the conversion to closer. Rich Gossage had been my all-time favorite closer for years, and I didn’t think the team would have another who could match the Goose, let alone exceed him.
Rivera, from the moment I first saw him appear in the Yankee pinstripes through today, has been nothing short of the consummate professional. He is clearly the type of guy you want to be like. He accepts and forgets setbacks, and he never gloats in victory. I have never seen or heard him criticize others, and he has always accepted responsibility (which is huge for me). I will be sad when Mo takes the mound for the final time, but the way he has continued to pitch, that day isn’t coming any time soon. It has always been hard for closers to make the Hall of Fame, but I have no doubt that Mo will be a first ballot selection. Some guys are good, some guys are great, but none of the guys are Mo.
Pleasantly surprised…
Frankly, I am quite surprised the Yankees find themselves in first place with a fairly comfortable lead in the AL East over the Boston Red Sox. If the Yankees had been able to play at least .500 ball against the Sox this year, they’d have the division clinched by now. On paper, I really believed that the Sox had the best team. But of course, you have to play the games, and the Sox have had health challenges that have caused them to fall behind the Yankees. When the Sox picked up former Seattle pitcher Erik Bedard at the closing deadline, I mistakenly thought it was building excess capacity. In retrospect, the Red Sox needed more help in the starting rotation, and even over-paying for health risk Rich Harden would have been worth it. I know that the Red Sox could still rally to capture the AL East flag, particularly considering the Yankees sluggish play of late, combined with the fact that they still have to play the hard charging Tampa Bay Rays seven more times. But with just a couple of weeks left in the regular season, I’d rather be up 5 games than down by as many.
That schedule hit me like of wind chill of 40 below…
I am closing out my first baseball season as a resident of Minneapolis, and I was able to see the Yankees when they were at Target Field in late August. Nevertheless, I was a bit dismayed when I saw the 2012 Yankees, and realized that the Yankees wouldn’t make the trip to Minneapolis until late September. On one hand, you want your team to clinch early, but I hope the team is still playing meaningful baseball when they make the trip to the Twin Cities.
My first season as a “local” Vikings fan is not going so well…
Speaking of Minnesota, life as a Minnesota Vikings fan has definitely not been fun this year. The Vikings have been a great first half team against both the San Diego Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they failed to make the necessary adjustments at halftime. In both games, a miserable second half led to a close defeat. As the Vikings stand at 0-2, it’s clear that they could have easily been 2-0. I am not a fan of Donovan McNabb, but I recognize that having rookie Christian Ponder at QB would not have meant automatic victories. Teams can rebound from 0-2 starts, but they really need to win this coming weekend. That’s no small task given the opponent is Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions. No NFC North games are easy, but Lions definitely have the players for an offensive juggernaut. The Vikings need to reach deep within themselves, and play like they are capable of. They can beat the Lions, and hopefully they’ll prove that ‘on any given Sunday…’.
Have a great week, everyone!
–Scott
I actually won a Yankees-Red Sox bet for a change…
I am glad that I quit holding my breath…
Finally, the Yankees emerged from a series with the Boston Red Sox as the victor. It was the first time it has happened this season. In past years, it seemed the Yankees and Red Sox always split the season series, give or take. But this year, the Sox have the decided advantage. For whatever reason (well, Josh Beckett and his 4-0 mark is one), the Red Sox have owned the Yankees. However, I am hopeful that the latest series will give the Yankees the confidence they need heading into the final season series later this month and again in the play-offs should the teams meet again.
I’d be foolish to think that the Yankees will overpower the Red Sox to win the division. On paper, the Sox still have the better team, but in the play-offs, it is all about who gets hot. So, even as the Wild Card, I think the Yankees have as good a shot as anyone.
It is concerning that the Red Sox have figured out Mariano Rivera. Last night, they were able to load the bases and probably could have/should have scored a run or two in the 9th inning but Mo was the beneficiary of a questionable call that gave the Yankees the win. It is important to get back to decisive wins and saves, and not hope that an umpire’s call is the deciding factor. Mo has been and continues to be my favorite Yankee. I don’t think he has lost it yet, and I agree with those who say that Mo will walk away from the game when his skills deteriorate. Lou Gehrig is my all-time favorite Yankee and baseball player, but Mo is certainly a legend in his own right and I am proud to have lived during his era. I think Mo will be able to solve the Red Sox dilemma. The Yankees may not win the World Series, but it won’t be because of Mo.
Does one game a season prove? I am hopeful that the adjustments Larry Rothschild made with A.J. Burnett will prove successful for the remainder of the season. He was extremely solid against Boston on Thursday night and it was more the Blue Jays version of Burnett against the Sox than the horrific Yankees version. I really believe that the Yankees chances to go deep in the play-offs are solely dependent upon Burnett.
What, was your phone broken?…
I really wish that GM Brian Cashman would have made a move to pick up a bat for the bench. I still think that Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui would have been ideal as someone to plug into the DH spot and for spot pinch-hitting roles. Boston was active, even if to a minor degree, at both the July and August deadlines, while the Yankees did nothing. Hopefully, Cashman’s call was the correct one (he knows better than I). But it will be disappointing if the season is lost on a single bad at-bat from the DH.
The blog, Scott Proctor’s Arm, has to be pleased…
It’s kind of weird to think that Scott Proctor is back in the Yankees bullpen after his September 1st call-up from the minor leagues. Joe Torre is always blamed for ruining Proctor, but it would be nice to see him enjoy some success again. I’d really like to see what Brandon Laird can do. I hate to put so much emphasis on Eric Chavez given how fragile he is in light of Alex Rodriguez’s health. I’d rather use Chavez in spot roles.
I know, go ahead and laugh about the winters…
I’ve been in Minneapolis for a month now, and I really like this town. It’s clean and the people are friendly. I know that the winters get a bad rep, and perhaps I’ll be crying wolf when April rolls around. But this is a good city and the baseball fans are knowledgeable and passionate. I’ll never be a Twins fan, but I can appreciate the organization and the pride that the fans have. As a Vikings fan, I am loving the focused attention on MY team. I’ve never lived in Minnesota so this is a completely foreign concept. I am a fan of Christian Ponder so it’s exciting that I am here for Season #1 even if he has to wait for his turn behind the guy the Philly fans used to love to hate, Donovan McNabb. I think if McNabb shows any signs that his horrible season in Washington last year wasn’t a fluke, we’ll see Ponder sooner rather than later. Oops, how did I go from the Twins to the Vikings? Back to downtown Minneapolis, it is a great city and I’ve definitely enjoyed my short time here. I am looking forward to the future as a “Minn-a-soat’n”.
A Yankee Fan Succeeds…
This is not baseball related, but I have to congratulate Fang Wong on being named as the National Commander for The American Legion. The American Legion is a huge organization for American veterans (I am one), and they make a difference each and every day. What kid growing up playing baseball hasn’t been a part of American Legion baseball? They are committed for a better America for all of us. I mention Fang because 1) I know him personally and he is one of the best and most honorable guys that I’ve ever met, and 2) he is a Yankees fan. Fang has been a longstanding member of the New York American Legion, and he is, in my mind, the commander the organization needs to move forward to greater heights. If I could be half the man Fang is, I’d be proud…
http://www.legion.org/commander
Is it really September already?…
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend!
–Scott
Right on Target…
The weather is Minnesota was beautiful…
Last Sunday, I attend a simply great baseball game. Well, outside of a few harmless errors and miscues. As a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, I went to Target Field and saw the Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins, 3-0. It was a great afternoon for baseball (temperature in the upper 70’s, with lots of sun).
The game was a pitcher’s duel in the early going. I was surprised when the Twins pulled starter Nick Blackburn in the second inning despite not giving up any runs, but later heard that he had been injured. The Twins bullpen did a good job until the 7th inning when Curtis Granderson hit an inside-the-park home run. I was watching him run between second and third, and his stride is so long that he almost looks like he is going slow motion. There wasn’t much hesitation as he rounded third and headed home. I always cringe when players go in for headfirst slides but Curtis slide his hand across home plate before the ball arrived and the Yanks were up 2-0. In retrospect, the Twins outfielders blew the play when both the right and center fielders went to the wall on Granderson’s hit ball which bounced off the wall. One of the outfielders should have backed up the other, but that’s the hazard of fielding a young, inexperienced outfield.
Mark Teixeira followed with one of those line drive shots that never drop as the ball was deposited in the left field stands.
The Twins definitely had their chances. At one point, they had men on second and third with no outs and couldn’t score. David Robertson worked out of a jam in the 8th when the bases were loaded despite no balls leaving the infield. There were miscues, like when a ball dropped between Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson (you get it, no, you get it…) or A-Rod’s bobble of what should have been a routine fielding play. Fortunately, the Twins couldn’t do anything with the opportunities, so the Yankees emerged the victor. I had a decent seat (lower level, left field) but for the 9th inning, I moved over to the standing area behind the home plate lower level seats. I had a perfect line to watch Mariano Rivera throw his cutter to catcher Russell Martin, and it was great to catch that view. It was also nice to see Mariano walk off the field with another save…
I am always amazed at how many Yankees fans are in attendance on road games. Not that I’d feel threatened in Minnesota, but it’s nice having “support” nearby!
So close yet so far away…
Monday night’s game was a disappointment. After the Yanks fell behind 6-0, I wrote the game off. But then, in the final two innings, the Yanks brought it to within one at 6-5, with the bases loaded. I started to get excited about the potential huge comeback, but Nick Swisher hit a fly ball that was caught near the fence to end the game. That was harder to accept than if the Yanks had just lost 6-0. Then, of course, every time I looked at the TV, the loss was scrolling across the ticker on ESPN. While A.J. Burnett is my personal favorite to be yanked (no pun intended) from the rotation, I realize that there are financial reasons for why that move won’t be made. Therefore, the next to go would be Bartolo Colon. I’d definitely take Freddy Garcia over Colon, and there is no way that Phil Hughes or Ivan Nova will be coming out of the rotation anytime soon.
Of course, as I sit here typing this blog, Nick Swisher has just hit a home run to put the Yanks up 2-1 over the Oakland A’s in the 6th inning. Dude, where was that shot last night?…
Wasn’t he a Yankee for about 5 minutes a few years ago…
I saw the blurb today that the Yankees had claimed Chicago Cubs first baseman Carlos Pena on waivers. Listening to comments from GM Brian Cashman, it doesn’t sound like the Yanks will do anything, but it would be nice to acquire Pena as an option at DH and a backup to Mark Teixeira. He is definitely familiar with the AL East having played with the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. I don’t like Pena’s batting average, but his other stats are respectable. The Yanks clearly need a clutch bat on the bench and perhaps Pena could be the guy if the Yanks and Cubs can work out a trade.
Fat, dumb, and happy…
Entering play tonight, the Yankees held an 8 ½ game lead over the Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay Rays. While that’s certainly not insurmountable, it’s nice to have such a large cushion as we enter the final days of August. Granted, I’d prefer to win the AL East, but then again, with the current play-off structure, it doesn’t really matter. If the Yanks can keep the lead in the WC standings, they should be able to rest some guys in September to allow the team to head into October at full strength. At this point, my biggest concern is getting a healthy Alex Rodriguez on the field.
Have a good night!
–Scott
Okay, I have an inferiority complex…
Another Boston Series, Another Series Loss…
The latest Yankees-Red Sox series showed that the Yankees are still inferior to the Sox…unfortunately. The Yankees could have made a statement and reversed the trend of series failures against Boston by taking 2 of 3 from the Boys of Beantown. Instead, Mariano Rivera and Phil Hughes let victory slip away and yet another series defeat to the Sox who re-captured sole possession of first place.
I can’t say the Yankees’ inactivity at the trading deadline was the wrong thing to do. I don’t believe in making moves just for the sake of making a move, and it wouldn’t have been prudent to give up talent like Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, or Jesus Montero for a half-season rental. I admire the job the Philadelphia Phillies did in filling the void in their offensive lineup by acquiring Hunter Pence from the Houston Astros. The Texas Rangers did an excellent job repairing their bullpen with Mike Adams and Koji Uehara. Boston was relatively inactive, acquiring only Erik Bedard and Mike Aviles, but all those teams had an eye for October. I would have liked for the Yankees to make an improvement in an area of weakness, but the reality is that type of deal did not present itself to Brian Cashman. So, congrats to him for standing pat. Better to not make a move, than to make a move he’d regret.
Still, I am not sure the Yankees have the team to overpower the Sox in the AL Play-offs. A stronger Rangers club will also be tough to beat. In the NL, the Philadelphia Phillies will be hard to stop. My early season World Series prediction was Boston versus Philadelphia (whoa, really stepping out on a limb with that one!) and it continues to stand. Texas could get hot, but I really don’t see anyone beating Boston or Philly.
When the Yankees lost to the Red Sox on Sunday night, I didn’t blame Mariano Rivera or Phil Hughes. Robinson Cano had the opportunity to drive in a few runs earlier in the game and failed to come through in the clutch. CC Sabatha, Saturday’s starter, so dominant against the rest of the league, looked like the young Cleveland Indian pitcher who couldn’t beat the Boston Red Sox . Still can’t.
When a bat goes dry…
But the biggest disappointment might be the fall of Jorge Posada. His deterioration in his ability to catch seemed to be synchronized with his inability to hit major league pitching. When they say that the DH helps extend playing careers, they weren’t talking about Posada. There’s absolutely no way that he is on the roster in 2012. He may be a great Yankee and he’ll be fondly remembered among the likes of Paul O’Neill, Bernie Williams, Tino Martinez, and others, but if he wants to extend his baseball career, it won’t be as a member of the New York Yankees. It sucks watching great catchers get old. Well, actually I take that back, I would have loved to watch Thurman Munson get old, but after so many years of clutch hits, it is sad to see that Posada’s bat has left him.
My only concern with Eric Chavez stepping into the DH role when Alex Rodriguez returns is the obvious health related concerns. I am not sure if there is a quality bat on the market who has passed waivers but the Yankees would probably benefit if they could bring in some new blood with pop in the bat, particularly if the price is the right. If that reasonably priced vet is Adam Dunn, then the best deal is the truly the best deal never made…
–Scott
Yep, I was wrong but that’s okay…
Congratulations to the Captain!…
Well, I am very wrong about when Derek Jeter would make the 3,000 hit club! I really thought that the last hit to reach the magic number would be the most difficult hit given the enormous pressure associated with it. I must have forgotten it was Derek Jeter we were talking about. There is a reason that he has thrived, time and again, in pressure situations. It was what makes him different from you and me, and why he is a Yankee legend.
Robert Sabo/NY Daily News
When DJ singled during his first at-bat, I felt that yesterday could be the day but again I really thought the at-bat trying for 3,000 would be so difficult. But never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined what would happen next. I heard YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay reference that the first major league hit that Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price had given up was a home run to Jeter, but I definitely was not thinking home run. When Jeter came to bat, and blasted the 3,000th hit with homer to left, I was very surprised. For a moment, I had to ask myself if what I just saw was real. There is absolutely no way that it could have been scripted any better.
Andrew Theodorakis/NY Daily News
After a see-saw game that saw the lead change several times, Derek was responsible for the game winning hit in the 8th as he capped the day by going 5-for-5. My immediate thought was that the game was instantly headed to the YES Network’s library of classic Yankee games.
Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News
The day belonged to Derek Jeter and he deserved it. With so much negativity associated with Major League Baseball at times, Derek is what is so right about the game. When I see younger guys who put the game ahead of themselves, I can’t help but wonder if DJ hasn’t been an influence on their lives in some way, shape or form…the same way that Don Mattingly influenced younger guys like Mark Teixeira.
When Mariano Rivera gave Jeter a hug, I recognized that it was two numbers that will never step on a playing field again when those two are finished with their playing days.
Andrew Theodorakis/NY Daily News
Congratulations to Derek Jeter for becoming the first New York Yankee to reach 3,000 hits. He stands alone in Yankee history as the only player in its legendary history with 3,000 hits in pinstripes. Alex Rodriguez may be the next Yankee to reach 3,000 hits, but many of his came while he was with the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers so it won’t be the same. Derek Jeter is the leader of the New York Yankees, and, somewhere, he most certainly achieved a standing ovation from the great Yankees of the past…Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and many others. I can even hear the late Phil Rizzuto hollering, “Holy Cow!”…
Mark Lennihan/AP
–Scott
The difficult life of Yankee decision-makers…
The Ace of Scranton/Wilkes Barre…
I kept hoping that the Yankees would be able to find a way to keep Ivan Nova in the rotation, but inevitably, the team made the only decision it could by sending him down to AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. I agree that it is in Nova’s best interests to keep him on rotation, and not stunt his development by moving him to the pen.
I find it highly unlikely that either Bartolo Colon and/or Freddy Garcia will make it through the remainder of the season without any health issues. So, almost assuredly, Nova will be back and he’ll prove why he is a long-term option for the starting rotation.
Christopher Pasatieri/Newsday/MCT
Larry knows best…
Nothing against former pitching coach Dave Eiland, but his replacement, Larry Rothschild, has certainly shown why he was a great hire in the off-season. The Yankees struck gold with both Colon and Garcia when they were hopeful that they’d be able to get something out of at least one of the pitchers. I thought the Colon signing was a joke, and didn’t really begin to take the former Cy Young Award winner seriously until after the regular season began.
Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday
Rothschild has also overseen the return of A.J. Burnett as a viable force in the rotation, which, after last season, was no small task.
In the bullpen, the Yankees have overcome the loss of set up man Rafael Soriano and Joba Chamberlain with the superb play of David Robertson. Robertson has shown that he is not only a great bridge to Mariano Rivera, but is perhaps a very viable alternative as Mo’s eventual replacement. GM Brian Cashman was right to be against the Soriano signing, and now the Yanks will have Soriano for two more years since there’s no way that he’ll opt out of his lucrative contract. It will be interesting to see how the Yankees handle this situation when Soriano returns.
As great as Larry Rothschild is, there are still going to be those moments when all goes wrong like today’s loss to the New York Mets. Mariano Rivera blew a save opportunity in the 9th, and the Yanks subsequently lost in 10 innings. But the nice thing about the Yankees bullpen is that they have a very short memory, and I’m sure that they’ll be back in stellar form tomorrow.
Congratulations, you’re an All-Star! As your reward, here is a ticket to the face of the Sun…
Congratulations to the players that will represent the Yankees during next week’s All-Star Game in Phoenix. Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, and Curtis Granderson will be in the starting lineup, while Mariano Rivera and Russell Martin were also added to the squad. Count me as one of those who hope that a spot opens for David Robertson. The All-Star Yankees will need to get used to the heat as it has been blistering hot in the Valley of the Sun. Yesterday, the official high was 117 degrees in Chandler, AZ, however, I saw temperature readings over 120 degrees. It may be a dry heat, but it’s just plain hot. Fortunately, Chase Field will be covered and the indoor temps should be very mild.
Nearing the end of the first half…
I am quite please with the way the Yankees have played the first half of the season. I still feel that the Boston Red Sox have the superior team on paper, but the Yankees have held their own and currently lead the Sox by 1 ½ games. I don’t think the Yanks can stay ahead of the Sox without any changes to the roster, but the team has definitely gotten more out of less.
Have fun!…
Have a very happy, safe and enjoyable 4th of July, everyone!
–Scott
The “Core”, sadly, has moved on…
The end of the “Core”?…
The deterioration of two-thirds of the remaining “Core” is very disheartening. Both Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada have shown that it is time to pass the baton. With both, I am not sure how you can gracefully move on but as long as both are in the lineup, the Yankees are in an inferior position to both the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox.
Sadly, the day is going to come when Mariano Rivera just doesn’t have it anymore. Fortunately, he is not showing any signs of letting up and thankfully so since his closer-in-waiting, Rafael Soriano, is having a tough time staying healthy.
With players like Jeter or Posada, you’d like to think that they’d come to the realization that they are an albatross to the organization and would willingly step aside. But egos and money are not forgiving. At some point, the decisions will need to be made for the players. I think that DJ has a longer leash than Posada, who infuriated the organization with his behavior this past weekend. I’ve read that Posada has until about the All-Star Break to start hitting before the team explores other options. My sense is that this is not going to end well. As for DJ, I am sure that he’s secure the remainder of the year, but I really wonder what the future holds. Perhaps if the team is able to improve the offensive production in other areas, they can be more accommodating with Jeter’s reduced output. If this experience has proven anything to me, it is a renewed respect for GM’s like Theo Epstein who are not afraid to the cut the cords to star players sooner rather than later. Baseball is purely all about ‘what have you done for me lately’, and the Yankees do not owe Jeter, a future Hall of Famer and the last recipient of the #2 jersey at Yankee Stadium, anything. This is about wins and losses, and the Yankees should field the best shortstop in the organization, regardless of who that individual is.
A sad day for Twins baseball and all of MLB…
I was very sorry to see the passing of Minnesota Twins great Harmon Killebrew. Earlier in the week, I saw the comments that Harmon was no longer seeking medical treatment for his cancer but I never realized that we were just days away from his passing. Growing up in Iowa, I used to listen to Minnesota Twins games on a regular basis. Killebrew had retired by the time I was listening, but I clearly knew who he was and his stature in major league baseball. Frankly, I am surprised that I was never a Twins fan. Rod Carew was the star of the team in those days, and they routinely fielded quality teams as they do today. I guess they didn’t have that magical player on their active roster to endear me to the team. Instead, I latched onto Oakland A’s star pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter as my favorite player and of course when he left to sign with the Yankees on 12/31/74, my fate as a Yankees fan was sealed. Nevertheless, I am appreciative for what Killebrew meant to the Twins organization. He will be missed…
No more LeBron, please…
How sweet would it be if the Chicago Bulls ousted the Miami Heat from the NBA Play-offs?…
The closet door may be open, but the key to victory remains unchanged…
For the record, I have no issue with Phoenix Suns President Rick Welts coming out of the closet to announce that he is gay. His sexual preference has nothing to do with his ability to lead and develop a championship organization.
Collaboration at its finest…
I was glad to hear that Minnesota Vikings QB Christian Ponder is seeking out the Vikings wide receivers for workouts and has plans to work with my favorite Viking, Percy Harvin. I was also glad to see Sidney Rice reach out to Ponder to express his willingness to participate. I don’t want the Vikings to lose Rice, but until the lockout is settled, it’s anybody’s guess what happens with Rice. He is clearly the greatest WR the Vikings have had since Randy Moss (the Dante Culpepper version, not last year’s). The NFL needs to put closure on the lockout and aggressively pursue resolution with the Player’s Association.
A toast to Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz…
I received my shipment of Jon Lester’s CabernAce and Clay Buchholz’s ChardonClay today. You can buy the wine at www.charitywines.com. For Clay’s wine, your contribution benefits Jimmy’s Fund, while Jon’s wine supports the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy fine wine while supporting two great causes!
Have a great night, everyone! J
–Scott
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