Not Covering It All?
Posted by Steve L. on October 13th, 2009 · Comments (0)
Angels Vs. Yankees – Who Has What Edge?
Posted by Steve L. on October 12th, 2009 · Comments (6)
How do the Angels compare against the Yankees this season – in terms of personnel and performance? Well, here’s my opinion…based on part-stats and part-feel…providing grades on a scale of one to ten…with ten being the highest grade possible…
OVERALL Angels Yankees Offensive Production: 8.5 10 Offensive Production vs. RHP: 8.5 10 Offensive Production vs. LHP: 7 10 Pitching Production: 4 6 Starting Pitching Production: 4 6 Bullpen Production: 3 6 Pitching Production vs. RHB: 7 6 Pitching Production vs. LHB: 2 10 Defensive Production: 5 7 Play @ Home: 7 10 Play on the Road: 10 9 Play in Close Games: 9 8
It’s somewhat close here with the exceptions being that the Angels don’t hit left-handed pitching as well as they do right-handed pitching, the Angels bullpen is weak, and the Angels pitchers have issues with left-handed batters. So, the Yankees should be sitting pretty in this ALCS…providing Sabathia and Pettitte are on their game and the Yankees batters can get the Angels starters out of these games quickly. Oh, and, Cano, Damon, Matsui, Teixeira, Posada and Swisher better get some good swings in from the left-side…
Cashman: ’09 Best Recent Yanks Team, Deeper, Ends Nightmare
Posted by Steve L. on October 12th, 2009 · Comments (1)
Via Marc Carig -
“I think this team is one of our better teams we’ve had in awhile,” [Brian] Cashman said. “But I also think Anaheim is running out a much improved team too. Clearly, they were able to beat Boston and they haven’t been able to do that before. They’re more equipped. We’re more equipped.”
The Yankees used a three-game sweep of the Twins to differentiate themselves from the flawed teams that were responsible for five years of October agony. Simply by advancing — and doing so in convincing fashion — these Yankees have proved that they have awoken from a first-round slumber that Cashman called “a real nightmare.”
“This team is deeper in pitching,” Cashman said. “This team’s deeper on the bench. This team’s deeper in the bullpen, this team’s deeper offensively and we’re healthy right now…. We’re just stronger and deeper.”
Up against the wall in the clubhouse on Sunday night, Cashman maintained that the Yankees teams of recent playoff past were also good enough to win the World Series. His stance is not surprise: he was responsible for constructing those teams.
But even Cashman admitted that this time, there’s a difference.
“There’s no perfect team that we had,” Cashman said. “Those teams in the past had chances to run the table too. But you’ve got to recognize that this team is deeper, that’s all.”
Hey, Cash has a new song, and it’s “deep!”
Nobody gonna take my car…I’m gonna race it to the ground…Nobody gonna beat my car…it’s gonna break the speed of sound…oooh it’s a killing machine…it’s got everything…
WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk 10/12/09
Posted by Steve L. on October 12th, 2009 · Comments (4)
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Can Angels Run Yanks Out Of ALCS?
Posted by Steve L. on October 12th, 2009 · Comments (8)
During the 2009 regular season, the Yankees were 5-11 when allowing 3+ stolen bases in a game and they were 12-17 when allowing 2+ stolen bases in a game.
Think the Angels are going to try and run like crazy against the Yankees in their upcoming ALCS? Well…they’d be stupid not to…right?
Of course, the best way to put the breaks on an opponent’s running game is to keep runners from reaching base. To that end, the Yanks will have to be very careful not to issue many free passes the Halos in these games. (I know…that’s a tough assignment for guys like A.J. Burnett, David Robertson and Brian Bruney.) And, the Yankees should do their best to avoid allowing batters to reach via an error…while they’re at it.
Hey, since the Yankees “M.O.” at home is more of a power game than a speed game, why not think about loosening up the dirt around the bases at the Stadium, throwing some sand in there, and giving it a good watering down before the game starts? Hey, there’s no rules against that…last time I checked.
It’s either that or slap a number “20″ on the back of Jose Molina and see if you can sneak him on to the field when Jorge Posada is supposed to be catching (and then have Posada bat when his turn comes up in the line-up). Yeah, just kidding on that one…mostly because you really can’t try and pass off a Panda as a Posada…
FOX Perry: ’09 ALCS To Be Grand One
Posted by Steve L. on October 12th, 2009 · Comments (11)
Via Dayn Perry today –
Get ready for one hell of an ALCS.
You’ve got the two largest media markets in play, you’ve got bi-coastal tribalism, you’ve got two candidates for “Team of the Decade” honors, you’ve got two thunderous offenses, and — most of all — you’ve got the two best teams in baseball.
Oh, and you’ve also got two teams coming off first-round redemption. The 97-win Angels, in defiance of ALDS history (coming in, they were 1-9 against the Red Sox in Division Series play), swept Boston out of the postseason, and the 103-win Yankees — after giving the three-game bum’s rush to Minnesota — have advanced to the ALCS for the first time since 2004 (in Yankee Land, this qualifies as a “drought”).
Give the slightest, most marginal of nods to the Yankees because of the bullpen, defense and Sabathia. New York in seven. This one has the makings of a white-knuckled classic.
The Yankees are a candidate for “Team of the Decade” honors? Really? How?
In any event, will this ALCS be one for the ages? At first blush, without doing any heavy analysis, I think it’s going to be a close one – and would not be shocked to see it go six or seven games. How about you? What are you thoughts about the ALCS this season – now that we know it’s the Yanks and Halos?
Wild Thought: What’s Good Enough?
Posted by Steve L. on October 12th, 2009 · Comments (30)
Today’s wild thought centers on what’s “good enough” for Yankees fans, now, that New York has won an ALDS for the first time in five years…
Do the Yankees have to go on and win the World Series for this season to be considered “great”? Or, would it be enough just to reach the World Series – and the outcome of the Fall Classic doesn’t matter?
Or, do the Yankees even have to win the ALCS for this season to be considered “great”? What if it’s a hard fought ALCS that goes six or seven games, and, in the end, the Yankees lose – but do it in a manner that’s not embarrassing (and they just get beat by a team who played better)? Is that “enough” for you, as a Yankees fan, to say this season was a success?
Me? I want to say “As long as they play hard, and don’t give away the ALCS, I can live with that.” But, deep down, inside, I want them to reach the World Series – at a minimum. And, if they get there, I’m probably not going to be “O.K.” with it if they lose.
I wasn’t “O.K.” with it in 1976, 1981, 2001 or 2003. So, I doubt I’ll be fine with it now. Yet, sincerely, again, I want to say that a good showing in the ALCS, win or lose, should be enough to say “Hey, being the second best team in the league, and just missing by a whisker of being the best, is nothing to be ashamed about, etc.” It’s just that I don’t think I’m capable of pulling that off…for whatever reason.
How about you?
October 11th @ The Twins
Posted by Steve L. on October 11th, 2009 · Comments (12)
Hey, you gotta give Carl Pavano some credit – as much as it hurts to do it. For the first six innings of this game, he was awesome. And, on the whole, he pitched a very nice ballgame. That all said, it doesn’t take anything away from his time in New York. He was, flat out, a bust.
Alex Rodriguez was the Yankees MVP this ALDS. Then again, Derek Jeter batted .400 in the series and made some nice plays. That throw to Posada, which went back to A-Rod, in the 8th inning of this game, will be replayed forever now…along with “The Flip” and “The Dive” highlights from Jeter’s collection. And, Mark Teixeira, while not getting many hits, had some big ones in the second game of this series…that really enabled Rodriguez’ hits in that one to be worth remembering. Lastly, of course, CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte were excellent in these games – each going at least six innings in their starts and none of them allowing more than one earned run. Heck, maybe CC, A.J., and Andy should be the co-MVPs of this ALDS?
Or, maybe Joe Girardi should be the MVP of this series – managing each game like it was do-or-die with the pen, going with quick hook after quick hook? And, yeah, Mo was Mo…so Mariano deserves some MVP consideration…
Nah, this series was A-Rod’s day in the sun. He batted .455 and all his hits came in huge spots. Plus, he did this all coming into the series with a huge monkey on his back. So, he gets extra points for coming through with all that baggage to carry as well. Alex Rodriguez was the Yankees most valuable player in the 2009 ALDS.
On the flip-side, Nick Swisher and Johnny Damon looked terrible at the plate in these three games. They need to do better in the next round – a lot better. And, Phil Hughes allowed 6 base runners in 2 innings worth of work. That’s a tad troublesome.
Speaking of troublesome, it is a bit concerning – at least to me – that the Yankees didn’t exactly beat the stuffing out of the Twins in this series. Yes, New York swept Minnesota. But, they did it by smacking around a rookie in Game One (Brian Duensing) and by getting key breaks in Games Two and Three when the Twins made some terrible mistakes on the bases in critical spots – Carlos Gomez on Friday and Nick Punto today. Plus, Joe Nathan did squat for the Twins when he pitched.
I think many would be willing to admit that these last two games were, actually, pretty close and could have gone either way.
And, let’s face it – the Los Angeles Angels are not the Minnesota Twins, especially in the context of how those two teams play against the New York Yankees. But, there will be plenty of time over the next 100 hours or so for analysis on the ALCS before that series starts. For now, it’s all about this game, and this series, and the fact that the New York Yankees have advanced past the ALDS for the first time in five years. That’s pretty big, and great, news in Yankeeland. Enjoy it. It’s all good – and should be that way at least for the next four days plus a few hours, give or take.
Sphincter Lips Papelbon Coughs Up ALDS Lifesaver For Bosox
Posted by Steve L. on October 11th, 2009 · Comments (14)
Two outs…and two strikes on Erick Aybar. One strike away from a win…nope.
Two outs…and two strikes on Chone Figgins. One strike away from a win…nope.
Two outs…and two strikes on Bobby Abreu. One strike away from a win…nope.
Here comes a walk…then a single…and…
Goodbye win.
Sometimes that third strike is soooo hard to get. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Have a nice off-season, Boston.
Via the AP – Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, left, is removed by manager Terry Francona, right, in the ninth inning of Game 3 of an American League baseball division series against the Los Angeles Angels in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009.
WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk 10/11/09 – ALDS Game Three Edition
Posted by Steve L. on October 11th, 2009 · Comments (10)
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Pettitte & The Metrodome
Posted by Steve L. on October 11th, 2009 · Comments (1)
In the last 2 and 1/2 years, thereabouts, Andy Pettitte has pitched in the Metrodome just once. And, in that start, he went 7 innings, allowing 5 runs (4 earned), while giving up 10 hits and zero walks. It was a game that Kyle Farnsworth eventually choked up.
But, over his career, Pettitte has pitched well in Minnesota – allowing an opponent’s BA/OBA/SLG line of .251/.311/.346 in 12 games and facing 348 batters.
Should be interesting to see how #46 does on the bump this evening, in Twinkie Town, for the Yanks.
Yanks Domestics Told To Zip It On A-Rod’s Star Squeeze
Posted by Steve L. on October 11th, 2009 · Comments (10)
Via the Post –
The Yankees’ wives and girlfriends have been banned from trashing Kate Hudson after Page Six revealed there was coldness between her and Derek Jeter’s squeeze, Minka Kelly. We told how low-key Kelly disapproved of Hudson’s antics including cheering wildly from the front row and smooching A-Rod all over town. A source said, “The Yankees told the girls to be careful who they spoke to about Kate. They are concerned about the ramifications for the players.”
Here’s more on the whole Minka Kelly thing, for those who missed it back in August.
I’m really starting to get a Memo Paris vibe from Ms. Hudson…
How about you?
Tino Throwing Giambi & Mussina Under The Bus?
Posted by Steve L. on October 11th, 2009 · Comments (11)
Some comments from Tino Martinez on the present and recent former Yankees, via Ian O’Connor -
“They had gotten away from being the Yankees for a little while,” Martinez said Saturday by phone, “but now I think they’re back.”
The Yankees are back in Minnesota with a 2-0 ALDS lead, because their A-Rods, Teixeiras and Jeters of today are as comfortable with the stakes as the Tinos, Bernies, Brosiuses and Jeters of yesterday.
“I still believe this team has more talent on paper than we had when we won those championships,” said Martinez, who first made that concession in spring.
“But the thing I was concerned about was whether they would come together. Would they play together? Would they develop that attitude we had when we were winning in October?
“And I think they’ve answered those questions. You can’t get tested any more than they were [Friday] night. They had to have that game. That was as close to a must-win game as you’ll see, because you can’t let Minnesota go back to their place with momentum and a chance to close out the series.”
The Yankee teams of the recent past?
“Those teams probably would’ve folded in the ninth,” Martinez said. “They would’ve packed it in. And it’s been demoralizing to a former player to see other teams celebrating at our expense the last few years, especially when you know how Jeter and Mariano [Rivera] are feeling.
“But this team never quits. It’s reminiscent of what we did.”
The 2009 Yankees have players working on a $305 million deal (A-Rod), a $189 million deal (Jeter), a $180 million deal (Teixeira) and a $161 million deal (CC Sabathia). A.J. Burnett had to settle for eight-figure crumbs at $82.5 million.
“But once those guys signed the big contracts,” Martinez said, “they put that away and made their whole focus about winning. I don’t think some of the guys they brought in the last few years had that same feeling.
“A lot of guys are just happy to get the money, and then whatever happens on the field happens. Not these guys. You take CC and A.J. and Teixeira, and throw in [Nick] Swisher, and put them with the four guys who were there when I played; that’s a great combination.”
Well, back in May of 2005 and January 2007, I wrote that:
After the Yankees won four rings in five years (from 1996 to 2000), free agent players (or players with the ability to demand a trade) who had great resumes started lining up to come play in New York – because they wanted the money and they wanted a ring. However, many of these players came here (as I wrote back in May 2005) with the expectation that it was “some sort of birthright that you would win the World Series once you were on the Yankees. And, ‘just showing up’ was all they had to do.”
Basically, these players jumped on the bus looking for a free ride to a ring instead of being someone who was going to drive the bus for the team. On the whole, these are the types of players who have joined the Yankees, made almost unfathomable amounts of money in the process, and who had chances to carry the team to a ring (at one time or another) and failed miserably.
So, I sort of see where Tino Martinez is coming from…but, I’m still surprised to see him come out and say it in public…
Congrats To Mr. T
Posted by Steve L. on October 11th, 2009 · Comments (2)
Former Yankees skipper Joe Torre has now led his Los Angeles Dodgers to sweep-victories in the LDS for the last two years in a row. Where that magic was in 2005, 2006, and 2007, well, I dunno…
Simply Pointing Out The Difference…
Posted by MJ Recanati on October 11th, 2009 · Comments (4)
This is Steve’s blog and I’m merely a volunteer member of “staff.” So while I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes here, I do want to point out a small difference between two players…
I’m not arguing against his on-field brilliance and I’m not trying to draw a comparison between their talents or accomplishments, but when A-Rod messes up, he sits on a podium in front of a microphone and says so. When Pujols isn’t at his best? He heads for the exit:
Pujols, 3 for 10 with an RBI and no extra-base hits in the series, left Busch Stadium without speaking to reporters. (ESPN.com)
Please note that Pujols’s .300 average with an RBI is WAY better than anything A-Rod had done in recent October memory. That wasn’t my point. I’ve got no bias or agenda against Pujols but I just felt like I had to point that one minor detail out.
-Posted by MJ
Add on from Steve: Well, back in August, we did have this report to share from Tyler Kepner:
[Alex] Rodriguez is a ghost in the clubhouse, at home and on the road, especially before games. He limits his availability almost exclusively to brief sessions with a group after games in which he has made an impact, good or bad. He does almost no one-on-one interviews, and nobody questions the rules.
But, to MJ’s point…this refers to the regular season and not the post-season.
Can $ Enhance Teams Chances In Post-Season?
Posted by Steve L. on October 10th, 2009 · Comments (1)
Via the Boston Globe with a h/t to BBTF -
The random law of the postseason guides how [Red Sox G.M. Theo] Epstein and the Red Sox operate. In baseball, Epstein believes the consistent winner is better than the powerhouse.
The most dominant team in a generation, the 116-win 2001 Seattle Mariners, did not even reach the World Series. Reaching the playoffs once, no matter how dominant a team is, is like buying a lottery ticket. Reaching the playoffs often – like six times in seven years – is like being the house in blackjack. Eventually, over time, the odds dictate you’ll win.
“That’s why we have clearly defined objectives,’’ Epstein said. “In our mission statement, part of it is we want to operate with a long-term view to put ourselves in a position to win 95 games and get in the playoffs as often as we possibly can. Now we’ve done it six out of seven years. Part of the thinking is that if you make the postseason multiple times, you improve your chances of making the World Series. Theoretically, if you’re in eight times, you’ll win one World Series. Well, we’ve been in five times. This is our sixth time in. The first five times in, we won two World Series. I’m not going to [complain] about that.
“I don’t believe in building a team with the season goal of winning the World Series, and the next year you look up, you’re old all of a sudden, you don’t have any options. ‘Now we’re a 75-win team. Hey, we won the World Series two years ago.’ It doesn’t work that way. We want to try to always operate with the broadest possible lens, so we have a solid foundation so that every year, or just about every year, we’ll be in a position to win 95 games and get in, and then trust our players, trust our manager, trust our coaching staff, trust our advanced scouting, trust our ability to perform under pressure to go win a World Series.’’
…Theoretically, if you’re in eight times, you’ll win one World Series…
Well, since they brought in the Wildcard, and not including 2009, the Yankees (13 times), Braves (11 times), and Red Sox (8 times) have all made the post-season (at least) eight times. And, the Cardinals and Indians have each made it seven times – which is darn close to eight. But, just the Yankees and Red Sox have won more than one ring during this run.
So, does that mean the Red Sox and Yankees were lucky to have won as many rings as they did? Or, does the fact that the Yankees and Red Sox usually have payrolls much higher than teams like the Braves, Cardinals and Indians have something to do with it? After all, you pay peanuts and you get monkeys, right? But, I doubt that Theo Epstein and/or Brian Cashman would ever ‘fess up to the fact that their secret sauce is just having deep pockets…
Six Or More With Three Or Less, Please
Posted by Steve L. on October 10th, 2009 · Comments (6)
The 1995 Yankees.
The 1999 Indians.
The 2001 A’s.
The 2003 A’s.
These were all teams who had a 2-0 lead in an ALDS and then blew it (losing the next three games in a row). Is there a common thread here?
In Game 3 of the 1995 ALDS, Yankees starter Jack McDowell went 5 innings allowing 5 runs. And, in Game 4 of the 1995 ALDS, Yankees starter Scott Kamieniecki went 5 innings allowing 5 runs.
In Game 3 of the 1999 ALDS, Indians starter Dave Burba was only able to go four innings – and he was followed by Jaret Wright who allowed 5 runs in the next two innings. And, in Game 4 of the 1999 ALDS, Indians starter Bartolo Colon only went one inning allowing 7 runs.
In Game 3 of the 2001 ALDS, the A’s lost a heart-breaker by the score of 1-0. And, in Game 4 of the 2001 ALDS, A’s starter Cory Lidle went 3 1/3 innings allowing 6 runs.
In Game 3 of the 2003 ALDS, the A’s lost a heart-breaker in 11 innings by the score of 3-1. And, in Game 4 of the 2003 ALDS, A’s starter Tim Hudson had to leave the game after just one inning.
The Yankees, in their current ALDS, have a 2-0 lead in the series with Andy Pettitte scheduled to start Game 3. If needed, he will be followed by CC Sabathia to start Game 4.
Looking at those teams who lost an ALDS after being up, 2-0, I think the message to Pettitte and Sabathia is clear: Don’t screw this up like the 1995 Yankees and 1999 Indians – by getting banged around in your starts. And, don’t screw this up like the 2001 and 2003 A’s by losing a heart-breaker or getting banged around.
O.K., so, the not losing a heart-breaker in Game 3 also falls upon the Yankees bats too…I know. But, with Carl Pavano starting for the Twins in Game 3, the Yankees should have no problem scoring runs…at least on paper. So, it all falls back to Andy and CC.
Just give us a quality start…and everything should be fine.
WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk 10/10/09
Posted by Steve L. on October 10th, 2009 · Comments (10)
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October 2009 Survey Question #2
Posted by Steve L. on October 10th, 2009 · Comments (2)
Please consider taking the following poll:
Which is the greatest "Bottom of the 9th" Post-Season homerun in Yankees history?
Thanks in advance. And, please feel free to add comments on your opinion in the comments section below.
October 9th Vs. The Twins
Posted by Steve L. on October 9th, 2009 · Comments (25)
A.J. Burnett and Nick Blackburn, with a little help from some friends, pretty much made the first seven innings of this game moot. Yup, indeed, the story of this game centers around the 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th innings. Check this out:
Top of the 8th inning: Phil Hughes, who has been so wonderful for the Yankees out of the pen this season, gets a quick two outs. But, he then allows a two-out walk to no-stick, hack-happy, Carlos Gomez – and before you know it, New York is losing 3-1 (and they’re six outs away from a loss).
Bottom of the 9th inning: Easily, hands-down, the single greatest moment for Alex Rodrguez in his six year career with the Yankees. Actually, after Teixeira singled and Joe Nathan fell behind Rodriguez, 2-0, I had a feeling it was coming. And, three pitches later, there it went. You know, Nathan is a really nice guy. But, against the Yankees, he pitches like he’s Armando Benitez throwing in an important game. See this game. And, this one. And, this one. And, this one. And, now, of course, we have the contest from this evening too. Anyone else seeing a pattern?
Top of the 10th inning: Alfredo Aceves tries to copy Phil Hughes and allows a 2-out walk that leads into a first-and-third situation with the score tied. But, he works out of it, getting the pesky Orlando Cabrera to fly out.
Bottom of the 10th inning: Brett Gardner has a “Dave Roberts” moment in the making and then gets doubled off third in an inning ending line-out-dee-pee. Game remains tied at three.
Top of the 11th inning: Joe Mauer, leading off, gets robbed of a double by a terribly blown call by the left field line umpire. But, the Twins manage to load the bases with no outs – and they don’t score! Yanks get lucky here when Delmon Young launches a liner right at Teixeira for the first out of the inning and then Carlos Gomez takes a weak swing at the first pitch for a force-out at the plate.
Bottom of the 11th inning: Teixeira gets his first walk-off pie of the season after he hits a laser for a 319 foot homer to win the game.
Now, the Twins season sits, somewhat, in the hands of Carl Pavano. Boy, I wish they were playing tomorrow – instead of having to wait until Sunday for that one.
Even if Minnesota manages to beat the Yankees and Andy Pettitte on Sunday, the Yankees will have CC Sabathia on the hill next Monday. And, you really have to like the Yankees chance to win that game – even if the Twins are throwing Scott Baker.
I have tickets for Game 5 of this ALDS. At this point, they’re going to make some fancy book marks – because this ALDS is going to be over before that game. Give the Twins credit…they kept taking punches in this one and hanging in – but, they did not get the job done with runners on base. This was only the third time in big league history that a team had 21+ runners reach base in a game and they scored 3 runs or less. Ouch.
WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk 10/9/09 – ALDS Game Two Edition
Posted by Steve L. on October 9th, 2009 · Comments (24)
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Looking For A Big Game From A.J. Burnett Tonight?
Posted by Steve L. on October 9th, 2009 · Comments (11)
The odds are really against it happening.
Granted, it’s not impossible. Of course, nothing in baseball happens on average. But, when you look at the stats, you see it’s very rare for a starting pitcher to star in his post-season debut…at least since 1995.
Perfect: Don Larsen’s Miraculous World Series Game And The Men Who Made It Happen
Posted by Steve L. on October 9th, 2009 · Comments (2)
I have to confess that, when I first glanced at a copy of Lew Paper’s “Perfect: Don Larsen’s Miraculous World Series Game and the Men Who Made It Happen,” my first reaction was “I’m not sure if I’m going to like this…after all…what haven’t we heard about this game already?” But, I decided to read the book, nonetheless. And, now, I can share that I was very happy to make that call to give it a try.
“Perfect” is a wonderful book. It’s more than just a recap of Larsen’s perfecto – it’s the life stories of 19 New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers players who took part in that contest. And, Lew Paper did an excellent job at telling these stories – they are well-sourced, informative, and entertaining.
Whether you’re someone who remembers that era of baseball or one of the two generations of baseball fans who have come along since, you will enjoy this book. It’s a great read for any baseball fan and a must read for the “New York” baseball fan.
If Don Larsen’s World Series perfect game were a box of Cracker Jack, then the players who appeared in it would be the molasses-covered popcorn treats inside and Lew Paper’s new book is now the special prize that comes along with it. I highly recommend Lew Paper’s “Perfect: Don Larsen’s Miraculous World Series Game and the Men Who Made It Happen.”
Rare Ruth Footage Found
Posted by Steve L. on October 9th, 2009 · Comments (3)
Via Tonic.com
Given that his career took place before the age of television, almost no footage of The Bambino exists at all. Even though he played American League Baseball for 21 years, every last scrap of footage found of him hitting home runs, running bases, and mugging for cameras amounts to just one hour-long tape. The footage lives at Major League Baseball Productions, a collection of 150,000 hours of tape spaning more than 100 years of baseball’s history.
But now that collection includes a precious eight seconds more, thanks to a New Hampshire man who stumbled upon the 8-millimeter footage while digging around in his grandfather’s home movie collection, according to a story in The New York Times. The footage is part of a 90-second clip shot from the first-base stands at Yankee Stadium. It’s the archive’s only footage of Ruth playing in the outfield. In one sequence, he strikes out, looks unhappy about it and drags his bat through the dirt while Lou Gehrig watches from on deck.
Researchers haven’t yet nailed down when the footage was taken. They believe it’s from 1928, based on a series of clues. For starters, none of the players have numbers of their backs, which means it was recorded before 1929 when the Yankees started wearing them. It’s definitely from after 1925 when Gehrig took over as starter. Ads in the outfield match photos taken in 1928, further narrowing down the year.
What’s harder to determine is the actual day the footage was shot. It could be opening day or the World Searies because the seats are full and the shadows are long, suggesting it’s either late or early in the season. But it’s unclear what team the Yankees are playing (again, no numbers). One thing they do know: Ruth struck out, narrowing it down to Games 1 and 2 of the 1928 World Series, played at Yankee Stadium against the St. Louis Cardinals. Now that’s something.
Great find. Then again, today, it’s not as if everything is on-demand video. I’ve yet to see a clip of Dan Morogiello allowing a pinch-hit grand slam homer to John Wockenfuss, just for an example.
A-Rod’s A Hero, But, Haven’t We Heard That Before?
Posted by Steve L. on October 9th, 2009 · Comments (8)
Via Richard Griffin –
What’s most important to Yankee fans is that A-Rod has had a stunning season on the field and deserves serious consideration for AL MVP. After missing the first 28 games while recovering from hip surgery, he returned on May 8 as New York sat third in the AL East with a record of 13-15. The rest of the way the Bombers went 90-44.
Consider that in the sixth inning of the season’s final game, he hit a three-run homer and a grand slam to finish with 30 homers and 100 RBIs for the 12th straight season. In the dugout as the inning was unfolding, he told teammates he would need a slam in order to do it. Then he went out and hit one.
A-Rod hit 15 homers and had 50 RBIs that either tied a game or put the Yankees in the lead. He has had six walk-off homers in his Yankee career. While A-Rod was out of action rehabbing his hip, prized free-agent acquisition Mark Teixeira struggled. As soon as Rodriguez returned, Teixeira took off and ended the season tied for the AL lead in homers with 39 and leading the league in RBIs with 122.
A-Rod’s image turnaround started with his mea culpa press conference at the start of spring training in which he confessed to limited steroid use, much as Andy Pettitte had the spring before. If fans forgave Pettitte, and they did, it would have been hypocritical not to cut A-Rod some slack, even though his confession was full of holes.
The exclamation point to his personal reclamation came in Game 1 against the Twins. Riding a 29-at-bat hitless streak with runners on base and with just one post-season RBI in 13 games since 2004, Rodriguez lined a two-out single into the gap in left-centre. As he rounded first, he gave a huge fist-pump of relief and the crowd, in turn, gave him a thunderous ovation.
“The only person who can change you is you,” Mr. October said in wrapping up his evaluation of A-Rod’s turnaround. “He’s signed up. If you evolve in New York, you become a hero. The people want him to be a hero – it’s that simple.”
Here’s what I don’t get…
In 2007, his “opt-out” season, A-Rod had one of the best seasons that a big league batter could hope to ever post. And, that season, he was huge in the clutch, winning games with big hits, left and right…
And, in Game 1 of the 2007 ALDS, Rodriguez wasn’t terrible – walking twice in four plate appearances…
So, to date, what’s the difference between 2007 and 2009 for A-Rod. Both clutch seasons, both decent starts in the ALDS, etc. And, this leads to this question: Should we have been saying, after Game 1 of the 2007 ALDS, that Alex had “evolved” and had become a “hero”?
If “no,” then why are we hearing it now? If “yes,” then, why are we saying it again now? This is either a non-story or a repeated story, when you consider 2007, etc., and do the compare…
A.J. On Ice?
Posted by Steve L. on October 8th, 2009 · Comments (8)
Is one of my fears coming true tomorrow? Via AccuWeather.com, the forecast for the Bronx on the night of Game 2 of the 2009 ALDS:
Sam Borden paints the grim picture of what may result from this forecast.
My bet? Expect, at the worst, a rain-delay to start the game on Friday. It will be somewhere between one and three hours. That will really mess with TBS. They have the Bosox-Angels at 9:30 pm ET. And, over on TNT, they have a limited commercial showing of the movie Hitch at 9 pm (ET). Looks like Hitch will get bumped…
But, the bigger question is: If there’s a delay to the game, will A.J. Burnett be adversely impacted? Probably not…he doesn’t seem Mussina-ish. But, then again, it will be the first career post-season start for A.J. And, maybe, sitting around, waiting to pitch, will mess with his head?
I know a timeout can ice a kicker, but, can a rain-delay ice a pitcher? Maybe…you never know…or, as Robert Van Winkle would say…Word to your mother.
Is The ‘Pen The Best Thing For Joba?
Posted by Corey Italiano on October 8th, 2009 · Comments (5)
Bob Brenly had this gem during the 2nd inning of Game 2 of the Dodgers-Cardinals ALDS:
[Adam Wainright] really speaks highly of the experience he had closing for the Cardinals back then [2006]. He says he takes the same mentality into his start. He said early in his career he tried to pace himself too much, trying to work deep into the ballgame; but his experience that he had in the bullpen where you just go after every hitter and every out is huge; he’s taken that same mentality to the mound as a starting pitcher.
Sound like someone we know? Maybe he’ll be better than a set-up man after all? Maybe all that hoopla about Joba’s mound celebration’s being too wild has caused Joba to change his pitching mentality while starting? Perhaps putting him back in the ‘pen for the playoffs is the best thing for his starting career moving into 2010.
- Posted By Corey
23 Hours Till The Next Yankees Game…?
Posted by Steve L. on October 8th, 2009 · Comments (2)
Well, this should get you through the next 15 minutes…
WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk 10/8/09
Posted by Steve L. on October 8th, 2009 · Comments (12)
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Wild Thought: Not So Sori Now?
Posted by Steve L. on October 8th, 2009 · Comments (12)
So, six years later, is anyone in Yankeeland missing Alfonso Soriano? Remember, back in the day, when he finished 3rd in the 2002 A.L. MVP voting, as a member of the Yankees?
And, do you think, it’s possible, we’ll be asking the same questions about Robinson Cano in 2016?
Anywho, that’s today’s wild thought…
