extreme power sports 2012 trends
-
AccountView CartShop Home Shop New Units Used Units Services Rentals
Contact Us About Us Welcome to Mesquite Extreme Powersports! Call Us: (702)
346-5429...
Thank You!!! (And New Features!!!)
Final Sports Illustrated Cover Featuring Yankee Stadium
Just in case you don't subscribe to Sports Illustrated, here is the final cover devoted to the Old Yankee Stadium.
Cashman Retunrs for Three more Years
It's offical the Cash-man will be back for three more years as the Yankee GM. So as we brace for three more years I start to wonder, what GOOD decisions has Brain Cashman made in the pitching department the last 6 years? I count Tom Gordon and Jon Leiber as good decisions. What else? There has to be more....right?
Here is a breakdown of all his moves. So where is the genius? How does this guy avoid blame? Expect more bad moves this offseason in the pitching department. Maybe no CC, sign Burnett and resign a clearly fried Andy Pettitte, yeah that sounds Cashman-esque.
Am I missing the positive moves he's made?
Here is a breakdown of all his moves. So where is the genius? How does this guy avoid blame? Expect more bad moves this offseason in the pitching department. Maybe no CC, sign Burnett and resign a clearly fried Andy Pettitte, yeah that sounds Cashman-esque.
Am I missing the positive moves he's made?
Cashman: "I've Got A Job To Finish"
Bryan Hoch/MLB.Com:Brian Cashman finalized a contract extension on Tuesday to remain as the general manager of the Yankees, an agreement that will run through the 2011 season.
"I know I've said it before, but it's an incredible opportunity and honor to hold the title of general manager for the New York Yankees," Cashman said. "With it comes a great responsibility to ownership, the people who wear the uniform and our fan base. I've got a job to finish here. That's the bottom line."
"I consider coming off a season where we didn't reach the playoffs for the first time since 1993 as a personal challenge," Cashman said. "I've never been one to run from a challenge, and I look forward to having the chance to go after this thing again."
"Before we could move forward as an organization this offseason, we needed to come to a resolution on the person who would hold the important position of general manager and allow us to make another run at a 27th world championship," Hal and Hank Steinbrenner said in a joint statement released through the team.
"We are thrilled that Brian has accepted to renew his commitment to this organization for at least three more years."
"Holding the position of general manager for any Major League team is a challenge," the Steinbrenners said. "But to do so in the great city of New York, where baseball is passionately followed 12 months a year, you must possess a number of unique attributes.
"Brian has shown throughout his Yankees career that he has the dedication, integrity and know-how needed to perform -- and succeed -- in this environment. Having him in place allows us to begin an offseason of hard work, and we are pleased he will be working hand in hand with us to bring the New York Yankees back to the postseason."
"I know I've said it before, but it's an incredible opportunity and honor to hold the title of general manager for the New York Yankees," Cashman said. "With it comes a great responsibility to ownership, the people who wear the uniform and our fan base. I've got a job to finish here. That's the bottom line."
"I consider coming off a season where we didn't reach the playoffs for the first time since 1993 as a personal challenge," Cashman said. "I've never been one to run from a challenge, and I look forward to having the chance to go after this thing again."
"Before we could move forward as an organization this offseason, we needed to come to a resolution on the person who would hold the important position of general manager and allow us to make another run at a 27th world championship," Hal and Hank Steinbrenner said in a joint statement released through the team.
"We are thrilled that Brian has accepted to renew his commitment to this organization for at least three more years."
"Holding the position of general manager for any Major League team is a challenge," the Steinbrenners said. "But to do so in the great city of New York, where baseball is passionately followed 12 months a year, you must possess a number of unique attributes.
"Brian has shown throughout his Yankees career that he has the dedication, integrity and know-how needed to perform -- and succeed -- in this environment. Having him in place allows us to begin an offseason of hard work, and we are pleased he will be working hand in hand with us to bring the New York Yankees back to the postseason."
Steroid Era Side Effects?
Associated Press via Sports Illustrated:Home runs in the major leagues dropped this year to their lowest level since 1993, and Angels center fielder Torii Hunter thinks he might know why.
"I think the steroid testing has something to do with it," he said. "If there were any guys who were taking it, they're not taking it anymore. I'd say it's a small percentage, but of course it's going to have an impact."
An average of 2.01 home runs per game were hit this year, down from 2.04 in 2007. The average hadn't dropped that low since 15 years ago, when it stood at 1.78, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The homer high of 2.34 was set in 2000, and the average stood at 2.14 in 2003, the last season before drug testing with penalties began.
Karma's a Bitch!
I am so happy that the Muts once again choked away a trip to the postseason. I am not, however, simply a Met-hating Yankees fan. My joy stems from the way they treated one of the all-time good guys in the sport - Willie Randolph.
It serves them right.
Congrats iYankees
Congratulations to Chris of iYankees for winning our bloggers' fantasy baseball league!
Mariano the Great
It is arguable, that at age 37, Mariano Rivera just completed his best regular season in his sure-fire first ballot, Hall of Fame career.
In case you think maybe Mo did all of this in less than an average amount of work, Mo has averaged 73 innings per year (even including his 107 inning year in '96 as Wetteland's set-up man) and logged 70 2/3 this year.
Mo's 1.40 ERA is the second lowest of his career (1.38 in 2005)
His 0.66 WHIP is the lowest of his storied career (0.86 in 2005)
He gave up a career-low 11 earned runs for the entire season.
Mo walked a ridiculous 6 (SIX!!) batters all year long and struck out 77 (12+ k/bb)
In case you think maybe Mo did all of this in less than an average amount of work, Mo has averaged 73 innings per year (even including his 107 inning year in '96 as Wetteland's set-up man) and logged 70 2/3 this year.
Oh, Mo pitched all year with a sore shoulder too.
Petulant Papplepuss
As he sulked around the mound in the 1st game yesterday, throwing numerous rosin bags toward the dugout and generally looking like a 3 year old that is being forced to take a nap during Spongebob, we saw just what a self-centered baby Dread Sox closer Jonathan Papplepuss is.
HOW DARE manager Terry Francona pitch him in a meaningless game??!?
HOW DARE Francona risk his sub 2 ERA for the season by making him pitch when there was ...GASP!... RAIN!!
After finally getting the 3rd out, The Puss stormed back to the dugout, slammed his glove down and started kicking the closest thing he could find. He then pouted out of the dugout ripping off his jersey before even getting into the tunnel.
I was soooo happy that we plated 3 and ran his era for the year from 1.98 to 2.34.
My disdain for the jerk is pretty well documented...hopefully everyone else saw what I did yesterday and sees him for what he is - a petulant child who is more concerned with his own stats than getting in some work before the playoffs begin.
Yanks Painful Season Comes To A Close
Bryan Hoch/MLB.Com:
Jonathan Van Every's RBI single cashed in Alex Cora's leadoff triple, lifting the Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Yankees in 10 innings at Fenway Park on Sunday to complete a day-night doubleheader on the season's final day.
Facing Jose Veras, Cora tripled past a diving Melky Cabrera in right-center field to open the 10th, and Van Every's hit to right brought in the winning run after the bases were intentionally loaded around two strikeouts, as he was mobbed at first base by his teammates.
The Yankees finished their season-ending road trip with four wins in six games, completing the season 16 games above .500 at 89-73, good for third place in the American League East.
New York will return home to clean out its Yankee Stadium lockers on Monday, having missed the postseason for the first time since the strike-shortened 1994 campaign.
Jonathan Van Every's RBI single cashed in Alex Cora's leadoff triple, lifting the Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Yankees in 10 innings at Fenway Park on Sunday to complete a day-night doubleheader on the season's final day.
Facing Jose Veras, Cora tripled past a diving Melky Cabrera in right-center field to open the 10th, and Van Every's hit to right brought in the winning run after the bases were intentionally loaded around two strikeouts, as he was mobbed at first base by his teammates.
The Yankees finished their season-ending road trip with four wins in six games, completing the season 16 games above .500 at 89-73, good for third place in the American League East.
New York will return home to clean out its Yankee Stadium lockers on Monday, having missed the postseason for the first time since the strike-shortened 1994 campaign.
Hey Yankee Fans, It Could Always be Worse
You could be a Mets fan.
Two straight years collasping down the stretch and losing two of three at home to the Marlins(the Marlins!)to seal the deal. Ouch.
I bet that closing ceremony following the game was a real blast.
MOOOOOOSE!!!
After being crticized by Hank Steinbrenner following a slow start in 2008, Mike Mussina has won 20 games in a single season for the first time in his career.Who said Hammerin' Hank wasn't good for anything?
Congratulations, Moose.
Bedard a FA?
SI reports on successful surgery for Erik Bedard and some interesting information at the end of the article;
The next move with Bedard is likely to be one of the first questions asked of any potential general manager candidates by team president Chuck Armstrong and chairman Howard Lincoln. Armstrong said Friday there is possibility of not tendering Bedard a contract.
"If you make a bad stock pick you don't hold on to it hoping that it's going to come back," Armstrong said. "You move on. We have that option."
If this happens the Yankees would have to consider competing for his services. He does present a significant amount of risk but the Yankees can afford to throw away 10-20 million for a chance for a front-line starter. Bedard would have to be looked at as a sixth starter instead of a one or two but a risk definitely worth taking.
The next move with Bedard is likely to be one of the first questions asked of any potential general manager candidates by team president Chuck Armstrong and chairman Howard Lincoln. Armstrong said Friday there is possibility of not tendering Bedard a contract.
"If you make a bad stock pick you don't hold on to it hoping that it's going to come back," Armstrong said. "You move on. We have that option."
If this happens the Yankees would have to consider competing for his services. He does present a significant amount of risk but the Yankees can afford to throw away 10-20 million for a chance for a front-line starter. Bedard would have to be looked at as a sixth starter instead of a one or two but a risk definitely worth taking.
Hank Thinks Divisional Races Are Unfair...Do You!?
We all know baseball went to a multidivision setup to create more races, rivalries and excitement. But it isn't fair. You see it this season, with plenty of people in the media pointing out that Joe Torre and the Dodgers are going to the playoffs while we're not. This is by no means a knock on Torre -- let me make that clear -- but look at the division they're in. If L.A. were in the A.L. East, it wouldn't be in the playoff discussion.
The A.L. East is never weak. Ask the teams that finished behind us all of those seasons. I'll say it right now: Boston should have made the playoffs in 1978. We beat the Red Sox in that one-game playoff, but they still had a better record than the Royals, who won the A.L. West. And that's one of many examples.
The divisional setup is not right by any definition of logic. But the sports media rarely deals with logic -- so you never read about this.
So, what should be done? Have an A.L. and an N.L. and put the top four finishers from each in the playoffs. You'd still have eight teams and the same number of playoff rounds. The Yankees still wouldn't be in the postseason this year in my setup, so it's not sour grapes. It's just the smart way to do things. Unfortunately, we don't do that. But we should because -- here comes that word again -- it's logical.
The one saving grace in the current six-division setup is the wild card. Without it, we'd have a complete disaster because a deserving team from each league would be kept out each season. You can't keep a strong second-place team out of the playoffs just because it finished behind a dominant first-place team. And if a wild-card team wins the World Series, great. It got there because it had a great record, not because it won a weak division.
I know a lot of Yankee fans (and media gurus) are quick to dismiss Hank, but does the man have a point!?!I think he does...what do you think!?!VOTE IN THE POLL BY CLICKING HERE!!!!
Olney - Yankees Needed to Keep their Picks
Buster Olney has a piece today on the death of the Yankees. He argues the following if the Yankees go on a spending spree this summer;
"further retard their player development system that was, in the early '90s, the best in the major leagues. A dynasty was born from that, and from that dynasty came the YES Network, support for a new Yankee Stadium -- and an insatiable quest for success that, in the way it was managed, effectively cannibalized the organization. "
At the end of the article he actually lists the picks the Yankees lost and the what the compensation picks netted their former teams. I have excluded the compensation round picks because those are not picks the Yankees would have had if they didn't make the signing;
Johnny Damon - Daniel Bard
Kyle Farnsworth - Robert Fontaine
Carl Pavano-Jacob Marceaux
Jaret Wright-Jeffery Lyman
Paul Quantril- Blake Dewitt
Tom Gordon - Ray Liotte
Jason Giambi- Joe Blanton
Steve Karsay-James Greene
Mike Mussina- Mike Fontenot
David Wells - Darnell McDonald
Mike Stanton - Chris Tynan
So, what did the Yankees really loose out on with these picks? Joe Blanton? It makes for good press to kill the Yankees for spending on free agents but the truth is the Yankees are a lot better off with the FA pickups instead of the picks. Even late first round picks are a crap shoot and a sure thing FA is a much better, and safer investment. However, where the Yankees went wrong was with some of the decisions on who to spend money on not to spend it in the first place.
"further retard their player development system that was, in the early '90s, the best in the major leagues. A dynasty was born from that, and from that dynasty came the YES Network, support for a new Yankee Stadium -- and an insatiable quest for success that, in the way it was managed, effectively cannibalized the organization. "
At the end of the article he actually lists the picks the Yankees lost and the what the compensation picks netted their former teams. I have excluded the compensation round picks because those are not picks the Yankees would have had if they didn't make the signing;
Johnny Damon - Daniel Bard
Kyle Farnsworth - Robert Fontaine
Carl Pavano-Jacob Marceaux
Jaret Wright-Jeffery Lyman
Paul Quantril- Blake Dewitt
Tom Gordon - Ray Liotte
Jason Giambi- Joe Blanton
Steve Karsay-James Greene
Mike Mussina- Mike Fontenot
David Wells - Darnell McDonald
Mike Stanton - Chris Tynan
So, what did the Yankees really loose out on with these picks? Joe Blanton? It makes for good press to kill the Yankees for spending on free agents but the truth is the Yankees are a lot better off with the FA pickups instead of the picks. Even late first round picks are a crap shoot and a sure thing FA is a much better, and safer investment. However, where the Yankees went wrong was with some of the decisions on who to spend money on not to spend it in the first place.
Hank And Hal Set Timeline For Cashman Decision
Most baseball people believe that for a variety of reasons, including an excellent working relationship with Hank Steinbrenner's younger, quieter brother Hal, Cashman will choose to return to the job he's held for 11 years. Cashman is expected to give both Steinbrenners his answer as early as next Monday or Tuesday. Negotiations on his new deal would begin the moment Cashman provides the go-ahead and are not expected to take long.
There has been speculation for months that Cashman could be intrigued by any one of a number of potential GM openings, including one in Seattle, another in Philadelphia (Pat Gillick has said he's retiring), and possibly a third in Washington (although Jim Bowden is still hanging in there). And if Cashman chooes not to remain with the Yankees, a few more opportunities could be opened up for him. Yet people close to the team still expect Cashman to stay.
Yankees people are anxious to commence what's likely to be an extreme makeover after missing the playoffs for the first time since long before Cashman became GM (only one Yankee defeat or Red Sox victory will ensure a quite October for the Yankees). So they want an answer by sometime next week, the first week of a postseason that will not involve them.
Hal Steinbrenner recently told Newsday, "He knows that we're with him, that we want him back.'' SI.com reported last winter that the Yankees made a play to try to extend Cashman's contract and again on Aug. 13 that the Yankees still wanted him back, despite the difficulties of the 2008 season.
Should I Stay, Or Should I Go...
But Cashman could choose to leave to pursue another job, either in Philadelphia, Seattle or some other place. If he does so, the executive who would replace him would face extraordinary pressure to deliver a championship as soon as possible. Under those circumstances, it might be difficult for the Yankees to continue reconstructing their farm system -- so Cashman's decision could have an incredible impact on the Yankees' future.
Imagine if Cashman sat down at his kitchen table with a notepad, and drew up two columns -- one listing the reasons to go, and the other the reasons to stay.
Moose Has One More Shot At That Ever Elusive 20-Win Season
The lone bright spot for the Yankees tonight was Mike Mussina (19-9), who also won 19 games with the Baltimore Orioles in 1995 and 1996. Moose will try for a career-high 20th victory when he faces Boston at Fenway Park on Sunday in the final game of the regular season (...at least there is still a little bit to be excited about!!!).
Days After Stadium Lights Burn Out, So Does Hope For '08 Playoffs
Mike Mussina pitched five shutout innings to earn his 19th win, Jason Giambi homered and the Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Tuesday night, but it wasn't enough to keep the Yankees slim postseason hopes alive as Boston beat Cleveland just minutes before the conclusion of the Yankees victory.
The Red Sox win clinched at least the AL wild-card and eliminated the Yankees from postseason contention.
Goodbye, Old Friend
Yankee Stadium
April 18th, 1923-
September 21st, 2008
Goodbye, old friend.
You will be missed, but not forgotten.
Yankees Pay for Past Sins
The Hank was quoted as saying there had been mistakes made by the Yankees, so now is as good a time as any to look back and see what mistakes were made. Now not all of these can be placed at the feet of Brain Cashman but the majority are his doing;
Mistake 1 - 2002 - Jeff Weaver
The Yankees tried to do something right here by adding a pitcher who had success entering his prime. The problem with this move is they clearly didn't do their homework on Weaver's maturity level. Weaver's makeup never would have allowed for him to succeed in New York. This move was bad for the Yankees and I think ruined Weaver as well.
Mistake 2- 2002 - Jose Contreras
Senore nervous was the anti- El duque - all stuff, no heart. Not only did the Yankees make a mistake with him, but they made it worse by giving up on him too quickly for Estaban Loiza. He probably would have never succeeded in New York but you have to at least give him a couple of full years to find out.
Mistake 3 - 2003 - Kevin Brown Over Andy Pettitte
After the 2003 season the Yankees decided to be cheap with Andy Pettitte. To replace him they traded for Kevin Brown. This one was bad. Ask yourself, if Andy is starting game 7 in 2004 do the Yankees win?
Mistake 4 - 2003 - Sheff over Vlad
Even though Sheffield gave the Yankees 2 good years Vlad has much been better. Sheffield brought an attitude to the clubhouse that wouldn't have been tolerated in years past. Also, Vlad is still going strong while Sheff is done.
Mistake 3 2004 - Jaret Wright over Jon Leiber
The Yankees tried to save a couple of million dollars by not exercising the option they held on Leiber and instead ended up signing Jaret Wright after the free agent market for pitchers exploded. They chose an unproven commodity in New York over someone who came in to New York and succeeded.
Mistake 4- 2004 - Carl Pavano
Looking back there really were not many better options. Derek Lowe was available, as well as Kevin Millwood, but Pavano was probably the best choice. In the end it didn't work out so it is still a mistake. $40 million dollars and 10 wins isn't exactly a positive move.
Mistake 5 - 2004 - Randy Johnson over Carols Beltran
In the 2004 offseason Big Stein gave Cash a choice - RJ or Carlos. This one was bad. Randy was a complete bust in New York and the Yankees are still looking for a real CFer. I was for the move at the time but looking back this made no sense. The Yankees ended up dumping 13 million a year (instead of the $16mm per Carols wanted) on Johnny Damon who predictably turned out to be a decent left fielder but no longer suited for CF.
Mistake 6- 2006 - Igawa over Lilly
After the 2006 season the Yankees lost out on the Dice-K sweepstakes and needed a plan B. The choice was either an unproven mediocore lefty in Japan, or a pitcher who had experience in New York and some success in the AL east. The choice was Igawa who has 2 wins to Lilly's 29 the last two years.
Replace on this years team Bobby Abreu with Vladimir Guerrero, add Lilly to the back of the rotation and Beltran in CF and you have a very strong playoff team.
Looking back, the Yankees biggest issue has been evaluating pitchers. In two years will we be adding the Johan non-trade to this list? Also, is it Cashman's fault or the Yankee scouts? Either way these are some of the key decisions that led to this year's failure and no championships since 2000. This offseason could be one like 2004, where 3 or 4 key decisions will be made. Let's hope some of these turn out better then those of the past.
Mistake 1 - 2002 - Jeff Weaver
The Yankees tried to do something right here by adding a pitcher who had success entering his prime. The problem with this move is they clearly didn't do their homework on Weaver's maturity level. Weaver's makeup never would have allowed for him to succeed in New York. This move was bad for the Yankees and I think ruined Weaver as well.
Mistake 2- 2002 - Jose Contreras
Senore nervous was the anti- El duque - all stuff, no heart. Not only did the Yankees make a mistake with him, but they made it worse by giving up on him too quickly for Estaban Loiza. He probably would have never succeeded in New York but you have to at least give him a couple of full years to find out.
Mistake 3 - 2003 - Kevin Brown Over Andy Pettitte
After the 2003 season the Yankees decided to be cheap with Andy Pettitte. To replace him they traded for Kevin Brown. This one was bad. Ask yourself, if Andy is starting game 7 in 2004 do the Yankees win?
Mistake 4 - 2003 - Sheff over Vlad
Even though Sheffield gave the Yankees 2 good years Vlad has much been better. Sheffield brought an attitude to the clubhouse that wouldn't have been tolerated in years past. Also, Vlad is still going strong while Sheff is done.
Mistake 3 2004 - Jaret Wright over Jon Leiber
The Yankees tried to save a couple of million dollars by not exercising the option they held on Leiber and instead ended up signing Jaret Wright after the free agent market for pitchers exploded. They chose an unproven commodity in New York over someone who came in to New York and succeeded.
Mistake 4- 2004 - Carl Pavano
Looking back there really were not many better options. Derek Lowe was available, as well as Kevin Millwood, but Pavano was probably the best choice. In the end it didn't work out so it is still a mistake. $40 million dollars and 10 wins isn't exactly a positive move.
Mistake 5 - 2004 - Randy Johnson over Carols Beltran
In the 2004 offseason Big Stein gave Cash a choice - RJ or Carlos. This one was bad. Randy was a complete bust in New York and the Yankees are still looking for a real CFer. I was for the move at the time but looking back this made no sense. The Yankees ended up dumping 13 million a year (instead of the $16mm per Carols wanted) on Johnny Damon who predictably turned out to be a decent left fielder but no longer suited for CF.
Mistake 6- 2006 - Igawa over Lilly
After the 2006 season the Yankees lost out on the Dice-K sweepstakes and needed a plan B. The choice was either an unproven mediocore lefty in Japan, or a pitcher who had experience in New York and some success in the AL east. The choice was Igawa who has 2 wins to Lilly's 29 the last two years.
Replace on this years team Bobby Abreu with Vladimir Guerrero, add Lilly to the back of the rotation and Beltran in CF and you have a very strong playoff team.
Looking back, the Yankees biggest issue has been evaluating pitchers. In two years will we be adding the Johan non-trade to this list? Also, is it Cashman's fault or the Yankee scouts? Either way these are some of the key decisions that led to this year's failure and no championships since 2000. This offseason could be one like 2004, where 3 or 4 key decisions will be made. Let's hope some of these turn out better then those of the past.
This Needs to End Well
So the Red Sox won today which puts the tragic number at one. It will not do the Yankees, the Stadium or the former players justice to get eliminated today of all days. It has been a tough year all around in Yankeeland and that would be the icing on a really bitter cake.
So let's go Yankees! Keep hope alive one more day and let's go out in style - with an Andy Pettitte no-no! OK, maybe not but that would be a fitting end wouldn't it?
So let's go Yankees! Keep hope alive one more day and let's go out in style - with an Andy Pettitte no-no! OK, maybe not but that would be a fitting end wouldn't it?
My Top Yankee Stadium Memories
As we edge ever so closer to the last days of Yankee stadium it makes me reflect on the lasting memories I will have of the House that Ruth Built. So here are my top memories:
Bad seats and 20 Bucks gets you a damn good view- In the late eighties/early nineties I was a teenager living in CT and my oldest brother worked on Wall Street. After he got out of work my other brother and I would hop on the train and meet him at the bat. We would then buy the worst seats in the house and wait until the 2nd inning rolled around whenwe would go to our favorite usher behind first base and slip him a 20 to enjoy the rest of the game from right behind the first base dugout. I can't say I miss losing, but I sure miss having my choice of seats!!
Walk-Offs- I have been lucky enough to see my fair share of walk-off home runs:
Bad seats and 20 Bucks gets you a damn good view- In the late eighties/early nineties I was a teenager living in CT and my oldest brother worked on Wall Street. After he got out of work my other brother and I would hop on the train and meet him at the bat. We would then buy the worst seats in the house and wait until the 2nd inning rolled around whenwe would go to our favorite usher behind first base and slip him a 20 to enjoy the rest of the game from right behind the first base dugout. I can't say I miss losing, but I sure miss having my choice of seats!!
Walk-Offs- I have been lucky enough to see my fair share of walk-off home runs:
- 09/09/1988 - Claudell Washington - My homa wah-wah hits the first walk-off I see.
- 05/05/2000 - Jorge Posada- My brother felt the need to leave this one early, I stayed. Good call as Jorge sends us home happy.
- 10/21/2001 - Alfonso Soriano - I almost got in a fight with Paul Abbot's cousin (we are lucky enough to get seats from my brother's friend John Sterling for a bunch of games a year, and sit with both teams' families) as Sono (why were we the only ones to call him that?!) sends us home drunk and happy
- 04/05/2005 - Derek Jeter - Captain Clutch saves opening day with a walk-off blast
- 04/07/2007 - Alex Rodriguez - Mr Clutch (for the day) delivers a walk off granny vs Cleveland (too bad he didn't save that HR till about 6 months later!).
Benitez Plunks Tino and Graeme Lloyd is a Brawler - I was at the game in '98 that saw Bernie hit a moonshot off Armando in the bottom of the 9th and Tino get plunked on the very next pitch. This set off one of the best brawls in Yankee history. This game is really underrated in recent Yankee history. This was the point in 1998 where the Yankees showed what they were made of. Not only did they come back against the (then) mighty Benitez and the O's, but they stood up for each other. The '98 team had the kind of fight that the current Yankees only dream of. You think the '98 team would've let Don Zimmer get bitch slapped by Pedro? One of the most exciting games, regular or postseason, that I have ever been to. When Raines hit the first pitch after the brawl into the bleachers I thought the Stadium was going to explode.
Clemens' Roid Rage makes Piazza Pee his Pants - This game was memorable simply because of the "what the ...?" moment when Clemens threw the bat at Piazza. Still quite a bizarre moment.
There were others, but these will stand out for me.
Yankee stadium has been good to me and these memories will last long past the wrecking ball.
A Week's Worth of Work Does Not a Career Make!
Perusing the posts on Phil Hughes' start last night I became more and more angry the more I read.
Idiots such as Bill Madden penning - "It's fair to say after all that has befallen Hughes, the Yankees' crown-jewel pitching prospect, the expectations are no longer quite so high".
What?!?!?
Do you mean to tell me that you have essentially given up on Phil Hughes because of 7 starts this year?
In his first 5 starts Johan Santana pitched to a 6.49 ERA over 86 innings.
In his first 12 starts John Smoltz pitched to a 5.48 ERA over 64 innings.
Randy Johnson sucked his first few years.
When a kid (he IS 22!) pitches as well and is as dominant as Hughes in the minors then comes up to the bigs it should come as no surprise when they struggle. If there wasn't a big difference between AAA and the majors more guys like Shelley Duncan would be able to repeat their performances with the big club.
Everyone warned of growing pains for this year; we are feeling them now.
Lay off of Phil - while he might not turn out to be Johan or Smoltz or Randy Johnson, there is still plenty of time for that to happen.
Idiots such as Bill Madden penning - "It's fair to say after all that has befallen Hughes, the Yankees' crown-jewel pitching prospect, the expectations are no longer quite so high".
What?!?!?
Do you mean to tell me that you have essentially given up on Phil Hughes because of 7 starts this year?
In his first 5 starts Johan Santana pitched to a 6.49 ERA over 86 innings.
In his first 12 starts John Smoltz pitched to a 5.48 ERA over 64 innings.
Randy Johnson sucked his first few years.
When a kid (he IS 22!) pitches as well and is as dominant as Hughes in the minors then comes up to the bigs it should come as no surprise when they struggle. If there wasn't a big difference between AAA and the majors more guys like Shelley Duncan would be able to repeat their performances with the big club.
Everyone warned of growing pains for this year; we are feeling them now.
Lay off of Phil - while he might not turn out to be Johan or Smoltz or Randy Johnson, there is still plenty of time for that to happen.
Derek Jeter Becomes A Legend Amongst Legends
Derek Jeter broke Lou Gehrig's record for hits at Yankee Stadium, singling in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.
The hit off Gavin Floyd was Jeter's 1,270th in the 85-year-old ballpark, scheduled to close Sunday. It came in Jeter's 8,002nd major league at-bat, passing Gehrig for second on the Yankees' career list behind Mickey Mantle (8,102).
White Sox third baseman Juan Uribe, playing on the edge of the infield grass, tried to backhand the sharp grounder, which went under his glove.
There were camera flashes with every pitch thrown to Jeter in recent days. Jeter acknowledged the long ovation by taking off his helmet and raising it to the sellout crowd.
"I've been fortunate enough to play my whole career here," Jeter said this week. "They've pretty much seen me grow up. The fans here have always been great. They always appreciate people when they play hard, and this is great timing with it being the last season at the stadium."
Gehrig played with New York from 1923 -- Yankee Stadium's opening season -- until 1939, when he retired due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He died of ALS two years later.
"I find Lou Gehrig to be an amazing person, someone that you look up to as a role model," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I think helping people is important to Derek, too. ... He's chasing a guy with outstanding character and is a guy with outstanding character."
"I find Lou Gehrig to be an amazing person, someone that you look up to as a role model," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I think helping people is important to Derek, too. ... He's chasing a guy with outstanding character and is a guy with outstanding character."
New York moves next year to a new $1.3 billion Yankee Stadium, being built across the street.
The Captain Ties The Iron Horse With Dramatic Homerun
Derek Jeter has tied Lou Gehrig for the top position in all time hits at Yankee Stadium with 1,269.
Congratulations, Derek.
So its not technically over....
But according to Cool Standings the Yankees have a 0.1% change of making the playoffs.
The Captain Passes The Sultan Of Swat In All Time Hits
Derek Jeter singled in the first inning Tuesday night, passing Babe Ruth for second place on the New York Yankees' career hits list.Jeter sent an 0-2 pitch from Los Angeles Angels right-hander Ervin Santana into left field for his 2,519th hit. Only Lou Gehrig (2,721) has more hits in a Yankees uniform.
An official scoring change took away Jeter's triple in the sixth and charged Angels center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. with a three-base error. Jeter added a single in the seventh.
Jeter has 1,260 hits at Yankee Stadium, nine shy of Gehrig's record, with 10 games remaining there.
"It Was Like A Fight In The Hood"
Tyler Kepner/New York Times:There was one out with runners at the corners and the Yankees trailing, 6-1 in the sixth inning of last nights game. Torii Hunter had reached third after two stolen bases, and on a chopper to Alex Rodriguez, he charged to the plate. Hunter was out easily and he did not slide, colliding hard with the catcher.
“That team, that’s why they’re in first place, because all the time, they play hard,” Ivan Rodriguez said. “And when you play the game hard, those things happen.”
After the play, Hunter tripped on a bat and stumbled into Rodriguez as he walked toward the mound. Rodriguez stuck out his glove — to try to shake Hunter free, he said — and bumped Hunter on the side. Hunter responded with a two-handed lunge at Rodriguez’s back that sent him staggering forward.“He pushed me pretty hard, like a fight in the hood,” Hunter said. “The ghetto came out. I hate that. I want to apologize to the fans.”
Haha. Oh my.
If the Yankees hadn't lost this game this would be one of the funniest quotes I have ever heard.
I mean, I don't know about you, but when I think about fights in the hood this picture isn't the scene I imagine...
Hank: "Joe Will Be Back, That's The Bottom Line"
The Yankees appear likely to miss the postseason for the first time in more than a decade, but the club plans to retain Joe Girardi as manager for the 2009 season.Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner confirmed on Monday that Girardi -- who is piloting the club in the first year of a three-year contract -- will return next year.
"Joe will be back," Steinbrenner told the Associated Press Monday at the club's Spring Training complex. "He's done everything he could. That's the bottom line."
A Personal Apology From Me To You
Hey everyone. I want to apologize for the lack of updates recently. School just started back up and I have started a new job, so time has been pretty scarce while I get in the groove of my new schedule. Jeeeeeeeeezzzzz.....things have been pretty ugly, huh?!? Ahhh...I had such high hopes for this team in 2008...butttt there is always next year right!?!
I will try to post some of my thoughts on this Yankees team and some things that I think they can do to improve in the offseason in the days to come, so please stay tuned.
And lets remember, as the legendary Yogi Berra once said...
"It Ain't Over 'Till It's Over...."
So keep pulling for 'em....!
The Undesireables
In the 2004 ALCS it was clear that the Yankees did nothing to revamp their pitching staff after the migration of Pettitte and loss of Clemens and David Wells. It has now been three seasons and the Yankee rotation includes a Mexican journeyman(Aceves), a pitcher released by Texas(Sir Sydney), a fading fast veteran(Andy) and Carl freaking Pavano.
This is nothing new either, a lot of the starters who have seen significant time the last four years can be categorized as either old(36+,) unproven or simply mediocre. These are three categories you want to avoid because more times then not bad things will happen. I think that a team can only handle so many starts by these Undesirables and any thing over a certain threshold puts your postseason aspirations in jeopardy. Think about it, the odds of a 36+ year old pitcher breaking down or aging before your eyes is pretty great and young pitchers are a 50/50 proposition at best.
So let's take a look at just how many of the starts by the Yankees the last four years can be put in these categories. I will start with the Rays and Red Sox this year as a point of reference;
Tampa- Total starts by Undesirables 30, 22% of Schedule
2 Starts by Unproven - Neiman
28 Starts by mediocre - Sonnastine
Matt Garza had 24 career starts before this year so he doesn't quite qualify as an unproven and I am giving Edwin Jackson the benefit of the doubt that he has turned his career around and is no longer a mediocre pitcher.
Boston - 58 Starts by the Undesirables, 41% of schedule
25 Starts by the Old - Wakefield(25)
27 Starts by the Unproven - Buchholz(15), Masterson(9),Pauley(1),Bowden(1), Zink(1)
6 Starts by the Mediocre - Ponson(6)
2008 Yankees - 127 Starts by the Undesirables, 89% of schedule
2006 Yankees - 120 Starts by the Undesirables, 74% of schedule
2005 Yankees 162 Starts by the Undesirables, 100% of schedule
87 Starts by the Old - Mussina(30), Johnson(34), Brown (13), Leiter(10)
21 Starts by the Unproven - Wang(18), Henn(3), Proctor(1)
54 Starts by the Mediocre - Redding (1), May(1), Sturtze(1), Small(9), Chacon(12), Wright(13), Pavano(17)
And just to drive the point home...
This is nothing new either, a lot of the starters who have seen significant time the last four years can be categorized as either old(36+,) unproven or simply mediocre. These are three categories you want to avoid because more times then not bad things will happen. I think that a team can only handle so many starts by these Undesirables and any thing over a certain threshold puts your postseason aspirations in jeopardy. Think about it, the odds of a 36+ year old pitcher breaking down or aging before your eyes is pretty great and young pitchers are a 50/50 proposition at best.
So let's take a look at just how many of the starts by the Yankees the last four years can be put in these categories. I will start with the Rays and Red Sox this year as a point of reference;
Tampa- Total starts by Undesirables 30, 22% of Schedule
2 Starts by Unproven - Neiman
28 Starts by mediocre - Sonnastine
Matt Garza had 24 career starts before this year so he doesn't quite qualify as an unproven and I am giving Edwin Jackson the benefit of the doubt that he has turned his career around and is no longer a mediocre pitcher.
Boston - 58 Starts by the Undesirables, 41% of schedule
25 Starts by the Old - Wakefield(25)
27 Starts by the Unproven - Buchholz(15), Masterson(9),Pauley(1),Bowden(1), Zink(1)
6 Starts by the Mediocre - Ponson(6)
2008 Yankees - 127 Starts by the Undesirables, 89% of schedule
59 Starts by the Old - Mussina(30), Pettitte(29)
31 Starts by the Unproven - Kennedy(9), Hughes(6), Joba(12), Giese(3), Bruney(1)
37 Starts by the Mediocre - Rasner(20), Ponson(13), Pavano(3), Igawa(1)
2007 Yankees - 98 Starts by the Undesirables, 60% of schedule
44 Starts by the old - Mussina(27), Clemens(17)
30 Starts by Medicore -Igawa(12), Karstens(3), Henn(1), DeSalvo(6), Rasner(6), Pavano(2)
24 Starts by unproven Kennedy(3), Chase Wright(2), Hughes(13), and Clippard(6)
44 Starts by the old - Mussina(27), Clemens(17)
30 Starts by Medicore -Igawa(12), Karstens(3), Henn(1), DeSalvo(6), Rasner(6), Pavano(2)
24 Starts by unproven Kennedy(3), Chase Wright(2), Hughes(13), and Clippard(6)
2006 Yankees - 120 Starts by the Undesirables, 74% of schedule
65 Starts by the old - Johnson(33), Mussina(32)
45 Starts by Medicore -Jaret Wright(27), Chacon(11), Small(3), Ponson(3), Wilson(1)
10 Starts by unproven Karstens(6), Rasner(3), Henn(1)
2005 Yankees 162 Starts by the Undesirables, 100% of schedule
87 Starts by the Old - Mussina(30), Johnson(34), Brown (13), Leiter(10)
21 Starts by the Unproven - Wang(18), Henn(3), Proctor(1)
54 Starts by the Mediocre - Redding (1), May(1), Sturtze(1), Small(9), Chacon(12), Wright(13), Pavano(17)
And just to drive the point home...
1998 Yankees - Total starts by Undesirables 6, 4% of Schedule
3 Starts by Unproven - Bradley, Jerzemback
3 Starts by mediocre - Bruske, Buddie
The Yankees have simply had too many of their starts taken by the old, the young or the just plain no good. This has to stop and there really is only one place to lay blame and that is at the feet of Brian Cashman. Maybe the lucky run at the end of 2005 provided Cash with some false sense of hope around this high risk spots.
The bottom line is you can survive having two spots that are high risk but this year 4 out of 5 spots were undesirable, this has to change next year.
Seat Selector for New Stadium
Joba back to Pen
Cashman and Giradi announced that Joba will return to the bullpen and not be stretched out and returned to the rotation. Makes sense since the trio of Pavano, Ponson and Razner are sure to lead us on the 20-5 run we need to make the playoffs.(that's right folks that is what it would take to reach 93 wins).
Game remaining - 25
Possible innings with Joba the reliever-18
Possible innings with Joba the starter - 37(Assumes the following inning breakdown 3,4,5,6,6,6,7 with normal rest between each appearance except the first)
Even I realize that more Joba means less Giese, Razner, Edwar, etc. Also, you maximize the amount of innings Joba throws this year hopefully avoiding a replay of Joba the reliever transitioning to Joba the starter. The Yankees just continue to make questionable decisions, this is sure shaping up to be a year to forget.
...except all they have to do is makeup 4 games before the final series of the season to have a shot. Imagine a final weekend sweep in Bostoin followed by a one game playoff in Yankee stadium, now that would be the way to play the last Yankee Stadium regular season game, wouldn't it?
Game remaining - 25
Possible innings with Joba the reliever-18
Possible innings with Joba the starter - 37(Assumes the following inning breakdown 3,4,5,6,6,6,7 with normal rest between each appearance except the first)
Even I realize that more Joba means less Giese, Razner, Edwar, etc. Also, you maximize the amount of innings Joba throws this year hopefully avoiding a replay of Joba the reliever transitioning to Joba the starter. The Yankees just continue to make questionable decisions, this is sure shaping up to be a year to forget.
...except all they have to do is makeup 4 games before the final series of the season to have a shot. Imagine a final weekend sweep in Bostoin followed by a one game playoff in Yankee stadium, now that would be the way to play the last Yankee Stadium regular season game, wouldn't it?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
