A Tale of Two Pitchers…

Posted by: Miss October

The news leaked this morning that Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte were both named in the Mitchell report. While it wasn’t a real shock to hear the Rocket’s name, the news about Andy Pettitte was a bit surprising. I’ve listened to a bunch of analysts agreeing that “cheating” just doesn’t seem to fit in with Pettitte’s character. However, it’s not too hard to picture Andy agreeing to try something that helped his friend Roger get ahead. I mean, it’s well documented that he looked up to Rocket, emulated his training schedule and probably took his word as “gospel”… an appropriate reference for Pettitte, one who claims to be a very religious man.

But one just needs to look at the statements of Clemens and Pettitte to see how their personalities differ. Clemens released a statement through his lawyer, which thoroughly denounced the charges…. While Pettitte took a totally different approach through a statement released through his agent…

"I have advised Andy that as an active player, he should refrain from commenting until we have had an opportunity to speak with his union and other advisors. At the appropriate time, he will have something to say."

Time will tell , but my first reaction is that Andy’s conscious finally caught up with him. He was not comfortable issuing a strong statement denying the charges, if it wasn’t true… Or, he may have just been advised to “play it safe for now.”

Holding off on making a statement right away may not have been a bad strategy – except that the other person that he was implicated with came out right away to deny the charges. Since Clemens so strongly said he was innocent, it would have made sense for Andy to do the same. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds, but I would not be surprised if Pettitte “comes clean” and indicates that he did use the performance enhancing drugs… then claimed that he was not aware that they were illegal. That fact may or may not be true, but the thing to watch out for is whether he brings Clemens down with him. He’s in a tough spot here.. and it will be interesting to see where this story goes…

What I've Learned from the Mitchell Report

by: Mr. November

1) The term"prominent Yankees" is a bit of a misnomer. Clemens is prominent, but he first used steroids as a Blue Jay. He's a big part of Yankee history, but ultimately, like many players today, he's a hired gun. Pettitte being on the report stings a bit, but I have to ask this question - if you're on 'roids, can't you at least win a Cy Young award once in your career? I love Andy, but he's no Whitey Ford. And speaking of Andy...

2) Apparently, you can worship Jesus and sell religion on TV while also knowingly cheat at the game that made you the person you are today. Classy.

3) Anyone who thought Todd Hundley hit 41 homeruns in 1996 on his own accord needs their head examined.

4) Steroids apparently do not make it easier to throw a baseball from 2B to 1B. Therefore, steroids are also unable to protect the face of Keith Olberman's mom.

5) Sadly, and most importantly, I've learned that athletes will do whatever it takes to cling onto the final moments of their careers, even as their bodies naturally deteriorate.

Hot Stove Stuff

by: Mr. November

It's difficult for me to not bring up the little bit of Carl Pavano news that I just read on the ticker to the right of this page. But, since typing his name makes me throw up in my mouth just a little, I will refrain and instead give my two cents about this whole ongoing Johan Santana fiasco.

And yes, I do mean fiasco. First let me say that if the Twins do indeed deal Santana (to any team), they deserve a decade of 100 loss seasons. They have two of the best pitchers in the game, with Santana and Francisco Liriano, and if they have to deal one because of money, they don't deserve to be a functioning team in 2008. SPEND SOME MONEY!!!

If the Yanks could get Santana for Hughes, Melky, and a couple of minor leaguers, I'd be all for it. No doubt I love Melky and Hughes could certainly turn into something special, but if you can get a 29 year old Cy Young winner for a defense-first CF'er and an unproven, if young, pitcher, you do it. But I have to hand it to Hank, at least so far.

As it stands now, Johan is still a Twin, and Hank's little deadline ultimatum seems to be in tact. I'm not sure if any opposing GM necessarily finds Hank easy to work with (I wouldn't), but this time I'm on his side. Giving up more than Melky and Hughes for Santana would have been silly. Yes, Santana would still most likely be a dominant pitcher, but the new Yankee approach of holding onto young arms is the better way to go. Santana's a #1 now, but the Yanks could, in theory, have three #1's in their rotation right now. And they are all under 23. That's a nice position to be in, no doubt.

We all know how Hank's ultimatum worked out with Arod, so never say never. Santana could be a Yankee by the time I publish this post. But, as of now, I'm sort of glad that he isn't.

Joba Rules...

Posted by: Miss October

Since I was too lazy to go out to do some Christmas shopping tonight, I thought I would try to spice up this blog by incorporating some features I learned about in a seminar I attended earlier this week (Yes, I do have a day job... I do not spend $1,000 of my own money to attend classes that will teach me how to improve my blog which is only read regularly by two people... just thought I would make that clear. )

While looking for some fun things to post, I came across the following tribute to Joba Chamberlain on YouTube. Props to CanoBabeNYY22, who put together a nice tribute set to Joba's "Shout at the Devil" theme song... (ignore the first frame of the video which is a picture of who I assume is her getting a hug from Joba ...Miss October is very jealous!)

Interesting choice of theme song, by the way.. since it was recorded before Joba was born! I will say I am proud to say that I was at the very first game where Joba used the song for his entrance, though.. It's nice to be a part of history... :)