161st-and-River

Opening Day!

2009-04-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

Posted by Miss October:

The rain is gone, the sun is shining... perfect weather for Opening Day! I'm not there in person, but heading out to lunch to catch some of the pre-game festivities and hopefully the first inning or so...

Hopefully C.C. will make a great stadium debut... those starting pitchers have really stepped up the past few days.. .keep it up...

Play ball ! :)

A.J. to the Rescue...

2009-04-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

A.J. Burnett's stellar outing was just what the doctor ordered... although I didn't watch much of the game itself. Since I was out and hadn't watched the first 5 innings, logic (or more like silly superstitions) made me not really watch the next few innings either , but rather "keep an eye on" the game. I was watching American Idol on my DVR, but left the game channel on so I could rewind it.. just in case. Oh well, the no-no just wasn't meant to be. A simliar system of me swithching rooms every half inning during the later parts of David Cone's perfect game was obviously the reason he was successful in his quest for perfection!

Other random note from last night's game... John Sterling's nickname for Nick Swisher is "Jolly 'Ol Saint Nick".. at least that's what he uses in his home run call..so silly.

4 p.m. game today before tomorrow's home opener.. (Is it just me, or does it feel like they have been playing a long time already?) Due to the Yankee execs re-shuffling of their ticket packages, it's the first time I'll be missing an Opening Day since 2002... but at least I'll be there during the first home stand... first visit this Sunday.

One Down...

2009-04-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

I promised Mr. November I would post after the Yankees first win.. so.. here goes...

After cursing C.C. Sabathia in his first start (is this the guy we paid all that money for?) and watching the youngster Orioles get hit after hit off of Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankees secured their first win yesterday. The 1:30 start time didn't allow me to watch the game yesterday, so I'm not up on the play by play. But, A.J. Burnett got his first win, Mark Teixeira looks like he's starting to rembember how to hit... and I've picked my favorite "no name" Yankee to root for this year... Nick Swisher.

It's nice to see him contiributing and for his "firery" attitude. I mean, the guy thought he was coming to NY to be the starting first baseman, before they decided to sign a big-name free agent. So, now he's stuck on the bench. Instead of being dejected, he seems to be happy to be there. I hope he has a good season and his laid back, fun attitude rubs off on some of his teammates... Yes, I'm talking about you, A-Rod.

Hats Off to Joba...

2008-06-20T11:16:00.001-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

Just felt like posting this photo because I loved it....

I heard Joba say in a post-game interview that he tipped his cap and touched his heart while walking off the mound yesterday because he wanted to thank the fans who have been with him every step of the way since being called up to the majors last August.

How can you not love this guy? I hope it works out that he faces the Mets next weekend during the Subway Series, Round 2.....

Hero for a Day

2008-06-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

By: Miss October

Ok, this one time, I will give props to Jason Giambi... His stellar Yankee moments are so few and far between, we might as well celebrate his triumphs, as it makes Yankee fans feel like he may have truly earned just a small portion of his ridiculously large contract...

He surprised me yesterday in hitting the walk-off HR which won the game. (Kyle Farnsworthless owes him big time...).. especially when the swing before looked like the "Giambi-esque"overswing and miss, while bending your knee and almost falling over... what a klutz.

Speaking of being a klutz... we should note that Giambi's play at first base has improved "20 times over" last year... at least according to John Sterling. But is that really saying much? What is sadder is that Shelley Duncan is worse.

But, he definitely hasn't won me over... I saw a headline the other day which made me cringe : Giambi a Yankee in 2009? Uggh. Honestly, I've had enough. And get rid of that ridiculous moustache, please.

The Best Days Are the Days They Don't Play

2008-05-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

Lately, simply not losing is a small victory.

Low Quality

2008-04-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

I'm currently watching one of the worst-played baseball games I have ever seen. Here's what makes it so bad:

1) Phil Hughes - he's a disaster right now. He needs to get sent down, regroup, and come up later once he figures things out.

2) Chris Stewart - he's the worst catcher I've ever seen. He can't stop simple pitches in the dirt and can't figure out how to work out basic hand signals with the genius I mentioned in point #1. The only person worse than him is...

3) Joe Girardi - he's clueless right now, and this game is the perfect example. The Yankees gave up an extra run in the first inning thanks to his benching of Melky (the hottest hitter on the team right now, who also happens to have a right-field quality arm in center field). And, of course, he's the mastermind who decided to help a struggling 21-year old pitcher by starting Stewart behind the plate instead of one of the top defensive catchers in Jose Molina.

4) Jason Giambi - he's more of a disaster than Hughes. He couldn't get a hit if Colonel Tom Parker was his manager. The only thing that makes the Giambi nightmare worse is that Shelley Duncan, his backup, not only looks like Sloth from the Goonies, but he hits like him too. Oh, what about Wilson Betemit, you ask? He has the longest case of pink eye ever. Pink eye? Seriously? Are you 6, Wilson?

This team will not make the playoffs.

Not All Negative...and Jorge too

2008-04-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

I agree with Miss October's post about Wang. Congrats, Chinny! Though we do need to remember that the last Yankee pitcher to go 5-0 in April was none other than the legendary Kevin Brown - so let's not get too excited.

Right now, the Red Sox look worse than the Yanks, so I'm not ready to write off the Bombers just yet. But please, please, can we put together a winning streak of more than 3 games? Pretty please?

Also, and I love Jorge, but can someone step up and admit that losing him for a long stretch won't hurt as much as it would have in past years? His numbers last season were a result of what I like to call "The Contract Year Flu", and he is a 36 year old catcher. We actually gain defensively behind the plate with Molina, so I'm fine with that. And any lineup that includes Jeter, Arod, Abreu, Matsui, Cano, etc. can afford to lose one big hitter for a while.

The Yanks should be fine once Girardi settles into a lineup he actually likes. 23 different lineups in 25 games? It's like Torre never left - but all the championship rings disappeared.

5-0 !!

2008-04-28T06:12:00.001-07:00

By: Miss October

Since Mr. November has been a bit negative lately (I can't rebut any comments about Saturday's game, since I didn't see any of it), I thought I would compose a positive post. With all the troubles the Yankees have had lately, Chien-Ming Wang has quietly gotten off to a perfect 5-0 start. Even though the Indians' out of shape starting pitcher, C.C. Sabathia, only gave up one run, Wang was even better. He had the hitters clueless and fooled.. I'm not sure why they did not react the same way to Wang's pitches in the first round of the playoffs last year... but.. I digress.

Wang's calm composure and efficiency on the mound is not something you find every day. He pitched a gem of a game, yet reacted like he was just doing his job. (Unlike Sabathia, who on at least one occassion, felt the need to pump his fist and yell at one of his strikeout victims). Yes, I realize Joba Chamberlain has also been guilty of this, but, even YES broadcasters Michael Kay and David Cone said Sabathia's animation was way more exaggerated than Chamberlain's. (But, who am I kidding, Joba can do nothing wrong in MY book... )

The one disappointing thing about Wang is that he somehow seems to escape the media. I mean, you see him in the dugout speaking with coaches and teammates.. even laughing and joking, but when it comes to answering reporters questions, he somehow forgets how to speak English. All the other Yankees who do not speak English have translators.. I just don't get it.

In any case, let's hope Wang keeps up the good work so a Yankee takes the mound as the starter of the 2008 All Star Game... in Yankee Stadium. Like it should be!

Trouble

2008-04-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

I didn't get the chance to watch much of the game today, but if the Yankees are watching games on TV in October instead of seeing playoff action, we can point to days like today as the reason.

How does any manager in his right mind sit Cano, Abreu, and Posada in the same game? No one needs a rest yet - it's only April - and Posada has barely played anyway. I know they all ended up pinch hitting, but what kind of rhythm can a team get into if three of its best hitters get benched for no apparent reason?

The team finally gets some decent pitching from one of the young guns, and Girardi tells the offense to take a day off. Confusing...and scary.

J. G.

2008-04-25T05:12:00.001-07:00

by: Mr. November

I'm still complaining, but about a different "J. G." this time.

How can Girardi not elect to walk Crede in the 9th inning last night? One out, runner on second, and Joba's facing Crede, one of the White Sox's best hitters and a guy who's batting .356 against righties this year. On deck is Alexei Ramirez, a middle infielder hitting a robust .167 on the season.

You can NEVER let your opponent's best guy beat you. It may be debatable as to whether or not Crede is the "best guy," but he's clearly a great hitter. Walking him in that spot was the obvious choice, and the fact that Girardi didn't make it, honestly, is quite scary.

(Solid) Gold Glove

2008-04-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

I know the "Giambino" hit a HR the other night and his bat has been looking better the last couple of games, but his fielding is still atrocious. There was a "smash" hit towards him last night that he felt the need to dive (read: fall over) for.

The analysis was that he couldn't reach it because he was holding the runner on first, which is ridiculous. The ball was about 10 inches to his right. I know he's fat, old, and immobile, but maybe he needs to stretch a bit more if he can't reach 10 inches to either side. Ridiculous.

Vote Teixeira in '09!

My New Raison d'Etre

2008-04-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

The rest of my posts on this site, at least for the foreseeable future, will be dedicated to getting Jason Giambi removed, Frank Thomas-style, from the New York Yankees.

The man is a disaster. Hank Steinbrenner needs to leave Joba alone and speak out about Jason. His throw during yesterday's game, when the Yankees had Brian Roberts picked off, made me ill. How can a professional baseball player not make a throw to second base? Ridiculous.

All the man is paid to do, basically, is hit. And he can't even come close to doing that any longer. He's currently hitting .109 on the season, a paltry 5-for-46. Two of those hits were HR's, meaning that after 15 games, Giambi only has 3 non-HR hits. The man is making $23.5 million this season, and frankly, I'd rather pay a blind midget the same amount. He couldn't do any worse.

Cut Giambi. Please.

Curses? Is Anyone Else Wondering....

2008-04-14T06:01:00.001-07:00

By: Miss October

...whether David Ortiz's disastrous start this season (only three hits in 43 at bats; 0-for his last 17) was caused by his jersey being buried in the foundation of the New Yankee Stadium?

Usually a Yankee-killer, Ortiz looked totally lost at the plate this weekend.... popping up and striking out in key situations.

If Ortiz suddenly breaks out of his slump this week, I will wonder whether we should have left the jersey (and symbolically Ortiz) dead and buried....

Yankees/Sawx

2008-04-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

Nothing like the first NY/Boston series to get the blogging going again.

Great game last night by Wang, but overall the bats are scaring me. Which leads me to this point:

How can Jason Giambi, hitting .087 on the season, rationalize NOT bunting every time up?

I hear analysts say all the time that he's not paid to bunt, he's up there to hit home runs and get RBI's, but let's be realistic. He's in a lineup with many guys around him who can drive in runs with one swing of the bat. Every time "The Greasy One" comes to the plate, the opposing 3B is playing SS (and even shading towards 2B most times). If Giambi bunted down the third base line, literally, every time he hit, one of two things would happen:

1) He'd bat 1.000 for the season, or

2) Opposing defenses would stop the shift, opening a whole on the right side of the infield, and potentially opening up some more RBI chances in the process.

His job may technically be to hit homeruns, but he's not hitting anything right now. Time to mix it up and have Joe G. bring a little National League to the Bronx.

Rainy Days and Mondays.. Always Get Me Down

2008-03-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

By: Miss October

I've just returned from my first trip to the Bronx this year, but unfortunately can't report about opening day -- the final one in the current Yankee Stadium. After sitting in the damp, misty, cold weather for about three hours today, the Yankees decided to postpone the game. They kept referencing their 'weather authorities', who at first said things would clear up by 2:30 p.m., but later retratcted that announcement while the Yankee execs "evaluated their options." Gotta love those reliable weather people!!

Tomorrow is also supposed to be miserable during the day, so the game will start at 7 p.m. We decided to sell the tickets since my friend can't make it on Tuesday nights, and going into NYC for a night game during the week is a pain in the neck....

But it's mostly because I have no desire to sit there in the wet, miserable weather two days in a row... I can watch it in the comfort of my own home instead. The least they could have done was announce all the Yankee players... I would have been happy with that!

The few highlights were...

Seeing new manager Joe Girardi walk the field with Brian Cashman to evaluate the conditions. Girardi even stopped to sign an autograph on his way back to the dugout.
Watching some of the Blue Jays warm up right near our section. They received great applause for taking the field.. and one player even playfully tipped his cap. Another player started throwing balls in the stands... even one up into the upper deck
Seeing Michael Kay do a live interview with Paul O'Neill on the scoreboard
Watching a 'best of Yankee Stadium' video montage - I'm guessing they will be playing that clip a lot this year
The new Yankee Stadium construction -- it's amazing how much progress they have made since last fall -- when all that was there was wooden beams. Now it actually resembles a stadium on the outside. I'm sure the production schedule is pretty agressive from now until the All Star Game... so they can show it off to the world.

I'm going to get all nostalgic like my Dad, who believes the Yankees will win the World Series this year, because all of the Yankee legends -- Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle, Maris -- will all be "playing" in games this year... having their last hurrah....

Maybe they're the ones causing all the rain -- as they shed tears for the final baseball season that will be played in the place they once called home... Yankee Stadium... the House that Ruth built.

Three Stooges

2008-03-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

In the 3rd and 4th innings of last night's Nationals/Braves game, ESPN added an extra a-hole to their usual broadcasting team of Joe Morgan and John Miller. They all got to make some mistakes:

Joe Morgan called Dmitiri Young "Delmon" in an interview with Manny Acta

John Miller...well, he's just John Miller.

And the third "guest broadcaster" marched a country into a 5-year war under false pretenses. Oh, and he also traded Sammy Sosa.

2008 Predictions

2008-03-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

by Mr. November

I love DJ as much as the next guy, but it's time to move that pic a bit lower down on the site.

Here are my predictions for the 2008 baseball season.

AL East
1 Yankees
2 Red Sox
3 Rays
4 Blue Jays
5 Orioles

AL Central
1 Tigers
2 Indians
3 White Sox
4 Royals
5 Twins

AL West
1 Mariners
2 Angels
3 A's
4 Rangers

Very tempted to pick the Yankees to miss the playoffs this year, but I can't really do that, can I? I say they catch lightning in a bottle with the young arms and take the division. Wild card goes to the Red Sox.

NL East
1 Mets
2 Phillies
3 Braves
4 Marlins
5 Nationals

NL Central
1 Cubs
2 Brewers
3 Cardinals
4 Reds
5 Astros
6 Pirates

NL West
1 Padres
2 Rockies
3 Diamondbacks
4 Dodgers
5 Giants

Johan Santana wins 23 games for the Mets in the East, but Mr. Torre isn't enough to get the pitching-less Dodgers over the hump out West. Brewers take the wild card.

AL Champ - Yanks
NL Champ - Cubs
World Champs - Cubs (100 years of heartbreak down the drain for Cubbies fans)

AL MVP - A-Rod
NL MVP - Prince Fielder
AL Cy Young - Erik Bedard
NL Cy Young - Johan Santana

Introducing Women's Health Magazine's 'Hottie of the Month'

2008-03-19T12:24:00.001-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

Derek Jeter is profiled in the April issue of Women's Health Magazine as their "Hottie of the Month". (Read the article).

Although Mr. November is probably correct in saying that about 10 publicists helped him craft the responses, you still gotta find them entertaining.... One of the most amusing:

Q: What's the one thing about men that you think women need to know?

A: How difficult it is for a man to approach a woman! Everyone fears rejection.

To use one of Michael Kay's over-used expressions... Are you kidding me? Do believe for one second that Derek Jeter fears rejection? Just read the beginning of the story that lists Jeter's former flames... which some people have called "sickening."

Whenever my Dad sees Jeter laughing on TV.. he always makes a comment -- of course he's laughing ! Look at all the money he makes and the life he leads!" I guess I can't really argue.

What I will say is that the " independent, intelligent, driven, and happy" woman he is looking for is of course writing this blog... she also loves American Idol and watching DVDs... look for her in section 22, seat 2 (note all the number 2's... !) on Opening Day.... and several Sundays throughout the season ... :)

What $16,000 Can Buy....

2008-03-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Miss October

Just like my two sisters and I ... my mom is also in-tune with all the Yankee happenings. She left me a message Tuesday morning to alert me of the following...

"I heard on the news that people are selling their tickets for the final home game at Yankee Stadium on StubHub for $16,000.... if you and Jason sell your tickets, you might be able to pay for a package for the next 10 years!"

The final REGULAR SEASON home game in the current Yankee Stadium is scheduled for Sunday, September 21. I've had a Sunday season ticket package with a friend from college since 2002 -- so, that means this game is included. I may be away for business that weekend -- but there IS a 7 a.m. flight home Sunday morning if I decide to go to the game --I've already checked ! However, part of me is being a bit greedy and wondering how much we could sell our tickets for (Note, they are on the first level, down the left field line, in between third base and left field -- pretty nice seats, if you ask me. I still can't believe it's the last year I will sit in them... sniff... sniff.)

Honestly, if the Yankees make the playoffs -- which I'm assuming they will -- this game will not be the last one played in the Stadium anyway, so what is the big deal?

Regardless, it made me think about what might have to be included in order for me to pay $16,000 for a ticket for one game.... off the top of my head...

1) Watching the game from the dugout -- on Derek Jeter's lap
2) Being the team masseuse for a day
3) Singing a duet with Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen, kareoke style (preferably his Motley Crue 'Shout at the Devil' theme song.)
4) Playing Sony PlayStation with some of the other young Yankee pitchers (Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy)
5)Going clothes shopping with Arod
5)Helping Mike Mussina with a crossword puzzle
6)Getting a forearm smash from Shelley Duncan
7)Getting dance lessons from Johnny Damon (he once showed off his best 'robot' dance on ESPN!)
8)Learning Japanese from Hideki Matsui
9)Studying the Bible with Andy Pettitte... Well... maybe I would skip that one....
10) Riding on the back of Jason Giambi's motorcycle

Theo, please!

2008-02-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

by Mr. November

Theo Epstein called Mike Mussina a "bad seed" today, seemingly for complaining about the Yanks' trip to Japan three seasons ago.

I'm not sure why Theo would do this, other than out of pure boredom. Maybe his Xbox is busted and he can't play "Dance, Dance Revolution". Or maybe he had too much homework and felt like lashing out at an adult. What's most likely is he's a small boy who wishes he was a player instead of a flunkie who's at the beck-and-call of rich adults (who can seemingly hire and fire him at will, mind you); not to mention the fact that he works for a group of businessmen who, most likely, still have George Mitchell in their pockets.

Whatever the reason, Theo, shut your damn mouth.

Can You Retire Infinity?

2008-02-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

posted by Mr. November

1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, (42), 44, and 49

Nope, this list doesn't represent a question from the analytical portion of the SAT. It's a list of the numbers currently retired by the Yankees. The 8 is there twice for, of course, Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey. The 42 is in parentheses because it's Jackie Robinson's number, retired by every team in the majors. Of course, it's also Mariano's number, so whenever he retires, expect the 8 to no longer be the only duplicate - the Yanks don't like to make legends share.

The subject of retired numbers came up recently when my esteemed co-blogger brought to my attention the fact that her father thinks the Yankees have retired too many numbers and that, quite frankly, some of the numbers that have been retired don't deserve that honor.

Of the 16 players the above numbers represent (not counting the 42 just yet), I can personally say I've seen only 4 in my lifetime. One of those 4, Billy Martin (#1), I only saw as a manager, but that counts, seeing as the basis for retirement of a number is being a Yankee "legend," not necessarily being a "legendary" player. But, that doesn't mean I don't have an opinion about all 16 as a whole.

Without going into statistical specifics or individual arguments, I will sum it all up by saying - each and every one of those numbers deserves to be retired. On top of that, numbers 2, 6, 21, the second 42, and 51 should (and probably will) also be retired some day. Add to that number 13 (assuming the wearer of that number isn't disgruntled 3 years from now and gets traded) and we will be us to 21. And that's only a reasonable estimate; I'm not making the quantum leap and including all the youngsters and potential stars 20 years from now.

Why should all those numbers be retired? Why not? I don't believe that retiring one number lessens the honor for all the other numbers. Each player to wear those respective uniform numbers did something and (and/or off) the field to warrant forever being enshrined in the Yankee Stadium hall of fame. Just because some players did substantially more than others, and some had a great historical impact than others, doesn't mean they don't deserve the honor.

There was a time when I'm sure no one in the organization would have thought that 1 and 44 would be retired. Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson were never big fans of The Boss, and vice versa. But their impacts were honored (Martin's untimely death may have hastened the retiring of #1, but it would have happened anyway). The same can be said for 15 - one can assume that it would have been retired anyway if Thurman Munson's Yankee career had continued along the path it was following, but losing him unexpectedly should pushed the process along.

As for the "questionable" guys (from what I hear, #49 is tops on the aforementioned dad's radar screen), in short, they all deserve it. (Shameful stat alert: all #49 did was win 20 games three times, played his entire career as a Yankee, won a Cy Young award, and pretty much single-handedly brought a World Series title to the Bronx in 1978.) And they all deserve it because they played the hearts out for a team that took the time to honor them for it.

Retiring a number doesn't water down the honor, it keeps the honor in tact.

For What It's Worth...

2008-02-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Miss October

Jason Giambi signs baseballs for fans at spring training while wearing a sweatshirt that says "Wasted Space."

He got paid $23.4 million last year for 254 at-bats and a .236 batting average.

I'm just sayin'..... (couldn't help but use lingo from TMZ.com)

Signs of Spring...

2008-02-16T14:39:00.001-08:00

Posted by: Miss October

Nothing beats the winter blues better than seeing the first signs of activity in spring training. Currently, pitchers and catchers and a few other ambitious position players are taking to the field to try to shake that off-season rust. It's a nice sight -- since all the recent baseball coverage the past week or so has taken place at a Senate hearing.

For the Yankees, 2008 is a year of new beginnings. It will take some time to get used to not seeing Joe Torre in the dugout... but I'm excited about the change. The bittersweet part of this year will be the final year of the current Yankee Stadium.... I still have mixed feelings about that. We'll see how I feel when I'll be sitting there for my final Opening Day in the Stadium on March 31.

Goose Does Letterman's Top 10

2008-01-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Miss October

This seems to be turning into a Goose shrine.. (just wait until April, when it becomes the Joba fan site ! ;) ... but I thought this was entertaining and worth posting.

Goose presented the Top 10 List on Letterman last night.... thank goodness Letterman has his writing staff back. Watch the video...

Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Top Ten Things Goose Gossage Can Say Now That He's Been Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame presented by Rich "Goose" Gossage

10. "Today's contracts are ridiculous -- the most I made in a season: 800 bucks"
9. "I traded my 1978 'Rolaids Reliever of the Year' award for a banjo"
8. "My real name is Goose Gossagestein"
7. "This facial hair makes me look cool. Letterman's made him look like a drifter"
6. "I'm retired, but I still wear a cup"
5."In 1979, I recorded the novelty single, 'Disco Goose'"
4."Now maybe my neighbor will shut up about his bowling trophies"
3."To psych myself up for a game, I'd listen to the soundtrack of 'My Fair Lady'"
2."After recording the last out of the 1978 Yankees-Red Sox playoff, I kissed Bucky Dent on the mouth"
1."The only thing I ever tested positive for was being a flame-throwin' sum'bitch"

Congrats x2

2008-01-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

by: Mr. November

First off, I would like to commend Miss October for a very timely entry, and for being the first of the two of us to post a personal photo.

Second, instead of writing about steroids and accusations flung between angry pitchers and creepy trainers, I just want to congratulate Mr. Gossage on his HOF induction. Maybe someday Donnie Baseball will join you in Cooperstown, Goose.

Welcome to the Hall, Goose.......

2008-01-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Miss October

After nine tries, former Yankee closer Rich “Goose” Gossage was finally elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Although I only remember watching him on TV during his later years – not his true Yankee “glory days,” I’ve seen him on tons of specials and Old Timers Days and of course the YES Network Yankeeography. From what my Dad tells me, no one could match him, and his Hall of Fame induction today was long overdue.

His bushy moustache can’t be mistaken in public, which makes him easily recognizable to most Yankee fans (at least I’m guessing that is the case.) A few years ago, I went to a Matchbox Twenty concert and prior to the show, as my friend and I grabbed something to eat near the concession stands, I spotted the Goose there – of all places! I wasn’t sure if it was him, but I kept staring... My friend Lori noticed I had a strange look on my face....

"Ok, who's here that you know?"
"I think that guy over there played for the Yankees... but why would he be here? I don't think he lives around here or anything..." I said.
"Do you remember his name?"
"He went by 'Goose' Gossage when he played."

"I remember him ... I think I had his baseball card back when my brother and I would collect them," Lori said. "Do you know his real name? Go up and ask him!"
"Yeah... it's Rich... but I don't want to bother him..."

After a couple of minutes, I decided to go over and say hi -- even though he was in the middle of eating a hot dog.

I went up and asked “Is your name Rich?”
“Yes, do I know you?” he asked.
“No, but I know who you are…. I just had to ask, or else my Dad would have been mad at me.”
“Do I know your Dad?”
“No, but I know who you are,” I said, not wanting to make a scene.
“I’m sorry, I still don’t know who you are,” he said, with a very puzzled look. He actually seemed a bit embarrassed!

After this amusing exchange, I explained that I of course knew that he was a pitcher for the Yankees. He then looked at me strangely and asked “How old are you?” …which made me laugh. I then told him how I remember my Dad telling me how when he went to see the Yankees in a playoff game, he sat right near home plate, and when Goose was on the mound, he pitched so fast he couldn’t see the ball.

Without missing a beat, Goose replied… “It’s amazing what you can do when you’re scared to death!”

It turns out Goose was there with a friend who knew members of the band (my friend and I of course hoped that our new ‘friend’ would invite us to come backstage with them, but alas, there would only be one celebrity encounter that night)… We talked for about 20 minutes, about the game, and what he’s doing now. The coolest thing was, no one else recognized him. I asked him if anyone else had come up to him, and he quipped, “look how young these kids are! They have no idea who I am!”

Goose graciously posed for a picture with me and offered to buy Lori and I some food or drink... (as you can see in the picture, I let him buy me a water!) I immediately called my Dad afterwards to tell him about my run-in, which he thought was awesome. I think I may actually send a congratulatory note and see if I can get him to sign and send back the photo we took. I’m not sure if he’ll remember the encounter, but, it’s something I won’t ever forget… It’s nice when good things happen to good people.

A Tale of Two Pitchers…

2007-12-13T19:17:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-09T16:37:00.001-08:00

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...

2007-12-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

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... :)

Paul O’Neill - Livin' On a Prayer

2007-11-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

Posted By: Miss October

On Saturday night, I went to the final of 10 Bon Jovi concerts held over the past few weeks to mark the opening of the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. We had great seats thanks to an ‘inside’ connection and my sisters and I joked that it would be amazing if Paul O’Neill was sitting in our section. I’m not sure if many Yankee fans know how big a Bon Jovi fan Paul O’Neill is… or perhaps it’s his wife Nevalee who drags him to all the shows. I had seen him (from afar) on two different occasions (at Giants Stadium and Madison Square Garden) and read on the Bon Jovi Web site (yes, I’ll admit to reading it) we were at two other concerts “together.”

While on Saturday night it was a running joke that we would see him – I had my friend email her “inside connection” where Paul O’Neill was sitting just to be funny – I only half believed that he would make the trip out to the East coast during the off-season to attend the show. When my sister told me she saw him on TV Friday night attending the Joe Torre Safe at Home benefit – I had no doubt he and Nevalee would be there! I even joked to Mr. November that I would let him know if there was a sighting..

While my youngest sister headed down to our seats to watch the opening act, the rest of us had a drink at the new Ice Bar. A few minutes later we get a text from my sister advising us that Paul O’Neill and Nevalee were in fact at the show… Unfortunately, they were standing on the side of the stage, so we couldn’t go over to say hello, and they were ushered backstage after the opening act finished their set. They re-emerged however, later in the show at the opposite end of the arena on the side of the stage. Now we were able to witness Nevalee singing along – even knowing the words to the some of the lesser known songs – and, as my sister said – “She’s loving every minute of it!!” Paulie wasn’t quite as enthusiastic, bopping his head around and sending a text message or two during the performance. Yes, we did use binoculars to witness Paul O’Neill rocking out – Jersey style!

You can make him and Nevelee out in the photo posted above -- although it's not quite TMZ.com quality.. next time!

Check back for an upcoming post regarding another encounter with a Yankee legend at a rock concert.. this time I actually talked to the guy for about 20 minutes... (I swear, it's true!)

Wow, It Really HAS Been Awhile…

2007-10-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

ESPN SportsCenter just mentioned in their preview of Tuesday night’s ALCS game between the Red Sox and the Indians that it was four years to the day since Tim Wakefield gave up a game-winning home run to the Yankees’ Aaron Boone in game seven of the 2003 ALCS, which resulted in their last trip to the World Series.

As they replayed the clip, I was reminded of the excitement I felt that night (or the early hours of the morning, as that game went into extra innings). It was only one of many exciting playoff game comebacks and finishes that the Yankees enjoyed during their great run. I realized that night was the last time I felt that excitement about a Yankee win in the playoffs. Those were the days when even if the Yankees were losing late in the game, or were down a game or two in a series, you just knew they would find a way to come back. I haven’t had that feeling during the playoffs in a long time…certainly not this year.

Wish Lists

2007-10-10T18:26:00.001-07:00

by: Mr. November

Here are my short lists for a new manager and new 3B, in no particular order:

Manager

Don Mattingly

Joe Girardi

Dallas Green (just to see him make Joba throw 170 pitches in his second career start, and then just so the fans can tear him a new one)

Casey Stengel (prop him up and let's roll)

Montgomery C. Burns (hey, he won a softball championship once)

Me

My dad

Miss October's dad

Miss October

Billy Martin (see: Casey Stengel)

Anyone who can last more than 2 years or until a new owner takes over, if you know what I mean

3B

Mike Pagliarulo

Scott Brosius

Craig Nettles

Hensley Muelens (I just want to hear the Bleacher Creatures shout out a "Bam-Bam" roll call)

Mike Lowell (this may actually happen)

Miguel Cabrera (this won't)

Josh Wang (3B on my softball team; believe it or not, he's not Asian)

Anyone who doesn't make in one year the equivalent of a small country's GDP for 100 years, yet who can get a big hit when it matters

9-0

2007-10-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

That should have been the score in the 3 games the Yankees lost to the Indians in the ALDS. 9-0 is the "official" score of a forfeited game, and the Bombers played like they were forfeiting.

Lifeless, listless, powerless, and with little pitching, the Yankees swung and missed at every opportunity and double-played their way out of the postseason. Chien-Ming Wang failed to show any heart TWICE, and Roger Clemens had no business taking the mound in the first place. Throughout the entire series, Yankee bats did nothing of note.

All the while, Joe Torre sat stoic, seemingly resigned to his (and the team's fate). One look into the Yankee dugout last night, even as the team attempted rally after rally, showed the players not standing against the dugout fence, anticipating every pitch. Instead, they sat back, on the bench, looking as uninterested as a 15-year old skateboarder sitting in chemistry class.

The time has indeed come for a change, and rightfully so. Howard Bryant of ESPN.com puts it best, so no need for me to try and rehash his words. Let's leave it at this - 2008, new year, new team, completely new look.

I, for one, welcome it.

Kennys Can't Play in New York -- Only vs. the Yankees in the ALDS

2007-10-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

Kenny Lofton – of all people – was last night’s “player of the game.” The veteran, who spent a “grouchy” season in Yankee pinstripes in 2004 (at least the New York Times called him "grouchy" this morning) had three hits and drove in four runs for Cleveland in game 1 of the ALDS. When I saw him step to the plate in his first at bat, I thought Wang would be able to escape the first inning with only giving up one run… unfortunately I was wrong. Lofton showed signs of early-90s form when he played with the Indians – prompting ESPN.com to run the headline “Just Like Old Times.”

As I started to write this, another ex-Yankee named Kenny came to mind. Kenny Rogers. Last year, when the Yankees faced the Tigers in the ALDS, Kenny pitched a gem as Yankee after Yankee looked dumbfounded at the plate. Was this the same Kenny Rogers, who, with the Yankees down 2 games to 1 in the 1996 World Series, had a disastrous outing, giving up 5 runs in 5 innings in what seemed like a “must-win” game?? (Of course Jim Leyritz bailed him out with his eighth inning heroics). These proven “veterans” who just couldn’t cut it in New York have been coming back to haunt the Yankees and their fans lately.

I’m just hoping that vintage, post-season Andy Pettitte shows up tonight (scowl and all) and the headlines tomorrow will again read “Just Like Old Times.”

Biggest Game of the Year

2007-10-05T05:13:00.000-07:00

by: Mr, November

Today's game is basically the season for the Yankees. They win, then the series is tied and they are right back on track to come home and face the Indians at the Stadium. They lose, they may as well pack up and head home.

I'm not being pessimistic, just realistic. The last team to come back from a 2-0 deficit in the ALDS? The 2001 New York Yankees. And this year's team just isn't the same.

I'll give the bats a break for last night, even though big outs were made with runners on base numerous times. Seriously though, when you give up 12 runs, what can you ask of your lineup anyway? Needing to score 13 runs to win a playoff game will not get you very far.

So yesterday's goat was obviously Chien-Ming Wang, who set the stage early by giving up 3 runs in the first. Way to show up, Wang. Biggest start of the season for you and you laid a gigantic egg. Here's hoping Pettitte can accomplish today even a fraction of what you failed miserably at last night.

Why?

2007-10-04T15:10:00.001-07:00

by: Mr. November

Sometimes I wonder why I enjoy the game of baseball as much as I do. I played for only one year in high school. I had a wicked half-knuckle, half-forkball when I was on the mound, but I couldn't get a hit if the pitcher rolled a bowling ball to the plate. Seeing as the BCSL American Division in north Jersey didn't exactly promote the role of the designated hitter, my playing days were cut short.

I had always been a Yankees fan (outside of an ill-advised half season of rooting for the Mets as well in 1986 - sorry, Dad), but I guess my interest waned a bit during my high school years. Once I stopped playing the game myself, I got involved in my school's theater program. I was more caught up in getting laughs on stage than watching grown men play a kid's game for millions of dollars. I have to admit that when then strike of 1994 hit, it didn't phase me as much as it should have.

Then I went to college in Boston, a rabid baseball town. Even during my lesser years, I still watched the Yankees as much as I could and followed the game overall. But living in Boston, literally walking distance from Fenway Park, sparked my desire for the game all over again. My love of baseball in general and of the Yankees specifically grew with every Red Sox fan I met. I started going to games again, even non-Yankee games, and I learned to appreciate all the nuances that had alluded me in my years away from the field.

Turns out I still had the love for the game. All the years I had supposedly not been a real fan were still there in my memory. I was able to carry on full conversations (OK, arguments) with other fans about Yankees seasons and players of old. I started to amaze myself - I thought I hadn't been paying full attention all those years! Guess I was all along.

When the Yankees won their first World Series in 18 years in the fall of 1996, I watched the last out from a dorm room in Warren Towers on Commonwealth Ave. I called my dad during the final inning and we watched it "together" on the phone. It felt like the right thing to do and, looking back, it was.

Eleven years later (yes, I'm getting old), I'm sitting and waiting for the 2007 Yankees to take the field in Cleveland for their first game of the current postseason. I'm alone this time, in my house, with my wife at work and my dog sleeping on the coach. My passion for the Yankees has never been greater. I will cheer every hit and curse every out. The "NY" tattoo on my right calf still looks good, if you ask me.

And yes, I will call my dad during the game, probably more than once. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Pre-Game Warmup Picture of the Day...

2007-10-04T07:42:00.001-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

Don't hurt yourself, A-Rod... we are expecting BIG things from you this October... starting tonight. Please prove that my psychic powers are correct and hit a home run in your second at bat. -- See, I even put it in writing -- C.C. Who???

Does It Even Matter?

2007-09-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

As I watch the Yankees take on the Devil Rays (5-0 Yanks after 3 innings), I wonder if all this fuss about catching the Red Sox for first place even matters. On one hand, it matters to me, since if the Yanks do finish first, my friend Rob (grew up in Long Island, but a huge Sawx fan - go figure) will owe me $100.

But does it really matter to the Yankees themselves? Torre has come out and said that, though they will still play to win games, once the Yanks clinch a playoff birth, he will be more concerned with getting the rotation in order and the veterans healthy than he will with winning the AL East. And I can't really blame him. As it stands right now, if the Yankees take the wild card, they'll face the Indians in the ALDS - and the Indians couldn't beat the Yankees all season.

But I'd argue that winning the division does matter. Not as much as it did in 1978, when overtaking the Red Sox for the division title meant not only making the playoffs, but also keeping he Sawx out of them. Today, with the advent of the wild card, winning the division means a bit less (even if you get to choose the amount of days off for the first round). But it does mean something when it comes to the mental aspect of the game.

If the Yankees can catch the Red Sox for 1st place after being back as many as 14 1/2 games this season, it would give them a psychological edge over their rivals going into the postseason. No one wants to "back into" the playoffs, even they have one of the top 2 or 3 records in the majors. If the Red Sox do manage to only claim the wild card this season, it will feel like a huge loss to them before the second season even starts. And any huge loss for Boston is a huge win for New York.

Jumping the Gun?

2007-09-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

With only about two weeks left in the regular season, I realize that the Yankees are a long shot to win the AL East –honestly, after the trials and tribulations of this past year, I’m thrilled that they are still playing meaningful games at this point in the season. Radio personalities across the dial (even the extremely loyal John Sterling) indicated that after Saturday’s loss to the Red Sox, the Yankees should basically forget about winning the division and only focus on securing the wild card.

With a Red Sox loss last night, the Yankees are only 3 ½ games out, with 12 to play. The Boston Globe reported today that Red Sox “ace” "Daisuke Matsuzaka’s next start has been bumped back until Saturday as the Sox align their rotation for the playoffs (and give Matsuzaka an extra three days' rest)." I’m not sure it makes sense to take Dice K out of his normal cycle of pitching days/off days so close to the post-season – especially when starters are often called upon to pitch on short rest during short playoff series.

In any case, it will be interesting to see just how “hungry” Francona is to win the division, if the Yankees keep creeping closer. He might actually persuade Manny to play in a game before the end of the season, instead of just “leaving it up to him.”

48 and 124

2007-09-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Those are the stolen bases numbers for and against the Toronto Blue Jays this season. Yet, for some unknown reason, Bobby Abreu chose to not attempt to steal second in the top of the 9th inning of last night's game. Alex Rios did steal second in the bottom of the 9th, eventually scored, and the Blue Jays won the game.

Let's assume for a moment that Abreu's pretend steal attempt would have been successful. If the rest of the inning played out the same as it did, he would have scored on Cano's deep ground ball up the middle. Then, fans would have seen Mariano in the 9th, as opposed to Chris Britton.

Did Abreu have the green light? Was he waiting for Torre to give him the go-ahead from the dugout? Not sure...but we are sure of what kind of result comes from not taking an obvious chance.

The Future Looks Bright

2007-09-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

When the Yankees’ season got off to a rough start, Yankee fans were growing impatient. My Dad went so far as to say in mid-May – “trade all the high-paid starting pitchers, forget about this season, and bring up the kids from the minors and give them a chance.”

Injuries to the starting rotation almost forced the Yankees to do just that – turning to the likes of Tyler Clippard, Matt DeSalvo and Jeff Karstens to fill in the gaps. When things got really desperate, phenom Phil Hughes was called up earlier than the Yankees would have liked – in an attempt to stop the bleeding.

Several months have passed, and while Clippard and DeSalvo have been sent back to pay their dues in the minor leagues – a couple of new Baby Bombers have been making their mark – and keeping the Yankees playoff contention. I can talk all day about Joba Chamberlain, but Ian Kennedy’s stellar pitching performance last night was just another encouraging sign of great things to come. Hopefully the days of paying millions of dollars for so-called “proven” pitchers who just don’t have what it takes to make it in NY are over. I’m looking forward to seeing these 20-somethings strut their stuff and hopefully watch them have long, successful careers in pinstripes.

100 wins

2007-09-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Yankees need to go 22-0 the rest of the season in order to win 100 games. I'm here to say it won't happen. It's just like me to go out on a limb.

I will, however, use this space to guarantee a playoff spot. The Mariners showed that, even if they decided to call up the entire state of Washington on September 1st, they simply don't have the manpower (especially in the bullpen) to make a playoff run. The Tigers have slumped and the Blue Jays are essentially a non-factor (regardless of what hopeful analysts and Toronto fans want to think).

So, the Yankees are in. But, can they go the extra mile and make up the 6 game deficit in the AL East? Stranger things have happened.

by: Mr. November

Next Stop ... Hollywood!

2007-08-20T18:49:00.001-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

Rookie phenom Joba Chamberlain has quickly won the hearts of Yankee fans in the five games in which he has appeared – and with good reason. In the seven innings he has pitched in relief, he’s only allowed two hits, two walks, has 11 strike outs – and has yet to give up a run. His pitching repertoire consists of 100-mile fastballs and a series of sliders and curveballs that have kept batters guessing.

As the Yankees take their first trip out West to play a big, three-game series against their nemesis of recent years – the Angels – it’s fitting that Los Angeles – the home of the stars – serves as the next stop in Chamberlain’s young career. After having impressive outings against the likes of Toronto, Cleveland and Baltimore, Chamberlain’s manhandling of some of the Detroit Tigers’ heaviest hitters over the weekend turned even more heads.

The inspirational story of Joba’s upbringing sounds like a tale you would find in a Hollywood screenplay. Joba’s parents divorced when he was young and he and his sister were raised by his father, who was stricken by polio as a baby, leaving the left side of his body almost immobile. The 21-year old still remains close to his father to this day, who says he is Joba's number one fan.

With less than two weeks of major league service under his belt, Joba’s future sure looks bright. Yankee fans are hoping his star continues to rise, high enough to earn the baseball equivalent of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame one day…

It's Your Ball, but...

2007-08-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

...give me a break.

Walter Kowalczyk is a 29-year-old Rutgers student who caught A-Rod's 500th homerun ball on Saturday. According to a report on ESPN.com, Walter is "hiding out" with his family while he decides exactly what he should do with the ball.

Hey, Walter, here's what you should do - get the ball back to A-Rod. I'm not advocating that every fan who catches an important ball should automatically give the ball back to the player who hit it, but this is a bit different. Walter and his family complain that he "drained his bank account" in order to buy season tickets, so he "deserves a break." I'm not sure what this means, but Walter apparently believes that it means he should sell the ball to a faceless memorabilia collector for an obscene amount of money.

Newsflash, Walter - if you need to drain your bank account in order to buy Yankee tickets, DON'T BUY YANKEE TICKETS.

So, please, get the ball back to A-Rod. Ask for an autograph, a jersey, maybe even some tickets for next season. But please, whatever you do, don't insult the Yankees and fans everywhere by showcasing your ridiculous greed.

Who IS this guy??

2007-07-22T12:44:00.001-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

Shelley Duncan?! Who is this guy? After watching him hit his first home run yesterday, he follows it up with two more (so far at least) today.

Yankee fans rarely have the chance to root for rookies who have come up through the Yankee farm system and wonder if they will turn into a legitimate, everyday AL home run threat. As we all know too well, usually the front office prefers to go after high priced, veteran home run hitters to put some punch in the Yankee lineup.. from Reggie Jackson to Gary Sheffield... and tons in between.

I'm actually hard pressed to think of one Yankee 'home grown' who turned into a HR hitter with huge numbers every year. ....

It's refreshing to see Duncan get off to such a quick start.. although we must keep everything in perspective. We've been fooled before by hot rookie starts. Remember Kevin Maas, Shane Spencer.. among others?? In any case, it's at least nice to see some youth and excitement in the Yankee dugout... but it will take some more convincing to see if it's enough to put this Yankee team on the huge tear it needs...

How Can This Be?

2007-07-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

Some people may ask how the Yanks could lose to the Devil Rays by a score of 14-4. This is an especially good question when you take into account a few things:

1) The Yanks had been playing some damn good baseball, up until yesterday at least.
2) If they have any hope of making the playoffs, the Yankees need to win games. In a row. With very few loses.
3) Tonight's opponent was the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, for the love of God.

I don't have the answer. If I did, I'd be the manger (and then I could sit on my ass, holding a bat, passively admitting that the 2007 version of the game of baseball is rapidly passing me by). But I will say this: the current Yankees team doesn't have that...thing. They don't seem to have what it takes to win when they simply have to win. They don't seem to care.

Finally, this team's attitude is matching the outward demeanor of its manager.

Black and White

2007-07-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

by: Mr. November

After hearing and reading Gary Sheffield's recent comments about Joe Torre, I decided to do a little bit of research. Something just didn't seem quite right. Sheffield claimed that Torre treated black players differently than he did white players; he tended to call them out in meetings while talking to white players behind closed doors.

In a statement more about the lack of diversity in baseball than the policies of Torre, I started to wonder exactly how many black players played with the Yankees during the Sheffield years. In my mind, it simply didn't seem like too many. Sheffield played for the Yankees in 2004, 2005, and part of 2006. Go ahead, think about it - name some other black players during those years.

There were more than I thought. Here they are, with the number of games they played during the Sheffield era in parentheses: Gary Sheffield (347), Derek Jeter (467), Tom Gordon (159), Tony Womack (108), Tony Clark (106), Kenny Lofton (83), Shawn Chacon (31), Matt Lawton (21), Kevin Thompson (15), and Terrence Long (12), and Homer Bush (9) Whew. 11 black Yankees from 2004-2006, if you're a reasonable person and disagree with Sheffield and include Derek Jeter in that list.

I don't agree with anything Gary Sheffield said. I don't even believe he and Jeter were best friends when they were teammates. I am, however, taken aback by the numbers in the previous paragraphs. 120 players, if you consider 40 man rosters (but disregard repeats) and only 11 black players. That's not a Torre problem, that's a baseball problem.

Things that Make You go Hmmm....

2007-07-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

It's always amusing to observe the different kinds and incarnations of Yankee gear worn by devoted fans while at Yankee Stadium..

You have Yankee gear in a variety of colors.. ranging from green Yankee hats to red Yankee hats to unbelievably girly pink Yankee hats (you will never catch ME wearing pink Yankee gear!).

Then you have the people who spend their hard-earned money on expensive "authentic" jerseys. What boggles my mind is the people who will purchase an "authentic" looking Yankee pinstriped Jersey with the name of a player printed on the back -- which automatically makes it "unauthentic."

The amusing sight this past Sunday was the "jersey" I spotted while waiting for the subway. It was an "authentic" Yankee jersey with the number 36 and the last name "Gordon" on the back.

I still can't decide which is more amusing -- the fact that someone actually paid money for a Tom Gordon jersey, or that the person still wears it.

Joe #2

2007-06-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

posted by: Mr. November

It doesn't take a baseball genius to figure out why Joe Girardi turned down the Orioles' managerial job this week. As a Yankees broadcaster, Girardi is tuned into the inner workings of the team, even if it's indirectly. He knows that there is a serious chance that Joe Torre will not make it through the season and that, even if he does, he may not return for 2008.

Joe Torre is a Yankee icon - 4 World Series titles, 11 straight postseason appearances, 2,000 career wins. And this is just on the field. When you consider beating cancer, taking care of his ailing brother, his domestic abuse charity and Subway commercials, Torre's a pretty popular guy to say the least.

But it sure seems like Girardi knows something we don't. Is he sticking around with the hopes of taking over the Yankees managerial icon? It sure looks like a real possibility. And I wouldn't complain.

Can They Still Win 100?

2007-06-16T13:00:00.001-07:00

posted by: Mr. November

After 62 games, the 2007 New York Yankees had a record of 31-31. By typical Yankee standards, 31 wins after 62 games is, um, not that great. With 3 and 1/2 months left in the season, the question remains - can the Yankees win 100 games? In the strong American league, and with the Red Sox owning one of the best records in baseball, 100 wins may be necessary if the Yankees want to sniff October baseball.

With 100 games remaining, the Yankees can only lose 31 more contests in order to ensure another 100-win season. My 2nd-grade math skills tell me the Yankees can lose 8.8 games per month, which translates (obviously) to 8 games per month the rest of the way and still end their season with 100 wins. This will not be an easy task.

Even as they play better and as the pitching and hitting begin to gel simultaneously, going 69-31 over a 100-game stretch will be tough; playing basically.700 baseball over a 3+ month portion of a very long season is a lot to ask of any team. When you consider that the latest "savior" is soon to turn 45 years old, one tends to wonder if this year's incarnation of the Bombers can each the century mark.

Time will tell...but do the Yanks have enough of it to get there?

Lessons Learned?

2007-06-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

The emergence of Chien-Ming Wang as the ace of the Yankee staff over the past couple of years should hopefully serve as a shining example of the great things that can happen if you show patience with minor league prospects, giving them plenty of time to mature, gain experience, and become great pitchers. What's unique is that Wang has done so ever so quietly, just doing his job and staying under the radar. Many may not remember that Wang was a 19 game winner last year and runner up to the Cy Young voting. It proves that sometimes the "quiet, effective" types end up being the best performers.

Wang is a refreshing switch for this Yankee team, which has spent much of the last decade signing older, big-name superstars hoping they would deliver masterful performances as a member of the Yankees. As fans know all too well, it hasn't always worked outl. Do Kevin Brown, Carl Pavano and Randy Johnson ring a bell?

Let's hope the Yankee higher-ups keep the "youth movement" in mind in the years to come. With so many rookie starters this season, they haven't really had a choice. Maybe there will actually come a time when they are all healthy, and gradually work their way into the Yankee starting rotation.

Rocket Re-Launched

2007-06-10T07:44:00.001-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

It's been awhile since Mr. November and I have posted to what has become an occassionally-updated blog... I will give ourselves a pass this time, however, because our Yankee team did not provide much reason to write about them during the month of May...

However, it seems as if the team now has a snap in its step, Bobby Abreu has learned how to hit again, and the pitching staff is starting to get filled up with familiar names instead of having the last two starting spots being filled by Rookie A, Rookie B, or Rookie C as they have been for what seems like an eternity.

Roger Clemens' first outing was encouraging -- it was great to see him get through six innings. Yes, I am taking into consideration that he was facing the NL-Pirates, but you have to start somewhere. It was nice to see some emotion on the mound, to mix things up a bit. Pitchers like Wang, Mussina and even Pettitte are more reserved in their 'celebrations' .. if you could call them that....

I will try my best to post a few more items before I go away for a week's vacation.. and I will challenge Mr. November to keep this blog going the week I am gone :)

The Rocket

2007-05-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

posted by Mr. November

This news deserves posts by Miss October and myself today. So, just a quick note: My good friend, a diehard Red Sox fan, today called Clemens a "5 inning pitcher." Minutes later, he rushed to pick him up in our fantasy league. Need I say more?

WELCOME BACK!

2007-05-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

Dear Mr. Clemens,

Thank you for answering our help wanted ad so quickly. This almost makes us forget the fact that Carl Pavano is again most likely done for the season, and that up to now, we have paid him over $16,000 per pitch.

Best Regards,
The New York Yankees

Editor’s note: Welcome back Roger! Your goal to get back in a major league game by June 1 would be perfect timing - as the Yankees will be in Boston that weekend!! And don’t pay attention to the Astros fans who said that you are f ' in crazy to go back to New York.. at least that’s what my friend from Houston called to tell me when she heard the news... They will all get over it.

Let's Play Two!

2007-05-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

posted by Mr. November

As I watched the Yankees win game one of a doubleheader against the Texas Rangers this afternoon (despite Mr. Torre's best efforts to blow it; I swear he has a "single white female"-like obsession with Luis Vizcaino), I started to wonder about the shortcomings of the MLB schedule makers.

Back in the day (what day, you ask? I have no clue...I'm only 30), teams played doubleheaders regularly. Now, in 2007, you only see two games in one day if the weather doesn't cooperate. And since MLB begins its season the week after Christmas (well, at least it seems that way), the weather rarely cooperates. What's the best solution to these early-season rain, snow, and cold-outs? Simple...more doubleheaders.

If the schedule-gods had teams play more doubleheaders, and I mean planned doubleheaders, ones factored into the schedules when they are first released, MLB would be able to start their season a bit later. I'm not one of those folks who complains about the season going too long; I have no problem with 162 games, and October (and even sometimes November) baseball makes me smile. But the early season rainouts and games played in football weather are a joke. That's not baseball.

All we need is everyone involved, the teams, the union, and the owners, to agree to play more doubleheaders throughout the season (maybe 2 or 3 per month, starting in May), and we can avoid the early-April weather problems. The season would start a few weeks later, and still end in October. And I don't want to hear about doubleheaders ruining rotations - rainouts can ruin rotations too. More doubleheaders would be a treat for the fans, too.

Where's Ernie Banks when you need him?

Immediate Positions Available

2007-04-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Miss October

26-Time World Champion, Bronx, NY-based major league baseball team seeks three pitchers to fill vacancies in its starting rotation.

Age 25 or under preferred. Lefties a bonus. Please submit resume, copy of latest medical checkup and proof of age to:

Ron Guidry
Yankee Stadium
Bronx, NY

Note: Age restriction waived for 44-year old right-hander currently residing in Houston. # 22 jersey is ready and waiting.

confusion,,,and a new post

2007-04-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

This new login process and merger with Google is more confusing than the gyroball. Actually, the merger with Google actually exists, so I guess it's a lot different than the gyroball.

This is a quick post, just to give all our readers Mr. November's predictions for the 2007 baseball season. Any disagreements - feel free to e-mail.

AL East: Yankees (obviously)
AL Central: Indians
AL West: Angels
Wild Card: Blue Jays

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cubs
NL West: Dodgers
Wild Card: Braves

AL Champs: Yankees
NL Champs: Dodgers
World Champs: Yankees

Hey, what did you expect? It's a Yankee blog!

Opening Day 2007 Observations

2007-04-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

Ahh.. baseball is back! Although it didn’t end up being the nice, sunny day the meteorologists had promised, Opening Day at Yankee Stadium always signals the beginning of spring. Rather than provide a wrap up of the game action, I thought I would share some gameday observations (which are sometimes more entertaining than the game itself..)

Early exits…

Carl Pavano threw four pretty good innings before getting rattled in the 5th and exiting the game. For a guy who hasn’t pitched in a game in close to two years, I think four is a good starting point. Just finishing the outing without an injury is big progress. Then again, he was pitching against the Devil Rays.

Johnny Damon left the game in the sixth with cramps in his legs. Let’s hope it’s not anything serious..

Yankee announcer Bob Sheppard skipped out early, but a guy who has been a part of 57 opening days should have some flexibility. He was replaced by the Yankees ‘back up’ announcer who annoyingly tries to imitate Sheppard – as if he would trick everyone into believing they were listening to the ‘real deal.’

Tearful moments…

The video tribute to Corey Lidle to the song “I Will Remember You” by Sarah Mclachlan, along his widow and young son throwing out the ceremonial first pitch – both made great throws by the way – was tough to watch. It’s a shame the YES broadcast cut this bit to shreds and only showed quick highlights. I wonder if they would have handled it the same way if a ‘higher profile’ Yankee had passed away…

Another video tribute – this time to Yankee great Bobby Mercer – to Rod Stewart’s ‘Forever Young’ drew applause, but not as much as when they showed Bobby on the video screen from the YES booth. Bobby was diagnosed with brain cancer in December and is currently undergoing treatment. It was great to see him in person again, as he waved to the crowd. He also stopped by to broadcast a few innings with his YES colleagues. Get well soon....

Bleacher Creature roll call for Bernie Williams… I learned later that Bernie had called Joe Torre this morning to wish him luck. It’s still a shame he didn’t show up for spring training. We miss you!!

And finally…. Thumbs up to Captain Derek Jeter for getting the game-tying hit, Mariano Rivera looking like vintage Mo by striking out the side in the 9th, as well as A-Rod for his long home run late in the game. A-Rod’s day started a little shaky, but he ended up with two hits… I’m still hopeful he will get his act together this season...

Oh Captain, My Captain!!

2006-10-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

The cover of today's New York Daily News says it all ...

My one complaint: Couldn't he have split the hits between Sunday and Tuesday, so I could have seen him win his very first batting title in person?

Then again... who am I to argue with perfection?

AL East Champs… AGAIN!!

2006-09-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

Congratulations, Yankees…. It took real teamwork to get through this season’s injuries, drama and newspaper and magazine headlines. At the beginning of the year, critics – and even fans – were wondering if this was the year the Yankees’ amazing playoff run would end. After several stumbling blocks along the way, an August road trip to Boston resulted in a five game sweep of the Red Sox – and they never looked back. They found a way to pull it off… AGAIN.

And so begins a somewhat relaxing week for the true Yankee fans. A chance to conserve sleep before late night playoff games and post games kick in; a chance to make dinner plans before your social life is contingent upon the playoff schedule; a chance to catch up on the new fall TV season that has been stored on your DVR…. It’s the calm before the storm… and when that Yankee magic starts to kick in.

Welcome Back… ?

2006-09-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

After a long absence, Hideki Matsui will most likely be back in the Yankee lineup tonight, serving as the DH. It’s been four months since he suffered the wrist injury that ended his consecutive game streak and forced the Yankees to rely on young Melky Cabrera to fill in and play left field for most of the season. After his shaky brief appearance with the Yankees last year, Cabrera has exceeded all expectations by playing solid defense – including a strong outfield throwing arm that the Yankees have been seriously lacking in recent years – along with a .286 batting average.

While it will be nice to eventually see the familiar # 55 back in left field, especially for the playoff run, you have to wonder where that leaves Melky. With a solid Bobby Abreu in right field, even Gary Sheffield feels a little threatened and is taking ground balls at first base to give him an opportunity for some more playing time once he comes off of the DL.

While Matsui doesn’t seem like one who will disrupt team chemistry, having Cabrera on the bench will take a little spark out of the Yankee lineup. It’s been fun watching he and fellow youngster Robinson Cano come through in the clutch and speed around the basepaths. I’m sure it will only take the first Godzilla home run to settle some of the Yankees’ fans concerns … and it’s comforting to know there’s a sparkplug on the bench just waiting for an opportunity to get in the game in a big spot.

Hidden Mistakes

2006-09-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

posted by: Mr. November

Carl Anthony Pavano will turn 31 on January 6th. He's a multi-millionaire who began playing Major League baseball when he was 22. Eight years later, he's worked his way up to an $8 million dollar annual salary, and that money is coming from arguably the most reknowned team in professional sports.

Problem is, Pavano hasn't actually pitched since June 27, 2005.

I work every day, sometimes even on the weekends. I've work two jobs and jobs which dictate that I sometimes bring work home. I've seen friends and family members work at jobs which sometimes take over their lives; often, they spend more time at work than they do at home. Through it all, none of them, myself included, has seen a payday anywhere near the $8 million Pavano is currently earning.

Now, I don't begrudge Carl for making his money. He signed his current deal with the Yankees after coming off a 2004 season in which he made 31 starts, pitched over 220 innings, and won 18 games. His ERA that year was a more-than-respectable 3.00 for a Marlins team that was one year removed from winning the World Series. The Yankees signed him to a $40 million contract in the hopes that those 18 wins would translate to even more while playing on the grandest stage in baseball. They didn't.

Pavano's 2005 season ended after 17 starts, 4 wins, and a 4.77 ERA. He surrended 17 homeruns in only 100 innings (this after giving up 16 in all of 2004). Was it the switch over to the American League? Probably. Was it the pressure of playing in New York? Could have been. Was it the lax attitude that often follows an athlete who has just signed a deal for more money than he has ever before seen in his life? Sounds reasonable.

For me, the bottom line is this: Pavano has not contributed and most likely will not contribute, at least not in the near future. Back problems, butt problems, arm problems, and car accident lies aside, he has not been the pitcher or the person the Yankees expected. And you know what: It doesn't matter.

What other team can say they made an $8 million mistake in 2006, yet still lead their division by almost 10 games? What other team can make up for such a lack of expected production with a sure-fire Hall of Famer, one of the most reliable and steady pitchers of the 1990's/2000's, and a young gun who, as of this writing, has 16 wins? What other team can score runs in bunches and not even necessarily need any output at all from a free agent pitching siging gone wrong? I only know of one team that can do all of that.

I liked the Pavano signing when it happened, contrary to other fans I knew at the time. But I also knew that, if for any reason it didn't work, it wouldn't hurt the team. The Yankees can hide mistakes like Pavano, thanks mostly in part to the green bills and blank checks protruding from George's pockets. They may have overpaid for Pavano (in hindsight, a dollar and a sandwich would have been overpaying), but it doesn't really matter. The Yankees have All-Stars at almost every position. Gambling $40 million on a one-time NL 18 game winner is a drop in the bucket for a team that, despite such mistakes, is poised to win the AL East for the 9th straight season.

Mistake? Nah...just a bump in the road that leads to winning, and winning, and winning...

An Ode to Carl Pavano

2006-08-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

Oh Carl Pavano, where have you gone?
We expected so much more when you signed on
They aired your press conference live on TV
Who would have known what a disappointment you’d be?

The Yanks signed a young pitcher … getting their wish
They remembered how good he was with the Fish
What happened to that man, no one knows
Those days are long gone, as recent history shows

Arm troubles, stiffness, falling on his butt
He’s being paid his $39 million contract – for what?
What he’s been doing all this time nobody knows
They should have made him a batboy or had him wash clothes

They thought he was ready for more rehab, but that all changed
When he crashed his shiny Porsche in the rain
He thought he was fine, telling the Yanks a big fib
When in reality he had cracked two of his ribs

Now Cashman is mad and at his wit’s end
And Pavano can’t call any of the Yankees his friends
His Yankee “career” has just been a wreck
Except for his pizza-making segment on “Kids on Deck” ...

The House That $800 Million Built

2006-08-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

posted by: Mr. November

My esteemed colleague has me down 2-0 in the "posting to the blog" category, so I'd better get crackin'!

I was going to use this opportunity to talk about how much I love Yankee Stadium and how I'll hate to see it go in 2009. But, why be schmaltzy when I don't really mean it? Of course I love the Stadium, but that goes without saying. Loving your team's home field is not a passion only Yankee fans can claim as their own (I've been to Shea only once and, though it's an eyesore, I know many Met fans who have a little place in their orange and blue hearts for it). So, really, there's no reason to go on and on about nostalgia, history, or my dad took me so blah, blah, blah. Let's face it: we'd all love a new Yankee Stadium.

I'm certainly not looking to downplay the importance of the current Yankee Stadium. It's rich in tradition, history, and championships. But let's remember, in it's current form, it's only 35 years old. There's not much need to preserve a building that can't even collect social security. The white facade is coming along to the new location, as is monument park. So, if you're a stickler for finding memories and traditions in stone and paint, please don't fear.

However, if you're more interested in keeping your memories and traditions in your heart, and if you're looking to make more memories with every trip to the ballpark, then a new Yankee Stadium is just what the doctor (or the Boss) ordered. The Stadium is rich in tradition because the team is rich in tradition, not vice versa. As free agency and Steinbrenner's wallet run wild, we tend to root more for the idea of the Yankees, as opposed to each and every actual "yankee". So the team, the real tradition, is still going to be there come 2009. The players may be different, the coaching staff may change, and the stadium will definitely be new. But the memories will still be there.

I'm not denying the greedy reasons for a new stadium - one only needs to compare the number of seats in the new building to the number of luxury boxes. But realisitically, is a new stadium a bad thing? Will fans suffer from nice restaurants, cleaner and newer restrooms, more parking? Of course not. And I don't buy the "it's going to be too expensive" argument either - if you bought a ticket and have the means of getting to the Bronx, you're most likely not on food stamps. So, please, enjoy the new Yankee Stadium. And remember - you don't need to forget the old one.

Broadcast Team I’d Like to See ... John Sterling and ESPN’s Jon Miller

2006-08-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

I know that lots of Yankee fans complain that ESPN announcers have a bias against the Yankees. My Dad has echoed that sentiment for years – claiming that Joe Morgan “hates” the team. I’m fairly certain this is because my Dad still holds hard feelings toward Morgan due to the 1976 World Series when Morgan, as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ Big Red Machine, swept the Yankees in four games.

When the Yankees play on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, although it’s usually a good matchup, the downside is having to listen to Joe Morgan, and his broadcast partner, Jon Miller. I hadn’t paid much attention to Miller’s comments in the past, until last night when repeated ranting about a David Ortiz home run went on for about 10 minutes… accompanied by a replay of the home run at least five times.

A sampling:

“a colossal home run”
“that one would have gone over the top of Mount Washington” – (which I had to look up – it’s in New Hampshire)
“If you had HDTV, you would have been able to watch this amazing home run in high definition.”

I also caught a soundbyte of the Yankees radio broadcast in the bottom of the 9th inning, when David Ortiz was on second base with no outs, and the Yankees decided to intentionally walk Manny Ramirez. This causes a loud round of boos from the Fenway faithful.

John Sterling, in one of his usual rants:

“I can’t believe these people are booing...
How STUPID can you be?
Pitch to Manny... what are you NUTS?
That run means NOTHING….”

I had to laugh to myself. One, because he sounded like an idiot; two because I was happy a sportscaster was on the “good guys’ side” for once…

With that said, Mariano Rivera’s “amazing” performance that enabled him to get out of a bases loaded, one out jam in the bottom of the 9th did not receive any type of verbal recognition by Miller. Even “Yankee hater” Joe Morgan caved in and said what we already know…

Mariano is “the man.”

The Newest, NL Yankees

2006-08-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Miss October

Besides the roster of Mets that I see in the paper every day, the “big names” that everyone has heard of and ex-American Leaguers, I’ll admit I’m not familiar with many National League players. Of course inter-league play has expanded my horizons a bit, but I’m still not very well versed.

As the Yankees strengthened their team with two National League players right before the trade deadline, I found it ironic that 1) I knew who they were and 2) I had somewhat “personal” stories about each one of them.

June 2002, Baltimore – After watching the Yankees beat the Orioles 3-2 the night before at Camden Yards, we decided to go back to catch another game, Orioles vs. Phillies. We bought bleacher seats in centerfield, which isn’t really a bad view for only $13, and got a free hat out of the deal since it was “hat night.” After eating at Boog’s BBQ pit, we went out to our seats to go catch batting practice.

The Phillies were on the field shagging fly balls, and out in center was, you guessed it, Bobby Abreu. I of course didn’t know him from a hole in the wall, but he was catching just about everything hit to him and he was throwing most of the balls he caught to the kids near the centerfield railing. We watched this for awhile and when he had given balls to all of the kids, I guess I was the only “kid” left. He tossed one right to me. That’s when I found out that batting practice balls are labeled as such. Who knew? Anyway, after that day, I definitely knew who Bobby Abreu was…

March 2004, Tampa, Spring Training – A friend and I took the trip I had always wanted to take – to spring training! Since the Yankees are probably the only team in MLB who sell out their spring training tickets the first day they go on sale, I had my friend buy the tickets while I was on a business trip. We ended up with first row seats down the left field line – right next to the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen. On his way to the bullpen, one of the Pirates’ pitching coaches asked my friend and I if we wanted some baseballs, which we of course accepted. Over the course of the game the pitching coach would come share insights and complaints (how can teams like us compete with a huge payroll like the Yankees?).. as well as some color commentary.

That day, a tall left fielder wearing # 36 with long blonde locks flowing out from under his baseball cap made a diving catch. The coach commented, “He’s a great player, can play almost everywhere – even catches. But why does he keep his hair so long?” Of course that was Craig Wilson, who had to clip some of his goldilocks before joining the Yanks. But with Gary Sheffield taking ground balls at first base, Craig might be able to grow his hair back over the winter. Only time will tell.

It will be interesting to see how these former NL stars perform "on the big stage" this weekend when they get their first taste of the Yankee/Red Sox rivalry in Fenway Park.......