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

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…

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... :)

Paul O’Neill - Livin' On a Prayer

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…

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

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

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

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

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?

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...

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?

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?

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

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

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

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!

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...

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.