HIGH AND TIGHT
This blog has been dormant for a while as I have been enjoying some R & R on the Jersey Shore -- which involved an earthquake and a hurricane evacuation -- and a short trip to New England to work on a project. But I've been meaning to write this for some time, regarding the Yankees, Red Sox, and if it would be better to go all out to win the AL East crown, or "ease in" to the Wild Card.
Joe Girardi's actions last year of resting all his regulars, and making some pitching moves that were unusual to say the least, virtually handing 1st place to the Rays, has fueled this. As you may recall, finishing 2nd allowed them to bypass Cliff Lee in the ALDS and take on their annual Thanksgiving dinner, a.k.a the Minnesota Twins, for the obligatory 1st round sweep. But if life were so simple...
I recall similar conversations in the run-up to the 2005 and 2007 postseasons, when the media buzz was that Yankees "preferred" to play the Tigers and Indians, respectively. After one Kenny Rogers trip to the Lourdes Pine-Tar Emporium, and the addition of the word "midge" to the nation's vocabulary, how did all that work out?
I realize that nobody wants to face Justin Verlander in a 5 game series at this point, but is it really any better than facing him in a 7 game series? You will have to beat him at some point.
Turning the tables, what about the Red Sox? Coming off this weekend, is playing Texas really a better option for them? If they were so inclined, they are facing (Butch) Hobson's choice.
My advice: play it straight, and let the chips fall. You will win if you're the best team anyway, and who needs the karma issues?
IN MEMORIAM
In the 2 weeks since I went on vacation, I lost two brothers in the Knights of Columbus whom I would like to mention.
While on Long Beach Island, I learned of the passing of Jim Rizzo after a long battle with cancer. Jim was a fixture around Father Drumgoole Council for about 20 years, and with several other Brother Knights helped me start the Council softball team. Jim was known for a helping hand a dry wit, and will be missed greatly.
This past Tuesday, members from the Staten Island Chapter attended the Mets/Marlins game at Citi Field to support our brothers in Queens Conference as they received the Mets Spirit Award for their work with Special Olympics.
Unfortunately, my successor as District Deputy, John McCue, suffered a heart attack in the stands prior to the game, and passed away on the way to the hospital. John was a big man with an even bigger heart, who was constantly finding ways to help others. While recognizing the sadness involved, how ironic is it that he would be called while again reaching out in support of those less fortunate?
Lastly, yesterday marked 13 years since my Dad passed away. He was the most influential person in my life, and I take great pleasure knowing that I have been able to fulfill nearly all of the goals he would have had if the opportunities I had were placed in front of him.
I'm sure he's at the blackjack table at Gabriel's Palace, last seat, and is splitting aces. And when offered a demitasse, he is replying "no, but how about one of those small cups of black coffee".
Monday, September 5, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I just felt like run-nin': Brett Gardner is the World's Dumbest Baserunner
HIGH AND TIGHT
Did you ever play ball as a kid with someone who had all the tools and talent that you wished you had: natural power, speed like a gazelle, and great hand/eye coordination, but no clue how to play the game? The kind of guy who would always throw to 3rd, whom you would run into at 2nd base on a fly ball with 2 outs, whose recognition of the rules of baseball indicated that he had never even seen a game before?
I give you Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees.
Last night, "Brett The Jet" killed a bases loaded, 2-out Yankee rally by getting tagged out at home on a short passed ball with Mark Teixera at the plate. On Saturday, I witnessed him turn his HBP courtesy of Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson into being picked off on the last of 4 very loopy throws to first.
Finally, with the bases loaded an 1 out, he ran on an obvious soft liner by Derek Jeter to first baseman Casey Kotchman, who merely had to walk to the bag to end the inning. BTW, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira were to follow.
Could this be why Joe Girardi has been reluctant to remove Jeter from the leadoff spot? Don't they have programs for kids like him?
Did you ever play ball as a kid with someone who had all the tools and talent that you wished you had: natural power, speed like a gazelle, and great hand/eye coordination, but no clue how to play the game? The kind of guy who would always throw to 3rd, whom you would run into at 2nd base on a fly ball with 2 outs, whose recognition of the rules of baseball indicated that he had never even seen a game before?
I give you Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees.
Last night, "Brett The Jet" killed a bases loaded, 2-out Yankee rally by getting tagged out at home on a short passed ball with Mark Teixera at the plate. On Saturday, I witnessed him turn his HBP courtesy of Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson into being picked off on the last of 4 very loopy throws to first.
Finally, with the bases loaded an 1 out, he ran on an obvious soft liner by Derek Jeter to first baseman Casey Kotchman, who merely had to walk to the bag to end the inning. BTW, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira were to follow.
Could this be why Joe Girardi has been reluctant to remove Jeter from the leadoff spot? Don't they have programs for kids like him?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Get Well Soon, Jose
HIGH AND TIGHT
My sources inside the New York Mets front office assure me that they have brought on the finest doctors and most modern facilities to treat All-Star Shortstop Jose Reyes.
Or maybe he should try an HMO...
My sources inside the New York Mets front office assure me that they have brought on the finest doctors and most modern facilities to treat All-Star Shortstop Jose Reyes.
Or maybe he should try an HMO...
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Game 111: Joe Girardi's Graduation
HIGH AND TIGHT
Cue Pomp and Circumstance
I'll keep this one brief today, but last night's 3-2 win over Boston to take over 1st place in the AL East to me represents a major step in the career of Joe Girardi as a winning manager.
With New York down 2-0 with 2 out in the bottom of the 5th, things were set up well for the Sawx with the bases loaded and Adrian Gonzalez stepping to the plate against Bartolo Colon, at 94 pitches for the evening.
Colon was pitching well, but I give Girardi major props for recognizing the highest of high leverage situations, the opponent's best hitter up with a chance to do damage, even put the game away.
He summoned "LOOGY" (Lefty One Out GuY) Boone Logan, who promptly got A-Gon to flail at strike 3 in the dirt, ending the threat. The Yankees then scored 3 in the top of the 6th to take a lead they would not surrrender.
Since the "LaRussa-ization" of the save rule, many managers go strictly to formula on the use of their relievers, and especially their closers, leaving sacrificial lambs to pitch in the middle innings.
Joe Girardi has been guilty of this with his reliance on that damn binder of his. The situation last night, however, is where games are typically won and lost, hence the concept of leverage.
In making the move he made last night, and especially using David Robertson in the fireman role to quell rallies, Girardi has taken a page out of the "old school" book where the focus was foremost on winning and losing.
Congratulations, and good luck with you future!
Cue Pomp and Circumstance
I'll keep this one brief today, but last night's 3-2 win over Boston to take over 1st place in the AL East to me represents a major step in the career of Joe Girardi as a winning manager.
With New York down 2-0 with 2 out in the bottom of the 5th, things were set up well for the Sawx with the bases loaded and Adrian Gonzalez stepping to the plate against Bartolo Colon, at 94 pitches for the evening.
Colon was pitching well, but I give Girardi major props for recognizing the highest of high leverage situations, the opponent's best hitter up with a chance to do damage, even put the game away.
He summoned "LOOGY" (Lefty One Out GuY) Boone Logan, who promptly got A-Gon to flail at strike 3 in the dirt, ending the threat. The Yankees then scored 3 in the top of the 6th to take a lead they would not surrrender.
Since the "LaRussa-ization" of the save rule, many managers go strictly to formula on the use of their relievers, and especially their closers, leaving sacrificial lambs to pitch in the middle innings.
Joe Girardi has been guilty of this with his reliance on that damn binder of his. The situation last night, however, is where games are typically won and lost, hence the concept of leverage.
In making the move he made last night, and especially using David Robertson in the fireman role to quell rallies, Girardi has taken a page out of the "old school" book where the focus was foremost on winning and losing.
Congratulations, and good luck with you future!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
I'm Back: Yankees, Mets @ Trade Deadline, NFL(!)
HIGH AND TIGHT
I took a little break, as news was very slow until the trade deadline, until a fluffy of deal in the last 36 hours. The Yankees and Mets were quiet, and I think both Brian Cashman and Sandy Alderson accomplished what they needed to.
Well be doing a CTV show in the fall on the Knights of Columbus' activities on Staten Island, and with that, I had the opportunity to interview Yankees' GM Brian Cashman. Mr. Cashman and a gaggle of players graciously assisted with a lemonade stand for Megan Ajello during "Hope Week", and we focused on the team's charitable activities. I also got to see him in action with the real media, deftly sidestepping questions.
The Yankees at the time we in negotiations with Colorado for starter Ubaldo Jimenez, who ultimately went to Cleveland for a far inferior package of prospects than required from the Yankees. Since Mr. Cashman's efforts are focused on improving the Yankees and not restocking the Rockies, he was correct in turning down a deal sacrificing 4 MLB ready players.
Mr. Cashman has also taken heat as Theo Epstein added pitchers Dan Haren and Eric Bedard to his rotation. Here are three pertinent questions:
1. With the Yankees now a game out of 1st, are the Red Sox really some uber team if they had to add Haren (good) and Bedard (not so much) to their rotation?
2. Aren't the Yankees better off with recent and potential "adds" Rafael Soriano, Jesus Montero, Ivan Nova, Manny Banuelos, Eric Chavez as well as Alex Rodriguez on their roster?
3. How sure are you that Ubaldo Jiminez is still the pitcher that started last year's All-Star Game? His drop-off is parallel to that of Phil Hughes.
As for the Mets, kudos to Sandy Alderson, as pitcher Zack Wheeler is exactly the type of prospect they needed in return for Carlos Beltran. And as hard as this is to say, the Mets arc is a lot higher chasing the NL Wild Card with next year's team.
Now to the NFL:
1. Thank God everyone came to their senses, and ended the game of Russian Roulette they were playing with two-fully loaded guns! If only the NBA would do the same.
2. The Jets took a high risk flyer on Plaxico Burress, but one that could do the same thing for Mark Sanchez that it did for Eli Manning.
3. Giants coach Tom Coughlin, all talk of him being replaced quashed because of the lockout, is definitely on the hot seat this year. His players have grown tired of his act, and another collapse will cause Mara Tech to turn on him.
4. Why do I believe that Chad Ochocinco will become a model student in New England?
5. Randy Moss to the highest bidder mid-season?
I took a little break, as news was very slow until the trade deadline, until a fluffy of deal in the last 36 hours. The Yankees and Mets were quiet, and I think both Brian Cashman and Sandy Alderson accomplished what they needed to.
Well be doing a CTV show in the fall on the Knights of Columbus' activities on Staten Island, and with that, I had the opportunity to interview Yankees' GM Brian Cashman. Mr. Cashman and a gaggle of players graciously assisted with a lemonade stand for Megan Ajello during "Hope Week", and we focused on the team's charitable activities. I also got to see him in action with the real media, deftly sidestepping questions.
The Yankees at the time we in negotiations with Colorado for starter Ubaldo Jimenez, who ultimately went to Cleveland for a far inferior package of prospects than required from the Yankees. Since Mr. Cashman's efforts are focused on improving the Yankees and not restocking the Rockies, he was correct in turning down a deal sacrificing 4 MLB ready players.
Mr. Cashman has also taken heat as Theo Epstein added pitchers Dan Haren and Eric Bedard to his rotation. Here are three pertinent questions:
1. With the Yankees now a game out of 1st, are the Red Sox really some uber team if they had to add Haren (good) and Bedard (not so much) to their rotation?
2. Aren't the Yankees better off with recent and potential "adds" Rafael Soriano, Jesus Montero, Ivan Nova, Manny Banuelos, Eric Chavez as well as Alex Rodriguez on their roster?
3. How sure are you that Ubaldo Jiminez is still the pitcher that started last year's All-Star Game? His drop-off is parallel to that of Phil Hughes.
As for the Mets, kudos to Sandy Alderson, as pitcher Zack Wheeler is exactly the type of prospect they needed in return for Carlos Beltran. And as hard as this is to say, the Mets arc is a lot higher chasing the NL Wild Card with next year's team.
Now to the NFL:
1. Thank God everyone came to their senses, and ended the game of Russian Roulette they were playing with two-fully loaded guns! If only the NBA would do the same.
2. The Jets took a high risk flyer on Plaxico Burress, but one that could do the same thing for Mark Sanchez that it did for Eli Manning.
3. Giants coach Tom Coughlin, all talk of him being replaced quashed because of the lockout, is definitely on the hot seat this year. His players have grown tired of his act, and another collapse will cause Mara Tech to turn on him.
4. Why do I believe that Chad Ochocinco will become a model student in New England?
5. Randy Moss to the highest bidder mid-season?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Down In Front! Episode 5 - Saturday 7/23/11 1:00PM CTV 34
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Down In Front! Episode 5 - Saturday 7/23/11 1:00PM CTV 34
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