HIGH AND TIGHT
MLB Omissioner Bud Selig officially announced yesterday what was one of the worst kept secrets in recent memory, the inclusion of an additional Wild Card team in each league and an added round of playoffs.
Of all the post-strike ideas, the Wild Card and Inter-league play, while wildly praised, were not my two favorites. For the first 35 years of my life -- and time immemorial -- baseball was always the game that rewarded its winners by allowing only 1st place teams to play for its championship. With the premise of the Wild Card being that additional cities would play host to significant September games, the bottom line has certainly been good.
As for Inter-league play, the idea of the Mets and Yankees playing 3 games in June had appeal to me, but of course, nothing exceeds like excess, so let's play 6! I realize they sell out, but that would justify that they played each other in all 162 for 162 sellouts, right? To me, seeing the real thing in the 2000 World Series pretty much ruined the June games. Fortunately.
And how about those KC-Houston games? Pretty excitin', eh?
However, what is considered by many to be the most important benefit -- the number of Wild Card teams that have won the World Series -- to me is proof of its flaws. Home field aside, there is no real benefit today for playing the whole season to win, only to be ousted by a 2nd place team that may have only had to play hard after the All Star break. It has also has created the feeding frenzy that is the July 31 trade deadline, and watered down pennant races where both teams have locked up a playoff spot early, a frequent occurrence in the AL East.
In my opinion, the Wild Card has inadvertently turned the MLB season into the NHL.
But here's the thing: if done correctly, the 2nd Wild Card offers a chance to fix its flaws. Here's how:
1. A Single Play-in Game- To me this is the key, because, it would accomplish 2 things. It would provide a true disadvantage to both Wild Card teams, as they would need to use their respective Aces to advance, and would not force the Division winners to sit around for a week. A best of 5 Wild Card series or even a 2 of 3 would in fact be a farce, destroying any momentum the 1st Place teams had. And adding a week to the end of the season at this point would be insane. How about both the Tigers hosting the World Series and the Lions at home on Thanksgiving?
2. "True" seeding after the Wild Card Round- Today, a division winner cannot play a Wild Card from their own division until the LCS. However, in this scenario, the team with the best record in their respective league would play any Wild Card regardless of Division, as a reward.
3. Rebalance the Schedule- The most unfair aspect of both the Wild Card and Inter-league play is that fact that there is 1 Wild Card team in each league, yet disparate schedules. While the 2007 Mets only went 6-12 against Philadelphia, perhaps the 6 games against the Yankees took more out of them than the 6 the Phillies played against the Orioles. The current schedule also clearly favors the teams in the weaker West and Central Divisions.
I have no confidence whatsoever that Bud Selig will do any of this.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Ranger curse is m.e.d.i.o.c.r.i.t.y.
HIGH AND TIGHT
I've been a fan of the New York Rangers since I was in the 2nd grade in the Fall of 1965. As a young lad, I was treated to an up and coming team - probably the most significant beneficiary of the NHL going from 6 to 12 teams following the 1966-67 season - and coming oh-so-close to winning a Stanley Cup at a time when hockey was becoming a national TV sport.
Believe me, I've seen it all. My Dad and I would typically go to a game or two each season, and we hit the big score in a ticket lottery to attend all of the run to the Stanley Cup finals in 1979. I was later a season ticket holder for 6 seasons, and thus would attend 20 games in the regular season followed by our annual playoff ouster.
As an aside, when I was a kid, my Dad and I were the only 2 hockey fans in my circle until he played softball with a K of C brother who was a security guard at Channel 5. He got us into their studios in 1971 to see 3 games on "Teleprompter" cable, including Pete Stemkowski's 2 OT goal versus Chicago. This is why it always galled me to hear '1940' chants from Islander and Devil fans who were my age, and didn't know hockey existed until a bandwagon conveniently appeared.
My greatest memory is obviously the 1994 playoff run to the Stanley Cup, and the relief and euphoria I felt. The sign that read "Now I Can Die In Peace" was very poignant for me, as I lost my Dad in 1998. I've since had the opportunity to thank Kevin Lowe, Craig MacTavish and Glenn Anderson for winning it while he was alive, and will do the same for any other coach or player from that squad that I have the chance to meet.
Now, to the "curse". Much was made of the "vow" by New York Americans owner Red Dutton, who when the Garden management squeezed him out of the building, swore that they wouldn't win the Cup again while he was alive. This actually happened, but more to the point, the Rangers as 1940 Stanley Cup Champions were the team most affected by Canada's entry into World War II as part of the British Empire. They took a very long time to recover.
After the War, Canada took great pains to repair "their" game and heal their country, and quite frankly, began to treat the Rangers like an ugly stepchild. This is an area of some dispute, but legend has it that there was a territorial "preference" after the War, giving first "dibs" on the Province of Quebec to Montreal, Ontario to Toronto and Detroit" (on the Canadian border), and left the Rangers, Bruins and Blackhawks to fend for themselves. While there is no "official" record of this, a look at the names on the rosters and Stanley Cups in the 1950's makes it very hard to question.
The point of all this is that while the Rangers were scraping bottom after the War until the mid-1960's, not only were they not getting first shot at the high end talent, it was, in fact, the opposite. The entry draft feeding top talent to the worst teams didn't exist until 6 expansion teams were placed into the league when the Rangers had already begun to improve. It's a historical fact that the New York Rangers have never picked first, including post-lockout when the had the worst record in the league.
Somehow, that "lottery" was held in a closed room, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, who had openly tanked in the 80's to secure the services of Mario Lemieux, ended up with Sidney Crosby, the Rangers picking 5th. Go figure.
So this finally brings me to my point. The New York Rangers, in a league where the stars win the title, are actually cursed by chronic mediocrity. Right now, the Rangers have exactly 3 players possessing elite or potentially elite skills: Henrik Lundqvist, Marian Gaborik and Marc Staal. As much as everyone likes Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan, they are actually 2nd line talent, the kind you need to win, but not the main guys. Think Walt Tkachuk and Bill Fairbairn playing behind Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert, or Messier's line playing behind Gretzky's in Edmonton.
And why is this the case? Because a typical Ranger season is a struggle to make the playoffs, ending with a meh draft position, looking at middling talent, and no chance at a top 5 player. It's self-perpetuating.
My advice to Ranger fans is this: this is not the team you always wanted. What you really want to see is a truly talented team that has a strong work ethic. Missing one or the other is not going to get it done. The 1994 team had both. We need to be really bad, or really good.
One last thing: John Totorella tried a carrot and stick with Marian Gaborik all season to get him to backcheck. Wednesday night, you saw the result when the winger did get back, but got crossed up with Lundqvist to set up the winning goal.
N.B. Islanders coach Al Arbour never asked Mike Bossy to backcheck. He always let him play his own game.
I've been a fan of the New York Rangers since I was in the 2nd grade in the Fall of 1965. As a young lad, I was treated to an up and coming team - probably the most significant beneficiary of the NHL going from 6 to 12 teams following the 1966-67 season - and coming oh-so-close to winning a Stanley Cup at a time when hockey was becoming a national TV sport.
Believe me, I've seen it all. My Dad and I would typically go to a game or two each season, and we hit the big score in a ticket lottery to attend all of the run to the Stanley Cup finals in 1979. I was later a season ticket holder for 6 seasons, and thus would attend 20 games in the regular season followed by our annual playoff ouster.
As an aside, when I was a kid, my Dad and I were the only 2 hockey fans in my circle until he played softball with a K of C brother who was a security guard at Channel 5. He got us into their studios in 1971 to see 3 games on "Teleprompter" cable, including Pete Stemkowski's 2 OT goal versus Chicago. This is why it always galled me to hear '1940' chants from Islander and Devil fans who were my age, and didn't know hockey existed until a bandwagon conveniently appeared.
My greatest memory is obviously the 1994 playoff run to the Stanley Cup, and the relief and euphoria I felt. The sign that read "Now I Can Die In Peace" was very poignant for me, as I lost my Dad in 1998. I've since had the opportunity to thank Kevin Lowe, Craig MacTavish and Glenn Anderson for winning it while he was alive, and will do the same for any other coach or player from that squad that I have the chance to meet.
Now, to the "curse". Much was made of the "vow" by New York Americans owner Red Dutton, who when the Garden management squeezed him out of the building, swore that they wouldn't win the Cup again while he was alive. This actually happened, but more to the point, the Rangers as 1940 Stanley Cup Champions were the team most affected by Canada's entry into World War II as part of the British Empire. They took a very long time to recover.
After the War, Canada took great pains to repair "their" game and heal their country, and quite frankly, began to treat the Rangers like an ugly stepchild. This is an area of some dispute, but legend has it that there was a territorial "preference" after the War, giving first "dibs" on the Province of Quebec to Montreal, Ontario to Toronto and Detroit" (on the Canadian border), and left the Rangers, Bruins and Blackhawks to fend for themselves. While there is no "official" record of this, a look at the names on the rosters and Stanley Cups in the 1950's makes it very hard to question.
The point of all this is that while the Rangers were scraping bottom after the War until the mid-1960's, not only were they not getting first shot at the high end talent, it was, in fact, the opposite. The entry draft feeding top talent to the worst teams didn't exist until 6 expansion teams were placed into the league when the Rangers had already begun to improve. It's a historical fact that the New York Rangers have never picked first, including post-lockout when the had the worst record in the league.
Somehow, that "lottery" was held in a closed room, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, who had openly tanked in the 80's to secure the services of Mario Lemieux, ended up with Sidney Crosby, the Rangers picking 5th. Go figure.
So this finally brings me to my point. The New York Rangers, in a league where the stars win the title, are actually cursed by chronic mediocrity. Right now, the Rangers have exactly 3 players possessing elite or potentially elite skills: Henrik Lundqvist, Marian Gaborik and Marc Staal. As much as everyone likes Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan, they are actually 2nd line talent, the kind you need to win, but not the main guys. Think Walt Tkachuk and Bill Fairbairn playing behind Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert, or Messier's line playing behind Gretzky's in Edmonton.
And why is this the case? Because a typical Ranger season is a struggle to make the playoffs, ending with a meh draft position, looking at middling talent, and no chance at a top 5 player. It's self-perpetuating.
My advice to Ranger fans is this: this is not the team you always wanted. What you really want to see is a truly talented team that has a strong work ethic. Missing one or the other is not going to get it done. The 1994 team had both. We need to be really bad, or really good.
One last thing: John Totorella tried a carrot and stick with Marian Gaborik all season to get him to backcheck. Wednesday night, you saw the result when the winger did get back, but got crossed up with Lundqvist to set up the winning goal.
N.B. Islanders coach Al Arbour never asked Mike Bossy to backcheck. He always let him play his own game.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Down In Front! Episode 2 - 4/20/11
The second installment of my local cable show with Eddie Mayrose, "Down In Front!", will be shown on CTV 34 (Time Warner in Staten Island, Fios in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan) on the next 3 Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 7:00 AM EDT beginning April 20, 2011.
In this episode, we cover The Masters, some hockey, and give an MLB update.
Set those DVR's!
In this episode, we cover The Masters, some hockey, and give an MLB update.
Set those DVR's!
Weekend Round-Up
HIGH AND TIGHT
While both residents of MSG are a little behind the 8-ball in their respective playoff series, it's great to see the Garden alive again in April for a change.
My hockey prediction of the Rangers in 6 is on shaky ground, but the Blueshirts hung tough yesterday, on the hard work of Vinny Prospal, Brandon Dubinsky and especially "The King", Henrik Lundqvist. Dubinsky's goal may have been a little bit of a fortunate bounce, but goals from in close like that are the result of the hard work it takes getting to that spot. That's what the Rangers will need to take this Series.
Somehow, my Section yesterday at the Garden, 132 behind the home net, was completely filled with fans in Caps regalia. The disputed goal at the end of the 2nd was right in front of us, and I have a question for NBC: this is 2011, why doesn't your TV clock match the official game clock? The picture you sent us in the arena indicated 'goal'. It was close, but clearly it wasn't in the net before the green light.
As for the Knicks, last night's loss was a heartbreaker. Carmelo Anthony was not at his best last night, and the loss of Chauncey Billups will be critical. But I have 2 questions on this one: Mike D'Antoni, how did you run out of timeouts with a lead? And to the Ref, I will believe that the Offensive Foul on Melo was a good call when you make the same call in the last minute of a tight game against the Celtics, in Boston.
The Yankees wrapped a series win versus the Rangers, albeit without Josh Hamilton. The Bombers currently have the only winning record in the AL East. What I said last week still stands: don't dwell on the little problems, and wake me up around Memorial Day.
The Mets broke a 7-game losing streak yesterday in Atlanta, and now come home to Flushing. Ownership is in disarray, and Terry Collins is in the unenviable position of stating that his team is a couple of bounces from 9-2. No Terry, not this team.
You see, the Wilpons offer "lightning in a bottle", which translated means "we can't tell our fans we have absolutely no chance."
Here is my advice to Met fans: follow the lead of Yankee fans and be more demanding. The reason the Cubs haven't won in over a century is because their fans support them no matter what, i.e. as long as beer is cheap. Losers aren't "lovable". Raise the bar!
Sandy Alderson is going to proceed with a scorched earth policy on anyone Omar Minaya left behind, and that includes Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes, and may eventually reach all the way to David Wright. What I am going to tell you is going to be hard, and is going to take strength:
You need to turn on the Franchise until the Wilpons are gone, any way you can: low attendance, bad TV ratings, even paper bags over your heads. You need to root for the Madoff arbitrator, hurt their bottom line with impugnity, and completely embrace the rebuilding program to come. Best yet, threaten to root for the Yankees.
You did it before when M. Donald Grant traded Tom Seaver, and got Frank Cashen to build the 1986 World Champions.
With the right trades of their better pieces for decent prospects and smart free agent signings, this could turn around in 2 or 3 years. Reject this idea, and you are looking at what happened for 10 years at the Garden.
Why did the Wilpons build a "pitchers' park" with 42,000 seats? Was it to inhibit higher priced stars from coming here? I first said this 2 years ago, but it doesn't sound crazy today, does it? They thought nothing of taking away David Wright's gap power like Samson after a crew cut.
By using a "small market" model, the Wilpons are showing that they're small time. Do whatever you can to get them out of here.
While both residents of MSG are a little behind the 8-ball in their respective playoff series, it's great to see the Garden alive again in April for a change.
My hockey prediction of the Rangers in 6 is on shaky ground, but the Blueshirts hung tough yesterday, on the hard work of Vinny Prospal, Brandon Dubinsky and especially "The King", Henrik Lundqvist. Dubinsky's goal may have been a little bit of a fortunate bounce, but goals from in close like that are the result of the hard work it takes getting to that spot. That's what the Rangers will need to take this Series.
Somehow, my Section yesterday at the Garden, 132 behind the home net, was completely filled with fans in Caps regalia. The disputed goal at the end of the 2nd was right in front of us, and I have a question for NBC: this is 2011, why doesn't your TV clock match the official game clock? The picture you sent us in the arena indicated 'goal'. It was close, but clearly it wasn't in the net before the green light.
As for the Knicks, last night's loss was a heartbreaker. Carmelo Anthony was not at his best last night, and the loss of Chauncey Billups will be critical. But I have 2 questions on this one: Mike D'Antoni, how did you run out of timeouts with a lead? And to the Ref, I will believe that the Offensive Foul on Melo was a good call when you make the same call in the last minute of a tight game against the Celtics, in Boston.
The Yankees wrapped a series win versus the Rangers, albeit without Josh Hamilton. The Bombers currently have the only winning record in the AL East. What I said last week still stands: don't dwell on the little problems, and wake me up around Memorial Day.
The Mets broke a 7-game losing streak yesterday in Atlanta, and now come home to Flushing. Ownership is in disarray, and Terry Collins is in the unenviable position of stating that his team is a couple of bounces from 9-2. No Terry, not this team.
You see, the Wilpons offer "lightning in a bottle", which translated means "we can't tell our fans we have absolutely no chance."
Here is my advice to Met fans: follow the lead of Yankee fans and be more demanding. The reason the Cubs haven't won in over a century is because their fans support them no matter what, i.e. as long as beer is cheap. Losers aren't "lovable". Raise the bar!
Sandy Alderson is going to proceed with a scorched earth policy on anyone Omar Minaya left behind, and that includes Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes, and may eventually reach all the way to David Wright. What I am going to tell you is going to be hard, and is going to take strength:
You need to turn on the Franchise until the Wilpons are gone, any way you can: low attendance, bad TV ratings, even paper bags over your heads. You need to root for the Madoff arbitrator, hurt their bottom line with impugnity, and completely embrace the rebuilding program to come. Best yet, threaten to root for the Yankees.
You did it before when M. Donald Grant traded Tom Seaver, and got Frank Cashen to build the 1986 World Champions.
With the right trades of their better pieces for decent prospects and smart free agent signings, this could turn around in 2 or 3 years. Reject this idea, and you are looking at what happened for 10 years at the Garden.
Why did the Wilpons build a "pitchers' park" with 42,000 seats? Was it to inhibit higher priced stars from coming here? I first said this 2 years ago, but it doesn't sound crazy today, does it? They thought nothing of taking away David Wright's gap power like Samson after a crew cut.
By using a "small market" model, the Wilpons are showing that they're small time. Do whatever you can to get them out of here.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Does Brian Cashman Read This Blog?
HIGH AND TIGHT
So now Brian Cashman, in an effort to deflect attention on his comments regarding the Mets and their use of Pedro Feliciano, has directed that fire at Joe Torre, specifically naming relievers Scott Proctor and Ron Villone as Torre victims.
I was lucky enough to sit in the primo "Giuliani" seats once, and I remember Ron Villone walking off the field looking completely gassed. You could see it in his face. In addition, the GM stated that he personally tried to intervene on Proctor's behalf, as it was Torre's habit to ask the pitcher if he could go, as if he would decline.
Based on the story related by David Wells and Game 5 of the 2003 World Series, it seems that it doesn't even matter if the pitched did say he couldn't go.
I'll bet he could confirm my theory on "The Joba Rules".
So now Brian Cashman, in an effort to deflect attention on his comments regarding the Mets and their use of Pedro Feliciano, has directed that fire at Joe Torre, specifically naming relievers Scott Proctor and Ron Villone as Torre victims.
I was lucky enough to sit in the primo "Giuliani" seats once, and I remember Ron Villone walking off the field looking completely gassed. You could see it in his face. In addition, the GM stated that he personally tried to intervene on Proctor's behalf, as it was Torre's habit to ask the pitcher if he could go, as if he would decline.
Based on the story related by David Wells and Game 5 of the 2003 World Series, it seems that it doesn't even matter if the pitched did say he couldn't go.
I'll bet he could confirm my theory on "The Joba Rules".
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Bonds convicted of...obstruction of justice?
HIGH AND TIGHT
So let me get this straight: after 9 years and millions of dollars spent, the Feds could only convict Barry Bonds of not helping them prove their case? Nice job!
Note to self: always take the 5th!
So let me get this straight: after 9 years and millions of dollars spent, the Feds could only convict Barry Bonds of not helping them prove their case? Nice job!
Note to self: always take the 5th!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
The Unbearable Lightness of Manny being Manny, being Manny, being...
HIGH AND TIGHT
Today is a momentous occasion, the retirement of Manny Ramirez, now of the Tampa Bay Rays. As you know, Manny signed with the Rays at a bargain rate, a testament to their unassailable baseball wisdom and pursuit of all things pure and good.
However...
Sometimes things are a bargain, other times, they're just cheap. Manny had previously served a long suspension for having failed a drug test for female hormones (Manny, next time try cranberry juice), a clear sign of trying to mask PEDs. Now I'm sure the Rays are having major buyer's remorse, as Mr. Ramirez has driven their already difficult transitional season into a ditch by retiring instead of facing the music.
But this all brings me back to that literary classic, The Mitchell Report. You remember the "darkest day in Yankee history", don't you? Here a former US Senator, George Mitchell, a minority owner of the Boston Red Sox, headed a committee investigating PED's in Baseball. The focus of the investigation was Kirk Radomski, New York Mets clubhouse attendant.
Following months of investigation and millions of dollars spent, the only key names in the report were, New York Yankees Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte! Amazing! I recall the media leading with a taint of the Yankees 4 Championships in 5 seasons. I'm not saying they didn't do it, but color me skeptical in the reporting.
Shortly thereafter, Selena Roberts of Sport Illusrated leaked one name, Alex Rodriguez, as being on the list of 104 in the later random test report. As he, and the other 103 who failed were promised anonymity, his rights were violated. Before you take a hard line, be prepared to talk openly to the police without an attorney if you're ever arrested. That's what I thought.
BTW, where was the stand-up guy who failed the test, then came forward to say "A-Rod shouldn't take the heat alone, I failed too"? I'm not holding my breath on that one.
Now mind you, I don't care for their ridiculous stories. A-Rod blamed his cousin "Yuri", and Pettitte threw his Dad under the bus, indicating that he took HGH from his medicine cabinet the way a teenager would steal a condom from his father's dresser. And what he copped to was using it once, to heal an injury. But don't laugh too hard, Hank Aaron made a similar admission regarding "greenies" in his book They Call Me Hammer.
No, I'm not here to bury Caesar, but to wonder if any of the stories on the Red Sox breaking their 86 year "curse" i.e. bad management, in 2004, will ever be atrributed the fact that the new "Ruth and Gehrig" of our generation, Manny Ramirez and David "I don't know how I failed" Ortiz were also caught juicing.
I'll grow old waiting.
Today is a momentous occasion, the retirement of Manny Ramirez, now of the Tampa Bay Rays. As you know, Manny signed with the Rays at a bargain rate, a testament to their unassailable baseball wisdom and pursuit of all things pure and good.
However...
Sometimes things are a bargain, other times, they're just cheap. Manny had previously served a long suspension for having failed a drug test for female hormones (Manny, next time try cranberry juice), a clear sign of trying to mask PEDs. Now I'm sure the Rays are having major buyer's remorse, as Mr. Ramirez has driven their already difficult transitional season into a ditch by retiring instead of facing the music.
But this all brings me back to that literary classic, The Mitchell Report. You remember the "darkest day in Yankee history", don't you? Here a former US Senator, George Mitchell, a minority owner of the Boston Red Sox, headed a committee investigating PED's in Baseball. The focus of the investigation was Kirk Radomski, New York Mets clubhouse attendant.
Following months of investigation and millions of dollars spent, the only key names in the report were, New York Yankees Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte! Amazing! I recall the media leading with a taint of the Yankees 4 Championships in 5 seasons. I'm not saying they didn't do it, but color me skeptical in the reporting.
Shortly thereafter, Selena Roberts of Sport Illusrated leaked one name, Alex Rodriguez, as being on the list of 104 in the later random test report. As he, and the other 103 who failed were promised anonymity, his rights were violated. Before you take a hard line, be prepared to talk openly to the police without an attorney if you're ever arrested. That's what I thought.
BTW, where was the stand-up guy who failed the test, then came forward to say "A-Rod shouldn't take the heat alone, I failed too"? I'm not holding my breath on that one.
Now mind you, I don't care for their ridiculous stories. A-Rod blamed his cousin "Yuri", and Pettitte threw his Dad under the bus, indicating that he took HGH from his medicine cabinet the way a teenager would steal a condom from his father's dresser. And what he copped to was using it once, to heal an injury. But don't laugh too hard, Hank Aaron made a similar admission regarding "greenies" in his book They Call Me Hammer.
No, I'm not here to bury Caesar, but to wonder if any of the stories on the Red Sox breaking their 86 year "curse" i.e. bad management, in 2004, will ever be atrributed the fact that the new "Ruth and Gehrig" of our generation, Manny Ramirez and David "I don't know how I failed" Ortiz were also caught juicing.
I'll grow old waiting.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Soriano Blows a Save, What was left out of "The Torre Years"
Soriano Blows a Save
It happens. I don't care if he didn't talk to the writers. See me after 50 or 60 games, and I'll tell you how the season is going.
HIGH AND TIGHT
I hate books that settle scores, especially when they are ghost-written.
Buck Showalter was the best manager of the Yankees since Billy Martin, but his track record is very similar to Billy's with regard to playing in the sandbox, albeit without all the drinking and carousing. I don't know if you noticed the "tent city" in front of Camden Yards (trust me, it's there) to take the most attractive job in sports, next Manager of the Orioles. That's the guy who after Buck pushes his bosses to can him, gets a ticket to World Series glory with Buck's leftovers. Fourth time's a charm!
Anyway, into the madness that was the end of the 1995 Yankee season, unbeknownst to the NY writers who would later suck up to him, Joe Torre was "Clueless Joe". He turned out to be a calming influence to a very high-strung group, leading them to 5 AL Pennants and 4 World Championships in 6 seasons. Former GM Gene Michael had built a "Money Ball" team of high on-base percentages, even though their cash flow was much greater than the one employed in Oakland.
I will always cherish those years, as the repeat of the traditional Yankee Dynasty had returned in my lifetime. And while "St. Joseph's" calming influence was essential, it was the type of team where the Manager just needed to stay out of the way. Admittedly, Joe wasn't a real "x's and o's" guy, and their run of luck changed as the team aged after the Game 7 loss in 2001. But really, Arizona outplayed the Yankees in every game except the 3rd.
What followed that season was a string of crushing losses, some of which could have been averted. This where I take issue with the book "The Torre Years" co-written by Tom Verducci, generally an excellent writer. Somehow, a real discussion of the following events didn't seem to make the book. I'm not 2nd guessing here, because I am repeating things I said as they were happening. Here we go:
2003: WS Games 4 & 5-
Up 2 games to 1, the game in Miami goes to extra innings. Jeff Weaver, the Yankees worst pitcher is summoned, somehow gets through an inning, and then gives up a lead-off HR to Alez Gonzalez, tying the series. Mariano Rivera, the Yankees best pitcher has not pitched, and in fact, will not see action again in the Series. The explanation in the book was to the effect that: Mo-is-the-closer-I-need-a-save-on-the road-who-will-save-the-game-if-Mo-pitches-any-manager-would-do-this.
Really? Maybe in July, not October. I'll go slowly:
When you are on the road in a Championship situation and reach "last licks" for the home team while tied, any run ends the game. If you believe in your Closer, you take the 2 innings. Who knows, you could score 7 runs in the top of that 3rd inning, and not need a closer. BUT YOU NEED TO GET THERE FIRST. YOU PLAY FOR TODAY!!!
OK, no sweat. We have David Wells going in Game 5. However, Mr. Wells had apparently been telling pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre all day that his back was sore. Wells leaves after 1 inning, and Florida is gifted a 3-2 Series lead when the bullpen implodes. Wells' version is that Joe and Mel threw him under the bus, and I think I know why:
In mid-season, it would have been the 5th day, Andy Pettitte's regular day to pitch. However, this was not the back-up plan, because Andy was not in Florida for the game, HE WAS HOME IN NEW YORK RESTING!!! IT WAS THURSDAY NIGHT! COULDN'T HE HAVE WATCHED HIS TEAM IN THE WORLD SERIES, AND STILL HAVE PITCHED SATURDAY NIGHT?
2004: ALCS Game 6-
Game 7 was very painful. Game 6 was when the Series was lost. Can anyone explain to me again why nobody bunted on Curt Schilling and his bad ankle, you know, to get him moving around a little? Were we too proud? Bonus question: what was the nature of Schilling's last play in that game? ANSWER: He covered 1st on a roller by Bernie Williams, and immediately had to leave the game. One bunt may have altered the Series, and history.
2006: ALDS Game 3-
Kenny Rogers once pitched -- badly -- for the Yankees. Did they think he had skin cancer? We could all see the pine tar on TV.
2007: ALDS Game 2-
Joba is eaten alive by bugs, and nary a peep from Joe. That team should have been pulled from the field, and forced the Umpires and Groundskeepers to deal with it, not a Rookie with 22 MLB innings.
Before "writing" a tell-all, I really would have liked to have heard a little something on these events, as any one was a "firing" offense. There was very little honesty conveyed, and he just portrayed himself as a victim. The book glossed over these occurrences.
The truth is, he just really hung on 3 years too long.
It happens. I don't care if he didn't talk to the writers. See me after 50 or 60 games, and I'll tell you how the season is going.
HIGH AND TIGHT
I hate books that settle scores, especially when they are ghost-written.
Buck Showalter was the best manager of the Yankees since Billy Martin, but his track record is very similar to Billy's with regard to playing in the sandbox, albeit without all the drinking and carousing. I don't know if you noticed the "tent city" in front of Camden Yards (trust me, it's there) to take the most attractive job in sports, next Manager of the Orioles. That's the guy who after Buck pushes his bosses to can him, gets a ticket to World Series glory with Buck's leftovers. Fourth time's a charm!
Anyway, into the madness that was the end of the 1995 Yankee season, unbeknownst to the NY writers who would later suck up to him, Joe Torre was "Clueless Joe". He turned out to be a calming influence to a very high-strung group, leading them to 5 AL Pennants and 4 World Championships in 6 seasons. Former GM Gene Michael had built a "Money Ball" team of high on-base percentages, even though their cash flow was much greater than the one employed in Oakland.
I will always cherish those years, as the repeat of the traditional Yankee Dynasty had returned in my lifetime. And while "St. Joseph's" calming influence was essential, it was the type of team where the Manager just needed to stay out of the way. Admittedly, Joe wasn't a real "x's and o's" guy, and their run of luck changed as the team aged after the Game 7 loss in 2001. But really, Arizona outplayed the Yankees in every game except the 3rd.
What followed that season was a string of crushing losses, some of which could have been averted. This where I take issue with the book "The Torre Years" co-written by Tom Verducci, generally an excellent writer. Somehow, a real discussion of the following events didn't seem to make the book. I'm not 2nd guessing here, because I am repeating things I said as they were happening. Here we go:
2003: WS Games 4 & 5-
Up 2 games to 1, the game in Miami goes to extra innings. Jeff Weaver, the Yankees worst pitcher is summoned, somehow gets through an inning, and then gives up a lead-off HR to Alez Gonzalez, tying the series. Mariano Rivera, the Yankees best pitcher has not pitched, and in fact, will not see action again in the Series. The explanation in the book was to the effect that: Mo-is-the-closer-I-need-a-save-on-the road-who-will-save-the-game-if-Mo-pitches-any-manager-would-do-this.
Really? Maybe in July, not October. I'll go slowly:
When you are on the road in a Championship situation and reach "last licks" for the home team while tied, any run ends the game. If you believe in your Closer, you take the 2 innings. Who knows, you could score 7 runs in the top of that 3rd inning, and not need a closer. BUT YOU NEED TO GET THERE FIRST. YOU PLAY FOR TODAY!!!
OK, no sweat. We have David Wells going in Game 5. However, Mr. Wells had apparently been telling pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre all day that his back was sore. Wells leaves after 1 inning, and Florida is gifted a 3-2 Series lead when the bullpen implodes. Wells' version is that Joe and Mel threw him under the bus, and I think I know why:
In mid-season, it would have been the 5th day, Andy Pettitte's regular day to pitch. However, this was not the back-up plan, because Andy was not in Florida for the game, HE WAS HOME IN NEW YORK RESTING!!! IT WAS THURSDAY NIGHT! COULDN'T HE HAVE WATCHED HIS TEAM IN THE WORLD SERIES, AND STILL HAVE PITCHED SATURDAY NIGHT?
2004: ALCS Game 6-
Game 7 was very painful. Game 6 was when the Series was lost. Can anyone explain to me again why nobody bunted on Curt Schilling and his bad ankle, you know, to get him moving around a little? Were we too proud? Bonus question: what was the nature of Schilling's last play in that game? ANSWER: He covered 1st on a roller by Bernie Williams, and immediately had to leave the game. One bunt may have altered the Series, and history.
2006: ALDS Game 3-
Kenny Rogers once pitched -- badly -- for the Yankees. Did they think he had skin cancer? We could all see the pine tar on TV.
2007: ALDS Game 2-
Joba is eaten alive by bugs, and nary a peep from Joe. That team should have been pulled from the field, and forced the Umpires and Groundskeepers to deal with it, not a Rookie with 22 MLB innings.
Before "writing" a tell-all, I really would have liked to have heard a little something on these events, as any one was a "firing" offense. There was very little honesty conveyed, and he just portrayed himself as a victim. The book glossed over these occurrences.
The truth is, he just really hung on 3 years too long.
Monday, April 4, 2011
NCAA Final Prediction
Since Hoosiers is one of my favorite movies, and that Indiana State Championship Game took in their Fieldhouse, Butler 78, UConn 74.
NEVER pick a basketball game based on a movie!
NEVER pick a basketball game based on a movie!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
1st Game Wrap, Small Sample Size, Chatty Cashman Rant
Tom and I attended the Yankees' 10-6 win over the Tigers yesterday at chilly Yankee Stadium. AJ Burnett pitched decently for his 1st win, but not great. Derek Jeter had his first 2 hits of the season to bring his total to 2,928, Mark Teixeira had his 2nd HR in as many games, and A-Rod and Russell Martin had their 1st Homers of the year, Martin's a pivotal 3-run shot.
I thought this would be as good a moment as any to warn about Small Sample Sizes (SSS), the scourge of both GM's and Fantasy Players. The rule-of-thumb is not to fall in love with players in April and September, as the cold weather, lack of rhythm and unusual roster set-ups (i.e. too many rookies) tend to skew the data.
With that said, after 2 games, Russell Martin's skill set has impressed me. With hope that his surgically repaired joints have healed, what we have seen in two games is a catcher who knows how to take the lead in calling a game, proficiency at blocking balls in the dirt, a good track record in throwing out runners, and at least a notion with a bat in his hand. It is also most refreshing to see a Yankee catcher actually framing pitches. It's clear why both the Yankees and Red Sox had interest.
HIGH AND TIGHT
Now it's time for a little rant: The Godfather is my favorite movie, where the veneer of a movie about the mob that is actually based on the Medici family. It is enriched with nuggets of Sicilian wisdom, which in a book entitled "How To Really Watch The Godfather" that is buried somewhere in my garage were known as The 9 Commandments of The Godfather.
I do not remember all 9, but the most famous is the 1st, "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer". Today's commandment du jour is the 2nd, "Never let anyone outside the family know what you're thinking". And with that, this rant is dedicated to the ever-flapping gums of the Yankees building-rappelling, on the last year of his contract, GM Brian Cashman.
When we last left our erstwhile leader, he was firing a shot across the bow of Mets' Management for their "abusive" handing of Lefty Reliever Pedro Feliciano, whose serious shoulder injury did not seem to have a deterrent effect on his signing by Mr. Cashman. This follows his wink-and-nod to the New York media about Joba Chamberlain arriving to Spring Training "fat".
Justin Louis "Joba" Chamberlain as you may remember arrived to great fanfare in late 2007 when Joe Torre, having again burned out all his bullpen arms, was gifted the Yankees #2 pitching prospect for the stretch. With Chamberlain already on an innings limit, "St. Joseph" was given explicit instructions not to turn him into the next Scott Proctor, Paul Quantrill or Tom Gordon. Much ridiculed at the time, these guidelines known as "The Joba Rules" were actually The Torre Rules. He thus pitched the most famous first 20 innings in baseball history (SSS alert).
The thing to note here is that Joba Chamberlain has never "failed" as a starting pitcher. He is only 25 years old, was very solid as a starter at 22 in 2008, battling Josh Beckett, the best pitcher in the AL at the time, for 8 innings, 1 hit and no runs on a chilly Friday at Fenway, for a 1-0 win. He experienced a loss in velocity in 2009, but was having a decent sophomore season (8-3, 3.70 ERA) until the fateful August 16-25th stretch when he did not pitch at all for 9 days, by design of the Yankee "braintrust".
Upon his arrival back, he gave up 7H/7 ER in 4 innings to Cleveland, and they seemed to have realized that they "might" have fouled him up, because they immediately put him back in the rotation with a pitch count of 60. As with most power pitchers, his tendency was to give up his runs early, and then settle down, so by isolating his worst innings, you can see his ERA steadily rise game-by-game to finish with a poor 4.75. He recovered to get key outs in the post-season when Phil Hughes tired.
Hughes, the pitcher they clearly like better -- and I have no issue with that -- was fast-tracked to a spot in the rotation in 2010, leaving Joba, who pitched only 10 innings in Spring Training (SSS grande!) as a "starter in the bullpen". Again, no issue with this, however, keep in mind that they did something similar with Phil Hughes last year, with very, very similar results. He was an All-Star through July, and a .500 pitcher the rest of the way.
Fast forward to the winter of 2010-2011. Shortly after dressing like one of Santa's elves, Mr. Cashman declared that Joba the starter was gone, and he was now only a reliever. Then came the "fat" comment. Scouts from other teams are waiting anxiously for the Yankees to cut bait so that they can steal him at the MLB minimum salary.
To recap: kid makes a splash as a reliever; kid makes a bigger splash as an elite starter; kid has a decent 2nd season, "mad scientists" manipulate his regimen, screw him up, disavow all knowledge; kid, who was the #2 pitching prospect in baseball in 2008-2009 goes from a potential 200-inning starter to a 60-inning middle reliever, i.e HIS VALUE HAS BEEN BURNED. The Blue Jays had asked for him straight up then for ROY HALLADAY!
What is clear to me when I see Joba Chamberlain, is that either for that DWI, or for something out of line that he said, the Yankees don't like him. He reminds me of Tom Cruise in All The Right Moves, who when he questions the coach's (Craig T. Nelson) ahem, tactics, is thrown off the team, made to ride home on a bus with the cheerleaders, and generally has his life ruined by badmouthing him to College recruiters.
Let's say all of the above regarding Joba is true. I can respect that. How then would Joba The Reliever have the most value as an asset to the New York Yankees? Correct answer: in a trade as a Starting Pitcher.
And how does one accomplish that? Correct answer: when you are auditioning Bartolo Colon, Freddie Garcia and JOHN MONTEFUSCO as starters, just say: Joba is competing for a job in our Starting Rotation.
See how easy that was? A good spring, and Joba is again a trade chip for a quality starter, even though you don't want him.
Remember what happened to Don Corleone when Sonny couldn't keep his mouth shut. Never let anyone outside the family know what you're thinking.
My next rant will include my version of The Torre Years.
I thought this would be as good a moment as any to warn about Small Sample Sizes (SSS), the scourge of both GM's and Fantasy Players. The rule-of-thumb is not to fall in love with players in April and September, as the cold weather, lack of rhythm and unusual roster set-ups (i.e. too many rookies) tend to skew the data.
With that said, after 2 games, Russell Martin's skill set has impressed me. With hope that his surgically repaired joints have healed, what we have seen in two games is a catcher who knows how to take the lead in calling a game, proficiency at blocking balls in the dirt, a good track record in throwing out runners, and at least a notion with a bat in his hand. It is also most refreshing to see a Yankee catcher actually framing pitches. It's clear why both the Yankees and Red Sox had interest.
HIGH AND TIGHT
Now it's time for a little rant: The Godfather is my favorite movie, where the veneer of a movie about the mob that is actually based on the Medici family. It is enriched with nuggets of Sicilian wisdom, which in a book entitled "How To Really Watch The Godfather" that is buried somewhere in my garage were known as The 9 Commandments of The Godfather.
I do not remember all 9, but the most famous is the 1st, "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer". Today's commandment du jour is the 2nd, "Never let anyone outside the family know what you're thinking". And with that, this rant is dedicated to the ever-flapping gums of the Yankees building-rappelling, on the last year of his contract, GM Brian Cashman.
When we last left our erstwhile leader, he was firing a shot across the bow of Mets' Management for their "abusive" handing of Lefty Reliever Pedro Feliciano, whose serious shoulder injury did not seem to have a deterrent effect on his signing by Mr. Cashman. This follows his wink-and-nod to the New York media about Joba Chamberlain arriving to Spring Training "fat".
Justin Louis "Joba" Chamberlain as you may remember arrived to great fanfare in late 2007 when Joe Torre, having again burned out all his bullpen arms, was gifted the Yankees #2 pitching prospect for the stretch. With Chamberlain already on an innings limit, "St. Joseph" was given explicit instructions not to turn him into the next Scott Proctor, Paul Quantrill or Tom Gordon. Much ridiculed at the time, these guidelines known as "The Joba Rules" were actually The Torre Rules. He thus pitched the most famous first 20 innings in baseball history (SSS alert).
The thing to note here is that Joba Chamberlain has never "failed" as a starting pitcher. He is only 25 years old, was very solid as a starter at 22 in 2008, battling Josh Beckett, the best pitcher in the AL at the time, for 8 innings, 1 hit and no runs on a chilly Friday at Fenway, for a 1-0 win. He experienced a loss in velocity in 2009, but was having a decent sophomore season (8-3, 3.70 ERA) until the fateful August 16-25th stretch when he did not pitch at all for 9 days, by design of the Yankee "braintrust".
Upon his arrival back, he gave up 7H/7 ER in 4 innings to Cleveland, and they seemed to have realized that they "might" have fouled him up, because they immediately put him back in the rotation with a pitch count of 60. As with most power pitchers, his tendency was to give up his runs early, and then settle down, so by isolating his worst innings, you can see his ERA steadily rise game-by-game to finish with a poor 4.75. He recovered to get key outs in the post-season when Phil Hughes tired.
Hughes, the pitcher they clearly like better -- and I have no issue with that -- was fast-tracked to a spot in the rotation in 2010, leaving Joba, who pitched only 10 innings in Spring Training (SSS grande!) as a "starter in the bullpen". Again, no issue with this, however, keep in mind that they did something similar with Phil Hughes last year, with very, very similar results. He was an All-Star through July, and a .500 pitcher the rest of the way.
Fast forward to the winter of 2010-2011. Shortly after dressing like one of Santa's elves, Mr. Cashman declared that Joba the starter was gone, and he was now only a reliever. Then came the "fat" comment. Scouts from other teams are waiting anxiously for the Yankees to cut bait so that they can steal him at the MLB minimum salary.
To recap: kid makes a splash as a reliever; kid makes a bigger splash as an elite starter; kid has a decent 2nd season, "mad scientists" manipulate his regimen, screw him up, disavow all knowledge; kid, who was the #2 pitching prospect in baseball in 2008-2009 goes from a potential 200-inning starter to a 60-inning middle reliever, i.e HIS VALUE HAS BEEN BURNED. The Blue Jays had asked for him straight up then for ROY HALLADAY!
What is clear to me when I see Joba Chamberlain, is that either for that DWI, or for something out of line that he said, the Yankees don't like him. He reminds me of Tom Cruise in All The Right Moves, who when he questions the coach's (Craig T. Nelson) ahem, tactics, is thrown off the team, made to ride home on a bus with the cheerleaders, and generally has his life ruined by badmouthing him to College recruiters.
Let's say all of the above regarding Joba is true. I can respect that. How then would Joba The Reliever have the most value as an asset to the New York Yankees? Correct answer: in a trade as a Starting Pitcher.
And how does one accomplish that? Correct answer: when you are auditioning Bartolo Colon, Freddie Garcia and JOHN MONTEFUSCO as starters, just say: Joba is competing for a job in our Starting Rotation.
See how easy that was? A good spring, and Joba is again a trade chip for a quality starter, even though you don't want him.
Remember what happened to Don Corleone when Sonny couldn't keep his mouth shut. Never let anyone outside the family know what you're thinking.
My next rant will include my version of The Torre Years.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Our 1st Yankee game of the season today
Fairly consistently since 1999, we've had 2 seats on a Yankee Saturday Plan, which now consists of 15 games, as they add a couple. One of them is a Thursday afternoon in warm weather, which I love.
This plan was originally vested with a 1 game/round playoff option. While that was removed when the new Stadium opened, we were then put in a presale where I have been able to get even better postseason seats in each round, including Field Level by the RF foul pole for Game 2 of the 2009 World Series.
Here's a shock to all you haters: the seats don't cost $2,500 per, but $70. We have decent seats down the RF line in the Main Level, right near the escalator and the Yankee Museum. We are under cover, sit in the first section with a TV monitor, and have a beer kiosk right behind our seats.
Here's to a great 2011!
This plan was originally vested with a 1 game/round playoff option. While that was removed when the new Stadium opened, we were then put in a presale where I have been able to get even better postseason seats in each round, including Field Level by the RF foul pole for Game 2 of the 2009 World Series.
Here's a shock to all you haters: the seats don't cost $2,500 per, but $70. We have decent seats down the RF line in the Main Level, right near the escalator and the Yankee Museum. We are under cover, sit in the first section with a TV monitor, and have a beer kiosk right behind our seats.
Here's to a great 2011!
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