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".
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