Mets' crash landing

AP Photo/Kathy Willens The Mets made history today. Here are some notes taken while listening to the radio broadcast:

• Tom Glavine, who said he was "thrilled" to pitch in this game allows 7 runs in 1/3rd of an inning. I don't have the stats on the worst big game, by a future Hall of Famer, in history, but this has to be it.
• Savvy veteran Castillo makes a serious mental blunder on the bases. Announcer Howie Ross, commendably, lambastes the play, "What was he thinking."
• Mets down 7 to 1, 4Th inning, analyst says: "If the Nationals can come back and beat the Phils it will cancel out all the bad stuff that's happened." No it won't--not even close.
• Jose Reyes, the exuberant face of the Mets' future is serenaded by boos after making out in the 4TH. His perpetual smile has been replaced with morose head shaking. Coaching legend, Rickey Henderson, brought in by Omar Minaya to help mentor Reyes, has made a big difference (note: Jose has gone 15 days without a stolen base.) NY Papers have noted stories that Rickey is back being Rickey as unofficial "card playing coach." It brings back memories of the infamous Bobby Bonilla--the Amazin's legacy grows.
• The offense strands 9 runners in 4 innings--a total team effort.
• I switch to TV for the grand finale. Castillo flails at strike three to end the epic pratfall.
• As the camera pans the stands looking for grieving fans (there are a few left,) Carlos Delgado is quoted: "We are so good, sometimes we get bored."--Amazin.
  

Mets talk the talk

Cliches are a big part of baseball. The Mets have everything on the line today and are preparing by saying what their supposed to say. Here's an excerpt from the New York Post:
"A few days ago, I was hoping [today's] game wouldn't mean a thing, that I'd throw an inning or two just to get my work in," said Tom Glavine, who will start this afternoon for the Mets, getting the ball for one more enormous start.
"Now," he said, "I'm thrilled that it means everything."
I believe what Glavine meant to say is, "Are you kidding me? Do you guys know how old I am?"Should he lose this game, thrilled might not be the appropriate description.

"There's nothing like this," Willie Randolph, the Mets manager, said when his game was over. "This is what it's all about, playing this late in the season with everything on the line. That's why you play this game, son. That's why you do what we do."
Well, it's true that in baseball history there has been nothing quite like this--losing a 7 game lead that fast has never been done. Willie is probably having a flash back to 1978 when his Yankee team came from way back to put everything on the line. Giving the lead away, so that the last game of the year is now crucial, is not quite as admirable.

Mets' misery

photo/Newsday You wouldn't wish the Mets' mess on your worst enemy. Making history, going belly-up, against bad teams, in front of a tabloid media mob, has no upside. There is plenty of blame to go around. Willie Randolph has a target on his chest but the primary problem rests with the foundation that Omar Minaya acquired.

The Yanks have proven, you can't purchase a pitching staff--there's not enough raw material available on the market. The Mets, looking to gain instant credibility and reap the harvest of their own TV network and new stadium deal decided to try what their crosstown rival couldn't do. Here's the recipe: A) Pedro--has the Rolls Royce name and the Yugo arm. A four-year contract got him to sign but it was just a matter of time until he broke down. B) Glavine--looks like the guy who pitched great in Atlanta but the Braves didn't let him walk because they knew he would get better. C) El Duque--has a winning pedigree but the Yanks didn't let him go twice by accident D) Perez--big potential, erratic execution ( as demonstrated by last nights tri-fecta of hit-batsmen in a crucial situation. E) The bullpen has a one inning closer with a bridge to nowhere supporting cast.

Rick Peterson got what he could from this motley crew but it was a matter of time until the leaks started. Knowing this potential, did Omar Minaya fortify the roster by the deadline? or did he take the Division for granted and decide to roll the dice in the soft NL postseason? The answer is obvious and that's on him. Apparently, Willie Randolph will take the brunt of the heat and clearly some of that is warranted. But, bottom line, Omar Minaya should stand up and remind everyone--he built this sinking ship.

Baseball's surpise ending

photo/USA TODAY

I just spent two days in an area of South Jersey that is dominated by Philadelphia fans. It was fun watching baseball games surrounded by fans who were vociferously rooting for their team while simultaneously praying for the continued collapse of the Mets. As a Yankee fan on a weeks baseball vacation, while my team rests the weary, it was enjoyable getting re-charged by the zealous mob of Phanatics.

The conclusion of the NL East season is another example of how completely unpredictable this season has been. No sane person would have considered the Phillies a threat to the Mets, as recently as Sept. 12Th they trailed by 7 games and are managed by Charlie Manuel--as the song says: "If the thunder don't get ya the lightning will."

Now, if momentum means anything in this sport anymore, the Phils have the edge. They are surrounded by a mob of hungry, appreciative fans while the Mets get to deal with Gotham's media and it's jilted fans. It should be Amazin to watch.

Bomber's brutal bullpen

photo/Yahoo sportsIt didn't take long to find out what Joe Torre really feels about the AL East division race. For months, we have been told that all the Yanks care about is the division. Well, actions speak louder than words. The following pitchers were used in last night's crucial game: Igawa, Ramirez, Bruney, Villone, Farnsworth, Veras and Karstens. It was a parade of mediocrity (I'm being generous.) In the last 30 games, Rivera and Joba have an ERA of .90, the rest of the beleaguered bullpen have an ERA approaching 9.00.

Torre decided to give his productive guys a night off and audition the usual suspects for postseason. It was the prudent thing to do. The Yanks have a cushion for the wild-card-- getting the pitching set for the playoffs is the right move. But, let's not pretend that the division race means much.

Baseball's wild-card conundrum

The wild-card in baseball generally receives kudos. The consensus is that having as many teams as possible involved in the pennant race is a good thing. The problem is it takes much of the steam out of the division race. Case in point is the AL East race. The Yanks have a chance to overcome the biggest deficit in AL history--14 1/2 games. The Red Sox, get to relive the collapse 0f 1978 when they blew a 14 game lead.

Times and formats have changed. In 1978 it was life and death to the rabid fan, the loser goes home. This time the Sox have wild-card insurance--they are in no matter what. Their fans would be disappointed they didn't win their first division crown in 12 years but it would soon be forgotten should they prosper in the playoffs.

The managers of the two squads are in an awkward position. They will say that winning the division is the priority but will their actions back up the rhetoric. Should the Sox rest an injured nucleus or ride them to the end? Does Joe Torre pitch the Great Rivera and Joba everyday or does he make sure they are rested and ready? The four teams competing for the AL crown are evenly matched. The eventual winner will need every edge it can get. Is getting home field more important than having a rested rotation? We get the answers this week.

Baseball's parity

Photo/Newsday " The playoffs are a crap shoot."--Joe Torre

After 154 games, it's clear that there are no great teams. Parity (mediocrity?) rules. The finalists, for the season's championship run, all have glaring flaws.

You want to analyze this quagmire? Let's take a look at a key component of any champion team--the bullpen bridge to the closer. The Yanks are totally dependent on a 21 year old Wonder boy. The army of arms surrounding him aren't up to the job. The Red Sox went out and acquired the big ticket arm, to put them over the top, instead, it may have buried them. Even the always formidable Angels have questions in this area. These teams are shaky; the Mets are scary as a rickety bridge leads to a closer with back spasms. What about the Indians? their GM Mark Shapiro tells the New York Times, " There are few guys you can count on... it's the most volatile since I've been around." Pat Gillick says, " Relief pitching is as bad as I've seen." This years champ may well be the team that blows the smallest number of leads.

Bud Selig prefers the parity model used by the NFL. The concept is if no team is great everyone has a chance. Personally, I miss the great teams. Baseball history is built on greatness and upsets. Having a postseason inundated with mediocrity just doesn't measure up.

Yanks roll dice with future

Joba Chamberlain dominated again last night: two innings, no runs, 4 consecutive strikeouts of over-matched hitters. Yankee fans want to believe that he is the first in a long line of young pitchers that will lay the foundation to another dynasty. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Let's not forget that before Chamberlain there was a long list of rookies that couldn't do the job: Wright, Clippard, De Salvo, Igawa, Henn, Karstens are easily forgotten.

The newest version of Brian Cashman's plan is to throw untested rookies into the pennant race fire while simultaneously trying to protect them. Ian Kennedy, another promising prodigy delivered 3 solid starts. He was just pulled from the rotation with a sore shoulder. The heralded Phil Hughes spent extensive time on the DL and has been mediocre since being activated. But, Joba rules, he is the beacon of light to the Bomber's future and he is protected by stringent rules laid down by pitching guru Nardi Contreras.

Apparently, protecting Joba's future, is subject to change. The New York Times, in an article titled, " Yankees may bend limits for Chamberlain," quotes Joe Torre as saying there are ongoing conversations within the organization to change the parameters of the infamous "Joba rules." The bottom line is he is the only reliable set-up man to the Great Rivera (what does that say about the assembled pitching staff?)

Last year the Florida Marlins rode an impressive array of young arms to respectability. This year, they returned to the cellar, as many of their young guns had injury issues. Former manager Joe Girardi said, "They protected them the best they could." Let's hope that the Yanks don't have to issue a similar statement next year.

Pennant race Armageddon

photo: Newsday The pennant race pressure is not evenly distributed. It's not easy being a front runner, when the going gets tough--ask the Red Sox and Mets. They are supposed to win, there are no excuses. The Yanks usually deal with this expectation. However, this year the roles are reversed.

The underdog can just focus on winning today's game. The favorite has to deal with an angry mob of fans who were already counting their chickens before they hatched. The Sox and Mets are having a tough time dealing with the pressure. They are still the favorites--it just doesn't feel like it. Should either team do a complete pratfall, they get to deal with infamy--chokes of legendary proportions.

Here are some quotes, that put it in perspective:
"We've got work. We cannot get caught up in what people will assume is a foregone conclusion."--Joe Torre

"If I told you I wasn't worried. I'd be lying."--Moises Alou

"This is not Armageddon to us."--Willie Randolph (I'd like to see Willie convince rabid Mets or Red Sox fans.)

Surviving baseball's marathon

The baseball season is a long, arduous, battle of the fittest--only the strong survive. It's a marathon not a sprint. The Yankees got out of the gate slow--unprecedented injuries to their vulnerable pitching staff, combined with poor, underachieving production, led them to a 14 1/2 game deficit to a healthy, productive Red Sox squad.

The final lap in the race is under way and the tide has turned. Youth has bolstered the Bomber roster while the Sox are falling apart--physically and mentally. Injuries have a way of evening out and now it's Boston's turn to deal with it--Ramirez, Ortiz, Youkilis, Wakefield are hurting while their imports from the far east look tired. The stress has drained some of their competitive juices as they appear listless at times. Papelbon was quoted as saying he couldn't focus 100% while on the mound during a game that would have bolstered the Sox lead. Team captain Varitek said the team really needed the energy provided by Youk. getting hit on the wrist. They have lost 2 straight since the artificial energy infusion.

Boston will stagger to the gate and be crowned AL East champion for the first time in twelve years (if they don't hide the razor blades from the infamous Fenway faithful.) It's hard to see them going far in the post season. They should win the battle but lose the war--only the strong survive.

Sox bounce back

The Red Sox woke up from their nightmare and buried the Yanks. Josh Beckett and aggressive base running were the key ingredients. Give them credit, they will win their first AL East crown,in 12 years, the old fashion way--they earned it. In Gotham, a division championship evokes a yawn, in Beantown visions of grandeur echo in their long-suffering minds.

The last weeks of the season continue to provide the erratic play and glimpses of a bright future that have been witnessed all year. The soft Yankee bullpen was salvaged by a 21 year old kid, providing them credibility, on days the phenom doesn't pitch, we are reminded how vulnerable they are. The Red Sox lose their cleanup hitter for the stretch drive while their high-priced deluxe import springs leaks. They respond by bringing up a rookie who promptly throws a no hitter and another kid who provides a needed spark. It's been a strange year and the playoffs promise more of the same.

Yanks/Sox redux

GAME 1: A slop fest played at the pace of a dripping faucet. The 2ND longest 9 inning game in history--seemed longer. Giambi did everything in his power to give the Sox a win, they weren't capable of taking it.

Some random thoughts:

• Dice-K looks more like Hideki Irabu (pronounced I Rob U) every day. They both were dominant Japanese pitchers. Irabu was supposed to be Nolan Ryan. Will be interesting to see if Dice-K can keep the confidence up since it's obvious he's just another mediocre pitcher.
• J.D Drew's passivity is in stark contrast to Youk's aggression.
• Beckett will have to win multiple starts in each playoff series in order for Sox to have any chance for another ring.
• It would not be a major upset to see an ALCS match up of Angels/Indians.
• The "Joba" rules prohibited Torre from using Chamberlain last night, with Farnsworth sitting out yet another game with a stiff neck, the result was a rare appearance by Veras, followed by the erratic Bruney and the gimpy Vizcaino. It is a miracle the Yanks won this game. The Sox will still win the division but their confidence has to be shaky.

GAME 2:

• Beckett gives up a homer to Jeter in the 1st. He has given up 15 taters all year, 6 in the last 5 games. Could he be reverting to last season's form? (most HRS given up in the AL) Yankee fans can only hope.
• Surprised to hear Sox are sub-.500 team in 1 run games, considering their re-tooling with pitching and defense.
• Youk. gets plunked on the wrist, replays clearly show he hangs over the plate and moves in similar to another frequently hit batter--Derek Jeter. Of course, the thin skinned Fenway faithful, over-react on cue.
• Hinske barrels over a plate blocking Posada. A clean, aggressive, tough play. Posada handles himself like the pro he is. The runner is out. The crowd applauds Jorge's class act.
• Beckett predictably plunks Giambi as payback for Youk. This Yankee fan hopes the Giambino will be out for the year thus improving the team--no such luck.
• Brian Bruney did a great job last year. Everyone wondered why Arizona would give away such a live arm. This year's erratic performance led to a minor league demotion. Since his call-up he has facial hair (against team policy) covering a constant scowl. Looks like a man who knows his pinstriped days are numbered.
• The Sox have built a lead that not even they can squander. Wild card here we come.

Yanks' pitching strategy

The playoffs loom on the horizon and the Yanks try to stabilize the pitching. Wang, Pettitte, Joba and Rivera are set, everything else is a work in progress. Mike Mussina was reincarnated last night as a productive pitcher. Roger is back from hiatus and 2 cortisone shots to his 45 year old elbow will, hopefully, buy a few productive starts. If not, Hughes and Kennedy get more on the job training while they try to master consistency and win vital September games simultaneously.

Joe Torre has a lot of incomplete pieces to fit together. Torre is a Hall of Fame manager but his Achilles heal has always been deploying the arms at his disposal. Case in point--last night Joba comes in 7TH inning and does his thing, dominates the opposition. Now, if you pull out your copy of the Joba rules, as handed down to Brian Cashman from minor league pitching guru Nardi Contreras, it says 1 inning 1 day off, 2 innings 2 days off. Let's see, if Joba held to 1 inning last night available for 2/3 with Red Sox well it's a no brainer--go to the army of rested relievers and have someone else pitch the 8th. Joe decides to let the kid pitch the 8Th. So now, if Farnsworth and Rivera used today, game 1 in Fenway, no Joba or Farnsworth just a rusty, gimpy Viscaino to set up for 37 year old Mo (who would be working for 3rd straight game.)

Well, it's never boring or easy.

Red Sox hype

Was Watching ,links to an article by Dan Perry, at Fox, titled : "Bo Sox have baseball's best organization." Here's an excerpt:

"In some senses, it's fitting that the Boston Red Sox have the best record in baseball. They are, after all, the model organization in the game today.
This may sound like a strange thing to say about a team that hasn't won a division title since 1995. However, from top to bottom there's no organization that's as smart, efficient, dedicated and forward-thinking as the Red Sox. This season, they're on pace for 97 wins, they've clinched their 10th straight winning campaign, and they're also the odds-on favorites to win their second World Series in the last four seasons. In other words, right now the Sox are ascendant in every way."



The analysis leaves out a few details: 1) the Sox missed the playoffs last year, add this to, "This may sound like a strange thing to say about a team that hasn't won a division since 1995." and the fact that they have 1 ring. I guess that results don't figure in the equation. 2) They spent 200 million on J.D Drew, Julio Lugo and Dice-K--shrewd decision making? 3) How many shortstops have they had since they let the stellar Cabrerra go? 4) Hanley Ramirez plays where?
5) the brilliant GM resigned in a power struggle when?


" they're odds on favorites to win their 2ND World Series in 4 years"--yeah, if you overlook : Angels, Yanks, Indians, Mets. The Sox are as good as any of the other contenders, to say they are odds on favorites at a time when Beckett is the only sure thing in the starting rotation and Ramirez is hurt is ludicrous.

The Red Sox have done many commendable things the last few years and are a formidable rival to the Bronx Bombers. But in order to be called the best they have to produce championship caliber results over a long period of time--they have a long way to go. Earn respect the old fashion way--just earn it.

Cashman's perspective

River Ave. Blues links to an interview Brian Cashman gave to WCBS. It is a detailed informative discussion that answers some questions I've had regarding Brian's plan. It is encouraging to read a forthright presentation of Cashman's perspective.

Here's a section of particular interest:

"You’re not afraid to take risks if there is a high-ceiling pitcher out there with arm problems and you can’t worry if it doesn’t work out."
"That’s correct. There are two players that the jury is out on but are examples. Andrew Brackman, NC State, 6’ 10”, right-handed starter who eventually wound up having Tommy John surgery here. We knew going into the draft that he had some elbow problems; we were picking 30Th in the 1st round. But the difference in the talent at the back of the first round compared to the front of the round was pretty significant in our evaluation. Andrew Brackman healthy would have been a top 5 pick. In the first round, Andrew Brackman with an elbow issue fell to 30. Therefore, we asked ourselves would we rather have the high-ceiling of someone with an elbow injury that historically can be successfully corrected? Or should we go with a more conservative pick, someone with considerably lesser talent, not as high of a ceiling but healthy….we went for Door # 1.
And the same thing with the Gary Sheffield trade. We acquired Humberto Sanchez and we knew we were getting someone with an elbow issue who might need Tommy John surgery. But the type of ability Sanchez has you can’t find unless you give up a Gary Sheffield type. So again we went with the high-ceiling type. We will find out over time if these decisions will work out for us but those are some examples of our aggressiveness, going for the higher talent."

I have questioned the acquisition of seriously injured young players that require a surgical procedure that typically requires 18mos of rehab. In other words, their development program starts 1 1/2 years from now. The fact is the Yankees have the resources to roll the dice. How many organizations would have given Brackman a 4+ million bonus with the hope that he could recover and develop and produce in a few years, if they knew he needed surgery. The fact is Brian has a lot of cards his competitors don't and can take risks they wouldn't dream of.

Cashman has demonstrated this year that a long line of prospects can fail but if you find one jewel--Joba--all is forgiven. He is playing a game with a stacked deck. Baseball is a game of failure. A hitter who makes out 7 out of 10 times is a star. A GM with huge financial resources can strike-out 9 out of ten and have a shrewd plan.

A-Rod conquers Gotham

What a difference a year makes. Last season, Alex Rodriquez, the most accomplished 31 year old player in history was hounded by media and fans. Every flaw, real or imagined scrutinized and dissected. The fact that he was coming off an MVP year didn't matter.

He entered this season with an alleged reputation as a non-clutch, selfish player who was not liked by his teammates. He responded by producing one of the best seasons in MLB history. It's amusing to see the bandwagon-jumping fans now chant MVP in unison. There is no debate that he will win his second MVP in three seasons in pinstripes. The tabloid media mob has moved on to other targets. His teammates are clearly relishing and relying on his dominant performances.

The story isn't finished, however. That pesky opt out clause that his agent Scott Boras (the A-Rod of agents) negotiated is still hanging like a guillotine over the Bomber's brass's heads. Bob Klappich reports that A-Rod will opt out:
"The Yankees have no choice but to write the largest check ever, and sources indicate the club is leaning toward a preemptive strike, offering Alex Rodriguez a massive deal before he has the chance to opt out.
Smart move; it puts the onus squarely on A-Rod. But he's still opting out. And the Yankees still will have to chase him, and write an even bigger check. What choice do they have?"

Scott Boras vs. Brian Cashman, with the Yankee future at stake, this will be an interesting off season. There is an old expression: " to the conqueror go the spoils." Alex must feel like the cat that swallowed the canary.

Lupica's misguided rants

Mike Lupica writes for the New York Daily News. His weekly column "Shooting from the Lip" features Mike's opinions on a variety of subjects. I read the column because, growing up, I would read the Daily News' Dick Young who featured a column of similar style and content. The column would consistently rip my inept Yanks (the "Horace Clark era") it made me angry--but I would go out of my way to read it. Now a few decades later, hip deep in the tabloid era, Lupica tries to recreate Young's methods.



Apparently, the formula works. Lupica's column has been around for years and is published every Sunday. My perspective has changed. I used to give instant credibility to sportswriters. Unfortunately, a lot of material written or broadcast doesn't deserve credibility. Some of Lupica's rants don't hold up to any type of prudent analysis. Here's one from this week:



"If the Yankees had lost Derek Jeter at the end of August and the beginning of September the way the Red Sox have lost Manny Ramirez with an oblique injury - and has there ever been a more fitting injury than that for Manny of Washington Heights? - there'd be talk of Purple Hearts all around, right?"

Well actually, the correct response would be no. Comparing Jeter to Manny is laughable. There is a reason the Sox made Varitek captain and put Ramirez on waivers. The Yankee captain's track record speaks for itself. Suggesting the Yank's exaggerate injuries while the Sox bravely carry on is not worthy of detailed comment. The problem Lupica has is he has an agenda to fill. The Yank's are to be constantly criticized while the Mets and Red Sox complimented whenever possible. Occasionally he'll write a misdirection but it all heads back to the same tired theme.



Last season we read, endlessly, that the Yank's bloated payroll, was the whole story while the Mets were shrewdly building for the future. He actually wrote that Reyes/Wright were superior to A-Rod/Jeter. Of course the facts are: A) the Mets bought virtually every key component of their team (Reyes and Wright are the notable exception--2 excellent players developed through the farm system) B) The Yank's system produced a dynasty and recently has produced Wang, Cano, Cabrera. Trying to maintain dominance while re-tooling is expensive. This season, Lupica was on the Sox bandwagon while the Yank's auditioned 8 rookie starting pitchers. The fact that the lead has shrunk from 14 1/2 games to 5 1/2 is excuse worthy--Manny missed a couple of weeks. His replacement is hitting .400 but why quibble.


There are countless examples of erroneous, pretzel-logic based commentary that show up on a weekly basis in Mike's column. I would urge any sports fan, with a sense of humor, to read it.

Joba Chamberlain becomes part of Yankee history

Long-time Yankee fans are spoiled by the riches provided by the most successful sports franchise in history. We take for granted the winning and the lineage of legends that produced all those pennant races that culminated in 26 World Championships.

Joba Chamberlain's dad, Harlan, put it all in perspective. The New YorkTimes quotes him:

"I’m just as proud as I can be for him to be a part of such a storied organization," he said. "The thing that touches me the most, when he’s in the dugout, to think he can be with Jeter and Canó and all these people. This is where Babe Ruth played, and Joe DiMaggio. I grew up on Mantle and Maris. My son is a part of all that."

We are all "part of all that" and very fortunate. Looking at the big picture, makes losing a particular game or series trivial. Given my new appreciation and perspective, I'll try not to grouse, or second guess, until at least the next article. Once a Yankee fan always a Yankee fan.

Yankee notes

I'm a pessimist by nature. It can put a damper on enthusiasm, but when it comes to analyzing young pitchers, closer to the truth than pie-in-the-sky hype. In other words, I'm not expecting miracles this season from Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy (Joba is in a different category--wonder boy.)

Last night, provided a glimpse of how promising the future can be. Hughes featured an overpowering fastball and nasty hook. The control is a work in progress and hopefully the change up becomes a routine part of the arsenal. Bottom line--he has the tools, just needs the experience.

Some notes:

• Why didn't the Yanks call up a 3RD string catcher when the rosters expanded? In lopsided games it gives them the needed flexibility to give Posada a much needed rest. Seeing him in at the end of an 11-1 blowout in September doesn't make sense.
• The New York Times reported today that Luis Vizcaino had an MRI on his shoulder yesterday. The overworked reliever is the latest in a long-line of relievers over-used by Joe Torre.
• Joba Chamberlain is establishing himself as a unique individual. Most pitchers sit silently on the bench between innings, on nights they pitch. This kid is a cartoon character as he bounces all over the place. Confidence and stuff is clearly not in short supply. It helps not to take things too seriously.
  

Posada takes charge

It's no secret that if the Yanks have any chance of making a dent in the postseason, Wang and Pettitte have to win virtually every start. With this in mind, why would Torre leave Wang in an 11-1 blowout game to pitch the 8Th inning? The bullpen was rested. I don't get it.



The New York Post, in an article titled: "Most Valuable Posada" quotes Jorge:



Posada taking charge on the field by stepping in to prevent Wang from continuing when his back stiffened up in the eighth after he'd sat on the bench through a half-hour, seven-run, bottom of the seventh.
"I was not going to let him pitch," Posada said of Wang, lifted by Joe Torre at the catcher's insistence after pitching coach Guidry had visited the mound. "He wasn't ready to pitch that inning. He wasn't loose.
"The two pitches he threw; he didn't look right, so I told the dugout to come out. He's too valuable. We can't afford to lose him. I wasn't going to risk it."



Jorge clearly did the right thing but why would he be put in that situation? Torre has a history of burning out pitchers. In some cases--Tanyon Sturtz, Scott Proctor, Ron Villone-- it was to save a worn out bullpen, they took one for the team on many occasions. Since Proctor left, Vizcaino has taken his place as the constant go to guy, regardless of the circumstances. He has been brought in numerous times when the game was out of hand and anyone could have pitched. Don't know if its a coincidence but his recent performances have been lackluster.



Joe Torre is a Hall of Fame manager. The fact that Cashman chose to have minor league pitching instructor Nardi Contreras set up the" Joba " rules, to protect the kids future, is telling. Last night Posada stepped in and put his foot down--somebody had to do it.

Yankee roller coaster

"Anyone that tries to predict what will happen in this game is crazy"--Reggie Jackson

The above quote was attributed to Reggie, a few decades ago. Not much has changed. Analyzing this baseball season will leave a sane man befuddled.

Back in March, I wrote an article titled;"Yankee starters not good enough." Legit champion aspirations require strong pitching. Most organizations would be thrilled to compete for a wild card and just earn a playoff berth. Yankee history has set the bar higher. Anything less than a ring is coming up short.

The season started worse than anyone could imagine. A plethora of injuries resulted in a smorgasbord of not ready for prime time players (apologies to Saturday Night Live.) Eight rookie starting pitchers--the most since 1907--sums it up.

A solid Red Sox team played well and built a 14 1/2 game lead. The wild card was 9 games and several teams away. I wrote in April that a youth movement was needed and suggested that the Bombers re-enlist Buck Showalter to replace the teetering Cashman.

Just as all seemed lost, the team finally started to play to its ability, the injured healed and produced. The teams leading the pack cooperated by turning in months of mediocre performances.

The pennant race that resulted is painful to watch. Consistency is not in the mix. There aren't any great teams. Yankee fans were spoiled by the recent dynasty, when quality performance became routine. Watching a mediocre Yankee team, try to rebuild on the fly, while competing for a consolation prize is not legacy worthy. Fortunately, the casting call for the future (aka youth movement) is providing a glimmer of hope--for next year.

Yanks rewarded with Angels

The Seattle Mariners start a big three game series, at the Stadium, today. The coveted Wild Card consolation prize, will be up for grabs. The Bombers claim, in cliched quotes, that the division is their priority. It appears that Yankee skipper, Joe Torre, may have another team floating in his subconscious.

The New York Daily News, quotes Torre:

"Postseason's a crapshoot, but again, it's up to the people who have to make the decision what they want to use as criteria," said Torre, who turned 67 in July. "Fair or unfair, I know that (reaching the) postseason the first five years, we won four World Series. It was not a comfortable thing to do, because it's a fragile place to be. We were very lucky. But if that's what the criteria's going to be, so be it. I can't change that, no matter what I say."

Joe is lobbying for a contract extension. He makes 7 million a year based on beating the postseason odds those first 5 years. The odds indicate the Yanks will not win the division but will gain a ticket to the playoffs via the Wild Card. The prize for going through the back door--the Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem, best of 5, without home field. The Angels are the Yankees daddys (as Pedro might say.) Joe thinks winning 4 rings in 5 years "was not comfortable thing to do, because it's a fragile place to be." Should the Yanks flame out in the first round or worse, not win the Wild Card, fragile doesn't begin to describe his managerial future.

Yanks' future is now

Photo courtesy of Newsday

To describe this baseball season as unique would be an understatement. We are witnessing an infusion of young players, at critical moments, that has to be unprecedented. The Bombers auditioned their latest prodigy, at the Stadium yesterday. Ian Kennedy, with a style eerily reminiscent of a young Moose Mussina, produced a strong, professional outing.

Kennedy's strong debut was not a routine rookie performance. Peter Abraham writes:

"Their names are Tyler Clippard, Matt DeSalvo, Phil Hughes, Kei Igawa, Jeff Karstens, Darrell Rasner and Chase Wright. They are the rookies the Yankees have tried as starting pitchers this season. It is a uniformally unlucky bunch. Outside of Hughes, all are now in the minor leagues or on the disabled list. In 42 starts they have an ERA of 6.62 and only 9 victories."

The Yankees don't get the luxury of rebuilding at a snails pace like the small market teams. Winning and retooling a veteran roster simultaneously is a monumental task. Fortunately, Brian Cashman has resources available that most organizations don't.

The math is on the Yankees side, if 8 fail and 2 succeed, the equation works. I had forgotten many of the names on the above list because of the brilliance of Joba, the exuberance of Duncan and now the promise of Kennedy.

The New York hype machine can produce stars quickly, but fame can be fleeting. This from the New York Post:

" The Yankees may have been relying on the wrong first-round pick to fit into their pitching rotation.
A day after 2004 first-rounder Phil Hughes delivered his latest flop, 2006 first-rounder Ian Kennedy made an impressive major league debut..."

As the Yankees continue to audition their future, during a pennant race, success becomes a sink or swim proposition--just ask Phil Hughes.