The Mets' season turned around when a player got emotional on the field when he thought he would have to leave the team. Last night, a player got emotional in the dugout when he thought he would have to leave the game. Unfortunately, Matt Harvey did not get the storybook ending Wilmer Flores got when he hit a walkoff homer two nights after thinking he had been traded. But the passion and determination of an outclassed Mets team to get to the World Series and put up a good fight against the Kansas City Royals made 2015 a memorable season.
Though the Mets went down in the series four games to one, the two teams were a lot more evenly matched than the final result would indicate. After all, the Mets had the lead in the ninth inning twice and the eight inning once in three of their losses. But when the other team comes back to win that many times, you have to acknowledge that they were the better team and more deserving of victory.
Dominant starting pitching backed by good hitting can get you to the World Series even if your defense is shaky, your bullpen is questionable, and your manager makes mistakes. But there's little margin for error against a team like the Royals, and even one of the most dominant pitching performances in Mets postseason history could not save them last night.
I liked the idea of Harvey coming out for the ninth, even though it went against his numbers showing that it was best to pull him after he had thrown 100 pitches. But at 102 pitches going into the ninth and a packed house screaming for Harvey, I have no problem with Terry Collins sending the Dark Knight out for the ninth. It also gave Harvey a chance to show once and for all that he really was willing to put Scott Boras' innings-limit circus behind him.
That said, once Harvey walked Lorenzo Cain on seven pitches, bringing his pitch total to 109, he should have been pulled. I am admittedly writing this in hindsight; at the time, I wanted Harvey to get another batter. But Collins' bullpen strategy fell apart the last few nights. He brought in Jeurys Familia Friday night in a 9-3 game to get him some work. But then he said he could not use Familia for two innings Saturday night because of the unnecessary Friday inning. And with numerous other options, Collins stuck with using Tyler Clippard as the bridge to Familia, only to see Clippard end up with the loss.
Using Familia in the Game 3 blowout was a way to enable him to regain his confidence. But maybe it was Collins who needed to regain his confidence after his bullpen moves backfired on Saturday, because he did not act decisive about what to do until after Harvey gave up the double to Eric Hosmer and another Royals comeback was underway.
Lucas Duda made a terrible throw to the plate to allow Hosmer to score the tying run, but David Wright cutting in front of Wilmer Flores to nab Salvador Perez' grounder probably also played an important role in the disastrous play. Had Flores made the play, Wright could have stayed closer to third base, making it harder for Hosmer to break for the plate. And Flores, in better position than Wright and with a better arm, probably would have gotten the ball to Duda faster, so if Hosmer still ran, Duda would have had more time to throw home and maybe would not have rushed his throw.
Duda's bad throw meant that three of the Mets' four infielders had critical miscues in this series. In five games, Murphy and Wright were each charged with two errors and Duda was charged with one (not last night, when his bad throw was not ruled an error). Only Flores, who was not even supposed to be the shortstop before Ruben Tejada got hurt, avoided an E next to his name.
Last night, the Mets got only four hits, and that was in 12 innings. On Saturday night, they got just six hits and in Game 2, only two hits. For the Series, the team hit just .193. It's hard to win a World Series with that little production.
Once the game went into extra innings and the Mets had to go deeper into their bullpen, it was hard to have much confidence, especially considering the way this Series had gone so far. A five-run twelfth by the Royals just emphasized that as close as this Series seemed at times with the Mets constantly getting late inning leads, the Royals were the superior team.
In 1984, the Mets won 90 games after years of losing, but it would be another two years before they made it to the World Series. In 2015, the Mets won 90 games after years of losing, and got to the World Series on their first try. Despite the way it ended, this season has to be considered a huge success overall.
And let's not forget who won the World Series the year after the Royals' last title in 1985. Wait till next year! Let's go Mets!
Showing posts with label World Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Series. Show all posts
Monday, November 2, 2015
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Mets-Royals World Series Game 4: Now Mets have their own Murphy the Goat
The Cubs are supposedly cursed because of a goat named Murphy was not allowed to remain at Game 4 of the 1945 World Series. Now another goat named Murphy in another World Series Game 4 has helped to doom the 2015 Mets.
Murphy was not the only goat, though. There are a lot of different names for groups of goats, such as herd and flock, but I'm going with tribe, because last night, all we needed was for Jeff Probst to say that the tribe has spoken, because the Mets are not going to be the sole survivor this year.
But while Bill Buckner was far from the only goat in 1986, his error on a ground ball was the lasting image, and Murphy is probably doomed to the same fate. The image of Tyler Clippard walking two batters is just not as compelling. And neither is Terry Collins not going to the mound to take out Clippard after the first walk. Or Collins not leaving Bartolo Colon in to become the bridge to Jeurys Familia. Or Familia waiting in the bullpen rather than coming in for a six-out save.
But there is a clip from after the game of Collins saying that using Familia for a meaningless inning Friday night in a 9-3 game affected his availability for a six-out save. This is unforgivable. On Friday, we were told that Familia thrived on regular work and it was good to get him back on the horse after he blew the save in Game 1. And now the story changes.
Just as bad is using Clippard in the eighth inning because that's his usual spot, and he was great at it in August. But Clippard has been terrible after that, with a regular-season 6.14 ERA with four homers in 14.2 innings in September and October. Now he's given up runs in three of his eight postseason appearances, and Collins still thinks of him as his primary setup man.
Familia earned his goat horns when he gave up the game-tying homer in Game 1 and now he has two blown saves in the World Series. But while he did give up two hits in the eighth to allow the winning and fifth runs to score, the bigger culprits in the disastrous eighth inning have to be Murphy, Clippard and Collins.
Our tribe of goats would not be complete without Yoenis Cespedes, who may need his own section on the lowlight reel. Cespedes failed to appear when he was introduced before his first World Series game, then promptly muffed a fly ball that resulted in an inside-the-park home run. Last night, Cespedes somehow kicked a fly ball across the outfield. (I heard a radio caller this morning say that Cespedes was a three-sport athlete - baseball, soccer and golf.) Then Cespedes capped off last night's debacle by being doubled off first after he thought Lucas Duda's liner would hit the grass.
Cespedes, Murphy and Clippard are all going to be free agents. At different times, it looked as if all three should be re-signed. Now it's goodbye, Clippard and most likely goodbye Cespedes, whose head does not always appear to be in the game. Granted, he is injured, though the circumstances of that injury are murky. But it just seems hard to commit long-term to him, especially at a huge salary.
We're still getting to know Cespedes, for better and worse, but we've known Murphy since 2008. You're not signing him for his fielding. But he's a good hitter, even if that home run streak was not typical, and if and when the Mets let Cespedes go, if they don't bring Murphy back they will need to find another second baseman who can hit. Howie Kendrick and, yes, Ben Zobrist are also free agents.
This has still been a great run and a great year. But it's a shame that the World Series has turned on errors by Murphy last night and David Wright in Game 1. The two Mets with the longest tenures. The two Mets whose numbers are worn by the most fans (according to my unscientific observations). It's not over till it's over, but it's getting late early out there. Let's go Mets.
Murphy was not the only goat, though. There are a lot of different names for groups of goats, such as herd and flock, but I'm going with tribe, because last night, all we needed was for Jeff Probst to say that the tribe has spoken, because the Mets are not going to be the sole survivor this year.
But while Bill Buckner was far from the only goat in 1986, his error on a ground ball was the lasting image, and Murphy is probably doomed to the same fate. The image of Tyler Clippard walking two batters is just not as compelling. And neither is Terry Collins not going to the mound to take out Clippard after the first walk. Or Collins not leaving Bartolo Colon in to become the bridge to Jeurys Familia. Or Familia waiting in the bullpen rather than coming in for a six-out save.
But there is a clip from after the game of Collins saying that using Familia for a meaningless inning Friday night in a 9-3 game affected his availability for a six-out save. This is unforgivable. On Friday, we were told that Familia thrived on regular work and it was good to get him back on the horse after he blew the save in Game 1. And now the story changes.
Just as bad is using Clippard in the eighth inning because that's his usual spot, and he was great at it in August. But Clippard has been terrible after that, with a regular-season 6.14 ERA with four homers in 14.2 innings in September and October. Now he's given up runs in three of his eight postseason appearances, and Collins still thinks of him as his primary setup man.
Familia earned his goat horns when he gave up the game-tying homer in Game 1 and now he has two blown saves in the World Series. But while he did give up two hits in the eighth to allow the winning and fifth runs to score, the bigger culprits in the disastrous eighth inning have to be Murphy, Clippard and Collins.
Our tribe of goats would not be complete without Yoenis Cespedes, who may need his own section on the lowlight reel. Cespedes failed to appear when he was introduced before his first World Series game, then promptly muffed a fly ball that resulted in an inside-the-park home run. Last night, Cespedes somehow kicked a fly ball across the outfield. (I heard a radio caller this morning say that Cespedes was a three-sport athlete - baseball, soccer and golf.) Then Cespedes capped off last night's debacle by being doubled off first after he thought Lucas Duda's liner would hit the grass.
Cespedes, Murphy and Clippard are all going to be free agents. At different times, it looked as if all three should be re-signed. Now it's goodbye, Clippard and most likely goodbye Cespedes, whose head does not always appear to be in the game. Granted, he is injured, though the circumstances of that injury are murky. But it just seems hard to commit long-term to him, especially at a huge salary.
We're still getting to know Cespedes, for better and worse, but we've known Murphy since 2008. You're not signing him for his fielding. But he's a good hitter, even if that home run streak was not typical, and if and when the Mets let Cespedes go, if they don't bring Murphy back they will need to find another second baseman who can hit. Howie Kendrick and, yes, Ben Zobrist are also free agents.
This has still been a great run and a great year. But it's a shame that the World Series has turned on errors by Murphy last night and David Wright in Game 1. The two Mets with the longest tenures. The two Mets whose numbers are worn by the most fans (according to my unscientific observations). It's not over till it's over, but it's getting late early out there. Let's go Mets.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Mets-Royals World Series Game 3: The Captain rights the ship
Before last night, David Wright was evoking memories of another captain who overstayed his welcome in the top part of the lineup. Then Wright showed how wrong those of us who doubted him were when he hit a two-run homer in his first home at bat in the World Series and later singled in two more runs to put Game 3 out of reach. The Mets' bats woke up to the tune of nine runs, and not a moment too soon. Now it's a Series again.
While Noah Syndergaard set the tone with his first pitch, high and inside, got twelve straight outs at one point, and worked out of a based-loaded jam in the sixth when he was already over 100 pitches, most of his final numbers - 6 innings, 3 earned runs, 7 hits, 2 walks - were comparably to Matt Harvey's in Game 1 - 6 innings, 3 earned runs, 5 hits, 2 walks. Syndergaard struck out six to Harvey's two, had a lot more swings and misses, and of course threw that opening tone-setter, but it was the Met bats that made the most dramatic improvement from the first two games.
It's even debatable how much of a game-changer, much less a Series-changer, Syndergaard's first pitch was. The initial results were not good - by the second inning, Syndergaard had given up three runs and Jon Niese was warming up. One could have argued at that point that Syndergaard had angered the Royals. But then Syndergaard retired all nine batters he faced in the third, fourth and fifth on his way to twelve in a row. And while the performances of Harvey and Jacob deGrom in Game 2 raised speculation that the Mets' young pitchers were worn out from pitching deep into October, Syndergaard got his biggest out with the bases loaded in the sixth on his 104th pitch.
But debating on who was the biggest hero last night for the Mets is like arguing over which is the best doughnut at Dough. Both Thor and the Captain came through in a must-win situation. Curtis Granderson hit his second homer in three World Series games.
Along with moving Wright down in the order, I also wondered before the game if Michael Conforto should be benched and if Juan Uribe was really healthy enough to be on the roster. Then Conforto threw out Alex Gordon at third and drove in a run with an infield hit. And Uribe, in his first plate appearance in over a month, singled in a run and later scored. It was that kind of night.
After Game 2, the Mets looked dead. After Game 3, things look much better. The Mets have a rested Steven Matz going in Game 4 against Chris Young, who is pitching on three days rest after throwing over 50 pitches in relief in Game 1. And the Mets have that great Citi Field crowd behind them. Let's go Mets - and Matz!
While Noah Syndergaard set the tone with his first pitch, high and inside, got twelve straight outs at one point, and worked out of a based-loaded jam in the sixth when he was already over 100 pitches, most of his final numbers - 6 innings, 3 earned runs, 7 hits, 2 walks - were comparably to Matt Harvey's in Game 1 - 6 innings, 3 earned runs, 5 hits, 2 walks. Syndergaard struck out six to Harvey's two, had a lot more swings and misses, and of course threw that opening tone-setter, but it was the Met bats that made the most dramatic improvement from the first two games.
It's even debatable how much of a game-changer, much less a Series-changer, Syndergaard's first pitch was. The initial results were not good - by the second inning, Syndergaard had given up three runs and Jon Niese was warming up. One could have argued at that point that Syndergaard had angered the Royals. But then Syndergaard retired all nine batters he faced in the third, fourth and fifth on his way to twelve in a row. And while the performances of Harvey and Jacob deGrom in Game 2 raised speculation that the Mets' young pitchers were worn out from pitching deep into October, Syndergaard got his biggest out with the bases loaded in the sixth on his 104th pitch.
But debating on who was the biggest hero last night for the Mets is like arguing over which is the best doughnut at Dough. Both Thor and the Captain came through in a must-win situation. Curtis Granderson hit his second homer in three World Series games.
Along with moving Wright down in the order, I also wondered before the game if Michael Conforto should be benched and if Juan Uribe was really healthy enough to be on the roster. Then Conforto threw out Alex Gordon at third and drove in a run with an infield hit. And Uribe, in his first plate appearance in over a month, singled in a run and later scored. It was that kind of night.
After Game 2, the Mets looked dead. After Game 3, things look much better. The Mets have a rested Steven Matz going in Game 4 against Chris Young, who is pitching on three days rest after throwing over 50 pitches in relief in Game 1. And the Mets have that great Citi Field crowd behind them. Let's go Mets - and Matz!
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Mets-Royals World Series Game 2 - deGrominated
Game 1 was bad enough, but Game 2 was even worse. At least the Mets could have and probably should have won Game 1. But the Mets were outplayed in every phase in Game 2. The hitting and pitching issues that surfaced in Game 1 look much worse now. And the Royals are halfway to the title.
After Game 1, I rationalized that Matt Harvey had pitched well enough for five innings before giving up the lead in the sixth. In Game 2, Jacob deGrom did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. After four, he had allowed no runs and one hit. But then it all fell apart for deGrom and the Mets. In the fifth inning, he allowed four earned runs on five hits. deGrom did not come out for the sixth.
After two games, a trend looks to be developing. The Met starters can't strike out the Royals - just four Ks combined in 11 innings. And while the Mets needed to blow past innings limits just to get to the World Series, the starters now appear less able to go deep into games.
Starting pitching was supposed to be the big advantage for the Mets. Johnny Cueto allowed eight earned runs in two innings in his previous start and has been erratic since his trade to Kansas City. But Cueto held the Mets to just two hits and became the first American League pitcher to throw a complete game since Jack Morris in 1991.
Game 1 seemed to emphasize that the Royals would have their best chance to win once the games went to the bullpen. But the Royals were able to win Game 2 without using their bullpen at all, keeping them rested.
It was inevitable that Daniel Murphy would cool off. But not only has nobody else stepped up, but it's become more evident that much of the Mets lineup has been lousy throughout the entire postseason. Wilmer Flores has a .669 OPS with no homers and no RBI. Yoenis Cespedes has an OPS of .631.Travis d'Arnaud OPS is .595, David Wright's is .540, and Michael Conforto, just 1-for-20, has a batting average of .050 and an OPS of .325.
A great Game 3 from Noah Syndergaard and a mediocre performance in Game 4 from Chris Young, who threw 53 pitches in Game 1, and this series could be tied. So there's still hope. But that hope is slipping away fast.
After Game 1, I rationalized that Matt Harvey had pitched well enough for five innings before giving up the lead in the sixth. In Game 2, Jacob deGrom did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. After four, he had allowed no runs and one hit. But then it all fell apart for deGrom and the Mets. In the fifth inning, he allowed four earned runs on five hits. deGrom did not come out for the sixth.
After two games, a trend looks to be developing. The Met starters can't strike out the Royals - just four Ks combined in 11 innings. And while the Mets needed to blow past innings limits just to get to the World Series, the starters now appear less able to go deep into games.
Starting pitching was supposed to be the big advantage for the Mets. Johnny Cueto allowed eight earned runs in two innings in his previous start and has been erratic since his trade to Kansas City. But Cueto held the Mets to just two hits and became the first American League pitcher to throw a complete game since Jack Morris in 1991.
Game 1 seemed to emphasize that the Royals would have their best chance to win once the games went to the bullpen. But the Royals were able to win Game 2 without using their bullpen at all, keeping them rested.
It was inevitable that Daniel Murphy would cool off. But not only has nobody else stepped up, but it's become more evident that much of the Mets lineup has been lousy throughout the entire postseason. Wilmer Flores has a .669 OPS with no homers and no RBI. Yoenis Cespedes has an OPS of .631.Travis d'Arnaud OPS is .595, David Wright's is .540, and Michael Conforto, just 1-for-20, has a batting average of .050 and an OPS of .325.
A great Game 3 from Noah Syndergaard and a mediocre performance in Game 4 from Chris Young, who threw 53 pitches in Game 1, and this series could be tied. So there's still hope. But that hope is slipping away fast.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Mets-Royals World Series Game 1: Extra painful
There's not much worse than having your dominant closer give up the lead in the ninth inning of a World Series game. Unless he went in facing the 7-8-9 hitters. And the number 8 hitter smacked a 428-foot home run. And now that the game looked lost - a deflating homer, the game now to be decided by the middle relievers, a big disadvantage for the Mets - the teams continued to battle for five more innings before the Mets lost with the help of an error by the captain who had waited so long to get to the World Series.
This is a bad loss and potentially a fatal one. But let's not call David Wright and Jeurys Familia goats just yet. Wright has made several great plays in the field this postseason, including a leaping catch in yesterday's fourth inning. Familia's blown save was that much more disappointing because he's been so dominant in this postseason. Compare that to Armando Benitez, who blew the save in the last World Series Game 1 the Mets were in before yesterday. That postseason, Benitez had two saves and two blown saves. For his Mets career, he had three blown saves in six postseason chances. That's why he's remembered as a regular-season star who couldn't get it down in the postseason. Familia is now 5 of 6 in postseason save chances with an 0.82 ERA.
The Mets really seemed destined to win the game when Eric Hosmer, winner of the last two American League Gold Gloves at first base, allowed the go-ahead run to score when a ground ball got by him on a play that naturally brought up memories of Bill Buckner in the 1986 World Series. If the Mets had gone on to win, the Royals would have been lamenting a loss due to one of their main strengths - defense - faltering at a critical moment. But one of the Mets' main strengths, Familia, returned the favor an inning later.
Along with Buckner in 1986 and Benitez in 2000, the game also brought back memories of the 1969 World Series, when Tom Seaver gave up a home run to the first batter he faced, Don Buford, in Game 1. And my friend Roger suggests that five-tool centerfielder Yoenis Cespedes' mishandling of the ball that Alcides Escobar hit that went for an inside-the-park homer was reminiscent of the 1973 World Series, when the ultimate five-tool centerfielder, Willie Mays, was struggling in the outfield at the end of his career.
Just before Cespedes and Michael Conforto mishandled Escobar's fly ball, Cespedes was a no-show for the pregame introductions. That may mean nothing and may be a coincidence. Perhaps he had an upset stomach and did not feel like sharing the details. But this is the player who suddenly came down with an injury in Game 4 of the NLCS and he's already gotten the benefit of the doubt that it had anything to do with him playing golf that day. And then he shows up on the bench in the ninth inning of Game 4 wearing a championship shirt and goggles. Even Ron Darling in the TBS broadcast booth began muttering about the baseball gods. Maybe the baseball gods were hovering over centerfield last night.
The Royals lived up to their billing as a team that keeps coming back. Matt Harvey has gotten a lot of criticism for reduced velocity and not throwing enough fastballs last night, but he had allowed just one run going into the sixth inning, and that run was the tainted inside-the-park homer. But the Royals rallied for two runs to tie the game in the sixth, and Harvey was done after 80 pitches.
The Mets lost the first two games in 1986, and did so at home, so tonight is not necessarily a must-win. But it's pretty close.
This is a bad loss and potentially a fatal one. But let's not call David Wright and Jeurys Familia goats just yet. Wright has made several great plays in the field this postseason, including a leaping catch in yesterday's fourth inning. Familia's blown save was that much more disappointing because he's been so dominant in this postseason. Compare that to Armando Benitez, who blew the save in the last World Series Game 1 the Mets were in before yesterday. That postseason, Benitez had two saves and two blown saves. For his Mets career, he had three blown saves in six postseason chances. That's why he's remembered as a regular-season star who couldn't get it down in the postseason. Familia is now 5 of 6 in postseason save chances with an 0.82 ERA.
The Mets really seemed destined to win the game when Eric Hosmer, winner of the last two American League Gold Gloves at first base, allowed the go-ahead run to score when a ground ball got by him on a play that naturally brought up memories of Bill Buckner in the 1986 World Series. If the Mets had gone on to win, the Royals would have been lamenting a loss due to one of their main strengths - defense - faltering at a critical moment. But one of the Mets' main strengths, Familia, returned the favor an inning later.
Along with Buckner in 1986 and Benitez in 2000, the game also brought back memories of the 1969 World Series, when Tom Seaver gave up a home run to the first batter he faced, Don Buford, in Game 1. And my friend Roger suggests that five-tool centerfielder Yoenis Cespedes' mishandling of the ball that Alcides Escobar hit that went for an inside-the-park homer was reminiscent of the 1973 World Series, when the ultimate five-tool centerfielder, Willie Mays, was struggling in the outfield at the end of his career.
Just before Cespedes and Michael Conforto mishandled Escobar's fly ball, Cespedes was a no-show for the pregame introductions. That may mean nothing and may be a coincidence. Perhaps he had an upset stomach and did not feel like sharing the details. But this is the player who suddenly came down with an injury in Game 4 of the NLCS and he's already gotten the benefit of the doubt that it had anything to do with him playing golf that day. And then he shows up on the bench in the ninth inning of Game 4 wearing a championship shirt and goggles. Even Ron Darling in the TBS broadcast booth began muttering about the baseball gods. Maybe the baseball gods were hovering over centerfield last night.
The Royals lived up to their billing as a team that keeps coming back. Matt Harvey has gotten a lot of criticism for reduced velocity and not throwing enough fastballs last night, but he had allowed just one run going into the sixth inning, and that run was the tainted inside-the-park homer. But the Royals rallied for two runs to tie the game in the sixth, and Harvey was done after 80 pitches.
The Mets lost the first two games in 1986, and did so at home, so tonight is not necessarily a must-win. But it's pretty close.
Monday, November 1, 2010
God only knows why Brian Wilson has that beard
I've been watching most of the World Series so far, even though it's been a bit of a snoozer so far. The San Francisco Giants are dominating the Texas Rangers, the way Texas dominated the New York Yankees.
It is funny to see the contrast between the two fanbases, though. One other thing that has cracked me up is San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson. Check out an article I wrote for The Faster Times about him.
I did like seeing the kid dressed up as Ron Washington last night. And whatever you think of George W. Bush's politics, he can still throw a great first pitch.
But geez, the Rangers need to find their bats, and soon, or San Francisco will be celebrating their first-ever World Series title!
What do you think? Tell us about it!
It is funny to see the contrast between the two fanbases, though. One other thing that has cracked me up is San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson. Check out an article I wrote for The Faster Times about him.
I did like seeing the kid dressed up as Ron Washington last night. And whatever you think of George W. Bush's politics, he can still throw a great first pitch.
But geez, the Rangers need to find their bats, and soon, or San Francisco will be celebrating their first-ever World Series title!
What do you think? Tell us about it!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Why couldn't that be the Yankees? The Giants get to Cliff Lee
Remember how I wrote a few weeks ago that Cliff Lee could be "beatable" in this year's postseason, because the Yanks did get to him for five runs in Game 5 of the World Series last October? Well, I was right about Lee not being automatic, but I was wrong about who would get to him. The San Francisco Giants made the Texas Rangers pitcher look very hittable last night, with that six-run fifth inning.
And I'm sure a lot of Yankee fans were thinking the same thing I was -- why couldn't that have been the Yankees who did that? Yes, I'm still bitter about Joe Girardi giving up in Game 3!
Much like the Twins made the Yankees look like worldbeaters in the ALDS, I wonder if the Yanks made the Rangers, especially Lee, look completely dominant in the ALCS. It will be interesting to see how the Giants handle Colby Lewis, the starter who shut down the Yankees twice. If San Francisco manhandles him, I'm not going to be happy!
Tim Lincecum wasn't at his sharpest, but it didn't matter. I've heard some Yankee fans coveting him, though. First off, he's not a free agent for a few more years. Second, he'd have to kill his personality, and everything that makes The Freak fun to watch, as a Yankee. Can't see him in pinstripes at all, no matter how much I like watching him pitch!
Oh, and how about Barry Bonds sitting in the stands? Squawker Jon was repelled by seeing him. I think it's okay that he's there. After all, he had a lot to do with the Giants being able to get that wonderful new ballpark, and he did get them to the World Series in 2002. Why should they hide him away? Like it or not, he was an important part of the franchise's history. (And no, Roger Clemens doesn't even come close to being as important in Yankeeland!)
What do you think? Tell us about it!
And I'm sure a lot of Yankee fans were thinking the same thing I was -- why couldn't that have been the Yankees who did that? Yes, I'm still bitter about Joe Girardi giving up in Game 3!
Much like the Twins made the Yankees look like worldbeaters in the ALDS, I wonder if the Yanks made the Rangers, especially Lee, look completely dominant in the ALCS. It will be interesting to see how the Giants handle Colby Lewis, the starter who shut down the Yankees twice. If San Francisco manhandles him, I'm not going to be happy!
Tim Lincecum wasn't at his sharpest, but it didn't matter. I've heard some Yankee fans coveting him, though. First off, he's not a free agent for a few more years. Second, he'd have to kill his personality, and everything that makes The Freak fun to watch, as a Yankee. Can't see him in pinstripes at all, no matter how much I like watching him pitch!
Oh, and how about Barry Bonds sitting in the stands? Squawker Jon was repelled by seeing him. I think it's okay that he's there. After all, he had a lot to do with the Giants being able to get that wonderful new ballpark, and he did get them to the World Series in 2002. Why should they hide him away? Like it or not, he was an important part of the franchise's history. (And no, Roger Clemens doesn't even come close to being as important in Yankeeland!)
What do you think? Tell us about it!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Congratulations, Yankee fans
As I posted on Squawker Lisa's Facebook page last night, I want to congratulate her and all of our Yankee fan readers on championship #27. The better team won, and, as I also wrote on Facebook, at least Shane Victorino made the final out.
My side hasn't won very much lately, but I did beat Lisa in one area - predictions. Lisa had Yankees in seven, while I had Yankees in six. She was willing to give the Phillies more credit than I was!
Many of my other predictions also panned out:
These two I would like to have back:
Squawker Lisa has the last laugh - she will be there bright and early for her first ticker-tape parade since the days of Sister Claire. If you are planning to go to the parade, let us know.
My side hasn't won very much lately, but I did beat Lisa in one area - predictions. Lisa had Yankees in seven, while I had Yankees in six. She was willing to give the Phillies more credit than I was!
Many of my other predictions also panned out:
- A-Rod will have a great Series, but will not win MVP.
- Johnny Damon will do well enough that the Yankees will want to bring him back next year.
- Nick Swisher will be benched for at least one game.
- Jayson Werth will be much better known by the end of the Series.
- Cliff Lee will have a better Series than CC Sabathia.
- Pedro Martinez will pitch well, but I agree with Squawker Lisa that Brad Lidge will blow the game.
These two I would like to have back:
- If Joe Girardi goes to a three-man rotation, he will regret it. Start Sabathia on three days rest if you want, but have Chad Gaudin start Game 5.
- Jimmy Rollins will do well because he loves sticking it to New York.
Squawker Lisa has the last laugh - she will be there bright and early for her first ticker-tape parade since the days of Sister Claire. If you are planning to go to the parade, let us know.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Starting Andy Pettitte on three days' rest is risky
(from Squawker Jon) Is Joe Girardi making a mistake by going with a three-man rotation? I think he is. Game 5 is hindsight now, but going into Game 6, I think the Yankees would be better off having used Chad Gaudin in Game 5 and having A.J. Burnett available on full rest for Game 6.
I wrote about it for The Faster Times. You can read the article here.
I still expect the Yankees to win the World Series. While I am skeptical of Andy Pettitte pitching well on three days' rest in Game 6, I also expect the Yankees to get to Pedro Martinez the second time around. This game looks like it could be decided in the bullpens, and that will be a bad thing for the Phillies.
If the Yankees lose Game 6, they are still likely to win Game 7 with CC Sabathia likely face a pitcher who cannot wait for the season to end.
Do you agree with Joe Girardi using all three of his top starters on three days' rest? Tell us what you think.
I wrote about it for The Faster Times. You can read the article here.
I still expect the Yankees to win the World Series. While I am skeptical of Andy Pettitte pitching well on three days' rest in Game 6, I also expect the Yankees to get to Pedro Martinez the second time around. This game looks like it could be decided in the bullpens, and that will be a bad thing for the Phillies.
If the Yankees lose Game 6, they are still likely to win Game 7 with CC Sabathia likely face a pitcher who cannot wait for the season to end.
Do you agree with Joe Girardi using all three of his top starters on three days' rest? Tell us what you think.
Monday, November 2, 2009
More thoughts on Game 4
Here's my article for The Faster Times about Game 4 - from Damon's Dash, to A-Rod's Double, to Lidge's meltdown. Check it out.
A Met fan is good luck charm at Yankee game broadcast
What a night! Squawker Jon and I joined Barbra, one of our readers and 10,000 or so of my Yankee fan brethren to watch Game 4 at Yankee Stadium. And, yet again, Jon somehow brought the Yanks good luck, even if they weren't in the building
I nearly lost my voice screaming while watching the ninth inning. The crowd was very loud all game, but we all - except for Squawker Jon, of course - went nuts watching Damon's dash and A-Rod and Posada's big hit. I was so excited when the Yanks went ahead for good that I thought I tore up my vocal cords there!
Anyhow, I'm writing a piece for The Faster Times about the game itself, so I'll have more observations there. But just wanted to talk a little about the watching experience:
* Pretty much all the field level sections from foul pole to foul pole were filled up. And the crowd looked to have a lot of regular working-class people, and tons of families, as opposed to the suits you usually see in those seats.
* That enthusiasm translated into a raucous atmosphere, yet it wasn't beer making people get excited. The crowd seemed louder than most games I've been to this year. Could have done without doing the wave, but other than that, the crowd was really passionate and fun.
* Food, unfortunately, was very limited options - no Lobels or sushi or BBQ this time. Jon was very unhappy over this.
* So, how did it feel to finally get to sit in front of the moat? Well, the seats are cushiony and comfy. But the drink holders in the armrests are a disaster. They did not hold the plastic soda cups well - both our reader and myself separately had the cups flop out and splash soda water everywhere. I'm guessing that they must use some fancy-schmancy glasses in this seats or something, when they have the waitress service going.
* Did I mention the crowd was loud? The subway car on the way back was about the loudest I've ever heard it - people chanting and getting excited. What struck me about the whole night was how this was the best of Yankee fans - lots of enthusiasm for everybody, and everything about the game. No jaded rich people harshing the moment.
What do you think? Tell us about it!
I nearly lost my voice screaming while watching the ninth inning. The crowd was very loud all game, but we all - except for Squawker Jon, of course - went nuts watching Damon's dash and A-Rod and Posada's big hit. I was so excited when the Yanks went ahead for good that I thought I tore up my vocal cords there!
Anyhow, I'm writing a piece for The Faster Times about the game itself, so I'll have more observations there. But just wanted to talk a little about the watching experience:
* Pretty much all the field level sections from foul pole to foul pole were filled up. And the crowd looked to have a lot of regular working-class people, and tons of families, as opposed to the suits you usually see in those seats.
* That enthusiasm translated into a raucous atmosphere, yet it wasn't beer making people get excited. The crowd seemed louder than most games I've been to this year. Could have done without doing the wave, but other than that, the crowd was really passionate and fun.
* Food, unfortunately, was very limited options - no Lobels or sushi or BBQ this time. Jon was very unhappy over this.
* So, how did it feel to finally get to sit in front of the moat? Well, the seats are cushiony and comfy. But the drink holders in the armrests are a disaster. They did not hold the plastic soda cups well - both our reader and myself separately had the cups flop out and splash soda water everywhere. I'm guessing that they must use some fancy-schmancy glasses in this seats or something, when they have the waitress service going.
* Did I mention the crowd was loud? The subway car on the way back was about the loudest I've ever heard it - people chanting and getting excited. What struck me about the whole night was how this was the best of Yankee fans - lots of enthusiasm for everybody, and everything about the game. No jaded rich people harshing the moment.
What do you think? Tell us about it!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Some of my favorite - and least favorite - moments of Game 3
Last night's win was a great game, of course, providing some pretty compelling World Series drama. I wrote a few thoughts for The Faster Times on the game. Here are some other ones:
* For some reason, seeing Andy Pettitte at bat cracks me up. But I was cheering - not laughing - when he got the game-tying hit against Cole Hamels. I also loved seeing Derek Jeter nearly pass him when they both scored on Johnny Damon's game-winning hit, and hearing Jeter joke about it afterwards. Great stuff.
* The Philly crowd - at least at the beginning - was much more lively and loud than the ones at Yankee Stadium so far. If this series goes to a Game 6, the Yanks need to do something to get more regular fans in.
* Joe Girardi did the right move in benching Nick Swisher for Game 2. He looked so much better in Game 3 - and provided two key hits - and a hilarious postgame interview.
* I also agreed with Joe going to Mo when he did, after Phil Hughes gave up a homer. Squawker Jon - and some people in the media - thought Girardi should have waited, given it was still a three-run lead. But I think it was absolutely the right move, because it didn't allow the Phillies to get off the mat. Five pitches, two outs, game over.
* Remember all of Jimmy Rollins talk about seeing something in Mariano's pitching? I think Rollins saw himself popping up to end the game! Oh, and so much for J-Roll's Phillies in five prediction!
* Joba looked very good out there. And Damaso Marte is an unsung hero of this postseason - he reminds me of Graeme Lloyd in the 1996 World Series.
* It's funny. When Alex Rodriguez had six strikeouts in his first two games - the same that Ryan Howard did - we saw all sorts of hysterical media accounts about how A-Rod was pressing/choking. I guess Alex made a miraculous recovery in one game, thanks to that instant replay homer! If the Yankees win the series, that homer will be the turning point.
*And will we now hear "what's wrong with Ryan Howard," now that he has nine strikeouts in three games? Hmmm.
* Two notes on the media's coverage of A-Rod:
- I was appalled last night over how many journalists covering the game last night tried to outdo each other on Twitter with all sorts of tasteless frat house jokes about A-Rod and that centaur picture tabloid report. How unobjective. How unprofessional.
- On the other hand, ESPN.com columnist - and noted Yankee hater - Jim Caple (he once wrote a book called "The Devil Wears Pinstripes") actually had the fairest take I've seen on A-Rod's World Series so far.
Please check it out.
What do you think? Leave us a comment!
* For some reason, seeing Andy Pettitte at bat cracks me up. But I was cheering - not laughing - when he got the game-tying hit against Cole Hamels. I also loved seeing Derek Jeter nearly pass him when they both scored on Johnny Damon's game-winning hit, and hearing Jeter joke about it afterwards. Great stuff.
* The Philly crowd - at least at the beginning - was much more lively and loud than the ones at Yankee Stadium so far. If this series goes to a Game 6, the Yanks need to do something to get more regular fans in.
* Joe Girardi did the right move in benching Nick Swisher for Game 2. He looked so much better in Game 3 - and provided two key hits - and a hilarious postgame interview.
* I also agreed with Joe going to Mo when he did, after Phil Hughes gave up a homer. Squawker Jon - and some people in the media - thought Girardi should have waited, given it was still a three-run lead. But I think it was absolutely the right move, because it didn't allow the Phillies to get off the mat. Five pitches, two outs, game over.
* Remember all of Jimmy Rollins talk about seeing something in Mariano's pitching? I think Rollins saw himself popping up to end the game! Oh, and so much for J-Roll's Phillies in five prediction!
* Joba looked very good out there. And Damaso Marte is an unsung hero of this postseason - he reminds me of Graeme Lloyd in the 1996 World Series.
* It's funny. When Alex Rodriguez had six strikeouts in his first two games - the same that Ryan Howard did - we saw all sorts of hysterical media accounts about how A-Rod was pressing/choking. I guess Alex made a miraculous recovery in one game, thanks to that instant replay homer! If the Yankees win the series, that homer will be the turning point.
*And will we now hear "what's wrong with Ryan Howard," now that he has nine strikeouts in three games? Hmmm.
* Two notes on the media's coverage of A-Rod:
- I was appalled last night over how many journalists covering the game last night tried to outdo each other on Twitter with all sorts of tasteless frat house jokes about A-Rod and that centaur picture tabloid report. How unobjective. How unprofessional.
- On the other hand, ESPN.com columnist - and noted Yankee hater - Jim Caple (he once wrote a book called "The Devil Wears Pinstripes") actually had the fairest take I've seen on A-Rod's World Series so far.
Please check it out.
What do you think? Leave us a comment!
Come out to Yankee Stadium with the Squawkers
Squawker Jon and I - as well as at least one of our readers - are going to meet up tonight at Yankee Stadium to watch Game 4 on the big screen. If you'd like to meet up with us and say hey, and/or watch the game with Jon and me, please email subwaysquawkers@gmail.com .
Also, here's my Faster Times article about Game 3. I will also have a squawk coming about the game as well.
What do you think? Tell us a about it!
Also, here's my Faster Times article about Game 3. I will also have a squawk coming about the game as well.
What do you think? Tell us a about it!
Friday, October 30, 2009
A.J. Burnett shuts the critics up, and Pedro Martinez won't shut up
A few more thoughts on Game 2:
* How about Pedro Martinez's pitching - and his postgame press conference? I know as a Yankee fan I'm supposed to hate him. But I can't - dude brings the drama. What a showman. I loved how he smiled as the crowd booed him as he walked off the mound. Did you see what he said afterwards?
* Larry Milian of South Florida's Andy and the Amigo show asked me in our radio interview today whether I thought Joe Girardi would have Jose Molina catch Burnett in Game 5. Good question. Given the lack of DH in Philly, I could see Girardi going with Jorge Posada. But it will be a tough decision, as Burnett is so much better with Molina catching him. A.J. really was something, last night, wasn't he?
* Oh, and can somebody please stop the anti-A-Rod hysteria? He had two bad games. Two. We're talking eight at bats here. How quickly the media - and way too many Yankee "fans" - forgot that he is the No. 1 reason the Yanks are in the World Series in the first place.Good grief. What kills me the most about the screeching about his strikeouts is that the Yankees still won Game 2! Derek Jeter made one of the worst plays I've ever seen him do, where he bunted into a strikeout (his third K of the night),. but ultimately, it didn't matter, because the team won. Shouldn't the same go for A-Rod?
* Not sure how many standing room seats the Yanks are selling, but it behooves the Stadium to get as many of the real fans in there for Games 6 and 7. Let's face it - other than some "Who's your daddy" chants for old time's sake, the crowd was weak last night. Jimmy Rollins mentioned it, and he's absolutely correct. The atmosphere is like April 2009 at the Stadium - too many corporate types, and not enough regular fans.
What do you think? Leave us a comment!
* How about Pedro Martinez's pitching - and his postgame press conference? I know as a Yankee fan I'm supposed to hate him. But I can't - dude brings the drama. What a showman. I loved how he smiled as the crowd booed him as he walked off the mound. Did you see what he said afterwards?
“I know they really want to root for me. It’s just that I don’t play for the Yankees,” Pedro said. “They love the fact that I compete. I’m a New Yorker as well. If I was on the Yankees, I’d probably be like a king over here. But that’s not the case right now.”Do you think he's angling to be a Yankee next year? I sure do!
* Larry Milian of South Florida's Andy and the Amigo show asked me in our radio interview today whether I thought Joe Girardi would have Jose Molina catch Burnett in Game 5. Good question. Given the lack of DH in Philly, I could see Girardi going with Jorge Posada. But it will be a tough decision, as Burnett is so much better with Molina catching him. A.J. really was something, last night, wasn't he?
* Oh, and can somebody please stop the anti-A-Rod hysteria? He had two bad games. Two. We're talking eight at bats here. How quickly the media - and way too many Yankee "fans" - forgot that he is the No. 1 reason the Yanks are in the World Series in the first place.Good grief. What kills me the most about the screeching about his strikeouts is that the Yankees still won Game 2! Derek Jeter made one of the worst plays I've ever seen him do, where he bunted into a strikeout (his third K of the night),. but ultimately, it didn't matter, because the team won. Shouldn't the same go for A-Rod?
* Not sure how many standing room seats the Yanks are selling, but it behooves the Stadium to get as many of the real fans in there for Games 6 and 7. Let's face it - other than some "Who's your daddy" chants for old time's sake, the crowd was weak last night. Jimmy Rollins mentioned it, and he's absolutely correct. The atmosphere is like April 2009 at the Stadium - too many corporate types, and not enough regular fans.
What do you think? Leave us a comment!
Squawker media alert: I'm going to be on the radio
Quick note to let you know I will be on Andy and the Amigo at 6 p.m. today, on South Florida's WFTL Sports (640 AM.) Go to WFTLSports.com to listen. We'll be discussing the World Series, of course.
More on a Philly sportswriter's "pain and suffering" at Yankee Stadium
My Squawk about Philadelphia Inquirer sportswriter Frank Fitzpatrick's complaints over the Yankee Stadium auxiliary press box has gotten picked up in the tweetosphere, so I thought I should follow up on it.
The biggest thing that got me about Fitzpatrick's complaint about the press box was that he was griping about the very same weather conditions that the fans - and, for that matter, the players - also had to endure. Besides, as I wrote, it was 52 degrees at game time. That's not exactly the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.
Look, I get that sportswriters don't have the easiest of jobs - they have to write quickly, they don't always get treated very well from the people they're covering, they have a lot of travel, and their industry is shedding jobs like crazy. But at the same time, to gripe that - shocker - there are a lot of press jammed in at a World Series game seems a bit much to me.
We count on sportswriters to give us the inside scoop on what's going on with the teams we follow. And we want to hear the sportswriters' insights on the game, not their moaning that they didn't get a good seat in the main press box.
What do you think? Tell us about it!
The biggest thing that got me about Fitzpatrick's complaint about the press box was that he was griping about the very same weather conditions that the fans - and, for that matter, the players - also had to endure. Besides, as I wrote, it was 52 degrees at game time. That's not exactly the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.
Look, I get that sportswriters don't have the easiest of jobs - they have to write quickly, they don't always get treated very well from the people they're covering, they have a lot of travel, and their industry is shedding jobs like crazy. But at the same time, to gripe that - shocker - there are a lot of press jammed in at a World Series game seems a bit much to me.
We count on sportswriters to give us the inside scoop on what's going on with the teams we follow. And we want to hear the sportswriters' insights on the game, not their moaning that they didn't get a good seat in the main press box.
What do you think? Tell us about it!
Who's your daddy? Pedro's daddy has a new home!
Glad the Yankees won. I did not expect an easy game against Pedro Martinez - I figured the Yanks would have to beat the Phillies' bullpen in order to win - and he really was great for six innings. But A.J. Burnett was better, and Pedro stayed in a little too long.
Before the game, I wrote something on Pedro's wacky presser the other day. I think he's a real character. The funniest thing about his press conference was that he went into this whole tangent about the Zimmer fight at Yankee Stadium, even though it was at Fenway Park!
I'll have more to say on the game tomorrow. But wanted to mention the Jay-Z/Alicia Keys song. As I noted the other day, the Yankees and Phillies are both big fans. I told Squawker Jon that if he wanted to be a true Yankee fan this week, he'd have to learn to freestyle rap!
What do you think? Leave us a comment!
Before the game, I wrote something on Pedro's wacky presser the other day. I think he's a real character. The funniest thing about his press conference was that he went into this whole tangent about the Zimmer fight at Yankee Stadium, even though it was at Fenway Park!
I'll have more to say on the game tomorrow. But wanted to mention the Jay-Z/Alicia Keys song. As I noted the other day, the Yankees and Phillies are both big fans. I told Squawker Jon that if he wanted to be a true Yankee fan this week, he'd have to learn to freestyle rap!
What do you think? Leave us a comment!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Met fan Squawker Jon becomes a Yankee fan - for a week!
Remember how Squawker Jon agreed to root for the Yankees against the Phillies in the World Series? He said, and I quote, that he'd "rather see my blogging partner celebrate than Shane Victorino." So last night was the first time Jon and I cheered for the Yankees together. How did it go? Not exactly good for the Bombers. Or for me.
Not only have his predictions been better than my own so far, but he's not exactly a quick learner in the ways of Yankeedom. When I asked Jon to join me in chanting roll call, he started yelling payroll figures instead of names - "$300 million!" instead for A-Rod, "$190 million" for instead of Derek Jeter, etc. Not cool.
Instead of being dismayed, Jon yelped in excitement over Chase Utley's homers, and he couldn't help but get excited when the Yankees' bullpen got roughed up. Some Yankee fan! I guess old habits die hard.
Do you have any tips for Squawker Jon becoming a Yankee fan? Tell us about them!
Not only have his predictions been better than my own so far, but he's not exactly a quick learner in the ways of Yankeedom. When I asked Jon to join me in chanting roll call, he started yelling payroll figures instead of names - "$300 million!" instead for A-Rod, "$190 million" for instead of Derek Jeter, etc. Not cool.
Instead of being dismayed, Jon yelped in excitement over Chase Utley's homers, and he couldn't help but get excited when the Yankees' bullpen got roughed up. Some Yankee fan! I guess old habits die hard.
Do you have any tips for Squawker Jon becoming a Yankee fan? Tell us about them!
Boo-hoo! A Philadelphia sportswriter complains about getting paid to watch baseball
Philadelphia Inquirer sportswriter Frank Fitzpatrick is waxing indignant over the way he was treated at Yankee Stadium at Game 1. Let's take a look at his piece, Fire Joe Morgan style:
Look, at least I can understand sportswriters griping about deadlines, and rude players, and long hours. But to hear a writer complain about how his seats weren't up to snuff is a bit much.
Sorry, I give up. I feel like I'm killing brain cells even recounting this nonsense - you can go here to read the rest of his article; it goes on and on for many more words, with lists, limericks, and more lame jokes.
It's not that this writer was anti-Yankee - heck, I loved the Philly City Paper's look at the Yanks, even though it was mocking them - it's that Fitzpatrick is just like every other whining sportswriter who thinks he should get the best seat in the house. And thinks that fans should care about his troubles. Leave the whining to the trained professionals - us bloggers! Thanks.
What do you think? Leave us a comment!
Many of you seem to enjoy getting an inside look at how the media covers a big event like a World Series. Allow me to offer a glimpse into last night's glamorous Game 1 experience.Um, no. Most fans care to hear about who's in the lineup, and what funny stories you might know about the players. Hearing about what it's like to cover the game, especially when there's a very good chance it will degenerate into self-indulgent whining, isn't really on the list. Most fans think you should be happy because you get paid to watch baseball, and in this economy, it's hard to argue with that opinion.
Rode to stadium with six Inquirer colleagues and a cooler packed with our postgame meal - or, more simply put, with six turkeys and seven turkey sandwiches.Sure your colleagues are thrilled with this shoutout.
Four hours before Game 1, the main press box resembled the Tokyo subway. Bodies and computers made things impassable. The adjoining work rooms were overflowing too, the precious spots apparently having been claimed at dawn by savvy veteran journalists.Maybe if your paper didn't send seven writers, and every other paper didn't send so many writers, and so on and so on, there wouldn't be such a mess. Didn't you guys ever see that Herbal Essences commercial when you were a kid?
The poor Yankees. How were they know people would be interested in covering a World Series? Having hosted 39 others, there was no way they could possibly have anticipated a crowd.
Beat a hasty retreat for the auxiliary press box, a lofty, outfield perch where Philadelphia sportswriters were assigned seats and sherpas to get them there.
After rappelling up there, it was quickly apparent that more clothing, binoculars and oxygen would be required. The freezing wind howled like a New York cabbie. The puddles of water that two days of rain had left on our chairs and tables were icing over.Let's review. First you complained that the main press box was too crowded, and then the auxiliary press box wasn't close enough for your liking. Boo hoo. You also had to deal with the same weather conditions and sight lines that, um, every fan not ensconced in the luxury suites had to put up with. And you expect readers to be on your side about this, why, exactly?
We all would have huddled near the TV monitors for warmth had there been any TV monitors. Apparently it was OK for the cream of the nation's sportswriters to get wet but not for TVs.If all you want is the TV monitor, and dry, warm, weather conditions, why didn't you just stay home and watch the game from there, like us bloggers? The paper could have saved their money in sending you to the game.
Look, at least I can understand sportswriters griping about deadlines, and rude players, and long hours. But to hear a writer complain about how his seats weren't up to snuff is a bit much.
Far below, set up atop the right-centerfield wall, we could see a pair of NYPD snipers. Had New Yorkers finally tired of the Yankees uber-obnoxious broadcast team of John Sterling and Susan Waldman?Is this Philly's idea of humor? Sniper jokes about our radio hosts? Good grief.
By game time, the rain and cold climate brought to mind Nome or a Rockies game in October.Gametime temperature was 52 degrees. Maybe that seems like Alaska or Colorado - to somebody from Florida. Not Philly.
On the field below, we could see Yanks starter CC Sabathia - the only human large enough to be visible - ambling toward the bullpen for warm-ups.Gee, a CC fat joke. How edgy of you. Yeah, I can totally understand why you wanted the good seats. A wit like that shouldn't be wasted in the auxiliary press box.
Even up here, in the section formerly known as Pluto, the ground shook.
Sorry, I give up. I feel like I'm killing brain cells even recounting this nonsense - you can go here to read the rest of his article; it goes on and on for many more words, with lists, limericks, and more lame jokes.
It's not that this writer was anti-Yankee - heck, I loved the Philly City Paper's look at the Yanks, even though it was mocking them - it's that Fitzpatrick is just like every other whining sportswriter who thinks he should get the best seat in the house. And thinks that fans should care about his troubles. Leave the whining to the trained professionals - us bloggers! Thanks.
What do you think? Leave us a comment!
World Series Game 1: Get off the ledge, everyone! It's only one game!
Last night was a bad loss, but it's still only one game. One game, not four, unless they somehow changed the rules and are giving the World Series trophy to the Phillies just because they dominated the Yankees in Game 1.
The game reminded me of Opening Day at the new Yankee Stadium. In both games, CC and Cliff Lee pitched well, but Lee got the win. In both games, the Yankee bats were stifled, and in both games, the bullpen imploded. And in both games, the fans seemed really out of it.
Remember all the hysteria in Yankeeland over that humilating loss? I do. But somehow, the Yankees managed to get it together, and win 57 games in the new ballpark.
You would think sportswriters would be able to keep some perspective - CC was very good (other than giving up the Utley homers) but Cliff Lee had one of the all-time great postseason performances, and at any rate, it's still only one game.
But not New York Post columnist Joel Sherman. He wrote this on Twitter after the game:
@nyp_joelsherman Whose season feels more over: #Yankees 0-1 in World Series, #Knicks 0-1 in regular season
Get a grip, dude. Are you really serious? What a breathtaking lack of perspective.
But sadly, that's typical for Sherman, though, when it comes to his columns, tweets, and blog posts after bad losses. Here's what he wrote after the Yankee's season opener loss, when Sabathia and Teixeira had lousy debuts in their first game in pinstripes:
Then there was this Sherman hysteria after A.J. Burnett and the Yankees lost 14-1 at Fenway Park in August, the day after beating the Sox. He even brought up the specter of the 2004 over this one loss, fretting that the Yankees could lose the division to the Sox.
So why am I doing this whole walk through memory lane? Because while it's true that this Yankee team has had some brutal losses this year, but they have invariably prevailed. If you're a Yankee fan who really thinks that the World Series is over because of one brutal loss, do yourself - and the rest of us - a favor and jump off the bandwagon now. Thanks.
Yes, other than Derek Jeter, the Yankee bats looked flat all evening. And yes, Phil Hughes was terrible. And yes, why Joe Girardi would put Brian Bruney on the postseason roster at all, let alone have him pitch in this game, made no sense.
But it's still only one game. In 1996, I flew up to New York and spent almost $300 on a ticket to see Andy Pettitte get his butt kicked in the rain in Game 1 of the World Series to the Atlanta Braves, the defending world champions. And then the Yanks lost Game 2 at home. The bridge-jumping then was fierce, and the media was in hysterics. Yet somehow, the Yankees managed to win three games in the then-intimidating atmosphere of Atlanta, and then clinched their first title in 18 years at home.
Am I saying the same thing will happen this time? No. I'm just saying that it's ridiculous to even suggest that the season feels "over" because of one game.
There is one Squawker cohort who doesn't feel the same as me, though - my cat, C.C. After giving a grudging paw of approval to the Yankees ace, she takes it all back, hissing and scratching in CC Sabathia's direction after each Utley homer. She's not pleased. Cats have no loyalty.
What do you think? Tell us about it!
The game reminded me of Opening Day at the new Yankee Stadium. In both games, CC and Cliff Lee pitched well, but Lee got the win. In both games, the Yankee bats were stifled, and in both games, the bullpen imploded. And in both games, the fans seemed really out of it.
Remember all the hysteria in Yankeeland over that humilating loss? I do. But somehow, the Yankees managed to get it together, and win 57 games in the new ballpark.
You would think sportswriters would be able to keep some perspective - CC was very good (other than giving up the Utley homers) but Cliff Lee had one of the all-time great postseason performances, and at any rate, it's still only one game.
But not New York Post columnist Joel Sherman. He wrote this on Twitter after the game:
@nyp_joelsherman Whose season feels more over: #Yankees 0-1 in World Series, #Knicks 0-1 in regular season
Get a grip, dude. Are you really serious? What a breathtaking lack of perspective.
But sadly, that's typical for Sherman, though, when it comes to his columns, tweets, and blog posts after bad losses. Here's what he wrote after the Yankee's season opener loss, when Sabathia and Teixeira had lousy debuts in their first game in pinstripes:
Sabathia was the highest-paid free-agent pitcher of the offseason and Teixeira the highest-paid position player. In a down economic climate, the Yanks invested $341 million on just those two. They are not going to feel bad about those decisions at 0-1. However, no one wants to make a bad first impression as a Yankee because the hole is always a little deeper, so deep that many never truly escape.It's true! CC and Tex never truly escaped that bad first impression. We're doomed!
Then there was this Sherman hysteria after A.J. Burnett and the Yankees lost 14-1 at Fenway Park in August, the day after beating the Sox. He even brought up the specter of the 2004 over this one loss, fretting that the Yankees could lose the division to the Sox.
Just about the only downside for the Yankees in Friday night's blowout of the Red Sox was how much it was reminiscent of their Game 3 victory in the 2004 ALCS.Turns out that the only thing that Saturday loss to Boston - the one where A.J. Burnett yelled "Why, why, why" on the mound - was that Jorge Posada stopped catching Burnett. The Yankees ended up winning the series finale, didn't lose a game to the Sox for the rest of the year, and Boston finished in second place, eight games behind this Yankees. And after losing the first eight games of their head-to-head matchups, the Yanks ended up tying the season series. Oh, and did I mention that the Yankees are in the World Series now? Other than that, Sherman's prognostication was on the money!
The Yankees won that contest 19-8 at Fenway, Hideki Matsui hit two homers and the Yanks took a three-games-to-none lead. At that moment, the Yanks appeared more likely to join a Broadway chorus line en masse than fail to reach the World Series. Their magic number was one with four games to play. But they never did get that victory, and no one ever Cursed again.
So why am I doing this whole walk through memory lane? Because while it's true that this Yankee team has had some brutal losses this year, but they have invariably prevailed. If you're a Yankee fan who really thinks that the World Series is over because of one brutal loss, do yourself - and the rest of us - a favor and jump off the bandwagon now. Thanks.
Yes, other than Derek Jeter, the Yankee bats looked flat all evening. And yes, Phil Hughes was terrible. And yes, why Joe Girardi would put Brian Bruney on the postseason roster at all, let alone have him pitch in this game, made no sense.
But it's still only one game. In 1996, I flew up to New York and spent almost $300 on a ticket to see Andy Pettitte get his butt kicked in the rain in Game 1 of the World Series to the Atlanta Braves, the defending world champions. And then the Yanks lost Game 2 at home. The bridge-jumping then was fierce, and the media was in hysterics. Yet somehow, the Yankees managed to win three games in the then-intimidating atmosphere of Atlanta, and then clinched their first title in 18 years at home.
Am I saying the same thing will happen this time? No. I'm just saying that it's ridiculous to even suggest that the season feels "over" because of one game.
There is one Squawker cohort who doesn't feel the same as me, though - my cat, C.C. After giving a grudging paw of approval to the Yankees ace, she takes it all back, hissing and scratching in CC Sabathia's direction after each Utley homer. She's not pleased. Cats have no loyalty.
What do you think? Tell us about it!
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