LOUIE'S LINES
Yes, A Very Yankee View
From A Diehard Fan!
E-mail Me Your Comments Or Questions
CHIEN, CHIEN! WANG NOW 5-0
Despite putting together back-to-back 19 win seasons, Chien-Ming Wang never seems to be on the radar screen when people talk about the best pitchers in baseball. Wang is always an after thought when a discussion of today's elite hurlers is brought up. On Sunday, Chien-Ming turned in another performance that seemed to scream to the baseball world, "Hey, look at me."
The Yankees 28-year old right-hander tossed a 7-inning shutout on Sunday, as the Yankees beat the Cleveland Indians 1-0. With the victory, Wang improved his record to 5-0, and more importantly, became the stopper the Yankees are desperately seeking. In his effort against the Indians, Chien-Ming featured a sharp-breaking slider which accounted for many of his nine strikeouts. The win brought Wang's record for the past 2 years plus to a stunning 43-13. In order for the Yankees to win this division, Wang and Andy Pettitte are going to have to turn in these type of games for the Yankees.
Don't look now, but Melky Cabrera may be becoming a star right before our eyes. With his blast against C.C. Sabathia, the "Melk Man" has now hit 5 homers on the young season.
Despite playing 18 of their last 20 games on the road, key injuries to Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez, very slow start by Jason Giambi and Robinson Cano, and terrible performances by rookie pitchers Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, the Yankees are 13-13 and only 2 games out of first place. For Yankee haters, this is very bad news.
Manager Joe Girardi is making too many lineup changes to suit me. With this type of team, Joe has to be patient and stick with a consistent lineup. Last year, the Yankee offense got off to a slow start and then came around to lead the lead in runs scored. Juggling a lineup in not the answer. In time this team will hit. Joe has to just let it happen.
THE NEW "OLD RELIABLE"
In the late 30’s and 40’s, the Yankees had a very clutch hitter (Tommy Henrich) who earned the nickname, “Old Reliable”. If I had to give out this nickname to a current Yankee, I would give it to Andy Pettitte. It seems that during his Yankee tenure, Andy has gone out and won games that the Yankees needed badly. Sunday was one of those games.
With a bullpen that was overworked due to poor performances from Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina, and Ian Kennedy, “Old Reliable” Pettitte gave the struggling Yankees exactly what they needed. Andy took the mound against the Orioles and threw 7-shutout innings. The Yankee lefty, who improved to 3 and 1, yielded only 4 hits, while walking none and striking out five. Though it is very early, the Yankees needed this kind of game from Andy, and as usual, he delivered big time.
I don’t know what worries me more, the fact that Joe Girardi elected to pitch to Manny Ramirez with two outs and runners on second and third in a close game, or the fact that the Yankee skipper would consider doing the same thing again.
While driving to Yankee Stadium on Thursday, I heard Girardi tell WFAN’s Chris Russo and Mike Francessa that he necessarily wouldn’t walk Ramirez if faced with that choice again. Joe, please listen to me. In that situation you HAVE to walk Ramirez. There is no explanation for what you did. It was wrong, and saying you would consider doing it again is malpractice.
The post 1996 Yankee fan continues to amaze me. These fans were ecstatic when the Yanks elected to pass on Johan Santana, and keep Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy in the rotation. Now, just because the two kids are struggling, these same fans are screaming for the young pitchers hides.
Folks, when you go with very young pitchers, you are going to experience lots of ups and downs. Patience is needed when you are trying to cultivate young starters. To give up on these two guys in early April, is silly and shows your lack of knowledge of the game.
Speaking of young pitchers, I’ve been very impressed with Ross Ohlendorph. Yankee broadcaster Suzyn Waldman hit it right on the head when she (in describing Ohlendorph’s fine pitching) said, “You can’t teach 96 miles-per-hour”. In my opinion, Ross is ahead of Kennedy and the Yankees might be wise to insert him into the rotation.
The Yankees have only played 20 games so I’m not worried about the slow start of the offense. Jorge Posada’s shoulder soreness has taken some continuity out of the lineup, and I expect when he starts to catch again, the Yankee offense will wake up.
Early on, Mariano Rivera looks absolutely spectacular. Usually “Mo” gets off to slow starts, but not this year. He is truly a gem.
I think the Yankees have a “find” in infielder Alberto Gonzalez. The 25 year old did a good job in filling in for Derek Jeter, and he might just win a job as a utility man on this team.
UNDERDOGS, JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT
YANKEES 2008 SEASON PREVIEW
Finally, the memories of those gnats that sabotaged the Yankee season last October 5th, are out of my mind. Those bugs, along with an excruciating ride home from Yankee Stadium after the Yanks were eliminated in Game 4, seemed to stay with me all the way until spring training began in February.
Believe me, there is nothing worse than a 3- hour plus ride home after your team has been eliminated from a playoff series. The only thing I want to say about that night (actually early morning) is a “thank you” to the convenience store /gas station right off exit 90 in Mystic, Connecticut, which was still open at 3:00 am. Without those two energy drinks I bought there, I never would have made it back for work for 8:00am. Yes, I do LOVE this game!
So now that I have recovered from the disappointment of the 2007 Yankee post-season, I now can focus on 2008, and analyze this Yankee team—a team that will set out to capture their 27th World Championship—and a team that will play its final season at historic Yankee Stadium.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
For the first time since 1998, the New York Yankees are not the consensus odds-on-favorite to win the world championship. For the first time since 1996, the Yankees have a new manager leading the team. For the first time in 13 years, the Yankee starting rotation has three big question marks in it. And finally, for the first time since 1998, the Yankees are not defending Eastern Division Champions. In short, for the first time in a very long time, the New York Yankees can be considered underdogs as they head into the new season.
STARTING PITCHING – AFTER THE FIRST TWO, ALL WE HAVE IS A CLUE
The top two pitchers in the Yankee starting rotation can arguably match up with anyone’s 1-2 in baseball. If they stay healthy, Chien-Ming Wang (19-7 3.70 ERA) and Andy Pettitte (15-9 4.05 ERA) will duplicate or better last year’s performances. Both of these two starters are proven winners, and can handle being counted on to be a stopper.
After the top two in the rotation, it becomes a crap shoot for the Yankees. Twenty-two year-old, Phil Hughes ( 5-3, 4.46 ERA) is the Yankees number three starter. At times last season, Hughes pitched like an ace. The Yankees number one prospect showed glimpses of “Clemens-like” stuff in many of his appearances. Phil has a lively fastball that he's not afraid to spot inside on a hitter. He has a great curve, and shows no fear on the mound.
That said, Phil is only 22, and no one knows how he will shoulder the load of being the make or break man for a team that everyone expects to make the playoffs. Every time Phil takes the hill for the Yankees, many Yankee fans will view him as the guy Brian Cashman would not give up for Johan Santana.
Mike Mussina (11-10, 5.15 ERA) and 22-year-old, Ian Kennedy (1-0, 1.89 in 19 innings pitched) round out the Yankees rotation. Both of these guys scare me because they are very similar in style. Since the “Moose” lost the zip on his fastball, he has been getting pounded. The problem with Mike is, there is very little differential between his 86-88 mph “fastball” and his changeup. From the little I’ve seen of Kennedy, he might have the same problem as Mussina. Ian can hit the low 90’s with his fastball, but like Mike, he has to have pin point command to be effective.
THE BULLPEN -- IF YANKEES LEAD AFTER 7 INNINGS, GAME IS OVER
In Mariano Rivera (30 saves, 3.15 ERA) and Joba Chamberlain (0.38 ERA 34 K’s in 24 innings) the Yankees have the eighth and ninth innings covered. In other words, if the Yankees carry a lead going into the last two innings, they will be a good bet to win the game. Not since 1996 (Rivera to Wettleland) have the Yankees had this type of 1-2 punch in their pen.
Kyle Farnsworth, LaTroy Hawkins, Brian Bruney, Ross Ohlendorf, and lone lefty, Billy Traber, will try to find a way to get the ball to Chamberlain with the Yankees leading. I was surprised that Scott Patterson (1-hit, 0-runs, 7-K’s, in 7 innings this spring) didn’t make the team. Remember his name, because if any of the above middlemen fail, Scott will get the call.
ONCE AGAIN, A POTENT OFFENSE - 1,000 RUNS A POSSIBILITY
You can bet the Yankees will be in contention all season long thanks to having one of the most potent offenses in baseball. While scoring a whopping 968 runs last year, one can only wonder how many more runs the team would have scored if Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi didn’t have off years.
Coupled with the disappointing years from Damon and Giambi, the Yankee offense also suffered from very slow starts from Bobby Abreu and Robinson Cano. While 968 runs scored is a stellar number, the 2008 Yankees should score over 1,000 runs if the above mentioned players improve on their first half numbers from last season.
For the most part, manager Joe Girardi will go with the following lineup.
PLAYER OBP. RUNS HR RBI
DAMON LF .351 93 12 63
JETER SS .388 102 12 73
ABREU RF .369 123 16 101
RODRIGUEZ 3B .422 143 54 156
GIAMBI 1B .356 31 14 39
POSADA C .426 91 20 90
CANO 2B .353 93 19 97
MATSUI DH .367 100 25 103
CABRERA CF .327 66 8 73
A few notes on this lineup.
Jason Giambi played in only 83 games last season. In order for the Yankees to give A-Rod some protection in this lineup, Jason is going to have to have a rebound season. The “GiamBino” had a great spring, and the Yankees hope it carries through the season.
Last preseason, I picked Robinson Cano to be the Yankees MVP. Well, a historic season by Alex Rodriguez and a slow start by Cano, shot that prediction down. That said, I still believe “Robbie” is the best pure hitter in this Yankee lineup. I expect his power numbers to rise this year, and this time, he just might turn in that MVP season.
As noted earlier, Damon must return to form as being the catalyst in this lineup. Johnny admitted this spring that he was out of shape last year, and thus could never get over his nagging injuries. “Damon like” numbers at the top of this lineup will surely help the Yankees push over the 1,000 runs scored mark.
A BENCH THAT CAN ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTE
Unlike early last season, the Yankees now have a very good bench. Jose Molina (C), Wilson Betemit (3B, SS, 2B), Shelley Duncan (OF, DH, IB), and Morgan Ensberg (1B,3B) will give manager Girardi some lineup flexibility, and a chance to rest some of his every day players.
THE MANAGER --- NOT THE SAME OLD JOE
Joe Girardi has the tough job of following a legend as he takes over for Joe Torre. Girardi will differ from Torre in that he will probably play the “numbers” game more that Torre did. Expect to see the new Yankee manager play match-ups with certain players when situations call for it. Girardi will try to manufacture runs more than Torre did.
I expect to see Girardi push for wins early on in the season. Torre’s style was to manage for the long haul. I don’t see Girardi doing this. We are going to see intense playing and managing for the whole year. Let’s just hope the young manager doesn’t burn the team out.
Like every team in baseball, at some point during the year, the Yankees will go into a slump, and that’s when Girardi will be tested and compared to the successful Torre. The former Yankee manager not only managed on the field, but off the field too. Everyone is convinced Girardi can manage game situations. We just have to wait and see how he will manage the club after the game is over. In New York, with this team, that may be more important than managing the game itself.
HELP FROM THE MINORS – PROSPECTS GALORE
During every season, a team will have to dip into their minor league system to fill holes on the big club or to make a trade. Here are some names you will be hearing about as the year goes on.
Besides Scott Patterson, the Yankees pitching staff could be helped by Jeff Karstens, Darrell Rasner, Alan Horne, Jonathan Albaladejo, and later on in the year, flame-thrower, Humberto Sanchez. Kei Igawa will start the year in Triple A, but frankly, I can’t see this guy helping the Yankees at all. Young outfielders Austin Jackson and Jose Tabata will be on everyone's list when the Yankees try to make a deal in July.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER – BOSTON AND NEW YORK MIRROR EACH OTHER
The Yankees will fight for the division crown with Boston and Toronto. The Blue Jays have already suffered some big injuries so I will put them behind both the Red Sox and Yankees.
Like the Yankees, Boston has three very big question marks in their starting rotation. Boston can match the Yankee bullpen strength in the eighth and ninth inning. Also, like their rivals to the south, the Red Sox also have a lineup than can score lots of runs.
So it will all come down to which team will end up having a better 3,4, and 5th starter. At this point, I see neither team having an advantage. Maybe by the trading deadline in July, we will know, but until then, I will give the division nod to the Red Sox because they are defending champions.
Here is my projected order of finish:
BOSTON
NEW YORK
TORONTO
TAMPA
BALTIMORE
This is going to be a very exciting and historic Yankee season. To all Yankee fans out there, please enjoy being the underdog. I hope many of you learned a lesson from last year, and now will not panic if the team gets off to a slow start. It’s a very long season, and I can assure you changes will be made as the year goes on.
Enjoy the season, everyone and I will see you at Yankee Stadium!
Follow Me All Season Long On MLB Blogs
If The Story is True, Alex Has Truly Become Free
A few weeks ago, Alex Rodriguez' agent, Scott Boras, announced to the baseball world that his client was electing to opt out of his Yankee contract to become a free agent. Today, rumors ran wild that for the past three days, A-Rod (without his agent) was telling the Yankees he had made a mistake, and expressed his desire to come back to New York. If this story is true, Alex Rodriguez has truly become free, and it has nothing to do with being available to 29 other major league teams.
Today, Alex Rodriguez became free of having his agent make all of his decisions. Today, Alex Rodriguez realized that wanting something with your heart, is a lot stronger than holding out for the highest bidder. Today, and in the past few weeks, Alex Rodriguez realized that Hank Steinbrenner was dead serious when he said no one player is bigger than the New York Yankee franchise. Today, Alex Rodriguez became human, and that could make him super-human on the playing field.
When A-Rod opted out of his Yankee deal, I wasn't upset or angry. As I wrote, I'm basically indifferent to any Yankee who is foolish enough to turn in his pinstripes. Like Hank Steinbrenner and the Steinbrenner family, I consider being a Yankee a privilege, and when a player gives that up, it's his loss. To his credit, I believe Alex Rodriguez came to the realization that he should have never given up this privilege of being a Yankee. Alex had returned a "gift", and in the ensuing weeks, realized that "gift" was something special, and he wanted it back.
If this story is true, its ramifications run deeper and wider than a few people having their pride hurt. By his actions during the past few days, A-Rod has shown us he is not a 19-year old boy that needs someone to tell him what is "right" for him anymore. In going back to the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez has shown us that he has become a man off the field. He has shown us that he appreciated being a Yankee, and wants to remain one for a long time.
In my opinion, if this story proves to be true, Alex Rodriguez will become even more of a force in New York during the coming years. Finally, this guy has let the "facade" down and become a real person. This will help him so much on the field, as he finally discovered, on his own, what makes him content.
As a fan, I want to hear from Alex Rodriguez if he does resign with the Yankees in the next few days. No, I don't want to hear from the old scripted A-Rod, but instead, I want to hear from the new A-Rod, who I hope will speak from his heart. I want to hear how appreciative he is that the Steinbrenner family has given him another "gift".
This is one amazing story. Who would have thought just a few weeks ago, that baseball's biggest free agent would finally become "free" by telling his old team that he wanted the privilege of be a New York Yankee back?
Yankee Notes From Suzyn Waldman's "Hot Stove" Talk Show
On Wednesday night, Yankee broadcaster, Suzyn Waldman hosted a very informative Yankee "hot stove" talk show. Here are some highlights from Waldman's show which aired on WCBS 880 radio in New York.
Waldman' s first guest was Yankee General Manager, Brian Cashman. Brian told Suzyn the Yankee have made offers to both Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada. Cashman said the offers the Yankees made the two free agents would make it very difficult for either one to leave the team.
When asked if the Yankees were "rebuilding" or "restructuring", Cashman told Waldman he is doing what he started in 2005, and that is, "build a championship caliber team, while building from within." Brian cited bringing along Chien-Ming Wang and Robinson Cano in 2005, and Melky Cabrera in 2006. In 2007, Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain continued the influx of young talent. Cashman told Waldman he felt the Yankees had a team that could have won it all last year.
Concerning the Alex Rodriguez void, Cashman said the Yankees may have to "think outside the box" in order to try to replace A-Rod. Brian said the Yankees may have to get "creative" because there really isn't much out there in the free agent market. Cashman said the Yankees might get a position player to move over to third (like A-Rod did) or they may ask Robinson Cano to move to third, and then acquire a second baseman.
Waldman and New York Daily News beat writer, Mark Feinsand then discussed the Cano to third move. Feinsand said moving Cano to third isn't the Yankees first choice in replacing Rodriguez. He then said, though Cashman said he wouldn't trade any of his big three young pitchers (Hughes, Chamberlain, and Kennedy) there is always that small chance, that if the Yanks come up empty at third, they could deal one of the youngsters for Miguel Cabrera.
Feinsand agreed with Waldman in saying that Jorge Posada wants to be "wooed" by the Yankees. They both feel it will take a 4-year deal to resign the Yankee catcher, who probably will end up playing first or DH'ing down the road. Both concluded the Yankees would have to give Posada what he wants. As we all know, the Yankees have no replacement for Posada.
Waldman then interviewed the new Yankee manager, Joe Girardi. Girardi said he was "overly excited and surprised" to get the Yankee job so soon. The new Yankee skipper said, "intensity will be there", stating it was a characteristic he has always had. Joe went on to say that he will "embrace" the mix of young and older players on this current Yankee team.
Since the Miguel Cabrera to the Yankees rumor got hot this week, Waldman asked Girardi what his former player was like? Joe said he had a "very good " relationship with the young Cabrera. Girardi said Cabrera "could play anywhere you put him". The Yankee manager went on to say that Miguel "knows how to play the game" and was "extremely" impressed with him.
Girardi told Waldman he was confident the Yankees would field a winning team next year. Joe added that since the free agent market is so thin, he expects the Yankees to improve with trades. "Right now", Girardi said, "the Yankees are studying a lot of trades."
From this interview and what I've been reading and hearing for the last few days, it seems like the Yankees and Mariano Rivera will be announcing a deal shortly. I expect to see Jorge Posada hit the open market and make the Yankees match his biggest offer. I'm very happy for Posada, who never seems to get any credit for the Yankees' success. He has been a very undervalued player on this team and now he will get his due.
From the upbeat tone of Girardi's voice when talking about Miguel Cabrera, I feel the Yankees will make the Marlins a serious offer for their third baseman. Cabrera is a hitting machine, but some believe he doesn't display maximum effort at all times. Many players have come to the Yankees with bad reputations, but something happens when they enter that clubhouse. Get used to these Cabrera rumors because I don't think they are going away.
The Girardi Era Begins,
And It Will Start With Pitching
When the Yankees and Joe Torre parted ways a few weeks ago, I figured Don Mattingly would be the next Yankee manager. I felt “Donnie Baseball” would be given the job because he was Torre’s most recent bench coach, and because Mattingly would be a very popular choice --- something I thought would influence the Yankees since they received a very negative backlash when they let the popular Torre go.
Well, as we know now, Hank Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman didn’t succumb to “the most popular choice” but instead, picked the man they felt would best be able to lead a revamped Yankee team with a new organizational philosophy.
In picking Joe Girardi as manager, and telling their most potent offensive player, “see ya”, the Yankees sent a loud message to the “Yankee Universe”. The message that was sent was, pitching is going to be the top weapon of the 2008 New York Yankees.
The Yankees selected their former catcher as manager, because they wanted an experienced man to handle a staff that may feature the young arms of Job Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy. In my opinion, this is why Girardi got the job over Mattingly.
In Thursday’s press conference, Girardi said, “Pitching wins championships” and hinted he and Brian Cashman will focus on building a very solid starting staff and pen to help bring world championship #27 to this storied franchise.
If you’re a Yankee fan, you really can’t argue with the direction Girardi is planning to lead the Yankees in. The ALDS failures of 2005, 2006, and 2007 had nothing to do with clutch hitting, managerial decisions, or bugs. The Yankees failed to advance in the playoffs because Randy Johnson and Chien-Ming Wang could not get the job done in the first round. Simply put, the Yankees have been very short on quality pitching since the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Steinbrenner, Cashman, and Girardi all know this, and that’s why I feel you will see the Yankees build a team around solid pitching, and focus less on offense.
Soon, I can almost guarantee that you will hear rumors that the Yankees are in hot pursuit of Minnesota ace, Johan Santana. The Yankee brain trust desperately wants to secure an ace for the upcoming season, and they will target the Twins talented lefty who will be a free agent at the end of next season. It will cost the Yankees a Melky Cabrera, a Hughes or Wang, and maybe a prospect, but it’s a trade that will enormously help the Yanks reach their goal of having a super staff.
While we can all hope that Chamberlain, Hughes, and Kennedy can contribute greatly in next year’s rotation, we all must realize that plugging in three kids in a rotation is very risky if your goal is to win a world championship.
The Yankees need another experienced and quality starter to join Andy Pettitte and anchor this young rotation. Santana should be that guy, and the Yankees will probably pull out all the stops to acquire him.
As we know from his playing days and his experience as a Yankee bench coach, Girardi is a very well-prepared individual. I’m certain the new Yankee manager has already given Steinbrenner and Cashman some examples in how this team can improve and reach their ultimate goal.
In the next few months, I expect the Yankees to make a flurry of moves, and most of them will involve improving their pitching. Steinbrenner, Cashman, and Girardi all have the same plan. Now we will see if they can implement it successfully and ready this team for 2008.
The New "Hammerin' Hank"
With all due respect to baseball great Henry Aaron, there’s a
new “Hammerin’ Hank” in baseball, and his last name is Steinbrenner. With a
statement that pleased this long time Yankee diehard, Hank Steinbrenner
essentially told Alex Rodriguez, Scott Boras, and the baseball world, that no
one player is bigger than the New York Yankees.
Reacting to the news that Alex Rodriguez was opting out of his contract with
baseball’s most storied franchise, George Steinbrenner’s oldest son made points
in Yankee Universe when he said the following:
"It's clear he didn't want to be a Yankee. He doesn't understand the privilege
of being a Yankee on a team where the owners are willing to pay $200 million to
put a winning product on the field. I don't want anybody on my team that doesn't
want to be a Yankee."
Bravo, Hank. Bravo.
Steinbrenner’s words were music to my ears because as a fan, I’ve always felt
this way. Playing for the greatest franchise in sports IS a privilege.
When a player can call Yankee Stadium his home, play in front of 52,000 fans in
that “home”, and has a chance to be linked to legends like Ruth, Gehrig, and
DiMaggio, he not only should consider it a privilege, he should consider it a
very special gift.
On Sunday night, Alex Rodriguez decided to give up that privilege and return the
"gift". As a Yankee fan for 40 years, his decision did not upset me, because
like Hank Steinbrenner, if a player willingly gives up his pinstripes, it’s his
loss, not mine.
My reasoning for not getting angry at A-Rod is simple. You see, unlike Alex, I
do consider it a privilege and gift to be a fan of this team. I feel that way
every time I enter Yankee Stadium, and will always feel that way whether Alex
Rodriguez is there or not. In other words, I’m not concerned about any Yankee
“opting out”. In my book, no one Yankee is more important than the franchise
that has made us proud for so many years. I was so reassuring that Hank
Steinbrenner feels the same way.
I think my words have some weight here because I was never an A-Rod basher.
Many
times during his tenure as a Yankee, I “went to bat” for Rodriguez and scolded
many Yankee fans for giving him such a hard time. Unlike many fans, I won’t
deride Rodriguez with name calling and be foolish enough to say, “He’s not that
good.” Truthfully, he’s one of the best baseball players I’ve ever seen since I
began following this game in 1967.
That said, the Yankees continued to thrive after the losses of Ruth, Gehrig,
DiMaggio, and Mantle, so I won’t be fretting over A-Rod’s departure. He doesn’t
want to be here, so it’s time for him to move out quickly, so the Yankees can
replace him with someone who wants the privilege, and accept the gift of being a
New York Yankee.
Disappointed? Yes. Devastated? No.
How My "Yankee Ghosts" Helped Me Out
Disappointed? Yes. Devastated? No!
As most of you know out there, I work in
Initially, I felt so disappointed. This was such a tough
year for the Yankees, and everything seemed to come so hard for them. The trip
to
Thinking about what just had happened gave me a sickening feeling in my stomach. As the ride went on, I thought to myself this loss wasn’t only disappointing, but it could turn out to be devastating. Once the word “devastating” entered my head, they appeared. They, you ask? Yes, they --- my Yankee “ghosts”.
My Yankee “ghosts” are different from the “ghosts” Derek Jeter talks about. Derek’s “ghosts” are Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle. My “ghosts” are Horace Clark, Steve Barber, Bill Burbach, Andy Kosco, and Jimmy Lyttle –they and others, are the “ghosts” of my Yankee past. They represent a time of Yankee futility – something I knew all too well since I became a Yankee fan in 1967. They represent a time when I would be thrilled if the team just finished at .500.
The “ghosts” usually show up when the Yankees do something great, so I was surprised to “see” them on this night. When I’m at Yankee Stadium and the Yanks win a pennant or world series, my “ghosts” appear to just to remind me that I should embrace and appreciate the moment. I always do, for I remember what it was like to be a fan during the "lean" years.
Tonight, my “ghosts” were going to make sure my disappointment didn’t turn into devastation. One by one --- like students in a graduating class – they paraded by me. Jerry Kenny, Bill Sudakis, Charlie Spikes, Jake Gibbs, Ron Woods, Jim Ray Hart, and others all told me I had no right to be devastated.
On this night, the “ghosts” reminded me what I’ve seen since 1996. Girardi’s triple against the Braves in the 1996 World Series. Tino’s grand slam against the Padres in the 1998 Fall Classic. Seeing Roger Clemens win the fourth and final game of the 1999 World Series. Seeing David Justice hit a dramatic homer that got the Yankees into the Subway Series against the Mets in 2000. The “ghosts” told me how lucky I was to witness some of the most exciting World Series finishes ever in 2001. And yes, the “ghosts” also reminded me of my most thrilling moment at Yankee Stadium – Aaron Boone’s pennant winning blast of a year ago.
As the “ghosts” went through each memorable moment (there were many more) the thought of devastation left my mind for good. Suddenly, I concluded I had no right to be devastated. What fan of any other team could boast about seeing moments like the “ghosts” were reminding me of?
Once the “ghosts” realized that they had “gotten to
me”, they then complimented me and my seat mates in Sec 21,
As quickly as the “ghosts” came, they started to leave. They told me they had much more work to do that night. The “ghosts” were going to “haunt” every Yankee “fan” that left Yankee Stadium early that night. They also will “haunt” every Yankee “fan” who booed one of their own that night. The “ghosts” are going to remind these “fans” that there was a time when Yankee Stadium was empty EVERY October and that’s why these “fans” should appreciate the team they have now.
For me, the disappointment still lingers. It will linger until after the World Series has finished and a new baseball off-season begins. Thanks to my “ghosts” though, the disappointment hasn’t turned into devastation. This baseball team has given me so much over the years, that I have no right to be devastated.
In closing, I want to thank Mr. Steinbrenner and the New York Yankees for another great year. I also want to thank the many diehard fans that I sit with during year. You guys are true fans and the franchise is awfully lucky to have your support.
Our Goal Every Year?
This Trophy.
A Tribute To George Steinbrenner
The Building Of The New Yankee Stadium
Yankee Tradition History Facts
Little Rudy Visits The New Yankee Stadium-2005
Someone Is Missing From Monument Park
Visit Our Yankee Gift Link Store
Yankeetradition.com is site for Yankee diehards that embrace the past with the present. It is in no way affiliated with the New York Yankee Baseball Club. All comments or suggestions may be sent to ldilullo@aol.com. Yes that's me, a Yankee fan since 1967 who has seen the likes of Celerino Sanchez, Charlie Spikes, Jimmy Lyttle, and Walt "NoNeck"Williams. Yes, thank God for the George Steinbrenner era!
.
.
.
