From an article in the New York Times:
"If the bill passes — the news agency Reuters predicts it will — it would become illegal in Spain to kill apes except in self-defense."
So if you're strolling down a street in Spain and you're attacked by an ape, feel free to kill it. But if you're strolling down a street in Spain and simply come across an ape, you better leave it alone. It's a good thing this bill has been proposed. Since, coming across apes is so common on the Iberian Peninsula and all.
What does this have to do with baseball you ask? Why don't you feel free to shut yourself up, I answer.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
What's Happening to Our Team?
In every season in recent history, the Yankees have seemed to climb into a hole that they were unlikely to climb out of. They've had tough seasons in the last few years, and this one is no different. Where we're out Matsui, Damon, and Wang, I have to say that this has been a good season for injuries. Remember 2005 when we had Chacon, Small and Leiter replacing our injured pitchers? Or in 2006 when we lost Matsui and Sheffield, our two corner outfielders, and the majority of our offense? Or last season when we had so many rookies pitching for us, you had to do a double take to make sure you weren't watching the Staten Island Yankees by accident. Despite this, the Yankees are taking to this seasons slew of injuries like they've never dealt with the DL before. Our rotation is much better than it has been in other years. Even with Wang out, Mussina has been more than stellar, Pettitte, despite his recent start, has been good, and Chamberlain's been pitching like he's always been in the rotation. Throw in the unlikely contributions of Sir Sydney Ponson, and you see a pretty good group of pitchers. Unlike recent seasons however, the trouble does not lie with the pitching, but with the offense. How a lineup with a resurgent Giambi, and a good as ever A-Rod is under performing is beyond me. This team losses a lot of close games, and gets shut out by both great pitchers and crappy fill-ins alike. Peter Abraham mentioned on his blog that the Yankees are on pace to score 742 runs, the fewest since 1992. And we sucked in 1992. So is there any hope?
I for one am a strong believer in the baseball card rule. This rule states that barring injury, any veteran player, no matter how bad they may have started a season, will end up with numbers similar to what they've put up on their baseball card. Remember A-Rod in 2006 when he had that "awful" season? He ended with a .290 average, 35 homeruns, and 121 RBI's. Compare this to his first season with the Yankees where he batted .286 with 36 homeruns and 106 RBI's. Following this rule, you'd believe that the under performing Yankees should return to their norm by the season's end. However, A-Rod, Giambi, and Abreu aren't under performing. They're actually hitting exactly what you could expect them too. Cabrera is under his norm, but he's still too young a player for the rule to apply. Cano and Jeter should be batting better, but is that enough to save this team? Will Matsui and Damon's return save the Yankees? Matsui was the best hitter we had before his injury. Can Posada make up for lost time? I just don't know. What I do know is that Brett Gardner isn't the answer though he could serve as part of the equation. We're not getting career years out of players like we did last year from Posada and A-Rod, or the year before from Jeter and Cano. Something major needs to turn around in order for this team to make a playoff run. I thought they had hit rock bottom when they got killed by Baltimore last month after getting swept by the Mets. It appears I was wrong. We're not that far behind, but losing series to the Toronto Blue Jays and the Pittsburgh Pirates isn't going to help us get anywhere. Neither is squandering quality starts from our pitchers.
Is it time to turn things around? I would have said that was the case months ago, but now, after getting shut down over 8+ innings by 2 Toronto pitchers, I think its time to step it up a little. We're entering the All-Star break now. The Yankees need to rest, regroup, and get themselves mentally ready for the second half of the season. They need to hit the ground running on July 18th. If not, its time to start looking toward 2009, and you better believe this offense will get a face lift this off season.
I for one am a strong believer in the baseball card rule. This rule states that barring injury, any veteran player, no matter how bad they may have started a season, will end up with numbers similar to what they've put up on their baseball card. Remember A-Rod in 2006 when he had that "awful" season? He ended with a .290 average, 35 homeruns, and 121 RBI's. Compare this to his first season with the Yankees where he batted .286 with 36 homeruns and 106 RBI's. Following this rule, you'd believe that the under performing Yankees should return to their norm by the season's end. However, A-Rod, Giambi, and Abreu aren't under performing. They're actually hitting exactly what you could expect them too. Cabrera is under his norm, but he's still too young a player for the rule to apply. Cano and Jeter should be batting better, but is that enough to save this team? Will Matsui and Damon's return save the Yankees? Matsui was the best hitter we had before his injury. Can Posada make up for lost time? I just don't know. What I do know is that Brett Gardner isn't the answer though he could serve as part of the equation. We're not getting career years out of players like we did last year from Posada and A-Rod, or the year before from Jeter and Cano. Something major needs to turn around in order for this team to make a playoff run. I thought they had hit rock bottom when they got killed by Baltimore last month after getting swept by the Mets. It appears I was wrong. We're not that far behind, but losing series to the Toronto Blue Jays and the Pittsburgh Pirates isn't going to help us get anywhere. Neither is squandering quality starts from our pitchers.
Is it time to turn things around? I would have said that was the case months ago, but now, after getting shut down over 8+ innings by 2 Toronto pitchers, I think its time to step it up a little. We're entering the All-Star break now. The Yankees need to rest, regroup, and get themselves mentally ready for the second half of the season. They need to hit the ground running on July 18th. If not, its time to start looking toward 2009, and you better believe this offense will get a face lift this off season.
This is Just Getting Old
The Good
Giambi and Abreu had a pair of hits, with Giambi knocking one out of the park. Giese and Robertson combined for 2 shutout innings.
The Bad
5 Yankees went hitless today including the ever underperforming C & C boys, and the Yankee captain Derek Jeter. Cabrera, Betemit and Gardner at the back of that lineup is a huge void. You pretty much don't have an inning if those three are up to bat. One of those innings had Cabrera popping up on the first pitch, then Betemit and Gardner striking out back-to-back. No good. Pettitte went 6 innings while giving up 4 runs. Not his sharpest outing.
The Ugly
Once again, Yankee fans were served a 3-run Marco Scutaro homerun against a Yankee great. Last year, it was the walk off against Mariano. Today, it was a 3 run bomb against Pettitte. Do the Yankees have an answer to this animal?
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
The "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog joined Johnny Damon's home run club, which raises money for the Children's Health Fund. We are pledged to donate $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. We will keep a running tally of the home runs hit and the money donated throughout the season. Giambi hit a homerun in the 9th to save the Yankees from the embarrassment of a Canadian shutout. At this point, the money raised for the children is the only joy I'm getting out of this season.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 19hr = $19.00
Hideki Matsui 7 hr = $7.00
Bobby Abreu 10hr = $10.00
Jorge Posada 3hr = $3.00
Jason Giambi 19hr = $19.00
Johnny Damon 6hr = $6.00
Morgan Ensberg 1hr = $1.00
Robinson Cano 6hr = $6.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 5hr = $5.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $90.00
If you are interested in Johnny Damon's Homerun Club or the Children's Health Fund you can find links to both at the top right hand corner of our page.
Giambi and Abreu had a pair of hits, with Giambi knocking one out of the park. Giese and Robertson combined for 2 shutout innings.
The Bad
5 Yankees went hitless today including the ever underperforming C & C boys, and the Yankee captain Derek Jeter. Cabrera, Betemit and Gardner at the back of that lineup is a huge void. You pretty much don't have an inning if those three are up to bat. One of those innings had Cabrera popping up on the first pitch, then Betemit and Gardner striking out back-to-back. No good. Pettitte went 6 innings while giving up 4 runs. Not his sharpest outing.
The Ugly
Once again, Yankee fans were served a 3-run Marco Scutaro homerun against a Yankee great. Last year, it was the walk off against Mariano. Today, it was a 3 run bomb against Pettitte. Do the Yankees have an answer to this animal?
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
The "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog joined Johnny Damon's home run club, which raises money for the Children's Health Fund. We are pledged to donate $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. We will keep a running tally of the home runs hit and the money donated throughout the season. Giambi hit a homerun in the 9th to save the Yankees from the embarrassment of a Canadian shutout. At this point, the money raised for the children is the only joy I'm getting out of this season.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 19hr = $19.00
Hideki Matsui 7 hr = $7.00
Bobby Abreu 10hr = $10.00
Jorge Posada 3hr = $3.00
Jason Giambi 19hr = $19.00
Johnny Damon 6hr = $6.00
Morgan Ensberg 1hr = $1.00
Robinson Cano 6hr = $6.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 5hr = $5.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $90.00
If you are interested in Johnny Damon's Homerun Club or the Children's Health Fund you can find links to both at the top right hand corner of our page.
Yankee Great Dies at 62
Many of you probably already know but former Yankee Bobby Murcer died yesterday after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was first diagnosed with brain cancer almost two years ago, and went through surgery while taking a break from broadcasting.
Bobby Murcer was an outfielder for the Yankees throughout the early 70's and early 80's with brief stints with the Giants and the Cubs. He unfortunately missed the two championship teams of '77 and '78, but spent 13 of his 18 seasons with the Yankees. He retired from baseball as a Yankee, and became a commentator for us. Needless to say, Murcer will be missed.
Bobby Murcer was an outfielder for the Yankees throughout the early 70's and early 80's with brief stints with the Giants and the Cubs. He unfortunately missed the two championship teams of '77 and '78, but spent 13 of his 18 seasons with the Yankees. He retired from baseball as a Yankee, and became a commentator for us. Needless to say, Murcer will be missed.
Yankee Offense Backs Up Rasner
The Good
9 runs from this team is a lot to ask for of late, but they delivered. 3 RBI's a piece for Jeter (who hit his 200th homerun of his career), A-Rod, and Gardner. Melky had a pair of hits. And also, would you believe that Ramirez-Veras-Farnsworth-Hawkins combined for 4 shut out innings?
The Bad
Rasner lasted 5 innings while giving up 3 earned runs, 4 total.
The Ugly
I took a look at the Yankees lineup from yesterday's game and only 1 player is batting above .300, and that's a $30 million player so he better be above .300. I think the single word that describes the Yankees thus far is "underachievers". Great players...awful results.
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
The "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog joined Johnny Damon's home run club, which raises money for the Children's Health Fund. We are pledged to donate $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. We will keep a running tally of the home runs hit and the money donated throughout the season. Homeruns by A-Rod and Jeter helped keep them ahead in the game, and promote health for children. Thank you guys.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 19hr = $19.00
Hideki Matsui 7 hr = $7.00
Bobby Abreu 10hr = $10.00
Jorge Posada 3hr = $3.00
Jason Giambi 18hr = $18.00
Johnny Damon 6hr = $6.00
Morgan Ensberg 1hr = $1.00
Robinson Cano 6hr = $6.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 5hr = $5.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $89.00
If you are interested in Johnny Damon's Homerun Club or the Children's Health Fund you can find links to both at the top right hand corner of our page.
9 runs from this team is a lot to ask for of late, but they delivered. 3 RBI's a piece for Jeter (who hit his 200th homerun of his career), A-Rod, and Gardner. Melky had a pair of hits. And also, would you believe that Ramirez-Veras-Farnsworth-Hawkins combined for 4 shut out innings?
The Bad
Rasner lasted 5 innings while giving up 3 earned runs, 4 total.
The Ugly
I took a look at the Yankees lineup from yesterday's game and only 1 player is batting above .300, and that's a $30 million player so he better be above .300. I think the single word that describes the Yankees thus far is "underachievers". Great players...awful results.
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
The "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog joined Johnny Damon's home run club, which raises money for the Children's Health Fund. We are pledged to donate $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. We will keep a running tally of the home runs hit and the money donated throughout the season. Homeruns by A-Rod and Jeter helped keep them ahead in the game, and promote health for children. Thank you guys.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 19hr = $19.00
Hideki Matsui 7 hr = $7.00
Bobby Abreu 10hr = $10.00
Jorge Posada 3hr = $3.00
Jason Giambi 18hr = $18.00
Johnny Damon 6hr = $6.00
Morgan Ensberg 1hr = $1.00
Robinson Cano 6hr = $6.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 5hr = $5.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $89.00
If you are interested in Johnny Damon's Homerun Club or the Children's Health Fund you can find links to both at the top right hand corner of our page.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Chamberlain Good, but Yankees Suck
The Good
Chamberlain pitched 6.2 innings of 3 run ball with 9 strikeouts.
The Bad
The Yankees were limited to 2 hits, one by A-Rod and the other by Jeter. Chamberlain got the loss despite his fine pitching performance. Billy Traber gave up 2 runs in 1.1 innings of work.
The Ugly
In every recent season the Yankees have been slow starters. They struggle for the first few months, then start cranking in July. Its now July 12, and we're not seeing any indication that this team is breaking out. The Yankees are only 6.5 games back, and with 2 and a half months left in the season, there's no real reason that the Yankees can't claim a playoff spot. However, the Yankees aren't playing like they're playoff worthy. The pitching has stepped up, but I've never seen our offense so lethargic. They kill their own momentum. They followed a walk off win in the 10th against the Rays by getting dominated by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The best this team has done is go on a 7 game winning streak beating up on Houston and San Diego. We're not facing the National League west anymore, and the Rays and Sox aren't rolling over. If they are going to make it to the post season this year, they'll need to put some fight into their game. Do they have it in them?
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
The "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog joined Johnny Damon's home run club, which raises money for the Children's Health Fund. We are pledged to donate $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. We will keep a running tally of the home runs hit and the money donated throughout the season. No homeruns, and only one extra base hit. Not enough to over come a 5 run deficit.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 18hr = $18.00
Hideki Matsui 7 hr = $7.00
Bobby Abreu 10hr = $10.00
Jorge Posada 3hr = $3.00
Jason Giambi 18hr = $18.00
Johnny Damon 6hr = $6.00
Morgan Ensberg 1hr = $1.00
Robinson Cano 6hr = $6.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 4hr = $4.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $87.00
If you are interested in Johnny Damon's Homerun Club or the Children's Health Fund you can find links to both at the top right hand corner of our page.
Chamberlain pitched 6.2 innings of 3 run ball with 9 strikeouts.
The Bad
The Yankees were limited to 2 hits, one by A-Rod and the other by Jeter. Chamberlain got the loss despite his fine pitching performance. Billy Traber gave up 2 runs in 1.1 innings of work.
The Ugly
In every recent season the Yankees have been slow starters. They struggle for the first few months, then start cranking in July. Its now July 12, and we're not seeing any indication that this team is breaking out. The Yankees are only 6.5 games back, and with 2 and a half months left in the season, there's no real reason that the Yankees can't claim a playoff spot. However, the Yankees aren't playing like they're playoff worthy. The pitching has stepped up, but I've never seen our offense so lethargic. They kill their own momentum. They followed a walk off win in the 10th against the Rays by getting dominated by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The best this team has done is go on a 7 game winning streak beating up on Houston and San Diego. We're not facing the National League west anymore, and the Rays and Sox aren't rolling over. If they are going to make it to the post season this year, they'll need to put some fight into their game. Do they have it in them?
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
The "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog joined Johnny Damon's home run club, which raises money for the Children's Health Fund. We are pledged to donate $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. We will keep a running tally of the home runs hit and the money donated throughout the season. No homeruns, and only one extra base hit. Not enough to over come a 5 run deficit.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 18hr = $18.00
Hideki Matsui 7 hr = $7.00
Bobby Abreu 10hr = $10.00
Jorge Posada 3hr = $3.00
Jason Giambi 18hr = $18.00
Johnny Damon 6hr = $6.00
Morgan Ensberg 1hr = $1.00
Robinson Cano 6hr = $6.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 4hr = $4.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $87.00
If you are interested in Johnny Damon's Homerun Club or the Children's Health Fund you can find links to both at the top right hand corner of our page.
Friday, July 11, 2008
In Fairness, We Faced Halladay
The Yanks mustered two hits tonight, but in fairness, we were facing Roy Halladay. Joba didn't deserve a loss, but that's life. Moose should've won yesterday, but he didn't because the offense felt that it was only fair that they play the way they were when they were originally in Pittsburgh.
The A-Rod divorce continues to be big news in New York. Keeps us from noticing the stock market tanking and whining about it. I have to assume that the lack of offense is a direct result of the divorce filing. It's hard to hit when you're thinking, "Man, that dude just lost $150M. I've never even seen $150M. I wonder if you can swim in that much money?"
A-Rod will be okay, and in fairness, Cynthia does serve as his hitting coach in the off-season and is a big reason he was able to sign so large a contract. But why lament the unfairness of it all? I hear A-Rod didn't sign a prenup, which if that is true, he has earned the loss of half his money. Really A-Rod? No prenup and you're out doing all that nonsense? Maybe you shouldn't have signed a major league contract right out of high school.
I just got the new blu-ray of Batman Begins, thanks to my wealthy brother, and it has the first five minutes of the Dark Knight and it looks incredible. I thought it was weird that they kill off both the Joker and Batman in the first two minutes, and that the next three consist of credits, but why question a genius like Christopher Nolan?
The A-Rod divorce continues to be big news in New York. Keeps us from noticing the stock market tanking and whining about it. I have to assume that the lack of offense is a direct result of the divorce filing. It's hard to hit when you're thinking, "Man, that dude just lost $150M. I've never even seen $150M. I wonder if you can swim in that much money?"
A-Rod will be okay, and in fairness, Cynthia does serve as his hitting coach in the off-season and is a big reason he was able to sign so large a contract. But why lament the unfairness of it all? I hear A-Rod didn't sign a prenup, which if that is true, he has earned the loss of half his money. Really A-Rod? No prenup and you're out doing all that nonsense? Maybe you shouldn't have signed a major league contract right out of high school.
I just got the new blu-ray of Batman Begins, thanks to my wealthy brother, and it has the first five minutes of the Dark Knight and it looks incredible. I thought it was weird that they kill off both the Joker and Batman in the first two minutes, and that the next three consist of credits, but why question a genius like Christopher Nolan?
Yankees No Match for Mighty Pirates
The Good
Mussina pitched 6 innings of 2 run ball, with Robertson pitching a scoreless inning of his own. Jeter had a pair of hits as Abreu knocked in both of the Yankee runs. Christian and Abreu both stole a base.
The Bad
Sloppy play coupled with ice cold bats proved to be enough for one of the worst teams in the majors to beat the Yankees. If you're counting at home, that would be a 2-1 series wins by the Pirates over the Yankees.
The Ugly
That's another good start wasted by the Yankees. I'm really pulling for Mussina to be a 20 game winner this season, and its not so far fetched if the Yankees would maybe, I don't know, score some runs. 2 starts ago he pitched 6 innings of 2 run ball and got the loss against Texas, now he pitches 6 innings of 2 run ball against the Pirates and gets a no decision. Can the Yankees win some friggin' games for the man!?
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
The "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog joined Johnny Damon's home run club, which raises money for the Children's Health Fund. We are pledged to donate $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. We will keep a running tally of the home runs hit and the money donated throughout the season. No homeruns yesterday as the Yankees feared a homerun might put them over their 2 run per game limit.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 18hr = $18.00
Hideki Matsui 7 hr = $7.00
Bobby Abreu 10hr = $10.00
Jorge Posada 3hr = $3.00
Jason Giambi 18hr = $18.00
Johnny Damon 6hr = $6.00
Morgan Ensberg 1hr = $1.00
Robinson Cano 6hr = $6.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 4hr = $4.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $87.00
If you are interested in Johnny Damon's Homerun Club or the Children's Health Fund you can find links to both at the top right hand corner of our page.
Mussina pitched 6 innings of 2 run ball, with Robertson pitching a scoreless inning of his own. Jeter had a pair of hits as Abreu knocked in both of the Yankee runs. Christian and Abreu both stole a base.
The Bad
Sloppy play coupled with ice cold bats proved to be enough for one of the worst teams in the majors to beat the Yankees. If you're counting at home, that would be a 2-1 series wins by the Pirates over the Yankees.
The Ugly
That's another good start wasted by the Yankees. I'm really pulling for Mussina to be a 20 game winner this season, and its not so far fetched if the Yankees would maybe, I don't know, score some runs. 2 starts ago he pitched 6 innings of 2 run ball and got the loss against Texas, now he pitches 6 innings of 2 run ball against the Pirates and gets a no decision. Can the Yankees win some friggin' games for the man!?
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
The "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog joined Johnny Damon's home run club, which raises money for the Children's Health Fund. We are pledged to donate $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. We will keep a running tally of the home runs hit and the money donated throughout the season. No homeruns yesterday as the Yankees feared a homerun might put them over their 2 run per game limit.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 18hr = $18.00
Hideki Matsui 7 hr = $7.00
Bobby Abreu 10hr = $10.00
Jorge Posada 3hr = $3.00
Jason Giambi 18hr = $18.00
Johnny Damon 6hr = $6.00
Morgan Ensberg 1hr = $1.00
Robinson Cano 6hr = $6.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 4hr = $4.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $87.00
If you are interested in Johnny Damon's Homerun Club or the Children's Health Fund you can find links to both at the top right hand corner of our page.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
New York Should Sign Sexson
Former Mariner's slugger Richie Sexson was just released after underperforming for the last 2 seasons. Personally, I think New York should sign Sexson. Not the Yankees mind you, but the Knicks. With how bad the Knicks are I really don't see how this wouldn't be an improvement for them.
A-Rod is a Douche
With everything surfacing about A-Rod's divorce its hard not to get caught up in the headlines. There was the one about Cynthia going on a Paris spending spree, and the one about another blond stripper recounting her jump off with Alex, and so on and so forth. I'm sure many more will come out in time. Now I know that womanizing is as much apart of baseball tradition as Cracker Jacks, and performance enhancers, but its an ugly part of the culture. And I know, A-Rod's probably just trying to take after his idle: Derek Jeter, probably the biggest womanizer on the team. However, the fact is, Jeter isn't married and A-Rod is. Now I just think A-Rod's a douche. Especially after this article about Cynthia Rodriguez. The fact is, no married woman deserves this. If you want to be a swinger, then don't get married. I'm not a believer in womanizing, but if you're going to do it, stay off the altar. It is that simple.
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