The Good
A spectacular pitching performance by Andy Pettitte where he went 8 innings and only gave up 1 run and recorded 9 strikeouts. Mariano saved the game with a shutout inning of his own. Cano and Giambi had 2 hit games with Giambi going yard to put the Yankees ahead.
The Bad
Betemit, Cabrera, Molina and Gardner went hitless yesterday. In fairness, Duchereserer is a good pitcher.
The Ugly
Duchscherer's name. I don't even want to try and pronounce it. I can't even spell it without having the A's depth chart open in front of me.
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. Despite the low scoring game, Giambi managed to barely put one out for children's health.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 20hr = $20.00
Hideki Matsui 7 hr = $7.00
Bobby Abreu 10hr = $10.00
Jorge Posada 3hr = $3.00
Jason Giambi 20hr = $20.00
Johnny Damon 6hr = $6.00
Morgan Ensberg 1hr = $1.00
Robinson Cano 7hr = $7.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 5hr = $5.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $93.00
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.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Yankees Top A's With Spectacular Walk Off Hit By Pitch
The Good
Chamberlain pitched 6 innings of 1 run ball with 8 strikeouts. Cano had 4 hits and 4 different Yankees had 2 hits. I suppose that isn't as impressive when you consider they played into the 12th but hey. The bottom part of the order pushed in all runs with Melky, Betemit, Gardner and Molina knocking them in. Molina got the winning rbi when he got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. I'll take it. Farnsworth, Ramirez, and Robertson combined for 4 innings of shutout ball with 6 strikeouts.
The Bad
Veras gave up the tieing run in the 7th, and then Mariano gave up the go ahead in the 9th. Who would have thought that he was human! Still, it wasn't a save situation so he's yet to blow a save this season. A-Rod went 0-5 with 3 strikeouts. Also, this game went into extra innings, which is fine if you were watching from home, but sitting in the bleachers with that sun pounding down on your head for 12 innings can be really exhausting.
The Ugly
Justin Christian pinch ran for Jason Giambi in the 9th. He took off with a mighty jump and was sprinting full speed towards second when suddenly his legs out did themselves, he tripped, face planted and was thrown out at second. I felt bad for him, but it was kind of funny too.
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 today, but a couple yesterday as A-Rod and Cano both hit one out. That puts Cano one homerun closer to Melky in the C&C homerun chase. The two players have been trying to topple the most sacred record in baseball: Derek Jeter's single season homerun record of 24 homeruns, set by Derek Jeter.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 20hr = $20.00
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 7hr = $7.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 5hr = $5.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $92.00
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 innings of 1 run ball with 8 strikeouts. Cano had 4 hits and 4 different Yankees had 2 hits. I suppose that isn't as impressive when you consider they played into the 12th but hey. The bottom part of the order pushed in all runs with Melky, Betemit, Gardner and Molina knocking them in. Molina got the winning rbi when he got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. I'll take it. Farnsworth, Ramirez, and Robertson combined for 4 innings of shutout ball with 6 strikeouts.
The Bad
Veras gave up the tieing run in the 7th, and then Mariano gave up the go ahead in the 9th. Who would have thought that he was human! Still, it wasn't a save situation so he's yet to blow a save this season. A-Rod went 0-5 with 3 strikeouts. Also, this game went into extra innings, which is fine if you were watching from home, but sitting in the bleachers with that sun pounding down on your head for 12 innings can be really exhausting.
The Ugly
Justin Christian pinch ran for Jason Giambi in the 9th. He took off with a mighty jump and was sprinting full speed towards second when suddenly his legs out did themselves, he tripped, face planted and was thrown out at second. I felt bad for him, but it was kind of funny too.
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 today, but a couple yesterday as A-Rod and Cano both hit one out. That puts Cano one homerun closer to Melky in the C&C homerun chase. The two players have been trying to topple the most sacred record in baseball: Derek Jeter's single season homerun record of 24 homeruns, set by Derek Jeter.
Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 20hr = $20.00
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 7hr = $7.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 5hr = $5.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $92.00
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
Yesterday's Game
My brother wanted me to do the game summary, but I've been out all day. That and I didn't really want to. Now I'm about to go out for dinner and so I don't have much time to do it now. Considering today's game is already over, last night's game just won't get as much attention as it should, but I'll give the highlights anyway.
Mussina won his twelfth game solidifying himself as the team's ace and AARP liaison.
Sexson had an RBI single in his first at-bat, once again proving Cashman is a genius.
The Yankees won, which we here at RJG prefer to the Yankees losing.
Today's game's wrap up will come soon. My brother was there so expect to get a good feel for what a bleacher seat feels like in 96 degree whether.
Mussina won his twelfth game solidifying himself as the team's ace and AARP liaison.
Sexson had an RBI single in his first at-bat, once again proving Cashman is a genius.
The Yankees won, which we here at RJG prefer to the Yankees losing.
Today's game's wrap up will come soon. My brother was there so expect to get a good feel for what a bleacher seat feels like in 96 degree whether.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Yankees Face Greg Smith
The Yankees face left handed pitcher Greg Smith tonight as the previous Oakland starter, Joe Blanton was traded to the Phillies. I don't know about you, but that sounds like a made up name. It was probably the first thing that came to his mind when Beane was asked who was going to start today. Going against Greg Smith is the Moose, who I'm stilling pulling for to win 20 this season, though the chances are much slimmer. The Yankees needed to win at least 1 more of his last 4 starts, and honestly, the way he pitched they should have won all 4. But the Yankees like to pick one pitcher every season who they won't score runs for, and it just so happens that this season, they picked the entire starting rotation, which Moose is unfortunately apart of. He needs a win tonight, so Sexson better get his bat ready.
Tomorrow I will be at the game to watch Joba take on Justin Douchsterer. Yes I misspelled his name, and no I don't care. I waisted too much time figuring out how to spell Mientkiewicz correctly, and then they let him go after one year. Anyway, getting back to tomorrow's game...I've yet to see Joba pitch live as a starter so I'm excited to see him. Douchsterer is a pretty good pitcher himself though (10-5 record with a 1.82 ERA), so it could shape up to be a pitchers duel.
In case you missed it, here's Jose Canseco getting knocked out. Can you believe that this guy played for the Yankees and has a championship ring with us? And on that note...
Some people have been calling for the signing of Barry Bonds. A giant homerun hitting lefty sounds like something the Yankees could use right? Signing Barry Bonds is an awful idea. I'm already upset that Canseco ever wore the pinstripes, and I'd be even more so with Bonds. Are you going to go from Ruth, Gehrig, Dimaggio, Berra, Mantle, Jackson, Munson, Mattingly, Jeter to Bonds? Even if he could single handedly bring us to the world series this year (which he can't), I still wouldn't want him. Now some people believe he can take us to the post season so let me break down the delusion. Bonds has not been playing so he's going to need time to get ready. At best he'd be ready by August, and then what kind of production can you expect from him? 8 homeruns, a .270 average maybe, 18 runs batted in scattered across 55 games? Yeah, that will walk us right into the post season. And that's only if he can stay healthy at his age and at his comic book action size. Signing Bonds is a horrible idea. I am not opposed however to the Yankees pulling off a trade for a hitter. I don't care that he's injured, bring back Soriano! Alright, I'm done.
Tomorrow I will be at the game to watch Joba take on Justin Douchsterer. Yes I misspelled his name, and no I don't care. I waisted too much time figuring out how to spell Mientkiewicz correctly, and then they let him go after one year. Anyway, getting back to tomorrow's game...I've yet to see Joba pitch live as a starter so I'm excited to see him. Douchsterer is a pretty good pitcher himself though (10-5 record with a 1.82 ERA), so it could shape up to be a pitchers duel.
In case you missed it, here's Jose Canseco getting knocked out. Can you believe that this guy played for the Yankees and has a championship ring with us? And on that note...
Some people have been calling for the signing of Barry Bonds. A giant homerun hitting lefty sounds like something the Yankees could use right? Signing Barry Bonds is an awful idea. I'm already upset that Canseco ever wore the pinstripes, and I'd be even more so with Bonds. Are you going to go from Ruth, Gehrig, Dimaggio, Berra, Mantle, Jackson, Munson, Mattingly, Jeter to Bonds? Even if he could single handedly bring us to the world series this year (which he can't), I still wouldn't want him. Now some people believe he can take us to the post season so let me break down the delusion. Bonds has not been playing so he's going to need time to get ready. At best he'd be ready by August, and then what kind of production can you expect from him? 8 homeruns, a .270 average maybe, 18 runs batted in scattered across 55 games? Yeah, that will walk us right into the post season. And that's only if he can stay healthy at his age and at his comic book action size. Signing Bonds is a horrible idea. I am not opposed however to the Yankees pulling off a trade for a hitter. I don't care that he's injured, bring back Soriano! Alright, I'm done.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Yankees Complete Blockbuster Deal with Sexson
After several days of running numbers and negotiating with agents, Brian Cashman has finally completed the blockbuster deal that will bring Richie Sexson to New York. With the Yankees playing like stagnant water, Cashman hopes the addition of Sexson will help stir them waters up. Cashman explains some of the thought process that went into signing Sexson:
"I was kind of like 'should I bet this $119,000 on the horse races, or should I sign Richie Sexson?' then my assistant told me Mocha Thunder was injured and that's who I planned to bet on, so I figured 'what the heck, let's sign Sexson.'"
When asked what Sexson brings to the Yankees Cashman was very specific:
"Sexson brings height, and with that fear. Opposing pitchers will be terrified of him, especially if we have him go out there with a club instead of a bat. They'd think he was an ogre! Haha! That's kind of funny. Any way, yeah, he brings height. I hope that after facing him, pitchers won't be able to readjust their strike zone, and will leave a few pitches up for whoever bats behind him."
When asked what Sexson bring defensively, Cashman responded:
"Who cares? The guys like 8 feet tall! How can he not help us defensively? Maybe I'll have him play outfield and knock down homeruns. He's waisted at first base."
When asked about the deal, Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon called Richie Sexson's height "Borderline criminal."
In response, Cashman had this to say:
"If height is criminal then the NBA would be a league of criminals. Just like the NFL. Check and mate Maddon, check and mate."
We will just have to see how Sexson plays out. Lets hope he gives this team the boost they so very much need.
"I was kind of like 'should I bet this $119,000 on the horse races, or should I sign Richie Sexson?' then my assistant told me Mocha Thunder was injured and that's who I planned to bet on, so I figured 'what the heck, let's sign Sexson.'"
When asked what Sexson brings to the Yankees Cashman was very specific:
"Sexson brings height, and with that fear. Opposing pitchers will be terrified of him, especially if we have him go out there with a club instead of a bat. They'd think he was an ogre! Haha! That's kind of funny. Any way, yeah, he brings height. I hope that after facing him, pitchers won't be able to readjust their strike zone, and will leave a few pitches up for whoever bats behind him."
When asked what Sexson bring defensively, Cashman responded:
"Who cares? The guys like 8 feet tall! How can he not help us defensively? Maybe I'll have him play outfield and knock down homeruns. He's waisted at first base."
When asked about the deal, Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon called Richie Sexson's height "Borderline criminal."
In response, Cashman had this to say:
"If height is criminal then the NBA would be a league of criminals. Just like the NFL. Check and mate Maddon, check and mate."
We will just have to see how Sexson plays out. Lets hope he gives this team the boost they so very much need.
Quick Thoughts on the DH
In the days leading up to the all-star game there was a lot of talk about how much better the AL is than the NL (both in terms of interleague, WS, and All-Star game records in the last 15 or so years). Much of it is attributed to the DH. The logic is with the DH the pitchers had to get better in the AL, which then forced the hitters to do likewise.
A lot of NL fans whine about how the NL is more pure and it involves more strategy. Do we take out the pitcher in a close game in later innings or keep him in? Who cares. First of all, pitchers hitting has become as gimmicky as the hotdog racing the popcorn at minor league stadiums. Oh look folks, the pitcher is trying to hit. Isn't he cute? Nobody wants to watch pitchers hit. Crappy hitting does not equal strategy, just a far less competitive league. That's my take, how about yours?
A lot of NL fans whine about how the NL is more pure and it involves more strategy. Do we take out the pitcher in a close game in later innings or keep him in? Who cares. First of all, pitchers hitting has become as gimmicky as the hotdog racing the popcorn at minor league stadiums. Oh look folks, the pitcher is trying to hit. Isn't he cute? Nobody wants to watch pitchers hit. Crappy hitting does not equal strategy, just a far less competitive league. That's my take, how about yours?
Reason's For the Yankees Early Problems
Much has been written about the Yankees lackluster first half, and questions have been raised as to whether the Yankees can turn things around. The most effective way to deal with a problem is to first identify it. Once the problem has been identified then it can be addressed. So what has been the Yankees problem? We at the "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog have put together a list of possible reasons for the Yankees first half mediocrity.
1) Girardi has been pumping up his team with Avril Lavigne music again.
2) Although the Yankees uncovered the David Ortiz jersey buried in the visiting clubhouse of the new stadium, they have yet to find the 500 Bill Buckner jersey's buried all over the foundation of the new Yankee stadium.
3) Damon's been spiking the water cooler.
4) The Yankees thought "small ball" was Girardi's way of saying "don't score runs."
5) The curse of Bernie Williams?
6) We have Betemit and Gardner batting back-to-back.
7) The Yankees have been waiting for their savior, Carl Pavano, to ride in and save them.
8) The Yankees are too down about the current gas prices and market conditions to play ball.
9) Turns out the root of all their success all these years was candy.
10) They'll turn things around when they feel like it, respect their gangster.
11) Girardi hasn't given that one speech where he gets real worked up, punches the trainer's table, pours hot coffee on himself while tearing up pictures of Madonna and yells obscenities about Jeffrey Loria, then ends it by performing an interpretive dance whose meaning has something to do with fighting communism. Its how he did things with the Marlins.
12) The joint curse of Bernie Williams and Joe Torre and maybe even Madonna? Scott Patterson? Chris Britton? Who else have the Yankees scorned in the last year?
Other options left off the list were "Age" and "Lack of Interest" because they weren't as interesting as the ones listed above. Once the Yankees determine which one of these is the problem, they'll be able to address it once and for all. Let's hope they figure it out before tomorrow's game.
1) Girardi has been pumping up his team with Avril Lavigne music again.
2) Although the Yankees uncovered the David Ortiz jersey buried in the visiting clubhouse of the new stadium, they have yet to find the 500 Bill Buckner jersey's buried all over the foundation of the new Yankee stadium.
3) Damon's been spiking the water cooler.
4) The Yankees thought "small ball" was Girardi's way of saying "don't score runs."
5) The curse of Bernie Williams?
6) We have Betemit and Gardner batting back-to-back.
7) The Yankees have been waiting for their savior, Carl Pavano, to ride in and save them.
8) The Yankees are too down about the current gas prices and market conditions to play ball.
9) Turns out the root of all their success all these years was candy.
10) They'll turn things around when they feel like it, respect their gangster.
11) Girardi hasn't given that one speech where he gets real worked up, punches the trainer's table, pours hot coffee on himself while tearing up pictures of Madonna and yells obscenities about Jeffrey Loria, then ends it by performing an interpretive dance whose meaning has something to do with fighting communism. Its how he did things with the Marlins.
12) The joint curse of Bernie Williams and Joe Torre and maybe even Madonna? Scott Patterson? Chris Britton? Who else have the Yankees scorned in the last year?
Other options left off the list were "Age" and "Lack of Interest" because they weren't as interesting as the ones listed above. Once the Yankees determine which one of these is the problem, they'll be able to address it once and for all. Let's hope they figure it out before tomorrow's game.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
All-Star Game Was Long
I'm feeling the effects of it. Even after I said I'd go to bed if they didn't score in the 12th, I found myself sticking with it to the end. Francona did a good job managing the team, and you have to give props to Nancy Drew for his contributions. I think the most impressive player last night though was Russell Martin, the Dodgers catcher. He made a lot of impressive plays at home, and even gunned down some runners. I felt bad for Uggla though, who wanted so badly to play in Yankee stadium and then committed 3 errors and struck out 3 times. I still love him though.
It also appears that Papelbon feared for his pregnant wife's life, and couldn't enjoy the All-Star festivities as a result. Now, I'm completely against threatening the lives of pregnant women, but what did Papelbon think the response was going to be like? He tried to back away from his earlier comments about closing over Mariano Rivera, and even gave the whole "It's my competitive nature" line, but his original comments were that he deserved to close the game as much as Mo because he won a world series last season. Never mind that Mariano has pitched for the Yankees for over a decade, has won several championships with them, and is having a much much better season than Papelbon is. The All-Star game is all about this season, not last year's world series. Then Papelbon has the nerve to be shocked by the response. Like its a huge Hardy Boy mystery why people would be upset with him. Look, this isn't Candy Land, this is New York City and if you run your mouth about a Hall of Fame legend in New York City, you're probably not going to be received well. Especially when you're a young talent with a short track record. You take away Mariano, and Papelbon still isn't even the best closer on that All-Star team (Joakim Soria anyone?). Hopefully, he'll learn from this experience.
All in all, I got what I wanted from this game, minus a good nights sleep. As I'm typing this I feel like I'm dreaming. A close game, great players, great pitching, and Kazmir is probably icing his overused arm right now. If he gets injured the Rays are going to be ticked.
It also appears that Papelbon feared for his pregnant wife's life, and couldn't enjoy the All-Star festivities as a result. Now, I'm completely against threatening the lives of pregnant women, but what did Papelbon think the response was going to be like? He tried to back away from his earlier comments about closing over Mariano Rivera, and even gave the whole "It's my competitive nature" line, but his original comments were that he deserved to close the game as much as Mo because he won a world series last season. Never mind that Mariano has pitched for the Yankees for over a decade, has won several championships with them, and is having a much much better season than Papelbon is. The All-Star game is all about this season, not last year's world series. Then Papelbon has the nerve to be shocked by the response. Like its a huge Hardy Boy mystery why people would be upset with him. Look, this isn't Candy Land, this is New York City and if you run your mouth about a Hall of Fame legend in New York City, you're probably not going to be received well. Especially when you're a young talent with a short track record. You take away Mariano, and Papelbon still isn't even the best closer on that All-Star team (Joakim Soria anyone?). Hopefully, he'll learn from this experience.
All in all, I got what I wanted from this game, minus a good nights sleep. As I'm typing this I feel like I'm dreaming. A close game, great players, great pitching, and Kazmir is probably icing his overused arm right now. If he gets injured the Rays are going to be ticked.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Baseball Players Feeling Economic Woes
If you have been paying attention to the news or any of the economic indicators than you probably heard about the troubles this country has been facing. With banking giants collapsing and needing a bail out by the feds, and gas prices soaring to unholy heights, the economic problems have been felt by many, including ball players. We at the "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog sent our investigative team to interview players around the majors about the impact of gas prices on their day-to-day lives.
"Its tragic how much I've had to cut back." Explained Yankee shortstop and captain Derek Jeter. "I used to send my private jet to every city we were playing just in case I wanted to take private flights to nearby towns. I can't do that anymore."
"Next year I might have to stop taking my jet to Shea during the subway series. I suppose I could take my Ford Edge, but who the heck wants to drive a Ford Edge?" He continued.
What Derek Jeter reported was a common sentiment among ball players across the country who have been pressed by high gas prices.
"It got so bad I had to trade in my Hummer, for an H2. And everyone knows the H2 is a girl car! Have you seen how small they are? I don't feel safe behind that thing, but I get a couple more miles per gallon out of it, which will save me millions without having to switch to Geico, those cave dwelling mother(expletive deleted)." Described Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez.
"Look, I used to leave the AC running in my car so when I got out of the game it would be nice and cool. Now, I can't afford to do that. I have to leave the AC off, and then my leather seats are all sticky when I get in them. Its inhumane." Stated Boston Red Sox starter Josh Beckett.
"I used to take my yacht to Spain every fall. Now, I can only make it to Iceland, and who the (expletive deleted) wants to go to Iceland?" Asked BJ Ryan from the Toronto Blue Jays.
When asked to comment, Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon called today's market conditions "borderline criminal."
Even Yankee reliever Kyle Farnsworth had to make some adjustments towards his favorite off season hobby.
"Hunting used to be my favorite hobby. With these gas prices, I simply can't afford all the hunting equipment I like. I mean, no more gas lamps, no more gas powered skillets, no more gas propelled bullets, gas powered beer hats, gas powered beer openers, and even the gas powered satellite TV with the gas powered remote and gas powered TiVo is out."
Despite the problems, some ball players have been using the housing market's woes to their advantage.
"I used to drive to my home 34 miles away after every game. I just bought a house only 3 miles away, which saves me 31 miles every night I play. I also bought houses near every stadium in our division. Even though my team pays for the rental that gets me to the hotel, gas comes out of my pocket." Explained Yankee catcher Jorge Posada.
For the rest of us baseball lovers we can take solace in the fact that our heroes are feeling the economic woes too.
"Its tragic how much I've had to cut back." Explained Yankee shortstop and captain Derek Jeter. "I used to send my private jet to every city we were playing just in case I wanted to take private flights to nearby towns. I can't do that anymore."
"Next year I might have to stop taking my jet to Shea during the subway series. I suppose I could take my Ford Edge, but who the heck wants to drive a Ford Edge?" He continued.
What Derek Jeter reported was a common sentiment among ball players across the country who have been pressed by high gas prices.
"It got so bad I had to trade in my Hummer, for an H2. And everyone knows the H2 is a girl car! Have you seen how small they are? I don't feel safe behind that thing, but I get a couple more miles per gallon out of it, which will save me millions without having to switch to Geico, those cave dwelling mother(expletive deleted)." Described Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez.
"Look, I used to leave the AC running in my car so when I got out of the game it would be nice and cool. Now, I can't afford to do that. I have to leave the AC off, and then my leather seats are all sticky when I get in them. Its inhumane." Stated Boston Red Sox starter Josh Beckett.
"I used to take my yacht to Spain every fall. Now, I can only make it to Iceland, and who the (expletive deleted) wants to go to Iceland?" Asked BJ Ryan from the Toronto Blue Jays.
When asked to comment, Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon called today's market conditions "borderline criminal."
Even Yankee reliever Kyle Farnsworth had to make some adjustments towards his favorite off season hobby.
"Hunting used to be my favorite hobby. With these gas prices, I simply can't afford all the hunting equipment I like. I mean, no more gas lamps, no more gas powered skillets, no more gas propelled bullets, gas powered beer hats, gas powered beer openers, and even the gas powered satellite TV with the gas powered remote and gas powered TiVo is out."
Despite the problems, some ball players have been using the housing market's woes to their advantage.
"I used to drive to my home 34 miles away after every game. I just bought a house only 3 miles away, which saves me 31 miles every night I play. I also bought houses near every stadium in our division. Even though my team pays for the rental that gets me to the hotel, gas comes out of my pocket." Explained Yankee catcher Jorge Posada.
For the rest of us baseball lovers we can take solace in the fact that our heroes are feeling the economic woes too.
Thoughts About the Homerun Derby
Hamilton a Sight for Sore Eyes
Those were some fireworks last night. If you missed it, Hamilton set a new record in the first round of the Homerun Derby last night with 28 jacks. The balls were flying off his bat. He went on to lose to Morneau but it was still an impressive feat. The question was brought up in the comments section about what Hamilton's contract status was. The man is pacing the rest of the majors with a .310 average, 21 homeruns, and 95 RBI's. And that's only in half a season! There are players out there that would take those numbers for the season.
His left handed swing would look really good at Yankee stadium, but unfortunately, this is Hamilton's second season in the majors, which means he's still a year from arbitration and 4 away from free agency. He's also dealt with injuries in his young career, so that may play out over the next few years. It would be a great trade idea, if Cashman can come up with the right pieces, but the Rangers wouldn't let him go cheap.
Sponsorship Ruining the Homerun Derby
I'm not a big fan of the sponsors suporting the homerun derby. Or better said, I dislike all the sponsoring events like the "Call your shot", and the "Hit it here and win a million dollars", or even the whole "if this player wins, we'll make a donation to X person's Boys and Girls club". It just becomes a circus at some point. With the exception of the charity thing, the winners of these events are typically selected out of the crowd attending the event. So some lucky fan may end up getting a free car who already has the money to drop several thousands to bring themselves and their family to New York and attend the event in the first place. Last year, they were giving away a house. A house!
The Boys and Girls club is a different story. They chose teenagers from different areas of New York to represent their local Boys and Girls club. Then each teenager was assigned a player, and if that player won the derby, that kids Boy's and Girls club would get the donation. With all the money flying around an event like that, why not give them all a little something?
Those were some fireworks last night. If you missed it, Hamilton set a new record in the first round of the Homerun Derby last night with 28 jacks. The balls were flying off his bat. He went on to lose to Morneau but it was still an impressive feat. The question was brought up in the comments section about what Hamilton's contract status was. The man is pacing the rest of the majors with a .310 average, 21 homeruns, and 95 RBI's. And that's only in half a season! There are players out there that would take those numbers for the season.
His left handed swing would look really good at Yankee stadium, but unfortunately, this is Hamilton's second season in the majors, which means he's still a year from arbitration and 4 away from free agency. He's also dealt with injuries in his young career, so that may play out over the next few years. It would be a great trade idea, if Cashman can come up with the right pieces, but the Rangers wouldn't let him go cheap.
Sponsorship Ruining the Homerun Derby
I'm not a big fan of the sponsors suporting the homerun derby. Or better said, I dislike all the sponsoring events like the "Call your shot", and the "Hit it here and win a million dollars", or even the whole "if this player wins, we'll make a donation to X person's Boys and Girls club". It just becomes a circus at some point. With the exception of the charity thing, the winners of these events are typically selected out of the crowd attending the event. So some lucky fan may end up getting a free car who already has the money to drop several thousands to bring themselves and their family to New York and attend the event in the first place. Last year, they were giving away a house. A house!
The Boys and Girls club is a different story. They chose teenagers from different areas of New York to represent their local Boys and Girls club. Then each teenager was assigned a player, and if that player won the derby, that kids Boy's and Girls club would get the donation. With all the money flying around an event like that, why not give them all a little something?
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