Stats Don’t Mean Everything

-The top five batting average leaders in the NL did not advance to the playoffs (Chipper Jones, Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, Christian Guzman, and Lance Berkman).

-Three out of the top five batting average leaders in the AL did not advance to the playoffs (Milton Bradley, Ian Kinsler, and Magglio Ordonez)

-Potentially five out of the top five HR leaders in the AL will not advance to the playoffs (Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Quentin-was hurt the last 1.5 months I think, ARod, Jermaine Dye-really?, Jim Thome). *

- Four out of the top five HR leaders in the NL did not advance to the playoffs (Adam Dunn, Carlos Delgado, Albert Pujols, Ryan Ludwick).

- Potentially four out of the top five RBI leaders in the AL will not advance to the playoffs (Hamilton, Morneau, Cabrera, Ibanez). *

- Four out of the top five RBI leaders in the NL did not advance to the playoffs (Wright, Gonzalez, Pujols, Delgado).

-Four out of the top five leaders in  AL wins did not advance to the playoffs (Lee, Halladay, Mussina, Burnett).

-Three out of the top five leaders in NL wins did not advance to the playoffs (Webb, Lincecum-filthy, Oswalt).

-Three out of the top five ERA leaders in the AL did not advance to the playoffs (Lee, Halladay, Mussina).

-Three out of the top five ERA leaders in the NL did not advance to the playoffs (Santana, Lincecum, Peavy).

-Three out of the top five saves leaders in the NL did not advance to the playoffs (Valverde, Wilson, Cordero).

-Potentially three out of the top five saves leaders in the AL will not advance to the playoffs (Rivera, Soria, Nathan). *

-Potentially four out of the top five OBP leaders in the AL will not advance to the playoffs (Bradley, Mauer or Quentin, Markakis, ARod). *

-The top five OBP leaders in the NL did not advance to the playoffs (Jones, Pujols, Ramirez, Berkman, Holliday)

-Four out of the top five SB leaders in the NL did not advance to the playoffs (Taveras, Reyes, Bourn, Pierre).

-Three out of the top five SB leaders in the AL did not advance to the playoffs (Sizemore, Suzuki, Roberts).

Very Interesting stats.  This can’t be too common compared to past years.  I guess it comes down to chemistry and consistency.   

* Can change after White Sox and Twins play today.

Yankees Take Red Sox Series as Dynasty Ends

And that was all she wrote.  It was amazing to see a Red Sox and Yankees series not mean a freakin’ thing.  It definitely lacked excitement but of course I was still able to catch a game.  It is easy to point fingers on the Yankees roster, but I will delve into that sooner than later.  Girardi and Francona were playing their Triple-A players throughout most of the series which was fun to watch at times.  But the most exciting event that took place over the weekend, perhaps was Mussina’s 20th win.  He sure had to fight and scrap for each and every win this year.  That’s what happens when you learn to use your non-explosive stuff.  It is not known whether he will be back with the Yankees or in MLB.  I sure think he can help a team out; he may not reach 18-20 wins again but he could sure be a workhorse to anchor the rotation.  What a gutty performance especially after Mussina’s arms was barking by the line drive in his previous start. 

One thing that I noticed over the weekend was that the Red Sox retired Johnny Pesky’s number.  This guy was Luis Castillo with less speed…way less speed.  He wasn’t that good guys.  Bill Buckner was probably a better player, but that will be the day right?  Just had to throw my opinion in there. 

So where do the Yankees go from here?  The Yankees will have to retool their roster and coaching staff.  But first Cashman is expected to make a decision on his future rather soon.  Let’s hope he stays aboard.  Face it, the man clearly knows what he is doing.  13 straight postseason appearances is sure a great feat for any team, but it was bound to happen.  13 straight consistent seasons will be hard to replicate.  The 2008 Yankees were just not consistent enough.

Mets Collapse Again

Before I get to the end of the season Yankees Post ( which contains deep thought), I would like to touch upon the 2008 Mets for a minute or two. 

While watching the Mets and Brewers Sunday afternoon on picture and picture, I couldn’t believe the events that took place before my eyes.  Talk about unbelievable. One day after Santana throws a complete game to keep the Mets in the Wild Card race, perennial CY Young candidate C.C. Sabathia throws a complete game for the Brew Crew.  The Brewers finished their game first with a 3-1 win after Ryan Braun’s game-winning 8th inning HR.  This was after the opposing team walked in the tying run.  The Mets were down 2-0 and then they took out Oliver Perez, which seemed a bit early to me.  And we all know what their bullpen can do.  The Mets tied the game up on a HR by Carlos Beltran.  Of course the Mets pen blew the lead by giving up two solo shots to the Marlins.  Mets lose 4-2, game over.  Brewers won the Wild Card.  It boggles my mind how the Mets bullpen can be this bad.  How the heck were they in contention all season?  That is as bad as I could ever remember.  Every single game it was the same thing. 

To make things worse, this was the last game at Shea Stadium and the fans wanted none of the post game Shea Stadium celebration.  The Mets were booed twice over for their finish.  Is it bad that I forget Shea Stadium was closing down?  Sure it doesn’t compare to Yankee Stadium, but at least you think there would have been more talk about it.  Boos turned into cheers as some ex winners were in attendance…the ‘86 bunch and some HOF’s like Mays.  It’s nice to see that the post game celebration wasn’t a complete waste of time.  All in all the day was still ruined by second ’last day’ collapse by the Mets.  At least the Yankees were eliminated a long time ago…that would have hurt if it went down that way. 

I can’t help but think that the acquisition of Johan Santana still didn’t change a thing.  He had a typical Santana season, but with an ERA of 2.53, you think he would have eclipsed the 20-win plateau.  It must have been the run support and/or the bullpen.  The Mets should have been significantly better, but they weren’t.  They increased their record by one win from 2007.  The Yankees without Santana finished with the same record as the Mets, 89-73.  Would have Santana in pinstripes propelled the Yankees to a 14th postseason appearance?  We’ll never know, but I like those odds.

Yankees News and Notes

-Mike Mussina told Jim Palmer that he might not pitch in 2009. 

He’s about 30 or so wins away from 300, why stop now.  He can definitely achieve this milestone if he really wants to.  But then again, he doesn’t place much stock in records.  I would think the Yankees would like to have him back next year as he has learned to pitch effectively at his age despite superior stuff.  Of course it is easy to say that one might retire, given that the Yankees did not make the playoffs this year.  Once again, the Yankees need a 2009 commitment from Pettitte or Mussina and right now I am leaning toward Mussina.  But it wouldn’t hurt to have a lefty on the mound every fifth day.  Look what I just did, I talked myself out of it. 

-Carl Pavano ’hopefully’ made his last start as a Yankee. 

And he got pounded.  Thanks for nothing, Carl.  I never thought this day would come.  Go waste some other team’s money.  Who’s going to be that sucker?  That will make for a great post.  One of the most selfish ballplayers I have seen in a while. 

-Yankees to play all their starters for Mussina.

Girardi has vowed to play all his regulars so that Mussina will have the best chance to win his 20th game.  With all that Mussina has done for the Yankees since 2001 (I think), he certainly deserves 20. 

-Yankees close out the season at Fenway Park.

How fitting.  This might be depressing for a lot of fans but I think the atmosphere will be the same.  I really thought that that the Division or Wild Card would come down to this series.  At least play like you have never played before.  We still want to see good baseball being played.      

-Mariano Rivera to have should surgery?

Mo was sent back to New York for a MRI and most likely will not pitch in this weekend series.  Apparently, Girardi was making excuses for Mo’s trip to NY.  What else is new.  I wonder if Cashman tells him not to give the media anything.  Very interesting.  Mo of course was his usual dominant self this year and let’s hope we can get the same output for the duration of his remaining contract.

Yankees News and Notes

-Love me some Brett Gardner, but he is too aggressive. 

Thrown out twice in two days trying to take 2B, that’s just not productive.  You’re fast, just not that fast.    

-Phil Hughes had an uplifting outing.

Still only 22, can he be an ace still?  I submit that he can.  Doesn’t it seem like he’s 24 or 25.  We have been hearing about him for a few years now.  Get your work in AFL and come back next season with a vengeance.   

-The Rays AL East magic # is 1.

They were definitely on the way up, especially with all the #1 draft picks over the years.  But I didn’t expect them to have such speedy success.  They could be scary for a number of years.  Can the Rays lock up all their stars though?

-Andy Pettitte is either going to retire play for the Yankees next year.  He was also shut down for the year.

We heard the same thing last year.  Girardi told Pettitte that he would like him back next year.  Sorry Joe, that’s not your call.  One of Mussina or Pettitte, I just don’t know who yet.  We’ll see how the rotation breaks down in the offseason.  Will Pettitte shoulder tendinitis be a problem next year?  Mussina was relatively healthy all year and throughout the last few years.   

-Sir Sidney Ponson to replace Pettitte for Saturday’s game. 

Here we go again.  We don’t have a single arm available to start Saturday?  Unacceptable.  I am pretty sure I can’t get the game anyway, maybe that’s a good thing.

In a Nutshell…

Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus breaks down the Yankees roster and free agency in 2009.  It’s a must read. 

Few things I disagree with and some comments:

-Gardner is my 2009 CF.  Not even a mention of him. 

-No Pavano.  Have Aceves or Coke.  Probably keep Coke in the bullpen. 

-Nady IS an everyday player but he is not Abreu. 

-Still on the fence about bringing back Abreu.  Ok…I say yes.  LF and RF worked this year, so why not next year?

-Yankees do need a SP via free agency.  A Pavano-like contract is not out of the realm for Sheets.  Pavano wasn’t making that much by today’s standards…he just wasn’t contributing at all (ex. Carlos Silva=garbage).  Sheets is three times the pitcher Pavano will ever be.  Why not take a shot?  They can eat another Pavano contract.  They can’t eat a Sabathia contract if he gets hurt.     

-Betemit needs to be traded.  Ransom can fill in nicely. 

-Yankees need to a backup-backup plan for Posada that doesn’t consist of Molina.

The Unthinkable Has Become Reality

1993.  That was the last time the Yankees missed the playoffs.  This was before the Genocide in Rwanda, before Nancy Kerrigan gets clubbed on the knee in the Winter Olympics, before Kurt Cobain’s suicide, before Tiger Woods wins the Masters as an amateur, before O.J apparently (cough, cough) murdered his wife, before the MLB strike of 1994, before Michael Jackson marries Lisa Marie, and before the NY Rangers last won the Stanley Cup.  Wow, that list really brings me back. 

The Yankees now have to go back to the drawing board.  They really must evaluate the organization as a whole.  I don’t think they need to panic, but things must change.  I haven’t decided just yet what needs to be addressed, but things DO need to be rectified for 2009.  Two things I know for sure, Cashman needs to stay and Yankees need one of Sabathia or Texiera.   Oh yeah, a third thing…a new THIRD BASE COACH.  This will all make for great blogging during the offseason.  

In other news, Mike Mussina grinded out win # 19 on the season.  This is the third time he has won that many games, but as you all know, he has never reached the 20 win milestone.  He has one last chance against the Red Sox to do so.  I doubt the Red Sox will throw out a makeshift lineup full of common cards.  Not going to happen in this rivalry.  That will definitely be special if it does happen.  He was one out away from a perfect game once (I think it was at Fenway) and Carl Everret spoiled the moment.  Flashback…standing on a chair for the last out of that game and I fell backwards off the chair.  Needless to say that Everett base hit hurt me inside and out.  Mussina was smoked by a line drive on his pitching arm last night but kept his composure (don’t rub it) and lasted the required five innings for the win.  Gotta love it.  He has definitely been a rock in the rotation for the past 7-8 years. 

Now let’s play some rookies.  Let’s see if they can hack it on this level…on a very limited basis.  By the way, doesn’t Phil Coke remind you of Ted Lilly- lefty, no expression, throws like him too!

Yankees News and Notes

-18 people were arrested on Sunday for stealing items from Yankee Stadium.

Serves them right.  At least they were stealing something cool…but doesn’t make it right children.

-Somehow the Yankees are still alive.

With six to play, the Yankees can win out and clinch a tie for the Wild Card spot with the Red Sox.  Except the Red Sox have to lose all six.  It’s an uphill battle, but the Yankees need to focus on themselves for the next three games and then worry about the Sox the last series of year.  The fat lady is warming up.   

-Hal Steinbrenner and Co. wants Brian Cashman back as General Manager.

Usually it’s Hank talking to the media.  I am pleased to see Hal talking for the organization as he is the more level headed one.  Cashman deserves to be back.  Sure he has made mistakes, but who hasn’t.

My First Yankee Stadium Experience

“What do you want for your birthday”, my older brother asked me.  I thought long and hard for a while.  First and foremost, I am pretty laid back individual that doesn’t require a lot money or attention.  I like necessities.  I finally said, “Yankee Tickets”.  And as simple as that we were off.

I was 15 at the time and older than most of you when you saw your first game at the Stadium.  But tickets cost a lot of money and it was considered a luxury in my family.  I wanted to experience the atmosphere of Yankee Stadium and more importantly I wanted to see the players (like most of you).  Of course it’s different nowadays.  I can remember driving into the City and this seemed to take forever given the traffic of course.  But that’s nothing out of the ordinary.  It was Yankees lunchbox giveaway at the Stadium.  Anyone under the age of 16 would get one.  I was 15 and turning 16 the next day, so therefore I would be entitled to a lunchbox.  Well, I wasn’t given one because the stadium worker thought I was older.  I wasn’t too upset but I thought I should get one.  Make a long story short, my mom complained and I eventually got one.  Needless to say I have never used it.  Who uses a lunchbox anyway?

I passed through the gates, walked the concourse, and took in all the smells (both bad and good).  I then ventured to our seats.  We emerged just behind home plate (our seats were in right field (second deck).  I first noticed how green the grass was.  I didn’t know grass could grow in NYC.  I then noticed how small the field actually was-at least right and left field lines.  I then pictured myself hitting one out of the ballpark.  After that everything was a blur.  I was just so excited to see everything.  I tried taking as many pictures as possible, but the pictures didn’t turn out that well.  I am definitely no photographer.  All I remember is that the Mariners were playing the Yankees and that means one thing…KEN GRIFFEY JR.!!!!!  He smoked a ball that just missed the foul pole by about three feet and I thought that this was the coolest foul I have ever seen.

Looking now at the box score from that day…Pettitte got the loss (yes they lost), Griffey had three hits, ARod had one hit, and the Yankees bottom three of Boggs, Curtis, Girardi combined for 6 hits.  It was disappointing that they lost, but at least I got to go see all the players and check out Yankee Stadium.  All the players seemed fake to me on television and seeing them in person just didn’t seem real.  Are they really the same people I see on tv?  I am sure that is everyones first feeling.  30+ games after, I have never had the same feeling until last night during the post game ceremony.  Also, God Bless America by Roman Tynan gave me chills.  Kate Smith doesn’t cut it…actually despise it, but I’ll save that for another day.  Anyway, thanks Joe for the best B-day gift ever!

Saying Goodbye Has Never Been So Hard

I’m the type of person that tries not to get emotionally invested in such events, but the last game at Yankee Stadium definitely proved otherwise.  Let’s break it down; some things were great and some things should have been changed.

The Red Sox are one win away from eliminating the Yankees from postseason play for the first time since 1993.  Of course our beloved Yankees are trying to make one last ditch effort to turn things around, but time has just about run out.  I don’t know what it was, but I actually forgot (a minute or so…but still) that the Yankees weren’t going to play ball in October.

The atmosphere was absolutely amazing.  I never thought in a million years that this last game could replicate a World Series atmosphere, but it did.  I can’t describe it, but I had that feeling.  And that’s how you know that something special happened last night.  It was unfortunate that I couldn’t attend last night’s game, as geography put a damper on those plans.

The pre-game ceremonies took place 1.5 hours before the game.  I don’t think the pennant in ‘the black seats’ was all that impressive.  I thought the Yankees could have done something else with that.  Then Yankee legends had risen from the dead and appeared before me in centerfield.  This was a disgrace to all the great players that have donn the pinstripes.  Apparently these ‘players’ were ‘actors’.  If they were actors, then I’m an astronaut.  I guess the conversation went like this, ” Do you want to be Babe Ruth and walk out to centerfield during the last game at Yankee Stadium?”  ”Are you serious, who wouldn’t want to do that?  Man, I gotta call everyone I know; their gonna flip out”.  If he were alive, what would the Great Bambino say about that?

Then the Yankees proceeded to announce all the great Yankees by each position combined with a short video montage on each player.  This was slightly better than the ‘fake players’ parading to centerfield.  I can’t help but think that they left out some great players and, at least in my lifetime, and included some players that didn’t belong.  Berra, Munson,…Girardi (head scratch).  Randolph…Knoblauch (huh) and Cano (WTF).  Luis Sojo should have been there…at least in my opinion.

The person who I predicted would get the biggest cheer was Bernie Williams…and he did.   This was the first time he has step foot in Yankee Stadium in two years.  He surely looked like he enjoyed himself.  And the crowed just loved it.  That was definitely nice to see.  And Bernie said to himself that their is no animosity towards the Yankees at all.  Looks like he’ll be back to open the new Yankee Stadium.

There are a few things that really bothered me.  One was the prolific boos that ARod received when he ran on the field.  Unforgivable.  This is a day to remember all the great players and moments of Yankee Stadium.  And ARod is a great Yankee and has given the fans many great moments.  You have to give it ARod to thank the fans at the end of the game.  I wouldn’t forget that treatment if I were him.  Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves.  I also noticed that there was no mention of Joe Torre during the pregame ceremony, the game, and the post game ceremony.  Travesty.  There is no denying what he meant to the organization and that should have been recognized.  At least Joe Girardi or Derek Jeter should have said something.

Oh yeah, there was a game played last night and the Yankees didn’t disappoint the fans.  Damon got it started with a 3-run HR.  Could an ex-Red Sockhave hit the last HR at Yankee Stadium?  As much as I like Damon, I would rather it be someone else.  An ex-Red Sock hit the first HR at Yankee Stadium.  Coincidence?  But it wasn’t supposed to be.  No one expected Jose Molina to hit the last HR at the Stadium, but he did.  It was an emotional outing for Andy Pettitte as he was chosen to take the ball one last time at Yankee Stadium.  He was just ok, but he did get the win.  And the crowd gave him one last standing ovation.  Everything worked out tonight the way it was scripted…Yanks won, Jeter got his ovation too, and Rivera closed out the game.  Definitely a good feeling.

The post game ceremony was the highlight of the night for me.  The Yankees paraded around the field thanking the fans for all their support.  It actually felt like they won the World Series.  Camera’s flashing, New York-New York playing, and cheering provided forunbelievable sights and sounds.  Jeter’s speech really got to me:

“Every member of this organization, past and present, has been calling this place home for 85 years, There’s a lot of tradition, a lot of history and a lot of memories. Now the great thing about memories is you’re able to pass it along from generation to generation.

“Although things are going to change next year. We’re going to move across the street. There are a few things that New York Yankees that never change. That’s pride, tradition and most of all we have the greatest fans in the world.

We want you to take the memories from this stadium, add them to the new memories that come at the new Yankee Stadium and continue to pass them along from generation to generation. So on behalf of the entire organization, we want to take this moment to salute you, the greatest fans in the world.”

He couldn’t have said it any better and that is why he is the Captain of the New York Yankees.  His teammates surrounded him and he lead the parade thanking all the fans.  This is something I will never forget as long as I live.  I shed a tear or two…sure did.  Never thought I would get emotional, but it happened and I am not ashamed to admit.  It quickly turned from a celebration into a sad state of events.  All the players were taking it in as they were taking infield dirt, even the Baltimore Orioles!

Sure the events of tonight could have been better, including Michael Kay pulling the lever, but it all worked out in the end.  At least the Yankees got the first pitch right.  I wonder what the opening of the new stadium will be like.  Can’t wait.

Other tidbits from last night:

-Hideki Matsui, who is recovering from a knee injury got a hit.  I can always count on him.  He’ll be a big run producer if he is healthy next year.

-Jeter went O-5 in his last game at Yankee Stadium.  You think anyone knows?  ARod thinks who should have been gotten plenty of boos.

-Did anyone see David Wells chugging a beer?  Ok, it wasn’t chugging but he sure was making himself home.

-There has been a lot of talk lately about the greatest moment in Yankee Stadium history.  The biggest moment in my life has to be the Aaron Boone HR in the 2003 ALCS.

-Brett Garder now deserves to be the center fielder in 2009.  Even Jeter doesn’t make that turn around second base and make it to third.