FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Few random thoughts from the Indians & Yankees game last night:

Nice to see that Bud Selig's Hire the Handicap program is working as it clearly takes a blind and deaf umpire to miss two calls at home plate in the same inning.  If that ball had truly hit the batter's hand, he would have been missing a few fingers for the way it shot off to the side. all the way to the dugout.  Then what benefit does it do to call in the outfield umpires for a discussion, if the home plate umpire can't clearly see or hear what happen exactly what is someone standing on the foul line in the outfield going to add that is different.  During the umpire conference I was reminded of three blind mice, looking to Uncle Bud for direction.  This call was certainly bad as there were at least three ocassions this year where I saw the ball clearly strike a batters hand, on a non or checked swing, and the ball was called a strike, (even happen to Dougie M. in one game) yet here the ball hits the bat, is scuffed by the bat, and the umpire determines it hit hand.  Then to miss the catchers interference on Matsui's AB in the bottom of the inning, if a home plate umpire is not on top of these call, why is he working home plate.  In the grand scheme of things, neither non call  impacted the game, but as a fan you would expect that you would have better quality crews working a playoff game, not a bunch of old fat man who were not paying attention. 

Struck me as I watched Mariano finish the game that this could be his last appearance as a Yankee.  Thanks to Interleague play and the '03 World Series I had a chance to see him pitch in Florida.  What a class act this man was, I hope the Yankees find a way to keep him, but also am realistic that at 38 years old, he may not be back with the Yankees next year.  Mariano thanks for the memories.  What a possible book end to his career, in '97 he is on the mound in Cleveland surrending the HR to Sandy Alomar to end his first season as the Yankee closer, then in '07 he is on the mound against Cleveland in possilliby his last appearance as the Yankee closer. 

 Same with Jorge, really wanted him to get a hit in the 9th, not so much to think he could win the game, but more to have him end his Yankee career on a high note.  Not sure the market for 36 year old catchers, so he could also return, if not what a great season to go out on.  I think Jorge suffers somewhat when he gets to the playoffs as he must be worn down from catching the bulk of the season, and a season that saw him take some incredible shots on plays at home, as he just seems a tad slower with his swings and reactions.  Of course when the Yankees make no effort to have a reputable back up it does put more of a burden on him.

Joe Torre, thanks for the memories.  You guide the Yankees ship for 12 years, though not without faults as you would over use pitchers you trusted, but I am hard pressed to think of any other person who could put up with the nonsense of NY, handle some of the prima donnas  you had and have all the players on the team feel comfortable that you will call on them to contribute in some fashion throughout the season.  I never bought those that criticized your success by saying anyone could have managed the players you had over the past 12 years, as it took some real skill to keep everyone's focus and quietly push for maximum effort from some players who were not the most team oriented.  Maybe George backs off after a few days to cool down, but if you are not rehired, then take some time with your family, do some TV work and relax, you have earned it. 

Robinson Cano, for as good of a young hitter you are, how about next year you try to play with a fraction of the passion of your namesake.  Somehow I don't think Jackie Robinson would have taken a few easy steps towards first and then stop running halfway down the line on a routine ground ball to 1b in his last at bat of a playoff series.  Granted you are probably out either way, but sometimes your effort might force an error.  Next year watch how Doug M. and Derek J. run out every hit.  If you are a fan of baseball history, watch a replay of the Pirates-Orioles world series, where Roberto Clemente hit a simple ground ball to Mike Cuellar on the pitchers mound and his all out effort so surprised Cuellar that he threw the ball away for an error, leading to a Pirates rally that won the game.  You are a professional, start to play like one.

ARod, you do what you have to do.  Thanks for carrying the Yankees this year, when without you they would not make the playoffs.  You showed some flashes last night of what could be, and I hope you figure out how to relax the next time you are in the playoffs.  I can't even fathom the offers you will get when you opt out and the motivations you will have when you make your decisions on where you will play next year, but I hope you end up where you want to be, not where the money says you will be.  I am sure no one is more frustrated and disappointed than you with the ordinary results you put forth in the playoffs, but it took Barry Bonds years to figure it out until he had his moments in 2002, so maybe the future will be kind for you.

Finally for all of you pundits and experts who advised the Yanks to take it easy once they had the Wild Card clinched, they did not need to win the AL East, though Boston was leaving it for the taking, you got what you deserved.  A pathetic, mundane, rather listless effort against a good young team that wanted to taste success more.  I have watched the Yankees since the 1960's, from when they were one of the worst teams in baseball to when they were clearly the best team in baseball.  Never would I expect to hear that we should be happy with a Wild Card when 1st place was still in sight.  Next time be careful what you hope for and determine what would be the easiest path to the World Series.

The Yankees will be younger next year, so the end of this season could truly be a last round call for those players who have meant so much to the Yankees and your fans over the past 12 years.  I personally enjoyed the ride and though disappointed with the way this season ended will be chomping at the bit come February '08 when pitchers and catchers report.