It is being said that the pent up emotion of the past nine years was the reason for the overwhelming attendance and outpouring of emotion at today's unbelievable parade. It was a brisk, cold, yet beautiful day in downtown Manhattan.... the crowd was swelling with anticipation and a ligtness of mood that has not been felt in a long, long time. The feeling that emanated from this Yankee Nation was nothing more than pure joy and gratitude... gratitude for not only this 27th World Series Championship, but gratitude for more.
You can't measure this kind of emotion, especially during these times when people are being bled dry... financially, emotionally and yes, sometimes in their soul. We really needed something to lift our collective mood... and people are in a great mood when they come to a party like this. The joy that is being felt in this parade is a celebration in the promise that if you are diligient, hopeful, pray like there is no tomorrow - well tomorrow will come. And tomorrow is going to be great, we will be champions and rule the universe.
A note to those who wanted to rain on our parade: stop whining and belly-aching about how dare the city spend the money on this kind of event during these times, etc. This is about joy and fun, period...and we really need to have some serious fun right now. It's money well spent. In fact, there's no price on this kind of eurphoria and the goodness that can come from it.
Thank you, our 2009 World Series Champions, New York Yankees. Thank you for giving New York a big injection of mojo when when we needed it most. Today was a nice clambake, for sure.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
27 is Done... Yanks Win World Series
Nine long years. Mind you, I realize that this is nothing compared to the decades long draught the Red Sox suffered, nonetheless, for us Yankees fans, nine years is an eternity. And to people who ask if it felt like nine years: yes it did. Nine really long years.
The New York Yankess ended that dry spell tonight against the defending champion Phillies, with a score of 7-5 in their brand new home in front of the fans that suffered with them since Spring training and Alex's admission of steriod use, and then his subsequent major hip surgery. One of those that were not there was The Boss, George Steinbrenner. But his prescence was felt, and they knew he was watching, too.
It was a little ironic that after millions were spent bringing C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Texiera (and getting Mark was the best money the Yankees have ever spent), it was Hideiki Matsui, their 35 year-old designated hitter, who was the hero of the game, and ended up being the World Series MVP. It's really like they say, you can never, ever predict baseball. Matsui had a post-season, record-breaking six RBI's, a two-run homer in the second, a two-run single in third, and a two-run double in the fifth. You could see the Phillies wilt each time. They were smacked down, but hard, and it broke them.
Pedro Martinez only lasted four innings, leaving the field to chants of "Who's Your Daddy". He's said recently that he lfeels happy hearing that, because that means he's important and that to him "Daddy" meant God. Whatever. He didn't look like he was very important, or very happy for that matter, when he was being serenaded off the field It was a lovely sight.
Andy Pettite pitched amazingly great considering he was pitching on three days rest for the first time in years. He went to the fifth inning, and then the ball was passed to Joba, who allowed a run but kept it there, and then Mo came in. And that was it.
Congrats to the Bronx Bombers... it has been the ride of a lifetime, this 2009 season. It was really something.
Now... we have a parade to plan. Joy.
The New York Yankess ended that dry spell tonight against the defending champion Phillies, with a score of 7-5 in their brand new home in front of the fans that suffered with them since Spring training and Alex's admission of steriod use, and then his subsequent major hip surgery. One of those that were not there was The Boss, George Steinbrenner. But his prescence was felt, and they knew he was watching, too.
It was a little ironic that after millions were spent bringing C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Texiera (and getting Mark was the best money the Yankees have ever spent), it was Hideiki Matsui, their 35 year-old designated hitter, who was the hero of the game, and ended up being the World Series MVP. It's really like they say, you can never, ever predict baseball. Matsui had a post-season, record-breaking six RBI's, a two-run homer in the second, a two-run single in third, and a two-run double in the fifth. You could see the Phillies wilt each time. They were smacked down, but hard, and it broke them.
Pedro Martinez only lasted four innings, leaving the field to chants of "Who's Your Daddy". He's said recently that he lfeels happy hearing that, because that means he's important and that to him "Daddy" meant God. Whatever. He didn't look like he was very important, or very happy for that matter, when he was being serenaded off the field It was a lovely sight.
Andy Pettite pitched amazingly great considering he was pitching on three days rest for the first time in years. He went to the fifth inning, and then the ball was passed to Joba, who allowed a run but kept it there, and then Mo came in. And that was it.
Congrats to the Bronx Bombers... it has been the ride of a lifetime, this 2009 season. It was really something.
Now... we have a parade to plan. Joy.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Jerry Hairston.... oh hell no!
My oh my oh my.... poor Jerry Hairston. He failed to catch a ground ball and ruined Andy Pettite's perfect game (not to mention that Michael Kay had to open his yap and start yapping about how it was becoming a perfect game... Michael, don't you remember the Ching Ming-Wang debacle four years ago? Shut up! (and I love Michael Kay, so it's shut up with love).
Back to Hairston... he felt like a royal douche. You could see it. His team mates tried to cheer him up, but he's going to have to come up with something really spectacular to erase the stink of his clumsy play.
But hey... on the bright side... we won. Still six games ahead of the Sox. And everyone agrees that the W is the important thing now. Don't feel too bad, Jerry. We won.
Back to Hairston... he felt like a royal douche. You could see it. His team mates tried to cheer him up, but he's going to have to come up with something really spectacular to erase the stink of his clumsy play.
But hey... on the bright side... we won. Still six games ahead of the Sox. And everyone agrees that the W is the important thing now. Don't feel too bad, Jerry. We won.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
We won today... but how lame was that?
Well, we pounded the White Sox today... it was actually a little boring, becuase the way those jokers played.... well, just look at what their manager said post-game today:
I was looking at the Little League game this morning, and they were playing better than we did. It was more fun. It gets to the point where you are a veteran player and I have a lot of respect for them, and you appreciate what they do for you in the past, but this is not major league baseball, sorry.
"I’m not going to take credit away from New York. They got great players out there. But the way we play, … if we had a B game against us, we might tie. Nobody is going to win. I feel that way, and I hope my players and coaches feel the same way..."
Huh. He thought Little League was playing better. Maybe, Ozzie... you should look at yourself and see where some of the problems are coming from. Only saying.
I couldn't even imagine a Yankee, much less the manager, even making that comparison. Even joking around.
A lot of people criticize the Yankee swagger... but don't you think that acting and believing you are a winner is part of the success formula?
I was looking at the Little League game this morning, and they were playing better than we did. It was more fun. It gets to the point where you are a veteran player and I have a lot of respect for them, and you appreciate what they do for you in the past, but this is not major league baseball, sorry.
"I’m not going to take credit away from New York. They got great players out there. But the way we play, … if we had a B game against us, we might tie. Nobody is going to win. I feel that way, and I hope my players and coaches feel the same way..."
Huh. He thought Little League was playing better. Maybe, Ozzie... you should look at yourself and see where some of the problems are coming from. Only saying.
I couldn't even imagine a Yankee, much less the manager, even making that comparison. Even joking around.
A lot of people criticize the Yankee swagger... but don't you think that acting and believing you are a winner is part of the success formula?
OT: Teddy Kennedy - RIP
Ted Kennedy is being laid to rest today... I don't care if you are a Republican, Independant or Democrat, this man has touched all of our lives. Not many people get to live a life with so much meaning. Yes, he was flawed, as we all are. But his legacy is tremendous, and we thank him.
Let's hope and help to realize that his dream of healthcare for all becomes a reality, and soon.
Rest in peace, Teddy.
Let's hope and help to realize that his dream of healthcare for all becomes a reality, and soon.
Rest in peace, Teddy.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
No Traffic in Times Square
Well, it certainly is interesting... this experiment of Mike Bloomberg's to have Time Square a car free zone. It was a little surreal, actually... to see people milling around the streets like that. The tourists seemed to enjoy it. But the cabbies were very annoyed, indeed.
I don't think this is going to last.
By the way... it' s nice to start blogging again... I'm sorry I let so much time pass.
I don't think this is going to last.
By the way... it' s nice to start blogging again... I'm sorry I let so much time pass.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Posada Stay's in Pinstripes
I was watching Fox News at 10:35 PM and it was reported that Posada still did not accept any deal with the Yankees, and then I come to the computer at 11:29 PM and there it was... he has accepted a four year, $52 Million contract.
Already there is controversy on the boards saying that he is overpaid, that he is going to be over the hill (he's 36) and so on. But it's this squirrel's opinion that if anything, he has been one of the most underated players we've had. Posada has been consistent in his at bats all this year and last year also... and his defense is sharp and he's a smart player. Not to mention, catchers are at a premium right now... so I think that his deal is very well deserved.
Well done, Jorgie. Now let's see what Mariano does.
Already there is controversy on the boards saying that he is overpaid, that he is going to be over the hill (he's 36) and so on. But it's this squirrel's opinion that if anything, he has been one of the most underated players we've had. Posada has been consistent in his at bats all this year and last year also... and his defense is sharp and he's a smart player. Not to mention, catchers are at a premium right now... so I think that his deal is very well deserved.
Well done, Jorgie. Now let's see what Mariano does.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Stay Just A Little Bit Longer
Remember when I called the Steinbrenner bros a "couple of maroons" (among other endearments)... dig this, refering to deals the Yankees are proposing to Posada and Rivera (from an online article, published today, by Tyler Kempler in The New York Times):
The Yankees made offers of roughly three years and $40 million to both players, who can talk about money with other teams Tuesday.
“They were fair offers,” Steinbrenner (Hank) said. “But there’s no question, within reason — because you can’t be an idiot — we’re going to make very generous offers."
Ooops, Hank... you leave yourself wide open.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Crazy Busy Postseason
I have not posted in the past couple of days because I am trying to digest all the stuff that is flying around MLB. This has got to be one of the craziest post-seasons/free agency frenzy that has been seen... ever.
Girardi has been crowned, and all the hoopla that goes with it was shown all afternoon on the YES channel that day. Yes, I think that he will do a good job managing... I don't know about great. There are certain issues that we will have to see how they play out, such as management of the media and commanding the respect of the team the same way Torre did. I think Mattingly would have been the stronger choice in terms of player's respect. Anyway, it's done and done.
Also, now we know Abreu has been picked up on his option, and that's a good thing. He was inconsistent in the beginning of the '07 season, but he got his thing going strong after June. And when he's good, he's great.
So now we sit and wait on Mo, Jorgie and Andy and see whether what's left of the Dynasty Team will go. I''m not even going there with Rodriguez. That's a whole other nasty can of worms.
Girardi has been crowned, and all the hoopla that goes with it was shown all afternoon on the YES channel that day. Yes, I think that he will do a good job managing... I don't know about great. There are certain issues that we will have to see how they play out, such as management of the media and commanding the respect of the team the same way Torre did. I think Mattingly would have been the stronger choice in terms of player's respect. Anyway, it's done and done.
Also, now we know Abreu has been picked up on his option, and that's a good thing. He was inconsistent in the beginning of the '07 season, but he got his thing going strong after June. And when he's good, he's great.
So now we sit and wait on Mo, Jorgie and Andy and see whether what's left of the Dynasty Team will go. I''m not even going there with Rodriguez. That's a whole other nasty can of worms.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The Squirrel says Happy Halloween
The Squirrel had a hard time deciding between a more traditional costume or to be Fidel Castro Recuperating Yet Again for Halloween... (he went with Fidel). Have a nice and safe Halloween everyone!
Pettite's Trying to Do the Right Thing
With all this moving and posturing back and forth... careers on the line, more money to be gained... there is a breath of fresh air in Andy Pettite's responsiveness and demeanor.
"The New York Yankees committed an awful lot of money to me and put it in my hands, gave me a player option and trusted me with that option," Pettitte told KRIV-TV. "It probably wouldn't be real honorable for me not to do anything other than if I shut it down, shut it down or go back and play for the New York Yankees."
Andy is a great Yankee... and a good man. Watch and learn, A-Rod.
"The New York Yankees committed an awful lot of money to me and put it in my hands, gave me a player option and trusted me with that option," Pettitte told KRIV-TV. "It probably wouldn't be real honorable for me not to do anything other than if I shut it down, shut it down or go back and play for the New York Yankees."
Andy is a great Yankee... and a good man. Watch and learn, A-Rod.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Are We Playing Chess... or Monopoly?
Moves have been made... Girardi is officially the Yankees Manager, with a 7.5 Million dollar contract (with "bonuses" not "incentives" for post-season performance), and Joe Torre is rumored (heavily) to be going to the Dodgers, probably taking Mattingly with him. A-Rod is a free agent looking for the even bigger bucks ... and how convenient is this: Scott Boras lives like 40 minutes away from Dodgers stadium. And we all know how much Alex's wife likes the warm weather.
The situation is becoming increasingly interesting, since Pettite has been reported to be still very torn up about not having Joe around, and both Posada and Mariano have not made final decisions (although I think Mariano is close to staying on... word is that $40MM has been offered to him and he's thrown the ball back to their court with demands of his own).
It would not be surprising to see A-Rod with the Dodgers... their pockets are deep enough. And he likes how Joe works... that's a given. The Dodgers definitely would love to have that 152 hits and 54 home runs on their side.
In the meantime, Heckle and Jeckle... a.k.a those wacky Steinbrenner brothers, have to spend muchos more money to keep those core veterans around.
As Bugs Bunny would say... "what a couple of maroons"!
The situation is becoming increasingly interesting, since Pettite has been reported to be still very torn up about not having Joe around, and both Posada and Mariano have not made final decisions (although I think Mariano is close to staying on... word is that $40MM has been offered to him and he's thrown the ball back to their court with demands of his own).
It would not be surprising to see A-Rod with the Dodgers... their pockets are deep enough. And he likes how Joe works... that's a given. The Dodgers definitely would love to have that 152 hits and 54 home runs on their side.
In the meantime, Heckle and Jeckle... a.k.a those wacky Steinbrenner brothers, have to spend muchos more money to keep those core veterans around.
As Bugs Bunny would say... "what a couple of maroons"!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Mo Money...
How uncouth can A-Rod and his skank manager Scott Boras get? Making the announcement about opting out of his contract at the 9th inning of the World Series.... (oh, sorry.... they waited for the last pitch... my bad).
From what I gather so far... Alex is saying that because the team is so fragmented right now with Torre leaving and Posada, Petitte and Rivera not knowing whether they are coming back is making an impact on him wanting to stay. Nice.
He kept saying that he wanted to be considered a "real yankee... that this was the only place where he felt comfortable playing. Well, like Derek Jeter once said "Just because you wear pinstripes, that doesn't make you a Yankee."
It seems that even $252 Million over 10 years is not enough money for this pinstripe wearing guy.
From what I gather so far... Alex is saying that because the team is so fragmented right now with Torre leaving and Posada, Petitte and Rivera not knowing whether they are coming back is making an impact on him wanting to stay. Nice.
He kept saying that he wanted to be considered a "real yankee... that this was the only place where he felt comfortable playing. Well, like Derek Jeter once said "Just because you wear pinstripes, that doesn't make you a Yankee."
It seems that even $252 Million over 10 years is not enough money for this pinstripe wearing guy.
The Squirrel Tips His Fuzzy Cap to the Sox
Even though I did not really think we had a series going, in the true sense of the word, I have to say that the better team did win. The pitching was brilliant, the offense unrelenting, Francona managed and strategized like General Patton. They were perfect... and they didn't have a neurotic and narcisstic owner(s) breathing down their necks. That helps too.
Congrats to Mike Lowell for World Series MVP... nice cars they gave you.
Big snaps to you Sox... you deserve them... this year.
Congrats to Mike Lowell for World Series MVP... nice cars they gave you.
Big snaps to you Sox... you deserve them... this year.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Snooze Series
Maybe it's just me... being a Yankees fan and all that. However I can't seem to fight the overwhelming bouts of narcolepsy that have fallen on me during these World Series. Sorry, but I just don't feel that championship rush that should be there. It felt like I was watching a game during July before the All-Star break.
First off... has anyone noticed that the crowds at Fenway are unusally quiet... especially now for the home stretch? Not for nothing... but I have felt more excitement during a regular season Yankees/Sox game. The Rox seemed to be completely over their head in these series, and have not been able to combat the Sox formidable defense. Last night Schilling opened the game well (it wasn't exactly pretty, but he got the job done), and Papelbaum closed it out with a 99/mph fastball. Rox offense just layed their like possums acting like roadkill.
Another thing is... how is it possible... I mean how... to play a 2-1 game for almost 4 hours? If people are getting striked out like that, it should be boom, boom, boom game over. Strange.
Were there that many commericals?
First off... has anyone noticed that the crowds at Fenway are unusally quiet... especially now for the home stretch? Not for nothing... but I have felt more excitement during a regular season Yankees/Sox game. The Rox seemed to be completely over their head in these series, and have not been able to combat the Sox formidable defense. Last night Schilling opened the game well (it wasn't exactly pretty, but he got the job done), and Papelbaum closed it out with a 99/mph fastball. Rox offense just layed their like possums acting like roadkill.
Another thing is... how is it possible... I mean how... to play a 2-1 game for almost 4 hours? If people are getting striked out like that, it should be boom, boom, boom game over. Strange.
Were there that many commericals?
Political OT: Oh... That explains it.
By now, you must have heard how Mitt confused Osama with Obama...
Oh boy. All the cat can say is "Ur iz not ready fur mah oval kitty box".
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
OT: Fires in More than One Place
In San Diego at the Qualcomm Stadium and DelMar Fairgrounds and Racetrack, thousands seek refuge today from the wildfires that are or threatening to destroy their houses. So many terrified people are now worrying wheather they will have homes to go back to, and how long the instability of this nightmare will last.
It is good to see that people are being treated well at these shelters, and are given water, food, toiletries, even sunscreen and massage therapists, for Pete's sake. I also hear that they have plasma televisions set up all around so people can keep abreast of the situation. At Qualcomm Stadium, evacuees are allowed to bring their pets with them. And no question... that's a great thing for sure.
However, I cannot help to reflect how differently the shelter situation was handled during Hurricane Katrina.
There was not enough food, not enough water, there was human waste all over the place ... people had to leave their beloved dogs, cats and other pets, leaving people in a devastated and crazed state of mind. And you better believe there were no plasma TVs . Not a one.
Sorry... it's hard to explain the difference to someone who not only lost their home in New Orleans, but apparently their worth as a human being as well.
It is good to see that people are being treated well at these shelters, and are given water, food, toiletries, even sunscreen and massage therapists, for Pete's sake. I also hear that they have plasma televisions set up all around so people can keep abreast of the situation. At Qualcomm Stadium, evacuees are allowed to bring their pets with them. And no question... that's a great thing for sure.
However, I cannot help to reflect how differently the shelter situation was handled during Hurricane Katrina.
There was not enough food, not enough water, there was human waste all over the place ... people had to leave their beloved dogs, cats and other pets, leaving people in a devastated and crazed state of mind. And you better believe there were no plasma TVs . Not a one.
Sorry... it's hard to explain the difference to someone who not only lost their home in New Orleans, but apparently their worth as a human being as well.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Joe Says Goodbye... for now.
I really had a hard time bringing myself to post this entry... the words are hard to come by. Just watching Joe go to the podium for his last press conference as Yankee manager was a little surreal. But there he was, calm and steady as always. The room was packed.
He confirmed that the deal was what it was, and that it was non-negotiable on their side. He alluded that he knew what was on the table, and maybe there would be some wiggle room. He couldn't accept the deal, and their so-called incentives, and he was right for rejecting it. As he said, "I've been here for twelve years, and I didn't think motivation was needed". His voice gave way a couple of times, especially when he spoke of his players and his coaches... and the fans.
However, he admitted that he felt that the deal was "an insult". For Joe to say this to the public... well it's a big deal for him to say. He spoke well of the boss, and he spoke well of Cashman ... well, he said Cashman stuck up for him last year. And that spoke volumes also.
I didn't want him to get off that podium. I wanted him to stay, at least until first season of the new stadium opening. I want him back next year.
If this organization has one working brain cell left, they will go to him and apologize for their short-sightedness (and stupidity) and give him a deal he truly deserves.
Because this is what's going to happen: they'll get another manager... maybe even a good manager. But he won't be experienced enough or ready to deal with the magnitude of this team, it's bone-headed organization and the media hell he will face every single day. And it won't matter what they do or how they play all year...162 games ultimately don't matter to them, or how packed the stadium is without exception. Because all they care about is post-season. So, this is what I predict (and I'm sure I'm not alone in this) ... when this team and it's coaching staff fall apart, they will go to Joe on their knees... their knees I tell you... and they better be wearing really good knee-pads.
He confirmed that the deal was what it was, and that it was non-negotiable on their side. He alluded that he knew what was on the table, and maybe there would be some wiggle room. He couldn't accept the deal, and their so-called incentives, and he was right for rejecting it. As he said, "I've been here for twelve years, and I didn't think motivation was needed". His voice gave way a couple of times, especially when he spoke of his players and his coaches... and the fans.
However, he admitted that he felt that the deal was "an insult". For Joe to say this to the public... well it's a big deal for him to say. He spoke well of the boss, and he spoke well of Cashman ... well, he said Cashman stuck up for him last year. And that spoke volumes also.
I didn't want him to get off that podium. I wanted him to stay, at least until first season of the new stadium opening. I want him back next year.
If this organization has one working brain cell left, they will go to him and apologize for their short-sightedness (and stupidity) and give him a deal he truly deserves.
Because this is what's going to happen: they'll get another manager... maybe even a good manager. But he won't be experienced enough or ready to deal with the magnitude of this team, it's bone-headed organization and the media hell he will face every single day. And it won't matter what they do or how they play all year...162 games ultimately don't matter to them, or how packed the stadium is without exception. Because all they care about is post-season. So, this is what I predict (and I'm sure I'm not alone in this) ... when this team and it's coaching staff fall apart, they will go to Joe on their knees... their knees I tell you... and they better be wearing really good knee-pads.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
A Sad, Sad Night
Joe Torre did not accept the offer that the Yankees put on the table today. It was a crazy moment, because first I hear on Mike and the Mad Dog that he did accept (which is what one newspaper reported), then literally two minutes later, it was disclosed that Joe refused. It was a bad deal... and there's speculation that it was put together that way on purpose... in other words, that Joe was pushed out. The deal was $5 Million for one year (a 331/2 percent pay cut), and "incentives": $1 Million if he made the playoffs, another mil if he got the ACLS championship, and then another million if he got to the World Series. At first, it seems like a good deal... but it's not. It's a slap in the face. Why would someone of Joe Torre's legacy and caliber need to be enticed with incentive money... as to say that he's not doing 110 percent to win all along? It's ludricrous.
My first reaction when I heard the news, besides disbelief, was anger... and I couldn't pinpoint it to who. To the Yankees, to that buffoon Steinbrenner, Cashman, Joe himself... I was devastated. Like many fans are tonight, of course.
There is a tiny little shred of hope (maybe it's denial) that maybe they will put together a better deal for Joe, and lure him back. And a very big and public apology. And a promise that Steinbrenner will not open his big fat mouth again. Which is a physical impossibility.
Thing is, maybe Joe is really done with this stupid management. Maybe he's tired of placating this jerk. I know he loves this team, and he loves to manage it. But really, at what price.
My first reaction when I heard the news, besides disbelief, was anger... and I couldn't pinpoint it to who. To the Yankees, to that buffoon Steinbrenner, Cashman, Joe himself... I was devastated. Like many fans are tonight, of course.
There is a tiny little shred of hope (maybe it's denial) that maybe they will put together a better deal for Joe, and lure him back. And a very big and public apology. And a promise that Steinbrenner will not open his big fat mouth again. Which is a physical impossibility.
Thing is, maybe Joe is really done with this stupid management. Maybe he's tired of placating this jerk. I know he loves this team, and he loves to manage it. But really, at what price.
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