DEREK JETER - INTANGIBLE

As almost every person who is breathing knows, Derek Jeter played his last MLB game as a shortstop at Yankee Stadium last night.  Ever since he announced that this season would be his last, I’ve been accumulatively collecting my thoughts, wondering what I might write about Jeter.  Even up until the last few days, I still didn’t have a full grasp.

This week, the chants at Yankee Stadium got louder and louder as the Yankees’ final home stand games dwindled, offering not only the visual emotions shown by the stadium fans and on Jeter’s face, but also my own heart-felt emotions!  During these last few days, the reality began to accelerate for me as if 3 days were one, especially as the Yankees dug themselves further away from the playoffs, solidifying the fact that Jeter’s remaining days as a MLB player were no longer days, but hours.  Now, we've seen his last defensive play that matters and many of us will watch him DH or possibly pinch-hit in Boston over the final 3 games of his superb career.

Through these last few weeks, we've seen the touching Jeter commercials on TV and/or the internet and also heard commentators, fans, players, and even Bud Selig (the current commissioner) opinionate throughout the radio and television airwaves.  Through this season, we've read articles and/or even tweets for and against Jeter and we’ve seen all the fanfare including personalized gifts for Derek from each team the Yankees have played.

Additionally, many of us have heard or read comments from former players, coaches, and other famous people who also joined in a worldwide attempt towards coming up with one word to describe Jeter.  Common words included “Class”, “Professional”, “Champion”, “Yankee”, “Captain”, "Wow", "Legend", "Clutch", "Winner", "Baseball", and so many other complimentary terms.  From all of the single-word terms and comments I’ve heard this year, my favorite single-word was "Re2pect", which was designated and promoted by MLB, and my favorite comment was described by the National's Bryce Harper who said, “Derek Jeter is not just the captain of the Yankees, {but} the captain of all of baseball.”

The single word that I (“The Word Man”) personally chose to describe Derek Jeter (which you may have already surmised from this article's title), is “Intangible” because it describes his surrounding and immeasurable aura to the game that I love most…baseball:

While some of Jeter’s measurable achievements include:  American League Rookie of the Year in 1996; hitting key homeruns in the 1996 American League Championship Series and in the 2000 World Series; voted as the MVP in 2000’s All-Star Game & World Series; 5-time Silver Slugger Award & also Gold Glove Award winner; collectively owning a .351 batting average in the World Series; owner of 5 World Series Championship rings; and being 6^th on baseball’s All-Time Hit List, naysayers still present arguments against Jeter being one of the best 10 players of all time - some even rate him much worse.  They love to point out that Derek’s never: won the American League MVP; led the league in doubles, triples, homers, or RBIs; or achieved several other stats that they consider key.  Stats today are overanalyzed by baseball managers, owners, and these annoying naysayers who have all basically become robots with voice boxes and the ability to type.  They aren’t utilizing their own brains!  They are known as sabermetricians (people who utilize every intricate stat that is largely available in publications and via the internet).

For these sabermetricians and especially the Jeter critics (who are typical NYY haters), I ask, "Why voice your supposed opinions when all you're doing is deriving and forming every word out of your mouth from a stat book?"  Robots or computers can do that, too – so can third-graders.  That kind of "opinionating" not only takes away the whole human element, but it also omits many other facts that you can, instead, get by analyzing the entire picture.  If these stats were fully definably accurate, then steroid over-user Barry Bonds must be the greatest homerun hitter.  How many avid fans would take that as a true statement?  Oh, I forgot, cheating is "Intangible" and is, thus, not calculated for them. If these sabermetricians used their almighty "facts", then why don't their stats correctly project the World Series Champions every year?  Ask Las Vegas odds-makers that question!!

There's no denying that Jeter doesn't own the title for a lot of the trendy numbers, but if you ask most players, coaches, or even many non-NYY fans, "Who do you want up in the 9^th inning with the game on the line?", or "What player do you want involved in a crucial defensive play?" they'd each have the same answer, "Derek Jeter."

Last night, during Jeter's last-played game and very last at-bat in Yankee Stadium, he once again came through in a seized-moment - proving that, at the age of 40, he still had some of his clutch abilities left.  To further my contention with naysayers and agreement with Jeter supporters, he has earned so many commendable and definable terms from his "Intangible" efforts or events including a group of "2" words that are only associated with Derek Jeter - "The Flip", "The Dive", “Captain Clutch”, and "Mr. November".  Of course, you can't find those within a stat because they each touch upon "Intangible" reality that requires human eyeballs or ears to witness.  There are so many key moments throughout his 20 years as a player where he's been like a magnet to mystical moments.

His representation for MLB and for any fan has always stood tall.  He's shown many great single-word characteristics.  Here's a few more that I feel are noteworthy:

Family - Just look in the stands for most games and notice his parents’ love and proud faces.

Gamer - He ensured to play the day after "The Dive" into the stands (with facial blood and multiple bruises).

Leader - So many players (not just his teammates) have vocally idolized Jeter as their leader.

Speaker - Like Lou Gehrig, he made an unscripted speech at the old Yankee Stadium that will never be forgotten and will continually be replayed throughout the Yankees' history.

Sportsmanship - Even yesterday, during his very emotional speech at Yankee Stadium, he still remembered to acknowledge the opposing Orioles.

Steady - In 20 years, he's defensively played every game as a shortstop (only Omar Vizquel had played more).

The seemingly excessive acknowledgement Derek Jeter received this year sometimes seemed over-deserving, but when you've visually watched or diligently followed baseball over the last 20 years, during an era of steroid-users with way too many disrespectful players (from all sports), you realize that Derek not only classily represented baseball to the extreme, but also all sports.   If you have any uncertainty or you’re a NYY hater, just objectively look at the "Intangible" aspects!

THERE’S ALWAYS NEXT YEAR...AGAIN

The New York Yankees (NYY) were officially eliminated after today’s loss from reaching the playoffs for the second straight year (which hasn’t happened since 1992-1993).  Even though they had misfortunate key injuries earlier in the year affecting 4 of their 5 starting pitchers, they still managed to piece together some decent replacements.  Additionally, their bullpen performed very well, especially Dellin Betances and David Robertson.  Therefore, it is clear that the pitching was not the main cause of this year’s disappointing results.  Instead, it has unmistakably been their lack of hitting (as emphasized in my last blogged article) that mainly caused this year’s team failures.  Collectively, the NYY were in the bottom third of all major league teams in runs scored.  For the salaries the Steinbrenners pay them, that’s a colossal disgrace!

As a fan, I was gravely disappointed, especially since there were so many games that they lost because they scored under 3 runs.  Those failed efforts made it more frustrating for NYY fans.  A run here, a run there could have made an enormous difference.  Many of the American League teams in front of them also failed to play well, but those teams won at least a few games more to have edged their way into the playoffs - something the Yankees should have done.  They had plenty of chances, but left way too many runners in scoring position.  Furthermore, several of their offensive players hit below their career averages, failing to even hit above .240!!!  Now, I know other MLB teams’ offense also had diminished offense, but during today’s now-realistic frustrations, who cares about other teams?

I, like all NYY fans, am also disappointed that the Yankees failed in helping to bring Derek Jeter to the playoffs in his final year.  I love Derek, but even he would agree with me that his final year is not the focal point of that failure; the focal point is to win for all Yankees’ fans.  In other words, “They should have won for Derek Jeter.” should instead be (in my words), “They should have won for us, the fans!”  After all, we are the spoiled Yankees’ fans.  We expect to win a World Series every year; and, if we don’t, we expect to at least make it to the playoffs with some kind of hope and true entertainment throughout the month of October.  Now, instead, we will separate into two groups - the ones who love baseball enough to watch the other teams over the next month, or the ones that are too frustrated to care.

So, NYY fans, we have yet another year of playoff despair, but at least we always know that the term, “There’s always next year.” stands true when you’re a Yankees’ fan - even with A-Rod possibly playing third base or DH!!!  Oops, sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned that - now, more misery has just entered our minds!

NO HITTING

Well, the NY Yankees are still hanging on by a thread as they continue to attempt to qualify for this year's playoffs.  Several of their recent acquisitions, including Brandon McCarthy, Chase Headley, and Martín Prado have contributed towards a few wins.  Additionally, yesterday's acquisition of Josh Outman (from the Indians) should further help them finally utilize a true lefty specialist to get out the tough lefty hitters.

Again, as any Yankees' fan can tell you, their lack of hitting has been the main culprit this year.  In almost all cases, whenever they're down by more than one run in the late innings, they fail to surpass and take the lead.  The supreme NYY teams of the past rarely had any issues overcoming small deficits (and sometimes large deficits) – especially any of their championship teams.  That is why I personally don't have much confidence that they will ultimately get to the World Series, although their pitching (minus 80% of their original starting rotation) has excelled magnificently.

Currently, they are 3 games back in the wildcard race and 7 games behind the Orioles in the AL East race.  They can still make it to the playoffs because other competitors (such as the Tigers) have shown inconsistencies towards winning games; but, again, I don't think the Yankees are currently strong enough to make it all the way – especially with more well-rounded teams (such as the Angels) in the American League.  Of course, I hope I'm wrong! 

RE"CAP" - A DOZEN SETS OF TRADES FOR 30 TEAMS

Wow, this was definitely one of the most active non-waiver trade deadlines ever! Yesterday, many top-tier players were traded. Below are the 12 sets of trades that ultimately involved 37 players!!!

Each of these involved the extremely active failing and falling Red Sox:

Jon Lester & Jonny Gomes to the Athletics (from the Red Sox)

Yoenis Cespedes to the Red Sox (from the Athletics)

John Lackey & Corey Littrell to the Cardinals (from the Red Sox)

Allen Craig and Joe Kelly to the Boston Red Sox (from the St. Louis Cardinals)

Andrew Miller to the Orioles (from the Red Sox)

Eduardo Rodriguez to the Red Sox (from the Orioles)

Stephen Drew to the Yankees (from the Red Sox)

Kelly Johnson to the Red Sox (from the Yankees)

Another notable Yankees' trade that occurred yesterday:

Martín Prado to the Yankees (from the Diamondbacks)

Peter O'Brien to the Diamondbacks (from the Yankees)

Earlier this month, the NYY showed their unhesitant willingness to add salaries to have also obtained Brandon McCarthy & Chase Headley.

These transactions were conducted via a 3-way trade:

David Price to the Tigers (from Tampa Bay Rays)

Drew Smyly, Nick Franklin, and Willy Adames to the Tampa Bay Rays (from the Detroit Tigers)

Austin Jackson to the Seattle Mariners (from the Tigers)

Here are the last sets of trades completed yesterday:

Emilio Bonifacio & James Russell to the Braves (from the Cubs)

Victor Caratini to the Cubs (from the Braves)

Chris Denorfia to the Mariners (from the Padres)

Stephen Kohlscheen & Abraham Almonte (from the Mariners)

Gerrardo Parra to the Brewers (from the Diamondbacks)

Mitch Haniger & Anthony Banda to the Diamondbacks (from the Brewers)

Asdrubal Cabrera to the Nationals (from the Indians)

Zach Walters & cash to the Indians (from the Nationals)

Tommy Millone to the Twins (from the Athletics)

Sam Fuld to the Athletics (from the Twins)

Jarred Cosart, Enrique Hernandez, & Austin Wates to the Marlins (from the Astros)

Jake Marisnick, Colin Moran, Francis Martes, & a draft pick to the Astros (from the Marlins)

Summary of Trades

To me, unfortunately yesterday’s biggest winner was clearly the Red Sox! Their current team’s record translates into a poor season at this point. That will more than likely prevent them from attempting to repeat a World Series win or even make it to the playoffs. That being said, they successfully enhanced their future team with some key players by trading away upcoming free agent (Lester) and one-year-to-go free agent (John Lackey). They also lessened their payroll.

I believe the Tigers made themselves one of the best starting rotations by adding David Price after recently acquiring Max Scherzer a few weeks ago. That results in one of the most formidable 1-2-3 starting pitchers in the game; however, they've also subtracted a decent hitter (Austin Jackson) and pitcher (Smyly). Overall, they've improved and should be equipped enough to make a challenging playoff run.

In my opinion, the biggest loser based on yesterday's transactions is the Rays. It’s very doubtful that they couldn't get more talent for David Price. They only acquired a decent major league starter (Smyly), a below-average major league infielder (Nick Franklin), and a somewhat promising minor league starter (Adames)!

Several teams also lost yesterday by not making any trades to improve their team – whether for a playoff run or for the future. That list includes the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. The latter should have done exactly what the Red Sox did. As for the Mets, they still have time to trade their 41 year-old starter, Bartolo Colon; but, their recent hesitation could potentially cost them the attainment of higher-level players. Apparently, they did not want to enticingly pay one dime towards reducing the burden of a trading partner’s responsibility towards taking on the ridiculous contract the Mets solely created.

The Yankees' Trade Effects & Remaining Run:

In regards to "my" Yankees, they definitely improved with their acquisition of a versatile player in Martín Prado. The Stephen Drew acquirement will be interesting. At first glimpse, Drew looks like he is weaker than now-released Brian Roberts, but if Drew hits more similarly to his prior years instead of his current 2014 shortened season, he could become a major value for them before the end of the year. If that happens, then the Yankees and Drew may decide to retain their relationship for years to come with a new contract.

Additionally, while the Yankees have now made 4 deals over the past few weeks (including their other two acquisitions of Brandon McCarthy and Chase Headley), I feel they have incrementally improved themselves.  The problem is that they have not attained any major pitchers nor hitters to immensely help them move up in the standings and gear towards a major playoff run. Of course, a few key players can still be obtained (players that can pass through waivers), but that's a gamble that, even if it happens, may be too late! I'm at least hoping they win the upcoming bid for Cuban defector (mainly an outfielder), Rusney Castillo. He's an impact 27 year-old player who offers speed and power.

The Yankees have a lot of their season riding on the result of Tanaka's possible return. If the injection he received 3 weeks ago works, they will undoubtedly have a better chance than the alternate condition - requiring the ever-popular Tommy John Surgery. Even if Tanaka returns this year, the NYY still have to find a way to hit in the clutch! These upcoming weeks will be very telling for the Yankees and many other teams.

INTERNATIONAL AMATEURS - AMERICAN EXPERTS

With all the focus/jealousy from the baseball critics and other teams regarding the Yankees persistent overspending on team payroll, there’s one thing most of them have been missing as their target - the Yankees also don’t hesitate to spend on scouts and lawyers!  While it is known that the Yankees have more in each category, no one really pays enough attention to those somewhat intangible aspects of the Yankees’ success.  I do and, as a Yankees’ fan, I love it!

As I’ve mentioned in the past, it’s not easy to draft and/or sign successful young farm system players such as Adam Warren, Dellin Betances, David Phelps, David Robertson, John Ryan Murphy, etc., when you constantly win and get penalized with low draft picks; however, the more expert minds you have collectively scouting the world, the better chance you have to find that diamond in the ruff.  Additionally, the more lawyers you have, the better chance you have to stay ahead of MLB’s potential strategies involved with key things such as the upcoming expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) which anticipates more obstacles for heavy-spending teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Rangers, etc.

With that, the Yankees have been progressively adding many scouts to find more talent that can potentially strengthen their farm system, particularly assigning the bulk of the scouts to evaluate the international leagues, including Latin America and Korea.  Their team of lawyers apparently believe that, once the Players Union/MLB CBA expires, drafting the amateur free agents from those leagues will terminate and ultimately become a draft pool, similar to the June draft process for selecting America’s young talent of players.  If so, an international draft may develop into another queue selection - whereby the poor performing teams get the first selections of these youthful potentials.

So, the Yankees are planning to not only topple their free agent spending officially on July 2^nd, but trounce their competition.  In the past, both the Cubs and Rangers have slightly exceeded their spending, but no team has ever shattered the limit!  The CBA-determined “limited” spend is somewhere near $2.2 million, but the Yankees are rumored to be planning on obliterating that limit by spending at least $12 million collectively on players - most of which they’ve already had gentlemen’s agreements with since late last year - all enormous offers.  One of those players is this year’s most sought-after international free agent - third baseman, Dermis Garcia (from the Dominican Republic).  Other players they have been negotiating with since last November include another third baseman, Nelson Gomez (Dominican); centerfielder, Juan De Leon (Dominican); outfielder Jonathan Amundaray (Venezuelan); and three shortstops - Chris Torres (switch-hitter Dominican), Diego Castillo (Venezuelan), and Korean Hyo-Joon Park (Korean).  It is believed that most of them have already made an agreement with the Yankees and are just waiting to officially announce their deals this Wednesday.

Most of the aforementioned and, in general, most of the players from the international league are typically 16 years old.  Hence, predetermining any of them as can’t-miss superstars at such an early age and development in life is very difficult; but, like any other gamble (and realistic mathematics) you can increase your chances by increasing the positive odds.

Oh, and by the way, the penalty for teams spending over their limit is two-fold:

Major tax penalties

- The Steinbrenners are, once again, showing extra spending is worthy as long as it offers the opportunity to help develop/strengthen the Yankees.

Prohibited from spending more than approximately $250,000 (for any player during following year’s international free agents)

- Again, the Yankees’ lawyers believe that the Yankees will be restricted anyway from their predicted adjustments to the new CBA and their overabundance of the Yankees’ scouts collectively believing that this year’s selections have more potential than next year’s will.

BASEBALL'S TONY

This year, like any other year, several former players have passed away.  Most recently, that list includes Bob Welch, Don Zimmer, and Tony Gwynn.  I’m not going to write about every MLB player or coach that deceases, but I will always (as long as I’m alive/able) offer a dedication towards those who have died who I've extremely admired.

Therefore, after these recent losses of players, I dedicate this segment to the one and only, Tony Gwynn ("Mr. Padre").  He unfortunately died at the “young” age of 54 from salivary gland cancer.  There aren’t many players who fully represent class throughout and after their careers, but Tony was certainly one of them.

As a player, his offense was at the same extreme high level as his defense.  His career batting average of .338 (winning 8 Batting Titles) currently ranks him as tied for 18^th place with the highest recognized batting average of all time!  He coined the term “5.5 hole” representing the perfect placement of many of his hits between the 3^rd baseman (known on a scorecard as position 5) and the shortstop (known on a scorecard as position 6).  His defense as a right fielder was impeccable (5 Gold Glove Awards), including a rifle of an arm.   Furthermore, Tony was rightfully voted as an All-Star 15 times, inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, and fittingly won 3 different humanitarianism-type awards.

As a man, Tony always displayed a jovial personality while eagerly offering to help veteran players, college players, rookie players, and even rookie reporters - just ask Los Angeles Times’ reporter, Bill Plaschke.  He was known by everyone who knew him, including his community, to have treated all individuals with the utmost respect.  Even as one of the greatest players of all time, he continually exercised his humbleness throughout his on- and off-field shortened life.

Personally, as a Yankees’ fan, I will always appreciate his kid-like behavioral excitement when he initially arrived at Yankee Stadium for his team’s first 1998 World Series game, ensuring to share his excitement with his son, Tony Gwynn, Jr. (currently an outfielder for the Phillies) as they both visited Monument Park.  More importantly, as a baseball fan, I will miss having and knowing he’s still around to represent one of the best, overall players the game has ever seen.  Tony, you won so many awards in life, but to the baseball stage of life, you were our “Tony” Award. 

TEAM WOUNDED - HURRY UP, JULY

With the amount of injuries, sometimes I feel like the Yankees are playing the 2013 season all over again - although, no year has ever reached the pinnacle of last year’s injury list in the Yankees’ history.   Now, I understand that every team has injuries, but how many teams have had three-fifths of their starting rotation injured all at once while also having their 8^th inning setup man and their 3^rd and 4^th hitters injured?  No team could ever be successful with those consequences.

Most baseball fans will say it’s their age, because that’s what they've been brainwashed to believe whenever it comes to the Yankees, but the injury bug has hit all layers of age thus far.   The aforementioned key injuries in respective order are:  CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Michael Piñeda, Shawn Kelley, Carlos Beltran, and Mark Teixeira.  The good news is that Teixeira has just returned (for the 2^nd time) and Beltran is scheduled to return tomorrow; however, both are questionable to sustain their health for any length of time, due to the severity of their fragile conditions.

Again, every team has their injuries, but the significance of such key contributors leaves the Yankees no choice but to look for alternatives if they want to compete in October.  I would begin by attaining Kendrys Morales.  He’s been a free agent for half a year and is one of those who currently has a penalizing draft pick attached to him until June 7th, after the baseball draft (which begins tomorrow).  Hence, the Yankees (or any other team) will not lose a draft pick and, thus, only have to pay money towards the player - a perfect situation for a team that’s always ready and willing to spend.  He could help enhance some of the offense.

From a pitching standpoint, the Yankees just released Alfredo Aceves which is a good thing, but they made a mistake by picking up Wade LeBlanc who was just rightfully released on waivers by the Angels.  Typically, real value is rarely available until after June, when teams have the opportunity to perform a half-season evaluation and the weak teams look to trade high-priced players for youthful and/or cheap replacements.   The Yankees made some other minor moves here and there relating to their farm system over the last few months, but they (like most teams) don’t just simply have 3 starting pitchers ready in the wings to jump into the major leagues abruptly.  Additionally, they are determined to leave one of their optional starters, Adam Warren, in the bullpen due to his relieving success.

I believe the Yankees will be very active with transactions in the next few weeks for pitching and offense, so stand by and enjoy the show.  Hopefully, it will be more positive and entertaining than their recent games have been.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Whenever the Yankees and Mets play against each other, I make it a point to watch the games on the Mets’ live telecast, while I DVR the Yankees’ telecast for their increased camera coverage, if I want to see a great replay from any angle.  Watching the Mets’ live telecast enables me to promptly hear and see exactly what is being brainwashed into the Mets’ fans heads.  Now, I’m not stating that the Yankees or any other team don’t have broadcasters that favor the team that’s paying them (directly or indirectly), but it’s important and advantageous for me to constantly educate myself by learning what the Mets’ fans are hearing as I prepare myself for the inevitable post-game comments by the Mets’ fans.  Unfortunately, their ignorant fans are the ones that typically speak like parrots, when it comes to their supposed pro-Mets or anti-Yankees “knowledge” - which they had learned and believed from their team’s radio or television telecasts.  I, on the other hand, typically dispute many comments that are stated from the Yankees’ telecasters, especially those of Michael Kay or of John Sterling.

The last few years, the Mets’ telecasters (especially Gary Cohen & Ron Darling) have been emphasizing the lack of distance of Yankee Stadium’s outfield walls, mainly its positioning in the furthest right field corner where it meets the right field foul pole at 314 feet.  In contrast, Citi Field’s same right field location is 16 feet further at 330 feet.

This year, their primary example is Curtis Granderson because he played for the Yankees over the last 4 years and now plays for the Mets - drawing a Yankees Stadium versus Citi Field comparison.  Like usual, though, both Gary Cohen and Ron Darling really need to get their facts straight before making their constant whining statements over the air - especially since they’ve harped on the issue numerous times year after year.  First of all, anyone who knows a little about baseball already knows that Yankees Stadium‘s dimensions are predominantly smaller than Citi Field’s…duh!  For the Granderson instance, according to measurements calculated by SR Nation’s amazinavenue.com, out of the 63 homeruns that he hit at Yankees Stadium, only 8 would not have been homeruns at Citi Field; however, Granderson would have also gained 3 home runs with Citi Field’s short portion in left-center field, where it has 28 feet less to offer than Yankee Stadium!  In the end, Granderson’s differential is only 5 home runs!!

Of course they weren’t the only ones with unfounded blanket statements, but they were the main ones who, as I stated, helped get the Mets’ fans riled and complaining all over the airwaves throughout the second half of the subway series.  Again, many Mets fans presumed they were right and other sportscasters and writers joined the band wagon, especially after the Mets hit 6 homeruns and scored a total of 21 runs at Yankee Stadium for that 2-game series and then failed to score any runs for the following 2-game series at Citi Field.  Further analysis, if only Gary & Ron would bother, demonstrates that the Mets failed offense at Citi Field had nothing to do with the stadiums, it was mainly because of the Yankees great pitching (especially Tanaka & Betances) and the Mets’ anxious hitters.  The Mets struck out 22 times in those 2 Citi Field games.  That’s 22 untouched outs, or 41% of their total outs for the 2 games!  Hey, Gary & Ron, a strikeout has never resulted into a homerun or even a hit at any stadium, including tiny Yankee Stadium or even within the confines of a Cracker Jack box!  Oh, and by the way, the Yankees (unlike the Mets) were somehow able to hit a couple of homeruns in Citi Field during their 2 games there.

Gary, Ron, and the Wilpons need to stop blaming Yankee Stadium for the Yankees’ success and swaying it into a twisted excuse for the Mets’ woes.  They are a pitiful team because the Wilpons are the total opposites of the Steinbrenners - the Wilpons look for every opportunity “not” to spend on their team and for their fans in one of the largest cities in the United States of America!

Now, getting back to the two stadiums’ comparisons…

Yankee Stadium:  In 1923, the Yankees consciously designed portions of Yankee Stadium to mainly coincide with the swing of Babe Ruth (the greatest player of all time).  Hence, back then, Yankee Stadium was nicknamed, “The House That Ruth Built” - the Babe even hit a homerun during its grand opening to demonstrate how fitting it was.  Since then, while Yankee Stadium’s dimensions have changed, the Yankees have always ensured to purposely build the stadium’s walls to benefit left-handed hitters and (somewhat) left-handed pitchers.  They have also continued to appropriately build their team towards the stadium’s dimensions, including their new ballpark built in 2009.  After all, it’s common sense to do that since half the games of every season are played there.

Citi Field:  The Mets also built their latest ballpark in 2009, but never bothered to consider their team’s hitting, or anything else that made baseball sense for their team.  The Wilpons instead focused on the history of their favorite team from the mid 1900s, the Dodgers and made that their priority.  Just 3 years later, after hearing gripes from David Wright, other Mets’ hitters, and their fans, the Wilpons decided to potentially help David Wright by moving in and lowering the heights on portions of the walls.  Of course, David Wright is no Babe Ruth and while it somewhat helped increase his homerun output, it didn’t help him or any other Mets drastically enough - yet, another failure for the Mets/Wilpons.  They keep pointing out that it’s an advantage for the pitchers (another “duh” moment); but, the bottom line fact is that the Mets have a better record in almost every other ballpark!  Plus, most baseball fans love the excitement of homeruns.  The Mets’ fans and I actually agree that the Wilpons need to once again adjust the walls at Citi Field; but, will the stubborn Wilpons ever click their heels 3 times to recognize “There’s-No-Place-Like-Home”?

MONUMENTAL DECISIONS

This week, the Yankees finally designated a date (8/23) in which Joe Torre will receive his honored plaque and have his #6 retired.  For 2014, they also announced that they will be honoring and presenting an individualized plaque for Tino Martinez (on 6/21), Goose Gossage (on 6/22), and Paul O’Neill (on 8/9) in Monument Park, presumably without their respective numbers (24, 54, and 21) being retired.  Lastly, they additionally announced that Bernie Williams will also be honored with a plaque, but not until next season; also, without mention of his #51 possibly being retired.

The choosing of a separate year for Bernie is interesting and mysterious.  My hunch is that Tino, Goose, and Paul were grouped for this year because, while they were World Series heroes, none of them originated from the Yankees’ farm system, like Bernie did.  Hence, perhaps next year they will also add Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte to the 2015 grouping.

Maybe they’ll eventually designate a special Core 4 plague, bringing each of the 4 back for an additional Monument Park recognition.  Of course, that could only happen after Derek’s #2 is officially retired.  I don’t know how or when they can acknowledge and honor Jeter because no one knows for sure if they’ll make the playoffs or not, especially since they’re playing in the toughest division in all of baseball.  Last year, ironically, because of their failure to make the playoffs, it was actually easy and appropriate for them to have had the maneuverability to schedule Mariano’s honor and retirement of his special #42 to join Jackie Robinson’s commonly retired #42.

There’s one thing that will surely come out of these designated celebrations…disputes.  Some folks will undoubtedly argue that the Yankees have been honoring too many with a plaque and/or a retired number in Monument Park.  Of course, no other MLB team has had so many championships and All-Star champion players, making it hard for non-Yankees’ fans to be objective in their arguments.  Even most of the Yankees’ fans have had, and will certainly continue to have, debates over the overload issue and the choices made, especially when it comes to the prestigious retirement of the Yankees’ numbers. 

Thus far, the Yankees have retired numbers for Billy Martin (#1), Babe Ruth (#3), Lou Gehrig (#4), Joe DiMaggio (#5), Mickey Mantle (#7), Yogi Berra & Bill Dickey (#8), Roger Maris (#9), Phil Rizzuto (#10), Thurman Munson (#15), Whitey Ford (#16), Don Mattingly (#23), Elston Howard (#32), Casey Stengel (#37), Mariano Rivera & Jackie Robinson (#42), Reggie Jackson (#44), and Ron Guidry (#49).  That’s 16 numbers representing 18 players before Joe Torre’s upcoming #6 & Derek Jeter’s inevitable #2.

No one in their right mind could dispute Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Berra, Dickey, Ford, Howard, Stengel, or Rivera for their contributions.  Nor could they dispute the eventual retiring of #2 for Jeter.  The others are far more debatable. In fact, I’ve already heard arguments for and against the others (Martin, Maris, Rizzuto, Munson, Mattingly, Robinson, Jackson, and Guidry).  Not many have disputed Torre’s upcoming #6 retirement, but many are questioning the deservingness of possible future retired number candidates O’Neill (#21), Martinez (#24), Williams (#51), Gossage (#54), and, possibly Jorge Posada (#20) and Andy Pettitte (#46) - two players the Yankees haven’t even mentioned yet.

It is my opinion that they should not retire all contributing players with multiple championships.  Otherwise, they’d have to backtrack to the 1920s, 30s, 40s, & 50s where many players contributed towards several championships.  Generally, I believe that the non-Hall of Fame caliber players don’t deserve to have their numbers retired in Monument Park with the exception of Thurman Munson and Ron Guidry.  The severe tragedy of Munson obviously shortened his career, but his Rookie of the Year, All-Star numbers, impressive defensive stats, and his deserving Captain title and leadership clearly qualified him as one of the greatest Yankees, even with his tragically shortened career.  Ron Guidry was one of the most dominating starters the Yankees ever had.  In fact, his 1978 Cy Young record of 25-3 with a 1.74 ERA was considered one of the greatest years by any pitcher in MLB history.  He had other years in which he won 16, 18, 17, 21, & 22 games from the mid-70s through the mid-80s.  Guidry also had another qualification that I consider; he played his whole career with the Yankees.

For me, if a player is either a Hall of Famer or a borderline Hall of Famer and has played most or his entire career with the Yankees, then I believe he generally qualifies for a retired number in Monument Park.  Hence, I also support their past retired number selection of Don Mattingly and a possible selection of Goose Gossage, but I wouldn’t support retiring the numbers for O’Neill, Martinez, or Williams.  I don’t even support them receiving plaques just because they each have 4 championship rings, although I respect each of them and am very grateful for their past contributions.  Again, the Yankees have many players that have won multiple championships throughout the team’s long existence.  For them, the Yankees should have plaques representing the decades with these key types of players designated on the plaques collectively.  For instance, they could create a plaque for the 1990s decade with an inscription representing Joe Torre as the manager, each Core 4 member, and perhaps an inclusion of the teams’ other All-Star players which would include Tino Martinez and Paul O’Neill.  I think that would be a great solution, while offering a compromise and adding key names that deserve recognition.  That would also help fans realize the importance of other key contributors towards multiple championships including deserving names such as Lefty Gomez, Tony Lazzeri, Earle Combs, Hank Bauer, Bob Meusel, and manager Joe McCarthy.

IT’S "PINE"DA!

Well, Michael Pineda has done it again - he’s embarrassed himself, his team, Yankees’ fans, and the NYY’s organization.  The Yankees’ young, surgery-recovered starting pitcher was caught with obvious pine tar along his neck, only one week after TV cameras had caught the same substance on his hand (both games against the most ignored cheater’s team, David Ortiz’ Boston Red Sox).  Still, two wrongs don’t make a right.  Pineda admitted utilizing the pine tar to help his cold fingers have control over non-fastball pitches.  The next day, he was suspended for 10 games.  As a Yankees’ fan, I personally feel humiliated and disappointed.

My humiliation stems from the prestigious expectations of the Yankees dating back from the early 90s to today’s Yankees.  Throughout those years, the Steinbrenners have worked hard at creating an overall classy persona for the organization, with players such as Jeter and Rivera leading the way.  Yes, they've had some bumps (mainly A-Rod), but no other team during those years has proven themselves with so many distinguished players (including Don Mattingly) and future hall of fame players (Jeter, Rivera), while accomplishing 5 world championships.  That’s why whenever one player goes outside the boundaries it gets magnified so much.

I’m disappointed because Pineda was already reprimanded after his last start by his manager, Joe Girardi and his pitching coach, Larry Rothschild.  Additionally, both Joe and Larry should have ensured that a full understanding was absorbed by Mike after they delivered their lecture.  The second usage of the pine tar proved otherwise!

Ironically, shortly after Pineda was ejected, baseball fans began to learn that almost ALL pitchers in the Major Leagues have been using pine tar for many, many years, according to several former players and managers!  Not only did former pitchers such as Rick Sutcliffe, David Cone, and Al Leiter admit to using it in their past, but former Cleveland Indians’ pitcher Roy Smith estimated through his professional experience that 75% of the pitchers typically use it.  No one in MLB insinuated otherwise.

That common inside-baseball knowledge was one reason why the Red Sox manager, John Farrell hesitated the last time to officially object to Pineda’s pine tar usage.  Even in Pineda’s second usage, Farrell didn't act vehemently mad, but instead focused his objection towards Pineda’s blatant display of the substance.  His own players, Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia, had supported pitchers using it for better grip just as hitters similarly used it on their bats.  Farrell also knew his own pitchers were using it (but concealed their usage).  Not surprisingly, the next game’s starter for the Red Sox, Jon Lester, “coincidentally” had absolutely no control of his breaking ball and sinker pitches and got hammered by the NYY hitters for an eventual lopsided loss. 

Pine tar’s offense usage was even a bigger deal back in 1983 when George Brett used a bat exceeding the allowed amount (18” from the bat’s barrel) of pine tar.  Billy Martin knew Brett was using an exceeding amount for approximately one year!  He waited that whole time for an opportune moment to capitalize on Brett’s rule-breaking usage.  When Brett hit a 3-run homer in the top of the 9^th inning in Yankee Stadium against Goose Gossage to put his Kansas City Royal’s team ahead 5-4, Billy came out to protest the bat and the umpires threw Brett out of the game while disqualifying the home run.  Four days later, the American League President, Lee MacPhail, determined that they would allow the home run from Brett’s “illegal” pine tar usage, bringing the game back to a Royals lead with a 5-4 score and scheduling a later date (25 days later) for the Royals to play their one-third remaining inning and the Yankees to play their unfinished half-inning.  Neither team scored another run.  Thus, the Yankees ended up with a loss.  George Brett’s whining and temper tantrum were unfortunately rewarded.  It’s just another instance in which favoritism rarely seems to “favor” the Yankees.

My main take on this whole Pineda incident is that it has now opened up Pandora’s box - not only related to pine tar, but to the fact that MLB is still hiding potential cheating from its fans.  It’s time for MLB to stop concealing things from the public.  They should have learned their lesson from the whole steroids issue!  With today’s TV coverage, anything physical can be detected, including non-blatant pine tar or any other substance.  MLB claims they’ll review the whole pine tar usage after this season, but why wait?  Procrastination rarely results into anything positive.  MLB should immediately review the need of pine tar by both pitchers and batters.  You can’t let one use it for an advantage and not the other.  Perhaps a compromise of allowance such as certain game-playing temperatures, a limited amount on a ball (susceptible to an umpire’s inspection at any given moment), a gripping glove (partial or whole) for a pitcher, etc. could resolve the issue.  In any case, stop the ignorance.  Let’s get this and any other upcoming surprises upfront and resolved!

2014 SEASON FORECAST (NYY & NYM)

How exciting is it that baseball is back?  I’m very excited because it’s absolutely my favorite sport.  In New York, we’ve already had one game played for each NY team - both teams lost.

The Mets’ loss was a tearjerker for their fans.  They had an early 3-0 lead at their own ballpark and retained a lead until the 9^th inning before the game was blown (tied in the 9^th & lost in the 10^th).  Most of their issues came from their pathetic bullpen and the result of their batters striking out 18 times (I thought they were swatting at gnats from the dampness of the day’s earlier snow in New York).  There is no way their bullpen can help them compete, as they are downright awful!  I was recently disputing Bobby Parnell’s (their closer) performance during spring training, stating that he looked overly ineffective.  The Mets’ fan (a friend of mine) that argued with me insisted that Parnell looked great.  Well, lo-and-behold it ended up that Parnell totally blew the lead in the 9^th inning giving up the tying run, with 2 outs.  Not only did he demonstrate ineffectiveness, but he was later diagnosed with an MCL tear in his elbow, which may lead to surgery.  Of course, Parnell is only one member of that pitiful bullpen.  So, no matter how they replace him, their bullpen as a whole will remain dismal.

The Yankees’ loss (in Houston) was no bargain, either.  CC Sabathia was ineffective during the first 2 innings.  While he later found the lower portion of the strike zone with less velocity than 2 years ago, the score was already 6-0.  The Yankees began to gain some momentum, but it was too late.  Unlike the Mets, I love the Yankees’ bullpen as a whole.  David Robertson (the best bullpen pitcher on either team) still has to prove he can close games, but even if he winds up back as the 8^th inning guy, I believe there are enough arms and strong personalities in their bullpen.  The latter sounds unrelated, but it’s a HUGE factor for success, especially as a bullpen pitcher.  Dellin Betances was throwing around 99 MPH and may finally shine this year.  If so, he can close games, if needed, or become the 8^th inning guy.  Time will tell if he is truly a force to be reckoned with as this season continues.

Here are summaries of my NY teams’ predictions:

Mets - 78 Wins/84 Losses

Overall Weaknesses:

- Bullpen
- Infield defense
- Lack of any shortstop
- Hitting
- Bartolo Colon avoiding a 2nd suspension (150-game-suspension would result)

Overall Strengths:

- Wright’s bat
- Murphy’s bat
- Granderson’s attitude/persona

Overall Comments:
- As a NY team, they need to spend at least some of the money the Wilpon family got back from their crooked deals.
- Their farm system is overrated.
- We all know about Matt Harvey, but with Parnell & Harvey both incurring elbow injuries within a short time, the Mets had better pay attention to their conditioning & medical staff (and Jonathon Niese’s medical complaints).
- Players like Murphy & Duda can hit, but too many of these “developed” players keep coming up from the Mets’ farm system without any impressive defensive abilities (add Ruben Tejada to that list).
- The Mets keep bragging about their young pitchers, but haven’t developed any pitchers that qualify as true aces or even number two starters, other than Harvey over a very long period.  Wheeler has yet to prove anything close to what Harvey had shown!

Yankees - 91 Wins/71 Losses

Overall Weaknesses:

- Aging & health of Jeter & Teixeira
- Lack of power from current infielders
- Mediocrity of CC

Overall Strengths:

- Starting Pitching (other than CC)
- Bullpen
- Outfield Offense

Overall Comments:

- The NYY still need to attain a power-hitting infielder.
- No one will ever replace Mariano, but David Robertson’s Houdini act may help him prove to be suitable and, if not, other quality arms exist.
- Their farm system (with a few upgrades in the offseason) has potential players ready to contribute, even though all of baseball refuses to admit it.  Last year, some of the farmhands had health issues, but this year’s major league team consists of more than one third of their 25-man roster (new or now-healthy) who came from or played on their 2013 AAA team!  (Ivan Nova, Dean Anna, Michael Pineda, David Phelps, Adam Warren, Yangervis Solarte, Francisco Cervelli, Vidal Nuño, & Dellin Betances).

Of course, these predictions are based on the current NYY & NYM teams.  Injuries, trades, and many other factors will “come to play”, but most baseball fans (including me) love to offer their seasonal predictions.  It’ll be fun to review at the end of the season.

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

Could this be the final 10-year deal for a player who will reach his 40s during the term?  Probably not!  Two days ago, the Detroit Tigers signed Miguel Cabrera to an eight-year extension giving Miguel a complete 10-year contract collectively worth $292 million.  That total value currently exceeds all other MLB multi-year contracts, including these:
 
Alex Rodriguez/$275 million/10 years/Yankees
Albert Pujols/$240 million/10 years/Angels
Robinson Cano/$240 million/10 years/Mariners
Joey Votto/$225 million/10 years/Reds
Clayton Kershaw/$215/7 years/Dodgers
Prince Fielder/$214 million/9 years/Rangers (but, was with the Tigers the first few seasons during the contract)
Michael Trout/$144.5 million/6 years (extension)/Angels

The last player from the list above (Michael Trout) just received his contract extension today.  That extension brings him to the age of 29, which is still considered young in baseball.  He and Clayton Kershaw are the only 2 players of the 7 that will not be anywhere near or over the age of 40 like the rest.  Simply put, both of their contracts make sense to me; but, the others are ridiculous.

What’s even worse is that all baseball fans, owners, general managers, and just about everyone who reads a newspaper or watches the news just finished experiencing the ramifications of what everyone had characterized as the worst sports contract of all time - the contract of Alex Rodriguez.  As he rounded near the age of 40, his health and offensive numbers proved to diminish - even with the aid of Biogenesis drugs.  The Yankees will still be stuck with his contract through 2017.

Getting back to the Tigers - they seemingly realized the original mistake they made a few years ago when they signed Prince Fielder to a $214 million contact by recently trading him to the Rangers; but, within just a few months of dumping his salary, they went ballistic by overspending on Cabrera.  Not only will he be in his 40s, but they already had him contracted for 2 more years.  Hence, they clearly bid against themselves with such a high amount at this stage of Cabrera’s career.  They also lessened their spending abilities towards extending the contract of their soon-to-be free agent, Max Scherzer.  He’s younger and had an expiring contract, which required more immediate attention!  Somebody in Detroit, either their owner (Mike Ilitch) or their General Manager (Dave Dombrowski) just made a “costly” mistake!!

Will they or any of the other owners (who claim to have spending restrictions) ever prove to have learned their lessons?  Will players such as Cabrera, Pujols, Cano, Votto, and Fielder show their worth as they get near the end of their contracts?  Will some of them end up like A-Rod in relation to cheating?

Of course some of the questions above will ultimately have the answer “Yes” because of one main reason (one that most baseball team owners haven’t learned yet):  history repeats itself.