A-Rod’s antics are least of Yankees problems
By Punch N. Judy
BaseballBigMouth.com baseball news
At the risk of our beloved spot in cyber space turning into a “Yankee Only Zone“, I once again load my boot up this week a la the Iron Sheik, with a little more Bronx bombing. As we head into this the third month of the season, it seems like more of a blitzkrieg really.
Where to begin?
We’ll start out last things first. The revelation in the New York Post that A-Rod has been getting a little on the side for quite some time now shouldn’t surprise anyone familiar with the goings on in pro sports. That he would be stupid enough to be seen out on the town with a buxom blond in tow, visiting those houses of ill-repute known as strip clubs does seem a little odd for a superstar whose panned media responses have earned him a reputation as the games foremost phony.
Though nobody is quicker to the punch than I when it comes to A-rod bashing, on this occasion I must demur. To judge this guy on any other scale than his on-field contributions to the New York Yankees would fly in the face of anything positive I have ever written or talked about concerning virtually every player who puts on a pair of spikes.
Now about Alex’s contributions. When Jorge Posada popped out to Howie Clark last night and the journeyman third baseman inexplicably let the ball drop, I like most assumed some sort of miscommunication occurred between Clark and shortstop John McDonald. It wasn’t until I picked up today’s Post that I learned A-Rod had reverted back to his little league ways by shouting “Mine” as Clark camped under the ball. Is this sort of baloney legal? I really don’t know the MLB rule book that well, but I do know a bush league move when I seen one. Someone of Rodriguez’ stature should be above this sort of thing, and despite Joe Torre’s weak defense of the situation, I hope he takes Alex aside and tells him to put that play back in his purse.
When the Angels completed their domination of the Yanks last week Orlando Cabrera – one of Punch’s all-time favorite players – went off on New York and its fans by calling them a bunch of front running cry babies who only practice civilized behavior when their teams are “beating everyone’s brains out.” Well said Brother. Count me as one of the many who abhor the notion that the closer you get to New York and Boston, the smarter the baseball fan becomes. I’ll just leave it at that.
Looking at their rotation, bullpen and a glut of one dimensional hitters, I honestly didn’t think much of the Mets chances to repeat this year. Thankfully my MLB Extra Innings package has come to the rescue to make a believer out of me. Like we always say here at BBM, “you have to watch the games.” What the Mets have in abundance are intangibles, confidence and the most dynamic left-side infield in the game. And no I offer no apologies to the Yankees. As for that pitching staff, I still think they’re middle of the road at best, however, the addition of Pedro Martinez come August should at least give them enough depth to cruise, rather than stagger into the playoffs.
Having just completed a run of nine consecutive days either playing, watching my son play, or attending a Tiger game, I must say Heaven is, at times, right here on Earth.
Clown of the Week – George Steinbrenner – Nice Try. The Curious One tried – and failed – to step back into the past with one of his Knute Rockne style speeches that years ago seemed to spark a ten game winning streak. Instead the Yanks were broomed by a much better LA Angel club.
Quote of the Week – “A sense of humor and a good bullpen.” – Whitey Herzog, then Kansas City manager on what it takes to be a top notch big league skipper.
Editor’s note - Baseball and Eggs will appear every Thursday, and serves as a form of self–therapy for this clinically insane baseball fan. The baseball part is self–explanatory. The eggs however, could pertain to just about anything on Punch’s mind from Wednesday to Wednesday. Good day all.