Bronx, N.Y., April 6, 2008 — The Yanks evened their record at 3-3 Sunday in a double-well-pitched beaut in frigid Yankee Stadium. Although the offense did not break out, they did have their second consecutive nine-hit game, a hopeful sign. You got the feeling that the offense that broke through and scored a run first would win, as Chien-Ming Wang and James Shields each brought their “A” game. Continue reading
Category Archives: Grandstand View
An Oreo Cookie Baseball Game
Bronx, N.Y., April 4, 2008 — The Yanks suffered an embarrassing 13-4 defeat to the visiting Tampa Bay Rays (no “Devil,” thank you) Friday night in a game many supposed would be rained out. It’s not hard to imagine that in a loss by nine runs, there is more negative than positive to be taken away from this game. Ian Kennedy was pounded early; Latroy Hawkins late. But in between those two hard cookie coatings, the Yankee pen provided some seriously delectable “cream.” Continue reading
The Dreaded Curveball
Bronx, N.Y., April 3, 2008 — The debate goes on as the Blue Jays and the Yanks played another game Thursday where the offenses struggled. Is it that the hitters aren’t ready? Or are most of the guys who have pitched that good? Take your pick, but I wouldn’t dismiss the third school of thought on this either: It’s just too cold. Continue reading
Offense on a Tightrope
Bronx, N.Y., April 2, 2008 — The Yankee offense hit its first peak at 7:23 Wednesday night, when A.J. Burnett fired three straight 94-mph fastballs out of the zone to Johnny Damon. Despite coaxing one soft grounder or fly after another, Mike Mussina was already down 1-0 on an unearned first-inning run, and fans were pumped that their leadoff hitter was all but on in the bottom half. Unfortunately, after a meek Damon bounce out to short on a 3-2 pitch, the second peak came two hours later once Burnett finally did allow his first walk, to Bobby Abreu leading off the home seventh. Continue reading
The Yanks’ Magic Window
Bronx, N.Y., April 1, 2008 — There was criticism aplenty going around the Bronx the last few days. First, devoted fans were understandably upset when the club and major league baseball rained out their opener against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday. Adults take off from work and pull their kids out of school for this day every year, but in 2008, the last year of the old Stadium? Seemed, I’m sure, to be an imperative in many a household. What a blow to have the day wasted, and then to sit until evening for the opener the next day. Continue reading
Rolling Thunder, Pouring Rain
Bronx, N.Y., March 30, 2008 — I will be attending my 26th consecutive home opener on Monday, with the weatherman predicting a questionable day for baseball. Colder than I want, but I’ll confine my hopes, prayers, dances, whatever, to a lack of rain. Attending April ballgames is always a bit of a crapshoot. We sat through six innings of snow in 1996, and earned free tickets to Doc Gooden’s May no-hitter for our trouble. They played nine that day, with Andy Pettitte besting Kansas City’s Chris Haney. Three years later the 12-3 drubbing of the Tigers in a downpour was mercifully called after seven frames. Continue reading
Wintry Stadium(s) Day
Bronx, N.Y., January 18, 2008 — I’ve been pretty deep in thought since my annual pilgrimage to Yankee Stadium over the New Year holiday this year, but the news (and pictures) about the name “Yankee Stadium” being added to the new edifice across 161st Street has prodded me to share some thoughts and photos. It’s always with a somewhat sentimental turn of mind that I take these midwinter trips to the Bronx. I feel reassured paying off my season plan invoice in person, it’s true, but there is also something contemplative about seeing a great baseball venue in the throes of winter. Continue reading
An Orwellian (1984) Dilemma
Bronx, N.Y., January 6, 2008 — Hall of Fame selection days have been frustrating and disconcerting trials for some ballplayers, an annual cycle in raised then banished hopes that ex-Yank closer Goose Gossage hopes to escape in 2008. It has been a great day for others, though, including one-time Yank Phil Niekro, who celebrates the 10th anniversary of his selection Sunday. Continue reading
In Medias Res
Bronx, N.Y., December 2, 2007 — Heard any good Yankee rumors lately? Just kidding. If you’re breathing and linked to the rest of the planet in the most rudimentary fashion, you know New York (and baseball) is abuzz with the Yanks’ attempts to trade for Minnesota southpaw Johan Santana. And if you have a 24/7 hookup? Well, forget the cold. Back away, step outside and clear your head. Continue reading
Tell-Tale Heart, Bronx Style
Bronx, N.Y., October 7, 2007 — A Yankee season that was imperiled when the Indians beat Chien-Ming Wang in Cleveland was pushed further to the edge by a swarm of gnats Friday night, resulting in an 0-2 record in the five-game ALDS. One wonders how a confident yet nervous Yankee crowd in the Stadium for Game Three Sunday night would have reacted had they known going in that aging vet Roger Clemens would not last three frames. Continue reading