Equilibrium in the Yankee Universe…
There is balance in the world. Peace and harmony. It truly is Good Friday…in more ways than one. The Yankees have evened their record at 2–2…
Thanks to a great pitching performance by Andy Pettitte, the Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals, 4–1, at the refurbished Kaufman Stadium. Pettitte, who made his major league debut at Kaufman Stadium on April 29, 1995, is 13–3 against the Royals (including 8–0 in his last 12 starts).
G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images
Nick Swisher followed up his 5 RBI performance yesterday with a run-scoring double off former Yankees pitcher Sidney Ponson.
And, oh by the way, Jorge Posada had a two-run single.
Lastly, the great Mo Rivera. He gave up a hit in the 9th, but he mowed down the other hitters, including three strikes on the last one. I was impressed with Mo when he was setting up John Wetteland in 1995, and I am just as impressed with Mo closing games in 2009. Every time I watch him pitch, I realize that I am watching one of the truly great ones. I know the day will come when a future grandchild will come up to me and say, “You got to see Mariano Rivera pitch? Wow!”. Yes, I did…
BRING OUT THE BROOMS
Alex Rodriguez is expected to arrive in Tampa on Monday, which coincides with the Yankees arrival to play the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Apparently, A-Rod has been getting ready for swinging a bat by swinging a broom. I did ask Julia if that was a sign of things to come for her upcoming birthday weekend when the Yankees travel to Fenway Park.
A-Rod’s arrival in Tampa is just a continuation of his rehab, and he will be hitting, throwing and running. Although some reports have placed A-Rod’s ETA as May 15th, there has been some speculation that he’ll be ready as early as late April. Manager Joe Girardi is maintaining an expectation of May 15th. I agree. A-Rod should be conservative with his return, regardless of how he feels. It would be much better to be at 100%, rather than return at 95% and risk further injury. In other words, I don’t want to look at third and see Cody Ransom for the rest of the season…
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Here’s hoping that there are no setbacks in A-Rod’s rehabilitation. I do have to say that it has been nice without A-Rod as a distraction. But his bat and play will be a welcome addition in the Bronx…particularly considering that Ransom has only one hit in fourteen plate appearances this season…
SCARY MOMENT
Last night, I was watching the San Francisco Giants play the Milwaukee Brewers on MLB. The Giants were leading 7–1, when Brewers outfielder Mike Cameron hit a 9th inning liner that struck Giants pitcher Joe Martinez in the head. Cameron, known as a great guy, cringed and looked away as he ran toward first.
Jeff Chiu/AP
I had to look at the replays several times to fully absorb what had just happened.
On a night when a nation was paying tribute to late Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart, the Martinez story didn’t get much play. But I am so very thankful that Martinez wasn’t more seriously hurt. Martinez was diagnosed with a concussion last night, but further tests today revealed three hairline fractures.
He’ll remain hospitalized for a few days as a precautionary measure. Joe, here’s hoping for a speedy recovery and a quick return to the field…
THE GREAT SHOWDOWN, PART III
As some of you may know, I’ve had my share of battles against Julia of Julia’s Rants and her beloved Boston Red Sox. In Spring Training, she took the first game, while I emerged victorious in the second game. The losses meant writing favorable posts about players (past or present) on the opponent’s team. With the Spring split, we both wrote our share of posts about Yankees and Red Sox players.
Of course, many people asked why we would make a wager on Spring games that mean absolutely, positively nothing.
Well, for those critics, the first Yankees-Red Sox series of the season looms in a couple of weeks. It also happens to be Julia’s birthday weekend. So, we’ve started to think about the penalty for the loser. I thought it might be a good idea to solicit your opinions. We want to keep this fair and respectable, but please feel free to provide your suggestions. If the Yankees lose two or more games that weekend, I have already agreed that Wally the Green Monster will sit above Lou the Yankee bear for one week following the series.
If the Red Sox lose, I think Julia should have to get a photo taken in a pink Yankees hat.
But we need more…what do you suggest?
FINALLY…
If the Red Sox lose to the Los Angeles Angels tonight, I will not take any satisfaction. This will be a very difficult game for the Red Sox and the Angels, and both will be playing for Nick Adenhart. Regardless of who wins, there is no loser. These are two quality, championship clubs, and their players approach the game the way it should be played. There will be no ‘Tek hatin’. Tonight, I am a Red Sox fan. I am an Angels fan. But most importantly, I am a baseball fan. Nick, you will remain in our thoughts and our prayers as we move forward. We’ll never be the same without you, but we will persevere because of you…
Preston Keres
