I could be jinxing the Yankees (I feel like I am every time I say things are turning around) but it certainly feels like the Yankees are back in the race now. Half way through June they are poised to repeat (actually better by half a game) the accomplishment of the 1978 Bombers who came back from a 14 game deficit to win the whole thing. You get the sense that something special is finally starting to take hold in the Bronx. I don't know if A-rod is more relaxed because he is thinking about strippers, if the return of the Rocket gives the rotation a sense that they are not under quite as much pressure, or just the fact that everyone is having a lot more fun now that Paris Hilton is in jail. One thing is for sure, it is starting to get exciting.
But is this really like 1978? Yes and no. In '78 The Yankees didn't begin their comeback until mid July, by that time the Red Sox record was 62-28. The Sox have had an incredible start this year just like in '78, but everyone knows that can't last forever. Traditionally the Red Sox have been great (or at least in the race) right up until August. Maybe it's something about how the August sun sets over Fenway but that is always when they have traditionally collapsed. This year the Yankees started their comeback a full month earlier than they did in '78 giving them more time to catch up, and giving them a big jump on when the calender flips from 7/31 to 8/01. Another similarity is that in 1978 Goose Gossage didn't save a single game in April, eerily similar to Rivera's start. One thing that is really different this year is that no one has been fired (yet). In '78 things started to turn once Billy Martin saw the door. The Yankees also have the wild card possibility which gives them an added option that the '78 team didn't have.
The Yankees are making their comeback with a lot of untested pitching, Tyler Clippard for example. I have to believe based on what I have seen that as the summer progresses they will only get better. The Rocket may not be the Rocket of old, but last Saturday's performance against Pittsburgh proved he still has some gas in the tank. Not to mention Phil Hughes will be returning in a few weeks and there is no reason to believe that he won't come off the DL ready to prove himself.
So here is to the Spirit of '78, why not, it would certainly make for a year when no one could say we didn't earn it.
5 comments:
why are you so quick to say Clemens had a great outing? he struck out 7 against the PIRATES, and gave up a run. before you start passing out kudos, wait until he starts against a real line up. i'm not for or against Clemens, he is what he is...a hired gun. bottom of the barrel scum. i'm sure he'll be fantastic this year. for 28 million he should be.
"Anonymous" anyone will tell you that striking out 7 in your first game back in the majors is a pretty good game. Besides, I said that he wasn't the Clemens of old, but just that he still has a little gas left.
Next time pony up and use your real name.
Hello? What is this post? Please read my post of May 31, 2007. Not only am I your conscience, but also a prophet...bye-bye demons....not so bad for a girl?
Not so sure about excorsing any demons but they are looking like teams of old. Told you bruce- you jumped on the they suck bandwagon too early. Here's to all things good: Yankees, skeeball, and pina coladas.
PS. Still say that A-Rod is no yankee. Just for the record.
My Conscience, who are you?
Post a Comment