tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90935478835021093532024-03-06T02:51:24.829-05:00567 Miles From HomeRandom Musings On The Yankees, Politics, And Whatever Floats My BoatBrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-15855008659618540452008-11-05T10:19:00.003-05:002008-11-05T12:24:49.592-05:00A Historic DayWhat can I say? There are really no words to describe the way I feel. Today is without a doubt one of greatest moments in our country's history. As a nation we have overwhelmingly shown that we are willing to vote on the issues and over come racial bigotry, fear mongering, and failed policies. <br /><br />I talked about race and the election the other day. Lets be honest here, race was the 900 pound gorilla in the room this entire election. Now don't get me wrong, the election of Obama will not end racism but it is certainly a huge step forward. It is a day that I never thought I would see in my life time. I can only imagine what those who lived through segregation must be feeling. My father has told me stories about basic training in Biloxi Mississippi in 1961. I should mention that my father has always been tolerant of all races, albeit that this was the first time in his life he had ventured away from New England and he was perhaps a bit naive about the realities of segregation. His roommate was African American and when my father asked him if he wanted to go into town to get a beer his roommate looked at him with shock. "You can't be seen with me in town" he said. Little did my father know that there was only one bar in town that would even cater to black patrons. Shortly thereafter he was taking a bus when an African American woman stood up to give him her seat. My father was surprised and told her that he didn't want her seat. It was then he realized that this woman had become frightened, not because of my fathers reaction but because she was surrounded by white people who were clearly getting angry at the situation. Dad ended up taking her seat only for fear of retribution against the woman. <br /><br />But this election wasn't just about race. It was also about pointing us in a new direction. It was about learning from out mistakes and reestablishing our credibility in the world. It was about responsible government. My hope is that Obama does the right thing. I hope that he is centric and brings the country together again. I hope that he doesn't sub come to the corruption of power. I hope that he is every bit the great president he has the potential to be. With so much already riding against him on day one if he succeeds he could be one of historys greatest presidents.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-31627059681156650102008-11-04T09:28:00.003-05:002008-11-04T10:08:21.369-05:00Your Vote Doesn't CountThat is a complete lie, I was just trying to hook you in with a shocking title. If the 2000 election taught us anything we all know that your vote really does count. <br /><br />Now on to today's subject, intimidation and fear. Already this morning there have been reports of foul play and voter intimidation. In Virgina five voting machines at one poll suddenly stopped working. Elsewhere in Virgina and reportedly in other states text messages and signs have been circulating telling democrats to vote on Wednesday to avoid the long lines. The so called 527 ads on both sides have been over the top trying to invoke fear about the candidates and about what may happen if the other guy is elected. It is all pretty disgusting. Imagine what it would be like if we had civil national elections that focused only on the issues.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-10256460884815286682008-11-03T11:47:00.003-05:002008-11-03T11:55:18.825-05:00D-Day 2008Tomorrow is it, no more predictions, no more analysis, no more speculation. By Wednesday morning or late tomorrow evening we will know the next president of the United States (hopefully). Suffice to say that I am nervous and will no doubt get little to no work done tomorrow as my office becomes my own version of election center 2008. I have laid out the issues that are important to me and have been clear about my choice. When casting your vote I beg you to make your decision based on the issues and how you think that they will have an impact on you and what is best for this country, not on aesthetics, not on attack ads or on irrelevant campaign tricks.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-63364586605184391392008-10-30T10:31:00.002-05:002008-10-30T10:49:49.301-05:00Congratulations to the PhilliesEven though I was pulling for the Rays you have to give credit where it is due. So in the interest of being a good sport congratulations Philadelphia! As for Tampa while I am sure their fans are disappointed today they still have to be happy with what they were able to accomplish this season. They won the AL pennant for god sake, that is no small task especially doing it in the AL East! <br /><br />So now this years season is in the books and this baseball fan begrudgingly moves on to a tepid interest in the other professional sports while patiently awaiting warmer weather, a bag of peanuts, a cold beer and a score card for opening day 2009.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-16064248775675299752008-10-28T12:58:00.003-05:002008-10-28T13:33:33.600-05:00Series Delayed...and One More Political PostFor the first time ever a World Series has been delayed mid game due to rain. What a way to cap off such a crazy season. I mean come on, who really thought the Rays would make it this far ESPECIALLY after going through the Red Sox in the dramatic fashion that they did. It makes you wonder, will this little hiccup change the momentum and give the kids a much needed breather to recoup? I think that it will, it would be very fitting for them to bounce back now. <br /><br />Now on to politics. I swear I'll tone down the rhetoric here pretty soon but with the election so close I can't contain myself. <br /><br />When Sarah Palin was first nominated she was kept away from the press at all costs. When the media complained about their lack of access to the woman who could potentially be president of the United States the McCain campaign screamed that she was being treated unfairly because she is a woman. This has been the reoccurring theme for the campaign. Anyone who criticise her is either sexist or too far to the left (never mind that a number of top republicans have spoken out against her). Most recently this defense was used to justify her 150,000 worth of clothing and makeup.* This is why I am shocked that McCain's own advisers said this about Palin's new "rouge / diva" status:<br /><br /><blockquote>"Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom,"</blockquote> <br /><br />WHOA....talk about the kettle calling the pot black. Sounds like he actually wanted to use that one word a man should never call a woman unless he is looking to get slapped....you know the one I am talking about....it starts with a B and can make you itch. <br /><br />This comment alone is far more sexist than anything the mainstream media has said about Palin. So how can McCain possibly accuse anyone of sexism anymore after his own campaign just basically said remember who the boss is....McCain the MAN, not Palin the DIVA. Go back to your knitting sweetie, let the boys deal with the gotcha media. <br /><br />The worst part about all of this is that McCain has been right to keep a tight leash on Palins interviews. She is a disaster plain and simple. She is not competent enough to answer questions on Meet the Press, but she is competent enough with the nuclear codes. Give me a break. <br /><br />*I will say that it is true that women are unfairly judged based on their appearance, however this was far over the top. Regardless, the only reason this issue is relevant is because of the campaigns portrayal as a down to earth hockey mom.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-56333370095409244092008-10-23T08:38:00.005-05:002008-10-23T14:10:44.805-05:00A few more thoughts on the election and raceFirst of all and very quickly I want to give a big congratulations to the Ray's for all that they have accomplished this year. While they lost last nights game you have to be pulling for these kids. It is fun to watch.<br /><br />Now please indulge me for yet another politically themed post.<br /><br />A close friend of mine is deeply concerned that Obama poses a risk to nation in the event that he is assassinated or loses by a close margin. I <strong>strongly</strong> feel that this should not be a factor in choosing a candidate. However I can't completely cast this argument aside as pure fiction either. The unfortunate truth is that my friends fears are backed up by some of our nations most tragic historical events. There is no doubt that in much of the country racial tensions are still alive and well. This is why McCain and Palin's comments about Obama "paling around with terrorists" and "who is the real Obama" are not only reckless, but also dangerous. Comments such as these only serve to fan the flames of racial bigotry in the end making my friends fears much more realistic. Let's face it, racism (and sexism) has (have) played a huge role in this campaign. The reality is that if Obama was white and had a more "Christian sounding" name this election would have been over before it even stated. So my friend is right to a certain extent. There is no doubt that there would be a massive sense of frustration, bitterness, and anger among the African American community in the event of a loss given his current lead (barring some game changing event) or if the unthinkable were to happen. But to use that as the only catalyst in making a decision is a missed opportunity to move forward. The fact that this could even be a factor tells us that while we have certainly come a long way, we still have a long way to go. In the end I really just wish this campaign was more about the issues and not about black / white / man / woman but that isn't the reality of our society. I'll be glad when this is all over.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-61274287714591810402008-10-08T08:31:00.006-05:002008-10-08T10:46:23.909-05:00Why I am Voting for ObamaOk, this post has nothing to do with baseball obviously but since I can't watch the post season without being sick to my stomach indulge me for a bit while I go in a different direction for a post or two.<br /><br />Let me start with full disclosure, it is no secret my absolute disdain for the current republican administration. While it isn't fair to blame Bush and his buddys for all of the current problems that we face, they certainly have had a heavy hand in destroying our economy, our reputation, our environment...etc..etc. You would be hard pressed to do a worse job than this administration even if you <em>tried</em> to screw things up.<br /><br />That said, even though I am a registered democrat, I do not think that it is right to only vote along party lines. To truly make an intelligent decision about who is right to lead the country it is CRITICAL that people understand the issues that are important to not only them, but to the rest of the country. At the end of the day though intellectual curiosity and sound judgement are two key attributes that a candidate must posses.<br /><br />So what about McCain? While I certainly appreciate his military service and feel that he is intelligent, I do not agree with most of his policies. But what really kills it for me is that clearly he is lacking in judgment. Let me break down the deal breakers for me with McCain:<br /><br /><strong>Taxes and Health care</strong> - Last night at the debate McCain trumpeted that no one should be saddled with higher taxes. This is irresponsible. We have seen the effects of fighting two wars while cutting taxes, not to mention $700 billion that we sent to lower Manhattan, and then there were the economic stimulus checks to nowhere. These all have to be paid for. Somehow, someway McCain knows he is going to have to raise taxes, but how will he do it? Part of how McCain plans to pay for making Bush's tax cuts permanent is by taxing employee health care programs in exchange for a $5,000 tax credit. This is a thinly veiled tax on workers who will have to pay for the increased health care out of their salary, or will elect to just drop coverage all together because it is too expensive. In that scenario we all know that $5,000 isn't going to amount to a hill of beans if someone gets sick. Do the top 5% of America really need that second villa in Tuscany at the expense of "Joe Six Pack" not being able to see a doctor? How can Mr. Six Pack fulfil what McCain last night called his responsibility to health care if he has to decide between surgery and spaghetti?<br /><br />People who can't afford insurance amd people with pre existing conditions that make them uninsurable are basically screwed under McCain's plan just as they have been for decades. Under the current system insurance companies can drop you even if you didn't know about a pre-existing condition, chrons disease for example. A close friend of mine can't get health insurance now because he has Chrons disease, again, a condition that he didn't know he had when he was first insured. Now if he needs to go to the doctor he has to decide between just toughing it out or going thousands of dollars in debt for hospital stays. Unfortunately neither candidate is calling for socialized medicine which I believe should be a right. We can essentially socialize wall street but we can't do the same for the uninsured? Health care shouldn't be a for profit business.<br /><br /><strong>The Economy </strong>- I am not an economist, and I certainly would never pretend to be better versed on the financial markets than I truly am. However McCain isn't an expert either and has said as much. His comments that the economy is fundamentally secure as wall street crumbled around him only send up even more red flags. As we all saw during the failure of the first bailout package McCain had little to say and mostly got in the way. Now I do not feel that Obama has given us a terribly straight answer on what he proposes to do to fix the situation we are in. However, given McCain's history of deregulation I don't feel he has a grasp on the realities of greed on wall street and fear that once the markets stabilize he would eventually revert back to a lack of oversight.<br /><br /><strong>Sarah Palin</strong> - Palin is perhaps the best example of McCain's poor judgment. I hate what she stands for, a political ploy to capture female voters. That combined with her positions on everything from gun control to abortion to teaching creationism in school is the polar opposite of what I believe. She is dangerously naive with regards to foreign policy and didn't even have a passport until the last few years. Whats more, I get the impression that she thinks that this is all some sort of game and that once (if) she ascends to the oval office it will be just like running Alaska. That scares me tremendously given we are now witnessing the results of someone who has no business being president running the country for 8 years. Further, in Alaska I don't think too much of the whole troopergate investigation...did she abuse her powers, probably, but every politician does at some point. What worries me is her blatant nepotism and crony-ism placing unqualified people in positions of government power in Alaska just as Bush has in DC. All that and the fact that a person who is running for vice president can not even answer a question about the Bush doctrine or how being able to see Russia gives her foreign policy experience. If you were Joe six pack then fine, who cares if you don't know what the bush doctrine is, but if you are a heartbeat away from the nuclear codes you better damn well know. Much has been written about McCain's health and ability to serve out his first term, as such putting a woman with Palin's experience so close to the Oval office is nothing short of reckless and irresponsible.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-33406453960205142932008-09-23T09:55:00.002-05:002008-09-23T10:02:06.469-05:00The EndNo, not the end of this blog (even though it has been almost a month since my last post) of course I am talking about the end of the stadium. There is not much that I can say other than in my opinion it is a horrible way to top off an even worse season. I will admit that they did a great job sending it off and that I may have been a little misty eyed a few times there. It has been hard for me to watch baseball the past month I have to say. It has been like watching your friend slowly bang his head into the wall for no good reason and then topping it off by burning down his or her childhood home. Regardless it is time for me to get back in the game. At the end of this season despite missing the playoffs for the first time in thirteen years the Yankees will still be the greatest sports franchise in the world. Nobody can take that away from them.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-84020332114975051272008-08-27T08:16:00.002-05:002008-08-27T08:21:11.953-05:00The StadiumWe have known for a long time that this would be the last year in baseballs cathedral, but watching the final Yankees / Sox series really drives that home. Partially because the media keeps talking about the historic series, but mostly (at least for me) because it is finally starting to become a reality. It is so sad to watch. Whats worse is the performance of the Yankees in the last year of the stadium. The other day I wrote about when is the point of no return for New York's season....well this series is it. Sure, other teams have given up huge leads in September, but I just don't see that happening this year. If the Yankees don't take this series against the Sox we can pretty much assume that there will be no final October in the House that Ruth Built. It is enough to break your heart. That's all I have to say about that.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-88246166800313164712008-08-26T15:40:00.002-05:002008-08-26T15:41:49.783-05:00Good LuckTwo friends of mine departed for Boston this weekend to start Grad school and law school. As a result I have been busy with goodbye parties and other things that have kept me away. I'll be back soon but in the mean time good luck to Matt and Jen.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-77589110270548351532008-08-19T08:11:00.003-05:002008-08-19T08:14:10.431-05:00When Is the Cutoff?I've been absent lately due to a number of recent events (good stuff don't worry) but I want to pose this question. At what point do the Yankees:<br /><br />1) Concede the division<br />2) Concede the wild card<br /><br />I know it isn't quite time to chalk it all up to the Gods of "we'll get em next year" but I would be lying if I said I am not nervous.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-43536919807836720112008-08-11T08:25:00.002-05:002008-08-11T09:14:36.561-05:00OuchI knew it was going to be a tough couple of weeks facing off against Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Yankee Killers....whatever you want to call them. At least we split last weekends series, but this one, oh how painful it was to watch. What is worse is that it puts us 8.5 games out of first and 4.5 behind the Sox. It isn't time to panic yet, but it is certainly time to be concerned. Especially since there are some reports that Andy's arm is tired. Wouldn't that be great, if Andy goes down our rotation is officially spent. <br /><br />The Sox did lose Wakefield for at least two starts but I don't think that is going to make a huge difference unless the Yankees can get it together and go on another tear. Depending on how long he is out it could help us a bit going into the next series against Boston at the end of August. It won't mean a thing though if they can't get back to within three games of the Rays by then who as I have said seem to be holding on to their momentum. <br /><br />Ian Kennedy is consistent....consistently bad. I feel so bad for that poor kid. He is lights out in the minors but can't seem to catch a break in the big leagues. I have a feeling that he is going to be on the block around the winter meetings. Such a shame that the Joba rules didn't apply to him and Hughes. They both are no doubt suffering the effects of being rushed up too quickly. Speaking of Joba, we will just have to wait and see how bad his injury really is. I've got a really bad feeling that it is a lot worse than has been reported.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-33066761225840746942008-08-05T08:33:00.002-05:002008-08-05T08:45:18.814-05:00Joba Goes DownSeriously....what the hell is going on? Why can we not keep a single player on the team healthy? While Joba's shoulder isn't suppose to land him on the DL, he will be undergoing tests in New York today to check out what he described as a grabing sensation. What I didn't know is that Joba actually has a history of hamstring problems. We will just have to wait and see at this point but I am putting it at 90% that he misses his next start. So who will replace him? Chances are it will be Ian Kennedy.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-83785901330793033022008-07-31T09:31:00.003-05:002008-07-31T09:56:55.473-05:00Where Will Manny be Manny...4:00 is loomingThe trade deadline is today at 4:00 and everyone and their mother is talking about where Manny will end up being Manny for the remainder of the season. The three way trade rumors I have read are so complicated they make my head swirl. In fact I think I saw something in there about an ox and three chickens being part of the deal. Now it is well known that I have never been a Manny fan, I think he is arrogant, lazy, and up until now he has been one of the faces of my most hated team. What's more he just doesn't seem to get the way a modern baseball front office works. <br /><br /><blockquote>"The Red Sox don't deserve a player like me," Ramirez said. "During my years here, I've seen how they [the Red Sox] have mistreated other great players when they didn't want them to try to turn the fans against them. <br /><br />"The Red Sox did the same with guys like Nomar Garciaparra and Pedro Martinez, and now they do the same with me. Their goal is to paint me as the bad guy," Ramirez added. "I love Boston fans, but the Red Sox don't deserve me. I'm not talking about money. Mental peace has no price, and I don't have peace here." </blockquote><br /><br />Come on Manny. Yes you can hit the ball (hell, you can even hit traveling secretaries)but you could phone it in to left field and no one would notice. Plus you have to face the fact that you are 36 and starting to break down more often (although its debatable if you are actually injured). Whats more, for all of your talk of loyalty an organization should have to a player it is pretty hypocritical when you go and publicly air dirty laundry. Look at all the success the Red Sox have had by getting rid of guys at the right time. Sure, Nomar may have been a little offended, but look how much he has crapped the bed since leaving Boston. Same for Pedro, in fact has he even pitched a complete season since leaving without a trip to the DL? I hate to say it Manny but they are the right moves. Maybe they forgot to send the fruit basket with the trade papers but it worked out for the team in the end....and this is coming from a Yankees fan. Regardless, after 4:00 today it won't matter because you are not going anywhere. <br /><br />One last thing......I say again that never liked you Manny, but then you go and says something like this: <br /><br /><blockquote>"I should go to Green Bay straight up and they should send Brett Favre to Boston. That will end two soap operas at the same time," </blockquote> <br /><br />Ok that was pretty funny. Let's get together and talk about how much we both hate the sox.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-62743012666505943602008-07-30T16:18:00.001-05:002008-07-30T16:18:37.455-05:00BREAKING NEWS - YANKEES SIGN PUDGEWow!<br /><br />http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3511535Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-59261003942225540262008-07-29T08:50:00.002-05:002008-07-29T09:11:43.117-05:00A Tough 2 Weeks AheadThe Yankees played the O's last night which means I finally get a chance to watch them on TV. The problem was it wasn't a game you wanted to watch from the perspective of a Yankees fan. The consolation was that both the Rays and the sox went down so thankfully none of our gain from the streak has been lost. I'm not really worried about the O's though, what I'm afraid of is the schedule for the next two weeks. The Yankees have to face off against the Angles 7 times before August 10th. Why is it that the Yankees have such a problem with the Angels? They were the only team in the Joe Torre era to hold a winning record over the Yankees yet through most of that time the Yankees were a much much better team. Maybe it psychological, or maybe it is something else who knows. <br /><br />I mentioned yesterday that I think that Tampa is the real deal, but what about Boston? I hate to say this but even with Manny grabbing for dollars I don't see them going anywhere either. I think that this will be one of the most exciting Septembers the AL East has had in a long time. In fact I wouldn't be surprised to see something similar to the pivotal 1999 Boston / New York series. But September is connected to August and with the race so tight if any of these teams hopes to stay in the game for October now is the time to get it done.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-3105919691721170022008-07-28T10:24:00.003-05:002008-07-28T11:18:10.238-05:00Manny Being Stupid and I'll Trade You<strong>Manny being (stupid) Manny</strong><br /><br />If you are Terry Francona what do you make of the Manny situation? You can't bench the guy because you can't afford to lose his bat, but on the other hand Manny seems to be doing a fine job of taking himself out of the lineup. From the point of view of a Yankees fan nothing makes me happier to see that one of their best sluggers is fed up with the organization. But from the point of view of a baseball fan this type of attitude is frustrating. Star players have often voiced their discontent with their clubs in the public to gain better trade and salary leverage. But having a guy who keeps saying that he is injured despite what team physicians say is obnoxious. What worries me more is that Ramirez may be trying to make a move to New York. Now I have not heard any rumors to back this up, but in the past he has voiced an interest in playing for the Yankees. Would I love to have his bat in the line up? Of course, I would be an idiot to say that I didn't. But what I don't want is to have to deal with is Manny being Manny. It is too distracting and I just don't think it would jive well in the Bronx. <br /><br /><strong>I'll Trade You</strong><br /><br />Meanwhile in the land of trades the Yankees picked up some quality guys with the trade to Pittsburgh. I definitely think that New York got the better end of the deal dishing out Karstens et al for Nady and Marte. It is going to be really interesting going down the stretch once players start coming off the DL. To be only three games out of first and two behind the Sox right now is pretty impressive given everything that has happened to the team this year. Still, don't count the Ray's out just yet. Everyone thinks that they have past their peak for the year but I don't buy it. The Ray's are a hungry team and if anyone questions the importance and impact that can have on a club just look at last years Rockies. I smell a Rally Ray coming to Tampa Bay in the near future. <br /><br />Finally, there was more talk about Bonds playing in New York this year. To be honest given the trade we just made I don't think that it is very likely, but it certainly isn't completely out of the question.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-49591614882980226802008-07-24T10:08:00.002-05:002008-07-24T10:11:13.905-05:00My New PolicyThis will be the last time that I post in the midst of a Yankees winning streak. I have realized that every time I do they end up losing their next game. Don't be confused, I am not quitting my blog, I am just very superstitious about streaks and I don't want to be the one who spoils things. One thing I will say before I go quiet for a little while is WAY TO GO ROBBIE CANO!!!! He is FINALLY starting to turn his season around with multiple hit games and is looking like the player we know he should be. It couldn't have come at a better time with Posada down and Matsui up in the air.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-16940429784305903362008-07-22T08:38:00.003-05:002008-07-22T08:48:51.791-05:00Po$ada Longs for DL, ReturnsLet this and Curt Schillings troubles be a lesson to teams facing decisions about whether or not to resign aging players for exorbitant contracts. Po$ada has already missed a ton of games this year, and if he puts off a decision on surgery for too much longer he could miss some of next year too. Sigh. Of course I love Jorge and it is true that he has been playing through a lot of pain this year. However this is more than frustrating. If Jorgie needs the surgery then get it done ASAP. Don't fool yourself into thinking that rehab is going to help. I saw your throws to second on Sunday, and Jorge, you still look like that arm is pretty dead even despite the other shoulder going this time. So it is time to just shut it down and let Molina get his last chances at the plate. <br /><br />The good news is that even with all of the injuries the Yankees are still only three games behind the sox and 4 1/2 out of first. That is pretty impressive given all the big names who are currently sipping Mai Tai's watching Baseball Tonight.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-64784600932846126002008-07-17T10:23:00.002-05:002008-07-17T10:31:49.885-05:00Bonds in the Bronx?There are rumors circulating that Barry Bonds could be headed to the Yankees thanks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Matsui's</span> bum knee. I can't believe that I am about to write this, but as crazy as it sounds it might just be a good short term <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">solution</span> for the Bombers. Let's look at the pros and cons:<br /><br />Cons<br /><br />Barry's attitude will not jive well with the Yankees or especially the fans<br />Bonds hasn't played a game all year<br />He would only be useful as a DH and / or possibly at first if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Giambi</span> goes down<br />That whole pending lawsuit thing<br />His joints are dead thanks to all the juice<br /><br />Pros<br /><br />His OPS is still <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">phenomenal</span><br />He would be willing to play for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">league</span> minimum<br />He is motivated to get to 3,000 hits so he wouldn't just leave his bat on his shoulder like some other guys on that other team<br /><br />Still its tough to say. What do you think, should the Yankees give Bonds a run?Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-71299169487852437522008-07-15T08:21:00.003-05:002008-07-15T08:43:43.399-05:00Francona in Charge at the Stadium Makes Me IllI thought my hand was bad enough (it is actually better now thank you) but tonight Terry Francona will be in charge at Yankee Stadium. It is almost like the president has undergone surgery and Osama Bin Laden has taken over for him while he was under anesthesia. I suppose I can deal with it for one game for one night, but I swear, if he closes the game with Papelbon instead of Rivera I am going to stop taking my allergy medicine for the purpose of swelling my hand back up to mythic proportions. That way when I smack Francona in the face it breaks his fricken jaw.<br /><br />Seriously though, should there even be a discussion about this? Tonight's game is the last all star game in the Cathedral. The house that Ruth built for god sake. Anything other than letting a Yankee close out this swan song for the stadium is an insult to the game itself. Papelbon can suck my.....thumb if he thinks he deserves that honor over Rivera.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-46979793213537573072008-07-11T08:07:00.004-05:002008-07-14T08:28:02.924-05:00Nurses and Doctors and Needles Oh MyFrom Websters American Heritage Dictionary:<br /><br /><strong>Sucks </strong>- Getting a spider bit that ends up getting infected, makes your hand swell to there times its usual side, and requires two (and maybe more) excruciatingly painful shots in the back side.<br /><br />While this isn't really what Websters has as a definition for word "Sucks", I plan on submitting this definition after whats has happened to me in the last day.<br /><br />Yesterday morning I noticed that my right hand was a little swollen but I didn't think much of it since I am used to getting bug bits that make parts of my body swell. Well once the allergic reaction started to make a rash go up my arm I decided that it was time to see the good old doctor.<br /><br />Now I am just an ordinary guy which means that it is preprogrammed in my DNA to not go to the doctor unless something is falling off, or someone forces me to go. Last night this was getting getting to the point where even I thought I needed to see a doctor. I'm glad I did. While the doctor said that he sees this type of thing at least once a week he also said that 20 years ago I could have been hospitalized. I was given the choice between and hour long IV drip, or two shots in the ass which the doctor said "I've got to be honest are painful." Well I can't do needles I can see (they terrify me) so an IV drip was out and the shots in the ass were in. When he said the shots were going to hurt I thought he meant the injection itself. Nope...I got my shots last night around 9:00 and I could barley make the walk back to the subway. This morning it feels like a pack of Clydesdale's complete with the full Anheiser Bush beer wagon ran directly over my ass. Whats worse is that I might need to get two more of those little beauties later today.<br /><br />I rarely put my personal life on to my blog because frankly most of the people who read this are people who I already know. But I feel sharing this experience is important. It was only after a lot of Internet research and other people sharing their stories that I realized the potential severity of my bionic hand. So the moral of this story is if something like this happens to you, you do need to go and see the doctor. It won't just get better on its own. Coming from me that should be advice that you can take to the bank.<br /><br />~~7-14 Update:<br /><br />Turns out it was just a severe allergic reaction to something, still, I am glad I went to the doctor. My hand is finally back to normal (almost)Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-83857248201504236782008-07-09T13:17:00.004-05:002008-07-09T13:40:23.790-05:00If the Yanks Make the Series I'll Grow A Giambi Stash<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc10dIRgOrd8UK-ahIhAJT2g4VRGdV9K1xhXlTQlcWNJ5pZCjYXQXgp3hP8YsDvSQoFR-BBgrfZvWKeMyfRmaREi8h4kjworkpq7-c2GA9rzpXVzqbf2Jm8XIcv9zXOTbNYLYt6bro0A/s1600-h/giambi+with+stash.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221085992285884306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc10dIRgOrd8UK-ahIhAJT2g4VRGdV9K1xhXlTQlcWNJ5pZCjYXQXgp3hP8YsDvSQoFR-BBgrfZvWKeMyfRmaREi8h4kjworkpq7-c2GA9rzpXVzqbf2Jm8XIcv9zXOTbNYLYt6bro0A/s400/giambi+with+stash.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Much has been said about Jason Giambi's mustache this year but who would have thought that it could actually tip the scales and get him elected to the all star game?!?! In case you haven't heard already the <a href="http://americanmustacheinstitute.org/cs/blogs/ami_administration/archive/2008/07/06/giambi-all-star.aspx">American Mustache Institute</a> has formally endorsed Giambi in his bid for the final slot on the roster.<br /><br />"The only choice for the final roster spot on the 2008 American League All-Star Team is Jason Giambi. He not only represents the great Yankees dynasty previously led by the likes of Reggie Jackson – <a href="http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/submit/Markusen_Bruce5.stm" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3333ff;">the father of the mustache in modern-day baseball</span> </a>– but Giambi represents the hopes and dreams of the previously downtrodden mustached American, a breed that was on the U.S. Endangered Species list as recently as 2005. Clearly, the voting public must takes into account Giambi’s powerful lip fur, as it signifies great intellect, good looks, and the ability to stare down the most powerful of martial arts gurus. And while none of that may matter on the baseball diamond, it’s the most compelling reason offered for All-Star status in the history of the game."<br /><br />As if that wasn't great enough, tonight the Yankees will give away fake mustaches to the first 20,000 fans. You have got to love this stuff, I can only imagine how funny it is going to be with 20,000 fans sporting the fake lip hair. The real funny thing though is that it is true that since Giambi started sporting the stash his performance has drastically improved. Will the stash be good enough to earn him a contract extension with the Yankees though? That remains to be seen. But I will say this, in honor of Jason's stash, if the Yankees make all the way to the fall classic I will grow a mustache of my own for the duration of the world series. I'll even start growing it during the ALCS in order to have full form in time for the series. This is my pledge, and if it should happen I will back it up with pictures.</div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-25786267901496923242008-07-07T09:24:00.003-05:002008-07-07T10:01:11.133-05:00DistractionsWhere would we be if it wasn't for the NY Daily News coming up with new names for the continuing saga of A-Rod? Well as of this morning it became official, C-Rod is D-Roding A-Rod. Apparently the M-Rod scandal was the feather that broke the Camel-Rod's back. This is the last thing the team needs right now, yet another distraction in the midst of a year where seemingly every damn player has visited the DL and where we can't seem to catch a break.<br /><br />As if this distraction and the news that Johnny Damon is headed to the DL for the first time in his career isn't enough, from the land of missed opportunity comes news that CC Sabathia is headed to the Brewers. Sure, the Yankees really didn't have a lot to offer Cleveland for Sabathia but still, it would have been worth it to at least make a big push for the guy.<br /><br />At the very least last nights game was a gem and we managed to split the series against the sox. Brett Gardner has got to be feeling on top of the world today after his walk off to win the game for New York. You always have to love stuff like that. Unlike Manny who couldn't even manage the strength to get his bat off his shoulder late in the game.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093547883502109353.post-59046753582525569872008-07-01T14:16:00.003-05:002008-07-01T14:24:01.350-05:00Now is the timeWith the all star break nearly here the Yanks are set up for a tough weekend going into the break. They play Boston this weekend followed by the Rays. It still seems <span style="color:#000000;">unreal </span>to think that the Rays are a legitimate team, but I have to give them props for being in first place this late in the season. Now is the time for the Yankees to make their move. If they lose these next two series I think that it could be a sign of whats to come in September. However if somehow they manage to take the two series the AL East could get even tighter than it already is. Here's hoping.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491599641037862463noreply@blogger.com0