THE IRONY OF JETER'S LAST HIT AT YANKEE STADIUM

I know, it’s months later and I’m already missing the great Derek Jeter. Who isn't? Well, this post is more than that.  I was watching that last hit at Yankee Stadium the other day on YouTube and it was perfectly executed, I mean PERFECTLY… not so much by the Captain, but by Joe Girardi and the entire Yankee club.  It made me angry in a weird way.  Don’t know what I mean? I mean in the "Manufacturing runs" kind of way.  That’s what I mean…

At a certain point in the game that night, we weren’t sure if Jeter was going to get up again.  Remember that? Then, things started to fall into place and you realized as a fan, that coming out to hit the next inning was Jeter… to bat 3^rd.  

The Yankees, the mighty Yankees who couldn’t manufacture a run all reason, suffering in the "Runners in Scoring Postion" department all year, suddenly figured out a way to deliver a run.  You know, real baseball, the thing fans had been screaming about all season.  It's the way teams do it when they’ve  struggled to score. You need to break funks and so, you may lay down bunts. You don’t try to do too much.  Maybe you steal a base… whatever it is, you do the small things, and eventually a rally happens.  It's what the fans wanted all year, but rarely got until that night.

In that bottom of the 9^th, Jose Pirela hit a lead off single. Brett Gardner the sacrificed him over. 
 

Jose Pirela was replaced by the speedy Antoan Richardson.   

Then, Derek Jeter lined a pitch into the gap on the right side. Richardson rounded third and scored.
 

Again, perfectly executed, not just by our Captain, but by the team who wanted a win.   

I loved that night, and it may be one of my favorite moments in Yankee history, despite not making the playoffs in 2014. But celebrating Jeter and the way it all happened… it was worth being a fan for as long as I have been.  Moreover, it truly cemented Jeter’s place in Yankee history even more than the moments before.   It demonstrated leadership and professionalism and was just in line with everything Jeter did his entire career.

The Planets aligned for this man, from the moment he was a young player, to the day he stood on the field with his hands held high in the Bronx. It was perfect.  But there's Irony there.  When the team knew we needed a win... we found a way to do it.  But why... WHY didn't we find a way to do it all season? WHY? It happened so perfectly… are you gonna sit there and tell me we couldn’t be doing those little things all season?   




It’s the most perfectly, fundamental rally should be taught to everyone. It was truly basic and under their noses all along.  Not because it was Derek Jeter, but because it was executed perfectly.  Teach it to little leaguers instead of them trying to crank it over the fence.  Jeter’s hit was a bigger moment than any home run last season.  Why? Jeter was never a home run hitter, he was a really good hitter and that hit, the way we got on base and knocked runners into scoring position… the whole thing was right. The whole sequence was real baseball.  And truth be told, the Yanks should have been doing it all season. 

Note to the Yankees…. Sure Jeter’s hit was great, but the execution was greater!  

Wake up!  There’s a bigger picture there… watch it, use it… let’s manufacture some damn runs in 2015… what do you say?

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ZOILO ALMONTE & OTHERS JUST BECAME FREE AGENTS

An important development that needs to be reported.  We got it here on BYB for you... relax.

Looks like Zoilo Almonte, Antoan Richardson and Scott Sizemore are gone... they've become free agents and no one really even bothered reporting it, or it was lost in the ARod news.  Someone got it... NJ.com's Brendan Kuty:

"Infielder Scott Sizemore and outfielders Antoan Richardson and Zoilo Almonte each have decided to test the free agent waters.

Each saw limited time with the big-league club in 2014 and spent most of the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

None of their departures are particularly surprising. Each had little chance to earn a spot on the Yankees' 25-man roster in 2015."

(In Photo: Antoan Richardson)
Surprising? Sure, I guess, but to the fans who want to see young guys like Zoilo Almonte be given a chance, it's significant and disappointing.  The Yankees have not put trust into many of their young players and this is just another example of them not giving players a chance long enough to see if they "stick".  Almonte will no doubt blossom at some point wherever he ends up.

Richardson and Sizemore are decent players as well, but may have a better shot in the minors. I hate to have doubt, after all it takes a helluva lot to get there to the Bigs, and then stay there and maybe they can explode one day.  But the big thing is the opportunity... they need one.

As free agents, maybe they get that shot.

Of the 3, I'm most sad about seeing Almonte go.

Man oh man...

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JETER MAGIC & A HAPPY ENDING. THANK YOU, DEREK

If I told you Derek Jeter would walk off in his last game ever at Yankee Stadium, knowing all we know about Derek Jeter.... you'd tell me it wouldn't surprise you. That's because it wouldn't.   When Derek Jeter is on the field, there is something called Jeter Magic. Even in the 7th inning tonight, before the walk-off, I tweeted:

Magic happens like that when the Cap comes to bat. I'll take it. #BYB #Jeter #Re2pect
— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) September 26, 2014

It's very true. Derek Jeter has had many great moments in his career.  I've always said that he's always been at the right place at the right time because he's determined and has the will and want to accomplish anything. And he has.  The rings, the home runs when we needed them most... the amazing plays... and a walk-off in his last game in the Bronx.  It's assumed when it's Derek Jeter, but when it happens, you still can't believe it! Jeter is that player, and that's why we love him. It really makes no difference what the haters say about Derek. We... the fans, know that Derek Jeter is the greatest.

It's funny, when the game started, it seemed too scripted.  Michael Kay even seemed like he was over rehearsed.  The camera angles were too many, even shaky at times. It was overproduced.  It was almost like there was too much going on at once. It was almost like YES just didn't want to blow it. I get it... but they should have let it happen. 

Then, when Hiroki Kuroda gave up back-to-back home runs in the 1st inning, in between Michael Kay's description of Bald Vinny and Roll Call. It was awkward and yet, kind of laughable.

My buddy sent me a text at that moment... "This is surreal."   It couldn't end bad, could it? I was worried. But soon enough, the game went on, it seemed more like a ball game.

Like clockwork, Derek Jeter hit an RBI double and later scored.  It was knotted 2-2 for a while.  Then in the 7th, it was Jeet again, this time he reached on a throwing error and 2 runs scored.  Then Brian McCann sacrificed home Brett Gardner.

When David Robertson came in in the 9th, I didn't think much of it. I figured he'd lock the O's down and there would be a celebration on the field for the Captain. I think we all did... but the O's tied it up in the top of the 9th. Are you kidding me?

Then... something happened again... Jeter Magic.

Jose Pirela singled to start things off in the bottom of the 9th. Brett Gardner then sac bunted. Antoan Richardson, Pirela's replacement reached second.  The table was set for Derek Jeter.

An opposite field RBI single and just like that, the game was over. Jeter walked off and the Yankees won. You could call the game meaningless all you want. Well, it will be the most important meaningless game in history from this day forward.

I don't know why, but I wanted to reach out to a guy who played with Jeter. It was Clay Rapada.  When we interview Clay at BYB, I asked him about Derek as a teammate and he said this:

"He will go down as one of my top favorite teammates."  

For some reason, that stuck in my mind tonight.  I reached out to Clay on Twitter about tonight's Jeter walk off. Clay wrote me back:

@BleednYankeeBlu he is unbelievable...
— Clay Rapada (@pada5something) September 26, 2014

In Hollywood, that ending would have never made the film. It was too obvious.  In the Bronx though... knowing everything we know about our Captain and knowing what he's all about, it's the perfect ending to a perfect career.

The chanting. The waves and the Core Four all together again with Bernie Williams and Joe Torre.  The Gatorade poured on Jeter for the first time as a Yankee ever. The hugs of his parents and his sister. The prayer at shortstop.

And the walk down the dugout steps and into the tunnel... It may have been one of my favorite moments of the Captain ever.  And what a way to go out. Always on top... win or lose... always on top.  Derek Jeter may not have been the most talented ball player ever... but it didn't matter. He was a believer his entire career. He knew he could do it and he worked hard and throughout his career... he became a champion.  Tonight... tonight was just gravy.

 I leave you with this. It was the video played  tonight on YES:

Thank you Derek.

Final: Yankees 6 - Orioles 5 


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THANK YOU HEDY, THANK YOU! ...IT'S HEADLEY!

That title is loosely based on a scene from Blazing Saddles featuring Harvey Korman and Mel Brooks.  Whenever I think of Chase Headley, for some odd reason, I think of Hedley Lamarr.  I'm weird like that... go figure.

I've become fond of Chase Headley on the New York Yankees.  He makes me smile.  He's been a joy to watch, both defensively and offensively.  Tonight was big for Headley, his third walk-off game as a New York Yankee and it was thrilling, because as you know, every game counts now.

Shane Greene started and was magnificent.  You gotta love this kid and I'm excited about his future with the Yankees.   Greene went 6.2 innings, he gave up 3 hits and 0 runs.   He did not get the win.

The Yankees scored 2 runs tonight mid game.  One came in the 5th when Stephen Drew doubled and knocked in Chase Headley. 

In the 6th, Derek Jeter hit a solo shot to the leftfield seats. The stadium went nuts and they should have!

When Shawn Kelley came in, he gave up a 2 run homer to Jose Bautista to tie it up.  Unbelievable.  But something big happened in the 9th, and alot of it won't be publicized because the story was the walk-off tonight... but this is important;  The Yankees manufactured a run to win! SERIOUSLY! I know, right???

When Chris Young singled, he was replaced with speedster Antoan Richardson. Richardson then stole second and Brett Gardner bunted with 2 strikes moving the runner to 3.  Beautiful sacrifice.

Then, Headley came up and reached on a fielding error by Adam Lind and scoring was Antoan Richardson.  The Yankees win... The Yankees win!!!

It was a nice win and a necessary one.  And then I got to thinking. As I watched Derek Jeter hit a home run tonight, I made a statement in my head which I'll relay to you now;  I won't be mad about this season any more.  It is what it is.  

There is a very slim chance we make the wild card this year, and even if you do, and possibly make it to the World Series and win the whole thing or not... It doesn't change the fact that Jeter's retiring.  Watching that Gatorade ad today really hit home.


Even non-Yankee fans tweeted me about it:

I’m a grown man and not a @Yankees fan but that @Gatorade ad saluting Derek Jeter brought a tear to my eye. @BleednYankeeBlu #MANUP
— Vic Garcia (@MrVicGarcia) September 18, 2014

The fact of the matter is, Jeet is hanging it up. While it's sad, and while the Yankees didn't play up to their potential this year, the anger needs to disappear now. We need to honor the Captain.  Let's be grateful for the opportunity we had to see the Captain play all these years.  It was a joy.

So the anger stops on BYB.  We move forward. We celebrate the Captain from now until the season ends.  Hopefully that's through the playoffs and World Series, right?

Cross your fingers...

Final: Yankees 3 - Blue Jays 2

I leave you with this:



Go Yanks!

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DON'T GET EXCITED ABOUT THIS WIN... EXPECT IT!

If we don't keep winning, we're done.  That's the theme if you're the New York Yankees.  It's the job of this team to win, but now, with their backs against the wall, they literally have no choice.  If they don't, they're toast. 

The Yankees were able to hold on today with a win against the Baltimore Orioles. Sure, I can give you the play by play and recap all day long, but here's the story... WE WON. To be honest, at this point, I don't even care how... just keep tallying the wins, that's what we need.

Shane Greene started and was good. He gave up 2 runs and luckily, the pen was able to hold down the O's and give the Yankee offense a chance to stay in the lead.  Greene went 5.1 innings, gave up 7 hits and 2 runs. 

David Robertson got his 36th save today.  That's a pretty big achievement. For the first time in his career he will most likely get 40 saves this season. Nice work, DRob!

The Yankee offense went like this:

In the top of the 2nd, Brian McCann hit a solo shot... his 19th of the year.  Then, Antoan Richardson singled and knocked in Mark Teixeira.  Then, with Jacoby Ellsbury at bat, Chris Young stole home... there are your 3.

Say what you will about Chris Young, but he's leading the charge of this club right now. You need to tip your cap, he's been fantastic.

Today's a big win, but big in the sense that the Yankees should always be winning.  Don't get over excited as a fan, expect it.  This is their job... and they need to keep doing it.  Go Yanks!

Final: Yankees 3 - Orioles 2

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I'VE BIT MY TONGUE LONG ENOUGH...

What a shit show.

I wasn't amused tonight. Neither were you.  You don't play a last place team and look like you're going through the motions. That's not supposed to happen. The plan is you play to trounce them... especially if they're the Red Sox.  What happened tonight was a disaster and we deserve to not make the playoffs. 

The shit show all started for me when Zoilo Almonte was Designated for Assignment just so they could make room for a September call up named Antoan Richardson. Nothing against Richardson, but Almonte needed to be there.

After that report, it went down hill.  Shane Greene didn't have it, but hey, he's allowed to "not have it" once in a while.  When are the Yankee bats going to wake up? When are the plays going to happen? When is the energy going to show up.? You know, Joe Girardi can look puzzled in the dugout all he wants, but if you don't try and change things up, nothing's going to happen.  You can look at a major league club and think, "They're professionals, they know what to do." But if they do the same thing every game. If they have the same routine, the same approach and don't shake things up... a team literally dies.  Sure, laugh at me. I'm right... and I have been right for months.  Stale routines will kill a ball club.  It's like business.  Things aren't working out too well? Fire someone.

Carlos Beltran just dogged a shot from Yoenis Cespedes in right field tonight. Did you see it, because I did. And I don't mean he missed it... I mean the motherfucker jogged toward the ball like he was suspicious that it might bite him.  Who the hell does that in the major leagues? WHO? This is a good dialog that happened on Twitter after that:

@BleednYankeeBlu sad thing is that's not the first time he's dogged it this year.he seems like he's really not interested in playing.
— Gary Quick (@gquick1971) September 3, 2014

And sure, by that point the game was out of reach, but the point is, STALE ROUTINES KILL A CLUB.  That was a major example.

I'm not giving a recap tonight.  You want to know why? Because I don't want to.  It's the same story every night.  The Yankees lose because the Yankees can't score runs.  You know the story.  You want it me to be more creative?  How about that same statement in French:

C'est la même histoire tous les soirs. Les Yankees perdent parce que les Yankees ne peut pas marquer des points.

Maybe Russian is more your taste:

Это та же самая история каждую ночь. Янки потерять, потому что янки не могут забить работает.

The point is there is nothing interesting about this team.  They're slugs.  We were manhandled by a last place club and division rival.  Remember when rivalries between the Yankees and Sox meant something? Tonight was a spectacle.  

I'm at my wits end.  I leave you with this:

@Bitterchick i want my money back for the entire season. A big bust. what happened to players that run through walls to wear pinstripes?
— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) September 3, 2014

You get the idea.

Final: Red Sox 9 - Yankees 4

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YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED TO ZOILO ALMONTE

The Yankees have designated Zoilo Almonte for assignment.  In addition to that, Matt Daley has been released.  Once again, Bleeding Yankee Blue writer Jeana Bellezza will be aggravated and ask, "Why?" and with that, I'm sure her next piece will include names like Brandon Laird and Ronnier Mustelier and once again pushing the youth movement in the Bronx. I agree with her. 

It's just madness. I believe in Almonte. I also believe Almonte will be a big help for the Yankees one day. They just need to keep the guy with the big club long enough so he can blossom.

Zoilo designated, Matt Daley released
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) September 2, 2014

But look, the reality is, Zoilo and Daley moves have to do with the fact that September call ups are here and with that, the following names have been called up:

Preston Claiborne
John Ryan Murphy
Chase Whitley
Bryan Mitchell
Antoan Richardson
Chaz Roe
Rich Hill
Chris Young

Yanks call up: Chris Young, John Ryan Murphy, Preston Claiborne, Bryan Mitchell, Chase Whitley, Rich Hill, Antoan Richardson and Chaz Roe.
— David Waldstein (@DavidWaldstein) September 2, 2014

All the youngsters listed should have an invite, plus I believe Almonte shouldn't have moved anywhere. But I guess for the argument of moving around personnel, logically, moving down someone like Almonte makes sense in that regard.  I don't get Rich Hill... I don't think I ever will. I thought by now he would have been released.  Roe could help, and no... Chris Young doesn't belong there either.

That being said... don't get crazy, it will all work out.  I promise... maybe.

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