BOONE DISRESPECTS YANKEE PROGRESS WITH ONE HORRENDOUS DECISION

It was an obvious choice for every Yankee fan watching that game last night. In fact, I was proud of the YES network guys who were clearly chomping at the bit to say something about the horrendous Boone decision to bring Nestor Cortes into the game to pitch to arguably one of the best hitters in the game in Freddie Freeman with the bases loaded.  I have said this many times on Bleeding Yankee Blue and I have said it all season; when it truly comes time to strategizing matchups in tough spots for the New York Yankees, Aaron Boone cannot and is not capable to make a good decision. Last night, in the World Series, Boone decided to give Cortes a rehab shot when it was the worst possible time to do it, and it didn't go well for the Yankees. In fact, it exposed him for what he is; 

Rattled.

Inexperienced.

Not Qualified.

Weak.

I applaud Jack Curry, John Flaherty, Bob Lorenz and Michael Kay. They did everything they could without crossing the line to blast Aaron Boone on the worst decision of his managing career.  They were baffled and confused.  They even asked Joe Girardi and he took a shot at Boone suggesting Hill was sitting right there, experience in the post season, weird delivery, lefty and Boone went with Cortes, who is really no longer qualified for that kind of pressure.

I don't know who Andy was in the press room, but he was the guy that I want to shake hands with. Boone was asked why he went with Cortes. He said he liked the "lefty-lefty" match up.   But Andy, much like me was baffled by that answer and he pressed him.  Of course, Boone thought he'd be safe in that press room, but he wasn't and also didn't have an answer. In fact, Boone couldn't answer at all. Why? Well, because he didn't have a strategy... he was exposed for making a horrendous decision.

Aaron Boone disrespected the Yankees progress last night.  Gerrit Cole pitched a good game.  Boone took him out "because he was laboring".  Note to the millions of people watching. Cole was NOT laboring, in fact, he was humming.  Aaron Boone went to the bullpen too soon.  Boone strategized the bullpen like it was Game 7 when anyone can tell you his pick of qualified pitching after Cole was plentiful.  

And so, what he did for the Yankees was back them into a corner with using his bullpen too early, essentially erasing his closer and then made every attempt to try and piece it together.  And what do you do to reward a solid Tim Hill in the World Series? You pass him up for a rehab inning guy who hasn't pitched since September, and dare I say, looked terrified and equally confused that he was even on the mound.

Giancarlo Stanton puts the Yankees ahead.  Erased cause Boone overthinks and is not qualified. The Yankees take a 3-2 lead... erased because the bullpen was used up the wrong way.   He undid everything in that game to not only prove to the Yankee fan base that the World Series is not important to him.  He acted like it was April 15th or something.  The lack of skill, urgency and confidence in Aaron Boone is the exact reason why I have been banging the drum of dread when it comes to the New York Yankees manager. It's the wrong guy, plain and simple.  Aaron Boone has no business managing this ballclub. I mean let's face it, the wins we got were wins Judge, Soto and company got.  You don't need to manage hard in a long season when your two top hitters are hitting.  

I'll say this again. When things get hard, when there are men on base, a struggling pitcher, a team that needs runs, and the need for a manager to TRULY manage a team, this is when Aaron Boone does not understand his job.  That's why guys like Bruce Bochy are successful. Longevity. This is why Tony LaRussa was. Longevity. This is why Joe Torre was. Longevity. Oh yeah... and they are also part of baseball royalty.  They are respected, have a track record and understand the game and finding it on their own.   Boone will never compare to them and never will be successful.  He was handed the job IMO because of his baseball pedigree, the Yankee front office new they were getting a puppet with this guy and his real only claim to fame is hitting a home run to advance to the World Series against the Boston Red Sox with NOW MEANS NOTHING because we never won that World Series and that jack ass injured himself in that same offseason because he was playing a pick-up basketball game.  What's my point? The dude's soft and inexperienced. I don't know how many times I need to say it.  And last night he did the New York Yankees a disservice.  He proved that he doesn't know how to do his job. 

The players are doing their best to not talk trash in public about Aaron Boone, but trust me, every one of them know that he blew that game last night.  

The Los Angeles Dodgers are really, really good.  This wasn't an exhibition.  Boone didn't know where he was last night and I have news for you, I hope to God that Hal got on the phone with this dude and ripped him to shreds.  THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR LAST NIGHT'S LOSS. It's not like Cortes was the only one available.  It's pretty unreal.

So now the Yankees are in the hole and have to dig out, not by anything they did.  The best we can do in LA right now is get a split.  But what if they don't? Look, the Yankees can do it, but it has to come down to them. I have no faith that Aaron Boone will lead us.  Neither should you.

Say a prayer, cause this World Series just got more complicated and difficult because the guy driving doesn't know how. 

It shouldn't be this way. Us Yankee fans do not deserve this. #FireBoone. Go Yanks.

CAMERON "RISING STAR" MAYBIN HAS A NEW GIG WITH THE YANKEES!

At last, a reunion I can be excited about. While all fans wait to reunite with baseball as the lockout lives on we finally have something new to look forward to. It's a small piece of good news right now that I think we can all use.

What exactly am I talking about? I'm sure you've all heard this gem by now but in case you haven't you can check all of the details HERE but I'm not going to bury the lead. Cameron Maybin is BACK. Not in pinstripes this time, but he's taking the mic as a YES Network analyst and I am anxious to hear it.

And it sounds like Michael Kay is anxious for all of us to hear it too because Kay says Maybin will be a "star" and "Yes, he's that good." I really can't wait to hear it for myself. I'm still trying to come to terms that Ken Singleton won't be back. My head knows it but my heart does not. Singleton has always been a personal favorite of mine. I will never forget his signature "LOOK OUT!" and I am going to miss that. Times change though, and while I will miss Singleton I wish him a happy retirement and I look forward to what Maybin has to offer.

I think this is a good choice for YES. Now he can see the other side. Maybin used to be a favorite for beat writers everywhere and now he could be a broadcast favorite. He does have some big shoes to fill though but I am sue he will figure that out quickly, especially if he's a natural like Kay says he is.

YES Network should have a flexible rotation now that Maybin is expected to call about 40 games compared to Singleton's 18 and they also have Carlos Beltran calling games too. I love how NJ.com conveniently left that out of their story though:
"Besides Kay and Maybin, the YES broadcast team includes analysts David Cone, Paul O’Neill and John Flaherty, clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits and backup play-by-play man Ryan Ruocco."

Nice to see I am not the only one who isn't giving cheating Carlos Beltran a warm welcome.

Welcome back to the Yankees, Maybin! Can't wait to see what the next chapter of your career looks and sounds like.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

RUMOR: CARLOS BELTRAN TO REUNITE WITH THE YANKEES?

I'm not going to lie, this is far from my favorite headline this winter BUT....it's a possibility.

In case you missed the news, the Yankees are considering bringing back Carlos Beltran as a YES Network game analyst, read more about it HERE. Now that David Cone is taking on national work with ESPN and my personal favorite Ken Singleton has retired from his broadcasting career YES Network is looking for more on-air talent and Beltran is on a short list of names.

As we all remember, Beltran was the ringleader in the Astros 2017 cheating scandal and the Astros went on to defeat the Yankees in the ALCS and then "win" the World Series that year. In November of 2019 the Mets names Beltran their new manager but then in January both sides amicably decided to terminate his contract. Now....the Yankees are considering giving Beltran a second chance.

How nauseating, but here we are. I get it, the Yankees need more analysts. I have always liked listening to John Flaherty and he is already an in-house option that the Yankees are considering giving more air time to. Why not him? There are TONS of good names out there to consider. I'd vote for Curtis Granderson instead in a heartbeat! There are plenty of former players who didn't cheat and lose all credibility in their career who speak well and who are knowledgeable enough to fill these requirements. Why Beltran? 

Even if fans and Yankee brass "forgive" Beltran for what he did WHY should they be giving him a job as a Yankees announcer? It's just ludacris to think about and even an insult to the fan base and players. To anyone saying "but Alex Rodriguez cheated too and he is an announcer, so why not give Beltran a shot?" The difference is after Beltran left the Yankees he went to play for the Astros....and he helped the Astros cheat against his former team. Jumping to hire him to work for the team he cheated against is insane and why the Yankees reward him with this opportunity? 

Nothing like coming full circle. The Yankees hired analyst Aaron Boone to be a manager so why not former  cheater turned manager in Beltran (for a literal hot minute) to be an analyst? It fits their operating model so....is anyone out there really surprised?

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

 

CHECK THIS OUT, NOW ESPN HAS KAY-ROD!

Source: The New York Post

As the drama of the baseball lockout and Yankees coaching staff woes continue to define the 2021-2022 off season, another move may have Yankee fans scratching their heads when it comes what they are used to seeing and hearing in the broadcast booth. Late last week ESPN Sunday Night Baseball announced that David Cone, YES analyst and former Yankee and Met pitcher, will serve as lead analyst for their broadcasts this year. And as an alternative broadcast on Sunday nights, you can catch Alex Rodriguez and our very own Michael Kay on ESPN2. Buckle up fans for "Sunday Night Baseball with Kay-Rod,'' is being billed by ESPN as its "newest, unique alternate presentation.''

"According to Marchand, the A-Rod-Kay broadcast might consist of about 10-12 Sunday night games, roughly half of ESPN’s SNB schedule. Cone would essentially replace A-Rod, 46, in the updated SNB booth, alongside Karl Ravech and Eduardo Perez," reported NJ.com. 

Source: NJ.com

The changes stem from Rodriguez looking to streamline his schedule a bit in favor of being an active owner of his new team the Minnesota Timberwolves. Cone will remain on a reduced schedule with YES who touts a number of analysts including Paul O'Neill, Ryan Ruocco (who also calls a number of Brooklyn Nets Games) and John Flaherty. 

Source: USA Today

"The exact format of the “Kay-Rod” broadcasts has not been finalized, but presumably will include guests, just like Peyton and Eli. ESPN has been doing alternative “Megacasts” for years, so it has a wide variety of choices to pick out of its bag. The Kay-Rodriguez duo will do somewhere between 10-12 games. ESPN has about 25 weeks of “Sunday Night Baseball,” reported The New York Post. 

Perhaps the shakeup will make the YES broadcasts more interesting as they have been flat over the last couple of years. Not really their fault since the Yankees themselves have been flat over the last few years. I will confess, however, I often turn down the sound in favor of the John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman's radio broadcasts. I am a fan of Ruocco, whose energy makes the game more interesting and so I look forward to hearing him more often in 2022.

Will Kay-Rod take root? Will the national audience embrace of couple of Yankees on Sunday Nights? I hope so. If it is anything like Eli-Peyton duo, it has the possibility of being fun and lighthearted, with some humor. More and more changes in store for 2022. Here's to building a better team for everyone to get excited about!

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

MY MINI-CRUSH ON NANCY NEWMAN

Brains, looks and just really great news items and coverage. She's the full package. Who doesn't love Nancy Newman and all she does?

I always tune in for Nancy Newman. If you don't you should.

I got to know Nancy a few years ago when BYB did an interview with her here. Read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: NANCY NEWMAN. Every once in a while we chat. Usually just to check in, sometimes it's just to say Happy Holidays or something.

In the cage with @Giancarlo818 #MVP #BattingPractice #YankeeStadium #Yankees -- it's a beautiful day for baseball @YESNetwork pic.twitter.com/25rZ6YVlQl

— Nancy Newman (@NancyNewmanYES) April 23, 2018

Truth be told, it's been a while and so I thought I'd surprise her this morning, but I was recently watching her Twitter and just so impressed with her career and her gig at the YES Network now.  She does some really great stuff.



And you know what I love? The evolution of YES in general. Throughout the YES Network's history, they did something great.  Sure we have the staples in the booth like Kay, Singleton, Lorenz and Flaherty, O'Neill, but their studio is always tops, and in their 2018 promo, EVERYONE is represented!  This shows the value of all of these folks and Nancy is huge part of that.

So this is my Sunday morning message! Hey Nancy! We love you at Bleeding Yankee Blue. We love all you guys!  Keep up the great work!

And big shoutout to my man, Jack Curry! I didn't forget you pal!

GOODBYE ANNOUNCING BOOTH & HELLO YANKEE SKIPPER?

I have to admit that since the Yankees are in full on Manager search and the Hot Stove rumors haven't been able to fire up yet I have been following all of the Yankee manager search rumors. Since I don't have a "favorite" at this point and all of the connections floating out there have me fascinated especially since we are the only team left looking for a new skipper.

So here is yet another update....Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman have a list of  "about 20" candidates and now two more names have popped up, take a look at this from the New York Post. Interesting leak on the day that bench coach Rob Thomson is the first candidate to interview for the job, huh?

No, your eyes do not deceive you. Supposedly David Cone and John Flaherty have both reached out to Cashman to let him know they are both interested in the job. Is it possible that we see one of these guys step down out of the YES Network booth and into the dugout? It's hard to imagine at this point but both of these guys are intriguing options.

Personally, I have a biased that believes catchers make incredible managers thanks to the experience they have with pitchers and working through an opposing lineup. They just have tap into a lot of strategy that transitions well into management so Flaherty is an interesting choice. He's no stranger to New York either and he was part of Yankee teams that had some success but also had some moments that I am sure he wishes he could forget too (2004, anyone?) He says he misses being on the field and he is in a good place in his life to take on that kind of commitment but is he the guy to connect with our youth on the team? Can he be a successful manager? I dunno...

Then there is David Cone. Now I must admit, I have always had a soft spot for Coney...yes Coney that's what I have always called him. There are many reasons why I have liked Cone but one of them would be his personality. I don't know why but he has always been one of my favorite YES Network personalities.

As I think more about Cone I see a lot of advantages and could see why Cashman would consider him, if he is. Cone certainly knows what New York expectations are. He had to manage those for both the Yankees and the Mets so he gets not only the fans, the media but also the organizations.

Photo: New York Daily News

We aren't big into Sabermetrics here at BYB. We understand it but we aren't that kind of blog. Cone is like that too. He gets it because he studies it and can talk about it on TV but he could blend new school and old school together and not lose sight that as much as the game is changing there is still a human element to all of this. Maybe he could connect with the kids and still use those analytic skills of his in games and make them a winning combination. Again....I dunno.

It will be interesting to hear about all of these "20 or so" people managerial candidates as the Yankees get closer to looking for their new skipper. Are Cone and Flaherty one of these names? I guess we will have to wait and see.

I'm not a very patient person though and especially not right now. Would you give either of these guys a chance?



--Jeana Bellezza

BYB Managing Editor 
Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ

BYB Posada Original
This is a wonderful image I took of Jorge Posada, available on Laptop cases and Phone cases.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: KEN SINGLETON

It's part of every baseball fan's experience, watching it on TV and associating the announcers with the game experience. Here at BYB, we have been fans of the folks at YES for a long time, and each of them adds to the Yankee fan experience in their own unique way. Ken Singleton, like Paul O’Neill, David Cone, John Flaherty, and others, shares from his personal experience playing the game, and gives us insight into what players are thinking in specific situations.

It is especially exciting to have connected with Ken Singleton, having watched him as a kid. I remember him as a great fielder and a feared hitter in the Baltimore Orioles lineup. He has always been a great guy and an exemplary representative of the game of baseball. It is understatement to say that it was an honor to get this opportunity. With great pleasure, here is our interview with Ken Singleton.

BYB: Bleeding Yankee Blue appreciates the YES network crew a lot. We have interviewed Paul O'Neill, Jack Curry, Bob Lorenz, Meredith Marakovits, and now we have the pleasure of interviewing you. Here is my question... who is the most unprepared of the group. I have 10 bucks that says it’s Lorenz ... joking of course! Seriously, what is it like working with such a terrific group of professionals?

Ken Singleton: I definitely feel very fortunate to work with the quality people at YES. Everyone is at the top of their game. There is a reason why YES is the number one regional sports network in the country and it's because of the hard working pros at the YES Network.

 

(In Photo: Paul Blair)

BYB: Kenny, you mention the late Paul Blair a lot during games. It is clear he had an impact on your playing days and beyond. Tell me about your relationship with him while with the Orioles.

Ken Singleton: When I first joined the Orioles, it was Paul Blair who filled me in on what it would be like to play for Earl Weaver. 

He said Earl would be tough, but fair. That proved to be true. Earl was not there to be a friend - he was there to win baseball games. He did a lot of that. I will miss Paul. He was a tremendous teammate and friend.

BYB: When you were growing up as a kid, what player did you idolize growing up and why?

Ken Singleton: My favorite player growing up was Willie Mays. I have mentioned that several times during our telecasts. Willie could do it all and had a special flair to make the game even more exciting.

BYB: You didn't win a World Series until the penultimate season of your career, with the 1983 Orioles. The Yankees organization has defined a successful season as one in which we win the World Series. Knowing how hard it is to get to the World Series and win, what do you think of that definition?

Ken Singleton: Every team has a goal of winning the World Series when the season starts. I believe the Yankees definition of a successful season means a World Series Championship. That is shaped because of the history of the team. Winning the title 27 times brings a certain expectation every season. The Yankees play not so much against all the other teams but also against their own illustrious history. I have no problem with those expectations. Every game means a chance to go home a winner that day or night.

BYB: As a former baseball player, the expertise you share on hitting, fielding, and baseball fundamentals on the air adds so much to the broadcast. Do you ever see yourself taking a job managing a major league baseball team?

Ken Singleton: I have never thought of coaching or managing. Personally, I enjoy what I have been doing for the past 30 years. To me broadcasting games is second only to playing. Unfortunately, for managers, if you have a poor team or don't meet expectations with a good one, you stand a chance to be out of a job. I don't need that sort of pressure.

BYB: You serve on the Board of Directors of the Cool Kids Campaign, a foundation supporting children with cancer and their families. At Bleeding Yankee Blue, we always love when members of the Yankee family lend their time, resources, and names to charitable efforts like this. We also like to bring some airtime to these efforts. What would you like people to know about this organization, and can we expect to see more about them on the YES Network in the near future?

Ken Singleton: Thanks for asking about the CoolKidsCampaign. CoolKids helps children and their families who are dealing with Cancer issues. We are a non-profit organization that offers services to families for free. Both my parents died because of cancer and I knew I had to do something in their memory. For more information on the CoolKidsCampaign, please go to CoolKidsCampaign.org and help anyway you like.

BYB: Finally, do you ever reading Bleeding Yankee Blue? If so, what do you think?

Ken Singleton: Yes I do read Bleeding Yankee Blue. Always informative.

So there you have it. It is always great to see members of the baseball community, stars from the past, who still contribute to the game and make it real for future generations. We want to thank Ken for taking the time to do this interview with us. We also want to thank Eric Handler from the YES Network and superstar emeritus Bob Lorenz for helping to make this happen.

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row



 

MAKE TONY GWYNN ABOUT TONY GWYNN, NOT ABOUT YOU!

I have no stories about Tony Gwynn and I don’t plan on telling you about how many of his baseball cards I collected and how I rooted against the Padres in the 1998 World Series, but I couldn’t root against him.  That’s because it doesn’t matter.

Nothing of my linking myself to Tony Gwynn matters… and that goes for everybody else too.  What I’ve noticed in the past 24 to 36 hours isn’t about Tony at all, especially when it comes from sports personalities at least. It seems as though for mostly every one of them, it’s about some “connection” someone had with him.  There's a lot of "I" and alot of "me" attached. Somehow, and maybe only for a moment, "they were there" with Tony for something. Somehow, they know all about Tony Gwynn and what he went through with his cancer.  Actually, truth be told, many of them weren’t there at all. But suddenly, a great man and baseball legend passes, and everyone wants a piece. Sadly, the story doesn't become about Tony Gwynn at all, it’s about themselves. This isn’t a competition, it’s sad and this time right now is about the Gwynn family, no one else. 

The fact is, Tony Gwynn may have been one of the greatest ballplayers and hitters we've ever seen.  He has incredible stats, he was an incredible teammate, and he was also a terrific father and husband.  As a baseball fan, he gave us everything he could give on the field.  We all admired him, we all wanted to be him and we all were touched when he and Ted Williams stood together at the All-Star game way back in 1999.

Now don’t get on my back for this... I’m far from being heartless. Bleeding Yankee Blue runs on heart, you know us. We believe in kindness, giving back, and we’re very human here. But we also believe in doing the right thing. We also believe in feeling for his family right now.  Sure, I saw the Twitter feed yesterday and I noticed the fans giving touching tributes. Fans get it. “RIP Mr. Gwynn.” “Gwynn was the best.”  Look at baseball player and fan, Clay Rapada's tweet for instance:

Sad day .. RIP Tony Gwynn
— Clay Rapada (@pada5something) June 16, 2014

How about Brian DiSalvo on Facebook, another baseball fan:

Those are 2 examples of thousands of fans, and it's those messages that the Gwynn family needs right now. But I noticed unusual items out there as well, and the man passed just 2 days ago. For instance, we all knew Tony was a dynamic hitter, but did you know that John Flaherty “was there” when Tony and Ken Caminiti would take BP at 2pm when they were in San Diego together?   

Ken Caminitti and Tony Gwynn would have their own batting practice at 2 PM before home games in 96 and 97 while I was a Padre!
— John Flaherty (@flash17yes) June 17, 2014

This is important to baseball, why?  In fairness, John tweeted a touching tweet before this silly one, and he should have left it at that, but he didn’t. 

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gwynn family!! RIP Tony! pic.twitter.com/YAzBDxKRIn
— John Flaherty (@flash17yes) June 16, 2014

Instead, John overstepped. Sure, it’s subtle and you can call me a real jerk for pointing it out. My point is, he made it about him... It’s not.

Here’s another one; Did you know that Tony Gwynn was addicted to chewing tobacco and Bob Klapisch can relate because he used to chew as well?  Bob knows how hard it is to kick the habit.  Bob, so do millions of people. Smokeless tobacco is addictive. Let the man rest in peace. It’s a nice story, and the tribute you wrote yesterday would have been nicer if you didn’t suddenly string your own personal story into it. Don't know what I mean? Yeah, Bob decided to write this, intertwining himself into Gwynn's life:

"I was a junior at Columbia the first time I tried chewing tobacco. I was about to pitch against Penn when a teammate offered me a chaw of Red Man. It was almost the size of his fist. 

'This stuff is awesome,' he said as I stuffed the clump into my cheek. He was right: the combination of aroma and chemicals went right to my brain, sharpening my focus, making home plate seem closer, while simultaneously calming me down. 

That bizarre contradiction only makes sense to those who chew or use smokeless tobacco, more commonly known as dip. It’s the unspoken tragedy behind Tony Gwynn’s death on Monday, the story of a superstar whose life ended too soon because of his addiction."

You get the point. Click on his name for the full article. Is it wrong? No, but it's bizarre. Again ladies and gentlemen… this isn’t about Bob, or me, or you… it’s about the man, Mr. Tony Gwynn. He will be missed. There’s a hole in baseball without him. That’s it.



And Keith Olbermann. He did an entire monologue about Tony Gwynn and inserted himself and his miracle work of introducing Bob Shepperd to Tony and how he knew Tony well and did this for Tony and that for him too… and then through most of the dialog, he said,  “This is about him.” Well, no it wasn't...   Because a real sportscaster may have perhaps told the audience about a great moment about Tony, not about all they did for him.  Keith rambles... he talks about being a pregame host once and seeing Tony. Keith said he was the one that made Tony happy. Keith was the one that gave him a gift. Keith was the one Tony loved and was a fan of. Really? If you're truly humble and if you're truly a friend, you remember the man, not the stories about you. I mean, the man just died.  It's weird... and it’s a fail.

Tony Gwynn’s family is going through a tough loss. They struggled with his battle against cancer and lost... it's devastating.  And I ask this; Before yesterday, how often did we hear Tony Gwynn's name from those 3 individuals and the hundreds of others that had stories about him the past few days? Not many. Why?

Now look, this is my opinion. I don't mean to pick on people, I'm merely making a point. It just feels wrong to me.  Again, the fans get it, ladies and gentlemen. For them, it’s about the man, the family, the great memories involving a great player… somehow though, for the sports personality… well, they've figured out a way to make it about themselves.  I don’t get it, and I don’t think I ever will, I'm sorry.

Rest in Peace Tony. You were simply incredible. My heart goes out to the Gwynn family.. and to baseball.

We lost a great one. 

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: BOB LORENZ

(Photo credit:  Ellen Wallop/YES Network)
Over the past few years Bleeding Yankee Blue has interviewed a lot of New York Yankees.  But we've also interviewed our favorite journalists and TV & Radio personalities. For me personally, Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record and Jack Curry of YES were my favorites...even before our interviews with them. But over time, Yankeeland has become obsessed with the likes of Meredith Marakovits, former YES talent Kimberly Jones and most recently... Bob Lorenz.

That's right, Lorenz, the guy with the the great sense of humor, terrific ties and a dynamic delivery for the YES Network.  Bob can pretty much handle anything for YES and does it with grace.  So we went for it, we reached out and got our interview with Bob and may I say, it may be our greatest achievement yet.  Sure we love all our interviews, but Bob is a lot of fun and his personality shines through in this interview. It's an interview you will not see anywhere else... and that's because no one probably wants to interview him. THAT is a joke... and Bob of all people can handle alittle "busting of chops."

I am very thankful for the wonderful relationship we have with the YES Network and right now, it's my pleasure to bring you our interview with Bob Lorenz... enjoy this... we certainly did!

BYB: Bob, you've been part of the YES Network team for 10 years now. What was it like to join the cast, and how has it changed over the last decade?

Bob Lorenz: I’ve actually been part of the YES Network team since nearly it’s inception 12 years ago.  I guess I didn’t make much of an impression on you as I’d hoped the 1st 2 years!  I knew I should have worn my lime green & canary yellow leisure suits more often.  Anyway, it was great joining the YES team…a bunch of total professionals, and that has not changed to this day.  When you ask what HAS changed, I’d say the technology, maybe.  But the commitment to be better every day has not.  That was instilled since Day One. 

BYB: The banter between yourself and your co-hosts, most notably Jack Curry, are hysterical. How much of that is rehearsed, and how much of it is just plain "good chemistry"?

Bob Lorenz: The chemistry between Jack Curry and myself is TOTALLY rehearsed…then placed on cue cards, word for word.  Kidding!  Jack and I, along with our producer Jared Boshnack, usually have a brief pre-show meeting so we know what topics we want to cover and I can get an idea of what Jack wants to talk about.  But other than that, it’s all “good chemistry” between Jack and me…not rehearsed…we just kind of wing it and see where it goes, especially on the post-game show.

BYB: So, Bleeding Yankee Blue is curious - who makes your ties?

Bob Lorenz: Ah, my ties.  The regular ones or the clip-ons?  Ha ha.  I tend to favor Hickey Freeman ties.  I found a long time ago that they have top-quality construction and materials, and tie a great knot.  But I’m always on the lookout for great colors or patterns, too.  So I have other ties from Armani & Hugo Boss.

BYB: Most of your time on the air is studio work - Pre and Post Games, and other shows on YES. But you've also spent some time doing play-by-play. Is that something you want to do more of, and should we expect to see you calling games in the near future?

Bob Lorenz: I do enjoy doing play-by-play, if for no other reason than it allows me to get out of the studio for a bit of a break.  I also enjoy the challenge of it because it’s far different from the regulated work in the studio of “fill 30 minutes pregame & 45 minutes to an hour post game.”  That’s finite.  Play-by-play really is more of an art form.  You have to fill anywhere from two and a half hours on up, while trying to make that entire amount of time entertaining and interesting for the viewer.  Again, far different from trying to do that for 30 minutes.  As for doing more of it?  Perhaps one day, but I’m quite happy with my studio schedule and the opportunity to call 2 or 3 regular season series a year.  However I can help the team, in that regard. 

BYB: Some who have seen "Yogi and a Movie" are jealous of the time you got to spend talking with Yogi Berra. What's he like to talk to? Did he share any Yogi-isms with you?

Bob Lorenz: When YES asked me to host "Yogi & a Movie", that was my first thought…”I hope this makes people insanely jealous!”  Ha ha.  I was flattered and excited because Yogi Berra is such an icon.  But far more than that, he’s such a gentleman and one of the most humble people I’ve ever met.  Talking to Yogi was a lot like talking to my Dad.  They were both World War II veterans, part of the "Greatest Generation", who gave so much sacrifice and service for the good of our country.  The impression I got from talking to Yogi is that, he views himself as a regular guy who grabbed his lunch bucket and went to work…it’s just that his work happened to be playing for the Yankees and winning World Championships.  And yes, throughout the course of our shows, Yogi would throw in some of his famous Yogi-isms.

BYB: Many of us grew up hearing Phil Rizzuto on TV during Yankee games and fondly remember his humor and fun demeanor. For the kids who are growing up watching you on TV, how do you want them to think of you when they get older?

Bob Lorenz:  I love the fact that some announcers past and present are fondly remembered for their work, their style, their flair, etc.  But I have to be honest, I just don’t ever think “how do I want to be remembered when I get older”?  I don’t have a signature or catch phrase, never felt the need for one.  I guess the only thing I could say is, I hope if kids watch what I do, they get the impression that “Hey, Bob looks like he has a lot of fun doing what he’s doing…I might like to do that someday, too.”

BYB: How did it all start for you, meaning, is this something you always wanted to do? Did you go to school for it?

Bob Lorenz:  I was very lucky, in that, I knew from the time I was in 11th grade what I wanted to do.  My best friend, Mike Kirsch, and I…between football & baseball seasons, would take his small Sony tape recorder to our high school basketball games and do play-by-play and color commentary of the games, while walking around interviewing our friends to get their thoughts on the game.  That planted the seed.  Ultimately, Mike & I played baseball at Cal Poly Pomona.  He transferred to USC a semester ahead of me.  During that time, I helped him with one of his TV production classes as an on-air talent.  It was then that I knew…USC is where I had to go to further my career in TV.  So I talked to my Dad, and he said, “Bobby, if you can get into USC, we’ll find a way to make it happen.”  I did, and he made it happen.  And I graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.  I also found a full-time job writing for a tele-text service known as CBS Extravision.  And I got an internship on-camera with the City of Torrance, which had just started it’s own local cable production company.  A lot of my first resume tape had work that I did for them.

BYB: Growing up, who did you admire in the broadcast industry and why? 

Bob Lorenz:  Growing up, I admired the older school style of broadcasters…Jim McKay, Curt Gowdy, Keith Jackson…guys who could do it all.  And, of course, growing up in Los Angeles, I had the pleasure of listening to Vin Scully on Dodgers games, and I still do to this day.  I catch as much of him as I can on the MLB Extra Innings package when I get home from work.  In fact, one of my college papers was titled “The Day By Day Plan of a Play By Play Man” and it was based on Vin Scully’s preparation for a broadcast.



BYB: As a kid growing up, which baseball player did you love to follow and why?

Bob Lorenz: As a kid, and an avid baseball player growing up in LA, the Games of the Week were broadcast at 10am and 1pm on Saturdays our time.  And usually before or after, NBC broadcast This Week In Baseball, hosted by Mel Allen.  I loved that show because it exposed me to all the great plays and players in the game, far beyond the local reach of the Dodgers and Angels.  I’ve never really been a die hard fan of one team.  

Rather, I rooted for the hard-nosed, get-dirty kinds of players I’d see on TWIB…Fred Lynn, Robin Yount, Paul Molitor…in this day and age, the Jeters, Pedroias, Trouts & Harpers…guys who’ll crash into a wall or get dirty to make the play.  Love those kinds of players.

BYB: Did you collect baseball cards are a kid? Football cards? What was your favorite? Do you still have them?

Bob Lorenz: I was not a hardcore collector of baseball cards.  I loved them and would buy them, but to this day, I think my brother Tom has what’s left of our collection at his house.  So, no I didn’t really have a favorite. 

BYB: What's the biggest challenge in preparing for a game... and "John Flaherty" is not an answer...ha ha

Bob Lorenz:  The biggest challenge in preparing for a game?  And I can’t use John Flaherty as an answer? That’s not fair!  Ha ha.  Flash is as easy a partner to work with as they come.  I think the biggest challenge in preparing for a studio show is figuring out how to fit in as much good content as possible in the limited time we have.  

In preparing for play-by-play, I’d say weeding out the good nuggets and information, stats, etc. that you want to use to enhance the broadcast, and then figuring how to make all that time entertaining but not overbearing.  I am a believer in many cases in the old adage that less is more.

BYB: Free plug... what would you like to promote and where can people find you?

Bob Lorenz:  Free plug?  Hmm…my weight loss program really isn’t working out for me, so I probably shouldn’t tout that.  How about this?  Spend a lot of time watching our shows on YES and reading & viewing our content on YESNetwork.com, especially Jack Curry’s JCTV episodes.  


Really insightful stuff beyond the realm of baseball with celebrities, actors, musicians and athletes.  Also, read Bleeding Yankee Blue!

BYB: Final Question... Have you ever read Bleeding Yankee Blue? If so, what do you think?

Bob Lorenz: Have I ever read Bleeding Yankee Blue?  Yes, and I find it up to the minute and worth a read…at least, I DID…until you asked me to be an interview subject.  Now, I’m kind of questioning your logic and integrity.  But thanks for the interview, it’s been fun!

Many, many thanks to Bob for taking the time to speak with Bleeding Yankee Blue and a shout out to Ike Dimitriadis, one our BYB's top writers for helping to make this interview happen for BYB! Great work!  Also, shout out to Eric at YES... you're a man of your word and we appreciate you.

Finally, for all of you who love watching the YES Network and want to catch up on some of our other past interviews with the YES talent... check out the following:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: MEREDITH MARAKOVITS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: JACK CURRY

Great stuff... and we look forward to more! Hope you all enjoyed it.
 

-Robert Casey, CEO & Writer for BleedingYankeeBlue.com
Follow me: @BleednYankeeBlu



 --Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row