Tuesday, July 21, 2009

...THE YANKS ARE COMIN'...

***FOUR IN A ROW***
Nothing like a winning streak and a tie for first place, but... three straight 2-1 games and only 4 hits yesterday. Great pitching but if the Yanks expect to go anywhere, it's their bats that will take them there.

***SUPERSTITIONS AND RITUALS***
Baseball players have always had their little performances to celebrate their accomplishments but it's really gotten a tad extreme. The high (and low) fives started it, then there was the forearm "bash". Now we have the ridiculously long and complicated 'handshakes' that have to be different for each player. I wonder how much time they take to come up with these and then practice them and, of course, remember them. The Yanks now have walk-off celebrations which include the "Helmet Toss," followed by the "Helmet Catch," the "Group Bounce," and the "Whipped Cream Towel In The Face." It's catching on; the Padres have already picked it up, but they probably won't have too much need for it. At least the enthusiasm is there.

***PEDRO IS ALMOST READY***
Martinez, who is on the 15-day DL, says he's getting closer. Says Pedro, "I threw in the Dominican and now I'm ready to throw here. A simulated game, a side session, a rehab start and then the Majors." Right, Pedro, followed by a workout , a warm-up, one inning pitched and then 15 more days on the DL. We can hardly wait.

***THE BEST DEAL FOR HALLADAY***
Much as I hate to admit it, Ozzie Guillen of the White Sox has the best idea. "Take our roster and pick ANY five guys. If we don't win the World Series, we get them back." Interesting concept.

***THE COST OF SANTANA***
You reap what you sow: the Mets gave away the farm for Johann Santana and now with everyone hurt, the cupboard is bare. I think Omar Minaya has lost his genius tag. And no Willy Randolph to blame it on.

***I DIDN'T KNOW THIS***
Baseball players are taxed in the individual states in which they play. No wonder states LOVE to have the Yanks there: for example, Alex Rodriguez had to pay nearly $42,000 in state income taxes to Minnesota for the three days he played there. Wait till freshman Senator Al Franken learns that little tidbit.

***THIS DOESN'T BODE WELL***
Tonight's starter for the Yanks is Sergio Mitre, who is coming off Tommy John surgery and a positive drug test suspension. He has a career 10-23, 5.36 ERA record. Hope that bullpen is rested (no problem, according to Vod).

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