Saturday, May 07, 2005
YANKEES REALLY DO SUCK!
The Yankees haven't been to the World Series two of the past three years. They have lost 18 of their past 34 postseason games; they don't even have a winning postseason record to show for their efforts since Game 3 of the 2001 World Series, which they lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks in seven games.
The Yankees started the season 11-19, the worst start to a season they have suffered through since 1991, back in the days of musical managers when Steinbrenner had Stump Merrill filling out lineup cards and the Yankees were en route to a 71-91 finish, 20 games out of first place.
CURT ON THE CAR PHONE: Curt Schilling, on the disabled list, has had time to analyze the Red Sox's clubhouse chemistry, and said they're missing some key people who weren't brought back, including Dave McCarty, Dave Roberts, Gabe Kapler and Derek Lowe. Said Schilling, "It's just very different and, this clubhouse, you've gotta have some guys that can alleviate the, I say this word loosely, the stress, in this game ... having guys like McCarty and Kapler and Dave Roberts in the clubhouse ... D-Lowe, I mean just real guys that kept it real free and easy."
POKEY CAN'T BEND LIKE GUMBY: Red Sox fan favorite-shortstop Pokey Reese, who has been out since the season began, is now on the 60 day D.L. and had surgery on his right shoulder. "They say he should be out four to eight weeks," Seattle manager Mike Hargrove said. "We expect him back (this season)."
STILL OFF HIS ROCKER:
John Rocker decided to try a comeback this year with Long Island (N.Y.) of the independent Atlantic League. He has said by mid-July he will be in the majors or be at home. The early returns point to a trip home. In his first appearance, Rocker walked four of six batters he faced, forcing in the winning run in the ninth inning. The next time out, he gave up two runs, two hits and two walks while getting out one batter in a 2-1 loss. During a game at Atlantic City, N.J., a fan was getting on Rocker; When the fan yelled at Rocker, "It's a long way from Atlanta," Rocker responded with, "I'm still a millionaire" and the two started to exchange expletives.
Now he has been sidelined because of "a tired arm" and will not be talking until he is pitching again.
MAGIC JOHNSON: The Yankees called up Lefty Sean Henn to make the next start for Randy Johnson, who felt stiffness in his groin in the ninth inning of his start last Friday. GM Brian Cashman said he did not expect Johnson to go on the disabled list but that if the stiffness lasts more than four hours the next time Johnson pitches, he will see the team doctor immediately.
ENOUGH ABOUT ME...WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MY GOATEE??
"The Chemistry is still here because I'm Still here," Kevin Millar
Fortune .500's (Thanks Maz):
Since 1976, 11-42, or 26% of teams with a winning % of 500-.549 on May 1st have made the playoffs, including your 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.
ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Matt Murton, the outfielder sent to the Cubs with Nomar Garciaparra last July, is hitting close to .450 a Double-A.
SHOPPACH YOUR BAGS:
The Red Sox are very encouraged by the maturity of catcher Kelly Shoppach (.413 OBP, seven home runs in April, threw out two runners attemtping to steal the night Miller pitched). They feel Shoppach is the best catcher in Triple-A, and if the Sox don't need to use him, Shoppach could be midseason trade bait when and if Boston tries to deal for a first baseman.
WE ARE FAMILY:
Tony Pena was astounded to get a phone call from Pedro Martinez, wanting to know if there was anything Pedro could do to help Tony and Pedro's cousin, Denny Bautista.
YOU CAN CALL ME AL:
When Johnny Damon agreed to do a book with Peter Golenbock, he should have proofread the photo galleries, because it is embarrassing to refer to bench coach (and current manager) Brad Mills as "Brian."
MILLAR MAY LEAVE IN A HUFF:
The Red Sox, Cubs, Nationals and several other teams are waiting on Tampa Bay to see if Aubrey Huff will become available.
WHERE THERE'S FOULKE THERE'S FIRE:
Boston's bullpen has the worst opponents' OPS (.838) in the American League.
AND I THINK IT'S GONNA BE A LONG LONG TIME:
A clause in Rocket Roger Clemens' contract adds $3 million to his $18-million salary if he gets traded. No way the Red Sox will not add a contract that has another $9 to $12 million coming. Not to mention the additional luxury tax that would kick in. -NF
( This report is a compilation of multiple sources, including AP, ESPN, Boston Herald, Boston Globe, USA Today, and other web sources.)
