Daily Archives: September 9, 2009

Joba’s on the hill tonight as the Yanks look to sweep the Rays.

The kid needs a good outing. Here’s hoping he comes through this evening.

Let’s Go Yan-Kees.

Todd Drew’s seats from Yankee Stadium II. Now resting comfortably on Marsha Drew’s deck down south.

I am honored to announce that Todd Drew’s Lasting Yankee Stadium Memory has been selected by Leigh Montville to be in The Best American Sports Writing 2009 (due out next month). This is only the second blog entry that has ever been included in the series (Derek Zumsted’s piece on Bugs Bunny was the first).

We have enjoyed many fine moments here at Bronx Banter since the blog began in late 2002, but no single moment has made me prouder. It is a moment laced with sadness because Todd is no longer with us. However, I’m certain that he would not want us to dwell on that. I’m not sure that it would be easy for him to be the center of attention either, but I do know that he worked hard on his writing and cared deeply about good writing. To be included in this series–one that he adored to no end–would have knocked him on his ass.

I like to think of him as bursting with pride right about now.

Quick story about this piece. Todd’s first draft was written in the second person. When I first read it, I intended to end the series with it because it was so strong (for various reasons, having nothing to do with the article, that didn’t happen). But there is something about the second person that generally rubs me the wrong way. So I asked Todd if he would be willing to try it in the first person. He was more than happy to oblige, as Todd was always looking to improve his work, try something new. A few days later, he sent me the article, now in the first person.

And he had it right the first time. It was meant to be in the second person. Which is the version that appeared on the blog and will now be in the company of the other great work in The Best American Sports Writing 2009.

So join me in a toast, to Todd Drew.

This is a great moment for us all, the entire Banter community. I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Should Joba Chamberlain go back to the pen for the playoffs?

Rob Neyer tackles this loaded question over at ESPN.

I say, yeah, put the big fella back in the pen for now. Why not have Hughes and Chamberlain in the bullpen?