There probably is no room left in the world for great deadline sports writing, but the last couple of days in New York on the beat for the Yankees certainly provided a gifted wordsmith a wealth of opportunity. A Rod had his finale last night and just as the Yanks are giving him the standard farewell, the sky opens up and it starts to pour. Only A Rod. Everyone is forced to leave the field, a video tribute is cut short. But Alex’s two young girls seemed to enjoy it. “You like this?” a mic picked up Alex asking the younger one. “I love it,” she squealed.
Of course, the rain didn’t last long and they got the game in. Not before a muderously gorgeous sunset. After the quick storm—which did nothing to relieve the humidity—the sky was a painting.
And then Rodriguez doubled in his first at bat, good for an RBI. That was all he’d get—but that’s more than most get. Girardi put him out at third in the 9th, and then took him out of the game with 1 out, and he got a nice ovation. All very modest. Then Girardi broke down and cried during the post-game press conference (I swear, watching this mind-numbing ritual, day after day these press conferences, I don’t know how these guys hold it together sometimes). Vulnerability is always appealing. He didn’t cry when Jeter left. Tells you something.
Then, the Yanks honored the 1996 champions yesterday at Broiling o’clock in the morning. And let me tell you, Saturday was hotter than Friday. The Yanks make regular business of these kind of events, and if only Hunter Thompson and a bucket full of blotter acid were around, a real gonzo writer could really do justice to it because these ceremonies are just like those awful Jerry Lewis Telethons.
Anyhow, the Yanks called up 2 of their hot young guys—and the kids hit back-to-back homers in their first at bats! The second kid, Aaron Judge, looks like he ate Mike Stanton. Just an absolutely Moose. And while 99 is not a number I’m crazy about for a baseball player, if you are going to pick it you had either be a crazy ass reliever or a Wily Mo Pena Giant slugger. And Judge looked as fresh as a newly picked pea pod at the farmer’s market in his post-game interview.
The ball was flying yesterday—even Aaron Hicks hit a bomb—and the Yanks won, 8-4.
Happy?
Great caption, Alex. Looking for more today. I may be crazy, but I have the sense that there might be some meaningful games in September. Not that I'm saying they have a srious shot at the WC, but it might just get entertaining.
Just keep it entertaining and it's all good.
Ah, Mo
Severino frustrates me. He should be better than he is.
Why is Gardner sitting again? Did I miss that he is hurt?
Yeah, he hurt his ankle Friday
Castro has been hitting well lately. Hopefully he keeps that up and starts running hard.
[6] ah thanks. I missed that.
Mo in the booth!
blah.
The Judge!
Ugh
Severino should have stayed at SWB. But I guess Eovaldi forced our hands.
And to think that Severino was not only projected to be the ace of the staff but one of the best pitchers in the game.
[14] Yeah it baffles me. He is all or nothing. He either strikes you out or you hit it really hard. Clearly needs to fix some things. I still think the potential is there though.
Sevvy is only 22. Maybe Arizona Fall League or winter ball to straighten out
Sigh
[16] yeah i think some time in the minors/winter leagues is all you can do.They just touched on it in the booth, but I think he needs to enjoy a period of success for his psyche.
shit. This game is pure shit.
Oi! Ugly. I have to go to my in laws shortly. I'd rather watch the rest of this. Zing!
Nice play Austin! Finally the inning ends.
[19] that's quite the statement. Though I still enjoy watching the young talented kids play even in a loss so maybe that mitigates things a bit. I have to roll out soon myself to move a bunch of furniture. I'd definitely rather do this.
old man mcann!
Tampa really has shut down Sanchez so far. C'mon Sheriff!
There we go! 2 RUN DINGER!
Hmm, looks like the fan reached over. Barely.
Time to do some chores
Just tuned in. Judge again! Reminds me of somebody. Just not sure who.... yet
Gonna watch Austin and Judge and then go move furniture. Fun!
Looks like Austin is going to be tough to shift on. Hopefully.
That was not fun. Except for getting to see the young 'uns
[27] He reminds me of Jorja Fox, the CSI actress.
Stanton's out for the season. Bour is not progressing from his injury. Think Loria calls and coaxes Alex? Crazy how that's shaping up in Miami.
I'm surprised Kay wasn't prepared with an "Austin powers it..." homerun call.
[33] the lack of an Austin home run call is superbly disappointing.
[27] Bruno Sammartino? Gorrilla Monsoon?
He looks a little like Bruno in his prime
We would be a better team than we were last month but our rotation has fallen apart without Eovaldi. Hopefully Chad Green and Cessa can step up. But improving our offense always required a simple act of dropping the dead weight.
Good start for Chad
I hate knuckleballers.
Sigh. What a waste
Luis who?
Jeez, not again
I'm just following on Gameday, but it appears to be one of those frustrating 0-fer with RISP games, huh?
[42] Yup. And now the home plate ump is out. Probably a concussion
alright, root em on! I've gotta shop shop shop. Let's Go Yankees!
I think my rooting power is extremely low, just keeping tabs on Gameday. (I'm in Philadelphia airport.) So it's mainly up to RBJ.
Very nice start for Chad. Now how about some offense?
I like this Judge kid.
Judge obliges
All these runners left stranded. Not good. Fuck off, dickey!
Aw rats, breaks up the no no
The strong arm of the Judge
Smoaked
Drop another perfect slider on him.
Or that. Hot damn!
Aw Hell yeah!
Dotted! Thatt was beautiful.
Double digit strikeouts!
Chad goes to eleven!
Blergh, but not a DP
What the hell?! He didn't swing and it was high.
Phew
I'm excited about the Baby Bombers, as is Jazz Jr. Kind of cool to watch him latch on to the young guys knowing he can follow their whole careers, like I did with the Captain and Mo, etc.
Fuuuuuuuuuckkkk!
Be an insurance agent, Headley
C'mon, Did! FFS!
Up to you Didi
Dammit! That's what, a gazillion runners left on base?
The near 16 month old has been taught to say "Yankees" and now "Didi." That was an easy one. : )
One down
Jeez fans, if you root for the home team let him catch it
Who woulda thought one of those stranded runners would have been important. Sigh... I hate Donaldson.
woah! Yes! Just got back...
Aw hell yeah part deux!
Night whoever is around
Sweeeet! Cheers y'all!
Just heard Evo will miss all of 17! Hope he someday comes back healthy.