Apparently, when I do rain dances, they work.
Who knew?!?!
Game 4 being postponed benefits the Yankees on many levels. Now, all they need is Gary Sanchez to pull his bat out of his a** and start hitting.
And one last time for good measure….
LeBron James, do us all a favor, and STOP TALKING!!!!
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Dave Talks Sports
Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2
Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports
In case you hadn’t noticed….
The Stanley Cup Finals is in full swing — and it’s awesome.
There’s a lot of awesome flying around, below the radar, waiting to be consumed. The question is: Can you find it??
Stanley Cup Finals
The NHL will have itself a first-time Stanley Cup Champion; the expansion Las Vegas Golden Knights or the Washington Capitals. But first, an epic battle to the death!! Or we’ll just play hockey….Either way. If game one is any indication of how this series is going to go, we’re in for a treat.
135 shot attempts. 52 saves. 10 goals (6-4). 1-0 Vegas.
A raucous crowd filled T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Monday. The towels started waving nearly 30-minutes prior to the drop of the puck, and they never stopped. Game one was fast-paced, competitive, and down right fun. For the first time in Stanley Cup Finals’ history, there were four lead changes in a single game. And after the Golden Knights took the lead on a Tomas Nosek goal with 10:16 to play, they never looked back.
But of course, this game didn’t pass by without controversy. With just over 14:00 to play, Tom Wilson lined up Jonathan Marchessault, in open-ice, with what many have deemed a dirty hit. You tell me….
Watch game two Wednesday @ 8:00 P.M. EST on NBCSN. You won’t be disappointed.
Yankees Win In Extras
Last time I checked, a win is a win. Although we put more import on games in August and September, games in May mean just as much. And when you’re the New York Yankees, they mean even more against your American League competition. That’s why today, is a good day for Yankee fans. After getting mowed down by Justin Verlander Monday, they bounced back Tuesday with a dramatic 6-5 victory (in 10 innings) over the Houston Astros.
The Astros carried a 5-3 lead to the bottom of the ninth inning. Miguel Andujar led off the inning with a walk. And after Gleyber Torres stuck out, Brett Gardner launched a 2-run, game-tying, home run (his 2nd of the game) to right centerfield. Yankee Stadium, erupted!!
And with 2 outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, Andujar set the table again. This time, for a Gleyber Torres walk-off single. Check it out:
The French Open Is Happening
In case you hadn’t noticed….
The French Open is happening. It’s well under way, and it’s awesome.
Serena Williams won her 1st match, at a major, in 16 months, taking down Kristyna Pliskova 7-6, 6-4 Tuesday. She played a grand total of ZERO warm-up matches on clay, because, ya know, she’s Serena Williams. Her next opponent will be 17th seed, Ashleigh Barty.
While Serena’s comeback is impressive, this tournament is, and always has been, about Rafael Nadal. The 10-time French Open Champion improved to 80-2 in his favorite tournament, beating lucky loser, Simone Bolelli in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 7-6). Nadal will take on Guido Pella in the 2nd round.
Don’t be surprised if Nadal’s new title, come June 10th, is 11-time French Open Champion.
Did you notice all of this awesomeness?? Don’t lie to me in my comment section!!
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NOW GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
Nowadays, there’s a National Day for everything:
National Bring Your Kid To Work Day. National Siblings Day. National Pizza Day. The list goes on, and on, and on.
Well, no one told me Wednesday was National Hit Multiple Home Runs Day.
I must have missed that memo.
Four gentleman took to the streets with their baseball bats and decided one wasn’t enough. It’s like a slice of pizza. One is NEVER enough!
Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday after a four day hiatus. Betts tweaked his hamstring during Saturday’s game, and the Red Sox, as always, were extra cautious with their star outfielder. Betts wasted no time reinserting himself into the AL MVP conversation. Betts cranked not one, not two, but three home runs against the Kansas City Royals. The Red Sox would need every last home run, as they eked out a 5-4 victory, remaining atop the AL East.
Edwin Encarnacion
Edwin Encarnacion has gotten off to an extremely slow start this season. Prior to Wednesday’s matinee, Encarnacion was hitting a pathetic .171. After Wednesday’s three home run, six rbi performance, Encarnacion is finally heading in the right direction. Encarnacion accounted for half of his teams runs, as the Cleveland Indians routed the Texas Rangers 12-4. Speaking of slumping power hitters, Wednesday’s power surge couldn’t have come at a better time for the newest member of the New York Yankees….
Giancarlo Stanton
Giancarlo Stanton may be under the most pressure of any athlete in New York. While donning pinstripes is the ultimate baseball honor, Yankee Nation can become a player’s worst nightmare in a hurry. Stanton found that out in his FIRST game at Yankee Stadium, carrying ‘boo birds’ back to the dugout. Yankee fans are already tired of watching Stanton swing and miss. With 47 strikeouts in just 121 at bats, Yankee fans have been anxiously awaiting the reigning NL MVP to step up to the plate. Well, ask, and you shall receive. Stanton went 3-for-4, mashing home runs in consecutive at bats Wednesday night. He accounted for all of the Yankees’ runs, en route to another 4-0 victory over the Houston Astros.
Nolan Arenado
Nolan Arenado and slump don’t often collide in the same sentence. And this season is no different. At this point, Arenado should change his middle name to ‘The RBI Man’. Over the past three seasons (combined), Arenado has 48 more rbi than the next closest run producer, Edwin Encarnacion (393-345). That’s impressive! And Wednesday, he did what he does. Two home runs, and five rbi, leading his team to an 11-2 whoopin’ of the Chicago Cubs.
Do you, like chicks, dig the long ball???? If you do, tell me about your home run obsession in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NO GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
2, 2, 1, 4, and 0. No, that’s not my ATM pin number, it’s the number of runs scored by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. While the storyline continues to revolve around Aaron Judge and the Yankees’ potent offense, the pitching staff continues to be overshadowed.
Yes, the bats needed to wake up, as they were limited to 1 run each of the first 2 games, but they wouldn’t be leading the ALCS 3 games to 2 without stellar pitching. Everyone knows how dominant their bullpen is, however, they’ve sported the best starting rotation so far this postseason. The only team who has performed near the level of the Yankees is the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Heading into this season, the Yankees’ starting rotation was littered with question marks. How would Luis Severino perform in his 1st full season as a starter?? How much does CC Sabathia have left in the tank?? Can Michael Pineda stay healthy for an entire season?? Who will be the 5th starter??
The Yankees overachieved this season, so the majority of these questions were answered in the affirmative, however, they did falter at times. Pineda was shut down for the year in early July. Jordan Montgomery, who filled the 5th starter role to perfection, ran into an innings limit. And the 1 part of the rotation the Yankees assumed would be the foundation, Masahiro Tanaka, turned out to be the least consistent piece of the puzzle.
Come October, throw everything out the window. Except for my TV. Don’t throw that out the window. Postseason baseball breathes new life into the air. Some rise to the occasion, some succumb to the pressure. The Yankees have risen.
Last night, in a crucial Game 5, Masahiro Tanaka, pitched an absolute gem.
CAN I GET A SHUTOUT HERRREEEEE?!?!
Tanaka’s Day: 7 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 8 strikeouts
The Astros have picked a bad time to go ice cold. 9 runs in 5 games is not going to cut it. Again, this is a testament to the Yankees’ pitching because the Astros are a powerful offense.
Here are the Astros’ offensive rankings in the regular season:
Hits (1,581) – 1st
Runs (896) – 1st
Home Runs (238) – 2nd
Batting Avg. (.282) – 1st
RBI’s (854) – 1st
Luis Severino will look to keep those powerful bats at bay for 1 more game. Despite being pulled early from his last start, after getting struck with a ball, Severino will take the hill Friday night against Justin Verlander. Verlander mowed down the Yankees in Game 2, so the Yankees will be out for revenge. Hopefully they jump on Verlander early. He’s a rare breed that gets stronger as a game goes on.
Catch all the action tomorrow on FS1 @ 8:08 P.M. EST. When the Yankees win, they’ll return to their 1st World Series since 2009.
LET’S GO YANKEES!!
Score Prediction: Yankees 5, Astros 3
Who do you think will win Game 6?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
Now that was a baseball game!! Game 4 of the ALCS between the New York Yankees and Houston Astros has been the best game of the postseason — so far.
Like I said yesterday, hits are contagious. Until the bottom of the 7th inning, a lonely single by Todd Frazier was the Yankees’ only hit. And then, THIS happened. Aaron Judge launched a majestic, 427-foot home run to straight away center field. Not only was this home run a thing of beauty, it was crucial. It got the Yankees on the board, bringing the score to 4-1. It got the crowd going. And most importantly, it forced A.J. Hinch to pull Lance McCullers Jr. McCullers, who 24 hours earlier didn’t know he would start Game 4, was spectacular. The Yankee fan in me wants to thank Astros Manager, A.J. Hinch, for his quick trigger. Letting the horrid Astros’ bullpen loose was the beginning of their end….
Chris Devenski was the 1st victim. He surrendered a triple, a sacrifice fly, and a walk. Devenski was promptly pulled for Joe Musgrove, who got out of the 7th inning unscathed. Little did he know, the 7th inning was just the appetizer. The main course was set for the bottom of the 8th inning. A combination of Musgrove, Ken Giles (the Astros’ closer), and Luke Gregerson allowed the Yankees to bat around, bringing 10 batters to the plate. What started with an innocent single by Todd Frazier, ended with a 2-rbi double by Gary Sanchez. And just like that, the 2-run Yankees’ deficit turned into a 2-run surplus.
If only someone had predicted a final score of 6-4….
Yes.
That’s what they call shameless self-promotion.
While it’s refreshing to see the bats come to life, it shouldn’t overshadow Sonny Gray’s pitching performance. Gray, the forgotten man, hadn’t pitched in 12 days. That is NOT easy. Like Hinch, Joe Girardi had a quick trigger with his starter, pulling Gray after just 85 pitches.
Sonny Gray’s Day: 5 innings, 1 hit, 2 runs (1 earned), 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts
You couldn’t ask for a better performance, in those circumstances, from a guy who hadn’t pitched in nearly 2 weeks. Part of Gray’s success can be tied to Austin Romine getting his 1st start of the postseason at catcher. Gray’s numbers are significantly better with Romine than Gary Sanchez. However, the Romine experiment needn’t last more than 1 day. He’s useless with the bat, and looked rusty with the glove. An ill-timed catcher’s interference didn’t help his cause either. Toss Sanchez back behind the plate, and slot Chase Headley in as the DH. Headley’s bat is finally heatin’ up. Headley, who is historically streaky, looks to be trending in the right direction.
Ride the wave Girardi!! Don’t fight your instincts. I know the robot in you hasn’t taken COMPLETE control of your body — yet.
Game 5 is coming at you today with another awkward 5:08 P.M. EST start. Tune in to FS1 for all the action, as Dallas Keuchel and Masahiro Tanaka will climb the hill. Saying Keuchel owns the Yankees is an understatement. He hasn’t allowed a home run against the Yankees in 217 innings. That trend, gets bucked, today.
Score Prediction: Yankees 3, Astros 2
Who do you think will win Game 5?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
That was as exciting a 1-0 game as you’ll ever see.
With their back against the wall, the Yankees turned to their 155 million dollar man. It’s hard to earn an entire contract in 1 start, but Masahiro Tanaka came pretty close. Tanaka dazzled a sold-out Yankee Stadium, pitching an absolute gem:
7 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 7 strikeouts
He outdueled Cleveland Indians’ hurler, Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco was strong through 5 and 2/3 innings but lost his control in the 6th inning (issuing 3 walks). Despite Carrasco keeping the Yankees off the scoreboard, they did have the leadoff hitter on base in the 3rd and 6th inning.
Has the term ‘small-ball’ been wiped out of the baseball dictionary??
*This isn’t revisionist history.
I turned to my friend Michael during the 3rd and 6th inning, and said, “Hey, remember when players used to bunt in this situation?” He completely agreed, especially in a pitcher’s duel, that a bunt would have been the smart play. What happened next, both times???? That’s right, A DOUBLE PLAY!!
The 6th and 7th innings would prove to be crucial in the outcome of this elimination game. With 1 out and 1 on, Francisco Lindor hit a fly ball to deep right field. And as nonchalantly as one could possibly rob a home-run, the seemingly 9-foot tall, Aaron Judge, reached over the wall and brought 2 runs back in the park.
It was like that scene in an animated film when the ordinary man transforms into a 40-foot giant in seconds.
Tanaka, and Lindor, reacted in the only way they could, the ‘tip of their cap’.
Hit the fast forward button to the bottom of the 7th inning. The Yankees were finally able to capitalize, on a Greg Bird, leadoff, moonshot to right field. There’s jacked up, and then there’s JACKED UP….Click here.
I wasn’t in the building, but all accounts from those in attendance drew parallels to the electrifying 1990’s and early 2000’s Yankees. There’s nothing comparable to a stadium, filled to the brim, with 50,291 screaming fans — in the Bronx.
So, the Yankees live to fight another day. Weather permitting, that day will be today. 1st pitch is currently set for 7:08 P.M. EST., but the forecast calls for rain to stop at approximately 8:00 P.M. EST. Take a nap today, for we may be in store for a long evening.
Projected Starters: Luis Severino vs. Trevor Bauer
Their last starts were polar opposites. Bauer ran through the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS, allowing just 2 hits in 6 and 2/3 innings. Severino lasted just 1/3 of an inning, getting shelled by the Twins in the AL Wild Card Game.
The ultimate question is: Which Luis Severino will show up to Yankee Stadium tonight??
The Yankees’ season, hangs in the balance….
Prediction: Yankees 6, Indians 4
Who do you think will win tonight?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
Shock.
Resiliency.
Awe.
Apparently these are the 3 stages of watching the Yankees.
Yankees’ fans across the globe spent the first 20 minutes of Tuesday night’s AL Wild Card Game picking their jaws up from the floor. A leadoff home run by Brian Dozier stunned the capacity crowd at Yankee stadium. Luis Severino, making his postseason debut, quickly returned to the mound, looking to work past the early blunder. Little did he know, the ensuing Joe Mauer pop-out would be the only out he’d record.
Walk.
2-run home run.
Single.
Double.
Not your ideal outing.
Yankees’ manager, Joe Girardi, turned to Chad Green to play the part of savior, with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out. Girardi most likely mumbled, “Good luck pal!” under his breath as he left the mound. Bringing in a relief pitcher in this scenario is like a general stranding his last soldier on an island when there was clearly time to rescue him.
Many are applauding Girardi for pulling Severino so quickly. I’m sorry, I thought applause was meant for exemplary action?? Not only was pulling Severino the only move, it was a move made 1 batter too late.
But Dave, it worked!! Why are you killing Girardi for a decision that worked?? Just because I can make a shot from half-court, doesn’t mean it was a good decision. In a 1-game elimination format, there is no tomorrow. Anyone watching Severino pitch could see he didn’t have it Tuesday night. This is not about feelings or emotions. It’s not about taxing the bullpen. It’s do or die. Win or go play golf. While the Yankees can put up numbers in a hurry, a 5-run deficit is not the same as a 3-run deficit.
While there were many enormous moments in Tuesday night’s game, none was bigger than Green striking out Byron Buxton and Jason Castro to shut the door on the top of the 1st inning.
Chad Green was the MVP of Tuesday night’s game.
Green re-energized the crowd, but Didi Gregorious re-defined energy in the bottom of the 1st inning. The crowd erupted the instant Didi connected with a 3-run home run that soared into the cool, Bronx air. It was an incredible moment that won’t soon be forgotten. Brett Gardner would put the Yankees ahead 4-3 in the bottom of the 2nd inning with a home run of his own. After the Twins evened the score at 4 in the top of the 3rd inning, it was all Yankees the rest of the way.
With the Yankees already up 5-4, Aaron Judge did what Aaron Judge does, he sent a ball into the bleachers. A ball that reached the bleachers in 3.72 seconds!! This put the Yankees up 7-4. And the Twins wanted to make sure Aroldis Chapman didn’t get a save, so they walked in a run, bringing the final score to 8-4.
While Chad Green stalled the Twins rally at the biggest moment of the game, the entire Yankees’ bullpen was the MVP of this game. David Robertson was phenomenal, providing 3 and 1/3 scoreless innings. He handed the baton to Tommy Kahnle who gave the Yanks 2 and 1/3 scoreless innings of his own. And in the last leg of the relay race, Aroldis Chapman struck out 3 in a scoreless 9th inning.
Game over.
Now, the Yankees head to Cleveland to take on the Indians (AL’s Best Record). Game 1 of the AL Division Series (Best-of-5) will start @ 7:30 P.M. EST on Thursday.
Let’s Go Yankees!!!!
Did you stay awake for last night’s game?? Who will win the ALDS?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
There is something wrong with Masahiro Tanaka. Entering an important 3-game series with the Boston Red Sox, Tanaka took the hill on Tuesday night. He has been, how do you say this, less than stellar so far this season. I’m being wayyyy to nice..HE’S PITCHING LIKE POOP!! That’s better. Tanaka’s struggles continued last night. He gave up 5 earned runs in just 5 innings, serving up 3 home runs. Chad Green and the Yankees’ bullpen gave their team a chance, holding the Red Sox to those 5 runs. The Yankees scratched and clawed their way back into the game, losing 5-4. Red Sox closer, Craig Kimbrel, recorded a 4-out save (his 17th of the season), and the Yankees’ lead in the American League East is now just 1 lonely game.
Let’s take a deeper look at Tanaka’s first 12 starts of the season. I’m going to hit you with some stats and numbers now, so dust off those thinking caps and slap ’em on….
He is the owner of a shiny, brand spankin’ new E.R.A of 6.55. He is averaging just over 5 innings per start and has now given up 17 home runs in just 66 innings. Not exactly a recipe for success. With all the question marks surrounding the Yankees’ starting rotation to begin the season, Tanaka was supposed to be the anchor. The rock. The immovable object. Yeah, not so much. In the first game of the year, Tanaka was shelled to the tune of 7 runs in 2 and 2/3 innings. And he has now given up 5 or more runs in 4 of his last 5 starts. Yikes!!
The question is: Is this the real Masahiro Tanaka or will this be just an ugly blip on the radar?? As a Yankees fan, I’m hoping for the latter, but I’m not sure. If you believe Tanaka’s 3-year MLB track record is enough to prove he will ‘right the ship’, then I’ll have what you’re having. You can check out his career stats here. If you’re too lazy to click there, here is a quick overview of Tanaka’s stats. Entering this season, Tanaka had an impressive E.R.A. of just over 3.00 and sported a W.H.I.P. (Walks + Hits / Innings Pitched) around 1.00. He had struck out just over 8 batters per 9 innings, and had won at least 12 games every year. Those numbers represent the ace of your pitching staff. Not the guy who’s being outpitched by 36-year old, C.C. Sabathia.
The Yankees first 55 games have shown they are contenders. The young roster is filled with exciting offensive talent, their bullpen is fantastic, and their starting rotation as a whole has exceeded expectations. The 2nd question is: How long can they continue to run this version of Masahiro Tanaka out to the mound every 5 days?? I’m also not sure of the right answer here, but I have an idea. If I were the Yankees, I would put Masahiro Tanaka on the fake disabled list. I’d have the trainer conjure an elbow injury out of thin air, and I’d place Tanaka on the 10-day disabled list. This could give him time to get his mind right and focus on pitching deeper into games and deeper into the season. IF the Yankees are going to make the playoffs, Masahiro Tanaka needs to pitch better. Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez can only bail out their pitchers so many times before the well runs dry.
Will Masahiro Tanaka turn his season around?? Will the Yankees make the playoffs?? Give me your opinion in the comment section below.
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!
Now a days it is hard to find a player as well liked and respected as Derek Jeter. Last night’s All-Star Game festivities was a prime example of that. This was Derek Jeter’s 14th and final All-Star Game appearance, and it was only proper to pay homage to a living legend such as himself. Personally I believe Major League Baseball, the people of Minnesota, and his fellow competitors did a great job in honoring Derek Jeter last night. To start the night off, Derek gave his team a pregame speech, and in typical Derek Jeter fashion he decided to thank his American League teammates rather than make it about himself. The entire night seemed too good to be true, as if it were scripted for a play, but that is exactly how it should have felt.
To start off the game, Derek was tested in the field. Derek made a diving stop on a sharply hit ball up the middle and nearly threw out the speedy Andrew McCutchen at first base. It was funny to hear Derek Jeter say, during his 4th inning interview with Tim Kurkjian, that he wishes he could have thrown the replay flag on that play. Side Note: What is the umpire thinking not calling McCutchen out on sheer principal???? What transpired in the bottom of the 1st inning was priceless and yet again perfect. Derek Jeter was called to the plate by the late great Bob Shepard, something that has happened since the dawn of time in Yankee Stadium. As Derek approached the plate, he was ready to dig in and get this show on the road, however, Adam Wainwright and the fans had other plans. Wainwright, being the class act that he is, set his glove down on the mound and stood halfway between the mound and second base. Wainwright had no intentions of interfering with the 63-second standing ovation that the fans in Minnesota gave Derek. When Derek’s first at-bat finally got under way, on the second pitch, Derek drove the ball the opposite way (in typical Derek Jeter fashion), for a stand-up double. We have watched that inside out swing of his for 20 years now, a swing that has produced 3,408 regular season hits (9th on the all-time list). After Derek’s double, he was promptly driven in by the living, breathing version of He-Man; Mike Trout. As we fast forward to the 3rd inning, Derek notched another All-Star Game hit on his belt, where else but to right field (this one of the bloop variety). This final hit brought his all time All-Star Game batting average up to .481 (13 for 27), which is 2nd all time.
The start of the 4th inning seemed like any other. The players for the American League took the field and went through their warm-up routines, but boy were they in for a surprise. Just as warm-ups concluded and the inning was about to start, American League Manager John Farrell sent Alexei Ramirez out to shortstop to replace Derek Jeter. This move allowed Derek to receive an individual standing ovation, which lasted about 2 and a half minutes. In the dugout, Derek went to every person on the roster and gave them their own personalized hug. I think he even gave the grounds crew members a hug on his way out of the stadium too. And as expected, the fans continued cheering until Derek came out for a well deserved curtain call. Last night was nearly perfect for Major League Baseball, for the fans, and for Derek Jeter. The only part that they missed (besides not calling McCutchen out on the play at first) was not giving Derek the All-Star Game MVP Award. All the baseball writers of the world can talk about how last night was the passing of the torch from Derek Jeter to Mike Trout (who won the MVP Award) all they want, but that is incorrect. Last night was about Derek Jeter and Derek Jeter alone. Last night’s game was not about, and should never be, about home field advantage in the World Series. It was about one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game. It was about paying tribute to one of the most decorated careers in baseball history. No one handles themselves better in these situations than The Captain. Over his career he has always remained gracious and most importantly he is never selfish. Last night was another testament to that and the greatness that is Derek Jeter.
If you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!
Today I will be giving you my knee-jerk reaction to Robinson Cano’s return to Yankee Stadium. As most of you already know, Yankee fans booed Robinson Cano last night in Yankee Stadium. Here is my straight to the point, quick hitter:
Let me preface this by saying I am and have always been a die-hard Yankees fan my entire life. I root for them day in and day out, so I am definitely a Yankees fan. That intricate, little 3-letter word though is very interesting; fan. There are many different kinds of fans. I am cut from a different cloth from the majority of fans. I am able to remove myself from the ignorance that most fans blind themselves with. Let me start with the facts regarding Robinson Cano and his departure from The New York Yankees. The Yankees were only willing to offer him a 7 year, $175 million contract. Yeah….ONLY $175 million right? I say only because the contract Cano ended up accepting, as most of you already know, was the 10 year, $240 million deal offered to him by The Seattle Mariners. Here is where most fans get confused and make themselves look stupid (very stupid). Sports is Robinson Cano’s profession. Sports is a business to Robinson Cano (and many others around the world). Some athletes care about a combination of winning and money, while others care only about the latter. To that I say, ummmm okay. Robinson Cano along with every other professional athlete in the world has the right to choose the higher contract if they want to, even if it means he is leaving everyone’s precious Yankees. He can go and play wherever he wants for however much he wants and it won’t and shouldn’t effect me in any way shape or form. I understand the attachment that people have with their teams, but everyone needs to get off their high horse and stop acting like they would stay with the Yankees and sacrifice $65 Million!! Robinson Cano’s choice was simple to understand. He cares less about having the chance to win a World Series (or even make the playoffs..sorry Seattle) and obviously cares way more about money. And you know what, that’s okay. Yankee fans should not have booed Robinson Cano. Personally, I find it pretty classless and pathetic. First of all, the ignorant fans who say, “we don’t need him, and we are better off without him” are full of a word I’d rather not use today. Robinson Cano is one of the best 2nd basemen in the Major Leagues on both sides of the ball no matter what you think of his decision to leave the Yankees. Second of all, fans needs to wake up! I said it before and I’ll say it again: Robinson Cano chose the money above all else, and that’s okay! Robinson, if you somehow read this (wishful thinking I know), as a Yankees fan I want to say thank you very much for your tremendous contributions as a New York Yankee, and I wish you the best of luck in Seattle.
If you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!
Thank you for reading and leave a comment in the section below.
Dave Talks Sports 