Close the Stadium with a ball, not a puck
-
- March
- 10
There’s a story today in the Daily News that suggests the last athletic event at Yankee Stadium will be a hockey game.
A hockey game?
The last game of any kind at Yankee Stadium of any kind needs to be a baseball game. Win or lose, walk-off homer or grounder to second base, it needs to be a baseball game.
The last fan who walks out of the House That Ruth Built should be a baseball fan and the last story filed by a reporter should be a column by Dave Anderson, who was the last writer out of Ebbets Field.
Hockey is a terrific sport. But what sort of legacy is that for Yankee Stadium?
My understanding is the Yankees will have some sort of closing ceremony at the Stadium once the season is over and that’s great. There are all sorts of special events planned.
But the last game needs to be a baseball game.
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on Monday, March 10th, 2008 at 10:59 am by Peter Abraham.
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Peter Abraham
Hopefully the last game will be the final game of the World Series with the Yankees winning #27.
i saw this on mike and mike this morning.
hockey as the last game at yankee stadium? what a bunch of {expletive} that is!
whats a hockey?
Amen to that, NJ.
Seems like a lot of uncertainty and dissembling regarding Beckett’s condition.
/www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view.bg?articleid=1078927&srvc=sox&position=1
So as a Mets fan, I think it would be fitting for Shea to go out with a line dancing competition.
Who’s with me?
I don’t get what the big deal is. It’s not like they are bumping a baseball game for it. Let them play the hockey game.
I’m both a Yankee and Rangers fan. I’d love to see the game played there. What’s the difference what the last event is there? What if it were a concert?
I’m just trying to figure out what exactly the gripe is. Tradition?
All I know is, if the Yankees are paid $50 million for the right to play at the Stadium, that money can go to the Mark Teixeira fund. And I have no problem with that.
i have no problem with the rangers playing there after the yanks, and i would rather see the GMen play one more (RS) game there.
Thanks for the respect to hockey, Pete. I expect a lot of hockey-bashing, which is par for the course even in New York, generated because of this topic. The Rangers and Yankees are far and away my two favorite NY sports teams…I live and die with them both. So, I can see both sides of the argument.
On one hand, you have the interests at work of a league that is desperately trying to increase its fanbase. The NHL and NBC absolutely love this idea because of the publicity it would generate. 60,000 people at one of the country’s most historic venues to see a rivalry hockey game is definitely exciting and could generate a huge rating around the country. As a Ranger fan and Yankee fan, I think it would be a once in a lifetime experience to see this event live.
On the other hand, I have a huge respect for tradition and I see that side of the argument too. It’s a baseball stadium, after all.
What’s interesting is that the Yankees seem to be on board with the idea. We’ll see what happens.
Pete I totally agree with you. As a Canadian I love hockey, but in no way should the last sporting event at the Stadium be anything else than a Yankee game.
Question re: Beckett…is it too much of a conspiracy theory to think that they are creating/exaggerating the back injury so he doesn’t have to make the Japan trip?
I don’t have a problem with it, but that’s probably because I’m a gigantic Rangers fan and hockey fan in general. I don’t think it matters what the last event at the Stadium is to be totally honest.
If anyone saw the Winter Classic NHL game between Buffalo and Pittsburgh this January, it was one of the highest-rated games in the history of the NHL. Could you imagine how unbelievable a game would be at Yankee Stadium from a marketing standpoint? All the ticket sales, TV ratings would go through the roof.
Maybe it’s just me, but when baseball season is over, I don’t think it matters what is going on at Yankee Stadium. If it’s going to continue to be around as a museum anyway, you might as well host some events in it.
I’t doesnt matter what the last game is, Yankees will have all the proper ceremonies when the time comes, if they play a hockey game there in the winter, no big deal.
Don Zimmer quote
“The plate was blocked and our guy bowled him over,” Zimmer, a Rays senior advisor, told reporters in St. Petersburg. “What’s that got to do with spring training? That’s the way to play the game.”
I used to like Don, but his Yankee hatred is getting worse by the minute. What the hell is wrong with this guy?
Wow!
I wrote almost the exact same thing this morning!!!
here is a quote from my blog entry:
I heard that there is a dump in Flushing, Queens that is closing down after this season. Maybe they have some interest in hosting a hockey game?
i have a question about the old stadium site. i hear there are going to be ballfields and a track there, which im sure will need to be fenced off. i assume the present garage will still be in use. so will fans have to walk around a fenced in park where the stadium used to be? and will that plan prevent ppl from standing where home plate or the monuments were? im glad they are returning some parkspace in exchange for what was taken but it will be a shame if yankee fans cant stand in the batters box that the babe or dimag stood in.
That’s a pretty lame argument.
Yankee Stadium has a great history of hosting all different types of non-Yankees events. It’s an arena. Spectacle is what defines arenas. And don’t think for a second that the Rangers playing there wouldn’t be a GREAT spectacle. Look at the outdoor game erlier this year. And that was in BUFFALO.
When is stadium supposed to actually be coming down? Is it possible to have the hockey game, then a football game there, and then let the Yankees play one last game in the old stadium before the wrecking ball hits?
just read the article… i guess i really don’t have a problem with it. seems like a lot of money would be involved in putting a rink onto the field for 1 game though. and i think rangers/devils would probably be most appropriate.
Who really cares? Seriously all the people who talk about “tradition” and actually need all these pointless ceremonies need to get over it. The place is a building that was made in the 70’s. Am I sad to see it go? Hell yeah. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to get upset if they play a hockey game there. In fact, I think it would be a very fitting end, to give it even more national exposure for what a beautiful place it is.
Dear Yankee Management,
Please don’t use your empty stadium for a hockey game. This attempt to profit one last time from the use of the facility you own is an insult to tradition. If you do this, I will very seriously have to reconsider buying a Steiner Sports certified relic stadium seat for $1500 dollars.
Truly Yours,
A. Moran
Without reading more than the 1st line of this article, I know what you’re going to say and I wholeheartedly disagree. Stop being selfish. Games like this can help the NHL grow in the US market. It’s a no-brainer that this game take place in late ‘08/early ‘09.
I think Rangers-Bruins would actually be more fitting, the New York-Boston theme and all.
This is great news. Hopefully I can somehow get tickets. The weather has to cooperate though, no rain, no snow and hopefully no 60 degree weather. Love the idea of the original 6 match-up. I’ll take Rangers vs. RedWings.
personally i dont much care about hockey and always rooted against the rangers, but it would be great if the rangers could play and then the GMen as a great send-off. to me, this takes nothing away from the the yankees and all us fans, saying goodbye.
I disagree. The Rangers at the Stadium would be an awesome closer for this great cathedral.
The Stadium hosted football, boxing, concerts, a lot of different things over the years.
It would be a legendary game.
dont forget the pope is coming back for another visit!
Having the last baseball game be a series clinching one in the Fall Classic would certainly help you forget the blasphemous nature of the hockey game, right?
Yankee Stadium is the cathedral of baseball. Play the Ice Hockey game at Shea Stadium. There is little or zilch tradition at that yard.
With the home plate collision that happened over the weekend, I could actually sympathize with Maddon/Zimmer in that a bang-bang play can evolve with the kid running the bases deciding on impulse to mow Cervelli down. OK and even if the manager says not to do that (which apparently didn’t happen with the Rays) I can understand that can still happen as plays unfold. I think everyone in the Yanks dugout realizes that.
The thing is, as far as I’ve heard nobody from the Tampa dugout has said they’re sorry Cervelli got hurt. Has anyone from the other side said so, or even called him or sent a message? At one point Zimmer said he thought Girardi might have been PO’d because his guy got hurt, but Zim said he was surprised that he was just PO’d about the play. That’s the closest I’ve heard to a simple acknowledgment in the press.
I still like Zim, but it seems someone from Tampa should have made some sort of a gesture. Other than the apparent verbal bird-flippin’ gesture they made so far. If the kid who knocked him over just checks to see if hes alright after the play, nobody on his team would be expecting to be tattooed with a bruise the next game.
It is just business.
Major League Baseball couldn’t work out the schedule to have the Yanks finish at home, business before ceremony. They don’t care like Fans do.
It is just business.
Bob there is no point in playing the game at Shea. Why even have an outdoor game anyway if the option is Shea Stadium.
I love hockey, not quite as much as baseball, but pretty darn close.
That said, the last event at Yankee Stadium NEEDS to be a baseball game.
Perhaps an old-timer’s game, or something.
But it must be baseball.
No questions asked.
Buster podcast. He talks w/ M&M about the Ranger game and the play at home plate against Tampa.
http://tinyurl.com/yvcozy
come on Pete do you really think 50 years from now anyone other than a die hard Ranger fan like myself is going to remember that a hockey game was played at Yankee stadium? It would be a great thing for the city and for the sport of hockey.
So the Yankees are going to play a hockey game? Will Shelley and Farns be on the wings?
mel,
teams in the nba that need to change their names.
los angeles lakers – los angeles magic
minnisota timberwolves – missisota lakers
Sacramento Kings – Sacramento grizzlies
memphis grizzlies – memphis kings
Golden state warriors – golden state nuggets
Utah jazz- Utah hornets
New orleans hornets – new orlean jazz
Anyone have any others?
KVC – I DO believe it is that simple. “It’s a business”.
we are a strange bunch, new yorkers. there was so little uproar over the new stadium plan, just as there was litte protest about the renovation in the 70’s.
the yankees, powered by a much more profitable stadium situation, and an owner with some real cajones, returned to prominence after the renovation.
if the sox tried to do anything like that there’d be open insurrection in the streets of beantown (again). already saddled with less revenue than the yanks, they are gonna keep thier little gem (squeezing a few more here and there) and pay the highest ticket prices and still fall way behind in ticket sales and stadium revenue.
new york, the city that’s never finished, pays its respects to the old, and then moves on to the new.
Ranting Guy,
Well put. I think if they just said that they were sorry Corvelli go hurt, but players here are trying to earn spots on the team and were never told to hold back. It might have already ended. I can see this being like what happened last year with the blue jays(if i can recall). Where it drags on series after series.
SoS,
San Diego Clippers
New York Nets
sos, they were talking about mismatched nba team names during a net game last week. the viewer question was “which team name leasts matches the city they play in?” (or something like that. choices were lakers, grizzlies, jazz, and i think hornets.
I think it’s important to note that Yankee stadium has a long history of hosting non-baseball events. From boxing (Joe Louis vs Max Schmeling) to college football (the win one for the gipper game) to pro football, Yankee stadium has hosted a ton of great sporting events. I don’t see any problem with an NHL game being the final event at the stadium.
Does it really matter?
There’s a difference between being nostalgic and going off the deep end here.
When I watch the last out my memories of the Stadium will be complete. A hockey game being played there does nothing about that. Let the old building have one more day in the spotlight before it’s gone forever.
If they are going to have a hockey game. Might as well finish up with Rangers vs. Islanders.
Los Angeles Clippers – Los Angeles Bullets(cant make the team play worse than they already are)
Don’t do it!!
Let the meadowlands hold it, not Yankee Stadium! And all it will do is add more time that are black out dates for tours.
SoS: The Nets could probably do with a name change as well…
…and as always, the Devils are overlooked.
Maybe it’s just because we have more Cups.
I like the idea of an Old Timers game being the last event. Following up on my prior post, can we leave the stadium up long enough to have 2009 Old Timers game at the old stadium? Given logistics, I guess the actual game that follows would also have to be there – but seems only right to have the legends that played there and instilled the “aura and mystique” there be the last ones to leave.
There may not be any retaliation in the spring. The two managers may simply talk before the game on Wednesday. Or the better scenario (at least for the men here) is to throw at their best player (per SJ!) in the regular season.
For it to happen in spring training would certainly go against Girardi’s stance that you don’t want anyone to get hurt in ST.
I think Girardi was right, but I think he overreacted a bit.
You gotta admire Joe Maddon, though, for holding his ground. It started with the Iwamura bat incident and continues with play at the plate. But he’s not going to cower and let his team be a doormat anymore. The old school guys would’ve preferred a public acknowledgement or sympathy with some private high-fiving and butt-slapping.
saucy,
Thats one thing i like about the nhl. When a team moves they change the name of the team to fit where they are going. Or better yet to show that they are turning the page and starting new.
example-Colorado avalanche i think would have been the whalers.
I’m sorry Pete I have to disagree.
If the Yankees had any real repsect and reverance for the tradition of Yankee Stadium they wouldn’t be building a new one.
I say this as a die-hard Yankees (and Rangers) fan.
The Babe is pissed.
The Yankees are now cursed.
As if those bugs straight out of the bible in game 2 in Cleveland didn’t already tip you off.
Lori,
I spoke the tour guide at the stadium, he told me they had to be out by the end of the year, so when exactly would they hold the hockey game?
something I started to think about what happens if old Yankee Stadium becomes Nets arena ?
Rebecca–Optimist Prime–Mission 2708
March 10th, 2008 at 11:57 am
…and as always, the Devils are overlooked.
Maybe it’s just because we have more Cups.
Maybe they need a name change as well. New York Devils.
Nets name could be changed to the Warriors.
Jennifer – what if we started a petition to keep it open a bit longer?
I like the idea of a hockey game. I really dont care about the whole last thing at yankee stadium cant be a hockey game. Watching that game in january in buffalo was good stuff.
Miami Heat to Miami Hurt
Wade out for the rest of the season.
It’s the biz of the NY Yankees.
It’s interesting because I heard this discussed immediately following the outdoor Buffalo game. Even with the (football) Giants having played there and the fights (boxing), etc. I too would prefer baseball to be the last game played there but I am not sure that the stadium will be under Yankee control once they move into the new stadium and if it is and they can make $$ on it they’ll play hockey there.
Is it true that The Pope wanted to go to DC – to the new stadium there but was denied and therefore asked to come to Yankee Stadium? Just another inconvenience – with the away games – during this last season.
It’s the biz of the NY Yankees.
I like the idea too people need to calm down w/ this stuff even Yankee Stadium wasn’t the real stadium it brought memories but the time has come to build newer memories.
I don’t pay Zim any mind. His blind hatred of the Yankees is getting very old. We get it Zim you didn’t like how you were treated. Get over it! He always seems to have something to say about the Yankees now.
Lori I don’t if that would help. I believe the city takes it over after.
i was only a pro basketball fan of the nets in the aba. i first saw them at the island garden on old country rd, which was an old ww2 hangar. it was awesome, rwb balls and the 3 point line. so i was a nets fan and rooted for dr j and rick barry. after the merger, the nba bored me.
i do remeber we had an nba comforter in the house for years and i think there was a buffalo team (was it the kings?) is that the current sacramento team? and where did the clippers live before san diego?
SoS,
Best possible news for Wade. It’ll add another 2 years to his career. Bonus benefit. Shawn Marion will find out how difficult it is to lead a team when you’ve got no talent around you. He’s always wanted to be the man and now he has his chance.
The only action right now is Boston/Mets. Lester vs. Santana for the undercard. WhooHoo. Exciting. Main event Joba vs. Homer. Yeah!
i like the name Nets
the Devils are fitting for NJ too.
oh yeah, i forgot:
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Los Suns
Personally I’d like to see the last event at Yankees Stadium be a retiring of Paul O’Neill’s and Bernie William’s number.
Outdoor hockey game or not, the last event at Yankee stadium will be with a ball.. the wrecking ball.
New York Devils? are you suggesting they move or just associate the team name with NY?
Zimmer always has to comment about the Yankees. And the press keeps running to him for comments. I really don’t care what he has to say. We get it that he is mad at the way the Steinbrenner’s treated him. He should just worry about Tampa Bay.
Brandon,
People are just biting off of the los spurs. Now its los suns. Whats next? Los angeles de los lakers? I wouldnt be surprised,being that los angeles of anahiem of california unitied states angels are right down the street.
SoS,
Didn’t you look closely at the unis? The Spurs had a patch on the front that said “Noche Latina”. They’re commemorative unis. But yeah, “Los Angeles” woulda been cool.
la ciudad de Maria reina de los angeles los lakers (of los angeles)
(actual city name)
saucy,
just associate the team name.
I think the Steinbrenners should just buy Tampa Rays being that we draw more Yankee fans their than Devil Rays. Use it as our aaaa squad and call the team the New York Rays. Or dump the Rays name and bring back the Devil. New York Devils.
Oh yeah. Fire Zimmer while theyr at it.
Like that idea sos.
mel,
latin girl of the night? I changed my mind about los mujeres to los campiones. Even though they didnt play like campiones this weekend.
aba guy
March 10th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
la ciudad de Maria reina de los angeles los lakers (of los angeles)
(actual city name)
I like the sound of that. It just rolls throught your tongue. The name would continue on to their shorts and socks. Fashion statement.
SoS that is so evil
oh and how about Los horible Knicks dique de Neuva York
A hockey game would be a good trivia question answer one day. Just so long as the FIRST game of the new stadium is baseball, I don’t care.
sorry, this is elay’s actual name:
El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles del Rio de Porciuncula
los lakers (of los angeles)
SoS: Oh H-ll no.
Jersey pride.
Brandon,
freekin comedy. Man i didnt know we had so many spanglish people on this blog. I would end the los horible knicks dique de nueva york-con pinchi isaih.
sos, but the Jersey Devil is real
new york devils wouldn’t make sense…
SoS
El pueblo de los horible Knicks dique de Nueva York de el pendejo hijo Dolan con pinchi Isiah
Guys, this is hysterical
http://www.nypost.com/seven/03102008/sports/yankees/vet_pranksters_hit_rookie_hard_101227.htm
se habla taco bell, pronto. mucho hungry!
saucY
March 10th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
sos, but the Jersey Devil is real
new york devils wouldn’t make sense…
Look if you want to play hockey in Yankee stadium you have to sacrafies. The game should only be for New York teams. Who says you cant change back once the game is over.
“Hockey is a terrific sport.”
– What is “hockey”?
id come up with a nickname for the knicks but i cant find my spanish to dutch dictionary right now.
That reminds me, the NY Giants have been playing in the Meadowlands for 32 years now and the Jets for 24 years, and they’re still called NY…
Isnt the wnba team ny/new jersey liberties or something like that. I would think it is better for business to have New York as part of your name.
blargh, thats not accurate, the giants de-emphasized the ny and called themselves the giants when they moved. the removed the ny from the helmet in 1976 and just put it back in 2000.
I’m fine with the stadium hosting a hockey game prior to closing. Most of you are too young to remember but as I was growing up the football Giants played there, the Pope held mass there, there were large boxing events and concerts also.
My point is that it has been a single use facility for some time but it wasn’t always the case.
The hockey game will have a large national audience and the telecast can do a nice retro piece on the history of the stadium. I think it would be a fitting exit for the old house that Ruth built.
New York Liberty and they play in MSG
You might be thinking of the MLS team, the present day New York Red Bull, or Red Bull New York. That team started as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. Currently they do play in the Meadowlands at Giants Stadium.
S.O.S, the Devils play closer to Manhattan than the Islanders!
The Rangers suck. They definitely should not be closing out YS.
The Giants are NY, they just play in another area because construction would be hectic, so would traffic and parking. And the best thing they did was put the NY back on the helmet.
btw as i type this i am wearing my red 2004 ron dayne giants jersey with the italicized GIANTS on the front over the #27.
Changing the subject for a second to the Yankees. I know im in the minority on this but Cano is on my last nerve with his first pitch swinging. When is he going to become more selective at the plate? I know its spring training but isnt this the time to work on your approach? I cant understand why any pitcher throws a first pitche strike to him. He is the second most talented hitter on the team behind Arod. I want to see him hit pitches that are on the meat of the plate. Not just think that you can drive any pitch thrown to you.
Mussina on Mike and the Mad Dog.
SoS he really hasn’t swung that much at 1st pitches this ST, but I think he’s hitting somewhere around .600 last time I checked and Girardi is now his manager & he did an unbelieveable job by helping Hanley Ramirez become more of a leadoff guy and Miggy Cabrera became more selective.
Blargh,
Thanks for explaining it to me. Dont watch either. But i see they decided to keep the New York part for the name.
Moose on YES with Mike & Mad Dog ………..
Y’s Guy
I’ve sent at least a dozen e-mails (One to Pete) trying to get some momentum for one last Giants game at Yankee Stadium. They even published my e-mail on the NY Times website (I wonder if it made the paper??)
They could give season ticket holders first dibbs, sell the seats in the “batter’s eye” area to pump up attendance, and charge a few bucks more per seat for these tix, which would be in VERY high demand.
Everybody thinks the idea is stupid…except me and you, I guess.
One last Jets game at Shea would be cool, too.
Brandon,
Maybe it was just yesterdays game then. All i know is that i would turn away from my computer for a second and he would be running to first on a ground out. If he is batting 600 now. Immagine Cano with patience? Scary!!
your not in the minority S.o.S it drives me crazy, but it comes from that old phrase ” the only way to get off the island is hit” something like that. But overall we have other things to worry about.
you would think mattingly would have worked with him on that when he was his batting coach.
its not true that mattingly never swung at the 1st pitch, it just seemed that way. he just did it often enough that the pitcher knew he couldnt groove one.
he’s kinda bend down and look real close as the pitch went by, like he was reading the commisioner’s name, then he’s spit and straighten his helmet and it was GAME ON!
John in Ohio: They should totally play a football game there, but I don’t think it should be the last event at the Stadium.
Where is everyone gonna sit at that hockey game? I’m taking a piece of my seat with me when I leave my last game there.
put me down as one for a final giant game at yankee stadium. and this time it wouldn’t matter how much of the outfield grass got torn up.
Rebecca
I see your point…one last World Series winning game would be the best way to say goodbye.
But the Giants would certainly be more appropriate than the Rangers. And, a football game would damage the field, so after the baseball season makes more sense.
I just wish there was more support. It won’t happen.
SoS Cano drew a walk in the last game and is batting .474 currently this spring
Pete…I agree with you 100%. I am thinking like you, you are thinking like me……holy schneikies !!
John, I think if you started a petition, you’d find more support than you realize.
DirecTV turning out to be a good investment for ST. Game on tonight on channel 638, “FSCN,” whatever that is.
no surprise Mike Sissyneli and Steve Philips say Elliot Johnson made the right play, funny …
i never actually went to a football game at YS but i went to a Giants practice. i remember ron johnson running up and walking down the upper deck above 3B. i think he was ‘rehabbing’ his knee so it was probably 1971. i remember tarkenton and whenver i see eli (#10) it reminds me of him.
i’m a much bigger Yankee fan and baseball fan in general but i’d LOVE to see the GMen play there again.
Who’s Elliot Johnson?
Brandon (Proud supporter of “Alex being Alex” ) (I slay the Anti)
March 10th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
SoS Cano drew a walk in the last game and is batting .474 currently this spring
Crap brandon you know your making me look bad here. O.k. you know that one time that he swung at the first pitch and grounded out? I yelled at the computer,”damn you Cano,not on the first pitch”!!
-Who’s Elliot Johnson?
-
some scrub
SoS I think it was the game vs Los Astros de Houston Texas
Not sure if Elliot Johnson made the right play, but I’m pretty sure Eliot Spitzer didn’t . . .
Alex on YES …..now
You know how we have some “banned” sayings on the blog, like “Mitchell”, “Clemens”, “It is what it is”, etc…
…What about banning Steve Phillips?
If you listen to the podcast I linked earlier Buster said there were several scouts at the game who were surprised that would happen in a ST game. Buster didn’t like it either. Seems like real baseball people as opposed to faux baseball analysts think it was rather bush league.
im not sure YS is configured for football anymore. the GMen never played in the new stadium. if i remember right, the giants sideline was angled down the 3B side? the shorter outfield might not allow for football.
Johan Santana was nothing short of fantastic today shutting down the Redsox.
Arod up now on MMD
he stiff armed Chris Russo on the Boras thing (figuratively not literally)
Fleas,
I saw that and thought of you. Are you okay? lol.
I am inclined to agree with you this Peter. It definitely should be a baseball game…the finale that is.
Having said this, I don’t think a hockey game being played there will compromise the stadium’s legacy. It’d just be a silly thing to do.
another reason for a Giants game at YS: it would kind of be like another road game…
Was there any doubt that Santana would be nothing short of fantastic? If healthy, you know he is on the verge of dominating the NL.
gayle,
what is he saying?
so what happens if their’s a storm or a blizzard or something at one of these outdoor hockey games? do they cancel and reschedule, or play thru it?
Spitzer!!!
You know how some women who are big up top have back problems? I wonder if Beckett is going to have lingering back pains this up coming year? With having to carry his new gut and all. Lets hope he sticks to eating those bon bons,pizzas and washing it down with a diet drink.
I though Pope Benedict would be in the Stadium after this hockey thing. If that’s the case, perhaps we can make everyone happy by asking the Holy Father to take some BP. Is Mo a Catholic? Think the pontiff can hit the Cutter?
Saucy,
they better play in a blizzard! otherwise they are a bunch of whimps!
SOS,
That is rad. Beckett is difficult to look at. He just reeks of ugliness.
Jake
Recap so far
talked about the opt out briefly, still has not talked to Boras he daughter 3 days after the opt out came to him and said she missed Central park, her room etc
Finally looked himself in the mirror andbecame a man (paraphrase on my part)
Talked about the young kids and how much they meant last year says he is a HUGE Shelly Duncan fan and says he will have an impact this year also predicts big year fromKennedy 15 wins
They talked about the big HR last year, talked about Kevin Long “the best hitting coach in baseball”
Carmona nastiest pitcher he had seen in 4 years
Girardi- young energetic brings enthusiasm will be able to deal with veterans, has told players what he expects etc
Being part of a world championship team consumes his mind
Nobody doubts Santana’s greatness. But, he’s not worth 140 million AND Wang, Kennedy and Cabrera.
That’s what it would have cost the Yankees prior to him being dealt to the Mets. That was the final request from the Twins.
If they made that deal, they would still be looking for another starter and would be in the market for a centerfielder. Can’t leave your team in that position.
Santana may have a very good year for the Mets and they still may not make the playoffs.
Personally, I think the Yankees will be better over the long haul for not doing that deal.
If Bill Smith pulled the trigger on it in December, it would have given the Yankees the opportunity to fill CF (Cameron) and make a few other moves to help their team.
Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Life goes on.
Mel,
I don’t think I will ever get over not obtaining Johan. As the year progresses, I have a feeling it will be a twisting dagger in my heart too.
Pretty funny that made you think of me.
At least someone does.
A-Rod and Moose interviews are so much better than the Miked Up interview of Joba Ian and Phil that aired last night. That was a train wreck.
So if the Yankees win a Championship this year, you still won’t get over not Yankees not acquiring Santana?
Russo asked if Jeter called A-rod to congratulate him on his contract. Answer was “yes”. THAT was a good question.
This would be an awesome event. How does playing a game in a stadium that is going to be turned to rubble in a few years change anything? How does it make a difference? Im getting tickets to this one no matter what. It would be an awesome send off. Plus, if the Yankees win the 27, whats the difference?
Dude, Spitzer’s been a BAD boy.
Jimmy I think that having the person in the same room slways makes it better than having the interviewer in another room in another state and having it done via IBF when the players cant even see the person or know which camera to look at.Also it is hard to do interview with 3 people at once especially if y9ou dont address the question to a specific person and juist throw it out there and you ask a stupid question like how is this camp different from Torre when only 1 of them has eveer been in a torre camp
That’s right Jimmy. Favorite part of the interview Mike sounded dumb asking this question. “What’s the difference this ST with Girardi compared to Torre?” Ian,Joba where like “we weren’t here last year.”
Fleas: Again, I respect your opinion, but I disagree
Saucy- There was snow at the game in Buffalo New Years day. It was moderate and they played through. If he puts the players at risk, it would be postponed.
jake-That is rad.
I was thinking of bringing that word back. But you beat me to it. Radical!!
so the rift between Jetes and Alex is over ?
boooo! Pete don’t be a hater. Hockey is awesome! You make it sound like they are going to cheapen the place by having a hockey game which it will not! It’s hockey, not a Celine Dion concert.
Fleas,
I think you need to become a Mets fan. Talk about man crush. You’re the last of a dying breed. Believe it or not, just about everyone else has accepted it.
Just make sure you visit once in a while. Let us know how the therapy is going. ha ha.
Phil Hughes will make you forget Johan what’s-his-name.
Is there a way to get the Alex and Mussina inteviews on the internet (later on, presumably). The Alex interview sounds intriguing.
Gayle – your recap is terrific. Thank you.
SoS,
There’s an article in one of the NY papers about Wright and Alex getting chummy over the winter. He said he’d want his sons to be like Alex and David Wright.
A-rod’s Fave-Five:
1. Jeter
2. David Wright
3. Kevin Long
4. Hair Colorist
5. Hank Steinbrenner
Yes they will all be on WFAN.com they have all of the interviews from various shows up there.
Arod says he and Jeter are in a honeymoon period, almost like when t hey were kids. He wasn ot the one who brought it up he was asked about it seemed very relaxed to be honest more so than in the past
Gayle,
Thanks!
Jax, Gayle
Did you notice Kennedy was trying to be respectful by not correcting him the first time – but the second time he had to come clean.
Is it true the yanks are expecting 200 innings out of Phil? (Question asked by Francesca)
I thought Ian was good for 200 and Phil was about 160 – 170.
Anyway M&MD are better together than by themselves.
Gayle I agree that is very hard to conduct an interview that way…that’s why i was surprised Mike was unprepared.
A-rod used the word “honeymoon” in referring to Jeter.
Kinda funny
Oops. That would be Alex would want his sons to be like Jeter and Wright.
SJ44,
I agree with you…regarding the decision not to obtain Santana. I was merely pointing out that if Santana is healthy, he will do great, especially in the NL and for the Mets.
As each day goes by, I am more and more excited about Phil Hughes. Joba’s cool, Ian’s fine, and I am excited about both, but nowhere nearly as much as Hughes. Homeboy has the makeup to be a great Yankee…let’s just hope his body can keep up with his potential.
Well, Jeter is looking better nowadays. lol.
Mike was suppose to be in Tampa doing the interview. He said because of the weather he couldn’t get out of NY.
LOL Betemit is getting ripped by Sweeny Murti he saids that he’s not sold on him and rather have Woodward or Ransom
“los angeles lakers – los angeles magic
minnisota timberwolves – missisota lakers
Sacramento Kings – Sacramento grizzlies
memphis grizzlies – memphis kings
Golden state warriors – golden state nuggets
Utah jazz- Utah hornets
New orleans hornets – new orlean jazz”
Great suggestions, SOS!
OK, I’m having trouble figuring why Sacramento and Utah would want the changes. Otherwise they look great!
Craig Hanson is pitching right now for the Johnnies fans out there, P.S. there’a this catcher I’m looking at for the Mets seriously looks like the Pilburry Dough Boy
This confirms it, Sweeny Murti is a complete moron. Woodward or Ransom over Betemit? Look at all three career stats, Ransom and Woodward have a career OPS under .700 while Betemit has a career OPS of .777 and its only getting better as he gets older. Murti is clueless.
mel-A-rod’s Fave-Five:
1. Jeter
Arod-Hey jete what are you doing?
Jete-its 3 in the morning! What the hell.Cant this wait!
Arod-You said i can put you in my fav 5 and i want to go over my swing with you.
Jete-Look Alex,im in bed and dont want to wake up Jessica with this nonsense.
Alex-I just want to know if i should due away with the blowing out before every pitch? Hello. Hello?
Whos in your fav 5?
Gayle
I can see it already, the honeymoon comment will be the back page headline for tomorrow in NY.
no chance, watch Santana shuts down Soxs or the one that got away be in the back page
Yazman,
California has a bear for thier state flag.
Sacramento Grizzlies.
Utah-you got me on that one. Couldnt think of any name to fit them thats available.
l.a. Magic for Johnson
los angeles clippers to bullets.(l.a.violence)
We were just having fun with it. Thanks for the props. Let me know if you had any to add.
Its not about career OPS when it comes to a backup infielders position.
Its about defense and can the player play SS and 2B effectively.
Hence, the time Betemit has had at short and second in ST.
Gotta be able to catch the ball at those positions as a backup infielder.
What’s the matter with a hockey game at Yankee? honestly, it’s closed for baseball and if it’s just going to sit there unused we might as well bring in some revenue for NY.
Thanks SOS, I forgot about the flag and the Golden Bears!
And I thought the LA Magic would honor the Magic Kingdom
I really like the idea of the NY Giants playing one last game at the stadium next year.
Even better would be the Yanks winning game 7 of the world series at home. The crowd would go CRAZY!
I dont see the problem with a Hockey game,a boxing match or college,NFL football game. Army vs Notre Dame, Giants vs Jets,Range vs Isles, would be some nice fitting tributes before the curtain sets. No one died so lets stop acting like it.
I know the stadium has hosted many non-baseball events like college and professional football games, boxing matches, soccer, the Pope, concerts, etc. Hockey doesn’t even have any tradition with the stadium. Don’t know the time line of the first wrecking ball is scheduled, but maybe it would be fitting to have the Old-Timers game in the spring as a “passing of the torch” type of ceremony.
Good move for the NHL and all the attention it will bring. Maybe Babe and the boys up above can create a winter blizzard of some sort and the hockey game will be cancelled.
It would make a good trivia question one day, but this doesn’t seem right.
I see where everyone is getting bent out of shape… but i’d be more pissed by the yankees/billy crystal situation. i mean c’mon now, gimme a break.
It’s not often I find a really good football article online, most are the same ole’ thing just rehashed.
Thanks for posting something I could really sit down and read.
Dave