Girardi: Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

The Yankees season is finally, thankfully, over. It was a rough year between injuries, incompetence, early moves that looked brilliant, but then ended with a crashing thud, and just 85 wins and a third place finish (tied with Baltimore) in the AL East.

The last Yankees team to win 85 or less was the 1992 squad that won 76, but that was when the Yankees were on the brink of refueling and remaking the squad into a perennial contender. The 2013 squad finished 12 games behind division-winner Boston and six games out of the wild card.

The current squad, which I predicted would finish third AND get a wild card spot, is in complete disarray. That includes the managerial position since Joe Girardi's contract is up.

It's remarkable to think that after all of the tumult caused by George Steinbrenner in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, there have been only two Yankees managers in the last 18 seasons. The Yankees used to average two managers per season.

But now there could be a change and a lot of that will depend on the Yankees approach to the future and the fact that the Chicago Cubs fired manager Dale Sveum Monday morning.

Girardi said he would not take long to make his mind up about what was best for "his crew" - his wife Kim, son Dante and daughters Serena and Lena. The decision could be based on discussions with Cashman, who is a big advocate of Girardi's, as to the team's direction in 2014.

Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera are gone. Derek Jeter will be coming back again from a messed up ankle and other leg maladies. Alex Rodriguez could miss the whole season due to a suspension. Hiroki Kuroda, the ace for most of the season, may retire. Robinson Cano could leave via free agency. There will be more players leaving than returning.

My hunch is that Girardi leaves; that no longer having Pettitte and Rivera, two of his old teammates and most reliable players, will have a major influence. The biggest influence in his decision, however, could be a return to his native state.  Girardi was born and raised in Peoria, attended Northwestern University,  and played for the Cubs on two occasions (1989-1992, 2000-2002) after being drafted by them in the 5^th round in 1996. He would love to be the guy that brings the Cubs back to the World Series for the first time since 1945 and to skipper them to their first World Series championship since 1908.

Girardi needs to look carefully at the Cubs team and organization as well. Chicago won five more games this year than they did in 2012 and still only came away with 66 wins. The team does not have stars. First baseman Anthony Rizzo put together a .742 OPS this season with 23 HR and 80 RBI and could emerge as an upper echelon player. The second most productive player was Nate Schierholtz, who hit 21 home runs and posted a .770 OPS, but will be 30 before next season.

Shortstop Starlin Castro came up in 2010 with a lot of hype, but after three consistent years with an OPS around .750, he regressed to a .631 OPS this year and stole just nine bases in 15 attempts.

No Cubs pitcher had double digit wins. The top three in the rotation - Jeff Samardzija (8-13, 4.34 ERA, 1.348 WHIP), Travis Wood (9-12, 3.11 ERA, 1.145 WHIP), and veteran Edwin Jackson (8-18, 4.98 ERA, 1.460 WHIP) are nothing special, though Wood's record would have been better had the team averaged more than three runs in his starts. (Wood had a 4.4 WAR.)

The top Cubs prospect Javier Baez had a tremendous year split between advanced 'A' ball and Double-A (37 HR 111 RBI 20 SB), but it's not likely he'll join the big club to start the 2014 season. Four of the six players (pitchers Justin Grimm, Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop, and first baseman Mike Olt) acquired in deals for pitchers Matt Garza and Scott Feldman haven't fully tapped their potential yet. To put it simply, the Cubs are very much a work in progress.

Girardi, of course, could also take some time off and join one of the networks as a part time announcer, a job he's held before.

So let's say Girardi does leave; who becomes the next Yankees manager?

Tony Pena - Interviewed for the 2008 vacancy along with Girardi and Don Mattingly. He's been Girardi's bench coach since 2009 after three years as first base coach. Pena managed the KC Royals from 2002 until May, 2005 when he resigned. During his tenure in KC, Pena won the AL Manager of the Year award in 2003. At 56 years of age his thinking is more old school than the number-crunching style that Cashman prefers.

Willie Randolph - Always a fan favorite, Willie played for the Yankees from 1975-1988 and was a coach with them for 11 years after he retired as a player in 1992. He managed the cross-town Mets for over 3 1/2 years before he was fired during the 2008 season. Randolph brought the Mets to within inches of the 2006 World Series, but the team lost the 7th game of the NLCS to the St. Louis Cardinals. He finished second in the NL Manager of the Year voting to Girardi, who was at the helm of the Florida Marlins.

A year later the Mets had a seven game lead in the NL East with 17 games to play, but went 5-12 to lose the division title to the Philadelphia Phillies and missed the playoffs completely. After his dismissal from the Mets, Randolph coached with the Milwaukee Brewers (2009-2010) and Baltimore Orioles (2011).

Dave Miley - The former Cincinnati Reds (2003-2005) manager just completed his 8th season as manager of the Yankees' Triple-A squads in Columbus (OH) and Scranton, and has managed in the minors for 24 seasons. It would be nice to see him get another shot in the bigs after all this time. Miley won the International League Manager of the Year award in 2007 and 2012, when Scranton had no home park due to renovations.

Dave Martinez - The Rays bench coach for the past six seasons, Martinez has interviewed in the past for managerial jobs in Houston, Toronto, and Cleveland. He is highly thought of and respected by his peers. His tasks in Tampa include alignment of the Rays' defense, and baserunning and bunting instruction.

Trey Hillman - Might have had a shot at the Yankees job in 2008 had he not already been hired as manager by the KC Royals. The 50-year old managed in the Yankees minor league system from 1990 to 2002 and had three years of managerial experience in Japan before taking the KC job. The Royals fired him after a 12-23 start in his third year at the helm. The team had won 75 and 67 games the prior two years. Hillman is currently Don Mattingly's bench coach in Los Angeles.

Brad Ausmus - The veteran of 18 big league seasons as a catcher (and five years in the Yankees' minor league system), Ausmus is one of the names brought up most when discussing MLB management opportunities. That includes the now-vacant Cubs position. Ausmus, whose mother is Jewish, managed the Israeli baseball team in the preliminary qualifying tournament for the 2013 World Baseball Classic. They were beaten by Spain in the finale. That has been the extent of Ausmus’ managerial experience.

Robertson Closes Win, But Is Not A Lock In '14

It had been a while since the Yankees won a ball game, but the Houston Astros are that bad and that accommodating.  The Yankees held on for a 3-2 victory Friday night when David Robertson picked up his third save of the season.

Robertson is the presumptive closer for 2014, the first season without Mariano Rivera. But I'm not convinced he's the man for the job. Robertson has the mental make up, however I don't believe he has the physical requirements for the job. He is not at his best when he has to pitch back to back games or more than one inning, and the closer's role needs that ability.

D-Rob is a very good pitcher and an even better person, he and his wife Erin have done fantastic work through their High Socks for Hope foundation, but he should remain in the 8th inning set up role.  So if not Robertson, than who?

Shawn Kelley has never had a Major League save, but he was instrumental in the Yankees bullpen this season. He entered Saturday's play with a 12K per 9 inning ratio this season, a career best. Like most of the Yankees this year, he too had some physical issues, but appears to have the phyiscal and mental make up to be a closer.

There is no one else in the Yankees organization right now that should be saddled with the chore of replacing the greatest closer of all time.

Outside the organization

The best closer among possible free agents, Joe Nathan, will certainly have his $9MM option picked up by the Texas Rangers prior to next season. Fernando Rodney saved 84 games in 94 opportunities over the last two seasons for the Tampa Bay Rays and will seek more years and money than the Yankees will be willing to offer.

Red Sox closer Koji Uehara took over the full-time closer job for the Boston Red Sox after Joel Hanrahan and Andrew Bailey were injured and/or ineffective. Uehara spent time as closer with the Baltimore Orioles three years ago and is 21-24 for Boston this season in save chances. But Uehara is 38-years old and should only be signed as a set up man/insurance.

The Oakland A's Grant Balfour is an interesting case. He has recorded 62 saves in 67 chances over the last two seasons with the Oakland A's. The man from down under will be 37 when the 2014 season begins and will looking for his last good paying contract. He's likely to get one, though I can't imagine any team guaranteeing more than two years.

There are also a bunch of closer retreads - Kyle Farnsworth, Kevin Gregg, LaTroy Hawkins, etc. No need to sign any of them.

The Yankees could also explore trade options, though some players won't be available until the season is well underway. One of the names that comes to mind is the last player that replaced Mariano Rivera. Rafael Soriano stepped in when Rivera tore up his knee in 2012 and saved 42 out of 46 chances. He opted out of his contract and signed a 3-year, $32MM deal with the Washington Nationals, though the payout structure guaranteed $7MM this season and $11MM next year. The final $14MM of the contract kicks in if Soriano finishes 120 games in 2013-2014 combined.

The Nats were a monumental failure in 2013, but Soriano was 42 for 48. Washington could be looking to dump some salary this off-season, though $11 for one year is a bargain. It's worth an inquiry at the very least.

Chris Perez is still under control by Cleveland, but the Indians just dropped him from the closer role due to recent ineffectiveness. Perez has averaged 30 saves over the last four years for Cleveland and is still just 28 years old. But is his arm trustworthy and can he handle New York? He lashed out the Indians' fans earlier this season for not coming out to games.

Conclusion?

Seeing how the Yankees dealt with things this year, Robertson, Kelley, and other "insiders" will get the first chance to close next season. Should they falter, then Cashman will look elsewhere.

Anyone know how hard Mariano Rivera Jr. throws?

Roger Clemens Chronicles Mo's Career and Tells Him Not To Go

Roger Clemens has been in the news a lot during and after his playing career, but this morning's Houston Chronicle featured Roger Clemens, the writer. Below is the column Clemens wrote in tribute to Mariano Rivera, his teammate from 1999-2003, 2007.

Clemens will also take part in the ceremony honoring Rivera this weekend in Houston. Hopefully it won't be the same day as Andy Pettitte's start.  Awkward!

Clemens regrets seeing Rivera call it a career

By Roger Clemens

September 27, 2013

The bullpen doors slowly open at Yankee Stadium, and No. 42 comes out with that cool jog, glove in his right hand headed toward me.

As he gets to the mound, I put what will be my 300th-win game ball in his hand.

As I leave the mound in front of 50,000 fans, I know that there aren't too many "for sure" things in this world, but having Mariano Rivera take over for you for the last three outs of a major league game is as close as you are ever going to get.

After 19 years, including this incredible season in which he returned from last year's devastating knee injury, Rivera has said he will retire.

I'll say it just like everyone else is saying: "Please don't go, Mo."

Is it possible to have one of your best seasons ever after having a devastating knee injury?

Is it possible to get Comeback Player of the Year and then retire?

Is it possible to be in the top five in the MVP and Cy Young Award voting and retire?

As I write down "YES" to all of the above, in my mind I can hear "Enter Sandman."

In 19 seasons, he saved games with really only one pitch, "the cutter."

Basically what a pure pitcher would call a "true slider." Mo threw his cutter between 90 and 95 mph a few years back. His velocity now with the cutter sits between 88-91.

The other three weapons he features are a two-seam fastball (every now and then), location (still fantastic) and, most importantly, his savvy.

What I mean by savvy is that he is a power pitcher even as a reliever. (Not a power thrower.)

There is no doubt in my mind after playing a number of years with Mariano that he recorded more than 500 of his 652 saves on his great stuff alone.

The reason he is the all-time saves leader in Major League Baseball history is because of his heart and will - along with how he worked religiously day after day to be prepared for the next save.

Mo, congratulations on a fantastic career, and thank you from all of us starters whose wins you saved.
And one last thing, Mo. When you're sitting at home next May and the Yankees are in need of a closer, remember … anybody can retire once!

652
Career saves

2.21
Career ERA

96
Postseason app.

42
Postseason saves

0.70
Postseason ERA

5
World Series titles

1,115
Appearances

Mariano Rivera by the numbers

Time To Go

It is said that there are three little words that every woman wants to hear. It is said that there are three little words that professional athletes never want to hear, but last night Mariano Rivera heard them.

Long time teammates, friends, and brothers in arms, Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter came out to the mound in the 9th inning of Thursday night's game with the Tampa Bay Rays to escort Mariano Rivera back to the dugout. It was a stroke of genius that occurred to manager Joe Girardi, a former teammate of all three players involved, in the 8th inning. He consulted with home plate ump Laz Diaz, who checked with crew chief MikeWinters, who in turn gave it the thumbs up. Pettitte and Jeter told Mo before the 9th started of what was to come, but it didn't lessen the impact at all.

Pettitte signaled for a right-hander and then Jeter said those three little words. "Time to go." That's all that Mariano needed to burst into tears, his head resting on Pettitte's shoulder while the tall Texan held him in a warm embrace and consoled him like you would any loved one.  It continued when Rivera held on to Jeter before the three walked to the dugout.

Many of the fans in the stands joined in the tearfest and you can bet there were plenty of people at home doing the same. The crowd roared on endlessly, just as it did when Bob Sheppard's recorded voice announced Mariano's entrance into the game in the 8th. Just as it did when the bullpen door opened and Mariano stepped out and broke into that familiar jog as "Enter Sandman" played for the last time for an active player. The Rays' players stood atop their dugout in applause as well, fully appreciating the moment. (They also would not take the field in the bottom of the 9th until Andy Pettitte came out of the dugout in response to the fans chant of "An-dy Pett-itte".)

The roar didn't stop when Mariano emerged for a curtain call and when the game was over and #42 was the only player left in the dugout. Photographers clicked away as Rivera stared out on to the field with finality written all over his face.  He then walked to the mound and kicked at the rubber one more time before he bent down and collected dirt just as he had when the old Yankee Stadium closed.

The game itself was meaningless; a 4-0 loss to the Rays in which Ivan Nova made his final start of the season. In a post-game press conference, the closer admitted that it wasn't so easy to pitch in the 81st home game of the season. He had left the dugout, something he never does, between innings to warm his arm up in the clubhouse. He sat on the bench for what seemed like an eternity until he went out to the mound to start the 9th inning.

His pitches didn't have quite the accuracy they usually do since his legs felt a bit jelly-like, but he still retired all four batters he faced. In doing so, he became the Major League's all-time leader in career ERA with a 2.209 mark, slightly ahead of Eddie Cicotte's 2.210. (Thanks to the YES Network's research king Jeff Quagliata for that remarkable factoid.)

And then it was over; the #42 jersey disappeared into the dugout and then the runway to the clubhouse for the last time. It's not likely you'll see him on the mound again, even if Andy Pettitte has a game to save when he makes his final career start Saturday in Houston. But there is a good chance you will see him in centerfield in one of the three games if Joe Girardi grants his wish.

Sunday's ceremony was fantastic, marvelous, etc., but Mariano's final Yankee Stadium game was transcendental.

The moment

What they were saying:

Rays manager Joe Maddon via Twitter: "For me tonight was not unlike the Ripken moment. Hard to imagine anyone surpassing Mariano. It's like DiMaggio's streak: untouchable."

Rays pitcher David Price via Twitter: "Yes I did grab dirt from the mound tonight...a true role model...unreal what Mariano has done on/off field" #history

Andy Pettitte: "I didn't say anything at first, and I didn't expect for him to be quite so emotional.. He broke down and just gave me a bear hug and I just bear-hugged him back. He was really crying. He was weeping, and I could feel him crying on me."

Chris Stewart on Girardi's idea: "That’s Joe; it shows you the respect he has for the game, and for one of the best players to ever play it. To send those guys out there, that was a special moment. And to hear the crowd roar like that … we haven’t heard it too much this season, but you will never forget it."

Joe Girardi in describing the night: As good as it gets, this is as good as it gets."

Rays starter Alex Cobb: "I stopped thinking about the actual game I was pitching in and just the moment I was in. I never felt those emotions in a baseball stadium. It was the coolest thing I've ever been a part of to this day. I went out there after he pitched and all I was thinking about was that I was on the same mound that Mariano just took after all that happened. I probably should have been thinking about other things than that."

Mo Meets the media


Pettitte meets the media


Jeter discusses Mo's last inning


Girardi's presser

Mariano's Last Yankee Stadium Goodbye

One more time.

There will be a strange aura tonight in the Stadium of mystique and aura. At some point, around 9:45 or 10 PM, the Yankee Stadium loudspeaker will begin to blast "Enter Sandman", the bullpen door will open, and Mariano Rivera will jog in from the bullpen for the last time.

One would hope that Mariano enters the game in a save situation, but it really doesn't matter. Everyone, maybe even the Tampa Bay Rays, wants to see him out on the Yankee Stadium mound one last time.

I also wonder if this could be his last appearance, period. With the team eliminated from playoff contention could Mariano just be a spectator in Houston this weekend? Or could he put on a fielder's glove and stand in centerfield during the game as he has always wanted to. I actually hope he doesn't, but if it's something he really wants, you must fulfill his request.

Mariano Rivera is one of those players; Derek Jeter is another, which you will talk about for generations to come.  Just as older generations have talked about Mantle and Mays, Ruth and Gehrig, Cobb and Wagner, and others that came before us.

You'll talk about the Panamanian pitcher that didn’t look like anything special, but suddenly became a powder keg.   The two and four seam fastballs thrown as a set up man for John Wetteland when the Yankees returned to glory in 1996, and then the cutter, Rivera’s “gift from God”, that made him the greatest post-season pitcher of all time. More World Series rings handed out in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009 thanks in large part to one remarkable athlete.

You'll even discuss the failures in 1997, 2001 and 2004, because they are part of Mariano's legacy. This isn't an episode of Yankees Classics, where no game lost is ever shown. They are a testament to #42’s resiliency and his ability to bounce back.

Of course the successes are more fun to reminisce about. There was the three inning performance as the Yankees rallied against the Red Sox to win Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. It was a performance that gave Aaron Boone the chance to be a hero in extra innings.

Flash back three years earlier to the final game of the 2000 Subway Series with the Mets. The Yankees are up by two, a man on third and slugger Mike Piazza is digging into the right-handed batter’s box as the potential tying run. As soon as the ball came off of Piazza’s bat and headed to deep centerfield you could see the concern on Mariano’s face. But quickly it turns to exaltation, leaping up and down after the ball settled in Bernie Williams' glove for the final out and the fourth championship in five years.

How about the first World Series sweep in 1998 on the road in San Diego? The Yankees up three games to none and 3-0 in the 9th inning of Game 4. A 6-4-3 double play erases a base runner and then pinch-hitter Mark Sweeney's one hopper to third is fielded cleanly by series MVP Scott Brosius and thrown across the diamond for the final out. Mariano drops to his knee, arms raised as the Yankees win their first championship with Mariano as the closer.

One year later it’s time for another sweep. The Yankees are up 4-1 in the 9th inning of Game 4. Brian Jordan starts things with a long at-bat that ends with a comebacker to Mariano for the first out. Ryan Klesko has another one of his bats sawed off as he can barely lift the ball into the air for an easy second out. Then it is Keith Lockhart hitting one high in the air and into Chad Curtis’s glove in left field. The Yankees have the second of back-to-back-to-back championships and have won 10 straight World Series games.

14 years later, the first season in the new Yankee Stadium, the Yankees return to the Series for the first time since 2001. It's Game 6; the Yankees lead the series 3-2 and the game 7-3.  Joe Girardi goes to Mariano with one out in the 8th. Jayson Werth flails at strike three. Future teammate Raul Ibanez loses a splintered bat, but later reaches with a double. No matter, Pedro Feliz flies out.

Pinch-hitter Matt Stairs lines out to Derek Jeter to start the 9th. Then a rarity, Carlos Ruiz draws a walk. Then the non-rarities- Jimmy Rollins flies out and Shane Victorino hits a series ending grounder to Robbie Cano. The team has its first celebration in nine years and a fifth ring for Mariano, Jeter, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada.

That is the legacy of Mariano Rivera, the baseball player. Those are the moments we will all reflect on for regular and post-seasons to come. When we’re bundled up during the winter, wishing Spring Training was near. When new closers put the pinstripes on and hope to have just a smidgen of #42's success.

There will be more championships down the line, of that I have no doubt, but there will never be another Mariano Rivera confidently delivering the final pitch to seal the victory.

Thank you for everything Mariano.

Houston, You Don't Have An A-Rod Problem

"What, me worry?"

or maybe you do....

UPDATE 3:40 PM - Thanks to @StaceGots for the heads up. ESPN among others have just reported that Brian Cashman denied that A-Rod will not be in Houston.

Wally Matthews ESPNNEWYORK.com - Brian Cashman says reports A-Rod not going to Houston are "false. I'm wasting my time talking about it.''

The Yankees season will conclude with a three game series in Houston this weekend. But there will be one less player in the dugout.

The Yankees have given Alex Rodriguez permission to skip the series so he can begin preparation to appeal his suspension. It may be the last time A-Rod wears the Yankees Pinstripes until 2015 or possibly ever. His arbitration hearing begins on Monday.

From Newsday:

"I believe in the process. I'm fighting for a lot of players, both present and in the future," Rodriguez said before Wednesday night's game with the Rays. Barring any last- minute legal action, the confidential hearing will begin Monday at MLB's offices in Manhattan, a source said. Arbitrator Fredric Horowitz will preside. Rodriguez is expected to attend some of the sessions.

Asked if he thought there could be a speedy resolution, Rodriguez said, "I'm not sure, I'm not sure. "In a perfect world all of it would have been done quietly, but it's not a perfect world. But we're going to address this and hopefully put this to bed as soon as possible."

"I'm very thankful for the emails, texts, and private conservations I've had with our union members," he said. "The support has been overwhelming. And the fans have been unbelievable. I've had more people come to my defense and be in my corner than at any point in my career. I am grateful for that and I am looking forward to hopefully putting this behind me."

300 Million Reasons Cano Is Crazy

All $300 million reasons that Robinson Cano is crazy are all the same. He is NOT going to get $300MM, because no team will be dumb enough to do it. ESPN reported that within the last month Cano's people made the Yankees aware of the amount of money Cano is looking for this free agent off-season.

Now, now I know..there are a lot of idiot owners that bark about finances and then give out contracts like there's no tomorrow. But times are different and there are plenty of examples of bad, long term contracts. Alex Rodriguez's opt out deal with the Yankees and Albert Pujols' bank breaker with the Los Angeles Angels.

The Yankees are still the likelist team to fork over $30MM per year to their star second baseman, but it would probably be for a shorter term than the 10 year deal that Cano is reportedly seeking. 7 years for $210? While it would hurt like a son of a bitch when trying to meet or stay close to the luxury tax threshhold, $210MM is better than $300MM. (Even though the Dodgers spent money the last two years like they were giving away pennies, I don't see them making that big of a free agent splash.)

And as much as it hurts to say it and no matter how great a player Cano is, if he won't accept the terms than you have to let him walk away. Because no matter how much Cano says he wants to remain a Yankee, drawing a line in the sand before the current season is even over means that the money is more important than which uniform he wears.

The performance enhancing drug use and misplaced blame for playoff failures are two of the biggest reasons that A-Rod has alienated himself to many Yankees fans. But much of that also came from not living up to the contract, at least in the eyes of the detractors. It can turn fans on you in a hurry; Robinson Cano should keep that in mind.

The Pronk Is Back

The Yankees decided to activate Travis Hafner from the 60-day disabled list with just five games left in the season. Hafner could probably walk on water and still not get the Yankees into the playoffs. I think the move is probably just a nice thing to do for the oft-injured Hafner, who won't find it easy to get a new gig over the winter.

The Yankees placed CC Sabathia on the 60-day DL to make room on the 40-man roster for Pronk. I could have picked up Astros closer Josh Fields in my keeper league if they had only done that over the weekend.

Hafner appeared in 81 games before he was placed on the disabled list on July 27 with a strained right rotator cuff. He also missed time in May due to the shoulder and also sat out some games with a sore foot.

Hafner returns with a .684 OPS with 12 HR and 37 RBI. The majority of his numbers came in the first month of the season when he hit .318/.438/.667 with 6 HR and 17 RBI in 22 games. Hafner wouldn't have an OPS above .600 for the remainder of the season.

Yankees Really Bobble Things This Time

I asked Bobblehead Mo about the fiasco, but he had no comment.

The game was bad enough Tuesday night - a 7-0 blow out at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays  - but it also brought the Yankees as far out on the edge of the cliff that they could go before they finally drop into the abyss.

Alas, there was also a sideshow to last night's funereal proceedings. It was Mariano Rivera Bobblehead night for the first 18,000 fans in attendance. With such a demand for the "doesn't look anything like the person" figurines, the Yankees had the objects delivered the day of the game. That was the first mistake of the night.

Mistake #2? Well, you probably can't classify it as a mistake since the truck carrying the tiny baubles broke down on its way to Yankee Stadium. People knew something was wrong when the Stadium's gates did open at their normal time. (A word to the wise - don't get bobblehead collectors riled/grouchy.)

Mistake #3 The first 18k through the gates got a voucher for when the Mariano not-look alikes arrived. That wasn't a mistake; the mistake was having 18,000 people wait in line around and under the Stadium to pick up the "preciouses" once they did arrive.

Mistake #4 Some of the bobbleheads didn't show up in one piece. If you're person 17,999 in line and your bobblehead is broken you are not going to be a happy camper.

Mistake #5 Watching the game from home...that mistake I cut off after a couple of innings.

Two Days Later Mariano's Day Still Fantastic

It was a long day in the Bronx Sunday afternoon. It was very hot if you were on the third base side, cool if you were seated in the shade along first day, but a gorgeous day all in all. It was a very perfect day to honor the one and only Mariano Rivera.

The game itself, a 2-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants, could not diminish the remarkable ceremony prior to the game nor the emotion and love expressed by the fans towards Mariano and the humility and grace displayed by #42.

With Mariano being the last active player to wear #42, the day began with the Yankees closer, his wife Clara and sons Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel, joined in Monument Park by the Steinbrenner extended family and Randy Levine to present Jackie Robinson's widow Rachel and their daughter Sharon, with a special plaque commemorating the late, great Jackie Robinson. A circle with the #42 inside in Dodgers blue and white was also set aside from the other numbers inside of Monument Park.

Then it was time for the unveiling of Mariano's #42 in the row alongside all of the Yankees retired numbers, right next to Ron Guidry's #49. Mariano was blown away by the fan's response throughout the day and it began with the announcement that his number was retired while he was still an active player.

Emcees John Sterling and Michael Kay then introduced a number of Yankees luminaries. The man who was the Yankees savior, who kept the prospects and avoided the poor trades during George Steinbrenner's second suspension, Gene Michael, was the first to come out. There was Mo's manager from 1996 - 2008, Joe Torre. Former teammates Jorge Posada, David Cone, John Wetteland, Jeff Nelson, Tino Martinez, Paul O'Neill, Bernie Williams (who received the largest ovation and should have a day of his own already), and Hideki Matsui (what a great surprise that was), and former trainer Gene Monahan. They were re-joined by the Steinbrenner family and front office members, and the Robinsons.

When it was time for Mo to make his way in from the bullpen to a live version of Metallica's "Enter Sandman". James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo rocked from a stage in front of Monument Park. Mo didn't take his usual run in from the pen, that would take place in the 8th inning of the game, but a casual walk that enabled him to soak up the moment and all of the cheers. It also was one of the many moments that Mariano raised his arms in overwhelmed thanks and disbelief. The current Yankees team then joined him when he reached the infield.

Next came the gifts, and there were many.

Four former Yankees that are now part of the visiting San Francisco Giants coaching staff were first. Pitching coach Dave Righetti, the Yankees saves leader until Mo came along, hitting coach Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens, first base coach Roberto Kelly, and assistant hitting coach Joe Lefebvre. They presented Mariano with a guitar that Hammett helped design, emblazoned with the number 42 on it and signed by Hall of Famer Willie Mays.

There was also a watercolor painting of Mariano's June, 2007 appearance against the Giants in their AT&;T Park.

Metallica presented an autographed speaker that had #42 on it.

The New York Yankees Foundation presented Mariano with a $100,000 check for his foundation and Hal Steinbrenner gave his closer a beautiful Waterford crystal version of his glove. Of course, he also received a #42 jersey encased in glass.

Long time teammate Derek Jeter and his current manager/former teammate Joe Girardi brought out a rocking chair made from baseball bats, complete with leather seat. The honoree immediately tried it out and laughed.

Then it was time for the speech. Surrounded by everyone near the pitcher's mound, Mariano first expressed his faith in thanking God for the opportunity he was given in life and for the very special day that was taking place.

He thanked his wife Clara for her love, kindness, and patience. He thanked his sons Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel, who giggled when his Dad said, "thanks for your support man."

He thanked his native country of Panama and spoke for a few minutes in Spanish.

He thanked his parents for having him, his former and current teammates, the fans, the organization, and George Steinbrenner, of whom he said he loved and missed.

He thanked the Robinson family and said how grateful and honored he was to be the last Major Leaguer to wear 42.

He wrapped it up by saying "..so let's play ball guys, we gotta go. I love you guys!"

Throughout the day there video tributes on the Yankee Stadium scoreboard, ranging from Vin Scully to Magic Johnson to Jason Kidd to Mel Stottelmyre

It was an emotional ceremony, followed by an emotional game. Andy Pettitte, who had announced his retirement just a few days earlier, pitched marvelously. He was perfect for 4.2 innings until he walked Pablo Sandoval and had a no-hitter for 5.1 innings until Ehire Adrianza homered to left to tie the game at 1-1. (Mark Reynolds had hit one out for the Yankees in the 3rd inning.

Pettitte hadn't gone very far in games this season, but after 101 pitches and seven full innings, Girardi sent him out to start the 8th inning. Sandoval reached on a double that caused Pettitte, always his own biggest critic, to slam his glove on his thigh. When Girardi came out to pull him in favor of David Robertson the crowd erupted in applause and chants of "An-dy Pett-ite". Pettitte tipped his capped before he ducked into the dugout, but then came back on the field and acknowledged the love the fans were showering down upon him.

Unfortunately, Robertson gave up an RBI single to Tony Abreu that broke the tie and saddled Pettitte with a loss in his final home game. Robertson than departed and again the Stadium roared as #42 jogged in from the bullpen to the sounds of "Enter Sandman" for the last time on a Yankee Stadium Sunday afternoon.

He broke a couple of bats before it was over and got an inning ending double play to shut down a Giants threat in the 9th, but it wasn't enough as the Yankees lineup couldn't get push a run across the board.

99% of the fans stayed in their seats until the end, and though disappointed and frustrated by the score, went home with smiles on their faces and a great memory in their hearts and heads.

I know this fan did.

Mariano's speech
 
#42 Retired
 Mariano reflects on the day
 
 Joe Torre, Jorge Posada, and Bernie Williamd Discuss Mariano's Career
 

Sabathia's Season Comes To A Strainful End

It came as no surprise earlier Monday when the Yankees announced that CC Sabathia's season came to an end due to an injury. Derek Jeter, Austin Romine, Mark Teixeira, Brett Gardner, Kevin Youkilis...the list goes on and on with season ending injuries and now Sabathia is part of it.

The Yankees ace, who had a very un-ace like season, suffered a Grade-2 strain of his hamstring in this past Friday's win against the San Francisco Giants. It will take a minimum of eight weeks to recover so the big man's season is done.

Diminished velocity and a lack of command contributed to Sabathia turning from a top 10 Major League pitcher into a run of the mill starter. He ended up with a 14-13 record and the lowest winning percentage (.519) of his career, and put up a career worst ERA (4.78), WHIP (1.370) and WAR (0.2) figures.

With three more guaranteed years on his contract worth $71MM the Yankees are hopeful that Sabathia can make the necessary adjustments during the off-season to recapture some of his past glory.

Pettitte's Last Hurrah - Announces Retirement

I started writing this column as Andy Pettitte took the mound to face the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. Little did I know that my feelings and thoughts on Pettitte possibly retiring after the season would come to fruition before the season even ended.

On the last Friday of the Summer, Pettitte decided to announce his retirement at season's end. He didn't want to encroach on Mariano Rivera's big day at Yankees Stadium on Sunday, when the Yankees will honor the greatest closer of all time. Pettitte decided to announce it at Rivera's urging and so that the fans would know before Game 162. (Pettitte already has a lot on his plate this week; he'll be deposed as part of the Brian McNamee's lawsuit against Roger Clemens.)

Here's Pettitte's statement released earlier Friday afternoon.

“I’m announcing my retirement prior to the conclusion of our season because I want all of our fans to know now — while I’m still wearing this uniform — how grateful I am for their support throughout my career. I want to have the opportunity to tip my cap to them during these remaining days and thank them for making my time here with the Yankees so special. 

“I’ve reached the point where I know that I’ve left everything I have out there on that field. The time is right. I’ve exhausted myself, mentally and physically, and that’s exactly how I want to leave this game. 

“One of the things I struggled with in making this announcement now was doing anything to take away from Mariano’s day on Sunday. It is his day. He means so much to me, and has meant so much to my career that I would just hate to somehow take the attention away from him.”

During his 3:30 PM press conference Friday afternoon Pettitte said he was mentally exhausted. That he was using up everything he had in the tank. Pettitte had intended to retire after the 2012 season, but changed his mind after a broken ankle forced him to miss most of the season.

As a fan I have two regrets regarding Andy Pettitte. One, that he left for Houston after the 2003 season and two, his use of HGH that will eliminate any chance of him earning a spot in the MLB Hall of Fame. Pettitte was asked about regrets during the presser and he brought up the HGH, but in an odd way. He felt bad that it got out and that any kid would think he tried to cheat the game, the fans, other players, etc. He never said he regretted using HGH and as much as I respect him, Pettitte is wrong not to say that he never cheated or tried to cheat anyone.  I do believe he used it to get back quicker, not to get an advantage, but that still is taking a short cut/cheating.

Pettitte leaves with five World Series rings, 255 career wins as of Friday (YES' Jack Curry mentioned on YES that Pettitte is one of just 26 pitchers to have a career record of at least 100 games over .500), three All-Star appearances and four top five Cy Young finishes. (I still believe that Pettitte, not Pat Hentgen, should have won the award in 1996 when he came in second place, six votes behind the Blue Jays pitcher.)

Here's what I had written Tuesday 9/17 and hadn't finished:

Before the Yankees sleep walked their way through a 2-0 loss to the last place Toronto Blue Jays, I pondered the very real notion that Andy Pettitte was making on of the last starts of his career. The 41-year old was the hard luck loser after he allowed a Colby Rasmus solo home run in the 4th inning. (Shawn Kelley surrendered a solo shot as well to Rajai Davis.)

Pettitte's season started strong then went through a big rough patch and finally straightened back out. Unfortunately, the Yankees bullpen blew a couple of games and Tuesday night he got no run support. His 10-10 record is completely misleading - in his last 48.2 innings, the tall Texan has allowed just 11 earned runs (2.03 ERA). Weather permitting, Pettitte is scheduled for two more starts, this Sunday at home against the San Francisco Giants (very apropos that it is Mariano Rivera Day since the Yankees closer has saved more games for Pettitte than anyone else.)

While much has deservedly been made about Rivera's final season, people don't know what to think about Pettitte since he's in his third tour of duty with the Yankees and sat out the 2011 season. My hunch is that this will be the end of the line for Pettitte. He recently said the mental preparation is tougher than physical readiness.

With home so far away and his kids growing up, I believe Pettitte will determine that full time Dad is his job for the foreseeable future.  The departure of Rivera, Derek Jeter's injury, Alex Rodriguez's pending suspension, Robinson Cano's free agency...it all has to play into Pettitte's thinking. The Yankees ability or inability to compete in 2014 could have a major impact on Pettitte's final decision.

Girardi's Choice Of Joba Seals the Deal

Joba's fist pumping days are a distant memory.

The Yankees have a worn out bullpen, no one is questioning that. What is being questioned is why Joe Girardi continues to call on Joba Chamberlain in crucial situations. Thursday night the one time phenom quickly turned a 3-1 deficit into a 6-1 blowout that was punctuated by an Adam Lind 3-run home run. Final score, Toronto Blue Jays 6 Yankees 2.

It was another devastating loss in a devastating season. With Texas and Tampa Bay on the verge of a four game split, the Yankees have found themselves running in place while the Orioles and Indians inch closer to reeling in one of the wild card teams. The Yankees now sit three back of Texas (four in the loss column) and four behind the Rays (five in the loss column). Cue Frank Sinatra singing, "the end is near". Except, Girardi should not have done it "his way".

Obviously it wasn't all Chamberlain's doing; Hiroki Kuroda once again looked 68 instead of 38. He "held" Toronto to three runs in six innings, but it could have been a lot worse considering he gave up eight hits and walked four.  The Yankees offense sputtered again with journeyman Todd Redman looking like a Cy Young candidate. The 28-year old has beaten the Yankees twice in the last three weeks.

But with the game on the line, with a lead still in reach, Girardi pushed the wrong button...again. A quick look at Joba just since August 1, shows that the Yankees were better off bringing in anyone from the bullpen other than Chamberlain.

8/2 - Entered with Yankees down 5-2 to San Diego; turns it into a 6-2 game. Final score, Padres 7-2

8/10 - Entered with Yankees down 6-2 to Detroit; two on and one out. Gave up 3-run home run to Torii Hunter to put game out of reach. Final score, Tigers 9-3

8/15 - Entered with Yankees down 7-1 to Angels; gave up back to back hits to make it 8-1. Final score, Angels 8-4

8/16 - Entered with Yankees up 10-3 on Boston; loaded the bases in the 9th. Girardi has to go to David Huff for the final out. Final score, Yankees 10-3

9/1 - Entered with Yankees down 4-3 to Baltimore; two men on with one out. Allowed 3-run home run to Adam Jones. Final score, Orioles 7 Yankees 3

9/5 - Entered with Yankees and Red Sox tied 8-8 in the 10th inning. Gave up a pair of hits including Shane Victorino game winning single. Final score, Red Sox 9 Yankees 8

9/6 - Entered with Yankees trailing Red Sox 10-8 in the 8th inning. Intentionally walked David Ortiz, threw a wild pitch, unintentionally walked Mike Napoli, walked Daniel Nava to force in a run, and allowed RBI single to Stephen Drew. Final score, Red Sox 12 Yankees 8

Chamberlain has spent much of the year extending the other team's lead or diminishing the Yankees lead. Brian Cashman made a huge mistake in not giving Chamberlain away for whatever he could get. The Yankees will make no qualifying offer to Chamberlain, which means they will not receive a draft pick when the one-time three digit thrower leaves via free agency after this season.

We Gonna Rock Down to Rivera Ave? Not If Craig Carton Has His Way

"Rivera Ave? It's Over there."

I was just reading a story in the New York Post regarding NYC financier Tom Ferrara's efforts to get River Ave., which runs along the current Yankee Stadium and the site of the old Stadium, re-named to Rivera Ave. in honor of the Yankees' closer.

It's a nice gesture, unless your WFAN's Craig Carton, who went ballistic on Ferrara during Boomer (Esiason) and Carton's morning show. Here's an excerpt from the Post:¹

Ferrara: There’s symbolism here. River Ave. connects where the old Stadium was and where the new one is. Mariano for his entire career has been a Yankees, connecting the old Yankees with the new Yankees. And if you have ties into The Bronx and you have an emotional attachment to the team, as literally hundreds of thousands if not more fans do, River Ave., not unlike Mariano, is that connection.

Carton: Oh, stop, come on. With all due respect, it’s like a 12-year-old idolizing a ballplayer.

Ferrara: You guys, candidly, are the only ones I’ve come across have a negative view on it.

Carton: Because you’re talking to your own friends! You guys are running the poll. [Ed. A yes-no poll on CBS' own website had Rivera Ave. backers comfortably in the lead.]

Carton: Here’s what the average Yankee fan will tell you, if they’re being honest with you: “Hey, if they did name it after him, great, all good. Love Mariano Rivera. Do they have to name it after him? No!” They don’t care!

Ferrara: Can I ask you a question, Craig? Why are you so jaded about this?

Carton: It’s not jaded. It’s stupid! The notion that because Mariano Rivera was a great baseball player, we now have to honor that career with a street, doesn’t make sense. That’s why.

Carton: OK. You know what you should do? I don’t know what you do for a living — that should be a new job for you, decide how we can rename every street in the five boroughs after people that you liked. Yeah? Or no?

Ferrara: I’m not gonna answer that question.

Ferrara: It’s an accolade that a majority of people…

Carton: A majority of what people?

Ferrara: If you’d stop interrupting me…

Carton: Hold on. Timeout. A majority of who? Of the five people you talked to, three said yes?

Carton: He needs a shrink.

Carton: At 58 years old, you have to sometime recognize that your admiration and idolization only matters to you! That’s the problem here! Alright!

Carton: (with Ferrara signing off) Don’t touch the button! Don’t touch the button! Don’t touch the button! Don’t touch the button! Don’t touch the button! Don’t touch the button! Don’t touch the button!

These are the times that Esiason must second guess partnering with the volatile Carton and said as much - "I’m so uncomfortable when you get nuts like that"..

And it's the reason that I never listened to Carton on Jersey 101.5 or Boomer and Carton in the morning.  I will give Carton this much though...I don't truly believe that the majority of fans care one way or the other. And what happens when Derek Jeter  retires? Jerome Ave. becomes Jeter Way?


1 - NY Post

The Texas Rangers Gift to the American League

Adrian Beltre is one of the few Rangers who can still intimidate the opposition

Texas is a big, brash, bold, braggadocios state. Apparently they are benevolent now as well. At least when it comes to the American League wild card race.

The Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays began a series Monday evening in Florida.  The two teams entered play tied for the two wild card positions. However, the two are headed in two different directions. The Rays have won four of five after they took the first game of the series 6-2. Texas has dropped seven straight and 10 of 11.

The Rangers represented the American League in the World Series in 2010 and 2011, and made it to the wild card game last year, where they lost to the Baltimore Orioles. Texas got off to a good start in 2013 and led the AL West by seven games after 41 contests. Since then the Rangers have been a .500 team over their last 108 games (54-54). and entered Monday's play 6.5 games behind the first place Oakland A's.

Texas' poor play has enabled the Yankees, KC Royals, Orioles, and Cleveland Indians to all remain in the hunt for a wild card spot. There have been a number of reasons for the Rangers' demise. Injuries - Matt Harrison was lost for the year after just two starts, endured two back surgeries within nine days of each other in May and recently underwent surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. (Debilitating compression is relieved through removal of a rib and surrounding tissue.) The left-hander won 18 games in 2012.

Colby Lewis missed the entire season after undergoing elbow surgery in July, 2012. Then last month he had a hip resurfacing procedure to avoid complete hip replacement. Neftali Feliz was recently activated after he completed rehab from last season's Tommy John surgery. He's still not at full strength and has to be used cautiously. Swing man Alexi Ogando has been on the disabled list three times with shoulder inflammation and bicep tendinitis. #2 starter Derek Holland is healthy as far as anyone can tell, but has been awful in September with three losses and an ERA above 8.

Inept offense - The lineuptook a big hit when Josh Hamilton left for LA as a free agent after last season's 43 home runs and 128 RBI. He's struggled mightily with the Angels (.734 OPS, 20 HR, 68 RBI), but those numbers may have been different had he stayed in Arlington. Free agent acquisition Lance Berkman has played just 71 games due to injuries.

Nelson Cruz had 27 HR and 76 RBI when he was suspended for the remainder of the season for violation of the league's substance abuse policy.  Though he has 40 stolen bases, Elvis Andrus took a step back offensively (.652 OPS). Ian Kinsler started the year like a house afire - .919 OPS 5 HR 16 RBI in April - but he's hit just .256 since then with 6 HR and has been caught eight times in 19 stolen base attempts.

The Rangers were also counting on rookie Jurickson Profar to make a major contribution, but the top prospect has only produced a slash line .237/.310/.330 and has been thrown out on four of six stolen base attempts.

The combination of all the above have spelled disaster for Texas and it will come as no shock if the Rangers continue to slide right out of a playoff spot and into an early vacation.