The Captain Adds to His Record Book

With one swing in Friday night's game against the Boston Red Sox, Derek Jeter added a couple of more achievements to his storied career.

That swing resulted in a home run into the left field seats, the 250th such hit in the Yankee captain's career. That gave the Yankees 10 players with a minimum of 10 home runs this season. The last time the Yankees accomplished that feat? Yup, Jeter was there too...the 1998 Yankees were quite prodigious with the long ball as well.

Besides Jeter, there was Tino Martinez, Bernie Williams, Scott Brosius, Paul O'Neill, Shane Spencer, Darryl Strawberry, Jorge Posada, Chuck Knoblauch, and Chad Curtis on the '98 team.

This years squad is comprised of Jeter, Nick Swisher, who went deep twice Friday night, Curtis Granderson, who also hit one out against Boston, Alex Rodriguez, Raul Ibanez, Eric Chavez, Robinson Cano, Andruw Jones, Mark Teixeira, and Russell Martin.

Jeter also became the 5th players in MLB history with 3,000 hits, 250 home runs, and 250 stolen bases. He joined Willie Mays (the only other player with at least 1,200 RBI), Rickey Henderson, Craig Biggio, and Robin Yount on that short list. Seven more hits of any kind will put Jeter in a tie with Eddie Murray for 7th place in the MLB career hit list with 3,255.

As for as team records go, Jeter also tied third baseman Graig Nettles for 10th place on the all-time franchise home run list. He sits 25 back of his good buddy Jorge Posada, who turned 41 yesterday, for 9th place. Jeter is also approaching Bernie Williams for 6th place all-time in RBI (21 to go) and Willie Randolph for 7th place in sac flies (one more).

Another day, another addition to Derek Jeter's Hall of Fame credentials.

Just Another Day of Baseball

There's an old saying, and variations of it, that goes "anything can happen at the ballpark". So true. And yesterday was a perfect example.

But first flash back to May 1, 1991. Rickey Henderson breaks Lou Brock's all-time steals record (unfortunately, against the Yankees). That led to the (in)famous little speech that included "Lou Brock was the symbol of great base stealing. But today, I'm the greatest of all time". The only thing shocking was that he didn't say, "Rickey Henderson is the greatest of all time".

That night Henderson's big day was nearly forgotten thanks to a powerful Texas right-hander named Nolan Ryan. The Rangers' current head honcho was pitching for them back then and at age 44 threw his 7th and final no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Flash forward to yesterday, April 17, 2010. Ubaldo Jimenez had one of the games of his life for the Colorado Rockies. Jiminez threw the first no-hitter in the franchise's history as he blanked the Atlanta Braves. Albeit, it was a Joe Cowley type of no-hitter, but it was a no-no nonetheless.

But how many people outside of Colorado, and maybe Atlanta, are talking about the no-no today? Probably not too many because of the Mets-Cardinals game that went 20 innings last night.

I was shocked to see the game was still going on while checking out fantasy baseball stats at about 10 p.m. EDT. I was even more surprised to see that Fox still had the game on. Can I say I was even further stunned to see the game was scoreless? The Mets, who only had 9 hits in 20 innings, finally broke through in the 19th only to have K-Rod blow the lead. But thankfully for the weary Jerry Manuel, his counterpart Tony LaRussa opted to use an outfielder (Joe Mather - as far as I know, no relation to "The Beaver") to pitch.

LaRussa got away with using infielder Felipe Lopez in the 18th, but Mather gave up runs in the 19th and 20th and was saddled with the loss (as well as a 9.00 ERA). Mather is clearly no Nick Swisher. Mets starter Mike Pelfrey came on to earn the save. LaRussa was also fortunate that there were no injuries to any of his pitchers, such as Kyle Lohse, that he used in the outfield.

Cardinals and Mets fans also have to be thankful that Kenny Albert was doing the play-by-play and didn't have to listen to Joe Buck for 20 innings.


Some other notable Saturday performances - Nats' pitcher Livan Hernandez threw his first complete game shutout in six years. After blanking the Brewers, El Duque's kid brother has not allowed a run in 16 innings (2 starts).

The Astros finally won their 2nd game, beating the Cubs 4-3, but the O's dropped to 1-11 after blowing their game in the bottom of the 9th against Oakland.

Pat Burrell has stunk in his year plus with the Rays, but drove in his first five runs of the season yesterday as the Rays won the suspended and regularly scheduled games against the Red Sox. His 2-run HR in the 12th concluded the game stopped Friday due to rain.

Rickey, Rice Head to Cooperstown

As expected, Rickey Henderson was a first ballot selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame in voting announced a short time ago. But Jim Rice is the man who really has to be ecstatic today. After unjustly failing to get in for several years, the Red Sox slugger and non-friend to the media received 76.4% of the vote to enter the halls of Cooperstown.

Henderson, the game's all time stolen base king (he'll be the first to remind you) was an easy choice. He's also the top run scorer of all time and second in walks to Barry Bonds, and stroked 3,055 hits. The only thing keeping him out of the hall, was his continual desire to play well into his forties.

Rice put up the numbers, but never got along with reporters, and it took it's toll in his post-career life as he snubbed time and time again for the Hall. As someone we watched in our teens, we knew that Rice deserved to be in the Hall. He was one of the most terrifying sluggers in the game, more so than Big Papi or even Manny Ramirez. We congratulate him on finally getting his due.

Looking Ahead: January

Here's what's on tap this month as we are just a month and a half from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training.

The new MLB Newtork premiered yesterday, kicking things off with the first showing of Don Larsen's perfect game, complete with original commercials. This month also includes the 2004 World, gag, Series, gag, this past season's series, the 1946 series between the Cards and Red Sox (you know who won that one, heh heh), the '96 Series (yessss), and more.

Jan 5-15 is the period for filing salary arbitration. In between on the 12th, this year Hall of Fame (Rickey Henderson and ?) class will be announced. The two arbitration sides exchange figures on the 19th.

Morristown Green magazine, which may or may not be affiliated with NJ.com had a sit down with Michael Kay in this month's issue. The only problem you may have is finding a copy of it.

The Baseball Assistance Team annual dinner is January 27 at New York City's Marriott Marquis. The following former players are expected to attend the dinner which is open to the public (but not a cheap night out) - Wally Backman, Jim Bouton, Orlando Cepeda, Chris Chambliss, Whitey Ford, George Foster, Steve Garvey, Bob Gibson, Cleon Jones, Al Kaline, Ed Kranepool, Lee Mazzilli, Joe Morgan, Graig Nettles, Willie Randolph, Robin Roberts, Rusty Staub, Roy White, Randy Winn.

In case you missed it yesterday, the Detroit Red Wings topped the Chicago Black Hawks 6-4 in Wrigley Field. The outdoor game in freezing temperatures was very entertaining as the two "Original Six" teams wore throwback uniforms. Hopefully the Rangers play the Bruins in the new Yankee Stadium. It would be awesome.

Looking Ahead: January

Here's what's on tap this month as we are just a month and a half from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training.

The new MLB Newtork premiered yesterday, kicking things off with the first showing of Don Larsen's perfect game, complete with original commercials. This month also includes the 2004 World, gag, Series, gag, this past season's series, the 1946 series between the Cards and Red Sox (you know who won that one, heh heh), the '96 Series (yessss), and more.

Jan 5-15 is the period for filing salary arbitration. In between on the 12th, this year Hall of Fame (Rickey Henderson and ?) class will be announced. The two arbitration sides exchange figures on the 19th.

Morristown Green magazine, which may or may not be affiliated with NJ.com had a sit down with Michael Kay in this month's issue. The only problem you may have is finding a copy of it.

The Baseball Assistance Team annual dinner is January 27 at New York City's Marriott Marquis. The following former players are expected to attend the dinner which is open to the public (but not a cheap night out) - Wally Backman, Jim Bouton, Orlando Cepeda, Chris Chambliss, Whitey Ford, George Foster, Steve Garvey, Bob Gibson, Cleon Jones, Al Kaline, Ed Kranepool, Lee Mazzilli, Joe Morgan, Graig Nettles, Willie Randolph, Robin Roberts, Rusty Staub, Roy White, Randy Winn.

In case you missed it yesterday, the Detroit Red Wings topped the Chicago Black Hawks 6-4 in Wrigley Field. The outdoor game in freezing temperatures was very entertaining as the two "Original Six" teams wore throwback uniforms. Hopefully the Rangers play the Bruins in the new Yankee Stadium. It would be awesome.

Around the Horn - 12/26

We hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and stuffed yourself like pigs. All part of tradition, ya know? Had the Yankees decided to have the New Year's Day NHL game, you would have seen the time lapse video at the Stadium. Instead, it's Wrigley getting the hockey treatment.



Kevin Mench, apparently tired of sitting on major league benches, has moved on to Japan. The best part about this is no longer hearing Michael Kay talk about the size of Mench's melon every time his team (Rangers, Blue Jays, Brewers) came to town. Hopefully the Yankees don't play the Hanshin Tigers this year.

A nice feature in the NY Times on Seattle's new skipper, Don Wakamatsu.

Rickey Henderson just turned 50, and since he hasn't made a comeback in the last 5 years, he'll soon be elected to Cooperstown. Hopefully, he doesn't pull out the old "I am the greatest" as part of his enshrinement speech.

Around the Horn - 12/26

We hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and stuffed yourself like pigs. All part of tradition, ya know? Had the Yankees decided to have the New Year's Day NHL game, you would have seen the time lapse video at the Stadium. Instead, it's Wrigley getting the hockey treatment.



Kevin Mench, apparently tired of sitting on major league benches, has moved on to Japan. The best part about this is no longer hearing Michael Kay talk about the size of Mench's melon every time his team (Rangers, Blue Jays, Brewers) came to town. Hopefully the Yankees don't play the Hanshin Tigers this year.

A nice feature in the NY Times on Seattle's new skipper, Don Wakamatsu.

Rickey Henderson just turned 50, and since he hasn't made a comeback in the last 5 years, he'll soon be elected to Cooperstown. Hopefully, he doesn't pull out the old "I am the greatest" as part of his enshrinement speech.

Thursday's Rumorfest and Some Facts

Apparently no one told the Seattle Mariners that they would be calling up Adam Jones to be the every day right fielder. Word came out earlier in the week that Jones would be up, Jose Guillen would move to left, Raul Ibanez to DH, and Jose Vidro to the bench. Except the M's have no plans to do that right now. "I haven't heard anything about Jones coming up," manager John McLaren said. "I haven't heard anything about it at all."

The Mets have fired hitting coach Rick Down. This guy just takes a beating in the Big Apple, having been fired 3 times combined between the Mets and Yankees. Rickey Henderson has been added as a full-time coach, but there's no official word as to his exact position (playing in the clubhouse card games?).

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the A's are ready to scrap their plans to have Mike Piazza back behind the plate because the preparation is taking too long. The A's would then likely try to deal Piazza.

The New York Post is reporting that the Mets will recall Lastings Milledge this week and install him as the every day left fielder for the time being.

Roy Oswalt has told the Houston Astros that he would waive his no-trade clause if moving him would be in the best interest of the team. You can bet there will be a big time bidding war for Oswalt's services. Source.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported yesterday that the Indians and DH Travis Hafner have agreed on a 4 year contract extension worth $57 million.

Thursday's Rumorfest and Some Facts

Apparently no one told the Seattle Mariners that they would be calling up Adam Jones to be the every day right fielder. Word came out earlier in the week that Jones would be up, Jose Guillen would move to left, Raul Ibanez to DH, and Jose Vidro to the bench. Except the M's have no plans to do that right now. "I haven't heard anything about Jones coming up," manager John McLaren said. "I haven't heard anything about it at all."

The Mets have fired hitting coach Rick Down. This guy just takes a beating in the Big Apple, having been fired 3 times combined between the Mets and Yankees. Rickey Henderson has been added as a full-time coach, but there's no official word as to his exact position (playing in the clubhouse card games?).

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the A's are ready to scrap their plans to have Mike Piazza back behind the plate because the preparation is taking too long. The A's would then likely try to deal Piazza.

The New York Post is reporting that the Mets will recall Lastings Milledge this week and install him as the every day left fielder for the time being.

Roy Oswalt has told the Houston Astros that he would waive his no-trade clause if moving him would be in the best interest of the team. You can bet there will be a big time bidding war for Oswalt's services. Source.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported yesterday that the Indians and DH Travis Hafner have agreed on a 4 year contract extension worth $57 million.