But I really want to talk about what Jonathan Papelbon did in the bottom of the ninth inning tonight. Papelbon, of course, gave up the game-winning home run in the top of the ninth.
With a runner at first and no outs, Jason Bay grounded to third. David Wright made a great play just getting to the ball. He then fired a one-hopped to Luis Castillo who somehow kept his foot on the bag to record the force out.
Papelbon came running out of the dugout and started doing the “safe” motion with his arms.
Now, I ask you to imagine the uproar if a Yankee, more specifically, Joba Chamberlain, did something similar. Chamberlain is killed for pumping his fist, but guys like Papelbon take it to the next level. If Chamberlain did the “safe” sign like that, he’d be all over ESPN, Mike Francesa would be calling for his head and columnists would talk about how he’s showing up the opponent.
I want to watch MLB Network or “Baseball Tonight” and see these “analysts” call out Papelbon. If they don’t, something is seriously wrong.
It was nice to hear one of the Mets’ announcers tell Papelbon to “sit down,” but I want to hear more of a reaction tonight.
AP Photo
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Papelbon whines, Mets win
Monday, July 30, 2007
Pre-trade deadline deals
A few trades were made today in advance of Tuesday's 4:00 p.m. non-waiver trading deadline.
Pending physicals, Texas Rangers 1B Mark Teixeira is on his way to Atlanta. Joining him will be RHP Ron Mahay. The Braves are sending rookie C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, minor league SS Elvis Andrus and two more prospects to Texas (source). From the same article, there is a rumor that the Braves are trying to acquire Kansas City Royals reliever Octavio Dotel for RHP Kyle Davies.
After Jose Valentin broke a bone in his leg, the New York Mets needed a second baseman. Today, they acquired Luis Castillo from the Minnesota Twins for two prospects (source). While Castillo doesn't steal many bases anymore, he is still a solid hitter (batting .304 this season) and is a three-time Gold Glove winner. Here is what one Met fan thinks of the trade.
The Cincinnati Reds have traded RHP Kyle Lohse to the Philadelphia Phillies for minor league LHP Matt Maloney (source). Lohse is 6-12 with a 4.58 ERA in 21 starts. Maloney is 9-7 with a 3.94 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 125 2-3 innings in AA.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Roger Clemens' greatest hits
In honor of Roger Clemens returning to pitch for the Yankees at Yankee Stadium tomorrow, let us take a look at some of his more memorable moments as a New York Yankee.
February 18, 1999 - The Blue Jays trade Clemens to the Yankees for David Wells, Homer Bush, and Graeme Lloyd.
October 27, 1999 - Clemens wins the clinching game of the 1999 World Series, pitching 7 2-3 innings, only giving up one run.
July 8, 2000 - In the second game of a day-night two-stadium doubleheader, Clemens drills Mike Piazza in the head. As a result, Piazza misses the all-star game and the famous Clemens/Piazza feud is born.
October 14, 2000 - Game 4 of the ALCS in Seattle. Clemens pitches one of the best games of his career. He throws a complete game shutout, allowing one hit, striking out 15 Mariners while only walking two. This helped the Yankees advance to the 2000 World Series, where they went on to beat the Mets.
October 22, 2000 - Game 2 of the 2000 World Series. In the top of the first, Piazza breaks his bat, and the barrel ends up in Clemens' hand. Without hesitation, he fires it back in Piazza's direction. The Yankees would end up winning the game and the series in five games.
September 19, 2001 - Clemens wins his 20th game of the year, improving his record to 20-1. He would finish 20-3 en route to winning his sixth Cy Young Award.
October 30, 2001 - With President George W. Bush throwing out the first pitch and the Yankees down 2-0 in the World Series, Clemens pitches seven strong innings, allowing only one run while striking out nine. The Yankees would go on to win this game.
June 13, 2003 - Clemens wins his 300th game and records his 4,000th strikeout against the St. Louis Cardinals. He pitches 6 2-3 innings and strikes out ten.
October 23, 2003 - World Series Game 4. Clemens strikes out Luis Castillo to end the seventh. Announcing he was going to retire at the end of the season, the fans give him a standing ovation as he walked off the mound. Little did they know that Clemens would still be pitching in 2007.
May 6, 2007 - OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS. Clemens hijacks the Yankee Stadium P.A. system during the seventh inning stretch to announce he has signed a deal to come back and pitch for the Yankees. "Thank y'all. Well, they came and got me out of Texas, and, uh, I can tell ya it's a privilege to be back," Clemens said. "I'll be talking to y'all soon." Suzyn Waldman then proceeds to have a seizure on the radio.
June 9, 2007 - Clemens will take the mound wearing a Yankee uniform for the first time since October 23, 2003. He will start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Welcome back, Roger.
