This was by far the best series I’ve watched all season.   The Yankees seemed to be firing on all cylinders, stayed the course and beat the Red Sox in some tough match ups.   It was like they weren’t going to let this opportunity get by them.   As for the pitching…. Joba struggled but grinded through.  CC, AJ and Andy all held their innings together getting out of jams when they needed to.  The bull pen responded as well having rested arms because of the great job the starters did.  And how about those bats… A-Rod earned his pinstripes this weekend.  Tex became a TRUE Yankee firstbasemen.  Melky, Posada, Cano, Damon, Jeter all contributed something to help them win these games.  I thought they might take 2 or 3 but didn’t think they would sweep.  Still alot of baseball so have to keep our heads… but man it’s great to be 6 1/2 up on Boston.

Now for ESPN’s coverage… IT SUCKED!  Miller and Morgan continue to talk about anything other than what’s going on in the game.  Then we had a 1 inning commercial for the new Luis Tiant movie… which looks like it will be good but give me a break..  they went like 6 batters without calling the game.   Also, does ESPN understand that we want to see replays of things like close pitches, balls that might have hit batters, home runs, and other important stuff that happens during games.    They provide the worse coverage of a baseball game of any major network.   I’ve seen college sports stations that do a better job.   I hope MLB gives the Sunday night game to the MLB Network.  They would do a better job.

Anyway… First place by 6 1/2 games… that sure sounds good when you say it.

Speak Out: Yankee Fan Forum

Mike Mussina officially announced his retirement today.  The Yankees have scheduled a news conference at 4pm today to discuss. 

Moose will be missed by Yankee fans for his crafty pitching, unrivaled spirit and relentless dedication.  It was a pleasure watching Mike pitch, especially when that knuckle curve was in the zone.  He was a fierce competitor grinding out every pitch of every inning. Mussina, who turns 40 next month, is the first pitcher to retire after a 20 win season since Sandy Koufax did it in 1966.

Last season Yankee fans were treated to 20 examples of his artistry on the mound and I for one enjoyed all of them.   While he seemed a little cold or distant at times there was no quit in Mussina.  His firey attitude was evident and he was know in the clubhouse as a good teammate.

 A few career highlights:

• Drafted by the Orioles in 1987 in the 11th round, did not sign.  Instead went to Stanford University
• Earned a degree in economics from Stanford in December 1990 finishing in only 3 1/2 years
• Signed with Orioles in July of 1990 after he was taken in the 1st round of the draft.
• July of 1991 made his first Major League start and finished the season with a 2.87 ERA
• Pitched 10 seasons for Baltimore before signing with the Yankees in 2001.
• Mussina pitched 8 seasons for the Yankees his last being his best winning 20 games.
• 18 Year Career stats: 537 Starts, 270 Wins, 153 Losses, 57 Compete games, 23 Shut outs, 3562 innings pitched, 2813 Strikeouts, 3.68 ERA
• Works with many charitable organizations throughout his baseball career.
• Received the 2007 Thurman Munson Award for his accomplishments on the field and his philanthropic work within the community

During his Yankee career Mussina made donations of baseball equipment to kids throughout the tri-state area.  He had a big influence on youth players including my son who learned the knuckle curve after watching Mussina’s masterful use of it.

As I said in previous posts.. I thought he would stay in the game at least one more year.  After the season he had in 2008 I thought he would give it one more shot.  Maybe it was more hope on my part rather than a practical, logical prediction.  I still think he could be successful, I’m sure he does too.  However, it’s always best to go out on top… no one can blame you for that.  He ended it on a 20 win season… the highest of high notes for a pitcher.

BTW… I purposely held off posting this until Mussina officially announced his retirement.   I thought waiting for him to announce his decision was the right thing to do.

The debate will soon begin as to whether or not he is worthy of the Hall of Fame.   Let’s leave that discussion for another day and focus today on thanking Mike Mussina for being a solid citizen and a great Yankee player.   So Long Moose!

Speak Out: Yankee Fan Forum

Watch this video from the tail end of the 2008 season and it become clear rather quickly that this man knows diddly about baseball.  What was he doing all those years his dad was guiding the greatest franchise in sports?  Getting drunk and crusing chicks?   With Hank at the helm, the New York Yankees are doomed.

I love this… Question: With all the injuries is this team good enough to win. Hank: I dunno!

:: Donnie23