In pursuit of hit no. 3,000 in the illustrious career of New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, the Bronx Bombers and their fans will have to wait as a trip to the Disabled List halts the timing of the All-Star shortstop making history. In his first at-bat during last Monday's game against the visiting Cleveland Indians, Jeter notched the 2,994th hit of his career by lacing a single to left field. There wouldn't be much else to cheer for though as Jeter would have to leave the game just four innings later in what was eventually a 1-0 loss.
After hitting a fly ball to right field, Jeter suffered a strained right calf when he began running to first base. After receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital, an MRI revealed a Grade 1 strain. Though Grade 1 is the lowest level strain possible, the injury forced Yankees skipper Joe Girardi to place his future Hall of Fame shortstop on the DL for the first time since 2003. However, with six hits remaining until he reaches the big milestone and only two games at home before an eight game road trip when Jeter is eligible to return to the lineup, the chances of him reaching the feat at home in front of the New York faithful are slim. That's unless he misses a few starts on purpose. But with the team first mentality Jeter has been known for having, that's unlikely. The injury also comes at a pivotal time as the archrival Boston Red Sox who were slow out of the gates at 2-10 to start the season, have suddenly caught fire winning 14 of their last 17 games and now own sole possession of first place in the powerhouse AL East. But like almost every season for the past 10 years, the final week or so will decide who comes out on top. And just because the Yankees are without the one they call the captain, doesn't mean they're not going to treat every game like it's their last. Since being placed on the DL, New York has done just fine, winning 6 of their 7 games without Jeter in the lineup.
Given the Yankees franchise is by far the richest in history highlighted by the success of some of the most elite hitters of all-time with the likes of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Lou Gehrig just to name a few, it's hard to believe no Yankee player has ever reached the highly coveted 3,000 career hit plateau. Taking that into consideration, I think the smart thing for both Jeter and the Yankees organization to do would be to have him reach the milestone while at Yankee Stadium. Though all milestones are better suited in front of a home crowd, it would be disappointing to see Jeter record his 3,000th career hit anywhere other than New York, granted how rare the feat has occurred. Jeter who turns 37 later this week, is yet to hit his stride and is so far having an off year after experiencing free agency for the first time in his career this past offseason. Currently hitting .260 with 2 home runs and 20 RBI's, Jeter will try to become only the 28th player in Major League history to join the 3,000-hit club. The question that remains is where it'll take place, whether it's on the road or at home whenever he returns to the Yankees lineup.
Out of the blue, Philly emerges to land Lee - Just when he seemed on the fence of heading either Texas or New York bound, the Cliff Lee sweepstakes took a surprising twist. Ditching the glam of playing under the microscope that is the big apple, and the sweltering heat Texas has to offer, Lee decided to return to the team that traded him just a year ago. Though his destination might seem like somewhat of a surprise given Philly was under the radar in acquiring Lee, the biggest shocker is the amount of money he left on the table. According to sources, New York offered a 6-year, $138 Million dollar deal with a $16 Million dollar option for a seventh year. Meanwhile, Texas offered a similar contract worth $138 Million over 6-years, the only difference -- a seventh year option of $23 Million.
Those same sources say if Texas was willing to guarantee a seventh year, Lee would have signed on the dotted line. Instead, he settles for 5-years, and $120 Million to pitch in the city of Brotherly Love. After winning a Cy Young Award with a mediocre Cleveland Indians ball club in '08, Lee was traded mid-season to the Phillies, pitching them to their second consecutive World Series appearance and single-handedly won the only two games in the series against the Yankees. With a year left on his contract, the Phils dealt Lee to the Mariners in fear of not being able to sign him to a long term deal, and later packaged a number of prospects to Toronto for Roy Halladay. The move was often criticized, but couldn't have worked out any better now that they have both Halladay who won the Cy Young this past season, and Lee, who was nothing short of magical during his brief stint with the club. To compliment their dynamic duo of Cy Young Award winners, the Philadelphia pitching staff also includes Roy Oswalt, who has finished atop the Cy Young voting for a number of years, and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels. With Lee back in the mix, the Phillies now have three of the eight best winning percentages in all of baseball among starters (Halladay and Oswalt), and is being regarded as the best starting pitching staff in all of baseball. However, the reigning World Series Champion San Francisco Giants beg to differ. What the deal means for teams like the Rangers and Yankees that are still in need of an All-Star pitcher, only puts fire under those desperate to make a trade for Kansas City's Zach Greinke. Or perhaps Joe Blaton, who the Phillies are shopping in hopes of cutting payroll.
Although he could have made a bit more cash having signed with either Texas or New York, the $120 Million dollar deal still makes it the fourth richest free agent contract issued to a starting pitcher in Major League history, only behind former Indians teammate C.C. Sabathia's $161 Million with the Yankees, Barry Zito's $126 Million with the Giants, and Mike Hampton's absurd $121 Million dollar contract he signed with the Rockies. Does the acquisition of Cliff Lee now surpass Boston as the clear cut favorites to win it all heading into next season?
On July 22nd, in New York hosting the visiting Kansas City Royals, A-Rod launched the 599th home run of his career, sending the baseball world on the edge of their seats anxiously waiting for him to reach the 600 HR milestone. However, a slump would soon follow as the Yankees prepared for a road trip. 12-Games and 47 at-bats later, Rodriguez would finally connect for no. 600 in front of the Yankee faithful, ending an 0-for-17 skid and getting the monkey off the back of both he and his Yankee teammates. Toronto Blue Jays' Shaun Marcum fell victim to the long ball, during the first inning and would eventually suffer the loss, 5-1. Coincidentally, the feat came 3-years to the day of A-Rod's 500th career homer. And ironically, teammate Derek Jeter was on base during both milestones. At age 35, Rodriguez becomes the youngest player to reach 600 home runs, surpassing the great Babe Ruth who hit number 600 at the age of 36. He also becomes only the 7th member in Major League history to make it into the 600 Home Run Club, joining the elite class of Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., and Sammy Sosa. Although A-Rod is the youngest player to join the club by a year and some change, his legacy is entirely different due to his admitted use of steroids from his hay day with the Texas Rangers organization which spanned from 2001-2003. Prior to his admitted usage of performance enhancing drugs, Rodriguez was the one guy everyone was rooting for in hopes of breaking the all-time home run record which was set 3-years ago by Barry Bonds, due to his links to PED's. Instead those fans' hopes were shattered once A-Rod made public of his banned substance usage just a year ago.
With A-Rod's two week homer drought finally reaching its climax, there's no telling how much pressure would be on him to hit no. 700 and beyond if he were to remain healthy. With that being said, hopefully he'll spare both his team and the rest of us baseball fans by not reaching the 700 HR mark. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say, I don't know how many more constant in-game look-ins I can take.
Just another chapter to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry - Before finishing the 2009 season strong with 28 home runs and 99 runs batted in, Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz began the season on a sluggish note. And similar to his slow start last season, Big Papi has already shown struggles early on to start his 2010 campaign. Through his first 11-games, Ortiz has a whopping 6-hits in 41-at bats and owns a batting average of .146. But if things on-the-field aren't frustrating enough for the 5-time All-Star, maybe those off-the-field are. Adding fuel to the fire of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, is New York's very own businessman and hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, who is suing Ortiz for opening a nightclub in his native country of the Dominican Republic and naming it "Forty-Forty." A name that Jay-Z thinks is a bit too close to his sports lounges which carry the name "The 40/40 Club."
Since first opening its doors in New York City in 2003, Jay-Z has been co-owner of "The 40/40 Club" and has since then migrated the brand to other locations such as Atlantic City, Chicago and Las Vegas. Jay-Z and company also plan to expand their upscale sports venues overseas in both Tokyo and Macau. However, Ortiz' native homeland of Santo Domingo was never part of the plans. Nor is he on the V.I.P list considering he plays for the Boston Red Sox who just so happen to be arch rivals of Hova's beloved Yankees... At least not anymore anyways. When being asked where he came up with the name of his club, Jay-Z said "The 40/40 club in baseball is as executive as it gets." Of coarse referring to the rare club of those who hit 40-home runs and steal 40-stolen bases in a single season. A rare feat only four players in Major League history have accomplished -- Jose Canseco (1988), Barry Bonds (1996), Alex Rodriguez (1998) and Alfonzo Soriano (2006).
The achievement is something Ortiz would know nothing about, given he's one of the slowest guys on the playing field and only has 10 stolen bases throughout his entire 13-year career. My guess is when first coming up with the name, Big Papi was referring to 40-home runs and 40-hot dogs. Or perhaps 40-cervezas? Either way, Ortiz is in a world of trouble both on the baseball diamond and soon enough in the courtroom. What I'd really like to know is, whether or not Jay would have decided to take Derek Jeter or A-Rod to court if they did the same thing. Now that I highly doubt...
No hot plate for Span - Earlier this week, wrapping up the last of their spring training games in the Grapefruit League held in Florida, the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees took the field in front of a sold out crowd at the Yankees spring training facility. In only the first at-bat of the ballgame, a player would steal the spotlight and make headlines throughout the world of sports...But not in the way he would've hoped. Fresh off a brand new five-year, $16.5 million dollar deal, Twins outfielder Denard Span led off the game. After a full count, Span took a swing at a pitch, fouling a ball off his bat and into the stands, striking a woman in the chest.
With his mother in attendance, he prepared for the worst. After a loud shriek and aw from the crowd, Span ran over near the third base dugout where his mother and other family members were sitting. It wasn't long before Span had realized the ball in which he hit, struck his own mother in the chest, causing her to leave the stands and receive medical attention. With his mother being looked at, Span returned to the plate to finish the at-bat. Still in shock of what happened, Denard ended up striking-out and returning to the dugout. With the incident still on his mind and a full game left to play, Span decided it would be better to call it a day. While heading to the locker room and worrying about his mother's health, little did he know she would make a return to her seat just a few innings later unharmed. In fact, Wanda Wilson [Denard's mother] was upset her son didn't finish the game, when being asked what she thought of the incident.
Since the accident took place, Span has lobbied for extended netting to protect fans down both the first and third base lines near the dugout. Over the years we've seen balls, bats and even players fly into the stands harming fans of all ages. I think it's only a matter of time before they put some kind of fiberglass barrier around the ballpark to ensure the safety of fans, similar to those in hockey. As for Denard, it must of been one tough spoonful to swallow, knowing you just hit your mother, the woman that brought you into this world with a foul ball. I'm guessing Span has seen 'Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins' quite a few times? Regardless, I doubt Denard will be getting any of mom's famous home cookin' any time soon! I wouldn't be surprised if Span was grounded either or possibly sent to time out.Then again, there's always the approach my parents took -- the good 'ol belt to ass method or as my mom called it a whoopin with the belt!
Here's the video highlight of the Span's at-bat, via ESPN:
Play Ball! -With baseball season on the horizon and ready to take place, what better way to kick off the season than for the Yankees and Redsox to renew their rivalry. Less than 24 hours from now, New York's C.C. Sabathia will face off against Boston's Josh Beckett at Fenway park. But with the start of the 2010 MLB season, also comes my predictions. It was around this time last year when I first created my blog, and put up my predictions for last year's season (Peanuts!, Get'churr Peanuts!). And if you've followed my blog since, you'd know how my predictions panned out. Let's just say not the way I thought, with the Mets (My NL pick) being plagued with injury after injury and taking a lot longer than expected to adapt to their new $900 million dollar environment, also known as Citi Field. Boston (My AL pick) on the other hand was bounced out of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in a 3-game sweep.
Thankfully a new season means a new start. First off in the AL West, I think with the absence of their former ace John Lackey and All-Star third-baseman Chone Figgins who's now in Seattle, the Angels will no longer be the dominant team of that division. With a busy offseason for the Mariners, I think they did a tremendous job, showing commitment to make a huge step this upcoming season. The combination of Felix Hernandez and newly acquired Cliff Lee will give them a great 1-2 punch, if not the best in all of baseball. I also believe the Texas Rangers will be right there on the heels of Seattle and Anaheim. With a deadly offense, this team is still one more All-Star caliber pitcher away from creating some damage in my opinion. As for the A's, better luck next season... Or the season after that...
AL West: Seattle Mariners
The AL Central looks to be another 3-team battle with the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, and the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately for last year's division champion Twins team, they'll be without their All-Star closer Joe Nathan for the entire 2010 season, due to Tommy John Surgery. With a Twins squad set to play in a new out-door stadium instead of the Metrodome they've played in for 28-years, I think their new stadium will take some getting used to. I like the fact that the White Sox will be starting the season off with Jake Peavy in the rotation, but other than Gordon Beckham and Alexi Ramirez, the guys on offense are just another year older. If Carlos Quentin can have another year like his 2008 campaign, that would be huge. And if Juan Pierre gets enough playing time, he could play a vital role in my opinion. If Andruw Jones could duplicate one of his last few years in Atlanta it would be huge. Then again, he hasn't done a thing since signing that monster contract with the Dodgers two years ago. In Mo-town, other than Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera, I don't find anything that sticks out. Cleveland and Kansas City? Let's not mention them...
AL Central: Chicago White Sox
In the AL East, I see nothing more than a dog fight between the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and the young and dangerous Tampa Bay Rays. If only it was possible for more than two teams in the same division make it to the postseason. Although I think the Rays will make an improvement from last year's 84-78 record, it won't be enough to win the division or the wild-card. The winner of the division could go to either Boston or New York, but with the Yankees as the reigning champs, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. Boston will be right there with them though, but will have to settle for the wild-card, regardless of Jason Bay's bat, who I think they will miss deeply.
AL East: New York Yankees
Now for my favorite division, the NL West. I'm surprised of how many sports writers and analysts have projected the Giants to win the division. And you know what? I'm going to agree with them. Last year I was being optimistic with picking my team, but this year I will no longer have to rely on optimism to win the NL West pennant. And if they don't win the division, I think they'll settle for the wild-card, with the Colorado Rockies to blame. Last year's champion Los Angeles Dodgers are no longer a concern in my opinion, as both the Giants and Rockies have surpassed them as the top dogs in this division. Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp and Andre Either are all young studs, but I don't think it'll be enough to make a third consecutive trip to the NLCS. That's unless Mannywood carries them on his back again, like he did two seasons ago. Like I said in my 2010 SF Giants preview, let's hope Aubrey Huff turns out to be the power hitter we've all been hoping for *crosses fingers*. Arizona won't be as bad as they were last year with Brandon Webb back and healthy, but the Padres still look like a player or two from being a Minor League ball club, and I don't see All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzales sticking around after the trade deadline.
NL West: San Francisco Giants
The NL Central is a bit similar to the AL Central in my opinion, boring. But with a nice 1-2 punch of Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, the Cardinals are instant favorites. And I guess having the best player in the game today -- Albert Pujols won't hurt much either. A new contract for outfielder Matt Holiday only adds insult to injury for the rest of the NL Central. With a surprising 2009 from the Reds, I think they could easily leap-frog a spot in the division. The Brew Crew looks a bit bland on offense other than Bruan & Fielder and their pitching needs all the help it can get as Yovani Gallardo is the lone man standing. As for the Chicago Cubs, looks like it'll be just another number added to the 100+ year World Series Championship drought. Sorry Houston and Pittsburgh.
NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals
Last season I made the mistake of picking the New York Mets of not only winning the division (which they didn't do), but I had them winning the whole shabangabang. Last year's disappointing 4th place finish could have been blamed on injuries, but who knows. Although I don't see someones name being added to the DL every other day for the Mets this year, I see the defending National League champs standing in their way. And if they aren't enough, I see the Braves ahead of them as well. Starting the season off with Tommy Hanson in the rotation will be quite an upgrade from last year's opening day rotation who will see many of the same faces. Even though I'm yet to mention the Marlins, no way am I forgetting about them. If team can surprise a league, it's the Fish. The Nationals will make some progress towards becoming a contender, but this year won't be the year.
NL East: Philadelphia Phillies
My pick to win it all? I'm going to say a rematch of last year's World Series, but this time with the Phillies coming out on top. What does my heart say? San Francisco vs. Boston with the Giants holding the hardware up high.
World Series: Phillies over Yankees in 6 games.
& While we're on the brink of another Yankees-Red Sox series, peep this video for a laugh:
