Monday, August 18, 2008

PICASNER RANTS AND RAVES

A good day for the Yanks, however, I hope Cano watches the way Gardner approaches the game. Gardner hits one into the gap and leaves the box thinking TRIPLE all the way (of course, his blazing speed helps). Cano hits one and thinks WOW, LOOK AT THAT, and then decides to "run". Girardi is supposed to be tough; why isn't he dealing with this? Something along the lines of what Joe Maddon did might be in order. Maddon was so upset with BJ Upton's lack of hustle, he waited till Upton got to his position in center field before he pulled him from the game. A little embarrassment can go a long way. Charley Manuel of the Phillies has twice pulled last year's MVP J. Rollins for not hustling. Come on, Joe, deal with this.

Of course, Girardi is not alone. Terry Francona never dealt effectively with the "Manny" problem. Instead of "Manny being Manny", it should have been "Manny Not Playing". Joe Torre is no better. He told Manny to cut his hair and it appears it took two weeks for those words to find their way thru his dreadlocks. Then he only took an inch off to which Torre said was "OK for now". I guess the rule is: "If you hit, you cannot convict".

Nady impresses me more every day. He hits, fields and HUSTLES. Gardner sure looks better this time around, doesn't he. I still like Christian a little better.

This should be interesting: Nady, Damon, Abreu, Gardner, Christian and Matsui vying for 3 outfield spots and one DH. Too bad it isn't softball: a short fielder would certainly take some pressure off.

Dateline April, 2008: Place your bets - who will have the most wins by August 15th: Johann Santana or Mike Mussina? Who can believe Mussina? He has the accuracy of a laser scope, a curve like Bert Blyleven and a fastball like my wife's and he wins.
If you get to watch him come off the mound, you will see that he also knows how to schmooze the umpires, too. Whatever works.

One last chance to prove they belong: the next six games. They must win at least 5 out of 6. Good luck.

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