Special moments in September
I know Joe Girardi can't feel as sure as I do because he can't afford to feel the race is over, but I think along with many others that it is just a matter of time before the Yankees celebrate the American League East Division title again. Too much pitching, too much hitting, too much depth in every department.
I am spending time up here in Red Sox territory and even the most ardent Sox fans are hoping the Yankees polish off Tampa Bay and make it easier for the Red Sox to win the Wild Card. Texas is slowly slipping away. Minnesota could end up being more of a factor.
September is always an interesting month. Some young kid gets called up and does something memorable. In 1976 I was a member of the Phillies, and we were trying to hold off the Pirates for the NL East title. We had a comfortable lead, but as a former Yankee great has been quoted so often, "it's not over 'til it's over." The clinching blow came from a rookie Mets outfielder named Lee Mazzilli. He homered in the 10th inning to beat the Pirates and we could begin to celebrate.
The baseball history books are full of September heroes that got called upon when the rosters are allowed to expand to 40 from the normal 25. If I had my way, the rosters would be frozen after May 31, and other than replacing a legitimately injured player or calling up a player from your own Minor League system, teams would have to go with what they had on June 1. I feel it would keep the teams with no budget constraint from adding players to strengthen their team. It would place a premium on developing homegrown talent and also give jobs to some veterans who might be paid enough to entice them to play in the Minors until they were needed.
You can begin to see how teams look ahead to potential post-season matchups and try to set their roster accordingly. The Billy Wagner acquisition is an example. He could be a big factor against the Yankees with all their left-handed and switch hitters if the two titans of the East meet again. Some teams claim players off waivers to keep another team from acquiring him. Setting the trade deadline at May 31 would eliminate all that movement and keep teams like the White Sox from throwing in the towel. It's so demoralizing to the rest of the players and the fans when teams do that.
We could really see some attractive pitching matchups in post-season play this year. Use your imagination: Lincecum, Lee, Cain, Hamels, [if he gets it together soon] Sabathia, Beckett, Lester, Burnett, Wainwright. I probably missed a few. Notice I didn't mention any Dodgers. As good a year as they have had they don't have the experienced, dominant starter you usually need in October. Should be fun to watch. I just wish they could all go nine innings.
I am spending time up here in Red Sox territory and even the most ardent Sox fans are hoping the Yankees polish off Tampa Bay and make it easier for the Red Sox to win the Wild Card. Texas is slowly slipping away. Minnesota could end up being more of a factor.
September is always an interesting month. Some young kid gets called up and does something memorable. In 1976 I was a member of the Phillies, and we were trying to hold off the Pirates for the NL East title. We had a comfortable lead, but as a former Yankee great has been quoted so often, "it's not over 'til it's over." The clinching blow came from a rookie Mets outfielder named Lee Mazzilli. He homered in the 10th inning to beat the Pirates and we could begin to celebrate.
The baseball history books are full of September heroes that got called upon when the rosters are allowed to expand to 40 from the normal 25. If I had my way, the rosters would be frozen after May 31, and other than replacing a legitimately injured player or calling up a player from your own Minor League system, teams would have to go with what they had on June 1. I feel it would keep the teams with no budget constraint from adding players to strengthen their team. It would place a premium on developing homegrown talent and also give jobs to some veterans who might be paid enough to entice them to play in the Minors until they were needed.
You can begin to see how teams look ahead to potential post-season matchups and try to set their roster accordingly. The Billy Wagner acquisition is an example. He could be a big factor against the Yankees with all their left-handed and switch hitters if the two titans of the East meet again. Some teams claim players off waivers to keep another team from acquiring him. Setting the trade deadline at May 31 would eliminate all that movement and keep teams like the White Sox from throwing in the towel. It's so demoralizing to the rest of the players and the fans when teams do that.We could really see some attractive pitching matchups in post-season play this year. Use your imagination: Lincecum, Lee, Cain, Hamels, [if he gets it together soon] Sabathia, Beckett, Lester, Burnett, Wainwright. I probably missed a few. Notice I didn't mention any Dodgers. As good a year as they have had they don't have the experienced, dominant starter you usually need in October. Should be fun to watch. I just wish they could all go nine innings.
Hello Jim,
Nice to read an piece by you again! I liked the piece and have to completely agree with you about the roster expansion being cut off earlier in the year. It is really unfair at times and out of nowhere a team can pick up a key player and put them in situation to gain ground that otherwise would have been impossible.
I wanted to get your take on the playoff system and it's treament of division winners. To me, at least this decade, the wild card teams (the ones playing meaningful games until the seasons last day) seem to have been the teams most likely to win the world series or League Pennant since 2002 (Angles, Marlins, Red Sox, Astros, Rockies, Tigers). Personally I feel there isn't enough incentive towards winning a division anymore and more often in recent history these hot teams take October by force.
To me baseball should mimic what is done in Japan and have the wild card team have to win an extra game in a 5 game series to truly give the team that was more consistent and better from April through September a distinct advantag. The wild card team is inconsistent at times and got hot at the end and therefore should have more weight on them to get out of the first round. It is just an idea and was curious about your feedback.
Finally, I agree that this years Dodgers lack the great pitching that many October bound clubs have and wouldn't be surprised if they miss out of October ball or get knocked out of the first round. Thanks for your time.
Sincerley,
Michael
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Hey Jim:
Great to hear from you. We do miss you in the booth. Your insight into the game was always informative and entertaining. However, I'm sure you're enjoying your time around the country.
I never really thought of the earlier trading deadline, but your case makes tons of sense. Do you want to be the next Commish?!
Enjoy the pennant races!
Chris
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