The Yankees shocking expulsion from Baseball’s October proceedings left their devoted legion of fans falling perilously into negativity, trapped in feelings ranging from disillusionment to anger.
People react to disappointment in different ways, their methods of coping best reflecting their personalities. Some people disavow their devotion, while others find their loyalty reinforced in defeat. Some people react calmly, while others write a nonsensical stream of conscience sports column named after a Carlos Santana jam. Whatever the survival method, we all eventually get led back to a mutual point of origin:
Hope for the future, appreciation for the past, and a constant yearning to continually move forward.
How exactly should the Yankees correct the error of their ways?
At the dawning of yet another cold winter catharsis, here are one fan’s humble suggestions.
1. Sign Daisuke Matsuzaka
D-Mat, as he so eloquently calls himself, really deserves a column of his own. For all his negatives, be it the frightening number of innings he has already pitched in Japan, his lack of Major League experience, or even his atrocious haircut, Matsuzaka also brings a wealth of obscenely positive attributes.
He is 26. His stuff is filthy, but more importantly, diversified. In fact, it is the latter point that separates Matsuzaka from such luminaries as Hideki Irabu.
Any comparison between Irabu and Matsuzaka is entirely foolish due to the simple math of pitch variety: D-Mat possesses several quality pitches, while Irabu only bought a fastball and splitter to the buffet table. Unlike two-pitch Hideki, Matsuzaka features a change, a slider, a forkball, and the ever mysterious gyroball, a screwball/splitter hybrid.
What does this all mean exactly?
Well, a Major League pitcher, despite his ungodly skill level, is simply not going to have his entire arsenal working in peak condition every time out to the mound. And it is in these games, when cunning and intelligence count the most, where an ace earns his keep.
Irabu? If his splitter wasn’t working to perfection, if his fastball couldn’t be thrown for strikes, he was one fat, toasted [pussy] toad.
Matsuzaka? If the slider is malfunctioning, he can lean on the forkball. If the fastball isn’t cooperating, he can work off his change. He is not a one dimensional pitcher, such as an Irabu, or to a lesser extent, a Nomo. For further positive reinforcement, witness the criminally under-rated Tomozaku Ohka, a fellow Japanese import. Despite below optimal velocity, his wide array of pitches has made his brief career a productive one.
America has not seen this type of Japanese power pitcher ever before, and any preconceptions associated with Daisuke should be accordingly thrown out the window.
Simply put, if the Yankees get an opportunity, via the posting system, to snare Matsuzaka, their rotation gets both younger and better. All of the sudden, the top two starting pitchers are way under the age of 30.
This is a good thing. [If you’re a Yankee fan]
2. Mariano’s Bridge is burning down… burning down… Mariano’s Bridge is burning down… [Upgrade the Pen]
Let’s make one thing clear here: The Yankees were extremely fortunate that their bullpen wasn’t a complete disaster in 2006. Kyle Farnsworth was wildly inconsistent, and did not pitch well enough to justify his first rate salary. Ron Villone understandably pulled a Paul Quantrill* after having his arm abused by St. Torre in the second half of the season. And Tanyon Sturtze, supposedly a key cog, saw his right shoulder succumb to wear and tear in early April, requiring season ending surgery.
The aforementioned St. Torre was questioned in connection with the murder of Mr. Strurtze’s right arm.
This mess of a middle relief corps was salvaged by one man… a man who opened Spring Training as a starter, a man counted on for absolutely nothing… the immortal Scott Proctor. This writer will readily admit to a distinct lack of faith in Proctor, and his complete lack of surprise when the flame throwing right-hander apparently ran out of gas around June. However, Proctor surprised many with his ability to bounce back and make adjustments [his slider markedly improved after the All Star Break] and he earned a rightful place in the top tier of the bullpen depth chart. Proctor also benefited from a revised mental outlook, which included watching highlight reels tuned to “Eye of the Tiger”, starring himself as an untouchable stopper.
I practice a similar method in preparation for new columns.
Besides Mariano Rivera, his imminence, and Mike Myers, the specialist, the overall production delivered by the Yankees’ bullpen in 2006 was wildly inconsistent. Even Proctor had his performance fluctuate between perfection and putridity. The Yankees need a more stable pen in 2007, instead of another dangerous game of reliever Roulette.
My solution: The inevitable trade of Gary Sheffield should preferably bring back a trustworthy relief pitcher.
Exhibit A: Scott Linebrink.
Futile as such an effort may turn out; it also wouldn’t hurt to throw out an incentive laden contract to Eric Gagne.
Akinori Otsuka, another closer by trade on the market, has my personal seal of approval.
[For what it’s worth]
3. Keep A-Rod, tune out morons
In an off year, Alex Rodriguez had 35 jacks and over 100 RBI’s. A monstrous bounce back campaign would only serve as natural progression. The last time A-Rod had a statistical lapse in greatness was 2004. The following year, his performance was once again worthy of his own immense talent.
I think some folks really tend to forget how much fun this guy can be to watch, when his mind is in line with positive motives.
Slight flicks of the wrists somehow result in opposite field blasts. Seemingly routine fly balls on unspectacular swings unbelievably carry beyond the limits of the outfield. [I’ll never forget his horrible swing on a home run against Tim Wakefield, which left him rounding the bases in a malaise, almost befuddled by his own ability]
Be reasonable people. I fully expect A-Rod to launch into a Tony Montana styled assault against his critics in 2007. I’d like for him to carry out this noble task in Pinstripes.
Because if there’s one thing great players do, it’s great things.
4. Keep Mussina
Mike Mussina, at worst, will provide two more winning seasons, at around a 4.10-4.30 ERA. This is well worth a continued investment in the Moose Market. As an added bonus, his wealth of experience should certainly benefit Phil Hughes when the mythical prospect arrives at Showtime, an intangible value certainly not lost on savvy General Manager Brian Cashman. Mussina’s willingness to take young pitchers under his well-learned wing during last season’s spring training session elevated his stock with many in the organization.
5. Be creative in filling out the Bench
Would it kill the Yankees to have some role players with upside? Give Josh Phelps, a potential late bloomer with a big bat, the chance for some time at first base and DH. See what J.R. House, a former big time catching prospect with the Pirates, has to offer in the low pressure role as Jorge Posada’s back-up.
Some other ideas:
– See if Mark Mulder can overcome his injuries on a one year commitment.
– If Daisuke gets away, bring back lefties Andy Pettitte and Ted Lilly.
– DON’T rely on Randy Johnson. Think of him as a bonus. If he comes back and pitches well, great, if he doesn’t, no big deal. Don’t depend on his presence.
– Stop being so chatty around Tom Verducci…
– If acquiring a new first baseman, don’t pursue crazy contract, and avoid giving up anything useful in a trade. This team has enough offense.
* Pulling a Paul Quantrill- To have one’s arm blown out by August due to gross overuse by Joe Torre. Also known as: getting Quantrilled.
– Matt Waters
