What it looks like from here.

I’ve been meaning to write this for the past 2 weeks, but have been way too busy – which I guess is a good thing.

Well, the Rangers and Cardinals are playing in the Series – who really predicted that?  And with apologies to any friends who are fans of either team: does anybody really care?  I can’t remember the last time I was less interested in the World Series.

Nevertheless, the Yankee season has ended and at least we’re not all talking about fried chicken and beer.  It’s hard to say this, but I do kind of feel sorry for Red Sox nation.  First the team goes 7-20 for September, then Tito takes the blame, now we’re trying to figure out what kind of fried chicken Beckett likes and if his cup was full of water or beer in the 7th inning.  It’s hard to feel too sorry for you guys though.  Really hard. You’ll always have 2004.  But don’t forget that we’ll always have Aaron F. Boone and 2003.  One last point: remember, it wasn’t the Yankees “laying down” against Tampa Bay the last 3 games of the season that got you out of the playoffs.  It was that you went 7-20, including, winning only 1 of 3 games against the same Yankees team only days earlier.  And the win came against Scott Proctor.  You are welcome.

Game 5 against the Tigers was brutal.  We really did lose because we couldn’t get a big hit when it mattered.  As a reminder, 2 weeks later I still remember that the Yanks had 5 at-bats with the bases loaded, and only scored one run when Texiera walked. I thought Girardi managed the series pretty well and there were only two things I thought should have been different.  First, CC didn’t have his best stuff in Game 3 so when Detroit pinch-hit a lefty in the 6th inning to try to keep CC out there, I still through Girardi should have went to the bullpen.  Second, I applaud the idea of moving Cano up in the order, but he needs to bat cleanup.  I really liked Texiera in the 3-spot, so I would have had Tex-Cano-ARod going 3-4-5.

Although we didn’t get past the 1st round, it still was a fun year to be a Yankees fan.  Jeter’s 3000th hit and his great season.  Mariano being the last guy who will ever get 600 saves, and he is still on top of his game.  Did we see Jorge’s last hurrah?  He had a great series against Detroit – I hope he decides to go out on that note.

Next year should be interesting.  There are a number of questions going into the postseason.  First and foremost, I hope that the only reason CC opts out of his contract is because 30 seconds later he is signing a multi-year deal with the Yanks.  Next, what’s up with ARod?  It might be time to move him down to 6th in the lineup.  What about Swish?  Where does Garner bat?  Putting him 9th doesn’t get him the at-bats he needs to make a difference (see just about every article about this pre-season).  Montero looks amazing, but where will he play?  It seems weird to have a 21-year old be a full-time DH.

Well, time to root for the Football Giants.  Last Sunday, I heard one of the NFL guys say that the Giants are the best team in the NFC East, which is the complete kiss of death.  Go Blue!