Baseball Toaster: Bronx Banter : Hello, Goodbye

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Suggested Reading

Alex:
Ray Negron part 1 2 3 4
Dad, Reggie and Me
Slaughterhouse Five
Way Out in Brooklyn
Heat Fave
Passing
Love, Death and Baseball

Cliff:
The Ugly Truth About the New Yankee Stadium
First-Half Review
2008 Draft Roundup
July Farm Report
2008 Campers
All-Star Game: 1977, 2008
The Holy "Trinity": 1904 1949
Yankees by the Numbers
SportsIllustrated.com archive

Other Writing

Alex:
Strikes and Gutters: A Year with the Coen Brothers: Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
My 20 Favorite Hip Hop Albums
Greatest Singles from Hip Hop's Golden Era (1986-1994)
Ten Neglected Hip Hop Classics

Cliff:
Tin Ear
Pazz & Jop ballots: 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 (post), 2002, 2001
Clem Snide
Eminem
Sleater-Kinney

Bronx Banter Interviews

Roger Angell
Allen Barra
Jim Bouton
Howard Bryant: Part 1, Part 2
Ken Burns: Part 1, Part 2
Will Carroll
Ethan Coen
Harvey Frommer
Malcom Gladwell
Bill James
Pat Jordan
Chuck Korr: Part 1 Part 2
Jane Leavy
Michael Lewis
Tim Marchman
Marvin Miller
Rob Neyer: Part 1, Part 2
Buster Olney: April 2003, Sept. 2004
Buck O'Neil
Joe Posnanski
Alan Schwarz
Joel Sherman
Tom Verducci

Excerpts

Juicing the Game by Howard Bryant Part 1 Part 2
Forging Genius by Steven Goldman Part 1 Part 2
How About That! by Stephen Borelli
The Crowd Sounds Happy by Nicholas Dawidoff
The Last Nine Innings by Charles Euchner
Clemente by David Maraniss
The Soul of Baseball by Joe Posnanaski
Glenn Stout and Richard A. Johnson:
Yankee Century: Part 1 Part 2
Red Sox Century: 1 2 3 4
The Dodgers: 120 Years of Dodgers Baseball

Players

Major Leauge Roster:

Infielders:
J. Giambi BR BP E MLB
R. Cano BR BP E MLB
D. Jeter BR BP E MLB
A. Rodriguez BR BP E MLB
W. Betemit BR BP E MLB mi
C. Ransom BR BP E MLB mi
J. Miranda BR BC mi

Outfielders:
B. Abreu BR BP E MLB
J. Damon BR BP E MLB
X. Nady BR BP E MLB
H. Matsui BR BP E MLB mi
B. Gardner BR E MLB mi
M. Cabrera BR BP E MLB mi

Catchers:
I. Rodriguez BR BP E MLB
J. Molina BR BP E MLB
C. Moeller BR BP E MLB mi
F. Cervelli BR BC mi

Starting Pitchers:
M. Mussina BR BP BC E
A. Pettitte (L) BR BP BC E
P. Hughes BR BP BC E mi
C. Pavano BR BP BC E mi
A. Aceves BR E mi

Relief Pitchers:
M. Rivera BR BP BC E
J. Chamberlain BR BP BC E
D. Marte (L) BR BP BC E
J. Veras BR BP BC E mi
E. Ramirez BR BP BC E mi
B. Bruney BR BP BC E mi
D. Giese BR BP BC E mi
C. Britton BR BP BC E mi
P. Coke (L) BR BC E mi
D. Rasner BR BP BC E mi
S. Ponson BR BP BC E mi
D. Robertson BR BC E mi
H. Sanchez BC mi

15-day DL:
C. Wang BR BP BC E
60-day DL:
J. Posada BR BP E MLB
J. Albaladejo BR BP BC E mi
A. Brackman BC

Coaches:
J. Girardi (Mgr) BR BP BC
R. Thomson (Bench) BC
Kevin Long (Hit) BR
D. Eiland (Pitch) BR BP BC
B. Meacham (3B) BR BP BC
T. Peña (1B) BR BP BC
M. Harkey (Pen) BR BP BC

40-man Roster:
AAA
S. Duncan BR BP E MLB mi
J. Christian BR BP E MLB mi
I. Kennedy BR BP BC E mi
C. Wright (L) BR BP BC E mi
J. Marquez BR BC mi

Designated for Assignment:
B. Traber (L) BR BP BC E mi

Select Minor Leaguers:

AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees:
B. Castro BR mi DL
C. Basak BR BP BC E MLB mi
E. Duncan BC mi
N. Green BR mi
B. Broussard BR mi
M. Carson BC mi
C. Stewart BR BP E MLB mi
J. Brown BC mi DL
K. Igawa (L) BR BP BC E JB mi
M. Melancon BC mi
J.B. Cox BC mi
S. Strickland BR BC mi
S. Jackson BC mi
E. Milton BR BC mi DL
V. Zambrano BR BC mi DL

AA Trenton Thunder:
K. Russo BR mi
R. Peña BC mi DL
C. Malec BC mi
M. Vechionacci BC mi DL
A. Jackson BC mi
C. Curtis BC mi
E. Gonzalez BR mi
P.J. Pilittere BC mi
J. Jones BC mi
G. Kontos BC mi
J. Nuñez BC mi
B. Smith BC mi DL
A. Claggett BC mi
O. Perez BR BC mi
M. Gardner BC mi
K. Whelan BC mi
W. Arias (L) BC mi

A Tampa Yankees:
E. Nuñez BC mi
C.J. Henry BC mi DL
T. Battle BC mi
K. Anson BC mi
J. Gil BC mi
A. Horne BC mi DL
Z. McAllister BC mi
W. De La Rosa (L) BC mi
C. Garcia BC mi

Low-A Charleston RiverDogs:
J. Snyder BC mi
M. Cusick BC mi
B. Suttle BC mi
A. Romine BC mi
J. Montero BC mi
D. Betances BC mi
J. Heredia BC mi
J. Ortiz BC mi
C. Heyer BC mi

Low-A Staten Island Yankees:
D. Adams mi
P. Venditte mi

Rookie Gulf Coast Yankees:
C. Joseph mi
C. Smith mi
K. Higashioka mi

Key:
BR = Baseball-Reference
BP = Baseball Prospectus
BC = Baseball Cube (past mL stats)
mi = MiLB.com (current mL stats)
E = ESPN (current splits, game logs)
MLB = MLB.com hit charts
JB = Japanese Baseball.com

The Recently Departed

2008 Yankees:
R. Sexson BR BP E MLB
M. Ensberg BR BP E MLB CLE mL
A. Gonzalez BR BP E MLB mi WAS
K. Farnsworth BR BP BC E DET
L. Hawkins BR BP BC E HOU
S. Patterson BR BC mi SD

Nady/Marte Trade:
J. Tabata BC mi
J. Karstens BR BP BC E mi
R. Ohlendorf BR BP BC E
D. McCutchen BC mi

2008 Campers/mLers:
C. Woodward BR BP BC E MLB PHI mL
J. Lane BR mi BOS mL
G. Porter BC mi WAS mL
J.D. Closser BR mi SD mL
S. Henn (L) BR BP BC E mi SD
H. Phillips (L) BR BC mi TB mL
S. White BR BC mi

2007 Yankees:
J. Torre (Mgr) BR BP BC LAD
D. Mientkiewicz BR BP BC E MLB PIT
A. Phillips BR BP BC E MLB mi CIN
J. Phelps BR BP BC E MLB STL
M. Cairo BR BP BC E MLB SEA
K. Thompson BR BP BC E MLB mi PIT
B. Sardinha BC mi SEA mL
W. Nieves BR BP BC E MLB WAS
R. Clemens BR BP BC E mi
T. Clippard BR BP BC E mi WAS
L. Vizcaino BR BP BC E COL $7.5m/2yrs
M. DeSalvo BR BP BC E mi ATL mL
M. Myers (L) BR BP BC E LAD mL
R. Villone (L) BR BP BC E mi STL
S. Proctor BR BP BC E LAD
J. Brower BR BP BC E mi CIN mL
C. Bean BR BP BC E mi ATL mL

2007 Campers and mLers:
E. Durazo BR BP BC E MLB mi
A. Cannizaro BR BP BC E MLB mi TB mL
A. Chavez BR BP BC E MLB mi LAD mL
K. Reese BR BP BC E MLB mi
R. Chavez BR BP BC E MLB mi PIT mL
O. Santos BC mi BAL mL
T. Pratt BR BP BC E MLB
T.J. Beam BR BP BC E mi PIT mL
B. Kozlowski (L) BR BP BC E mi Japan

Molina Trade:
J. Kennard BC mi

Abreu Trade
M. Smith (L) BR BP BC E mi PHI
C. Monasterios BC mi PHI
J. Sanchez mi PHI

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Hello, Goodbye

2007-02-18 14:38

by Alex Belth

Last fall, when Emily and I got a cat, a friend at work told me that she once had a cat that she loved very much. She said that once it died she never got another one. It was simply too painful for her to get a pet knowing that she would likely out-live it. I had animals around my house when I was growing up--cats and dogs--but I haven't owned one as an adult. But in no time, I've grown attached to our charming little cat, Tashi. I had to board her at the vet's late last week before I trooped up to Vermonth to meet-up with Emily at her folks' place for the weekend. I asked to see the vet where Tashi would be staying and was shown to the basement where the boarding animals stay. Dude, I had to hold back the tears, and when I got home, I burst-out bawling like a baby.

Loss has been foremost on my mind recently. My dad had a heart attack one month ago and he died the following day. I miss him dearly.

I've been thinking about ol' Bernie Williams this weekend, about how much I'm going to miss him--that is to say, if he's really gone. It's not so much his production, or lack thereof, that I'll miss, but him. Of course, I don't know him personally, but I've watched the majority of his big league games and have grown accustomed to his face, his swing, his mannerisms, his gestures. It isn't the big things but the nuances, the details.

I love the continuity baseball offers. Each year, guys get too old and retire, while new guys come up and offer us something new to admire. If you've been a fan for a long time--as most of us have been--you see the professional life and death of many players. Sometimes, it is soothing to see a familiar face just because they are familiar, and nothing else. I thought of this last week when I read that Steve Trachsel was signed by the Orioles. I find his games almost intolerable to watch, he pitches so damn slowly. Otherwise I have no particular feelings about him. But I am used to him. Knowing that there is a chance that, months from now, in the middle of summer, he'll be involved in one of those agonizing Yankee-Oriole, four-hour-plus slugfests, is strangely comforting.

Comments

2007-02-18 15:18:15

1. Bob Timmermann

One man's opinion: hire a professional catsitter.

Tashi will appreciate it.

2007-02-18 15:45:43

2. yankz

Wasn't it Giamatti who said, "Baseball is meant to break your heart"? I'll miss Bernie too, but that's baseball. Bad stuff happens, and it keeps going on.

2007-02-18 16:15:48

3. bill73083

Thanks for that piece about Bernie. This is the first article I've read about Bernie Williams that didn't mention that Yankee fans will miss Bernie, but since he's old its good that he's leaving. Sometimes its okay to miss someone simply because they're going to be gone.

2007-02-18 16:38:02

4. underdog

Y'know, this'll sound strange but I've always thought Bernie is a good name for a cat. Maybe if you get another cat he can be called Bernie (Williams). I always choke up just when I leave my cats alone in my apt. (even with a daily catsitter checking on them) for a trip, and when I did board a cat once I felt the same way you did, Alex.

I think my next cat will be named Fernando (if he's oveweight and rolls his eyes toward the ceiling a lot).

2007-02-18 17:24:09

5. Knuckles

I've been meaning to do a blog for a while now, but most of the analysis is better tackled elsewhere. I may have found my niche. Comments welcome...

http://bronxcomix.blogspot.com/

2007-02-18 17:50:53

6. das411

Mike Lieberthal has been a Phillie since I was in elementary school. I know the DTers may not quite appreciate him (or for that matter the Wolfman) the same way we do but it will certainly be strange not having him around anymore...

2007-02-18 19:18:55

7. Peter

I never thought about it until now, but Bernie's been a Yankee for more than half my life. While I'm of the opinion that it's time to move on, it's going to be strange not seeing him around anymore. Reading Pete Abraham's post the other day about someone else (Jose Veras?) taking over Bernie's locker really shook me.

I was actually at the Stadium the day he made his mlb debut. I didn't know who he was, but I remember his very first big league hit and the subsequent message flashing across the jumbotron.
Later on, after the game, my brother and I were hanging around the press gate hoping to get autographs. I, of course, was really waiting for Mattingly when Bernie walked out with Roberto Kelly. Nobody said anything to him and he quietly slipped away to the parking lot. I overheard a man standing near me say, "Hey, that's that new kid, Bernie Williams."
If only we had known then what we know now...

2007-02-18 19:27:15

8. Peter

5 I don't have a Google account so I can't leave a comment, but that Schilling/Matsuzaka panel made me laugh out loud. I'm looking forward to more.

2007-02-18 19:53:26

9. yankz

5 They were all hilarious. The Cash$ one was my favorite. Keep up the good work.

2007-02-18 20:02:00

10. kdw

5 Love the art. Cashman one is too funny. More please.

2007-02-18 20:21:36

11. Rich

I'm sorry about your father, Alex.

2007-02-18 20:28:30

12. dianagramr

Nice work!

2007-02-18 21:43:43

13. Chyll Will

5 "Clever... smarter than the average runaway!"

Go Knuckles!

2007-02-18 23:45:19

14. Mike T

A few weeks ago I busted out my "Ultimate Jordan" DVD, and threw it in the player. Michael Jordan was my favorite player growing up. I had the poster of his dunk from the foul line in the dunk contest, his rookie card, his shoes, etc. It was nice to reminisce about the simply inhuman things he used to do on a basketball court. Michael was a judge last night for the dunk contest at All-Star Saturday night here in Vegas. He also turned 44 yesterday. He is showing his age now too. Not that he looks "old", or what we mere mortals would tag as looking old, but it is quite a juxtaposition to look at the 44 yr old Mike and imagine the Mike 20 yrs his junior who could touch the top of the backboard. There are plenty of young guns in the NBA now who will someday be legends, but there is always that part of you that wishes the legends you grew up with would never grow old, and instead would be able to play the game forever.

We have to appreciate every Yankee game we watch, because someday Jetes, Bernie and Mo won't be suiting up for the Bombers anymore, and we will miss them dearly.

2007-02-19 01:36:22

15. BklynBmr

5 I know it's early, but if 'BronxComix' is not added to 'The Rookies' listing on the sidebar pronto, I'm demanding an investigation!

Great work, Knuckles. As you say, most angles about blogging the Yankees are being covered, so kudos for the creativity. Looking forward to more...

2007-02-19 05:12:03

16. Sliced Bread

Beautiful piece, Alex.
Hang in there.

Get back, Bernie. Get back to where you once belonged.

2007-02-19 05:20:58

17. Sliced Bread

Excellent stuff, Knuckles. Looks slick. Keep up the great work.

2007-02-19 06:13:50

18. unpopster

5 Knuckles, if your first few panels are any sign of what we have to look forward to this season from you, BronxComix is making my daily "Yankee Read List" pronto...

nice, very nice...keep up to good work.

2007-02-19 06:17:08

19. unpopster

BTW everyone, see this little tidbit from today's Journal News:

"Same old story: Carl Pavano spent much of the winter working with a personal trainer in Arizona, but he bailed out of several drills late in the workout complaining of "heavy legs," according to Yankees manager Joe Torre. Pavano still is scheduled to throw his bullpen session today."

Well, the NEW Pavano did't last very long, did it?

2007-02-19 06:30:18

20. vockins

19 I saw that. That dude is a piece of work.

I don't care if doesn't let anyone on base for the whole of spring training. That guy has to go.

2007-02-19 07:02:00

21. Knuckles

I wonder if Pavano's heavy legs have anything to do with the fact that he's walking around with forty million stolen dollars in his pockets...

And thx for all the positive responses to my entry into the blogosphere. I was playing around with my (fairly) new iMac this weekend, resolving to start taking advantage of the fact that it's an Apple, and not a PC, and came across that sweet Comic Life program. In the words of Michael Scott, I had an epiphery. Hoping to update it 4-5 times a week, and really looking forward to incorporating my own spring training photos after I get back from Tampa in a couple weeks.

2007-02-19 09:11:12

22. nemecizer

You know what? I think A-Rod had a breakthrough in therapy or something. Shrinks often say that acceptance and admitting the truth is the big first step to recovery.

http://tinyurl.com/255wfd

2007-02-19 09:14:20

23. nemecizer

19 You're kidding me. Already?

Fuck Carl Pavano. Fuck him right in the ear.

You know what? Don't trade him. Keep him on the team for the next two years, on the bench. Make him the ball boy. Make sure he never pitches anywhere else every again.

"Heavy legs" my ass. Fuck that guy.

2007-02-19 09:18:01

24. nemecizer

5 That's really good, Knuckles. Keep it up, I've bookmarked your page.

2007-02-19 09:26:56

25. The Mick 536

Try to remember the difficulty that Bernie had last year getting to the ball and throwing the ball. It will derail any nostalgic feelings.

Just cannot believe the ado. Wish more people were up in arms about the black bands for a guy whose playing time didn't earn him a sympathy card or a flag flown at half mast. Commmme onnnn nowww. Cory and his teacher were joy riding over the city. Many people could have died as a result of their daredeviling.

When I see the memento, what am I supposed to reflect upon? I mean, like what did the guy do that I should be thinking about? Did he win a big game? Throw a no-no? Strike out the side? Donate a kidney? Break the color barrier?

Why not wear a band to honor Hank Bauer or Buck O'Oneil?

Not to change the subject too drastically, but the Unit should hope he doesn't make the All-Star team and have to be announced at the Stadium, eh.

2007-02-19 09:27:36

26. yankz

22 That's a pretty good read. I sincerely hope Arod shatters some records in the next few years.

2007-02-19 09:38:48

27. rbj

Yeah, nice article:
"When he was first asked about Jeter, Rodriguez said this would be the only time he would address the topic.

"Let's make a contract: You don't ask me about Derek anymore, and I promise I'll stop lying to all you guys," A-Rod told reporters."

Very interesting.

IIRC, I think I read in the Bill James Historical Abstract that Tinkers, Evers 7 Chance didn't speak to each other for years.

Oh, and good job Knuckles.

2007-02-19 10:20:45

28. Mike T

5 As they say in the Guinness commercials: Brilliant!

2007-02-19 11:25:47

29. Jim Dean

PeteAbe has the audio but it's belated from what the article includes. It sorta seems like Alex addressed it before most fo the cameras got there then said just enough to make everyone happy. The last Q&A is really good as he says he was embarrassed by having to bat 8th, it's not his job to question the move, and that he had to look in the miror and figure out what he did to deserve it.

The best quote: When asked - "Why now?", the reply: "It's time to cut the bullshit."

Unfortuntely it's going to all live for another day since Jeter and Torre had already left Legends Field.

2007-02-19 11:34:56

30. tommyl

19 Seriously? Already?! Well maybe I should make Pavano my role model. I was going to go to the gym after work today but my arms are still a bit sore from lifting on Saturday. Maybe I'll stay home and get a hot pocket instead. Thanks Carl!

2007-02-19 12:49:42

31. nemecizer

29 I thought that was a pretty good interview. I liked how he kept repeating "I want to be a New York Yankee". A-Rod seems fired up, especially when he admitted that he was upset about being batted 8th.

Man I hope he gets it together this year, gets a ring, and all the "A-Rod is not a true Yankee" nonsense goes away. With Phil Hughes coming up I want A-Rod on the team in '08.

2007-02-19 13:29:24

32. Jeteupthemiddle

I don't think the Pavano thing is a big deal.

When I get back from the gym after I haven't gone in a year + I hurt and need to rest the next day.

He was supposed to remain on schedule and throw a bullpen session today. Assuming he did that, it is a non-issue for me.

Him missing fielding drills for typical aches after exertion is only a problem if it continues all spring.

2007-02-19 13:33:29

33. tommyl

32 Wasn't he doing this massive offseason fitness program though? Seems to me that he should be in better shape than the rest of the pitchers there, whereas he seems to be the only one complaining. Look, I'm not there, I have no idea, but it seems to spark with Moose's comments that other players just keep going and Pavano seems to stop the second any part of his body doesn't feel perfect.

2007-02-19 13:39:23

34. Jeteupthemiddle

And that's fine.

I'm just saying, I'm gonna let yesterday go assuming everything else this spring goes on as planned.

2007-02-19 13:45:34

35. Shaun P

We ought to refer to Pavano as "Cliche Carl" - for obvious reasons.

Props to A-Rod for finally speaking reality - and I can't wait to hear what Jeter's response is.

And lastly - 5 Knuckles, that is some fantastic stuff you've got!