Yes, Every Yankee fan, Here is 27th Title

Let me describe the scene I saw yesterday at my office. As I told you on previous post, I can't take a day off because I just report to the new job.

Once the o'clock turned to lunch time yesterday, a lot of my colleagues ran toward to cafeteria for television. At that time, the game was on top of 8th inning. Marte just got the lefty out he need to . Here we go. Girardi called on Mo to close the game.

Since that moment, everyone in the cafeteria wants to have a strike call for every pitch. With every minute and every pitch passing by, our lunch break closes to the end. Everyone in the cafeteria start screaming on "come on".

When Mo gets the ground ball to Cano, everyone stands up and ready go back to work with a smile on the face.

Let go Andy!

Before game 6 of ALCS, I said I have a hunch that Bombers would win game 6. However, I don't know what will happen for game 6 of World Series. I really don't want to see game 7.

I won't be able to watch live game tomorrow because of job.

Let go Andy. Let us celebrate.

Yankees will win Game 6 of ALCS

I know you guys hate to see game 6 of ALCS getting rained out and move to today. I really think MLB should get rid of all off days except travel days. Those off days really cool off fans.

By the way, I just get my new job in Taiwan and start working tomorrow when Yankees play against Angels for game 6 at Yankees stadium. So, I can't be there for Yankees tomorrow. But, I have a hunch that our bombers will come through. Why? I have two reasons.

First of all, I truly believe I bring bad luck to my team. There is always some bad things happening when I watch. Every time I go to ball parks to watch games, it seems my team loses most of time. Do you guys remember game 5 when Hughes give up those 2 runs to Angels that eventually let Yankees lose that game? I just wake up and turn on TV. So, If I can't be there for Yankees tomorrow for Yankees, they will win that game.

Second reason comes from a playoff game I watched yesterday. I went to watch game 6 of Taiwan Series which is world Series of Taiwanese professional baseball league with my sister yesterday. My sister's favorite team is in that series. That game ends up playing 17 innings for 6 hours 14 minutes which is the longest playoff game in the world.(P.S. The longest playoff game in MLB is 5 hours 50 minutes. I think.) The point is my sister's favorite team wins that game. So, Yankees will be tomorrow as well.

Let's Go Yankees!

Sweep! Yankees advances to ALCS

I have to admit I feel so frustrated to watching Pavano to throw a great game against us.

The biggest play of the game is Jeter throwing out that base runner at the bottom of 8th inning when Hughes is in trouble again.

I know most Yankees fans may still be in the heaven for advancing to second round of playoffs. But, be honest, I feel nervous about our bullpen. Joba, Hughes and even Mo look shaky. Another thing worries me is the lineup. It seems to me Jeter, A-Rod and Teixeria are the only persons hitting now. Hopefully, I just think too much.

The players of the game: Pettitte, Jeter and A-Rod.

Yankees have a 1-0 series lead

Jeter is the man. This man is unbelievable. I know CC and the rest of bullpen pitch well. Of course, A-Rod finally comes through with man on base with two RBI. Plus, don't forget Swisher and Matsui for their big hits.

But, in my opinion, the hero is the Captain, Derek Jeter. When CC gives up two runs, Posada looks nervous for whatever reasons and the whole lineup can't hit against a guy they don't see often, Jeter wakes up the whole team.

Game 1 of ALDS_Twins at Yankees

8pm It's 8am in the morning in Taiwan. I wake up on time to see A-Rod come through with a big RBI single. And then Matsui hit another home run against lefty. Of course, I miss the big two-run home run by Captain.

8:20pm At the same time, a well rest CC with run support keep putting on zero on the scoreboard.

8:35pm Well, It starts making everyone nervous, doesn't it? Come on, CC.

8:40pm A job well done by CC. Let's go Hughes. We need this big out.

8:48pm Guess what? Hughes get that big out by throwing fastball right by Cabrera

9:03pm A-Rod likes to face Twins in the post season, right?

9:21pm It's good to get everyone in the game to feel the pressure of playoff.

9:47pm It's hard for me to get nervous when Mo is on the mound. Congrats to Yanks for game 1 win(7-2).

Welcome Back, Wanger

Wang arrived Taiwan earlier. This is the photo in airport station. Wang just had a press conference 2 hours ago. However, there is huge political news in Taiwan today( I don't want to talk about that. If you guys are interested, go check out news).

I don't think there will be a huge coverage of Wang today. In fact, Taiwan media just like New York media. This is so rare someone like Wang to have any coverage at all. This tells you something. The way he speak(so few words) is really not a news material(boring).

I got few quotes from some news .


*Yankees ask Wang to ride bike, not to run.

*Wang knows there are a lot of great pitchers on the free agent market this off-season. How he feel? He said let go to get champion together. No matter who Yankees get, they are the best ones. He will just do his job which try his best to win every game. However, Wang said Moose and Pettitte really help him a lot. I think we can't underestimate the impact those veterans pitchers will bring to the team, especially for young pitchers.

*Wang really want to play WBC for Taiwan, but he knows he need to rehab first. Wang actually asked Cashman before coming back to Taiwan. Cashman already told him to prepare spring training.

*He said he felt so sad and miserable for not able to help Yankees, especially he sat there and looked at what happened to the team the end of season. When he knew Yankees' chance for playoffs become lower and lower, he wanted to play so badly and apologized to team.

Come back later for more if I have more.

Updated: I am finally able to watch Wang's press conference. Sorry about being late. I was so tired because I haven't slept much for few days.

*Wang said Bowa kept sending him text messages to encourage him and want to know how he feel after he get hurt. I think Yankees really miss Larry Bowa. If they actually have a chance to sign him after 2007 season, they definitely should not miss.

*Remember the difference between Joe Torre and Joe Girardi? Wang said Torre joking around with him a lot. However, Kuo(another Taiwanese pitcher) is the relief pitcher on LA Dodgers said Torre is quiet. He doesn't say much. As for Joe Girardi, Wang said he is more serious than Torre. During practices, Girardi actually run with them. Wang said he runs harder and tried not to lose to him.

I think Torre is really a good players manager based on what I heard from Wang and Kuo. Based on players' different personality, Torre uses different ways to communicate with them. Wang is quiet guy and is very hard on himself. Joking around with him and making him loose is a good way to get most out of him. On the other hand, Kuo is a voluble guy with good sense of humor. Torre use more serious way to deal with him.

*Wang doesn't regret for running hard on bases and getting hurt. He said injury is part of athlete's life. He always does his best no matter what he is doing. However, he thinks he needs to focus more to train his legs because he has a lot of injuries related to legs recent years.

*Wang said doctors told him he is 100% healthy right. This foot injury won't have any impact on his pitching. However, there are always few cracks over there. I am kind of understanding this. Just like our normal persons. Every time we hurt ourselves, there are always some concerns over the places we get hurt and there are always chances to hurt the same place again.

*There is one period of time in 2008 season he didn't pitch well. Wang said he think too much. He wants to get every batter and want to pitch better. I think Wang actually really wants to prove himself after what happened in 2007 playoffs.

*It will be a huge honor for Wang to be able to pitch in opening day in New Yankees stadium, but he doesn't think he will get it.

That's all I get. This week we can't do anything until we get past November 14 which all players become free agents. This is good. I actually can focus more on the stuffs I need to get it done in my real life.

Congrats, Phillies win 2008 world championship

I was not able to watch this game live. When I know Phillies win it, I feel happy for them. I can't image how I will react when Yankees win again. The most amazing thing is I actually saw this news on Australian sport news which rarely have any baseball news. The last time I saw a baseball news is when Damon hurt himself for that strangle fly ball against Red Sox.

When I pick up this game, I can't believe how many mistakes Jon Maddon made that I am not going to go through details. Not to mention Rays' third base coach sent Jason Bartlett home and got threw out when their big bat is on desk. Are you kidding me? When I saw replay, Jason Bartlett didn't even run hard toward third base. And you sent him home? oh, by the way, Jason Bartlett didn't run hard on a possible elimination game in world series as well. Just in case, you guys don't pay attention on this playoffs. He is not the first Rays to do so.

Of course, Rays have a lot of talent on their young team and they have an amazing season. I am pretty sure they are going to make a lot of noise in this AL East. However, Don't tell me they are going to beat Red Sox and Yankees with this kind of attitude and coach staff. Not to mention would Rays young players be able to make adjustments once every MLB team have a book on them?

Can this world series end as soon as possible?

Even though I am very happy to see Phillies on the verge to win a champion, would Rays please put on better show to present AL? When your middle of lineup can't buy a hit, when your manager make all kind of mistakes and when your players can't make plays on the field, I hope this world series end as soon as possible.

By the way, I am listening to the game 5 of world series as I am writing this post. Pena just got threw out at first base when he tried to bunt. What are you thinking, Pena. You are a cleanup hitter. Oh, Crawford just didn't run hard out of box and got beat half step at first base when Rollins didn't field ball clearly. Upton also didn't run hard to first base once during this playoffs.

From pitching standpoint, Kazmir also crys like a baby every time he doesn't get the call he wants when Shields is the only pitcher pitch well but not outstanding. Not to mention their sudden amazing bullpen in regular season but not to well in playoffs. Don't tell me this team will threat Yankees and Red Sox for many years to come, especially when you consider how many innings those young pitchers put on this season.

Of course, as a yankees fan, the sooner this world series end, the sooner we can start talking about our beloved yankees. A playoff without our bombers certainly loose part of my attention. Of course, many off-days between games, not so good Fox broadcasting, long commercial breaks and so many bad calls by umpires also play a big role on my interest as well.

Updated 9:47pm: Kazmir just loaded the base again in just 4th inning. No matter how good Kazmir will be, he won't be an ACE because he always uses all his pitches in 6 innings. Basically, he is a 6 inning pitcher. A pitcher can't save bullpen for his team can't be called an ACE or elite pitcher in my opinion.

Updated 9:56pm: Rollins just dropped a infield pop-up according to radio broadcasting. However, Utley just made a great play to make up for him. Who is going to be MVP of world series for Phillies if Phillies win? At this point, I will say Cole Hamels.

Updated 10:11pm: Kazmir walked two more guys in the 5th inning.

The game was suspended. I don't know how much worse this world series can get. On top of that, MLB is not sure when they are able to get this game in. I don't think so many people will wait around and keep checking for timetable except Phillies and Rays fans. Of course, I don't want MLB to call a game and a victory for Phillies. However, why not suspend game sooner when field is on obvious bad condition? If I were a Phillies fan, it's not fair to play that half inning, score get tied and keep that half inning.

Congrats, Rays

I was not able to watch game 6 and 7 live because of time which is noon in Sydney. In fact, even though I have time, I was not going to watch those games because I can't stand to watch Red Sox playing and get me upset for non-yankees games.

I must give Red Sox deserved credit to fight back and force game 7. I hope this is a turning point of Red Sox's magic run. I just can't believe Red Sox keep having this kind of miracles all the time. It's time to turn the lucks back to our Bombers.

It's good now I can watch World Series peacefully because I know I don't have to watch Red Sox celerbating. As you guys know, I am rooting for Phillies. Let's Go Phillies! It's about time for a national league team to win it all.

By the way, If Wang got killed for his two playoff performances in 2007 ALDS, big game "ACE" pitchers Josh Beckett and Jon Lester who both only have one good regular season so far should get the same treatment as well. Wang doesn't find excuses for that, they shouldn't too.

No comment

I am so angry now and can't put together what I think. What in the world Rays blew 7-runs lead and allow Red Sox to come back? My only reaction is I really hate Red Sox.

By the way, I am right about Scott Kazmir. He did pitch great tonight. Unfortunately for Rays, he always runs out of his pitch counts too quickly.

No words. Let's Go Rays! Please take care of your business. You guys should be able to do it at home, right? I can't stand to watch Red Sox playing in the world series again. No. I take it back. I can't stand to watch Red Sox playing more than one game this playoff. In fact, I decide I am not going to watch until I know I get Phillies vs Rays in the world series matchup. Why do something to make me unhappy? No smart.

Congrats, Phillies

Phillies are well deserved to their N.L. Championship Title. I feel happy for them not because of Torre. I like this team.

Now, it's time for Rays to take care their business. Take care of Dice-K and Red Sox. I hate people that keep saying Red Sox will come back because they did that all the time and what a greedy, gutty team Red Sox is. I know they come back against us in 04' and against Indians in 07'. Don't forget people are used to say that to Yankees. I actually think Scott Kazmir will come out and pitch well.

It will be a great world series between Phillies and Rays. However, it's time for a national team to win it all.

Let's Go Phillies and Rays! Of course, it's just for this moment. I will come back to root for our Yankees once playoff ends.

Busy

I have been busy for this past two weeks. I actually think there is a good thing for me when Yankees can't get into the playoff this year. Don't kill me and let me finish my sentence. That is I actually can concentrate more on the things I need to finish in my real life.

Right now, life is getting a little bit easier for me these coming 3 or 4 weeks and then I will have another busy two weeks period again.

But, It doesn't mean I haven't pay a lot of attention on what happen to Yankees, such as Cano's trade rumor, Torre in LA, Hank's speech, Cashman' new deal, change of coach stuff?, etc. I will have those posts coming very soon. I actually plan to come up with some kind of plan for my blog regard of posts for this off-season. Stay tuned.

By the way, Even though I can't have so much time and interest on playoff this year, I actually keep my eyes on. This is the year I really hope a national league team will win it all. However, I start enjoy to watch Rays playing. It will be a very nice story for them to get a ring this season. Actually, I don't like Rays and Red Sox. But when you compare any team with Red Sox, any team will become much more friendly as well.

If Red Sox get into World Series, I hope Dodgers can get in. Let Manny beat Red Sox will be a good story for Yankees fans. However, If Rays get into world series, I hope Phillies can get in. Among those four playoff teams, I actually root for Phillies to win it all. I like that greedy and gutty team. and you? Of course, my most interest is to hope playoff ending as soon as possible and then we can get more news about Yankees.

Some random thought about 2008 playoff picture

*Before today, I am on the fend of signing C.C Sabathia. When I watch C.C. did for Milwaukee Brewers, I actually think it's worthy to gamble on this guy. Think about this, the guy is going to be free agent this off-season, but he is willing to do whatever he can to help out Milwaukee Brewersand win a championship with them, including making three games in a row with 3 day rest. Hopefully, we are able to get him out of NL or California.

*There are two strange things happening this season. First of all, Mets miss playoff with Santana when Twins may make to playoff without Santana. That's where people can claim starting pitcher is not as important as position player. However, you can argue with this when you think about what C.C did for Milwaukee Brewers. Secondly, Mets lost their playoff spot at the last day of season at Shea stadium to Marlins two years in a row. A playoff without both New York team. This is so unreal.

However, I am rather being a Yankees fan when our team finish our season on a high note than being a Met fan when their team fail the end of season.

*By the way, a lot of fans may not care about this now, but I really hope Yankees can get to 90 wins this season which also mean we not only sweep Red Sox in their ball park but also win the season series. Yankees will have a better record than Mets, Dodgers, Twins and White Sox when have the same record as Milwaukee Brewers.

It's over, but don't play blame game.

First of all, I am so happy for Moose for his 19th win. I really hope he can win 20 this season. When I was watching Yankees game yesterday, I can't help myself about keep tracking score of Red Sox-Indians game. I usually don't care much about what happen to Red Sox and only check boxscore. I was hoping Yankees was eliminated because of losing game, not because of Red Sox winning game.

I know there are tons of news about how poor Yankees have been played, how much Yankees should miss Joe Torre, how well Red Sox has played, how many players Red Sox raised from their farm system, how badly Yankees spend their money, how terrible job Brian Cashman does, how dreadful Yankees young players have been played and why Yankees should trade for Santana. Anything else?

But, I am not going to talk about this. As you guys know, this is a blog to talk about positive things. These are all second-guess. No one knows what would happen during any game. No one knows what would happen if Joe Torre was here. No one knows what would happen when you sign any free agent and draft any prospect. No one knows how young players would peform every year. No one knows what Hughes and Kennedy would do the rest of his career. No one knows what would happen if Santana was here. No one knows how Santana would perform the rest of his contract for Mets. No one knows if we really go after Santana, how many potential major league players or superstars we would give up. No one knows if we really go after Santana, he may end up in Boston.

The things I know for sure. We will have a great bullpen next season. Wang, Matsui, Posada, Hughes, Joba and Jeter will be back and healthy for us next season. A-Rod and the rest of position players will not hit worse when runners on base than this season. Joe Giradi will do his job better when he gets his feet wet this year, especially when you consider he well he manages the bullpen. All young players get one more year experience. We will have money to address our problems this off-season. What else?

Let's Go Yankees!

Accept the thing you can't change; Change the thing you can't accept

These are some quotes of Hank from Newsday,

"I think it's very simple: We've been devastated by injuries. No team I've ever seen in baseball has been decimated like this. It would kill any team. Imagine the Red Sox without [Josh] Beckett and [Jon] Lester. Pitching is 70 percent of the game. Wang won 19 games two straight years. Chamberlain became the most dominating pitcher in baseball. You can't lose two guys like that.

"It's not making excuses. It's reality."

"I'm not writing off this season. They're trying hard to win. There's only so much you can do. They're not supermen."

I don't like what Hank said when I first read it. Why? Plain and simple. It sounds like the owner of team already gave up. After thinking it for a day, my reaction is different even though I still don't like it.

It's always difficult for people to accept when others tell you the truth. Our Taiwanese believe, people need to learn how to face and accept reality in order to make themselves better. I have two mottoes. First one is "Never give up". Second one is "Accept the thing you can't change; Change the thing you can't accept".

Hank points out the reality. The reality is always harsh. What is the reality? Yankees get killed by injury this season without a doubt. You may say every team has their own shares when Red Sox and Rays lost their star players as well. But, Yankees not only lost Jeter, A-Rod, Damon, Posada and Matsui for different period of time but also lost Wang, Joba, Hughes, Kennedy, and Bruney. Yankees is the team lost a lot of starting pitchers. Rays have their 5 starters the most of season. Red Sox have Dice-K, Lester and Wakefield the most of season as well. Even though Ponson, Giese and Rasner have done a fine job to replace Wang and Joba, there certainly is a different feeling for our hitters. Wang and Joba almost certainly can pitch better and longer than them as well. When you consider we score much less than before, one or two runs Wang and Joba save may result in a win instead of a lost.

Only thing our bombers can do right now is accept this reality. "Accept the thing you can't change". They really need to accept from their hearts that no pitcher will come back to save them. "Change the thing you can't accept". And then they need to try to win ball game in other ways because Yankees won't give up and can't accept to play golf in October.

20 wins and Cy Young Award for Moose??? Why not...

I really hope Moose and Mo get their well deserved recognitions this season on Cy Young Voting. It's great we come back to win final two games of 4 games series against Rangers.

Our pitching has been outstanding all season long. Not too much to say about our offense which has been disappeared in this 2008 campaign. I only can hope our offense will wake up in time to support our pitching staff, especially upcoming series against Angels. I know match-up doesn't favor Yankees, but you never know what will happen on the field. I have high hope on Kennedy, Giese and Pettitte.

I am so glad to see Mariners beating Rays in the walk-off fashion. When you look at Rays' road record, I believe our Yankees still have chances to get into playoff by AL East or wild card. This season looks more and more like 2005 season which three teams fight for two playoff spots until the final week of season.

Let's go Yankees!!

relax...

One day after I posted "I feel we have a championship team", our Yankees went out to get beat pretty hard by Angels which every one not only think they are the best team in the American League but also can't wait to give them 2008 American League pennant. On top of that, when you look at pitching matchup of the last three games against Angels and the losing record against Angles, everyone says there is good chance Angels are going to sweep Yankees.

Come on, guys. Baseball is playing on the field, not on the paper. You never know what will happen. As bad as Yankees looks right now while Angels looks as good as they can be, I still believe we somehow can get a split. I know Yankees lose four of last five games, but the preview series against Orioles is first series Yankees don't win after all star break when you look at the big picture.

Remember how well Yankees play both against Tigers during regular season in 2006 and against Indians in 2007. We end up losing to Tigers and Indians in the playoff. I still believe we have a championship team if we can somehow get into playoff and have Wang and Hughes back in time.

We will go deeper in the playoff this time if we get into playoff..

This is the only good thing I can think about when our offense suddenly disappeared this season for some reasons. Our pitchers will be more used to pitch in these low-scoring pressure games which happen all the time in October.

The pitching as a whole has been better in the MLB this season. This forces Yankees to go back fundamental stuffs, such as moving runners and getting runners in less than 2 outs. They will need that during playoff.

But, I will be happier if Cashman can give us another bat before trading deadline. I think Cashman need to choose to improve either offense or pitching. If I were Cashman, I would choose to improve pitching. For example, a lefty reliever pitcher and a no.3 or 4 starting pitcher will be good.

At the same time, we may not need to trade because the answer may be in our farm. You never know. I have been heard couple of names who pitch well or hit well in our farm system. Giving them a chance may the only thing Cashman need to do.

We will be fine without Wang

I have faith in Yankees. I actually think Yankees will be fine without Wang. There are so many talented players on our Yankees team. They know how to fight. They know how to complete. They won't give up. They believe themselves they will come through. That's why they always find a way to get into playoff. There is no more evidence than Yankees just swept back-to-back series. Don't get me that weak-NL-team theory because it's still very difficult to sweep a series. On any given day, one team is very capable of beating the other team.

Baseball is a team sport. It needs every one's effort to win a ball game. Unlike basketball, you may only need Michael Jordan to win a game. If our bombers keep hitting like they're now, we will be fine with whoever replace Wang's spot, but sometimes pitching has some impact on hitting as well. This brings the arguments I think the few differences between whoever replace Wang's spot and Wang.

The first difference is the comfort level Wang will bring with him for Yankees fans and his teammates whenever he takes the mound. We probably sweat a lot more during games whoever take Wang's spot.

The second difference is the amount of innings Wang provide for team. Without Wang, Pettitte becomes the only one we can count on more innings because Joba, Rasner, Mussina and whoever take Wang's spot are all 6-innings pitchers. This will burn out our bullpen eventually. This is bad news. The good news is we have a lot of more options down the farm system for relief pitchers, so it may work out pretty well.

Yankees have a very good schedule in June and July. The real test will come when they have to face tough opponents.

If my vote counts, I hope Yankees stay calm and give kids in our farm system a chance to show themselves. You never know we may find another Wang like we did in 2005. Of course, if price is right and not high, I am not against picking someone who can eat some innings before trading deadline.

One thing I know for sure is we can't afford to take another hit on our rotation. I am thinking about this. If Yankees get into playoff and Wang come back in time around September, we will have a strong rotation, including Wang, Pettitte, Mussina, Joba, Hughes, Rasner. Sound great for me.