Jane Heller

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

Snowed Out!

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What a bummer! Don’t the baseball gods understand that it’s spring? I feel so sorry for my friends who were planning to be at Opening Day today, but it’s not to be. Sob.

Meanwhile, I wasn’t happy with the way the Toronto series ended. The boys never seem to give Sonny Gray any run support, and yesterday’s game was no exception (well, they got 4 runs but not many hits). And then there was Boone leaving Robertson in to face Smoak. Seriously? Who didn’t know there would be a grand slam in that scenario?

Prior to that, we had another meltdown by Betances. He’s got so much talent. I really hope he can work out his mechanics or get his head straight or whatever it is.

The injuries, too, are a problem. They always are, I know. But I just want Hicks and company back as soon as possible.

Hoping for better weather in the Bronx tomorrow, but rain is in the forecast????

Opening Day Was Nearly Perfecto!

Wow. Was I pleasantly surprised to read that Pineda had such a fabulous outing today. And what fun it must have been to watch him pitch a perfecto so deep into the game. Maybe the key was having Romine catch him? Or maybe he just liked the home atmosphere. Whatever the trick was, good for him.

Of course, it had to be our nemesis on the Rays, Longoria, who broke up the party. Why he’s such a Yankee killer beats me, but he must love playing us. On our side, I’m encouraged to see Aaron Judge once again go deep and hope it bodes well for his future in pinstripes.

More after this series concludes. In the meantime, in case anyone’s interested, Tyler Kepner wrote a long piece about Cashman that ran in the NYT today. Take a look.

Yanks Save Face Vs. Orioles

Somebody had to stop the Orioles from winning every game this season. Why not the Yankees? In today’s finale, we did just that: beat them to prevent getting swept in Baltimore.

Aaron Judge had a good day. So did Holliday, Castro, Torreyes and Ellsbury, among others. But the bad news involved Gary Sanchez. Just when he was getting on track at the plate, he was pulled with a bicep strain and put on the DL. And his baby bomber cohort, Greg Bird, is also ailing.

Injuries. Here we go again. I know, I know. They happen. They’re part of baseball. They’re just so disappointing.

On a positive note, tomorrow is Opening Day at the Stadium. Maybe – again, I’m trying to stay positive – Pineda will have a decent outing and mow down the Rays. If not, I fear he’ll be booed. I’ve been noticing on social media that fans have lost patience with him. I hope he proves us all wrong.

Opening Day Coming Up

No matter what shape the Yankees are in as the season begins on Monday, there’s this.

Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Matsui will be throwing out the first pitch, and that alone makes me smile. Love Hideki.

So, the 2016 contest begins. I was excited about the bullpen since we didn’t get a front-line starter this off-season, but of course there have been setbacks already. Andrew Miller will be pitching with a fractured right wrist. His hand specialist gave him the go-ahead to pitch if he can tolerate the discomfort. Does that sound like a recipe for success? I don’t think so either. I can’t concentrate if I have a hangnail.

And then there’s poor Bryan Mitchell. The kid was all set to make the roster, having had a great spring, and then – bam. Broken toe. Is covering first base really that hard for a pitcher to do without getting injured? Apparently.

CC will be the rotation’s 5th starter “for now,” as Girardi and Cashman make a point of clarifying, so as to give Ivan Nova hope that he’ll escape from the pen if CC falters. As for Tanaka, he gets the nod to start on Monday despite having had a less than stellar spring.

But here’s the thing. If Ellsbury can stay healthy for decent periods of time (a big “if,” I know; ditto: Headley) and if A-Rod, Beltran, McCann and Teixeira can hit bombs and if Didi and Starlin turn out to be a really good defensive team, the Yankees will be in a position to challenge the rest of the division. They might even make the playoffs.

The real problem is the YES-Comcast battle. I have Charter, so I’m okay for watching the games, but I do feel for my friends in the Comcast area. It’s a pity that these big companies can’t put the fans’ interests ahead of their own for once, but such is life.

Meanwhile, play ball! And may the 2o16 season be filled with wins or at least lots of hilarity.

Yankees Home Opener: Random Thoughts

Derek-Jeter-rehab-@-Trenton-325

While I loved the pre-game bit with Andy and Mo throwing out the first pitches to Jorge and Jeter and while it was exciting to get the win against the O’s and while I was impressed with Kuroda’s outing and while it was great that Jeter had that almost-homer in his first at-bat (that’s a lot of “whiles”), what stood out for me was Jeter’s ability to run the bases like a rookie. I’m serious. His ankle looked as good as new, and that was heartening. A healthy Jeter for his final season is exactly what we all want to see.

There were other positives, but I was truly bummed by the D-Rob news. He’s on the DL already? After two seconds on the mound? I guess I should be glad he and Teixeira only have “grade 1 strains” but still. This is starting to feel like deja vu all over again, as Yogi would say. Sometimes I think these guys are made of glass.

I see the Yanks traded Nunez to Minny for a left handed pitcher. With the season Solarte’s having so far, it looks like a smart move keeping him and dealing Scissorhands, bless his heart. Ellsbury continues to hit and Soriano’s come around, so I’m not as worried about the bats as I was last week. When Beltran and McCann get going, the lineup should be fierce.

Well, That Didn’t Go Well

It’s nice to be your own boss every now and then, and today was one of those days. I allowed myself time off from writing so I could watch the game, given that it was Opening Day.

It’s also nice to watch a game and not expect too much. I didn’t curse at the TV nearly as often as I would have in previous years. I mean honestly. CC hasn’t been great in the first half of any season, nor has he pitched well against the Red Sox, and his Opening Day record at YS is pretty dismal. So I wasn’t surprised by his outing today.

I wasn’t surprised that the Yankees didn’t score 10 runs either. Not with the lineup they fielded and will be fielding for the foreseeable future.

Were there promising moments during the game? Sure. Nunez showed good defense. Youkilis and Cervelli had key hits. Wells had a “nice walk.” Nix played a more than serviceable third base.

But the team looked flat, uninspired. They had a real shot at pouncing on Lester when he was tiring and didn’t. Cano bobbling the ball in the ninth was ugly and Joba’s pitching that inning was truly ugly. (I miss Soriano.)

On the Red Sox side, Kay and Cone kept touting our bullpen over theirs but I think Boston has a better-than-decent bullpen. What’s more, Gomes has always been a pesty hitter and he’s still a pesty hitter and I’m not wild about seeing him on a regular basis. Plus, their rookie, Bradley, looks like the real deal.

Maybe Cashman will make a few trades tonight and we’ll see more new faces on Wednesday. We really need some pop in that lineup. Are we sure we don’t have a kid in the minors like him?

Sports Illustrated

Well, That Didn't Go Well

It’s nice to be your own boss every now and then, and today was one of those days. I allowed myself time off from writing so I could watch the game, given that it was Opening Day.

It’s also nice to watch a game and not expect too much. I didn’t curse at the TV nearly as often as I would have in previous years. I mean honestly. CC hasn’t been great in the first half of any season, nor has he pitched well against the Red Sox, and his Opening Day record at YS is pretty dismal. So I wasn’t surprised by his outing today.

I wasn’t surprised that the Yankees didn’t score 10 runs either. Not with the lineup they fielded and will be fielding for the foreseeable future.

Were there promising moments during the game? Sure. Nunez showed good defense. Youkilis and Cervelli had key hits. Wells had a “nice walk.” Nix played a more than serviceable third base.

But the team looked flat, uninspired. They had a real shot at pouncing on Lester when he was tiring and didn’t. Cano bobbling the ball in the ninth was ugly and Joba’s pitching that inning was truly ugly. (I miss Soriano.)

On the Red Sox side, Kay and Cone kept touting our bullpen over theirs but I think Boston has a better-than-decent bullpen. What’s more, Gomes has always been a pesty hitter and he’s still a pesty hitter and I’m not wild about seeing him on a regular basis. Plus, their rookie, Bradley, looks like the real deal.

Maybe Cashman will make a few trades tonight and we’ll see more new faces on Wednesday. We really need some pop in that lineup. Are we sure we don’t have a kid in the minors like him?

Sports Illustrated

On Opening Day Eve

I’m getting excited. Once the Rangers and Astros were underway tonight (welcome to the AL, Houston), it really sank in that CC will take the mound tomorrow and a Red Sox player will step up to the plate and we’ll be off and running.

I’ve been asked by so many people, including various media outlets, if I share the sentiments of many fans who are disgruntled about our season-to-come. I’m not disgruntled. I’m not jumping up and down as if we’re poised to win a championship either. What I am is practical. The team we’re about to field isn’t terrible – not by a long shot – but other teams have their weaknesses too. Is the Angels’ lineup scary? Oh yeah. Do the Tigers have the best pitcher in the AL? Probably. Are the Blue Jays about as solid as it gets? Yup. Do the Rays and Orioles have fighting chances to win the division? I think so.

But…..history tells us that the best teams on paper, including past Yankees teams, don’t necessary win it all. (Did anybody pick the Giants last year?) So we’ll see. Maybe the Yanks will sink like a stone early on and maybe they’ll tread water and maybe they’ll surge and surprise everybody.

And isn’t that what baseball is all about? Unpredictability?

 

 

I’m Blaming Everything On The Full Moon

Yup, everything.

  1. CC’s lack of command.
  2. The insane number of runners left in scoring position.
  3. Girardi’s managerial decisions.
  4. Joe Maddon’s managerial decisions.
  5. Joe West’s strike zone.
  6. The nearly four hours it took to play the game.
  7. And especially Mo’s meltdown.

It was all too weird, and I spent the entire night while I was out for dinner with friends wishing we could have a do-over. Mo told the media there was just one pitch he wanted to have back, but the truth was he was up over the plate to all the batters he faced and looked as wobbly as CC did in the early innings. And then there was Robertson. He was getting squeezed, yes, but does he really have to put guys on base in order to play Houdini? If so, it’ll be a long season for my blood pressure.

So many missed opportunities. And not the way anybody wanted Opening Day to go. I know I’m supposed to say, “Oh, it was just one game,” but I’m disappointed. Can’t help it.

Were there bright spots? Of course. The Yankees played incredible defense – from Swisher and Gardner to A-Rod and Tex. And how about A-Rod’s offensive day? Very nice to see.

But the Rays are not supposed to dominant the Yanks and that’s what they’ve been doing lately. I hope their streak ends tomorrow night.

 

 

 

I'm Blaming Everything On The Full Moon

Yup, everything.

  1. CC’s lack of command.
  2. The insane number of runners left in scoring position.
  3. Girardi’s managerial decisions.
  4. Joe Maddon’s managerial decisions.
  5. Joe West’s strike zone.
  6. The nearly four hours it took to play the game.
  7. And especially Mo’s meltdown.

It was all too weird, and I spent the entire night while I was out for dinner with friends wishing we could have a do-over. Mo told the media there was just one pitch he wanted to have back, but the truth was he was up over the plate to all the batters he faced and looked as wobbly as CC did in the early innings. And then there was Robertson. He was getting squeezed, yes, but does he really have to put guys on base in order to play Houdini? If so, it’ll be a long season for my blood pressure.

So many missed opportunities. And not the way anybody wanted Opening Day to go. I know I’m supposed to say, “Oh, it was just one game,” but I’m disappointed. Can’t help it.

Were there bright spots? Of course. The Yankees played incredible defense – from Swisher and Gardner to A-Rod and Tex. And how about A-Rod’s offensive day? Very nice to see.

But the Rays are not supposed to dominant the Yanks and that’s what they’ve been doing lately. I hope their streak ends tomorrow night.

 

 

 

What Was Not To Love About Today?

Nothing, that’s what. From start to finish it was a great day. My highlights:

  1. My Extra Innings cable package giving me the YES Network even though the game was on ESPN too.
  2. Seeing Mussina throw out the first pitch to Jorge, who at least got to catch a little.
  3. Watching CC bend but never break – the mark of a true ace.
  4. Cheering for Russell Martin after he got the first hit of the game and his first as a Yankee.
  5. Cheering for Russell Martin after he stole third; we now have a catcher that can run.
  6. Cheering for Curtis Granderson’s amazing, Willie Mays-like catches, all of them.
  7. Cheering for Tex’s shot to right. No slow start that I can see.
  8. Cheering for Granderson’s shot off Phil Coke, a lefty.
  9. Cheering for A-Rod’s continued hot streak; that double sure looked like it was going out.
  10. Cheering for the trio of Joba/Soriano/Mo; if they pitch like that over the course of the season the Yankees will be formidable.
  11. Beating a great pitcher like Verlander.
  12. Winning the first game of the season.

And if all that wasn’t enough, I took the rest of the day off and went with Michael to the beach. It was in the ’80s here this afternoon – very odd since it’s been rainy and cold these last few months. We packed up our folding chairs and umbrellas and towels and joined the crowds who had the same idea. It felt like summer.

I hope everybody enjoyed their day as much as I enjoyed mine.

I'm So Excited….I Just Can't Hide It

OK, you don’t have to actually watch the video. Just let the song play while you read this post.

Tomorrow it begins.

Tomorrow our long wait for baseball is over.

Tomorrow we get to see our Yankees in the Bronx.

Tomorrow we get to watch Mussina throw out the first pitch. (I wish Andy were throwing it, but whatever.)

Tomorrow we get to see how well our guys play in snow. (Maybe.)

Tomorrow we get to hear the ESPN guys talk about the following:

  1. Our payroll.
  2. The fact that we didn’t sign Cliff Lee.
  3. The Red Sox being the favorites to win it all.
  4. The Barry Bonds trial and the court appearances of two former Yankees.

I’ll be hitting the mute button for that last part or maybe there should be a drinking game every time they mention Cliff Lee?

Anyhow, to those who’ll be at the game… bundle up and enjoy. To those who’ll be watching on TV with me…I’ll wave to you. To those who’ll be listening on the radio…let me know what John Sterling comes up with for a Russell Martin home run call.

I’m So Excited….I Just Can’t Hide It

OK, you don’t have to actually watch the video. Just let the song play while you read this post.

Tomorrow it begins.

Tomorrow our long wait for baseball is over.

Tomorrow we get to see our Yankees in the Bronx.

Tomorrow we get to watch Mussina throw out the first pitch. (I wish Andy were throwing it, but whatever.)

Tomorrow we get to see how well our guys play in snow. (Maybe.)

Tomorrow we get to hear the ESPN guys talk about the following:

  1. Our payroll.
  2. The fact that we didn’t sign Cliff Lee.
  3. The Red Sox being the favorites to win it all.
  4. The Barry Bonds trial and the court appearances of two former Yankees.

I’ll be hitting the mute button for that last part or maybe there should be a drinking game every time they mention Cliff Lee?

Anyhow, to those who’ll be at the game… bundle up and enjoy. To those who’ll be watching on TV with me…I’ll wave to you. To those who’ll be listening on the radio…let me know what John Sterling comes up with for a Russell Martin home run call.

Q: What's The Best Part Of Being A Writer?

A: Getting to set my own schedule so I can watch Opening Day.

I’ve been working non-stop lately. I have a book that has a deadline. I’m pitching a screenplay all over the map. And I’ve been writing a script that needs to be delivered on Wednesday, as in this Wednesday, by the close of business. Nights have been late and sleep has been in short supply, but it’ll all be worth it on Thursday. I’m taking the day off so I can have  “Brunch With the Yankees.”

(Courtesy: gadgets.gunaxin.com)

The game starts at 10 a.m. here in California, so I plan to wake up, answer my emails, browse my favorite web sites and then sit in front of the TV and luxuriate in Yankeeness. If the phone rings? Too bad. That’s what voicemail is for. As for email, I wish I had one of those Auto Reply responses only mine would say, “Jane is not out of town but she is extremely busy and can’t get back in touch with you until about 1 p.m. when the Yankees will have beaten the Tigers 10-1.”

OK, so I’m being a little optimistic about the blow-out. We’ll be facing Verlander and I doubt we’ll score 10 runs off him, especially in cold weather. But a 4-1 win would be just fine.

I feel very lucky that I’ll be able to watch the game. If I had a real job, I honestly don’t know what I would do. Call in sick, I guess.

Q: What’s The Best Part Of Being A Writer?

A: Getting to set my own schedule so I can watch Opening Day.

I’ve been working non-stop lately. I have a book that has a deadline. I’m pitching a screenplay all over the map. And I’ve been writing a script that needs to be delivered on Wednesday, as in this Wednesday, by the close of business. Nights have been late and sleep has been in short supply, but it’ll all be worth it on Thursday. I’m taking the day off so I can have  “Brunch With the Yankees.”

(Courtesy: gadgets.gunaxin.com)

The game starts at 10 a.m. here in California, so I plan to wake up, answer my emails, browse my favorite web sites and then sit in front of the TV and luxuriate in Yankeeness. If the phone rings? Too bad. That’s what voicemail is for. As for email, I wish I had one of those Auto Reply responses only mine would say, “Jane is not out of town but she is extremely busy and can’t get back in touch with you until about 1 p.m. when the Yankees will have beaten the Tigers 10-1.”

OK, so I’m being a little optimistic about the blow-out. We’ll be facing Verlander and I doubt we’ll score 10 runs off him, especially in cold weather. But a 4-1 win would be just fine.

I feel very lucky that I’ll be able to watch the game. If I had a real job, I honestly don’t know what I would do. Call in sick, I guess.

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