Curtis Granderson Archives

The Grandy Man Can – And Did!

September 11, 2013

I’ve been thinking lately that Granderson hasn’t been the same since his last stint on the DL. He hasn’t hit for power with the consistency he used to – until tonight. He wasn’t the only one who homered, obviously (thank you, Cano, for that clutch bomb), but it was great to see him knock one out plus hit that triple in the Yankees’ latest comeback win over the Orioles.

These games have been intense! They’re on during dinner here in CA, and the food isn’t going down so easily when the score is tied and I’m in stress mode. I was so happy when we scored a few insurance runs, but I was a wreck when Mo came in. I hope the poor man’s arm doesn’t fall off from the recent workload.

So we move another notch closer to the elusive second Wild Card spot. Can the Yanks keep this up and win another one tomorrow night? Hughes is pitching. Not sure how I feel about that, but maybe he’ll use the opportunity to show me and others he can be trusted. I hope so.

Unless I missed something, we haven’t picked up a catcher and we need one – like right away. Romine’s not going to be able to play – a concussion is a concussion after all, “slight” or not – and Chris Stewart is already doing the heavy lifting. Why not pick up another waivers guy with major league experience?

I do feel sorry for and about Jeter. It must kill him not to be able to play, but I guess he just has to write off the season and get back out there next year. I don’t buy that he’s finished, too old, too injury-ridden. I think we’ll see him in February and he’ll give us more great memories.

Not So Fast, Rays She-Fans!

August 25, 2013

With the score tied at 2-2 and another tense contest at the Trop today, it was entirely possible the Yankees would get swept. But Alfonso Soriano came to the rescue with that double in the 11th, then the steal, aided and abetted by terrific relief work by Logan, Robertson and Mo and excellent defense from Cano and Granderson. Whew.

David Cone on YES had the line of the day when he said, as A-Rod stepped up to pinch hit and the crowd at the Trop livened up to boo him, “Now batting: Darth Vader.” LOL.

No one looked more relieved to win that one than Girardi who, as Granderson maneuvered to make that catch to end the game, could be seen saying, “Come on, Grandy. Come on, Grandy.” Hopefully, Joe can relax a little on the flight to Toronto. He sure made me nervous when he brought Joba in to pitch in that tie situation instead of in his usual mop-up role and promptly gave up a lead-off walk.

Finally, after two disappointing games, a happy ending. It may mean nothing but it definitely beats losing.

I Called This One

August 3, 2013

Nova and the Padres’ pitcher were locked in a scoreless battle tonight. At one point the Yankees hadn’t so much as managed a hit or a walk and I feared we’d get perfecto-ed. But then I said to Michael with Granderson coming up, “Our only chance of winning this is if someone runs into one” – i.e sticks his bat out and goes deep. Which is exactly what happened. Granderson struck the ball with the power he used to and suddenly it was 2-0.

With the lead, Nova continued his mastery over the Padres until Robertson and Mo took care of the eighth and ninth, and he finally got the win he should have had the last couple of times. Good for him and good for the Yankees. The offense is still anemic, but maybe Granderson’s blast is a sign of things to come from him. Is it enough to move the team into contention? Doubtful.

And now there’s Jeter’s calf. Apparently, running gingerly wasn’t enough to keep him from injuring himself yet again. What a mess, along with the A-Rod mess, which only gets stranger by the hour. The Yankees really must despise him.

No Words

May 24, 2013

It was breathtaking in its awfulness when Granderson was hit by a pitch and broke himself yet again – this time the pinky knuckle. How unlucky does a guy have to be? He worked so hard to come back from the last injury and now this?

Thank God Phelps is OK after taking a ball in the forearm, but raise your hand if you’re not liking the Rays very much right now.

It’s hard to celebrate the win tonight at the Trop when the Yankees are stuck with Boesch and Francisco platooning with Ichiro again, but such is life. The team somehow keeps going – and winning – so we’ll see how they handle things this time around.

Not a Good Night for Kuroda

May 22, 2013

Let’s face it. Hiroki was getting knocked around even before he got knocked by that ball. It wasn’t his night, and it wasn’t the Yankees’ night. Again.

Preston Claiborne ~~III~~ wasn’t much better, but the good news about this loss to the O’s (I always try to find at least something positive to say – almost always) was the resurgence of Granderson. Girardi predicted he would break out at the plate and that’s exactly what he did. And David Adams, our current and maybe future third baseman, had another homer, endearing himself to me. And finally, Adam Warren pitched well in relief.

So although tonight’s game wasn’t much fun to watch, there were bright spots.

The Yanks have now lost two in a row and I’m wondering if the good times are over for awhile. Silly, right? Why shouldn’t they bounce back against the Rays? Of course they will. They will. They will. They will. (I figure if I say it enough it’ll happen.)

Another Injury?

May 14, 2013

I couldn’t believe it when, as I was cheering the return of Granderson, I read that Hafner was out with a sore shoulder and that MRI results are pending. Jeez. Am I wrong in thinking the injury bug has invaded all of baseball, not just the Yankees? It’s crazy out there.

Granderson clearly needs some major league games under his belt. He looked rusty, but it was nice having him back. I missed a lot of the game (I went to see “The Great Gatsby”), but caught enough of it to see that CC notched quite a few strikeouts and Mo got yet another save. I did not get to see the Overbay/King Felix collision except for replays. Sounds like Felix was in command before that happened though.

What was so heartening to read about was the comeback aspect of the Yanks. Being down a few runs against The King isn’t a happy prospect, but they clawed their way back and stole it. Bravo.

Rocky Mountain High

May 9, 2013

Or maybe I should have written “Rocky Mountain Bye.” The Yankees left Colorado with a series win, but it wasn’t easy. What was up with all that rain? CC only got four innings in before the tarp went on the field, which was a shame. And the Yanks had to do a lot of sitting around, knowing they needed to catch a flight to KC right after the game.

But they got the win. Not a lot of hitting in this series, but the pitching was great. Adam Warren did a nice job taking over for CC and Mo was his usual godlike self for the save. I loved seeing all the Yankee fans at Coors Field snapping pictures of Mo. It reminded me yet again that this is his last tour through the majors. Sob.

Cano’s homer was fun, but I do hope this lineup will find a way to score more runs so the team can keep pace in the division. Granderson seems to be on a fast track to come off the DL, but I don’t want to jinx him so forget I said that. Shhhush.

We Need Some Comedy Right Now

February 25, 2013

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m still upset about Granderson. So it was perfect timing that I went to my mailbox and there was a review copy waiting for me – a new book for children that illustrates the famous Abbott and Costello routine “Who’s On First?”

For the uninitiated….

The Abbott and Costello skit was first performed in the 1930s and it’s continued to entertain audiences everywhere. It was named the best comedy sketch of the century by Time magazine and Abbott and Costello were inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Now the classic routine is getting a new life as a picture book for kids.

Just published by Quirk Books out of Philadelphia, Who’s On First? features full-color illustrations by cartoonist and illustrator John Martz along with the banter of the two comedians, and is the perfect gift for someone’s kids or grandkids (or adults of a youthful persuasion).

Check it out here. Really cute idea for children who like to laugh – and what kid doesn’t.

Back to the Yankees, at least we know who’s on first. What we don’t know is who’s in center field (or left and right fields, for that matter), as well as who’s behind the plate. I guess all will be revealed soon enough.

First At Bat And Gone!

February 25, 2013

Grandy wince — Photo: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams, Jr.

No, I don’t mean Granderson hit a homer yesterday. As everyone knows by now, he was up in his first plate appearance and was struck on an inside pitch on the forearm and later learned he had fractured it. It’s beyond tough luck for him and the Yanks. Not only does he produce all those homers and play a very credible outfield, but he’s a great guy who’s in his contract year and I wish I could rewind the moment and play it over again. His replacements (Rivera, Diaz, etc.) don’t thrill me. Still, he’s only out until May – hopefully – and it is what it is, as they say.

It was fun watching the first televised game of the season, as I cooked for my Oscar night guests. Baseball is definitely back, injuries and all.

Finally, A Janer/Blow-out

September 9, 2012

Not only did the Yankees give us all a break and play a nearly stress-free game, but they took back first place yet again. What’s more, they accomplished all that in enough time to let me watch the women’s singles final at the US Open.

What a weird turnaround for Granderson. One minute, he’s mired in a slump. The next, he’s coming off the bench and does nothing but knock in runs.

Another weird turnaround but in the wrong direction: Sweaty Freddy. He looked great early – very early – and then he lost it. Girardi was right to pull him fast before any real damage was done.

And speaking of turnarounds, Joba had one of his own. He’s been struggling to find some consistency and today he came in and pitched well. Good for him.

Jeter was limping. Actually, he’s been limping. But today his leg seemed even more banged up. I know. He’s Jeter. He’d keep playing even if he were wearing a prosthetic, but we don’t need more injuries. If Tex is really done for the season it’ll be awful. And while A-Rod is swinging a hot bat, he hasn’t been running well either.

But I’ll end on a happy note and say it was good to get out of Baltimore with a decisive win. I do love when they score 10+ runs. For me, pitchers’ duels and close games are just not as much fun.

Scratching Out Runs

September 1, 2012

What a relief today’s win was. Things were looking bleak for awhile, but thanks to some tenacious at bats, especially Jeter’s walk in the seventh inning, Eduardo Scissorhands’ single (yes, he’s back and I like him as the DH) and Hardy’s error on Swisher’s grounder, the Yankees edged out the O’s. It wasn’t pretty but I’ll take it – gladly.

Phelps was clearly out of sorts. I figured he’d be gone by the third inning and wondered who our long man would be, since he used to fill that spot, but a cobbled-together pen did the job well.

And then there’s Granderson. I couldn’t believe it when he came out of the game since there was no visible sign of an injury. The strain in his hamstring doesn’t sound serious but it’s hard to tell how his will go. It’s just nuts the way these toned and fit athletes keep going down with this strain and that pull. They’re supposed to be supermen, aren’t they?

What A Hairy One

August 8, 2012

First, it looked like CC was in charge and the Yankees would win tonight’s game handily.

Then, there were a series of plunkings that resulted in a warning by the ump and a sense that we might be venturing into brawl territory.

Then, CC went all shaky on us, and the defense, which has been so great for so long, spazzed out. (I think Audrey and I jinxed them in yesterday’s comments section.)

Then, Robertson gave up those weird hits and the Tigers looked like they were the ones who were taking the game and sending us to another miserable loss.

Then, we scored huge insurance runs and finally, mercifully, pulled away.

Granderson sure did seem to like the #6 spot in the lineup, didn’t he? The offense in general was impressive (a Janer+), with Chavez continuing to be a stand-out.

I had serious indigestion trying to eat dinner during this one, but by the last bite (grilled mahi-mahi) everything tasted delicious, as happy endings always do.

Oy, Curtis

July 28, 2012

In the above pic, Granderson actually caught the ball. In tonight’s game against the Red Sox, he misplayed it, handing Boston the victory even though Ciriaco was credited with a triple. Very disheartening after the Yankees’ stirring comeback.

Sticking with the stirring comeback, I hope everybody got to see the face-off between Tex and Padilla. It was like watching this.

They really loathe each other, so it was extra sweet when Tex pounded the crap out of Padilla’s pitch, sending it into the seats and providing some real entertainment. As the beat writers were fond of saying on Twitter, Tex did a very un-Tex-like thing after he hit the homer: he admired it. Yup, he stood there for a second or two, then walked out of the box toward first instead of breaking into his usual trot. Or, as others tweeted, he “pimped it.” It was a beautiful moment in any case.

Less beautiful was CC. Sure, there was a rain delay. So what. It didn’t affect Lester. CC came out and gave up three quick runs, then settled down, then gave up more. He was just plain bad.

David Phelps, on the other hand, was brilliant. Why didn’t Joe leave him in? It was a tie game, not a save situation, and Phelps was on a roll. I get that going to Soriano was the likely move, but I always prefer to stay with the hot hand.

Rubber game tomorrow night. I’m hoping for better. Much better.

Win Or Lose, Granderson Was Amazing (With Update)

July 15, 2012

What a show he put on. It wasn’t enough that he made two spectacular defensive plays; he also hit a homer and worked a terrific at bat in the ninth to give us hopes for a comeback. Talk about a complete package.

Yeah, the Yankees’ comeback fell short today, but the way Nova was pitching (ugh) the boys still made it a contest. And winning two out of three against the Angels isn’t chopped liver.

There was a little bit of everything to like in this one – from good glove work to power offense against Weaver – but our pitching in general was off. And despite the couple of occasions when Chad Qualls has helped us out, I think I’d like his stint with the Yanks to be over. Like now.

Good job, Yankees, even in defeat, and I don’t often say that.

Update: Here’s a pic of our Friends of the Blog, Peggy and Audrey, at the game. Love bringing great fans (and, more importantly, great people) together.

Here’s What I Loved About Today’s Game

July 14, 2012

In no particular order:

Today’s heroes were different than yesterday’s heroes.
Robinson Cano is hitting with runners in scoring position.
Curtis Granderson is a home run masher, no matter what he says.
Sweaty Freddy sweat a lot, but he gave us more innings than I expected – again.
Cody Eppley isn’t a fluke.
Rafael Soriano has more than proven his worth to the Yankees (thank you, Hal).
We beat the Angels, one of my favorite teams to beat.
Nobody got hurt.
The laughing lady deserves to laugh..

Here's What I Loved About Today's Game

July 14, 2012

In no particular order:

Today’s heroes were different than yesterday’s heroes.
Robinson Cano is hitting with runners in scoring position.
Curtis Granderson is a home run masher, no matter what he says.
Sweaty Freddy sweat a lot, but he gave us more innings than I expected – again.
Cody Eppley isn’t a fluke.
Rafael Soriano has more than proven his worth to the Yankees (thank you, Hal).
We beat the Angels, one of my favorite teams to beat.
Nobody got hurt.
The laughing lady deserves to laugh..

That Was Tense

June 9, 2012

When Soriano allowed the tying run to come to the plate in the ninth, I was choking down my dinner. But ultimately, he and the rest of the pen (kudos, Clay Rapada) made it all better.

Another great performance by Hughes. Yes, he gave up the obligatory homer and I wish he’d be able to go deeper in to games, but you can’t have everything. If he can keep up the good work, our rotation really will be solidified.

Early on, I thought the offense would flame out yet again with the bases loaded; Ibanez hitting into the DP was groan-worthy. But this Yankees team is all or nothing when it comes to offense. We either hit the long ball or strand runners. In tonight’s victory it was Tex who smacked one and Granderson who emerged from his slump to give us insurance.

I couldn’t believe when Tex got hit in the foot with the pitch. It felt like Kuroda all over again. But he seemed OK.

The player who’s not OK is Gardner. He’s got a date with this guy.

After all this, he’s still got elbow pain? Not good. And Ibanez and Jones aren’t spring chickens and shouldn’t be our everyday corner outfielders. I do like Wise, but he’s not much in the bat department. Should Cashman make a trade if Gardner ends up being out for the season? Unless we have someone hiding in the minors, I’m thinking he has to.

One final note. I was blacked out by FOX, of course, so I watched the video on FOX’s Spanish channel, which always carries Yankees games, and listened to the action on WCBS. Sterling was in rare form. He not only referred to Duda as “Doodoo,” but said when Girardi was trotting out to get Hughes, “Here comes Joe Torre.” It was entertaining, if confusing.