Jane Heller

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

Yankees-Rays: Another Loss at the Trop

I wasn’t there this time; I didn’t want to jinx the Yanks as I feared I did last time they came to St. Pete. I needn’t have worried. They jinxed themselves. Or, should I say, Gary Sanchez jinxed them with his sloppy, lazy playing. Brace yourself for a rant.

I’ve been quiet on the blog during the All-Star break because I don’t watch the game or the home run derby. And earlier in the month, I was glued to Wimbledon, tennis fan that I am. But now I’m letting my frustration fly: the Yankees are blowing it. They were keeping it close with the Red Sox, having a really entertaining battle with their rival for the division lead. Now? They’ve squandered that lead.

Tonight, Severino had an uncharacteristically bad outing, but it kicked off with Sanchez’s run-scoring passed ball, and it looked to me as if the two of them were having a heated discussion about it in the dugout. Not good.

Fast forward to the ninth inning. The Rays had gotten off to a great start in the game but the Yanks came all the way back to within one run with bases loaded. On the final play, Sanchez chugged – seriously, I could run faster than he did – to first base for the last out, ending the opener of the three-game set. If there’s one thing I can’t abide, it’s lack of hustle. It was my problem with Cano, and now it’s a problem and has been a problem with Sanchez. I hate to say it, but I think we’re looking at another Jesus Montero situation. Sanchez will probably be benched or fined for tonight’s stink-up, but he should be traded for a starting pitcher. I’m done watching him be talked to and disciplined. I’m done sensing that pitchers don’t want him to catch them. I’m just done.

Now that I’ve gotten all that off my chest, it’s on to tomorrow’s game. Let’s hope for a better result before this season slips away.

Yes, I'm Posting About Juicing

I hate the subject of PEDs. I was over it when Lance Armstrong went on Oprah and I’m still over it. But I’d be negligent if I didn’t at least acknowledge that the Yankees have had a bad week with regard to all the news coming out of Miami, which appears to be the “anti-aging” capital of the world.

A-Rod said, “It’s all a mistake, a forgery.” Cervelli said, “I was just consulting Bosch about my rehab.” Jesus Montero said, “I seem to be caught in the middle of something.” Blah blah blah.

Who knows what the whole truth is. What I don’t understand is why the New Times newspaper can’t just turn over their documents to MLB and the Feds and let them take it from there. Why would a newspaper hang onto this stuff? Why do these investigations drag on forever? And, above all, why must athletes always be so desperate to gain an advantage?

Maybe if they had brains and a sense of self-worth, they would figure out a way to play their sport the best they can and then move on to “regular pursuits” like the rest of us have to.

Yes, I’m Posting About Juicing

I hate the subject of PEDs. I was over it when Lance Armstrong went on Oprah and I’m still over it. But I’d be negligent if I didn’t at least acknowledge that the Yankees have had a bad week with regard to all the news coming out of Miami, which appears to be the “anti-aging” capital of the world.

A-Rod said, “It’s all a mistake, a forgery.” Cervelli said, “I was just consulting Bosch about my rehab.” Jesus Montero said, “I seem to be caught in the middle of something.” Blah blah blah.

Who knows what the whole truth is. What I don’t understand is why the New Times newspaper can’t just turn over their documents to MLB and the Feds and let them take it from there. Why would a newspaper hang onto this stuff? Why do these investigations drag on forever? And, above all, why must athletes always be so desperate to gain an advantage?

Maybe if they had brains and a sense of self-worth, they would figure out a way to play their sport the best they can and then move on to “regular pursuits” like the rest of us have to.

Holy S*%T! John Was Right! (With A P.S.)

Friend of the Blog John urged me to have patience that we’d be getting a starting pitcher, and tonight comes breaking news that he was right.

However, there’s good news and bad news regarding this news.

The good news is that we got Mariners superstar-in-waiting Michael Pineda.

He’s not Felix (the Mariners said no) but he’s a highly-touted young righty who filled in for Verlander at last year’s All Star game and is supposed to be a stud. He could solidify our rotation for years to come if he stays healthy.

(We also got a pitching prospect named Jose Campos.)

Now here’s the bad news. We gave up Montero and Noesi.

I figured the organization wasn’t high on Jesus since they’ve tried to include him in trades before. He’s not a great catcher and we’ve got better ones. Plus, the DH slot will be crowded with our veteran players. Still, he was a homegrown kid and I was rooting for him to make it big in the Bronx.

And I thought Noesi had real potential as a starter at some point, so I’m sad to see him go too.

But you can’t have everything as a fan, and overall I’m stoked about this deal.

P.S. No sooner did I post this entry than I heard we also signed Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year deal.

Obviously, Hal opened his wallet a little wider…..

 

 

What Was Not To Love About That Game?

Things went so much better than I could have imagined. On paper, Lester versus Sweaty Freddy looked like a mismatch, but here’s what we know about paper.

It means nothing. Lester didn’t have it and Garcia did and there was a moment when Lester was standing on the mound, after giving up the homer to Jeter, when I thought he might burst into tears. He was so tough in the first inning, wasn’t he? After that, not so much.

Here’s what else was great:

  1. Jesus Montero’s hitting theatrics.
  2. Boone Logan’s mastery of Ortiz.
  3. Watching Andruw Jones run the bases.
  4. The fact that a Yankees-Red Sox game only took THREE HOURS.
  5. The fact that we scored 9 runs without any production from A-Rod, Grandy or Tex.
  6. The fact that Joe Buck wasn’t around for the broadcast.

Here’s what wasn’t great:

  1. A-Rod’s rust; I’m concerned.
  2. Tex’s continued slump; I’m concerned. (What’s he batting? Like .230? If that?)
  3. The fact that FOX didn’t show us the pre-game ceremonies with the Maris family except for a tiny clip. (I couldn’t get over how much one of the sons looks like his dad.)

Anyhow, it was a terrific win for the Yanks after all the beatdowns this year at the hands of the Sox and a very reassuring performance by Sweaty Freddy.

Thank You, Peter Bourjos, Whoever You Are!

Photo: Getty Images

I like to think the Yankees would have won today’s finale against the Angels even without Bourjos’ error, but who cares. The important thing is that we did win. We did break the losing streak. We did gain a game on the Red Sox. We did watch Mo get save #599 and inch closer to his big milestone.

It’s amazing what a win does for my personality. I’m actually smiling.

How cool was it to see both Montero and Romine make their major league catching debuts in the same game – especially after a night when Jorge was essentially pulled out of catching retirement. Talk about a passing of the torch(es).

I’m so happy I’m not even going to mention that Garcia gave up five runs in five innings or that Soriano wasn’t exactly lights out or that Tex’s sac fly was the best he could do. (I know, I know. I just did mention those little issues. Sorry.)

Better to focus on the fact that we head to Seattle in a positive frame of mind, even with all the injuries.

Goodbye, Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and good riddance.

Another Winable Loss, And I’m Disgusted

Colon gave the Yankees everything we could have hoped for – length, command, efficiency – and what happened? The offense couldn’t figure out Weaver, Jeter made an uncharacteristic error, Nunez got picked off, and the bullpen sucked (except for D-Rob). The result? The Angels celebrated on the field as if they’d won the World Series and we failed yet again to take advantage of a Red Sox loss. Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

The only bright spot? Montero hit another homer. Well, and Bart was great, as I said.

So what’s the excuse for tonight’s loss? I don’t know, but here are my lingering questions.

  1. Are the Yankees still tired the way they were tired against Baltimore?
  2. Has Granderson wilted?
  3. Will the real Tex show up?
  4. Is A-Rod okay? (Why did Girardi pinch run for him anyway?)
  5. Could Mo not have been used, since he hasn’t pitched since 9/6?
  6. Will Swisher’s elbow be a serious injury?
  7. Why was Cervelli scratched from the lineup?
  8. Was Aaron Laffey really worth picking up off the scrap heap?

I’m tired of losing at Angel Stadium and I’m tired of watching my team blow chance after chance to win the AL East and I’m just tired. Good night!

Another Winable Loss, And I'm Disgusted

Colon gave the Yankees everything we could have hoped for – length, command, efficiency – and what happened? The offense couldn’t figure out Weaver, Jeter made an uncharacteristic error, Nunez got picked off, and the bullpen sucked (except for D-Rob). The result? The Angels celebrated on the field as if they’d won the World Series and we failed yet again to take advantage of a Red Sox loss. Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

The only bright spot? Montero hit another homer. Well, and Bart was great, as I said.

So what’s the excuse for tonight’s loss? I don’t know, but here are my lingering questions.

  1. Are the Yankees still tired the way they were tired against Baltimore?
  2. Has Granderson wilted?
  3. Will the real Tex show up?
  4. Is A-Rod okay? (Why did Girardi pinch run for him anyway?)
  5. Could Mo not have been used, since he hasn’t pitched since 9/6?
  6. Will Swisher’s elbow be a serious injury?
  7. Why was Cervelli scratched from the lineup?
  8. Was Aaron Laffey really worth picking up off the scrap heap?

I’m tired of losing at Angel Stadium and I’m tired of watching my team blow chance after chance to win the AL East and I’m just tired. Good night!

Today’s Game Was A SlopFest

boston.com

I was unpacking and doing laundry, but I had the TV on and kept popping in for a look. At first I felt sorry for the Yanks, given the muddy conditions and occasionally heavy rain, but then I just got irritated – from AJ’s failure to cover first base on a couple of plays to his wild pitches. He didn’t give up a ton of runs to the O’s, but shouldn’t he be better? And why do I keep expecting him to be better?

There were errors galore but it was nice to see Montero get another big hit. And for awhile, the relievers did a great job.

With the score tied at 4-4 in the 7th inning, I stopped all my domestic activities and sat down to watch. Big mistake. I started yelling at the TV each time we’d go down without scoring. And Girardi’s intentional walks got on my nerves. And why did he use a lot of the veterans late in the game but not Jeter? Ultimately, it was Eduardo Scissorhands’ error in the 11th that really pissed me off.

I know the boys can’t win every game. I get it. But this one felt winnable. Damn.

At least my clothes are clean.

Okay, I do feel sorry for the Yanks, who now have to play the Orioles again tomorrow in Baltimore. These teams must be seriously sick of each other.

Today's Game Was A SlopFest

boston.com

I was unpacking and doing laundry, but I had the TV on and kept popping in for a look. At first I felt sorry for the Yanks, given the muddy conditions and occasionally heavy rain, but then I just got irritated – from AJ’s failure to cover first base on a couple of plays to his wild pitches. He didn’t give up a ton of runs to the O’s, but shouldn’t he be better? And why do I keep expecting him to be better?

There were errors galore but it was nice to see Montero get another big hit. And for awhile, the relievers did a great job.

With the score tied at 4-4 in the 7th inning, I stopped all my domestic activities and sat down to watch. Big mistake. I started yelling at the TV each time we’d go down without scoring. And Girardi’s intentional walks got on my nerves. And why did he use a lot of the veterans late in the game but not Jeter? Ultimately, it was Eduardo Scissorhands’ error in the 11th that really pissed me off.

I know the boys can’t win every game. I get it. But this one felt winnable. Damn.

At least my clothes are clean.

Okay, I do feel sorry for the Yanks, who now have to play the Orioles again tomorrow in Baltimore. These teams must be seriously sick of each other.

Sweeping Is So Much Fun

Photo: oldandinteresting.com

I’d gotten sort of used to losing the first game of a series and coming back and winning the rest, but I’ll take a nice clean sweep any day. Michael Kay kept saying how the Blue Jays are a “decent” team but the Yankees made them look not-so-decent.

Thanks to yet another gutsy outing by CC, plus power from Jeter, A-Rod and Swisher, a multi-hit day for Montero and clutch at bats all around, today’s game was very relaxing (except for the homer Soriano gave up to Bautista).

I was heartened to hear CC say in his post-game remarks that “this is the best place to play in baseball,” referring to Yankee Stadium. I always have the threat of his opting out in the back of my head, so I hope he meant what he said and doesn’t plan on going anywhere.

Jeter looked about as comfortable at the plate as he could get, didn’t he?

Great to see Tex and A-Rod get back into it, especially with Granderson getting a day off.

After the game Girardi made his announcement about the rotation – an announcement that nothing’s changing, if you can call that an announcement. Talk about an anti-climax. I guess he can’t bump AJ after the success in Boston. So all six starters will be playing musical chairs for awhile longer.

As for me, I’ll be in transit during tomorrow’s game and then flying back to California during Tuesday’s contest, so I’ll pick up the blog posts on Wednesday. (I can reply to comments via the handy WordPress app on my iPhone but haven’t figured out how to write posts from it.)

Have a great Labor Day, everyone, and I’ll see you Wednesday from the other coast!

Where Has This AJ Been Hiding?

Apparently, he and Larry Rothschild worked on a slight change in mechanics since the last start – and the result was a very good performance tonight in Boston. Why didn’t they come up with this change in, say, July? Don’t ask me. All I know is that he was impressive and deserved some run support. My guess is he’ll stay in the rotation and Hughes will go to the pen.

Tonight’s marathon (it felt like 10 hours) was really two games.

Game 1, in which the Red Sox led 2-1, was an exercise in futility as the Yanks kept leaving men on base – again.

Game 2, in which we went ahead 4-2, was a thrill ride that nearly gave me a nervous breakdown. Great defensive plays by Granderson, Gardner and Tex. Great relief pitching by Logan, Wade, Soriano and Robertson. Great at bats by Jones, Martin and Chavez. Great but nail biting ninth by Mo. Not a great debut by Montero, but he did score a run. Great winning this series. Whew.

What wasn’t great was watching Tex get hit on the knee – by old friend Aceves yet. I’m relieved the injury wasn’t more serious, but with A-Rod out we really didn’t need another bat going AWOL. Hopefully, “day to day” means “any day” in his case.

And now I’m going to bed. Who can stay up for these ridiculously long contests? Or am I just old and cranky?

“You Just Can’t Predict Baseball”

I know. That’s John Sterling’s favorite line. But as I was reading about the latest developments in Yankeeville, I couldn’t help utter the same words myself.

By the time I wake up tomorrow morning, Girardi will have already announced his roster for breaking camp, or so I assume. Judging by the buzz among the beat writers, it sounds like:

  • Nova is our #4 pitcher.
  • Garcia slots in at #5.
  • Colon goes to the pen in long relief.
  • Nunez gets the reserve job instead of Pena.
  • Gustavo Molina is the backup catcher, not Jesus Montero.

Could anybody have predicted the above? Well, except for Nova? Seriously, didn’t Ramiro Pena have the infield job locked up before Nunez beat him out? Wasn’t Montero the second coming of Joe Mauer while Molina was the so-so, non-Molina-brother catcher? Wasn’t Garcia supposed to be a long shot to make the rotation? And how about Eric Chavez? I remember writing on this very blog that I was excited about him coming off the bench, and lots of people said, “Forget it. He’s always injured. He won’t give you anything.”And yet look at the spring training he’s had, including his first ST homer in tonight’s game. Yes, I like Jorge Vazquez and I hope we’ll see him in the Bronx one of these days, but Chavez has such a good glove.

It’s all coming together. I’m still not crazy about Andruw Jones and I honestly don’t know what his contribution will be, but things could look a lot different in another month or two.

Meanwhile, the rehearsals are winding down and the show is about to start….Any day now.

"You Just Can't Predict Baseball"

I know. That’s John Sterling’s favorite line. But as I was reading about the latest developments in Yankeeville, I couldn’t help utter the same words myself.

By the time I wake up tomorrow morning, Girardi will have already announced his roster for breaking camp, or so I assume. Judging by the buzz among the beat writers, it sounds like:

  • Nova is our #4 pitcher.
  • Garcia slots in at #5.
  • Colon goes to the pen in long relief.
  • Nunez gets the reserve job instead of Pena.
  • Gustavo Molina is the backup catcher, not Jesus Montero.

Could anybody have predicted the above? Well, except for Nova? Seriously, didn’t Ramiro Pena have the infield job locked up before Nunez beat him out? Wasn’t Montero the second coming of Joe Mauer while Molina was the so-so, non-Molina-brother catcher? Wasn’t Garcia supposed to be a long shot to make the rotation? And how about Eric Chavez? I remember writing on this very blog that I was excited about him coming off the bench, and lots of people said, “Forget it. He’s always injured. He won’t give you anything.”And yet look at the spring training he’s had, including his first ST homer in tonight’s game. Yes, I like Jorge Vazquez and I hope we’ll see him in the Bronx one of these days, but Chavez has such a good glove.

It’s all coming together. I’m still not crazy about Andruw Jones and I honestly don’t know what his contribution will be, but things could look a lot different in another month or two.

Meanwhile, the rehearsals are winding down and the show is about to start….Any day now.

The Kids Are All Right

I’m in a movie mood, granted, given that the Oscars start in a few hours. But my headline isn’t about this.

It’s about Nova and Montero and Betances and – my fave from yesterday – Vazquez. Eric Chavez will probably get the remaining infielder job, despite his lobster claws playing first today, but Jorge the II can hit! Two homers in two days? Yeah, I know. Shelley Duncan was on that track and look what happened to him. But for now I’m liking him a lot.

Sorry, I digress. I meant to start with Nova. He was sharp. And fearless. He threw one that buzzed Polanco’s head and acted like it was no big deal. I know the word “poise” is overused, but he’s got some; you can just tell he’s ready for prime time.

It was fun seeing Montero make his debut. Did he do anything spectacular? Not really. But he and Nova seemed to be in a nice rhythm and he really worked his at bats.

I have to say that the highlight of the Yankees’ win over the Phillies was the appearance of Dellin Betances (whom I couldn’t help calling Beyonces). Um, why aren’t we FedEx-ing this kid right to the majors? He’s big and strong and throws strikes at 97 mph. As I watched him I kept going, “Who cares about Cliff Lee?” Speaking of Lee, he was interviewed by Michael Kay and said he chose the Phillies because they gave him the best chance to win a championship. Oh, yeah? We’ll see about that, Cliffy.

Photo: Kevin H./flickr

P.S. Friend of the Blog, Corinne, sent me a pic of her mom in Monument Park. As you can read from her comment below, she and her family arranged for a Stadium tour for her mother, who seems to have been given the royal treatment! Thanks for the pic and the wonderful story, Corinne!

The Kids Are All Right

I’m in a movie mood, granted, given that the Oscars start in a few hours. But my headline isn’t about this.

It’s about Nova and Montero and Betances and – my fave from yesterday – Vazquez. Eric Chavez will probably get the remaining infielder job, despite his lobster claws playing first today, but Jorge the II can hit! Two homers in two days? Yeah, I know. Shelley Duncan was on that track and look what happened to him. But for now I’m liking him a lot.

Sorry, I digress. I meant to start with Nova. He was sharp. And fearless. He threw one that buzzed Polanco’s head and acted like it was no big deal. I know the word “poise” is overused, but he’s got some; you can just tell he’s ready for prime time.

It was fun seeing Montero make his debut. Did he do anything spectacular? Not really. But he and Nova seemed to be in a nice rhythm and he really worked his at bats.

I have to say that the highlight of the Yankees’ win over the Phillies was the appearance of Dellin Betances (whom I couldn’t help calling Beyonces). Um, why aren’t we FedEx-ing this kid right to the majors? He’s big and strong and throws strikes at 97 mph. As I watched him I kept going, “Who cares about Cliff Lee?” Speaking of Lee, he was interviewed by Michael Kay and said he chose the Phillies because they gave him the best chance to win a championship. Oh, yeah? We’ll see about that, Cliffy.

Photo: Kevin H./flickr

P.S. Friend of the Blog, Corinne, sent me a pic of her mom in Monument Park. As you can read from her comment below, she and her family arranged for a Stadium tour for her mother, who seems to have been given the royal treatment! Thanks for the pic and the wonderful story, Corinne!

Who Wants To Be The Yankees Catcher?

This spring training has the makings of an entertaining reality show when it comes to the everyday catching position – “The Biggest Non-Loser” or “Top Catch” or maybe “Survivor: Bronx.” We have so many contestants.

#1 Jorge Posada

Yes, he’s been told he’s the Yankees’ primary DH, but he’s a proud guy and he still wants to crouch behind the plate. He can’t throw runners out anymore, and pitchers like A.J. aren’t wild about working with him. Still, he’s one of the Core Four Three. He could sway voters.

#2. Russell Martin

Dodger fans out here loved this guy – until recently, that is. For awhile he was everybody’s favorite player with the potential to be a real star. Can he rebound from surgery and from what he’s referred to as his “out-of-whack mechanics?” Those who’ve watched his decline think he partied too much and made excuses. He needs to establish credibility as a Yankee.

#3. Francisco Cervelli

He was beloved. He was scorned. He was everything in between. He’s still young and he has the drive to do better, as evidenced by his workouts with Cano this winter. Plus, who can resist his enthusiasm and energy? Given the choice, CC would rather pitch to him than to anyone else. Does that count?

#4. Jesus Montero

He’s the prospect everyone’s been waiting for – the Anointed One who nevertheless nearly got traded for Cliff Lee. We know he can hit. We know he’s strong. We know he’s been working on his catching skills. We know he thinks he’s ready for prime time. But is he?

#5. Austin Romine

Never mind. He can’t compete with the others.

All we need is a host for the show. Any ideas? I have one.

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About Jane Heller

Jane Heller is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her fourteen breezy, witty novels of romantic comedy and suspense are now entertaining millions of readers around the world, along with her two books of nonfiction.