Quick Bits: Closing Time

Here are 2 things that might interest you for tomorrow’s home finale:

• ESPN’s coverage of the event (e.g. the final game at YS)
• Press release from the Yankees detailing tomorrow’s event

Jeter OK

Derek Jeter is OK and will play in tomorrow’s game. Jeter was hit by a fastball in the 9th inning of today’s game and was forced to leave a bit prematurely (Brett Gardner replaced him and ended up being the game winning run). X-Rays of the hand were negative (no broken bones).

Kepner On Cash

From Tyler Kepner (NY Times):

Folks around the Yankees say it is no lock that Cashman returns, but I still think he will, because he knows the job of changing the culture of the Yankees is not finished. I think Cashman is intrigued and invigorated by that challenge, and I believe the rest of the front office trusts him.

This was taken from Kepner’s recent blog bit on Javier Vazquez, as Vazquez, who was once a Yankee, was lost because of the over indulgent nature of the team’s higher ups (trading him for Randy Johnson). As Kepner notes, Cashman is trying to change that culture and he may want to stick around to see that mission through, no matter how bumpy the ride may ultimately be.

Trade Market

I just wrote some sentimental crap, and then I heard this whopper.

I’ve written about the Yankees and their need for a first baseman this offseason, citing Prince Fielder’s availability at times. Right now, there’s a rumor going around that the Giants may trade the phenomenal Matt Cain for Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy, and maybe even a third player. Now, that’s a stupid trade, in my mind, for the Brewers. Cain is great (I love him), but Fielder and J.J.? J.J. Hardy, while overrated, is still very solid (2nd half player), and Fielder, while an anomaly, is still as powerful as any other player in the game. You’re losing 2 top young talents for one pitching talent. The Yankees can compete with that deal, and I’d encourage them to get involved (for Fielder, in particular).

If the Brewers go through with this, they’ll get robbed. If they’re allowing such thievery, how about Ian Kennedy, Alfredo Aceves and another player (insert position player that’s not Austin Jackson, here) for the prince of power, Prince Fielder. Maybe Aceves will be the next Jorge Campillo (except younger, I bring it up because of their Mexican heritage)? Matt Cain for Hardy and Fielder just doesn’t make sense to me (and the Brew Crew is willing to throw in one more player)…

So Strange…

I don’t know what to say as Yankee Stadium’s final days are upon us. I’m living in Seattle, watching the games via MLBTV, and as I watch, all I can think of is, “how surreal is this situation?” To me (and to many others), each game feels fundamentally different now (ooh, a John McCain word). It’s certainly weird, that’s all and it doesn’t matter that Carl Pavano is winning games (who cares?). I don’t know. To be honest, it’s strange and that’s really the best way for me to explain it (it’s not poignant, but it’s full of meaning).

It just doesn’t “feel right”, however, the end is still understandable.

A new era has dawned on us, and it’s time for us to embrace that, whether we like it or not (whether NYC legislators or even tax payers like it or not, they’re getting it). It really hit me last night, actually. During the game, my Dad called me (he’s a season ticket holder) and was absolutely distracted by the happenings. The Yankees are a game away from elimination, yet, here they are, playing for nothing but pride and tomorrow, while thousands of Yankee fans go nuts. The end is near, yes, but the beginning is bright and I’m looking forward to the adventure that will call the new Yankee Stadium home.