Sox Clinch, Yanks Out

But hey, at least Mussina got number 19 tonight. The Yankees are playing great baseball to close out what has certainly been a disappointing season, but you have to be happy with their effort. When you think about how bad the team has looked, at times, throughout the year, it really amazes me that they got this far.

Haterade

From the NY Daily News:

“A lot of great Yankees were not mentioned,” Yankee spokesman Howard Rubenstein said of Clemens and Torre. “There was no slight intended and perhaps both of them should have been mentioned during the celebration.”

That’s Rubenstein talking about the notable absence of Joe Torre (and Roger Clemens) from Sunday night’s festivities. There’s clearly some bad blood between the two parties. Are the Yankees just being petty Joe Torre “haters”, if you will? You have to wonder how much of this can actually be placed upon the Yankees. Maybe it was Joe Torre who did not want to participate? Eh, that’s probably not the case. I’m sure the Yankees would have mentioned that, if it were true (if only to make themselves look better). Sometimes, you just have to make due with what you’ve got and the Yankees did that on Sunday.

To be honest, I thought of Torre, briefly, during the pre-game ceremony. However, beyond that, I didn’t really dwell on his absence, although it was noticeable. We can all dream about a live video message, but truthfully, how realistic is that? I mean, the organization couldn’t really address him or thank him properly, not when he’s on the other side of the country managing another baseball team. It’s no one’s fault, really. Instead, it’s just the reality of the situation. Torre will get his congratulatory moment, one day, but showing an image of him on the video screen wouldn’t have done his legacy justice anyway (even though, I agree, that they probably should have done it, just to acknowledge the man). We might as well wait for the real deal, which is Joe Torre in the flesh. Only then will we truly be satisfied.

Stealing History

From Yahoo Sports (AP):

New York City police say they arrested more than a dozen people for stealing pieces of Yankee Stadium during the 85-year-old ballpark’s final game.Police say 18 fans were charged with possessing stolen property.

Officers were out in force for the stadium’s final game on Sunday to keep souvenir hunters from tearing away pieces of the place.

Yankee spokesman Howard Rubenstein told the New York Post that they intend to hire a private security team to protect the stadium from other would-be thieves.

It was bound to happen. I’m actually happy that I couldn’t attend the final game (well, not happy, but you know what I mean), simply because I would have been in that group.

What would you steal if you had your chance?

I’d try to steal Pudge Rodriguez. He’s pretty small and hasn’t done much for the team, so I think I could get away with it without anyone noticing…

A Healthy Relationship

From Anthony Coleman (Trenton Times):

The Thunder have given the Yankees quite a bit.

Their minor league players play in front crowds that have totaled 400,000 each of the six summers the Yankees have called the capital region home. The team gets enough media attention in prepar ing players for life in the Bronx. In addition, the Thunder ownership is pledging improvements to Mercer County Waterfront Park to make the presentation even more first class.

In return, the Yankees have provided Trenton with two Eastern League championships.

So why wouldn’t the partnership continue?

The Thunder announced yesterday that they are calling a press conference for 1 p.m. tomorrow in the Yankee Club and Conference Center at the ballpark to “announce the details concerning the future of the Trenton Thunder and New York Yankee affiliation.” In other words, the long-awaited player development contract (PDC) is finally completed. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is expected to be in attendance.

Per Major League Baseball rules, the PDC can be extended for two or four years. The last time the two organizations extended the PDC, they did so for just two years. The Thunder will become the seventh EL team to re-up with its parent club this season.

Good to know (and a no doubter). In case you were wondering, the Yankees and the Trenton Thunder signed an extension back in 2005 which allowed their PDC to expire after the 2008 season (instead of after the 2006 season). Also, if you’re interested in the Trenton Thunder (I’m talking extensive coverage), make sure to check out Mike Ashmore’s Thunder Thoughts.

Cash’s Court

That is where the ball currently sits, as Hal Steinbrenner and the Yankees have made it very clear that they would like to grant Brian Cashman an extension so that he may return after this season. I don’t think this is much of a surprise to anyone. Hal is in charge (not Hank) and he is Cashman’s ally, so it makes sense for them to continue their working relationship. I really can’t see Brian Cashman leaving unless something happens during the contract negotiations (ala Joe Torre).