Monday, October 27, 2014
Bronx News Sports: Truman advances
Bronx News Sports: Truman advances: Truman advances Photo by Gary Quintal In Boys B division Soccer #5 Harry S Truman High School hosted its opening round match-up...
Truman advances
Truman advances
Photo by Gary Quintal
In Boys B division Soccer #5 Harry S Truman High School hosted its opening round match-up against #28 Fiorello H Laguardia October 26th. Truman made its first half goal stand as they won 1-0 advancing to the second round.
Bronx News Sports: Hayes dominates
Bronx News Sports: Hayes dominates: Hayes dominates Photo by Gary Quintal Playing their final regular season match-up at Rooftop, Cardinal Hayes improved to ...
Hayes dominates
Hayes dominates
Photo by Gary Quintal
Playing their final regular season match-up at Rooftop, Cardinal Hayes improved to 3-5 after a 13-point second half propelled Hayes to a 19-6 victory over Saint John the Baptist. Hayes hopes to finish its regular season with a three game winning streak for traveling to St. Anthony's for a 7pm match-up Saturday November 1st.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Bronx News Sports: Fordham
Bronx News Sports: Fordham: Fordham Coach Looks Forward to New Season (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 23- The ea...
Bronx News Sports: Fordham
Bronx News Sports: Fordham: Fordham Coach Looks Forward to New Season (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 23- The ea...
Fordham
Fordham Coach Looks Forward to New Season
By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 23- The early fall is the time that the seasons of several important team sports converge. This week, the World Series and college football are moving forward, the NFL season is taking shape, the new seasons of the NBA and NHL are beginning, the college basketball conferences are previewing the next season at their annual media days.
The Atlantic-10 Conference held its Media Day at
Barclays Center last Tuesday. The location was chosen because Barclays will be hosting the A-10 Championship in March for the third straight season.
Each of the 14 head coaches in the currently misnamed conference (there are 14 teams in the Atlantic-10) met with members of the media to discuss the upcoming season. Much of interest was told to reporters during the lengthy event, but this article will focus on the only New York City team in the A-10, Fordham University.
Although hundreds of college teams compete in thousands of games each season, a number of coincidences regarding Fordham personnel show college basketball is a small world. Fordham’s coach Tom Pecora began his career in coaching as an assistant to Bob Mckillop at Long Island Lutheran 30 years ago. McKillop, now in his 26th year as the coach at Davidson, was also at Media Day as Davidson is the newest member of the conference.
Pecora was an assistant coach at UNLV under coach Rollie Massimino during 1992-93. Massimino’s grandson, Matt, is on this year’s Fordham roster. Paul Hewitt, the coach at George Mason, was an assistant coach at Fordham.
Fordham finished last in the A-10 last year and was chosen to be last in the pre-season poll revealed. Yet, before the season begins, hope springs eternal. Pecora enthused, “This is the best time of the year. I like the anticipation and the unpredictability of a college basketball season.”
Coach Chris Mooney of Richmond reiterated the feeling in his interview, “All coaches are excited and optimistic this time of the year.”
Several of the teams, including Fordham, took overseas trips during the off-season. The Fordham coach believes the trip to Canada will benefit his team for several reasons, “the practices, the cultural experiences and competing together.” He feels the bonding experience is invaluable for a team with “seven new bodies.”
Hewitt, who traveled with his team to Spain, spoke even more strongly, “The trip to Spain will help us more than anything that happened last season.”
Pecora spoke very positively of several of the newcomers. Eric Paschall, 6-6, was a standout at Dobbs Ferry High School in Westchester County and the New England Prep School player of the year at St. Thomas More in Connecticut. Pecora told of the youngster’s versatility on the court, “He’s 17 years old; he can play positions 2, 3 or 4; we expect a lot of Eric.”
He said of Chris Sengfelder, 6-8, of Germany, “He’s really been a big surprise.”
Pecora also anticipates improvement in his returning players. Last year’s prize recruit, Jon Severe of Brooklyn, was on the A-10 All-Rookie Team and has been selected as a preseason choice for A-10 Third Team. Pecora explained the opposition game plan last year was to stop Severe from scoring, “He was being defended by grown men. This year, there’ll be less of a burden.”
He also talked of why he expects two upperclassmen to improve, “Senior Bryan Smith is finally playing his natural position. The offensive game of Junior Ryan Rhomes, 6-8, has blossomed.”
Fordham’s home arena, the Rose Hill Gym in the Bronx, has been oft-criticized as the oldest Division I gym and for its limited seating of 3,200. Yet, Pecora praised it as one of Fordham’s strengths, “Rose Hill is a special place. It reeks of tradition. It’s a great home court advantage. Sixteen games there is a good thing.”
Shaka Smart, the coach of the unanimous choice for first place in the A-10, VCU, reminisced of his first visit to Rose Hill, “They had Smush Parker and a hell of a team. Bob Hill was the coach. It was different and a challenge.”
Pecora, a native of Queens Village said of himself, “I’m born and bred there. It’s important for me to be a part of New York basketball.” Thus, he is exceptionally pleased to be playing against St. John’s University at Madison Square Garden (December 14) and against Manhattan College, its Bronx rival, at Barclays on December 28.
Fordham’s season will begin on November 14 at the Rose Hill Gym against the New York Institute of Technology.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Bronx News Sports: Fordham’s First Win over Penn is a Record Breaker
Bronx News Sports: Fordham’s First Win over Penn is a Record Breaker: Fordham’s First Win over Penn is a Record Breaker (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 13-...
Fordham’s First Win over Penn is a Record Breaker
Fordham’s First Win over Penn is a Record Breaker
(Photos by Gary Quintal)
By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 13- The sixth meeting between the Fordham Rams (6-1, 2-0) and the University of Pennsylvania Quakers (0-4, 0-1) took place at Jack Coffey Field in the Bronx on October 11. The game on Saturday was the first victory of Fordham, 60-22, over the Quakers. The two teams seem to be heading in different directions. The win for Fordham was its fifth straight and 11th consecutive home win, and the loss for Penn was its eighth straight. The 60 points scored by the Rams was the most their Ivy League opponent had surrendered in a single game since its 61-0 defeat by #1 ranked Army on November 17, 1945.
The visitors reached the scoreboard first as Penn quarterback Alek Torgerson threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Ryan O’Malley at 10:01. To the credit of the Fordham defense, that intercepted two passes and forced two fumbles, the first Penn touchdown was also its last. The last 16 points scored by the Quakers were off the foot of Jimmy Gammil. The junior kicked the point after touchdown and five field goals.
Fordham scored twice on the ground in the first quarter. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native Chase Edmunds carried the ball three yards for Fordham’s first points. His 11th touchdown of the season, in only six games, has been topped only five times in Fordham history in a single (full). He rushed for 101 yards, the sixth game in which has rushed for triple figures of yards. He is the first Fordham freshman to have a season rushing yardage total above 1,000 (1,011).
Fordham head coach Joe Moorhead, in his third successful season in the Bronx, spoke very highly of the sensational freshman’s work ethic, preparation, and effort, “He’s an old soul. Everything he’s gotten, he’s earned. It’s not a surprise the success he’s had.”
Quarterback Mike Nebrich, a senior, has also been impressed by the freshman running back, “He’s been huge. It [his rushing] opens up the defense. You can lead as a freshman.”
The second Fordham first quarter touchdown came on a recovered fumble and eight-yard run by senior defenseman DeAndre Slate.
Fordham’s defensive onslaught during the remainder of the game was achieved through the air under the leadership and outstanding ability of quarterback Nebrich. The senior from Virginia spoke of how he sees his responsibility during each contest, “My job is to get us going anytime we start sputtering.”
On Saturday, he completed 36 of 47 passes for a Fordham record of 566 yards, which broke the mark of 524 yards he set in 2013. Six of the 36 completions were for touchdowns, tying a Fordham game mark.
Five different receivers caught touchdown tosses from Nebrich. Tubucky Jones Jr., like Nebrich, a University of Connecticut transfer, caught two, one of 37 yards and one of 47 yards. Jones caught 10 for 203 yards, the eighth highest total in Fordham history. Sam Ajala received eight passes for 199 yards, the ninth highest total.
The 730 yards gained by the Fordham offense was a single game school record and the highest total by an NCAA FCS team this season. According to Moorhead, this success stems from good practice habits and game preparation. The coach also praised his players as being good students and fine human beings as well as good athletes. His own college experience at Fordham has obviously imbued in him the knowledge of what a student-athlete should be.
After Fordham’s bye-week the team will travel to Lehigh for its next contest on October 25. The Rams will return to Jack Coffey Field on November 1 to host Colgate.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Bronx News Sports: Changes begin for Yankees
Bronx News Sports: Changes begin for Yankees: Cashman gets three years and changes begin for Yankees By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 11- Brian Cashman obviously was not at f...
Changes begin for Yankees
Cashman gets three years and changes begin for Yankees
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 11- Brian Cashman obviously was not at fault for the New York Yankees failure of not making the postseason a second consecutive year. Instead the team announced Friday that their GM has a new three-year contract but the hitting and third base coaches have been dismissed.
Mick Kelleher and hitting coach Kevin Long were dismissed, though in the end it was the failure of an expected and high paid offense that did not produce. Cashman made some mid season adjustments to keep the Yankees competitive in a tight race for the second American League wild card, but they won fewer games, (84) than they did the previous year.
So why did the Yankees grant Cashman another three years, after $438 million of spending went to not seeing baseball being played again in the Bronx this month? Cashman has helped build the Yankees to 14 post season appearances in 16 years.
Simple: Cashman does not take the field. A combination of injuries and expectations of a roster not producing will eventually lead to failure, and the Yankees were once again an example of spending and expectations, but you have to play out the entire 162-game schedule.
As for Long and Kelleher, they became the victims because baseball is a game where changes are made when expectations and hopes do not come to fruition. And as much as there has been a call from fans to dismiss manager Joe Girardi, he did the impossible.
Under the circumstances, and trying to find a solution, Girardi often adjusted the lineup and used reinforcements that Cashman acquired. The results were the same resulting in a fourth place finish and one of the lowest scoring teams in the league.
“Nick Kelleher was not responsible,” Cashman explained to reporters late Thursday afternoon in a media conference call. And perhaps neither was Long responsible, who did his best to help a struggling lineup make adjustments.
On the dismissal of Long, Cashman said: “He tried everything in his power by his own assessment…. I know he publicly stated late in the year that he tried everything. The effort was sufficient, the results weren’t. We had higher hopes for the offense.”
Cashman added that a bone spur injury to Carlos Beltran to his right elbow was a serious blow for the entire team. And it was, as Beltran missed a significant amount of games and had surgery to remove the spur two days after the season concluded.
But Cashman, responding to a question did say, “Changing staff has to come to an expense.” So with the season about two weeks over, and with Cashman settled in again for a 17th year in his chair, the coaching changes are the beginning of what is expected to be an off season of activity.
That includes filling a void at shortstop for the retired and certain first ballot Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, and what to do with the return of Alex Rodriguez who becomes active upon completion of the World Series after sitting out a season long suspension from violating a strict baseball anti steroid policy.
The Yankee are expected to have Rodriguez when players report to Tampa, Florida in mid February and begin the first of what is hoped to be a productive three remaining years of that lucrative 10-year $275 million contract.
On the return of his 14-time all-star who played a role with the Yankees’ 2009 championship team, Cashman said there will be “contingency plans” in the event he is not up to par. Rodriguez, will turn 40 in July and will be the center of attention with the void of Jeter,and there is concern about his mobility manning third base especially being out a year and having surgery to both of his hips.
Cashman may look at free agent options, go with someone on the roster, or use a player in the Yankees under manned minor league system. Regardless, Rodriguez is expected in the lineup at third or in the designated hitter spot.
“Third base, safe to say we have some contingencies in place with Alex,” said Cashman when asked about the health and age of Rodriguez.
There is also the acquisition of Martin Prado, acquired in mid season who can play the position and was the Yankees most potent hitter down the stretch before going on the disabled list with appendicitis.
“I don’t know what to expect because he, (Rodriguez) missed a full year though he brings dedication and competes,” said Cashman. “Any alternatives for contingency purposes remain to be seen. We have to pursue all options… Just need to make sure I have the protection to provide alternatives to pursue third base options.”
Pitching was not the issue of failures. If there was anything about the 2014 Yankees it was how Cashman and Girardi were able to get good performances from a makeship staff that replaced four of five starters that were on the disabled list.
Cashman is hoping CC Sabathia can fully recover from a knee procedure, and that the seven-year investment in Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka will be healthy to pitch an entire season, not having to be concerned about Tanaka needing Tommy John surgery.
He did hint there is reason to upgrade in the pitching department, whether it be free agency or from within.
The process of re-signing David Robertson who in his opinion, “Graduated with honors” and is a “bonafide closer,” is also an immediate priority. The obvious reference that his 39 saves this past season was not an easy task in filling the shoes of the all-time saves leader.
The GM concluded that this offseason will be no different from the last 16. “In this chair every winter has it’s challenges. I’m responsible for it all, offense, defense.”
And most of all that challenge is for the fan base.
Because no matter what Cashman does, the Yankees not playing baseball in October is unacceptable to the fans, and of course his bosses that gave him another three years.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/ Rich Mancuso www.newyorksportsexaminer.com
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 11- Brian Cashman obviously was not at fault for the New York Yankees failure of not making the postseason a second consecutive year. Instead the team announced Friday that their GM has a new three-year contract but the hitting and third base coaches have been dismissed.
Mick Kelleher and hitting coach Kevin Long were dismissed, though in the end it was the failure of an expected and high paid offense that did not produce. Cashman made some mid season adjustments to keep the Yankees competitive in a tight race for the second American League wild card, but they won fewer games, (84) than they did the previous year.
So why did the Yankees grant Cashman another three years, after $438 million of spending went to not seeing baseball being played again in the Bronx this month? Cashman has helped build the Yankees to 14 post season appearances in 16 years.
Simple: Cashman does not take the field. A combination of injuries and expectations of a roster not producing will eventually lead to failure, and the Yankees were once again an example of spending and expectations, but you have to play out the entire 162-game schedule.
As for Long and Kelleher, they became the victims because baseball is a game where changes are made when expectations and hopes do not come to fruition. And as much as there has been a call from fans to dismiss manager Joe Girardi, he did the impossible.
Under the circumstances, and trying to find a solution, Girardi often adjusted the lineup and used reinforcements that Cashman acquired. The results were the same resulting in a fourth place finish and one of the lowest scoring teams in the league.
“Nick Kelleher was not responsible,” Cashman explained to reporters late Thursday afternoon in a media conference call. And perhaps neither was Long responsible, who did his best to help a struggling lineup make adjustments.
On the dismissal of Long, Cashman said: “He tried everything in his power by his own assessment…. I know he publicly stated late in the year that he tried everything. The effort was sufficient, the results weren’t. We had higher hopes for the offense.”
Cashman added that a bone spur injury to Carlos Beltran to his right elbow was a serious blow for the entire team. And it was, as Beltran missed a significant amount of games and had surgery to remove the spur two days after the season concluded.
But Cashman, responding to a question did say, “Changing staff has to come to an expense.” So with the season about two weeks over, and with Cashman settled in again for a 17th year in his chair, the coaching changes are the beginning of what is expected to be an off season of activity.
That includes filling a void at shortstop for the retired and certain first ballot Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, and what to do with the return of Alex Rodriguez who becomes active upon completion of the World Series after sitting out a season long suspension from violating a strict baseball anti steroid policy.
The Yankee are expected to have Rodriguez when players report to Tampa, Florida in mid February and begin the first of what is hoped to be a productive three remaining years of that lucrative 10-year $275 million contract.
On the return of his 14-time all-star who played a role with the Yankees’ 2009 championship team, Cashman said there will be “contingency plans” in the event he is not up to par. Rodriguez, will turn 40 in July and will be the center of attention with the void of Jeter,and there is concern about his mobility manning third base especially being out a year and having surgery to both of his hips.
Cashman may look at free agent options, go with someone on the roster, or use a player in the Yankees under manned minor league system. Regardless, Rodriguez is expected in the lineup at third or in the designated hitter spot.
“Third base, safe to say we have some contingencies in place with Alex,” said Cashman when asked about the health and age of Rodriguez.
There is also the acquisition of Martin Prado, acquired in mid season who can play the position and was the Yankees most potent hitter down the stretch before going on the disabled list with appendicitis.
“I don’t know what to expect because he, (Rodriguez) missed a full year though he brings dedication and competes,” said Cashman. “Any alternatives for contingency purposes remain to be seen. We have to pursue all options… Just need to make sure I have the protection to provide alternatives to pursue third base options.”
Pitching was not the issue of failures. If there was anything about the 2014 Yankees it was how Cashman and Girardi were able to get good performances from a makeship staff that replaced four of five starters that were on the disabled list.
Cashman is hoping CC Sabathia can fully recover from a knee procedure, and that the seven-year investment in Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka will be healthy to pitch an entire season, not having to be concerned about Tanaka needing Tommy John surgery.
He did hint there is reason to upgrade in the pitching department, whether it be free agency or from within.
The process of re-signing David Robertson who in his opinion, “Graduated with honors” and is a “bonafide closer,” is also an immediate priority. The obvious reference that his 39 saves this past season was not an easy task in filling the shoes of the all-time saves leader.
The GM concluded that this offseason will be no different from the last 16. “In this chair every winter has it’s challenges. I’m responsible for it all, offense, defense.”
And most of all that challenge is for the fan base.
Because no matter what Cashman does, the Yankees not playing baseball in October is unacceptable to the fans, and of course his bosses that gave him another three years.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/ Rich Mancuso www.newyorksportsexaminer.com
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Bronx News Sports: Columbus, Kennedy fight for playoff hopes
Bronx News Sports: Columbus, Kennedy fight for playoff hopes: Columbus, Kennedy fight for playoff hopes (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 8- With just...
Columbus, Kennedy fight for playoff hopes
Columbus, Kennedy fight for playoff hopes
(Photos by Gary Quintal)
By Gary Quintal
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 8- With just about two weeks remaining in PSAL Boys Soccer, John F. Kennedy Campus hosted Christopher Columbus Campus October 7th.
On opposite sides of the standings in the Bronx A division, Kennedy was playing for pride, needing to essentially sweep their remaining games for a playoff run. Columbus on the other hand had hopes for improving its playoff positioning as they stood tied with Evander Childs Campus for second place.
Kennedy played as if they needed it, scoring two early goals to grab a 2-0 lead. The opening goal came off a header near the net. Columbus however, chipped away scoring all 4 goals in the second half, including a final goal within the last minute of play, beating Kennedy 4-2.
Kennedy now falls to 1-5-1 (4 points) with 4 games left, while Columbus stands at 5-1-2 (17 points) still tied with Evander (5-1-2, 17 points) who defeated Clinton 5-1 October 6th.
Hoping to leapfrog into first place, both Columbus (October 15th) and Evander (October 18th) play division leader Bronx HS of Science (6-0-2, 20 points) during the final week of regular season play.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Bronx News Sports: Truman’s 0 had to Go
Bronx News Sports: Truman’s 0 had to Go: Truman’s 0 had to Go HS Scores First Win (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 6- Truman High ...
Truman’s 0 had to Go
Truman’s 0 had to Go
HS Scores First Win
(Photo by Gary Quintal)
By Gary Quintal
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 6- Truman High School stood as one of only four teams left in the City Conference Division without a win entering Week 5 of boys PSAL football action. Hosting Sheepshead Bay, also without a win at 0-4, Truman used a strong first three quarters to beat Sheepshead Bay 34-14.
Truman held a 20-6 half-time lead on the strength of two TD runs and a 20-yard TD pass that was set up by a Sheepshead fumble. Truman built its biggest lead adding another TD run on its opening drive of the third quarter to put Sheepshead down 28-6 .
Sheepshead's biggest chance to come back ended when they were stopped short at the one yard line with only one minute remaining in the second quarter down 20-6 at the moment.
Truman now stands at 1-4 and travels to Fort Hamilton next Sunday, October 12th at 12pm.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Bronx News Sports: Fordham rams through again
Bronx News Sports: Fordham rams through again: Fordham rams through again Offense minded Fordham Rams do it again to Lafayette By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 4- Fr...
Fordham rams through again
Fordham rams through again
Offense minded Fordham Rams do it again to Lafayette
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 4- From their first possession up at Rose Hill Friday night when Lafayette took the ball away from Fordham, something said that was not going to dictate the final outcome. After all the Fordham University Rams have that good offense that sparked them to a post season last November.
The Leopards, who dealt the Rams their first loss last season, could not capitalize and punted on fourth down. And so it went as Fordham dominated on offense and went on to a 42-18 win, improving their overall record to 5-1, and 2-0 in the Patriot League.
Fordham would once again score more than 40 points. And for coach Joe Moorhead this has become a common occurrence. He has the quarterback and an offense that likes to run the ball, and there are no flaws with their pass efficiency,
“They ruined our undefeated season last year most important thing was to get a Patriot league win,” Moorhead said. “We were struggling in our first couple of drives. We needed a pass to get a score.”
That first score set the tone when Chase Edmonds ran the ball in from 44-yards, the first of his two touchdowns and 187 yards. That erased an early 3-0 Lafayette lead off their first drive and 37-yard field goal. The Rams say they practiced a scheme all week and there is no debate because it works.
So when Edmonds the Rams; leading rusher went with the scheme, so did the entire Fordham offense that compiled 524 yards. After a 50-6 loss to Villanova in their second game Fordham has won four straight and will host Penn next Saturday afternoon.
What made the win more special was the game being viewed by a national television audience on the CBS Sports Network. With the exception of annoying and constant media timeouts, the Rams will take the exposure.
Because something special continues to happen for this football program up at Rose Hill, there will be more national televised games on the slate. And why not, because America does fall in love with an offensive team.
“We certainly have the capability,” Moorhead said about his offense and their ability to score. Fordham has scored 52, 54, 49, 45 and 42 points in their five games.
“It starts up front on our offensive line,” said the coach. “Its a credit to these kids. “We put a scheme together. They practice and execute it and we improve every week.”
Quarterback Mike Nebrich at the half passed for three touchdowns and 206-yards, and compiled 287 on the night.
The Rams defense also has been a factor with this success that carried over from last year and Brett Biestek led that unit with 9- tackles. That was significant because it caused the Lafayette offense to force a fumble and also lose significant yardage. And to get by Fordham losing yards is not a part of the plan.
“The whole defense had a good night,” said Edmonds, “I did a good job with the scheme.” The freshman All state American, and first team all state selection out of Central Dauphin East in “Harrisburgh Pennsylvania, rushed for 46-yards in the first quarter.
Moorhead also commented about the penalty yardage that continues to follow off the success of last year. The Rams were penalized for 124-yards and if they did not continue to pile up points, the score could have been closer.
Fordham was leveled with 15-yard penalty roughing the passer that led to a Lafayette first down late in that first quarter. The drive continued and led to the Lafayette early lead on the field goal.
But you listen to Moorhead and he is aware that at some point the penalties will catch up to you.
“We have been a highly penalized team the past few years,” he said. “There are the late hits. It got a little chippy there. Hey it’s football, it happens.They are stupid penalties... ones you can control.”
In the end though, Fordham is an offensive machine and those penalties tend to be meaningless as they seem to be the team to defeat again in the Patriot League.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso www.newyorksportsexaminer.com
Friday, October 3, 2014
Bronx News Sports: Senior Moment for Yankees
Bronx News Sports: Senior Moment for Yankees: Senior Moment for Yankees Yanks have Aches and Pains from Aging Players AND #A-Rod By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, OCT...
Senior Moment for Yankees
Senior Moment for Yankees
Yanks have Aches and Pains from Aging Players
AND #A-Rod
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 3- Hal Steinbrenner apologized to fans of the New York Yankees because his team did not do the job. The Yankees spent a half billion dollars on free agent acquisitions and failed to reach the postseason for a second consecutive year.
So Steinbrenner, the managing general partner of the richest franchise in sports, is sympathetic to the Yankees fan base. And he did not take a page out of the book from his late father, because George would have instantly leveled the failures on the manager or general manager or an entire coaching staff would be looking for other jobs.
But there are more issues that pertain to the Yankees as they begin the process of rebuilding for next year. And without Derek Jeter, the emphasis is now on Alex Rodriguez.
The full season suspension will be complete in a few weeks and it seems, from all accounts, that A-Rod will be the center of attention and prime candidate towards assuring that the Yankees will be involved in baseball next October. But that remains to be determined and that will all transpire in 147 days when spring training camp begins down in Tampa Florida.
And don’t expect this huge spending spree from the Yankees upper brass when free agency commences after the World Series. Maybe there will be a shopping spree for another starting pitcher, other than that if the Yankees are to improve it will be a deal or two, though there is not much to offer with contracts locked in on players who were a part of another failure in the Bronx.
So that leads to an emphasis of rebuilding, more so getting younger, because the Yankees roster is the oldest in baseball. And not like the Pirates or the Kansas City Royals, or Oakland, the Yankees don’t have a minor league system of players that are developed to make a jump to the big league level.
Yes the Pirates and Royals with four of the smallest payrolls in the game, were postseason teams as the Yankees went home early again.
Steinbrenner has to be aware of the implications but from his comments the emphasis seems to be, we will go on with Alex Rodriguez and the reality is there is no conception as to how a 39-year old third baseman will handle the daily regime with two bad hips.
And as one baseball observer said, “Alex will have to do it without the ability of using performing enhancing drugs. I doubt he will make it out of spring training,” he said. That may be premature shooting from the lip. Because the Yankees will have to depend more on Mark Teixeira and Carlos Beltran, their new “core” along with Brian McCann and Jacoby Ellsbury.
Alex Rodriguez is owed $60 million. So Steinbrenner has no other alternative than to inform the GM Brian Cashman and the manager Joe Girardi to play him. Unless otherwise known, the reports are A-Rod is getting into playing shape, and to be determined is how a year away from the game will be more difficult to adjust, also taking his age into consideration.
“We did not do the job this year,” said Steinbrenner in a Wednesday afternoon radio interview. “We know what you expect of us and we expect the same thing of ourselves.” That was the message to Yankees fans.
And he did not put the blame on Girardi or Cashman, but that someone is responsible for the failures of 2104. The coaching staff could see some changes, but the overall consensus is the Yankees need to get younger and that is not possible when locking in contracts on aging players of 35 years or older.
A-Rod is in that category and despite his flaws, Steinbrenner is looking at his abilities to make the Yankees better.
“He always comes into camp fit, so we know that is going to be the case,” Steinbrenner said about the return of Rodriguez. “But he is also the age he is at. I don’t have any expectations.”
The expectations of no Derek Jeter, so A-Rod becomes the center of attention for the Yankees. Hopefully more good than bad, and with Alex Rodriguez there is always the drama and another storyline.
There has to be a new leader, not talking Captain, because there is only one Derek Jeter. Perhaps it can be McCann who showed signs of finally adjusting to a new league with his resurgence of the home run in the last few weeks of a dismal season.
A second place finish at 84-78, 12-games behind the division winning Orioles and scoring 633 runs, third fewest in the American League, would not be acceptable if George Steinbrenner was still around, not with a team payroll of $200 million plus.
You can say that the Yankees were in it until the final week of the season, and four games short of that second wild card was remarkable considering how many injuries this aging team had to overcome. Credit Cashman for making some roster moves and Girardi for his leadership.
If the Yankees are to play baseball in the Bronx next October they need a leader and Jeter won’t be there as the job to fill the void at shortstop begins. The leader won’t be Alex Rodriguez, though he will get cheered if healthy and something special comes form his play on the field and at the plate.
Yankees fans want to hear who is responsible for the failures. To them it is a combination of ownership, Cashman and Girardi. In the end the owner took the responsibility.
“I want to make sure that went went wrong was for a reason,” Steinbrenner said. And that begins with more decision making than the return of Alex Rodriguez as the busy offseason has started for the New York Yankees.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso www.newyorksportsexaminer.com
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