It seems like Derek Jeter and “Friday Night Lights” star Minka Kelly have been together for a while, so one can only presume that Kelly–whose beau has dated the likes of Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, and Mariah Carey (in her prime, mind you)–is holding it down. Kelly, who also appeared in State’s Evidence and (500) Days of Summer, is having almost as good a year as Jeter’s: she has two films slated for release next year, and the almost-unhealthy infatuation of Leighton Meester to boot, almost certainly inspired by their upcoming film together, The Roommate, a sort of contemporary take on Single White Female. At least Minka gives us one one reason to cheer for the Yankees, even if there are about 75,000 reasons to hope they get swept by the Phillies. Keep fighting the good fight, Minka. Also.
Since we are a “generalist” blog, we’re somewhat obligated to point out that the New York Yankees wrapped up their 40th American League pennant this year after beating the Los Angeles Anaheim California Pacific Time Zone Angels in Game 6 of the ALCS last night. Long story short: the Angels made a bunch of errors and the Yankees’ expensive players finally came up with some big hits.
The irony of it all–as pointed out by Dan Levy, among others–is that the projected Game 1 matchup will pit C.C. Sabathia against Cliff Lee, who are both former Indians basically dealt away by Indians GM Mark Shapiro for return significantly below market value. But cheer up, Indians fans. You just hired a manager that got fired by the Washington Nationals. Isn’t that great? Also.
Major League Baseball recently concluded an investigation regarding an SB Nation report that Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera was caught spitting on the baseball during his appearance in Game 3 of the ALCS yesterday. Rivera was seen spitting in the general direction of the ball before the camera cut away to Angels manager Mike Scioscia. Emphasis added:
he initial reaction by the league had been that the video plus still pictures they have of the incident were inconclusive if Rivera actually spit on or near the ball. But after further review of what it had, the Commissioners Office determined that Rivera was not spitting directly on the ball.
On still pictures in MLB’s possession, it apparently looks as if Rivera is spitting near, but not on, the ball. Also, as even the league office is aware, Rivera is a player who spits constantly while in action. NYPost, via SB Nation.
Whatever. Pitchers that cheat are the ones that really do a disservice to the game. You think I want to spend three hours watching a 1-0 game? Actually, I do like those, but the girls I take to the game can never sit still through them. I blame the lack of offense. Or maybe it’s crabs. vid from Deadspin.
As the Yankees prepare for their showdown with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the ALCS, CC Sabathia, demonstrating that he has an IQ of at least one-half of his cholesterol count, let everyone in on a little secret regarding why players choose to play for the New York Yankees. No, it’s not the history or tradition. And no, it’s not the obscene amounts of money they can throw at a player. Instead, it’s the chance to win championships. Wow.
“You come here to get a chance to win a championship,” said Sabathia, who is scheduled to start for the Yankees against those same Angels in the ALCS opener tonight at Yankee Stadium. “We are one step closer to that.” via.
If Sabathia hadn’t blown my mind in the same way he routinely blows out pairs of 54/36 jeans, I would have never guessed that players are drawn to the Yankees for the opportunity to win championships.
You know, in retrospect, it has been nine years since the Yankees have won a title and they haven’t legitimately competed for a World Series title since they lost to the Marlins in seven six games in the 2003 World Series, so perhaps coming to the Yankees to compete for a championship isn’t the best idea after all. Maybe it was all about the money. Sabathia did sign a seven-year deal for a staggering $161 million.
So does that make Sabathia a moron for believing that signing with the Yankees gave him the best shot at winning a title, or does it make me one for taking the time to point out that the reasons should be obvious when they are in fact not? Or both? That’s going to be a tricky one to sort out. Maybe I’ll just take a nap instead and ignore this particular conundrum.
Derek Jeter became the Yankees’ all-time hits co-leader with this base hit, his 2,721st in the bigs, down the first base line yesterday. And he should surpass Lou Gehrig on that list sometime today. Jeter isn’t overrated or underrated; people drone about him all the time and that’s fine. He’s one of the best of his era. Who I can’t stand hearing about is that gaddamned Mariano Rivera. A CLOSER CANNOT BE AN MVP. If he takes the mound with his team losing by a run, he can’t get that run back. Unless this happens. But seriously, that guy can’t retire fast enough. I would even put Jeter over Albert Pujols, but only because Jeter actually plays shortstop and Pujols just stands a first base like he’s waiting for a bus. Watch the “historic” hit after the jump. He tied a team record. Whatever. Read the rest of this entry »
After the Yankees swept the Red Sox in four straight games at home over the weekend, it seems reasonable that the Yankees are poised to be even more insufferable than the Red Sox were at the start of the season. Or could it be that those determining who the more insufferable of either team’s followers are the most insufferable of all?
Technically, the Yankees have suffered longer, while the Red Sox have the more rich tradition in suffering. But geographically, the Yankees are closer to Suffern, a town of about 11,000 people. It’s roughly 36 minutes from Yankee Stadium. Red Sox fans must endure a much longer trip to reach Suffern, almost 4 hours by car, which can be a suffering all its own, especially without a break.
Anyway, the Yankees have now won seven straight, which isn’t so impressive when you consider that even the Nationals have won eight straight. And that’s just what baseball needs right now, another bandwagon to jump onto. As that team becomes less insufferable, its fans become moreso, and I’ll leave it there. If you’ve made it this far, I think you’ve suffered enough.
ASYLUM POLL: Are Yankees fans the most arrogant?
