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 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Where to take your Kids this weekend

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Where to take your Kids this weekend: Weekend Family Events Click here

Where to take your Kids this weekend

Weekend Family Events

Click here

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Kennedy Campus Goes Solar

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Kennedy Campus Goes Solar: Riverdale Report By Robert Press Kennedy Campus Goes Solar BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 2- Mayor Bill de Blasio came to the Kennedy campus la...

Kennedy Campus Goes Solar

Riverdale Report

By Robert Press

Kennedy Campus Goes Solar

BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 2- Mayor Bill de Blasio came to the Kennedy campus last Tuesday to announce Plan 2050. This is a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by the year 2050 on city owned buildings. The Kennedy campus is one of nine current schools that have had solar panels (500 here) installed. Fiften more schools will bring the total to 24 schools that will have solar panels installed for 6.4 MW of solar power. This will be the equivalent of taking over 600 cars off the road every year.

More city and private buildings will have solar panels Mayor de Blasio said. He went as far to say that the entire globe will be participating in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Congressman Engel who was present had to say that the Republicans in Congress are against President Obama's energy program, but that the president made it happen through an executive order. It was a great day for the Kennedy Campus even if there was a fight in one school yard that had to be broken up by over a dozen School Safety officers, and a fire drill where many other students were disruptive before the mayor came out.

Questions were asked on topic and were answered. One percent of all city buildings have solar panels, 100 megawatts of solar power in the next 10 years by the city, and 250 from private use. A 5 million dollar grant from NYSERTA, and the Department of Buildings is in charge of this project.

On off solar questions, I asked about stagnant student performance the past 12 years, and what the mayor is doing to improve overall student performance. Since Chancellor Carmen Farina was not present Mayor de Blasio said that there will be many things to come in struggling schools, and the mayor even came back to my question later saying that many parts of the school system are not working, and have to change. Without any mention of how or what he wants to change the mayor said that he is devoted to the public school system.

There were questions about the ground hog's death, and if the mayor was going to pick it up this coming year, which the mayor answered that is up to the zoo. About possible legislation for letter grades on nail salons proposed by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. the mayor said that he has not seen the proposal. The mayor was also asked about the recent pedestrian deaths during his Vision Zero program. The mayor said that it is up to individual behavior, but with the deterrents like speed zones and cameras that he thinks peoples behavioral patterns can be changed for the better.

At the last Community Board 8 Parks Committee meeting the public got to meet the new concessionaire of the Riverdale Stables at Van Cortlandt Park, Mr. Scott Tarter and his wife who own another stable in Westchester County. Also on hand was Ms. Kathleen O'Daly the Director of concessions for the Department of Parks. Both were asked many questions by the committee members and public in attendance, who seemed to be pleased with the Tarters as the new concessionaire. I asked Ms. O'Daly about the ice skating rink at Van Cortlandt Park, having spoken to the concessionaire of the rink at the end of the past years season. I said that I was told there were major problems with the chillers, and that it would take a lot of money to either buy new chillers or even try to repair the old ones. Ms. O'Daly said that the concessionaire Ice Rink Events had decided not to return for a third season since last year was a much poorer attendance and other problems arose. She said that a new Request For Proposal would be sent out by the Parks Department, but it may be a season with no ice skating in Van Cortlandt Park.

Other Community Board 8 committee meetings of note are – Thursday October 2^nd Land Use 7:30 p.m. at the Riverdale Y. there is no discussion of the Montefiore or Self-help buildings on the agenda. Monday October 6^th – Public Safety 7 p.m at the 50^th Pct. Tuesday October 7 – Economic Development 7:30 at the board office 5676 Riverdale Avenue. Thursday October 9^th – 4 p.m the Self-help working group of the community board. The full board meeting will be held on Tuesday October 14^th at a place to be determined.

Also the KRVC Greenway Gala will be held on Sunday October 19th at the Hebrew Home of Riverdale. The gathering begins at 5 p.m with dinner and the presentations starting at 6:30 p.m. You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com archive on the lower left to KRVC or go to krvcdc.org/gala for more.

If you have any comments about this column, would like to have an event listed here or covered on my blog, or have any news that you want to share, you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Face (Book) of Evil

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Face (Book) of Evil: Face (Book) of Evil Man Accused of Killing Girlfriend Threatened to Blow Up Apartment By David Greene and Andre Rivera BRONX...

Face (Book) of Evil

Face (Book) of Evil

Man Accused of Killing Girlfriend Threatened to Blow Up Apartment

By David Greene and Andre Rivera

BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 1- Despite an order of protection, a young woman is dead and her former lover now faces charges in her death.

Patrolmen from the 43rd Precinct were called to a 6th floor apartment at the Bronx River Houses, located at 1609 East 174 Street in the Soundview section, at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 25.

Officials say Jean Paul Rodriguez, 26, was armed with a pair of knives as he barricaded himself in his apartment and held police at bay for nearly two hours after threatening to blow up the apartment.

One source stated that once Con Edison turned off the gas to the apartment, officers from the Emergency Services Unit stormed the apartment when they discovered the lifeless body of Tynasha Robinson on the eve of her 22nd birthday.

Robinson's relatives confronted Rodriguez as police took him out of the building's back entrance, police struggled to keep the angry mob away from Rodriguez as he was placed in a waiting ambulance.

Rodriguez was treated for multiple cuts to his fingers that police say occurred during the attack on Robinson, who was stabbed repeatedly in the neck and torso. Rodriguez was awaiting to be arraigned on murder and weapons possession charges.

Police say Rodriguez had a prior arrests for shooting an NYPD officer with a BB gun in December, 2007 and for assaulting Robinson in early 2013.

Rodriguez was arrested again on June 25, after smashing Robinson's cell phone and tossing her out of his apartment. Robinson was then issued an order of protection.

Robinson lived with her family in an apartment one floor below Rodriguez where the pair grew up in the same building and had been friends for years before they started dating about three years ago.

In an unrelated case, police discovered Cynthia Migliozzi, 57, "unconscious and unresponsive" at her Mace Avenue home in the Allerton section on Sunday, September 21.

Migliozzi suffered multiple puncture wounds to her body and died a short time later at Jacobi Hospital.

The following day police charged Martin Migliozzi, 56, believed to be the victims husband, with murder, manslaughter and possession of a weapon.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Girardi analyzes Yankees failed season

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Girardi analyzes Yankees failed season: Girardi analyzes Yankees failed season Looks forward to next year And what about A-Rod? (Photo by Gary Quintal ) By Howard Gol...

Girardi analyzes Yankees failed season

Girardi analyzes Yankees failed season

Looks forward to next year

And what about A-Rod?

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 30- Joe Girardi returned to Yankee Stadium on Monday afternoon, not even a full day after the 2014 regular season came to a close, for a meeting with the media. His assessment of the 2014 season, still very fresh in his mind, was much easier to make than a prognostication of the upcoming 2015 season.

The Yankee skipper first reflected on the just completed season, “We’re 20 hours removed from what we did. The  

biggest disappointment I think, it’s not making the playoffs. That’s why we come to work. That’s our focus. We didn’t get to where we wanted, so I’m disappointed. What we did this year was not good enough. We have to get better.”

Despite his repeated statements of regret, Girardi, as he usually does, spoke very positively. He listed many reasons for his high expectations for the improvement of the Yankees in 2015, “We have a lot of good pieces. We expect to be younger and healthier. I’m not sure the task is as big as some people think.”

He acknowledged that the Yankees did not score a sufficient number of runs to finish higher in the standings, but expressed his faith in the offense, “I still believe there’s enough talent in that room [Yankee clubhouse] to score runs.”

Girardi was pleased with the pitching, both starting and the bullpen, but said, “You can never have enough pitching.” He specifically mentioned only a few on the staff.

“[Michael] Pineda was probably better than we expected. I look forward to 2015 with him.”

The Yankee manager expects rookie Masahiro Tanaka to be fully recovered from his injury and much improved after one season in MLB and one year in the United States, “We expect him to make 32 starts. I think he learned a lot. He’ll be more comfortable next year in Spring Training.”

Girardi stated that most people did not believe that Mariano Rivera could be replaced as the club’s closer, but “David Robertson did a tremendous job replacing Mo.”

Girardi expressed satisfaction with the outfield of Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran, but did not mention veteran Ichiro Suzuki, who played more than 140 games in 2014.

He currently sees the infield as Mark Teixeira at first, Martin Prado (“who gives us versatility”) at second, Brendan Ryan or someone else at shortstop and Alex Rodriguez at third.

The largest amount of questions directed to Girardi concerned Rodriguez, whose suspension does not end until after the World Series is concluded. The manager admitted it’s too soon to know of Rodriguez’s playing condition, “We have to see where he’s physically at. I don’t think we’ll know until we get there [Spring Training.]”

Without the presence of Derek Jeter on the team next year it is very unlikely that Rodriguez will not be the center of attention, yet Girardi claimed, “Alex won’t be a distraction.’

The manager’s responses on Monday are hardly the final answers for 2015. He admitted, “We are going to sit down and evaluate everything.” Anything said by the manager on Monday can change after the franchise’s hierarchy meets and makes decisions. It is quite unlikely that personnel changes will not be made after two straight seasons the Yankees have been out of the playoffs despite the positive expectations expressed by Girardi on Monday.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Brings Home Ram-Crusader Cup with Win over...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Brings Home Ram-Crusader Cup with Win over...: Fordham Brings Home Ram-Crusader Cup with Win over Holy Cross Rams win first Patriot League game of season BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 29- ...

Fordham Brings Home Ram-Crusader Cup with Win over Holy Cross

Fordham Brings Home Ram-Crusader Cup with Win over Holy Cross

Rams win first Patriot League game of season

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 29- Holy Cross fans are probably wishing that Fordham senior tight end Dan Light chose to become a Crusader four years ago rather than a Ram as today Light made it a perfect 6-0 all-time in games he’s played at Fitton Field as Fordham upended Holy Cross, 45-16, in a Patriot League matchup and the annual Ram-Crusader Cup game.

With the win, #16/19 Fordham improves to 4-1 overall on the year, 1-0 in the conference, while Holy Cross falls to 2-3 overall, 0-1 in the conference.

Light, who is from nearby Sutton, Mass., is a perfect 2-0 as a Ram on Fitton Field (Fordham defeated Holy Cross 36-32 on the field during his sophomore year in 2012), and he was a perfect 4-0 at St. John’s Prep, who plays is annual Thanksgiving Day game against St. Peter-Marian in Worcester.

Light (four catches, 42 yards and one touchdown) was a part of a potent Fordham offense that gained 493 yards on the day while scoring six touchdowns. Senior quarterback Mike Nebrich had a hand in five of the six scores, completing 32 of 42 passes for 315 yards and four touchdowns while also running for a score. His four passing touchdowns bring his career total to 48, moving him ahead of Kevin Eakin (2000-03) and into second place on the Fordham career list (John Skelton has the record with 69).

His top receiver was Tebucky Jones, Jr., who caught nine passes for 76 yards while Brian Wetzel hauled in eight for a game-high 114 yards and two touchdowns and Marcus Jones made six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

On the ground, freshman running back Chase Edmonds carried 26 times for 142 yards and one touchdown, his fourth 100-yard rushing game over the first five games of the year.

Entering the game, head coach Joe Moorhead told the Rams that they needed to convert on third down, score seven points when they make it into the red zone and hold Holy Cross on third downs to get the Fordham offense back on the field. The Rams excelled in all three phases, converting nine of 19 third down (and all four of their fourth down) while scoring six touchdowns on eight red zone trips and holding the Crusaders to converting just two of ten third down tries. Fordham also dominated in time of possession, controlling the ball for 42:10 to just 17:50 for Holy Cross.

Not to be overshadowed, the Fordham defense recorded six tackles for loss, four sacks and intercepted two passes.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Rams drove to the Holy Cross one, converting on two third down plays, but couldn’t punch it in and settled for an 18-yard Michael Marando field goal and a 3-0 lead midway through the second.

After the defense held Holy Cross to a three-and-out, Fordham took over on the Holy Cross 30 following a 17-yard punt. The Rams made quick work of the 30 yards with Nebrich finding Wetzel in the end zone with a nine-yard touchdown toss for a 10-0 Fordham lead with 5:15 left in the half. The big play of the drive was an 18-yard completion from Nebrich to Marcus Jones on fourth-and-seven from the Holy Cross 27.

Another three-and-out for the Holy Cross offense resulted in the Rams getting the ball back on their own 35 and Nebrich went to work, sandwiching two completions around a ten-yard Edmonds run to put the ball on the Holy Cross 20.  Edmonds covered the final 20 yards with three carries, the last an eight-yard scoring rush to make it a 17-0 game with 52 seconds remaining before the break.

Holy Cross managed to drive to the Fordham 20 in 48 seconds but the drive stalled there and Zane Wasp kicked a 37-yard field goal that just cleared the cross bar.

On the second play of the second half, Ian Williams almost picked off a Peter Pujals pass but Holy Cross receiver Jake Wieczorek managed to wrestle the ball from Williams and score on a 74-yard pass play as Holy Cross made it an eight-point game, 17-9, when the Rams blocked the Crusaders extra point attempt.

The Fordham offense quickly got the touchdown back, driving 75 yards in 10 plays with Nebrich finding Light in the end zone with an eight-yard scoring strike to extend the Fordham lead to 24-9 with 9:43 left in the third.

The Fordham defense forced another three-and-out and the offense took over on the Fordham 41. The Rams were stopped on third down and Joseph Pavlik came on to punt. He fumbled the snap but was able to recover and race around the left side, picking up 15 yards and a first down. Edmonds carried it down to the Holy Cross four on the next play and, two plays later, Nebrich took it in from the four to give the Rams a 31-9 lead with 5:07 remaining in the third.

Early in the fourth, Jake Dixon picked off a Pujals pass at the Fordham 40 and returned it to the Holy Cross 29. Six plays later, Nebrich and Marcus Jones teamed up for a five-yard scoring strike to give Fordham a commanding 38-9 lead 3:24 into the fourth.

The Crusaders made it a 38-16 game when Pujals connected with Tyler Artim on a 27-yard touchdown pass with 10:29 remaining but the Rams stopped Pujals on fourth-and-five from the Holy Cross 47 on the Crusaders’ next possession.

Fordham took advantage of the good field position, covering the 41 yards in seven plays, capping the drive with a 25-yard pass from Nebrich to Wetzel with 2:35 on the clock.

Victor DiFusco led the Fordham defense with seven tackles, six solo, including one sack, while DeAndre Slate made four solo stops, including two sacks, and Dixon had three solo tackles to go with his interception.

The Rams return to action on Friday night, October 3, as they host the Lafayette College Leopards in a Patriot League game on Jack Coffey Field at 6:30 PM in a game that will be televised nationally by the CBS Sports Network.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Spellman honors former coach

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Spellman honors former coach: Spellman honors former coach, drops ball against Nazareth (Photos by Gary Quintal) Cardinal Spellman honored former football coach Joe DeS...

Spellman honors former coach

Spellman honors former coach, drops ball against Nazareth

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

Cardinal Spellman honored former football coach Joe DeSimone on September 27th with a half-time ceremony at this year's Homecoming against Nazareth. 

Coach Desimone was honored for his eight years of leading Cardinal Spellman football from 2001 to 2008, including 2 CHSFL Championships in 2006 and 2008. DeSimone was accompanied by friends and family as well as many of the former football alumni he had coached. 

As for the game itself, Spellman scored 10 points in the final 2:48 of the first half, including a 44-yard field goal and a 51- yard touchdown run to put Nazareth in the hole with a 27-6 halftime lead.  

Spellman would need every point as Nazareth scored 20 unanswered points in the second half falling just short 27-26. Spellman now stands a 1-2 as they next host Kennedy Catholic on Saturday, October 4th at 1:30. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Teen Stabbed to Death

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Teen Stabbed to Death: 1 Dead, 3 Injured During Pelham House Party (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 29- One teenager is dead ...

Teen Stabbed to Death

1 Dead, 3 Injured During Pelham House Party

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 29- One teenager is dead and three others were recovering after a wild melee that began during a dispute at a house party that spilled onto the surrounding streets.

Witnesses say officers from the 49th Precinct had been called to the wild party inside a first-floor apartment at 2194

Barnes Avenue, between Pelham Parkway South and Lydig Avenue. One resident reported the party quieted down after the 1:30 a.m. visit by officers on Sunday, September 28, but the NYPD would be called back at just after 3 a.m. when the violence erupted.

Cops arrived and quickly discovered the four wounded teens. Police say three teens were stabbed to the chest and a fourth was stabbed in the shoulder.

Police had at least three separate crime scenes set up in the area, as officers guarded discarded clothing and trails of blood. 

The 14-year-old male stabbed in the chest had fled the building with dozens of other teens who ran in all directions, but he collapsed in the crosswalk at Pelham Parkway South and Barnes Avenue and was rushed to nearby Jacobi Hospital, where he died.

Two 18-year-old males were also stabbed to the chest and a 17 -year-old male was stabbed in the shoulder. At least one of the three victims was listed in serious, but stable condition.

Police secured a second crime scene along Wallace Avenue, where paramedics had discovered one of victims.

Police would later identify the deceased as Justin Fallu of East 243 Street in the Wakefield section.

Kathleen Jones, a 22 year resident of the area, asked, "What are teenagers doing out a 2:30 in the morning. My son was never out at that hour."

Jones added, "Especially a block like Barnes Avenue that has been a troublesome block for this area for about 10 years, with the drug dealing and other problems."

One resident of the building who declined to be identified, recalled, "I heard the noise, but I don't know what happened. I never saw any teenagers on the first floor, it's all old people there."

One police source stated that witnesses at the party were not fully cooperating with investigators, but were busy looking at video of the suspect taken from the building's surveillance cameras.

Police say the suspect has been identified as someone who goes by the street name of "Shaq."

He is described as a black male in his late teens or early 20's. At the time of the incident he was wearing a red shirt and blue jeans.

A heavy police presence had already been in the area as a man had been killed in an unrelated incident along Pelham Parkway South near White Plains Road.

Officials say that Rony Mejia, 26, a Baychester Avenue resident was hit by a taxi at 1 a.m., when the driver pulled over to call paramedics. However, a second vehicle, a black livery cab struck Mejia and fled the scene headed westbound towards Fordham Road.

Mejia died a short time later at St. Barnabas Hospital.

No charges were filed against the first driver, but police continue to work for the apprehension of the driver of the livery taxi.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Sell your stuff

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Sell your stuff: List For 1 month ONLY $10 Apartment for rent, House for sale,Open House, Short Sale, etc #Realestate https://sites.google.com/site/bronx...

Sell your stuff

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Jeter sticks to the script

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Jeter sticks to the script: Jeter Sticks to the Script, Gives Fans Another Great Baseball Memory By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 26- The rain never came...

Jeter sticks to the script

Jeter Sticks to the Script,
Gives Fans Another Great Baseball Memory

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 26- The rain never came Thursday night and Derek Jeter could not have done it better in his final game as a shortstop and active player in the Bronx for the New York Yankees. The script could not have been better when he delivered the  game winning single in a 6-5 walk-off win over the Baltimore Orioles.

You could not have wrote a better script before 48,613 fans who chatted “Jeter” the entire evening. But when have we not seen moments like this from Derek Jeter at the old and new Yankee Stadium? So in that ninth inning, and with Jeter on deck with the winning run at second, he once again played the script to perfection.

That final at bat, in a Yankees uniform in the Bronx, will be chronicled as one of those famed Yankees moments in years to come. The only blemish is the Yankees left for Boston and will conclude their disappointing season with three games at Fenway Park.

Jeter won’t be going to the postseason. That part of the script did not go to plan because the perfect finale would have been Derek Jeter, the Captain, making another spectacular play on the field or getting another game winning hit in October. He will play his final three games as a designated hitter, and not at shortstop, and that’s typical Derek Jeter wanting to give not just Yankees fans but baseball fans an opportunity to see him on the field a final time.  

“No,” said Jeter about the ninth inning dramatics that to him were unexpected. “Write what you want, put my name at the bottom of it,” he said in what was probably his last post game meeting with the media adjacent to the Yankees clubhouse .  

This was not the final day of the lovefest and farewell. Jeter will get another huge ovation from the heated and rival Red Sox fans. Because the entire baseball world has appreciated the accomplishments and how a player in New York for 20-years went about his business.

The lovefest won’t end until that final time at bat on Sunday afternoon.

And make what you want about the Jeter stories this past week. It may have been overkill and dominated the conversation.There were the critics attempting to downplay how Jeter stands as one of the all-time Yankees greats, and those who made a profit on the Jeter final week in the Bronx.

It is all a part of paying homage to a ballplayer who put on the Yankees uniform and was instrumental in being part of a championship run that may not be seen again for a long time.

And now Derek Jeter has realized that it has come to an end. All season, and more so this week, there were the constant questions about reality setting, and that the last page of the script was coming to a finale.

“It’s a weird way of emotions,” said Jeter who admitted he was choked up on the field. “I’m excited now. This whole year it’s been special. It’s almost like watching a funeral highlights and things. People are giving me well wishes like I’m going to dye. I appreciate it all.”

“Guess on the baseball side, because it’s over with,” Jeter said. Because it was not a funeral but a celebration that continued for fans outside Yankee Stadium hours after his final and dramatic hit in the Bronx.

“Part of the dream is over now,’ Jeter said. He was holding back the tears. You could tell from the tone in his voice that reality has set in, and the next time he steps on the field at Yankee Stadium he will be an Oldtimer.

And for generation of Yankees fans, those who grew up watching and admiring Derek Jeter, there dream is also over. Because the Yankees and their fans said goodbye to the last of the “Core Four.”

"Those guys are like my brothers,” Jeter said about Andy Petitte, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera. They were by the Yankees dugout along with Bernie Williams and the former manager, Joe Torre, an Honor Guard of Yankees as Jeter left the Yankee Stadium playing field for a final time.

Jeter said baseball is a game of adjustments and he will adapt to not getting prepared for another spring training and new season of hope for the Yankees in 2015. The fans will have to adjust as well, because not seeing Derek Jeter as an active player will last a long time.

Joe Girardi, who managed the last Jeter championship team in 2009 also has realized that the end is here.

He said about that last game winning hit, “Fitting, think about all the big hits he’s had in his career.” It will be a game winning hit that will be seen time and time again on the highlight reels ,and put in the category of great hits in New York Yankees history.

The everlasting image of Derek Jeter taking that final tour of the basepaths at Yankee Stadium and waving his cap to the crowd, as the divisional champion Orioles stood at the top of their dugout and tipped their caps in appreciation was compelling. It almost appeared that we were reading the mind of Derek Jeter, and perhaps he did not want to say goodbye after another three RBI night.

But it is reality. Derek Jeter wrote a perfect script for 20-years and it was a perfect ending Thursday night in the Bronx.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Out of Playoffs

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Out of Playoffs: The Jeter Watch Derek's Bat Retired Yanks Out of Playoffs By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 25- The penultimate day of D...

Yanks Out of Playoffs

The Jeter Watch
Derek's Bat Retired
Yanks Out of Playoffs

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 25- The penultimate day of Derek Jeter’s playing career with the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium began on a positive note. One day after being presented with the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award by MLB Commissioner Allen “Bud” Selig, Jeter received another rare honor.

Louisville Slugger, the iconic bat company that has served baseball players for 130 years, for the first time retired a bat model to honor a player, Derek Jeter. James Sass, Director of Professional Baseball Sales for the company said, “Derek has made over 12,500 plate appearances in his 20 MLB seasons, and every single one of them has been with a Louisville Slugger P72. With Derek’s impending retirement, we thought it was fitting to retire his bat model in recognition of his brilliant career. We are grateful for his enduring and unwavering loyalty. In honor of Derek’s tremendous career and impact, we won’t be making the P72 anymore.” The last such model bat was presented to Jeter before the game.

Unfortunately, disappointment and sadness were the emotions Jeter felt as the afternoon progressed. The overwhelming percentage of the large crowd of 46,056 at Yankee Stadium for the matinee on Wednesday rose to their feet, cheered, and chanted Jeter’s name during each of his four at bats.

This support did not lead to Jeter continuing his consecutive game hitting streak, which ended at seven. In the first, Jeter grounded out to shortstop. Two innings later, Jeter struck out swinging at a 2-2 pitch. The fifth inning concluded after the Yankee captain again grounded out to short. In the eighth, Jeter tried to hold up his swing and bounced the ball to the first sacker who tossed to the pitcher for another out.

After his final at bat, the fans remained standing and chanted “We want Jeter.” He did not come out of the dugout for a curtain call. Reporters asked if he was aware of what the fans wanted. He explained his reaction, “I’m aware of it. You can’t help but notice. The game wasn’t over. We were trying to come back.”

Jeter was kept from a final at bat as he was on deck when the last out of a 9-5 Baltimore victory was made. To make the Yankee loss even sadder for its players and fans, it eliminated the Yankees from the playoffs.

As Jeter was the designated hitter on Wednesday, the fans did not get to watch him in the field.

In a post-game interview, the body language as well the words spoken by the Yankee captain exhibited his disappointment, “It’s tough. We put a lot of work in it. We didn’t play well enough. There were stretches we played well and stretches we didn’t play well. We’re all disappointed. We should all be disappointed. I’m disappointed.”

When asked to describe the positives of this season or his plans for his final game at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night, he demurred by saying, “We just lost. We’re not going to the playoffs.”

Yankee manager Joe Girardi spoke of his feelings regarding the final Yankee Stadium game for Jeter on the following day, “I think it’s going to be special. Tomorrow is going to be the culmination of all the love he’s been shown, all the appreciation he’s been shown.”

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Police Officer Dies in Bruckner Van Crash;

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Police Officer Dies in Bruckner Van Crash;: Police Officer Dies in Bruckner Van Crash; 8 Officers Injured in Hunts Point By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22- One...

Police Officer Dies in Bruckner Van Crash;

Police Officer Dies in Bruckner Van Crash;

8 Officers Injured in Hunts Point

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22- One police officer has died and eight others were injured when an NYPD van filled with officers, crashed when the unidentified driver lost control of the vehicle. The van filled with cops was heading into Manhattan as part of a special detail to assist with the next days gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.

Investigators say the van left the 47th Precinct and was headed into Manhattan at just after 5 a.m. on Sunday, September 21, when the van struck the concrete barrier along the westbound Bruckner Expressway between Longwood and Bryant Avenue's in Hunts Point.

At least three officers in the most serious condition were rushed to Lincoln Hospital, while the rest were transported to Jacobi and St. Barnabas Hospitals.

One officer, later identified as 25-year-old rookie Michael Williams, succumbed to his injuries at just before 6 a.m. Williams had been sitting in the back seat of the 2009 Ford Econoline van, when he was ejected out of the vehicles back doors upon impact.

Visiting officers at the 47th Precinct, Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters, "This is a very sad day in New York City," and said of the young officer, "This is what he wanted to do with his life."

Mayor de Blasio said the investigation would determine if the officer had worn a seat belt or if a brief shower at the time of the crash may have played a role in Williams' death.

Traditionally, officers do not wear seat belts as passengers in vans as the wrap-around belt do not fit around the waist of most officers and a rule that forbids officers from removing their holster and service weapon.

The area of the crash has recently undergone a complete renovation with a new traffic pattern. The van had just come out of a turn and was traveling on a straight-away that leads to the elevated section of the Bruckner Expressway at the time of the crash.

Williams was a former deputy sheriff with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department and had graduated from the NYPD police academy in June and was assigned to the 47th Precinct. Williams' father is a 30 year veteran of the Putnam County Police Department.

A funeral mass for Williams will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church in LaGrangeville, N.Y. followed by burial at the Union Valley Cemetery in Mahopac, N.Y.   

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): The Jeter Watch-Sunday, September 21, 2014

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): The Jeter Watch-Sunday, September 21, 2014: The Jeter Watch-Sunday, September 21, 2014 By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22- As MLB nears the end of regular season play, ...

The Jeter Watch-Sunday, September 21, 2014

The Jeter Watch-Sunday, September 21, 2014

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22- As MLB nears the end of regular season play, the interest in Derek Jeter increases. The Gatorade commercial released this week has gone viral on the Internet. Yankee Stadium was sold out for the second straight day on Sunday afternoon as a crowd of 48,144 filled the ballpark. Merchandise with Jeter’s name or likeness and signs that salute the Yankee captain were seen in every section of the stadium.

Jeter was in the designated hitter slot on Sunday, so the fans could only see him out of the dugout in his four times at bat and twice on base. Before Jeter stepped into the batting box, the chant of his name was echoed throughout the park. Once he was ready to bat, he received repeated standing ovations from the fans. While standing, thousands readied their phones to record a photo of one of his final at bats.

In the first inning, the cheers were loud when Jeter’s bat connected with the ball, but the baseball was caught by Anthony Gose in centerfield.  

To even more fan disappointment, Jeter struck out on a foul tip with a 2-2 count in the third.
The crowd saw what it was waiting for in the fifth as Jeter cracked a 0-2 pitch into right for a single. The hit increased his consecutive game hitting streak to five. The pitch ended another streak as Toronto starter Drew Hutchinson was removed after 4+ innings. In the previous 26 games, each Toronto starter lasted at least 6 innings. The 26 games were the most since Mariners’ pitchers threw 27 such consecutive games. Jeter advanced to second on a wild pitch and to third on a ground ball out, but did not score.

In the seventh, with Brett Gardner, who blasted the 15,000 home run in Yankee history two innings earlier, on second, Jeter smashed a double down the left field line to drive in Gardner and give the Yankees a 3-1 advantage. The excited fans responded with a vociferous standing ovation. After the game, Yankee manager Joe Girardi commented, “That’s a huge hit in that situation.”

The hit also gave the 40 year-old his fourth consecutive multi-hit game, a feat that tied his season high. Girardi, asked about his recent strong hitting remarked, “He’s hitting the ball with more authority. He’s swinging the bat extremely well since I gave him that day off in Tampa.” The manager acknowledged that the nearness of the end of his career could also be a motivating factor to the Yankee icon.

Jeter then stole third base, his 10th stolen base of the season. Jeter, who has compiled 358 steals in his career, was asked about why he attempted it as if it was something he never previously did. He replied, “It was an opportunity. I thought I had a chance to make it and I went.”

Jeter scored when the next batter, Brian McCann, hit his second homer of the game, which accounted for the last runs of a 5-2 Yankee win.

Jeter was asked about the almost unprecedented fan support he has recently received. He responded jocularly, “It’s fun. It’s a lot better when they’re cheering for you.” He also reminded the reporter that the fans have always been supportive of him. That remark is something he has made repeatedly over the years.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Tanaka return

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Tanaka return: Tanaka return and countdown for Jeter with a Yankees win By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22- Most of the sold out crowd at Ya...

Tanaka return

Tanaka return and countdown for Jeter with a Yankees win

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22- Most of the sold out crowd at Yankee Stadium Sunday afternoon cheered and waited for Derek Jeter to leave the field after the New York Yankees 5-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. And it was loud cheers most of the afternoon in the Bronx as the Yankees and their fans say goodbye to their captain this week.

There were also cheers for the starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, one of the Yankees major investments during the off-season. He showed no effects of his right elbow inflammation that put him on the shelf for more than two months, and perhaps that is good news for a team that in a matter of days will be eliminated from the post season a second consecutive year,

But as they Yankees finish up their home schedule this week, the emphasis will continue to be about Derek Jeter. Tanaka, with 5.1 innings gave up an earned run on five hits. The right-hander struck out four and will get another start up in Boston next weekend when the Yankees finish up their season.

Jeter is not in the plans next year, as much as it appears to be setting in that seven more games remain in his illustrious career. But a healthy Tanaka in 2015 is what the Yankees hope for, assuming there are no further complications with the elbow and Tommy John Surgery is not necessary.

“I thought if something was to happen, in my mind, you’d see it on a pitch, not necessarily the next day,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said about Tanaka. “But still, we got through today, so let’s get through tomorrow."

And tomorrow night the Yankees will attempt to keep those slim playoff hopes alive against the AL division champion Orioles. A magic number of four will spell the end to next year and planning with a hopeful and healthy Tanaka, Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran and Mark Teixeira.

“I don’t feel different,” Jeter said about these being his last days unless the Yankees can pull off a miracle.”Well aware its winding down and constantly reminded of it. Play as hard as I can, as I said before and still trying to win games.”

Jeter went 2-for-4 and had a season tying four straight multi-hit game. He may be seeing the ball better than he did all season, though Girardi said the day off Monday also helped the soon to be captain.

In four games on the homestand, Jeter is 8-for-17 with three runs, two doubles, a home run and three runs batted in.

Tanaka had the same split, slider, and control before he went on the disabled list July 8th. “Overall satisfied,” he said. “I wanted to check to see how well my elbow would respond... in that sense I was thinking about it.”

Again, a healthy Tanaka is what the Yankees will need next year. There is no certainty about CC Sabathia returning to form and providing 150 innings.The Yankees offense, with a makeship lineup minus Beltran, Ellsbury and Teixeira hit their stride Sunday, and that got some cheers with three home runs, two from Brian McCann and a solo from Brett Gardner.

But it was about Jeter who poked the ball well during the four-game series with the Blue Jays and the Yankees scored 16-runs, a contrast to not getting runs home since April.

“They’ve done it periods of the year they just have not been consistent,” Girardi said about his offense. “Look at it two ways. You are upset about it but they are still fighting.” Meaning, there is no quit with the realization scoreboard watching will soon mean elimination and on to next season.

“Timely hitting, pitching, playing good baseball, that’s what we did,” commented McCann who hit his team leading 22nd home run.

But the overall consensus was, another of the farewell Derek Jeter days in the Bronx. He has made things happen for the Yankees over the years and there will be someone different manning shortstop.

“The game is going to miss him,” said Toronto manager John Gibbons.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/ Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Jeter Watch

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Jeter Watch: The Jeter Watch-Saturday, September 20, 2014 By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 21- T he focus of nearly every person in the so...

Jeter Watch

The Jeter Watch-Saturday, September 20, 2014

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 21- The focus of nearly every person in the sold-out Yankee Stadium crowd of 47,292 was on Derek Jeter. Whether in the field, at shortstop or at the plate with a bat in his hands, everyone was watching the Yankee captain. What did Jeter do during the ninth game before his retirement?

The fans rose to their feet and cheered as Jeter approached the plate in the first inning. That fan reaction was repeated before each of his four following at bats. The disappointment was noticeable as Jeter took a called third strike.

With two out in the third, he beat out an infield hit. The hit raised his consecutive

game hitting streak to four. He then scored his 1,920th career run on a double to left by Brian McCann. The run put him one ahead of teammate Alex Rodriguez for sole possession of ninth place in the record books. The run knotted the score at 1.

Jeter grounded out to second in the fifth. Two innings later, he flied to right.

In his last at bat, in the bottom of the ninth, Jeter doubled sharply to left, driving Brett Gardner, who was on first, across the plate for the final Yankee run. The run batted in was his 1,303rd, which gave him 100th place in career stats. The hit was his 141st of the year and 3,457th in career hits, 6th place in MLB history.

It was also his second hit of the contest. He had multi-hit games in all three of the home contests of the final homestand that have been played.

Speaking about the ninth inning run batted in, Yankee manager Joe Girardi commented, “You’re seeing it again. The guy never stops fighting and believing in himself.”

Gardner, who scored on Jeter’s double, reacted after the game, “Nothing he does surprises you anymore. Obviously, what he has accomplished in his career is pretty special and he’s definitely a guy you don’t ever count out.”

At short, Jeter made four assists and did not make an error.

In the eighth inning, an MLB tribute video was played on the centerfield videoboard that received another ovation from the crowd.

Jeter has five more games to play in the Bronx and three in Boston before his retirement takes effect.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Win Third Straight

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Win Third Straight: Streaks Continue; Yanks Win Third Straight;  Blue Jays Lose Sixth Straight By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 20- Although...

Yanks Win Third Straight

Streaks Continue; Yanks Win Third Straight; 

Blue Jays Lose Sixth Straight

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 20- Although the door is almost closed to the Yankees walking into the post-season, winning the last three contests has technically kept their chances alive. They are 4.5 games out of the second Wild Card spot with nine games remaining.

Most fans believe the 2014 season of the Yankees will end on September 28 and their interest is centered on watching Derek Jeter play his last few games prior to his retirement.

The only season opening starter on the Yankees not to visit the disabled list this year, Hiroki Kuroda, made his 31st start of the season on Friday night against the Toronto Blue Jays. He yielded two hits including a two-run home run by Edwin Encarnación before even retiring a second batter. The home run tied his teammate Jose Bautista with 33.

After the game, Kuroda commented through his translator, “The first inning I thought he [Encarnación] was looking for that pitch. Then I settled down.”

The veteran right-hander gave up only five more hits and one run before being removed from the contest after 6.2 innings. The Japanese native fanned seven but did not walk a batter for the fourth start game. He has faced 108 batters since he last walked a batter. It was his 11th start of the season in which he didn’t issue one walk. His strikeout/walk ration in 2014 is 137/35. He earned his 11th win of the year for the fourth straight year.

The Yankee captain commented, “Hiro knows how to pitch. If we scored any kind of runs for him, he’d have 17-18 wins.” The 39-year-old starting pitcher gave credit to his teammates for scoring five runs, “I had great support from our offense.” Kuroda is tied with Cole Hamels for the most losses in quality starts since 2008 with 30 since his offensive support is so lacking.

When asked by a reporter if he is considering returning next year, Kuroda stated, “I’m not thinking of that. This season is not over. Maybe my next start will be my last one.”

The five runs were the most scored by the Yankees since September 11. Jacoby Ellsbury led the offensive output with two hits, a double and a home run and three runs batted inUnfortunately for Ellsbury and his team, Ellsbury left the game with hamstring pain. Yankee skipper Joe Girardi said of the centerfielder, “There’s nothing that this kid can’t do.” He remarked that it’s possible Ellsbury may not play again this season.

Jeter, who refrains from praising himself, spoke highly of Ellsbury, “When he gets hot, he’s capable of doing a lot of things. He’s fun to play with.”

What Jeter did not wish to discusss was that Friday’s contest was his second straight multi-hit game. There are six more home games for Jeter and the Yankees.

Yankee records-Yankee hurlers have fanned 1,279 batters this season. They need 40 strikeouts to break the record set in 2012. Ellsbury’s home run was the 14,998 of the Yankees. They now need only two to reach 15,000. Who do you think will hit #15,000.

Final Week for Jeter

Final week for Jeter

Final week for Jeter in the Bronx begins with a home run

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 19- There was that moment in the sixth inning Thursday night at Yankee Stadium for Derek Jeter. He hit his first home run in the Bronx this season, in his last year as an active player. Yet we have always seen these moments from him over the years,

This home run, which gave the Yankees a 2-0 advantage over the Toronto Blue Jays, was not a milestone. But it was special because this was the beginning of the final week of baseball for Derek Jeter in the Bronx. The stadium crowd was waiting for a big hit and it came off a 3-1 pitch, from an R.A. Dickey fastball that went deep into the leftfield stands.

“First home run, final homestand, typical Jeter,” commented Yankees manager Joe Girardi after their 4-3 walk-off win over the Blue Jays. “He got his 3,000th hit here with the game on the line.”

That was a Jeter moment as there have been so many others over the years in the Bronx. And though this win does not mean the Yankees will be postseason bound in a few weeks, at least Jeter was able to hit another long ball at home, and he gets six more opportunities to hit another one in the Bronx before his farewell game next Thursday evening.

You know Girardi is starting to realize that a special player is no longer going to be in Yankees pinstripes next year.

“He just has the ability to do that," Girardi said about another Jeter moment. "I've always said, he’s the guy you want up with the game on the line, in big situations. He’s always had that ability."  

So there was Jeter again leading off the eighth inning in a 2-2 game. The enthusiasm of what was left of 34,279, many of course who came to see Jeter one final time, returned a bit when he made contact but flied out to center on a pitch from Brandon Morrow. It did not matter to the fans as they cheered for the captain, because this week it is all about Derek Jeter in the Bronx.

“Hey, it’s another game," Jeter said. "I’m trying not to think about it being the last homestand. We still have a week left. We’re trying to win games and I’m going to go out there and play hard like I’ve always done my entire career until we’re out of games."

“This is not an easy game to play,” he commented. “You’re going to have good stretches you’re going to have bad stretches, you’re going to have good years, you’re going to have bad years. Obviously this year up to this point hasn’t turned out the way you liked. Like I said I’m going to play hard til we’re out of games.”

Jeter was happy that they won the game. He is enjoying his last days in the Bronx and had a laugh or two when he got back in the dugout after the home run. We have not seen an emotional side of this Yankees icon as the final games approach, and perhaps it will be seen in seven days. And it did not matter that Jeter was caught in a first inning double play.

It would have been humiliating for a rookie when he broke for second on a 3-2 pitch, thinking that it was ball four, but the fans did not care. It was a Derek Jeter mistake, and after all of the great moments he has provided them in the Bronx, Jeter can be excused for making a mistake on the base paths.

When a reporter pointed out to Jeter that this was the first home run he hit in the Bronx there was a response: “Thank you,” he said in typical Jeter style, not sarcastic but living up the moment of his final days of playing baseball in the Bronx.

Jeter’s average dipped below .250 with an 0-for-28 drought, the second longest of his career. He still cares in the final days because baseball and wearing the Yankees uniform the past 20-years have always been something special.

Said Girardi, "I'm sure he's trying to soak this up as much as he can. It's really difficult to take your uniform off. When you're used to doing something for such a long time, it's difficult. He understands what's coming.”

And we all know that day is coming. But for another night it was a Derek Jeter moment that will be remembered like all the others.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso www.newyorksportsexaminer.com