Sadness in Yankeeland
I think a lot of people consider Michael "the brain behind the brains" and that may of may not be pretty accurate. He was Cashman's trusted mentor, and also the guy who picked Cash as his longterm successor over Brian Sabean when he was first ducking out of the Boss's direct line of fire. He also elevated Buck Showalter to manager, and protected Bernie and the other's upon the Boss's return from suspension.
When I was little, he was the shortstop. And he was everything since. Today, the Yanks have lost a big part of their history and their longterm competitive advantage. Just a brilliant guy, whose work benefitted all of us.
posted by Kalel9 @ 3:01 PM
19 Comments:
Well said Buz. RIP Stick..
agreed, a great human being in addition to a great baseball mind!
Until the last couple of years, they had totally lost the impact of Stick's imprint: relying on flawed declining veterans instead of a core of homegrown players and and those acquired with developmental excess.
Fortunately, from Hal on down, priorities (and capabilities) seem to have finally changed, albeit with the illusory mandate of competing whether or not the team is ready...which is why I wish Cashman could develop some of Stick's tactical guile with Hal, similar to what he had when dealing with George's counterproductive competitive desires.
Remember that after Stick moved aside, and Sabean left for the Giants, there was that period when George had his separate Tampa cabinet including Lin Garrett, who loved picking football players and believed they could be taught how to hit. I think Cash used more guile then than he has needed to under Hal, who is not as mercurial as his dad or his big brother and is a bright guy.
That reminds me of something. I remember seeing Stick on YES a few years ago, and the broadcasters were talking about how well Torre had parried George, and Stick countered that George was never his peak self during Torre's tenure, so Torre had had it easier than he had.
Tino credited Stick's scouting as a big reason for winning it all in '96.
That reminds me, there are players like Tino who arguably don't deserve a plaque. Stick really really really deserves a plaque, and more, and it should've been done during his lifetime.
Yankees v. Tampa Bay will be at Citi Field
Frazier but no Bird.
True contenders don't blow leaves this often
Sitting your first baseman of the future in a meaningful September game because it's so meaningful you want to stack the lineup with righties against a lefty, only to turn around and punt the game by bringing in your D relievers down two against a bad bullpen?
That ain't it.
True. He is awful.
Isn't Kahnle the tell on Rothschild's incompetence?
No Holliday more Frazier.
I wouldn't necessarily call it incompetence. I don't think Rothschild is the best the team can do, mind you (Searage or Cooper would be an improvement IMO), but Kahnle's issues appear to be relying too much on the changeup.
Here we come!
Gardner chooses a bad time for a bad ab.
Finally tie it up.
Chappy!
The manger still over-manages.
Post a Comment
<< Home