Feb 13 2009
GIRARDI, JOBA PREPPED FOR BIG 09′
Happy Valentine’s Eve ladies and gents! As the rest of the players get ready to report to spring training on Tuesday, we begin this journey once again…the quest for #27. This is why Joe Girardi chose to wear 27 on his back when he took the job, and this is why we watch the games and devote 6 months out of our lives. I will admit that I was young when we won those championships in the 90’s, and I wasn’t able to fully appreciate the greatness of winning. Now I know how difficult it really is, and I am more than ready to embrace a championship in this city - in fact, I will be front and center at the parade if we are blessed enough to win it again.
Girardi has a full plate this season, lots of expectations. He even acknowledged the fact that he wouldn’t be brought back as manager if they failed to make the playoffs this time around, so everyone knows how serious 2009 really is. The Yanks are obviously coming off their first missed playoff appearance technically since 1993, and they’ve made major additions to the team, not to mention the fact that Alex Rodriguez will be hounded all year for what he did. Oh yea, and Torre’s book. All we’re missing is a couple of clowns and an elephant spitting water out of its trunk. All of this aside, Girardi seems to be ready to play some winning baseball - the kind that they played in 1996 when he tripled off of Greg Maddux in game 6.
There’s another guy in pinstripes that has been out-spoken and very confident about the upcoming season - our savior, Joba Chamberlain. It remains to be seen how Joba does as a starting pitcher over the course of 162 games, but there’s one thing we know - he’s going to help this team in one way or another. He is exactly what this new breed of Yankees needed, and whether he becomes the next Josh Beckett or Goose Gossage, he’s extremely prepared with what is expected of him in New York. Joba’s been fully supportive of A-Rod, and has the right mind-set going into this - just play winning baseball, and let everything else fall where it may.
Well, we will talk again on Tuesday - so crack open your beverage of choice, grab a hotdog, and get ready for spring training. Oh, and don’t forget to get some flowers and candy for your loved one tomorrow.
Added you to my Blogroll as well - GO SOX!
I really enjoy reading your blog every day! As far as Girardi goes, he’s a 3 time world champion and a member of the new breed of managers who are college educated and progressive in their thinking. This is why I believe that Joe G will rise to the occassion and lead the Yankees to Number 27 in October! Book your world series tix now!