Clutch
Even more thrilling than the 4-3 win was A-Rod's statement to the fans. They want clutch, well he gave them clutch. The Yankees were losing the game 3-2 in the bottom of the 12th when A-Rod stepped to the plate. The game was close to a must win if they wanted to keep pace with the red hot Sox. Atlanta is a team they should beat. They were 7-7 in interleague against a weaker NL and fell behind the AL leaders. Basically, the Yankees were in trouble and needed to win the series. The pressure was on high.
This time A-Rod put a stop to all the boos as he hit a WALKOFF 2 run home run (and had 3 RBIs). Most of the fans in the stadium and on talk shows had been showering him with boos the whole season, and especially the past month, before, during, and after every at bat. It could not get any worse. After his MVP year and winning AL player of the month in May, he was having the worst month of his career. He was 2 for his last 20 (but he has been walking a lot and can get on base). But even though he was slumping the fans had no right to treat him so abominably. They went overboard. It is like they want to hate him. Fans have a right to boo a player, but use some judgement and moderation. As A-Rod said, "Boos don't help me, booing is part of the game but understand you're not helping." Fans should get rid of their short term memory and give the guy a chance. Don't go right back to booing him on Friday is he doesn't get that big homer or game winning base hit.
During this whole saga with A-Rod, he has become one of my favorite players. Not many players would put up with that kind of reception. A-Rod sucked it up even though he is very sensetive and the boos really hurt him. He keeps going out there and works harder than ever. He never makes excuses for himself and does not hide from the media. I have a lot of respect for him. I can't wait to see the highlight and the pure exhileration on his face as he flipped his helmet in the air.
A-Rod is one of the greatest players ever to play the game. He is a great all around player with offense, defense, speed, and a great arm. He came to New York knowing he would be switching positions even though he was an All-Star and Gold Glove shortstop. He made concessions to come here and win a championship and he will stay here until he does. Furthermore, I think fans should remember that he is a human being, a great guy, and a perfect role model for all kids. Yes he makes a lot of money (Jeter only makes 5 million less), but he gives so much back. A-Rod is someone kids can look up to. He plays the game the way it's supposed to be played, he doesn't take steroids, and he has good values ... A-Rod is not a player that just sits back and cruises now that he has his big contract. He goes out there and works harder than everyone else. There is never a lack of effort or not running out ground balls, but sometimes trying too hard hurts him.
Michael Kay had a great interview with A-Rod right after the game on 1050 ESPN radio (if they post it on the website I will give out the link). A-Rod really opened up and showed the fans the person behind the player. He also said straight out, "I've been pretty close to awful." During the interview his wife was there (because they were on their way home) and she said that she almost got into fights trying to tell people to "shut the hell up" and stop booing her husband. I felt so good for him that he finally shut the fans up temporarily. He doesn't deserve the treatment he gets from the fans and the media.
The only thing I'm going to say about the game is that Wang pitched great, Mo was Mo, and the bullpen was not so great but only gave up one run to Atlanta. So if the pitching and offense can work together and grit it out the Yankees can win. The starting pitching has been stellar with the exception of Chacon. They have enough talent to get through the injuries. But they do need a few people to step it up offensively, namely Giambi and A-Rod who are starting to pick up the team. The Yankees need A-Rod the most right now and he wants so desperately to help the team. Hopefully this will get him on his way, but fans can certainly help by getting behind him. Remember, he is on your team. You go A-Rod!
I am going out to buy an A-Rod jersey whether it is on sale or not!
This time A-Rod put a stop to all the boos as he hit a WALKOFF 2 run home run (and had 3 RBIs). Most of the fans in the stadium and on talk shows had been showering him with boos the whole season, and especially the past month, before, during, and after every at bat. It could not get any worse. After his MVP year and winning AL player of the month in May, he was having the worst month of his career. He was 2 for his last 20 (but he has been walking a lot and can get on base). But even though he was slumping the fans had no right to treat him so abominably. They went overboard. It is like they want to hate him. Fans have a right to boo a player, but use some judgement and moderation. As A-Rod said, "Boos don't help me, booing is part of the game but understand you're not helping." Fans should get rid of their short term memory and give the guy a chance. Don't go right back to booing him on Friday is he doesn't get that big homer or game winning base hit.
During this whole saga with A-Rod, he has become one of my favorite players. Not many players would put up with that kind of reception. A-Rod sucked it up even though he is very sensetive and the boos really hurt him. He keeps going out there and works harder than ever. He never makes excuses for himself and does not hide from the media. I have a lot of respect for him. I can't wait to see the highlight and the pure exhileration on his face as he flipped his helmet in the air.
A-Rod is one of the greatest players ever to play the game. He is a great all around player with offense, defense, speed, and a great arm. He came to New York knowing he would be switching positions even though he was an All-Star and Gold Glove shortstop. He made concessions to come here and win a championship and he will stay here until he does. Furthermore, I think fans should remember that he is a human being, a great guy, and a perfect role model for all kids. Yes he makes a lot of money (Jeter only makes 5 million less), but he gives so much back. A-Rod is someone kids can look up to. He plays the game the way it's supposed to be played, he doesn't take steroids, and he has good values ... A-Rod is not a player that just sits back and cruises now that he has his big contract. He goes out there and works harder than everyone else. There is never a lack of effort or not running out ground balls, but sometimes trying too hard hurts him.
Michael Kay had a great interview with A-Rod right after the game on 1050 ESPN radio (if they post it on the website I will give out the link). A-Rod really opened up and showed the fans the person behind the player. He also said straight out, "I've been pretty close to awful." During the interview his wife was there (because they were on their way home) and she said that she almost got into fights trying to tell people to "shut the hell up" and stop booing her husband. I felt so good for him that he finally shut the fans up temporarily. He doesn't deserve the treatment he gets from the fans and the media.
The only thing I'm going to say about the game is that Wang pitched great, Mo was Mo, and the bullpen was not so great but only gave up one run to Atlanta. So if the pitching and offense can work together and grit it out the Yankees can win. The starting pitching has been stellar with the exception of Chacon. They have enough talent to get through the injuries. But they do need a few people to step it up offensively, namely Giambi and A-Rod who are starting to pick up the team. The Yankees need A-Rod the most right now and he wants so desperately to help the team. Hopefully this will get him on his way, but fans can certainly help by getting behind him. Remember, he is on your team. You go A-Rod!
I am going out to buy an A-Rod jersey whether it is on sale or not!
posted by bellanny at 5:37 PM
6 Comments:
Damn that A-Rod!
Go Yanks! Wooooo!!!! :)
Go Mets!
If this doesnt wake him up, nothing will.
We shall see. Even the best players have slumps, but hopefully it's over.
Its over.
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