Good afternoon my loyal and faithful readers. I want to start out with a big shout-out to my oldest grandson Alex Falletta whose “official” 30th birthday is today. Alex has certain “commitments” that require him to be in Alabama rather than at home in Elgin, SC, soooooooooooo ... very proud of you Army Guy. Take care, be safe and be well!!
Since my last posting I have, of course, returned to New York City, The Greatest City in The World, and resumed my usual frenetic entertainment schedule. I had a great time in Columbia, SC, with my daughter Kathi, son-in-law Dr. John, grandson Chris and his new “lady” Ashley, and Alex and Gina, together with their friends. Had a brush with The Norris Travel Curse on the return trip but, thankfully, it wasn’t that bad. Won’t bore you with the details.
Now on to other things, stuff and observations --
First-->the Gator/USF game. I have given this game a rating of B, even though the Gators got off to a rather iffy start. It looks like the offense is coming along and Brantley is making positive steps to create his own persona in the post-Tebow era. I think the results of next week’s game against Tennessee, up there, will be the harbinger of what the rest of the season will be. I honestly don’t think that this team is of National Championship quality, at least not yet. Sorry to admit it, but I have to in the name of fair and unbiased reporting.
Second-->what about my Yankees? In all honesty I have some serious misgiving here as well. Why, you are no doubt breathlessly asking? Well, just look at the so-called “Core Four” (Jeter, Pettitte, Posada and Rivera) going into the last 3 weeks of the regular season:
Jeter-->with a career low batting average of .260 and mired in a horrific 7-61 slump he was benched last night (of course it was called a “rest”). His fielding is still stellar, thank God. If his name wasn’t Jeter he would be batting 8th or 9th, rather than leadoff or 2nd.
Pettitte-->has been out with a groin injury since July 18. He is, however, scheduled to make his first start next Sunday against Baltimore. The question is: “can he counted on for the remainder of the season and into post season?” Time will tell. The starting rotation desperately needs him.
Posada-->a series of "injuries" have basically relegated him to the DH spot where he has been only so-so. Thank God Franciso Cervelli has been available to catch on a regular basis.
Rivera-->by far the best performer of the 4 but even he has recently faltered, like last night-->coming in the bottom of the 9th with a 1 run lead, giving it up and then losing when he hit a batter with the bases loaded. Very very painful to watch.
In my opinion, there are 3 serious problem areas:
(1) An unstable starting rotation, saved only by the outstanding pitching from the staff ace CC Sabathia. AJ Burnett still sucks;
(2) Failure to get clutch hits with runners in scoring position. This problem has plagued the team for the entire season. There seems to be a lack of the “killer instinct” that was so prominent in past years; and
(3) The Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Hey, guys, they ain’t going away. The Yankees will have a crucial 3 game series at Tropicana Field Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights and Billi Pod will be glued to the TV for each game. Yes, and becoming a baseball couch potato for the remainder of the season. There, I admitted it.
Will we make the post season? Yes, but right now it is very iffy whether we will make it to The World Series.
OK, OK-->I know this is way too much on one subject but Billi Pod has a lot of his time, energy and money invested in this season. He has seen 44 games (29-15); has tickets for each of the remaining 7 home games (Tampa 4-FuckSox 3); and, has paid his invoice for tickets for each of the post season home games.
So, there you are. I report - you decide.
GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS!!!
Billi Pod
“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”
BMS-46
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