Yankees Blog

If you are like me, you are tired of seeing the Yankees over the past 12 years, just sit there and watch their big players get hit. Numerous times, Jeter, and A_Rod have been hit by pitches, and the Yankees NEVER respond. Under Joe Torre, the Yankees were a laid back, “weak” team.

Fast forward to 2008, under Joe Girardi. It’s only pre-season, and we already see the MAJOR difference in attitude.
Last week, Tampa Bay infielder Elliott Johnson nailed Yankee catcher Francisco Cervelli in a home-plate collision, breaking Cervellis’ wrist. In the rematch of the two squds on Wednesday, the Yankees came out swinging.
First, Yankee starter Heath Phillips was ejected in the first inning for grazing Rays third baseman Evan Longoria with an up-and-in fastball.
Next, Shelley Duncan was going for a double, and when the ball beat him by about 15 feet, he slid with his spikes up into Tampa shortstop, Aki Iwamura.

After the collision, the unpire promptly threw out Duncan, and then Tampa outfielder Jonny Gomes charged Duncan from behind and at least one punch appeared to be thrown. The benches then cleared.

Whether the slide was “dirty” or “not dirty” isn’t the main issue here. The main issue is that FINALLY, the Yankees look like they will back each other up, and not be the standing punching bag of the MLB. I’m tired of watching teams hit Jeter, A-Rod, and Cano on a regular basis, while the Yankees never retaliate. Hopefully, this is a sign of a new era and anew attitude, in which the Yankee play with more heart and aggression.

Posted in Yankee Baseball |

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