Let Em Play
by Matt Bishoff on Mar 8, 2008 11:53 PM EST
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PrintAccording to The Heater, Yankees manager Joe Girardi can't handle a little physical play. After Elliot Johnson crashed into catcher Francisco Cervelli, the Yankees skipper wasn't too fond of the play:
Maddon, though, had no problem with Johnson's play: "I loved the hardball right there. We're playing it hard, we're playing it right.''
That's how you want them to play, right Joe? Unless, it's you on the receiving end of it.
As the Rays are in a transitional phase, the new motto of this team is too seemingly play hard no matter what the situation is. It seems that this motto has brought the team together, as it has even made the teams advertising slogan "We Are One Team" seem fitting for the first time in team history.
Girardi can complain all that he wants, but this team is doing what it needs to do to be ready to compete this season. If he has a problem with players colliding at the plate he should take it up with the league, since the rulebook has no problem with it.
Since this tough play is best preparing this team for the season, there is no reason for them to stop now. If Girardi doesn't like it, they can just not show up on Wednesday, because this team is going to bring it to them all year long.
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Re: Let Em Play
Re: Let Em Play
You can't choose when you want to hustle (Delmon Young), it is something that you have to do on every play. Girardi knows this and is just upset because his player was injured. You know the New York media would be all over him if he didn't say anything about it.
by Raysthebarthisyear on Mar 9, 2008 12:48 AM EST reply actions
Re: Let Em Play
Maybe its time to make Hank Steinbrenner a member of Rays Nation.
Re: Let Em Play
You have to expect something at 2B or at home. I'd predict Duncan will be involved - he gets a little worked up, and already has taken some "unorthodox approaches" on the bases. This kind of stuff has a way of simmering with the players. Hopefully the "tit for tat" will be appropriate.
And don't go giving me that childish "bring it on" crap. If it does, and someone gets hurt, remember your statements today and keep quiet then, unless the retaliation is over the top, and I'll be the first to criticise if so.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Mar 9, 2008 4:51 AM EST up reply actions
Re: Let Em Play
It shouldn't be a battle cry; again these two players shouldn't see the field when the games count, but I think people need to realize it's not like Maddon or anyone on the team is telling them to go hurt someone.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Re: Let Em Play
I also never said "bring it on". I just said we will be playing tough like this all year long and will be bringing it.
Re: Let Em Play
If you don't want your catchers involved with collisions at the plate, then don't tell them to block the plate. What's the runner to do? Just give up because the almighty Yankee catcher doesn't want him to score?
Re: Let Em Play
The prevailing spin was that Girardi knows that it was a clean play but he needs to stand up for his team and light a fire under them for when they play the Rays. The The NY tabloids were praising him on their back pages shows it was a smart move. It also seperates himself from Torre who had some accusations that he didn't play enough hardball (after his guys were HBPed) (his pitchers didn't pitch inside). It also was more spirited and controvertial than how Torre would have handled it.
If so, it's all good. I hope the Yanks play with an edge all season v. the Rays.
Re: Let Em Play
"Girardi said he understands plays at the plate will happen during the season, but he believes they are inappropriate for Spring Training. In fact, he said one Yankees player asked the new manager about that topic before exhibition games started.
Girardi's response: Absolutely not."
Probably all just a big Yankee coverup though. Maddon's given his guys the green light, but traffic travels both ways so we'll see where it all leads.
Re: Let Em Play
by Bjharl81 on Mar 9, 2008 9:53 AM EDT reply actions
Re: Let Em Play
Maybe the Yankees should try it considering they've gotten off to slow starts the last few years.
all i know is this--delmon young would have lollygagged home and got tagged out.
this is a new team and a new attitude.
Zim's take
"If I slide into him and I break a leg, nothing's said, so rather than break my leg I bowl him over and it's not the right play? To me, it's the right play when the plate's being blocked, spring training or no spring training. Play the game the right way. To me, our kid played it the way he thought was right and I think it was right."
http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/zim-maddon-surprised-at-girardis-stance1/
Re: Let Em Play
He likes red wine and iTunes
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Just to end the Yankee fan stereotype
"They should be grateful to even play in the same division as us."
Apparently they think Shelley Duncan is something grand - Jonny Gomes would eat a man named Shelley for dinner. Anyhow I hope this goes without any type of retaliation.
Re: Just to end the Yankee fan stereotype
It's likely something will happen - players seem to have a kind of retaliatory code about such things. Hopefully it won't be a big deal, and no one else gets hurt.
Shelly is kind of the current folk hero in NY - enthusiastic kid finally gets a break and brings a lot of energy. A lot like Gomes for you guys. Maybe they should play the next one on skates and let these 2 have an early go. Duncan has the reach advantage, Gomes will have to work inside. Both would probably love the opportunity. But lets hope that isn't how it develops.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Mar 9, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd put money on the Gomer
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Re: Let Em Play
Re: Let Em Play
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Spring Training Heroes
- Just remember when the shoe is on the other foot sometime later this year: You started it.
- Madden: Wears those cute glasses and wants to talk red wine? Gay or just metrosexual?
by JasonO on Mar 9, 2008 6:49 PM EDT reply actions
Re: Spring Training Heroes
- If Navarro or Riggans gets hurt because of a bang bang play then so be it. Headhunting is an entirely different thing.
- Maddon, with an "o"; he's trendy. The gay jokes though, that's clever.
Good luck this season, none the less.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Re: Spring Training Heroes
Re: Spring Training Heroes
OK then: Dwayne Staats? Nice hair...John C. Reilly from "Boogie Nights" with grey highlights.
Joe Magrane? You have got to be kidding. I flip over to rays games on MLB on-demand for the unintentional comedy.
Seriously, if you watch the youtube video that was posted here, this no-name spring training hero gets up and stands over Cervelli for a few seconds after the collision. If gloating over the guy is good "hardball," then Curt Schilling is an introvert.
It all makes sense, your manager did learn the trade under Scoscia, who is a premier coward himself.
by JasonO on Mar 9, 2008 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Re: Spring Training Heroes
Maddon being a former catcher, I don't think he put a hit out on Cervelli like some of your fellow fans think either, and I know they hated his comments about red wine and iTunes, but that's Maddon, he's quirky. Dealing with Hank I'm sure you can appreciate someone who doesn't feed the sports media.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Re: Spring Training Heroes
Re: Spring Training Heroes
Re: Spring Training Heroes
You obviously don't watch them much then. Dewayne and Joe are 2 of the best in the business. I assure you, the "unintentional comedy" is very intentional. They know exactly what they're doing.
Re: Spring Training Heroes
Re: Let Em Play
Maybe Johnson should have slapped at Cervelli or step outside the baseline to uproot him like A-Rod did to the Red Sox - that would have made Johnson a real man.
Re: Let Em Play
I'm sure there would be a similar reaction if it happened to a Rays prospect though, and that's what makes baseball great, the rivalries that develop and the competition. I can't wait to see what happens during the regular season.
by bummy on Mar 10, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions
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