Category Archives: Steiner Sports

Surprise, Surprise! CC Sabathia To The Rescue!

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 9/29/10

No surprise.  Another year, another playoff appearance for the Yankees.

Last night, the New York Yankees clinched a playoff berth for the fifteenth time in sixteen seasons, defeating Toronto 6-1.  A subdued, business-like on-field celebration was followed by a reserved, yet champagne-soaked party in the clubhouse at Rogers Centre.

The low-key festivities came as no surprise; the Yankees always act like they’ve been there before…because, well, they have.

It also should come as no surprise when CC Sabathia is the man called upon to toe the rubber for Game 1 of the 2010 American League Division Series next week.  Sabathia has been a horse for the Yankees in 2010, posting a 21-7 record and a 3.18 ERA.  More importantly, he has won every big game he’s been asked to win this season.

“CC’s pretty much been doing that the whole year,” said Derek Jeter.  “When we need him to step up for a big game, he’s been coming through for us.  We couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Well, perhaps there is one other thing they could ask of him.

Sabathia helped lead the Yankees to their 27th World Series Championship in 2009, his first season with the club.  Another October brings the same hefty expectations.  The Yankees will rely heavily on their ace to navigate them through a potentially turbulent post season, anchoring an otherwise shaky pitching staff along the way.

He played the part well on Tuesday night, going 8 2/3 and only surrendering 1 run on 3 hits.  He will be asked to give more of the same over the next four weeks, deep into October and early November.

If CC Sabathia can deliver, the Yankees have a shot to be the last team standing, celebrating their franchise’s 28th World Series Title, acting like they’ve been there before.

It’s a scenario that would surprise no one.

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The Yankees’ Nick Swisher – A Fan Favorite

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 9/9/10

This past July, Nick Swisher, the happy-go-lucky outfielder for the New York Yankees, was both happy and lucky to have the opportunity to represent the American League in the All-Star Game.

Voted in by the fans, he beat out Kevin Youkilis of the Red Sox in a separate vote for the final spot on the AL roster.  The honor was as much a testament to his ability on the baseball field, as it was to his overwhelming popularity among the Yankees faithful.

In just two seasons with the Yankees,Nick Swisher has achieved “fan-favorite” status.  His #33 uniform is prevalent in the stands each night at Yankee Stadium as thousands look to honor the ever-smiling right fielder from Columbus, OH.

It’s perhaps fitting that Swisher was voted in by the fans who adore him.  He has truly become a “man of the people” in the Bronx, executing a “Swisher Salute” for his supporters each night during roll call.  His personality is infectious and his passion for the game he plays is very evident – two traits fans find very appealing.

In addition, his on-field contributions and stats have been eerily consistent over the last two seasons too.  On September 8, 2009, Swisher hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to defeat the Rays 3-2.  Then, this past week, on the one-year anniversary of that dramatic moment, Swisher did it again, smashing another walk-off home run, again in the bottom of the ninth, to defeat the Orioles by the same score – 3-2.  Both home runs were capped off with a face full of pie, courtesy of A.J. Burnett.

Although Nick Swisher struggled in the 2009 post season, his efforts throughout the regular season, and his ability to keep the clubhouse relaxed, yet focused, were instrumental in the team’s World Series Championship run.

An achievement Swisher would be both happy, and lucky to duplicate in 2010.

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With his Yankees Hat on, Jay-Z Dresses the Part

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 9/7/09

Many legends have played Centerfield at Yankee Stadium.  Next week, it’s Jay-Z’s turn.

In his smash hit, “Empire State of Mind,” hip hop mogul, Jay-Z claims he can “make a Yankees hat more famous than a Yankee can.”  He’ll get his shot to prove it when he takes center stage, in centerfield, to perform at the first concert in new Yankee Stadium’s history.

For two nights, September 13 and 14, Jay-Z will headline the historic concert series, and will no doubt be doing it with “that new, blue Yankee [hat]” on.  Adding to the excitement, fans will be entertained by a “double play” combination rivaling that of Jeter and Cano.  Jay-Z will “turn two” with his partner for the event, the legendary, Eminem.

This historic concert is part of an unprecedented “Home-and-Home” concert series, taking place with Jay-Z in a Yankees hat, on his home turf, New York City, and Eminem’s child-hood digs, Detroit.  The pair completed their Detroit portion of the schedule earlier this month, and USA Today referred to the result as a “milestone for hip hop.”

The two dates in New York will, no doubt, be more of the same.  Cameos from many of today’s biggest hip hop stars is expected, as is a wide sampling of songs, spanning the careers of both iconic performers.  Fans should also expect to hear a lot of tracks from their most recent albums: Jay-Z’s “Blueprint 3” and Eminem’s “Recovery.”

In many respects, this concert series is a celebration of hip hop, and a return to glory for Eminem, who has battled personal demons in recent years.  New Yorkers love come back stories, and will no doubt welcome Eminem to the party accordingly.

However, the two-night event in the Bronx will be all about the home-grown Jay-Z.  Many legends have played Centerfield at Yankee Stadium.  Next week, Jay-Z will attempt to sport his “Yankees fitted” [hat] with the best of them.

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Marcus Thames’ Home Run Swing Has the Bronx Buzzing

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 9/1/10

On June 10, 2002, Marcus Thames had Yankees fans buzzing.  The little-known rookie outfielder had just sent the first pitch of his Major League career deep into the Bronx sky, stunningly smashing a home run in his first pro at bat.  To add to the drama, the blast came at the expense of the legendary Randy Johnson.

Welcome to the big leagues kid.

Eight years later,Thames has Yankees fans buzzing again with his bat.  With Alex Rodriguez on the shelf, nursing a strained calf,Marcus Thameshas filled in admirably of late, smashing six home runs in five games.  During the outburst, he’s padded his season stats, now hitting .310 with 10 home runs and 28 RBI – not bad for a part-time player.

Hitting home runs in bunches is nothing new for Thames.  Over his nine-year career, he is averaging 1 home run every 15.32 at bats.  The mark places him 22nd on the all-time list for best ratio of home runs per at bat.

His recent production has been key for a Yankees team that is struggling of late.  Just one game up on the second place Rays, and with several key members of the club not performing, or on the disabled list, Thames could be a major part of a team with World Series aspirations over the next two months.

With Alex Rodriguez targeting a return this week, and Lance Berkman scheduled to come off the DL shortly, Marcus Thames may find himself in a platoon situation at DH.

If history is any indication, Thames will continue to produce at a record clip, and keep the Bronx buzzing.

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Jets Fans Losing Patience with Revis

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 8/25/10

Revis Island is a lonely place these days.  Once a thriving, popular destination, the island has been evacuated, deserted by once loyal visitors dressed in green and white.

Over the past 24 days, the Darrelle Revis saga has taken a dramatic shift in the court of public opinion.  A stalemate that once saw Jets fans side with the disgruntled cornerback now has most rethinking their allegiance, choosing to favor the organization’s position instead.

It’s a surprising twist considering the Jets recent history regarding popular, and important, players looking for new contracts (see Pete Kendall & Leon Washington).  However, Revis’s perceived unwillingness to negotiate or compromise has left Jets fans frustrated with the NFL’s best corner.

They want one thing, and one thing only: a Super Bowl Title.  That’s it.  It’s been 42 long years without one for Gang Green and the 2010 season represents the organization’s best opportunity to change that.  Revis’s self-imposed absence from camp, and his demands to be the highest paid corner in the league, leaves Jets fans questioning his desire to win and labels him as a selfish, “me-first” player.

Darrelle Me-vis.

If a “media blackout” wasn’t in effect, Revis would be telling his side of the story.  He’d be preaching about his fear of injury without a guaranteed contract in place, and he’d point to the recently jettisoned Leon Washington as his “Exhibit A.”  He’d want everyone to know that the Jets were the ones to first approach him with plans for a re-worked contract, claiming he had out-played his existing deal (a pact he ironically held out to get as a rookie).  He’d also mention that his skills are far superior to those of Nnamdi Asomugha, the new salary standard for NFL corners, and the man Raiders’ owner, Al Davis, grossly overpaid to keep.

All valid points.

However, over the last 24 days, fans have not heard a peep out of Revis camp.  Instead, they’ve become more enchanted with the players actually in Jets camp, admiring their work ethic and determination on HBO’s Hard Knocks.  They’ve also watched two players with similar contract concerns,Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson, report to camp, work hard, and earn new deals “the right way.”

In addition, Jets fans have bought into Head Coach, Rex Ryan’s swagger, and truly believe this is a win-now team – with or without Darrelle Revis.

Revis is the best player on the Jets, though he is not bigger than the team.  But make no mistake about it, Jets fans: Gang Green is a better team with Number 24 on the field.  Period.  If this team, and tortured fan-base, have any aspirations of hoisting a Lombardi Trophy in February 2011, they are going to need Revis there to help.

For the time being, Revis Island remains dark.  Disillusioned fans have lost interest in his demands and chosen to support a team dedicated to winning rather than their money-hungry defensive star.

A deal will eventually get done, and when it does, Revis Island will, once again, open its gates.  The question remains, will Jets fans, once again, open their arms, welcoming back the team’s most dominating player?

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“The Boss” Takes Final Bow His Way, In The Spotlight

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 7/13/10

“The Boss” did it again, one last time.

As the baseball world prepares for tonight’s 81st All-Star Game in Anaheim, George M. Steinbrenner III grabbed the headlines for the final time.  He passed away, early this morning, at his Tampa home.  He had just turned 80 years-old on the fourth of July.

Bob Sheppard, the legendary Yankees Public Address Announcer, died this past Sunday.  “The Voice of God” never wanted to be the story, he just wanted to introduce it before it happened.

By contrast, Steinbrenner relished the spotlight.  He was bombastic, relentless, and focused.  He took great pleasure in owning the back pages.  After all, he often had the best product, in the biggest city, and wanted everyone to know it.

Reporters would wait for him and hang on his every word.  A colorful quote from George Steinbrenner was priceless, and he knew just what people wanted to hear.

His 37-year reign atop the Yankees organization saw his club win 11 American League Championships and 7 World Series, including the final one played during his remarkable life, this past season.  In 1973, he headed a group of investors who purchased the franchise for just $10 million.  He proceeded to build the team into a billion dollar operation over the next four decades.

It wasn’t always champagne and championship rings along the way for Steinbrenner.  His fickle personality created tremendous tension around his employees, including his managers who always seemed to be on notice.  He changed managers 20 times in his first 23 years as owner, including five separate stints for Billy Martin.  He also fired Yogi Berra just three weeks into the 1985 season, creating animosity that kept Berra away from the Bronx for 14 years.

He was suspended from baseball twice, once in 1974 for his involvement in a President Nixon campaign finance scandal, and again in 1990 when he paid a man named Howard Spira for “dirt” on his own player, Dave Winfield.

Upon his return to baseball in the mid-nineties, a calmer Steinbrenner helped stabilize the franchise.  He hired Joe Torre as manager, developed young, home-grown stars in Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte, and won 4 World Series titles in 5 years from 1996-2000.

At all times, Steinbrenner’s passion for winning superseded everything.  He was once, famously quoted as saying, “Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing.  Breathing first, winning next.”

“The Boss” had tremendous financial resources that teams in other markets didn’t enjoy, but he routinely pumped that money back into his team.  Many chastised Steinbrenner for his free spending, but ultimately, he operated within the rules of the sport and raised the competitive bar throughout baseball.

As his health declined in recent years, and the power shifted to his sons, Hal and Hank, the winning mantra remained strong.  Steinbrenner demanded perfection from his players, and considered anything short of a championship to be failure.  In 2009, for the final time on Steinbrenner’s watch, the Yankees captured the 27th World Series in franchise history.

It was one last Title for a man who devoted all his energy to winning.

He went out a winner.

“The Boss” did it again, one last time.

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Clear, Concise, Correct.

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 7/13/10

Bob Sheppard carved out his legendary career speaking softly.  It was the batters who carried the big stick.  Mr. Sheppard simply introduced them on their way to swing it.

Sheppard is honored in Monument Park

In an industry saturated with big, booming voices, Sheppard preferred to quietly stick to his timeless method of “Clear, Concise, Correct” while acting as Yankees Public Address Announcer for nearly 60 years.  Yelling, screaming, and over-embellishment were never part of Sheppard’s repertoire.  Instead, he took pride in his ability to speak the English language, and properly pronounce every word he so eloquently spoke.

On Sunday, July 11, the voice Reggie Jackson once dubbed as “the Voice of God,” was silenced.  Sheppard passed away, surrounded by family, at his home in Baldwin, NY.  He was 99 years-old, just a few months short of reaching the century mark.

Sheppard’s voice was mythical, giving players and fans goose bumps with every syllable.  Though he also spent time announcing other New York area sporting events, his voice was synonymous with the House That Ruth Built.

To honor the now late, but always great Sheppard, Yankees Captain, Derek Jeter will continue to be introduced by the “Voice of God” for as long as he plays.  Since Sheppard’s final game in the booth, back in 2007, a recording has been played prior to each Jeter at bat.

It’s a simple, classy move to pay tribute to a classy individual – in other words, the clear, concise, and correct thing to do.

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Strasburg’s Debut is Unforgettable

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 6/9/10

“It’s like your wedding night,” the young Washington Nationals phenom recalled.  “You go into it wanting to really remember everything, and once it’s done, you don’t remember a single thing.”

Speak for yourself kid.

Last night’s ultra-impressive 14 strikeout, 0 walk debut performance by rookie Stephen Strasburg will long be remembered by baseball fans across the nation.

His fastball was dominant.  His curve ball was filthy.  His command was masterful.  His future is bright.

The most anticipated Major League Debut in the history of the game lived up to the hype.  Strasburg isn’t the first highly-touted rookie, but no other arrival on the big league scene was accompanied by the social media tsunami that confronted Strasburg.  How did he react?  He answered every last Tweet and Wall Posting with seven remarkable innings of work.

Until Tuesday night in D.C., Strasburg’s freakish skill set was just folklore.  He was selected #1 overall by the Nationals during the 2009 MLB Draft, and his Roy Hobbs-like myth immediately began spreading across the country.  In his first start against the Pirates in Washington, the fable came to fruition.

His 14 strike outs are already a franchise record, and he sat down the last 7 batters he faced.  His final pitch, the 94th of the evening, was a 99 mph fastball to Andy LaRoche for the strikeout.  Nice first impression.

A few late runs put Strasburg in position to pick up the victory, and his storybook initiation was complete.  All that remained was a standing ovation, and curtain call from 40,314 optimistic believers at Nationals Park, plus an obligatory pie-in-the-face to punctuate the evening.

The kid certainly set the bar high for himself with his first performance, and fans shouldn’t expect to see double-digit strikeout totals each time he takes the mound.  But for one night in our Nation’s Capitol, the future of Washington Nationals baseball looked very bright.

Kind of like your wedding day, everything was perfect and dripping with optimism and feelings of new beginnings.  A marriage made in heaven.  It was a debut no one will have any trouble remembering.

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A Super Bowl in NY? Not Cool…FREEZING!

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 5/17/10

Super Bowl XLVIII or XLVIIIce Bowl?

The New York Jets and Giants are both lobbying to host the 2014 Super Bowl at the New Meadowlands, a brand new, 1.7 billion dollar facility set to open its doors in 2010.  The stadium has everything the NFL covets in a venue for their marquee event: it’s modern, has tons of luxury suites, is in a huge media market and is surrounded by a major city with unlimited entertainment opportunities.

It does, however, lack one very important feature: a roof!

Topping 40 degrees on an average February day in New Jersey is a struggle, sort of like selling PSL’s to frustrated Jets and Giants fans in a poor economic climate.  Playing the most important game of the NFL season in less-than-ideal conditions would be a very real possibility should the game be played outdoors in the Northeast.

During last Wednesday’s Super Bowl “pep rally” in New Jersey, Jets Owner Woody Johnson snidely remarked: “We’ll be lucky if it snows!”

Lucky?  How so?

Snow would present some unique, and potentially dangerous challenges for those fans traveling to the game – leaving open the possibility of empty seats for the big game.  Plus, the NFL would be showcasing a compromised version of their product to the world.

While playing the Super Bowl in a cold weather city is nothing new –Minnesota and Detroit have each hosted Super Sunday under a dome – actually playing the game in those conditions without a roof would be without precedent.

Some have argued that the most legendary and memorable games in history have taken place in the cold weather.  Heck, the 1967 NFL Championship Game was nicknamed “The Ice Bowl.”  With a game-time temperature of -13 degrees and a wind-chill of -48 degrees, the Green Bay Packers hosted the Dallas Cowboys for the right to play in Super Bowl II.

True, this game was both exciting, and unforgettable, but there’s something else important to note about the contest.  It was a home gamethe Packers earned by finishing with a better record than the Cowboys.  The Packers went on to face the Raiders in the Super Bowl, played at a neutral sight, the Miami Orange Bowl – game-time temperature: 86 degrees.

Forcing two teams, who have battled all season long, to play the most important game of their lives on a neutral site, in potentially cold and dangerous weather conditions ignores the integrity of the game.  The rationale behind a neutral site has always been to provide an ideal venue to both teams, without any obstacles or advantages for either team.

With that said, if the NFL were to allow the team with the best record left standing to host the game, and that team happened to play in an outdoor, cold-weather stadium – so be it.  Luck of the draw.  As long as the Super Bowl site is a neutral one, it should be played in ideal conditions.

It’s also been suggested that the game of football is a sport tailor made for cold, snowy weather.  While there may be some truth to that, there is no need for the fans to endure such treacherous conditions.  The old Texas Stadium had it right: cover the fans and let the players play in the elements.  The Jets and Giants could have shown similar compassion for their soon-to-be wet, shivering fans when building their new home.

Instead, the New Meadowlands will open its doors this September, sans roof.  In four short years, they hope to host a Super Bowl there.  They will learn their fate following a May 25th NFL owners vote.  Both the Jets and Giants acknowledge that weather will be a factor in the decision, but it didn’t have to be this way.

Had they put a roof on their new football Mecca, this vote would be a slam dunk.  Speaking of dunks, they would also be a top candidate to host future NCAA tournaments.  Concerts, shows, speaking engagements, and conventions would also be the norm, year-round.  One would think, over time, the additional events would help generate enough added revenue to offset the cost of putting a dome on the building…right?

It’s a hypothetical question left dangling out in the cold, like the thousands of fans forced to sit in potentially snowy conditions.  When that happens, one can bet that Jets and Giants ownership will be warm and toasty, tucked away inside one of their new luxury suites, safe from the elements.

With comfy seats like that, no wonder Johnson thinks he “would be lucky if it snows.”

The average fan, trying to enjoy the game?  Not so lucky.

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