It’s a question that has been mired ever since Joe DiMaggio became the first to be considered “The Greatest Living Yankee.” It wasn’t the organization, nor the media, nor Major League Baseball who crowned him with the honor, but Joey D himself who demanded he be introduced that way whenever he appeared. The Bambino and Iron Horse probably laughed off their ghostly derrieres.
Since DiMaggio passed away in 1999, the honor has been passed down. The most recent recipient of the honor, passed this past year in Yogi Berra. Now the question arises as to whom will carry the torch.
Many will turn to Derek Jeter. However, it may be someone who threw his last pitch 50 years ago this season.
The first week of baseball is just about in the books. The American League East is pretty much flip flopped as to how every expert seemingly felt the season would go with the Baltimore Orioles undefeated atop the division and the Toronto Blue Jays at the bottom of the division. Right smack in the middle are the New York Yankees.
Some people will tell you the first week and April don’t mean too much. The spring training hangover is still looming, players aren’t in the proverbial “midseason form”, and some game changers are either on the DL or in the minors.
While I will agree that one’s record is somewhat insignificant, I think April is very important. You want to set the pace for the season, and getting a few wins under your belt to set up for the long haul is highly significant. You also want to see — win or lose — good baseball being played.
The minor league baseball season kicks off today. As many of you are aware, this is as equally exciting for me as MLB Opening Day. When you cover prospects for a guy like John Sickels for the past year, Minor League Baseball is a pretty big deal.
The first prospect I took a look at entering this season is Tampa Rays Brent Honeywell. You may have heard his name this past week when he attack Bryce Harper via Twitter for his now infamous “Make Baseball Fun Again” hat. One thing is for certain, this kid has the intestinal fortitude to make it in the big leagues.
Yesterday was Opening Day. The Atlanta Braves teased their fans in the last home opener at The Ted as the Washington Nationals came back in extra innings to win the game.
Earlier in the day on the way to work, I tuned in to The Front Row on 680 the Fan. Steak Shapiro, Sandra Golden and Brian Finneran were playing what they called the Atlanta Braves Over/Under Game. Steak would read a stat and poll Finneran, Sandra and some of their listeners for their thoughts.
I know, I know. Yesterday was Opening Day. Three games on the Sunday of Opening Day Eve certainly made me happy, despite literally falling one place (0.5 points) shy of placing in my first DraftKings multiplier of the season.
Since today marks what has truly become known as Opening Day, I have saved my predictions for this magical Monday. I have no problem admitting that I have had a rough go in predicting the MLB the past two seasons, but I will give myself a pat on the back for predicting the rise of the Kansas City Royals two years ago. That’s why I’m sticking with them this year, but just how far do I think they can go?
The 1986 World Series was one for the ages, huh? Finally, the two cities that loathed each other within their own division for decades would get to battle on the world’s biggest stage for the ultimate baseball supremacy. The Boston Red Sox, behind one of the best hitters AND pitchers in baseball, would face off against the scrappy, seemingly always in trouble, New York Mets. The two teams combined for over 200 wins in the regular season, and it was a matchup that saw baseball’s two most polarizing teams go head-to-head.
It was Opening Day in Cleveland. Tuesday April 2, 1996. David Cone hurled seven innings of shutout ball. This rookie named Derek Jeter hit his first big league home run and the New York Yankees won their first game of the season. They would also win their last game that season.
That game was Game 6 of the World Series. The New York Yankees dynasty was born.
The Atlanta Braves — who shed the contract of veteran Nick Swisher a mere few days ago — made an announcement that made Braves fans of yesteryear pretty happy. Jeff Francoeur — who captured the nation’s attention as a rookie — is back for the last season at The Ted.
The New York Yankees have sent some of their bigger names to the Minor Leagues the past week. Jacob Lindgren and Gary Sanchez were both seen to have solid chances at breaking spring training on the big league roster, but once again, they begin the season in Triple-A.
As of Sunday, so will Rob Refsnyder. Refsnyder has been an enigma to the Yankees. Recently, I took a look at whether or not Ref still fits in to the New York Yankees future plans over at Minor League Ball.
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