Connery’s Views from a recliner

So, the Yankees won last night, 4-3. After Sunday, it felt good to get a win.

However, waking up to the news Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson had been traded, was….odd. I mean, Wilson, can go away, far, far away. But Cessa? A young arm, a brightspot in what has not been a good year for a depleted bullpen? Plus, it was for the dreaded, ‘player to be named later’. Ugh

To me, it doesn’t make sense. Unless….

The Trade Deadline is Friday at 4 PM. Brian Cashman better have plans and backup plans. The Yankees somehow in a down year are 2 games back in the lost column of the 2nd Wild Card spot. Cashman has to have a plan! A lefty bat? Pitching help? Something!

Brian, do something! These are the Yankees. Mediocrity will not be tolerated.

Go Yankees. Keep winning in spite of the leadership.

I’m going to write this from as much as a non sports perspective as I possibly can. As a fan of the Olympics, I get pretty swept up in it. So is it disappointing to see Simone Biles withdraw from the Team Gymnastics Competition? As a sports fan, sure. I mean, this is Simone Biles!!!! She’s super human!

But this is where the disappointment ends and the the admiration begins. Simome Biles proved today to be human. It took an immense amount of courage for this young woman, with the eyes of the nation and the world on her, to do what she did.

I mean, I just, I’m so proud of her. To have that attention to self care, and have the courage to say, ‘I can’t’, it’s just incredible. As someone who has dealt with their own Mental Health issues, to see someone in the public eye, fail publicly, and somehow be better for it, and come out of it as more of a superstar than anyone could have imagined, is so uplifting.

And her teammates, I’m proud of them too. It could have turned bad. ‘That bitch, she cost us a gold medal, how could she be that self-involved?!?’ Team USA took the high road and rallied. Instead of being disappointed they recognized, ‘hey our leader isn’t doing well today, let’s support her and salvage this’, and they did with a silver medal. Team USA proved today they are a team in the truest sense of the word. And I swear right now, if I see any comments from fans ‘she cost us a Gold’, you will be blocked.

I am proud to be a Team USA fan today. Most proud of a second place finish, when one of the most recognizable and greatest American Olympians ever put her mental health first.

Back tomorrow with the regular blog.

Not going to talk about the Yankees today. They’re off today, and my stress level and anxiety could use the break. Oh, they made a trade for some reliever from Pittsburgh with an over 4 ERA. (Muttering why is Cashman grasping at straws while blindfolded, the issue is the manager….exhale, nope, gonna enjoy the rest of my evening.)

Let’s see…the Olympics are going on, Team USA basketball is miserable, the Opening Ceremonies lacked pop due to Covid concerns, and the most interesting event to me so far has been The Rafting Moguls. It’s like watching a fun water ride at Wet n Wild. I am hoping the U.S. can dominate gymnastics and in the pool.

Giants training camp starts Tuesday. The main question all training camp will surround Saquon Barkley.

The reclining Head Coach/GM in me sees this as a simple thing. Don’t rush him back. Make sure he is completely healthy before he takes the field, even if that’s in game 2 or 3. The Giants are still learning how to win, and having their best player healthy, completely healthy, is paramount.

The Giants should be focusing on the offensive line and getting the defense up to speed, #26 getting a carry against the Browns shouldn’t be a concern.

Back tomorrow with a Yanks/Rays preview.

Not going to say much. How did they lose? German has a no hitter into the 8th Inning, and our fearless leader lifts him after a hit and 93 pitches.

Then all hell broke loose. Jonathan Loaisiga came in, his second game back from the Covid-19 list, and was awful. He pitched well yesterday. He pitched yesterday, cominh off the Covid list where his stamina probably isn’t where it should be, and the Red Sox took advantage and scored 5 runs in the 8th to win 5-4.

This one is squarely on Our Fearless Leader. I can probably replace ‘Fearless’ with ‘Clueless’. Chad Green last pitched Thursday, he wasn’t available? Oh that’s right, he blew the game Thursday, so he’s in timeout, right Aaron? That can be his only logical explanation, and even that defies logic.

I hate Aaron Boone. He should be fired, today.

Back tomorrow.

Thru 7 and 2/3 Innings, once again, the New York Yankees offense looked lifeless.

A rough 1st inning saw the Red Sox take the lead 1-0 on a triple by Enrique Hernandez. Hernandez would actually score on the same play after a throwing error by Rougned Odor. The Red Sox would add a run scoring double by Kevin Plawecki in the 2nd, and a Sac Fly by recent Yankee killer, Rafael Devers, making it 3-0 after 3 innings.

Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi kept the Yankee hitters in check for 7 and 2/3 innings, mixing his pitches well and getting timely outs when the Yankee did get on base to keep the 3-0 lead. Fortunately for the Yankees, their starter, Jameson Taillon was just as good thru 7 inmings, keeping the lead at 3-0 after the initial three innings.

In the 8th inning, with 2 outs, somehow, the Yankees broke thru. Brett Gardner singled home Estevan Florial, chasing Eovaldi. Then, finally,Giancarlo Stanton did something productive and doubled, putting runners on second and third. Stanton was lifted for Tyler Wade as a pinch runner.

Then, Rougned Odor, who had that costly error in the bottom of the first, rebounded with a 2 run double to tie the game at 3. Odor would then come around to score on Gleyber Torres’ RBI single.

The Yankees led 4-3 after the top of the 8th. Reliever Jonathan Loaisiga, just back from the Covid list would pitch a scoreless 8th inning, and much maligned closer, Aroldis Chapman pitched out of a jam in the 9th for his 18th save. The Yankees stole one, but its amazing what timely hitting and using your good pitches can do for you!!!

Today, Domingo German goes for the series split. It will take more of yesterday’s formula to get the W, hoping for the best.

Back later or tomorrow morning with recap and more thoughts.

The Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees last 6-2. Budding young star, Rafael Devers was the difference, hitting a 3 Run Home Run and a 2 run shot for Boston. As for the Yankees, as the old saying goes, ‘same shit, different day.’

The Bombers were plagued, once again, with the same issues that have hampered them all season.

First and foremost, their God Damn inability to get a clutch hit, outside of a Brett Gardner double in the top of the 2nd inning that gave them a 1-0 lead. The Yankees would have a man, or men in scoring position in both the top of the 5th and 7th innings and both times failed to get any runs home. Plus, their failings came primarily against the Boston bullpen, after starter Eduardo Rodriguez left in the 2nd inning with Migraine like symptoms. If the Yankees offense was right at all, they would have feasted on the Boston ‘Pen, but not last night. Winning 9 out 14 is great, but if you can’t win the big games, games you need, it doesn’t mean much at all.

For the most part, Yankee starter and ace, Gerrit Cole was ehh, okay. At times, looking like Superman, getting out jams and making big pitches for strike outs. Then, at other times, like the pitch to Devers, he was Clark Kent struggling to find his cape. One thing that concerns me about Cole is his stamina. If he is made to really work, like the Mets game, or his last start against the Red Sox, he tires and the game goes sideways, quickly. Of course, if his offense supported him, it would different, but, lately it’s been ‘okay Gerrit, we got ya one! Now go 8 ane hold the lead!’ As I said, you can only ask him to be Superman so many times.

Lastly, again, Aaron Boone. ‘Welp, Cole’s gassed, let’s throw Nestor out there to get us thru’. Um. Oh Fearless One, Cortes Jr hasn’t pitched to live hitters in 2 weeks due to being on the COVID-19 list…..but okay. Cortes Jr got thru the 6th, but, Rafael Devers would hit a 3 Run Home Run in the 7th, making it 6-1. The Yankees would get one back in the 9th, but ultimately fall, 6-2. You can’t tell me there wasn’t another available arm in the bullpen. Boone has no feel, no concept of mixing and matching. You’re telling me Justin Wilson wasn’t available? I mean, he would have probably made it 11-2, but…God.

As for today, Jameson Taillon needs to be huge. The Yankees have to win today. I hope they do.

Back tomorrow with more, enjoy your Saturday folks.

As a player, now Yankee Manager Aaron Boone was a gritty, tough ballplayer. Boone, who came over to the Yankees at the trade deadline in 2003, just fit the Joe Torre era of Yankee baseball, a tough player who just fit anywhere like a puzzle piece amongst the Yankee stars. During that time period, for the most part the Yanks just won a lot, with a mixture of stars and roleplayers.

Boone was a better fielder than hitter, of course he is remembered infamously as ‘Aaron Bleeping Boone’ he hit the home run in Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series to propel the Yankees to the World Series over the rival Boston Red Sox. As a player, that was his moment and what he’ll be remembered for, and rightfully so.

As a player, I remember Aaron Boone the fielder, playing promarily third base. He just had an ability to read plays and always seemed to situationally know what to do or what throw to make to which base to get an out. I wish Boone was half as good as a manager at reading situations and his players and using gut reactions.

The Yankees lost to the Red Sox last night 5-4 10 innings. My hatred of the runner on 2nd rule to start extras aside, it was the way they lost that has me blogging at 8:10 in the morning! It isn’t that they lost, it’s how the Yankees lost that has me fuming.

First off, due to a rain delay, the game didn’t end until almost midnight, but unimportant only to my lack of sleep. Yankee starter, Jordan Montgomery was fantastic, even coming out after the rain delay to pitch into the 6th inning. Relievers Sal Romano and Lucas Luetge got the Yankees to the 8th tied at 1, thanks to a Tyler Wade error that gave Boston a run in the 7th.

The Yankees would break thru with 2 runs in the top of the 8th, with runs scored by DJ LeMahieu and Brett Gardner. The bottom of the 8th saw Boone go to Luis Cessa who retired the side in order, on 5 pitches. I’ll say that again, 5 pitches. After only 5 pitches, you’d think Cessa would have stayed in for the 9th. Enter the Yankees fearless manager, Aaron Boone.

Now, baseball of the last night of years has been increasingly about sabremetrics and analytics, I don’t mind it, normally, until it starts affecting my team, outcomes of games and their potential playoff positioning.

Boone, went with the analytics, ‘Chapman is unavailable, get Chad Green up’, I get it. But….

Cessa threw 5 pitches! 5! You couldn’t have gone batter by batter in the ninth and had Green warming in the pen?!? So he takes Cessa out, Green gets two outs, and gave up a 2 run hit to tie the game in the 9th. Following on my phone, I was mouthing curses and soooo angry!

And Brooks Kriske, first question, who the actual fuck is Brooks Kriske? And second question ‘Brooks, this is God, have you met home plate?!?’ 4 wild pitches from Brooks Magellan, 4, not 2, not 3, but 4, and the Yanks lost 5-4.

Point is, Aaron, read your players, Cessa had the hot hand. Stop all the analytical bullshit and stop managing scared and not to lose! If it waa Gerrit Cole on the mound, he’d say ‘fuck you, Im finishing!’, might like, oh yeah Houston, a game the Yankees won!

This is like the third time in 3 weeks Boone’s over management has cost the Yankees, three wins!!! God!

Fortunately, they have Cole going tonight, we hope they can salvage game 2.

Back tomorrow, enjoy this beautiful Friday.

These next four games in Boston are huge! Huge for the Yankees, if they win 3 of 4, they’re right there, again, when a lot of folks have been counting them out. If Boston wins 3 or 4, its proof they are a lot better than this blogger thought, and its salt in every Yankee fan’s wounds.

For the Yankees, its simple. They need to pitch. Just pitch. No nibbling, no tenativeness, just fuckin pitch! Jordan Montgomery, you wanna be here, pitch in New York? Own it and Prove it. Aroldis Chapman? You feelin better? Bring the heat and mix your pitches. Stop piping 99 down the middle.

It’s a big ask but 3 of 4 would be nice. The bottom line is the Yankees can’t beat themselves. If you wanna steal, commit to it, if you want to bunt, bunt. No running yourselves out of innings, no tentative swings, I’m looking right at you Giancarlo!!!! No huge errors that lead to like 6 run 6th, again looking at you, Gleyber!

It’s going to be one of those fun, exciting weekends, full of excitement and painful anxiety and moments of thankfulness that Im not drinking. It’s Yankees against Red Sox at Fenway. Something about it being Fenway and the Yankees being underdogs just makes these games special . As a fan, we can’t ask for more than that.

I hope the Yanks take 3 of 4, but see a split being likely.

Back tomorrow with a recap of game one.

The Yankees again did what they needed to, winning 6-4 of the Phillies. I’m just gonna say this now, and I’ll crow if, and probably when it backfires, but if the Yankees roll into Fenway winners of 9 of 12, this weekend in Boston could mean a lot.

What has been fascinating about the Yankees mini run of late is, they are doing it with a lineup missing key guys. It’s a MASH unit rigjht now. Fortunately, they are getting production from the guys you want to produce like Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez, but also from guys like Brett Gardner, and new folks like Greg Allen who had a big triple last night.

The other big development last night was Aroldis Chapman earning his first save in a month. I’m going reserve judgment on Chapman for now, but, he’s another guy. As I said, if the Yankees can get healthy and guys who have been abysmal, start producing, the stretch run could be fun.

Of course, the pessimist in me has just doomed them. They’ll lose 10 of 12 and my optimism will get Aaron Boone fired.

But, let’s hope for the best and see how it plays out.

And lastly, congrats to the Bucks.

Finally, to all those that read my blog yesterday, thank you. It was a departure from my usual style, but it felt good to share that.

Back tomorrow.

Back tomorrow.

Today marks 32 years since my father, Mike Connery’s passing. At times it feels like yesterday, and other times, I can’t believe it has been this long.

Rather than just mope and be sad, I thought I’d keep with the sports theme and highlight a few sports events where Dad was ‘there’ with me as I watched. Stay with me, let me explain.

The Jeter Flip: The 2001 Major League Baseball playoffs had an odd feel. 9/11 had just happened, and everything felt different, it waa just an odd kinda go thru the motions time, for all of us. Sports were no different, but the games were still playeed.

The one constant or ‘normal’, was the Yankees in the playoffs. The Yankees since 1996 had been in the midst of a Dynasty. Their lineup was loaded, they pitched great, and the won, a lot.

Fast forward to the 2001 American League Division Series The favored Yankees faced the Oakland As. The As could pitch and had some emerging stars, but they were pests and always played the Yankees tough. This series was no different. The As were up 2-0 in the series and in the 7th, looked poised to tie the game when ‘The Flip’ happened.

With Jeremy Giambi on first, Terrence Long roped a double to right field, which sent Giambi on his way. My internal dialogue was ‘Crappppp!’ Then, Yankee Right Fielder Shane Spencer happened. Spencer was a nice story, and a good fielder with ocassional pop at the bat.

So, the double’s hit, Spencer fields the ball but then air mails two cut off men!!!! Like someone said ‘Shane just throw it hard, 100%’, and the ball proceeded to land short left of the mound and in before home plate. Internal monologue, God Damn-‘

Incredibly, there was Derek Jeter, who somehow had read the play and the bounce, he flips to Jorge Posada who tagged Giambi! The Yanks held on 1-0 and would win that series 3 games to 2. On replays, it looked like somebody put Jeter in the perfect position, some force. I like to think it was my Dad, its how I remember it and how I will remember that moment, always, like, ‘Thanks Pop!’

The other moment I’d like to mention is the David Tyree Helmet Catch in Super Bowl 42. It’s Giants-Patriots, its New York-Boston, it was the ‘never have money for anybody but still have superstars and you should all like us New England Patriots’ versus ‘Peyton’s kid brother and the no business being in this moment, underdog New York Giants’.

The game was just a battle. The Giants defense harrassed Tom Brady all game and led 10-7 in the 4th quarter. The Patriots were undefeated at the time, had the MVP in Brady and a receiver you might know named Randy Moss.

The Patriots would go on to take the lead late after a Brady to Moss score, 14-10. The Giants and Eli Manning had to go 83 yards to for the go ahead score.

The drive, as was classic Giants from 2007. It had everything. Clutch throws from Eli, big catches, tough converting runs from Brandon Jacobs. Then, it happened.

3rd Down and 5, Giants 44 yard line, to this point, the Giants were moving but, you wanted them to score but not give Brady a ton of time for a comeback. Watching it, it was intense. Standing in my mother’s house in their family room, I kept looking to my left to what was at the time, my mom’s chair, and I kept visualizing my Dad being there, as they were lining up, I remember looking over and saying ‘what are they gonna do Pop? They can literally go anywhere, just don’t throw it short!’ Then

‘Hike!’

‘Here’s Manning back to throw and he’s sac- no, he gets out it! He throws deep….and Tyree….makes the catch!!!!’ The replay showed Tyree making the catch and pinning the ball against his helmet. It was a play for the ages from Eli’s escape to the throw to the catch and to hang on to it. It was wow, history. I get goosebumps thinking of it now. In that moment, you can’t tell me it wasn’t my Dad helping David Tyree pin the ball to his helmet. It’s how I remember it and how I will always remember that moment.

The Giants would go on to win Super Bowl 17-14 and again beat the Patriots in Super Bowl.

As with the Jeter Flip, Thanks Pop! Thank you for the time we did have together and the memories we share and will continue to share. Thank you for everything!