NY Sports Day » Chicago White Sox

Yankees Swisher Fits In Nicely

Joe Pietaro — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:04:28 +0000

When the Yankees were searching for a replacement for the departed Jason Giambi, they were not necessarily looking for another high-priced free agent. After they did not receive the best return on their large investment in the former American League MVP, no one could blame them for going a little more conservative the next time around.

That appeared to be the case when Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acquired Nick Swisher and a minor leaguer from the Chicago White Sox last November for back-up infielder Wilson Betemit and a pair of minor leaguers.

The switch-hitting first baseman/outfielder was not promised the job but it seemed that he might be the Bombers best option – at the time. Although he was coming off a less than sub-par season on the South Side of the Windy City (.291, 24, 69), Swisher had a fairly successful tenure in Oakland. His best season came in 2006 when he hit .254 with 35 long balls and 95 runs batted in.

The leading free agent first baseman on the market was Mark Teixeira, who was contemplating offers from Boston, Washington and Baltimore. The Yankees swooped in at the 11^th hour and inked the Maryland native two days before Christmas to an eight-year, $180 million deal.

Relegated to a super-sub role behind not only Teixeira, but also Johnny Damon (left field), Xavier Nady (right field) and Hideki Matsui (designated hitter), the son of former major league catcher Steve Swisher just went about his business the only way he knew how.

He played and produced when called upon and finally got a chance to start when Nady went down for what appears to be the season with an injury. Swisher’s batting average is not where he would like it to be (.238), but he has been a producer with 17 doubles, 14 home runs and 39 RBI.

“I’m having a good year so far,” said Swisher. “[As a team], I don’t think that we have reached our full potential, but it’s still early in the season and we feel good about ourselves.” At press time, the Yankees were 2.5 games behind Boston in the American League East with a 45-43 mark.

Besides playing left and right field, first base and DH, Swisher even threw a scoreless inning during a blowout loss early in the season. He gave up one hit, walked and struck out one apiece.

Swisher had no regrets about being dealt to New York, even after the acquisition of Teixeira. In fact, his feelings are just the opposite. “(It’s) absolutely wonderful,” he said. “It’s a great thing. I’m just honored to be wearing the pinstripes.”

The regal Yankees clubhouse has never been known as a place for a lot of fun and is usually all business. Swisher, known as a free spirit, would seem like an odd match for the ‘Bronx Wall of Silence.’ Has he tried to inject some of his energy into his new teammates?

“I’m not trying to break them down,” he said with a laugh. “I’m just trying to fit in. It’s been great. The team and the fans have really welcomed me into the city of New York.”

If he keeps getting clutch hits and playing good defense, the welcoming committee will continue deep into the summer.

Lazzari’s Sports Roundup – 4/18/09

Bob Lazzari — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 06:59:40 +0000

The “Unwatchable NBA” Update: In a recent game played in New Jersey, the Nets annihilated the Sixers 96-67; Philadelphia shot a putrid 9-for-23 (39%) from the free throw line (that’s NOT a misprint, folks) and scored a GRAND TOTAL of 28 points in the ENTIRE second half (ughhhh). Notice to Philly fans: At last glance, the Walgreens store on Locust Street had Pepcid AC on sale–$14.99 (reg. $18.99) for 50 tablets……TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1983 Chicago White Sox–who lost to Baltimore in the ALCS–had four players on the team who drove in 85 or more runs each during the regular season. Can you name these gentlemen? Answer to follow……I used to think that Rod Carew’s swing was a thing of pure beauty–that is, until I saw a recent picture of a bikini-clad Carmen Electra taking photos for her web site in her Beverly Hills backyard……Newly-acquired N.Y. Mets reliever J.J. Putz recently told the N.Y. Post that his favorite actress is Jennifer Aniston. Put it this way: If Putz’ fastball this season is anywhere NEAR as good as his taste in women, then the 8th inning of many Mets games will be in EXTREMELY good hands……This week in sports history, April 20, 1981: Running in perfect weather conditions, Japan’s Toshihiko Seko captures the 85th Boston Marathon in a time of 2:09.26–the fastest marathon in American history. Pulling away from the pack on the famed “Heartbreak Hill,” Seko finished ahead of American Craig Virgin. Legendary runner Bill Rodgers–who had won the past three Boston Marathons in a row–battled Virgin at the very end but finished third. The women’s winner was Allison Roe of New Zealand–who ran the race in a time of 2:26.46……I talked to WFAN Radio’s Mike McCann the other day about pitcher Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez’ always-disputed REAL age–a man who last pitched in the majors in 2007. McCann’s take: “He was an extra in ‘The Ten Commandments!’”……Lazzari’s “Lopsided Score of the Week”: In a CT girls high school softball game played last week, Parish Hill dismantled Holy Family by a score of 28-1. My first thought was THIS: If Parish Hill scores, say, only 25 runs or so when they meet again on May 1st, will the Holy Family coach consider the apparent improvement to be a “moral victory?”……I wouldn’t say there are any “positives” than can result from a tragedy like the recent Nick Adenhart death (Angels pitcher killed in a car crash at the age of 22). But it CAN re-focus all of us on two things: the dangers of drunk driving and the NEED to put things in perspective. It’s SO refreshing to see a guy like young PGA star Anthony Kim take note–and say things like “there’s no reason to pout about a bogey or three-putt.” Amen, Anthony, as perspective can be a WONDERFUL thing–coming from people of ANY age……Answer to trivia question: RON KITTLE (100), HAROLD BAINES (99), GREG LUZINSKI (95), and CARLTON FISK (86)……Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league player Alonza “Al” Bumbry–who blows out 62 candles on April 21st. A native of Virginia, Bumbry played 14 seasons in the “bigs” between 1972 and 1985–spending all but one of them with the Baltimore Orioles. A speedy outfielder who was nicknamed “The Bumblebee,” Bumbry was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 1973–a season in which he hit 11 triples and compiled an impressive .337 batting average in 110 games. He was named to the AL All-Star team in 1980 and was a member of the ‘83 world championship Baltimore squad. A lifetime .281 hitter, Bumbry was one of the few MLB players to have served in the Vietnam War–where he earned a Bronze Star as a platoon leader. Best wishes, Al……Finally, condolences go out to the family of former NBA center Marvin Webster–who was found dead at the age of 56 in an Oklahoma hotel room recently; preliminary reports suggested that he died from coronary artery disease. A product of Morgan State, Webster started his pro career with Denver of the ABA in 1975; he proceeded to play nine seasons in the NBA as a member of the Nuggets, Sonics, Knicks, and Bucks before retiring in 1987. Known as “The Human Eraser” for his shot-blocking abilities, Webster led Seattle to the NBA Finals in ‘77-’78 when he averaged 14 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. Sadly, he was predeceased by his son Marvin Webster, Jr.–who played college basketball at Temple but died during his sophomore year at the tender age of 18 due to a heart attack. Webster is survived by a son, a brother, four sisters, and his mother, Dorothy Webster. May ”The Human Eraser” rest in peace.

2009 Baseball Preview

Bob Lazzari — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:16:29 +0000

Yes, folks, the 2009 season is underway; there’s further talk of steroids, a bad economy, and ticket prices resembling monthly rent payments–yes, those made in the HIGH RENT district. Here’s how they’ll finish this season:

AL EAST AL CENTRAL AL WEST
N.Y. Yankees        Minnesota Twins         L.A. Angels
Boston Red Sox       Cleveland Indians           Oakland A’s
T.B. Rays               Chicago White Sox           Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays    Kansas City Royals          Seattle Mariners
Baltimore Orioles      Detroit Tigers
**Notes:
AL EAST- Flip a coin between New York and Boston; it’ll all come down to who stays more healthy–but I think Teixeira’s impact will be huge. Sox’ staff deeper, but Yanks will have a sense of desperation with their older core players–and make the most of it. Rays’ young staff to blow out come September. Halladay in Toronto doesn’t get enough help from his fellow starters. Orioles have a totally new pitching staff–but it won’t matter; yes, poor Brian Roberts.
AL CENTRAL- I like the Twins starting pitching better than Cleveland’s–and Joe Nathan is still Joe Nathan; however, Mauer must return to full strength. I’m not crazy about Chicago’s bullpen–and there are health concerns. Royals low on-base percentage will hurt them–but they could surprise somewhat. Tigers’ young, talented arms of ‘06 now a distant memory; if they were to win this division, then yours truly could be dating Charlize Theron come October.
AL WEST- Angels just too talented in an otherwise weak division, but will they get enough production out of the 1B and DH spots? Giambi will test cleanly and Oakland will score more runs–but their pitching is suspect. As usual, Rangers’ pitching is “iffy,”–to say the least. Mariners start the season without Ichiro, and their ”big” off-season acquisitions were an over-the-hill Griffey, Jr. and Russell Branyon–telling you all you really need to know.

NL EAST NL CENTRAL NL WEST
N.Y. Mets                   Chicago Cubs             L.A. Dodgers
Philadelphia Phillies     Milwaukee Brewers   Arizona D’Backs
Atlanta Braves             St. Louis Cardinals    S.F. Giants
Florida Marlins             Houston Astros         Colorado Rockies
Washington Nationals   Cincinnati Reds         S.D. Padres
Pittsburgh Pirates
**Notes:
NL EAST- Mets’ acquisitions of Putz and K-Rod put them over the top–but WHICH Oliver Perez will show up every five days? Phillies will score, but starting pitchers like “Father Time” Moyer will disappoint. Braves lack power–and will have trouble closing games. Marlins may make more errors than the Bush administration did; Nationals located in D.C.–where NOTHING good happens these days.
NL CENTRAL- Cubs starting pitching still excellent–and Milton Bradley helps the offense. Brewers will simply try to outscore opponents–but this isn’t bowling. Cards will have trouble closing games–and they have no bench. Houston has too many #5 starters; I don’t like the Reds outfield. Pirates’ only hope is that SOME people show up in person to see them finish last once again.
NL WEST- Infielder Hudson helps Dodgers a lot, but will Manny quit come September? Haren and Webb may win 40 for Arizona–but they’ll fall short. Giants’ lack of power puts too much pressure on a decent staff. Rockies can’t outscore people like they used to and will miss Holliday too much. If you can name the Padres lineup, you have WAY too much time on your hands.
*Postseason: I’ll say the Yankees’ off-season money machine propels them to yet another World Series appearance–despite A-ROID appearing on the cover of the New York Post at least a half-dozen times this summer. Cubs make up for the embarrassment of last postseason (and the past 100 years!) and win the World Series in early, bone-chilling November.

Enjoy the season, everyone!

Lazzari” Sports Roundup – 4/4/09

Bob Lazzari — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:08:02 +0000

A well-deserved honor as longtime WTIC-AM “SportsTalk” host Arnold Dean will receive the Art McGinley Award at the CT Sports Writers Alliance’s Gold Key Dinner on April 26th at the Aqua Turf in Southington; this recognition is for meritorious service to the CSWA and to sports journalism in general. Often called the “Dean of CT Sports Talk,” Arnold has spent an amazing 60+ years in radio–including the last 44 at WTIC. Congratulations, Arnold; tickets for the dinner are $75 and can be obtained by contacting CSWA president Bob Ehalt at 203-929-6584 or by emailing Bob at ehalt.b@sbcglobal.net………. TRIVIA QUESTION: What baseball Hall of Famer was the only player to hit for the cycle during the 1975 major league season? *HINT: He played in the National League; answer to follow……….How ’bout catcher Ronny Paulino–who was traded TWICE in 24 hours last week and THREE times since December? Currently with the Marlins (at least as of press time!), if THIS guy doesn’t land a commercial gig with American Tourister in the very near future, then NO ONE should……….This week in sports history, April 7, 1977: In the first regular season game ever played at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, the expansion Blue Jays beat the Chicago White Sox 9-5 in front of more than 44,000 fans. While parts of the field were covered with snow, first baseman Doug Ault led the way for the Jays–driving in four runs with two homers. Toronto wiped out an early 4-1 deficit while collecting 16 hits on the afternoon. Jerry Johnson was the winning pitcher for the home squad–pitching 2 2/3 innings in relief of starting pitcher Bill Singer……….Villanova Wildcats basketball coach Jay Wright recently told the New York Post that his boyhood idol was Pete Maravich, his favorite singer is Bruce Springsteen, and his favorite actress is Sharon Stone. Two thoughts immediately come to mind: If I had known this guy while growing up, he would have been my absolute BEST friend due to our shared basketball and musical interests. Also, he currently possesses INCREDIBLE taste in women……….Can you imagine if William Paterson University basketball player April Smith married former NBA player Scott May, divorced, then married West Craven(NC) high school football player Thomas June? Lovers of springtime would surely delight in her full married name of April May June……….I just came across a picture of lovely tennis star/model Anna Kournikova ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange last week. My first thought was that–regardless of what happened on Wall Street that particular day–she was probably the best “stimulus package” that some traders had seen in YEARS……….Answer to trivia question: LOU BROCK of the St. Louis Cardinals–who accomplished the rare feat during a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres……….Happy birthday wishes go out to former major leaguer Rennie Stennett–who blows out 58 candles on April 5th. A native of Panama, Stennett played 11 seasons for the Pirates and Giants between 1971 and 1981–hitting .274 lifetime. Used mostly as an infielder, Stennett is best-known for being the only player in the modern era to go 7-for-7 in a nine inning game–accomplishing the feat during a Pittsburgh rout of Chicago back in 1975. Sadly, Stennett broke his right leg while sliding into second base during a game in 1977 and was never the same player thereafter. However, he stayed with the Pirates until 1979 and was a member of that year’s famed “We Are Family” championship squad. Best wishes, Rennie……….Finally, some sad news to report as thoroughbred racehorse Alysheba had to be euthanized last week at the age of 25 after falling in his stall in Lexington, Kentucky. Ridden by jockey Chris McCarron, Alysheba won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 1987; his bid for a Triple Crown that year fell short after a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Belmont Stakes. Alysheba was also victorious in six major stakes races in 1988–including the Breeders’ Cup Classic–and was ultimately named Horse of the Year. The son of the famed Alydar, Alysheba retired as horse racing’s all-time money winner with more than $6.6 million in earnings–a record that was later broken by Cigar. The horse, which first stood at stud in Versailles, KY, returned to the U.S. last year after spending eight years in Saudi Arabia. Once known as “America’s Horse,” Alysheba was buried last Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions. May this spectacular champion rest in peace.

Mets Ink Garcia to Minor League Deal

Joe McDonald — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:07:05 +0000

Freddy Garcia hopes to regain form at Citi Field

Although he won’t solve the Mets search for a No. 2 starters, Freddy Garcia may help the club in 2009.

Inking the righthander to a minor league deal, the Mets hope the former All-Star has recovered from labrum surgery that he had on his right shoulder in Aug. 2007. The injury and recover limited the Garcia to only 16 games in the past two seasons.

“He’s a big game pitcher who has had great success in the postseason and we feel has a good opportunity to contribute to our success this year,” said Mets general manager Omar Minaya.

If Garcia makes a comeback, the Mets may have something here. The 32 year-old went 17-9 with a 4.53 ERA in 33 starts for the Chicago White Sox in 2006. And in Chicago’s World Series year, he compiled a 14-8 record with a 3.87 ERA. The righthander went 3-0 in that postseason and hurled 7.0 shutout innings in Game Four to earn the victory and complete the four-game sweep over the Houston Astros. Overall, Garcia is 6-2 in nine postseason starts.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to pitch in New York,” said Garcia, who was 1-1 with a 4.20 ERA in four games with the Tigers after signing last August. ”Nothing would make me happier than to pitch in the same rotation with my friend and fellow countryman, Johan Santana, and help win a championship with the Mets.”

A two-time All-Star (2001, 2002), Garcia has won 10 or more games seven times in his career, including six straight years from 2001-2006. He went 17-8 with Seattle in 1999, 18-6 with an American League leading 3.05 ERA in 2001, and was 16-10 with the Mariners in 2002.

From 2001-2006, he was one of four pitchers in the majors to win at least 10 games, start 30 or more games and pitch 200 or more innings.

Overall, Garcia is 118-77 with the Mariners, White Sox, Phillies, and Tigers.

He is expected to challenge newly signed Tim Redding and rookie Jon Niese for the No. 5 slot in the rotation.