Number Blunder

As the 2001 world series was coming to an end, and the final home game the Yankee's would play that season was taking place and was nearing its final outs, Although the story lines were running wild through New York, from 9/11 all the way to Byung-Hyun Kim giving up the most unlikely home runs imaginable. What may you ask were the 55 thousand plus people in the stands screaming on the top of their lungs may you ask? Non other than the name of a true Yankee legend. Somebody who took it personal every time he made an out and he would beet up on himself until his next at bat. Somebody who had the heart of a lion and what George steinbrenner labeled him as a "Warrior". I am talking about non other than My Favorite player of all time, Paul O'Neill.

There were many superstars in New york at the time .Derek Jeter's Name is at the top of the list then you had Bernie Williams and even on the other side of town you had Mike Piazza. Paul always went under the radar being the modest classy sports star that he was. Paul had a knack of coming up big whenever you needed him . He was the Guy You wanted at the plate because you knew he was going to put the ball in play and work a great at bat. O'Neill's numbers don't jump off the page by any stretch of the imagination http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/o although you could count on 100 RBIs and 35 doubles with 20-25 Hrs. Basically what I'm trying to say is Paul O'Neill left a bigger impact on this team then people lead to believe.


Now lets fast forward to today's date. Spring training is finally here. Since the close of the 01 season NOBODY has worn O'Neill's #21 . It was always talk amongst Yankee fans that the Number was unofficially retired. Nobody dared to wear it. (Maybe Torre had something to do with this) But Now all of the sudden the Yankees give the Number to Morgan Ensberg??? who isn't even a lock to make the team. I mean Come on, at least give it to one of the BIG 3.


I know I'm probably in the minority of people who has a problem with this but I am just taken back at this shocking turn of events in the Yankees Dynasty.

ATTENTION CASH, JOBA IS A S-T-A-R-T-E-R.

Dear Mr. Cashman,

I am concerned with the way things are being handled pertaining the Joba chamberlain innings cap situation. Apparently yourself amongst others in the Yankee brass think you solved the problem by moving Joba in and out of the bullpen for this coming up season. I know this idea worked somewhat with the twins and Santana a few years back. But I regret to inform you that this is simply not the answer. Just look at what the Phillies did to Brett Myers. The risk of injury is way too high. Plus it doesn't make sense to take such a talent (Joba)and not utilize him to his max capacity. There are many other options that should be explored, and trust me on this one Mike Mussina is not the answer to anything . No matter how much he's getting paid.

You cannot jeopardize the future of this organization. Its just not fair to anybody.
If you insist on using Mussina as a starter this season and at the same time keep all of the youngsters fresh and capped at a certain number of innings, then how about trying a 6 man rotation? I know You are an avid reader of this blog and remember that I already gave you this idea a few months back. As crazy as it sounds , it makes more sense than guaranteeing a spot to an ineffective moose while you have 3 young studs in the wings.
Sometimes I feel that you simply don't think things through.

ALL THE BEST
SAM I AM