About the Off-Day: Meanderings of My Mind

About the Off-Day: Meanderings of My Mind

By Tim Kabel

September 5, 2024

***

The Yankees were off yesterday after losing a series to the Texas Rangers, one of the worst teams in the American League. The Yankees are in second place in the American League East and trail the Baltimore Orioles by a half game. Since there is no game to recap, I will now move from topic to topic like Jennifer Lopez picking out an engagement ring.

·       The Yankees lost their last three series against the Nationals, the Cardinals, and the Rangers They were 3-6 over those nine games. They are really rounding into shape for the playoffs. Well, at least it was against tough competition.  For those unfamiliar with my writing, that would be sarcasm.

·       As predicted, John Sterling will be coming back from retirement to call playoff games. Initially, he only wanted to call home playoff games but, he ultimately agreed to call all the Yankees’ playoff games. The way the Yankees are playing now, I don't think it will be a very strenuous workload for John. It will probably only be a handful of games.

·       The Yankees are 40-41 since June 1st. That's a total of 81 games, which is half a season. Last year, they finished at 82-80. Brian Cashman, Hal Steinbrenner, and Aaron Boone all stated that it was an embarrassment and unacceptable to have such a terrible record. They swore that things would improve this season. Well, if you take the 81 games they just finished in this season and project that over a full year, the Yankees’ record would be worse than it was last year. If the Yankees had not started out the season 40-19, they wouldn't even be in the discussion as a playoff team. I know some people are still clinging to the hope that the Yankees will snap out of it I'm not sure how anybody can think that. They have been awful much longer than they were good this season. That early hot streak masked their deficiencies. At this moment, they are a mediocre team.

·       I like to experiment with different types of rubs and BBQ sauces. The other day, I made pulled pork using a pork shoulder or butt, that I liberally rubbed with Korean BBQ rub. I then poured a bottle of Guinness stout into the roasting pan and let it cook at 250° for six hours. That's it. I didn't use any sauces or anything else. It was incredibly tender and flavorful.

·       So, let me get this straight. Jasson Dominguez was not called up to the Major Leagues but, he is in the conversation. How does that work? Imagine if you had a son who played baseball and you happened to run into some friends at a grocery store. They would say to you, “How is your son doing? Is he in the Major Leagues?” “No, but he's in the conversation.” Your friends would either run from your presence or politely change the topic.

·       By the way, in the conversation on Wednesday night, Jasson Dominguez had two hits, including a home run and two RBI. He also stole a base. He is one of the leading hitters right now in the conversation.

·       It had to end sometime. The apartment above me has now been rented. There are at least thirty small children who live there, who all wear clogs and apparently like bowling and tap dancing. They also shriek a lot. It does wonders for my concentration while I'm trying to write. Oh well, it could always be worse. I have no idea how but, I have been trained to say that over the years.

·       Since Alex Verdugo likes to jog to first base, the Yankees should outfit him with a headband, ear buds, a water bottle, and a fanny pack. They could also throw in some trail mix; in case he makes it to second base.

·       So, explain to me the logic of not promoting Jasson Dominguez and staying with Alex Verdugo? I'll wait right here.

·       Fall has always been my favorite season. I always enjoyed going to harvest fairs and festivals and it's a good time of the year to start baking. Now that I'm retired, I'm going to treat myself and my family by joining the cheese of the month club from a local dairy farm. I like artisanal cheeses and the idea of supporting a local business appeals to me.

·       The Yankees have seven series left this season. They are against the Cubs, the Royals, the Red Sox, the Mariners, the A's, the Orioles, and the Pirates. It is quite possible the Yankees could lose every one of those series. Tell me which one they are the definite favorite to win. You could say the A’s but, the way the Yankees have been playing lately, that's not a certainty. Obviously, they could go on a winning streak, but based on what they have done for most of this season, it is much more likely that they will finish the last 22 games barely above .500, at best. It is hard to view this season as anything but a disappointment at this point. Of course, things could change but what evidence is there to convince me or anyone else that is a likely scenario?

·       The bright side about having the Von Trapp family living above me is that we are about to enter Fall and Winter, which means they will be inside more. Thankfully, the floors and ceilings are made of the same high quality tissue paper as the walls. That would again be sarcasm. Even better, I am retired and essentially homebound. I will be what is known as a captive audience.

·       Aaron Boone's explanations and statements to the press seem to be getting more nonsensical and absurd. He actually attempted to say that Alex Verdugo runs hard and “busts his butt”. Also, his explanation as to why Jasson Dominguez was not called up would have made Professor Irwin Corey proud.

·       As I mentioned in an earlier article, I collect hats. Most of them are flat caps or newsboy caps. I have a variety of colors and patterns. The other day, I added a Greek fisherman's cap to my collection. Unfortunately, considering my new living circumstances, it does not have earmuffs. Perhaps I can just wear it and when it gets particularly loud, I can imagine that I am in Greece, about to have a big plate of moussaka.

·       Clay Holmes picked the perfect time to completely collapse, didn't he?

·       We could and should be approaching the end of the Yankees’ careers of Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, Alex Verdugo, DJ LeMahieu, and Clay Holmes. Most importantly, we are most likely nearing the end of the Boone era. I have thought that before but, this season I think will be his last. It is also possible that the Yankees may move on from Brian Cashman. That is less likely than Boone’s departure but, there is hope. Also, although it would be difficult, they could potentially trade Giancarlo Stanton. Yes, he did have a good year but, what are the chances of him doing it again? 

·       At this point, I think the Yankees will hang on and make the playoffs, but I don't think their stay there will be very lengthy. It is very hard to be optimistic watching this team, especially if you tend to be realistic as well.

·       Under no circumstances should the Yankees be persuaded that Gleyber Torres’ recent resurgence is something that will last into the future. They should definitely not bring him back. He needs to go.