Good morning, all and happy Thursday!
I believe the revitalized Boston Red Sox have forced their hated-rivals, the New York Yankees, into taking an aggressive approach, as the trade deadline looms. I explain it all in the video/audio commentary.
Here are some other thoughts on a midsummer Thursday:
I am guessing MLB never anticipated the clock controversy that has exploded around the Jose Caballero pitch-clock deal. As I have had it explained to me, a hitter has to be engaged with the pitcher by the nine-second mark of the pitch-clock countdown, but if a hitter steps into the box before that nine-second mark, he has to be ready to hit. To play the pitch clock by stepping into the box and waiting for the clock to hit the nine-second mark is not permitted. Once you step in the box, you have to be ready to hit.
Next month - August 13 - will mark 31 years since Mickey Mantle died. The 500th career home run by Mantle was a big deal. The actual WPIX-TV broadcast of that homer is available on You Tube, but I came across this video on You Tube by a family who was at the game on this historic day. So many things to dissect here. The vantage point from the upper deck is one I occupied at the old and real Yankee Stadium numerous times. Also note in the video the Yankees taking infield practice. I used to love to watch infield practice. Then there were the starting pitchers, warming up before the game near the batter’s box, not in the bullpen. That’s the way it should be now. Finally, note Yankees manager Ralph Houk - can the Yankees retire his No. 35 uniform number please? - shuffling the pebbles on the top dugout step, a habit of is, even before the Yankees take the field. Finally, the Mantle home run from a different angle. Enjoy the video:
That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. Thank you for subscribing and have a terrific Thursday!
DAN
