Posts Tagged ‘baseball’
Today, the record books for baseballs most historic franchise have changed. Number seven is now number two, and number two is now number one. By appearing in today’s game Derek Jeter passed the legendary Micky Mantle to become the Yankees’ all-time leader in games played. All it took was 18 years and 2402 appearances.
In typical Jeter fashion, the Yankees’ captain downplayed the achievement, saying: “I take pride in coming and doing my job. I think that’s probably the best way to put it. “My job is obviously to come and play games, try to stay on the field and try to stay healthy. I’ve done it for a long time, I guess.”
Albert Pujols, a gold-glove winning first baseman, started yesterday on the opposite side of the diamond. With sinkerballer Jake Westbrook on the mound and excellent play from Lance Berkman, Pujols volunteered to start at third. While this isn’t exactly new territory for Pujols, it is something that he has not done since 2002 (save a brief 2 inning appearance). A lot of the reason behind keeping him on the right side of the diamond has been his troublesome elbow on his throwing arm, that has required 2 surgeries. Pujols performed decently, throwing out base-runners, and reported no ill-effects.
But one has to question why Manager Tony La Russa made the move. Sure there were some theoretical defensive benefits. Pujols even volunteered for the move saying: “it’s nothing new. Whatever the team needs.” But is what the team needs to move their cornerstone and gold -glove winner? Is what the team needs to risk injury and potentially their season? I would emphatically say no. Pujols, above any other player in the league, needs to be shown every amount of respect possible. He may be the best hitter of this generation. He is also one of the best fielders at first in the league.