EveryJoe » hideki matsui

Johnny Damon the Real World Series MVP?

Stephen Kersey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:55:58 +0000

After the New York Yankees won the 2009 World Series title, Hideki Matsui was named the World Series MVP. While Matsui had a great Game 6 and hit extremely well, I actually think Johnny Damon should have been named the World Series MVP.

The problem with Matsui winning the MVP is that he is the team’s DH and didn’t have much of a role in the three games played in Philadelphia. How can a player be an MVP of a six-game series in which he only started three games?

Damon, on the other hand, was a pain in Philadelphia’s side the whole series. When history looks back on the 2009 World Series, the play that will be remembered is Damon’s double steal in Game 4. Without that play, it could be the Phillies who are celebrating.

What didn’t help Damon’s cause is that he was forced to leave Game 6 due to a calf strain. Without Damon out of the lineup and Matsui having one of the best World Series outings of all time, the voting was obviously effected. Where the voters wrong?

I think so.

Should Johnny Damon have been the World Series MVP? (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Johnny Damon the Real World Series MVP?

Yankees Outslug Red Sox 20-11

Stephen Kersey — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 03:55:24 +0000

With football season upon us, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox apparently were in the mood to celebrate. After nine innings of this slugfest, the Yankees were able to tackle the Red Sox by a final count of 20-11.

Hideki Matsui was the big hitter for the Yankees on the night. In six at-bats, he blasted two homers – a three-run homer in the fifth and another three-run homer in the ninth. For the game, he finished with seven RBIs.

Both Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera had four hits for the Yankees. Andy Pettitte got the win despite giving up seven hits, two walks and five earned runs in five innings.

For the Red Sox, Brad Penny got the ball rolling in the wrong direction. To start the game, he gave up ten hits and eight earned runs in four innings. Rookie Michael Bowden entered the contest and gave up seven earned runs in two innings.

With the win, the Yankees now have a 7.5-game lead in the AL East. The good news for the Red Sox is that they still have a one game lead in the AL Wild Card race over the Texas Rangers.

Hideki Matsui - Yankees (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Yankees Outslug Red Sox 20-11

Steinbrenner to the Pope: Keep Off the Grass

Jodie Lynn Boduch — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:52:49 +0000

We mentioned the other day how Pope Benedict XVI will be saying Mass (*holds tongue and refrains from making anti-Yankees joke*) at Yankee Stadium tomorrow.\r\n\r\nAnd who else but Hank Steinbrenner would make sure to tell him to keep off the grass? Not just His Holiness. Everyone else, too, has to steer clear of the sacred ground where Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon retrieve fly balls.\r\n\r\nDevoted reader Caesar was good enough to share a philosophical post inspired by the no-grass stipulation that poses the question, Which Steinbrenner is More Outrageous? (A case can be made for both, but we think George\’s offspring might have the edge).\r\n\r\nWhile we\’re in the mood to pick on Hank, here\’s a little something-something Red Sox Nation (31s) airs during Sox games in response to Steinbrenner\’s dismissive remarks about the team\’s fandom last month:\r\n\r\n

Post from: EveryJoe

Steinbrenner to the Pope: Keep Off the Grass

Derek Jeter Loses a Bet, Surprising No One

Jodie Lynn Boduch — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:40:56 +0000

You know how the “house” always wins at the casino? And how, luck and (sometimes) skill aside, the “little people” don’t really have a chance?

Playing the role of the “house” today is Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees (Bobby Abreu serves as understudy). Derek Jeter is stepping into the role of the “little people.”

That roundabout analogy describes a bet among the trio of Yanks: Who would tie the knot first? The first to take the pledge till death do us part collects cash from the other two.

Matsui won (he made an altar run the other day). And if we were Jeter, we’d run to the nearest mirror and check for a “Kick Me” sign on our backside. Seriously, Matsui and Abreu had to know this was easy money for one of them.

What are the chances your going to lose to someone whose playboy reputation is a pop culture wink? Remember that Derek Jeter-George Steinbrenner Visa ad that “ended” their feud about the shortstop’s partying ways?

And to think, all those trips to Sin City and he still doesn’t know how to gamble. Apparently it’s true that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas . . .

Post from: EveryJoe

Derek Jeter Loses a Bet, Surprising No One