Taking a Break from the Damon Rant for Grandy
What a sweet story on MLB.com about Granderson’s final charity event in Detroit. I was planning to post yet another plea to Cashman to sign Johnny Damon, but when I read the article about Grandy I had to pause and say, “I’m so glad we signed this guy.” The Yankees used to acquire/trade for players who weren’t necessarily known for being high caliber human beings. Do these faces ring a bell?
But I’m seeing a different standard lately; we’re getting good players and good people. We don’t need any malcontents in the clubhouse. We don’t need me-me-me types. We don’t need divas. We don’t need guys with crummy work ethics. We don’t need malingerers who never come off the DL.
Which – sorry, I can’t help myself – brings me back to Damon. The guy throws his body around on the field even when he’s hurting. He talks to the media even after a bad loss. He keeps the other players loose. Oh, and did I mention that he’s won two World Series? That he drove in 100 runs last season? That he can still steal a base or two (as in Game 4 against the Phillies)? That he’s the national spokesperson for the Wounded Warriors Project? That he’s a quality guy who’s worth the extra couple of million he’s asking for?
Just do it, Yankees. Do it and then let’s pass out the cigars.
Confessions of a She-Fan 
all joking aside–very good post jane- i think cashman’s admitted focus on getting the “right” kind of guys for the clubhouse is a longterm strategy that has and will continue to payoff– now HAL– get out the damn checkbook!
I think it’s a very positive long-term strategy, Mike. That’s why I say, “SIGN JOHNNY! He’s one of the good guys!”
It’s definitely good to see the Yankees starting to value players’ characters again. They got away from that for a while after doing a good job in the 90’s.
http://www.bronxbaseballdaily.com
Curtis Granderson is one of my favorite players in baseball. He is respectful, kind and always has a smile on his face. I wish him the best of luck and I know that the fans in Detroit will root for him even though he is on the Yankees. I was shocked to hear about the trade but hope that he has a good season. He’s deserving of such praise and admiration. And he isn’t sucha bad player either 😉
http://mimi.mlblogs.com
You’re clearly correct, Jane. CC Sabathia was a good example of this new mind set. Although he is obviously a super star, he took part in local charitable events with the team and he became part of the organization with no apparent transitional period. Granderson is also an example of this good trend the team should keep up.
Well, sad to say the run for my NY Jets is over for the season. Manning and The Colts were just better yesterday…we started out strong but Indianapolis figured out what we were doing and overcame our offensive and defensive efforts. Its not the “same old Jets” type of season-ending loss, though, and I think we can expect good things to come for the next 2 or 3 years, at least. Its going to be a very rainy, stormy day here in NY today — I just keep hearing “God didn’t make the little green apples, and it don’t rain in Indianapolis in the summertime”. Weird.
Granderson is a Chicago boy (Blue Island). That’s how we roll in the Chi. We’re… re-SPECT-uh-bowl peoples 🙂
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
http://mtrredstatebluestate.com
We’ve always had the “bad apple,” Rob – someone who didn’t get along with the others or got into trouble. I guess it’s only natural, given all the different personalities and possibilities. But it does seem as if there’s a concerted effort now to recruit guys with character.
Mimi, I’m glad to hear your opinion of Granderson. I haven’t heard a bad word about him from anyone, come to think of it. And you’re right – he’s not too shabby in the baseball department!
Diane, I thought of you yesterday when I heard the score of the Jets game. SO SORRY! But you’re echoing what other fans have said: this team isn’t going away and there’s lots of hope for the future. It was exciting while it lasted, right?
I’m really looking forward to having Granderson on the Yankees, Jeff. And if he learns how to hit lefties, so much the better!
We have characters AND character guys, Dave – a nice mix of both. And are you speaking of your wife when you mention the Bosox fan? Has she finally come around?
First, a rejoinder (and further condolences) to Diane…tuff end to the Jets’ season, but a GREAT year for ya…and, speaking of musical coincidences, as a fellow oldies freak/geek, how about the NEXT chorus of that old O.C. Smith chestnut: “…and it don’t snow in MINNEAPOLIS when the winter comes…?” It’s gotta be very cold there today…and CONGRATS to DA SAINTS…let those Bon Temps Roulez, just like they rolled for Da Yanks!! I’m listening to nothin’ but cajun and zydeco musique today, mes ami(e)s!
Meanwhile…oh yeah, baseball…yep, it really IS great to see & have Character Guys and not Just Characters…even the odd BOSOX fan has reluctantly given us credit for that! Let’s keep it up and make sure no other A.L. club gets Johnny, either…
Love this post, so true. Sorry to all you Jets fans out there, the Colts have played like my IA Hawkeyes all year (lucky). *sigh* is it time for baseball yet?
No, not time for baseball yet. But soon, midwestpinstripes! We’re almost in February and you know what that means. Of course the waiting would be easier if the Yanks would sign Damon already. (I know. I’m a broken record.)
I don’t get the hesitation with Damon; he plays with heart and the Yanks certainly have the payroll. Why mess with a good thing?
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
Gerald Williams has never been given enough credit for physically threatening Mel Hall into leaving Bernie Williams alone.
http://www.paullebowitz.com/
http://princeofny.blogspot.com/
It’s the new “fiscal restraint,” Jenn. The Yankees don’t want to throw money away on a guy they don’t think deserves what he’s asking for – just like when they let Abreu walk. Who knows what will happen.
Dear She-Fan,
Sadly, no, my spouse is not ‘that Bosox fan’ — actually have read a few espn blog postings, etc., usually from a Bill Simmons article (Mister Boston himself), where they pledge eternal allegiance to Beantown/hatred of Pinstripes, but admit that they actually ADMIRE…well…Jeet and Mo, anyway… My wife’s still in the “They Bought It” denial stage of the ’09 beisbol campaign, and she may stay there…but at least McGwire has helped distract her from further dumping on A-Rod and Andy (and Clemens). Best I can hope for. Meanwhile, I’ve read thru all the Red Sox portion of Babe’s career…gettin’ ready for the GOOD stuff…but always learning tasty tidbits…didja know that in the 1918 Series, The Star-Spangled Banner (“not yet the national anthem” — !) was played for the first time at a sporting event in Game One…and in the seventh inning, no less!!
You’re so right about Gerald Williams, Paul. He’s still one of Jeter’s best friends. The Mell Hall/Bernie Williams chapter was not a pleasant one in Yankees lore.
Sorry your spouse hasn’t come around, Dave, but we’ll keep working on her. Good to know there are others on ESPN and elsewhere who admire our good guys. Very interesting tidbit about “The Banner.” So it was played in the 7th? Maybe Kate Smith sang it. LOL.
Hey Jane!
Have been keeping up with your blog even though I haven’t commented lately. I am so glad that the Yankees have gone with talented as well as good character guys. Hopefully it will continue. Sure sounds like several of us want Damon to come back. Is there anywhere we can go online and bombard Cashman and Boras into working out a deal?? =)
Midwestpinstripes– didn’t know you were from Des Moines. You are a Yankees, Hawkeyes, and Colts fan?? You have such great taste. I am an Iowan currently stuck in Nebraska, but you know I would never stop being a Hawkeye. It’s been a fun football season, but I’m with you, I am so ready for the baseball season to begin!!
Hey, dj. I don’t know where we can go to voice our opinion about Damon. I don’t think Cashman really cares what the fans think, which is fine. We only want what’s best for the team and we just happen to believe Johnny IS best for the team! So cool that you and midwestpinstripes share Iowa. I hope you can connect with each other.
hi jane! i have to say that last picture is scary! haha.
just wanted to send a quick shout-out to diane. i’m a huge jets fan myself, and i agree.. we’ve got alot of look forward to.
well, now that football is over for me, it’s that lost period of time between football and baseball.. time to start counting the days to spring break!
-courtney
dj- Yankees fan all the way baby! Gotta love them Hawks, I have a lot of fond memories from the Hayden Fry era (sadly I don’t follow as closely as I once did). Colts fan by marriage, but I do like seeing some Iowa alumni on the team (Dallas Clark and Bobby Sanders). Not trying to get off the subject of baseball or spam all over about my interests (sorry Jane!)
ok Im going to spam more, darn pinky finger pressed enter before I could say thanks for the shout out dj.
Courtney, I send my condolences about the Jets to you. But, like Diane, you sound very philosophical about it all – very reasonable!
I love that you’re talking to dj, midwestpinstripes! Don’t be sorry at all. It’s great when people connect here. I just stick my nose in every once in awhile. 🙂
(…eh-hem) Shhh..Someone tell Jane the radio said the Yanks, per Cashman, have exactly $2million to spend on LF. It’s there if Johnny wants it. They(radio) also said the A’s made him an offer. Johnny made how much last year? $13mill? Shhh…I’m just saying. I’m only the messenger.
http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com/
Thanks, Courtney…I’ve heard so many upbeat, positive things from our fellow Jets fans. Clearly this team showed us enough positive things to let us walk away from this season with our heads held high. And to Dave and Jane — although you are not Jet fans I still appreciate your kind thoughts and words. And Dave, our mutual love of old music always brings our thoughts together. Its great. Okay, how many days til “Pitchers and Catchers” and how many days til we hear the re-signed Damon!!???
I think the Yankees would cough up more for Damon than the $2 million Cashman threw out, Mike. But not a lot more. If the A’s are willing to give him $10 million, good luck to him.
Diane, of course we wished the best for your Jets. You and Courtney are our blog buddies! That’s what we’re here for.
Oh yeah! I remember Kevin Brown. So glad water coolers are now safe!
Emma
http://crzblue.mlblogs.com/
Water coolers and walls, Emma. When he was a Yankee, KB punched a wall. So maddening!