Loyal readers, here is your chance to get the discussion going. Let us know what is on your mind. Today is a great day for the Pine!
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bill ribassays
Okay, so here’s a question – for all those Yankee fans who bloated the ballot box for the all star game, what’s their defense for Jeter not showing up? I understand getting older and all, not wanting to travel (I’m old myself, don’t like to travel, and people often tell me to go a lot further south than Arizona), but isn’t not showing up a backhanded salute to the fans? Did those hits over the 3k mark take a lot out of him?
Wallysays
That’s the word, Bill. Jeter was said to be suffering from “physical and emotional fatigue”. And a lot of folks think that stinks, me included. He sure looked “fresh” going 5 for 5 on Saturday when he notched 3,000.
I find interesting the suggestion that it was just Yankees fans who voted for Jeter. Did we accuse Orioles fans of stuffing the ballot box for Cal Ripken when he got elected past his prime? I’m sure there are plenty of other examples. Heck, Josh Hamilton got voted in this year when he’s been injured a significant portion of the season so far. Jeter’s a popular player, Yankee or not, and he’s also well known, so I bet a lot of fans who simply vote for the high-profile players voted for him.
But, anyway…since I’m not one of the Yankee fans who voted for Jeter, I’ll only say this. The biggest mistake he made in handling this situation was citing emotional fatigue (assuming what was reported is, in fact, what he said). If he had simply fallen back on the fact he had just come back from an injury, would people be making that big a deal of it?
Either way, big freaking deal. Jeter’s not perfect, as he’s sometimes been made out to be. I think we all know that by now. After all, we know he cheats. Right Casey? So, why make such a big deal out of it?
He didn’t deserve to be in the All-Star game in the first place, but then when he decides not to play, he’s lambasted for it. So what?
bill ribassays
well, I didn’t say it was just Yankee fans, I was just wondering from a Yankee’s fan perspective what they thought of their golden boy and his upset stomach excuse or whatever. I mean, what’s the point of being voted an all star only to back out?
That’s all I was wondering, nothing earth shattering.
Well, I didn’t mean that you were making a huge deal of it, Bill. But, a lot of people are and you happened to bring it up. I call B.S. on the Fox story that cited emotional fatigue in the first place. Here’s the excerpt from that story:
“Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will not attend the All-Star Game due to ’emotional and physical exhaustion’ from his pursuit of 3,000 hits, according to two people with knowledge of his thinking.”
According to two people with knowledge of his thinking? What does that mean? Two people who happen to be inside Jeter’s head?
He skipped the All-Star game because he had only returned from injury a week earlier. How many players in the past have done that sort of thing? In fact, he made the decision before he reached 3000 hits. The fact that this is such a big story is ridiculous.
bill ribassays
I forgot he was injured – that makes it less of a big deal. And the two people mentioned in the article are probably his limo driver and bodyguard. If he did just get $500k for making the all star team, that’s a nice chunk of change to sit around the house.
Well the $500k is nice, but im guessing that roughly $13000 of it is going toward the taxes that 23 year old guy who caught the ball had to pay on the stuff the Yanks gave him. No justice in this world. It is either going to cost that guy 13 grand to catch a ball from his idol, or it will be the most expensive hit of Jeter’s career
bill ribassays
My guess is some other Jeter loving pal will cough up the tax money or whatever. And if that guy that caught it was a bit smarter, he would have auctioned off the ball and paid off his student loans. Not that I am saying Yankee fans aren’t the brightest, but, well, you know.
And Clemens got a mistrial? You know, it really would be nice to skate through life and not have to worry about the little things. I feel another sigh coming on . . .
I really don’t care that Derek Jeter pulled out of the All-Star game. I just wished it didn’t take him 5 days to say that it was the calf injury for pulling out of the All-Star game. Seems more like cop out at this point.
Chas, I think a lot of people are having a problem – because their expectations for Derek Jeter are higher than most players. Not saying it is right or wrong – I just think people expected Jeter to play and not remove himself from the game. It isn’t his norm and I think people reacted to it.
But I am with you.. I think the calf injury was the reason, he just did a poor job of explaining it.
At what point did it become a hassle to be chosen for and show up to an all-star/ exhibition game?
I mentioned in yesterday’s WAI? thread that the Baltimore Orioles and the Rochester Red Wings had an annual exhibition game during the 70s and for most,if not all, of the 80s. Off the top of my head, I want to say that event was attended by 95% of the Orioles every year. They wanted to come back to a place where they groomed their game. They signed autographs. They chatted with fans. It was a great way to give back to the game. Those guys realized they were part of something larger than themselves.
If the Orioles of the 70s and 80s could show up for an exhibition game in Rochester, the 21st century athlete should be willing to sacrifice some time to give back to the fans.
Your points are on the money, but it’s a different day and age, Casey, and I’m not just talking about sports. Although, as a school teacher, I suspect you’re well aware of that.
I suppose. Although “it’s a different day and age” sounds like a rationalization.
I’m not talking about just Jeter, but the Yankee captain could have sent a message. He could have agreed to show with the understanding that he would NOT attend Monday night’s frivolities (because that is what Monday at the all-star game is all about: frivolous activities). Maybe the all-star game has lost its luster for the players because it requires a two-day commitment as opposed to the one day of old. Thus there is no real break.
Do you really want to associate/affiliate Jeter or any MLB player with the mindset of a whimsical adolescent?
Pete – I am with you. If you need a place to watch tomorrow’s final, the door is open.
I am heading out today to get our tickets for Wednesday’s match downtown including Abby and several of her U.S.A. teammates.
On a side note – there is a Nike outlet on our way to Cincinnati that always causes me to smile when we stop. They have life-size likenesses of several famous athletes. Among them is none other than Rochester’s own, Abby Wambach. She has made a name for herself.
I laugh every time I see a Gatorade commercial with her in it. Yeah, there’s the kid who when her high school team, Our Lady of Mercy, went to PK’s in the state qualifier, made her shot AND played goal for the first time in her high school career.
I guess it’s true what they say: the south’s gonna do it again. Or at least die trying.
I arranged my tee time tomorrow so I will be back in time to watch the game.
The thing that has amazed me about Wambach is that she has been playing the entire Cup with a very painful Achilles injury. They wanted to rest her during the Round Robin stage and she declined. She has insisted on playing every minute of these games and has complained for one second. She has become the household name across America that everyone in Rochester already knew.
Casey – I will be there as well on Wednesday. Think she will ask out because of exhaustion??
Nike pushes Wambach and women’s soccer in general pretty hard. There’s also a Nike outlet down here in NC that for years had a huge mural on its entrance of Abby Wambach. And great recollection on her playing goalie. I completely forgot about that story. I’ll never forget seeing her play along with Trish Ran-what’s her name that went to Bonaventure in high school. Changed my perception that I could beat any girl in one-on-one basketball.
I saw Wambach (in a sectional game) grab a rebound, pivot, take one dribble before delivering a two-handed diagonal frozen rope to a teammate 60′ down court. Gulp. To the best of my knowledge, none of Wambach’s teams ever won a New York State title. What does that say about the level of competition?
Rey, I wish my dislike of soccer was based on ignorance, to be honest with you. But, seriously, I was just joking. I’ll reluctantly admit that soccer does count…a little. 🙂
Wallysays
Takes more than one girl who can rebound, pivot and pass to win a state basketball title. Although I would tend to think that winning anything in NY state is not an easy task.
I’ll be watching the US Women play for the Cup. Would like to see some Americans actually succeed after watching Mickelson and Johnson gag away the British Open.
From the commentators today: The US and Japan will bring juxtaposing styles. Japanese like to play possession ball and wait for an opening (you know, the style that has brought all Americans to despise the game) while the Americans display an offesnive attack with plenty of crosses, long balls, shots and general foot-blasting brigade. Allow me to translate: if this were a baseball game, the Japanese will bunt every base-runner over while the Americans will swing for the fences regardless of the situation. Should be exciting to watch…
Today’s final will garner some firsts. It will be the first time that a FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion will be a group runner-up; Japan finished behind England and the US finished behind Sweden. If Japan wins, they will be the first Asian champion ever. The only other Asian team to reach the final? China in 1999 when they lost to the US in the infamous Brandi Chastain PK game. If the US wins, they will become the first and only 3-time women’s World Cup champion.
On a personal note, why are foreign coaches hired for national teams. Pia Sundhage is a former Swedish soccer star. Shouldn’t we be coached by Americans? Is this being too picky or have others thought of this?
Casey – On the flip side, I heard the Germans used an attacking style to Japan’s possession and suffered dearly. Although I suppose the American depth of talent is second to none anyway so it’s a moot point.
12 shots in 35 minutes to Japan’s 3. Yet both only have 1 shot on goal. If a shot hits the cross-bar or post, does that count as a shot on goal or just a shot?
Now THAT was extremely disappointing. Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory … Two or three time! Gonna be a ton of regrets for years to come.
Japan was certainly opportunistic. Congrats to Japan on a great World Cup. If the U.S. team had managed to put one of those 13 shots in the first half in the back of the net – this would have probably been a different outcome. I know – stating the obvious.
But I thought it was a well played game and from the games I have watched – thought that was one of the better games the U.S. squad had played.
How many times did the U.S. hit the post or the crossbar?
bill ribassays
tough loss for the girls. they were averaging about a shot every two minutes for the first 20 minutes or so. that game should have been put away early on.
Wallysays
Yes … Bill, Smitty, ….US had several chances to build a multi-goal lead, esp in the first half. I think they hit post or crossbar 3 times. I thought our defense clearly lost focus a couple times and it cost them dearly. Japan’s first goal was a breakdown and simple failure to clear the ball out of the crease. Really inexcusable.
Why did our coach take Rapinoe out with like 5 mins left in the extra period? She was not available for PKs.
Wally.. Coach Sundhage took Rapinoe out because she was spent and at the time they were ahead 2-1. I think the thought was to put fresh legs in and help keep the lead. I don’t think the worry was about whether anyone was available for PKs.
Rapinoe had been coming off the bench for most the Cup, so a full game plus extra time looked like it got the best of her late.
I am not sure if she had been available for PKs would have made a difference since Boxx and Lloyd both missed early and put them in a huge hole.
Loyal readers, here is your chance to get the discussion going. Let us know what is on your mind. Today is a great day for the Pine!
Okay, so here’s a question – for all those Yankee fans who bloated the ballot box for the all star game, what’s their defense for Jeter not showing up? I understand getting older and all, not wanting to travel (I’m old myself, don’t like to travel, and people often tell me to go a lot further south than Arizona), but isn’t not showing up a backhanded salute to the fans? Did those hits over the 3k mark take a lot out of him?
That’s the word, Bill. Jeter was said to be suffering from “physical and emotional fatigue”. And a lot of folks think that stinks, me included. He sure looked “fresh” going 5 for 5 on Saturday when he notched 3,000.
I find interesting the suggestion that it was just Yankees fans who voted for Jeter. Did we accuse Orioles fans of stuffing the ballot box for Cal Ripken when he got elected past his prime? I’m sure there are plenty of other examples. Heck, Josh Hamilton got voted in this year when he’s been injured a significant portion of the season so far. Jeter’s a popular player, Yankee or not, and he’s also well known, so I bet a lot of fans who simply vote for the high-profile players voted for him.
But, anyway…since I’m not one of the Yankee fans who voted for Jeter, I’ll only say this. The biggest mistake he made in handling this situation was citing emotional fatigue (assuming what was reported is, in fact, what he said). If he had simply fallen back on the fact he had just come back from an injury, would people be making that big a deal of it?
Either way, big freaking deal. Jeter’s not perfect, as he’s sometimes been made out to be. I think we all know that by now. After all, we know he cheats. Right Casey? So, why make such a big deal out of it?
He didn’t deserve to be in the All-Star game in the first place, but then when he decides not to play, he’s lambasted for it. So what?
well, I didn’t say it was just Yankee fans, I was just wondering from a Yankee’s fan perspective what they thought of their golden boy and his upset stomach excuse or whatever. I mean, what’s the point of being voted an all star only to back out?
That’s all I was wondering, nothing earth shattering.
Well, I didn’t mean that you were making a huge deal of it, Bill. But, a lot of people are and you happened to bring it up. I call B.S. on the Fox story that cited emotional fatigue in the first place. Here’s the excerpt from that story:
“Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will not attend the All-Star Game due to ’emotional and physical exhaustion’ from his pursuit of 3,000 hits, according to two people with knowledge of his thinking.”
Full story here: https://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/New-York-Yankees-Derek-Jeter-will-miss-All-Star-Game-because-of-emotional-and-physical-exhaustion-071111
According to two people with knowledge of his thinking? What does that mean? Two people who happen to be inside Jeter’s head?
He skipped the All-Star game because he had only returned from injury a week earlier. How many players in the past have done that sort of thing? In fact, he made the decision before he reached 3000 hits. The fact that this is such a big story is ridiculous.
I forgot he was injured – that makes it less of a big deal. And the two people mentioned in the article are probably his limo driver and bodyguard. If he did just get $500k for making the all star team, that’s a nice chunk of change to sit around the house.
Sigh. Must be nice.
Well the $500k is nice, but im guessing that roughly $13000 of it is going toward the taxes that 23 year old guy who caught the ball had to pay on the stuff the Yanks gave him. No justice in this world. It is either going to cost that guy 13 grand to catch a ball from his idol, or it will be the most expensive hit of Jeter’s career
My guess is some other Jeter loving pal will cough up the tax money or whatever. And if that guy that caught it was a bit smarter, he would have auctioned off the ball and paid off his student loans. Not that I am saying Yankee fans aren’t the brightest, but, well, you know.
And Clemens got a mistrial? You know, it really would be nice to skate through life and not have to worry about the little things. I feel another sigh coming on . . .
I really don’t care that Derek Jeter pulled out of the All-Star game. I just wished it didn’t take him 5 days to say that it was the calf injury for pulling out of the All-Star game. Seems more like cop out at this point.
Chas, I think a lot of people are having a problem – because their expectations for Derek Jeter are higher than most players. Not saying it is right or wrong – I just think people expected Jeter to play and not remove himself from the game. It isn’t his norm and I think people reacted to it.
But I am with you.. I think the calf injury was the reason, he just did a poor job of explaining it.
At what point did it become a hassle to be chosen for and show up to an all-star/ exhibition game?
I mentioned in yesterday’s WAI? thread that the Baltimore Orioles and the Rochester Red Wings had an annual exhibition game during the 70s and for most,if not all, of the 80s. Off the top of my head, I want to say that event was attended by 95% of the Orioles every year. They wanted to come back to a place where they groomed their game. They signed autographs. They chatted with fans. It was a great way to give back to the game. Those guys realized they were part of something larger than themselves.
If the Orioles of the 70s and 80s could show up for an exhibition game in Rochester, the 21st century athlete should be willing to sacrifice some time to give back to the fans.
Your points are on the money, but it’s a different day and age, Casey, and I’m not just talking about sports. Although, as a school teacher, I suspect you’re well aware of that.
I suppose. Although “it’s a different day and age” sounds like a rationalization.
I’m not talking about just Jeter, but the Yankee captain could have sent a message. He could have agreed to show with the understanding that he would NOT attend Monday night’s frivolities (because that is what Monday at the all-star game is all about: frivolous activities). Maybe the all-star game has lost its luster for the players because it requires a two-day commitment as opposed to the one day of old. Thus there is no real break.
Do you really want to associate/affiliate Jeter or any MLB player with the mindset of a whimsical adolescent?
Sometimes you have to rationalize to accept that we live in an increasingly self-centered world. I was just using the kids as an example of that.
I see a violent match of “Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots” coming up between you two 🙂
i’ll get the beers Wally, you save me a seat ringside.
I heard a discussion somewhere today that some publication gave Jeter player of the week over WWC hero Abby Wambach. I’m not buying that!
That’s because soccer doesn’t count.
Pete – I am with you. If you need a place to watch tomorrow’s final, the door is open.
I am heading out today to get our tickets for Wednesday’s match downtown including Abby and several of her U.S.A. teammates.
On a side note – there is a Nike outlet on our way to Cincinnati that always causes me to smile when we stop. They have life-size likenesses of several famous athletes. Among them is none other than Rochester’s own, Abby Wambach. She has made a name for herself.
I laugh every time I see a Gatorade commercial with her in it. Yeah, there’s the kid who when her high school team, Our Lady of Mercy, went to PK’s in the state qualifier, made her shot AND played goal for the first time in her high school career.
I guess it’s true what they say: the south’s gonna do it again. Or at least die trying.
Pete – I am with you as well.
I arranged my tee time tomorrow so I will be back in time to watch the game.
The thing that has amazed me about Wambach is that she has been playing the entire Cup with a very painful Achilles injury. They wanted to rest her during the Round Robin stage and she declined. She has insisted on playing every minute of these games and has complained for one second. She has become the household name across America that everyone in Rochester already knew.
Casey – I will be there as well on Wednesday. Think she will ask out because of exhaustion??
Hahaha – no.
Oh, Chas. I guess ignorance is bliss.
Nike pushes Wambach and women’s soccer in general pretty hard. There’s also a Nike outlet down here in NC that for years had a huge mural on its entrance of Abby Wambach. And great recollection on her playing goalie. I completely forgot about that story. I’ll never forget seeing her play along with Trish Ran-what’s her name that went to Bonaventure in high school. Changed my perception that I could beat any girl in one-on-one basketball.
I saw Wambach (in a sectional game) grab a rebound, pivot, take one dribble before delivering a two-handed diagonal frozen rope to a teammate 60′ down court. Gulp. To the best of my knowledge, none of Wambach’s teams ever won a New York State title. What does that say about the level of competition?
Rey, I wish my dislike of soccer was based on ignorance, to be honest with you. But, seriously, I was just joking. I’ll reluctantly admit that soccer does count…a little. 🙂
Takes more than one girl who can rebound, pivot and pass to win a state basketball title. Although I would tend to think that winning anything in NY state is not an easy task.
I’ll be watching the US Women play for the Cup. Would like to see some Americans actually succeed after watching Mickelson and Johnson gag away the British Open.
That team had 2 D1 players and 2 D2 players.
From the commentators today: The US and Japan will bring juxtaposing styles. Japanese like to play possession ball and wait for an opening (you know, the style that has brought all Americans to despise the game) while the Americans display an offesnive attack with plenty of crosses, long balls, shots and general foot-blasting brigade. Allow me to translate: if this were a baseball game, the Japanese will bunt every base-runner over while the Americans will swing for the fences regardless of the situation. Should be exciting to watch…
France used a possession style game in the semis. The US team’s defensive pursuit in their own third of the field is second to none.
Set pieces and counter-attack will rule the day.
Today’s final will garner some firsts. It will be the first time that a FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion will be a group runner-up; Japan finished behind England and the US finished behind Sweden. If Japan wins, they will be the first Asian champion ever. The only other Asian team to reach the final? China in 1999 when they lost to the US in the infamous Brandi Chastain PK game. If the US wins, they will become the first and only 3-time women’s World Cup champion.
On a personal note, why are foreign coaches hired for national teams. Pia Sundhage is a former Swedish soccer star. Shouldn’t we be coached by Americans? Is this being too picky or have others thought of this?
Casey – On the flip side, I heard the Germans used an attacking style to Japan’s possession and suffered dearly. Although I suppose the American depth of talent is second to none anyway so it’s a moot point.
12 shots in 35 minutes to Japan’s 3. Yet both only have 1 shot on goal. If a shot hits the cross-bar or post, does that count as a shot on goal or just a shot?
Your guess is as good as mine when it comes to what constitutes a shot on goal. A shot on goal can be as much interpretation as an assist.
Germany and the U.S. both attack, but Germany does not defend the back-third as well.
I’m kind of surprised at the few opportunities Japan has had.
Whoa. Sad. Defense wins championships.
Now THAT was extremely disappointing. Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory … Two or three time! Gonna be a ton of regrets for years to come.
Japan was certainly opportunistic. Congrats to Japan on a great World Cup. If the U.S. team had managed to put one of those 13 shots in the first half in the back of the net – this would have probably been a different outcome. I know – stating the obvious.
But I thought it was a well played game and from the games I have watched – thought that was one of the better games the U.S. squad had played.
How many times did the U.S. hit the post or the crossbar?
tough loss for the girls. they were averaging about a shot every two minutes for the first 20 minutes or so. that game should have been put away early on.
Yes … Bill, Smitty, ….US had several chances to build a multi-goal lead, esp in the first half. I think they hit post or crossbar 3 times. I thought our defense clearly lost focus a couple times and it cost them dearly. Japan’s first goal was a breakdown and simple failure to clear the ball out of the crease. Really inexcusable.
Why did our coach take Rapinoe out with like 5 mins left in the extra period? She was not available for PKs.
Wally.. Coach Sundhage took Rapinoe out because she was spent and at the time they were ahead 2-1. I think the thought was to put fresh legs in and help keep the lead. I don’t think the worry was about whether anyone was available for PKs.
Rapinoe had been coming off the bench for most the Cup, so a full game plus extra time looked like it got the best of her late.
I am not sure if she had been available for PKs would have made a difference since Boxx and Lloyd both missed early and put them in a huge hole.