A.J. Burnett Comes to the Yankees' Rescue

When he ran down, pulled back and leaped near the warning track, and then made a retreating, sensational catch with the bases loaded and two outs in the first inning, Curtis Granderson not only saved the Yankees but saved the derided A.J. Burnett.

Had the ball flown over Granderson's head it could have finished as the worst baseball game in franchise history, and by the end of the night, the Yankees would have faced much scrutiny. Now, it seems, Burnett saved the Yankees season, throwing 81 pitches on a beautiful night at Comerica Park.

The expectations were largely an element and, if there were ever anything less than a phenomenal performance, Burnett would've been ridiculed and bashers all over the urban cities in New York would've talked badly about him in Time Square or on the subway ride to the workplace.

The creativity from the local tabloids would've had comical headlines with photos of Burnett dropping his head helplessly, and each newspaper would've been at the nearest newsstand. But all the ineptitude that came from the disappointment, inconsistencies and even the point when he was mentally baffled for nearly every start was erased when Burnett probably rescued the Yankees from forever being described as the worst ballclub to ever fail built with so much talent.

The theory behind the Yankees is that the Steinbrenners are the wealthiest owners in baseball, and inherits the highest player's payroll in Major League Baseball, squandering millions to bring together a repertoire of high-profile pitchers and sluggers. If the Yankees lose in the postseason, and denied a World Series appearance, then the season is considered a failure.

It's certain Burnett would've been considered a pathetic bust had he not pitched consistently as the Yankees were on the brink of elimination. So meanwhile, he's the hero and so is his outfielder Granderson, who contributed with his amazing defense. It may not be the equivalent to the team's batting power, but Burnett certainly may have saved the Yankees season.

When it was all over, the Yanks thrashed Detroit in a 10-1 romp. They can sigh relief and live on another day, keeping postseason hopes alive and traveling back to New York tied 2-2 for Game 5 of this fascinating division series on Thursday. The rookie sensation Ivan Nova, called on for the biggest game of his life with the burden of heavy pressure, is set to pitch against Tigers' Doug Fister.

Everyone, as we know by now, thought Burnett was done forever but he stunned the world with an amazing performance. The population in New York had given up on Burnett for a reservoir of misfortune and inferiority over the last two seasons with his pitching woes, and his $82.5 million contract that had almost went to waste.

Before he came alive at perfect timing, he transformed into -- after all -- from an overpaid athlete to otherworldly hero. It was at one point that he used to just collect a large paycheck, and was evidently comfortable underperforming for a franchise that makes an effort to capture perfection and world championships each season if possible.

It's about time that he delights and not disappoint fans in New York and helps baseball's most storied franchise win games, particularly in a series where the season was over had the Yankees lost to the Tigers. Against Detroit, he never toppled, he never stayed on the mound too long and he never gave up a bevy of hits in a single inning that could have turned it into a nightmare for Burnett.

Through it all, he survived 5-2/3 innings and gave up one run Tuesday night. And then, for once, he wasn't pressured and seemed composed and, early on, Burnett forced hitters into pop outs and groundouts. When it comes to Burnett, he's never been a strikeout pitcher, and has always relied on the defense to bail him out of jammed innings or the toughest situations, and nobody is asking him to strike out hitters.

If there's one way to pacify people, he can't pitch inconsistently and need a stronger effort. Because the Yankees are obligated to pay Burnett $16.5 million yearly through 2013, it was hard for the most hated baseball team to cut him loose. And even though he struggled and had a poorly awful ERA, Joe Girardi juggled his rotation and wasn't hesitant giving Burnett the start with much at stake.

There's no need to talk about his horrible 5.15 ERA that killed him during the season. At long last, he delivered and came to his team's aid when it was truly needed in order to keep all the World Series dreams alive, at least for another game. For once, however, he wasn't taking more criticism and instead he was being praised after a redemptive tale may have restored aplomb as New Yorkers probably trust in Burnett, more confident that he can prevail in the critical moments and get it done for the Yankees.

He's managed to throw his breaking ball that almost turned the night into a disaster by his first inning mortality, but eventually he began to release the breaking ball effectively. It almost felt as if he was getting ready to give the game away, with another hellish inning to go down as the worst pitcher in Yankees history. It felt like that in the first inning, and it was a pattern everybody was accustomed to seeing.

So early on, he walked leadoff hitter Austin Jackson, and then Burnett stayed with the breaking ball, although with two outs Jackson stood on third and Girardi ordered Burnett to intentionally walk Miguel Cabrera. When he faced the next hitter, which was Victor Martinez, he walked him as well. It seemed like his night was over.

It was time to summon Cory Wade from the bullpen, but Burnett finished the first inning without giving up a run, after Don Kelly drilled a line drive that drifted to center field, where Granderson misjudged the ball and took a step in and then turned and stepped back.

On a play where the ball almost went over his head, he leaped and extended his glove to catch the ball that ended the inning. Had the ball dropped back at the wall, the play would have given the Tigers a 4-0 lead and Burnett would have been criticized for blowing it.

When it was all said and done, Burnett, 34, had redeemed himself of his prior failures. The thing is, nobody believed in him. The actions spoke louder than words. And Burnett certainly brought the action.

Hate All You Want, but Yankees Are America's Franchise

After a gratifying night at the new and colossal Yankee Stadium, the futility for the long-suffering New York Yankees had finally come to an end, throwing away misfortunes that ultimately stained the essence of one famous ballclub.

The traditional pinstripes, instead of symbolizing a prominent team, epitomized baseball's dysfunction and laughingstock, a franchise failing to reach expectations and shunning financial blunders, which severely hurt the Yankees -- known for foolish spending as much as compiling titles.

And now, an incredible joyride in a town where a massive crowd is faithfully committed to pinstripes and humongous ribs at the newly venue, winning a world title is normally a priority on their agenda. The Yankees renewed normalcy and returned to prominence, which was a trait New York was missing for years as America dismissed the wealthiest franchise and had forgotten the capitalists of baseball.


On a spectacular night in the Bronx, it was a year for the Yankees to virtually celebrate as legitimate champs. But also, it satisfied long-awaited fans who endured agony and scarcity for nine consecutive years before the wildest celebration erupted on Wednesday night. The Yankees’ faithful uncontrollably poured onto the streets dancing and rooting for their home team, en route to a 7-3 victory to clinch their 27th title in 40 tries, the most in major league history among any franchise.

Hate all you want, but the Yankees are America’s team. Whether arrogance describes a selfish and greedy organization that squandered $1.5 billion in stadium creation, including a staggering $432.5 million during a revamping stage in an unhealthy recession, New York captured a title adding a banner to their uttermost collection because the dauntless Steinbrenner family wasn’t hesitant in spending billions on CC Sabathia, A.J Burnett, and Mark Teixeira: three profile superstars who quickly emerged and earned popularity.


So logically, Hank and Hal Steinbrenner felt spending was a solution for rejuvenating a contender, and was a clever conception given that the Yankees were built with tremendous talent. They had all the necessities to reestablish assurance and poise, overpowering antagonist on an incredible journey and brought back familiarity. The $210 million payroll was an advantage, which was useful in their rebuilding project and turned them into businesslike geniuses.

There’s not a franchise in this country that suffers from more scrutiny and criticism, especially residing in an environment where modern media constantly heckled and lambasted the Yankees in local tabloids. Early in the year alone, they’ve taken more criticism than any team in baseball, and never shied from inevitable queries. Beginning the season, fittingly it seemed the Yankees weren't aiming to seek a title, or anywhere near the grandest prize, as conversations were negligible with all the unnecessary tumultuous amid a steroid crisis.

Doomed with staggering adversity, mostly pertaining to Alex Rodriguez, who average baseball devotees trusted in, the Yankees were disrupted with all the uproars of A-Rod’s deceptive lies that revealed when his name appeared on a list of 104 players who contaminated the wonderful game. Needless to say, he avoided more Madonna hell, confessed and apologized for steroid revelations, and fittingly found a lovable relationship with starlet Kate Hudson.

After overcoming a distraught start to the season, he suddenly arrived and took on the nickname Mr. October by changing the complexion of the postseason, depositing homers and batting in runs, a problem he struggled with mightily in a pinstriped uniform. He quickly was a huge part to the most polarizing team’s emergence in the postseason, escaping burdens and dysfunction without having to mention the C-word.

It’s gratifying to see a team suffer with much chaotic letdowns, and keep a tough-minded, driven mindset to dethrone Philadelphia in Game Six, conquering respect as the world’s most lovable franchise. They prevented the Phillies from pulling off an historical sequence. If Game Seven was forced on Thursday night, they could’ve became the first team since the Cincinnati Reds in the 1970’s to win back-to-back titles.

But unfortunately, Cole Hamels, the Mr. October legend and World Series MVP a year ago, emotionally lost composure and turned into a distraction, rather than a heroic left-hander who threw exceptionally efficient, in which it was impossible to make contact against his dominance a year ago. It wasn’t much of a worry, when the series belonged to any team.

Before the non-waiver trade deadline, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, shockingly pulled off the marquee blockbuster deal acquiring an unhittable Cliff Lee, whose outstanding performance by throwing the outrageous breaking ball was indescribable and could have qualified for the World Series MVP award if the Phillies were victorious. Even Chase Utley, a cool California native who drenched his hair with too much gel, joined legend Reggie Jackson with five homers in a single World Series.

Of course, it wasn’t enough to beat the Yankees, the richest franchise in the world. A loss this year would’ve been considered a failure, as mostly every postseason or World Series loss is. And on this night, much praise goes to Hideki Matsui, the Japanese-born player who everyone knows as Godzilla, drove in six runs with a two-run homer to excite fans as the Yanks had inched steps closer to triumph.

As a result, Matsui became the first designated hitter to win the World Series MVP, a privilege when his other teammates could have been presented with a prize, normally given to a play whose eye-catching deeds were immensely momentous. Some will admit Sabathia was a deserving candidate for the series MVP, while others will say A-Rod deserved props.

Throughout the postseason, Sabathia was an essential piece to New York’s fundamentals on the mound, rectifying pitching deficits of previous seasons. The radar gun accurately read his speedy fastballs that most hitters faltered on, retired on strikes. Although, he struggled a bit, Burnett contributed and managed to avoid troubles with his indecisive command. And in the offseason, the world’s most powerful agent ensured Teixeira was offered an enormous deal. Sure enough, the Yankees offered enough pleasing the first baseman to sign an eight-year, $185 million deal. But even greater, he won his first ever title, partly for his walk-off homers and critical shots in desperation moments.

The intelligent offseason acquisitions incorporated a fundamentally sound and cohesive group, starved for a title and earned it with their hard-driven attitude. In addition, Joe Girardi is a classy and charismatic manager, mentoring and molding them to have a positive outlook. Remember, there were talks that his job was on the line, if he had failed to guide the Yankees to the national stage and win it all. This definitely relieves all burdens, even tension on general manager Brian Cashman.

But now, job security is the least worry as rejoicing and jubilation is well-deserved after vindicating they’re America’s champs. Certainly, a large payroll paid off as the Yankees rises back to the top, recognized as America’s premier franchise.

Don’t hate: It’s all about traditional pinstripes.

At Last, Yankees Validates Traditional Earnings

They haven’t won 26 titles in 40 appearances for nothing, or haven’t spent an outrageous $423.5 million for the series MVP C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett. Even the house Derek Jeter built was invested, confident of reliving glorious celebrations and pennant runs.

Last year alone the dauntless co-chairmen Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, spent $1.5 billion in creations of the immense Yankee Stadium when times were fragile, and battered in economic downturns.

At the time, squandering massive profit was considerably trivial. Eventually, last winter turned into a crazy uproar, labeled as an egotistic and greedy franchise.

For much of the winter, the Steinbrenner family was criticized for spending foolishly, knowing their unsuccessful letdowns in the yesteryears, slumps that were cynical in which lavishing sizable paychecks weren’t an antidote for reviving traditional pinstripes.

But in a season of uncertainty, the Yankees vanquished adversity, without derailing and encountering a financial collapse to doom prestige and stature, earned decades ago when it became America’s team, where beloved icons were merely perceived.

This time, New York arrives on schedule when the leaves shed, when pumpkins harvest, and when Jack-O-Lanterns sit on your neighbor’s front porch celebrating the most foolish holiday. This isn’t a prank the Yankees have arrived, fulfilling a familiar scenario in a month where children wear costumes and Trick or Treat collecting sweets to satisfy a rowdy bunch for a few weeks.

But now, in New York, long-awaited fans are satisfied that the most scrutinized and capitalist franchise in sports has erased ghastly fiascoes and memorable collapses in the postseason.

Not long ago, the Yankees collapsed amid a nightmarish series, facing archenemies the Boston Red Sox, who trailed the series 3-0, and suddenly pulled off the most dramatic comeback in sports breaking 86 years of misery.

For a long time, New York failed to cease agonizing defeats against the Los Angeles Angels, a team at one point with magical aggressiveness in running the bases and producing runs. It was perfect magic, located a block away from Disneyland, but magic now resides near the subways in the Bronx.

A primary factor in the Yankees successful drive to the pennant, amid a revamped year, is the sudden uprise of Alex Rodriguez, who failed in previous postseasons. He faltered in previous seasons, amassing most of his RBI and homers in the regular-season when games weren’t as significant. But now, he’s worthy of the nickname “Mr. October”, guiding this franchise to their first World Series appearance in nine years.

In the meantime, A-Rod isn’t A-Fraud, convincing us he’s free of contaminated juice after confessing and apologizing to the world when his name was revealed from a list of 104 players using performance enhancers, which disheartened the masses who were convinced that he was the purest slugger in the game.

Of course now, we believe all his homers are belted naturally, untainted of any substances. Arriving to the biggest level, for the first time in his career, he’s chasing hardware on the grandest stage. But above all, the Yankees as an entire are favorites and craving to win their 27th title, staying atop all teams in the majors.

In fairness, after spending billions and owning the largest payroll in the game, the main priority is to win a championship. Otherwise, the Steinbrenner’s are considered failures, and in likelihood, could be portrayed as spending fools.

Next thing, skeptics will consider the Yankees as the biggest bust, while typical fans will defend and wait again. The worst case scenario is their believable season could finish wastefully, but the best case scenario is their persuasive season could symbolize a dominant franchise, possibly starting off the new decade with aspiration.

A franchise with a $210 million payroll cannot afford to perform the choke job. But with a mentor, Joe Girardi, who can actually manage the world’s most demanding job and has handled the scrutiny and media tension well, the players are grasping a sense of the game from a well-experienced and well-respected manager.

It took long enough, but now $275 million giving to A-Rod makes sense after having a breakout and monster postseason, ending all dreadful droughts. Sure, critics could utter he has a good luck charm in Kate Hudson, his starlet girlfriend. But Mark Teixeira might have a slight impact as well, making A-Rod’s assignments less painful. His presents have definitely abstracted tremendous pressure, of which much isn’t strictly relied upon Rodriguez.

In the offseason, Teixeira was a huge blockbuster deal, shocking majority of the masses after landing with the Yankees. Courtesy of the powerful and manipulating agent Scott Boras, Teixeira was certain to earn the biggest deal on the market and accepted an eight-year, $185 million deal to wear pinstripes.

There’s also Sabathia, the best pitcher arguably in the postseason, which tells us why he’s the richest hard-thrower in the majors.

The Angels were unsuccessful, striking out constantly and failed even to hit ground outs or fly outs. Sabathia’s ridiculous fastball seems untouchable, his nasty slider seems impossible on making contact, and his presence seems intimidating, which might pose problems for the Philadelphia Phillies. At the newly stadium, fans vastly shout out “C.C.! C.C.! C.C.! Usually, Sabathia lasts in late innings and almost pitches complete games, because of his dangerous arm that cannot be reckon with.

On the other side, the overpowering Yankees, ruined the Angels optimistic season. But it mostly came from errant plays and costly plays that are formidable amid a pennant race. For many, this was their year, riding on inspiration of the late Nick Adenhart. But clumsy base running, botched throws and goofed up pitching, enough to make Goofy hide out in Disneyland, wasn’t passable to trounce pinstripes.

Still, credit goes to the Yankees for closing it out in Game Six with a 5-2 win that punched a ticket to the World Series with the Phillies waiting. No rain was in the forecast, but it was a night when Andy Pettitte’s cutters were as flawless as C.C.’s fastball, pitching in the greatest game of his lifetime. Then, Mariano Rivera entered the game in the eighth inning to post a six-out save, striking out Gary Matthews Jr. on the final out, and relived the glorious celebrations that average New Yorkers are accustomed to in a well-known ritual.

Again, the Yankees are your renaissance team.