<http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/10/30/phillies.confident/
<This team does not lack confidence. Star shortstop Jimmy Rollins was asked whether he still believed in his prediction of a five-game Phillies victory after the Yankees' 3-1 Game 2 victory, and Rollins responded, nonchalantly, "If that's what it takes."Someone else in their clubhouse pointed out that they've lost Game 2 of almost every series they've won, which is true, including World Series Game 2 last year (they won that series in five). There was no panic inside their room, no complaint about the umpires who had an off night again. This is how a great should carry itself.>
Sounds like a team that believes in their ability to get the job done.
<Alex Rodriguez, after an incredible run in the American League playoffs, is headed the other way. He's posted two straight three-strikeout games in the World Series, matching his total of three-whiff games for the rest of 2009. "Alex is going to be fine," one Yankee after another said in the first sign that they're worried. In a version of that, Mark Teixeira said, "I'm going to bet that Alex is going to be fine," before finishing the thought this way: "And if not, then hopefully me or a couple other guys are going to step it up and do what we've done all season." Offensively, A-Rod carried the Yankees through the first two series, and if he slumps in the World Series, they will absolutely need someone else to pick up the slack.The Yankees appear now to have little faith in their bridge to Mariano Rivera -- though of course if the starter goes seven innings, like Burnett, Joe Girardi could just press Rivera into two innings service, as he did in Game 2 when Mariano earned his 14th six-out save out of 36 total postseason saves. But Yankees people appear to have lost confidence in Phil Hughes ("He looks frightened, he doesn't look the same," one scout said) to the point where other late-game alternatives -- Joba Chamberlain? Damaso Marte? -- have to be considered as the main bridge.>
Sounds like a team that has deep down doubts about its ability to get the job done.
Ya think?!? LOL! Sounded like a big 'Pedro' fan at least, eh? What is the 'usual' Yankee take on what Heyman writes anyway, kt? I haven't really noticed, although I have read quite a bit of his reporting over the years.
It also sounded like he interviewed the wrong Yankee,imo, the one that hasn't been there before (Teixiera). I don't think Jeter would give an opinion he felt necessary to put an addendum along the lines of "...even if that doesn't work, someone else will just have to step up like they did all season...", that was sorta lame. Even if that question mark is in your head, your supposed to act like it would be impossible for A Rod to 'tank' offensively more than a few games in a row.
The thread title is just for beanie, or course... ;-)
Nothing good or bad to report about Heyman. He's a regular guest on the Mike Francessa show and I've never noticed any particular bias.
I have noticed, in general, that the team that beats the Yankees has, for example, "momentum", but when the Yankees win, that's never mentioned. I think it's the David vs. Goliath concept that prompts articles like that one. Everyone knows that the Phillies are heavy underdogs in this series, so it pays to paint a picture of the faltering giant.
As for Tex, I didn't really think there was anything wrong with his answer when I saw the interview only because it directly answered the question. He was also right: A-Rod got them to the WS, so now the others, including Tex, have to step it up.
And you're right, Jeter has mastered the art of the media-friendly non-answer. Rollins could learn a bit of that.
As for beanie, it never occurred to me that that's what you were doing, but I guess I might not have looked either otherwise. :-)
Oh come on, you KNOW, deep down, you want the Yanks to whoop those NL punks.
Deeper than that… Go down deeper… Further still… Look, I know it's in there somewhere...
Yeah, the original idea was "Heyman's Take: Phillies Confidant", but then I saw the stupid "Report: Yankees yada, yada, yada" thread that beanie has today and thought, hmmm... what can I do with this story...
As far as the bullpen part of the analysis, you can also say it's just a few off games and they're overdue for a good appearance (besides Mo, of course, Mo is never a question). Interview Jeter and what you'd probably get "Alex will be alright, everyone just needs to concentrate on getting their own job done and the offense will be fine."
Heyman just needs to interview the 'real' Yankees to get the right answer... ;-)
What we really have is a really good Series between what were probably the best two regular season teams in either League. Anything can happen.
Can't wait for the game tonight. I'm as confident as the Phillies are!
Let's Go Phillies!
<Alex Rodriguez, after an incredible run in the American League playoffs, is headed the other way.
?
And Alex Rodriguez homers breaking a camera lens with a line drive home run; one of several homers hit by New York in Game 3.
You always seem to enjoy my manic-depressive tactics, though...
LOL... now that old reliable is on the mound... congrats on the win tonight, kt. pretty good series so far, imo.
The sporting world is probably littered with confidant athletes in second place. You don't get the job being timid, eh? ;-)
Was that meant to be a slight to me?!
