On the second night of Passover, a simple dinner discussion that evolved into an argument between the Matzo Ball Soup and the Brisket was the impetus for this list. Going through the Internet to find any definitive list, this wonderful piece by the ubiquitous Jonah Keri from 2007 was discovered listing the Top 18 Jewish […]
The Mets brought RHP Chris Young back today on a minor league deal. Although Young had the same surgery last season that has sidelined Johan Santana for nearly two years, some reports optimistically have him back on the mound by late May. Again, we know all the depth issues the team has, which makes me wonder if they would […]
Update 10 AM: Repoz from Baseball Think Factory has informed me the other Rose supporting is perennial backer Jack McCaffery of the Daily Times in the Philly area. Original Post Last night, I was joined by Marco Maturo, a member of the BBWAA who spent 40 years covering sports for Gannett, which included 7 years on the Mets beat […]
Back in November the Caribbean Journal ran this video about how there is an attempt to revive baseball on the islands of the Bahamas. There have been six big leaguers of Bahamian descent. The most successful is Andre Rodgers, a shortstop that spent 11 seasons in the big leagues in the late 50s and early […]
Although no clear favorite has emerged in acquiring Cubs RHP Matt Garza, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports the Yankees, Blue Jays, Tigers, Red Sox and Marlins are all in the mix. I believe if the Yankees want Garza there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able to make a deal. Although Garza isn’t Felix Hernandez, he’s probably the best […]
We are a little over a week away from the Baseball Hall of Fame announcing its 2012 selection. Each year, I give the readers of NYBD an opportunity to cast their own BBWAA-style ballot. Last year Bert Blyleven and Roberto Alomar garnered the most fan support, but not the requisite 75% needed for induction. In December, Gil Hodges received the most […]
Back in the 40s and 50s the United States was facing a huge threat - communism. During this era, thousands of Americans were accused of being Communists or communist sympathizers and became the subject of aggressive investigations and questioning before government. Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy led the brigade with the “Hollywood Blacklist” and investigations by the House […]
It’s been nearly 15 years since the BBWAA elected to not enshrine someone in Cooperstown. During the 1996 election, Phil Niekro received 68.3% of the vote, followed by Tony Perez (65.7%), and Don Sutton (63.8%). Ironically, all three would be enshrined by 2000. I believe there is a good chance no one will be inducted by the […]
Last night was the deadline for teams to offer arbitration-eligible players a contract. Those that weren’t, were non-tendered, which now makes them a free agent. The Yankees are searching for bench help and a situational lefty. The Mets need a backup infielder, second lefty, and more starting pitching. Both teams 40-man rosters are completely full, […]
Day 2 of the Winter Meetings is all Jose Reyes talk all the time. Howard Megdal of the Journal News, and author of an upcoming book “Wilpon’s Folly” will co-host throughout the hour. We will discuss the Reyes contract, the Wilpon ownership situation, and try to piece together a roster. Joining us at 8:30 is WFAN host […]
It’s finally happened. Thirty-seven years after playing his last game, Ron Santo is a Hall of Famer. I’m so disgusted I want to puke. Not at the result, mind you. While I’m on record as not being a supporter of Santo’s worthiness, but I am for the process involved, especially the Hall of Fame in general and […]
Join me at 8pm as I kick off the Winter Meetings. Bobby Valentine joins the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, and what better person to talk about his impact than Andrew Muscato, who produced a film about Valentine called “The Zen of Bobby V.” Andrew has also gotten to work closely with Bobby on other projects as […]
In talking to someone in the Yankees organization, I was told they prefer Cuban defector Jorge Soler over Yoennis Cespedes. Soler is a 19-year-old outfielder who defected earlier this year. Mike Silva adds: In doing research about Soler, Adam Kilgore of Nationals Journal described Soler as “an athletic, 6-foot-3 outfielder who can play center field but will likely […]
VOTE IN THE 2012 NYBD HALL OF FAME BALLOT It’s that time of the year again when we debate the Hall of Fame. Although I am not a member of the BBWAA, I always like to share my perspective on how I would vote if I were granted the privilege. When I select players I look […]
The Winter Meetings are a week away, so tonight we begin to “simmer” the Hot Stove with some talk about the local teams. First, I hope to have former big league pitcher Brooks Kieschnick joins me to discuss the transition from outfielder to pitcher. I will propose the DPH idea to him and see his […]
