I remember the first time the Yankees played the Angels in New York in 2004. Early in the game, Benjie Molina was up and hit a soft grounder to third. Alex Rodriguez fielded the ball but couldn’t get it out of his glove. He double-then tripled-clutched. By the time he got rid of it, he was behind the pitchers mound. He still got Molina by plenty. He could have practically run to first and beat him.
It looked unintentional on Rodriguez’s part but the effect was comic. Only Molina was not laughing and he gave Rodriguez a piece of his mind when the Yankees’ third baseman came to bat.
I couldn’t help but think back on this scene after reading Ted Berg’s piece, Mets, Molina continue slowest-ever game of Chicken.
has anyone in this family ever even SEEN a chicken?
Bengie steals a base precisely once every three years, and it looks like 2010 should be another "steal year" (he's past due). Hence, the prolonged negotiation.
Might we see Cervelli steal a base this year/ decade? Cerv showed some speed evading Cano and Melky after hitting that game-winner back in Sept.
The way the other catchers run, Cervelli is the Road Runner. I certainly would bet on him stealing a base or two if he is ever allowed to.
Ah I'd forgotten all about ol' Cervelli. Something to look forward to.
I also remember that play. I recall Jeter riding ARod about it right after it happened, and yeah, Molina was not happy. As Molina was voicing his displeasure at him, Alex looked a little stunned, and appeared to be trying to placate the built like a tank Bengie.
Speaking of ARod, I'm really hoping with the resolution of the steroids issues, getting past Selena Roberts' hatchet job, dealing with the breakup of his marriage, and exorcising the past playoff disappointments with a fabulous post season, will, with a healthy hip, and a newfound inner calmness, tear up the league this summer.
[5] I'd like to think that, too, but if you were to believe the NY Daily News he hasn't really gotten over Ol' Dirty Madgster yet and it cost him Kate Hudson already. True or not, it just seems like Alex is downright determined to be unlikeable under any circumstance.
[1] There's money in the banana stand.
Well, Richard Ben Cramer's book on A Rod is going to come out soon too...then, lookout!