Imperfect Man, The Perfect Effort

The perfect game is an ultra rare sighting for Major League Baseball. But it is an extremely rare thing when it occurs in a playoff game. With the passing of Don Larsen recently, a lot have talked about his World Series outing in 1956.

When you think of Yankee immortality of the early 20th century, you think Ruth, Gehrig, Dimaggio, and a few others. The 50s was a continuation of how great the 40s were and guys like Mickey Mantle and Larry "Yogi" Berra continued the dominance. The closest I have seen is the second half of the 90s. They took a chance on Larsen in 1955, coming off an abysmal 54 season where he went three and 21. Arguably, his best years were with the Yankees, which he spent five years with in a 15 year career. But it was a stunner he was given a chance to pitch game 5 of the 56 World Series.

Looking at the stats, he only went an inning and two thirds in his other start. Whether he would have been ready to pitch again more than likely was a thought. He did and his recognition is through that perfect game. Two other Yankees have done that well after his, but as regular season games. Say what you will about his career, which is not a good one, but he has place in the Bronx. Nothing can change what he was able to pull off.

Larsen may not have been the go to starter, but at least his place in sports history is something you may never see again.

Thorns in Thorne

I am glad I am not a fan of the Baltimore Orioles. The amount of heartbreak and losing seasons is enough. But you add in Gary Thorne, and it goes overboard. This is a guy who called many hockey games over the years when he was at ESPN. It's one thing to call baseball games, but to lose a lot.

When you're facing possibly one of the top teams in the American League, how do you react? How do you react to one player? The amount of heartbreak in Thorne is always high when the Yankees have Gleyber Torres up to bat. Baltimore bounced back after an embarrassing loss to the Astros Saturday. To play yesterday against the Yankees is no cakewalk. But it was back to embarrassment. The stats are no joke. A couple years ago, Aaron Judge was destroying the Orioles. Torres now has five multi-home run games against them this year. He has 13 against them, half of his season total of 26. The double header gave him three homers and seven runs batted in. It is to the point of absurdity that he can possibly tie Lou Gehrig's record of most home runs against a team in a single season, which was back in 1936.

While the O's have had really bad seasons, this will be one they will want to forget as soon as it hits the end of September. They did not win one game at their home field, Camden Yards, against the Yankees. As of today, 14 losses in a row overall. Giving up so many home runs. It's not just Thorne that is amazed by this. His opponent's broadcasters are also amazed. You don't see this kind of power hitting. Not to the level of what was seen back in the 50s. Thorne obviously wants to see some form of a comeback, but the Yankee offense keeps finding ways to hold on to the lead and win.

You have to appreciate a guy who is trying his best not to have a huge meltdown. I would love to see Thorne cover more baseball games. Fox should have him call at least a World Series game. There might be thorns in his ass whenever he sees Yankee home runs, but the man can still call a heck of a broadcast.

Don't You Know, Cano?

Robinson Cano has had a career that most likely would have gotten him into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His chances now have gone downhill the last five days. Major League Baseball suspended him 80 games for PED use and his career in major jeopardy.

I don't buy much into the New York Post, but I could agree somewhat of what they said of the New York Yankees dumping Cano even with trying to give him a seven year contract back in 2013. There was a suspicion that he was using substances. It was just a matter of when, and it is right in the middle of his ten year deal with the Seattle Mariners. The team is on a decent run for the 2018 season, just half a game behind second place in the AL West. Something tells me the Yankees knew and didn't want any of it, especially considering for 2013, Alex Rodriguez's suspension and some people's stances like Ryan Dempster.

The thing that makes no sense is the stats. Nothing screams out as artificial. Cano has 2,400 hits, just over 300 home runs, over 500 doubles. I suppose 2016 could be a year that stands out because of him hitting 39 home runs, but even with that, it's just over 100 RBI's and a 298 average. How long he has used substances, I don't know. Whatever the case, it just doesn't add up.

Cano is one of the latest who has to rebuild his reputation. There's a lot he has to do repair it and be even given a fighting chance to still get in the Hall of Fame. When he does come back, I expect someone like the immature Justin Verlander to bean him with intent to injure. People won't forget this for a while.

A Yankee Youth Movement

A few years ago, the New York Yankees made some trades and were developing their farm system. Last year, a part of this Baby Bombers group led the charge into the ALCS. For this year, they have been on a tear the last 18 games, winning 16. What is going on and how are they doing this? It's these kids that they are bringing up and delivering in grand style.

While not a young player, Didi Gregorius' three plus years with the team has been a big deal. Since being traded from Arizona, he has been getting better every year and has been one of the few bright spots. Even his numbers last year said a lot despite missing the first month with injury. At 28, he has lot more years left and it would be wise to keep him.

The last two seasons have given Yankee fans a sight to see with Gary Sanchez. He was quick in hitting 20 home runs during the second half of the 2016 season. Last year, he broke Jorge Posada's record of most home runs in a season by a Yankee catcher. Some questionable defense here and there, but his power is something to be amazed. Same can be said for Aaron Judge. Some struggles in 2016 (42 strikeouts in 84 at bats), he claimed AL Rookie of the Year with 52 home runs and leading in walks and runs scored in the AL. Strikeouts might be an issue, but this guy can be relevant for a long time.

This year has seen prospects deliver in a huge way. Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar have been hitting machines and creating walk off wins. Since last year, Luis Severino has found his groove as a pitcher and has made the start of the 2018 season even more special. Combined with the veterans, it has the New York Post thinking now of the 1998 team, one that is widely considered one of the greatest teams ever for baseball.

There is still a long season to go until we reach October. For now, the Yankees should keep riding high on these young guys. If anything, they are in the running to be in the World Series and maybe win it all. But, the competition is fierce with Boston, Houston, and the LA Angels. It's going to take everyone to get past them.