Just Fantastic
By Alex Sherman
What can be said that hasn't already been said? I won't bore you with the obvious, but some thoughts while watching the greatest sports playoff series in history:
1) In recent memory, I can't think of a more astonishing sight than the
back-to-back-to-back camera shots of Brian Cashman, Billy Crystal and Alex Rodriguez. First, the sickening look on Cashman's face as he realized his team. and possibly his job, just went down the drain. Then, a forlorn Crystal watching, stunned, from his standard perch in Yankee Stadium. I've never seen an actor that real, that upset, in a candid moment on national television before. It was shocking to the system for a comedian, of all people, to be absolutely crushed. And finally, the death stare by A Rod. He went to the wrong team.
Incidentally, A Rod was a complete nothing in the series, as was Manny. Two non-factors. You would have thought they made the least money on the team. Except, that is, for Tony Clark.
2) We all know Tony very well. Any Red Sox fan watched him play many games in a Red Sox uniform. We should know this first hand--he's a great guy. And he's a terrible baseball player. In fact, I honestly can't remember a weaker player ever starting a playoff game. And the Yankees have a payroll of 190 million dollars. Tony Clark...190 million dollars. Something is very very wrong here. Torre made a huge mistake when he decided to go with Clark over Giambi on the playoff roster. Giambi commands respect and fear. He may have struck out most at bats, but he would have drawn some walks too...he's got a good eye and he still commands fear. You never know if he's suddenly going to find his old form. Tony Clark is about the least fearsome player I've ever watched play a baseball game. Nice guy, but he never should have appeared on the roster, let alone been a guy at bat in huge situations. I blame Torre for playing him and not pinch hitting Kenny Lofton or moving Miguel Cairo to first and playing Pedro-killer Enrique Wilson in Game Five.
3) How much would you pay to see a Clemens vs. Red Sox Game Seven at Fenway? The 1999 Pedro vs. Clemens ALCS game, the best sporting event I've ever been to and may ever go to, would look like a Devil Rays regular season game in comparison.
4) Finally, did you notice Johnny Damon's reaction when he cleared the bases with grand slam? Did you notice his reaction when he ran the bases after his second homer? I bet you didn't...that's because he had no reaction. Biggest hit in his life...one of the biggest in Red Sox history...and no reaction. You've gotta love a player like that. All business. The best reaction is no reaction. Act like it's no big deal...like you knew it would happen all along. Just fantastic.
