Why Does Anyone Listen?
I am sure you have read some of Hank's latest quotes today, I am not going to bother linking to them. My question is, why does anyone pay attention to him anymore? Like Curt Schilling, Hank likes to talk and talk and talk. If he doesn't get attention, he figures out a way to get it, but have you noticed something? He doesn't seem to be in charge.
When the All-Star Game was conducted at Yankee Stadium, Hank wasn't there. When the Steinbrenner's gave Derek Jeter an award on the field Sunday, Hank wasn't there. Hank has been to a couple of games in New York this year and that's it. But, you know who has been around? Hal and Hal's sister Jennifer.
Now, we know that Hal doesn't like the limelight and we also know that he controls the Yankees' checkbook. So, isn't it reasonable to assume that Hal is in fact in charge right now and just doesn't feel the need to broadcast it? (BTW- I think the illusion that George is ok was smashed forever Sunday. If he was remotely healthy, you know he would have been there.) I don't know the answer, but with the evidence continuing to pile up that Hank isn't in charge, why do people listen to him? (And yes, I know it's the same reason Schilling still draws notice- papers need to be sold)
Anyway, on the field Jeter is out of tonight's lineup. One question for Joe Girardi, why are you batting Gardner leadoff? Damon is in the game, and Gardner's OBP is barely above the Mendoza Line. He shouldn't hit first at all.
We also know how the final starts will be doled out. Mussina tonight, Hughes, Pavano, Aceves, Pettitte, Mussina. I don't know what the point of Pavano's start on Thursday is other than trying to wring out some more value from signing him. Ah well, 5+ games to go.
