Johnny Damon: So what if he throws like a girl?
With the Evil Empire poised to win its 27th World Series tonight in Philly, tell me what you'll remember most about this Yankees-Phillies matchup.
Cliff Lee's lights-out pitching mastery for the Phils in Game 1? Alex Rodriguez finally shucking the choking-dog label and emerging as Mr. November for the Yankees?
Me, I'll remember Johnny Damon's brilliant base running in the Yankees' 7-4 win in Game 4. Two steals in the ninth inning after a great nine-pitch at-bat and a single off Phillies closer Brad Lidge. He steals second, sees that Philly third baseman Pedro Feliz took the throw (a shift was on for Mark Teixeira) and no one's covering third. So he promptly takes outruns Feliz and steals third.
What a heads-up play! It was one for the ages. They'll be talking about it for as long as people talk about the Fall Classic.
Now if only the Yankees would tank tonight so the Phillies can get back in this thing ...
in Today's Special
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Comments
Kevin, I think Damon's double steal was just the most memorable of many heads-up plays by the Yankees in the postseason. I recall a number of times their excellent relay throws caught opposing runners napping.
Above them all, Jeter has a real knack for headsy play. He has tremendous baseball instincts.
As for Damon's arm, I don't get it. Otherwise, he's a great player. He seems to be in excellent condition, even hits for power, but his arm is a real liability. You'd think he'd do something in the offseason to strengthen it.
Posted by: Ken Francis | November 4, 2009 6:01 PM