Results tagged ‘ All-Star Game ’
Jeter: K.C.’s a “great place for an All-Star Game”
Yankees captain Derek Jeter, who will be leading off and playing shortstop Tuesday night for the American League in the All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium:
“I like coming to Kansas City. They’ve done some great renovations here. When I first came up, it was an old AstroTurf park — 150 degrees on the turf, it wasn’t too fun to come here and play because it was challenging. They’ve done a great job with the stadium and the fans always show up when we come out here. I think it’s a great place for an All-Star Game.”
Selig: No problem with Jeter’s All-Star absence
Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig had a brunch this morning with some baseball writers and addressed the topic of Derek Jeter’s absence from the All-Star Game, saying that he has no problem with the Yankees captain skipping this year’s Midsummer Classic.
“Let’s put the Derek Jeter question to bed,” Selig said, as quoted by the New York Post.
“There isn’t a player I am more proud of the last 15 years than Derek Jeter. Jeter’s played the game like it should be played. He’s even a better human being off the field as he is on the field. With what Derek Jeter has brought to this sport, a great pride, he’s become a role model, so any suggestion that I or anybody else is unhappy with him not being here, is false.”
The Commissioner added: “I have no problem with Derek Jeter. I’ve known him for 15 years, he’s already done the right thing. I completely understand the situation. And to tell you the truth, I probably would have done the same thing myself.”
Greetings from Phoenix
Hello from Phoenix, where it’s time for the All-Star Game festivities to get rolling, now that the first half is officially complete.
This morning, the American League and National League squads will have media availability here at the Arizona Biltmore resort – it looks great, would love to stay here someday! – and then roll on over to Chase Field for tonight’s State Farm Home Run Derby.
Robinson Cano of the Yankees is participating and he is pumped about it. Honestly, Cano’s my choice to win this whole thing. Having seen him pelt the right-field seats in some of his early batting practice shows, he has the flourish to take home the honors this year.
Kevin Long told him to treat it just like the net drill they do on a regular basis, and he could definitely surprise a lot of people if he’s able to replicate that. Word is that Cano may have his father, former big leaguer Jose Cano, throw to him. That would be pretty special.
We’ll have more reaction from the Yankees’ All-Stars – Cano, Curtis Granderson, Russell Martin and David Robertson – who are on the ground here in the desert.
- Rangers manager Ron Washington has announced his lineup. Granderson is batting leadoff and playing centerfield for the AL; Cano is batting eighth and playing second base.
- Full AL lineup – Granderson CF, Cabrera SS, Gonzalez 1B, Bautista RF, Hamilton LF, Beltre 3B, Ortiz DH, Cano 2B, Avila C, Weaver P
Jeter, A-Rod tell MLB they’re out of All-Star Game
NEW YORK – The left side of the Yankees’ infield will sit out for the July 12 All-Star Game, as Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez have informed Major League Baseball that they will be unable to participate.
Jeter said that he is concerned about re-injuring his right calf, which cost him three weeks and delayed his pursuit of 3,000 hits. Rodriguez has been bothered since June 19 by a sore right knee and was sent by the team to have a MRI examination on Friday.
Jeter said that he had reached a decision after speaking with manager Joe Girardi, general manager Brian Cashman and head athletic trainer Gene Monahan.
“It’s just a situation where, after talking with Joe and Cash and Geno, it’d probably be best not to try to push it,” Jeter said. “It’s most important to be ready for the second half. That’s where my focus has to be.”
Jeter said that he will not travel to Phoenix during the All-Star break. Asdrubal Cabrera of the Indians was a player-elected reserve and could start for the American League in Jeter’s place.
“It’s unfortunate because you guys know how much I enjoy going to All-Star Games,” said Jeter, a 12-time All-Star. “I love playing in All-Star Games, especially getting voted in by the fans. It’s something I would like to do.
“I’m trying to be smart about it. I know I can be stubborn a lot of times when it comes to injuries, but I’m trying to be smart about it.”
The Texas Rangers’ Adrian Beltre could be in line to start for the AL in place of Rodriguez, a 14-time All-Star.
Jeter and Rodriguez are the second and third Yankees players to announce that he will not attend the 82nd Midsummer Classic, following closer Mariano Rivera, who said that a sore right triceps will keep him away this year.
The Yankees had a MLB-high six players selected to the All-Star roster, with second baseman Robinson Cano, outfielder Curtis Granderson and catcher Russell Martin heading for Phoenix. Cano is set to take part in the July 11 State Farm Home Run Derby.
The All-Star Game begins, and ends, with Yankees
Derek Jeter scored the first run and Mariano Rivera threw the last pitch in the 80th All-Star Game on Tuesday in St. Louis, helping the American League emerge victorious and keep their unbeaten streak alive in a 4-3 decision.
“That’s what we came here to do,” Rivera said. “We came here with a mission, and our mission was accomplished. It was a great game from both sides. I think the city of St. Louis did a tremendous job of hosting this All-Star Game. I am grateful for that.”
Rivera threw a perfect ninth inning and became the all-time leader in All-Star Game saves with four, breaking a tie with Dennis Eckersley.
“I’ve said it time and time again – nothing he does surprises me,” Jeter said. “It’s just another thing to put on his
Hall of Fame plaque, I guess. He just continues to do things that are
impressive.”
In the AL dugout, Teixeira said the buzz was almost pitying the poor NL hitters who had to try and see Rivera’s trademark cutter.
“Those National League hitters, it’s so tough for them,” Teixeira said. “They don’t see Mo, and then Mo is on top of his game. It’s almost impossible to hit him. At the very least, guys that are in our division or the American League, they see him a lot and maybe they can have comfortable at-bats. If you only see him once every four or five years, good luck.”
As we walked out of Busch Stadium last night, the scoreboards read: “See You Next Year at Angel Stadium.” Somewhere, the Yankees had to shudder a little bit.
Bryan Hoch
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