So apparently Steinbrenner wants A-Rod to stop seeing so much of Jeter. Other highlights of Bob Klapisch’s interview with A-Rod include this gem of a quote on his slap:
“I thought it was a smart play, and we almost got away with it. We put an umpire in the position of having to turn over a call like that in Yankee Stadium.”
I know umps often give (consciously or subconsciously) some home field advantage, but to fully acknowledge the bias? That’s tempting fate. Or tempting the umps to make unpopular calls. Not too bright.
Speaking of tempting fate, I was re-watching the ALCS - why not, eh? - and noticed the weird accretion of fate-tempting moments for the Yankees:
- Sheffield’s boast
- “Mission accomplished” banner - um, if your mission is to put on a decent show.
- The Yankees celebrating too hard, leading to Tom Gordon’s eye injury from a champagne cork.