Derby Day
Before we give our annual Derby selections, here's what the Yankees ought to do this weekend: Give Mel Stottlemyre (now Seattle's pitching coach) a very deserved Stadium moment, and let him do one of those "official'' scoreboard countdowns.
Even though he didn't leave on the best of terms, I can't see how the Steinbrenners could sternly object to giving Mel this moment. The Mariners are also back in three weeks (thanks to a schedule as baffling as the weather), so the Yanks have a second opportunity to do something nice, fitting and right for one of their own.
Speaking of the Steinbrenners, a few months ago they probably figured to have a horse in today's race. But Majestic Warrior didn't pan out. Once again, with all respect to John Rowe, our resident horse expert, here are my picks.
1. Visionaire
2. Pyro
3. Col. John
4. Big Brown
Anyway, that's my four-horse exacta box.
If Mike Mussina wins today, he ties Red Faber (a Hall of Famer) and Jack Morris (who should be in the Hall) with 254 career wins. Is Mussina Hall worthy? His win and strikeout totals would have been higher had he pitched in the NL, but I still think he falls short. The anti-Triple Crown (no Cy Young, no 20-win season, no World Series ring) is a good argument starter.
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