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October 24, 2006
Torre's 1-2 Punch
In the Joe Torre Era, the Yankees have had four seasons where they had a great 1-2 punch at the start of their line-up:
1999: Knoblauch & Jeter (113 RCAA)
2002: Soriano & Jeter (57 RCAA)
2003: Soriano & Jeter (56 RCAA)
2006: Damon & Jeter (78 RCAA)
Clearly, the Knoblauch & Jeter team of 1999 was the best of the bunch.
It's a shame that Knoblauch's career ended the way that it did...and it would be very interesting to someday hear the true story behind all his issues. Was it HGH related? Was it the stress of his father's condition? Both? Something else?
Com'on Chuck - write a book for us. I would read it.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at October 24, 2006 12:41 PM
Comments
You're right about that, Steve. It would be fascinating.
Based on this list:
http://tinyurl.com/yel7h4
up until the age of 30, Knoblauch was on a career path that would have made him a borderline Hall of Fame candidate.
Then, something happened. One factor is that he was a 2B and, for whatever reason, 2B don't age well.
Posted by: jonm ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at October 24, 2006 01:26 PM
Then, something happened. One factor is that he was a 2B and, for whatever reason, 2B don't age well.
============
Yah, Knobby got old quick. OPS dropped nearly 100 points from 1999-2000.
Posted by: Raf at October 24, 2006 01:36 PM
Just a few days ago, you told us you wanted to see Brett Gardner batting leadoff. I hope your own research has shown you why Damon, and only Damon, should be hitting in front of Jeter in 2007.
Posted by: MJ at October 24, 2006 02:30 PM
I also remember hearing something about his marriage. It could very well be that the combination of a bunch of personal problems just wouldn't allow him to play the way he used to.
Posted by: Pete at October 24, 2006 02:35 PM
~~~Just a few days ago, you told us you wanted to see Brett Gardner batting leadoff. I hope your own research has shown you why Damon, and only Damon, should be hitting in front of Jeter in 2007.~~~
Moving Damon to 3rd and Gardner, once he's ready, to lead-off, would only be because Gardner can only hit 1st or 9th - whereas Damon has the power to bat 3rd.
Moving Damon is not a knock on Damon - it's a compliment.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at October 24, 2006 02:50 PM