There was a quote, incorrectly attributed to Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., that circulated these here interwebs some years back. In it, it was said that one should like in San Francisco for a spell, but not so long as to get too soft; that one should live in New York, but not so long as to get too hard. And even if Mr. Vonnegut didn't say it, it's great advice and it speaks to me in regard to baseball catchers.

On and on we went about the Posey play at the plate that knocked San Francisco's budding young star out of action for at least the rest of the 2011 season. And then there's the new New York catcher Russell Martin. Martin, who was something of a stud in Los Angeles before injuries plagued him, the Dodgers didn't offer him a contract, now squats for the Yankees where once Berra, Dickey, Munson and most recently Jorge Posada have plied the tools of ignorance. A week or more ago, Martin injured his back lifting weights and missed a handful of games. Finally back behind the plate, he had mentioned to teammates about needing a play at the plate to invigorate him.

Careful what you ask for, Russell. Saturday afternoon at the gorgeous baseball cathedral that is Wrigley Field (I must get there!) the Yankee catcher was involved in just that sort of play. An important run was streaming right toward the plate as Martin caught the ball and braced for impact. And boy howdy-- did he get it! If you haven't seen the play, there's Martin (mind you with mask, chest protector, shin guards as per the position) catching Gardner's great 1-hop throw from left-field. And there's the runner not only making a beeline for him, but also raising his forearm like a running back making a hard block.

Not only did Martin absorb the mighty blow, hold on to the ball and get the out, he also showed the ball to Pena demonstratively. After the game, rather than crying about the slam-bang play at the plate or whining that the runner could have gone around him to reach the plate, Martin said the crash loosened him up and invigorated him.

I don't hope Posey was watching, but I sure hope that Sabean and the fans of his team were...

Yankees take 2 out of 3 from Cubs; let them win the 1st game so that the fans would continue to come out this past weekend and watch. They set an all-time Wrigley Field 3-game attendance record with the Bronx Bombers (who didn't homer until last night's contest: 2 if you're counting) visiting and how can anyone say that the Yankees aren't good for baseball? If they didn't exist, MLB would have to create them.

Next up: The Cincinnati Reds of whom I still hold a grudge for sweeping the Yankees in 1976, which just happens to be the 1st World Series of which I have any memory. Let's return the favor starting tonight...

Cheers,

Brian