Random Thoughts (July 13, 2010)

George Steinbrenner, longtime owner of the New York Yankees, died this morning from a heart attack. Even a devoted Red Sox fan like myself can recognize and respect the achievements of Steinbrenner during his 37 years as the owner of the Yankees. During his reign, the Bronx Bombers captured 11 American League pennants and won 7 World Series titles, including a stretch of four championships in five years from 1996-2000. The team also created the lucrative cable television network YES and moved into a majestic new ballpark. Steinbrenner was the enemy of Red Sox Nation but in a way, Sox fans should be thankful of his aggressive ownership style. The Yankees became so powerful under his leadership that the Red Sox were forced to drastically improve their team in what became a Cold War like buildup of talent on both sides that ultimately led to World Series titles for Boston in 2004 and 2007. I guess that it is fitting that the Yankees won the World Series in 2009, Steinbrenner's last full season as owner... How about Big Papi? The Red Sox designated hitter - who was this close to being released by the team following a slow start this year coming off a subpar 2009 campaign - won the annual All-Star Home Run Derby last night. For a player that was hitting .185 as late as May, the fact that he was even named to the All-Star team was quite a feat. His numbers at the break (.263 BA, 18 HR, 57 RBI, .946 OPS) are a major reason why the Red Sox were able to survive the rash of injuries they suffered in the first half to stay in contention for a playoff spot. Winning the Derby gave Ortiz a platform to discuss his impending free agency. Ortz stated that he would like a long-term extension with Boston instead of playing 2011 out on his one-year team option for $12.5 million. I'm not sure that the Red Sox will be quick to extend Ortiz for big dollars, especially with slugging first basemen Adrian Gonzalez and Prince Fielder expected to be available this winter on the trade market and Papi's age creeping into his late 30s. However, a monster second half and an important role in claiming a World Series title could force Red Sox ownership into keeping Ortiz in Boston for the immediate future... It looks like Nate Robinson is going to remain a Celtic. If this deal is finalized, my wish is that Robinson starts to embrace a role simialr to what Vinnie Johnson played with the Detroit Pistons in the late 1980s as a potent offensive weapon off the bench. Robinson is an explosive scorer and if he buys into the "Microwave" role with the Celtics, the team will be better equipped to contend with the Magic and Heat for the Eastern Conference championship next season... Enjoy Jon Lester tonight...