Let's pray it never gets as bad for Javier Vazquez in New York as it got for Ed Whitson, probably the most ill-fitting New York Yankee of all time. Bar-room brawls with the manager, unmerciful booing and death threats.
Writing for ESPN New York Ian O'Connor has a great interview with Whitson recounting his New York experience and offering Vazquez some encouragement.
"I was impressed with him in Atlanta," Whitson said. "He's got great stuff, and when he's relaxed and has his confidence under his belt, that boy can be nasty.
"He's got all the tools it takes to pitch in New York if they'll just give him a little breathing room. Right now his confidence looks really low, just like mine was."
"I would tell Vazquez I've been there," Whitson said. "I'd tell him to forget about everything people are saying and just throw the damn ball like you threw it in Atlanta. I'd tell him you can't make every pitch perfect, because only God himself can do that."
- How good has Robinson Cano's April been? It might end up being the best April in the history of the franchise. And, we know that is saying a lot. Even with that said, it is too early for MVP talk. Even though it has crossed my mind.
- There is something wrong with a study that ends up finding the Cleveland Indians -- yes, the Indians -- the least-liked team in baseball. The methodology of that study has to be, shall we say, flawed.