Warning, ladies and gentleman, Rob Dibble’s latest column from Fox Sports.com is in fact, the work of the former Reds reliever, and not something I’ve clipped from Yard Work.
I think.
(link courtesy Baseball Think Factory)
You may ask, why Al Leiter? He’s old and wasn’t pitching worth a damn in Florida. But I say it’s a great move.
Leiter started his career in New York when he was 21 back in 1987 and made 22 starts over two-plus seasons before going to Toronto. Then he pitched in New York with the Mets from 1998-2004, so he is well aware of the pressure and circumstance of being in a New York uniform. Plus, he’s won world championships with Toronto and Florida and tried to get one with the Mets, so he’s postseason ready for sure.
What I also like about the 39-year-old (we played together in Florida in 1996 when I was hurt all year, my last in the big leagues) is that this is a shot in the arm, a chance at one last shot at glory, and there are few players I respect more then Al. He’s always prepared, always attacking the hitter with every pitch, and one of the proudest players I’ve been around, so if he doesn’t have his stuff some nights, you can bet he’ll try and beat you with his heart. He’s a tough son of a b—- and there’s no better player to have around when you need someone to lead.
One last thing, along with Randy Johnson, Kevin Brown, and when Carl Pavano comes back, Leiter’s addition will give the Yankees four pitchers in their rotation who have won championships. And I like those odds when the postseason starts.