The Yankees’ obsession with rehabilitating former Mets continues with reports that Hideo Nomo — waived yesterday by the Devil Rays — is about to join the pitching staff alongside Al Leiter.
If the thought of Nomo , deemed unworthy of a roster spot in Tampa, taking the mound for the Bombers doesn’t blow your mind, consider if you will, the sight of Randy Johnson behind the wheel of a Mini Cooper.
I guess this means Bert Blyleven and Frank Tanana will have to wait another week to get their shots in pinstripes, but I think it’s cool the way the Yanks are fighting baseball’s inbred ageism, though. We’ll know if rumors of Steinbrenner’s increasing infirmity are true or not once he either does or does not refer to Nomo as “Irabu.”
I’m just disappointed Sid Fernandez hasn’t received a call yet.
in related news, erstwhile (I think?) Mets stopgap James Baldwin gained a save for the Rangers tonight. When do we see Paul Assenmacher?
That Baldwin and Scott Erickson have been gainfully employed (as baseball players) all year long is enough to advance a new contraction argument.
Tanyon Sturze was also considered unworthy of a spot on Tampa Bay’s pitching staff, so there’s a precedent.