The Score: New York Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield is angry that his current club has elected to pick up the option year of his contract which will pay him $13 million dollars for one season.
Sfvftc'Shot: Gary Sheffield's candor about his contract situation is refreshing.
Sheffield could have responded to reporters questions regarding his standing with the Yankees by spouting stale answers such as, "I'll do what's best for the team." Instead, Sheffield answered these inquiries with blunt honesty.
Now, he needs to be as truthful and forthright in responding to queries about as his abuse of perfromance enhancing (PE) drugs as he is when he discusses his contract.
Key Play (s):
1. Gary Sheffield's honesty is a welcome departure from the standard clichés athletes utter in response to reporters questions.
2. It is time for Sheffield, though, to be as candid in replying to queries about his abuse of performance enhancing drugs as he is in discussing his contract.
The Score: New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle, a licensed pilot, and his co-pilot died today when the plane Lidle piloted crashed into a building in New York City's Upper East side.
Sfvftc's Shot: My prayers go out to both Cory Lidle's family, friends and former teammates and to the family and friends of his unnamed co-pilot.
The scouting reports on Cory Lidle characterized him as a right-handed thrower with "average stuff" but a savvy pitcher. He broke into the majors in 1997 with the New York Mets. In 9 seasons with seven different teams, he compiled a respectable 82-72 record with a 4.57 ERA.
Lidle had his best year as a MLB pitcher in 2001, while a member of the Oakland Athletics. That year, he posted a 13-6 record and a 3.59 ERA. He limited opposing batters to a .242 average against him in 188 innings of work and helped the A's reach the playoffs.
This year, he pitched for both the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees. With the Phillies, he recorded an 8-7 record and a 4.74 ERA before they traded him to the Yankees on July 31st--MLB's trading deadline.
For the Yankees, Lidle notched a 9-4 record and a 5.16 ERA. Also, he helped New York to the American League Division title. Of course, on Saturday, he entered game 4 of his team's ALDS match up against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning. He lasted only 1.1 inning and surrendered 3 earned runs, as the Tigers won the game and vanquished the Yankees from the playoffs.
Lidle started a planned trip, with several scheduled stop overs, to fly across the country to his home in California today from New Jersey. Apparently the manager in the sky, God, needed a wily veteran right-handed pitcher for his team of Angels.
The Score: Derek Jeter is the captain of the New York Yankees.
Sfvftc's Shot: After the Yankees quick playoff exit, Derek Jeter abandoned his responsibility as the team's captain and, in the process, he permitted the media's harangue of embattled teammate Alex Rodriguez.
Following the Yankees series ending loss in game four of the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night, the media conducted its usual post-game interviews in New York's clubhouse. The media, of course, interviewed Derek Jeter. He answered numerous questions from reporters about the standard topics--- the game, the ALDS and the disappointment of failing to win the World Series. He responded to the inquiries in a measured and an intelligent manner.
Nevertheless, Jeter neglected to fulfill his obligations as team captain. The situation he found himself in-- captain of a team with a $200 million dollar payroll that collapsed during the season's vital period--called for a gallant acceptance of the blame for the debacle. He needed to tell the horde of reporters, "It's my fault. I failed to lead this talented team to the title."
While it is true that Jeter is a reserved person who prefers to allow his actions to serve as an example for his teammates to follow, he is media savvy. He understood that the media would lust for a "scapegoat." He knew that much maligned teammate Alex Rodriguez would receive an inordinate amount of blame for the Bronx Bombers disgraceful ouster.
Furthermore, Jeter understood the unfair but accepted gospel on reporting about the Yankees: if New York wins credit the pitching, praise the defense, extol Joe Torre or commend Jeter himself but never glorify A-Rod; and if the Yankees lose blame A-Rod for the outcome but never attribute any responsibility for the loss to Jeter.
Yet Jeter neglected to step forward and to extinguish the conflagration of criticism which engulfs A-Rod today. In other words, the Yankees captain is guilty of dereliction of duty.
Key Play (s):
1. Derek Jeter, the Yankees captain, needed to tell the media that it is his fault that the team lost.
2. By accepting the blame for the loss, Jeter would have fulfilled his duty as captain and deflected the media's focus and criticism away from the beleaguered A-Rod to himself.
The Score: The Detroit Tigers defeated the New York Yankees 3 games to 1 in the ALDS.
Sfvftc's Shot: The Detroit Tigers pitching staff executed "Murders Row and Cano."
Tigers manager Jim Leyland dubbed the New York Yankees lineup, "Murders Row and Cano." At the time, it seemed an appropriate and catchy nickname. All-Stars filled out the Yankees lineup card from top to bottom. Second baseman Robinson Cano finished third in the American League in batting average with a lusty .342 average. Yet Cano found himself batting ninth in the series.
Cano and his mates seemed to justify their lofty nickname with 8-4 win in game 1. The Bronx Bombers pounded out 14 hits and bashed two home runs en route to the victory.
The runs continued to pour in for the Yankees in game 5. Johnny Damon belted a 3 run homer in the fourth inning to give New York a 3-1 lead. Then, Detroit's pitchers held New York scoreless for 15 innings spanning including a shutout in Game 3.
Jason Verlander, Jamie Walker, Joel Zumaya and Todd Jones started the shutout streak in Game 2. Next, in game 3, Tigers starting pitcher Kenny Rogers continued the onslaught. Rogers pitched a brilliant 7.2 innings, allowed zero runs and limited New York to 5 hits. Zumaya and Jones completed the Rogers masterpiece.
Then, in Game 4, Detroit pitcher Jeremy Bonderman dominated "Murders Row and Cano." Bonderman carried a perfect game, 15 batters up 15 batters down, into the sixth inning before Cano singled to lead off the sixth inning.
Still, though, Detroit maintained its impressive shut out innings streak. In the seventh inning, New York scored a run on a fielder choice by Hideki Matsui. Bonderman went 8.2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits before giving way to Walker who got the last out after surrendering another run.
In total, the Tigers pitching posted a sterling 3.84 ERA for the series. Also, they compiled a dazzling 15 innings of shut out baseball over the span of 2 and half games.
In fact, the Tigers pitching snuffed the life out of "Murders Row and Cano."
Key Play (s):
1. The Detroit Tigers pitching staff executed "Murders Row and Cano."
The Score: YES network broadcaster Jim Kaat retired from his job this past weekend.
Sfvftc's Shot: Former baseball announcer and MLB player Jim Kaat deserves two plaques in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, one for his sterling career on the diamond and the other for his super work in the broadcast booth.
Kaat, a left-handed pitcher, made his MLB debut in 1959 with the Washington Senators. Three years later, now a member of the Minnesota Twins, he won the first of his sensational 16 consecutive gold glove awards for his superb fielding. In 1962, he won 18 games and earned a spot on the All-Star team. Three years later, in 1966, Kaat posted a stellar 25-13 record with an ERA of 3.61. For his efforts that year, The Sporting News named him the American League pitcher of the year.
After 14 seasons with the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins, the team put Kaat on waivers and he signed a free-agent contract with the Chicago White Sox. He went 4-1 in his truncated first year. Then, in his first full-season with club, he recorded an outstanding 21-13 record and compiled a paltry 2.91 ERA. The next season he went 20-13 and finished fourth in voting for the American League CY Young award, a prestigious honor given annually to the best pitcher in each respective league.
Nevertheless, the White Sox trade Kaat to the Philadelphia Phillies. With the Phillies he struggled and finished with a 29-33 record in three and a half seasons. The club granted him his release in 1979 and the New York Yankees purchased his contract from the Phillies.
Kaat's stay in New York did not last long and the St. Louis Cardinals purchased his contract during the 1980 season. Primarily in a reliever's role, he managed to go a respectable 19-16.
After three years plus in St. Louis, the Cardinals released him in 1983. His career totals are exceptional:
Games: 898
IP: 4530.3
Record:
Wins Losses
283 237
E.R.A.: 3.45
SO: 2461
Gold Gloves: 16
Key Play (s):
1. Jim Kaat deserves two plaques at the Baseball Hall of Fame, one for his outstanding career as a pitcher and the other for his terrific work as a baseball announcer.
Score: The New York Yankees acquired Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bobby Abreu right before the July 31st trading deadline.
Sfvftc's Shot: I got it wrong.
This intrepid blogger, days before the Yanks picked up Abreu, wrote that New York should stick with its "Blended Bombers" and not get Abreu. A dumb idea on my dumb idea on my part. Forget Abreu, Keep Blended Bronx Bombers
Abreu continues to soar since coming to the Bronx Bombers. Today he recorded three doubles and one RBI. In 33 games as a Yankees he is batting a robust .370 with 17 RBI's, two home runs and 7 stolen bases.
A couple of weeks ago, Abreu shined in a vital five game sweep of the Boston Red Sox. Boston could not get him out. In 20 total at bats, he posted 10 hits and 7 walks.
In addition, Abreu has shown a strong and accurate arm in right field.
Abreu has proven me wrong and I say, bravo Bobby Abreu.
Key Play (s):
1. I got it wrong, the addition of Boby Abreu to the Yankees succeeded.
Above: Yankees manager Joe Torre congratulates reliever Kyle Farnsworth after New York completed a five game sweep of the Boston Red Sox.
Photo courtesy of www.sports.yahoo.com & Getty Images Photograph taken by Jim McIsaac
The Score: The New York Yankees swept a critical five game series versus the Boston Red Sox.
Sfvftc's Shot: The Yankees bullpen played a pivotal role in the Boston Massacre II.
New York's 'pen starred in this series against Boston. In 22 innings, they surrendered only 8 runs and struck out 13 batters. Relievers Kyle Farnsworth, Brian Bruney, Scott Proctor, Ron Villone, Mike Myers, T.J. Beam, Jaret Wright, Octavio Dotel and Mariano Rivera tamed Boston's offense.
Key Play (s):
1. The Yankees bullpen made a significant contribution to the Boston Massacre II.
The Score: With less than a month and a half left in the MLB season, it is time to start to compile a list of possible candidates for the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Sfvftc's Shot: New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada's name belongs on the ballot for AL MVP award.
Posada has excelled this year at the second most important position in baseball: catcher. In 103 games as the Yankees backstop, he's ranked second in the AL number of caught stealing with 31and he's first in the AL in assists for a catcher.
In addition, Posada calls a splendid game. He is adept at mixing pitching sequences in order to confuse the batter. He does a great job of shifting behind home plate in an effort to give his pitchers a clear target.
Also, sometimes, he plays the role of pitching coach. Posada understands the proper mechanics for each pitcher on his team. For example, if a pitcher is letting his shoulder fly open Posada will stand up when he throws the ball back to the pitcher and tap his own shoulder to remind the pitcher to follow through on his delivery.
On offense, Posada statistics are good but not great. He is batting .270 with 15 HR's and 63 RBI's.
Nevertheless, Posada is an integral part of the Yankees. He is involved in every single play on defense. His high level of proficiency at throwing out attempted base stealers gives the Yankees a major boost.
Therefore, Jorge Posada deserves to be on the ballot for AL MVP.
Key Play (s):
1. Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is having a terrific season on defense.
2. Posada's marvelous play behind the plate and his decent offensive statistics warrant his name being on the ballot for AL MVP.
The Score: During the New York Yankees loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter interfered with teammate Alex Rodriguez's attempt to catch a routine infield pop out and the ball fell to the ground at which point Jeter sneered at A-Rod and walked away.
Sfvftc's Shot: Derek Jeter, often lauded for his determination to win above all else, acted in an unprofessional manner and selfish manner during the dropped pop-out on Thursday. This uncharacteristic behavior surprised and disappointed me.
In his eleven years with the Yankees, Jeter has exhibited exemplary play and a genuine iron will to win. Time and again, he's proved that he does not care about personal accolades. For him, winning baseball games and World Series titles is paramount.
Moreover, Jeter respected and cared about his teammates. He never criticized his fellow players in public and often praised their deeds in numerous interviews. Also, he emerged as an excellent team leader. For example, in pitcher David Wells' first season with Yanks Wells moped around the mound after a teammate committed an error. In baseball's code of ethics, Wells' actions amounted to him "showing up" a teammate. Jeter saw Wells' negative reaction to the miscue and responded by calling time and jogging to the mound. Jeter told Wells', in effect, that is not how we do things around here. Wells, while pitching for the Yankees, never again "showed up" a teammate.
Yet Jeter violated this tenet of the players' unwritten code of conduct on Thursday. He "showed up" A-Rod by laughing at him and walking away after the ball dropped to the ground.
The last thing A-Rod needed was for Mr. Yankee, Jeter, to mock him. A-Rod has endured an avalanche of unwarranted criticism for his performance in New York during his three year stint with the Bronx Bombers. A-Rod has tried to ingratiate himself with Yankees fans by doing the following: switching from his natural position shortstop to third base; compiling fabulous offensive statistics; winning the MVP in '05 and for the first two years playing a sparkling third base.
Nevertheless, some Yankees fans loathe A-Rod for no rational reason. Then Jeter humiliated him in front of a packed house at Yankees Stadium. Ouch.
Furthermore, Jeter bungled the play on other levels too. First, he tried to catch a ball in A-Rod's territory at third base. Second, of course, he committed an error on the play. Next, he failed to retrieve the ball which rolled behind player. The Orioles player could have advanced to second base on the play.
Of course, one terrible play does not erase all of Jeter's previous body of work which is filled with magnificent catches, vital hits, World Series rings and maximum effort in every game.
In fact, being the wonderful player that Jeter is, it would not surprise me to find out that he apologized personally to A-Rod and apologized again to A-Rod in front of his teammates and coaches.
The Score: Today, the New York Yankees won for the third time in less than 48 hours against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway.
Sfvftc's Shot: Yankees centerfielder Johnny Damon is teaching the Yale educated general manager of the Boston Red Sox, Theo Epstein, the following lesson: hell hath no fury like a fantastic lead-off hitter scorned.
In four seasons with the Red Sox, Damon was an exemplary employee. He compiled impressive offensive statistics and played a superb centerfield. He played everyday and he often took the field despite severe injuries. He sustained a couple of concussions while playing centerfield for Boston. Damon was an integral part of the first Red Sox team in 86 years to win the World Series.
Moreover, Damon served as the lifeblood for the franchise. His enthusiasm and passion for baseball made him beloved by both his teammates and fans. Also, his jovial personality helped the Red Sox forge an impressive Espirit-de-Corps.
Yet Boston failed to reward this valuable employee. Last off-season, Theo Epstein offered Damon a three-year contract for about $13 million a season. Damon, though, wanted a four year contract. Epstein, worried about Damon's durability, refused to budge.
This stance by Boston hurt the compassionate Damon. He gave the Red Sox everything he had to give physically and emotionally. Yet when he asked Boston to give back, they failed to respond.
Hurt by Boston's refusal to meet his reasonable demands, Damon ditched Red Sox for the Yankees.
In the last three games versus the Red Sox, Damon has trashed Boston's pitching. He has 9 hits, 2 home runs and 8 RBI's in three games. His sterling play has to have Epstein wondering if he made a mistake letting Damon.
While the easygoing Damon is not one to hold grudges, he is comfortable teaching Epstein to beware of scorning good players.
Key Play (s):
1. Yankees centerfiedler Johnny Damon pulverized Red Sox pitching in the first games of this five game series between the bitter rivals.
2. Damon is instructing Theo Epstein: hell hath no fury like an outstanding scorned baseball player.
Above: Alex Rodriguez connects for a single in fourth inning yesterday afternoon versus the Boston Red Sox.
Photo courtesy of www.sports.yahoo.com & Getty Images Photograph taken by Jim McIsaac
The Score: New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, maligned in the media for his lack of run production at vital moments in games, connected yesterday for the winning RBI in both games of a pivotal double header versus their AL East division rival the Boston Red Sox.
Sfvftc's Shot: A-Rod's heroics yesterday received scant attention from the media. Instead, the media lavished its praise on Yankees centerfielder Johnny Damon. Damon's performance, in two games he batted 6-12 with two home runs, 7 RBI's and made a critical catch late in game 2, warranted him being the focal point of the media's coverage of yesterday's marathon doubleheader.
However, A-Rod's game winning RBI's deserved attention too. Yet in the post-game coverage on ESPN, A-Rod's contribution to the two victories garnered little notice by the Sportscenter anchors.
Of course, ESPN is the same network a week or so ago that started its 6 O'clock Sportscenter with a ridiculous 10 minute segment on A-Rod's hitting woes in crucial situations.
Damon's outstanding doubleheader performance against his former team is, obviously, the main story. Thus, Damon earned the award for the best performance in a lead and A-Rod earned the best supporting actor award.
The Score: The New York Yankees held a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the New Yankees Stadium on Wednesday in the Bronx, NY.
Sfvftc's Shot: The original Yankees stadium is the "House that Ruth built, while the New Yankees stadium is the house that Jeter built.
New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is the reason the Yankees will construct a new stadium in the Bronx, NY. Prior to Jeter's arrival in '96, Bronx Bombers owner George Steinbrenner threatened to build a new stadium in Manhattan or New Jersey. Steinbrenner and his minions often described the area around Yankees stadium as dangerous and dilapidated.
Then, in 1996, shortstop Derek Jeter joined the team and in a flash attending a game at Yankees stadium became a chic thing to do. Attendance at Yankees games soared. In the ten years before Jeter donned the pinstripes, the Yanks averaged over 32,00 fans per game for a whole season only once. Since Jeter's arrival the Bronx Bombers have averaged in excess of 32,000 fans per game for a season 10 times. In fact, the last three seasons New York has led the American League in total season attendance.
Derek Jeter is the pivotal figure in this Yankees Stadium renaissance. Jeter is terrific ball player with an impressive .314 lifetime career batting average, six All-Star selections, two gold gloves and four World Series titles. He is respected by opponents and beloved by his teammates for his accomplishments and his exemplary effort in every game.
Moreover, Jeter's appeal is transcendent. Young Yankees fans admire Jeter for his boyish enthusiasm for the sport and his team. Male adolescents aged Bronx Bomber fans cherish Jeter for his fierce competitiveness and his placid demeanor. Jeter's Hollywood looks expanded a small fan base: adolescent aged girls and women. It is a common occurrence to see girls and women with signs that read "Marry Me Derek." College aged and adult male Bronx Bombers fans marvel at his insatiable desire to win.
Furthermore, Jeter is New York cool. A couple of years ago a woman ran the field at Yankees Stadium and approached Jeter. The woman handed him a piece of paper, presumably with her phone number or e-mail address written on it. Unruffled Jeter smiled reached out and accepted the piece of paper, folded it up and nonchalantly stuffed it in his back pocket. The crowd cheered as if Jeter had smashed a game winning home run.
Key Play (s):
1. The New Yankees Stadium is the house that Jeter built.
2. Jeter led the renaissance of Yankees stadium.
3. Jeter has made going to Yankees games at Yankees stadium a trendy activity.
4. Bronx Bomber fans, male or female, young or old, adore Jeter.
5. Jeter, similar to most New Yorkers, has a flare for the dramatic moment.
The Score: LA Angels shortsop, Orlando Cabrera, turned a beautiful and rare double play against the New York Yankees last night.
Sfvftc's Shot: New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriquez, it is well known and chronicled, has struggled to be embraced by a large number of Yankees fans and, in general, baseball enthusiasts everywhere. A-Rod has produced astonishing offensive statistics, won gold gloves and won the MVP award twice.
Yet hating A-Rod is a religion many baseball fans practice. Amidst the storm of criticism about him, one argument arises again and again: A-Rod's not human. Fans and reporters, alike, complain that he is a 'robot.' They accuse him of this becuase he is articulate and considerate enough to think before he responds to reporters questions.
Last night, A-Rod, debunked the automoton myth that existed about him.
With the Yankees leading 2-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning and nobody out, New York had Robinson Cano on first base and A-Rod on second base. Jorge Posada hit weak gound ball the Angles second baseman Howie Kendrick. Kendrick fielded the ball fired the ball to Angels' shortstop Orlando Cabrera who covered second base. A-Rod assumed Cabrera would settle for the out at first base. However, Cabrera saw A-Rod casually jogging to third base and the alert shortstop spun around and threw the ball to the third baseman who tagged A-Rod out.
A-Rod' s pro forma effort disappointed and angered the crowd which booed him lustily when he jogged back to the dug out after being taged out at third base.
A-Rod did connect for a go ahead sacrifice fly RBI in the seventh inning.
Until last night A-Rod had continued to hustle every day. He simply did what everyone does once in a while, he assumed. He assumed Cabrera would throw to first base to complete the double play. He assumed he could jog to third base. Both times, he made terrible assumptions and deserves criticism for his actions.
Nevertheless, in his two plus years with the Yankees, during which time I have seen the vast majority of their games, A-Rod has given his maximum effort during every game. He's sprinted down the first base line on routine ground balls and routine fly outs.
One dumb assumption by A-Rod does not make him another lazy major leaguer, it makes him human just like you and me.
Key Play (S):
1. Orlando Cabrera turned a terrific 4-6-5 double play last night.
2. A-Rod's assumption last night proved he's not a lazy major player but rather human, just like you and me.
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada, a perennial All-Star, failed to hustle twice during Friday night’s 5-4 loss to the New York Yankees in Baltimore.
Sfvftc’s Shot
The O’s signed Tejada to a lucrative six year $72 million dollar contract in the 2004 off season. He compiled gaudy batting statistics in his first two plus years in Baltimore. Yet his team finished below .500 both seasons and missed the playoffs.
Tejada, frustrated by his team’s losing, demanded trade last December. Baltimore attempted to please its disgruntled star and shopped him around but failed to trade him. A month later he recanted his trade demand and told the media that he wanted to stay with the O’s.
This year the O’s continue to falter but Tejada, again, has posted first-rate numbers. He is batting .330 with 19 HR’s and 78 RBI’s. On July 18th he told USA Today reporter Paul White, "Every day, we need to believe." He also told White, "I want to take the Orioles to the next level."
However, on Friday night he proved that his words were little more than empty promises. In one at bat, he hit the ball in the air and proceeded to jog down the first base line. The ball managed to drop in a for a base hit but his failure to hustle allowed the outfielder to field the ball with ease and toss it into the cut off man. If he ran full speed after his hit, he would have been able to round first base and get halfway to second base. Then, the outfielder might have bobbled the ball and he could have reached second base.
In another at bat on Friday versus the Yankees, he rocketed the ball over the right fielder’s head. Again, he failed to go run full-speed out of the batters box and instead of ending up with a stand up double, right fielder Bobby Abreu threw him out at second base.
Tejada’s laziness is not consistent with his statements to Paul White. Moreover, his teammates see him, the All-Star, not hustling and think they do not have give maximum effort either. How can expect to transform the O’s into a winning franchise if he does not exert himself in every at bat?
By the way, when Abreu threw him out at second base the O’s led by only one run.
Miguel Tejada’s lack of hustle on two different occasions in one game has to disappoint and dishearten the O’s.
Key Play(s):
1. Miguel Tejada, slated to earn $ 11,811,415 in salary this season, failed to hustle twice on Friday night versus the New York Yankees.
2. Tejada claimed to USA Today reporter Paul White "I want to take the Orioles to the next level."
The Score:The New York Yankees acquisition of Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bobby Abreu is a signal that despite constant reports of his ailing health, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner remains in charge of baseball’s most successful franchise.
SFVFTC’s Shot-George Steinbrenner, a.k.a. “The Boss,” still rules the Yankees. Steinbrenner fretted that his team did not have a marquee player in right field. He saw the combination of several players fill in admirably for the injured All-Star Gary Sheffield during his prolonged absence due to injury.
Yet Steinbrenner decided to upgrade the right field position. Fortunately for him, the Philadelphia Phillies wanted to unload former All-Star right fielder Bobby Abreu and his lucrative contract.Abreu is 32 and his offensive production declined this season.Moreover, he is owed $23 million dollars over the next year and a half.
Nevertheless, Steinbrenner wanted Abreu despite those facts and the Boss gets what the Boss wants.
Key Play(s):
1 1. George Steinbrenner reigns supreme in the Bronx.
2. 2. Steinbrenner adheres to his famous quote, “Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.”
