The first step in Yankees rebirth

Published

4 years ago

June 6, 2020

Joel Sherman’s series of stories tells how the failure of the Yankees in 1990 laid the foundation for a dynasty.

The Yankees won fewer matches each year from their 97 in 1985 to 85 in 1988. But if you want to believe there are still strong competitors, of course, you can believe that.

Rickey Henderson, Don Mattingly, and Dave Winfield led the violations. Henderson stole 93 bases in ’88, Mattingly reached an average of .300 for the fifth consecutive year and Winfield finished fourth in the AL MVP vote. Ron Guidry and Willie Randolph linger from the Yankees, champions in the late 1970s. Jack Clark was one of the most feared designated hitters in the sport and Claudell Washington hit .308. John Candelaria and Rick Rhoden who led the rotation, Dave Righetti proved to be closer and Cecilio Guante was among those who had the highest arrangements in the department.

But offseason Randolph, Washington, Candelaria, Rhoden and Guante went to free agents. Clark was exchanged for two inconspicuous pitchers and backup outsiders, the same return that Yanks would receive in June 1989 for Henderson. Winfield would hurt his back, never playing in 1989 and traded in May 1990. The ragged Guidry arm did not allow him to return to majors in 1989. As with the Clark and Henderson trades, Yanks did not add talents and / or characters with each other’s replacements. They become a toy island that is not appropriate.

George Steinbrenner likes to point out that despite being a decade without a title, the Yankees won most of the majors in the 1980s. But from 1989-92, only Indians lost more than Yankees. This was a crater in 1990, when the Yankees produced their worst winning percentage (0.414) since 1913 (0.377). It was their first year to become Yankees after being known as Highland people.

“We dropped so many people from 1988, Pags [Mike Pagliarulo], Rickey, Willie, “Mattingly recalled.” And that didn’t work in ’89 and got worse after that. You do not want to follow it. When you deal with Willie Randolph, Ron Guidry, [Graig] Nettles, the people who were there when I came in, they have a different mentality than the others. That’s where I learn. Times change. Different player levels entered. We just don’t have the same team anymore. “

Don Mattingly and Kevin MaasGetty Images (2)

Trade done. This is the memory of the person involved who asked not to be identified. It was October 1988. What was lost from time and memory was whether the agreement was canceled because the mass was found in Dave Dravecky’s arm and he could not be in the package or because the mass turned to cancer and the Giants could not give up more with Dravecky’s sudden status uncertain. But before the revelation, Mattingly was being handled to San Francisco with Rhoden for Will Clark and two jugs.

This is the most vengeful George Steinbrenner. He has photographed his most popular players for years. At the 1988 All-Star break, for example, Bos described Mattingly as “the most unproductive .300 hitter in baseball.” A month later, carnations for the first time in his career retaliated, stating, “You come here and play, and they give you money but don’t respect.” He said without respect he did not want to play there and that the atmosphere was without joy.

“If you embarrass him, he will make you angry,” Mattingly recalled. “He doesn’t care about the consequences, he’ll move you. It’s different from the current owner. If he doesn’t want you there, you leave.”

But once the Giants agreement fell apart, Steinbrenner and Mattingly slowly thawed their relationship. Mattingly survived, and in the Yankee season that was lost in 1989, drove in 113 runs – 50 more than anyone in the team.

On January 22, 1990 – the same day Milli Vanilli won three American Music Awards – Clark signed a four-year, $ 15 million agreement to live in San Francisco. An average of $ 3.75 million is a record and moves Steinbrenner to complain, “How can you pay a soccer player 3,3½ million a year when the chief of staff earns only $ 77,000?”

He has his agenda with his first baseman himself. Mattingly will enter the current year and has made the Opening Day a deadline for entering into an agreement or he will not sign before the agency is free. Steinbrenner succumbed to no trade provisions, but it was enough to delay announcing the signing of his star to try to oversee the Opening Day and Game 3 Mets of the Islanders-Rangers playoff series. Mattingly was awarded five years with $ 19.3 million – trading instead of a team, but placing above the highest paid player with Clark.

“I think if I take care of business in the field, everything else will work,” Mattingly recalls. “It’s stress free for me.”

Except it will never be as successful on the field as before for Mattingly, again.

Mattingly has a bad back and a great work ethic, a combination that keeps him from Cooperstown. He has degenerative disk problems and a mentality that the answer to any problem – from pain to deterioration – is more work. He had survived the discomforts of previous years, but not in 1990. The coordination of his hand-eye was as special, but the ferocious torque from his swing was lost and so was his strength. His back won’t leave it free or vicious.

“The Kevin Maas problem is quite special. We don’t have a very good team, but we have very good players. “- Dave LaPoint, one of the Yankee beginners in 1990

“You keep getting back up because you’re young,” Mattingly said now. “But this one won’t disappear.”

Mattingly tried familiar fortitude and new techniques, but a 0.323 hitter career was only 0.262 with five homers through 70 matches on June 28.

That day, A signed Jose Canseco on a five-year contract worth $ 23.5 million, surpassing Mattingly for the largest. And the Yankees took down Deion Sanders and raised a left-handed hitter with a daytime idol appearance that looked for several weeks as though he might eclipse Mattingly.

“The Kevin Maas problem is very special,” remembers Dave LaPoint, one of the Yankee beginners in 1990 ,. “We don’t have a very good team, but we have very good players.”

And no one saw him coming.

Maas was the 22nd round choice in 1986 which had a steady and successful rise through the organization and may actually have reached the majors in 1989, but in July, circling the first base while hitting .320 in Triple-A, he heard his right knee pop . Lying on the ground, waiting for the coach, he began to wonder what he could do with a Cal-Berkeley engineer degree.

Maas actually returned to finish school after surgery, was taken from a 40-person list and in spring 1990 training did not leave a calling card with a coach or player – Jim Leyritz was the first hitter Yanks was called to try to revive the offense that season. While in Triple-A in early 1990, Maas visited the Louisville Slugger factory which needed bats. They do not have it. But they have the specifications – 34 inches, 33 ounces – and give him a model of the player who started his first full season with the Cubs. They are Joe Girardi bats.

However, upon entering the department, everyone quickly became aware of Maas’s bat and appearance. Maas is a slugger from central casting. He has broad shoulders, a chiseled jaw, an open head of black hair that doesn’t come out of the wind. He not only has a left-handed launch swing, but has decided to go up on the plate and concentrate on pulling more balls, a combination that allows him to pull even off the field. He also has plate discipline. Kevin Maas has the appearance of a soap opera and swing of the Yankee Stadium.

In early July, Mattingly finally admitted his back was not good and did not play the last seven games before the break, then missed the All-Star Game for the first time since 1983. On July 4 – Steinbrenner’s 60th birthday – Maas first played Base for second his first time majoring in and hitting his first homer, from Bret Saberhagen Kansas City. At the end of July, Maas had eight homers, one in Texas from Nolan Ryan to help keep the future Hall of Famer from winning his 300th match. (Ryan was allowed to throw 139 pitches despite allowing seven runs when his manager tried to get a milestone. That manager was Bobby Valentine.)

Former Yankee player, Kevin Maas, takes a swing during the Old Timers' Day 2017 match. — Former Yankee Kevin Maas swings during the Old Timers’ Day 2017 match.Paul J. Bereswill

At the end of July, Mattingly was in the middle of a deactivated eight-week list assignment. On August 11, Maas had set a major league record for bats reaching at least 10, 13 and 15 homers. The Yankees suggest a Wally Pipp situation might occur and Matting when healthy might have to move to the field. Mattingly doesn’t blink. He likes Maas, thinking he is a humble child and can help the Yankees win. Mattingly tired and frustrated with defeat and will do what is necessary to stop it.

But Mattingly didn’t have to move from first base. As it turns out, the most important service Mattingly and Maas will carry out after 1990 has nothing to do with left-handed forces in the middle of the line.

Maybe lost time, but Mattingly’s popularity was Jeter-esque before Derek Jeter. LaPoint recalls that basically he had to smuggle Mattingly out of the team hotel on the road so he could avoid fans and join teammates to drink beer, arrows, gather “just to be one of them.” And he is one of them, good at taking it out and taking it. That helped him become a beloved teammate, along with his work ethic, professionalism, and humility.

So the back pain felt by the whole team. Likewise, the absence of his career since the playoffs. Players who will come in the following years – perhaps no more than Jeter and especially Paul O’Neill – see Mattingly as a wise person about how to become a Yankee.

“I try to be the best player I can and work hard,” recalls Mattingly. “I still want to be great. I take it seriously. Who knows what the effect is? “

Lots. The Yanks continued to improve in Mattingly’s fading, less effective season and rose to take it to October in 1995, the first Yankees playoff team since 1981.

“Don will not shout or shout, but there is no question who the leader is,” recalled Steve Sax, Yankees’ second baseman in 1990. “When he spoke, when he whispered, people listened. Rightfully so. He carries that influence. Talk about someone who gives their heart and soul to the game.

Maas, who finished second for AL Rookie of the Year 1990, opened 1991 as DH. There are 23 homers, but only an average of 0.220. He lost his grip on the full-time DH role the following year, and immediately asked to run away from the Yankees. Theory? He is too robotic and does not adapt and pitchers are adapted to him. Bill Livesey, who designed Maas for the Yankees, said now that Maas reacted badly because he was criticized for being selective and suddenly losing his plate discipline.

In many ways, Maas is a player ahead of his time. “He is a Moneyball player,” Bob Geren said now. He hit homers, walked and attacked. Squint and you can see a lot of Kyle Schwarber in him.

But what Maas did for the Yankees that lasted longer than its effectiveness was to remind the organization that the players can come from the system and have success and excite the host fans. So when Bernie Williams arrived in 1991, was praised but not fully formed, there was little patience to see if homegrown could work. As Livesey said now, “Before Kevin, we were reluctant to do that.”

Mattingly performed after 1995. Maas, after touring with the Reds, Padres and Twins organizations, returned to Columbus in 1995 to play with Jeter and Mariano Rivera. Maas, at 31, tried to make the Yankees again in 1996, but was released on March 22 and never played in the department again.

The Yankees of Jeter, O’Neill and Williams won the World Series in 1996.

Goodwin Townsend

General internet buff. Hardcore music maven. Typical foodaholic. Friendly student.

All Your Acrylic Nail Questions Answered: From Application to Care

Published

6 days ago

October 16, 2024

Herb Adkins

Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those looking to add length, strength, and style to their natural nails. Whether you’re new to the world of acrylics or a seasoned nail enthusiast, there are always questions that arise about the application, maintenance, and overall care of these enhancements. This guide will answer all your acrylic nail questions to ensure your next manicure is a complete success.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer. When combined, they form a hard protective layer that can be molded into various shapes and lengths. Once hardened, they provide a durable and long-lasting canvas for nail polish, art, or simply a natural look. For more in-depth information, check out Acrylic Nail FAQs to get all the details you need before your next salon visit.

How Are Acrylic Nails Applied?

The application process of acrylic nails begins with the preparation of your natural nails. The nail technician will clean your nails, file them down, and apply a bonding agent to help the acrylic adhere. The acrylic mixture is then applied in thin layers, sculpted to the desired shape, and allowed to dry. Once set, the nails are filed, shaped, and buffed to a smooth finish.

Acrylic nails can be customized in terms of length and shape, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their look.

How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?

Typically, acrylic nails can last anywhere from two to three weeks before requiring a fill. During a fill, the nail technician will replace any grown-out acrylic and maintain the structure of the nails. With proper care, acrylic nails can be worn for extended periods, but it’s essential to give your natural nails a break occasionally to maintain nail health.

How Do You Care for Acrylic Nails?

Caring for acrylic nails is crucial to ensuring they last as long as possible and that your natural nails remain healthy underneath. Here are some essential tips:

Avoid excessive water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken acrylic nails, making them prone to lifting or damage. When washing dishes or cleaning, consider wearing gloves to protect your nails.
Moisturize cuticles regularly: The acrylic application process can sometimes dry out your cuticles. Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles hydrated and prevent hangnails.
Be gentle with your nails: Acrylics can be strong, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid using your nails as tools to open packages or scrape things, as this can lead to breakage.
Schedule regular fills: As your natural nails grow, gaps will appear between the acrylic and your cuticles. Regular fills ensure your nails maintain a smooth, polished look and help prevent lifting.

How Do You Remove Acrylic Nails Safely?

Proper removal is crucial to avoid damaging your natural nails. It’s highly recommended to have acrylics removed by a professional at the salon. However, if you prefer to remove them at home, follow these steps:

Soak in acetone: Start by soaking a cotton ball in acetone, then place it on each nail. Wrap your fingers in aluminum foil and allow the acetone to work for about 20 minutes.
Gently scrape off the acrylic: After soaking, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently scrape off the softened acrylic. Be patient and avoid forcing the acrylic off, as this can damage your natural nails.
Buff and moisturize: Once the acrylic is completely removed, buff your natural nails to smooth out any rough spots and apply cuticle oil to restore moisture.

Are Acrylic Nails Safe for Your Natural Nails?

When applied and removed properly, acrylic nails should not cause significant damage to your natural nails. However, improper removal or overuse without giving your nails time to breathe can lead to thinning, weakening, or breakage of your natural nails.

If you plan on wearing acrylic nails long-term, it’s a good idea to take breaks between applications and ensure you’re nourishing your nails with oils and treatments.

What Are the Best Acrylic Nail Shapes?

Choosing the right nail shape is essential for creating a look that complements your hands. Some of the most popular acrylic nail shapes include:

– Square: A straight-edged, classic look perfect for shorter nails.

– Oval: A soft, rounded shape that elongates the fingers.

– Coffin: Also known as ballerina shape, this trendy look features a tapered edge with a flat tip.

– Stiletto: A dramatic, pointy shape ideal for those who want a bold statement.

Each shape offers a unique aesthetic and can be tailored to suit your personal style.

Are There Any Alternatives to Acrylic Nails?

If you’re looking for a different type of nail enhancement, consider these alternatives:

– Gel nails: Gel nails offer a glossy finish and are cured under UV or LED light. They’re less rigid than acrylics and can feel more natural.

– Dip powder: This method involves dipping the nails into a colored powder and sealing them with a clear coat. It provides a similar look to acrylics but is generally less damaging to the natural nails.

Conclusion

Acrylic nails are a versatile and durable option for achieving customized, beautiful nails. By understanding the application process, knowing how to care for them, and safely removing them, you can enjoy long-lasting manicures that enhance your style. With the ability to choose from a variety of shapes and designs, acrylic nails offer endless possibilities for self-expression. Remember to take care of your natural nails in between applications to keep them healthy and strong. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned pro, acrylic nails can be a fantastic way to express your personality and keep your nails looking flawless for weeks.

Herb Adkins

Proud web evangelist. Travel ninja. Creator. Freelance food nerd. Passionate bacon fanatic.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee – A Tool in the Hands of the Russian Elite

Published

4 weeks ago

September 26, 2024

Herb Adkins

When sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine, their objectives were twofold: to reduce Russian military capacity by limiting modern weapons and to lower Russian revenue streams. While in the beginning, the sanctions indeed weakened the Russian economy, they have fallen short of their initial objectives – mostly because Russia has found ways to circumvent many of them. The Kremlin has exploited international corruption, relied on foreign third parties, and utilized loopholes in trade restrictions. One such individual who allegedly provides services to Russian-linked companies is Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, a Geneva-based Dutch citizen.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is married to Niels Troost, an oil trader sanctioned by the United Kingdom. He and his company, Paramount Energy & Commodities SA, are among the 50 individuals and organizations blacklisted in response to the business connections with Russia. His wife, Jacqueline, helps to facilitate financial transactions for Niles Troost and Russian oligarchs including Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire oil trader and Putin`s close associate.

Gennady Timchenko and his family have been sanctioned in many countries for backing the Kremlin’s war machine. However, with the help of Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, he seems to find ways to evade sanctions and continue his financial operations. In these illegal schemes, individuals like Jacqueline often serve as a front person for sanctioned oligarchs and their business assets. Russian-linked companies set up subsidiaries around the world, often registering new entities in offshore havens or countries where regulations are relatively lax or non-existent. To obfuscate the arrangements, the daughter companies spawn offspring in the form of subsidiaries, as the chain of concealment stretches on and on. The result is like a giant Matryoshka doll.

Jacqueline’s involvement in financial transactions that potentially support Timchenko’s interests raises significant concerns about the efficacy of Western sanctions. The fact that Jacqueline Troost Omvlee continues to operate without facing sanctions herself highlights a significant loophole in the enforcement mechanism. Various shady schemes and tactics designed to circumvent sanctions often hide the activity of individuals such as Jacqueline, making it difficult for authorities to detect and punish them for their involvement.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee’s role in her husband’s financial dealings as well as her alleged ties to Russian business schemes, emphasizes the need for stronger international sanctions. Her actions not only aid in sanctions evasion but also diminish the overall effectiveness of the measures designed to isolate and pressure those supporting the Russian regime. Therefore, sanctioning Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is not only a matter of addressing her individual actions but also a necessary step to reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of the sanctions regime. By targeting individuals who play a key role in evading sanctions, authorities can send a strong message that efforts to undermine international sanctions will not go unpunished. This measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sanctions system and ensuring that it achieves its intended goal of isolating and restraining those who support destabilizing activities.

European countries and the US need to expand their sanctions-tracking and investigative actions to improve the monitoring of sanctions compliance and to introduce new measures against systematic violators of law. The sanctioning states have the resources and capacity for this, and need to take action now.

Herb Adkins

Proud web evangelist. Travel ninja. Creator. Freelance food nerd. Passionate bacon fanatic.

Hermann’s Tortoise Lifespan: How to Ensure a Long, Healthy Life

Published

1 month ago

September 16, 2024

Herb Adkins

Ensuring a long and healthy life for your Hermann’s Tortoise requires a combination of proper care, nutrition, and habitat management. Hermann’s Tortoises, known for their charming personalities and distinctive shells, can live for several decades with the right conditions. Understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment is key to helping them thrive. Here’s how you can support your Hermann’s Tortoise in living a long, happy life.

Creating an Optimal Habitat

One of the most critical factors in promoting the longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise is the creation of a suitable habitat. Providing an environment that mimics their natural surroundings is essential for their overall health. An appropriate habitat helps prevent stress and supports their well-being. For detailed guidance on setting up an ideal habitat, including specific requirements for outdoor enclosures, visit this comprehensive guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise.

Outdoor Enclosure: Hermann’s Tortoises thrive in outdoor enclosures that provide ample space to roam, bask, and forage. An outdoor setup should include a secure, predator-proof area with access to natural sunlight. Incorporate areas for basking and shade to allow the tortoise to regulate its body temperature. Additionally, include plants, rocks, and hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviors.
Indoor Habitat: If an outdoor enclosure is not feasible, an indoor habitat can also support a long lifespan if set up correctly. Use a large, well-ventilated enclosure with appropriate heating and UVB lighting. Provide a substrate that allows for burrowing and offer various hiding spots and enrichment items.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet is vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise. They are primarily herbivores, and their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.

Leafy Greens: Offer a variety of leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
Vegetables and Fruits: Supplement their diet with other vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
Calcium and Supplements: Provide a calcium supplement to support shell and bone health. A cuttlebone or powdered calcium can be added to their food. Ensure that they also have access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Regular Health Checks

Routine health checks are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular veterinary visits help ensure your tortoise remains in optimal condition and addresses any health concerns promptly.

Observation: Monitor your tortoise’s behavior and physical condition regularly. Changes in appetite, weight, or activity level can indicate health problems.
Preventative Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in reptile care. Regular exams help catch any issues early and keep vaccinations and other preventative treatments up to date.

Environmental Enrichment

Providing environmental enrichment helps keep your Hermann’s Tortoise mentally stimulated and active. Enrichment can reduce stress and prevent boredom, contributing to a better quality of life.

Foraging Opportunities: Hide food items around the enclosure to encourage natural foraging behavior. This not only provides mental stimulation but also mimics their natural hunting practices.
Variety: Change the layout of their enclosure periodically and introduce new objects or plants to keep their environment interesting and engaging.

Conclusion

By focusing on creating the right habitat, providing a balanced diet, ensuring regular health checks, and offering environmental enrichment, you can significantly enhance the lifespan and well-being of your Hermann’s Tortoise. For further details on creating an ideal habitat, including tips for designing an outdoor enclosure, refer to this helpful guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise. Implementing these practices will help ensure that your tortoise enjoys a long, healthy life.

Herb Adkins

Proud web evangelist. Travel ninja. Creator. Freelance food nerd. Passionate bacon fanatic.