People that really know me realize how tough this next article will be for me to write. It is not that I am a Yankees hater, but I am not exactly a fan of their fanbase.
That will be another article, on another date. Right now, I want to congratulate the New York Yankees on their World Series victory.
There is a certain level of congratulating with this roster and personnel of Yankees though. I will point them out right now.
Congrats to:
Phil Coke, Brett Gardner, David Robertson, Alfredo Aceves, Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Robinson Cano for being mostly homegrown young Yankees that got their first taste of being a champion.
Brian Bruney, for not being punched out by someone on the field this season.
Chad Gaudin and Jerry Hairston, for being the type of pickups the Yankees would of made in the 98-00 Era.
Jose Molina, for becoming the last of the trio of catching brothers to get a ring.
Damaso Marte, for saving his only quality pitching with the Yankees since last July, in the ALCS and World Series.
Eric Hinske, for getting even with the Phillies in the World Series the very next year.
Nick Swisher, for coming in and loosening up a clubhouse that was in much need of exactly that.
CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and AJ Burnett, for living up to the 400 million in contracts they received, and winning in Year One.
Johnny Damon, for the moment that I thought won the World Series. That was one of the best 4-5 at bats I ever seen. Even better than Shawn Dunston's dozen pitch single to lead off the Robin Ventura Grand-Single game. Then coming up with a clutch, hustle play that is usually reserved for Derek Jeter in Yankee folklore.
Hideki Matsui, for abusing Phillies pitching and winning Game 6 by himself in what might be his Yankee swan song.
Alex Rodriguez, for getting that monkey off his back. He is now offically, a real Yankee.
Brian Cashman, for being able to tell Randy Levine where to go now.
Joe Girardi, for being able to get out of that shadow that was Joe Torre.
George Steinbrenner, for one more moment of glory before riding in the the sunset. The best owner sports might of ever seen.
Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, for showing their father that his baby in his in very good hands for a long time.
But, most of all, these four:
Congrats to Jorge Posada, who has gone from a rookie that rarely played for his first ring, and coming full circle as the unoffical Team Captain for his 5th ring.
To Andy Pettitte, for being a slightly lesser verison of Whitey Ford in this era of pinstripes. He might of left for three seasons, but he was always a Yankee. I still feel that the game that really cemented the first dynasty was Pettitte's 1-0 gem against John Smoltz in 96 at 24 years old. This Game 6, on 3 days rest at the now rugged age of 37, might of been the game that catapaulted the Yanks into their next one.
To Mariano Rivera, for being the Grim Reaper to an opposing team at the end of the game. No pitcher ever has put the fear of God into an opponent in the playoffs like you.
And finally, to Derek Jeter, for enchancing your mythical being in Yankee history. Of all the great players and future Hall of Famers on this team (At least 3, Minimum), Jeter is the one that stands out. He is the closest thing to what Mantle, Mays, Snider were in the eyes of how my father and his generation saw ballplayers. They were heroes. Icons. Jeter has that feel to him, and it is the only player in baseball today that comes close to that.
Showing posts with label New York Yankees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York Yankees. Show all posts
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Weekend Wrap-Up
Another solid weekend of sports are in the books. We have our World Series matchup, the BCS is already driving fans crazy, and the NFL is, well the NFL. All I have to do in thie blog is not piss Larry Johnson off. I could not survive the Twitter backlash.
Last night, the New York Yankees finished off the Los Angeles Angels in a tough 6 game series to get into the World Series for the first time since 2003.
I found it amusing that Yankee fans react like six years without being in the World Series is the end of the world. Talk about spoiled. Even the Modell's Sporting Goods stores were open throughout the night after the victory for the merchandise. Yes, people were going to a sporting goods place at 4am! I am shaking my head as I type this.
Regurdless, I have the Yankees winning the series in five games. The AL is so much more superior than the NL play. I say the Phillies win Game 3 behind Cole Hamels and that is it. Yankee Stadium has become a huge home field advantage with that crowd right now.
How bad do you feel for Boise St.? They go to Hawaii and destroy them 54-9 in the gambling Bailout Game that must of made Vegas cry until the sun came up, and they drop four spots in the BCS.
Now, I can feel bad for Boise St., but it is justified. TCU went into nationally ranked BYU, and saying they blew them out would not give it enough justice. Iowa plays the toughest schedule of the undefeated. Cincinnati is whitewashing opponents. There is just too many undefeated for Boise St. to stake a claim in a weak conference and schedule. If Oregon beats USC this week though, it really jumpstarts Boise St. in the computers.
I know TCU will not make the National Title game, but I would love to see this defense go up against any of the top 8 in the BSC. They are just as fast as Florida and USC on defense. In my most humble opinions of course, they beat Iowa, USC, Cincinnati on a neutral field. I will not include Boise St. in this, because I know TCU would beat them by at least 10 points. DE Jerry Hughes may not win a Heisman, but what a NFL player is will be.
Alabama dodged a serious bullet on Saturday. That was the definition of a Trap Game. Tennessee off a bye week, giving defensive guru Monty Kiffin two whole weeks to stop that Bama offense. The Tide's title hopes are still alive thanks to Mt. Cody.
Can we offically kill the Tim Tebow for Heisman campaign? I do not care if he were Jesus Christ, no one should win the Heisman with more Int's than TD passes. Although, I did say the same thing about Texas QB Colt Mccoy last week, and he finally went out and had a great game.
Am I the only one that thought the end of the Saints-Dolphins game was the most fishy thing you have ever seen? For those who did not see the game.
It was excellent. Big props to the Dolphins coming out and punching the Saints in the mouth, and to the Saints, for surviving it.
Game is already over, Dolphins are down 12 with 15 seconds left, Chad Henne completes a pass down around the Saints 10 yard line. Everyone gets down there, and the Fins spike the ball with 1 second left.
The refs then huddled up for about three minutes and decided that a Dolphin player was not set properly and they called the game over. Seriously, does this game end this way if the line was not Saints -7 and with 1 second left, the Dolphins can cover?
Think about it for a second. If say for example, the Raiders down 38-0 to the Jets had 1 second left on the Jets 10 yard line, would the refs pull that maneuver? I might be paranoid, but that was awfully fishy.
Brett Favre finally lost!!! Do we have to hear how amazing he is from the press anymore? Although I will say, Favre played well against a staunch Steelers defense, making completions on throws that made my jaw drop. Someone get Chester Taylor some Stick'Em. That was an awful drop and cost the Vikings the game. No Chester, we do not care if your hands look like you just jacked off an elephant. (The Replacements humor).
It was a little ironic that one Bay Area #1 overall pick QB sun was rising, and another one's was setting. In the early games, the 49ers bench QB Shaun Hill after halftime for 2005 #1 overall pick Alex Smith, who lost his job and was going down as one of the all time draft busts. Smith came out in the 2nd half and threw three TD passes and almost pulled out a comeback victory for the 49ers. Meanwhile, in Oakland, the Raiders finally benched Jamarcus Russell after tossing 2 Int's and some other awful decisons with the ball. I know the Raider offense, mainly OLine is brutal, but the way Russell talked and acted after the game just showed all of us how much of a baby is really is. Congrats Russell, you set the Raiders back five years.
Once in a blue moon, you get one of those football games where one team just destroys the other in every single facet of the game. While I could say the Jets did that to the Raiders, I am talking about what the Bengals did to the Bears.
The Bears for years have had the mentality of, win or lose, you are going to have to earn it. Well, the Bengals came out, and kicked the crap out of the Bears on the scoreboard, and physically. That was a statement game for the Bengals, especially Cedric Benson, who smoked his old team for 189 on the ground.
Who do I like tonight? How can I pick for the Redskins in these times? They are a mess. But, how can I pick the Eagles after that pathetic loss to the Raiders? If you bet this game tonight, you are a lemon, and are asking the book to take your money. Eagles I guess cannot afford to lose two in a row.
Eagles 20, Redskins 6.
Last note. Last night, I did the Sports Geeks Fantasy NBA Draft. I suggest that you take a gander on their site. They do solid articles and podcasts.
Anyway, I wound up with the 3rd pick, and I had a hard time deciding whether to take DWade or Durant. I think Durant is going to easily win the scoring title, or I could not pass up on DWade on a contract year.
My team has a nice blend of rookies and seasoned vets. Here is my team, send some comments on how you think I did.
Wade, Nash, Duncan, B. Lopez, D. Harris, Z. Randolph (sucks for real, 20/10 monster in fantasy), J. Green, B. Griffin. A. Randolph (A freak!), J. Richardson, B. Miller, S. Curry, and B. Jennings.
Now, I am hungry and going to go grab a hot dog with Mark Sanchez. Enjoy the game tonight.
Last night, the New York Yankees finished off the Los Angeles Angels in a tough 6 game series to get into the World Series for the first time since 2003.
I found it amusing that Yankee fans react like six years without being in the World Series is the end of the world. Talk about spoiled. Even the Modell's Sporting Goods stores were open throughout the night after the victory for the merchandise. Yes, people were going to a sporting goods place at 4am! I am shaking my head as I type this.
Regurdless, I have the Yankees winning the series in five games. The AL is so much more superior than the NL play. I say the Phillies win Game 3 behind Cole Hamels and that is it. Yankee Stadium has become a huge home field advantage with that crowd right now.
How bad do you feel for Boise St.? They go to Hawaii and destroy them 54-9 in the gambling Bailout Game that must of made Vegas cry until the sun came up, and they drop four spots in the BCS.
Now, I can feel bad for Boise St., but it is justified. TCU went into nationally ranked BYU, and saying they blew them out would not give it enough justice. Iowa plays the toughest schedule of the undefeated. Cincinnati is whitewashing opponents. There is just too many undefeated for Boise St. to stake a claim in a weak conference and schedule. If Oregon beats USC this week though, it really jumpstarts Boise St. in the computers.
I know TCU will not make the National Title game, but I would love to see this defense go up against any of the top 8 in the BSC. They are just as fast as Florida and USC on defense. In my most humble opinions of course, they beat Iowa, USC, Cincinnati on a neutral field. I will not include Boise St. in this, because I know TCU would beat them by at least 10 points. DE Jerry Hughes may not win a Heisman, but what a NFL player is will be.
Alabama dodged a serious bullet on Saturday. That was the definition of a Trap Game. Tennessee off a bye week, giving defensive guru Monty Kiffin two whole weeks to stop that Bama offense. The Tide's title hopes are still alive thanks to Mt. Cody.
Can we offically kill the Tim Tebow for Heisman campaign? I do not care if he were Jesus Christ, no one should win the Heisman with more Int's than TD passes. Although, I did say the same thing about Texas QB Colt Mccoy last week, and he finally went out and had a great game.
Am I the only one that thought the end of the Saints-Dolphins game was the most fishy thing you have ever seen? For those who did not see the game.
It was excellent. Big props to the Dolphins coming out and punching the Saints in the mouth, and to the Saints, for surviving it.
Game is already over, Dolphins are down 12 with 15 seconds left, Chad Henne completes a pass down around the Saints 10 yard line. Everyone gets down there, and the Fins spike the ball with 1 second left.
The refs then huddled up for about three minutes and decided that a Dolphin player was not set properly and they called the game over. Seriously, does this game end this way if the line was not Saints -7 and with 1 second left, the Dolphins can cover?
Think about it for a second. If say for example, the Raiders down 38-0 to the Jets had 1 second left on the Jets 10 yard line, would the refs pull that maneuver? I might be paranoid, but that was awfully fishy.
Brett Favre finally lost!!! Do we have to hear how amazing he is from the press anymore? Although I will say, Favre played well against a staunch Steelers defense, making completions on throws that made my jaw drop. Someone get Chester Taylor some Stick'Em. That was an awful drop and cost the Vikings the game. No Chester, we do not care if your hands look like you just jacked off an elephant. (The Replacements humor).
It was a little ironic that one Bay Area #1 overall pick QB sun was rising, and another one's was setting. In the early games, the 49ers bench QB Shaun Hill after halftime for 2005 #1 overall pick Alex Smith, who lost his job and was going down as one of the all time draft busts. Smith came out in the 2nd half and threw three TD passes and almost pulled out a comeback victory for the 49ers. Meanwhile, in Oakland, the Raiders finally benched Jamarcus Russell after tossing 2 Int's and some other awful decisons with the ball. I know the Raider offense, mainly OLine is brutal, but the way Russell talked and acted after the game just showed all of us how much of a baby is really is. Congrats Russell, you set the Raiders back five years.
Once in a blue moon, you get one of those football games where one team just destroys the other in every single facet of the game. While I could say the Jets did that to the Raiders, I am talking about what the Bengals did to the Bears.
The Bears for years have had the mentality of, win or lose, you are going to have to earn it. Well, the Bengals came out, and kicked the crap out of the Bears on the scoreboard, and physically. That was a statement game for the Bengals, especially Cedric Benson, who smoked his old team for 189 on the ground.
Who do I like tonight? How can I pick for the Redskins in these times? They are a mess. But, how can I pick the Eagles after that pathetic loss to the Raiders? If you bet this game tonight, you are a lemon, and are asking the book to take your money. Eagles I guess cannot afford to lose two in a row.
Eagles 20, Redskins 6.
Last note. Last night, I did the Sports Geeks Fantasy NBA Draft. I suggest that you take a gander on their site. They do solid articles and podcasts.
Anyway, I wound up with the 3rd pick, and I had a hard time deciding whether to take DWade or Durant. I think Durant is going to easily win the scoring title, or I could not pass up on DWade on a contract year.
My team has a nice blend of rookies and seasoned vets. Here is my team, send some comments on how you think I did.
Wade, Nash, Duncan, B. Lopez, D. Harris, Z. Randolph (sucks for real, 20/10 monster in fantasy), J. Green, B. Griffin. A. Randolph (A freak!), J. Richardson, B. Miller, S. Curry, and B. Jennings.
Now, I am hungry and going to go grab a hot dog with Mark Sanchez. Enjoy the game tonight.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
LCS Previews
After all the closer meltdowns and horrific umpiring, we have our verison of baseball's Final Four. We have the defending champ Phillies, the Wall St. Yankees, and both Los Angeles based team in the Angels and Dodgers. Let's take a closer look a the matchups, starting with tonight's NLCS matchup of the Phillies and Dodgers.
NLCS- Philadelphia Philles vs. Los Angeles Dodgers.
Catcher - Carlos Ruiz vs. Russell Martin
Ruiz is a classic defense first, light hitting catcher. Martin became that this season after looking like a budding star in the making. Guess he got off the chemicals...
Advantage: Push
First Base - Ryan Howard vs. James Loney
As good as Loney is, especially on the road, where he tears the cover off the ball, he is no Ryan Howard, who is the biggest game changer in this series. Howard is not even a liability with the glove anymore either.
Advantage: Phillies
Second Base - Chase Utley vs. Ronny Belliard
Belliard is playoff tested, but do I even have to discuss this one any further?
Advantage: Phillies
Third Base: Pedro Feliz vs. Casey Blake
Feliz did not even crack .700 OPS during the regular season, as Blake had a solid season all around, and hit in the Divison Series.
Advantage: Dodgers
Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins vs. Raffy Furcal
Both had subpar offensive seasons, especially Rollins, who could not even crack .300 on base %. Rollins glove is GG caliber every season, but Furcal has gotten hot at the right time, hitting over .500 in the divison series, and hits lefties well.
Advantage: Dodgers
Left Field: Raul Ibanez vs. Manny Ramirez
Let's get one thing out of the way. They are both butchers in the outfield. Ibanez had a career year with the power he displayed, but funny thing is, he had about the same slugging pct. as Manny in an Un-Manny-like season. This is one spot where you go by the reputation.
Advantage: Dodgers
Centerfield: Shane Victorino vs. Matt Kemp
By far, the closest positional matchup there is. Both are All Star caliber, both can do a little of everything. Kemp's bat and power are superior, with Victorino's glove in CF getting the nod. Victorino also hit in the Divison Series with the Rockies and Kemp has started slow.
Advantage: Push
Right Field: Jayson Werth vs. Andre Eithier
Two similar players. Alot of power, do not hit for high average, but hits when it really counts. It is just had to go against Either's four walk off homers here.
Advantage: Dodgers
Starting Pitching:
The Phillies have a very good 1-2 punch of Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee. Phillies after that right now is a grab bag. Ironically, the Dodgers probaly will not even start their best, most talented starter in Chad Billingsley because of his 2nd half meltdown, but they pitched exceptionally well in Round 1. Clayton Kershaw is the wild card here. The 21 year old's potential two starts can be dominant or wild.
Advantage: Phillies
Bullpen:
Not even close. Phillies pen is in absolute disarray, and could easily cost them this series in the longrun. The Dodgers strength is their bullpen. Joe Torre has the luxury of making this a 6-7 inning game with Kuo, Bellisario, Sherrill, and of course, Jonathan Broxton.
Advantage: Dodgers
Bench:
The Phillies bench is not used often, with the exception of Matt Stairs as instant power for late inning heroics like last year's NLCS. The Dodgers bench runs deep, and has multiple uses to them. Jim Thome for power, Juan Pierre for pinch running, hell, they even have All Star Orlando Hudson on the bench now. Talk about depth?
Advantage: Dodgers
Managers: Charlie Manuel vs. Joe Torre
Manuel got a ring last year, but Torre basically sees the postseason annually since 1996. Torre has a deeper bench and pen to play around with as well, and for 13 seasons, has mostly pushed the right buttons.
Advantage: Dodgers
Overall: The Kershaw starts are the key. Tough to predict what a young kid will do in the spotlight. I will safely assume a Kershaw split in Games 1 and 5. Dodgers intangibles are too much after that. Phillies bullpen will be their downfall.
Dodgers in 6 games.
ALCS
Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Yankees
Catcher: Jorge Posada/Jose Molina vs. Jeff Mathis/Mike Napoli
Both teams will possibly use both catchers for certain pitchers. Mathis will most likely catch John Lackey, with Molina catching AJ Burnett. Posada is the real star of this bunch, and is a better hitter than Napoli anyway. Posada also is as clutch as they come.
Advantage: Yankees
First Base: Kendry Morales vs. Mark Teixeira
Pretty even with the bats, as Tex delivered on his big contract, and Morales might have been the key to the Angels season after losing Tex. Tex has the superior glove and just has done this much longer.
Advantage: Yankees
Second Base: Howie Kendrick/Macier Izturis vs. Robinson Cano
Kendrick will get the Lefties and Izturis will prolly start against Burnett. In this section, it does not matter, as Cano is an elite 2B that flat out hits.
Advantage: Yankees
Third Base: Chone Figgins vs. Alex Rodriguez
Closer than most people think because Figgins is the Angels catalyst. ARod though is just in a complete zone right now, and is looking like the best player in baseball.
Advantage: Yankees
Shortstop: Erick Aybar vs. Derek Jeter
Aybar had a career season, hitting over.300 and has a fantastic glove. That being said, he is up against Jeter here. Jeter, is having one of his better seasons ever, and his glove has made a bit of comeback as well. Best clutch player of this generation.
Advantage: Yankees
Left Field: Juan Rivera vs. Johnny Damon
Both evenly matched in the regular season, but Damon has fallen into a funk in the ALDS. Angels finally get one.
Advantage: Angels
Centerfield: Torii Hunter vs. Melky Cabrera
The first real advantage for the Angels. Hunter in 2 seasons has become the heart and soul of this franchise. If not for a stint on the DL, Hunter would of gotten major MVP considerations. Cabrera is solid in what he does, but overmatched against Hunter.
Advantage: Angels
Right Field: Bobby Abreu vs. Nick Swisher
Anyone think Abreu wants some payback here? Abreu left NY and had a typical Abreu season at a bargain salary for the Angels. Swisher has intangibles in this argument. He is the main guy that shifted this corporate clubhouse into a more loose atmosphere this season. The thing that tilts this matchup is Abreu's ALDS series, hitting big in the biggest spots.
Advantage: Angels
Designated Hitter: Vlad Guerrero vs. Hideki Matsui
Most years, this would be a slam dunk in the other direction, but Guerrero has struggled this season, especially with the power. Matsui is just a pro's pro, and hits in the clutch.
Advantage: Yankees
Starting Pitching:
Close. Actually, very close. Game 1 of CC Sabathia and John Lackey is a toss up, because of Lackey's big game pitching. The Yankees might have the better talent in their rotation, but the Angels do have more depth, easily being able to go into Game 4, and feel confident with a rested Joe Saunders.
Advantage: Push
Bullpen:
Angels weak point, against a big strength for the Yankees. The Yanks can shrink a game to 6 innings, with Joba, Hughes, and of course, the best ever, Mariano Rivera...
Advantage: Yankees
Bench:
Big advantage for the Angels, as they as used more in platoons, and Mike Scioscia plays more like a NL team. Yankees will use Brett Gardner in late innings for defense and speed.
Advantage: Angels
Managers: Mike Scioscia vs. Joe Girardi
I personally think this is a major advantage for the Angels. Scioscia has been there before, and he does so much more with less than anyone this side of Ron Gardenhire. Girardi has been already criticized for micro-managing, especially his bullpen. Big thing in this series is, will the Yankee talent outshine the Angels, or will it be close enough that Scioscia will win a chess match with Girardi.
Advantage: Angels
Overall: Tight, close. I think you can flip a coin and you would be as smart as the experts. If the Angels can somehow come away with Game 1 against CC, it could really go far.
Angels in 7.
Let's just hope the umpires do not dictate the outcomes of these series as they have the last round.
NLCS- Philadelphia Philles vs. Los Angeles Dodgers.
Catcher - Carlos Ruiz vs. Russell Martin
Ruiz is a classic defense first, light hitting catcher. Martin became that this season after looking like a budding star in the making. Guess he got off the chemicals...
Advantage: Push
First Base - Ryan Howard vs. James Loney
As good as Loney is, especially on the road, where he tears the cover off the ball, he is no Ryan Howard, who is the biggest game changer in this series. Howard is not even a liability with the glove anymore either.
Advantage: Phillies
Second Base - Chase Utley vs. Ronny Belliard
Belliard is playoff tested, but do I even have to discuss this one any further?
Advantage: Phillies
Third Base: Pedro Feliz vs. Casey Blake
Feliz did not even crack .700 OPS during the regular season, as Blake had a solid season all around, and hit in the Divison Series.
Advantage: Dodgers
Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins vs. Raffy Furcal
Both had subpar offensive seasons, especially Rollins, who could not even crack .300 on base %. Rollins glove is GG caliber every season, but Furcal has gotten hot at the right time, hitting over .500 in the divison series, and hits lefties well.
Advantage: Dodgers
Left Field: Raul Ibanez vs. Manny Ramirez
Let's get one thing out of the way. They are both butchers in the outfield. Ibanez had a career year with the power he displayed, but funny thing is, he had about the same slugging pct. as Manny in an Un-Manny-like season. This is one spot where you go by the reputation.
Advantage: Dodgers
Centerfield: Shane Victorino vs. Matt Kemp
By far, the closest positional matchup there is. Both are All Star caliber, both can do a little of everything. Kemp's bat and power are superior, with Victorino's glove in CF getting the nod. Victorino also hit in the Divison Series with the Rockies and Kemp has started slow.
Advantage: Push
Right Field: Jayson Werth vs. Andre Eithier
Two similar players. Alot of power, do not hit for high average, but hits when it really counts. It is just had to go against Either's four walk off homers here.
Advantage: Dodgers
Starting Pitching:
The Phillies have a very good 1-2 punch of Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee. Phillies after that right now is a grab bag. Ironically, the Dodgers probaly will not even start their best, most talented starter in Chad Billingsley because of his 2nd half meltdown, but they pitched exceptionally well in Round 1. Clayton Kershaw is the wild card here. The 21 year old's potential two starts can be dominant or wild.
Advantage: Phillies
Bullpen:
Not even close. Phillies pen is in absolute disarray, and could easily cost them this series in the longrun. The Dodgers strength is their bullpen. Joe Torre has the luxury of making this a 6-7 inning game with Kuo, Bellisario, Sherrill, and of course, Jonathan Broxton.
Advantage: Dodgers
Bench:
The Phillies bench is not used often, with the exception of Matt Stairs as instant power for late inning heroics like last year's NLCS. The Dodgers bench runs deep, and has multiple uses to them. Jim Thome for power, Juan Pierre for pinch running, hell, they even have All Star Orlando Hudson on the bench now. Talk about depth?
Advantage: Dodgers
Managers: Charlie Manuel vs. Joe Torre
Manuel got a ring last year, but Torre basically sees the postseason annually since 1996. Torre has a deeper bench and pen to play around with as well, and for 13 seasons, has mostly pushed the right buttons.
Advantage: Dodgers
Overall: The Kershaw starts are the key. Tough to predict what a young kid will do in the spotlight. I will safely assume a Kershaw split in Games 1 and 5. Dodgers intangibles are too much after that. Phillies bullpen will be their downfall.
Dodgers in 6 games.
ALCS
Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Yankees
Catcher: Jorge Posada/Jose Molina vs. Jeff Mathis/Mike Napoli
Both teams will possibly use both catchers for certain pitchers. Mathis will most likely catch John Lackey, with Molina catching AJ Burnett. Posada is the real star of this bunch, and is a better hitter than Napoli anyway. Posada also is as clutch as they come.
Advantage: Yankees
First Base: Kendry Morales vs. Mark Teixeira
Pretty even with the bats, as Tex delivered on his big contract, and Morales might have been the key to the Angels season after losing Tex. Tex has the superior glove and just has done this much longer.
Advantage: Yankees
Second Base: Howie Kendrick/Macier Izturis vs. Robinson Cano
Kendrick will get the Lefties and Izturis will prolly start against Burnett. In this section, it does not matter, as Cano is an elite 2B that flat out hits.
Advantage: Yankees
Third Base: Chone Figgins vs. Alex Rodriguez
Closer than most people think because Figgins is the Angels catalyst. ARod though is just in a complete zone right now, and is looking like the best player in baseball.
Advantage: Yankees
Shortstop: Erick Aybar vs. Derek Jeter
Aybar had a career season, hitting over.300 and has a fantastic glove. That being said, he is up against Jeter here. Jeter, is having one of his better seasons ever, and his glove has made a bit of comeback as well. Best clutch player of this generation.
Advantage: Yankees
Left Field: Juan Rivera vs. Johnny Damon
Both evenly matched in the regular season, but Damon has fallen into a funk in the ALDS. Angels finally get one.
Advantage: Angels
Centerfield: Torii Hunter vs. Melky Cabrera
The first real advantage for the Angels. Hunter in 2 seasons has become the heart and soul of this franchise. If not for a stint on the DL, Hunter would of gotten major MVP considerations. Cabrera is solid in what he does, but overmatched against Hunter.
Advantage: Angels
Right Field: Bobby Abreu vs. Nick Swisher
Anyone think Abreu wants some payback here? Abreu left NY and had a typical Abreu season at a bargain salary for the Angels. Swisher has intangibles in this argument. He is the main guy that shifted this corporate clubhouse into a more loose atmosphere this season. The thing that tilts this matchup is Abreu's ALDS series, hitting big in the biggest spots.
Advantage: Angels
Designated Hitter: Vlad Guerrero vs. Hideki Matsui
Most years, this would be a slam dunk in the other direction, but Guerrero has struggled this season, especially with the power. Matsui is just a pro's pro, and hits in the clutch.
Advantage: Yankees
Starting Pitching:
Close. Actually, very close. Game 1 of CC Sabathia and John Lackey is a toss up, because of Lackey's big game pitching. The Yankees might have the better talent in their rotation, but the Angels do have more depth, easily being able to go into Game 4, and feel confident with a rested Joe Saunders.
Advantage: Push
Bullpen:
Angels weak point, against a big strength for the Yankees. The Yanks can shrink a game to 6 innings, with Joba, Hughes, and of course, the best ever, Mariano Rivera...
Advantage: Yankees
Bench:
Big advantage for the Angels, as they as used more in platoons, and Mike Scioscia plays more like a NL team. Yankees will use Brett Gardner in late innings for defense and speed.
Advantage: Angels
Managers: Mike Scioscia vs. Joe Girardi
I personally think this is a major advantage for the Angels. Scioscia has been there before, and he does so much more with less than anyone this side of Ron Gardenhire. Girardi has been already criticized for micro-managing, especially his bullpen. Big thing in this series is, will the Yankee talent outshine the Angels, or will it be close enough that Scioscia will win a chess match with Girardi.
Advantage: Angels
Overall: Tight, close. I think you can flip a coin and you would be as smart as the experts. If the Angels can somehow come away with Game 1 against CC, it could really go far.
Angels in 7.
Let's just hope the umpires do not dictate the outcomes of these series as they have the last round.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Weekend Wrap-Up
I was thinking of an opening to start this article, but I could not think of anything better than to continue on the last thing I wrote about in the previous article.
I wished American Heavyweight Chris Arreola good luck in his title fight against Vitali Klitschko. I am a massive boxing fan, but I never seriously thought that Arreola was this country's great big hope in returning to Heavyweight glory. Then, I was watching on HBO, and I heard in a segment about Arreola, that HBO's Larry Merchant called Arreola "The best American Heavyweight prospect since Riddick Bowe.".
Yes, when I heard it, I thought the same thing. This old man finally really lost his marbles, and that Merchant basically gave Arreola the perverbial Kiss of Death.
Merchant did exactly that. Arreola, coming into the fight in better shape than the usual walking torilla machine, was flat out embarassed by the older, more polished Klitschko. It was actually more one-sided than the Mayweather-Marquez fight HBO showed before this live fight. Somehow, HBO's unoffical judge gave one round to Arreola. He must of been having drinks with Merchant all night long to think that.
Baseball Thoughts:
-Congrats to the New York Yankees, and their fans for wrapping up the AL East by waterboarding their rival Red Sox this weekend. Now ironically, you have to root for the Red Sox to beat the Angels, who just have your number since early on in the Torre administration. The enemy of my emeny is my frien. Even Shakespeare would be proud of this.
-I cannot wait for the Jets-Saints game next week. The Unstoppable Force against the Immovable Object. Brees against Sanchez, who is becoming the most popular athlete in NYC this side of Derek Jeter and fast. The matchup I really want to see is Saints tall, physical WR Marques Coltson, who might have a chip on his shoulder still from playing at Hofstra, where the Jets use to practice, and being overlooked by them, against Darrelle "Island" Revis.
I am in the minority if thinking that the Panthers are not completely done. I think they will play hard in this game. I just do not think it will be enough. Tony Romo puts up a big game, and makes less mistakes than Jake Delhomme. Dallas Cowboys 34, Carolina Panthers 24.
Yes, when I heard it, I thought the same thing. This old man finally really lost his marbles, and that Merchant basically gave Arreola the perverbial Kiss of Death.
Merchant did exactly that. Arreola, coming into the fight in better shape than the usual walking torilla machine, was flat out embarassed by the older, more polished Klitschko. It was actually more one-sided than the Mayweather-Marquez fight HBO showed before this live fight. Somehow, HBO's unoffical judge gave one round to Arreola. He must of been having drinks with Merchant all night long to think that.If this is supposedly the best this country has to offer in over 15 years, will we ever see another great U.S. Heavyweight?
Baseball Thoughts:
-Congrats to the New York Yankees, and their fans for wrapping up the AL East by waterboarding their rival Red Sox this weekend. Now ironically, you have to root for the Red Sox to beat the Angels, who just have your number since early on in the Torre administration. The enemy of my emeny is my frien. Even Shakespeare would be proud of this.-Zach Greinke wrapped up the AL CY with win #16 and those sick stats. CC Sabathia was just too little, too late, even though he has been awesome the last 6 weeks.
College Football Thoughts:
-We all know that the College Football Polls are as straight and legit as Al Capone's business ledgers. I mean, personally, I knew everyone the week before was overhyping Miami in the polls. I thought that was bad, but this week might be the worst ever. USC going up five spots by beating a bad Washington St. team at home? LSU going up to #4 after almost getting upsetted by Mississippi St.? I actually rather have the hands of the National Title in the computers if this is the crap that will continue to go on.
-At least we found out the serious pretenders in this college season early. That goes to you California, Penn St., and Mississippi. I will not put Miami in that mix. I give The U alot of props for playing that schedule.
-I really do believe Alabama is better than Florida this time around. Round 2 of the new annual SEC Title war is going to be one of the five best football games this year, NFL included.
-USC went to #5 in the polls somehow while I wrote this article...
NFL Thoughts:
-Whoever reads this blog, knows how sick I must of been watching Favre toss that game winning TD pass and basically being carried off the field like Scott Howard after hitting those two game winning free throws in Teen Wolf. Although, even I have to admit, what a pass.
-I wonder if the city of Detroit was more excited about the Lions finally winning a game than about the Tigers in the middle of a divison race. Congrats to the Lions for finally reeling off a W, and good luck to the Tigers. That city needs all the excitement it can muster nowadays.
-I do not know which game was a bigger mismatch. Cleveland-Baltimore, or NY Giants-Tampa Bay. Two rare examples of men playing against boys. Giants just stomped a mudhole into the Bucs, and put up a convincing shutout without their best defensive player in Justin Tuck. Baltimore even threw the Eff-You Bomb in the 4th quarter for a 70+ yard TD. Mangini must of fined his CB for using a fire extinugisher on himself after getting burnt...
-Peyton Manning is a football God. There is much else to say about him. Chris Collinsworth on the Sunday Night game showed and explained how Manning at the line delays until he sees the defense bite on their blitzing, and calls the audibles/hot routes from there. That is why Collingsworth is the best analyst in the game.
Now Chris, please explain to me how Jim Zorn will still have a job this week?
-I cannot wait for the Jets-Saints game next week. The Unstoppable Force against the Immovable Object. Brees against Sanchez, who is becoming the most popular athlete in NYC this side of Derek Jeter and fast. The matchup I really want to see is Saints tall, physical WR Marques Coltson, who might have a chip on his shoulder still from playing at Hofstra, where the Jets use to practice, and being overlooked by them, against Darrelle "Island" Revis. -I actually Tweeted ESPN guru Adam Schefter if he thought Revis was the early frontrunner for NFL Def. Player of the Year. He immediately replied to me by saying, "So far, hard to think of anyone else more deserving." High praise for a Cornerback.
Monday Night Pick for tonight.
I am in the minority if thinking that the Panthers are not completely done. I think they will play hard in this game. I just do not think it will be enough. Tony Romo puts up a big game, and makes less mistakes than Jake Delhomme. Dallas Cowboys 34, Carolina Panthers 24.
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