Major League Baseball may call tonight's one-game playoff between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers a "tiebreaker," but let's go ahead and just label it what it was, the first playoff game of the 2009 season. What a way to kick off October.
There is no way that Bud Selig could have asked for any more than he got tonight when the American League Central title was decided in a 12 inning game. And there is no way that he could not enjoy the idea of the big bag Yankees matching up against the small-market Twins.
Sure, on the surface this matchup looks like a cakewalk for the Bronx Bombers as they move on to face the winner of the Angels and Red Sox. But as a Yankee fan I do not feel any excitement about facing the Twins coming off 17 wins in their last 21 games.
For one, Minnesota is hot. The players believe that there is something special going on in the final season in the Metrodome and their fans are providing support normally only seen at little kid's soccer games. The entire place was rocking after the final run scored on Tuesday and the players seemed to embrace their fan support. In a short series, a split in New York would give the Twins a huge leg up as they will only continue to believe that this is their year.
Secondly, Minnesota loses one of their best two players in Justin Morneau and suddenly the team gets hot, catches the Tigers, and now beats Detroit in a sudden death playoff game. Players like Delmon Young and Michael Cuddyer picked up the slack to the point where Morneau's absence has not been missed.
But ahh not so fast. Was that really Carl Pavano on the hill on Sunday? Was he really pitching on short rest in a game the Twins had to win to even get a playoff? Yankee fans everywhere must be hoping that the new stadium treats Pavano like a voo-doo doll like the former one did, but this season Pavano seems comfortable in Minnesota. His 5.10 ERA and twelve losses are nothing special, but he did win 14 games and achieved success against New York this season. What kind of success?
April 19: in New York, 6 innings, 4 hits, 1 ER, 4 SO's in a 7-3 INDIANS loss (ND for Pavano).
May 31: 7.1 innings, 7 hits, 3 ER, 4 SO's in a 5-4 INDIANS win (ND for Pavano).
Two starts with Cleveland, two solid outings.
With all that said though the bottom line is the Twins bullpen is depleted, the starters are not experienced enough (and cannot strike enough batters out), the lineup's magic is running out, and the Yankees have the better players. Will that translate into an ALCS for the Yankees? I hope so... I don't think I can take a taunting phone call from my ex-girlfriend Twins fan.
Pick: Yankees in 4.
Other picks for your betting or entertainment purposes... If betting was legal.
-Angels over Red Sox in 5: Homefield advantage is the final key while the Angels continue to play as a team and overcome all obstacles on their way to New York.
-Cardinals over Dodgers in 4: Joe Torre had done to the Dodgers' bullpen what Yankee fans experienced too much in the early 2000's as he has exhausted the bullpen. Luckily it would not have mattered as the Carpenter-Wainwright combo is too much for the Dodgers.
-Phillies over Rockies in 4: The Rockies, like the Twins, are a great story but I think Hammels will find his magic from last year's October run. The Rockies may take the first game in Colorado but won't fare much better than four games.
Enjoy the playoffs!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Resting in September
With a 3-2 victory Sunday afternoon in the Bronx, the New York Yankees were able to clinch the American League East title and seal homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. Although meeting each of those goals was important to the Yankees and their fans, the next week may be even more important.
The next week consists of games against the Royals and Rays. No one can question the importance of going into the short divisional series with momentum, but Joe Giardi should not risk anything in this final week in order to gain momentum. The Yankees already are proud owners of the best record in baseball with most of those wins coming after the arrival of Alex Rodriguez after his hip surgery.
Instead of trying to win game, which New York is doing right now 8-2 in the 7th with a makeshift lineup of only three everyday players, the coaching staff needs to find out who will round out the 25-man roster. The following questions must be answered this week.
Is Brian Bruney reliable in the bullpen? On Sunday he made his case for consideration in a big spot in October by retiring the five batters he faced. The fact he cried while walking off the field though makes me feel like the appearance surprised even him.
Can Phil Coke be relied on as the only lefty in the bullpen? This season Coke has been worked and appears to be confident against anyone he faces. Giardi is loyal to those who have performed, and it appears Coke will be his go-to lefty.
Will Joba perform as a starter? Joba works his best when he works with pace. After his last start of six innings and 87 pitches, the Yankees have to be very satisfied with his potential.
As Derek Jeter said while speaking on ESPN after clinching the division, the Yankees have found success this year because of their starting pitching. The starters directly affect the bullpen, and for the Yankees to be successful that bullpen needs to be rested and the starters need to be effective. This week will be the first step in resting the 'pen and preparing the starters.
The next week consists of games against the Royals and Rays. No one can question the importance of going into the short divisional series with momentum, but Joe Giardi should not risk anything in this final week in order to gain momentum. The Yankees already are proud owners of the best record in baseball with most of those wins coming after the arrival of Alex Rodriguez after his hip surgery.
Instead of trying to win game, which New York is doing right now 8-2 in the 7th with a makeshift lineup of only three everyday players, the coaching staff needs to find out who will round out the 25-man roster. The following questions must be answered this week.
Is Brian Bruney reliable in the bullpen? On Sunday he made his case for consideration in a big spot in October by retiring the five batters he faced. The fact he cried while walking off the field though makes me feel like the appearance surprised even him.
Can Phil Coke be relied on as the only lefty in the bullpen? This season Coke has been worked and appears to be confident against anyone he faces. Giardi is loyal to those who have performed, and it appears Coke will be his go-to lefty.
Will Joba perform as a starter? Joba works his best when he works with pace. After his last start of six innings and 87 pitches, the Yankees have to be very satisfied with his potential.
As Derek Jeter said while speaking on ESPN after clinching the division, the Yankees have found success this year because of their starting pitching. The starters directly affect the bullpen, and for the Yankees to be successful that bullpen needs to be rested and the starters need to be effective. This week will be the first step in resting the 'pen and preparing the starters.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The U Is Back To Dominating-U
Weeks ago, I remember listening to a college football preview and hearing about the program out of the state of Florida that was preparing to make a serious statement this season. For the first time in years this conversation did not center around Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators but rather Randy Shannon's Miami Hurricanes.
After overcoming their first obstacle by defeating in-state rival Florida State on Labor Day, the Hurricanes were able to prepare to face No. 14 Georgia Tech tonight in Miami. On national television the young Hurricanes restilled pride into the Miami program.
Outside of the first Yellow Jacket drive where Tech was able to successfully kick a field goal, Miami dominated every aspect of the game. Led by quarterback Jackory Harris, the offense compiled 458 yards of total offense in a 33-17 victory. In fact, the score appears much closer than the game appeared.
By the middle of the 3rd quarter, anyone watching this game knew the final result. Miami was dominating the offensive line and ran for 188 yards. Harris completed 20 of 25 passes to nine different receivers for three touchdowns. The special teams recorded a safety, the defense held the talented Tech rushing offense to around 100 yards (only one year after allowing over 400 yards). To be honest, the only knock on the Hurricanes is the 6 points they left on the field by two missed field goals.
The swagger is back in Miami. After years of turmoil and uncertainity, Shannon recruited a group of young men, led by his quarterback, who went 60-0 in high school football in Florida. From here Miami has nine days to prepare for rival and the No. 13 team Virginia Tech. That matchup in Blacksburg is follwed by a home game against Oklahoma. Between the two of them the Hurricanes bowl trip could be set. The toughest game (on paper) remaining? A November 14 road trip to Chapel Hill to take on the No. 24 Tar Heels.
Whether the predominately freshman and sophomore team can overcome the rigors of a college football season is unknown. The only definite through three weeks of the season is the Hurricanes are 2-0 (1-0 in the ACC), Shannon has Miami on the road back to football dominance, and the Hurricanes believe and are playing with that confidence.
Other News and Notes:
-I believe that Tennessee is much more talented than a team that is underdogs by 30 points. I also believe that the Gators are going to make sure that the Vols understand that you cannot call Coach Urban Meyer a liar without paying the consequences.
-The Yankees magic number is now 10 with seven to play. But without consistent and healthy starting pitching, no one should assume the American League champion will hail from New York.
-Cole Hamels 10 strikeouts in 8 innings of work and only allowing one run? He seems to have a knack for pitching well when it matters the most.
After overcoming their first obstacle by defeating in-state rival Florida State on Labor Day, the Hurricanes were able to prepare to face No. 14 Georgia Tech tonight in Miami. On national television the young Hurricanes restilled pride into the Miami program.
Outside of the first Yellow Jacket drive where Tech was able to successfully kick a field goal, Miami dominated every aspect of the game. Led by quarterback Jackory Harris, the offense compiled 458 yards of total offense in a 33-17 victory. In fact, the score appears much closer than the game appeared.
By the middle of the 3rd quarter, anyone watching this game knew the final result. Miami was dominating the offensive line and ran for 188 yards. Harris completed 20 of 25 passes to nine different receivers for three touchdowns. The special teams recorded a safety, the defense held the talented Tech rushing offense to around 100 yards (only one year after allowing over 400 yards). To be honest, the only knock on the Hurricanes is the 6 points they left on the field by two missed field goals.
The swagger is back in Miami. After years of turmoil and uncertainity, Shannon recruited a group of young men, led by his quarterback, who went 60-0 in high school football in Florida. From here Miami has nine days to prepare for rival and the No. 13 team Virginia Tech. That matchup in Blacksburg is follwed by a home game against Oklahoma. Between the two of them the Hurricanes bowl trip could be set. The toughest game (on paper) remaining? A November 14 road trip to Chapel Hill to take on the No. 24 Tar Heels.
Whether the predominately freshman and sophomore team can overcome the rigors of a college football season is unknown. The only definite through three weeks of the season is the Hurricanes are 2-0 (1-0 in the ACC), Shannon has Miami on the road back to football dominance, and the Hurricanes believe and are playing with that confidence.
Other News and Notes:
-I believe that Tennessee is much more talented than a team that is underdogs by 30 points. I also believe that the Gators are going to make sure that the Vols understand that you cannot call Coach Urban Meyer a liar without paying the consequences.
-The Yankees magic number is now 10 with seven to play. But without consistent and healthy starting pitching, no one should assume the American League champion will hail from New York.
-Cole Hamels 10 strikeouts in 8 innings of work and only allowing one run? He seems to have a knack for pitching well when it matters the most.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thoughts from a busy sports day...
Believe it or not Brett Favre has returned. To be honest, I have no problem with the Vikings deciding that Favre makes them a better team. Last season, Gus Frerotte only completed 59.1% of his passes while throwing for 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. This year's third string QB (or so it appears) Tavaris Jackson also only coincidentally completed 59.1% of his passes although he recorded nine touchdowns and only two interceptions.
Although Jackson's statistics were serviceable, his 7.1 yards per completion did not help relieve the pressure on running back Adrian Peterson. Defenses were able to load up the box with at least eight defenders and force the Vikings to try and defeat them through the air.
Which is why the Vikings desperately needed Favre to come to Minnesota. Even at the age of 39, he turns 40 only days after the Vikings meet the Packers on Monday Night Football, Favre is a vast improvement over any option currently on Minnesota's roster. As a member of the New York Jets, Favre completed just over 65% of his passes while throwing for 22 touchdowns. Sure the gunslinger also threw for 22 interceptions, but after defeating Tennessee to improve to 8-3 on the season, media members started discussion a potential Super Bowl trip.
In addition, the Jets' running game was vastly improved with Favre under center. At the ripe old running back age of 30, Thomas Jones ran for 1,312 yards and scored a career high 13 times. No one can argue that it did not stem from defenders respecting Favre's ability to throw downfield and relieve his running game.
Whether the Favre gamble, and for 12 million basically guaranteed it is a gamble, pays off is yet to be seen. It is a worthy gamble though and one that Minnesota should be praised for. Although they insulted Sage Rosenfels and Jackson throughout this Favre wooing process, the Minnesota front office should be respected for trying to bring a championship to their town. It is the same reason why Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb pushed for the Eagles' signing of Michael Vick and is why the NFL stands alone as the top professional league in America. The owners are willing to take chances for the sake of of the fans' happiness. Worst case scenario? The owners will make plenty of money through merchandise sales.
Other news and notes:
-Great decision by the Washington Nationals' front office to sign Stephen Strasburg. Although it is impossible to know for sure the impact Strasburg has in baseball, the signing sparked enough interest from casual D.C. baseball fans to at least show that the Lerner family is trying to put a winner on the field.
-The Yankees need to consider signing Nick Swisher to an extension. He is not going to "wow" anyone by hitting for average, but he will give a top effort and show up to the ballpark ready to play everyday. And it's hard to ignore the change in attitude in the Yankees' clubhouse.
-Derek Jeter is putting together an MVP-caliber season. He won't win the award but deserves some recognition after the continuous rumors of his decline at the age of 35.
-Everyday I go to ESPN.com and worry that I am going to see an article about Josh Hamilton falling back off the wagon. I know the story stemming from a bar incident in January, but I truly hope, and believe, that he has been clean other than that unfortunate night.
-Wins and losses mean nothing in the NFL preseason, but the New York Giants looked fantastic last night. I hope I do not choke on these words in a couple weeks when the season is really under way, but the offense was clicking, the defense was flying all over the field, and the special teams... Well the special teams have a lot of work to do. Luckily the other 2/3 of the team overshadowed a dismal performance that included a missed field, Sinorice Moss fielding a punt from his own 3-yard line, and a blocked punt for a safety that was followed by a free kick out of bounds.
-Final thought.... A family friend is currently playing for the Bakersfield Blaze in the Texas Rangers farm system. He is currently riding a 10-game hitting streak during which he is hitting .317 with seven extra base hits (six home runs) and 16 RBI's. His name? Mike Bianucci.
Although Jackson's statistics were serviceable, his 7.1 yards per completion did not help relieve the pressure on running back Adrian Peterson. Defenses were able to load up the box with at least eight defenders and force the Vikings to try and defeat them through the air.
Which is why the Vikings desperately needed Favre to come to Minnesota. Even at the age of 39, he turns 40 only days after the Vikings meet the Packers on Monday Night Football, Favre is a vast improvement over any option currently on Minnesota's roster. As a member of the New York Jets, Favre completed just over 65% of his passes while throwing for 22 touchdowns. Sure the gunslinger also threw for 22 interceptions, but after defeating Tennessee to improve to 8-3 on the season, media members started discussion a potential Super Bowl trip.
In addition, the Jets' running game was vastly improved with Favre under center. At the ripe old running back age of 30, Thomas Jones ran for 1,312 yards and scored a career high 13 times. No one can argue that it did not stem from defenders respecting Favre's ability to throw downfield and relieve his running game.
Whether the Favre gamble, and for 12 million basically guaranteed it is a gamble, pays off is yet to be seen. It is a worthy gamble though and one that Minnesota should be praised for. Although they insulted Sage Rosenfels and Jackson throughout this Favre wooing process, the Minnesota front office should be respected for trying to bring a championship to their town. It is the same reason why Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb pushed for the Eagles' signing of Michael Vick and is why the NFL stands alone as the top professional league in America. The owners are willing to take chances for the sake of of the fans' happiness. Worst case scenario? The owners will make plenty of money through merchandise sales.
Other news and notes:
-Great decision by the Washington Nationals' front office to sign Stephen Strasburg. Although it is impossible to know for sure the impact Strasburg has in baseball, the signing sparked enough interest from casual D.C. baseball fans to at least show that the Lerner family is trying to put a winner on the field.
-The Yankees need to consider signing Nick Swisher to an extension. He is not going to "wow" anyone by hitting for average, but he will give a top effort and show up to the ballpark ready to play everyday. And it's hard to ignore the change in attitude in the Yankees' clubhouse.
-Derek Jeter is putting together an MVP-caliber season. He won't win the award but deserves some recognition after the continuous rumors of his decline at the age of 35.
-Everyday I go to ESPN.com and worry that I am going to see an article about Josh Hamilton falling back off the wagon. I know the story stemming from a bar incident in January, but I truly hope, and believe, that he has been clean other than that unfortunate night.
-Wins and losses mean nothing in the NFL preseason, but the New York Giants looked fantastic last night. I hope I do not choke on these words in a couple weeks when the season is really under way, but the offense was clicking, the defense was flying all over the field, and the special teams... Well the special teams have a lot of work to do. Luckily the other 2/3 of the team overshadowed a dismal performance that included a missed field, Sinorice Moss fielding a punt from his own 3-yard line, and a blocked punt for a safety that was followed by a free kick out of bounds.
-Final thought.... A family friend is currently playing for the Bakersfield Blaze in the Texas Rangers farm system. He is currently riding a 10-game hitting streak during which he is hitting .317 with seven extra base hits (six home runs) and 16 RBI's. His name? Mike Bianucci.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A Long Time Coming
Based on the time between my last two posts, it is pretty obvious that I struggled to find the time to write during my senior year in college. Now that I have graduated and joined the unemployment ranks, hopefully that trend reverses. I actually should not say that I am unemployed since Wachovia continues to allow me to do some part-time teller work until I find a full-time job.
Working at Wachovia is actually a decent dig until I find something that I want to pursue. The problem though is finding that one thing. Since I put my resume on Monster.com I have been swamped with Associate Sales positions. In fact, on Friday I am interviewing for one of these position in order to see the depths of the job. I'll keep you updated on what I think about the job.
Working at Wachovia is actually a decent dig until I find something that I want to pursue. The problem though is finding that one thing. Since I put my resume on Monster.com I have been swamped with Associate Sales positions. In fact, on Friday I am interviewing for one of these position in order to see the depths of the job. I'll keep you updated on what I think about the job.
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