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.
Monday, September 28, 2009
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.
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