Posts
I don't understand why Giant fans are going bananas about Troy Aikman doing Sunday's Giants vs. Cowboys game even though he may have a bias towards his old club, the Cowboys.
Who freaken cares? Just win the game. Aikman's chatter in the booth is not going to make Manning or Tuck player worse, just shut up, put the game on mute and listen to the radio broadcast and watch the game!
Stop looking for things to complain about. The Giants are good, no complaints allowed (well, except for the stupidity of Burress - that is okay because he actually matters on the field!)
Yaros
Friday, October 31, 2008
A Team Of The Future With No Present!
Imagine you rooted for a team that according to Coach Jeff Van Gundy has 1 player who could start on a good basketball team. (By the way, I dispute that claim because I believe they have 2.)
Imagine you root for a team in a city, for that matter a state, that your owner couldn't care less about!
Imagine you root for a team in an arena which is overshadowed by an indoor, ridiculous looking, skiing facility.
Imagine you root for a team that gets so few fans that I could not give away tickets to opening night last year when they actually had 3 players (even according to Van Gundy) who would start on a playoff team!
That is my New Jersey Nets!
But, they have a future. Their future lies in the hands of 2 people. Rod Thorn, the brilliant President, and Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, who knows LeBron James personally and would like to see him in a Brooklyn Nets uniform in a few years.
Rod Thorn has a keen eye for talent and has a knack for getting rid of a guy on the way down (Kidd) for a guy on the way up (Devin Harris - the guy other than Vince Carter I believe would start on a good team). He also recognized that Jefferson and Carter would not get them anywhere and one needed to be traded - well at least 1. Since Jefferson was more tradeable as he is younger, the Nets got some more young talent for the star. Yi may turn out to be an excellent player and he is very young.
The draft was also very successful as a potentially very good center was brought in from out west named Brook Lopez. He has tremendous upside with a strong offensive game and a big body.
The LeBron story is for another time.
The Nets will barely have a better record than the Knicks and may squeak out the 8 seed and get romped by Boston in the first round. Either way, no more than 40 wins (and that is a stretch) will be won this year by the Nets, but they are in rebuilding mode and have the right management in place to work things out!
This is the kind of team that is easy to root for! There are no morons in the front office - the Knicks, as long as they have an owner who doesn't care at all about winning don't have that trait.
To the Knicks, happy losing!
Yaros
Imagine you root for a team in a city, for that matter a state, that your owner couldn't care less about!
Imagine you root for a team in an arena which is overshadowed by an indoor, ridiculous looking, skiing facility.
Imagine you root for a team that gets so few fans that I could not give away tickets to opening night last year when they actually had 3 players (even according to Van Gundy) who would start on a playoff team!
That is my New Jersey Nets!
But, they have a future. Their future lies in the hands of 2 people. Rod Thorn, the brilliant President, and Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, who knows LeBron James personally and would like to see him in a Brooklyn Nets uniform in a few years.
Rod Thorn has a keen eye for talent and has a knack for getting rid of a guy on the way down (Kidd) for a guy on the way up (Devin Harris - the guy other than Vince Carter I believe would start on a good team). He also recognized that Jefferson and Carter would not get them anywhere and one needed to be traded - well at least 1. Since Jefferson was more tradeable as he is younger, the Nets got some more young talent for the star. Yi may turn out to be an excellent player and he is very young.
The draft was also very successful as a potentially very good center was brought in from out west named Brook Lopez. He has tremendous upside with a strong offensive game and a big body.
The LeBron story is for another time.
The Nets will barely have a better record than the Knicks and may squeak out the 8 seed and get romped by Boston in the first round. Either way, no more than 40 wins (and that is a stretch) will be won this year by the Nets, but they are in rebuilding mode and have the right management in place to work things out!
This is the kind of team that is easy to root for! There are no morons in the front office - the Knicks, as long as they have an owner who doesn't care at all about winning don't have that trait.
To the Knicks, happy losing!
Yaros
What, Yaros' Blog Is Talking About Hockey? No Way!
Here is a guest Rangers posting from Agentsmith:
Let's consider these facts:
1. The Rangers have no forward or defensemen in the top 20 in their respective categories.
2. They are grossly over-paying Drury and Redden.
3. They lost Jagr and Shanahan: 40-50 goals right there.
4. They have no fixed line combinations yet.
So what is up with the 10-2-1 Rangers?
1. They are playing more of a team game. They are not relying on one or two players like they were with Jagr & Co.
2. The team is younger and faster.. Their average age is one of the lowest in the league.
3. Zherdev has sick skills. If he develops any sort of consistency, look out!
4. Perhaps the biggest reason of all for their strong start is King Henry. He is playing in Vezina form from the get go.
Hope you enjoyed the NHL chat!
Yaros
Hope you enjoyed the NHL chat!
Yaros
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The New Look Knicks!
A team that forgot what it meant to be the New York Knicks no longer exists. Well, it does exist, but it sits on the bench. Stephon Marbury and Eddie Curry did not play today. NOT 1 MINUTE!
Stephon Marbury surprisingly sat on the bench the entire game which is probably due to his attitude. He is in his best shape ever, yet, his attitude is a losing one and is not a pass first point guard.
Eddie Curry is just fat and out of shape. The guy needs to learn to run in the off season and not eat ham and cheese sandwiches every day. Salad is the key to his success and he has yet to figure that out. Until he does, he can enjoy the last seat, literally the last seat, on the bench. I know it is sad, but the guy has really fallen from the big time about as fast as gravity can take you.
Yaros
Stephon Marbury surprisingly sat on the bench the entire game which is probably due to his attitude. He is in his best shape ever, yet, his attitude is a losing one and is not a pass first point guard.
Eddie Curry is just fat and out of shape. The guy needs to learn to run in the off season and not eat ham and cheese sandwiches every day. Salad is the key to his success and he has yet to figure that out. Until he does, he can enjoy the last seat, literally the last seat, on the bench. I know it is sad, but the guy has really fallen from the big time about as fast as gravity can take you.
Yaros
Joe Madden Looking Like Joe Torre!
Why would Grant Balfour pitch in this game? The guy has pitched terribly the entire playoffs and didn't deserve a pitch in this game. Madden and Torre can both apparently royally mess up bullpen usage.
Props to the Phillies for winning, their pitching really did them well. Cole Hamels has swept the MVPs of the playoffs for the National League. When you have an ace like that, things can really be a lot easier.
They are a gutsy team. They squeaked by the Mets and basically cruised through the playoffs.
Lastly, an honorable mention to the Rays for having an unexpected outstanding season!
Yaros
Props to the Phillies for winning, their pitching really did them well. Cole Hamels has swept the MVPs of the playoffs for the National League. When you have an ace like that, things can really be a lot easier.
They are a gutsy team. They squeaked by the Mets and basically cruised through the playoffs.
Lastly, an honorable mention to the Rays for having an unexpected outstanding season!
Yaros
Tomorrow Doesn't Look Good!
The circled weather system is headed as the arrow I so beautifully created points, to a place we call Philadelphia, PA.
The one thing Selig will not do is play when there is a potential of rain within a 3 hour window of start time. He doesn't want to look like he is speaking at a funeral again during a post cancellation due to rain press conference tomorrow night.
That leaves 2 options - 1) play tomorrow afternoon
-that probably won't happen because Major League Baseball does not want to play during the day.
2) play Thursday evening
-if the chance of rain or snow materializes tomorrow then this is the likeliest option. It delays the World Series, kills any momentum, but the weather at least looks good.
With regard to eyeballs on the TV sets, Selig probably doesn't care which night the game is played because the intrigue of this crazy game will surely draw many viewers. Plus, it's kind of like starting an NBA game with the 4th quarter. No casual fans need to watch the first 5 innings, only the exciting parts will be on!
Yaros
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
My Gripe Against Talk Radio...
I can't say that I have many issues with sports talk radio because I am quite the fan; however, one of the things that really bothers me is the repetition. I can't stand when a host comes on the air and just talks about the same topic as the previous host. What bothers me about it is the fact that the second host pretends as though the first host never mentioned the topic - like he, the second guy made the scoop on the story or has a new take on the same story.
For example, I really like him and his style, but today, Richard Neer went on the radio and started talking about how we, as a sports world, are suddenly in an unusual situation as the World Series is suspended for a couple of days. HELLO! That has been the main topic of sports talk for the past 2 days!
He then moved on to a second topic. He spoke of Ely Manning's pass to Amani (which I wrote about yesterday!) as if he is breaking the story that it was a great pass. HELLO ONCE AGAIN! I know the guy is in a difficult situation because it is a lame sports night, but, at least don't pretend we all just realized the World Series isn't on tonight!
But I still like Richard Neer!
There, give us a smile!
Yaros
For example, I really like him and his style, but today, Richard Neer went on the radio and started talking about how we, as a sports world, are suddenly in an unusual situation as the World Series is suspended for a couple of days. HELLO! That has been the main topic of sports talk for the past 2 days!
He then moved on to a second topic. He spoke of Ely Manning's pass to Amani (which I wrote about yesterday!) as if he is breaking the story that it was a great pass. HELLO ONCE AGAIN! I know the guy is in a difficult situation because it is a lame sports night, but, at least don't pretend we all just realized the World Series isn't on tonight!
But I still like Richard Neer!
There, give us a smile!Yaros
Do The Cowboys Think They Have A Shot?
If the Cowboys expect to waltz into East Rutherford and think they will beat the Giants with Brooks Bollinger they are crazy. Granted Brad Johnson did not play particularly well last week; however, the notion that a Super Bowl winning QB is worse than Bollinger is absurd. I don't care if Johnson were 65 years old, he would still be better. Bollinger is an over matched QB who can't keep up with the speed of the game.
Plus, the Cowboys won last week!
I expect the Cowboys to come to their senses and play Johnson (obviously assuming Romo won't play - which seems likely at this point).
Of course that does not mean they will win either. They are not as physical or as good as the Giants and will probably lose either way. Therefore, I suggest that I play QB for the Cowboys with week. It is the same loss either way and it would be fun for me!
This kid would work too!
Yaros
Plus, the Cowboys won last week!
I expect the Cowboys to come to their senses and play Johnson (obviously assuming Romo won't play - which seems likely at this point).
Of course that does not mean they will win either. They are not as physical or as good as the Giants and will probably lose either way. Therefore, I suggest that I play QB for the Cowboys with week. It is the same loss either way and it would be fun for me!
This kid would work too!Yaros
Stop Apologizing!
When umpires apologize it just adds insult to injury! I can't stand the apologies! Everyone knows they blew it and everyone knows that they will feel dumb once they see the replay, but stop with the public apologies - it just aggravates people!
Yaros
Yaros
Monday, October 27, 2008
Should The League Be To Blame For This Debacle?
Why is it that the Commissioner's Office of Major League Baseball always look bad? I can not remember the last time the league looked good. It is not Bud's fault that the rain came, but although I enjoy chaos, it makes Selig look uneasy and when the ESPN Sports Center anchor described the scene as circus baseball.
I was really intrigued as to what would happen if the Phillies were winning at the time of the delay. Selig did say that he would have never have allowed the game to end in the 6th inning.
Who does this rain delay help?
Well, I think the Phillies clearly had momentum in the series and also had Cole Hamels on the mound, that combination was going to be tough to beat. This fluke occurrence may change the momentum; therefore, I think the Rays benefit. Also, the Rays relievers are a bit exhausted having pitched a lot more in the last couple of games than the Phillie relievers. This is another advantage the Rays have due to the break in the action.
One thing both teams need to remember, the game is in the bottom of the sixth so it could be over quickly. Both teams need to remember not to waste any outs and can't (this one is more for the Rays) make any defensive mistakes!
Yaros
I was really intrigued as to what would happen if the Phillies were winning at the time of the delay. Selig did say that he would have never have allowed the game to end in the 6th inning.
Who does this rain delay help?
Well, I think the Phillies clearly had momentum in the series and also had Cole Hamels on the mound, that combination was going to be tough to beat. This fluke occurrence may change the momentum; therefore, I think the Rays benefit. Also, the Rays relievers are a bit exhausted having pitched a lot more in the last couple of games than the Phillie relievers. This is another advantage the Rays have due to the break in the action.
One thing both teams need to remember, the game is in the bottom of the sixth so it could be over quickly. Both teams need to remember not to waste any outs and can't (this one is more for the Rays) make any defensive mistakes!
Yaros
Remember the Following: Manning To Toomer Was The Biggest Play Of The Game
That formula has been effective for a number of years now. It is just amazing how often Amani Toomer comes up with a huge catch. Yesterday, the running game was a total bust as Brandon Jacobs could not get anything going. He could not even rush the ball in on 4th down on the goal line. However, the offensive line protected Ely well, and as usual, the chaotic Manning pulled through with an outrageously good pass through double coverage to Toomer on 4th and 6.
It is very impressive that the Giants were able to win against an excellent team that could easily win the Super Bowl without having their bread and butter on offense - the running game. Manning played a safe game and the defense played very well.
Big win!
Yaros
It is very impressive that the Giants were able to win against an excellent team that could easily win the Super Bowl without having their bread and butter on offense - the running game. Manning played a safe game and the defense played very well.
Big win!
Yaros
Stop the Early Scoring!
In order for the Rays to win tonight, they must stop the early scoring of the Phillies. They are not going to score much against Hamels and will have no shot if they are down by 3 or more after 7.
Also, the bullpen has been weak lately, the Rays need to have Kazmir pitch deep into the game and early runs won't help him pitch more than 6. He throws a lot of pitches even when he pitches well, all the more so when he doesn't.
Yaros
Also, the bullpen has been weak lately, the Rays need to have Kazmir pitch deep into the game and early runs won't help him pitch more than 6. He throws a lot of pitches even when he pitches well, all the more so when he doesn't.
Yaros
Sunday, October 26, 2008
I Can't Stand The Constant Missed Calls By Umpires!
The two teams that have performed best in the playoffs make the World Series. They should be able to determine who wins the Series. Stop making bad calls! So many have been made in this series. I say, ban every ump who has participated in this series from umping the Series again. It is just sad.
The Rays just gave up a run because the ump (who was right on top of the play) couldn't see E. Longoria smack Jimmy Rollins behind with his mitt. Are you blind?
Some of them are tough calls and it is not like the calls are bias one way or the other, they just keep on missing calls all over the field!
Yaros
The Rays just gave up a run because the ump (who was right on top of the play) couldn't see E. Longoria smack Jimmy Rollins behind with his mitt. Are you blind?
Some of them are tough calls and it is not like the calls are bias one way or the other, they just keep on missing calls all over the field!
Yaros
My Stomach Hurts!
...But they won! This could have been the worse loss in a long while. Some really dumb coaching decisions, some really dumb passes, a really dumb special teams play and a really bad kick would have all combined to allow a pathetic team with little offensive and absolutely no defensive talent to beat the Jets.
Run the ball! If you play to win the game, not lose it, then run the ball against the worse rushing defense on earth. If you are setting up the run by throwing in the first series, then run in the second series. The Jets barely ran the ball.
Leon Washington is the savior for this team because he makes at least 3 big plays a week. Obviously the 2 touchdowns are big, but so were the many returns he made this week. He also had a clutch dive for a first down after dodging a tackle. His ability to explode after breaking a tackle is quite amazing!
The defense was superb against the run (as usual) and bad against the pass. Bad, as in inconsistent. They have their excellent moments and then they look like they are in high school for a drive. It is troubling, but hey, they are young and have talent.
Favre, easy does it on the dumb passes pal. The last one was not his fault, but the first 2 (especially the second one thrown deep into double coverage) were awful.
But at least they won!
By the way, this one really made me lose some hair!
Yaros
Run the ball! If you play to win the game, not lose it, then run the ball against the worse rushing defense on earth. If you are setting up the run by throwing in the first series, then run in the second series. The Jets barely ran the ball.
Leon Washington is the savior for this team because he makes at least 3 big plays a week. Obviously the 2 touchdowns are big, but so were the many returns he made this week. He also had a clutch dive for a first down after dodging a tackle. His ability to explode after breaking a tackle is quite amazing!
The defense was superb against the run (as usual) and bad against the pass. Bad, as in inconsistent. They have their excellent moments and then they look like they are in high school for a drive. It is troubling, but hey, they are young and have talent.
Favre, easy does it on the dumb passes pal. The last one was not his fault, but the first 2 (especially the second one thrown deep into double coverage) were awful.
But at least they won!
By the way, this one really made me lose some hair!
Yaros
Jets Prediction!
I still have a sick feeling about last week's game! 4-2 going into a game with the Chiefs would have been fantastic - 3-3 is just not the same. But, we must move on!
I expect the Jets to roll here because KC has absolutely no talent!
Gotta love an easy win (although it would be classic for the Jets to blow this game as well).
This is why many Jets fans look like...
Prediction: Jets 34 Chiefs 10
Yaros
I expect the Jets to roll here because KC has absolutely no talent!
Gotta love an easy win (although it would be classic for the Jets to blow this game as well).
This is why many Jets fans look like...
Prediction: Jets 34 Chiefs 10
Yaros
It Would Have Rolled Foul!
It is a real shame Evan Longoria tried the toss on Ruiz's chopper down the line because the ball would have almost certainly rolled foul based on the side angle.
I loved Joe Madden's unique 5 man infield - talk about real strategy. It was a tough one to take for the Rays, to lose on a wild pitch/error after a hit batsman - not 1 ball made it 20 feet passed home plate and the Phillies managed a run!
I expect the Rays to win tomorrow as Blanton has historically never pitched well against the Rays and Sonnanstine has pitched well lately!
Then there is that critical game 5!
Yaros
I loved Joe Madden's unique 5 man infield - talk about real strategy. It was a tough one to take for the Rays, to lose on a wild pitch/error after a hit batsman - not 1 ball made it 20 feet passed home plate and the Phillies managed a run!
I expect the Rays to win tomorrow as Blanton has historically never pitched well against the Rays and Sonnanstine has pitched well lately!
Then there is that critical game 5!
Yaros
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Rutgers Has First Big Win of Season!
In the midst of a pathetic season, there is light! Rutgers today rolled over #17 Pitt. I just don't get it. This team clearly has more talent then they show on a regular basis. When you lose to the likes of Navy, winning games like this shows you need to get more consistent.
The truth is that the Scarlet Knights have been playing much better lately. Last week they upset UConn 12-10 and they played pretty well the prior 2 weeks in tough losses to good teams (Cinci and WVU).
This team is young and will get better as the season moves on. I expect a winning year in 2009.
This program is not what it was made out to be 2 years ago, but is none the less improving.
Nice win!
Yaros
Friday, October 24, 2008
OD For Isiah?
All reports indicate that Isiah Thomas ODed on sleeping pills last night.
The good news is that he is doing fine in the hospital.
These type of stories unfortunately have a lot more legs then they should (ex. when Terrell Owens allegedly tried to commit suicide). They always seem to end up being an accidental OD and I expect this to be the same.
Yaros
The good news is that he is doing fine in the hospital.
These type of stories unfortunately have a lot more legs then they should (ex. when Terrell Owens allegedly tried to commit suicide). They always seem to end up being an accidental OD and I expect this to be the same.
Yaros
Giants To Play First Real Game Of Season On Sunday!
For the first time all year, the Giants will actually play a good team this weekend. To those who say that the Redskins are good, it is true that they are, but they were not in sync offensively that first week.
The Steelers' likely loss of Willie Parker will not really hurt them because Mewelde Moore has filled in very well and has had back to back games with a Yards Per Carry average above 5.0 with 17 and 20 carries in those games.
I would expect turnover and field position battles in this game to make the difference as both teams have great defenses.
The Steelers will win this game for 2 reasons. First, the Steelers are playing in Pittsburgh where they don't often lose. Second, Ely Manning is more turnover prone than Big Ben. This will manifest itself and I expect Manning to throw at least 1 pick in this game.
If the Giants win it will be due to a massive game by the Giants running game - 200+ yards and 2 touchdowns.
Prediction: Steelers 17 Giants 14
Big Game James!
Big Game James successfully completed his mission in a must win for the Rays. There were a couple of plays that went the Rays way in this game. The Rollins HBP in the 9th was absurd. The umpire should have seen that as the ball got lost in Rollins' shirt right in front of the umpire's face.
But, that is no excuse! Going 1fer a lot with RISP is the reason the Phillies lost the game. They got lucky yesterday and won despite similarly paltry numbers, but could not manage it today.
On one positive note for the brothers that love each other is that Ryan Howard finally hit well in a game. He can change a series with his bat, we will see what happens once the series transfers to the band box in Philly. Howard will also have the honor of facing right handed starters in games 3 and 4. Howard and the Phillies ballpark are like cereal and milk - his average is .020 higher in Philly than on the road.
Yaros
But, that is no excuse! Going 1fer a lot with RISP is the reason the Phillies lost the game. They got lucky yesterday and won despite similarly paltry numbers, but could not manage it today.
On one positive note for the brothers that love each other is that Ryan Howard finally hit well in a game. He can change a series with his bat, we will see what happens once the series transfers to the band box in Philly. Howard will also have the honor of facing right handed starters in games 3 and 4. Howard and the Phillies ballpark are like cereal and milk - his average is .020 higher in Philly than on the road.
Yaros
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A Rare NHL Comment!
The Rangers and Devils appear to be the 2 teams to beat in the Atlantic division. The Devils got off to a very rough start a year ago, but are playing in mid-season form at this point. Some questioned whether Marty Brodeur would reach Terry Sawchuk's nearly 40 year old shutout record. Marty already has 2 through 6 games and only needs 5 more to catch Sawchuk.
The Rangers have been just okay since returning from Europe (2-2-1), but may be experiencing the syndrome many teams deal with after playing games in such a different time zone. The 4 day break they are in the midst of will likely help them dearly.
Yaros
The Rangers have been just okay since returning from Europe (2-2-1), but may be experiencing the syndrome many teams deal with after playing games in such a different time zone. The 4 day break they are in the midst of will likely help them dearly.
Yaros
The NFL Recap For Week 7!
The Giants just find ways to win. Other teams in their division are wilting and the Giants came back with a strong win after a rough loss last week. Ely played well as did the defense (10 points allowed). The Rams have beaten both the Skins and Cowboys after starting 0-4. The Giants are in great shape getting towards the half way mark of the season.
The Jets - Oh the Jets! - this is a vintage loss that was due to tough interceptions and little offensive movement. Thomas Jones actually had a great game, but Favre could not get much done and did throw 2 interceptions. The Jets need to win this week against KC. The pathetic Chiefs will be without their best offensive player - Larry Johnson.
Around the league a few interesting developments took place this week:
To start from the back end, on Monday night, Matt Cassel showed big stuff against the battered Broncos defense. The AFC East must keep an eye on the Pats. They will not go down easily, even without Brady. On Brady, the bad knee he has is fixed but very badly infected. The Patriots are ticked off about how he is handling the surgery and they are doubly annoyed that the doctor who tried fixing the infection did not get the job done. If this gets worse, Brady may not be ready for next season.
The Bills keep rolling along. The Jets have a huge game against in Buffalo in a couple of weeks. This should tell the Jets where they stand.
What is up with the Chargers? I guess they just don't understand what it takes this year. I question whether LT is still the same player. He may be getting old fast. He took a lot of carries in years past and he has flashes of greatness, but nothing consistent. They are a serious waste of talent.
The same question can be asked on the Colts. What is the deal with Peyton have a 50% completion percentage, 2 picks and no touchdowns. His knee is obviously still an issue.
I expect the Bears to win the NFC North. The team has lost 3 games by only 8 points, are in every game and play in a bad division. The Packers and Vikings are too inconsistent and the Lions are a shameful organization.
Yaros
The Jets - Oh the Jets! - this is a vintage loss that was due to tough interceptions and little offensive movement. Thomas Jones actually had a great game, but Favre could not get much done and did throw 2 interceptions. The Jets need to win this week against KC. The pathetic Chiefs will be without their best offensive player - Larry Johnson.
Around the league a few interesting developments took place this week:
To start from the back end, on Monday night, Matt Cassel showed big stuff against the battered Broncos defense. The AFC East must keep an eye on the Pats. They will not go down easily, even without Brady. On Brady, the bad knee he has is fixed but very badly infected. The Patriots are ticked off about how he is handling the surgery and they are doubly annoyed that the doctor who tried fixing the infection did not get the job done. If this gets worse, Brady may not be ready for next season.
The Bills keep rolling along. The Jets have a huge game against in Buffalo in a couple of weeks. This should tell the Jets where they stand.
What is up with the Chargers? I guess they just don't understand what it takes this year. I question whether LT is still the same player. He may be getting old fast. He took a lot of carries in years past and he has flashes of greatness, but nothing consistent. They are a serious waste of talent.
The same question can be asked on the Colts. What is the deal with Peyton have a 50% completion percentage, 2 picks and no touchdowns. His knee is obviously still an issue.
I expect the Bears to win the NFC North. The team has lost 3 games by only 8 points, are in every game and play in a bad division. The Packers and Vikings are too inconsistent and the Lions are a shameful organization.
Yaros
Phillies Need That One!
Wow, it has been a while! Our apologies on the time delay! A mix of vacation and travel have caused a delay in postage.
One comment on my travel! I visited Houston, Texas and the surrounding area including the island of Galveston. The Houston Texans' game was postponed during Week 2 due to Hurricane Ike. The amount of destruction the area incurred is remarkable. Those things are dangerous and it is amazing how much damage they can do.
Moving on, Cole Hamels must win his games for the Phillies to win the WS. The Rays should not be concerned with their effort as they lost the first game at home to a far better team than the Phillies in the ALCS. I expect the scrappy Rays to easily win tonight and eventually win the World Series. The challenge that the Phillies have is that their starting pitching is not as good as the Rays. Hamels in the series' best pitcher and Lidge is the series' best reliever, but that can not win the WS itself. If the Phillies win it will be due to the experience of their core hitters.
Note:
Apparently, Manny is requesting 6 years from the Dodgers, but that is a lot for a 36 year old guy. Manny will probably sign with the Dodgers, but 6 years will likely not happen for him. I think he may be the best playoff hitter in baseball over the last decade, I would pay him huge (I mean A-rod HUGE) money for 3 or 4 years.
Yaros
One comment on my travel! I visited Houston, Texas and the surrounding area including the island of Galveston. The Houston Texans' game was postponed during Week 2 due to Hurricane Ike. The amount of destruction the area incurred is remarkable. Those things are dangerous and it is amazing how much damage they can do.
Moving on, Cole Hamels must win his games for the Phillies to win the WS. The Rays should not be concerned with their effort as they lost the first game at home to a far better team than the Phillies in the ALCS. I expect the scrappy Rays to easily win tonight and eventually win the World Series. The challenge that the Phillies have is that their starting pitching is not as good as the Rays. Hamels in the series' best pitcher and Lidge is the series' best reliever, but that can not win the WS itself. If the Phillies win it will be due to the experience of their core hitters.
Note:
Apparently, Manny is requesting 6 years from the Dodgers, but that is a lot for a 36 year old guy. Manny will probably sign with the Dodgers, but 6 years will likely not happen for him. I think he may be the best playoff hitter in baseball over the last decade, I would pay him huge (I mean A-rod HUGE) money for 3 or 4 years.
Yaros
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Beckett Will Decide...
If Josh Beckett has it tonight the Red Sox go to the World Series, if not (he has not been himself since his oblique injury occurred - he has not pitched well since 9/16 and his playoff ERA this year is an injury caused and awful 11.57 going into tonight!)
With John Lester's big game experience and Matt Garza's lack there of and most importantly the 2 game winning streak going into the theoretical game 7, I would have to give the Red Sox an enormous edge if the series makes it that far.
Note: BJ Upton is one clutch player! He just hit his 4th homerun of the series and 7th of the playoffs! Shoe-In MVP if the Rays win the ALCS!
On a sadder note, as one commenter mentioned, 1960s Yankee, Tom Tresh died this past week. A couple notes on a man most of our readers have never heard of - but was in the mold of Bernie Williams with a bit less talent (with some DJ mixed in). The son of a major leaguer, he actually started his career as the starting shortstop for the Yankees in 1962. In a prelude to Derek Jeter, he won the ROY and won the World Series in his rookie season. His career only lasted 9 years because he had a poor batting average, but was a gold glove center fielder with decent power. He was a switch hitter and a fan favorite! That is the key - a guy who the fans love and plays for the love of the game deserves a mention in this blog. RIP Tom Tresh RIP!
Yaros
Friday, October 17, 2008
To Little Too Late? Or Has The Karma of Baseball Changed?
The remarkable ability of the Boston Red Sox to continuously come back when down in ALCSs has enabled the team to win 2 World Series after breaking their 86 year slump (not curse!)
But, will this year be different? It all depends on the psyche of the Rays. They must remember that they absolutely dominated the Red Sox in The Trop this year and that James Shields has been fantastic against the Sox at home.
The bullpen failed for the first in a while and could use a long outing by Shields on Saturday. The bottom line is that tonight's game was supposed to be an easy win for the Rays that they absolutely choked away. It is critical to think positive and have a short memory. The Rays also need to take advantage of an injured Josh Beckett and not play roulette with a 7th game pitched by John Lester on Sunday.
Notes:
Scott Kazmir needs to learn to be more economical with his pitches so he doesn't continue to average less than 6 innings per start as he did this year.
BJ Upton will be one of the most logical ALCS MVPs ever is the Rays go on to win. He has had a very odd season this year (bad BA, improved BB, poor power - except not in the playoffs -, excellent speed numbers).
Yaros
But, will this year be different? It all depends on the psyche of the Rays. They must remember that they absolutely dominated the Red Sox in The Trop this year and that James Shields has been fantastic against the Sox at home.
The bullpen failed for the first in a while and could use a long outing by Shields on Saturday. The bottom line is that tonight's game was supposed to be an easy win for the Rays that they absolutely choked away. It is critical to think positive and have a short memory. The Rays also need to take advantage of an injured Josh Beckett and not play roulette with a 7th game pitched by John Lester on Sunday.
Notes:
Scott Kazmir needs to learn to be more economical with his pitches so he doesn't continue to average less than 6 innings per start as he did this year.
BJ Upton will be one of the most logical ALCS MVPs ever is the Rays go on to win. He has had a very odd season this year (bad BA, improved BB, poor power - except not in the playoffs -, excellent speed numbers).
Yaros
Thursday, October 16, 2008
1 More Comment On The Ratings Disaster That Is The 2008 MLB Playoffs!
As I watched the Phillies finish off the Dodgers, I recalled all the sports columnists commenting prior to the championship series that unlike the divisional round, this round will be one of long and hard fought series. So far - not so.
The Red Sox have gotten nothing out of Big Papi and need to seriously show up on offense to make the ALCS a series. I expect this one to be over sooner rather than later. I doubt the Red Sox will get past James Shields in Tampa for game 6.
So much for long, intense series!
Yaros
The Red Sox have gotten nothing out of Big Papi and need to seriously show up on offense to make the ALCS a series. I expect this one to be over sooner rather than later. I doubt the Red Sox will get past James Shields in Tampa for game 6.
So much for long, intense series!
Yaros
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Nearly 1 Down, 1 To Go!
Game 5 of the Phillies vs. Dodgers series is in the bottom of the 8th and it looks like the Phillies are on their way to the World Series for the first time in 15 years!
I think Cole Hamels will win the MVP with his 2 excellent performances (14 innings 3 runs and 2 wins!) and no 1 player on the Phillies offense who absolutely dominated. In fact, by far the most productive offensive player in the series has been Manny Ramirez. He is batting over .500 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs.
1 final note on this series: the Dodgers were an inferior team to both the Cubs and Phillies and managed to get hot and ride the Manny Momentum for a while. They were trying to be a slightly less dramatic version of last year's Rockies; however, they simply ran out of steam. Manny will probably sign a mega contract with the Dodgers who need to offer the guy something big after the amount of success (and revenue) he provided the franchise in a short 2 and a half months.
The Dodgers outlook is strong and the team will be good for a while assuming they find some pitching. The young hitting is certainly in place and this experience is certainly beneficial!
Yaros
A Few "What The Heck"s...
WTH happened to the Giants??? Big Blue had dominated all of their opponents and seemed to have an air of confidence about them that revolved around their running game. Thus, to beat the Giants, the logical need should be to stop that running game and eliminate that confidence. Not so - the trick, as we found out Monday night, is to pressure Eli Manning into throwing interceptions. His 3 interceptions were the reason for the blow out loss. The Giants running game did an excellent job - they hit their absurd season average of 180 yards per game.
The defense had its issues as it allowed Derek Anderson to throw for 310 and did not sack him once.
I expect the Giants to recover from this "odd" defeat!
WTH happened to the great fun everyone predicted in a Red Sox vs. Dodgers World Series. So much for the Red Sox running through the Rays with their superior pitching giving up 9 and 13 runs in consecutive games is not going to get it done in the playoffs - the Red Sox should know that!
The Dodgers are also having pitching issues. 2 of the 3 Dodger losses thus far have come on big home runs (in the 5th inning of game 1 and the 8th inning of game 4).
WTH will MLB and FOX due when the Phillies and Rays create a rating disaster in the World Series. Baseball fans will love it because everyone wants to see scrappy, solid teams make it. Although, it is not as if the Phillies don't have star power - when Ryan Howard wins the MVP that will be 3 Phillies MVP awards in a row!
Plus, the Rays are a great story.
However, the casual fan is less likely to tune in for this match than any other combination of playoff teams aside from Rays vs. Brewers. I don't particularly care about MLB's bottom line so the cynical person I am is quite excited about this match up!
Yaros
The defense had its issues as it allowed Derek Anderson to throw for 310 and did not sack him once.
I expect the Giants to recover from this "odd" defeat!
WTH happened to the great fun everyone predicted in a Red Sox vs. Dodgers World Series. So much for the Red Sox running through the Rays with their superior pitching giving up 9 and 13 runs in consecutive games is not going to get it done in the playoffs - the Red Sox should know that!
The Dodgers are also having pitching issues. 2 of the 3 Dodger losses thus far have come on big home runs (in the 5th inning of game 1 and the 8th inning of game 4).
WTH will MLB and FOX due when the Phillies and Rays create a rating disaster in the World Series. Baseball fans will love it because everyone wants to see scrappy, solid teams make it. Although, it is not as if the Phillies don't have star power - when Ryan Howard wins the MVP that will be 3 Phillies MVP awards in a row!
Plus, the Rays are a great story.
However, the casual fan is less likely to tune in for this match than any other combination of playoff teams aside from Rays vs. Brewers. I don't particularly care about MLB's bottom line so the cynical person I am is quite excited about this match up!
Yaros
Monday, October 13, 2008
We Are The Mighty Mighty Giants!
After a great year in 2007, the Browns have struggled mightily this year and rank dead last in offense.
This will make the best team in football's job even easier - dispatch an inferior team on added rest.
Jacobs and Co. will run for their typical 180-200 yards for the game and the Giants will control the ball for more than 35 minutes. This pure domination is unique in that it is not high flying and threw the air, it is more of a ball control competition that the Giants always win! I would describe it in the following manner: last year's Pats dominated with big punches that would knock the opposing boxer (note the metaphor) out, while this year's Giants are like the bruising boxer who pounds his opponent until the person is beyond exhausted, has eyes that are swollen shut and feels abused.
Prediction: The Giants will cruise to another victory and the Plax issue willl not matter at all! Giants 27 Browns 13
Yaros
This will make the best team in football's job even easier - dispatch an inferior team on added rest.
Jacobs and Co. will run for their typical 180-200 yards for the game and the Giants will control the ball for more than 35 minutes. This pure domination is unique in that it is not high flying and threw the air, it is more of a ball control competition that the Giants always win! I would describe it in the following manner: last year's Pats dominated with big punches that would knock the opposing boxer (note the metaphor) out, while this year's Giants are like the bruising boxer who pounds his opponent until the person is beyond exhausted, has eyes that are swollen shut and feels abused.
Prediction: The Giants will cruise to another victory and the Plax issue willl not matter at all! Giants 27 Browns 13
Yaros
Ugly Win, But Big Ole Kris Ripped It Up!
The Jets played okay this week offensively (basically, they did what they had to do) but certainly did not look spectacular. Brett Favre looked good on some throws and had solid protection; however, he did make 1 pretty bad throw that was picked at the goal line (the throw to Coles was really under thrown and equivalent to a great punt) and fumbled for a TD.
The key to the game was the ineptitude of the Bengals offense (specifcally the run) and the dominance of the Jets defense - led by Kris Jenkins. The line didn't allow anything significant to the point that the Bengals running backs had a combined 20 yards on 15 carries. That is an embarrassment to professional (or Pee Wee) football!
Notes:
The Jets Special Teams is also starting to really click. The coverage today was superb and Leon Washington is a great return man.
The Jets give a shout out to the Chargers and Texans for beating New England and Miami respectively. This is a wide open division!
Yaros
The key to the game was the ineptitude of the Bengals offense (specifcally the run) and the dominance of the Jets defense - led by Kris Jenkins. The line didn't allow anything significant to the point that the Bengals running backs had a combined 20 yards on 15 carries. That is an embarrassment to professional (or Pee Wee) football!
Notes:
The Jets Special Teams is also starting to really click. The coverage today was superb and Leon Washington is a great return man.
The Jets give a shout out to the Chargers and Texans for beating New England and Miami respectively. This is a wide open division!
Yaros
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Beckett Clearly Injured!
For those of you who can't see yourself when standing in front of the mirror (my odd way of saying that you don't notice the obvious), Josh Beckett is not pitching well entirely due to his injured oblique. When a core muscle (any stomach or back muscle) is injured, it limits twisting and bending. So the arm can throw it hard, but the ball doesn't move as well and just doesn't go quite as hard because there is less bodily torque.
I know it is complicated, but it is rather obvious when he is pitching that he is not turning as well. I think it is more pronounced when he is in the stretch because there is more reliance on core than in the wind-up (which takes more advantage of leg muscle).
I hope you enjoyed our Biology lesson of the day.
Yaros
I know it is complicated, but it is rather obvious when he is pitching that he is not turning as well. I think it is more pronounced when he is in the stretch because there is more reliance on core than in the wind-up (which takes more advantage of leg muscle).
I hope you enjoyed our Biology lesson of the day.
Yaros
Friday, October 10, 2008
Jets In Great Shape This Weekend!
With no confidence (an 0-5 record will do that to you) the Bengals are just looking to win a game. They came close against the Giants and Cowboys (2 good teams), but found a way to lose.
The defense is terrible and Brett Favre will have another huge day to pad those stats.
But the blow that nailed the final nail into the coffin is an elbow injury to stud QB Carson Palmer. The guy makes that offense run smoothly and without him this is the surest bet of any Jets game this season.
Yes, even more so than the Rams because the Bengals have no running game to take advantage of the Jets mediocre D-line.
One note, the Jets need to let Calvin Pace and company blitz. This Fitzpatrick character is not good and will get very rattled if the Jet blitz gets to him. Look for a lot of picks and at least 4 sacks this weekend from the Jets.
Prediction: Jets 38 Bengals 13
Note: The injury to Brian Westbrook really hurts the already reeling Eagles in a awfully hard division. They are a good team, but will likely finish fourth in the NFC East.
Yaros
The defense is terrible and Brett Favre will have another huge day to pad those stats.
But the blow that nailed the final nail into the coffin is an elbow injury to stud QB Carson Palmer. The guy makes that offense run smoothly and without him this is the surest bet of any Jets game this season.
Yes, even more so than the Rams because the Bengals have no running game to take advantage of the Jets mediocre D-line.
One note, the Jets need to let Calvin Pace and company blitz. This Fitzpatrick character is not good and will get very rattled if the Jet blitz gets to him. Look for a lot of picks and at least 4 sacks this weekend from the Jets.
Prediction: Jets 38 Bengals 13
Note: The injury to Brian Westbrook really hurts the already reeling Eagles in a awfully hard division. They are a good team, but will likely finish fourth in the NFC East.
Yaros
The Start Of Hockey Is Upon Us!
I agree that hockey is a sport, and a really exciting, fast paced and great one at that. The league in fact has gotten better since the lockout and shootouts are a fun way to end a game. However, Versus is not a legit network and golf often gets higher ratings than hockey.
I have no objections to the game itself, but I have a couple of ideas as to why the NHL is not a successful league - from a mediocre fan standpoint (as in not a die hard) - in the U.S.
3) The sport is imported and competes with all 3 major American sports at some point during the season.
2) There are not enough Americans in the league. People favor the homegrown guys (which is why the NHL is so popular in Canada) and the number of Europeans and Russians is far too high for the sport to really take off (that is nothing against the foreign players - it is just shows that the U.S. needs to find some talent).
1) Most importantly, everyone makes the playoffs (not literally, but more than half the league does). This basically creates a meaningless regular season. When the regular season is meaningless and the other factors are taken into account, you get a sport no one cares about!
If you have any other ideas as to why the league is not particularly successful (as a business) than post your comments. If you would like to write the hockey preview email me at yaros@talkingNYsports.com
Yaros
I have no objections to the game itself, but I have a couple of ideas as to why the NHL is not a successful league - from a mediocre fan standpoint (as in not a die hard) - in the U.S.
3) The sport is imported and competes with all 3 major American sports at some point during the season.
2) There are not enough Americans in the league. People favor the homegrown guys (which is why the NHL is so popular in Canada) and the number of Europeans and Russians is far too high for the sport to really take off (that is nothing against the foreign players - it is just shows that the U.S. needs to find some talent).
1) Most importantly, everyone makes the playoffs (not literally, but more than half the league does). This basically creates a meaningless regular season. When the regular season is meaningless and the other factors are taken into account, you get a sport no one cares about!
If you have any other ideas as to why the league is not particularly successful (as a business) than post your comments. If you would like to write the hockey preview email me at yaros@talkingNYsports.com
Yaros
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Life Is Rough In NY These Days!
Life is certainly a bore. What else is there to talk about during the week other than Plaxico Burress looking foolish for forgetting that cell phones were invented more than 2 weeks ago. He didn't realize that using his phone (don't forget to use the hands free kit) from his car while driving his kid to school to tell the Giants he would be a few minutes late would be a good idea.
Even if he forgot to use the hands free kit and a cop pulled him over, it still would have cost him less than the $117,000 his suspension cost him.
And Plax, a note for future suspensions (he averages about 1 per team he plays for), apologize profusely to the media no matter what the truth is. It is not worth looking stubborn and foolish for honor's sake when it comes to such a petty matter.
Yaros
Even if he forgot to use the hands free kit and a cop pulled him over, it still would have cost him less than the $117,000 his suspension cost him.
And Plax, a note for future suspensions (he averages about 1 per team he plays for), apologize profusely to the media no matter what the truth is. It is not worth looking stubborn and foolish for honor's sake when it comes to such a petty matter.
Yaros
Monday, October 6, 2008
It Is Time For My Yankee Memories...
_____
I sadly don't recall that very first game I went to, I believe it was in 1993 or 1994. I do have a book filled with baseball card sleeves from one of those early games.
My first true baseball memory is not Yankee related - Grissom catching the fly ball in center field to win the 1995 World Series - was the starting point of the memorably spoiled upbringing of the late 1990s New York Yankees.
I loved Bernie Williams, he was quiet, not the biggest of stars and just a really solid player. I was so excited when he was on the cover of SI for Kids, I kept that one a while.
There are so many games to talk about as I have been blessed (my dad got me tickets as a youngster from work and thanks to my mom, I have gone to seen many Yankee games in recent years). I'll just list a few memories...
No regular season game is ever as loud as a playoff game, when even the wealthy businessmen in their $2,000 suits are standing and screaming the entire game. I was at the clinching game 5 of the 2001 ALDS against the A's. That game was special for 2 reasons...first, Derek Jeter made a remarkable play, diving into the stands behind third in a big spot in the 8th inning. (It was a classic Jeter play, but not nearly the biggest of the series as "the flip" takes that cake.)...second, the Yankees is the only team to have ever lost the first 2 games of a divisional series (at home) and then taken the next three games. The excitement and singing of Frank Sinatra's famous song as everyone walked back to their cars gave the little 9th grader that I was quite a thrill.
I have been to other playoff games, but that one takes the cake.
There are other, memorable, regular season games as well...
I had fantastic seats, front row behind home plate (touching the net and in near perfect line with the catcher - basically staring over his left shoulder as the umpire would if a lefty is up) and I got to the game early to ask for autographs from players and coaches. After the game I dashed over to the Oakland A's visiting dugout because there was a mass of people at the Yankees. I asked the bat boy if he had anything cool laying around and he asked me if I wanted the lineup card. I said sure (because I was going to take anything) but the relative coolness of the official Yankee lineup card with the
signature on it is something unique and very cool (at least I think so, and I am no longer enamored with autographs.)
Ah, the single best regular season game I have ever been to was easily a game against the Padres on June 13th 2004 that has since become a Yankee classic that has been replayed on YES. It was warm Sunday and a relatively boring game (even for me) as the Yankees were down 2-0 going into the bottom of the 9th inning and facing Trevor Hoffman (for those who don't no, Trevor Hoffman has never saved a big game in his life; however, I had reason to be concerned because this game was not really a big one.) With 2 strikes and 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth (as if in a dream), Hideki Matsui hit a home run to right field to cut the deficit to 2-1. Then, for some odd reason, Joe Torre pinch hit Kenny Lofton, a slap hitter, for Tony Clark, a power hitter, (even with Reuben Sierra on the bench) and Lofton proceeded to hit a short porch homer to tie the game. Us Yankee fans who hadn't actually walked out went ballistic.
Moving on to the 13th inning...the stadium went silent and the masses began to leave when the Padres scored 3 runs in the top of the inning. The odds of coming back from that large a deficit is quite low...but we stayed, my friends and I had faith. And, in the bottom of the 13th, the Yankees scored 4 times, with the final tally on a Sierra walk-off single to left field. There were not many people there, but those of us who remained saw an incredible comeback. I remember walking out of the stadium thinking, 'wow, I just saw one for the ages.'
_____________
Lastly, the final memorable experience I have from Yankee Stadium is the final opening day. I sat through the supposed rain delay (even though it never really rained) and then went back for the actual game the next day. The Yankees beat Roy Halladay behind Chin Ming Wang in a solid victory.
To conclude, the memories are numerous and I enjoyed almost all my Yankee Stadium experiences. The lack of cleanliness, crazy drunks and nasty bathrooms were all part of the experience.
______
Yaros
I sadly don't recall that very first game I went to, I believe it was in 1993 or 1994. I do have a book filled with baseball card sleeves from one of those early games.
My first true baseball memory is not Yankee related - Grissom catching the fly ball in center field to win the 1995 World Series - was the starting point of the memorably spoiled upbringing of the late 1990s New York Yankees.
I loved Bernie Williams, he was quiet, not the biggest of stars and just a really solid player. I was so excited when he was on the cover of SI for Kids, I kept that one a while.
There are so many games to talk about as I have been blessed (my dad got me tickets as a youngster from work and thanks to my mom, I have gone to seen many Yankee games in recent years). I'll just list a few memories...
No regular season game is ever as loud as a playoff game, when even the wealthy businessmen in their $2,000 suits are standing and screaming the entire game. I was at the clinching game 5 of the 2001 ALDS against the A's. That game was special for 2 reasons...first, Derek Jeter made a remarkable play, diving into the stands behind third in a big spot in the 8th inning. (It was a classic Jeter play, but not nearly the biggest of the series as "the flip" takes that cake.)...second, the Yankees is the only team to have ever lost the first 2 games of a divisional series (at home) and then taken the next three games. The excitement and singing of Frank Sinatra's famous song as everyone walked back to their cars gave the little 9th grader that I was quite a thrill.
I have been to other playoff games, but that one takes the cake.
There are other, memorable, regular season games as well...
I had fantastic seats, front row behind home plate (touching the net and in near perfect line with the catcher - basically staring over his left shoulder as the umpire would if a lefty is up) and I got to the game early to ask for autographs from players and coaches. After the game I dashed over to the Oakland A's visiting dugout because there was a mass of people at the Yankees. I asked the bat boy if he had anything cool laying around and he asked me if I wanted the lineup card. I said sure (because I was going to take anything) but the relative coolness of the official Yankee lineup card with the
signature on it is something unique and very cool (at least I think so, and I am no longer enamored with autographs.)Ah, the single best regular season game I have ever been to was easily a game against the Padres on June 13th 2004 that has since become a Yankee classic that has been replayed on YES. It was warm Sunday and a relatively boring game (even for me) as the Yankees were down 2-0 going into the bottom of the 9th inning and facing Trevor Hoffman (for those who don't no, Trevor Hoffman has never saved a big game in his life; however, I had reason to be concerned because this game was not really a big one.) With 2 strikes and 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth (as if in a dream), Hideki Matsui hit a home run to right field to cut the deficit to 2-1. Then, for some odd reason, Joe Torre pinch hit Kenny Lofton, a slap hitter, for Tony Clark, a power hitter, (even with Reuben Sierra on the bench) and Lofton proceeded to hit a short porch homer to tie the game. Us Yankee fans who hadn't actually walked out went ballistic.
Moving on to the 13th inning...the stadium went silent and the masses began to leave when the Padres scored 3 runs in the top of the inning. The odds of coming back from that large a deficit is quite low...but we stayed, my friends and I had faith. And, in the bottom of the 13th, the Yankees scored 4 times, with the final tally on a Sierra walk-off single to left field. There were not many people there, but those of us who remained saw an incredible comeback. I remember walking out of the stadium thinking, 'wow, I just saw one for the ages.'
_____________
Lastly, the final memorable experience I have from Yankee Stadium is the final opening day. I sat through the supposed rain delay (even though it never really rained) and then went back for the actual game the next day. The Yankees beat Roy Halladay behind Chin Ming Wang in a solid victory.
To conclude, the memories are numerous and I enjoyed almost all my Yankee Stadium experiences. The lack of cleanliness, crazy drunks and nasty bathrooms were all part of the experience.
______
Yaros
The Key To The Rays Success Is...
During their relatively easy series win against the White Sox, the Rays' bullpen gave up 1 run in 11 and 2/3 innings. That comes out to a 0.77 ERA for the series. Pitching is critical in the playoffs and to think that the Rays' bullpen is this good after the clear goal of every Yankee team since the Devil Rays came into existence was to raise Tampa Bay's starter's pitch count just to get to the bullpen. Joe Madden is clearly the runaway Manager of the Year winner, but the dramatic change in the bullpen is one of the most impressive features of this team.
That said, boy is it going to be tough to beat the Red Sox.
Speaking of the Red Sox, the Twins must be crying after saying John Lester was not a good enough of a prospect to accept in a package for Johan last winter. He is pitching better than anyone on Boston's staff at the moment, and has also been the best pitcher thus far in the playoffs for any team.
The Rays will be very tough at home as they have been all year. The Red Sox are 1-8 in The Trop this year and have not faired well against the Rays late in the season - even in Boston.
This will be a very close series and the Red Sox are likely favored in Vegas; however, I am going to pick the Rays because of the home field advantage and because their lack of experience did not hampered them one bit in the ALDS.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays - 7 games.
That said, boy is it going to be tough to beat the Red Sox.
Speaking of the Red Sox, the Twins must be crying after saying John Lester was not a good enough of a prospect to accept in a package for Johan last winter. He is pitching better than anyone on Boston's staff at the moment, and has also been the best pitcher thus far in the playoffs for any team.
The Rays will be very tough at home as they have been all year. The Red Sox are 1-8 in The Trop this year and have not faired well against the Rays late in the season - even in Boston.
This will be a very close series and the Red Sox are likely favored in Vegas; however, I am going to pick the Rays because of the home field advantage and because their lack of experience did not hampered them one bit in the ALDS.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays - 7 games.
MLB Breathes A Sigh Of Relief!
Wahoo for ratings! It is vitally important for ratings that these series get extended. Tonight was an excellent start as only the Phillies finished off their series tonight. The one good thing about a 5 game series is that fans are very intrigued because the tides can turn in an instant.
That brings me to the issue of a 5 game series in the playoffs. I don't think a 5 game series is a responsible way of finding a champion. If David Stern decided to eliminate the 5 game series in the NBA, all the more so MLB should eliminate it.
In basketball, since the same players play every game, even a short 5 game series has the potential of determining the rightful and most worthy winner of a series. Yet, David Stern felt that even opening series of the NBA playoffs should be lengthened in order to ensure that the better team advances (even though the NBA playoffs would take even longer - they take longer than about half the season in terms of months!)
Since pitching is such an important factor in a baseball game and it varies every night, a 7 game series is a far truer determinant of the best team in each series. A 5 gamer is simply too short to eliminate as much luck as possible.
Comment with your thoughts...
Yaros
That brings me to the issue of a 5 game series in the playoffs. I don't think a 5 game series is a responsible way of finding a champion. If David Stern decided to eliminate the 5 game series in the NBA, all the more so MLB should eliminate it.
In basketball, since the same players play every game, even a short 5 game series has the potential of determining the rightful and most worthy winner of a series. Yet, David Stern felt that even opening series of the NBA playoffs should be lengthened in order to ensure that the better team advances (even though the NBA playoffs would take even longer - they take longer than about half the season in terms of months!)
Since pitching is such an important factor in a baseball game and it varies every night, a 7 game series is a far truer determinant of the best team in each series. A 5 gamer is simply too short to eliminate as much luck as possible.
Comment with your thoughts...
Yaros
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Easy Win!
I don't think a Giant broke a sweat.
This game reminds me of a story John Sterling told while announcing a Yankee game a few years back. I don't recall all the details, but the basic gist was that the Yankees were on their way to the west coast, but earlier in the year had a game rained out in the midwest. The Yankees stopped in the midwest city and proceeded to get 1 hit and lost 10-0 or so. Sterling said that the feeling was that they should not have even bothered landing.
That was the feeling I got from the Seahawks this afternoon. They would have rather not shown up. They started slow and never sped up.
I expected a much better effort but this game was over in the first half. The Giants, led by Brandon Jacobs, simply ran over the Seahawks. And the Seattle offense was nowhere to be found.
Nicely done Giants, I would not expect it to always be that easy.
Notes:
Indy got rediculously lucky today. 2 fumbles by Rosenfels in the last 4 minutes down by 10. Why the Colts are in those types of positions against lesser teams is beyond me, but hey, they managed to get out of it. Props to them.
The NFC North is one bad division. Everyone picked the Packers and Vikings - neither team is any good. Both teams have good defenses, but the QB is the league's most important position and neither team has one.
Finally, another example of the plague known as flying from the west coast to the Atlantic - the Chargers lost to the Dolphins. Anyone care to explain that? And, Ronnie Brown actually scored a touchdown as a running QB today. I don't understand why teams can not recognize that play!
Yaros
This game reminds me of a story John Sterling told while announcing a Yankee game a few years back. I don't recall all the details, but the basic gist was that the Yankees were on their way to the west coast, but earlier in the year had a game rained out in the midwest. The Yankees stopped in the midwest city and proceeded to get 1 hit and lost 10-0 or so. Sterling said that the feeling was that they should not have even bothered landing.
That was the feeling I got from the Seahawks this afternoon. They would have rather not shown up. They started slow and never sped up.
I expected a much better effort but this game was over in the first half. The Giants, led by Brandon Jacobs, simply ran over the Seahawks. And the Seattle offense was nowhere to be found.
Nicely done Giants, I would not expect it to always be that easy.
Notes:
Indy got rediculously lucky today. 2 fumbles by Rosenfels in the last 4 minutes down by 10. Why the Colts are in those types of positions against lesser teams is beyond me, but hey, they managed to get out of it. Props to them.
The NFC North is one bad division. Everyone picked the Packers and Vikings - neither team is any good. Both teams have good defenses, but the QB is the league's most important position and neither team has one.
Finally, another example of the plague known as flying from the west coast to the Atlantic - the Chargers lost to the Dolphins. Anyone care to explain that? And, Ronnie Brown actually scored a touchdown as a running QB today. I don't understand why teams can not recognize that play!
Yaros
Giants Preview!
The Seattle Seahawks have had it really tough this year as they have gone through receivers like water (due to a plethora of injuries). Some of the better WRs are back but it is unlikely they will be 100%. Being completely healthy physically is not the same as the mental willingness to take a hit (players gain that comfortability over the course of the season). Additionally, Julius Jones will not have much running room against the dominating Giants D-line. Lastly, coming cross country is never fun (as the Arizona Cardinals could attest).
The Giants have the consistent and always fresh running game (because they use 3 backs) and will dominate the time of possession stat all year because of that run. The Plax suspension will hurt the passing attack because he is always the defense's focus, but, it should not matter.
Prediction: Giants 34 Seahawks 20
Note: I expect the Patriots to cruise to victory today as Bill the Bully has 2 weeks to prepare.
I don't understand why the Bills are an underdog in Arizona. The Bills will win today with their typical grit!
Yaros
The Giants have the consistent and always fresh running game (because they use 3 backs) and will dominate the time of possession stat all year because of that run. The Plax suspension will hurt the passing attack because he is always the defense's focus, but, it should not matter.
Prediction: Giants 34 Seahawks 20
Note: I expect the Patriots to cruise to victory today as Bill the Bully has 2 weeks to prepare.
I don't understand why the Bills are an underdog in Arizona. The Bills will win today with their typical grit!
Yaros
Major League Ratings Disaster!
Major League Baseball's playoff ratings are going as the stock market has been going - DOWN. Why? Because the Cubs are no longer in the playoffs and because 3 of the 4 divisional series could easily end in sweeps as of tomorrow. I will get to the Cubs momentarily, but regarding the other series...
The Red Sox have Beckett going tomorrow night and I'd take him over almost anyone even when injured. The guy dominates the post season and is facing a young pitcher who is making his first playoff start in Joe Saunders.
Moving on, the Phillies are starting Joe Blanton tomorrow who has not been stellar, but has not lost since transferring to the NL. Already up 2-1, the Phillies may take the series tomorrow as well.
Finally, the Rays have Matt Garza going who is very young (but that hasn't stopped them from winning the first 2 of the series down in Tampa) against John Danks who has had a very up and down September (3 excellent start, 1 okay start and 2 awful starts). I expect the White Sox to win this one with the 10th man helping out in the stands.
Back to the Cubs, it is hard to pick one culprit in this series. Soriano never hits in the post season (even when he hit that huge homer against Byung Hyun Kim (Correction: Curt Schilling) in the 2001 World Series, he had a poor series other than the long ball. I distinctly recall getting agrivated as he continuously swung at slider after slider out of the strike zone. Now he is another town's problem.
The starting pitching was also at fault. Dempster gave up too many walks, Zambrano was, well... himself (Mr. Inconsistent) and Harden is likely injured (no surprise there) as he has not been the same since prior to his start against the Mets. His velocity is down and his location is not up to his lofty standards.
Bottom line, the Cubs were tight as a wrestler's spandex (odd imagery) and could not hit a lick with runners on base.
Note: I was clearly wrong about the Angels. I am actually surprised they have lost both games. I thought they had turned the corner against the Red Sox this year (they dominated Boston during the regular season) and I expected them to take at least one of the first 2 (especially with Beckett pitching in game 3). They are not eliminated yet, but they have 1 foot out the playoff door!
Yaros
The Red Sox have Beckett going tomorrow night and I'd take him over almost anyone even when injured. The guy dominates the post season and is facing a young pitcher who is making his first playoff start in Joe Saunders.
Moving on, the Phillies are starting Joe Blanton tomorrow who has not been stellar, but has not lost since transferring to the NL. Already up 2-1, the Phillies may take the series tomorrow as well.
Finally, the Rays have Matt Garza going who is very young (but that hasn't stopped them from winning the first 2 of the series down in Tampa) against John Danks who has had a very up and down September (3 excellent start, 1 okay start and 2 awful starts). I expect the White Sox to win this one with the 10th man helping out in the stands.
Back to the Cubs, it is hard to pick one culprit in this series. Soriano never hits in the post season (even when he hit that huge homer against Byung Hyun Kim (Correction: Curt Schilling) in the 2001 World Series, he had a poor series other than the long ball. I distinctly recall getting agrivated as he continuously swung at slider after slider out of the strike zone. Now he is another town's problem.
The starting pitching was also at fault. Dempster gave up too many walks, Zambrano was, well... himself (Mr. Inconsistent) and Harden is likely injured (no surprise there) as he has not been the same since prior to his start against the Mets. His velocity is down and his location is not up to his lofty standards.
Bottom line, the Cubs were tight as a wrestler's spandex (odd imagery) and could not hit a lick with runners on base.
Note: I was clearly wrong about the Angels. I am actually surprised they have lost both games. I thought they had turned the corner against the Red Sox this year (they dominated Boston during the regular season) and I expected them to take at least one of the first 2 (especially with Beckett pitching in game 3). They are not eliminated yet, but they have 1 foot out the playoff door!
Yaros
Friday, October 3, 2008
O' O' I have a good idea, We should say our team overachieved...
and then low ball the manager. Of course the team did not overachieve as they blew a solid lead with few games to play! The senior management of the Mets is an absolute joke, especially Jeff "The Younger" Wilpon who personally made the "overachieved" claim. The bottom line is that some could argue Manuel doesn't deserve a new deal; however, the Wilpons have no right to do so.
Moving on to teams still in the hunt for a ring, Crazy Carlos Zambrano really reminds me of Oliver Perez because of his inconsistent style. He is really good at either pitching a gem or walking the ballpark. He has a little more talent than Oliver (that is not to say Perez doesn't have good stuff - but Zambrano has superb stuff), but he is also crazy enough to fight his manager, catcher and anyone else on the planet (even this scary guy
)
It is unlikely that the Cubbies will see Wrigley again until April. The odds of winning a5 game series after losing the first 2 at home are very low - teams are 1 and a lot under such circumstances with the 1 being the Yankees in their heyday against Oakland.
Finally, CC appeared to have run out of gas last night in Philadelphia. He has pitched on 3 days rest 3 times in a row and it is taking its toll. Props to the Brewers for beating out the Mets, but it will be a short ride. (Note: this is what made the Rockies run last year so impressive - they worked so hard for it to close the regular season and pushed even harder to get to the World Series. Other teams burn out)
Yaros
Moving on to teams still in the hunt for a ring, Crazy Carlos Zambrano really reminds me of Oliver Perez because of his inconsistent style. He is really good at either pitching a gem or walking the ballpark. He has a little more talent than Oliver (that is not to say Perez doesn't have good stuff - but Zambrano has superb stuff), but he is also crazy enough to fight his manager, catcher and anyone else on the planet (even this scary guy
)It is unlikely that the Cubbies will see Wrigley again until April. The odds of winning a5 game series after losing the first 2 at home are very low - teams are 1 and a lot under such circumstances with the 1 being the Yankees in their heyday against Oakland.
Finally, CC appeared to have run out of gas last night in Philadelphia. He has pitched on 3 days rest 3 times in a row and it is taking its toll. Props to the Brewers for beating out the Mets, but it will be a short ride. (Note: this is what made the Rockies run last year so impressive - they worked so hard for it to close the regular season and pushed even harder to get to the World Series. Other teams burn out)
Yaros
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Met and Yankee Memories...
So What Is There To Say About Baseball?
Lester is pitching another playoff dandy. He has been really solid this year and is coming through in a really big spot after a couple of rocky innings early in the game.
Moving on...the Yankees are looking dumber and dumber with every win
Joe Torre
gets in the post season. Ryan Dempster is not an ace - period!
CC needs to pitch every game in the playoffs - classic Ben Sheets - his elbow muscle fell off!
Yaros
Moving on...the Yankees are looking dumber and dumber with every win
Joe Torre
gets in the post season. Ryan Dempster is not an ace - period!CC needs to pitch every game in the playoffs - classic Ben Sheets - his elbow muscle fell off!
Yaros
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