The Boston Red Sox are the World Champions, and it reminds me a bit of final movie in the Rocky series.
Playing the part of Rocky Balboa: David Ortiz. Big Papi, at the right moment, took a reeling Red Sox team, and with one speech, set their thinking in the right direction. I'm pretty sure the words weren't, "It's not about hard you hit. It's about how hard you get hit and keep going forward." I understand it had a lot of expletives, but the point was made. His speech changed the course and destiny of the Series: Boston won three in a row. He walked out on the field and performed, showing plenty of skill to go with the will.
Playing the part of Robert Balboa, Jr.: Xander Bogaerts. He received that speech, and delivered a .296 avg and .412 on base percentage. Little Rocky may have made some excuses before seeing battle, but he learned from the experience. Bogaert's arrival, and the exposure to the leadership of Ortiz, opens the door to a long career. When some top prospects are hated, he is well thought of in the Red Sox organization, and it is easy to see why. He carries the right attitude.
Playing the part of Mason "The Line" Dixon: the St. Louis Cardinals. While they weren't the current champs coming in, they played the role of heir apparent. They were done in by an injury to Allen Craig, and the mistakes made by a team aware of the prize. Props to Michael Wacha for his performance: he could be one of the best in baseball, and very soon.
Playing the part of Paulie: John Farrell. While he doesn't quite fit the bill of a boozing ex-meat cutter, Farrell had the right moves at the right time. Sometimes, leadership is stepping back and sometimes it is stepping up. He put the right person, Jonny Gomes, in the right place to turn Game Four with his three run homer. John Lackey pitched well throughout the series, at the right times. He stepped back and Ortiz lead the clubhouse at the right time.
It comes back to David Ortiz. If he isn't in Cooperstown when he hangs up the spikes, it is a travesty. Great leaders should be honored, too. He has more than earned it.
So...am I off base?
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
Games 3 and 4-Random Thoughts
Some random thoughts on the World Series while waiting for someone to say something nice about umpires.
-Game Three had an ending never before experienced in a Major League Baseball game- a walk off obstruction call. It was a heck of a situation to have to make that call, but it was correctly made. If you're thinking about the manager, when has an umpire cared about what a manager thought of his call? More interesting is the tweet from Peter Gammons, who sent a picture of Jim Joyce looking at the ball while the obstruction was happening in front of him. Peter is a tremendous reporter, a respected analyst, but this was a very poor choice on his part. A couple of frames later would show him doing his job. Shame on you, Peter Gammons. Way to add a grain of salt to anything you say. Hope it was worth it.
-I understand keeping the runner off third base in a key situation, but why throw that ball? While you probably weren't turning the double play at first with the speedy John Jay, it is still a tag play, and as youth coaches will tell you, throwing the ball always puts it at peril of disappearing beyond the intended fielder. One out, first and third is better than game over. A double play could be turned on Pete Kozma, who was on deck, who could be walked to get to Kolten Wong. Wong had singled in his last at bat, but had played sparingly throughout the postseason. Patience, usually a Red Sox trait, could have really paid off here.
-Kolten Wong was picked off to end Game Four. He was thinking about getting into scoring position, and got caught in a hop toward second. Jonny Gomes wasn't supposed to play, pressed into service when Shane Victorino's back prevented his participation. Teams that got here by solid play have been less than solid. It's a sign that this has been a truly strange World Series.
-Game Five is back to the Game One starters, Jon Lester vs. Adam Wainwright. Wainwright faces the biggest job, straightening the Cardinals' ship. Momentum has been important and very elusive, probably due to a poor level of play. My hope is that we have a well played game for a change.
-Understand why the 2-3-2 format is used, but it makes the two most pivotal games, three and five, played at the team without home field advantage. Maybe this is an equalizer, but it seems these games should be split to maintain home field advantage.
So...am I off base?
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Game 3 = Pivotal Baseball
Any seven game series swings on the third game, especially after a split in the first two games. In this case, the Cardinals have stolen home field advantage, and can win out at home without returning to Fenway. The Red Sox, sending long time veteran Jake Peavy to the bump, need this win to get back home one more time where anything can happen with fences reachable by heavy breathing.
If it weren't for the intangibles, I'd say the Red Sox are in trouble.
Something wonderfully determined about the Red Sox makes me favor them. This series is the third consecutively where their starting pitching has not been favorable, but their depth in the bullpen stellar. Third consecutive series where their lineup is about even, minus Stephen Drew, who has been biblically lousy with a bat, but exceptional with the glove. If Xander Bogaerts weren't twenty-one, he'd probably be playing shortstop already, and it might be time to make the change. Will Middlebrooks will outhit Stephen Drew and play decent third base. Right now, I might be able to outhit Stephen Drew.
I marvel at how the Cardinal organization, inventors of the farm system, continue to produce young talent from within. The three pitchers quieting Red Sox bats in Game 2 TOTALED 67 years of age. I know people with corns that old. Joe Kelly has been okay in his starts and needs to come up with a good start tonight to give the Cardinals a chance. After a hiccup in Game 1, the Cardinals looked as solid as they have all year, hitting in timely fashion, and Carlos Beltran earns warrior stripes for playing through injury and producing. Allen Craig or Matt Adams is a nice problem to have, but the answer could win them a Championship.
If it weren't for the intangibles, I'd say the Red Sox are in trouble.
David Ortiz, forced into the field, and Shane Victorino have been finding a way to get it done. The bullpen has been solid, Koji Uehara, looking much like a young Trevor Hoffman, could close out the Pacific Ocean if needed. It's all heart.
So...am I off base?
If it weren't for the intangibles, I'd say the Red Sox are in trouble.
Something wonderfully determined about the Red Sox makes me favor them. This series is the third consecutively where their starting pitching has not been favorable, but their depth in the bullpen stellar. Third consecutive series where their lineup is about even, minus Stephen Drew, who has been biblically lousy with a bat, but exceptional with the glove. If Xander Bogaerts weren't twenty-one, he'd probably be playing shortstop already, and it might be time to make the change. Will Middlebrooks will outhit Stephen Drew and play decent third base. Right now, I might be able to outhit Stephen Drew.
I marvel at how the Cardinal organization, inventors of the farm system, continue to produce young talent from within. The three pitchers quieting Red Sox bats in Game 2 TOTALED 67 years of age. I know people with corns that old. Joe Kelly has been okay in his starts and needs to come up with a good start tonight to give the Cardinals a chance. After a hiccup in Game 1, the Cardinals looked as solid as they have all year, hitting in timely fashion, and Carlos Beltran earns warrior stripes for playing through injury and producing. Allen Craig or Matt Adams is a nice problem to have, but the answer could win them a Championship.
If it weren't for the intangibles, I'd say the Red Sox are in trouble.
David Ortiz, forced into the field, and Shane Victorino have been finding a way to get it done. The bullpen has been solid, Koji Uehara, looking much like a young Trevor Hoffman, could close out the Pacific Ocean if needed. It's all heart.
So...am I off base?
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Game 1: Success and Failure
It has been said of major golf championships that they are not won, they are lost. Last night, it proved true in baseball.
Many things were to be expected from last night's opening game of the World Series: good baseball, timely hitting, gutsy pitching. It was not expected that it would come from only one team.
The Cardinals showed a huge case of opening game jitters, from three fielding errors, to one large mental error giving Stephen Drew his first World Series hit, to Carlos Beltran, Mr. October 2013, becoming a spectator. A first rate catch, even his larceny at the expense of David Ortiz, looked a little shaky. Maybe the moment was a little too big.
The Red Sox made a couple of timely fielding plays, none bigger than the double play turned on David Freese, and got timely hits and sacrifice flies throughout the game. They came up big in a big situation. Jon Lester gets special stars for his strong pitching performance, looking every bit the ace he has been all season. He has been a special pitcher on what is, indeed, a special team.
I admire their love of the game, their love for each other, and the strong level of skill. Are they in line with the 1927 Yankees? No. But they are a tremendous example of what makes the difference between great and special. Skills are developed, attitudes are chosen. They are fun to watch play ball, and should win this World Series.
I think it will take six games. The Cardinals are a special team, in that they are usually able to execute in big situations, and use timely hitting and solid defense. It just didn't show up last night. Mike Matheney's big job is to make sure his players turn a momentary failure into a reminder: Baseball is a game of great one day, failure most of the time. I expect nothing less.
So...am I off base?
Many things were to be expected from last night's opening game of the World Series: good baseball, timely hitting, gutsy pitching. It was not expected that it would come from only one team.
The Cardinals showed a huge case of opening game jitters, from three fielding errors, to one large mental error giving Stephen Drew his first World Series hit, to Carlos Beltran, Mr. October 2013, becoming a spectator. A first rate catch, even his larceny at the expense of David Ortiz, looked a little shaky. Maybe the moment was a little too big.
The Red Sox made a couple of timely fielding plays, none bigger than the double play turned on David Freese, and got timely hits and sacrifice flies throughout the game. They came up big in a big situation. Jon Lester gets special stars for his strong pitching performance, looking every bit the ace he has been all season. He has been a special pitcher on what is, indeed, a special team.
I admire their love of the game, their love for each other, and the strong level of skill. Are they in line with the 1927 Yankees? No. But they are a tremendous example of what makes the difference between great and special. Skills are developed, attitudes are chosen. They are fun to watch play ball, and should win this World Series.
I think it will take six games. The Cardinals are a special team, in that they are usually able to execute in big situations, and use timely hitting and solid defense. It just didn't show up last night. Mike Matheney's big job is to make sure his players turn a momentary failure into a reminder: Baseball is a game of great one day, failure most of the time. I expect nothing less.
So...am I off base?
Monday, October 21, 2013
A Few Random Thoughts
Random thoughts while pondering the soccer playoff scenarios...
-The Red Sox have shown some true guts, finding a way to win another game. It takes an unlikely hero, and, at that point, no one was more unlikely than Shane Victorino. He had failed at every opportunity in the first five games, even failing to put down a bunt that could have put them on the board earlier in game six. He is at the twilight of his career, still a capable, productive player. I expect him to be his usual self in the World Series.
-Quick World Series Breakdown: Starting Pitching-Cardinals. Bullpen-Red Sox. Offense-Cardinals. Defense-Even. Intangibles-Red Sox. Pretty similar to the ALCS, which puts the Red Sox on top. Give them six games to do it.
-Red Sox bullpen was incredible against the Tigers. Koji Uehara reminds me of a cross between Trevor Hoffman and Tim Lincecum. Hoffman for the speed and placement of pitches, Lincecum for a delivery which seems to jump off the rubber at you as a hitter. He shows the fire the Red Sox have as a team.
-I would look for an announcement regarding A-Rod, his lawsuit, and the suspension during the World Series. It seems that baseball has a penchant for the worst thing at the worst time, and this is just another mangled scenario by billionaires who can't run a monopoly profitably. Shame on you, A-Rod. Take your punishment: you know what you did. Take it like a man and do something you've never done in your stellar career: take responsibility for your own failings.
-One thing exceptionally clear about the NFL yesterday: they don't start playing until the playoffs. The portions of games I saw yesterday were like stock footage in a movie studio: it filled your need, but left a lot to be desired. I understand inspired play is incredibly difficult to maintain over an entire season, but give us something. Maybe the issue is the games I had to opportunity to view: Bengals-Lions and Broncos-Colts.
-Scott Dixon showed incredible perseverance in winning the Indy Car Season Championship Saturday night. He had a couple of run-ins with Penske drivers, especially in Baltimore and Detroit, but got the job done. It is Dixie's third championship, an elite group. Special thoughts and prayers to Justin Wilson, who took a vicious hit and broke his pelvis in three places. He faces a long and difficult recovery.
So...am I off base?
-The Red Sox have shown some true guts, finding a way to win another game. It takes an unlikely hero, and, at that point, no one was more unlikely than Shane Victorino. He had failed at every opportunity in the first five games, even failing to put down a bunt that could have put them on the board earlier in game six. He is at the twilight of his career, still a capable, productive player. I expect him to be his usual self in the World Series.
-Quick World Series Breakdown: Starting Pitching-Cardinals. Bullpen-Red Sox. Offense-Cardinals. Defense-Even. Intangibles-Red Sox. Pretty similar to the ALCS, which puts the Red Sox on top. Give them six games to do it.
-Red Sox bullpen was incredible against the Tigers. Koji Uehara reminds me of a cross between Trevor Hoffman and Tim Lincecum. Hoffman for the speed and placement of pitches, Lincecum for a delivery which seems to jump off the rubber at you as a hitter. He shows the fire the Red Sox have as a team.
-I would look for an announcement regarding A-Rod, his lawsuit, and the suspension during the World Series. It seems that baseball has a penchant for the worst thing at the worst time, and this is just another mangled scenario by billionaires who can't run a monopoly profitably. Shame on you, A-Rod. Take your punishment: you know what you did. Take it like a man and do something you've never done in your stellar career: take responsibility for your own failings.
-One thing exceptionally clear about the NFL yesterday: they don't start playing until the playoffs. The portions of games I saw yesterday were like stock footage in a movie studio: it filled your need, but left a lot to be desired. I understand inspired play is incredibly difficult to maintain over an entire season, but give us something. Maybe the issue is the games I had to opportunity to view: Bengals-Lions and Broncos-Colts.
-Scott Dixon showed incredible perseverance in winning the Indy Car Season Championship Saturday night. He had a couple of run-ins with Penske drivers, especially in Baltimore and Detroit, but got the job done. It is Dixie's third championship, an elite group. Special thoughts and prayers to Justin Wilson, who took a vicious hit and broke his pelvis in three places. He faces a long and difficult recovery.
So...am I off base?
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Baseball and Traditions
The Cardinals have earned their way to the World Series and now await a partner. St. Louis rode the arm of Michael Wacha, who I thought would be more likely to fail. The Dodgers are still looking for Clayton Kershaw, who had given up one earned run since the middle of September.
He was found under a missed third strike call.
Score was 2-0, two on, two out, and a full count to Michael Adams, when Kershaw delivered a a nasty, moving fast ball around the knees. Adams took the pitch, called ball four by home plate umpire Greg Gibson. The TBS booth thought it was too close, the Dodgers thought it was too close, even the pitch tracker from TBS, electronic in nature, thought it was too close.
The next batter, Shane Robinson, singled to right, followed by a poorly advised and executed Yasiel Puig throw, and the manageable 2-0 deficit was 4-0 instead at the end of the inning.
I will grant that the first domino to fall was the 11 pitch battle with Matt Carpenter, but the missed third strike opened the flood gates. Shaken confidence and desperation lead to the five run Cardinal fifth that settled the issue. The mental battle is as important as the physical one, and everyone, including this year's best pitcher in the National League can be shaken. Want to give Michael Wacha huge credit for being the first rookie to not allow a run in two League Championship Series starts, winning the biggest game of all against the probable Cy Young winner.
-High School football regular season ended in Indiana last night. Senior nights at every game, and plenty of tradition to go around. A little controversy has come to light locally.
Plymouth High School has had recent controversy over the song "Rocky Top". The school decreed the removal of the song because of it's reference to moonshine. The band won't play it any more, so the students sing it anyway, emphasizing the evil word within.
I believe an old country song do not mean what politically correct activists think they mean. Songs like Rocky Top will be remembered long after the games are over, a reminder of home, even if you live in a different country. If the games are about the kids, leave them alone.
Oh, yeah! I forgot! It became about money long ago.
So...am I off base?
He was found under a missed third strike call.
Score was 2-0, two on, two out, and a full count to Michael Adams, when Kershaw delivered a a nasty, moving fast ball around the knees. Adams took the pitch, called ball four by home plate umpire Greg Gibson. The TBS booth thought it was too close, the Dodgers thought it was too close, even the pitch tracker from TBS, electronic in nature, thought it was too close.
The next batter, Shane Robinson, singled to right, followed by a poorly advised and executed Yasiel Puig throw, and the manageable 2-0 deficit was 4-0 instead at the end of the inning.
I will grant that the first domino to fall was the 11 pitch battle with Matt Carpenter, but the missed third strike opened the flood gates. Shaken confidence and desperation lead to the five run Cardinal fifth that settled the issue. The mental battle is as important as the physical one, and everyone, including this year's best pitcher in the National League can be shaken. Want to give Michael Wacha huge credit for being the first rookie to not allow a run in two League Championship Series starts, winning the biggest game of all against the probable Cy Young winner.
-High School football regular season ended in Indiana last night. Senior nights at every game, and plenty of tradition to go around. A little controversy has come to light locally.
Plymouth High School has had recent controversy over the song "Rocky Top". The school decreed the removal of the song because of it's reference to moonshine. The band won't play it any more, so the students sing it anyway, emphasizing the evil word within.
I believe an old country song do not mean what politically correct activists think they mean. Songs like Rocky Top will be remembered long after the games are over, a reminder of home, even if you live in a different country. If the games are about the kids, leave them alone.
Oh, yeah! I forgot! It became about money long ago.
So...am I off base?
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Fight To The Finish
Pitching this good, this late in the playoff process is rare. The amount of pitching depth is incredibly impressive. The most important games are yet to come.
The Tigers/Red Sox series may have the absolute best pitching I have ever seen in a postseason series. The Tigers have been the headliners, but the Red Sox pitching, especially Koji Uehara, have been really solid. With just average hitting, they could have swept this series. Maybe John Farrell need to shuffle the lineup, or make a couple of changes. I would have thought an occasional bunt would be in order, even if this is the American League. Jim Leyland made a couple of lineup moves that paid off last night. If the Tiger starters keep throwing it the way they have been, it could be really difficult for the Red Sox to score anyway.
Tonight, weather could be a real factor. Rain is falling currently at Comerica Park, and the forecasts are for rain and showers through at least 10 pm. A late start could be a real possibility due to the travel day tomorrow. Look for lots of bleary eyes at work tomorrow.
I actually had someone tell me that he believed Justin Verlander choked in his loss. By missing one pitch? By getting no run support? Yeah, me either.
The Dodgers/Cardinals series should go down to the wire. Clayton Kershaw should beat Michael Wacha, who has pitched gallantly in the playoffs. But the Cardinals still have their ace, Adam Wainwright, against a decent second, Hun-Jin Ryu in game seven. Pitching matchups favor the Cardinals in the pivotal game, should it get there.
I could see an adjustment coming, just not sure which one. Both teams have started to hit, which is to be expected late in a series. I believe it will be the big hit, or a little unexpected small ball that could make a huge difference in deciding the series. Everything else seems equal.
So...am I off base?
Monday, October 14, 2013
Random Mondays Return
I had my headlines all written until the Red Sox ninth...
-It was going to be about Tiger pitching. So I guess it is now about Tiger STARTING pitching. Anibal Sanchez and Max Scherzer were incredible this weekend. The bullpen was strong Saturday, Sunday...not so much.
Command of the strike zone, incredible change of speed, and late break, all the elements required to get Major League hitter out. It was a beautiful thing to watch. The bullpen pulled it off Saturday, but brilliance is difficult to sustain. They have still stolen home field advantage for the moment. And Justin Verlander hasn't even mounted the bump, yet.
-David Ortiz cemented his place as the best performer in the biggest situations. A Grand Slam at the moment your team needs it to get back into a playoff series, especially after entire team looked like a bunch of whiners for most of two games...Priceless. The Red Sox still need to win one in Detroit, but I know who I would want at the plate when they need the hit to pull it off.
-The Cardinals have been good, but the Dodgers have been worse. Yasiel Puig has lead the charge of mediocrity. After looking like a Willie Mays during the regular season, he has played like Rex Mays in the NLCS: 0 for 10, six strikeouts. And the Dodgers haven't faced the Cardinal Ace, Adam Wainwright, who throws today. The Dodgers have made a point of looking good when things are bad this year. Now is definitely the time.
-Hate to write about Tom Brady, but he lead a great comeback at the end of their game against New Orleans yesterday. Especially after failing TWICE in the final three minutes. The first situation was Bill Belichick's fault: not trusting a defense that was up to the challenge is poor judgement of a team you chose to take the field. The fourth down call was downright poor.
-Still waiting for a bombshell announcement involving A-Rod. It would be the perfect time to insert yourself where it is not welcome.
So...am I off base?
-It was going to be about Tiger pitching. So I guess it is now about Tiger STARTING pitching. Anibal Sanchez and Max Scherzer were incredible this weekend. The bullpen was strong Saturday, Sunday...not so much.
Command of the strike zone, incredible change of speed, and late break, all the elements required to get Major League hitter out. It was a beautiful thing to watch. The bullpen pulled it off Saturday, but brilliance is difficult to sustain. They have still stolen home field advantage for the moment. And Justin Verlander hasn't even mounted the bump, yet.
-David Ortiz cemented his place as the best performer in the biggest situations. A Grand Slam at the moment your team needs it to get back into a playoff series, especially after entire team looked like a bunch of whiners for most of two games...Priceless. The Red Sox still need to win one in Detroit, but I know who I would want at the plate when they need the hit to pull it off.
-The Cardinals have been good, but the Dodgers have been worse. Yasiel Puig has lead the charge of mediocrity. After looking like a Willie Mays during the regular season, he has played like Rex Mays in the NLCS: 0 for 10, six strikeouts. And the Dodgers haven't faced the Cardinal Ace, Adam Wainwright, who throws today. The Dodgers have made a point of looking good when things are bad this year. Now is definitely the time.
-Hate to write about Tom Brady, but he lead a great comeback at the end of their game against New Orleans yesterday. Especially after failing TWICE in the final three minutes. The first situation was Bill Belichick's fault: not trusting a defense that was up to the challenge is poor judgement of a team you chose to take the field. The fourth down call was downright poor.
-Still waiting for a bombshell announcement involving A-Rod. It would be the perfect time to insert yourself where it is not welcome.
So...am I off base?
Saturday, October 12, 2013
An Absolute Gem
As a sports fan, sometimes it is worth staying up past a bedtime.
Kids know this automatically, but adults, set in their ways or showing their age, respond differently.
I wish I had last night.
Thanks to ESPN, I saw bits of an absolute gem. Pitching from all corners was excellent, limiting each team to a couple of timely hits. A couple of defensive gems, one by Yasiel Puig, who came up small otherwise, and one by Carlos Beltran, who drove in all three Cardinal runs. Double plays to extend the game, even the question of the night, "What is Andre Ethier doing out there?"
Give the Cardinal Bullpen a lot of credit for their work last night. Seven innings pitched, three hits allowed is very solid work. The Dodger Bullpen did good work (3.1 IP, 3 hits, 1 run), but a new pitcher, Kenley Jansen, gave up the hit that made Chris Withow the losing pitcher.
Quick turnaround today as these teams get back on the field at 4 pm today. Clayton Kershaw vs. Michael Wacha is an intriguing matchup. Will Kershaw lose some steam pitching on short rest again? Can Wacha repeat his performance against a lineup that is a little stronger than the one he faced in Pittsburgh? Will anybody be awake after the late night feast of the night before?
Shifting gears to the American League, a good matchup in Boston tonight. Anibal Sanchez, less than sparkling against Oakland in his last outing, against Jon Lester, whom nothing seems to fluster. Of course, after lymphoma, even Miguel Cabrera looks tame.
I would think an important matchup here is Jim Leyland vs. John Farrell. Leyland is the veteran, and if he is still operating at a high level, can keep the patched up Tigers moving forward. He is the key until some healthier sluggers can produce like they are capable. It is important to make some of the moves, like Perralta at short, providing a subtle difference. Word is he is going back to Iglesias for Game One.
John Farrell has not been stretched as a manager, yet. His team overpowered the Rays, and should be ready to keep things rolling. Something to guard against, as we saw from the rested and ready Dodgers last night.
So...am I off base?
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Game Five
One game five down, one to go.
The Cardinals were not threatened in Game five last night. Adam Wainwright was pretty solid, and the Cardinals came up timely hits from David Freese, John Jay, Matt Adams, and Pete Kozma. They draw a hot Dodger team who has had time to cool off. We've seen this a couple times in the recent past: one team sweeps, waits for the opponent to battle it out, and they cool off while waiting. See last year's World Series as a prime example.
I'm not sure the Dodgers are that team. They clinched the Division early, coasting through the last week of the season. They things they do to win games, especially the pressure they place defensively on their opponent, don't require the timing and skill that a team reliant on timely hitting or solid pitching need. Clayton Kershaw on your side isn't bad either.
The Cardinals have momentum on their side, as well as a lot of experience. I still like Yadier Molina's quiet leadership and their timely hitting. If this series goes a long way, even the full 7 games, the Cardinals have an advantage. A sweep is more likely to go to the Dodgers, thanks to their blitzkrieg style.
The Tiger and the A's have a game five of their own tonight with the same intriguing matchup from Saturday night. Justin Verlander, current King of Pitchers working through an off year, faces Sonny Gray, an heir apparent to the throne. The Tigers look like a determined team, but the A's have shown every bit of resolve. I believe it could be a classic duel. I'd like to see each starter go deep, another ton of strikeouts, and a hero with a bat. It could be memorable.
So...am I off base?
The Cardinals were not threatened in Game five last night. Adam Wainwright was pretty solid, and the Cardinals came up timely hits from David Freese, John Jay, Matt Adams, and Pete Kozma. They draw a hot Dodger team who has had time to cool off. We've seen this a couple times in the recent past: one team sweeps, waits for the opponent to battle it out, and they cool off while waiting. See last year's World Series as a prime example.
I'm not sure the Dodgers are that team. They clinched the Division early, coasting through the last week of the season. They things they do to win games, especially the pressure they place defensively on their opponent, don't require the timing and skill that a team reliant on timely hitting or solid pitching need. Clayton Kershaw on your side isn't bad either.
The Cardinals have momentum on their side, as well as a lot of experience. I still like Yadier Molina's quiet leadership and their timely hitting. If this series goes a long way, even the full 7 games, the Cardinals have an advantage. A sweep is more likely to go to the Dodgers, thanks to their blitzkrieg style.
The Tiger and the A's have a game five of their own tonight with the same intriguing matchup from Saturday night. Justin Verlander, current King of Pitchers working through an off year, faces Sonny Gray, an heir apparent to the throne. The Tigers look like a determined team, but the A's have shown every bit of resolve. I believe it could be a classic duel. I'd like to see each starter go deep, another ton of strikeouts, and a hero with a bat. It could be memorable.
So...am I off base?
Monday, October 7, 2013
All Monday, All the Time
Some random thoughts while waiting for my brain to find my body.
-Yeah, I'm a little surprised at the outcomes of the two Divisional Series games. The Pirates, riding fan emotion, found a way through the Cardinals, while pitching and defense were suspended in Los Angeles last night. Today will be a great day of baseball, four games, each meaning a great deal to their respective series.
-The Tigers appear to have the better of the pitching matchup, but it looked that way Saturday, too. They really need Miguel Cabrera to start playing like Miggy. Abdominal strains are hard to play through, and I give him credit for trying. Not sure Perralta in left field is the answer.
-Cardinal should have all the advantages, but the Pirates have motivation. This series is in serious danger of not going back to St. Louis. Sometimes the better team does not win. Give the Pirates their due: serious young talent.
-Clay Buchholz has not been good down the stretch, but he's the best available of the Red Sox starters. Alex Cobb has been marvelous lately. This recipe on Saturday lead to a ...Red Sox win. Hmmm. That outcome would end the series. Rays would only have themselves to blame. Gotta be in the game mentally, too.
-I thought Braves pitching and leadership would mean something. This series has played like the Dodgers have played since their strong run began. Defense, and putting pressure on the other team's defense, are a recipe used on young baseball teams. The Braves aren't a 14U, but they have been put in those situations by the hustling play. This one could end today, too.
-Hey, A-Rod, you smell of desperation and Chanel No.5. Suing Major League Baseball for wanting to get you is the last act of a desperate man. Maybe you shouldn't have done the wrong thing in the first place.
So...am I off base?
-Yeah, I'm a little surprised at the outcomes of the two Divisional Series games. The Pirates, riding fan emotion, found a way through the Cardinals, while pitching and defense were suspended in Los Angeles last night. Today will be a great day of baseball, four games, each meaning a great deal to their respective series.
-The Tigers appear to have the better of the pitching matchup, but it looked that way Saturday, too. They really need Miguel Cabrera to start playing like Miggy. Abdominal strains are hard to play through, and I give him credit for trying. Not sure Perralta in left field is the answer.
-Cardinal should have all the advantages, but the Pirates have motivation. This series is in serious danger of not going back to St. Louis. Sometimes the better team does not win. Give the Pirates their due: serious young talent.
-Clay Buchholz has not been good down the stretch, but he's the best available of the Red Sox starters. Alex Cobb has been marvelous lately. This recipe on Saturday lead to a ...Red Sox win. Hmmm. That outcome would end the series. Rays would only have themselves to blame. Gotta be in the game mentally, too.
-I thought Braves pitching and leadership would mean something. This series has played like the Dodgers have played since their strong run began. Defense, and putting pressure on the other team's defense, are a recipe used on young baseball teams. The Braves aren't a 14U, but they have been put in those situations by the hustling play. This one could end today, too.
-Hey, A-Rod, you smell of desperation and Chanel No.5. Suing Major League Baseball for wanting to get you is the last act of a desperate man. Maybe you shouldn't have done the wrong thing in the first place.
So...am I off base?
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Random Thought Saturday
Random thoughts while waiting for the President's Cup to become a relevant event.
-For the most part, the pitching in the MLB playoffs has been pretty good. When you pare the generalized mediocrity that 30 teams provide down to the best of the best, it should be pretty good. The Red Sox made a strong statement yesterday, but I think Joe Maddon is a resourceful manager who can get turnips to bleed. Looking forward to see what happens today.
-Iowa State, you have reason to be upset. Two fumbles on the one yard line let Mack Brown keep his job for the moment. Texas has underachieved, and Iowa State has improved their program. The Cyclones are a team that needs to be taken seriously the remainder of the season. The Longhorns need to take a coaching change seriously.
-Morgan Burke, Purdue Athletic Director, what were you thinking? Darrell Hazell is a good football coach and he is bringing a needed boost of enthusiasm to a program that was headed the wrong way under Danny Hope. So you schedule four BCS teams in your first five games? Game six is against Nebraska. Four of them are at home, but quality is a serious issue. When it was prepared, I'm sure Cincinnati and Northern Illinois were not the quality programs they are now. Last minute changes are made all the time, and there are plenty of cupcakes in the cupboard. Get some momentum in the program!
-Having lived in the South Bend, IN area for 25 years, I'm a little surprised Notre Dame fans aren't up in arms about a little statement Brian Kelly made this week. The turf in Notre Dame Stadium has been re-sodded after only three home games, due to excessive wear. Brian Kelly said he didn't like the grass and would prefer field turf in Notre Dame Stadium. Locals would consider this kin to lowering academic standards to get better athletes. Red Hen Turf Nursery in Buchanan, MI, I believe your job is safe.
-My daughter's illness is causing her to miss the Indian State Middle School Cross Country Meet, leaving me a day at home. Threatening weather will keep me inside today, and I am expecting to watch the President's Cup with some football in between. One Ryder Cup style event is enough, because there just isn't enough rivalry in the President's Cup. How much camaraderie can Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama have? It's just not what they were trying to do when the PGA Tour started this competition to try to get some the revenue the PGA of America gets from the Ryder Cup. This one may have to die a slow death.
So...am I off base?
-For the most part, the pitching in the MLB playoffs has been pretty good. When you pare the generalized mediocrity that 30 teams provide down to the best of the best, it should be pretty good. The Red Sox made a strong statement yesterday, but I think Joe Maddon is a resourceful manager who can get turnips to bleed. Looking forward to see what happens today.
-Iowa State, you have reason to be upset. Two fumbles on the one yard line let Mack Brown keep his job for the moment. Texas has underachieved, and Iowa State has improved their program. The Cyclones are a team that needs to be taken seriously the remainder of the season. The Longhorns need to take a coaching change seriously.
-Morgan Burke, Purdue Athletic Director, what were you thinking? Darrell Hazell is a good football coach and he is bringing a needed boost of enthusiasm to a program that was headed the wrong way under Danny Hope. So you schedule four BCS teams in your first five games? Game six is against Nebraska. Four of them are at home, but quality is a serious issue. When it was prepared, I'm sure Cincinnati and Northern Illinois were not the quality programs they are now. Last minute changes are made all the time, and there are plenty of cupcakes in the cupboard. Get some momentum in the program!
-Having lived in the South Bend, IN area for 25 years, I'm a little surprised Notre Dame fans aren't up in arms about a little statement Brian Kelly made this week. The turf in Notre Dame Stadium has been re-sodded after only three home games, due to excessive wear. Brian Kelly said he didn't like the grass and would prefer field turf in Notre Dame Stadium. Locals would consider this kin to lowering academic standards to get better athletes. Red Hen Turf Nursery in Buchanan, MI, I believe your job is safe.
-My daughter's illness is causing her to miss the Indian State Middle School Cross Country Meet, leaving me a day at home. Threatening weather will keep me inside today, and I am expecting to watch the President's Cup with some football in between. One Ryder Cup style event is enough, because there just isn't enough rivalry in the President's Cup. How much camaraderie can Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama have? It's just not what they were trying to do when the PGA Tour started this competition to try to get some the revenue the PGA of America gets from the Ryder Cup. This one may have to die a slow death.
So...am I off base?
Thursday, October 3, 2013
ALDS/NLDS=Interesting Baseball
The one game Wild Card matchups passed with one emotional home team and a determined bunch of Rays moving on. What happens now?
Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis- It's a great story that I really enjoy: over two decades with no winning seasons, let alone playoff wins. Heck, the last time the Pirates won in the playoffs, the Wild Card hadn't been invented yet. The Pirates are a solid team, but the Cardinals are strong and proved it all year. It may come down to the catcher's position, where there is no answer for Yadier Molina. It's not necessarily what you do with the bat, it's how you lead. Give Molina his due, and the Cardinals have been timely all season. Cardinals in five games.
Los Angeles vs. Atlanta- Could be a war of attrition. The Dodgers ran away with a weak division, but so did the Braves. I believed the Braves would be here in October, the Dodgers, not so much. Might come down to pitching staffs, where the Braves are still very deep. Timely hitting will be the difference in this one, with an Upton (pick one, not Kate) getting the winner in game seven.
Tampa Bay vs. Boston- Another great story in Boston with the Red Sox going from worst to first. It would be more intriguing if they hadn't bought the division. I didn't see the Rays getting this far, winning two road games already in elimination situations, last nights against a team hotter than Phoenix in August. Momentum can be a powerful thing in October. Do the Rays have enough pitching to start off rotation against Boston? The answer to this question determines the series. I believe this is the series most ripe for an upset, but Red Sox nation will live to see another round, in six games.
Oakland vs. Detroit- Underestimating the A's is easy to do. You generally read the outcome the next day because their games start well after bedtime. Detroit has enough pitching horses to carry a fleet of stagecoaches, and I believe they will get the job done for now. Oakland bats vs. Detroit pitching is the key matchup. We know the Tigers can score runs, the question is, Will the A's score runs? Tigers in five games.
Should be an interesting round of games. I can't wait.
So...am I off base?
Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis- It's a great story that I really enjoy: over two decades with no winning seasons, let alone playoff wins. Heck, the last time the Pirates won in the playoffs, the Wild Card hadn't been invented yet. The Pirates are a solid team, but the Cardinals are strong and proved it all year. It may come down to the catcher's position, where there is no answer for Yadier Molina. It's not necessarily what you do with the bat, it's how you lead. Give Molina his due, and the Cardinals have been timely all season. Cardinals in five games.
Los Angeles vs. Atlanta- Could be a war of attrition. The Dodgers ran away with a weak division, but so did the Braves. I believed the Braves would be here in October, the Dodgers, not so much. Might come down to pitching staffs, where the Braves are still very deep. Timely hitting will be the difference in this one, with an Upton (pick one, not Kate) getting the winner in game seven.
Tampa Bay vs. Boston- Another great story in Boston with the Red Sox going from worst to first. It would be more intriguing if they hadn't bought the division. I didn't see the Rays getting this far, winning two road games already in elimination situations, last nights against a team hotter than Phoenix in August. Momentum can be a powerful thing in October. Do the Rays have enough pitching to start off rotation against Boston? The answer to this question determines the series. I believe this is the series most ripe for an upset, but Red Sox nation will live to see another round, in six games.
Oakland vs. Detroit- Underestimating the A's is easy to do. You generally read the outcome the next day because their games start well after bedtime. Detroit has enough pitching horses to carry a fleet of stagecoaches, and I believe they will get the job done for now. Oakland bats vs. Detroit pitching is the key matchup. We know the Tigers can score runs, the question is, Will the A's score runs? Tigers in five games.
Should be an interesting round of games. I can't wait.
So...am I off base?
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