It has been twenty-four hours since the World Series ended. Like everyone who watched it, I have an opinion. First thought is that it was one of the best played Game 7 I've ever seen. No glaring errors. Solid play including several well executed double plays. Pretty good pitching, especially by the Giants ace, Madison Baumgarner. An unsung hero in Jeremy Affeldt, who kept the game close until the Giants got the lead.
There's even a little controversy on the final hit of the Series. Alex Gordon's single was mangled by the Giants and left him standing on third base. I don't think he should have been there. He should have been sent for a chance to tie the game. He probably would have been thrown out, but it would have taken three perfect throws to do it. However, what were the chances of getting another safe hit with two out in the ninth?
After all, what were the Royals known for? Young, aggressive, and built on speed. What situation would cement that reputation more than a single hustled into an inside the park run to tie Game 7 in the bottom of the ninth?
However, they held the runner. And the popout by Salvador Perez touched off an epic celebration.
Baumgarner spotted his pitches well, and brought out the aggressiveness of the Royals with the sequence. Kudos to Buster Posey for helping call a great game. The Royals had plenty of high pitches on which to waste swings.
Finally, Major League Baseball has done a poor job of marketing itself, selling its soul and future for cash. The networks carrying Divisional and League Championship Series were widely available but unused. Some people I know had no access. Starting games late enough that the youngest, most ardent fans, eventually the lifeblood of the game, are in bed before the end of the third inning. If you are my age, fond memories come from racing home from the bus to catch the end of a playoff game.
C'mon, MLB. Get these games where anyone can see them. Bring some interest back to the game. It deserves it. A good World Series should have had more people watching it.
So...am I off base?
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Best of Three
As I write this, the World Series is best of three.
A whole new world opens up for the manager. In a short series like this, all hands are available. Tim Lincecum, who threw a no-hitter in the regular season, but has been invisible, almost non existent in the postseason could be a hero. He could be huge in the next couple of days because he has the right attitude about coming in to a game at any time.
Maybe Jayson Nix is the hero the Royals are seeking. His postseason experience this year is two strikeouts, one last night, the other against the A's in theWild Card Coin Flip. All it takes is one long extra inning game or an injury to make a guy making a half million dollars this season a hero.
Maybe Joaquin Arias is the hero the Giants need. Wade Davis has been a great middle reliever for the Royals, but almost nonexistent in the postseason. Jeremy Affeldt has been quiet in San Francisco, and Raul Ibanez is deep on the Royals bench with a world of experience and a great clubhouse guy. Sounds like the makings of a World Series her to me.
The manager is suddenly hugely important. While Bruce Bochy has postseason experience and two Championships, Ned Yost has done a great job with the Royals, worthy of the Manager of the Year award already given to Mike Scioscia. At the moment, it looks like Bochy will only need one more win after tonight, but Yost has plenty of tools.
I wonder which manager has the guts to give one of the above named players a chance to etch their name in forever. Some managers have won by sticking with
A whole new world opens up for the manager. In a short series like this, all hands are available. Tim Lincecum, who threw a no-hitter in the regular season, but has been invisible, almost non existent in the postseason could be a hero. He could be huge in the next couple of days because he has the right attitude about coming in to a game at any time.
Maybe Jayson Nix is the hero the Royals are seeking. His postseason experience this year is two strikeouts, one last night, the other against the A's in theWild Card Coin Flip. All it takes is one long extra inning game or an injury to make a guy making a half million dollars this season a hero.
Maybe Joaquin Arias is the hero the Giants need. Wade Davis has been a great middle reliever for the Royals, but almost nonexistent in the postseason. Jeremy Affeldt has been quiet in San Francisco, and Raul Ibanez is deep on the Royals bench with a world of experience and a great clubhouse guy. Sounds like the makings of a World Series her to me.
The manager is suddenly hugely important. While Bruce Bochy has postseason experience and two Championships, Ned Yost has done a great job with the Royals, worthy of the Manager of the Year award already given to Mike Scioscia. At the moment, it looks like Bochy will only need one more win after tonight, but Yost has plenty of tools.
I wonder which manager has the guts to give one of the above named players a chance to etch their name in forever. Some managers have won by sticking with
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Getting Bored
I am getting bored with football. Especially the NFL.
I spent this last weekend at two weddings within my family. It was a wonderful time of gathering. I dearly enjoyed the time with family. Seeing young people commit their lives to each other is good for the soul and the mind.
While sports are a preparation for life, it shouldn't be a substitute for it. While I still love football, I'm not going to live my life around it.
For example, I watched three quarters of the Notre Dame/Florida State game and went to bed. My family wore me out, I need to rest to honor the Lord's Day. After all, it's only a game. The prattle around South Bend after the game makes me think that perspective needs to be examined. It is only a game. It looked to me like one individual was not on the right page of the playbook and got caught flagged for it. Move on.
The NFL has gotten dreadfully boring. How boring? I spend Sunday Nights watching Downton Abbey with my wife. Haven't seen a Sunday night matchup worth watching. I don't even watch the second game of the doubleheader on Sunday afternoon because it interferes with evening church. We watched the Seahawks/Rams in the early afternoon and that was won by special teams. It was good to see Russell Wilson lead a great charge, but come up short. Other than that, it was a three hour root canal.
Maybe the playoffs will be worth watching...
-The Royals, pegged as a team of destiny by a friend, now have a foil. The Giants earned their way in. However, Kansas City won 89 games, San Francisco won 88 games. It will either be the worst World Series since the Cubs/Tigers in 1945, or one of the best most memorable matchups of all time. It will probably be somewhere in between, maybe closer to the first one.
I hope the Royals continue to produce the ball that has won five in a row. They were so loose and relaxed, they executed like the regular season, even better. Both teams had to slug their way through the Wild Card game, the best record in their respective leagues, and the hottest teams other than their own to get there.
My thought is that the Giants have a lot of playoff experience on their roster. The Royals have had the best part of the week to think about where they are. Don't think it will intimidate them at all. I hope it is great baseball. I think the Giants in seven games, but a Royal sweep wouldn't surprise me either.
It will be more interesting than the NFL.
So...am I off base?
I spent this last weekend at two weddings within my family. It was a wonderful time of gathering. I dearly enjoyed the time with family. Seeing young people commit their lives to each other is good for the soul and the mind.
While sports are a preparation for life, it shouldn't be a substitute for it. While I still love football, I'm not going to live my life around it.
For example, I watched three quarters of the Notre Dame/Florida State game and went to bed. My family wore me out, I need to rest to honor the Lord's Day. After all, it's only a game. The prattle around South Bend after the game makes me think that perspective needs to be examined. It is only a game. It looked to me like one individual was not on the right page of the playbook and got caught flagged for it. Move on.
The NFL has gotten dreadfully boring. How boring? I spend Sunday Nights watching Downton Abbey with my wife. Haven't seen a Sunday night matchup worth watching. I don't even watch the second game of the doubleheader on Sunday afternoon because it interferes with evening church. We watched the Seahawks/Rams in the early afternoon and that was won by special teams. It was good to see Russell Wilson lead a great charge, but come up short. Other than that, it was a three hour root canal.
Maybe the playoffs will be worth watching...
-The Royals, pegged as a team of destiny by a friend, now have a foil. The Giants earned their way in. However, Kansas City won 89 games, San Francisco won 88 games. It will either be the worst World Series since the Cubs/Tigers in 1945, or one of the best most memorable matchups of all time. It will probably be somewhere in between, maybe closer to the first one.
I hope the Royals continue to produce the ball that has won five in a row. They were so loose and relaxed, they executed like the regular season, even better. Both teams had to slug their way through the Wild Card game, the best record in their respective leagues, and the hottest teams other than their own to get there.
My thought is that the Giants have a lot of playoff experience on their roster. The Royals have had the best part of the week to think about where they are. Don't think it will intimidate them at all. I hope it is great baseball. I think the Giants in seven games, but a Royal sweep wouldn't surprise me either.
It will be more interesting than the NFL.
So...am I off base?
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Poor Football, Entertaining Game
I was off Friday afternoon, spending some time in the gym and picking up the kids from school. I wasn't aware of how I was desperately trying to be contacted.
The director of my department at the hospital had been trying to contact me. He had something I didn't know I needed.
Tickets to the North Carolina-Notre Dame game on Saturday, parking pass and Hospitality tent passes. It's probably about a $500 day, if I footed the bill. Nice gift from the employer.
If you have read this blog before, you know that I am a Purdue alum, and really don't care much for Notre Dame. I find a lot of their local fan base well meaning, but highly delusional. They find any loss, sometimes any mistake, unacceptable. All told, they are still a mile better than any Michigan fan.
I took my son, even though he initially didn't want to go. We started with a long walk around campus, something I had not done even though I have lived in South Bend Area for over 25 years. A sense of the history of the campus was in the air. So was alcohol, cigar smoke, tailgate barbecue and tons of footballs. The smell of money vaporizing into thin air.
Robby was a grouch until we got into the hospitality tent. The comfort of the tent, the free game programs, and the feeling that he was rubbing elbows with people with money got his attention. The spread of tailgate fare improved his outlook on everything, especially the unlimited nature. Not a single brownie was left alive.
After spending time watching people eat, inhaling more cigar smoke, and watching the football games on three big screen TV's, we headed to Notre Dame Stadium. Our seats were opposite the press box, upper deck, on the north 40 yard line. They could have been better, but not bad at all.
The game was not particularly good football, but it was entertaining. Offenses ran wild, lousy tackling, and officiating better suited for PeeWee Football, not Division I. Notre Dame, and especially Everett Golson, was not impressive. I've heard a fair amount of talk about how Golson is a top three quarterback. He didn't look the part Saturday, and with 8 turnovers in the last three games, he isn't qualified. He held the ball much too long, and made some very poor decisions. He threw one pick-six, should have thrown a second one, had another interception, and left approximately a half dozen wide open receivers go while throwing into coverage. Like it or not, the year away has had an effect. He could regain the form he had two years ago. He could also be one of the best that never was.
Notre Dame needs to return to running the ball between the tackles. North Carolina had no response, and really didn't stop the Irish when they ran downhill. The physical nature of downhill running can settle an offensive line into a game and might be a good early strategy for the upcoming matchup with Florida State. The line gave Golson time to get throws off, he spent a lot of it looking...and looking...and looking.
Defensively, the Irish didn't fare well facing a quarterback that looked a lot like Everett Golson. Marquise Williams ran with great success, worked short and intermediate routs well, and mirrored something the Irish should see in practice every day. They should be familiar with it, but looked like rookies. Irish tackling was exceptionally poor, and could give great concern against the Seminoles. They might consider a couple of interesting schemes to try to confuse Jameis Winston. Tackling will be very important:Notre Dame needs to do it better.
I have one final note on the game: Notre Dame does an incredible job taking care of their fans. The hospitality tent people were excellent and very tactful. We were asked to move so politely, I had to let my son know what they asked. In the stadium, the ushers are tactful and very fan focused. Since we were around the 50 yard line, a lot of people, primarily wearing Carolina Blue, were asking ushers to take their picture with the field and the press box in the background. The ushers graciously fulfilled every request. A nice touch was that the usher closer to the field was aware of each picture, and, unknown to the people getting the picture taken, stopped traffic so no one would interrupt their picture moment. We have experienced this at other Notre Dame sports events over the years, especially hockey games. They give a world class experience.
Early point spreads for Saturday's game has installed the Seminoles as a 13 1/2 point favorite. Right now, they might need to make it bigger. One big point:Notre Dame has a history of winning a game like this. If they are truly relevant this season, it has to be done Saturday. Otherwise, it will be a great disappointment at the end of another hyped week.
So...am I off base?
The director of my department at the hospital had been trying to contact me. He had something I didn't know I needed.
Tickets to the North Carolina-Notre Dame game on Saturday, parking pass and Hospitality tent passes. It's probably about a $500 day, if I footed the bill. Nice gift from the employer.
If you have read this blog before, you know that I am a Purdue alum, and really don't care much for Notre Dame. I find a lot of their local fan base well meaning, but highly delusional. They find any loss, sometimes any mistake, unacceptable. All told, they are still a mile better than any Michigan fan.
I took my son, even though he initially didn't want to go. We started with a long walk around campus, something I had not done even though I have lived in South Bend Area for over 25 years. A sense of the history of the campus was in the air. So was alcohol, cigar smoke, tailgate barbecue and tons of footballs. The smell of money vaporizing into thin air.
Robby was a grouch until we got into the hospitality tent. The comfort of the tent, the free game programs, and the feeling that he was rubbing elbows with people with money got his attention. The spread of tailgate fare improved his outlook on everything, especially the unlimited nature. Not a single brownie was left alive.
After spending time watching people eat, inhaling more cigar smoke, and watching the football games on three big screen TV's, we headed to Notre Dame Stadium. Our seats were opposite the press box, upper deck, on the north 40 yard line. They could have been better, but not bad at all.
The game was not particularly good football, but it was entertaining. Offenses ran wild, lousy tackling, and officiating better suited for PeeWee Football, not Division I. Notre Dame, and especially Everett Golson, was not impressive. I've heard a fair amount of talk about how Golson is a top three quarterback. He didn't look the part Saturday, and with 8 turnovers in the last three games, he isn't qualified. He held the ball much too long, and made some very poor decisions. He threw one pick-six, should have thrown a second one, had another interception, and left approximately a half dozen wide open receivers go while throwing into coverage. Like it or not, the year away has had an effect. He could regain the form he had two years ago. He could also be one of the best that never was.
Notre Dame needs to return to running the ball between the tackles. North Carolina had no response, and really didn't stop the Irish when they ran downhill. The physical nature of downhill running can settle an offensive line into a game and might be a good early strategy for the upcoming matchup with Florida State. The line gave Golson time to get throws off, he spent a lot of it looking...and looking...and looking.
Defensively, the Irish didn't fare well facing a quarterback that looked a lot like Everett Golson. Marquise Williams ran with great success, worked short and intermediate routs well, and mirrored something the Irish should see in practice every day. They should be familiar with it, but looked like rookies. Irish tackling was exceptionally poor, and could give great concern against the Seminoles. They might consider a couple of interesting schemes to try to confuse Jameis Winston. Tackling will be very important:Notre Dame needs to do it better.
I have one final note on the game: Notre Dame does an incredible job taking care of their fans. The hospitality tent people were excellent and very tactful. We were asked to move so politely, I had to let my son know what they asked. In the stadium, the ushers are tactful and very fan focused. Since we were around the 50 yard line, a lot of people, primarily wearing Carolina Blue, were asking ushers to take their picture with the field and the press box in the background. The ushers graciously fulfilled every request. A nice touch was that the usher closer to the field was aware of each picture, and, unknown to the people getting the picture taken, stopped traffic so no one would interrupt their picture moment. We have experienced this at other Notre Dame sports events over the years, especially hockey games. They give a world class experience.
Early point spreads for Saturday's game has installed the Seminoles as a 13 1/2 point favorite. Right now, they might need to make it bigger. One big point:Notre Dame has a history of winning a game like this. If they are truly relevant this season, it has to be done Saturday. Otherwise, it will be a great disappointment at the end of another hyped week.
So...am I off base?
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Such is October Baseball
It has been an interesting week in baseball.
The Royals win three straight extra inning games, and as I write this, are on their way to send the Angels, with the best record in baseball, home for the winter.
The Nationals and the Giants have played two interesting games, one worth two games, but only counting for one.
The Orioles have swept away the Tigers, and made it look easy.
The Dodgers and the Cardinals have played two interesting, if only nine inning games.
Baseball is always the game we know and love. These things are the reason we love the game so much. Anything can happen and it usually does. A round ball can take such funny bounces.
Gotta hand it to Vern, a co-worker in the medical field. He is a loyal Royals fan and he said they're a team of destiny. At least they are the team of the week. They have a tremendous starting lineup, and good enough pitching. With motivation, it can be overwhelming. Such is October baseball.
The Nationals had the best record in the National League and their 18 inning matchup with the Giants one of the best in postseason history. I have a gut feeling about the Giants. They won the World Series in 2010, tanked in 2011, won again in 2012, tanked in 2013...see the pattern. Just a gut feeling. Like the one I had about the Angels during the regular season. Such is October baseball.
The Orioles look better and better. They have looked strong during the season, won the division with the most monied organizations in baseball. I like how they play and they have enough talent to put the World Series Trophy back in Baltimore. Wonder how that team of destiny in Kansas City feels about that. Such is October baseball.
The Dodgers and the Cardinals will play the best baseball of the Divisional Round. This series could be the only five game war of this round of the playoffs. The Cardinals are the Champs until someone proves otherwise. The Dodgers have a lot of talent, but I'm not sure they won't get out managed. Don Mattingly was great ballplayer, but he is still learning the managerial part of the game. He will learn it, but not in time to eliminate the Cardinals. Such is October baseball.
If we think this round is fun, wait until the next round. Giants and Cardinals could be a very memorable NL Championship series, probably ending with the Giants being a team of destiny. The Orioles and the Royals will play a Championship Series, but it won't be as memorable. It could look like 1980 and could go either way. Such is October baseball.
Not that anyone will see it. Baseball is having a hard time getting people into the ballpark, and puts it's biggest end of season showcase on Fox Sports 1? We gave up Speed Channel for this? I am quite disappointed. At least I have PlayOn on the Roku and can get whatever game I want through Front Row Sports or VIP Box II. Such is not October baseball. Should be finding a way to follow the games at work and kids should be running home from the school bus to find out how the team's doing.
Would love to write about the mayhem in College Football, but there will be more of that yet this fall.
So...am I off base?
The Royals win three straight extra inning games, and as I write this, are on their way to send the Angels, with the best record in baseball, home for the winter.
The Nationals and the Giants have played two interesting games, one worth two games, but only counting for one.
The Orioles have swept away the Tigers, and made it look easy.
The Dodgers and the Cardinals have played two interesting, if only nine inning games.
Baseball is always the game we know and love. These things are the reason we love the game so much. Anything can happen and it usually does. A round ball can take such funny bounces.
Gotta hand it to Vern, a co-worker in the medical field. He is a loyal Royals fan and he said they're a team of destiny. At least they are the team of the week. They have a tremendous starting lineup, and good enough pitching. With motivation, it can be overwhelming. Such is October baseball.
The Nationals had the best record in the National League and their 18 inning matchup with the Giants one of the best in postseason history. I have a gut feeling about the Giants. They won the World Series in 2010, tanked in 2011, won again in 2012, tanked in 2013...see the pattern. Just a gut feeling. Like the one I had about the Angels during the regular season. Such is October baseball.
The Orioles look better and better. They have looked strong during the season, won the division with the most monied organizations in baseball. I like how they play and they have enough talent to put the World Series Trophy back in Baltimore. Wonder how that team of destiny in Kansas City feels about that. Such is October baseball.
The Dodgers and the Cardinals will play the best baseball of the Divisional Round. This series could be the only five game war of this round of the playoffs. The Cardinals are the Champs until someone proves otherwise. The Dodgers have a lot of talent, but I'm not sure they won't get out managed. Don Mattingly was great ballplayer, but he is still learning the managerial part of the game. He will learn it, but not in time to eliminate the Cardinals. Such is October baseball.
If we think this round is fun, wait until the next round. Giants and Cardinals could be a very memorable NL Championship series, probably ending with the Giants being a team of destiny. The Orioles and the Royals will play a Championship Series, but it won't be as memorable. It could look like 1980 and could go either way. Such is October baseball.
Not that anyone will see it. Baseball is having a hard time getting people into the ballpark, and puts it's biggest end of season showcase on Fox Sports 1? We gave up Speed Channel for this? I am quite disappointed. At least I have PlayOn on the Roku and can get whatever game I want through Front Row Sports or VIP Box II. Such is not October baseball. Should be finding a way to follow the games at work and kids should be running home from the school bus to find out how the team's doing.
Would love to write about the mayhem in College Football, but there will be more of that yet this fall.
So...am I off base?
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