In another matchup of two teams heading in opposite directions the torrid Dodgers head to Shea to face the NL East champion Mets. The Dodgers had an exciting September in their highly competitive chase for the NL West crown but fell short to San Diego. Their first round opponents have been in cruise control for months having wrapped up the division and home-field advantage with ease. Unfortunately the Mets come limping in to the playoffs with the season-ending injury to ace Pedro Martinez and being forced to keep projected Game One starter Orlando Hernandez off the NLDS roster with a calf injury.
Why The Mets Will Win...Top to bottom the Mets have the toughest lineup in the National League. They're hoping Carlos Beltran can re-enact some of his '04 magic for the Astros that lead to his signing in New York. If Jose Reyes gets on, he is the most disruptive force in baseball. The lineup is filled with guys who can hit for power and average. For the first time post-Franco they have a reliable closer in Billy Wagner. Despite the loss of setup man Duaner Sanchez, the bullpen has done a great job all year. John Maine will get the ball in today's opener and has been effective since being brought to New York in July. While he's won-loss is only at a game over .500 he's pitched to a low ERA. Veteran ace Tom Glavine has been brilliant at times this year and has tons of postseason experience. The bats seem to come alive every time Steve Trachsel takes the mound as he received the most run support in the National League. The trio of Maine, Glavine, and Trachsel is more than capable of producing the three wins they need in this series.
Why The Dodgers Will Win...Stronger starting pitching. While NL Cy Young candidate Brad Penny is slated to only come out of the bullpen, the Dodgers still hold a decided advantage in starting pitching. Fellow 16 game winner Derek Lowe will start Game one and he's no stranger to the postseason. Neither is crafty veteran Greg Maddux who has had a resurgence in Los Angeles. The bullpen has also been strong despite the loss of closer Eric Gagne. New closer Takashi Saito has been extremely effective with a deadly slider, converting 24 saves with a slightly higher than 2 ERA. Offensively they have very good balance of veterans such as Nomar Garciaparra, Jeff Kent, Rafael Furcal and JD Drew, but have been energized by youngster Russell Martin and journeyman Marlon Anderson. While they do not have an overwhelming amount of power, they've shown in recent weeks they can hit the long ball if necessary. They will need Furcal to counter Reyes' production at the top of the lineup and be equally as disruptive. While Garciaparra has been nursing injury recently, he's provided tons of clutch hits down the stretch.
Prediction: This may be the toughest series to predict. With the recent injuries to Hernandez and Martinez, the Mets strangle-hold as the NL favorites has weakened. Their lineup is second to none in the NL and still could be enough to carry them deep in to the postseason. However, this could be a trap series. With Derek Lowe and Greg Maddux the Dodgers have the starting pitching to keep the Mets' bats quiet. The biggest question for the Dodgers is whether they exerted too much energy in September in order to qualify for the postseason. If the Dodgers can steal one of the first two in New York, I really like their chances. It's tough to imagine the Mets bowing out in the first round after being so dominant for much of the year, so despite strong feelings to the contrary, I'll take the Mets in five.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Yanks-Tigers
After a long day of baseball, the last leg of the triple header is the game New Yorkers have been waiting for. I'll be making observations throughout the game, from programming to the action itself. It should be a good one with Chien Ming-Wang facing Nate Robertson.
It's 8:10, TV tuned in to FOX HD for the Yanks and Tigers. In a shocking programming move, FOX has decided to run a segment on A-Rod. They're really going out on a limb here, suggesting A-Rod needs to bring home number 27 for the Bronx. Of course this segment is loaded with Mrs. October and November Reggie Jackson and Derek Jeter, but also with Mr. May Dave Winfield. In closing, they quote General Patton on how to judge a man who's hit rock bottom. I'm sorry, but if you slugged 35 homeruns with 121 runs batted in, you have not hit rock bottom professionally no matter how poorly you are received. They've so ridiculously overhyped this issue it's pathetic.
8:15- My favorite announcer in sports is on tap for this one, Joe Buck is calling the action alongside his partner Tim McCarver. Does he possibly take the FOX angle and discuss A-Rod? I'll have to check back.
In a curveball they discuss the Tigers. Leyland dubs the Yankees "Murderer's Row and Cano". Buck decides to emphasize how ironic that the Yankees and their massive payroll have handed the ball to young, cheap Chien Ming-Wang.
8:20-Still no baseball, but FOX's first obligatory shot of Times Square. If the game gets boring, I'm guessing we could get up to ten of these beauties.
Wang's first pitch hits 95 MPH and is fouled back behind the plate. Tim McCarver makes first of what should be many "he gets a lot of groundball outs" comments.
8:22- Matsui records the first out on a lazy fly ball. Still interested to see how Matsui attacks shallow bloopers and whether he's willing to dive yet.
8:24- Polanco and Casey hit groundball outs to end the inning. It's an easy 1-2-3, four minute half inning for Wang. He's consistently throwing mid 90's on his fastball and his sinker is clearly working early. Couldn't ask for a better start if your a Yankees fan.
8:27- Coming back from commercial we're treated to another shot of Times Square. Joe Buck takes a cheap shot at New York sports writers and their infatuation with the A-Rod chronicles.
8:29- Jeter lines a single to left field extending his already career lead in postseason hits.
8:37- First shot of Rudy Giuliani in his ridiculous seats. Sharing his seats with Mayor Bloomberg who seems highly disinterested. No signs of Joe Buck supporting Rudy in '08, maybe that will come later.
Wang's first pitch to Ordonez drilled off the left center field wall for a double. Not a good sign, pitch was up and in a perfect spot to drive.
After falling behind 3-0, Wang battles back to 3-2 before walking Guillen.
Runners going on a 1-0 pitch, Pudge misses for strike one and Posada guns down Ordonez at third. On that note, Posada has been lethal behind the plate this year. He's throwing out runners at an incredibly high rate this year.
Pudge flails at a 2-2 pitch for a rare Wang strikeout. What looked to be a daunting 2 on, 0 out has now turned in to one out away from escaping. Grounder to Jeter ends the jam and Wang really seemed to regain control.
8:47- Giambi drilled in the middle of the back with Robertson's first pitch. The fans boo, but no way thats intentional. A-Rod steps up to the plate to a huge ovation.
8:50- Great shot of Patrick Ewing towering over everyone in his vicinity.
8:51- Shot of The Donald followed by some underratedly funny banter between Buck and McCarver. McCarver is amazed Buck knows the proper pronunciation of Trump's wife, followed by Buck's typical sarcastic "I read the Life section". I always wondered if McCarver is smart enough to realize how many times a game Buck belittles him, but I doubt it.
A-Rod robbed of a line drive base hit by a leaping Polanco.
8:54- Best number nine hitter ever steps to the plate with two on. I'm feeling a big hit here...
And my first real prediction of the night is horribly wrong as Cano weakly grounds out to Inge. Great pitch by Robertson, really jammed up Cano.
8:58- Marcus Thames sneaks a ball inside the line in left field. Matsui eases up on the ball thinking there was fan interference allowing Thames to advance to second.
A-Rod handles his first ball of the night. He looks like he's playing with a real swagger as he flings the ball over to Sheffield. Looking real locked in, could have gained a lot of confidence after a good first at bat.
9:04- Unbelieveable 6-4-3 to get out of a first and third jam with one out. Great play all around including a very flexible stretch from Sheff. Gotta love that Wang sinker.
9:12- Damon off on the pitch and Jeter rips another ball in to left. Granderson cuts it off in left center, but Jeter still motors in to second. First big threat for the Yanks with second and third with no out.
Abreu doubles to right center bringing in the first two runs of the game. Close up of Abreu, tough to tell if he's screaming in English or Spanish. Either way he's pumped.
Sheff follows up with a single of his own to right center bringing in Abreu. McCarver loving the Chef hats as he giggles "the chefs are out". I'm thinking I could be a producer for one of these games. On commercials show shots of NYC, during bland spots show one of the many celebrities in attendance, find the groupies for each player (they all have them), and pan around the crowd for any other eccentrics.
Gotta hand it to McCarver for a brilliant play on Yogi's Aflac commerical. Referring to Yogi's recent ailments he recites the "if you're hurt and miss work" line. Great plug. Maybe the most intelligent comment he's ever made.
Another one to right center, but this time it finds the bleachers. Giambi takes Robertson deep to expand to a 5-0 lead and the crowd is going crazy.
A-Rod follows up with a single of his own, this time taking it to left for some variety. Although I'm thoroughly enjoying this romp, I hope Leyland yanks Robertson. This is getting out of control.
Matsui makes the first out in the bottom of the third, but not before the ball travels about 350 feet to left center.
Cano ends the bleeding for the Tigers with a lazy fly ball to left. In fifteen minutes the Yanks have ceized absolute control of this game with five hits and five runs.
9:32- The video of Leyland's "we stunk" rant from April is played. Although early in the season, have to agree that it really rallied the Tigers. Down 5-0 it may be time for another one.
9:36- Pudge strikes out again to bring Wang's K total to 2. After 3 1/2 innings Yanks up to a 5-0 lead with the top of the order rolling around again. Not expecting to see Robertson this inning which could really tax the Tigers bullpen early in the series.
9:39-And I'm wrong again, as Robertson trots out and retires Damon. Jeter continues to rip up Robertson, taking the pitch in to right for another single. Too late for the batting title, but it looks like Jeter is still trying to make an impression on MVP voters.
9:42-Rare base-running error by Jeter as he's caught in a run down. Abreu flies out to left to end the inning. Although he's in a hole, have to hand it to Robertson for bouncing back after the one thru five hitters belted him around in the bottom of the third. There has not been a runner past first base over the last 6 outs.
9:46-Craig Monroe takes a ball over the centerfield wall to get the Tigers on the board. Wang has given up a few hard hit balls tonight on balls he's left too far up in the zone.
9:52- Polanco doubles in to the right field corner bringing in Brandon Inge all the way from first. With two outs Inge was moving on contact so he scored uncontested. Guidry visits the mound to calm down Wang with Sean Casey coming up in a big spot.
9:54- The visit didn't help as Casey rips a ball in to the left centerfield gap, scoring Polanco and advancing to second. The lead is cut to 5-3 and Wang has looked horribly ineffective. He has not looked spectacular at any point tonight and the Yankees are already warming up Bryan Bruney.
9:56- Big strikeout for Wang as he gets Ordonez swinging. Wang has been prone to middle inning slip ups this year and hopefully the top of the fifth got it out of his system.
10:01- Giambi is hit again by Robertson. Doubt that's on purpose, but a lot more suspicious considering he homered in his last at bat. McCarver refutes that was intentional, but Buck does point out Giambi seems displeased.
A-Rod strikes out looking. home plate umpire Tim McClellan's late call seems to really bother A-Rod. As has been pointed out on several occassions, that is McClellan's trademark but you know it bugs the players.
10:05- Matsui steps in and Buck informs the audience of Matsui's gaudy .500 postseason batting average against lefties. As any Yankee fan could tell him, every Yankee radio broadcast makes fun of opposing teams who bring in lefties out of the pen to face Matsui late in games. He crushes lefty pitching. Right on cue, Matsui weakly grounds back to the mound. I'm really on my game tonight.
10:14-Wang retires the side on three groundouts. Luckily McCarver is too busy talking about Craig Monroe's mother Marilyn to discuss the ground ball outs. On the other side of that, how much do you think Monroe has heard about that in his life?
10:19- I'm glad Ken Rosenthal reads my blog. Reciting information previously posted on this site he's now going on about how 27 of Rivera's 34 postseason saves have come from more than one inning of work and how Torre plans to limit him to just one inning. His sideline report is overall pretty useless, no information that the normal fan couldn't have gathered online. Ideally a sideline reporter is supposed to give you some current, game time information that is not readily available. Not only that, he seems very uncomfortable when Buck tries to engage him in some friendly banter about the star studded crowd. The unscripted stuff really throws Rosenthal off his game.
10:23-Following Damon's single, Jeter rips his fourth hit of the night and second double. Second and third for Abreu. Abreu trickles a grounder under the glove of the diving Polanco to score Jeter and Damon for the second time tonight. The Yanks stretch the lead to 7-3 and finally chase Robertson from the game.
10:26- FOX frantically cuts back in to the game as Abreu races to second. On replay we see that new reliever Jason Grilli throws a pick off attempt over Casey's head allowing Abreu to advance. Grilli gets Sheffield to ground out to short to end the sixth. It's never a good thing if you come back to your broadcast after something has happened.
10:30- Wang records strike out number four, above his average of about 3 per start.
10:33- Torre comes to pull Wang out after 6 2/3 and only 93 pitches. Very curious about this decision as Wang has really settled down after a rough fifth. Really glad that FOX cut to commercials quickly because Mike Myers trotting in to the "Halloween" theme is one of the freakier happenings in baseball. Myers will come in to face Curtis Granderson, an early postseason test for the Yankees lefty specialist.
10:38-Test failed. Granderson tattoos an off-speed pitch in to the right field bleachers.
10:39-Myers gets yanked and greeted by boos. How quickly in to Torre's post game interview will he hear "why'd you pull Wang when you did?"
10:41-Proctor's turn to end the seventh. Buck doesn't even wait until the end of the game, he
immediately asks about Torre's decision. Finally I beat them to the punch, it was only a matter of time. Polanco rips a pitch to right center, thus making Torre's decision look even worse.
10:45-The tying run steps to the plate in the person of Magglio Ordonez after Casey singles to right. Crisis diverted as Magglio just misses it, sending a fly ball to centerfield.
10:47- We have a Ronan Tynan sighting. You know it's Yankees postseason baseball when we see him. Rudy can't contain his smile, neither can I. Best version of God Bless America you can ever hear. He also taught us that there's a verse of God Bless America that no one ever realized existed. I only hope it annoys Jim Leyland the way it drove the Twins crazy.
10:50-Ronan finally wraps it up to a rousing ovation. Even though my friend points out he looks
eerily similar to Sloth from the Goonies, my rooting interest in him is undeterred. Aside from Whitney Houston's national anthem at Super Bowl XXV, no one gives a more stirring rendition of a patriotic song than our beloved Irish Tenor.
10:53-New pitcher for the Tigers is lefty Jamie Walker. Giambi gets on base again, this time walking as opposed to being hit. Great night for Giambi, especially considering his recent struggles.
10:56- A-Rod hits another ball on the nose, this one right at Ordonez. Although he's only one for four, he's had a solid night. He's swinging the bat well and he's going to get his fair share of hits this postseason. The Tigers insist on having a lefty face him, I really hope he gets a hit here to redeem my earlier comments...
Luckily he grounds weakly to avoid the double play, but the force is made at second on Giambi. Really glad I've been going out on a limb for Matsui.
11:01- Runners on first and third for Cano. He's way overdue, 0 for 3 so far. He's been an RBI
machine since getting off the DL. Again, I'm feeling it. FOX shows the post-DL numbers, just a hair behind my comments. Now if Robbie can just back me up I'll be 2 for 2 on this one...and he flies out to right. I'm glad my first experimentation with live updates has shown my tremendous prognosticating abilities.
11:05- A few changes for the Yanks with Farnsworth taking over on the mound and Andy Phillips replacing Sheff at first.
11:07- Farnsworth misses with his first four pitches. I wonder if Kyle read ESPN.com's 100 reasons to watch the MLB Playoffs. Reason number 21: Kyle Farnsworth is guaranteed to cost the Yankees a game.
11:09- Retires Pudge on a lazy fly to left, but still concerned that Farnsworth is shying away
from the heat. He gets himself in to trouble when he doesn't trust his fastball, looks shaky right now.
11:11-FOX just scanned past Vito from the Sopranos with not even a mention of his name. Of course they point out Denzel, Trump, Ewing, Spike Lee, Regis, Rudy, Bloomberg, but no love for Vito? That hurts. On a brighter note, Farnsworth strikes out Monroe for a big second out.
11:16-Jeter hauls in Thames' pop up. Despite being erratic, Farnsworth does his job by getting
out of the eighth unscathed.
11:22-Jeter drives a ball deep to left center for a homerun and his fifth hit of the night. The MVP chants are booming and Jeter will definitely need to make a curtain call. What a performance by the captain.
11:25- Inning ends on a fly to center by Andy Phillips, but what an unreal night for Jeter. Even with an 8-4 lead heading in to the ninth, the ball will probably be handed over to Rivera.
11:29- Enter Sandman.
11:34- Cano to Jeter to Phillips, game over. Rivera nails it down with a 1-2-3 in the ninth to preserve the 8-4 victory. Yankee fans have to be concerned with how the bullpen performed.
11:35- Jeter gives Rosenthal about 30 seconds for a postgame interview. He again answers "none of us are concerned with personal accolades" when asked about his MVP chances. I know he's obligated to ask the question, but really Rosenthal has served no purpose to the broadcast. Jeter's answered this question the same way for weeks, how is that going to change now?
Overall a big win for the Yankees as the lineup showed how lethal it should be throughout the playoffs. Yankee fans should be concerned about the performances of Mike Myers and Scott Proctor out of the bullpen, as well as the solid showing by the Tigers bullpen. Aside from Jeter's home-run they kept the Tigers in the game and Detroit's offense proved to be relentless. They kept fighting and produced 12 hits. It'll be interesting to see how Detroit rebounds from a game one loss. Rookie Justin Verlander takes the hill against Mike Mussina in what should be a very exciting game two.
It's 8:10, TV tuned in to FOX HD for the Yanks and Tigers. In a shocking programming move, FOX has decided to run a segment on A-Rod. They're really going out on a limb here, suggesting A-Rod needs to bring home number 27 for the Bronx. Of course this segment is loaded with Mrs. October and November Reggie Jackson and Derek Jeter, but also with Mr. May Dave Winfield. In closing, they quote General Patton on how to judge a man who's hit rock bottom. I'm sorry, but if you slugged 35 homeruns with 121 runs batted in, you have not hit rock bottom professionally no matter how poorly you are received. They've so ridiculously overhyped this issue it's pathetic.
8:15- My favorite announcer in sports is on tap for this one, Joe Buck is calling the action alongside his partner Tim McCarver. Does he possibly take the FOX angle and discuss A-Rod? I'll have to check back.
In a curveball they discuss the Tigers. Leyland dubs the Yankees "Murderer's Row and Cano". Buck decides to emphasize how ironic that the Yankees and their massive payroll have handed the ball to young, cheap Chien Ming-Wang.
8:20-Still no baseball, but FOX's first obligatory shot of Times Square. If the game gets boring, I'm guessing we could get up to ten of these beauties.
Wang's first pitch hits 95 MPH and is fouled back behind the plate. Tim McCarver makes first of what should be many "he gets a lot of groundball outs" comments.
8:22- Matsui records the first out on a lazy fly ball. Still interested to see how Matsui attacks shallow bloopers and whether he's willing to dive yet.
8:24- Polanco and Casey hit groundball outs to end the inning. It's an easy 1-2-3, four minute half inning for Wang. He's consistently throwing mid 90's on his fastball and his sinker is clearly working early. Couldn't ask for a better start if your a Yankees fan.
8:27- Coming back from commercial we're treated to another shot of Times Square. Joe Buck takes a cheap shot at New York sports writers and their infatuation with the A-Rod chronicles.
8:29- Jeter lines a single to left field extending his already career lead in postseason hits.
8:37- First shot of Rudy Giuliani in his ridiculous seats. Sharing his seats with Mayor Bloomberg who seems highly disinterested. No signs of Joe Buck supporting Rudy in '08, maybe that will come later.
Wang's first pitch to Ordonez drilled off the left center field wall for a double. Not a good sign, pitch was up and in a perfect spot to drive.
After falling behind 3-0, Wang battles back to 3-2 before walking Guillen.
Runners going on a 1-0 pitch, Pudge misses for strike one and Posada guns down Ordonez at third. On that note, Posada has been lethal behind the plate this year. He's throwing out runners at an incredibly high rate this year.
Pudge flails at a 2-2 pitch for a rare Wang strikeout. What looked to be a daunting 2 on, 0 out has now turned in to one out away from escaping. Grounder to Jeter ends the jam and Wang really seemed to regain control.
8:47- Giambi drilled in the middle of the back with Robertson's first pitch. The fans boo, but no way thats intentional. A-Rod steps up to the plate to a huge ovation.
8:50- Great shot of Patrick Ewing towering over everyone in his vicinity.
8:51- Shot of The Donald followed by some underratedly funny banter between Buck and McCarver. McCarver is amazed Buck knows the proper pronunciation of Trump's wife, followed by Buck's typical sarcastic "I read the Life section". I always wondered if McCarver is smart enough to realize how many times a game Buck belittles him, but I doubt it.
A-Rod robbed of a line drive base hit by a leaping Polanco.
8:54- Best number nine hitter ever steps to the plate with two on. I'm feeling a big hit here...
And my first real prediction of the night is horribly wrong as Cano weakly grounds out to Inge. Great pitch by Robertson, really jammed up Cano.
8:58- Marcus Thames sneaks a ball inside the line in left field. Matsui eases up on the ball thinking there was fan interference allowing Thames to advance to second.
A-Rod handles his first ball of the night. He looks like he's playing with a real swagger as he flings the ball over to Sheffield. Looking real locked in, could have gained a lot of confidence after a good first at bat.
9:04- Unbelieveable 6-4-3 to get out of a first and third jam with one out. Great play all around including a very flexible stretch from Sheff. Gotta love that Wang sinker.
9:12- Damon off on the pitch and Jeter rips another ball in to left. Granderson cuts it off in left center, but Jeter still motors in to second. First big threat for the Yanks with second and third with no out.
Abreu doubles to right center bringing in the first two runs of the game. Close up of Abreu, tough to tell if he's screaming in English or Spanish. Either way he's pumped.
Sheff follows up with a single of his own to right center bringing in Abreu. McCarver loving the Chef hats as he giggles "the chefs are out". I'm thinking I could be a producer for one of these games. On commercials show shots of NYC, during bland spots show one of the many celebrities in attendance, find the groupies for each player (they all have them), and pan around the crowd for any other eccentrics.
Gotta hand it to McCarver for a brilliant play on Yogi's Aflac commerical. Referring to Yogi's recent ailments he recites the "if you're hurt and miss work" line. Great plug. Maybe the most intelligent comment he's ever made.
Another one to right center, but this time it finds the bleachers. Giambi takes Robertson deep to expand to a 5-0 lead and the crowd is going crazy.
A-Rod follows up with a single of his own, this time taking it to left for some variety. Although I'm thoroughly enjoying this romp, I hope Leyland yanks Robertson. This is getting out of control.
Matsui makes the first out in the bottom of the third, but not before the ball travels about 350 feet to left center.
Cano ends the bleeding for the Tigers with a lazy fly ball to left. In fifteen minutes the Yanks have ceized absolute control of this game with five hits and five runs.
9:32- The video of Leyland's "we stunk" rant from April is played. Although early in the season, have to agree that it really rallied the Tigers. Down 5-0 it may be time for another one.
9:36- Pudge strikes out again to bring Wang's K total to 2. After 3 1/2 innings Yanks up to a 5-0 lead with the top of the order rolling around again. Not expecting to see Robertson this inning which could really tax the Tigers bullpen early in the series.
9:39-And I'm wrong again, as Robertson trots out and retires Damon. Jeter continues to rip up Robertson, taking the pitch in to right for another single. Too late for the batting title, but it looks like Jeter is still trying to make an impression on MVP voters.
9:42-Rare base-running error by Jeter as he's caught in a run down. Abreu flies out to left to end the inning. Although he's in a hole, have to hand it to Robertson for bouncing back after the one thru five hitters belted him around in the bottom of the third. There has not been a runner past first base over the last 6 outs.
9:46-Craig Monroe takes a ball over the centerfield wall to get the Tigers on the board. Wang has given up a few hard hit balls tonight on balls he's left too far up in the zone.
9:52- Polanco doubles in to the right field corner bringing in Brandon Inge all the way from first. With two outs Inge was moving on contact so he scored uncontested. Guidry visits the mound to calm down Wang with Sean Casey coming up in a big spot.
9:54- The visit didn't help as Casey rips a ball in to the left centerfield gap, scoring Polanco and advancing to second. The lead is cut to 5-3 and Wang has looked horribly ineffective. He has not looked spectacular at any point tonight and the Yankees are already warming up Bryan Bruney.
9:56- Big strikeout for Wang as he gets Ordonez swinging. Wang has been prone to middle inning slip ups this year and hopefully the top of the fifth got it out of his system.
10:01- Giambi is hit again by Robertson. Doubt that's on purpose, but a lot more suspicious considering he homered in his last at bat. McCarver refutes that was intentional, but Buck does point out Giambi seems displeased.
A-Rod strikes out looking. home plate umpire Tim McClellan's late call seems to really bother A-Rod. As has been pointed out on several occassions, that is McClellan's trademark but you know it bugs the players.
10:05- Matsui steps in and Buck informs the audience of Matsui's gaudy .500 postseason batting average against lefties. As any Yankee fan could tell him, every Yankee radio broadcast makes fun of opposing teams who bring in lefties out of the pen to face Matsui late in games. He crushes lefty pitching. Right on cue, Matsui weakly grounds back to the mound. I'm really on my game tonight.
10:14-Wang retires the side on three groundouts. Luckily McCarver is too busy talking about Craig Monroe's mother Marilyn to discuss the ground ball outs. On the other side of that, how much do you think Monroe has heard about that in his life?
10:19- I'm glad Ken Rosenthal reads my blog. Reciting information previously posted on this site he's now going on about how 27 of Rivera's 34 postseason saves have come from more than one inning of work and how Torre plans to limit him to just one inning. His sideline report is overall pretty useless, no information that the normal fan couldn't have gathered online. Ideally a sideline reporter is supposed to give you some current, game time information that is not readily available. Not only that, he seems very uncomfortable when Buck tries to engage him in some friendly banter about the star studded crowd. The unscripted stuff really throws Rosenthal off his game.
10:23-Following Damon's single, Jeter rips his fourth hit of the night and second double. Second and third for Abreu. Abreu trickles a grounder under the glove of the diving Polanco to score Jeter and Damon for the second time tonight. The Yanks stretch the lead to 7-3 and finally chase Robertson from the game.
10:26- FOX frantically cuts back in to the game as Abreu races to second. On replay we see that new reliever Jason Grilli throws a pick off attempt over Casey's head allowing Abreu to advance. Grilli gets Sheffield to ground out to short to end the sixth. It's never a good thing if you come back to your broadcast after something has happened.
10:30- Wang records strike out number four, above his average of about 3 per start.
10:33- Torre comes to pull Wang out after 6 2/3 and only 93 pitches. Very curious about this decision as Wang has really settled down after a rough fifth. Really glad that FOX cut to commercials quickly because Mike Myers trotting in to the "Halloween" theme is one of the freakier happenings in baseball. Myers will come in to face Curtis Granderson, an early postseason test for the Yankees lefty specialist.
10:38-Test failed. Granderson tattoos an off-speed pitch in to the right field bleachers.
10:39-Myers gets yanked and greeted by boos. How quickly in to Torre's post game interview will he hear "why'd you pull Wang when you did?"
10:41-Proctor's turn to end the seventh. Buck doesn't even wait until the end of the game, he
immediately asks about Torre's decision. Finally I beat them to the punch, it was only a matter of time. Polanco rips a pitch to right center, thus making Torre's decision look even worse.
10:45-The tying run steps to the plate in the person of Magglio Ordonez after Casey singles to right. Crisis diverted as Magglio just misses it, sending a fly ball to centerfield.
10:47- We have a Ronan Tynan sighting. You know it's Yankees postseason baseball when we see him. Rudy can't contain his smile, neither can I. Best version of God Bless America you can ever hear. He also taught us that there's a verse of God Bless America that no one ever realized existed. I only hope it annoys Jim Leyland the way it drove the Twins crazy.
10:50-Ronan finally wraps it up to a rousing ovation. Even though my friend points out he looks
eerily similar to Sloth from the Goonies, my rooting interest in him is undeterred. Aside from Whitney Houston's national anthem at Super Bowl XXV, no one gives a more stirring rendition of a patriotic song than our beloved Irish Tenor.
10:53-New pitcher for the Tigers is lefty Jamie Walker. Giambi gets on base again, this time walking as opposed to being hit. Great night for Giambi, especially considering his recent struggles.
10:56- A-Rod hits another ball on the nose, this one right at Ordonez. Although he's only one for four, he's had a solid night. He's swinging the bat well and he's going to get his fair share of hits this postseason. The Tigers insist on having a lefty face him, I really hope he gets a hit here to redeem my earlier comments...
Luckily he grounds weakly to avoid the double play, but the force is made at second on Giambi. Really glad I've been going out on a limb for Matsui.
11:01- Runners on first and third for Cano. He's way overdue, 0 for 3 so far. He's been an RBI
machine since getting off the DL. Again, I'm feeling it. FOX shows the post-DL numbers, just a hair behind my comments. Now if Robbie can just back me up I'll be 2 for 2 on this one...and he flies out to right. I'm glad my first experimentation with live updates has shown my tremendous prognosticating abilities.
11:05- A few changes for the Yanks with Farnsworth taking over on the mound and Andy Phillips replacing Sheff at first.
11:07- Farnsworth misses with his first four pitches. I wonder if Kyle read ESPN.com's 100 reasons to watch the MLB Playoffs. Reason number 21: Kyle Farnsworth is guaranteed to cost the Yankees a game.
11:09- Retires Pudge on a lazy fly to left, but still concerned that Farnsworth is shying away
from the heat. He gets himself in to trouble when he doesn't trust his fastball, looks shaky right now.
11:11-FOX just scanned past Vito from the Sopranos with not even a mention of his name. Of course they point out Denzel, Trump, Ewing, Spike Lee, Regis, Rudy, Bloomberg, but no love for Vito? That hurts. On a brighter note, Farnsworth strikes out Monroe for a big second out.
11:16-Jeter hauls in Thames' pop up. Despite being erratic, Farnsworth does his job by getting
out of the eighth unscathed.
11:22-Jeter drives a ball deep to left center for a homerun and his fifth hit of the night. The MVP chants are booming and Jeter will definitely need to make a curtain call. What a performance by the captain.
11:25- Inning ends on a fly to center by Andy Phillips, but what an unreal night for Jeter. Even with an 8-4 lead heading in to the ninth, the ball will probably be handed over to Rivera.
11:29- Enter Sandman.
11:34- Cano to Jeter to Phillips, game over. Rivera nails it down with a 1-2-3 in the ninth to preserve the 8-4 victory. Yankee fans have to be concerned with how the bullpen performed.
11:35- Jeter gives Rosenthal about 30 seconds for a postgame interview. He again answers "none of us are concerned with personal accolades" when asked about his MVP chances. I know he's obligated to ask the question, but really Rosenthal has served no purpose to the broadcast. Jeter's answered this question the same way for weeks, how is that going to change now?
Overall a big win for the Yankees as the lineup showed how lethal it should be throughout the playoffs. Yankee fans should be concerned about the performances of Mike Myers and Scott Proctor out of the bullpen, as well as the solid showing by the Tigers bullpen. Aside from Jeter's home-run they kept the Tigers in the game and Detroit's offense proved to be relentless. They kept fighting and produced 12 hits. It'll be interesting to see how Detroit rebounds from a game one loss. Rookie Justin Verlander takes the hill against Mike Mussina in what should be a very exciting game two.
ALDS Preview- Detroit vs. New York
In the third game of tonight's tripleheader, the Tigers and Yankees open up at Yankee Stadium. The Tigers were in control of the AL Central for a bulk of the season before allowing the Twins to take the division title on the last day of the season. Their downfall has been widely documented, but will it inspire them to perform in the postseason or is it a product of a lack of talent. Everyone is hopping on board the Yankees bandwagon with a lineup that boasts an All-Star at each position and this year's AL Batting Title second runner up as their ninth place hitter.
Why The Yankees Will Win... With all due respect to their cross-town rivals, the Yankees have the deepest lineup in the playoffs. They can hurt you from top to bottom, and still bring the all-time leader in postseason homeruns off the bench. On paper, this lineup looks unbeatable, but it certainly is. They are susceptible to pitchers who can pound them inside, and the Tigers have the arms to do so. Jason Giambi is battling a wrist injury that limited his production down the stretch, Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui are recovering from significant injuries, and the tough times of Alex Rodriguez have been well chronicled. However, if this offense is hitting on even half of its cylinders, they'll score runs in bunches. The biggest question marks are with the pitching staff. Will Randy Johnson's back hold up for his game 3 start? How is Mariano Rivera's forearm? Will the overused arms of Scott Proctor and Ron Villone be able to get the important outs? Which Kyle Farnsworth will show up? The good news for Yankee fans is that the pitching staff does not need to throw shutout ball. The Sandman is the most reliable closer in postseason history and all signs indicate Wang and Mussina should keep other teams off the board.
Why The Tigers Will Win...Good young pitching. Justin Verlander has a good shot of being AL Rookie of The Year and has electric stuff. He struggled down the stretch, but if he's on the Yankees will have a tough time scoring runs. Kenny Rogers was virtually unhittable the last couple of months of the season and kept the Tigers from missing the postseason. The bullpen is stocked with live arms, especially flamethrowing Joel Zumaya. While certainly not as potent as the Yankees lineup, the Tigers have good versatility. They have good speed at the top with Curtis Granderson, some power in the middle with Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez, and depth at the bottom with Marcus Thames and Craig Monroe. The addition of Sean Casey before the deadline adds some stability to the top with a veteran who consistently gets on base. If the young starters can accept the challenge of pitching at Yankee Stadium in October, this could be a good series.
Prediction: While the Tigers were the feel good story of the first half of the season, their troubling inability to win games over the last fifty games is a red flag for Motown fans. They won a mere 19 of their last 50, the worst of any of this year's postseason teams. They squandered the division title they had virtually wrapped up in July which forced them to go on the road for the first two games of the division series. Meanwhile, the Yankees have issues of their own. The Randy Johnson back situation could play out a la David Wells in the '03 World Series, causing big problems for the back end of the rotation and bullpen. Manager Joe Torre has already stated that Mariano will not be used for more than an inning, but it'll be interesting to see if he sticks with that. Many of his biggest postseason performances have required more than an inning and Torre may not have the horses in the bullpen to keep Rivera on a one inning schedule. However, with home field advantage against an inexperienced and struggling team, this should be all Yankees. Expect the Yankees to win in four.
Why The Yankees Will Win... With all due respect to their cross-town rivals, the Yankees have the deepest lineup in the playoffs. They can hurt you from top to bottom, and still bring the all-time leader in postseason homeruns off the bench. On paper, this lineup looks unbeatable, but it certainly is. They are susceptible to pitchers who can pound them inside, and the Tigers have the arms to do so. Jason Giambi is battling a wrist injury that limited his production down the stretch, Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui are recovering from significant injuries, and the tough times of Alex Rodriguez have been well chronicled. However, if this offense is hitting on even half of its cylinders, they'll score runs in bunches. The biggest question marks are with the pitching staff. Will Randy Johnson's back hold up for his game 3 start? How is Mariano Rivera's forearm? Will the overused arms of Scott Proctor and Ron Villone be able to get the important outs? Which Kyle Farnsworth will show up? The good news for Yankee fans is that the pitching staff does not need to throw shutout ball. The Sandman is the most reliable closer in postseason history and all signs indicate Wang and Mussina should keep other teams off the board.
Why The Tigers Will Win...Good young pitching. Justin Verlander has a good shot of being AL Rookie of The Year and has electric stuff. He struggled down the stretch, but if he's on the Yankees will have a tough time scoring runs. Kenny Rogers was virtually unhittable the last couple of months of the season and kept the Tigers from missing the postseason. The bullpen is stocked with live arms, especially flamethrowing Joel Zumaya. While certainly not as potent as the Yankees lineup, the Tigers have good versatility. They have good speed at the top with Curtis Granderson, some power in the middle with Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez, and depth at the bottom with Marcus Thames and Craig Monroe. The addition of Sean Casey before the deadline adds some stability to the top with a veteran who consistently gets on base. If the young starters can accept the challenge of pitching at Yankee Stadium in October, this could be a good series.
Prediction: While the Tigers were the feel good story of the first half of the season, their troubling inability to win games over the last fifty games is a red flag for Motown fans. They won a mere 19 of their last 50, the worst of any of this year's postseason teams. They squandered the division title they had virtually wrapped up in July which forced them to go on the road for the first two games of the division series. Meanwhile, the Yankees have issues of their own. The Randy Johnson back situation could play out a la David Wells in the '03 World Series, causing big problems for the back end of the rotation and bullpen. Manager Joe Torre has already stated that Mariano will not be used for more than an inning, but it'll be interesting to see if he sticks with that. Many of his biggest postseason performances have required more than an inning and Torre may not have the horses in the bullpen to keep Rivera on a one inning schedule. However, with home field advantage against an inexperienced and struggling team, this should be all Yankees. Expect the Yankees to win in four.
NLDS Preview- St. Louis vs. San Diego
For the second straight year these two teams meet in the Division Series, this time starting out in San Diego for game one. This year San Diego enters the playoffs as the hot team, seizing and maintaining first place late in the season from a dangerous Dodgers team. On the other end of the spectrum, St. Louis survived a late September surge from Houston and avoided one of the worst collapses in MLB history. The Cardinals will continue to rely on baseball's most dangerous hitter to overcome glaring pitching weaknesses and hope San Diego wasted too much energy securing the division down the stretch.
Why the Padres Will Win... They're peaking at the right time. They've been in a playoff atmosphere the last few weeks and have played tremendously well. Jake Peavy has the ability to dominate a game and should have a couple of opportunities to do so in this series. San Diego has relied on its pitching and has not been let down. As a team they lead the National League in runs allowed, batting average against, and saves. They have experienced closer Trevor Hoffman, a decided advantage over the Cardinals Braden Looper. While Mike Piazza has been ripped over his fielding deficiencies throughout his career, he certainly knows how to handle a staff. His postseason experience should be extremely beneficial. He also has provided the middle of the lineup with some pop, finishing tied for second on the team with 22 homeruns. While the offense finished towards the bottom of the league in most offensive categories, they have a pretty good balance of power and speed. Dave Roberts is a disruptive force on the base paths while Adrian Gonzalez, Brian Giles, and Mike Cameron can all hit the long ball.
Why The Cardinals Will Win... Tony LaRussa's decision to allow Chris Carpenter to skip his last start will surely pay dividends. While it was a risky move with the division crown still in the balance, the Cardinals snuck in to the playoffs and now have their ace ready to pitch multiple times if necessary. Their bullpen took a major hit with a late season injury to closer Jason Isringhausen. The Cards will now have to rely on either inconsistent Braden Looper or inexperienced Adam Wainwright to close out games. Carpenter is more than capable of winning two games in this series and Jeff Suppan has pitched better of late. Although the offense has been very one dimensional of late, the man doing the damage may be the best hitter in all of baseball. Albert Pujols is capable of carrying this offense through some tough times, but will need someone to step up. If Jim Edmonds is healthy, he can certainly help shoulder the load as well as 3B Scott Rolen. While Chris Duncan's numbers have tailed off recently, he still belted 22 homeruns in limited at bats while hitting at nearly a .300 clip. This is a very capable offense that can not be counted out.
Prediction: Conventional wisdom suggests pitching trumps hitting in the postseason. To take it one step further, it is often believed a team peaking at the right time should be favored. In this series, San Diego holds a decided advantage in both of these areas. However, I'm going against both of these theories in picking a winner for this series. NL MVP Candidate Albert Pujols will have a monster series and put the Cards on his back. Carpenter is capable of picking up a couple of victories and should get help from Jeff Suppan. Trevor Hoffman has struggled in big situations this year (All-Star game, last two of the Dodgers four consecutive HRs) and could be susceptible to more late inning trouble. While the Cards bullpen is a messy situation, the Padres may not be strong enough offensively to really make them pay. San Diego's hot streak runs out as they lose to the Cardinals in four.
Why the Padres Will Win... They're peaking at the right time. They've been in a playoff atmosphere the last few weeks and have played tremendously well. Jake Peavy has the ability to dominate a game and should have a couple of opportunities to do so in this series. San Diego has relied on its pitching and has not been let down. As a team they lead the National League in runs allowed, batting average against, and saves. They have experienced closer Trevor Hoffman, a decided advantage over the Cardinals Braden Looper. While Mike Piazza has been ripped over his fielding deficiencies throughout his career, he certainly knows how to handle a staff. His postseason experience should be extremely beneficial. He also has provided the middle of the lineup with some pop, finishing tied for second on the team with 22 homeruns. While the offense finished towards the bottom of the league in most offensive categories, they have a pretty good balance of power and speed. Dave Roberts is a disruptive force on the base paths while Adrian Gonzalez, Brian Giles, and Mike Cameron can all hit the long ball.
Why The Cardinals Will Win... Tony LaRussa's decision to allow Chris Carpenter to skip his last start will surely pay dividends. While it was a risky move with the division crown still in the balance, the Cardinals snuck in to the playoffs and now have their ace ready to pitch multiple times if necessary. Their bullpen took a major hit with a late season injury to closer Jason Isringhausen. The Cards will now have to rely on either inconsistent Braden Looper or inexperienced Adam Wainwright to close out games. Carpenter is more than capable of winning two games in this series and Jeff Suppan has pitched better of late. Although the offense has been very one dimensional of late, the man doing the damage may be the best hitter in all of baseball. Albert Pujols is capable of carrying this offense through some tough times, but will need someone to step up. If Jim Edmonds is healthy, he can certainly help shoulder the load as well as 3B Scott Rolen. While Chris Duncan's numbers have tailed off recently, he still belted 22 homeruns in limited at bats while hitting at nearly a .300 clip. This is a very capable offense that can not be counted out.
Prediction: Conventional wisdom suggests pitching trumps hitting in the postseason. To take it one step further, it is often believed a team peaking at the right time should be favored. In this series, San Diego holds a decided advantage in both of these areas. However, I'm going against both of these theories in picking a winner for this series. NL MVP Candidate Albert Pujols will have a monster series and put the Cards on his back. Carpenter is capable of picking up a couple of victories and should get help from Jeff Suppan. Trevor Hoffman has struggled in big situations this year (All-Star game, last two of the Dodgers four consecutive HRs) and could be susceptible to more late inning trouble. While the Cards bullpen is a messy situation, the Padres may not be strong enough offensively to really make them pay. San Diego's hot streak runs out as they lose to the Cardinals in four.
ALDS Preview- Oakland vs. Minnesota
Today's playoffs kick off with the AL Central champion Twins hosting the AL West champion Athletics. The two hottest teams since June boast the premiere pitching matchup of the playoffs in today's game one between sure fire AL Cy Young winner Johan Santana and Barry Zito. Not only did Santana tie for the lead league in wins, he lead in innings, strikeouts, and ERA, a feat rarely accomplished. For the Athletics, ace Barry Zito is not far behind and features the best curveball in baseball. These two lefties could provide a couple of memorable duels in this short series.
Why The Twins Will Win... Johan Santana has emerged as the most dominant pitcher in baseball. If all goes according to plan, Santana can notch two of the three necessary victories to clinch. That means the trio of Matt Garza, Boof Bonser, and Brad Radke would only be responsible for picking up one win. The Twins feature the best bullpen in the American League, with dominant closer Joe Nathan being the most reliable closer not named Mariano Rivera in this year's playoffs. Their bullpen has the ability to shorten games making it easier on one of the youngsters or Radke to pick up that third win. Also, for the first time in recent memory, they have a team capable of scoring runs in bunches. With AL batting champion Joe Mauer and fellow MVP candidate Justin Morneau driving in runs in the middle of the lineup, they have a few bats that can hurt you. Perennial leader Torii Hunter is also more than capable of producing the clutch hit as he has shown down the stretch. As a team they lead the majors in batting average and were among the leaders in on base percentage.
Why The A's Will Win...Depth in starting pitching. Barry Zito is more than capable of out-dueling Santana at least once and silencing the big left handed bats (Mauer, Morneau) that carry the Minnesota offense. Esteban Loaiza has been very effective in the late months and looks to be a strong number two guy in the rotation. The A's have not decided who their game three starter will be, but both Dan Haren and Rich Harden are young flamethrowers who can absolutely shut down an opposing offense. Harden has pitched well since coming off the DL, but has been limited in his work. If he can be healthy, he is capable of the vaunted "Josh Beckett of '03" performance. The A's bullpen is also tough with Kiko Calero, Justin Duchscherer, and closer Huston Street. If Street is hampered by the injuries that affected him during the season, Duchscherer has proven he can handle closing responsibilities. Offensively, the big bats of Nick Swisher and the resurgence of Frank Thomas shoulder the load. They need to continue to provide the pop in the middle of this lineup for the A's to have a chance. Eric Chavez has hit much better in the second half of the season and also could provide a boost in the offense. While their batting averages are a bit low, their on-base percentage is still at an acceptable Moneyball level.
Prediction: Having home field advantage is a distinct advantage for the Twins. Playing inside the noisy Metrodome on that fast track plays largely to their advantage. The key is game one. If the Athletics can steal game one on the road, they have a great chance of being able to close out in Oakland. If Santana holds it should at least enable him another start later on in the series. Although A's Manager Ken Macha seems to have a lot of faith in Loaiza has his second starter, I will not show as much faith. If the A's fall in to an 0-2 hole, I don't seem them digging out. However, if the Twins were to use Santana in Game 4 (if necessary), I'd like the A's chances of taking Game 5 (if necessary). The Twins in a short series are scary, but with the absence of Liriano certainly beatable. I'll go with the A's in five behind the depth in their starting rotation.
Why The Twins Will Win... Johan Santana has emerged as the most dominant pitcher in baseball. If all goes according to plan, Santana can notch two of the three necessary victories to clinch. That means the trio of Matt Garza, Boof Bonser, and Brad Radke would only be responsible for picking up one win. The Twins feature the best bullpen in the American League, with dominant closer Joe Nathan being the most reliable closer not named Mariano Rivera in this year's playoffs. Their bullpen has the ability to shorten games making it easier on one of the youngsters or Radke to pick up that third win. Also, for the first time in recent memory, they have a team capable of scoring runs in bunches. With AL batting champion Joe Mauer and fellow MVP candidate Justin Morneau driving in runs in the middle of the lineup, they have a few bats that can hurt you. Perennial leader Torii Hunter is also more than capable of producing the clutch hit as he has shown down the stretch. As a team they lead the majors in batting average and were among the leaders in on base percentage.
Why The A's Will Win...Depth in starting pitching. Barry Zito is more than capable of out-dueling Santana at least once and silencing the big left handed bats (Mauer, Morneau) that carry the Minnesota offense. Esteban Loaiza has been very effective in the late months and looks to be a strong number two guy in the rotation. The A's have not decided who their game three starter will be, but both Dan Haren and Rich Harden are young flamethrowers who can absolutely shut down an opposing offense. Harden has pitched well since coming off the DL, but has been limited in his work. If he can be healthy, he is capable of the vaunted "Josh Beckett of '03" performance. The A's bullpen is also tough with Kiko Calero, Justin Duchscherer, and closer Huston Street. If Street is hampered by the injuries that affected him during the season, Duchscherer has proven he can handle closing responsibilities. Offensively, the big bats of Nick Swisher and the resurgence of Frank Thomas shoulder the load. They need to continue to provide the pop in the middle of this lineup for the A's to have a chance. Eric Chavez has hit much better in the second half of the season and also could provide a boost in the offense. While their batting averages are a bit low, their on-base percentage is still at an acceptable Moneyball level.
Prediction: Having home field advantage is a distinct advantage for the Twins. Playing inside the noisy Metrodome on that fast track plays largely to their advantage. The key is game one. If the Athletics can steal game one on the road, they have a great chance of being able to close out in Oakland. If Santana holds it should at least enable him another start later on in the series. Although A's Manager Ken Macha seems to have a lot of faith in Loaiza has his second starter, I will not show as much faith. If the A's fall in to an 0-2 hole, I don't seem them digging out. However, if the Twins were to use Santana in Game 4 (if necessary), I'd like the A's chances of taking Game 5 (if necessary). The Twins in a short series are scary, but with the absence of Liriano certainly beatable. I'll go with the A's in five behind the depth in their starting rotation.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
NFL Season Preview Part I- AFC NORTH AND EAST
With just a couple hours until kickoff, I'm going to take a look at the teams and divisions kicking off the season. Tonight's matchup features the Pittsburgh Steelers of the AFC North and the Miami Dolphins of the AFC East. Defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh returns many of its stars and in the eyes of many experts have a strong chance of returning to the big game. I see it a bit differently, as well as some other surprises in the AFC. I'll take a look at each of the divisions, predict how I expect them to finish and look at a few players who should have impact or breakout seasons. I'll begin with the AFC North, the home of the defending champions and the division that could be the most competitive in the conference.
AFC NORTH:
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Will Win If... Carson Palmer is fully recovered from the devastating knee injury he suffered in the first round of last year's playoffs. He's looked good in the preseason, but it is difficult to read from such a small body of work. Everyone is interested to see how his knee will hold up for four quarters during a sixteen game season. His skill players are all back and expect more production from a terrific receiving tandem of Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh. Although he's had a rough offseason, and in my mind should not even have the chance to play in this league with all of his transgressions, Chris Henry is an imposing third receiver. Throw in the effective ground game fueled by Rudi Johnson, and this is an offense that scores in bunches. The defense will suffer with Odell Thurman missing the first four games to suspension. They create a lot of turnovers and were carried by strong linebacking play led by Thurman a year ago.
Will Not Win If...Carson Palmer has lingering affects from his knee injury. Gone from a year ago is reliable backup Jon Kitna. If Palmer can't play, Anthony Wright will not lead this team anywhere. They've had a difficult offseason with several players accused of a variety of crimes. The organization claims to be taking a hard stance against these players, but still allow a repeated criminal Chris Henry to play a large role in their offense. The defense will be hurt by Thurman's absence in the first four games and could struggle to mesh as a unit once he returns. Along with the Giants, face the toughest schedule based on last year's winning percentages. They could wear down as the season goes on, especially Carson Palmer.
Impact Player: Carson Palmer. Not exactly a reach here, but his health is the key to this season.
2. Baltimore Ravens
Will Win If...Steve McNair can stay healthy. When healthy, McNair is a very effective quarterback and a perfect fit for this offense. His mere presence will prevent defenses from stacking the box against the run and should lead to a bounce back year for Jamal Lewis. Last year's Jamal Lewis was distracted by his off-season spent in jail and rehabbing from a lingering ankle injury. He should be a force once again this year. The performance of number one receiver Derrek Mason should improve being reunited with McNair, a quarterback that helped him reach the Pro Bowl while in Tennessee. McNair also thrives with a solid pass catching TE which the Ravens have in Todd Heap. Young receivers Mark Clayton and rookie Demetrious Williams should also provide McNair with great targets. On the other side of the ball, Ray Lewis got his draft request with DT/space eater Haloti Ngata out of Oregon. Led by Lewis and Ed Reed, this is still a punishing defense. With an offense that can actually keep them off the field, they should regain their dominant form.
Will Not Win if...Kyle Boller is forced in to action. Although he has a strong arm and the physical tools, Boller has not gotten the job done in Baltimore. With McNair at the helm, this is a dangerous team. If not, they're average at best. The defense must regain the dominant form that carried them to playoffs past. Ray Lewis better back up his strong words, suggesting he needed linemen to keep the blockers off him. Management responded by drafting Ngata, a massive interior lineman whose main objective is to free up Lewis.
Impact Player: Haloti Ngata, DT. McNair's health is the key, but a lot of attention will be focused on the mammoth first rounder. The pressure is on him to keep the blockers off playmaking LB Ray Lewis.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Will Win If... Wilie Parker can endure the grind of a full season. Parker got much needed rest in tough yardage situation a season ago from now retired Jerome Bettis. Backups Duce Staley and Verron Haynes must step in to give him a breather. Ben Roethlisberger had a rough offseason with his near-death accident and most recently an emergency appendectomy that will keep him out of the lineup in Week One. He's been counted on to keep drives moving and throw a limited amount of passes, but he may need to become more instrumental in the offense's success this season. Gone from last year is WR Antwaan Randle El whose trick plays made this offense very unpredictable. Rookie wideout Santonio Holmes had some off the field issues that he must look past and take on a big role in this offense. Second year TE Heath Miller looks to build on his strong rookie season and provides a great security blanket for Big Ben. This team is always built on running the football and tough defense, and the defense remains largely in tact. Troy Polamolu has emerged as one of the brightest defensive stars in the game, and Joey Porter continues his strong play at linebacker. They will keep this team in a lot of games even if the offense isn't putting up a lot of points.
Will Not Win If... The string of bad luck continues for Ben Roethlisberger. He must remain on the field and not lose the toughness that has made him successful in his short career. The loss of Antwaan Randle El will hurt this team in several ways. It limits their ability to keep defenses honest with trick plays, lose a deep threat in the passing game, and lose a return guy capable of giving them not only good field position but break one for a score. This team caught several breaks last year that began with sliding in the back door to the playoffs. In the first round the Bengals lost star QB Carson Palmer after his first pass. Against the Colts the usually reliable Mike Vandergjagt missed an opportunity late for a tie, as well as Nick Harper inexplicably getting tripped up by Big Ben after recovering a Bettis fumble. Unfortunately, it can be explained by Harper nursing a bum leg as a result of a domestic dispute in which he was stabbed. All of this, not to mention the great motivation of allowing their beloved star to go out on top in his hometown.
Impact Player: Heath Miller. As a rookie he only caught 39 balls, but gave this offense a boost. With the loss of Randle El and questionable receiver talent behind Hines Ward, Miller must step up.
4. Cleveland Browns
Will Win If....The other three teams in this division suffer a rash of injuries. While the front office did a great job of compling some talented free agents, this is a team that is yet to play .500 football for a season since returning to Cleveland. The prize of their free agent class, emerging star C LeCharles Bentley was lost for the season in the Browns first practice. Consider that a terrible, terrible omen for things to come. However, they've bulked up their offensive and defensive playmaking with the return of TE Kellen Winslow and the acquisitions of Joe Jurevicius and Willie McGinest. McGinest is now reunited with Romeo Crennel and could help first round draft pick Kamerion Wimbley become a force at outside linebacker. They have a talented receiving core in Jurevicius, Winslow, and Braylon Edwards. Joining Frye in the backfield is Reuben Droughns who rushed for over 1200 yards a season ago. They face some tough defenses in the division, but this is a talented offense. On the defensive side of the ball McGinest will need to impart his winning ways on a team loaded with perennial losers. In addition to McGinest they brought in space eating NT Ted Washington and added talented linebackers early in the draft.
Will NOT win if...all goes according to plan. Charlie Frye is in his first full season as a starter and will undoubtedly suffer some growing pains. The loss of Bentley in the preseason will really hurt the ability of the offensive line to open up holes for Droughns and keep Frye upright. The defense has a lot of question marks and young talent which may struggle to keep opposing offenses off the board. Should be another tough season in the Dawg Pound.
Impact Player: Kellen Winslow, the "f***in soldier". Should be playing with a huge chip on his shoulder after his character has been questioned by his off the field choices. Enormously talented but needs to get his head focused on the game. Has made terrible impressions since proclaiming himself to be a soldier in a postgame interview while at the U.
AFC EAST
1. Miami Dolphins
Will Win IF...Daunte Culpepper stays healthy. Isn't it amazing how many teams are relying on QB's returning from injury? This is a team that reeled off six straight wins at the end of last year under first year coach and are the chic pick to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. I won't go that far, but in a weak division with a vulnerable Patriots team, I like their chances to win the East. Culpepper has a strong set of pass catchers with Chris Chambers,(who I'll mention more later), Marty Booker, Randy McMichael, and rookie Derek Hagan. Chambers is coming off a season in which he had over 1100 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns as the main threat for Gus Frerotte. If he had those numbers with Frerotte, it is scary to think what he can do this year. Joining Culpepper in the backfield is second year back Ronnie Brown who also is primed for a big year. He's big enough to handle a full load and will get more opportunities with Ricky Williams gone for the year. The defense is getting older, but still has reliable veterans Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas. Their secondary is suspect and need rookie Jason Allen to step up in the backend.
Will NOT win if...Culpepper looks like the Culpepper from the beginning of '05. While many people look at his season as lost for the injury, he was off to a horrific start prior to the loss of his season. He turned the ball over at a high rate and looked very ineffective. It'll be interesting to see how much mobility he has lost due to his injury. The defense could be prone to the big play with a spotty secondary.
Impact Player: Daunte Culpepper. He has the potential to team with Chris Chambers to be one of the most feared QB-WR duos in the league and has a defense that will keep him in games. If he's healthy, they should win the division
2. New England Patriots
Will Win If...It's tough to go against Tom Brady, but they had another rough offseason. Gone are Adam Vinatieri, David Givens, and Willie McGinest. Top wideout Deion Branch is holding out and does not look like he'll be back on the field for a while. However, this is a team that depends on good game management from an elite QB and incredible coaching. Rookie Laurence Maroney should give a huge boost to the running game and could help Corey Dillon raise his game. Fellow rookie Chad Jackson could add a big play dimension to the offense and TE Ben Watson should also pick up the slack in the passing game. In recent weeks they've added LB Junior Seau to help offset the loss of Willie McGinest. Richard Seymour has emerged as one of the finest defensive linemen in the game. In the preseason Rodney Harrison looks fully healed from the devastating injury he suffered and will help a very questionable secondary.
Will NOT Win If...they can not find a wide receiver to step up. While Tom Brady has been an elite QB since taking over the starting position in 2001, he needs someone to throw to. With his favorite target Branch sidelined with a contract dispute, someone needs to step up. At this point there's no reason to fear the tandem of Reche Caldwell and Chad Jackson. The secondary should be prone to big plays and this defense could give up more points than we've seen in recent years from the Pats.
Impact Player: Ben Watson. The person who needs to step up in the passing game doesn't necessarily have to be a wide receiver. Watson has the tools to be a top flight tight end, especially in an offense that loves using tight ends.
3. Buffalo Bills
Will Win If... Willis McGahee can find the end zone more. Despite putting up good yardage numbers, McGahee and the Bills offense had trouble finding the end zone. Part of the problem was the instability at Quarterback. The starter has been tabbed as JP Losman, but if he struggles Kelly Holcomb is waiting in the wings. One of these two must step up and stabilize the offense. They have a talented wideout in Lee Evans, but not many other weapons in the passing game. On defense they expected much more production than they received. This year's cast features a strong linebacking core in Angelo Crowell, Takeo Spikes, and London Fletcher. Nate Clements is a very talented corner, and the addition of Larry Triplett should shore up the middle of the defensive line.
Will Not Win If...they can't figure out their QB situation. McGahee is a talented back who will take a lot of pressure off the quarterback if one guy can just step up and assume control. Losman is a bit undersized, but has shown flashes of ability. The defense has some holes along the front line and will depend on first round choice Donte Whitner to be a key part of the secondary. Veteran Troy Vincent should help his progress along, but Clements and McGee are prone to coverage mistakes that should test the young player.
Impact Player: Peerless Price. If Price can return to the player he was during his last tour of duty in Buffalo, this offense will get a much needed boost.
4. New York Jets
Will Win If... Someone steps up in the running game. Right now they'll take the running back by committee route with Kevan Barlow, Leon Washington, Cedric Houston, and Derrick Blaylock. Barlow has the potential to steal this job, but needs more reps with his new team. There are also big questions surrounding Chad Pennington's shoulder and his ability to lead an offense. If he falters the offense would be left in the hands of promising rookie Kellen Clemens or unproven young veteran Patrick Ramsey. The Jets will rely on two first round draft picks, C Nick Mangold and T D'Brickashaw Ferguson, to anchor their offensive line. Pennington does not have many option in the passing game as WR Laveranues Coles suffered in his absence a year ago. The Jets need Pennington and Coles to re-establish the repore they had a couple of seasons ago. On defense there is some talent, starting with MLB Jonathan Vilma. He has emerged as one of the game's bright young stars on defense. They added DL Kimo Von Oelhoffen to solidify the defensive line and infuse a winning attitude fresh off his Super Bowl win.
Will Not Win If...too many questions on offense to win this year. The defense isn't strong enough to carry them through scoring droughts, which this team is sure to have. Chad Pennington's days as an elite starter are over, but can he be a serviceable one this season? He looked alright in the preseason, but only time will tell. The defense is going through a schematic transition with new coach Eric Mangini and the team could have some shell shock going from laid back Herm Edwards to tough guy Mangini. Should be a tough season for the Jets.
Impact Player. Kevan Barlow. Several years ago many people projected this guy to really break out. While he's shown flashes, he has been mainly ineffective. He has landed in a great position to become a solid running back.
AFC NORTH:
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Will Win If... Carson Palmer is fully recovered from the devastating knee injury he suffered in the first round of last year's playoffs. He's looked good in the preseason, but it is difficult to read from such a small body of work. Everyone is interested to see how his knee will hold up for four quarters during a sixteen game season. His skill players are all back and expect more production from a terrific receiving tandem of Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh. Although he's had a rough offseason, and in my mind should not even have the chance to play in this league with all of his transgressions, Chris Henry is an imposing third receiver. Throw in the effective ground game fueled by Rudi Johnson, and this is an offense that scores in bunches. The defense will suffer with Odell Thurman missing the first four games to suspension. They create a lot of turnovers and were carried by strong linebacking play led by Thurman a year ago.
Will Not Win If...Carson Palmer has lingering affects from his knee injury. Gone from a year ago is reliable backup Jon Kitna. If Palmer can't play, Anthony Wright will not lead this team anywhere. They've had a difficult offseason with several players accused of a variety of crimes. The organization claims to be taking a hard stance against these players, but still allow a repeated criminal Chris Henry to play a large role in their offense. The defense will be hurt by Thurman's absence in the first four games and could struggle to mesh as a unit once he returns. Along with the Giants, face the toughest schedule based on last year's winning percentages. They could wear down as the season goes on, especially Carson Palmer.
Impact Player: Carson Palmer. Not exactly a reach here, but his health is the key to this season.
2. Baltimore Ravens
Will Win If...Steve McNair can stay healthy. When healthy, McNair is a very effective quarterback and a perfect fit for this offense. His mere presence will prevent defenses from stacking the box against the run and should lead to a bounce back year for Jamal Lewis. Last year's Jamal Lewis was distracted by his off-season spent in jail and rehabbing from a lingering ankle injury. He should be a force once again this year. The performance of number one receiver Derrek Mason should improve being reunited with McNair, a quarterback that helped him reach the Pro Bowl while in Tennessee. McNair also thrives with a solid pass catching TE which the Ravens have in Todd Heap. Young receivers Mark Clayton and rookie Demetrious Williams should also provide McNair with great targets. On the other side of the ball, Ray Lewis got his draft request with DT/space eater Haloti Ngata out of Oregon. Led by Lewis and Ed Reed, this is still a punishing defense. With an offense that can actually keep them off the field, they should regain their dominant form.
Will Not Win if...Kyle Boller is forced in to action. Although he has a strong arm and the physical tools, Boller has not gotten the job done in Baltimore. With McNair at the helm, this is a dangerous team. If not, they're average at best. The defense must regain the dominant form that carried them to playoffs past. Ray Lewis better back up his strong words, suggesting he needed linemen to keep the blockers off him. Management responded by drafting Ngata, a massive interior lineman whose main objective is to free up Lewis.
Impact Player: Haloti Ngata, DT. McNair's health is the key, but a lot of attention will be focused on the mammoth first rounder. The pressure is on him to keep the blockers off playmaking LB Ray Lewis.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Will Win If... Wilie Parker can endure the grind of a full season. Parker got much needed rest in tough yardage situation a season ago from now retired Jerome Bettis. Backups Duce Staley and Verron Haynes must step in to give him a breather. Ben Roethlisberger had a rough offseason with his near-death accident and most recently an emergency appendectomy that will keep him out of the lineup in Week One. He's been counted on to keep drives moving and throw a limited amount of passes, but he may need to become more instrumental in the offense's success this season. Gone from last year is WR Antwaan Randle El whose trick plays made this offense very unpredictable. Rookie wideout Santonio Holmes had some off the field issues that he must look past and take on a big role in this offense. Second year TE Heath Miller looks to build on his strong rookie season and provides a great security blanket for Big Ben. This team is always built on running the football and tough defense, and the defense remains largely in tact. Troy Polamolu has emerged as one of the brightest defensive stars in the game, and Joey Porter continues his strong play at linebacker. They will keep this team in a lot of games even if the offense isn't putting up a lot of points.
Will Not Win If... The string of bad luck continues for Ben Roethlisberger. He must remain on the field and not lose the toughness that has made him successful in his short career. The loss of Antwaan Randle El will hurt this team in several ways. It limits their ability to keep defenses honest with trick plays, lose a deep threat in the passing game, and lose a return guy capable of giving them not only good field position but break one for a score. This team caught several breaks last year that began with sliding in the back door to the playoffs. In the first round the Bengals lost star QB Carson Palmer after his first pass. Against the Colts the usually reliable Mike Vandergjagt missed an opportunity late for a tie, as well as Nick Harper inexplicably getting tripped up by Big Ben after recovering a Bettis fumble. Unfortunately, it can be explained by Harper nursing a bum leg as a result of a domestic dispute in which he was stabbed. All of this, not to mention the great motivation of allowing their beloved star to go out on top in his hometown.
Impact Player: Heath Miller. As a rookie he only caught 39 balls, but gave this offense a boost. With the loss of Randle El and questionable receiver talent behind Hines Ward, Miller must step up.
4. Cleveland Browns
Will Win If....The other three teams in this division suffer a rash of injuries. While the front office did a great job of compling some talented free agents, this is a team that is yet to play .500 football for a season since returning to Cleveland. The prize of their free agent class, emerging star C LeCharles Bentley was lost for the season in the Browns first practice. Consider that a terrible, terrible omen for things to come. However, they've bulked up their offensive and defensive playmaking with the return of TE Kellen Winslow and the acquisitions of Joe Jurevicius and Willie McGinest. McGinest is now reunited with Romeo Crennel and could help first round draft pick Kamerion Wimbley become a force at outside linebacker. They have a talented receiving core in Jurevicius, Winslow, and Braylon Edwards. Joining Frye in the backfield is Reuben Droughns who rushed for over 1200 yards a season ago. They face some tough defenses in the division, but this is a talented offense. On the defensive side of the ball McGinest will need to impart his winning ways on a team loaded with perennial losers. In addition to McGinest they brought in space eating NT Ted Washington and added talented linebackers early in the draft.
Will NOT win if...all goes according to plan. Charlie Frye is in his first full season as a starter and will undoubtedly suffer some growing pains. The loss of Bentley in the preseason will really hurt the ability of the offensive line to open up holes for Droughns and keep Frye upright. The defense has a lot of question marks and young talent which may struggle to keep opposing offenses off the board. Should be another tough season in the Dawg Pound.
Impact Player: Kellen Winslow, the "f***in soldier". Should be playing with a huge chip on his shoulder after his character has been questioned by his off the field choices. Enormously talented but needs to get his head focused on the game. Has made terrible impressions since proclaiming himself to be a soldier in a postgame interview while at the U.
AFC EAST
1. Miami Dolphins
Will Win IF...Daunte Culpepper stays healthy. Isn't it amazing how many teams are relying on QB's returning from injury? This is a team that reeled off six straight wins at the end of last year under first year coach and are the chic pick to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. I won't go that far, but in a weak division with a vulnerable Patriots team, I like their chances to win the East. Culpepper has a strong set of pass catchers with Chris Chambers,(who I'll mention more later), Marty Booker, Randy McMichael, and rookie Derek Hagan. Chambers is coming off a season in which he had over 1100 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns as the main threat for Gus Frerotte. If he had those numbers with Frerotte, it is scary to think what he can do this year. Joining Culpepper in the backfield is second year back Ronnie Brown who also is primed for a big year. He's big enough to handle a full load and will get more opportunities with Ricky Williams gone for the year. The defense is getting older, but still has reliable veterans Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas. Their secondary is suspect and need rookie Jason Allen to step up in the backend.
Will NOT win if...Culpepper looks like the Culpepper from the beginning of '05. While many people look at his season as lost for the injury, he was off to a horrific start prior to the loss of his season. He turned the ball over at a high rate and looked very ineffective. It'll be interesting to see how much mobility he has lost due to his injury. The defense could be prone to the big play with a spotty secondary.
Impact Player: Daunte Culpepper. He has the potential to team with Chris Chambers to be one of the most feared QB-WR duos in the league and has a defense that will keep him in games. If he's healthy, they should win the division
2. New England Patriots
Will Win If...It's tough to go against Tom Brady, but they had another rough offseason. Gone are Adam Vinatieri, David Givens, and Willie McGinest. Top wideout Deion Branch is holding out and does not look like he'll be back on the field for a while. However, this is a team that depends on good game management from an elite QB and incredible coaching. Rookie Laurence Maroney should give a huge boost to the running game and could help Corey Dillon raise his game. Fellow rookie Chad Jackson could add a big play dimension to the offense and TE Ben Watson should also pick up the slack in the passing game. In recent weeks they've added LB Junior Seau to help offset the loss of Willie McGinest. Richard Seymour has emerged as one of the finest defensive linemen in the game. In the preseason Rodney Harrison looks fully healed from the devastating injury he suffered and will help a very questionable secondary.
Will NOT Win If...they can not find a wide receiver to step up. While Tom Brady has been an elite QB since taking over the starting position in 2001, he needs someone to throw to. With his favorite target Branch sidelined with a contract dispute, someone needs to step up. At this point there's no reason to fear the tandem of Reche Caldwell and Chad Jackson. The secondary should be prone to big plays and this defense could give up more points than we've seen in recent years from the Pats.
Impact Player: Ben Watson. The person who needs to step up in the passing game doesn't necessarily have to be a wide receiver. Watson has the tools to be a top flight tight end, especially in an offense that loves using tight ends.
3. Buffalo Bills
Will Win If... Willis McGahee can find the end zone more. Despite putting up good yardage numbers, McGahee and the Bills offense had trouble finding the end zone. Part of the problem was the instability at Quarterback. The starter has been tabbed as JP Losman, but if he struggles Kelly Holcomb is waiting in the wings. One of these two must step up and stabilize the offense. They have a talented wideout in Lee Evans, but not many other weapons in the passing game. On defense they expected much more production than they received. This year's cast features a strong linebacking core in Angelo Crowell, Takeo Spikes, and London Fletcher. Nate Clements is a very talented corner, and the addition of Larry Triplett should shore up the middle of the defensive line.
Will Not Win If...they can't figure out their QB situation. McGahee is a talented back who will take a lot of pressure off the quarterback if one guy can just step up and assume control. Losman is a bit undersized, but has shown flashes of ability. The defense has some holes along the front line and will depend on first round choice Donte Whitner to be a key part of the secondary. Veteran Troy Vincent should help his progress along, but Clements and McGee are prone to coverage mistakes that should test the young player.
Impact Player: Peerless Price. If Price can return to the player he was during his last tour of duty in Buffalo, this offense will get a much needed boost.
4. New York Jets
Will Win If... Someone steps up in the running game. Right now they'll take the running back by committee route with Kevan Barlow, Leon Washington, Cedric Houston, and Derrick Blaylock. Barlow has the potential to steal this job, but needs more reps with his new team. There are also big questions surrounding Chad Pennington's shoulder and his ability to lead an offense. If he falters the offense would be left in the hands of promising rookie Kellen Clemens or unproven young veteran Patrick Ramsey. The Jets will rely on two first round draft picks, C Nick Mangold and T D'Brickashaw Ferguson, to anchor their offensive line. Pennington does not have many option in the passing game as WR Laveranues Coles suffered in his absence a year ago. The Jets need Pennington and Coles to re-establish the repore they had a couple of seasons ago. On defense there is some talent, starting with MLB Jonathan Vilma. He has emerged as one of the game's bright young stars on defense. They added DL Kimo Von Oelhoffen to solidify the defensive line and infuse a winning attitude fresh off his Super Bowl win.
Will Not Win If...too many questions on offense to win this year. The defense isn't strong enough to carry them through scoring droughts, which this team is sure to have. Chad Pennington's days as an elite starter are over, but can he be a serviceable one this season? He looked alright in the preseason, but only time will tell. The defense is going through a schematic transition with new coach Eric Mangini and the team could have some shell shock going from laid back Herm Edwards to tough guy Mangini. Should be a tough season for the Jets.
Impact Player. Kevan Barlow. Several years ago many people projected this guy to really break out. While he's shown flashes, he has been mainly ineffective. He has landed in a great position to become a solid running back.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
The Unsung Hero
With order restored in the AL East, aka the Yankees holding a nine game advantage over the Red Sox, Yankee fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief and begin to reflect on the dramatic turnaround in the standings. While many people point to the acquisition of Bobby Abreu as a major catalyst, and with good reason, the return of All-Star Second basemen Robinson Cano is often overlooked. At just 23 years old Cano has emerged as one of the premiere hitters in baseball and a rangy, strong-armed second baseman. After hurting his hamstring in late June, Cano spent over a month on the DL and in Tampa rehabbing his bum leg. Since returning, Cano has put up tremendous numbers.
Starting on August 8th when Cano returned to the lineup against the White Sox his average is over .368 with fourteen doubles, five homeruns, and 29 RBI in 28 games. To put that in perspective, if he kept that up over the course of a season he would swat 29 homeruns, drive in 168 runs, collect 81 doubles, while hitting at an amazing .368 clip. Now obviously it can not be expected to keep up such numbers, it is perfectly reasonable to believe that Cano could hit at an average of .330 with 25 homeruns and 85 runs batted in over the course of a season. Even with the collection of stars around him in the lineup, few can outshine that kind of production.
Starting on August 8th when Cano returned to the lineup against the White Sox his average is over .368 with fourteen doubles, five homeruns, and 29 RBI in 28 games. To put that in perspective, if he kept that up over the course of a season he would swat 29 homeruns, drive in 168 runs, collect 81 doubles, while hitting at an amazing .368 clip. Now obviously it can not be expected to keep up such numbers, it is perfectly reasonable to believe that Cano could hit at an average of .330 with 25 homeruns and 85 runs batted in over the course of a season. Even with the collection of stars around him in the lineup, few can outshine that kind of production.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
A Few Observations From Camp
Today marked the annual trek to Albany for Giants training camp, a cherished tradition for the past six years. The weather could not have been any better for an August afternoon practice, but this practice had a different feel than any in the past. Just two days before the pre-season opener, every side of the practice fields were filled with fans. Despite a tough schedule in arguably football's most competitive division, the fans seem to be very optimistic about the team's chances. In just one two hour session it is tough to gauge just how much progress the team has made, but several things stood out:
The injuries are accumulating fast. Our first glimpse of the training facility was LaVar Arrington and Sinorice Moss riding stationary bikes. Despite your opinions on cycling, you don't want to see impact players confined to the exercise bikes. Among the walking wounded doing work on the infirmary field were Arrington, Moss, starting guard Chris Snee, and starting linebacker Carlos Emmons.
If you're wearing a green jersey, you have no chance of making the team. A few defensive players were in green AND wearing the numbers of current starters. Although they got several reps, it's not a good sign if you're wearing someone else's number. My ultimate goal is to see a player cut on the spot after screwing up, but there are no signs of that happening. Speaking of that, no one really seemed to get reamed out. Eli Manning and Shaun O'Hara fumbled an exchange, a cardinal sin, but that merely elicited a "You gotta be careful with the ball" comment from Coughlin.
It is amazing to watch the guys with long odds to make the team as opposed to starters. Prime example was with the receivers. Their intensity level is far greater than any regular. Standing on the sideline during an offense-defense scrimmage, Amani Toomer and Sinorice Moss look like they're playing paddy cake with each other. Next to them, the always chipper Plaxico Burress is just gazing out in to space. On a side note, I have not yet seen Burress crack even the slightest of smiles. For someone urging coach Tom Coughlin to loosen up, he never seems to be enjoying himself. Anyway, in between this set of players locked in to the roster is speedy wide receiver Michael Jennnings who is buried on the depth chart. While he's waiting to hopefully get some reps he's stretching out his legs, doing knee highs in place, and rearing up to go. This can be seen all over the field as the starters and sure roster players seemed pretty lax, while the reserves were battling.
How does Jared Lorenzen play quarterback? Walking out of practice today, he can be easily confused with a lineman. Although he's trimmed down to around 290 pounds, the Hefty Lefty still seems very out of place at quarterback. I couldn't stop myself from asking how Chunk from the Goonies is competing for a roster spot at Quarterback. However, his athleticism can not be denied. He possesses the strongest arm on the team and took a bulk of the reps at today's practice. His throws were a bit erratic, but looked impressive threading the needle between two defenders to Willie Ponder.
Tim Lewis is scheming. With two of his starting linebackers missing action, it seems as though Lewis is getting real creative with personnel packages. At several points during the defensive practice he implemented an interesting personnel package. With only three down linemen, he put normal defensive end Justin Tuck lined up over center. First Round Draft Pick Mathias Kiwanuka played outside backer behind Umenyiora, with Gibril Wilson at linebacker behind Strahan. Taking Wilson's place in the secondary was his primary backup James Butler, and R.W McQuarters also joined the unit as a slot corner. It'll be interesting to see if we get this look during the season. If Arrington joined this package, they could have found a way to put their four rush ends (Strahan, Umenyiora, Tuck, Kiwanuka) and the premiere rushing linebacker on the field at the same time.
There is no lack of leadership on this team. This offseason Eli Manning has been criticized for his questionable leadership qualities, but he seemed to be far more vocal today. His understanding of the game looks far improved as he made very sound decisions all day and even checked off several times a la older brother Peyton. Off the field bad boy Jeremy Shockey, who's leadership I heard questioned by (surprise, surprise) Chris Russo on the radio on the trip to camp, seems to cherish his role as the leader at his position. Several times throughout the practice Shockey ran out on to the field to congratulate fellow tight ends Boo Williams and Wade Fletcher on superlative efforts. He seems to enjoy Williams' role in the offense as the pair seems to have their own celebration dance. On the defensive side of the ball, Sam Madison looks to be taking Corey Webster under his wing. Whenever the two left the field, they were together. Although a long time veteran, Madison seemed eager to seek out coaching after poor plays.
Making this team as a wide receiver is a very, very tough task. There should be six receivers selected and five appear to be locks. Starters Toomer and Burress, rookie burner Sinorice Moss, and special teams ace David Tyree are absolute guarantees. All reports have indicated Tim Carter has been the star of camp thus far and was rewarded a two year deal in the offseason. That leaves one roster spot for a handful of guys. At this point Willie Ponder and Anthony Mix should be the favorites, but there are a lot of guys vyiing for this spot. Ponder has been with the team for several years since being drafted in the Seventh Round by the Giants. He's shown ability as a kick returner, but this camp has been very impressive at receiver. Mix is a special blend of size and speed who could become a very solid receiver in the league. Coughlin likes Michael Jennings' speed and rookie free agent Harry Williams has been solid.
Why is Rob Johnson allowed to wear the number 3? Let this article serve as the pioneering efforts to get the #3 retired, formerly worn by standout backup QB Jesse Palmer. He was already denied deserving Golden Globe nominations for his work on the Bachelor, how can the Giants give up his number so soon? Granted Johnson's former #11 is actually retired by the organization, but couldn't he have found something else? Very tough to see the #3 on a redshirt not belonging to Palmer.
A few things to look for as the countdown to the season counts down. There are a few position battles that I'm very interested to see playout. Boo Williams looks like he's pushing incumbent second TE Vishante Shiancoe for the role of Shockey's understudy. As mentioned earlier, Tim Carter's impressive camp combined with Sinorice Moss' extended absence could make him the opening day number three receiver. With so many question marks surrounding the defensive tackle position, defensive end Justin Tuck could see some work there. He got reps there in practice and has the size to line up inside in passing situations. Several key players have already been ruled out for Friday's preseason opener so Giants fans are going to have to wait before making a judgement on this team. However, there's plenty of reason for optimism looking at the talent Ernie Accorsi has assembled for this season.
The injuries are accumulating fast. Our first glimpse of the training facility was LaVar Arrington and Sinorice Moss riding stationary bikes. Despite your opinions on cycling, you don't want to see impact players confined to the exercise bikes. Among the walking wounded doing work on the infirmary field were Arrington, Moss, starting guard Chris Snee, and starting linebacker Carlos Emmons.
If you're wearing a green jersey, you have no chance of making the team. A few defensive players were in green AND wearing the numbers of current starters. Although they got several reps, it's not a good sign if you're wearing someone else's number. My ultimate goal is to see a player cut on the spot after screwing up, but there are no signs of that happening. Speaking of that, no one really seemed to get reamed out. Eli Manning and Shaun O'Hara fumbled an exchange, a cardinal sin, but that merely elicited a "You gotta be careful with the ball" comment from Coughlin.
It is amazing to watch the guys with long odds to make the team as opposed to starters. Prime example was with the receivers. Their intensity level is far greater than any regular. Standing on the sideline during an offense-defense scrimmage, Amani Toomer and Sinorice Moss look like they're playing paddy cake with each other. Next to them, the always chipper Plaxico Burress is just gazing out in to space. On a side note, I have not yet seen Burress crack even the slightest of smiles. For someone urging coach Tom Coughlin to loosen up, he never seems to be enjoying himself. Anyway, in between this set of players locked in to the roster is speedy wide receiver Michael Jennnings who is buried on the depth chart. While he's waiting to hopefully get some reps he's stretching out his legs, doing knee highs in place, and rearing up to go. This can be seen all over the field as the starters and sure roster players seemed pretty lax, while the reserves were battling.
How does Jared Lorenzen play quarterback? Walking out of practice today, he can be easily confused with a lineman. Although he's trimmed down to around 290 pounds, the Hefty Lefty still seems very out of place at quarterback. I couldn't stop myself from asking how Chunk from the Goonies is competing for a roster spot at Quarterback. However, his athleticism can not be denied. He possesses the strongest arm on the team and took a bulk of the reps at today's practice. His throws were a bit erratic, but looked impressive threading the needle between two defenders to Willie Ponder.
Tim Lewis is scheming. With two of his starting linebackers missing action, it seems as though Lewis is getting real creative with personnel packages. At several points during the defensive practice he implemented an interesting personnel package. With only three down linemen, he put normal defensive end Justin Tuck lined up over center. First Round Draft Pick Mathias Kiwanuka played outside backer behind Umenyiora, with Gibril Wilson at linebacker behind Strahan. Taking Wilson's place in the secondary was his primary backup James Butler, and R.W McQuarters also joined the unit as a slot corner. It'll be interesting to see if we get this look during the season. If Arrington joined this package, they could have found a way to put their four rush ends (Strahan, Umenyiora, Tuck, Kiwanuka) and the premiere rushing linebacker on the field at the same time.
There is no lack of leadership on this team. This offseason Eli Manning has been criticized for his questionable leadership qualities, but he seemed to be far more vocal today. His understanding of the game looks far improved as he made very sound decisions all day and even checked off several times a la older brother Peyton. Off the field bad boy Jeremy Shockey, who's leadership I heard questioned by (surprise, surprise) Chris Russo on the radio on the trip to camp, seems to cherish his role as the leader at his position. Several times throughout the practice Shockey ran out on to the field to congratulate fellow tight ends Boo Williams and Wade Fletcher on superlative efforts. He seems to enjoy Williams' role in the offense as the pair seems to have their own celebration dance. On the defensive side of the ball, Sam Madison looks to be taking Corey Webster under his wing. Whenever the two left the field, they were together. Although a long time veteran, Madison seemed eager to seek out coaching after poor plays.
Making this team as a wide receiver is a very, very tough task. There should be six receivers selected and five appear to be locks. Starters Toomer and Burress, rookie burner Sinorice Moss, and special teams ace David Tyree are absolute guarantees. All reports have indicated Tim Carter has been the star of camp thus far and was rewarded a two year deal in the offseason. That leaves one roster spot for a handful of guys. At this point Willie Ponder and Anthony Mix should be the favorites, but there are a lot of guys vyiing for this spot. Ponder has been with the team for several years since being drafted in the Seventh Round by the Giants. He's shown ability as a kick returner, but this camp has been very impressive at receiver. Mix is a special blend of size and speed who could become a very solid receiver in the league. Coughlin likes Michael Jennings' speed and rookie free agent Harry Williams has been solid.
Why is Rob Johnson allowed to wear the number 3? Let this article serve as the pioneering efforts to get the #3 retired, formerly worn by standout backup QB Jesse Palmer. He was already denied deserving Golden Globe nominations for his work on the Bachelor, how can the Giants give up his number so soon? Granted Johnson's former #11 is actually retired by the organization, but couldn't he have found something else? Very tough to see the #3 on a redshirt not belonging to Palmer.
A few things to look for as the countdown to the season counts down. There are a few position battles that I'm very interested to see playout. Boo Williams looks like he's pushing incumbent second TE Vishante Shiancoe for the role of Shockey's understudy. As mentioned earlier, Tim Carter's impressive camp combined with Sinorice Moss' extended absence could make him the opening day number three receiver. With so many question marks surrounding the defensive tackle position, defensive end Justin Tuck could see some work there. He got reps there in practice and has the size to line up inside in passing situations. Several key players have already been ruled out for Friday's preseason opener so Giants fans are going to have to wait before making a judgement on this team. However, there's plenty of reason for optimism looking at the talent Ernie Accorsi has assembled for this season.
Friday, August 04, 2006
USA Demonstrates Dominance
Asked before the game what he thought of the USA's newest dream team, Dwyane Wade emphatically stated this is not a dream team. At least for one night, they certainly looked like it. In front of a large crowd in Las Vegas the newest members of team USA dominated Puerto Rico in a tune up for the World's Championships later this month. Avenging an embarassing loss at the hands of the Puerto Ricans in the 2004 Olympics, three of the holdovers from the '04 US Team lead the way in last night's rout. Carmelo Anthony paced the team with 18 points, including seven of the first nine to jump out to an early lead. LeBron demonstrated the versatility that experts believe will be the key to the U.S success with a great all-around effort including a highlight reel swat. Fresh off his MVP performance in the finals Wade played suffocating defense and chipped in fourteen points, two coming on a jaw-dropping breakway dunk followed by a salute to the troops in attendance. The '03 boys started the game along with fellow draft mate Chris Bosh and Chris Paul ran the point. Much has been made of the lack of playing time Anthony, James, and Wade got in the 2004 Olympics and they all seem to use it as motivation. In several interviews LeBron has re-iterated that they felt they could have contributed more in the past Olympics but now cherish their roles as the faces of the new team.
The most impressive part of last night's game was the defensive intensity brought by the Americans. They employed full court pressure for much of the night and hustled to every loose ball. Guards Dwayne Wade and Chris Paul put a ton of pressure on the Puerto Rican backcourt and the bigger guys did a great job of helping out on drives to the basket. Early in the game Carlos Arroyo got to the hoop with relative ease, but was really shut down in the second half. The guys really seem to be responding to Coach K and showed intense pride in wearing the U.S uniforms. Although it was only an exhibition, this could be a great sign of things to come for the Americans.
The most impressive part of last night's game was the defensive intensity brought by the Americans. They employed full court pressure for much of the night and hustled to every loose ball. Guards Dwayne Wade and Chris Paul put a ton of pressure on the Puerto Rican backcourt and the bigger guys did a great job of helping out on drives to the basket. Early in the game Carlos Arroyo got to the hoop with relative ease, but was really shut down in the second half. The guys really seem to be responding to Coach K and showed intense pride in wearing the U.S uniforms. Although it was only an exhibition, this could be a great sign of things to come for the Americans.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Listener Rips the Mad Dog
Several weeks back I described my increasing lack of patience with WFAN's famed duo Mike and the Mad Dog. However, with nothing remotely interesting on TV during the day, I find myself tuning in to YES to see if they can redeem themselves. After watching Chris Russo, "the mad dog", rip in to the first three callers I knew there was very little shot of redemption. Arguing over Billy Wagner's blown save last night he unleashed on a caller with his trademark high-pitched ranting voice. Although I quickly lost patience, I flipped back just to see if he would handle an interesting topic. No sooner do I arrive on the YES network do I hear a caller returning the favor. He referred to former WFAN employee Sid Rosenberg's assessment of Russo as a whiny brat and proceeded to assert that this evaluation of his character was spot on. But a funny thing happened to me hearing this. Although I've wanted to call in and say the same, watching Russo take the criticism as a man was a sight to behold. He simply told the caller he was entitled to his opinion and carried on with the show. I still hold to my convictions that the two men have developed larger than life egos that have negatively affected the show, but I did gain a lot of respect for Russo's ability to handle the criticism.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Football Season Opens...Injuries Ensue
Today marked the first day of practice for several teams around the league. The preseason is a very optimistic time for all the teams; everyone has the same record, every team still has a chance, and anything can unfold during the season. However, it seems that every preseason is marred by the injury of a marquee name. While many people don't tend to think of offensive lineman as premiere names, the Browns lost the prize of their free agency class for the season in today's first practice. Two time Pro Bowl Center LeCharles Bentley is lost for the 2006 season to a torn patellar ligament in his knee. At age 26 he is an up and coming force on the offensive line and this is a devastating loss for the Browns. They spent their offseason on a major roster overhaul that featured the additions of Bentley, Willie McGinest, and Joe Jurevicius among others. All were expected to play big roles in what the Browns were hoping would be their first winning season since returning to Cleveland several years ago.
The injury to Bentley demonstrates why holdouts are so frequent in NFL contract negotiations. It is the only sport that players routinely lose their season at practice and many never get to play a down in the regular season. It is also the sport that typically pays the least guaranteed money. For this reason, it is crucial that players work a significant portion of their contract to be guaranteed. With rookies, this may be the only chance they haveto leverage the team for this kind of money. While I still find rookie holdouts to be an unbelieveable waste of time, the frequency of major injuries in the pre-season makes it a bit more understandable.
The injury to Bentley demonstrates why holdouts are so frequent in NFL contract negotiations. It is the only sport that players routinely lose their season at practice and many never get to play a down in the regular season. It is also the sport that typically pays the least guaranteed money. For this reason, it is crucial that players work a significant portion of their contract to be guaranteed. With rookies, this may be the only chance they haveto leverage the team for this kind of money. While I still find rookie holdouts to be an unbelieveable waste of time, the frequency of major injuries in the pre-season makes it a bit more understandable.
All Rookies to Report to Camp on time
Although people will continue to question why the Giants made a Defensive End their first round draft choice, at least he will report to camp on time. The Giants and Mathias Kiwanuka reached an agreement on a five year deal on the eve of the first day of practice. They also announced the signing of Offensive Tackle Guy Whimper, one of two fourth round selections, which wrapped up their entire draft class. It was unbelieveably important to get these guys in to camp on time and General Manager Ernie Accorsi worked real hard this week to get it done. Many draft pundits rate this class to be very average, but there are a couple guys who could make an impact right away.
With two All-Pro Defensive Ends, Kiwanuka is not going to see the field too often in any base defensive packages. However, Tim Lewis should create schemes to get his pass rushers on the field. The attention that will paid to proven stars such as Umenyiora, Strahan, and Arrington should open some rush lanes for Kiwanuka. He can certainly have an impact in year one. Their second round speedster Sinorice Moss should add an explosive element that has been missing from this offense. With oft-injured Tim Carter already reporting injuries that will limit him early in camp, the third receiver spot looks like Moss' to lose. Expect the Giants to run lots of bubble screens to Moss like the Redskins do with his older brother Santana. It'll be nice not only to get Moss touches, but allow Eli to make some easy throws to get in to a rythm. He should have a good chance to unseat veteran Chad Morton as the punt returner as well. Third rounder Gerris Wilkinson has a giant fan club within the organization's hierarchy, led by Director of Player Personnel Jerry Reese. Wilkinson has the ability to start at all LB positions, as well as experience at Defensive End. With the status of Carlos Emmons a bit uncertain, the Giants feel he could fit well in to the defense. Expect him to contribute immediately on special teams. The rookie that could have the most impact is fourth round DT Barry Coefield. He's a big bodied run stuffer who should keep blockers from getting to the next level on to the linebackers. He should eat up space and blockers at the line of scrimmage allowing the playmakers on the ends and linebackers behind him move freely. Coefield is also very athletic and should be capable of filling the void left by Kendrick Clancy. Their other fourth rounder is a project. Offensive Tackle Guy Whimper possesses outstanding athleticism and shows tremendous footwork. The Giants believe he will be able to play Left Tackle, a very important position in keeping franchise QB Eli Manning healthy. At this point he is extremely raw and should not be counted on for this year, but could be an important part of the offensive line down the road. With their last two picks, the Giants focused on the secondary. In the fifth round they selected Charlie Peprah who is listed at safety, but has all the tools to play corner as well. The Giants love his versatility and expect him to contribute on special teams in the immediate future. In the seventh round they took speedy cornerback Gerrick MacPherson. This guy is a real burner who might be the fastest man on the field in Albany. He's a former track standout who can make up for coverage lapses with excellent closing speed. He, like Whimper, is a bit raw and more of a project. I really hope he makes the roster because his speed could be a real difference some day.
With two All-Pro Defensive Ends, Kiwanuka is not going to see the field too often in any base defensive packages. However, Tim Lewis should create schemes to get his pass rushers on the field. The attention that will paid to proven stars such as Umenyiora, Strahan, and Arrington should open some rush lanes for Kiwanuka. He can certainly have an impact in year one. Their second round speedster Sinorice Moss should add an explosive element that has been missing from this offense. With oft-injured Tim Carter already reporting injuries that will limit him early in camp, the third receiver spot looks like Moss' to lose. Expect the Giants to run lots of bubble screens to Moss like the Redskins do with his older brother Santana. It'll be nice not only to get Moss touches, but allow Eli to make some easy throws to get in to a rythm. He should have a good chance to unseat veteran Chad Morton as the punt returner as well. Third rounder Gerris Wilkinson has a giant fan club within the organization's hierarchy, led by Director of Player Personnel Jerry Reese. Wilkinson has the ability to start at all LB positions, as well as experience at Defensive End. With the status of Carlos Emmons a bit uncertain, the Giants feel he could fit well in to the defense. Expect him to contribute immediately on special teams. The rookie that could have the most impact is fourth round DT Barry Coefield. He's a big bodied run stuffer who should keep blockers from getting to the next level on to the linebackers. He should eat up space and blockers at the line of scrimmage allowing the playmakers on the ends and linebackers behind him move freely. Coefield is also very athletic and should be capable of filling the void left by Kendrick Clancy. Their other fourth rounder is a project. Offensive Tackle Guy Whimper possesses outstanding athleticism and shows tremendous footwork. The Giants believe he will be able to play Left Tackle, a very important position in keeping franchise QB Eli Manning healthy. At this point he is extremely raw and should not be counted on for this year, but could be an important part of the offensive line down the road. With their last two picks, the Giants focused on the secondary. In the fifth round they selected Charlie Peprah who is listed at safety, but has all the tools to play corner as well. The Giants love his versatility and expect him to contribute on special teams in the immediate future. In the seventh round they took speedy cornerback Gerrick MacPherson. This guy is a real burner who might be the fastest man on the field in Albany. He's a former track standout who can make up for coverage lapses with excellent closing speed. He, like Whimper, is a bit raw and more of a project. I really hope he makes the roster because his speed could be a real difference some day.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Giants, Moss agree on 4 year deal
According to ESPN.com the Giants have agreed to a four year deal with second round draft pick Sinorice Moss. This is great news for Giants fans as it guarantees their newest playmaker will report to camp on time. Moss is represented by Drew "The Shark" Rosenhaus, who allowed Shockey to miss a few days of camp in his first summer with the team. Rosenhaus is all about getting his players paid, regardless of what adverse affects it has on the team. It is a huge relief that the Giants and Rosenhaus were able to agree to terms prior to training camp. With Moss in the fold, the Giants receiving corps looks to be among the best units in the league. He is expected to gain the #3 receiver spot in his rookie season and should have a shot to return punts. It is very encouraging to think that the only thing that should keep this guy off the field would be the unexpected, long overdue emergence of former second round pick Tim Carter. Another bright spot in the receiving corps could be undrafted rookie free agent Anthony Mix. Many draft pundits expected Mix to be drafted out of Auburn in the 2006 draft, but he slipped to the Giants in free agency. Mix is listed at 6'4'' which would give Eli another huge target to throw to if he can gain a roster spot. In the latest edition of Whispers around the NFL from Pro Football Weekly, word is that Giants executives and coaches have been impressed with Mix's ability in mini-camps.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Return of the Big Unit?
At 6'10'' Randy Johnson has been an intimidating presence on the mound during his tours in Montreal, Seattle, Houston, and Arizona. Prior to the 2005 season the Yankees wanted the dominating lefty to impose his stature and incredible fastball on AL opponents as their ace. While he still has not fulfilled that role, he took important steps in last night's victory towards gaining more respect from AL Opponents and Yankee enthusiasts everywhere. Johnson pitched effectively through 6 1/3 innings before being ejected for throwing high and tight to Indians outfielder Eduardo Perez. He looked sharp throughout, and more importantly, showed confidence in his pitches. At times this season he has shown his frustration and demonstrated lapses in his focus. Right up until his last pitch it was apparent that he had complete command.
In the bottom of the sixth both teams were issued warnings when Indians starter Jason Johnson hit Jorge Posada on the elbow, infuriating the Yankee catcher and leading to verbal jousting between the two. While it certainly did not seem intentional, Posada escalated the situation with his displeasure. Once the Yankees opened up a 6-1 lead, it became obvious that retaliation was coming. With one out in the top of the seventh, Randy Johnson brought a high fastball in on Perez that made its way to the backstop. As expected, the Unit was tossed but greeted by the Yankee fans with a standing ovation and roaring "Ran-dy" chants. For several reasons, last night could have been his most important start as a Yankee. First of all, he began to erase doubts that his head may not be in the game. He did not moan over every call that he disagreed with and remained focused on every pitch. There has also been concern that he does not feel comfortable having Posada as his battery mate. Not only did he pitch effectively, he stood up for his catcher after Posada got hit by a pitch. The statement Johnson made as an intimidator would have been satisfactory for any of his teammates, but backing up a player he has been at odds with spoke volumes.
In the bottom of the sixth both teams were issued warnings when Indians starter Jason Johnson hit Jorge Posada on the elbow, infuriating the Yankee catcher and leading to verbal jousting between the two. While it certainly did not seem intentional, Posada escalated the situation with his displeasure. Once the Yankees opened up a 6-1 lead, it became obvious that retaliation was coming. With one out in the top of the seventh, Randy Johnson brought a high fastball in on Perez that made its way to the backstop. As expected, the Unit was tossed but greeted by the Yankee fans with a standing ovation and roaring "Ran-dy" chants. For several reasons, last night could have been his most important start as a Yankee. First of all, he began to erase doubts that his head may not be in the game. He did not moan over every call that he disagreed with and remained focused on every pitch. There has also been concern that he does not feel comfortable having Posada as his battery mate. Not only did he pitch effectively, he stood up for his catcher after Posada got hit by a pitch. The statement Johnson made as an intimidator would have been satisfactory for any of his teammates, but backing up a player he has been at odds with spoke volumes.
Sounding off on Mike and The Mad Dog
For more than a decade Mike Francesa and Chris Russo have ruled the New York airwaves on all sports related matters. The duo better known as Mike and The Mad Dog have gained such prominence from their daily radio show on WFAN 660 that it is simultaneously broadcast on the YES network. Once a major source of my sports information, their close-minded opinions and extreme arrogance has become unbearable. While I continue to look for steady employment (if your reading Dad, it has been a tireless effort), I've had time to tune in to their show. My least favorite portion of the show has become when they take phone calls. Once an opportunity to give the common sports fan a voicebox, it has taken on new meaning with Mike and Chris. The segments of the show dedicated to calls have become little more than a chance for Mike and Chris to slap you over the head with their supposed knowledge and berate many people who might have a decent opinion if they were allowed to get out more than three words. If radio executives had shut them up as quickly as they tune out their callers, they'd be just another pair of the smug sports nuts they regularly hang up on. The regularity with which they shut up their listeners would leave you to believe they have the perfect opinion on every sports story, which in only five minutes of viewing today, I could completely disagree with.
For Mike and Chris, the producers of the show like their contrasting, combative personalities and their difference in loyalties. Mike is a noted Yankee fan, while the Mad Dog enjoys his reputation as a Yankee hater. That aside, their discussion of the Yankees never seems to be on point. Today's program featured some harsh words for Derek Jeter in light of the A-Rod scrutiny. Both men felt that Jeter could make Rodriguez' reception in the Bronx easier but allows an alleged rivalry between the two mask his responsibilities as captain. They have more insider information, so I will not comment on whatever feuding they refer to, but what in the world do they expect Jeter to do? Come out before the game and ask fans politely to stop booing. Is Joe Smith from New Jersey who paid 150 bucks to attend a game not going to voice his opinion because Derek Jeter asked him not to? I agree that Rodrriguez' recent treatment has been unnecessarily harsh and that expectations are too high, but to suggest that Jeter is not acting as a captain by "allowing" this to happen is absolutely ridiculous. As if that wasn't enough, Mad Dog confidently asserted that Yankee fans gave Giambi "the cheat" a free pass. He argued that it was inexplicable that the fans could allow a "cheater" to go through a far worse slump than A-Rod without any complaint. If this were true, he'd be absolutely correct. However, any Yankee fan can tell you that he was booed nearly as much as Rodriguez has been throughout his recent struggles and absolutely did not just receive a free pass.
My next point of contention is in a near-daily segment they run on picking apart Yankee radio announcer John Sterling. Now anyone who has been near me during a Yankee radio broadcast knows I'm never a huge fan of his work, but this portion of the show is not even remotely amusing. While Sterling certainly frustrates me, as well as many other viewers, with such gems as "it is high, it is far, it isss caught" in his trademark homerun call, I'd love to see Mike and Chris try and call a game. Although the mistakes are glaring on the radio, it can not be easy to spend three hours describing what you see. The biggest problem I have with this tag team is how arrogant they've become after controlling sports radio in New York. After reading an article in the New York Post suggesting the same, I know I'm not alone. The best solution I can think of: support Michael Kay's daily show on 1050 ESPN radio sharing the same time slot. Hopefully some stiff competition can humble this once entertaining duo.
For Mike and Chris, the producers of the show like their contrasting, combative personalities and their difference in loyalties. Mike is a noted Yankee fan, while the Mad Dog enjoys his reputation as a Yankee hater. That aside, their discussion of the Yankees never seems to be on point. Today's program featured some harsh words for Derek Jeter in light of the A-Rod scrutiny. Both men felt that Jeter could make Rodriguez' reception in the Bronx easier but allows an alleged rivalry between the two mask his responsibilities as captain. They have more insider information, so I will not comment on whatever feuding they refer to, but what in the world do they expect Jeter to do? Come out before the game and ask fans politely to stop booing. Is Joe Smith from New Jersey who paid 150 bucks to attend a game not going to voice his opinion because Derek Jeter asked him not to? I agree that Rodrriguez' recent treatment has been unnecessarily harsh and that expectations are too high, but to suggest that Jeter is not acting as a captain by "allowing" this to happen is absolutely ridiculous. As if that wasn't enough, Mad Dog confidently asserted that Yankee fans gave Giambi "the cheat" a free pass. He argued that it was inexplicable that the fans could allow a "cheater" to go through a far worse slump than A-Rod without any complaint. If this were true, he'd be absolutely correct. However, any Yankee fan can tell you that he was booed nearly as much as Rodriguez has been throughout his recent struggles and absolutely did not just receive a free pass.
My next point of contention is in a near-daily segment they run on picking apart Yankee radio announcer John Sterling. Now anyone who has been near me during a Yankee radio broadcast knows I'm never a huge fan of his work, but this portion of the show is not even remotely amusing. While Sterling certainly frustrates me, as well as many other viewers, with such gems as "it is high, it is far, it isss caught" in his trademark homerun call, I'd love to see Mike and Chris try and call a game. Although the mistakes are glaring on the radio, it can not be easy to spend three hours describing what you see. The biggest problem I have with this tag team is how arrogant they've become after controlling sports radio in New York. After reading an article in the New York Post suggesting the same, I know I'm not alone. The best solution I can think of: support Michael Kay's daily show on 1050 ESPN radio sharing the same time slot. Hopefully some stiff competition can humble this once entertaining duo.
Backlash from Big Ben's Bruises
Three days and seven hours of facial surgery later, Ben Roethlisberger is starting to recover from his horrific motorcycle accident but the ramifications will reverberate through the sports world for quite some time. Now that it appears the reigning Super Bowl Champion Quarterback will make a healthy recovery from his injury, talks run rampant on what control sports franchises should have on the recreational activities of their athletes. With career threatening injuries to promising young stars such as former Duke basketball standout Jay Williams and current Browns tight end Kellen Winslow II, along with Big Ben's scary collision, teams have had to reflect on how to keep their players on the field. It also begs the question, are dangerous hobbies such as riding a motorcycle worth the risk of losing millions of dollars?
From an outsider's perspective, it seems unfathomable that players would risk their careers and livelihood for the thrills of riding a bike. Of the three players mentioned, all of them were relatively fresh out of college and had the abilities to make millions in the pros. The recent trend started with Jay Williams, the 2002 NCAA National Player of the Year and number 2 overall pick to the Chicago Bulls. In videos released on SportsCenter over the last few days, Williams knew full well he shouldn't own a bike and understood its dangers. His accident has taken several years off his career at best, and he is still a longshot to make it back to the pros. Last summer the talk focused on Kellen Winslow II. Being the son of former NFL great Kellen Winslow, expectations were high for the freakishly athletic Tight End. After losing his rookie season to a broken leg suffered in his first regular season game, his sophomore campaign was lost after a crash last summer. Becoming the second high profile player to suffer such a fate, teams warned against such dangerous activities. Roethlisberger in particular became a point of focus as he was a noted motorcycle enthusiast. When asked about it last summer, he stated he didn't wear helmets and would continue to ride. Despite strong criticism from Terry Bradshaw in which the former Steeler great pleaded with Big Ben to save it for retirement, the young quarterback stuck to his guns.
So why do athletes continue to risk their careers for thrill-seeking? Conventional wisdom suggests it's the mentality athletes need to have. Certain activities, especially high risk ones, are often most appealing to athletes who constantly are trying to gain an edge. It's that competitive drive that makes them so successful on the field that often leads to the worst decision making off the field. Although I rarely agree with the often less than intelligent Bradshaw, his sentiments are correct in this situation. Save that stuff for retirement, stay focused on your career while you still have many good years ahead. The next important thing that stems from incidents such as these are how much control management should take over their players.
Most teams work clauses in to their players contracts prohibiting them from certain high risk activities. If a player is injured during one of the restricted activities, the team has the right to forfeit the contract. The activity does not even necessarily have to be "high risk", the Yankees were able to void their obligations to Aaron Boone after he tore his ACL in a pickup game of basketball. While player's associations for the major sports will look to keep as much money as they can in the pockets of the players, it is absolutely the right of owners and general managers to regulate the activities of their stars. With contracts as high as they are today, the owner should be able to ensure that his dollars are not being thrown away for a young thrill seeker. While I do not believe Roethlisberger's accident was a joy-ride, his inexplicable insistence on not wearing a helmet leaves him open to criticism. His opposition to keeping himself safe was wreckless and hopefully will serve as a lesson to not only athletes, but also force other riders to think twice before hitting the road without a helmet.
From an outsider's perspective, it seems unfathomable that players would risk their careers and livelihood for the thrills of riding a bike. Of the three players mentioned, all of them were relatively fresh out of college and had the abilities to make millions in the pros. The recent trend started with Jay Williams, the 2002 NCAA National Player of the Year and number 2 overall pick to the Chicago Bulls. In videos released on SportsCenter over the last few days, Williams knew full well he shouldn't own a bike and understood its dangers. His accident has taken several years off his career at best, and he is still a longshot to make it back to the pros. Last summer the talk focused on Kellen Winslow II. Being the son of former NFL great Kellen Winslow, expectations were high for the freakishly athletic Tight End. After losing his rookie season to a broken leg suffered in his first regular season game, his sophomore campaign was lost after a crash last summer. Becoming the second high profile player to suffer such a fate, teams warned against such dangerous activities. Roethlisberger in particular became a point of focus as he was a noted motorcycle enthusiast. When asked about it last summer, he stated he didn't wear helmets and would continue to ride. Despite strong criticism from Terry Bradshaw in which the former Steeler great pleaded with Big Ben to save it for retirement, the young quarterback stuck to his guns.
So why do athletes continue to risk their careers for thrill-seeking? Conventional wisdom suggests it's the mentality athletes need to have. Certain activities, especially high risk ones, are often most appealing to athletes who constantly are trying to gain an edge. It's that competitive drive that makes them so successful on the field that often leads to the worst decision making off the field. Although I rarely agree with the often less than intelligent Bradshaw, his sentiments are correct in this situation. Save that stuff for retirement, stay focused on your career while you still have many good years ahead. The next important thing that stems from incidents such as these are how much control management should take over their players.
Most teams work clauses in to their players contracts prohibiting them from certain high risk activities. If a player is injured during one of the restricted activities, the team has the right to forfeit the contract. The activity does not even necessarily have to be "high risk", the Yankees were able to void their obligations to Aaron Boone after he tore his ACL in a pickup game of basketball. While player's associations for the major sports will look to keep as much money as they can in the pockets of the players, it is absolutely the right of owners and general managers to regulate the activities of their stars. With contracts as high as they are today, the owner should be able to ensure that his dollars are not being thrown away for a young thrill seeker. While I do not believe Roethlisberger's accident was a joy-ride, his inexplicable insistence on not wearing a helmet leaves him open to criticism. His opposition to keeping himself safe was wreckless and hopefully will serve as a lesson to not only athletes, but also force other riders to think twice before hitting the road without a helmet.
Miami Heat Back In A Flash
Since Michael Jordan stepped away from basketball for the final time in 2003, NBA enthusiasts have tried to annoint the "next Mike". In case you haven't considered him before in this discussion, insert the name Dwyane Wade. Wade single-handedly removed the Heat from the verge of playoff extinction last night with a spectacular perfomance that re-defined clutch. He tied a playoff career high with 42 points, along with a personal best 13 rebounds. As if that wasn't enough, he did it on a bum knee and with five personal fouls. Despite those obstacles he continued to attack the basket and make the unique plays that have transformed the former Marquette superstar in to a premiere NBA two man. More importantly, he did most of his damage when his team needed him the most. In the fourth quarter he poured in 15 points and grabbed several key rebounds. He led the Heat back from a 13 point deficit in the fourth quarter to a critical two point victory. His points came in a variety of ways; taking hard at the rim, tough mid-range jumpers and even from beyond the arc. Fittingly, he touched the ball last as he broke up a pass at the rim intended for Josh Howard.
Discussion of the 2003 draft class usually focuses around LeBron and Carmelo. As difficult as it is for me to admit as a rabid Anthony supporter, Wade continues to distance himself from the former Cuse star and makes a compelling argument for being top of the class. While LeBron continues to be a triple-double threat each night and displayed late game abilities in this year's postseason, Wade's clutch scoring ability may make him the brightest of the three stars. In the pantheon of NBA greats, it is the natural scorers and world champions who are held with the highest regard. At this early stage of their careers, give the nod to number three. These three special players will continue to draw comparisons to the great quarterback crop of the 1983 NFL draft of Marino, Elway, and Kelly. Amazingly, twenty years from now the '03 boys may leave a greater legacy in their sport than those three passing greats.
Discussion of the 2003 draft class usually focuses around LeBron and Carmelo. As difficult as it is for me to admit as a rabid Anthony supporter, Wade continues to distance himself from the former Cuse star and makes a compelling argument for being top of the class. While LeBron continues to be a triple-double threat each night and displayed late game abilities in this year's postseason, Wade's clutch scoring ability may make him the brightest of the three stars. In the pantheon of NBA greats, it is the natural scorers and world champions who are held with the highest regard. At this early stage of their careers, give the nod to number three. These three special players will continue to draw comparisons to the great quarterback crop of the 1983 NFL draft of Marino, Elway, and Kelly. Amazingly, twenty years from now the '03 boys may leave a greater legacy in their sport than those three passing greats.
Driving Duke Athletics in to the Ground
As the Duke campus was finally recovering from the shameful allegations brought upon their lacrosse team, Duke's golden boy of the last few years is just the latest to put Duke athletics further behind the eight ball. JJ Redick, Duke's famed sharpshooter and the all-time scoring in the ACC, is being charged with drunk driving after being pulled over by Durham police near campus early Tuesday morning. Head basketball coach Mike Kryzewski staunchly defends the character of his former star, so this appears to be nothing more than an isolated incident. However, given the importance that is being placed on character on draft boards in all sports, a projected early lottery pick could fall deeper in to the first round. More importantly for Cameron Crazies and Duke enthusiasts across the country is the further negative attention focused on the Blue Devils athletic program. While I am certainly no Duke sympathizer, linking the two distinctly different infractions is ridiculous. The two allegedly guilty parties share a campus, but very likely not much else.
An incident such as this forces general managers and team owners to think twice before selecting a player. As one executive put it, it does not necessarily reflect his character, but it forces the organization to look deeper. In Redick's case it would be surprising to find skeletons in his closet, but to other players a more thorough evaluation could unveil a host of new issues. The growing trend of team's putting an emphasis on character is a welcomed change. Teams are not willing to take on another Ryan Leaf and deservedly so. Not only do character issues often surface on the field, it also helps teams stay off the front pages when a player acts unprofessionally off it. The prime example on the importance of character can be seen in the recent success of the New England Patriots. Having players who make good teammates and work well as a unit is often more important than teams stacked with talented, but individual minded stars. Team chemistry can not be overlooked, and the key ingredient is a team full of good characters. My only point of contention is where you draw the line. For a player like Redick, this appears to be his first infraction and is apparently just a lapse in judgement. This is not to absolve him of his sins, but the incident does not seem to be a true testament of his character. Certain executives feel this will adversely affect his draft status, but the punishment does not seem to fit the crime. However, in an age where sports stars often feel they are above the law, it is important that they be humbled by experiences such as these.
An incident such as this forces general managers and team owners to think twice before selecting a player. As one executive put it, it does not necessarily reflect his character, but it forces the organization to look deeper. In Redick's case it would be surprising to find skeletons in his closet, but to other players a more thorough evaluation could unveil a host of new issues. The growing trend of team's putting an emphasis on character is a welcomed change. Teams are not willing to take on another Ryan Leaf and deservedly so. Not only do character issues often surface on the field, it also helps teams stay off the front pages when a player acts unprofessionally off it. The prime example on the importance of character can be seen in the recent success of the New England Patriots. Having players who make good teammates and work well as a unit is often more important than teams stacked with talented, but individual minded stars. Team chemistry can not be overlooked, and the key ingredient is a team full of good characters. My only point of contention is where you draw the line. For a player like Redick, this appears to be his first infraction and is apparently just a lapse in judgement. This is not to absolve him of his sins, but the incident does not seem to be a true testament of his character. Certain executives feel this will adversely affect his draft status, but the punishment does not seem to fit the crime. However, in an age where sports stars often feel they are above the law, it is important that they be humbled by experiences such as these.
Cincinnati Bengals: The new Trailblazers?
Portland fans can breathe a sigh of relief. There is a new team dominating bad headlines: the Cincinnati Bengals. While it has not become a team epidemic quite like the Trailblazers, Wide Reciever Chris Henry and recently drafted Linebacker AJ Nicholson have caught the ire of head coach Marvin Lewis and media outlets across the country. Henry showed great promise in his rookie year a season ago hauling in six touchdowns as a number three receiver. Standing at six feet four inches, he provided a large target in the red zone and change of pace from starting receivers Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh. However, he's been the main culprit in the offseason, registering four criminal offenses ranging in severity. In comparison, their recent draftee Nicholson has been brought up on charges stemming from a robbery involving a former teammate. That news must be resonating well in his new locker room. His future teammates must as anxious to see him as the Yankees would be to welcome back Ruben Rivera. The Bengals used their 4th round selection in this year's draft on Nicholson, a promising linebacker out of Florida State.
Being a fourth round selection, there's no guarantee Nicholson will be on the final roster following a turbulent offseason. The bigger question will be whether Henry's future with the team is in jeopardy. His blend of size and speed makes him a very special wide receiver and a perfect third option in the passing game. However, Marvin Lewis is a hard-nosed coach with very little tolerance for troublemakers. Although Henry has been involved in several different criminal acts, the nature of Nicholson's crime will make his path to the NFL very difficult. It is unfathomable to steal from a teammate and certainly grounds for an immediate release (as the Yankees did with Rivera). Unfortunately, Henry's year-one success and great potential will keep him on the field despite an array of infractions. Although he should face punishments for the leauge for his four indictments since December, it is likely those will be focused on getting him in to rehabilitation groups as opposed to costing him paychecks or playing time. His rap sheet since December reads like a laundry list of typical "thug" behavior. He's been charged with marijuana possession, speeding and drunken driving, weapon possession, and most recently supplying alcohol to minors. One of the minors also alleged she was the victim of rape, but holes in her story led to the dismissal of those charges. Although they have been dropped, there seems to be at least a very likely chance of consensual sex with the minor, which is also known as statutory rape. Henry still stands trial for some of these charges, but likely will get off with fines. Hopefully the league and Bengals will take a firm stance with both of these players. The Bengals finally removed themselves as the doormats of the National Football League, if they tolerate such heinous crimes from their players, they will certainly return to that status.
Being a fourth round selection, there's no guarantee Nicholson will be on the final roster following a turbulent offseason. The bigger question will be whether Henry's future with the team is in jeopardy. His blend of size and speed makes him a very special wide receiver and a perfect third option in the passing game. However, Marvin Lewis is a hard-nosed coach with very little tolerance for troublemakers. Although Henry has been involved in several different criminal acts, the nature of Nicholson's crime will make his path to the NFL very difficult. It is unfathomable to steal from a teammate and certainly grounds for an immediate release (as the Yankees did with Rivera). Unfortunately, Henry's year-one success and great potential will keep him on the field despite an array of infractions. Although he should face punishments for the leauge for his four indictments since December, it is likely those will be focused on getting him in to rehabilitation groups as opposed to costing him paychecks or playing time. His rap sheet since December reads like a laundry list of typical "thug" behavior. He's been charged with marijuana possession, speeding and drunken driving, weapon possession, and most recently supplying alcohol to minors. One of the minors also alleged she was the victim of rape, but holes in her story led to the dismissal of those charges. Although they have been dropped, there seems to be at least a very likely chance of consensual sex with the minor, which is also known as statutory rape. Henry still stands trial for some of these charges, but likely will get off with fines. Hopefully the league and Bengals will take a firm stance with both of these players. The Bengals finally removed themselves as the doormats of the National Football League, if they tolerate such heinous crimes from their players, they will certainly return to that status.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Baby Bombers Revitalizing the Yankees
The staple of recent Yankee teams have been high priced, veteran superstars. With eleven straight postseason appearances including four world championships, this has been a recipe for success. However, after the string of championships that ended in 2000, the Boss and fans everywhere have been disappointed by the inability of these stars to produce another title. As successful as they've been, something has been lost in recent years. Many of the stars the Yankees have brought in have been past their prime or simply tough to root for because they made a name for themselves elsewhere. The homegrown talent that had become the backbone of their championship teams (guys like Jeter, Rivera, Williams, Posada), were diluted with aging stars who have yet to produce in October. The Yankee philosophy has evolved in to relying solely on high price free agents or trading for stars with contracts their former employers wished to unload. The past offseason followed the same trend as the Yankees refused to allow an unknown player assume centerfield duties. Although the team had high expectations, the Yankees potent offense struggled to find its groove in many early season games. With injuries to slugging outfielders Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui, a dark cloud hung over the Bronx.
However, the injuries have served as a blessing in disguise. With lineup positions made available, young stars Andy Phillips and Melky Cabrera have been given a chance to shine. Behind a make-shift lineup, the Yankees have gone on an incredible tear producing runs at higher rates than the vaunted early season lineup. As Michael Kay appropriately dubbed them in Tuesday night's broadcast, the Baby Bombers have infused the normally "business as usual" team with much needed energy. They've become more fun to watch than any Yankee team in the last several years, playing hard defensively and producing clutch hits. While they may not be the Bronx Bombers of the past few years, their lack of reliance on the longball has helped them win more tight games. It was evident in Tuesday night's thrilling 2-1 decision over the Red Sox when slugger Jason Giambi drew a game winning walk in the bottom of the seventh. To preserve the lead in the top of the eighth, Cabrera robbed Manny Ramirez of the game-tying homerun with the catch of the year. In postgame remarks, Bernie Williams went so far as to say it was one of the greatest catches he has ever seen given the situation and importance of the game. In other words, if it was a September game against the Royals with the postseason clinched in the top of the first, it would have merely been a web gem. But no, this was Boston in a one-run game at the Stadium. The top of the eighth with a reliever in desperate need of more confidence boosting against a hated opponent. For a Yankee fan, the pleasure of seeing someone rob Manny of a home run is akin to the pleasure of a proud parent hearing their son/daughter's first words. To see a twenty-one year old Yankee farm system product make an acrobatic catch to rob Manny? Multiply that by ten. A year ago, after watching Melky struggle, I pleaded with people to give the kid a chance. Although at that point I really only liked him for his name, but I figured the kid deserved a chance. Now he's developing a legion of believers, and you better believe I'm on board. He's pushing Sheffield right out of his 2007 option and I couldn't be happier. The excitement he has brought, along with emerging first basemen Andy Phillips, has been refreshing. They've broken up the monotony of watching Yankee games and given fans a reason to believe in the farm system again. If Cashman can resist the temptation of dealing one of the many young stars (current Yankees Cano, Wang, and Cabrera, along with prospects Eric Duncan and Phillip Hughes), Yankee fans have reason to be excited for years to come. The "Baby Bombers" are capturing the hearts of Yankee fans, and more importantly, triumphing over the Red Sox.
However, the injuries have served as a blessing in disguise. With lineup positions made available, young stars Andy Phillips and Melky Cabrera have been given a chance to shine. Behind a make-shift lineup, the Yankees have gone on an incredible tear producing runs at higher rates than the vaunted early season lineup. As Michael Kay appropriately dubbed them in Tuesday night's broadcast, the Baby Bombers have infused the normally "business as usual" team with much needed energy. They've become more fun to watch than any Yankee team in the last several years, playing hard defensively and producing clutch hits. While they may not be the Bronx Bombers of the past few years, their lack of reliance on the longball has helped them win more tight games. It was evident in Tuesday night's thrilling 2-1 decision over the Red Sox when slugger Jason Giambi drew a game winning walk in the bottom of the seventh. To preserve the lead in the top of the eighth, Cabrera robbed Manny Ramirez of the game-tying homerun with the catch of the year. In postgame remarks, Bernie Williams went so far as to say it was one of the greatest catches he has ever seen given the situation and importance of the game. In other words, if it was a September game against the Royals with the postseason clinched in the top of the first, it would have merely been a web gem. But no, this was Boston in a one-run game at the Stadium. The top of the eighth with a reliever in desperate need of more confidence boosting against a hated opponent. For a Yankee fan, the pleasure of seeing someone rob Manny of a home run is akin to the pleasure of a proud parent hearing their son/daughter's first words. To see a twenty-one year old Yankee farm system product make an acrobatic catch to rob Manny? Multiply that by ten. A year ago, after watching Melky struggle, I pleaded with people to give the kid a chance. Although at that point I really only liked him for his name, but I figured the kid deserved a chance. Now he's developing a legion of believers, and you better believe I'm on board. He's pushing Sheffield right out of his 2007 option and I couldn't be happier. The excitement he has brought, along with emerging first basemen Andy Phillips, has been refreshing. They've broken up the monotony of watching Yankee games and given fans a reason to believe in the farm system again. If Cashman can resist the temptation of dealing one of the many young stars (current Yankees Cano, Wang, and Cabrera, along with prospects Eric Duncan and Phillip Hughes), Yankee fans have reason to be excited for years to come. The "Baby Bombers" are capturing the hearts of Yankee fans, and more importantly, triumphing over the Red Sox.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
