Shorter days diminish
Old, cold ways finish
Negative notions are in the nether
Swept aside with the weather
Summer starts with a swing
Adjust to the adjacent action
Friends form a fancy faction
Begin by tossing for the serve
An extended arm and body curve
Summer starts with a swing
Endorse the warmest sun
For a daylight tennis run
Summer starts with a swing
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Series in Six
If you’re a fan of the Denver Nuggets, you woke up with the disappointing news there would be no Game 7. Denver was dropped and denied a trip to the NBA finals when they were defeated by Los Angeles, 119-92. The Lakers dispatched the Nuggets and return for the second straight season to the finals. L.A. did so by finally hitting their stride, bouncing and beating up a Denver team that simply lost their steam. The Lakers exercised with an attestation of attrition and the Nuggets neglected to normalize.
The bar was set high for Los Angeles heading into this season after a championship series loss to the Boston Celtics. Kobe Bryant and his teammates will have a second chance to capture a title for the Lakers and accomplish what they couldn’t do last year. The only obstacle they have to confront is the NBA Eastern Conference winner, either Orlando or Cleveland. Whichever team the Lakers face, they will be a well-rested team.
The Denver series was closer than some predicted to begin, but ended with the Lakers snowballing Denver in Game 6’s lopsided win. Bryant extinguished Denver by striking up MVP-like performances. After luring a Game 1 two point victory, Los Angeles fell to Denver 106-103 in Game 2. The Lakers shook off a loss and took control of the series in Game 5, playing their best basketball in the final twenty minutes of a 103-94 win. Game 3 put the Lakers back up by a game. The teams tipped off and clashed in Denver for Game 4. The Nuggets were the better team that game with a defining 120-101 slapping. Game 5 proved the Lakers had smarter players and Denver lacked an ability to close out games. Los Angeles won 103-94 to rectify the bad taste of Game 4’s Denver drubbing. With energy and discipline, the Lakers played outstanding again in the clinching Game 6 Friday night. There was no orchestrated comeback for the Nuggets this time.
Bryant scored 35 points, had 10 assists, 6 rebounds and one block in 42 minutes. Pau Gasol, playing the same amount of time as Kobe, had 20 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, one block and 3 steals for L.A. The two scoring stars got plenty of help from the other players. Including Bryant, three other Lakers scored in double digits. Lamar Odom added 20 points and an assists. Odom had 8 rebounds, including three on offense. Trevor Ariza chipped in with 17 points and went 3 of 4 from 3 point range. Transfixed Trevor hounded Denver’s, Carmelo Anthony. Ariza ascended with an assault, knocking and blocking the All-star Anthony. Luke Walton gave the Lakers 10 points from the bench, which included an uncharacteristic dunk over ‘Melo. The L.A. bench outscored the Nuggets bench 40-34. The Lakers shot over 57% from the field and 100% from the line.
Bryant berated the Nuggets and created a buzz when the Lakers went on a 21-7 run just before the half. His 11 points during the drilling took the air out of the Pepsi Center crowd and placed Denver in an arduous 53-40 hole. The Nuggets replenished after halftime and trimmed their deficit late in the game to 79-67. But it was Bryant stepping up again to show Denver the door. I am possessed by Bryant’s incredulity on the court. The Lakers replied with a 9-0 run and Kobe restored the team with seven straight points to make it 101-82. Kobe went 12 of 20 from the field and 9 of 9 at the charity stripe. The greatest clutch player in the NBA continues to perform at an unreachable utmost level.
The Nuggets made crucial mistakes and botched shots in Games 1 and 3. The games could have gone either way. Last night, there was no question which club was deserving of a trip to the NBA Finals. Anthony put up 25 points but only had a pair of rebounds and assists. J.R. Smith missed 5 three pointers of his 9 attempts, but scored 24 points in the Nuggets loss. Kenyon Martin turned in 13 points, and Chauncey Billups attained 10 to complement his 9 assists. Denver trailed most of the game and never mounted a serious charge in Game 6. They did shoot 80% from the line and finished 8 of 19 from the arc, but lost their eighth consecutive playoff elimination game by an embarrassing mark. So now it’s the Lakers who prevail and reach their record 30th final.
The Lakers executed well in the final two games of this Western finals series. They somehow cemented the cracks the Rockets and Nuggets exposed during these early rounds. L.A. looks like the best team in the NBA and a threat to thrash their next opponent. All the players did their part against Denver. Los Angeles controlled the match-up between the two benches, got another gorgeous game from Bryant, and more mobility from the defense. Bryant was poked all night by Denver defenders but still elevated from the perimeter to release shots. Odom, for the first time in the playoffs, had back-to-back performances worthy of praise. The Lakers are a better team overall when Odom is in the starting lineup. The 6’10” 29 year old hasn’t been a consistent force for Phil Jackson and was criticized for disappearing on his team last year. The resurgent Odom was hard for Denver to contain. The Nuggets also ineffective neutralized Gasol. Pau was an L.A. spark during Friday’s rout, and really has been oppressive this entire playoff run. The workhorse visibly confused the vulnerable Nuggets from down low and played well on the defensive front with 12 rebounds. Walton had a breakout game and took advantage of a porous, non-committal defense with wide-open jumpers. He was one pesky Pepsi Center presence.
The purple and gold defense never allowed Denver to get aggressive on offense. The Nuggets were excused last night because they barely showed up or creating contact. Anthony and Billups missed their targets. Chris Andersen was arid and Nene never took off. The Nuggets, at times, looked overexcited and unfocused. Denver put up a good fight in the first four games. The befuddled Nuggets did not get the inbound passes to put them over the top in the first two losses, and did not get a balanced attack in either of the final two defeats.
The Lakers dominated the glass and took care of their end of the court. L.A. will be a tough out for Orlando or Cleveland for NBA supremacy if they continue to pass the ball to players not named Kobe. Odom makes an impact just by being active and energetic. Gasol can capture close-out moments. Ariza is a proven shining player. Sasha Vujacic has athletic attributes ready to be showcased. Walton is a resilient role player with more to prove. Jordan Farmar embodies an attractive young talent. Andrew Bynum has glaring skills and ball-handling tactics. Bryant’s buckets are a winning requirement but sharing the workload give the Lakers are chance to make those momentum-shifting runs during the game. Los Angeles has respectable talent around their best player. Bryant is two titles shy of Michael Jordan. Jackson’s Lakers have been a playoff mainstay for years. Maybe this is the year L.A. wins it all again. It certainly looks like their time and I think there is still room in Jackson’s trophy case.
Parting points: It was a crisp morning, but I just had a blissful bike ride.
The bar was set high for Los Angeles heading into this season after a championship series loss to the Boston Celtics. Kobe Bryant and his teammates will have a second chance to capture a title for the Lakers and accomplish what they couldn’t do last year. The only obstacle they have to confront is the NBA Eastern Conference winner, either Orlando or Cleveland. Whichever team the Lakers face, they will be a well-rested team.
The Denver series was closer than some predicted to begin, but ended with the Lakers snowballing Denver in Game 6’s lopsided win. Bryant extinguished Denver by striking up MVP-like performances. After luring a Game 1 two point victory, Los Angeles fell to Denver 106-103 in Game 2. The Lakers shook off a loss and took control of the series in Game 5, playing their best basketball in the final twenty minutes of a 103-94 win. Game 3 put the Lakers back up by a game. The teams tipped off and clashed in Denver for Game 4. The Nuggets were the better team that game with a defining 120-101 slapping. Game 5 proved the Lakers had smarter players and Denver lacked an ability to close out games. Los Angeles won 103-94 to rectify the bad taste of Game 4’s Denver drubbing. With energy and discipline, the Lakers played outstanding again in the clinching Game 6 Friday night. There was no orchestrated comeback for the Nuggets this time.
Bryant scored 35 points, had 10 assists, 6 rebounds and one block in 42 minutes. Pau Gasol, playing the same amount of time as Kobe, had 20 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, one block and 3 steals for L.A. The two scoring stars got plenty of help from the other players. Including Bryant, three other Lakers scored in double digits. Lamar Odom added 20 points and an assists. Odom had 8 rebounds, including three on offense. Trevor Ariza chipped in with 17 points and went 3 of 4 from 3 point range. Transfixed Trevor hounded Denver’s, Carmelo Anthony. Ariza ascended with an assault, knocking and blocking the All-star Anthony. Luke Walton gave the Lakers 10 points from the bench, which included an uncharacteristic dunk over ‘Melo. The L.A. bench outscored the Nuggets bench 40-34. The Lakers shot over 57% from the field and 100% from the line.
Bryant berated the Nuggets and created a buzz when the Lakers went on a 21-7 run just before the half. His 11 points during the drilling took the air out of the Pepsi Center crowd and placed Denver in an arduous 53-40 hole. The Nuggets replenished after halftime and trimmed their deficit late in the game to 79-67. But it was Bryant stepping up again to show Denver the door. I am possessed by Bryant’s incredulity on the court. The Lakers replied with a 9-0 run and Kobe restored the team with seven straight points to make it 101-82. Kobe went 12 of 20 from the field and 9 of 9 at the charity stripe. The greatest clutch player in the NBA continues to perform at an unreachable utmost level.
The Nuggets made crucial mistakes and botched shots in Games 1 and 3. The games could have gone either way. Last night, there was no question which club was deserving of a trip to the NBA Finals. Anthony put up 25 points but only had a pair of rebounds and assists. J.R. Smith missed 5 three pointers of his 9 attempts, but scored 24 points in the Nuggets loss. Kenyon Martin turned in 13 points, and Chauncey Billups attained 10 to complement his 9 assists. Denver trailed most of the game and never mounted a serious charge in Game 6. They did shoot 80% from the line and finished 8 of 19 from the arc, but lost their eighth consecutive playoff elimination game by an embarrassing mark. So now it’s the Lakers who prevail and reach their record 30th final.
The Lakers executed well in the final two games of this Western finals series. They somehow cemented the cracks the Rockets and Nuggets exposed during these early rounds. L.A. looks like the best team in the NBA and a threat to thrash their next opponent. All the players did their part against Denver. Los Angeles controlled the match-up between the two benches, got another gorgeous game from Bryant, and more mobility from the defense. Bryant was poked all night by Denver defenders but still elevated from the perimeter to release shots. Odom, for the first time in the playoffs, had back-to-back performances worthy of praise. The Lakers are a better team overall when Odom is in the starting lineup. The 6’10” 29 year old hasn’t been a consistent force for Phil Jackson and was criticized for disappearing on his team last year. The resurgent Odom was hard for Denver to contain. The Nuggets also ineffective neutralized Gasol. Pau was an L.A. spark during Friday’s rout, and really has been oppressive this entire playoff run. The workhorse visibly confused the vulnerable Nuggets from down low and played well on the defensive front with 12 rebounds. Walton had a breakout game and took advantage of a porous, non-committal defense with wide-open jumpers. He was one pesky Pepsi Center presence.
The purple and gold defense never allowed Denver to get aggressive on offense. The Nuggets were excused last night because they barely showed up or creating contact. Anthony and Billups missed their targets. Chris Andersen was arid and Nene never took off. The Nuggets, at times, looked overexcited and unfocused. Denver put up a good fight in the first four games. The befuddled Nuggets did not get the inbound passes to put them over the top in the first two losses, and did not get a balanced attack in either of the final two defeats.
The Lakers dominated the glass and took care of their end of the court. L.A. will be a tough out for Orlando or Cleveland for NBA supremacy if they continue to pass the ball to players not named Kobe. Odom makes an impact just by being active and energetic. Gasol can capture close-out moments. Ariza is a proven shining player. Sasha Vujacic has athletic attributes ready to be showcased. Walton is a resilient role player with more to prove. Jordan Farmar embodies an attractive young talent. Andrew Bynum has glaring skills and ball-handling tactics. Bryant’s buckets are a winning requirement but sharing the workload give the Lakers are chance to make those momentum-shifting runs during the game. Los Angeles has respectable talent around their best player. Bryant is two titles shy of Michael Jordan. Jackson’s Lakers have been a playoff mainstay for years. Maybe this is the year L.A. wins it all again. It certainly looks like their time and I think there is still room in Jackson’s trophy case.
Parting points: It was a crisp morning, but I just had a blissful bike ride.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Cubs Crashing
It’s conclusive the Chicago Cubs are out of control. What’s less certain is whether the team is convincingly collapsing or hitting a few hurdles. The press is passionate about pouty pitchers. Chicago pitcher, Carlos Zambrano, was suspended for six games and fined my MLB for his tirade in Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Zambrano’s latest meltdown is only added to the Cubs’ misery. The pitcher who wears his emotions on his sleeves got into a heated argument with umpire, Mark Carlson. Big Z bumped the home plate man in zebra stripes and was told to leave the game. The ejections came during the seventh inning of the game. Zambrano proceeded to fire a ball into left field, toss his glove and take a bat to the water cooler. On Monday, things were just as testy in the Windy City as a frustrated Ryan Dempster smashed the cooler in a 10-8 loss. Ted Lilly was ejected, and later fined, for arguing with Bob Davidson behind the plate in the win over the Pirates. The catastrophic crisis in Chicago is causing conflict by the day.
Lou Piniella has an unsettled and uptight posse who have been pummeled nine times in their last eleven games. It is time for him to perpetuate the plight and be held accountable for his athlete’s actions. Instead of using the defenseless dugout as a target, I think the Cubs should direct their attention to the diamond. The team is batting a MLB 24th ranked, .249 as a unit. They are 10th in the league in runs scored and 7th in runs allowed. Since beginning the year as division favorites and dominators, the crashing Cubs have dismally dropped off. Their punching bag should be in the form of bashing the baseball.
Randy Wells took a tough loss Thursday night. Wells fells to 0-2 despite allowing two runs and pitching into the eighth inning. It was Wells’ fourth career start. In 25 innings this year, he has fanned 23 batters and posted an ERA of 1.80. The Cubs lost a tight 2-1 game to Randy Wolf and the hot Los Angeles Dodgers. Reliable reliever, Ramon Troncoso, fazed Chicago and wriggled out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth to seal the victory for Joe Torre and the Dodgers.
The Dodgers humiliated the Cubs in the first round of the 2008 playoffs and were the better team this regular season series as well. The Cubs wasted many opportunities and a solid effort from Wells. Last night, Chicago put just one runner on base in the first seven frames. Derrek Lee’s double to lead off the second inning went for naught when Reed Johnson, Geovany Soto, and Mike Fontenot failed to advance Lee from second base.
Another chance to bust out was in the eighth. Pinch hitter, Bobby Scales, hit a leadoff home run to left field on a full count. Jake Fox, who was called up to play third base but Piniella is not ready to start, clubbed a pinch hit single to center. Kosuke Fukudome, the team batting average leader with .311, walked. The Cubs leader in homeruns and RBIs, Alfonso Soriano, struck out, Ryan Theriot hit into a double play, and Chicago went down without crossing the plate.
In the bottom of the ninth, Joe Torre called Troncoso in for the save. Jonathan Broxton is the usual Dodger closer, but Torre rested him after the hurler walked three Wednesday at Colorado. Slumping slugger, Milton Bradley, fabricated a bunt single to leadoff the ninth and spark a comeback rally for the Cubs. Troncoso intentionally walked Fukudome with two outs and runners on first and second. With crowded bags, Troncoso struck out Scales and Fox. The defeated Cubs slipped back to the .500 mark as the nosedive continues. It’s hard to remember this same team won 97 games a year ago.
Last October, L.A. swept Chicago with strong outings from their starters. Starting pitcher, Randy Wolf, kept the Cubs in check with a colossal effort. The left-hander’s breaking pitches were good enough to contain the confounding Cubs and make the Dodgers a scintillating and stellar 19 games over .500. They boast baseball’s best record at 34-15. Wolf outdueled the Chicago rookie to earn third win of the year. He allowed one run on six hits and struck out seven. The determined Dodgers did their scoring in the first and third innings. Juan Pierre led off the game with a single. Pierre stole second and Rafael Furcal bunted towards Fontenot at third base. The ball was out of Fontenot’s reach and rolled into the outfield, as Pierre paced in from second base. Furcal, back in the L.A. lineup after missing four games, reached home safely on Casey Blake’s groundout in the third inning.
The Cubs are clumsy crumbling with the club and continue to show they miss the services of All-star third baseman, Aramis Ramirez. Since his absence, Chicago is only sporting a 7-11 record. Ramirez brings a dependable clutch bat and a little life to the team. Two minor leaguers factored into the scoring against Wolf on Thursday, and that was all the offensive production complicated Chicago managed. Scales, an infielder/outfielder was recalled from Triple-A Iowa. The under-the-weather Scales was unavailable Wednesday because of the flu, but replaced an injured Ryan Freel on the roster Thursday. The 31 year old’s homer was his second pinch hit of the season. Fox, a converted catcher, added a pinch hit but could be a liability defensively. If Fox has to play the field, the Dodgers will test him with their slick bunt hitters.
The Cubs are batting some injuries, most notably to starter, Rich Harden. The imposing bat of Lee is clearly missing and Soriano’s early surge has suddenly stopped. Lee did have a team high two hits in last night’s loss. Alfonso has cooled off and has not hit in the clutch. Dempster and Zambrano are hot-headed pitchers but the rotation is a talented one. A return to Wrigley after a terrible 0-6 road trip was supposed to help the Cubs. The Pirates camped out at Wrigley starting Memorial Day, and even with his outburst, Chicago won Zambrano’s game. They scored a combined five runs during the six game stretch and only one more Thursday night. They lost on Monday despite the heated bats posting eight runs. The starting pitchers could not put away the Pirates. Dempster lasted just four innings Monday and was not his usual self. His seven scattered hits gave him a no decision, while lefty Neal Cotts, got charged with the loss. The bullpen can provide length and the Cubs have enough talented depth from their bench and in their system to be division winners again. But the steadfast stars of last season are not showing their faces this Spring. Cotts and Aaron Heilman did not pitch well from the bullpen this week. When the relievers allow runs late in games, it makes it increasingly harder for the offense to come back. The offense put up seven runs in four innings, exploding on Monday. Bradley connected for a two run bomb and four RBIs. Theriot, Soto and Freel all contributed by driving in runs, but the pitching and hitting weren’t clicking on the same night.
The Cubs can still win the series with L.A. and it would help mitigate the damage done this past month. It would also place Chicago in a position to show a semblance of swagger. The broken-down Cubs left 23 runners on base Thursday and failed to score even a run with the bases loaded. That does not equate to winning baseball. If the Cubs can’t control their emotions, at least they can maintain composure on the godly grasses of Wrigley. Lilly stands lofty on the hill to face an L.A. ball club and their ace, Chad Billingsley, today. The Cubs just cannot score even though they have the wherewithal to hit. They are struggling and stranding sluggers as I scribe this. The team with the third highest payroll in baseball has to start earning their money and challenging Chad creates a clear chance at curtailing Cubs corruption.
Parting points: The Cavs staved off elimination last night but I still feel Orlando wins the series.
What happened to the Tampa Bay Rays?
Song to end the weel: “All Over You” by Live
Lou Piniella has an unsettled and uptight posse who have been pummeled nine times in their last eleven games. It is time for him to perpetuate the plight and be held accountable for his athlete’s actions. Instead of using the defenseless dugout as a target, I think the Cubs should direct their attention to the diamond. The team is batting a MLB 24th ranked, .249 as a unit. They are 10th in the league in runs scored and 7th in runs allowed. Since beginning the year as division favorites and dominators, the crashing Cubs have dismally dropped off. Their punching bag should be in the form of bashing the baseball.
Randy Wells took a tough loss Thursday night. Wells fells to 0-2 despite allowing two runs and pitching into the eighth inning. It was Wells’ fourth career start. In 25 innings this year, he has fanned 23 batters and posted an ERA of 1.80. The Cubs lost a tight 2-1 game to Randy Wolf and the hot Los Angeles Dodgers. Reliable reliever, Ramon Troncoso, fazed Chicago and wriggled out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth to seal the victory for Joe Torre and the Dodgers.
The Dodgers humiliated the Cubs in the first round of the 2008 playoffs and were the better team this regular season series as well. The Cubs wasted many opportunities and a solid effort from Wells. Last night, Chicago put just one runner on base in the first seven frames. Derrek Lee’s double to lead off the second inning went for naught when Reed Johnson, Geovany Soto, and Mike Fontenot failed to advance Lee from second base.
Another chance to bust out was in the eighth. Pinch hitter, Bobby Scales, hit a leadoff home run to left field on a full count. Jake Fox, who was called up to play third base but Piniella is not ready to start, clubbed a pinch hit single to center. Kosuke Fukudome, the team batting average leader with .311, walked. The Cubs leader in homeruns and RBIs, Alfonso Soriano, struck out, Ryan Theriot hit into a double play, and Chicago went down without crossing the plate.
In the bottom of the ninth, Joe Torre called Troncoso in for the save. Jonathan Broxton is the usual Dodger closer, but Torre rested him after the hurler walked three Wednesday at Colorado. Slumping slugger, Milton Bradley, fabricated a bunt single to leadoff the ninth and spark a comeback rally for the Cubs. Troncoso intentionally walked Fukudome with two outs and runners on first and second. With crowded bags, Troncoso struck out Scales and Fox. The defeated Cubs slipped back to the .500 mark as the nosedive continues. It’s hard to remember this same team won 97 games a year ago.
Last October, L.A. swept Chicago with strong outings from their starters. Starting pitcher, Randy Wolf, kept the Cubs in check with a colossal effort. The left-hander’s breaking pitches were good enough to contain the confounding Cubs and make the Dodgers a scintillating and stellar 19 games over .500. They boast baseball’s best record at 34-15. Wolf outdueled the Chicago rookie to earn third win of the year. He allowed one run on six hits and struck out seven. The determined Dodgers did their scoring in the first and third innings. Juan Pierre led off the game with a single. Pierre stole second and Rafael Furcal bunted towards Fontenot at third base. The ball was out of Fontenot’s reach and rolled into the outfield, as Pierre paced in from second base. Furcal, back in the L.A. lineup after missing four games, reached home safely on Casey Blake’s groundout in the third inning.
The Cubs are clumsy crumbling with the club and continue to show they miss the services of All-star third baseman, Aramis Ramirez. Since his absence, Chicago is only sporting a 7-11 record. Ramirez brings a dependable clutch bat and a little life to the team. Two minor leaguers factored into the scoring against Wolf on Thursday, and that was all the offensive production complicated Chicago managed. Scales, an infielder/outfielder was recalled from Triple-A Iowa. The under-the-weather Scales was unavailable Wednesday because of the flu, but replaced an injured Ryan Freel on the roster Thursday. The 31 year old’s homer was his second pinch hit of the season. Fox, a converted catcher, added a pinch hit but could be a liability defensively. If Fox has to play the field, the Dodgers will test him with their slick bunt hitters.
The Cubs are batting some injuries, most notably to starter, Rich Harden. The imposing bat of Lee is clearly missing and Soriano’s early surge has suddenly stopped. Lee did have a team high two hits in last night’s loss. Alfonso has cooled off and has not hit in the clutch. Dempster and Zambrano are hot-headed pitchers but the rotation is a talented one. A return to Wrigley after a terrible 0-6 road trip was supposed to help the Cubs. The Pirates camped out at Wrigley starting Memorial Day, and even with his outburst, Chicago won Zambrano’s game. They scored a combined five runs during the six game stretch and only one more Thursday night. They lost on Monday despite the heated bats posting eight runs. The starting pitchers could not put away the Pirates. Dempster lasted just four innings Monday and was not his usual self. His seven scattered hits gave him a no decision, while lefty Neal Cotts, got charged with the loss. The bullpen can provide length and the Cubs have enough talented depth from their bench and in their system to be division winners again. But the steadfast stars of last season are not showing their faces this Spring. Cotts and Aaron Heilman did not pitch well from the bullpen this week. When the relievers allow runs late in games, it makes it increasingly harder for the offense to come back. The offense put up seven runs in four innings, exploding on Monday. Bradley connected for a two run bomb and four RBIs. Theriot, Soto and Freel all contributed by driving in runs, but the pitching and hitting weren’t clicking on the same night.
The Cubs can still win the series with L.A. and it would help mitigate the damage done this past month. It would also place Chicago in a position to show a semblance of swagger. The broken-down Cubs left 23 runners on base Thursday and failed to score even a run with the bases loaded. That does not equate to winning baseball. If the Cubs can’t control their emotions, at least they can maintain composure on the godly grasses of Wrigley. Lilly stands lofty on the hill to face an L.A. ball club and their ace, Chad Billingsley, today. The Cubs just cannot score even though they have the wherewithal to hit. They are struggling and stranding sluggers as I scribe this. The team with the third highest payroll in baseball has to start earning their money and challenging Chad creates a clear chance at curtailing Cubs corruption.
Parting points: The Cavs staved off elimination last night but I still feel Orlando wins the series.
What happened to the Tampa Bay Rays?
Song to end the weel: “All Over You” by Live
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Finally First
Tuesday marked the 50th day since the 2009 baseball season was launched. Today, May 28th, both New York teams finally find themselves in first place. The Mets own sole possession of the NL East by a half game, leapfrogging the Philadelphia Phillies. The Yankees are tied at the top of the AL East standings with the Boston Red Sox. The Bombers haven’t been in sole possession of first since 2006’s final game, but that could change as quickly as a David Ortiz lineup switch.
The Mets are winners of five of their last six games and are 17-8 in the month of May. Johan Santana improved his record to 7-2 with a six inning win over the Washington Nationals Wednesday. The five run victory completed New York’s three game sweep of the dreadful Nats. Santana spurned Washington with 11 strikeouts and 120 pitches. He walked six batters, including one with the bases loaded, but limited the damage to three runs. His ERA rose from 1.50 to 1.77, but Santana secured his third straight start in the win column.
The Mets have had five disputed homerun calls this season. Two were reversed and all five went New York’s way, including last night’s Daniel Murphy long ball in the sixth inning. Murphy was awarded a two-run homer after video review overturned the umpires’ original ruling. It was the Mets second homerun replay win in less than a week and Murphy’s fourth shot out of the park on the year. The Mets put together a trio of hits to open the bottom of the first. Second baseman, Luis Castillo and third baseman, David Wright, drew singles off Nationals’ starter, Jordan Zimmerman. Gary Sheffield, hitting over .400 in May and collecting his 1,652nd RBI, roped a double to give the Mets a 2-0 lead. Sheffield tied Tony Perez on the career RBI list for 25th place with the bash to right-center field in the first. Excuse the pun, but the Sheff is cooking. If this is indicative of what he can still do, the acquisition appeals to Met fans.
Murphy lined a single in the third to drive in Angel Pagan. Adam Dunn hit a mammoth homerun of 465 feet off Santana in the fourth inning to trim New York’s lead. Later in the inning, Johan loaded the bases and walked Cristian Guzman. Santana issued four free passes during the frame, the first time he’s done so in his career. The Mets left-hander threw 41 pitches in the fourth inning but got Nick Johnson to fly out to end the inning. Johnson registered three hits and drove in one run for the Nats. Although he could not put Washington ahead in the fourth, the Nationals tied the score with New York’s commanding ace on the mound.
Santana had seven no-decisions last season mostly due to lack of bullpen depth and strength. This year, he twice lost while giving up no earned runs. Last night, Johan did not have his best outing but still won the game. He wasn’t getting some calls and thought he was a bit squeezed by the home plate umpire. Nonetheless, the Mets snapped the 3-3 tie on Murphy’s reviewed homerun. Sheffield walked to start the bottom of the sixth before Murphy clubbed the ball over the arc in right field. The ball seemingly scratched the porch and Sheffield was thrown out at the plate when the ball caromed back into play. After the latest stroke of luck for the Mets, catcher, Ramon Castro, doubled to left field. Ron Villone was summoned from the Nationals’ pen to face rookie right fielder, Fernando Martinez. The 20 year old with a big power bat was playing in his second major league game. He popped the ball behind the plate to Wil Nieves. The Nationals catcher did not make the routine grab, but Martinez never ran on the hit. Thus, he was thrown out at first base and the crowd showered the rookie with his first well-earned boos. The mental mistake cost the Mets an out and they failed to add to the lead when Fernando Tatis’ pinch-hit liner resulted in an inning-ending double play. Pedro Feliciano fanned Dunn to end the top of the seventh and preserve New York’s two run lead. Feliciano has 15 strikeouts this season.
Murphy came through with his bat again in the seventh on a bases loaded double off reliever, Jesus Colome. It would be the final runs scored by New York. Washington would add a run in the ninth on Johnson’s single. Francisco Rodriguez struck out Ryan Zimmerman to end the game. The Nationals fell 20 games below .500 and dropped 15 of their last 18 games last night. The Mets have won 9 of their last 11 at Citi Field. The injured-ravaged team still managed to overtake Philadelphia in the standings. They are playing without Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado and Ryan Church. You cannot understate the impact of the injured players but Jerry Manuel’s back-ups are flourishing and providing a lift. A healthy Wright struck out four time for the first time in his career, but the offense produced seven runs to back Santana. They have scored 21 runs in the CY Young winner’s last three outings. Santana remained tied for the NL wins lead and reached double digits in strikeouts for the fourth time this season. He doesn’t have to be concerned about being a victim of bullpen damage this year. The Met relievers upheld even a mediocre start from their number one arm last night.
Wilson Valdez made his Mets debut last night. Omar Minaya signed Valdez when Reyes was placed on the disabled list. Valdez brings extra insurance and is a decent fielding hitter. He won’t provide the pop and spark of Reyes, but is a candidate to fill in while the shortstop is sidelined. With Alex Cora also ailing, Valdez can be a viable replacement. Murphy broke out of a slump with a career-high night in RBIs. His five runs driven in gave the Mets the bulk of the scoring they needed. He did prolong the game with a ninth inning error, but is still getting accustomed to the Met infield. It’s good to see the orange and blue in first place. Optimism omits feelings of odd omens being the reason for this team’s recent luck. I think the Mets are a for-real ball club. If management inquires about adding another ace to the rotation, (Peavy, Holladay?) New York would be in line for at least a pennant title.
The Yankees are in first place for the first time this season and have won 12 of their last 15 games. A.J. Burnett won his first start since April 14th to give the Yankees a share of the AL East with Boston. The Yanks are 1.5 games ahead of Toronto, who fell for the ninth straight game to Baltimore with Roy Halladay on the mound yesterday. The 9-2 Wednesday night Bomber win saw Burnett shutting out the Texas Rangers through six innings in Arlington. He had not won in his last seven starts, but only allowed three hits last night to snap his longest winless drought. Burnett looked sharp and much more aggressive last night. He went after a hard-hitting Texas lineup to give the team the start they needed. Burnett made several mistakes by placing pitches down the middle to the vaunted Rangers. He fell behind on several batters and threw 118 pitches, only 59% for strikes. But Texas could not string together consistent hits and the Yankees came through with the long ball. They were put in an early hole hard and struggled to dig themselves out. A flick of the leather and a run-in with the wall by outfielder, Johnny Damon, also aided Burnett on Wednesday night. The Yankees’ systemic scheme and active approach are successful. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth noting Nick Swisher’s supreme effort to create clubhouse chemistry. Swisher has swagger and the team is meshing well.
The offense began the series finale with ready wood at the plate. First baseman and former Ranger, Mark Teixeria, knocked his 15th homer with a first inning bomb good for two runs. Hideki Matsui emerged from his slump with two taters to blow the game open Wednesday. Coming into the series, Matsui was in a 3 for 23 funk. He plunked a homer with the first offering from Texas pitcher, Derek Holland and added a seventh inning dinger off Warner Madrigal. It was Matsui’s third career multi-homerun game. Second baseman, Robinson Cano’s ninth inning slam tied the Yankees with the Rangers for the top homerun hitting team in baseball. Both clubs have 77 long balls in 2009.
Holland allowed 10 hits and 6 runs in his second career start. The Texas hurler committed an error on Brett Gardner’s bunt for a base hit, allowing New York runners to advance. His day was done once the error evolved and Jason Jennings took the mound for the Rangers. The Yankees lashed out 15 hits on the evening against the first place AL West club. Derek Jeter snared a single to lead off the game and scored on Teixeria’s drive over the fence. Jeter went 3 for 4 and reached base five times. The captain’s average is now .297. Jeter and Kevin Cash extended the Yankee lead to 3-0 with consecutive two out doubles in the next inning. After Matsui’s first solo shot, New York tacked on two in the sixth. Cash ripped a two run single off Jennings and Matsui’s second round-tripper increased the Yankee lead to eight. Jose Veras gave up Ian Kinsler’s 13th homerun in the bottom of the seventh for Texas’ only score. The ball barely cleared the wall but made it a six run game. Dave Robertson took over to clean up for Veras’ mishap and put the clamp on the middle of the Texas order. Cano plastered a pulverizing homer to cap off the rout in the ninth for New York’s ninth run. Chien-Ming Wang, still a tad rusty, also came in to pitch two hitless innings. Wang struck out two in only his second appearance since returning from the disabled list. Wang’s sinker was in the low 90’s and his fastball a notch above as he continues to rework his velocity and accuracy. The Yankees took the series 2-1 in Texas as the Rangers lost for only the second time in their last 11 at home.
Jorge Posada and Brian Bruney are expected to return to the team against Cleveland on Friday. But, it all starts with substantial, stand-out pitching. Good pitching steers teams to victory, and as long as the Yankee starters take care of business, the team will float at the top of the AL East into October. I am still dubious about the relief pitching. The Yankees can overcome bullpen blemishes with stellar starts. Hopefully getting swept for six games against Boston this year was the only snippet of staggering we will soon see.
Parting points: “We’ll always have each other when everything else is gone” -Incubus
The Mets are winners of five of their last six games and are 17-8 in the month of May. Johan Santana improved his record to 7-2 with a six inning win over the Washington Nationals Wednesday. The five run victory completed New York’s three game sweep of the dreadful Nats. Santana spurned Washington with 11 strikeouts and 120 pitches. He walked six batters, including one with the bases loaded, but limited the damage to three runs. His ERA rose from 1.50 to 1.77, but Santana secured his third straight start in the win column.
The Mets have had five disputed homerun calls this season. Two were reversed and all five went New York’s way, including last night’s Daniel Murphy long ball in the sixth inning. Murphy was awarded a two-run homer after video review overturned the umpires’ original ruling. It was the Mets second homerun replay win in less than a week and Murphy’s fourth shot out of the park on the year. The Mets put together a trio of hits to open the bottom of the first. Second baseman, Luis Castillo and third baseman, David Wright, drew singles off Nationals’ starter, Jordan Zimmerman. Gary Sheffield, hitting over .400 in May and collecting his 1,652nd RBI, roped a double to give the Mets a 2-0 lead. Sheffield tied Tony Perez on the career RBI list for 25th place with the bash to right-center field in the first. Excuse the pun, but the Sheff is cooking. If this is indicative of what he can still do, the acquisition appeals to Met fans.
Murphy lined a single in the third to drive in Angel Pagan. Adam Dunn hit a mammoth homerun of 465 feet off Santana in the fourth inning to trim New York’s lead. Later in the inning, Johan loaded the bases and walked Cristian Guzman. Santana issued four free passes during the frame, the first time he’s done so in his career. The Mets left-hander threw 41 pitches in the fourth inning but got Nick Johnson to fly out to end the inning. Johnson registered three hits and drove in one run for the Nats. Although he could not put Washington ahead in the fourth, the Nationals tied the score with New York’s commanding ace on the mound.
Santana had seven no-decisions last season mostly due to lack of bullpen depth and strength. This year, he twice lost while giving up no earned runs. Last night, Johan did not have his best outing but still won the game. He wasn’t getting some calls and thought he was a bit squeezed by the home plate umpire. Nonetheless, the Mets snapped the 3-3 tie on Murphy’s reviewed homerun. Sheffield walked to start the bottom of the sixth before Murphy clubbed the ball over the arc in right field. The ball seemingly scratched the porch and Sheffield was thrown out at the plate when the ball caromed back into play. After the latest stroke of luck for the Mets, catcher, Ramon Castro, doubled to left field. Ron Villone was summoned from the Nationals’ pen to face rookie right fielder, Fernando Martinez. The 20 year old with a big power bat was playing in his second major league game. He popped the ball behind the plate to Wil Nieves. The Nationals catcher did not make the routine grab, but Martinez never ran on the hit. Thus, he was thrown out at first base and the crowd showered the rookie with his first well-earned boos. The mental mistake cost the Mets an out and they failed to add to the lead when Fernando Tatis’ pinch-hit liner resulted in an inning-ending double play. Pedro Feliciano fanned Dunn to end the top of the seventh and preserve New York’s two run lead. Feliciano has 15 strikeouts this season.
Murphy came through with his bat again in the seventh on a bases loaded double off reliever, Jesus Colome. It would be the final runs scored by New York. Washington would add a run in the ninth on Johnson’s single. Francisco Rodriguez struck out Ryan Zimmerman to end the game. The Nationals fell 20 games below .500 and dropped 15 of their last 18 games last night. The Mets have won 9 of their last 11 at Citi Field. The injured-ravaged team still managed to overtake Philadelphia in the standings. They are playing without Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado and Ryan Church. You cannot understate the impact of the injured players but Jerry Manuel’s back-ups are flourishing and providing a lift. A healthy Wright struck out four time for the first time in his career, but the offense produced seven runs to back Santana. They have scored 21 runs in the CY Young winner’s last three outings. Santana remained tied for the NL wins lead and reached double digits in strikeouts for the fourth time this season. He doesn’t have to be concerned about being a victim of bullpen damage this year. The Met relievers upheld even a mediocre start from their number one arm last night.
Wilson Valdez made his Mets debut last night. Omar Minaya signed Valdez when Reyes was placed on the disabled list. Valdez brings extra insurance and is a decent fielding hitter. He won’t provide the pop and spark of Reyes, but is a candidate to fill in while the shortstop is sidelined. With Alex Cora also ailing, Valdez can be a viable replacement. Murphy broke out of a slump with a career-high night in RBIs. His five runs driven in gave the Mets the bulk of the scoring they needed. He did prolong the game with a ninth inning error, but is still getting accustomed to the Met infield. It’s good to see the orange and blue in first place. Optimism omits feelings of odd omens being the reason for this team’s recent luck. I think the Mets are a for-real ball club. If management inquires about adding another ace to the rotation, (Peavy, Holladay?) New York would be in line for at least a pennant title.
The Yankees are in first place for the first time this season and have won 12 of their last 15 games. A.J. Burnett won his first start since April 14th to give the Yankees a share of the AL East with Boston. The Yanks are 1.5 games ahead of Toronto, who fell for the ninth straight game to Baltimore with Roy Halladay on the mound yesterday. The 9-2 Wednesday night Bomber win saw Burnett shutting out the Texas Rangers through six innings in Arlington. He had not won in his last seven starts, but only allowed three hits last night to snap his longest winless drought. Burnett looked sharp and much more aggressive last night. He went after a hard-hitting Texas lineup to give the team the start they needed. Burnett made several mistakes by placing pitches down the middle to the vaunted Rangers. He fell behind on several batters and threw 118 pitches, only 59% for strikes. But Texas could not string together consistent hits and the Yankees came through with the long ball. They were put in an early hole hard and struggled to dig themselves out. A flick of the leather and a run-in with the wall by outfielder, Johnny Damon, also aided Burnett on Wednesday night. The Yankees’ systemic scheme and active approach are successful. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth noting Nick Swisher’s supreme effort to create clubhouse chemistry. Swisher has swagger and the team is meshing well.
The offense began the series finale with ready wood at the plate. First baseman and former Ranger, Mark Teixeria, knocked his 15th homer with a first inning bomb good for two runs. Hideki Matsui emerged from his slump with two taters to blow the game open Wednesday. Coming into the series, Matsui was in a 3 for 23 funk. He plunked a homer with the first offering from Texas pitcher, Derek Holland and added a seventh inning dinger off Warner Madrigal. It was Matsui’s third career multi-homerun game. Second baseman, Robinson Cano’s ninth inning slam tied the Yankees with the Rangers for the top homerun hitting team in baseball. Both clubs have 77 long balls in 2009.
Holland allowed 10 hits and 6 runs in his second career start. The Texas hurler committed an error on Brett Gardner’s bunt for a base hit, allowing New York runners to advance. His day was done once the error evolved and Jason Jennings took the mound for the Rangers. The Yankees lashed out 15 hits on the evening against the first place AL West club. Derek Jeter snared a single to lead off the game and scored on Teixeria’s drive over the fence. Jeter went 3 for 4 and reached base five times. The captain’s average is now .297. Jeter and Kevin Cash extended the Yankee lead to 3-0 with consecutive two out doubles in the next inning. After Matsui’s first solo shot, New York tacked on two in the sixth. Cash ripped a two run single off Jennings and Matsui’s second round-tripper increased the Yankee lead to eight. Jose Veras gave up Ian Kinsler’s 13th homerun in the bottom of the seventh for Texas’ only score. The ball barely cleared the wall but made it a six run game. Dave Robertson took over to clean up for Veras’ mishap and put the clamp on the middle of the Texas order. Cano plastered a pulverizing homer to cap off the rout in the ninth for New York’s ninth run. Chien-Ming Wang, still a tad rusty, also came in to pitch two hitless innings. Wang struck out two in only his second appearance since returning from the disabled list. Wang’s sinker was in the low 90’s and his fastball a notch above as he continues to rework his velocity and accuracy. The Yankees took the series 2-1 in Texas as the Rangers lost for only the second time in their last 11 at home.
Jorge Posada and Brian Bruney are expected to return to the team against Cleveland on Friday. But, it all starts with substantial, stand-out pitching. Good pitching steers teams to victory, and as long as the Yankee starters take care of business, the team will float at the top of the AL East into October. I am still dubious about the relief pitching. The Yankees can overcome bullpen blemishes with stellar starts. Hopefully getting swept for six games against Boston this year was the only snippet of staggering we will soon see.
Parting points: “We’ll always have each other when everything else is gone” -Incubus
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Short Series Sets Second Straight Stanley Showdown
It’s a great time to be a hockey fan, especially if your team is the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens undressed and ousted the Carolina Hurricanes with a Game 4 road victory good for a spectacular series sweep. Pittsburgh is headed back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second consecutive year. Tuesday night’s 4-1 rout in Raleigh concluded the Eastern Conference four game Penguin romp.
Carolina’s Eric Staal got the first goal of the game, and the only one of the series for the franchise player. The Hurricanes bolted to a 1-0 lead on Staal’s wrap-around chance and Carolina was hoping for similar results in games when he scored (7-0 in those post-season situations) Pittsburgh’s offense would take over from there. Ruslan Fedotenko scored for the Pens 8.21 into the first period and Max Talbot slapped a wrister in the goal ten minutes later. Bill Guerin, the 16 year veteran, skimmed a netter in the second on a Sidney Crosby assist. Crosby burst out of the penalty box, worked the puck up the ice and dished the puck right to Guerin’s stick. Bill made contact and slapped the puck past Hurricane goalie, Cam Ward. Craig Adams fired an empty netter for the fourth and final goal, on assists from the exceptional Crosby and Talbot. Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 30 shots on goal, and Ward had 21 saves for Carolina. The Hurricanes struck five penalties to the Pens’ four. The series loss was the first playoff one of Ward’s successful NHL career. He was previously 5-0 in elimination games, but the Penguins bucked the odds and put to rest an overextended Hurricane team.
The Penguins played another classic Pittsburgh-style hockey game last night. With the score tied at 1-1 in the first period, Talbot tricked Carolina defenseman, Anton Babchuk. Talbot swing hard and Babchuk got his stick and skate on the puck. The black oval undulated airborne, floated and flipped over a waving Ward in net. What looked like an easy save became a freakish fluke. The stroke of luck shot was good for a goal and the first Penguin lead of the night. Any Carolina home ice edge was subdued with Talbot’s tormenting tally.
In the series, Pittsburgh outscored the spent Canes 20-9, netting at least three goals in each game. Not one Carolina player scored more than two points as they entered Game 4, and they were unable to overcome the talented Penguin team. Pittsburgh sabotaged Carolina’s chances of capitalizing on their early momentum again. Even when the defense controlled the play down low, Pittsburgh’s depth players stepped up with four unanswered goals. Fleury slammed the door on any quality attempts to his territory by stopped captain, Rod Brind’Amour, Matt Cullen, Ray Whitney and Sergei Samsonov from scoring. Carolina lost because their passing was hurried, goaltending was shoddy and the offense was flat in the end.
The return trip to the Stanley Cup Finals marks the Pens’ fourth in history and sets up a potential re-match of last year’s contest with the Red Wings. This Penguins team can handle the pressure inflicted from any team on the ice. Pittsburgh outworks and out hustles opponents with the flashy skating of Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The above-average Malkin did not factor into Tuesday night’s clinching contest, but came of age during this playoff series. He broke out in the opening games as the hottest player on the frozen ice. Malkin and Crosby both played out of their minds and are going to be a disruptive force in the Stanley Cup Finals. Crosby wouldn’t cooperate with Carolina’s cut-throat defense and Cam couldn’t control Malkin’s corruptive carousing. The indiscreet Fedotenko is a bright spot, always seeming to have it at the right time. He chips in with brilliant passing and execution on offense. Thorough fourth-line players, like Adams and Miro Satan, allow Crosby and Malkin to remain fresh on the bench. Satan and Philippe Boucher added an assist a piece in Game 4. Pittsburgh is moving on because they got secondary scoring when they needed it. Adams had two goals and three points this series. Guerin and Chris Kunitz add a spine to this Penguins team. They combined for ten points against the Hurricanes. The mindset in Pittsburgh is different this year, and was on full display during their latest sweep of Carolina. Sergei Gonchar and Jordan Staal provide even more fight and fuel on the ice for Pittsburgh. Staal, the 6’4” center, was skating against his brother Eric. The 2006 draft pick Jordan will be the brother moving on to the final round of the playoffs. Ward is a former playoff MVP for Carolina, but Fleury showed him up this series. Marc now has 26 playoff wins in the past two seasons. Fleury was reliable in protecting the net and the defense provided a consistent effort against a wobbly and withered Hurricane offense.
The Penguins didn’t allow Carolina a game and proved they are the best team in the NHL with their smothering style. Their five-man defensive system knows how to adjust and clog the neutral zone. They create opportunities for the offense by forcing turnovers and chasing down the puck. Hal Gill and Rob Scuderi are unsung defensive heroes, but it’s the Penguin offense that makes this team flow and glow. The Penguins have outscored their opposition by a lopsided margin of 26-11 this post-season. New head coach, Dan Bylsma, has a solid core poised to capture the NHL title. Since he took over the team, the Penguins have gone 30-8-4 and he played a role in their return trip. Bylsma’s outlook has helped establish a stable, well-blended and balanced team. They got a deserving series win after being dominant on all dimensions. Objective observers may disagree, but the Penguins have the goods to take down the Red Wings. Detroit is particularly good up front because they have more depth and their back end sports the best blueline in hockey. But the Penguins are strong in goal and have experienced stars with ability to dissipate any minor advantages. They have asserted themselves as another premier Pittsburgh professional organization. I’m crossing my fingers for a Penguin championship because I truly enjoy Crosby more than any other player in the game. Pittsburgh works wonderfully well as a team with the unconscious young talent and aggregate veteran presence. Although I considered them a legitimate contender, never did I expect the Penguins to reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. I now believe this is the team to beat in 2009. Most Penguins waddle but these NHL stars sure don’t. Go Pens!
Parting points: Hump Day humming: “We Didn’t Start The Fire” by Billy Joel
“Losing feels worse than winning feels good”- Vin Scully
Carolina’s Eric Staal got the first goal of the game, and the only one of the series for the franchise player. The Hurricanes bolted to a 1-0 lead on Staal’s wrap-around chance and Carolina was hoping for similar results in games when he scored (7-0 in those post-season situations) Pittsburgh’s offense would take over from there. Ruslan Fedotenko scored for the Pens 8.21 into the first period and Max Talbot slapped a wrister in the goal ten minutes later. Bill Guerin, the 16 year veteran, skimmed a netter in the second on a Sidney Crosby assist. Crosby burst out of the penalty box, worked the puck up the ice and dished the puck right to Guerin’s stick. Bill made contact and slapped the puck past Hurricane goalie, Cam Ward. Craig Adams fired an empty netter for the fourth and final goal, on assists from the exceptional Crosby and Talbot. Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 30 shots on goal, and Ward had 21 saves for Carolina. The Hurricanes struck five penalties to the Pens’ four. The series loss was the first playoff one of Ward’s successful NHL career. He was previously 5-0 in elimination games, but the Penguins bucked the odds and put to rest an overextended Hurricane team.
The Penguins played another classic Pittsburgh-style hockey game last night. With the score tied at 1-1 in the first period, Talbot tricked Carolina defenseman, Anton Babchuk. Talbot swing hard and Babchuk got his stick and skate on the puck. The black oval undulated airborne, floated and flipped over a waving Ward in net. What looked like an easy save became a freakish fluke. The stroke of luck shot was good for a goal and the first Penguin lead of the night. Any Carolina home ice edge was subdued with Talbot’s tormenting tally.
In the series, Pittsburgh outscored the spent Canes 20-9, netting at least three goals in each game. Not one Carolina player scored more than two points as they entered Game 4, and they were unable to overcome the talented Penguin team. Pittsburgh sabotaged Carolina’s chances of capitalizing on their early momentum again. Even when the defense controlled the play down low, Pittsburgh’s depth players stepped up with four unanswered goals. Fleury slammed the door on any quality attempts to his territory by stopped captain, Rod Brind’Amour, Matt Cullen, Ray Whitney and Sergei Samsonov from scoring. Carolina lost because their passing was hurried, goaltending was shoddy and the offense was flat in the end.
The return trip to the Stanley Cup Finals marks the Pens’ fourth in history and sets up a potential re-match of last year’s contest with the Red Wings. This Penguins team can handle the pressure inflicted from any team on the ice. Pittsburgh outworks and out hustles opponents with the flashy skating of Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The above-average Malkin did not factor into Tuesday night’s clinching contest, but came of age during this playoff series. He broke out in the opening games as the hottest player on the frozen ice. Malkin and Crosby both played out of their minds and are going to be a disruptive force in the Stanley Cup Finals. Crosby wouldn’t cooperate with Carolina’s cut-throat defense and Cam couldn’t control Malkin’s corruptive carousing. The indiscreet Fedotenko is a bright spot, always seeming to have it at the right time. He chips in with brilliant passing and execution on offense. Thorough fourth-line players, like Adams and Miro Satan, allow Crosby and Malkin to remain fresh on the bench. Satan and Philippe Boucher added an assist a piece in Game 4. Pittsburgh is moving on because they got secondary scoring when they needed it. Adams had two goals and three points this series. Guerin and Chris Kunitz add a spine to this Penguins team. They combined for ten points against the Hurricanes. The mindset in Pittsburgh is different this year, and was on full display during their latest sweep of Carolina. Sergei Gonchar and Jordan Staal provide even more fight and fuel on the ice for Pittsburgh. Staal, the 6’4” center, was skating against his brother Eric. The 2006 draft pick Jordan will be the brother moving on to the final round of the playoffs. Ward is a former playoff MVP for Carolina, but Fleury showed him up this series. Marc now has 26 playoff wins in the past two seasons. Fleury was reliable in protecting the net and the defense provided a consistent effort against a wobbly and withered Hurricane offense.
The Penguins didn’t allow Carolina a game and proved they are the best team in the NHL with their smothering style. Their five-man defensive system knows how to adjust and clog the neutral zone. They create opportunities for the offense by forcing turnovers and chasing down the puck. Hal Gill and Rob Scuderi are unsung defensive heroes, but it’s the Penguin offense that makes this team flow and glow. The Penguins have outscored their opposition by a lopsided margin of 26-11 this post-season. New head coach, Dan Bylsma, has a solid core poised to capture the NHL title. Since he took over the team, the Penguins have gone 30-8-4 and he played a role in their return trip. Bylsma’s outlook has helped establish a stable, well-blended and balanced team. They got a deserving series win after being dominant on all dimensions. Objective observers may disagree, but the Penguins have the goods to take down the Red Wings. Detroit is particularly good up front because they have more depth and their back end sports the best blueline in hockey. But the Penguins are strong in goal and have experienced stars with ability to dissipate any minor advantages. They have asserted themselves as another premier Pittsburgh professional organization. I’m crossing my fingers for a Penguin championship because I truly enjoy Crosby more than any other player in the game. Pittsburgh works wonderfully well as a team with the unconscious young talent and aggregate veteran presence. Although I considered them a legitimate contender, never did I expect the Penguins to reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. I now believe this is the team to beat in 2009. Most Penguins waddle but these NHL stars sure don’t. Go Pens!
Parting points: Hump Day humming: “We Didn’t Start The Fire” by Billy Joel
“Losing feels worse than winning feels good”- Vin Scully
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Emotional End
I go back and forth and side to side
Locked at love, I take the ball for a ride
Serving from ad, my frustrations I hide
Sumptuously shouting a fifteen-all score I sighed
I’m set up to slice and sneak a short shot in stride
Back up in points, a deep drive denotes me denied
Even at thirty an approach angles me to net
A return volley to backhand beckons a sure bet
My first serve spins slothfully, signaling a let
The second sample stabs the service stripe as a sharp threat
Preparing to pounce on the lob, mistakenly ball and net met
With no-add scoring, an emotional ending ace awards me the set
Locked at love, I take the ball for a ride
Serving from ad, my frustrations I hide
Sumptuously shouting a fifteen-all score I sighed
I’m set up to slice and sneak a short shot in stride
Back up in points, a deep drive denotes me denied
Even at thirty an approach angles me to net
A return volley to backhand beckons a sure bet
My first serve spins slothfully, signaling a let
The second sample stabs the service stripe as a sharp threat
Preparing to pounce on the lob, mistakenly ball and net met
With no-add scoring, an emotional ending ace awards me the set
Monday, May 25, 2009
Brawny 'Bron
LeBron James could use a little help. The brawny game-breaking MVP of the NBA dropped 41 buckets in another shooting spree Saturday. But it was Dwight Howard who propelled the Orlando Magic to a Game 3 home win over LeBron‘s Cavs. Howard’s 24 points against Cleveland put Orlando up 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Superman’s high-flying, feverish intensity breathed new life into Orlando. A game in which the Cavs were coming off their best win in franchise history, Cleveland was outplayed by a mentally tough Magic team. There was no game-ending “Le Shot”(as some are christening the basket from James), in Game 3. Instead, the fervent Magic downed Cleveland 99-89 in a physical battle from tip-off.
Howard was dominant, but got himself into early foul trouble. He sat out for a majority of the first half, seeing only 28 minutes of court time. The Magic moved the ball around and got out to a fast start, regardless of Howard’s benching. Howard was 14-19 from the line after being criticized as an eminently poor free throw shooter. Orlando beat Cleveland from the line and in 3 point shooting. As a team, the Magic shot 35% from long range compared to the Cavs’ contemptible 19%. James was only 1-8 from the 3 point range and 18-24 from the charity stripe. LeBron missed an uncharacteristic five key free throws in the fourth quarter. The Cavs are relying too much on 3 point shots as their main ingredient. They need more production from Lebron’s teammates if they are going to stop the energetic, confident Magic. Cleveland continues to play cautiously, clank jumpers and turn the ball over carelessly. Too many needless free passes were called last night, in my opinion. There were 86 free throws combined between both teams.
Cleveland and Orlando did their best to decimate each other, leading to 58 personal fouls, two technicals and one personal foul being called. The Cavs did not get extensive aid from Mo Williams, Delonte West or Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Ilhauskas fouled out of the game for Cleveland and went an inexcusable 0-3 from the arc. Williams had 15 points, 7 boards and 3 assists, and West added 12 buckets with a rebound and 3 assists. The three walking wounded (Williams was hit in the eye in a sordid squirmish with Anthony Johnson) shot an unsightly 13 of 37 combined, and Williams was 5 of 16 alone.
After last April’s thumping, the Cavs have lost six of their last seven in Orlando. The Cavalier’s bench has been exposed this entire series. The crisp Magic create mucho match up problems for Cleveland’s defense. In Game 1, the Cavalier defense allowed Orlando to shoot 61% from the floor in the second half. They couldn’t get a good grasp on the Magic big men last night either. Rafer Alston posted 18 points for the marauding Magic. He also had 3 assists and 3 steals. Mickael Pietrus piled in 16 shots, grabbed 6 rebounds and 2 steals, and pummeled the Cavs with 2 blocked shots. Hedo Turkoglu gave Cleveland all they could handle with 10 rebounds and 7 assists in an Orlando team high 41 minutes on the hardwood.
The Cavs are still having trouble covering Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis. The Magic double-whammy can shoot and defend the perimeter. Even Cleveland’s league-best defense cannot prevent the pounding from Orlando’s role players. Hedo went an entire quarter without registering a field goal, and the Magic still held the lead Sunday. Howard controlled the paint and made his free throws last night. When Dwight is doing that, his team is pretty unstoppable. The three put Cleveland at a disadvantage in the backcourt. The Orlando bottom-feeders are also bothering and smothering the Cavaliers. Cleveland will have to quickly respond with a solution to salvage the seven game series. In the first two quarters, Cleveland outscored Orlando by 28 points. It seems they get off to early leads, only to crumble and slow down in later quarters. The Magic have come back in all three games because of horrid starts.
James keeps Cleveland within striking distance by simply suiting up each day. He is the foundation of the team and inspires confidence. LeBron put on a clinic shooting the ball in Game 1, finishing with 49 points. His Game 2 classic clutch captured Cleveland’s heart for sure. And last night he took charge, but there is little more he can honestly do to carry the Cavs. The Cavs pulled within 4 points in the fourth quarter after Howard picked up his fifth foul with 2:34 on the clock. Pietrus came off the bench to pluck a pair of free throws, and the Magic appeared to be in control of the game with a 94-86 lead. But in stormed Superman. LeBron’s three point attempt was blocked by Howard. The referees issued Dwight another foul, this one for three shots. James was perfect from the line with little time remaining in the game. Williams missed an open 3-pointer with 20 seconds remaining. Orlando simply outplayed their opponents to secure the ten point win.
If not for LeBron’s unbelievable game-winner Friday night, the Magic might be up 3-0 in this series, with hopes of closing it out in Game 4. Even after the devastating, gut-wrenching loss, the Magic had the momentum headed home for a third match. The Cavaliers failed to invade Orlando and win two in a row. The Magic are successful when doubling James at the 3-point line with Pietrus and Turkolglu. James’ team unravels around him as he seems to get better and better. Cleveland is successful (see Game 2) when they do not allow Howard to touch the ball. Orlando shipped the ball to Howard on five of their first six offensive possessions last night. His six noxious points rang for a 9-2 Orlando lead. When he was off the court, the Magic had to cling to a one point lead by intermission. The Cavs also play well when executing the pick-and-roll, freeing Williams for jump shots and creating opportunities at the corner. The All-star guard Williams has been missing in action this series. It is a problem that has plagued the Cavs. His shooting inefficiency mirrors many of his teammates, leaving James alone to defend the Magic and carry the Cavs. The results for Mike Brown’s team are not there. The defensive side of the floor has no mojo and the coach isn’t getting gritty games from his guards. Williams is an excellent shooter and Cleveland needs him to perform. If not, the one-man LeBron show is going to come to a grotesque end for the best team in the East.
Parting points: Happy Memorial Day. It’s unofficially SUMMER! Things that I love about summer include reading on the beach, listening to baseball games, the smell of suntan lotion, watching lightning bugs in my backyard, Hemingway novels and REM’s Reveal album.
Howard was dominant, but got himself into early foul trouble. He sat out for a majority of the first half, seeing only 28 minutes of court time. The Magic moved the ball around and got out to a fast start, regardless of Howard’s benching. Howard was 14-19 from the line after being criticized as an eminently poor free throw shooter. Orlando beat Cleveland from the line and in 3 point shooting. As a team, the Magic shot 35% from long range compared to the Cavs’ contemptible 19%. James was only 1-8 from the 3 point range and 18-24 from the charity stripe. LeBron missed an uncharacteristic five key free throws in the fourth quarter. The Cavs are relying too much on 3 point shots as their main ingredient. They need more production from Lebron’s teammates if they are going to stop the energetic, confident Magic. Cleveland continues to play cautiously, clank jumpers and turn the ball over carelessly. Too many needless free passes were called last night, in my opinion. There were 86 free throws combined between both teams.
Cleveland and Orlando did their best to decimate each other, leading to 58 personal fouls, two technicals and one personal foul being called. The Cavs did not get extensive aid from Mo Williams, Delonte West or Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Ilhauskas fouled out of the game for Cleveland and went an inexcusable 0-3 from the arc. Williams had 15 points, 7 boards and 3 assists, and West added 12 buckets with a rebound and 3 assists. The three walking wounded (Williams was hit in the eye in a sordid squirmish with Anthony Johnson) shot an unsightly 13 of 37 combined, and Williams was 5 of 16 alone.
After last April’s thumping, the Cavs have lost six of their last seven in Orlando. The Cavalier’s bench has been exposed this entire series. The crisp Magic create mucho match up problems for Cleveland’s defense. In Game 1, the Cavalier defense allowed Orlando to shoot 61% from the floor in the second half. They couldn’t get a good grasp on the Magic big men last night either. Rafer Alston posted 18 points for the marauding Magic. He also had 3 assists and 3 steals. Mickael Pietrus piled in 16 shots, grabbed 6 rebounds and 2 steals, and pummeled the Cavs with 2 blocked shots. Hedo Turkoglu gave Cleveland all they could handle with 10 rebounds and 7 assists in an Orlando team high 41 minutes on the hardwood.
The Cavs are still having trouble covering Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis. The Magic double-whammy can shoot and defend the perimeter. Even Cleveland’s league-best defense cannot prevent the pounding from Orlando’s role players. Hedo went an entire quarter without registering a field goal, and the Magic still held the lead Sunday. Howard controlled the paint and made his free throws last night. When Dwight is doing that, his team is pretty unstoppable. The three put Cleveland at a disadvantage in the backcourt. The Orlando bottom-feeders are also bothering and smothering the Cavaliers. Cleveland will have to quickly respond with a solution to salvage the seven game series. In the first two quarters, Cleveland outscored Orlando by 28 points. It seems they get off to early leads, only to crumble and slow down in later quarters. The Magic have come back in all three games because of horrid starts.
James keeps Cleveland within striking distance by simply suiting up each day. He is the foundation of the team and inspires confidence. LeBron put on a clinic shooting the ball in Game 1, finishing with 49 points. His Game 2 classic clutch captured Cleveland’s heart for sure. And last night he took charge, but there is little more he can honestly do to carry the Cavs. The Cavs pulled within 4 points in the fourth quarter after Howard picked up his fifth foul with 2:34 on the clock. Pietrus came off the bench to pluck a pair of free throws, and the Magic appeared to be in control of the game with a 94-86 lead. But in stormed Superman. LeBron’s three point attempt was blocked by Howard. The referees issued Dwight another foul, this one for three shots. James was perfect from the line with little time remaining in the game. Williams missed an open 3-pointer with 20 seconds remaining. Orlando simply outplayed their opponents to secure the ten point win.
If not for LeBron’s unbelievable game-winner Friday night, the Magic might be up 3-0 in this series, with hopes of closing it out in Game 4. Even after the devastating, gut-wrenching loss, the Magic had the momentum headed home for a third match. The Cavaliers failed to invade Orlando and win two in a row. The Magic are successful when doubling James at the 3-point line with Pietrus and Turkolglu. James’ team unravels around him as he seems to get better and better. Cleveland is successful (see Game 2) when they do not allow Howard to touch the ball. Orlando shipped the ball to Howard on five of their first six offensive possessions last night. His six noxious points rang for a 9-2 Orlando lead. When he was off the court, the Magic had to cling to a one point lead by intermission. The Cavs also play well when executing the pick-and-roll, freeing Williams for jump shots and creating opportunities at the corner. The All-star guard Williams has been missing in action this series. It is a problem that has plagued the Cavs. His shooting inefficiency mirrors many of his teammates, leaving James alone to defend the Magic and carry the Cavs. The results for Mike Brown’s team are not there. The defensive side of the floor has no mojo and the coach isn’t getting gritty games from his guards. Williams is an excellent shooter and Cleveland needs him to perform. If not, the one-man LeBron show is going to come to a grotesque end for the best team in the East.
Parting points: Happy Memorial Day. It’s unofficially SUMMER! Things that I love about summer include reading on the beach, listening to baseball games, the smell of suntan lotion, watching lightning bugs in my backyard, Hemingway novels and REM’s Reveal album.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Fantastic Finish (Interleague Intrigue Part II)
Fine and fantastic finishes are frequently becoming festivities for our featured New York baseball teams. The New York Yankees won in walk-off style Saturday to even the interleague series with Philadelphia 1-1. Melky Cabrera capped off a ninth inning three-run rally with the game winning RBI off Phillies closer, Brad Lidge. The confident Cabrera captured his centerfield job back and collected his third game-ending hit of the year. He is no longer an afterthought following Saturday’s sendoff single. The team grabbed their major league leading 17th come-from-behind victory with the 5-4 final.
Raul Ibanez got things started for the Phillies in the top of the second. The designated hitter clocked a 1-1 pitch off Yankee ace, Andy Pettitte, to give Philadelphia a 1-0 lead. It was Ibanez’s 17th missile of the year to lead all major leaguers. New York answered back in their half of the second facing rookie pitcher, J.A. Haap. Haap was inserted into the rotation in place of fraught veteran, Chan Ho Park. Haap allowed a Yankee hit in the second inning and Robinson Cano was able to reach home on Nick Swisher’s groundout to Jimmy Rollins at shortstop.
The Phillies scored again in the fifth inning on a three run homerun by John Mayberry, Jr to build a 4-1 lead. Mayberry tagged a double later in the game. The new right-fielder for Philadelphia was making his major league debut after being called up from Triple A Lehigh Valley. The Phils sent down left handed pitcher, Sergio Escalona, to bring up the rookie. Mayberry is the son of former major leaguer, John Mayberry, Sr., a two-time All-star in fifteen major league seasons. To make room for Mayberry in the outfield, Philadelphia shifted Jayson Werth to left and plugged Ibanez into the DH role. The fifth inning shot off Pettitte also came on a 1-1 count from the Yankee southpaw. Pettitte shrugged off starting strains to throw seven innings of five hit ball. Andy threw 114 strikes to 67 balls through 27 batters. Phil Coke relieved him with 1.2 innings of shutout ball, succumbing one hit.
Down by three runs in the bottom of the sixth, Derek Jeter homered for the second straight day on the first pitch from Haap. The Jeter blast appeared to be Haap’s only real gaffe and he was in line for his first big league win after eight innings. He pitched six innings, walked none and struck out four in a noble effort. Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson each combined with an inning of scoreless relief on the afternoon.
The Phillies were three outs away from improving their NL East lead over the Mets. Lidge, the best closer in baseball last season, came in to shut down New York in the ninth. The Yankees scraped out three runs off the closer to complete the walkoff win. Johnny Damon worked Lidge to a full count before walking to lead off the inning. Lidge responded by slinging three straight sliders to send Mark Teixiera down swinging. Alex Rodriguez arrived at the plate batting .204 since his return from hip surgery. Lidge got ahead on Rodriguez 1-2. The famous third baseman fought off the signature slider twice and took a few pitches. On a full count, Rodriguez sent a fastball into the short porch in right to tie the ball game at 4-4. The ball sailed just over Mayberry’s glove for a terrific two-run masterpiece. The next batter, Cano, singled to center and immediately stole second base with Cabrera at bat. Cabrera singled to center and Cano trucked home without a play at the plate. Jose Veras recorded the win for the Yankees, getting one out in the ninth. Veras is now 3-1 and the Yankees have won 10 of their last 11 games. In today‘s series finale, World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, throws for the Phils and C.C. Sabathia takes the hill for the Yankees. It should play out as a left-handed pitcher’s duel, but anything is possible in this game. Will they overcome another deficit to nip the rubber game of the series?
I like how the Yankees generated runs again on Saturday in ecstatic manner. They scored by stealing bases and getting clutch clubbing from their starters. Rodriguez may not be hitting for a high average but his 560th homerun helped stamp out another comeback win. Arod is now three shy of Reggie Jackson for 11th place in the long ball department. Alex, antics aside, is a high-impact player who has desecrated pitchers, with seven homers, since putting on the pinstripes in 2009. I realize his dinger came off Lidge, who is not the same closer he was a year ago. Lidge converted 48 saves in 2008 , including the post-season, but has a 9.16 ERA as of May 24th. Still, The Yankees plated three runs off the Philadelphia reliever in resounding fashion. It is encouraging to witness win after comeback win in the Bronx. The Yankees are 12-3 since their third baseman’s return. The roster is filling out nicely and the pitching is coming around. New York has to stretch out their starters because the bullpen is overworked and injured. The defense has gone ten straight games without an error. The Yankees only trail by a half game in the AL East, and with the Red Sox on the verge of being swept at Fenway, I am one happy Bomber backer.
Speaking of that potential sweep in Boston…
The Red Sox were 16-0 when leading after nine innings going into Saturday’s contest. Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save of the year after going 11 for 11 in save opportunities for the Red Sox. Omir Santos got on top of a four-seam fastball and drove it over the left field wall of the Green Monster in the top of the ninth. Santos is a nice young hitter and capable catcher who might eventually be the Mets’ everyday starter at the position. The hard-nosed hero hails from Puerto Rico and is becoming a regular for Jerry Manuel’s Mets. He was originally in the Yankee farm system as a 2001 draft pick. The excessively energetic Papelbon began the inning looking like his vintage self. He did walk leadoff hitter, Gary Sheffield, but blew away David Wright and chipped Jeremy Reed with explosive high speed fastballs. Santos unloaded on a 97 mph pitch to give New York the eventual game-winning hit. Papelbon’s first blown save negated a solid outing from Boston ace, Josh Beckett. The Mets mustered only a run, an unearned one, in the first inning off the starter’s own throwing error. Beckett was deprived of victory when Santos’ shot put the chance to a bitter end. Instead of his fifth win of the season, Beckett came away with a no-decision.
The umpires initially ruled Santos’ long fly a double, but on replay review, overturned the call. The 3-2 Mets victory placed them in line for the Sunday sweep this afternoon. The Red Sox went 3-0 against New York in 2006 but now it seems the tables have turned. New York snuck past Boston, backed by a strong defensive stance in the bottom of the ninth. J.J. Putz was called on to close in place of Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod was shipped to the hospital with back spasms during the game and was unavailable to close. Putz issued a leadoff walk to Kevin Youkilis but managed two hard-hit outs off the bats of Jason Bay and J.D. Drew. Mike Lowell struck a ground ball to 36 year old journeyman, Ramon Martinez as Boston’s last hope. The sure-handed Martinez, replacing the injured Jose Reyes at shortstop, dove into the hole for the snag. He fired to first just in time as Daniel Murphy made the clean pick on a short hop for out number three. Lefty, Pedro Feliciano, notched the win as the Mets clipped the Red Sox.
Runs were of prime importance against Beckett on Saturday. Beckett harrowed the Mets with his longest effort of the season. He allowed a two-out single to left field in the first by Carlos Beltran. Beltran moved to second on Beckett’s error. The ace was trying to diplomatically pick off the teasing base runner, but the ball misfired to first. Sheffield singled in Beltran, giving the Mets the early advantage on the road. Sheffield hit a foul pop up between home and third prior to singling in Beltran. Beckett and Lowell converged and charged the ball but neither came away with the catch. Reed and Santos reached base in the seventh inning, with one out against Beckett. Josh proceeded to strike out Ramon Martinez and force Luis Castillo into a line drive out to centerfielder, Jacoby Ellsbury. Beckett was perfect in the eighth, working a 1-2-3 inning and striking out two. Boston took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first. Youkilis yielded a two-run base hit off Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey cruised through the game and left after seven innings. Neither starting pitcher was knocked around. The game was decided on a defense and timely hitting. Santos’ controversial blast proved a profound punch to the punch-less Sox.
Boston’s staff ace will be on the mound this afternoon against Tim Redding for New York. That ace is the 5-2 knuckleball pitcher, Tim Wakefield. The veteran has a 3.59 ERA, with two complete games this year. He has only allowed four homeruns, the lowest for Red Sox starters. Sheffield is batting .237 in 49 appearances against Wakefield. He homered in 2005 off a Wakefield fastball but clearly struggles against the knuckle offerings. The Mets cannot afford to sit Sheffield with an already depleted lineup. Wakefield on the mound today is a major pitfall for the murky Mets. Redding cannot realistically be trusted on the mound every five days. Maybe the Mets are suitors for Jake Peavy, maybe not. They do need to address pitching if Oliver Perez is ineffective and Jon Niese is not ready to take off the diapers. Aside from their rock, Johan Santana, the rotation is shaky. I can’t see how New York is going to win three straight games in Boston, but as I will reiterate, anything is possible in this game. Read it and weep, do I smell a sweep?
Parting points: Girl power- Sheryl Crow, Sarah Mclachlan, Toni Braxton and Paula Abdul crooning this morning.
Raul Ibanez got things started for the Phillies in the top of the second. The designated hitter clocked a 1-1 pitch off Yankee ace, Andy Pettitte, to give Philadelphia a 1-0 lead. It was Ibanez’s 17th missile of the year to lead all major leaguers. New York answered back in their half of the second facing rookie pitcher, J.A. Haap. Haap was inserted into the rotation in place of fraught veteran, Chan Ho Park. Haap allowed a Yankee hit in the second inning and Robinson Cano was able to reach home on Nick Swisher’s groundout to Jimmy Rollins at shortstop.
The Phillies scored again in the fifth inning on a three run homerun by John Mayberry, Jr to build a 4-1 lead. Mayberry tagged a double later in the game. The new right-fielder for Philadelphia was making his major league debut after being called up from Triple A Lehigh Valley. The Phils sent down left handed pitcher, Sergio Escalona, to bring up the rookie. Mayberry is the son of former major leaguer, John Mayberry, Sr., a two-time All-star in fifteen major league seasons. To make room for Mayberry in the outfield, Philadelphia shifted Jayson Werth to left and plugged Ibanez into the DH role. The fifth inning shot off Pettitte also came on a 1-1 count from the Yankee southpaw. Pettitte shrugged off starting strains to throw seven innings of five hit ball. Andy threw 114 strikes to 67 balls through 27 batters. Phil Coke relieved him with 1.2 innings of shutout ball, succumbing one hit.
Down by three runs in the bottom of the sixth, Derek Jeter homered for the second straight day on the first pitch from Haap. The Jeter blast appeared to be Haap’s only real gaffe and he was in line for his first big league win after eight innings. He pitched six innings, walked none and struck out four in a noble effort. Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson each combined with an inning of scoreless relief on the afternoon.
The Phillies were three outs away from improving their NL East lead over the Mets. Lidge, the best closer in baseball last season, came in to shut down New York in the ninth. The Yankees scraped out three runs off the closer to complete the walkoff win. Johnny Damon worked Lidge to a full count before walking to lead off the inning. Lidge responded by slinging three straight sliders to send Mark Teixiera down swinging. Alex Rodriguez arrived at the plate batting .204 since his return from hip surgery. Lidge got ahead on Rodriguez 1-2. The famous third baseman fought off the signature slider twice and took a few pitches. On a full count, Rodriguez sent a fastball into the short porch in right to tie the ball game at 4-4. The ball sailed just over Mayberry’s glove for a terrific two-run masterpiece. The next batter, Cano, singled to center and immediately stole second base with Cabrera at bat. Cabrera singled to center and Cano trucked home without a play at the plate. Jose Veras recorded the win for the Yankees, getting one out in the ninth. Veras is now 3-1 and the Yankees have won 10 of their last 11 games. In today‘s series finale, World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, throws for the Phils and C.C. Sabathia takes the hill for the Yankees. It should play out as a left-handed pitcher’s duel, but anything is possible in this game. Will they overcome another deficit to nip the rubber game of the series?
I like how the Yankees generated runs again on Saturday in ecstatic manner. They scored by stealing bases and getting clutch clubbing from their starters. Rodriguez may not be hitting for a high average but his 560th homerun helped stamp out another comeback win. Arod is now three shy of Reggie Jackson for 11th place in the long ball department. Alex, antics aside, is a high-impact player who has desecrated pitchers, with seven homers, since putting on the pinstripes in 2009. I realize his dinger came off Lidge, who is not the same closer he was a year ago. Lidge converted 48 saves in 2008 , including the post-season, but has a 9.16 ERA as of May 24th. Still, The Yankees plated three runs off the Philadelphia reliever in resounding fashion. It is encouraging to witness win after comeback win in the Bronx. The Yankees are 12-3 since their third baseman’s return. The roster is filling out nicely and the pitching is coming around. New York has to stretch out their starters because the bullpen is overworked and injured. The defense has gone ten straight games without an error. The Yankees only trail by a half game in the AL East, and with the Red Sox on the verge of being swept at Fenway, I am one happy Bomber backer.
Speaking of that potential sweep in Boston…
The Red Sox were 16-0 when leading after nine innings going into Saturday’s contest. Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save of the year after going 11 for 11 in save opportunities for the Red Sox. Omir Santos got on top of a four-seam fastball and drove it over the left field wall of the Green Monster in the top of the ninth. Santos is a nice young hitter and capable catcher who might eventually be the Mets’ everyday starter at the position. The hard-nosed hero hails from Puerto Rico and is becoming a regular for Jerry Manuel’s Mets. He was originally in the Yankee farm system as a 2001 draft pick. The excessively energetic Papelbon began the inning looking like his vintage self. He did walk leadoff hitter, Gary Sheffield, but blew away David Wright and chipped Jeremy Reed with explosive high speed fastballs. Santos unloaded on a 97 mph pitch to give New York the eventual game-winning hit. Papelbon’s first blown save negated a solid outing from Boston ace, Josh Beckett. The Mets mustered only a run, an unearned one, in the first inning off the starter’s own throwing error. Beckett was deprived of victory when Santos’ shot put the chance to a bitter end. Instead of his fifth win of the season, Beckett came away with a no-decision.
The umpires initially ruled Santos’ long fly a double, but on replay review, overturned the call. The 3-2 Mets victory placed them in line for the Sunday sweep this afternoon. The Red Sox went 3-0 against New York in 2006 but now it seems the tables have turned. New York snuck past Boston, backed by a strong defensive stance in the bottom of the ninth. J.J. Putz was called on to close in place of Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod was shipped to the hospital with back spasms during the game and was unavailable to close. Putz issued a leadoff walk to Kevin Youkilis but managed two hard-hit outs off the bats of Jason Bay and J.D. Drew. Mike Lowell struck a ground ball to 36 year old journeyman, Ramon Martinez as Boston’s last hope. The sure-handed Martinez, replacing the injured Jose Reyes at shortstop, dove into the hole for the snag. He fired to first just in time as Daniel Murphy made the clean pick on a short hop for out number three. Lefty, Pedro Feliciano, notched the win as the Mets clipped the Red Sox.
Runs were of prime importance against Beckett on Saturday. Beckett harrowed the Mets with his longest effort of the season. He allowed a two-out single to left field in the first by Carlos Beltran. Beltran moved to second on Beckett’s error. The ace was trying to diplomatically pick off the teasing base runner, but the ball misfired to first. Sheffield singled in Beltran, giving the Mets the early advantage on the road. Sheffield hit a foul pop up between home and third prior to singling in Beltran. Beckett and Lowell converged and charged the ball but neither came away with the catch. Reed and Santos reached base in the seventh inning, with one out against Beckett. Josh proceeded to strike out Ramon Martinez and force Luis Castillo into a line drive out to centerfielder, Jacoby Ellsbury. Beckett was perfect in the eighth, working a 1-2-3 inning and striking out two. Boston took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first. Youkilis yielded a two-run base hit off Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey cruised through the game and left after seven innings. Neither starting pitcher was knocked around. The game was decided on a defense and timely hitting. Santos’ controversial blast proved a profound punch to the punch-less Sox.
Boston’s staff ace will be on the mound this afternoon against Tim Redding for New York. That ace is the 5-2 knuckleball pitcher, Tim Wakefield. The veteran has a 3.59 ERA, with two complete games this year. He has only allowed four homeruns, the lowest for Red Sox starters. Sheffield is batting .237 in 49 appearances against Wakefield. He homered in 2005 off a Wakefield fastball but clearly struggles against the knuckle offerings. The Mets cannot afford to sit Sheffield with an already depleted lineup. Wakefield on the mound today is a major pitfall for the murky Mets. Redding cannot realistically be trusted on the mound every five days. Maybe the Mets are suitors for Jake Peavy, maybe not. They do need to address pitching if Oliver Perez is ineffective and Jon Niese is not ready to take off the diapers. Aside from their rock, Johan Santana, the rotation is shaky. I can’t see how New York is going to win three straight games in Boston, but as I will reiterate, anything is possible in this game. Read it and weep, do I smell a sweep?
Parting points: Girl power- Sheryl Crow, Sarah Mclachlan, Toni Braxton and Paula Abdul crooning this morning.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Fightin’ For Future Fame
Spruced-up Skills in South Bend Slay Spring Speak of Sour Squad
You know the expectations are high when even the President serves up sharp words about you. President Barack Obama took a jab at Notre Dame’s football program during the university’s commencement last weekend. Although it was all in good fun, Obama does have a point when it comes to the prior state of the storied Fighting Irish. The figment in South Bend is headed in a better, more promising direction. Let’s take a closer look at the Notre Dame team Head Coach Charlie Weis has at his disposal to open up play this fall.
The Irish have not won a national championship since 1988 and the school has suffered the most losses in a two-year period in history the past two seasons. The 2008 team went 7-6 after the young players stumbled through growing pains and an egregious 3-9 finish the year before. Everybody used to equate Notre Dame with success. College football can no longer proclaim the Irish a winning football school.
The school consistently signs some of the best recruits in the nation yet, the team has under performed since Weis inherited the team five years ago. Notre Dame should win more games this year with an improved defense and players who can rush the passer. The speed of the Irish secondary is sufficient enough in coverage and aggressive enough to create turnovers. The defensive line is not that far away from being a strong one, and the 2009 schedule is manageable. Weis has shifted the team’s focus to the offense over the past two years. This season, the figurehead coach has a more talented crop of players. The inexperienced and fragile offense provided no foundation for the future during Weis’ initial years with the headset. The team can no longer use young as the excuse for poor play on the gridiron. A less than arduous schedule features seven games at home and one against Washington State at a neutral site. The Washington State game will be played on Halloween in San Antonio for a spooky sling-fest. Perhaps the Irish face their most difficult game when they face the looming USC Trojans. Notre Dame plays the Pac-10 three other times next fall. Weis is 8-0 in games played against the Pac-10, not including USC. The Irish will try to topple Stanford, WSU, and Washington, in addition to the threatening Trojans.
Last year, the Fighting Irish inked their first two games, winning at home against San Diego State and Michigan. They lost on the road, 23-7, to Big 10 foe Michigan State in their third contest of the year, and closed out September with a home victory against Purdue. A seven-point Stanford win gave the Irish a 4-1 early season record but they went down to North Carolina and lost a tight test, 29-24. After a Washington win in mid-October, Weis and Notre Dame dropped two games. The first was a heartbreaking overtime loss at home to Pitt and the second came on the road in a Boston College shutout, 17-0. A Navy victory and USC defeat were sandwiched between the Irish’s most memorable (and not for a good reason) loss of the season. Notre Dame went down to Syracuse in South Bend 24-23. The embarrassment of losing to the Orange put Weis’ job security in serious question. The way in which they lost was crushing because Syracuse had been a struggling team in transition all year, with no hopes of turning things around. As if the Orange didn’t kill the Irish enough, USC was the final game on the 2008 schedule. The Trojans roughed up Notre Dame in a 38-3 Southern Cal annihilation. A lighter schedule should help bring respectability to the program.
Notre Dame returns 18 players in 2009, including 10 starters on offense. Quarterback, Jimmy Clausen, has developed and matured under Weis over the years. He is coming off a win at the Hawaii Bowl and has focused on his footwork and pocket protection this Spring. Clausen’s coiled and contorted chucks as a novice passer should not be as big a problem for Notre Dame as before. The running game has been pinpointed as the team’s main weakness the past few years. The Irish return their top three running backs, and all needed to get their legs in gear for Weis to have a successful season. If the team can hold down the running game and Clausen can control his passes, Notre Dame will win. A reorganized offensive line should prove positive too. Right tackle, Sam Young, is a prospective pro who will join three other Notre Dame starters up front. All are necessary in protecting Clausen, who finished with 401 yards and five touchdowns in the Irish’s Bowl game. Clausen has evolved as a play-calling and operating quarterback. He has a deeper passing game than two years ago and with a flashing running game, will only get better behind center. Clausen is the key to the Notre Dame offensive attack. Weis ceded play-calling duties to his coordinator last season but recants the role this year. The Fighting Irish will rely on wideout, Michael Floyd, to be a playmaker. The true freshman Floyd and Golden Tate are Clausen’s first targets, and tight end, Kyle Rudolph, will add depth on drives for Weis. Floyd starred in 10 games last season and compiled 719 yards on 48 receptions. Tate, a junior, scored 10 touchdowns in 13 games.
The Irish are renewing their focus on running the ball, and none other than junior halfback, Armando Allen can help them improve their 100th place national ranking in 2008. Allen may also be used as a return specialist. He had a fiery 96 yard punt return last season. James Aldridge is a senior scrambler who will carry a portion of the running load. Brian and Patrick Coughlin are both 6 foot receiving options who can enhance the offense. Dan Franco and Barry Gallup return as senior ball snatchers, and junior, Robert Hughes, may also handle duties during running plays. Everything is easier when you run the football because it opens up the field for more plays. Protection and passing also thrive under good running squads.
The defense adds a dose of athleticism with the arrival of linebacker, Manti Te’o. Jon Tenuta, defensive coordinator, returns the Irish to a 4-3 look and Te’o as an incoming freshman is expected to pick up on the scheme quickly. Manti is a Mormon athlete from Hawaii and one of the best line backing recruits in the nation. Outside linebacker, Zeke Motta, was impressive in spring drills. His tackling ability and Te’o’s physicality will impact the defensive depth on the line. The can’t miss prospects will be joined by returning free safety, Harrison Smith and senior, Kyle McCarthy. Smith is a standout versatile defender and McCarthy is a team leader. The two safeties will step up the blitzing game, as well as attack and launch tackles from the angles against offenses. Darrin Walls is Tenuta’s cutup cornerback. Walls is returning to the team after a year on the sidelines for personal reasons. Walls started 10 games in 2007 and may have to earn a starting spot this year. The team is expected to showcase more aggression in the secondary with corner, Robert Blanton, who won the spring game defensive MVP. The defense finished in the nation’s top half in most defensive stats last year after a less-than-average 2007. The Irish gave up 330 yards per game in 2008. It was the most dynamic defense since 2003 and Notre Dame finished 38th best in the nation in the category. Sophomore, Ethan Johnson, is being billed as a tough inside blocker who can put pressure on the quarterback. Junior place kicker, Brandon Walker, is 14 of 24 in field goals in two years. Walker returns to Notre Dame, along with punter, Eric Maust.
Notre Dame kicks of the season at home against Nevada. They travel to Michigan the second week of September to take on the Wolverines in the Big House. Before a trip to Purdue, the Irish host Michigan State at home, looking to get revenge from last season’s first loss. A trio of home games follows, highlighted by a USC showdown on October 17th. The Halloween meeting in San Antonio closes out the month of October as Notre Dame welcomes Navy in November. A trip to Pittsburgh for a rough re-match is followed by Connecticut at home and a climatic conclusion with Stanford on the road.
Weis has a team built for success and one capable of winning more than seven total games. He was scrutinized for stumbling with an underachieving Irish program. It would be wonderful for Weis to wrest out wins and wind up in a BCS bowl. USC is out of the Irish’s league, but the other opponents are mostly winnable or toss-up games. A ten win season is not out of the realm for South Bend supporters. The error-prone offense of years’ past is of better-quality. Radiant and resourceful recruiting has always been the reason Notre Dame is in the hunt for a national championship. Weis’s efforts should finally begin to pay off as the garnished Irish look to halt their recent losing tradition. They do not have an abundance of talent, but are better prepared than they have ever been under Weis.
Parting points: How about LeBron’s Jordan-esque shot in Game 2? The court-jester’s buzzer beater is one to savor.
Congratulations to WR, Brian Robiskie, on winning the Big 10 Medal of Honor for Ohio State.
One of my favorite songs- “Anytime” by Brian McKnight
You know the expectations are high when even the President serves up sharp words about you. President Barack Obama took a jab at Notre Dame’s football program during the university’s commencement last weekend. Although it was all in good fun, Obama does have a point when it comes to the prior state of the storied Fighting Irish. The figment in South Bend is headed in a better, more promising direction. Let’s take a closer look at the Notre Dame team Head Coach Charlie Weis has at his disposal to open up play this fall.
The Irish have not won a national championship since 1988 and the school has suffered the most losses in a two-year period in history the past two seasons. The 2008 team went 7-6 after the young players stumbled through growing pains and an egregious 3-9 finish the year before. Everybody used to equate Notre Dame with success. College football can no longer proclaim the Irish a winning football school.
The school consistently signs some of the best recruits in the nation yet, the team has under performed since Weis inherited the team five years ago. Notre Dame should win more games this year with an improved defense and players who can rush the passer. The speed of the Irish secondary is sufficient enough in coverage and aggressive enough to create turnovers. The defensive line is not that far away from being a strong one, and the 2009 schedule is manageable. Weis has shifted the team’s focus to the offense over the past two years. This season, the figurehead coach has a more talented crop of players. The inexperienced and fragile offense provided no foundation for the future during Weis’ initial years with the headset. The team can no longer use young as the excuse for poor play on the gridiron. A less than arduous schedule features seven games at home and one against Washington State at a neutral site. The Washington State game will be played on Halloween in San Antonio for a spooky sling-fest. Perhaps the Irish face their most difficult game when they face the looming USC Trojans. Notre Dame plays the Pac-10 three other times next fall. Weis is 8-0 in games played against the Pac-10, not including USC. The Irish will try to topple Stanford, WSU, and Washington, in addition to the threatening Trojans.
Last year, the Fighting Irish inked their first two games, winning at home against San Diego State and Michigan. They lost on the road, 23-7, to Big 10 foe Michigan State in their third contest of the year, and closed out September with a home victory against Purdue. A seven-point Stanford win gave the Irish a 4-1 early season record but they went down to North Carolina and lost a tight test, 29-24. After a Washington win in mid-October, Weis and Notre Dame dropped two games. The first was a heartbreaking overtime loss at home to Pitt and the second came on the road in a Boston College shutout, 17-0. A Navy victory and USC defeat were sandwiched between the Irish’s most memorable (and not for a good reason) loss of the season. Notre Dame went down to Syracuse in South Bend 24-23. The embarrassment of losing to the Orange put Weis’ job security in serious question. The way in which they lost was crushing because Syracuse had been a struggling team in transition all year, with no hopes of turning things around. As if the Orange didn’t kill the Irish enough, USC was the final game on the 2008 schedule. The Trojans roughed up Notre Dame in a 38-3 Southern Cal annihilation. A lighter schedule should help bring respectability to the program.
Notre Dame returns 18 players in 2009, including 10 starters on offense. Quarterback, Jimmy Clausen, has developed and matured under Weis over the years. He is coming off a win at the Hawaii Bowl and has focused on his footwork and pocket protection this Spring. Clausen’s coiled and contorted chucks as a novice passer should not be as big a problem for Notre Dame as before. The running game has been pinpointed as the team’s main weakness the past few years. The Irish return their top three running backs, and all needed to get their legs in gear for Weis to have a successful season. If the team can hold down the running game and Clausen can control his passes, Notre Dame will win. A reorganized offensive line should prove positive too. Right tackle, Sam Young, is a prospective pro who will join three other Notre Dame starters up front. All are necessary in protecting Clausen, who finished with 401 yards and five touchdowns in the Irish’s Bowl game. Clausen has evolved as a play-calling and operating quarterback. He has a deeper passing game than two years ago and with a flashing running game, will only get better behind center. Clausen is the key to the Notre Dame offensive attack. Weis ceded play-calling duties to his coordinator last season but recants the role this year. The Fighting Irish will rely on wideout, Michael Floyd, to be a playmaker. The true freshman Floyd and Golden Tate are Clausen’s first targets, and tight end, Kyle Rudolph, will add depth on drives for Weis. Floyd starred in 10 games last season and compiled 719 yards on 48 receptions. Tate, a junior, scored 10 touchdowns in 13 games.
The Irish are renewing their focus on running the ball, and none other than junior halfback, Armando Allen can help them improve their 100th place national ranking in 2008. Allen may also be used as a return specialist. He had a fiery 96 yard punt return last season. James Aldridge is a senior scrambler who will carry a portion of the running load. Brian and Patrick Coughlin are both 6 foot receiving options who can enhance the offense. Dan Franco and Barry Gallup return as senior ball snatchers, and junior, Robert Hughes, may also handle duties during running plays. Everything is easier when you run the football because it opens up the field for more plays. Protection and passing also thrive under good running squads.
The defense adds a dose of athleticism with the arrival of linebacker, Manti Te’o. Jon Tenuta, defensive coordinator, returns the Irish to a 4-3 look and Te’o as an incoming freshman is expected to pick up on the scheme quickly. Manti is a Mormon athlete from Hawaii and one of the best line backing recruits in the nation. Outside linebacker, Zeke Motta, was impressive in spring drills. His tackling ability and Te’o’s physicality will impact the defensive depth on the line. The can’t miss prospects will be joined by returning free safety, Harrison Smith and senior, Kyle McCarthy. Smith is a standout versatile defender and McCarthy is a team leader. The two safeties will step up the blitzing game, as well as attack and launch tackles from the angles against offenses. Darrin Walls is Tenuta’s cutup cornerback. Walls is returning to the team after a year on the sidelines for personal reasons. Walls started 10 games in 2007 and may have to earn a starting spot this year. The team is expected to showcase more aggression in the secondary with corner, Robert Blanton, who won the spring game defensive MVP. The defense finished in the nation’s top half in most defensive stats last year after a less-than-average 2007. The Irish gave up 330 yards per game in 2008. It was the most dynamic defense since 2003 and Notre Dame finished 38th best in the nation in the category. Sophomore, Ethan Johnson, is being billed as a tough inside blocker who can put pressure on the quarterback. Junior place kicker, Brandon Walker, is 14 of 24 in field goals in two years. Walker returns to Notre Dame, along with punter, Eric Maust.
Notre Dame kicks of the season at home against Nevada. They travel to Michigan the second week of September to take on the Wolverines in the Big House. Before a trip to Purdue, the Irish host Michigan State at home, looking to get revenge from last season’s first loss. A trio of home games follows, highlighted by a USC showdown on October 17th. The Halloween meeting in San Antonio closes out the month of October as Notre Dame welcomes Navy in November. A trip to Pittsburgh for a rough re-match is followed by Connecticut at home and a climatic conclusion with Stanford on the road.
Weis has a team built for success and one capable of winning more than seven total games. He was scrutinized for stumbling with an underachieving Irish program. It would be wonderful for Weis to wrest out wins and wind up in a BCS bowl. USC is out of the Irish’s league, but the other opponents are mostly winnable or toss-up games. A ten win season is not out of the realm for South Bend supporters. The error-prone offense of years’ past is of better-quality. Radiant and resourceful recruiting has always been the reason Notre Dame is in the hunt for a national championship. Weis’s efforts should finally begin to pay off as the garnished Irish look to halt their recent losing tradition. They do not have an abundance of talent, but are better prepared than they have ever been under Weis.
Parting points: How about LeBron’s Jordan-esque shot in Game 2? The court-jester’s buzzer beater is one to savor.
Congratulations to WR, Brian Robiskie, on winning the Big 10 Medal of Honor for Ohio State.
One of my favorite songs- “Anytime” by Brian McKnight
Friday, May 22, 2009
Interleague Intrigue
The New York Yankees are rapidly raking in wins as they set to host the NL defending champion Philadelphia Phillies this weekend. In the first installment of interleague play this season, both New York teams face intriguing matchups. The Phillies visit the new ballpark in the Bronx and the Mets finish their three city road trip in Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox.
Winning is infectious for the Yankees, while the Mets still have a few wrinkles to work out. The Yankees initially struggled to find chemistry, but now seem to have picked themselves up. The team is even winning without catcher, Jorge Posada’s bat and mitt. Francisco Cervelli has handled the pitching staff with emotion and there is no timetable yet for Posada’s return. The Yankees took all three games against the Twins at home and swept aside the Orioles with ease. The Bombers won their ninth consecutive game and made their new home a record for most homeruns hit in the first 20 games of existence. The Yankees won 7-4 to sweep Baltimore out of the Bronx. They did so without their starting pitcher, Joba Chamberlain, throwing past the first inning. The raucous right-hander exited the game after bruising his knee on Adam Jones’ one-out line drive. He stayed in the game long enough to allow Nick Markakis to single into the right field corner. Markakis would later go deep for the Orioles in the 7th inning. The solo shot was the 75th long ball hit in Yankee Stadium.
Alfredo Aceves filled in for Joba and went 3 1/3 scoreless innings for the surging Yankees. He has not allowed a run since May 13th. Jonathan Albaladejo allowed four Baltimore runs on five hits. He followed Aceves with 2 1/3 innings of relief work. The depleted bullpen gave way to Jose Veras and Mariano Rivera to close out the game. Robinson Cano starred on offense, driving in three runs. He hit a two run shot in the second after doubling for an RBI in the first inning. Cano is in a groove and has taken over as a star. He seems much more concentrated this season. Derek Jeter, Cano and Mark Teixeria opened the inning with consecutive doubles off Baltimore starter, Adam Eaton. Melky Cabrera also had a double in the first inning, good for two Yankee runs. Hideki Matsui’s fifth inning homerun signaled the record for four bag totals in the new park’s opening twenty games. . Eaton allowed seven runs on eight hits for the Orioles. He was ineffective through 4 2/3 innings, but Baltimore had a chance to come back, pitting the tying run at home plate during the game. Brian Roberts belted a homerun for Baltimore and Ty Wigginton blasted a sixth inning double to score two runs.
Mariano Rivera earned his second save in as many days and 57th against the Orioles lifetime. The pitcher with the master cutter tossed a perfect ninth inning, throwing seven pitches. The last time the Yankees won nine in a row was June of 2007. Chamberlain believes he will be well enough to make his next start. The Yankees start the first portion of the interleague schedule with A.J. Burnett on the mound. Burnett brings a 2-1 record and 5.02 ERA against the Phillies. Philadelphia will counter with Brett Myers. Myers is 3-2 this year with a 4.5 ERA. Andy Pettitte pitches game two of the series against Jay Happ, and C.C. Sabathia closes out the weekend facing Cole Hamels in a feature matchup. Sabathia leads the Yankees in strikeouts and Hamels has pitched his best baseball of the year as of late for the Phillies.
Alex Rodriguez went 0-4 last night and is batting just .171. However, the Yankees are a better team with Alex in the batter’s box. He gives the Yankees more muscle by floating fastballs beyond the reach of outfielders. The Yankees have adjusted well to injuries and bounced back from their recent slump superbly. The team is coming on with a vengeance to close the gap in the AL East race. Cabrera, Cano, Texeria and Brett Garnder are making plays on defense, and the bullpen is producing well enough to keep the team reeling. The team has seen a barrage of situational hitting and dramatic homeruns to maneuver their way to nine straight wins.
The Phillies always pose a threat with their balanced lineup and swell hitters. Second baseman, Chase Utley, drove in four runs last night for the Phillies’ 12-5 knocking of the Reds. The cool and composed Utley knocked in one of the team’s four solo homers. Greg Dobbs, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez all connected for Philadelphia. It was Raul’s 15th nip of the year. The Phillies scored in seven of the game’s nine innings. The hit parade made series winners out of the Phillies on the road. A dozen runs was enough for mediocre starter, Joe Blanton. They overcame a sub par start from Blanton with the first three hitters in the order combining for five runs and going 9-of-15 collectively. Jimmy Rollins was hard to keep off base as the productive and deadly leadoff bat. The Phils raced ahead 6-0 and Blanton consistently shut down Cincinnati . He got ahead on the batters and struck out four. But, Blanton almost let a six run lead slip away, despite registering the win. The right-hander gave up five runs in five innings, highlighted by Brandon Phillips’ three run dinger. The bomb by Brandon ended Blanton’s blighted night.
The Phillies starting rotation have a hideous 6.31 ERA, worst in the majors. They also have given up the most homeruns by any other team, with 46 in 2009. The offense keeps the team in the game to dismantle opponents, and they continue to pull off stunning victories. They own the NL’s highest scoring offense and should clobber the ball at the launching pad known as Yankee Stadium. I am a little concerned Aceves will not be available for a few days because he has pitched so much lately, but Brian Bruney should be ready to bridge the gap to Rivera if needed. The Phillies’ homer-friendly batters are capable of sending lasers into the stands, and both Burnett and Pettitte are prone to allow them. However, the Bombers have big bats of their own and Philadelphia starters throw out homeruns as if they are going out of style. That should determine which team is successful. The team is living proof you can win with a premier offense. The Phillies also have the game’s best winning percentage on the road. Their 14-5 road record will be blemished if New York pitching can contain a lashing lineup. Philadelphia has won six of their last seven games on the road and look to increase that in New York this Memorial Day weekend.
Meanwhile, in Boston, the Red Sox capped off a sweep of the Bluejays with a 5-1 win. Jon Lester rebounded from two bad outings to blank Toronto through six innings. Boston is baseball’s highest scoring team and Jason Bay continues to sizzle at the plate. Bay gave Lester support with his 13th homerun to the opposite field bullpen. It was Bay’s 11th straight homer with runners on base. Bay is now second in the league in long balls this season. Jacoby Ellsbury buried a double off Bluejay starter, Robert Ray, to extend his hitting streak to 16 games. The Red Sox handed Toronto an 0-4 deficit in the third inning on Dustin Pedroia’s double and Kevin Youkilis’ single. An RBI came in the fifth inning off Pedroia’s bat again to give Boston their final tally. Lester left with one out in the seventh after navigating the mound. Ramon Ramirez came in from the bullpen to end a bases-loaded Bluejay threat.
The Bluejays only scored one run off Lester and were held to just five during the entire three games. The Red Sox remain in the flow of the game and keep beating teams with small ball tactics. The Mets will have their hands full this weekend, punctuated by the loss of their leadoff shortstop, Jose Reyes. Reyes is not on the DL but is listed as day-to-day. Without Carlos Delgado and Reyes, the Mets look to David Wright and Carlos Beltran to be the run producers. Jerry Manuel is fielding a bunch of Triple-A caliber fill-ins, but the Mets pitching is good enough to keep Boston at bay. Manuel finally moved Daniel Murphy to first base and the kid was great Wednesday in L.A. I am curious to see how he does at Fenway and glad the Mets made one right move. It sure beats cringing at Murphy fetching flies in the field.
Johan Santana goes tonight for New York. He is 5-2 this year with an outstanding ERA of 1.36. Boston starts an on-the-mend Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Red Sox ace is 0-1 with a 12.79 ERA and will be making just his third start of the year. Boston’s sweep of Toronto cut the AL East lead to a half game. Boston is 15-2 in their last 17 games at Fenway Park. The Mets are coming off a four game losing streak on the road after winning 11 of 13. That does not bode well for New York, especially since they have not been fundamentally sound in the field. They have to play better baseball if they expect to buck the odds in Boston.
Parting points: The return of Rancid, “Last One To Die”, marks a great new song.
The Minnesota Twins weren’t exactly frugal in the run department last night. How many runs did they end up scoring against the Whitesox? 20!?
“A wrong decision is better than indecision”- Tony Soprano
This is 200th blog post!
Winning is infectious for the Yankees, while the Mets still have a few wrinkles to work out. The Yankees initially struggled to find chemistry, but now seem to have picked themselves up. The team is even winning without catcher, Jorge Posada’s bat and mitt. Francisco Cervelli has handled the pitching staff with emotion and there is no timetable yet for Posada’s return. The Yankees took all three games against the Twins at home and swept aside the Orioles with ease. The Bombers won their ninth consecutive game and made their new home a record for most homeruns hit in the first 20 games of existence. The Yankees won 7-4 to sweep Baltimore out of the Bronx. They did so without their starting pitcher, Joba Chamberlain, throwing past the first inning. The raucous right-hander exited the game after bruising his knee on Adam Jones’ one-out line drive. He stayed in the game long enough to allow Nick Markakis to single into the right field corner. Markakis would later go deep for the Orioles in the 7th inning. The solo shot was the 75th long ball hit in Yankee Stadium.
Alfredo Aceves filled in for Joba and went 3 1/3 scoreless innings for the surging Yankees. He has not allowed a run since May 13th. Jonathan Albaladejo allowed four Baltimore runs on five hits. He followed Aceves with 2 1/3 innings of relief work. The depleted bullpen gave way to Jose Veras and Mariano Rivera to close out the game. Robinson Cano starred on offense, driving in three runs. He hit a two run shot in the second after doubling for an RBI in the first inning. Cano is in a groove and has taken over as a star. He seems much more concentrated this season. Derek Jeter, Cano and Mark Teixeria opened the inning with consecutive doubles off Baltimore starter, Adam Eaton. Melky Cabrera also had a double in the first inning, good for two Yankee runs. Hideki Matsui’s fifth inning homerun signaled the record for four bag totals in the new park’s opening twenty games. . Eaton allowed seven runs on eight hits for the Orioles. He was ineffective through 4 2/3 innings, but Baltimore had a chance to come back, pitting the tying run at home plate during the game. Brian Roberts belted a homerun for Baltimore and Ty Wigginton blasted a sixth inning double to score two runs.
Mariano Rivera earned his second save in as many days and 57th against the Orioles lifetime. The pitcher with the master cutter tossed a perfect ninth inning, throwing seven pitches. The last time the Yankees won nine in a row was June of 2007. Chamberlain believes he will be well enough to make his next start. The Yankees start the first portion of the interleague schedule with A.J. Burnett on the mound. Burnett brings a 2-1 record and 5.02 ERA against the Phillies. Philadelphia will counter with Brett Myers. Myers is 3-2 this year with a 4.5 ERA. Andy Pettitte pitches game two of the series against Jay Happ, and C.C. Sabathia closes out the weekend facing Cole Hamels in a feature matchup. Sabathia leads the Yankees in strikeouts and Hamels has pitched his best baseball of the year as of late for the Phillies.
Alex Rodriguez went 0-4 last night and is batting just .171. However, the Yankees are a better team with Alex in the batter’s box. He gives the Yankees more muscle by floating fastballs beyond the reach of outfielders. The Yankees have adjusted well to injuries and bounced back from their recent slump superbly. The team is coming on with a vengeance to close the gap in the AL East race. Cabrera, Cano, Texeria and Brett Garnder are making plays on defense, and the bullpen is producing well enough to keep the team reeling. The team has seen a barrage of situational hitting and dramatic homeruns to maneuver their way to nine straight wins.
The Phillies always pose a threat with their balanced lineup and swell hitters. Second baseman, Chase Utley, drove in four runs last night for the Phillies’ 12-5 knocking of the Reds. The cool and composed Utley knocked in one of the team’s four solo homers. Greg Dobbs, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez all connected for Philadelphia. It was Raul’s 15th nip of the year. The Phillies scored in seven of the game’s nine innings. The hit parade made series winners out of the Phillies on the road. A dozen runs was enough for mediocre starter, Joe Blanton. They overcame a sub par start from Blanton with the first three hitters in the order combining for five runs and going 9-of-15 collectively. Jimmy Rollins was hard to keep off base as the productive and deadly leadoff bat. The Phils raced ahead 6-0 and Blanton consistently shut down Cincinnati . He got ahead on the batters and struck out four. But, Blanton almost let a six run lead slip away, despite registering the win. The right-hander gave up five runs in five innings, highlighted by Brandon Phillips’ three run dinger. The bomb by Brandon ended Blanton’s blighted night.
The Phillies starting rotation have a hideous 6.31 ERA, worst in the majors. They also have given up the most homeruns by any other team, with 46 in 2009. The offense keeps the team in the game to dismantle opponents, and they continue to pull off stunning victories. They own the NL’s highest scoring offense and should clobber the ball at the launching pad known as Yankee Stadium. I am a little concerned Aceves will not be available for a few days because he has pitched so much lately, but Brian Bruney should be ready to bridge the gap to Rivera if needed. The Phillies’ homer-friendly batters are capable of sending lasers into the stands, and both Burnett and Pettitte are prone to allow them. However, the Bombers have big bats of their own and Philadelphia starters throw out homeruns as if they are going out of style. That should determine which team is successful. The team is living proof you can win with a premier offense. The Phillies also have the game’s best winning percentage on the road. Their 14-5 road record will be blemished if New York pitching can contain a lashing lineup. Philadelphia has won six of their last seven games on the road and look to increase that in New York this Memorial Day weekend.
Meanwhile, in Boston, the Red Sox capped off a sweep of the Bluejays with a 5-1 win. Jon Lester rebounded from two bad outings to blank Toronto through six innings. Boston is baseball’s highest scoring team and Jason Bay continues to sizzle at the plate. Bay gave Lester support with his 13th homerun to the opposite field bullpen. It was Bay’s 11th straight homer with runners on base. Bay is now second in the league in long balls this season. Jacoby Ellsbury buried a double off Bluejay starter, Robert Ray, to extend his hitting streak to 16 games. The Red Sox handed Toronto an 0-4 deficit in the third inning on Dustin Pedroia’s double and Kevin Youkilis’ single. An RBI came in the fifth inning off Pedroia’s bat again to give Boston their final tally. Lester left with one out in the seventh after navigating the mound. Ramon Ramirez came in from the bullpen to end a bases-loaded Bluejay threat.
The Bluejays only scored one run off Lester and were held to just five during the entire three games. The Red Sox remain in the flow of the game and keep beating teams with small ball tactics. The Mets will have their hands full this weekend, punctuated by the loss of their leadoff shortstop, Jose Reyes. Reyes is not on the DL but is listed as day-to-day. Without Carlos Delgado and Reyes, the Mets look to David Wright and Carlos Beltran to be the run producers. Jerry Manuel is fielding a bunch of Triple-A caliber fill-ins, but the Mets pitching is good enough to keep Boston at bay. Manuel finally moved Daniel Murphy to first base and the kid was great Wednesday in L.A. I am curious to see how he does at Fenway and glad the Mets made one right move. It sure beats cringing at Murphy fetching flies in the field.
Johan Santana goes tonight for New York. He is 5-2 this year with an outstanding ERA of 1.36. Boston starts an on-the-mend Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Red Sox ace is 0-1 with a 12.79 ERA and will be making just his third start of the year. Boston’s sweep of Toronto cut the AL East lead to a half game. Boston is 15-2 in their last 17 games at Fenway Park. The Mets are coming off a four game losing streak on the road after winning 11 of 13. That does not bode well for New York, especially since they have not been fundamentally sound in the field. They have to play better baseball if they expect to buck the odds in Boston.
Parting points: The return of Rancid, “Last One To Die”, marks a great new song.
The Minnesota Twins weren’t exactly frugal in the run department last night. How many runs did they end up scoring against the Whitesox? 20!?
“A wrong decision is better than indecision”- Tony Soprano
This is 200th blog post!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Dodgers Dominate, Defend Diamond
Los Angeles baseball continues to dominate the major leagues. The L.A. Dodgers have a 29-13 record to lead all teams. You can’t second guess Joe Torre’s first place boys in blue. Russell Martin’s 8th inning RBI single gave the Dodgers the 2-1 edge and the eventual three game sweep of the Mets in L.A. I consider Martin the most promising young catcher and leader in the game today. He’s been in a dreadful slump, but his first hit of the series turned out to be the game winner that snatched the series for L.A. Martin is now hitting .353 in May after culminating April with a substandard .205 average.
The Dodgers brandished the brooms last night and established closer, Jonathan Broxton’s brash breaking balls sealed his 11th save of the season. The Mets were held without a homerun in luxurious Dodgers Stadium. A New York player has not hit one out of the park in any of the team’s last seven road games. In fact, the last time a Met his a homer was Gary Sheffield on May 13th in Citi Field. The team wasted a phenomenal effort by Livan Hernandez. Hernandez pitched seven strong innings and allowed a run on seven hits. J.J. Putz gave up two 8th inning walks and an Orland Hudson single with one out to set the stage for Martin. The two-time All-star L.A. Martin lined a 1-0 pitch off the New York righty into left field for his 16th RBI. He hit the ball right on the screws to snap a 1-1 deadlock and make a winner out of rookie left-hander, Brent Leach. Leach retired both batters he faced in the top of the 8th and was the winning pitcher because L.A. took the lead in their half of the inning. Putz was the pitcher on the losing side, his third of the year for the Mets. The Dodgers improved their record at home to 17-3 to tie a major league record for 20 games with the 1998 New York Yankees.
The Dodgers are second in the majors in hitting and runs, and tied for first in on-base percentage. Casey Blake, Hudson and Andre Ethier are all contributing offensively, even with Manny Ramirez out of the lineup. Since his absence, L.A. slammed and slugged their way to an average of six runs per game. In those 10 glaring games, the Dodgers had at least 11 hits in seven of the first eight games. Juan Pierre, Ramirez’s replacement, has filled in adequately with a .447 average. Juan is a quiet athlete, but his shadowy presence is a far contrast from conspicuous speed. If Ramirez and Pierre were cups of coffee, Pierre would definitely be the decaffeinated. Pierre factored into the Mets’ fielding woes Tuesday with a liner to left field. New York’s Daniel Murphy charged the leadoff man’s rocket, but it skimmed off his glove. Pierre scored on Hudson’s ensuring single. Juan struck again last night with an infield single and scratched across L.A. first run on an Ethier sac fly. Pierre and Hudson give the Dodgers two too fine five-tool players with steady skills. Orlando has emerged as one of L.A.’s offensive leaders. He inherited the number three spot in the order vacated by Manny. Hudson was also the only Dodgers to start all 41 games for the team this year coming into Tuesday night. Blake leads the team in homeruns and Ethier is the Dodgers top RBI man. Blake smoked the go-ahead three run shot off John Maine Tuesday. The smash saw the slugger taking a good swing into the home field seats for a 5-3 Dodgers win. Ethier, Martin, Matt Kemp and James Loney make up the youth of the lineup. All four are under age 30 and present a potent advantage at the plate against NL pitchers. Kemp hit .325 in April with 3 homers and 3 triples and 3 doubles. The centerfielder is only clubbing .222 this month, but has a homerun and six walks. The 27 year old Ethier averaged .306 in April but a substantial drop to .194 in May should not be too concerning. The right fielder is capable of carrying a heavy load and is the only one of the core four who did not come up through the farm system originally with the Dodgers. He joined the team in a 2005 minor league deal with the Oakland A’s. Torre often draws comparisons of Ethier and Loney with Paul O’Neill and Bernie Williams. I think those are two very good measuring sticks for the Dodger youngsters. L.A.’s steady catcher, Martin, was the hitting hero last night, and Kemp’s grand slam a week ago propelled the winning pulse. His diving outfield catch protected the shutout the next night. Free agent, shortstop, Rafael Furcal, improves the infield defense and Hudson brings a Gold Glove and speed as well. Hudson has already achieved and accomplished much in his career, and was one of the more-touted off-season signings. Mark Loretta has excelled as a pinch hitter. Loretta’s keen eye Tuesday caught Ryan Church off guard. Church attempted to score the go-ahead run for the Mets but Loretta appealed the run, citing Church missed touching third base. The umpires accepted the appeal and Church was called out to end the inning. The Mets gift-wrapped the victory for L.A. but credit the Dodgers for remaining focused throughout.
Randy Wolf deflated the World Champion Phillies at Citizens Bank Park last week by firing six innings of three hit ball. Wolf had a no decision in L.A.‘s extra inning victory over New York on Monday night. He was charged with two runs and six hits over 7 2/3 innings. All but one player in Torre’s lineup contributed a hit or run in the Phillies win. Kemp made diving catches in the field as put down a sacrifice bunt. Pierre stole two bases. Loney keyed a five-run fourth inning with a massive homerun. The Dodgers find ways to eradicate opposing teams by being patient at the plate and having timely hitting. They scored 10 runs and socked 23 hits in the three game sweep of New York. However, they were only 4 for 30 with runners-in-scoring position this series. The Dodgers have proved better in that department in previous games.
Pitching has been efficient and the bullpen has worked hard for Torre all year. They have a few injured arms and a shortage of bench players, but it does not seem to be a problem. Opening day ace, Hiroki Kuroda, is on the DL. Starter, Eric Stults, replaced Kuroda and has gone 5-1, including a Saturday shutout, since. Stults was scheduled to pitch Wednesday night but was scratched with a sprained thumb. He is expected to be back for his next start in the rotation. Jeff Weaver, a long reliever, replaced the sidelined left-hander and allowed a run on four hits over five innings of work against the Mets. Weaver weaved his way out of trouble with men at the corners in the first inning and lowered his ERA to 3.00. He was lifted after throwing 69 pitches and Leach shouldered the load during a tie game in the 8th. The rookie impressed in a pressure situation by inducing two groundouts. Because Torre has 13 pitchers in the active roster, Wolf was the first available pinch hitter off the bench. But, the bullpen turned in a shutout effort over four innings to facilitate the win. Chad Billingsly struggled handedly in Game 2 of the sweep as the second inning unraveled for him. He was over-throwing the ball, missing his target and got out of a rhythm. Chad lost his command early but gutted it out in time to strike out seven Mets. He escaped with a win after 6 1/3 trying innings on the hill. Billingsley is 6-1 this year and continues to roll. Cory Wade has been utilized frequently in relief. Wade pitched a scoreless eighth Tuesday but surrendered the game tying single from Gary Sheffield’s bat Monday. The Dodgers made a winner out of reliever Ramon Troncoso Tuesday, and the revamped bullpen has had few hiccups since April.
Torre has L.A. playing National League baseball impeccably. They lead the NL West by 8 ½ games. The Dodgers prevailed in each of the three series they played over the last nine days by beating the Mets last night. Backed by polished professionals, L.A. knocks in runs and advances runners, doing the little things to create offensive opportunities. The hitters consistently deliver clutch hits at Chavez Ravine in the absence of their best player. They have defended their diamond with bold plays and blossoming pitching. The Dodgers looks loose, but play a tight defense, a definite formula for success. The 2009 Dodgers were build around Ramirez, but a fully functioning crisp core can carry the franchise to the top of the division. The accurate and acute arms are authorizing and Manny’s associates are producers of only a slightly lesser degree. The scrappy young guys can certainly maintain and hold down the fort until Ramirez returns. They have the confidence to forge ahead after withstanding the past week’s schedule. The players know nobody can do Manny’s job, but if they each do their own, L.A. can still be successful.
Parting points: At volume peak with “Santa Monica” by Ever clear (for the Dodgers) and “South Side” by Moby (for the Chisox, I hear they are trading for Jake Peavy)
The Dodgers brandished the brooms last night and established closer, Jonathan Broxton’s brash breaking balls sealed his 11th save of the season. The Mets were held without a homerun in luxurious Dodgers Stadium. A New York player has not hit one out of the park in any of the team’s last seven road games. In fact, the last time a Met his a homer was Gary Sheffield on May 13th in Citi Field. The team wasted a phenomenal effort by Livan Hernandez. Hernandez pitched seven strong innings and allowed a run on seven hits. J.J. Putz gave up two 8th inning walks and an Orland Hudson single with one out to set the stage for Martin. The two-time All-star L.A. Martin lined a 1-0 pitch off the New York righty into left field for his 16th RBI. He hit the ball right on the screws to snap a 1-1 deadlock and make a winner out of rookie left-hander, Brent Leach. Leach retired both batters he faced in the top of the 8th and was the winning pitcher because L.A. took the lead in their half of the inning. Putz was the pitcher on the losing side, his third of the year for the Mets. The Dodgers improved their record at home to 17-3 to tie a major league record for 20 games with the 1998 New York Yankees.
The Dodgers are second in the majors in hitting and runs, and tied for first in on-base percentage. Casey Blake, Hudson and Andre Ethier are all contributing offensively, even with Manny Ramirez out of the lineup. Since his absence, L.A. slammed and slugged their way to an average of six runs per game. In those 10 glaring games, the Dodgers had at least 11 hits in seven of the first eight games. Juan Pierre, Ramirez’s replacement, has filled in adequately with a .447 average. Juan is a quiet athlete, but his shadowy presence is a far contrast from conspicuous speed. If Ramirez and Pierre were cups of coffee, Pierre would definitely be the decaffeinated. Pierre factored into the Mets’ fielding woes Tuesday with a liner to left field. New York’s Daniel Murphy charged the leadoff man’s rocket, but it skimmed off his glove. Pierre scored on Hudson’s ensuring single. Juan struck again last night with an infield single and scratched across L.A. first run on an Ethier sac fly. Pierre and Hudson give the Dodgers two too fine five-tool players with steady skills. Orlando has emerged as one of L.A.’s offensive leaders. He inherited the number three spot in the order vacated by Manny. Hudson was also the only Dodgers to start all 41 games for the team this year coming into Tuesday night. Blake leads the team in homeruns and Ethier is the Dodgers top RBI man. Blake smoked the go-ahead three run shot off John Maine Tuesday. The smash saw the slugger taking a good swing into the home field seats for a 5-3 Dodgers win. Ethier, Martin, Matt Kemp and James Loney make up the youth of the lineup. All four are under age 30 and present a potent advantage at the plate against NL pitchers. Kemp hit .325 in April with 3 homers and 3 triples and 3 doubles. The centerfielder is only clubbing .222 this month, but has a homerun and six walks. The 27 year old Ethier averaged .306 in April but a substantial drop to .194 in May should not be too concerning. The right fielder is capable of carrying a heavy load and is the only one of the core four who did not come up through the farm system originally with the Dodgers. He joined the team in a 2005 minor league deal with the Oakland A’s. Torre often draws comparisons of Ethier and Loney with Paul O’Neill and Bernie Williams. I think those are two very good measuring sticks for the Dodger youngsters. L.A.’s steady catcher, Martin, was the hitting hero last night, and Kemp’s grand slam a week ago propelled the winning pulse. His diving outfield catch protected the shutout the next night. Free agent, shortstop, Rafael Furcal, improves the infield defense and Hudson brings a Gold Glove and speed as well. Hudson has already achieved and accomplished much in his career, and was one of the more-touted off-season signings. Mark Loretta has excelled as a pinch hitter. Loretta’s keen eye Tuesday caught Ryan Church off guard. Church attempted to score the go-ahead run for the Mets but Loretta appealed the run, citing Church missed touching third base. The umpires accepted the appeal and Church was called out to end the inning. The Mets gift-wrapped the victory for L.A. but credit the Dodgers for remaining focused throughout.
Randy Wolf deflated the World Champion Phillies at Citizens Bank Park last week by firing six innings of three hit ball. Wolf had a no decision in L.A.‘s extra inning victory over New York on Monday night. He was charged with two runs and six hits over 7 2/3 innings. All but one player in Torre’s lineup contributed a hit or run in the Phillies win. Kemp made diving catches in the field as put down a sacrifice bunt. Pierre stole two bases. Loney keyed a five-run fourth inning with a massive homerun. The Dodgers find ways to eradicate opposing teams by being patient at the plate and having timely hitting. They scored 10 runs and socked 23 hits in the three game sweep of New York. However, they were only 4 for 30 with runners-in-scoring position this series. The Dodgers have proved better in that department in previous games.
Pitching has been efficient and the bullpen has worked hard for Torre all year. They have a few injured arms and a shortage of bench players, but it does not seem to be a problem. Opening day ace, Hiroki Kuroda, is on the DL. Starter, Eric Stults, replaced Kuroda and has gone 5-1, including a Saturday shutout, since. Stults was scheduled to pitch Wednesday night but was scratched with a sprained thumb. He is expected to be back for his next start in the rotation. Jeff Weaver, a long reliever, replaced the sidelined left-hander and allowed a run on four hits over five innings of work against the Mets. Weaver weaved his way out of trouble with men at the corners in the first inning and lowered his ERA to 3.00. He was lifted after throwing 69 pitches and Leach shouldered the load during a tie game in the 8th. The rookie impressed in a pressure situation by inducing two groundouts. Because Torre has 13 pitchers in the active roster, Wolf was the first available pinch hitter off the bench. But, the bullpen turned in a shutout effort over four innings to facilitate the win. Chad Billingsly struggled handedly in Game 2 of the sweep as the second inning unraveled for him. He was over-throwing the ball, missing his target and got out of a rhythm. Chad lost his command early but gutted it out in time to strike out seven Mets. He escaped with a win after 6 1/3 trying innings on the hill. Billingsley is 6-1 this year and continues to roll. Cory Wade has been utilized frequently in relief. Wade pitched a scoreless eighth Tuesday but surrendered the game tying single from Gary Sheffield’s bat Monday. The Dodgers made a winner out of reliever Ramon Troncoso Tuesday, and the revamped bullpen has had few hiccups since April.
Torre has L.A. playing National League baseball impeccably. They lead the NL West by 8 ½ games. The Dodgers prevailed in each of the three series they played over the last nine days by beating the Mets last night. Backed by polished professionals, L.A. knocks in runs and advances runners, doing the little things to create offensive opportunities. The hitters consistently deliver clutch hits at Chavez Ravine in the absence of their best player. They have defended their diamond with bold plays and blossoming pitching. The Dodgers looks loose, but play a tight defense, a definite formula for success. The 2009 Dodgers were build around Ramirez, but a fully functioning crisp core can carry the franchise to the top of the division. The accurate and acute arms are authorizing and Manny’s associates are producers of only a slightly lesser degree. The scrappy young guys can certainly maintain and hold down the fort until Ramirez returns. They have the confidence to forge ahead after withstanding the past week’s schedule. The players know nobody can do Manny’s job, but if they each do their own, L.A. can still be successful.
Parting points: At volume peak with “Santa Monica” by Ever clear (for the Dodgers) and “South Side” by Moby (for the Chisox, I hear they are trading for Jake Peavy)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
No News
I couldn’t find any newsworthy sports to write about today. With a lack of attention-grabbing headlines, I decided to make up my own. Here are 20 headlines you will (probably) never read, but would definitely cause a few double-takes if they were ever printed.
“Oliver Perez loses Mets’ first potential no-hitter on C.C. Sabathia’s inside-the-park homer”
“Pete Rose to be named next Commissioner of MLB”
“Retired Favre replaces benched Brady”
“It’s the Nationals and Royals for 2009 World Series”
“Jeter criticizes teammates, throws manager under the bus”
“Joe Paterno’s next coaching job: Ohio State”
“ARod returns to Texas, switches sports to try out for Cowboys quarterback”
“Michelle Wie defeats tanking Tiger in co-ed PGA event”
“Obama passes bill permitting steroid use in baseball”
“Cubs win World Series as Wrigley faithful rejoice”
“Eli Manning latest superstar athlete busted for DWI”
“Roger Federer selected for next cast of ‘Dancing With The Stars’”
“Oakland Athletics re-locate to Alaska, build domed stadium up north”
“Surging Ken Griffey, Jr.’s 55 consecutive game hitting streak stopped one game short of Joe D’s record”
“NHL dismantles franchises as hockey is banned in Canada”
“NCAA enables Twitter recruiting by coaches and implements BCS bowl playoff system”
“Wrestling takes over as top college sport in attendance”
“Madonna marries fluky Dodger, Manny Ramirez, during slugger’s suspension from sport”
“Rich Redskins owner, Daniel Snyder, bikes to work to save on gas money”
“Yankees trim payroll, ship Rivera to Boston for prospect”
Parting points: Hope you enjoyed the non-news day. In reality, I didn’t feel like writing too much because I want to enjoy the 80 degree biking weather we are having this afternoon. Takin’ it easy today.
“Oliver Perez loses Mets’ first potential no-hitter on C.C. Sabathia’s inside-the-park homer”
“Pete Rose to be named next Commissioner of MLB”
“Retired Favre replaces benched Brady”
“It’s the Nationals and Royals for 2009 World Series”
“Jeter criticizes teammates, throws manager under the bus”
“Joe Paterno’s next coaching job: Ohio State”
“ARod returns to Texas, switches sports to try out for Cowboys quarterback”
“Michelle Wie defeats tanking Tiger in co-ed PGA event”
“Obama passes bill permitting steroid use in baseball”
“Cubs win World Series as Wrigley faithful rejoice”
“Eli Manning latest superstar athlete busted for DWI”
“Roger Federer selected for next cast of ‘Dancing With The Stars’”
“Oakland Athletics re-locate to Alaska, build domed stadium up north”
“Surging Ken Griffey, Jr.’s 55 consecutive game hitting streak stopped one game short of Joe D’s record”
“NHL dismantles franchises as hockey is banned in Canada”
“NCAA enables Twitter recruiting by coaches and implements BCS bowl playoff system”
“Wrestling takes over as top college sport in attendance”
“Madonna marries fluky Dodger, Manny Ramirez, during slugger’s suspension from sport”
“Rich Redskins owner, Daniel Snyder, bikes to work to save on gas money”
“Yankees trim payroll, ship Rivera to Boston for prospect”
Parting points: Hope you enjoyed the non-news day. In reality, I didn’t feel like writing too much because I want to enjoy the 80 degree biking weather we are having this afternoon. Takin’ it easy today.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Magic Miracle
Before the NBA season began, I predicted the Magic winning the Eastern conference. I was adamant about NOT choosing the defending champion Boston Celtics, and I thought if any team could take down LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, it would be Orlando. The two teams tip-off for the Eastern finals on Wednesday. The Cavs come into the game boasting the fact they are the first NBA team in history to win each of their first seven postseason games by double-digits. They steamrolled through the first and second rounds against inferior and injured teams in Detroit and Atlanta. The Cleveland Cavalier club is comprised of contact and connected contributors. Orlando has little chance of beating them, but I am still holding out hope for a Magic miracle.
The Orlando Magic enter Game 1 in Cleveland after a resounding Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics Sunday night. The Magic’s demonstrative defeat Sunday was the first time in 33 tries a team has overcome a 3-2 deficit against Boston. They dethroned the most storied NBA franchise and somehow have managed to survive some setbacks this post-season. Orlando handed the Cavs their worst loss of the regular season in April and hold a 2-1 series lead. It’s the first time since 1996 Orlando has advanced this far into the postseason. The Cleveland loss on April 3rd signaled the last time the Cavaliers were really challenged as a team. The Magic defeated them 116-87 in Orlando. Although the Cavs were not a well-rested bunch at the time, they were coming off a 13 game winning streak. Orlando snapped the streak, shooting better than 50 percent from the field and going ahead of the Cavs by an insurmountable margin. Wednesday marks the first ever playoff meeting between the teams. Orlando has dominated in recent seasons, winning eight of the past eleven. If the Magic are to whittle out wins in this series, they are going to need to a strong defense. The Orlando defense has stepped up and are going to have to contain show-stopping MVP, James.
James led the team in most offensive categories for the Cavs, but Mo Williams adds a final piece to Cleveland’s championship puzzle. Mo is an unselfish player and an All-star point guard. His three point shots can carry the offense when James does not get the ball. Delonte West, battling back from injury, can also help on defense. The former St. Joseph’s player does not contribute points offensively for the Cavs, but handles the ball well enough on the floor. The Orlando defense will have a difficult time trapping Cleveland with James, Williams and West as a tenacious trio. Rafer Alston was acquired from Houston in February and displays quirky shooting and quickness for Orlando. His penetration up front creates havoc and he is tough to defend when he isn’t turning the ball over. The rookie, Courtney Lee, may have found his form for the Magic as a mediocre shooting guard. His athleticism and speed make things happen. Duke product, J.J. Redick, was a terrific college player but his one-dimensional style is a bad match against the defensively-minded Cavs. He probably won’t get many splendid three points off. During the regular season, Cleveland held opponents to a league high 32 percent 3 point shooting. I give the Cavs the backcourt advantage because of Alston’s recent struggles and Redick’s inconsistency.
Head Coach for the Cavs, Mike Brown, will probably center defenders around Redick and All-star, Dwight Howard. During the April loss, Cleveland’s main problem was defending the outside shot. Brown’s game plan will focus on limiting Orlando’s looks. Look for the Cavs to attack Howard early and often. Howard has blossomed as an offensive juggernaut under the tutelage pf assistant coach, Patrick Ewing. Dwight has fantastic footwork and is a tough player to guard. Howard is prone to shaky free throw shooting but he finished the year leading the league in rebounding and blocked shots. The Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight has dominated, averaging 16 rebounds and three blocks each game of the postseason so far. He led Orlando with 12 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks in the finale of the Boston series. Howard has to emerge as a leader if Orlando is going to have a chance. He was suspended in game one of the Philadelphia series for elbowing Samuel Dalembert. All eyes will be on Howard and James in this showdown series. The superstars have each elevated their games and carried their teams to new heights all year. James has been the game’s MVP this season by a wide margin. He also finished second in scoring with 28.4 points per game. LeBron lacks a consistent jump shot but his stunning style and unprecedented ability to carry his team make him a superlative star. LeBron’s presence practically outweighs any Orlando advantages. He renders it difficult to play on both sides of the ball with his spectral shooting and swatting slapdowns. James is a triple-double threat each and every time Cleveland hits the hardwood, especially at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs are an astonishing 43-2 at home.
Hedo Turkoglu, the Turkish shooter, has struggled this postseason. Orlando head coach, Stan Van Gundy, liked the intensity he saw from Turkoglu during the rout in Game 7 in Boston. Turkoglu put up 25 points and 12 assists in the game. Ten points were scored in the fourth quarter, setting a playoff career high. Van Gundy will call on Hedo late in the game if Orlando needs free throws because of Howard’s horrible history at the line. The big, versatile Turkoglu is no slouch but needs to play more explosively for Orlando in the next round. His 42 percent shooting won’t cut it against the best Eastern team. Seven foot Lituanian center, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, is a deft passer with fine touch for the Cavs. His quiet contributions and consistency should make things more difficult for Howard on low blocks. He does lack quickness but his size and strength make up for the shortcoming.
The Cavs have a power forward in Anderson Varejao. His solid inside defense is his best attribute and he uses his energy to rebound shots down low. Howard presents a big problem for Cleveland, but with Varejao starting and Ben Wallace coming off the bench, the Cavs are equipped to handle him. Orlando counters with All-star, Rashard Lewis. Lewis has a solid offensive game, averaging 17 points during the regular season. Lewis’ specialty is the outside bucket and he has one of the game’s best strokes from the three point line. Lewis is also an excellent blocking defender and rebounded and averaged over 15 points against Cleveland during the regular season.
Both benches feature firepower but the Cavs may have more depth. Joe Smith, Wallace and Wally Szczerbiak are all capable of clutch plays. Brown signed Smith late in the season and he has been splendid ever since arriving alongside Lebron. The 14 year veteran forward is a quality reserve who plays well, flirting with finesse on the interior defensively. The big men of the bench for the Magic don’t stack up against Smith and Wallace. The Magic do not have the variety Cleveland enjoys in pine riders, Anthony Johnson, Mickael Pietrus and Tony Battie. Johnson is a veteran point guard and Pietrus can rebound well. But, the Magic face a stern test against backcourt reserves Daniel Gibson and Szczerbiak. Both can fill in when hot and Wallace boosts the defense whenever he takes to court.
The Cavs are a team poised to win now. It will be an incredible miracle if the Magic win the series. I do not expect a Cleveland sweep this round. I believe Orlando has the guns to shoot their way to at least one win. It’s a credit to coach Van Gundy his team has already advanced this far. I know he took the blame for Game 4 in Boston, and Howard criticized him for Game 5, but Van Gundy did win 59 games. Howard knocked his head coach for not getting many touches late in the game and remarked about Van Gundy’s substitution patterns. Still, Orlando proved, with their effort in the deciding game, they wanted the series more than Boston. It would be tremendous if the Orlando effort paid off again against the Cavaliers. Brown is probably the more competent coach and his team won’t be suffering from fatigue after two easy sweeps. Orlando wrapped up a seven-game war in Boston Sunday but if they limit their mistakes and come out strong in Game 1, they may plug into the championship.
Parting points: Does anybody really like Theory of a Deadman’s song, “Hate My Life”?
The Orlando Magic enter Game 1 in Cleveland after a resounding Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics Sunday night. The Magic’s demonstrative defeat Sunday was the first time in 33 tries a team has overcome a 3-2 deficit against Boston. They dethroned the most storied NBA franchise and somehow have managed to survive some setbacks this post-season. Orlando handed the Cavs their worst loss of the regular season in April and hold a 2-1 series lead. It’s the first time since 1996 Orlando has advanced this far into the postseason. The Cleveland loss on April 3rd signaled the last time the Cavaliers were really challenged as a team. The Magic defeated them 116-87 in Orlando. Although the Cavs were not a well-rested bunch at the time, they were coming off a 13 game winning streak. Orlando snapped the streak, shooting better than 50 percent from the field and going ahead of the Cavs by an insurmountable margin. Wednesday marks the first ever playoff meeting between the teams. Orlando has dominated in recent seasons, winning eight of the past eleven. If the Magic are to whittle out wins in this series, they are going to need to a strong defense. The Orlando defense has stepped up and are going to have to contain show-stopping MVP, James.
James led the team in most offensive categories for the Cavs, but Mo Williams adds a final piece to Cleveland’s championship puzzle. Mo is an unselfish player and an All-star point guard. His three point shots can carry the offense when James does not get the ball. Delonte West, battling back from injury, can also help on defense. The former St. Joseph’s player does not contribute points offensively for the Cavs, but handles the ball well enough on the floor. The Orlando defense will have a difficult time trapping Cleveland with James, Williams and West as a tenacious trio. Rafer Alston was acquired from Houston in February and displays quirky shooting and quickness for Orlando. His penetration up front creates havoc and he is tough to defend when he isn’t turning the ball over. The rookie, Courtney Lee, may have found his form for the Magic as a mediocre shooting guard. His athleticism and speed make things happen. Duke product, J.J. Redick, was a terrific college player but his one-dimensional style is a bad match against the defensively-minded Cavs. He probably won’t get many splendid three points off. During the regular season, Cleveland held opponents to a league high 32 percent 3 point shooting. I give the Cavs the backcourt advantage because of Alston’s recent struggles and Redick’s inconsistency.
Head Coach for the Cavs, Mike Brown, will probably center defenders around Redick and All-star, Dwight Howard. During the April loss, Cleveland’s main problem was defending the outside shot. Brown’s game plan will focus on limiting Orlando’s looks. Look for the Cavs to attack Howard early and often. Howard has blossomed as an offensive juggernaut under the tutelage pf assistant coach, Patrick Ewing. Dwight has fantastic footwork and is a tough player to guard. Howard is prone to shaky free throw shooting but he finished the year leading the league in rebounding and blocked shots. The Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight has dominated, averaging 16 rebounds and three blocks each game of the postseason so far. He led Orlando with 12 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks in the finale of the Boston series. Howard has to emerge as a leader if Orlando is going to have a chance. He was suspended in game one of the Philadelphia series for elbowing Samuel Dalembert. All eyes will be on Howard and James in this showdown series. The superstars have each elevated their games and carried their teams to new heights all year. James has been the game’s MVP this season by a wide margin. He also finished second in scoring with 28.4 points per game. LeBron lacks a consistent jump shot but his stunning style and unprecedented ability to carry his team make him a superlative star. LeBron’s presence practically outweighs any Orlando advantages. He renders it difficult to play on both sides of the ball with his spectral shooting and swatting slapdowns. James is a triple-double threat each and every time Cleveland hits the hardwood, especially at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs are an astonishing 43-2 at home.
Hedo Turkoglu, the Turkish shooter, has struggled this postseason. Orlando head coach, Stan Van Gundy, liked the intensity he saw from Turkoglu during the rout in Game 7 in Boston. Turkoglu put up 25 points and 12 assists in the game. Ten points were scored in the fourth quarter, setting a playoff career high. Van Gundy will call on Hedo late in the game if Orlando needs free throws because of Howard’s horrible history at the line. The big, versatile Turkoglu is no slouch but needs to play more explosively for Orlando in the next round. His 42 percent shooting won’t cut it against the best Eastern team. Seven foot Lituanian center, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, is a deft passer with fine touch for the Cavs. His quiet contributions and consistency should make things more difficult for Howard on low blocks. He does lack quickness but his size and strength make up for the shortcoming.
The Cavs have a power forward in Anderson Varejao. His solid inside defense is his best attribute and he uses his energy to rebound shots down low. Howard presents a big problem for Cleveland, but with Varejao starting and Ben Wallace coming off the bench, the Cavs are equipped to handle him. Orlando counters with All-star, Rashard Lewis. Lewis has a solid offensive game, averaging 17 points during the regular season. Lewis’ specialty is the outside bucket and he has one of the game’s best strokes from the three point line. Lewis is also an excellent blocking defender and rebounded and averaged over 15 points against Cleveland during the regular season.
Both benches feature firepower but the Cavs may have more depth. Joe Smith, Wallace and Wally Szczerbiak are all capable of clutch plays. Brown signed Smith late in the season and he has been splendid ever since arriving alongside Lebron. The 14 year veteran forward is a quality reserve who plays well, flirting with finesse on the interior defensively. The big men of the bench for the Magic don’t stack up against Smith and Wallace. The Magic do not have the variety Cleveland enjoys in pine riders, Anthony Johnson, Mickael Pietrus and Tony Battie. Johnson is a veteran point guard and Pietrus can rebound well. But, the Magic face a stern test against backcourt reserves Daniel Gibson and Szczerbiak. Both can fill in when hot and Wallace boosts the defense whenever he takes to court.
The Cavs are a team poised to win now. It will be an incredible miracle if the Magic win the series. I do not expect a Cleveland sweep this round. I believe Orlando has the guns to shoot their way to at least one win. It’s a credit to coach Van Gundy his team has already advanced this far. I know he took the blame for Game 4 in Boston, and Howard criticized him for Game 5, but Van Gundy did win 59 games. Howard knocked his head coach for not getting many touches late in the game and remarked about Van Gundy’s substitution patterns. Still, Orlando proved, with their effort in the deciding game, they wanted the series more than Boston. It would be tremendous if the Orlando effort paid off again against the Cavaliers. Brown is probably the more competent coach and his team won’t be suffering from fatigue after two easy sweeps. Orlando wrapped up a seven-game war in Boston Sunday but if they limit their mistakes and come out strong in Game 1, they may plug into the championship.
Parting points: Does anybody really like Theory of a Deadman’s song, “Hate My Life”?
Monday, May 18, 2009
Pucks, Paulus, Papi & Preakness
Detroit Red Wings goalie, Chris Osgood, made 30 saves in a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks Sunday. The Red Wings lead the Western Conference finals 1-0 and play again on Tuesday night in Detroit. Dan Cleary emerged as the leading scorer for the defending Stanley Cup champions. The forward matched a playoff career high with two goals. Cleary was originally drafted by the Blackhawks. Adam Burish put the Blackhawks on the scoreboard with the early lead at 5:25 into the game. Cleary throttled the puck into the net a minute later for the equalizer. Johan Franzen collected his first goal of the series in the second period to give the Red Wings the 2-1 advantage. Clearly scored the game winning goal in Detroit’s previous series with Anaheim. With three minutes left in Game 7, he popped the puck into the net to stave off elimination and send Detroit to the next round. After last night, the dangerous Clearly has five total goals this post-season.
During the regular season, the Blackhawks lost each of the first four meeting between the teams. The Red Wings capped off a memorable 6-4 victory at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Day. Chicago bounced back during the regular season’s final weekend with two wins of a home-and-home set. The Blackhawks have been a resilient team ever since. This season marks their first conference final since 1995. The Red Wings are playing in their third straight final so clearly have experience on their side. Chicago is the only team in the NHL to improve its record each of the past four years. The young Blackhawks are going to need stars Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook and Dave Bolland. Kane and Toews were held without a point during Sunday night’s opening loss. Toews attempted three shots but Kane was shotless. Seabrook showed sloppiness when Cleary slyly stole the puck from him. A goal by Kris Versteeg on a power play made it a 2-2 contest. Chicago was competitive but Detroit broke the game open in the third period. The Blackhawks are 7-0 when leading after two periods so the murky outlook was not favoring Chicago. Despite 38 stopped shots by goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, the Blackhawks couldn’t prevent Cleary from twisting a wrister for his second goal midway through the third. Mikael Samuelsson fired the go-ahead score for the Red Wings and Henrik Zetterberg stifled an empty-net goal.
When playing away from the United Center, the team thrives on the road. It’s beneficial to underscore their 22-15-4 road record and give the 4th seeded Blackhawks a chance to win Game 2 in Motown. The team trailed in each of their four victories against Vancouver during the playoffs’ second round. The battle-tested Hawks then scored 14 goals in the third period or overtime to rally for wins. The team responds to adversity.
Right winger, Marian Hossa, missed part of the third period after a collisions with Andrew Ladd. He is expected to be fine for Tuesday night and I think is a significant player for Detroit. The addition of Hossa to the Red Wings make them a deeper team than last year’s champs. The 30 year old Czech native is a 12 year league veteran. Hossa played 9 seasons for the Ottawa Senators and his defense is an overrated aspect of his game. Offensively, Marian compiled 40 goals, 31 assists and 71 points for Detroit this year. The Red Wings downfall is their paltry penalty killing but they have too much experience to be knocked around by Chicago. They rely on playoff-tested Nicklas Lidstrom, Franzen, Zetterberg, Brian Rafalski, and Pavel Datsyuk. Osgood is a sharp goaltender with quick hands. The vets were tried during the Anaheim series and rugged Chicago is going to throw everything at them in order to tire them out. The Blackhawks might be catching the Red Wings at the right time. The skaters’ stamina surely was slowed during the stifling Ducks series. However, the Red Wings 11 Stanley Cups make them the big kids on the block and frontrunners for the trophy in 2009.
Former Duke point guard, Greg Paulus, announced he will attempt to play quarterback for Syracuse football this fall. The decision to try out for the Orange capped off a two-month process of workouts for the Green Bay Packers, Michigan and Nebraska. Paulus chose to return to upstate New York because he starred for the football program at Christian Brothers Academy. The All-American played 139 basketball games at Duke. He helped the Blue Devils to the ACC title during his freshman and senior seasons. Paulus lost his starting job last year and was relegated to a reserve role. He still ranks among Duke career leaders in 3-pointers with 210 and assists with 468. Syracuse has not had a winning football team since 2001. Paulus will compete for the quarterback job for the Orange after inquiring about the same position at Duke. Thaddeus Lewis is already the rising quarterback for the Blue Devils but head coach, David Cutcliffe, offered Paulus a wide receiver role. The point guard turned him down and elected to be an unsigned recruit for Doug Marrone. Paulus brings prep football experience but hasn’t technically taken a snap since 2005. As a high school signal-caller, he passed for 153 touchdowns and finished with a 42-3 record. Paulus was considered one of the best quarterback prospects in his class. He has to wait for the NCAA to grant him an academic waiver for eligibility for 2009 after graduating Duke this month. If he is granted the waiver, Marrone will have Paulus taking snaps alongside senior, Cameron Dantley and red shirt freshman, Ryan Nassib. Dantley started 11 games for the Orange in 2008. I think it’s cool how Paulus is choosing to go back to upstate New York. Marrone is an offensively-minded head coach and the addition just might work out to be a good fit for Syracuse.
Prostrate Papi’s perplexing perils are puzzling all of New England. Nobody can seem to explain the dropoff from David Ortiz’s digressing bat. The Red Sox’ slumping slugger was signaled to the sidelines by manager, Terry Francona for the weekend series in Seattle. Ortiz will not play again until the team returns to Fenway on Tuesday. Big Papi is in the worst slump of his career and is at a low point mentally. He went 0-7 for the first time Thursday against the Angels. Ortiz stranded an astonishing and franchise record-tying 12 runners on base during the 5-4 loss. The brusque power surge is missing from his stick. The struggling DH needs a break to clear his head, according to his manager. His bat looks mighty weak and Ortiz started the Spring at a staggeringly slow pace. The once overly-aggressive Ortiz is hitting only .208 and does not have a homerun after two months of baseball. His 15 RBIs are way off the mark for this type of player and this time of year. David used to be one of the most productive hitters with runners on base and two outs. It seems like Ortiz is pressing because of some off the field issues, but Big Papi denies any outside distractions. He may just not be seeing the ball well. Francona is debating how to reintroduce his prized player into the lineup against Toronto. At least Big Papi has the support of his teammates while he tries to reestablish himself. I can’t say what the deal is for sure, but to me, Ortiz misses Manny’s bat. His approach is not the same. David also have an undisclosed ailment nagging his burly body. There is also the steroids question. There is an unwritten assumption Ortiz is a juiced athlete. While I cannot rule it out, I doubt he is failing because he is no longer cycling ‘roids. Furthermore, he simply may be getting old. Players are bound to break down eventually, even perceived immortal Boston stars. The Sox’ sorrows are small because it is only May. Eventually, the team may have to consider finding Ortiz’ replacement. That will place Boston’s hierarchy in a peculiar predicatment.
Rangy Rachel Alexandra shot to the finish line and was never seriously challenged Saturday at Pimlico. The lads lost their luster this time. A philly won the Preakness Stakes over Kentucky Derby long-shot, Mine That Bird. Bird came in second and Musket Man ended in third, the same as he finished in he Derby. The conquering Rachel Alexandra was undefeated in four tries this year and was ridden by Calvin Borel. Borel was in the saddle for Mine That Bird’s victory the first week of May and now has two of the three triple crown race wins on his resume. The great Alexandra was victorious in the biggest philly race in America. Rachel made herself a spectacle when she won the Kentucky Oaks the day before the Kentucky Derby. Borel rode her then and now the philly is ranked the number one 3-year old by the NTRA. The horse was bigger than most of the males she raced against Saturday. She was ahead by four lengths going down the stretch and won the Preakness by a length. Rachel became the first horse to win at Pimlico from the number 13 post. She stumbled slightly out of the gate but struck ahead, shaking Big Drama loose. That passing opened up a four-length lead at the top of the stretch where the gelding, Mine That Bird challenged her. Rachel took the heat, Borel guided her to the finish line as if in a whimsy and a surprised crowd witnessed a rarity in Baltimore. Nellie Morse was the last philly to win the Preakness in 1924. The 9-5 favorite may not race in the grueling 1 mile Belmont Stakes. Trainer, Steve Asmussen, is hesitant to allow his horse to run three races in five weeks. If she does ride and win, the striking horse could make Borel a Triple Crown jockey. I would like to explore and delve into an enticing encounter between Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexander come June. Mine That Bird is looking for a jockey, but is slated to race the Belmont. And their off…let the bets begin!
Parting points: Today’s tune- “Face Down” by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
During the regular season, the Blackhawks lost each of the first four meeting between the teams. The Red Wings capped off a memorable 6-4 victory at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Day. Chicago bounced back during the regular season’s final weekend with two wins of a home-and-home set. The Blackhawks have been a resilient team ever since. This season marks their first conference final since 1995. The Red Wings are playing in their third straight final so clearly have experience on their side. Chicago is the only team in the NHL to improve its record each of the past four years. The young Blackhawks are going to need stars Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook and Dave Bolland. Kane and Toews were held without a point during Sunday night’s opening loss. Toews attempted three shots but Kane was shotless. Seabrook showed sloppiness when Cleary slyly stole the puck from him. A goal by Kris Versteeg on a power play made it a 2-2 contest. Chicago was competitive but Detroit broke the game open in the third period. The Blackhawks are 7-0 when leading after two periods so the murky outlook was not favoring Chicago. Despite 38 stopped shots by goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, the Blackhawks couldn’t prevent Cleary from twisting a wrister for his second goal midway through the third. Mikael Samuelsson fired the go-ahead score for the Red Wings and Henrik Zetterberg stifled an empty-net goal.
When playing away from the United Center, the team thrives on the road. It’s beneficial to underscore their 22-15-4 road record and give the 4th seeded Blackhawks a chance to win Game 2 in Motown. The team trailed in each of their four victories against Vancouver during the playoffs’ second round. The battle-tested Hawks then scored 14 goals in the third period or overtime to rally for wins. The team responds to adversity.
Right winger, Marian Hossa, missed part of the third period after a collisions with Andrew Ladd. He is expected to be fine for Tuesday night and I think is a significant player for Detroit. The addition of Hossa to the Red Wings make them a deeper team than last year’s champs. The 30 year old Czech native is a 12 year league veteran. Hossa played 9 seasons for the Ottawa Senators and his defense is an overrated aspect of his game. Offensively, Marian compiled 40 goals, 31 assists and 71 points for Detroit this year. The Red Wings downfall is their paltry penalty killing but they have too much experience to be knocked around by Chicago. They rely on playoff-tested Nicklas Lidstrom, Franzen, Zetterberg, Brian Rafalski, and Pavel Datsyuk. Osgood is a sharp goaltender with quick hands. The vets were tried during the Anaheim series and rugged Chicago is going to throw everything at them in order to tire them out. The Blackhawks might be catching the Red Wings at the right time. The skaters’ stamina surely was slowed during the stifling Ducks series. However, the Red Wings 11 Stanley Cups make them the big kids on the block and frontrunners for the trophy in 2009.
Former Duke point guard, Greg Paulus, announced he will attempt to play quarterback for Syracuse football this fall. The decision to try out for the Orange capped off a two-month process of workouts for the Green Bay Packers, Michigan and Nebraska. Paulus chose to return to upstate New York because he starred for the football program at Christian Brothers Academy. The All-American played 139 basketball games at Duke. He helped the Blue Devils to the ACC title during his freshman and senior seasons. Paulus lost his starting job last year and was relegated to a reserve role. He still ranks among Duke career leaders in 3-pointers with 210 and assists with 468. Syracuse has not had a winning football team since 2001. Paulus will compete for the quarterback job for the Orange after inquiring about the same position at Duke. Thaddeus Lewis is already the rising quarterback for the Blue Devils but head coach, David Cutcliffe, offered Paulus a wide receiver role. The point guard turned him down and elected to be an unsigned recruit for Doug Marrone. Paulus brings prep football experience but hasn’t technically taken a snap since 2005. As a high school signal-caller, he passed for 153 touchdowns and finished with a 42-3 record. Paulus was considered one of the best quarterback prospects in his class. He has to wait for the NCAA to grant him an academic waiver for eligibility for 2009 after graduating Duke this month. If he is granted the waiver, Marrone will have Paulus taking snaps alongside senior, Cameron Dantley and red shirt freshman, Ryan Nassib. Dantley started 11 games for the Orange in 2008. I think it’s cool how Paulus is choosing to go back to upstate New York. Marrone is an offensively-minded head coach and the addition just might work out to be a good fit for Syracuse.
Prostrate Papi’s perplexing perils are puzzling all of New England. Nobody can seem to explain the dropoff from David Ortiz’s digressing bat. The Red Sox’ slumping slugger was signaled to the sidelines by manager, Terry Francona for the weekend series in Seattle. Ortiz will not play again until the team returns to Fenway on Tuesday. Big Papi is in the worst slump of his career and is at a low point mentally. He went 0-7 for the first time Thursday against the Angels. Ortiz stranded an astonishing and franchise record-tying 12 runners on base during the 5-4 loss. The brusque power surge is missing from his stick. The struggling DH needs a break to clear his head, according to his manager. His bat looks mighty weak and Ortiz started the Spring at a staggeringly slow pace. The once overly-aggressive Ortiz is hitting only .208 and does not have a homerun after two months of baseball. His 15 RBIs are way off the mark for this type of player and this time of year. David used to be one of the most productive hitters with runners on base and two outs. It seems like Ortiz is pressing because of some off the field issues, but Big Papi denies any outside distractions. He may just not be seeing the ball well. Francona is debating how to reintroduce his prized player into the lineup against Toronto. At least Big Papi has the support of his teammates while he tries to reestablish himself. I can’t say what the deal is for sure, but to me, Ortiz misses Manny’s bat. His approach is not the same. David also have an undisclosed ailment nagging his burly body. There is also the steroids question. There is an unwritten assumption Ortiz is a juiced athlete. While I cannot rule it out, I doubt he is failing because he is no longer cycling ‘roids. Furthermore, he simply may be getting old. Players are bound to break down eventually, even perceived immortal Boston stars. The Sox’ sorrows are small because it is only May. Eventually, the team may have to consider finding Ortiz’ replacement. That will place Boston’s hierarchy in a peculiar predicatment.
Rangy Rachel Alexandra shot to the finish line and was never seriously challenged Saturday at Pimlico. The lads lost their luster this time. A philly won the Preakness Stakes over Kentucky Derby long-shot, Mine That Bird. Bird came in second and Musket Man ended in third, the same as he finished in he Derby. The conquering Rachel Alexandra was undefeated in four tries this year and was ridden by Calvin Borel. Borel was in the saddle for Mine That Bird’s victory the first week of May and now has two of the three triple crown race wins on his resume. The great Alexandra was victorious in the biggest philly race in America. Rachel made herself a spectacle when she won the Kentucky Oaks the day before the Kentucky Derby. Borel rode her then and now the philly is ranked the number one 3-year old by the NTRA. The horse was bigger than most of the males she raced against Saturday. She was ahead by four lengths going down the stretch and won the Preakness by a length. Rachel became the first horse to win at Pimlico from the number 13 post. She stumbled slightly out of the gate but struck ahead, shaking Big Drama loose. That passing opened up a four-length lead at the top of the stretch where the gelding, Mine That Bird challenged her. Rachel took the heat, Borel guided her to the finish line as if in a whimsy and a surprised crowd witnessed a rarity in Baltimore. Nellie Morse was the last philly to win the Preakness in 1924. The 9-5 favorite may not race in the grueling 1 mile Belmont Stakes. Trainer, Steve Asmussen, is hesitant to allow his horse to run three races in five weeks. If she does ride and win, the striking horse could make Borel a Triple Crown jockey. I would like to explore and delve into an enticing encounter between Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexander come June. Mine That Bird is looking for a jockey, but is slated to race the Belmont. And their off…let the bets begin!
Parting points: Today’s tune- “Face Down” by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Boomer Birthday Bash
Today my sister and I celebrate our birthdays. We are not twins, but were born on the exact same day, two years apart. We both have plenty to celebrate on May 17th. The real Twins did not, this day eleven years ago at Yankee Stadium. That was the day David Wells pitched a perfect game against Minnesota. Now, I am personally connected to the pitcher forever. Ironically, the Yankees are hosting the Twins in the third game of a four game series today. It’s time for a trip down memory lane for one of my more unforgettable birthdays from 1998. It was a magical season for Wells and for the Yankees. I was tickled the moment I realized a Yankee fireballer tossed a faultless game on my birthday.
David Wells was far from being a Yankee legend. He attended the same high school as Don Larsen at Point Loma High in San Diego. Larsen pitched the only other Bomber perfect game in 1956 against the Dodgers in the World Series up until that time. The steady stopper threw a blistering fastball and dancing curveball, but the baseball world did not consider him the type of pitcher to present perfection. On the surface, Boomer appeared to be an overweight, outspoken and rebellious nuisance. In actuality, Wells was very coordinated and fielded his position about as well as a pitcher of his stature. David totally grasped the concept of pitching for the New York Yankees. He lapped up the fan backlash and answered with his left-handed arm. Wells was earnest when he played ball and I still consider him the most clutch pitcher I’ve seen. David was 4-0 in the post-season for New York in 1998 and the team was 25-5 in games he started. I never saw Sandy Koufax but I was there to marvel at Nolan Ryan during the last years of his Hall-of-Fame career. Ryan threw some wicked pitches, but Boomer was a hurler worth heeding because of the way his ball heaped as it crossed the plate. He made hitters hack helplessly. His rubber arm and gutsy gusto for the game was gratifying.
Wells’ total pitch count resulted in 79 strikes and 41 balls on his way to making history in 1998. Opposing pitcher, LaTroy Hawkins, went seven innings for the Twins. Wells struck out 11 and Hawkins 5. Boomer went to a three-balls count on only four batter. The greatest aspect of his game was his astonishing tendency to throw strikes and walk very few hitters. Wells had concise control that day, with beautifully spiraling curves and fastballs resembling arrows released from a bow. He was un-hittable in retiring the minimum 27 batters he faced. There weren’t any acrobatic plays in the field for the Yankees. None were needed because Wells was firing and fanning Twins the entire game. The closest Boomer came to allowing a base runner was a fourth inning 3-0 count to Minnesota’s Matt Lawton. The leadoff man for the Twins was ahead in the count but Wells came back to get him out. Another scare came in the top of the eighth when first baseman, Ron Coomer, smashed a ground ball to Chuck Knoblauch. The ball almost eluded Knoblauch’s glove but the second baseman recovered in the nick of time to get the out easily at first.
Bernie Williams got things rolling for New York with three hits. He had a solo homerun and scored three of the Yankees’ four runs. Wells was in total command on the hill, but he looked nervous in the dugout sitting beside David Cone. Cone must have been a calming influence for the Boomer, who stretched his back between innings. Wells was behind in the count to eight of the last nine batters he faced. He persevered through the Twins’ order, which included future Hall-of-famer and Minnesota icon, Paul Molitor.
I have a lasting image of Wells being carried off the field by his teammates in front of the crowd of 49,000 plus at the stadium. He looked on top of the world as he raised his blue cap to the sky from his gaunt shoulders in triumph. The burly lefty made quick work of the opposition in the ninth. Jon Shave, a rookie third baseman, flied out to right field on a routine play for the veteran, Paul O’Neill. Catcher, Javier Valentin, was no challenge. He went down on three strikes from Wells’ wired wrist. Then, Pat Mears stepped to the plate as the Twins’ last hope of breaking the no hitter. Boomer took a deep breath and delivered a pitch to the shortstop. Mears stroked a fly ball that landed safely in the glove of O’Neill to secure the final out and perfect game. The game also helped Wells establish an American League record. He put down 38 straight batters over three starts that season. Wells finished third in CY Young votes and led the league in fewest walks. The Yankee lefty strode off the mound smiling as if he were celebrating his own birthday. Inside, I was smiling too.
Parting points: “Well, I guess this is growing up” -Blink 182
“Must be a twin thing”- Brandon Walsh, 90210
Happy 28th birthday to my older sister Tori, who is never too old to be my accent of acumen. She also might just be the only other person in the world who considers “Ice, ice baby” and “Gangster’s Paradise” quality rap songs.
David Wells was far from being a Yankee legend. He attended the same high school as Don Larsen at Point Loma High in San Diego. Larsen pitched the only other Bomber perfect game in 1956 against the Dodgers in the World Series up until that time. The steady stopper threw a blistering fastball and dancing curveball, but the baseball world did not consider him the type of pitcher to present perfection. On the surface, Boomer appeared to be an overweight, outspoken and rebellious nuisance. In actuality, Wells was very coordinated and fielded his position about as well as a pitcher of his stature. David totally grasped the concept of pitching for the New York Yankees. He lapped up the fan backlash and answered with his left-handed arm. Wells was earnest when he played ball and I still consider him the most clutch pitcher I’ve seen. David was 4-0 in the post-season for New York in 1998 and the team was 25-5 in games he started. I never saw Sandy Koufax but I was there to marvel at Nolan Ryan during the last years of his Hall-of-Fame career. Ryan threw some wicked pitches, but Boomer was a hurler worth heeding because of the way his ball heaped as it crossed the plate. He made hitters hack helplessly. His rubber arm and gutsy gusto for the game was gratifying.
Wells’ total pitch count resulted in 79 strikes and 41 balls on his way to making history in 1998. Opposing pitcher, LaTroy Hawkins, went seven innings for the Twins. Wells struck out 11 and Hawkins 5. Boomer went to a three-balls count on only four batter. The greatest aspect of his game was his astonishing tendency to throw strikes and walk very few hitters. Wells had concise control that day, with beautifully spiraling curves and fastballs resembling arrows released from a bow. He was un-hittable in retiring the minimum 27 batters he faced. There weren’t any acrobatic plays in the field for the Yankees. None were needed because Wells was firing and fanning Twins the entire game. The closest Boomer came to allowing a base runner was a fourth inning 3-0 count to Minnesota’s Matt Lawton. The leadoff man for the Twins was ahead in the count but Wells came back to get him out. Another scare came in the top of the eighth when first baseman, Ron Coomer, smashed a ground ball to Chuck Knoblauch. The ball almost eluded Knoblauch’s glove but the second baseman recovered in the nick of time to get the out easily at first.
Bernie Williams got things rolling for New York with three hits. He had a solo homerun and scored three of the Yankees’ four runs. Wells was in total command on the hill, but he looked nervous in the dugout sitting beside David Cone. Cone must have been a calming influence for the Boomer, who stretched his back between innings. Wells was behind in the count to eight of the last nine batters he faced. He persevered through the Twins’ order, which included future Hall-of-famer and Minnesota icon, Paul Molitor.
I have a lasting image of Wells being carried off the field by his teammates in front of the crowd of 49,000 plus at the stadium. He looked on top of the world as he raised his blue cap to the sky from his gaunt shoulders in triumph. The burly lefty made quick work of the opposition in the ninth. Jon Shave, a rookie third baseman, flied out to right field on a routine play for the veteran, Paul O’Neill. Catcher, Javier Valentin, was no challenge. He went down on three strikes from Wells’ wired wrist. Then, Pat Mears stepped to the plate as the Twins’ last hope of breaking the no hitter. Boomer took a deep breath and delivered a pitch to the shortstop. Mears stroked a fly ball that landed safely in the glove of O’Neill to secure the final out and perfect game. The game also helped Wells establish an American League record. He put down 38 straight batters over three starts that season. Wells finished third in CY Young votes and led the league in fewest walks. The Yankee lefty strode off the mound smiling as if he were celebrating his own birthday. Inside, I was smiling too.
Parting points: “Well, I guess this is growing up” -Blink 182
“Must be a twin thing”- Brandon Walsh, 90210
Happy 28th birthday to my older sister Tori, who is never too old to be my accent of acumen. She also might just be the only other person in the world who considers “Ice, ice baby” and “Gangster’s Paradise” quality rap songs.
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