10. Hurricane Ike forcing the Astros to play home games in Milwaukee.
Hurricane Ike forced all Houston sports to drastically change the dates of games or move to different locations. Many felt that this was the downfall to the Astros season as they faced the Cubs in a 2 game series at Miller Park which was more of a home series for the Cubs than it was for the Astros.
9. The Yankees missing the playoffs for the 1st time since 93
Maybe it was somewhat due to Hank Steinbrenner now being the face of Yankee ownership. But this team had way too many pitching issues combined with the fact that they had the Rays and the Red Sox in their division. But this was the 1st season since I've been paying attention to baseball that the Yankees have not been a part of the postseason.
8. Cliff Lee winning 22 games.
A year ago Lee was pitching in the minors as he was injured and struggling being forced down to Triple-A. Now he is arguably the best pitcher in the game. For a long time during the season he had almost a third of the Indians wins showing just how dissapointing Cleveland was. But also just how dominant Lee was this season. One of the better stories this season.
7. K-Rod breaking the saves record.
K-Rod was far and away the most dominant closer in baseball as he shattered the previous record for most saves in a season getting 62 saves. He beat the previous record of 57 on September 13 as that record was held by Bobby Thigpen. Thigpen had held this record for 18 years. In my mind, K-Rod was the main reason the Angels were able to win 100 games. The Angels were in so many close games this season and without the best closer in the game, they would not have been as successful.
6. Ken Griffey Jr. hits number 600
Griffey will be known as someone who could have been the greatest if he had stayed healthy. But despite that on June 9 he hit his 600th career home run. It is even more remarkable as he will be one of the few current home run leaders that will not be identified with the steroid scandal. It is a shame that he was not able to stay healthy as we could gave been talking about him breaking the all time career home run record someday.
5. The two trades that shook up the NL.
The acquisition of C.C. Sabathia by the Brewers and Manny Ramirez by the Dodgers turned these two teams around. Sabathia was 10-2 pitching 7 complete games and pitching Milwaukee into the postseason on the last day. Even though he wasn't in the NL the whole season he will at least be a candidate for the Cy Young. Manny was incredible as well hitting almost .400 and getting the Dodgers to the NLCS. It is also possible that he could be considered for the NL MVP despite not being in the NL for the whole season.
4. Carlos Zambrano's no-hitter.
There was hardly any highlights for Big Z in the last 2 months of the season but this was a huge one. It was the 1st no-hitter thrown by a Cub since 1972. And it is maybe the best one to come out of a great regular season for the Cubs.
3. Jon Lester's no-hitter
Lester is another remarkable comeback story as he fought his way back from lymphoma. In May he threw a no-hitter against the Royals. A no-hitter is always unbelievable but it was especially in Lester's case. He fought his way back and is now a solid pitcher for the Red Sox.
2. Tampa goes from worst to first and the World Series
Tampa for its 1st 10 years had been a doormat in baseball. But this season was a shock as Joe Maddon's team won the AL East with solid pitching and a lineup consisting of timely hitters. This team's story has been nothing short of remarkable and even though it may end tomorrow it has been one of the best turnarounds in baseball.
1. Josh Hamilton
Josh Hamilton was out of baseball for 3 years because of his drug addiction. Most people are lucky to survive an addiction let alone play a sport they love ever again. Hamilton not only played but for the 1st half of the season was the best player in baseball. This was capped off by his memorable performance in the hr derby. Even though he didn't win, he set a record with 28 hr's in the 1st rd. I wish he had been able to keep it goin all season as I would have loved to see him win MVP. But either way this was the best story in baseball this season.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Strongest and weakest postseason performances this week
Strongest Performance-Ryan Howard
Howard has erupted the last 2 games with a total of 3 hr's and 6 rbi. When Howard is hitting like this the Phillies will be almost impossible to beat. This is the best Howard has played in the playoffs and now with his efforts the Phillies look primed to win their 1st World Series in 28 years.
Weakest Performance- Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena
These two have been the big bats in the Rays lineup all season. But in the World Series, they're a combined 0 for 29 with 15 strikeouts. And while game 4 may have been a blowout, they could have used those bats in game 3. Now they are looking at a 3-1 defecit having to go against Hamels. And of course Longoria's error in game 3 got the winning run across. Here is that highlight.
Howard has erupted the last 2 games with a total of 3 hr's and 6 rbi. When Howard is hitting like this the Phillies will be almost impossible to beat. This is the best Howard has played in the playoffs and now with his efforts the Phillies look primed to win their 1st World Series in 28 years.
Weakest Performance- Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena
These two have been the big bats in the Rays lineup all season. But in the World Series, they're a combined 0 for 29 with 15 strikeouts. And while game 4 may have been a blowout, they could have used those bats in game 3. Now they are looking at a 3-1 defecit having to go against Hamels. And of course Longoria's error in game 3 got the winning run across. Here is that highlight.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
World Series Predictions
Phillies v. Rays
I think it's safe to say that this is probably the last World Series matchup that anybody expected to see. I can also imagine that this will probably draw very low ratings as these are two teams that there does not appear to be a very big fanbase for. But despite all of these facts, this should be a pretty good series.
The Phillies have the big names on offense. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth. But overall, Tampa's offense in my mind is at least even. B.J. Upton has had an unbelievable postseason and Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria are very dangerous as well. Because of the big names I would give the Phillies a very slight advantage but the Rays as we saw in the ALCS are very capable of offensive explosions.
In terms of the starting rotation Cole Hamels is far and away the best pitcher in the series. He will give the Phillies a solid chance at stealing Game 1. But overall I would say the Rays with the likes of Shields, Kazmir and Garza are more balanced with their pitching rotation. I think the Phillies are gonna need the absolute best out of Hamels in order to stay with Tampa.
Both bullpens are solid but the Phillies get the advantage here. It definitely seems like Lidge is back and the Phillies bp has been lights out. Tampa's bp has also overall been solid but they could have defeated Boston in only five if their bullpen hadn't had maybe the biggest meltdown in playoff history. I would give the Phillies the advantage.
Overall, it's hard to be certain who will win this series as they seem to be fairly evenly matched. But I am gonna say the Rays in seven as I think the main difference seems to be the Rays very much got battle tested against the Red Sox and I think that's what it will take. The Phillies have looked very impressive throughout the playoffs but they haven't been challeneged at all. I think that will be the thing to put the Rays on top. And that's what I hope will happen. It'll hopefully be one of the greates runs throughout a season, from worst to first. Rays in seven.
I think it's safe to say that this is probably the last World Series matchup that anybody expected to see. I can also imagine that this will probably draw very low ratings as these are two teams that there does not appear to be a very big fanbase for. But despite all of these facts, this should be a pretty good series.
The Phillies have the big names on offense. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth. But overall, Tampa's offense in my mind is at least even. B.J. Upton has had an unbelievable postseason and Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria are very dangerous as well. Because of the big names I would give the Phillies a very slight advantage but the Rays as we saw in the ALCS are very capable of offensive explosions.
In terms of the starting rotation Cole Hamels is far and away the best pitcher in the series. He will give the Phillies a solid chance at stealing Game 1. But overall I would say the Rays with the likes of Shields, Kazmir and Garza are more balanced with their pitching rotation. I think the Phillies are gonna need the absolute best out of Hamels in order to stay with Tampa.
Both bullpens are solid but the Phillies get the advantage here. It definitely seems like Lidge is back and the Phillies bp has been lights out. Tampa's bp has also overall been solid but they could have defeated Boston in only five if their bullpen hadn't had maybe the biggest meltdown in playoff history. I would give the Phillies the advantage.
Overall, it's hard to be certain who will win this series as they seem to be fairly evenly matched. But I am gonna say the Rays in seven as I think the main difference seems to be the Rays very much got battle tested against the Red Sox and I think that's what it will take. The Phillies have looked very impressive throughout the playoffs but they haven't been challeneged at all. I think that will be the thing to put the Rays on top. And that's what I hope will happen. It'll hopefully be one of the greates runs throughout a season, from worst to first. Rays in seven.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Strongest and weakest LCS performances
Strongest Performances-Cole Hamels, Matt Garza, B.J. Upton
Hamels went 2-0 with a 1.93 series ERA. At only 24, he is already turning into one of the best pitchers in baseball and with him as a #1 he will give the Phillies a great chance to steal game 1 in Tampa.
Matt Garza 2-0 1.38 series ERA. His Game 7 performance was clutch as he outdueled Jon Lester giving up just 1 run on 2 hits to get Tampa into their 1st World Series. Overall, Tampa has a solid rotation and pitchers such as Garza can make the difference for them.
B.J. Upton 4 hr's 10 rbi. Overall for the postseason he has hit 7 hr's and has been one of the main run producers for Tampa throughout the playoffs.
Weakest Performance-Chad Billingsley
He was 0-2 with a 18.00 ERA and didn't even last 3 innings in either one of his starts. And after getting lit up in Game 2 for 7 earned runs he blamed Russell Martin for the pitch selection. Take responsibility for how poorly you pitched. Don't blame it on your catcher.
Hamels went 2-0 with a 1.93 series ERA. At only 24, he is already turning into one of the best pitchers in baseball and with him as a #1 he will give the Phillies a great chance to steal game 1 in Tampa.
Matt Garza 2-0 1.38 series ERA. His Game 7 performance was clutch as he outdueled Jon Lester giving up just 1 run on 2 hits to get Tampa into their 1st World Series. Overall, Tampa has a solid rotation and pitchers such as Garza can make the difference for them.
B.J. Upton 4 hr's 10 rbi. Overall for the postseason he has hit 7 hr's and has been one of the main run producers for Tampa throughout the playoffs.
Weakest Performance-Chad Billingsley
He was 0-2 with a 18.00 ERA and didn't even last 3 innings in either one of his starts. And after getting lit up in Game 2 for 7 earned runs he blamed Russell Martin for the pitch selection. Take responsibility for how poorly you pitched. Don't blame it on your catcher.
Monday, October 13, 2008
In an ideal world, Fukudome would never get another at-bat with the Cubs
I'm really sick of how many chances Fukudome is given. I know he's signed for 4 years and making $12 million a year. But you know what, it doesn't matter. You have to know when the investment hasn't paid off and be able to cut ties in some way.
If the Cubs could actually trade Fukudome and get some decent talent for him, that would be my ideal option. But who would want to not just take on his way too large of a contract but even wanna use him anyway. I mean the fact that he's a pretty good outfielder doesn't make up for the fact that he is completely uncomfortable and inept at the plate. So I honestly don't see the Cubs being able to trade for him and find a team that would actually want him on their team.
My best guess is they are gonna keep him and give him another year to develop. But at this point the Cubs can;t afford to have that happen. His contract cannot be the deciding factor in whether he is playing or not. It was inexcusable that he started the 1st games in the playoffs, batted 2nd in game 1 and then when Pinella claimed he was not gonna play him, he was the replacement in centerfield for Edmonds when he was taken out. What's even worse is that Reed Johnson a huge pickup and a huge bright spit for the offense this year did not have one at-bat. Just inexcusable.
Bottomline is the Cubs screwed themselves by giving Fukudome way too high of contract and like every team when they overpay a player feel they have to keep playing him no matter how awful he is. Like I said, if some team is stupid enough to trade for him, then the Cubs have to listen since he still has 3 years left on his contract. But at the very least they need to put him as far down on the bench as possible. My guess, they keep him and give him another year to improve which means he will keep being an everyday player. Not a good way to try to break what will now be a 101 year streak of not winning a championship.
If the Cubs could actually trade Fukudome and get some decent talent for him, that would be my ideal option. But who would want to not just take on his way too large of a contract but even wanna use him anyway. I mean the fact that he's a pretty good outfielder doesn't make up for the fact that he is completely uncomfortable and inept at the plate. So I honestly don't see the Cubs being able to trade for him and find a team that would actually want him on their team.
My best guess is they are gonna keep him and give him another year to develop. But at this point the Cubs can;t afford to have that happen. His contract cannot be the deciding factor in whether he is playing or not. It was inexcusable that he started the 1st games in the playoffs, batted 2nd in game 1 and then when Pinella claimed he was not gonna play him, he was the replacement in centerfield for Edmonds when he was taken out. What's even worse is that Reed Johnson a huge pickup and a huge bright spit for the offense this year did not have one at-bat. Just inexcusable.
Bottomline is the Cubs screwed themselves by giving Fukudome way too high of contract and like every team when they overpay a player feel they have to keep playing him no matter how awful he is. Like I said, if some team is stupid enough to trade for him, then the Cubs have to listen since he still has 3 years left on his contract. But at the very least they need to put him as far down on the bench as possible. My guess, they keep him and give him another year to improve which means he will keep being an everyday player. Not a good way to try to break what will now be a 101 year streak of not winning a championship.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Strongest and weakest postseason performances this week
Strongest Performance- Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkillis, Dice-K
After a very ineffective performance in the ALDS, Boston's two MVP candidates appear to be very much back on track. Despite losing a wild game yesterday Pedroia hit 3 HR's and Youkillis hit one of his own. Youkillis is hitting .600 while Pedroia is hitting .500. While maybe not outright, the most dominant performances of the week, it will just be another advantage Boston has later on in this series.
Dice-K was the pitcher Tampa was supposed to have the best chance against. But he no-hit the Rays up until the 7th inning and in total went 7 shutout innings striking out 9. If Beckett gets back on track, then the Red Sox are gonna have a trio of great pitchers to throw out on the mound. If he doesn't then whatever great starts they get outta Dice-K will still be of tremendous help. Honarable mention goes to Evan Longoria. I couldn't put him in this category officially because he did nothing in Game 1. But in Game 2 he went 3 for 5 with a HR and 3 rbi. He was a big reason why Tampa evened the series up yesterday.
Weakest Performance-Josh Beckett
Clearly Beckett is not all the way back from recoving just yet because this is not anywhere close to the typical big-time postseason performer that Beckett usually is. Already with a bad start under his belt in this year's playoffs, he only lasted 4.1 innings giving up 8 runs and giving up 3 HR's. If Beckett is not fully recovered yet, this will put more pressure on not just Lester and Dice-K but on starters like Wakefield for Game 4 as well. Beckett has literally been one of the main reasons why his teams are successful and why he has 2 titles. But if he doesn't get back into form, he could be a reason why Boston fails in a repeat attempt.
After a very ineffective performance in the ALDS, Boston's two MVP candidates appear to be very much back on track. Despite losing a wild game yesterday Pedroia hit 3 HR's and Youkillis hit one of his own. Youkillis is hitting .600 while Pedroia is hitting .500. While maybe not outright, the most dominant performances of the week, it will just be another advantage Boston has later on in this series.
Dice-K was the pitcher Tampa was supposed to have the best chance against. But he no-hit the Rays up until the 7th inning and in total went 7 shutout innings striking out 9. If Beckett gets back on track, then the Red Sox are gonna have a trio of great pitchers to throw out on the mound. If he doesn't then whatever great starts they get outta Dice-K will still be of tremendous help. Honarable mention goes to Evan Longoria. I couldn't put him in this category officially because he did nothing in Game 1. But in Game 2 he went 3 for 5 with a HR and 3 rbi. He was a big reason why Tampa evened the series up yesterday.
Weakest Performance-Josh Beckett
Clearly Beckett is not all the way back from recoving just yet because this is not anywhere close to the typical big-time postseason performer that Beckett usually is. Already with a bad start under his belt in this year's playoffs, he only lasted 4.1 innings giving up 8 runs and giving up 3 HR's. If Beckett is not fully recovered yet, this will put more pressure on not just Lester and Dice-K but on starters like Wakefield for Game 4 as well. Beckett has literally been one of the main reasons why his teams are successful and why he has 2 titles. But if he doesn't get back into form, he could be a reason why Boston fails in a repeat attempt.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Who has been better off since the trade? Manny or the Red Sox?
With all of the problems Manny had been causing in demanding a trade from Boston, which had been if nothing else rumored for the last couple of seasons, ultimately gave Boston no choice. It was something they would be unable to deal with as it got later into the season. Either trade him and get something for him or lose him when the season was over. As a result they got Jason Bay who is a solid player. Nobody really blamed the Red Sox for wanting him outta Boston.
When it came down to it though, that appeared to be the thing that could very well prevent them from winning yet another World Series. Manny's attitude may not always be acceptable to a clubhouse, but when he is focused on playing, he is very much a force to be reckoned with. Since he has been a Dodger, he is hitting almost .400 and has just been playing completely outta his mind. He has single-handedly not just turned the Dodgers around but has made every player hitting around him much more effective and dangerous. He has shown he is still one of the best players in baseball and he gets my vote as NL MVP despite only being in the NL for two months. Despite all the problems he was causing in Boston, he was one of the main reasons for their 2 championships. For 9 teams outta 10, trading Manny Ramirez would have finished a team no matter how many issues there were with him in the clubhouse.
The Red Sox, however, are clearly the one team that did not let getting rid of their best player finish them. And that is also clearly a reason why they traded him as they knew they could still be a solid team without him. Jason Bay is clearly not Manny but he is a solid player on his own and has stepped up for Boston in what is his 1st year in the playoffs. Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkillis have turned into two of the best players in the American League. And in general this team has more than enough weapons to make up for the loss of Manny. What's even more amazing is all the injuries they're dealing with; Lowell, Beckett, Drew and it still is not stopping them. The bottomline is yes this team traded Manny because of all the problems he was causing. But they knew exactly what they were doing and probably would not have gone through with it if they knew they weren't gonna be anywhere near as good of a team.
So right now who is better off? Manny is having an MVP season in ust a couple of months in the NL and Boston has more than enough firepower to make up for the loss of Manny. While I'm not rooting for this, seeing these two teams face off in the World Series would answer this question once and for all. But right now, it's clear that neither Manny or the Red Sox are suffering in the least since they've parted ways.
When it came down to it though, that appeared to be the thing that could very well prevent them from winning yet another World Series. Manny's attitude may not always be acceptable to a clubhouse, but when he is focused on playing, he is very much a force to be reckoned with. Since he has been a Dodger, he is hitting almost .400 and has just been playing completely outta his mind. He has single-handedly not just turned the Dodgers around but has made every player hitting around him much more effective and dangerous. He has shown he is still one of the best players in baseball and he gets my vote as NL MVP despite only being in the NL for two months. Despite all the problems he was causing in Boston, he was one of the main reasons for their 2 championships. For 9 teams outta 10, trading Manny Ramirez would have finished a team no matter how many issues there were with him in the clubhouse.
The Red Sox, however, are clearly the one team that did not let getting rid of their best player finish them. And that is also clearly a reason why they traded him as they knew they could still be a solid team without him. Jason Bay is clearly not Manny but he is a solid player on his own and has stepped up for Boston in what is his 1st year in the playoffs. Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkillis have turned into two of the best players in the American League. And in general this team has more than enough weapons to make up for the loss of Manny. What's even more amazing is all the injuries they're dealing with; Lowell, Beckett, Drew and it still is not stopping them. The bottomline is yes this team traded Manny because of all the problems he was causing. But they knew exactly what they were doing and probably would not have gone through with it if they knew they weren't gonna be anywhere near as good of a team.
So right now who is better off? Manny is having an MVP season in ust a couple of months in the NL and Boston has more than enough firepower to make up for the loss of Manny. While I'm not rooting for this, seeing these two teams face off in the World Series would answer this question once and for all. But right now, it's clear that neither Manny or the Red Sox are suffering in the least since they've parted ways.
Monday, October 6, 2008
LCS predictions
To recap the division series, two of the series I got exactly right, the Phillies in 4 and the Rays in 4. And the other two I was completely off. So hopefully I'll improve on my LCS predictions.
Red Sox v. Rays
Manny or no Manny the Red Sox still know how to get it done in the postseason. They can come at you in all areas and seem to come up with clutch hits at the right moments. To think that AL MVP candiate Dustin Pedroia was not much of a factor against the Angels and they still won in just 4 games should scare every future opponent they have. Jon Lester has been stellar in the playoffs, and if Dice-K and Beckett get back to dominant form, this team will be very tough to stop. As for the Rays, this team has a bright future and could maybe surprise people as to how well they'll do. Players like Longoria, Upton, Pena, Crawford, Navarro and Floyd makes this team very balanced offensively. And the pitching is the strength of their team as they were very effective in taking a potentially explosive offense in the White Sox out of its game, which is hitting it out of the park. Both of these teams have tremendous balance and the Rays even played well against Boston this year enabling them to win the AL East by two games. But the Rays are ultimately still a year or two away in my mind while Boston has done a great job in making up for the loss of Manny and will prove to be too much. I'm sick of Red Sox nation and I really like this Rays team so I hope they find a way to pull it off. But I think the best they can do is be competitive. Red Sox in six.
Dodgers v. Phillies
By far the biggest surprise of this postseason has been the Dodgers. They completely manhandled the team that was supposed to be the best in baseball. While the Cubs made many and I mean many mistakes, the Dodgers made them pay for every single one of them. That series showed me that this team is more than just Manny. Players like Russell Martin and James Loney step up and get hits when runners are on base everytime. Playing on the road much like the Red Sox didn't faze them either. Their rotation seems to be very solid and their bullpen consists of pitchers you want to have trying to win a championship. As for the Phillies, this team has definitely improved from the team that was in the playoffs last year. They have a lot of weapons on offense and their pitching staff has improved the most and been what's enabled them to get this far. However, I didn't feel they dominated Milwaukee like I thought they would. They had big innings but I didn't see the consistency on offense that I would have expected from them and that I saw from the Dodgers. They can't afford to make mistakes as I said or the Dodgers will make them pay for it. But most of all, I remember what happened last year when they ran into a very hot team. The Rockies were playing unbelievable baseball last year and the Phillies couldn't handle them. Maybe the Dodgers aren't quite that hot but they are very close. And I don't think that will bode well for the Phillies. Maybe I'm selling them a little short but after what I saw from the Dodgers I don't think the Phillies will do much to stop them. It's gonna be Manny's former team vs. his current team and either Manny or the Red Sox will pick up a 3rd title in 5 years. Dodgers in five.
Red Sox v. Rays
Manny or no Manny the Red Sox still know how to get it done in the postseason. They can come at you in all areas and seem to come up with clutch hits at the right moments. To think that AL MVP candiate Dustin Pedroia was not much of a factor against the Angels and they still won in just 4 games should scare every future opponent they have. Jon Lester has been stellar in the playoffs, and if Dice-K and Beckett get back to dominant form, this team will be very tough to stop. As for the Rays, this team has a bright future and could maybe surprise people as to how well they'll do. Players like Longoria, Upton, Pena, Crawford, Navarro and Floyd makes this team very balanced offensively. And the pitching is the strength of their team as they were very effective in taking a potentially explosive offense in the White Sox out of its game, which is hitting it out of the park. Both of these teams have tremendous balance and the Rays even played well against Boston this year enabling them to win the AL East by two games. But the Rays are ultimately still a year or two away in my mind while Boston has done a great job in making up for the loss of Manny and will prove to be too much. I'm sick of Red Sox nation and I really like this Rays team so I hope they find a way to pull it off. But I think the best they can do is be competitive. Red Sox in six.
Dodgers v. Phillies
By far the biggest surprise of this postseason has been the Dodgers. They completely manhandled the team that was supposed to be the best in baseball. While the Cubs made many and I mean many mistakes, the Dodgers made them pay for every single one of them. That series showed me that this team is more than just Manny. Players like Russell Martin and James Loney step up and get hits when runners are on base everytime. Playing on the road much like the Red Sox didn't faze them either. Their rotation seems to be very solid and their bullpen consists of pitchers you want to have trying to win a championship. As for the Phillies, this team has definitely improved from the team that was in the playoffs last year. They have a lot of weapons on offense and their pitching staff has improved the most and been what's enabled them to get this far. However, I didn't feel they dominated Milwaukee like I thought they would. They had big innings but I didn't see the consistency on offense that I would have expected from them and that I saw from the Dodgers. They can't afford to make mistakes as I said or the Dodgers will make them pay for it. But most of all, I remember what happened last year when they ran into a very hot team. The Rockies were playing unbelievable baseball last year and the Phillies couldn't handle them. Maybe the Dodgers aren't quite that hot but they are very close. And I don't think that will bode well for the Phillies. Maybe I'm selling them a little short but after what I saw from the Dodgers I don't think the Phillies will do much to stop them. It's gonna be Manny's former team vs. his current team and either Manny or the Red Sox will pick up a 3rd title in 5 years. Dodgers in five.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Strongest and weakest postseason performances this week
Strongest performance- Manny Ramirez, Russell Martin and James Loney.
You could argue that the whole Dodger team deserves to be mentioned here but I've gone with the three Dodgers who in my mind by far had the biggest impact on the series.
Manny has completely changed the dynamic of this Dodger team. He seems to be a guarantee to get on base all the time and because of that it allows players like Eithier and Loney to get more hits. Manny was 5 for 10 in this series with 2 hr. While he drove most of his runs in when LA had a big lead, he was still on base constantly and always a huge threat to get on. He changed this team and has now made the Dodgers a legitimate contender to win the World Series.
Russell Martin batted .308 in this series and while he only got 4 hits, he made each and every one count and made the Cubs pay with just about all of them. He drove in 7 runs in the 3 games with a hr and 2 rbi doubles. One of those doubles included the backbreaker in game 2 after all of the Cubs errors that were committed, leading to a 5-0 Dodger lead. It needed to be more than just Manny in this series for LA to win and Russell Martin became a major offensive threat in this series.
James Loney officially only went 3 for 14. But his grand slam in the 5th inning of game 1 pretty much clinched this series and sealed the fate of the Cubs immediately. He like Martin didn't get a lot of hits, but the hits he did get made the Cubs pay. He drove in 6 runs for the series including a 2 run double in the 1st inning of game 3 once again pretty much sealing the fate of the Cubs early on.
Weakest performance- This time I am going with a whole team and that team is obviously the Cubs. Each and every player on that team should be embaressed excluding Reed Johnson and Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano got majorly screwed over with all of those errors. In reality he didn't actually pitch that bad of a game but was doomed when every infielder comitted a pathetic looking error. And how does Pinella justify not giving Johnson one at-bat. He energized the Cubs the whole season coming up with clutch timely hits. Instead Fukodome went hitless the 1st two games and after Pinella swore he wouldn't play him again replaces Edmonds with him instead of Johnson. It was so much worse than that however as the Cubs looked completely lost at the plate. They were late on their swings so much that it wasn't just that they weren't getting on base but they couldn't even fly out. It was all groundouts or reaching for pitches low outta the strikezone. This performance was the worst playoff performance I have ever seen from any team in any sport in any year that I have been watching sports. Changes have to be made and I think it starts with getting rid of Lee and Soriano. Soriano swings at every ball thrown in the dirt and Lee although he had an ok series in comparison to everyone else constantly grounded into dp's the whole season. There will never be a weaker performance in the playoffs than the 2008 Chicago Cubs.
You could argue that the whole Dodger team deserves to be mentioned here but I've gone with the three Dodgers who in my mind by far had the biggest impact on the series.
Manny has completely changed the dynamic of this Dodger team. He seems to be a guarantee to get on base all the time and because of that it allows players like Eithier and Loney to get more hits. Manny was 5 for 10 in this series with 2 hr. While he drove most of his runs in when LA had a big lead, he was still on base constantly and always a huge threat to get on. He changed this team and has now made the Dodgers a legitimate contender to win the World Series.
Russell Martin batted .308 in this series and while he only got 4 hits, he made each and every one count and made the Cubs pay with just about all of them. He drove in 7 runs in the 3 games with a hr and 2 rbi doubles. One of those doubles included the backbreaker in game 2 after all of the Cubs errors that were committed, leading to a 5-0 Dodger lead. It needed to be more than just Manny in this series for LA to win and Russell Martin became a major offensive threat in this series.
James Loney officially only went 3 for 14. But his grand slam in the 5th inning of game 1 pretty much clinched this series and sealed the fate of the Cubs immediately. He like Martin didn't get a lot of hits, but the hits he did get made the Cubs pay. He drove in 6 runs for the series including a 2 run double in the 1st inning of game 3 once again pretty much sealing the fate of the Cubs early on.
Weakest performance- This time I am going with a whole team and that team is obviously the Cubs. Each and every player on that team should be embaressed excluding Reed Johnson and Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano got majorly screwed over with all of those errors. In reality he didn't actually pitch that bad of a game but was doomed when every infielder comitted a pathetic looking error. And how does Pinella justify not giving Johnson one at-bat. He energized the Cubs the whole season coming up with clutch timely hits. Instead Fukodome went hitless the 1st two games and after Pinella swore he wouldn't play him again replaces Edmonds with him instead of Johnson. It was so much worse than that however as the Cubs looked completely lost at the plate. They were late on their swings so much that it wasn't just that they weren't getting on base but they couldn't even fly out. It was all groundouts or reaching for pitches low outta the strikezone. This performance was the worst playoff performance I have ever seen from any team in any sport in any year that I have been watching sports. Changes have to be made and I think it starts with getting rid of Lee and Soriano. Soriano swings at every ball thrown in the dirt and Lee although he had an ok series in comparison to everyone else constantly grounded into dp's the whole season. There will never be a weaker performance in the playoffs than the 2008 Chicago Cubs.
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