Well, the time has come. The Lineup Card has run its course, and it's time for the noble scribe to hang up the pen. OK that was a bit hyperbolic, but the fact is there simply aren't enough hours in the day to keep up with the blog.
I have been neglecting The Card for some time now, and I just can't allow this to happen any more. The posts have been falling off for a few months, and the truth is, they would have basically become nonexistent until summer as I become consumed with traveling for work.
I started this blog to rant about Manny and the Red Sox, and I had some fun boring you with my many other opinions along the way. Thank you loyal readers for your support and comments. I probably would have given up before this if it weren't for your nagging and jokes.
Like MJ once said, I am 99 percent sure this is the end for The Card. I will always leave room for a comeback though. Check back as the hot stove heats up a little later in the winter, but for now I'm going to pull a Brett Favre and tearfully walk away (for now).
Friday, November 14, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A Patriotic Day
It's the most important political day in the last couple decades ... so let's talk some sports.
I know (thanks Angry Craig) I've been neglecting the blog a little bit. I could make some excuses, but I should just play like a champion.
So here we go:
It's a coulpe days late, but let's discuss what happened to the Patriots this weekend. When it comes down to it, one play cost New England the game: when David Thomas made the official bonehead move of the 2008 Patriots season and earned a personal foul flag on third and inches on the outskirts of field goal range. He deserves the most blame for the loss to the Colts, but he's not the only one.
Let me make this clear: Bill Belichick is one of the greatest football coaches of all time. He has been phenomenal guiding the Patriots to three Super Bowls, but you know what? He's human, and he had a bad game Sunday night.
Three coaching decisions stand out as being very costly on Sunday.
1. The challenge of the 12 men on the field call - It wasn't bad because he got it wrong. The decision to challenge it at all was extremely questionable because the Pats didn't stand to gain a lot and they ended up risking (and losing) a second-half timeout. That's a call you make to get a key first down in the first half or in the closing minutes of a game. You don't do it on first and 10 in the third quarter.
2. The timeout before kicking the go-ahead field goal - Belichick was on "The Big Show" yesterday explaining this decision. He said he thought it was fourth and inches and turned out to be closer to fourth and a yard. The problem with this excuse is that if it was that close, he could have asked for a measurement to have a better view and to think about the decision without having to waste a timeout. This was an airhead move by a coach who always seems to make the right decisions in crunch time.
3. The shovel pass on third down on the final drive - This is a play that may have worked with Tom Brady as quarterback because the defense would be defending the deep ball. With Cassel at quarterback, defenses have to expect trickery on third and long, so trying to slip a fast one by the Colts defense just seemed foolish. Sometimes you just have to stop thinking too hard and let it fly.
No one is saying Bill Belichick should be fired over these decisions, but if you listen to Boston sports radio, it seems like it's blasphemy to every criticise the man. He messed up on Sunday, and he should be called out on it. Don't fool yourself, Belichick has messed up before (Super Bowl XLII) and he'll mess up again. He's a great coach, but he's not God.
I know (thanks Angry Craig) I've been neglecting the blog a little bit. I could make some excuses, but I should just play like a champion.
So here we go:
It's a coulpe days late, but let's discuss what happened to the Patriots this weekend. When it comes down to it, one play cost New England the game: when David Thomas made the official bonehead move of the 2008 Patriots season and earned a personal foul flag on third and inches on the outskirts of field goal range. He deserves the most blame for the loss to the Colts, but he's not the only one.
Let me make this clear: Bill Belichick is one of the greatest football coaches of all time. He has been phenomenal guiding the Patriots to three Super Bowls, but you know what? He's human, and he had a bad game Sunday night.
Three coaching decisions stand out as being very costly on Sunday.
1. The challenge of the 12 men on the field call - It wasn't bad because he got it wrong. The decision to challenge it at all was extremely questionable because the Pats didn't stand to gain a lot and they ended up risking (and losing) a second-half timeout. That's a call you make to get a key first down in the first half or in the closing minutes of a game. You don't do it on first and 10 in the third quarter.
2. The timeout before kicking the go-ahead field goal - Belichick was on "The Big Show" yesterday explaining this decision. He said he thought it was fourth and inches and turned out to be closer to fourth and a yard. The problem with this excuse is that if it was that close, he could have asked for a measurement to have a better view and to think about the decision without having to waste a timeout. This was an airhead move by a coach who always seems to make the right decisions in crunch time.
3. The shovel pass on third down on the final drive - This is a play that may have worked with Tom Brady as quarterback because the defense would be defending the deep ball. With Cassel at quarterback, defenses have to expect trickery on third and long, so trying to slip a fast one by the Colts defense just seemed foolish. Sometimes you just have to stop thinking too hard and let it fly.
No one is saying Bill Belichick should be fired over these decisions, but if you listen to Boston sports radio, it seems like it's blasphemy to every criticise the man. He messed up on Sunday, and he should be called out on it. Don't fool yourself, Belichick has messed up before (Super Bowl XLII) and he'll mess up again. He's a great coach, but he's not God.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Truth is ... Paul Pierce is a Boston legend
We've been fortunate over the past decade to witness several ring ceremonies and banner raisings in Boston. But not one of those ever had the emotion that came with the Celtics Ring Night tonight in Boston.
Other championships carried more significance than No. 17 for the Green. The Pats ended 16 years of total failure for all New England sports, opening the flood gates for the current prosperity in Beantown. The Sox ended an 86-year draught that had captivated the region and caused such heartbreak over the years. The Celtics championship was great for ending a 22-year span of futility, but most people would not rank it ahead of Vinatieri's game-winner (twice) or Keith Foulke's underhand toss to first.
But this one was special for one reason: Paul Pierce
When the captain grabbed that championship trophy at the start of the ceremony, the tears were already flowing. By the time he came out to retrieve his ring, he was flat-out bawling. And when the Celtics raised No. 17 to the immortal rafters, he was totally overcome with emotion.
Pierce represented everything that we ask from our athletes tonight. He poured his heart and soul into a losing franchise for 10 years, never looking to be traded or to leave via free agency. We want our athletes to care as much as we do, and we're normally let down, but not by Paul Pierce. The Truth is, Pierce legitimately cares even more than the rabid Boston fan base, and that's refreshing.
Oh, and by the way, Pierce is also pretty darn good on the court too. He just passed Bob Cousy for fifth place in scoring on the all-time greatest franchise in the NBA (no debate). One day we'll remember Paul Pierce in the same light we remember Larry Bird, Carl Yastremski and Tedy Bruschi.
Every Celtics player earned their ring tonight except Scalabrine (kidding ... kind of), but none deserved it more than Pierce.
The NBA: Where the real Big Game James plays
2008-09 NBA Finals prediction
I'm making some pretty bold predictions for this NBA season, including Miami, Portland and the Clippers sneaking into the playoffs. But somehow I made the popular finals picks of New Orleans and Boston.
I'm ashamed of my lack of creativity and courage, but as Bill Belichick is fond of saying, "it is what it is."
So here goes: the 2008 NBA Champions will be...
1. New Orleans def. 1. Boston
Celtics fans will cheer James Posey when he comes back for the Finals, then lament his return as he hits the game-winning shot in game 7 in the Garden. The sad thing will be that no one can really get mad at him since he meant so much to the 2008-09 team.
Where 17 happens: Eastern Conference preview
And now, what you've all been waiting for ... the 2008-09 Eastern Conference Preview. The West is really just a battle for second place, as Larry Bird once said about the 3-point contest. Well, that's not entirely true, but the road to the title will have to go through one tough team from the East at some point. The West is deeper, but there may not be a better team in the league than Boston, so let the debating begin.
Stick around for the playoff predictions at the bottom ...
1. Boston – The Celtics lost their top bench player from last season in James Posey, but as important as Posey was to the team’s success, he was still a bench player. The starting five returns along with much of the bench that led them to a title. They’re still the champs until someone knocks them off.
2. Cleveland – Lebron James doesn’t have his Scottie Pippen yet, but Mo Williams is a step up over Wally (Wendy’s older brother) Szczerbiak. The King almost beat the champs last year by himself, and now he has a slightly better chance to take the next step.
3. Detroit – Don’t sleep on these guys for the same reason you shouldn’t sleep on the Spurs. They’re older and not much improved, but they’re not just going to fall off the map either after going to the conference finals last year. The core is the same, but it’s a pretty good core.
4. Toronto – Chris Bosh emerged as a legitimate superstar in the Olympics. Sure it’s a different game over here, but the world finally got to see how good this kid can be. Pair him with Jermaine O’Neal in the middle and Jose Calderon on the outside, and the Raptors have a shot.
5. Philadelphia – Elton Brand plus Andre Iguodala and a cast of strong young players equals immediate contention. It’s still tough to call the Sixers a serious title contender when Theo Ratliff’s expiring contract averages more than 15 minutes per game.
6. Orlando – While Chris Bosh emerged in Beijing, Dwight Howard looked far more human than the Superman we thought he was becoming. The Magic have some skills, but Lewis and Turkoglu are too soft to carry them if Howard has an off night.
7. Washington – Arenas is out for a while, but the Wiz actually looked like a better team at times last year without Agent Zero. If they get out to a hot start, don’t be surprised if people in D.C. tell their $100 million man to take his time coming back.
8. Miami – Dwayne Wade is back. Not to keep harping on the Olympics, but no one had a bigger coming out party than Wade, who proved he’s still a stud and can carry a team when healthy. Beaseley and Marion make up a very talented cast that’s only lacking bench depth to be a top team.
9. Atlanta – The Hawks caught the Celtics at the right time at the beginning of the playoffs last year and almost pulled the miraculous upset. They’re the real wild card this season as the progression or regression of their young players can change their fortunes drastically.
10. Chicago – The Bulls are coming off one of the most disappointing NBA seasons in recent memory. This year the expectations are far lower, but don’t expect much more from a club whose veteran players are Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden and Kirk Hinrich.
11. Charlotte – There’s enough talent here to win a few games, but there aren’t any glue guys to bring it all together. Odds on Larry Brown having heart trouble this year: 3-2.
12. Milwaukee – Richard Jefferson makes them a better team and Michael Redd is always fun to watch, but go ahead and name one more decent player on the Bucks. Joe Alexander was the most overhyped player in the draft this year so he doesn’t count. NOTE: The Bucks are so boring I incorrectly had them listed on the Western Conference preview yesterday and Angry Craig didn’t even comment to make fun of me.
13. Indiana – Roy Hibbert’s supposed to get me excited for this season? Sorry Pacers fans, this one’s going to take a while to rebuild.
14. New York – Isiah is still on the payroll even if he’s not the coach or GM anymore, which is good enough reason to put them near the bottom of the East.
15. New Jersey/Brooklyn – Can the Nets just come out and say that they’re openly positioning themselves for a run at Lebron when his contract is up? Keep trading away your best assets N.J. and see how much the King wants to play for a loser. Hey, at least you still have Jay-Z.
ROUND 1
1. Boston def. 8. Miami
2. Cleveland def. 7. Washington
6. Orlando def. 3. Detroit
5. Philadelphia def. 4. Toronto
ROUND 2
1. Boston def. 5. Philadelphia
2. Cleveland def. 6. Orlando
EASTERN FINALS
1. Boston def. 2. Cleveland
Stick around for the playoff predictions at the bottom ...
1. Boston – The Celtics lost their top bench player from last season in James Posey, but as important as Posey was to the team’s success, he was still a bench player. The starting five returns along with much of the bench that led them to a title. They’re still the champs until someone knocks them off.
2. Cleveland – Lebron James doesn’t have his Scottie Pippen yet, but Mo Williams is a step up over Wally (Wendy’s older brother) Szczerbiak. The King almost beat the champs last year by himself, and now he has a slightly better chance to take the next step.
3. Detroit – Don’t sleep on these guys for the same reason you shouldn’t sleep on the Spurs. They’re older and not much improved, but they’re not just going to fall off the map either after going to the conference finals last year. The core is the same, but it’s a pretty good core.
4. Toronto – Chris Bosh emerged as a legitimate superstar in the Olympics. Sure it’s a different game over here, but the world finally got to see how good this kid can be. Pair him with Jermaine O’Neal in the middle and Jose Calderon on the outside, and the Raptors have a shot.
5. Philadelphia – Elton Brand plus Andre Iguodala and a cast of strong young players equals immediate contention. It’s still tough to call the Sixers a serious title contender when Theo Ratliff’s expiring contract averages more than 15 minutes per game.
6. Orlando – While Chris Bosh emerged in Beijing, Dwight Howard looked far more human than the Superman we thought he was becoming. The Magic have some skills, but Lewis and Turkoglu are too soft to carry them if Howard has an off night.
7. Washington – Arenas is out for a while, but the Wiz actually looked like a better team at times last year without Agent Zero. If they get out to a hot start, don’t be surprised if people in D.C. tell their $100 million man to take his time coming back.
8. Miami – Dwayne Wade is back. Not to keep harping on the Olympics, but no one had a bigger coming out party than Wade, who proved he’s still a stud and can carry a team when healthy. Beaseley and Marion make up a very talented cast that’s only lacking bench depth to be a top team.
9. Atlanta – The Hawks caught the Celtics at the right time at the beginning of the playoffs last year and almost pulled the miraculous upset. They’re the real wild card this season as the progression or regression of their young players can change their fortunes drastically.
10. Chicago – The Bulls are coming off one of the most disappointing NBA seasons in recent memory. This year the expectations are far lower, but don’t expect much more from a club whose veteran players are Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden and Kirk Hinrich.
11. Charlotte – There’s enough talent here to win a few games, but there aren’t any glue guys to bring it all together. Odds on Larry Brown having heart trouble this year: 3-2.
12. Milwaukee – Richard Jefferson makes them a better team and Michael Redd is always fun to watch, but go ahead and name one more decent player on the Bucks. Joe Alexander was the most overhyped player in the draft this year so he doesn’t count. NOTE: The Bucks are so boring I incorrectly had them listed on the Western Conference preview yesterday and Angry Craig didn’t even comment to make fun of me.
13. Indiana – Roy Hibbert’s supposed to get me excited for this season? Sorry Pacers fans, this one’s going to take a while to rebuild.
14. New York – Isiah is still on the payroll even if he’s not the coach or GM anymore, which is good enough reason to put them near the bottom of the East.
15. New Jersey/Brooklyn – Can the Nets just come out and say that they’re openly positioning themselves for a run at Lebron when his contract is up? Keep trading away your best assets N.J. and see how much the King wants to play for a loser. Hey, at least you still have Jay-Z.
ROUND 1
1. Boston def. 8. Miami
2. Cleveland def. 7. Washington
6. Orlando def. 3. Detroit
5. Philadelphia def. 4. Toronto
ROUND 2
1. Boston def. 5. Philadelphia
2. Cleveland def. 6. Orlando
EASTERN FINALS
1. Boston def. 2. Cleveland
Western Conference outlook part 2
It's pretty pointless to pick playoff winners in October, but it's also pretty fun. Considering I picked the Tennessee Titans to win six games this year (they're 7-0), my predictions need to be taken with a truck-full of salt. But hey, it's always fun to look back after the fact and realize how dumb you were.
So here goes...
ROUND 1
1. New Orleans def. 8. LA Clippers
2. LA Lakers def. 7. Portland
3. Houston def. 6. Phoenix
5. San Antonio def. 4. Utah
ROUND 2
1. New Orleans def. 5. San Antonio
2. LA Lakers def. 3. Houston
WEST FINALS
1. New Orleans def. 2. LA Lakers
Let the criticism begin
So here goes...
ROUND 1
1. New Orleans def. 8. LA Clippers
2. LA Lakers def. 7. Portland
3. Houston def. 6. Phoenix
5. San Antonio def. 4. Utah
ROUND 2
1. New Orleans def. 5. San Antonio
2. LA Lakers def. 3. Houston
WEST FINALS
1. New Orleans def. 2. LA Lakers
Let the criticism begin
Monday, October 27, 2008
The NBA: Where meaningless fall games happen
We’re just about 24 hours away from Banner 17 night at the TD Banknorth Garden, and it’s time to start looking ahead at the 2008-09 season. This night couldn’t come at a more perfect time, with baseball season at a close in Boston and the Patriots showing promise, but still probably a piece or two short of being a Super Bowl team.
For the first time in probably two decades, it’s time to get legitimately excited for the start of the NBA season.
Let’s start it out with a little Western Conference preview for the upcoming season.
1. New Orleans – The Hornets were just about as talented as the Lakers last year, led by their superstar Chris Paul (who is still only 23) and a strong cast of young players. All they really lacked was a veteran role player to add into the mix. Cue James Posey who seems to bring championships to every team he goes to. They’re the team to beat in the West.
2. Los Angeles – The best team in the West last year brings back it’s core and adds budding star Andrew Bynum back into the mix. Why no more love than second? It’s because they looked so soft in the playoffs and history shows us that tough teams (see Detroit, San Antonio and Boston) get it done in the clutch.
3. Houston – The Rockets have a big three now too, and it’s a pretty solid crew. Last year they made a run with just a banged up McGrady; now they get Yao back from injury and one of the best grinders in the game in Ron Artest. Rafer Alston is the key just like Rondo was the key for the Celtics last year.
4. Utah – The Jazz have a great foundation with Boozer and Williams as their stars. They have the support pieces with Kirilenko and Harpring to go with them as well. Plus, any team that employs Gerry McNamara is OK by me. NOTE: if the Jazz cut G-Mac by the start of the season they will drop to six in the rankings. The man’s a winner.
5. San Antonio – Ginobli’s out for the opening portion of the season and they appear to be getting a little older. Strangely though, Manu’s injury may be a blessing when he’s healthy and rested come playoff time. Don’t count this bunch out ever.
6. Phoenix – This is how tough the West is this year: a team with a healthy Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash is the sixth best in the conference. This team is legitimately very good, but it’s tough to put them any higher based on the competition.
7. Portland – The Blazers went from one of the worst teams in the league to a .500 team in the toughest conference ever. Now they add Greg Oden and Rudy Fernandez to the mix. Fortunately for them, this team is too young to be intimidated by the competition.
8. Los Angeles Clippers – No Elton Brand this year, but the Clippers at least added Baron Davis and Marcus Camby. Eric Gordon and Davis should make up a tough backcourt and Camby and Al Thornton will be beasts down low. This team has a real shot at breaking the playoff drought.
9. Dallas – The Mavs are slipping. Dirk has not been the same stone-cold killer since the Mavs lost in the Finals in ’06 and Jason Kidd is a shell of himself. They’ll still put up some numbers and win some games, but they’re run as a title contender is over.
10. Denver – The Nuggets didn’t play any defense last year, so what do they do? Trade away their best defensive player (Marcus Camby). They could average 140 points per game this year and still finish below .500.
11. Oklahoma City – In the words of one Jim Calhoun, “They’re not bad.” Believe it or not the Franchise Stealers…er…Thunder could be half decent this year. Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and a passionate fan base should make them anything but a guaranteed win for opponents.
12. Minnesota – The T-Wolves are better than you may think. Al Jefferson is a budding star and the bizzarro Celtics should be able to build around him and Ryan Gomes in the future. If Kevin Love can stay on the floor the Wolves will win a few games this year.
13. Memphis - They can fly with Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo and the Hack Man Warrick, but can they play? They'll at least be the most fun bad team to watch (if that makes sense).
14. Golden State – Baron Davis is gone and Monta Ellis is out indefinitely. It’s hard to find something positive coming out of Oakland this year.
15. Sacramento – Donte Green could be the best player on this team by the end of the season. Enough said.
For the first time in probably two decades, it’s time to get legitimately excited for the start of the NBA season.
Let’s start it out with a little Western Conference preview for the upcoming season.
1. New Orleans – The Hornets were just about as talented as the Lakers last year, led by their superstar Chris Paul (who is still only 23) and a strong cast of young players. All they really lacked was a veteran role player to add into the mix. Cue James Posey who seems to bring championships to every team he goes to. They’re the team to beat in the West.
2. Los Angeles – The best team in the West last year brings back it’s core and adds budding star Andrew Bynum back into the mix. Why no more love than second? It’s because they looked so soft in the playoffs and history shows us that tough teams (see Detroit, San Antonio and Boston) get it done in the clutch.
3. Houston – The Rockets have a big three now too, and it’s a pretty solid crew. Last year they made a run with just a banged up McGrady; now they get Yao back from injury and one of the best grinders in the game in Ron Artest. Rafer Alston is the key just like Rondo was the key for the Celtics last year.
4. Utah – The Jazz have a great foundation with Boozer and Williams as their stars. They have the support pieces with Kirilenko and Harpring to go with them as well. Plus, any team that employs Gerry McNamara is OK by me. NOTE: if the Jazz cut G-Mac by the start of the season they will drop to six in the rankings. The man’s a winner.
5. San Antonio – Ginobli’s out for the opening portion of the season and they appear to be getting a little older. Strangely though, Manu’s injury may be a blessing when he’s healthy and rested come playoff time. Don’t count this bunch out ever.
6. Phoenix – This is how tough the West is this year: a team with a healthy Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash is the sixth best in the conference. This team is legitimately very good, but it’s tough to put them any higher based on the competition.
7. Portland – The Blazers went from one of the worst teams in the league to a .500 team in the toughest conference ever. Now they add Greg Oden and Rudy Fernandez to the mix. Fortunately for them, this team is too young to be intimidated by the competition.
8. Los Angeles Clippers – No Elton Brand this year, but the Clippers at least added Baron Davis and Marcus Camby. Eric Gordon and Davis should make up a tough backcourt and Camby and Al Thornton will be beasts down low. This team has a real shot at breaking the playoff drought.
9. Dallas – The Mavs are slipping. Dirk has not been the same stone-cold killer since the Mavs lost in the Finals in ’06 and Jason Kidd is a shell of himself. They’ll still put up some numbers and win some games, but they’re run as a title contender is over.
10. Denver – The Nuggets didn’t play any defense last year, so what do they do? Trade away their best defensive player (Marcus Camby). They could average 140 points per game this year and still finish below .500.
11. Oklahoma City – In the words of one Jim Calhoun, “They’re not bad.” Believe it or not the Franchise Stealers…er…Thunder could be half decent this year. Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and a passionate fan base should make them anything but a guaranteed win for opponents.
12. Minnesota – The T-Wolves are better than you may think. Al Jefferson is a budding star and the bizzarro Celtics should be able to build around him and Ryan Gomes in the future. If Kevin Love can stay on the floor the Wolves will win a few games this year.
13. Memphis - They can fly with Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo and the Hack Man Warrick, but can they play? They'll at least be the most fun bad team to watch (if that makes sense).
14. Golden State – Baron Davis is gone and Monta Ellis is out indefinitely. It’s hard to find something positive coming out of Oakland this year.
15. Sacramento – Donte Green could be the best player on this team by the end of the season. Enough said.
Who's beeper keep beepin and beepin?
Yeah, that's right, it's Monday (in case the ESPN commercials didn't remind you already), which means it's time to recap some football action.
Has anyone noticed that the Patriots are currently in first place in the AFC East, and they lay claim to the second-best record in the AFC? Raise your hand if you thought that was a possibility in the second quarter of Week 1.
NOTE: If you're raising your hand, you're a dirty liar.
The knock on this 5-2 record thus far is with the schedule. The Pats squeaked out close wins over the Rams, 49ers and the Chiefs. They beat up on an overrated Denver team that lost it's only defensive playmaker during the game. The only "good win" came against the Jets, who were struggling to adjust to a new quarterback at the time.
When it comes down to it, there is no BCS in the NFL. Wins count the same whether they are against first-place or last-place teams. If you get 10 wins against the worst teams in the league, you're still probably going to the playoffs.
This season reminds me a lot of 2001, not just because of the new quarterback situation, but because of the lack of expectations. When Brady went down, the hopes went from Super Bowl Champion to winning five games.
Now, the expectations are a little higher, but only the biggest yahoos think this team will be raising the Lombardi trophy at the end of the year. As far as I'm concerned, every win from now on is a bonus, and that makes things pretty entertaining. This Patriots team simply can't let me down because they already have achieved more than I thought they were. If they get to six wins, I'll be pleased. If they get to 10, I'll be very pleased. If they win a playoff game I'll be ecstatic. If they win the Super Bowl I may cry with joy.
New England's time on the top of the football world has ended (for now), and Pats fans everywhere need to take a different perspective into a football season. It's kind of refreshing, but hopefully they'll restore Patriots fans to their arrogant, pompous selves next season.
Has anyone noticed that the Patriots are currently in first place in the AFC East, and they lay claim to the second-best record in the AFC? Raise your hand if you thought that was a possibility in the second quarter of Week 1.
NOTE: If you're raising your hand, you're a dirty liar.
The knock on this 5-2 record thus far is with the schedule. The Pats squeaked out close wins over the Rams, 49ers and the Chiefs. They beat up on an overrated Denver team that lost it's only defensive playmaker during the game. The only "good win" came against the Jets, who were struggling to adjust to a new quarterback at the time.
When it comes down to it, there is no BCS in the NFL. Wins count the same whether they are against first-place or last-place teams. If you get 10 wins against the worst teams in the league, you're still probably going to the playoffs.
This season reminds me a lot of 2001, not just because of the new quarterback situation, but because of the lack of expectations. When Brady went down, the hopes went from Super Bowl Champion to winning five games.
Now, the expectations are a little higher, but only the biggest yahoos think this team will be raising the Lombardi trophy at the end of the year. As far as I'm concerned, every win from now on is a bonus, and that makes things pretty entertaining. This Patriots team simply can't let me down because they already have achieved more than I thought they were. If they get to six wins, I'll be pleased. If they get to 10, I'll be very pleased. If they win a playoff game I'll be ecstatic. If they win the Super Bowl I may cry with joy.
New England's time on the top of the football world has ended (for now), and Pats fans everywhere need to take a different perspective into a football season. It's kind of refreshing, but hopefully they'll restore Patriots fans to their arrogant, pompous selves next season.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Looking forward
Now that we've gotten all the niceties out of the way, it's time to look ahead to the 2009 season. Baseball is a business, and it's time to cut out all the personal feelings and look at what moves will make this Red Sox team a contender next season.
A lot has been made in this space about how the 2008 Red Sox were pretty similar to the 2007 Red Sox. The core of the team remained the same, but there were enough differences that they were unable to repeat the end result.
Part of it was simply facing a better ballclub in the Tampa Bay Rays, but part of it comes down to the flaws in the structure of the '08 team.
Let's start with the strengths of the team. These are the areas that are solidified for the Red Sox moving forward.
Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia - These two have supplanted Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz as the most important duo for the Boston Red Sox. The best part is that both players are young and affordable for the time being. This is the new foundation on which the Sox will build going forward.
Jonathan Papelbon and Justin Masterson - The back end of the bullpen was phenomenal throughout the regular season and postseason. Hopefully the overuse in October won't affect them next season.
Jon Lester and Dice-K - If Beckett can return to form, the Red Sox will have the best 1-2-3 punch in all of baseball next year.
Jason Bay - He's no Manny at the plate, but he's pretty darn good, and he did more things in the field and on the basepaths than Ramirez ever did.
Now let's take a glance at the places the Sox need to work on during this offseason
Fourth and fifth starter - I'm sorry but it's time for Tim Wakefield to go. He's always been considered an innings eater, but Wake hasn't sniffed 200 innings since 2005. Plus, having Wakefield in the rotation continues to retard the progress of the young Red Sox catchers because he requires a personal backstop. The Sox don't need to make a huge free agent splash here, but they need more depth at the back of the rotation. CC Sabathia isn't the answer, but Derek Lowe may be.
Catcher - Jason Varitek hit the game-winning home run in game six, but remember that was his only hit of the season. He left 16 runners on base, including two big ones in the seventh inning of game seven. 'Tek just doesn't look like a big-league hitter any more, and his leadership qualities don't drive in any of the big runs. Let's face it, if the Red Sox simply had a catcher that batted .100 for the ALCS, they would likely be preparing for the Phillies right now.
Middle Relief - This is always the hardest area to fix because middle relievers come and go every year. Mike Timlin will likely retire and it's time we start looking at Manny Delcarmen as the mediocre reliever he is. This is an area that must be addressed via free agency this offseason.
Bench - Jed Lowrie is more of a utility player than starting shortstop (despite all my gushing in August over him). That means Alex Cora is expendable this year. Sean Casey was useless on the bench, and it showed in Francona's lack of willingness to play the veteran late in games. The Sox need another outfielder (to replace Kotsay) and a bat with some pop (to do better than Casey). The '04 team had Gabe Kapler, the '07 team had Bobby Kielty and the '08 team had Mark Kotsay. But that was the difference as Kotsay was forced to start and the Sox lost a valuable bat off their bench.
Shortstop - With Lowrie ideally on the bench, the Sox need to address this position in the offseason. Any trade with Julio Lugo will involve Boston eating most of his salary, so a move may not be practical. An improvement in the lineup here would make a big difference overall though.
A lot has been made in this space about how the 2008 Red Sox were pretty similar to the 2007 Red Sox. The core of the team remained the same, but there were enough differences that they were unable to repeat the end result.
Part of it was simply facing a better ballclub in the Tampa Bay Rays, but part of it comes down to the flaws in the structure of the '08 team.
Let's start with the strengths of the team. These are the areas that are solidified for the Red Sox moving forward.
Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia - These two have supplanted Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz as the most important duo for the Boston Red Sox. The best part is that both players are young and affordable for the time being. This is the new foundation on which the Sox will build going forward.
Jonathan Papelbon and Justin Masterson - The back end of the bullpen was phenomenal throughout the regular season and postseason. Hopefully the overuse in October won't affect them next season.
Jon Lester and Dice-K - If Beckett can return to form, the Red Sox will have the best 1-2-3 punch in all of baseball next year.
Jason Bay - He's no Manny at the plate, but he's pretty darn good, and he did more things in the field and on the basepaths than Ramirez ever did.
Now let's take a glance at the places the Sox need to work on during this offseason
Fourth and fifth starter - I'm sorry but it's time for Tim Wakefield to go. He's always been considered an innings eater, but Wake hasn't sniffed 200 innings since 2005. Plus, having Wakefield in the rotation continues to retard the progress of the young Red Sox catchers because he requires a personal backstop. The Sox don't need to make a huge free agent splash here, but they need more depth at the back of the rotation. CC Sabathia isn't the answer, but Derek Lowe may be.
Catcher - Jason Varitek hit the game-winning home run in game six, but remember that was his only hit of the season. He left 16 runners on base, including two big ones in the seventh inning of game seven. 'Tek just doesn't look like a big-league hitter any more, and his leadership qualities don't drive in any of the big runs. Let's face it, if the Red Sox simply had a catcher that batted .100 for the ALCS, they would likely be preparing for the Phillies right now.
Middle Relief - This is always the hardest area to fix because middle relievers come and go every year. Mike Timlin will likely retire and it's time we start looking at Manny Delcarmen as the mediocre reliever he is. This is an area that must be addressed via free agency this offseason.
Bench - Jed Lowrie is more of a utility player than starting shortstop (despite all my gushing in August over him). That means Alex Cora is expendable this year. Sean Casey was useless on the bench, and it showed in Francona's lack of willingness to play the veteran late in games. The Sox need another outfielder (to replace Kotsay) and a bat with some pop (to do better than Casey). The '04 team had Gabe Kapler, the '07 team had Bobby Kielty and the '08 team had Mark Kotsay. But that was the difference as Kotsay was forced to start and the Sox lost a valuable bat off their bench.
Shortstop - With Lowrie ideally on the bench, the Sox need to address this position in the offseason. Any trade with Julio Lugo will involve Boston eating most of his salary, so a move may not be practical. An improvement in the lineup here would make a big difference overall though.
You can't win 'em all
OK, so I hope by now you figured out my plan for reverse jinxing the Sox in the playoffs. I guess it didn't pan out exactly how I hoped. Maybe the powers that be started to notice the lack of sincerity in my Rays predictions. Maybe if you make enough predictions you are bound to be right ... even when the goal is to be wrong.
Regardless, this season didn't have the storybook ending Sox fans were hoping for, and it's hard to call the 2008 campaign anything less than a failure. Sorry to be so frank, but whenever you bring back nearly every part of a World Series Championship team, anything less than winning the title again has to be considered a failure.
But the thing is, not all failures are miserable. Sure, the Sox didn't get the job done in 2008, but it wasn't for lack of effort.
Had the series ended in game five, as it looked like it would, we would be looking at this 2008 team in a totally different light. Traling by seven runs late in the contest, the only word I could use to describe the feeling was disappointment. Disappointment at what seemed to be lack of effort from the home team when it was up against the ropes. Disappointment at Sox pitchers for not buzzing a Rays hitter to make them uncomfortable at the plate. Disappointment at the Sox boppers for looking afraid to step up in a big situation. Disappointment at a team that was underachieving.
Then the miracle happened. Game five showed us that this Sox team actually did have some fight left. A team that was ravaged by injuries poured every last drop of sweat onto the field for the next three games and made us all believe they could pull off the impossible ... again.
Not every story has a fairy tale ending. Unfortunately, this one did, only it was the Rays, not the Red Sox, who played the role of the hero this time.
At the opening of the season the goal was obvious: win the World Series. By midseason it was just to survive Manny and his soap opera. By September it was to fight and claw into the playoffs despite all the injuries. And in the postseason, it was just to live to fight another day.
When we look back at 2008 years from now, we will remember one thing: that they lost in the ALCS. Unfortunately that's the way all teams are judged, and few will remember all the details when all they have left are the box scores.
But I'm not disappointed in these Red Sox. Their top slugger was injured for the majority of the season. Their ace wasn't the same in the second half. Their Hall of Fame cleanup hitter shot his way out of town. Their World Series MVP from 2007 missed almost all of the playoffs. Their sweet-swinging right fielder played through a back injury that would have put him on the DL in the regular season.
That's not to say the Rays didn't deserve to win. They had their injuries too - see Troy Percival - but they were just a little younger, a little more athletic and a little more talented (believe it or not). They earned their place in the World Series.
But the Red Sox did their job for as long as they could. They overcame more adversity than any of us expected them to face, and they showed the type of heart and grit Boston fans always crave out of their teams.
This isn't Little League, so there are no gold stars to give them for the 2008 campaign. It was a failure in the grand scheme of things, but at least it was fun to watch.
Regardless, this season didn't have the storybook ending Sox fans were hoping for, and it's hard to call the 2008 campaign anything less than a failure. Sorry to be so frank, but whenever you bring back nearly every part of a World Series Championship team, anything less than winning the title again has to be considered a failure.
But the thing is, not all failures are miserable. Sure, the Sox didn't get the job done in 2008, but it wasn't for lack of effort.
Had the series ended in game five, as it looked like it would, we would be looking at this 2008 team in a totally different light. Traling by seven runs late in the contest, the only word I could use to describe the feeling was disappointment. Disappointment at what seemed to be lack of effort from the home team when it was up against the ropes. Disappointment at Sox pitchers for not buzzing a Rays hitter to make them uncomfortable at the plate. Disappointment at the Sox boppers for looking afraid to step up in a big situation. Disappointment at a team that was underachieving.
Then the miracle happened. Game five showed us that this Sox team actually did have some fight left. A team that was ravaged by injuries poured every last drop of sweat onto the field for the next three games and made us all believe they could pull off the impossible ... again.
Not every story has a fairy tale ending. Unfortunately, this one did, only it was the Rays, not the Red Sox, who played the role of the hero this time.
At the opening of the season the goal was obvious: win the World Series. By midseason it was just to survive Manny and his soap opera. By September it was to fight and claw into the playoffs despite all the injuries. And in the postseason, it was just to live to fight another day.
When we look back at 2008 years from now, we will remember one thing: that they lost in the ALCS. Unfortunately that's the way all teams are judged, and few will remember all the details when all they have left are the box scores.
But I'm not disappointed in these Red Sox. Their top slugger was injured for the majority of the season. Their ace wasn't the same in the second half. Their Hall of Fame cleanup hitter shot his way out of town. Their World Series MVP from 2007 missed almost all of the playoffs. Their sweet-swinging right fielder played through a back injury that would have put him on the DL in the regular season.
That's not to say the Rays didn't deserve to win. They had their injuries too - see Troy Percival - but they were just a little younger, a little more athletic and a little more talented (believe it or not). They earned their place in the World Series.
But the Red Sox did their job for as long as they could. They overcame more adversity than any of us expected them to face, and they showed the type of heart and grit Boston fans always crave out of their teams.
This isn't Little League, so there are no gold stars to give them for the 2008 campaign. It was a failure in the grand scheme of things, but at least it was fun to watch.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The game of games
There really is nothing like a good game seven. The Sox are 2-1 in my adult life with two amazing wins and one miserable loss. It's the peak of an emotional rollercoaster, and it will make or break the way you feel about your team for the next several months.
Let's think back to last year, when Kenny Lofton was rounding third base and was ready to score the tying run. The sky was falling, the end of the world was upon us, the Red Sox had reverted back to chokers.
Flash forward one inning: Lofton was mysteriously held at third base, and the Indians had grounded into an inning-ending double play. One pitch later, Dustin Pedroia took that tiny frame and blasted a back-breaking home run. Suddenly the Sox are the kings of clutch and the class of MLB.
That's how close game sevens are.
And that's how close it will be tonight. You can talk all you want about momentum, but this Boston team is spent. Papelbon is a big question mark after he's been overused (justifiably) throughout the playoffs. The injuries to Lowell and Drew and Ortiz have got to catch up eventually.
The Rays will win, but it will be that close again. That game-winning catwalk homer is coming, and Chip Carey better rehearse his confused home run call.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Yogi was right
It really ain't over 'til it's over. Game five wasn't over until J.D. Drew drove home the winning run in the bottom of the ninth in a miracle comeback at Fenway, and this ALCS won't be over - despite what so many of us (including me) thought - until the final out is recorded.
In case you haven't heard, Drew's double came exactly five years (to the minute) after Aaron Boone's home run doomed the 2003 Red Sox. This is an interesting parallel to draw, considering how much things have changed in five short years.
At that moment in 2003, all was lost. The Yankees could not lose and the Red Sox could not win. We were all haunted by these facts on a daily basis, and it seemed as if we would never see a World Series title in our lifetimes.
Flash forward exactly five years: suddenly it is the Red Sox who know how to come through in clutch situations. If you told anyone the Sox would be the champions of clutch five years after Boone gave all Boston fans the proverbial kick to the groin, they would have laughed in your face.
But this is the world we live in now. The Red Sox are the never-say-die team. They have history on their side, and they know how to find ways to win. The ghosts of Fenway are suddenly more powerful than the ghosts of Yankees Stadium (who knows if they will follow the club across the street next year?).
It's a great time to be a Sox fan. They'll probably still lose in games 6 or 7, but at least the season is still alive. And no matter what, this team will know that they can win any game, at any time, no matter what. Even if the most die-hard Red Sox fans think they are done.
In case you haven't heard, Drew's double came exactly five years (to the minute) after Aaron Boone's home run doomed the 2003 Red Sox. This is an interesting parallel to draw, considering how much things have changed in five short years.
At that moment in 2003, all was lost. The Yankees could not lose and the Red Sox could not win. We were all haunted by these facts on a daily basis, and it seemed as if we would never see a World Series title in our lifetimes.
Flash forward exactly five years: suddenly it is the Red Sox who know how to come through in clutch situations. If you told anyone the Sox would be the champions of clutch five years after Boone gave all Boston fans the proverbial kick to the groin, they would have laughed in your face.
But this is the world we live in now. The Red Sox are the never-say-die team. They have history on their side, and they know how to find ways to win. The ghosts of Fenway are suddenly more powerful than the ghosts of Yankees Stadium (who knows if they will follow the club across the street next year?).
It's a great time to be a Sox fan. They'll probably still lose in games 6 or 7, but at least the season is still alive. And no matter what, this team will know that they can win any game, at any time, no matter what. Even if the most die-hard Red Sox fans think they are done.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
It all comes down to this
Here we are...again. The Sox have their backs against the wall, and they need to win three in a row to move on to the World Series. They were successful in this situation twice in the last four seasons, so many fans have reason to be optimistic.
But most aren't so glass half full today. The fact is, the Rays have clearly been the better team for the past four games. They've outpitched and outhit the Red Sox at the Trop and the Fens. They pulled out a clutch extra-inning win, and they showed their strength by blowing out two games in Fenway.
Last year the Red Sox lost an extra inning game two to Cleveland, extremely similar to this year's loss. Only games three and four weren't anything like the beatdowns delivered by the Rays in this postseason. Paul Byrd and Jake Westbrook frustrated the Boston hitters, but you just got the feeling that they were all due to break out. When it all came together, I was surprised, but not totally shocked.
You just can't say the same thing about this team. They're banged up, with Lowell out, and Ortiz and Drew clearly struggling. Ellsbury has been the opposite of a spark plug, and Sean Casey and Mike Timlin are basically dead roster spots at this point. Josh Beckett is showing signs of mortality as the injuries from the long season seem to have caught up to him at the worst time. And Jon Lester had his first slipup of the postseason in game three and he may not get a chance to redeem himself.
The only players who the Red Sox can count on are Dustin Pedroia and Jonathan Papelbon. Unfortunately, Pedroia is more of a run scorer than a run producer - which isn't too helpful if the guys behind you are struggling - and Papelbon can't change games when his team is down 17 runs before the third inning.
Is it over yet? Not by a long shot. I learned long ago that you can count out the Red Sox at your own risk. But the odds are strongly against this team winning the World Series, and unlike in 2007, I would be completely shocked if they got there.
But most aren't so glass half full today. The fact is, the Rays have clearly been the better team for the past four games. They've outpitched and outhit the Red Sox at the Trop and the Fens. They pulled out a clutch extra-inning win, and they showed their strength by blowing out two games in Fenway.
Last year the Red Sox lost an extra inning game two to Cleveland, extremely similar to this year's loss. Only games three and four weren't anything like the beatdowns delivered by the Rays in this postseason. Paul Byrd and Jake Westbrook frustrated the Boston hitters, but you just got the feeling that they were all due to break out. When it all came together, I was surprised, but not totally shocked.
You just can't say the same thing about this team. They're banged up, with Lowell out, and Ortiz and Drew clearly struggling. Ellsbury has been the opposite of a spark plug, and Sean Casey and Mike Timlin are basically dead roster spots at this point. Josh Beckett is showing signs of mortality as the injuries from the long season seem to have caught up to him at the worst time. And Jon Lester had his first slipup of the postseason in game three and he may not get a chance to redeem himself.
The only players who the Red Sox can count on are Dustin Pedroia and Jonathan Papelbon. Unfortunately, Pedroia is more of a run scorer than a run producer - which isn't too helpful if the guys behind you are struggling - and Papelbon can't change games when his team is down 17 runs before the third inning.
Is it over yet? Not by a long shot. I learned long ago that you can count out the Red Sox at your own risk. But the odds are strongly against this team winning the World Series, and unlike in 2007, I would be completely shocked if they got there.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Curb your enthusiasm
What's with the lack of enthusiasm here at The Card? The Red Sox are three wins away from the World Series, or three losses away from going home like everyone else. This should be the most exciting time of the year.
But it isn't.
Here's a text from Phil the Tank from game one that sums up the feeling of the series: "This game is so weird...doesn't feel like the ALCS at all because we are at Tampa."
Now this isn't to say the Rays are not deserving of their place in the ALCS. They earned it by holding off the Red Sox and Yankees in the highest-priced division in baseball on a payroll the size of A-Rod's mortgate payments. They're good, and they're getting better.
Maybe it's the venue, and we've discussed how ridiculous it is to play meaningful games in a wiffle ball park before. But it's hard to get amped up for playoff games in Tampa even if the Red Sox are involved.
Maybe the other part is that most everyone agrees this series will be decided in games six or seven, so an initial split didn't come as much of a surprise. It's like everyone is just treading water until those later games decide everything.
Maybe the bright lights of an outdoor park with some history will rejuvinate the series - though a marathon game two was a good (and bad) first step. Maybe I just miss seeing people bundled in jackets cheering on their team.
Maybe Tampa is building it's own history right now, and it won't be so weird when the Rays are a mainstay in the playoffs. But maybe the Red Sox are just lulling everyone to sleep, and the defending champs will break out with a dominating performance at the Fens.
Let's hope.
But it isn't.
Here's a text from Phil the Tank from game one that sums up the feeling of the series: "This game is so weird...doesn't feel like the ALCS at all because we are at Tampa."
Now this isn't to say the Rays are not deserving of their place in the ALCS. They earned it by holding off the Red Sox and Yankees in the highest-priced division in baseball on a payroll the size of A-Rod's mortgate payments. They're good, and they're getting better.
Maybe it's the venue, and we've discussed how ridiculous it is to play meaningful games in a wiffle ball park before. But it's hard to get amped up for playoff games in Tampa even if the Red Sox are involved.
Maybe the other part is that most everyone agrees this series will be decided in games six or seven, so an initial split didn't come as much of a surprise. It's like everyone is just treading water until those later games decide everything.
Maybe the bright lights of an outdoor park with some history will rejuvinate the series - though a marathon game two was a good (and bad) first step. Maybe I just miss seeing people bundled in jackets cheering on their team.
Maybe Tampa is building it's own history right now, and it won't be so weird when the Rays are a mainstay in the playoffs. But maybe the Red Sox are just lulling everyone to sleep, and the defending champs will break out with a dominating performance at the Fens.
Let's hope.
Big Brown to retire
ALERT - BONUS HORSE RACING COVERAGE
Big Brown is set to retire, according to ESPN. No word yet on whether he will cry at the press conference before returning to racing with a different trainer and owner.
Big Brown is set to retire, according to ESPN. No word yet on whether he will cry at the press conference before returning to racing with a different trainer and owner.
The morning (afternoon) after
I know I've been slacking off a little on the blog lately, so expect two action-packed posts today (no promises though). There has been a lot of neglect on the baseball front (explanation later today), but let's attack this tackle football game everyone seems so fond of first.
Some quick observations from yesterday's action:
Tom Brady should be named MVP again
Watching Matt Cassel play quarterback for the Patriots makes me realize just how great Tom Brady really is. We have come to expect certain throws and plays to be made, and Cassel just can't seem to get them done. I'm not surprised he can't hit on the deep ball, but what really makes me miss Tom is the difference in accuracy on the short ones. This is going to be a long season.
Randy Moss is showing signs of the old Randy
Key moment: on the first drive of the game, Randy Moss broke free down the right sideline and should have been wide open for an easy touchdown pass. Matt Cassel didn't put enough juice on the pass and Moss had to slow up. The problem: he still could have caught the ball, but he made absolutely no effort to do so, letting it glance off his fingertips (which were about waist high). Sure, if Brady is there, the ball is waiting in the end zone for him to go get it, but if Tom underthrew the pass, odds are Moss would have jumped up and bailed him out.
Speeding Bullitt
Is there a cooler name for an NFL safety than Melvin Bullitt? OK the whole Melvin thing hurts his case, but the way Bullitt cuts through the offense and sticks ball carriers, he's living up to his name.
Whacky Brett
Apparently it's funny when Brett Favre doesn't know the audibles and has to waste a fourth-quarter timeout in a six-point game (at the time). The announcers would have ripped Ryan Fitzpatrick as being inexperienced if he did the same thing, but Brett's just "having a good time out there."
Parity returns
In 2002, parity was the buzzword of the year. Almost every team was in the hunt going into the final two weeks of the season, and there was no clear-cut Super Bowl favorite. Pundits mused that there would never be an NFL dynasty again. Cut to 2003-04 Patriots repeat champions, and parity disappeared. But in case you haven't noticed, every division is virtually up for grabs at this early part of the season. The Giants are the class of the league, but they play in the toughest division in football, so if they lost 3/4 it wouldn't surprise anyone.
Some quick observations from yesterday's action:
Tom Brady should be named MVP again
Watching Matt Cassel play quarterback for the Patriots makes me realize just how great Tom Brady really is. We have come to expect certain throws and plays to be made, and Cassel just can't seem to get them done. I'm not surprised he can't hit on the deep ball, but what really makes me miss Tom is the difference in accuracy on the short ones. This is going to be a long season.
Randy Moss is showing signs of the old Randy
Key moment: on the first drive of the game, Randy Moss broke free down the right sideline and should have been wide open for an easy touchdown pass. Matt Cassel didn't put enough juice on the pass and Moss had to slow up. The problem: he still could have caught the ball, but he made absolutely no effort to do so, letting it glance off his fingertips (which were about waist high). Sure, if Brady is there, the ball is waiting in the end zone for him to go get it, but if Tom underthrew the pass, odds are Moss would have jumped up and bailed him out.
Speeding Bullitt
Is there a cooler name for an NFL safety than Melvin Bullitt? OK the whole Melvin thing hurts his case, but the way Bullitt cuts through the offense and sticks ball carriers, he's living up to his name.
Whacky Brett
Apparently it's funny when Brett Favre doesn't know the audibles and has to waste a fourth-quarter timeout in a six-point game (at the time). The announcers would have ripped Ryan Fitzpatrick as being inexperienced if he did the same thing, but Brett's just "having a good time out there."
Parity returns
In 2002, parity was the buzzword of the year. Almost every team was in the hunt going into the final two weeks of the season, and there was no clear-cut Super Bowl favorite. Pundits mused that there would never be an NFL dynasty again. Cut to 2003-04 Patriots repeat champions, and parity disappeared. But in case you haven't noticed, every division is virtually up for grabs at this early part of the season. The Giants are the class of the league, but they play in the toughest division in football, so if they lost 3/4 it wouldn't surprise anyone.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ground rules
Can we talk about the fact that meaningful games are being played in a wiffle ball stadium?
It used to be kind of funny when a Kansas City Royal would hit a pop fly off a catwalk in a June game that had no bearing on the standings. But a lot has changed this year, and in case you haven't noticed, the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays are just four wins away from the World Series.
There's a good chance the Rays will have to play four games in the juice box that is Tropicana Field to get to the pinnacle of the sport. That means the series could potentially turn on one of the 724 ground rules regarding catwalks, ceilings or whatever crazy junk comes off that ridiculous domed roof.
Nothing says intant baseball classic like Chip Carey announcing this gem, "Pena swings and drives one to left field, Bay going back...and...it...is...wait, what happened? It's off the catwalk. Is it gone? Is it a double? Is it an out? The umpires are conferring...and it's a home run! The Rays are going to the World Series...but they don't know it yet."
There's an 87 percent chance Jack Buck will roll over in his grave before this series is over.
There's a good chance the Rays will have to play four games in the juice box that is Tropicana Field to get to the pinnacle of the sport. That means the series could potentially turn on one of the 724 ground rules regarding catwalks, ceilings or whatever crazy junk comes off that ridiculous domed roof.
Nothing says intant baseball classic like Chip Carey announcing this gem, "Pena swings and drives one to left field, Bay going back...and...it...is...wait, what happened? It's off the catwalk. Is it gone? Is it a double? Is it an out? The umpires are conferring...and it's a home run! The Rays are going to the World Series...but they don't know it yet."
There's an 87 percent chance Jack Buck will roll over in his grave before this series is over.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Back to business
The smell of champagne probably still lingers on Kenmore Street, but now it's time to get back to business. Let's take a look ahead at what this next series looks like for the Red Sox.
Pitching will be the key - as it always is - and the Red Sox have some questions to answer going into the series. So let's answer them, as well as we can.
Will Josh Beckett be Josh Beckett?
Will he be the greatest pitcher in postseason history, like he has been in the past? It's possible. Will he be as inconsistent as he was in game three of the Angels series? It's also possible, mut not as likely. The best bet is Beckett will be somewhere in between: a little more sharp, but probably not as dominant as he has been in the past. The Red Sox will be happy to see him take the mound in a clutch situation.
Has Papelbon been overworked?
Fortunately, the answer to this one is probably not. Francona did a great job of keeping Paps out of the game on Monday night, and now he has almost a week to rest before game one in Tampa. Papelbon loves these moments, and he's peaking at the perfect time.
Can Dice-K go six innings?
He has to. It's that simple. The bullpen is weak once you get past Papelbon and Masterson, so they can't afford to stretch both of them out in every game. If Matsuzaka can give the team quality innings and go relatively deep into the game, they will have a much greater chance of winning the series, regardless of the result in the games he pitches.
Who will be the fourth starter?
The safe money is on Tim Wakefield. He's been on the team for about 72 years and hasn't been a consistent bullpen contributor since the Great Depression. The Sox can also start Kevin Cash when he goes, as opposed to subbing for a pitcher and Varitek if Wakefield comes out of the 'pen. Paul Byrd will be on call when Wake starts in case he needs to fill in innings.
How will the rotation break down?
I don't know how it will break down, but here's a good guess of how it should break down. Beckett should go in game one for the Sox. He's still the team's ace and if he gives them 75 percent of what he's capable of, Boston has a great chance to win the opener. Lester should pitch game two on normal rest because he has been the best starter all year and he is developing into a phenomenal postseason pitcher as well. Matsuzaka can go in game three on longer rest at Fenway. Wakefield bridges the gap to the top of the rotation for the later games. With the random off day between games four and five, this gives the Sox the option to move up both Lester and Dice-K if Beckett truly is hurt for games five and six respectively.
Prediction: Rays in seven (see previous series predictions)
Pitching will be the key - as it always is - and the Red Sox have some questions to answer going into the series. So let's answer them, as well as we can.
Will Josh Beckett be Josh Beckett?
Will he be the greatest pitcher in postseason history, like he has been in the past? It's possible. Will he be as inconsistent as he was in game three of the Angels series? It's also possible, mut not as likely. The best bet is Beckett will be somewhere in between: a little more sharp, but probably not as dominant as he has been in the past. The Red Sox will be happy to see him take the mound in a clutch situation.
Has Papelbon been overworked?
Fortunately, the answer to this one is probably not. Francona did a great job of keeping Paps out of the game on Monday night, and now he has almost a week to rest before game one in Tampa. Papelbon loves these moments, and he's peaking at the perfect time.
Can Dice-K go six innings?
He has to. It's that simple. The bullpen is weak once you get past Papelbon and Masterson, so they can't afford to stretch both of them out in every game. If Matsuzaka can give the team quality innings and go relatively deep into the game, they will have a much greater chance of winning the series, regardless of the result in the games he pitches.
Who will be the fourth starter?
The safe money is on Tim Wakefield. He's been on the team for about 72 years and hasn't been a consistent bullpen contributor since the Great Depression. The Sox can also start Kevin Cash when he goes, as opposed to subbing for a pitcher and Varitek if Wakefield comes out of the 'pen. Paul Byrd will be on call when Wake starts in case he needs to fill in innings.
How will the rotation break down?
I don't know how it will break down, but here's a good guess of how it should break down. Beckett should go in game one for the Sox. He's still the team's ace and if he gives them 75 percent of what he's capable of, Boston has a great chance to win the opener. Lester should pitch game two on normal rest because he has been the best starter all year and he is developing into a phenomenal postseason pitcher as well. Matsuzaka can go in game three on longer rest at Fenway. Wakefield bridges the gap to the top of the rotation for the later games. With the random off day between games four and five, this gives the Sox the option to move up both Lester and Dice-K if Beckett truly is hurt for games five and six respectively.
Prediction: Rays in seven (see previous series predictions)
Moving on
Well, it wasn't easy, but the Sox will live to see another day. And believe it or not, it's only going to get tougher from here.
Before we move on to Tampa let's look back on the series that was...
The Angels could have easily won this series. One bad pitch from Lackey to Bay in game one. One bad pitch from K-Rod to drew in game two. One missed bunt from Aybar in game four. Really, when you look at it, it was those three plays that changed the series. The Red Sox executed more than the Angels, and that's why they're still alive.
Top peformers: Jason Bay - Two monster home runs and a big double last night. He seemed to be a key member in all the big plays for the Sox.
Jonathan Papelbon - Three games, no runs, dominating performances. Hopefully that hangover wears off before Friday.
Jon Lester - Unbelieveable job by this not-so-young-anymore kid. Lester has now thrown 23.1 innings in the postseason and given up TWO EARNED RUNS. That's a 0.77 ERA in case you were wondering. With him and Josh Beckett in a playoff rotation for years to come, the Red Sox will be tough to beat.
Goats: Eric Aybar - All he had to do was put the bat on the ball. As soon as the squeeze play failed, the momentum went over to the Red Sox for good.
Vlad Guerrero - Sure he batted .467, but no RBI and on extra base hit. Not the type of pop you hope for from a cleanup hitter. Extra deductions for a baserunning blunder that sealed the loss in game one.
Francisco Rodriguez - This is a little harsh to call him a goat because he really only made one bad pitch (and made several great pitches in game three), but any time you give up a game-winning home run in the ninth inning of a short series, you're going to be one of the goats.
Needs improvement: Dustin Pedroia - Showed life with a double in game four (his only hit). The Sox need that to carry over into the ALCS.
Dice-K - Needs to throw strikes and go more than five innings in the next round. He crippled the bullpen in game two, and that cost the team in game three.
Josh Beckett - Obviously he was disappointed with his game three performance, but the Sox will rely on him to come through in the next round.
Before we move on to Tampa let's look back on the series that was...
The Angels could have easily won this series. One bad pitch from Lackey to Bay in game one. One bad pitch from K-Rod to drew in game two. One missed bunt from Aybar in game four. Really, when you look at it, it was those three plays that changed the series. The Red Sox executed more than the Angels, and that's why they're still alive.
Top peformers: Jason Bay - Two monster home runs and a big double last night. He seemed to be a key member in all the big plays for the Sox.
Jonathan Papelbon - Three games, no runs, dominating performances. Hopefully that hangover wears off before Friday.
Jon Lester - Unbelieveable job by this not-so-young-anymore kid. Lester has now thrown 23.1 innings in the postseason and given up TWO EARNED RUNS. That's a 0.77 ERA in case you were wondering. With him and Josh Beckett in a playoff rotation for years to come, the Red Sox will be tough to beat.
Goats: Eric Aybar - All he had to do was put the bat on the ball. As soon as the squeeze play failed, the momentum went over to the Red Sox for good.
Vlad Guerrero - Sure he batted .467, but no RBI and on extra base hit. Not the type of pop you hope for from a cleanup hitter. Extra deductions for a baserunning blunder that sealed the loss in game one.
Francisco Rodriguez - This is a little harsh to call him a goat because he really only made one bad pitch (and made several great pitches in game three), but any time you give up a game-winning home run in the ninth inning of a short series, you're going to be one of the goats.
Needs improvement: Dustin Pedroia - Showed life with a double in game four (his only hit). The Sox need that to carry over into the ALCS.
Dice-K - Needs to throw strikes and go more than five innings in the next round. He crippled the bullpen in game two, and that cost the team in game three.
Josh Beckett - Obviously he was disappointed with his game three performance, but the Sox will rely on him to come through in the next round.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Fill it up again!
The Red Sox brought back almost their entire team from last year's World Series champions. Tonight, Jed Lowrie drove in Jason Bay for the game-winning run; two guys who weren't on that roster. That's why you can never get comfortable with a team, and that's why the Red Sox front office is one of the best in baseball.
More to come tomorrow. These long nights are taking a toll.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Head games
No beating around the bush today. We all know last night was a big win for the Sox, and the momentum has jumped completely to their side heading forward in the short series.
Here are some quick thoughts about last night's Game 1 thriller.
It was over when...
Vlad Guerrero tried to go from first to third on a bloop single and was thrown out by about 20 feet. Great play by Youkilis to come up throwing. Bad play by Vladdy being too aggressive. It sucked the wind out of the Angels sails and killed their last rally chance before it got started.
"Not here to talk about the past"
I don't like to put much stock into history when it comes to a series, which is why I picked the Angels to win in four. But with so many players left over from '04 and '07, it must be hard for Halos to ignore the past. Heading into last night the Angels had the better team on paper, they weren't facing Beckett, Lackey had shown he could beat the Sox with a near no-hitter this season and they were at home as a 100-win team. They should have won, but they found a way to lose ... again. There has to be the feeling of "here we go again" running through that clubhouse today.
Quote of the night
From loyal reader Phil DeGuglielmo: "Poor Lowell looks like an old softball vet fighting through pain."
It's true. Lowell looks like a shell of himself out there, and it's sad to see. But it's also inspiring to see him gut it out, and if he can give the Sox anything, they will be grateful.
But the player who really looks pathetic out there is Vlad Guerrero. Not to keep harping on that first-to-third play, but wasn't Guerrero one of the best baserunners in the game just a few years ago. I've never seen someone get so old so fast. The man that was once a lock to steal 30 bases now looks like a 60-year-old who should probably have a walker on the basepaths. Supposedly he's only 32, but that's in Dominican years.
Bay State
Jason Bay made Theo Epstein look like a genius last night. Every day that trade looks better, even though Manny continues to rake in L.A. (including a ridiculous home run from his shoetops last night). Not only has Bay fit in seemlessly in Boston, Craig Hansen put up a 7.47 ERA before being sent to the minors and Brandon Moss hit a robust .222 in Pittsburgh. Sorry Theo, how dare I doubt you?
Mr. dew knee nuh
OK so that's just the phonetic spelling, and it's in Cherokee (Jacoby Ellsbury is of Navajo decent), but it's harder than it looks to find some of this stuff online. Please comment if you know how to say Mr. October in the Navajo language.
The point is, Ellsbury finds a way to make amazing things happen in October. He made a name for himself by having one of the best World Series by a rookie in history last year. Now, after a solid (although not meeting the ridiculous expectations set for him) full rookie season, Ellsbury has turned it up again on the big stage. Last night, he got on base every time he was up, made a huge diving catch and stole two bases. He finds so many ways to change a game, and this is his time to shine.
Josh who?
Well, I still missed Josh Beckett last night, but not for long. Jon Lester is starting to show that he too can pitch well under pressure. After being the real Red Sox ace all year (sorry Dice-K, you gotta go more than 5 per start to earn that title), Lester shut down the door with a 7-inning performance without allowing an earned run. He was dominant, he was exciting, he was everything Beckett has been in the past.
In his short postseason career, Lester has now pitched 16.1 innings, started two games, won two games and allowed just two earned runs. If you're keeping score at home (or at work), that's a 2-0 record with a 1.10 ERA. If Beckett can pitch half as well as Lester in game three, this series shouldn't make it back to Anaheim.
Here are some quick thoughts about last night's Game 1 thriller.
It was over when...
Vlad Guerrero tried to go from first to third on a bloop single and was thrown out by about 20 feet. Great play by Youkilis to come up throwing. Bad play by Vladdy being too aggressive. It sucked the wind out of the Angels sails and killed their last rally chance before it got started.
"Not here to talk about the past"
I don't like to put much stock into history when it comes to a series, which is why I picked the Angels to win in four. But with so many players left over from '04 and '07, it must be hard for Halos to ignore the past. Heading into last night the Angels had the better team on paper, they weren't facing Beckett, Lackey had shown he could beat the Sox with a near no-hitter this season and they were at home as a 100-win team. They should have won, but they found a way to lose ... again. There has to be the feeling of "here we go again" running through that clubhouse today.
Quote of the night
From loyal reader Phil DeGuglielmo: "Poor Lowell looks like an old softball vet fighting through pain."
It's true. Lowell looks like a shell of himself out there, and it's sad to see. But it's also inspiring to see him gut it out, and if he can give the Sox anything, they will be grateful.
But the player who really looks pathetic out there is Vlad Guerrero. Not to keep harping on that first-to-third play, but wasn't Guerrero one of the best baserunners in the game just a few years ago. I've never seen someone get so old so fast. The man that was once a lock to steal 30 bases now looks like a 60-year-old who should probably have a walker on the basepaths. Supposedly he's only 32, but that's in Dominican years.
Bay State
Jason Bay made Theo Epstein look like a genius last night. Every day that trade looks better, even though Manny continues to rake in L.A. (including a ridiculous home run from his shoetops last night). Not only has Bay fit in seemlessly in Boston, Craig Hansen put up a 7.47 ERA before being sent to the minors and Brandon Moss hit a robust .222 in Pittsburgh. Sorry Theo, how dare I doubt you?
Mr. dew knee nuh
OK so that's just the phonetic spelling, and it's in Cherokee (Jacoby Ellsbury is of Navajo decent), but it's harder than it looks to find some of this stuff online. Please comment if you know how to say Mr. October in the Navajo language.
The point is, Ellsbury finds a way to make amazing things happen in October. He made a name for himself by having one of the best World Series by a rookie in history last year. Now, after a solid (although not meeting the ridiculous expectations set for him) full rookie season, Ellsbury has turned it up again on the big stage. Last night, he got on base every time he was up, made a huge diving catch and stole two bases. He finds so many ways to change a game, and this is his time to shine.
Josh who?
Well, I still missed Josh Beckett last night, but not for long. Jon Lester is starting to show that he too can pitch well under pressure. After being the real Red Sox ace all year (sorry Dice-K, you gotta go more than 5 per start to earn that title), Lester shut down the door with a 7-inning performance without allowing an earned run. He was dominant, he was exciting, he was everything Beckett has been in the past.
In his short postseason career, Lester has now pitched 16.1 innings, started two games, won two games and allowed just two earned runs. If you're keeping score at home (or at work), that's a 2-0 record with a 1.10 ERA. If Beckett can pitch half as well as Lester in game three, this series shouldn't make it back to Anaheim.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
There's only one October...
...per year. There's also only one April, but who's counting anyways?
But this really is the most exciting time of the year. There are only eight teams left and they've all played 162 games (at least), but they all could be going home after just three more. Sometimes the playoffs can just crush you so fast (remember when the Red Sox fell behind the A's by two in less than 48 hours in 2003?), but they can also give you so much joy (2004).
Heading into this Red Sox/Angels series I have to say, I'm not liking the way the Sox stack up. This time, the Beantown boys are the ones that are banged up like the Angels were last year. Josh Beckett's health is a major concern. So is J.D. Drew's and Mike Lowell's.
The Los Angeles/Aneheim/California Angels have the more consistent pitching staff and probably the better bullpen. The Angels have the big boppers they've lacked in the past (Torii Hunter and Mark Texiera) and they have that blazing speed and tremendous fielding ability once again.
On paper, the Angels have to be big-time favorites here. And I'm going with the paper this time, so my prediction is Angels in four.
I just think the Sox will split the two games in LA/Anaheim, then return home and put the series on Beckett's shoulders. He will not be able to come through this year because he's hurt, and the Sox will be up against the ropes. Smelling blood, the Angels will actually be able to close out a series for the first time in recent memory.
NOTE: In 2006, I picked the Yankees, Twins, Dodgers and Padres to win their respective series. Then I picked the A's and Mets to meet in the World Series. Finally I picked the Detroit Tigers to take the crown when they played the Cardinals in the Series. If you're keeping score at home, that's an 0-7 record. Hopefully I have that kind of luck this year.
Other series predictions - Phillies in 3, Dodgers in 5, Rays in 4.
But this really is the most exciting time of the year. There are only eight teams left and they've all played 162 games (at least), but they all could be going home after just three more. Sometimes the playoffs can just crush you so fast (remember when the Red Sox fell behind the A's by two in less than 48 hours in 2003?), but they can also give you so much joy (2004).
Heading into this Red Sox/Angels series I have to say, I'm not liking the way the Sox stack up. This time, the Beantown boys are the ones that are banged up like the Angels were last year. Josh Beckett's health is a major concern. So is J.D. Drew's and Mike Lowell's.
The Los Angeles/Aneheim/California Angels have the more consistent pitching staff and probably the better bullpen. The Angels have the big boppers they've lacked in the past (Torii Hunter and Mark Texiera) and they have that blazing speed and tremendous fielding ability once again.
On paper, the Angels have to be big-time favorites here. And I'm going with the paper this time, so my prediction is Angels in four.
I just think the Sox will split the two games in LA/Anaheim, then return home and put the series on Beckett's shoulders. He will not be able to come through this year because he's hurt, and the Sox will be up against the ropes. Smelling blood, the Angels will actually be able to close out a series for the first time in recent memory.
NOTE: In 2006, I picked the Yankees, Twins, Dodgers and Padres to win their respective series. Then I picked the A's and Mets to meet in the World Series. Finally I picked the Detroit Tigers to take the crown when they played the Cardinals in the Series. If you're keeping score at home, that's an 0-7 record. Hopefully I have that kind of luck this year.
Other series predictions - Phillies in 3, Dodgers in 5, Rays in 4.
Monday, September 29, 2008
One more thing...
...about Dustin Pedroia, and his value. I don't think contracts should play a role in the MVP debate, so I left it out of my award explanation, but here's a tidbit that you might find interesting.
Dustin Pedroia earned $457,000 for his 2008 season. That's $8,463 per double, $26,882 per home run, $22,850 per steal, $3,873 per run scored and $2,146 for every hit.
On the flip side, Andruw Jones earned $14 million (and is due $17 million next season). He was paid $454,545 per hit (just shy of Pedroia's total salary), $5 million per home run, $714,286 per run scored, $1.875 million per double and the former 20 steals guy didn't swipe a bag all year.
Just some food for thought.
Dustin Pedroia earned $457,000 for his 2008 season. That's $8,463 per double, $26,882 per home run, $22,850 per steal, $3,873 per run scored and $2,146 for every hit.
On the flip side, Andruw Jones earned $14 million (and is due $17 million next season). He was paid $454,545 per hit (just shy of Pedroia's total salary), $5 million per home run, $714,286 per run scored, $1.875 million per double and the former 20 steals guy didn't swipe a bag all year.
Just some food for thought.
AL MVP
This is easily the toughest award to give out this year. There were so many gimmes (see: AL Cy Young), but the AL MVP race has three or four legitimate candidates. One has single-handedly carried an offense through a playoff race. Another has been the catalyst for an offense that gave away one of its best boppers. The third had to replace that bopper - and somehow did replace him - in the cleanup spot. And you could even go so far as adding a fourth candidate, whose injury may lead to his team collapsing down the stretch.
So, without further ado, I give you my prediction with no confidence at all that it will come true.
Winner: Dustin Pedroia
It's not about the numbers with Pedroia, because they might not be good enough. Sure, he finished second in the batting race (unless Joe Maurer plays in a one-game playoff and tanks), tied for the league-lead in hits, hit 17 HRs and 54 doubles, scored 118 runs and even stole 20 bases, but some will argue that his numbers still fall short of Justin Morneau's production.
We're talking about value here, and Pedroia has been all about that ever since he made his Major League debut. At 5-9 (yeah right) and 180 lbs. (soaking wet), Pedroia has always made the most of his physical abilities. But the thing is, he managed to do everything for the Red Sox this year: he hit leadoff when Ellsbury struggled. He hit cleanup when injuries and trades decimated the middle of the Boston lineup (and went 12-20 with a 1.222 slugging percentage). He stole 20 bases (and was only caught once) even though Kevin Youkilis once contended that Pedroia was the slowest player on the team. He hit 17 home runs even though there are 12-year-olds who tower over him. He played gold-glove caliber defense even though all the scouts talked about his lack of range in the minors.
His best month was in August, when the Red Sox really needed him. Ortiz was hurting, Ramirez was gone, Drew and Lowell were on the shelf, and Pedroia just continued to rake. People talk about September being the month to peak because you can carry your team into the playoffs, but without Pedroia's hot streak in August, the Red Sox would not have been in the race at all.
Above all, he led the Red Sox. Jason Varitek has gone so far as saying he could envision a scenario where he retires and hands the C over to Pedroia. Varitek played in Boston for seven seasons before he earned that C; now he's ready to hand it over to a guy who has only been in the bigs for two years. That's value right there.
Runner up: Justin Morneau
He quietly moved up on Josh Hamilton in the RBI race, and he might pass him if the Twins wind up in a one-game playoff. Joe Maurer is great but he only hit 8 HRs, so Morneau basically carried the team with his power all year. The Twins also surged late into the playoffs (maybe), which always leads to extra votes for the star player.
Second runner up: Kevin Youkilis
Someone had to replace Manny Ramirez after the trading deadline, and much to my surprise, Kevin Youkilis actually did it. He led the Red Sox and finished third in the AL in RBI with 118. He had an even better on base percentage than Pedroia and he managed to protect Ortiz in the lineup. He also played third base in Mike Lowell's absence and carried the lineup for long stretches.
Third runner up: Carlos Quentin
A month ago I picked him as the MVP. He likely could have won the award with a strong September, but injuries ended his season early. But his absence from the lineup actually made his case for MVP stronger, as the White Sox may have choked away their chance at the postseason without him.
So, without further ado, I give you my prediction with no confidence at all that it will come true.
Winner: Dustin Pedroia
It's not about the numbers with Pedroia, because they might not be good enough. Sure, he finished second in the batting race (unless Joe Maurer plays in a one-game playoff and tanks), tied for the league-lead in hits, hit 17 HRs and 54 doubles, scored 118 runs and even stole 20 bases, but some will argue that his numbers still fall short of Justin Morneau's production.
We're talking about value here, and Pedroia has been all about that ever since he made his Major League debut. At 5-9 (yeah right) and 180 lbs. (soaking wet), Pedroia has always made the most of his physical abilities. But the thing is, he managed to do everything for the Red Sox this year: he hit leadoff when Ellsbury struggled. He hit cleanup when injuries and trades decimated the middle of the Boston lineup (and went 12-20 with a 1.222 slugging percentage). He stole 20 bases (and was only caught once) even though Kevin Youkilis once contended that Pedroia was the slowest player on the team. He hit 17 home runs even though there are 12-year-olds who tower over him. He played gold-glove caliber defense even though all the scouts talked about his lack of range in the minors.
His best month was in August, when the Red Sox really needed him. Ortiz was hurting, Ramirez was gone, Drew and Lowell were on the shelf, and Pedroia just continued to rake. People talk about September being the month to peak because you can carry your team into the playoffs, but without Pedroia's hot streak in August, the Red Sox would not have been in the race at all.
Above all, he led the Red Sox. Jason Varitek has gone so far as saying he could envision a scenario where he retires and hands the C over to Pedroia. Varitek played in Boston for seven seasons before he earned that C; now he's ready to hand it over to a guy who has only been in the bigs for two years. That's value right there.
Runner up: Justin Morneau
He quietly moved up on Josh Hamilton in the RBI race, and he might pass him if the Twins wind up in a one-game playoff. Joe Maurer is great but he only hit 8 HRs, so Morneau basically carried the team with his power all year. The Twins also surged late into the playoffs (maybe), which always leads to extra votes for the star player.
Second runner up: Kevin Youkilis
Someone had to replace Manny Ramirez after the trading deadline, and much to my surprise, Kevin Youkilis actually did it. He led the Red Sox and finished third in the AL in RBI with 118. He had an even better on base percentage than Pedroia and he managed to protect Ortiz in the lineup. He also played third base in Mike Lowell's absence and carried the lineup for long stretches.
Third runner up: Carlos Quentin
A month ago I picked him as the MVP. He likely could have won the award with a strong September, but injuries ended his season early. But his absence from the lineup actually made his case for MVP stronger, as the White Sox may have choked away their chance at the postseason without him.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
NL MVP
We always save the MVP for last here at the card because so much depends on where teams finish in the standings and how those key players carry them down the stretch. So now that we're here on the final day of the season, it's time to dish out the big hardware.
Winner: Albert Pujols
So after all that talk about team play and winning down the stretch, I'm giving the award to a guy who plays for a fourth-place team in his division. Well, there are two types of MVPs: the guy whose play carries his team into the playoffs, and the guy who has one of those epic seasons. In case you haven't noticed, Pujols is having one of those years.
He's batting .356 with a .461 OBP and a Major League best .651 slugging percentage. He's hit 37 HRs and driven in 115 runs. He's hit an additional 43 doubles and scored 100 runs. He's second in the National League with 103 walks and he leads the Majors with 33 intentional walks (Carlos Delgado is in second place with 19). Plus Pujols has played gold-glove caliber first base all season.
There's no weakness in Pujols' game. He hits for power, average and run production. He comes through in the clutch all the time for the Cardinals, and the only real question is why opposing teams EVER decide to pitch to him. Sure he won't be playing in October, but without Pujols, the Cards probably would be 30 games out of the division this year.
The scary part is, this isn't even Pujols' best season in his career. He hit .359 with 43 HRs, 124 RBI, 137 runs scored, and a .667 slugging percentage in 2003. Oh, and he didn't win the MVP that year because a certain chemically-enhanced slugger with an oversized ego (and head) took home the prize.
Runner up - Ryan Howard
The knock on Howard is that he's hitting .25o. But Carlos Delgado is only hitting .271, and the rest of Howard's numbers dwarf the Mets' first baseman's. For my money, I don't particularly care that Howard strikes out or that he doesn't hit enough singles. He doesn't get paid to hit singles, he gets the big bucks to mash the ball out of the yard. And that's all Howard has done, hitting 48 HRs and driving in a league-best 146 runs. You can take your singles, the Phillies will take Howard's home runs, and the division title.
Friday, September 26, 2008
NL Cy Young Award
We're live from a famous volleyball court, which will remain nameless, with the next award winner for the 2008 MLB season. Who says I'm not dedicated to this thing. We're just minutes away from NCAA Division-I volleyball action, yet you will still get my unfiltered thoughts here at The Card.
NOTE: The identity of the arena is being kept secret to guard against my bosses having Google Alerts. They really think I work my tail off. It's amazing how dedicated I look while I research the value of Kyle Eckel to the New England Patriots. It's like a gift. It's like I can't control it.
Winner - Tim Lincecum
Bet you thought I was going with Brandon Webb for this one. Well, it wouldn't be wrong to pick Webb, it's just more right to pick Lincecum. When it comes down to the major categories (wins, strikeouts and ERA), Webb has the advantage in just the wins column. Lincecum is 17-5, Webb 22-7, but Lincecum ranks second in ERA and first in strikeouts. Lincecum's 252 strikeouts stand 46 Ks ahead of second place in the NL and are tops in the entire Major League. This is also one award where your team's lack of success may actually help you, because 17 wins for the pathetic Giants look pretty good at the end of the season (Note: 22 wins for the sub-.500 D-Backs is pretty good too).
Lincecum is truly an emerging star in the big leagues. His 5-11 170 lb. frame reminds people of Pedro Martinez in his prime, and his numbers don't hurt his cause one bit.
Runner up - Brandon Webb
Didn't you read what I just wrote? If not, go back and review. There will be an exam on all this next week, so be prepared.
NOTE: The identity of the arena is being kept secret to guard against my bosses having Google Alerts. They really think I work my tail off. It's amazing how dedicated I look while I research the value of Kyle Eckel to the New England Patriots. It's like a gift. It's like I can't control it.
Winner - Tim Lincecum
Bet you thought I was going with Brandon Webb for this one. Well, it wouldn't be wrong to pick Webb, it's just more right to pick Lincecum. When it comes down to the major categories (wins, strikeouts and ERA), Webb has the advantage in just the wins column. Lincecum is 17-5, Webb 22-7, but Lincecum ranks second in ERA and first in strikeouts. Lincecum's 252 strikeouts stand 46 Ks ahead of second place in the NL and are tops in the entire Major League. This is also one award where your team's lack of success may actually help you, because 17 wins for the pathetic Giants look pretty good at the end of the season (Note: 22 wins for the sub-.500 D-Backs is pretty good too).
Lincecum is truly an emerging star in the big leagues. His 5-11 170 lb. frame reminds people of Pedro Martinez in his prime, and his numbers don't hurt his cause one bit.
Runner up - Brandon Webb
Didn't you read what I just wrote? If not, go back and review. There will be an exam on all this next week, so be prepared.
AL Cy Young
The schedule is going out the window this weekend. Apparently I forgot to include the most important awards of all: the AL and NL MVPs. So, let's ignore my previous proclamations and play two today. You always win in the end Ernie Banks.
Winner: Cliff Lee
It's easy to play two when one of them is a rout like this one. No need to empty the bullpens today fellas; this ones under control. Cliff Lee is having one of the best seasons by a lefthanded pitcher of all time. Yes, I said it. One of the best of all time.
Just look at the numbers: First in the AL in wins (22-3), first in the AL in ERA (2.54), ninth in strikeouts (170). His .880 winning percentage is ridiculous, falling just shy of Ron Guidry's 25-3 record for highest winning percentage by a starting pitcher in MLB history. Lee's 2.54 ERA is the best by an AL Cy Young Award winner since Pedro Martinez was in his prime with a 1.74 ERA in 2000.
Bonus points go to Lee for doing all of this for a Cleveland team that is currently 79-80. Lee has personally won more than 1/4 of the games the Indians won this year. CC Sabathia couldn't do that in Cleveland and he will probably make more than $20 million on the free agent market next year.
Runner up: Roy Halladay
In any other year he would be a slam dunk. His 20-11 record gives him the second-most wins in the league and his 2.74 ERA also only trails Lee. Halladay is also third in strikeouts (206) and first in innings pitched with a remarkable 246 this year. The man is just a horse and he's everything you could want in an ace. He shows up to pitch every five days, he goes deep into games and he gives you results.
If I could pick one player to build a franchise around it would be Roy Halladay without question.
Winner: Cliff Lee
It's easy to play two when one of them is a rout like this one. No need to empty the bullpens today fellas; this ones under control. Cliff Lee is having one of the best seasons by a lefthanded pitcher of all time. Yes, I said it. One of the best of all time.
Just look at the numbers: First in the AL in wins (22-3), first in the AL in ERA (2.54), ninth in strikeouts (170). His .880 winning percentage is ridiculous, falling just shy of Ron Guidry's 25-3 record for highest winning percentage by a starting pitcher in MLB history. Lee's 2.54 ERA is the best by an AL Cy Young Award winner since Pedro Martinez was in his prime with a 1.74 ERA in 2000.
Bonus points go to Lee for doing all of this for a Cleveland team that is currently 79-80. Lee has personally won more than 1/4 of the games the Indians won this year. CC Sabathia couldn't do that in Cleveland and he will probably make more than $20 million on the free agent market next year.
Runner up: Roy Halladay
In any other year he would be a slam dunk. His 20-11 record gives him the second-most wins in the league and his 2.74 ERA also only trails Lee. Halladay is also third in strikeouts (206) and first in innings pitched with a remarkable 246 this year. The man is just a horse and he's everything you could want in an ace. He shows up to pitch every five days, he goes deep into games and he gives you results.
If I could pick one player to build a franchise around it would be Roy Halladay without question.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
NL Rolaids Reliever of the Year
This is an award I honestly hadn't put much thought into until tonight. Fortunately for me, it doesn't take much time to figure out who has been the best reliever in the NL.
Winner: Brad Lidge
Thanks for making it easy for me Brad. 40 saves in 40 chances, a 1.87 ERA (best among all relievers with at least two saves) and just two home runs allowed. Sure, he walked 34 guys so he's far from perfect, but he struck out 89 batters in 67.1 innings.
Kudos for Lidge for bouncing back after a few not so bright seasons. The 2006 campaign (following a few crushing blown saves in the '05 playoffs) looked like the end of Lidge's run as a top closer. He put up a miserable 5.28 ERA that year, and he came back with what was just a decent 2007 run with nine blown saves.
Bonus points go to Lidge for being ultra-valuable as a closer. Think of it this way, if Lidge blew just two of his 40 save opportunities, he would still have the best conversion rate in baseball, but the Phillies would not be leading the division. That's value.
Runner up: Carlos Marmol
Why? Well, it's not even worth putting another closer into this conversation because Lidge blows them all away. So let's honor the best setup man in baseball this year. Marmol blew out all relievers with 114 strikeouts in 86 innings for the Cubbies. In the last two seasons he has struck out 210 batters in 155.1 innings, and he's only getting better. The kid is 25 and has dominating stuff. He will be a real candidate for this award and maybe more in the future.
On the bus
Last night the Red Sox celebrated like they won the World Series when Alex Cora caught the final out to clinch a Wild Card playoff spot. Well, maybe it wasn't quite that dramatic, but the argument will always come up about how much you should celebrate being number four (or number two in your division if you prefer).
I would like to quote the immortal Herm Edwards, who has never been one to hide his feelings, about what it's like to get to the playoffs.
"It's like getting on the bus. Some people get on the bus and go to the back. Some people get on the bus and ride in the front. Don't matter, as long as you're on the bus. We're on the bus."
Trust me, Herm was talking about the playoffs, even though it seems like more of a Rosa Parks reference.
But the point is that one of the goals every year is to make the playoffs. You have to get there before you reach all your other team goals of winning championships. And let's not take this playoffs thing for granted over in Titletown. It is extremely hard to survive a 162-game season and make the playoffs. Just look at the Yankees and their $17 billion payroll. They are a limping example of how nothing in this league is guaranteed.
The Red Sox had their trials and tribulations even with their $16.9 billion payroll this year. Mike Lowell, J.D. Drew and David Ortiz missed more than 40 games each. Curt Schilling was knocked out before spring training started. Dice-K missed a month and Josh Beckett missed time as well. The fact that they were even in the hunt is an accomplishment with all those issues, and they somehow made it to the playoffs. It doesn't matter if you're the 1 seed or the 4 seed, just as long as you get on the bus.
The Red Sox didn't finish the 2008 season in the playoffs as much as they survived the 2008 season. And that's all you have to do in this league. They're on the bus. Now let's hope they can drive it to the top.
I would like to quote the immortal Herm Edwards, who has never been one to hide his feelings, about what it's like to get to the playoffs.
"It's like getting on the bus. Some people get on the bus and go to the back. Some people get on the bus and ride in the front. Don't matter, as long as you're on the bus. We're on the bus."
Trust me, Herm was talking about the playoffs, even though it seems like more of a Rosa Parks reference.
But the point is that one of the goals every year is to make the playoffs. You have to get there before you reach all your other team goals of winning championships. And let's not take this playoffs thing for granted over in Titletown. It is extremely hard to survive a 162-game season and make the playoffs. Just look at the Yankees and their $17 billion payroll. They are a limping example of how nothing in this league is guaranteed.
The Red Sox had their trials and tribulations even with their $16.9 billion payroll this year. Mike Lowell, J.D. Drew and David Ortiz missed more than 40 games each. Curt Schilling was knocked out before spring training started. Dice-K missed a month and Josh Beckett missed time as well. The fact that they were even in the hunt is an accomplishment with all those issues, and they somehow made it to the playoffs. It doesn't matter if you're the 1 seed or the 4 seed, just as long as you get on the bus.
The Red Sox didn't finish the 2008 season in the playoffs as much as they survived the 2008 season. And that's all you have to do in this league. They're on the bus. Now let's hope they can drive it to the top.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Rolaids Reliever of the Year
First, can we talk about how awesome it is that an award is named after an antacid? Seriously, the marketing on this one was genius. And Rolaids spells R-E-L-I-E-F was just such a smart slogan to link up with this award. Plus, managers that don't have a great bullpen will surely need some of those free Rolaids packs they probably get in the mail for endorsing this sponsorship.
Usually The Card does not approve of such shameless advertising, but this one works for so many reasons.
Winner - Francisco Rodriguez
I know I've bashed him in this space before as being far from a dominant closer. It's true. I'm not backing down from that statement. If you asked me who I would want right now to close a game, I would start with Mariano Rivera, then make my way down the list through Papelbon, Nathan and probably Bobby Jenks before I get to K-Rod. Joakim Soria is closing fast to make that list in the years to come.
But when it comes down to it, the award is about who had the best year, not who is the best player. Sure, K-Rod's had 68 save opportunities (and blown seven of them), but we can't penalize the guy for having chances. Alex Rodriguez had plenty of chances to drive in runs last year in the Yankees lineup, but that didn't make him any less valuable to his team's success.
It hurts me to do this, but I have to give K-Rod the award even though I think he's incredibly overrated. He set the records for saves in a season (61 and counting), and he allowed just four home runs in 66.1 innings. As good as he was this year, I will still be looking forward to the Red Sox facing him with two on in the ninth inning of a meaningful game next week.
Runner up: Mariano Rivera
Why won't this guy get old? All he did at age 38 was convert all but one save chance. He was ubelieveable and practically unhittable. I mean, he only allowed 49 runners to reach base all season in 68.1 innings so far. I hate him so much, but it's damn hard not to respect him.
Second runner up: Joakim Soria
Let me just gush over this 24-year-old phenom for a second. No one except fantasy nerds knows about him because he plays on the Royals, but his numbers are unreal. Soria allowed just 39 hits in 66.1 innings so far this year, and he converted 41-44 save opportunities (93 percent), which was an even better conversion rate than Rodriguez (90 percent) and everyone else in the league besides Rivera. If Soria can cut down on the walks (17 so far this year) he will be a real star for years to come.
Usually The Card does not approve of such shameless advertising, but this one works for so many reasons.
Winner - Francisco Rodriguez
I know I've bashed him in this space before as being far from a dominant closer. It's true. I'm not backing down from that statement. If you asked me who I would want right now to close a game, I would start with Mariano Rivera, then make my way down the list through Papelbon, Nathan and probably Bobby Jenks before I get to K-Rod. Joakim Soria is closing fast to make that list in the years to come.
But when it comes down to it, the award is about who had the best year, not who is the best player. Sure, K-Rod's had 68 save opportunities (and blown seven of them), but we can't penalize the guy for having chances. Alex Rodriguez had plenty of chances to drive in runs last year in the Yankees lineup, but that didn't make him any less valuable to his team's success.
It hurts me to do this, but I have to give K-Rod the award even though I think he's incredibly overrated. He set the records for saves in a season (61 and counting), and he allowed just four home runs in 66.1 innings. As good as he was this year, I will still be looking forward to the Red Sox facing him with two on in the ninth inning of a meaningful game next week.
Runner up: Mariano Rivera
Why won't this guy get old? All he did at age 38 was convert all but one save chance. He was ubelieveable and practically unhittable. I mean, he only allowed 49 runners to reach base all season in 68.1 innings so far. I hate him so much, but it's damn hard not to respect him.
Second runner up: Joakim Soria
Let me just gush over this 24-year-old phenom for a second. No one except fantasy nerds knows about him because he plays on the Royals, but his numbers are unreal. Soria allowed just 39 hits in 66.1 innings so far this year, and he converted 41-44 save opportunities (93 percent), which was an even better conversion rate than Rodriguez (90 percent) and everyone else in the league besides Rivera. If Soria can cut down on the walks (17 so far this year) he will be a real star for years to come.
Boo hoo
So Ellis Hobbs and the Patriots said they will not forget the fans booing at them on Sunday. Players and pundits around the country chastised Pats fans for what they deemed poor and ungrateful behavior after New England had won 21-consecutive regular season games.
As far as I'm concerned, players need to be able to take the good with the bad. When you play well you will be cheered. When you get blown out at home by the hapless Miami Dolphins, you will be booed. It's that simple.
Does history play a role in fans reactions? Absolutely. If the Pats had played hard and lost a close game, or had they been beaten by a respectable foe, then the fans most likely would not have reacted so harshly.
But what New England did on Sunday was an embarrassment. It wasn't all Matt Cassel's fault either ... Tom Brady wouldn't have been able to stop Ronnie Brown either. The Pats were flat out outplayed and outcoached, and that is something New England fans do not expect to see when they come to Gillette Stadium.
When fans pay hundreds of dollars to go to the stadium for a football game, and what they see is a total lack of effort from their team, they can and should show their displeasure.
Monday, September 22, 2008
NL Manager of the Year
Winner: Ned Yost
Just kidding. The thing is, there really isn't a very worthy candidate in the NL. In fact, Yost probably would have been the clear winner if his Brewers hadn't self destructed down the stretch this year. Joe Maddon maximized his talent in the AL, but there's no real overachieving team in the NL.
Just take a look at the playoff contenders in the NL: The Cubs are clearly the most talented team, so Lou Pinella didn't have to do much. The Mets came on strong when Jerry Manuel was hired, but they have since struggled and they are apparently trying to miss the playoffs. The Phils should be running away with their division, yet they're fighting for a spot. The Brew Crew might fall out of the playoffs after leading the Wild Card all year. The Dodgers only got going once Manny came to tinsel town, and no one from the NL West deserves any awards.
Winner: Lou Pinella
Sure, he has more talent than anyone else, but at least he's won consistently. The Cubbies were the dominant team in the NL, and in such a weak year for managers, that's good enough for me.
Runner up: Dale Sveum
Hey, if some people are willing to give Sabathia the MVP for two months, why not give Sveum Manager of the Year for two weeks. If the Brewers make the playoffs it will clearly be thanks to his managing. That's why they fired Yost right?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A few more reasons why I love sports
Because a guy named Boo Weekley can be the leader of a golf team.
Because the best player in golf (Tiger) doesn't have to be on the best team in golf.
Because J.B. Holmes can grip it and rip it ... and actually win. He's John Daly without the cigarette.
Because a 23-year-old Anthony Kim can become one of the most popular players in the world in 18 holes.
Because that same 23-year-old can hang out with Michael Jordan and listen to how much His Airness envies his game.
Because Kenny Perry can win the biggest competition of his life at 48 - in his home state - and hug his overalls-wearing father on the golf course.
Because 40,000 fans and millions of viewers from all over the country can unite to root for one team for three days.
Because I now know who Hunter Mahan is ... and I think I love him.
Because Paul Azinger can bring Payne Stewart's family to the golf course to witness something special.
Because Stewart's family probably needed something to cheer for less than 10 years after he died tragically in a plane crash.
Because Stewart and Azinger were able to become good enough friends through golf that Azinger would become a member of the family in Stewart's absence.
Because it may not have taken nine years to win the cup if he was still here.
Because I'm smiling today, and if you're a golf fan and an American, I'm sure you are too.
But most importantly, I love sports because Tracey Stewart is smiling today.
Schedule Change: Manager of the Year AL
Here comes the first of many shakeups in the lineup here at The Card. The AL Manager of the Year award was officially clinched last night, so we might as well jump right into it.
Winner: Joe Maddon
The Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays have been such a phenomenal story in 2008. They clinched a playoff spot last night, and they will likely clinch the division before all is said and done. They jumped from worst to first, and they are a true story of why sports is so great.
Even in the A.L. East, where owners like Steinbrenner and Henry spend money like it has "Monopoly" written all over it, the (Devil) Rays were able to resurrect their team in just one season. Never has wait 'til next year meant so much. Everyone has a chance every season, and the (Devil) Rays are that proof.
Maddon has long been known as one of the great minds in baseball. He does anything to win, including playing a four-outfielder shift against David Ortiz a few years back. Most of all, his group of young and talented, but vastly inexperienced, players believe in him.
Note: Maddon gets bonus points for succeeding in a town that seemingly doesn't even know his team exists. Shame on Tampa for not supporting this club.
Runner up: Terry Francona
Not because the Red Sox are heading to the playoffs. Really, I just give him credit for not having a heart attack throughout the whole Manny saga.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
NL Rookie of the Year
Winner: Geovany Soto
This one's kind of a no-brainer like the one in the A.L. Soto's numbers make you forget he's a rookie: .285, 23 HRs, 86 RBI. Plus, he's put up those numbers as a catcher, probably the most physically demanding position in baseball. Bonus points go to Soto for being the leader of a pitching staff that has been extremely successful in 2008, and being on the best team in baseball for much of the year. He won't win the MPV, but Soto has a chance to crack the top 10 for his importance on the Cubs.
Runner up: Edison Volquez
At the All Star Break, it looked like Volquez could run away with this award. He had a 2.29 ERA on July 12, but he has fallen off a little since then, slipping to a 3.29 ERA as of Friday night. Still, he's had a phenomenal season on a subpar team, and he is sure to develop into one of the best pitchers in the National League.
Friday, September 19, 2008
It's that time again
And down the stretch we come, to the end of the 2008 baseball season that is. From now until the playoffs we will be running down the list of awards for the year. Keep your eyes open in the coming days as we should be following this schedule:
Rookie of the Year – AL (9/19)
Rookie of the Year – NL (9/20)
Rolaids Reliever of the Year – AL (9/21)
Rolaids Reliever of the Year – NL (9/22)
Manager of the Year – AL (9/23)
Manager of the Year – NL (9/24)
Cy Young – AL (9/25)
Cy Young – NL (9/26)
Note: there are a couple of extra days built in at the end in case we have to push back a game for rain or snow. The Card does not agree with Ernie Banks; there will be no double headers here.
Let’s start off with a pretty easy one. The A.L. Rookie of the Year award was sewn up by the All Star Break for sure.
Winner: Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria is one of the most valuable rookies to a postseason team in recent years. The Rays probably would miss the playoffs without him in the lineup, and in fact, they almost did as they struggled when he was out with an injury.
Longoria is batting .281 with 25 HRs and 78 RBI in 2008. The Rays have been the pleasant surprise (for everyone outside Boston and N.Y.) of the year, and he has been their posterboy.
Runner up: Alexei Ramirez
Maybe you haven’t heard of this guy because he plays for the White Sox, but he’s been a stud in 2008. His .296 batting average is even better than Longoria’s and he has been one of the catalysts for a very good lineup in Chicago. What keeps him from winning the award are his low RBI (66) and run totals (58). You either have to drive them in or score them to beat Longoria. His 18 HRs are pretty impressive for a 2B though.
Rookie of the Year – AL (9/19)
Rookie of the Year – NL (9/20)
Rolaids Reliever of the Year – AL (9/21)
Rolaids Reliever of the Year – NL (9/22)
Manager of the Year – AL (9/23)
Manager of the Year – NL (9/24)
Cy Young – AL (9/25)
Cy Young – NL (9/26)
Note: there are a couple of extra days built in at the end in case we have to push back a game for rain or snow. The Card does not agree with Ernie Banks; there will be no double headers here.
Let’s start off with a pretty easy one. The A.L. Rookie of the Year award was sewn up by the All Star Break for sure.
Winner: Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria is one of the most valuable rookies to a postseason team in recent years. The Rays probably would miss the playoffs without him in the lineup, and in fact, they almost did as they struggled when he was out with an injury.
Longoria is batting .281 with 25 HRs and 78 RBI in 2008. The Rays have been the pleasant surprise (for everyone outside Boston and N.Y.) of the year, and he has been their posterboy.
Runner up: Alexei Ramirez
Maybe you haven’t heard of this guy because he plays for the White Sox, but he’s been a stud in 2008. His .296 batting average is even better than Longoria’s and he has been one of the catalysts for a very good lineup in Chicago. What keeps him from winning the award are his low RBI (66) and run totals (58). You either have to drive them in or score them to beat Longoria. His 18 HRs are pretty impressive for a 2B though.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Leading off
Well, it's an off day for the Red Sox and the Patriots still have a few days left before they turn Joey Porter into the next Anthony Smith, so let's talk about some out of market things.
Let's talk about Ichiro. The man (I use that term loosely because he puts up inhuman numbers) just recorded his eighth-consecutive 200-hit season last night. To put that into perspective: Dustin Pedroia became the first Red Sox player to record 200 hits in a season since 1998. That means while the Sox (one of the best offensive teams in the league every year) couldn't get a single player to notch 200 hits for a decade, Ichiro did it in each of the first eight seasons of his career.
Which brings me to my next point...Ichiro is a Hall of Famer. No doubt about it. No debate. You don't even have to count any of his statistics from Japan. His MLB numbers are good enough on their own.
Well, I guess there's always a debate, so I might as well state the facts of the case. In his eight seasons, Ichiro has never had fewer than 206 hits. He's never had fewer than 31 steals. He's never scored fewer than 101 runs (he has 96 this year so far). He's never batted lower than .303. He's never played in fewer than 157 games (151 so far this year). When you put his worst season totals all together for one year, he's still probably a top 10 MVP candidate.
Plus, he has been arguably one of the best outfielders in the game. He's racked up 67 assists and made just 15 errors in eight years.
He's won an MVP, a rookie of the year award, an All Star MVP, seven gold gloves (in seven years), two silver sluggers, two batting titles. He's been named to eight all star games, set a record for hits in a season, and made the game even more global than it already was.
In my mind, Ichiro has been the best leadoff hitter in baseball for the past eight years. He very likely has been the best or one of the best (see Torii Hunter) defensive outfielders in the game as well. That makes him a Hall of Famer even if he has only been here for less than a decade.
Even if he never played another game, Ichiro should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But just in case no one is buying that, he will probably get to 2,000 hits next year. He's 34 years old, and at this pace he would get to 3,000 hits just before his 40th birthday (in just 14 seasons!!!). He is one of the greatest players of our time, and there is really no doubt about that.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Ryder Cup Preview
The Americans can win this thing for one reason: Tiger is not playing. Wait, the best player in the world – perhaps ever – is not playing and that’s a good thing for the Americans? Hear me out.
It’s not like Tiger has dominated this whole Ryder Cup thing. He’s actually lost more matches than he’s won (10-13-2) in his career at the competition, and the Americans only won the Cup once when he has competed (1999).
Here’s the real reason: Tiger is a golfer who is all about himself, which isn’t a real problem because golf is an individual sport. This isn’t a knock on him; in fact it’s one of the reason’s he is so great, because he doesn’t let anyone else into his world on Sunday and he is the one that rattles his competition.
There’s one problem though. The Ryder Cup is one of those rare team competitions in golf. Maybe when he’s teamed up with people they are intimidated, trying to live up to the standard set by the world’s greatest. Maybe he is too focused on himself and the other players are annoyed by that. Maybe they just expect him make all the big shots and fail to step up on their own. Who knows?
One of the main reasons for the European team’s recent success has been their camaraderie. They all look like they’re having fun together, and they are united in a common goal. I’m not saying Tiger doesn’t care about the Ryder Cup, but if you told him he had to pick between winning a Master’s or a Ryder Cup, do you think he would even hesitate? I think some of the European players might actually think about that decision for a while.
Tiger and Phil and all the rest haven’t been able to get the job done in almost a decade. Who’s to say J.B. Holmes and Chad Campbell can’t do it? I’d rather take a chance that some relative unknowns, who have much more to play for, can step up than keep trotting out the same bunch that loses every year.
It’s not like Tiger has dominated this whole Ryder Cup thing. He’s actually lost more matches than he’s won (10-13-2) in his career at the competition, and the Americans only won the Cup once when he has competed (1999).
Here’s the real reason: Tiger is a golfer who is all about himself, which isn’t a real problem because golf is an individual sport. This isn’t a knock on him; in fact it’s one of the reason’s he is so great, because he doesn’t let anyone else into his world on Sunday and he is the one that rattles his competition.
There’s one problem though. The Ryder Cup is one of those rare team competitions in golf. Maybe when he’s teamed up with people they are intimidated, trying to live up to the standard set by the world’s greatest. Maybe he is too focused on himself and the other players are annoyed by that. Maybe they just expect him make all the big shots and fail to step up on their own. Who knows?
One of the main reasons for the European team’s recent success has been their camaraderie. They all look like they’re having fun together, and they are united in a common goal. I’m not saying Tiger doesn’t care about the Ryder Cup, but if you told him he had to pick between winning a Master’s or a Ryder Cup, do you think he would even hesitate? I think some of the European players might actually think about that decision for a while.
Tiger and Phil and all the rest haven’t been able to get the job done in almost a decade. Who’s to say J.B. Holmes and Chad Campbell can’t do it? I’d rather take a chance that some relative unknowns, who have much more to play for, can step up than keep trotting out the same bunch that loses every year.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Milestone for the captain
Jason Varitek hit his 158th home run as a catcher last night in Tropicana Field, moving him ahead of Carlton Fisk for the club record at the position. Listening to the Rays broadcast on MLBTV, they were shocked that Varitek would be ahead of the Hall of Famer Fisk. Which begs this question, who is the best catcher in Red Sox history?
To me, the answer is simple, and it's not even really close. Sure Fisk is a Hall of Famer. He has ridiculous numbers and set a standard of longevity and consistency that may never be matched at the position.
Varitek will never be a Hall of Famer, because his career numbers don't match the great ones in Cooperstown, but he has been a rock for the Red Sox in their greatest era of all time. He is a .263 hitter (Fisk hit .269 in Boston and Chicago), with 161 HR's at all positions (far fewer than Fisk's 376) and 651 RBI (again far fewer than Fisk's 1330). But he has also caught four no-hitters (MLB record) with two young pitchers (Lester and Buchholz) and two borderline washups (Lowe and Nomo). He also led a team that won two world series (something Fisk can never say).
I'm not trying to put Fisk down, because I think he is one of the best catchers at all time. And I know Varitek has gone downhill the last few years in a Sox uniform. But in their times at the Red Sox, I don't think anyone has been more important behind the plate than 'Tek.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The morning after
OK, so it's not really the morning anymore, but it's still the day after week 2 of the NFL season. No doom and gloom from Patriots fans this week (thank God), just some recapping of the action from an exciting NFL Sunday.
Comebacks: Washington over New Orleans, Carolina over Chicago, Buffalo over Jacksonville, Indy over Minny, San Fran over Seattle and Denver over SD. What a crazy weekend? It was easy to park it in front of the TV all day and not lose interest for a second.
Jay Cutler: Man, this guy goes up and down like a pogo stick. One minute he's the next Joe Montana, the next minute he's the next Ryan Leaf. If the Broncos lost on Sunday, the league may have had to seriously investigate him for point shaving. Twice, the Broncos were inside the five in the waning minutes against San Diego. Once, he threw the worst pass I have ever seen for an interception. And the other time he let the ball slip out of his hands on another attempt that should have been ruled a fumble, then it was ruled a fumble, but somehow (thanks crazy NFL rules like the tuck rule) the Broncos got to keep the ball. My head hurts. Then he threw the game-tying touchdown and game-winning two-point conversion. What's with this guy?
Jets: So you finally have a chance to beat the Patriots, without the reigning MVP on the other side, at home, with a QB that hasn't started since Clinton was in office (against 17-year-olds) and you put up 10 points??? That's rough. If they couldn't win Sunday, does anyone really think they can win in Foxborough when Cassel has a few more games under his belt?
Random thoughts: Peyton Manning will pull a Tom Brady (2005) and carry his team to the playoffs on his shoulders. The Panthers are for real (even without Steve Smith). So are the Bills. The Vikings will go nowhere with Tavaris Jackson at the helm. USC would be favored to win the NFC West. San Diego got screwed in Denver, but the Bolts still aren't good enough to win the AFC. My Rams 7-9 pick isn't looking so hot anymore. Cleveland may have been overrated, but don't count them out just yet.
New Pats prediction: 10-6. Call me impulsive, but they can win with Cassel. They probably won't win the Super Bowl, but who is better in the AFC East?
Comebacks: Washington over New Orleans, Carolina over Chicago, Buffalo over Jacksonville, Indy over Minny, San Fran over Seattle and Denver over SD. What a crazy weekend? It was easy to park it in front of the TV all day and not lose interest for a second.
Jay Cutler: Man, this guy goes up and down like a pogo stick. One minute he's the next Joe Montana, the next minute he's the next Ryan Leaf. If the Broncos lost on Sunday, the league may have had to seriously investigate him for point shaving. Twice, the Broncos were inside the five in the waning minutes against San Diego. Once, he threw the worst pass I have ever seen for an interception. And the other time he let the ball slip out of his hands on another attempt that should have been ruled a fumble, then it was ruled a fumble, but somehow (thanks crazy NFL rules like the tuck rule) the Broncos got to keep the ball. My head hurts. Then he threw the game-tying touchdown and game-winning two-point conversion. What's with this guy?
Jets: So you finally have a chance to beat the Patriots, without the reigning MVP on the other side, at home, with a QB that hasn't started since Clinton was in office (against 17-year-olds) and you put up 10 points??? That's rough. If they couldn't win Sunday, does anyone really think they can win in Foxborough when Cassel has a few more games under his belt?
Random thoughts: Peyton Manning will pull a Tom Brady (2005) and carry his team to the playoffs on his shoulders. The Panthers are for real (even without Steve Smith). So are the Bills. The Vikings will go nowhere with Tavaris Jackson at the helm. USC would be favored to win the NFC West. San Diego got screwed in Denver, but the Bolts still aren't good enough to win the AFC. My Rams 7-9 pick isn't looking so hot anymore. Cleveland may have been overrated, but don't count them out just yet.
New Pats prediction: 10-6. Call me impulsive, but they can win with Cassel. They probably won't win the Super Bowl, but who is better in the AFC East?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Survival football
Just some thoughts about the Patriots 19-10 win against the Jets before they get beaten to death like a dead horse.
1. Cassel played well enough to win: He looked like the 2001 Brady, completing the short passes and not making any big mistakes. His best pass of the day was a 12-yard route to Randy Moss across the middle, and the next pass to Moss on the deep ball in the fourth should have been caught by Moss.
2. The defense will be the key to the 2008 Patriots season: I know I'm stating the obvious here, but the defense was the anchor today, and will be all season. The Pats will be settling for more field goals than ever, and the D will have to make up for the decreased scoring. Bruschi looked as good as he has in years today, and Hobbs and O'Neal played well in the secondary. Merriweather's INT in the third set up the Pats first TD and may have been the difference in the game.
3. Gostkowski is killing the ball: He didn't kick one longer than 37 yards on Sunday, but all his kickoffs went for touchbacks except one (which was only returned to the 20 anyways). Maybe Belichick will show more confidence in him this year. He likely will have to.
4. The spread worked: The Pats running game got going big time in the second half when they spread the field and ran the ball from the shotgun. The depth at running back will be key to take the pressure off Cassel and Sammy Morris and Lamont Jordan were spectacular.
5. The O-line was decent: Three sacks doesn't look great, but attribute some of that to Cassel's inexperience. Billy Yates really impressed me, especially with a key block on a screen that sprung Kevin Faulk for a big gain. Dan Koppen had an off day at center.
6. Richard Seymour may be back: The big fella made some huge plays, especially on a goal-line stand for the Pats in the first half. He also bull rushed a blocker on his way to a big sack. He looks like he's in the best shape he's been in since signing that fat contract.
Clutch
Quick note as we head into the beginning of Pats/Jets 2008: How clutch is Adam Vinatieri? I mean he's not Mr. Automatic like he was in his prime in NE, but he never wilts under pressure. Today he missed a 30-yarder in the fourth quarter, but came out to boot the winner from 47 yards with less than 10 seconds on the clock. For my money, with the game on the line, I still want Vinatieri taking the kick. He is the all-time greatest.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The other side: Angry Craig previews the Jets
Here we are for the second week of the NFL season. The Jets will be opening up at home against the Patriots for the third year in a row. The Patriots have gotten the better of the Jets the past two times. The Jets are hoping that the third time's a charm to get a win. That charm may have been Bernard Pollard, who, as you all know, knocked Tom Brady out for the season. I won't say this is a must win for either team because it is too early in the season (and both have very favorable schedules down the road), but it is a big game for the confidence of the players on both sides.
The Patriots are coming off an impressive victory against the Chiefs. Matt Cassel was very efficient coming in for the injured Brady, which included a 98-yard drive capped off with a touchdown to Randy Moss. The question now is, will there be any change in the offensive game plans now that Matt Cassel is running the show. I think that the Patriots will run the ball more since they are really deep at the running back position with Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, and getting Kevin Faulk back from suspension. These guys have the ability to carry the offense and sustain drives, which will ease in Cassel in his first start since high school.
Players and coaches from the Jets have been saying that the Patriots are still the team to beat in the AFC East. They still might be, but one thing is for sure, the Jets have to be excited that there really is an opportunity for them to take over the division this year. The Jets defense was impressive last week holding the Dolphins to a total of 49 yards rushing. The defense also recorded four sacks and got plenty of pressure on Chad Pennington. With that being said, the Jets will have to get pressure on Cassel and force him to make bad throws.
The Jets haven't won the division since 2002, and this Sunday could be their real first step toward winning the division.
Prediction: Jets 23, Pats 17
The Patriots are coming off an impressive victory against the Chiefs. Matt Cassel was very efficient coming in for the injured Brady, which included a 98-yard drive capped off with a touchdown to Randy Moss. The question now is, will there be any change in the offensive game plans now that Matt Cassel is running the show. I think that the Patriots will run the ball more since they are really deep at the running back position with Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, and getting Kevin Faulk back from suspension. These guys have the ability to carry the offense and sustain drives, which will ease in Cassel in his first start since high school.
Players and coaches from the Jets have been saying that the Patriots are still the team to beat in the AFC East. They still might be, but one thing is for sure, the Jets have to be excited that there really is an opportunity for them to take over the division this year. The Jets defense was impressive last week holding the Dolphins to a total of 49 yards rushing. The defense also recorded four sacks and got plenty of pressure on Chad Pennington. With that being said, the Jets will have to get pressure on Cassel and force him to make bad throws.
The Jets haven't won the division since 2002, and this Sunday could be their real first step toward winning the division.
Prediction: Jets 23, Pats 17
Friday, September 12, 2008
Do or die in week 2
It’s always been about the coaches in the Pats/Jets rivalry. First, it was Parcels jumping ship while pretending to coach a Super Bowl team. Then it was Belichick turning down the HC position of the NYJ. Then it was Mangini, spurning the advice of his mentor to coach a division rival. Then it was spygate and a year’s worth of annoying ESPN coverage.
Now, it’s about the coaches again. Only it’s not.
Everyone wants to make this about Belichick showing off his coaching muscle in the post-Brady era. Everywhere you turn the question is being asked: “Can Bill win without Tom?”
But this isn’t about Belichick and it’s not about Brady either. It’s not even about Brett Favre (for once). This is about little brother challenging big brother for the first time in more than half a decade.
The Pats are Ivan Drago here, and they’re cut and bleeding. You could almost hear Mangini yelling “He’s not a machine, he’s a man!” all the way from Miami on Sunday.
This is the Jets’ best chance to win the division since 2002. Sure, they won a home game against New England in 2006, but they never challenged the Pats’ perch atop the division that year. It’s now or never for them.
If the Jets win on Sunday, they can show that they are the class of the AFC East. They would move to 2-0 and would clearly be the favorite in the division. But most of all, they would prove to themselves that they could actually win this thing.
But the flip side of that is they could lose. And if they do, who knows if they can recover? This is as good a chance as you’re going to get to beat the big bad Patriots. The star player is down, and Matt Cassel is getting his first start since 1999 (in high school). No matter what you may think of Matty C, it’s more than likely he will at least get better with every snap considering he’s had such limited playing time in his career.
I hate to pull an ESPN and say the season is riding on one game (in week two no less), but this time it might actually be true. The course for the 2008 season for each team may be set in the Meadowlands on Sunday.
No pressure, Jets.
Now, it’s about the coaches again. Only it’s not.
Everyone wants to make this about Belichick showing off his coaching muscle in the post-Brady era. Everywhere you turn the question is being asked: “Can Bill win without Tom?”
But this isn’t about Belichick and it’s not about Brady either. It’s not even about Brett Favre (for once). This is about little brother challenging big brother for the first time in more than half a decade.
The Pats are Ivan Drago here, and they’re cut and bleeding. You could almost hear Mangini yelling “He’s not a machine, he’s a man!” all the way from Miami on Sunday.
This is the Jets’ best chance to win the division since 2002. Sure, they won a home game against New England in 2006, but they never challenged the Pats’ perch atop the division that year. It’s now or never for them.
If the Jets win on Sunday, they can show that they are the class of the AFC East. They would move to 2-0 and would clearly be the favorite in the division. But most of all, they would prove to themselves that they could actually win this thing.
But the flip side of that is they could lose. And if they do, who knows if they can recover? This is as good a chance as you’re going to get to beat the big bad Patriots. The star player is down, and Matt Cassel is getting his first start since 1999 (in high school). No matter what you may think of Matty C, it’s more than likely he will at least get better with every snap considering he’s had such limited playing time in his career.
I hate to pull an ESPN and say the season is riding on one game (in week two no less), but this time it might actually be true. The course for the 2008 season for each team may be set in the Meadowlands on Sunday.
No pressure, Jets.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
To live and die with Cassel...
After much deliberation (with myself) and careful film study (OK, I watched Sportcenter highlights) I have devised a gameplan that I believe can work for the Patriots and Matt Cassel.
We’ve heard much about the “spread offense” and its use in college. It has caught on with such enthusiasm that the traditional schools like Michigan and Ohio State are starting to use it.
Will it work in the NFL? Not really. The spread offense doesn’t work in the NFL because defenses are too fast and too smart. The zone read would be snuffed out on every play and there are few quarterbacks that can even outrun defensive ends these days. It’s the same reason why the option never truly worked at the pro level.
But here is something that does work, and it’s already in the Patriots playbook for sure: Spread the field with four or five receivers on almost every play. It’s a little different from the college “spread offense” because it puts more emphasis on the pass and ditches the quarterback running part. Call me crazy, but spreading the field is actually the safest route to take with a quarterback that has little experience.
Defenses won’t be able to crowd the line with linebackers and defensive backs. Blitzes will be more noticeable because the defenders will be farther from the ball and will have to commit earlier to the play. There will be less traffic over the middle for Cassel to sift through, reducing the likelihood of interceptions. The running game will be able to find the gaps more easily against nickel and dime packages.
Most of all, it will get Cassel going early in the game and build his confidence. The Pats can spread the field and start hitting on short slants early to build some momentum. When the defense adjusts, they pound the run with Morris and Maroney (still out of the spread out formations).
Conventional wisdom with a young quarterback is to hunker down and run the football. It conserves the clock and limits your chances of making a big mistake. It also limits your chances of making a big play because the defense will adjust to you and limit your gains.
I say the Pats should go down swinging. Take the training wheels off the young kid early and chuck the ball. It may not work, but at least they can say they tried to win.
We’ve heard much about the “spread offense” and its use in college. It has caught on with such enthusiasm that the traditional schools like Michigan and Ohio State are starting to use it.
Will it work in the NFL? Not really. The spread offense doesn’t work in the NFL because defenses are too fast and too smart. The zone read would be snuffed out on every play and there are few quarterbacks that can even outrun defensive ends these days. It’s the same reason why the option never truly worked at the pro level.
But here is something that does work, and it’s already in the Patriots playbook for sure: Spread the field with four or five receivers on almost every play. It’s a little different from the college “spread offense” because it puts more emphasis on the pass and ditches the quarterback running part. Call me crazy, but spreading the field is actually the safest route to take with a quarterback that has little experience.
Defenses won’t be able to crowd the line with linebackers and defensive backs. Blitzes will be more noticeable because the defenders will be farther from the ball and will have to commit earlier to the play. There will be less traffic over the middle for Cassel to sift through, reducing the likelihood of interceptions. The running game will be able to find the gaps more easily against nickel and dime packages.
Most of all, it will get Cassel going early in the game and build his confidence. The Pats can spread the field and start hitting on short slants early to build some momentum. When the defense adjusts, they pound the run with Morris and Maroney (still out of the spread out formations).
Conventional wisdom with a young quarterback is to hunker down and run the football. It conserves the clock and limits your chances of making a big mistake. It also limits your chances of making a big play because the defense will adjust to you and limit your gains.
I say the Pats should go down swinging. Take the training wheels off the young kid early and chuck the ball. It may not work, but at least they can say they tried to win.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
2 AB
Today is day two After Brady, and the wounds haven’t completely healed. I must say, I’ve taken the news of Brady’s injury slightly better than expected. Maybe it’s because I knew he could get hurt (although it was his foot, not his knee that scared everyone), maybe it’s because the Red Sox are surging and the Celtics will be starting soon. But before we all totally give up on the Pats, let’s look at some possible scenarios for 2008.
The good
Glass half full people, at least in this part of the entry (see the bad and the ugly later).
1. Matt Cassel pulls a Tom Brady circa 2001, where he didn’t do anything special during the season, but he also didn’t lose any games. The defense took over and Brady managed the game well enough to win 11 times in the regular season.
2. The depth at running back fills part of the hole that Brady left, giving the Patriots a weapon to control the clock and let Cassel stay out of trouble.
3. Randy Moss saves Cassel on several deep chucks (see Culpepper to Moss) and makes him look better than he really is.
The bad
More likely scenarios in here. Patriots apologists beware, you may not like this part.
1. Offensive linemen like Matt Light are exposed for the frauds they are. Without Brady’s pocket presence and ability to get rid of the ball quickly, the line gives up more sacks than it has in years.
2. The running game is snuffed out because teams are able to stack eight in the box and dare Cassel to beat them. Cassel can’t do this and the offense is shut down (see Baltimore Ravens every year).
3. The old defense gets worn down because the offense can never sustain a drive. Even with talented players on that side of the ball, they cannot continue to play 70 percent of the snaps and be efficient at this age.
The ugly
Worst-case scenarios, but possible
1. Randy Moss shows his true colors. Angry Craig mentioned this the other day, and it could certainly happen. The first time Cassel misses a wide open Moss in the endzone, all hell could break loose and he could shut it down again. Brady kept him in check; let’s see if Cassel can do the same.
2. Matt Cassel gets hurt from the constant pounding the O-line allows him to take. Who’s next to step up? Rookie Kevin O’Connel? Matt Gutierrez? Doug Flutie? Me?
3. Belichick packs it in for the year. Knowing his team cannot make the playoffs, Bill throws in the towel and starts blowing games. He did it to set up playoff position in 2005 (the last time Cassel saw significant time before Sunday), he could do it again. That would suck to watch, but it may turn out to be a shrewd move for draft picks.
The good
Glass half full people, at least in this part of the entry (see the bad and the ugly later).
1. Matt Cassel pulls a Tom Brady circa 2001, where he didn’t do anything special during the season, but he also didn’t lose any games. The defense took over and Brady managed the game well enough to win 11 times in the regular season.
2. The depth at running back fills part of the hole that Brady left, giving the Patriots a weapon to control the clock and let Cassel stay out of trouble.
3. Randy Moss saves Cassel on several deep chucks (see Culpepper to Moss) and makes him look better than he really is.
The bad
More likely scenarios in here. Patriots apologists beware, you may not like this part.
1. Offensive linemen like Matt Light are exposed for the frauds they are. Without Brady’s pocket presence and ability to get rid of the ball quickly, the line gives up more sacks than it has in years.
2. The running game is snuffed out because teams are able to stack eight in the box and dare Cassel to beat them. Cassel can’t do this and the offense is shut down (see Baltimore Ravens every year).
3. The old defense gets worn down because the offense can never sustain a drive. Even with talented players on that side of the ball, they cannot continue to play 70 percent of the snaps and be efficient at this age.
The ugly
Worst-case scenarios, but possible
1. Randy Moss shows his true colors. Angry Craig mentioned this the other day, and it could certainly happen. The first time Cassel misses a wide open Moss in the endzone, all hell could break loose and he could shut it down again. Brady kept him in check; let’s see if Cassel can do the same.
2. Matt Cassel gets hurt from the constant pounding the O-line allows him to take. Who’s next to step up? Rookie Kevin O’Connel? Matt Gutierrez? Doug Flutie? Me?
3. Belichick packs it in for the year. Knowing his team cannot make the playoffs, Bill throws in the towel and starts blowing games. He did it to set up playoff position in 2005 (the last time Cassel saw significant time before Sunday), he could do it again. That would suck to watch, but it may turn out to be a shrewd move for draft picks.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Therapy
This might make you laugh. It might make you cry. Maybe a little of both. I'm not even sure if it helps or not, but I haven't slit my wrists yet this morning. Then again, it's only 7:30 a.m.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Worst case scenario
Well, it seems like it finally happened. We all knew Brady would get hurt some day, and today appears to be that day. Let me tell you, Patriots fans, all is far from well.
I listened to the yahoos on WEEI after the game telling everyone how the Pats will be fine without Brady. They ranted about how well Matt Cassel did against that proud Kansas City Chiefs defense (13-18, 152 yards, 1 TD).
Truth be told, Matt Cassel did just fine today. He did what Patriots fans hoped he would do: manage the game and not make mistakes. He did everything he needed to do to win the game.
But before we all get too excited, let's remember, this was the Kansas City Chiefs...at home...without THEIR starting quarterback down the stretch. And the Chiefs came THIS CLOSE to tying it at the end.
Without Brady, the Patriots have a fourth-year rookie leading the charge. Teams will stack eight in the box to shut down a running game that has been less than perfect the past two seasons. Cassel will have to make some plays for the Patriots to go anywhere, and I don't have the confidence he will do that.
This could be a long season for the Patriots, so let's hope the MRI on Monday isn't as bad as we all fear.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Blowing the whistle: Instant Replay
I’ve been on record for a long time as a staunch opponent of instant replay in baseball. Call me old fashioned, but I like the “human factor” that exists when real people need to make real judgment calls in a split second (full disclosure: I’ve been umpiring baseball at various levels for enough time to make me significantly jaded). All that being said, it looks like instant replay is here to stay. Commissioner Selig has made it explicitly clear that the only reviewable calls are calls on the periphery of the field of play – the so called “boundary calls”. I’m OK with that. I can live with umpires taking some time to check a replay of a disputed homerun. The problem I see is that instant replay is a band-aid on the larger problem – MLB stadium design.
At this point everyone has seen A-Rod’s home run on September 3rd that was correctly ruled a home run by third base umpire Brian Runge. The crew was convinced the review the play and the call was upheld by crew chief Charlie Reliford. The replay process went smoothly and everyone (with the possible exception of Joe Maddon – who still claims he doesn’t know if the ball was fair or foul) was happy. Looking at Tropicana Field down the left field line, there is the standard, run-of-the-mill foul/fair pole right where it belongs. Some 30 feet behind that sits a foul pole extension – a bastard child of stadium architecture. What the hell? This is a baseball field; there should be two fair/foul poles on the field, not two with two separate extensions. If the poles aren’t tall enough to begin with, then they should have changed the design! Problems like these aren’t limited to the Trop, although it may take the cake as the worst designed ballpark in The Show. What the hell is with the shelf on top of the Green Monster Seats? That doesn’t belong there. If a ball goes over the wall, it’s a homerun, let’s design these ballparks so there’s little chance that the ball can’t come back into play easily. Umpiring crews weren’t missing homerun calls with any regularity 20 years ago. Maybe instant replay isn’t the answer, maybe it’s a symptom when non-baseball people design our hallowed grounds for fan experience and not the game itself.
At this point everyone has seen A-Rod’s home run on September 3rd that was correctly ruled a home run by third base umpire Brian Runge. The crew was convinced the review the play and the call was upheld by crew chief Charlie Reliford. The replay process went smoothly and everyone (with the possible exception of Joe Maddon – who still claims he doesn’t know if the ball was fair or foul) was happy. Looking at Tropicana Field down the left field line, there is the standard, run-of-the-mill foul/fair pole right where it belongs. Some 30 feet behind that sits a foul pole extension – a bastard child of stadium architecture. What the hell? This is a baseball field; there should be two fair/foul poles on the field, not two with two separate extensions. If the poles aren’t tall enough to begin with, then they should have changed the design! Problems like these aren’t limited to the Trop, although it may take the cake as the worst designed ballpark in The Show. What the hell is with the shelf on top of the Green Monster Seats? That doesn’t belong there. If a ball goes over the wall, it’s a homerun, let’s design these ballparks so there’s little chance that the ball can’t come back into play easily. Umpiring crews weren’t missing homerun calls with any regularity 20 years ago. Maybe instant replay isn’t the answer, maybe it’s a symptom when non-baseball people design our hallowed grounds for fan experience and not the game itself.
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