Baseball: can't you smell it in the air? While the boys of summer are preparing during the spring, fans should be prepping for what to expect.
Mariano Rivera: It is known that he will be retiring soon. Like a fine wine, he has only gotten better throughout the years, and he was already great. I don't think we shall look at his performance to judge when he will retire, but maybe nostalgic things like playing catch with his son in spring training as he did the other day. Things that signify that this is one last go-around in the big leagues.
Teixeira adjustments: Will he be open to letting a pitch get deep and going the opposite way rather than pulling the ball, will he bunt against the shift, and ultimately will he be able to get off to that hot start that has eluded him for years, and hit closer to that .300 clip?
Pineda, Kuroda: How will they pitch in the AL East? Spring training isn't the best barometer, but we'll be able to tell what kind of stuff they will be working with.
Pineda: Splendid fastball and breaking pitch, but is that changeup where it needs to be to keep hitters off balance? Russell Martin the other day had said about his changeup that he was "babying it." When he threw with a fastball arm motion, the changeup was much more effective.
Kuroda: 37 years old, a veteran professional. Look for him to pound the zone and go after hitters. Everything is a little different in the spring, starters don't go deep into games, so it is the little things everyone needs to look at.
Prospects: Guys like Banuelos and Betances are gunning to show their skills for mid to late season callups.
Are you ready?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Monday, December 20, 2010
A GIANT Embarrassment, But...
After the major hiatus in blog writing, I've decided to make my presence felt once again, and what a time to do so. Yesterday, if you were busy on Mars and missed the game, the Giants managed to unfathomably blow a 21 point cake walk in the 4th quarter. Before we complain, let's start from the beginning.
Before the game even went underway, a heck of a Star-Spangled Banner rendition was played via trumpet. Just by looking at the NY players on the screen, you knew they were ready. After a 3 and out on their first drive, the New York Giants played very strong just flat out making plays. From an interception by Corey Webster, fumble recoveries by Kenny Phillips, some serious pressure on Michael Vick, all the way to Mario Manningham letting the Philadelphia Eagles know he's a high calibur receiver, the Giants had it rolling. They seemed to benefit from every borderline call, they beneifted through take-aways, and they had their home crowd pouring their hearts into the game every down making it extremely difficult for the Philly attack to get moving. Everytime Philly had a chance to creep back in the game, they would seem to blow it for themselves, but that would only set the table for later.
The Giants ended the first half picking up a fumble that was reviewed by the booth which stood as called, and the very next play Eli Manning chucked an 8 yard touchdown pass to second year-standout wideout Hakeem Nicks. Big Blue was firing all cylinders, and nobody in the stadium really thought it would be a game, the table was set for a G-Men victory.
During halftime, a jazz group, with each member wearing a different Giants jersey, played Christmas music. It seemed to be some real easy listening type stuff that just felt right being it was 24-3, a 3-score cushion always makes you feel safe. I even remember thinking that if it was Madden, the Eagles would be off the sticks with the 21 point rule in all.
After making tons of huge plays, Mario Manningham let what should've just been a first down to keep a drive moving, turn into, well, a turning point. The Giants were moving the ball with ease, and the same could not be said for the Eagles. However, a gift-wrapped fumble in Giants territory was given to the green team. The Eagles would then, finally capitalize and get themselves a touchdown. At this point its 24-10, still breathing easy, but it just shouldn't have happened.
The Giants would eventually get themselves that touchdown back with a little over 8 minutes left in regulation. Kevin Boss made a nice 8 yard catch in the back of the endzone, to, well, what we all thought at the stadium, would solitify it. The dance music came out, Disco Stu was moving, hell I was even dancing to some Hypnotize. Everyone was sure to put the game in their pocket, and lead the NFC East, a statement, dominating win.
This is the point where I think the Eagles did what the "Monstars" did in Space Jam when they took NBA players' talent away. It felt like Philly was able to do anything they wanted, and the Giants were completely on their heels. Starting the barrage of Eagle points was a 65 yard catch by Brent Celek for a touchdown. It was a quick score, somewhat alarming, but its still a sizeable lead late in the game, still breathing easy. However for some reason, the Giants didn't think a onside quick would ensue with only 7 minutes left down 2 scores. They might not onside kick, however they could. Nobody was ready for it, and the Eagles got the ball back, and scored again with ease, going right down the field. Everyone in the stadium at this point could sense the Eagles found a way to get themselves going, and the Giants look like they may never stop them again. Giants get the ball back finally, don't convert on a big 3rd down after a tough false start penalty by Dave Diehl, and the Eagles got the pigskin back, once again. At this point as a Giants fan you're thinking just making a stop and the game is over. Some how, some way, make a stop. They didn't.
After it's 31-31, the Giants have the ball with 3 timeouts, and about a minute-ten to get themselves in position for a game-winning field goal. It should not have to come down to that after a 21 point edge in the 4th quarter, at home, but you just would like to get out of there with a win. Eli Manning under, and overthrew a couple targets leading to a 3 and out, which would give the Eagles the ball back before the end of regulation. After seeing number 10 deep, everyone and their mama are thinking just punt that thing out of bounds, and let's go win a coin toss. However, a bad snap plus a nervous rookie punter, equalled what is now known as "the (low, wobbling, line drive) punt." DeSean Jackson did exactly what he was set up for, taking the wormburner 65 yards to the house as time expired, and literal silence at New Meadowlands Stadium. Fights weren't necessarily even happening like they usually do after a tough loss or win, the place was in a state of shock. Spike Lee didn't even know what to say. It was one of the longer walk-to-the-car journies I've ever experienced.
What did the Giants blow? Well besides a 21 point lead late in the game against your division rival, they blew a 10-4 record, being in the driver's seat to win the NFC East, have a legitimate shot at homefield advantage, and a first round bye. That's the tough part about the loss besides the mannor it was done in. Be positive Giants fans, we've seen this team lay so many eggs in years past, and while this may be tough to swallow, a win next week in Green Bay (last time they played there in catapulted them to the Superbowl, it was also 1 degree) puts the Giants into the playoffs for sure, and they finish in Washington.
Let's not forget about some pretty terrible losses back in '07, went in as a Wildcard team, won the show. It's just a matter of getting hot at the right time. Might as well get the losses out of the way now as opposed to in the playoffs when it will send you packing. Get it out of your system G-Men, let something like this never happen again, or at least for the rest of this season.
Before the game even went underway, a heck of a Star-Spangled Banner rendition was played via trumpet. Just by looking at the NY players on the screen, you knew they were ready. After a 3 and out on their first drive, the New York Giants played very strong just flat out making plays. From an interception by Corey Webster, fumble recoveries by Kenny Phillips, some serious pressure on Michael Vick, all the way to Mario Manningham letting the Philadelphia Eagles know he's a high calibur receiver, the Giants had it rolling. They seemed to benefit from every borderline call, they beneifted through take-aways, and they had their home crowd pouring their hearts into the game every down making it extremely difficult for the Philly attack to get moving. Everytime Philly had a chance to creep back in the game, they would seem to blow it for themselves, but that would only set the table for later.
The Giants ended the first half picking up a fumble that was reviewed by the booth which stood as called, and the very next play Eli Manning chucked an 8 yard touchdown pass to second year-standout wideout Hakeem Nicks. Big Blue was firing all cylinders, and nobody in the stadium really thought it would be a game, the table was set for a G-Men victory.
During halftime, a jazz group, with each member wearing a different Giants jersey, played Christmas music. It seemed to be some real easy listening type stuff that just felt right being it was 24-3, a 3-score cushion always makes you feel safe. I even remember thinking that if it was Madden, the Eagles would be off the sticks with the 21 point rule in all.
After making tons of huge plays, Mario Manningham let what should've just been a first down to keep a drive moving, turn into, well, a turning point. The Giants were moving the ball with ease, and the same could not be said for the Eagles. However, a gift-wrapped fumble in Giants territory was given to the green team. The Eagles would then, finally capitalize and get themselves a touchdown. At this point its 24-10, still breathing easy, but it just shouldn't have happened.
The Giants would eventually get themselves that touchdown back with a little over 8 minutes left in regulation. Kevin Boss made a nice 8 yard catch in the back of the endzone, to, well, what we all thought at the stadium, would solitify it. The dance music came out, Disco Stu was moving, hell I was even dancing to some Hypnotize. Everyone was sure to put the game in their pocket, and lead the NFC East, a statement, dominating win.
This is the point where I think the Eagles did what the "Monstars" did in Space Jam when they took NBA players' talent away. It felt like Philly was able to do anything they wanted, and the Giants were completely on their heels. Starting the barrage of Eagle points was a 65 yard catch by Brent Celek for a touchdown. It was a quick score, somewhat alarming, but its still a sizeable lead late in the game, still breathing easy. However for some reason, the Giants didn't think a onside quick would ensue with only 7 minutes left down 2 scores. They might not onside kick, however they could. Nobody was ready for it, and the Eagles got the ball back, and scored again with ease, going right down the field. Everyone in the stadium at this point could sense the Eagles found a way to get themselves going, and the Giants look like they may never stop them again. Giants get the ball back finally, don't convert on a big 3rd down after a tough false start penalty by Dave Diehl, and the Eagles got the pigskin back, once again. At this point as a Giants fan you're thinking just making a stop and the game is over. Some how, some way, make a stop. They didn't.
After it's 31-31, the Giants have the ball with 3 timeouts, and about a minute-ten to get themselves in position for a game-winning field goal. It should not have to come down to that after a 21 point edge in the 4th quarter, at home, but you just would like to get out of there with a win. Eli Manning under, and overthrew a couple targets leading to a 3 and out, which would give the Eagles the ball back before the end of regulation. After seeing number 10 deep, everyone and their mama are thinking just punt that thing out of bounds, and let's go win a coin toss. However, a bad snap plus a nervous rookie punter, equalled what is now known as "the (low, wobbling, line drive) punt." DeSean Jackson did exactly what he was set up for, taking the wormburner 65 yards to the house as time expired, and literal silence at New Meadowlands Stadium. Fights weren't necessarily even happening like they usually do after a tough loss or win, the place was in a state of shock. Spike Lee didn't even know what to say. It was one of the longer walk-to-the-car journies I've ever experienced.
What did the Giants blow? Well besides a 21 point lead late in the game against your division rival, they blew a 10-4 record, being in the driver's seat to win the NFC East, have a legitimate shot at homefield advantage, and a first round bye. That's the tough part about the loss besides the mannor it was done in. Be positive Giants fans, we've seen this team lay so many eggs in years past, and while this may be tough to swallow, a win next week in Green Bay (last time they played there in catapulted them to the Superbowl, it was also 1 degree) puts the Giants into the playoffs for sure, and they finish in Washington.
Let's not forget about some pretty terrible losses back in '07, went in as a Wildcard team, won the show. It's just a matter of getting hot at the right time. Might as well get the losses out of the way now as opposed to in the playoffs when it will send you packing. Get it out of your system G-Men, let something like this never happen again, or at least for the rest of this season.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Nets Clip L.A. 110-96
After a heartbreaking 91-90 loss to the Orlando Magic at home, the Nets would choose not to put their heads down, but to rather keep their chins up while starting their first west-coast swing of the season against the Clippers. New Jersey knew the Clippers have had their struggles, (1-9 at the time) however these roadtrips are not easy, and you got to take advantage of winnable games, that seems to be something talked about frequently in regards to the Nets. However there is no doubting the talent LA possesses, with rookie phenom Blake Griffin accompanied by Eric Gordon, and other rookie who played beside John Wall in college, Eric Bledsoe.
The Nets would start out great playing great defense against Blake Griffin and shooting really well from the perimeter until the 6:42 mark in the second quarter where they would lose their star player Devin Harris, who fouled Blake Griffin hard on a breakaway. Harris would be called for a flagarant 2, which means 2 shots and the ball for the Clippers, and an ejection for Harris. Nets had an 11 point cushion at this point in time. A lot of people might not have been sure about how this would affect these guys, instead it inspired them to get on their "A" game and take care of business and that is exactly what happened. The Nets would control an 11 point lead at halftime, and would never look back. The Clippers made their run one time in the 3rd, and one time in the 4th, but behind great shooting performances from Travis Outlaw, (23 points) Brook Lopez, (24 points) and with Farmar sprinkling in 15 and 12, Humphries' 13 and 12, the Nets would hold off the young Clippers 110-96. With Lopez doing what he does best, Humphries becoming a double-double threat, Outlaw and Morrow shooting, a maturing Derrick Favors, and a very talented and revived Devin Harris under Avery Johnson, the Nets really do have some good parts here.
The Nets will go to Utah tomorrow night to take on the red-hot Utah Jazz who are coming off of their first loss since beating the Clippers, Heat, Magic, Hawks, and Bobcats all in comeback fashion. It will be a tough task for the Nets, but a good measuring stick to see the Nets' growth. The Nets growth is obvious, and a pretty thing to see, but with Sacramento and the Denver Carmelos after Utah, and Atlanta and Boston to come home to, Net fans are going to find out exactly what their team is made of.
The Nets would start out great playing great defense against Blake Griffin and shooting really well from the perimeter until the 6:42 mark in the second quarter where they would lose their star player Devin Harris, who fouled Blake Griffin hard on a breakaway. Harris would be called for a flagarant 2, which means 2 shots and the ball for the Clippers, and an ejection for Harris. Nets had an 11 point cushion at this point in time. A lot of people might not have been sure about how this would affect these guys, instead it inspired them to get on their "A" game and take care of business and that is exactly what happened. The Nets would control an 11 point lead at halftime, and would never look back. The Clippers made their run one time in the 3rd, and one time in the 4th, but behind great shooting performances from Travis Outlaw, (23 points) Brook Lopez, (24 points) and with Farmar sprinkling in 15 and 12, Humphries' 13 and 12, the Nets would hold off the young Clippers 110-96. With Lopez doing what he does best, Humphries becoming a double-double threat, Outlaw and Morrow shooting, a maturing Derrick Favors, and a very talented and revived Devin Harris under Avery Johnson, the Nets really do have some good parts here.
The Nets will go to Utah tomorrow night to take on the red-hot Utah Jazz who are coming off of their first loss since beating the Clippers, Heat, Magic, Hawks, and Bobcats all in comeback fashion. It will be a tough task for the Nets, but a good measuring stick to see the Nets' growth. The Nets growth is obvious, and a pretty thing to see, but with Sacramento and the Denver Carmelos after Utah, and Atlanta and Boston to come home to, Net fans are going to find out exactly what their team is made of.
Cowboys Hold off Giants
The Dallas Cowboys marched in to New Meadowlands Stadium with a 1-7 record, a new head coach, back-up quarterback Jon Kitna, and nothing else but a heart full of pride. The Giants went ahead 3-0 on a Lawrence Tynes field goal, only to be shocked by a quick touchdown drive that was capped off by a 13-yard touchdown catch by Dez Bryant. David Buehler would then miss the point after. It's 6-3 Cowboys, no worries for Big Blue yet. Dallas would get the ball back and hit on a field goal, still only 9-3 Cowboys, a one score deficit. The unthinkable would then happen right as the Giants were knocking on the door, ready to take the lead, Eli Manning would make a rushed throw intended for a Hakeem Nicks slant, instead goes right, I mean right into the chest of Bryan Mccann for a 101 yard interception return for a touchdown. A big swing, instead of 10-9 Giants, or at least 9-6 Cowboys, becomes 16-3 Cowboys, and you could feel a bit of tensness in the crowd. Cowboys would get all the way to 26-6 before the Giants would score their first touchdown. One it got to 26-13, the Cowboys would answer almost immediately, and it just seemed everytime the Giants got a bit of momentum, it was given away just like that. 33-13 just doesn't sound like its your game.
However there is still a quarter and a half of football to be played, but while the New York football Giants try and get a touchdown back, the lights go out, literally. After a 15 minute haidus, everything was good to go, and then Giants would convert a 35 yard wide open touchdown pass to tight end Kevin Boss. 33-20 at this point, and the Giants realize they are only two touchdowns behind, just play defense and have meaningful possessions. Once it was this score, you could tell the Cowboys were just holding on for dear life. Giants would blow a couple of opportunities but they would still have a chance despite the breakdowns. With time against the Giants, Eli Manning would throw a deep ball for Hakeem Nicks that he would catch, break a tackle, and score a huge touchdown that would only be called back for a hold on guard Kevin Boothe on a play that had nothing to do with the result. A tough call which would be the turning point of the rest of the game, Giants would turn the ball over, get it back, only to do the same thing in the red zone, another interception.
It doesn't matter who you play, in the NFL if you put yourself in as big of a hole as the Giants did to themselves, you cannot rely on coming back when so many things can go wrong. Dallas' offense made the "big play" time and time again, while the Giants would blow their big plays time and time again whether it was personnel or being cancelled out by a yellow flag. Giants now find themselves tied for first place with who else, but the Philadelphia Eagles, and that sets the table for this Sunday night in Philadelphia where the two teams will battle it out for first place. Let the Philly hate get even worse.
However there is still a quarter and a half of football to be played, but while the New York football Giants try and get a touchdown back, the lights go out, literally. After a 15 minute haidus, everything was good to go, and then Giants would convert a 35 yard wide open touchdown pass to tight end Kevin Boss. 33-20 at this point, and the Giants realize they are only two touchdowns behind, just play defense and have meaningful possessions. Once it was this score, you could tell the Cowboys were just holding on for dear life. Giants would blow a couple of opportunities but they would still have a chance despite the breakdowns. With time against the Giants, Eli Manning would throw a deep ball for Hakeem Nicks that he would catch, break a tackle, and score a huge touchdown that would only be called back for a hold on guard Kevin Boothe on a play that had nothing to do with the result. A tough call which would be the turning point of the rest of the game, Giants would turn the ball over, get it back, only to do the same thing in the red zone, another interception.
It doesn't matter who you play, in the NFL if you put yourself in as big of a hole as the Giants did to themselves, you cannot rely on coming back when so many things can go wrong. Dallas' offense made the "big play" time and time again, while the Giants would blow their big plays time and time again whether it was personnel or being cancelled out by a yellow flag. Giants now find themselves tied for first place with who else, but the Philadelphia Eagles, and that sets the table for this Sunday night in Philadelphia where the two teams will battle it out for first place. Let the Philly hate get even worse.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
1-0
The 2010-2011 New Jersey Nets have already accomplished something the '09-'10 team could not, that's getting a win before December 4th, not to mention stand over .500. In the season/home opener, the Nets could not ask for more. It was against the Detroit Pistons who have a couple players who can hurt you, but just aren't what they used to be. The Nets played an exciting 4 quarters in front of a solid Prudential Center crowd, where the lead went back and forth, and right when the old Nets would have lost hope, these new Nets immediately hit a 3 and fought right back. Down the stretch a bunch of big plays where made including a go-ahead 3 pointer by newcomer Anthony Morrow which put the Nets up 2 with 20 something seconds left. The Nets would play D, get the ball back, and Farmar would hit 2 clutch free throws. However, the Nets were not out of the woods just yet. Charlie Villanueva would hit a trey for Detroit making it a 1 point game. The Nets would knock down 2 more clutch free throws, get the ball back, but Terrence Williams would then miss both! It's a 101-98 ballgame at this point with 2 second left or so. Detroit got a 3 off before time expired, but it didn't even draw iron, and the Nets would indeed prevail.
Brook Lopez was Brook Lopez in this one scoring 25 and grabbing 9 boards. He's starting to become top-tier player in this league, and by the end of the year he should have some good credentials, including an all-star appearance. Besides Lopez, 3rd overall pick Derrick Favors played a strong role in this game. With just 20 minutes of burn, Favors gripped 10 boards, and added 8 points as well, just a solid rookie debut. He's another guy who will have grown by season's end. Devin Harris played a good leadership role scoring 22 and had 9 dimes to accompany while Jordan Farmar, Harris' backup, had 10 big, high energy points off the bench. Terrence Williams off the bench played with a spark doing a little scoring, rebounding, and assisting. Anthony Morrow sprinkled in 13 points by hitting a couple big 3s, including the game-winner, while guys like Outlaw, Humphries, and Damion James, played solid defense, got some boards, made some plays.
The differences between this Nets team and last year's are so vast that you can't even bring up last year after last night. A new arena, the beautiful Prudential Center, a new owner, Mikhail Prokarov, the Russian billionaire who will do whatever it takes to build a winner. A new General Manager, Billy King, who has now had experience as a GM, and he's already made a couple of decent moves. Plus the Nets basically have a new roster. Out with the old, in with the new. Even with all that, Avery Johnson is the biggest reason why the Nets can be successful this year. He's a guy who has played in the league before and is a student of the game. From the way he played, you could just tell he's going to be a good coach. High basketball IQ, high octane. He brought a Dallas Mavericks team (with Devin Harris) to an NBA Finals, something the Mavs have had trouble with, with other coaches. With the Nets he's gotten them to be an aggresive team on defense, the boards, and even scoring. It might be early yet, but Avery has the heart, there is no question, and it looks like he's injected that into this young, new, New Jersey roster.
Brook Lopez was Brook Lopez in this one scoring 25 and grabbing 9 boards. He's starting to become top-tier player in this league, and by the end of the year he should have some good credentials, including an all-star appearance. Besides Lopez, 3rd overall pick Derrick Favors played a strong role in this game. With just 20 minutes of burn, Favors gripped 10 boards, and added 8 points as well, just a solid rookie debut. He's another guy who will have grown by season's end. Devin Harris played a good leadership role scoring 22 and had 9 dimes to accompany while Jordan Farmar, Harris' backup, had 10 big, high energy points off the bench. Terrence Williams off the bench played with a spark doing a little scoring, rebounding, and assisting. Anthony Morrow sprinkled in 13 points by hitting a couple big 3s, including the game-winner, while guys like Outlaw, Humphries, and Damion James, played solid defense, got some boards, made some plays.
The differences between this Nets team and last year's are so vast that you can't even bring up last year after last night. A new arena, the beautiful Prudential Center, a new owner, Mikhail Prokarov, the Russian billionaire who will do whatever it takes to build a winner. A new General Manager, Billy King, who has now had experience as a GM, and he's already made a couple of decent moves. Plus the Nets basically have a new roster. Out with the old, in with the new. Even with all that, Avery Johnson is the biggest reason why the Nets can be successful this year. He's a guy who has played in the league before and is a student of the game. From the way he played, you could just tell he's going to be a good coach. High basketball IQ, high octane. He brought a Dallas Mavericks team (with Devin Harris) to an NBA Finals, something the Mavs have had trouble with, with other coaches. With the Nets he's gotten them to be an aggresive team on defense, the boards, and even scoring. It might be early yet, but Avery has the heart, there is no question, and it looks like he's injected that into this young, new, New Jersey roster.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Cheers
I've been dreading the day that I actually get on here and talk about elimination, but I've had my couple days to bum around, and with Brian Cashman already dismissing pitching coach Dave Eiland, (just realized that we had a "Long-Eiland" pitching coach/hitting coach tandem) it's already time to look ahead. But before we do that, let's look at what just happened.
When you're as big of a fan as I am, you start to classify good nights with how the Yankees faired as well, and already many memories come to mind when I think of it like that. A few games stand out in my mind. Specifically, Yanks/Dodgers, Sunday night, June 27th, an 8-6 win, and an even better weekend for the kid. Yanks rallied back from a 6-2 deficit in the 9th to tie things up after unlikely heroes such as Chad Huffman and Colin Curtis knocked in big runs. Huffman drove in 2 runs and Curtis tied the game with an rbi ground out off of Jonathan Broxton. While this is all going on, I'm at a party that I was just about to leave, so I'm standing, but as I'm standing the hits and runs start to tally up, so I'm there having people bring me beers as I stand in the same spot for the better of the Yanks, and sure enough, NY would tack on 2 more in the top of the 10th to win the game 8-6. Great win, great night, fantastic weekend.
May 17th was the first game of a three game set against those Dread Sox where the Yanks won 11-9. I remember being drunk on a Monday night for some reason while watching Jonathan Papelbon blow a 2 run save, giving up a 2 run shot to Alex Rodriguez to tie it, and another 2 run homer that wrapped around the foul pole to Marcus Thames, the walk-off with 2 outs. There are few things I'd rather see happen, but we won't get into all that.
September 8th, 14th, and 17th are all pretty magical dates in my eyes. On September the 8th, the Yanks had nothing going offensively all day, until Nick Swisher hit a walkoff 2 run homer off of Koji Uehara to win the game 3-2 against a tough Buck Showalter managed Baltimore Oriole team, right as I parked in front of my house after a long day. I sprinted to my backyard with my arms raised in triumph where my dad was watching Swisher take the pie in the face. It would stand as a big win because the Yanks played a very flat September, and needed some wins to stay in good playoff standing. The 14th was that back and forth game where Ivan Nova gave up 6 runs in the 5th inning to erase a 6-0 lead. Logan would come on to give up a 7th run, but the Yanks showed resiliance to tie it right back up in the next half inning. Jorge Posada would come through with a pitch-hit homerun to make it 8-7 in the top half of the 10th, followed by Greg Golson ending the game by making a pin-point throw to get Carl Crawford for the final out at third base. It was a big win on the road in the middle of a pennant race that put the Yanks back into first place. The 17th was awesome because it was the same night as a magical softball win for T&A, as well as in Baltimore for the Yanks. Down to his final strike with the Yanks down 3-1 in the bottom of the 9th, Alex Rodriguez hit a crushing 3-run-homerun off of Koji Uehara put the Yanks up 1, and Rivera would come in to shut it down. I actually traveled to Baltimore the next morning to see an 11-3 win during a night where a bottle of Captain Morgan was finished within 4 minutes between 3 people, faulty tickets may have been purchased, our section having a million sexy girls and most happened to be Yankee fans, but to top it all off, CC won his 20th for the first time in his career.
This is a time where all those Yankee haters are out in full force saying the knew the Yanks just didn't have the pitching, didn't have clutch hitters, this guy is too old, so is that guy, blah, effing, blah. But it's also a time to celebrate another fun season, another time period during a lifespan. Many things happen throughout the course of a baseball season; good, bad, baseball-related, not even baseball related. I use baseball as a tool to reflect on certain things that happen. It makes every day, every game count, and that's the beauty of it for me. Yeah, we didn't get 28. We didn't get our first back to back championship since 2000. We aren't necessarily the dynasty we thought we were. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Jorge Posada are all acting their age finally. Mark Teixeira had another bad start that he never really recovered from, then destructed by injuries that eventually ended his season a couple days prematurely. However there are a lot of good things that we can look at; the emergence of Robinson Cano, the importance of Brett Gardner, a big-time pick-up for the bullpen in Kerry Wood, Mariano Rivera posted a 1.80 ERA at 40, and the prospects coming forth such as Ivan Nova, Jesus Montero, Brandon Laird, and Austin Romine. I'll be here all offseason and I'll disect any big news that happens so stick with me! I'll bring you Nets and Giants flavor as well until we get back to pitchers and catchers in late February, which feels like a long time from now.
When you're as big of a fan as I am, you start to classify good nights with how the Yankees faired as well, and already many memories come to mind when I think of it like that. A few games stand out in my mind. Specifically, Yanks/Dodgers, Sunday night, June 27th, an 8-6 win, and an even better weekend for the kid. Yanks rallied back from a 6-2 deficit in the 9th to tie things up after unlikely heroes such as Chad Huffman and Colin Curtis knocked in big runs. Huffman drove in 2 runs and Curtis tied the game with an rbi ground out off of Jonathan Broxton. While this is all going on, I'm at a party that I was just about to leave, so I'm standing, but as I'm standing the hits and runs start to tally up, so I'm there having people bring me beers as I stand in the same spot for the better of the Yanks, and sure enough, NY would tack on 2 more in the top of the 10th to win the game 8-6. Great win, great night, fantastic weekend.
May 17th was the first game of a three game set against those Dread Sox where the Yanks won 11-9. I remember being drunk on a Monday night for some reason while watching Jonathan Papelbon blow a 2 run save, giving up a 2 run shot to Alex Rodriguez to tie it, and another 2 run homer that wrapped around the foul pole to Marcus Thames, the walk-off with 2 outs. There are few things I'd rather see happen, but we won't get into all that.
September 8th, 14th, and 17th are all pretty magical dates in my eyes. On September the 8th, the Yanks had nothing going offensively all day, until Nick Swisher hit a walkoff 2 run homer off of Koji Uehara to win the game 3-2 against a tough Buck Showalter managed Baltimore Oriole team, right as I parked in front of my house after a long day. I sprinted to my backyard with my arms raised in triumph where my dad was watching Swisher take the pie in the face. It would stand as a big win because the Yanks played a very flat September, and needed some wins to stay in good playoff standing. The 14th was that back and forth game where Ivan Nova gave up 6 runs in the 5th inning to erase a 6-0 lead. Logan would come on to give up a 7th run, but the Yanks showed resiliance to tie it right back up in the next half inning. Jorge Posada would come through with a pitch-hit homerun to make it 8-7 in the top half of the 10th, followed by Greg Golson ending the game by making a pin-point throw to get Carl Crawford for the final out at third base. It was a big win on the road in the middle of a pennant race that put the Yanks back into first place. The 17th was awesome because it was the same night as a magical softball win for T&A, as well as in Baltimore for the Yanks. Down to his final strike with the Yanks down 3-1 in the bottom of the 9th, Alex Rodriguez hit a crushing 3-run-homerun off of Koji Uehara put the Yanks up 1, and Rivera would come in to shut it down. I actually traveled to Baltimore the next morning to see an 11-3 win during a night where a bottle of Captain Morgan was finished within 4 minutes between 3 people, faulty tickets may have been purchased, our section having a million sexy girls and most happened to be Yankee fans, but to top it all off, CC won his 20th for the first time in his career.
This is a time where all those Yankee haters are out in full force saying the knew the Yanks just didn't have the pitching, didn't have clutch hitters, this guy is too old, so is that guy, blah, effing, blah. But it's also a time to celebrate another fun season, another time period during a lifespan. Many things happen throughout the course of a baseball season; good, bad, baseball-related, not even baseball related. I use baseball as a tool to reflect on certain things that happen. It makes every day, every game count, and that's the beauty of it for me. Yeah, we didn't get 28. We didn't get our first back to back championship since 2000. We aren't necessarily the dynasty we thought we were. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Jorge Posada are all acting their age finally. Mark Teixeira had another bad start that he never really recovered from, then destructed by injuries that eventually ended his season a couple days prematurely. However there are a lot of good things that we can look at; the emergence of Robinson Cano, the importance of Brett Gardner, a big-time pick-up for the bullpen in Kerry Wood, Mariano Rivera posted a 1.80 ERA at 40, and the prospects coming forth such as Ivan Nova, Jesus Montero, Brandon Laird, and Austin Romine. I'll be here all offseason and I'll disect any big news that happens so stick with me! I'll bring you Nets and Giants flavor as well until we get back to pitchers and catchers in late February, which feels like a long time from now.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Yanks All Set for Game 6
Alright, let's pump our fanbase full of confidence in this one. The Yanks face yet another elimination ballgame, their back's are against the wall, it's win or go home for a loooong winter. After a couple shalackings at home, the Yanks pulled out a quality win in game 5 behind their ace, and showed Texas that it isn't going to be easy. This team has a "never say die" attitude, but they will be put to the full test by playing on the road for possibly 2 games. How many times this year have the Yanks looked awful for a mini-stretch, and then just winning 7 in a row all of a sudden? Feels like they did that alot. This a very streaky bunch, but it all starts with Phil Phranchise on the mound.
How the Yanks win tonight: Yanks would like to see at least 6 innings from Hughes, keeping Texas under 4 runs preferably. Yankee bats need to do what they did in game 5; get some runners on any way they can, and then get those timely hits, and maybe steal some bases? Colby Lewis will take the mound for Texas tonight. It's Colby Lewis. The Yankees failed to get anything going in game 2, however this time they will be looking for not only revenge, but to keep their playoff lives in tact. The Yankee lineup without Teixeira honestly has some spice. What I mean by that, is no longer can guys rely on the supposed big run producer to get everything done, (even though Tex really hadn't) but they themselves now know they have slack to pick up. Also without Tex, Robby "BOOM" Cano slides into the 3 hole. I've wondered all year why Cano has not been in that spot because he not only hits for power, (especially in these playoffs my god!) he's a .300 hitter, something no other Yankees have next to their name. I love him, especially during last year's playoffs, but ALEX RODRIGUEZ needs to get it together. If he can swing it, the Yanks are so scary that you may need to cover a child's eyes, and maybe even give him the earmuffs. Bottom line is, Pay-Rod is an essential piece to the New York lineup. Not only is he capable of the world, he's hitting right in the thickness of the order. With Cano doing his thing in the third spot, A-Rod doing his thing, Swisher maybe coming back to life, and a couple of other guys putting together good at-bats and hits, the Yanks are fine. Remember the Rangers have only won one playoff game at home in franchise history. They aren't as confident as they appear to be, and after game 1, they still won't feel safe. This is about taking the crowd right out of the game and just straight stun them by stunting on them. Feel me? I have this playoff beard going that I've been told to shave many times, but no can do. I do not plan out shaving anytime soon either, it's cold outside, and I'm getting sick. Win tonight, Cliff Lee or not, the Rangers will be on the ropes after knowing they could have closed it down much earlier. Remember in a game 7, anything can happen..especially when you have Yankee magic.
How the Yanks win tonight: Yanks would like to see at least 6 innings from Hughes, keeping Texas under 4 runs preferably. Yankee bats need to do what they did in game 5; get some runners on any way they can, and then get those timely hits, and maybe steal some bases? Colby Lewis will take the mound for Texas tonight. It's Colby Lewis. The Yankees failed to get anything going in game 2, however this time they will be looking for not only revenge, but to keep their playoff lives in tact. The Yankee lineup without Teixeira honestly has some spice. What I mean by that, is no longer can guys rely on the supposed big run producer to get everything done, (even though Tex really hadn't) but they themselves now know they have slack to pick up. Also without Tex, Robby "BOOM" Cano slides into the 3 hole. I've wondered all year why Cano has not been in that spot because he not only hits for power, (especially in these playoffs my god!) he's a .300 hitter, something no other Yankees have next to their name. I love him, especially during last year's playoffs, but ALEX RODRIGUEZ needs to get it together. If he can swing it, the Yanks are so scary that you may need to cover a child's eyes, and maybe even give him the earmuffs. Bottom line is, Pay-Rod is an essential piece to the New York lineup. Not only is he capable of the world, he's hitting right in the thickness of the order. With Cano doing his thing in the third spot, A-Rod doing his thing, Swisher maybe coming back to life, and a couple of other guys putting together good at-bats and hits, the Yanks are fine. Remember the Rangers have only won one playoff game at home in franchise history. They aren't as confident as they appear to be, and after game 1, they still won't feel safe. This is about taking the crowd right out of the game and just straight stun them by stunting on them. Feel me? I have this playoff beard going that I've been told to shave many times, but no can do. I do not plan out shaving anytime soon either, it's cold outside, and I'm getting sick. Win tonight, Cliff Lee or not, the Rangers will be on the ropes after knowing they could have closed it down much earlier. Remember in a game 7, anything can happen..especially when you have Yankee magic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)