The date was September 4th, 1964, and Lou Piniella, donning a Baltimore Orioles jersey, stepped up to bat for the first Major League appearance of his life. Nearly 46 years later, he sat in front of the Chicago media and delivered one of the most heartfelt and tearful goodbyes to baseball of all time.
Despite playing in the Majors for 16 years, most people seem to remember Piniella for his managerial career, which began in New York in 1986 when Piniella got his first stint with the Yankees. After three seasons in the Big Apple, Piniella relocated to Cincinnati to coach the Reds to an eventual World Series title in his first season as Reds' manager. That would be the only championship of his managerial career (he won two playing with the Yankees as a left fielder).
His longest tenure as manager came in Seattle, in which Piniella stayed for ten years from 1993-2002. In this decade of work, Piniella twice recieved the Manager of the Year award, the second of which coming after leading the Mariners to 116 wins, tying a franchise record. After his time in Seattle, he managed for the Devil Rays, who had struggled year after year. Piniella led them to a franchise-tying 70 wins, and for the first time in a long time, they didn't finish last in their division. After tensions rose, Piniella decided to discontinue his time in Tampa, and that is when he departed to Chicago, the last managerial stop he would ever make.
He had a good time in the Windy City, although he wasn't met with much success. Of his final four seasons as a manager, his best was 2008, when he received NL Manager of the Year honors after leading the Cubs to the best regular season record in the National League. Despite an apparent destined season to end the championship drought at exactly a century, the Cubs were eliminated from postseason contention courtesy of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2008 NLDS, and in sweeping fashion no less. One billy goat curse, a couple trades and two years later, here we are, watching Piniella step down from the postgame podium for the last time in his life.
On July 20th, Piniella told the Cubs that he would retire at the end of the season. This plan was cut short, as Piniella found himself having to miss multiple series' to visit and aid his ill mother in Florida. Worrying about his mother and the team, especially in the state of disarray they've found themselves this season, was simply too much, and Piniella announced he would put his retirement into effect immediately following the conclusion of Sunday's game with the Braves.
So at the final pitch of Sunday's 16-5 drubbing by the Braves, nearly every inhabitant of the Friendly Confines stood and cheered for one of the greatest faces of managerial baseball in this generation. With a tip of his cap to Braves manager and friend, Bobby Cox, from across dugouts, Piniella proceeded into the Cubs locker room for the last time, and then the hard part began.
"This'll be the last time I put on a uniform," Piniella said with tears streaming down his face. "It's been very special for me."
I've never delivered a retirement speech, but I can imagine that the hardest part of the whole process is sitting in front of the media for the last time. I imagine his career flashing before his eyes like a montage in his head while he tells the world of how he will never sit in a Major League dugout ever again. It's never easy, but his mother needs him, and he certainly has his priorities in order. Piniella is 66 years of age, so I hope that he has taken everything out of the game that he's ever wanted to.
Success isn't unknown to him, as he has racked up 1,835 wins in 3,548 attempts (.517 winning %) throughout 23 seasons as a manager. And with three total championship rings and three Manager of the Year awards, Piniella can walk away from the game with more than a few good memories. He's ranted at the media yet also laughed with them, he's defended his players like they were his children, and he has respected the integrity of the game like he made the rules himself.
I find it easy to dislike all the teams Piniella has played for, and I also find it easy to dislike all the teams Piniella has managed. But the one thing I don't find easy is disliking Piniella himself. As one of the faces of the Cubs franchise the past four years, I never had any special devotion to him. But now that he's gone, Chicago finds itself in a state of shock to look at the Cubs dugout and not see the famous skipper from Tampa.
It will be a healing process for Cubs fans and the organization itself, now in a sense of urgency to find the next manager of the future. But they have waved farewell to "Sweet Lou", as will I, for although I have no allegiance to the Cubs, I must admit that I hold him in the highest of reguards. As Cubs fans think back to the good times he has brought them, we can all say together: Farewell, Lou Piniella.
**Quotation and statistics courtesy of Comcast Sportsnet Chicago**
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
National League West: Predicting the Division Winner
Current Standings: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/
**NOTE** This was written on August 22nd
WEST:
San Diego 74-49
San Francisco 69-56
Colorado 62-60
LA Dodgers 63-62
Arizona 49-75
Like most of the other races around the majors, the NL West is a pretty clear cut case. There was a time when each division seemed like it was the one that would have everybody watching, but that time has come and gone for most--the West is no exception, in either league as a matter of fact.
With a 6 game deficit in late August, the Giants (69-56) are seeming like an afterthought in the division. Their fans can still cheer though with that special sense of pride of knowing that their team may not be entirely out of it, of course thanks to that all important Wild Card spot. But, as I stated in my NL East article, I expect Atlanta to pull away with the Card, leaving San Fran without a playoff berth for the seventh straight season.
With Colorado (62-60), the LA Dodgers (63-62), and Arizona (49-75) well behind San Francisco, the Padres (74-49) can coast to an easy finish. As they deservedly should, considering they haven't reaped the glory of a divisional pennant since 2006.
Winners of 11 of their last 14, San Diego is leaving no reason for doubters.They hold the best record in the National League and also became the first NL team to reach 70 wins this season. They also currently reside as the only NL team with a win percentage above .600. And with the rest of the West holding identical 4-6 records in their last ten, a miraculous comeback clincher doesn't look like it's in the cards.
All season long, San Diego has looked like a team on a mission, and that will make seeing their playoff run that much more exciting. The regular season is all but finished here, leaving the Padres ready to compete for their first ever World Series title when those Autumn breezes begin to chill the air.
**NOTE** This was written on August 22nd
WEST:
San Diego 74-49
San Francisco 69-56
Colorado 62-60
LA Dodgers 63-62
Arizona 49-75
Like most of the other races around the majors, the NL West is a pretty clear cut case. There was a time when each division seemed like it was the one that would have everybody watching, but that time has come and gone for most--the West is no exception, in either league as a matter of fact.
With a 6 game deficit in late August, the Giants (69-56) are seeming like an afterthought in the division. Their fans can still cheer though with that special sense of pride of knowing that their team may not be entirely out of it, of course thanks to that all important Wild Card spot. But, as I stated in my NL East article, I expect Atlanta to pull away with the Card, leaving San Fran without a playoff berth for the seventh straight season.
With Colorado (62-60), the LA Dodgers (63-62), and Arizona (49-75) well behind San Francisco, the Padres (74-49) can coast to an easy finish. As they deservedly should, considering they haven't reaped the glory of a divisional pennant since 2006.
Winners of 11 of their last 14, San Diego is leaving no reason for doubters.They hold the best record in the National League and also became the first NL team to reach 70 wins this season. They also currently reside as the only NL team with a win percentage above .600. And with the rest of the West holding identical 4-6 records in their last ten, a miraculous comeback clincher doesn't look like it's in the cards.
All season long, San Diego has looked like a team on a mission, and that will make seeing their playoff run that much more exciting. The regular season is all but finished here, leaving the Padres ready to compete for their first ever World Series title when those Autumn breezes begin to chill the air.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
National League Central: Predicting the Division Winner
Current Standings: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/
**NOTE** This was written on August 18th
CENTRAL:
Cincinnati 68-51
St. Louis 65-53
Milwaukee 57-64
Houston 52-66
Chi Cubs 50-71
Pittsburgh 40-79
The National League Central holds six teams--unfortunately for baseball ratings, only two are worth watching.
The Brewers (57-64), Astros (52-66), Cubs (50-71) and Pirates (40-79) have shown no signs of even wanting to make the postseason, as Milwaukee, the 3rd place team in the Central, lies 12 games behind the first place Reds (68-51).
But the one team not referenced yet is also the only one with a chance of uprooting the Reds' possession of first place from right under them. And I believe they will...
The St. Louis Cardinals (65-53) lie 2.5 games behind the aformentioned Reds, who've been watching their back closely after recently snabbing the division lead courtesy of a Reds' four game win streak and a Cards four game streak in the opposite direction.
Credit Cincinnati, who has played surpisingly good baseball this year in an effort to try an grab its first Central title in 15 years. After coming off a barely above .500 July, Cincy holds a record of 10-4 in August, which includes winning 8 of their last 11.
But I don't see St. Louis giving up. In sweeping Cincinnati last week, the Birds showed that they can play with anyone, especially demonstrated from a dugout-clearing brawl between the two teams on August 10th. Factor in Reds 2B Brandon Phillips's comments about hating the Cardinals to death, and we may have another Red Sox-Yankees type rivalry going on here.
Despite the 2.5 game deficit, I still think the Cards have a great shot to win the Central. As I've said before, baseball begins and ends with pitching. Between Adam Wainwright (17-6 record, league-leading 1.99 ERA), Chris Carpenter (13-4, 2.95) and Jaime Garcia (10-6, 2.58), it would be a shame to see St. Louis miss the playoffs based on shear pitching alone. But add in Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday swinging the bats and you have yourself a great team for postseason contention.
We can only speculate how things will shape up here, but I just don't see Cincy outlasting St. Louis. Pujols and the Cards simply boasts too much talent. And, as I stated in my NL East article, I believe Atlanta will sneak in through the NL Wild Card, leaving the Reds sitting at home for the fifteenth straight year.
But the important thing moving forward is that these teams will meet again this season for a very important three game set in Busch Stadium. Look for this series to play a big part in the immediate futures of both these teams.
Don't get comfortable Cincinnati, here come the Redbirds...
**NOTE** This was written on August 18th
CENTRAL:
Cincinnati 68-51
St. Louis 65-53
Milwaukee 57-64
Houston 52-66
Chi Cubs 50-71
Pittsburgh 40-79
The National League Central holds six teams--unfortunately for baseball ratings, only two are worth watching.
The Brewers (57-64), Astros (52-66), Cubs (50-71) and Pirates (40-79) have shown no signs of even wanting to make the postseason, as Milwaukee, the 3rd place team in the Central, lies 12 games behind the first place Reds (68-51).
But the one team not referenced yet is also the only one with a chance of uprooting the Reds' possession of first place from right under them. And I believe they will...
The St. Louis Cardinals (65-53) lie 2.5 games behind the aformentioned Reds, who've been watching their back closely after recently snabbing the division lead courtesy of a Reds' four game win streak and a Cards four game streak in the opposite direction.
Credit Cincinnati, who has played surpisingly good baseball this year in an effort to try an grab its first Central title in 15 years. After coming off a barely above .500 July, Cincy holds a record of 10-4 in August, which includes winning 8 of their last 11.
But I don't see St. Louis giving up. In sweeping Cincinnati last week, the Birds showed that they can play with anyone, especially demonstrated from a dugout-clearing brawl between the two teams on August 10th. Factor in Reds 2B Brandon Phillips's comments about hating the Cardinals to death, and we may have another Red Sox-Yankees type rivalry going on here.
Despite the 2.5 game deficit, I still think the Cards have a great shot to win the Central. As I've said before, baseball begins and ends with pitching. Between Adam Wainwright (17-6 record, league-leading 1.99 ERA), Chris Carpenter (13-4, 2.95) and Jaime Garcia (10-6, 2.58), it would be a shame to see St. Louis miss the playoffs based on shear pitching alone. But add in Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday swinging the bats and you have yourself a great team for postseason contention.
We can only speculate how things will shape up here, but I just don't see Cincy outlasting St. Louis. Pujols and the Cards simply boasts too much talent. And, as I stated in my NL East article, I believe Atlanta will sneak in through the NL Wild Card, leaving the Reds sitting at home for the fifteenth straight year.
But the important thing moving forward is that these teams will meet again this season for a very important three game set in Busch Stadium. Look for this series to play a big part in the immediate futures of both these teams.
Don't get comfortable Cincinnati, here come the Redbirds...
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
National League East: Predicting the Division Winner
Current Standings: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/
**NOTE** This was written on August 17th
EAST:
Atlanta 70-49
Philadelphia 67-51
New York 59-60
Florida 58-60
Washington 51-68
Like almost every other division in baseball, the NL East is the site of a hold-onto-the-edge-of-your-seat pennant race this season.
Atlanta (70-49) remains atop the division with a 2.5 game lead on Philadelphia (67-51), who finds itself fighting to remain within a shot at the NL East pennant. The Phillies obviously must gain ground on Atlanta at some point along the road if they are to capture the division, but the Braves don't seem to be giving them much room for error, as they boast an 11-5 record in August.
The Mets (59-60) look as lost as the Marlins (58-60) and the Nasty Nats (51-68) these days, as they remain 11, 11.5, and 19 games back, respectively.
But back to the teams with a shot to go anywhere, it's never an easy task to climb out of a 2.5 game hole in the middle of August, but it is far from impossible.
My baseball philosophy begins and ends with pitching, as I firmly believe that the men on the mound are what ultimately wins championships, especially late into the season and into October. This is why I pick Philadelphia to win the NL East.
Atlanta has a nice squad, but Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay is just one of those guys that you don't bet against. The 33-year-old right hander is 15-8 this season with a 2.24 ERA, which includes a perfect game against the Florida Marlins on May 29th at Sun Life Stadium. And Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt don't want Halladay to be the only pitcher to contribute this season, as they boast ERAs of 3.33 and 3.36, respectively. And with Chase Utley returning from the disabled list a week ahead of schedule, the Phillies look primed to take this season anywhere they want it to go.
But don't forget about the hidden doorway to the playoffs--the Wild Card. As of now, Philadelphia leads San Francisco (67-53) by one game in the WC standings with St. Louis (65-53) nawing on their back at just at a 2 game deficit. And with the Reds (68-51) leading the Cards by just 2.5 games in the Central, the NL Wild Card realistically has five different teams fighting for the spot.
Although I predict Philadelphia to snab the division away from Atlanta, look for the Braves to steal the Wild Card spot from the other contenders. Beyond Atlanta having a good looking roster, pitcher Tim Hudson holds a 14-5 record with an ERA of 2.13. Although they lost Chipper Jones for the season, they've recently acquired first baseman Derrek Lee from the Cubs, which should help fill the void. It only happens to one of the divisions in each league every year, but look for the East to boast two playoff teams this year in Philly and Atlanta.
But like almost every other division...grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy this very close ride.
**NOTE** This was written on August 17th
EAST:
Atlanta 70-49
Philadelphia 67-51
New York 59-60
Florida 58-60
Washington 51-68
Like almost every other division in baseball, the NL East is the site of a hold-onto-the-edge-of-your-seat pennant race this season.
Atlanta (70-49) remains atop the division with a 2.5 game lead on Philadelphia (67-51), who finds itself fighting to remain within a shot at the NL East pennant. The Phillies obviously must gain ground on Atlanta at some point along the road if they are to capture the division, but the Braves don't seem to be giving them much room for error, as they boast an 11-5 record in August.
The Mets (59-60) look as lost as the Marlins (58-60) and the Nasty Nats (51-68) these days, as they remain 11, 11.5, and 19 games back, respectively.
But back to the teams with a shot to go anywhere, it's never an easy task to climb out of a 2.5 game hole in the middle of August, but it is far from impossible.
My baseball philosophy begins and ends with pitching, as I firmly believe that the men on the mound are what ultimately wins championships, especially late into the season and into October. This is why I pick Philadelphia to win the NL East.
Atlanta has a nice squad, but Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay is just one of those guys that you don't bet against. The 33-year-old right hander is 15-8 this season with a 2.24 ERA, which includes a perfect game against the Florida Marlins on May 29th at Sun Life Stadium. And Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt don't want Halladay to be the only pitcher to contribute this season, as they boast ERAs of 3.33 and 3.36, respectively. And with Chase Utley returning from the disabled list a week ahead of schedule, the Phillies look primed to take this season anywhere they want it to go.
But don't forget about the hidden doorway to the playoffs--the Wild Card. As of now, Philadelphia leads San Francisco (67-53) by one game in the WC standings with St. Louis (65-53) nawing on their back at just at a 2 game deficit. And with the Reds (68-51) leading the Cards by just 2.5 games in the Central, the NL Wild Card realistically has five different teams fighting for the spot.
Although I predict Philadelphia to snab the division away from Atlanta, look for the Braves to steal the Wild Card spot from the other contenders. Beyond Atlanta having a good looking roster, pitcher Tim Hudson holds a 14-5 record with an ERA of 2.13. Although they lost Chipper Jones for the season, they've recently acquired first baseman Derrek Lee from the Cubs, which should help fill the void. It only happens to one of the divisions in each league every year, but look for the East to boast two playoff teams this year in Philly and Atlanta.
But like almost every other division...grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy this very close ride.
Friday, August 6, 2010
American League West: Predicting the Division Winner
Current Standings: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/
**NOTE** This was written on August 6th
WEST:
Texas 64-45
Oakland 54-54
LA Angels 55-56
Seattle 40-69
The AL East is shaping up for a photo finish. The AL West is not...
Texas (64-45) is enjoying almost everyhing that baseball has to offer. The wins, the screaming fans, the big hits, and the prospect of heading to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. So what's that one thing they don't have? Hmm...?
Oh, yes...divisional competition.
Oakland (54-54) sits at 9 1/2 games back of the Rangers. The real sad part is that they're 2nd in the division. The best race going on here is between the A's and the Angels (55-56), who sit at third in the West and 10 games back. Seattle (40-69) is a long way from anyone and nothing but a distant memory by now.
So I probably just wrapped up the story of the West right there, but what if Oakland has more to say?
Despite looking like a summer afterthought, the A's could call this a turnaround year, considering they finished 75-87 last year while looking up from dead last. They also delivered their fans a perfect game courtesy of pitcher Dallas Braden back on May 9th in Oakland.
So maybe things haven't been too bad as long as you are a fairly optomistic person, but that doesn't change the fact that the A's still must play series' against the Yankees (67-41), Rays (67-42), Twins (61-49), Angels (55-56), and Red Sox (63-47) just to name a few.
But the real make or break games are always against the teams north of you, in this case just the Rangers, who will be meeting Oakland on nine more occasions this year. And considering Texas lost Ian Kinsler to the DL and Josh Hamilton is suffering from knee tendonitis, the Rangers lineup took a hit that Oakland can take advantage of starting this weekend during a three game set with Texas in the Coliseum.
No matter what the standings look like, I hate to think of a race being completely over in the first week of August. So who knows, if Oakland plays up to their level of competition, they just might make things slightly uncomfortable for Texas in the final two months of the season.
**NOTE** This was written on August 6th
WEST:
Texas 64-45
Oakland 54-54
LA Angels 55-56
Seattle 40-69
The AL East is shaping up for a photo finish. The AL West is not...
Texas (64-45) is enjoying almost everyhing that baseball has to offer. The wins, the screaming fans, the big hits, and the prospect of heading to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. So what's that one thing they don't have? Hmm...?
Oh, yes...divisional competition.
Oakland (54-54) sits at 9 1/2 games back of the Rangers. The real sad part is that they're 2nd in the division. The best race going on here is between the A's and the Angels (55-56), who sit at third in the West and 10 games back. Seattle (40-69) is a long way from anyone and nothing but a distant memory by now.
So I probably just wrapped up the story of the West right there, but what if Oakland has more to say?
Despite looking like a summer afterthought, the A's could call this a turnaround year, considering they finished 75-87 last year while looking up from dead last. They also delivered their fans a perfect game courtesy of pitcher Dallas Braden back on May 9th in Oakland.
So maybe things haven't been too bad as long as you are a fairly optomistic person, but that doesn't change the fact that the A's still must play series' against the Yankees (67-41), Rays (67-42), Twins (61-49), Angels (55-56), and Red Sox (63-47) just to name a few.
But the real make or break games are always against the teams north of you, in this case just the Rangers, who will be meeting Oakland on nine more occasions this year. And considering Texas lost Ian Kinsler to the DL and Josh Hamilton is suffering from knee tendonitis, the Rangers lineup took a hit that Oakland can take advantage of starting this weekend during a three game set with Texas in the Coliseum.
No matter what the standings look like, I hate to think of a race being completely over in the first week of August. So who knows, if Oakland plays up to their level of competition, they just might make things slightly uncomfortable for Texas in the final two months of the season.
American League Central: Predicting the Divsion Winner
Current Standings: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/
**NOTE** This was written on August 6th
CENTRAL:
Chicago 62-46
Minnesota 61-48
Detroit 53-55
Kansas City 46-62
Cleveland 46-63
Going into the season, fans of Chicago (62-47), Minnesota (61-49) and Detroit (53-56) knew that their teams would probably be the only relevant AL Central contenders this year.
I'd say Detroit fans were wrong.
Although the Tigers were thought to contend with the White Sox and Twins right up until the end, they've recently forgot how to win a ballgame. And even when they suddenly remember, they forget how to string a few together. Sitting at 9 games back of the surging Twins and Sox in August is never a good time to first start remembering either.
So just like Kansas City (46-62) and Cleveland (47-63), Detroit can watch the race from the bench. Although the Royals and Indians are 7 and 7 1/2 games back of the Tigers, respectively, we can rightfully assume that all three of them can start their offseason a little early this year.
So now it's down to the white-hot White Sox or the dangerous Twins, who remain at just 1 1/2 back for the divsion lead.
The Twins just enjoyed a lengthy win streak at 8 games which spread from the end of last month to their first game in August. During that span, Twins catcher Joe Mauer hit a remarkable .500 (12-24), appearing in 6 games. But let's face it, that which streak was built by playing the Orioles, Royals, and Mariners. Eight straight wins is nice no matter who you play, but that must be taken into account when talking about contending with another team.
Meanwhile the Sox hold a record of 38-13 since June 8th, which is tops in the majors. They're also 9-2 in their last 11. Home and abroad, the Sox look nearly unbeatable. Especially at home, where they hold a record of 18-2 in their last 20 and 33-20 on the year. What do all these numbers culminate to? How about the fifth best win percentage in the majors (.574).
The Sox may have missed out on Lance Berkman, Manny Ramirez and Adam Dunn, but they seem to not be losing any sleep over it. Recent reports say the Sox may be interested in free-agent Carlos Delgado, a big lefty bat to help fill the Jim Thome void. Hitting 473 career homers, this 38-year-old slugger has been targeted by a few different teams, most notably both colored Sox. Whether the Sox get Delgado or not, there's no reason Mark Kotsay can't turn things around, as he showed last night with a 2-run jack to right center field and the eventual game winning two run triple in the same district.
I don't see the Twins giving up, but I don't see the Sox letting them back in first either. And even if they do, I would expect the resiliant ChiSox to turn up the jets and slide back in the top spot before the Twins even realized they occupied first. It'll be good, but I still expect the Sox to enjoy their second AL Central title in three years.
**NOTE** This was written on August 6th
CENTRAL:
Chicago 62-46
Minnesota 61-48
Detroit 53-55
Kansas City 46-62
Cleveland 46-63
Going into the season, fans of Chicago (62-47), Minnesota (61-49) and Detroit (53-56) knew that their teams would probably be the only relevant AL Central contenders this year.
I'd say Detroit fans were wrong.
Although the Tigers were thought to contend with the White Sox and Twins right up until the end, they've recently forgot how to win a ballgame. And even when they suddenly remember, they forget how to string a few together. Sitting at 9 games back of the surging Twins and Sox in August is never a good time to first start remembering either.
So just like Kansas City (46-62) and Cleveland (47-63), Detroit can watch the race from the bench. Although the Royals and Indians are 7 and 7 1/2 games back of the Tigers, respectively, we can rightfully assume that all three of them can start their offseason a little early this year.
So now it's down to the white-hot White Sox or the dangerous Twins, who remain at just 1 1/2 back for the divsion lead.
The Twins just enjoyed a lengthy win streak at 8 games which spread from the end of last month to their first game in August. During that span, Twins catcher Joe Mauer hit a remarkable .500 (12-24), appearing in 6 games. But let's face it, that which streak was built by playing the Orioles, Royals, and Mariners. Eight straight wins is nice no matter who you play, but that must be taken into account when talking about contending with another team.
Meanwhile the Sox hold a record of 38-13 since June 8th, which is tops in the majors. They're also 9-2 in their last 11. Home and abroad, the Sox look nearly unbeatable. Especially at home, where they hold a record of 18-2 in their last 20 and 33-20 on the year. What do all these numbers culminate to? How about the fifth best win percentage in the majors (.574).
The Sox may have missed out on Lance Berkman, Manny Ramirez and Adam Dunn, but they seem to not be losing any sleep over it. Recent reports say the Sox may be interested in free-agent Carlos Delgado, a big lefty bat to help fill the Jim Thome void. Hitting 473 career homers, this 38-year-old slugger has been targeted by a few different teams, most notably both colored Sox. Whether the Sox get Delgado or not, there's no reason Mark Kotsay can't turn things around, as he showed last night with a 2-run jack to right center field and the eventual game winning two run triple in the same district.
I don't see the Twins giving up, but I don't see the Sox letting them back in first either. And even if they do, I would expect the resiliant ChiSox to turn up the jets and slide back in the top spot before the Twins even realized they occupied first. It'll be good, but I still expect the Sox to enjoy their second AL Central title in three years.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
American League East: Predicting the Division Winner
Current Standings: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/
**NOTE** This was written on August 6th
EAST:
New York 67-40
Tampa Bay 67-41
Boston 62-47
Toronto 56-52
Baltimore 35-73
The American League East has had the fans' attention since the season started. In fact, it just may be the best race in baseball. To predict which team will climb out ahead, you can usually just take into account the fact that the Yankees (67-40) have won their division 8 of the last 10 years. However, Tampa Bay (67-41) continues to fight to the death and lies only a 1/2 game back for the division lead. Boston (62-47) was thought to also contend neck and neck with the top two teams, but seeing as we're in August and they're 6 games back, the future's not exactly the brightest star in the sky for Red Sox fans.
Let me get the other guys outta the way though. Toronto (56-52) would be a contender if in the West and possibly the Central, but seeing as relocating isn't an option, they're as done for as the Orioles (35-73), who obviously lie dead last in the division, the league, and the majors altogether.
So Yankees or Rays, Rays or Yankees. Hmm....
Taking everything into account, the answer to me has to be New York.
I'm not really factoring in the half game lead they have, because the Rays and Yankees might just alternate first and second place in the East until the last day of the season. But considering New York added Lance Berkman, Austin Kearns and Kerry Wood before the trade deadline, we can probably expect them to go nowhere but up from here on out.
Furthermore, the Rays, much unlike New York, failed to acquire a big bat before the trade deadline. That's not to say they'll get worse, but rather that the Yankees might just jet out ahead due to their added talent.
Also, as we can probably all agree on, home field advantage is a big part of every sport. And just as a cherry on top, the Yankees play host for the last 4 out of 7 meetings these clubs have left with each other. It's not much, but it's something.
But whether I'm right or not, both these teams will have a spot in the playoffs. Ever since the season pretty much got started, whichever team wasn't in first in the AL East was still in first in the AL Wild Card (Second place in the AL Wild Card belongs to Boston at the moment). So all I'm saying is that New York will pick up its second straight AL East pennant and Tampa Bay will climb into the postseason via Wild Card.
No matter how it happens, the real games for these teams begin in October.
**NOTE** This was written on August 6th
EAST:
New York 67-40
Tampa Bay 67-41
Boston 62-47
Toronto 56-52
Baltimore 35-73
The American League East has had the fans' attention since the season started. In fact, it just may be the best race in baseball. To predict which team will climb out ahead, you can usually just take into account the fact that the Yankees (67-40) have won their division 8 of the last 10 years. However, Tampa Bay (67-41) continues to fight to the death and lies only a 1/2 game back for the division lead. Boston (62-47) was thought to also contend neck and neck with the top two teams, but seeing as we're in August and they're 6 games back, the future's not exactly the brightest star in the sky for Red Sox fans.
Let me get the other guys outta the way though. Toronto (56-52) would be a contender if in the West and possibly the Central, but seeing as relocating isn't an option, they're as done for as the Orioles (35-73), who obviously lie dead last in the division, the league, and the majors altogether.
So Yankees or Rays, Rays or Yankees. Hmm....
Taking everything into account, the answer to me has to be New York.
I'm not really factoring in the half game lead they have, because the Rays and Yankees might just alternate first and second place in the East until the last day of the season. But considering New York added Lance Berkman, Austin Kearns and Kerry Wood before the trade deadline, we can probably expect them to go nowhere but up from here on out.
Furthermore, the Rays, much unlike New York, failed to acquire a big bat before the trade deadline. That's not to say they'll get worse, but rather that the Yankees might just jet out ahead due to their added talent.
Also, as we can probably all agree on, home field advantage is a big part of every sport. And just as a cherry on top, the Yankees play host for the last 4 out of 7 meetings these clubs have left with each other. It's not much, but it's something.
But whether I'm right or not, both these teams will have a spot in the playoffs. Ever since the season pretty much got started, whichever team wasn't in first in the AL East was still in first in the AL Wild Card (Second place in the AL Wild Card belongs to Boston at the moment). So all I'm saying is that New York will pick up its second straight AL East pennant and Tampa Bay will climb into the postseason via Wild Card.
No matter how it happens, the real games for these teams begin in October.
Have We Seen the Last of Favre?
Now you see me, now you don't. Now Brett Favre's retired, now he isn't.
Ever since King James announced he would be relocating to South Beach, the world has officially turned its wide-eyed gaze to Favre, desperately attempting to gain a hold once and for all on whether Favre will don the purple and gold for one last go-around with the Minnesota Vikings.
In the past 8 years, we've been bombarded with dozens of conflicting reports, a couple retirement speeches, and even a few funny commercials. But no matter who thinks what, we must all face the fact that Brett Favre is as undecided as undecided gets.
On August 4th, reports spurred that Favre had texted his Vikings' teammates to inform them that he will infact retire. As Vikings head coach Brad Childress told the media that Favre hadn't said anything to him about it, I immediately dismissed this rumor. And sure enough, Favre later announced that he did not send text messages to teammates. Then he later added that he still remains undecided on whether or not he'll return.
Favre has fans scraping for rumors, quotes, and expert analysis in an attempt to discover which way he's leaning. Through sifting this information, some claim there is really no way to accurately assume one way or the other.
I would disagree...
Of all the players I have ever seen take the field on Sundays, I have never seen a player with as much passion and love for the game of football as Favre.
The fact of the matter is that Favre loves playing football too much to retire. He's spent the past 19 years of his life doing what he loves most, and in the process broken nearly every record a quarterback can break. His record 285 consecutive starts are also a testiment to his dedication and passion for his career. And who can forget his touchdown celebrations, from both index fingers raised to the sky to the widest smile you'd ever see.
Also, the way Favre ended last season with Minnesota was a tormenting way to end a career. He led the purple and gold to a 12-4 record and looked to be unstoppable, but Favre's Vikings were eliminated from postseason contention one game short of reaching his third Super Bowl, and in overtime no less. Despite feeling like he failed what he set out to do, Favre still had one of the best years of his career, passing for 4,202 yards with 33 TDs and 7 INTs, which proved Favre to still be one of the most elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Perhaps his most glorified moment in his debut season for Minnesota came in Week 3 against San Francisco in which Favre completed a 32-yard desperation bomb to wideout Greg Lewis in the back of the endzone resulting in a 27-24 lead with just 2 seconds remaining. As if the hugs, celebrations, and plus one in the win column wasn't enough, Favre later recieved an ESPY for this, which was titled Best Play.
However, Favre's ankle surgery back in May, though deemed successful, may have been just one surgery too many. For his love of the game, he'll play. But no amount of love can help him play football with a cane.
But this surgery, even if not as successful as it could have possibly been, was still good enough to allow Favre to play. Through his 19 years, pain is not something unknown to him, as multiple surgeries would show. But seeing as he holds the NFL consecutive starts streak by a long shot over second place Peyton Manning (192), we can properly assume that he's somehow learned to ignore it over the years.
So for these reasons, I have no doubt in my mind that other Vikings quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, and Joe Webb will only be found warming benches around the league in 2010 while they take notes from the crafty veteran.
It's as simple as this: If Favre can play, Favre will play. So for this reason, look to see him stretch that streak to 286 come time for the Vikings to play their NFC title game rematch against Drew Brees and the 'Who Dat Nation'.
Ever since King James announced he would be relocating to South Beach, the world has officially turned its wide-eyed gaze to Favre, desperately attempting to gain a hold once and for all on whether Favre will don the purple and gold for one last go-around with the Minnesota Vikings.
In the past 8 years, we've been bombarded with dozens of conflicting reports, a couple retirement speeches, and even a few funny commercials. But no matter who thinks what, we must all face the fact that Brett Favre is as undecided as undecided gets.
On August 4th, reports spurred that Favre had texted his Vikings' teammates to inform them that he will infact retire. As Vikings head coach Brad Childress told the media that Favre hadn't said anything to him about it, I immediately dismissed this rumor. And sure enough, Favre later announced that he did not send text messages to teammates. Then he later added that he still remains undecided on whether or not he'll return.
Favre has fans scraping for rumors, quotes, and expert analysis in an attempt to discover which way he's leaning. Through sifting this information, some claim there is really no way to accurately assume one way or the other.
I would disagree...
Of all the players I have ever seen take the field on Sundays, I have never seen a player with as much passion and love for the game of football as Favre.
The fact of the matter is that Favre loves playing football too much to retire. He's spent the past 19 years of his life doing what he loves most, and in the process broken nearly every record a quarterback can break. His record 285 consecutive starts are also a testiment to his dedication and passion for his career. And who can forget his touchdown celebrations, from both index fingers raised to the sky to the widest smile you'd ever see.
Also, the way Favre ended last season with Minnesota was a tormenting way to end a career. He led the purple and gold to a 12-4 record and looked to be unstoppable, but Favre's Vikings were eliminated from postseason contention one game short of reaching his third Super Bowl, and in overtime no less. Despite feeling like he failed what he set out to do, Favre still had one of the best years of his career, passing for 4,202 yards with 33 TDs and 7 INTs, which proved Favre to still be one of the most elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Perhaps his most glorified moment in his debut season for Minnesota came in Week 3 against San Francisco in which Favre completed a 32-yard desperation bomb to wideout Greg Lewis in the back of the endzone resulting in a 27-24 lead with just 2 seconds remaining. As if the hugs, celebrations, and plus one in the win column wasn't enough, Favre later recieved an ESPY for this, which was titled Best Play.
However, Favre's ankle surgery back in May, though deemed successful, may have been just one surgery too many. For his love of the game, he'll play. But no amount of love can help him play football with a cane.
But this surgery, even if not as successful as it could have possibly been, was still good enough to allow Favre to play. Through his 19 years, pain is not something unknown to him, as multiple surgeries would show. But seeing as he holds the NFL consecutive starts streak by a long shot over second place Peyton Manning (192), we can properly assume that he's somehow learned to ignore it over the years.
So for these reasons, I have no doubt in my mind that other Vikings quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, and Joe Webb will only be found warming benches around the league in 2010 while they take notes from the crafty veteran.
It's as simple as this: If Favre can play, Favre will play. So for this reason, look to see him stretch that streak to 286 come time for the Vikings to play their NFC title game rematch against Drew Brees and the 'Who Dat Nation'.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Can Turco Defend What Niemi Won?
It's official: The Blackhawks have decided to part ways with goalie Antti Niemi, leaving his fate in the purgatory-like realm we in the sports world call free agency. It wasn't that the Hawks were suddenly disinterested in the Finnish netminder, but rather due to the steep price of $2.75 million that they would be forced to pay him, set by a neutral third party after Niemi filed for arbitration on July 5th.
The honest truth is that the Hawks have magnificantly downgraded their roster since hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup. For GM Stan Bowman and the Hawks, bursting the salary cap was a recognized but unavoidable problem long before the season ended. The vast majority of cap space was filled by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith in the form of contract extensions. The Hawks have already waved goodbye to Kris Versteeg, Colin Fraser, Ben Eager, Adam Burish, Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel and Andrew Ladd, so what could adding one more player in Niemi hurt?
Well, maybe the fact that many agreed he was a possible and even somewhat likely candidate to hoist the Conn Smythe Trophy, given to Most Valuable Player in the playoffs. And if you are one of those people, then you probably don't believe the Hawks would've broken their 49 year championship drought without him. But enough with Niemi, because from now on he and the Blackhawks are two different discussions.
So now for the Hawks, they turn to newly-signed veteran goalie Marty Turco to help defend the Cup. Turco has played nine years in the NHL, all of which for Dallas. Last season he posted a 22-20-11 record with a 2.72 goals against average and a .913 save percentage, also squeezing in 4 whitewashes along the way. Lifetime in the NHL, Turco holds a record of 262-154-26-37 with a 2.31 GAA and a .911 SV%.
So sure, Turco has the experience. But seeing as he turns 35 years old next Friday (August 13th), does he still remain with the flexibility he could more easily have bragged about eight or nine years ago?
I'm quite confident that Turco will do many great things while calling the United Center home. But will he provide as big of a jolt that Niemi brought for the defense?
My best educated guess would be...no.
As a die hard fan, I'm tempted to respond with my heart, but I can't help that my head says no. Niemi's numbers from last season are superior in just about every category and, factoring in the age difference, it's hard to believe that Turco can live up to the standard that Niemi set.
But comparisons aside, Turco's veteran experience and leadership should help the Blackhawks in a variety of ways. This of course begins with backup netminder Corey Crawford, who should hugely benefit from taking notes from the sidelines. And with experience often comes knowledge, as Don Cherry, who had an 18 year playing career, said Turco was "The smartest goalie in the NHL."
But this is not October, and the Hawks have not yet begun their voyage to attempt championship repetition. But when the time comes, one thing is for certain...the Hawks are gonna fight like champs.
The honest truth is that the Hawks have magnificantly downgraded their roster since hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup. For GM Stan Bowman and the Hawks, bursting the salary cap was a recognized but unavoidable problem long before the season ended. The vast majority of cap space was filled by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith in the form of contract extensions. The Hawks have already waved goodbye to Kris Versteeg, Colin Fraser, Ben Eager, Adam Burish, Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel and Andrew Ladd, so what could adding one more player in Niemi hurt?
Well, maybe the fact that many agreed he was a possible and even somewhat likely candidate to hoist the Conn Smythe Trophy, given to Most Valuable Player in the playoffs. And if you are one of those people, then you probably don't believe the Hawks would've broken their 49 year championship drought without him. But enough with Niemi, because from now on he and the Blackhawks are two different discussions.
So now for the Hawks, they turn to newly-signed veteran goalie Marty Turco to help defend the Cup. Turco has played nine years in the NHL, all of which for Dallas. Last season he posted a 22-20-11 record with a 2.72 goals against average and a .913 save percentage, also squeezing in 4 whitewashes along the way. Lifetime in the NHL, Turco holds a record of 262-154-26-37 with a 2.31 GAA and a .911 SV%.
So sure, Turco has the experience. But seeing as he turns 35 years old next Friday (August 13th), does he still remain with the flexibility he could more easily have bragged about eight or nine years ago?
I'm quite confident that Turco will do many great things while calling the United Center home. But will he provide as big of a jolt that Niemi brought for the defense?
My best educated guess would be...no.
As a die hard fan, I'm tempted to respond with my heart, but I can't help that my head says no. Niemi's numbers from last season are superior in just about every category and, factoring in the age difference, it's hard to believe that Turco can live up to the standard that Niemi set.
But comparisons aside, Turco's veteran experience and leadership should help the Blackhawks in a variety of ways. This of course begins with backup netminder Corey Crawford, who should hugely benefit from taking notes from the sidelines. And with experience often comes knowledge, as Don Cherry, who had an 18 year playing career, said Turco was "The smartest goalie in the NHL."
But this is not October, and the Hawks have not yet begun their voyage to attempt championship repetition. But when the time comes, one thing is for certain...the Hawks are gonna fight like champs.
Monday, August 2, 2010
A-Rod Stuck on 599
As you all know, Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez belted his 599th career homer on July 22nd. Since the date on the calendar has now jumped to August 3rd, he has us all wondering when he'll smack number 600 out of the park. It won't be easy, as only six people on the face of the earth can honestly take credit for such a feat.
This whole waiting process is nothing new for Rodriguez, who waited 10 days and 29 at-bats before making the jump from 499 to 500 career long ones. But now, one century worth of homers later, we've all waited 12 days and 43 at-bats.
He's only 35 years old, and should be playing multiple more years in the MLB. So now that we've established that he won't be turning in his bat and gloves while stuck on 599, only one question remains--how much longer will it take?
It always seems that getting the third digit to a zero takes much longer than any other when talking about homers, but the reason for that can't be left to coincidence. In A-Rod's case, he's hitting .209 (9-43) since his last slammer. In those 43 at-bats, 9 resulted in strikeouts. Multiple strikeouts are an obvious indicator of pressing. So in order to not retire on 599, what can A-Rod do to reach this historic milestone?
The best thing for Rodriguez to do is ignore its existence; pretend he's at 362, or 428, or 576, or any other number that doesn't have MLB Network airing his every at-bat to make certain they televise his most recent milestone. Obviously it's impossible to not think about it, but A-Rod needs to get back to that natural swing that he's had for all his other homers. As every pitch makes its way to the plate, instead of thinking 'This might be the one!' he needs to be thinking about nothing. Yeah, that's right, nothing at all. These home run hitters must rely on instinct. When their eyes see those hanging breaking balls splitting the middle of the plate, their arms take over from there.
If A-Rod proceeds each pitch like he always has, then the deafening fans and that historic jog around the bases will come sooner than he knows...
This whole waiting process is nothing new for Rodriguez, who waited 10 days and 29 at-bats before making the jump from 499 to 500 career long ones. But now, one century worth of homers later, we've all waited 12 days and 43 at-bats.
He's only 35 years old, and should be playing multiple more years in the MLB. So now that we've established that he won't be turning in his bat and gloves while stuck on 599, only one question remains--how much longer will it take?
It always seems that getting the third digit to a zero takes much longer than any other when talking about homers, but the reason for that can't be left to coincidence. In A-Rod's case, he's hitting .209 (9-43) since his last slammer. In those 43 at-bats, 9 resulted in strikeouts. Multiple strikeouts are an obvious indicator of pressing. So in order to not retire on 599, what can A-Rod do to reach this historic milestone?
The best thing for Rodriguez to do is ignore its existence; pretend he's at 362, or 428, or 576, or any other number that doesn't have MLB Network airing his every at-bat to make certain they televise his most recent milestone. Obviously it's impossible to not think about it, but A-Rod needs to get back to that natural swing that he's had for all his other homers. As every pitch makes its way to the plate, instead of thinking 'This might be the one!' he needs to be thinking about nothing. Yeah, that's right, nothing at all. These home run hitters must rely on instinct. When their eyes see those hanging breaking balls splitting the middle of the plate, their arms take over from there.
If A-Rod proceeds each pitch like he always has, then the deafening fans and that historic jog around the bases will come sooner than he knows...
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