I can't keep up with the trades and free agency signings that are happening at the speed of lightning in the NBA. Non-stop. Training camp doesn't feel like training camp with coaches having one hell of a nightmare trying to figure out whos in and whos out of practice. That's what you get for having a lockout!
And as for Albert Pujols bolting to Anaheim for more money, the second largest contract ever in baseball history (A-Rod comes first), it gives meaning to the analogy "It ain't St Louis without Budweiser." That's how big an icon Pujols is. The face of the city. Two years in a row, two franchise players take their talents to a hotter and more happening place, RE: Lebron James going to Miami. Oh, and just as the Houston Astros were relieved that they're moving to the American League in 2013 and would not have to face Albert Pujols and his big bat...apparently they're stuck with him for another 9 years (not counting next year). Nightmares!
CJ Wilson signs with his hometown team, Anaheim. What a traitor. Signing with a divsion rival. He should have gone to the National League. Jose Reyes signs with Miami, cause the Mets couldn't offer him enough to stay. Mark Burhele (how do I spell his name?) goes to the Marlins, too. He can't get away from Ozzie Guillen whom I believe he loves playing for. Jonathan Papelbon is off to Philly. Now the National League gets to see how good he is, or how he had an epic collapse.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
In a hungover state of mind, and not wanting to do any form of school related work, I have decided to come up with a post listing quotes that I deem worthy in a humorous way, coming straight out of a certain professor's mouth.
It makes me feel better when I give you that F.- in reply to when I said I wouldn't mind slaving for your class despite not getting an A for it for sure.
If you can't find a spa/eatery next to a run down shophouse or a mosque/temple, photoshop it!
(Insert my name) is a good student, she can co-ordinate a birthday party, make a strong drink, and control her group members.
You've asked for an essay exam throughout the past 1.5 years and when I finally give one you couldn't come through .
You deserve a drink since you're done with the mid term. (Don't I have a 3 page essay due in two days time as what you said before?)
It's 5pm on a Saturday afternoon, finish up now and its time for food and beer!
(insert professor's name) is an example of someone who is socially awkward. (Then he goes on for ten minutes about the briefcase story.)
You asked me what I'm doing. I could be eating. Or killing students like you. (at the bus stop after the mid term)
Will think of more later. Uufff. Why didn't I come up with this during the semester? Would have been way more fun, seriously. Now I'm struggling to recall all the nonsensical things that cracks me up.
It makes me feel better when I give you that F.- in reply to when I said I wouldn't mind slaving for your class despite not getting an A for it for sure.
If you can't find a spa/eatery next to a run down shophouse or a mosque/temple, photoshop it!
(Insert my name) is a good student, she can co-ordinate a birthday party, make a strong drink, and control her group members.
You've asked for an essay exam throughout the past 1.5 years and when I finally give one you couldn't come through .
You deserve a drink since you're done with the mid term. (Don't I have a 3 page essay due in two days time as what you said before?)
It's 5pm on a Saturday afternoon, finish up now and its time for food and beer!
(insert professor's name) is an example of someone who is socially awkward. (Then he goes on for ten minutes about the briefcase story.)
You asked me what I'm doing. I could be eating. Or killing students like you. (at the bus stop after the mid term)
Will think of more later. Uufff. Why didn't I come up with this during the semester? Would have been way more fun, seriously. Now I'm struggling to recall all the nonsensical things that cracks me up.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
This ain't sports related but since it's Thanksgiving, I decided that I'd do a dedication post here instead.
What am I thankful for?
The Yankees and Tar Heels! Round the year sporting action that I never get bored of watching: Formula One racing, baseball, college hoops, college football, ice hockey and of course NBA which I dearly miss cause of the lock out.
Non-sports wise:
Still being in college, having a roof over my head.
Encouraging and star professors ie young Kris who taught me medical sociology (I took a class under him last year and he was good enough so I did another one and did way better!), Andy, the third class I've taken under him, one every year with the exception of 2010. Chris.... oh my god. Where do I even start? One of th most amazing professors I've had in my whole life in college, and possibly high school. I'd never get tired of listening to his lectures and attending classes, to date I've yet to skip a class taught by him all semester. Teaching style keeps me wanting to read up after the lecture has ended and even when I ask a million questions and make him repeat what he just said, in simpler terms, dude never gets mad. One of the few professors I'd let my mates meet, and they actually like him. I'll never get an A for any classes but it's still worth slaving for.
Friends that I could talk for hours to: Renny and Kevin Mcgahan, the other Kevin, Hillbilly, Zarena.
I'll think of more later.
What am I thankful for?
The Yankees and Tar Heels! Round the year sporting action that I never get bored of watching: Formula One racing, baseball, college hoops, college football, ice hockey and of course NBA which I dearly miss cause of the lock out.
Non-sports wise:
Still being in college, having a roof over my head.
Encouraging and star professors ie young Kris who taught me medical sociology (I took a class under him last year and he was good enough so I did another one and did way better!), Andy, the third class I've taken under him, one every year with the exception of 2010. Chris.... oh my god. Where do I even start? One of th most amazing professors I've had in my whole life in college, and possibly high school. I'd never get tired of listening to his lectures and attending classes, to date I've yet to skip a class taught by him all semester. Teaching style keeps me wanting to read up after the lecture has ended and even when I ask a million questions and make him repeat what he just said, in simpler terms, dude never gets mad. One of the few professors I'd let my mates meet, and they actually like him. I'll never get an A for any classes but it's still worth slaving for.
Friends that I could talk for hours to: Renny and Kevin Mcgahan, the other Kevin, Hillbilly, Zarena.
I'll think of more later.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Thoughts relating to the sporting world
The NBA lockout seems pretty damned serious. No games till December 15. Hopefully very soon the owners and players would come to an agreement- the recession is bad, and this makes things even worse, leaving tens of thousands of employees out of jobs. And speaking of the exhibition tour, what on earth happened to it? It was supposed to start in early November but nothing has happened. The players are fed up. Some of them have taken their talents across to Europe and China. If this persists, many more will soon be seen across the world.
In the mean time I'm watchng college basketball and football and NFL.
Can't wait for Tuesday morning local time. The AL MVP will be announced. Justin Verlander stands a strong chance of winning it, the second big prize he'd be taking home in a week, which would put him in the likes along hall of famers. Curtis Granderson is a strong candidate to win it.
As for the NL MVP which would be announced the following day after, Matt Kemp, Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder are in the mix.
Winners of the rookie of the year award, cy young and manager of the year have been extremely deserving.
I can't wait to see the rankings in college football after this week's shake and bake. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Clemson and Nebraska amongst the ranked teams losing to a lower seeded team. Since the Sooners lost, this might give Alabama a chance to regain the second spot, and if they can hold on, an all SEC BCS would happen come January. LSU and Alabama to duke it out, sounds like a dream matchup and a rivalry for the decade.
In the mean time I'm watchng college basketball and football and NFL.
Can't wait for Tuesday morning local time. The AL MVP will be announced. Justin Verlander stands a strong chance of winning it, the second big prize he'd be taking home in a week, which would put him in the likes along hall of famers. Curtis Granderson is a strong candidate to win it.
As for the NL MVP which would be announced the following day after, Matt Kemp, Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder are in the mix.
Winners of the rookie of the year award, cy young and manager of the year have been extremely deserving.
I can't wait to see the rankings in college football after this week's shake and bake. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Clemson and Nebraska amongst the ranked teams losing to a lower seeded team. Since the Sooners lost, this might give Alabama a chance to regain the second spot, and if they can hold on, an all SEC BCS would happen come January. LSU and Alabama to duke it out, sounds like a dream matchup and a rivalry for the decade.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Game 7
The Rangers draw first blood, but after that it has been all-St Louis. Allen Craig homers yet again. He is replacing Matt Holliday who is injured and will not be playing.
2 walk off runs with the bases loaded in the bottom 5th. Who would have thought this would happen in a pivotal game 7 with the winner take all? Texas needs to start throwing strikes. Down by 3 runs in the top 7th, its time to pile it on, if not the homecrowd will explode.
St Louis scores in the bottom of the 7th. 6-2!
Scoreless top 8th for Texas. 3 outs left for them to make a difference and have a comeback...in the 9th. Nelson Cruz, Mike Napoli and David Murphy are up to bat. Bottom of the order.
Texas is down to their final out- 11:21pm EST
One minute later, after 2 pitches, David Murphy flies out to left field........and the ST LOUIS CARDINALS ARE YOUR 2011 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS. 14/15 weeks till pitchers and catchers report for spring training, to console myself for the Yankees.
2 walk off runs with the bases loaded in the bottom 5th. Who would have thought this would happen in a pivotal game 7 with the winner take all? Texas needs to start throwing strikes. Down by 3 runs in the top 7th, its time to pile it on, if not the homecrowd will explode.
St Louis scores in the bottom of the 7th. 6-2!
Scoreless top 8th for Texas. 3 outs left for them to make a difference and have a comeback...in the 9th. Nelson Cruz, Mike Napoli and David Murphy are up to bat. Bottom of the order.
Texas is down to their final out- 11:21pm EST
One minute later, after 2 pitches, David Murphy flies out to left field........and the ST LOUIS CARDINALS ARE YOUR 2011 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS. 14/15 weeks till pitchers and catchers report for spring training, to console myself for the Yankees.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
World Series update
Game 1: St Louis wins narrowly.
Game 2: Texas takes it.
Game 3: Slug fest, Albert Pujols hits 3 homeruns, putting him along the likes of Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson in a World Series game. St Louis wins.
Game 4: Texas wins. Mike Napoli hits a 3 run homer as the dagger.
Game 5...........
Miscommuincation in the St Louis bullpen, blame it on the noise says Tony LaRussa. Only one reliever warms up after the first call, then LaRussa calls and the bullpen coach summons the wrong player. The reliever who is not supposed to face Napoli ends up staying to face him, then LaRussa takes him out.... with the wrong reliever showing up and of course, the manager is confused and makes him do an intentional walk, giving the ORIGINAL guy who is supposed to warm up barely enough time to get loose and comes in.
Mike Napoli strikes again with the double. In a crazy postseason with rally squirrels and a tortoise on twitter (Allen Craig's pet), it certainly can't get any wilder than this. What's next?
Game 2: Texas takes it.
Game 3: Slug fest, Albert Pujols hits 3 homeruns, putting him along the likes of Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson in a World Series game. St Louis wins.
Game 4: Texas wins. Mike Napoli hits a 3 run homer as the dagger.
Game 5...........
Miscommuincation in the St Louis bullpen, blame it on the noise says Tony LaRussa. Only one reliever warms up after the first call, then LaRussa calls and the bullpen coach summons the wrong player. The reliever who is not supposed to face Napoli ends up staying to face him, then LaRussa takes him out.... with the wrong reliever showing up and of course, the manager is confused and makes him do an intentional walk, giving the ORIGINAL guy who is supposed to warm up barely enough time to get loose and comes in.
Mike Napoli strikes again with the double. In a crazy postseason with rally squirrels and a tortoise on twitter (Allen Craig's pet), it certainly can't get any wilder than this. What's next?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The stage is set...
Two teams left standing. One dream, one vision, one goal. This is what thirty teams dream about, but in the end, only one will come away with the ultimate prize. The World Series trophy.
Dreams will be realized right now for some who have never been there, playing in baseball's grandest stage, at the finest hour. Players will shine, new stars will be born, like in the AL/NLCS. Some never envisoned and reporters/pitchers/managers scrambling to figure out who is this kid that is killing our team with a bat that can't be stopped.
In August, and September, I had never heard of David Freese. This guy skyrocketed with an astounding .545 hitting percentage in the NLCS and became an instant household name on national tv. Nelson Cruz was unheard of till last year I believe. But who the heck is David Freese? A St Louis native who is the starting third baseman, who is overshadowed by Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, Matt Holliday and Chris Carpenter. Never saw him coming.
Lets see if the Rangers can contain him.
Texas is extremely explosive. Their lineup is deep and dangerous. Mike Napoli, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton.
Josh Hamilton had a decent ALCS so far. Its his second straight year in the World Series, something he probably had never envisioned years ago when he was caught up in drugs and alcohol.
I'm rooting for the man. After reading his book entitled Beyond Belief, Hamilton is a success story. He deserves the title more than anything, and this would put him on top of the world.
If I call the shots, my prediction would be Rangers in 7. The Dallas Mavericks won the nba title in June. Make it a second title in the same year for the boys in nearby Arlington.
Dreams will be realized right now for some who have never been there, playing in baseball's grandest stage, at the finest hour. Players will shine, new stars will be born, like in the AL/NLCS. Some never envisoned and reporters/pitchers/managers scrambling to figure out who is this kid that is killing our team with a bat that can't be stopped.
In August, and September, I had never heard of David Freese. This guy skyrocketed with an astounding .545 hitting percentage in the NLCS and became an instant household name on national tv. Nelson Cruz was unheard of till last year I believe. But who the heck is David Freese? A St Louis native who is the starting third baseman, who is overshadowed by Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, Matt Holliday and Chris Carpenter. Never saw him coming.
Lets see if the Rangers can contain him.
Texas is extremely explosive. Their lineup is deep and dangerous. Mike Napoli, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton.
Josh Hamilton had a decent ALCS so far. Its his second straight year in the World Series, something he probably had never envisioned years ago when he was caught up in drugs and alcohol.
I'm rooting for the man. After reading his book entitled Beyond Belief, Hamilton is a success story. He deserves the title more than anything, and this would put him on top of the world.
If I call the shots, my prediction would be Rangers in 7. The Dallas Mavericks won the nba title in June. Make it a second title in the same year for the boys in nearby Arlington.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Yankees season has been over six days ago. I am still bitter about it.
What I find funny during the post season in baseball is that there would (always) be some form of hit or sensation. It might come in the form of a chant, an action (the Milwaukee Brewers "monsters"), a rally monkey (Anaheim Angels, 2002) and of course, a rally squirrel courtesy of the St Louis Cardinals, in addition to a tortoise owned by utility man Allen Craig.
If you have been following the post season, you would have seen the famous video clip when Roy Oswalt from the Phillies was throwing a pitch to the Cardinals in game four, a squirrel ran by right infront of him, and the umpire called it a ball. Oswalt protested in vain, to re-do the pitch but it failed.
Well ohh well. The Brewers and Cardinals are tied up at one game apiece and there will be a game five for sure. Same goes for the Rangers and Tigers series, with banged up Detroit winning in game 3 to cut the defict to 1-2, instead of going down 0-3.
I'm sure nobody saw it coming last week in game five of the epic win St Louis pulled off in Philadelphia. Strangely enough I did tell a friend after the Yankees ended their season how amazing and nice it would be to have the Phillies going home for the winter in game five like the Yankees. The team that won the most number of games this season in the Majors and with the second highest payroll. (Yankees top the list this season, no surprise, followed by the Phillies and Red Sox). Roy Halladay vs Chris Carpenter. Two former star pitchers for the Toronto Blue Jays who will be duking it out in a winner take all game.
Halladay made one mistake in an otherwise superb effort, but Carpenter gave up only three hits and threw a complete game shutout. Cardinals won and advanced, leaving the fans in Citizens Bank Park shocked and too stunned to boo as they filed for the exits after the last out, where Ryan Howard injured his achillies and could not even jog to first base.
Hey, at least we lasted five more games than the Red Sox.
Coincidentally, both the Yankees and Phillies ended their past two post seasons in game 6, and with the same player for each team recording the final out- ARod striking out last year in Texas and this year vs Detroit, Ryan Howard striking out in San Francisco's AT and T park, and this year hitting a routine groundball to first/shortstop thanks to the powerful pitching arm of Chris Carpenter. The sad thing is, he would not be seen on a field till June next year I believe.
Since my Yankees are out, the team I'd like to see win the World Series this year would be the Texas Rangers. Josh Hamilton deserves that ring so badly. Former drug abuser and alcoholic, the dude has came so far to be where he's at right now. Sheer determination and perserverance. He's my role model, a guy who battled real hard. I keep telling myself to stop quitting and keep on going but end up coming apart and screwing myself up even further. Somehow, someday I need to wake up. Hamilton is the perfect example of a winner.
What I find funny during the post season in baseball is that there would (always) be some form of hit or sensation. It might come in the form of a chant, an action (the Milwaukee Brewers "monsters"), a rally monkey (Anaheim Angels, 2002) and of course, a rally squirrel courtesy of the St Louis Cardinals, in addition to a tortoise owned by utility man Allen Craig.
If you have been following the post season, you would have seen the famous video clip when Roy Oswalt from the Phillies was throwing a pitch to the Cardinals in game four, a squirrel ran by right infront of him, and the umpire called it a ball. Oswalt protested in vain, to re-do the pitch but it failed.
Well ohh well. The Brewers and Cardinals are tied up at one game apiece and there will be a game five for sure. Same goes for the Rangers and Tigers series, with banged up Detroit winning in game 3 to cut the defict to 1-2, instead of going down 0-3.
I'm sure nobody saw it coming last week in game five of the epic win St Louis pulled off in Philadelphia. Strangely enough I did tell a friend after the Yankees ended their season how amazing and nice it would be to have the Phillies going home for the winter in game five like the Yankees. The team that won the most number of games this season in the Majors and with the second highest payroll. (Yankees top the list this season, no surprise, followed by the Phillies and Red Sox). Roy Halladay vs Chris Carpenter. Two former star pitchers for the Toronto Blue Jays who will be duking it out in a winner take all game.
Halladay made one mistake in an otherwise superb effort, but Carpenter gave up only three hits and threw a complete game shutout. Cardinals won and advanced, leaving the fans in Citizens Bank Park shocked and too stunned to boo as they filed for the exits after the last out, where Ryan Howard injured his achillies and could not even jog to first base.
Hey, at least we lasted five more games than the Red Sox.
Coincidentally, both the Yankees and Phillies ended their past two post seasons in game 6, and with the same player for each team recording the final out- ARod striking out last year in Texas and this year vs Detroit, Ryan Howard striking out in San Francisco's AT and T park, and this year hitting a routine groundball to first/shortstop thanks to the powerful pitching arm of Chris Carpenter. The sad thing is, he would not be seen on a field till June next year I believe.
Since my Yankees are out, the team I'd like to see win the World Series this year would be the Texas Rangers. Josh Hamilton deserves that ring so badly. Former drug abuser and alcoholic, the dude has came so far to be where he's at right now. Sheer determination and perserverance. He's my role model, a guy who battled real hard. I keep telling myself to stop quitting and keep on going but end up coming apart and screwing myself up even further. Somehow, someday I need to wake up. Hamilton is the perfect example of a winner.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
2 outs left to tie up the game/win game 5. Down by a run!
FUCK NO. Its 1 out. Cano lined out to center field. The Yankees season is left in the hands of AROD.
Strike.
If we lose this game, it would be because of the Yankees inability to score with the bases loaded. TWICE.
Strike. The Yankees are a strike away from going home. I am on the edge.
And there it goes. ARod srikes out. Detroit moves on to face Texas in the ALCS. What a bitter feeling.
FUCK NO. Its 1 out. Cano lined out to center field. The Yankees season is left in the hands of AROD.
Strike.
If we lose this game, it would be because of the Yankees inability to score with the bases loaded. TWICE.
Strike. The Yankees are a strike away from going home. I am on the edge.
And there it goes. ARod srikes out. Detroit moves on to face Texas in the ALCS. What a bitter feeling.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Update: Top 8th inning- bases loaded, nobody out for the Yankees!
Ex Yankee pitcher, Phil Coke loads the bases after giving up a single to Nick Swisher.
So far so good, Yankees are up 4-1. Hopefully they add on a few runs to bolster the lead. (10:59PM EST)
Update 2: (11:04 EST) pitching change- Alburqueque did a bog (sp?) and ARod scored.
Then he gave up a single to Jesus Montero, 6-1 Yankees!
Still nobody out! Whooooooooohooooooooo!
Update 3: Russell Martin walks, bases are loaded yet again. Jim Leyland makes a pitching change. (11:07EST)
Update 4: Brett Gardner singles, scoring yet another runner. Not A SINGLE OUT AND THE BASES ARE LOADED STILL. 7-1 Yankees. Derek Jeter is up batting (again this inning). Finally the Tigers get an out. Jeter is down on strikes.
Lets go Yankees!!!
Another wild pitch scores (Gardner- I think) or is it Jesus Montero? 8-1 Yankees. Schlereth strikes out Curtis Granderson on a full count. 2 outs.
Robinson Cano is up next. He singles and drives in 2 runs! 10-1 in Yankees. Pitching change! (11:20 EST)
Update 5: ARod singles, finally breaking an 0 for 12 slump until having 2 hits in this inning! The Tigers bullpen has their inexperience exposed. (11:25PM EST)
Update 6:
Finally Mark Teixeira flies out to right field to end the inning. Anyone who is a Tigers fan can finally heave a sigh of relief. The nightmare inning is over, as the crowd applauds. Spectators are headed for the exits. As the announcer said, the Yankees will be going back to New York, after this game. They decided to take the Tigers with them.
Phil Hughes pitches in the bottom of the 8th inning and its a 1-2-3 inning, no men left on base, down on strikes and ground balls.
Jesus Montero gets 2 at bats this game and singles yet again in the top 9th. That kid is going to be good. Unfortunately the next batter grounds into a double play and the inning is over. 3 outs left for the Tigers. I doubt they will win. Pack your bags and head back east! (11:39PM EST)
Ex Yankee pitcher, Phil Coke loads the bases after giving up a single to Nick Swisher.
So far so good, Yankees are up 4-1. Hopefully they add on a few runs to bolster the lead. (10:59PM EST)
Update 2: (11:04 EST) pitching change- Alburqueque did a bog (sp?) and ARod scored.
Then he gave up a single to Jesus Montero, 6-1 Yankees!
Still nobody out! Whooooooooohooooooooo!
Update 3: Russell Martin walks, bases are loaded yet again. Jim Leyland makes a pitching change. (11:07EST)
Update 4: Brett Gardner singles, scoring yet another runner. Not A SINGLE OUT AND THE BASES ARE LOADED STILL. 7-1 Yankees. Derek Jeter is up batting (again this inning). Finally the Tigers get an out. Jeter is down on strikes.
Lets go Yankees!!!
Another wild pitch scores (Gardner- I think) or is it Jesus Montero? 8-1 Yankees. Schlereth strikes out Curtis Granderson on a full count. 2 outs.
Robinson Cano is up next. He singles and drives in 2 runs! 10-1 in Yankees. Pitching change! (11:20 EST)
Update 5: ARod singles, finally breaking an 0 for 12 slump until having 2 hits in this inning! The Tigers bullpen has their inexperience exposed. (11:25PM EST)
Update 6:
Finally Mark Teixeira flies out to right field to end the inning. Anyone who is a Tigers fan can finally heave a sigh of relief. The nightmare inning is over, as the crowd applauds. Spectators are headed for the exits. As the announcer said, the Yankees will be going back to New York, after this game. They decided to take the Tigers with them.
Phil Hughes pitches in the bottom of the 8th inning and its a 1-2-3 inning, no men left on base, down on strikes and ground balls.
Jesus Montero gets 2 at bats this game and singles yet again in the top 9th. That kid is going to be good. Unfortunately the next batter grounds into a double play and the inning is over. 3 outs left for the Tigers. I doubt they will win. Pack your bags and head back east! (11:39PM EST)
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Yankees take game one!
After a 23 hour rain delay, game one of the Yankees/Detroit ALDS resumed. When the game was suspended Friday night, the score was tied 1-1 in the middle of the second inning. It disrupted both teams pitching lineup, with the Jim Leyland and Joe Giradi being forced to use their starters for the second game- ex-Seattle Mariner Doug Fister and Super Rookie Ivan Nova.
There was no national anthem and ceremonial pitch whatsoever when the game resumed. Jorge Posada led off the inning with a single and Russell Martin followed up by hitting a double to left center field, setting up Posada into scoring position. However, the Tigers defense was too good, as Brett Gardner grounded to third on a fielders choice but reached base, and Posada was thrown out at home plate, preventing the runner from scoring. Fister struck out Derek Jeter and MVP candidate Curtis Granderson, stranding two men on base. Rough start to the continuation of game one.
Ivan Nova, who was tabbed as nothing but a fifth starter has worked his way up with his strong pitching to the second starter on the team behind CC Sabathia, and he sure proved his worth yet again. He worked six scoreless innings, including two straight innings having no men on base and shutting down the order on strikes, ground outs and fly outs. The Yankees drew first blood of the day in the bottom of the fifth inning, breaking open the tie with Robinson Cano hitting a double to deep left field, scoring Curtis Granderson. The fans backed off carefully to avoid interfering with the ball- smart move. I'm sure they knew what happened to Steve Bartman when he tried to catch the ball in Wrigley Field back in 2003, and instantly became Chicago's most hated for the rest of his life. Until now, who can forget what he did?
One inning later, the game was blown open, Bronx Bombers had their bats heated up and chased Doug Fister. This is how it went: Mark Teixeira doubled, then Nick Swisher struck out, Fister walked Posada, Martin grounded out to shortstop, Brett Gardner singled, scoring Posada and Teixeira, Derek Jeter singled, then successfully stole second base, Granderson walked, loading the bases and Jim Leyland made a pitching change to bring on a reliever to face Robinson Cano who was up next to bat. At this point in time, the Yankees were up 4-1, with two men out.
All hell broke loose and Tiger nation was screaming fits when Cano had the ball going, going, gone into the seats in right field. Grand slam! Damage was done. However, Cano was not yet finished for the night- he hit a double to center field, driving in Derek Jeter. RBI total for the night: 6. What a monster. Detroit showed some sign of life when they scored two runs in the top of the 9th inning, but it was too late. Mariano Rivera pitched the final out, only needing three pitches to strike out the final man, after Luis Avila had trouble getting the last out, Ivan Nova had previously loaded the bases with one man out before Joe Giradi decided it was the end of the night, a splendid job done for a player in his first career postseason start. There will be many more starts and gems from Nova. This is only the beginning. He tipped his cap as he headed back to the dugout, to the adoring crowd.
There was no national anthem and ceremonial pitch whatsoever when the game resumed. Jorge Posada led off the inning with a single and Russell Martin followed up by hitting a double to left center field, setting up Posada into scoring position. However, the Tigers defense was too good, as Brett Gardner grounded to third on a fielders choice but reached base, and Posada was thrown out at home plate, preventing the runner from scoring. Fister struck out Derek Jeter and MVP candidate Curtis Granderson, stranding two men on base. Rough start to the continuation of game one.
Ivan Nova, who was tabbed as nothing but a fifth starter has worked his way up with his strong pitching to the second starter on the team behind CC Sabathia, and he sure proved his worth yet again. He worked six scoreless innings, including two straight innings having no men on base and shutting down the order on strikes, ground outs and fly outs. The Yankees drew first blood of the day in the bottom of the fifth inning, breaking open the tie with Robinson Cano hitting a double to deep left field, scoring Curtis Granderson. The fans backed off carefully to avoid interfering with the ball- smart move. I'm sure they knew what happened to Steve Bartman when he tried to catch the ball in Wrigley Field back in 2003, and instantly became Chicago's most hated for the rest of his life. Until now, who can forget what he did?
One inning later, the game was blown open, Bronx Bombers had their bats heated up and chased Doug Fister. This is how it went: Mark Teixeira doubled, then Nick Swisher struck out, Fister walked Posada, Martin grounded out to shortstop, Brett Gardner singled, scoring Posada and Teixeira, Derek Jeter singled, then successfully stole second base, Granderson walked, loading the bases and Jim Leyland made a pitching change to bring on a reliever to face Robinson Cano who was up next to bat. At this point in time, the Yankees were up 4-1, with two men out.
All hell broke loose and Tiger nation was screaming fits when Cano had the ball going, going, gone into the seats in right field. Grand slam! Damage was done. However, Cano was not yet finished for the night- he hit a double to center field, driving in Derek Jeter. RBI total for the night: 6. What a monster. Detroit showed some sign of life when they scored two runs in the top of the 9th inning, but it was too late. Mariano Rivera pitched the final out, only needing three pitches to strike out the final man, after Luis Avila had trouble getting the last out, Ivan Nova had previously loaded the bases with one man out before Joe Giradi decided it was the end of the night, a splendid job done for a player in his first career postseason start. There will be many more starts and gems from Nova. This is only the beginning. He tipped his cap as he headed back to the dugout, to the adoring crowd.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wait till next season, Red Sox!
The epic collapse has happened. Goodbye, Boston Red Sox. I'm sure every man on the roster would want to forget this season which has been the ultimate failure. Meltdown, going 7-20 in the month of September, unable to win consecutive games. The Baltimore Orioles who were destined to lose a hundred games, snagged wins from the Red Sox, preventing the ugly century mark from happening. They won five games against Boston. The final blow for the Red Sox came with Robert Andino (who is better known as the Red Sox killer in Beantown) lining that ball out into left field which scored the winning run. It was supposed to be a routine play, Carl Crawford should have caught that ball for the final out in the 9th inning, sending the game into extra innings. But not this year, fellas.
Jonathan Papelbon blew yet another save, the Red Sox pitchers could not go deep into the innings. Jon Lester was a flop. John Lackey was a big disaster. He was the weakest link. Josh Beckett was erratic. The lineup couldn't hit to save their lives. David Ortiz failed to come up in the clutch. The management signing Carl Crawford to that 142 million dollar contract for seven years looks like a failure. Crawford was a bust. Adrian Gonzalez sure did put up big numbers, but when it came to winning games, he was unable to come through. Oh, and the bullpen faltered and had a dreadful ERA. Daniel Bard. I believe he racked up a 35 ERA in September. What? You kidding me? It happened!
Tampa Bay played with a fighting spirit and never give up attitude. The Red Sox were punks, self centered and egoistic. High payroll, but failing to make the playoffs in consecutive years. They were up by such a huge margin at the start of September, then came the losses piling up, and the Rays winning games in a hurry.
Welcome to a long, bitter cold winter. Terry Francona might be fired, Theo Epstein could be gone too, Papelbon is a free agent, and whether or not he returns remains to be seen.
Hey, at least you have companionship in the collapse, Red Sox. The Atlanta Braves are sent packing for the offseason. They imploded too. Horrible pitching. And the St Louis Cardinals prevailed. What the sporting nation saw this month is a total whirlwind. A nightmare come true for the Red Sox and Braves fans. No lead is safe for a wildcard/playoff spot. Overconfident and cockiness got the best of both teams, especially the Red Sox. As Chris Daughtry sings, "Never saw it coming, should have started running, a long long time ago..." Both teams should have done so. So many questions will haunt the teams, decisions to be made, for the front office and roster. The leads evaporated and it came down to game number 162, the final game of the season on September 28. Boston and Atlanta had a chance to win their respective games, and force at least a one-game playoff the very next day, but they failed to do so. Atlanta had chances in the extra innings, and they were doomed.
In Yankee land, I'm sure that the fans are pleased to see that the evil empire and nemesis is out!
Jonathan Papelbon blew yet another save, the Red Sox pitchers could not go deep into the innings. Jon Lester was a flop. John Lackey was a big disaster. He was the weakest link. Josh Beckett was erratic. The lineup couldn't hit to save their lives. David Ortiz failed to come up in the clutch. The management signing Carl Crawford to that 142 million dollar contract for seven years looks like a failure. Crawford was a bust. Adrian Gonzalez sure did put up big numbers, but when it came to winning games, he was unable to come through. Oh, and the bullpen faltered and had a dreadful ERA. Daniel Bard. I believe he racked up a 35 ERA in September. What? You kidding me? It happened!
Tampa Bay played with a fighting spirit and never give up attitude. The Red Sox were punks, self centered and egoistic. High payroll, but failing to make the playoffs in consecutive years. They were up by such a huge margin at the start of September, then came the losses piling up, and the Rays winning games in a hurry.
Welcome to a long, bitter cold winter. Terry Francona might be fired, Theo Epstein could be gone too, Papelbon is a free agent, and whether or not he returns remains to be seen.
Hey, at least you have companionship in the collapse, Red Sox. The Atlanta Braves are sent packing for the offseason. They imploded too. Horrible pitching. And the St Louis Cardinals prevailed. What the sporting nation saw this month is a total whirlwind. A nightmare come true for the Red Sox and Braves fans. No lead is safe for a wildcard/playoff spot. Overconfident and cockiness got the best of both teams, especially the Red Sox. As Chris Daughtry sings, "Never saw it coming, should have started running, a long long time ago..." Both teams should have done so. So many questions will haunt the teams, decisions to be made, for the front office and roster. The leads evaporated and it came down to game number 162, the final game of the season on September 28. Boston and Atlanta had a chance to win their respective games, and force at least a one-game playoff the very next day, but they failed to do so. Atlanta had chances in the extra innings, and they were doomed.
In Yankee land, I'm sure that the fans are pleased to see that the evil empire and nemesis is out!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
This is what the Yankees play for every year. The AL East crown. The start of a traditional yearly affair, playing in the postseason in October to be the last team standing when it's all said and done.
During spring training, most reporters and experts predicted that the Red Sox would win the AL East, but look who came out on top! The Yankees failed to sign Cliff Lee, who returned to the Phillies, and it was almost certain that the Red Sox and Tampa Bay would come out first and second. Ivan Nova has done a terrific job with top notch pitching as a rookie and deserves to win rookie of the year in the AL. Without him, there is no way the Yankees would have won. The emergence of Brett Gardner as a base stealing threat, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeria and Robinson Cano being a pitcher's nightmare, with their ability to hit balls into the outfield and to the stands. Despite A-Rod and Derek Jeter missing time due to injuries, the backups and utility players have came through.
What a fairytale year this has been. First, Derek Jeter reaches 3000 hits, then Mariano Rivera breaks the all time saves record, now he's standing in a league of his own. Then Jorge Posada hits a tiebreaking single in the bottom 8th inning, with two outs, scoring two runs, sewing up the division crown. It felt fitting for Posada to be the hero of the night, after a season where he lost his job as starting catcher, to DH and falling out of favor to the bench.
Congratulations, Yankees. The chase is not over yet. It's time.
During spring training, most reporters and experts predicted that the Red Sox would win the AL East, but look who came out on top! The Yankees failed to sign Cliff Lee, who returned to the Phillies, and it was almost certain that the Red Sox and Tampa Bay would come out first and second. Ivan Nova has done a terrific job with top notch pitching as a rookie and deserves to win rookie of the year in the AL. Without him, there is no way the Yankees would have won. The emergence of Brett Gardner as a base stealing threat, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeria and Robinson Cano being a pitcher's nightmare, with their ability to hit balls into the outfield and to the stands. Despite A-Rod and Derek Jeter missing time due to injuries, the backups and utility players have came through.
What a fairytale year this has been. First, Derek Jeter reaches 3000 hits, then Mariano Rivera breaks the all time saves record, now he's standing in a league of his own. Then Jorge Posada hits a tiebreaking single in the bottom 8th inning, with two outs, scoring two runs, sewing up the division crown. It felt fitting for Posada to be the hero of the night, after a season where he lost his job as starting catcher, to DH and falling out of favor to the bench.
Congratulations, Yankees. The chase is not over yet. It's time.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Ramblings in September
I haven't exactly been religiously updating this due to extreme laziness all around and too many things clouding my head as of late, despite the end of the regular season nearing, and the excitement heating up. The chase is on. October, as what MLB.com's slogan says: I Live For This!
Tampa Bay is making a strong push to overtake Boston for the AL wildcard, they've been on a hot winning streak for the month of September mostly, taking advantage of the Red Sox's struggles and losing skid. Injuries have been a huge factor. Other than Josh Beckett, the Red Sox starting rotation has not been able to go deep into games, lasting only 5 innings at most before the overworked relievers pitch an inning or a few outs. John Lackey has been an absolute trainwreck and Daniel Bard, the reliever who was once superior and hard to score runs off has an astounding 30 for his earned run average in September. That equates to 3 runs given up in an inning of relief pitching. Holy crap.
My gut feeling is Tampa Bay's youth will outlast the Red Sox, sending them into an early offseason that nobody predicted this would happen. League executives, the media and members of the sporting nation.
Detroit is coming on with a twelve game winning streak that was snapped and they won again about an hour ago to clinch the AL Central division. Justin Verlander for AL Cy Young. That is for sure. If he wins 25 games, he should win AL MVP, in all fairness, as much as I'd love to see Robinson Cano or Curtis Granderson win it for the Yankees. Justin Verlander is dominating and has slayed every oppositions offense, striking them out and having them hit ground balls.
As for the Yankees, the AL East title is in ours to lose. I'm sensing an ALCS rematch vs the Texas Rangers in the ALDS come October, the Yankees hungry for revenge after last year's collapse in what should have been our title and the team to represent the AL in the World Series. With all due respect to Josh Hamilton for being a huge inspiration and an overcomer and conquerer, the Yankees are hungrier to avenge this loss and possibly win another World Series.
Tampa Bay is making a strong push to overtake Boston for the AL wildcard, they've been on a hot winning streak for the month of September mostly, taking advantage of the Red Sox's struggles and losing skid. Injuries have been a huge factor. Other than Josh Beckett, the Red Sox starting rotation has not been able to go deep into games, lasting only 5 innings at most before the overworked relievers pitch an inning or a few outs. John Lackey has been an absolute trainwreck and Daniel Bard, the reliever who was once superior and hard to score runs off has an astounding 30 for his earned run average in September. That equates to 3 runs given up in an inning of relief pitching. Holy crap.
My gut feeling is Tampa Bay's youth will outlast the Red Sox, sending them into an early offseason that nobody predicted this would happen. League executives, the media and members of the sporting nation.
Detroit is coming on with a twelve game winning streak that was snapped and they won again about an hour ago to clinch the AL Central division. Justin Verlander for AL Cy Young. That is for sure. If he wins 25 games, he should win AL MVP, in all fairness, as much as I'd love to see Robinson Cano or Curtis Granderson win it for the Yankees. Justin Verlander is dominating and has slayed every oppositions offense, striking them out and having them hit ground balls.
As for the Yankees, the AL East title is in ours to lose. I'm sensing an ALCS rematch vs the Texas Rangers in the ALDS come October, the Yankees hungry for revenge after last year's collapse in what should have been our title and the team to represent the AL in the World Series. With all due respect to Josh Hamilton for being a huge inspiration and an overcomer and conquerer, the Yankees are hungrier to avenge this loss and possibly win another World Series.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
9/11; 10 years on
It's already past midnight in where I live. Not sports related, but I feel the need to make a dedication post. Although I am not an American, my heart goes out to the nation, especially those that have lost a friend, a loved one, a family member or know of someone who lost somebody.
As Celine Dion sings in Fly...
Fly beyond imagining
The softest cloud, the whitest dove
Upon the wind of heaven's love
Past the planets and the stars
Leave this lonely world of ours
Escape the sorrow and the pain
And fly again
Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Cross over to the other shore
There is peace forevermore
But hold this mem'ry bittersweet
The memories so clear, like a photograph etched in my mind that I would never forget. I heard the news, that eerie silence with the images of the planes crashing on live tv, the faces of people running for their lives, terrified and in shock. About 1.5 months after I had lost my grandmother to natural causes, the tragedy which would change the lives of thousands, and millions, basically the whole world unfolded beyond our eyes. Something so dramatic, like a blockbuster which had come to reality. Thousands of innocent lives were lost because of evil which came in the form of the hijackers. Many children were left without a parent, or both, parents lost their daughters and sons, families were torn apart, life would never be the same again.
As I vividly recall, it was my drama debut in public (with the private drama school I attended weekly classes at)- at the Substation that fateful night. Excitement consumed me, so much that I did not feel any bit of nervousness to be performing live infront of a crowd of about a hundred and fifty people, as a soon to be fourteen year old. When the first plane struck the North tower, I had no idea it happened, same goes for the second plane and the Pentagon being hit. I was on that stage, set to shine (hopefully!) and enthrall the audience, expressing my best self. The lights came on, curtain call, rush into the audience for congratulatory hugs. Fast forward to packing up, having dinner with the family downtown at a deli... by the time I reached back home it was already close to midnight. First thing I saw when I turned on the tv was reporters talking about a disaster in New York.
They replayed the clips of the planes crashing. I thought to myself, "Are they showing a preview of Con Air the second?", before the sight of the Pentagon and the other United plane going down in a rural part of Pennsylvania finally hit me. Terrorist attack. I stayed up for three hours with the folks to watch the news (had no school the next day) so it was all good. My heart sank. What if it happened in Singapore? Is this the end of the world already? Are they going to catch the mastermind? Are the Yankees going to be okay? What's going to happen to baseball season? What would I do? I started worrying about Cass (my drama teacher who was among the teachers from my drama school in charge of the production; she's got family from NY) and a bunch of other people who were Americans. That night, I couldn't sleep. I kept seeing images of the devil when I closed my eyes, and laid on the couch in my parents room. They too, did not know how to react, other than mom praying for me non stop as I remember. I wasn't really a catholic or believer but at that point in time, I clung on to whatever I could get for comfort.
Hold on to what you have and don't let the moment slip away. Tell everyone whom you love that you really do, give every hug like its your last time hugging them... the things in life we take for granted, cause you might lose it all in a second.
As Celine Dion sings in Fly...
Fly beyond imagining
The softest cloud, the whitest dove
Upon the wind of heaven's love
Past the planets and the stars
Leave this lonely world of ours
Escape the sorrow and the pain
And fly again
Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Cross over to the other shore
There is peace forevermore
But hold this mem'ry bittersweet
The memories so clear, like a photograph etched in my mind that I would never forget. I heard the news, that eerie silence with the images of the planes crashing on live tv, the faces of people running for their lives, terrified and in shock. About 1.5 months after I had lost my grandmother to natural causes, the tragedy which would change the lives of thousands, and millions, basically the whole world unfolded beyond our eyes. Something so dramatic, like a blockbuster which had come to reality. Thousands of innocent lives were lost because of evil which came in the form of the hijackers. Many children were left without a parent, or both, parents lost their daughters and sons, families were torn apart, life would never be the same again.
As I vividly recall, it was my drama debut in public (with the private drama school I attended weekly classes at)- at the Substation that fateful night. Excitement consumed me, so much that I did not feel any bit of nervousness to be performing live infront of a crowd of about a hundred and fifty people, as a soon to be fourteen year old. When the first plane struck the North tower, I had no idea it happened, same goes for the second plane and the Pentagon being hit. I was on that stage, set to shine (hopefully!) and enthrall the audience, expressing my best self. The lights came on, curtain call, rush into the audience for congratulatory hugs. Fast forward to packing up, having dinner with the family downtown at a deli... by the time I reached back home it was already close to midnight. First thing I saw when I turned on the tv was reporters talking about a disaster in New York.
They replayed the clips of the planes crashing. I thought to myself, "Are they showing a preview of Con Air the second?", before the sight of the Pentagon and the other United plane going down in a rural part of Pennsylvania finally hit me. Terrorist attack. I stayed up for three hours with the folks to watch the news (had no school the next day) so it was all good. My heart sank. What if it happened in Singapore? Is this the end of the world already? Are they going to catch the mastermind? Are the Yankees going to be okay? What's going to happen to baseball season? What would I do? I started worrying about Cass (my drama teacher who was among the teachers from my drama school in charge of the production; she's got family from NY) and a bunch of other people who were Americans. That night, I couldn't sleep. I kept seeing images of the devil when I closed my eyes, and laid on the couch in my parents room. They too, did not know how to react, other than mom praying for me non stop as I remember. I wasn't really a catholic or believer but at that point in time, I clung on to whatever I could get for comfort.
Hold on to what you have and don't let the moment slip away. Tell everyone whom you love that you really do, give every hug like its your last time hugging them... the things in life we take for granted, cause you might lose it all in a second.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Still considered baseball related...
The new school year has started, first week is almost down in the books. I don't exactly feel like it's a new semester cause I decided to be a hardworking nerd to take 12 weeks of summer school in order to graduate next April, after spending five years in college.
For two out of the three classes that I'm taking, both professors are Phillies fans. One of them is from South Jersey and the other is from Chester, PA. The dude who hails from the latter is someone I've had two classes under the belt with, and got decent grades from him. And it's going to be amazing trash talking him yet again...not sure if I can reveal his name. He did mention something about the Yankees suck. Lets see how it pans out with the trash talk come Rock-tober. Best pitching lineup in the 21st century and beyond. How can any team top that?!
Life is good.
For two out of the three classes that I'm taking, both professors are Phillies fans. One of them is from South Jersey and the other is from Chester, PA. The dude who hails from the latter is someone I've had two classes under the belt with, and got decent grades from him. And it's going to be amazing trash talking him yet again...not sure if I can reveal his name. He did mention something about the Yankees suck. Lets see how it pans out with the trash talk come Rock-tober. Best pitching lineup in the 21st century and beyond. How can any team top that?!
Life is good.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Yankees won today, beating John Lackey and the Red Sox 5-2. CC Sabathia's first win against the damn Sox in five tries.
Phil Hughes vs Josh Beckett in game 2
AJ Burnett vs John Lester for the finale.
Ouch. Now when I see AJ Burnett having another scheduled start, I feel nauseous.
Ivan Nova for rookie of the year!!!!!!!!!!
Phil Hughes vs Josh Beckett in game 2
AJ Burnett vs John Lester for the finale.
Ouch. Now when I see AJ Burnett having another scheduled start, I feel nauseous.
Ivan Nova for rookie of the year!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Found this from 2005 on my livejournal that I was looking through. Copied and pasted from an ESPN article.
To the tune of Wonderwall by Oasis...
Today is gonna be the day
That Roger's gonna throw at you
By now the Braves somehow
Won a division title or two
Randy believes there's nobody
Who can share his view -- except for Yao
Deadbeats, the word is on the street
That the Padres will surely be out
I'm sure they've heard it all before
Because Pujols has a lot of clout
Papi believes that every game
Can be won with a swing or two -- so take a bow
And all the games we watch are spellbinding
And Vladdy's swing makes comebackers frightening
There are many things that Oz
Would like to say to you
Without being a clown
Because maybe
We're gonna root against the Yankees
And after all
We love playoff baseball
And the Red Sox proudly said that they're not settling for anything less than the AL East crown. The Yankees have been trashed by them in the season series so far. Only 2 wins. Come on bombers, we need to sweep this series. Badly. If we can pelt 22 runs on the Oakland A's with 3 grand slams- Russell Martin, Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson, it's time we put on a show and humble the Red Sox.
Philly will win a hundred games, and Houston will lose the same number or more. It's a fact.
Curtis Granderson is strengthening his case for AL MVP. One month left in the regular season! It's heating up, and at the same time that means... August semester has started in college. My fifth, and final year. Distractions galore.
To the tune of Wonderwall by Oasis...
Today is gonna be the day
That Roger's gonna throw at you
By now the Braves somehow
Won a division title or two
Randy believes there's nobody
Who can share his view -- except for Yao
Deadbeats, the word is on the street
That the Padres will surely be out
I'm sure they've heard it all before
Because Pujols has a lot of clout
Papi believes that every game
Can be won with a swing or two -- so take a bow
And all the games we watch are spellbinding
And Vladdy's swing makes comebackers frightening
There are many things that Oz
Would like to say to you
Without being a clown
Because maybe
We're gonna root against the Yankees
And after all
We love playoff baseball
And the Red Sox proudly said that they're not settling for anything less than the AL East crown. The Yankees have been trashed by them in the season series so far. Only 2 wins. Come on bombers, we need to sweep this series. Badly. If we can pelt 22 runs on the Oakland A's with 3 grand slams- Russell Martin, Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson, it's time we put on a show and humble the Red Sox.
Philly will win a hundred games, and Houston will lose the same number or more. It's a fact.
Curtis Granderson is strengthening his case for AL MVP. One month left in the regular season! It's heating up, and at the same time that means... August semester has started in college. My fifth, and final year. Distractions galore.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
More baseball jabber
Four. That's the number that the Red Sox have right now.
The Red Sox got shut out by the Texas Rangers 0-4 in Texas today. They have yet to win a game played against them this season. Four losses in four games. And the Red Sox only managed four hits, facing CJ Wilson who is a contender for the CY Young award of the year, besides CC Sabathia and Justin Verlander in my opinion. The Red Sox are playing the Rangers in a four game series till Thursday. Then they play them again next weekend in Fenway Park for a three game series.
The Yankees open a three game series at home versus the struggling Oakland A's. They really need to sweep to maintain a lead and stability in the AL East race. The Red Sox cannot overtake them. We need home field advantage. Need to chase for it. Keep the Red Sox in check, they'll likely get the wildcard.
AJ Burnett needs to be demoted. Every day the more I think of it, he really does not deserve a spot in the rotation as a starting pitcher. He makes about 17 million a season and throws too many wild pitches. Reminds me of Jeff Weaver back in the early 2000s, who had a few star outings and the rest of them were starts to forget. The only memorable and worthy start that AJ Burnett has pitched in was in game 2 of the 2009 World Series, when he pitched 7 innings and gave up one earned run to the Phillies. That very year, the Yankees won it all.
The Phillies are really THIS good. With about 30 or so games left in the regular season, they have the highest probable chance of winning a hundred games. 82 games won so far. Next up would be the Yankees, Red Sox, Braves and Brewers (oh really?!) with 77 games won apiece.Possibly the only team in the majors to do so this year. Their pitching has been top notch, signing Cliff Lee has paid off. Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt and Cliff Lee will be enshrined in the hall of fame when they retire. Dream team for every general manager. Lets see how they fare in the playoffs.
If Atlanta was not in the NL East, they would easily win their division. Sadly they are relegated to the wild card and will win it for sure, based on the standings so far. The Milwaukee Brewers are extremely strong too. Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks and Ryan Braun are dangerous and could explode for home runs and rack up hits in a jiffy when hot.
Teams likely to lose a hundred games this season: Houston- it will definitely happen. Next up, the Baltimore Orioles.
Predictions for who makes the playoffs: Yankees, Texas Rangers, Red Sox, Phillies, Braves, Brewers
AL Central- Either Detroit or the White Sox. Although Detroit has a 5.5 game lead over the White Sox, anything could happen. The Tigers are an inconsistent team.
NL West- I'm thinking the Giants. Arizona's inexperience due to their youth will have them falter and not be able to withstand the final push through the final weeks of the regular season.
The Red Sox got shut out by the Texas Rangers 0-4 in Texas today. They have yet to win a game played against them this season. Four losses in four games. And the Red Sox only managed four hits, facing CJ Wilson who is a contender for the CY Young award of the year, besides CC Sabathia and Justin Verlander in my opinion. The Red Sox are playing the Rangers in a four game series till Thursday. Then they play them again next weekend in Fenway Park for a three game series.
The Yankees open a three game series at home versus the struggling Oakland A's. They really need to sweep to maintain a lead and stability in the AL East race. The Red Sox cannot overtake them. We need home field advantage. Need to chase for it. Keep the Red Sox in check, they'll likely get the wildcard.
AJ Burnett needs to be demoted. Every day the more I think of it, he really does not deserve a spot in the rotation as a starting pitcher. He makes about 17 million a season and throws too many wild pitches. Reminds me of Jeff Weaver back in the early 2000s, who had a few star outings and the rest of them were starts to forget. The only memorable and worthy start that AJ Burnett has pitched in was in game 2 of the 2009 World Series, when he pitched 7 innings and gave up one earned run to the Phillies. That very year, the Yankees won it all.
The Phillies are really THIS good. With about 30 or so games left in the regular season, they have the highest probable chance of winning a hundred games. 82 games won so far. Next up would be the Yankees, Red Sox, Braves and Brewers (oh really?!) with 77 games won apiece.Possibly the only team in the majors to do so this year. Their pitching has been top notch, signing Cliff Lee has paid off. Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt and Cliff Lee will be enshrined in the hall of fame when they retire. Dream team for every general manager. Lets see how they fare in the playoffs.
If Atlanta was not in the NL East, they would easily win their division. Sadly they are relegated to the wild card and will win it for sure, based on the standings so far. The Milwaukee Brewers are extremely strong too. Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks and Ryan Braun are dangerous and could explode for home runs and rack up hits in a jiffy when hot.
Teams likely to lose a hundred games this season: Houston- it will definitely happen. Next up, the Baltimore Orioles.
Predictions for who makes the playoffs: Yankees, Texas Rangers, Red Sox, Phillies, Braves, Brewers
AL Central- Either Detroit or the White Sox. Although Detroit has a 5.5 game lead over the White Sox, anything could happen. The Tigers are an inconsistent team.
NL West- I'm thinking the Giants. Arizona's inexperience due to their youth will have them falter and not be able to withstand the final push through the final weeks of the regular season.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
This week has been up and down for the Yankees. First thing on my mind. How do you lose to the woeful Kansas City Royals? Seriously?!
Phil Hughes pitched a solid game on Friday, allowing 1 run to the Twins. If he wins his next two starts, my dream, or possibility that it will be a reality starting pitching rotation in the playoffs would include CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes.
As for AJ Burnett, banish him to the bullpen! What an absolute joker, quoting the New York Daily News. He gave up 7 runs in 1 2/3 innings today, couldn't get an out to save his life, winless yet again in another start. I'm giving up hope that he will win another game that he starts in for the rest of the season. Then he throws temper by uttering expletives as he slaps the ball into Joe Giradi's hand as he comes to take him off the mound. Gave up watching the game after that happened. Not the best way to start/end my day coming home from an all nighter of hanging with the boys and absolutely wasted.
He's been a tank and his act is wearing thin on me, and possibly many other Yankee fans.
Oh, and his behavior on the field today does resemble me at times, when I'm full of teenage angst.
Alex Rodriguez should be returning to the lineup any day soon. I can't wait. He will be rusty but it will give added power to the middle of the order. Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano have been doing a pretty good job so far driving in runs and hitting balls into the outfield.
Phil Hughes pitched a solid game on Friday, allowing 1 run to the Twins. If he wins his next two starts, my dream, or possibility that it will be a reality starting pitching rotation in the playoffs would include CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes.
As for AJ Burnett, banish him to the bullpen! What an absolute joker, quoting the New York Daily News. He gave up 7 runs in 1 2/3 innings today, couldn't get an out to save his life, winless yet again in another start. I'm giving up hope that he will win another game that he starts in for the rest of the season. Then he throws temper by uttering expletives as he slaps the ball into Joe Giradi's hand as he comes to take him off the mound. Gave up watching the game after that happened. Not the best way to start/end my day coming home from an all nighter of hanging with the boys and absolutely wasted.
He's been a tank and his act is wearing thin on me, and possibly many other Yankee fans.
Oh, and his behavior on the field today does resemble me at times, when I'm full of teenage angst.
Alex Rodriguez should be returning to the lineup any day soon. I can't wait. He will be rusty but it will give added power to the middle of the order. Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano have been doing a pretty good job so far driving in runs and hitting balls into the outfield.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Yankees blabberings...
Last weekend, it was painful to watch the Yankees lose two in a row to the Red Sox after taking the first game on Friday at Fenway Park. Sunday was a tough loss. Tied going into the 9th inning, the Yankees failed to score, then Mariano Rivera blows a save and gives up the winning run.
Then coming into the weekday series versus Anaheim, the Yankees drop the first game and almost lose the finale with MO almost blowing another save. He gave up a 3 run homerun at the top of the 9th inning...if it was a grand slam the game would have been tied. I seriously thought the Yankees were on a roll, after dropping the first game to Baltimore at home, then going on an eight game winning streak. However, we suck. We dropped the first game to Tampa Bay yet again- in a duel between CC Sabathia and David Price, two of the AL's finest aces. We won on Saturday, then the game got postponed.
Currently, there is a huge debate and fire in my opinion on whether AJ Burnett should be banished to the bullpen. Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon are also potential candidates.
Rookie phenomena Ivan Nova is all but guaranteed a spot in the rotation, come playoff time in October with his solid pitching throughout the season... so what was the demotion to triple A all about when Phil Hughes was activated off the disabled list? Nova is twenty four years old, just a few months older than me and has given the Yankees quality starts. In my eyes, he is pitching like a seasoned veteran! Brian Cashman better not trade him away. He is the future of the team, and a solid contributor.
Bartolo Colon has resurrected himself but has been up and down as of late. Phil Hughes is nowhere near his form last year when he won 18 games. He has been inconsistent, one solid outing then pitching poorly the next game. Damn, you need your focus cause you can be real good.
AJ has yet to win a start since June. He is massively overpaid- which raises a huge question- why is he underperforming and having an ugly ERA. The only time I recalled him being a star was during the 2009 World Series when we won it all. Otherwise, dear AJ, please start winning games and get those damn outs, not give up hits and homeruns!
If the playoffs were to start today, my ideal rotation would be CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and goddamnit I can't make up my mind. Too much inconsistency.
The offense is decently good, but on a bad day, the middle of the order can be shut down and only manage to hit ground balls to shortstop. It's so unpredictable. We're capable of putting ten runs on the board on any given day... ARod, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson. Always a homerun threat.
What is with Jorge Posada getting benched? I know he's in the last year of his contract, and he is slumping, but damn, Joe Giradi should not treat him like trash, Posada is an all but certain first ballot hall of famer after he retires when the season ends. Don't banish him. Have him come off the bench as a pinch hitter, show the guy some respect, skipper! See what he did on Saturday? Grand slam baby!!!!!!!!! He still has some left in the tank!
I'm outta here like a strikeout.
Then coming into the weekday series versus Anaheim, the Yankees drop the first game and almost lose the finale with MO almost blowing another save. He gave up a 3 run homerun at the top of the 9th inning...if it was a grand slam the game would have been tied. I seriously thought the Yankees were on a roll, after dropping the first game to Baltimore at home, then going on an eight game winning streak. However, we suck. We dropped the first game to Tampa Bay yet again- in a duel between CC Sabathia and David Price, two of the AL's finest aces. We won on Saturday, then the game got postponed.
Currently, there is a huge debate and fire in my opinion on whether AJ Burnett should be banished to the bullpen. Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon are also potential candidates.
Rookie phenomena Ivan Nova is all but guaranteed a spot in the rotation, come playoff time in October with his solid pitching throughout the season... so what was the demotion to triple A all about when Phil Hughes was activated off the disabled list? Nova is twenty four years old, just a few months older than me and has given the Yankees quality starts. In my eyes, he is pitching like a seasoned veteran! Brian Cashman better not trade him away. He is the future of the team, and a solid contributor.
Bartolo Colon has resurrected himself but has been up and down as of late. Phil Hughes is nowhere near his form last year when he won 18 games. He has been inconsistent, one solid outing then pitching poorly the next game. Damn, you need your focus cause you can be real good.
AJ has yet to win a start since June. He is massively overpaid- which raises a huge question- why is he underperforming and having an ugly ERA. The only time I recalled him being a star was during the 2009 World Series when we won it all. Otherwise, dear AJ, please start winning games and get those damn outs, not give up hits and homeruns!
If the playoffs were to start today, my ideal rotation would be CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and goddamnit I can't make up my mind. Too much inconsistency.
The offense is decently good, but on a bad day, the middle of the order can be shut down and only manage to hit ground balls to shortstop. It's so unpredictable. We're capable of putting ten runs on the board on any given day... ARod, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson. Always a homerun threat.
What is with Jorge Posada getting benched? I know he's in the last year of his contract, and he is slumping, but damn, Joe Giradi should not treat him like trash, Posada is an all but certain first ballot hall of famer after he retires when the season ends. Don't banish him. Have him come off the bench as a pinch hitter, show the guy some respect, skipper! See what he did on Saturday? Grand slam baby!!!!!!!!! He still has some left in the tank!
I'm outta here like a strikeout.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Quoting the late Speedy Peterson,
There's light at the end of the tunnel and mine was silver and I love it."
However, his death came suddenly to most people, those that knew him personally and those that didn't.
It turned out there was more darkness after that light.
Most Olympians pale into insignificance and fade back to just another wall flower a few months after winning medals in the Olympics. Take for example the less followed sports such as fencing, curling, archery, rowing etc. The cycle repeats itself every four years. I find it very saddening for athletes that give in so much effort, similar to those who compete in the highly watched events such as swimming, track and basketball and perhaps gymnastics. Everyone should be appreciated equally and honored, even the simplest of all celebrations, a homecoming in their hometown or where they grew up in.
Honor and salute those who make it to the world's greatest stage in sports.
There's light at the end of the tunnel and mine was silver and I love it."
However, his death came suddenly to most people, those that knew him personally and those that didn't.
It turned out there was more darkness after that light.
Most Olympians pale into insignificance and fade back to just another wall flower a few months after winning medals in the Olympics. Take for example the less followed sports such as fencing, curling, archery, rowing etc. The cycle repeats itself every four years. I find it very saddening for athletes that give in so much effort, similar to those who compete in the highly watched events such as swimming, track and basketball and perhaps gymnastics. Everyone should be appreciated equally and honored, even the simplest of all celebrations, a homecoming in their hometown or where they grew up in.
Honor and salute those who make it to the world's greatest stage in sports.
Friday, July 29, 2011
As he tearfully spoke to reporters on the podium about how much the silver medal he had won in freestyle skiing aerials meant to him, you could sense that he was hurting. Ever so strongly. Vancouver 2010, this was it. After two unsucessful attempts at medaling in the Winter Olympics amidst controversy and the infamous drunken antics in Torino back in 2006 which resulted in him being sent home, Speedy Peterson finally won a medal. He had overcame obstacles hurled in his way, a real warrior. "I crossed out 'can', and I wrote 'will'..."
I had the sudden urge to write about Speedy. He might not be a household name to many, especially in where I live, not many people follow winter sports. I am one of the few who follows alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboard cross, halfpipe, moguls etc. Sometime on Monday evening, at sunset in the picturesque surroundings in a canyon not far off from Salt Lake City in Utah, Speedy took his own life, with a gunshot inflicted wound to his head. At a young age of 29. I certainly never saw it coming.
Speedy was the daredevil who invented the hurricane. Five twists and three flips-somersaults while being 50 feet up in the air. He performed that trick with finesse and perfection and thrilled the millions of people watching on tv or in the stands in Whistler. Speedy took extreme sports to a new level. His fighting spirit took him to greater heights, turning setbacks into comebacks countless times. He fought demons, battled the mountains of cannot and will not and doubt. Winning the hearts of many, especially children whom he had become a role model to, on the day when he was presented with keys to the city in Boise, after the Winter Olympics.
He's gone through more than I would ever do so in my life, from sexual abuse to seeing his sister get run over by a drunk driver, his room mate commiting suicide right infront of him, and many more other things that the newspapers have wrote about... suicide and alcoholism. He tried to kill himself but chickened out and lived on. I've felt this way many times before, but the fear of having my heart stop pumping scares me real good. For this I can relate to, based on the abuse I've gone through in life, suicidal tendencies too. Speedy had accomplished a lot at the time of his death. However for me, the question is, how much have I achieved? Nothing. I'm still a college student, with 19 credits shy from graduation. He won an olympic medal and won the hearts of many and had hundreds of people come out to welcome him home. What would people remember me for if I died, say today? Nothing either. Speedy had a huge heart and great charisma. I've got a long way to go on that.
So many obstacles he overcame, but that one mountain he could not overcome, as what the mayor of Idaho said....that led him to that fateful drive to the parking lot in the canyon where he shot himself.
Life is precious. When the going is rough and it feels to you that the world has caved in around you, you gotta hold on. I've felt this way too many times. Still hanging in there. There's so much more to live for.
Though I never met you, could have if I took a chance while in Utah last Christmas, your presence on tv and throughout the web will be missed. Speedy Peterson. I hope you're getting big air up in paradise, and tearing it up the ramps, free from suffering and pain. Signed, a fan.
Can you tell me where to go its killing me and no one knows,
Inside with all this mind, you waste the sunlight waiting for the night
They don't wanna break me down; they don't wanna break away from you
Everything's wrong now, everyone's gone now,
I can't keep lying to myself...
...........
Maybe another dream won't die
They can't be the first and be the last to break away
(Cavo-Disappear)
Link to the post-competition interview, Whistler 2010:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvX7OZIm4FU
I had the sudden urge to write about Speedy. He might not be a household name to many, especially in where I live, not many people follow winter sports. I am one of the few who follows alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboard cross, halfpipe, moguls etc. Sometime on Monday evening, at sunset in the picturesque surroundings in a canyon not far off from Salt Lake City in Utah, Speedy took his own life, with a gunshot inflicted wound to his head. At a young age of 29. I certainly never saw it coming.
Speedy was the daredevil who invented the hurricane. Five twists and three flips-somersaults while being 50 feet up in the air. He performed that trick with finesse and perfection and thrilled the millions of people watching on tv or in the stands in Whistler. Speedy took extreme sports to a new level. His fighting spirit took him to greater heights, turning setbacks into comebacks countless times. He fought demons, battled the mountains of cannot and will not and doubt. Winning the hearts of many, especially children whom he had become a role model to, on the day when he was presented with keys to the city in Boise, after the Winter Olympics.
He's gone through more than I would ever do so in my life, from sexual abuse to seeing his sister get run over by a drunk driver, his room mate commiting suicide right infront of him, and many more other things that the newspapers have wrote about... suicide and alcoholism. He tried to kill himself but chickened out and lived on. I've felt this way many times before, but the fear of having my heart stop pumping scares me real good. For this I can relate to, based on the abuse I've gone through in life, suicidal tendencies too. Speedy had accomplished a lot at the time of his death. However for me, the question is, how much have I achieved? Nothing. I'm still a college student, with 19 credits shy from graduation. He won an olympic medal and won the hearts of many and had hundreds of people come out to welcome him home. What would people remember me for if I died, say today? Nothing either. Speedy had a huge heart and great charisma. I've got a long way to go on that.
So many obstacles he overcame, but that one mountain he could not overcome, as what the mayor of Idaho said....that led him to that fateful drive to the parking lot in the canyon where he shot himself.
Life is precious. When the going is rough and it feels to you that the world has caved in around you, you gotta hold on. I've felt this way too many times. Still hanging in there. There's so much more to live for.
Though I never met you, could have if I took a chance while in Utah last Christmas, your presence on tv and throughout the web will be missed. Speedy Peterson. I hope you're getting big air up in paradise, and tearing it up the ramps, free from suffering and pain. Signed, a fan.
Can you tell me where to go its killing me and no one knows,
Inside with all this mind, you waste the sunlight waiting for the night
They don't wanna break me down; they don't wanna break away from you
Everything's wrong now, everyone's gone now,
I can't keep lying to myself...
...........
Maybe another dream won't die
They can't be the first and be the last to break away
(Cavo-Disappear)
Link to the post-competition interview, Whistler 2010:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvX7OZIm4FU
Sunday, July 3, 2011
A few hours after I made the previous post, what I didn't want to hear had came to reality.
The Yankees lost to the Mets in 10 innings, 2-3. 7 game winning streak snapped.
The all star game rosters were unveiled.
Russell Martin had lost his starting spot as catcher to Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers. After leading in his position for the whole time since balloting started. Seems like the Tigers marketing/publicity team did a fantastic job promoting and reaching out to get the fanbase and ticket holders to vote. It paid off. Anyway, Martin made the squad as a reserve.
Miguel Cabrera got selected over Mark Teixeira as the first baseman backup/reserve? Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?! He's a Detroit Tiger too. That makes two positions that the Yankees have had the Tigers beat them.
I'm pretty mad. Mark Charles Teixeira clearly deserved to be starting as first baseman, but a hated member of the Red Sox, Adrian Gonzalez beat him out in fan voting after the second returns. For every all star game, the Red Sox apparently challenge the Yankees with the number of players they send to the midsummer classic. It could have easily been an all Red Sox-Yankees starting lineup on the field.
This year, the Red Sox have Josh Beckett, Jacoby Ellsbury, David "can't run the bases" Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez representing them. The Yankees have Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, Mariano Rivera and Russell Martin. The first four names mentioned denote starters. We beat them in this category, again.
Last year, the Red Sox had an epic meltdown and missed the playoffs. It will still be a three-team fight for the AL divsion winner and the wildcard. I highly doubt that the AL Central or AL West would have a second team who is good enough to clinch the wildcard, based on the current standings, strengths of the team with their pitching and lineup.
Here's something I do not get. What is the point of having every major league team send at least one player to the All Star game, when clearly, some teams do not deserve to send a single member of their squad? Take for example, the Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Oakland A's, Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates. Players from other teams who are deserving of a spot on the all star team end up not getting selected, and deprived of a chance to play. It may have something to do with equality, balance, maybe diversity. Oh no. I just took a class in diversity and gender studies and have forgotten the terms and theories I learned over the past six weeks.
Since its already the Fourth of July here, I'd like to wish every American a Happy Independence Day! And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air... Drink up, watch baseball at the stadium or on tv with steak and hamburgers on grill and enjoy!
I'm outta here, like a groundball hit into the dirt, in between second and third base, thrown to the first baseman and.............out!
The Yankees lost to the Mets in 10 innings, 2-3. 7 game winning streak snapped.
The all star game rosters were unveiled.
Russell Martin had lost his starting spot as catcher to Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers. After leading in his position for the whole time since balloting started. Seems like the Tigers marketing/publicity team did a fantastic job promoting and reaching out to get the fanbase and ticket holders to vote. It paid off. Anyway, Martin made the squad as a reserve.
Miguel Cabrera got selected over Mark Teixeira as the first baseman backup/reserve? Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?! He's a Detroit Tiger too. That makes two positions that the Yankees have had the Tigers beat them.
I'm pretty mad. Mark Charles Teixeira clearly deserved to be starting as first baseman, but a hated member of the Red Sox, Adrian Gonzalez beat him out in fan voting after the second returns. For every all star game, the Red Sox apparently challenge the Yankees with the number of players they send to the midsummer classic. It could have easily been an all Red Sox-Yankees starting lineup on the field.
This year, the Red Sox have Josh Beckett, Jacoby Ellsbury, David "can't run the bases" Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez representing them. The Yankees have Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, Mariano Rivera and Russell Martin. The first four names mentioned denote starters. We beat them in this category, again.
Last year, the Red Sox had an epic meltdown and missed the playoffs. It will still be a three-team fight for the AL divsion winner and the wildcard. I highly doubt that the AL Central or AL West would have a second team who is good enough to clinch the wildcard, based on the current standings, strengths of the team with their pitching and lineup.
Here's something I do not get. What is the point of having every major league team send at least one player to the All Star game, when clearly, some teams do not deserve to send a single member of their squad? Take for example, the Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Oakland A's, Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates. Players from other teams who are deserving of a spot on the all star team end up not getting selected, and deprived of a chance to play. It may have something to do with equality, balance, maybe diversity. Oh no. I just took a class in diversity and gender studies and have forgotten the terms and theories I learned over the past six weeks.
Since its already the Fourth of July here, I'd like to wish every American a Happy Independence Day! And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air... Drink up, watch baseball at the stadium or on tv with steak and hamburgers on grill and enjoy!
I'm outta here, like a groundball hit into the dirt, in between second and third base, thrown to the first baseman and.............out!
Baseball blabberings again.
I don't care if its a popularity contest or not, but Mark Charles Teixeira should be the starting first baseman at the all star game. Not Adrian Gonzalez from the Red Sox. The man is on fire, he just hit his 300th career homerun and has contributed to the Yankees success. Come on, voters what on earth were you thinking?!
Anyway there would be at least 5 Yankees starting in the All Star game in Phoenix come 2 weeks time. Robinson Cano at second base, Derek Jeter for shortstop, Alex Rodriguez on third base, Curtis Granderson in the outfield and Russell Martin catching behind home plate. Hopefully CC Sabathia and Mariano Rivera make it too, for pitchers and of course, Jorge Posada as a backup DH, Nick Swisher, and Brett Gardner. Wishful thinking I have to say, but it could happen.
Yankees are on a season high 7 game winning streak. Whoohoooooo. I would love to see them sweep the Mets in a few hours time, to make it 8.
As of July 2, 2011, the Oakland A's have hit 43 longballs as a team combined, followed by the San Diego Padres have hit a total of 45 homeruns since the season started. Houston has hit only 47. These 3 teams are the lowest in the Majors for homeruns blasted.
When you combine Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson's homeruns, they have sent 47 into the stands. That equals the Houston Astros and is more than what Oakland and San Diego have hit. Holy smokes! Granderson was on fire and has cooled down, Teixeira has matched his career high before the all star break, and could go for 50 if he keeps his mean streak on throughout the season.
They ain't called the Bronx Bombers for nothing!
I don't care if its a popularity contest or not, but Mark Charles Teixeira should be the starting first baseman at the all star game. Not Adrian Gonzalez from the Red Sox. The man is on fire, he just hit his 300th career homerun and has contributed to the Yankees success. Come on, voters what on earth were you thinking?!
Anyway there would be at least 5 Yankees starting in the All Star game in Phoenix come 2 weeks time. Robinson Cano at second base, Derek Jeter for shortstop, Alex Rodriguez on third base, Curtis Granderson in the outfield and Russell Martin catching behind home plate. Hopefully CC Sabathia and Mariano Rivera make it too, for pitchers and of course, Jorge Posada as a backup DH, Nick Swisher, and Brett Gardner. Wishful thinking I have to say, but it could happen.
Yankees are on a season high 7 game winning streak. Whoohoooooo. I would love to see them sweep the Mets in a few hours time, to make it 8.
As of July 2, 2011, the Oakland A's have hit 43 longballs as a team combined, followed by the San Diego Padres have hit a total of 45 homeruns since the season started. Houston has hit only 47. These 3 teams are the lowest in the Majors for homeruns blasted.
When you combine Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson's homeruns, they have sent 47 into the stands. That equals the Houston Astros and is more than what Oakland and San Diego have hit. Holy smokes! Granderson was on fire and has cooled down, Teixeira has matched his career high before the all star break, and could go for 50 if he keeps his mean streak on throughout the season.
They ain't called the Bronx Bombers for nothing!
Friday, June 17, 2011
When the final buzzer of the 2010/11 nba season sounded, the Dallas Mavericks were crowned champions. Oh, how sweet it is. A perfect storybook ending, giving closure to what transpired that fateful day, five years ago in the American Airlines Center after six games of duking it out with the Miami Heat. The Heat won their first nba title. They were joyous. After being down 2-0 in the series and winning four straight, to put off a parade route that Dallas city officials had splashed the web and media with. Overconfidence got the best of the Dallas Mavericks then.
Now, the tables have turned. In perfect fashion, scripted out like the best Oscar winning movies the Mavs beat Miami in the exact same number of games, on the Heat's homecourt. Who would have ever thought it would happen? Revenge is served. The Mavs played with grit, hustled and fought for every possession with sheer might and strength. Blood and guts, diving into the stands for looseballs and taking that extra vertical leap to snare an offensive rebound. Making that extra pass, slashing to the hoop.
Who says that three all stars playing on the same team can win championships? It didn't happen. It's not the Olympics when team USA won it all back in 2008 with Lebron, Chris Bosh and Wade playing on the same team. The 2003/04 Lakers team which had Shaq, Kobe, Karl Malone and Gary Payton made it to the finals but got beaten up by the Detroit Pistons in five games.
In most recent years, the team which dethrones the Lakers in the Western Conference (oddly enough, semifinals) ends up going to win the title. Re: 2002/03 the Spurs dethroned the Lakers who won three straight titles in a row, and right now, Dallas dethroned the Lakers. Coincidence, ain't it?
Dirk finally has accomplished another mission. Winning the most coveted prize in the NBA. Jason Kidd deserves it too, after two previous trips to the Finals and coming up short, in 2002 and 2003 with the Nets. Surely a first-ballot hall of fame candidate, he will not be another "great player who never won a title." The taste of victory certainly feels even sweeter after all these years. 17 years of hard work and being the captain and general of the floor.
To everyone in the Mavs organization and fans, you guys deserve to celebrate and go wild. May the celebrations last for months, till the first tipoff of the start of the 2011/12 season, provided there is no lockout. The first title is always the most memorable.
This coming from a Spurs fan and hated division rival makes it even better, aye?
Now, the tables have turned. In perfect fashion, scripted out like the best Oscar winning movies the Mavs beat Miami in the exact same number of games, on the Heat's homecourt. Who would have ever thought it would happen? Revenge is served. The Mavs played with grit, hustled and fought for every possession with sheer might and strength. Blood and guts, diving into the stands for looseballs and taking that extra vertical leap to snare an offensive rebound. Making that extra pass, slashing to the hoop.
Who says that three all stars playing on the same team can win championships? It didn't happen. It's not the Olympics when team USA won it all back in 2008 with Lebron, Chris Bosh and Wade playing on the same team. The 2003/04 Lakers team which had Shaq, Kobe, Karl Malone and Gary Payton made it to the finals but got beaten up by the Detroit Pistons in five games.
In most recent years, the team which dethrones the Lakers in the Western Conference (oddly enough, semifinals) ends up going to win the title. Re: 2002/03 the Spurs dethroned the Lakers who won three straight titles in a row, and right now, Dallas dethroned the Lakers. Coincidence, ain't it?
Dirk finally has accomplished another mission. Winning the most coveted prize in the NBA. Jason Kidd deserves it too, after two previous trips to the Finals and coming up short, in 2002 and 2003 with the Nets. Surely a first-ballot hall of fame candidate, he will not be another "great player who never won a title." The taste of victory certainly feels even sweeter after all these years. 17 years of hard work and being the captain and general of the floor.
To everyone in the Mavs organization and fans, you guys deserve to celebrate and go wild. May the celebrations last for months, till the first tipoff of the start of the 2011/12 season, provided there is no lockout. The first title is always the most memorable.
This coming from a Spurs fan and hated division rival makes it even better, aye?
Monday, May 9, 2011
For the first time in the Zen Master's storied coaching career, he went out on a limb. On the wrong end of the broom. I'm not a Lakers fan, but Phil Jackson is one of the most respected coaches in the NBA. 11 titles in 20 or so seasons- correct me on this if I'm wrong. Having the best players in their prime and grooming them for success. Falling short of a fourth go-around for a three-peat. The Lakers were out rebounded, out run, and bullied and hammered at the three point line. In game 2, they couldn't hit a three pointer till the 4th quarter. The first and third games of the series were winnable but they collapsed in the fourth quarter, or rather, let the Mavs come from behind with momentum to hold on to the end.
And as for the final game, they came out looking defeated, frustrated that nothing could go right for them. It was clearly shown when Odom and Bynum had unnecessary elbows to Dirk/Barera's face/body when the game was out of reach in the fourth quarter. Both of them will most likely be suspended for the season opener come late October/early November. Poor sportsmanship. They were supposed to be playing like the defending champions, yes, they did but they were out of gas and tired and looked discontent and disenchanted. Matt Barnes and Steve Blake who were signed in the offseason to strengthen the bench were basically a non factor in the series. No production. And Kobe was shut down in the fourth quarter for all games. As what he said after game one, somewhere along the lines of "They (Dallas) could be the team that beats us," The Mavs did beat them. They tormented and exposed their defense and shut down the offense. And why did Kobe not take over the game and like he has in the past, scoring twenty points in the fourth quarter, driving to the basket, slashing, cutting through in the paint when the team needed a spark to get them going? That is probably something he should be thinking about.
The Mavs did not have their two-time all star, Caron Butler play a single minute since January when he got injured but they won. Jason Kidd, who will be in the hall of fame once he hangs up his shoes probably realized that this is last chance at winning a title before he retires, with Dirk still in his prime, and aging in the next few years...
Atlanta might have a legitimate chance of forcing a game 7 in Chicago and pushing the Bulls to the limit.
More later.
And as for the final game, they came out looking defeated, frustrated that nothing could go right for them. It was clearly shown when Odom and Bynum had unnecessary elbows to Dirk/Barera's face/body when the game was out of reach in the fourth quarter. Both of them will most likely be suspended for the season opener come late October/early November. Poor sportsmanship. They were supposed to be playing like the defending champions, yes, they did but they were out of gas and tired and looked discontent and disenchanted. Matt Barnes and Steve Blake who were signed in the offseason to strengthen the bench were basically a non factor in the series. No production. And Kobe was shut down in the fourth quarter for all games. As what he said after game one, somewhere along the lines of "They (Dallas) could be the team that beats us," The Mavs did beat them. They tormented and exposed their defense and shut down the offense. And why did Kobe not take over the game and like he has in the past, scoring twenty points in the fourth quarter, driving to the basket, slashing, cutting through in the paint when the team needed a spark to get them going? That is probably something he should be thinking about.
The Mavs did not have their two-time all star, Caron Butler play a single minute since January when he got injured but they won. Jason Kidd, who will be in the hall of fame once he hangs up his shoes probably realized that this is last chance at winning a title before he retires, with Dirk still in his prime, and aging in the next few years...
Atlanta might have a legitimate chance of forcing a game 7 in Chicago and pushing the Bulls to the limit.
More later.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The NBA playoffs so far.
I've been telling myself to write more often but thanks to school and being a bum mostly, I have failed to deliver.
I don't intend to write formally all the time, just sharing my thoughts and whatever that comes out of my mind.
It's been a good 5 days since the Spurs have gone fishing at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. As a fan of the Duncan/Manu/Tony trio, this has been a tough pill to swallow. This was supposed to be the year. Tim Duncan is in the twilight of his career, those balky knees aren't going to hold up any much longer for good. Manu turns 34 in the summer. Antonio McDyess is 37. The whole team is aging. Matt Bonner, the clutch red rocket who was clutch in nailing 3 pointers is 31. Similar to Richard Jefferson. Most of the teams stars are growing older and their peak has already passed.
On paper, the names would sound like a championship caliber team, however against Memphis, they crumbled and had youth win them over, running and gunning, led by Shane Battier's veteran leadership.
Memphis was not supposed to beat the Spurs and move on to the next round, but they did. It's starting to feel like Virginia Commonwealth all over again in March Madness which just happened 6 weeks ago. If Memphis beats Oklahoma City in this series and advances, they could well give the winner of the Lakers/Dallas series some serious fits and a huge scare. Memphis has a couple of no named players- Hamed Haddadi, Grevis Vasquez, and mostly blue collared guys who weren't much of an impact on previous teams they were on, but here they've survived. Oh, and Rudy Gay is not even playing cause he's injured. How did they get there? Youth and determination.
Atlanta advanced, clearly being motivated after Jameer Nelson telling Derrick Rose the infamous statement "Catch you in the second round" on live tv. The Magic played like they were looking ahead and did not take the Hawks seriously, with a grain of salt. And when they started to care, it was too late. Not a big fan of Atlanta but they're a bump-and-grind it out team. They finally avenged their disastrous conference semifinals sweep in which they lost by about 25 points per game to the Magic. Now they face Chicago. I hope they beat up the Bulls and send them home... I mean, how awesome would it be to have the 5th seed make it to the Conference Finals? I'm just dreaming but it could happen, they beat the Bulls in game 1 so anything is possible!
Lakers/Dallas, this should be a good series. Might have the potential to make it to 7 games. Both teams are strong, not a fan but the matchups are formidable. Dirk vs Kobe and their star studded supporting cast.
Boston/Miami, the aging Celtics could be sent fishing fast if they don't wake up and hit their shots fast enough. Miami's 3 headed monster of Wade/LeBron and Chris Bosh is alive and busting out their stuff.
I don't intend to write formally all the time, just sharing my thoughts and whatever that comes out of my mind.
It's been a good 5 days since the Spurs have gone fishing at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. As a fan of the Duncan/Manu/Tony trio, this has been a tough pill to swallow. This was supposed to be the year. Tim Duncan is in the twilight of his career, those balky knees aren't going to hold up any much longer for good. Manu turns 34 in the summer. Antonio McDyess is 37. The whole team is aging. Matt Bonner, the clutch red rocket who was clutch in nailing 3 pointers is 31. Similar to Richard Jefferson. Most of the teams stars are growing older and their peak has already passed.
On paper, the names would sound like a championship caliber team, however against Memphis, they crumbled and had youth win them over, running and gunning, led by Shane Battier's veteran leadership.
Memphis was not supposed to beat the Spurs and move on to the next round, but they did. It's starting to feel like Virginia Commonwealth all over again in March Madness which just happened 6 weeks ago. If Memphis beats Oklahoma City in this series and advances, they could well give the winner of the Lakers/Dallas series some serious fits and a huge scare. Memphis has a couple of no named players- Hamed Haddadi, Grevis Vasquez, and mostly blue collared guys who weren't much of an impact on previous teams they were on, but here they've survived. Oh, and Rudy Gay is not even playing cause he's injured. How did they get there? Youth and determination.
Atlanta advanced, clearly being motivated after Jameer Nelson telling Derrick Rose the infamous statement "Catch you in the second round" on live tv. The Magic played like they were looking ahead and did not take the Hawks seriously, with a grain of salt. And when they started to care, it was too late. Not a big fan of Atlanta but they're a bump-and-grind it out team. They finally avenged their disastrous conference semifinals sweep in which they lost by about 25 points per game to the Magic. Now they face Chicago. I hope they beat up the Bulls and send them home... I mean, how awesome would it be to have the 5th seed make it to the Conference Finals? I'm just dreaming but it could happen, they beat the Bulls in game 1 so anything is possible!
Lakers/Dallas, this should be a good series. Might have the potential to make it to 7 games. Both teams are strong, not a fan but the matchups are formidable. Dirk vs Kobe and their star studded supporting cast.
Boston/Miami, the aging Celtics could be sent fishing fast if they don't wake up and hit their shots fast enough. Miami's 3 headed monster of Wade/LeBron and Chris Bosh is alive and busting out their stuff.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
March Madness ramblings...
My thoughts on March Madness, in no order according to region or round.
Villanova is cannon fodder. I've yet to see many teams ranked in the top 8 according to seeding come into the tournament on a huge losing skid. Jay Wright needs to do something. Dial 911. The Wildcats have lost five straight, to close out the regular season! As much as Corey Fisher and the other Corey dude, Corey Stokes are an explosive combo on the 1 and 2 spot, the Cinderella team of 2006 could pull it out.
Watch out for George Mason. Flying under the radar and always underrated, like how they made the final four as a no. 11 seed...... they might beat Ohio State in the round of 32, which means half of the nation's bracket will be gone up in flames.
Now that the Tar Heels have lost the ACC title game to Duke on Sunday, they've put themselves in a position that is considerably harder than what Duke has, the road to the final four. Being the second seed in the east regional, and a very likely elite eight with Ohio State. UNC can light up the scoreboard, averaging slightly less than 80 points a game, playing the run and gun game. However, they are turnover prone. 13 per game as I read the previews. Kendall Marshall who runs the point needs to control the number of miscues. Harrison Barnes is explosive, good god he's amazing, a better version of Marvin Williams (2005), Tyler Zeller is consistent. They are terrible from behind the arc unfortunately. John Henson needs to score in double figures in order for a win in every round. Realistically, they do stand a chance of winning it all and on their way to doing so, they will send Thad Matta and his Buckeyes home crying in their beers.....However, after seeing the Tar Heels in Sunday's game, Duke is simply too strong and again, coming up short. I hope not. UNC could pull a San Antonio Spurs winning season, that is, winning in odd years. Come on Harrison Barnes. Do a repeat of that 40 point game in the ACC tournament.
First round shocker- Belmont over Wisconsin- Southeast regional. Despite the Badgers measly number of turnovers committed and the power of Jordan Taylor who runs the point and forward Jon Leuer... it won't be enough to contain a sleeper team. Had they not been blown out in Columbus on the last day of the regular season to the number one seed, Ohio State and bombed in the big ten tournament to Penn State they would have been seeded third instead. Well, too late to say. Belmont is the team that nobody wants to face in the first round. Ask the Duke blue devils who almost got beaten by them, their defense exposed. Belmont will make the sweet 16, based on their consistency in shooting from the arc and forcing turnovers.
Pittsburgh, although in the easiest regional and having the top seed would not make the final four. When was the last time they made the final four? 1941! World War 2. The wait will go on.
BYU has a scoring machine in the form of Jimmer Fredette, a senior guard, who can't miss from the free throw line. The team will be playing inspired after Brandon Davies suspension. The shocker team of January that rose to the rankings. Depending on how Fredette plays, his stock will improve drastically and I'm sensing he could be a top three pick in the NBA draft. My take, final four.
Notre Dame will be the underdog that comes up. Ben Hansbrough, the younger brother of Tyler Hansbrough- one of my favorite players from the Tar Heels 2009 championship team is another star to watch out for. They'll make the title game.
San Diego State will win their first ever NCAA tournament game in school history. But with too much hype and the bridesmaid syndrome, RE: New Jersey Nets- NBA Finals 2002, they will bow out fast. In the round of 32, they will most likely beat Penn State in a nail biter, then falter in the sweet 16 to Jim Calhoun's UConn Huskies who will come up short in the elite eight against Duke.
Kansas will make an exit in the sweet 16, and suffer another year of misery after last year's shocking loss to to Northern Iowa. Bill Self needs divine intervention.
UCLA vs Michigan State... Seeing Ben Howland and Tom Izzo face off can't get any better than this. The coaching match up is intriguing.
Ohio State has the hardest route to the final four, if they make it. The east region is filled with two other teams that could possibly make it to the title game- UNC and Syracuse. Jared Sullinger and William Buford cannot afford to have an off night. Sullinger is all but assured a top five spot in the NBA draft for the next few years if he keeps up with his productivity output on court based on the regular season. Sadly I see them being overconfident and losing to UNC. Well, no surprise. The first round will be easy, but George Mason's pesky defense certainly will give them fits. Tyshawn Taylor who runs the point needs to limit his turnovers.
Now, to cut everything short...... Final four picks: North Carolina, Duke, Notre Dame, BYU.
Title game- Duke over Notre Dame. Forward Kyle Singler and guard Nolan Smith did not declare for the nba draft and elected to stay in school for another year to play for a second title. Dividends will pay off. I dislike the team a lot, but they have the star power to win it all despite Kyle Irving's injury-- it remains to be seen whether he comes back during the tournament or not. Leaving thousands of Carolina fans like me miserable for another year when they cut down the nets... yet again. Seth Curry and Andre Dawkins have to light it up from downtown on a consistent basis. When it's all said and done, One Shining Moment will be played and the last confetti shower of the season falling on the Blue Devils who are almost certain to have at least 3 members from this years team nba bound.
Villanova is cannon fodder. I've yet to see many teams ranked in the top 8 according to seeding come into the tournament on a huge losing skid. Jay Wright needs to do something. Dial 911. The Wildcats have lost five straight, to close out the regular season! As much as Corey Fisher and the other Corey dude, Corey Stokes are an explosive combo on the 1 and 2 spot, the Cinderella team of 2006 could pull it out.
Watch out for George Mason. Flying under the radar and always underrated, like how they made the final four as a no. 11 seed...... they might beat Ohio State in the round of 32, which means half of the nation's bracket will be gone up in flames.
Now that the Tar Heels have lost the ACC title game to Duke on Sunday, they've put themselves in a position that is considerably harder than what Duke has, the road to the final four. Being the second seed in the east regional, and a very likely elite eight with Ohio State. UNC can light up the scoreboard, averaging slightly less than 80 points a game, playing the run and gun game. However, they are turnover prone. 13 per game as I read the previews. Kendall Marshall who runs the point needs to control the number of miscues. Harrison Barnes is explosive, good god he's amazing, a better version of Marvin Williams (2005), Tyler Zeller is consistent. They are terrible from behind the arc unfortunately. John Henson needs to score in double figures in order for a win in every round. Realistically, they do stand a chance of winning it all and on their way to doing so, they will send Thad Matta and his Buckeyes home crying in their beers.....However, after seeing the Tar Heels in Sunday's game, Duke is simply too strong and again, coming up short. I hope not. UNC could pull a San Antonio Spurs winning season, that is, winning in odd years. Come on Harrison Barnes. Do a repeat of that 40 point game in the ACC tournament.
First round shocker- Belmont over Wisconsin- Southeast regional. Despite the Badgers measly number of turnovers committed and the power of Jordan Taylor who runs the point and forward Jon Leuer... it won't be enough to contain a sleeper team. Had they not been blown out in Columbus on the last day of the regular season to the number one seed, Ohio State and bombed in the big ten tournament to Penn State they would have been seeded third instead. Well, too late to say. Belmont is the team that nobody wants to face in the first round. Ask the Duke blue devils who almost got beaten by them, their defense exposed. Belmont will make the sweet 16, based on their consistency in shooting from the arc and forcing turnovers.
Pittsburgh, although in the easiest regional and having the top seed would not make the final four. When was the last time they made the final four? 1941! World War 2. The wait will go on.
BYU has a scoring machine in the form of Jimmer Fredette, a senior guard, who can't miss from the free throw line. The team will be playing inspired after Brandon Davies suspension. The shocker team of January that rose to the rankings. Depending on how Fredette plays, his stock will improve drastically and I'm sensing he could be a top three pick in the NBA draft. My take, final four.
Notre Dame will be the underdog that comes up. Ben Hansbrough, the younger brother of Tyler Hansbrough- one of my favorite players from the Tar Heels 2009 championship team is another star to watch out for. They'll make the title game.
San Diego State will win their first ever NCAA tournament game in school history. But with too much hype and the bridesmaid syndrome, RE: New Jersey Nets- NBA Finals 2002, they will bow out fast. In the round of 32, they will most likely beat Penn State in a nail biter, then falter in the sweet 16 to Jim Calhoun's UConn Huskies who will come up short in the elite eight against Duke.
Kansas will make an exit in the sweet 16, and suffer another year of misery after last year's shocking loss to to Northern Iowa. Bill Self needs divine intervention.
UCLA vs Michigan State... Seeing Ben Howland and Tom Izzo face off can't get any better than this. The coaching match up is intriguing.
Ohio State has the hardest route to the final four, if they make it. The east region is filled with two other teams that could possibly make it to the title game- UNC and Syracuse. Jared Sullinger and William Buford cannot afford to have an off night. Sullinger is all but assured a top five spot in the NBA draft for the next few years if he keeps up with his productivity output on court based on the regular season. Sadly I see them being overconfident and losing to UNC. Well, no surprise. The first round will be easy, but George Mason's pesky defense certainly will give them fits. Tyshawn Taylor who runs the point needs to limit his turnovers.
Now, to cut everything short...... Final four picks: North Carolina, Duke, Notre Dame, BYU.
Title game- Duke over Notre Dame. Forward Kyle Singler and guard Nolan Smith did not declare for the nba draft and elected to stay in school for another year to play for a second title. Dividends will pay off. I dislike the team a lot, but they have the star power to win it all despite Kyle Irving's injury-- it remains to be seen whether he comes back during the tournament or not. Leaving thousands of Carolina fans like me miserable for another year when they cut down the nets... yet again. Seth Curry and Andre Dawkins have to light it up from downtown on a consistent basis. When it's all said and done, One Shining Moment will be played and the last confetti shower of the season falling on the Blue Devils who are almost certain to have at least 3 members from this years team nba bound.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
This is my first post here.
Will be using this to post any form of writing done by me. For example, thoughts on baseball/nba season, game recaps, travel posts, concert or event reviews work/community service related events that I participate in, past work I've done and of course, anything that comes out of my mind.
Will be using this to post any form of writing done by me. For example, thoughts on baseball/nba season, game recaps, travel posts, concert or event reviews work/community service related events that I participate in, past work I've done and of course, anything that comes out of my mind.
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