Quite a number of interesting free agents this off season. At least in my opinion.
From the unfortunate World Series champions, Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui are free agents. Apparently only one witll stay. From what I understand Johnny Damon had a good year with the Yankees. I have liked him since the 2004 Red Sox, I also like Johnny as I base my batting stance somewhat off his! So I would not mind seeing him as a Blue Jay (note: I no longer root for the Red Sox, I was happy to see them beat the Yankees, etc, but now I root against the like the Yankees). Not sure how likely that would be though. They did sign Millar, however he is quite a different player.
I just found out Vladimir Guerrero is a free agent. If the Jays are to compete, again, I would not mind seing him a Jay, however again, I don't think it is too likely.
Jason Bay is a free agent, and he would be a nice fit in Toronto, being Canadian, not to mention leaving the Red Sox as well.
Speaking of Toronto, it should prove interesting to see the direction they go in. Rod Barajas is a type B free agent, and Michael Barrett has already been released as a minor league free agent. Seems like a good chance that Barajas may return.
The Jays claimed 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir off waivers, so I don't type A free agent think Marco Scutaro will return.
In the NL, some interesting free agents include Matt Holliday, Pedro Martinez, former Blue Jays Carlos Delgado and Orlando Hudson, and Rick Ankiel.
Not quite Hot Stove worthy, but looks like Roy Halladay will be on the move, surprise surprise, looks like it could be to the Yankees or Red Sox. I am leaning toward the Yankees, as then he would be reunited with Burnett again. I'm sure that will not help his fan club, at least those not too fond of the Yankees, as the case would have been for Johnny Damon.
Speaking of Hot Stove, looks like the term is actually "Hot Stove League", and it did indeed come from a stove that is hot from the late nineteenth/early twentieth century. Since baseball is played during warm months, seems people gathered around a hot stove to discuss baseball.
Full Hot Stove Report at mlb.com
2009 Free Agent Tracker
Showing posts with label boston red sox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boston red sox. Show all posts
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, October 04, 2009
AL Central, Detroit or Minnesota?
I have been closely watching the AL Central race, as I predicted Minnesota would make it into the postseason.
They went 2-2 in a crucial four game series in Detroit from September 29 to October 1. It would have been September 28 to October 1, but the first game was postponed due to rain, and made up as a double header the next day.
I said crucial, as going into that series they were 2 GB. Had they lost 3, and won only won, they would have been 4 games back going into their final series hosting the Royals. A three game series, therefore impossible to gain 3 games, as the Tigers also had a final three game set. Therefore they had to win at least two. Winning only two meant leaving the series as they went in, 2 GB. If they won 3 out of four, they would have been tied for the division lead, or swept, they would have been 2 games ahead of the Tigers.
As I said, they indeed went 2-2, winning the final game of the series, a must win, 8-3.
So obviously, they had to win at least two of their final series, while Detroit would have to lose at least two. So far that is exactly what has happened, and they are now tied atop the AL Central with a game each to play. It is pretty much part one of a playoff, if one wins, and the other loses, said winner goes to the postseason to play the Yankees. Both win, or both lose, a one game tie breaker between them.
Pitching matchups are as follows:
John Danks, LHP (13-10, 3.69) @ Justin Verlander, RHP (18-9, 3.45).
And
Luke Hochevar, RHP (7-12, 6.24) @ Carl Pavano (former Montreal Expo of course, starting his MLB playing career with the Expos.), RHP (13-12, 5.07).
I was rooting for the Twins, as they are generally a good team with not a huge payroll. Also they were almost contracted along with the Expos. I still generally am, however Detroit and Detroit residents have been, and are going through hard times. The cover article in Sports Illustrated describes it well. I also have some family history in Detroit. So whoever wins, wins. And hopefully they'll beat the Yankees, as the same goes for the Angels beating the Red Sox, therefore setting up a Twins/Tigers @ L.A. ALCS.
@MLB.com:
Exciting finish on tap for regular season
Twins close dome with must-win game
The rest of the postseason matchups: Boston at Los Angeles. St. Louis at Los Angeles, and Colorado at Philadelphia.
They went 2-2 in a crucial four game series in Detroit from September 29 to October 1. It would have been September 28 to October 1, but the first game was postponed due to rain, and made up as a double header the next day.
I said crucial, as going into that series they were 2 GB. Had they lost 3, and won only won, they would have been 4 games back going into their final series hosting the Royals. A three game series, therefore impossible to gain 3 games, as the Tigers also had a final three game set. Therefore they had to win at least two. Winning only two meant leaving the series as they went in, 2 GB. If they won 3 out of four, they would have been tied for the division lead, or swept, they would have been 2 games ahead of the Tigers.
As I said, they indeed went 2-2, winning the final game of the series, a must win, 8-3.
So obviously, they had to win at least two of their final series, while Detroit would have to lose at least two. So far that is exactly what has happened, and they are now tied atop the AL Central with a game each to play. It is pretty much part one of a playoff, if one wins, and the other loses, said winner goes to the postseason to play the Yankees. Both win, or both lose, a one game tie breaker between them.
Pitching matchups are as follows:
John Danks, LHP (13-10, 3.69) @ Justin Verlander, RHP (18-9, 3.45).
And
Luke Hochevar, RHP (7-12, 6.24) @ Carl Pavano (former Montreal Expo of course, starting his MLB playing career with the Expos.), RHP (13-12, 5.07).
I was rooting for the Twins, as they are generally a good team with not a huge payroll. Also they were almost contracted along with the Expos. I still generally am, however Detroit and Detroit residents have been, and are going through hard times. The cover article in Sports Illustrated describes it well. I also have some family history in Detroit. So whoever wins, wins. And hopefully they'll beat the Yankees, as the same goes for the Angels beating the Red Sox, therefore setting up a Twins/Tigers @ L.A. ALCS.
@MLB.com:
Exciting finish on tap for regular season
Twins close dome with must-win game
The rest of the postseason matchups: Boston at Los Angeles. St. Louis at Los Angeles, and Colorado at Philadelphia.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Postseason Predictions 2009
Not sure exactly how often, perhaps a couple times, I gave some postseason predictions on here. Not sure if I ever did a full post dedicated to it, close to one if not, anyway, here it is for 2009!
I would have started with the NL East, but since Montreal does not have a team, I'll go AL East.
Well obviously New York will be facing Boston in the ALCS, Yankees with the home field advantage. Prediction, Yankees in four.
The Angels will host the start of the other ALCS, however it will be against either Detroit or Minnesota (3GB). Both with 10 games to play. I predict Minnesota will make it, only to lose to the Angels in five.
Now the National League.
Looks like the three current division leaders will be in, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Los Angeles. Atlanta and Florida will require a miracle to make it in, as they are 7 and 7.5 GB respectively. In the NL West, Colorado has a fighting chance only 6GB with 9 games to play. That is of course for the division.
The NL wildcard will be most likely Colorado, however Atlanta and Florida are not far behind, 3.5 and 4 GB respectively.
Standings:
Philadelphia 89 - 63 .586
St. Louis 89 - 64 .582
Los Angeles 92 - 61 .601
With the above in mind home field advantages need sorting out in the coming days. I have not been following baseball much since the All Star Break, but I'll guess Los Angeles and Philadelphia for home field advantage. So I'll guess Colorado at Los Angeles, and St. Louis at Philadelphia for the NLDS. No point in guessing the outcomes, as I am less familiar with the NL thanks to the over coverage of the AL East around here.
Schedules as of this moment can be found here. Also, posted below, mostly for my own easy reference, and since they are inevitably going to change somewhat, I like to compare said changes.
I would have started with the NL East, but since Montreal does not have a team, I'll go AL East.
Well obviously New York will be facing Boston in the ALCS, Yankees with the home field advantage. Prediction, Yankees in four.
The Angels will host the start of the other ALCS, however it will be against either Detroit or Minnesota (3GB). Both with 10 games to play. I predict Minnesota will make it, only to lose to the Angels in five.
Now the National League.
Looks like the three current division leaders will be in, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Los Angeles. Atlanta and Florida will require a miracle to make it in, as they are 7 and 7.5 GB respectively. In the NL West, Colorado has a fighting chance only 6GB with 9 games to play. That is of course for the division.
The NL wildcard will be most likely Colorado, however Atlanta and Florida are not far behind, 3.5 and 4 GB respectively.
Standings:
Philadelphia 89 - 63 .586
St. Louis 89 - 64 .582
Los Angeles 92 - 61 .601
With the above in mind home field advantages need sorting out in the coming days. I have not been following baseball much since the All Star Break, but I'll guess Los Angeles and Philadelphia for home field advantage. So I'll guess Colorado at Los Angeles, and St. Louis at Philadelphia for the NLDS. No point in guessing the outcomes, as I am less familiar with the NL thanks to the over coverage of the AL East around here.
Schedules as of this moment can be found here. Also, posted below, mostly for my own easy reference, and since they are inevitably going to change somewhat, I like to compare said changes.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Bla bla bla
Thought I would write this post while it was fresh in my head.
I was watching Philadelphia at Atlanta, toward the end of the game on a certain network that carries MLB games. Anyway bottom 7, Adam LaRoche in his 11th game back with the Braves, singled to right. I believe Greg Norton was going to PH, but since LaRoche got on, Javier Vazquez, former Expos pitcher instead pinch hit for Eric O'Flaherty. Turns out Javier Vazquez is the league lead in sacrifice hits with 14! Whodathunkit? Not me, as I was not aware he was a good bunter.
In 2004, the last year of the Expos, Livan Hernandez tied (in 5th place) with Kris Benson for most sacrifice hits by a pitcher with 15. The top 4 were all shortstops with Royce Clayton leading with 24. Royce Clayton by the way is now retired. After a stint with the Jays in 2007, the Red Sox picked him up, he signed a minor leagur contract. He was called up in September, and although he did not play, he earned a World Series ring. He retired after that 2007 season.
Back to today's game. The Braves went on to win it in a come from behind walk off fashion in the bottom of the ninth. They were down only 3-2. Garret Anderson singled to right. Matt Diaz sacrifice bunted. Brad Lidge did not field it cleanly, he then threw in the direction of first, where it was very unlikely to be a play. Howard could not get it, that allowed Diaz to get all the way to third, while came in with the tying run. They then walked Adam LaRoche, and kind of sort of unintentionally intentionally walked Greg Norton, who was in for Peter Moylan. Omar Infante was then up. I had a feeling he would end it, and on the first pitch, walk off single to left.
The announcer said how Lidge should have ate the ball after his fielding error. I agree, then it would have been only first and second with no out. Who knows what would have happened then. From my small amount of baseball experience, I have done just that, ate the ball, even on plays where I could have, or should have thrown.
Switching to the Jays at Rays, the announcer said Scott Kazmir leads in the category of most pitches thrown in the first inning on average (not sure if it was the AL or MLB) with 19 I believe it was. I can not look up advanced stats, otherwise I'd try and check. Anyway, his longest outing this year is only 7 IP. And he only did that once, otherwise he is 6.2 or lower. Looks like he is struggling, at 6-7 and 6.50 ERA.
As I write this, Toronto are up 2-0. They scored 2 in the top of the 3rd. They also threatened in the top of the first, but Millar flied out, and Wells struck out swinging. Kazmir threw 21 pitches in the first.
I was watching Philadelphia at Atlanta, toward the end of the game on a certain network that carries MLB games. Anyway bottom 7, Adam LaRoche in his 11th game back with the Braves, singled to right. I believe Greg Norton was going to PH, but since LaRoche got on, Javier Vazquez, former Expos pitcher instead pinch hit for Eric O'Flaherty. Turns out Javier Vazquez is the league lead in sacrifice hits with 14! Whodathunkit? Not me, as I was not aware he was a good bunter.
In 2004, the last year of the Expos, Livan Hernandez tied (in 5th place) with Kris Benson for most sacrifice hits by a pitcher with 15. The top 4 were all shortstops with Royce Clayton leading with 24. Royce Clayton by the way is now retired. After a stint with the Jays in 2007, the Red Sox picked him up, he signed a minor leagur contract. He was called up in September, and although he did not play, he earned a World Series ring. He retired after that 2007 season.
Back to today's game. The Braves went on to win it in a come from behind walk off fashion in the bottom of the ninth. They were down only 3-2. Garret Anderson singled to right. Matt Diaz sacrifice bunted. Brad Lidge did not field it cleanly, he then threw in the direction of first, where it was very unlikely to be a play. Howard could not get it, that allowed Diaz to get all the way to third, while came in with the tying run. They then walked Adam LaRoche, and kind of sort of unintentionally intentionally walked Greg Norton, who was in for Peter Moylan. Omar Infante was then up. I had a feeling he would end it, and on the first pitch, walk off single to left.
The announcer said how Lidge should have ate the ball after his fielding error. I agree, then it would have been only first and second with no out. Who knows what would have happened then. From my small amount of baseball experience, I have done just that, ate the ball, even on plays where I could have, or should have thrown.
Switching to the Jays at Rays, the announcer said Scott Kazmir leads in the category of most pitches thrown in the first inning on average (not sure if it was the AL or MLB) with 19 I believe it was. I can not look up advanced stats, otherwise I'd try and check. Anyway, his longest outing this year is only 7 IP. And he only did that once, otherwise he is 6.2 or lower. Looks like he is struggling, at 6-7 and 6.50 ERA.
As I write this, Toronto are up 2-0. They scored 2 in the top of the 3rd. They also threatened in the top of the first, but Millar flied out, and Wells struck out swinging. Kazmir threw 21 pitches in the first.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Around the Bigs
I'm sure I have mentioned this before, but one great thing about baseball is there countless different things that can happen. I am sure it is true for other sports, but it resonates most with baseball in my opinion.
Saturday I was watching the Rays at Red Sox. David Ortiz was at bat, the shift was on. He ended up getting a check swing single to left field! Carl Crawford committed a throwing error which allowed Ortiz to advance to second. Dustin Pedroia who walked the AB prior to David Ortiz got to third, but not before partially running into SS Jason Bartlett who was in the right side of the infield, but getting into position for possibly tagging Pedroia out. Pedroia then fell trying to possibly get back to second. Longoria was signalling to Crawford to throw to second all this time once he got to third to cover. Crawford threw said error, which then got Pedroia to third, and Ortiz to second. See the play here, click "Ortiz singles through the hole in the defense."
In the end the circus type play did not cost the Rays, as Jason Bay struck out on a foul tip, and Mike Lowell grounded out to 5-3.
Stealing home is always an interesting play, and Jayson Worth of the Phillies did so last night (May 12) against the Dodgers. Once Russell Martin tossed the ball back to Ronald Belisario, Werth was coming home, Belisario threw the ball back to Martin, but it was too late once the tag was applied. It went down in the bottom of the seventh. Pedro Feliz was at bat when it happened. Feliz bats right, so he was probably blocking Martin's peripheral vision well, until he had to move out of the way. Belisario throws right, but was probably facing forward when getting the ball back from Martin. All in all, it worked perfectly for Werth, scoring the Phillies fifth run.
Prior to stealing home, Werth singled to left. He then stole second (with Jimmy Rollins batting), and third (with Raul Ibanez batting). With Jimmy Rollins batting earlier in the game, Werth stole third. The latter was a double steal, as Ryan Howard stole second. According to this, Werth tied a franchise record, becoming the first Phillie to do so since Garry Maddox against the Pirates May 29, 1978. He was also the first Phillie to steal three bases in an inning since Pete Rose May 11, 1980. I don't remember too much old baseball, but it is reminiscent of Rickey Henderson.
Also last night, Chipper Jones was fairly irate about a call that went in the Mets favour. Carlos Beltran appeared to possibly be barely out on a tag by Chipper Jones, however the umpire looks like he did not have a perfect angle. Beltran then scored on a Luis Castillo sacrifice fly to LF Garret Anderson. That was the tying run, and the Mets went on to win with a walk-off walk, hence Chipped being irate about the call.
Finally, former Expo (also former Ranger, Cardinal, and Oriole) Fernando Tatis hit a grand slam today in the game the Mets went on to lose. Tatis is one of only a few players to have hit two grand slam in one game, he did it as a Cardinal April 23, 1999 as a Cardinal. Since then, Nomar Garciaparra and Bill Mueller have done so for the Red Sox, May 10, 1999, and July 29, 2003 respectively. The others.
Saturday I was watching the Rays at Red Sox. David Ortiz was at bat, the shift was on. He ended up getting a check swing single to left field! Carl Crawford committed a throwing error which allowed Ortiz to advance to second. Dustin Pedroia who walked the AB prior to David Ortiz got to third, but not before partially running into SS Jason Bartlett who was in the right side of the infield, but getting into position for possibly tagging Pedroia out. Pedroia then fell trying to possibly get back to second. Longoria was signalling to Crawford to throw to second all this time once he got to third to cover. Crawford threw said error, which then got Pedroia to third, and Ortiz to second. See the play here, click "Ortiz singles through the hole in the defense."
In the end the circus type play did not cost the Rays, as Jason Bay struck out on a foul tip, and Mike Lowell grounded out to 5-3.
Stealing home is always an interesting play, and Jayson Worth of the Phillies did so last night (May 12) against the Dodgers. Once Russell Martin tossed the ball back to Ronald Belisario, Werth was coming home, Belisario threw the ball back to Martin, but it was too late once the tag was applied. It went down in the bottom of the seventh. Pedro Feliz was at bat when it happened. Feliz bats right, so he was probably blocking Martin's peripheral vision well, until he had to move out of the way. Belisario throws right, but was probably facing forward when getting the ball back from Martin. All in all, it worked perfectly for Werth, scoring the Phillies fifth run.
Prior to stealing home, Werth singled to left. He then stole second (with Jimmy Rollins batting), and third (with Raul Ibanez batting). With Jimmy Rollins batting earlier in the game, Werth stole third. The latter was a double steal, as Ryan Howard stole second. According to this, Werth tied a franchise record, becoming the first Phillie to do so since Garry Maddox against the Pirates May 29, 1978. He was also the first Phillie to steal three bases in an inning since Pete Rose May 11, 1980. I don't remember too much old baseball, but it is reminiscent of Rickey Henderson.
Also last night, Chipper Jones was fairly irate about a call that went in the Mets favour. Carlos Beltran appeared to possibly be barely out on a tag by Chipper Jones, however the umpire looks like he did not have a perfect angle. Beltran then scored on a Luis Castillo sacrifice fly to LF Garret Anderson. That was the tying run, and the Mets went on to win with a walk-off walk, hence Chipped being irate about the call.
Finally, former Expo (also former Ranger, Cardinal, and Oriole) Fernando Tatis hit a grand slam today in the game the Mets went on to lose. Tatis is one of only a few players to have hit two grand slam in one game, he did it as a Cardinal April 23, 1999 as a Cardinal. Since then, Nomar Garciaparra and Bill Mueller have done so for the Red Sox, May 10, 1999, and July 29, 2003 respectively. The others.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Woohoo, baseball again!
The Minnesota Twins host the Boston Red Sox (split squad) at Fort Myers, Florida at Hammond Stadium. Game time is 19:05 EST. It can be seen on NESN, MLBN, or Sportsnet in Canada.
Earlier today in a 7 inning exhibition game, the Red Sox beat Boston College 7 - 1. Read about it over at Joy of Sox.
Tonight:
Boston
Ellsbury, CF
Pedroia, 2B
Youkilis, 1B
Bay, LF
Wilkerson, RF
Lowrie, SS
Bailey, DH
Bard, J,
Velazquez, 3B
Minnesota
Casilla, 2B
Punto, SS
Morneau, 1B
Cuddyer, RF
Kubel, DH
Young, LF
Buscher, 3B
Redmond, C
Pridie, CF
And Wakefield vs Glen Perkins on the mound.
As stated above, former Expo Brad Wilkerson makes his Red Sock debut, in right.
Since it is spring training, I won't elaborate too much. Instead, go here for spring training results and schedules.
Earlier today in a 7 inning exhibition game, the Red Sox beat Boston College 7 - 1. Read about it over at Joy of Sox.
Tonight:
Boston
Ellsbury, CF
Pedroia, 2B
Youkilis, 1B
Bay, LF
Wilkerson, RF
Lowrie, SS
Bailey, DH
Bard, J,
Velazquez, 3B
Minnesota
Casilla, 2B
Punto, SS
Morneau, 1B
Cuddyer, RF
Kubel, DH
Young, LF
Buscher, 3B
Redmond, C
Pridie, CF
And Wakefield vs Glen Perkins on the mound.
As stated above, former Expo Brad Wilkerson makes his Red Sock debut, in right.
Since it is spring training, I won't elaborate too much. Instead, go here for spring training results and schedules.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Brad Wilkerson joins the Red Sox
It took a little while, as it looks like the Brad Wilkerson deal was done February 3, pending a physical, but it was officially announced February 16 that the Red Sox "signed OF Brad Wilkerson to a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training."
Assuming he makes the team, it should be interesting to see if he returns to form. He has not played as well as he could have since leaving the Expos. And that includes the Nationals.
He will be trying to for roles as backup first baseman and fifth outfielder.
There are plenty of former Expos still around, including players that have been in the Expos system. I won't pretend to know where they all are. I pretty much only know the most familiar, and some up and coming players in the last few years. For a much better list, I recommend checking out this forum post: Ancien Expos - 2009 over at encorebaseballmontreal.com. To translate a bit, the first list is ex Expos in regular lineups, followed by non-roster invitees (NRI), former players in the Expos organisation in regular team lineups, and finally former players in the organisation that are NRI.
Speaking of encorebaseballmontreal.com, if you are reading this and you are located in Montreal, they have a baseball league in the summer, so you should join, and see me embarrass myself in the summer!
Links:
Now a Sox, Wilkerson aims high: Veteran in camp hoping to land a spot as backup for Boston. (note to the author/mlb, it should be now a Sock, or now a Sox member)
Also, unrelated, Baseball growing in Canada, says Bay.
Assuming he makes the team, it should be interesting to see if he returns to form. He has not played as well as he could have since leaving the Expos. And that includes the Nationals.
He will be trying to for roles as backup first baseman and fifth outfielder.
There are plenty of former Expos still around, including players that have been in the Expos system. I won't pretend to know where they all are. I pretty much only know the most familiar, and some up and coming players in the last few years. For a much better list, I recommend checking out this forum post: Ancien Expos - 2009 over at encorebaseballmontreal.com. To translate a bit, the first list is ex Expos in regular lineups, followed by non-roster invitees (NRI), former players in the Expos organisation in regular team lineups, and finally former players in the organisation that are NRI.
Speaking of encorebaseballmontreal.com, if you are reading this and you are located in Montreal, they have a baseball league in the summer, so you should join, and see me embarrass myself in the summer!
Links:
Now a Sox, Wilkerson aims high: Veteran in camp hoping to land a spot as backup for Boston. (note to the author/mlb, it should be now a Sock, or now a Sox member)
Also, unrelated, Baseball growing in Canada, says Bay.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Free Agents on First Day Eligible
I am not a professional athlete, but find it interesting to see who has filed for free agency on the first day eligible. I suppose the main reason would be to test the market, see what offers come up. Which I suppose is true, however reasons you will not hear from players, at least the vast majority (read everyone save for Manny Ramirez!), would be that they are no longer happy where they are, do not like their current team, or are looking for more money.
65 players filed for free agency on the first day possible, the day after the World Series ended.
Topping the list is Manny Ramirez. Jason Varitek is on the list too. Ryan Dempster and Jim Edmonds from the Cubs are on the list. They obviously want a chance at a championship! Some more Red Sox and former Red Sox are on the list including Alex Cora, David Ross, Kevin Millar, and Eric Gagne.
Former Montreal Expo Brad Wilkerson is on the list as a Blue Jay.
My source is here. Numerous players have become free agents since the first day. See more here and here.
65 players filed for free agency on the first day possible, the day after the World Series ended.
Topping the list is Manny Ramirez. Jason Varitek is on the list too. Ryan Dempster and Jim Edmonds from the Cubs are on the list. They obviously want a chance at a championship! Some more Red Sox and former Red Sox are on the list including Alex Cora, David Ross, Kevin Millar, and Eric Gagne.
Former Montreal Expo Brad Wilkerson is on the list as a Blue Jay.
My source is here. Numerous players have become free agents since the first day. See more here and here.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Local coverage.
Rays beat Red Sox to reach World Series - St. Petersburg Times
Rays Chase Demons, And Red Sox, To Claim First Pennant - The Tampa Tribune (Tampa Bay Online)
Rays stop Red Sox’ bid to repeat - BostonHerald.com
Rays Chase Demons, And Red Sox, To Claim First Pennant - The Tampa Tribune (Tampa Bay Online)
Rays stop Red Sox’ bid to repeat - BostonHerald.com
Onto the World Series!
Tampa Bay got it done, albeit eventually, in seven games. It definitely made for a good baseball game. I thought Tampa would win it in game 6 after the huge Boston comeback, I was wrong. I sort of have the feeling the Rays wanted it more, as Lester was pitching very well to start the game, a perfect first three innings, until Akinori Iwamura singled to leadoff the fourth inning. They then went on to tie the game at 1. Garza settled in to the game, only allowing the Dustin Pedroia solo home run, and only allowing two hits while striking out nine over his 7 IP.
Like my sister said, the Red Sox have had their time, so the Rays deserve it. Deserve it after being a losing team for so long, not to mention being a small market team with the second smallest payroll in the league this year.
Payroll wise, the Phillies are in 13th place, with just over 98 million.
Like my sister said, the Red Sox have had their time, so the Rays deserve it. Deserve it after being a losing team for so long, not to mention being a small market team with the second smallest payroll in the league this year.
Payroll wise, the Phillies are in 13th place, with just over 98 million.
Friday, September 26, 2008
More rain woes?
Keeping with the rain theme from two mid September posts, looks like rain may play havoc yet again. The major threat is with the NL races. Rain is a possibility for New York, where the Mets host the Marlins. Rain may also affect the Boston New York games, however Boston have already clinched a playoff berth, so all that would matter is the division, and as soon as Tampa Bay win, it is theirs.
I'll keep this entry short, and let the MLB article do a better job. Rain threatens key NL matchups.
I'll keep this entry short, and let the MLB article do a better job. Rain threatens key NL matchups.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Five rain delays (Two postponed)
Was watching a bit of the start of the Nationals at Marlins, as the Jays Red Sox game is rain delayed, and the announcer brought up all the rain delays. So I thought I'd write a brief post about it.
Minnesota at Baltimore (7:05)
St. Louis at Pittsburgh (7:05)
Tampa Bay at New York (7:05)
Toronto at Boston (7:05)
Atlanta at New York (7:10)
All of the above are rain delayed games, and below are the postponed games.
Milwaukee at Philadelphia (7:05) has been postponed
Chicago at Houston Friday and Saturday (7:05 CDT and 6:05 CDT) both postponed due to Ike.
Edit 2:25 AM EDT:
Of the five rain delayed games above, they were all postponed save for the Toronto at Boston game. It was delayed 41 minutes, and in said game rain came down steadily until the seventh or so. Toronto and Boston already has a doubleheader slated for Saturday, a makeup for an August 15 rain postponed game. The Tigers at White Sox (7:11 CDT) ended up being postponed as well.
Turns out it isn't quite a record:
It was the most major league postponements in one day since six games were wiped out on April 15, 2007. Prior to that, there hadn't been that many since April 12, 1997, when eight games were postponed, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
From tsn.ca.
Also:
It also set up an unusually full slate of games for Saturday. If the schedule holds, there will be 12 games in the American League for the first time since Aug. 8, 1985, and 20 games in the majors for the first time since Aug. 4, 1974, according to Elias.
And:
In New York, both the Mets and Yankees were postponed, setting up two doubleheaders Saturday. According to Elias, only twice before have Mets and Yankees both played two games at home on same day - on Sept. 21, 1982, and April 13, 1997.
More for the baseball mind at said tsn link above.
Official MLB news pieces:
Rain drops fallin', onto doubleheaders
Six games postponed Friday; six twin bills set for Saturday (here)
and
Baseball reigns with 20-game day
Fifteen of the games will have postseason implications (here)
Friday, September 05, 2008
Quick words on the postseason
To be different, I'll start with a division that doesn't get talked about very much. At least compared to a certain right coast American League division.
NL West is a crapshoot, could be Arizona or Los Angeles. However only the division winner will make the postseason as .500 is not good enough for the wildcard.
NL Central, moving along, could very well be the Cubs (Completely Useless By September). They have started September well for said acronym (0-3). However at this rate two teams could make it from this division. Unless Philadelphia, St. Louis or Houston start gaining more ground. Looks like Houston may have a chance.
NL East will probably only have one postseason team, I think the Mets will probably hold on from what little I know about them recently.
AL West, Los Angeles is what's happening.
AL Central probably has the best race, as they are teams with better than .500 records. Despite that, looks like it will be only Minnesota or the White Sox, as .550 for the Twins amounts to 5.5 GB in the AL Wildcard
AL East, the division no one talks about, is Tampa Bay, Sox could challenge. I'd like to see the Twins gain in the wild card, so only the Rays are in from the AL East. I am sort of indifferent about the White Sox, since Orlando Cabrera is with them, then okay, but mostly I would not mind seeing them fall out of postseason contention, but that would mean the Yankees would have to win the wildcard, or the Jays. I'd rather see the White Sox in the postseason than the Yankees (and Red Sox). Jays (and Yankees) could still make the postseason, but would pretty much have to win every game, and hope Boston and Minnesota (or CWS) lost most.
NL West is a crapshoot, could be Arizona or Los Angeles. However only the division winner will make the postseason as .500 is not good enough for the wildcard.
NL Central, moving along, could very well be the Cubs (Completely Useless By September). They have started September well for said acronym (0-3). However at this rate two teams could make it from this division. Unless Philadelphia, St. Louis or Houston start gaining more ground. Looks like Houston may have a chance.
NL East will probably only have one postseason team, I think the Mets will probably hold on from what little I know about them recently.
AL West, Los Angeles is what's happening.
AL Central probably has the best race, as they are teams with better than .500 records. Despite that, looks like it will be only Minnesota or the White Sox, as .550 for the Twins amounts to 5.5 GB in the AL Wildcard
AL East, the division no one talks about, is Tampa Bay, Sox could challenge. I'd like to see the Twins gain in the wild card, so only the Rays are in from the AL East. I am sort of indifferent about the White Sox, since Orlando Cabrera is with them, then okay, but mostly I would not mind seeing them fall out of postseason contention, but that would mean the Yankees would have to win the wildcard, or the Jays. I'd rather see the White Sox in the postseason than the Yankees (and Red Sox). Jays (and Yankees) could still make the postseason, but would pretty much have to win every game, and hope Boston and Minnesota (or CWS) lost most.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Back from Toronto!
I'm back from Toronto, after catching the first two Toronto Blue Jays home games. I got back early this morning, and just watched the Blue Jays sweep the Red Sox! So soon I'll write a post about the first two games in person, including some pictures, and the third game that I watched on television. Stay tuned!
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