Although if you're an AL team (other than ChiSox, O's, or D-Rays) you're sad to see it go. Only those three teams has a losing record vs. the NL. If not for the ChiSox 4-14 record, the AL margin of victory would have been much higher than .544...
There are many flaws within the interleague system with the biggest being the DH. Do we really want to see pitchers hitting? With what appears to be a significant NL advantage, at least the records say differently. But that may also point to the AL as having more overall talent. The second biggest problem is the "natural" rivals. Outside of a handful of examples; Mets-Yanks, Cubs-ChiSox, etc, there aren't many compelling match-ups. For example, Red Sox fans don't want to see the Braves anymore.
These match-ups also allow for an unbalanced schedule. It really becomes a big deal when a division or playoff spot is decided by a game or two. What if you play a team that grinds out each win and wears you down, and your rival plays a cream puff and allows the pen to get rest? While it's great to play a team you never get to see, it just feels broken. Stick to Division A vs Division B and be done with it. MLB has failed at creating new rivalries - they have to create themselves.
Change the system boys. It's time...
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Rocket crashes Yanks back to .500...
The savior isn't living up to his namesake just yet... The mighty Rocket can't play the role of stopper and prevent the sweep. Off to a 1-2 record with a 4.86 ERA isn't exactly what you bargained for? Nice crash Roger...
It's been a quiet a few days now that the Yanks "recharged" offense has sputtered to 5 runs over 3 games. Isn't Colorado the home of home runs? What an embarassing performance. Looks like that big push to get back in the AL East race is back to a goof. Must be frustrating to reel off 9 straight and then serve up a 3 game sweep.
It's back to status quo for the 2007 bombers - dancing near the .500 mark and double digits behind the leader. But don't worry Yanks fans, they'll put toghether a win streak here or there just enough to keep you interested. Then they'll tank it once you're riding high.
By the way, ESPN is taking shots at your team. Great front page & article on the woes of Pavano. Ouch...
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=pavanoEnjoy the rest of 2007...
Monday, June 18, 2007
Bonds makes his way thru Fenway.
The Barry Bonds home run tour finally made its way thru the fens. He was greeted with the same boos he’s been hearing at every other ballpark except of course, his home stadium. Not to mention some creative signs. The asterisks are the way to go…
He wasn’t able to do much damage although he went 3 for 9, with 3 walks, and of course, a HR. He hit number 748 off Wakefield and could surpass Aaron before the trading deadline.
Until then we’ll have the shameless ESPN nightly Bonds watch. Now, you can’t blame ESPN for being a ratings whore in this situation, but it doesn’t mean we have to like it. At least they cancelled “Bonds on Bonds”.
The good news (not really “good”)
The road to 22 homers is almost two thirds of the way there. As of mid June, Bonds is averaging a home run a little over 4 games. Using strictly math, Bonds is on pace to hit 38, and his record breaking homer should happen late during game #92 on July 18th vs. the Cubs. At 41, even Teddy Ballgame only hit 29 homers. Point is at least it will be OVER sooner rather than later!!!
When will it really happen?
His actual trend is to hit homers in bunches and then have a drought when he hits none. There’s also the argument about WHERE he will hit it. Most people think that there is no way he’ll hit it away from home. Some others think he’s just brazen enough to hit it regardless of where he is. Best guess is during the home series from July 23rd thru July 29th. After that, try Aug 6th thru Aug 12th… (That is - barring any injury or positive test)
Why don’t we like this guy?
ME, ME, ME. He’s standoffish, antagonistic, and is basically a selfish jerk. He knowingly used steroids, denied knowledge of what the cream & clear was, and proceeded to throw his long time friend under the bus to save his own skin. Many believe that he was driven by the bright light that shined on McGuire & Sosa during the epic HR race. This situation is entirely self-created. Barry Bonds is a one way street. How appropriate was the name of his ESPN documentary/reality debacle “Bonds on Bonds”? He’s just not likeable. All this without mention of his moral & legal transgressions…
It’s just a shame
Bonds would easily have made the Hall without steroids. His numbers were outstanding prior to the cream & the clear. Didn’t notice your hat size growing?
Americans love when records are broken – especially the landmark ones. The most revered record in all of sports is about to be captured by a cheater. That’s the bottom line. It’s tarnished even more so due to his despicable character. Will the record ever be the same, say if someone like A-Rod eclipses it? Only time will tell, but it may be tarnished for good.
He wasn’t able to do much damage although he went 3 for 9, with 3 walks, and of course, a HR. He hit number 748 off Wakefield and could surpass Aaron before the trading deadline.
Until then we’ll have the shameless ESPN nightly Bonds watch. Now, you can’t blame ESPN for being a ratings whore in this situation, but it doesn’t mean we have to like it. At least they cancelled “Bonds on Bonds”.
The good news (not really “good”)
The road to 22 homers is almost two thirds of the way there. As of mid June, Bonds is averaging a home run a little over 4 games. Using strictly math, Bonds is on pace to hit 38, and his record breaking homer should happen late during game #92 on July 18th vs. the Cubs. At 41, even Teddy Ballgame only hit 29 homers. Point is at least it will be OVER sooner rather than later!!!
When will it really happen?
His actual trend is to hit homers in bunches and then have a drought when he hits none. There’s also the argument about WHERE he will hit it. Most people think that there is no way he’ll hit it away from home. Some others think he’s just brazen enough to hit it regardless of where he is. Best guess is during the home series from July 23rd thru July 29th. After that, try Aug 6th thru Aug 12th… (That is - barring any injury or positive test)
Why don’t we like this guy?
ME, ME, ME. He’s standoffish, antagonistic, and is basically a selfish jerk. He knowingly used steroids, denied knowledge of what the cream & clear was, and proceeded to throw his long time friend under the bus to save his own skin. Many believe that he was driven by the bright light that shined on McGuire & Sosa during the epic HR race. This situation is entirely self-created. Barry Bonds is a one way street. How appropriate was the name of his ESPN documentary/reality debacle “Bonds on Bonds”? He’s just not likeable. All this without mention of his moral & legal transgressions…
It’s just a shame
Bonds would easily have made the Hall without steroids. His numbers were outstanding prior to the cream & the clear. Didn’t notice your hat size growing?
Americans love when records are broken – especially the landmark ones. The most revered record in all of sports is about to be captured by a cheater. That’s the bottom line. It’s tarnished even more so due to his despicable character. Will the record ever be the same, say if someone like A-Rod eclipses it? Only time will tell, but it may be tarnished for good.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Yankees Reach .500! The Yankees Reach .500!
Woo hoo!!! Clear the streets, and get ready for the parade! Ticker tape for everyone!
Congrats Yankee fans, your team has officially reached mediocrity - and it took 7 straight to get there. They finally beat a real team. Good for you. Looks like Abreu just found the HGH in Giambi's locker. Or is Posada finally sharing?
Now the pressure is on to stay above .500. Can they do it? You may have to wait until the Mets series is over. But with 10 games upcoming with Oak, Minn, and the Angels don't count on it.
Clemens get his first real test on Fri. We'll shut the site down for a week if he finishes 6 full innings.
Congrats Yankee fans, your team has officially reached mediocrity - and it took 7 straight to get there. They finally beat a real team. Good for you. Looks like Abreu just found the HGH in Giambi's locker. Or is Posada finally sharing?
Now the pressure is on to stay above .500. Can they do it? You may have to wait until the Mets series is over. But with 10 games upcoming with Oak, Minn, and the Angels don't count on it.
Clemens get his first real test on Fri. We'll shut the site down for a week if he finishes 6 full innings.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Rocket re-launch brings hope...
Yanks find themselves rolling for the first time all season. Their new super savior in Clemens has arrived, fatigued groin and all, and still managed to get them a win. Optimism is alive and sprouting for the moment in NY.
While six straight is nice in the short run, let’s take a peek against the competition shall we? The struggling ChiSox are in the midst of a 3-12 slump. The Pirates, perennial doormats, have gone 4-10. After all this success, the Yanks still haven’t been able to peek above .500. Must be difficult to take.
Clemens did pitch relatively well, but who doesn’t against the AAA Pirates at home. He wasn’t horrible his first time back, but he did have 80+ pitches after 4. He’s going to give you a consistent 5+ innings most nights. While that’s an upgrade over the guys they’ve been trotting out there, it still leaves a hole in the pen, and questions about his physical breakdowns will
continue to linger.
According to Torre, “Roger doesn't have to be Superman, just Reliable Man”. OK Joe. Let’s see how he stacks up against the Mets in round 2. Probably more like “Rubber Man” with that hammy… Maybe we’ll see some t-shirts in the house?
While six straight is nice in the short run, let’s take a peek against the competition shall we? The struggling ChiSox are in the midst of a 3-12 slump. The Pirates, perennial doormats, have gone 4-10. After all this success, the Yanks still haven’t been able to peek above .500. Must be difficult to take.
Clemens did pitch relatively well, but who doesn’t against the AAA Pirates at home. He wasn’t horrible his first time back, but he did have 80+ pitches after 4. He’s going to give you a consistent 5+ innings most nights. While that’s an upgrade over the guys they’ve been trotting out there, it still leaves a hole in the pen, and questions about his physical breakdowns will
continue to linger.According to Torre, “Roger doesn't have to be Superman, just Reliable Man”. OK Joe. Let’s see how he stacks up against the Mets in round 2. Probably more like “Rubber Man” with that hammy… Maybe we’ll see some t-shirts in the house?
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