Phillies @ MindSay 
mets
Beginnings.
Hello, Spring.
Opening Day is officially tomorrow, but I'm watching the Phils play an exhibition game against their new minor league team affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
I love this time of year. The promise of sunny days at the ballpark, eating hotdogs and drinking beers, waving foam fingers and sharing high-fives with friends and strangers. Playing hooky from school or work, trading in the pens and keyboards in favor of a well-oiled glove and the hope of catching a stray foul ball.
Time to gear up, baseball fans! :) I missed out on all of this last year, but I'm determined to get out to a game or two (or three) this season.
iFeel:
energetic
iTunes: Jimmy knocking one out into left field
Opening Day is officially tomorrow, but I'm watching the Phils play an exhibition game against their new minor league team affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
I love this time of year. The promise of sunny days at the ballpark, eating hotdogs and drinking beers, waving foam fingers and sharing high-fives with friends and strangers. Playing hooky from school or work, trading in the pens and keyboards in favor of a well-oiled glove and the hope of catching a stray foul ball.
Time to gear up, baseball fans! :) I missed out on all of this last year, but I'm determined to get out to a game or two (or three) this season.
iFeel:
energeticiTunes: Jimmy knocking one out into left field
MLB Playoffs
American League
Red Sox lead the Angels 2-0 in the series.
Indians lead the Yankees 2-0 in the series.
National League
Diamondbacks lead the Cubs 2-0 in the series.
Rockies lead the Phillies 2-0 in the series.
The National League resumes play today.
MLB Playoff Prognosis: Part 1
Being a nerd who thinks that a few people actually read this tripe, allow me for a moment to offer up my first of what might become daily 2007 MLB Playoff Daily Prognosis.
Rockies versus Phillies Stupid TBS. Off course, this was the game I was most interested in and it was broadcast while I was at work. Grrrr. Anyway, though I really like the makeup of the Rockies' offense, I thought the Phillies had the advantage and more experience. Thus far, the Rockies are playing like a team possessed. Todd Helton appears to be making the most of this October. I am blown away by the fact that Rollins, Victorino, Utley and Howard whiffed as much as they did. More than that, Chase Utley going down swinging four times on 13 pitches...are you serious? A bit of a surprise, but I am anticipating and much more intense Game 2 later today.
Angels versus Red Sox On paper, this should have been a classic pitching dual. Two of the absolute best in baseball squaring off at Fenway. Instead, John Lackey looked lost from the first pitch while Josh Beckett looked absolutely fearless. Breaking it down more specifically, Lackey seemed to have trouble painting the corners, his off speed stuff was dead flat and he just looked overmatched. Beckett, on the other hand, threw 18 consecutive first-pitch strikes, topped the radar gun at 98 MPH, had pinpoint command, his off speed stuff was ridiculous and he was throwing a cutter with a vengeance. A few times, his cut fastball was biting so hard on the inside to right handed hitters, it was practically crawling underneath their armpits. Just brutal. The Angels scattered 4 hits off of Beckett, each one more meaningless than the one before it. Any team in the NL that advances to the World Series better hope against hope itself that they don't draw against Boston because if Josh Beckett if 1/16 as good as he was last night, I'm picking the Red Sox to win in 4.
Cubs versus Diamondbacks Another hyped pitcher's dual that had all the makings of a classic. Carlos Zambrano had to prove he could pitch on the big stage after a poor 2003 post-season while Brandon Webb was smelling October baseball for the first time ever. At the outset, Brandon Webb looked cool and collected and his sinker was proof that he was going to be tough. Watch his fastball barely reach 90 MPH made me wonder how this kid won a Cy Young Award...until I saw his sinker. That thing is deadly and he made the Cubs' best hitters look silly with it more than a few times. Add in that looping breaking ball and now I see why Webb is amongst the best in the National League. Zambrano started out shaky and looked obviously nervous, sweating profusely and constantly adjusting his pelvic region. However, after a shaky 1st inning or two, he settled in and did his thing. His slider had excellent movement, he moved the ball all over the zone and blew hitters away, one after the other. The Achilles Heal in this game for the Cubs was two-fold. First, the Diamondbacks are so young and such a raw collective talent, they seem to play completely unaware of the magnitude of the situation. They look like they have no idea what they've gotten themselves into. The second and most obvious was yanking Zambrano after the 6th inning. Once he settled in, he was dealing and getting better with each passing inning. Piniella went to the unexperienced guy too song and it bit him hard. Tonight's Game 2 should be interesting.
Rockies versus Phillies Stupid TBS. Off course, this was the game I was most interested in and it was broadcast while I was at work. Grrrr. Anyway, though I really like the makeup of the Rockies' offense, I thought the Phillies had the advantage and more experience. Thus far, the Rockies are playing like a team possessed. Todd Helton appears to be making the most of this October. I am blown away by the fact that Rollins, Victorino, Utley and Howard whiffed as much as they did. More than that, Chase Utley going down swinging four times on 13 pitches...are you serious? A bit of a surprise, but I am anticipating and much more intense Game 2 later today.
Angels versus Red Sox On paper, this should have been a classic pitching dual. Two of the absolute best in baseball squaring off at Fenway. Instead, John Lackey looked lost from the first pitch while Josh Beckett looked absolutely fearless. Breaking it down more specifically, Lackey seemed to have trouble painting the corners, his off speed stuff was dead flat and he just looked overmatched. Beckett, on the other hand, threw 18 consecutive first-pitch strikes, topped the radar gun at 98 MPH, had pinpoint command, his off speed stuff was ridiculous and he was throwing a cutter with a vengeance. A few times, his cut fastball was biting so hard on the inside to right handed hitters, it was practically crawling underneath their armpits. Just brutal. The Angels scattered 4 hits off of Beckett, each one more meaningless than the one before it. Any team in the NL that advances to the World Series better hope against hope itself that they don't draw against Boston because if Josh Beckett if 1/16 as good as he was last night, I'm picking the Red Sox to win in 4.
Cubs versus Diamondbacks Another hyped pitcher's dual that had all the makings of a classic. Carlos Zambrano had to prove he could pitch on the big stage after a poor 2003 post-season while Brandon Webb was smelling October baseball for the first time ever. At the outset, Brandon Webb looked cool and collected and his sinker was proof that he was going to be tough. Watch his fastball barely reach 90 MPH made me wonder how this kid won a Cy Young Award...until I saw his sinker. That thing is deadly and he made the Cubs' best hitters look silly with it more than a few times. Add in that looping breaking ball and now I see why Webb is amongst the best in the National League. Zambrano started out shaky and looked obviously nervous, sweating profusely and constantly adjusting his pelvic region. However, after a shaky 1st inning or two, he settled in and did his thing. His slider had excellent movement, he moved the ball all over the zone and blew hitters away, one after the other. The Achilles Heal in this game for the Cubs was two-fold. First, the Diamondbacks are so young and such a raw collective talent, they seem to play completely unaware of the magnitude of the situation. They look like they have no idea what they've gotten themselves into. The second and most obvious was yanking Zambrano after the 6th inning. Once he settled in, he was dealing and getting better with each passing inning. Piniella went to the unexperienced guy too song and it bit him hard. Tonight's Game 2 should be interesting.
Life Will Prove Me Hideously Wrong
Before I make my post-season predictions, I would just like to say that I am sad that the Brewers fell apart in the home stretch. Maybe Ned Yost is not the guy after all? Some evidence points to this and causes me to believe that it might be time to hand the Brew Crew off to Mr. Robin Yount in 2008.
Ok, let's kick it!
Tonight: Padres vs. Rockies
Phew! This is the most exciting thing to happen in baseball since about mid-May, hands down. One team is a perennial contender who bows out too early and the other is the biggest surprise in the National League. Personally, there is a ton at stake with the Rockies not only having home field advantage but also tremendous momentum. I think that the Padres and Rockies are going to put together a true classic tonight with several lead changes. Both pitchers are bound to get tagged and the result will come down to the bullpens. In the end, I think the Rockies formidable offense prevails and sends Mr. Todd Helton off to play in Philadelphia this Wednesday eve.
NLDS
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks
Of all the playoff series' in Round 1, this one appears the least exciting and most lopsided. The D'Backs are super talented but terribly young. The Cubs are stocked with names, many of them somewhat overrated, and despite the names and ridiculous payroll, they are clearly the worst playoff team in quite a while, besting the '06 Cardinals in that category. Brandon Webb, if he pitches to his capabilities, will shut down the Cubs' streaky offense. Carlos Zambrano is going to press too much and disappoint as he did in 2003. Still, I think the Cubs win it in 5 due to the D'Backs' lack of veteran presence.
Phillies vs. Rockies (Padres)
No matter who the opponent is, I see the Phillies dominating this series with a vengeance. Against San Diego, they will be forced to hit smarter. Against the Rockies, it'll turn into a slugfest. Still, I think the Phillies have JUST ENOUGH pitching to keep them in it with Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer and co. being able to pitch at their own pace as the offense destroys everything in it's path. The Phillies have too much momentum right to be stopped dead in their tracks. Plus, they kick off at home. Phillies in 4.
ALDS
Indians vs. Yankees
GAWD!!!! You have no idea how badly that I hope to be wrong. Despite their being AL Central rivals, I really like to makeup of the Tribe. Excellent gap-to-gap power, decent speed and right in-between young and veteran. They have a multitude of talent that is exciting to watch, even as opponents. Still, the Yankees look like a team willing to go all out for one last hurrah in this era of their franchise. If CC Sabathia can shut the Yankees down, the Indians have a good shot. Otherwise, the Yankees will sadly prevail.
Angels vs. Red Sox
Easily the best series in the AL. Both teams have pitching depth to spare. The Red Sox have a better offense in terms of power but the Angels have more or less been together since 2002 and are prime for a serious run. Also, Vlad Guerrero is due for a big October after two disappointments in 2004 and 2005. Something tells me that the Angels will shock the world and slay the giant this time around in 5.
NLCS
Cubs vs. Phillies
Neither team has good pitching. The Cubs do get the edge here on paper but again, after spending $400 million dollars in less than 12 months, they only won 85 games which is pathetic. Perhaps they just are not that good? I don't think so. The Phillies are younger, faster and equal in power to the Cubs. Plus, something stupid is bound to occur at Wrigley. Phillies in 6 games.
ALCS
Yankees vs. Angels
Power vs. pitching and in the past 5 or 6 seasons, the Angels have consistently embarrassed the Bombers. I see no reason why this should not continue. The Angels will outpitch and overrun the Yankees with youth, speed and timely hitting. It'll go close to the full 7 games but the Angels will have home field on their side. Besides, the Halos play well at Yankee Stadium.
World Series
Angels vs. Phillies
If my predictions hammer out clean (which they won't), this will turn out to be a surprisingly good series, I think. The Angels will suffer having to play in cold weather while the Phillies will be facing some of the best pitching in the game. Still, the Angels seem to persevere well anywhere while the Phils seem to give every team a run for their money with their superb offense. If the Angels can contain Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, this series will be won easily enough for the Angels. On the flipside, the Phillies are out to prove that they are the real deal after a legendary run to the title in the past 2 weeks to overrun the heavily favored Mets. I probably won't get this series but to me, this one could be the stuff of legends. Barring an upset though, I see the Angels winning the whole thing in October.
Ok, let's kick it!
Tonight: Padres vs. Rockies
Phew! This is the most exciting thing to happen in baseball since about mid-May, hands down. One team is a perennial contender who bows out too early and the other is the biggest surprise in the National League. Personally, there is a ton at stake with the Rockies not only having home field advantage but also tremendous momentum. I think that the Padres and Rockies are going to put together a true classic tonight with several lead changes. Both pitchers are bound to get tagged and the result will come down to the bullpens. In the end, I think the Rockies formidable offense prevails and sends Mr. Todd Helton off to play in Philadelphia this Wednesday eve.
NLDS
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks
Of all the playoff series' in Round 1, this one appears the least exciting and most lopsided. The D'Backs are super talented but terribly young. The Cubs are stocked with names, many of them somewhat overrated, and despite the names and ridiculous payroll, they are clearly the worst playoff team in quite a while, besting the '06 Cardinals in that category. Brandon Webb, if he pitches to his capabilities, will shut down the Cubs' streaky offense. Carlos Zambrano is going to press too much and disappoint as he did in 2003. Still, I think the Cubs win it in 5 due to the D'Backs' lack of veteran presence.
Phillies vs. Rockies (Padres)
No matter who the opponent is, I see the Phillies dominating this series with a vengeance. Against San Diego, they will be forced to hit smarter. Against the Rockies, it'll turn into a slugfest. Still, I think the Phillies have JUST ENOUGH pitching to keep them in it with Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer and co. being able to pitch at their own pace as the offense destroys everything in it's path. The Phillies have too much momentum right to be stopped dead in their tracks. Plus, they kick off at home. Phillies in 4.
ALDS
Indians vs. Yankees
GAWD!!!! You have no idea how badly that I hope to be wrong. Despite their being AL Central rivals, I really like to makeup of the Tribe. Excellent gap-to-gap power, decent speed and right in-between young and veteran. They have a multitude of talent that is exciting to watch, even as opponents. Still, the Yankees look like a team willing to go all out for one last hurrah in this era of their franchise. If CC Sabathia can shut the Yankees down, the Indians have a good shot. Otherwise, the Yankees will sadly prevail.
Angels vs. Red Sox
Easily the best series in the AL. Both teams have pitching depth to spare. The Red Sox have a better offense in terms of power but the Angels have more or less been together since 2002 and are prime for a serious run. Also, Vlad Guerrero is due for a big October after two disappointments in 2004 and 2005. Something tells me that the Angels will shock the world and slay the giant this time around in 5.
NLCS
Cubs vs. Phillies
Neither team has good pitching. The Cubs do get the edge here on paper but again, after spending $400 million dollars in less than 12 months, they only won 85 games which is pathetic. Perhaps they just are not that good? I don't think so. The Phillies are younger, faster and equal in power to the Cubs. Plus, something stupid is bound to occur at Wrigley. Phillies in 6 games.
ALCS
Yankees vs. Angels
Power vs. pitching and in the past 5 or 6 seasons, the Angels have consistently embarrassed the Bombers. I see no reason why this should not continue. The Angels will outpitch and overrun the Yankees with youth, speed and timely hitting. It'll go close to the full 7 games but the Angels will have home field on their side. Besides, the Halos play well at Yankee Stadium.
World Series
Angels vs. Phillies
If my predictions hammer out clean (which they won't), this will turn out to be a surprisingly good series, I think. The Angels will suffer having to play in cold weather while the Phillies will be facing some of the best pitching in the game. Still, the Angels seem to persevere well anywhere while the Phils seem to give every team a run for their money with their superb offense. If the Angels can contain Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, this series will be won easily enough for the Angels. On the flipside, the Phillies are out to prove that they are the real deal after a legendary run to the title in the past 2 weeks to overrun the heavily favored Mets. I probably won't get this series but to me, this one could be the stuff of legends. Barring an upset though, I see the Angels winning the whole thing in October.
Showing 1 - 5. [ Next ]
Quick Links
Latest Comment
Re: Trained robots? - p.s I'm going to add you to my contacts list thinger thing, because this video is the...
| Terms of Service
| Privacy Policy