MLB 2009 PREVIEW

AL MVP
1. Ian Kinsler (Projections: .326, 27 HR, 91 RBI)


NL MVP
1. Albert Pujols (.340, 43 HR, 134 RBI)


AL Cy Young
CC Sabathia (20-8, 235 SO, 3.06 ERA)

NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana (19-6, 225 SO, 2.73 ERA)


AL PREDICTIONS
East: Yanks
Central: Indians
West: Angels
Wild Card: Red Sox

NL PREDICTIONS
East: Mets
Central: Cubs
West: Dodgers
Wild Card: Phillies

ALCS
Yankees over Red Sox

NLCS
Phillies over Dodgers

WORLD SERIES
Yanks over Phillies

Note: I am not going to take the WBC seriously until the USA sends its best possible players. Will the real team USA stand up?

THE KID RETURNS

Ken "Don't need PED's" Griffey Junior officially returned to Seattle, the place where it all started. If you watched Griffey in his glory days, before injury filled Cincy, you will never forget  him. Put aside all of his awards and stats, there was something about him, something you don't see in A-Rod or Bonds. Something magical. He was like no other. His raw talent was just amazing. His character was too. And unlike many, he decided to keep away from PED's. He decided to give up a lot more dingers, years, fame. I mean, imagine what they could have done for him. I bet he'd have that HR record right now, having avoided all of those injuries. But no. Because he loved and respected one thing: baseball. And once he is gone, he will be gone. And baseball will miss him badly. He represents a different time. And it has passed. Junior is gonna play his best ball in years. I can feel it.
The swing. The magic. The talent. The kid. Baseball. Seems like so long ago we saw number 24 playing in centerfield... Seattle's fairy tale and Cincy's fable, the two halves that make up of Juniors career.
"This is my home. This is where I'm happiest."
 -Junior on finally arriving in Cincy. Didn't work out too well did it?

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD STARTS

Good starts in baseball are under rated. See, a lot of the divisions are decided by only two or three games. Thats the difference between 162 wasted games, or the possibility of something more. Look at the Yanks: they started off the 2008 season terrible, going into the break barely over .500. In the 2nd half they played just as well as the Sox and Rays, but still were playing catch up ball. The point I'm trying to make is this: play good, the whole season. Because unless you are the Rockies (or in the NL West), it's gonna be a lot harder to come out on top after a bad start. Catch up ball isn't fun.
Another example: the 2008 Tigers started off the season terrible and could never get back on track.
"I expect to have a great start," Teixeira said. "I expect to go out there and open the season with a bunch of wins and playing great baseball. If it doesn't happen, then I know I'm going to make up for it later in the season. But I expect to have a great start."

SABATHIA LOOKING GOOD

CC Sabathia took his first bullpen session today, and many sources said he looked good. After that contract, he better look fricken good. But will he look good come September? Will he still look good after 500+ innings over the last two years? Will he still put up huge numbers against the fearsome AL East? I don't know. But I hope so. He has Tex, A-Rod, and others to help him along the way though. And that will help, a lot. And even if he doesn't earn his pinstripes, he can always just buy them with all that money (hope it doesn't resort to that). I think he'll do good in New York, because he's fit for that kinda NY pressure and can carry a team on his back, literally. Unless he joins A-Rod and epic fails in October again that is...
These Yankees are going to be fun to watch. I can't wait. 

Projections: 20-8, 235 K, 3.24 ERA

Around the MLB:

-Hank Aaron said that the HR record is Barry Bonds' record, and his alone. Way to go Hank. Steroids don't buy you all those 761 dingers, and we all know that. And he hasn't been proven guilty yet.... even though the thought is laughable. I hate the people who say all of Barry's and A-Rod's numbers should be erased. Thats just idiotic and not fair.

-Bud Selig said that A-Rod has shamed the game, while Joe Torre said all his numbers are tainted. No Joe. No. But is it really believable that A-Rod has been clean all of his years in New York? Not really, and he couldn't have had put more pressure on himself after saying his job was to put more rings in Derek Jeter's hand. And it's not like he said that in Texas, he said it in the god damn ultimate pressure town.
-Spring Training has started, and Manny "I'm a five tool player" Ramirez still hasn't signed. No worries, say  the Dodgers. We are sure that Manny is coming back to LA. And what if he signs with the Giants? That would be funny. Now that would be Manny.

-Adam Dunn is a Nat. Doesn't look like he cares too much about being on a contender after all... his sole job in this life is just to either hit one deep, or swing and miss. Bobby Abreu and Tex basically switched places this offseason. Not that fair of a swap... even though Bobby is a great run producer. But he ain't no Tex, that's for sure.

"I WAS STUPID"

In an interview with Peter Gammons, A-Rod admitted that he took steroids for all of his time, 3 years, with the Rangers. This is what he said:
"When I arrived in Texas in 2001, I felt an enormous amount of pressure. I needed to perform, and perform at a high level every day," Rodriguez said. "Back then, [baseball] was a different culture. It was very loose. I was young, I was stupid, I was naïve. I wanted to prove to everyone I was worth being one of the greatest players of all time."
He also said that all of his years in New York have been clean, that he took the drugs to come out of a neck injury (everyone says that), and that he is deeply regretful for his time in Texas. One of the things I thought was a little dumb on his part was blaming his use on feeling a lot of pressure and being young and stupid. The truth is that every player knows why he he is juicing, and it's not because of injuries. They also know that using is bad and will forever stain your accomplishments. So don't go around with that pressure BS. Just admit that it was your fault and nobody else's. And he didn't need the damn edge, because he has had it since T-Ball. And that was the thing about A-Rod. He was the Chosen One... now, he is just one of them.
"There's no pressure on you if you sign a $250 million contract. What pressure do you have? It's guaranteed. You break your leg the next day and you get $250 million. There's no pressure in that,"  George Brett, former Royals superstar, said on Tuesday. What? Of course you are going to feel pressure when you get that big of a contract! Not like I'm siding with A-Rod though, far from it...
But at least he has proved that he is smarter then most, especially Bonds and Clemens.
When he denied ever using 'roids to Katie Couric on CBS in 2007, he says he wasn't being truthful to himself, so how could he be truthful to Couric? Ok.... how did he remember now?

Sad, sad , sad. I agree with A-Rod. He was a young, naive, idiot. He did the right thing, coming out and being a man. They should let him in the Hall, because him (and Bonds: I don't care about steroids, to hit 73 dingers while getting walked that much is just inhuman) are still great players unlike 'roid robots like McGwire and Sosa. He basically even said, look at my consistency from the Mariners to the Yankees and you will see what you will see. Face it, a couple of years can't buy you that many homers and hits. A-Rod also still has a couple more years to prove that he still is one of the greatest players of all time, with or without PED's. They deserve to be in the Hall, plain and simple. See, more then half of the league uses steroids, so if you are not going to let some in, then you shouldn't let any. I think he'll be okay. If he breaks Bonds' record his mark won't be tainted that much, but it still will be in the minds of many. This will blow away after a couple of years, trust me. He will out shadow it with a couple more amazing seasons, and it will slowly become a footnote in his great career. But, still...

His career is not ruined, but his legacy is.
This is what Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt said on the situation to MLB.com:

"The ones that have come out and admitted it, and are proven guilty, [their numbers] should not count. I've been cheated out of the game," Oswalt continued. "This is my ninth year, and I've done nothing to enhance my performance, other than work my butt off to get guys out. These guys [who took PEDs] have all the talent in the world. All-Star talent. And they put times two on it. I'm going out there with the ability God gave me. They have that ability, too, and they're putting something on top of it."
He is right on one hand, but is totally crazy on the other hand. Erase all their numbers? Is he retarded? Bonds and A-Rod with no homers? Clemens and Pettitte with no wins? Yeah, that is what he is saying. Idiotic.
And I would like to see all those other goddamn 103 players... Tex? Pujols? Wouldn't doubt it. 

A-Rod in Seattle. Note that he is much skinnier and his face is more oval shaped








A-Rod with the Rangers during 'roid period, 2002. Note that his face is much more bloated and pregnant looking then in Seattle. His production spike is also huge, though a lot because he was 26, 27 and 28 and played at a hitters ballpark.

A-Rod with the Yanks, 2004. His face is again oval shaped and not preggy looking. He is clean.

REPORT: A-ROD USED IN 2003

Jose Canseco was right: A-Rod did take steroids, in 2003 (the year he won the first of three MVP awards). The breaking news is spreading all over the internet. His career may be stained forever. He juiced for one year, and now he is suddenly not Hall of Fame worthy. Crazy. One year of roids doesn't buy you 553 HR and a lifetime BA of .306. Not that I'm saying it's not a bad thing. This is a good quote:
"I'd go and inject him personally if it would make him hit in the playoffs."
Me too! Just kidding. But boy do I wish those baseball books by Dan Gutman for kids were real (my nephew reads them), for I would go back in time with a 2002 A-Rod card and tell him personally "Don't even think about taking roids, you don't need them and it will create a huge fuss." In other words, "Don't be an idiot."

There are still number of questions floating around. Is A-Rod still stealing from the cookie jar? What will baseball do? How will A-Rod respond? The best thing to me if I were A-Rod to do is to just be a man, come clean, and apoligize (if it is indeed true). I have a theory on guilty and innocent: the guilty are quiet and scared, while the innocent is loud and rage full, very angry that they are getting the treatment of a guilty man. A-Rod has only said about the SI report two things: "You'll have to talk to the union." and "I'm not saying anything." Doesn't sound like the innocent man now does he?

MLB should just try to move past this over hyped incident. And until evidence comes out that A-Rod has used more then just 2003, he is still a sure Hall of Famer in my book. Let's hope he gets past this, does good this season, and avoids the newspaper headlines saying NO GOOD WITHOUT ROIDS? and other crap.

Back in the old days players like Mantle and Koufax played for pride, honor, and the love of the game -- now players like Bonds and Giambi just play for money and fame. Where have you gone, Joe Dimaggio?

BI will continue to cover this story, so check in later.

BEST SUPER BOWL EVER???!!!

Some are calling this years Super Bowl the greatest and most thrilling Super Bowl ever. Uhhh... no. This years Super Bowl is defiantly not the best Super Bowl ever. Not a chance. NO WAY. And now let me explain...

See, the game itself was not at all interesting until the second half, with the Steelers whipping the Cards most of the game. The only play in the 1st half that was memorable was the pick6 by Harrison. Then the 2nd half began. The 3rd quarter was... again boring. The only score was a field goal, and it looked like game over at quarters end. But yes, the 4th quarter was amazing. It is the greatest 4th quarter of a Super Bowl ever. On second thought... DAVID TYREE.

Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said Holmes' catch and Harrison's pick6 were the greatest catch and play ever in a Super Bowl. Wait, has everybody like totally forgotten last years game? Cough* cough*, David Tyree, Eli Manning...

Joe Henderson of the Tampa Tribune said that the game was so good, you can just stop watching Super Bowls- - because nothing can top it. What? Why the hell is this guy a professional writer? I'm disgusted.

And now people are trying to say the Steelers are the best team of this decade. Give me a break. Better then the Patriots? First of all, the Pats have won more Super Bowls, and in my opinion the 2007 New England team is the best ever. Second of all, other then four good seasons (2001, 2004, 2005, 2008), the Steelers haven't been that great from season to season. And third of all, if it weren't for the Steelers defense, they would suck. That simple. And don't even get me started on the machines offense and defense put together during there glory days... I don't even think the Steelers are the best franchise ever, because one more Super Bowl doesn't change that much. I believe any 49ers Super Bowl team would beat any Super Bowl Steelers team. Because offense wins games, remember that.
MY TOP SIX SUPER BOWLS (not counting NFL Championship Games)

1. 49ers vs Bengals If you really want to see the greatest Super Bowl ever, watch the 1988 Super Bowl between the 49ers and the Bengals. Now that was a classic. Any other team would have needed a miracle, but the 49ers had Montana.

2. Giants vs Patriots Eli Manning transformed his career, David Tyree became a legend, and the Giants shocked the world by beating the previously unbeaten Patriots. New York vs Boston for one of the greatest Super Bowls ever. New York! New York! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr2gReheoNw 

3. Rams vs Titans It looked like overtime, but then Mike Jones made the most clutch tackle ever. THE TACKLE lives on. But who really won the game for the Rams? Kurt warner, Kurt Warner, Kurt Warner. Anybody else maybe? Yeah, Kurt Warner.

4. Broncos vs Packers John Elway finally completed the quest, and boy was it a journey (he must have thanked Terrell Davis like 10 times after the game).... Defiantly one of the most action-packed, high scoring Super Bowls, but would you call it the best? I wouldn't, but it's close.

5. Cardinals vs Steelers Steve Young said Big Ben looked Montana-like, and who better to know? Larry Fitz was amazing (again), Big Ben was larger then life (like always), and Kurt Warner once again experienced a heart breaking Super Bowl loss.

6. The biggest upset ever in sports other then "The Miracle on Ice", the Jets (18 point underdogs) humiliated the Colts and changed the AFL from a nothing league to NFL status. Super Bowl III may not have been the most intense and fast paced Super Bowl, but it was beautifully played and had lots of drama. Joe Namath running off the field with his index finger up signaling "number one" is the most picture perfect New York kinda moment. I guarantee it.

SUPER BOWL RECAP

Until that crazy and very very very intense 4th quarter, I thought this years Super Bowl between the Cardinals and Steelers was boring and not going to be remembered. I was wrong, but I don't think I was the only one wrong. Now the only thing I can say is: wow. That's all. The matchup wasn't at all interesting, but the game itself may have been the most exciting Super Bowl ever. The 1st half wasn't that exciting, with Pittsburgh mainly controlling the ball and having a 20-7 lead at half. But the Cardinals came out of the half roaring, and when I say roaring, I mean roaring! Larry Fitz went from having only 1 catch with no TD for 12 yards to 7 catches with 2 TD and 127 yards in only a span of about 1 quarter. Kurt Warner wasn't bad in the 1st half, but in the 2nd he once again had one of the greatest Super Bowl performances ever by a QB (Fitz helped him a lot though!) Big Ben looked nothing like he had back in Super Bowl 40 (9-for-21, 2 INT, 123 YDS), coming up huge in big situations (Steve Young said he looked Montana-like, and I think he knows what he's talking about). James Harrison looked like Usain Bolt sprinting down the line for a pick6 at the end of the 1st half, while Santonio Holmes' (MVP) winning TD grab with 42 seconds left must have looked like a beautiful painting to Steelers fans. Yup, Holmes outdid the great Larry Fitzgerald (barely). Overall this Super Bowl was one of the, if not the most, exciting games ever. It will probably be overshadowed in the future by last years game (New York vs Boston, David Tyree, Eli Manning, 18-1, etc.), but this years Super Bowl was great. An old dynasty is young again.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, check out these weird and very alike stats and predictions down below:

Steelers Passing: Big Ben 21-for-30, 1 TD, 1 INT, 256 YDS

My Prediction: Big Ben 21-for-31, 2 TD, 255 YDS

Steelers Rushing: Willie Parker 19 rushes, 53 YDS

My Prediction: Willie Parker 19 rushes, 66 YDS, 1 TD

Cardinals Passing: Kurt Warner 31-for-43, 3 TD, 1 INT, 377 YDS

My Prediction: Kurt Warner 24-for-36, 3 TD, 2 INT, 278 YDS

Cards Rushing: Edgerin James 9 rushes, 33 YDS

My Prediction: Edgerin James 13 rushes, 52 YDS

Cards Receiving: Larry Fitzgerald 7 catches, 2 TD, 127 YDS

My Prediction: Larry Fitz 12 catches, 2 TD, 121 YDS

Score: Steelers 27, Cards 23

My Prediction: Steelers 28, Cards 21

Weird huh? Yeah, I'm that good.

IN DETAIL SUPER BOWL PREDICTION

Steelers 28

Cardinals 21

CARDINALS PASSING

Kurt Warner 24-for-36, 3 TD, 2 INT, 278 YDS

CARDS RECEIVING

Larry Fitz 12 receptions, 2 TD, 121 YDS

CARDS RUSHING

Edgerin James 13 rushes, 52 YDS

STEELERS PASSING

Big  Ben 21-31, 2 TD, 255 YDS

STEELERS RUSHING

Willie Parker 19 rushes, 1 TD, 66 YDS

MVP: Big Ben

JOE TORRE RIPS YANKS IN NEW BOOK

Joe  Torre's new book (ghost wrote by Tom Verducci) , The Yankee Years, is set too come out on Feb. 3. In the book he blasts the Yankees hugely, calling A-Rod "A-Fraud", saying that it was what his teammates called the 3B since he came to New York in 2004. He also says the slugger was obsessed with SS Derek Jeter, regarding his teammate as a rival. He not only blasts A-Rod though, also telling that GM Brian Cashman, whom he worked with for a very long time and had a tight bond with, betrayed him after the 2007 season. He says that when Cash and him spoke alone about the matter of him returning or not, Cash was fully supportive and wanting of him to return. But that when they were in meeting with The Boss and co. he kept his mouth shut, letting Torre leave "embarrassed". Torre felt offended by the offer the Yanks gave him, also saying that he didn't get why he needed to be "more motivated" for the next season. Motivated was all he had been the whole season after the Yanks had gone from one of there worst starts in franchise history to barely not winning the AL East crown with 94 wins. He says that he mostly enjoyed his years in New York though, but that when A-Rod came from Texas he ruined the atmosphere, always craving and attracting attention. "A-Fraud" has reportedly said that he is not all bothered by Torre's comments, telling friends that he is not hurt by his book because he feels he never had any real relationship with him. He also said that him supposedly being obsessed with Jeter and being called "A-Fraud" doesn't apply at all to his standing in the Yanks clubhouse, feeling very comfortable with his teammates. I mean, he has hit 553 HR with 1606 RBI and a .306 BA (not to mention that HUGE contract), a sure Hall of Famer, so he should be able to feel comfortable in the clubhouse. But the only real way to dismiss all this A-Fraud, Mr. April, Pay-Rod talk? Not hit .157 like he has over the last 3 years in the postseason, only compiling 1 HR and 1 RBI in 13 games and getting batted 8th (!!!) in 2006. For a guy who is one of the greatest sluggers of all time, that is just plainly an EPIC FAIL.

Joe Torre to me has always been a great manager, a class act and just a great guy. I always admired his work with the Yanks, and now, with the Dodgers. But this book, to me, just kinda gives me a bad taste in my mouth about him. For why Joe, why do you feel the need to come out with this book now? You were one of the greatest managers of all time, and now you are just throwing it all away on a some stupid sports novel. I can take a guess why... maybe because he's mad that he can't manage this now great Yankee team, a murderers row, a beastly pitching rotation. That's why, because Joe is jealous. Yup, jealous. If I could have one wish though for next season, you know what it would be? Yanks vs Dodgers for the World Series. Whoa, would there be tension surrounding that matchup.... whoa. 

The Yankees have re-signed P Andy Pettitte to a 1 year deal $5.5 million deal. Pettitte says he is very happy, and never really wanted to be anywhere else but New York. As a Yankees fan, I'm not happy about the deal. Pettitte is not at all consistent and is only gonna get worse, whereas the young Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy need the experience and are only gonna get better.

SUPER BOWL

Wow, can you believe the Arizona Cards are in the Super Bowl? I can't, but I guess it's all because of this guy named Kurt Warner, who was supposedly washed up a couple years ago when he got benched for Eli Manning. Seems like 100 years huh? Yeah, well anyway, Warner has led his Cardinals to greatness this postseason, and was nearly perfect against the Eagles on Sunday. He went 21-for-28 with 4 TD, spreading the ball out to 9 receivers, including himself. But I don't think it will be fair to give all the credit to Warner, because Larry Fitzgerald has elevated himself to a whole new level this postseason. Fitzgerald has 24 catches, 5 TD, and a new record 419 yards this postseason and it's not even the end yet. But more importantly he has kept his mouth shut and focused on winning, not stats (though I'm not saying that he hasn't put up some great numbers this season.) But about that Boldin, why the hell he is creating distractions during the Super Bowl?!!? What does he think he's doing, yelling on the sidelines and creating trade buzz? I know why. Because Boldin knows that he will never be the leading man as long as Fitz is around. But you know what? He will also never be the same threat as he is if Fitz isn't on his team, because instead of being in single coverage because the defense needs to cover Fitz too, he will be in double coverage, resulting in a lot less catches. But wow would those Giants be dangerous with Boldin huh?
Now about the Steelers. Wow, they have certainly proved the saying "Offense wins games, defense wins championships." They intercepted Joe Flacco three times, forced three fumbles, and whoa did you see that hit put upon Willis McGahee at the end of the game! Not only would I be scared to be on the same field with these guys, I'm scared just to watch them on TV. Troy Polamalu and the gang are a defense that doesn't come around too often. The Steel Curtain is back. But don't count out that Pittsburgh offense either. Big Ben is playing great and coming up big in clutch situations, and other then a bad last outing so is Willie Parker. The Steelers are a great team and are right now playing like champions.
Prediction: I'll pick the Steelers for this one. The Curtain will bring the heat all day to Kurt Waner, picking him off twice while keeping Fitz in check. The offense will play great too, with Big Ben having a huge game. For as much as I love Warner, the Steelers are just too good. They are truly champions.
Steelers  28
Cardinals  21

WHAT KIND OF RIVALRY IS THIS?

The Phillies are World Champs, and so the offseason begins. Manny Ramirez and Scott Boras seem to both be pointing to the Big Apple as Manny's new home, and Boston fans aren't happy (as well as the faithful Yankee fans out there). I understand that Manny is going to go to the team that offers him the biggest contract (New York... duh!), but how could he, after all this I hate the Yankees, break the curse last 6 1/2 years of his career, put on pinstripes? And the worst thing about it? Hank Steinbrenner even said that he and the Yanks will keep a close eye on Manny and are considering making him there new left fielder/DH. What has a so called Nasty Rivalry come to? If Manny goes to the Yanks, it will be hard to believe that there is any tradition and spirit left in baseball, but only money and stats. But if he does, there sure will be a lot of benches clearing when the Yanks and Sox battle next season. 

POSTSEASON UPDATE: WORLD SERIES

The Rays just might have to settle as just American League champions, which I'd say is pretty darn good for a team that hadn't had a winning season until this year. Joe Blanton brought Philly even closer to grabbing there first sports title in 100 seasons. Even though he hadn't pitched since October 13, Joe the pitcher (and batter) pitched 6 strong innings of  2 run ball while striking out 7, but his homer in the 5th was the highlight of the night. Andy Sonnanstine took the loss, going only 4 innings while letting up 3 runs. Ryan Howard returned to Ryan Howard form, blasting 2 homers and piling up 5 RBI. Howard has 3 homers and is batting .353 this Fall Classic. Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena, the heroes of the ALCS, went a combined 0/7 with 5 SO. They are 0/9 this World Series (15 SO), and simply look confused up at the plate. Carl Crawford stayed hot though, blasting his second homer of the series, a solo shot in the 5th inning. Cole Hamels takes the mound in Game 5, looking to go 5-0 this postseason, a feat never accomplished by a pitcher. Scott Kazmir, who hasn't pitched good this postseason but at the same tim hasn't pitched bad, will start for Tampa. Will Philly be able to hold on and take home there first World Series in 23 years? Or will the Rays stage a comeback and stall the end of a glorious season? It's all in the hands of Hamels and Kazmir, as thousands of people will turn on there TV to watch the game. You know I'll be one of them.
TAM HR: Carl Crawford (5th inning off Joe Blanton), Eric Hinske (5th inning off Joe Blanton)
PHI HR: Ryan Howard 2 (4th inning off Andy Sonnanstine, 8th inning off Trever Miller), Joe Blanton (5th inning off Edwin Jackson), Jayson Werth (8th inning off Dan Wheeler)
Final Score: Phillies: 10, Rays: 2 (Phillies lead series 3-1)

POSTSEASON UPDATE

Sorry that I haven’t been covering the playoffs in a while, I just haven’t been able to find the time. Anyway, the Phillies are leading the Dodgers in the NLDS 3-1, while the Rays are keeping the miracle going so far, beating the Sox 3-1. The Rays vs Red Sox matchup has mostly been a slugfest other then a Dice-K gem, with the teams having hit a combined 12 dingers. Dustin Pedroia has heated up during the series, batting .467 with 2 homers and 3 RBI, while Jacoby “Mister October?” Ellsbury remains hitless. Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena have been the heroes for Tampa, with Longoria having already set the record for most homers by a rookie in the postseason, with 5 so far. All three of them combined have hit 7 of the 12 homers this series, with Longoria leading the way at 3. Carl Crawford had a huge night in a Rays win (13-4) in game 4, going 5-5 with 3 runs, 2 RBI, a triple, one single and two doubles. He only needed a homer to hit for the cycle.

Will the Miracle Rays be able to preserve the win and advance to the Fall Classic, casting away all there doubters on the way? Or will the experienced Sox once again prove why so many Fenway Faithful believe every time they dig themselves into a hole. 

The Phils vs Dodgers series has been all Philly so far, with Cole Hamels leading the way. The ace is 2-0 this October, including a 2 run gem in game 1. After each Phillies win, Hamels’ World Series prediction at the beginning of the year featuring the Red Sox and Phillies is looking more and more likely, or at least half of it is. Shane Victorino, Chase Utley and Pat Burrell have provided the offense for Philly, going a combined 10-33 with 3 homers and 11 RBI. 

Will Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez be able to work their east coast magic to keep the Desperate Dodgers in business? Or will L.A. be turned into a Philly sandwich?

POSTSEASON 2008: DAY SEVEN

Phillies vs Dodgers:

The Phils took the first game of the NLCS today, beating the Dodgers 3-2. It looked like Derek Lowe would earn the win through 5 innings, with a comfortable 2-0 lead heading the 6th inning. That lead vanished though with a Phillies 3 run 6th inning, when Chase Utley and Pat Burrell both erupted for homers. Cole Hamels didn't look like he was gonna earn the win until that fateful 6th inning, but he sure did deserve it. The Phillies ace went 7 innings and stuck out 8, while holding the Dodgers to only 2 runs. Manny kept on working his October magic though, going 2-4 with an RBI double to raise his batting average this postseason to .500.

PHI HR: Chase Utley (6th inning off Derek Lowe) Pat Burrell (6th inning off Derek Lowe)

LAD HR: None

POSTSEASON 2008: DAY SIX

Rays vs White Sox:

The Rays just showed that they can win in the postseason as well as the regular season. The Rays won there first postseason series in franchise history today, beating the White Sox 6-2. B.J. Upton provided the offensive production, blasting 2 solo shots and going 2-4. Andy Sonnanstine pitched well, going 5.2 innings and only letting up 2 runs while striking out 4. Gavin Floyd looked terrible, and maybe Mark  Buehrle was right when he said that he sees Floyd as the type of person who would choke comes October. Floyd went only 3 innings and let up 4 runs during that span. Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye both homered, but it wasn't enough to stop the ChiSox from being the 2nd team in Chicago to be eliminated in the 1st round. Can

the Rays keep this miracle going? October will tell.

TAM HR: B.J. Upton 2 (1st inning of Gavin Floyd, 3rd inning off Gavin Floyd)

CHW HR: Paul Konerko (4th inning off Andy Sonnanstine), Jermaine Dye (6th inning off A. Sonnanstine)

Red Sox vs Angels:

Even though the Sox spoiled a masterly start by Jon Lester, they still pulled out the victory. The score is 2-0 in the 8th and Lester is in line for the win when Hideki Okajima lets up a two run single to Torri Hunter. One inning passes by. The score is still 2-2. Jed Lowrie singles home Jason Bay. Sox win. Final score: 3-2.

John Lackey pitched good,  but unfortunately for him Jon Lester pitched better and didn't give the Angels a chance to give Lackey some run-support. The Halos ace let up 2 runs in 7 innings and struck out only 1. Dustin Pedroia finally got a hit, going 1-4 with an RBI double. After punching out the 100 win Angels today and advancing to the ALCS, the Sox proved why they are still the best in the postseason. 

BOS HR: None

LAA HR: None

POSTSEASON 2008: DAY FIVE

Phillies vs Brewers:

Whatever momentum the Brewers gained from winning game 3, it wasn't enough to stop the Phils from advancing on to the NLCS. The Phils took game 4 today 6-2, with the help of  4 home runs and a solid start by Joe Blanton. Blanton threw 6 innings of 1 run ball while striking out 7 and proved why Philadelphia took a chance on him by trading for him with the A's. Pat Burrell, Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth each homered, with Pat the Bat blasting two and piling up 4 RBI. Brewers starter Jeff Suppan only pitched 3 innings and we can see why. The righty let up 5 runs and gave up 3 homers. Prince Fielder may have had a rough postseason batting only .071, but came through today in the Brewers loss by bombing a home run to right field in the 7th.

MIL HR: Prince Fielder (7th inning off Joe Blanton)

PHI HR: Pat Burell 2 (3rd inning off Jeff Suppan, 8th inning off Manny Parra), Jimmy Rollins (1st inning off Jeff Suppan), Jayson Werth (3rd inning of Jeff Suppan)

White Sox vs Rays:

Chicago still has one team playing this October. And no, it isn't the Cubs. The White Sox fought off elimination from the playoffs today, beating the Rays 5-3. John Danks threw 6.2 solid innings of  3 run ball and struck out 7. Matt Garza on the other hand, he was just a mess. Garza, who is currently 0-3 in his last 6 starts, pitched 6 innings and gave up 5 earned runs. Dewayne Wise once again provided the run-support for the ChiSox, driving in 2 runs and going 1-2. The 30 year old CF is batting .400 this postseason and has drove in 5 runs and hit 1 homer. B.J. Upton hit a 2 out 2 run homer in the 7th, but it wasn't enough for the Rays to rally.

CHW HR: None

TAM HR: B.J. Upton (7th inning off John Danks)   

Red Sox vs Angels:

It took 12 innings for Mike Napoli and the Angels to avoid getting swept and take game 3 from the surging Sox, but they finally pulled out the victory, 5-4. Napoli hit 2 homers and collected 3 RBI and 3 runs, one of them being the winning run in the 12th. Even in the Sox's loss, Jacoby Ellsbury had another big night, going 2-5 with 3 RBI. "Mister October" is raking the ball this postseason, batting .429 (6-14) with 5 RBI, whereas Mike Lowell and Dustin Pedroia are a combined 0-21 in 3 games this October. Josh Beckett, who is usually a master in the postseason, went only 5 innings and gave up 4 runs. Joe Saunders didn't look good either, pitching only 4.2 innings and also giving up 4 runs. Tomorrows game will either feature the Sox advancing to the ALCS, or the Angels tying up the series and forcing a game 4 in Los Angeles. Jon Lester and John Lackey will have a rematch, the first matchup Lester having won in game 1.

LAA HR: Mike Napoli 2 (3rd inning off Josh Beckett, 5th inning off Josh Beckett)

BOS HR: None 

POSTSEASON 2008: DAY FOUR

Dodgers vs Cubs:

The Cubs thought that there 2008 season would be played deep into October and maybe even conclude with an 100 year anniversary present, a World Series title. They were wrong. The Cubs made an early exit this October after getting sweeped by the Dodgers in the NLDS. The Dodgers finished the sweep saturday night after beating the Cubs 3-1. Rich Harden didn't look too well after making his first start since being put on the shelf. The 27 year old went 4.1 innings and gave up 3 runs, which was all the Dodgers needed to clinch a spot in the NLCS. Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda looked very sharp, pitching 6 innings of shutout ball while striking out four. James Loney's 2 run double in the 1st inning put the Dodgers on the board, and Russel Martin's RBI double in the 5th topped it off. The curse of the billy goat continued saturday night, and the loss made it 101 years since the Cubbies have won it all.

LAD HR: None

CHC HR: None

Phillies vs Brewers:

The Brew Crew stalled it's exit from the playoffs for at least one more day, beating the Phils 4-1 saturday evening. Dave Bush looked good over 5 innings and only allowed 1 run, the only one the Phils would get the whole day. Jamie Moyer didn't pitch good but at the same time didn't pitch bad. The 45 year old (don't judge the pitcher by his age, he won 16 games this year and only lost 7) went 4 innings before being pinch hit for in the 5th. He let up only 2 runs during that time, but still ended up the losing pitcher. The hot Phillies were cooled down in tonight's game, the only run having come from an RBI ground out by Ryan Howard.

PHI HR: None

MIL HR: None

POSTSEASON 2008: DAY THREE

Rays vs White Sox:

It looks like the Rays won't need much time to get used to playing in October, as a matter of fact it looks like they love playing in October. Tampa Bay beat the White Sox friday night 6-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the ALDS. Scott Kazmir let up 2 runs in the 1st but quickly rebounded, throwing 4 more innings of shutout ball before taking an early exit in the 5th. Mark Buehrle started out good but got roughed up by the Rays later in the game, giving up 5 runs over 7 innings. One more win and the Amazing Rays advance to the next round, most probably facing a familiar foe...

TAM HR: Akinori Iwamura (5th inning off Mark Buehrle)

CHW HR: None

Red Sox vs Angels:

The defending champs look like they have a big chance at completing there quest of back-to-back titles, beating the Angels 7-5 today to make it 1 more game until they can advance to the ALCS. Dice-K and Ervin Santana both didn't look too good, both pitching only 5 innings while giving up 5 runs. Jason Bay has only played in two games in the postseason ever but looks like he has played in 50 postseason games. Bay drove in 3 runs and hit a home run for the second consecutive game, while J.D. Drew hit a go-ahead homer in the 9th off a stunned K-Rod.

BOS HR: J.D. Drew (9th inning of Francisco Rodriguez) Jason Bay (1st inning of Ervin Santana)

LAA HR: None

POSTSEASON 2008: DAY TWO

Rays vs White Sox:

Tampa Bay rode it's regular season momentum into the playoffs, beating the ChiSox 6-4 to take a 1-0 lead in the ALDS. Evan Longoria added some fireworks, blasting 2 home runs and piling up 3 RBI. James Shields looked OK and earned the win. The 27 year old righty pitched 6.2 innings and gave up 3 runs while striking out 4. 

TAM HR: Evan Longoria 2 ( 2nd inning off Javier Vazquez, 3rd inning off Javier Vazquez)

CHW HR: Dewayne Wise (3rd inning off James Shields), Paul Konerko (9th inning off Dan Wheeler)

Phillies vs Brewers:

CC Sabathia and the Brewers just can't find a way to stop the surging Phillies, losing 5-2 today as the Phils took a 2-0 lead in the NLDS. Shane Victorino's grand slam was the highlight of the Phils 5 run 2nd inning as Sabathia's woes in the playoffs continued. Brett Myers threw 7 innings of  2 run ball and looked pretty damn sharp.

PHI HR: Shane Victorino (2nd inning off CC Sabathia)

MIL HR: None

Dodgers vs Cubs:

Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers kept on rolling today, beating the suddenly desperate Cubs 10-3. How is this happening? The very bright Cubs season suddenly looks gloomy, down 2-0 and only one game away from making it 101 years since they have won a World Series. Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley looked very good, striking out 7 in 6.2 innings while allowing only one run. Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano looked the opposite, giving up 6 runs in 6.1 innings including a 5 run 2nd inning. Manny hit his 2nd homer of the postseason in the 5th, a solo shot to center field. The word at Wrigley is that the billy goat has returned, so beware!

CHC HR: None

LAD HR: Manny Ramirez (5th inning off Carlos Zambrano) 

POSTSEASON 2008: DAY ONE

The 2008 playoffs are now underway, with the Brew Crew taking on the Phils, the Red Sox playing the Angels and the Cubs battling the Dodgers. 

Dodgers vs Cubs: 

James Loney blasted a grand slam to center field and Derek Lowe pitched 6 strong innings of  2 run ball while striking out 6 batters. The final score was 7-2, and the fans at Wrigley aren't happy. 

LA HR: Manny Ramirez (7th inning off Sean Marshall) James Loney (5th inning off Ryan Dempster) Russell Martin (9th inning off Jason Marquis)

CHC HR: Mark DeRosa (2nd inning off Derek Lowe)

Phillies vs Brewers: 

Cole Hamels was brilliant, pitching 8 shutout innings while striking out 9. Chase Utley had a big double in the 3rd inning because of three time Gold Glover Mike Cameron's error in center field, costing the Brew Crew 2 runs. The final score was 3-1 Phillies, with closer Brad Lidge (41-41 in the regular season) barely escaping a jam in the 9th inning.

PHI HR: None

MIL HR: None

Red Sox vs Angels:

Tonight's matchup between the Sox and Angels was a real pitching duel, with John Lackey (12-5) and Jon Lester (16-6) squaring it off at Angels Stadium. Lackey struck out 5 and gave up 2 runs over 6.2 innings, including a 2 run homer in the 6th by Jason Bay. Lester gave up only 1 run and struck out 7 over 7 innings and was looking pretty damn sharp. At the end of the day though the defending champs took the first game of the series, the final score being 4-1.

BOS HR: Jason Bay (6th inning off John Lackey)

LAA HR: None

Whether it's an underdog or a favorite who shines, this October is gonna be fun and exciting, so make sure to check in from time to time.

OCTOBER 2008

The regular season has ended and the second season is about to begin. The Mets collapsed (again), Sabathia led the Brew Crew to it's first playoff appearance since 1982, and the Miracle Rays pulled off an amazing miracle which reminds us all of the Mets in '69. Here is what the playoffs will look like, and what I think will happen:

ALDS

Red Sox vs Angels (Red Sox in 5)

Twins or White Sox vs Rays (Rays in 3)

ALCS

Red Sox vs Rays (Sox in 6)

NLDS

Phillies vs Brewers (Phils in 5)

Cubs vs Dodgers (Dodgers in 3)

NLCS
Dodgers vs Phillies (Cubs in 5)

WORLD SERIES

Dodgers vs Red Sox (Dodgers in 5)

Get ready, for this October is gonna be wild, pagan and out of your mind crazy. Let the games begin!

DISNEYLAND

Do you believe in magic? I didn't, until this fateful 2008 season. And now that the Miracle Rays have clinched there first playoff spot in franchise history, there is no doubt in my mind that there is magic in this world. For how did this happen? Last year the Rays finished last, as they had done for 9 of their 10 years in existence. Coming into this season, no one expected them to finish off the year any better. But with a good amount of power arms, young stars and solid defense, the Rays have rose from first to last, fighting off on there way teams like the Yankees and Red Sox. And the funny thing is? (well not that funny, more pathetic then funny actually.) The Rays have made the playoffs with a $43 million payroll. And the team with a $218 million payroll? Ahh, yes the Yankees. They'll be sitting on the couch this October watching the Rays. 

So can these Rays make a World Series run in October for the perfect Hollywood ending? Or as the doubters say, are they too young and inexperienced?

BREW CREW FIRES YOST

The Brewers just fired manager Yed Nost. Why? Because it looks like deja vu. The Brewers have lost 7 of there last 8 and have started off September really crappy. After a 4 game sweep by the Phils, the Brew Crew dropped to 3-10 this September while the Phils gained share of the Wild Card lead. So they decided to fire Yost and promote third base coach Dale Sveum to a temporary role as manager. It looked like this year would be different, that Milwaukee would make the playoffs for the first time since 1982 with the help of ace C.C. Sabathia. Now all it looks like is last season, just with a new manager.
"I think we have sucked in September so far," a Brewers player who wished to remain anonymous said. "And I don't think it's his fault that we can't hit or pitch right now, but something had to change."

I don't think letting Yost go was the right move. Yost is a good manager and the Brewers are a good team. They just needed to get there heads straight and play like the team they are. Prince Fielder should have started another brawl or something, then they'd get back on track.

ZAMBRA-NO-HITTER

Carlos Zambrano just threw a no-hitter in Milwaukee against the hottest team in the league, the Houston Astros. The game was relocated to Milwaukee because of a hurricane that damaged the Astros stadium so that the park was not playable. Astros manager Cecil Cooper wasn't too happy about that, "It's like a Cub home game," he said. "Only they're not the home team, we are. I'm not happy about that. I need to tell the commissioner that. I will tell him that." Miller Park is kinda pro-Cub, the stadium having been nicknamed "Wrigely North."  Zambrano struck out 10 and walked only 1 batter en route to his 1st career no-hitter and the 1st no-hitter for the Cubs in 36 years. After a couple of rough starts, Big-Z came back from a minor injury to accomplish a feat most only dream of doing. After recording the last out in the game, the 27 year old Venezuelan fell on his knees and pointed to the sky as his teammates mobbed him on the mound, and later said "I guess I'm back!" Zambrano helped his own cause by going 1-3 with a run. The gem was the second no-hitter this season, the 1st having been by Jon Lester of the Boston Red Sox on May 19th. Zambrano recorded his 14th win this season and the Cubs 89th of the season.

ANOTHER MVP LOST

Sad news today. Carlos Quentin has broken his wrist (by his own doing) and is expected to undergo surgery that will sideline him for maybe the rest of the season. This will defiantly affect Chicago (in a bad way) for Quentin was having a great year for the ChiSox, with a an AL leading 36 homers, 100 RBI and a .288 BA. This is weird. How many AL MVP candidates are we gonna lose in the course of the season? First Kinsler, now Quentin. Is Josh Hamilton next? Or maybe Dustin Pedroia? I hope not. 

Speaking of Kinsler, the All-Star 2B has opted for season ending surgery. Here is his take on the situation:

"I really didn't have a decision," Kinsler said on Friday. "If I want to fix this injury, then I have to have surgery." "If I really had to play, if there was something on the line and I really needed to push my body, I could do it," Kinsler said. "But right now it's not helping anyone. It's not helping myself, it's not helping the club. I need to be ready for this offseason to get ready for next spring. That's basically what I'm looking at."
Meanwhile Pedroia is hitting .680 in his last 7 games and currently riding a 9 game hitting streak (22 for 38.)

DON'T LET SANTANA'S RECORD FOOL YOU

Don't let Johan Santana's record fool you, it isn't all his fault. For Johan would have a much better record and defiantly be a Cy Young candidate if the Mets gave him better run-support and didn't blow so much of his quality starts.
An example is todays game against the Brewers. Johan pitches 6 strong innings of 2 run ball while striking out 10 batters. But somehow the score is 2-0 and he is the pitcher who is losing! Shouldn't the Mets offense be able to score in 6 innings? Yes, they should. And the worst part about it is that right after Santana exits the game the Mets offense starts producing. Santana leaves the game in the 6th. The Mets score 4 runs in the 7th, 9th and 9th. Weird right?
Another reason supporting the idea that it is the Mets fault for Santana's record is how many times the bullpen has blown his quality starts. About 7 times. So if the Mets bullpen was sane and the offense scored more runs, Santana would be about 17-7. I think he would have been better off staying in Minnesota. Don't you?

Here is what the Mets manager Jerry Manual thinks about Johan's situation: 

"He's pitched well enough to probably have 17, 18, 19 wins. I think his ERA (2.71) is indicative of that. He's given us a good fight every time he takes the ball. He's been very impressive."
Santana is currently 12-7 with 169 SO and a 2.71 ERA. His SO total ranks 8th in the majors, and his 2.71 ERA is 5th. Meanwhile his win total (12) ranks only 25th in the majors.

This is what Johan said on his situation:
"Numbers don't always tell you the truth. That's the way I see it. To me it's all about trying to win, helping this team win, and that's all. Is [the record] different than in the past? Maybe it is. But I don't really go by that. It's about giving your team a chance to win, that's all."

Santana has helped the Mets, but the Mets haven't helped Santana.

SABATHIA THROWS "ONE-HITTER"

CC Sabathia just threw a no-hitter. But it was ruled as a one hitter. Why? Because the only so called hit was a soft grounder hit by Andy Laroche to Sabathia, whom barehanded the ball only to drop it. Isn't that an error? I think so. So does Brewers manager Ned Yost and the rest of the Brewers team:

"He accomplished a no-hitter and wasn't given what he deserved. That should have been a no-hitter," Yost said. "That's a stinking no-hitter we all got cheated from. I feel horrible for CC."

"There's no question that's a no-hitter." said the Brewers Ryan Braun.

"We are putting together a DVD with all the replays we have and sending it to MLB tomorrow," said the Brewers media relations director, Mike Vassallo, "We had to send a call in earlier this season and got it reversed. So hopefully we can go 2-for-2."

''The ball was still rolling and I probably should have picked it up with my glove. We probably wouldn't be having this conversation,'' Sabathia said. ''I think if I pick it up with my glove, I get him.''

Get it in your head, CC Sabathia just threw a no-hitter.

Anyway, Sabathia just got his 9th win. He is currently 9-0 for the Brewers this season and 15-8 total. This was his 3rd NL SHO of the year, and his 5th total. It was also his 6th CG for the Brewers and his 8th overall. He struck out 11 batters in the game to bring his total amount to 208, only behind the Giants Tim Lincecum, whom has 210. He reduced his total ERA to 2.82 and his NL ERA to 1.43. Sounds like MVP, right?

  

BASEBALL IN THE OLYMPICS

Did MLB make a mistake by refusing to participate in the Olympics? Or is the regular season too important? I agree with MLB, it's not worth it. What is the point anyway? Our players would no-doubt take the gold home while embarrassing the other countries. But if the real USA team had gone to Beijing, what would the roster have looked like?

Lineup:

1-Ian Kinsler-2B

2-Derek Jeter-SS

3-Alex Rodriguez-3B

4-Ryan Howard-1B

5-Josh Hamilton-DH

6-Ryan Braun-OF
7-Carlos Quentin-OF
8-Ryan Ludwick-OF

9-Brian McCann-C

Pitching Rotation:

1-C.C. Sabathia
2-Brandon Webb
3-Cliff Lee
4-Roy Halladay

5-Tim Lincecum

CL Joe Nathan
CL Jonathan Papelbon

AN MVP LOST

The Rangers (and fantasy owners) suffered a blow on Monday. Ian Kinsler will likely miss the rest of the season, due to sports hernia. Kinsler was having an MVP-caliber season, with an MLB high 165 hits, 18 HR, 71 RBI and a .319 BA.
"I wanted to steal that MVP from Hamilton, Kinsler said. "There are a lot of things I want to accomplish. You prepare to play a full season and when it's cut short, that's disappointing."
Poor Kinsler. Seasons like this don't come around too often, and I highly doubt he will have the same success next season. He already has 508 at-bats, so he still could take the AL batting crown. Let's hope that he comes back next season healthy and leads the Rangers (if they ever get pitching) to be a serious playoff contender.
"Hopefully, the doctor says it's not as bad as we thought and that it will only be a week or two," Kinsler said. "But it is what it is. I don't think any of these injuries could have been prevented."
  

THE MOOSE IS BACK!

Who ever thought that 2008 would be Mike Mussina's comeback year? I certainly didn't. This year The Moose has already racked up 12 wins, more than all of his wins last year, and is having a better year then Cy Young pitchers like Johan Santana, Jake Peavy and Josh Beckett. This shows you that if a 39 year old pitcher past his prime and coming off a career low season can rise above the doubt and rack up numbers like nobody's business, anything is possible.

THE 79TH ANNUAL MIDSUMMER CLASSIC

The A.L. wins again! How? Let's see... because Dan Uggla decided to have a very ugly night for the National League, going 0-3 with 3 errors at 2nd base. Because Ichiro decided to gun down Pujols from right field, who was trying to stretch a single into a double. Because J.D. Drew's bat decided to whack a home run off of Volquez in his first at-bat ever in an All-Star game. And because Justin Morneau decided to run like the wind on Michael Young's clutch but not so clutch sacrifice fly in the 15th inning. And how did it get to the 15th inning? Because Nate Mclouth gunned down Dioner Navarro in the 11th inning, who was trying to score from second off of Michael Young's almost clutch RBI single. Because Matt Holliday's first hit in an All-Star game was a solo shot in the 5th off of Ervin Santana. And last because Miguel Tejada made a terrific play at shortstop to get out of a bases loaded jam in the 10th.  

In the end though the result was the same as it had been since 1997, with the A.L. topping the N.L. 4-3.

MVP: J.D. Drew

LVP: Dan Uggla