We're heading into the first set of possible elimination games tonight. Each series has gone two games so far. And each series, well...let's just say they haven't exactly been back-and-forth affairs thus far.
Diamondbacks lead Cubs 2-0
Rockies lead Phillies 2-0
Red Sox lead Angels 2-0
Indians lead Yankees 2-0
In 3-out of-4 of those scenarios, the best you can say is that the home team got the job done. (This includes the Diamondbacks, despite the large amount of blue jerseys out there in Arizona.) The Indians were dominating on offense in Game 1. The Red Sox were dominating in pitching in Game 1. Game 2, the home team won close games on walk-off hits. In each of those three series, it's the home team that's up 2-0. Now, it's time for the return volley as the Cubs, Angels, and Yankees take their turn hosting to see if they can escape from the brink of elimination and force a Game 5.
Then, there are the Phillies who blew both games at home and now must travel to Colorado and take two if their playoff hopes are to stay alive. Winning two in a row in any park is a tough task, but to lose two at home is even harder to swallow. I'm not sure anyone expected the Rockies to remain as hot as they'd been after that 13-inning playoff game against San Diego. The pitching hasn't always been pretty (although Jeff Francis was good in Game 1), but the offense has continued to shine. Kaz Matsui, anyone?
Today, Game 3 of both NLDS.
The Diamondbacks send RHP Livan Hernandez into enemy territory to try to seal the deal against LHP Rich Hill and the Cubs. The game airs at 6pm on TBS.
Hernandez is coming off of a loss on September 26th at Pittsburgh. He lasted four innings and allowed four runs on ten hits (1 HR) with three walks and three strikeouts. This will be his first start against the Cubs this season. His regular season ends 11-11 with a 4.93 ERA over 33 starts. The veteran has good career numbers against the Cubs. He is 6-5 with a 3.58 ERA in 12 games, and at Wrigley Field he is 4-2 with a 2.97 ERA.
Rich Hill is coming off of a win at Cincinnati on September 29th. He pitched six shutout innings, allowing over one hit with one walk and four strikeouts. In his one start back on July 21st against Arizona, Hill picked up a no decision. He lasted six innings and allowed one earned run (2 total) on six hits with four walks and six strikeouts. Hill ended the 2007 regular season with an 11-8 record and 3.92 ERA over 32 starts.
In the 9:30pm TBS game, veteran LHP Jamie Moyer takes the ball for Philadelphia as the Phillies look to stay alive in Colorado against RHP Ubaldo Jimenez and the Rockies.
Moyer is finishing the season 14-12 with a 5.01 ERA over 33 starts. He picked up the win in the Phillies' NL East-winning game over the Nationals on September 30th, lasting 5.1 innings and allowing no earned runs (1 total) on five hits with no walks and six strikeouts. Moyer lost his one game at Colorado back on July 7th this season. He went 5.2 innings and allowed five runs on eight hits (1 HR - Spillborghs) with three walks and two strikeouts.
Jimenez is coming off of a no-decision against Arizona. He went 6.1 innings and allowed one run on one hit with four walks and ten strikeouts. In his September 10th start at Philadelphia, Jimenez also took a no-decision. He lasted six innings and allowed two runs on four hits (1 HR - Howard) with three walks and three strikeouts. Jimenez finished the 2007 regular season with a 4-4 record and 4.28 ERA over 15 starts.
The Cubs and Phillies need to win tonight if they want to play again on Sunday. It's as simple as that.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
In the Valley of Elah (2007)
Director: Paul Haggis
Writers: Paul Haggis (screenplay), Mark Boal (story)
Rated: R (violent and disturbing content, language and some sexuality/nudity)
Main Cast
Tommy Lee Jones ... Hank Deerfield
Charlize Theron ... Det. Emily Sanders
Susan Sarandon ... Joan Deerfield
Jason Patric ... Lt. Kirklander
James Franco ... Sgt. Dan Carnelli
The director of 2006's Best Motion Picture Oscar, Crash, returns with In the Valley of Elah. Former military officer Hank Deerfield's (Jones) son Mike (Tucker) has gone AWOL from base after returning from a stint in Iraq. Hank travels to the base to search for his son, enlisting the help of detective Emily Sanders (Theron). But, in the end, he finds more than he ever thought possible.
Let me start by saying that no one is overestimating the acting in this film. Jones was absolutely brilliant and deserves a Best Actor nomination, if not the nod, for his work. He was as subtle as he was powerful, as understated as he was engrossing. I can't think of a much better way to describe his performance than "less is more." Theron was also convincing as the only female detective in her unit. And Sarandon, despite a small role, deserves Best Supporting Actress consideration. In the time that she had on-screen, her presence was haunting and heartbreakingly real.
The story itself was compelling. Each twist and turn kept me interested, and every new revelation was effectively shocking. I can see where the anti-war sentiment could be seen as heavy-handed at times. And I agree that, at times, it was laid on a bit thick. At the same time, Haggis and his cast have succeeded in capturing something real here. Frighteningly real. This film has a lasting quality. Its images stick in your head long after the end, as they should. The dialogue they invite its audience to engage in afterwards is well worth having.
Final Rating: B+
Writers: Paul Haggis (screenplay), Mark Boal (story)
Rated: R (violent and disturbing content, language and some sexuality/nudity)
Main Cast
Tommy Lee Jones ... Hank Deerfield
Charlize Theron ... Det. Emily Sanders
Susan Sarandon ... Joan Deerfield
Jason Patric ... Lt. Kirklander
James Franco ... Sgt. Dan Carnelli
The director of 2006's Best Motion Picture Oscar, Crash, returns with In the Valley of Elah. Former military officer Hank Deerfield's (Jones) son Mike (Tucker) has gone AWOL from base after returning from a stint in Iraq. Hank travels to the base to search for his son, enlisting the help of detective Emily Sanders (Theron). But, in the end, he finds more than he ever thought possible.
Let me start by saying that no one is overestimating the acting in this film. Jones was absolutely brilliant and deserves a Best Actor nomination, if not the nod, for his work. He was as subtle as he was powerful, as understated as he was engrossing. I can't think of a much better way to describe his performance than "less is more." Theron was also convincing as the only female detective in her unit. And Sarandon, despite a small role, deserves Best Supporting Actress consideration. In the time that she had on-screen, her presence was haunting and heartbreakingly real.
The story itself was compelling. Each twist and turn kept me interested, and every new revelation was effectively shocking. I can see where the anti-war sentiment could be seen as heavy-handed at times. And I agree that, at times, it was laid on a bit thick. At the same time, Haggis and his cast have succeeded in capturing something real here. Frighteningly real. This film has a lasting quality. Its images stick in your head long after the end, as they should. The dialogue they invite its audience to engage in afterwards is well worth having.
Final Rating: B+
Volver (2006)
Director: Pedro Almodovar
Writer: Pedro Almodovar
Rating: Rated R (sexual content and language)
Main Cast:
Penelope Cruz ... Raimunda
Carmen Maura ... Irene
Lola Duenas ... Sole
Blanca Portillo ... Agustina
Yohana Cobo ... Paula
It's the story of the estrangement and reunion of women, as sisters Raimunda (Cruz) and Sole (Duenas) and Raimunda's daughter Paula (Cobo) face a series of life-altering events. This was a very true film, full of colors and love for the women at the center of its story - flaws and all. The acting was genuine and charming, especially from Cruz.
The revelations in the story were rather predictable, and the result were a few passages that seemed to drag. Without the suspense of not knowing the final outcome, the subtlety of certain scenes felt more tedious than anything else. But the cast was magnetic, and the sentiment of the story was heartfelt. A touching, enjoyable film.
Final Grade: B
Writer: Pedro Almodovar
Rating: Rated R (sexual content and language)
Main Cast:
Penelope Cruz ... Raimunda
Carmen Maura ... Irene
Lola Duenas ... Sole
Blanca Portillo ... Agustina
Yohana Cobo ... Paula
It's the story of the estrangement and reunion of women, as sisters Raimunda (Cruz) and Sole (Duenas) and Raimunda's daughter Paula (Cobo) face a series of life-altering events. This was a very true film, full of colors and love for the women at the center of its story - flaws and all. The acting was genuine and charming, especially from Cruz.
The revelations in the story were rather predictable, and the result were a few passages that seemed to drag. Without the suspense of not knowing the final outcome, the subtlety of certain scenes felt more tedious than anything else. But the cast was magnetic, and the sentiment of the story was heartfelt. A touching, enjoyable film.
Final Grade: B
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
So ends the regular season
I'd imagine Jake Peavy is still the NL Cy Young, even with a pitiful performance against the Rockies in Monday's tiebreaker. It's almost a good thing that the Rockies put the Padres and that offense (or lack thereof) out of their misery before the official start of the postseason.
The stars of the show were the Rockies and Padres' bullpens. Yes, both teams were showing a lack of patience at the plate. But you had guys like Manny Corpas, Heath Bell, Brian Fuentes, and Doug Brocail blowing through hitters. This game went into extras, and it was a lot of fun to watch.
The scariest part, however, was the realization that Jorge Julio > all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman. That's two times in the last three days that Hoffman has blown his team's chances to advance to the postseason. With Hairston's 2-run homer in the top of the 13th, we appeared poised to tell a great story about a guy picked up from the Diamondbacks and becoming the most clutch batter in the NL West in September.
Instead, it's the same tune on a different day. Trevor Hoffman with the blown save. The final RBI was driven in by the unlikely source of Jamey Carroll. Yes, we can argue about that play at the plate. I personally didn't think Holliday touched home plate, and he should have been called out when Barrett retrieved the ball and tagged him. But all of that is fairly meaningless. Were that the first out of the inning, Todd Helton was still in scoring position. On that play, he more that likely would have moved to third. And the chances of Trevor getting a ground-ball double play the way he was throwing seem unlikely.
Congratulations to the Rockies on playing hard when it means the most. For San Diego, however, it's been proven that your closer cannot close in big games. I would imagine Hoffman will be back unless he announces retirement in the offseason, but it's a difficult spot for this team to be in. Their offense is not great. If the team is dependent on pitching, they need a closer who will deliver in big games or they won't win. It's that simple. To be fair, Jake Peavy also has not performed in big games. But he's still young, where Hoffman is nearing 40.
Then again, all-time saves leaders don't just come around everyday. And it's hard to know whether a guy like Heath Bell can settle into that role until you try him. But that's a dilemma for this Padres team to figure out.
Is Matt Holliday the National League MVP? He's the NL batting champion, that's for sure. And with the Brewers and Mets both not making the playoffs, the race may come down to Holliday and Rollins of the Phillies.
That concludes the 2007 regular season. And now, for the postseason schedule:
Wednesday, October 3rd
3:00pm ET: Rockies @ Phillies (Game 1)
6:30pm ET: Angels @ Red Sox (Game 1)
10:00pm ET: Cubs @ Diamondbacks (Game 1)
Thursday, October 4th
3:00pm ET Rockies @ Phillies (Game 2)
6:30pm ET Yankees @ Indians (Game 1)
10:00pm ET Cubs @ Diamondbacks (Game 2)
Friday, October 5th
5:00pm ET Yankees @ Indians (Game 2)
8:30pm ET Angels @ Red Sox (Game 2)
Saturday, October 6th
6:00pm ET Diamondbacks @ Cubs (Game 3)
9:30pm ET Phillies @ Rockies (Game 3)
Sunday, October 7th
1:00pm ET Diamondbacks @ Cubs (Game 4, if necessary) on TNT
3:00pm ET Red Sox @ Angels (Game 3)
6:30pm ET Indians @ Yankees (Game 3)
10:00pm ET Phillies @ Rockies (Game 4, if necessary)
Monday, October 8th
6:00pm ET Indians @ Yankees (Game 4, if necessary)
9:30pm ET Red Sox @ Angels (Game 4, if necessary)
If only one game will be played on Monday, then game time shifts to 7:30pm ET
Tuesday, October 9th
6:30pm ET Rockies @ Phillies (Game 5, if necessary)
10:00pm ET Cubs @ Diamondbacks (Game 5, if necessary)
If only one game will be played on Tuesday, then game time shifts to 8:30pm ET
Wednesday, October 10th
5:00pm ET Yankees @ Indians (Game 5, if necessary)
8:30pm ET Angels @ Red Sox (Game 5, if necessary)
If only one game will be played on Wednesday, then game time shifts to 8:30pm ET
All games on TBS, except Game 4 between the Diamondbacks and Cubs at 1pm on october 7th. If there is an overrun on any of those games [and I'm sure there will be], games will be run to their conclusion on TBS. A new game will be started on TNT and switch over to TBS at the conclusion of the previous game. Should make for some DVR fun.
The stars of the show were the Rockies and Padres' bullpens. Yes, both teams were showing a lack of patience at the plate. But you had guys like Manny Corpas, Heath Bell, Brian Fuentes, and Doug Brocail blowing through hitters. This game went into extras, and it was a lot of fun to watch.
The scariest part, however, was the realization that Jorge Julio > all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman. That's two times in the last three days that Hoffman has blown his team's chances to advance to the postseason. With Hairston's 2-run homer in the top of the 13th, we appeared poised to tell a great story about a guy picked up from the Diamondbacks and becoming the most clutch batter in the NL West in September.
Instead, it's the same tune on a different day. Trevor Hoffman with the blown save. The final RBI was driven in by the unlikely source of Jamey Carroll. Yes, we can argue about that play at the plate. I personally didn't think Holliday touched home plate, and he should have been called out when Barrett retrieved the ball and tagged him. But all of that is fairly meaningless. Were that the first out of the inning, Todd Helton was still in scoring position. On that play, he more that likely would have moved to third. And the chances of Trevor getting a ground-ball double play the way he was throwing seem unlikely.
Congratulations to the Rockies on playing hard when it means the most. For San Diego, however, it's been proven that your closer cannot close in big games. I would imagine Hoffman will be back unless he announces retirement in the offseason, but it's a difficult spot for this team to be in. Their offense is not great. If the team is dependent on pitching, they need a closer who will deliver in big games or they won't win. It's that simple. To be fair, Jake Peavy also has not performed in big games. But he's still young, where Hoffman is nearing 40.
Then again, all-time saves leaders don't just come around everyday. And it's hard to know whether a guy like Heath Bell can settle into that role until you try him. But that's a dilemma for this Padres team to figure out.
Is Matt Holliday the National League MVP? He's the NL batting champion, that's for sure. And with the Brewers and Mets both not making the playoffs, the race may come down to Holliday and Rollins of the Phillies.
That concludes the 2007 regular season. And now, for the postseason schedule:
Wednesday, October 3rd
3:00pm ET: Rockies @ Phillies (Game 1)
6:30pm ET: Angels @ Red Sox (Game 1)
10:00pm ET: Cubs @ Diamondbacks (Game 1)
Thursday, October 4th
3:00pm ET Rockies @ Phillies (Game 2)
6:30pm ET Yankees @ Indians (Game 1)
10:00pm ET Cubs @ Diamondbacks (Game 2)
Friday, October 5th
5:00pm ET Yankees @ Indians (Game 2)
8:30pm ET Angels @ Red Sox (Game 2)
Saturday, October 6th
6:00pm ET Diamondbacks @ Cubs (Game 3)
9:30pm ET Phillies @ Rockies (Game 3)
Sunday, October 7th
1:00pm ET Diamondbacks @ Cubs (Game 4, if necessary) on TNT
3:00pm ET Red Sox @ Angels (Game 3)
6:30pm ET Indians @ Yankees (Game 3)
10:00pm ET Phillies @ Rockies (Game 4, if necessary)
Monday, October 8th
6:00pm ET Indians @ Yankees (Game 4, if necessary)
9:30pm ET Red Sox @ Angels (Game 4, if necessary)
If only one game will be played on Monday, then game time shifts to 7:30pm ET
Tuesday, October 9th
6:30pm ET Rockies @ Phillies (Game 5, if necessary)
10:00pm ET Cubs @ Diamondbacks (Game 5, if necessary)
If only one game will be played on Tuesday, then game time shifts to 8:30pm ET
Wednesday, October 10th
5:00pm ET Yankees @ Indians (Game 5, if necessary)
8:30pm ET Angels @ Red Sox (Game 5, if necessary)
If only one game will be played on Wednesday, then game time shifts to 8:30pm ET
All games on TBS, except Game 4 between the Diamondbacks and Cubs at 1pm on october 7th. If there is an overrun on any of those games [and I'm sure there will be], games will be run to their conclusion on TBS. A new game will be started on TNT and switch over to TBS at the conclusion of the previous game. Should make for some DVR fun.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Final 2007 Standings (well, sort of...)
The Divisions
AL East
Red Sox ~ 96-66 ~ --
Yankees ~ 94-68 ~ 2.0 (E)
Blue Jays ~ 83-79 ~ 13.0 (E)
Orioles ~ 69-93 ~ 27.0 (E)
Devil Rays ~ 66-96 ~ 30.0 (E)
AL Central
Indians ~ 96-66 ~ --
Tigers ~ 88-74 ~ 8.0 (E)
Twins ~ 79-83 ~ 17.0 (E)
White Sox ~ 72-90 ~ 24.0 (E)
Royals ~ 69-93 ~ 27.0 (E)
AL West
Angels ~ 94-68 ~ --
Mariners ~ 88-74 ~ 6.0 (E)
Athletics ~ 76-86 ~ 18.0 (E)
Rangers ~ 75-87 ~ 19.0 (E)
Thoughts: It stayed close until the final weekend, but the NL East was finally decided on a blown save by Mariano Rivera and an extra inning loss by Edwar Ramirez on Friday night. The Blue Jays had a good week and got themselves a few games over .500 to end the season. The Orioles had a terrible season, but I'll give them credit. I thought for sure they were going to be passed by the Devil Rays but it didn't happen. They found a little life at the end of the season. ... We knew the Indians could be good this season, but I don't think anyone predicted league-leading good. Fantastic season by Cleveland. The rest of what was supposed to be the best division in baseball, however, fell short. One month ago, did anyone guess that the Tigers would fnish eight games behind the Indians? Disappointing for last year's American League Champions. And I guess, as far as those White Sox go, at least they can say they made that last week push to finish fourth in the division. It's small consolation, but it's something. ... No surprise in the AL West. The Angels dominated, the end. Not a geat showing from last year's AL Wild Card Athletics, though. They ended flat as well, picking up only one win in the last week of the season.
NL East:
Phillies ~ 89-73 ~ --
Mets ~ 88-74 ~ 1.0 (E)
Braves ~ 84-78 ~ 5.0 (E)
Nationals ~ 73-89 ~ 16.0 (E)
Marlins ~ 71-91 ~ 18.0 (E)
NL Central:
Cubs ~ 85-77 ~ --
Brewers ~ 83-79 ~ 2.0 (E)
Cardinals ~ 78-84 ~ 7.0 (E)
Astros ~ 73-89 ~ 12.0 (E)
Reds ~ 72-90 ~ 13.0 (E)
Pirates ~ 68-94 ~ 17.0 (E)
NL West:
Diamondbacks ~ 90-72 ~ --
Padres ~ 89-73 ~ 1.0 (E)
Rockies ~ 89-73 ~ 1.0 (E)
Dodgers ~ 82-80 ~ 8.0 (E)
Giants ~ 71-91 ~ 19.0 (E)
Thoughts: We knew they were close one week ago, but even last week 2.5 games seemed impossible to overcome with just one week to go and the Nationals and Marlins playing at Shea. The Phillies deserve credit for their final week surge to clinch the NL East on the final day. But this one is going to sting in New York for awhile. ... The Brewers cut last week's deficit from 3.5 games to 2.0 to end the season, but it just wasn't enough. Give Ned Yost's crew credit, though. After being beaten by the Padres and eliminated from contention in the NL Central, they didn't sit back on their heels. The Brewers' continued effort is a big reason why the Padres will be playing on Monday instead of resting for the first round of the NLDS. ... The Padres closed to within one game in the NL West after being 2.5 games out last week, but it just wasn't enough. The lost final weekend against the Brewers was the nail in the coffin in the division. Similarly, with the Rockies, they climbed from 4.0 games back to 1.0 game, but it was too little too late.
The Wild Cards
American League
Yankees ~ 94-68 ~ --
Tigers ~ 88-74 ~ 6.0 (E)
Mariners ~ 88-74 ~ 6.0 (E)
Blue Jays ~ 83-79 ~ 11.0 (E)
Twins ~ 79-83 ~ 15.0 (E)
Thoughts: I think everybody expected it to be closer, but there it is. But Detroit also suffered from injuries late in the season that led to their latter-half collapse. Still, even with all the excuses, what the Yankees managed to do after their terrible record at the beginning of the season is incredible.
National League
Padres ~ 89-73 ~ --
Rockies ~ 89-73 ~ --
Mets ~ 88-74 ~ 1.0 (E)
Braves ~ 84-78 ~ 5.0 (E)
Brewers ~ 83-79 ~ 6.0 (E)
Thoughts: The Rockies picked the right time to get hot, and the Padres picked the wrong time to fail. It's amazing, on the night when Trevor Hoffman put the nail in the coffin in Milwaukee, I said that the all-time saves leader looked as efficient as he'd looked all year. The very next night, he blows the save and the Padres' best opportunity to clinch a playoff spot. The Mets did their part by losing 2-out of-3 against the Marlins, but the Rockies pushed ahead against the NL West winners and came away with the tie.
We know that the Yankees and Indians will play the ALDS series starting on Thursday, and all other series will begin on Wednesday. (Cue the groan from Colorado, as the Rockies and Padres will only get one day to set their playoff rosters and rotation.) But, with the Wild Card not decided, no game times have been announced yet. We do know the match-ups:
Red Sox-Angels
Indians-Yankees
Diamondbacks-Cubs
Phillies-Padres/Rockies
I'll post the TBS division series' schedule once it's been made available. For now, I'm assuming Red Sox-Angels will get that primetime 7-8pm ET start. But it's a difficult call because all four series have what one would consider "big market" baseball teams involved: Red Sox AND Angels, Yankees, Cubs, and Phillies.
AL East
Red Sox ~ 96-66 ~ --
Yankees ~ 94-68 ~ 2.0 (E)
Blue Jays ~ 83-79 ~ 13.0 (E)
Orioles ~ 69-93 ~ 27.0 (E)
Devil Rays ~ 66-96 ~ 30.0 (E)
AL Central
Indians ~ 96-66 ~ --
Tigers ~ 88-74 ~ 8.0 (E)
Twins ~ 79-83 ~ 17.0 (E)
White Sox ~ 72-90 ~ 24.0 (E)
Royals ~ 69-93 ~ 27.0 (E)
AL West
Angels ~ 94-68 ~ --
Mariners ~ 88-74 ~ 6.0 (E)
Athletics ~ 76-86 ~ 18.0 (E)
Rangers ~ 75-87 ~ 19.0 (E)
Thoughts: It stayed close until the final weekend, but the NL East was finally decided on a blown save by Mariano Rivera and an extra inning loss by Edwar Ramirez on Friday night. The Blue Jays had a good week and got themselves a few games over .500 to end the season. The Orioles had a terrible season, but I'll give them credit. I thought for sure they were going to be passed by the Devil Rays but it didn't happen. They found a little life at the end of the season. ... We knew the Indians could be good this season, but I don't think anyone predicted league-leading good. Fantastic season by Cleveland. The rest of what was supposed to be the best division in baseball, however, fell short. One month ago, did anyone guess that the Tigers would fnish eight games behind the Indians? Disappointing for last year's American League Champions. And I guess, as far as those White Sox go, at least they can say they made that last week push to finish fourth in the division. It's small consolation, but it's something. ... No surprise in the AL West. The Angels dominated, the end. Not a geat showing from last year's AL Wild Card Athletics, though. They ended flat as well, picking up only one win in the last week of the season.
NL East:
Phillies ~ 89-73 ~ --
Mets ~ 88-74 ~ 1.0 (E)
Braves ~ 84-78 ~ 5.0 (E)
Nationals ~ 73-89 ~ 16.0 (E)
Marlins ~ 71-91 ~ 18.0 (E)
NL Central:
Cubs ~ 85-77 ~ --
Brewers ~ 83-79 ~ 2.0 (E)
Cardinals ~ 78-84 ~ 7.0 (E)
Astros ~ 73-89 ~ 12.0 (E)
Reds ~ 72-90 ~ 13.0 (E)
Pirates ~ 68-94 ~ 17.0 (E)
NL West:
Diamondbacks ~ 90-72 ~ --
Padres ~ 89-73 ~ 1.0 (E)
Rockies ~ 89-73 ~ 1.0 (E)
Dodgers ~ 82-80 ~ 8.0 (E)
Giants ~ 71-91 ~ 19.0 (E)
Thoughts: We knew they were close one week ago, but even last week 2.5 games seemed impossible to overcome with just one week to go and the Nationals and Marlins playing at Shea. The Phillies deserve credit for their final week surge to clinch the NL East on the final day. But this one is going to sting in New York for awhile. ... The Brewers cut last week's deficit from 3.5 games to 2.0 to end the season, but it just wasn't enough. Give Ned Yost's crew credit, though. After being beaten by the Padres and eliminated from contention in the NL Central, they didn't sit back on their heels. The Brewers' continued effort is a big reason why the Padres will be playing on Monday instead of resting for the first round of the NLDS. ... The Padres closed to within one game in the NL West after being 2.5 games out last week, but it just wasn't enough. The lost final weekend against the Brewers was the nail in the coffin in the division. Similarly, with the Rockies, they climbed from 4.0 games back to 1.0 game, but it was too little too late.
The Wild Cards
American League
Yankees ~ 94-68 ~ --
Tigers ~ 88-74 ~ 6.0 (E)
Mariners ~ 88-74 ~ 6.0 (E)
Blue Jays ~ 83-79 ~ 11.0 (E)
Twins ~ 79-83 ~ 15.0 (E)
Thoughts: I think everybody expected it to be closer, but there it is. But Detroit also suffered from injuries late in the season that led to their latter-half collapse. Still, even with all the excuses, what the Yankees managed to do after their terrible record at the beginning of the season is incredible.
National League
Padres ~ 89-73 ~ --
Rockies ~ 89-73 ~ --
Mets ~ 88-74 ~ 1.0 (E)
Braves ~ 84-78 ~ 5.0 (E)
Brewers ~ 83-79 ~ 6.0 (E)
Thoughts: The Rockies picked the right time to get hot, and the Padres picked the wrong time to fail. It's amazing, on the night when Trevor Hoffman put the nail in the coffin in Milwaukee, I said that the all-time saves leader looked as efficient as he'd looked all year. The very next night, he blows the save and the Padres' best opportunity to clinch a playoff spot. The Mets did their part by losing 2-out of-3 against the Marlins, but the Rockies pushed ahead against the NL West winners and came away with the tie.
We know that the Yankees and Indians will play the ALDS series starting on Thursday, and all other series will begin on Wednesday. (Cue the groan from Colorado, as the Rockies and Padres will only get one day to set their playoff rosters and rotation.) But, with the Wild Card not decided, no game times have been announced yet. We do know the match-ups:
Red Sox-Angels
Indians-Yankees
Diamondbacks-Cubs
Phillies-Padres/Rockies
I'll post the TBS division series' schedule once it's been made available. For now, I'm assuming Red Sox-Angels will get that primetime 7-8pm ET start. But it's a difficult call because all four series have what one would consider "big market" baseball teams involved: Red Sox AND Angels, Yankees, Cubs, and Phillies.
Final Sunday baseball
The final game of the regular season is in the books...or is it?
- They're speechless in New York. Marlins def. Mets 8-1
- Moyer's changeup was filthy. Phillies def. Nationals 6-1
- Two opportunities to secure the Wild Card; two losses. Brewers def. Padres 11-6
- Manager Jorge Posada led his team to victory. Yankees def. Orioles 10-4
Other results of note: Reds def. Cubs (8-4), Twins def. Red Sox (3-2), Indians def. Royals (4-2), Rockies def. Diamondbacks (4-3)
So, here's how it goes. The Phillies defeat the Nationals and the Mets lose to the Marlins. This means that, as improbable as it seemed one month ago, the Phillies are your National League East Champions and will be heading to the playoffs to take on the NL Wild Card. Who is that NL Wild Card? Well, we don't know. Tomko wasn't good, allowing five runs in 4.1 innings, and the bullpen didn't help. Meredith, Cameron, and Germano all surendered runs. Suppan's four run performance wasn't stellar either, but it was enough for the Brewers to spoil the Padres for another day. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks staged a late-inning rally, but it wasn't enough to overtake the Rockies. With the win, they're tied with the Padres for the NL Wild Card.
That means, we head to Colorado for a tiebreaker. Monday night, 7:37 ET first pitch. The Padres will send ace and NL Cy Young favorite Jake Peavy (19-6, 2.36 ERA) to the mound to take on the Rockies' Josh Fogg (10-9, 4.79 ERA).
Peavy has made two starts against the Rockies this season, both in San Diego, and he has not recorded a decision. His first outing was on April 8th, in which he lated seven innings and allowed one run on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts. On September 21st, Peavy also went seven innings and allowed one run on three hits with two walks and eight strikeouts.
Fogg is 1-1 in three starts this season against the Padres. His no decision was back on April 7th at Petco. Fogg went 6.1 innings and allowed two runs on six hits (1 HR, Branyan) with one walk and three strikeouts. On April 20th, Fogg earned a loss in Colorado with a terrible outing. He lasted just three innings and allowed seven earned runs (eight total) on eleven hits (1 HR, A. Gonzalez) with three walks and three strikeouts. On September 9th, Fogg earned the win in Coors Field. He went five innings and alowed one run on seven hits with three walks and two strikeouts.
In his last start of the regular season, Fogg recorded a win in LA against the Dodgers. He threw 6.2 shutout innings, allowing five hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Peavy is coming off a September 26th win at San Francisco against the Giants. He went seven innings and allowed two runs on five hits with one walk and one strikeout.
The numbers obviously favor Peavy, but he has not pitched in Coors Field this year. With a young team and the home crowd behind them, not to mention all the momentum coming in, the Rockies have a big chance to win this thing. Fogg is beatable, and the fact that they're playing in Coors Field should help the Padres' hitters as much as it will help Colorado's. But I won't be surprised if the Rockies pull off the big upset in the NL Wild Card and defeat the Padres here. Then again, all of my surprise as been wasted on the Mets.
- They're speechless in New York. Marlins def. Mets 8-1
- Moyer's changeup was filthy. Phillies def. Nationals 6-1
- Two opportunities to secure the Wild Card; two losses. Brewers def. Padres 11-6
- Manager Jorge Posada led his team to victory. Yankees def. Orioles 10-4
Other results of note: Reds def. Cubs (8-4), Twins def. Red Sox (3-2), Indians def. Royals (4-2), Rockies def. Diamondbacks (4-3)
So, here's how it goes. The Phillies defeat the Nationals and the Mets lose to the Marlins. This means that, as improbable as it seemed one month ago, the Phillies are your National League East Champions and will be heading to the playoffs to take on the NL Wild Card. Who is that NL Wild Card? Well, we don't know. Tomko wasn't good, allowing five runs in 4.1 innings, and the bullpen didn't help. Meredith, Cameron, and Germano all surendered runs. Suppan's four run performance wasn't stellar either, but it was enough for the Brewers to spoil the Padres for another day. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks staged a late-inning rally, but it wasn't enough to overtake the Rockies. With the win, they're tied with the Padres for the NL Wild Card.
That means, we head to Colorado for a tiebreaker. Monday night, 7:37 ET first pitch. The Padres will send ace and NL Cy Young favorite Jake Peavy (19-6, 2.36 ERA) to the mound to take on the Rockies' Josh Fogg (10-9, 4.79 ERA).
Peavy has made two starts against the Rockies this season, both in San Diego, and he has not recorded a decision. His first outing was on April 8th, in which he lated seven innings and allowed one run on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts. On September 21st, Peavy also went seven innings and allowed one run on three hits with two walks and eight strikeouts.
Fogg is 1-1 in three starts this season against the Padres. His no decision was back on April 7th at Petco. Fogg went 6.1 innings and allowed two runs on six hits (1 HR, Branyan) with one walk and three strikeouts. On April 20th, Fogg earned a loss in Colorado with a terrible outing. He lasted just three innings and allowed seven earned runs (eight total) on eleven hits (1 HR, A. Gonzalez) with three walks and three strikeouts. On September 9th, Fogg earned the win in Coors Field. He went five innings and alowed one run on seven hits with three walks and two strikeouts.
In his last start of the regular season, Fogg recorded a win in LA against the Dodgers. He threw 6.2 shutout innings, allowing five hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Peavy is coming off a September 26th win at San Francisco against the Giants. He went seven innings and allowed two runs on five hits with one walk and one strikeout.
The numbers obviously favor Peavy, but he has not pitched in Coors Field this year. With a young team and the home crowd behind them, not to mention all the momentum coming in, the Rockies have a big chance to win this thing. Fogg is beatable, and the fact that they're playing in Coors Field should help the Padres' hitters as much as it will help Colorado's. But I won't be surprised if the Rockies pull off the big upset in the NL Wild Card and defeat the Padres here. Then again, all of my surprise as been wasted on the Mets.
Saturday baseball
What you missed in a nutshell:
- Where was this for the last week? Mets def. Marlins 13-0
- Too little too late for the Brewers, but they spoiled the Padres' hopes for one day. Tony Gwynn Jr.? Freaky. Brewers def. Padres 4-3 [11 inn.]
- This might have been Matt Chico's best outing of the year. Nationals def. Phillies 4-2
- Let's play "whose pitching can give up more runs"! Yankees def. Orioles 11-10
Other results of note: Cubs def. Reds (4-0), Angels def. A's (3-2), Red Sox def. Twins (6-4), Royals def. Indians (4-3), Rockies def. Diamondbacks (11-1)
So, here's what Saturday's results mean:
1. The Phillies and Mets are again tied in the NL East. There needs to be a split decision tomorrow or they will force a tiebreaker next week.
2. The Padres, Mets/Phillies, and Rockies are all alive in the NL Wild Card. San Diego still leads by a game with one to play. At worst, if they lose tomorrow and another team wins, tiebreakers will need to be played next week. The worst San Diego can do is tie with a loss. If they win tomorrow, they clinch the NL Wild Card.
Down to the last day. And you think any of it will be a non-local markets? Noooo. Enjoy your NFL, I suppose.
Sunday baseball:
RHP Brett Tomko (4-11, 5.39 ERA) and the Padres take on RHP Jeff Suppan (11-12, 4.57 ERA)
LHP Tom Glavine (13-7, 4.14 ERA) and the Mets host LHP Dontrelle Willis (10-15, 5.20 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Jason Bergmann (6-5, 4.33 ERA) and the Nationals take on LHP Jamie Moyer (13-12, 5.15 ERA) and the Phillies.
LHP Sean Henn (2-2, 7.49 ERA) and the Yankees take on LHP Brian Burres (6-7, 5.66 ERA) and the Orioles.
Other games of note:
Cubs @ Reds (Lilly vs. Bailey)
Twins @ Red Sox (Garza vs. Tavarez)
Indians @ Royals (Laffey vs. Hochevar)
Diamondbacks @ Rockies (Davis vs. Jimenez)
Angels @ Athletics (Weaver vs. Gaudin)
It's the final day of the regular season, and so much is left up for grabs. As inconsistent as he's been this year, there's no one the Marlins would rather have trying to spoil the Mets than Dontrelle Willis. And if the Nationals can't have Shawn Hill, who underwent surgery to repair a ruptured nerve this past week, on the hill their best hope is Bergmann who was the 2nd best Nats pitcher. It's insane how Brett Tomko, of all people, will get the chance to clinch the Wild Card for the Padres on Sunday. Manager Bud Black has explained that he wants to save Jake Peavy for a potential playoff game on Monday. Two spots for four teams. Glavine, Moyer, Tomko, and Jimenez. We'll see who gets it done.
- Where was this for the last week? Mets def. Marlins 13-0
- Too little too late for the Brewers, but they spoiled the Padres' hopes for one day. Tony Gwynn Jr.? Freaky. Brewers def. Padres 4-3 [11 inn.]
- This might have been Matt Chico's best outing of the year. Nationals def. Phillies 4-2
- Let's play "whose pitching can give up more runs"! Yankees def. Orioles 11-10
Other results of note: Cubs def. Reds (4-0), Angels def. A's (3-2), Red Sox def. Twins (6-4), Royals def. Indians (4-3), Rockies def. Diamondbacks (11-1)
So, here's what Saturday's results mean:
1. The Phillies and Mets are again tied in the NL East. There needs to be a split decision tomorrow or they will force a tiebreaker next week.
2. The Padres, Mets/Phillies, and Rockies are all alive in the NL Wild Card. San Diego still leads by a game with one to play. At worst, if they lose tomorrow and another team wins, tiebreakers will need to be played next week. The worst San Diego can do is tie with a loss. If they win tomorrow, they clinch the NL Wild Card.
Down to the last day. And you think any of it will be a non-local markets? Noooo. Enjoy your NFL, I suppose.
Sunday baseball:
RHP Brett Tomko (4-11, 5.39 ERA) and the Padres take on RHP Jeff Suppan (11-12, 4.57 ERA)
LHP Tom Glavine (13-7, 4.14 ERA) and the Mets host LHP Dontrelle Willis (10-15, 5.20 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Jason Bergmann (6-5, 4.33 ERA) and the Nationals take on LHP Jamie Moyer (13-12, 5.15 ERA) and the Phillies.
LHP Sean Henn (2-2, 7.49 ERA) and the Yankees take on LHP Brian Burres (6-7, 5.66 ERA) and the Orioles.
Other games of note:
Cubs @ Reds (Lilly vs. Bailey)
Twins @ Red Sox (Garza vs. Tavarez)
Indians @ Royals (Laffey vs. Hochevar)
Diamondbacks @ Rockies (Davis vs. Jimenez)
Angels @ Athletics (Weaver vs. Gaudin)
It's the final day of the regular season, and so much is left up for grabs. As inconsistent as he's been this year, there's no one the Marlins would rather have trying to spoil the Mets than Dontrelle Willis. And if the Nationals can't have Shawn Hill, who underwent surgery to repair a ruptured nerve this past week, on the hill their best hope is Bergmann who was the 2nd best Nats pitcher. It's insane how Brett Tomko, of all people, will get the chance to clinch the Wild Card for the Padres on Sunday. Manager Bud Black has explained that he wants to save Jake Peavy for a potential playoff game on Monday. Two spots for four teams. Glavine, Moyer, Tomko, and Jimenez. We'll see who gets it done.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Friday baseball
What you missed in a nutshell (and boy, did you miss a lot):
- There's something ironic about the Red Sox clinching the AL East because of a blown save by Mariano Rivera. Orioles def. Yankees 10-9 [10 inn]
- He's Cole Hamels, and he's that damn good. Phillies def. Nationals 6-0
- Goodbye, first place. Marlins def. Mets 7-4
- Trevor Hoffman, heartbreaker. Padres def. Brewers 6-3
Other results of note: Red Sox def. Twins (5-2), Cubs def. Reds (6-0), Diamondbacks def. Rockies (4-2), Indians def. Royals (5-3)
So many questions when Friday began, so many answers as Friday ends. Terrible blown save for Mariano Rivera, who came in for the bottom of the 9th with a 9-6 lead. Edwar Ramirez took the loss, and the Red Sox have officially won the American League East. ... The Phillies win and Mets loss make it official: the Mets have blown a 7 game lead with 17 left to play. They now stand a game back of Philadelphia, and fate is in the Phillies' hands. ... With the Cubs win and Brewers loss, Milwaukee's playoff dreams are officially done. The Cubs have clinched the NL Central. Interestingly, it was also the most dominant Trevor Hoffman outing I've seen all season. Good win for San Diego, especially for an injured Greg Maddux who toughed his way through five innings. ... The Diamondbacks' win today secures them a definite spot in the playoffs. Whether by division title or wild card has yet to be determined, but you'll see Arizona in October. Your Mananger of the Year, Bob Melvin. ... With the Mets and Rockies losses, both teams stand two games back of the Padres in the Wild Card. The worst the Padres can do now, with two straight losses the rest of the way, is force a tiebreaker. Their magic number over both teams is one game.
Saturday's games:
RHP John Maine (14-10, 4.07 ERA) and the Mets host LHP Chris Seddon (0-1, 6.89 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Chris Young (9-8, 3.13 ERA) and the Padres take on RHP Dave Bush (12-10, 5.16 ERA) and the Brewers.
LHP Matt Chico (6-9, 4.75 ERA) and the Nationals take on RHP Adam Eaton (10-9, 6.33 ERA) and the Phillies.
LHP Andy Pettitte (14-9, 3.81 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP Daniel Cabrera (9-17, 5.36 ERA) and the Orioles.
Other games of note:
Cubs @ Reds (Hill vs. Harang)
Angels @ Athletics (Escobar vs. Braden)
Twins @ Red Sox (Silva vs. Wakefield)
Indians @ Royals (Westbrook vs. Meche)
Diamondbacks @ Rockies (Gonzalez vs. Redman)
Huge, huge Saturday of baseball. If the Padres win tomorrow, both the Mets and Rockies will be eliminated from the Wild Card race. The same will happen if either or both the Mets and ROckies lose. In the NL East, the magic number stands at two games. The Phillies can clinch with a win and a Mets loss.
A big day for the playoff picture but not a big day for pitching. Of the listed match-ups, Hill vs. Harang is probably the best Saturday duel. But the best numbers are for a game not listed: Adam Wainwright vs. Tom Gorzelanny as the Cardinals take on the Pirates at PNC Park.
- There's something ironic about the Red Sox clinching the AL East because of a blown save by Mariano Rivera. Orioles def. Yankees 10-9 [10 inn]
- He's Cole Hamels, and he's that damn good. Phillies def. Nationals 6-0
- Goodbye, first place. Marlins def. Mets 7-4
- Trevor Hoffman, heartbreaker. Padres def. Brewers 6-3
Other results of note: Red Sox def. Twins (5-2), Cubs def. Reds (6-0), Diamondbacks def. Rockies (4-2), Indians def. Royals (5-3)
So many questions when Friday began, so many answers as Friday ends. Terrible blown save for Mariano Rivera, who came in for the bottom of the 9th with a 9-6 lead. Edwar Ramirez took the loss, and the Red Sox have officially won the American League East. ... The Phillies win and Mets loss make it official: the Mets have blown a 7 game lead with 17 left to play. They now stand a game back of Philadelphia, and fate is in the Phillies' hands. ... With the Cubs win and Brewers loss, Milwaukee's playoff dreams are officially done. The Cubs have clinched the NL Central. Interestingly, it was also the most dominant Trevor Hoffman outing I've seen all season. Good win for San Diego, especially for an injured Greg Maddux who toughed his way through five innings. ... The Diamondbacks' win today secures them a definite spot in the playoffs. Whether by division title or wild card has yet to be determined, but you'll see Arizona in October. Your Mananger of the Year, Bob Melvin. ... With the Mets and Rockies losses, both teams stand two games back of the Padres in the Wild Card. The worst the Padres can do now, with two straight losses the rest of the way, is force a tiebreaker. Their magic number over both teams is one game.
Saturday's games:
RHP John Maine (14-10, 4.07 ERA) and the Mets host LHP Chris Seddon (0-1, 6.89 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Chris Young (9-8, 3.13 ERA) and the Padres take on RHP Dave Bush (12-10, 5.16 ERA) and the Brewers.
LHP Matt Chico (6-9, 4.75 ERA) and the Nationals take on RHP Adam Eaton (10-9, 6.33 ERA) and the Phillies.
LHP Andy Pettitte (14-9, 3.81 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP Daniel Cabrera (9-17, 5.36 ERA) and the Orioles.
Other games of note:
Cubs @ Reds (Hill vs. Harang)
Angels @ Athletics (Escobar vs. Braden)
Twins @ Red Sox (Silva vs. Wakefield)
Indians @ Royals (Westbrook vs. Meche)
Diamondbacks @ Rockies (Gonzalez vs. Redman)
Huge, huge Saturday of baseball. If the Padres win tomorrow, both the Mets and Rockies will be eliminated from the Wild Card race. The same will happen if either or both the Mets and ROckies lose. In the NL East, the magic number stands at two games. The Phillies can clinch with a win and a Mets loss.
A big day for the playoff picture but not a big day for pitching. Of the listed match-ups, Hill vs. Harang is probably the best Saturday duel. But the best numbers are for a game not listed: Adam Wainwright vs. Tom Gorzelanny as the Cardinals take on the Pirates at PNC Park.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- If you can't even win with Pedro Martinez on the mound, you're in trouble. Cardinals def. Mets 3-0
- Hughes making his bid for a postseason start. Yankees def. Devil Rays 3-1
- Baltimore wins, but Jeremy Guthrie doesn't. All is right with the world. Orioles def. Blue Jays 8-5
Other results of note: Diamondbacks def. Pirates (8-0), Marlins def. Cubs (6-4), Phillies def. Braves (6-4), Twins def. Red Sox (5-4)
Welcome to a tie for first place in the NL East, Phillies. It's amazing that the Mets have let it come to this. It's even more amazing that this happened with Pedro on the mound. He looks to have done his part with a solid start, but no runs from the offense? Did the Nats series burn them out? ... Speaking of the Nats, the Nationals are to the Mets what the Marlins are to the Cubs. Unbelievable how that team has owned Chicago. ... It doesn't matter with the Twins out of any postseason contention, but a nice moment for Joe Nathan pulling his team out of a bases loaded one-out jam in the bottom of the 9th at Fenway.
As for games currently in progress, the Padres lead Milwaukee 9-5 in the top of the 8th. With Arizona and Philly winning, San Diego needs this victory. But after a Cubs loss in Florida, the Brewers are wasting another good opportunity if they can't come back and win this game late. The Mariners lead the Indians 2-1 in the top of the 3rd. And the Rockies and Dodgers are scoreless in their top of the 3rd.
Friday baseball:
RHP Tim Redding (3-5, 3.53 ERA) and the Nationals take on LHP Cole Hamels (14-5, 3.54 ERA) and the Phillies.
LHP Oliver Perez (15-9, 3.32 ERA) and the Mets host RHP Byung-Hyun Kim (9-8, 6.11 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Greg Maddux (13-11, 4.10 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP Chris Capuano (5-12, 5.09 ERA) and the Brewers.
RHP Mike Mussina (11-10, 4.96 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP Jon Leicester (2-3, 6.51 ERA) and the Orioles.
Other games of note:
Twins @ Red Sox (Slowey vs. Matsuzaka)
Cubs @ Reds (Zambrano vs. Arroyo)
Diamondbacks @ Rockies (Webb vs. Francis)
Indians @ Royals (Sabathia vs. Davies)
Angels @ Athletics (Lackey vs. Haren)
The Marlins have played the Cubs tough, but the Mets need to win this game. Kim hasn't pitched well, Perez is inconsistent but pitches well in big games. They need to win, end of story. ... The advantage in Philadelphia is for the Phillies, with Cole Hamels on the mound. Tim Redding had a nice outing last time he took the hill, though. ... Advantage Padres with the unlucky and inconsistent Capuano on the mound for Milwaukee.
Tomorrow night sees Hamels, Cy Young candidate Webb (who was pushed back from his originally scheduled start on Thursday because Arizona wanted to save him when facing the far more difficult Francis and the Rockies), AL Cy Young candidate Sabathia, and long-shot AL Cy Young candidate Lackey. Some good match-ups for Friday, but as far as pitching goes Lackey vs. Haren should be good. Dark horse nomination goes to Redding-Hamels in Philly.
- If you can't even win with Pedro Martinez on the mound, you're in trouble. Cardinals def. Mets 3-0
- Hughes making his bid for a postseason start. Yankees def. Devil Rays 3-1
- Baltimore wins, but Jeremy Guthrie doesn't. All is right with the world. Orioles def. Blue Jays 8-5
Other results of note: Diamondbacks def. Pirates (8-0), Marlins def. Cubs (6-4), Phillies def. Braves (6-4), Twins def. Red Sox (5-4)
Welcome to a tie for first place in the NL East, Phillies. It's amazing that the Mets have let it come to this. It's even more amazing that this happened with Pedro on the mound. He looks to have done his part with a solid start, but no runs from the offense? Did the Nats series burn them out? ... Speaking of the Nats, the Nationals are to the Mets what the Marlins are to the Cubs. Unbelievable how that team has owned Chicago. ... It doesn't matter with the Twins out of any postseason contention, but a nice moment for Joe Nathan pulling his team out of a bases loaded one-out jam in the bottom of the 9th at Fenway.
As for games currently in progress, the Padres lead Milwaukee 9-5 in the top of the 8th. With Arizona and Philly winning, San Diego needs this victory. But after a Cubs loss in Florida, the Brewers are wasting another good opportunity if they can't come back and win this game late. The Mariners lead the Indians 2-1 in the top of the 3rd. And the Rockies and Dodgers are scoreless in their top of the 3rd.
Friday baseball:
RHP Tim Redding (3-5, 3.53 ERA) and the Nationals take on LHP Cole Hamels (14-5, 3.54 ERA) and the Phillies.
LHP Oliver Perez (15-9, 3.32 ERA) and the Mets host RHP Byung-Hyun Kim (9-8, 6.11 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Greg Maddux (13-11, 4.10 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP Chris Capuano (5-12, 5.09 ERA) and the Brewers.
RHP Mike Mussina (11-10, 4.96 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP Jon Leicester (2-3, 6.51 ERA) and the Orioles.
Other games of note:
Twins @ Red Sox (Slowey vs. Matsuzaka)
Cubs @ Reds (Zambrano vs. Arroyo)
Diamondbacks @ Rockies (Webb vs. Francis)
Indians @ Royals (Sabathia vs. Davies)
Angels @ Athletics (Lackey vs. Haren)
The Marlins have played the Cubs tough, but the Mets need to win this game. Kim hasn't pitched well, Perez is inconsistent but pitches well in big games. They need to win, end of story. ... The advantage in Philadelphia is for the Phillies, with Cole Hamels on the mound. Tim Redding had a nice outing last time he took the hill, though. ... Advantage Padres with the unlucky and inconsistent Capuano on the mound for Milwaukee.
Tomorrow night sees Hamels, Cy Young candidate Webb (who was pushed back from his originally scheduled start on Thursday because Arizona wanted to save him when facing the far more difficult Francis and the Rockies), AL Cy Young candidate Sabathia, and long-shot AL Cy Young candidate Lackey. Some good match-ups for Friday, but as far as pitching goes Lackey vs. Haren should be good. Dark horse nomination goes to Redding-Hamels in Philly.
Wednesday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- The AL playoff picture is officially set. Yankees def. Devil Rays 12-4
- They're going to pick random people off the street in the Queens to see if they can pitch. Nationals def. Mets 9-6
- A much-needed win with Peavy on the mound. Padres def. Giants 11-3
- Not a dominating outing from Halladay, but who needs dominating when your opposition gives up eight runs in the first inning? Blue Jays def. Orioles 8-5
Other results of note: Rangers def. Angels (16-2), Red Sox def. A's (11-6), Pirates def. Diamondbacks (5-1), Phillies def. Braves (5-2), Marlins def. Cubs (7-4), Mariners def. Indians (3-2, 10-inn) [Game 1], Indians def. Mariners (12-4) [Game 2], Cardinals def. Brewers (7-3), Rockies def. Dodgers (2-0)
Humber was solid but not great for the Mets in his first career start. He left with a 6-3 lead that a combination of Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano proceeded to give away. Credit those last two runs to Billy Wagner in the 9th inning, and it was a recipe for disaster. Especially considering that Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik gave up three homeruns in less than three innings. At least Superman is done with his kryptonite for the rest of the season. ... This time, the Phillies weren't up for helping the Mets, defeating the Braves and cutting the NL East lead to one. The Padres also didn't help the Mets by winning big over the Giants with their ace on the mound. ... Bad job by the Brewers, unable to take advantage of another Cubs loss to the Marlins. ... It's hard to believe that the Dodgers were playoff contenders just two weeks ago. They're on a downward spiral of Seattle proportions.
Thursday baseball:
RHP Jack Cassel (1-1, 4.00 ERA) and the Padres take on Yovani Gallardo (9-4, 3.59 ERA) and the Brewers.
RHP Pedro Martinez (3-0, 2.57 ERA) and the Mets host RHP Joel Pineiro (6-5, 4.72 ERA) and the Cardinals
RHP Phil Hughes (4-3, 4.80 ERA) and the Yankees take on LHP Scott Kazmir (13-9, 3.54) and the Devil Rays.
RHP Jeremy Guthrie (7-5, 3.65) and the Orioles host RHP Josh Banks (0-0, 4.50 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
Other games of note:
Diamondbacks @ Pirates (Webb vs. Van Benschoten)
Cubs @ Marlins (Trachsel vs. Olsen)
Braves @ Phillies (Smoltz vs. Kendrick)
Twins @ Red Sox (Bonser vs. Beckett)
Indians @ Mariners (Byrd vs. Baek)
Rockies @ Dodgers (Morales vs. Loaiza)
With the NL East, Central, West, and Wild Card all open; every series involving the Mets, Phillies, Cubs, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rockies this weekend is huge. But I'd venture that none of these series is more intriguing that Padres at Brewers for four games beginning tomorrow. That series has the potential to decide the NL Central, West, and Wild Card. Game 1 looks to favor Milwaukee, with the rookie Jack Cassel on the hill for San Diego taking on Gallardo, who has been more than solid for the Brewers. ... Now that the Nationals are out of town, the Mets need to regroup in this make-up game against the Cardinals, who have not been playing well either. Especially with Pedro Matrinez on the bump. ... In case you haven't noticed, that team in Colorado that you hear nothing about has a ten game winning streak. With a win tomorrow night, the Rockies will have swept the Dodgers for the second time in a row. So much for revenge being a motivating factor. ... Just one game ahead of the Padres in the West, Arizona turns to ace Brandon Webb to shut down the Pirates and end their team's losing streak at three games. ... With a two-game losing streak, the Cubs look to late season acquisition Steve Trachsel to lead them over the surprisingly tough Marlins.
Big-time pitchers on the hill Thursday. You've got Pedro Martinez, Brandon Webb, John Smoltz, and AL Cy Young frontrunner Josh Beckett going for his 21st win of the season. Also some good young pitching, like Kazmir down in Tampa Bay and Jeremy Guthrie pitching through pain for the Orioles. Thursday's pitching match-up of the night goes to Smoltz vs. Kendrick as the Braves look to steal another from division rival Philadelphia and fight to stay alive in the NL Wild Card. Either a San Diego win or a loss by them will eliminate Atlanta completely from contention.
Update on the standings: The Mets have a 1.0 game lead on the Phillies with a magic number of 4. The Cubs hold a 2.0 game lead on Milwaukee with a magic number of 3. Arizona has a 1.0 game lead on the Padres with a magic number of 4. San Diego holds a 1.0 game lead over both the Rockies and the Phillies in the Wild Card, with a magic number of 4.
Fun, fun stuff. Enjoy your Thursday, National League fans.
- The AL playoff picture is officially set. Yankees def. Devil Rays 12-4
- They're going to pick random people off the street in the Queens to see if they can pitch. Nationals def. Mets 9-6
- A much-needed win with Peavy on the mound. Padres def. Giants 11-3
- Not a dominating outing from Halladay, but who needs dominating when your opposition gives up eight runs in the first inning? Blue Jays def. Orioles 8-5
Other results of note: Rangers def. Angels (16-2), Red Sox def. A's (11-6), Pirates def. Diamondbacks (5-1), Phillies def. Braves (5-2), Marlins def. Cubs (7-4), Mariners def. Indians (3-2, 10-inn) [Game 1], Indians def. Mariners (12-4) [Game 2], Cardinals def. Brewers (7-3), Rockies def. Dodgers (2-0)
Humber was solid but not great for the Mets in his first career start. He left with a 6-3 lead that a combination of Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano proceeded to give away. Credit those last two runs to Billy Wagner in the 9th inning, and it was a recipe for disaster. Especially considering that Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik gave up three homeruns in less than three innings. At least Superman is done with his kryptonite for the rest of the season. ... This time, the Phillies weren't up for helping the Mets, defeating the Braves and cutting the NL East lead to one. The Padres also didn't help the Mets by winning big over the Giants with their ace on the mound. ... Bad job by the Brewers, unable to take advantage of another Cubs loss to the Marlins. ... It's hard to believe that the Dodgers were playoff contenders just two weeks ago. They're on a downward spiral of Seattle proportions.
Thursday baseball:
RHP Jack Cassel (1-1, 4.00 ERA) and the Padres take on Yovani Gallardo (9-4, 3.59 ERA) and the Brewers.
RHP Pedro Martinez (3-0, 2.57 ERA) and the Mets host RHP Joel Pineiro (6-5, 4.72 ERA) and the Cardinals
RHP Phil Hughes (4-3, 4.80 ERA) and the Yankees take on LHP Scott Kazmir (13-9, 3.54) and the Devil Rays.
RHP Jeremy Guthrie (7-5, 3.65) and the Orioles host RHP Josh Banks (0-0, 4.50 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
Other games of note:
Diamondbacks @ Pirates (Webb vs. Van Benschoten)
Cubs @ Marlins (Trachsel vs. Olsen)
Braves @ Phillies (Smoltz vs. Kendrick)
Twins @ Red Sox (Bonser vs. Beckett)
Indians @ Mariners (Byrd vs. Baek)
Rockies @ Dodgers (Morales vs. Loaiza)
With the NL East, Central, West, and Wild Card all open; every series involving the Mets, Phillies, Cubs, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rockies this weekend is huge. But I'd venture that none of these series is more intriguing that Padres at Brewers for four games beginning tomorrow. That series has the potential to decide the NL Central, West, and Wild Card. Game 1 looks to favor Milwaukee, with the rookie Jack Cassel on the hill for San Diego taking on Gallardo, who has been more than solid for the Brewers. ... Now that the Nationals are out of town, the Mets need to regroup in this make-up game against the Cardinals, who have not been playing well either. Especially with Pedro Matrinez on the bump. ... In case you haven't noticed, that team in Colorado that you hear nothing about has a ten game winning streak. With a win tomorrow night, the Rockies will have swept the Dodgers for the second time in a row. So much for revenge being a motivating factor. ... Just one game ahead of the Padres in the West, Arizona turns to ace Brandon Webb to shut down the Pirates and end their team's losing streak at three games. ... With a two-game losing streak, the Cubs look to late season acquisition Steve Trachsel to lead them over the surprisingly tough Marlins.
Big-time pitchers on the hill Thursday. You've got Pedro Martinez, Brandon Webb, John Smoltz, and AL Cy Young frontrunner Josh Beckett going for his 21st win of the season. Also some good young pitching, like Kazmir down in Tampa Bay and Jeremy Guthrie pitching through pain for the Orioles. Thursday's pitching match-up of the night goes to Smoltz vs. Kendrick as the Braves look to steal another from division rival Philadelphia and fight to stay alive in the NL Wild Card. Either a San Diego win or a loss by them will eliminate Atlanta completely from contention.
Update on the standings: The Mets have a 1.0 game lead on the Phillies with a magic number of 4. The Cubs hold a 2.0 game lead on Milwaukee with a magic number of 3. Arizona has a 1.0 game lead on the Padres with a magic number of 4. San Diego holds a 1.0 game lead over both the Rockies and the Phillies in the Wild Card, with a magic number of 4.
Fun, fun stuff. Enjoy your Thursday, National League fans.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday baseball
What you missed in a nutshell:
- Exciting 9th inning. Cordero was stellar as always... /sarcasm. Nationals def. Mets 10-9
- Well, I hope you didn't bet on Brian Bruney making the postseason roster. Devil Rays def. Yankees 7-6 [11 inn.]
- Ahh, there's the Baltimore pitching we know and love. Blue Jays def. Orioles 11-4
Other results of note: Pirates def. Diamondbacks (6-5), Braves def. Phillies (10-6), Marlins def. Cubs (4-2), Tigers def. Twins (8-0), Red Sox def. A's (7-3), Rangers def. Angels (3-1), Brewers def. Cardinals (9-1)
As for the games still in progress, the Indians lead Seattle 3-1 in the bottom of the 6th. The Rockies lead the Dodgers 4-2 in the bottom of the 5th. And the Giants lead the Padres 4-0 in the top of the 6th.
So what we can gather from this is that there were many, many teams who needed a win tonight, and the only team who did what they needed to by this point is the Brewers, who annihilated the Cardinals tonight. And the Tigers, I suppose, keeping their playoff hopes alive. ... Seattle will be eliminated tonight if the current score stands and the Mariners lose to Cleveland. ... That the Yankees lost tonight isn't a concern. They're going to win one game in their last five, even if Detroit runs the table. And they had Kei Igawa make an emergency start because Roger Clemens is still suffering problems with his hamstring. But they way they lost was rough. Igawa was shaky but scoreless through five. A-Rod hits a huge grandslam to make the score 5-0 heading into the bottom of the 6th. And a combined "effort" from Edwar Ramirez and Brian Bruney left the score 6-5. For all the slack Kyle Farnsworth takes, Brian Bruney has been terrible this year. If the team had any thought of carrying him on the postseason roster, you'd have to think this game sealed his fate. ... If the Mets are Superman, the Nationals are their kryptonite. Glavine didn't have a good outing, Bergmann pitched well for Washington, and the only reason the Mets got as close as they did in the 9th was because Acta hesitated too long to pull Jesus Colome and Chad Cordero wilted with two-outs to go. Still, the Phillies losing to the Braves took some pressure off of the Mets with a loss tonight. One of the strangest things you'll ever see is Shea Stadium doing the Braves chop.
To update, it's still 3-1 bottom 6th in Seattle. The Dodgers have taken the lead over the Rockies 5-4 in the bottom of the 5th. And San Diego is on the board, losing 4-1 to the Giants in the bottom of the 6th. That was the surprisingly clutch Scott Hairston with the solo-homer in the 6th inning off of Matt Cain. James Loney hit a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 5th inning off of Ubaldo Jimenez, who is now out of the game.
Wednesday's games:
RHP Victor Zambrano (0-2, 6.41 ERA) and the Orioles host RHP Roy Halladay (15-7, 3.71 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
RHP Chien-Ming Wang (18-7, 3.72 ERA) and the Yankees take on LHP J.P. Howell (1-5, 6.80 ERA) and the Devil Rays.
LHP Mike Bacsik (5-8, 4.76 ERA) and the Nationals take on RHP Philip Humber (0-0, 3.00 ERA) and the Mets.
RHP Jake Peavy (18-6, 2.36 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP Pat Misch (0-3, 2.75 ERA) and the Giants.
Other games of note:
Angels @ Rangers (Saunders vs. Mendoza)
Athletics @ Red Sox (Blanton vs. Lester)
Diamondbacks @ Pirates (Hernandez vs. Morris)
Braves @ Phillies (Hudson vs. Lohse)
Cubs @ Marlins (Marquis vs. Barone)
Twins @ Tigers (Santana vs. Jurrjens)
Indians @ Mariners (Carmona vs. Feierabend) [Game 1]
Indians @ Mariners (Sowers vs. Washburn) [Game 2]
Cardinals @ Brewers (Thompson vs. Villanueva)
Rockies @ Dodgers (Fogg vs. Lowe)
A fun final week of the regular season continues. Big pitchers on the hill Wednesday; Peavy, Wang, Carmona, Santana, Halladay, Hudson... The Yankees have their #1 guy on the mound as they look to clinch the Wild Card again against Tampa Bay. The Tigers, with a Yankee loss, would look to stay alive by sending impressive rookie Jurrjens against Johan Santana. Peavy looks to right the ship for San Diego, as the Mets try to avoid being swept by the Nationals at home and the Phillies tackle the tough task of defeating Tim Hudson.
Pitching match-up of the night for me is Jurrjens-Santana. Jurrjens has been great since being called up, and Santana remains one of the elite pitchers in baseball.
- Exciting 9th inning. Cordero was stellar as always... /sarcasm. Nationals def. Mets 10-9
- Well, I hope you didn't bet on Brian Bruney making the postseason roster. Devil Rays def. Yankees 7-6 [11 inn.]
- Ahh, there's the Baltimore pitching we know and love. Blue Jays def. Orioles 11-4
Other results of note: Pirates def. Diamondbacks (6-5), Braves def. Phillies (10-6), Marlins def. Cubs (4-2), Tigers def. Twins (8-0), Red Sox def. A's (7-3), Rangers def. Angels (3-1), Brewers def. Cardinals (9-1)
As for the games still in progress, the Indians lead Seattle 3-1 in the bottom of the 6th. The Rockies lead the Dodgers 4-2 in the bottom of the 5th. And the Giants lead the Padres 4-0 in the top of the 6th.
So what we can gather from this is that there were many, many teams who needed a win tonight, and the only team who did what they needed to by this point is the Brewers, who annihilated the Cardinals tonight. And the Tigers, I suppose, keeping their playoff hopes alive. ... Seattle will be eliminated tonight if the current score stands and the Mariners lose to Cleveland. ... That the Yankees lost tonight isn't a concern. They're going to win one game in their last five, even if Detroit runs the table. And they had Kei Igawa make an emergency start because Roger Clemens is still suffering problems with his hamstring. But they way they lost was rough. Igawa was shaky but scoreless through five. A-Rod hits a huge grandslam to make the score 5-0 heading into the bottom of the 6th. And a combined "effort" from Edwar Ramirez and Brian Bruney left the score 6-5. For all the slack Kyle Farnsworth takes, Brian Bruney has been terrible this year. If the team had any thought of carrying him on the postseason roster, you'd have to think this game sealed his fate. ... If the Mets are Superman, the Nationals are their kryptonite. Glavine didn't have a good outing, Bergmann pitched well for Washington, and the only reason the Mets got as close as they did in the 9th was because Acta hesitated too long to pull Jesus Colome and Chad Cordero wilted with two-outs to go. Still, the Phillies losing to the Braves took some pressure off of the Mets with a loss tonight. One of the strangest things you'll ever see is Shea Stadium doing the Braves chop.
To update, it's still 3-1 bottom 6th in Seattle. The Dodgers have taken the lead over the Rockies 5-4 in the bottom of the 5th. And San Diego is on the board, losing 4-1 to the Giants in the bottom of the 6th. That was the surprisingly clutch Scott Hairston with the solo-homer in the 6th inning off of Matt Cain. James Loney hit a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 5th inning off of Ubaldo Jimenez, who is now out of the game.
Wednesday's games:
RHP Victor Zambrano (0-2, 6.41 ERA) and the Orioles host RHP Roy Halladay (15-7, 3.71 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
RHP Chien-Ming Wang (18-7, 3.72 ERA) and the Yankees take on LHP J.P. Howell (1-5, 6.80 ERA) and the Devil Rays.
LHP Mike Bacsik (5-8, 4.76 ERA) and the Nationals take on RHP Philip Humber (0-0, 3.00 ERA) and the Mets.
RHP Jake Peavy (18-6, 2.36 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP Pat Misch (0-3, 2.75 ERA) and the Giants.
Other games of note:
Angels @ Rangers (Saunders vs. Mendoza)
Athletics @ Red Sox (Blanton vs. Lester)
Diamondbacks @ Pirates (Hernandez vs. Morris)
Braves @ Phillies (Hudson vs. Lohse)
Cubs @ Marlins (Marquis vs. Barone)
Twins @ Tigers (Santana vs. Jurrjens)
Indians @ Mariners (Carmona vs. Feierabend) [Game 1]
Indians @ Mariners (Sowers vs. Washburn) [Game 2]
Cardinals @ Brewers (Thompson vs. Villanueva)
Rockies @ Dodgers (Fogg vs. Lowe)
A fun final week of the regular season continues. Big pitchers on the hill Wednesday; Peavy, Wang, Carmona, Santana, Halladay, Hudson... The Yankees have their #1 guy on the mound as they look to clinch the Wild Card again against Tampa Bay. The Tigers, with a Yankee loss, would look to stay alive by sending impressive rookie Jurrjens against Johan Santana. Peavy looks to right the ship for San Diego, as the Mets try to avoid being swept by the Nationals at home and the Phillies tackle the tough task of defeating Tim Hudson.
Pitching match-up of the night for me is Jurrjens-Santana. Jurrjens has been great since being called up, and Santana remains one of the elite pitchers in baseball.
Monday baseball
What you missed in a nutshell:
- Flat final day of the regular season in Yankee Stadium, but Ian Kennedy looked precious as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Blue Jays def. Yankees 4-1
- Nice of Good Daniel Cabrera to show up. Orioles def. Royals 3-2
- You think pitching might be a problem? Nationals def. Mets 13-4
- As if losing Bradley to a torn ACL wasn't bad enough... Giants def. Padres 9-4
Other results of note: Twins def. Tigers (2-0), Brewers def. Cardinals (13-5), Rangers def. Angels (8-7)
There were three teams who needed to take advantage of their rivals not playing today. One did: the Brewers defeated the Cardinals and did so handidly. The others, the Mets and the Padres, fell flat. Pelfrey looked good early but fell apart, with two consecutive two-out walks leading to a three-run homer by Austin Kearns. And the bullpen...well, they pitched as well as you'd expect them to. And after making some progress the last few games, Chris Young couldn't afford to have the game he had tonight in San Francisco. Especially when Barry Zito wasn't particularly sharp. Zito earned the win with a five inning, four run performance. That can't happen - not when you're fighting for your lives with a half-game lead in the Wild Card. Erase that half-game lead. The Padres are now tied atop the Wild Card with the Phillies, and the Rockies are one game back. The Mets, meanwhile, are two games ahead of the Phillies in the NL East.
Tuesday's action:
Brian Burres (6-6, 5.27 ERA) and the Orioles host A.J. Burnett (9-7. 3.40 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
Roger Clemens (6-6, 4.18 ERA) and the Yankees take on Jason Hammel (2-5, 5.88 ERA) and the Devil Rays.
Jason Bergmann (5-5, 4.30 ERA) and the Nationals take on Tom Glavine (13-6, 3.97 ERA) and the Mets.
Brett Tomko (4-11, 5.36 ERA) and the Padres take on Matt Cain (7-16, 3.68 ERA) and the Giants.
Other games of note:
Athletics @ Red Sox (Gaudin vs. Schilling)
Twins @ Tigers (Garza vs. Bazardo)
Angels @ Rangers (Moseley vs. McCarthy)
Indians @ Mariners (Sabathia vs. Hernandez)
Cubs @ Marlins (Lily vs. Willis)
Diamondbacks @ Pirates (Davis vs. Snell)
Braves @ Phillies (James vs. Moyer)
Cardinals @ Brewers (Looper vs. Suppan)
Rockies @ Dodgers (Jimenez vs. Penny)
With the Tiger loss on Monday, the Yankees have the opportunity to either seize their own destiny or let Detroit do the work for them, with the magic number down to 1. Other than that (unless you're amped up about who gets home field advantage in the playoffs), all the drama of this week - and Tuesday - is in the National League. With rookie Humber scheduled to make his major league debut on Wednesday, the Mets are desperate for a win out of Glavine against the Nationals. The Phillies, meanwhile, have a tough task in a Braves team who seemed to put a stake through the heart of the Brewers' playoff chances over the weekend. The Rockies swept the Dodgers at home last time those teams met, and with San Diego in a tailspin, they have a shot at making up ground this week. The Padres, meanwhile, need to hope that the miracle revival of Brett Tomko continues and that he can pull out a win for them tomorrow. They can't afford to lose any games at this point, let alone games to the last place team in their division.
Some good names on the hill Tuesday. AL Cy Young candidate C.C. Sabathia is pitching for the Indians, as is long-shot NL Cy Young hopeful Brad Penny for the Dodgers. The most intriguing of the games tomorrow is Braves-Phillies, but I give pitching match-up of the night to C.C. Sabathia vs. Felix Hernandez, as the Indians take on the Mariners.
- Flat final day of the regular season in Yankee Stadium, but Ian Kennedy looked precious as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Blue Jays def. Yankees 4-1
- Nice of Good Daniel Cabrera to show up. Orioles def. Royals 3-2
- You think pitching might be a problem? Nationals def. Mets 13-4
- As if losing Bradley to a torn ACL wasn't bad enough... Giants def. Padres 9-4
Other results of note: Twins def. Tigers (2-0), Brewers def. Cardinals (13-5), Rangers def. Angels (8-7)
There were three teams who needed to take advantage of their rivals not playing today. One did: the Brewers defeated the Cardinals and did so handidly. The others, the Mets and the Padres, fell flat. Pelfrey looked good early but fell apart, with two consecutive two-out walks leading to a three-run homer by Austin Kearns. And the bullpen...well, they pitched as well as you'd expect them to. And after making some progress the last few games, Chris Young couldn't afford to have the game he had tonight in San Francisco. Especially when Barry Zito wasn't particularly sharp. Zito earned the win with a five inning, four run performance. That can't happen - not when you're fighting for your lives with a half-game lead in the Wild Card. Erase that half-game lead. The Padres are now tied atop the Wild Card with the Phillies, and the Rockies are one game back. The Mets, meanwhile, are two games ahead of the Phillies in the NL East.
Tuesday's action:
Brian Burres (6-6, 5.27 ERA) and the Orioles host A.J. Burnett (9-7. 3.40 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
Roger Clemens (6-6, 4.18 ERA) and the Yankees take on Jason Hammel (2-5, 5.88 ERA) and the Devil Rays.
Jason Bergmann (5-5, 4.30 ERA) and the Nationals take on Tom Glavine (13-6, 3.97 ERA) and the Mets.
Brett Tomko (4-11, 5.36 ERA) and the Padres take on Matt Cain (7-16, 3.68 ERA) and the Giants.
Other games of note:
Athletics @ Red Sox (Gaudin vs. Schilling)
Twins @ Tigers (Garza vs. Bazardo)
Angels @ Rangers (Moseley vs. McCarthy)
Indians @ Mariners (Sabathia vs. Hernandez)
Cubs @ Marlins (Lily vs. Willis)
Diamondbacks @ Pirates (Davis vs. Snell)
Braves @ Phillies (James vs. Moyer)
Cardinals @ Brewers (Looper vs. Suppan)
Rockies @ Dodgers (Jimenez vs. Penny)
With the Tiger loss on Monday, the Yankees have the opportunity to either seize their own destiny or let Detroit do the work for them, with the magic number down to 1. Other than that (unless you're amped up about who gets home field advantage in the playoffs), all the drama of this week - and Tuesday - is in the National League. With rookie Humber scheduled to make his major league debut on Wednesday, the Mets are desperate for a win out of Glavine against the Nationals. The Phillies, meanwhile, have a tough task in a Braves team who seemed to put a stake through the heart of the Brewers' playoff chances over the weekend. The Rockies swept the Dodgers at home last time those teams met, and with San Diego in a tailspin, they have a shot at making up ground this week. The Padres, meanwhile, need to hope that the miracle revival of Brett Tomko continues and that he can pull out a win for them tomorrow. They can't afford to lose any games at this point, let alone games to the last place team in their division.
Some good names on the hill Tuesday. AL Cy Young candidate C.C. Sabathia is pitching for the Indians, as is long-shot NL Cy Young hopeful Brad Penny for the Dodgers. The most intriguing of the games tomorrow is Braves-Phillies, but I give pitching match-up of the night to C.C. Sabathia vs. Felix Hernandez, as the Indians take on the Mariners.
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Standings, 9/24/07 Update
The Divisions
AL East
Red Sox ~ 92-64 ~ --
Yankees ~ 90-65 ~ 1.5 (6)
Blue Jays ~ 78-77 ~ 13.5 (E)
Orioles ~ 66-89 ~ 25.5 (E)
Devil Rays ~ 64-92 ~ 28.0 (E)
AL Central
Indians ~ 92-63 ~ --
Tigers ~ 85-71 ~ 7.5 (E)
Twins ~ 76-79 ~ 16.0 (E)
Royals ~ 68-88 ~ 24.5 (E)
White Sox ~ 67-88 ~ 25.0 (E)
AL West
Angels ~ 92-64 ~ --
Mariners ~ 83-72 ~ 8.5 (E)
Athletics ~ 75-82 ~ 17.5 (E)
Rangers ~ 72-84 ~ 20.0 (E)
Thoughts: Bad week for the Red Sox, who struggled against Toronto and Tampa Bay. Excellent week for the Yankees, who won five games and only lost one since last Monday. Boston's lead in the AL East shrank from 4.5 games last week to 1.5 this week. The Red Sox have assured themselves of a playoff spot, which the Yankees - while close - have yet to do. But the division is still up for grabs. The question is, once the Yankes have clinched a playoff spot, whether Joe Torre will push for the division or choose to rest his guys and save up for the playoffs. Every indication seems to be for the latter ... The Indians officially put away the Tigers and clinched the AL Central title. Their sweep of Detroit last week certainly helped. ... The Angels also put away their division, eliminating the Mariners from contention. ... It is a dead heat for the best record in baseball at this point. The Indians lead the Red Sox and Angels by half a game. Were the playoffs to begin today, the Indians would take on the Wild Card Yankees while the Red Sox hosted the Angels.
NL East:
Mets ~ 87-68 ~ --
Phillies ~ 85-71 ~ 2.5 (5)
Braves ~ 82-74 ~ 5.5 (2)
Nationals ~ 69-87 ~ 18.5 (E)
Marlins ~ 66-90 ~ 21.5 (E)
NL Central:
Cubs ~ 83-73 ~ --
Brewers ~ 79-76 ~ 3.5 (4)
Cardinals ~ 73-82 ~ 9.5 (E)
Reds ~ 71-85 ~ 12.0 (E)
Astros ~ 68-88 ~ 15.0 (E)
Pirates ~ 66-90 ~ 17.0 (E)
NL West:
Diamondbacks ~ 88-68 ~ --
Padres ~ 85-70 ~ 2.5 (5)
Rockies ~ 84-72 ~ 4.0 (3)
Dodgers ~ 80-76 ~ 8.0 (E)
Giants ~ 69-87 ~ 19.0 (E)
Thoughts: Considering how sweaty it became for the Mets in the middle of last week, that their lead holds at 2.5 games (one game under last week) is a sigh of relief. The Braves have surged lately and picked up two games in the standings, but it seems to be too little too late. ... Excellent week for the Cubs, and a terrible week for the Brewers. The Brewers fell from just 1.0 game back last week to 3.5 back after a tough series in Atlanta. The Cardinals have officially been eliminated from contention. ... The Padres' win streak was decimated by the Rockies, who swept the series at Petco. All things considered, the Padres could be in worse shape. The dropped a half-game to stand 2.5 back of the Diamondbacks. But they're running out of time. ... If the playoffs began today, the Diamondbacks would host the Cubs as the Mets hosted the Wild Card Padres.
The Wild Cards
American League
Yankees ~ 90-65 ~ --
Tigers ~ 85-71 ~ 5.5 (2)
Mariners ~ 83-72 ~ 7.0 (1)
Blue Jays ~ 78-77 ~ 12.0 (E)
Twins ~ 76-79 ~ 14.0 (E)
Thoughts: The Yankees had the week that they needed to have, and the Tigers had the week they couldn't afford to have. While the Yankees were sweeping the Orioles in the Bronx, the Tigers were being swept by the Indians in Cleveland. What was once a 2.5 game lead in the Wild Card has grown to a 2.5 game lead. ... Only three teams remain in the race for the Wild Card.
National League
Padres ~ 85-70 ~ --
Phillies ~ 85-71 ~ 0.5 (7)
Rockies ~ 84-72 ~ 1.5 (6)
Braves ~ 82-74 ~ 3.5 (4)
Dodgers ~ 80-76 ~ 5.5 (2)
Thoughts: Given the awful weekend the Padres had against the Rockies, they're lucky to be hanging on by a thread in the Wild Card. A 1.5 game lead shrank to a half-game over the weekend. The Padres will need to scrape and claw for every game they can get this week. ... With a series sweep of the Padres, the unlikely Rockies leapfrogged the swooning division rival Dodgers and moved from a 4.5 game deficit to one of only 1.5 games in the Wild Card. ... The Braves are better off today than they were a week ago, when they didn't even rank in the top five Wild Card contenders. But with the Rockies on an 8-game winning streak and the Phillies playing like they are, the Braves will have to come close to running the table if they have any shot at the postseason.
Key series of the week:
Nationals @ Mets (Mon-Wed)
Padres @ Giants (Mon-Wed)
Braves @ Phillies (Tue-Thu)
Rockies @ Dodgers (Tue-Thu)
Padres @ Brewers (Thu-Sun)
Nationals @ Phillies (Fri-Sun)
Marlins @ Mets (Fri-Sun)
Diamondbacks @ Rockies (Fri-Sun)
Enjoy your final week of the regular season! October is just around the corner.
AL East
Red Sox ~ 92-64 ~ --
Yankees ~ 90-65 ~ 1.5 (6)
Blue Jays ~ 78-77 ~ 13.5 (E)
Orioles ~ 66-89 ~ 25.5 (E)
Devil Rays ~ 64-92 ~ 28.0 (E)
AL Central
Indians ~ 92-63 ~ --
Tigers ~ 85-71 ~ 7.5 (E)
Twins ~ 76-79 ~ 16.0 (E)
Royals ~ 68-88 ~ 24.5 (E)
White Sox ~ 67-88 ~ 25.0 (E)
AL West
Angels ~ 92-64 ~ --
Mariners ~ 83-72 ~ 8.5 (E)
Athletics ~ 75-82 ~ 17.5 (E)
Rangers ~ 72-84 ~ 20.0 (E)
Thoughts: Bad week for the Red Sox, who struggled against Toronto and Tampa Bay. Excellent week for the Yankees, who won five games and only lost one since last Monday. Boston's lead in the AL East shrank from 4.5 games last week to 1.5 this week. The Red Sox have assured themselves of a playoff spot, which the Yankees - while close - have yet to do. But the division is still up for grabs. The question is, once the Yankes have clinched a playoff spot, whether Joe Torre will push for the division or choose to rest his guys and save up for the playoffs. Every indication seems to be for the latter ... The Indians officially put away the Tigers and clinched the AL Central title. Their sweep of Detroit last week certainly helped. ... The Angels also put away their division, eliminating the Mariners from contention. ... It is a dead heat for the best record in baseball at this point. The Indians lead the Red Sox and Angels by half a game. Were the playoffs to begin today, the Indians would take on the Wild Card Yankees while the Red Sox hosted the Angels.
NL East:
Mets ~ 87-68 ~ --
Phillies ~ 85-71 ~ 2.5 (5)
Braves ~ 82-74 ~ 5.5 (2)
Nationals ~ 69-87 ~ 18.5 (E)
Marlins ~ 66-90 ~ 21.5 (E)
NL Central:
Cubs ~ 83-73 ~ --
Brewers ~ 79-76 ~ 3.5 (4)
Cardinals ~ 73-82 ~ 9.5 (E)
Reds ~ 71-85 ~ 12.0 (E)
Astros ~ 68-88 ~ 15.0 (E)
Pirates ~ 66-90 ~ 17.0 (E)
NL West:
Diamondbacks ~ 88-68 ~ --
Padres ~ 85-70 ~ 2.5 (5)
Rockies ~ 84-72 ~ 4.0 (3)
Dodgers ~ 80-76 ~ 8.0 (E)
Giants ~ 69-87 ~ 19.0 (E)
Thoughts: Considering how sweaty it became for the Mets in the middle of last week, that their lead holds at 2.5 games (one game under last week) is a sigh of relief. The Braves have surged lately and picked up two games in the standings, but it seems to be too little too late. ... Excellent week for the Cubs, and a terrible week for the Brewers. The Brewers fell from just 1.0 game back last week to 3.5 back after a tough series in Atlanta. The Cardinals have officially been eliminated from contention. ... The Padres' win streak was decimated by the Rockies, who swept the series at Petco. All things considered, the Padres could be in worse shape. The dropped a half-game to stand 2.5 back of the Diamondbacks. But they're running out of time. ... If the playoffs began today, the Diamondbacks would host the Cubs as the Mets hosted the Wild Card Padres.
The Wild Cards
American League
Yankees ~ 90-65 ~ --
Tigers ~ 85-71 ~ 5.5 (2)
Mariners ~ 83-72 ~ 7.0 (1)
Blue Jays ~ 78-77 ~ 12.0 (E)
Twins ~ 76-79 ~ 14.0 (E)
Thoughts: The Yankees had the week that they needed to have, and the Tigers had the week they couldn't afford to have. While the Yankees were sweeping the Orioles in the Bronx, the Tigers were being swept by the Indians in Cleveland. What was once a 2.5 game lead in the Wild Card has grown to a 2.5 game lead. ... Only three teams remain in the race for the Wild Card.
National League
Padres ~ 85-70 ~ --
Phillies ~ 85-71 ~ 0.5 (7)
Rockies ~ 84-72 ~ 1.5 (6)
Braves ~ 82-74 ~ 3.5 (4)
Dodgers ~ 80-76 ~ 5.5 (2)
Thoughts: Given the awful weekend the Padres had against the Rockies, they're lucky to be hanging on by a thread in the Wild Card. A 1.5 game lead shrank to a half-game over the weekend. The Padres will need to scrape and claw for every game they can get this week. ... With a series sweep of the Padres, the unlikely Rockies leapfrogged the swooning division rival Dodgers and moved from a 4.5 game deficit to one of only 1.5 games in the Wild Card. ... The Braves are better off today than they were a week ago, when they didn't even rank in the top five Wild Card contenders. But with the Rockies on an 8-game winning streak and the Phillies playing like they are, the Braves will have to come close to running the table if they have any shot at the postseason.
Key series of the week:
Nationals @ Mets (Mon-Wed)
Padres @ Giants (Mon-Wed)
Braves @ Phillies (Tue-Thu)
Rockies @ Dodgers (Tue-Thu)
Padres @ Brewers (Thu-Sun)
Nationals @ Phillies (Fri-Sun)
Marlins @ Mets (Fri-Sun)
Diamondbacks @ Rockies (Fri-Sun)
Enjoy your final week of the regular season! October is just around the corner.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sunday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- I suppose the last game in your old stadium is a nice time to come up with a W. Nationals def. Phillies 5-3
- Wagner couldn't slam the door, but luckily the rest of the bullpen picked up the slack for once. Mets def. Marlins 7-6 [11 inn]
- Wait, you mean a game in this series didn't go into extra innings? The 250th win of Mike Mussina's career. Yankees def. Blue Jays 7-5
- The Orioles put up an impressive offensive performance. Ha ha, jokes. Rangers def. Orioles 3-0
- That Milton Bradley ejection/injury is one of the weirdest things you'll ever see. I'll wait for more info to emerge before commenting further. Rockies def. Padres 7-3
Other results of note: Tigers def. Royals (7-2), Braves def. Brewers (7-4), Indians def. Athletics (6-2), Devil Rays def. Red Sox (5-4), Cubs def. Pirates (8-0), Angels def. Mariners (7-4), Dodgers def. Diamondbacks (7-1).
7 seemed to be lucky number of the day. ... The Angels clinched the AL West with their win Sunday over the Mariners. ... I think the Brewers are waving the white flag right about now. Chris Capuano actually had a good performance too, with only one earned run allowed through five innings. ... The Padres got a huge break in the Phillies and Diamondbacks both losing. As it is, the Wild Card is far too sweaty for comfort at the moment. ... In a nice circle of events, the Nationals' first win at RFK in 2005 was against the Nationals, as was their last win at RFK. Oh yeah, and Short Still Stinks, in case you were wondering. Fantastic fans with those signs.
Monday baseball:
LHP Andy Pettitte (14-8, 3.79 ERA) fills in for the still-ailing Roger Clemens as he and the Yankees host RHP A.J. Burnett (9-7, 3.40 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
RHP Daniel Cabrera (9-17, 5.51 ERA) returns from a six-game suspension as he and the Orioles host RHP Gil Meche (9-12, 3.70 ERA) and the Royals.
LHP Matt Chico (5-9, 4.74 ERA) and the Nationals look to continue to play the role of spoiler against RHP Mike Pelfrey (3-7, 5.24 ERA) and the Mets.
RHP Chris Young (9-7, 2.83 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP Barry Zito (9-13, 4.56 ERA) and the Giants.
Other games of note:
Twins @ Tigers (Silva vs. Robertson)
Angels @ Rangers (Santana vs. Galarraga)
Cardinals @ Brewers (Wainwright vs. Bush)
The Yankees finish a wrap-around series with the Blue Jays with the magic number in the Wild Card over Detroit down to two. The Yankees can finish it Monday with a win and a Detroit loss. San Diego and the Mets would love to take advantage of a Phillies' off-day by picking up a half-game in the division and Wild Card. The same is true for the Brewers, who are fighting for their lives in the NL Central. It should be interesting to see how the Mets handle the Nationals at home, after having a terrible series against them in RFK last week. Chico, however, was lit up by the Mets in the final game of the series. They should feel comfortalbe straight out of the box.
Clemens' hamstring strain has unintentionally given us our marquee pitching match-up of the day, Andy Pettitte vs. A.J. Burnett. Pettitte is breaking his normal routine here, but he will be pitching on regular rest. The bump-up is not considered to be an issue.
- I suppose the last game in your old stadium is a nice time to come up with a W. Nationals def. Phillies 5-3
- Wagner couldn't slam the door, but luckily the rest of the bullpen picked up the slack for once. Mets def. Marlins 7-6 [11 inn]
- Wait, you mean a game in this series didn't go into extra innings? The 250th win of Mike Mussina's career. Yankees def. Blue Jays 7-5
- The Orioles put up an impressive offensive performance. Ha ha, jokes. Rangers def. Orioles 3-0
- That Milton Bradley ejection/injury is one of the weirdest things you'll ever see. I'll wait for more info to emerge before commenting further. Rockies def. Padres 7-3
Other results of note: Tigers def. Royals (7-2), Braves def. Brewers (7-4), Indians def. Athletics (6-2), Devil Rays def. Red Sox (5-4), Cubs def. Pirates (8-0), Angels def. Mariners (7-4), Dodgers def. Diamondbacks (7-1).
7 seemed to be lucky number of the day. ... The Angels clinched the AL West with their win Sunday over the Mariners. ... I think the Brewers are waving the white flag right about now. Chris Capuano actually had a good performance too, with only one earned run allowed through five innings. ... The Padres got a huge break in the Phillies and Diamondbacks both losing. As it is, the Wild Card is far too sweaty for comfort at the moment. ... In a nice circle of events, the Nationals' first win at RFK in 2005 was against the Nationals, as was their last win at RFK. Oh yeah, and Short Still Stinks, in case you were wondering. Fantastic fans with those signs.
Monday baseball:
LHP Andy Pettitte (14-8, 3.79 ERA) fills in for the still-ailing Roger Clemens as he and the Yankees host RHP A.J. Burnett (9-7, 3.40 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
RHP Daniel Cabrera (9-17, 5.51 ERA) returns from a six-game suspension as he and the Orioles host RHP Gil Meche (9-12, 3.70 ERA) and the Royals.
LHP Matt Chico (5-9, 4.74 ERA) and the Nationals look to continue to play the role of spoiler against RHP Mike Pelfrey (3-7, 5.24 ERA) and the Mets.
RHP Chris Young (9-7, 2.83 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP Barry Zito (9-13, 4.56 ERA) and the Giants.
Other games of note:
Twins @ Tigers (Silva vs. Robertson)
Angels @ Rangers (Santana vs. Galarraga)
Cardinals @ Brewers (Wainwright vs. Bush)
The Yankees finish a wrap-around series with the Blue Jays with the magic number in the Wild Card over Detroit down to two. The Yankees can finish it Monday with a win and a Detroit loss. San Diego and the Mets would love to take advantage of a Phillies' off-day by picking up a half-game in the division and Wild Card. The same is true for the Brewers, who are fighting for their lives in the NL Central. It should be interesting to see how the Mets handle the Nationals at home, after having a terrible series against them in RFK last week. Chico, however, was lit up by the Mets in the final game of the series. They should feel comfortalbe straight out of the box.
Clemens' hamstring strain has unintentionally given us our marquee pitching match-up of the day, Andy Pettitte vs. A.J. Burnett. Pettitte is breaking his normal routine here, but he will be pitching on regular rest. The bump-up is not considered to be an issue.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The Brave One (2007)
Director: Neil Jordan
Writers: Roderick Taylor, Bruce A. Taylor
Rated: R (strong violence, language and some sexuality)
Main Cast:
Jodie Foster ... Erica Bain
Terrence Howard ... Detective Mercer
Nicky Katt ... Detective Vitale
Naveen Andrews ... David Kirmani
Every once in awhile, you'll see a movie where an actor or actress' performance is so captivating that you, as a viewer, will allow yourself to overlook plot holes or questions left unanswered by the script. That was Jodie Foster in this film.
Foster portrays Erica Bain, a radio personality in Manhattan who is preparing for marriage with fiance David Kirmani (Andrews). One night, while walking their dog through Central Park, Erica and David are assaulted by a group of unidentified thugs. Erica narrowly escapes the beating with her life. David is not as fortunate. The rest of the film is dedicated to Erica's attempt to reacclimate to everyday life. In her failure to do so, and disillusioned by law enforcement, Erica purchases a gun and becomes a vigilante taking her revenge on the ill-doers in the city.
I'll spare you my questions about the ending, not wanting to spoil it for those who haven't seen the film. But I was still left with a number of issues. Secondary characters in the film seem to appear and disappear without any real purpose. The reasons why Erica feels so comfortable at night after such a traumatic ordeal are never delved into fully. At times, the story seemed to resemble more of a comic book-based "birth of a superhero" storyline than a believable account of one woman's struggles to overcome pain and loss.
But it wasn't until after the end credits that I found myself delving with greater detail into these quirks. While watching the film, I was completely engrossed by Foster's performance. The passion and believability she provided the role of Erica Baines made it, in turn, feel more natural than it was. I also give credit to Terrence Howard, who made Detective Mercer into a sympathetic figure who felt real and personable rather than a cut-out pillar of the "virtues of law enforcement."
Like pitching can defeat good hitting in baseball, knockout acting can overcome the weaknesses of a script. You should definitely see this film. Enjoy the performances.
Final Grade: B-
Writers: Roderick Taylor, Bruce A. Taylor
Rated: R (strong violence, language and some sexuality)
Main Cast:
Jodie Foster ... Erica Bain
Terrence Howard ... Detective Mercer
Nicky Katt ... Detective Vitale
Naveen Andrews ... David Kirmani
Every once in awhile, you'll see a movie where an actor or actress' performance is so captivating that you, as a viewer, will allow yourself to overlook plot holes or questions left unanswered by the script. That was Jodie Foster in this film.
Foster portrays Erica Bain, a radio personality in Manhattan who is preparing for marriage with fiance David Kirmani (Andrews). One night, while walking their dog through Central Park, Erica and David are assaulted by a group of unidentified thugs. Erica narrowly escapes the beating with her life. David is not as fortunate. The rest of the film is dedicated to Erica's attempt to reacclimate to everyday life. In her failure to do so, and disillusioned by law enforcement, Erica purchases a gun and becomes a vigilante taking her revenge on the ill-doers in the city.
I'll spare you my questions about the ending, not wanting to spoil it for those who haven't seen the film. But I was still left with a number of issues. Secondary characters in the film seem to appear and disappear without any real purpose. The reasons why Erica feels so comfortable at night after such a traumatic ordeal are never delved into fully. At times, the story seemed to resemble more of a comic book-based "birth of a superhero" storyline than a believable account of one woman's struggles to overcome pain and loss.
But it wasn't until after the end credits that I found myself delving with greater detail into these quirks. While watching the film, I was completely engrossed by Foster's performance. The passion and believability she provided the role of Erica Baines made it, in turn, feel more natural than it was. I also give credit to Terrence Howard, who made Detective Mercer into a sympathetic figure who felt real and personable rather than a cut-out pillar of the "virtues of law enforcement."
Like pitching can defeat good hitting in baseball, knockout acting can overcome the weaknesses of a script. You should definitely see this film. Enjoy the performances.
Final Grade: B-
Saturday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- This time extra innings went in the Yankees' favor, in what was most likely the ugliest game of the season for both teams. Pitching? What's pitching? Yankees def. Blue Jays 12-11 [10 inn.]
- They're breathing a little easier in Queens tonight. Mets def. Marlins 7-2
- A part of me wonders if the Nationals are actually going to get swept in their final weekend at RFK. Another part of me thinks that this would be an appropriate sendoff. Phillies def. Nationals 4-1 [10 inn.]
Other results of note: Cubs def. Pirates (9-5), Braves def. Brewers (4-3) [11 inn.], Mariners def. Angels (3-2), Royals def. Tigers (7-4), Athletics def. Indians (9-3), Red Sox def. Devil Rays (8-6)
Again...the Pirates are the team no contending team wants to face? Really? The Royals and Blue Jays are living up to that label. I'd say the Rockies too, but they're not 100% out of contention. Especially as they deal with San Diego. The Pirates, however, get a giant LOL. ... That loss to the Braves this afternoon may be the straw that breaks the camel's back. The Brewers scored late on the Braves to force a 1-1 tie into extra innings. In the 10th, the Brewers tacked on a run but couldn't hold the lead. They then blew it in the bottom of the 11th. Terrible loss, especially with the Cubs winning big against the Pirates. ... I won't call the Yankee-Jays game the worst pitched game you'll ever see, but it was pretty ugly. The Yankees fared better than the Jays, in that they won and didn't lose anyone to injury. Three Blue Jays left the game because of health concerns. ... The magic numbers in the AL Central and AL West both stand at one, after losses by Cleveland and Los Angeles. The champagne celebrations will have to wait. Both teams have the opportunity to lock up their divisions at home tomorrow. ... After the Yankee win and Detroit loss, the magic number for both Seattle and Detroit stands at three games.
As for games in progress, the Orioles just pulled ahead in the top of the 8th and lead the Rangers 10-8. Arizona leads the Dodgers 5-0 in the top of the 6th. Terrible outing by veteran lefty David Wells. With a loss tonight, the Dodgers will officially be eliminated from contention in the NL West. In the top of the 5th, the Rockies lead San Diego 3-0. The Padres are desperate for this win after a tough loss yesterday in extra innings. If they can't pull it out, they'll be 2.5 back in the NL West and only a half-game ahead of the surging Phillies. And they'll continue to breathe life into what was once a dead Rockies team. The Rockies are currently only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card, and that will fall to 2.5 out with a victory.
Sunday baseball:
RHP Joel Hanrahan (4-3, 6.45 ERA) and the Nationals host LHP Cole Hamels (14-5, 3.59 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP John Maine (14-10, 4.04 ERA) and the Mets take on LHP Chris Seddon (0-1, 8.44 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Mike Mussina (10-10, 5.05 ERA) and the Yankees host RHP Dustin McGowan (11-9, 3.84 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
RHP Jon Leicester (2-2, 7.78 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Kevin Millwood (9-13, 5.39 ERA) and the Rangers.
RHP Greg Maddux (13-10, 3.95 ERA) and the Padres host LHP Jeff Francis (16-8, 4.25 ERA) and the Rockies.
Other games of note:
Royals @ Tigers (De La Rosa vs. Verlander)
Brewers @ Braves (Capuano vs. Reyes)
Athletics @ Indians (Harden vs. Westbrook)
Red Sox @ Devil Rays (Wakefield vs. Jackson)
Pirates @ Cubs (Gorzelanny vs. Zambrano)
Mariners @ Angels (Weaver vs. Lackey)
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks (Billingsley vs. Gonzalez)
Do the Yankees and Blue Jays even have any relief pitchers left after their last two games? Sheesh. If they go into extras on Sunday, you might see Shelley Duncan pitching. AL Cy Young long-shot Justin Verlander will be on the hill for the Tigers as Detroit continues their final push towards the Wild Card. No real marquee pitching match-ups on Sunday. If Zambrano is on, he and Gorzelanny could be good. If anything, the Pirates (and the Brewers) hope that Gorzelanny can find an answer for the recent surge of the Cubs' offense. He's certainly the guy in Pittsburgh who can do it, if anyone can.
- This time extra innings went in the Yankees' favor, in what was most likely the ugliest game of the season for both teams. Pitching? What's pitching? Yankees def. Blue Jays 12-11 [10 inn.]
- They're breathing a little easier in Queens tonight. Mets def. Marlins 7-2
- A part of me wonders if the Nationals are actually going to get swept in their final weekend at RFK. Another part of me thinks that this would be an appropriate sendoff. Phillies def. Nationals 4-1 [10 inn.]
Other results of note: Cubs def. Pirates (9-5), Braves def. Brewers (4-3) [11 inn.], Mariners def. Angels (3-2), Royals def. Tigers (7-4), Athletics def. Indians (9-3), Red Sox def. Devil Rays (8-6)
Again...the Pirates are the team no contending team wants to face? Really? The Royals and Blue Jays are living up to that label. I'd say the Rockies too, but they're not 100% out of contention. Especially as they deal with San Diego. The Pirates, however, get a giant LOL. ... That loss to the Braves this afternoon may be the straw that breaks the camel's back. The Brewers scored late on the Braves to force a 1-1 tie into extra innings. In the 10th, the Brewers tacked on a run but couldn't hold the lead. They then blew it in the bottom of the 11th. Terrible loss, especially with the Cubs winning big against the Pirates. ... I won't call the Yankee-Jays game the worst pitched game you'll ever see, but it was pretty ugly. The Yankees fared better than the Jays, in that they won and didn't lose anyone to injury. Three Blue Jays left the game because of health concerns. ... The magic numbers in the AL Central and AL West both stand at one, after losses by Cleveland and Los Angeles. The champagne celebrations will have to wait. Both teams have the opportunity to lock up their divisions at home tomorrow. ... After the Yankee win and Detroit loss, the magic number for both Seattle and Detroit stands at three games.
As for games in progress, the Orioles just pulled ahead in the top of the 8th and lead the Rangers 10-8. Arizona leads the Dodgers 5-0 in the top of the 6th. Terrible outing by veteran lefty David Wells. With a loss tonight, the Dodgers will officially be eliminated from contention in the NL West. In the top of the 5th, the Rockies lead San Diego 3-0. The Padres are desperate for this win after a tough loss yesterday in extra innings. If they can't pull it out, they'll be 2.5 back in the NL West and only a half-game ahead of the surging Phillies. And they'll continue to breathe life into what was once a dead Rockies team. The Rockies are currently only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card, and that will fall to 2.5 out with a victory.
Sunday baseball:
RHP Joel Hanrahan (4-3, 6.45 ERA) and the Nationals host LHP Cole Hamels (14-5, 3.59 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP John Maine (14-10, 4.04 ERA) and the Mets take on LHP Chris Seddon (0-1, 8.44 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Mike Mussina (10-10, 5.05 ERA) and the Yankees host RHP Dustin McGowan (11-9, 3.84 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
RHP Jon Leicester (2-2, 7.78 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Kevin Millwood (9-13, 5.39 ERA) and the Rangers.
RHP Greg Maddux (13-10, 3.95 ERA) and the Padres host LHP Jeff Francis (16-8, 4.25 ERA) and the Rockies.
Other games of note:
Royals @ Tigers (De La Rosa vs. Verlander)
Brewers @ Braves (Capuano vs. Reyes)
Athletics @ Indians (Harden vs. Westbrook)
Red Sox @ Devil Rays (Wakefield vs. Jackson)
Pirates @ Cubs (Gorzelanny vs. Zambrano)
Mariners @ Angels (Weaver vs. Lackey)
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks (Billingsley vs. Gonzalez)
Do the Yankees and Blue Jays even have any relief pitchers left after their last two games? Sheesh. If they go into extras on Sunday, you might see Shelley Duncan pitching. AL Cy Young long-shot Justin Verlander will be on the hill for the Tigers as Detroit continues their final push towards the Wild Card. No real marquee pitching match-ups on Sunday. If Zambrano is on, he and Gorzelanny could be good. If anything, the Pirates (and the Brewers) hope that Gorzelanny can find an answer for the recent surge of the Cubs' offense. He's certainly the guy in Pittsburgh who can do it, if anyone can.
Last minute additions
Or subtractions, if you want to look at it that way.
Roger Clemens was scratched from his Saturday start because of "tightness in his hamstring." It will instead be Phil Hughes taking on the Blue Jays this afternoon. I guess this is where the off-day and the six-man rotation come in handy. No shortage of starting pitching, and moving guys up doesn't push them that far off regular rest. As of right now, Clemens is scheduled to pitch on Monday in the series finale against the Jays. Moose should be scheduled to go on Sunday.
The Mets finished off the Marlins last night, with a 9-6 final. Again, no Wagner sighting in the 9th. He's been held out the past few nights because of back spasms.
The Padres, meanwhile, lost 2-1 to the Rockies in 14 innings. And the Diamondbacks finished off the Dodgers, 12-3.
Roger Clemens was scratched from his Saturday start because of "tightness in his hamstring." It will instead be Phil Hughes taking on the Blue Jays this afternoon. I guess this is where the off-day and the six-man rotation come in handy. No shortage of starting pitching, and moving guys up doesn't push them that far off regular rest. As of right now, Clemens is scheduled to pitch on Monday in the series finale against the Jays. Moose should be scheduled to go on Sunday.
The Mets finished off the Marlins last night, with a 9-6 final. Again, no Wagner sighting in the 9th. He's been held out the past few nights because of back spasms.
The Padres, meanwhile, lost 2-1 to the Rockies in 14 innings. And the Diamondbacks finished off the Dodgers, 12-3.
Friday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- The scary thing is that a 14-inning game with Toronto took less time to finish than a 9-inning game with Boston. Blue Jays def. Yankees 5-4 [14 inn.]
- Sorry, Shawn. 3 homeruns isn't going to get it done. Phillies def. Nationals 6-3
- Bases loaded with nobody out in the 9th and only plating one run? Ouch. I guess the positive is that Rob Bell pitched three scoreless innings? Yes, I'm reaching... Rangers def. Orioles 3-2
Other results of note: Cubs def. Pirates (13-8), Tigers def. Royals (5-4), Brewers def. Braves (4-1), Indians def. A's (4-3), Red Sox def. Devil Rays (8-1)
Well, if you wanted a pitchers' duel out of Wang vs. Halladay (and I did), you were rewarded with six innings of shutout baseball. Because of an error in the 7th inning, only one of those two runs was charged to Wang, who had a brilliant bounce-back effort off of his terrible outing in Boston. But what are you going to do against Halladay when he's on? Only one of the four runs that scored in the 9th inning were charged to him. Up until then, he was as close to perfect as can be...including no walks. Great rally by the Yankees, but there's only so much you can do to counter the utter suck that is Brian Bruney in a big spot. Or any spot, really. And just when you never thought you'd hear Yankee fans clammor for Kyle Farnsworth...
The Brewers did what they had to to keep up with the Cubs in the Central. Excellent pitching match-up in Atlanta Friday night, with a 1-0 Braves score heading into the 8th. Hudson, who had been on his game until then, allowed three runs. Another was tacked on in the 9th inning against Yates, and the Brewers picked up a much-needed victory. Great outing by Villanueva. And about those Pirates...didn't I see something on ESPN not too long ago about how the Pirates were the spoiler team no one would want to face this year? Oops.
Given the score, you'd think Beckett vs. Kazmir was a total disaster of a pitching match-up. But Kazmir was actually okay in the five innings he pitched. He allowed two earned runs, three overall. But the bullpen took over early. Beckett allowed only four hits in six innings, one run and eight strikeouts. He leads the league with 20 wins. Combine that with a 3.14 ERA, especially if the Red Sox hold on for the division, and it's going to be hard for workhorse C.C. Sabathia to take the award from him.
As of this update, the Mets are hanging in there against the Marlins in the top of the 9th, leading 9-6. That bullpen is terrible. And so much for the Dodgers playing the Diamondbacks tough. They're trailing 12-3 in the top of the 9th. A leadoff homerun from Adrian Gonzalez forced extra innings in San Diego and spared Cy Young hopeful Jake Peavy from what would have been a tough loss. They're currently in the top of the 10th, tied 1-1.
Saturday's baseball:
RHP Roger Clemens (6-6, 4.18 ERA) fills in for the injured Ian Kennedy as the Yankees host RHP Shaun Marcum (12-6, 4.15 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
LHP Oliver Perez (14-9, 3.43 ERA) and the Mets take on RHP Byung-Hyun Kim (9-7, 6.06 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Tim Redding (3-5, 3.73 ERA) and the Nationals host RHP Kyle Kendrick (9-4, 4.05 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Radhames Liz (0-2, 7.71 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Edinson Volquez (2-1, 3.52 ERA) and the Rangers.
RHP Jack Cassel (1-0, 2.87 ERA) and the Padres host LHP Mark Redman (1-4, 9.28 ERA) and the Rockies.
Other games of note:
Pirates @ Cubs (Duke vs. Hill)
Brewers @ Braves (Gallardo vs. Smoltz)
Mariners @ Angels (Batista vs. Colon)
Royals @ Tigers (Davies vs. Rogers)
Athletics @ Indians (Haren vs. Byrd)
Red Sox @ Devil Rays (Matsuzaka vs. Sonnanstine)
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks (Wells vs. Webb)
The battle for the NL East, the NL West, and the NL Wild Card continue. The Mets take on the Marlins, the Phillies take on the Nationals, the Diamondbacks host the Dodgers, and the Padres host the Rockies. NL Cy Young candidate Brandon Webb will be in action for the Dimaondbacks against David Wells, as wll long-shot AL Cy Young candidate Dan Haren against the Indians.
Pitching match-up of the day belongs to Yovani Gallardo vs. John Smoltz, as the Brewers take on the Braves on FOX in select markets. (I'm sure we'll be getting Mets-Marlins up here in New York) While Smoltz is still respected as one of the best in the league, I'm not sure many realize that he's just shy of a 3.00 ERA on the season. And Gallardo has been pitching well lately at a time when the Brewers are desperate for wins, victorious in his four past starts and five of his last six.
- The scary thing is that a 14-inning game with Toronto took less time to finish than a 9-inning game with Boston. Blue Jays def. Yankees 5-4 [14 inn.]
- Sorry, Shawn. 3 homeruns isn't going to get it done. Phillies def. Nationals 6-3
- Bases loaded with nobody out in the 9th and only plating one run? Ouch. I guess the positive is that Rob Bell pitched three scoreless innings? Yes, I'm reaching... Rangers def. Orioles 3-2
Other results of note: Cubs def. Pirates (13-8), Tigers def. Royals (5-4), Brewers def. Braves (4-1), Indians def. A's (4-3), Red Sox def. Devil Rays (8-1)
Well, if you wanted a pitchers' duel out of Wang vs. Halladay (and I did), you were rewarded with six innings of shutout baseball. Because of an error in the 7th inning, only one of those two runs was charged to Wang, who had a brilliant bounce-back effort off of his terrible outing in Boston. But what are you going to do against Halladay when he's on? Only one of the four runs that scored in the 9th inning were charged to him. Up until then, he was as close to perfect as can be...including no walks. Great rally by the Yankees, but there's only so much you can do to counter the utter suck that is Brian Bruney in a big spot. Or any spot, really. And just when you never thought you'd hear Yankee fans clammor for Kyle Farnsworth...
The Brewers did what they had to to keep up with the Cubs in the Central. Excellent pitching match-up in Atlanta Friday night, with a 1-0 Braves score heading into the 8th. Hudson, who had been on his game until then, allowed three runs. Another was tacked on in the 9th inning against Yates, and the Brewers picked up a much-needed victory. Great outing by Villanueva. And about those Pirates...didn't I see something on ESPN not too long ago about how the Pirates were the spoiler team no one would want to face this year? Oops.
Given the score, you'd think Beckett vs. Kazmir was a total disaster of a pitching match-up. But Kazmir was actually okay in the five innings he pitched. He allowed two earned runs, three overall. But the bullpen took over early. Beckett allowed only four hits in six innings, one run and eight strikeouts. He leads the league with 20 wins. Combine that with a 3.14 ERA, especially if the Red Sox hold on for the division, and it's going to be hard for workhorse C.C. Sabathia to take the award from him.
As of this update, the Mets are hanging in there against the Marlins in the top of the 9th, leading 9-6. That bullpen is terrible. And so much for the Dodgers playing the Diamondbacks tough. They're trailing 12-3 in the top of the 9th. A leadoff homerun from Adrian Gonzalez forced extra innings in San Diego and spared Cy Young hopeful Jake Peavy from what would have been a tough loss. They're currently in the top of the 10th, tied 1-1.
Saturday's baseball:
RHP Roger Clemens (6-6, 4.18 ERA) fills in for the injured Ian Kennedy as the Yankees host RHP Shaun Marcum (12-6, 4.15 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
LHP Oliver Perez (14-9, 3.43 ERA) and the Mets take on RHP Byung-Hyun Kim (9-7, 6.06 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Tim Redding (3-5, 3.73 ERA) and the Nationals host RHP Kyle Kendrick (9-4, 4.05 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Radhames Liz (0-2, 7.71 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Edinson Volquez (2-1, 3.52 ERA) and the Rangers.
RHP Jack Cassel (1-0, 2.87 ERA) and the Padres host LHP Mark Redman (1-4, 9.28 ERA) and the Rockies.
Other games of note:
Pirates @ Cubs (Duke vs. Hill)
Brewers @ Braves (Gallardo vs. Smoltz)
Mariners @ Angels (Batista vs. Colon)
Royals @ Tigers (Davies vs. Rogers)
Athletics @ Indians (Haren vs. Byrd)
Red Sox @ Devil Rays (Matsuzaka vs. Sonnanstine)
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks (Wells vs. Webb)
The battle for the NL East, the NL West, and the NL Wild Card continue. The Mets take on the Marlins, the Phillies take on the Nationals, the Diamondbacks host the Dodgers, and the Padres host the Rockies. NL Cy Young candidate Brandon Webb will be in action for the Dimaondbacks against David Wells, as wll long-shot AL Cy Young candidate Dan Haren against the Indians.
Pitching match-up of the day belongs to Yovani Gallardo vs. John Smoltz, as the Brewers take on the Braves on FOX in select markets. (I'm sure we'll be getting Mets-Marlins up here in New York) While Smoltz is still respected as one of the best in the league, I'm not sure many realize that he's just shy of a 3.00 ERA on the season. And Gallardo has been pitching well lately at a time when the Brewers are desperate for wins, victorious in his four past starts and five of his last six.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- A sweep, just what the the doctor ordered. Padres def. Pirates 6-3
- So much for that great bullpen. Phillies def. Nationals 7-6
- I'm still not sure what happened in the bottom of the 9th, nor am I sure I want to know... Marlins def. Mets 8-7 [10 inn.]
- Believe it or not, this was a 1-1 tie when it went into extras. Orioles def. Rangers 5-2 [10 inn.]
Other results of note: Rockies def. Dodgers (9-4), Braves def. Brewers (3-1)
Oh, Nationals... They got a fantastic start from Jason Bergmann. Six innings, two runs. The argument for starting Ayala in the 7th from the Nationals' booth was that Manny Acta didn't want to overextend his starters with the team not being in a pennant race. That might be true, but that 6-2 lead Bergmann left with shrank quickly and disappeared for good in the 8th inning. And this result, rather than inspiring the Mets, seems to have crippled them. The Mets led 7-4 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning against the Marlins, after taking the lead in the top of the 9th against Marlins' closer Kevin Gregg. For some reason, Jorge Sosa was in the game instead of Billy Wagner. And again, for some reason, Sosa was allowed to remain in the game long enough to blow the save and send the game into extras with a 7-7 tie.
The Braves made the Brewers lose a half-game in the NL Central. And the Rockies are on a bit of a run, completing a four-game sweep of the Dodgers. Good outing for Tomko in San Diego too, and one they needed with the Phillies pulling off the win against the Nationals.
Your Friday games:
RHP Pedro Martinez (2-0, 1.69 ERA) and the Mets take on LHP Scott Olsen (9-14, 6.06 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Shawn Hill (4-4, 3.01 ERA) and the Nationals host RHP Adam Eaton (9-9, 6.36 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Chien-Ming Wang (18-7, 3.82 ERA) and the Yankees host RHP Roy Halladay (15-7, 3.82 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
RHP Victor Santos (1-5, 5.95 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Luis Mendoza (0-0, 2.08 ERA) and the Rangers.
RHP Jake Peavy (18-6, 2.39 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP Franklin Morales (2-2, 3.81 ERA) and the Rockies.
Other games of note:
Pirates @ Cubs (Malholm vs. Marquis)
Royals @ Tigers (Buckner vs. Jurrjens)
Brewers @ Braves (Villanueva vs. Hudson)
Athletics @ Indians (Blanton vs. Carmona)
Red Sox @ Devil Rays (Beckett vs. Kazmir)
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks (Loaiza vs. Hernandez)
Mariners @ Angels (Washburn vs. Saunders)
Where Thursday had little of anything going on other than the Mets and Phillies, there's a lot to sink the teeth into on Friday. The Padres and Rockies should be a huge series, with the Rockies having just swept the Dodgers at home over four games and the Padres sweeping the Pirates at home over four games. Something has to give. Speaking of those Dodgers, they might not still be in the hunt for October, but they have some pride on the line against the Diamondbacks, who have not played well within their division. Phillies vs. Nationals will once again be big, both in the NL East and the Wild Card. Many eyes will be following the results of Yankees vs. Blue Jays and Red Sox vs. Devil Rays as well.
Numerous Cy Young candidates on the hill Friday. You have AL Cy Young hopefuls Josh Beckett, Fausto Carmona, and Chien-Ming Wang on the hill. In the NL, you have Jake Peavy - who many have already crowned the NL Cy Young winner with a week left to go in the regular season. But Tim Hudson, a long shot candidate, will be on the mound as well. Good pitching tomorrow.
And with good pitching, you have good match-ups. I'll gladly take either Chien-Ming Wang vs. Roy Halladay or Josh Beckett vs. Scott Kazmir. The edge might go to the Yankees-Blue Jays match-up, just because of how well both teams have been playing lately. But those are four excellent pitchers on the mound at the same time. Honorable mention to Peavy vs. Morales, the latter of whom has pitched very well for the Rockies in limited starts. Also, a match-up not mentioned here, Buehrle vs. Santana has a chance to be very good out in Minnesota.
Not a bad way to kick off the second-to-last weekend of the regular season. Enjoy!
- A sweep, just what the the doctor ordered. Padres def. Pirates 6-3
- So much for that great bullpen. Phillies def. Nationals 7-6
- I'm still not sure what happened in the bottom of the 9th, nor am I sure I want to know... Marlins def. Mets 8-7 [10 inn.]
- Believe it or not, this was a 1-1 tie when it went into extras. Orioles def. Rangers 5-2 [10 inn.]
Other results of note: Rockies def. Dodgers (9-4), Braves def. Brewers (3-1)
Oh, Nationals... They got a fantastic start from Jason Bergmann. Six innings, two runs. The argument for starting Ayala in the 7th from the Nationals' booth was that Manny Acta didn't want to overextend his starters with the team not being in a pennant race. That might be true, but that 6-2 lead Bergmann left with shrank quickly and disappeared for good in the 8th inning. And this result, rather than inspiring the Mets, seems to have crippled them. The Mets led 7-4 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning against the Marlins, after taking the lead in the top of the 9th against Marlins' closer Kevin Gregg. For some reason, Jorge Sosa was in the game instead of Billy Wagner. And again, for some reason, Sosa was allowed to remain in the game long enough to blow the save and send the game into extras with a 7-7 tie.
The Braves made the Brewers lose a half-game in the NL Central. And the Rockies are on a bit of a run, completing a four-game sweep of the Dodgers. Good outing for Tomko in San Diego too, and one they needed with the Phillies pulling off the win against the Nationals.
Your Friday games:
RHP Pedro Martinez (2-0, 1.69 ERA) and the Mets take on LHP Scott Olsen (9-14, 6.06 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Shawn Hill (4-4, 3.01 ERA) and the Nationals host RHP Adam Eaton (9-9, 6.36 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Chien-Ming Wang (18-7, 3.82 ERA) and the Yankees host RHP Roy Halladay (15-7, 3.82 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
RHP Victor Santos (1-5, 5.95 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Luis Mendoza (0-0, 2.08 ERA) and the Rangers.
RHP Jake Peavy (18-6, 2.39 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP Franklin Morales (2-2, 3.81 ERA) and the Rockies.
Other games of note:
Pirates @ Cubs (Malholm vs. Marquis)
Royals @ Tigers (Buckner vs. Jurrjens)
Brewers @ Braves (Villanueva vs. Hudson)
Athletics @ Indians (Blanton vs. Carmona)
Red Sox @ Devil Rays (Beckett vs. Kazmir)
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks (Loaiza vs. Hernandez)
Mariners @ Angels (Washburn vs. Saunders)
Where Thursday had little of anything going on other than the Mets and Phillies, there's a lot to sink the teeth into on Friday. The Padres and Rockies should be a huge series, with the Rockies having just swept the Dodgers at home over four games and the Padres sweeping the Pirates at home over four games. Something has to give. Speaking of those Dodgers, they might not still be in the hunt for October, but they have some pride on the line against the Diamondbacks, who have not played well within their division. Phillies vs. Nationals will once again be big, both in the NL East and the Wild Card. Many eyes will be following the results of Yankees vs. Blue Jays and Red Sox vs. Devil Rays as well.
Numerous Cy Young candidates on the hill Friday. You have AL Cy Young hopefuls Josh Beckett, Fausto Carmona, and Chien-Ming Wang on the hill. In the NL, you have Jake Peavy - who many have already crowned the NL Cy Young winner with a week left to go in the regular season. But Tim Hudson, a long shot candidate, will be on the mound as well. Good pitching tomorrow.
And with good pitching, you have good match-ups. I'll gladly take either Chien-Ming Wang vs. Roy Halladay or Josh Beckett vs. Scott Kazmir. The edge might go to the Yankees-Blue Jays match-up, just because of how well both teams have been playing lately. But those are four excellent pitchers on the mound at the same time. Honorable mention to Peavy vs. Morales, the latter of whom has pitched very well for the Rockies in limited starts. Also, a match-up not mentioned here, Buehrle vs. Santana has a chance to be very good out in Minnesota.
Not a bad way to kick off the second-to-last weekend of the regular season. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- Well, the Mets managed to hold a lead. That's a start. Mets def. Nationals 8-4
- Congratulations to Andy Pettitte on his 200th career win. An important nail-biter for his team to boot. Yankees def. Orioles 2-1
- Scott Hairston, of all people, with the game-winning 3-run homer! Padres def. Pirates 5-3
Other results of note: Indians def. Tigers (4-2), Angels def. Devil Rays (2-1), Blue Jays def. Red Sox (6-1), Cubs def. Reds (3-2), Cardinals def. Phillies (2-1), Astros def. Brewers (5-4), Rockies def. Dodgers (6-5), Diamondbacks def. Giants (6-4)
Big wins tonight for the Mets and Padres, taking advantage of a rare Phillies loss to add onto their leads in the NL East and Wild Card, respectively. Surprisingly great pitching match-up between Pettitte and Brian Burres of the Orioles. A wild pitch that scored Doug Mientkiewicz was the difference. Jonathan Papelbon gave up a grand-slam in the 8th inning to put the game out of reach for the Red Sox. This coming on the heels of another Gagne implosion and Okajima set to miss time with a "tired arm." Ouch. The Indians came at the Tigers with nail in hand, more than happy to close the coffin. With their win tonight, they completed a three-game sweep of Detroit. Watching the NL Central race is making me seasick. Chalk up another loss to the Dodger bullpen.
Thursday baseball:
RHP Brett Tomko (3-11, 5.40 ERA) and the Padres host RHP Matt Morris (9-10, 4.84 ERA) and the Pirates.
LHP Tom Glavine (13-6, 3.88 ERA) and the Mets take on LHP Dontrelle Willis (9-15, 5.34 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Jason Bergmann (5-5, 4.38 ERA) and the Nationals host RHP Kyle Lohse (8-12, 4.49 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Victor Zambrano (0-2, 7.98 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Brandon McCarthy (5-10, 5.07 ERA) and the Rangers.
Other games of note:
Dodgers @ Rockies (Lowe vs. Jimenez)
Brewers @ Braves (Suppan vs. Bennett)
Mariners @ Angels (Feierabend vs. Weaver)
No one could have predicted it even one week ago, but these Mets vs. Marlins and Phillies vs. Nationals series are going to be important. The team who can beat up on the weaker teams in their division the most might be the last one standing in this last 1 1/2 weeks of the season.
No real interesting pitching match-ups set for Thursday. We'll have to hope something surprises us.
- Well, the Mets managed to hold a lead. That's a start. Mets def. Nationals 8-4
- Congratulations to Andy Pettitte on his 200th career win. An important nail-biter for his team to boot. Yankees def. Orioles 2-1
- Scott Hairston, of all people, with the game-winning 3-run homer! Padres def. Pirates 5-3
Other results of note: Indians def. Tigers (4-2), Angels def. Devil Rays (2-1), Blue Jays def. Red Sox (6-1), Cubs def. Reds (3-2), Cardinals def. Phillies (2-1), Astros def. Brewers (5-4), Rockies def. Dodgers (6-5), Diamondbacks def. Giants (6-4)
Big wins tonight for the Mets and Padres, taking advantage of a rare Phillies loss to add onto their leads in the NL East and Wild Card, respectively. Surprisingly great pitching match-up between Pettitte and Brian Burres of the Orioles. A wild pitch that scored Doug Mientkiewicz was the difference. Jonathan Papelbon gave up a grand-slam in the 8th inning to put the game out of reach for the Red Sox. This coming on the heels of another Gagne implosion and Okajima set to miss time with a "tired arm." Ouch. The Indians came at the Tigers with nail in hand, more than happy to close the coffin. With their win tonight, they completed a three-game sweep of Detroit. Watching the NL Central race is making me seasick. Chalk up another loss to the Dodger bullpen.
Thursday baseball:
RHP Brett Tomko (3-11, 5.40 ERA) and the Padres host RHP Matt Morris (9-10, 4.84 ERA) and the Pirates.
LHP Tom Glavine (13-6, 3.88 ERA) and the Mets take on LHP Dontrelle Willis (9-15, 5.34 ERA) and the Marlins.
RHP Jason Bergmann (5-5, 4.38 ERA) and the Nationals host RHP Kyle Lohse (8-12, 4.49 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Victor Zambrano (0-2, 7.98 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Brandon McCarthy (5-10, 5.07 ERA) and the Rangers.
Other games of note:
Dodgers @ Rockies (Lowe vs. Jimenez)
Brewers @ Braves (Suppan vs. Bennett)
Mariners @ Angels (Feierabend vs. Weaver)
No one could have predicted it even one week ago, but these Mets vs. Marlins and Phillies vs. Nationals series are going to be important. The team who can beat up on the weaker teams in their division the most might be the last one standing in this last 1 1/2 weeks of the season.
No real interesting pitching match-ups set for Thursday. We'll have to hope something surprises us.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tuesday baseball
What you missed in a nutshell:
- Panic time in Queens! Nationals def. Mets 9-8
- San Diego's hanging in there... Padres def. Pirates 5-3
- Yeah, I'd say Mike Mussina earned himself another start. Yankees def. Orioles 12-0
Other results of note: Rockies def. Dodgers (3-1) [Game 1], Rockies def. Dodgers (9-8), Indians def. Tigers (7-4), Blue Jays def. Red Sox (4-3), Reds def. Cubs (5-2), Brewers def. Astros (9-1), Diamondbacks def. Giants (5-0), Angels def. Devil Rays (2-1), Phillies def. Cardinals (7-4/14 inn)
Well, well. Now it gets interesting, doesn't it? The National League West and the National League Wild Card races are like a game of chicken. Who's going to pull out first? I think today, after having their doubleheader swept by the Rockies, that we've seen the end of the Dodgers' postseason hopes. Two close games, two demoralizing losses. Especially the second game. They took an 8-7 lead into the bottom of the 9th, only to have closer Takashi Saito give up more than one run in an inning for the first time this season.
Padres and Diamondbacks, neither blinked tonight. The Phillies won an insane, 14-inning game against the Cardinals that stretched until after 1am on the East Coast. The Mets, meanwhile, need to pull something from deep inside. John Maine was handed a 4-0 lead before he even took the mound in the first inning, and he was unable to hold it. Ironic that with two series remaining against the Phillies and one series remaining against the Mets, the Washington Nationals - who were expected to be the joke of the major leagues this season - have a good chance of deciding who's going to win the National League East. (I'm still having a hard time grasping the fact that the Phillies are just 1.5 games behind for the division.)
Big loss for the Tigers. Justin Verlander didn't have a good start at all, giving up four homeruns. And while it's hard to call Boston's lost to Toronto a "big loss" because they're still 2.5 up in the division, it's getting more than a little sweaty under the color in Red Sox Nation. Especially when you take into account that, with a tie, the Yankees would win the division with the better record in their series against the Red Sox this season. But we also can't forget that the Yankees have a four-game series with the same Blue Jays that have been giving the Red Sox fits coming up. The Red Sox also have the luxury of finishing the season at home, albeit with a four-game series against the Twins, who can be hit-or-miss. The Yankees finish their season on the road, with games against Tampa Bay and Baltimore. The Tigers, meanwhile, host Kansas City and the Twins at home before finishing on the road against the White Sox.
Of interest only in terms of figuring out home field advantage for the playoffs, Cy Young hopeful John Lackey may have had his best game of the season against the Devil Rays on Tuesday night.
Wednesday's games, the abbreviated version:
LHP Matt Chico (5-8, 4.61 ERA) and the Nationals take on RHP Mike Pelfrey (2-7, 5.23 ERA) and the Mets.
RHP Chris Young (9-7, 2.77 ERA) and the Padres take on RHP Ian Snell (9-12, 3.92 ERA) and the Pirates.
LHP Andy Pettitte (13-8, 3.89 ERA) and the Yankees host LHP Brian Burres (6-5, 5.47 ERA) and the Orioles.
Other games of note:
Tigers @ Indians (Robertson vs. Sabathia)
Devil Rays @ Angels (Shields vs. Colon)
Red Sox @ Blue Jays (Buchholz vs. Litsch)
Reds @ Cubs (Shearn vs. Lilly)
Brewers @ Astros (Bush vs. Gutierrez)
Phillies @ Cardinals (Moyer vs. Wainwright)
Dodgers @ Rockies (Penny vs. Fogg)
Giants @ Diamondbacks (Zito vs. Davis)
Again, these Mets-Nats and Phillies-Cardinals games shouldn't have the division race implications that they do. Mets need a big performance out of Pelfrey tomorrow. The Tigers continue to need as many games as they can get, but they've got a tough battle with Cy Young candidate C.C. Sabathia on the mound. Sabathia is going for his 18th win of the season on Wednesday, and with a good performance against his division rivals he could make a strong case for himself against current favorite Josh Beckett of the Red Sox. NL Cy Young candidate Brad Penny also gets the start tomorrow, as he and the Dodgers make a last-minute scramble for the NL Wild Card.
I'll give Wednesday match-up honors to Chris Young vs. Ian Snell as the Padres close out their series against the Pirates. All of that depends on how good Young is feeling. He is continuing to battle his way back from an oblique injury and back problems.
- Panic time in Queens! Nationals def. Mets 9-8
- San Diego's hanging in there... Padres def. Pirates 5-3
- Yeah, I'd say Mike Mussina earned himself another start. Yankees def. Orioles 12-0
Other results of note: Rockies def. Dodgers (3-1) [Game 1], Rockies def. Dodgers (9-8), Indians def. Tigers (7-4), Blue Jays def. Red Sox (4-3), Reds def. Cubs (5-2), Brewers def. Astros (9-1), Diamondbacks def. Giants (5-0), Angels def. Devil Rays (2-1), Phillies def. Cardinals (7-4/14 inn)
Well, well. Now it gets interesting, doesn't it? The National League West and the National League Wild Card races are like a game of chicken. Who's going to pull out first? I think today, after having their doubleheader swept by the Rockies, that we've seen the end of the Dodgers' postseason hopes. Two close games, two demoralizing losses. Especially the second game. They took an 8-7 lead into the bottom of the 9th, only to have closer Takashi Saito give up more than one run in an inning for the first time this season.
Padres and Diamondbacks, neither blinked tonight. The Phillies won an insane, 14-inning game against the Cardinals that stretched until after 1am on the East Coast. The Mets, meanwhile, need to pull something from deep inside. John Maine was handed a 4-0 lead before he even took the mound in the first inning, and he was unable to hold it. Ironic that with two series remaining against the Phillies and one series remaining against the Mets, the Washington Nationals - who were expected to be the joke of the major leagues this season - have a good chance of deciding who's going to win the National League East. (I'm still having a hard time grasping the fact that the Phillies are just 1.5 games behind for the division.)
Big loss for the Tigers. Justin Verlander didn't have a good start at all, giving up four homeruns. And while it's hard to call Boston's lost to Toronto a "big loss" because they're still 2.5 up in the division, it's getting more than a little sweaty under the color in Red Sox Nation. Especially when you take into account that, with a tie, the Yankees would win the division with the better record in their series against the Red Sox this season. But we also can't forget that the Yankees have a four-game series with the same Blue Jays that have been giving the Red Sox fits coming up. The Red Sox also have the luxury of finishing the season at home, albeit with a four-game series against the Twins, who can be hit-or-miss. The Yankees finish their season on the road, with games against Tampa Bay and Baltimore. The Tigers, meanwhile, host Kansas City and the Twins at home before finishing on the road against the White Sox.
Of interest only in terms of figuring out home field advantage for the playoffs, Cy Young hopeful John Lackey may have had his best game of the season against the Devil Rays on Tuesday night.
Wednesday's games, the abbreviated version:
LHP Matt Chico (5-8, 4.61 ERA) and the Nationals take on RHP Mike Pelfrey (2-7, 5.23 ERA) and the Mets.
RHP Chris Young (9-7, 2.77 ERA) and the Padres take on RHP Ian Snell (9-12, 3.92 ERA) and the Pirates.
LHP Andy Pettitte (13-8, 3.89 ERA) and the Yankees host LHP Brian Burres (6-5, 5.47 ERA) and the Orioles.
Other games of note:
Tigers @ Indians (Robertson vs. Sabathia)
Devil Rays @ Angels (Shields vs. Colon)
Red Sox @ Blue Jays (Buchholz vs. Litsch)
Reds @ Cubs (Shearn vs. Lilly)
Brewers @ Astros (Bush vs. Gutierrez)
Phillies @ Cardinals (Moyer vs. Wainwright)
Dodgers @ Rockies (Penny vs. Fogg)
Giants @ Diamondbacks (Zito vs. Davis)
Again, these Mets-Nats and Phillies-Cardinals games shouldn't have the division race implications that they do. Mets need a big performance out of Pelfrey tomorrow. The Tigers continue to need as many games as they can get, but they've got a tough battle with Cy Young candidate C.C. Sabathia on the mound. Sabathia is going for his 18th win of the season on Wednesday, and with a good performance against his division rivals he could make a strong case for himself against current favorite Josh Beckett of the Red Sox. NL Cy Young candidate Brad Penny also gets the start tomorrow, as he and the Dodgers make a last-minute scramble for the NL Wild Card.
I'll give Wednesday match-up honors to Chris Young vs. Ian Snell as the Padres close out their series against the Pirates. All of that depends on how good Young is feeling. He is continuing to battle his way back from an oblique injury and back problems.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Monday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- Luckily for the Yankees, they got Bad Cabrera on the mound. Yankees def. Orioles 8-5.
- That was a division-leading team in that game? Really? Nationals def. Mets 12-4.
- Pssh, yeah. I never questioned the Padres' decision to start Jack Cassel. Really. Ahem. Padres def. Pirates 3-0.
Other results of note: Indians def. Tigers (6-5/11 inn.), Blue Jays def. Red Sox (6-1), Cubs def. Reds (7-6), Brewers def. Astros (6-0), Phillies def. Cardinals (13-11).
Two games still in progress. The Angels lead the Devil Rays 7-6 in the top of the 6th. And this weird Diamondbacks-Giants affair continues. The Giants dropped a five-spot in the top of the 8th and now lead 8-5 in the bottom of the 9th in Arizona. Either way, it's safe to say that Brandon Webb won't be getting his 17th win tonight. Huge loss for the D-backs, if this score stands. There are a lot of interested eyes watching this right now in the NL West.
The Indians came from behind to force extras and end the Tigers' five-game winning streak. And I don't know what's worse: the fact that the Phillies almost blew a huge lead against the Cardinals or the fact that the Cardinals pushed all the way back to 12-11 in the bottom of the 8th but couldn't seal the deal. Either way, huge sigh of relief in Philadelphia and panic in the streets in Queens. The Mets dropped their 4th in a row and had four errors in this game. Not exactly what you want to see from a division-leading team heading into the playoffs. You hope.
Tuesday's action, the abbreviated version:
RHP Greg Maddux (12-10, 3.91 ERA) and the Padres host LHP Tom Gorzelanny (14-7, 3.45 ERA) and the Pirates.
RHP John Maine (14-9, 3.72 ERA) and the Mets take on RHP Joel Hanrahan (4-3, 5.83 ERA) and the Nationals.
RHP Mike Mussina (9-10, 5.28 ERA) and the Yankees host RHP Jon Leicester (2-1, 6.32 ERA) and the Orioles.
Other games of note:
Dodgers @ Rockies (Billingsley vs. Francis) [Game 1]
Dodgers @ Rockies (Wells vs. Redman) [Game 2]
Tigers @ Indians (Verlander vs. Westbrook)
Red Sox @ Blue Jays (Lester vs. Burnett)
Reds @ Cubs (Harang vs. Zambrano)
Brewers @ Astros (Sheets vs. Paulino)
Phillies @ Cardinals (Hamels vs. Wells)
Giants @ Diamondbacks (Sanchez vs. Owings)
Devil Rays @ Angels (Hammel vs. Lackey)
I'm not sure anyone expected this Mets series with the Nationals to be key, but with the way the Phillies are playing right now and the warning signs going off with the bullpen and the errors the Mets need to get the ship righted with one of their best pitchers on the mound tomorrow. The Phillies send Cole Hamels, who is returning from the DL, to the mound. His performance could be key for the Phillies as we finish this two-week stretch to the end of the season. Dodgers vs. Rockies double-header is huge in the Wild Card, and possibly in the division as well.
Cy Young candidates Justin Verlander and John Lackey take the hill tomorrow for Detroit and the Angels, respectively. Also, look out for long-shot NL Rookie of the Year candidate Chad Billingsley of the Dodgers.
I'll take Greg Maddux vs. Tom Gorzelanny as my Tuesday top pitching match-up. Harang vs. Zambrano could be a good one too, especially with the Cubs on a roll.
- Luckily for the Yankees, they got Bad Cabrera on the mound. Yankees def. Orioles 8-5.
- That was a division-leading team in that game? Really? Nationals def. Mets 12-4.
- Pssh, yeah. I never questioned the Padres' decision to start Jack Cassel. Really. Ahem. Padres def. Pirates 3-0.
Other results of note: Indians def. Tigers (6-5/11 inn.), Blue Jays def. Red Sox (6-1), Cubs def. Reds (7-6), Brewers def. Astros (6-0), Phillies def. Cardinals (13-11).
Two games still in progress. The Angels lead the Devil Rays 7-6 in the top of the 6th. And this weird Diamondbacks-Giants affair continues. The Giants dropped a five-spot in the top of the 8th and now lead 8-5 in the bottom of the 9th in Arizona. Either way, it's safe to say that Brandon Webb won't be getting his 17th win tonight. Huge loss for the D-backs, if this score stands. There are a lot of interested eyes watching this right now in the NL West.
The Indians came from behind to force extras and end the Tigers' five-game winning streak. And I don't know what's worse: the fact that the Phillies almost blew a huge lead against the Cardinals or the fact that the Cardinals pushed all the way back to 12-11 in the bottom of the 8th but couldn't seal the deal. Either way, huge sigh of relief in Philadelphia and panic in the streets in Queens. The Mets dropped their 4th in a row and had four errors in this game. Not exactly what you want to see from a division-leading team heading into the playoffs. You hope.
Tuesday's action, the abbreviated version:
RHP Greg Maddux (12-10, 3.91 ERA) and the Padres host LHP Tom Gorzelanny (14-7, 3.45 ERA) and the Pirates.
RHP John Maine (14-9, 3.72 ERA) and the Mets take on RHP Joel Hanrahan (4-3, 5.83 ERA) and the Nationals.
RHP Mike Mussina (9-10, 5.28 ERA) and the Yankees host RHP Jon Leicester (2-1, 6.32 ERA) and the Orioles.
Other games of note:
Dodgers @ Rockies (Billingsley vs. Francis) [Game 1]
Dodgers @ Rockies (Wells vs. Redman) [Game 2]
Tigers @ Indians (Verlander vs. Westbrook)
Red Sox @ Blue Jays (Lester vs. Burnett)
Reds @ Cubs (Harang vs. Zambrano)
Brewers @ Astros (Sheets vs. Paulino)
Phillies @ Cardinals (Hamels vs. Wells)
Giants @ Diamondbacks (Sanchez vs. Owings)
Devil Rays @ Angels (Hammel vs. Lackey)
I'm not sure anyone expected this Mets series with the Nationals to be key, but with the way the Phillies are playing right now and the warning signs going off with the bullpen and the errors the Mets need to get the ship righted with one of their best pitchers on the mound tomorrow. The Phillies send Cole Hamels, who is returning from the DL, to the mound. His performance could be key for the Phillies as we finish this two-week stretch to the end of the season. Dodgers vs. Rockies double-header is huge in the Wild Card, and possibly in the division as well.
Cy Young candidates Justin Verlander and John Lackey take the hill tomorrow for Detroit and the Angels, respectively. Also, look out for long-shot NL Rookie of the Year candidate Chad Billingsley of the Dodgers.
I'll take Greg Maddux vs. Tom Gorzelanny as my Tuesday top pitching match-up. Harang vs. Zambrano could be a good one too, especially with the Cubs on a roll.
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Races, 9/17/07 Update
The Divisions
AL East
Red Sox ~ 90-60 ~ --
Yankees ~ 85-64 ~ 4.5 (9)
Blue Jays ~ 74-75 ~ 15.5 (E)
Orioles ~ 64-84 ~ 25.0 (E)
Devil Rays ~ 63-87 ~ 27.0 (E)
AL Central
Indians ~ 87-62 ~ --
Tigers ~ 83-67 ~ 4.5 (9)
Twins ~ 72-77 ~ 15.0 (E)
Royals ~ 64-84 ~ 22.5 (E)
White Sox ~ 64-85 ~ 23.0 (E)
AL West
Angels ~ 87-62 ~ --
Mariners ~ 78-70 ~ 8.5 (6)
Athletics ~ 74-77 ~ 14.0 (E)
Rangers ~ 70-79 ~ 17.0 (E)
Thoughts: Nothing to report in the East. The Blue Jays had a terrible week and were officially eliminated earlier than I thought they would be. The Yankees won 2-out of-3 in Fenway but only moved up one game in the standings. And those Orioles are still holding fast over the Devil Rays. Both teams had surprisingly good weeks this past week ... As hot as the Indians have been, the Tigers actually made up some ground this week. They cut the AL Central lead from 6.0 games to 4.5. With a series against the Indians coming up on Monday, the Tigers have a chance to eat into the division race if they can pull off a sweep. The disappointing Twins were officially eliminated after a bad weekend series against the Tigers. ... The AL West remains one of the most uninteresting divisions in baseball. The Mariners lost another half-game to the Angels. Meanwhile, the Athletics and Rangers were both officially eliminated. Hohum.
NL East:
Mets ~ 83-65 ~ --
Phillies ~ 80-69 ~ 3.5 (11)
Braves ~ 76-73 ~ 7.5 (7)
Nationals ~ 66-83 ~ 17.5 (E)
Marlins ~ 65-84 ~ 18.5 (E)
NL Central:
Cubs ~ 78-72 ~ --
Brewers ~ 76-72 ~ 1.0 (13)
Cardinals ~ 70-78 ~ 7.0 (7)
Reds ~ 68-81 ~ 9.5 (4)
Pirates ~ 66-83 ~ 11.5 (2)
Astros ~ 65-84 ~ 12.5 (1)
NL West:
Diamondbacks ~ 84-66 ~ --
Padres ~ 81-67 ~ 2.0 (12)
Dodgers ~ 79-70 ~ 4.5 (9)
Rockies ~ 77-72 ~ 6.5 (7)
Giants ~ 66-83 ~ 17.5 (E)
Thoughts: You know, if the Mets are that determined to make this a race in the NL East, I'm sure the Phillies would be happy to oblige. The Mets had a terrible week, getting swept at home by the Phillies over the weekend and cutting their lead in the NL East down from 6.0 games to 3.5. The Phillies will have to lose a game here or there at some point, but the Mets need to keep some momentum going until the end of the season or the Phillies will creep even closer. The Braves picked up a game in the division, but they're still pretty much out of it. The Nationals were officially eliminated. ... Strike that, reverse it. As has been the case in the NL Central these last few weeks, the Brewers and Cubs again switched places. The Brewers went from being a game up on the Cubs to being a game down. The Cardinals, meanwhile, went from being strong contenders in the Central to falling out of the race completely. This time last week, the were 3.0 games behind. One week later, they're 7.0 games behind. Yikes. ... The Diamondbacks are still ahead in the West, but they lost a little ground on a 2-out of-3 loss to the Dodgers over the weekend. The D-backs are now two games in front of the Padres and 4.5 games in front of the Dodgers, losing one game in both. The Rockies lost a half-game in the division after facing that tough Phillies team. The Giants, meanwhile, were officially eliminated.
The Wild Cards
American League
Yankees ~ 85-64 ~ --
Tigers ~ 83-67 ~ 2.5 (11)
Mariners ~ 78-70 ~ 6.5 (8)
Blue Jays ~ 74-75 ~ 11.0 (3)
Athletics ~ 74-77 ~ 12.0 (1)
Thoughts: The only other team not eliminated in the Wild Card race in the AL at the moment is the Twins, who also are one game from elimination. ... It's hard to say the Yankees had an awful week. They lost one game to Toronto and one game to Boston. The problem is that the Tigers don't seem to be losing at all of late, and they had a monster week to make up ground in the Wild Card. Last week, they were 4.0 games out of the WC. This week, they're 2.5 games back. Now, it'll be the Tigers' turn to follow up the Yankees' series with Boston and head into Cleveland for three games against the division-leading Indians. The Yankees, meanwhile, need to take advantage of a far easier three game series against the Orioles. 2-out of-3 is a must in the Brox. ... The Mariners lost another 1.5 games in the Wild Card and stand 6.5 back. Too few games to play, I think.
National League
Padres ~ 81-67 ~ --
Phillies ~ 80-69 ~ 1.5 (13)
Dodgers ~ 79-70 ~ 2.5 (12)
Rockies ~ 77-72 ~ 4.5 (10)
Brewers ~ 76-72 ~ 5.0 (10)
Thoughts: As hot as the Phillies were over the weekend, the Padres picked the right time to pick up some games. Amazingly, they only lost a half-game to the Phillies this week and are maintaining a 1.5 game lead. ... Even more amazing, the Dodgers kept right on pace, remaining 2.5 games out in the chase for the Wild Card. ... The Rockies were unfortunate to face the Phillies when they did, losing 1.5 games in the Wild Card race. ... And, even after taking 2-of-3 from the Nationals, the Braves aren't even in the top five contending teams anymore. The Brewers have replaced them, a long-shot at 5.0 games out.
Key series of the week:
Tigers @ Indians (Mon-Wed)
Dodgers @ Rockies (Tue-Thu) [double-header Tuesday]
Brewers @ Braves (Fri-Sun)
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks (Fri-Sun)
Rockies @ Padres (Fri-Sun)
AL East
Red Sox ~ 90-60 ~ --
Yankees ~ 85-64 ~ 4.5 (9)
Blue Jays ~ 74-75 ~ 15.5 (E)
Orioles ~ 64-84 ~ 25.0 (E)
Devil Rays ~ 63-87 ~ 27.0 (E)
AL Central
Indians ~ 87-62 ~ --
Tigers ~ 83-67 ~ 4.5 (9)
Twins ~ 72-77 ~ 15.0 (E)
Royals ~ 64-84 ~ 22.5 (E)
White Sox ~ 64-85 ~ 23.0 (E)
AL West
Angels ~ 87-62 ~ --
Mariners ~ 78-70 ~ 8.5 (6)
Athletics ~ 74-77 ~ 14.0 (E)
Rangers ~ 70-79 ~ 17.0 (E)
Thoughts: Nothing to report in the East. The Blue Jays had a terrible week and were officially eliminated earlier than I thought they would be. The Yankees won 2-out of-3 in Fenway but only moved up one game in the standings. And those Orioles are still holding fast over the Devil Rays. Both teams had surprisingly good weeks this past week ... As hot as the Indians have been, the Tigers actually made up some ground this week. They cut the AL Central lead from 6.0 games to 4.5. With a series against the Indians coming up on Monday, the Tigers have a chance to eat into the division race if they can pull off a sweep. The disappointing Twins were officially eliminated after a bad weekend series against the Tigers. ... The AL West remains one of the most uninteresting divisions in baseball. The Mariners lost another half-game to the Angels. Meanwhile, the Athletics and Rangers were both officially eliminated. Hohum.
NL East:
Mets ~ 83-65 ~ --
Phillies ~ 80-69 ~ 3.5 (11)
Braves ~ 76-73 ~ 7.5 (7)
Nationals ~ 66-83 ~ 17.5 (E)
Marlins ~ 65-84 ~ 18.5 (E)
NL Central:
Cubs ~ 78-72 ~ --
Brewers ~ 76-72 ~ 1.0 (13)
Cardinals ~ 70-78 ~ 7.0 (7)
Reds ~ 68-81 ~ 9.5 (4)
Pirates ~ 66-83 ~ 11.5 (2)
Astros ~ 65-84 ~ 12.5 (1)
NL West:
Diamondbacks ~ 84-66 ~ --
Padres ~ 81-67 ~ 2.0 (12)
Dodgers ~ 79-70 ~ 4.5 (9)
Rockies ~ 77-72 ~ 6.5 (7)
Giants ~ 66-83 ~ 17.5 (E)
Thoughts: You know, if the Mets are that determined to make this a race in the NL East, I'm sure the Phillies would be happy to oblige. The Mets had a terrible week, getting swept at home by the Phillies over the weekend and cutting their lead in the NL East down from 6.0 games to 3.5. The Phillies will have to lose a game here or there at some point, but the Mets need to keep some momentum going until the end of the season or the Phillies will creep even closer. The Braves picked up a game in the division, but they're still pretty much out of it. The Nationals were officially eliminated. ... Strike that, reverse it. As has been the case in the NL Central these last few weeks, the Brewers and Cubs again switched places. The Brewers went from being a game up on the Cubs to being a game down. The Cardinals, meanwhile, went from being strong contenders in the Central to falling out of the race completely. This time last week, the were 3.0 games behind. One week later, they're 7.0 games behind. Yikes. ... The Diamondbacks are still ahead in the West, but they lost a little ground on a 2-out of-3 loss to the Dodgers over the weekend. The D-backs are now two games in front of the Padres and 4.5 games in front of the Dodgers, losing one game in both. The Rockies lost a half-game in the division after facing that tough Phillies team. The Giants, meanwhile, were officially eliminated.
The Wild Cards
American League
Yankees ~ 85-64 ~ --
Tigers ~ 83-67 ~ 2.5 (11)
Mariners ~ 78-70 ~ 6.5 (8)
Blue Jays ~ 74-75 ~ 11.0 (3)
Athletics ~ 74-77 ~ 12.0 (1)
Thoughts: The only other team not eliminated in the Wild Card race in the AL at the moment is the Twins, who also are one game from elimination. ... It's hard to say the Yankees had an awful week. They lost one game to Toronto and one game to Boston. The problem is that the Tigers don't seem to be losing at all of late, and they had a monster week to make up ground in the Wild Card. Last week, they were 4.0 games out of the WC. This week, they're 2.5 games back. Now, it'll be the Tigers' turn to follow up the Yankees' series with Boston and head into Cleveland for three games against the division-leading Indians. The Yankees, meanwhile, need to take advantage of a far easier three game series against the Orioles. 2-out of-3 is a must in the Brox. ... The Mariners lost another 1.5 games in the Wild Card and stand 6.5 back. Too few games to play, I think.
National League
Padres ~ 81-67 ~ --
Phillies ~ 80-69 ~ 1.5 (13)
Dodgers ~ 79-70 ~ 2.5 (12)
Rockies ~ 77-72 ~ 4.5 (10)
Brewers ~ 76-72 ~ 5.0 (10)
Thoughts: As hot as the Phillies were over the weekend, the Padres picked the right time to pick up some games. Amazingly, they only lost a half-game to the Phillies this week and are maintaining a 1.5 game lead. ... Even more amazing, the Dodgers kept right on pace, remaining 2.5 games out in the chase for the Wild Card. ... The Rockies were unfortunate to face the Phillies when they did, losing 1.5 games in the Wild Card race. ... And, even after taking 2-of-3 from the Nationals, the Braves aren't even in the top five contending teams anymore. The Brewers have replaced them, a long-shot at 5.0 games out.
Key series of the week:
Tigers @ Indians (Mon-Wed)
Dodgers @ Rockies (Tue-Thu) [double-header Tuesday]
Brewers @ Braves (Fri-Sun)
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks (Fri-Sun)
Rockies @ Padres (Fri-Sun)
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Sunday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- Hm, yeah. I think what the Phillies are doing is called a "last minute push." Phillies def. Mets 10-6.
- Jake Peavy. (noun) See Also: Cy Young. Padres def. Giants 5-1.
- While I can appreciate a good Yankees-Red Sox nailbiter, you really didn't have to make that one as interesting as you did, Mariano. Yankees def. Red Sox 4-3.
- Shawn Hill was okay. But "okay" wasn't going to cut it against Tim Hudson on Sunday. Braves def. Nationals 3-0.
- So the Orioles won a game. In extras. And the sky hasn't fallen yet. Interesting... Orioles def. Blue Jays 8-6.
Other results of note: Royals def. Indians (4-3), White Sox def. Angels (9-7), Tigers def. Twins (6-4), Cubs def. Cardinals (4-2), Rockies def. Marlins (13-0), Devil Rays def. Mariners (9-2), Diamondbacks def. Dodgers (6-1)
Monday's match-ups:
RHP Phil Hughes (3-3, 4.91 ERA) and the Yankees host RHP Daniel Cabrera (9-16, 5.37 ERA) and the Orioles. Cabrera is either reallyreally good against the Yankees or reallyreally bad. Should be interesting to see which D-Cab shows up tomorrow.
RHP Brian Lawrence (1-2, 6.31 ERA) and the Mets take on RHP Tim Redding (3-5, 3.42 ERA) and the Nationals in RFK. Two pitchers returning to the starting rotation Monday night. Lawrence is filling in for the injured El Duque. Redding is returning from the DL, after suffering a right elbow contusion while fielding a ground ball.
RHP Jack Cassel (0-0, 4.66 ERA) and the Padres host RHP John Van Benschoten (0-5, 10.86 ERA) and the Pirates.
Other Games of Note:
Tigers @ Indians (Rogers vs. Byrd)
Marlins @ Braves (Kim vs. Smoltz)
Red Sox @ Blue Jays (Wakefield vs. McGowan)
Reds @ Cubs (Arroyo vs. Hill)
Brewers @ Astros (Gallardo vs. Albers)
Phillies @ Cardinals (Kendrick vs. Thompson)
Giants @ Diamondbacks (Correia vs. Webb)
Devil Rays @ Angels (Jackson vs. Escobar)
Biggest series starting Monday is, without a doubt, the Tigers against the Indians. The Tigers find themselves in a situation similar to what the Yankees faced in Fenway over the weekend. They're taking on one of the hottest teams in baseball as the away team. And while the Tigers have a chance - with a series sweep - to make up ground in the AL Central race, this series is all about winning just enough to keep on pace with the Yankees. Depending on how the Yankees fare against the Orioles at home, a series sweep or even 2-out of-3 for the Indians could bury the Tigers' Wild Card hopes.
Cy Young candidates Kelvim Escobar and Brandon Webb take the hill Monday for the Angels and Diamondbacks, respectively. No real marquee pitching match-up tomorrow. Wakefield vs. McGowan could be fun to watch if they're both on, just because they're completely different pitchers. But nothing to get excited over.
- Hm, yeah. I think what the Phillies are doing is called a "last minute push." Phillies def. Mets 10-6.
- Jake Peavy. (noun) See Also: Cy Young. Padres def. Giants 5-1.
- While I can appreciate a good Yankees-Red Sox nailbiter, you really didn't have to make that one as interesting as you did, Mariano. Yankees def. Red Sox 4-3.
- Shawn Hill was okay. But "okay" wasn't going to cut it against Tim Hudson on Sunday. Braves def. Nationals 3-0.
- So the Orioles won a game. In extras. And the sky hasn't fallen yet. Interesting... Orioles def. Blue Jays 8-6.
Other results of note: Royals def. Indians (4-3), White Sox def. Angels (9-7), Tigers def. Twins (6-4), Cubs def. Cardinals (4-2), Rockies def. Marlins (13-0), Devil Rays def. Mariners (9-2), Diamondbacks def. Dodgers (6-1)
Monday's match-ups:
RHP Phil Hughes (3-3, 4.91 ERA) and the Yankees host RHP Daniel Cabrera (9-16, 5.37 ERA) and the Orioles. Cabrera is either reallyreally good against the Yankees or reallyreally bad. Should be interesting to see which D-Cab shows up tomorrow.
RHP Brian Lawrence (1-2, 6.31 ERA) and the Mets take on RHP Tim Redding (3-5, 3.42 ERA) and the Nationals in RFK. Two pitchers returning to the starting rotation Monday night. Lawrence is filling in for the injured El Duque. Redding is returning from the DL, after suffering a right elbow contusion while fielding a ground ball.
RHP Jack Cassel (0-0, 4.66 ERA) and the Padres host RHP John Van Benschoten (0-5, 10.86 ERA) and the Pirates.
Other Games of Note:
Tigers @ Indians (Rogers vs. Byrd)
Marlins @ Braves (Kim vs. Smoltz)
Red Sox @ Blue Jays (Wakefield vs. McGowan)
Reds @ Cubs (Arroyo vs. Hill)
Brewers @ Astros (Gallardo vs. Albers)
Phillies @ Cardinals (Kendrick vs. Thompson)
Giants @ Diamondbacks (Correia vs. Webb)
Devil Rays @ Angels (Jackson vs. Escobar)
Biggest series starting Monday is, without a doubt, the Tigers against the Indians. The Tigers find themselves in a situation similar to what the Yankees faced in Fenway over the weekend. They're taking on one of the hottest teams in baseball as the away team. And while the Tigers have a chance - with a series sweep - to make up ground in the AL Central race, this series is all about winning just enough to keep on pace with the Yankees. Depending on how the Yankees fare against the Orioles at home, a series sweep or even 2-out of-3 for the Indians could bury the Tigers' Wild Card hopes.
Cy Young candidates Kelvim Escobar and Brandon Webb take the hill Monday for the Angels and Diamondbacks, respectively. No real marquee pitching match-up tomorrow. Wakefield vs. McGowan could be fun to watch if they're both on, just because they're completely different pitchers. But nothing to get excited over.
Saturday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- And here I thought I was doing better with this whole "pitching duel" prediction stuff. Red Sox def. Yankees 10-1
- I'm not sure the Mets have realized that having Pedro back won't mean much if the bullpen falls on its face. Phillies def. Mets 5-3.
- Brett Tomko? Really? Yes, really. Padres def. Giants 6-0.
- D'Angelo Jimenez and Robert Fick? Really? Yes, really. Nationals def. Braves 7-4.
- Baltimore didn't have a great chance of beating Toronto with Halladay on the mound. But when your starter gives up six runs without recording an out? Well, that doesn't help. Blue Jays def. Orioles 8-2
Other results of note: Cubs def. Cardinals (3-2) [Game 1], Cardinals def. Cubs (4-3) [Game 2], Dodgers def. Diamondbacks (6-2), Angels def. White Sox (2-1), Brewers def. Reds (5-3), Indians def. Royals (6-0), Tigers def. Twins (4-3), Marlins def. Rockies (10-2), Devil Rays def. Mariners (6-2)
Sunday's games, the abbreviated version:
RHP Roger Clemens (6-6, 4.45 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP Curt Schilling (8-7, 3.93 ERA) and the Red Sox.
LHP Oliver Perez (14-9, 3.42 ERA) and the Mets host RHP Adam Eaton (9-9, 6.31 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Jake Peavy (17-6, 2.44 ERA) and the Padres host RHP Tim Lincecum (7-4, 3.99 ERA) and the Giants.
RHP Shawn Hill (4-3, 2.87 ERA) and the Nationals host RHP Tim Hudson (15-8, 3.48 ERA) and the Braves.
RHP Victor Santos (1-5, 5.75 ERA) and the Orioles face RHP Shaun Marcum (12-6, 4.11 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
Other games of note:
Royals @ Indians (Buckner vs. Laffey)
Angels @ White Sox (Saunders vs. Buehrle)
Reds @ Brewers (Belisle vs. Villanueva)
Tigers @ Twins (Jurrjens vs. Baker)
Cubs @ Cardinals (Marquis vs. Mulder)
Marlins @ Rockies (Olsen vs. Morales)
Devil Rays @ Mariners (Sonnanstine vs. Washburn)
Diamondbacks @ Dodgers (Gonzalez vs. Loaiza)
Bunch of big series continue this weekend as the Wild Cards really heat up, and a number of the National League divisions remain up for grabs. ESPN's national spotlight will focus on the Red Sox and Yankees, as always, and a series win would be huge for the Yankees. Not because the AL East remains a possibility, but they need to keep the wins coming as the sleeping Tigers look to be waking up for one last playoff run. The Phillies have a chance to sweep the Mets at Shea tomorrow. The Cubs, meanwhile, could go 3-of-4 with a win tomorrow and really make a statement in the NL Central. The Rockies will be trying to salvage a game against the Marlins. And don't look now, but those Dodgers are hanging around, and they're threatening to pull off a sweep of the NL West-leading Diamondbacks.
Marquee pitching match-up of the day goes to Peavy vs. Lincecum in San Diego. Sign me up for that one! Dark horse candidate could be Shawn Hill vs. Tim Hudson. Injuries have plagued Shawn Hill all season, but when he's been on? I'd venture to say that he's one of the elite pitchers of the National League.
- And here I thought I was doing better with this whole "pitching duel" prediction stuff. Red Sox def. Yankees 10-1
- I'm not sure the Mets have realized that having Pedro back won't mean much if the bullpen falls on its face. Phillies def. Mets 5-3.
- Brett Tomko? Really? Yes, really. Padres def. Giants 6-0.
- D'Angelo Jimenez and Robert Fick? Really? Yes, really. Nationals def. Braves 7-4.
- Baltimore didn't have a great chance of beating Toronto with Halladay on the mound. But when your starter gives up six runs without recording an out? Well, that doesn't help. Blue Jays def. Orioles 8-2
Other results of note: Cubs def. Cardinals (3-2) [Game 1], Cardinals def. Cubs (4-3) [Game 2], Dodgers def. Diamondbacks (6-2), Angels def. White Sox (2-1), Brewers def. Reds (5-3), Indians def. Royals (6-0), Tigers def. Twins (4-3), Marlins def. Rockies (10-2), Devil Rays def. Mariners (6-2)
Sunday's games, the abbreviated version:
RHP Roger Clemens (6-6, 4.45 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP Curt Schilling (8-7, 3.93 ERA) and the Red Sox.
LHP Oliver Perez (14-9, 3.42 ERA) and the Mets host RHP Adam Eaton (9-9, 6.31 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Jake Peavy (17-6, 2.44 ERA) and the Padres host RHP Tim Lincecum (7-4, 3.99 ERA) and the Giants.
RHP Shawn Hill (4-3, 2.87 ERA) and the Nationals host RHP Tim Hudson (15-8, 3.48 ERA) and the Braves.
RHP Victor Santos (1-5, 5.75 ERA) and the Orioles face RHP Shaun Marcum (12-6, 4.11 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
Other games of note:
Royals @ Indians (Buckner vs. Laffey)
Angels @ White Sox (Saunders vs. Buehrle)
Reds @ Brewers (Belisle vs. Villanueva)
Tigers @ Twins (Jurrjens vs. Baker)
Cubs @ Cardinals (Marquis vs. Mulder)
Marlins @ Rockies (Olsen vs. Morales)
Devil Rays @ Mariners (Sonnanstine vs. Washburn)
Diamondbacks @ Dodgers (Gonzalez vs. Loaiza)
Bunch of big series continue this weekend as the Wild Cards really heat up, and a number of the National League divisions remain up for grabs. ESPN's national spotlight will focus on the Red Sox and Yankees, as always, and a series win would be huge for the Yankees. Not because the AL East remains a possibility, but they need to keep the wins coming as the sleeping Tigers look to be waking up for one last playoff run. The Phillies have a chance to sweep the Mets at Shea tomorrow. The Cubs, meanwhile, could go 3-of-4 with a win tomorrow and really make a statement in the NL Central. The Rockies will be trying to salvage a game against the Marlins. And don't look now, but those Dodgers are hanging around, and they're threatening to pull off a sweep of the NL West-leading Diamondbacks.
Marquee pitching match-up of the day goes to Peavy vs. Lincecum in San Diego. Sign me up for that one! Dark horse candidate could be Shawn Hill vs. Tim Hudson. Injuries have plagued Shawn Hill all season, but when he's been on? I'd venture to say that he's one of the elite pitchers of the National League.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Friday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- You better not have gone to bed before the 8th inning... Yankees def. Red Sox 8-7.
- Philadelphia edges New York in extras. Phillies def. Mets 3-2.
- The Nationals coughed it up late and ended up losing in extras. Just another day in the life. Braves def. Nationals 8-5.
- Maybe Trembley should just stay suspended? Orioles def. Blue Jays 6-2.
Other results of note: Indians def. Royals (5-4), Reds def. Brewers (6-5), Cubs def. Cardinals (5-3), Tigers def. Twins (4-2), White Sox def. Angels (5-3), Marlins def. Rockies (7-6), Mariners def. Devil Rays (2-1).
The Padres are attempting to come back against the Giants right now in the bottom of the 9th. It's currently 4-3. And the Dodgers have come back to take the lead against the Diamondbacks in the top of the 6th, 6-4.
Tomorrow's games, the abbreviated version:
RHP Chien-Ming Wang (18-6, 3.69 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP Josh Beckett (18-6, 3.27 ERA) and the Red Sox.
RHP Pedro Martinez (2-0, 1.80 ERA) and the Mets host RHP Kyle Lohse (8-12, 4.47 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Brett Tomko (2-11, 5.70 ERA) and the Padres host RHP Matt Cain (7-14, 3.78 ERA) and the Giants.
RHP Jason Bergmann (4-5, 4.31 ERA) and the Nationals host RHP Lance Cormier (2-5, 6.60 ERA) and the Braves.
LHP Kurt Birkins (1-1, 7.27 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Roy Halladay (14-7, 3.91) and the Blue Jays.
Other games of note:
Cubs @ Cardinals (Lilly vs. Looper) [Game 1]
Cubs @ Cardinals (Marshall vs. Pineiro) [Game 2]
Diamondbacks @ Dodgers (Hernandez vs. Lowe)
Angels @ White Sox (Weaver vs. Garland)
Reds @ Brewers (Saarloos vs. Suppan)
Royals @ Indians (Greinke vs. Carmona)
Tigers @ Twins (Bazardo vs. Santana)
Marlins @ Rockies (Mitre vs. Jimenez)
Devil Rays @ Mariners (Kazmir vs. Ramirez)
Multiple Cy Young candidates going tomorrow. Fausto Carmona for the Indians, Johan Santana for the Twins...
But the obvious marquee match-up is fellow 18-game winners Chien-Ming Wang vs. Josh Beckett. Should be a great game, especially after the wild one Friday night between New York and Boston.
- You better not have gone to bed before the 8th inning... Yankees def. Red Sox 8-7.
- Philadelphia edges New York in extras. Phillies def. Mets 3-2.
- The Nationals coughed it up late and ended up losing in extras. Just another day in the life. Braves def. Nationals 8-5.
- Maybe Trembley should just stay suspended? Orioles def. Blue Jays 6-2.
Other results of note: Indians def. Royals (5-4), Reds def. Brewers (6-5), Cubs def. Cardinals (5-3), Tigers def. Twins (4-2), White Sox def. Angels (5-3), Marlins def. Rockies (7-6), Mariners def. Devil Rays (2-1).
The Padres are attempting to come back against the Giants right now in the bottom of the 9th. It's currently 4-3. And the Dodgers have come back to take the lead against the Diamondbacks in the top of the 6th, 6-4.
Tomorrow's games, the abbreviated version:
RHP Chien-Ming Wang (18-6, 3.69 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP Josh Beckett (18-6, 3.27 ERA) and the Red Sox.
RHP Pedro Martinez (2-0, 1.80 ERA) and the Mets host RHP Kyle Lohse (8-12, 4.47 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Brett Tomko (2-11, 5.70 ERA) and the Padres host RHP Matt Cain (7-14, 3.78 ERA) and the Giants.
RHP Jason Bergmann (4-5, 4.31 ERA) and the Nationals host RHP Lance Cormier (2-5, 6.60 ERA) and the Braves.
LHP Kurt Birkins (1-1, 7.27 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Roy Halladay (14-7, 3.91) and the Blue Jays.
Other games of note:
Cubs @ Cardinals (Lilly vs. Looper) [Game 1]
Cubs @ Cardinals (Marshall vs. Pineiro) [Game 2]
Diamondbacks @ Dodgers (Hernandez vs. Lowe)
Angels @ White Sox (Weaver vs. Garland)
Reds @ Brewers (Saarloos vs. Suppan)
Royals @ Indians (Greinke vs. Carmona)
Tigers @ Twins (Bazardo vs. Santana)
Marlins @ Rockies (Mitre vs. Jimenez)
Devil Rays @ Mariners (Kazmir vs. Ramirez)
Multiple Cy Young candidates going tomorrow. Fausto Carmona for the Indians, Johan Santana for the Twins...
But the obvious marquee match-up is fellow 18-game winners Chien-Ming Wang vs. Josh Beckett. Should be a great game, especially after the wild one Friday night between New York and Boston.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Director: Rob Marshall
Writers: Robin Swicord (screenplay), Arthur Golden (book)
Rating: PG-13 (mature subject matter, some sexual content)
Main Cast:
Ziyi Zhang ... Chiyo/Sayuri
Ken Watanabe ... The Chairman
Koji Yakusho ... Nobu
Youki Kudoh ... Pumpkin
Li Gong ... Hatsumomo
Kaori Momoi ... Mother
This film is best divided into two sides, at times. The first is the visual: the cinematography, the costumes, the sights and the colors that made Memoirs of a Geisha as stunning as it is for the eye. Everything on screen is so visually appealing that it makes it easy to overlook the jolted nature of Swicord's script.
By bringing the script into question, I don't mean to discount the film entirely. There are still real moments of emotion and truth here. These, unfortunately, felt few and far between once the film jumps from before the war to after it. Where so much time was afforded in the first half hour to the introduction of Chiyo into her new life, the rest of the film rushed along. The script tries to encompass years of emotion but only succeeds, especially for an audience unfamiliar with Golden's novel, in raising questions. Hatsumomo's relationship with Chiyo changes quickly from a tense curiosity to flat out disdain. How and why Nobu and the Chairman have come into contact with this group of Americans after the war is curious. And there are other questions - ones better left for a viewer to ask after they finish watching the movie.
But the rawness of the moment where Chiyo is torn away from her sister is one of many poignant, affecting scenes that luckily were not lost completely in the frantic pace of the script. Above even that, this is a beautiful film: one of rich colors and textures of the past.
Final Rating: B-
Writers: Robin Swicord (screenplay), Arthur Golden (book)
Rating: PG-13 (mature subject matter, some sexual content)
Main Cast:
Ziyi Zhang ... Chiyo/Sayuri
Ken Watanabe ... The Chairman
Koji Yakusho ... Nobu
Youki Kudoh ... Pumpkin
Li Gong ... Hatsumomo
Kaori Momoi ... Mother
This film is best divided into two sides, at times. The first is the visual: the cinematography, the costumes, the sights and the colors that made Memoirs of a Geisha as stunning as it is for the eye. Everything on screen is so visually appealing that it makes it easy to overlook the jolted nature of Swicord's script.
By bringing the script into question, I don't mean to discount the film entirely. There are still real moments of emotion and truth here. These, unfortunately, felt few and far between once the film jumps from before the war to after it. Where so much time was afforded in the first half hour to the introduction of Chiyo into her new life, the rest of the film rushed along. The script tries to encompass years of emotion but only succeeds, especially for an audience unfamiliar with Golden's novel, in raising questions. Hatsumomo's relationship with Chiyo changes quickly from a tense curiosity to flat out disdain. How and why Nobu and the Chairman have come into contact with this group of Americans after the war is curious. And there are other questions - ones better left for a viewer to ask after they finish watching the movie.
But the rawness of the moment where Chiyo is torn away from her sister is one of many poignant, affecting scenes that luckily were not lost completely in the frantic pace of the script. Above even that, this is a beautiful film: one of rich colors and textures of the past.
Final Rating: B-
Thursday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- Kennedy and Burnett put on a fantastic show. It was too bad the game's fate had to be decided by the bullpens. Blue Jays def. Yankees 2-1.
- It's a good thing the Padres traded David Wells when they got the chance! Dodgers def. Padres 6-3.
- So, get this: Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada, Brian Roberts, and Ramon Hernandez are all sitting out this game. Trembley starts his three game suspension. And Baltimore shuts out the Angels. Who had Cy Young candidate John Lackey on the mound, by the way. Not bad. Orioles def. Angels 3-0.
Other results of note: Reds def. Cardinals (5-4), Phillies def. Rockies (12-4), Cubs def. Astros (6-2), Mariners def. Devil Rays (8-7)
Friday's games, the abbreviated version:
LHP Andy Pettitte (13-8, 3.78 ERA) looks to pick the Yankees up after a tough loss as he takes on RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (14-12, 4.44 ERA) and the Red Sox.
LHP Tom Glavine (13-6, 3.95 ERA) and the Mets take on LHP Jamie Moyer (13-11, 5.23 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Chris Young (9-7, 2.72 ERA) and the Padres host LHP Barry Zito (9-12, 4.46 ERA) and the Giants.
LHP Matt Chico (5-8, 4.61 ERA) and the Nationals begin another weekend series against the Braves and LHP Chuck James (10-10, 4.21 ERA).
LHP Brian Burres (5-5, 5.85 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Jesse Litsch (5-8, 4.11 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
Other games of note:
Royals @ Indians (Bannister vs. Sabathia)
Reds @ Brewers (Shearn vs. Sheets)
Cubs @ Cardinals (Zambrano vs. Wainwright)
Tigers @ Twins (Robertson vs. Garza)
Diamondbacks @ Dodgers (Davis vs. Penny)
Putting aside the bias that always comes with anticipating a Yankee-Boston series, the biggest series of this weekend are Cubs vs. Cardinals and Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers in the NL. Cubs and Cardinals more than the other, because of where they are in the standings. With a good showing from the Cardinals after a lackluster week, they could be right back in the thick of the NL Central hunt. With a good showing from the Cubs, they could put the nail in the coffin for the Cardinals' postseason chances this weekend. The Diamondbacks have the chance to do the same to the Dodgers. Their chances in the division are already slim, but a good weekend by the Diamondbacks could leave the Dodgers reeling in a wild card chase that they made a lot of ground up in during this latest series against the Padres. Phillies-Mets is big too, with the Phillies still very close in the NL Wild Card race despite having a rough series against the Rockies. Yankees-Red Sox will still feel big, even though the division implications are overstated. The Yankees want 2-out of-3 here, not because it means gaining ground on the Red Sox. But the Tigers have been picking up some steam lately. They can't afford to lose ground as the Tigers take on the Twins.
cy Young hopefuls C.C. Sabathia and Brad Penny will be on the hill Friday. The pitching match-up of the night could be Bannister vs. Sabathia, despite Bannister's rough start against the Yankees last week. Pettitte-Matsuzaka should be fun in Fenway. And if Zambrano has one of his good outings, he and Wainwright could be a gem.
- Kennedy and Burnett put on a fantastic show. It was too bad the game's fate had to be decided by the bullpens. Blue Jays def. Yankees 2-1.
- It's a good thing the Padres traded David Wells when they got the chance! Dodgers def. Padres 6-3.
- So, get this: Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada, Brian Roberts, and Ramon Hernandez are all sitting out this game. Trembley starts his three game suspension. And Baltimore shuts out the Angels. Who had Cy Young candidate John Lackey on the mound, by the way. Not bad. Orioles def. Angels 3-0.
Other results of note: Reds def. Cardinals (5-4), Phillies def. Rockies (12-4), Cubs def. Astros (6-2), Mariners def. Devil Rays (8-7)
Friday's games, the abbreviated version:
LHP Andy Pettitte (13-8, 3.78 ERA) looks to pick the Yankees up after a tough loss as he takes on RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (14-12, 4.44 ERA) and the Red Sox.
LHP Tom Glavine (13-6, 3.95 ERA) and the Mets take on LHP Jamie Moyer (13-11, 5.23 ERA) and the Phillies.
RHP Chris Young (9-7, 2.72 ERA) and the Padres host LHP Barry Zito (9-12, 4.46 ERA) and the Giants.
LHP Matt Chico (5-8, 4.61 ERA) and the Nationals begin another weekend series against the Braves and LHP Chuck James (10-10, 4.21 ERA).
LHP Brian Burres (5-5, 5.85 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP Jesse Litsch (5-8, 4.11 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
Other games of note:
Royals @ Indians (Bannister vs. Sabathia)
Reds @ Brewers (Shearn vs. Sheets)
Cubs @ Cardinals (Zambrano vs. Wainwright)
Tigers @ Twins (Robertson vs. Garza)
Diamondbacks @ Dodgers (Davis vs. Penny)
Putting aside the bias that always comes with anticipating a Yankee-Boston series, the biggest series of this weekend are Cubs vs. Cardinals and Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers in the NL. Cubs and Cardinals more than the other, because of where they are in the standings. With a good showing from the Cardinals after a lackluster week, they could be right back in the thick of the NL Central hunt. With a good showing from the Cubs, they could put the nail in the coffin for the Cardinals' postseason chances this weekend. The Diamondbacks have the chance to do the same to the Dodgers. Their chances in the division are already slim, but a good weekend by the Diamondbacks could leave the Dodgers reeling in a wild card chase that they made a lot of ground up in during this latest series against the Padres. Phillies-Mets is big too, with the Phillies still very close in the NL Wild Card race despite having a rough series against the Rockies. Yankees-Red Sox will still feel big, even though the division implications are overstated. The Yankees want 2-out of-3 here, not because it means gaining ground on the Red Sox. But the Tigers have been picking up some steam lately. They can't afford to lose ground as the Tigers take on the Twins.
cy Young hopefuls C.C. Sabathia and Brad Penny will be on the hill Friday. The pitching match-up of the night could be Bannister vs. Sabathia, despite Bannister's rough start against the Yankees last week. Pettitte-Matsuzaka should be fun in Fenway. And if Zambrano has one of his good outings, he and Wainwright could be a gem.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Wednesday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- The Moose is back, and he didn't bring his suck with him! And Joba Chamberlain allows his first run. On an error, yes. But still. It's because the squirrel didn't show up. Yankees def. Blue Jays 4-1.
- A pitcher duel it was, as Maine got the better of Smoltz 2-1 through 6 innings. Then, of course, the bullpens had to make it interesting and neither pitcher got the win. That's baseball for you. Mets def. Braves 4-3.
- Oh, Nats. Just when we thought you were on to something. Marlins def. Nationals 5-4. (12 innings)
- Here's a shocker: the Orioles lost. But I hear Trembley had an awesome ejection tantrum. It's the little things. Angels def. Orioles 18-6.
Other results of note: Pirates def. Brewers (7-4), White Sox def. Indians (7-4), Rockies def. Phillies (12-0), Red Sox def. Devil Rays (5-4), Tigers def. Rangers (5-1), Reds def. Cardinals (5-1), Cubs def. Astros (3-2)
The Mariners are currently leading the A's 4-3 in the top of the 7th. The Dodgers are leading the Padres in the top of the 8th 6-1. The Diamondbacks are leading the Giants 7-4 in the bottom of the 8th.
Thursday's games, the abbreviated version...
RHP Ian Kennedy (1-0, 2.25 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP A.J. Burnett (8-7, 3.56 ERA) and the Blue Jays in Toronto.
RHP Jon Leicester (1-1, 9.90 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP John Lackey (16-8, 3.18 ERA) and the Angels in Baltimore.
RHP Greg Maddux (12-9, 3.68 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP David Wells (7-8, 5.31 ERA) and the Dodgers.
Other games of note:
Cardinals @ Reds (Wells vs. Harang)
Rockies @ Phillies (Francis vs. Durbin)
Cubs @ Astros (Trachsel vs. Williams)
Devil Rays @ Mariners (Hammel vs. Weaver)
No real marquee pitching match-up. If Kennedy pitches more like his first major league start than his second, he and Burnett could be a good one. Maddux vs. Wells will be fun just from an age standpoint. Cy Young hopeful John Lackey will be going for his 17th win tomorrow. With the Red Sox and Tigers not playing tomorrow, the Yankees would like to be greedy and go for the sweep in Toronto so they can grab an extra half-game in the standings. Good chance for the Cubs to gain more ground in the NL Central and the Cardinals to make up for their week-long failure with the Brewers not playing tomorrow too.
- The Moose is back, and he didn't bring his suck with him! And Joba Chamberlain allows his first run. On an error, yes. But still. It's because the squirrel didn't show up. Yankees def. Blue Jays 4-1.
- A pitcher duel it was, as Maine got the better of Smoltz 2-1 through 6 innings. Then, of course, the bullpens had to make it interesting and neither pitcher got the win. That's baseball for you. Mets def. Braves 4-3.
- Oh, Nats. Just when we thought you were on to something. Marlins def. Nationals 5-4. (12 innings)
- Here's a shocker: the Orioles lost. But I hear Trembley had an awesome ejection tantrum. It's the little things. Angels def. Orioles 18-6.
Other results of note: Pirates def. Brewers (7-4), White Sox def. Indians (7-4), Rockies def. Phillies (12-0), Red Sox def. Devil Rays (5-4), Tigers def. Rangers (5-1), Reds def. Cardinals (5-1), Cubs def. Astros (3-2)
The Mariners are currently leading the A's 4-3 in the top of the 7th. The Dodgers are leading the Padres in the top of the 8th 6-1. The Diamondbacks are leading the Giants 7-4 in the bottom of the 8th.
Thursday's games, the abbreviated version...
RHP Ian Kennedy (1-0, 2.25 ERA) and the Yankees take on RHP A.J. Burnett (8-7, 3.56 ERA) and the Blue Jays in Toronto.
RHP Jon Leicester (1-1, 9.90 ERA) and the Orioles take on RHP John Lackey (16-8, 3.18 ERA) and the Angels in Baltimore.
RHP Greg Maddux (12-9, 3.68 ERA) and the Padres take on LHP David Wells (7-8, 5.31 ERA) and the Dodgers.
Other games of note:
Cardinals @ Reds (Wells vs. Harang)
Rockies @ Phillies (Francis vs. Durbin)
Cubs @ Astros (Trachsel vs. Williams)
Devil Rays @ Mariners (Hammel vs. Weaver)
No real marquee pitching match-up. If Kennedy pitches more like his first major league start than his second, he and Burnett could be a good one. Maddux vs. Wells will be fun just from an age standpoint. Cy Young hopeful John Lackey will be going for his 17th win tomorrow. With the Red Sox and Tigers not playing tomorrow, the Yankees would like to be greedy and go for the sweep in Toronto so they can grab an extra half-game in the standings. Good chance for the Cubs to gain more ground in the NL Central and the Cardinals to make up for their week-long failure with the Brewers not playing tomorrow too.
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