Results tagged ‘ Cincinnati Reds ’
Twitter and the Timex Social Club
Did you hear the one about…? No, but can you stop tweeting and read this!
FOUR TO GO: On Sunday, my roommate, Melodie, took her mother visiting from North Dakota to Target Field in the tropical heat we’ve had (and still having). Little did they know they were in for a treat – a big one.
Jim Thome has been clawing his way to be the next power hitter to reach 600 homers in his career. Not only did Melodie, her mother and 38,700+ others witnessed his 596th jack – it was the longest in the new park’s history. This was tape measured at 480 feet landing at the base of the trapezoidal-shaped second deck over right field. If you saw this, all you can do is just be in awe.
This is only Thome’s seventh homer of the season. Could he get his 600th homer this year? I certainly hope so.
THIS AIN’T 1979, PEOPLE! We knew that the NL Central was going to be a tight one. Yet, were we too quick to write off the Pittsburgh Pirates? They reached .500 in June, now they’re a half-game off the division leading Milwaukee Brewers and tied with the St. Louis Cardinals. To make matters more interesting, last season’s division champ, the Cincinnati Reds are three-and-a-half games off the Brewers’ pace.
Why does it matter to discuss the NL Central in mid-to-late July. We’re two weeks from the August swoon and pennant races usually change next month. Yes, they do. However, the second half offers opportunities for teams to make a move to push towards September where the race truly matters. If a division is tight now, it may not be as tight on September 1.
Before anyone goes crazy over the Pirates being in the thick of a developing pennant race, step back a bit and let it all shake out in the next six weeks. In the meantime, enjoy it!
THE DEADLINE: So, The K-Rod to Milwaukee deal is pretty much done. Francisco Rodriguez is being sent to The Crew. I get it. It absolves the New York Mets the responsibility of a huge payout at the end of this season. My question is to the effectiveness of K-Rod in Milwaukee. Is he the right closer for this division contender? As long as he behaves himself (along with the less-crazy Nyjer Morgan/Tony Plush/Ochocinco-Lite), K-Rod could be the catalyst for September at Miller Park.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers get Juan Rivera from the Toronto Blue Jays. This was done in concert with the reassignment of Marcus Thames due to injuries. Rivera helps the Dodgers to compliment Tony Gwynn, Jr. as he hits left and provides a second speedster on the pads. This fits in Davey Lopes’ plans of adding the stolen base game to Don Mattingly’s arsenal. Rivera can be a boost for the languishing Dodgers. Hey, I’m pretty positive about this guy!
Another “surprise” was the Boston Red Sox off-loading Mike Cameron to the Florida Marlins. Why it is a surprise? I didn’t think Theo Epstein would want to part with the original free agency deal that ultimately did not work. He did – a smart move, I say! Cameron had been hurt and semi-productive in Boston. The Marlins will get someone who can provide some leadership to a team that needs to climb from the cellar. Yet, I wonder if it’s “too little, too late” for the Fish to get a semi-utilized Cameron. The real winner in the Red Sox – they needed the space for the pennant run.
Who’s next for the late July Trade Deadline sweepstakes? The big name that comes up in the rumor mill is the Colorado Rockies’ Ublado Jimenez. One set of tweets has him moving somewhere. Another set of rumors has him staying in Denver. My take? He’s staying in Denver. He mesmerizes Rox’ fans. He won’t be moving for a while. Neither will Matt Garza. Wandy Rodriguez of the Houston Astros? Maybe. The ‘Stros need help.
Photo of Francisco Rodriguez (as a Met) courtesy of Major League Baseball
The First Weekend of 2011 – Done
Nelson Cruz (L) and Ian Kinsler (R) of the Texas Rangers. Photos courtesy of Major League Baseball
The first weekend of Major League baseball is almost in the books. The Los Angeles Dodgers took two of their first three, with their final opening weekend game in progress as this is posted. The Minnesota Twins finally win one after two losses in Toronto.
Then, there’s the Boston Red Sox: O-for-AL championship celebration weekend in Arlington.
I’m not sure what’s worse; Being frustrated that the Red Sox had not gained a victory against the Texas Rangers, despite Big Papi hitting two homers so far this season. Being frustrated that the Twins’ best-laid plans were thwarted by a potentially dangerous Blue Jays team, despite both Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan back on the roster and healthy. Or, being frustrated that I have not been able to meet anyone new off Scruff.
There were some highlights from the weekend. The Rangers should be given credit for showing off their power on the Sox. They’ve played three games and both Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler homered in every game. The fact that the Rangers had this power all along was not surprising. They played their usual game of domination – the same one that eventually propelled them into the World Series last year. Now, Kinsler and Cruz are sitting on top of the home run heap with Mark Teixeira of the New York Yankees with three apiece.
In today’s Twins’ victory over the Blue Jays, perhaps the most significant piece of news came through at the end of it: Joe Nathan’s first save since 2009. One a pitcher comes back from Tommy John surgery, the only way for that surgery to truly heal is accomplishing an end to your game. However, the save wasn’t as clean as one would hope to be. Nathan threw 31 pitches in his single inning of work, with only 15 strikes thrown, no strikeouts and walking two. In contrast, Matt Capps came in to pitch in the seventh throwing only eight pitches with 6 strikes. Then, there’s ex-Twins reliever Jon Rauch coming into the ninth for the Jays who gave up a homerun and a walk in 16 pitches thrown for 11 strikes.
As much as I know how much my fellow Twins fans love Nathan – my man is still Capps. But, hey, Nathan got the save – argument over for now.
There are some undefeated teams in the majors right now. The Cincinnati Reds made mince meat of the Milwaukee Brewers and Nyjer Morgan. The Philadelphia Phillies showed off their incredible starting rotation to serious results against the Houston Astros. The Rangers – I already covered that.
So, who let the Baltimore Orioles in? They swept the Tampa Bay Rays on the road as their hosts hoisted the AL East pennant. How? Yeah, I know, the O’s went to the deal table and picked up some serious components – Vladimir Guerrero, included. It’s just that Peter Angelos has a way of destroying successful Orioles teams – even in short order. This won’t last, folks…
Now that we got this first weekend of baseball off our chest, we’re rest assured one thing: For most of the teams in the majors, there’s still 159 games left to go.
Opening Day 2011: The Heirloom’s Guide to Tomorrow’s Festivities
Photo courtesy of The Telegraph.co.uk
All of us who love this wonderful game are excited for Opening Day. This is the first time that it will fall on a Thursday. No, seriously…
It is odd, but, hey, this game has been through so many changes since Bud Selig showed up to work as Commissioner. Some of these changes are dumb, but what can you do…
If you’re wondering when to actually celebrate the start of the regular season, here’s a primer of events for tomorrow (all times are Eastern)…
11:00AM – CINCINNATI: Joe Morgan is set to be the Grand Marshall of the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade – the traditional first act of the baseball season. The parade usually runs through downtown Cincinnati until it reaches the gates of the Great American Ballpark. This should be a special parade as the Reds are celebrating last year’s NL Central pennant.
1:05PM – THE BRONX: This is perhaps the first time in a long while that the Yanks would be the first to throw the first pitches of the season. They start their 109th season with the usual fanfare as expected from the Yanks as they open up against another AL original – the Detroit Tigers. Moose – yes, Mike Mussina – will toss the ceremonial first pitch o the delight of the fans inside the New Cathedral. Haley Swindal will sing the National Anthem. Who’s Haley Swindal? The Boss’ granddaughter who happens to be on a cast of some Broadway production somewhere…
1:05PM – THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Where South Capitol Avenue meets the Anacostia River, the Nats will start the NL off with the rival Atlanta Braves in tow. The President of the United States will not throw out the first pitch. That honor will be in charge of five members of the armed forces – one from each branch. The U.S. Navy Band will play the National Anthem instead of singing it. After all, the ballpark is a few blocks from the Navy Yard and it is one of the most powerful cities in the world. Not to mention that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will soon be history (I hope for sure), I have no problem propping up our armed forces! Ironically, Livan Hernandez will start for the Nats…
2:10PM – CINCINNATI: The parade may be over, but the party will be in full swing. The Reds meet Nyjer Morgan and the Milwaukee Brewers for their first game of the season. Edinson Volquez gets the nod against Yovani Gallardo when the pleasantries begin. Prior to Volquez taking the mound, the former police chief of Cincinnati, Tom Streicher, will toss out the first pitch. Better still, Brian McKnight and his two sons will sing the National Anthem. I’d go just for that!
4:10PM – KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Kaufmann Stadium returns to the Opening Day ritual with the Los Angeles Angels in tow. By then, the Yankees-Tigers and Nationals-Braves games would be finished, just in time for Luke Hochevar and Jared Weaver to trade pitches. As I was trying to find out who will throw out the first pitch or do the National Anthem, a curious bit of hoopla is scheduled to occur before the game: A bridge opening. Not just any bridge mind you – one with George Brett’s name on it. I’m sure it’ll be just fun…
4:15PM – ST. LOUIS: Across Missouri, along Interstate 70, is yet another opener…the Cardinals! Chris Carpenter will get the ball against Tim Stauffer and the San Diego Padres. That also means Albert Pujols will be there, too! To celebrate all things Cardinals, there will be pep rallies outside the ballpark and inside. After all, there is a new nation on this planet – Cardinal Nation. Nikko Smith, formerly of American Idol, will sing the National Anthem and Jim Edmonds will toss out the ceremonial first ball.
8:00PM – CHAVEZ RAVINE: Last, but not least, it’s the Dodgers and the Giants. They get the nightcap as they renew their absolute hatred for each other fueled by the Jints’ World Series title. But, remember, this is Los Angeles! San Francisco may have the better opera opening night gala – but the Dodgers have Placido Domingo (pictured above), the General Director of the LA Opera, singing the National Anthem. That’s how they do it in Los Angeles!
There’s your agenda for Thursday. What are you watching/listening/following?
The 2010 BBWAA Awards (Conclusion)
Three more envelopes were opened. More arguments had been made all over the Blogopshere. No one expected a sure-fire win for any of these three awards. Yet, we all knew this was that kind of season to begin with.
And, the last three winners are…
AL CY YOUNG AWARD: There is a choice in the American League: Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners, C.C. Sabathia of the New York Yankees or David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays. Each can make an argument as to why they should win the Cy Young. Yet, there is a key factor that makes a sure decision: Numbers. It’s not just about wins or ERA – there are many factors that go into a pitcher’s stats, strike percentage, walk allowances, average speed per pitch – we can go on. Crazy stats we never heard of or someone had made up! For me, I look at a pitcher’s impact on the game. How strong is a pitcher in the first 100 pitches? Looking at the quality of a win…or loss…in terms of pitch selection and support at bat and on the field. It all adds up, really. The BBWAA added up their choice: Hernandez. If you throw out everyone else on the Mariners, there was one constant: King Felix’s quality of his game on the mound. That quality translated into a 2.27 ERA and 232 strikeouts over 249-2/3 innings of work. What the BBWAA did was astonishing by throwing out his 13-12 record and the M’s 101 losses for 2010 in their consideration for Hernandez.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Both leagues appear to have a variety of possibilities for the game’s top prize. No matter how you slice it, there is not one player that stood out enough to grab the MVP. They were all great!
In the National League, however, the decision to go with Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds I’d see as a vote for not just statistics, but in leadership and impact on the team itself. A couple of years ago, Votto had to leave the club due to some issues in dealing with his emotional state and the pressure of being at the highest level in baseball. Since then, Votto emerged as one of the unsung heroes on a Reds team ready to climb into the elite. It all came together this season with the NL Central title and Votto’s first All-Star nod. Being the heart and soul of these Reds, with Dusty Baker at the helm, Votto showed the game what he had in store.
Last, but not least, the AL’s Most Valuable Player was not entirely a surprise. Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers reminds of me of Votto: Someone who had to deal with some demons before taking control of his life and his career. What makes Hamilton a good choice is a combination of power and leadership. There’s no question about his slugging abilities having been in the All Star Game’s Home Run Derby two years in a row. His ability to use this power at bat to bring the Rangers across for the win is something Hamilton exploited many times en route tot the AL West flag. Within a team with stories of redemption, Hamilton remains the core of the Rangers. Nolan Ryan and his staff can add onto the core, but it all comes down to Hamilton’s leadership off and on the field on where this team goes.
That’s it! All the trophies have been awarded. All that matters are the acquisitions and Free Agency signings. What a year this has been!
Postseason 2010: There Goes Plan “A”…
Photo by Randy Stern
First to clinch – first to crash out.
The Minnesota Twins season ended on a sour note. The New York Yankees move on to the ALCS where they’ll begin their quest for another World Series either in Arlington or St. Petersburg.
It was fun, folks. Congrats to the Yanks! Don’t replay John Sterling’s call, please!
BTW, great game in Arlington! The Rays saved their deadliest for last. Now, it’s Game 4 in the Metropolex!
The NL starts up again in Cincinnati and Atlanta. Will the Fighting Phils sweep the Reds at the Great American Ball Park? Or, will the real Reds stand up! How about the Bravos splitting in San Francisco and taking the series back into Turner Field for a potential Wild Card advance?
The quest for a favorite begins today…
On a related note: Thank you for putting me up with the leaders amongst Fan Blogs on the MLBlogosphere. Because the Twins’ are gone doesn’t mean I’ll stop the blog here. There’s still a lot of Postseason left to cover…
Postseason 2010: Day 1 via Social Media Tools
Photo by Randy Stern
It began – with a lemon twist of tweeting birds and Justin Timberlake.
As a novice on Twitter, I was trying to get on the trending trend. Since my graduate school residency involved social media marketing, this was a way to get a handle on Twitter – or, at least be competent in it. After all, one does get paid to tweet these days…
Here’s how today – the first day of the Postseason – went via Twitter (and a bit of Facebook)…
#Postseason has begun. #Rangers fired the first shots in The Trop.
Astounding. I didn’t expect the Texas Rangers to beat the Tampa Bay Rays to the punch in their Game 1 of the ALDS. I had a feeling something was up in St. Pete.
#Postseason round 1 to #Rangers Now it’s #Phillies and #Reds – and it’s ugly.
Little did I know about a couple of things transpiring elsewhere: The Rangers ripped through the Rays and Roy Halladay was throwing a no-hitter in Philadelphia.
Oh snap! Doc threw a no-no
Damn…I forgot to take out the chiffon from my mouth – or fingers!
Nonetheless, watching the end of Halladay’s no-hitter was very exciting. Even blocks from Target Field with a partisan crowd at The Loop Bar and Grill in the North Loop, we all cheered. A well-deserved outing for Doc! He was destined for more history after his perfecto earlier this season in Miami.
Somehow, I knew he would be unbeatable. Not this way.
#Twins #Yankees – as Julia Gillard said to Tony Abbott “game on!”
What Julia said in her press conference after her first day as Prime Minister of Australia (after the ALP leadership bushwacked PM Kevin Rudd out of his job) was: “When I said to [Opposition Leader] Tony Abbott…’game on,’ I meant it.” She did. A few months later, six independent MPs chose sides after the election of a hung Parliament. The majority of them went to Julia’s side – not Mr. Rabbit’s (i.e. Tony Abbott).
Now, which team would represent which side of the House? Would the New York Yankees be considered the Opposition (i.e. the “Coalition” of the Liberals and Nationals) and the Minnesota Twins the Government (i.e. the ALP)? If it were up to me, I’d say so.
And, that is your civics lesson on Australian politics!
Cuddy – 2-run HR after Thome got hit. Take that CC!!!
On Facebook, I called C.C. a “mark” – a Los Angeles colloquialism for someone marked for a hit. I remember some old friends use a variation to “rag” (or “bag”) on someone – “someone call 911!” That’s L.A. for ya!
Nonetheless, that home run by Michael Cuddyer was pretty exciting.
Sadly, we don’t have cable or satellite at home, so TBS wasn’t on. Instead, I fired up the phone and tune in via the MLB atBat app. I got the Twins radio feed – better John Gordon than John Sterling, I say!
In fact, some of my friends complained via Facebook about the TBS commentary on the Twins. One guy suggested he’ll put TBS on mute. Good idea – as long as you have the Twins radio guys – and not Sterling and Suzyn Waldman – on over the video.
#Yankees – there goes the shutout.
The top of the sixth got ugly for Francisco Liriano. Mark Teixeira ends up on third after Liriano’s 11th wild pitch of the year. Alex Rodriguez was already on first. Robinson Cano tapped the Yanks first RBI of the Postseason. The Twins radio crew remarked on a possible reinjuring of Liri’s knee – not a good sign.
Then, the 3G signal went kaput. As did the lead…A-Rod scores from Jorge Posada, Cano and Posada scores from Curtis Granderson.
After venting a bit, my 3G was back – and so was the Twins’ radio feed. The damage was done, however. Yet, I was able to hear Delmon Young’s near homer that landed into Brett Gardner’s glove instead. Then, a couple of signs of redemption: Cuddyer hits a crazy one to Gardner (despite it was shading to Granderson) that found a way out of his glove. Jim Thome was already on base – ended up on third.
C.C. walked the next two batters – Jason Kubel and Danny Valencia. The second walk resulted in a tied game as Thome came home.
Good news: We’re tied after six innings!
Bad News: The 3G signal’s kaput again! I figured that MLB.com Gameday would be best at this point. Sadly, I came on when a “Tex Message” (Thank you, John Sterling) left Target Field – bringing in Nick Swisher home also.
This prompted a discussion on Sterling and Waldman with a local friend via Facebook. He couldn’t believe the Sterling-isms that were out there. “Tex Message.” “An A-Bomb for A-Rod.” In short, he’s glad we have John Gordon, et al to stomach instead of Sterling and Waldman.
#Twins – Time to take a stand!
I’m somewhat channeling “Braveheart” here – though some would rather not associate with Mel Gibson for anything. Believe me – this is no longer a battle. This is war. This is for honor and dignity. We built that forsaken stadium for a reason. Now what?
Blown opportunities for the Twins – then, Mariano Rivera came on. Game off. Twins lose.
Until tomorrow…
Postseason 2010: Eight Teams Forward
That was quite a finish yesterday! The Tampa Bay Rays clinched the AL East title by taking the host Kansas City Royals into extra frames. The New York Yankees wound up as Wild Cards thanks to an early clobbering by the Boston Red Sox at Fenway. Bobby Cox’s managerial career was extended thanks to a close home victory by the Atlanta Braves over the returning NL East Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Then, the San Francisco Giants returned back to the Postseason for the first time since 2003 with a critical shutout over the San Diego Padres at China Basin.
Now, there are eight ball clubs left. Five of these teams weren’t in the Postseason last year. Some of these teams waited several years to return back into the fray.
How will these League Division Series shape up? Well…let’s start with a classic match-up of youth vs. experience…
PHILADELPHIA vs. CINCINNATI: The Phils almost didn’t clinch their fourth-straight NL East pennant. They sat back while the Braves enjoyed their ride on the top of the table. Then, the Braves began slipping providing golden opportunities for the experienced Phillies to exploit. The question remains whether this Phillies’ ball club can return for their third World Series in a row. Their biggest test comes in a young, exuberant Reds club managed by Dusty Baker. Let’s not forget there are some postseason veterans, such as Scott Rolen and Bronson Arroyo, adding fuel to a lineup including Joey Votto, Edinson Volquez, Jay Bruce, Aroldis Chapman and Jonny Gomes. Yet, could they be a match against grizzled veterans, such as Ryan Howard, Jason Werth, and Jimmy Rollins? The Reds can win if they take care of Roy Halliday. Otherwise, Doc, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt can own these kids (and leftovers) and take the Phils forward into the NLCS again.
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ATLANTA: I expected Cox’s career to continue past the regular season – but not the Giants. I’m not citing the rivalry (The Dodger-Giant one), but the extraordinary year the San Diego Padres had with Bud Black looking his first Postseason. Still, this is an intriguing lineup as both teams are built with veterans mixed with young, exciting ballplayers. This will be a classic rookie match-up between Jason Heyward and Buster Posey – with a supporting cast of Tim Lincecum, Tim Hudson, Andres Torres and Brooks Conrad. Still, injuries will play a huge role in the outcome, as the Braves will not see action from Chipper Jones and Martin Prado. Is this an open door for the Giants to advance? Not exactly. I’m looking to Brian McCann and Melky Caberra for the Braves as well as Pablo Sandoval of the Giants to provide some serious drama in this series. If the ex-Yankee finally delivers, the Braves advance. If the Panda makes the grade, here come the Giants!
TAMPA BAY vs. TEXAS: The Reds aren’t the only young, exuberant ball club in the Postseason. Between the Rays and the Rangers are two system-feed clubs full of young guns. The only advantage I see in this series is postseason experience. In this case, Vladimir Guerrero and Cliff Lee only equal to almost everyone on the Rays’ lineup. Yet, there are good match-ups abound, such as the battle between the best closers this year: Neftali Feliz and Rafael Soriano and the war of aces with Lee and David Price.A long-ball battle would be brewing as well if you match Guerrero and the just-healed Josh Hamilton against Evan Longoria and about over half of the Rays’ lineup. The point being that anyone on the Rays can hurt you when you least expect it. The Rangers also can play this kind of game. To pick a winner is to exploit a weakness unknown to anyone watching the series. My gut tells me that the Rays will go forward, but I’m not counting the Rangers out at any cost. If you’re a baseball fan unclouded with loyalty amongst the eight teams in the Postseason – watch this series, please!
MINNESOTA vs. NEW YORK (AL): A full breakdown will be posted shortly. No spoilers here…
Here we go! Wednesday is when all the insanity begins. Who will go on into the League Championship Series? Is your seat in the upright position?
Those Other Pennant Races
One flag down, five to go…
With seven slots left to fill for the Postseason, it takes strategic analysis to understand who will fill these slots. So, I did. And here’s what I came up with…
NL CENTRAL: This will be the next flag to be won. Why? The Cincinnati Reds will culminate a rebuilding effort that has taken twenty years to complete. If you count the near misses the Former Big Red Machine had over this time, you’ll understand how important this year is to Dusty Baker. Love him or despise him, he can lead teams into the postseason. Baker also has plenty to work with: A mix of postseason-experienced veterans and farm-grown quality talent. You balance Joey Votto with
Scott Rolen, Jay Bruce with Orlando Cabrera and Edinson Volquez with Bronson Arroyo. For the most part, this is a young team with plenty of skill sets mixed in. They’re in it for beyond this season, but winning this pennant now helps boost this team for the future. THE CLINCHER: Sometime this weekend in San Diego – that’s if the Padres decide to sweep the Reds instead for the sake of their own pennant race.
NL EAST: Sometime after the Reds grab their pennant, it will be a goose race between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Texas Rangers. My view is that the Phils take their umpteenth-in-a-row NL East title in a resounding manner. Why? The nine-game win streak, for starters. Then, there’s the benchmarks: Roy Halliday winning 20 games and Ryan Howard smashing 30 dingers. Simply, the Phils are in Bugatti Veyron mode – they turned the secret key and poured on the 1,000HP twin-turbo V-16 engine with the foot mashed on the accelerator. Nothing can stop the Phils – with a magic number of four. As for the Atalnta Braves and Bobby Cox’s swan song – I’m not sure if they’ll even win the NL Wild Card, either. Just not seeing it manifest somehow… THE CLINCHER: Sorry Mike/BTB, but the New York Mets are looking like lambs to slaughter at Citizens Bank Park. It’ll be over by Sunday in the NL East.
AL WEST: Let’s talk about those Rangers, shall we? Depsite the magic number being four, the reason why I stated above that the Phils will clinch before the Rangers are lingering setbacks, such as injury recoveries and slumps. Josh Hamilton is scheduled to be back soon, but when can you count on him being 100% before the Postseason? Still, those who were injured and expected to return by this time are trying to acclimate to the final push towards clinching. It also doesn’t help that they travel to Oakland this weekend – the proverbial spoilers. It also creates a double whammy: An Athletics’ sweep this weekend not only postpones clinching the AL West for the Rangers – it also draws Oakland closer in the race. It could also halve the lead between these two teams. This may not bode well for the Rangers as they look to quickly close in on the division title. THE CLINCHER: The Rangers must win more than two games in Oakland to secure the clinch, but don’t count on it. Worst case scenario would be to wait until they get home next week against Seattle to grab the flag.
AL EAST: The New York Yankees began to put some serious distance this week on the Tampa Bay Rays in The Bronx. That ended last night. There’s one more battle between these two this evening before they part ways for the remainder of the regular season. However, there is a high probability they will meet again in ALCS. In owning a one-and-a-half game advantage on the Rays, the Yankees would have to string a series of victories starting at home with the incoming Boston Red Sox. All next week, the Yanks will be on the road in Toronto and Boston. For the Rays, making the Postseason again is not enough. They come home Friday for the Seattle Mariners (and Bret Michaels on Sunday) and Baltimore Orioles before closing the season in Kansas City. How the rest of the season will come into play depends on tonight’s series finale in The Bronx. A Rays’ win makes this division race a dash to the end. A Yanks’ win will make it elementary which one will repeat as division champs and the other being the AL Wild Card. THE CLINCHER: Stay tuned – the champagne will either pop in Boston or Kansas City in more than a week’s time.
NL WEST: Once again, this division is ending up tighter than Wayne Brady’s jeans. This is still a three-team race between the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and the Colorado Rockies. The trouble is I cannot put my finger on which of these three teams has an advantage during these final 11 days of the season. It’s going to be down to the wire with the Rox not letting go of the rope. THE CLINCHER: The final day of the season – someone will win this division. Someone else could be the NL Wild Card. Even that’s another bucket of crazy…
The Race Is On: Bring it!
Photo by Randy Stern
Don’t you think it’s time to discuss the pennant races in the Bigs? I think so…
NL CENTRAL: If the brawl at the Great American Ballpark two weeks ago was any indicator how intense this pennant race has become, we should be in for another month of insanity. The reason is simple: the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals want this NL Central crown without compromise. There is one issue: Both teams have three more meetings against each other – over Labor Day weekend in St. Louis. After that, both teams are simply on their own to settle the fate of the division. Most of these games will be against division opponents, but it appears the Cards will have more challenging series ahead than the Reds. The Reds face the NL West-leading San Diego Padres once, while the Cards have the Padres and the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves. The Colorado Rockies may also play a key role in determining the fate of both the Cards and Reds as they both clubs each towards the last weeks of the season. If there’s a spoiler lurking in the woods – it’s the Rox. It’s not just about winning the NL Central as it’s also about the Wild Card race. The second place team could walk away with the postseason’s fourth spot, but there’s company in that group: The Philadelphia Phillies and the San Francisco Giants. Neither the Reds nor the Cards face either Wild Card contender in the weeks ahead.
AL EAST: Once again, this division hosts the best pennant race in baseball. Unlike two years ago when the Tampa Bay Rays clearly was on track to grab the flag, they got company. The defending World Series Champions New York Yankees are even with the upstarts from the Suncoast. Then again, should we even consider the Rays “upstarts” anymore? Not after its blazing start this season only to match win-for-win with the Yanks. Yet, where is the advantage between these two? In September, these two teams would face each other seven times (3 in St. Pete, 4 in the Bronx), but will finish their season on the road. The Rays travel to Kansas City while the Yanks head to Boston to face the Red Sox. Here’s a thought: the Sox as spoilers. Whether you like the Yankees or not, you’ll mark your calendars for the final weekend of the regular season where the pennant could be decided at Fenway (again). However, I’m not giving a pass to the Kansas City Royals, since they’ve historically been spoilers for many pennant races. Both the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays feature prominently on both team’s schedules in the weeks ahead – many spoiler opportunities. The Yanks have the extra weight of facing the Texas Rangers in September in Arlington where it has been difficult for a visiting team to win lately. There is a silver lining to this pennant race: Second place gets the Wild Card.
NL EAST: In case you missed it, the Philadelphia Phillies are giving chase to the Atlanta Braves for the division. You can tell they want another division flag on their mantle and a three-peat trip to the World Series. Not if the Braves can help it. There is motivation for the Bravos with the retirement of Bobby Cox from managing the club. Any past accomplishments and numbers are meaningless right now at Turner Field – it’s about this year. It’s about sending Cox off into the sunset as a champion. Nothing less is acceptable. This is perhaps the most emotional of the tighter races in the Bigs, but there has to be a path for the Braves to accomplish their return to the division title. It won’t be easy based on the schedule – both teams face each other six times, including the final three games of the season at Turner Field. If things tighten up all of the sudden, I’d watch that series closely – and not just for the tributes to Cox. Both teams also have their share of spoilers, not just from current pennant chasers, but of almost-rans that are capable of upending either team at the worst time. The Florida Marlins would be the most likely spoiler on the Braves’ and Phils’ schedule. I would also not count out the New York Mets from taking their frustrations out on the division’s top two. Since the Phillies have the advantage in the Wild Card race right now, this race can also affect the fourth spot in the NL’s postseason plans. Ending up in second place could possibly mean missing the postseason altogether – and that’s a risk neither the Braves nor the Phils can expend.
AL CENTRAL: Ozzie Guillen will not give up. Neither will his Chicago White Sox. He can spew all the expletives he wants, but that’s not going to make the AL Central pennant race better for him. Not with the Minnesota Twins wanting to do something in their new home. How do you cap the first year of this wonderful new ballpark? Give it a crown! Yet, the way things are going for the Twins, the only way to get there is to win on the road. This includes a key series in the middle of September at US Cellular Field against the Southsiders. Lucky for these two teams – these three games are the last they’ll face each other in for the year. Still, it could be worse. The White Sox host the Yankees this weekend at home, then two more series with the Boston Red Sox in September (three games at Fenway and four more on the South Side). If you want a party ruined, invite either one of these teams to it. Obviously, Guillen won’t let his team roll over and play dead with these AL East powerhouses ready to create havoc on this race. If you were the Twins, you find advantages to extend the lead at every home game possible. That’s where the pennant will be won – at Target Field. Yet, there is one issue looming for the Twins: Justin Morneau. Last year, they won the division without him. Can they do it again this year? If there is no resolution for Morneau’s return – they’ll grab the flag, but will again falter in the postseason.
NL WEST: Don’t crown the San Diego Padres just yet. You have to admit this is a great story – a team all the pundits thought would not win over .500 proved everyone wrong. Everyone thought Adrian Gonzalez was gone by the pre-waivers trade deadline – he wasn’t. In fact, Bud Black built the team around him. He also built a pitching staff that still induces open jaws when they take the mound – Heath Bell included. By adding Miguel Tejada and Ryan Ludwick to the roster, the Padres may be the team to beat getting into the World Series. Somewhere in the taillights are the San Francisco Giants. While Padres have a comfortable lead, the Giants are in the midst of a Wild Card race that stretches across all three divisions. These two teams will meet six times before the end of the season. In fact, the Padres will be at AT&T Park in time to determine the Wild Card – and could play in an assist for the other teams in contention. Still, for the Padres to clinch, they need to play well during a key home stand in early-to-mid September and into a tough road trip afterwards. If the Pads reach their final home stand with the same comfort zone between them and the remainder of the NL West, they’ll clinch the division before they jet down to San Francisco to close out the season.
AL WEST: Last year, the Texas Rangers commanded a strong lead in the division only to blow it by early September to the Los Angeles Angels. Could history repeat itself? Possibly. The Rangers have a comfortable distance between itself and the Oakland A’s at this point, but it could possibly change. One thing to watch is the injuries. With Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler, Scott Feldman and Christian Guzman set to come back by mid-September, the remainder of Ron Washington’s team needs to stay healthy. It takes one more key player to get injured for the division to be thrown into chaos – just like last year.
So, When is Opening Day? No, the REAL Opening Day!
There have been a few rants recently about the topic of Opening Day. For the last few seasons, the notion of Opening day no longer exists. Instead, ESPN got Major League Baseball to get a game on Sunday Night – before the traditional opening of the regular season.
It doesn’t matter what marquee match-up opens up the season. Nor does it matter whether it opens up a new ballpark or not. It’s not natural to open up the season on a Sunday night when the butterflies start to crest.
To me, Opening Day isn’t Opening Day without the Findlay Market Parade in Cincinnati on the first Monday of the new season. You see, Cincinnati has one of the oldest franchises in the Majors. The tradition of baseball as we know it began on this hog-wild city by the banks of the Ohio River. No matter how many ballparks this game have been played, I would yield to the tradition Cincinnati embodies when it comes down to this game.
As for the Opening Day tilt, nothing should be scheduled before the Reds opener, either. This creates a dilemma: The Washington National’s home opener starts five minutes before the Reds game. Earlier than George Grande’s ceremonial first pitch at Great American Ballpark, the President of the United States will throw his first pitch at Nationals Park. With all due respect to the Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces of this nation, even this goes against the traditions of Opening Day. Now, if President Obama threw out the first ball in Cincinnati instead of South Capitol Street, then all is well with this planet.
Yet, I must retract here. The Presidential First Pitch is also a tradition the game honors at its best. So, it’s only five minutes apart between his and Grande’s first pitch – what’s five minutes?!?
Prior to posting, I’ve already heard both sides of the argument. Uphold tradition or “c’mon, let’s get things rolling! It’s Sunday night, for Pete’s sake!”
You all win! The regular season starts this Sunday at Fenway. I’ll wait for George Grande to throw out the first pitch.
Randy Stern
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