Your Newest Hall of Famers: Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice

Congratlations to both Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice, your 2009 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. I figured most knew that Henderson was going to get in based on his incredible stats and accomplishments; however, the verdict was still out on Jim Rice.

Rice, I felt was good enough to get in based on the stats of his era; however, I figured some members of the media might have still held a grudge against him. Time must definitely heal all wounds, and since he was so close last year, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that Rice would finally get in this time around.

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Gregg Zaun Close To Being An Oriole; Spring Training & Around The Blogosphere...

Evening everyone, and I hope everyone's weekend is going well. It looks like Baltimore may finally have a new catcher, if the reports from the Baltimore Sun's Peter Schmuck are correct.

It looks like the Orioles may be close on a deal for Gregg Zaun. There were reports that Boston was really gunning for him, but Zaun may be choosing a place where he's familiar with and should get plenty of playing time before Wieters arrives.

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Rocco Baldelli Signs With The Red Sox

I am not one to really laud players on other teams, but I'm glad that Rocco Baldelli is still playing baseball and playing for his "hometown team" (unlike some other pinstriped individual who we all know.)

Rocco Baldelli, the once heralded outfielder who once was part of the Tampa Bay organization signed a deal with the Boston Red Sox yesterday. He missed parts of two seasons with a mitochondrial condition that left him lethargic and without energy, but he was able to get it under control and play the sport he loved again.

Baldelli is from Cumberland, R.I. and seems ready to relish the chance of playing near his boyhood home.

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The Smoltz Era Coming To An End in Atlanta

If someone told me last month that John Smoltz would ever leave Atlanta and consider the possibility of playing in another uniform, I would have laughed at you.

Now it looks like one of the mainstays of those great Braves teams is now moving north to Boston. The Braves have seemingly given up on John Smoltz, due to his injuries and recovery from shoulder surgery. It looks like he will be joining the Red Sox in 2009.

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Teixeira Going To The Yankees...

It looks like the Yankees have swooped in and got Teixeira.

From Boston.com: Sports Illustrated.com and ESPN's Peter Gammons are both reporting that the New York Yankees are on the verge of signing first baseman Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract.

It looks like New York -- as some thought -- may have swept him away with a last minute surprise (or they just kept things hush-hush). The deal is contingent on the slugger passing a physical, and it looks like Boras might have pulled out an old card -- going to the Yankees for a last minute deal (can anyone say Johnny Damon?).

Obviously spending a ton of money doesn't necessarily mean a World Series or the playoffs; however, one must think the Yankees are indeed the favorites now to take the AL East title.

I guess a year where New York finished in third place, plus a new ballpark have turned them to revert to opening up the checkbook and spending freely.

For a team asking for more money to subsidize their ballpark, they sure can dish it out. My lord, let's hope they don't ask for a bailout -- sheesh. It's time for a salary cap of some sort and may he never win a World Series.

They have given out $400 plus million worth of contracts to three players, and you wonder why teams like Minnesota, Oakland, Kansas City and the Indians have continuous turnover of players.

I'm curious to see how Oriole fans will react to the news, and I'll be turning on the radio to hear the carnage.

The Angels Out of The Hunt For Teixeira

Ah, it looks like a team has withdrawn from the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes -- the Los Angeles Angels. Perhaps because they play on the wrong coast, the Angels might have found themselves in a race that seemingly they would not win.

From ESPN: The Angels' departure from the Teixeira sweepstakes leaves the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles as the four teams still in the mix for the premier position player in this winter's free-agent market.

Angels general manager Tony Reagins revealed before the winter meetings that the team had offered Teixeira an eight-year deal. The size of the team's offer was undetermined.

The Angels really needed Teixeira's bat, and although they are pretty much assumed to be the favorite to win the AL West, his bat really strengthened their lineup during the 2008 regular season.

I guess at this point, one could assume they will go after Manny Ramirez, or some of the other big boppers on the market.

Teixeira Saga Coming To An End Soon? What About The Yankees?

It seems to be the whole Mark Teixiera hunt according to those in the know from mlb.com may soon be coming to an end.

At this point, I just think that if Teixeira really, really wanted to sign with someone, he would have done so. Obviously, he and his agent Scott Boras are playing an interesting game of financial chicken -- to get the most money out of a team who'll be hoodwinked into signing him.

I think Teixeira is a fine player; however, do I think he's being close to A-Rod or Albert Pujols at the plate -- no. Despite what I feel, he's probably the surest thing on the market and he'll get what someone wants to pay him.

MLB.com: Decision day could be right around the corner for Mark Teixeira, according to a Major League source familiar with the negotiations. The source anticipates the free-agent first baseman's highly anticipated announcement within the next few days.

The field of serious bidders from Day 1 includes the Red Sox, Nationals, Angels and Orioles, with the depth of the Yankees' interest still difficult to measure.

The source believes the Red Sox remain in the lead for Teixeira's services in spite of the statement by principal owner John Henry on Thursday night that "it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor." This followed a meeting with Teixeira and agent Scott Boras in Dallas and was, in a sense, consistent with the volatile relationship between Boston and Boras over the years.

"This is going to end the old-fashioned way," the source said, maintaining that money will not be the decisive factor. "He wants to be on the East Coast, and his wife wants to be there. I believe the decision will be based on family and geography."

If you take the above paragraphs for what it's worth, it looks like Mark will not be considering sunny California, but the East coast. I've not heard anything much from Baltimore, Washington or Boston; thus, it is anyone's guess where he'll go.

Well, there's a new twist in this ongoing drama, as the New York Yankees - the Evil Empire - are looking the slugger.

The New York Times: The Yankees are interested in signing Teixeira, according to two people in baseball with knowledge of the matter, but for the moment are unwilling to pay him more than $160 million over eight years, one of them said.

The Yankees’ offer is less than what the Red Sox presented Teixeira last week. Boston’s offer is believed to be for eight years for close to $170 million.

They do have a use for Teixeira, as he's on the right side of 30 and his credentials speak for itself. In the end, I think New York may be posturing -- they could always swoop in and get him -- however, I think it is to keep the Red Sox on their toes, drive up the price, and make this game even more interesting.

Will The Red Sox Put A Limit On Teixeira?

Could the Red Sox be reconsidering their demands? Right now, I think this might be first concrete series of quotes that we have gotten on the matter from the Red
Sox. Again, take this all with a grain of salt.

From CNNSI.com: With as many as five teams showing interest in the first baseman, there is serious doubt the Red Sox would go longer than the eight-year contract the Los Angeles Angels, Teixeira's former team, have offered.

"We all have limits," Red Sox owner John Henry said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "Eight years is a very long time in baseball and everywhere else."

He also said the amount the team is willing to spend on a free agent "depends on both" the economy and the player being sought.

"Baseball as a whole has not yet been hit by the financial crisis, but it will," Henry said. "The degree is in question and won't be answered for a while."

A decision by Teixeira on where he will end up did not appear imminent.

"No immediate timetable," his agent, Scott Boras, said in an e-mail Wednesday. "Negotiations are on going."

I think the Red Sox have contended that Teixeira is a special case, as usually they try to get the most value out of their players, and then let them move on when their services are no longer needed. I don't think I've ever seen the Red Sox go more than five years on anyone, and signing the slugger to a deal longer than that goes against their method of operation.

I'm sure that Teixeira will get the money he wants from someone, but as of right now, it doesn't seem like anyone is willing to cross the eight year threshold and probably for good reason.

Teixeira Really Not Coming to Baltimore?

Reading the constant news & rumors on Teixeira is becoming annoying. Since the information seems to change daily, who knows what's true now.

Today, ESPN -- the Worldwide Leader and the same people who yesterday reported that the Teixeira might have an affinity for Charm City -- is backing off and asserting that the Orioles are falling behind in getting the slugger according to Buster Olney.

The latest:

From ESPN: Unless free agent Mark Teixeira is willing to give the Orioles a major hometown discount, it does not appear he will be playing in Baltimore.

The Orioles have stood by their initial offer and have not upgraded it, and sources say that the other teams involved in the bidding -- the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals -- have gone beyond Baltimore's proposal for the slugging first baseman.

Teixeira, 28, is considered one of the top unsigned free agents. He batted .308 with 33 home runs, 121 RBIs and a .552 slugging percentage for the Angels and Atlanta Braves last season.

The only way the Orioles can be considered a serious player for Teixeira now, sources say, would be if the Maryland native were to take their offer, which is believed to be for seven years and about $150 million.

"The Orioles are out of it, unless Teixeira really, really wants to play there," said one source.

If this is true, it shows that he cares about the money and going to a "winner", like I thought would happen and it only makes sense. This report has too been confirmed by Roch Kubatko via some rumors that the slugger had actually signed with Baltimore.

Basically, it looks like the Orioles are not in the frame of mind to be jerked around or used to jack up the price for Boras and his star client.

So far, most of the media believes that he's not coming to Baltimore and will more than likely end up in Boston.

If were really out of it, we need to focus on getting some arms, and also a Plan B for Mark (maybe Adam Dunn, Eric Hinske, or some other reasonably priced DH option.)

I don't want to imagine what the reaction would be amongst those who really, really wanted him in a Baltimore uniform.

While teams are waiting by the phone to hear if Mark Teixeira wants to play with them or not, the are reports that the Boston Red Sox may be in lead...

Boston.com: A general manager of one of the five teams involved in the Mark Teixeira talks said this morning that in his opinion, if the talks ended right now, Boston would land the coveted free agent first baseman.

"I think they're in the lead and ahead of where everyone else is right now," the GM said. "I'm not sure who's bidding against them at this point."

Asked whether he thought the talks would end soon, he said, "You just never know where Scott Boras and the Red Sox are involved."

The Red Sox, Yankees, Orioles, Nationals, and Angels are the teams still involved in the negotiations. All appear to have genuine interest -- with the possible exception of the Yankees.

I had a feeling of this all along. Again, most of us really don't know what is going on.

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Teixeira To The Red Sox? Yay Or Nay?

With the Yankees having signed IF-OF Nick Swisher, it looks like they are out of the running for Mark Teixeira -- at least for now (however, I think they are still players in the whole sweepstakes.)

Aside from obviously Baltimore and Washington, the only other team that I have heard give any interest to the slugger are Boston and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Today, Buster Olney in his blog on ESPN.com & Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald ponder if the Red Sox are really serious in their pursuit of Teixeira, and I have to think they kind of are -- in a sense. While they could use his bat in the middle of the lineup -- I don't think they *need* him unlike both the Orioles, Nationals and Angels do, considering they have Kevin Youkilis (a great player in his own right) at first, and of course Mike Lowell at third.

One of them would have to be moved; thus, more than likely it would definitely have to be Lowell.

While for a bit, I think the Red Sox were posturing in order to drive the price up for the Yankees and avoid having him in the AL East, Boston acquiring him would make sense. First, they would have a Gold Glove caliber first baseman; second, he would provide ample protection for David Ortiz; finally, the slugger's numbers would benefit even more from playing 81 games in Fenway, especially for the fact he could take adavantage of the cozy dimensions in right field.

We shall see what happens, and of course at this point, I expect the unexpected with this whole saga. Then again, much like what happened with Torii Hunter, some mystery team could come and grab him; however, right now it is looking as if Baltimore has a good chance as anyone in getting Teixeira.

Yes, America --- The Rays Are Headed to the World Series...

The Rays are in the World Series! If anyone picked them in March to play for it all -- you're lying. It seems like all of America -- aside from Red Sox fans -- were picking them to advance to the promised land, and finally, it looks the doormats of the AL East and the laughing stock of baseball for so many years has made it.

What can we say about David Price! This game was his coming out party, and did he literally save Tampa Bay from eminent disaster by pitching 1 1/3 innings -- striking out J.D. Drew with the bases juiced to the end the 8th -- and struck out two in the final frame to get the save.

Matt Garza pitched the game of his life, earning the win -- along with the second of the ALCS -- and making only one mistake -- Pedroia's first inning solo home run. Aside from that, Garza was a good as you could get. His counterpart on the mound, Lester was good -- going seven strong and giving up three runs -- but, it was not nearly enough.

The Rays were on, and it showed after two devastating losses in the ALCS.

Evan Longoria tied the game in the fourth inning to plate Carlos Pena, and they took the lead in the follow frame as Rocco Badelli plated Wily Aybar with a single. In the bottom the seventh, Aybar hit a solo home run -- an important insurance run -- to put them ahead for good.

Both bullpens kept their team in it, but Tampa held on and got the monkey off their back.

After ten years of futility, being made fun of, and being the doormats of baseball, the Rays have made it to the World Series, and it's just unbelievable.

You've got to give it to the Red Sox -- they took the Rays to the limit and nearly came back, but it was not enough this time around.

The Tampa team making it to the Series gives teams like the Baltimore Orioles and small market hope that if they manage and scout talent carefully, stick to a plan -- your finances and market size should not make being successful insurmountable.

Again, I can't believe I am saying this -- the Rays are the American League Champions and are headed to the World Series.


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The Idiot File: TBS, You Fucked Up

I was at home tonight, and having the world of cable TV available to me, I grabbed my plate of General Tso's Chicken and steamed rice, and headed to my room at 7:50 to prepare to watch the game against the Red Sox and Rays.

Well, when I flip the channel to TBS, they are showing an old episode of 'TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes'.

I was like 'ok', where's game six?

Then at 8:00, expecting to see a game, TBS is showing a classic episode of the 'Steve Harvey Show'. Why? How? What in the hell is going on?

Well, since MLB.TV blocks us here in the United States from watching the game live on the computers, I had to turn into their service.

At this point, the thought in my mind was "what the fuck is going on."

This is the reason:

From Boston.com: Due to what was termed a "router failure" at TBS headquarters in Atlanta, viewers all across America were unable to see the start of tonight's pivotal affair between the Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Media outlets and cable providers were flooded with calls demanding an explanation as viewers expecting to see the Sox and Rays fight for a trip to the World Series instead stumbled upon the aforementioned network sitcom.

Apparently, nobody was laughing.

Though TBS repaired the problem late in the first inning, viewers missed the first six batters of the game. The game started at 8:08 p.m., but the broadcast didn't begin until 8:28 p.m. By that point, Tampa Bay already had claimed a 1-0 lead courtesy of a colossal, solo home run by Rays center fielder B.J. Upton that struck the "C-ring" catwalk in left center field.

After TBS issued an apology and fairly generic statement during the game, Turner Sports director of public relations Jeff Pomeroy briefly took questions from reporters during the sixth inning of play. Pomeroy said that TBS suffered a failure of both "the main router and the backup router," the latter of which exists exclusively for such instances where the primary source fails.

Said the network statement: "Two circuit breakers in our Atlanta transmission operations tripped causing the master router and its backup -- which are necessary to transmit any incoming feed outbound -- to shut down. This impacted our live feed from being distributed to any of the other networks in the Turner portfolio and caused the delay in our coverage. Both our primary and backup routers were impacted by this problem. We apologize to baseball fans for this mishap that caused a delay in our coverage."

Nice. Considering I had the TV on for 15 minutes before I even saw a warning is completely unacceptable and just makes me wonder if there are monkeys in the TBS network control room.

Down here in Maryland, I was pissed but was able to improvise for about 20 minutes before I got to see the game. Too bad everyone missed the B.J. Upton homer.

I could only imagine the scene in any bar within metropolitan Boston (especially) or Tampa-St. Petersburg for those who wanted to see their teams play.

TBS, you really fucked up on this one.

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The Red Sox Head to A Game Seven Against The Rays; Eh, Could It Be Any Other Way?

I knew it was going to come to this -- the Red Sox are too good and they smell fear. Just a few minutes ago, the Red Sox extended the ALCS to Game Seven as they downed the Rays, 4-2, thanks to a clutch home run by Jason Varitek (did he ever need something to happen), and an insurance RBI by David Ortiz.

B.J. Upton was once again a thorn in the side of the Red Sox, by hitting his ninth homer of the postseason off starter Josh Beckett in the first inning; however, after all that it was all Boston.

James Shields -- dubbed 'big game James' -- was not as sharp as he went a little over five innings and surrendered four runs (three earned) for the loss. Beckett, who has struggled in the '08 postseason got his mojo back by going five innings, giving up two runs and earning the win. The Red Sox bullpen anchored by Okajima, Masterson -- and ugh, as always Papelbon kept things in order.

Well, after assuming the Rays would dispose of the Sox in Game Five, the boys from Boston have stormed back and showed why they were the favorites all year long to win another title.

Meanwhile, you've got to think that the loss from Game Five is in the heads of Tampa Bay. Literally, they have not looked the same since then, and seem to be pressing; thus, perhaps their inexperience and ability to handle pressure is showing.

Jon Lester is on the mound in Game Seven, and one has to think now that Boston has the undeniable advantage -- but let's remember what happened in Game Four.

For the Rays, the pressure is now on them. Please win.

Manny Getting Paid Even When He Loses...

Nice. Sometimes even when you lose, you get paid -- that could not be anymore true for Manny Ramirez.

Manny Ramirez spent the playoffs in Dodger blue. But he'll still get a share of Boston Red Sox playoff green.

The Boston Herald reported that Red Sox players last month voted Ramirez a two-thirds share of playoff money, reflecting the fact that Ramirez played two-thirds of the season in Boston before he was traded at the July 31 deadline to Los Angeles.

Only players who were on the roster for the entire season were eligible to vote, according to the report. For players who did not spend the entire season with the team, voting players first determined whether the players in question would get a payout for exact time on the roster, or a larger percentage, reflecting their contribution to the team.

Seriously, this all sounds like a fair deal. Although he left the organization on less-than-favorable terms, his contribution to their organization the past seven years cannot be understated.

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Yes, America - The Rays Are Just One Game From the World Series...

Yes, America. It looks like the Tampa Bay Rays are just one win from making into their first ever World Series after having excatly zero winning seasons in their existence until this year.

I always knew the Rays would be close or finish slightly above .500; however, if anyone says they expected them to win 97 games and be one step away from the World Series, I would suggest you start playing the Lottery.

The Rays bushwhacked the Red Sox in Game Four of the ALCS, 13-4. There was not much to be said for last night if you're a Boston fan -- Wakefield got his arse kicked, despite having 16 days of rest and Tampa outplayed them.

For everyone that's shocked -- don't be. Being an Oriole fan, I have seen enough of the Rays to contend they are for real. I thought the Red Sox would come back and mount a challenge, but now they are looking lost on the mound and the plate (especially David Ortiz, Ellsbury, and ugh -- Varitek), while the Rays look young, energized and not stressed at all.

Homers by Willy Aybar, Carl Crawford (who was 5 for 5) -- and yes, Longoria -- again, led Tampa to victory. They had an offensive onslaught that the Red Sox have not been able to match, and Andy Sonnastine's golden arm led them to victory.

It was weird seeing a quiet Fenway, and it looks like despite the grea job Francona has done managing Boston, they are just no match -- literally -- for the Rays.

If there's any solace in seeing the Rays in the series after all theor losing for the past decade, it gives teams like the Orioles, Pirates, Royals, Nationals and Reds hope. You need a little bit of luck, but a whole lot of planning, great management and a commitment to development to get to the next level.

Another case study: the Brewers.

Money can help solve and cover up some problems (ala the Yankees); however, you need a plan and you need to stick with it, no matter how tough or rough the road may be.

Phillies Upend Dodgers; Rays Shock The Formerly Invinicble Jon Lester

The 2008 NLCS seems close to being wrapped up as the Philadelphia Phillies thanks to late homers by Shane Victorino -- who has seemed to be in the middle of everything -- and Matt Stair's long shot in the 8th led them over the Los Angeles Dodgers, 7-5.

Tuesday's action had none of the drama of the previous night, and Philadelphia staged a dramatic comeback as the knocked up the Los Angeles bullpen in the latter half of the game. Derek Lowe was strong -- especially giving up two runs in the first inning -- and went only five innings; however, he kept the Dodgers in the game long for them to take the lead in the bottom of fifth by taking a 3-2 lead.

Now, why he was taken out by Joe Torre early -- who knows (maybe it's the fact he pitched on 3 days rest); however, that decision might have cost the Dodgers.

Joe Blanton -- the starting pitcher for the Phillies -- went five innings and gave up three runs, but it was Chad Durbin who opened up the flood gates by giving up a 2-run-homer to Casey Blake in the sixth to put the Dodgers up 5-2.

Both bullpens were taxed, but in the end, it was Philadelphia who reigned supreme. The reliable Dodger bullpen imploded and could not hold the lead.

They tied the game at three in the sixth at Ryan Howard plated in a run off Chan Ho Park; thereafter, two innings later they added a four spot thanks to 2-run homers by each Victorino and Stairs.

The Dodgers must win game five, or the season is over -- plus, I will not be able to use my tickets for game six...

There's an off-day for the NLCS on Wednesday (maybe to have the Red Sox in prime time); however, Philly will play for all the marbles on Thursday.

***

Tuesday's afternoon game had the Rays -- yes, the Rays -- whoop on the Red Sox and the previously invincible Jon Lester, 9-1.

Tampa touched up Jon Lester sail to the easy win. Lester only lasted a little over five innings, gave up five runs and his teammates could do nothing but watch the carnage.

B.J. Upton, and Evan Longoria homered early, while Rocco Baldelli's shot (what an incredible comeback story this kid has had), and Carlos Pena's homerun in the ninth has now sent Red Sox Nation thinking collectively, "Are you serious that Tampa could beat us?"

Yes, I am. I still think the Red Sox will come back and take it, but folks, these are the old Rays -- or Devil Rays -- they have the athleticism and power to beat anyone.

Matt Garza, who did not look too hot in Chicago during the ALDS, threw six innings of one-run ball for the easy win.

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Playoff Reflections: What An Ugly God-Damn Game last Night; All is Written For The Dodgers To Take Game Three...

Well, the Rays won last night in a long, ugly, but exhilarating game in the Tropicana Dome. The game didn't end until long after 1am, as B.J. Upton plated Fernando Perez -- who was even gutsy for even attempting to score -- on a sacrifice fly to end the contest.

Dustin Pedoria -- all five-foot-right (I say five-foot-six) -- hit two homers and showed why he's an MVP candidate plus giving all short guys hope that they can make it in Major League Baseball, along with homers from Kevin Youkilis and Jason Bay.

Meanwhile, for the Rays, Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton both homered for Tampa.

Josh Beckett nor Scott Kazmir looked good, as each got touched up -- and touched up badly. it looks like both men are tired, needless to say. Both need to be on their game to really help out their teams, for sure.

Tampa had a 8-6 lead, until allowing the Red Sox to come back late. Rookie call-up David Price got the win, while long-term veteran Mike Timlin took the loss.

It's needless to say that the Rays needed to take Game Two and tie the series heading into Boston. I think the Rays will make this a close series by taking at least one game in Boston (most likely Game 4 when they face Wakefield), but the Red Sox right now seem to have a killer instinct and determination on their side.

The Rays, no doubt, are inspired to win too; however, it looks like the Red Sox are playing like men possessed...


Ah, Game three of the NLCS is upon us -- this is all tailor made for the Dodgers to whoop up some Philadelphia arse. Moyer is on the mound versus Manny and company at home -- I say L.A. wins big -- in a huge blowout.

The Manny factor will be too much, and the troops will help him out on Sunday.

Playoff Refelctions: Philly Goes Up 2-0, Boston Strikes First...

Last night, I spent much of it flipping between the games along watching the political news on TV.

Well, the baseball on the air has been somewhat compelling so far, and it is fascinating to see what has come about so far.

The first game, which featured the Philadelphia Phillies versus the Los Angeles Dodgers just two hours up I-95 showed why October is so unpredictable. The Phillies won the game, 8-5, thanks to the golden arm (ok, no so much) of Brett Myers and also his – um, bat – as he went 3 for 3 with three RBI’s and went five innings for the win.

Shane Victorino, also had a huge night with two hits, four RBI, and a huge game saving catch in centerfield in the eighth inning robbing Casey Blake of a sure double, if not a triple.

Chad Billingsley, who I thought would win, only went a little more than two innings in the loss and surrendered eight runs – all but one earned.

The one-man team of Manny Ramirez hit a 3-run homer in top of the fourth; however, the rest of the Dodger offense could not wake up and squandered a chance in the latter innings to make a difference.

Needless to say, with the series at 2-0 in favor of the Phillies, it could be over unless someone else besides Ramirez wants to help out with the offense.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia offense is tearing it up, and at this venture, they could end it all by Monday.

One more thing, my prayers are with Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel and his family as he suffered the loss of his mother.

***

The game of the night was the Red Sox and the Rays, down in sunny Florida – albeit, in a dome.

The Rays, in their first ever ALCS were stymied by Daisuke Matsuzaka and lost, 2-0.

Matsuzaka -- whom I really didn’t think much of coming into the series despite 18 wins – hurled a gem as took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and led Boston to a win. Tampa had chances in the seventh and eighth off Dasiuke to score; however, could not.

Jonathan Papelbon closed out the game.

An RBI single by Jed Lowrie, and one from Kevin Youlikis in the eighth made the difference.

James Shields held his own by a little only seven inning and giving up two runs; however, that could do little to stop the Red Sox.

Kazmir – who has given up 18 runs in 18 IP against the Red Sox in 2008 – is on the hill against Josh Beckett. The Rays must win game two or I am going to count this series as being close to over as they would have to travel to Fenway and win at least two games – a place which is nothing short of intimidating for anyone on the opposing team – playoffs or not.

Tampa needs to simply get on base and use their athleticism to beat Boston, and hope Beckett is off is game and still in the process of getting rhythm back.

NLCS Thoughts and Playoff Reflections; Markakis & A New Contract...

The 2008 playoffs resume tonight as game one of the NLCS is played in the City of Brotherly Love.

Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers take on the Phillies; thus, for me, although I am a fan of the Orioles, the NL style of baseball appeals to me a lot more. That being said, I am very interested to see how this series turns out.

Both teams match up well with their lineups, as well as their pitching staffs although I think Philadelphia might have a slight edge with their bullpen (because of Brad Lidge). I think the starters for the first three games are suitable, there’s a significant drop-off from there with their starting rotations for both teams.

That’s why I see things so even matched up.

Right now, I am picking the Dodgers in seven games for the upset.

Why?

I think the Dodgers have been greatly underestimated, and obviously Manny in that lineup makes the difference; however, I think Joe Torre has also been a calming influence on this team as well by virtue of his experience dealing in New York.

Again, there’s the Manny factor. They look and play like a different team from the one we saw from April to the end of July. If the Dodgers go down 2-0 when they return to California, I think they are as good as done. I don’t think the Phillies can stop Manny based on how well he’s doing right now -- (but I think Ramirez only has a career batting average of .200 versus the Phillies) -- but shutting down the rest of the offense is ey.

However, if the Dodgers can touch up on Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer, the Phillies are in trouble. As well, if Howard and Burrell are shut down, it’s too curtains for them.

Although I think the Phillies have the superior hitting lineup, I think there’s an upset.

I would so love to see a Dodgers-Red Sox World Series. Just imagine all the story lines, drama, and I'm sure MLB would be happy with the ratings as it would be a blockbuster.

***

While a handful of teams are still in the playoffs, teams like the Baltimore Orioles are stuck in watching it from home and face the prospect of a long, hard winter.

That being said, now is the time to sign Nick Markakis to a long term deal. I have said over and over, I have full faith in Andy MacPhail and I more or less said last year that the right fielder not being signed to a long term contract isn’t an issue — however, if it’s not done this off-season it will be.

After seeing his peers like Ryan Braun, Evan Longoria, and Troy Tulowitzki signed to healthy contracts, after the progress Markakis has shown, he deserves the same.

At this point, if they go through arbitration process, Markakis will get a huge pay day indeed; however, the longer the team waits to sign him to a deal, the higher his price will go and the greater the likelihood that he’ll bolt.

Considering the Orioles are rebuilding, and it may be a while before they start to win, now is the time to sign Nick.

Let’s avoid Pandora’s Box from opening when it does not need to be the case.

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America, The Rays Are In The ALCS; Boston Finishes off the Angels...

Yes, America -- the Rays are in the ALCS. After a decade losing and just plain awful teams, they are one step closer to the World Series; however, they've got to get through the Evil Empire 1A, the Red Sox.

Tampa clinched a ticket to the playoffs as they beat the White Sox, 6-2, thanks a strong performance from Andy Sonnanstine and two home runs from B.J. Upton. Gavin Floyd, who had a strong past couple of weeks got lit up, and the bullpen could not save them.

Meanwhile, the Rays sailed through game four in Chicago, and in the end, Grant Balfour -- yes him -- closed out the game.

Congrats to the Rays as they've given all small market and bad teams hope that there's light at the end of the tunnel if you stick with a plan to rebuild, luck, and extremely good management from top to bottom.

Chicago had a nice little run and clutch performances to get into the playoffs; however, their luck ran out as they went head to head with a complete Tampa team.

***
The Red Sox finally punched their ticket to the ALCS as they downed the Angels 3-2, thanks to a Jed Lowrie walk-off single that played Jason Bay -- who slid head first -- in the bottom of the ninth.

In what has to be a deflating loss for the Angels, it was an action packed game filled with lost opportunities. They've lost 12 out 13 to the Red Sox, and in each game, they could not seem to land the knockout punch.

The Angels scored in the eighth plating two with Torii Hunter's single in the eighth to tie the score, but they could not chop off the head of the Sox.

Boston got two runs in the fifth, one thanks a botched groundball that could have been a double play would have ended the frame, but allowed Mark Kotsay to score.

For the second year in a row, Boston find itself closer to the World Series thanks on the part of the Angels being unable to score when needed and finishing off their opponents.

The Rays and Red Sox meet again in 2008, this time for all the marbles. This should be "The Series" to watch and both have teams have a compelling storyline that has built up over the season.

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