Playoff Reflections, Day Ten; Diamondbacks vs. Rockies, Red Sox vs. Indians...

Well, good morning to everyone. It looks like fall has finally arrived in this part of the world, as it is now freezing out. I’m happy that it doesn’t feel like Miami out anymore; however, the change from summer to fall happened way too quickly.

Anyhow, the two teams no one would ever be in the NLCS, the Diamondbacks and the Rockies, played last night in the desert.

Colorado continued its onslaught and defeated the Diamondbacks, 5-1. Basically, in case you have may not noticed, the Rockies only have lost one game within the last month.

They jumped on Diamondbacks ace, Brandon Webb and they did it not with the long ball, but with singles, putting the ball in play and simple execution.

Long story short, the Rockies put on a clinic on how to play winning baseball last night.

The Diamondbacks had their chances, but didn’t make the most of it and the play that was indicative of that came in the seventh inning when Justin Upton tried to break up the double play slid into Kaz Matsui hard and almost like a lineman trying to roll-up the quarterback.

Upton, no doubt interfered in the play, and instead of they only getting one out, or perhaps the Rockies missing both second and first when attempting to make the double play, Colorado got the double play anyway due the umpire calling interference.

Then things got wild.

The Diamondback fans, who were widely criticized in the press for not supporting their team, went berserk with booing the Rockies and the umps (who were right) and decided to protest by throwing water bottles into the field and garbage. They chased the Rockies off the field for a few moments, and had another opportunity to score; however, it got wasted.

Jeff Francis won the game, and remained poised throughout the contest.

I think this series will still be close; however, the Rockies really impressed me last night and I would not be surprised if they end up in the World Series when all is said and done.

I expect this to be one of the better series I have seen in a while as both teams are evenly matched up.

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Well, if postings are few and far between this weekend, I will be in Boston catching game two of the ALCS on Saturday night. I am debating whether to drive or take the train, but it should be a wonderful series to take in.

I have never been to playoff game in Fenway, so I am sure it will be nothing short of wild.

As for the series, I am picking the Sox in seven games. I surmise Cleveland will give them a run for their money, but Boston seems to just be too strong. However, if Sabathia and Carmona can win the first two games of the series, things will no doubt change.

I am sticking with my prediction for now.

The Hits Keep Coming Radio Show - Playoff Edition

I have not done this in a while, but I appear on a show on Blog Talk Radio called the "Hits Keep Coming", a general show about Major League Baseball.

As we are into the playoffs, we are currently talking about the post-season, and here are the topics we chatted about on Wednesday night.

• Joe Torre: Should he be fired and if he is, who replaces him and what does Torre do.
• If Torre isn’t back, do Mariano and Posada re-sign with NY, does Pettitte exercise his option to come back with no Torre.
• Tony LaRussa: should he stay in St. Louis
• AROD- rumor is that he will opt out. Who will want AROD
• ALCS & NLCS preview
• TBS

Give us a listen, take a whirl, and let me know what you think!

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Channeling General Patton: Steinbrenner’s Proclamation…

As anyone who follows baseball knows, the stated goal of the Yankees each and every season is to not only get into the playoffs, but most important – win the World Series.

Perhaps the mission statement may be unrealistic, or just silly; however, it's reality of playing and being part of the Yankees.

It’s been seven years and counting, thus, it looks like George Steinbrenner has gotten restless.

Even though the “Boss” has lightened up over the past decade, and is surely not as brash in public as he used to be; nevertheless, when he speaks, it’s akin to Zeus raining down on the laypeople as to how it should be.

This is what he said Sunday morning, as he interviewed with the Bergen Record, out of Northern New Jersey.

"His job is on the line," the owner was quoted in Sunday's editions of The Record of New Jersey. "I think we're paying him a lot of money. He's the highest-paid manager in baseball, so I don't think we'd take him back if we don't win this series."

By now, Joe Torre will not tremble in fear, as it has been every year he’s had to face losing his job.

With the Yankees 8-4 victory on Sunday, the wrath of Steinbrenner has been averted at least for a day.

Torre quipped:

"You're not surprised by whatever comes down the pike," Torre said. "You don't always get used to it, but you understand if you want to work here -- and there's a great deal of upside to working here -- that there are certain things you have to deal with. We've had ultimatums during the season, early in the season. This obviously is down to a game we need to win, and you'd like to believe everybody's trying to pull in the same direction."

Well, at this point, I know the New York press and fans want the Yankees to get in the ALCS and face their arch-enemy, the Red Sox, in the Hundred Year Plus War.

However, from my point of view, Torre has done a magnificent job with the team almost every year, and especially this year, considering where the Yankees had to come back from in order to get the postseason.

Considering I root for the Baltimore Orioles, we have had a decade of losing; thus, we’d only dream of sniffing the playoffs 12 consecutive years, if not once.

Sorry, I think the “Boss”, as much as I respect him is off-base, whether you have $20, 60, 80, 130 million dollar payroll or a $185 million dollar payroll.

What do you all think?

Of course, naturally, we should hear more from the "Boss".

Maybe he'll channel Patton again and inspire his troops in battle...

Quick Hits, O's Stuff; Playoff Reflections, Day Six...

Well, not much news has come out of Oriole-land as of late; however, the organizational meeting start today in Sarsaota, Fl. According to an article in today's Baltimore Examiner, Andy MacPhail will be charting the future of the organization.

A lot will be determined, and as well, it looks like each player from top to bottom within the organization will be reviewed.

However, I found this statement by Melvin Mora telling:

"Among a lengthy list of issues, the team must decide what to do with an aging left side of the infield. Both shortstop Miguel Tejada and third baseman Melvin Mora are under contract, but each underperformed this season.

“Whatever they’re going to do in the front office, that’s fine,” Mora said. “The only thing I can tell you is I’m going to be here.”

Mora, who plans to play winter ball in Venezuela, does not want to be a designated hitter, and would “talk to my agent” if asked to return to the outfield."

I find those quotes interesting. I am sure Melvin has a certain amount of autonomy with the organization; however, do you really think he'll be able to dictate things as he did in the past with MacPhail in town?

It looks like we will be learning a lot more in the next weeks about the future of the team.

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The Yankees avoided being the 4th team to be swept in the division series, as they thumped on the Indians last night in the Bronx, 8-4. New York looked the bombers of old, as they got all over Cleveland starter, Jake Westbrook, in the 4th inning thanks to a home run by Johnny Damon and a huge error by Trot Nixon that opened up the flood gates.

Aging starter and pitching legend, Roger Clemens, tried valiantly to pitch his way through pain, but could not. He lasted a little more than two innings, in which he allowed three runs. Youngster Phil Hughes pitched four masterful innings of baseball and allowed the Yankees to come back.

Meanwhile, a bugless Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera kept things in check for the Bombers. The two teams play again tonight at 7:30.

Cleveland; however, still leads the series, 2-1.

On the left coast, the Red Sox had their way with the Angels and will advance to the ALCS with a decisive win, 9-1. Ageless Curt Schilling pitched a gem, as he went seven shutout innings, and David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez each hit back-to-back home runs. He found himself in trouble in a few key spots, but always managed to find his way out of it through guts and guile. The Sox put up a 7-spot in the 8th inning, all but destroying a chance for an Angels' comeback.

The small-ball Angels had virtually no luck against the Red Sox's big boppers at all. The big bat in their lineup, Vladmir Guerrero, was shut down and Garrett Anderson sat out the game with eye problems.

Boston had some incredible pitching, so they deserve a lot of credit.

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There will no baseball in the National League until Thursday. But I'll give you my prediction for the NLCS -- I am picking Colorado in six. They are too hot right now, and their offense seems primed to take on the Diamondbacks. However, I have been completely wrong in my picks anyway for the post season, so I am going on the assumption anything can happen.

Playoff Reflections, Day Four

The Red Sox won last night, 6-3 as the baseball savant, sometime flighty, but all-world beater inched Boston closer to the ALCS thanks to a walk-off homer. He hit the long homer off Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez.

To be quite honest, I have never heard Manny speak so much -- however, if were here him I'd be talking too...



Meanwhile, the Yankees are in big, big trouble and in serious danger of not getting past the ALDS. Fausto Carmona Stymied the Bombers, and Andy Pettitte pitched a masterful game. Thanks to some bugs, Joba Chamberlain looked very un-Joba like and allowed Cleveland to score the tying run in the 8th inning. The Tribe won the 11th thanks to a Travis Hafner single.

Yankee fans, it's not only A-Rod -- it's everyone. The bats need to wake up or it will be a long winter in New York City.

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The Phillies and Cubs are fighting for their playoff lives tonight, as they counter against the Rockies and Diamondbacks, respectively. We'll know in a bit if both Colorado and Arizona face off in the NLCS if they can sweep their counterparts. It would make for an unlikely, and not very popular matchup; alas, both teams should be given a lot of credit for making it this far.

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* According to the AP, New York Mets pitcher Tom Glavine declined his $13 million option with New York, and is now a free agent. Glavine who is, 41, will get $3 million as part of his buyout; alas, the news adds a storyline -- will be going to Atlanta or perhaps to Washington?

Quick Hits: O's Stuff, the Playoffs, Cal/TBS, the Mets, and A-ROD

Well, hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday, the baseball postseason is in full swing, but I'm still blogging about the O's, even after their crazy 2007.

I have been pretty much filling the shoes of Mike Boehm for now, and elaborating on some of the stuff I have posted on this blog on Oriole Magic, so hope on over there if you want take a look at some more Orioles coverage.

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The Baltimore Examiner has spent this past week trying to get the pulse on Oriole fans and how the team is shaping up for 2008.

In the past week, the Orioles sent right-handed pitcher Rob Bell and catchers J.R. House and Gustavo Molina to Triple-A Norfolk Wednesday, removing the trio from the club’s 40-man roster.

Sean Welsh of the Examiner gathered some input from fans at a recent game what O's fans feel about the team, this season, and what could be done to improve things. As we know, pitching will be a big issue - especially building up the bullpen for next season, and plans are being drawn up to improve things.

Both Sean Welsh and Matt Palmer argue about who should be the MVP of the Orioles -- Nick Markakis or Erik Bedard? Personally, I say Markakis.

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Some & Playoff Stuffage & Random Thoughts...



Jeff Francis held the uprising Phillies team in check, and the Colorado Rockies jumped on youngster Cole Hamels to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in Game 1 of their NL playoff series Wednesday.



Out west, Brandon Webb shut down Chicago in a brilliant postseason debut, and the Diamondbacks got two homers on Wednesday night for a 3-1 victory.



Josh Beckett tends to be very good in the post-season. He pitched a shutout Wednesday night, aided by a two-run homer from Big Papi, David Ortiz that helped the Boston Red Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-0 in Beantown.

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It is just me, or I do find TBS's Baseball Postseason coverage a tad inadequate? Well, watching some of the action yesterday, their production seems to be lacking considering they covered the Atlanta Braves since time began. As well, the in-game and pre-game shows seem to be disjointed.

I love Cal Ripken and the "Big Hurt" Frank Thomas, but the show seems to be going through the motions. It lacks excitement and something that would interest me. Unlike TNT's NBA production which is first rate and the hosts can be flamboyant, show off who they are, and trumpet themselves a little, they seem to be struggling with baseball.

I don't know if it the personalities, or that Cal comes off stiff a little, or Thomas keeps looking down, and the pauses, but there's something missing. The shows are not very exciting, but do offer a lot of insight which be can beneficial.

Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun thinks Cal is witty, funny, etc. -- fine and well (I am a Baltimore guy, so it's heresy to say anything bad); however, he needs to be a little more loose and show off a little more of his personality.

But Cal is dead on with his analysis.

Honestly, ESPN has the best baseball coverage -- they mix fun, analysis, never seem to miss a beat, and is well produced. FOX's baseball productions are Hollywoodish, but they add way too much into the game, and they seem to try way too hard to engage fans.

TBS baseball programs are very underwhelming, and hope over time their national coverage improves.

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Jocketty Out As Cardinals' GM: In what has to very surprising news; according to the AP, Walt Jocketty is out after 13 seasons as general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, one year after the team won the World Series for the first time since 1982.

In a sport that is all about, "what have you done for me lately", the situation with Jocketty may be a reflection the statement.

There has has been talk of dissension in the organization between he and other staff, but considering the success of the franchise, there's probably a lot to the story we don't know.

Well, is Tony LaRussa out the door too?

***

The Mets...

The Collapse. I love this image, but yet feel ever so sorry for the fellow...



Sorry, Mets fans. Unbelievable. With the 8-1 loss to Florida, and the Phillies win against Washington - Philadelphia is in while New York is out...

You have got to hear the podcast, "The Hits Keep Coming" and hear two New York Mets fans go off on their team. Yours truly has his say, and it's quite a riot...

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Finally; A-ROD...

Will he not be the most watched athlete in America tonight in Primetime? Stay tuned folks, his lofty numbers will go to nothing if he has a repeat performance of '06...

Oh yeah, thanks to those who emailed me about this A-Rod Image. Everyone seems to love it and him; eh, for now....

Playoff Predictions - Who Will Win It?

Being that the regular season is over and we are waiting for the playoffs, let's all have fun a predict who will reign in October. We all have our favorites, and who we hate, but I honestly have no clue who will win the World Series because it has been so unpredictable.

That being said, let's go through who I think will win it all...

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The Mets' Collapse & Playoff Thoughts; An Ode to all the Teams In the Post-Season

Mets' fans, I don't know what to say, except I'm sorry. I covered the Nationals this season, and know they had a huge part in the chain of events that led New York in losing the NL East lead.

However, I still don't know what in words to say.

I give a lot of props to the Phillies for coming back, and fighting their way to the NL East title.

To the Red Sox team and Nation, congrats on taking the AL East from the Yankees. A job well done. For the love of God, I hope you make into the ALDS and then face New York because, I WILL be purchasing ALDS tickets, thanks to the online ticket opportunity and I need you two to make it so I live happy without my Orioles.

Yankees fans, I think some of you all are boorish, arrogant and a**holes, but overall I must your team props from coming back from oblivion. Torre did a masterful job rallying the troops, and by Brian Cashman doing nothing and keeping the kids in the organization, things changed. A-Rod had a year to remember, Jeter was Jeter, and Posada deserves every chant of hip-hop-Jorge for his work this season. I still don't get the Joba Rules, but Chamberlain seems cool and very likable.

The Rockies, please beat San Diego. You all would the story of the year, by far and I so love rooting for the underdog.

To the Padres, good luck to you all. Too bad about Milton.

To the Diamondbacks, I have no idea how the hell you won the West, but good job. Eric Byrnes reminds me of the frat boy who won't shut up & shows off for no good reason; however, he should have been given another chance in Baltimore.

To the Los Angeles, California, Orange County Angels of Anaheim and Disney World, you all have a scrappy team and Vladmir has the most outrageous swing I have ever seen. Good to see Garrett being the man again and I think you all are the dark horse in the AL Chase for the World Series.

Last, but not least -- Cleveland. You all have some great players, and a local radio talk show host is so in love with Grady here. I love Pronk and C.C., plus it is awesome that Fausto Carmona came from his troubles last year. I hope you all make the World Series.

*all pictures taken by yours truly...