The Time Has Come

The Time Has Come

Countless innings, at bats, injuries and storylines have finally brought us to where we want to be. The final two teams left standing battling it out in the Fall Classic. Tonight in Boston the World Series begins, pitting two of the most well-known and traditionally rich franchises in baseball history. The Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals will battle it out under the lights for the right to be called the best.

This matchup could not embody an old school versus new school dynamic any better. The Cardinals attack the game with an old school ferocity, with a business like demeanor and a traditional throwback approach unlike many others today. Then in the other dugout sits the Red Sox, with their Dirty Water, Idiot 2.0 vibe and facial hair that would help them fit right in at Hipster Heaven. Despite the different dynamics, these two teams couldn’t be any more evenly matched. Great pitching, including a lights out bullpen, timely hitting, and managers that have a tremendous feel for their team and push all the right buttons.

I give the Cardinals a slight edge in the series because Wainwright and Wacha are far superior to any pitcher that Boston will throw out there. These men are on a roll, riding a wave of momentum and a hot streak that should help carry this team to victory. Additionally, Allen Craig’s return will deepen an already strong lineup, and give the Cardinals that spark they need to return to regular season form when it comes to hitting with runners in scoring position. I personally am looking forward to seeing the battle of clutch play out in the form of Carlos Beltran and David Ortiz. No longer having to face Adam Wainwright, Beltran continuously comes through in the clutch when the lights are brightest, and Papi Ortiz, well he's no slouch either.

No matter the outcome of the series it will certainly be one to remember. These teams will throw everything they have at each other and respond accordingly. Body shots and jabs will land with regularity, but let’s see who delivers the official knockout blow and stands victorious. My money is on the Cardinals.

The Magical Ride Continues

The Magical Ride Continues

Everyone knows the story by now. The Los Angeles Dodgers were all but left for dead, manager Don Mattingly’s seat was as hot as it could get, but then everything clicked and they went on a run unlike anything ever seen before. Now, as the ride continues, the Dodgers find themselves in the National League Championship Series, and four wins away from a World Series appearance.

The Dodgers will be facing an NL Central team, the most top heavy division this year, either the St. Louis Cardinals or the Pittsburgh Pirates. These two teams are battle tested and have been fighting all season long for positioning. They are the opposite of the Dodgers. The Dodgers coasted here fairly easily, not having to battle or play a game that really tested their resolve. However, the Dodgers have a confidence and a swagger about them that neither of these two teams has.

Nothing describes this run quite like the events that led to the game winning hit. Yasiel Puig smacks a double down the first base line, bringing Juan Uribe to the plate with no one out. Uribe is certainly not someone that could be described as an adept bunter, so of course Mattingly asks him to do exactly that. After failing in his first two attempts the bunt sign is taken off and Uribe draws the count even. On the ensuing pitch Uribe crushes a home run to left field to give the Dodgers the lead and they never looked back. A moment like that, in that spot, wouldn’t happen to any other team this year.

October isn’t just about talent. Luck and magic play a part as well. There is a lot of postseason left to be played but it’s hard to bet against the Dodgers right now. They are clicking on all cylinders and the ghosts of October seem to be on their side. They’ve written a phenomenal script, now let’s see if they can stick the landing and end it in storybook fashion.

This is Why We Love the Game

This is Why We Love the Game

Last night something magical happened. A playoff game in Pittsburgh transported us all back to a time when baseball was more than just a game. A crowd that was so starved for success came out in force and not only affected the game but brought out the fan in all of us, making us care for a team and a city that we don’t call our own.

Between the crowd energy the players were able to feed off of being unlike anything seen on a baseball field in a long time, and Francisco Liriano continuing to turn back the clock this year and pitching lights out, the Cincinnati Reds didn’t stand a chance. When Marlon Byrd, playing in his first postseason game after 11 seasons in the big leagues hits a home run during his first at bat you knew the night would be unforgettable.

Then there was Russell Martin, a consummate professional and underrated clutch player whom this Yankee fan feels should still be in pinstripes. People balked at his decision to join the Pirates, but all he has done is brought veteran leadership, tremendous game calling, and great camaraderie to a team needing all of the above. Martin hit two home runs last night becoming only the second player in history to have a two home run game in Pittsburgh during the playoffs (the other being Mickey Mantle). Besides the emergence of Jason Grilli as an unstoppable force in the ninth inning, and Andrew McCutchen playing like an MVP, Martin is the biggest reason for the turnaround of this team. His ability to call a game and get the most out of his pitchers is remarkable.

The aforementioned MVP McCutchen had a stellar game last night, introducing himself to the baseball world that knows little about this Pirates team. He reached base in his first four postseason at bats and almost came up with a ball in center that seemed like he ran ten miles to catch. He may not be as widely known as the Cabrera’s and Pujols’ of the world but this postseason that will change.

Having won the wild card game assures the Pirates that their playoff journey will continue and they now move on to face division rival St. Louis in the NLDS. If Pittsburgh can come out of St. Louis with a split, and the crowd shows up for games three and four like they did last night, both of which I fully expect to happen, then Pittsburgh will find itself one series away from playing for a championship.

The magical journey that started in April keeps on moving, and all fans outside of St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Atlanta should pray it continues because this team, these fans and this story are great for the game. I keep using the word journey because I don’t think there’s a better way to describe a 162 game season that continues to the playoffs, and also it’s fitting because after the game last night, that was the band blaring over the speakers in the Pirates clubhouse. Since day one this team hasn’t stopped believing, and after last night, they’ve converted many more on the midnight train to the national spotlight.   

Let The Playoffs Begin

Let The Playoffs Begin

The 2013 regular season has come to an end, after six months and 4,860 games, but in typical baseball fashion, that isn’t enough. Tonight the Tampa Bay Rays visit the Texas Rangers for game number 163 for each team, and a chance to face the Indians in the Wild Card Play-In game. In most seasons the rise and comeback of the Indians to relevance would be the top story of the year, but not in 2013. This season saw the Pirates and Royals both finish over .500 for the first time in eons, with the Pirates even making the playoffs as the top wild card team in the National League. Miguel Cabrera captured the hearts of fans again this season with another Triple Crown chase before nagging injuries took him out of the running. Chris Davis mashed 53 home runs for the Orioles, Clayton Kershaw finished the season with an ERA of under 2.00, and Mike Trout proved once and for all his rookie season was no fluke and he is the best all-around player in baseball.

Being a devout baseball fan and blogger I certainly do have some bias but for my money the greatest part of sports is now upon us. Nothing beats the MLB playoffs as far as drama and suspense. I would love to see the Los Angeles Dodgers win it all and get Don Mattingly the ring that has eluded him in his baseball career.

My preseason predictions went up in flames for the most part so I won’t bother making predictions for the playoffs. I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the games and see how this all plays out. For the first time in a long time there is a wide open field with no clear favorite which will help increase the interest and drama and anyone could walk away with the trophy. Let’s play ball my friends.

How Do You Put Greatness Into Words?

How Do You Put Greatness Into Words?

Today was a day that I have been dreading for quite some time. As a Yankee fan, today was the day that I would have to fully realize that Mariano Rivera will no longer be around. It’s hard to put into words just how amazing his career has been and just what it’s like to watch someone who is the absolute greatest at what they do every single day. Rivera has carried himself with class, dignity, and a quiet confidence that will go unmatched for the rest of time.

Jorge Posada has been retired, and come the end of the year it will be Andy Pettitte’s turn also, meaning only Derek Jeter is left of the core four and a talent nucleus unlike one the game had ever seen. It’s fitting that the team never won a ring while Pettitte was gone and won all 5 of the recent championships with the unit intact. The four of them will be synonymous with each other forever and all won together, just the way it should be.

Discussing the ceremony with friends and fellow Yankee fans earlier in the week I had one request I wanted the team to fulfill. Mariano’s number needed to go out in Monument Park. Seems easy enough and not much of a stretch for that to happen but considering Paul O’Neill is still waiting his turn anything is possible with this organization. However, like I stated before, he was the absolute best at what he did. If anyone deserved the exception it was him. When the moment happened I will admit that my eyes welled up with tears because it was an amazing moment for an amazing player. Rivera is one of the last aspects of childhood I have left. Almost every player I had grown up loving, that helped me to realize the beauty of their respective games has long since retired. Only Rivera and Jeter are left. In no time at all it will just be the Captain remaining.

In a highlight montage presented by the Yankees, Rivera stated that the Yankee fans are the greatest and he will love us always. That was moment number two where the room got dusty, but the truth is, we as fans love Rivera more than he could ever love us.

For one final time I would like to thank Mariano Rivera for everything he has done for the organization and the fans. Every sacrifice, commitment, and ounce of blood, sweat, and tears poured into his career. My grandchildren’s grandchildren will be talking about Mariano Rivera because his legacy and greatness will carry on through generations. Joe DiMaggio once famously said, “I want to thank the Good Lord for making me a Yankee.” Well I feel like I speak for all Yankee fans when I say “We want to thank the Good Lord for making Mariano Rivera a Yankee.”

In Praise of Joe Girardi

In Praise of Joe Girardi

Over the past few years I have been very critical of Joe Girardi. Sometimes that criticism is justified and sometimes it isn’t but I try to justify it in some crazy way because he does things that irritate me as both a Yankee fan and a baseball fan. However, today I want to do nothing but shower him with praise because of the job he’s done with the team all year, but most especially since the beginning of August.

Sure it’s fun to call him Joey Binders and make fun of his analytical approach, in the face of common sense at times but when push comes to shove he knows this team well and has pushed all the right buttons. No team other than the Dodgers has dealt with injuries like the Yankees have this season. Also, taking into consideration that four AL East teams are battling for playoff spots, there’s no question they are playing in the toughest division in the game. To be able to still be in the race at this point despite all the hardships this season has brought forward is remarkable.

Right now at present time I would consider the Yankees a favorite to grab one of those two wild card spots and ride into October with some momentum. Now, with history not on their side lately, October hasn’t been the best of times for the Bombers, but for the first time in a long time, it’s just making the playoffs that would be considered a success. As Yankee fans of course we want to win it all but if they were to make the wild card game and lose there is absolutely no shame in that. It would make plenty of Yankee haters happy and they won’t show any sympathy but for us true fans we have to take solace in the fact we showed the guts and heart just to make it. Who knows, maybe the October ghosts will be on the side of the Yankees this time because of it and guide us to a storybook ending in a storybook season. The only thing I know for sure is that no matter what happens, Joe Girardi should be taking home some hardware for his managerial prowess this season because for once we’re winning because of him not in spite of him.

Sabermetrics are Overrated

Sabermetrics are Overrated

Jim Leyland recently spoke out against reporters who suggested Max Scherzer is only doing as well as he is because he is the benefactor of great run support. I am here to say that Leyland is right and all of this advanced stats and sabermetric garbage does more harm to the game than good. Like Leyland, I am a believer in the old school way of thinking. The guys that go out and do their job well are always going to be at or near the top of these statistics anyway so what is it really telling us? Based on advanced stats Derek Jeter is one of the worst fielding shortstops in the game, but let me ask you this; with a runner on third and two out in the bottom of the ninth, is there anyone else you would rather the ball be hit to?

Max Scherzer is the league leader in wins and is in the top 3 in strikeouts and ERA. How exactly is his run support a negative against him? He doesn’t give up runs, so it really doesn’t matter how many his team scores behind him. By every sensible projection there is no doubt Max Scherzer should win the AL Cy Young Award. I don’t care if Chris Sale or Felix Hernandez have comparable numbers on teams that are far worse. Scherzer has been dominant and has given his team a chance to win every time he has taken the mound.

Whenever I hear people talk about BABIP or xFIP I cringe like I’ve just heard Wolverine attack a chalkboard. All these stats do is poke holes in the play of guys who are important parts of their team. In a clutch situation for my team I’m not thinking about a groundball/flyball ratio or batting average on balls in play. Get the hit or the out that’s all that matters. If they don’t, no one will curse their advanced numbers.

So many teams take these numbers in to effect and a lot of the time they just look like idiots because all they are doing is overthinking things. All we ever hear about is how you don’t succeed when you overthink, you just need to let the game come to you, take what you’re given. Why should it be different in the front office? Billy Beane was the man at the forefront of this movement; he had books written about his strategy and movies made about how he was such a genius. Was he really though? What the hell did those Oakland teams really accomplish? A few playoff berths? The Yankees, the polar opposite of this strategy accomplished the same thing as far as playoff berths, and hell they even have a few World Series to show for it too. Baseball in my opinion is not only suffering from steroids scandals but also from this holier than thou attitude on advanced stats. Truth is, the average fan, most of whom are older generation fans, couldn’t care less about all this talk and tune out the game because of it.

The Wild Weekend Upon Us

The Wild Weekend Upon Us

This weekend features a slew of games with divisional and wild card implications. As a baseball fan, you couldn’t ask for anything better. You’ve got Yankees-Orioles, Rays-A’s, Indians-Tigers, and Cardinals-Pirates. The Reds also face an important series against the Rockies, 3.5 games back while the two teams ahead of them beat up on each other.

The two teams facing the most pressure this weekend are the Yankees and the Pirates. The Yankees sit 5 games back and need all the help they can get in addition to taking care of their own business. Considering all the injuries they suffered through during the season it’s a miracle they are even in this position. The Yankees-Orioles matchups are usually dog fights between two evenly matched teams and I expect this weekend to be no different. CC Sabathia needs to get back on track and be the pitcher he has been in the past if the Yankees want to have any kind of shot at the playoffs. He needs to step up big time tonight and set the pace for the rest of the series.

The Pirates are in very unfamiliar territory playing meaningful games as the calendar hits September. They were able to overtake the Cardinals for a stretch when the birds fell silent, but they have since fallen back into second place as the Cards have gotten hot again. The games are being played at PNC Park so you know the fans will be bringing their A game and will be out in full force to give the team that little bit extra it will need. If the Pirates want to avoid the one game playoff this is the series where they need to make a statement and build some momentum for the stretch run.

The Rays-A’s series will be an entertaining one for sure. They are the two wild card representatives in the AL at the moment and both are hoping the Indians, Yankees, or Orioles don’t sweep and really put a threat into their standing. Just like the Pirates fans, the Oakland fans will be out in full force and ready for the series. In my opinion Oakland has the best fans in the game. They are loud, creative, and have bonded with this team of non-superstars.

Lastly, the state of Ohio will be watching intently this weekend as their two teams look to make a statement. Cincinnati travels to Colorado and can keep their hopes for a division title alive by taking care of business. The Indians face a tough task with the Tigers and their pitching staff and I see them as the one team in the bunch who will play themselves out of contention this weekend.

Whether this weekend clears up the playoff picture or does even more to mess it up and throw it in shambles it will be exciting. Who will rise to the challenge? Who will falter? Buckle up and get ready for a tremendous weekend of action baseball fans.

What If?

What If?

Today we are going to ask a question that has become prevalent in the world of sports. What if? If something happened that changed the course of history or the outcome of a certain event, how would things be different right now? What would the after effects be? The specific what if question I would like to get into today is this, what if Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens didn’t hold the respective records for all-time home runs and Cy Young awards? Would we still care so much about the steroid era? Would we still ridicule and vilify them?

Before getting into Bonds, let’s go back a little further. The year was 1998 and the whole world was captivated by the home run chase of Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. Baseball was still digging itself out of the grave due to the strike of 1994 and this home run chase was the shot it needed (pun very much intended). Attendance, ratings, revenue, and general interest sky rocketed and baseball was back at the forefront. One of the coveted records in the game had a chance to be broken by not one, but two men. As we know both men broke the record, and later became embroiled in the steroid scandal, and it came out that both had been using performance enhancing drugs for years. The thing is though, we as fans had a sneaking suspicion while the chase was happening. We all were asking the question, but we were afraid of the answer. These men gave us a reason to get back into the game we all loved so much and reminded us why exactly it was we did love it so much.

Now fast forward to Barry Bonds. In 2001, he broke the record, now being held by McGwire, and once again the nation was captivated by what they were witnessing. This time, unlike in 1998, we weren’t captivated by popular, well liked players. Barry Bonds had always been a conceited, arrogant individual, so people weren’t excited to see him break the record. They were just captivated by the fact this performance was not at all humanly possible. How, at such an advanced age, could Bonds be putting up numbers the likes of which we had never seen? Of course it then came out that later in his career Bonds was using steroids and an already despised player watched his unpopularity soar to new heights.

Roger Clemens was just like Barry Bonds. He took the league by storm and put up numbers that were Hall of Fame worthy even before the steroids came in to play. He was also a conceited, arrogant individual who was not well liked, just like Barry. Fans watched in utter amazement as he dominated the competition at an advanced age, on his way to a record seven Cy Young Awards.

Here now is where the what if comes in. These two men own records in baseball history that are held in such high regard and thought of as bench marks for Hall of Fame candidacy and overall legacy building. What if they didn’t hold these records? They would still be unpopular because of the attitudes they played with but would we as fans be making such a big deal over the steroid era? Guys like Andy Pettitte and Jason Giambi have admitted to steroid use but they don’t hold all-time records and are viewed as nice guys and good teammates. It’s almost as if they get a pass. As a Yankee fan, I worship the ground Pettitte walks on, so I’m just as guilty, but the fact remains he still used performance enhancers. What if Ken Griffey Jr. held the home run record? What if Greg Maddux or Randy Johnson won the most Cy Young’s? All three of those guys are clean as far as we know. No evidence has ever come out that they were cheaters. So, if they held the records would we really care as much about steroids? Who cares if guys cheated when the clean ones had all the glory.

I personally think the answer is no. When the cheaters were breaking records we were enthralled with their performances. No one gave a damn how they were achieving these feats. We wanted to believe they were innocent, but there was so much buzz and excitement that we took an attitude of let’s wait and see what happens. Why question it in the moment? It ruins everything. Questions should be asked later when it’s not as relevant. Well, when the news came out, these guys may as well have been Satan reincarnated because they were Public Enemy No. 1. If guys who were clean held these records it would be time to build shrines and pedestals to place them on. Take that cheaters, he didn’t need help to achieve greatness. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are not victims of circumstance; they’re victims of their own attitudes.

The Hit Machine

The Hit Machine

Last night we all witnessed an historic occurrence at Yankee Stadium. Some of us, myself included, were witnessing this feat for the first time in our lifetime. Ichiro Suzuki became just the third player in professional baseball history to accumulate 4,000 hits. Ty Cobb and Pete Rose are the only other two players to accomplish this feat, Rose being the last to do so on April 13, 1984, one year before this author’s birth.

Unlike Cobb and Rose, Ichiro did not get all 4,000 hits in the United States playing Major League Baseball. Playing professionally in Japan Ichiro totaled 1,278 hits, which some will hold against him when it comes time to his place in history. However, they couldn’t be any more wrong. No matter where you get some of these hits 4,000 is 4,000. It is an accomplishment to be celebrated and an accomplishment that could possibly never happen again in our lifetimes.

Ichiro made a splash on American soil debuting for the Mariners in 2001. Some believed he was too frail and wouldn’t be able to handle the 162 game schedule that comes with being a part of the American game and again, those people couldn’t have been more wrong. Ichiro set a rookie record for hits in a season with 242 and became the first player since Jackie Robinson to lead his league in batting average and stolen bases (.350 and 56 respectively). He would become an All-Star, win a Gold Glove, and win both the Rookie of the Year Award and the MVP Award. Not only that but he led Seattle to a Major League record tying 116 wins on the season.

Since 2001 Ichiro has made 10 All Star Games, won 10 Gold Gloves and 2 batting titles, proving that he is one of the greatest to ever step on the diamond. Always humble and not one to seek attention, Ichiro was visibly emotional when his feat was recognized by the Yankee Stadium faithful and his own teammates who flooded out of the dugout to congratulate him.

It has been a privilege watching Ichiro play, especially since joining the Yankees last season and seeing him every day. He is the consummate professional and a sure fire Hall of Famer. He may not like the spotlight and the attention but he is deserving of every bit of it.

Not Your Typical Hollywood Script

Not Your Typical Hollywood Script

The date was June 22^nd. The Los Angeles Dodgers were 30-42, 9.5 games back in the NL West with the worst record in the division. They played in San Diego that night with the seat being hotter than the Maxim 100 issue for Don Mattingly. The Dodgers took on massive payroll at the start of the year and were ready to be a top contender in the National League. It was looking like anything but up until that night when a funny thing happened….they defeated the Padres 6-1 and have not looked back since. Between June 22^nd and the All-Star Break on July 14^th, the Dodgers went 17-5, bringing them to the .500 mark. The few days off didn’t cool them down either because since the All-Star Break they’ve gone 23-3.

This feat is nearly impossible even with a healthy roster but the Dodgers have been ravaged by injuries all season, making this run even more incredible. They’ve barely gotten anything out of Matt Kemp, Hanley Ramirez missed time, and Zack Greinke broke his collarbone. These are not injuries that a team can take lightly, they are three of the highest paid players on the team and guys expected to make major contributions. Greinke and Ramirez came back from their injuries and have done just that, but the biggest reason for the turnaround is none other than Yasiel Puig. Puig came to the Dodgers and has lit a fire under everyone with his all-out fantastic play. He has swung a hot bat, shown to have a laser for an arm, and outhustled everyone by miles. He was the spark plug this team needed to get going. Seeing his play and effort makes teammates raise their game to another level in order to keep up. Puig probably won’t get the MVP Award because he hasn’t played a full season, he’s a rookie, plus he has a showmanship about him that crotchety voters won’t like, but there’s no question that the word valuable applies to him more so than anyone else in the National League.

Another fantastic Dodger is Clayton Kershaw. He is one of the front runners for the Cy Young Award and also has a chance to snag that MVP Award that should go to his teammate. His record is only 11-7 but that is through no fault of his own, that falls on his offense and their lack of run support for him. He has a Major League leading 1.88 ERA, which is almost unheard of, and is basically a guaranteed win every fifth day as long as the offense shows some punch. Coupled with Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu, who has been a major find for the team and you have a capable staff to carry you into the postseason.

The rest of the NL West has collapsed while the rise of the Dodgers has occurred, allowing the Dodgers to most likely walk into the postseason without breaking a sweat down the stretch. The hard part is over for them and they can look forward to a postseason berth and a chance to prove all the prognosticators right when they said at the beginning of the season this was a championship caliber team. The lights will shine brightest in October in Tinseltown so let’s see whether this shooting star continues to streak across the sky or burns out too quickly.

 

Has Fredi Gonzalez Changed the Course of the Pennant Race with One Move?

Has Fredi Gonzalez Changed the Course of the Pennant Race with One Move?

The Atlanta Braves started off the 2013 season on a torrid pace and despite playing only .500 ball until recently have never been in danger. The rest of the NL East is so bad that a mediocre Atlanta team has run roughshod over the division. One of the main reasons for their tremendous start was the start of Justin Upton. He tore through the league for the first 20 games or so and Atlanta was looking like the best team in the game bar none. Upton began to cool down and Atlanta’s reliance on the long ball came to the forefront. If they weren’t hitting home runs, they weren’t winning, but again, none of that mattered because the division was so bad.

Over in the NL Central, the Cardinals, Pirates, and Reds emerged as the cream of the crop and were in a three way dog fight for supremacy. A funny thing happened though on the way to a Pittsburgh or St. Louis pennant celebration. The Atlanta Braves got hot once more. Justin Upton has been blue flame Bunsen Burner hot, and as he goes so do the Braves, but something else has helped turn them around, and the embattled Fredi Gonzalez deserves all the credit.

The Atlanta Braves do two things extremely well; they pitch and they play defense (despite having Dan Uggla with a glove out in the field). Starter, bullpen, or closer, it doesn’t matter, the Braves have guys who can continuously get the job done. Julio Teheran has been a revelation for this team, an under the radar arm just as good as the Harvey’s, Fernandez’s, and Locke’s. In a big game he should be the man to get the ball and have the chance to lead the Braves to victory. Craig Kimbrel has already put to bed the debate of best closer once Mariano retires and is as sure of a thing in baseball than anyone else.

There are some things the Braves weren’t doing too well also. First and foremost was their reliance on the long ball as mentioned above. Like the Yankees before them, they were a great team who lived and died by the home run. Lately however, that has changed. They have been getting clutch hits and hitting balls into the gap with regularity. Another Achilles heel of the team was the lack of production from the leadoff spot. For as great of a team as they were and could be, they had no one who could leadoff. This is where Gonzalez and the smartest decision he’s ever made come into play.

Fourteen games ago, Fredi decided to bat Jason Heyward leadoff. Heyward isn’t prototypically a guy you would think of as a leadoff hitter but he can handle the bat and get on base. He won’t set the base paths on fire with his speed but he’s more than capable of stealing a base here and there. Since making Heyward the leadoff hitter, all the Braves have done is win 14 games in a row and show no signs of slowing down with two more games against the Marlins to finish off the weekend set. Having Heyward, Upton, and Freeman (who has undoubtedly taken over for Chipper Jones as the face, heart, and soul of the Braves) as your top three hitters is just unfair. Add in the fact that hitting behind them is Chris Johnson, who could very well go on to win the batting title, and things are looking rosy in the peach state. Other managers and pitchers have to be so selective and overthink strategy that they are bound to make mistakes and these guys will make them pay.

Fredi Gonzalez gets criticized for many things, and deservedly so, but this decision very well could’ve locked up a World Series victory for the Braves. Barring any kind of injury and the dependence on the long ball fading, Atlanta is without a doubt the most complete team in the league. Come October the streets of Badstreet, USA will be filled with tomahawk chopping and baseball clobbering, and Hotlanta will make everyone forget about cold weather.

The NL MVP Vote Will Be the Most Exciting Race Down the Stretch

The NL MVP Vote Will Be the Most Exciting Race Down the Stretch

As we wind down the 2013 Major League Baseball season in the National League, there’s one word that comes to mind, and that word is boredom. All playoff spots have pretty much been decided, barring a total collapse or a run from a team that hasn’t shown any capability to do so. There are about 45-50 games left give or take, so what exactly is there to get excited about? The answer is the NL MVP. There isn’t a single player who has played to a level where they’ve locked up the award, but there are two frontrunners and two dark horses who could come away with the hardware.

The two frontrunners for the award are Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Molina, who is second in the league in batting average, was having a career year for the Cardinals before a trip to the disabled list. He isn’t a home run threat or huge run producer, especially in that lineup, but the intangibles are where Molina exceeds over all others. He is without a doubt the best defensive catcher in the league and calls a game like no other behind the plate. He is the heart and soul of a Cardinals team that was tearing through the league until a recent slump has brought them back to Earth. The trip to the disabled list will hurt Molina’s chances some, especially because his numbers are not out of this world and it comes at an inopportune time in the season, but his contributions cannot be discounted.

The one guy who benefits from Molina’s ailments and has catapulted himself into the discussion is Clayton Kershaw. Some may say, how can a guy with 10 wins be the MVP but his numbers are so much more than that. The 10 wins are through no fault of his own, his team cannot score runs for him, but the rest of his numbers are better than last year when he won the pitching Triple Crown and he has solidified himself as the best pitcher on the planet. There is no one even close to him, so all the Matt Harvey and King Felix fans need to take a seat. Kershaw ranks second in innings pitched and strikeouts. He is first in WAR (Wins Above Replacement) with a staggering 6.0 and has an unheard of ERA of 1.91. Only having 10 wins with an ERA under 2 is a clear sign of his offense’s inefficiency. Winning the Cy Young will hurt his chances some in winning MVP but just like Verlander before him, dominating pitching stats when no hitter is dominant can lead to the double prize.

The two dark horses in the race are Russell Martin of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both will most likely not get serious consideration, for different reasons, but at the same time need to be praised for what they are doing. Martin can be considered a candidate for all the same reasons as Molina, but given that Molina is having a better season it pretty much cancels him out. What Martin has going for him is the fact that Pittsburgh is on its way to their first winning season and playoff appearance in 20 years. Martin’s impact on the pitching staff of young guns and thought to be washed up talent cannot be discounted. Neither can his veteran leadership in a clubhouse of guys who don’t know what it’s like to win. Also, Martin has four walk off hits this season, including one this afternoon against the Marlins. Seeing what he’s doing makes this Yankee fan miss him terribly, especially given our catching deficiency. Goldschmidt is having the MVP type season you expect from the winner, with 26 home runs and 90 RBI, ranking him second and first respectively in the league. He is one of the best up and coming power hitters in baseball and will certainly be in the running for the award a few more times in his career but he will be hurt by Arizona not making the playoffs. The voters tend to shy away from guys whose teams do not make the dance, unless their numbers are so earth shattering they have no choice, which Goldschmidt’s numbers aren’t, at least until this point.

My personal take on the whole thing is that Kershaw will walk away with the double hardware, unless Arizona makes a run to overtake the Dodgers. If that were to happen then Goldschmidt absolutely deserves the award. A lot can happen in 50 games, but other than the run by the Dodgers, have we really seen any indication things will be different at the end of the year than they are now? Either way, let’s sit back and enjoy the final leg of the season and how everything unfolds.

The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing

This piece will not be about Brock Lesnar, so my apologies to him. No, “The Next Big Thing” goes by the name of Jose Fernandez. At 21 years old, Fernandez is having a fantastic season for the Marlins, topping it off with an appearance at this year’s All-Star Game. With a fastball that tops out at nearly 100mph and a slider/sweeping curve that drops the hammer on hitters, Fernandez is a bright spot on a roster filled with young up and coming talent. Fernandez has come a long way and been through more in his first 21 years than most of us would go through in a lifetime. His story begins in Cuba, in search of the American Dream (no not Dusty Rhodes).

Born in Cuba on July 31^st, 1992, (you know you’re getting old when you’re writing about baseball players born in the 90’s) Fernandez always loved the game of baseball and one day hoped to play in the Major Leagues. In order for that dream to become a reality he first had to defect from Cuba, which is certainly no easy task. Fernandez attempted his escape three times, getting caught each time, and being thrown in prison. While in prison he was housed in cells with murderers and hardcore criminals, something he attributes his lack of nervousness and tension to on the baseball field. When you’re living that hell at such a young age there really shouldn’t be much that fazes you or affects you. Fernandez made a fourth attempt at defection with both his mother and sister in 2008, in which they were successful, but not without any hardships, as had come to be expected. The boat that the family was in hit turbulent waters and Fernandez’s mother fell overboard. Jose had to jump into the water and rescue his mother, one more instance of life making baseball seem so meaningless and effortless.

Fernandez quickly ascended to the majors, having pitched no higher than Single A, and his dream was a reality. Before reaching the majors though, Fernandez pitched for the Greensboro Grasshoppers, where he made a connection with a special fan and a friendship was born.  

Zeb Vance is a 25 year old with special needs and a Greensboro resident. Every Marlins player that passes through Greensboro knows Zeb and his family because they regularly attend games. Players would always stop and say hello and high five Zeb, but for Fernandez it was different. He invited Vance to walk to the mound with him before a start in Greensboro and remained in contact with him and his family since. Last night, before facing the red hot Cleveland Indians, Zeb once again walked out to the mound with Jose, telling him to play good, to which Fernandez said he would win for him. Fernandez only went on to throw 8 scoreless innings and strike out 14 batters, becoming only the second Marlins rookie to have back to back double digit strikeout games, striking out 13 Pirates in his previous start.

Fernandez is having a rookie season for the ages, giving Marlins fans something to cheer about and making every 5^th day appointment television. His 8-5 record is not overly impressive but that is more indicative of the Marlins offensive woes, but his 2.54 ERA is very impressive. Since the All-Star break, Fernandez has 35 strikeouts in 23 innings of work while only surrendering 3 walks. If his rookie season is any indication of how his career will go then we as fans are in for a treat.

His personality is loud and infectious, making sure he is high fiving all teammates and going crazy when good things happen, as seen here (Jose Fernandez is very excited). He loves the game of baseball and being part of a team, especially considering he never knew whether he would actually get the chance. At 21 years old the love he shows for the game and his antics are to be understood and appreciated as a kid living in the moment, but at the same time, the emotional maturity he shows when it comes to prison sentences, rescues, and connecting with people who have special needs make this kid someone to cheer for. No matter what team you cheer for and follow, I recommend buying a ticket for the Jose Fernandez bandwagon and enjoying the ride because it will be one to remember.

The Second Wild Card Team Kills the Trade Deadline

The Second Wild Card Team Kills the Trade Deadline

July 31^st is always an exciting day in baseball. The mystery and intrigue surrounding the trade deadline always looms large on the game. What will the contenders do to add those missing pieces? What teams at the bottom of the standings will unload talent and look to rebuild? When 4 o’clock rolls around, the playoff picture should begin to take shape when assessing the moves and roster configurations. However, that has all changed.

Last year Major League Baseball added a second wild card team to the playoffs. The two wild card teams will face each other in a sudden death winner take all game and follow the three division winners into the big dance. This added game brings excitement and ratings, both great things for Major League Baseball. In the inaugural wild card game for the National League last season, the St. Louis Cardinals faced the Atlanta Braves. With Braves legend Chipper Jones retiring at year’s end, there was even the added intrigue of whether this would be Chipper’s last game. What ensued was a classic game highlighted by a horrendous infield fly ruling by umpire Sam Holbrook which could have very well cost Atlanta the game and caused the Braves fans to litter the field with trash.

Major League Baseball couldn’t have asked for a better kickoff to the process given the controversy and the Chipper Jones narrative. What they failed to realize though was how the addition of that second team would kill the trade deadline from then on. Teams who should know better than to think they still had a chance now had the hope of a second chance, and as long as they could get to that game, who knows what could happen. Without the second wild card spot far more teams would be willing to part with players and prospects. Trades will still happen of course, but the days of multiple trades that would change the course of teams seasons are gone.

The trade deadline should be moved back to mid-August, therefore eliminating the waiver deadline and giving those teams with no chance the ability to really wake up and come to their senses in realizing there’s no hope. They can then unload the one or two pieces they have to a contender, and get in return guys that can possibly help them down the line. Pushing the deadline back creates more of a sense of urgency in the contenders to give up more than they probably should to land that missing piece. Obtaining that missing piece helps them on their push to the playoffs and possibly a World Series, and the non-contender reaps the rewards with the addition of prospects that could very well speed up the rebuilding process. None of this will probably ever happen and it will just end up being a pipe dream, but a fan can always hope.

Too Much Braun and Not Enough Brains

Too Much Braun and Not Enough Brains

September 28, 2011 may well go down in Brewers history as the day that the organization made the biggest mistake it ever had in its history. That was the day the organization decided to let Prince Fielder walk out the door and build around Ryan Braun. Right now on July 23, 2013 if given the choice again the team wouldn’t be able to get away from Braun fast enough.

Braun was suspended yesterday without pay for the rest of the season, and like most others before him, looked like a pathetic liar, admitting guilt in a statement once caught, but continuously denying any wrongdoing before that point. Braun stated "As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect, I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions. This situation has taken a toll on me and my entire family, and it has been a distraction to my teammates and the Brewers organization. I am very grateful for the support I have received from players, ownership and the fans in Milwaukee and around the country. Finally, I wish to apologize to anyone I may have disappointed -- all of the baseball fans especially those in Milwaukee, the great Brewers organization, and my teammates. I am glad to have this matter behind me once and for all, and I cannot wait to get back to the game I love."

Sorry Ryan, not even close to being good enough. If you were so sorry you wouldn’t have even thought to do it in the first place, and secondly, when confronted last season with elevated testosterone levels, you would have admitted guilt then instead of outright denials and accusations of sample tampering. What these players fail to understand is that the public is far more forgiving when faced with honesty and sincerity. Jason Giambi and Andy Pettitte admitted what they did, and although yes they will have to live with the stigma of being cheaters, face nowhere near the vitriol that players like Clemens, Bonds, and A-Rod do.

Considering the investment the organization made in Braun, from his contract to marketing campaigns making him the face of the franchise, he should be disgusted with himself. Cheating is bad enough but when you lie on top of it, there’s no forgiveness. I hope he feels all his accomplishments obtained while juicing were well worth bearing the scarlet letter for the rest of his career.

F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy.” Well Mr. Fitzgerald, I present to you Ryan Braun, but unfortunately this tragedy will write itself and leave you with nothing to do.

Locke is Key: The Forgotten Cy Young Contender and the Pittsburgh Pirates

Locke is Key: The Forgotten Cy Young Contender and the Pittsburgh Pirates

The story with the Pittsburgh Pirates this year always revolves around their quest to end the drought of 20 years with a losing record or how outstanding their bullpen is. However, the much bigger story at hand, which gets no publicity or fanfare, is the season of Jeff Locke. Locke was always considered a top 10 organizational prospect, but no one could predict the season he is currently having.

Although A.J. Burnett is the seasoned veteran and leader of the staff, Locke will be the most important piece for the remainder of the season and the chase for a winning record and playoff spot. The way things are looking now, it seems like a foregone conclusion that the streak comes to an end and Pittsburgh finds itself in the postseason, but anything can happen. Burnett has always been inconsistent, Liriano, though having a great year, could come back to Earth at any time, and Charlie Morton is not the pitcher he once was. That leaves the young combo of Locke and Cole to carry this team.

Jeff Locke doesn’t get the publicity he deserves because he isn’t a “sexy” choice. Nothing about him really jumps out. Matt Harvey has the strikeouts, Clayton Kershaw has the hardware, Adam Wainwright doesn’t walk anybody, but Jeff Locke, he just gets guys out. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff that he can blow by hitters; he gives up his fair share of walks, but in the end he gets outs. He is currently on a streak of giving up 3 ERs or less in 16 straight starts. He has a 9-2 record with a 2.11 ERA yet most fans wouldn’t be able to pick this guy out of a photo array.

Something tells me that all of this is probably fine with Locke, as the team winning and having success is more important than his own personal accolades, but come October, on the biggest stage of his life, Locke will make his name known in the playoffs.

Catch and Release: Why it Makes No Sense for the Marlins to Trade Giancarlo Stanton Right Now

Catch and Release: Why it Makes No Sense for the Marlins to Trade Giancarlo Stanton Right Now

As is always the case around July 31^st, the MLB trade rumors are heating up. The biggest discussion seems to be whether the Miami Marlins will part ways with star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton. Well, I’m here to tell you that it would be a mistake. There are some who also feel this way, but trade rumors, like vampires, never die unless a wooden stake is driven right into the heart. There are way too many reasons for the Marlins to hold onto Stanton, and even someone like Jeffrey Loria has to be able to see that.

The most important reason is team control. Stanton is earning $537,000 this season, and will become a free agent until after the 2016 season. He does become arbitration eligible after next season and will see his salary increase for sure but the Marlins will still be retaining him at a less than market wage. For a penny pinching owner like Loria, why give up right now on a star player with that type of deal? The team needs someone to build around and be the face of the franchise and who better than Stanton.

The second reason to not trade him is the roster around him. Make no mistake the Marlins are no threat to be winning World Series but they have some good young pieces that have developed quicker than the team expected. Keep the core intact and see what they can do.

Once again, despite the penchant of Loria to hold these fire sales and unload anyone and everyone, there is precedent for him keeping young, team controlled talent. In 2003 after the Marlins won the World Series they got rid of every piece they could except for some guy named Miguel Cabrera, not sure if you’ve ever heard of him. When Loria knew he no longer had leverage and Cabrera would not be sticking around and signing a long term deal; that is when he pulled the trigger on a trade. I see the same situation occurring with Stanton. He will be traded but it won’t be until 2015-2016. By that time the Marlins will have developed the talent around him and will be in the hunt for the playoffs. Plus the haul they take in for Stanton at that point will most likely be greater than what they get now.

Another factor to consider when it comes to Stanton is that he is only 23 years old. He, like the rest of his teammates isn’t a fully developed player. He still has some learning to do and has a much higher ceiling to ascend to. The power is there for sure, as is the rocket for an arm in right field but his swing selection and understanding of the strike zone still need some improvement.

It is perfectly understandable for teams to feel like they can catch the big fish because a team like the Marlins is always willing to listen. However, let’s hope even Jeffrey Loria isn’t dumb enough to screw this up and doesn’t pull the trigger prematurely. My advice would be this: the lines will always be cast in the ocean, and it’s ok to nibble on all the worms, but wait for that one hook with the irresistible bait and let it reel you in.

Breaking Out the Crystal Ball for some Division and Award Predictions

Breaking Out the Crystal Ball for some Division and Award Predictions

Time sure does fly when you’re having fun. We’re past the midway point of the 2013 season and the All-Star Game is less than a week away. As with any season there have been surprises, disappointments, phenomenal rookies taking their place on the grand stage, and controversy. This column is more what lies ahead than what we’ve left behind, as I will take a chance on predicting division winners, a World Series champion, and award winners based on what’s happened so far.

 

AL EAST: Tampa Bay Rays

Before the season started I predicted Tampa to win the AL East and right now I see no reason to think otherwise. Because of injuries on Toronto and New York and lack of quality pitching for Baltimore I see this division ending up as a two team race between Boston and Tampa. Jon Lester has looked abysmal lately for Boston, where as Tampa is getting their ace, David Price, back from injury. The pitching is rounding into form, the bullpen is improving, and thanks to Desmond Jennings, one of the hottest players in the game, Tampa has fought their way back into contention. Their great play will continue and with Joe Maddon at the helm this team will be October bound.

AL CENTRAL: Detroit Tigers

The Indians and Royals have played well enough to hang around but Detroit has too much fire power and will pull away with a big second half run. Justin Verlander hasn’t quite been himself this season but Max Scherzer has more than made up for it. Scherzer is having a career year and proving just how good he truly is.

AL WEST: Oakland Athletics

The Oakland A’s are continuing to show that last season was no fluke. Despite their best pitcher being Bartolo Colon and a lineup of names a lot of casual fans wouldn’t recognize, they continue to play fantastic baseball. The key with Oakland is their depth. They truly are a 1-25 team as every guy contributes and plays a significant role. They will hold off the Rangers and claim their second division title in a row.

Wild Cards: Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers

Based on their first half play and the fact that I don’t see a team from the AL Central contending for a wild card spot it will be these two teams in a one game showdown. The Yankees are too old and injured, the Orioles don’t have enough pitching, and the Angels, well, let’s not even get into that disappointment of a team. If Boston and Texas were to win their divisions I really don’t see any way that Tampa and Oakland aren’t the wild cards. So as far as I’m concerned these AL teams will be in the playoffs for sure, it’s just a question of whether they finish 1 or 2 in the East and West.

NL EAST: Washington Nationals

This prediction is based more on Atlanta being a .500 team after the hot start to the season then it is about Washington becoming a second half juggernaut. Even with one of the worst starters in baseball in Dan Haren, I see Washington making enough of a run and playing well enough to overtake Atlanta. The Braves can’t hit and there’s nothing to show that it’s going to change for them. Add in the fact that Fredi Gonzalez could very well over work his bullpen in the second half, I don’t think Atlanta will even make the playoffs.

NL CENTRAL: St. Louis Cardinals

The best team in baseball in the best top heavy division in baseball will continue to play fantastic baseball in the second half and earn the division crown. Led by a killer lineup and a pitching staff with more depth than an Olympic pool, the Cardinals have torn through the competition putting up offensive numbers that are unheard of. The Pirates are on their tails but there’s too much talent and experience here to lose the lead.

NL WEST: Los Angeles Dodgers

Thanks to rookie sensation Yasiel Puig and the 1-2 punch of Kershaw and Greinke, the Dodgers will taste the postseason again. The NL West is the mediocre division this year with every team playing just bad enough to keep all the others in the race, and lucky for them someone has to win the division. None of these teams should be allowed near the postseason given the records and performances of other divisions teams but thankfully for the Dodgers and their fans they will be the best of the worst.

Wild Cards: Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds

Who would’ve thought a division could produce two wild cards this year and it not be the AL East. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are clearly better than all the other NL teams and will be doing battle in the one game showdown when the playoffs start. For Pittsburgh it’s going to be a wild and crazy October as the 20 year drought will officially be coming to an end. Cincinnati has answered a lot of questions in the first half, mostly surrounding Shin Shoo Choo and his ability to leadoff and play centerfield, and will be rewarded with a postseason berth.

Playoff Predictions

Texas defeats Boston and Pittsburgh defeats Cincinnati in the one game playoffs.

ALDS/NLDS

Detroit defeats Texas in 4 games

Oakland defeats Tampa in 5 games

St. Louis defeats Los Angeles in 4 games

Pittsburgh defeats Washington in 4 games

ALCS/NLCS

Detroit defeats Oakland in 6 games

St. Louis defeats Pittsburgh in 5 games

World Series

St. Louis defeats Detroit in 6 games

 

AWARDS

 

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera

Cabrera is having another season for the ages and will claim his second consecutive MVP. What he will not be doing however is claiming his second consecutive Triple Crown. Counting out Miguel Cabrera to do anything is usually not a smart move but I feel Chris Davis will just barely beat him out in the Home Run race. It will definitely be exciting though getting to watch the greatest hitter in the game chase history and take his place among the all-time greats.

 

NL MVP: Yadier Molina

Molina finally gets all the recognition and praise for being one of the best all-around players in the game today. He has been a huge reason for the Cardinals offensive success as well as managing a pitching staff that just continually throws arms out there. Defensively he has been the best catcher in baseball for years but he has taken his offensive game to another level and deserves to be rewarded.

 

AL Cy Young: Max Scherzer

The best pitcher on the best staff in the American League has run over the competition all year and he shows no signs of slowing down. This year he has been able to put it all together and finally show the complete package and what scouts have raved about for years. Whatever success Detroit achieves this year it will be because Scherzer pitched them through a lot of big moments and spots.

 

NL Cy Young: Adam Wainwright

With all due respect to guys like Matt Harvey, Clayton Kershaw, and Patrick Corbin this is Wainwright’s award to lose. Coming back from Tommy John Surgery the way he has and putting up the numbers he currently is, it’s remarkable. He has given up only 14 walks on the year so his command and control are extraordinary. Add in the fact he is 5^th in strikeouts, 3^rd in ERA, and tied for first in wins and he has the award locked up barring any setbacks or collapses.

 

AL Manager of the Year: Bob Melvin

Joe Maddon and Jim Leyland definitely deserve some consideration but as far as I’m concerned Melvin wins his second consecutive MOTY award. Last year it was won based on the surprise season and comeback the A’s made but this year it’s about their ability to continue that momentum and show it was no fluke. The A’s are one of the deepest teams in the league so for Melvin to be able to juggle lineups and keep everyone happy, should automatically give him the win.

 

NL Manager of the Year: Clint Hurdle

This award is the toughest to predict because there are two men who are more than deserving (Mike Matheny being the other). If Matheny were to win it over Hurdle no one would be disappointed. Being a second year manager and accomplishing what he has is unheard of but Pittsburgh breaking a 20 year drought of losing seasons and playoff appearances should give Hurdle that little bit extra in voting.

 

So there you have it. This is how I see things playing out for the remainder of the year, and if my prognosticating skills are anywhere near what they usually are, then it’s a safe bet none of this will happen.