New York Rangers: Grinding Out Two in a Row
The Boston Bruins tried pounding on us early and often tonight in an attempt to set the tone with their clear advantage in size. The Rangers helped the Bruins' cause by putting them on the Power Play 10 times for a gross 37 minutes. What put a monkey wrench into Boston's game tonight was a very gutsy and gritty effort by the visiting New York BlueShirts. And yes, an early lead can thwart the best laid plans like the one the Rangers jumped out to this evening.
The Bruins couldn't keep pace with the rate in which Anisimov (3rd), Frolov (2nd) and Staal (1st) scored theirs goals. After correcting their penalty issues by not getting one called against them in the third period and a spectacular, not to mention lead preserving save by Henrik, the Rangers secured their second straight victory against their second straight Original Six opponent. Tonight's victory comes on the heals of a win over the Maple Leafs where by Martin Biron gained his first victory as a Ranger in a great over-all effort by the BlueShirts. So as Ranger fans, we'll throw out the junker against Colorado and stick with the results of these last two games.
They had ten penalties called against them. They killed nine of them; incredible in it's own right. Some of them sat well with me like the one (instigating) called on Avery. He was standing up for our guy; Fedotenko. That's cool; nothing stupid on his part; just hockey. Whatever Torts told them during the 2nd intermission worked because the Rangers didn't have an infraction the whole 3rd period. The other side of that coin is the four minute power play the Rangers were on resulting from a high stick to Brandon Prust in which the could not convert into a goal.
But it was a very solid third period indeed and 35 saves by Henrik Lundqvist; one of them a game saving Beauty was just enough to hold off the hard hitting Bruins. Henri even made one of his patented Head-Butt saves while they were killing a power play at the 12:40 mark of the 3rd period. I hate when he does that.
Early in the 2nd period Marc Staal came out of the penalty box, picked up the puck in the neutral zone and entered Boston's end unimpeded. His goal put the Rangers up 3-1 and they made it stand.
Final score Rangers 3; Bruins 2.
Prust was injured as he took a high stick to the eye. There was substantial bleeding and he did not return.
The Rangers are now 3-2-1 on the season.
Tomorrow, the Battle of the Hudson resumes as the Rangers and the Devils face off in MSG.
New Jersey Devils: Be-Deviling Situation
The New Jersey Devils have arrived at Hell's door in a hand basket. They picked an unusually odd home date to rest Martin Brodeur as Johan Hedberg made his first start and the even more peculiar situation surrounding Ilya Kovalchuk and Coach MacLean just screams for attention.
Coach MacLean decided Kovalchuk would be a healthy scratch tonight. Sitting the Devils' leading scorer was simply put by MacLean as a Coach's Decision. Is Coach Mac sending a message to the rest of the team? You betcha. You always go after the featured guy. The thought is if you go after him, no one feels safe. But this comes awfully early in the season doesn't it? What will he resort to in December, January and February?
We figured out this would be a different Devils team than we're accustomed to. This edition would be a scoring team with less emphasis on defense compared to years prior. But what we didn't anticipate with a Lou Lamoriello team is the chaos that is encroaching upon the Devils' locker room on the heals of the Giant Dollar signing.
After tonight's 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Buffalo Zach Parise offered, "...it's gonna be a long year if we keep this up." That's a pretty accurate assessment. The Devils are now 2-5-1. What should sound alarms is the fact they have only scored 14 goals this season while allowing 27. Six goals against, came tonight and seven more in one earlier game.
Don't go sticking pitch forks into these guys yet. It's only October. But these guys are clearly bedeviled by problems at the outset. There's plenty of time to straighten things out. The question moving forward is...
Can they?
New York Islanders: Tavares Hat Trick; 3 Game Streak Ends
If this strikes you as a surprise, shame on you. But here it is; - The New York Islanders are the best team in the Metropolitan area right now. They along with PITT sat atop of the division with ten points each entering tonight.
But they couldn't ride a John Tavares Hat Trick, falling to the Florida Panthers 4-3 this evening in Florida. They played from behind but kept coming back. They? Tavares, excuse me.
Their three game win streak was snapped with this loss. They play again Wednesday when they begin a home and home series with the Habs.
Consider yourself updated.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
PIGSKIN ~ WEEK 7
Last week I was 6-6-1 on the Sunday docket. For the season I am a plus-7 Bagels. I hit the Shmear of the Week and remain a perfect 5-0 in that category. This week the Giants play on Monday night against the Cowboys. The Jets have a BYE.
The WEEK 7 Bagel Roll-Out:
(Saturday's NYDN Line)
Steelers -3 (DOLPHINS) Don't think it will be close at all.
LOSS 23-22 steelers
FALCONS -3 (Bengals)
WIN 39-32 falcons
Jaguars +9 1/2 (CHIEFS) K.C. wins; JAX covers points.
LOSS 42-20 chiefs
Eagles +3 (TITANS)
LOSS 37-19 titans
Redskins +3 (BEARS)
WIN 17-14 redskins
SAINTS -13 1/2 (Browns) Easy! Saints are waking up.
LOSS 30-17 browns
RAVENS -13 (Bills) I can't see BALT not covering this game.
LOSS 37-34 ravens
49ers -3 (PANTHERS)
LOSS 23-20 panthers
Rams +2 1/2 (BUCS)
WIN 18-17 bucs
SEAHAWKS -6 1/2 (Cardinals)
WIN 22-10 seahawks
Patriots +3 (CHARGERS) S.D. is falling apart like a cheap jersey.
WIN 23-20 patriots
Raiders +8 1/2 (BRONCOS) Raiders lose but cover the spread.
WIN 59-14 raiders
Vikings +3 (PACKERS) Hardest game of week to pick. Stay away.
LOSS 28-24 packers
That's another 13 Bagels into the oven. I am +7 for the season which is primarily based on the strength of my Shmears of the WEEK though (at 3 Bagels a pop). I'm hovering somewhere close to .500 on the Sunday docket.
The "experts" are calling this the week of the Favorites; not expecting many, if any upsets. I don't see it that way. My picks are tipped towards the Underdog by one game.
SHMEAR OF THE WEEK: (5-0 season)
SEAHAWKS -6 1/2 (Cardinals)
I would have picked the SAINTS and the RAVENS just as easily. I've been riding with the SEAHAWKS this season and I don't believe they'll disappoint this coming Sunday.
WIN 6-0 for the season!
Happy Football Everyone!
I did horribly in the early games. But I made a comeback with the late games by nailing them all. Going into tonight's Packers/Vikings I'm sitting at 6-6 for the day. Before figuring this game in my Bagel basket got a little heavier. I am now a +10 on the strength of my SHMEARSof the WEEK; of which I am now a perfect 6-0.
WEEK 7 SUNDAY Just Went FINAL.
That was one wacky Football game MINN/G.B. But alas, I lost and finish the week 6-7. That brings me down one Bagel to + 9 for the season.
Mike.BTB
The WEEK 7 Bagel Roll-Out:
(Saturday's NYDN Line)
Steelers -3 (DOLPHINS) Don't think it will be close at all.
LOSS 23-22 steelers
FALCONS -3 (Bengals)
WIN 39-32 falcons
Jaguars +9 1/2 (CHIEFS) K.C. wins; JAX covers points.
LOSS 42-20 chiefs
Eagles +3 (TITANS)
LOSS 37-19 titans
Redskins +3 (BEARS)
WIN 17-14 redskins
SAINTS -13 1/2 (Browns) Easy! Saints are waking up.
LOSS 30-17 browns
RAVENS -13 (Bills) I can't see BALT not covering this game.
LOSS 37-34 ravens
49ers -3 (PANTHERS)
LOSS 23-20 panthers
Rams +2 1/2 (BUCS)
WIN 18-17 bucs
SEAHAWKS -6 1/2 (Cardinals)
WIN 22-10 seahawks
Patriots +3 (CHARGERS) S.D. is falling apart like a cheap jersey.
WIN 23-20 patriots
Raiders +8 1/2 (BRONCOS) Raiders lose but cover the spread.
WIN 59-14 raiders
Vikings +3 (PACKERS) Hardest game of week to pick. Stay away.
LOSS 28-24 packers
That's another 13 Bagels into the oven. I am +7 for the season which is primarily based on the strength of my Shmears of the WEEK though (at 3 Bagels a pop). I'm hovering somewhere close to .500 on the Sunday docket.
The "experts" are calling this the week of the Favorites; not expecting many, if any upsets. I don't see it that way. My picks are tipped towards the Underdog by one game.
SHMEAR OF THE WEEK: (5-0 season)
SEAHAWKS -6 1/2 (Cardinals)
I would have picked the SAINTS and the RAVENS just as easily. I've been riding with the SEAHAWKS this season and I don't believe they'll disappoint this coming Sunday.
WIN 6-0 for the season!
Happy Football Everyone!
I did horribly in the early games. But I made a comeback with the late games by nailing them all. Going into tonight's Packers/Vikings I'm sitting at 6-6 for the day. Before figuring this game in my Bagel basket got a little heavier. I am now a +10 on the strength of my SHMEARSof the WEEK; of which I am now a perfect 6-0.
WEEK 7 SUNDAY Just Went FINAL.
That was one wacky Football game MINN/G.B. But alas, I lost and finish the week 6-7. That brings me down one Bagel to + 9 for the season.
Mike.BTB
NYY ~ Mystic & Aura Have Left the Building
The Champions will not defend their title.
Girardi and his binder made many questionable moves not just in this series, but in the month in September; managing more with an eye on the play-offs and setting things up, getting role players some time and sacrificing an inning here and a game there, for the sake of forward thinking. I'm not going to say winning the division would have changed anything. What I'm pointing out was the sense of "settling" for a Wild Card, when everyone, Yankee fans and Haters alike, are accustomed to a radically different mentality when driving the Bronx Bus. Times are a changin'. There was no impending outburst or rant from the Boss for thinking anything differently than what a Champion should be thinking. This time the Yankees seemed content driving in the middle lane down the stretch.
The Yankees seemed to have no pressing need to win the division title. They seemed quite satisfied winning the Wild Card with the thinking all they have to do is make the playoffs and then it's a whole new ball game as if to imply there would be a switch Joe Girardi could flick-on once the post-season commenced.
Then, once in the playoffs, there was a willingness by the Yankees, in the face of elimination, to compromise their chances of winning game 4 by dredging through the ongoing swamp of extraneous factors mucking the relationship between AJ Burnett and Jorge Posada. The fact they seemingly escaped that dilemma up until an intentional walk and a blast, had more to do with Girardi's binder than Jorge playing or AJ's grapefruit belt-high pitch. The fact AJ almost uncorked a wild pitch on an intentional walk just made it look ugly.
It's unfair however to come crumbling down on Joe Girardi though. His binder is co-authored. Joe Girardi is Brian Cashman's guy because of Brian's belief (not reliance) in new Sabermatrician(ism) (?) and Girardi's willingness to implement it. Cashman by the way, is a "horse" of another Garage. He needs a separate post all to himself.
The problems the Bombers faced this series ran deeper than questionable moves by Girardi or faulty starting pitching. The fact the Yankees suffered from a shocking lack of situational hitting and clutch at-bats should surprise no one. Some how this line-up has been, for some years now, susceptible to getting bogged-down in 2-1 games or shut-outs,and in 1,2 or 3 hit affairs. When you populate a line-up with sluggers and cheap out on the little slap and scrap hitters, this is what happens. What works against one GasHouse Gorilla, can be used on all GasHouse Gorillas.
For this series, Mark Teixeira (before his injury) and Alex Rodriguez were dreadful as the three and four hitters. Derek Jeter was either "0-for" or struggling to achieve 2 for 5. Without going through the whole line-up, Robinson Cano was the only Yankee slugger living up to the Bronx Bomber moniker. The Millionaires Club was stifled in a manner reminiscent of the Florida Marlins locking down Yankee bats in 2003. Last night's one run/three hit effort is a testament.
What also lends itself to the oddity which was the Yankees' 2010 season down the stretch and into the playoffs was the lack of electricity at Yankee Stadium. The crowds had their moments but they were few and sporadic at best. The frenzy of Playoff Baseball in Yankee Stadium was strangely absent this October.
Not only was the Stadium quiet, if not muted, it emptied in droves further highlighting the sporadic fans sitting in the Billionaire's Club seating. Never once did the place stay packed in the hopes the Ghosts would help the Yankees to a comeback win. That undying faith couldn't get a ticket to the game this year. The obvious gaps of empty seats as viewed on TV still plays out as an embarrassment for the Yankees. Sadly, so many of the zaniest and passionate fans; the ones who'd jump up and down, screaming their enthusiasm have been priced out and as a result there are less of those types in the park.
If the Yankees still had games to play this October this would all be constructive criticism. But because they lost, this is more of an indictment.
And now all the talk of AGE and how it plays a part on this Yankee roster creeps back into the conversation with regard to all their veterans (and contract status'...Jeter). Why? Because they lost. That's the way it goes.
I have been speaking to the Yankees increasing age and demise for a couple of years now within my circles (of course). Last year was a total monkey wrench into my spokes in that line of thinking. Championships can do that. But who anticipated the Yankees spending half a billion dollars on three players (CC, AJ, and TEX) over the course of a month and a half. They effectively paid to stave off the aging process and it's affects in the short term, but the problem obviously still persists.
One more year into an uncertain future with regards to Jeter's contract, Andy potentially retiring, Mo and Jorge's ability to endure and some other items of concern, means the Bombers are one year closer to the reality this Era of Yankee Baseball is almost at it's end. The days of Jeter, Mo, Posada and Andy together are coming to an end sooner than later. They will take with them the memories and history of the Glory Years.
The Laws of Baseball are universal like the Laws of the Universe. As it pertains here, you can't win them all. The Yankees' large expenditures allow them to sustain competitiveness on a yearly basis. That however does not guarantee them Championships. In that respect, all remains well in the Universe.
However, in Club Evil Empire things have taken a turn for the strange. Something has been lost. Perhaps Mystic and Aura, 9 years later aren't the vibrant, glittering glamour gals they were back in 2001. Their hips just can't take the rigors of pole dancing anymore. They're more the soccer-mom types now.
Age withers us all.
Mike.BTB
Friday, October 22, 2010
2010 Dominican Republic Professional Baseball Season
You can keep track of the Dominican League through their web-site:
http://www.lidom.com.do/
It is a six team league consisting of the following clubs:
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Los TIGRES Del LICEY ~ Tigers
Los LEONES De ESCOGIDO ~ The Lions of the Chosen
AGUILAS CIBAENAS ~ Eagles
ESTRELLAS ORIENTALES ~ Stars
TOROS Del ESTE ~ Bulls
GIGANTES Del CIBAO ~ Giants
Last winter Los Liones de Escogido defeated Los Gigantes del Cabio for
the DOMINCAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
five games to four.
At one point Los Gigantes led the series three games to one.
The team representing the Dominican Republic went on to win the
Caribbean Leagues Championship.
Mike.BTB
the DOMINCAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
five games to four.
At one point Los Gigantes led the series three games to one.
The team representing the Dominican Republic went on to win the
Caribbean Leagues Championship.
Mike.BTB
YANKS ~ RANGERS ~ GAME 6
OCTOBER 22, 2010
Autumn
BASEBALL
2010
American League
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
* * * * * * *GAME 6* * * * * * *
New York
YANKEES
SP - PHIL HUGHES
VS.
Texas
RANGERS
SP - COLBY LEWIS
@
The Ballpark at Arlington, Texas
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Baseball in October; There's nuthin' like it!
Pre-Game Thoughts: Jorge Posada
Phil Hughes will try to pitch the Yankees into a Game Seven do or die. As we know he was not effective his last time out. Aside from Andy Pettitte, all pitchers are available for relief duty tonight. The Yankees must sell-out tonight for there to be a tomorrow. CC Sabathia is said to be available for up to 50 pitches should the situation need. A seven out save from MO would not be out of the question.
Hughes the righty, and Posada behind the plate tonight mean one thing; the Rangers are going to run like drunk politicians.
Yankee fans have been cringing at the sight of Posada's defensive lapses lately. Tonight he needs to buckle down and be Posada; one of the team leaders. As many times as we've seen the back of his jersey for chasing down a passed ball or wild pitch, Jorge gets clutch hits ~ flat out! What he lacks behind the dish Jorge corrects when he steps up to that same dish. There is a lot of pride and passion in the Yankee back-stop. It's always had a way of surfacing and influencing big games.
Jorge Posada will never get the true credit for being, in a most literal sense, the Yankees Back Bone. Jorge has always been willing to stick his neck out for his team mates, when so many of them over the last 9 years have not. He was always willing to do what needed to be done when so many wouldn't, even if it meant going against the "Yankee Way". Who else, I ask you? Who? - ...took it upon himself to send an occasional message to the American League, Don't Mistake Our Kindness For Our Weakness! I defy you to compile that list for me. Jorge always had his team mates backs! So many would never step their play up and bring to the game what, at times, the situation dictated.
Casey Stengel used to say of Yogi Berra, "I never play without my Guy". Whether Yogi was behind the dish, left field or first base, Casey always played with his Guy. The Yankees more than ever are reliant on their GUY! ~ Jorge Posada.
He gets knocked, disrespected, barreled over, nicked and under appreciated for all of it. Pitchers and their issues are no less guilty towards contributing to Jorge's defensive phenomena. But I will tell you those same pitchers love him when he connects in clutch moments.
WHO'S Knocking Jorge Then? You know who you are!! And I'm Not Even A Yankee Friendly!! I'm talking to you "select" Yankee fans. You know who you are.
Whatever shenanigans have transpired whether this guy catches that pitcher and that pitcher can't pitch to Jorge nonsense, know that Jorge is STILL the fiery soul of this team. The pervasive and relentless passion on this team has always come from Jorge.
Hip HIP....JORGE!!
ENJOY THE GAME.
Mike.BTB
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Baseball Articles ~ Beyond the Playoffs
Latino Baseball Hall of Fame:
I originally came across this article through VinSculleyIsMyHomeboy regarding the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame and this year's inductions. The Latino Baseball Hall of Fame is located in the Dominican Republic. The original article from MLB.com is a concise concatenate of Latino Baseball Heroes and speaks to the inspiration behind the creation of their Hall of Fame. I sincerely hope to visit one day. You can read that great article HERE.
Off the top of my head there are some names I would consider myself for induction into the Latino Hall of Fame that haven't been so already. They are Ed Figueroa, Mario Soto, Benito Santiago and Vinny Castilla.
This is something I definitely want to delve deeper into. Look for a posting one day.
And if you remember last winter, I love me some Winter League Baseball. I'll be covering the games again this season.
Do You Remember Washington Park's WALL?
You can read My Posting HERE about the WALL at 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street in Brooklyn and why it's been a source of anxiety and concern among Brooklyn baseball fans and historians alike. The good news is, the effort is finally under way to restore, protect and preserve a peice of Brooklyn's old Baseball history.
This article appeared in Tuesday's NY Daily News.
I have been in contact with two persons at Con-Ed about the wall, and they have provided me with a few more names and numbers to contact. My question moving foward with their project is the issue of Historic Signage placed on or at the wall. I'll keep you updated about that.
Across the street at the other of the two Washington Park locations, I've been having a semi-ongoing conversation with "admin" of the park (to protect the innocent). The tid-bits of information I've learned regarding the Board's apathy towards the preservation of Brooklyn's historic Baseball past is disturbing. However, I was told better sense is around the corner. They are finally getting around to addressing the proper respect this park should be recieving regarding it's history as former home to the Brooklyn Dodgers. I speak with respect to the field where the Vintage Games I photographed were played.
The Board's priorities always favored the history involving George Washington and this being a HQ for him during the Battle of Brooklyn and promoting that aspect of the park. Baseball it was feared would over shadow that. But there are more friendlies in administration these days and the park's past will be revisited.
Likewise, stay tuned for more developments.
I originally came across this article through VinSculleyIsMyHomeboy regarding the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame and this year's inductions. The Latino Baseball Hall of Fame is located in the Dominican Republic. The original article from MLB.com is a concise concatenate of Latino Baseball Heroes and speaks to the inspiration behind the creation of their Hall of Fame. I sincerely hope to visit one day. You can read that great article HERE.
Off the top of my head there are some names I would consider myself for induction into the Latino Hall of Fame that haven't been so already. They are Ed Figueroa, Mario Soto, Benito Santiago and Vinny Castilla.
This is something I definitely want to delve deeper into. Look for a posting one day.
And if you remember last winter, I love me some Winter League Baseball. I'll be covering the games again this season.
********************
Do You Remember Washington Park's WALL?
This article appeared in Tuesday's NY Daily News.
I have been in contact with two persons at Con-Ed about the wall, and they have provided me with a few more names and numbers to contact. My question moving foward with their project is the issue of Historic Signage placed on or at the wall. I'll keep you updated about that.
Across the street at the other of the two Washington Park locations, I've been having a semi-ongoing conversation with "admin" of the park (to protect the innocent). The tid-bits of information I've learned regarding the Board's apathy towards the preservation of Brooklyn's historic Baseball past is disturbing. However, I was told better sense is around the corner. They are finally getting around to addressing the proper respect this park should be recieving regarding it's history as former home to the Brooklyn Dodgers. I speak with respect to the field where the Vintage Games I photographed were played.
The Board's priorities always favored the history involving George Washington and this being a HQ for him during the Battle of Brooklyn and promoting that aspect of the park. Baseball it was feared would over shadow that. But there are more friendlies in administration these days and the park's past will be revisited.
Likewise, stay tuned for more developments.
The section of wall in the background
is the section of wall to be preserved
These pictures depict Federal League activities.
the Brooklyn TipTops are in white.
1914-1915
Mike.BTB
NYK ~ Knickerbocker Knockin'
Clear your throats; - Use your best Gus Johnson impersonation and yell out, "I'm Jim Dolan! And I fire good radio announcers! Ah..HA!
The Knicks fired their radio voice, Gus Johnson, citing Gus' many outside interests interfered with his Knick responsibilities.
While that may be true in management's view, I have news for the Knicks. Gus Johnson was one of the very few reasons to pay attention to the Knicks through-out the Zeke Era and into the present. Donnie Walsh has come a long way towards changing Knick fan's perceptions (like me). By the time Donnie was brought in, this organization was a complete and utter mess and at least Gus Johnson made the Knicks a good listen because they certainly weren't a good watch. I listen to a preponderance of Knicks games on radio because I enjoyed Gus Johnson's call while I had something else on the TV. I would watch the "rewind" after the evening games wound down.
Dolan fired a big asset to the company because at least Gus kept guys like me tethered ever so precariously to this team, of which I have always been a big fan since early childhood and the Lonnie Sheldon days. But the Knicks have tried my very last nerve over the last 9 years and the Nets coming to Brooklyn is a very conflicting situation for me which hasn't boded well for the Knicks.
And (Dolan) still is not done. I believe he doesn't like his organization in the hands of someone David Stern kinda nudged Dolan to hire. And Dolan is looking for an opening to re-org again; his way.
This is the same Jim Dolan who continues to allow Zeke to lurk in the theoretical back alleys and shadows of MSG, hidden from our view; waiting to rise again like the Phoenix out of the renovation dust in the new Madison Square Garden. This is the same Jim Dolan who won't allow Donnie Walsh to bring in Chris Mullin. Why? Because Zeke still has Dolan's attention.
And that's where the Knicks lost a little more of mine (attention).
A part time Gus Johnson is better than a no-time Gus Johnson. Mike Crispino was named Gus' replacement. Really? This is like going from the Patrick Ewing Era to the Kieth Van Horn Era. C'mon!
Really?
The Donnie Walsh Era has a very short shelf-life folks. We knew that going into this. Jim Dolan signing off on Gus Johnson's dismissal is a very stark reminder of that. Why? The guy upstairs is just dying to get Donnie out of here.
...But that's just me thinking out loud.
UPDATED Friday October 22nd ~ The next day after all the reports Gus got fired, he could be heard on radio saying he did not get fired. And as of today's media reports, they've been revised to inform the Knicks and Gus Johnson could not come to an agreement on a new contract.
This still doesn't change what I said.
BTB out.
Mike
While that may be true in management's view, I have news for the Knicks. Gus Johnson was one of the very few reasons to pay attention to the Knicks through-out the Zeke Era and into the present. Donnie Walsh has come a long way towards changing Knick fan's perceptions (like me). By the time Donnie was brought in, this organization was a complete and utter mess and at least Gus Johnson made the Knicks a good listen because they certainly weren't a good watch. I listen to a preponderance of Knicks games on radio because I enjoyed Gus Johnson's call while I had something else on the TV. I would watch the "rewind" after the evening games wound down.
Dolan fired a big asset to the company because at least Gus kept guys like me tethered ever so precariously to this team, of which I have always been a big fan since early childhood and the Lonnie Sheldon days. But the Knicks have tried my very last nerve over the last 9 years and the Nets coming to Brooklyn is a very conflicting situation for me which hasn't boded well for the Knicks.
And (Dolan) still is not done. I believe he doesn't like his organization in the hands of someone David Stern kinda nudged Dolan to hire. And Dolan is looking for an opening to re-org again; his way.
This is the same Jim Dolan who continues to allow Zeke to lurk in the theoretical back alleys and shadows of MSG, hidden from our view; waiting to rise again like the Phoenix out of the renovation dust in the new Madison Square Garden. This is the same Jim Dolan who won't allow Donnie Walsh to bring in Chris Mullin. Why? Because Zeke still has Dolan's attention.
And that's where the Knicks lost a little more of mine (attention).
A part time Gus Johnson is better than a no-time Gus Johnson. Mike Crispino was named Gus' replacement. Really? This is like going from the Patrick Ewing Era to the Kieth Van Horn Era. C'mon!
Really?
The Donnie Walsh Era has a very short shelf-life folks. We knew that going into this. Jim Dolan signing off on Gus Johnson's dismissal is a very stark reminder of that. Why? The guy upstairs is just dying to get Donnie out of here.
...But that's just me thinking out loud.
UPDATED Friday October 22nd ~ The next day after all the reports Gus got fired, he could be heard on radio saying he did not get fired. And as of today's media reports, they've been revised to inform the Knicks and Gus Johnson could not come to an agreement on a new contract.
This still doesn't change what I said.
BTB out.
Mike
NYG ~ Mid-Week Big Blue Views; Offense
Coach Kevin Gilbride called thirty run plays and thirty pass plays against the Lions last week. No matter what I say, that's balance. It's hard to knock him for that. But I'll take my shots.
In my WEEK 6 Preview I pretty much nailed the number of plays at 60. But what I had in mind, because I thought last week would be an optimum week to commit hard to the run game to the tune of 40 rushes, was Eli being limited to 20 to 25 pass attempts. I wanted to see Brandon Jacobs' rushing attempts receive a substantial uptick. I was thinking along the lines of 20 carries for Jacobs; 20 carries for Bradshaw and limiting Eli to the same (number) 20 passes (give or take).
Don't get me wrong. I have always been Eli's staunchest supporter since he was a rookie... The wide receiving corps are really coming into their own. Hakeem Nicks and Eli are becoming all the rage. Manningham, Steve Smith and the rest have Plaxico Burress safely in our rear view mirror. My issues are with Gilbride and his Pass Happy Philosophy. He throws too much. That's my problem with him.
It's just me. I can not come to grips that the Giants, with Eli and Coach Gilbride, are a passing team now. I'm 43 years old and that's just not what I was brought up on, nor what I'm accustomed to. You think I would gotten over it by now considering Eli and Gilbride have been here a while. Uh..., no. I believe in the old Vince Lombardi and Bill Parcell's mantras:
"Run To Daylight" and "Run With Power".
Ahmad Bradshaw got his usual allotment of carries and broke 100 yards for the second consecutive week. There appears to be zero to no lingering affects from his off-season surgery to both lower appendages. On the contrary, he's breaking the ankles of defenses with his cuts, and elusiveness.
Brandon Jacobs, still a bit mystifying to us Giants fans, is progressing well. He's been a force, pounding the ball into the end-zone when the Giants are down low. This week he was good for two more short yardage touchdowns. As the Offensive Line gets healthier, so will Jacobs' effectiveness.
But Coach Gilbride, I beg of you, increase his rushes and let him establish a groove. Please, for one game, make him your feature back and see if he can still wear-out a defense. We don't see effects of a Brandon Jacobs' type attack till well into the third quarter; and not till the fourth quarters do defenses start to get pushed back off the line of scrimmage; a result of just getting beat down by the O-Line and Brandon. But you have to commit a game plan to that end. That is something the Giants coaching staff seems unwilling to do. But that's just me being idealistic. The ground game has been effective over the weeks and getting better; Jacobs and Gilbride's usage of him included.
The Offensive Line is getting a little healthier and better every week. Center Shaun O'Hara seems like he's back. Adam Koets has done an admirable job in Shaun's place if you ask me. Shaun O'Hara's return has to be a relief for David Deihl also. Kareem McKenzie was a much more calm, cool and collected player this week inducing a personal foul. His own personal fouls from a few weeks ago were a definite aberration. Chris Snee and Rich Seubert have been solid. When the veteran unit is finally re-assembled and fully healthy, I'm expecting to see a vastly different Offense.; one with much more consistency.
Last week against the Lions, the offense's inability to get first downs down the stretch (my water mark has been from the 8 minute mark of the 3rd quarter on..) kept Detroit alive. We could not convert on third down. Period. At one point it took the Giants seven plays to punch the ball into the end-zone from inside the 7 yard line. What saved the Giants' hides last week was the Lions propensity to get called for penalties. The Lions committed 11 penalties for a little under 100 yards. That more than anything kept the ball moving for the Giants down the stretch; not so much Big Blue's execution.
And if Detroit didn't have to spend all their time-outs trying to get a stop and the ball back...., the Giants were facing even more trouble.
Time (and Detroit's lack of discipline) as much as anything, get an assist in the Giants victory over the Lions.
(next game ~ at Dallas)
Mike.BTB
In my WEEK 6 Preview I pretty much nailed the number of plays at 60. But what I had in mind, because I thought last week would be an optimum week to commit hard to the run game to the tune of 40 rushes, was Eli being limited to 20 to 25 pass attempts. I wanted to see Brandon Jacobs' rushing attempts receive a substantial uptick. I was thinking along the lines of 20 carries for Jacobs; 20 carries for Bradshaw and limiting Eli to the same (number) 20 passes (give or take).
Don't get me wrong. I have always been Eli's staunchest supporter since he was a rookie... The wide receiving corps are really coming into their own. Hakeem Nicks and Eli are becoming all the rage. Manningham, Steve Smith and the rest have Plaxico Burress safely in our rear view mirror. My issues are with Gilbride and his Pass Happy Philosophy. He throws too much. That's my problem with him.
It's just me. I can not come to grips that the Giants, with Eli and Coach Gilbride, are a passing team now. I'm 43 years old and that's just not what I was brought up on, nor what I'm accustomed to. You think I would gotten over it by now considering Eli and Gilbride have been here a while. Uh..., no. I believe in the old Vince Lombardi and Bill Parcell's mantras:
"Run To Daylight" and "Run With Power".
Ahmad Bradshaw got his usual allotment of carries and broke 100 yards for the second consecutive week. There appears to be zero to no lingering affects from his off-season surgery to both lower appendages. On the contrary, he's breaking the ankles of defenses with his cuts, and elusiveness.
Brandon Jacobs, still a bit mystifying to us Giants fans, is progressing well. He's been a force, pounding the ball into the end-zone when the Giants are down low. This week he was good for two more short yardage touchdowns. As the Offensive Line gets healthier, so will Jacobs' effectiveness.
But Coach Gilbride, I beg of you, increase his rushes and let him establish a groove. Please, for one game, make him your feature back and see if he can still wear-out a defense. We don't see effects of a Brandon Jacobs' type attack till well into the third quarter; and not till the fourth quarters do defenses start to get pushed back off the line of scrimmage; a result of just getting beat down by the O-Line and Brandon. But you have to commit a game plan to that end. That is something the Giants coaching staff seems unwilling to do. But that's just me being idealistic. The ground game has been effective over the weeks and getting better; Jacobs and Gilbride's usage of him included.
The Offensive Line is getting a little healthier and better every week. Center Shaun O'Hara seems like he's back. Adam Koets has done an admirable job in Shaun's place if you ask me. Shaun O'Hara's return has to be a relief for David Deihl also. Kareem McKenzie was a much more calm, cool and collected player this week inducing a personal foul. His own personal fouls from a few weeks ago were a definite aberration. Chris Snee and Rich Seubert have been solid. When the veteran unit is finally re-assembled and fully healthy, I'm expecting to see a vastly different Offense.; one with much more consistency.
Last week against the Lions, the offense's inability to get first downs down the stretch (my water mark has been from the 8 minute mark of the 3rd quarter on..) kept Detroit alive. We could not convert on third down. Period. At one point it took the Giants seven plays to punch the ball into the end-zone from inside the 7 yard line. What saved the Giants' hides last week was the Lions propensity to get called for penalties. The Lions committed 11 penalties for a little under 100 yards. That more than anything kept the ball moving for the Giants down the stretch; not so much Big Blue's execution.
And if Detroit didn't have to spend all their time-outs trying to get a stop and the ball back...., the Giants were facing even more trouble.
Time (and Detroit's lack of discipline) as much as anything, get an assist in the Giants victory over the Lions.
(next game ~ at Dallas)
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
2010 ALCS ~ Rangers vs Yankees ~ Game 5
2010
AMERICAN LEAGUE
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
GAME FIVE
Texas Rangers
vs
New York Yankees
Bronx, New York
C.J. WILSON (TEX) vs C.C. SABATHIA (NYY)
TEXAS RANGERS
Lead Series 3-1
In the heart of South Bronx sits a place synonymous with Autumn and Baseball's post-season. There's a game today that will be played there, like so many October games played during a different era when America was still relatively unaffected by looming, dramatic changes. Today's leg in the great Chase for the American League Pennant takes place under a gray, overcast, with a stillness in the air, Fall afternoon sky.
Championship Baseball in the October daytime shadows; Like it used to be. There is nothing quite like it.
PLAY BALL!
Pre-Game; NYY ~ Win Three or Else.
The New York Yankees send CC Sabathia to the mound in the hopes he can stave off elimination from this year's post-season. The Texas Rangers lead this series three games to one and pretty much have out-played the Yankees in just about every aspect of the Game. The Yanks will have to do it without Mark Teixeira who stained his hamstring in last night's game. The grade-2 strain will sideline Teixeira the rest of the playoffs, however long they last for the Bombers.
But the Yankees' backs are indeed backed up against the wall. There is no game six without a victory today.
Outside of the five run eighth inning the Yanks had in game one, the offense has been out to lunch; all but Robinson Cano, who's been insanely hot. If the Yanks are to win today and even-up this series afterwards, they need to hit; bottom line. Say what you will about Girardi and his decisions or about the starting pitching let-downs. These are the Bronx Bombers and it's high time they lived up to the name.
The Texas Rangers have been beating the Yankees playing and excelling at their own brand of Baseball. The time is now, for the Yankees to start playing their own brand of Baseball and slug teams into submission. Then with a lead you create the bridge to Mariano Rivera and make him a factor in this series again. They have no choice.
Win three games or clean out your lockers.
RANGERS 2
YANKEES 7
FINAL
Texas Rangers lead series 3-2 after tonight's game.
Pitching:
Texas Rangers lead series 3-2 after tonight's game.
New York Yankees:
JETER 1-4; single, walk
SWISHER 1-4; 2 runs, Home Run, rbi, walk
CANO 1-4; run, Home Run, rbi
RODRIGUEZ 1-2; run, double, 2 walks, stolen base
THAMES 0-3; walk
BERKMAN 0-2; run, walk, K, rbi
POSADA 2-4; run, double, K, rbi
GRANDERSON 3-4; run, double, Home Run, 2 rbi
GARDNER 0-3; 2 K's
POSADA 2-4; run, double, K, rbi
GRANDERSON 3-4; run, double, Home Run, 2 rbi
GARDNER 0-3; 2 K's
Pitching:
1) - SABATHIA - SP - WINNING PITCHER
112 pitches ~ 74 strikes
6.0 innings pitched
11 hits
2 runs/earned
0 walks
7 strikeouts
1 home run
2) - K. WOOD - RP - 7th inning
28 pitches ~ 21 strikes
2.0 innings pitched
1 hit
0 runs
0 walks
3 strikeouts
3) - MARIANO RIVERA - RP - 9th inning
Non-Save Situation
23 pitches ~ 15 strikes
1 inning pitched
1 hit
0 runs
0 walks
0 strikeout
POST GAME: It's Gonna Be a Good Ol' Time in Big Texas.
There is Life! Game Six here we come.
The Bronx Bombers were in the house. Home runs by Swisher, Cano and Granderson powered the Yankees to victory over the Rangers tonight at the Stadium. Texas will not be doing any Square Dancing or Two Steppin' on the Yankees' home field or any where in the Bronx for that matter. It's straight to the airport for everybody as the series shifts back to Big Texas for the next game, and if needed a deciding seventh game.
CC Sabathia, clearly more effective in this outing than last, mowed down 7 Rangers by himself as his team-mates helped with the rest over six innings. Kerry Wood muted the Rangers for two more innings before Mariano Rivera came on in the ninth to finish Texas off and any idea they may have had about celebrating an American League Championship in New York City tonight.
C.J. Wilson got tagged for six runs runs, but only five were earned. He was flat and right over the plate, coming in belt-high. His ineffectiveness was evident early as he surrendered back to back home runs to Swisher and Cano. But you knew the Yankee bats couldn't be silenced that long and by this Texas rotation..., right?
Whether C.J. Wilson was up to the task or not, the Yankees did what they have to do in order to win. The Yankees hit home runs. If they don't hit home runs, they're usually not winning. Yankee Baseball is predicated on starting pitching, yes, but the are designed primarily to hit home runs in bunches.
The Rangers threw the ball around, committed an error and played unlike they have in this series till now. Their defense was a liability tonight. They did not run the bases well at all (actually, they were horrible). The starting pitching was not effective as the Rangers fell behind early. And the middle of the line-up was dormant. All these factors contributed to the Rangers' inability to close this series out tonight.
The Rangers need a short memory. They just need to get a good night's sleep over the next two evenings and take their home field with confidence. If they do that and take what the game gives them, as Ron Washington says, they'll have two supreme chances to erase tonight's setback.
Hope lives for the Bombers. For Texas however, the old adage rings true; The fourth game is always the hardest to win.
112 pitches ~ 74 strikes
6.0 innings pitched
11 hits
2 runs/earned
0 walks
7 strikeouts
1 home run
2) - K. WOOD - RP - 7th inning
28 pitches ~ 21 strikes
2.0 innings pitched
1 hit
0 runs
0 walks
3 strikeouts
3) - MARIANO RIVERA - RP - 9th inning
Non-Save Situation
23 pitches ~ 15 strikes
1 inning pitched
1 hit
0 runs
0 walks
0 strikeout
POST GAME: It's Gonna Be a Good Ol' Time in Big Texas.
There is Life! Game Six here we come.
The Bronx Bombers were in the house. Home runs by Swisher, Cano and Granderson powered the Yankees to victory over the Rangers tonight at the Stadium. Texas will not be doing any Square Dancing or Two Steppin' on the Yankees' home field or any where in the Bronx for that matter. It's straight to the airport for everybody as the series shifts back to Big Texas for the next game, and if needed a deciding seventh game.
CC Sabathia, clearly more effective in this outing than last, mowed down 7 Rangers by himself as his team-mates helped with the rest over six innings. Kerry Wood muted the Rangers for two more innings before Mariano Rivera came on in the ninth to finish Texas off and any idea they may have had about celebrating an American League Championship in New York City tonight.
C.J. Wilson got tagged for six runs runs, but only five were earned. He was flat and right over the plate, coming in belt-high. His ineffectiveness was evident early as he surrendered back to back home runs to Swisher and Cano. But you knew the Yankee bats couldn't be silenced that long and by this Texas rotation..., right?
Whether C.J. Wilson was up to the task or not, the Yankees did what they have to do in order to win. The Yankees hit home runs. If they don't hit home runs, they're usually not winning. Yankee Baseball is predicated on starting pitching, yes, but the are designed primarily to hit home runs in bunches.
The Rangers threw the ball around, committed an error and played unlike they have in this series till now. Their defense was a liability tonight. They did not run the bases well at all (actually, they were horrible). The starting pitching was not effective as the Rangers fell behind early. And the middle of the line-up was dormant. All these factors contributed to the Rangers' inability to close this series out tonight.
The Rangers need a short memory. They just need to get a good night's sleep over the next two evenings and take their home field with confidence. If they do that and take what the game gives them, as Ron Washington says, they'll have two supreme chances to erase tonight's setback.
Hope lives for the Bombers. For Texas however, the old adage rings true; The fourth game is always the hardest to win.
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
2010 ALCS ~ Rangers at Yankees ~ Game 4
2010
AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
GAME FOUR
TEXAS RANGERS
vs
NEW YORK YANKEES
Bronx, New York
Tommy Hunter (Tex) vs. A.J. Burnett (NYY)
Rangers 10
Yankees 3
FINAL SCORE
The Texas Rangers now lead the best of seven series;
3-1
New York:
JETER 2-5; run, double, triple
GRANDERSON 1-3; single, 2 walks, rbi
TEIXEIRA 0-3; K ***Left game with injury in 5th inning***
pr-Thames (5th inning-rf)
pr-Thames (5th inning-rf)
RODRIGUEZ 0-2; run, walk, HBP
CANO 2-3; run, single, Home Run, walk, rbi
SWISHER-RF, 1B 0-3; 2 K's
BERKMAN 1-3; single, K
GARDNER 1-3; single, fielder's choice, rbi, K
CERVELLI 0-3; K (ph)
ph-POSADA 8th inning ~ 0-2; K
ph-POSADA 8th inning ~ 0-2; K
Pitchers:
1) - AJ BURNETT - SP
99 pitches ~ 62 strikes
6 innings pitched
6 hits
5 runs/earned
3 walks
4 strikeouts
1 home run
2) - D. ROBERSON -RP - 7th inning
8 pitches ~ 5 strikes
0.2 innings pitched
0 hits
0 runs
0 walks
1 strikeout
3) - B. LOGAN - RP - 7th inning
2 pitches ~ 1 strike
0.0 innings pitched
1 hit
1 run; earned
0 walks
0 strikeouts
One Home Run Allowed
4) - The JOBA "Ruse" - RP - 7th inning
26 pitches ~ 14 strikes
1.1 innings pitched
3 hits
1 run; earned
1 walk
1 strikeout
5) - S. MITRE - RP - 9th inning
23 pitches ~ 12 strikes
1 inning pitched
3 hits
3 runs; earned
1 walk
0 strikeouts
2 Home Runs Allowed
99 pitches ~ 62 strikes
6 innings pitched
6 hits
5 runs/earned
3 walks
4 strikeouts
1 home run
2) - D. ROBERSON -RP - 7th inning
8 pitches ~ 5 strikes
0.2 innings pitched
0 hits
0 runs
0 walks
1 strikeout
3) - B. LOGAN - RP - 7th inning
2 pitches ~ 1 strike
0.0 innings pitched
1 hit
1 run; earned
0 walks
0 strikeouts
One Home Run Allowed
4) - The JOBA "Ruse" - RP - 7th inning
26 pitches ~ 14 strikes
1.1 innings pitched
3 hits
1 run; earned
1 walk
1 strikeout
5) - S. MITRE - RP - 9th inning
23 pitches ~ 12 strikes
1 inning pitched
3 hits
3 runs; earned
1 walk
0 strikeouts
2 Home Runs Allowed
Texas:
Andrus
Young
Hamilton ~ 2 HR today; 4th Home Run of series.
Guerrero
Cruz ~ Two Run Home Run.
Kinsler
Murphy
Molina ~ Three Run Home Run.
Moreland
Pitching:
1) - TOMMY HUNTER - SP
70 pitches ~ 46 strikes
3.1 innings pitched
5 hits
3 runs, earned
0 walks
5 strikeouts
1 home run
2) - DEREK HOLLAND - RP
54 pitches ~ 30 strikes
3.2 innings pitched
1 hit
0 runs
2 walks
3 strikeouts
70 pitches ~ 46 strikes
3.1 innings pitched
5 hits
3 runs, earned
0 walks
5 strikeouts
1 home run
2) - DEREK HOLLAND - RP
54 pitches ~ 30 strikes
3.2 innings pitched
1 hit
0 runs
2 walks
3 strikeouts
3) - DARREN O'DAY - RP - 8th inning
4) - CLAY RAPADA - RP - 8th inning
5) - DARREN OLIVER - RP - 8th inning
6) -
In-Game Comments:
FIRST INNING
* AJ Burnett retires first three batters in order.
* After 1st at-bat tonight, Teixeira is now 0-12 in series.
* Yankees out in order in bottom of 1st inning.
SECOND INNING
* AJ Burnett looking sharp early on. Three strikeouts in first two innings. Retires first six batters.
27 pitches/21 strikes.
* Hunter brushes back ARod with a high hard one.
* ROBINSON CANO Solo Home Run. Ron Washington argues fans reached over yellow line
(RF Wall) and that fans made contact with Cruz' glove during attempted catch. Home Run stands.
* LANCE BERKMAN Solo Home Run. Wrapped around the RF foul pole. Here comes Ron Washington again ~ Fair or Foul? Replay looks like ball was foul ~ There go the umpires off the field for a Review ~ And...The HR will not stand; FOUL BALL.
* Hunter got jobbed on a strike three call to Berkman in same at-bat. Hunter gets a call back; Berkman strikes out looking at a fastball at the knees.
THIRD INNING
* AJ Burnett walks his first batter (Murphy).
* Home Plate Umpire calling the low strike tonight.
* (TEX-Molina) Ball in dirt; Wild Pitch; then followed by a HBP > Molina. Rangers runners on first and third one out after Sac Bunt by Moreland. Great play by TEX preventing a hit; score the play 3 to 1. Runner from third base scores. Runner at third, two outs. Infield dribbler by Young, not handled cleanly scores runner (Molina) from third base. Rangers score two runs this inning.
* Hunter records 4th strikeout (third in a row).
* Derek Jeter misses Home Run by inches, hitting off CF wall; Triple with two outs. Kinsler could not handle a Granderson line drive. Jeter scores from third base. BALK against Hunter; Granderson to second base (called by home plate Ump Hernandez).
* Teixeira is now 0-13 in the series.
*** DEREK JETER has scored his 32nd run in ALCS play***
FOURTH INNING
* VLAD had a disgusting looking at-bat and singled up the middle. Vlad is stranded at first.
* ARod 2 for 14 this series; HUNTER comes high and tight to ARod again and hits him this time.
* HUNTER is coming up on 50 pitches; the Texas bullpen is now active.
* Cano single to left; ARod to second base; no outs. Mike Maddux, TEX Pitching Coach visits mound. Hunter is clearly stressing ~ 3-2 count to Swisher; 1st and 2nd...High Fastball Strikes Out Swisher! Stress this! One out for Berkman (FAT ELVIS) ~ Pitch number 70 is on the way..and another full count, to Berkman ~ base hit through 1b-2b hole to RF; runners hold. ARod would have been out by a mile. Washington is coming out to make a pitching change.
* Now Pitching for TEXAS, DEREK HOLLAND ~ bases loaded; one out; Brett Gardner up ~
first pitch 95mph fastball for a strike ~ 2nd pitch 96mph ~ Shattered bat breaks camera lens and a Great DIVING PLAY by Andrus diving to right and getting force out at third base. ARod scores; two outs for Cervelli ~ Looks at strike three; fastball 96mph.
* Yankees take lead and get into Texas bullpen in the 4th inning. That may play huge in the coming frames. Already up by a run the Yankees can turn this into a blow-out during these middle innings.
FIFTH INNING
* TEIXEIRA ain't hitting a lick but his defense has been stellar tonight, as usual. He just started the 3-6-1 double play.
* AJ starting to battle himself a bit also; walks YOUNG. Hamilton to plate with runners on 1st and 2nd; two outs; HAMILTON ~
*** First Jeffery Maher made an appearance in RF tonight....NOW Steve Bartman showed up down the left field line; foiled GARDNER's attempt to catch a foul in the stands!!!
...Hamilton's at-bat ~ Flies out to CF.
* AJ pitches through the 5th inning with the Yankees leading 3-2.
* That stupid Yankee fan down the left field line gets to walk out of the Stadium tonight a very lucky man as there was no harm done. The fans showered him with BRONX CHEERS; rest assured about that.
* Yankees up in the bottom half ~ DEREK JETER doubles off the RF wall! GRANDERSON ~ 4 pitch walk.
* Pitching coach Maddux out to mound again.
* Teixeira at-bat ~ two on base and no outs ~ TEIXEIRA might be HURT! ~ a bouncer to 3b and Rangers get the force out at 3b; Teixeira is safe at first. Teixeira pulls up LAME with what appears to be a hamstring pull. He's out of the game and THAMES replaces him as the runner on first base.
* ARod up at bat ~ 1st and 2nd with one out ~ DOUBLE PLAY 6 to 4 to 3! End of inning.
* The Yankees still can not get a key hit with runners on!
SIXTH INNING
* AJ comes out for the sixth inning. The Yankees let the Rangers hang around this game thus far.
* BENGIE MOLINA HITS A THREE RUN HOME RUN...pulled down the left field line; scoring Murphy (walk) and Cruz.
* Rangers take the lead 5-3.
* If the Yankees were going to walk Murphy anyway with the bullpen warming-up....why would Girardi open himself up to the Classic second guess? This is all they will be talking about tomorrow. Sheesh!
* Derek Holland completes another inning of scoreless relief. Yankees go quietly in the bottom half of the inning.
* Not being able to get a key hit with runners on and in scoring position officially came back to bite them in the butt.
SEVENTH INNING
* Girardi just pulled Robertson for Logan. Hmmm.
* JOSH HAMILTON has just hit his third Home Run this series. Joe Girardi is coming out. Boone Logan is out...JOBA is coming in.
* VLAD hits JOBA's first pitch into the LF/CF gap for a double.
* JOBA walks Cruz.
* Base hit KINSLER; VLAD scores from 2nd base. Yankees just got victimized with a dinky-dunk they've killed so many teams with.
STRETCH!!
* Bottom 7th ~ (O'DAY warming up for Texas) Holland still pitching ~ Gardner lead-off batter ~ grounds out.
* Posada pinch hits for Cervelli. Strikes out swinging!
* Derek Holland (TEX) retired his 7th in a row!!
* Derek Jeter is retired; hit the ball on the nose.
EIGHTH INNING
* MOLINA lead-off single off JOBA.
* Rangers have left 7 on base tonight. Yankees coming up.
* HOLLAND issues a lead-off walk to Granderson.
* Out comes Washington...out come Holland ~ In comes Darren O'Day to pitch for TEXAS
* At-bat ~ THAMES ~ Strikes out. One out ~ One on for ARod (2 for 15 in series) - WALKS.
* Robinson Cano...Washington is coming out of dugout again. RAPADA will replace O'DAY.
* Cano at-bat ~ (7 for 15 in the series) ~ 1st and 2nd with one out ~ WALK!! BASES LOADED.
* Washington out again....Rapada is out; DARREN OLIVER is in. SWISHER coming up; one out.
HERE WE GO!
* Oliver vs Swisher ~ strike one-ball one (he was actually hit by that pitch)...next pitch he flies out to CF. Non-call by umpire ~ ball brushed Swisher's pant leg. 2 OUTS
* Berkman with two outs ~ strike one-strike two-ball one- ground ball to short...force out at 2nd base. Sparkling play by YOUNG at 3rd base.
* Rangers escape inning.
* Yankees fail to get the big hit....AGAIN.
NINTH INNING
* (NYY) S.Mitre in to pitch.
* JOSH HAMILTON HITS HIS 2nd HOME RUN of the NIGHT; 4Th of SERIES...into the bullpen.
* VLAD ~ infield base hit.
Awful lot of empty seats at the Stadium.
* ...AND NELSON CRUZ Crushes a Mitre pitch and loses it into the second deck of LF. 10-3 TEXAS!
...And the Stadium is almost empty now.
* The Yankees led this game 3-2 with two outs in the 6th inning. Joe Girardi will feel the wrath of the sports radio talkers and scribes for today's mismanagement of the pitching changes.
* Three more runs for the Rangers.
* Here come the Yankees for their "Last Licks".
* TEXAS ~ Oliver starts the 9th inning ~ Gardner leads off with a base hit. He takes 2nd base on Catcher's Indifference. Gardner moves to 3rd base on ground out by Posada.
* JETER pops up. Jeter is now 5 for 18 in the series.
* Granderson lines out.
* END OF GAME
* ROBINSON CANO Solo Home Run. Ron Washington argues fans reached over yellow line
(RF Wall) and that fans made contact with Cruz' glove during attempted catch. Home Run stands.
* LANCE BERKMAN Solo Home Run. Wrapped around the RF foul pole. Here comes Ron Washington again ~ Fair or Foul? Replay looks like ball was foul ~ There go the umpires off the field for a Review ~ And...The HR will not stand; FOUL BALL.
* Hunter got jobbed on a strike three call to Berkman in same at-bat. Hunter gets a call back; Berkman strikes out looking at a fastball at the knees.
THIRD INNING
* AJ Burnett walks his first batter (Murphy).
* Home Plate Umpire calling the low strike tonight.
* (TEX-Molina) Ball in dirt; Wild Pitch; then followed by a HBP > Molina. Rangers runners on first and third one out after Sac Bunt by Moreland. Great play by TEX preventing a hit; score the play 3 to 1. Runner from third base scores. Runner at third, two outs. Infield dribbler by Young, not handled cleanly scores runner (Molina) from third base. Rangers score two runs this inning.
* Hunter records 4th strikeout (third in a row).
* Derek Jeter misses Home Run by inches, hitting off CF wall; Triple with two outs. Kinsler could not handle a Granderson line drive. Jeter scores from third base. BALK against Hunter; Granderson to second base (called by home plate Ump Hernandez).
* Teixeira is now 0-13 in the series.
*** DEREK JETER has scored his 32nd run in ALCS play***
FOURTH INNING
* VLAD had a disgusting looking at-bat and singled up the middle. Vlad is stranded at first.
* ARod 2 for 14 this series; HUNTER comes high and tight to ARod again and hits him this time.
* HUNTER is coming up on 50 pitches; the Texas bullpen is now active.
* Cano single to left; ARod to second base; no outs. Mike Maddux, TEX Pitching Coach visits mound. Hunter is clearly stressing ~ 3-2 count to Swisher; 1st and 2nd...High Fastball Strikes Out Swisher! Stress this! One out for Berkman (FAT ELVIS) ~ Pitch number 70 is on the way..and another full count, to Berkman ~ base hit through 1b-2b hole to RF; runners hold. ARod would have been out by a mile. Washington is coming out to make a pitching change.
* Now Pitching for TEXAS, DEREK HOLLAND ~ bases loaded; one out; Brett Gardner up ~
first pitch 95mph fastball for a strike ~ 2nd pitch 96mph ~ Shattered bat breaks camera lens and a Great DIVING PLAY by Andrus diving to right and getting force out at third base. ARod scores; two outs for Cervelli ~ Looks at strike three; fastball 96mph.
* Yankees take lead and get into Texas bullpen in the 4th inning. That may play huge in the coming frames. Already up by a run the Yankees can turn this into a blow-out during these middle innings.
FIFTH INNING
* TEIXEIRA ain't hitting a lick but his defense has been stellar tonight, as usual. He just started the 3-6-1 double play.
* AJ starting to battle himself a bit also; walks YOUNG. Hamilton to plate with runners on 1st and 2nd; two outs; HAMILTON ~
*** First Jeffery Maher made an appearance in RF tonight....NOW Steve Bartman showed up down the left field line; foiled GARDNER's attempt to catch a foul in the stands!!!
...Hamilton's at-bat ~ Flies out to CF.
* AJ pitches through the 5th inning with the Yankees leading 3-2.
* That stupid Yankee fan down the left field line gets to walk out of the Stadium tonight a very lucky man as there was no harm done. The fans showered him with BRONX CHEERS; rest assured about that.
* Yankees up in the bottom half ~ DEREK JETER doubles off the RF wall! GRANDERSON ~ 4 pitch walk.
* Pitching coach Maddux out to mound again.
* Teixeira at-bat ~ two on base and no outs ~ TEIXEIRA might be HURT! ~ a bouncer to 3b and Rangers get the force out at 3b; Teixeira is safe at first. Teixeira pulls up LAME with what appears to be a hamstring pull. He's out of the game and THAMES replaces him as the runner on first base.
* ARod up at bat ~ 1st and 2nd with one out ~ DOUBLE PLAY 6 to 4 to 3! End of inning.
* The Yankees still can not get a key hit with runners on!
SIXTH INNING
* AJ comes out for the sixth inning. The Yankees let the Rangers hang around this game thus far.
* BENGIE MOLINA HITS A THREE RUN HOME RUN...pulled down the left field line; scoring Murphy (walk) and Cruz.
* Rangers take the lead 5-3.
* If the Yankees were going to walk Murphy anyway with the bullpen warming-up....why would Girardi open himself up to the Classic second guess? This is all they will be talking about tomorrow. Sheesh!
* Derek Holland completes another inning of scoreless relief. Yankees go quietly in the bottom half of the inning.
* Not being able to get a key hit with runners on and in scoring position officially came back to bite them in the butt.
SEVENTH INNING
* Girardi just pulled Robertson for Logan. Hmmm.
* JOSH HAMILTON has just hit his third Home Run this series. Joe Girardi is coming out. Boone Logan is out...JOBA is coming in.
* VLAD hits JOBA's first pitch into the LF/CF gap for a double.
* JOBA walks Cruz.
* Base hit KINSLER; VLAD scores from 2nd base. Yankees just got victimized with a dinky-dunk they've killed so many teams with.
STRETCH!!
* Bottom 7th ~ (O'DAY warming up for Texas) Holland still pitching ~ Gardner lead-off batter ~ grounds out.
* Posada pinch hits for Cervelli. Strikes out swinging!
* Derek Holland (TEX) retired his 7th in a row!!
* Derek Jeter is retired; hit the ball on the nose.
EIGHTH INNING
* MOLINA lead-off single off JOBA.
* Rangers have left 7 on base tonight. Yankees coming up.
* HOLLAND issues a lead-off walk to Granderson.
* Out comes Washington...out come Holland ~ In comes Darren O'Day to pitch for TEXAS
* At-bat ~ THAMES ~ Strikes out. One out ~ One on for ARod (2 for 15 in series) - WALKS.
* Robinson Cano...Washington is coming out of dugout again. RAPADA will replace O'DAY.
* Cano at-bat ~ (7 for 15 in the series) ~ 1st and 2nd with one out ~ WALK!! BASES LOADED.
* Washington out again....Rapada is out; DARREN OLIVER is in. SWISHER coming up; one out.
HERE WE GO!
* Oliver vs Swisher ~ strike one-ball one (he was actually hit by that pitch)...next pitch he flies out to CF. Non-call by umpire ~ ball brushed Swisher's pant leg. 2 OUTS
* Berkman with two outs ~ strike one-strike two-ball one- ground ball to short...force out at 2nd base. Sparkling play by YOUNG at 3rd base.
* Rangers escape inning.
* Yankees fail to get the big hit....AGAIN.
NINTH INNING
* (NYY) S.Mitre in to pitch.
* JOSH HAMILTON HITS HIS 2nd HOME RUN of the NIGHT; 4Th of SERIES...into the bullpen.
* VLAD ~ infield base hit.
Awful lot of empty seats at the Stadium.
* ...AND NELSON CRUZ Crushes a Mitre pitch and loses it into the second deck of LF. 10-3 TEXAS!
...And the Stadium is almost empty now.
* The Yankees led this game 3-2 with two outs in the 6th inning. Joe Girardi will feel the wrath of the sports radio talkers and scribes for today's mismanagement of the pitching changes.
* Three more runs for the Rangers.
* Here come the Yankees for their "Last Licks".
* TEXAS ~ Oliver starts the 9th inning ~ Gardner leads off with a base hit. He takes 2nd base on Catcher's Indifference. Gardner moves to 3rd base on ground out by Posada.
* JETER pops up. Jeter is now 5 for 18 in the series.
* Granderson lines out.
* END OF GAME
The New York Yankees are one game away from elimination in the 2010 playoffs. The Texas Rangers now lead the American League Championship Series three games to one.
The Rangers can close the series out tomorrow with a win in
Yankee Stadium. Tomorrow the Yankees will have their ace CC Sabathia pitching.
Tonight the Yankees went 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position. For the series the Yankees are 6 for 36 with runners in scoring position. Time and again the Bombers had opportunities to blow the game open but in the end , could not.
The Yankees were leading this game 3-2 with two outs in the 6th inning. It's speculation on my part but I think Joe Girardi is going to get raked over the coals tomorrow for sticking with AJ Burnett a batter too long after intentionally walking Murphy to pitch to Molina. But to hurl slings and arrows at Burnett would be somewhat misplaced frustration. Girardi on the other hand?
AJ did alright. AJ Burnett has been a lot worse. But the whole day was compromised from the very beginning because of the nonsense about AJ not being able to pitch to Posada. Posada wasn't behind the dish when AJ almost tossed a wild pitch on an intentional walk, now was he? AJ makes the Yanks take Jorge out of the line-up. You can't DH him because you can't have both your catchers in the line-up together. I just don't think you should be compromising yourself in the playoffs if you can help it. Although, there is something to be said for AJ's performances when Cervelli is catching.
It remains to be seen if Mark Teixeira will be available for tomorrow's game. I think he may be doubtful, compounding the Yankees' problems while going down three games to one.
Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez' bats have left the building. But Teixeira's glove work would be sorely missed if he's out any period of time. It looks like he will miss Game 5 for sure. Tonight he put on another defensive clinic. But that doesn't disguise the massive hole they both have been, in the heart of the Bomber's line-up.
It just hasn't worked out for the Bombers. Josh Hamilton is hot and outside of Robinson Cano, the Yanks are not.
The Yankees benefited from another Jeffery Maier moment and even had their own Steve Bartman moment (I'm sure Gardner would agree). All the ghosts of Yankee Stadiums past had nothing in the way of assistance this time. There is no haunting of the Rangers this series. They aren't scared in the slightest. As a matter of fact, the Texas Rangers are flat out giving the Bronx Bombers, ghosts and all, an education in Savvy Baseball. The over-all, well balanced and sound game the Rangers play has thoroughly embarrassed the mighty Yanks and left them all holding their money clips with mouths wide open in disbelief.
"HOLY COW"
Mike.BTB
Barclays Center Construction Site; Nets vs Knicks
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Atlantic Avenue at Flatbush Avenue
One day in the near future this site will play host to the newest inner-city rivalry.
I believe in a short span of time once the move is completed, the Brooklyn brand will be one of, if not the hottest brand in the NBA. I do not say that because I live here.
I say that because I DO live here (No, I didn't repeat myself. There's a difference.)
I'm not being a "homer". I just know how this Borough will respond.
The rivalry between the Knicks and the Nets will be brought to levels not scene around here since the days Otis Birdsong, Buck Williams and Chocolate Thunder played for the Nets and Bernard King for the Knicks. Admittedly, the rivalry never has been as heated or adversarial as say, the NY Rangers and the NY Islanders was, or like the contentious relationship Met Fans and Yankee fans maintain living amongst each other. This rivalry has for the most part bordered on the mild side. All that will change; I assure you.
Brooklyn will change everything; for the Knicks too.
The Nets and the Knicks face each other tonight in a pre-season match-up at
Madison Square Garden; said to be The World's Most Famous Arena.
When references are made to the Knicks' home court it's usually MSG this, and MSG that.
This is where things start to change. I have a feeling once the move to the Barclays Center is completed, and the time comes for these teams to square off in the future..., when the match gets played here, the talk will be of Brooklyn; not the arena.
The vernacular changes to, "When the Knicks come to Brooklyn" or
"the Nets return back home to Brooklyn"....etc etc. There in lies the rub.
Coming here means talking on the whole Borough of Kings.
Just in case you needed reminding, "Manhattan's Bedroom" has a name.
(MSG at right; 33rd Street and 8th Avenue)
Change; Thy Name is Brooklyn.
Continuing Construction of the Barclays Center at Atlantic Yards:
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FUTURE HOME OF THE "BROOKLYN" NETS
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BTB
NYG Week 6 Re-Cap ~ Giants Hold Off Lions
WEEK 6 FINAL
Detroit Lions 20
NEW YOR GIANTS 28
N.Y. Giants' Football has never been pretty. But a win is a win is a win. Additionally, had you asked me if I would have liked to have a 4-2 record after Week 6 and be sitting a-top the NFC East, I would have said Yes; post haste. Well, here we are.
The game itself was a GIANT step forward in our 2010 season. We are coming off consecutive victories over the Bears, Texans and now the Lions. They're not exactly the Murderer's Row of Pigskin, but there is decent to good Football being played by those teams.
Coming off three consecutive victories is exactly the way you want to enter next week's match-up against the (albeit struggling) Cowboys. No one saw a 1-5 start by the Cowboys coming, but they are still a talented and dangerous team that can flick a switch and go on a roll. The next week out, is the Giants' Bye week with the Eagles on tap after that. Then..., the Cowboys again at home. The next three games will go a long way towards defining this NY Football Giants team as November starts to come into focus.
But for one day; for one Sunday; for one game..., The Giants were lucky. That's right; Lucky. And don't say I didn't warn you because in my last pre-game post I said this game was going to be ugly. Ugly it was.
Let's keep this very simple. There is beauty in simplicity.
What almost caused the Giants to lose this game?
What almost caused the Giants to lose this game was (from mid-3rd quarter on) their inability to convert offensively on 3rd down.
What almost caused the Giants to lose this game was (from mid-3rd quarter on) their inability to stop the Lions on 3rd down when Detroit had the ball.
What was it that really kept the Giants in the game?
What really kept the Giants in the game (from mid-3rd quarter on) was the Lions racking up 11 penalties that cost them 91 yards.
What really kept the Giants in the game (from mid-3rd quarter on) was Detroit having to spend all their time-outs to get the ball back. Once they had possession the clock expired before they could mount a tying play.
Yes, a tying play. If Detroit scores at the end of the game; if they had one more time-out left, and convert on a two-point attempt, the score is tied.
In a nutshell, that's the game. The Giants allowed the Lions to hang around and stay in the game. As much as the Lions kept penalizing themselves, the Giants seemed only too willing to return the favor with their aversion to 3rd down efficiency.
That's how I heard it (Because I had NO FOX CHANNEL on Cablevision!!!). But how ever we got to the top of the division doesn't take away from the fact the view is cool from the top looking down.
Next post: Players and Coaches.
Mike.BTB
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