N.Y. Mets: Organization Through Rolling Dice in Las Vegas

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

CASHMAN FIELD

Las Vegas, Nevada

Mark Weiner of Syracuse.com 

is reporting the New York Mets will purchase 

the (AAA) Syracuse Chiefs.

According to Weiner, a tentative deal will allow the Mets to assume control of the Chiefs when the player development contract between Syracuse and the Washington Nationals expires after the 2018 season.  The timing also coincides with the expiration of the New York Mets development contract with the Las Vegas 51s.


New York Mets: This May Be The Best News Fans Have Heard All Year.

Sandy Alderson seemingly has 99 problems, but the Las Vegas 51s will soon no longer be one of them.

If this deal goes through, it will end a six year player development contract with Las Vegas (after next season), that has felt more like exile.

The Mets and Norfolk Tides parted ways in 2006 after a near 50-year affiliation dating back to 1969.  Most fingers pointed at former general manager Omar Minaya for souring that relationship.  Among the charges brought by Norfolk against Minaya were his apathy towards the club.

The Mets were then forced into signing a development contract with the New Orleans Zephyrs of the Pacific Coast League, for lack of better options, during the 2007-2008 seasons.

Amazingly, the perfect scenario presented itself in 2009 when the Buffalo Bisons ended its 14-year PDC with the Cleveland Indians.  Signing with Buffalo got the Mets back in the International League, and meant their triple-A affiliate would now be in the same state as their double-A Binghamton affiliate, their short-A Brooklyn affiliate, and the parent club in Queens.

Unfortunately, the outwardly ideal relationship deteriorated rather quickly.  Buffalo's front office was becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the Mets organizational pool of sub-par talent, just as the Madoff scandal was blowing up in ownership's face, which in turn triggered the parent club's precipitous decline in the standings.

It's also widely believed Sandy Alderson didn't help matters much upon taking over for Omar Minaya after the 2010 season.  Buffalo felt both general managers acted apathetically towards the Bisons' own business interests.

Sound familiar?

By 2012, Buffalo had enough of the Mets front office and hastily ended their four year agreement in favor of signing a new player development contract with the nearby Toronto Blue Jays.

The 2012 Open Period in turn offered the Mets little and no options, except for joining with the very affiliate Toronto left behind, namely the Las Vegas 51s.  Said another way, Toronto's former untenable situation now became the Mets new untenable situation.

Despite (Paul DePodesta and) Sandy Alderson being old hats of the Pacific Coast League, none of this was received very well by Mets fans of the greater New York City metropolitan area.

Jet lag has always been a minor inconvenience while operating out of Las Vegas since 2013, but it has not been the logistical nightmare, in terms of flying players in/out of the pacific time zone, Mets fans originally envisioned.  It still makes little sense, however, for an east coast team to have their triple-A affiliate based 2,500 miles away in the Nevada desert.

That being said, it's Nevada's climatic conditions, and Cashman Field itself, that pose the greatest challenge, or dare I say obstacle, for Mets prospects to overcome.

Nevada's arid climate makes it difficult for pitchers to keep their fingers moistened.  This in turn compromises their ability to effectively control breaking pitches.  That in turn causes pitchers to rely on their fastball more, and challenge hitters by living over the middle of home plate more than they'd prefer.

Conversely, playing conditions in Las Vegas clearly favor hitters.  A higher percentage of fly balls tend to drift over the walls for home runs, while ground balls skip through Cashman Field's sun baked infield more quickly than at other fields.

Where it concerns the oppressive heat, it's inescapable.  I've listened to night games that are too often played in 90-plus degree temperatures.

Las Vegas has been under new ownership for a few years now, and the contentiously debated construction of a sorely needed modern stadium is finally being put to a vote next Tuesday.

Cashman Field has long been notorious for lacking modern training facilities and player amenities.  And as a Mets fans, I always found this an unacceptable condition for the organization's prospects to endure.

The Norfolk Tides, the New Orleans Zephyrs, the Buffalo Bisons, and the Las Vegas 51s, are all independently owned franchises, which in certain instances clashed with the parent club.  The Mets, however, will own the Syracuse Chiefs, which should put them on a path towards long term stability at the triple-A level - something the organization has lacked since their acrimonious divorce a decade ago with Norfolk.

Looking back, the Mets have actually enjoyed a good relationship with Sin City.  The affiliation has certainly been good for the Las Vegas 51s, and it's certainly been enjoyable for me.

Because of the time zone difference Las Vegas games usually start right after Mets games, which I'll continue taking full advantage of next season.  I've come to really appreciate listening to 51s announcer Russ Langer through the years calling games.  He effectively became a part of my summer night soundtrack.  And I will continue listening to Russ Langer call 51s games beyond next season.

Otherwise, relocating their triple-A affiliate to Syracuse is welcome news, and a great move by the Mets.

N.Y. Yankees: The Ghosts Arrive In Time For Game Three

From the desk of:  BLAME CARLOS MAY

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Indians Lead Yankees 2-1

I - CLE 4; NYY 0

II - CLE 9; NYY 8

III - NYY 1; CLE 0

MONDAY NIGHT BASEBALL

Cleveland Indians

vs.

New York Yankees

FROM

River Avenue Grounds

BRONX

New York Yankees: Redefine Complete Game Shutout in Game Three Victory Over Tribe.

Holy Cow!  There's still life in them young Bombers.

The new New York Yankees managed somehow to scrape themselves off the Ohio interstate after being splatted about the shoulder like road kill after games One and Two in Cleveland.

On the heels of their thrilling Wild Card victory over Minnesota, Aaron Judge and the Bomber bats were silenced in Game One at Cleveland.  They mustered just three hits in a 4-0 whitewashing against Tribe starting pitcher Trevor Bauer, former Yankees reliever Andrew Miller, and closer Cody Allen.

Matters worsened for Yankee fans when several of their worst nightmares began playing out in Game Two.  Staked to a commanding 8-3 lead, the incessantly beleaguered Joe Girardi came galloping into the sixth inning riding a pale horse.

There's no other way to put it ... Girardi got spooked when CC Sabathia issued a lead-off walk to Carlos Santana, then retired Jay Bruce on a sharp liner to short.  So, he yanked CC after just 77 pitches in favor of Chad Green, who promptly retired Austin Jackson, then surrendered a double to Yan Gomes.  Lonnie Chisenhall then stepped in as a pinch-hitter, and was ruled hit-by-pitch by home plate umpire Dan Iassogna.

Catcher Gary Sanchez implored his manager to challenge the call, claiming the pitch hit the knob of Chisenhall's bat (not his hand).  But Girardi's video minions failed to come up with their own conclusive evidence to overturn the call.  Girardi thus failed to appeal the play within the required time limit.  That earned the ire of Yankees fans because the decision to challenge should have been a no-brainer, especially after television replay revealed the pitch indeed hit the bat, rendering the umpire's call incorrect.

Just do it, Joe!

With the bases now loaded, Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor crushed a Chad Green change-up, high up, and off the right field foul/fair pole, reducing the Yankees lead to one.

Of course, the Indians went on to tie Game Two in the bottom of the eighth, then won it in the 13th inning.  It's no great secret how Girardi is avoiding Dellin Betances.  Game Two demonstrated a huge reason why.  Dellin issued a lead-off walk to Austin Jackson, whom then stole second.  Yan Gomes followed with a single to left, Jackson scores.

Yankees lose.

Back home at Yankee Stadium, Bomber fans rained down Bronx Cheers upon Joe Girardi during pre-game introductions, in disapproval for utterly mismanaging Game Two.

But as they say - winning cures all.

The Yankees gained new life Sunday, and redefined what it means to achieve a complete game shutout victory.

What do I mean by that?

Game Three's win was a complete team effort.

They received a clutch start from Masahiro Tanaka; premium relief efforts from David Robertson and Aroldis Chapman; a huge defensive effort behind the plate from Gary Sanchez and a game saving catch by Aaron Judge in right; and lastly, a clutch game breaking home run off the bat of Greg Bird.

It was a masterful 1-0 victory over the defending American League champions.

Tanaka allowed just three hits and a walk, and fanned seven batters, over seven full innings of work for the victory.  With one out in the fourth, Jason Kipnis tripled to right, but was left stranded after Tanaka struck out the following two batters.

Gary Sanchez helped Tanaka along by blocking pitches in the dirt all game long.

A clutch home run by Greg Bird off former Yankee Andrew Miller in the seventh, and four strikeouts by Aroldis Chapman sealed the deal.

The Bombers can tie the series at two, and send it back to Cleveland, with a victory tonight in Game Four at Yankee Stadium.

N.Y. Rangers: Center of Attention

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

SUNDAY

Montreal Canadiens

vs.

New York Rangers

FROM

8th Avenue Ice Hut

Manhattan

New York Rangers: On The Cost Of Success Off Broadway.

Hello.

Welcome back to RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS; the Rangers department of this blog.

Let me just put it out there ...

If you think fighting for the sixth through eighth spot in the Eastern Conference is fun, then you're in for a great regular season.

I'll take it a step further.

I'm sick and tired of hearing about speed and finesse, and finesse and speed.

But why stop there?

I've also had it up to ( ( (( HERE )) ) ) with Alain Vigneault.

My opinion of the Rangers has not changed much since last season.  The Rangers aren't big enough, or nearly tough enough for my liking.  I still think they are too small on defense.  And because of Henrik Lundqvist's contract, this team will forever remain one forward short (namely a center) of getting over the hump.

Some of that can be attributed to the New York Rangers always being good enough.  That's precisely why the Rangers do not garner better results from their amateur drafting.  Just making the playoffs means middle of the pack selections.

In the micro sense, you could argue in favor of one or two players.  In the macro, they simply can not draft and develop upper echelon talent.  It's a vicious cycle of competitive mediocrity breeding competitive mediocrity.  That's why they've been, and will remain inconsequential and weak up the middle for the foreseeable future, or until this cycle is broken.

Look at the Rangers history over the last ten years alone.  The organization's attempts at developing a center started and ended with Brandon Dubinsky.  This forces the front office to rely heavily on free agency to fill key needs.  Look where that has gotten them.  Their track record of going off campus dating back to Chris Drury reveals one failed attempt to upgrade center after another, and so on.

I'm sure there were some Rangers fans who relished that 10-1 can of whoop-ass the Chicago  Blackhawks opened all over the Penguins the other night.  But here's what I feel Rangers fans need to know.  The Pens are reigning back-to-back champions for a reason, none of which really have much to do with goalies Marc-Andre Fleury or Matt Murray.

In fact, Marc-Andre Fleury is now a member of the expansion Las Vegas Golden Knights, and Pittsburgh signed Antti Niemi in his place.  On his worst day, Henrik Lundqvist is a superior goal-tender to all three.  I think any NHL fan would agree.

This much is also certain: the Rangers were weak up the middle with Derek Stepan and Oscar Lindberg, and they can remain weak up the middle without them.  Derek Stepan posted 17 goals and 38 assists last season, and was only somewhat useful on the power play.  Oscar Lindberg scored eight goals with 12 assists in 60 games last season, and was useless on the power play.

Mika Zebanejad at least is 23-years young (and well...?).  He scored 14 goals with 23 assists in 56 games, but, like Stepan, was only somewhat useful on the power play.  Can he be that 50-point scorer from Ottawa again?  That remains to be seen.  Even then, so what?

I'll throw J.T. Miller into this, who frequently plays out of position.  He was second on the team behind Matts Zuccarello with 56 points (22 goals, 33 assists).  However, he, like some of the other centers, was rather useless on the power play.  Now take away Miller's stats, and the three aforementioned Rangers centers totaled 39 goals, and 73 assists, for 112 points.

Last year, Sidney Crosby led the NHL with 44 goals.  Evgeni Malkin added another 33 goals.  Together, they joined forces last season to score 161 total points.  Meanwhile, both just happen to be major assets on the power play.

Once upon a time, Pittsburgh was able to draft Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby because the Penguins were really, really bad.  At the time of their respective selections (2002-2003 through 2004-2005) the Penguins were only winning .368 percent of their games.  Malkin was the second overall selection of the 2004 draft.  A year later, Crosby was the first overall selection of the 2005 draft.

In 2004, Alex Ovechkin was the first overall selection ahead of Malkin.  The Rangers selected goalie Al Montoya with the sixth overall pick that year, and then selected Marc Staal with the 12th overall pick in the 2005 entry draft.

Now for the ponderous matter of Penguins rookie center Jake Guentzel.

In the first round of the 2013 entry draft, the New York Rangers selec.....

Oh, wait.  The Rangers didn't have a first round pick that year.

Oh, wait!  They didn't have a second round pick either.

Finally, in the third round of the 2013 entry draft, the Rangers drafted center Adam Tambellini with the 56th overall selection.  Then, with the 75th overall selection, the Rangers drafter winger, Pavel Buchnevic.

Two picks later, Pittsburgh drafted center Jake Guentzel with the 77th overall selection of the 2013 entry draft.

So, if you were to ask me how close are the Rangers to winning a Stanley Cup championship, I would answer look no further than their centers.

Why?  Because!

2016-17 Stanley Cup Playoffs:

• Goals Scored - Guentzel (13) #1
• Assists - Crosby (19) #1
• Points - Malkin (28) #1
• Goals Created - Malkin (10.2) #1
• Even Strength Goals - Guentzel (11) #1
• Game Winning Goals - Guentzel (5) #1

The Rangers opened the 2017-2018 regular season at home in disappointing fashion.  They had their chances against Colorado, but just came up short.

Saturday's 8-4 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs was far more disturbing to me.  With Lou Lamoriello and Mike Babcock in charge, the Leafs are already light years ahead of the Rangers.

But I digress ...

The Rangers starting four centermen against the Maple Leafs were J.T. Miller, Mika Zebanejad, Paul Carey, and David Desharnais.

Paul Carey, 29-years old, a 2007 fifth round draft pick (Avalanche), entered the season having played just 20 NHL games over the last four seasons.  He played 14:43 against Toronto.

What can I say about David Desharnais?  He's older than Stepan, and comes far more cheaply.  David shoots left, Stepan shoots right.  And he's a nice guy, I'm sure.  Now 31-years old, Desharnais split time between Montreal and Edmonton last season.  His best season was 2013-24 with Montreal, when he netted 16 goals with 36 assists.  He'll perhaps be no more or less effective on the power play than Stepan was.  Yet, he played 13:11 against Toronto.

The Rangers scored 253 goals last season which sort of throws everything back in my face.  They ranked third in the Eastern Conference, and fourth in all the NHL.  They outscored Montreal/Ottawa by an aggregate 34-30 margin in last season's playoffs.  Yet, were eliminated in the second round by the Senators, four games against two.

Why?  Because I feel the Rangers have no spine, or said a more delicate way, an inconsequential group of centers.

Even the Washington Capitals, who last year skated three superior centers compared to those of the Rangers, and despite all the changes Washington's made over the last two seasons, they still failed to get through Pittsburgh's strength up the middle.

Just remember the heavy price initially paid by the Penguins organization:

• (2002-2003)  27-44-6-5 (.396)
• (2003-2004)  23-47-8-4 (.354)
• *
• (2005-2006)  22-46-14 (.354)

The Rangers generally have never been willing to sink that low, or pay that stiff a price at the gate.  Don't forget, those down years in Pittsburgh almost cost the city that franchise.  The only time the Rangers finished below .400 in my lifetime came when they posted a 26-44-10 (.388) record during the 1984-1985 season.  As an older teenager, I actually remember that season very well.  Before that, however, you would have to go back to 1965-1966 when the Rangers went 18-41-11 (.336) in the regular season.


SLAP SHOTS:

• Henrik Lundqvist will turn 36-years old in March.
• Did I mention I like Mike Sullivan better than Alain Vigneault?  After all, he's no stranger to Rangers fans.

Just saying...

PIGSKIN 2017: Week Five

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Five

RESULTS

Week One 

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Scoreboard:

Week Four Record:  6-8

Overall Record:  21-33-1

Schmear of the Week:  2-2

Bagels in the Basket:  -13

1st and Ten:

• The Kansas City Chiefs are the lone remaining undefeated team.  Not for long though, they'll be taking on a Texas pass rush without their starting center and right guard.

2nd and Long:

• The New England Patriots are in second place ... because they can't stop anybody on defense!  Go figure.

No Gain

• The Toilet Bowl I ... Either the Giants or Chargers are guaranteed to finish the day 0-5.  In fact, four teams enter Week Five yet to win a game.

PUNT!

• The Toilet Bowl II ... Maybe the league should just contract the Browns  ...?  They play the Jets today who are actually trying to lose, and can't even get that right!

WEEK FIVE

Friday Line ~ NYDN

Chargers +3 (GIANTS)

As if the offensive line wasn't bad enough, now Weston Richburg is hurt.  JPP and Snacks are compromised on the other side of the ball.  I can see Big Blue losing their fifth straight.  Their only chance?  The Chargers love to give away games.  At least they'll be playing in from of a real crowd today.
WIN  27-22 Chargers

Jets +1 (BROWNS)

I'm gonna throw the Jets a bone hear.  After two straight legitimate victories, they deserve it.
WIN  17-14 Jets

Bills +3 (BENGALS)

Just look how these two teams are trending.  The Bengals are a no-brainer cause they're a bunch of dummies.  I'm somewhat surprised by the Bill though.
Loss  20-16 Bengals

STEELERS -8 (Jaguars)

This is a lot of points, so I'm just counting on the Steelers being better than they've been.
Loss  30-9 Jaguars

Titans -1 (DOLPHINS)

Still waiting for Marcus Mariotta and the Titans offensive line to control the line of scrimmage.
Loss  16-10 Dolphins

49ers +1 1/2 (COLTS)

Nothing much changes for the Colts until Andrew Luck gets back ... not even against the 0-4 Niners.
Loss  26-23 Colts

EAGLES -6 (Cardinals)

The Cardinals aren't flying right.  They're just not scoring enough at the moment in order to keep up with Philly.  Letting Carson Palmer get beat up isn't helping.
WIN  34-7 Eagles

LIONS -2 (Panthers)

The Panthers are 3-1 in spite of themselves.  The Lions are defending well, so I expect a crap day from Cam.
Loss  27-24 Panthers

RAMS -1 (Seahawks)

Tough call.  I'm not so sure the Seahawks have awoken from their slumber.  This could very well turn into a shootout.  I just don't know.
Loss  16-10 Seahawks

RAIDERS -2 (Ravens)

Same thing; no Carr... no confidence.  But at least the Raiders are playing in the Black Hole against a flaky Ravens squad.
Loss  30-17 Ravens

COWBOYS -2 (Packers)

I think the Packers are gonna fall a little short in Dallas.  Favorable spread.
Loss  35-31 Packers

TEXANS +1 1/2 (Chiefs)

Parody rules the day ... the last undefeated team will likely lose Sunday.
Loss  42-34 Chiefs

Schmear of the Week: (2-2)

EAGLES -6
WIN

Guten Appetit

Beef biscuit << that's funny (not even gonna edit it) BRISKET in a mushroom sauce, roasted onion/garlic red potatoes/carrots and asparagus.  Big salad.  And it's Samuel Adams (dark) time!

Good luck and have a great Football Sunday everyone!


Post-Game
Week Five Record:  3-9
Overall Record:  24-42-1
Schmear of the Week:  3-2
Bagels in the Basket:  -16

Vintage Base Ball: Atlantic BBC of Brooklyn Reclaim the High Ground

From the desk of: THE NEW YORK GAME

Vintage Base Ball

Sept. 30, 2017

Atlantic Base Ball Club of Brooklyn

vs.

Elizabeth Resolutes

FROM

RAHWAY RIVER PARK

N.J.

Atlantic Base Ball Club of Brooklyn: A Return to Prominence.

I last visited the Atlantic BBC a year ago for their season finale at Salem, MA.  With this year's vintage base ball season fast drawing to a close, I was happy to finally catch up with the club again during last Saturday's match against the Elizabeth Resolutes at Rahway River Park, New Jersey.

Before long I was asking Atlantic club captain "Who is this year's champion of base ball?"

"We are!" Shakespeare said to me delightedly, but also lamented the Maryland circuit's unwillingness to travel north for the sake of determining a unified vintage base ball champion.

I followed up asking who, then, wound up being their toughest competition this season?

Wide-eyed, the Atlantic third baseman declared with haste, "Eckford."

I've been attending vintage base ball contests for nearly a decade now, and each and every match has been a marvel for me to behold.  The early history of our National Pastime is fascinating to me.  But researching it pales in comparison to watching these various member clubs (of re-creationists, hobbyists, historians, enthusiasts, and passionate lovers of base ball) presenting the game as it was played during the 1860's and early 1870's.  In matches featuring elevated levels of athleticism, skill, and strategy, the attractiveness and competitive allure of the old "New York Game" becomes more evident.  

Two vintage member clubs which perhaps best embody these very attributes and provide the most accurate glimpse into the ambitious origins of Base Ball are indeed the Atlantic Base Ball Club and the Eckford of Brooklyn.  

I've learned over the years through watching them, and these various 19th century style matches, a catcher possessing soft and sure hands is likely to have been synonymous with winning.  In fact, I'm sure a nimble and sure-handed catcher in the bare-hand era would have been a major asset capable of directly influencing the outcome of games.  As per 1864 rules, the batter is ruled out when any ball struck fair or foul is fielded on one bounce by the opposing defense.  The same applies with foul-tips; if secured by the catcher on one bounce, the batter is out.

Shakespeare and I joked about this rule during Saturday's first game against the Resolutes.  I asked if making out on foul tips was the most frustrating aspect of this game?  With his eyes rolling skyward in agreement, he strained to accurately convey the chagrin one experiences at the plate.

Enter Eckford backstop, Sammy, a veritable weapon behind the plate, and a qualified game changer.  His proficiency behind the plate permits for a harder/faster pitching delivery by freeing his battery mate, Express, from fear of passed balls.  I spoke with both gentlemen during last year's MAVBBL Festival held at Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island.  Together, they strive to create anywhere from 12 to 15 outs per game on foul tips alone.  I watched the Eckford battery employ this strategy with great success against the Elkton Eclipse and Diamond State club.  After which, an Atlantic loss against Elkton left Eckford of Brooklyn free to claim the (recognized) local vintage base ball crown of 2016.

In speaking with a few opposing MAVBBL competitors they conveyed to me slight dissatisfaction with how Express borders on the edge of an illegal pitch.  But if Eckfords' top pitcher indeed snaps his wrist upon release, he disguises it well.  I also discussed this very strategy last season with Shakespeare, whom when pitching fancies speed as well. 

In any event, last season was easily the toughest the Atlantic have endured in quite some time, but only because they've set such high standards for themselves.  Injuries played a part.  In fact, Shakespeare is presently nursing a sore hamstring; Goat has two knees barking mad at him; meanwhile real life beckons for others.  Their regular first baseman, for instance, Flash has a beautiful new addition to his family commanding most of his attention these last two seasons.

While it was nice seeing TC, The Dream, Hawk, Tuna, Wickets, and a few others in action again, this time around Toothpick, Fingers, Krawler, and a few other regulars were not in attendance.

That being said, the team is also transitioning and incorporating several newer and younger talents into the fold.  Among them is third year member, Scarecrow.  He's not the Atlantic's regular catcher.  Chaos, another recent addition to the club usually is.  But Scarecrow (pictured right) did play a full game behind the plate on this day.  And for someone who not too long ago suffered third degree burns to both hands, he expertly fielded the position and neutralized potential base-stealing threats with a strong and accurate arm.

For seven straight seasons spanning 2009 through 2015, the Atlantic club averaged a 46-9 (.839) record.  But scheduling also proved problematic in 2016, and so they only played 42 games last year in which they posted a 26-16 (.619) record.

Other clubs could only hope to struggle that well.  

Paul, captain of the Elizabeth Resolutes and otherwise known as Quickstep, told me his own club is wrapping up a season they'd much rather forget.  Last Saturday's match against the Atlantic proved no less exasperating.

When I reminded Shakespeare prior to the start of play how last season marked the first time in the last eight years the Atlantic failed to win 40 games in a season, he gleamed, "We'll have 40 victories by the time this day is through."  Needing two victories, the Atlantic Base Ball Club of Brooklyn achieved just that, taking both games against the Elizabeth Resolutes.

The Atlantic lost three games last season by an aggregate score of 37-7 against the Eckford of Brooklyn.  It's no wonder, then, why Shakespeare earlier in the day seemed to relish speaking about this year's Atlantic head-to-head split against Eckford.  He said they played six very spirited games, with each club taking three.

Now sporting a more familiar 40-8 (.833) record, the Atlantic club will travel back to Massachusetts, where they'll play their season finale against the Providence Grays again later this month at Salem Common.

A mere formality, though, as the Atlantic Base Ball Club of Brooklyn has already regained the local vintage base ball high ground.

vs.

Game One

ABBC        40

Elizabeth   12

1870 RULES

Ball is stitched with more recognizable 

two panels instead of four.

Despite being a lopsided affair, the match did not play-out without controversy.  Somehow, the Maryland Game crept beck into the conversation in the form of some obscure interpretation of a supposed rule, or lack thereof.

Dream and Quickstep 

continue their dispute like gentlemen in between frames.

Dean The Dream offers a tip of the cap 

after striking a home run to deep left field in the sixth frame.

Chaos also contributed two doubles, and a triple towards the Atlantic victory.

*

Game Two

ABBC      13

Elizabeth   0

 1864 Rules

HUZZAH!

N.Y. Yankees: Onward to Cleveland

From the desk of:  BLAME CARLOS MAY

YANKEES AT THE GATES!

Wild Card Final

TWINS        4

YANKEES   8

AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES

GAME ONE

New York Yankees

vs.

Cleveland Indians

FROM

Progressive Field

OHIO

New York Yankees: October is Tax Season.

Tuesday's Wild Card game against Minnesota took a heavy toll on the Yankees bullpen that could have a potential negative affect on their readiness level entering tonight's ALDS series opener against the Indians in Cleveland, despite yesterday's day off.

Against the Twins, reliever Chad Green pitched two innings, David Robertson 3.1 innings, Tommy Kahnle tossed 2.1 innings, and Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth inning.

Let's just say with Sonny Gray starting Game One for the Yankees, there's every chance Joe Girardi will require length from his bullpen yet again.

Upon his acquisition from Oakland, Gray started 11 games down the stretch in which he posted a 4-7 record with a 3.72 ERA and 1.255 WHiP.  He issued 27 walks, fanned 59 batters, and allowed 55 hits (11 home runs) in 65.1 innings with the Yankees.

Sonny last pitched a week ago, Sept, 28, in a losing effort against Tampa, in which he allowed six earned runs on six hits (two home runs), six walks, and fanned two, in just 4.2 innings of work.  After which, Jonathan Holder, Chasen Shreve, Ben Heller, and Giovanny Gallegos, all appeared in relief of Gray.

On Sept. 29 against Toronto, David Robertson pitched one inning in relief of Masahiro Tanaka, Dellan Betances threw just eight pitches, and Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth.

On Sept. 30, the same foursome that appeared in Tuesday's Wild Card game against Minnesota, closed the door on a 2-1 victory over Toronto.  Chad Green threw 1.1 innings, Tommy Kahnle threw eight pitches, David Robertson threw an inning, and Aroldis Chapman made a second straight appearance.

On Oct. 1, the Yankees played their final game of the regular season, in which Adam Warren, Domingo German, and Ben Heller, pitched in relief of starter Jordan Montgomery.

The Yankees were off on Monday, then played the Twins on Tuesday.  The bullpen at least got a day's rest yesterday, and then here we are - Game One of the American League ALDS.

Point being, the Yankees bullpen may not be as taxed, at the moment, as some of the panic suggests.

However, what Joe Girardi and the Yankees can not afford, is a start mimicking, or even remotely resembling Luis Severino's against Minnesota.

Cleveland is sending Trevor Bauer to the bump in Game One.  He's no surety either.  His 17-9 regular season record simply means the Indians overcame his 4.19 ERA and 1.367 WHiP.  Bauer allowed more hits than innings pitched this season: 181 hits (25 home runs) in 176.1 innings of work.

So, there's that for the Yankees bats to look forward to.

Otherwise, conventional wisdom says all the pressure is on Cleveland to win; because of their 102 regular season victories they are burdened with expectations, particularly on the heels of last year's World Series loss to the Chicago Cubs.

About that ...

Terry Francona dissipates pressure perhaps better than any other manager in the game today.  The Tribe has unfinished business, and that's the way they'll be approaching this.

Meanwhile, the Wild Card Yankees are back in the post-season picture way ahead of schedule; the last remaining vestiges of their 2009 world series championship are CC Sabathia and Brett Gardner; and therefore are weighed down by little to no expectations.

I guess there's something to be said for youth, exuberance, and inexperience.  It just might work in their favor.  But, Joe Girardi is the pit bull terrier of baseball managers.  I'm sure the team understands the magnitude of the moment.  With one look at Girardi's face, how could they not?

Aaron Judge vs. Trevor Bauer 

coming to a bleacher section near you.

WILD:

Great job by veteran Brett Gardner.  The only Yankees position player with a ring went 2 for 4, with a huge second inning home run against the Twins.  Moreover, I feel he displayed exemplary leadership in Tuesday's game.

Didi Greorious continues to be such a phenomenal acquisition.


Play ball!

N.Y. Yankees: Wild Card Preview

From the desk of:  BLAME CARLOS MAY

AMERICAN LEAGUE

WILD CARD PLAYOFF

TUESDAY

Minnesota Twins

vs.

New York Yankees

FROM

The Ballpark Along River Avenue

BRONX, N.Y.

New York Yankees: Cashman's Kids Reach Post-Season Ahead of Schedule.

Dare I say, this is Brian Cashman's team? And dare I say, finally?  

And to his credit, this is seemingly only the beginning of something much bigger and better to come?

Maybe not by this Tuesday, but most certainly in the seasons which lay ahead.

As (former) general manager of the Yankees, Bob Watson was working for a somewhat subdued George Steinbrenner in the aftermath of being suspended by then commissioner Fay Vincent.  A confident man, Watson nevertheless interacted with the Boss smartly.  He helped assemble the organization's first World Series champion since 1978.  

However, I'd be remiss for not acknowledging Gene "Stick" Michael as being the man most responsible for setting the foundation upon which the Yankees would build a modern day dynasty -  just not before suffering a crushing defeat against the Cleveland Indians in the 1997 ALCS.

After which, the role of general manager was transferred from Bob Watson to Brian Cashman in February 1998.  By that time, however, the groundwork for long-term success was already believed to have been laid.  In fact, Cashman critics and his supporters argued over just that, and at the end of the day agreed that he was being charged with not screwing things up.

As we know, after winning three consecutive championships (1998-2000), the Yankees lost the 2001 World Series to the Arizona Diamondbacks in heart-wrenching fashion.  George was obviously affected by that loss, because ever since the final out of Game Seven, through about the 2007 season, the old classic Boss was in full effect again.

And for this reason Brian Cashman was long and widely minimized and criticized throughout fan circles as being George's Yes Man.  In those days, the perception was Cashman served two roles: sign players the Boss wanted, and give said players more money than other teams could or would.

Despite winning another championship in 2009, Cashman did himself no favors by committing a half-billion dollars in order to get it done.  He lucked out when Mark Teixeira retired.  But he's still paying CC Sabathia, and Jacoby Ellsbury.  Those are strictly on Cashman, not George.

Today, there's no denying replenishment of the farm system, an effective and expedient rebuilding effort, and clinching a post-season berth at least two years ahead of schedule are all Brian Cashman's doing.

• From the New York Penn League up through the International League, all Bronx affiliates qualified for their respective minor league post-seasons this year.  
• The production provided by Gary Sanchez, Aaron Hicks (when healthy), and the prodigious season had by Aaron Judge, all speak for themselves. 
• Meanwhile, I feel two of Brian Cashman's greatest moments came when he acquired shortstop Didi Gregorious, and second baseman Starlin Castro.
• Throw in free agent re-acquisition Aroldis Chapman, and the Yankees young bullpen is among the best in baseball.

Yes, the Yankees still have the second highest payroll in baseball.  These days, however, typical big market spending shouldn't be held against them.  Hal Steinbrenner has been trying to get the Yankees under the luxury cap ever since taking over for his father.  This doesn't necessarily mean the Boss' old business model is dead (pardon the pun).  It just means the Yankees are allowing a few more big money deals to expire before delving back into the market for Type-A free agents.

Win or lose Tuesday, Brian Cashman's ongoing transformation of the Yankees has been quite commendable.


Anything Can Happen In One Game: Unlike Previous Post-Season Meetings Between These Teams, Yanks Better Not Take These Twins Lightly.

Yankees vs. Twins

2003 ALDS - NYY 3; MIN 1

2004 ALDS - NYY 3; MIN 1

2009 ALDS - NYY 3; MIN 0

2010 ALDS - NYY 3; MIN 0

The Yankees were one of only four teams in the American League to win 90 games or more.  The Minnesota Twins, who qualified for the second Wild Card with an 85-77 record, were obviously the best of the rest.

These Twins, however, should not be taken lightly.  

First, they are led by third year manager Paul Molitor.  The Twins finished second in the Central with an 83-79 record during his first season at the helm.  Then after piloting the Twins to a dreadful 59-103 record last year, he has them playing in the post-season just one year later.  The match-up between Molitor and the Yankees Joe Girardi is one I will be watching very closely.

At the plate, Minnesota second baseman Brian Dozier hit 34 home runs and led the team with 93 RBI.  Third baseman Miguel Sano hit 28 homers, and left fielder Eddie Rosario hit 27 home runs.  The Twins have three more players with at least 15 home runs this season.  They hit 206 home runs as a team versus the Yankees 241 home runs.

The disparity between runs scored is not as wide as you may think either.  The Yankees finished second in the American League with 858 runs scored, while the Twins registered 815 runs.  Ditto with regards to team slugging.  The Yanks finished with a .447 mark, while the Twins were only slightly behind with a .434 slugging average.  The spread in team average is even closer.  The Yankees posted a .262 team batting average, while the Twins finished with a .260 team average.

With the Yankees holding only a slight offensive statistical advantage over the Twins, Tuesday's one game Wild Card may invariably boil down to pitching.

The Twins are handing the ball to right-hander Ervin Santana.  He posted a 16-8 record in 33 starts this season, with a 3.28 ERA and 167 strikeouts through 211.1 innings pitched.  He surrendered 177 hits and walked 61 batters for a 1.13 WHiP, while opposing hitters batted .225 against him.

The Yankees are going with their top right-hander Luis Severino.  He went 14-6 in 31 starts this season with a nifty 2.98 ERA and 230 strikeouts in 193.1 innings pitched.  He allowed 150 hits and walked 51 batters for a 1.04 WHiP, while opposing hitters batted just .208 against him.

The bullpen is where the Yankees own a noticeably distinctive advantage, which could very likely make the difference in Tuesday night's game.

N.Y. Yankees: Judge Gives The Babe A Little Nudge

From the desk of:  BLAME CARLOS MAY

Judge Poised to Preside Over First Post-Season

New York Yankees: Aaron Judge Puts Final Touch on Historic Rookie Season.

ICYMI: Judge Sets The Record Straight 

The Bronx Bombers regular season concluded Sunday, but not before Aaron Judge finalized his rookie season assault on the Yankees all-time record books.

The 25-year old right fielder connected for yet another home run in the 4th inning of Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Blue Jays.  A significant clout in more ways than one, his 52 home runs now stand as new single-season MLB record by a rookie.  Saturday's knock was also his 15th for the month of September, which is being reported to be the most home runs hit by a Yankee in a calendar month since Roger Maris hit 15 homers in June 1961.  Saturday's home run was also his 33rd hit at Yankee Stadium this season, which moved him ahead of Babe Ruth for most home runs hit by a Yankee at home.  Ruth hit 32 home runs at home in 1921, but back when the Yankees were still playing at the Polo Grounds.

Aaron entered the All-Star break batting .329 with 30 home runs.  But he struggled upon his return, registering at least one strikeout in 37 straight games, during which time his average dropped .041 down to an albeit still respectable .288 average.

He did not play in Sunday's season finale against the Blue Jays.  Therefore Judge ends the season tied with Mickey Mantle for the eighth most home runs hit by a Yankee in one season.

The Yankees rookie also finished the season on a 13-game hitting streak (17 for 44, .386), a seven game RBI streak, and having hit nine home runs in his final 12 regular season games.

All told, Aaron Judge ends the season slashing a nifty .284/.422/.628, with 114 RBI, and an 8.0 WAR.  He led the American League with 52 home runs, 128 runs scored, 127 walks, and struck out a league leading 208 times.  He finished a very close second to Nelson Cruz in RBI, and even closer to Mike Trout in slugging average.

All this makes him appear a lock for the Rookie of the Year award, as well as placing him among the top candidates for the league's Most Valuable Player.


*Aaron Judge ~ Yahoo Images

L.I. Ducks: The Long and Quiet Waddle Home

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

2017

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

YORK REVOLUTION

Revs Defeat Ducks 3-0

I - YRK 8; LID 7

II - YRK 5; LID 4

III - YRK 3; LID 2

Long Island Ducks: No Joy in Ducksville; Flock Swept Away By Revolution.

Revenge denied.

Long Island's rematch against the York Revolution ends in a three-game TKO.

The Revolution are Atlantic League champions for the third time in their eleven year history, and for a second time coming at the expense of the Long Island Ducks.

The York Revolution effectively slugged their way through the regular season, leading the Atlantic League in home runs; finishing second in runs scored/total bases/team slugging; and third in team average.

Their offensive rampage continued through the post-season.  York hit five home runs in four games against Southern Maryland during the Freedom Division playoffs, then took the wind from beneath the Ducks wings with three more dispiriting home runs during the championship series.

In Game One, a third inning three-run home run struck by York designated hitter Michael Burgess gave the Revolution a 4-0 lead, en route to a wild 8-7 victory at Bethpage Ballpark.

In Game Two, on only the fourth pitch of the game, York left fielder Alonzo Harris homered off Ducks starter Jake Fisher leading off the first inning, giving the Revolution an immediate 1-0 lead. 

Fisher would then surrender just one hit while facing the minimum 15 batters through the next five innings.  But tied at three after seven innings, Coach Baez elected to send Jake Fisher back out for the eighth, whom promptly surrendered a lead-off base hit to third baseman Chase Simpson.  Then with one out, right fielder Jared Mitchell's RBI single to right off Fisher put the Revs ahead.  After a pitching change, the final run charged to Fisher's ledger scored on a fielder's choice. 

The Ducks got a run back in the bottom of the eighth, but no more.  The Ducks would drop their final game of the season at Bethpage Ballpark by a 5-4 final score.

The series shifted to York for the remainder of the series.  The Revolution, however, offered no quarter.

Friday, in Game Three, Ducks starter John Brownell allowed just a run on five hits, and four walks, with five strikeouts, over 5.2 innings of work.  He exited on the winning side of what was then a 2-1 game in favor of the Ducks.

However, in the bottom of the eighth, Ducks reliever Dustin Richardson allowed a lead-off hit to Rev's second baseman Rubi Silva.  Coach Baez then handed the ball off to his third reliever of the game, Matt Marsh.  York first baseman and clean-up hitter Telvin Nash promptly greeted Marsh by depositing his third pitch over the center field wall, giving the Revolution a 3-2 lead, and final margin of victory.

Since winning the opening game of the 2011 championship series, the Ducks have now lost six straight games against the York Revolution in Atlantic League championship series play.

Long Island lost all three games by one run, and managed just one home run against York pitching.

Comparative damage caused by the Revolution:

• In seven post-season games, the York Revolution slashed .292/.336/.499, with eight home runs, 109 total bases, and 35 runs scored.
• In seven post-season games, the Long Island Ducks slashed .244/.333/.308, with only three home runs, 72 total bases, and 28 runs scored.

Make that six straight losses in back-to-back championship series as well. 

This marks Long Island's second straight year in which the Ducks have been swept out of the Atlantic League finals.  Last year they fell in similar fashion to the Sugar Land Skeeters, losing the first two games at Bethpage Ballpark, then losing Game Three on the road.

The Ducks have now lost three championship series, and won two, during their seven seasons under Coach Kevin Baez.

PIGSKIN 2017: Week Four

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Four

RESULTS

Week One 

Week Two

Week Three

Scoreboard:

Week Three Record:  5-9
Overall Record:  15-25-1
Schmear of the Week:  2-1
Bagels in the Basket:  -8


1st and Ten:

• Kansas City and Atlanta are the lone remaining undefeated teams.  That would be an intriguing Super Bowl match-up, wouldn't it?  Just remember I said that; I will.
• The Los Angeles Rams are first in the NFC West, and lead the NFL in points scored.  I wanna know who predicted that.  Leave a comment.  Green Bay played its fourth game on Thursday and still trail the Rams in points scored.
• Either the Browns or Bengals will finally win their first game of the season.

2nd and Long:

• Fifteen of 32 NFL teams enter Week Four with two victories; time to thin the herd.
• Game #2 in London, England.

No Gain:

• Odell Beckham Jr. was fined a sum just over $12,000 by the NFL as a result of last Sunday's antics.  But does anyone really think he will change as a result?
• In fact, the Giants are depressing me.

PUNT!

• To date, the Giants have scored the second fewest points in the NFL, averaging just 12.3 points per game.  That's a lot of punting.

Week Four
Friday Line ~ NYDN

BUCS -3 (Giants)
I was not at all impressed with the Giants near-win last week.  They can't control the ball.  The Giants have no shot if Tampa possesses the ball for 37:00 minutes or more.
Loss  25-23 Bucs

Jaguars -3 1/2 (JETS)
What the Jaguars and Jets did last week, respectively, was stunning.  The Jets, however, are headed in a different direction, right?
Loss  23-20 Jets  ot

Saints -3 (Dolphins) London
I'll take my chances with Drew Brees.
WIN  20-0 Saints

Panthers +9 (PATRIOTS)
That's just too many points.  Patriots are giving up yards and points by the bushels, and Cam Newton's funk won't last forever.  Panthers should be able to cover.  Winning is another issue.
WIN  33-30 Panthers

Rams +6 1/2 (COWBOYS)
This is my stay-away-game of the week.  I'm just looking for the Rams to cover.
WIN  35-30 Rams

VIKINGS -2 (Lions)
A late field goal wins this.  That's why I like laying two.
Loss  14-7 Lions

Titans -1 1/2 (TEXANS)
Maybe it's just me ... but I think the Titans can blow out the Texans.
Loss  57-14 Texans

Bengals -3 (BROWNS)
The Bengals should be ashamed of themselves ... but they're playing the Browns.
WIN  31-7 Bengals

RAVENS +3 (Steelers)
I need to rethink the Ravens.  I really do.  I haven't a clue about this game = take the points and cross your fingers.
Loss  26-9 Steelers

FALCONS -8 (Bills)
Falcons are on a mission, remember?
Loss  23-17 Bills

CHARGERS -1 1/2 (Eagles)
Los Angeles hasn't warmed up to their team yet.  They might after a win.
Loss  26-24 Eagles

CARDINALS -7 (49ers)
This is the most suspicious line on the entire board.  Too many underdogs won last week.  Screw those Niners.
Loss  18-15 Cardinals

BRONCOS -2 1/2 (Raiders)
The Raiders will regroup and go on a tear ... after they lose to the Broncos in Denver.
WIN  16-10 Broncos

SEAHAWKS -13 (Colts)
Gut feeling; home; crazy crowd; Colts turnovers will help the Seahawks cover this.  I think.
WIN  48-18 Seahawks


Schmear of the Week: (2-1)
Titans -1 1/2
LOSS


Guten Appetit
I still got some stuff in the garden.  This will be my final harvest of the year for bell pepper, hot pepper, tomato, basil, parsley, arugula, cucumber, and zucchini.  Time to rip everything out and plant some garlic.  I like saving some green tomato for pickling.

• Hot salsa and a guacamole dip
• Bruschetta 
• Salad of lettuce/arugula/tomato/cucumber/black olive/sprinkle Parmesan cheese/lemon vinaigrette
• Chicken kabobs (peppers, zucchini, onion) with my own tzatziki sauce (cucumbers) over rice
• Stuffed bell pepper > Philly Cheese Style!  Thin sliced rib-eye, onions, mushrooms, provolone

Good luck, and have a happy and safe Football Sunday everybody!

POST-GAME:
Week Four Record:  6-8
Overall Record:  21-33-1
Schmear of the Week:  2-2
Bagels in the Basket:  -13