Game Called: COVID-19 Whitewashes Yankees vs. Mets at Citi Field

From the desks of: 

HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET  &   BLAME CARLOS MAY

GAME CALLED
COVID-19
SNY NEWS YouTube Channel

One player and one organizational member of the New York Mets tested positive for COVID-19.

I bid them and their families, and the Mets organization health, calm and peace of mind.

*

Just a reminder: I am on record as being opposed to the playing of the 2020 regular season.  But if players chose to play, earn a potion of their salaries, and in tun allow owners to recoup lost revenue through an expanded playoff, more power to them.  I wish them well.  However, as we see there are ramifications and repercussions to their decisions and actions.

Thursday's Mets/Marlins game in addition to Friday's Yankees/Mets game at Citi Field were postponed.  The Mets are now the tenth team to experience COVID related postponements.  That's ten out of thirty teams - you do the math.  The Yankees previously had a series against the Phillies postponed.  Both instances were related to trace contact with the Miami Marlins who earlier in this process experienced an outbreak of 18 players and team personnel.  Miami has so far been limited to just 18 games and to some extent their roster is unrecognizable.  BUGS BUNNY had the right idea when he hand-sawed Florida away from the continental United States.  On a personal note, my sister and some cousins live in Florida which keeps forever pensive.  Their state clown governor is a governor clown.  The Marlins are due in New York next week.  I say let them land at LaGuardia Airport, give them time for refueling, turn them right around and send that plane right back to South Beach.  The local Tri-State are did a superb job flattening the curve particularly here in New York City.  Last thing we need is a school of infected Fish swimming about in Flushing Bay.  Of course I speak somewhat in jest, but on a more serious note is appears Yoenis Cespedes and Marcus Stroman are owed apologies by all of those whom chastised them for opting out under the perceived pretense of self-centeredness and selfishness.  In fact Stroman himself expressed his anxiety over the upcoming road trip into Miami.

There's a lesson to be learned: temper yourselves.

ICYMI:

• N.Y. Yankees: Jury Still Out on Aaron Judge
• N.Y. Mets: Monster Matz is a National League Smash

The New York Mets presently own a 12-14 (.461) record, with 123 runs for and 130 runs against.  Between the starting rotation being in shambles and the ongoing issue of hitting w/risp, the Mets have more problems than a math book.  Things may look great for the Yankees.  The second place Bronx Bombers own a 16-9 (.640) record, one-half game behind the Rays, with 135 runs for and 107 against.  But they've already sustained injuries to Giancarlo Stanton, Zack Britton, Gleyber Torres, James Paxton, Luis Avilan, Aaron Judge, and now DJ LeMmahieu.

N.Y. Islanders Pop Washington's Bubble in Five

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Islanders def. Capitals; 4-1

I - NYI 4; WAS 2

II - NYI 5; WAS 2

III - NYI 2; WAS 1*

IV - WAS 3; NYI 2

V - NYI 4; WAS 0

*overtime

Islanders Rout Washington Capitals

Islanders not only spent less time in the penalty box but also score on a power play!

Who are these guys?

Mathew Barzal and Anthony Beaullivier sit the Islanders only four minutes in the penalty box (too many men on the ice and a holding whistle on Beaullivier).  Otherwise, that's it.  The Isles get to play with five skaters on the ice for upwards of fifty-five minutes.  Net result is a commanding 4-0 victory and five game wipeout of the Washington Capitals.

The Islanders not only outscore their opponent, they double them by a lopsided 17-8 margin, with fifteen goals coming at even strength.  Ten different Islanders score.  Jordan Eberle, Matt Martin, Brock Nelson, Cal Clutterbuck and Jean-Gabriel Pageau each score a goal.  Josh Bailey, Nick Leddy and Mathew Barzal each score two goals, and Anders Lee and Anthony Beaullivier tally three goals each.  Meanwhile Washington's scoring is limited to three players.  Their eight series goals come from T.J. Oshie (2); Evgeny Kuznetsov (2); and Alex Ovechkin (4).  New York's defense limits the Capitals to an average of 24.8 shot per game.  In game four they allow a series high 29 shots, but in game five allow a series low 21 shots by Washington.

Washington averages just 1.6 goals per game.  Semyon Varlamov pitches a shutout in game five, making 21 saves, one on the PK and another while short-handed.  Varlamov faces 121 total shots in five-plus games, making 113 saves.  He permits four even strength goals, and four PP goals.

• Regular season: 2.62 GAA and .914 SV%
• Nine Games in the Bubble: 7-2-0, 1.67 GAA, .934 SV%

Islanders still have work to do.  They were just 2/21 (.095%) on the power play.

100 Years Ago Today 8/21/1920: Brooklyn Robins Close in on Cincinnati Reds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National league Champions

Game #115: Saturday, August 21, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

Rube Marquard Hurls Gem Against Defending Champions at Redland Field

Ol' crafty Marquard does it again!  When the Robins need him most, when they've needed him to change the mood in the room, when they've needed him to stem the tide of defeatism, Rube Marquard this season has come through for Brooklyn.  What he does the rest of the time is another matter.  For on this day fans back home in Brooklyn call him hero after hurling nine scoreless innings of six hit baseball with just one walk and a trio of strikeouts.  He improves to 8-6 with a 3.03 earned run average.  But he has proven to the Robins even more valuable and clutch than any statistical analysis dares assume.  Meanwhile Brooklyn faces last year's 19-game winner for the Reds Hod Eller who himself pitches very well, just not through to finish.  He shuts out the Robins for seven innings until Jimmy Johnston's RBI double in the eighth.  In the ninth two runs score on a Pete Kilduff double and Otto Miller delivers a third run with a sacrifice fly.  To reiterate, on this day Rube Marquard is nothing short of great.  Brooklyn breaks their two game skid against the defending champs and pull back to within one game of the lead.  The New York Giants defeat the Cubs at Chicago and again move with three games of first.

• RECORD: 64-50 (.561)
• 2nd Place; 1.0 GB

Brooklyn Nets: Toronto Raptors Outlast Flatbush in Game Two

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Raptors Lead Nets; 2-0

I - TOR 134; BRK 110

II - TOR 104; BRK 99

Lesson: It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish

If nothing else game two confirms what I said after Monday's series opener: the Brooklyn Nets did not get blown out.

They are nevertheless down two games to none.

Lose your legs and there goes your shot; the onrush of turnovers begins shortly thereafter.

That's what happens ...

Brooklyn's shot selection and execution deteriorate in the fourth, and they end up shooting 38.8% from the field with 17 turnovers.

Flatbush essentially leads all game with exception of an occasional tie here and there.  They take a 53-50 lead into the half, and lead 80-74 after three.  They still lead 85-84 with eight minutes left, then just run out of gas.  OG Anunoby converts a pair of free throws and Serge Ibaka then buries a jumper from mid-range giving the Raptors an 88-85 lead from which the Raptors never look back.

There is a matter of workload.  All five Nets starters exceed 35-minutes.  Jarrett Allen plays 41-minutes while Joe Harris and Caris LeVert each play 39-minutes.  Coach Vaughn limits bench play to Rodions Kurucs, Chris Chiozza and Tyler Johnson who join together for fifty total minutes.  Meanwhile, he Raptors utilize four bench players for a total of sixty-nine minutes.

Otherwise, I watched an inspired but tiring defensive effort.  They win the battle of the boards, 62-56,  while limiting the Raptors to 104 points - a noteworthy effort considering Toronto has very effective perimeter shooters at all positions.  The game marks the Nets second least points allowed since entering the bubble after an Aug. 11 game in which they yield just 96 points to the Wizards.

The Nets aggressiveness on the offensive end is just as noticeable.  They do a better job of ball distribution and getting to the foul line where they attempt an unheard of 27 shots from the stripe.  It marks their most attempts since entering the bubble, after averaging 23 attempts through eight seeding games and just 16 attempts in game one.  And unlike game one, they limit Toronto to under thirty attempts.  It's the seventh time in the last ten games they've limited the opposition to under thirty free throws.

Garrett Temple leads the Nets with 21 points including 5/11 from the arc.  Joe Harris and Jarrett Allen post identical double-doubles with fourteen points and a game high fifteen rebounds respectively.  Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot adds seventeen points.  Tyler Johnson shoots 5/10 from the field with twelve points in 22 minutes off the bench.

During last year's post-season against Philadelphia Caris LeVert appears in five games and starts two.  He boasts a 49.3FG%, while averaging 21.0 points (26.2 points per 36-minutes) with three assists in 28.8 average minutes.  This year is very different.  LeVert, in the absence of the team's premiere players and litany of regulars missing from the active roster, is being asked to bear the weight of this Borough upon his shoulders in his first playoff as a full time starter.  In game one he scores fifteen points and distributes a game high fifteen assists.  In game two he scores sixteen and again distributes a game high eleven assists.  However, he is shooting only 27.7% (10/36) from the field.  The still 25-year old celebrates a birthday later this month, and his future is looking brighter by the day.

In the meantime, I can only reiterate the fine effort on behalf of Brooklyn.  But in truth Toronto outlasts Flatbush down the stretch.  Depth is on Toronto's side, the Nets not so much.  And now we can add another name to the list of unavailable: Joe Harris has officially opted out of the bubble.

That said, there is still a lot worth taking away from these last two games that are not reflected in the score.  It was never about this season to begin with.  Sean Marks' grade is obviously still incomplete.
Much still remains to be determined.  No one knows it better than him.  For now what doesn't kill the Nets only makes them stronger heading into next season.  That's not being defeatist.  That's being delighted.  These learning experiences are invaluable.

#WeGoHard

100 Years Ago Today 8/20/1920: Faltering Brooklyn Robins Lose Second Straight at Redland Field

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #114: Friday, August 20, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

Defending Champs Create Distance Between Them and Brooklyn

What has been a hotly contested pennant race has suddenly turned into a cauldron of boiling trouble for Brooklyn.  The Robins lose their second straight to the Reds, dropping them to 6-7 in August, and marking the most games they've fallen out of first place since Independence Day, some 45 games ago.  The defending world champions on Friday offer Robins hurlers no quarter, striking for 19 hits and tallying ten runs en route to a commanding 10-3 final at Redland Field.  Starter Al Mamaux, Clarence Mitchell and George Mohart are all casualties of Cincinnati's onslaught.  Mamaux yields six runs on eleven hits in just 4.2 innings pitched.  Heinie Groh, Larry Kopf, Greasy Neale and Ed Sicking all drive in multiple runs.  Meanwhile, Brooklyn's effort is too little too late.  Otto Miller drives home Ed Konetchy (double) in the seventh, while an error by shortstop Larry Kopf and Jimmy Johnston's base hit lead to a pair of unearned runs in the ninth.  Making only his sixth appearance of the season Uncle Robbie gives Bill Lamar a start in right who goes hitless in five trips.  The third place New York Giants are four games out.

• RECORD: 63-50 (.557)
• 2nd Place; 2.0 GB

N.Y. Yankees: Jury Still Out on Aaron Judge

From the desk of: BLAME CARLOS MAY

ABILITY vs. AVAILABILITY

A Crumbling Cookie?

As a freshman, the 2017 American League Rookie of the Year plays 155 games.  Now confirmed, injuries have since compromised each of Aaron Judge's next three regular seasons (wrist fracture, shoulder soreness, an oblique strain, broken rib and partially collapsed lung, and now a calf injury).

In 2018 he misses fifty games from July 26 through Sept. 14, and last season he is unavailable from April 20 through June 21, bringing up the number of games missed to one hundred ten.  This season Judge gets off to an astounding start slashing .290/.343/.758, with nine home runs and twenty RBI in just seventeen games and 62 at-bats.  He last plays on August 11, and has since missed the Yankees last seven games, bringing his number of games lost due to injury since 2018 up to 117 out of a possible 348 Yankees games, not including post-season.  Said another way, Aaron Judge's court is out of session 33% of the time.  He has so far missed 11% of this 2020 truncated season.

In 2018 the Yankees are 76-41 (.649) with him, and 24-21 (.533) without him.  In 2019 the Yankees are 66-42 (.611) with him, and 37-17 (.685) without him.  Entering Thursday's action the Yankees are 5-2 since Judge went down.  I like to say: once is an event, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a trend.  But Aaron Judge's absence from the line-up has so far proven negligible.

The jury is still out.

MLB CANCLES FRIDAY'S 

METS vs. YANKEES at CITI FIELD 

DUE TO COVID-19

Pulling "Double Duty" at Ebbets Field: Negro Leagues Great Ted Radcliffe

From the desk of: 100th ANNIVERSARY NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL

The Season Ted Radcliffe Pulls 

"Double Duty" at Ebbets Field

New York City author and syndicated sportswriter Damon Runyon indeed is responsible for devising the famous sobriquet "Double Duty" after witnessing Ted Radcliffe play behind the plate in the first game of a championship doubleheader, then with great proficiency pitch the second game at Yankee Stadium.

"Runyon ... gave me that name - that it's worth the price of admission of two to see Double Duty Radcliffe in action." - Ted Radcliffe

That quote is from the Black Diamonds interviews (1978) with Stephen Banker.  These recordings are invaluable.  In listening to Mr. Radcliffe, I hear a very affable, straightforward, endearingly, strong-minded person.  So, in the name of history, and in honor of the 100th anniversary of the original Negro National League founded in 1920 by Rube Foster, please allow me to respectfully stir up some trouble.

Mr. Radcliffe opens the interview saying the nickname dates back from the 1931 championship series between his Homestead Grays versus the New York Lincoln Giants.  My heart says to go along with it.  However, I'm afraid that Double Duty misspeaks.  The Lincoln Giants cease operations after the 1930 season.  I also disagree with Britannica insofar as Homestead's opponent is the New York Black Yankees.  Radcliffe correctly recalls playing the 1931 championship series as a member of the independent Homestead Grays.  That much is true.  However, according to the Center for Negro Leagues Baseball Research, Homestead defeats the Kansas City Monarchs six games to three.  Radcliffe is a teammate alongside, among other numerous greats, Josh Gibson and Oscar Charleston.  However, the same holds true for 1932 when they are members of the Pittsburgh Crawfords - a simple oversight over 45-years later.  For reference sake, there is an L.A. Times version regarding his nickname I believe to be the correct one: Double Duty and the independent Pittsburgh Crawfords oppose the Monroe Monarchs (of the Negro Southern League) in 1932 at Yankee Stadium.

First off, the matchup itself is made possible when the original Negro National League folded in 1931, and the Negro Southern League (a minor circuit established in 1920 by Tom Wilson) is declared major for the upcoming 1932 season until a new Negro National League II is established in time for the 1933 season.  The 1932 Monroe Monarchs finish the regular season in second place with a 34-14 overall record, just one game and mere percentage points behind the Chicago American Giants. Meanwhile, the Nashville Elite Giants, despite finishing the regular season in fourth place, are second-half champs (league standings according to Seamheads).  Chicago (first-half and regular season champs) and Nashville square off in a best five of nine championship series.  According to the Center for Negro Leagues Baseball Research,  Nashville wins two of three games in Chicago.  The American Giants then square the series, winning two of three at Nashville.  Chicago wins games seven and eight to clinch the championship.  According to Baseball-Reference, the Monroe Monarchs dispute the regular season standings and their lack of post-season consideration and defyingly proceed forward with a championship series against the Pittsburgh Crawfords.

Circling back to the interview and the original double-header in question, I believe Radcliffe is spot on when he recalls being behind the plate for Satchel Paige, who wins game one (4-0), then serves double duty on the mound (whitewashing the Monroe Monarchs, 3-0) at Yankee Stadium.

Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe makes his professional debut in 1928 as a catcher with the Detroit Stars.  After which, he variously plays for the St. Louis Stars, the aforementioned Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords, and the Columbus Blue Birds, until coming east in 1933 to play with the New York Black Yankees.  By 1934 he is back west with the fabled Chicago American Giants.

In 1935, twelve years before Jackie Robinson's arrival at 55 Sullivan Place, all-time negro league great Double Duty plays home games donning a Brooklyn uniform at Ebbets Field.  He is enticed by better pay to join Brooklyn, where the Eagles kick off their inaugural season.  At the plate, he bats .268 and posts a 4-6 record on the mound, according to Negro Leagues Museum, with 21 strikeouts in 11 games, and 57.2 innings pitched according to Seamheads.  Another source points out Radcliffe has trouble securing his release from the Brooklyn Eagles but eventually succeeds.  By late June, he plays for the integrated Bismarck Churchills, where he joins future Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Hilton Smith, and other players familiar with him.  Together they win the first National Semi-Pro Championship.

The Brooklyn Eagles are owned by Abe and Effa Manley, who promptly relocate the Eagles to Newark before the 1936 season.  Thus rendering 1935 Brooklyn's lone season as a participating member in the Negro National League II.  For one season, at least, the cast of future Hall of Famers and league standouts who (potentially) play at Ebbets Field is a veritable roll call of baseball legends.

1935 Negro National League-II Comes to Ebbets Field:

• Brooklyn Eagles - Double Duty is teammates with Hall of Famer Leon Day, outfielders Rap Dixon, Fatz Jenkins, Ed Stone, and first baseman George Giles.

• Pittsburgh Crawfords - treat Ebbets Field fans with Hall of Famers Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, Judy Johnson, Cool Papa Bell, and standouts Pat Patterson, Sam Bankhead, Leroy Matlock, and Spoon Carter.  

• Columbus Elite Giants - star pitchers Jim Willis and Andy Porter pitch from the Ebbets Field mound.

• New York Cubans - hailing locally from Hinchliffe Stadium in Patterson, N.J., Ebbets Field crowds welcome Hall of Famer Martin Dihigo and Cuban Hall of Famers Alejandro Oms and Lazaro Salazar.  

• Homestead Grays - Ebbets Field crowds also witness Hall of Famers Buck Leonard and Ray Brown and top players Tommy Dukes and Matt Carlisle.  

• Chicago American Giants - Mule Suttles, Willie Foster, Turkey Stearns, and Willie Wells, all in the Hall of Fame, all play at Ebbets.

• Philadelphia Stars - Hall of Famer Biz Mackey, and outfielders Ted Page and Jake Dunn.  

• Newark Dodgers - Hall of Famer Ray Dandridge and outfielder Jim Williams.  

• Seamheads.com

Picking up in 1936, Ted Radcliffe spends the rest of his playing career with the Cincinnati Tigers, Memphis Red Sox, Birmingham Black Barons, Louisville Buckeyes, and Kansas City Monarchs.  Double Duty also puts in overtime as player/manager of the Cleveland Tigers in 1937, Memphis Red Sox (1938-1941), and the Chicago American Giants in 1943.

According to Seamheads, the right-hander posts a career 47-37 record and 3.94 ERA against negro leagues competition with 302 strikeouts in 627.2 innings pitched.  However, SABR member Gary Livacari takes things a leap forward by writing Radcliffe "is thought to have won about 500 games and had 4,000 strikeouts."

In Black Diamonds, Double Duty says the best game he ever pitched occurs while managing the Memphis Red Sox; he throws fourteen scoreless innings.  Opposing him is Satchel Paige, who hurls seven scoreless innings before yielding to the bullpen.  The game ends in a scoreless tie due to darkness.  

At the plate, biographer Kyle P. McNary estimates that Radcliffe owns a .303 lifetime batting average, 4,000 career hits, and 400 home runs in 36-years, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Radcliffe plays in multiple East-West All-Star games as both a pitcher and catcher.  He says one of his biggest thrills comes during the 1944 East-West All-Star Game.  Trailing midway against the East, Radcliffe's brother Alec triples, and Double Duty follows with a home run hit into Comiskey Park's upper deck, giving the West All-Stars the lead.

Needless to say, Double Duty's candidacy for baseball's Hall of Fame needs some drastic reconsideration.

N.Y. Mets: The Monster Matz is a National League Smash

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Matzie .. Matzie

not mamma, not dadda, 

Matzie ... Matzie ... Matzie

This was supposed to be the season Steven Matz finally matures into a more composed left-handed craftsman, just like last year was supposed to be the season Steven Matz finally matures into a more composed left-handed craftsman.

So far that person remains missing in action.  This objective observer has yet to detect any advanced development in the now 29-year old southpaw from Long Island.  Maybe what they say is true: playing at home in front of family and friends is a bad idea.  Maybe a change of scenery will do him good.  What else is there left to think?

He has so far failed to exceed six innings through five starts.  His first appearance of the season remains the only game to date in which he pitches at least six innings.  In that game he allows one run on two hits and one walk with seven strikeouts.  A stellar season debut, for sure.  But it remains his best and only truly effective outing of the season.  Otherwise, he's been pushing the proverbial boulder up Mt. Flushing ever since.  The Mets are 0-5 in games Matz starts.  He owns a 9.00 ERA, 1.565 WHiP and 7.01 FIP in just 23 innings pitched.  He is averaging just 4.2 innings per start, and presently leads all of baseball with four losses.

THROWING FLUFF & FITS INSTEAD OF FASTBALLS

From his rookie season in 2015 through 2018 Matz utilizes his fastball at a rate of 62.2 percent.  Starting last season he's been throwing his fastball at a decreased rate of 51.5 percent - a noteworthy difference exceeding ten percent.  Conversely, over his first four seasons he utilizes his change-up at a rate of only 12.7 percent.  Last season his frequency increases to 20.1 percent, and this year he is up to 27.1 percent, which is an increase of near 15% since 2018.  His curveball (16.8%) remains relatively level.  But whereas last season he threw his slider at a rate of 14.4 percent this season (3.6%) it has all but disappeared.  Making this somewhat more ponderous is that his fastball is being clocked this season at a career best 94.7mph, while all his other pitches are in line with career averages, all according to Fangraphs.

DANGEROUS PEOPLE WITH STICKS IN THEIR HANDS

At 29-years of age and in his sixth season in the bigs one would think he'd be in the midst of his prime.  Instead Matz is yielding more hits than ever before.  He brings a career 9.1 H/9 average into this season, but is presently 2.6 above that mark with a problematic 11.7 H/9 average.  He isn't just hittable, he is smashable, if there exists such a word.  Matz brought a career 19.7% line-drive percentage into the 2020 season.  The last two seasons have been his best in that regard - a career best 15.4% line-drive average in 2018 and a 19.8% line-drive average in 2019.  This season that number has spiked to 28.8%, which is 8.7% above his career average.  His HardHit% also stands at a career high 42.7 mark.  Never before in his career has he breached the 40 percentile for a full season, also according to Fangraphs.

Did I mention Steven Matz leads the National League in runs allowed, and leads all of baseball in home runs allowed?

SOMETIMES A MANAGER HAS TO DO WHAT A MANAGER HAS TO DO

Mashable Matz .. he's a league wide smash .. hitters catch on in a flash .. do the Mash.

Perhaps Steven and the Mets rookie pitching coach should rethink this change-up strategy.  Otherwise, the rolodex of excuses is near exhausted.  On Thursday Matz was tentatively due to make his sixth start and the 107th start of his major league career while featuring a career 4.25 ERA.  But to hear Luis Rojas speak, it seems nothing is guaranteed.  In fact, Seth Lugo has already been named starter as of Wednesday night.  Not so sure that's the right move either.  However, with the Mets rotation presently in shambles Rojas is at a point where if nothing ventured, nothing is gained.  

Manager's call ... good for him.

Matz is being relegated to the bullpen ... do the Mash.

N.Y. Islanders: Power Play Remains Short Circuited

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Isles Lead Caps; 3-1

I - NYI 4; WAS 2

II - NYI 5; WAS 2

III - NYI 2; WAS 1*

IV - WAS 2; NYI 1

*overtime

Alex Ovechkin Helps Capitals Avert Elimination

Winning the fourth game of a playoff series is always hardest for a reason.

Washington is not going down lightly, especially with Alex Ovechkin on the ice.  The Capitals stave off elimination with a victory in game four, making the series 3-1 in favor of the Isles.  Without thinking too loudly, I wouldn't want my team sitting around after a sweep.  More hockey may be a good thing.

But hockey fans know very well the deeper a series and the playoffs go the more important special teams become.  Given five PP opportunities in game four, the Islanders again come up empty.  The Isles are now an anemic 1/19 (0.52%) on the power play versus the Capitals.  Rewind to last series and the Isles are 4/16 (25%) in four games against the Florida Panthers.  All told they are now 5/35 (14.2%) since entering the bubble.  Together the Panthers and Capitals are 8/30 (26.6%) on the power play.  Eight goals means the Isles are allowing an average of one PP goal per game.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Mathew Barzal give the Islanders a commanding 2-0 lead before the game's first ten minutes elapse.  Three and a half minutes into the second Evgeny Kuznetsov gets Washington on the scoreboard.  At 3:46 Mathew Barzal gets whistled for holding; it's one of five PP opportunities this game afforded to the Caps.  One minute forty-three seconds later Alex Ovechkin ties the game at two.  Early in the third Ovechkin gives the Capitals a 3-2 lead and ultimate margin of victory.

Therefore, it bares repeating: stay out of the box or score more on the power play.

Otherwise, the Islanders continue handling the Capitals they way they've been all series.  They continue to win the face-off battle.  At center Mathew Barzal and Jean-Gabriel Pageau account for nine shots on goal, only this time Washington outshoots the Islanders by a 29-26 margin.  It's the Caps most shots on goal all series.  Moreover, it's the most shots on goal in one game by either Florida or Washington.  Previously the Panthers twice achieve 28 SOGs in a game.  Previously Washington's best effort comes in game two with 25 shots on goal.  In turn this marks the first time New York is held under 30 SOG's all series, and only the third time since entering the bubble.

100 Years Ago Today 8/19/1920: Brooklyn Robins Cede First Place to Reds

Desk of the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #113: Thursday, August 19, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Redland Field

Robins Fall in 13th Inning at Redlands Field; Bow Out of First Place

Heavy rain causes postponement of the rest of their series versus the Phillies at Ebbets Field.  During the three day break Brooklyn loses their lone position atop the standings.  Yesterday both the Robins and Reds are idle.  Therefore the Robins arrive at Cincinnati's Redland Field this afternoon tied for first with the Reds.  Thirteen innings later they end the day a game back in second place.  Burleigh Grimes is back on the rubber opposed by Dutch Ruethers.  The two trade goose eggs for the first seven innings.  Both teams then trade a pair of runs in the eighth.  With two on and two outs, Jimmy Johnston singles up the middle scoring pinch runner Bill Lamar and Burleigh Grimes.  Cincinnati ties the score on a run scoring double from Heinie Groh, and a passed ball credited to catcher Otto Miller.  Grimes continues through the tenth.  After which, Leon Cadore takes over.  Meanwhile Brooklyn is unable to muster any offense against relievers Slim Sallee and Jimmy Ring.  With one out in the top of the thirteenth Hi Myers doubles to right, but is left stranded.  Reds second baseman Ed Sicking draws a walk leading off the bottom of the frame against Cadore.  Catcher Ivey Wingo wastes no time doubling to right, Wingo scores giving victory to the now first place Reds.

• RECORD: 63-49 (.563)
• 2nd Place; 1.0 GB

Brooklyn Nets Generosity at the Line Belies Their Efforts

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

GAME ONE

Nets      115

Raptors 134

FINAL

THE SCORE   ~   THE ARC   ~   THE STRIPE   ~   THE LOSS

During the first 64 regular season games prior to the Covid intermission Flatbush averages 111.8-points for and 112-points against.  Once in the bubble they close out the regular season with a 5-3 record, averaging an elevated 119.8-points per game and an identical 119.8-points against.

Versus Toronto the Nets stay true by scoring their obligatory 115 points.  However, they lose by a 24-point decrepancy.  Where this differential exists is easily identifiable.  I keep looking from the score, to the free throw line, then the arc, then back to the score, to the free throw line, to the arc and repeat.

When the clock is frozen the Nets get in trouble.  They continually issue their opponent anywhere from 24 to 29 free throw attempts per game.  Meanwhile, Brooklyn does not get to the stripe nearly as many times, and when there they oft times perform poorly - Monday's game is the latest example (68% from the line).  Toronto becomes Brooklyn's second opponent since entering the bubble to attempt upwards of thirty shots from the line.  The last time Brooklyn whistled away thirty-plus attempts (35) came during a 149-115 blowout against the Celtics - Point Differential: +34 in favor of the Celtics.

The teams are near even on the boards, 47-45, in favor of the Raptors, but Brooklyn does a better job of distribution with 33 assists versus 26 for Toronto.  And the field goal exchange against Toronto is negligible and here's why: Coach Vaughn's mid-range game is working.


3-Point Point Differential: +27 points in favor of TORONTO

• Nets: 32% on 13/42 from the arc for 39 points.
• Raptors: 50% on 22/44 from the arc for 66 points.

All Other FG Point Differential: +24 points in favor of NETS

• Nets shoot 60% on 30/50 from everywhere else for 60 points.
• Raptors shoot 43.9% on 18/41 from everywhere else for 36 points.

Total FG/Points Differential: + 3 in favor of TORONTO

• Nets: 99 points
• Raptors: 102 points

The Free Throw Files

I - vs. FINAL EIGHT

• Nets last eight regular opponents shoot 81.4% on 171/210 from the line, averaging per game 80% on 21/26 from the line.

• Meanwhile, the Nets shoot just 75.9% on 142/187 from the line, averaging per game 73% on 17/23 from the line.

• Point Differential: +23 points in favor of opponents

II - vs. TORONTO RAPTORS

Toronto's Frank VanFleet leads game one with 30 points.  Of all people he is the lone Toronto Raptor all game to miss a free throw:

Free Throw Point Differential: +21 points in favor of the RAPTORS.

• Nets are 68.8% on 11/16 from the stripe, for eleven points.
• Raptors are 97% on 32/33 from the stripe, for 32 points.  

Thirty-five attempts by Boston leads to a 34-point loss, and now thirty-three attempts by Toronto lead to a 24-point loss.

We know Flatbush made it this far minus many of their starters and key members off the bench.  They deserve credit for being as consistent as they've been, including Monday's opening match against the Raptors.  The Nets were not blown out.  I still expect an extended series.

That said, I've been telling myself the Nets will get nowhere without substantial contributions from everyone not named Joe Harris, Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert.  In major need of one of Timothe Luwawu Cabarrot's patented "24-point" efforts, on Monday he scores a team leading and personal season high 26-points in 33 minutes off the bench.  Jarrett Allen goes double-double with fifteen points and a game high eleven rebounds.  Joe Harris puts in a standard night with 19 points and 3/5 from the arc.  Caris LeVert only converts on 5/14 attempts from the field, and goes 0/3 from the arc for 15 points, but easily leads the floor in ball distribution with 15 assists.

Hello, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, good to see you again.

N.Y. Islanders: Four Chances to Win One

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Isles Lead Caps; 3-0

I - NYI 4; WAS 2

II - NYI 5; WAS 2

III - NYI 2; WAS 1*

*overtime

DON'T BREAK OUT THE BROOMS YET

Don't look now, but that glacier grinding through the bubble has an Islanders logo on it.  Unimpeded the Isles continue imposing their will.  But they say game four is always the hardest to win. 

In the meantime, the Washington Capitals are yet to draw up any viable legislation insofar as countering their former head coach and the New York Islanders.  Appropriately enough the captain Anders Lee opens the scoring with less than five minutes left in the first.  Washington's Evgeny Kuznetsov converts a power play at 5:50 of the second knotting the game at one.  The teams play through a scoreless third and into overtime they go.  Semyon Varlamov effectively saves the game when he smothers Jakub Vrana coming down the slot on a breakaway opportunity.  Shortly thereafter New York gains puck control in the defensive end.  Derrick Brassard along the boards from outside the left circle unleashes a long distance cross-ice pass gathered in by Jordan Eberle skating through the neutral zone.  By a razors edge Mathew Barzal stays on-side while receiving Eberle's ensuing pass and continues blazing through the right circle towards net.  Unopposed Barzal dekes right then beats Braden Holtby on a crossover backhand for the victory and a three games to none series advantage.

Semyon Varlamov remains stellar, yielding zero even-strength goals in sixty-four minutes and twenty-eight seconds.  The Isles have now yielded just three even-strength goals this series through nine-plus periods of hockey.  Moreover, the Isles for a second time limit the Caps to just 23 shots on goal.  During the regular season Varlamov posts a regular season .914 SV% and 2.62 GAA.  Through the Islanders first seven post-season games he is averaging a .932 SV% and a 1.71 GAA.

Washington is playing without Nicklas Backstrom.  But the Isles are playing minus Johnny Boychuk.  Otherwise, the song remains the same ... the Isles have been particularly effective in their defensive zone with break-outs that oft times are near spotless.

• Florida was 4 for 14 on the PP (28.5%); the Isles were 4 for 16 on the PP (25%).
• Washington is 3 for 11 on the PP (27.2%); the Isles are 1 for 14 on the PP (0.71%).
• Opponents are 7 for 25 on the PP (28%); the Isles are 5 for 30 on the PP (16.6%)

• Florida averaged 25 shots on goal; the Isles averaged 30 shots on goal.
• Washington is averaging 23 shots on goal; the Isles are averaging 33 shots on goal.
• Opponents are averaging 24 shots on goal; Isles are averaging 31.5 shots on goal.

• Florida won 127 face-offs (52.2 %); the Isles won 116 face-offs (47.7 %).
• Washington has won 76 face-offs (42.6%); the Isles have won 102 face-offs (57.3%).

• Isles outscore the Panthers 13-7 and 9-3 at even-strength.
• Isles are outscoring the Caps 11-5 and 10-2 at even-strength.
• Isles have so far outscored their opponents by a 19-5 margin at even-strength, and are doubling their opponents 24-12 overall.

Stay out of the box, or score more on the power play.  The deeper the playoffs go the more essential special teams become.

Four Angry Mets Fans on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

With SAM, RICH and MIKE

GUEST

John Coppinger aka METSTRADAMUS

The season is 38% done.  Last time Mets were above .500 was July 28.  It's now mid August and they own a 9-14 record.  Steven Matz is 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA, and the Polar Bear is wilting in the dog days of summer.  

We rant.

#LGM

N.Y. Islanders: Stay True Through Game Two

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Islanders Lead Series; 2-0

I - NYI 4; WAS 2

II - NYI 5; WAS 2

SUNDAY

Washington Capitals

vs.

New York Islanders

FROM

The Bubble

Through six games now against the Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals, the Isles have remained consistently true to their game.  The averages since entering the bubble bear that out.

Semyon Varlamov faces 25 shots, allows two goals, and turns away 23 others.  They do a better job this time of staying out of the box, allowing the Capitals only two power play opportunities, while scoring one goal for themselves in five chances.  Otherwise, they outscore Washington at even strength by a 4-2 margin.  They also keep out-hitting the Caps, continue to win more face-offs, and after two games are out-shooting the Caps by a 59-51 margin.

Washington gets two goals from Alex Ovechkin.  The first comes on a deflection just 0:56 second into the game.  His second comes on the power play at the 6:32 mark of the second period, tying the game at two.  After which the Islanders veto the Capitals the rest of the way.  They get goals across the board from Nick Leddy, Matt Martin, Brock Nelson, Cal Clutterbuck, and Anders Lee.

Versus Florida the Isles average 3.25 goals for, and 1.75 goals against.  The Panthers only average 25 shots per game, while the Isles yield only three goals during even strength over twelve periods.

Washington takes 26 shots in game one, and another 25 in game two.  They've so far been limited to a pair of goals through seven PP opportunities.  However, the Islanders are only 1 for 9 on the power play.

Keep staying out of the box.  As I said after game one, playing at even strength is this team's main strength, second only to the coaching of Barry Trotz.  When they're not killing penalties, the Islanders have so far outscored Washington by an 8-2 margin.

100 Years Ago Today 8/15/1920: Brooklyn Robins Alone in First After Victory Over Phillies

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champion

Game #112: Sunday, August 15, 1920 - BR
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Brooklyn Dodgers
Ebbets Field

Fireman Burleigh Grimes Saves the Day; Robins Back in Sole Possession of First

It takes longer than anticipated, but the Robins outlast the Phillies at Ebbets Field to regain sole possession of first place.  Facing Jeff Pfeffer, Philadelphia leads 4-2 after five innings.  Pitching for Philadelphia is former Trolley Dodger George Smith.  Pfeffer is knocked out of the game after yielding four earned runs on six hits and a walk through six innings.  In the Brooklyn seventh, Ivy Olson, Jimmy Johnston and Tommy Griffith together generate two runs tying the game at four.  Pitching in relief of Jeff Pfeffer and Leon Cardore in the Philadelphia eighth, Al Mamaux walks two of three batters faced.  That prompts a visit by Uncle Robbie who urgently summons Burleigh Grimes from the bullpen.  The spitballer rewards his manager with a goose egg.  But the game stays knotted through the ninth and tenth and eleventh innings.  Philadelphia breaks the deadlock in the top of the twelfth helped by Ivy Olson's errant throw with the bases loaded.  Grimes regains control of the situation and escapes with only one run scored.  Brooklyn born right-hander Johnny Enzmann enters the game for the Phillies.  Ivy Olson and Jimmy Johnston greet him with consecutive singles, and with one out Zack Wheat is issued an intentional walk.  Manager Gavvy Cravath looks on as Ivy Olson steps in.  Cravath gets his wish, a sure double play ground ball to short is returned home for a force out.  But catcher Mack Wheat throws errantly to first base allowing both brother Zack and Jimmy Johnston to score.  Native Brooklynite and former Robins pitcher Johnny Enzmann suffers his first loss in only his fifth appearance of the season.  Back in 1914 he appears in seven games for his hometown Brooklyn Dodgers.  The spitballer Burleigh Grimes allows no earned runs on three hits and one walk with four strikeouts though 4.2 innings for the win.  He improves to 18-7 with a 2.18 earned run average.  Chicago whitewashes the Reds at Cubs Park, and the Giants split a twin bill with the Braves at the Polo Grounds.

• RECORD: 63-48 (.568)
• First Place; 1.0 GA