He wasn't even supposed to be there. Instead, he's the Home Run Derby Champion.
Yoenis Cespedes wins the 2013 Home Run Derby at Citi Field in New York City. Cespedes batted against Bryce Harper for the derby crown in the final. Harper hit a respectable eight home runs in ten outs. Cespedes crushed nine in five outs with the clincher being a deep shot to center.
The derby win for Cespedes marks the first time an Athletic has won the Home Run Derby since 1992 when Mark McGwire won it.
Yoenis was crushing balls from the start with many of them getting up to that third deck in left field. Cespedes would hit 17 homers in the first round and didn't even need to hit another big fly to advance to the final still being ahead of 2nd place Bryce Harper by one. The 27 year old Cuban born slugger would tack on 6 more, however, for good measure and have a total of 23 over the first two rounds.
Certainly a good night of home run hitting. It was fun to see so many big flies hit by all the contestants and great to see the guy with the most homers on the night win the derby. Congrats to Cespedes.
P.S. Now time for me to see if I can get a triple decker myself.
Showing posts with label Oakland A's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oakland A's. Show all posts
Monday, July 15, 2013
Friday, October 12, 2012
SF Happy while East Bay Unhappy
A couple of game 5's were yesterday that regarded both baseball teams from the Bay Area.
First was the San Francisco Giants going against the Reds for one more in Cincinnati. The Giants were down 0-2 leaving San Francisco going East but managed to comeback to force a game 5. Matt Cain picthed his second game in the series and did a bit better there allowing 3 earned through 6 and 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, the Giants scored all of their runs in the 5th inning including a Buster Posey Grand Slam to put them up by 6. The Reds would score a few over the rest of the game but it wasn't enough. Giants win the game 6-4 and the series 3 games to 2.
The second game 5 that involved a Bay Area team was the Oakland Athletics going against the Detroit Tigers in the Coliseum. The A's had fought back from an 0-2 deficit themselves and looked pretty good entering game 5. Unfortunately for them Justin Verlander went on the mound pitching one of the best performances of his career. While the Tigers had no trouble putting up runs, Verlander dominated going the whole 9 innings, allowing 1 hit, 4 BB, no runs, and struck out 11. Tigers win 6-0 and take the series 3 games to 2.
The unbelievable season for the A's ends while the Giants somehow live on to face either the Nationals or the Cardinals. While I am very ecstatic that the Giants go on, I was actually starting to get into watching the A's play baseball. It was fun to see some of the games every now and then and especially in the last couple weeks with them taking the West from the Rangers. Hopefully they will be able to contend in October again next season.
Meanwhile, GO GIANTS!!!
P.S. Don't feel too bad, Oakland. At least you'll get another movie staring Brad Pitt about how other teams will eventually benefit long term off your ideas.
First was the San Francisco Giants going against the Reds for one more in Cincinnati. The Giants were down 0-2 leaving San Francisco going East but managed to comeback to force a game 5. Matt Cain picthed his second game in the series and did a bit better there allowing 3 earned through 6 and 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, the Giants scored all of their runs in the 5th inning including a Buster Posey Grand Slam to put them up by 6. The Reds would score a few over the rest of the game but it wasn't enough. Giants win the game 6-4 and the series 3 games to 2.
The second game 5 that involved a Bay Area team was the Oakland Athletics going against the Detroit Tigers in the Coliseum. The A's had fought back from an 0-2 deficit themselves and looked pretty good entering game 5. Unfortunately for them Justin Verlander went on the mound pitching one of the best performances of his career. While the Tigers had no trouble putting up runs, Verlander dominated going the whole 9 innings, allowing 1 hit, 4 BB, no runs, and struck out 11. Tigers win 6-0 and take the series 3 games to 2.
The unbelievable season for the A's ends while the Giants somehow live on to face either the Nationals or the Cardinals. While I am very ecstatic that the Giants go on, I was actually starting to get into watching the A's play baseball. It was fun to see some of the games every now and then and especially in the last couple weeks with them taking the West from the Rangers. Hopefully they will be able to contend in October again next season.
Meanwhile, GO GIANTS!!!
P.S. Don't feel too bad, Oakland. At least you'll get another movie staring Brad Pitt about how other teams will eventually benefit long term off your ideas.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Orioles To Face Yanks After Beating Rangers
The Rangers had the misfortune of getting caught by the A's and then passed by them on the final day of the regular season. Yesterday, they paid the ultimate price for letting that happen.
The Orioles and the Rangers played the AL game of the One Game Wild Card Playoff round and the way both of these teams were headed, you could tell which way this one was going. It was neck and neck for a while as both teams scored a run in the first inning. It wasn't until the 6th when the tie was broken up. Adam Jones hit a sac fly in the 6th inning and then Nate McLouth scored a RBI single in the 7th. The Orioles would then tack on two more in the 9th inning for good measure. The Rangers tried to rally by getting the bases loaded in the 9th but David Murphy flied out to left to end the game and the season for the Rangers. Orioles win 5-1 and move on to face their AL East rivals, the Yankees, in the ALDS.
The Rangers will not be repeating as AL Champs for a third straight year. The expectations were high for Texas as they have been to the World Series two times in a row and failed to win it both times. This early exit from the playoffs due to A's catching up and being unable to rally against Baltimore leaves the Rangers front office and the fan base asking what went wrong. What's worse is that now there is a chance they lose Josh Hamilton to free agency (AKA the Yankees) along with some other key players. The Rangers might take a hit as a team this offseason and could come back worse in 2013.
As for the Orioles, they don't have to think about the offseason right now as their minds are fixed on the postseason, more specifically the Yankees. While it's not the 2nd team I was hoping for coming out of the AL East, it's anyone but the Yankees. GO O'S!!!
The Orioles and the Rangers played the AL game of the One Game Wild Card Playoff round and the way both of these teams were headed, you could tell which way this one was going. It was neck and neck for a while as both teams scored a run in the first inning. It wasn't until the 6th when the tie was broken up. Adam Jones hit a sac fly in the 6th inning and then Nate McLouth scored a RBI single in the 7th. The Orioles would then tack on two more in the 9th inning for good measure. The Rangers tried to rally by getting the bases loaded in the 9th but David Murphy flied out to left to end the game and the season for the Rangers. Orioles win 5-1 and move on to face their AL East rivals, the Yankees, in the ALDS.
The Rangers will not be repeating as AL Champs for a third straight year. The expectations were high for Texas as they have been to the World Series two times in a row and failed to win it both times. This early exit from the playoffs due to A's catching up and being unable to rally against Baltimore leaves the Rangers front office and the fan base asking what went wrong. What's worse is that now there is a chance they lose Josh Hamilton to free agency (AKA the Yankees) along with some other key players. The Rangers might take a hit as a team this offseason and could come back worse in 2013.
As for the Orioles, they don't have to think about the offseason right now as their minds are fixed on the postseason, more specifically the Yankees. While it's not the 2nd team I was hoping for coming out of the AL East, it's anyone but the Yankees. GO O'S!!!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A'S WON THE AL WEST?!?! HOW?!?!?!
To say that the A's were going to win the AL West at the beginning of the year after they made a bunch of wacky transactions would've been a maddening statement by anyone. I'm crazy, why didn't I say it?
It was the last day of the regular season in baseball and the Texas Rangers were fighting for their division they had thought they locked away months ago. The Oakland Athletics caught up to them last night despite being 5 games out with 9 days to go. Today was the game to decide the AL West for good and the Oakland fans came out rowdy as ever. It was a rough start for the A's as they fell behind 5-1 through 3 innings. A big 4th inning that included an A's rally and a dropped ball by Josh Hamilton gave the A's the lead 7-5. Oakland would take on a few runs and hold the Rangers at bay for the rest of the game and win 12-5. The Oakland A's have done the improbable and taken the AL West on the last day of the regular season.
The Rangers sat on top of the division for 178 days. They needed 179. The A's shock the baseball world as they were 13 games behind Texas on June 30th. To make this kind of turnaround was shocking and exciting. They needed to sweep the Rangers in Oakland to take the West and they did just that. They now join their neighboring San Francisco Giants as a division champion.
The A's will face the Tigers in the ALDS, which was the team that eliminated them in the ALCS in 2006. That was also the year of the last postseason appearance. Meanwhile, the Rangers will have to face the Baltimore Orioles in a one game playoff on Friday.
Congrats to the A's on their division title. Some how the "Mad" Billy Beane has orchestrated another surprise.
P.S. I wouldn't want to face Oakland right now.
It was the last day of the regular season in baseball and the Texas Rangers were fighting for their division they had thought they locked away months ago. The Oakland Athletics caught up to them last night despite being 5 games out with 9 days to go. Today was the game to decide the AL West for good and the Oakland fans came out rowdy as ever. It was a rough start for the A's as they fell behind 5-1 through 3 innings. A big 4th inning that included an A's rally and a dropped ball by Josh Hamilton gave the A's the lead 7-5. Oakland would take on a few runs and hold the Rangers at bay for the rest of the game and win 12-5. The Oakland A's have done the improbable and taken the AL West on the last day of the regular season.
The Rangers sat on top of the division for 178 days. They needed 179. The A's shock the baseball world as they were 13 games behind Texas on June 30th. To make this kind of turnaround was shocking and exciting. They needed to sweep the Rangers in Oakland to take the West and they did just that. They now join their neighboring San Francisco Giants as a division champion.
The A's will face the Tigers in the ALDS, which was the team that eliminated them in the ALCS in 2006. That was also the year of the last postseason appearance. Meanwhile, the Rangers will have to face the Baltimore Orioles in a one game playoff on Friday.
Congrats to the A's on their division title. Some how the "Mad" Billy Beane has orchestrated another surprise.
P.S. I wouldn't want to face Oakland right now.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Things to Watch on Last Day of Baseball Season
Tomorrow is the last day of the regular season and there are quite a few things to watch.
The most exciting single game of the day is actually happening in Oakland. The A's are hosting the Rangers for the last game of the season and the winner gets the AL West. It seemed like a forgone conclusion that the Rangers would take the division months ago but the A's have somehow fought their way back into the discussion and have pushed the Rangers to the limit. Good luck to the A's but with the momentum they have they might not need it.
Another thing to watch is the AL East match up. The Yankees and the Orioles have been in a tight race for the division crown as of late and the Yanks have a 1 game lead entering the final day. They look for the sweep over the Red Sox tomorrow along with clinching the division. The Orioles will need them to lose while they win to force a tiebreaker. I do not like the O's chances.
Last thing to see is the chase for the Triple Crown by Miguel Cabrera. He right now leads the AL in Batting Average, Home Runs, and RBIs. No one is sure right now whether or not he will even play tomorrow vs. the Royals. They already have the division and don't need to risk injury but should play him for a few ABs just out of respect for the game.
Should be a great last day of baseball.
P.S. Adam Greenberg finally got his one AB in the majors Pinch Hitting for the Marlins. He struck out vs. RA Dickey but he got his chance.
P.P.S.OH DODGERS, NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOODBYE!!!!
The most exciting single game of the day is actually happening in Oakland. The A's are hosting the Rangers for the last game of the season and the winner gets the AL West. It seemed like a forgone conclusion that the Rangers would take the division months ago but the A's have somehow fought their way back into the discussion and have pushed the Rangers to the limit. Good luck to the A's but with the momentum they have they might not need it.
Another thing to watch is the AL East match up. The Yankees and the Orioles have been in a tight race for the division crown as of late and the Yanks have a 1 game lead entering the final day. They look for the sweep over the Red Sox tomorrow along with clinching the division. The Orioles will need them to lose while they win to force a tiebreaker. I do not like the O's chances.
Last thing to see is the chase for the Triple Crown by Miguel Cabrera. He right now leads the AL in Batting Average, Home Runs, and RBIs. No one is sure right now whether or not he will even play tomorrow vs. the Royals. They already have the division and don't need to risk injury but should play him for a few ABs just out of respect for the game.
Should be a great last day of baseball.
P.S. Adam Greenberg finally got his one AB in the majors Pinch Hitting for the Marlins. He struck out vs. RA Dickey but he got his chance.
P.P.S.OH DODGERS, NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOODBYE!!!!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Bartolo Colon Suspended for PED Use
Victor Conte, the man behind BALCO, said recently after Melky's suspension that drugs are still a major problem in baseball guessing almost half the players use some sort of PED. This new story doesn't help dispute that statement.
Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for Testosterone. The 39 year old starter will miss the remaining 40 games of the regular season and also the first 10 of the postseason (provided the A's make the playoffs) and serve the remainder next year if needed. Colon apologized as result and accepted responsibility for his actions. This comes a week after Melky Cabrera, another Bay Area player, tested positive for Testosterone.
Can anyone check to see if there is another absurd website featuring some weird skin cream? Now Colon might not be the best player for Oakland but he was still having a good year by his standards going 10-9 with a 3.43 ERA. It hurts the A's chances to get into the postseason as they are only a half game in front of the Orioles for the 2nd Wild Card Spot.
After hearing about this positive test, I start to think about what Victor Conte had said. What if drugs are still a major problem in baseball? Does that mean there will be less Hall of Famers being inducted than there are right now? I also wonder if Conte does know of any players today that are taking PEDs. Let's get another wasted congressional hearing right away. It's not like there is an election going on, right?
Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for Testosterone. The 39 year old starter will miss the remaining 40 games of the regular season and also the first 10 of the postseason (provided the A's make the playoffs) and serve the remainder next year if needed. Colon apologized as result and accepted responsibility for his actions. This comes a week after Melky Cabrera, another Bay Area player, tested positive for Testosterone.
Can anyone check to see if there is another absurd website featuring some weird skin cream? Now Colon might not be the best player for Oakland but he was still having a good year by his standards going 10-9 with a 3.43 ERA. It hurts the A's chances to get into the postseason as they are only a half game in front of the Orioles for the 2nd Wild Card Spot.
After hearing about this positive test, I start to think about what Victor Conte had said. What if drugs are still a major problem in baseball? Does that mean there will be less Hall of Famers being inducted than there are right now? I also wonder if Conte does know of any players today that are taking PEDs. Let's get another wasted congressional hearing right away. It's not like there is an election going on, right?
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