Jake Peavy, who was traded from the ChicagoWhite Sox to Boston earlier this week, made his Red Sox debut earlier tonight. He pitched against a familiar opponent that he faced primarily in his Padres days, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Overall, Peavy did well going seven plus innings allowing just two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. In fact, Peavy might've had three earned counted against him if not for Jonny Gomes' arm in left field throwing out Cliff Pennington at the plate in the 8th. Because of that, the Sox kept a slim one run lead keeping Peavy in line for the W.
Boston would add two more runs in the bottom of the 8th with a two-run shot by Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Sox would win by a final of 5-2 with Peavy (9-4) getting credited with the win.
Certainly the kind of start the Sox expect from Peavy. Pity the Rays beat the Giants to still keep a half game behind in the AL East. But if Peavy can keep pitching like this for the rest of the season, then Boston might just be able to stay in front of Tampa Bay long enough.
Showing posts with label San Francisco Giants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label San Francisco Giants. Show all posts
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Pagan Hits a Walk Off Inside-the-Park Home; Giants Win 6-5
It was a long day for the San Francisco Giants but they somehow survived it.
The Giants had to fight back from a 4-run deficit against the Colorado Rockies. They did this with 3 runs in the 6th inning and then a 4th run in the 7th. However, the 7th inning should've been more than a tie for the Giants.
With one out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Brandon Crawford hit a ground ball to the 2nd baseman DJ LeMahieu. Brandon Belt sees the grounder and heads for home plate causing LeMahieu to throw home. Belt gets under Yorvit Torrealba's tag just in time. However, home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez called him out despite the fact that Belt's foot hit home plate just before the tag was applied.
Next batter Joaquin Arias pinch hits for the pitcher's spot and flies out to end the inning with the game still tied at 4-4.
The bottom of the 8th comes around with another officiating mistake. With Marco Scutaro on 1st and 1 out, Pablo Sandoval hits a single to left center and, perhaps feeling a bit greedy, Scutaro heads for 3rd base. The throw to 3rd is on time but Scutaro manages to avoid the tag and slide into 3rd safely... except for the fact that home plate umpire Marquez came over and called Scutaro out on a tag that clearly didn't happen.
Giants Manager Bruce Bochy goes out to argue about now the 2nd blown call by Marquez and is thrown out of the ball game. Buster Posey then pops out to 2nd to end the inning.
The game heads into extras where Troy Tulowitzki hit a home run to lead off the 10th inning to make it 5-4 for the Rockies. Now the bottom of the 10th comes with Rafael Betancourt coming in to close it out for Colorado.
However, Betancourt walks Brandon Crawford to start the inning and then Guillermo Quiroz pinch hits to just bunt Crawford over to 2nd. Angel Pagan then comes up clutch with a big hit that hits the bottom of the wall in right center. Crawford scores easily and Pagan, chugging along with 3rd base coach Tim Flannery waiving him in, manages to slide head first into home just before the tag.
No way to mess up that play at the plate, Marquez.
Giants win 6-5 in 10 innings on a walk off inside-the-park home run by Angel Pagan. They had to overcome the Rockies and sloppy officiating but the Giants win in one of the spectacular finishes you will see all season.
P.S. Seriously, baseball, you got to something about the umps. Better officiating and instant replay are needed more than ever. The right team somehow won today but that doesn't always happen, does it.
.png) |
| Angel Pagan just after his Walk Off Inside the Park Home Run vs. the Rockies. 5-25-13 (Photo by Ezra Shaw of Getty Images) |
With one out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Brandon Crawford hit a ground ball to the 2nd baseman DJ LeMahieu. Brandon Belt sees the grounder and heads for home plate causing LeMahieu to throw home. Belt gets under Yorvit Torrealba's tag just in time. However, home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez called him out despite the fact that Belt's foot hit home plate just before the tag was applied.
Next batter Joaquin Arias pinch hits for the pitcher's spot and flies out to end the inning with the game still tied at 4-4.
The bottom of the 8th comes around with another officiating mistake. With Marco Scutaro on 1st and 1 out, Pablo Sandoval hits a single to left center and, perhaps feeling a bit greedy, Scutaro heads for 3rd base. The throw to 3rd is on time but Scutaro manages to avoid the tag and slide into 3rd safely... except for the fact that home plate umpire Marquez came over and called Scutaro out on a tag that clearly didn't happen.
Giants Manager Bruce Bochy goes out to argue about now the 2nd blown call by Marquez and is thrown out of the ball game. Buster Posey then pops out to 2nd to end the inning.
The game heads into extras where Troy Tulowitzki hit a home run to lead off the 10th inning to make it 5-4 for the Rockies. Now the bottom of the 10th comes with Rafael Betancourt coming in to close it out for Colorado.
However, Betancourt walks Brandon Crawford to start the inning and then Guillermo Quiroz pinch hits to just bunt Crawford over to 2nd. Angel Pagan then comes up clutch with a big hit that hits the bottom of the wall in right center. Crawford scores easily and Pagan, chugging along with 3rd base coach Tim Flannery waiving him in, manages to slide head first into home just before the tag.
No way to mess up that play at the plate, Marquez.
Giants win 6-5 in 10 innings on a walk off inside-the-park home run by Angel Pagan. They had to overcome the Rockies and sloppy officiating but the Giants win in one of the spectacular finishes you will see all season.
P.S. Seriously, baseball, you got to something about the umps. Better officiating and instant replay are needed more than ever. The right team somehow won today but that doesn't always happen, does it.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Astros Win Opener and My Picks for the Season
The Baseball season is here at last. Finally I can out from winter hibernation.
The season began last night with an American League West match up between the Texas Rangers and the newest member of the AL, the Houston Astros. They might make less than Alex Rodriguez combined but they certainly know how to start the season off right. They were up 4-2 yesterday in the bottom of the 6th when Rick Ankiel managed to hit a three run home run to basically seal the victory for the 'stros. Houston wins their first game as part of the America League 8-2.
As for season predictions, lets stick with the AL West for a second and just say I fully expect the Angels to float away with it. The Rangers are weaker and the Angel's are stronger while the A's might challenge them for the top spot. Tommy Hanson might be more of an impact than Josh Hamilton's bat but that lineup is to be the one to fear now in the AL West.
Moving to the AL Central, how could you not pick the Detroit Tigers. They were impressive leading up to the World Series and it's not likely they won't manage to win the division. The team I'm watching, however, is the Indians. They started off well last season and then fell off the face of the earth. I would like to see if Terry Francona will be able to get this club back on pace.
The AL East, all the attention is going to the Toronto Blue Jays after scoring big at that clearance sale the Marlins were having. It might be them or the Rays but don't forget about the O's or the Yanks either. The O's will want to prove last year wasn't a fluke while the Yankees are, uh, well let's just say to never underestimate the Dark Side. Everyone but my Red Sox seems to have a fair shot at the division crown heading into the race. My pick is ultimately the Rays but their hitting has to come alive just enough in order for that to work. Great pitching may win titles but you still have to get to October first with fair hitting.
Moving to the National League East, all signs point to the Washington Nationals (that's right, the "Nationals") will take the division with Strasburg coming off the leash and Bryce Harper set for a sophomore year. The intrigue here, however, is with Atlanta and the arrival of the Upton brothers in the outfield. If their pitching comes through, they might be able to challenge the Nationals. Still picking Washington, however.
In the NL Central, I'm going bold in saying the Milwaukee Brewers will take the division. There has been no repeat winner in the division for a few years now and I think the Brewers could surprise some with Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse in the Rotation. You can't sleep on St. Louis or Cincinnati but I'm going with Milwaukee.
Lastly, the NL West and who else am I going to pick besides the San Francisco Giants? Nobody. Go Giants!!!
Perhaps the Dodgers do present a challenge with Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke in their rotation but Kershaw is the only one there that is consistent. While Greinke will probably end up with an ERA around the 3's, the rest of the rotation is shaky. They can't be written off completely but they will likely be playing in the Wild Card playoff game.
As for my World Series picks, Rays over Giants. I love my Giants and seeing how they will themselves through the playoffs last year, I can't ignore them for another pennant. Plus they've played a season after winning a title before and are used to it. But I have a feeling about the Rays and their rotation. They'll be playing playoff type baseball all year round like the Giants usually do and they have a better rotation as well. Got to pick the Rays.
P.S. Don't kill me at the Park, Giants fans. Look at my Final Four picks: I'M WRONG ALL THE TIME!!!
The season began last night with an American League West match up between the Texas Rangers and the newest member of the AL, the Houston Astros. They might make less than Alex Rodriguez combined but they certainly know how to start the season off right. They were up 4-2 yesterday in the bottom of the 6th when Rick Ankiel managed to hit a three run home run to basically seal the victory for the 'stros. Houston wins their first game as part of the America League 8-2.
As for season predictions, lets stick with the AL West for a second and just say I fully expect the Angels to float away with it. The Rangers are weaker and the Angel's are stronger while the A's might challenge them for the top spot. Tommy Hanson might be more of an impact than Josh Hamilton's bat but that lineup is to be the one to fear now in the AL West.
Moving to the AL Central, how could you not pick the Detroit Tigers. They were impressive leading up to the World Series and it's not likely they won't manage to win the division. The team I'm watching, however, is the Indians. They started off well last season and then fell off the face of the earth. I would like to see if Terry Francona will be able to get this club back on pace.
The AL East, all the attention is going to the Toronto Blue Jays after scoring big at that clearance sale the Marlins were having. It might be them or the Rays but don't forget about the O's or the Yanks either. The O's will want to prove last year wasn't a fluke while the Yankees are, uh, well let's just say to never underestimate the Dark Side. Everyone but my Red Sox seems to have a fair shot at the division crown heading into the race. My pick is ultimately the Rays but their hitting has to come alive just enough in order for that to work. Great pitching may win titles but you still have to get to October first with fair hitting.
Moving to the National League East, all signs point to the Washington Nationals (that's right, the "Nationals") will take the division with Strasburg coming off the leash and Bryce Harper set for a sophomore year. The intrigue here, however, is with Atlanta and the arrival of the Upton brothers in the outfield. If their pitching comes through, they might be able to challenge the Nationals. Still picking Washington, however.
In the NL Central, I'm going bold in saying the Milwaukee Brewers will take the division. There has been no repeat winner in the division for a few years now and I think the Brewers could surprise some with Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse in the Rotation. You can't sleep on St. Louis or Cincinnati but I'm going with Milwaukee.
Lastly, the NL West and who else am I going to pick besides the San Francisco Giants? Nobody. Go Giants!!!
Perhaps the Dodgers do present a challenge with Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke in their rotation but Kershaw is the only one there that is consistent. While Greinke will probably end up with an ERA around the 3's, the rest of the rotation is shaky. They can't be written off completely but they will likely be playing in the Wild Card playoff game.
As for my World Series picks, Rays over Giants. I love my Giants and seeing how they will themselves through the playoffs last year, I can't ignore them for another pennant. Plus they've played a season after winning a title before and are used to it. But I have a feeling about the Rays and their rotation. They'll be playing playoff type baseball all year round like the Giants usually do and they have a better rotation as well. Got to pick the Rays.
P.S. Don't kill me at the Park, Giants fans. Look at my Final Four picks: I'M WRONG ALL THE TIME!!!
Friday, March 29, 2013
$167 Million Deal for Buster Posey
Buster Posey and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a 9 year $167 million contract. The contract covers 2013-21 with a club option for 2022. It also comes with a no trade clause. Buster Posey has been an essential player in each of the Giants two World Series Seasons. He was also named 2012 NL MVP last year after batting .336 with 24 home runs and 103 RBI's.
The man behind the plate gets the contract he has richly deserved. Posey's been a valuable part of the Giants but had been paid peanuts until now. I'm not trying to knock the team for that because all ball clubs can do it and will. I'm just glad that Buster was able to get his big payday, especially after that home plate collision in May of 2011.
The pitching seems stable for now and the Giants have locked up their biggest position player for 9 years. Just now need to figure out what to do with Timmy what with his contract coming to end. A lot of that will be determined after this season and seeing if Timmy can bounce back after an awful 2012 season.
The man behind the plate gets the contract he has richly deserved. Posey's been a valuable part of the Giants but had been paid peanuts until now. I'm not trying to knock the team for that because all ball clubs can do it and will. I'm just glad that Buster was able to get his big payday, especially after that home plate collision in May of 2011.
The pitching seems stable for now and the Giants have locked up their biggest position player for 9 years. Just now need to figure out what to do with Timmy what with his contract coming to end. A lot of that will be determined after this season and seeing if Timmy can bounce back after an awful 2012 season.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Scutaro and Pagan Stay with Giants
The San Francisco Giants recently were able to keep some parts of their lineup for the foreseeable future. First Angel Pagan was signed to a 4 year deal with the Giants for $40 million. Pagan was initially acquired in a trade before the 2012 season. Then the Giants resigned Marco Scutaro to a 3 year deal worth $20 million. Scutaro was acquired via a trade in the middle of the 2012 season and came through with several clutch hits in the NLCS and a hit that
scored what turned out to be the series clinching run in the World Series.
A couple of good deals for the Giants as they look to secure the lineup. I would've thought all the money would be use to make sure the pitching staff stayed intact and up to par. This off season, though, didn't really call for a lot of negotiations with big pitchers. Just Brian Wilson and they let him go in favor of Sergio Romo and the rest of the bullpen that got along without him.
It's fine if the Giants want to make sure their lineup is secure but as long that this doesn't affect the rotation and the bullpen long term. They need to make sure their big bucks still goes to pitching.
A couple of good deals for the Giants as they look to secure the lineup. I would've thought all the money would be use to make sure the pitching staff stayed intact and up to par. This off season, though, didn't really call for a lot of negotiations with big pitchers. Just Brian Wilson and they let him go in favor of Sergio Romo and the rest of the bullpen that got along without him.
It's fine if the Giants want to make sure their lineup is secure but as long that this doesn't affect the rotation and the bullpen long term. They need to make sure their big bucks still goes to pitching.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
'Fear The Beard' No More?
The 2010 World Series that gave the city of San Francisco it's first World title in Baseball came to an end with Brian Wilson on the mound striking out Nelson Cruz of the Rangers to end it all. Wilson was known for the beard that he grew on his face and his unique personality in the clubhouse and for the camera.
Wilson was there for the 2012 World Series but only as a supporter. He appeared only two times for the Giants in 2012 due to an elbow injury that led to him having Tommy John Surgery effectively ending his season. He watched Sergio Romo (who grew quite a beard himself) close out the 2012 World Series by striking out Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers... and, inadvertently, possibly closing out Wilson's time in San Francisco.
The Giants declined to tender a one year contract for Brian Wilson making him a free agent. The SF Chronicle reports that the Giants would like to sign Wilson to a lower base salary with incentives attached due to his elbow trouble. The report suggests, through it sources, that Wilson is mad at the organization for their stance and essentially plans to go play ball elsewhere. It seems that the Beard is on the market.
It's a shame that the Giants and Wilson had to drift apart like this. Both, however, seem to be looking out for their best interests. The Giants believe that Wilson's stock has dropped due to his injuries and the fact they won the World Series without him and Wilson has done enough to likely get a better offer elsewhere. It seems only logical that this split would occur.
Wherever Brian Wilson ends up, I wish him a fruitful career. #ThankTheBeard.
Wilson was there for the 2012 World Series but only as a supporter. He appeared only two times for the Giants in 2012 due to an elbow injury that led to him having Tommy John Surgery effectively ending his season. He watched Sergio Romo (who grew quite a beard himself) close out the 2012 World Series by striking out Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers... and, inadvertently, possibly closing out Wilson's time in San Francisco.
The Giants declined to tender a one year contract for Brian Wilson making him a free agent. The SF Chronicle reports that the Giants would like to sign Wilson to a lower base salary with incentives attached due to his elbow trouble. The report suggests, through it sources, that Wilson is mad at the organization for their stance and essentially plans to go play ball elsewhere. It seems that the Beard is on the market.
It's a shame that the Giants and Wilson had to drift apart like this. Both, however, seem to be looking out for their best interests. The Giants believe that Wilson's stock has dropped due to his injuries and the fact they won the World Series without him and Wilson has done enough to likely get a better offer elsewhere. It seems only logical that this split would occur.
Wherever Brian Wilson ends up, I wish him a fruitful career. #ThankTheBeard.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Who Else but Miguel and MVPosey
The MVPs were named today in baseball and both by seemingly comfortable margins.
The NL MVP went to Giants Catcher Buster Posey who received 27 of 32 possible first place votes and took in a 422 total points. Ryan Braun came in 2nd with 285 points. This caps off a tremendous season for Buster who batted .336 (NL best) with a OBP of .408 (NL best) and a OPS of .957 (2nd in NL). He also had 24 home runs, 103 RBIs, and another World Series ring. Not bad for a comeback season.
As for the AL MVP, it turned out to be a one sided win as well. Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers won the award receiving 22 of 28 first place votes and getting 362 total points. The closest contender was Mike Trout of the Angels who got 281 points. Miguel, of course, was the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years batting .330 with 44 home runs and 139 RBIs.
The right players seemed to have gotten the award. True, Mike Trout had an MVP quality season and was dragging the Angels along but failing to make the playoffs and going against a guy winning the Triple Crown does hamper the candidacy quite a bit.
Congrats to both Posey and Cabrera for winning the MVP awards. The right guys were picked.
The NL MVP went to Giants Catcher Buster Posey who received 27 of 32 possible first place votes and took in a 422 total points. Ryan Braun came in 2nd with 285 points. This caps off a tremendous season for Buster who batted .336 (NL best) with a OBP of .408 (NL best) and a OPS of .957 (2nd in NL). He also had 24 home runs, 103 RBIs, and another World Series ring. Not bad for a comeback season.
As for the AL MVP, it turned out to be a one sided win as well. Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers won the award receiving 22 of 28 first place votes and getting 362 total points. The closest contender was Mike Trout of the Angels who got 281 points. Miguel, of course, was the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years batting .330 with 44 home runs and 139 RBIs.
The right players seemed to have gotten the award. True, Mike Trout had an MVP quality season and was dragging the Angels along but failing to make the playoffs and going against a guy winning the Triple Crown does hamper the candidacy quite a bit.
Congrats to both Posey and Cabrera for winning the MVP awards. The right guys were picked.
Monday, October 22, 2012
GIANTS WIN NLCS AND NOW SIGNIN' IN THE RAIN!!!!
It was similar to the NLDS in that the Giants had to win three in a row to move on or be eliminated. They were not deterred... again.
The Cardinals and the Giants went into game 2 with Kyle Lohse and Matt Cain taking the mound for their respective teams. Lohse had been fantastic for the Cards so far this postseason while Cain has been sketchy for the Giants. It seemed that the roles were reversed tonight. Kyle Lohse got lit up by the Giants failing to go beyond the third inning after allowing 2 runs in the first two innings and then leaving the bases loaded with no outs for Joe Kelly. Hunter Pence then came up and hit a double with a broken bat that unloaded the bases for 3 more runs. The Giants would end up scoring two more runs in the inning.
Meanwhile, Matt Cain shut down the Cards. Despite some hits, he was able to leave Cards on base and pitch 5 2/3 shutout baseball before being pulled in the 6th in favor of Jeremy Affeldt. He and the rest of the bullpen did their work pitching the shutout to the Cards. The 9th came with the rain coming down hard throughout. With two outs and two runners in scoring position, Sergio Romo came in for the Giants and got Matt Holliday to pop out to the 2nd baseman and NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro to end the game and the series. Giants shutout the Cards 9-0 in game 7 and win the series 4-3.
THE GIANTS ARE HEADED TO THEIR 2ND WORLD SERIES IN THREE YEARS!!!
The remarkable run continues for the Giants as they get by the Cardinals to now face the Tigers. Marco Scutaro was the man to watch in this series batting .500 with 14 hits (tied LCS record), 4 RBIs, 6 runs, 2 BB, and 3 doubles. Definitely the MVP of the series. The fans had a ball despite the rain coming down in the 9th and so did the Giants players.
Game 1 of the World Series is Wednesday night with the Detroit Tigers vs. the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.
P.S. LET'S GO GIANTS!!!
The Cardinals and the Giants went into game 2 with Kyle Lohse and Matt Cain taking the mound for their respective teams. Lohse had been fantastic for the Cards so far this postseason while Cain has been sketchy for the Giants. It seemed that the roles were reversed tonight. Kyle Lohse got lit up by the Giants failing to go beyond the third inning after allowing 2 runs in the first two innings and then leaving the bases loaded with no outs for Joe Kelly. Hunter Pence then came up and hit a double with a broken bat that unloaded the bases for 3 more runs. The Giants would end up scoring two more runs in the inning.
Meanwhile, Matt Cain shut down the Cards. Despite some hits, he was able to leave Cards on base and pitch 5 2/3 shutout baseball before being pulled in the 6th in favor of Jeremy Affeldt. He and the rest of the bullpen did their work pitching the shutout to the Cards. The 9th came with the rain coming down hard throughout. With two outs and two runners in scoring position, Sergio Romo came in for the Giants and got Matt Holliday to pop out to the 2nd baseman and NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro to end the game and the series. Giants shutout the Cards 9-0 in game 7 and win the series 4-3.
THE GIANTS ARE HEADED TO THEIR 2ND WORLD SERIES IN THREE YEARS!!!
The remarkable run continues for the Giants as they get by the Cardinals to now face the Tigers. Marco Scutaro was the man to watch in this series batting .500 with 14 hits (tied LCS record), 4 RBIs, 6 runs, 2 BB, and 3 doubles. Definitely the MVP of the series. The fans had a ball despite the rain coming down in the 9th and so did the Giants players.
Game 1 of the World Series is Wednesday night with the Detroit Tigers vs. the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.
P.S. LET'S GO GIANTS!!!
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.
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.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Melky Cabrera DQ's Himself From Batting Title
Melky Cabrera's season with the Giants has had it's highs and an incredible low. That low was when he got suspended for 50 games for PED use.
Ever since then, the Giants have been on a roll creating a huge buffer between them and the Dodgers. Meanwhile, baseball has been faced with the possibility that Melky Cabrera could win the batting title with that .346 batting average. It would be a PR nightmare for baseball itself if a player proven to have used PED's that very season were to win a pretigiuous award for his efforts. Melky then stepped in and decided it was a problem for him as well.
Not wanting to win the award under this cloud, Melky asked baseball and the union to disquilify himself from winning the batting title. He was thus disquilified from winning the title in a one-season-only change in the rules. Melky said about the decision "To be plain, I personally have no wish to win an award that would widely be seen as tainted, and I believe that it would be far better for the remaining contenders to compete for that distinction."
A good gesture froom Melky Cabrera even if for his own PR benefit. I'm not sure what the future holds for Melky when it comes to the future but I'm sure he will land something good. Seeing how this has played out, MLB will likely try to add a rule saying that players can't win an award or title if they have been linked with PED use that season and suspended for it.
As for who will win the batting title, Andrew McCutchen leads the way now with a .339 avg. followed by Buster Posey with a .335 avg. Maybe a Giant will win this thing after all.
Ever since then, the Giants have been on a roll creating a huge buffer between them and the Dodgers. Meanwhile, baseball has been faced with the possibility that Melky Cabrera could win the batting title with that .346 batting average. It would be a PR nightmare for baseball itself if a player proven to have used PED's that very season were to win a pretigiuous award for his efforts. Melky then stepped in and decided it was a problem for him as well.
Not wanting to win the award under this cloud, Melky asked baseball and the union to disquilify himself from winning the batting title. He was thus disquilified from winning the title in a one-season-only change in the rules. Melky said about the decision "To be plain, I personally have no wish to win an award that would widely be seen as tainted, and I believe that it would be far better for the remaining contenders to compete for that distinction."
A good gesture froom Melky Cabrera even if for his own PR benefit. I'm not sure what the future holds for Melky when it comes to the future but I'm sure he will land something good. Seeing how this has played out, MLB will likely try to add a rule saying that players can't win an award or title if they have been linked with PED use that season and suspended for it.
As for who will win the batting title, Andrew McCutchen leads the way now with a .339 avg. followed by Buster Posey with a .335 avg. Maybe a Giant will win this thing after all.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
A Giant of an All Star Game
Hope you guys got the chance to miss the All Star game. Still boring to me and hate the World Series implications. But if you did manage to see it, then you got to see Giants among the Stars. Melky Cabrera, Pablo Sandoval, and Matt Cain all had great nights in front of a national stage. Sandoval was 1 for 2 as he hit a bases loaded triple. Matt Cain had two shut out innings to start the game for the NL. Last, but certainly not least, Melky Cabrera went 2 for 3 and hit a 2 run HR in the 4th inning. Melky was actually named the All Star Game MVP as the NL won it, 8-0.
A Giant blowout for this year's All Star Game and some deserved attention to the San Francisco Giants. Hearing about this outcome almost made me regret missing it. Thank goodness mankind has invented sitcoms to fill the void for meaningless games. Though I hate the event, I'm glad that Melky and the Giants dominated the game. It's certainly something that will help with some momentum for their own team.
The break is almost over and the 2nd half of baseball is about to begin. You know what that means: TRADE DEADLINE SPECULATIONS!!! How is that more exciting to me than the All Star game? I need to reevaluate my life.
A Giant blowout for this year's All Star Game and some deserved attention to the San Francisco Giants. Hearing about this outcome almost made me regret missing it. Thank goodness mankind has invented sitcoms to fill the void for meaningless games. Though I hate the event, I'm glad that Melky and the Giants dominated the game. It's certainly something that will help with some momentum for their own team.
The break is almost over and the 2nd half of baseball is about to begin. You know what that means: TRADE DEADLINE SPECULATIONS!!! How is that more exciting to me than the All Star game? I need to reevaluate my life.
Monday, July 9, 2012
2012 MLB Season So Far: BLOODY PIRATES!!!
The first half of the season is over with the arrival of the All Star Break (a break that I am hating more and more with each passing year) and some of the 1st place teams that are currently there are interesting to analyze. Probably the most intriguing of all of them are the Pittsburgh Pirates who just win 2 of 3 from the Giants and are in front of the NL Central by one game. James McDonald and a NY stress free AJ Burnett are pitching well and Andrew McCutchen is on the way to becoming an MVP winner. Pittsburgh seems really excited about them and I have to admit that they look good. They might need a bit more to hold off the Reds and the Cardinals but they look like they can actually pull it off. Despite my recent hate for them, I have some faith in the Pirates this year.
As for the rest of the standings, the Yankees seem like the most comfortable team in baseball with a 7 game lead in the AL East entering the break. Damn Yanks might have aging vets but they are using them well like Andruw Jones who just had a big weekend against the Red Sox with 4 Homers over 3 games. Meanwhile, the Sox are 9.5 back and are tied for last in the division. Lester and Beckett have to get better but that team has to also stay healthy. Despite what has happened so far, they still have a shot but have to start the second half strong.
A couple other surprise teams that are grabbing attention are the Nationals and the Dodgers. The Nats seem like a stronger ball club going forward and seem to be ready for October this year. Meanwhile the Dodgers need more offense if they want to stay in front in the NL West. Hope the Giants get it first. Then the White Sox have control over the AL Central and the no surprise that the Rangers have a tight grasp over the AL West yet again.
The break is here and I have nothing to watch for the next few days. Pity that there is no "actual" baseball on.
As for the rest of the standings, the Yankees seem like the most comfortable team in baseball with a 7 game lead in the AL East entering the break. Damn Yanks might have aging vets but they are using them well like Andruw Jones who just had a big weekend against the Red Sox with 4 Homers over 3 games. Meanwhile, the Sox are 9.5 back and are tied for last in the division. Lester and Beckett have to get better but that team has to also stay healthy. Despite what has happened so far, they still have a shot but have to start the second half strong.
A couple other surprise teams that are grabbing attention are the Nationals and the Dodgers. The Nats seem like a stronger ball club going forward and seem to be ready for October this year. Meanwhile the Dodgers need more offense if they want to stay in front in the NL West. Hope the Giants get it first. Then the White Sox have control over the AL Central and the no surprise that the Rangers have a tight grasp over the AL West yet again.
The break is here and I have nothing to watch for the next few days. Pity that there is no "actual" baseball on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)