As we approach the weekend, a quick group of observations...
- Edwin Jackson looks really good in a White Sox uniform after a 13-strikeout game in a 5-1 win over the Rays
- Nice to see the Pirates fans supporting their team after a hot start, over 39,000 at PNC Park Thursday
- Nothing like a ton of day baseball, the way it should be. I guess more for summer time when the kids are out school but more day ball please
- Dear Red Sox, win a game sometime before June
- Expect something strange to happen this weekend between the Cubs and Brewers in Milwaukee. Something we haven't seen in a long time, don't know exactly what though
- Note to Tsuyoshi Nishioka, while you are out with your broken leg, try to find a way to get stronger. I hate to tell you but you are going to get hurt more if you don't and learn to play the American game
Now back to watch more tape....
Friday, April 8, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The back end of the week begins
5 thoughts on Wednesday's action....
- It seems that the length of last season is not slowing Tim Lincicum, at least not so far. A 13 strikeout effort against San Diego and Lincicum has given up just eight hits in two starts this season. That Giants pitching staff was supposed to be good this season and from the top, it is proving their worth right now.
- The Red Sox lose again?!?! Yes it is just five games and the chemistry is not there probably but somewhere a panic button or two is going off, the distinct possibility of starting 1-8 or 2-7 is there with the Yankees coming to Fenway this weekend.
- The team that the Red Sox couldn't beat to start the season can't be beat by no one right now in Texas. Sitting at 6-0 after defeating King Felix and the Mariners, the offense continues to show up and any sort of pitching continues and it will be a repeat in the AL West
- Worst teams in no order right now.....Astros, Rays, Diamondbacks. Yes the D'Backs beat the Cubs Wednesday but it's a mess in Arizona.
- Best teams in no order....Reds, Rangers, Phillies. One loss between these teams. Not enough credit is being given to Cincinnati, a lot of experts predicted them to win the division again and even with their injuries, that offense is unstoppable.
Best of the Day Thursday Predictions
Hitter: Neil Walker, Pirates. Walker hit his second homer of the season Wednesday and has been on a tear to start the season. Thinking at least a hit and a RBI against Colorado
Pitcher: Jon Lester, Red Sox. While Lester got lit up in Texas, he will stop the bleeding for Boston, 7IP, 6H, ER, 9K
Game: Atlanta at Milwaukee. Tommy Hanson vs. Shawn Marcum pitching matchup. This game will be low-scoring, probably 2-1 or 3-2.
Back into the dugout now...
- It seems that the length of last season is not slowing Tim Lincicum, at least not so far. A 13 strikeout effort against San Diego and Lincicum has given up just eight hits in two starts this season. That Giants pitching staff was supposed to be good this season and from the top, it is proving their worth right now.
- The Red Sox lose again?!?! Yes it is just five games and the chemistry is not there probably but somewhere a panic button or two is going off, the distinct possibility of starting 1-8 or 2-7 is there with the Yankees coming to Fenway this weekend.
- The team that the Red Sox couldn't beat to start the season can't be beat by no one right now in Texas. Sitting at 6-0 after defeating King Felix and the Mariners, the offense continues to show up and any sort of pitching continues and it will be a repeat in the AL West
- Worst teams in no order right now.....Astros, Rays, Diamondbacks. Yes the D'Backs beat the Cubs Wednesday but it's a mess in Arizona.
- Best teams in no order....Reds, Rangers, Phillies. One loss between these teams. Not enough credit is being given to Cincinnati, a lot of experts predicted them to win the division again and even with their injuries, that offense is unstoppable.
Best of the Day Thursday Predictions
Hitter: Neil Walker, Pirates. Walker hit his second homer of the season Wednesday and has been on a tear to start the season. Thinking at least a hit and a RBI against Colorado
Pitcher: Jon Lester, Red Sox. While Lester got lit up in Texas, he will stop the bleeding for Boston, 7IP, 6H, ER, 9K
Game: Atlanta at Milwaukee. Tommy Hanson vs. Shawn Marcum pitching matchup. This game will be low-scoring, probably 2-1 or 3-2.
Back into the dugout now...
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Midweek Report
Changes are upon us...let's take a look
- Finally, the Angels decided that they had enough of Mr. Rodney yesterday putting Jordan Walden into the closer's role. The kid proved his worth saving his first chance of the season. Walden is a kid who bares watching as the season goes on, a great pickup for any fantasy team and if he can hang on to the role, someone who has a very bright future ahead of him.
- The injury of the year is going to the appendix. Adam Dunn had emergency surgery to remove his last night and Matt Holliday went through the same thing last week. Should they be an over/under on how many more of these we see this season?
- Another tread from Tuesday was all the extra inning games with four games going to the 10th or later. Managers have got to hate this and the chance they blow their bullpen out this early in the season, forcing them to look for help from the minors.
- Are the Red Sox even planning to win a game? This time, Boston lost to the Indians while only having four hits on the night. Is there a chemistry issue starting off here? You have to figure a turnaround is coming since it is only four games but any slump is a slump.
- More trending is the fact that you have to be scared when the Royals have the last at-bat. Four wins in their final at-bat this season already including last night's 12 inning win over the White Sox. A 4-1 start in KC, impressive. How long does it last though?
- Here's what to look for today....Will the Rangers stay undefeated having to face King Felix and the Mariners? Can the Orioles stay undefeated against the Tigers and Justin Verlander? Who wins first, the Rays or the Astros?
Thoughts and questions to start the baseball day, time to get back to the dugout.
- Finally, the Angels decided that they had enough of Mr. Rodney yesterday putting Jordan Walden into the closer's role. The kid proved his worth saving his first chance of the season. Walden is a kid who bares watching as the season goes on, a great pickup for any fantasy team and if he can hang on to the role, someone who has a very bright future ahead of him.
- The injury of the year is going to the appendix. Adam Dunn had emergency surgery to remove his last night and Matt Holliday went through the same thing last week. Should they be an over/under on how many more of these we see this season?
- Another tread from Tuesday was all the extra inning games with four games going to the 10th or later. Managers have got to hate this and the chance they blow their bullpen out this early in the season, forcing them to look for help from the minors.
- Are the Red Sox even planning to win a game? This time, Boston lost to the Indians while only having four hits on the night. Is there a chemistry issue starting off here? You have to figure a turnaround is coming since it is only four games but any slump is a slump.
- More trending is the fact that you have to be scared when the Royals have the last at-bat. Four wins in their final at-bat this season already including last night's 12 inning win over the White Sox. A 4-1 start in KC, impressive. How long does it last though?
- Here's what to look for today....Will the Rangers stay undefeated having to face King Felix and the Mariners? Can the Orioles stay undefeated against the Tigers and Justin Verlander? Who wins first, the Rays or the Astros?
Thoughts and questions to start the baseball day, time to get back to the dugout.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Looking back at a light Monday in baseball
A light day of games on Monday but still things to discuss....
- The Brewers fell to 0-4 with a 2-1 loss to the Braves. Now the Manager did predict Milwaukee to win the NL Central but so far, the Brew Crew is sleeping at the wheel. Zach Greinke can't save them right now if the offense isn't there. If this continues and yes it is early but you can expect Prince Fielder is traded at the deadline on July 31. They will need to get something back for him if they have no chance in the division.
- Nelson Cruz hit his fourth HR in as many games as the Rangers improved to 4-0. If the home runs are flying out now, what are they going to do in the summer in Arlington. Looking more and more like Texas has a great chance to get back to the playoffs and may give Boston a run for their money.
- Another 4-0 team is Baltimore. It is nice to see for the Orioles' fans that they can watch a winning team for the first time in a long time. Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis are looking great in the opening four games and the starting pitchers have given up just two earned runs in 26 innings. That won't last forever but watch out for the Orioles.
- This was one of the questions yesterday about attendance and you can see the fandom in Wrigleyville isn't buying in just yet. Smallest crowd in eight years saw the Cubs beat Arizona 4-1 Monday afternoon. It's cold and windy in the Midwest in the springtime and school is still in session but you would figure all the people who have no chance at the summer game tickets would jump all over the early games.
- Some of the Opening Day starters are back today for their second start of the season like CC Sabathia, Derek Lowe and Jared Weaver. Let's predict all three get to 2-0 on the year.
Back into the dugout now.....
- The Brewers fell to 0-4 with a 2-1 loss to the Braves. Now the Manager did predict Milwaukee to win the NL Central but so far, the Brew Crew is sleeping at the wheel. Zach Greinke can't save them right now if the offense isn't there. If this continues and yes it is early but you can expect Prince Fielder is traded at the deadline on July 31. They will need to get something back for him if they have no chance in the division.
- Nelson Cruz hit his fourth HR in as many games as the Rangers improved to 4-0. If the home runs are flying out now, what are they going to do in the summer in Arlington. Looking more and more like Texas has a great chance to get back to the playoffs and may give Boston a run for their money.
- Another 4-0 team is Baltimore. It is nice to see for the Orioles' fans that they can watch a winning team for the first time in a long time. Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis are looking great in the opening four games and the starting pitchers have given up just two earned runs in 26 innings. That won't last forever but watch out for the Orioles.
- This was one of the questions yesterday about attendance and you can see the fandom in Wrigleyville isn't buying in just yet. Smallest crowd in eight years saw the Cubs beat Arizona 4-1 Monday afternoon. It's cold and windy in the Midwest in the springtime and school is still in session but you would figure all the people who have no chance at the summer game tickets would jump all over the early games.
- Some of the Opening Day starters are back today for their second start of the season like CC Sabathia, Derek Lowe and Jared Weaver. Let's predict all three get to 2-0 on the year.
Back into the dugout now.....
Monday, April 4, 2011
Things to look for this week
Nine items to pay attention to...
- How do the Rays replace Longoria?
- Can the Royals continue their hot streak?
- What will the weather do next?
- When will the Red Sox win a game?
- Do Kinsler and Cruz hit three more home runs this week?
- Any more standout pitchers to come through?
- How bad do the Brewers need Greinke now?
- Who will be the fantasy stud of the week? You predict that
- How bad will attendance get?
Let's see how those questions are answered as the week goes on....
- How do the Rays replace Longoria?
- Can the Royals continue their hot streak?
- What will the weather do next?
- When will the Red Sox win a game?
- Do Kinsler and Cruz hit three more home runs this week?
- Any more standout pitchers to come through?
- How bad do the Brewers need Greinke now?
- Who will be the fantasy stud of the week? You predict that
- How bad will attendance get?
Let's see how those questions are answered as the week goes on....
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sunday Report
Another day of exciting baseball, on this Sunday here are some questions that need to be asked.
- What is wrong in St. Louis? Yes, Wainwright is out and so is Holliday right now but no matter what you can't be giving up 11 runs to the Padres. Could be a long season brewing by the Arch.
- Who will beat the Phillies rotation? Through two games, they appear unstoppable with Halladay and Lee. Now what will Hamels and Oswalt do in their opening starts.
- Will we see a no-hitter this week? Chris Tillman and Kyle Drabek flirted with them on Saturday. The pitchers are ahead of the hitters no doubt about that.
Enjoy today's games and the card will be refilled later.
- What is wrong in St. Louis? Yes, Wainwright is out and so is Holliday right now but no matter what you can't be giving up 11 runs to the Padres. Could be a long season brewing by the Arch.
- Who will beat the Phillies rotation? Through two games, they appear unstoppable with Halladay and Lee. Now what will Hamels and Oswalt do in their opening starts.
- Will we see a no-hitter this week? Chris Tillman and Kyle Drabek flirted with them on Saturday. The pitchers are ahead of the hitters no doubt about that.
Enjoy today's games and the card will be refilled later.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
A Saturday look
Two days into the season, every team has played at least once and some things are coming to the forefront right off the bat....
- Defense is seriously lacking right now. The Athletics committed five errors last night in their loss to the Mariners and other teams can't seem to pick up the ball on a regular basis. Pitching and defense is the name of the game.
- Question for Seattle management....why is King Felix pitching a complete game in his first start of the year. While he may have only thrown 108 pitches, why risk it this early in the season. Eight innings would have been just fine, save some bullets for later.
- If you are a Cubs fan, didn't the Neil Walker grand slam bring up deja vu for you? Same inning, same score, same situation, same pitcher as Game 1 of the 2008 NLDS and instead of James Loney hitting it out, it was Walker. Walker is going to be a very solid player for the Pirates this season. They may even win over 70 games but they can't seem to beat anyone but the Cubs so maybe they should schedule them some more.
- Closers have issues all over as well from John Axford to Brandon Lyon to Ryan Franklin, the closer position is always a revolving door unless you have a shutdown guy at the back end. If these three don't pitch better next time around, the door begins to move a little quicker for the way out.
- Also we were all meant to believe home runs were going to be down with the steroid era ending, I guess that memo didn't get across the border to Toronto. The Blue Jays knocked around Twins' starter Carl Pavano and company for four dingers in their 13-3 win Friday night. A scary team that can really hit the ball and is starting to get their pitching figured out.
Time for some games now for the Manager, we'll write out the lineup card again later
- Defense is seriously lacking right now. The Athletics committed five errors last night in their loss to the Mariners and other teams can't seem to pick up the ball on a regular basis. Pitching and defense is the name of the game.
- Question for Seattle management....why is King Felix pitching a complete game in his first start of the year. While he may have only thrown 108 pitches, why risk it this early in the season. Eight innings would have been just fine, save some bullets for later.
- If you are a Cubs fan, didn't the Neil Walker grand slam bring up deja vu for you? Same inning, same score, same situation, same pitcher as Game 1 of the 2008 NLDS and instead of James Loney hitting it out, it was Walker. Walker is going to be a very solid player for the Pirates this season. They may even win over 70 games but they can't seem to beat anyone but the Cubs so maybe they should schedule them some more.
- Closers have issues all over as well from John Axford to Brandon Lyon to Ryan Franklin, the closer position is always a revolving door unless you have a shutdown guy at the back end. If these three don't pitch better next time around, the door begins to move a little quicker for the way out.
- Also we were all meant to believe home runs were going to be down with the steroid era ending, I guess that memo didn't get across the border to Toronto. The Blue Jays knocked around Twins' starter Carl Pavano and company for four dingers in their 13-3 win Friday night. A scary team that can really hit the ball and is starting to get their pitching figured out.
Time for some games now for the Manager, we'll write out the lineup card again later
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