A busy Thursday in the world of sports, here's a look...
- I start tonight with the stupidity of Bears WR Sam Hurd. Hurd was arrested and remains in jail tonight after he allegedly attempted to buy over half a million dollars in cocaine and marijuana from a supplier in North Texas. Words can't even start to explain how dumb you would have to be to do that, if Hurd did. Any pro athlete who would pull something like that needs an one-way ticket out of the league.
- I move on now to the world of IndyCar where the accident that killed Dan Wheldon to end last season was a "perfect storm". Wheldon hit his head on a pole that held the fencing up around the track. A very sad story and a great example of why race car driving is always a dangerous thing to do.
- A concussion has once again ended a season early for a NHL player as Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger will sit out the rest of the season with post-concussion symptoms. Hockey is a violent sport in its nature and big-time hits are a part of the game but when a lot of your major names are sitting on the bench, it hurts the game. I've talked about Sidney Crosby in the past, don't know what to fix but something has to.
- A commentary on Los Angeles pro basketball and things that may be happening. Rumors are swirling now that Kobe Bryant is upset over recent events with the Lakers and may want out. The Clippers have got a lot better with Chris Paul but are still not a dominant team with just two stars. Will the battles at the Staples Center be better? Yes but I don't think Kobe has anything to worry about.
- With the recent warmer weather in the country, thoughts head toward baseball and that spring training is only 2 months away. It appears one team is trying real hard to get their fans back on board. The Cubs put in a claim on Yu Darvish and reports state they are about to go hard after Prince Fielder. If both happen, I don't see any reason why the North Siders don't win the NL Central.
- Last a reminder that college bowl season starts this Saturday with three games. I will have predictions the day of each game for you if you want to use them for your bowl pool in your office or wherever you are playing at.
That's it for tonight, more in the morning.....
Showing posts with label Chicago Cubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago Cubs. Show all posts
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday morning thoughts
It's early and it's time for a look at what's going on or about to go on....
- This new amnesty clause in the NBA deal is still odd to me. Last night, the Cavaliers used it to waive Baron Davis, who is still owed $27 million but the move gives Cleveland some salary cap relief. Maybe someone puts in a winning bid on a guy who is going to be out 8-10 weeks. Just something different to get used to.
- An interesting development in Indianapolis as Peyton Manning has begun throwing a football again according to coach Jim Caldwell. I honestly don't see the point in doing that this late in the season but it is surely part of his rehab from neck surgery. Could his pride of not being on a team that doesn't win a game be coming into play and he wants to play maybe in the final game of the season to get a win?
- The posting process for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish ended Wednesday and we still don't know what team won the bidding. I would expect that it will take at least $90 million to sign Darvish in the combination of posting fees and a contract. My guess is the either the Rangers or Cubs won the bidding.
- Big NFL games this weekend and one tonight but Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger is in a walking boot after his injury in last Thursday's win over the Browns. This game is huge for the Steelers on Monday night in San Francisco to try to hold on to hope of winning the AFC North and avoiding a likely first-round matchup in Denver with the Broncos. The way that injury looked, I'm shocked he has any chance of playing.
- In tonight's action, it's Jacksonville at Atlanta. The Falcons are clinging to a playoff spot and with the recent troubles of the Bears, it is logical to think that two wins out of three for Atlanta gets them in. The Jaguars played well last week especially Maurice Jones-Drew, who scored four times. However, I have to pick the Falcons at home with a 27-10 win.
- Last but not least, we are going to talk weather.....it's the middle of December and we haven't seen a single game played any sort of snow this season in the NFL. Blame global warming or whatever but there is just something magical at this time of year about a game in the snow. Doesn't help your fantasy team any but just a beautiful sight.
That's all for now, trivia later and more thoughts later on tonight.....
- This new amnesty clause in the NBA deal is still odd to me. Last night, the Cavaliers used it to waive Baron Davis, who is still owed $27 million but the move gives Cleveland some salary cap relief. Maybe someone puts in a winning bid on a guy who is going to be out 8-10 weeks. Just something different to get used to.
- An interesting development in Indianapolis as Peyton Manning has begun throwing a football again according to coach Jim Caldwell. I honestly don't see the point in doing that this late in the season but it is surely part of his rehab from neck surgery. Could his pride of not being on a team that doesn't win a game be coming into play and he wants to play maybe in the final game of the season to get a win?
- The posting process for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish ended Wednesday and we still don't know what team won the bidding. I would expect that it will take at least $90 million to sign Darvish in the combination of posting fees and a contract. My guess is the either the Rangers or Cubs won the bidding.
- Big NFL games this weekend and one tonight but Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger is in a walking boot after his injury in last Thursday's win over the Browns. This game is huge for the Steelers on Monday night in San Francisco to try to hold on to hope of winning the AFC North and avoiding a likely first-round matchup in Denver with the Broncos. The way that injury looked, I'm shocked he has any chance of playing.
- In tonight's action, it's Jacksonville at Atlanta. The Falcons are clinging to a playoff spot and with the recent troubles of the Bears, it is logical to think that two wins out of three for Atlanta gets them in. The Jaguars played well last week especially Maurice Jones-Drew, who scored four times. However, I have to pick the Falcons at home with a 27-10 win.
- Last but not least, we are going to talk weather.....it's the middle of December and we haven't seen a single game played any sort of snow this season in the NFL. Blame global warming or whatever but there is just something magical at this time of year about a game in the snow. Doesn't help your fantasy team any but just a beautiful sight.
That's all for now, trivia later and more thoughts later on tonight.....
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Trivia Answer: Wednesday, Dec. 14
The answer is......Karl "Tuffy" Rhodes. Rhodes would hit just five more home runs that season for the Cubs and later would tie the Japanese single-season homerun record of 55 while playing. With his 3 HR performance, Rhodes became the first National League player to hit three homers on Opening Day.
Sports analysis from today coming later....
Sports analysis from today coming later....
Trivia: Wednesday, Dec. 14
Today's question is this......what former Cub hit 3 HRs on Opening Day 1994 against the Mets' Dwight Gooden?
Answer later....
Answer later....
Thursday, December 8, 2011
It's Late Night in Blogland
Sitting at the desk late tonight, let's go...
- Just after I posted the morning report, reports begin flying that Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson have signed with the Angels. A war has developed now between the Angels and Rangers for the AL West crown, this should be interesting. Pujols gets over $250 million while Wilson gets $77 million, would be nice to make that kind of money.
- Also on Thursday, the Cubs traded Tyler Colvin to Colorado for Ian Stewart. North Siders needed a 3rd baseman with Aramis Ramirez now gone. This is a big risk for a Cub team that wants defense and there is no doubt Stewart won't match Ramirez's production offensively.
- Very interesting news in the NBA as the New Orleans Hornets were going to trade star point guard Chris Paul to the Lakers but one problem, the NBA owns the Hornets right now and killed the trade. David Stern wants competitive balance but I'm not sure if he should be sticking his nose in this.
That's it for tonight, more in the morning
- Just after I posted the morning report, reports begin flying that Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson have signed with the Angels. A war has developed now between the Angels and Rangers for the AL West crown, this should be interesting. Pujols gets over $250 million while Wilson gets $77 million, would be nice to make that kind of money.
- Also on Thursday, the Cubs traded Tyler Colvin to Colorado for Ian Stewart. North Siders needed a 3rd baseman with Aramis Ramirez now gone. This is a big risk for a Cub team that wants defense and there is no doubt Stewart won't match Ramirez's production offensively.
- Very interesting news in the NBA as the New Orleans Hornets were going to trade star point guard Chris Paul to the Lakers but one problem, the NBA owns the Hornets right now and killed the trade. David Stern wants competitive balance but I'm not sure if he should be sticking his nose in this.
That's it for tonight, more in the morning
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Baseball, Baseball, Baseball
The rumors and signings are coming fast and furious now...
- I guess there is a money tree in Miami for the Marlins now that they have signed Mark Buehrle to a four-year deal. Reunited Buehrle with former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. 3 big signings, are more coming?
- Now we wait on Albert Pujols....it appears more and more likely he is going back to St. Louis but the Marlins keep peeking back in to try to get him. Rumors have connected Pujols to the Cubs at some point but that's not happening. I won't predict where Pujols goes but it won't be Clark and Addison.
- Let's now talk about a player I do see on the Cubs next season and that's Prince Fielder. He's telling friends he wants to go to Chicago (Twitter can be a treat though). This would be a great signing just getting a left-handed hitter with power but lots of work needs to be done on the North Side even if this happens.
- Next, we go to CJ Wilson. Marlins still poking around, Nationals poking around, Angels seem to be the front runner but then the Rangers spring back up. I'm thinking Wilson is headed to the Angels. He likes the West I read so sounds logical.
- Huston Street was traded today from the Rockies to the Padres. San Diego needed a new closer after Heath Bell went to South Beach. Rockies wanted Street out of there and get away with not paying much of the 2012 salary either. Don't think the trades are over for Colorado yet though.
- Another player out there is Jimmy Rollins, who I don't think will be heading back to Philadelphia. All has mostly been quiet on his front at the Winter Meetings with all of the attention on the others I already mentioned but look for J-Roll to end up in Milwaukee.
That's it for now, we'll recap in the morning....
- I guess there is a money tree in Miami for the Marlins now that they have signed Mark Buehrle to a four-year deal. Reunited Buehrle with former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. 3 big signings, are more coming?
- Now we wait on Albert Pujols....it appears more and more likely he is going back to St. Louis but the Marlins keep peeking back in to try to get him. Rumors have connected Pujols to the Cubs at some point but that's not happening. I won't predict where Pujols goes but it won't be Clark and Addison.
- Let's now talk about a player I do see on the Cubs next season and that's Prince Fielder. He's telling friends he wants to go to Chicago (Twitter can be a treat though). This would be a great signing just getting a left-handed hitter with power but lots of work needs to be done on the North Side even if this happens.
- Next, we go to CJ Wilson. Marlins still poking around, Nationals poking around, Angels seem to be the front runner but then the Rangers spring back up. I'm thinking Wilson is headed to the Angels. He likes the West I read so sounds logical.
- Huston Street was traded today from the Rockies to the Padres. San Diego needed a new closer after Heath Bell went to South Beach. Rockies wanted Street out of there and get away with not paying much of the 2012 salary either. Don't think the trades are over for Colorado yet though.
- Another player out there is Jimmy Rollins, who I don't think will be heading back to Philadelphia. All has mostly been quiet on his front at the Winter Meetings with all of the attention on the others I already mentioned but look for J-Roll to end up in Milwaukee.
That's it for now, we'll recap in the morning....
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Tuesday night thoughts
It's getting late but here's a quick group of thoughts...
- We may have a decision from Albert Pujols by the time my next blog post. 3 teams are in at over $200 million. Likely Marlins, Cardinals and Angels. Cubs may be involved too but it's looking likely Pujols is heading for South Beach. See if LeBron can host a Decision special for him.
- The Big East is adding members that are nowhere near east in Boise State and San Diego State. Last time I checked San Diego is on the Pacific Ocean not the Atlantic which puts them as far west as you can be...interesting.
- Week 14 of the NFL Season starts Thursday...get your fantasy roster ready as the playoffs begin. Hopefully you made it. Took a bunch of work but thankfully I did.
That's all for now, more in the morning hopefully....
- We may have a decision from Albert Pujols by the time my next blog post. 3 teams are in at over $200 million. Likely Marlins, Cardinals and Angels. Cubs may be involved too but it's looking likely Pujols is heading for South Beach. See if LeBron can host a Decision special for him.
- The Big East is adding members that are nowhere near east in Boise State and San Diego State. Last time I checked San Diego is on the Pacific Ocean not the Atlantic which puts them as far west as you can be...interesting.
- Week 14 of the NFL Season starts Thursday...get your fantasy roster ready as the playoffs begin. Hopefully you made it. Took a bunch of work but thankfully I did.
That's all for now, more in the morning hopefully....
Tuesday morning thought pattern
First day of the week is through, let's look at what's going on....
- I have to open this with the happy announcement of Ron Santo making the Hall of Fame. It took long enough and it's quite sad that he isn't alive to see it. A great day yesterday was for Santo's family and Cubs fans everywhere
- The NHL must want attention as it was approved a new four-conference realignment. I'm quite pleased by the fact that leagues are grouping teams by geography area and that the schedule will be more balanced but must said, some radical move to group 7 or 8 teams into a conference like the old MLB setup.
- Finally a coach is speaking up on the injustice of the BCS. Give Boise State coach Chris Petersen a lot of credit for coming out and blasting this current system. No one likes it, it must be changed. How hard would it be to have a 8-team playoff? Not at all.
- I would love to find out where the Miami Marlins found a money machine at. After signing Jose Reyes and Heath Bell, the Marlins offered a 10-year contract to Albert Pujols on Monday. They seem to be in on every free agent, where is it coming from?
- The Chargers finally found their way last night with a win over the Jaguars. Finally, a good game from Philip Rivers. Those have been few and far between this year but makes the AFC West all competitive still with four weeks to go.
- It was reported late last night that the Lakers are exploring trading for both Dwight Howard and Chris Paul. The way the NBA is headed, we may as well just have 8 super teams and forget everyone else. This is no way competitive balance can succeed with superstars on just a few teams.
There's your morning report, more late tonight....
- I have to open this with the happy announcement of Ron Santo making the Hall of Fame. It took long enough and it's quite sad that he isn't alive to see it. A great day yesterday was for Santo's family and Cubs fans everywhere
- The NHL must want attention as it was approved a new four-conference realignment. I'm quite pleased by the fact that leagues are grouping teams by geography area and that the schedule will be more balanced but must said, some radical move to group 7 or 8 teams into a conference like the old MLB setup.
- Finally a coach is speaking up on the injustice of the BCS. Give Boise State coach Chris Petersen a lot of credit for coming out and blasting this current system. No one likes it, it must be changed. How hard would it be to have a 8-team playoff? Not at all.
- I would love to find out where the Miami Marlins found a money machine at. After signing Jose Reyes and Heath Bell, the Marlins offered a 10-year contract to Albert Pujols on Monday. They seem to be in on every free agent, where is it coming from?
- The Chargers finally found their way last night with a win over the Jaguars. Finally, a good game from Philip Rivers. Those have been few and far between this year but makes the AFC West all competitive still with four weeks to go.
- It was reported late last night that the Lakers are exploring trading for both Dwight Howard and Chris Paul. The way the NBA is headed, we may as well just have 8 super teams and forget everyone else. This is no way competitive balance can succeed with superstars on just a few teams.
There's your morning report, more late tonight....
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Reflections....
As the wind blows past the windows, a look at what is up in sports....
- Drew Brees once again lit up another opposing defense Monday night in the Saints' 49-24 win over the Giants. Brees threw for five touchdowns and amassed enough fantasy points where I lost my matchup. Brees and company get the Lions Sunday night, Brees may throw for another five scores there.
- The Jaguars fired Jack Del Rio this morning, ending his 9-year run in Jacksonville. The Jags are 3-8 this season with rookie QB Blaine Gabbert at the helm. It will take time for Gabbert to mature as a quarterback it may seem since the only light is Maurice Jones-Drew right now.
- The firing line continues in the NHL as Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice got the boot for the second time from the team. Kirk Muller assumes control in Carolina. A good, solid NHL player and now we shall see how he is as a coach.
- Can you play quarterback? Give a call to the Houston Texans today. The Texans lost Matt Leinart Sunday and had to go to 3rd-string QB T.J. Yates in their win this week. It appears Kellen Clemens, who was signed when Matt Schaub was lost for the season, will have to start this week against the Falcons. Houston is 8-3 and well on the way to a division title for the first time in team history and are going to have to ride Arian Foster if they want to go anywhere in the playoffs.
- Fox Sports is reporting today that the Cubs are going after Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. Obviously, they are not signing both.....or are they? The report states the Cubs like Pujols more because of his defense. Why not put Pujols at 3B, where he started his career, and have Fielder at first? Pipe dream for Cubs fans but why not dream when you haven't won a World Series in a LONG time.
- Drew Brees once again lit up another opposing defense Monday night in the Saints' 49-24 win over the Giants. Brees threw for five touchdowns and amassed enough fantasy points where I lost my matchup. Brees and company get the Lions Sunday night, Brees may throw for another five scores there.
- The Jaguars fired Jack Del Rio this morning, ending his 9-year run in Jacksonville. The Jags are 3-8 this season with rookie QB Blaine Gabbert at the helm. It will take time for Gabbert to mature as a quarterback it may seem since the only light is Maurice Jones-Drew right now.
- The firing line continues in the NHL as Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice got the boot for the second time from the team. Kirk Muller assumes control in Carolina. A good, solid NHL player and now we shall see how he is as a coach.
- Can you play quarterback? Give a call to the Houston Texans today. The Texans lost Matt Leinart Sunday and had to go to 3rd-string QB T.J. Yates in their win this week. It appears Kellen Clemens, who was signed when Matt Schaub was lost for the season, will have to start this week against the Falcons. Houston is 8-3 and well on the way to a division title for the first time in team history and are going to have to ride Arian Foster if they want to go anywhere in the playoffs.
- Fox Sports is reporting today that the Cubs are going after Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. Obviously, they are not signing both.....or are they? The report states the Cubs like Pujols more because of his defense. Why not put Pujols at 3B, where he started his career, and have Fielder at first? Pipe dream for Cubs fans but why not dream when you haven't won a World Series in a LONG time.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Cubs make their hire
Friday morning brought a new regime for the fans at Clark and Addison as Dale Sveum was hired to take over an organization that needs all the help they can get. Cubs fans need to hope that Sveum comes in and does what needs to be done which would be the following.....
1. Sign Prince Fielder. A lot of Cubs fans want this and while the odds are this are slim to none, it is something that needs to be done to replace the power lost from Aramis Ramirez. He plays a solid first base and plays everyday, which is a huge positive. This should be priority 1 now that Sveum is the manager.
2. Trade Alfonso Soriano. Yes, it's a lot of money but send him to Houston to be their new DH for 2013. Let's Move On.
3. Keep Carlos Zambrano.....until he blows up again. This is the new plan for Theo and Sveum, keeping Big Z under control. He has one year left on his contract and if he has a brain, he will keep his mouth shut with the new guys in town. If he blows again though, trade him away.
Easy 3-step plan, maybe the fans on the North Side have something to cheer about again in 2012
1. Sign Prince Fielder. A lot of Cubs fans want this and while the odds are this are slim to none, it is something that needs to be done to replace the power lost from Aramis Ramirez. He plays a solid first base and plays everyday, which is a huge positive. This should be priority 1 now that Sveum is the manager.
2. Trade Alfonso Soriano. Yes, it's a lot of money but send him to Houston to be their new DH for 2013. Let's Move On.
3. Keep Carlos Zambrano.....until he blows up again. This is the new plan for Theo and Sveum, keeping Big Z under control. He has one year left on his contract and if he has a brain, he will keep his mouth shut with the new guys in town. If he blows again though, trade him away.
Easy 3-step plan, maybe the fans on the North Side have something to cheer about again in 2012
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday thoughts
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....
- 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....
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...
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.....
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
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)