Friday, September 26, 2003
Four Games for Glory
After last night's bullpen debacle at Great American Ballpark, the Cubs and Astros, two terrifically flawed teams, are tied with three to play. In actuality, it's tied with four to play, as I can't see either team dropping one of their remaining games against substandard opponents. That would set up a dramatic one game play-in tilt at Wrigley on Monday night. The Cubs this weekend line up with Mark Prior, Matt Clement and Kerry Wood, leaving (gulp) Shawn Estes to start on Monday night, although I guess the entire staff would be available. His opponent most likely would be Tim Redding. Bring it on!
After last night's bullpen debacle at Great American Ballpark, the Cubs and Astros, two terrifically flawed teams, are tied with three to play. In actuality, it's tied with four to play, as I can't see either team dropping one of their remaining games against substandard opponents. That would set up a dramatic one game play-in tilt at Wrigley on Monday night. The Cubs this weekend line up with Mark Prior, Matt Clement and Kerry Wood, leaving (gulp) Shawn Estes to start on Monday night, although I guess the entire staff would be available. His opponent most likely would be Tim Redding. Bring it on!
Monday, September 22, 2003
Postseason Prognosticator
With a full week to go in the season, it's time to give our picks of who's going, who's staying home, and who'll have a short stay in the playoffs.
Seattle Mariners
A disciplined, balanced team that can't seem to put it all together. Their best hitter has very little hamstring left and is over 40. Probably can't make the 2.5 gap with 6 to play.
Results: Watching playoffs on couch.
Philadelphia Phillies
Question: Does Larry Bowa help or hurt this team?
Answer: Yes
Results: Bowa has a half game lead with three to play. They lose three straight to the Braves. Wild Card: Marlins.
Houston Astros
Their resurgent starting staff has kept them ahead of the Cubs, until the Giants come to town.
Results: Lose to Milwaukee on the final day to choke up the division to the Cubs.
Oakland Athletics
Without Mulder, they aren't a lock to win the opening round.
Results: Lose to Red Sox in first round 3-2.
Minnesota Twins
The Anti-Yankees. One of the better defensive teams in the playoffs. Ok overall pitching, so-so offense. Another intriguing first round matchup.
Results: If you play the Yankees, bring pitching and lots of it. Unfortunately, the Twins don't have enough. Lose in first round to Yankees 3-2.
Florida Marlins
Team of the Future: Yes. Team of This Year? No.
Results: Lose 2-3 to Phillies this week, and then watch the Phillies meltdown against Atlanta over the weekend. Grist for the mill against the Giants. Will they win a game? Doubtful.
Atlanta Braves
Since 1993, the Braves are 10-8 in postseason series. That's impressive. A different approach this year: strong offense, solid starting, zero bullpen, fragile closer. If Smoltz can't pitch two innings of relief three times in a series, the Braves could be 10-9.
Results: Cox doesn't hand Russ Ortiz the ball when he pulls him in the 7th inning of NLDS game 5 against the Cubs, but it doesn't matter. Cubs score five runs on bullpen to knock out the Braves.
Boston Red Sox
If they don't melt down this week, we'll have the Moneyball Series. It'll be interesting to see how many pitches are taken. Of course, Boston has bullpen problems, too (sound familiar?).
Results: Up 3-1 in the ALCS, but can't hold a lead to you-know-who in three straight games.
Chicago Cubs
Great starting pitching. Serviceable bullpen. Improved offense. Decent defense. Bullshit schedule since September 4 puts them in a game above Houston.
Results: North Side euphoria dies in Pac Bell. Just the way Dusty would want it.
New York Yankees
Less than powerful bullpen and that defense (worst zone rating in the majors) but they have a lot of offense.
Results: The O powers them to game seven of the series, wehre four errors marks the loss to the Giants. Mt. Steinbrenner erupts.
San Francisco Giants
Interesting team. Ok offense, very good defensive club, nice starters and relief corps. Experienced. Great bench. Only question is if they will be ready and able to turn it up in the post season. Haven't played a meaningful game in a month.
Results: Overcomes NL Cy Young Eric Gagne's gagging up the All Star game by winning game seven in Yankee Stadium of all places.
With a full week to go in the season, it's time to give our picks of who's going, who's staying home, and who'll have a short stay in the playoffs.
Seattle Mariners
A disciplined, balanced team that can't seem to put it all together. Their best hitter has very little hamstring left and is over 40. Probably can't make the 2.5 gap with 6 to play.
Results: Watching playoffs on couch.
Philadelphia Phillies
Question: Does Larry Bowa help or hurt this team?
Answer: Yes
Results: Bowa has a half game lead with three to play. They lose three straight to the Braves. Wild Card: Marlins.
Houston Astros
Their resurgent starting staff has kept them ahead of the Cubs, until the Giants come to town.
Results: Lose to Milwaukee on the final day to choke up the division to the Cubs.
Oakland Athletics
Without Mulder, they aren't a lock to win the opening round.
Results: Lose to Red Sox in first round 3-2.
Minnesota Twins
The Anti-Yankees. One of the better defensive teams in the playoffs. Ok overall pitching, so-so offense. Another intriguing first round matchup.
Results: If you play the Yankees, bring pitching and lots of it. Unfortunately, the Twins don't have enough. Lose in first round to Yankees 3-2.
Florida Marlins
Team of the Future: Yes. Team of This Year? No.
Results: Lose 2-3 to Phillies this week, and then watch the Phillies meltdown against Atlanta over the weekend. Grist for the mill against the Giants. Will they win a game? Doubtful.
Atlanta Braves
Since 1993, the Braves are 10-8 in postseason series. That's impressive. A different approach this year: strong offense, solid starting, zero bullpen, fragile closer. If Smoltz can't pitch two innings of relief three times in a series, the Braves could be 10-9.
Results: Cox doesn't hand Russ Ortiz the ball when he pulls him in the 7th inning of NLDS game 5 against the Cubs, but it doesn't matter. Cubs score five runs on bullpen to knock out the Braves.
Boston Red Sox
If they don't melt down this week, we'll have the Moneyball Series. It'll be interesting to see how many pitches are taken. Of course, Boston has bullpen problems, too (sound familiar?).
Results: Up 3-1 in the ALCS, but can't hold a lead to you-know-who in three straight games.
Chicago Cubs
Great starting pitching. Serviceable bullpen. Improved offense. Decent defense. Bullshit schedule since September 4 puts them in a game above Houston.
Results: North Side euphoria dies in Pac Bell. Just the way Dusty would want it.
New York Yankees
Less than powerful bullpen and that defense (worst zone rating in the majors) but they have a lot of offense.
Results: The O powers them to game seven of the series, wehre four errors marks the loss to the Giants. Mt. Steinbrenner erupts.
San Francisco Giants
Interesting team. Ok offense, very good defensive club, nice starters and relief corps. Experienced. Great bench. Only question is if they will be ready and able to turn it up in the post season. Haven't played a meaningful game in a month.
Results: Overcomes NL Cy Young Eric Gagne's gagging up the All Star game by winning game seven in Yankee Stadium of all places.
