Up 70-41 early in the third quarter, a road win against a good Dallas Mavericks team (18-12) seemed inevitable.
Coming back from 10, 15, maybe 20 down seemed possible, but not 29.
Wait, it's the Timberwolves, who have traded away Ray Allen for Stephon Marbury, Brandon Roy for Randy Foye and O.J. Mayo for Kevin Love, drafted Will Avery, Paul Grant and Ndudi Ebi and illegally signed the definition of mediocrity, Joe Smith.
Sure enough, Dallas used a 22-2 run to cut it to nine at 72-63 and a 22-7 run to start the fourth quarter propelling it to a 107-100 win.
This game epitomized better than any other game I have ever witnessed what this franchise represents: Mismanagement and failure that perhaps CAN get worse.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Payback
The state of Minnesota got payback Sunday, as the Vikings eked passed the Bears for their first division title since 2000. Remember, the White Sox defeated the Twins in a one-game playoff to claim the Central Division and earn a berth in the playoffs.
Not much else here, but hey, the more you know.
Not much else here, but hey, the more you know.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Vikings Get Giant Freebee
With the season on the line, the Vikings couldn't have drawn a more fortunate matchup.
The New York Giants, having wrapped up homefield advantage throughout the playoffs after defeating Carolina the week before, had nothing to play for, nothing to prove.
Bruising starter Brandon Jacobs didn't play and Eli Manning didn't take a snap in the second half.
Tom Coughlin's bunch wanted to win, just not with their top players on the field.
Minnesota, seeing the opportunity to earn a postseason berth under its own control, took advantage, winning a division title for the first time in eight years.
The New York Giants, having wrapped up homefield advantage throughout the playoffs after defeating Carolina the week before, had nothing to play for, nothing to prove.
Bruising starter Brandon Jacobs didn't play and Eli Manning didn't take a snap in the second half.
Tom Coughlin's bunch wanted to win, just not with their top players on the field.
Minnesota, seeing the opportunity to earn a postseason berth under its own control, took advantage, winning a division title for the first time in eight years.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Champs? Hardly
Poor execution
Band of unworthy young men
Humiliation
The result, a 42-13 loss to an average Florida State team in the Champ Sports Bowl.
(A Haggy Haiku)
Band of unworthy young men
Humiliation
The result, a 42-13 loss to an average Florida State team in the Champ Sports Bowl.
(A Haggy Haiku)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sticking to the Plan
In an offseason where the New York Yankees are shelling out hundreds of millions of dollars to acquire top free agents and other teams are scrambling to bring in new talent via trades and signs, the Minnesota Twins brought back utility infielder Nick Punto.Punto, the player who hit .210 in 2007 and who averages a home run once every 168 at-bats and an RBI every 13.3 at-bats.
Drives you crazy, right?
Well, it shouldn't.
The Twins are sticking to the plan I set aside for them earlier this offseason: Resign key players and develop talent.
Over the past 12 years Minnesota has had a difficult time landing a productive free agent. The front office knows what it will get out of Punto (good defense and speed on the bases). Plus, he's extrememly affordable ($8 million over two years).
Look what the Twins did in 2008 with a limited payroll and Punto, coming within one game of the postseason. Expect similar results this year.
By saving now, Minnesota can spend later when the contracts of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Scott Baker, Joe Nathan and others approach expiration.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Making History
Don't look now, but Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is in the midst of making history.
In addition to astonishing the nation by leading Atlanta back into contention, Ryan boasts a quarterback rating of 92. That's good for ninth in the NFL this season. Doesn't seem too significant at first glance, but it's the second-best mark among rookie signal callers ... ever.
Only Dan Marino posted a higher efficiency, passing for 2,210 yards and 20 touchdowns to just four interceptions, while completing 58.4 percent of his attempts for a rating of 96.
You could make the case what Ryan has done is more impressive than what the legendary Dolphin did in his first year.
Marino didn't start until the sixth game of the season, giving him time to learn the system and accustom himself to life in the NFL. Ryan was the Falcons starter from Day 1.
The learning curve for quarterbacks in the NFL is typically one to two years.
With Marino and Peyton Manning to look to as examples as long as health remains on Ryan's side, who knows, maybe some day his jersey will be hanging in the Georgia Dome.
Better yet, in Canton.
Hard to Say No
C.C. Sabathia couldn't turn down another year added to an already phonebook sized contract. He joined what many perceive as "the enemy," the New York Yankees, signing a seven year, $161 million contract Wednesday.
The kicker for Sabathia, who took three days to decide his future after the Yankees first make a six year, $140 million offer, was the addition of an opt-out clause.
If Sabathia isn't satisfied with the Bronx, or his family just doesn't quite feel at home in baseball's largest market, he can walk away a free man following the 2011 season.
Seems as though some of that undue stress of playing in New York has dissolved. Just in time, too. Now Sabathia must find a school for his eldest child to attend and a place to live.
After this transitionary period is over maybe seven years in one place won't sound too bad.
The kicker for Sabathia, who took three days to decide his future after the Yankees first make a six year, $140 million offer, was the addition of an opt-out clause.
If Sabathia isn't satisfied with the Bronx, or his family just doesn't quite feel at home in baseball's largest market, he can walk away a free man following the 2011 season.
Seems as though some of that undue stress of playing in New York has dissolved. Just in time, too. Now Sabathia must find a school for his eldest child to attend and a place to live.
After this transitionary period is over maybe seven years in one place won't sound too bad.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
CC-ing the Entire Picture
In these tough economic times, the New York Yankees are heavy spenders.
Only the one being sought isn't quite sure he wants to be bought.
Prized free agent pitcher C.C. Sabathia has sat on the Bronx Bombers' 6-year, $140 million contract for two days.
What gives, you ask?
Sabathia isn't sure New York is the right fit. He's from Northern California and prefers the West Coast. He wants his wife to be happy and his two kids, ages five and three, to (eventually) get a good education in a welcoming environment. Moreover, Sabathia is determining if the stresses of the Big Apple are worth an extra year and a few million dollars.
Mundane thoughts to mull over for "Joe the Plumber" when a new job in a new city emerges, they're hardly ever (publicly) discussed in professional sports. The draw is typically the richest contract and that alone.
While Sabathia may yet choose New York to call home for six years, it's the thought that counts.
Only the one being sought isn't quite sure he wants to be bought.
Prized free agent pitcher C.C. Sabathia has sat on the Bronx Bombers' 6-year, $140 million contract for two days.
What gives, you ask?
Sabathia isn't sure New York is the right fit. He's from Northern California and prefers the West Coast. He wants his wife to be happy and his two kids, ages five and three, to (eventually) get a good education in a welcoming environment. Moreover, Sabathia is determining if the stresses of the Big Apple are worth an extra year and a few million dollars.
Mundane thoughts to mull over for "Joe the Plumber" when a new job in a new city emerges, they're hardly ever (publicly) discussed in professional sports. The draw is typically the richest contract and that alone.
While Sabathia may yet choose New York to call home for six years, it's the thought that counts.
T-Jack Fine For Now
Don't get too excited.
Tavaris Jackson, after all, was playing the starved Detroit Lions (no further explanation is needed).
Still, he completed eight of 10 passes, including the game-winning touchdown toss to Visanthe Shiancoe and finished with a personal-best 143.8 passer rating.
Not bad for a guy sworn to ride the bench so long as Gus Frerotte could stand.
Pending the health of Frerotte's back, Jackson may get his first start since Week 2 and that forgettable 18-15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Even if T-Jack somehow removes all doubt that he can be a starter in this league, no logical reasoning says he can be the starter in the postseason.
Jackson getting rattled in games + trying to be perfect=Playoff disaster not too disparate from that 41-Egg drubbing in 2001.
Frerotte makes more mistakes. That's because he takes more chances. A slower, less skilled Brett Favre, Frerotte slings the ball downfield without trepidation, remorse or hesitation. The thought of a poor throw or decision passes as a shooting star.
When Frerotte can stand, he, not Jackson, should lead.
Tavaris Jackson, after all, was playing the starved Detroit Lions (no further explanation is needed).
Still, he completed eight of 10 passes, including the game-winning touchdown toss to Visanthe Shiancoe and finished with a personal-best 143.8 passer rating.
Not bad for a guy sworn to ride the bench so long as Gus Frerotte could stand.
Pending the health of Frerotte's back, Jackson may get his first start since Week 2 and that forgettable 18-15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Even if T-Jack somehow removes all doubt that he can be a starter in this league, no logical reasoning says he can be the starter in the postseason.
Jackson getting rattled in games + trying to be perfect=Playoff disaster not too disparate from that 41-Egg drubbing in 2001.
Frerotte makes more mistakes. That's because he takes more chances. A slower, less skilled Brett Favre, Frerotte slings the ball downfield without trepidation, remorse or hesitation. The thought of a poor throw or decision passes as a shooting star.
When Frerotte can stand, he, not Jackson, should lead.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Badgers Survive Scare
Wisconsin picked up a quality win Monday night, defeating Virginia Tech as part of the 10th annual ACC-Big Ten Challenge, but not without a scare first.
Trevon Hughes hit a leaning runner with .9 seconds remaining to lift Wisconsin to a 74-72 win.
The Badgers led throughout, but a 14-5 run capped by A.D. Vassallo’s sixth 3-pointer pulled the Hokies even with under 10 seconds to play.
Vassallo finished with 30 points, including 24 in the second half in a losing effort.
No doubt the Badgers played well, hitting free throws down the stretch and shots throughout (24-of-48 from the field). The team also showed improvements must be made.
Sometimes good defense isn't enough to stop a hot shooter. On this night, Vassallo was aided by a much too slack Badgers team. It didn't force Vassallo to put the ball on the floor or get enough bodies on him beyond the arc in the game's closing minutes. And Jon Leuer committed the cardinal sin of crunch time: He fouled a Hokies shooter in the act.
Nitpicky details aside, Wisconsin proved it is a competent team that is well coached.
Although the Badgers aren't ranked, expect them to be in the running once again for a Big Ten title.
Trevon Hughes hit a leaning runner with .9 seconds remaining to lift Wisconsin to a 74-72 win.
The Badgers led throughout, but a 14-5 run capped by A.D. Vassallo’s sixth 3-pointer pulled the Hokies even with under 10 seconds to play.
Vassallo finished with 30 points, including 24 in the second half in a losing effort.
No doubt the Badgers played well, hitting free throws down the stretch and shots throughout (24-of-48 from the field). The team also showed improvements must be made.
Sometimes good defense isn't enough to stop a hot shooter. On this night, Vassallo was aided by a much too slack Badgers team. It didn't force Vassallo to put the ball on the floor or get enough bodies on him beyond the arc in the game's closing minutes. And Jon Leuer committed the cardinal sin of crunch time: He fouled a Hokies shooter in the act.
Nitpicky details aside, Wisconsin proved it is a competent team that is well coached.
Although the Badgers aren't ranked, expect them to be in the running once again for a Big Ten title.
Howling Timberwolves
Fresh start, bar set high
No zen, lineup out of sorts
Losses mount, Wolves howl
(A Haggy Haiku)
No zen, lineup out of sorts
Losses mount, Wolves howl
(A Haggy Haiku)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The Awful-season
Jostle your memory. Think back.
When was the last time the Minnesota Twins had a decent free agent sign, an everyday player inked to a deal he repaid with a strong performance?
Figure it out? The answer should consist of very few names. (For your enjoyment a list of every sign since 1996 -- the good, mostly bad -- appears in the previous blog post -- as soon as my laptop gets fixed).
It's true, Minnesota Twins management and minor league scouts have been terrific over the years finding and developing talent. When it comes to acquiring ready-made talent, the Twins, lacking funds, fail to cash in. Think Adam Everett and Mike Lamb this year. Think Rondell White and Tony Batista last. The list goes on ... .
The Twins have needs to fill at third base and in the bullpen ahead of Joe Nathan. Possibly bringing back Casey Blake to play the hot corner has been discussed. There's Joe "Plays Half the Season" Crede and Adrian "Underachieving and Overpaid" Beltre may be on the trading block -- a possible exchange for Michael Cuddyer and a Nick Blackburn could be arranged. Rafael Furcal would make a nice shortstop and leadoff hitter, but he's asking probably $15 million per season for three or more. The turf for one may prevent him from playing again (he missed much of 2008 with a bad hamstring while playing on grass). Then there's Nomar "Not the same, never healthy"Garciaparra.
For acquisitions to play third base that's pretty much it. Check out the FA list.
And based on the extensive list of Harry Dunn's and Lloyd Christmas' acquired over the years, the Twins would be better suited to sit tight, to think instead about moving Cuddyer back to third base and having an outfield of Denard Span in right, Carlos Gomez in center and Delmon Young in left. Cuddyer was tolerable when starting at the position from 2004 through 2005. He played better defense than Brian Buscher and hit better than Nick Punto and Lamb. Or, they could go out and sign a guy like Aaron Boone. Yeah, that would work out.
There aren't really any answers on the market at middle-reliever, either. The seemingly impecunious Twins, let alone the liberal-spending Yankees, have no need to acquire over-the-hill pitchers with Isaiah Thomas (as a coach) command that comprise this year's free agent class.
The Twins do, nevertheless, need another arm in the pen with Pat Neshek gone for the entire season and Matt Guerrier serving injured wildebeast pitches to hungry lion hitters.
Again, Minnesota would be best served to dig from within its organization for help. Flame-thrower Anthony Swarzak or Kevin Mulvey (acquired in the deal for Johan Santana) could be used out of the bullpen while they adjust to the big leagues a la the way Glen Perkins started his career. Both pitched well with the Rochester Red Wings, the Twins' AAA affiliate. Swarzak went 5-0 in seven starts and posted a 1.80 ERA while Mulvey carried a 7-9 record and 3.77 ERA in 27 starts.
Minnesota could also part ways with left-hander Dennys Reyes as José Mijares proved he could readily handle tight-game situations, giving up just one run in 10 1/3 innings.
Here's what the Twins should do: Use the offseason to continue developing talent and use the extra cash to lock up some regulars for a long time.
Who would you rather have Sidney Ponson, White and Batista for six starts, two seasons and one month respectively, or Joe Mauer locked up through 2015?
Good call.
When was the last time the Minnesota Twins had a decent free agent sign, an everyday player inked to a deal he repaid with a strong performance?
Figure it out? The answer should consist of very few names. (For your enjoyment a list of every sign since 1996 -- the good, mostly bad -- appears in the previous blog post -- as soon as my laptop gets fixed).
It's true, Minnesota Twins management and minor league scouts have been terrific over the years finding and developing talent. When it comes to acquiring ready-made talent, the Twins, lacking funds, fail to cash in. Think Adam Everett and Mike Lamb this year. Think Rondell White and Tony Batista last. The list goes on ... .
The Twins have needs to fill at third base and in the bullpen ahead of Joe Nathan. Possibly bringing back Casey Blake to play the hot corner has been discussed. There's Joe "Plays Half the Season" Crede and Adrian "Underachieving and Overpaid" Beltre may be on the trading block -- a possible exchange for Michael Cuddyer and a Nick Blackburn could be arranged. Rafael Furcal would make a nice shortstop and leadoff hitter, but he's asking probably $15 million per season for three or more. The turf for one may prevent him from playing again (he missed much of 2008 with a bad hamstring while playing on grass). Then there's Nomar "Not the same, never healthy"Garciaparra.
For acquisitions to play third base that's pretty much it. Check out the FA list.
And based on the extensive list of Harry Dunn's and Lloyd Christmas' acquired over the years, the Twins would be better suited to sit tight, to think instead about moving Cuddyer back to third base and having an outfield of Denard Span in right, Carlos Gomez in center and Delmon Young in left. Cuddyer was tolerable when starting at the position from 2004 through 2005. He played better defense than Brian Buscher and hit better than Nick Punto and Lamb. Or, they could go out and sign a guy like Aaron Boone. Yeah, that would work out.
There aren't really any answers on the market at middle-reliever, either. The seemingly impecunious Twins, let alone the liberal-spending Yankees, have no need to acquire over-the-hill pitchers with Isaiah Thomas (as a coach) command that comprise this year's free agent class.
The Twins do, nevertheless, need another arm in the pen with Pat Neshek gone for the entire season and Matt Guerrier serving injured wildebeast pitches to hungry lion hitters.
Again, Minnesota would be best served to dig from within its organization for help. Flame-thrower Anthony Swarzak or Kevin Mulvey (acquired in the deal for Johan Santana) could be used out of the bullpen while they adjust to the big leagues a la the way Glen Perkins started his career. Both pitched well with the Rochester Red Wings, the Twins' AAA affiliate. Swarzak went 5-0 in seven starts and posted a 1.80 ERA while Mulvey carried a 7-9 record and 3.77 ERA in 27 starts.
Minnesota could also part ways with left-hander Dennys Reyes as José Mijares proved he could readily handle tight-game situations, giving up just one run in 10 1/3 innings.
Here's what the Twins should do: Use the offseason to continue developing talent and use the extra cash to lock up some regulars for a long time.
Who would you rather have Sidney Ponson, White and Batista for six starts, two seasons and one month respectively, or Joe Mauer locked up through 2015?
Good call.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Always Next Year
Absolutely disgraceful.
Few words can describe the languid abomination that was Minnesota football Saturday night.
Then again, it's the Gophers. Performances like the 55-0 lashing to Iowa in the team's final game at the Metrodome have become as every bit part of the tradition as the chipmunk, called "Goldy Gopher," mascot.
The first half of the season was fun, riveting and successful.
The second: panic.
Coach Tim Brewster couldn't pull the parachute in time. As soon as the mist of uncertainty floated in through the open window and cloaked the team with fear, all was lost. The Adam Weber interception returned for the decisive touchdown in a loss to Northwestern acted as the trigger.
The Gophers stopped moving the ball, started making mistakes and ultimately took devastating hits in the loss column.
Four straight duds to end the season. And one painstakingly everlasting memory of the Dome.
Sharing a stadium with professional baseball and football stinks. The Gophers unleashed one more raspberry before the time-share terminated.
The opening of TCF Bank Stadium next year is the team's Eden, offering the chance to start over, the chance to form a new identity. With 19 starters expected to return next season, including a year the wiser Weber, the Gophers have a reason to believe that this time hope will seep into their lungs and fill them with confidence. If that doesn't work out. Well, there's always (the) next year.
Few words can describe the languid abomination that was Minnesota football Saturday night.
Then again, it's the Gophers. Performances like the 55-0 lashing to Iowa in the team's final game at the Metrodome have become as every bit part of the tradition as the chipmunk, called "Goldy Gopher," mascot.
The first half of the season was fun, riveting and successful.
The second: panic.
Coach Tim Brewster couldn't pull the parachute in time. As soon as the mist of uncertainty floated in through the open window and cloaked the team with fear, all was lost. The Adam Weber interception returned for the decisive touchdown in a loss to Northwestern acted as the trigger.
The Gophers stopped moving the ball, started making mistakes and ultimately took devastating hits in the loss column.
Four straight duds to end the season. And one painstakingly everlasting memory of the Dome.
Sharing a stadium with professional baseball and football stinks. The Gophers unleashed one more raspberry before the time-share terminated.
The opening of TCF Bank Stadium next year is the team's Eden, offering the chance to start over, the chance to form a new identity. With 19 starters expected to return next season, including a year the wiser Weber, the Gophers have a reason to believe that this time hope will seep into their lungs and fill them with confidence. If that doesn't work out. Well, there's always (the) next year.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
NL MVP Watch
Tomorrow's the big day, the day the NL MVP will be announced. Like last time, let's briefly break down the candidates ("Frontrunners"), then go over the highly possible, but undeserving potential winner (You'd Think So, But No Way") and the guy who made a strong case yet won't take home the award ("Blew It") before finishing with who I think should win ("My Pick"). Several players put up terrific indivual efforts on winning ballclubs, something missing across the board for the AL candidates, so the outcome isn't guaranteed to anyone.
Let's take a look at those who could win.
Frontrunners
Lance Berkman, 1B, Houston Astros
.312 AVG, 29 HRs, 106 RBI, .420 OBP
Why He's Deserving
Berkman mastered the game to where he was playing slow-pitch sotfball. He hit .471 in May and by the All-Star break was leading the National League with 79 runs and 73 RBI, all while hitting .347. He added speed to his game, too, stealing 15 bags by the Midseason Classic.
He was a staple in the lineup of a legitimate playoff contender, leading the National League in Wins Probability Added at 6.71* and finishing in the top-5 in hitting with runners in scoring position at .345.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
May is fine to remove arrows from your quiver, but you need to have some left in August and September. Berkman hit went through a homerless July, then a decent August, before playing sub-Mendoza Line baseball in September (.179 AVG). Overall, he hit just. 259 and seven homers in the second half.
Moreover, where Berkman's portfolio was strong, Albert Pujols' was stronger.
David Wright, 3B, New York Mets
.302 AVG, 33 HRs, 124 RBI, .390 OBP
Why He's Deserving
Wright's a .300/100R/30HR/100RBI threat every season. He did everything he could to keep the Mets afloat in the Wild Card and divisional race, increasing his average by 48 points from the first half to the second.
Overall, Wright quite possibly had his most productive season in what has been a tremendous young career.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
The twin help. Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado provided Wright with protection and gave the Mets the most productive trio of hitters in baseball.
Hovering over Wright's head is another September collapse of sorts. Not making the playoffs, even with the addition of Johan Santana, weighs heavily on the franchise's posterboy's MVP chances.
Albert Pujols, 1B, St. Louis Cardinals
.357 AVG, 37 HRs, 116 RBI, 1.114 OPS
Why He's Deserving
Baseball is a game of numbers. Pujols crunched them all -- with shredded ligaments in his elbow and a bad back at that. Tim Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal doesn't seem to believe that the player with the best numbers is the front-runner for MVP, but if you ignore numbers what do you have left? Try Prince Fielder finishing ahead of Pujols. Hmm. Interesting.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
Pujols has a knack for finishing second. The standard has become if someone else has a monster season and Pujols is consistently great like usual, the other player will win.
He also didn't make the playoffs (if only the 86-76 Cardinals played in the NL West).
Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
.285 AVG, 37 HRs, 106 RBI, 14 SB
Why He's Deserving
Braun had solid protection in Caliban who hit 34 home runs, including MLB-leading 18 after the sixth inning, but Braun carried the Brewers. He came up with timely hits and even turned in a solid year defensively with the move to left field. How bout that?
Why It Could Be Someone Else
Braun wasn't healthy for portions of the second-half and definitely wasn't the same. He batted .209 in September.
In a league of too many extraordinary gentlemen, Braun probably doesn't quite make the cut.
Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Chicago Cubs
.289 AVG, 27 HRs, 111 RBI
Why He's Deserving
Ramirez was the best player on the league's best team. His .360 average from the seventh inning on paced the league.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
Like Braun, Wright, Delgado (whom I neglected to mention because teammate Wright should finish higher than he), and even Berkman, Ramirez was terrific, but not unique.
You'd Think So, But No Way
Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies
.251 AVG, 48 HRs, 146 RBI
There's a telling truth behind Howard's numbers. Yes, he led the major leagues in home runs and RBI, again. Yes, he hits well with runners in scoring position (.320). And yes, he did carry the team to the postseason with an 11 dinger, 32 RBI September outburst to go with a .352 average.
He also struck out 29 percent of the time he stepped up to the plate. A guaranteed out 199 times. Whoever says September numbers are the most important (cough, Hadricourt, cough), has got to be fooling themselves. Someone had to keep the Phillies in the hunt while Howard looked like Christy Brown trying to hit a baseball. No doubt the stretch run is important, slightly more so than the early months, but the best players, an MVP, are those who can produce for an entire season.
Twenty-eight players ranked ahead of Howard in WPA, giving a realistic look that maybe Howard isn't as valuable to a team as, say Pujols, even Russell Martin.
No MVP has ever had a batting average below .269.
Also keep in mind there's serious argument that Chase Utley is the more valuable Philly. George W. Bush seems to think so.
Blew It
Manny Ramirez, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
.396 AVG, 17 HRs, 53 RBI, 1.232 OPS in 53 games
Too bad he played in the American League until the trading deadline.
Look at the stat line above and add this to the equation: Manny batted .450 with runners in scoring position and two outs and .463 with runners in scoring position. He slugged .789 and got on-base 49 percent of the time.
Talk about mammoth production.
Randy Moss and Manny seem so much alike: nonchalant and carefree. But when you change it up and break up the bore of the routine, they go to work like dynamite on bedrock.
Alas, as great as Manny's numbers with the Dodgers were, two months doesn't make the entire season. Just ask Berkman.
My Pick
Pujols, hands down. Nobody put together as consistent and dominant numbers as the Cardinals' first baseman for a full season's worth of games. He makes everyone else around him better, too.
Look at what once washed up prospect Ryan Ludwick, who hit sub-.200 in the three weeks Pujols was out of the lineup, and Rick Ankiel did with Pujols around. Sounds like an MVP to me.
*Refer to the AL MVP blog for a description of what WPA means exactly
Gophers Axed in Madison
Gophers in control
Tighten up, meltdown ensues
Badgers retain Axe
(A Haggy Haiku)
Tighten up, meltdown ensues
Badgers retain Axe
(A Haggy Haiku)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Gophers Dig Hole
What was that?
So much for the hype that Minnesota had turned things around this season.
The Gophers resembled a Kige Ramsey special report about "How to save on gas ... money." One first down by halftime. That's it -- against the Wolverines, possibly the worst team Michigan has assembled in the last 25 years.
With a test at Wisconsin next weekend before finishing against an Iowa team that just upset the Hercules of the Big Ten Penn State, the Gophers could now be looking at a trip to Tempe, Ariz., or worse, a journey to Antenora in Detroit, Mich., instead of a January bowl paradise.
So much for the hype that Minnesota had turned things around this season.
The Gophers resembled a Kige Ramsey special report about "How to save on gas ... money." One first down by halftime. That's it -- against the Wolverines, possibly the worst team Michigan has assembled in the last 25 years.
With a test at Wisconsin next weekend before finishing against an Iowa team that just upset the Hercules of the Big Ten Penn State, the Gophers could now be looking at a trip to Tempe, Ariz., or worse, a journey to Antenora in Detroit, Mich., instead of a January bowl paradise.
Friday, November 7, 2008
AL MVP
Baseball is over for the year. Starting with Gold Glove winners announced the past two days, this is the time awards and their winners are unveiled.
The award that concerns this post is MVP. Since there are two awards, there will be two blog entries. Let's start in the American League.
The breakdown will go as follows: "Frontrunners" followed by "You'd Think So, But No Way" and "Blew It" before finishing with "My Pick."
Frontrunners
Joe Mauer, C, Minnesota Twins
.328 AVG, 85 RBI, .413 OBP
Why He's Deserving
Mauer led the AL in batting average for the second time in three seasons reducing the gap between a catcher winning the award from 76 to one. Cool Joe was even better in pressure situations (two outs with runners in scoring position) batting at a .361 clip. Defensively, he committed three errors and threw out 36.3 percent of potential base stealers, third best in the league.
He mentored an inexperienced rotation heading into the season and developed it into a formidable fivesome, propelling the Twins to within a game of the playoffs when preseason expectations were on par with a blind date.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
Numbers talk. Mauer hit nine home runs. Statistically, he wasn't the best player on his team -- a distinction held by first baseman Justin Morneau (who would have made the list if not for a 1-for-20 conclusion to the season when the team was vying for the AL Central title). When it comes down to voting, the quality of the team is also considered. The Twins nearly made the postseason. Since 1990, only Alex Rodriguez, in 2003, and Cal Ripken, in 1991, have won the AL MVP and not made the playoffs.
Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Boston Red Sox
.326 AVG, 17 HRs, 83 RBI, 20 SB
Why He's Deserving
Injuries riddled the Red Sox lineup this season and Manny Ramirez left for Los Angeles. Pedroia was the hanger that held the lineup in place. He hit for power -- slugging .547 after the All-Star Break -- average and stole bases. The 5-9, 180 pound secondbaseman batted cleanup a few times.
He played Gold Glove defense. And don't forget, the Red Sox played into October.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
The Red Sox are deep. If Pedroia didn't carry the team someone else would've. Sure, David Ortiz missed a few months and never fully regained his swing. J.D. Drew missed the stretch run. Mike Lowell was in and out of the lineup. Ramirez was gone by August. But the Sox got Jason Bay. Kevin Youkilis was always there.
A team full of Brandon Inge's and Adam Everett's could still win games. Jon Lester and Dice-K were brilliant. The backend was good, too, masking an average season from ace Josh Beckett.
It all amounts to Pedroia having a hard time standing alone as the guy.
Josh Hamilton, OF, Texas Rangers
.304 AVG, 32 HRs, 130 RBI
Why He's Deserving
The feel-good story in baseball this season, Hamilton unearthed his five-tool potential. By the All-Star break, Hamilton was a serious Triple Crown threat, batting .310 to go with 21 dingers and 95 RBI. Hamilton exhibited his Zeus-like strength at the Home Run Derby. The Big Brown of baseball's power show, and other Derby, belted a record-shaking 28 first round home runs, including 13 in a row.
At season's end, Hamilton led the league in RBI and placed in the top 12 in home runs and average. Youkilis and Aubrey Huff were the only other two hitters to finish in the top 12 of all three categories.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
He played for the Texas Rangers, a ballclub that owned the worst team ERA in baseball. Not Hamilton's fault, but it contributes to an average 79-83 record, which hurts.
Hamilton didn't play any games that counted, games that other candidates experienced. The pressure of a race didn't exist, making the game easier to play.
When Ian Kinsler was in the lineup, Hamilton was unbelievable. After Kinsler went down with a sports hernia injury, Hamilton became mortal. Kinsler was the team's catalyst -- just as important as the one who drives him home.
Carlos Pena, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays
.247 AVG, 31 HRs, 102 RBI
Why He's Deserving
Evan Longoria may be the Rays' MVP of the future, but Pena is head-above leader in Tampa Bay.
His power came alive in the second half -- the one that counts -- and his defense is always there. Pena batted .247, but he finished second among hitters in the American League in Wins Probability Added -- a statistic developed to see how valuable a player is in tight situations by determining, as you might guess, the number of games he wins during a season.
Lifting the franchise off the couch after 10 years of watching others succeed, Pena not only helped the Rays to a playoff appearance, he brought a World Series appearance to St. Petersburg.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
His average. Pena added four-plus wins to the team's record. OK. The last time a hitter won the MVP award with a sub-.250 average was, well, never. Roger Maris batted .269 in 1961. He also hit a then-record 61 home runs that year. Sorry Pena.
You'd Think So, But No Way
Francisco Rodriguez, Closer, Los Angeles Angels
62 Saves, 2.24 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 77Ks/68.1 IP
Rodriguez is the new single-season record-holder for saves in a season with 62. Much has been said about him receiving votes, possibly taking home the award for closing down over half of the best team in baseball's wins.
Hold up.
Saves are one of the most overrated statistics in baseball. A late-innings reliever gets a "hold" for securing a three-run or fewer lead. Same concept as a save, but 2008 hold leader Carlos Marmol isn't spoken of in the light Rodriguez is.
No one cares.
For some reason saves seem like a magical number. Yes, it does calibrate the number of times a pitcher has held onto a "close" lead in the ninth inning. Without good starting pitching and defense and mediocre hitting, games wouldn't be close enough for a closer to have value.
Any votes Rodriguez receives should be divided among his teammates.
Never mind 22 of his saves came with a three-run cushion and 21 more with a pair of tallies to spare. He wasn't the best pitcher in the American League -- undoubtedly held by Indians pitcher Cliff Lee, who should win the CY Young Award -- let alone best closer in baseball.
That doesn't sound like an MVP.
Rodriguez saved 62 ballgames. He blew seven. Brad Lidge saved 41. He blew zero. OK, Brad Lidge pitched in the National League.
When it comes to WPA, Rodriguez isn't No. 1 among AL closers. Mariano Rivera is, followed by Joakim Soria, Bobby Jenks, then Rodriguez.
Put the MVP talk to rest, Rodriguez's season was memorable, not game-changing.
Blew It
Carlos Quentin, OF, Chicago White Sox
.288 Avg, 36 HRs, 100 RBI, .956 SLG
Without a doubt, the hands down winner of this race heading into September. He then decided to get angry over one measly pop-up against the best pitcher of 2008, Cliff Lee, punched his bat and broke his wrist. Season over. Although his numbers stack up to league leaders Alex Rodriguez, Hamilton and Miguel Cabrera, AND his team made the playoffs, he wasn't there for the stretch run, diminishing his value.
My Pick
It's got to be Mauer. A catcher can change the game both offensively and defensively by calling a good game. Mauer is arguably the best there is at both.
He played games that mattered in September, missing the postseason by a one-game playoff and one Nick Blackburn mistake (the Twins starter gave up a home run to Jim Thome in the 1-0 loss).
Thanks to Mauer's .413 OBP, Morneau was given the opportunity to drive in runs, which he did.
For those not sold on his downright lousy power (nine roundtrippers), Mauer led the league in WPA. Simply, on a team that didn't have dominant hitters around him other than Morneau, hence the 85 RBI, Mauer radiated greatness.
The award that concerns this post is MVP. Since there are two awards, there will be two blog entries. Let's start in the American League.
The breakdown will go as follows: "Frontrunners" followed by "You'd Think So, But No Way" and "Blew It" before finishing with "My Pick."
Frontrunners
Joe Mauer, C, Minnesota Twins
.328 AVG, 85 RBI, .413 OBP
Why He's Deserving
Mauer led the AL in batting average for the second time in three seasons reducing the gap between a catcher winning the award from 76 to one. Cool Joe was even better in pressure situations (two outs with runners in scoring position) batting at a .361 clip. Defensively, he committed three errors and threw out 36.3 percent of potential base stealers, third best in the league.
He mentored an inexperienced rotation heading into the season and developed it into a formidable fivesome, propelling the Twins to within a game of the playoffs when preseason expectations were on par with a blind date.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
Numbers talk. Mauer hit nine home runs. Statistically, he wasn't the best player on his team -- a distinction held by first baseman Justin Morneau (who would have made the list if not for a 1-for-20 conclusion to the season when the team was vying for the AL Central title). When it comes down to voting, the quality of the team is also considered. The Twins nearly made the postseason. Since 1990, only Alex Rodriguez, in 2003, and Cal Ripken, in 1991, have won the AL MVP and not made the playoffs.
Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Boston Red Sox
.326 AVG, 17 HRs, 83 RBI, 20 SB
Why He's Deserving
Injuries riddled the Red Sox lineup this season and Manny Ramirez left for Los Angeles. Pedroia was the hanger that held the lineup in place. He hit for power -- slugging .547 after the All-Star Break -- average and stole bases. The 5-9, 180 pound secondbaseman batted cleanup a few times.
He played Gold Glove defense. And don't forget, the Red Sox played into October.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
The Red Sox are deep. If Pedroia didn't carry the team someone else would've. Sure, David Ortiz missed a few months and never fully regained his swing. J.D. Drew missed the stretch run. Mike Lowell was in and out of the lineup. Ramirez was gone by August. But the Sox got Jason Bay. Kevin Youkilis was always there.
A team full of Brandon Inge's and Adam Everett's could still win games. Jon Lester and Dice-K were brilliant. The backend was good, too, masking an average season from ace Josh Beckett.
It all amounts to Pedroia having a hard time standing alone as the guy.
Josh Hamilton, OF, Texas Rangers
.304 AVG, 32 HRs, 130 RBI
Why He's Deserving
The feel-good story in baseball this season, Hamilton unearthed his five-tool potential. By the All-Star break, Hamilton was a serious Triple Crown threat, batting .310 to go with 21 dingers and 95 RBI. Hamilton exhibited his Zeus-like strength at the Home Run Derby. The Big Brown of baseball's power show, and other Derby, belted a record-shaking 28 first round home runs, including 13 in a row.
At season's end, Hamilton led the league in RBI and placed in the top 12 in home runs and average. Youkilis and Aubrey Huff were the only other two hitters to finish in the top 12 of all three categories.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
He played for the Texas Rangers, a ballclub that owned the worst team ERA in baseball. Not Hamilton's fault, but it contributes to an average 79-83 record, which hurts.
Hamilton didn't play any games that counted, games that other candidates experienced. The pressure of a race didn't exist, making the game easier to play.
When Ian Kinsler was in the lineup, Hamilton was unbelievable. After Kinsler went down with a sports hernia injury, Hamilton became mortal. Kinsler was the team's catalyst -- just as important as the one who drives him home.
Carlos Pena, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays
.247 AVG, 31 HRs, 102 RBI
Why He's Deserving
Evan Longoria may be the Rays' MVP of the future, but Pena is head-above leader in Tampa Bay.
His power came alive in the second half -- the one that counts -- and his defense is always there. Pena batted .247, but he finished second among hitters in the American League in Wins Probability Added -- a statistic developed to see how valuable a player is in tight situations by determining, as you might guess, the number of games he wins during a season.
Lifting the franchise off the couch after 10 years of watching others succeed, Pena not only helped the Rays to a playoff appearance, he brought a World Series appearance to St. Petersburg.
Why It Could Be Someone Else
His average. Pena added four-plus wins to the team's record. OK. The last time a hitter won the MVP award with a sub-.250 average was, well, never. Roger Maris batted .269 in 1961. He also hit a then-record 61 home runs that year. Sorry Pena.
You'd Think So, But No Way
Francisco Rodriguez, Closer, Los Angeles Angels
62 Saves, 2.24 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 77Ks/68.1 IP
Rodriguez is the new single-season record-holder for saves in a season with 62. Much has been said about him receiving votes, possibly taking home the award for closing down over half of the best team in baseball's wins.
Hold up.
Saves are one of the most overrated statistics in baseball. A late-innings reliever gets a "hold" for securing a three-run or fewer lead. Same concept as a save, but 2008 hold leader Carlos Marmol isn't spoken of in the light Rodriguez is.
No one cares.
For some reason saves seem like a magical number. Yes, it does calibrate the number of times a pitcher has held onto a "close" lead in the ninth inning. Without good starting pitching and defense and mediocre hitting, games wouldn't be close enough for a closer to have value.
Any votes Rodriguez receives should be divided among his teammates.
Never mind 22 of his saves came with a three-run cushion and 21 more with a pair of tallies to spare. He wasn't the best pitcher in the American League -- undoubtedly held by Indians pitcher Cliff Lee, who should win the CY Young Award -- let alone best closer in baseball.
That doesn't sound like an MVP.
Rodriguez saved 62 ballgames. He blew seven. Brad Lidge saved 41. He blew zero. OK, Brad Lidge pitched in the National League.
When it comes to WPA, Rodriguez isn't No. 1 among AL closers. Mariano Rivera is, followed by Joakim Soria, Bobby Jenks, then Rodriguez.
Put the MVP talk to rest, Rodriguez's season was memorable, not game-changing.
Blew It
Carlos Quentin, OF, Chicago White Sox
.288 Avg, 36 HRs, 100 RBI, .956 SLG
Without a doubt, the hands down winner of this race heading into September. He then decided to get angry over one measly pop-up against the best pitcher of 2008, Cliff Lee, punched his bat and broke his wrist. Season over. Although his numbers stack up to league leaders Alex Rodriguez, Hamilton and Miguel Cabrera, AND his team made the playoffs, he wasn't there for the stretch run, diminishing his value.
My Pick
It's got to be Mauer. A catcher can change the game both offensively and defensively by calling a good game. Mauer is arguably the best there is at both.
He played games that mattered in September, missing the postseason by a one-game playoff and one Nick Blackburn mistake (the Twins starter gave up a home run to Jim Thome in the 1-0 loss).
Thanks to Mauer's .413 OBP, Morneau was given the opportunity to drive in runs, which he did.
For those not sold on his downright lousy power (nine roundtrippers), Mauer led the league in WPA. Simply, on a team that didn't have dominant hitters around him other than Morneau, hence the 85 RBI, Mauer radiated greatness.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Real-Life Waterboy
This is a great story, magnified by the fact he helped Texas Tech upset No. 1 Texas 39-33 Saturday night.
Here's the abbreviated version in haiku form.
Year's free rent for kick
New direction after make
Becomes Red Raider
(A Haggy Haiku)
Speaking of the Red Raiders, how bout that performance? Everyone following college football knows the job Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree have done in Lubbock, Texas. Finally drawing the attention nationally of the networks, people got to see first hand the two in action.
It's pretty apparent Mike Leach's stars are Raymond Babbit ("Rain Man") special.
So is the Tech offensive line. Texas' front four is nasty, yet Harrell had all kinds of time to find his receivers downfield.
Home against No. 9 Oklahoma State next week and at No. 4 Oklahoma the following will provide many viewers more opportunities to see the Red Raiders play. Whether Tech can retain its No. 2 ranking during this upcoming stretch is hard to say.
Watching the Red Raiders play is exciting enough.
Here's the abbreviated version in haiku form.
Year's free rent for kick
New direction after make
Becomes Red Raider
(A Haggy Haiku)
Speaking of the Red Raiders, how bout that performance? Everyone following college football knows the job Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree have done in Lubbock, Texas. Finally drawing the attention nationally of the networks, people got to see first hand the two in action.
It's pretty apparent Mike Leach's stars are Raymond Babbit ("Rain Man") special.
So is the Tech offensive line. Texas' front four is nasty, yet Harrell had all kinds of time to find his receivers downfield.
Home against No. 9 Oklahoma State next week and at No. 4 Oklahoma the following will provide many viewers more opportunities to see the Red Raiders play. Whether Tech can retain its No. 2 ranking during this upcoming stretch is hard to say.
Watching the Red Raiders play is exciting enough.
Poor Man's Moss
Bernard Berrian is everything the Vikings hoped.
Since being held without a catch Week 2 against the Colts, Berrian has recorded 78 or more yards receiving in six straight games, including three 100-plus efforts. A touchdown reception Sunday gives him four in as many contests.
At 6-1, he's not going to out jump many like Moss. He does have excellent straight line speed, however, and has legitimized himself as a reliable receiver for Gus Frerotte and the Minnesota offense. Berrian ranks second in the NFL in yards per catch at 20.7, following his two catch, 104 yard effort against Houston.
Missing a legit deep-threat since Randy Moss in 2004 to compliment a prolific ground attack, the Vikings spent the money to bring in Berrian.
So far, he's been worth every penny, helping the Vikings recover from an 0-2 start.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Woe to the Badgers
Not again.
Not this.
Not now.
Wisconsin has reached levels of dreadful few thought possible. It's natural disaster bad, a ride with Charon across the River Styx bad. And one is culpable: coach Bret Bielema.
Holding an 11-point advantage on Michigan State in the fourth quarter the Badgers seemingly were coming out of the funk that dragged them to an 0-4 start in the Big Ten.
Leave it to the '08 Badgers to pull a disappearing act with no curtain or trap door. Like magic, UW lost. There wasn't an encore -- except from those bleeding green and white.
Two plays stand out: a 38-yard completion to tight end Charlie Gantt on third-and-17 with 8:51 to play and Wisconsin ahead 24-13, and a holding penalty on third-and-short late in the game that cost the Badgers a lead-cushioning field goal try.
Not since 1996 had Wisconsin blown a double-digit fourth quarter edge at the start of the season. It has happened twice in six games.
Not since October 20, 2001 versus Illinois had Wisconsin lost a game when leading in football's version of "Miller Time," the fourth quarter.
It has happened three times this season.
Wisconsin has been in these said games -- against Michigan, Ohio State and now Michigan State -- so talent isn't the trouble.
A letdown is clearly occurring. Wisconsin is not executing, nor is it stepping up, particularly on defense, in pressure situations. When the Badgers have needed a stop, one isn't readily available;
too much immaturity amongst the starters.
The position coaches and coordinators are responsible for in-game execution and player development. Bielema oversees them.
The winningest Big Ten coach in a debut season seems to have allowed early success trigger the auto-pilot mechanism in his head. Wisconsin has crashed.
Bielema continues to hold man crushes on less talented players (although it has lessened in recent weeks), while the true play-makers watch from the sidelines. Think P.J. Hill over John Clay.
He's stubborn.
Paul Chryst's pro-style offense -- a fullback, not a receiver constitutes the 11th man on the field on offense -- and archaic play-calling are cancerous to the team's overall success, yet Bielema sticks by his friend.
The saying goes, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Good. Bielema's one of the youngest head coaches at the Division I level.
Maybe he'll learn.
Until then, don't get too excited when the Badgers are up big in the fourth quarter. They may just mimic what Latrell Sprewell did to P.J. Carlesimo: choke.
Not this.
Not now.
Wisconsin has reached levels of dreadful few thought possible. It's natural disaster bad, a ride with Charon across the River Styx bad. And one is culpable: coach Bret Bielema.
Holding an 11-point advantage on Michigan State in the fourth quarter the Badgers seemingly were coming out of the funk that dragged them to an 0-4 start in the Big Ten.
Leave it to the '08 Badgers to pull a disappearing act with no curtain or trap door. Like magic, UW lost. There wasn't an encore -- except from those bleeding green and white.
Two plays stand out: a 38-yard completion to tight end Charlie Gantt on third-and-17 with 8:51 to play and Wisconsin ahead 24-13, and a holding penalty on third-and-short late in the game that cost the Badgers a lead-cushioning field goal try.
Not since 1996 had Wisconsin blown a double-digit fourth quarter edge at the start of the season. It has happened twice in six games.
Not since October 20, 2001 versus Illinois had Wisconsin lost a game when leading in football's version of "Miller Time," the fourth quarter.
It has happened three times this season.
Wisconsin has been in these said games -- against Michigan, Ohio State and now Michigan State -- so talent isn't the trouble.
A letdown is clearly occurring. Wisconsin is not executing, nor is it stepping up, particularly on defense, in pressure situations. When the Badgers have needed a stop, one isn't readily available;
too much immaturity amongst the starters.
The position coaches and coordinators are responsible for in-game execution and player development. Bielema oversees them.
The winningest Big Ten coach in a debut season seems to have allowed early success trigger the auto-pilot mechanism in his head. Wisconsin has crashed.
Bielema continues to hold man crushes on less talented players (although it has lessened in recent weeks), while the true play-makers watch from the sidelines. Think P.J. Hill over John Clay.
He's stubborn.
Paul Chryst's pro-style offense -- a fullback, not a receiver constitutes the 11th man on the field on offense -- and archaic play-calling are cancerous to the team's overall success, yet Bielema sticks by his friend.
The saying goes, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Good. Bielema's one of the youngest head coaches at the Division I level.
Maybe he'll learn.
Until then, don't get too excited when the Badgers are up big in the fourth quarter. They may just mimic what Latrell Sprewell did to P.J. Carlesimo: choke.
Doing His Part
Dustin Sherer is the best Wisconsin has these days.
As recently as 10 days ago that seemed like a pretty depressing reality. But since a rough debut October 18 against Iowa where he turned the ball over twice through the air, Sherer, for the most part, has been steady.
He led the team to a victory Homecoming Weekend against Illinois and did his part in Wisconsin's quest to knock off No. 21 Michigan State.
Sherer isn't going to win the Badgers ballgames with his arm, and probably won't with his fleet-feet like an Adam Weber or Daryll Clark. He doesn't need to. He shouldn't have to.
Wisconsin's pro-style offense is designed to run the ball. The quarterback's job is to complete passes to open receivers and manage the game. Limit mistakes.
Sherer has done that. The defense on key series and today, the offensive line, haven't done their part.
Wisconsin isn't going anywhere. With no one else to go to at quarterback for the foreseeable future, depending on the development of redshirt freshman Curt Phillips, there is comfort in knowing that Sherer is.
Minnesota's Misstep
What was Tim Brewster thinking?
On its own 29 in a tie game with 24 seconds showing on the clock, Brewster opted to throw the ball. A deflection and 48 yard run-back the other way sent the Gophers home shocked and empty-handed.
The progress Brewster has made this season for turning the Gophers into a Bowl-bound team in the Big Ten after a 1-11 rookie season took a hit.
He should know better. His offensive coordinator should know better.
Fairly deep in your own territory late in a tie game you play for overtime. Run out the clock.
Think about it.
There's 24 seconds left in the game, and to put yourself in a position to win via a field goal from Joel Monroe, whose career long is 54 yards, at least 34 yards need to be gained.
Yes, Weber has been Robin Hood accurate this year, throwing three INTs in 243 attempts heading into Saturday's game. But don't take the risk.
At 3-1 in the Big Ten, the Gophers, with a favorable schedule ahead, had an opportunity to legitimize themselves as the third best team in the conference; a January bowl likely awaited.
Instead, Minnesota slips back into a crowded middle class.
In college football, every game counts, every decision crucial.
Run the ball. Play to live another down.
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Lighter Side Guide to Madison, WI
I wrote this piece for Sports Illustrated on Campus last winter as part of the site's "Road Trip" series.
Settings Change
Everyone who reads this blog, you can now freely write comments on any post. Before you had to be a member. Now, just simply select "comment" and write.
Enjoy.
Haggy
Enjoy.
Haggy
Monday, October 27, 2008
Game 5
It's only fair that the Rays tied the game in the sixth.
The rain pouring down in sheets, and trailing by one, Tampa Bay was in jeopardy of losing the game and World Series with three innings outstanding.
Weather conditions became serious enough at the start of the fifth inning where the umpires could have delayed the game without objection. Waiting, plus a questionable strike zone, allowed the Phillies to take the lead into the "it counts" innings.
Shane Victorino hit a two-out two-run bases loaded single in the first inning following a walk to Pat Burrell that featured what appeared to be strike three twice, but were called balls.
B.J. Upton stole second in the mud and Carlos Pena knocked him home to tie the score in the bottom of the sixth.
The rain delay began immediately after Evan Longoria flied out to end the inning.
Assuming the conditions don't dramatically improve, the Rays will live to see another day, but with only nine outs to make a move.
The rain pouring down in sheets, and trailing by one, Tampa Bay was in jeopardy of losing the game and World Series with three innings outstanding.
Weather conditions became serious enough at the start of the fifth inning where the umpires could have delayed the game without objection. Waiting, plus a questionable strike zone, allowed the Phillies to take the lead into the "it counts" innings.
Shane Victorino hit a two-out two-run bases loaded single in the first inning following a walk to Pat Burrell that featured what appeared to be strike three twice, but were called balls.
B.J. Upton stole second in the mud and Carlos Pena knocked him home to tie the score in the bottom of the sixth.
The rain delay began immediately after Evan Longoria flied out to end the inning.
Assuming the conditions don't dramatically improve, the Rays will live to see another day, but with only nine outs to make a move.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Remember, Reflect and Wish
Homecoming.
The memories of old come swirling back like cool breeze on a hot summer's day. For one day it doesn't matter how the Badgers perform on the field; the celebration is people coming together, seeing one another for the first time in a year.
The cardinal and white crowds lining State Street for the Homecoming Parade and the fireworks display afterward; grabbing a brat and guzzling a can of beer before the 11 a.m. game; "Jumping Around" after the third quarter and staying for the Fifth Quarter -- all of these things are what make Homecoming, and being a Badger, unique.
Before you go back to the grind and work, climb Bascom Hill once more and soak in the fall sun glowing over Lake Mendota at the Terrace.
This weekend is about you, Badgers.
Live it up.
The memories of old come swirling back like cool breeze on a hot summer's day. For one day it doesn't matter how the Badgers perform on the field; the celebration is people coming together, seeing one another for the first time in a year.
The cardinal and white crowds lining State Street for the Homecoming Parade and the fireworks display afterward; grabbing a brat and guzzling a can of beer before the 11 a.m. game; "Jumping Around" after the third quarter and staying for the Fifth Quarter -- all of these things are what make Homecoming, and being a Badger, unique.
Before you go back to the grind and work, climb Bascom Hill once more and soak in the fall sun glowing over Lake Mendota at the Terrace.
This weekend is about you, Badgers.
Live it up.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Phillies Can't Hit
Base runners abound
Stranded by teammates to come
Wasted chance means loss
(A Haggy Haiku)
Stranded by teammates to come
Wasted chance means loss
(A Haggy Haiku)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Starting Sherer a Good Play
Wisconsin isn't going anywhere this season.
A bowl game seems increasingly out of reach with each passing week. No one wants to play in Detroit at the end of December, anyway.
Allan Evridge proved he couldn't get it done, leading UW to a 3-3 record. His eligibility is reaching an anticlimactic end. There's nothing left for him to prove, or do.
Dustin Sherer is terrible. He's not a Big Ten caliber quarterback. Everyone who hasn't figured that out, watch him this weekend against Illinois. View tape of last week's blowout loss to Iowa.
Still, the way it stands now, on the faint chance that Sherer can mature into something adequate, he should start.
College football isn't an affable environs for bringing up future talent. So much is at stake in a mere 12 game slate.
The Badgers need to break the rules.
Tyler Donovan used the experience gained in 2006 when starter John Stocco sat with a shoulder injury to piece together a decent start to '07. Much in the same way Matt Shaughnessy did his freshman year after injuries and inconsistencies limited Jamal Cooper and Kurt Ware. By playing the season before Donovan also reached his ceiling sooner. Week 6, against the Illini.
Sherer's time is now. The coaching staff is grooming Curt Phillips for the future. No reason to waste a year of eligibility on a lost season.
So Badger fans, prepare for the worst. It's going to be a long, long winter.
A bowl game seems increasingly out of reach with each passing week. No one wants to play in Detroit at the end of December, anyway.
Allan Evridge proved he couldn't get it done, leading UW to a 3-3 record. His eligibility is reaching an anticlimactic end. There's nothing left for him to prove, or do.
Dustin Sherer is terrible. He's not a Big Ten caliber quarterback. Everyone who hasn't figured that out, watch him this weekend against Illinois. View tape of last week's blowout loss to Iowa.
Still, the way it stands now, on the faint chance that Sherer can mature into something adequate, he should start.
College football isn't an affable environs for bringing up future talent. So much is at stake in a mere 12 game slate.
The Badgers need to break the rules.
Tyler Donovan used the experience gained in 2006 when starter John Stocco sat with a shoulder injury to piece together a decent start to '07. Much in the same way Matt Shaughnessy did his freshman year after injuries and inconsistencies limited Jamal Cooper and Kurt Ware. By playing the season before Donovan also reached his ceiling sooner. Week 6, against the Illini.
Sherer's time is now. The coaching staff is grooming Curt Phillips for the future. No reason to waste a year of eligibility on a lost season.
So Badger fans, prepare for the worst. It's going to be a long, long winter.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Rays World Series Bound
Big names, big comeback,
Nothing deterred the young Rays
World Series awaits
(A Haggy Haiku)
Nothing deterred the young Rays
World Series awaits
(A Haggy Haiku)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Speaking of Hank Steinbrenner...
It's quite humorous the way things worked out for the Yankees this season.
They missed the playoffs for the first time since 1995 all because the Yankees ... decided to not be the Yankees.
For the first time in more than a decade the John D. Rockefeller of baseball chose not to open up his pocketbook. The Yankees, under Hank Steinbrenner's direction, chose to develop prospects rather than pawn them in exchange for ready-made All-Star talent.
Steinbrenner passed on a trade for Johan Santana because he didn't want to part with Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes.
Santana nearly single-handedly carried the Mets into the postseason. Hughes and Kennedy were out of the rotation by May. Hughes, after a rough April, landed on the disabled list for four months with a stress fracture to his ribs. Kennedy proved he wasn't Major League ready, going 0-4 with a 8.17 ERA in 10 games (nine starts).
Wait, there's more.
The other player Minnesota sought to acquire in exchange for Santana was outfielder Melky Cabrera.
Guess what?
Cabrera lost his starting job when Xavier Nady arrived from Pittsburgh at the trading deadline and finished the season batting an unimpressive .249.
Hughes and Kennedy still have tremendous upside. Expectations are also higher than the Empire State Building in New York and across the nation for the Yankees.
Go out and get the talent now. It's the strategy New York took to 12-straight playoff appearances. It's what the fans want. It's what they're accustomed to. And it gives purpose to that thick wallet.
After all, as childhood taught, don't try to be someone you're not.
They missed the playoffs for the first time since 1995 all because the Yankees ... decided to not be the Yankees.
For the first time in more than a decade the John D. Rockefeller of baseball chose not to open up his pocketbook. The Yankees, under Hank Steinbrenner's direction, chose to develop prospects rather than pawn them in exchange for ready-made All-Star talent.
Steinbrenner passed on a trade for Johan Santana because he didn't want to part with Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes.
Santana nearly single-handedly carried the Mets into the postseason. Hughes and Kennedy were out of the rotation by May. Hughes, after a rough April, landed on the disabled list for four months with a stress fracture to his ribs. Kennedy proved he wasn't Major League ready, going 0-4 with a 8.17 ERA in 10 games (nine starts).
Wait, there's more.
The other player Minnesota sought to acquire in exchange for Santana was outfielder Melky Cabrera.
Guess what?
Cabrera lost his starting job when Xavier Nady arrived from Pittsburgh at the trading deadline and finished the season batting an unimpressive .249.
Hughes and Kennedy still have tremendous upside. Expectations are also higher than the Empire State Building in New York and across the nation for the Yankees.
Go out and get the talent now. It's the strategy New York took to 12-straight playoff appearances. It's what the fans want. It's what they're accustomed to. And it gives purpose to that thick wallet.
After all, as childhood taught, don't try to be someone you're not.
Dodgers Dropped
Good thing the Dodgers lost when they did.
That's got to be what Hank Steinbrenner is thinking. Since the Yankees didn't make the playoffs, former NY manager Joe Torre should go home with nothing, too. It's only fair.
Think about it. The Boss has a point.
Let's take a look at the final regular season standings for more insight.
Including the Marlins, who finished with a better record by playing one fewer game, seven teams had a higher winning percentage than Los Angeles. Although L.A. put up a respectable showing in the postseason, dispatching the stricken Cubs in four games before looking over matched against the Phillies, it didn't belong. Four deserving teams missed out.
Not only did the Dodgers put up an unconvincing record, they failed to do so competing in the softest NL division top to bottom. Against the Diamondbacks, Giants, Padres and Rockies, Los Angeles went 40-32. Against everyone else: 44-46.
The NL has been screwy before. The Cubs made the postseason last year, despite New York and San Diego posting better records. In 2006, St. Louis reaped the benefit of MLB's rule that all division winners make the playoffs bid by winning the World Series. And San Diego took an 82-80 record into October in 2005.
The American League, and Yankees encountered the same problem this season. New York got stuck in the same division as the Rays and Red Sox, two of the best teams in baseball. Never mind having to face both 17 times this season, if the Yankees played in the NL West, or even the AL Central, they would have made the playoffs. Poor Steinbrenner.
Now with the Rays in the picture for what appears to be the long haul given their young talent and farm system, at least one AL East giant is going to be on the outside looking in every year.
Not to say that the divisions need to be absolved. The rivalries and competition are healthy. But given the recent trend that the playoffs don't represent the four best teams in each league, change should come. Just ask Steinbrenner.
That's got to be what Hank Steinbrenner is thinking. Since the Yankees didn't make the playoffs, former NY manager Joe Torre should go home with nothing, too. It's only fair.
Think about it. The Boss has a point.
Let's take a look at the final regular season standings for more insight.
| 2008 National League - Standings | ||||||||||||||
| EAST | W | L | PCT | GB | ||||||||||
| x-Philadelphia | 92 | 70 | .568 | - | ||||||||||
| NY Mets | 89 | 73 | .549 | 3 | ||||||||||
| Florida | 84 | 77 | .522 | 7.5 | ||||||||||
| Atlanta | 72 | 90 | .444 | 20 | ||||||||||
| Washington | 59 | 102 | .366 | 32.5 | ||||||||||
| CENTRAL | W | L | PCT | GB | ||||||||||
| *-Chicago Cubs | 97 | 64 | .602 | - | ||||||||||
| y-Milwaukee | 90 | 72 | .556 | 7.5 | ||||||||||
| Houston | 86 | 75 | .534 | 11 | ||||||||||
| St. Louis | 86 | 76 | .531 | 11.5 | ||||||||||
| Cincinnati | 74 | 88 | .457 | 23.5 | ||||||||||
| Pittsburgh | 67 | 95 | .414 | 30.5 | ||||||||||
| WEST | W | L | PCT | GB | ||||||||||
| x-LA Dodgers | 84 | 78 | .519 | - | ||||||||||
| Arizona | 82 | 80 | .506 | 2 | ||||||||||
| Colorado | 74 | 88 | .457 | 10 | ||||||||||
| San Francisco | 72 | 90 | .444 | 12 | ||||||||||
| San Diego | 63 | 99 | .389 | 21 | ||||||||||
Including the Marlins, who finished with a better record by playing one fewer game, seven teams had a higher winning percentage than Los Angeles. Although L.A. put up a respectable showing in the postseason, dispatching the stricken Cubs in four games before looking over matched against the Phillies, it didn't belong. Four deserving teams missed out.
Not only did the Dodgers put up an unconvincing record, they failed to do so competing in the softest NL division top to bottom. Against the Diamondbacks, Giants, Padres and Rockies, Los Angeles went 40-32. Against everyone else: 44-46.
The NL has been screwy before. The Cubs made the postseason last year, despite New York and San Diego posting better records. In 2006, St. Louis reaped the benefit of MLB's rule that all division winners make the playoffs bid by winning the World Series. And San Diego took an 82-80 record into October in 2005.
The American League, and Yankees encountered the same problem this season. New York got stuck in the same division as the Rays and Red Sox, two of the best teams in baseball. Never mind having to face both 17 times this season, if the Yankees played in the NL West, or even the AL Central, they would have made the playoffs. Poor Steinbrenner.
Now with the Rays in the picture for what appears to be the long haul given their young talent and farm system, at least one AL East giant is going to be on the outside looking in every year.
Not to say that the divisions need to be absolved. The rivalries and competition are healthy. But given the recent trend that the playoffs don't represent the four best teams in each league, change should come. Just ask Steinbrenner.
Refuse to Lose
Staring down defeat
The mighty Red Sox stood tall
Eight unanswered scored
(A Haggy Haiku)
The mighty Red Sox stood tall
Eight unanswered scored
(A Haggy Haiku)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Gramatica Continued
After watching Gramatica's performance Monday night it's curious why the Saints cut Taylor Mehlhaff.
He was drafted in May to be the team's kicker. Certainly Mehlhaff couldn't do worse than a blocked kick returned for a touchdown and another miss that would have given the Saints the lead late (Gramatica Monday).
Mehlhaff has a moderately strong and quite precise foot. He made 77 percent of his kicks in college as a member of the Wisconsin Badgers and can hit from up to 55 yards out (career long is 52).
A missed 40 yard kick in the final preseason game was essentially the difference between a job and walking. Otherwise, the two were about even.
Gramatica has misfired on two chances to potentially win games for the Saints. The other came September 21 against the Broncos.
It's time New Orleans took a different direction. Mehlhaff is waiting, ready for another chance.
He was drafted in May to be the team's kicker. Certainly Mehlhaff couldn't do worse than a blocked kick returned for a touchdown and another miss that would have given the Saints the lead late (Gramatica Monday).
Mehlhaff has a moderately strong and quite precise foot. He made 77 percent of his kicks in college as a member of the Wisconsin Badgers and can hit from up to 55 yards out (career long is 52).
A missed 40 yard kick in the final preseason game was essentially the difference between a job and walking. Otherwise, the two were about even.
Gramatica has misfired on two chances to potentially win games for the Saints. The other came September 21 against the Broncos.
It's time New Orleans took a different direction. Mehlhaff is waiting, ready for another chance.
Publish Post
Martin Gramatica
Time to prove his worth
With the snap he swings and boots
Wide left, the Saints lose
(A Haggy Haiku)
With the snap he swings and boots
Wide left, the Saints lose
(A Haggy Haiku)
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Boom Goes the ... Season
That would be a good haiku. Let's put it to use.
Boom goes the season
Defense seen in disarray
Sadness everywhere
(A Haggy Haiku)
--------------------------------------------------------------
About the only thing this year's Badgers are good at is heartbreaking losses.
Even with the backing of the raucous, and sometimes belligerent Camp Randall crowd of 80,000-plus, the Wisconsin Badgers couldn't tackle the option executed by Terrell Pryor and Chris "Beanie" Wells nor their own mental mistakes in a 20-17 setback.
Energized by the uproarious crowd after a 2-yard lead-changing touchdown run by P.J. Hill at 6:31 of the fourth quarter, the UW defense took the field, 16 game home winning streak intact.
Soon a march began. Only it wasn't to the tune of On Wisconsin.
Two deep passes over a deserted middle of the field, two fumbles fortunately recovered and confusion on the part of the Badger defense culminated in a 11-yard touchdown run by Pryor, the freshman quarterback.
The Buckeyes had taken the lead with 1:08 to play.
Faced with a third-and-6, Pryor bought time against the Badger four man rush and threw downfield to a wide-open Brian Hartline. First down. Wisconsin's cover 2 defense seemed to be playing prevent, as safeties Shane Carter and Jay Valai were 20 yards from the line of scrimmage.
After recovering his own fumble, Pryor cooly connected with Hartline again between the hash marks for a 27-yard gain. Valai's tackle knocked the ball into the air, but OSU receiver Brian Robiskie tracked down and secured it.
Wells ran for a first down and Pryor quaterback sneaked for another on third-and-1 at the UW 13 yardline.
Two plays later, Pryor ran the option as Wisconsin's linebacking corps stood huddle in the middle of the field bemused. Valai picked up Wells, but there was no one to stop Pryor. Touchdown.
The 12-play, 80-yard drive spanning 5:23 put Ohio State (5-1, 2-0 Big Ten) ahead to stay, 20-17.
Wisconsin's last-ditch effort resulted in an easy interception for Buckeyes corner Malcolm Jenkins.
Game over.
Goodbye national title. Goodbye Pasadena.
Hello meaningless bowl.
Something Wisconsin (3-2, 0-2) surely wanted to avoid after last weekend's uncomprehensible loss to Michigan.
Ohio State is good. Pryor and Wells are dynamite. The Wisconsin defense .... not so much.
Several vicious stiffarms to the face by Wells didn't deter the Badgers from going high on the steamroller halfback. When Pryor lined up behind center and Wells offset to the left or right, the Wisconsin defense couldn't decipher that the option might be run. And when Pryor rolled out in Wells' direction, the Wisconsin defense couldn't figure out how to get a man to contain each.
On offense, Evridge failed to look in tight end Travis Beckum's direction until the fourth series. Blessed with an athlete of Beckum's talent, take advantage. Use him.
No other reciever on the team can hold onto the ball.
Coaching is culpable.
Developing quarterbacks into one-year starters is folly. So is continually relying on inconsistent players each week. If there's no replacement, recruiting needs improving.
The expectations are higher now. Every year the Badgers are supposed to compete for the Big Ten title.
Though the BCS bowls are almost undoubtly out of the realm of possibility, each forthcoming game carries weight, quite possibly for years to come (with stronger incoming freshmen classes).
Coaches, take this time to teach. Players, take this time to learn. And all, take this advice to heart.
Boom goes the season
Defense seen in disarray
Sadness everywhere
(A Haggy Haiku)
--------------------------------------------------------------
About the only thing this year's Badgers are good at is heartbreaking losses.
Even with the backing of the raucous, and sometimes belligerent Camp Randall crowd of 80,000-plus, the Wisconsin Badgers couldn't tackle the option executed by Terrell Pryor and Chris "Beanie" Wells nor their own mental mistakes in a 20-17 setback.
Energized by the uproarious crowd after a 2-yard lead-changing touchdown run by P.J. Hill at 6:31 of the fourth quarter, the UW defense took the field, 16 game home winning streak intact.
Soon a march began. Only it wasn't to the tune of On Wisconsin.
Two deep passes over a deserted middle of the field, two fumbles fortunately recovered and confusion on the part of the Badger defense culminated in a 11-yard touchdown run by Pryor, the freshman quarterback.
The Buckeyes had taken the lead with 1:08 to play.
Faced with a third-and-6, Pryor bought time against the Badger four man rush and threw downfield to a wide-open Brian Hartline. First down. Wisconsin's cover 2 defense seemed to be playing prevent, as safeties Shane Carter and Jay Valai were 20 yards from the line of scrimmage.
After recovering his own fumble, Pryor cooly connected with Hartline again between the hash marks for a 27-yard gain. Valai's tackle knocked the ball into the air, but OSU receiver Brian Robiskie tracked down and secured it.
Wells ran for a first down and Pryor quaterback sneaked for another on third-and-1 at the UW 13 yardline.
Two plays later, Pryor ran the option as Wisconsin's linebacking corps stood huddle in the middle of the field bemused. Valai picked up Wells, but there was no one to stop Pryor. Touchdown.
The 12-play, 80-yard drive spanning 5:23 put Ohio State (5-1, 2-0 Big Ten) ahead to stay, 20-17.
Wisconsin's last-ditch effort resulted in an easy interception for Buckeyes corner Malcolm Jenkins.
Game over.
Goodbye national title. Goodbye Pasadena.
Hello meaningless bowl.
Something Wisconsin (3-2, 0-2) surely wanted to avoid after last weekend's uncomprehensible loss to Michigan.
Ohio State is good. Pryor and Wells are dynamite. The Wisconsin defense .... not so much.
Several vicious stiffarms to the face by Wells didn't deter the Badgers from going high on the steamroller halfback. When Pryor lined up behind center and Wells offset to the left or right, the Wisconsin defense couldn't decipher that the option might be run. And when Pryor rolled out in Wells' direction, the Wisconsin defense couldn't figure out how to get a man to contain each.
On offense, Evridge failed to look in tight end Travis Beckum's direction until the fourth series. Blessed with an athlete of Beckum's talent, take advantage. Use him.
No other reciever on the team can hold onto the ball.
Coaching is culpable.
Developing quarterbacks into one-year starters is folly. So is continually relying on inconsistent players each week. If there's no replacement, recruiting needs improving.
The expectations are higher now. Every year the Badgers are supposed to compete for the Big Ten title.
Though the BCS bowls are almost undoubtly out of the realm of possibility, each forthcoming game carries weight, quite possibly for years to come (with stronger incoming freshmen classes).
Coaches, take this time to teach. Players, take this time to learn. And all, take this advice to heart.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Not Meant to Be
For six innings the teams that couldn't shed each other throughout the season went at it again. Identical 88-74 records (53-28 at home and 35-46 on the road), identical finishes to the season (losses Friday and Saturday, win Sunday) and identical goose eggs on the scoreboard.
The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox were inseparable.
Sox slugger Jim Thome finally changed that with a no doubter to straightaway center leading off the seventh. That run was enough for John Danks, who kept Minnesota at bay with a combination of two and four seam fastballs in the 1-0 victory at U.S. Cellular Field Tuesday.
Minnesota managed just two hits, a leadoff double in the fifth by Michael Cuddyer and a one out single by Brendan Harris in the eighth. And both runners were erased by double plays.
Unable to figure out Danks, Twins hitters resorted to swinging at the first offering. This allowed the young left-hander to keep his pitch count down and complete eight innings in a start made on three days' rest.
Third base coach Scott Ullger tried to get Minnesota on the board first. He sent Cuddyer home on a shallow fly to center in the fifth. Ken Griffey Jr., far removed from his magnificent Gold Glove days of the 1990s, rediscovered his youth in the form of a perfect throw home to end the inning.
Nick Blackburn did all he could to lift the Twins into the postseason. His lone mistake, a hanging changeup to Thome with no outs in the seventh, proved Minnesota's undoing.
Little can be said about the loss other than Minnesota couldn't get it done when given the chance. Another 0-for-3 night from Justin Morneau left the AL MVP candidate in a 1-for-20 slump to end the season. Nine double plays, including three Tuesday, contributed to a 1-3 record and, sans four runs late Sunday, five runs after the emotionally empowering sweep of the Sox last week.
A coin flip that gave Chicago home field for Tuesday's game. Maybe next year the Twins will come out ahead.
The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox were inseparable.
Sox slugger Jim Thome finally changed that with a no doubter to straightaway center leading off the seventh. That run was enough for John Danks, who kept Minnesota at bay with a combination of two and four seam fastballs in the 1-0 victory at U.S. Cellular Field Tuesday.
Minnesota managed just two hits, a leadoff double in the fifth by Michael Cuddyer and a one out single by Brendan Harris in the eighth. And both runners were erased by double plays.
Unable to figure out Danks, Twins hitters resorted to swinging at the first offering. This allowed the young left-hander to keep his pitch count down and complete eight innings in a start made on three days' rest.
Third base coach Scott Ullger tried to get Minnesota on the board first. He sent Cuddyer home on a shallow fly to center in the fifth. Ken Griffey Jr., far removed from his magnificent Gold Glove days of the 1990s, rediscovered his youth in the form of a perfect throw home to end the inning.
Nick Blackburn did all he could to lift the Twins into the postseason. His lone mistake, a hanging changeup to Thome with no outs in the seventh, proved Minnesota's undoing.
Little can be said about the loss other than Minnesota couldn't get it done when given the chance. Another 0-for-3 night from Justin Morneau left the AL MVP candidate in a 1-for-20 slump to end the season. Nine double plays, including three Tuesday, contributed to a 1-3 record and, sans four runs late Sunday, five runs after the emotionally empowering sweep of the Sox last week.
A coin flip that gave Chicago home field for Tuesday's game. Maybe next year the Twins will come out ahead.
Twins Lose One-Game Playoff
Season on the line
Swinging bats but only outs
Nothing left but home
(A Haggy Haiku)
Swinging bats but only outs
Nothing left but home
(A Haggy Haiku)
Game Decided by Flip of a Coin
One game. One winner. One playoff berth. One coin toss?
The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox are about to compete in just the eighth one-game playoff to determine who gets to meet Tampa Bay Thursday.
Chicago gets to draw on its home crowd, before which, like the Twins at the Dome, it went 53-28.
Who cares that Minnesota swept Chicago last week to take a half game lead in the division and the season series 10 games to eight. Chicago won the coin toss.
A coin flip determines the home team in these situations even when the head-to-head series doesn't result in a tie.
Nick Blackburn takes the hill for the Twins. Double advantage to the Sox. He's 2-2 with a 5.67 ERA in five starts against them. Worse, he's 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in three starts at U.S. Cellular Field.
OK, Sox starter John Danks has been suspect against Twins this season, posting a 7.91 ERA. Still, there's the home field advantage. The Twins won eight of nine against the Sox in Minnesota and lost seven of nine in Chicago.
Neither team wanted anything to do with the postseason, it seemed, as each patterned the other the final weekend of the season (two losses, then a win), plus Chicago defeated Detroit in a make-up game Monday, to set up this do-or-die.
If either team deserves a slight advantage it's the Twins.
The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox are about to compete in just the eighth one-game playoff to determine who gets to meet Tampa Bay Thursday.
Chicago gets to draw on its home crowd, before which, like the Twins at the Dome, it went 53-28.
Who cares that Minnesota swept Chicago last week to take a half game lead in the division and the season series 10 games to eight. Chicago won the coin toss.
A coin flip determines the home team in these situations even when the head-to-head series doesn't result in a tie.
Nick Blackburn takes the hill for the Twins. Double advantage to the Sox. He's 2-2 with a 5.67 ERA in five starts against them. Worse, he's 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in three starts at U.S. Cellular Field.
OK, Sox starter John Danks has been suspect against Twins this season, posting a 7.91 ERA. Still, there's the home field advantage. The Twins won eight of nine against the Sox in Minnesota and lost seven of nine in Chicago.
Neither team wanted anything to do with the postseason, it seemed, as each patterned the other the final weekend of the season (two losses, then a win), plus Chicago defeated Detroit in a make-up game Monday, to set up this do-or-die.
If either team deserves a slight advantage it's the Twins.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Michigan Meltdown
Victory in sight
Badger collapse begins
History repeats
(A Haggy Haiku)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ann Arbor rejected Wisconsin once again. She stood proud, coming away with a 27-25 gift after the Badgers blew a 19-point lead and botched a last-second two-point conversion. Ms. Arbor has had her way with the Badgers and the Big Ten in conference openers, winning the last four and 23 respectively.
Leave it to UW to have meltdowns such as these. Once unappreciated, the football world fawned Wisconsin with Top 10 rankings in each of the past two seasons.
Enough already. The Badgers aren't the Postal Service, they don't deliver.
Lack of discipline, particularly in the basic fundamentals like pursuit, tackling and coverage, are severely lacking. Tyler Donovan was no John Stocco. Badger fans are quickly finding out Allan Evridge isn't either.
Badger collapse begins
History repeats
(A Haggy Haiku)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ann Arbor rejected Wisconsin once again. She stood proud, coming away with a 27-25 gift after the Badgers blew a 19-point lead and botched a last-second two-point conversion. Ms. Arbor has had her way with the Badgers and the Big Ten in conference openers, winning the last four and 23 respectively.
Leave it to UW to have meltdowns such as these. Once unappreciated, the football world fawned Wisconsin with Top 10 rankings in each of the past two seasons.
Enough already. The Badgers aren't the Postal Service, they don't deliver.
Lack of discipline, particularly in the basic fundamentals like pursuit, tackling and coverage, are severely lacking. Tyler Donovan was no John Stocco. Badger fans are quickly finding out Allan Evridge isn't either.
One For the Ages
Destiny snapped at their heels. Defeat and woe swallowed the New York Mets' air.
Like a trench soldier in World War I, the end crept ever near.
Just not today. Not yet.
Those thousand lucky chances to which Paul Bäumer alluded on that Western Front weren't necessary, for today unmatched talent and resolve echoed across the barren land.
Today, there was a bud of hope in the ashes of anguish.
He is Johan Santana.
In jeopardy of missing the hallowed postseason after another September collapse, New York needed to make a stand. It needed a victory.
Without hesitation Santana shouldered the dire circumstances. He grabbed the ammunition from his commander Jerry Manuel's hand and took the hill.
It didn't matter that this was the first time hurling on short rest in what has been a star-studded career. The situation demanded it. No one else could step up.
From the outset, Santana was locked in. Firing strikes with a mixture of his fastball and devastating change-up that out of nowhere drops like the shells from a Paris Gun, Santana fought.
Opposite him, Ricky Nolasco was doing everything he could to disable and defeat the Mets, giving up two runs on five hits while striking out 10 over seven innings.
On Santana worked.
In the end, he disarmed and rendered the Marlins useless, this coming after an outing where the sniper sucked it up and gave it his all for a career-high 126 pitches to save Manuel the discomfort of relying on his apish relief.
His final line read: 9 IP, 3 Hits, 0 Runs, 3 BB, 9 K. More importantly, the battle read: Mets 2, Marlins 0.
New York can take a breath of fresh air. But without its iron man to save the infantry again tomorrow, the reality can change in the blink of an eye.
Bang.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
What Happened?
It was unnerving that Glen Perkins got the start Saturday in one of the biggest games of the season. More so when Ron Gardenhire took him out.
His ERA in four September starts sat at 9.42, certainly not helped by his last outing where he failed to escape the first inning. Extra rest changed that.
Perkins, pitching for the first time in nine days, breezed through four innings and made it through the fifth having allowed just one run on four hits and thrown 85 pitches.
Gardy turned to his bullpen. Boof mistake.
Bonser gave up four consecutive hits to start the sixth and good ol' Matt Guerrier gave up two more to start the seventh. In all, three runs scored and the Twins missed an opportunity to take command of the AL Central, losing 4-2. Now, they must hope Chicago loses its game against Cleveland.
Gardenhire is one of the best managers when it comes to getting the most out of his players. He's one of the best at building a cohesive, fundamentally sound team. He's one of the best season to season managers. But when it comes to in-game and day-to-day situations, he sometimes just doesn't make any sense.
His ERA in four September starts sat at 9.42, certainly not helped by his last outing where he failed to escape the first inning. Extra rest changed that.
Perkins, pitching for the first time in nine days, breezed through four innings and made it through the fifth having allowed just one run on four hits and thrown 85 pitches.
Gardy turned to his bullpen. Boof mistake.
Bonser gave up four consecutive hits to start the sixth and good ol' Matt Guerrier gave up two more to start the seventh. In all, three runs scored and the Twins missed an opportunity to take command of the AL Central, losing 4-2. Now, they must hope Chicago loses its game against Cleveland.
Gardenhire is one of the best managers when it comes to getting the most out of his players. He's one of the best at building a cohesive, fundamentally sound team. He's one of the best season to season managers. But when it comes to in-game and day-to-day situations, he sometimes just doesn't make any sense.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
MLB Capsules
Normally, capsules won't appear on this blog. However, when several teams face must-wins and do just that, the games become talking points. Let's take a look:
Mets 6, Cubs 2
In jeopardy of another late-season collapse and early off-season, the Mets got a big hand from ace Johan Santana. The left-hander limited Chicago to two runs over 8 innings while striking out 10. David Wright hit a two-run single in the fifth and Jose Reyes cleared the bases in the sixth with a triple to provide the offense in a 6-2 win.
Unwilling to rely on his hapless bullpen, manager Charlie Manuel chose to send Santana out for the eighth despite having already thrown 101 pitches. It worked.
New York moves within 1 1/2 games of Philadelphia and remains a game ahead of Milwaukee, a 7-5 winner over Pittsburgh, in the Wild Card race.
Twins 9, White Sox 3
The long ball proved to be the difference in this one. Only the White Sox weren't the ones hitting them. Jason Kubel smashed two and Delmon Young added another as the Twins routed Chicago 9-3 to move within 1 1/2 games of first place. Scott Baker rebounded from a rough outing, scattering five hits and allowing just a run-scoring double play over seven innings.
Brewers 7, Pirates 5
The Fielder will be heralded for his bat tonight. Prince Fielder hit a walk-off two-run homer with two outs to keep the Brewers in the Wild Card hunt. Milwaukee overcame two deficits to win consecutively for the first time in 17 days.
Yankees 3, Blue Jays 1
Behind the arm of veteran Mike Mussina and bat of Jason Giambi the Bronx Bombers won for the sixth consecutive time.
It's too little too late because:
Red Sox 5, Indians 4
Boston smelled the postseason. Nothing could stand in its way, not even Cliff Lee, AL CY Young favorite and loser of just two games this season.
Kevin Youkilis homered with a man on in the fourth and Dustin Pedroia doubled in two more during a three-run fifth to overcome the Indians' four spot in the top-half and earn a trip to the playoffs for the fifth time in six years.
Dodgers 10, Padres 1
With Arizona in the rear-view mirror, Los Angeles pounced on a chance to move closer to a division title. After one, the Dodgers held a 6-0 advantage. They added four more for good measure the rest of the way in a 10-1 drubbing of San Diego.
And now ... the losers
Cardinals 7, D'Backs 4
The fast start again proved fatal to the visitors. Ryan Ludwick blasted his 35th of the season in part of a four run first to send Arizona one step closer to elimination.
Braves 3, Phillies 2
Mike Hampton pitched 6 effective innings and Casey Kotchman hit the eventual game-winning home run to tighten the NL East race.
Mets 6, Cubs 2
In jeopardy of another late-season collapse and early off-season, the Mets got a big hand from ace Johan Santana. The left-hander limited Chicago to two runs over 8 innings while striking out 10. David Wright hit a two-run single in the fifth and Jose Reyes cleared the bases in the sixth with a triple to provide the offense in a 6-2 win.
Unwilling to rely on his hapless bullpen, manager Charlie Manuel chose to send Santana out for the eighth despite having already thrown 101 pitches. It worked.
New York moves within 1 1/2 games of Philadelphia and remains a game ahead of Milwaukee, a 7-5 winner over Pittsburgh, in the Wild Card race.
Twins 9, White Sox 3
The long ball proved to be the difference in this one. Only the White Sox weren't the ones hitting them. Jason Kubel smashed two and Delmon Young added another as the Twins routed Chicago 9-3 to move within 1 1/2 games of first place. Scott Baker rebounded from a rough outing, scattering five hits and allowing just a run-scoring double play over seven innings.
Brewers 7, Pirates 5
The Fielder will be heralded for his bat tonight. Prince Fielder hit a walk-off two-run homer with two outs to keep the Brewers in the Wild Card hunt. Milwaukee overcame two deficits to win consecutively for the first time in 17 days.
Yankees 3, Blue Jays 1
Behind the arm of veteran Mike Mussina and bat of Jason Giambi the Bronx Bombers won for the sixth consecutive time.
It's too little too late because:
Red Sox 5, Indians 4
Boston smelled the postseason. Nothing could stand in its way, not even Cliff Lee, AL CY Young favorite and loser of just two games this season.
Kevin Youkilis homered with a man on in the fourth and Dustin Pedroia doubled in two more during a three-run fifth to overcome the Indians' four spot in the top-half and earn a trip to the playoffs for the fifth time in six years.
Dodgers 10, Padres 1
With Arizona in the rear-view mirror, Los Angeles pounced on a chance to move closer to a division title. After one, the Dodgers held a 6-0 advantage. They added four more for good measure the rest of the way in a 10-1 drubbing of San Diego.
And now ... the losers
Cardinals 7, D'Backs 4
The fast start again proved fatal to the visitors. Ryan Ludwick blasted his 35th of the season in part of a four run first to send Arizona one step closer to elimination.
Braves 3, Phillies 2
Mike Hampton pitched 6 effective innings and Casey Kotchman hit the eventual game-winning home run to tighten the NL East race.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Vikings Thoughts
Maybe Gus Frerotte should have been the starter all along.
Just a thought.
The Vikings offense looked much more synced with the 15-year journeyman running the offense than at any point the two previous weeks with Tarvaris Jackson in there.
It took a while for Frerotte to settle in, completing four of 10 passes for 49 yards in the first half Sunday against the Panthers. Still, the trust, the communication between receivers and quarterback never wavered.
Everything clicked in the second half.
Frerotte moved around in the pocket, and occasionally outside, buying time for his receivers to get open and successfully mixed in short throws with deep ones.
While futile in the here and now, think about what might have been.
The offense perhaps wouldn't have stalled in the fourth quarter with Frerotte, opening the door for Indianapolis to rattle off 18 unanswered points in Week 2. The Vikings previously held a 109-0 record in home games where they held a 15 point second-half advantage. There's no telling what would have changed in Week 1 against the Pack, but 2-1 is literally a polar opposite mentality from 1-2.
One, you're in control, feeling good. The other, you're beginning to think about salvaging the season.
Obviously, the past can't be changed. With Frerotte in, Vikings fans are beginning to believe this year's team has a future.
Just a thought.
The Vikings offense looked much more synced with the 15-year journeyman running the offense than at any point the two previous weeks with Tarvaris Jackson in there.
It took a while for Frerotte to settle in, completing four of 10 passes for 49 yards in the first half Sunday against the Panthers. Still, the trust, the communication between receivers and quarterback never wavered.
Everything clicked in the second half.
Frerotte moved around in the pocket, and occasionally outside, buying time for his receivers to get open and successfully mixed in short throws with deep ones.
While futile in the here and now, think about what might have been.
The offense perhaps wouldn't have stalled in the fourth quarter with Frerotte, opening the door for Indianapolis to rattle off 18 unanswered points in Week 2. The Vikings previously held a 109-0 record in home games where they held a 15 point second-half advantage. There's no telling what would have changed in Week 1 against the Pack, but 2-1 is literally a polar opposite mentality from 1-2.
One, you're in control, feeling good. The other, you're beginning to think about salvaging the season.
Obviously, the past can't be changed. With Frerotte in, Vikings fans are beginning to believe this year's team has a future.
Follow Up
I guess Ron Gardenhire did listen. Thanks.
Jose Mijares, the rookie reliever from Venezuela, came on in the eighth inning Sunday, a bridge between Francisco Liriano's start and Joe Nathan's save chance.
As Gardy learned, late in the season the hot hand trumps experience, especially when those with tenure post 10-plus ERA's (Matt Guerrier) in September.
Mijares has faced 20 big-league hitters. Eighteen have failed to reach base (.100 BAA). He'd still be chasing the A's Brad Ziegler's record of 39 consecutive scoreless innings to start a career if not for Guerrier. The former man for the job inherited a Grady Sizemore single and proceeded to give up consecutive doubles to Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez. Mjiares got hooked with the loss that night in Cleveland.
With the division in the balance and the first-place White Sox coming to town Tuesday, the decision to go with Mijares comes at an appropriate time.
Gardy may let the water rage for a while, but he always finds a way to dam it, control it.
Jose Mijares, the rookie reliever from Venezuela, came on in the eighth inning Sunday, a bridge between Francisco Liriano's start and Joe Nathan's save chance.
As Gardy learned, late in the season the hot hand trumps experience, especially when those with tenure post 10-plus ERA's (Matt Guerrier) in September.
Mijares has faced 20 big-league hitters. Eighteen have failed to reach base (.100 BAA). He'd still be chasing the A's Brad Ziegler's record of 39 consecutive scoreless innings to start a career if not for Guerrier. The former man for the job inherited a Grady Sizemore single and proceeded to give up consecutive doubles to Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez. Mjiares got hooked with the loss that night in Cleveland.
With the division in the balance and the first-place White Sox coming to town Tuesday, the decision to go with Mijares comes at an appropriate time.
Gardy may let the water rage for a while, but he always finds a way to dam it, control it.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Letter to the Twins
Dear Mr. Ron Gardenhire:
The season is winding down as you know and there's still hope, a slice of optimism missing to begin the season, that a division title is within reach. Congratulations.
Just because the Twins weren't expected to be in this position at the outset with a revamped and always dangerous Detroit and Cleveland in the division, doesn't mean it's OK to play for next year in September.
C'mon Gardy.
Chicago is without front-runner MVP candidate Carlos Quentin, 30 homer threat Joe Crede and starter Jose Contreras. The Sox's young pitching, much like that of your team, is breaking down; tiring. Yet your on the surface healthy ball club continues to slip up more.
Your conservation, bordering stubbornness is harder to understand than an infinite series problem. What is it about being reluctant to make changes, make adjustments?
First, it was Carlos Gomez.
The rookie batted leadoff for 3 1/2 months with an OBP lower than Nick Punto's 2007 effort (.281 vs. .291) before you came to your senses. He failed to reach .330 after the first 10 games. Remember how fans disliked the piranha for such a lousy effort?
Second came Livan Hernandez.
Clubhouse leader and mentor aside, the guy deals a mixture of slothful, hanging curveballs and juicy fastballs. He gets batted around like a pinata on Cinco de Mayo.
It's understandable you held off on Francisco Liriano until he commanded his pitches. But to say you didn't have anyone in your rotation to bump when he did? Interesting.
Most recently, it has been the bullpen, mostly Matt Guerrier.
OK, he pitched well last year (2.35 ERA, 1.05 WHIP). He even pitched well in the first half, posting a modest 3.35 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. Doesn't mean that when his numbers blimp up to 10.2 and 2.53 over the past two months he remains a viable option. Every time out, it seems, he either gives up the game-tying or -winning run, or he allows it to score. Once reliable, the man has lost his confidence and ability to throw strikes with anything offspeed. You should stop casting him in a supporting role, relegating him to clean-up duty.
You say the entire staff is wearing down. Guerrier is tenured. There's little to work with.
You're right. Except that no one else is posting a double-digit ERA when it matters most, in September.
Eventually, you made the right decision about Gomez and Hernandez. Will the obvious finally be revealed to you about Guerrier?
Hopefully, before it's too late.
Looking out for your interests.
Warm regards,
Haggy
The season is winding down as you know and there's still hope, a slice of optimism missing to begin the season, that a division title is within reach. Congratulations.
Just because the Twins weren't expected to be in this position at the outset with a revamped and always dangerous Detroit and Cleveland in the division, doesn't mean it's OK to play for next year in September.
C'mon Gardy.
Chicago is without front-runner MVP candidate Carlos Quentin, 30 homer threat Joe Crede and starter Jose Contreras. The Sox's young pitching, much like that of your team, is breaking down; tiring. Yet your on the surface healthy ball club continues to slip up more.
Your conservation, bordering stubbornness is harder to understand than an infinite series problem. What is it about being reluctant to make changes, make adjustments?
First, it was Carlos Gomez.
The rookie batted leadoff for 3 1/2 months with an OBP lower than Nick Punto's 2007 effort (.281 vs. .291) before you came to your senses. He failed to reach .330 after the first 10 games. Remember how fans disliked the piranha for such a lousy effort?
Second came Livan Hernandez.
Clubhouse leader and mentor aside, the guy deals a mixture of slothful, hanging curveballs and juicy fastballs. He gets batted around like a pinata on Cinco de Mayo.
It's understandable you held off on Francisco Liriano until he commanded his pitches. But to say you didn't have anyone in your rotation to bump when he did? Interesting.
Most recently, it has been the bullpen, mostly Matt Guerrier.
OK, he pitched well last year (2.35 ERA, 1.05 WHIP). He even pitched well in the first half, posting a modest 3.35 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. Doesn't mean that when his numbers blimp up to 10.2 and 2.53 over the past two months he remains a viable option. Every time out, it seems, he either gives up the game-tying or -winning run, or he allows it to score. Once reliable, the man has lost his confidence and ability to throw strikes with anything offspeed. You should stop casting him in a supporting role, relegating him to clean-up duty.
You say the entire staff is wearing down. Guerrier is tenured. There's little to work with.
You're right. Except that no one else is posting a double-digit ERA when it matters most, in September.
Eventually, you made the right decision about Gomez and Hernandez. Will the obvious finally be revealed to you about Guerrier?
Hopefully, before it's too late.
Looking out for your interests.
Warm regards,
Haggy
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Getting Started
Welcome to Hangin' With Haggy. It's not the first time I've blogged, but it is the first time I'll get to write unaffiliated. That means more content about more things.
One of my friends thought it'd be a good idea to occasionally have a Haggy Haiku. So look out for those. It's my way of Waldo-ing myself from the rest of the blogging world.
Enjoy.
Haggy
One of my friends thought it'd be a good idea to occasionally have a Haggy Haiku. So look out for those. It's my way of Waldo-ing myself from the rest of the blogging world.
Enjoy.
Haggy
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