San Francisco Giants' Cody Ross hits a home run during the fifth inning of Game 1 of baseball's National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, in Philadelphia. The home run was Ross' second of the game. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

By Paul Casey Gotham

It is that time again. Let’s hear from you readers. We had another week of stellar performances. Pick the ONE that stands out to you, and tell us a story.

Cody Ross earned my POTW.

The late-season acquisition helped put an end to one hall-of-fame career and added a blemish to a potential hall-of-fame career. Ross homered in the sixth inning of game five of the NLDS as the San Francisco Giants eliminated the Atlanta Braves 3-2 and ended the career of Braves’ manager, Bobby Cox.

Five days later, Ross ended Roy Halladay’s post-season-no-hit streak with another solo shot. Halladay tossed a no-hitter to open the playoffs and retired the first seven Giants he faced Saturday night. Then, Ross struck. For good measure, Ross connected again in the fifth with his second dinger of the night as the Giants downed the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3.

Ross continued his ways Sunday night. He took  Roy Oswalt deep in the fifth, San Fran’s only run in a 6-1 loss.

Who gets your POTW?

By Aaron M Smith

If a lawyer was arguing that 2010 was the ” Year of the Pitcher”, they wouldn’t have to look any further than the National League Championship for Exhibit A. The 2010 National League Championship features the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Francisco Giants. While the runs may be limited in this series, pitching will certainly not be – as both teams feature exceptional starting pitching. Let’s take a look at both teams:

Philadelphia Phillies:

The Phillies made quick  work of the Cincinnati Reds, winning in 3 games. The starting pitching of Phillies was the star of the series, holding the high powered Reds to four runs and a .124 average in the 3 games. Roy Halladay started the playoffs off with an “are-you-freaking-kidding-me? ” moment by pitching a no-hitter in Game 1. Cole Hamels was just as dominant in Game 3 with a complete game shutout. The question remains the Phillies offense which was relatively quiet during the NLDS. Sure, the Phillies scored 7 runs in Game 2, but they were also assisted by 4 Reds errors.  The Phillies bullpen should be rested, as the starters have done most of the work. If  runs are a few, the bullpen will be called upon to get them to the World Series.  Will they answer the call?

San Francisco Giants:

Just how good is the San Francisco Giants starting pitching?  “The Freak” – Tim Lincecum was dominant in his playoff debut. Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez were just as good, with Sanchez striking out 11 in Game 3. Almost as certain as Brent Musberger using the phrase, “Folks, we are watching the freshman grow up before our very eyes”, the MLB baseball playoffs is almost certain to introduce us to a new face in the game. This year it is Madison Bumgarner.  The rookie was dominant for the Giants late in the regular season and Game 4 vs. the Atlanta Braves was no different. Bumgarner allows the Giants to pitch Lincecum on normal rest – something huge over the life of the playoffs. The Giants hitters remain the key for this team’s push to the World Series. While not overpowering against Braves pitchers, they scored enough to support their pitchers during the NLDS. They will need more offense to get past the Phillies. But the Giants hit Phillies starters pretty well during the regular season, scoring 24 runs over 45 innings (4.80 era). Can they carry that success into the NLCS?

Prediction:  Runs will be few and far between, which means this series comes down to the bullpens. The Giants bullpen is better. Giants in 7. Yes, you heard it here first.

Have a Prediction? Let’s hear it.

By Aaron M Smith

As we are in the first days of  October, I have this vision of Vin Scully out walking his dog, describing the beginning of fall.  It goes something like this: “As the leaves turn, so does the chapter in this novel we call the 2010 Major League Baseball season.” I am sure his dog would be to busy trying to figure which tree to mark his/her territory to listen, but for me – it is poetry that I could listen to all day. Now this vision didn’t really happen,  but  October is here – so are the Divisional series. 8 teams remain and only 3 games stand between them and a trip to their respective League Championships series. But before we get too far ahead, let’s take a look each Divisional series:

American League:

New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins - When Boston beat New York yesterday, which team was happier – Minnesota or Texas?  My money is on the Texas Rangers.  In the 2000s, the Yankees have faced Minnesota in the ALDS 3 times – 2003, 2004 and 2009 with a record of 9-2. Game 1 will feature a pair of lefties – Francisco Liriano and C.C. Sabathia.  After Game 1, the Twins will follow with Carl Pavano, Brian Duensing and Nick Blackburn. The Yankees answer with Andy Pettite, Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett.  Much of the Twins ability to knock off the Yankees will depend on the health of All-Star Joe Mauer.  With Justin Morneau out for the season, the Twins cannot afford to lose their MVP for any part of this series.  Games 1 and 2 take place in the spacious Target Field – the Yankees will have to rely on the feet of Granderson, Gardner and Jeter to engineer runs.  Jorge Posada is slightly under 15% in throwing runners out – will the Twins put runners in motion to create chaos on the base paths?
Prediction :  Yankees in 5 games.

Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays -  When the Texas Rangers made the trade early in 2010 for Cliff Lee – they envisioned him being the horse that got them to the World Series. Game 1 will be that first step as Lee will face David Price. Bad new for the Rangers  – the Rays have the second best W-L record when their opponent starts a left-hander. Texas starters for Games 1 and 2? Lefties. The Rays beat Lee three times this year – once when he was with Seattle.  However – the Rays leader, Evan Longoria is battling an injury – will he be effective? The Rangers got a HUGE piece of their puzzle back with the return of Josh Hamilton. Not only is Hamilton their best player, he also provides protection for Vladimir Guerrero in the batting order. Rangers bullpen won 32 games during the season and was a key to the Ranger’s success during the regular season. Can their success carryover into the postseason? The Rays bats have disappeared at times during the season – having 2 no-hitters thrown against them in 2010. October is not the time for one of those slumps.

Prediction:  A shocker – Texas in 5 games.

National League:

Atlanta Braves vs.  San Francisco Giants – Bobby Cox’s retirement tour continues, and this makes the Braves dangerous. This series features 2 teams that rely heavily on their pitching as neither offense can be labeled with the title “juggernaut.” The Giants will send out Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez. That leaves former Cy Young winner, Barry Zito as the 4th option in their rotation. The Giants closer, Brian Wilson, has been dominant. The Braves send out playoff veterans, Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson. Throw in Tommy Hanson and the Braves have a formidable starting 3.  With injuries to Chipper Jones and Martin Prado, the Braves will rely on an aging Derrick Lee and rookie Jason Heyward to carry them to the NLCS. One name to watch in the Giants lineup – Buster Posey,  possible NL Rookie of the Year.

Prediction:  Atlanta in 5 games.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies – The surprise team against the hottest team in the National League. The Phillies, probably the favorite to win the World Series, will send a formidable starting rotation of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt. Equally dangerous is two of those starters have not won a World Series – look for Halladay and Oswalt to pitch lights out in the playoffs. The Phillies lineup is healthy, but the key is Jimmy Rollins. When Rollins is healthy, he is the catalyst for a potentially dangerous lineup. The Reds have done of an amazing job of mixing youth with veterans to provide the right chemistry. Playoff baseball is back in Ohio!! The Reds will send youngsters Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto.  The Reds lineup features MVP candidate Joey Votto, Scott Rolen, Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips. If either team has a weakness, it is their bullpens. Can both hold up? Will rookie flame thrower, Aroldis Chapman provide stability in the Reds bullpen? Both ballparks are hitter friendly, so anticipate a high scoring series.

Prediction: Phillies in 3 games.

Got a Prediction? Let’s hear it!

AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

By Patrick “Rey” Reynell

It is that time again. Let’s hear from you readers. We had another week of stellar performances. Pick the ONE that stands out to you, and tell us a story.

Twenty-seven up and twenty-seven down. Perfection. The Phillies’ Roy Halladay saw all twenty-seven plate appearances for the Florida Marlins’ lineup Saturday night and stuck around to retire every last one of them. Not only did Halladay join the Oakland A’s Dallas Braden to throw the second perfect game this season, but they also completed the feat in the same month. The last time the Major League witnessed two perfect games in the same season was 1880. Halladay became the twentieth pitcher to toss a perfect game and only the sixth all-time to do so in a 1-0 game.

Halladay is known for his endurance, having thrown five complete games this year while leading the NL in innings pitched. While with the Blue Jays, he was one out away from a no-hitter, which has to make this perfecto just a little sweeter. The shutout brings his ERA below 2 for the season. I wonder if there are any Cliff Lee advocates remaining….

I’ve taken care of the obvious, so who else deserves a nod for the POTW?

Cliff Lee grabs my POTW.

Lee did not toss a perfect game like Don Larsen in game 5 of the 1956 World Series. Lee didn’t even have a game equal to Bob Gibson’s performance in the 1968 World Series when Gibson struck out 17 and walked 1 for a complete game shutout in a Game 1 win over the Tigers, 4-0.  Lee’s performance takes a back seat to Jack Morris who threw 10 shutout innings in game 7 of the 1991 Series.

Lee’s performance is not better than those legendary outings.

But Cliff Lee had a performance to remember. The southpaw went the distance holding the Yankees without an earned run while striking out 10 and walking none as the Phillies beat the Yankees, 6-1.

Who gets your POTW?

AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams

Philadelphia Phillies’ second baseman, Eric Bruntlett, found redemption Sunday and earned my POTW.

Bruntlett snared Jeff Francouer’s line drive and completed an unassisted, walk-off triple play as the Phils defeated the New York Mets, 9-7.

Francouer’s hit looked like a sure single, but Bruntlett found himself in the right place at the right time foiling the Mets’ double steal attempt.

New York’s Angel Pagan reached on a three-base error to open the ninth. Pagan scored when Bruntlett mishandled a ground ball by Luis Castillo.  Bruntlett had his first shot to redeem himself when Daniel Murphy hit  a ground ball to the right side of the infield. The Phillie second baseman could not make the play, and Murphy reached with an infield single.

Francouer gave Bruntlett another chance, and this time the Phillie second baseman made good on his opportunity. Bruntlett grabbed the line drive for the first out, stepped on second to erase Castillo, and tagged Murphy to end the inning and the game.

Not since 1927 has anyone completed such a feat in MLB. On May 31, 1927, Johnny Neun, of the Detroit Tigers, turned the game-ending triple play as the Tigers downed Cleveland 1-0.

Who gets your POTW?

Kel and I come in a close second to this week’s POTW.  Starting Friday morning 8am – we loaded our two daughters with a semester’s full of gear, travelled over 1,500 miles to two campuses and returned home today by 2pm.

Yes, we loaded Ceil’s gear and shuffled off to Buffalo on Friday. The family returned to New York’s Queen City on Saturday for freshmen orientation activities at Canisius College. That night Ab, Kel, and I loaded the pick-up again. Sunday, we headed for Ohio’s Queen City, Cincinnati. We reached the Xavier University campus shortly after noon. We managed a couple of trips to grocery and department stores before returning to Rochester this afternoon.

How many miles to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center?

The Phillies didn’t land Roy Halladay, but they have officially declared themselves the team to beat in the National League with Wednesday’s signing of reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee. The Phils now have the unusual problem of having too much starting pitching, with Lee and the also recently acquired Pedro Martinez joining Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton in the rotation, with J.A. Happ and Rodrigo Lopez likely moving to the bullpen.

Speaking of Halladay, according to Toronto General Manager J.P. Ricciardi, trade talks involving the Blue Jays right-hander are dead, but the club remains willing to listen to offers. So, did we learn anything new from that statement? Most likely not, but with today’s trade deadline of 4 p.m. ET fast approaching, it appears that the Jays are unlikely to move him, with the only real contenders for his services being the Red Sox and the Dodgers.

Halladay may be staying put, but Jarrod Washburn isn’t, with the Tigers acquiring him from the Mariners today in a move that improves their status as the favorite to win the AL Central, although the Twins and White Sox still might have something to say about that. Washburn appears to have resurrected his career this year, posting an 8-6 record with a 2.64 ERA, and is well on his way to his best season since he was the ace of the 2002 World Series champion Anaheim Angels staff.

The Red Sox may not get Halladay, but it seems unlikely that they’re not going to add another bat by the deadline, with the rumor mill saying that they’re close to a deal with the Indians that would bring Victor Martinez to Boston, in exchange for Clay Buchholz. Martinez has split time between catcher and first base for Cleveland this year, but it’s unclear how much the Red Sox would plan on using him behind the plate. The deal would make Adam LaRoche expendable, however, so the word is that they’re looking to find a taker for him as well.

The Twins, in dire need to improve upon a weak offensive middle infield, have worked out a deal with the Athletics to bring Orlando Cabrera to Minnesota. He’ll likely replace Nick Punto (.208 BA, .568 OPS) at shortstop, with Brendan Harris already pushing Alexi Casilla (.171 BA, .474 OPS) out of second base duties.

In a couple of smaller, but not insignificant deals involving left-handed relief pitchers, the Dodgers bolstered their bullpen by acquiring George Sherrill from the Orioles, and the Pirates dealt John Grabow to the Cubs.

By the time you read this, of course, a few of the questions regarding potential trades will already be answered. What are your opinions on these recent developments in Major League Baseball? Please share with the bench and let’s get the discussion started.

Q. Hey, I still have the chair, but do you think I should be worried about the suspension of Game 5? Should I be worried about the expensive champagne that I bought ? - The Philadelphia Phillies fan

A. Actually I think you do. The rainout is giving the Rays a chance to breath and re-group. They have the momentum – if there is such a thing in this case – in that they just tied the game in the top half of the inning. Cole Hamels was pitching well – again and had thrown only 78 pitches. There was a pretty good chance he was going to pitch into the 8^th. Now he may not be available depending on the weather for tonight. My instincts tell me that they will resume on Wednesday and if that is the case – do they bring Hamels back? It would probably be a normal side session day for him, so would it hurt to have him pick up in the 7^th and throw potentially 30 or 40 pitches? In some ways, the longer finishing this game off, the more it works in the Phillies’ favor.

Q. Smitty, I am Rays fan. I thought for sure after we beat your beloved Red Sox, we had the World Series won. Tell me in your somewhat honest opinion what has gone wrong with my Rays… please? - A Despondent Rays fan

A. Rays fan, I think there are 2 reasons for the Rays being in the 3-1 hole – Starting pitching and the 3/4 hitters. Let’s face it – the Phillies have not been great enough to run off with this Series. The Phillies have been atrocious with runners in scoring position, to a point that it has been embarassing as a non-Phillies fan. I am sorry, but the Red Sox of 2007 would have swept this series. The Rays simply haven’t hit – especially Pena and Longoria. Both have been terrible at the plate and it has cost the Rays. The Rays starting pitching has not lived up to the hype either. None of the Rays pitchers have looked good – with Shields pulling in the best outing of the group – and it was far from “Big Game” stuff. For the Rays to actually start making this a series – Pena and Longoria need to start hitting.

Q. Smitty, I haven’t seen you do anything on the NBA. Can we look forward to an NBA preview edition from you? – An Oklahoma Sonics fan

A. First the fact that Oklahoma is in the NBA and Seattle isn’t  – is well disturbing. That being said, no you are not going to see anything from me previewing the NBA. I don’t know enough about the NBA and leave the basketball talk to Casey. But as a Celtics fan, I have to thank Michael Jordan for preventing the Big Three from resting on their laurels this year.  According to Allen, Jordan apparently told him that when you win it once, it basically means you got lucky. Michael, aren’t you part owner for an NBA team? Does it make sense to challenge the reigning champ? Yikes

Q. Tyrone Willingham has quit, why won’t Greg Robinson do everyone in Western, NY a favor and do the same? – The Edgemere Phantom

A. Edge, I am wondering the same thing.  I think Willingham did the AD at Washington a favor and I honestly think Robinson should do Daryl Gross a favor by quietly resigning.  It would allow Gross to start his search immediately as well as hopefully have a positive impact on next year’s recruiting class. Something tells me he won’t help out SU – at all.

Q. What is wrong with my Oakland Raiders? – Al Davis

A. You.

Q. Smitty, I am wondering if you are ever going to help me out and push the “Who am I” contest on CCWW.com? Also, show the Nazareth Lasers’ soccer team some love. – Casey

A.  Don’t mind if I do. Great chance to test your knowledge in sports and at the same time take down the reigning champ  – Chas. But continue to check in as you never know when a “Who am I ” is going to pop up. Also, congrats to Ceil and the rest of the Lady Lasers. A huge semifinal victory in frosty conditions has guaranteed a Halloween date in the Championship game. And Chas – winning it one time is a fluke. Oh wait, did I pull a Jordan?

Smitty can be reached at ask.smitty@hotmail.com

Catcher- Dioner Navarro vs. Carlos Ruiz – Both catchers are excellent defensively and probably save more runs then they drive in. Navarro has the better bat of the two, but Ruiz has been swinging the bat well in the playoffs. Both catchers are handling their pitching staffs well. Advantage: Even

1st Base- Carlos Pena vs. Ryan Howard – Pena has had the better playoffs so far, but Howard has the ability to get hot. If Howard gets hot, the Rays could be in big trouble. Pena has the edge defensively and right now – is having a better playoffs. Advantage: Rays

2nd Base – Akinori Iwamura vs. Chase Utley – Both players are excellent defensively and are keys in their lineup. Iwamura is right par with the playoff and regular season hitting wise. Utley is having a great playoffs so far, but power numbers are down. Still, Utley hit a key home run in Game 1 and doesn’t seem to have a problem hitting in the clutch. Iwamura went cold in the last 3 games of the Red Sox series. If he is cold, that becomes a problem for the Rays lineup as he isn’t setting the table for Longoria and Pena. Advantage: Phillies

Shortstop – Jason Bartlett vs. Jimmy Rollins – The Rays’ captain of their defense against the reigning MVP. When Rollins hits and he can – the Phillies’ O becomes a freight train. Bartlett came up with a couple of clutch hits in the Red Sox series, but is really counted on for defense. A couple of errors in the Red Sox series really hurt the Rays. Advantage: Phililes

3rd base – Evan Longoria vs. Pedro Feliz/Greg Dobbs – Do I get into this one? It is like comparing Mike Schmidt against Shea Hillebrand. No contest. Longoria’s hit in Game 2 off Beckett re-established the Rays in the series. Feliz has been serviceable at the plate, but is mostly for his glove. Vice versa for Dobbs. Advantage: Phillies… just kidding – Rays

Left Field – Pat Burrell vs. Carl Crawford – Burrell has been a hitting machine for the Phillies, while Crawford seems to be still looking for his timing since coming off the DL in September. Burrell isn’t known for his defense, but doesn’t do things to put you in a bad position. If Crawford can get on base, he is definitely a threat to steal. Advantage – Phillies

Center Field – B.J. Upton vs. Shane Victorino – Poor Shane Victorino in this one. You want to play as well as you can in the playoffs and not count as an advantage for your team. Look no further then Shane Victorino. Both are above average defensively. Upton takes away a lot of hits and has great range. Will Citizens Park’s weird configurations in center give him problems? Victorino has been hitting the ball, but Upton has been Ruthian in these playoffs. Do you even pitch to the guy? Seriously, he has another round of playoffs to go and is one home run away for the most in a one post season. Can Upton keep up this torrid pace? Advantage: Rays

Right Field – Greg Gross vs. Jayson Werth – Both are role players for their respective teams. Werth helped his team against the Dodgers, where Gross looked lost at the plate. Not sure if there is an advantage to have on this one. Advantage: Even

Starting Pitching – Not listing them all, but I do have one bone to pick. Don’t call yourself “Big Game” anything – until you pitch in a BIG GAME.. That being said Hamels will probably pitch twice, maybe 3 times in this series. As Buck Martinez said 500 times in the ALCS – if you don’t know the Rays staff now, you will by the end of the series. And Shields, Kazmir, Garza and Sonnastine are pretty good. Which Garza shows up this series? Which Kazmir shows up – Game 2 Kazmir or Game 5 Kazmir? Does Moyer have anything left? Can Blanton and Brett Myers give better pitching performances ? Advantage: Rays

Bullpen – Brad Lidge gives the Phillies a solid go to guy at the end of games. The Rays may have a guy in “New Toy” David Price. But does Price hold up on the biggest stage? Romero, Durbin and Madson are solid. Rays bullpen has been solid all year, but Balfour looked tired in the ALCS. I have concerns about the Rays bullpen. It is showing cracks right now.. Can it hold up? Advantage: Phillies

Manager – Joe Maddon vs. Charlie Manuel – Hard to compare this one. Maddon is an innovator, unconventional manager that has his team believing they can win. Manuel has been a player’s coach and earned his players’ respect when he benched Rollins during a game for not hustling. Both have gotten their teams to the World Series and should be commended for it. That being said – Advantage: Rays

So in looking at everything, weighing my options, my gut feeling, that chair that right behind me – and the decision is:

Smitty’s World Series Champion – Philadelphia Phillies in 6.

Enjoy the Series everyone – it has been a great summer of baseball.