By Aaron M Smith

Right now the World Series has taken on the form of a scene right out of the TV hit -  ER. A doctor running down the hall yelling, ” We need a defibrillator – STAT!!! “  Okay, that might be exaggerating the situation, but the Texas Rangers return to Arlington finding themselves in a position they haven’t been in the whole playoffs – down 2-0.  But everyone loves home cookin’ and well, the Rangers need a healthy dose.

Led by the arms of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain and a suddenly scorching hot lineup – San Francisco has scored 20 runs in the first two games. Each game has brought a different star. In Game 1, it was Freddy Sanchez and Aubrey Huff leading the charge. In Game 2 – it was Edgar Renteria.  The Giants looking to put this series almost out of reach – send Jonathan Sanchez to the mound. Sanchez last pitched in Game 6 of the NLCS and didn’t look comfortable. Pitching in the first World Series game in Texas, will be loud and intimidating – can Sanchez hold up against the pressure?

Texas on the other hand, will be happy to be back in an American League park. Back is the Designated Hitter, which allows Vladimir Guerrero to return to the lineup. Guerrero looked uncomfortable in Right Field during Game 1 and being home allows the Rangers to keep David Murphy in right field. Colby Lewis takes the mound in Game 3. If Lewis can pitch like he did in Game 6 of the ALCS – Texas should be back in the series – and a lot of newborns in Texas will be named Colby. Can Texas get the bats going in time to save the Series?

Prediction: Texas ties this series up, 2-2.

Texas Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee fields a hit during baseball pitching drills in an afternoon team practice for the World Series, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are scheduled to play the San Francisco Giants in the opening game of the series on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

By Aaron M Smith

Somewhere Brian McCann is wondering if he is going to get a World Series ring this year.  Sounds a little strange, as McCann’s Braves are already home hitting the local golf courses.  But thanks to McCann’s double in the Midsummer Classic, also known as the MLB All-Star game – the National League won the game and ultimately home field advantage for the World Series. The San Francisco Giants are the recipients of Brian McCann’s game winning hit.

For those that have been hiding under a rock it is David vs. David. One team is in the World Series for the first time ( Texas) and the other hasn’t won a World Series Championship in 56 years ( San Francisco). Either way after this series, the drought is over for one city.

Games 1 & 2 are in San Francisco and National League rules are in. Conventional wisdom would say that the American League representative would be at a disadvantage. These Texas Rangers don’t fit that mold. While this team does have power, this team also relies on speed and situational hitting to create runs. The Giants however, are an opportunistic team who relies on its pitching to keep them in games.

Game 1 features a pair of aces with Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum matching up. Games 1 & 2 also see the DH rule going away, forcing Vladimir Guerrero to the field. This means David Murphy will likely not start and if the Rangers get a lead – will be a defensive replacement. Will Guerrero’s knees hold up in the field?

AP Photo/Eric Risberg

Both teams are inexperienced in post-season play, so how much will nerves play in Games 1 & 2? Giants don’t score a ton of runs, so any defensive miscues will be amplified. The Rangers has hit the opposition’s starting pitching hard in the first two rounds  – how will they do against Tim Lincecum? Lincecum has been outstanding in the post-season, second only to Bob Gibson in strikeouts in their first two appearances in the postseason.

Will either League Championship series MVPs, Josh Hamilton or Cody Ross continue their torrid hitting? Conventional wisdom says Hamilton, but history has shown that conventional wisdom doesn’t rule in the playoffs.

Prediction – Series heads back to Texas tied 1-1.
Got a prediction? Let’s hear it!

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!

Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

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.

Kelly Johnson gets my POTW.

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ second baseman did everything he could to help his team win Friday night by hitting for the cycle. It was the fourth cycle in Diamondbacks history and the third this season.

He went 4-4, scored 2 runs, and knocked in 3 of his club’s 4 runs. Two of those runs came from his triple in the sixth when Arizona took the lead 4-3.

Despite his efforts, the Diamondbacks committed 3 errors and suffered a 7-4 loss to its National League West foes, San Francisco. They remain in last place in the division.

The Giants completed the sweep today in the 4-game series and have won 7 straight against the Diamondbacks.

Who gets your POTW?

"I sure do like this NL gig." AP Photo/David J. Phillip

By Paul Gotham

Try as I might, there are just some things in sports that get stuck in my craw, and I can’t get them out.

Take for instance, Joel Pineiro. Last night, Piniero gave up one earned run over seven innings as the St. Louis Cardinals downed the Houston Astros, 11-2. With the win, the righty improves to 15-11. In 203 innings of work this year, Pineiro has an ERA of 3.24, with 100 strike outs and 25 walks. Let me get this straight. Joel Pineiro has an ERA of 3.24? Isn’t the same guy who spent ’04 – ’07 in the American League with an ERA no lower than 4.67?  Pineiro has as many complete games (3) this year as he had combined in ’05-’06 with Seattle. I get the whole idea of the pitcher coming to the plate in the NL being more often than not an out. I get the the idea that with the Red Sox, Pineiro came out of the pen, and that takes adjusting. But he is a professional. In ’07 Pineiro made 31 appearances for the Saux to the tune of a 5.03 ERA. Boston let him go. He finished the campaign with the Cardinals and made 11 starts earning an ERA of 3.96.

"Throwing BP is not my idea of work." AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Add to Pineiro’s story that of John Smoltz, and I am scratching my scalp raw. Smoltzy made five starts with the Saux . He tossed 25 innings giving up 26 earned runs while fanning 23 and walking six. Boston waived him, and Smoltz headed to the gateway of the west.  He has made five starts for LaRussa’s gang: 28 innings, 10 earned runs, 32 Ks, and 4 walks. Let’s just forget about the night that Smoltz pitched batting practice to the Yankees.  On July 26th, Smoltz pitched five innings and gave up six runs to the Baltimore Orioles. That’s the Orioles everybody – a team that currently has a record of 60-91. Six runs to the Orioles? That’s as many runs as Smoltz held the Cubs, Braves, Padres, and Nationals to in a combined 22 innings.

How did the Phillies win the World Series last year? How can any team coming from the National League hope to compete in the Fall Classic?

I don’t even want to think about Brad Penny. He goes 7-8 with Boston giving up 27 runs in his last 26 and 2/3 frames of work. With San Francisco? 11 runs in 22 innings. Although, Penny did get shelled (7 runs in 2 2/3 vs. LA) in his most recent outing.

Don’t worry. Baseball doesn’t have a corner on the market of oddities. For some reason, football players – those rough and tumble guys who play the most violent of sports – seem to need a key board to show their bravery.  Or, at least for a little while.

"Did I say that?"

Washington’s rookie linebacker, Robert Henson and Green Bay’s Nick Barnett have taken to tweeting to express, of all things, their disagreement with fans. After the home fans booed his teammates (Henson hasn’t been on the field yet during a game) the rookie decided to call ‘Skins fans a bunch of ‘dim wits’ adding something to the effect that they all worked at McDonald’s. Oh boy. Robert, what were you thinking?

That’s okay. Barnett actually gets into the game. It’s just that he decided to celebrate a tackle in the backfield…in the final minutes of a loss to Cincinnati. I applaud the fans who booed Barnett. The only stat that matters is the scoreboard.

Both Henson and Barnett have since closed their Twitter accounts.

At least those guys get a paycheck in the NFL. Marcus Fitzgerald? He hopes to get a job in the NFL some day. The brother of Larry Fitzgerald didn’t exactly help his cause when he went a tweeting during and after Sunday’s game. While Kurt Warner was busy going 24-26 for 243 yards with two touchdowns and 0 picks, Fitzgerald decided to play en loco tweetist for his brother, Larry, claiming the wide receiver to be upset about his lack of touches. The younger Fitzgerald has since deleted the above comments. Of course, he then blamed the media for blowing the story out of proportion. Yeah, Marcus seemed to forget that his dad is part of the media.

None of those guys have anything on Michael Crabtree. What’s Mike doing these days? Holding out. How’s that working for ya Mike? At this rate you sure are going to earn yourself a big fat raise when you re-enter yourself into the NFL draft.

Diego Maradona is back in the news.  Okay, so he wants to lose weight. How many weight-loss clinics are there in the world? Better yet, how many weight-loss clinics are there in the Western Hemisphere? Why would he choose a weight-loss clinic in Italy? A country where he still owes $54 million in back taxes. And all he had to turn over were his earrings? Geez, those must have been some good size rocks.

If you had a fifteen-year contract for more money than you could possibly know how to spend, would you be in a rush to suit up and have opposing players drill you with a hard rubber object? Consider that when you think about Rick DiPietro of the New York Islanders. What did the Isles do? They signed to the Lewiston, Maine native to a contract that no one in their right mind would offer. DiPietro gets hurt. Yeah, I would take my time rehabbing too. Let someone else play goal. He has what…11 years left to prove himself?

Any stories in sports you can’t wrap your brain around? Share them here.

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Jonathan Sanchez earns my POTW.  The left-hander made the most of a spot start.

After Randy Johnson went on the shelf for a start, Sanchez made his first start since being sent to the bullpen four weeks ago. Sanchez responded in grand fashion tossing a no-hitter as the Giants downed the Padres 8-0.

Sanchez’s no-hitter was the first no-no by a Giant since John ‘The Count’ Montefusco turned the trick against the Braves, September 29 1976. The no-hitter also was the first in the Giants’ 10-year old home by the Bay. What is the name of that place now?

Who gets your POTW?

Following the 2001 season, the Yankees signed Jason Giambi, who arguably should have won his second consecutive MVP that year, to a 7-year deal worth $119 million. His performance approached his two MVP-caliber seasons in 2002, but after that he was generally considered a disappointment. That contract expired following the 2008 season, so as an early Christmas present to their fans, the Yankees replaced him with another $100+ million player.

The Mark Teixeira signing by the Yankees came as a bit of a surprise. Personally, I had the pleasure of breaking the news to a good friend and Mets fan as I saw the ESPN report on the televisions in Dick’s Clothing and Sporting Goods during a little last-minute Christmas shopping excursion. Believe it or not, prior to this year, the Yankees had “only” signed two free agents to contracts–not including Derek Jeter’s extension–with a total value of greater than $100 million (Giambi and Alex Rodriguez) since they last won the World Series in 2000. This offseason, they added two more (Teixeira and CC Sabathia).

Will these be the acquisitions that finally hit pay dirt for the Yanks, successfully ending an eight-year drought? That’s difficult to say, but one thing’s for certain–they now are the odds-on favorite to win the World Series. It will be interesting to see what their outfield looks like now that the Teixeira signing shifts Nick Swisher to the outfield/DH mix that–barring any more changes–includes himself, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner. That, of course, is assuming that Jorge Posada is healthy enough to catch most every day.

So, obviously, determining the mix of positional players will be a challenge, and their defense is virtually assured of being below average. However, they won’t be lacking for offense as the 3-4 combination of A-Rod/Teixeira (or Teixeira/A-Rod), while not quite Ortiz/Manny in their prime, has to be considered the most formidable in baseball.

The Angels made surprisingly little effort to re-sign closer Francisco Rodriguez, allowing him to move east to the Mets, who signed him to a three-year, $37 million deal. Presumably, they were saving their money in an attempt to re-sign Teixeira or, failing that, another middle of the order bat. Well, obviously, they missed out on Teixeira, then indicated that they weren’t interested in Manny Ramirez as an alternative. So, they reversed course and seemingly decided that they weren’t prepared to go into next season with Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo vying for the 9th inning role. They signed Brian Fuentes to be Rodriguez’s successor as closer, agreeing to terms on a two-year, $17.5 million contract.

Fuentes is a solid pickup, and a fairly under-rated relief pitcher. Based on his record breaking 62-save season, K-Rod is somewhat over-rated, so the difference between the two is probably not as great as your initial impressions might lead you to believe. Add to that the fact that Fuentes comes about $3 million per year cheaper, and requires one less year of commitment. But, the pre-Teixeira Angels–with only Vladimir Guerrero as a legitimate threat in heart of their lineup–were anemic offensively, and Vlad seems to be getting old prematurely. I’m not saying his offensive skills have diminished–although his numbers were down last year–but he’s certainly had trouble staying healthy and appears to be constantly playing hurt. So, did the Angels address their most significant need? I hardly think so, but there are still three more months left in this offseason.

So, for the Yankees and Angels, it’s out with the old (Giambi, K-Rod) and in with the new (Teixeira, Fuentes). Both teams, of course, are hoping that the new year brings them a little more–in the Angels’ case–or a lot more–in the Yankees’ case–luck than 2008 did.

Elsewhere on the Hot Stove

In other news, the Cubs traded second baseman/utility man Mark DeRosa to the Indians for minor league pitchers Jeff Stevens, John Gaub and Chris Archer, none of whom are expected to make much of an impact in the majors for the Cubs in 2009. DeRosa–coming off a career year at the plate (.285, 21 HR, 87 RBI, .857 OPS)–is expected to be the Indians’ starting third baseman. The idea of moving shortstop Jhonny Peralta to third and second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera to short had been discussed as part of Cleveland’s offseason plans, but it appears they will leave things as they are for now. DeRosa’s versatility still leaves that option open, though.

The Cubs essentially replaced DeRosa by signing the versatile Aaron Miles to a two-year, $4.9 million contract. He will most likely share time at second base with Mike Fontenot, as well as serve as Chicago’s utility man, having played second, short, third and all three outfield positions last year. The replacement of DeRosa with Miles is one of a few moves that gives the Cubs financial flexibility that they’re expected to take advantage of by signing Milton Bradley. There are also rumblings that they may be looking to re-visit the Jake Peavy trade discussions with the Padres.

Elsewhere, with their eyes on returning to NL West contention in 2009, the Giants signed 45-year old future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson to a one-year contract worth $8 million. The Big Unit’s post-all star break ERA of 2.41 ranked fifth in the National League. He’ll join a rotation that is clearly a strength for the Giants, along with 2008 NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, 2002 AL Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito, and Matt Cain–who, despite a 15-30 record over the last two years, has posted solid numbers (3.65 and 3.76 ERAs, better than 2-to-1 K/BB ratios, and just 35 HR allowed in 417 IP in 2007-08).

In the hopeless causes department, Willy Taveras and the Reds agreed to a two-year, $6.25 million contract. The 27-year old reigning National League stolen base leader will be Cincinnati’s center fielder and leadoff hitter, despite a .308 OBP–which ranked 66th out of 72 NL players with enough at bats to qualify for the batting title–in 2008. Even worse, only Michael Bourn’s OPS was worse than Taveras’ .604 mark among qualified NL batters. Using a slightly different definition of that word, the only position Taveras is truly qualified for is pinch-runner and defensive replacement, in this writer’s opinion.

Lastly, the Nationals signed starting pitcher Daniel Cabrera to a one-year, $2.6 million deal. Cabrera, who will turn 28 in May, has been the poster child for unfulfilled potential during his five years in Baltimore. Despite unimpressive career numbers, including a 5.05 ERA and 1.36 K/BB ratio, there’s still enough upside to expect that he’ll be in Washington’s 2009 rotation. The Orioles then signed 6-foot-9 lefty Mark Hendrickson to a one-year contract. He may compete for a spot in their 2009 rotation or fill a bullpen role.