**These are prognostications I made about three weeks ago, it just slipped my mind to post them. Yes, I understand it's nearly two weeks into the season now (which may cheapen the value of these predictions to certain readers); but, I know I stayed true with my selections and that's what matters.
-Jeff
MLB 2008 Preview
WORLD SERIES:
Los Angeles Angels over New York Mets (six games)
AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (ALCS):
Los Angeles over Boston Red Sox (four games)
NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (NLCS):
New York over Colorado Rockies (four games)
A.L. DIVISIONAL SERIES:
Los Angeles over Detroit Tigers (four games)
Boston Red Sox over Cleveland Indians (five games)
N.L. DIVISIONAL SERIES:
New York over Los Angeles Dodgers (three games)
Colorado over Chicago Cubs (five games)
Final Standings for American and National Leagues:
AL WEST
LA Angels 91-71
Seattle Mariners 88-74
Oakland Athletics 79-81
Texas Rangers 71-91
AL CENTRAL
Cleveland Indians 93-69
*Detroit Tigers 88-74
Kansas City Royals 83-79
Minnesota Twins 76-86
Chicago White Sox 68-94
AL EAST
Boston Red Sox 103-59
New York Yankees 86-76
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 84-78
Toronto Blue Jays 74-88
Baltimore Orioles 63-99
NL WEST
Colorado Rockies 89-73
*Los Angeles Dodgers 87-75
San Diego Padres 83-81
Arizona Diamondbacks 79-83
San Francisco Giants 68-94
NL CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs 90-66
Milwaukee Brewers 85-77
Houston Astros 79-81
Cincinnati Reds 79-81
Pittsburgh Pirates 77-83
St. Louis Cardinals 72-90
NL EAST
New York Mets 90-66
Philadelphia Phillies 89-67
Atlanta Braves 83-81
Washington Nationals 72-90
Florida Marlins 70-92
* Wild Cards
ALL-STAR GAME
Date: July 15th 2008
Location: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, New York, New York)
AL Starters:
SP — Fausto Carmona (CLE)
C — Victor Martinez (CLE)
1B — Justin Morneau (MIN)
2B — B.J. Upton (TB)
3B — Alex Rodriguez (NYY)
SS — Derek Jeter (SS)
LF — Ichiro (SEA)
CF — Torii Hunter (LAA)
RF — Vladimir Guerrero (LAA)
AL Reserves
Pitchers — Felix Hernandez (SEA), Justin Verlander (DET), Dontrelle Willis (DET), Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS), Joe Blanton (OAK), John Lackey (LAA), Scott Kazmir (TB), Francisco Rodriguez (LAA), Bobby Jenks (CHW), J.J. Putz (SEA), Jonathan Papelbon (BOS)
Infielders — Carlos Pena (TB), Joe Mauer (MIN), Michael Young (TEX), Ivan Rodriguez (DET), Adrian Beltre (SEA), Chone Figgins (LAA), David Ortiz (BOS), Billy Butler (KC), Brian Roberts (BAL)
Outfielders — Gary Matthews Jr. (LAA), Jacoby Elsbury (BOS), Curtis Granderson (DET), Grady Sizemore (CLE), Vernon Wells (TOR)
NL Starters:
SP — Ubaldo Jimenez (COL)
C — Russell Martin (LAD)
1B — Mark Teixiera (ATL)
2B — Orlando Hudson (ARZ)
3B — David Wright (NYM)
SS — Jose Reyes (NYM)
LF — Alfonso Soriano (CHC)
CF — Juan Pierre (LAD)
RF — Hunter Pence (HOU)
NL Reserves:
Pitchers — Johan Santana (NYM), Brad Penny (LAD), Cole Hamels (PHI), Jake Peavy (SD), Aaron Harang (CIN), Carlos Zambrano (CHC), Ian Snell (PIT), Manny Corpas (COL), Kerry Wood (CHC), Eric Gagne (MIL)
Infielders — Brian McCann (ATL), Bengie Molina (SF), Prince Fielder (MIL), Ryan Howard (PHL), Hanley Ramirez (FLA), Chase Utley (PHI), Freddy Sanchez (PIT), Ryan Zimmerman (WAS), Troy Tulowitzki (COL), Chipper Jones (ATL)
Outfielders — Bill Hall (MIL), Eric Young (ARZ), Rick Ankiel (STL), Kosuke Fukudome (CHC)
REG. SEASON INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
American League:
MVP — Vladimir Guerrero
CY — Daisuke Matsuzaka
Rolaids Relief — Francisco Rodriguez
R.O.Y. — Jacoby Elsbury
Comeback Player of the Year — Dontrelle Willis
Gold Gloves —
Pitcher: Francisco Liriano (MIN)
Catcher: Ivan Rodriguez (DET)
1st Base: Justin Morneau (MIN)
2nd Base: Nick Punto (MIN)
3rd Base: Chone Figgins (LAA)
Shortstop: Derk Jeter (NYY)
Outfield (3): Ichiro Suzuki (SEA), Curtis Granderson (DET), Torii Hunter (LAA)
National League:
MVP — Jose Reyes (NYM)
CY — Johan Santana (NYM)
Rolaids Relief — Manny Corpas (COL)
R.O.Y.— Felix Pie (CHC)
Comeback Player of the Year — Miguel Tejada (HOU)
Gold Gloves —
Pitcher: Johan Santana (NYM)
Catcher: Russell Martin (LAD)
1st Base: Mark Teixeira (ATL)
2nd Base: Luis Castillo (NYM)
3rd Base: David Wright (NYM)
Shortstop: Jose Reyes (NYM)
Outfield (3): Juan Pierre (LAD), Alfonzo Soriano (CHI), Mike Cameron (MIL)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Walking Off an Angel
Los Angeles Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez went down with an injury after surrendering the lead to the Cleveland Indians in the top of the 9th tonight. The man known as K-Rod was in danger of letting his Angels lose.
The defeat would've been the Angels first loss in 162 consecutive contests where they've entered the ninth with a lead.
So, what happened? Well, Rodriguez, could've easily earned a win instead.
The Angels' Torii Hunter hit a walk-off grand slam.
This does not make Hunter the American League MVP. (Although, for one night, he was at least Anaheim's MVP).
The home run didn't give K-Rod a W. And no, Hunter's blast didn't miraculously cure Rodriguez and make him healthy for the rest of April. The homer did, however, get the Angels star closer off the hook for at least one more night.
It also gave Angels reliever Scott Shields (1-0) a mulligan victory.
The defeat would've been the Angels first loss in 162 consecutive contests where they've entered the ninth with a lead.
So, what happened? Well, Rodriguez, could've easily earned a win instead.
The Angels' Torii Hunter hit a walk-off grand slam.
This does not make Hunter the American League MVP. (Although, for one night, he was at least Anaheim's MVP).
The home run didn't give K-Rod a W. And no, Hunter's blast didn't miraculously cure Rodriguez and make him healthy for the rest of April. The homer did, however, get the Angels star closer off the hook for at least one more night.
It also gave Angels reliever Scott Shields (1-0) a mulligan victory.
There is a Rose in Spanish Harlem
It's not only a Mamas & The Papas lyric, Derrick Rose is indeed a special Rose. Tonight, however, he was not quite special enough. Perhaps Rose was in Harlem preceding the NCAA tournament... Or, perhaps, Rose's team just fell short tonight. In any case, it was a nice season for Memphis and I still hope the Timberpup's draft Mr. Rose in the 2008 NBA lottery.
Also, don't worry Derrick. As Mama Cass and The Mamas & The Papas proclaimed, "Monday, Monday, how could you leave and not take me."
(For those interested in stats and so forth ... Sorry, I've got tendinitis at the moment, and a lot of writing and stat digging is not something I'm up for at the moment)
I could go on "every other day (every other day), every other day (every other day) of the week is fy-iii-nnn-ee yeah." ... Although tonight is not one of the finest nights in Rose's life, something tells me, he'll get over it.
4-7-08 Kansas Jayhawks 75, Memphis Tigers 68 in OT
Also, don't worry Derrick. As Mama Cass and The Mamas & The Papas proclaimed, "Monday, Monday, how could you leave and not take me."
(For those interested in stats and so forth ... Sorry, I've got tendinitis at the moment, and a lot of writing and stat digging is not something I'm up for at the moment)
I could go on "every other day (every other day), every other day (every other day) of the week is fy-iii-nnn-ee yeah." ... Although tonight is not one of the finest nights in Rose's life, something tells me, he'll get over it.
4-7-08 Kansas Jayhawks 75, Memphis Tigers 68 in OT
Friday, February 29, 2008
Timberwolves sink near NBA's basement
Al Jefferson scored 22 points and corralled 10 rebounds for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight; however, it was not enough as Minnesota fell short of the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at Quicken Loans Arena 92-84.
Corey Brewer added 15 points and four steals for the Wolves, but the loss dropped Minnesota to 12-45 and last place in the NBA's western conference -- a mere half-game ahead of Miami in the NBA's overall standings.
Lacking Kevin Garnett, Minnesota's power forward Craig Smith led the Wolves in the paint with eight points and eight rebounds. Smith's performance was not enough, however, to suppress Cleveland. The Cavaliers cruised to victory as they were led by another astonishing performance its all-star phenom, LeBron James.
James was the game's leading scorer with 30 points, on 11-for-22 shooting, and he also led the Cavs with 13 assists.
Also helping Cleveland tonight was Delonte West. As one of Cleveland's recent acquisitions in its three-team trade, West score 12 points and dished out five assists to aid the Cavs in disposing the Timberwolves and improving to 33-26 and 5th place in the Eastern conference standings.
Corey Brewer added 15 points and four steals for the Wolves, but the loss dropped Minnesota to 12-45 and last place in the NBA's western conference -- a mere half-game ahead of Miami in the NBA's overall standings.
Lacking Kevin Garnett, Minnesota's power forward Craig Smith led the Wolves in the paint with eight points and eight rebounds. Smith's performance was not enough, however, to suppress Cleveland. The Cavaliers cruised to victory as they were led by another astonishing performance its all-star phenom, LeBron James.
James was the game's leading scorer with 30 points, on 11-for-22 shooting, and he also led the Cavs with 13 assists.
Also helping Cleveland tonight was Delonte West. As one of Cleveland's recent acquisitions in its three-team trade, West score 12 points and dished out five assists to aid the Cavs in disposing the Timberwolves and improving to 33-26 and 5th place in the Eastern conference standings.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Minnesota makes veteran move that may benefit Liriano
For the first time in many years, the Minnesota Twins opening day starter will not be either Johan Santana or Brad Radke.
Neither will this pitcher be Livan Hernandez.
Tuesday, the Twins signed Hernandez when the 32-year-old journeyman inked a $ 5 million contract for the 2008 season.
Santana brought his top-dollar, Cy Young award-award winning arm with him to New York. Radke retired in 2006 after spending all of his 12 Major League seasons with Minnesota.
The Twins 2008 opening day starter this March 31 will likely be either Francisco Liriano or Scott Baker. As for the other three spots in the Twins starting rotation, Hernandez should earn one and there will be battles for the other two.
Starting rotation aside, one thing is certain about Hernandez, the native of Cuba and 12-year MLB journeyman will add veteran leadership to this very young Twins pitching staff (something Radke gave Minnesota for a long time).
Known as a common choice for Twins opening day starter over the years, Radke is not similar to Hernandez in physical stature or pitching style, however, the two right-handers are similar in durability.
Radke pitched 12 seasons of Major League Baseball.
Eisler "Livan" Hernandez will enter his enter 13th season as an MLB starter.
Throughout his Twins career, Radke tossed 2,451 innings for a 204.1 per-season average. As for Hernandez, the 2007 Arizona Diamondbacks starter has chalked up 2,371 innings for a 197.6 inning-per-season average.
Also, the two pitchers' career records and ERA are similar.
Radke was 148-139 in his career with a 4.22 ERA. Hernandez has compiled a 134-128 record and a 4.25 ERA.
Now, if you go beyond regular season achievements, you'll find Hernandez -- a 6-foot-2-inch, 245-pound native of Villa Clara, Cuba -- has the upper hand on Radke.
Radke has appeared in one All Star game (1998). Hernandez has two All-Star appearances (2004, 2005) and a World Series ring.
Hernandez was also the MVP of the 1997 World Series when he pitched the Florida Marlins to a seven-game championship over the Cleveland Indians -- a series that became known as the "Latino Series."
The message here is that Hernandez is experienced and he's Latin.
What other Latin pitcher is competing for a Twins starting rotation position?
Minnesota's future ace and 24-year-old flame thrower, Liriano (who grew up in the Dominican Republic).
To sum up Minnesota's one-year agreement with Hernandez:
No, the result will not give Minnesota a 2008 championship. Neither will Hernandez be a 20-game winner for his new club.
On the bright side, however, for the Twins' youthful pitching staff this move should bode well both for the staff (as a whole) and for Liriano.
Hernandez should benefit Minnesota by aiding Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson in the development of Liriano.
Furthermore, with the absence of Santana the move might also can assist Anderson in doing something else. Hernandez could be the key in aiding Anderson to mold Liriano into a future Cy Young award winner.
Neither will this pitcher be Livan Hernandez.
Tuesday, the Twins signed Hernandez when the 32-year-old journeyman inked a $ 5 million contract for the 2008 season.
Santana brought his top-dollar, Cy Young award-award winning arm with him to New York. Radke retired in 2006 after spending all of his 12 Major League seasons with Minnesota.
The Twins 2008 opening day starter this March 31 will likely be either Francisco Liriano or Scott Baker. As for the other three spots in the Twins starting rotation, Hernandez should earn one and there will be battles for the other two.
Starting rotation aside, one thing is certain about Hernandez, the native of Cuba and 12-year MLB journeyman will add veteran leadership to this very young Twins pitching staff (something Radke gave Minnesota for a long time).
Known as a common choice for Twins opening day starter over the years, Radke is not similar to Hernandez in physical stature or pitching style, however, the two right-handers are similar in durability.
Radke pitched 12 seasons of Major League Baseball.
Eisler "Livan" Hernandez will enter his enter 13th season as an MLB starter.
Throughout his Twins career, Radke tossed 2,451 innings for a 204.1 per-season average. As for Hernandez, the 2007 Arizona Diamondbacks starter has chalked up 2,371 innings for a 197.6 inning-per-season average.
Also, the two pitchers' career records and ERA are similar.
Radke was 148-139 in his career with a 4.22 ERA. Hernandez has compiled a 134-128 record and a 4.25 ERA.
Now, if you go beyond regular season achievements, you'll find Hernandez -- a 6-foot-2-inch, 245-pound native of Villa Clara, Cuba -- has the upper hand on Radke.
Radke has appeared in one All Star game (1998). Hernandez has two All-Star appearances (2004, 2005) and a World Series ring.
Hernandez was also the MVP of the 1997 World Series when he pitched the Florida Marlins to a seven-game championship over the Cleveland Indians -- a series that became known as the "Latino Series."
The message here is that Hernandez is experienced and he's Latin.
What other Latin pitcher is competing for a Twins starting rotation position?
Minnesota's future ace and 24-year-old flame thrower, Liriano (who grew up in the Dominican Republic).
To sum up Minnesota's one-year agreement with Hernandez:
No, the result will not give Minnesota a 2008 championship. Neither will Hernandez be a 20-game winner for his new club.
On the bright side, however, for the Twins' youthful pitching staff this move should bode well both for the staff (as a whole) and for Liriano.
Hernandez should benefit Minnesota by aiding Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson in the development of Liriano.
Furthermore, with the absence of Santana the move might also can assist Anderson in doing something else. Hernandez could be the key in aiding Anderson to mold Liriano into a future Cy Young award winner.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Randy Moss or Cris Carter
Having made his first Super Bowl appearance, are we ready to proclaim Randy Moss as the best wide receiver Minnesota has ever seen?
Consistency is the key.
How many Super Bowls has Cris Carter won?
Zero.
How many catches does the 12-year Viking have? 1,101. Touchdowns? 130.
As great as Randy Moss is, let us recall the nine-year NFL veteran's two seasons in Oakland.
He caught 102 balls for 11 touchdowns.
Yes, he had quarterbacks with the likes of Andrew Walter and Kerry Collins, but 102 receptions in two years?
Carter, Moss' mentor while in Vikings uniforms together, averaged 91.75 receptions through his 16-year career.
Thus far, Moss has averaged 86 receptions and 13.8 touchdowns.
No, Carter does not have a Super Bowl ring. Yes, Jerry Rice has two.
As for Moss, the sky's the limit, but let's not anoint him supremacy yet.
Consistency is the key.
How many Super Bowls has Cris Carter won?
Zero.
How many catches does the 12-year Viking have? 1,101. Touchdowns? 130.
As great as Randy Moss is, let us recall the nine-year NFL veteran's two seasons in Oakland.
He caught 102 balls for 11 touchdowns.
Yes, he had quarterbacks with the likes of Andrew Walter and Kerry Collins, but 102 receptions in two years?
Carter, Moss' mentor while in Vikings uniforms together, averaged 91.75 receptions through his 16-year career.
Thus far, Moss has averaged 86 receptions and 13.8 touchdowns.
No, Carter does not have a Super Bowl ring. Yes, Jerry Rice has two.
As for Moss, the sky's the limit, but let's not anoint him supremacy yet.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tubby tacks on No. 400
The Minnesota Gophers mens basketball team ventured to Ann Arbor, Michigan tonight to take on the University of Michigan Wolverines.
The verdict? A 77-65 victory for Minnesota, win number 13 on the season.
The importance? Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith earned his 400th NCAA Division-I victory.
Fittingly, it was the Gophers seniors who led the way. The trio of Dan Coleman, Lawrence McKenzie and Spencer Tollackson combined for 49 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in cementing their coach's milestone victory.
Having a seven-year contract signed, twenty wins-per-season would put Smith in the 500-win club by the 2012-2013 season. For the moment, however, Smith's Gophers have the rest of 2008 and an NCAA tournament bid to play for.
Defeating the Wolverines gives Minnesota its third conference victory, improving them to sixth place among Big Ten competition.
Conversely, the Wolverines fall to 5-16 (1-8 Big Ten) as memories of Chris Webber, Juwan Howard and the famous Fab Five seem like a faded memory these days.
The verdict? A 77-65 victory for Minnesota, win number 13 on the season.
The importance? Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith earned his 400th NCAA Division-I victory.
Fittingly, it was the Gophers seniors who led the way. The trio of Dan Coleman, Lawrence McKenzie and Spencer Tollackson combined for 49 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in cementing their coach's milestone victory.
Having a seven-year contract signed, twenty wins-per-season would put Smith in the 500-win club by the 2012-2013 season. For the moment, however, Smith's Gophers have the rest of 2008 and an NCAA tournament bid to play for.
Defeating the Wolverines gives Minnesota its third conference victory, improving them to sixth place among Big Ten competition.
Conversely, the Wolverines fall to 5-16 (1-8 Big Ten) as memories of Chris Webber, Juwan Howard and the famous Fab Five seem like a faded memory these days.
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