Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Somerville Alibrandi Alumni softball game
Last week, October 11th to be exact, the Somerville Alibrandi Alumni took the field against a roster filled with current players in the second annual softball contest. The final score was Alumni 13 Roster 10. The game was played at the brand new Trum Park. If you haven't been by this new edifice, now is the time. Last year's game was won by the current roster, so the annual contest is now tied at one a apiece. This game offically closes out the Somerville Alibrandi 2008 season. The pressure is off coach Powers and his staff to make it 10 in a row. He can now sit back, relax like the rest of us.
Signings???
There is a rumor from Dave McKay that some free agent YBL players have already "signed" on to play with new teams. If anyone out there knows of anything completely official, please reply to this blog and I'll make sure that everyone else is aware.
YBL Free Agents to be????
With the losses of the Cambridge Spinners and the West Roxbury Devils this season, there will be quite a few outstanding ballplayers out there looking for work next season. The difference between the YBL and the Major Leagues, is that you aren't going to get paid in the millions for a long term contract to play here. You play here for the enjoyment. Fun, is not a word tossed around often. But, it is here at the Thomas Yawkey Baseball League. It's fun for the players, the fans, the media(that's right, we have a ball), the Parks Department, you name it, we all have fun. Just look how much fun that Commissioner and Baseball Head Dave McKay has in hosting his Comcast show. A lot of the YBL, Park League, Little League and others have been guests on his show and enjoyed it.
But, lets get back to business. I believe this year's Mark Texiera of the group is Cambridge' Randy Casey, Jr. Each and every season Casey has been up there amongst the league leaders in strikeouts and he always seems to crack the Yawkey five in ERA. This year his ERA was a sparkling 1.84. Unfortunately, he played for a club that didn't seem to put a lot of runs on the board for him in his support. Cambridge won ten games this year and Casey won five of them. His record of 5-4 was not impressive, but his year was. In 57 Innings, he allowed only 37 hits and only 15 earned runs in 2008. His strikeout to walk ratio was ridiculous. He struck out 87 and walked only 19. He hit 7, but that was because he liked to pitch inside. The most impressive stat all year...not one single wild pitch!!!!! His strikeout to innings pitch ratio was 1.53 and his WHIP was .982. He also pitched a dominating two innings in this years YBL-Dominican All Star Game, in which he was voted the #3 star of the tilt.
Looking at these numbers must make every executive/GM in the YBL drool over the prospect of adding this young gentleman to their team. Whoever gets him, wow!!!
Later, we'll update more free agents.
But, lets get back to business. I believe this year's Mark Texiera of the group is Cambridge' Randy Casey, Jr. Each and every season Casey has been up there amongst the league leaders in strikeouts and he always seems to crack the Yawkey five in ERA. This year his ERA was a sparkling 1.84. Unfortunately, he played for a club that didn't seem to put a lot of runs on the board for him in his support. Cambridge won ten games this year and Casey won five of them. His record of 5-4 was not impressive, but his year was. In 57 Innings, he allowed only 37 hits and only 15 earned runs in 2008. His strikeout to walk ratio was ridiculous. He struck out 87 and walked only 19. He hit 7, but that was because he liked to pitch inside. The most impressive stat all year...not one single wild pitch!!!!! His strikeout to innings pitch ratio was 1.53 and his WHIP was .982. He also pitched a dominating two innings in this years YBL-Dominican All Star Game, in which he was voted the #3 star of the tilt.
Looking at these numbers must make every executive/GM in the YBL drool over the prospect of adding this young gentleman to their team. Whoever gets him, wow!!!
Later, we'll update more free agents.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Well we almost did it again
When the Sox had that momentous comeback on Thursday from a 7-0 deficit in the bottom of the seventh, trailing in their ALCS set with the Rays, was there many who didn't expect the Sox to sweep the rest of the series as well? And when they won Game Six in Tampa, even those other naysayers just thought that with Jon Lester going in Game Seven, it was a wrap.
But, someone forgot to tell these guys from the Sunshine State, who before this season had never won more than 70 games in a whole entire year!!!...In 2008 they proved us all wrong, going from last to first, and capturing 97 victories this season alone. I thought that in watching the last inning on Sunday night, that I would be very depressed. But, in watching these youngsters jumping around on new closer to be, David Price (and he looks a lot like CC, doesn't he?), I found myself actually smiling and feeling pretty happy for them. Don't get me wrong, I would have preferred that the Red Sox won, but, it wasn't the Yankees, was it? I also think the Yankees must be awfully worried about this ALCS series, because clearly they cannot contend with either team.
Back to the Sox again, obviously we were hurt by the omissions of Mike Lowell and even in a round about way, Manny Ramirez. Jason Bay is a very good player, but, doesn't bring the intimidation factor that Manny brings to the plate, much less the protection of Big Papi, who's production suffered terribly in the post season, other than that big three run homer.
We will return in 09, but our competition will most likely be the Rays, probably not the Yanks.
But, someone forgot to tell these guys from the Sunshine State, who before this season had never won more than 70 games in a whole entire year!!!...In 2008 they proved us all wrong, going from last to first, and capturing 97 victories this season alone. I thought that in watching the last inning on Sunday night, that I would be very depressed. But, in watching these youngsters jumping around on new closer to be, David Price (and he looks a lot like CC, doesn't he?), I found myself actually smiling and feeling pretty happy for them. Don't get me wrong, I would have preferred that the Red Sox won, but, it wasn't the Yankees, was it? I also think the Yankees must be awfully worried about this ALCS series, because clearly they cannot contend with either team.
Back to the Sox again, obviously we were hurt by the omissions of Mike Lowell and even in a round about way, Manny Ramirez. Jason Bay is a very good player, but, doesn't bring the intimidation factor that Manny brings to the plate, much less the protection of Big Papi, who's production suffered terribly in the post season, other than that big three run homer.
We will return in 09, but our competition will most likely be the Rays, probably not the Yanks.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Oh what a night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last night, at the unbelievable Red Sox comeback victory over the Rays at Fenway, Comcast and the YBL were well represented in the stands. Arlen Showstack, Eric Shulman, his son Danny and yours truly went absolutely beserk in the bleachers, during the Sox 8-7 win. We are still alive, Barely!...It's funny, Eric and his son left just after Tampa took their 7-0 lead. Oh yea of little faith. Plus the fact, Danny had school the next day and the Shulman's do live on the South Shore. I think Arlen and I would have stayed if it was 170-0. You just have to look back to past history to know that you can not count out these Boston Red Sox of our generation. Boy, did Terry Francona manager the pants off Joe Madden in this game. It was brilliant bringing in Papelbon in the 7th, whereas Madden kept just about all his relievers in too long. And how about the brush back pitches to BJ Upton? When Okajima, threw inside to him on 0-2, he struck out on the next pitch. Someone else did it later on as well. We need to throw some fear into these guys. They were just going up hacking away. NO MORE!!!!
So many stars....JD Drew, Big Papi, Papelbon, Okajima, but the man that can't stand the Rays did them in, Coco Crisp.
So many stars....JD Drew, Big Papi, Papelbon, Okajima, but the man that can't stand the Rays did them in, Coco Crisp.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Your Predictions
These are just a few of the predictions that have come rolling in this afternoon by those in the KNOW.
David Treska....Red Sox over the Rays in 7 (Lester MVP)
Dodgers over the Phillies in 7(DeWitt MVP)
Red Sox over the Dodgers in 5(Pedroia MVP)
Sean McCarty..Red Sox over the Rays in 6
Dodgers over the Phillies in 6
Red Sox over the Dodgers in 6
Arlen Showstack.....Red Sox over the Rays in 4
Dodgers over the Phillies in 6
Red Sox over the Dodgers in 5
Mike Powers.....Red Sox over the Rays in 5 (TB finally runs out of steam, experience wins here)
Phillies over Dodgers in 6 (Better pitching, speed and closer)
Red Sox over Phillies (Because of superior interleague head to head record)
Bill Morse.....Red Sox over the Rays in 7 (At least 2 games will go extra innings)
Phillies over Dodgers (So his daughter can root against her husbands home team in
the World Series)
Dave McKay.....Red Sox over the Rays in 5 (Rays pesky..no pun intended..Sox pitching too solid)
Phillies over Dodgers in 6 (Dodgers pitching, besides DLowe is too shallow)
Red Sox over the Phillies in 5
Bill Goode.....Rays over Red Sox in 7 (He was having trouble choosing the winner here)
Phillies over the Dodgers (Brad Lidge)
Evelyn Burke.....Red Sox over the Rays
Phillies over the Dodgers
This is just the first installment. There will be more.
David Treska....Red Sox over the Rays in 7 (Lester MVP)
Dodgers over the Phillies in 7(DeWitt MVP)
Red Sox over the Dodgers in 5(Pedroia MVP)
Sean McCarty..Red Sox over the Rays in 6
Dodgers over the Phillies in 6
Red Sox over the Dodgers in 6
Arlen Showstack.....Red Sox over the Rays in 4
Dodgers over the Phillies in 6
Red Sox over the Dodgers in 5
Mike Powers.....Red Sox over the Rays in 5 (TB finally runs out of steam, experience wins here)
Phillies over Dodgers in 6 (Better pitching, speed and closer)
Red Sox over Phillies (Because of superior interleague head to head record)
Bill Morse.....Red Sox over the Rays in 7 (At least 2 games will go extra innings)
Phillies over Dodgers (So his daughter can root against her husbands home team in
the World Series)
Dave McKay.....Red Sox over the Rays in 5 (Rays pesky..no pun intended..Sox pitching too solid)
Phillies over Dodgers in 6 (Dodgers pitching, besides DLowe is too shallow)
Red Sox over the Phillies in 5
Bill Goode.....Rays over Red Sox in 7 (He was having trouble choosing the winner here)
Phillies over the Dodgers (Brad Lidge)
Evelyn Burke.....Red Sox over the Rays
Phillies over the Dodgers
This is just the first installment. There will be more.
Trivia answer
Who holds the rookie record for most RBI in a season? The one and only Splendid Splinter, Teddy Ballgame, Ted Williams, drove in 145 as a rookie. Not bad, huh.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Comeback Player of the year predictions
As promised, here are my National League Comeback Player of the year award predictions
1. Carlos Delgado-New York Mets
2. Ryan Ludwick-St. Louis Cardinals
3. Manny Ramirez-Boston Red Sox/Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Christian Guzman-Washington Nationals
5. Brian Giles-San Diego Padres
It was difficult choosing a comeback player in this league, as so many players qualified for it. I chose five, but the order could have gone any way. I gave it to Delgado, as everyone pretty much thought he was washed up after last season's .258 year, in which he only hit 24 homers and didn't even get 90 RBI's. Well we were all wrong. The former Blue Jay and current Met slugger went deep 38 times this year and drove in 115, while hitting a very capable .271. Ryan Ludwick had an incredible season for Ton LaRussa and the Cards. Last year he hit 14 homers and drove in 52 in what was his best year to date. That was to date. But did he break out this year. He hit .299 with 37 homers and 113 runs batted in. Manny Ramirez always has good years, so one would think he would never qualify for a comeback player, but last year was Manny's down year. He only hit .296 with 20 homers and 88 rbi's. But this year, between the Red Sox and Dodgers, dont get me started on that one, he hit .332 (3rd in the majors in hitting), belted 37 homers and drove in 121. Christian Guzman only played 46 games for Washington last year with 2 homers and with Felipe Lopez manning his position, it didn't look like there was a need for him to play when he became healthy. That is unless he hit. Wow, did he hit. To the tune of .316 with 9 homers and 55 rbi's in 138 games. The 5th choice came down to Brian Giles and Jim Edmonds. I chose Giles because he played 26 more games this year, drove in 12 more runs, walked 23 more times, struck out 9 less times and his average went up from .271 to .306.
1. Carlos Delgado-New York Mets
2. Ryan Ludwick-St. Louis Cardinals
3. Manny Ramirez-Boston Red Sox/Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Christian Guzman-Washington Nationals
5. Brian Giles-San Diego Padres
It was difficult choosing a comeback player in this league, as so many players qualified for it. I chose five, but the order could have gone any way. I gave it to Delgado, as everyone pretty much thought he was washed up after last season's .258 year, in which he only hit 24 homers and didn't even get 90 RBI's. Well we were all wrong. The former Blue Jay and current Met slugger went deep 38 times this year and drove in 115, while hitting a very capable .271. Ryan Ludwick had an incredible season for Ton LaRussa and the Cards. Last year he hit 14 homers and drove in 52 in what was his best year to date. That was to date. But did he break out this year. He hit .299 with 37 homers and 113 runs batted in. Manny Ramirez always has good years, so one would think he would never qualify for a comeback player, but last year was Manny's down year. He only hit .296 with 20 homers and 88 rbi's. But this year, between the Red Sox and Dodgers, dont get me started on that one, he hit .332 (3rd in the majors in hitting), belted 37 homers and drove in 121. Christian Guzman only played 46 games for Washington last year with 2 homers and with Felipe Lopez manning his position, it didn't look like there was a need for him to play when he became healthy. That is unless he hit. Wow, did he hit. To the tune of .316 with 9 homers and 55 rbi's in 138 games. The 5th choice came down to Brian Giles and Jim Edmonds. I chose Giles because he played 26 more games this year, drove in 12 more runs, walked 23 more times, struck out 9 less times and his average went up from .271 to .306.
Trivia for the day
Who holds the American League Rookie record for most RBI in a season? (hint, he led the league)
Comeback Player of the year predictions
Here are my predictions for comback player of the year
In the AL
1. Cliff Lee-Cleveland Indians
2. Mike Mussina-New York Yankees
3. Josh Hamilton-Texas Rangers
4. Milton Bradley-Texas Rangers
just missed....JD Drew-Boston Red Sox.
Lee was 5-8 last year with a 6.29 ERA and was sent down to Buffalo to get his stuff together. He rebounded in 2008 with a likely Cy Young performance 22-3, with a 2.54 ERA. Tough to vote against him. The Moose had his first 20 win season at age 39. Mussina was thought to be all washed up after last year's 11-10, 5.15 ERA year, in which it was expected he may not even make the starting rotation this year. But because of injuries, he came out strong and finished the same, going 20-11 with a 3.37 ERA. Josh Hamilton had an adequate season last year in the NL, hitting .292, with 19 homers and 47 ribbies for the Reds. But who expected the numbers he would put up this year after being acquired by Texas? .304, 32 Home runs and 130 RBIS, and probably the MVP of the home run hitting contest. Milton Bradley has always had trouble keeping himself healthy. Its been thought, its the only thing holding this guy back from having a monster breakout year. Last year he was hurt, as evidenced by his .265 average with only 13 home runs and 37 RBI's...but in 08, he brokeout, hitting .321 with 22 homers and 77 rbi's.
Tomorrow...NL
In the AL
1. Cliff Lee-Cleveland Indians
2. Mike Mussina-New York Yankees
3. Josh Hamilton-Texas Rangers
4. Milton Bradley-Texas Rangers
just missed....JD Drew-Boston Red Sox.
Lee was 5-8 last year with a 6.29 ERA and was sent down to Buffalo to get his stuff together. He rebounded in 2008 with a likely Cy Young performance 22-3, with a 2.54 ERA. Tough to vote against him. The Moose had his first 20 win season at age 39. Mussina was thought to be all washed up after last year's 11-10, 5.15 ERA year, in which it was expected he may not even make the starting rotation this year. But because of injuries, he came out strong and finished the same, going 20-11 with a 3.37 ERA. Josh Hamilton had an adequate season last year in the NL, hitting .292, with 19 homers and 47 ribbies for the Reds. But who expected the numbers he would put up this year after being acquired by Texas? .304, 32 Home runs and 130 RBIS, and probably the MVP of the home run hitting contest. Milton Bradley has always had trouble keeping himself healthy. Its been thought, its the only thing holding this guy back from having a monster breakout year. Last year he was hurt, as evidenced by his .265 average with only 13 home runs and 37 RBI's...but in 08, he brokeout, hitting .321 with 22 homers and 77 rbi's.
Tomorrow...NL
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Yawkey baseball at the Hall of Fame
During the weekend of September 14, 2008, the Somerville Alibrandis and the Revere Rockies represented the Thomas A Yawkey Baseball League in an exhibition tournament held at the shrine of baseball, Cooperstown, New York.
The two teams played back to back games in this tourney. Revere won the first game and the teams came out deadlocked in game two.
When I get more information about who played, and any statistical stuff, you'll be amongst the first to know.
The two teams played back to back games in this tourney. Revere won the first game and the teams came out deadlocked in game two.
When I get more information about who played, and any statistical stuff, you'll be amongst the first to know.
No New York teams
I thought I'd quickly comment on the wonderful breath of fresh air going through the major league playoffs. That would be the factor that there is no New York team that is currently participating. The Yankees, because they just aren't good enough, and the Mets, because they choked for the second straight season. This time, they blew a 2 and a half game wild card lead over Milwaukee with just 5 games to go. I'm disappointed for Pedro Martinez, as he is, as far as I'm concerned, still a class act. I'd still love to see him complete his career at Fenway.
It's interesting, as much as I can't stand the Yankees and what they stand for, my Cousin Arlen Showstack actually mentioned something to me that was very interesting. He asked me if all the Red Sox were traded to New York for all the Yankees, who would I root fot for?Hmmmm???!!!As tough as that sounds, rooting for ARod or Joba Chamberlain, makes me stomach turn at first. But I guess he's right. A fan of a team is a fan of a team first! I still hope it never happens. Only a Hall of Famer like Arlen would come up with that one.
It's interesting, as much as I can't stand the Yankees and what they stand for, my Cousin Arlen Showstack actually mentioned something to me that was very interesting. He asked me if all the Red Sox were traded to New York for all the Yankees, who would I root fot for?Hmmmm???!!!As tough as that sounds, rooting for ARod or Joba Chamberlain, makes me stomach turn at first. But I guess he's right. A fan of a team is a fan of a team first! I still hope it never happens. Only a Hall of Famer like Arlen would come up with that one.
Rookie of the Year
Here are my choices for the Major league Rookie of The Year
AL
1. Evan Longoria-Tampa Bay Rays
2. Alexei Ramirez-Chicago White Sox
3. Jacoby Ellsbury-Boston Red Sox
4. Brad Zieglier-Oakland A's
5. Alex Casilla-Minnesota Twins
Longoria came into this season with incredible expectations and he seemed to meet just about all of them. He was a great hitter, average wise and power wise, and a was a terrific third baseman. The Cuban Missile came out of nowhere to blast 30 homers for the Sox, to pretty much lead them to the Central Division crown. Everybody thought Ellsbury was the favorite for this award, but his slow start killed that. But, his finish has been near smoking and he stole 50 bases this year. Ziegler took over the closer spot for Street after throwing an unheard of amount of scoreless innings in a row. And Casilla replaced Brendan Harris when he went down with an injury, and the rest is history.
NL
1. Geovanny Soto-Chicago Cubs
2. Joy Votto-Cincinnati Reds
3. Jay Bruce-Cincinnati Reds
4. Jars Jurrjens-Atlanta Braves
5. Chase Headley-San Diego Padres
Soto came up at the end of last year and put huge batting numbers. He won the catching job for the Cubs, and belted 30 homers this year. Votto played first base and in the outfield and had both high average and power numbers for the Reds. Jay Bruce came up about a month and a half into the season and the NL could'nt get him out for two weeks. He could be THE star for years to come. Jurrjens could be the Ace of the staff for the Braves once the older pitchers start retiring, anytime now. Headley has incredible potential.
AL
1. Evan Longoria-Tampa Bay Rays
2. Alexei Ramirez-Chicago White Sox
3. Jacoby Ellsbury-Boston Red Sox
4. Brad Zieglier-Oakland A's
5. Alex Casilla-Minnesota Twins
Longoria came into this season with incredible expectations and he seemed to meet just about all of them. He was a great hitter, average wise and power wise, and a was a terrific third baseman. The Cuban Missile came out of nowhere to blast 30 homers for the Sox, to pretty much lead them to the Central Division crown. Everybody thought Ellsbury was the favorite for this award, but his slow start killed that. But, his finish has been near smoking and he stole 50 bases this year. Ziegler took over the closer spot for Street after throwing an unheard of amount of scoreless innings in a row. And Casilla replaced Brendan Harris when he went down with an injury, and the rest is history.
NL
1. Geovanny Soto-Chicago Cubs
2. Joy Votto-Cincinnati Reds
3. Jay Bruce-Cincinnati Reds
4. Jars Jurrjens-Atlanta Braves
5. Chase Headley-San Diego Padres
Soto came up at the end of last year and put huge batting numbers. He won the catching job for the Cubs, and belted 30 homers this year. Votto played first base and in the outfield and had both high average and power numbers for the Reds. Jay Bruce came up about a month and a half into the season and the NL could'nt get him out for two weeks. He could be THE star for years to come. Jurrjens could be the Ace of the staff for the Braves once the older pitchers start retiring, anytime now. Headley has incredible potential.
Trivia answer
The answer to yesterday's trivia question, the player that was hit in six six consecutive games.....Carlos Quentin of the Chicago White Sox this season.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Billy Fitzgerald
Somerville Alibrandi Outfielder Billy Fitzgerald played in the Old Timer Baseball game at St. Peters Field on 8/21/08 to benefit the Todd Schwartz memorial fund. This is Billy's third foreay into this fine game. Director David Treska was one of the umpires for the snd straight year. Desroches. Mendonca & Morse have all appeared at one time or another at this guy.
Trivia answer
The player who set the record for being hit in the most consecutive games? Carlos Quentin-Chicago-2008
Cy Young Award Predictions
In the American League
1. Cliff Lee-Cleveland
2. Francisco Rodriguez-Los Angeles of Anaheim
3. Roy Halliday-Toronto
4. Daisuke Matsusaka-Boston
5. Jonathan Papelbon-Boston
In the National League
1. Tim Lincecum-San Francisco
2. Johan Santana- New York
3. Brandon Webb-Arizona
4. Carlos Zambrano-Chicago
5. Edison Volquez-Cincinnati
1. Cliff Lee-Cleveland
2. Francisco Rodriguez-Los Angeles of Anaheim
3. Roy Halliday-Toronto
4. Daisuke Matsusaka-Boston
5. Jonathan Papelbon-Boston
In the National League
1. Tim Lincecum-San Francisco
2. Johan Santana- New York
3. Brandon Webb-Arizona
4. Carlos Zambrano-Chicago
5. Edison Volquez-Cincinnati
Predictions on MLB playoffs
Milwaukee Brewers vs Philadelphia Phillies
Difficult to pick against the very hot Brewers, especially after what they've done in the last week of the season. With my choice for NL MVP and last years AL Cy Young winner tossing for the Brew Crew, I will pick Milwaukee in an upset 3 games to 2 over the heavily favored Phils.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs
In this area, most people will be rooting on the Cubbies. Heck, in most areas, most people will be rooting on the Cubs. They haven't won a title in 100 years. If you match the teams player by player, the Cubs are a much better team. But, it doesn't always go that way. The Dodgers do have some playoff and World Series experience in Manny Ramirez, Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Lowe, Casey Blake & Rafael Furcal. The Cubs answer with Jim Edmonds, Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Dempster & Derrick Lee. Edge goes to the Dodgers here, but prediction, Cubs in 4.
Chicago White Sox vs Tamp Bay Rays
Whoever thought that the Rays would ever be favored to win a stickball match, much less a playoff series. But that is exactly what we see here. The White Sox had to work extremly hard the last week just to get here. And up and down the lineup, the only spot that the Sox have an advantage over Tampa is Shortstop and possibly DH. Tampa could sweep this in three.
Boston vs Los Angeles of Anaheim
It appears on paper that the Angels could crush the Red Sox in this series. They wont. Losing Beckett as an opening day starter for the Sox could be a blessing in disguise, as Lester has clearly been the Red Sox ace this season. John Lackey has struggled down the stretch for the Angels, and has never put up huge numbers vs Boston. The addition of Teixeira will help the Angel, but how much?It appears Mike Lowell & JD Drew will be returning just in time for the Old Towne Team. I like the Sox in 4.
Difficult to pick against the very hot Brewers, especially after what they've done in the last week of the season. With my choice for NL MVP and last years AL Cy Young winner tossing for the Brew Crew, I will pick Milwaukee in an upset 3 games to 2 over the heavily favored Phils.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs
In this area, most people will be rooting on the Cubbies. Heck, in most areas, most people will be rooting on the Cubs. They haven't won a title in 100 years. If you match the teams player by player, the Cubs are a much better team. But, it doesn't always go that way. The Dodgers do have some playoff and World Series experience in Manny Ramirez, Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Lowe, Casey Blake & Rafael Furcal. The Cubs answer with Jim Edmonds, Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Dempster & Derrick Lee. Edge goes to the Dodgers here, but prediction, Cubs in 4.
Chicago White Sox vs Tamp Bay Rays
Whoever thought that the Rays would ever be favored to win a stickball match, much less a playoff series. But that is exactly what we see here. The White Sox had to work extremly hard the last week just to get here. And up and down the lineup, the only spot that the Sox have an advantage over Tampa is Shortstop and possibly DH. Tampa could sweep this in three.
Boston vs Los Angeles of Anaheim
It appears on paper that the Angels could crush the Red Sox in this series. They wont. Losing Beckett as an opening day starter for the Sox could be a blessing in disguise, as Lester has clearly been the Red Sox ace this season. John Lackey has struggled down the stretch for the Angels, and has never put up huge numbers vs Boston. The addition of Teixeira will help the Angel, but how much?It appears Mike Lowell & JD Drew will be returning just in time for the Old Towne Team. I like the Sox in 4.
Trivia
What AL player set a record this season for being hit by a pitch in six consecutive games?
Answer tomorrow.
Answer tomorrow.
MLB Predictions
For the MVP award
In the American League
1. Dustin Pedroia-Boston
2. Joe Mauer-Minnesota
3. Kevin Youkilius-Boston
4. Carlos Quentin-Chicago
5. Francisco Rodriguez-Los Angeles
In the National League
1. CC Sabathia-Milwaukee
2. Manny Ramirez-Los Angeles
3. Albert Pujols-St. Louis
4. Ryan Howard-Philadelphia
5. tie Lance Berkman-Houston
Chipper Jones-Atlanta
In the next column, more predictions on the awards, on how I believe the playoffs will go, more of AL D'S side-liners notes, info on what Somerville and Revere did up in Cooperstown, NY, the old timers game in Cambridge, the Comcast Player of the week and much much more here in Cousin Stu's Stats.
In the American League
1. Dustin Pedroia-Boston
2. Joe Mauer-Minnesota
3. Kevin Youkilius-Boston
4. Carlos Quentin-Chicago
5. Francisco Rodriguez-Los Angeles
In the National League
1. CC Sabathia-Milwaukee
2. Manny Ramirez-Los Angeles
3. Albert Pujols-St. Louis
4. Ryan Howard-Philadelphia
5. tie Lance Berkman-Houston
Chipper Jones-Atlanta
In the next column, more predictions on the awards, on how I believe the playoffs will go, more of AL D'S side-liners notes, info on what Somerville and Revere did up in Cooperstown, NY, the old timers game in Cambridge, the Comcast Player of the week and much much more here in Cousin Stu's Stats.
Trivia answer
And here is last week's answer to the trivia question.
The Question was who did not win an AL Gold Glove Award?
The answer is Jorge Posada.
The Question was who did not win an AL Gold Glove Award?
The answer is Jorge Posada.
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