At long last, Alex Rodriguez joined the once prestigious 600 Home Run Club.
A-Rod's blast to center field was the most over-anticipated, over-hyped and over-blown sports moment since "The Decision."
The two-run homer did help the Yanks to a 5-1 triumph over the Blue Jays that, along with a Rays defeat at the hands of the Twins, pushed the Yanks back into a push for first place in the American League East.
It's not the first time a Yankee clubbed a two-run jack in the opening frame since the calender flipped to August, in fact it wasn't the second time either. For the third game in-a-row, a different Yankee, batting in a different spot in the order, smacked a two-run dinger in the first inning.
Nick Swisher, batting in the two-hole, and Mark Teixeira, the three-hitter, were the ones who performed the deed in the previous games.
The pair of runs was all Phil Hughes, Boone Logan, Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson and Mariano Rivera would need holding the Jays to a single tally.
With A-Rod's milestone behind them, the Yanks must prepare for a four-game battle with the Red Sox -- no word if impatient Joe West will be arbiter in the series.
With New York and Tampa Bay 6.5 lengths ahead of the Rose Hose, Boston needs this weekend to turn the division into a three pony meet. The Yanks and Rays like it just fine with two competitors, insuring both a playoff spot.
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The Mets and their fickle fans are hoping last night's disastrous 8-3 abomination to the Braves was rock bottom. Really, it can't get much worst than that.
When a team accumulates more errors, 4, than runs, 3, things aren't going quite right.
But the miscues were just one of many issues for Jerry Manuel's club, which appeared to have spent all night celebrating Jeff Francoeur's dramatic homer the previous night.
Supposed number two starter, Mike Pelfrey was awful -- again. Since his last W on June 25, Pelf's ERA is a swollen 9.00. In those seven starts, the big righty has not once completed six innings and only twice made to the end of the fifth.
The sad state of the lineup can be summed up as such: Luis Castillo was the Mets best offensive player last night with two hits, a walk and a run batted in.
Any hopes that the Mets would use Frenchy's blast as a building block were dashed when Chipper Jones and Brian McCann went yard back-to-back in the third, flipping a 2-1 lead into a 3-2 deficit the Mets would not recover from.
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Mets fans should feel bad for Oliver Perez, not because he's just not that good a pitcher -- many people aren't, but because he simply doesn't get it.
"I'm trying to get better," Ollie told the New York Post, "but it's hard when you don't have the velocity you used to have. I'm trying to become a pitcher instead of just using my power. That's difficult to do." It's even more challenging to accomplish while wasting away in the bullpen.
It doesn't exactly take a rocking Leo Mazzone to realize that the best place to build velocity and work on changing yourself as pitcher is not sitting on ones behind, it's on the mound. The only hill Ollie should get near these days is one down on the farm.
Ollie should be the 26th man on the Mets 25-man roster. But he doesn't get it, that's what makes his situation so irritating.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
New Column On BaseballDigest.com
Latest column for BaseballDigest.com concerns the Mets failures over the past five weeks.
Click here to read the entire column.
Click here to read the entire column.
Friday, July 30, 2010
A-Rod Still Stuck On # 599
It's been seven games, 34 plate appearances and 136 pitches since Alex Rodriguez last went yard for home run number 599.
Crowds form, specially branded baseballs are put in play and major sports networks digress from regularly scheduled programming in hopes that A-Rod will create tainted history.
Love or despise A-Rod, one cannot help but mention that his next home run will simply be adding to baseball's heap of contaminated numbers. No, Alex is not the only one to admit to taking performance enhancing drugs, but that has never been a valid excuse -- from grade school on up.
When A-Rod does launch number 600, he'll be the seventh member to join what was once a prestigious and exclusive club. However, A-Rod will also be the third known PED user, along with Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa, in the group.
To give A-Rod credit, he's been saying all the right things in the pursuit of the milestone dinger. But he's been one to say, especially lately, that he does his talking on the field.
Granted Alex hasn't struggled at the plate, he has nine hits in 30 official at-bats, but there's been a suspicious lull in home runs. A-Rod can claim all he wants that it's not affecting him, but his "talking on field" leads to a very different conclusion.
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"Where would the Mets be without knuckle-balling sensation R.A. Dickey?" Is not a query GM Omar Minaya wants to ponder.
Although the Mets are merely 7-7 in Dickey's 14 starts, several of the defeats have been of the hard-luck variety. The 35-year-old is 7-4 with a 2.32 ERA after his most impressive performance of the season yesterday against the Cardinals -- 8.1 innings of shutout ball allowing just four hits and two walks.
Beginning the season at Triple-A Buffalo, Dickey made his first major league start on May 19. With two-fifths of the rotation, Oliver Perez and John Maine, no longer viable options, Jerry Manuel faced a dearth of starters.
Dickey has plugged the Queens version of the leaky BP oil well with a dancing knuckler. Surprisingly, he's kept free passes to a minimum -- no small feat for a knuckleballer.
Another legitimate dilemma Minaya wouldn't like to consider: Where the club would be without rookie Ike Davis?
The first baseman's batting average has plunged of late, but his 15 homers have filled a significant power void in the lineup. Of the 15 long balls, there hasn't been a cheapy among them. When Ike gets a hold of pitch, the ball oughta have a stewardess on it, to paraphrase Kevin Costner as Crash Davis in Bull Durham.
************************************************************
One stiff shoulder, ultimately resulting in a trip to the DL, and already the Kerry Wood and Mark Prior comparisons have begun for Stephen Strasburg.
In an interview with MLB Network Radio, and reported by the New York Post's Joel Sherman, White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said, "I am not wishing this guy bad, but for him to be having problems right now when they are really, really watching him what are they going to see when they are trying to get 220 innings from him?"
Referring to Strasburg's odd "arm action," Cooper drops the two names that frighten organizations that employ young hard-throwing hurlers. "It reminds me a little bit of Kerry Wood, a little bit of Mark Prior."
The Nationals likely only agree with this one statement from Cooper: "I hope I’m wrong about this."
Crowds form, specially branded baseballs are put in play and major sports networks digress from regularly scheduled programming in hopes that A-Rod will create tainted history.
Love or despise A-Rod, one cannot help but mention that his next home run will simply be adding to baseball's heap of contaminated numbers. No, Alex is not the only one to admit to taking performance enhancing drugs, but that has never been a valid excuse -- from grade school on up.
When A-Rod does launch number 600, he'll be the seventh member to join what was once a prestigious and exclusive club. However, A-Rod will also be the third known PED user, along with Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa, in the group.
To give A-Rod credit, he's been saying all the right things in the pursuit of the milestone dinger. But he's been one to say, especially lately, that he does his talking on the field.
Granted Alex hasn't struggled at the plate, he has nine hits in 30 official at-bats, but there's been a suspicious lull in home runs. A-Rod can claim all he wants that it's not affecting him, but his "talking on field" leads to a very different conclusion.
*************************************************************
"Where would the Mets be without knuckle-balling sensation R.A. Dickey?" Is not a query GM Omar Minaya wants to ponder.
Although the Mets are merely 7-7 in Dickey's 14 starts, several of the defeats have been of the hard-luck variety. The 35-year-old is 7-4 with a 2.32 ERA after his most impressive performance of the season yesterday against the Cardinals -- 8.1 innings of shutout ball allowing just four hits and two walks.
Beginning the season at Triple-A Buffalo, Dickey made his first major league start on May 19. With two-fifths of the rotation, Oliver Perez and John Maine, no longer viable options, Jerry Manuel faced a dearth of starters.
Dickey has plugged the Queens version of the leaky BP oil well with a dancing knuckler. Surprisingly, he's kept free passes to a minimum -- no small feat for a knuckleballer.
Another legitimate dilemma Minaya wouldn't like to consider: Where the club would be without rookie Ike Davis?
The first baseman's batting average has plunged of late, but his 15 homers have filled a significant power void in the lineup. Of the 15 long balls, there hasn't been a cheapy among them. When Ike gets a hold of pitch, the ball oughta have a stewardess on it, to paraphrase Kevin Costner as Crash Davis in Bull Durham.
************************************************************
One stiff shoulder, ultimately resulting in a trip to the DL, and already the Kerry Wood and Mark Prior comparisons have begun for Stephen Strasburg.
In an interview with MLB Network Radio, and reported by the New York Post's Joel Sherman, White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said, "I am not wishing this guy bad, but for him to be having problems right now when they are really, really watching him what are they going to see when they are trying to get 220 innings from him?"
Referring to Strasburg's odd "arm action," Cooper drops the two names that frighten organizations that employ young hard-throwing hurlers. "It reminds me a little bit of Kerry Wood, a little bit of Mark Prior."
The Nationals likely only agree with this one statement from Cooper: "I hope I’m wrong about this."
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Positives In A Negative
"No such thing as a good loss," claims an old adage. But last night's Mets 13 inning, 8-7, lose certainly had some positives.
For one, look at the final score. The Mets scored seven, count 'em, SEVEN runs. That was about three games worth of runs in on the West Coast trip that opened the second half.
And, to make the outburst all the more impressive, all the offense came after the Mets were down six runs.
Johan Santana had an awful opening frame allowing six runs and eight hits, but Jerry Manuel's club didn't quit. As a matter of fact, the Mets were one big hit away from putting Cardinals rookie sensation Jaime Garcia through the same misery in the first as Santana, denting the plate twice and bringing the tying run to the plate with the bases loaded.
Still, the Mets were down four going into the eighth. That's when Cards skipper Tony La Russa led a parade of bearded Red Bird relievers to the hill.
An Angel Pagan two-run homer and a big two-out two-run pinch-hit single by Ike Davis and Mets has tied up a game that seemed squandered before a turn at bat.
No, the Mets didn't win the game, but they demonstrated that quitting is not their modus operandi. This team won't quit on a game, and it won't give up on a season.
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A.J. Burnett and Joba Chamberlain, the two hurlers that concern Yankees fans most, combined for seven scoreless innings. Yes, it was against the woeful Indians, but it was a good showing nonetheless.
Alex Rodriguez is still sitting on home run number 599. While there's no question that A-Rod has behaved differently over the past couple of years, he's still having trouble with milestone homers.
The Yankees starting pitcher tonight will be Dustin Moseley. That's the same Dustin Moseley that... never mind, he hasn't done anything in his career to this point that's worth mentioning. But, that may change tonight, he is starting against the woeful Indians.
************************************************
According to numerous reports, it's now up to Roy Oswalt to decide whether he wants to feel the brotherly love in Philadelphia.
If Oswalt chooses to wave his no-trade instead of waiving it, he deserves to finish out the rest of his career in the obscurity of Houston.
For one, look at the final score. The Mets scored seven, count 'em, SEVEN runs. That was about three games worth of runs in on the West Coast trip that opened the second half.
And, to make the outburst all the more impressive, all the offense came after the Mets were down six runs.
Johan Santana had an awful opening frame allowing six runs and eight hits, but Jerry Manuel's club didn't quit. As a matter of fact, the Mets were one big hit away from putting Cardinals rookie sensation Jaime Garcia through the same misery in the first as Santana, denting the plate twice and bringing the tying run to the plate with the bases loaded.
Still, the Mets were down four going into the eighth. That's when Cards skipper Tony La Russa led a parade of bearded Red Bird relievers to the hill.
An Angel Pagan two-run homer and a big two-out two-run pinch-hit single by Ike Davis and Mets has tied up a game that seemed squandered before a turn at bat.
No, the Mets didn't win the game, but they demonstrated that quitting is not their modus operandi. This team won't quit on a game, and it won't give up on a season.
*****************************************************
A.J. Burnett and Joba Chamberlain, the two hurlers that concern Yankees fans most, combined for seven scoreless innings. Yes, it was against the woeful Indians, but it was a good showing nonetheless.
Alex Rodriguez is still sitting on home run number 599. While there's no question that A-Rod has behaved differently over the past couple of years, he's still having trouble with milestone homers.
The Yankees starting pitcher tonight will be Dustin Moseley. That's the same Dustin Moseley that... never mind, he hasn't done anything in his career to this point that's worth mentioning. But, that may change tonight, he is starting against the woeful Indians.
************************************************
According to numerous reports, it's now up to Roy Oswalt to decide whether he wants to feel the brotherly love in Philadelphia.
If Oswalt chooses to wave his no-trade instead of waiving it, he deserves to finish out the rest of his career in the obscurity of Houston.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
BaseballDigest.com
Hey Readers:
I'm writing weekly Mets columns every Wednesday for BaseballDigest.com
Click here to link to the columns.
Read, comment and enjoy.
I'm writing weekly Mets columns every Wednesday for BaseballDigest.com
Click here to link to the columns.
Read, comment and enjoy.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Grandy's Week Of Smacking Southpaws
Back in December, when the Yanks executed a three-way trade to bring Curtis Granderson to The Bronx, concerned centered on the All-Star center fielder's woeful batting average against left-handed pitching.
Granderson's career average against southpaws was a near-Mendoza-line .210, and he was coming off a season well below that sunken standard. In 2009, Grandy hit just .183 and a measly two roundtrippers in 199 plate appearances versus lefties.
Yet Granderson paid immediate dividends in pinstripes.
In the opening series against the Red Sox, Curtis hit a home run is his first Yankee at-bat -- off Josh Becket no less. Then, in the rubber-match of the series, took Jonathan Papelbon deep for the go-ahead run in the top of the tenth inning.
One series, two homers off two of Boston's top hurlers -- albeit both righties.
In his first 11 games of the season, the affable Granderson collected six multi-hit games and a batting average of .326.
Granderson slumped through the rest of April eventually winding up on the DL in early May and missing the next 24 games. His average down to .225 and still just those two homers.
But since his return on May 28 against the Indians, Granderson has been swinging a clutch bat, even against his personal nemesis: The lefty. Granderson is 5 for 16 since coming back, including four hits against southpaws.
In his first game back, Granderson doubled off lefthander Tony Sipp in the eight inning. Two batters later, after Mark Teixeira walked, Robinson Cano's grand slam extended the Yanks' lead to 8-2 -- the eventual final score.
Two days later, with the Yanks down to the Tribe, 3-2, Grandy once again doubled of Sipp. Tex followed that with a three-run go-ahead homer to cap a five-run seventh.
Having seen enough of Sipp, the next day Indians skipper Manny Acta brought on another lefty, this time it was Rafael Perez, to face Granderson. With the game still in doubt, the Yanks were up 2-1, Curtis singled to move Ramiro Pena (pinch-running for Derek Jeter) to second.
After a wild-pitch moved both runners into scoring position and an intentional walk to Teixiera, A-Rod ended all suspense with grand-slam to deep center. The Yanks went on to blowout the Indians, 11-2.
Having dispensed of everyone the Indians could throw at him, Granderson continued his assault on lefties last night against the Orioles.
Lefty Brian Matusz started for Baltimore and had one of the finest performances of his young career going 6.2 innings and giving up just one earned run -- a tie-breaking homer by Granderson. The Yankees eventually won the game after Miguel Tejada allowed two unearned runs to score on a throwing error providing the margin in a 3-1 victory.
The pieces given up for Granderson have performed well this season. Phil Coke has been solid and Austin Jackson leads all rookies in batting average (minimum 50 ABs) for the Tigers and Ian Kennedy leads all Diamondback starters in ERA.
If the past week is an indication of how Granderson will perform in The Bronx, the Yanks absolutely made the right move.
Granderson's career average against southpaws was a near-Mendoza-line .210, and he was coming off a season well below that sunken standard. In 2009, Grandy hit just .183 and a measly two roundtrippers in 199 plate appearances versus lefties.
Yet Granderson paid immediate dividends in pinstripes.
In the opening series against the Red Sox, Curtis hit a home run is his first Yankee at-bat -- off Josh Becket no less. Then, in the rubber-match of the series, took Jonathan Papelbon deep for the go-ahead run in the top of the tenth inning.
One series, two homers off two of Boston's top hurlers -- albeit both righties.
In his first 11 games of the season, the affable Granderson collected six multi-hit games and a batting average of .326.
Granderson slumped through the rest of April eventually winding up on the DL in early May and missing the next 24 games. His average down to .225 and still just those two homers.
But since his return on May 28 against the Indians, Granderson has been swinging a clutch bat, even against his personal nemesis: The lefty. Granderson is 5 for 16 since coming back, including four hits against southpaws.
In his first game back, Granderson doubled off lefthander Tony Sipp in the eight inning. Two batters later, after Mark Teixeira walked, Robinson Cano's grand slam extended the Yanks' lead to 8-2 -- the eventual final score.
Two days later, with the Yanks down to the Tribe, 3-2, Grandy once again doubled of Sipp. Tex followed that with a three-run go-ahead homer to cap a five-run seventh.
Having seen enough of Sipp, the next day Indians skipper Manny Acta brought on another lefty, this time it was Rafael Perez, to face Granderson. With the game still in doubt, the Yanks were up 2-1, Curtis singled to move Ramiro Pena (pinch-running for Derek Jeter) to second.
After a wild-pitch moved both runners into scoring position and an intentional walk to Teixiera, A-Rod ended all suspense with grand-slam to deep center. The Yanks went on to blowout the Indians, 11-2.
Having dispensed of everyone the Indians could throw at him, Granderson continued his assault on lefties last night against the Orioles.
Lefty Brian Matusz started for Baltimore and had one of the finest performances of his young career going 6.2 innings and giving up just one earned run -- a tie-breaking homer by Granderson. The Yankees eventually won the game after Miguel Tejada allowed two unearned runs to score on a throwing error providing the margin in a 3-1 victory.
The pieces given up for Granderson have performed well this season. Phil Coke has been solid and Austin Jackson leads all rookies in batting average (minimum 50 ABs) for the Tigers and Ian Kennedy leads all Diamondback starters in ERA.
If the past week is an indication of how Granderson will perform in The Bronx, the Yanks absolutely made the right move.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Memorial Day: Taking Stock -- Yanks
Memorial Day is the first opportunity to take stock of the baseball scene.
The regular season is slightly less than a third of the way to the finish line. Sizzling starts have cooled and chilly commencements have warmed.
Let's start with a Yanks update through their first 51 games as defending champs for the fist time since the 2001 campaign.
The Bombers are 11 games above .500 at 31-20, 2.5 games behind the Rays in the AL East and leading the Wild Card race heading into the first turn.
The starting rotation of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes and Javier Vazquez have a combined record of 26-12. Excluding Vazquez, the staff was off to an 11-2 start as the shower's of April cleared.
Sabathia struggled in May winning just one decision while dropping two. Burnett's worst performance came against the Red Sox at Fenway Park against the Red Sox, but the nasty righty has straightened out by winning his last two starts.
The veteran Pettitte and youngster Hughes have been fantastic. The 38-year-old lefty is 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA. Not far behind is Hughes at 6-1, 2.70.
Vazquez did not get his return to The Bronx off to a good start. On May 1, Javy owned a 1-3 record with an ERA near ten and was skipped in his next turn in the rotation.
After missing a start, Javy's performance mysteriously improved -- his last start against the Twins not withstanding.
The Yanks lead the majors in runs scored per game by half-a-run over AL East foes Toronto and Boston. The data is all the more impressive when the sluggish starts of the three and four hitters in the lineup -- Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez, respectively -- are taken into account.
Although Tex is a notorious for getting off to slow starts, this season has been slower and the "start" has now extended to May.
A-Rod had an atypical April belting just two homers. Excluding 1999 and 2009 when Alex missed considerable time due to injury, that's the lowest total of his career for that month.
However, the story of the lineup is Robinson Cano. Off to a blistering start, Robbie carried the Yanks early on batting .400 in the opening month. And, to go with the hot bat, Cano is playing a stellar second base.
Derek Jeter bounced back from a minor May slump to finish the month batting .302.
The outfield has been a carousel exasperated by an injury to newbie Curtis Granderson. Nick Swisher continued to contribute in right and Brett Gardner has been better than expected with the bat while playing left and center.
Jorge Posada is spending time on the DL but Francisco Cervelli has been a more than competent backup.
Nick Johnson's trip to the DL is as surprising as birds migrating south for winter. The fill-ins, Juan Miranda, Kevin Russo and Greg Golson, have been unspectacular.
Mariano Rivera has been splendid out of the bullpen blowing just one save in 11 opportunities. Mo didn't give up a run until his 13th appearance of the season.
After Mo, the pen has been shaky. Joba Chamberlain has been downright bad in the second half of May. The Yanks need Joba to return to early season form when he showed flashes of dominance.
Damaso Marte has been solid but David Robertson hasn't given Joe Girardi a reason bring him in to a game other than mop-up duty. Alfredo Aceves may be done for the season and Chan Ho Park doesn't belong in a game unless there's at least a seven-run lead either way.
Although the arms are solid, the relief work overall has not been up to par. If the current group doesn't back on track, Brian Cashman has acquire someone else for Girardi to use in a key spot.
The Yanks need CC to return to ace form and can expect that to happen based on his career post-All-Star break numbers. The middle of the lineup must start carrying its own weight, and if the last two games are any indication, Tex and A-Rod are on their way.
The bullpen is the biggest concern because, after Mo, there isn't enough history among the relievers to have any expectations as to how they will respond to adversity.
There isn't much Girardi can do with the lineup, especially after Posada returns.
Joe will meddle most with the relief corps, which is a concern because Girardi already makes too many pitching changes. If he doesn't trust the guys on the hill, trips to the mound will increase -- if that's imaginable.
The regular season is slightly less than a third of the way to the finish line. Sizzling starts have cooled and chilly commencements have warmed.
Let's start with a Yanks update through their first 51 games as defending champs for the fist time since the 2001 campaign.
The Bombers are 11 games above .500 at 31-20, 2.5 games behind the Rays in the AL East and leading the Wild Card race heading into the first turn.
The starting rotation of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes and Javier Vazquez have a combined record of 26-12. Excluding Vazquez, the staff was off to an 11-2 start as the shower's of April cleared.
Sabathia struggled in May winning just one decision while dropping two. Burnett's worst performance came against the Red Sox at Fenway Park against the Red Sox, but the nasty righty has straightened out by winning his last two starts.
The veteran Pettitte and youngster Hughes have been fantastic. The 38-year-old lefty is 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA. Not far behind is Hughes at 6-1, 2.70.
Vazquez did not get his return to The Bronx off to a good start. On May 1, Javy owned a 1-3 record with an ERA near ten and was skipped in his next turn in the rotation.
After missing a start, Javy's performance mysteriously improved -- his last start against the Twins not withstanding.
The Yanks lead the majors in runs scored per game by half-a-run over AL East foes Toronto and Boston. The data is all the more impressive when the sluggish starts of the three and four hitters in the lineup -- Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez, respectively -- are taken into account.
Although Tex is a notorious for getting off to slow starts, this season has been slower and the "start" has now extended to May.
A-Rod had an atypical April belting just two homers. Excluding 1999 and 2009 when Alex missed considerable time due to injury, that's the lowest total of his career for that month.
However, the story of the lineup is Robinson Cano. Off to a blistering start, Robbie carried the Yanks early on batting .400 in the opening month. And, to go with the hot bat, Cano is playing a stellar second base.
Derek Jeter bounced back from a minor May slump to finish the month batting .302.
The outfield has been a carousel exasperated by an injury to newbie Curtis Granderson. Nick Swisher continued to contribute in right and Brett Gardner has been better than expected with the bat while playing left and center.
Jorge Posada is spending time on the DL but Francisco Cervelli has been a more than competent backup.
Nick Johnson's trip to the DL is as surprising as birds migrating south for winter. The fill-ins, Juan Miranda, Kevin Russo and Greg Golson, have been unspectacular.
Mariano Rivera has been splendid out of the bullpen blowing just one save in 11 opportunities. Mo didn't give up a run until his 13th appearance of the season.
After Mo, the pen has been shaky. Joba Chamberlain has been downright bad in the second half of May. The Yanks need Joba to return to early season form when he showed flashes of dominance.
Damaso Marte has been solid but David Robertson hasn't given Joe Girardi a reason bring him in to a game other than mop-up duty. Alfredo Aceves may be done for the season and Chan Ho Park doesn't belong in a game unless there's at least a seven-run lead either way.
Although the arms are solid, the relief work overall has not been up to par. If the current group doesn't back on track, Brian Cashman has acquire someone else for Girardi to use in a key spot.
The Yanks need CC to return to ace form and can expect that to happen based on his career post-All-Star break numbers. The middle of the lineup must start carrying its own weight, and if the last two games are any indication, Tex and A-Rod are on their way.
The bullpen is the biggest concern because, after Mo, there isn't enough history among the relievers to have any expectations as to how they will respond to adversity.
There isn't much Girardi can do with the lineup, especially after Posada returns.
Joe will meddle most with the relief corps, which is a concern because Girardi already makes too many pitching changes. If he doesn't trust the guys on the hill, trips to the mound will increase -- if that's imaginable.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Perfection As Different As Can Be
The last time two perfect games were thrown in Major League Baseball before the flip of a calendar page, Rutherford B. Hayes was President of the United States of America.
The Civil War wasn't a topic taught in History Class, it was a conflict most folks had lived through.
On Saturday, June 12, 1880, Lee Richmond of the Worcester Ruby Legs stifled the Cleveland Blues pitching the first perfect game in MLB history.
By Thursday of the following week, June 17, 1880, Richmond had company. Providence Grays' hurler Monte Ward shut down the Buffalo Bisons for the second perfecto in the Majors.
Sixteen other gems would be tossed before Dallas Braden would set down all 27 Rays batters he faced on Mother's Day, May 9 of this year.
On Saturday, less than three weeks hence Braden's masterpiece, Roy Halladay became the 20th member of the Perfect Game Club by disposing of every Marlins hitter he faced -- 27 up, 27 down.
Adding in Mark Buehrle's perfect performance on July 23 of last year, there have been three no-base-runner exhibitions in fewer than 12 months.
Excluding the first two perfect games, which took place prior to what most historians consider the modern era of baseball, there has never been perfection tossed twice in a dozen months prior to Braden's performance.
Tom Singer of MLB.com puts it this way: "What had been a once-in-a-generation phenomenon has turned into twice-in-a-month lightning."
Braden and Halladay are about as similar as Beethoven and Elvis.
The left-handed Braden first appeared on most baseball fans' radar when he scolded Alex Rodriguez for crossing "my mound" back in April.
Braden's career numbers are less than stellar, 18-25 with 4.47 ERA over four seasons. A-Rod referred to Dallas as "a guy with a handful of wins in his career."
A fringe major leaguer at the moment, Braden's career is in it's infancy. The 26-year-old's career high in starts, 22, and innings pitched, 136.2, both came last season.
The Stockton, California-raised Braden may wind up with a decent career, but can just as easily fall off the major league map and live on simply as the answer to the trivia question regarding the pitcher with the least wins to throw a perfect game.
Halladay, meanwhile, is Cooperstown bound and the premier pitcher of his era.
With a 155-79 record to go with a 3.37 career ERA, Docs perfect game merely solidifies his standing as one of the best pitchers of all-time.
The right-hander's hardware includes: The 2003 AL Cy Young Award and six All-Star selections.
Yet, somehow, these two disparate men made history together a mere 20 days apart. Somehow two perfect games were thrown -- not only in the same season but -- in the same month.
For some reason perfection isn't quite as rare as it once was.
The Civil War wasn't a topic taught in History Class, it was a conflict most folks had lived through.
On Saturday, June 12, 1880, Lee Richmond of the Worcester Ruby Legs stifled the Cleveland Blues pitching the first perfect game in MLB history.
By Thursday of the following week, June 17, 1880, Richmond had company. Providence Grays' hurler Monte Ward shut down the Buffalo Bisons for the second perfecto in the Majors.
Sixteen other gems would be tossed before Dallas Braden would set down all 27 Rays batters he faced on Mother's Day, May 9 of this year.
On Saturday, less than three weeks hence Braden's masterpiece, Roy Halladay became the 20th member of the Perfect Game Club by disposing of every Marlins hitter he faced -- 27 up, 27 down.
Adding in Mark Buehrle's perfect performance on July 23 of last year, there have been three no-base-runner exhibitions in fewer than 12 months.
Excluding the first two perfect games, which took place prior to what most historians consider the modern era of baseball, there has never been perfection tossed twice in a dozen months prior to Braden's performance.
Tom Singer of MLB.com puts it this way: "What had been a once-in-a-generation phenomenon has turned into twice-in-a-month lightning."
Braden and Halladay are about as similar as Beethoven and Elvis.
The left-handed Braden first appeared on most baseball fans' radar when he scolded Alex Rodriguez for crossing "my mound" back in April.
Braden's career numbers are less than stellar, 18-25 with 4.47 ERA over four seasons. A-Rod referred to Dallas as "a guy with a handful of wins in his career."
A fringe major leaguer at the moment, Braden's career is in it's infancy. The 26-year-old's career high in starts, 22, and innings pitched, 136.2, both came last season.
The Stockton, California-raised Braden may wind up with a decent career, but can just as easily fall off the major league map and live on simply as the answer to the trivia question regarding the pitcher with the least wins to throw a perfect game.
Halladay, meanwhile, is Cooperstown bound and the premier pitcher of his era.
With a 155-79 record to go with a 3.37 career ERA, Docs perfect game merely solidifies his standing as one of the best pitchers of all-time.
The right-hander's hardware includes: The 2003 AL Cy Young Award and six All-Star selections.
Yet, somehow, these two disparate men made history together a mere 20 days apart. Somehow two perfect games were thrown -- not only in the same season but -- in the same month.
For some reason perfection isn't quite as rare as it once was.
Friday, May 28, 2010
From Amazin' To Cyclones
The Mets' single A affiliate in Brooklyn shares the name of the roller coaster just beyond the left field wall at its home ballpark -- The Cyclone.
But, for at least this season, it would suit the big league club to adopt the moniker of their Minor League organization.
No, that's not a knock on the overall play of the Flushing Nine, although for much of last season many Triple A clubs would have given the Mets a run for their money.
The adoption of the name Cyclones for the 2010 Mets would be appropriate due to the twisting journey the Mets have taken through the first 48 games.
Currently two games above .500 at 25 up and 23 down and a mere two games out of a playoff spot in both the NL East and Wild Card, the Flushing Cyclones have twice gone on awful runs that had the faithful concluding that the season was kaput, then followed up those putrid drops with equally as impressive climbs that had many at Citi Field dreaming of the playoffs.
Is it too early to be discussing the playoffs? Yes, but at the moment the possibility of serious October baseball is the only way to gauge fan and media interest in Queens.
After mauling the Marlins, 7-1, on Opening Day, the Mets dropped eight of the next 11 contests. Losing the opening four series of the season to Florida, Washington, Colorado and St. Louis left Jerry Manuel's club at 4-8.
When the drop hit bottom the Mets were last in the NL Eastern Division with only the Astros, who started the season 1-7, having a worse record in the entire National League.
Manuel's job was as secure as a $20 bill on a Times Square sidewalk.
April 18 was the start of a sudden jolt upward, a ten-game homestand during which the Mets would drop just a single contest. Finishing April with a win in Philadelphia, the once-forsaken club sat atop the Division at 14-9.
Losing the next two to the Phillies and dropping two of three to the Reds had May off to an ominous start. The May malaise continued for 20 days with a 6-13 free fall dropping the Mets, once again, to last in the East and two games below .500.
Heading into series against the defending champions of each league, the Yankees and Phillies receptively, Manuel's head was once again squarely on the chopping block.
But, as with all roller coasters, what goes down must come up and it was the Mets pitching staff that came up big.
Despite dropping the opener of the Subway Series, Hisanori Takahashi's six-shutout innings against the Bombers was a mere precursor of things to come.
Mike Pelfrey and Johan Santana started and won the next two games combining for 13.2 innings with each giving up but a solitary run.
And the question mark-riddled staff wasn't done yet throwing three consecutive shutouts against a high-powered Phillies lineup.
Taking five of six from the Yanks and Phills was unthinkable just a week ago. Suggesting that the Mets can hold Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Co. scoreless over 27 innings would have earned a trip to an insane asylum.
Somehow these Mets pulled it off. Somehow the playoffs are a realistic possibility once more.
The one constant this season is an inability to win on the road (6-14), and with The Cyclone continuing tonight in Milwaukee and then San Diego another drop may be on the horizon.
With highs and lows, twists and turn, the 2010 version of the Mets have become -- to paraphrase the popular Dos Equis beer ad -- the most interesting team in the World. To paraphrase the commercial once more: Stay tuned my friends.
But, for at least this season, it would suit the big league club to adopt the moniker of their Minor League organization.
No, that's not a knock on the overall play of the Flushing Nine, although for much of last season many Triple A clubs would have given the Mets a run for their money.
The adoption of the name Cyclones for the 2010 Mets would be appropriate due to the twisting journey the Mets have taken through the first 48 games.
Currently two games above .500 at 25 up and 23 down and a mere two games out of a playoff spot in both the NL East and Wild Card, the Flushing Cyclones have twice gone on awful runs that had the faithful concluding that the season was kaput, then followed up those putrid drops with equally as impressive climbs that had many at Citi Field dreaming of the playoffs.
Is it too early to be discussing the playoffs? Yes, but at the moment the possibility of serious October baseball is the only way to gauge fan and media interest in Queens.
After mauling the Marlins, 7-1, on Opening Day, the Mets dropped eight of the next 11 contests. Losing the opening four series of the season to Florida, Washington, Colorado and St. Louis left Jerry Manuel's club at 4-8.
When the drop hit bottom the Mets were last in the NL Eastern Division with only the Astros, who started the season 1-7, having a worse record in the entire National League.
Manuel's job was as secure as a $20 bill on a Times Square sidewalk.
April 18 was the start of a sudden jolt upward, a ten-game homestand during which the Mets would drop just a single contest. Finishing April with a win in Philadelphia, the once-forsaken club sat atop the Division at 14-9.
Losing the next two to the Phillies and dropping two of three to the Reds had May off to an ominous start. The May malaise continued for 20 days with a 6-13 free fall dropping the Mets, once again, to last in the East and two games below .500.
Heading into series against the defending champions of each league, the Yankees and Phillies receptively, Manuel's head was once again squarely on the chopping block.
But, as with all roller coasters, what goes down must come up and it was the Mets pitching staff that came up big.
Despite dropping the opener of the Subway Series, Hisanori Takahashi's six-shutout innings against the Bombers was a mere precursor of things to come.
Mike Pelfrey and Johan Santana started and won the next two games combining for 13.2 innings with each giving up but a solitary run.
And the question mark-riddled staff wasn't done yet throwing three consecutive shutouts against a high-powered Phillies lineup.
Taking five of six from the Yanks and Phills was unthinkable just a week ago. Suggesting that the Mets can hold Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Co. scoreless over 27 innings would have earned a trip to an insane asylum.
Somehow these Mets pulled it off. Somehow the playoffs are a realistic possibility once more.
The one constant this season is an inability to win on the road (6-14), and with The Cyclone continuing tonight in Milwaukee and then San Diego another drop may be on the horizon.
With highs and lows, twists and turn, the 2010 version of the Mets have become -- to paraphrase the popular Dos Equis beer ad -- the most interesting team in the World. To paraphrase the commercial once more: Stay tuned my friends.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Yanks Spring Training Preview
The defending World Series Champions will take the field in 2010 a more talented group than the 2009 version that knocked off the Phillies last Fall.
The anchors of last season remain the same: Mark Teixeira at first base; Robinson Cano at second; Derek Jeter at short and Alex Rodriguez at third comprise a nearly $100 million infield.
However, it's the pitching that will determine whether Joe Girardi's club will defend their title. Ace CC Sabathia leads the staff followed by A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and newcomer Javier Vazquez.
The fifth starter spot is an open competition entering Spring Training. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes are the favorites, but Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves will all get a shot.
Adding Vazquez – via trade with Atlanta in exchange for Melky Cabrera – gives a front-loaded pitching staff the depth it lacked last season.
In a separate deal, GM Brian Cashman addressed the only shaky everyday position by acquiring All-Star centerfielder Curtis Granderson in exchange for what amounts to spare parts.
Granderson, who will roam the legendary outfield spot once manned by Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Bernie Williams, will be flanked by joyful Nick Swisher in right and a carousel of Brett Gardner, Randy Winn and Marcus Thames in left. (In certain situations, Grandy may flip-flop and play left.)
Former Yankees prospect Nick Johnson returns to The Bronx as DH, but don't expect Johnson to be there full-time. Girardi will exploit the DH position as an old-age-home for the numerous 30-plus-years-old regulars who can use some half days off.
The most senior aging veteran is catcher Jorge Posada. Girardi wants Posada's bat in the lineup but not his 38-year-old knees behind the plate. Look for Jorge to play upwards of 40 games as DH, with energetic youngster Francisco Cervelli filling in as backstop.
The greatest reliever of all-time, Mariano Rivera, will be the backbone of the bullpen. After a shaky April last season, Mo went on to have one of the finest campaigns of his first-ballot Hall-of-Fame-career. Damaso Marte will be top lefty out of the ‘pen. Displaying his value against lefties last postseason, Marte is the only other reliever with a defined role going into the season.
The other slots will be determined along with the fifth starter competition. Hughes is best suited to be in the rotation and Joba the eighth inning man. The other rotation contenders, along with David Robertson, fill out the relief corps.
The depth on the team is the best money can buy. That's what separates the Yankees from every other team in Major League Baseball. It's not enough to have a couple of All-Stars on the roster, there needs to be an All-Star at just about every position.
Of the eight regulars in the field, all but the corner outfielders have a legitimate – if not the best – chance to start the Mid-Summer Classic.
This offseason the Red Sox improved their pitching, signing free agent John Lackey, and defense, Gold Glove centerfielder Mike Cameron, in preparation for the annual mid-Summer tango with The Bombers for AL East supremacy.
Boston needs to be carried by its starting rotation as the Sox lineup is missing a big bat in the middle and the bullpen is suspect.
The Rays believe this is their last year with a legitimate shot for the AL East crown as their top two players, Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena, are both eligible for free agency after the season. Tampa will make a dent in the division race, but ultimately the Yanks and BoSox will be at the top.
OUTLOOK:
The Yanks combination of depth and star-power is not matched by any team in baseball. There are concerns going into the season, age throughout the team, A.J. Burnett is still an injury concern, but those issues are minor compared to most other clubs.
Look for The Bombers to win 95-plus games and win the East. The playoffs are a crapshoot, but with Sabathia as the ace, Mariano in the ‘pen and big hitters up and down the lineup Girardi has the best odds of rolling sevens.
The anchors of last season remain the same: Mark Teixeira at first base; Robinson Cano at second; Derek Jeter at short and Alex Rodriguez at third comprise a nearly $100 million infield.
However, it's the pitching that will determine whether Joe Girardi's club will defend their title. Ace CC Sabathia leads the staff followed by A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and newcomer Javier Vazquez.
The fifth starter spot is an open competition entering Spring Training. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes are the favorites, but Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves will all get a shot.
Adding Vazquez – via trade with Atlanta in exchange for Melky Cabrera – gives a front-loaded pitching staff the depth it lacked last season.
In a separate deal, GM Brian Cashman addressed the only shaky everyday position by acquiring All-Star centerfielder Curtis Granderson in exchange for what amounts to spare parts.
Granderson, who will roam the legendary outfield spot once manned by Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Bernie Williams, will be flanked by joyful Nick Swisher in right and a carousel of Brett Gardner, Randy Winn and Marcus Thames in left. (In certain situations, Grandy may flip-flop and play left.)
Former Yankees prospect Nick Johnson returns to The Bronx as DH, but don't expect Johnson to be there full-time. Girardi will exploit the DH position as an old-age-home for the numerous 30-plus-years-old regulars who can use some half days off.
The most senior aging veteran is catcher Jorge Posada. Girardi wants Posada's bat in the lineup but not his 38-year-old knees behind the plate. Look for Jorge to play upwards of 40 games as DH, with energetic youngster Francisco Cervelli filling in as backstop.
The greatest reliever of all-time, Mariano Rivera, will be the backbone of the bullpen. After a shaky April last season, Mo went on to have one of the finest campaigns of his first-ballot Hall-of-Fame-career. Damaso Marte will be top lefty out of the ‘pen. Displaying his value against lefties last postseason, Marte is the only other reliever with a defined role going into the season.
The other slots will be determined along with the fifth starter competition. Hughes is best suited to be in the rotation and Joba the eighth inning man. The other rotation contenders, along with David Robertson, fill out the relief corps.
The depth on the team is the best money can buy. That's what separates the Yankees from every other team in Major League Baseball. It's not enough to have a couple of All-Stars on the roster, there needs to be an All-Star at just about every position.
Of the eight regulars in the field, all but the corner outfielders have a legitimate – if not the best – chance to start the Mid-Summer Classic.
This offseason the Red Sox improved their pitching, signing free agent John Lackey, and defense, Gold Glove centerfielder Mike Cameron, in preparation for the annual mid-Summer tango with The Bombers for AL East supremacy.
Boston needs to be carried by its starting rotation as the Sox lineup is missing a big bat in the middle and the bullpen is suspect.
The Rays believe this is their last year with a legitimate shot for the AL East crown as their top two players, Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena, are both eligible for free agency after the season. Tampa will make a dent in the division race, but ultimately the Yanks and BoSox will be at the top.
OUTLOOK:
The Yanks combination of depth and star-power is not matched by any team in baseball. There are concerns going into the season, age throughout the team, A.J. Burnett is still an injury concern, but those issues are minor compared to most other clubs.
Look for The Bombers to win 95-plus games and win the East. The playoffs are a crapshoot, but with Sabathia as the ace, Mariano in the ‘pen and big hitters up and down the lineup Girardi has the best odds of rolling sevens.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Mets Spring Training Preview
Omar Minaya doesn’t appear to be the gambling-type, yet the Mets’ GM is betting on plenty of things breaking his way this season. While the odds are not completely stacked against Omar, if he’s wrong, Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel will likely be looking for a job at season’s end.
The pitching staff has two sure things: Ace Johan Santana, as good as any starter in the league, and closer Frankie “K-Rod” Rodriguez.
After that begins a conga line of question marks. Starters Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez and John Maine are coming off a disappointing 2009 season.
Pelfrey’s biggest issue is handling runners on base, a problem that needs to be addressed if Pelf is to step up to the number two starter role.
Neither Maine nor Perez had over 15 starts in ’09. Perez is a head case who loses the plate on a regular basis. Maine missed a significant portion of the season with shoulder trouble and needs to prove he can stay healthy.
Then again, a whole host of Mets need a bounce back season.
David Wright was one of only three Mets to play over 130 games in ’09 but the third baseman’s batting average had more ups and downs than the Cyclone on Coney Island, unlike Wright’s power which stayed below par all season.
After highly-controversial offseason knee surgery, Carlos Beltran will begin the season on the DL, right where the centerfielder spent a majority of last season.
When Carlos returns – tentatively scheduled for early May – he, Wright and free agent signee Jason Bay need to form a formidable heart of the order to give the Mets any playoff aspirations.
The only major offseason acquisition, Bay, will fortify the outfield and bring it up to Major League standards, it was not last season.
Jose Reyes – also coming off an injury-plagued 2009 – needs to return to form, both as a shortstop and leadoff hitter.
The quality of the roster takes a steep tumble after that, with only rightfielder Jeff Francoeur being a legitimate everyday player outside of the top half-dozen.
Aging second baseman Luis Castillo is coming off a surprisingly respectable season, batting .302 and stealing 20 bases in 142 games. The Mets would, no doubt, sign on for such production again.
Daniel Murphy is the favorite to start at first base, but Manuel will give Mike Jacobs and 22-year-old Ike Davis a good look going into the season. The 25-year-old Murphy was the next big thing for the Mets entering last season but was a bitter disappointment both in the field – he started in leftfield – and at the plate, batting just .266.
The late offseason signing of Rod Barajas gives the Mets a legitimate presence behind the plate. While his bat is not awe-inspiring, Barajas has caught over 100 games several times in his career. Omir Santos will return to the backup role.
Jon Niese and Fernando Nieve, both coming off injury – aren’t they all, will compete for a starting spot in the rotation.
How Manuel gets the ball from the starters to Frankie needs to be sorted out; Sean Green, Bobby Parnel, Jenrry Mejia, Pedro Feliciano and Japanese import Ryota Igarashi will all be considered in Spring.
Feliciano is best used as a lefty specialist and Igarashi is an unknown commodity in the majors. Mejia has shown promise, but the Mets hierarchy may want him back in the minors for more seasoning as a starter.
Angel Pagan and Gary Matthews will duel it out for the centerfield job until Beltran comes back, at which point both will be riding the pine.
The Phillies remain the class of the division, and trading for Roy Halladay in the offseason only increases the separation between Philadelphia and the rest of the NL East. Philly’s lineup is still the best in the Senior Circuit.
The Braves, led by a plethora of pitching, and the Marlins, with a multitude of young talent, will be in the Wild Card race all season.
OUTLOOK:
The Mets need to get off to a good start to rid the team of the losing stigma from last season. With a healthy team, The Amazins’ can win between 85 and 90 games.
If two through four in the starting rotation stay off the DL and pitch relatively well, the Mets are capable of hanging with Atlanta and Florida for a playoff spot.
The pitching staff has two sure things: Ace Johan Santana, as good as any starter in the league, and closer Frankie “K-Rod” Rodriguez.
After that begins a conga line of question marks. Starters Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez and John Maine are coming off a disappointing 2009 season.
Pelfrey’s biggest issue is handling runners on base, a problem that needs to be addressed if Pelf is to step up to the number two starter role.
Neither Maine nor Perez had over 15 starts in ’09. Perez is a head case who loses the plate on a regular basis. Maine missed a significant portion of the season with shoulder trouble and needs to prove he can stay healthy.
Then again, a whole host of Mets need a bounce back season.
David Wright was one of only three Mets to play over 130 games in ’09 but the third baseman’s batting average had more ups and downs than the Cyclone on Coney Island, unlike Wright’s power which stayed below par all season.
After highly-controversial offseason knee surgery, Carlos Beltran will begin the season on the DL, right where the centerfielder spent a majority of last season.
When Carlos returns – tentatively scheduled for early May – he, Wright and free agent signee Jason Bay need to form a formidable heart of the order to give the Mets any playoff aspirations.
The only major offseason acquisition, Bay, will fortify the outfield and bring it up to Major League standards, it was not last season.
Jose Reyes – also coming off an injury-plagued 2009 – needs to return to form, both as a shortstop and leadoff hitter.
The quality of the roster takes a steep tumble after that, with only rightfielder Jeff Francoeur being a legitimate everyday player outside of the top half-dozen.
Aging second baseman Luis Castillo is coming off a surprisingly respectable season, batting .302 and stealing 20 bases in 142 games. The Mets would, no doubt, sign on for such production again.
Daniel Murphy is the favorite to start at first base, but Manuel will give Mike Jacobs and 22-year-old Ike Davis a good look going into the season. The 25-year-old Murphy was the next big thing for the Mets entering last season but was a bitter disappointment both in the field – he started in leftfield – and at the plate, batting just .266.
The late offseason signing of Rod Barajas gives the Mets a legitimate presence behind the plate. While his bat is not awe-inspiring, Barajas has caught over 100 games several times in his career. Omir Santos will return to the backup role.
Jon Niese and Fernando Nieve, both coming off injury – aren’t they all, will compete for a starting spot in the rotation.
How Manuel gets the ball from the starters to Frankie needs to be sorted out; Sean Green, Bobby Parnel, Jenrry Mejia, Pedro Feliciano and Japanese import Ryota Igarashi will all be considered in Spring.
Feliciano is best used as a lefty specialist and Igarashi is an unknown commodity in the majors. Mejia has shown promise, but the Mets hierarchy may want him back in the minors for more seasoning as a starter.
Angel Pagan and Gary Matthews will duel it out for the centerfield job until Beltran comes back, at which point both will be riding the pine.
The Phillies remain the class of the division, and trading for Roy Halladay in the offseason only increases the separation between Philadelphia and the rest of the NL East. Philly’s lineup is still the best in the Senior Circuit.
The Braves, led by a plethora of pitching, and the Marlins, with a multitude of young talent, will be in the Wild Card race all season.
OUTLOOK:
The Mets need to get off to a good start to rid the team of the losing stigma from last season. With a healthy team, The Amazins’ can win between 85 and 90 games.
If two through four in the starting rotation stay off the DL and pitch relatively well, the Mets are capable of hanging with Atlanta and Florida for a playoff spot.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Jets Keep Soaring
A bad bounce, an ill-advised penalty, maybe a field goal that clanks off an upright, and the team that was left for dead by its own coach will represent the AFC in Miami in Super Bowl XLIV.
The Jets are just 60 minutes -- and a fortuitous break -- away from the franchise's first trip to the Big Game in over 40 years.
Can the Jets beat the Colts straight up in Indianapolis with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line? No! But, then again, Gang Green wasn't going to beat the Chargers in San Diego.
In sports -- and life -- capitalizing on fortunate situations is key to moving forward.
Whether or not the Jets should have ever been in the playoffs is debatable. What's not up for discussion is that Rex Ryan's club took advantage of every handout that came its way.
All too often, teams get a gift only to let it slip right through their collective hands. This loud-mouth Jets squad seizes every bit of good fortune and makes the most of it.
The Jets would not have beaten the Colts had the teams matched-up in, say, Week 12 of the regular season. But the Jets took full advantage of Bill Polian's questionable philosophy to rest the starters in a meaningless game -- at least from Indy's viewpoint.
Next up was a back-to-back with Cincinnati. While the Bengals were a legitimate playoff team early in the season, Cincy hit a rough sport late in the season losing two of three -- albeit to good teams -- before facing the Jets.
Once again, the Jets took full advantage: First beating the Bengals to garner entry to the postseason, then winning the Wild Card Game in Ohio.
The Bengals weren't playing as well as they had while getting off to a 7-2 start. But the Jets didn't play down to the competition nor make a key blunder to lose the game.
Moving on to San Diego, once again, Gang Green played mistake free -- for the most part -- and let the Chargers stumble, bumble and kick the game away.
The Colts have the next opportunity to break the glass slipper of the only Cinderella left standing. And Indy has what to worry about: One misstep, a single errant throw and the Jets will take full advantage.
With the way things have been going for this charmed team, don't count 'em out.
The Jets are just 60 minutes -- and a fortuitous break -- away from the franchise's first trip to the Big Game in over 40 years.
Can the Jets beat the Colts straight up in Indianapolis with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line? No! But, then again, Gang Green wasn't going to beat the Chargers in San Diego.
In sports -- and life -- capitalizing on fortunate situations is key to moving forward.
Whether or not the Jets should have ever been in the playoffs is debatable. What's not up for discussion is that Rex Ryan's club took advantage of every handout that came its way.
All too often, teams get a gift only to let it slip right through their collective hands. This loud-mouth Jets squad seizes every bit of good fortune and makes the most of it.
The Jets would not have beaten the Colts had the teams matched-up in, say, Week 12 of the regular season. But the Jets took full advantage of Bill Polian's questionable philosophy to rest the starters in a meaningless game -- at least from Indy's viewpoint.
Next up was a back-to-back with Cincinnati. While the Bengals were a legitimate playoff team early in the season, Cincy hit a rough sport late in the season losing two of three -- albeit to good teams -- before facing the Jets.
Once again, the Jets took full advantage: First beating the Bengals to garner entry to the postseason, then winning the Wild Card Game in Ohio.
The Bengals weren't playing as well as they had while getting off to a 7-2 start. But the Jets didn't play down to the competition nor make a key blunder to lose the game.
Moving on to San Diego, once again, Gang Green played mistake free -- for the most part -- and let the Chargers stumble, bumble and kick the game away.
The Colts have the next opportunity to break the glass slipper of the only Cinderella left standing. And Indy has what to worry about: One misstep, a single errant throw and the Jets will take full advantage.
With the way things have been going for this charmed team, don't count 'em out.
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