Dewayne Wise

Here's my latest article from TheGoodPoint.com: A feature on former Blue Jay outfielder Dewayne Wise.

Wise was signed by the Yankees this past off-season and looks forward to hopefully wearing pinstripes.

ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - League Championship Series

In the first round, I was three out of four. Of the three, one was a perfect prediction. I knew the Twins wouldn't have enough to beat the Yankees, but I didn't expect them to just roll over. Wow.

Onto the next round:

American League Championship Series

Texas over New York in seven

National League Championship Series

Philadelphia over San Francisco in six

NOTES: If you're like me and love the art of pitching, then you are going to enjoy the next few days. The LCS will feature the best pitchers in the game and they will dominate. Hate to be the hitters right now...The Rangers, a team known more for their hitting, has made it to the ALCS because of Cliff Lee and CJ Wilson. As long as those two keep doing what they're doing and the Rangers' bats stay hot, Texas will win its first pennant. New York has Sabathia, which is why the series will be close...The Giants have Lincecum, Cain and Sanchez. The Phillies have Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels. Advantage Philadelphia. Another pennant is coming to the city of brotherly love.

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - League Division Series

American League Division Series

Tampa Bay over Texas in four
New York over Minnesota in five

National League Division Series

Philadelphia over Cincinnati in three
San Francisco over Atlanta in five

NOTES: I can't see the Twins winning without Morneau. They're still a good team, but he's a valuable piece to the puzzle...The Rangers and Reds had great seasons, but they're about to run out of gas...The Braves got in by the skin of their teeth. They're just as good as the Giants, but San Fran's pitching is better and that's why they'll move on.

- ER

Re. C.C. Sabathia

DAMN!

Sabathia showed Kyle Drabek how it's done.

However, I still think the playoffs will not be kind to the Yankees.

- ER

Re. A.J. Burnett

It amazes me how such an inconsistent pitcher can make so much money.

The playoffs will not be kind to the Yankees.

- ER

George Steinbrenner: 1930-2010

Likable or not, Mr. Steinbrenner was extremely successful.

In honour of the late Yankee owner:



- ER

Re. Bernie Williams

8-0. That's a good way to start the tournament. Crosby, Iginla and Nash look dangerous.

And now for something completely different...

[Cheap Plug Alert] After a small hiatus, I've written a new article for TheGoodPoint.com. It's about former Yankee star Bernie Williams.

Enjoy!

- ER

Final Thoughts: MLB Playoffs

Can't help but smile. I picked the right team and it was a perfect prediction! Of course, it doesn't mean I'm an expert. But it certainly feels good ;-)

New York's victory ties in nicely with the Joe Torre/Tom Verducci book, The Yankee Years, which I finished reading a few days ago. The Yankee Years gives a vivid description of how the Yankees have operated over the last 15 years. This allowed me to really understand this famous organization and appreciate the significance of their World Series success.

I'm happy for George Steinbrenner, who really doesn't control the franchise anymore and acts as a figure head. The Boss (and despite what we hear, is still a human being) isn't as healthy as he use to be. This champioship will make things easier for him.

I'm happy for Jeter, Pettitte and Matusi. But this doesn't mean I've developed a love for the New York Yankees. I still view them as the enemy. Some might argue this championship was bought and yes, that is somewhat true. However, the players still have to perform regardless of how much they make. New York could've easily been a team of rich underachivers.

Finally, congratulations to the former Blue Jays who were part of the champion Yankees:

- A.J. Burnett (I'm going to bite my tongue)
- Eric Hinske (still biting)
- Josh Towers (Technically, he didn't see any post-season action so I doubt he would be included. But I think he's on the 40-man roster)

To sum up: 5 out of 7 = 71% Not bad at all.

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - The 2009 World Series

During the LCS, I correctly predicted both match-ups. Of the two, one (NYY & LAA) was a perfect prediction. Onto to the final:

World Series

NY Yankees over Philadelphia in six

NOTES: For the record, I can't stand the Yankees. However, from an objective POV, I feel they're the better team. All the big hitters in New York's line up have been making the clutch hits. I also believe momentum is a big factor for any playoff format. Right now, the Yanks still have their momentum going, while Philadelphia's momentum has died off. The Phillies haven't played since last week and that will negativley affect them. Of course, the Phillies had a week off last year before defeating the Rays. But I doubt lightning will strike twice. By the way, has anyone noticed Eric Hinske is playing in his 3rd straight World Series?

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - LCS

In the first round, I was correct on two of the four match-ups. Of the two, none were perfect predictions.

Onto to the LCS:

American League Championship Series

NY Yankees over LA Angels in six

National League Championship Series

Philadelphia over LA Dodgers in seven

NOTES: I can't believe the Red Sox and Cardinals folded like cheap suitcases...I hate supporting the Yankees, but objectively, they're a very strong team. A-Rod's finally hitting well in the playoffs. That's a huge bonus...Still not convinced about the Dodgers. I feel they don't have anymore gas left in the tank. It will, however, be a close series.

- ER

A Few Thoughts On A-Rod

I wasn't surprised when I found out about Alex Rodriguez's steroid use. He's a great ball player, but I personally don't like him - mainly because of the bush league stunt he (allegedly) pulled on Howie Clark a few seasons ago. Let's also not forget about the young woman he was caught with in Toronto that wasn't his wife. For a guy with an already tarnished reputation, it only makes sense that he would eventually be caught using steroids, even though he took them 6-8 years ago.

However, I do give him credit for coming clean, admitting he used steroids and apologizing.

Regardless, this incident adds to the cynicism that surrounds Major League Baseball. As a passionate fan, this cynicism is upsetting and hurtful. However, it doesn't deter my love for the sport.

- ER