Re. the Phillies

My latest article from TheGoodPoint.com asks the following question:

Are the Philadelphia Phillies really a safe bet?

Enjoy.

ER

Re. The 1981 Montreal Expos

(My latest from TheGoodPoint.com)

2011 marked the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Expos' first and only playoff appearance. It was also the first time the MLB post-season took place on Canadian soil.

Sadly, this important milestone was almost entirely ignored by the mainstream media.

Take a trip down memory lane.

Enjoy!

ER

Final Thoughts: World Series

Yeah, I know. It's a little late.

Full credit has to go to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Here was a team that was well-back in the wild card standings at the start of September. Yet their hard work mixed with a little luck (meltdown by wild card leading Atlanta) and it all paid off in the end.

It was fitting, given that it turned out to be Tony La Russa's final season as a manager and possibly Albert Puljos last season as a Cardinal.

I love a good underdog story and the Cards were classic underdogs.

Nobody thought they could make the playoffs as the regular season was entering its final month. But they did it. Nobody thought they could beat the Philadelphia Phillies, picked by many, including yours truly, to win it all this year. But they did it. People also doubted they could beat Milwaukee and Texas. But once more, they did it.

And how can you not love David Freese? Regardless of how his career turns out, Freese has cemented his legacy in St. Louis.

Finally, congratulations to the former Blue Jays on the Cards' roster:

- Chris Carpenter
- Mark Rzepczynski
- Octavio Dotel
- Corey Patterson
- Dave Mckay

- ER

Re. Mike Napoli

As game five of the World Series ended, there was only one thought on my mind:

Frank Francisco for Mike Napoli.

Damn.

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - World Series

I was completely wrong about the ALCS and NLCS. To be honest, I'm tired of predicting. It's just guessing. Sure, there are stats to suggest who might win. But once the first pitch is thrown, all the stats go out the window and it comes down to seeing which team is better for that particular match.

Anyway...

2011 World Series

St. Louis over Texas in six

I love a good underdog story.

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - LCS

The Brewers, Cards and Rangers - Three teams I didn't pick. At least I was right about the Tigers and that was a perfect prediction.

American League Championship Series

Detroit over Texas in seven

National League Championship Series

Milwaukee over St. Louis in six

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - LDS

American League Division Series

Tampa Bay in 5
Detroit in 5

National League Division Series

Philadelphia in 3
Arizona in 5

*Haven't forgotten about the Blue Jays' season. Those thoughts will come soon.

- ER

MLB Playoffs: Final Thoughts

I watched the San Francisco Giants play the Blue Jays this past June. They were a good team, but they sure didn't look like a team that would go on to win the World Series.

The Giants didn't have the best batting lineup, but it didn't matter. They had a phenomenal pitching staff led by Tim Lincecum. San Fran's starters silenced a very strong Texas Ranger lineup. They made players like Josh Hamilton and Vladdy Guerrero look normal. SF's pitchers stepped up and provided an enormous amount of confidence for their hitters.

The Giants were in and out of playoff contention all season long. But when "clutch time" arrived, they answered the call and have been awarded for their effort.

Finally, to sum up: 4 out of 7 = 57% Started out strong, but wasn't expecting the Giants to go far. Like I said yesterday, I should've listened to my gut.

- ER

Giants Capture World Series Title

Why?

Why did I pick the Texas Rangers?

I should've listened to my gut.

Tim Lincecum......DAMN!

Final thoughts tomorrow.

- ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - The World Series

I was right about Texas, but incredibly wrong about Philadelphia.

2010 World Series

Texas over San Francisco in six

This was a hard decision to make. The Rangers and Giants have great pitching, with the edge going to San Fran. However, Texas has a better batting lineup, which will lead them to the title.

Pitching will always be the most important part of baseball. But pitching cannot be the sole contribution to a victory. A team still needs to swing the bats. It takes great pitching and great hitting to win. Texas is closer to that than San Francisco.

- 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. 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

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 - Division Series

National League Division Series

Philadelphia over Colorado in five
St. Louis over LA Dodgers in four

American League Division Series

Boston over LA Angels in five
NY Yankees over Minnesota in four

NOTES: What a game that was last night! Wow, wow, wow. The Twins are on a huge momentum trip. Sadly, I feel it will come to a crushing halt in New York. The Yankees will take advantage of a tired Twins team...Colorado/Philadelphia was a tough call. I feel the Phillies have the slight edge. What happened in 2007 was cool, but it won't happen in 2009...The Dodgers had a pretty good season. However, they look weak. The Cards are on such a good roll. That will continue...I'd love to see the Angels beat the Red Sox. But Boston has the experience and the talent (again).

- ER

Final Thoughts - World Series

Although I had picked the Rays to win, I'm glad the Phillies are World Series champions. This team has been around since 1883, but only has two World Series titles (1980 and 2008). I'm also happy for the city of Philadelphia, which hasn't had any of their teams win a championship since 1983.

There a lot of people who deserve credit for this victory. One of them is GM Pat Gillick.

Gillick was the General Manager for the Blue Jays during their "glory days." It seems that wherever he goes, success follows him. He's had success with the Jays, the Orioles, the Mariners, and now the Phillies.

Congratulations to all the Philadelphia Phillies, espeically to former Blue Jays Jayson Werth and (Canadian) Matt Stairs, and former Jays manager Jimy Williams (Phillies' Bench Coach).

In terms of predictions, this was my worst showing; so, I don't want to talk about it. Once again, everything that happens during the regular season goes out the window once the playoffs start.

The Hek

MLB Playoff Predictions - World Series

Wow.....I've been so off the mark this year. I was wrong on both LCS match ups. Brutal, just brutal.

Onto the big one:

World Series 2008

Tampa Bay over Philadelphia in 7

This was tough to call. I want to see the Rays win because they've had to deal with a lot of losing in their history. Finally, they are winning and have played like champions. They deserve the title. On the other hand, I want the Phillies to win because they're a team that fights for everything and always wins. I want Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Cole Hamels to be rewarded. Plus, Matt Stairs deserves a World Series ring.

I think the Rays will put it out because they're more fresh. They're only going on two days rest. Meanwhile, Philadelphia hasn't played in a week. This has ceased their momentum and they will certainly be rusty. Any team that has a long layoff between playoff rounds always loses. Look at the 2006 Tigers and the 2007 Rockies.

In any case, it will be a very entertaining World Series. Enjoy!

The Hek

MLB Playoff Predictions - League Championship Series

Oh man. I got burned badly. I'd like to thank the Angels, Cubs and White Sox for making me look like an idiot.

During the division series, I was right on one of the four match ups. The correct prediction was not a perfect one.

Onto to the LCS:

American League Championship Series

Boston over Tampa Bay in 6

National League Championship Series

Los Angeles over Philadelphia in 7

The Dodgers are riding a huge wave of momentum. That will carry on to the World Series. Philadelphia is a great team and the NLCS will be close. In the end, Joe Torre and his team will pull it out.

Unlike the Angels, the Rays will be tough competition for the Red Sox. Both teams can hit and pitch. However, the Red Sox have been here before and they know how to come up with the clutch hit.

Any World Series is worth watching; but when there's a good storyline, it's REALLY worth watching. Manny Ramirez's return to Boston would be the biggest World Series storyline since the Red Sox ended their curse in 2004. Joe Torre's return to the World Series and Boston would also be very intriguing. The former manager of the Yankees faces the arch nemisis Red Sox; but this time, it's on a bigger stage.

The Hek

MLB Playoff Predictions - Division Series

American League Division Series

LA Angels over Boston in 4
Chicago White Sox over Tampa Bay in 5

National League Division Series

Chicago Cubs over LA Dodgers in 4
Philadelphia over Milwaukee in 3

Players on Tampa and Milwaukee are getting their first-ever playoff experience. Their opponents have been to the dance before, which is a large factor. The only reason why Tampa will manage to get to five games is because the White Sox aren't very dominant, but will pull it out in the end.

The Dodgers are good. The Cubs are better.

The Angels are dangerous. However, they better not take Boston lightly. Don't forget, the Red Sox are the defending World Series champions.

The Hek