Seattle Mariners weekly review: June 27th-July 3rd edition

By Kshell

This week the Seattle Mariners completed another 2-4 week which saw them get swept at home to the Atlanta Braves but recover to take the San Diego Padres two out of three. The Mariners aren't playing well having lost 15 of their last 25 games including going 4-8 the last two weeks. The Mariners once again saw their starting pitching pitch great and yet received no wins. The Mariners hitters were silent once again and in particular two hitters have been killing them this season. The fans have been riding one hitter but have given the other hitter a free pass which I won't be doing with this weekly review. The Mariners were swept to the Braves despite throwing Erik Bedard who later landed on the DL, all-star hopeful Michael Pineda and all-star Felix Hernandez. Then against the Padres the Mariners saw their starting pitching throw 25 innings while allowing just two earned runs yet only won two of three games. So like I do in a losing week I'll go over the good(starting pitching), the bad(hitting) and the ugly(more hitting).

The Good:

This week the Mariners went just 2-4 but not everything was bad. The starting pitching the last two weeks has been pretty good despite the poor record. Against the San Diego Padres this season the Mariners went 5-1 with a 0.50 ERA in six games. The pitching like it has all season long has carried the team. The Mariners did see rookie sensation Dustin Ackley once again do well even though he had to sit out two games due to a bruise rib. The Mariners also saw the return of Jack Cust who hadn't started a game in over two weeks due to interleague play. The Mariners this week also saw the major league debut of Blake Beavan who was acquired in the Cliff Lee trade and he pitched terrific getting the win in his major league debut.

Good Hitting:

Dustin Ackley: 4-13(.308), HR, 4 RBI's, run, SB, .400 on base percentage
Jack Cust: 3-12(.250), HR, 4 RBI's, run, .400 on base percentage
Brendan Ryan: 6-22(.272), 4 runs, 3 SB's, .384 on base percentage
Greg Halman: 3-11(.272), SB

Good Pitching:

Jason Vargas: 1-0, 9 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, 7 K's
Doug Fister: 0-1, 9 IP, 1.00 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 7 K's
Blake Beavan: 1-0, 7 IP, 1.29 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, 4 K's
Erik Bedard: 0-1, 7 IP, 3.86 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, 5 K's
Brandon League: save, 2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP, 2 K's

Jason Vargas now leads the American League with three complete game shutouts as he shutout the Padres 6-0 on friday night.

Dustin Ackley has reached base in all 13 games he has appeared in. For the year Ackley is hitting .302/.367/.558 on the season.

The Bad:

The Mariners aren't winning games anymore due to a lack of offense. The Mariners this week saw three regular hitters slump terribly. In the case of all three hitters these slumps have extended now for two weeks. For two of those hitters it has happened the entire season. The Mariners also saw their two best pitchers Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda get roughed up a bit by the Braves. In the case of Pineda he tied a career high with five walks while Hernandez allowed 10 hits in 7 2/3 innings while throwing 127 pitches. The Mariners manager Eric Wedge also made another mistake(He's had a terrible three weeks by the way) when he didn't argue a walk which should have been only three balls in Saturday's 1-0 loss. That walk that shouldn't have been was a big deal since he scored the only run of the game while nobody on the Mariners bench caught that mistake. The Mariners have pitched well the last two weeks but are just 4-8 because the hitting has failed them yet again.

Bad Hitting:

Franklin Gutierrez: 1-17(.058), run, 5 K's, 1-21(.047) slump dating back
Justin Smoak: 1-20(.050), RBI, 2 runs, 5 K's, 1-29(.034) slump dating back
Chone Figgins: 1-10(.100), SB, 2 K's, 1-23(.043) slump dating back

Bad Pitching:

Michael Pineda: 0-1, 6.1 IP, 5.68 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 5 K's
Felix Hernandez: 0-1, 7.2 IP, 5.86 ERA, 1.69 WHIP, 6 K's

The Mariners offense this week averaged just 2.8 runs per game this week as they fell to 2-4 on the week. The Mariners completed interleague play going 9-9 which was helped by going 5-1 against the Padres.

The Ugly:

The Mariners are getting nothing from Chone Figgins and the fans are noticing by booing him every time he records an out. On the other hand Franklin Gutierrez I feel is getting a free pass with his poor hitting as are a few other hitters. The Mariners pitching staff has been pitching great this whole year but the offense once again has been terrible this season as the Mariners fall to third place in the division for the first time in over a month. The Mariners also have a tough schedule coming up so they could find themselves completely out of the race by the trade deadline if they don't make a trade.

Bad Hitting:

Chone Figgins: On the season is hitting .185/.230/.246 in 260 AB's
Franklin Gutierrez: On the season is hitting .183/.219/.229 in 131 AB's
Mike Carp: Hitting .200/.333/.257 with ZERO RBI's or runs in 35 AB's
Carlos Peguero: Hitting .206/.265/.405 in 126 AB's with 43 K's to 7 BB's

Seattle Mariners: Hitting .226/.294/.336 as a team on the season which is pathetic.

The Mariners currently rank dead last in batting average, on base percentage, runs scored, and base hits. The Mariners rank second to last in slugging percentage, and RBI's while ranking third to last in doubles. In other words the Mariners offense is the all around worst offense in all of baseball. The Mariners on the season are averaging just 3.4 runs per game for the season. The Mariners offense has gotten worse as the season has gone on due to manager Eric Wedge's agressive approach towards hitting. Wedge would rather see you be a hacker(Peguerro) than a guy who takes pitches(Cust or Carp). The value of the walk is lost with this team which is too bad to see.

AL West Standings:

Texas Rangers: 44-41, Tied First Place
L.A. Angels: 44-41, Tied First Place
Seattle Mariners: 41-43, 2.5 GB
Oakland A's: 38-47, 6.0 GB

In conclusion, the Mariners completed a rough stretch where they have lost 15 of 25 games. The schedule isn't any more friendly as the Mariners play 16 of their next 20 games on the road. In fact the Mariners have a tough schedule for their next 45 games which if the offense remains the same will most likely kill their slim chances of the playoffs. The Mariners play the Angels on the road for four games which is huge going into the all-star break. Wedge has had a rough last couple of weeks especially with his hitting lineups like the game I went to on Saturday when he had Gutierrez bat third despite Figgins and Jack Wilson also playing. The Mariners pitching has been great but if the pitching ever decides to be average for a week it could be an ugly week for the Mariners. This week the Mariners play seven games against their own division this is their sink or swim week that is for sure. The Mariners better get some hitting or else they'll be sinking this week.

2011 MLB season preview and predictions

By Kshell

With spring training finally coming to an end the start of the Major League Baseball season has finally arrived. Baseball is unique unlike any other sport where you have a six month grind in the season which spans over 162 games. Then to determine the best team in the sport the postseason is condensed to just who can get hot for three weeks and win 11 games. Typically in baseball the team with the best record doesn't win the World Series. The baseball playoffs is a crapshoot much like the NCAA mens basketball tournament. So while many will predict the two best teams to meet in the World Series that often doesn't happen.

In this following post I'll catch you up on the offseason by breaking down each division. I'll talk about each team although some teams don't have much to talk about. Some teams made some noise this offseason and like usual the rich got richer while the small market teams took a hit. That is how baseball works in the regular season but in the playoffs still comes down to timely hitting and great pitching. At the bottom several other people will give their predictions along with myself. Hopefully in six months from now my predictions weren't totally off. Now I'll breakdown each division in order of last years standings starting with the National League East.

National League:

National League East:

Philadelphia Phillies:

The four time division champions Philadelphia Phillies won the offseason World Series. The Phillies brought back Cliff Lee this offseason signing the ace to a five year 120 million dollar deal. The Phillies even though they lost Jayson Werth are the heavy favorites to return to the World Series like they did in 2008 and 2009. The Phillies hope to avoid what happened to them last year when they were upset to the San Francisco Giants in six games. The signing of Lee has brought comparisons to the Atlanta Braves of the 1990's. The Phillies feature Cy Young award winners Roy Halladay(21-10,2.44 ERA, 1.04 WHIP with 219 K's) and Cliff Lee(12-9,3.18 ERA, 1.00 WHIP with 185 K's) along with Roy Oswalt(13-13,2.76 ERA, 1.03 WHIP with 193 K's) and their fourth starter is 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels(12-11,3.06 ERA, 1.18 WHIP with 211 K's). Safe to say the Phillies will be a tough draw in October.

Atlanta Braves:

This will be an interesting year for the Atlanta Braves as manager Bobby Cox retired after the Braves were eliminated in four games in the NLDS. The Braves a franchise who was in the postseason 14 years in a row made it last year for the first time since 2005 last year. The Braves a busy offseason trading for second baseman Dan Uggla(.287/33/105 with 100 runs scored) which helps a lineup which features mostly left handed hitters. The Braves feature a young pitching staff with Tommy Hansen(10-11,3.33 ERA,1.17 WHIP with 173 K's) and Jair Jurrjens to go with veterans Tim Hudson(17-9,2.83 ERA,1.15 WHIP) and Derek Lowe(16-12, 4.00 ERA, 1.37 WHIP). The Braves lineup is strong with Uggla, Jason Heyward(.277/18/72 with 83 runs scored), and Brian McCann(.269/21/77). In any other division in the National League the Braves would be the huge favorites to win their division.

Florida Marlins:

The Florida Marlins once again slashed payroll by trading away Dan Uggla. The Marlins do feature a nice pitching staff in staff ace Josh Johnson(11-6, 2.30 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) along with young superstar Hanley Ramirez(.300/21 Hr's/76 RBI's/92 runs/32 steals). The Marlins do have some young talent and went 80-82 last year. They could be a sleeper team this year but are just in the wrong division.

New York Mets:

Look up mess in the dictionary and you'll find a picture of the New York Mets. The Mets despite being in the biggest market in the United States haven't won a World Series since 1986. The Mets lost Johan Santana(11-9,2.98 ERA,1.18 WHIP with 144 K's) before the season even began. The Mets are hoping for a bounce back year from Jose Reyes. The Mets still feature David Wright who is an elite player in the game. The Mets pitching staff is troublesome and look for them to miss the playoffs yet again.

Washington Nationals:

The Washington Nationals were horrible last season yet again. The bad news for the Nationals was pitching franchise Stephen Strasburg(5-3,2.91 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 92 K's in just 68 innings) going down for 18 months. The Nationals did sign Jayson Werth(.296/27/85 with 106 runs scored) in the offseason to give the fans some excitement. With Ryan Zimmerman(.307/25/85 with 85 runs), Werth, Ian Desmond and #1 pick overall Bryce Harper on the horizon the Nationals could be a factor in a year or two down the road.

National League Central:

Cincinnati Reds:

The Cincinnati Reds surprised everyone by winning the NL central for the first time since 1995. When the Reds made the playoffs however they were given a rude welcome when Roy Halladay no-hit them in game one. The Reds were eventually swept by the Phillies in three games having been shutout in two of those games. The Reds feature a nice young core on their roster. The young stars are Jay Bruce(.281/25/70 with 80 runs score) and MVP Joey Votto(.324/37/113 with 106 runs and 16 stolen bases). The Reds also feature the electric Aroldis Chapman who has thrown over 100 miles per hour than any pitcher in baseball last season combined. Chapman only pitched for a month by the way. Chapman struck out 19 batters in just 13 1/3 innings, he'll most likely start the year in the bullpen. People sleeping on the Reds are making a mistake as they are primed for a run.

St.Louis Cardinals:

No team had a more disasterous offseason than the St.Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals lost ace pitcher Adam Wainwright(20-11, 2.42 ERA, 213 K's, 1.05 WHIP) for the entire season. You think that was bad what followed up next was even worse for the Cardinals. The Cardinals failed to reach an extension for Albert Pujols(.312/42/118 with 115 runs and 14 steals) meaning Pujols will be a free agent at the end of the season. There is no way a mid market like the Cardinals will be able to compete with some of the bigger markets. So the moment the Cardinals start to slump there will be whispers about Pujols possibly being traded. This will be a season long distraction. If the Cardinals can get past that distraction they still have Pujols the best hitter in the game along with Matt Holliday(.312/28/103 with 95 runs) and Lance Berkman. They still have Chris Carpenter(16-9,3.22 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) as the staff ace. The Cardinals will definately be a team everyone will be keeping their eye on.

Milwaukee Brewers:

The Milwaukee Brewers are looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2008. The Brewers made two pitching moves in the offseason trading for Shaun Marcum(13-8,3.64 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) from the Toronto Blue Jays then traded for 2009 Cy Young award winner Zach Greinke(10-14,4.17 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) from the Kansas City Royals. The Brewers are hoping Greinke can be like he was in 2009 where he went 16-8 with a 2.16 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. The Brewers have always had the hitters with Prince Fielder(.261/32/83 with 94 runs) and Ryan Braun(.304/25/103 with 101 runs scored). The Brewers finally have the right mix of pitching and hitting. The Brewers are my sleeper in the National League.

Houston Astros:

The Houston Astros are quickly becoming an irrelevant franchise. The Astro's feature no stars on their roster. The one brightspot is staff ace Brett Myers(14-8,3.14 ERA, 1.24 WHIP with 180 K's) who in his first 32 starts of the year pitched six innings or more. That is the defination of a horse pitcher.

Chicago Cubs:

The Chicago Cubs still looking to break the over century hump of winning a World Series. The Cubs haven't won he World Series since 1908 and it's not looking like that streak is going to end anytime soon. The Cubs were a huge disappointment last season and are hoping for some bounce back years from Carlos Zambrano, Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez and free agent signing Carlos Pena. The lovable losers seem destined to have yet another disappointing season.

Pittsburgh Pirates:

If you are depressed about your current baseball team be thankful you aren't a Pittsburgh Pirates fan. A once proud franchise that has featured such greats as Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Barry Bonds(pre-steroids) has fallen off a cliff. The Pirates haven't had a winning season since 1992 when Sid Bream's memorable dash home eliminated them from the NLCS for the third straight year. The Pirates had the worst record last year at 57-105 and look for them to be terrible once again. The one bright spot is Andrew McCutchen(.286/16/56 with 94 runs and 33 SB's).

National League West:

San Francisco Giants:

The San Francisco Giants last season won the division title on the last game of the season. Then the Giants won their first World Series in San Francisco during that playoff stretch upsetting the Phillies and then Texas Rangers. The Giants still feature a strong pitching staff with two-time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum(16-10,3.43 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 231 K's), Matt Cain(13-11,3.14 ERA, 1.08 WHIP with 177 K's), Jonathan Sanchez(13-9, 3.07 ERA, 1.23 WHIP with 205 K's) and youngster Madison Bumgarnger who went 2-0 with a 2.18 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP in the postseason last year. The Giants once again are the only team who can go toe to toe with the Phillies in the playoffs when it comes to pitching. The Giants once again will struggle with the offense losing World Series MVP Edgar Renteria in the offseason. The Giants will still be the favorites to win this tough division which features four quality teams.

San Diego Padres:

The San Diego Padres surprised everyone last season winning 90 games which saw manager Bud Black take home the manager of the year award. The Padres like most small market teams have to do traded away superstar Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox. The Padres already have a poor offense and without Gonzalez one has to wonder where are they going to get their runs from? The Padres will feature a strong pitching staff which as a team had a 3.39 ERA. The Padres are hoping the pitching staff can carry them once again and this time not fall apart down the stretch.

Colorado Rockies:

The Colorado Rockies had a strange season for them. Normally the Rockies catch fire down the stretch but last year they were 83-79 finishing the year 1-9 in their last 10 games. The Rockies are another team primed to make a splash this season. The Rockies feature stud hitters in Carlos Gonzalez(.336/34/117 with 111 runs and 26 SB's) and Troy Tulowitzki(.315/27/95 with 89 runs scored and 11 SB's). The Rockies also feature staff ace Ubaldo Jimenez(19-8,2.88 ERA,1.15 WHIP with 214 K's) who started last years All-Star game. The Rockies have a staff ace and dominant hitters which makes them a dangerous club.

Los Angeles Dodgers:

The Los Angeles Dodgers are replacing hall of fame manager Joe Torre with hitting coach Don Mattingly. The Dodgers coming off a disappointing 80-82 season still feature a strong pitching staff. The Dodgers feature staff ace Clayton Kershaw(13-10,2.91 ERA,1.18 WHIP with 212 K's) who is followed by Chad Billingsley(12-11,3.57 ERA, 1.28 WHIP with 171 K's) and Tedd Lilly(10-12, 3.62 ERA, 1.08 WHIP with 166 K's). As you can see the Dodgers have a good pitching staff to compete in this division. The Dodgers are hoping Andrew Eithier can have a big breakout season for them to carry the offense. This division features four good teams and any of these four teams wouldn't surprise me if they won the division.

Arizona Diamondbacks:

It was just four years ago the D-backs had the best record in the national league and appeared to be the team destined to go on a run. Flash forward to 2010 where they went 65-97 you have to wonder what happened to this team. The D-backs even tried to trade away young superstar Justin Upton who is only 23 years old and is already an all-star. The D-backs with the strength of this division appear headed for another long season.

American League:

American League East:

Tampa Bay Rays:

The Tampa Bay Rays fresh off their second division title in franchise history saw some major shakeups on their team. The Rays lost closer Rafael Soriano in division to the New York Yankees, long time all-star Carl Crawford in division to the Boston Red Sox, Matt Garza and Carlos Pena to the Chicago Cubs. In fact the Rays bullpen will be entirely different from last season. So after all that it would be easy to assume this is going to be a bad team which would be a mistake. The Rays went out and signed two veterans Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez. Both guys will be motivated going against their old teams the Red Sox and Yankees. The Rays also feature staff ace David Price(19-6,2.72 ERA,1.19 WHIP with 188 K's) along with star hitters such as Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton. The Rays should still be able to compete in this division.

New York Yankees:

The New York Yankees were surprisingly quiet this offseason failing to land any of the big free agents. You add in the fact they didn't add Cliff Lee last year at the trade deadline one has to wonder what is going on in the Bronx. Even with the quiet moves the Yankees still feature a strong offense if not the best offense in baseball. The Yankees still have Mark Teixeira(.256/33/108 with 113 runs), Robinson Cano(.319/29/109 with 103 runs), Derek Jeter the Yankees captain(.270/10/67 with 111 runs) and Alex Rodriguez(.270/30/125 with 74 runs) which is pretty amazing for an infield who with the exception of Cano had "down" years. The Yankees still feature a staff ace and former Cy Young award winner in C.C. Sabathia(21-7,3.18 ERA,1.19 with 197 K's) at the top of the rotation. Outside of Sabathia the Yankees staff is pretty weak with A.J. Burnett as the second starter, Ian Nova is the fourth and Freddy Garcia(yes that Freddy Garcia) as the fifth starter. The Yankees bullpen should be strong with Soriano and Mariano Rivera. The Yankees aren't built for the playoffs unless they can somehow trade for another front line starter.

Boston Red Sox:

The favorites of the American League the Boston Red Sox had a big offseason. Had the Red Sox made no moves at all they would be in good shape as they won 89 games last year despite Kevin Youkilis missing 60 games, Dustin Pedroia missing 87 games, and Jacoby Ellsbury missing all but 18 games last season. The Red Sox basically acquired three all-star bats for nothing. Now you add in the free agent signings of Carl Crawford(.307/19/90 with 110 runs scored and 47 stolen bases) and Adrian Gonzalez(.298/31/101 with 87 runs scored). The Red Sox lineup will make pitchers work this season as they basically went out and snagged five all-star calibar bats to a team that won 89 games last season. The Red Sox also feature a strong pitching staff in Jon Lester(19-9,3.25 ERA, 1.20 WHIP with 225 K's), Clay Buchholz(17-7,2.33 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) along with veterans John Lackey and Josh Beckett. Pretty easy to see why despite being in a strong division the Red Sox stand out amongst everyone in the American League let alone the East.

Toronto Blue Jays:

The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off an 85 win season despite trading away staff ace Roy Halladay in the offseason. Nobody hit more home runs last season than the Blue Jays who hit 257 home runs. The Blue Jays were led by Jose Bautista(.260/54/124 with 109 runs) last season as Bautista had just 59 career home runs entering the season. The Blue Jays feature a young pitching staff led by Ricky Romero(14-9,3.73 ERA,1.29 WHIP with 174 K's) who will be the staff ace. The Blue Jays will once again be a good team stuck in the wrong division which has hurt them this whole decade.

Baltimore Orioles:

The good news for the Baltimore Orioles is that they finally have a quality manager in Buck Showalter. The better news is the Orioles once they get rid of Showalter will make the World Series as the three previous teams who have fired Showalter have gone on to the World Series shortly after. The Orioles this offseason made some nice moves picking up Derek Lee, J.J. Hardy, and Vladimir Guerrero to go with their young core. The Orioles will put up some runs but the problem is they won't be able to get anybody out.

American League Central:

Minnesota Twins:

The Minnesota Twins won the divison last year and for the fourth time since 2003 were eliminated in the ALDS to the New York Yankees. The Twins losing streak has gone to 12 games against the Yankees as they were once again swept in the first round last year. The Twins once again will try and get over the Yankees hurdle this season. The Twins return all-star closer Joe Nathan. The Twins still have a solid offense featuring former MVP's Justin Morneau(.345/18/56 in just 81 games) and Joe Mauer(.327/9/75 with 88 runs). The Twins feature staff ace Francisco Liriano(14-10,3.62 ERA, 1.26 WHIP with 201 K's). The Twins are hoping this is finally the year for them to get by the mighty Yankees.

Chicago White Sox:

The Chicago White Sox who has missed the postseason the last two years are hoping to return back to October. The White Sox resigned Paul Konerko(.312/39/111 with 89 runs) and signed power hitter Adam Dunn(.260/38/105 with 85 runs). Dunn has hit 38+ homeruns the past seven seasons in a row and will be going to a launching pad. The White Sox also traded for Edwin Jackson who threw a no-hitter last season. The White Sox made some moves in a winnable division. Look for the White Sox to light up the scoreboard this season.

Detroit Tigers:

The Tigers are coming off an 81-81 disappointing season. The Tigers did make a big signing bringing in Victor Martinez(.302/20/79 with 64 runs) to go with slugger Miguel Cabrera(.328/38/126 with 111 runs score) who has had some offseason problems but can still hit. The Tigers still feature flame thrower Justin Verlander(18-9,3.37 ERA,1.16 WHIP with 219 K's) to go with their young staff. The Tigers who haven't been to the postseason since they made the World Series since 2006 will be hoping to end that streak.

Cleveland Indians:

Like the Arizona Diamondbacks the Indians fortunes have change quite a bit in four years. The Indians were just one game away from the World Series in 2007 but blew a 3-1 series lead against the eventual World Series Champions Boston Red Sox. The Indians have since traded away two Cy Young award winning pitchers(Sabathia and Lee) and seen two young promising stars nosedive(Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner). The Indians who haven't won a World Series since 1948 appear to continue the sports trend of Cleveland sports sucking.

Kansas City Royals:

The Pittsburgh Pirates of the American League the Royals who once were a great team from 1976-1985 haven't been to the postseason since that 1985 World Championship season. The Royals have had just one winning season(2003) since 1995. During that time the Royals have finished last place in their division nine times in probably the weakest division in the American League too. The Royals after trading away staff ace Zach Greinke appear headed for another losing season and if not for the Cleveland Indians would finish in last place.

American League West:

Texas Rangers:

The Texas Rangers who prior to last season had never won a postseason series found themselves winning the American League Pennant over the New York Yankees. The Rangers lost Vladimir Guerrero to free agency and most importantly staff ace Cliff Lee as well. The Rangers did sign Adrian Beltre(.321/28/102 with 84 runs) to help offset the loss of Guerrero. The Rangers feature MVP Josh Hamilton(.359/32/100 with 95 runs), Ian Kinsler and Michael Young. The Rangers will still have C.J. Wilson(15-8,3.35 ERA,1.25 WHIP with 170 K's) who stepped up big time last season and will now be the staff ace. The Rangers are hoping their hitters can carry them throughout the season as the pitching behind Wilson appears to be thin.

Oakland A's:

The Oakland A's finished last season at 81-81 and is kind of everyone's sleeper pick to win the west. The reason for that is once again in the Billy Beane era the A's feature a strong pitching staff led by Trevor Cahill(18-8,2.97 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) behind Cahill you have Brett Anderson(7-6, 2.80 ERA, 1.19 WHIP), Gio Gonzalez(15-9,3.23 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) and Dallas Braden(11-14,3.50 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) who threw a perfect game last year. The A's also have Rich Harden on the DL who could be their fifth starter. The A's on offense went out and signed Hideki Matsui, Josh Willingham and David DeJesus. The A's are the exact opposite of the Texas Rangers which should make this AL West race interesting.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:

Many are sleeping on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim who prior to last season had won the American League West five of the previous six seasons. The Angels went out and acquired Vernon Wells(.273/31/88 with 79 runs) to bolster their offense. Like the A's the Angels will be led by their pitching which saw a breakout season last year from Jered Weaver(13-12,3.01 ERA, 1.07 WHIP with 233 K's) who will be joined with Dan Haren who was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA and 1.16 WHIP while he was with the Angels. The Angels have the 1-2 punch in their rotation so if they make the playoffs that is a team that nobody wants to draw in the first round. The AL West will have a terrific three team race that will come down to the last week.

Seattle Mariners:

The Seattle Mariners who I previewed earlier in the week look to be rebuilding this season. The Mariners feature Cy Young award pitcher Felix Hernandez and appear to be going in a youth movement. The Mariners have had just two winning seasons since 2004. If you want to read more about the Mariners just read my season preview where I give an in depth look at the Mariners.

Well that is all for my previewing on all the teams in baseball. Now here comes the fun part where several people including myself will make our predictions. Should be interesting whose predictions turn out the closest and whose predictions turn out way off.

Predictions:

Patton Richard: Contributer to Seattle Sports Blog

AL East: Tampa Bay Rays
AL Central: Detroit Tigers
AL West: Texas Rangers
AL Wild Card: Boston Red Sox
ALCS: Rays over Red Sox

NL East: Philadelphia Phillies
NL Central: Cincinnati Reds
NL West: Colorado Rockies
NL Wild Card: Florida Marlins
NLCS: Phillies over Marlins

World Series Champ: Tampa Bay Rays

NL MVP: Hanley Ramirez
AL MVP: Evan Longoria
AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez
NL Cy Young: Cliff Lee
AL Rookie Of The Year: J.P. Arencibia, Catcher, Toronto
NL Rookie Of The Year: Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves

Korey Payne: Blogger and contributer to SSB

AL EAST- New York Yankees
AL CENTRAL- Chicago White Sox
AL WEST- Los Angeles Angels

NL EAST- Philadelphia Phillies
NL CENTRAL- St. Louis Cardinals
NL WEST- San Diego Padres

AL WILD CARD TEAM- Boston Red Sox

NL WILD CARD TEAM- San Francisco Giants

ALCS- New York Yankees Vs. Boston Red Sox

NLCS- Philadelphia Phillies Vs. San Diego Padres

WORLD SERIES- New York Yankees winning against Philadelphia Phillies

AL Cy Young- Felix Hernandez
NL Cy Young- Roy Halladay
AL MVP- Alex Rodriguez
NL MVP- Albert Pujols

100 Loss Teams- Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians

Michael Hourigan: Contributer to SSB

AL East - Red Sox
AL Central - Twins
AL West - Angels

NL East - Phillies
NL Central - Brewers
NL West - Dodgers

AL Wild Card - Yankees

NL Wild Card - Braves

ALCS - Red Sox vs. Yankees

NLCS - Dodgers vs. Phillies

World Series - Red Sox vs. Phillies, Phillies win

Mark A. Miller: Contributer to SSB and leader of FANS!

NL LEAST:

1. Philthydelphia Phullies
2. Notlanta Native American Ax Wielders
3. New Yawk Muttsb
4. Florida Marlints
5. Washington Gnats

NL SUCKTREL:
1. Shitcocko Flubs
2. St. Loser Crudinals
3. Milwaukee Boozehounds
4. Ho'stown Assholes
5. Cincinnati Commies
6. Pissburgh Buttpirates

NL WEAK:
1. San Fransicko Gay-ants
2. Los Angeles Doogers of Los Angeles
3. San Diego Fathers
4. Colorado Rookies
5. Arizona Gardnersnakes

AL LEAST:
1. Baaaawston Deadsox
2. New Yawk Spankers
3. Toronto BlowJays
4. Tampax Bay D-Gays
5. Baltimoh Oreos

AL SUCKTREL:
1. Minnehaha Twinks
2. Shitcago Whitesux
3. Det-riot Le Tigres
4. Kansas Shitty Royal Pains
5. Cleveland Native Americans

AL WEAK:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem of Orange County of California of the United States of North America of Earth of the Milkey Way of the Universe of Infinity
2. Texass Lamegers
3. Cokeland Asslickics
4. Seattle eMbarrassers

AL Jokers: New Yawk Spankers
NL Jokers: Los Angeles Doogers of Los Angeles

NL CHAMPIONS: Philthydelphia Phullies
AL CHAMPIONS: Minnehaha Twinks

World Series Champions: Minnehaha Twinks

AL Cy Young: David Price
NL Cy Young: Tim Licksthecum

NL MVP: Ryan Howard
AL MVP: Gay Roid

AL MOY: Gardenhire
NL MOY: Mattingly

AL ROY: Ackley
NL ROY: Chapman

AL HR LEADER: Gay-Roid
NL HR LEADER: Fielder

Adam Lispie: Moderator of Seahawks Huddle

NL:

East-
Phillies
Braves
Mets
Nats
Marlins

Central-
Brewers
Cards
Reds
Astros
Cubs
Pirates

West-
Rockies
Giants
Dodgers
Diamondbacks
Padres

Wild Card: Braves

AL:

East-
Red Sox
Yankees
Blue Jays
Rays
Orioles

Central-
White Sox
Twins
Tigers
Indians
Royals

West-
Rangers
A's
Angels
Mariners

Wild Card- Yankees

AL champs- Red Sox
NL champs- Phillies

WS champs- Red Sox


MVP:
NL- Pujols
AL- Adrian Gonzalez

Cy Young:
NL- Ubaldo Jimenez
AL- Jon Lester

MOY:
NL- Fredi Gonzalez
AL- Terry Francona

ROY
NL- Bryce Harper
AL- Michael Piñeda

HR leader:
NL- Pujols
AL- Adam Dunn

Michael Clouse: Friend of SSB and poster on SSB group page

AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: White Sox
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Twins
ALCS: Red Sox over White Sox

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Reds
NL West: Rockies
NL Wild Card: Braves
NLCS: Rockies over Phillies

World Series champ: Red Sox

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez
NL MVP: Carlos Gonzalez
AL Cy: Lester
NL Cy: Lincecum

Jonah Hobson: Standout outfielder for LCC Red Devils(2005-06) and HPU(07-09)

AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: White Sox
AL West: A's
AL Wild Card: Twins
ALCS: Red Sox over A's

NL East: Braves
NL Central: Reds
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Phillies
NLCS: Braves over Phillies

World Series Champion: Red Sox

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez
NL MVP: Joey Votto
AL CY: David Price
NL CY: Cliff Lee
AL ROY: Jeremy Hellickson
NL ROY: Freddie Freeman

Three crazy predictions:
1. Pirates and Royals both finish within five games of .500
2. No one hits more than 43 HR's
3. At LEAST four 20 game winners this season

Kris Shellenbarger: The owner, gm and coach of Seattle SportsBlog

AL East: Red Sox( Too much hitting and pitching)
AL Central: Tigers( Verlander is a horse, Love the Victor signing)
AL West: A's(Amazing pitching plus I think Rangers fall back)
AL Wild Card: Yankees(Pitching is terrible but still great offense)
ALCS: Red Sox over Tigers(Sox are head and shoulders better than everyone in AL)

NL East: Phillies(Great starting staff although keep an eye on early injuries)
NL Central: Brewers(When Greinke comes back look out!)
NL West: Giants(The Champs still have a great staff, will clinch on last day)
NL Wild Card: Braves(will have second best record in NL)
NLCS: Braves over Phillies(payback from 1993 when Phillies upset the Braves)

World Series Champ: Boston Red Sox(Unless they get bitten by the injury bug they are going to be very tough).

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez(Look at his numbers last few years. He was at Petco with no protection. Now in Fenway)
NL MVP: Dan Uggla(He is exactly what the Braves need and will have a monster season)
AL CY: Verlander(He'll have a monster year to carry the Tigers)
NL CY: Lee(He'll announce being back to the NL with a CY Young award)

Well guys that is all for the predictions. I hope you enjoyed the predictions I'm sure some you disagree with. Keep in mind that in baseball not everything is played according to paper so each of us took some risks in our picks. I'll be looking forward to seeing how we all did on our predictions come October.

Game Four NLDS recap

By Kshell

Today featured just one playoff game as well as tomorrow will feature just one game. Today's game featured the Braves and the Giants in what could have been Bobby Cox last game as a manager if the Braves lose. This game was again a terrific game which was decided by a single run like every other game this series.

Bobby Cox career ends in 3-2 loss to Giants; Giants win advance to NLCS

The Giants rallied for two runs off of Braves ace Derek Lowe in the 7th inning to take the lead 3-2. Lowe who was pitching on three days rest was cruising up until that point. He lost some control of his pitches and with some poor defense by the Braves their season was over.

The Giants starting pitching was stellar like they have been all series long. Bochy electing to go with youngster Madison Bumgarner who was the 10th pick overall in the 2007 draft over high priced playoff veteran Barry Zito. Bumgarner didn't dissapoint Bochy by going 6 innings of two earned runs and striking out five. However Bumgarner found himself trailing 2-1 due to the terrific pitching of playoff warrior Derek Lowe.

Lowe had been cruising through six innings allowing just one hit which was a home run to Cody Ross in the sixth. When Lowe got into trouble with a walk and a hit in the seventh he was facing first and second and just one man out. Future hall of fame manager Bobby Cox came out to pull Lowe but Lowe refused to be taken out and wanted Pat Burrell who was 0 for 2 against him on the day. Cox decided to stick with his ace who was the NL pitcher of the month in September having gone 5-0 with a 1.17 ERA for the month. Lowe with chants of "D-Lowe" in the background eventually walked Burrell to load the bases. There was no debate Cox pulled Lowe who had received a standing ovatation and left the game up 2-1 but had bases loaded with just one man down. Cox then went with Peter Moylan who got Juan Uribe to ground out to short only Gonzalez made a throwing error allowing everyone to be safe and the game was tied at 2-2. Cox then went with left hander Jonny Venters who struck out his first batter. With bases loaded and the game tied at two Cody Ross delivered another clutch hit scoring Buster Posey, Burrell was thrown out at home but the Giants took the lead 3-2 and the Braves were just nine outs away from their season being over.

The Braves had a chance due to an error by Renteria in the bottom of the eighth. With a runner on second base and two hits rookie of the year candidate Jason Heyward struck out against Giants lefty Javier López. Heyward was just 2 for 16 this series. Lopez since he has joined the Giants lefties are now 5 for 46 off of him.

The Giants turned the ball over to all-star closer Brian Wilson who blew the game two save but rebounded in game three for the save. Wilson got in trouble and walked two batters but got out of the jam to close the game. The Giants advanced to their first NLCS since 2002.

This game always means the end of a great managerial career from Bobby Cox who is retiring at the end of this season. The Braves find themselves in a bit of transition with Cox retiring and possibly Chipper Jones retiring as well. This was the first postseason for the Braves without Chipper Jones in a lineup since 1993. Cox only won the one World Series back in 1995 but went to five world series overall and took the Braves who were a pathetic before Cox took over. Cox led the Braves to 14 consecutive division titles from 1991-2005.

The Giants move on now to face the Philadelphia Phillies. By winning the game today the Giants save ace Tim Lincecum for game one of the National League Championship Series. Game one will feature the great pitching matchup between Roy Halladay who is coming off a no-hitter versus Tim Lincecum who is coming off a 14 strikeout 1-0 victory. This game is a game I recommend everyone watching because very rarely in postseason or even in regular season play you get a pitching matchup like this. I can't wait to see Lincecum face off against Roy Halladay.

Game three of NLDS and Game four Tex-Rays recap

By Kshell

Today we saw three games played and saw two teams facing season elimination. One team was eliminated while another team forced a game five. As for the game that didn't have season ending implications well that game just saw lead changes in the bottom of the 8th then in the top of the 9th. So far this playoffs has been amazing to watch. With that here are the recaps.

Pena and Longoria bring series back home with 5-2 win over Texas

The Tampa Bay Rays when they had just lost game two and were heading to Texas down 0-2 appeared to be dead. Only one team has ever forced a game five after being down 0-2 and heading on the road. That team was the three time defending World Series champion the New York Yankees in 2001 over Oakland A's.

The Rays offense appears to have woken up after being in a slump for the first two games and 7 innings of the third game. The Rays pounded out 12 hits and had scored 5 runs by the the fifth inning. Carlos Pena who had a strong game three had another strong game going 2 for 4 with an RBI. Evan Longoria was 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBI's.

This has been a nightmare last two games for the Rangers. The Rangers are the only major league baseball franchise to not have a postseason series win. It was looking like that streak was ending then the Rangers blew an 8th inning lead in game three and got blown away in game four losing 5-2 but trailing 5-0.

The Rangers season now rides on the hopes of Cliff Lee. Lee is a hired gun for the Rangers who will most likely lose him to free agency at the end of the year. These are the type of games why Texas traded away their top prospects for Cliff Lee. The Rays will be throwing David Price who was off his game in game one. They are hoping Price will rebound from that tough start and go back to the Cy Young calibar of pitcher he was in 2010. One thing is for sure the New York Yankees are excited this series has gone five games. While the Yankees get to set up their rotation both teams will have used up their ace in game five meaning Price or Lee won't be able to pitch until game three.

Giants rally in the 9th to take series lead with 3-2 win over Braves

The Giants were one strike away from blowing back to back games to the Braves. The Giants had an incredible rally after it had appeared they had blown the game in the 8th inning for the second consecutive game.

The Giants were clinging to a 1-0 lead over the Braves in the 8th inning led by the great pitching of Jonathan Sanchez who gave up just one hit through 7 innings and struck out 11. Sanchez allowed just his second hit of the game in the 8th inning. With a runner on first and only one man down, Bobby Cox decided to pinch hit for game two hero Rick Ankiel for the right handed Troy Glaus. Thats when Giants manager Bruce Bochy pulled Sanchez for Sergio Romo. Cox then pinch hit for Glaus with left handed hitter Erik Hinske. Hinske has appeared in the last three world series with the 2007 Boston Red Sox, 2008 Tampa Bay Rays and 2009 New York Yankees. Hinske hit a pinch hit two run home run to give the Braves a 2-1 lead. Romo didn't record an out and gave up two runs in the game two blown game.

The Braves turn to rookie sensation Craig Kimbrel for the save since Billy Wagner was hurt. Kimbrel with two outs and a runner on base had Freddy Sanchez with two strikes. He was one strike away from getting the save but Sanchez ripped a base hit up the middle to give the Giants first and second with two outs. Cox then went with lefty Mike Dunn who has pitched just 23 innings in his major league career to face Aubrey Huff. Huff ripped a base hit to right field which allowed Ishikawa to tie the game up at 2-2. Cox then went with Peter Moylan to face Buster Posey. Moylan got Posey to ground out to second base only Brooks Conrad had the ball go in between his legs allowing Sanchez to score the go ahead run. Conrad that was his third error of the game.

Giants closer Brian Wilson shut down the Braves in the ninth to regain home field advantage back and take a 2-1 lead in the series. The Giants had they lost this game would be put in a tough spot on to pitch Lincecum on short rest or not. Now they can save Lincecum on full rest for a game five if it comes to that. This was a huge win for the Giants and the Braves which they have proven they can do must find a way to overcome this hard loss. Game four is tomorrow and that could be be Bobby Cox last game ever as manager.

Cole Hamels pitches a complete game shutout in sweep of the Reds 2-0

Cole Hamels shuts down the Cincinnati Reds who were playing in their first home playoff game since 1995. Hamels was in 2008 playoff mode where he went 4-0 during that playoffs. Hamels threw a complete game shutout while striking out nine. Not bad for a third starter.

The Phillies only scored two runs today and managed to shut down the Reds offense who led the National League in hitting. The Phillies held Joey Votto to a horrendous 1 for 10 on the series. The Reds also committed another two errors today costing them a run. The Reds were introduced to playoff baseball having been competive in games two and three but not being able to turn that into wins.

The Phillies can now line up their rotation for the NLCS. The Phillies will be making the NLCS for the third consecutive year and given how Halladay and Hamels have pitched there is no reason to think they can't advance even further.

The Phillies had two complete game shutouts by their pitchers in this short series and with how Roy Oswalt pitched for the Phillies they are still the team to beat. The Phillies will host game one of the NLCS with Roy Halladay so they will be sitting pretty good.

What we learned today was homefield advantage means nothing as all three road teams won today. In fact in the American league the road team is 6-1 this playoffs. We have seen some dramatic comebacks in late inning and some terrific pitching.

Two series are already wrapped up and we still have two more to go. The Braves will be facing elimination tomorrow while the Rays will be hosting another game at home vs the Texas Rangers in a do or die game five on tuesday.

Game two of NLDS recap

By Kshell

Today was an interesting day that saw two teams on the same day rally from a 4-0 deficit. One team rallied to take a commanding 2-0 series lead while another team avoided a 2-0 hole to tie the series up and steal home field advantage. Both National League teams who were down 1-0 were trying to prove they belong in the playoffs after Halladay and Lincecum shut them down. Both offenses busted out unfortunately for one it wasn't enough.

Rick Ankiel hits game winning home run as Braves rally from 4-0 deficit to tie series

Rick Ankiel helped a tremendous comeback by the Atlanta Braves over the San Francisco Giants 5-4 in 11 innings. Ankiel with the crowd going crazy and facing two strikes silent the crowd with a home run to McCovey Cove where Barry Bonds hit many of homers. That blast silent the crowd. Ankiels blast will get all the credit and it should and I'll talk about him personally later. Ankiel wouldn't have been in position without the Braves getting some clutch hits and clutch outs along the way.

The Giants having won the previous game 1-0 in the first inning Pat Burrell who had been released earlier by the Tampa Bay Rays belted a three run home run into the left field stands to give the Giants a quick 3-0 lead. In the second inning pitcher Matt Cain delivered a clutch RBI base hit scoring Cody Ross to give the Giants a commanding 4-0 lead.

Matt Cain wasn't quite as dominant as Tim Lincecum but was pretty close. Matt Cain would end up going 6.2 innings allowing no earned runs and striking out six hitters. His counterpart Tommy Hansen not Tim Hudson like I had mistakenly said yesterday got the start. He would only last 4 innings allowing four runs.

The Braves finally scored in the 6th inning and found themselves trailing 1-0 in the series and 4-1 in game two on the road heading into the 8th inning. The Braves had 1st and third with nobody out so Bruce Bochy elected to go with his All-Star closer Brian Wilson. Most thought the game was over at that point. This sequence coming up is why every New York Yankees fan should love Mariano Rivera. Wilson gave up a cheap infield RBI single to Melkey Cabera to cut the lead to 4-2. Then the turning point of the game and possibly the season happened. After a bunt to advance the runners on second and third with one out, Álex González hit a two run double off of Wilson to tie the game at 4-4. The Giants crowd who was going crazy was in stunned silence.

Despite the blown save by the Giants they appeared to have caught a break in the bottom half of the 10th inning. Braves closer Billy Wagner fielding a bunt attempt appeared to have injured himself and had to be removed from the game. Kyle Farnsworth had entered the game. After loading the bases due to his wildness the Giants had their best hitter at the plate in Buster Posey. Posey then grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. That set up Rick Ankiel's game winning home run in the 11th and the Braves return home tied at 1-1.

If someone had told me ten years ago when I was watching Ankiel set an NLDS record for most wild pitches thrown in an inning vs the Braves ironically that this same guy would hit a game winning home run in the playoffs for the Braves I would have pointed and laughed at you. Ankiel hasn't had the best career and isn't even an all-star but he is somebody to admire for sure. He came up as a pitcher and was good enough to start game one of the NLDS then game one of the NLCS for the St.Louis Cardinals. He had appeared to not only blow his chance on the big stage but ruin his future. Ankiel then switched from a pitcher to outfielder and although he strikes out a bit to much he has power. He displayed that power tonight as the Braves won the game. Its hard not to feel some sort of joy for Ankiel given his postseason demons of 2000.

Phillies take advantage of Reds miscues to rally for 7-4 win

The Cincinnati Reds making their first postseason appearance since 1995 could make this appearance a short one if they don't learn how to field the ball soon. The Reds find themselves down in an 0-2 hole after committing four errors and squandering a 4-0 lead. They key error occured in the bottom of the 7th inning when Jay Bruce lost the ball in the lights then on the relay throw Brandon Phillips bobbled the ball allowing the Phillies to finally take a 5-4 lead. The Reds can't afford to give the two-time defending National League champions extra outs like that or their season will end on Sunday at home.

The game started off beautifully for the Reds. The Reds having been shut out the previous game by Roy Halladay truly proved each baseball game is a new game. The first batter of the game Brandon Phillips took a Roy Oswalt pitch deep to left field to give the Reds a 1-0 lead. After tacking on a run off of Oswalt in the 2nd inning, Jay Bruce took Oswalt deep to right field in the 4th inning for a 3-0 lead. The Reds scored another run off of Oswalt in the 5th to make the game 4-0. Oswalt would go 5 innings, of 4 runs only 3 were earned.

The Reds gave the ball to Bronson Arroyo who had won a World Series with the 2004 Boston Redsox. Arroyo was battling the Phillies but found himself in some trouble when the Reds had the first of their plenty of bad defensive plays. When it was all said and done Arroyo was chased after 5.1 innings and allowed three runs but only one was earned. The Reds clinging to a one run lead in the 7th called on rookie sensation Aroldis Chapman. Chapman against Utley had him down 0-2 in the count but hit him then Chapman struck out Howard. Then the bad defense started to occur.

Jason Werth hit a ground ball to former Phillies third baseman Scott Rolen who instead of getting the guaranteed out in Werth tried to get the lead runner in Utley. It was a close play which resulted in Utley being safe. Now Chapman facing 1st and 2nd and only one man down got former National League MVP Jimmy Rollins to fly out or so he thought. Jay Bruce lost the ball in the lights which allowed Utley to score and Werth was most likely going to be thrown out but Phillips bobbled the ball and the Phillies took a 5-4 lead. Carlos Ruiz would ground into a fielders choice to give the Phillies a 6-4 lead and Chapmans day was over. Chapman would lost just two thirds of an inning allowing three runs and all three runs were not earned.

The Phillies would add another run in the 8th and win the game 7-4 behind Brad Lidge's save. This loss was more devastating to the Reds than a no hitter. Losing to Roy Halladay in game one you almost expect that. In game two the Reds were up 4-0 at one point and had the matchups they wanted with Chapman in the 7th versus the heart of the Phillies order. The Reds also have to be kicking themselves with a NLDS record four errors this game. The Reds had a chance to steal home field advantage after rocking Roy Oswalt now the Reds must beat World Series MVP Cole Hamels, the guy who just no hit them in Roy Halladay at home to stay alive. Just winning those two games would be an accomplishment in itself but the Reds would still have to beat Roy Oswalt who before today was 7-1 with the Phillies with an ERA below 2.

Today's games were compelling at least. First time we have had some dramatic comebacks and there is one series that is 1-1 which the other three are 2-0. Baseball playoffs early showing homefield advantage means nothing as the home teams are a combined 3-5. Today we saw Bobby Cox get ejected which makes three managers in two days get ejected after going five years without a single manager ejected in the baseball playoffs. Today two pretty reliable bullpens blew saves and in both cases it was the guy whose manager and fan base would want to have the ball in that situation.

Tomorrow is game three of the ALDS will the Rays stay alive or will Texas clinch its first every playoff series victory? Will the law of averages finally kick in and allow the Twins to snap their eight game losing streak to the Yankees in the playoffs or will the Yankees show why they are the defending champs and wrap the series up? We'll find out tomorrow.

Game two of American League; game one of Giants-Braves recap

By Kshell

The second day of the baseball playoffs featured some more great pitching. I personally like game two more than any other game in the short division series. This is a chance for a team to get back in the series or to be buried early. Today featured both American League road teams taking an early 2-0 lead and in the National League featured another dominant performance by a Cy Young pitcher making his first career start.

Tim Lincecum strikes out 14 in 1-0 win over the Braves

Tim Lincecum the former Washington Husky was absolutely dominant today in his first career start. Lincecum began the game giving up a lead off double but after that he was lights out. The Giants scored only one run for him and that was all he needed.

That one run the Giants scored was a controversial run. On a full count Buster Posey was running on the pitch. Pat Burrell had struck out and Posey slid in safely for the stolen base at second base. The only problem is on his slide he was actually out. Cody Ross with 2 outs had an RBI base hit that scored Posey for the only run of the game. Posey led off the 6th inning with a double and then an error but was stranded on third base despite nobody out.

Tim Lincecum showed everyone why he has won the last two Cy Young awards. Lincecum gave up just two hits both were doubles and only one walk. He struck out 14 Braves including two in the 9th. The Giants blue print is what the Mariners were hoping for this year. Just sneak into the playoffs with an average offense and ride your aces. Lincecum or Halladay are in a class by themselves amongst the National League playoff pitchers.

Bruce Bochy should be applauded as well. Most managers with a 1-0 lead and especially those with an all-star closer don't pitch Lincecum in the 9th. Bochy learned from his mistake in 1998 when Kevin Brown went 8 innings of zero runs and had 16 strikeouts but Bochy went with Hoffman and Hoffman gave up a run so the Padres barely won 2-1. This time Bochy stuck with his ace in the 9th and Lincecum had a 1-2-3 inning. This should be a great series with tons of good pitching match ups. Game two will feature Tim Hudson for Atlanta vs San Francisco Giants Matt Cain.

C.J. Wilson pulls Texas within one win of first ever postseason series win

The Tampa Bay Rays who won the American League championship in 2008 find themselves down 0-2 and going on the road to Texas. Tampa Bay is feeling the pressure as Joe Maddon became the first manager in five years to be ejected from a postseason game.

Maddon also decided to go with Jamie Shields in what essentially is a must win game two. Shields is just one of four pitchers to ever start a postseason game with an ERA over 5. Sheilds was wild and erratic all game. Shields lasted just 4.1 innings and threw 38 strikes to 30 balls. Trailing 2-0 Shields was lifted and what happened next changed the game and possibly the series.

Chad Qualls had entered the game with 1st and 2nd and 1 out. Qualls on a 1-2 pitch appeared to have struck Michael Young out. Young checked his swing the umps said he didn't go around. On the very next pitch Young hit a three run home run which essentially put the game over at 5-0.

Now that turn of events shouldn't take away from what C.J. Wilson had accomplished. Wilson went 6.1 innings of 2 hits and no runs while striking out 7. Wilson along with Lee have gone 13.1 innings of one run and 17 strikeouts. The Texas Rangers believe it or not might have the best 1-2 punch in the American League. With a good offense Texas could be more of a threat than most people gave them credit for. Going into the playoffs the Rangers were the second longest shot to win the World Series. The Rangers are one win away from their first ever postseason series victory.

Andy Pettite wins his 19th career postseason game, Lance Berkman comes up big

The New York Yankees do it again. The Yankees for the eighth consecutive playoff win over the Twins trailed in seven of those games now in a row. The Yankees are in the Minnesota Twins heads. The Twins have now lost 11 playoff games in a row. The Twins find themselves in a deep 0-2 hole going into the defending world champions in New York.

After the Twins tied the game up at 2 on an Orlando Hudson home run the game got away from the Twins again in the 7th. Another blown call by the umpires making it a perfect three for three on game changing calls today occurred. Lance Berkman had appeared to have been struck out but the umpires ruled it a ball. On the very next pitch Berkman who has been somewhat of a dissapointment since coming to New York belts a double to deep center scoring Jorge Posada from first base. Berkman who in the 5th off of former Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano hit a home run burned him again.

Pavano the Yankee dissapointment was done after 6+ innings giving up 10 hits and 4 runs. Once the Yankees took the lead it was back to the Yankees postseason model. Have Andy Pettitte pitch a gem which he did going 7 innings of just 2 runs turn the game over to Mariano Rivera which Rivera closed the game down with his 41st career postseason save. Counting the postseason that was Rivera's 600th career save.

The Twins and the Rays find themselves in a tough position having lost both home games. Only the 2001 New York Yankees(Had won 4 of the previous 5 World Series) who rallied over the Oakland A's after losing games one and two at home. The Giants like the Phillies hope the ride their excellant top of the rotation pitching.

As for the umpires there needs to be something done. From the regular season to last nights blown call in the Yankees-Twins game to three game changing calls today there has to be some sort of instant replay. We are in 2010 now and instead of wasting time with managers arguing calls when they are right and being tossed we can be replaying those calls.

Overall just like in previous playoffs its all about pitching and the teams who are winning have the pitching and the teams who are losing started some rough game two starters. Tomorrow will be crucial game two's for the Braves and Reds. It will also be huge for the Phillies and Giants in maintaining homefield advantage.