November 6, 2009
I’ve said numerous times Ted Lilly is the true ace of the Cubs’ rotation.
Of course, I’m always repeating myself because Cubs fans and the media barely recognize Lilly as an ace.
Don’t ask me why, either? I think the whole conversation is plain as day.
Break it down how you like, but there’s not an equal on this staff to Lilly. His overall numbers, wins and big-game production since signing with the Cubs three years ago is unmatched.
Lilly is the ace, even if by the slightest of margins. Better than Zambrano, better than Dempster, better than whomever.
Keep reading →
November 5, 2009
Would you believe it’s already been eight years since Luis Gonzalez’s RBI single off Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the ninth lifted Arizona to a 3-2 win in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series.
I certainly remember the moment well. Gonzo jumping up & down with boundless joy, the D-Backs celebrating its first ever championship, and the wild scenes of jubilation coming from my college dorm room.
To hell with the Yankees and their seemingly go-billion dollar payroll, I thought. Long live the Snakes!
And with that thought in mind I drank most of the night away. I was feeling good about baseball and tickled pink those damn Yankees were at last first place losers.
Not exactly the same feeling this year. At least not with the Yankees back on top and me watching the series’ finale while eating a Stonyfield Raspberry yogurt.
What baseball fan wouldn’t want to feel that excitement from the ’01 series again, and to share another go-round with the all-night celebratory beverages with friends (except for New Yorkers, of course). But next time how about it’s the Cubs winning the World Series.
For certain, it can happen, but in the mean time I’ll settle for the alternative: anybody except those damn Yankees!
November 4, 2009
Indeed, Tom Ricketts’ talk is cheap.
The man’s promised Cubs fans the world, as in world championship, king of the hill, top-dog.
And why not make such promises? Isn’t this, after all, what new owners are supposed to do, give lavish speeches of glories yet to come?
I mean seriously, what new owner has every stood in front of the home town audience and proclaimed we’re not here to win, but to merely compete…winning is not the only thing of importance here, so is the budget…championships you say? Aha championships, shampionships, people.
It’s nothing against Ricketts, I think the guy’s going to be a solid owner, but I couldn’t care less about his declaration to the media about a new day for Cubs baseball.
Spare me the talk, Tom. I’ve heard it all before. If it’s all about winning, which make no mistake it is, then put a winner on the field.
And when the Cubs finally win its first championship in one hundred and however many years it is, I’ll hang on your every word.
Until then, however, how about a new RBI man and a nice set-up reliever?
November 3, 2009
Cliff Lee is deserving of all the love.
It’s pretty clear the Phillies get swept this series without him.
But don’t overlook the performance of Chase Utley, either. Yes, the guy who’s just happened to tie Reggie Jackson’s 32-year-old record of five home runs in a world series.
Jackson led the ‘77 Yankees to glory with home runs in Games 4, 5 & 6 against the Dodgers.
His three blasts at Yankee Stadium in Game 6 became the series’ lasting memory. He also earned the series’ MVP honors, too.
Utley’s blasts haven’t been as memorable, but no less important than Mr. October’s.
Two coming in Philly’s Game 1 win against CC Sabathia, one in Game 4 and two more in Game 5.
Keep reading →
November 2, 2009
Three weeks ago I witnessed the Chicago Blackhawks’ biggest comeback victory in team history.
The Hawks rallied from five goals down to beat the Calgary Flames 6-5 in OT.
By NHL standards, a five-goal comeback is a rare feat, the same holding true for a 3-1 series deficit in baseball.
What I’m saying is, there’s not going to be a dramatic comeback by the Phillies.
At least not needing three-straight wins, two of which will have to come on the road at Yankee Stadium.
Sorry Philly fan, it ain’t happen’. Not with Brad Lidge closing, Cole Hamels’ pitching and the big-three collectively hitting worse than Nick Swisher.
The Yankees are too deep, A-Rod too great and the NY pitching staff too good for the Bombers to let this thing slip away.
Unless Cliff Lee is equally effective on zero days rest as he is on four, the Phillies are finished…defeated, dethroned.
It’s a rather rude greeting, but welcome back to old-times again baseball fans. Welcome back to baseball reality…the World Series is over: Yankees win, Yankees win, thaaa Yankees win. Stinks, I know.
