Major League Baseball Preview 2017

These are the days I really miss doing baseball play-by-play.  The lead up to a brand new season, the hope, the dreams and the energy around a ball club and its fan base is palpable. Every team starts 0-0 and then it starts for real.

I usually don't make predictions, because the baseball season is so long and you can never account for injury, so consider the following information more of a preview than something to take to the bank. In other words, before a game is played, this is how I see things shaking out.  Use this information at your own risk, and for entertainment purposes only!!

I'll go division by division, then to the playoffs and then to the World Series...

National League Central (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs

1. Chicago Cubs *
2. St. Louis Cardinals *
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Cincinnati Reds

CUBS:
The outlook: The Cubs return one of the most potent lineups in all of baseball. They were in the top 5 in most offensive categories last season, and that was without Kyle Schwarber. Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant (NL MVP), Addison Russell and whoever plays 2B (Zobrist, Baez) is a pretty formidable offensive and defensive threat.  Albert Almora Jr will get the first crack at replacing last year's lead off man Dexter Fowler in CF.  Almora will be backed Jon Jay. Schwarber, Heyward and Zobrist will form the rest of the outfield.  The rotation returns it's top four pitchers: Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey. Brett Anderson will start in the rotation, with Mike Montgomery becoming a "swing" guy in the pen. The Cubs made it through 2016 relatively healthy and injuries are always a concern.  Jason Heyward. Will his new swing result in better production this season? Will Wade Davis remain a viable closer after he was acquired from Kansas City in the off season.

CARDINALS:
The outlook:  I'm sure it just killed Cardinals fans to see the Cubs hoist the World Series Trophy. How will they try to contend this season?  They added a Cubs weapon in Dexter Fowler in CF.  Fowler agreed to a free-agent deal to play in St Louis.  He'll be surrounded by Randall Grichuk in LF, and Stephen Piscotty in RF.  The Cardinals don't stack up offensively on the infield, with Jhonny Peralta at 3B, Aledmys Diaz at SS, Kolton Wong at 2B, and Matt Carpenter patrolling 1B. The Cardinals will lean on Yadier Molina not only to provide offense, but to guide the pitching staff through the season.  Health was a major issue for the rotation last season and before this one begins, the Cardinals will be without fastball specialist Alex Reyes, out for the season with an elbow injury.

PIRATES:
The outlook: The Pirates are switching things up in the outfield, moving Gregory Polanco to LF, Starling Marte to CF and former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to right.  The move may have a wrench thrown in it, with Polanco suffering a shoulder injury.  The Pirates will also be without 3B Jung Ho Kang. He has been suspended and could be out until May 1. Josh Harrison may fill in there for the first month.  Garrett Cole anchors a rather inexperienced rotation, and Tony Watson will close for the Pirates in 2017.

BREWERS, REDS:
Milwaukee is a young team.  The only big name still on the roster is Ryan Braun and one has to wonder if he'll be with this team in June.   Cincinnati, will start former Cubs pitcher Scott Feldman on Opening Day, that tells you what you need to know about the state of the Reds rotation.  They still have Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton but not a whole lot else.

National League East (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs
1. Washington Nationals *
2. New York Mets
3. Miami Marlins
4. Philadelphia Phillies
5. Atlanta Braves

NATIONALS:
The outlook: Pitching, pitching and more pitching. That will be the Nationals calling card again this season.  Dusty Baker's rotation is loaded: Stephen Strasburg, Tanner Roark, Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez and Joe Ross could make life rough for the rest of the NL East. Add in Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Daniel Murphy, and the Nats look like they could be poised to make a run to the playoffs. Jayson Werth will take over in LF, after the team acquired Adam Eaton from the White Sox in the off-season. Ryan Zimmerman is not the best defensive 1B in the league, but should provide his share of offense for Washington.  The Nationals are deciding between a few closers, Koda Glover, Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen will compete for that spot over the next few days of Spring Training.

METS:
The outlook: While pitching is the strong point of the Nationals, it could be that way for the Mets again this season, if and only if the starters can stay healthy.  Steven Matz is the latest to come down with an injury in Spring Training. Matz suffered an elbow injury putting the start of the season in jeopardy for the lefty.  Matt Harvey returns to the rotation, but may be skipped a start to build up his stamina. He's touched 96 in some games.  Jacob DeGrom and Noah Syndergaard round out the rotation.  The Mets were able to re-sign Yoenis Cespedes after a 31 homer season last year. Jeurys Familia will miss some time after being suspended for violating the MLB domestic violence policy. David Wright could return, but probably not until after May 1.

MARLINS:
The outlook: The Marlins had a very tough end to last season, losing pitching sensation Jose Fernandez to a tragic boating accident.  The Marlins rotation will suffer as a result.  Edinson Volquez was signed as a free-agent to anchor the staff, after that, it's a major question mark.  Miami will rely heavily on Giancarlo Stanton offensively, the main problem with the talented right fielder has been health. He has 91 homers of the last 3 seasons but has been limited to an average of 113 games/year over that period. Christian Yelich is also expected to be an offensive contributor, fresh off a great WBC run for Team USA, he hit 21 homers and drove in 98 for Miami last year.

PHILLIES, BRAVES:
Two young teams looking for an identity. The Braves do have a potential Rookie of the Year candidate in Dansby Swanson.  He has some big league experience from last season with Atlanta.

National League West (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs
1. Los Angeles Dodgers *
2. San Francisco Giants *
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres

DODGERS:
The outlook:  The Dodgers everyday lineup may be the best in the division.  Justin Turner, 3B, Corey Seager (Rookie of Year) SS, Adrian Gonzalez, 1B and added Logan Forsythe to play 2B. Yasmani Grandal is coming off a career year behind the plate and is getting better at handling the pitching staff. Outfield consists of Joc Pedersen, Andrew Toles, and Yasiel Puig. Which Puig will the Dodgers get this season? That is anyone's guess, but when he's right, he's really good. Clayton Kershaw will lead the rotation again, and be followed by Rich Hill, who re-signed in Los Angeles after being dealt there last season. Kenley Jansen is also back in the fold, and will close games again. Health will tell the story, especially in the rotation with Kershaw and Hill.

GIANTS:
The outlook: Have been the model of consistency over the last several years.  Their even numbered year championship streak ended, when they were eliminated from the postseason by the Cubs last year. Not sure their everyday lineup can contend with the Dodgers, not to offend Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford and Hunter Pence, but they can't.  The Giants can contend in the front end of the rotation with Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and a full season of Matt Moore.  San Francisco went out and got a closer in free agency, Mark Melancon will be the man at the back end of the pen. Derek Law will set up.

DIAMONDBACKS:
The outlook:  If any team needed a bounce back from a disappointing year, its Arizona.  Zack Greinke is one guy they are looking for a rebound year from, his big money contract looked like it would bust after one season.  Shelby Miller (who cost them Dansby Swanson) spent some time in the minors a season ago.  Fernando Rodney will be the Diamondback's closer this year. Paul Goldschmidt is the type of hitter that any team would be happy to have on its roster.  AJ Pollock was hurt most of last season, so a injury free year from him would be a welcomed addition.  New manager Torey Lovullo might be the new voice needed in Arizona.

ROCKIES, PADRES:
Colorado has a new manager as well, he's Buddy Black, who probably should still be in San Diego. Will Black be able to get a handle on the Rockies pitching staff which is young and pitches at altitude? If anyone can, its Black.  His former team, the Padres are a long way from contenting and feature a team made up of mainly inexperienced players.  Hey you have to start somewhere right?


American League Central (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs
1. Cleveland Indians *
2. Detroit Tigers
3. Kansas City Royals
4. Chicago White Sox
5. Minnesota Twins

INDIANS:
The outlook: After getting to Game 7 of the World Series last year, only to lose to the Cubs, the Indians didn't lose much and added a key piece to the offense.  Edwin Encarnacion joins the club from the Blue Jays, after hitting 42 homers and driving in 127 runs last year. He will be the team's DH.  The infield is still strong, with Franciso Lindor at SS, Jason Kipnis at 2B and Carlos Santana at 1B.  Cleveland needed an offseason to get healthy. Left fielder Michael Brantley played only 11 games last year after a shoulder injury that required surgery.  The team is taking it slowly with him in Spring Training.  The rotation behind Corey Kluber is healthier as well. Carlos Carrasco was limited to 25 starts, and no appearances in the postseason.  Danny Salazar also made just 25 starts, but was able to make only 2 appearances in the playoffs.  Terry Francona is one of the game's best managers and should have the Indians in contention again.

TIGERS:
The outlook: Justin Verlander is getting a bit long in the tooth, but still was able to win 16 games last season for an 86 win team. Even with a more suspect rotation, the Tigers can contend based on offense. Miguel Cabrera comes in off a .316/.393/.563 slash line with 38 homers. He's 34, but still one of the best hitters in baseball. Victor Martinez will serve as the DH, Justin Upton and Ian Kinsler should contribute offensively as well for Brad Ausmus' team. Francisco Rodriguez will be the Tigers closer this season.

ROYALS:
The outlook: The Royals are a team still trying to cope with the death of Yordano Ventura and will have a hard time replacing him in the rotation.  Danny Duffy is scheduled to open up, with Ian Kennedy and Jason Hammel to follow.  The pen lost Wade Davis to the Cubs for Jorge Soler and Greg Holland to free agency.  Kansas City still has Eric Hosmer, Alex Gordon and Mike Moustakas in the lineup. The latter is trying to bounce back from injury.  Lorenzo Cain and Salvador Perez will also be counted on to make offensive contributions.  Perez is one of the best catchers in the game, and will have his work cut out for him with this pitching staff. 

WHITE SOX, TWINS:
The White Sox rebuild is underway, gone are Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, sent packing for prospects. Jose Quintana could be next.  Manager Rick Renteria will get to manage some young players like he did in his one season for the Cubs.  The Twins are still the Twins. 

American League East (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs
1. Boston Red Sox *
2. Toronto Blue Jays *
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. New York Yankees
5. Tampa Bay Rays

RED SOX:
The outlook: Boston bolstered the starting rotation with the addition of Chris Sale from the White Sox.  Rick Porcello and David Price will provide a potent top 3.  Price should be ready to go despite some injury issues in Spring Training.  The Red Sox core group is young.  Mookie Betts is a serious MVP candidate and Andrew Benintendi is a legit Rookie of the Year prospect as well.  The rest of the lineup is pretty good too...Xander Bogaerts at SS, Dustin Pedroia at 2B, Mitch Moreland will play 1B, and Pablo Sandoval after a less than productive first year in Boston is slated to play 3B. Hanley Ramirez will DH and Jackie Bradley Jr will be in CF.  An underrated part of last year's success was that of Sandy Leon behind the plate, he's the #1 guy this season.  Craig Kimbrel will try to bounce back from a rough 2016 and close for the Red Sox.

BLUE JAYS:
The outlook: The Jays offense was second only to the Cubs in efficiency last season and produced a ton of home runs. Toronto lost Edwin Encarnacion and his 42 homers, but have Jose Bautista back in the fold.  The Jays added Kendrys Morales from Kansas City, and he could make up at least some of the numbers produced. Defensively, the left side of the infield is tough, former MVP Josh Donaldson at third and Troy Tulowitzki at SS will help the pitching staff.  Marcus Stroman anchors the rotation and appears to be in good shape after a nice run in the WBC for Team USA.  Marco Estrada, JA Happ and Francisco Liriano will help fill out the rotation for Toronto. 

ORIOLES:
The outlook:  Baltimore still has a young nucleus and it's a powerful one. Adam Jones, teamed with Manny Machado, Chris Davis and Mark Trumbo should equal a bunch of runs for the Orioles. The team added former Cubs catcher Wellington Castillo to the fold to replace Matt Weiters (Nationals) behind the plate. Chris Tillman anchors the rotation and Zach Britton should be fresh (ha ha) and return as one of the best closers in baseball. 

YANKEES, RAYS:
New York could be a sleeper team in the division. Manager Joe Girardi will have some youngsters at his disposal this season.  Gary Sanchez made quite a splash at the Major League level last season and will get the chance to be the everyday catcher. Matt Holliday was added to DH, and Aroldis Chapman returns to close.   Tampa is a work in progress for sure, the Rays are basically Chris Archer and Evan Longoria. 

American League West (Projected order of finish) * = playoffs 
1. Houston Astros *
2. Texas Rangers *
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Los Angeles Angels
5. Oakland Athletics

ASTROS:
The outlook: Youthful exuberance all over the diamond in Houston...Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman contribute in the infield, while George Springer patrols CF.  Altuve is always an MVP candidate, and could contend for the batting title again. The Astros added Carlos Beltran to DH and Josh Reddick to play the outfield. The key will be pitching.  Dallas Keuchel a former Cy Young winner will need to bounce back from a tough season to regain his form. Lance McCullers, Collin McHugh and Mike Fiers round out the rotation.  Ken Giles is set to close again for the Astros. Luke Gregerson with or without the Bald Eagle carving along with Willie Harris will set up for manager AJ Hinch. 

RANGERS:
The outlook:  Texas has an everyday lineup that could contend with the Astros.  Rougned Odor, Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus are three quality hitters.  Texas added Mike Napoli to play 1B after spending last season in Cleveland.  Rangers will get a full season of Jonathan Lucroy and Carlos Gonzalez which will help both their offense and defense.  Cole Hamels is the number one starter, Yu Darvish is the number two starter and needs to remain healthy.  Rangers should be a wild card team. 

MARINERS:
The outlook: Everyday starting lineup not as good as the Astros or Rangers, but they do have some talented players.  Kyle Seager at third, Jean Segura at short and Robinson Cano playing 2B is a pretty good trio.  Dan Vogelbach the former Cubs minor leaguer who was turned into Mike Montgomery at the deadline last year, is slated to start at 1B.  Nelson Cruz provides a big bat at DH. Pitching will be a question mark after King Felix Hernandez. 

ANGELS, ATHLETICS:
Angels are getting old in some key spots including DH, with Albert Pujols.  Added Cameron Maybin to play LF beside Mike Trout in CF. Andrelton Simmons is an exciting young player at shortstop.  Luis Valbuena will play first.  Will Mike Scioscia be the first manager fired this year?   Athletics are just not very good. 


PLAYOFFS:
National League
Central:  Cubs
East: Nationals
West: Dodgers
Wildcards: Cardinals, Giants

NLCS: Cubs v. Nationals

American League 
Central: Indians
East: Red Sox
West: Astros
Wildcards: Rangers, Blue Jays

ALCS: Indians v. Red Sox

World Series:  Cubs v. Red Sox 

Winner: Cubs in 7 games

There's my take on things.  Can't wait for the season to finally get here!

Cheers!

NLCS Has It's Phil, again

Well it's over in the National League. The Philadelphia Phillies have repeated as NL champions and will get to defend their World Series Title. As NLCS MVP Ryan Howard described it, the Phillies used a total team effort to get past the Rockies and then the Dodgers. A good mix of offense, defense and pitching propelled the Phillies back into the World Series for the second straight season. The Phillies will now await their next challenge, probably the Yankees in an attempt to repeat as champions of baseball.

Tonight, Cole Hamels wasn't great, Vicente Padilla wasn't great, but the Phils offense was. Philadelphia led the NL in homers this season, and used 4 of them tonight to beat the Dodgers and win the series 4 games to 1.

Congratulations to Charlie Manuel and his team. Charlie is a great guy. I had the chance to meet him this year, thanks to one of the Phillies broadcasters Chris Wheeler. Charlie couldn't be a nicer human being. He wouldn't end our conversation. We chatted about everything from the weather in San Diego, to Tony Gwynn Jr's batting stance at home plate. Manuel is an old fashioned manager, in the respect that he gives his players the chance to just play. No micromanaging from him. He makes decisions from his gut, and believes in his players. If you don't believe me, just ask Brad Lidge. Manuel stuck with the struggling closer and Lidge has been a big part of the Phillies success this post-season.

ALCS...

John Lackey will be the last hope for the Angels, he'll start game 5 against AJ Burnett for the Yankees. New York has a 3-1 lead in the series. I can't see how the Yankees will blow a lead of this margin, they are just too good. It will certainly set up a good matchup of similarly built teams in the World Series if the Yanks can close things out.

Manager Joe Girardi revealed today, that Derek Jeter has been sick this entire series. Battling "a bug" as he put it. Just proves that Jeter is one of the guttiest players in baseball and is a true "captain" in every sense of the word. Alex Rodriguez will be named series MVP and how could he not? 5 homers in the post season, and 3 in the ALCS, it's a lock for A-Rod.

When I mentioned what a class guy Charlie Manuel was, ditto that for Yankees manager Joe Girardi. I got to know Joe very well as a catcher for the Chicago Cubs in his second tour of duty with the team. Girardi was a hard nosed player, and expected the most out of his teammates as well. I had the unique opportunity to interview Girardi after two tragic events in baseball, and in the US. He was gracious enough to grant a request when baseball resumed after the horrible events of September 11, 2001. Girardi was a voice of reason in that interview and I can remember the look in his eyes, it was a look of yes our country is wounded, but it's our job to give them a distraction. In essence he was saying, the game must go on to help heal the USA. Girardi also was kind enough to grant me some time after the Cubs/Cardinals game was cancelled in 2002 after the tragic death of Darryl Kile. The next night the two teams played and Girardi was my pre-game guest. He had to choke back tears several times during the interview. This is a man that understands life and understands what it is to be a major league baseball player and now a manager. I always appreciated his time and just being able to talk baseball with a guy like Joe Girardi.

If it is a match up of Phillies and Yankees, there will be two classy and deserving men at the helm of their respective teams.

Umps...I'm backed up!

Thankfully there were several other national media member to corroborate my thoughts on the horrible display of umpiring not only this post season but all year long. I'll refer you to an online article written by CBS Sportsline columnist Greg Doyel who agrees completely with me, that the umpiring has been atrocious! Thank you Greg!

Valentine again?

What is it about major league baseball GM's, hiring re-treds? I mean are the Indians seriously considering hiring Bobby Valentine? To me they should be looking for a new GM instead of a new manager. Mark Shapiro was the guy that in the last two years traded away an all star team of, CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Casey Blake, Ryan Garko and Victor Martinez. Casey Stengel himself couldn't have managed the Indians any better than Eric Wedge did. Wedge had nothing. Now Wedge is out of a job, and he may be replaced by Valentine. Wow, that's sad.

Senator Please...

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) is continuing his crusade for a change to the BCS system. He wrote a letter to President Barrack Obama saying "Mr. President, as you have publicly stated on multiple occasions, the BCS system is in dire need of reform," as the Senator is calling for an antitrust probe of the BCS.

Again, while I agree that the NCAA should go to a college football playoff system, is this really the time for a Senator, who's home state school was dissed by the BCS, to spend even this much time on a problem so minute to our country? I ask the question.

Esteban OchoCinco?

There has been an interesting war of "tweets" going on this week between Chad Ochocinco and players on the Chicago Bears. On a conference call with the Chicago media today, Chad began the conversation by saying "hola" , that he was now Mexican and that his name was Esteban. Ok. He did have one hilarious "tweet", according to the Chicago Tribune Ochocinco told Bears linebacker Lance Briggs, that "I'll make Lance Briggs backpedal so much that his name will become Lance Armstrong". Good stuff. Could be an interesting game as the Bengals host the Bears this Sunday.

A Little Ice Time...

Just got back from a hockey game tonight. As I'm on vacation, I took in a Chicago Blackhawks game as they hosted the Vancouver Canucks. My brother and a friend of his attended and had a blast even though the home team lost 3-2. I know hockey isn't very popular in Southern California, but it's a great sport to view in person. HDTV has certainly helped in being able to watch a game and follow the puck on TV, but being there is awesome. Go to a Kings or Ducks game and check it out for yourself. Lots of fun too!

Alright, that's it for tonight...have a great one...

Andy

Jack In The Bronx...

That's what "they" are calling this New Yankee Stadium and it's slightly longer than Williamsport dimensions. Ok, before you say it, I know, I know, both teams play there and have the same chances, but come on the Yanks get to play 81 games in the bandbox that replaced the band leader. I also realize this is not why the Yankees won the game, or why the Angels lost the game but it still makes one think.

Key Moments...

For the Angels: Great job by Darren Oliver, the 38 year old lefty (that was pointed out a few times by Joe Buck) to pitch around an absolutely HORRIBLE, potentially game changing call by 2nd base umpire Jerry Layne. The "in the neighborhood" play is there to prevent 2b's and ss's from getting killed with guys sliding into them trying to break up a double play. Way to get your name in the paper (or in this case the blog) Jerry, you were almost "Denkinger-ized". No excuse for that. None.

Maicer Izturis got caught up in the moment thinking he could turn two on a tough play to his left. Get the sure out and live to fight another batter and see what happens. Sometimes players get to thinking "spectacular play" rather than the routine play, or in this case, a sure out.

Vladimir Guerrero left a small village of his teammates on base. I believe the final count was 8. That to me, more than anything contributed to the loss for the Angels.

For the Yankees: What can you say about Alex Rodriguez? There are many who feel as though A-Rod should have been walked, but a lot of managers will tell you it's not good baseball to put on the potential tying run to get to the potential winning run at the plate. The problem with the Rodriguez at bat in my opinion was a poor 0-2 pitch by Brian Fuentes. If you get A-Rod down 2 strikes, you better miss big or expect what happened. #13 has come up large for the Yankees this post-season, and his first row homer tied the ballgame.

Jerry Hairston Jr (older brother of former Padre Scott Hairston) came through for Joe Girardi with a solid single to start the 13th. The Yankees are fairly lucky it ended in 13, since the bench was getting thin, and so was the pen. Did you see who was up? A clean shaven, hardly recognizable blast from Padre past, Chad Gaudin.

So now the Yankees head to Anaheim up 2-0 in the best of 7 ALCS. Game 3 will feature lefty Andy Pettitte for the Yankees, and Jared Weaver for the Angels.

NLCS shifts to Philly...

Philadelphia will be the scene Sunday for game three of the NLCS, with Cliff Lee facing Hiroki Kiroda. The latter hasn't pitched in a while, and has had a tough season. Kiroda spent a bunch of time on the DL, especially after being hit on the head by a line drive in Arizona. His most recent injury though was a bad disc in his neck. We'll have to wait and see what he's got in the tank. It's going to be a chilly one in Philly, temps expected in the mid 40's at game time.

Technology front runners...

The Dodgers are doing a great job of keeping their fans in the moment. The team website (www.dodgers.com) is filled with celebrity 'tweets' and today features a video tour of Philadelphia by former Padre Mark Sweeney who is now an assistant coach with LA. Sweeney's commentary is good stuff, you should check it out.

Female GM?

Numerous reports have Dodgers assistant GM, Kim Ng (ing) interviewing with Padres brass today. She would be the first female GM in baseball. Read more here at the Padres team site. Corey Brock reported a couple of weeks ago, that Jeff Moorad planned to interview at least one minority candidate.

Alright, that's pretty much what I've got for you tonight...enjoy!

Andy

Yankees Use A CC Rider...

On a cold night in the Bronx, the Yankees used their horse, CC Sabathia in a 4-1 win over the Angels in game one of the ALCS. It's not a shock that the Yankees defended the home field, however to me, it is a shock the way the Angels lost. Committing errors. Even Torrii Hunter committed one in the game, just his second error in 2009. Hunter is such a good centerfielder that since 1998, that was his 30th career error. The three team errors led to a couple of unearned runs, and that spelled doom for the Angels.

Either way it was going to be a tough chore to get to a "locked in" CC Sabathia. He went 8 dominant innings, and is proving to be quite worthy of the lucrative deal he signed in the off season. He's showing why they were crying in Lake Erie when the Indians traded him to the Brewers. Sabathia almost single handedly led the Brewers to the playoffs, but since he was being used seemingly every day he ran out of gas. He then ran out of Milwaukee and signed the "big bucks, no whammy's deal" with the Yankees. How nice must it be for Joe Girardi to throw Sabathia for 8, then turn to Mariano Rivera in the 9th? Trivia: What does CC stand for? I'll answer that later in the blog!

Game 2...

Another one of the Yankees big money free agents will go in tomorrow's game two, AJ Burnett facing the Angels, Joe Saunders.

NLCS Game 2...

That's the way the Dodgers have been winning games all year long. Andre Ethier is usually in the middle of it as well. Such was the case today in LA, when the Dodgers evened up the NLCS with a 2-1 win over the Phillies. Both starters were dealing (pardon the cliche) in the game. Vicente Padilla, an unwanted man in Texas, found a home in LA, going 7 1/3, while striking out 6. He gave up a homer to Ryan Howard for the only Phillies run. Pedro Martinez was his usual post-season self, going 7 scoreless innings while striking out 3...

Crazy 8...

Then there was the 8th inning...and a typical Dodger rally. Here's the official play-by-play since it's too crazy to recap myself...(courtesy of CBS Sportsline.com)

DODGERS 8TH
Chan Ho Park pitching:
Casey Blake:	Strike looking, Ball, Ball, Blake singled to left
Juan Pierre ran for Casey Blake.
Ronnie Belliard:	Pickoff attempt to first, Bunt foul, Pickoff attempt to first, Belliard reached on bunt single to first, Pierre to second.
Russell Martin:	Ball, Ball, Ball, Strike looking, Bunt foul, Martin reached on fielder's choice to third, Pierre to third, Belliard out at second,Pierre scored on Utley's throwing error
Jim Thome hit for Hong-Chih Kuo.
Scott Eyre relieved Chan Ho Park.
Jim Thome:	Pickoff attempt to first, Ball, Thome singled to right, Martin to third
Juan Castro ran for Jim Thome.
Ryan Madson relieved Scott Eyre.
Rafael Furcal:	Ball, Foul, Ball, Ball, Furcal walked, Castro to second.
Matt Kemp:	Foul, Foul, Ball, Kemp struck out swinging.
J.A. Happ relieved Ryan Madson.
Andre Ethier:	Ball, Foul, Foul, Foul, Ball, Ball, Ethier walked, Martin scored, Castro to third, Furcal to second.
Chad Durbin relieved J.A. Happ.
Manny Ramirez:	Ramirez popped out to third.
End of Inning (2 Runs, 3 Hits, 1 Error)

Jonathan Broxton would then come on in the 9th and go 1-2-3 and even the series at 1-1. It was a much needed victory for the Dodgers with the next 3 games to be played in much chillier Philadelphia.

Game 3...

We have to wait until SUNDAY for game 3. Unbelievable. It's going to be Hiroki Kuroda going for the Dodgers, against another former Indian, lefty Cliff Lee for the Phillies. I still like the Phillies in this series, they play great at home, and their pitching still makes me a believer.

McCourt Case...

I'm not a Dodger fan by any stretch of the imagination. But I am rooting for them in this respect. I certainly hope that the impending divorce of owner Frank McCourt and wife Jamie McCourt. Padre fans know already that this can and will affect ownership and play on the field if it gets out of hand. At first glance, it's not looking good, consider this from today's Los Angeles Times:

Dennis Wasser, who represents Jamie McCourt, on Thursday rebutted claims that Frank McCourt is the club's sole owner.

"We disagree," Wasser said. "We are confident that, if the ownership issue must be adjudicated, the Dodgers will be determined to be community property, owned 50% by each of the McCourts."

But Marshall Grossman, who represents Frank McCourt, said he has documents to back up his assertion that his client is the sole owner.

"Anyone reading them will readily see that Mr. McCourt's ownership is 100%," said Grossman, who declined to release the documents.

Wasser said he was unaware of any such documents and said he knew of no reason why California's community property law would not apply.

This could get ugly LA, enjoy this playoff run...

Odd Pair...

Tommy Lasorda and Kobe Bryant were seen sitting together, in Tommy's seats right next to the Dodgers dugout. LaSorda who is an active Twitterer, tweeted about Kobe today: @TommyLasorda may not know this but Kobe bleeds Dodger Blue just like I do. And we both speak Italian!

Final Musings...

Full disclosure, I'm on vacation now for a couple of weeks, and will certainly try to update the blog as much as humanly possible. Please forgive me if there are a few lapses over this period of time. I'm visiting family out of town and it's great to see them after a long baseball season. Looking forward to getting back to SD though and the start of USD's basketball season which tips off November 13 at the Jenny Craig Pavilion against Stanford.

Have a great night!

Andy

TRIVIA ANSWER: CC Sabathia's full name is...Carsten Charles Sabathia

Let's Get The Show On The Road...

To me the worst thing about the MLB Playoffs, is having to wait so long in between series. I realize that the schedule is such because of team travel and all that, but LET'S GO ALREADY! I'm so used to having a game every night, or nearly every night, that my A.D.D. is starting to kick in and I'm ready to watch some baseball again....

We'll get the NLCS first, in a repeat of last year's match up the Dodgers and the Phillies. The only thing different is the Dodgers have the home field advantage this time around. Not sure we could ask for a better pitching match up in Game 1, two young talented lefties, as Rancho Bernardo's Cole Hamels goes for the Phillies against 22 year old Clayton Kershaw for the Dodgers. Hamels is the reigning World Series MVP, and even though his season hasn't gone like last year, it's hard to argue against his post season experience. Hamels was 4-0, with a 1.80 ERA in 5 post season starts a year ago. Kershaw, out of Dallas, Texas and Highland Park High School, the same school that produced the Padres Chris Young, pitched well in his start in the NLDS against the Cardinals, but didn't figure into the decision.

X Factors...

For the Dodgers, I believe it's the starting rotation. Not a short series, can't ride 2 hot pitchers to the World Series. The Dodgers will need effective starts from the lefties, and then hope somebody like Vicente Padilla can step up.

For the Phillies, the choice to me is obvious. It's Brad Lidge. The biggest question begs to be asked, is Lidge back after picking up 2 saves against the Rockies? The Phillies have the offense, the defense and starting pitching to get back to the World Series, but will the bullpen be a help or hinderance to that goal?

Lineups...

From the Dodgers official Twitter page, @DodgertownUSA, we present the LA starting lineup for game one...1. Furcal - SS, 2. Ethier - RF, 3. Ramirez - LF, 4. Kemp - CF, 5. Blake - 3B, 6. Loney - 1B, 7. Belliard - 2B, 8. Martin - C, 9. Kershaw - P.

Don't have the Phillies lineup yet, but I'll try to find it out for you soon.

More Musings...

Congratulations to Cole Hamels and his wife, on the birth of their first child, Caleb Michael Hamel, delivered Friday.

If you are looking for an amusing, yet honest take on what it's like to be a Phillies relief pitcher, check out Scott Eyre's blog http://scotteyre.mlblogs.com/ Scott is a friend from our Chicago days, and a funny guy. Give him a read.

The Dodgers also announced their rotation for the series (again courtesy @DodgertownUSA), Kershaw, Padilla, Kuroda, and then former Padre Randy Wolf. Kuroda had been out with a disc problem in his neck. It was reported that he threw a five inning, 50 pitch game in Arizona today, then threw 25 more pitches in the bullpen.

Leadoff men...

How important is a good leadoff hitter? Here's the list of the final four team's leadoff hitters:

Jimmy Rollins - PHI, Rafael Furcal - LAD, Chone Figgins - LAA, and Derek Jeter - NYY. Pretty impressive stuff.

A look at more from the NLCS tomorrow and a quick preview of the ALCS then as well...

Til then....

Andy

And then there were 4...

Baseball's version of the final four is now set, and the run to the World Series should be an interesting one. I offer you this breakdown.

NLCS...Philadelphia/Los Angeles

The Dodgers played a great NLDS series in sweeping the Cardinals. I admit again, I never saw that result coming. I wonder now, how the LA pitching will match up in a longer series. It came to haunt them last year after taking care of the Cubs in 3, then having to face the Phillies and their potent offense. I will say this, the Dodgers have found a way to get things done all year long. They managed to not only stay afloat but actually increase their lead in the west without Manny Ramirez for 50 games, and just seem to have that ability to surprise.

The best thing that may have, and I stress MAY HAVE, come out of the Phillies series win over the Rockies, was a renewed confidence in Brad Lidge, and Lidge's confidence in himself. We know the Phillies have the offense, and starting pitching, but the bullpen has been an achilles heal with Lidge and Ryan Madson. I can't help but root for Charlie Manuel, a good old fashioned "baseball guy" who got the giant monkey off his back winning it all last season. Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Ibanez and Werth is a formidable 1-6 that not many teams can match up with.

Bottom Line:

Here's why. I would still take Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and JA Happ, over the 4 that the Dodgers will likely send out. Randy Wolf, Clayton Kershaw, Vicente Padilla, and either Chad Billingsley or Hiroki Kuroda (who's neck injury is healing) is good, but not as good or better than the Phillies 4. Also remember, that when you play games this late in the year in cold weather cities it comes down to starting pitching. I give that edge to the Phillies. The Dodgers will keep the series competitive, it's hard to argue that their bullpen as a whole isn't better than Philadelphia's. It's also fair to compare the late inning heroics that the Dodgers have managed, especially in walk off wins at home to the magic of the Phillies. In the end though, I believe that the Phillies are the better team and will advance.

My Pick: Phillies win in 6

ALCS...Los Angeles/New York

The two best teams made it through the Division round and now await each other in the league championship series. Is it me or do the Angels seem like a team of "destiny"? A team record 47 come from behind wins including the improbable 2 out comeback against Jonathan "Riverdance" Papelbon and the Red Sox. Then there's the Yankees, playing in a New Yankee Stadium which has been referred to as the "Jack in the Bronx" with all the homers being hit there, clicking on all cylinders. Big names, Jeter, Rodriguez, Teixeira and Posada have come through for them the entire year. Enough pitching and an emerging bullpen anchored by a sure fire hall of famer (but not the best closer ever as he's been described, what a show of disrespect to the greatest of all time, Trevor Hoffman) Mariano Rivera will make them a favorite.

Bottom line:

It's a great match up. Two very classy managers, both former big league catchers, in Mike Scioscia and Joe Girardi and two fine franchises over the years will battle it out. If the game one pitching matchup is John Lackey against CC Sabathia, all I can say is WOW. The Yankees have been the best team all year long, they have just about everything a team could want, pitching, power, some speed and defense, which makes them tough to beat. I think though that the Angels are equally as good. They had a terrible tragedy to deal with and lost a bit of focus after the sudden passing of Nick Adenhart, but they regrouped and climbed atop the West standings and never looked back. I think the Angels are the team to beat here. They may not have the names, but they have the talent. Torrii Hunter has been a stabilizing force, Chone Figgins creates challenges with his speed, Vladimir Guerrero is one of the best pure hitters in the game, and the surrounding cast of guys like Kendry Morales, Juan Rivera and Erick Aybar to name a few will get it done.

My pick: Angels in 7

Well there you go, agree or disagree, those are my thoughts. Your comments as always are welcome. I just hope that these two series are good and competitive!

Random Musings...

I know hockey isn't a popular sport in Southern California, but where I grew up (Chicago an "original 6" city) it's big time. I have to give a shout out to my beloved Chicago Blackhawks, who were down 5-0 in the first period, and fought back to win the game 6-5 in OT. The biggest comeback in team history. Ok, stop laughing and keep reading....

It was a pretty good Monday Night Football game too, I'm sure the viewership was down a bit from last week, for obvious reasons. But a hard fought game with the Dolphins scoring with under 10 seconds to beat the Jets. From the little I've seen of Mark Sanchez, he's going to be a good QB in the NFL.

Just wondering, if Brett Favre retires (AGAIN) what will ESPN do? Is he the face of the NFL? I mean come on ESPN, there are other good stories out there, and they deserve some coverage as well.

Alright, more tomorrow...have a great night!

Andy

Bonus Blog....

Just finished watching the Phillies and the Rockies game, and true to form, an exciting game played at Coors Field. Brad Lidge made it interesting of course, but get's Tulowitzki to pop out to end it.

I hate to keep doing this, but the umpires once again decided this game. In the 9th, both Jerry Meals and Ron Kulpa blew the same play. Chase Utley at the plate, he swings, the ball spins funny, hits him in the shin (in the batters box) then appears to roll up his arm into fair territory. He runs. Huston Street's throw to 1st appears to pull Todd Helton off the bag at first. Upon further review (from my eyes) Helton scraped the bag with his shoe top. 0 for 2 for the umps on that one. Not a shock. The TBS (only on HD) Pitch Trax is also exposing these umps, for their lack of consistency in calling strikes. Will something be done?

Overall, even though three of the four division series resulted in sweeps, I think the games have been exciting. Lots of drama, and "game within the game" stuff. That is why I say, baseball is the best game going. There is strategy on every single play. Pitch selection, swing or take, take the extra base and so on and so on...

Ok, that's it for me tonight, my eyes are bloodshot. I seriously took about a 1 hour break earlier this evening, because I was getting fried. I watched the Red Sox/Angels starting around 9:30 this morning and now, am wrapping it up with the Rockies/Phillies.

Good night all...

Andy