Ok, I know. Anyone can make a prediction based on one game. You guys all probably want me to grow a sack and pick the Series winner. Unfortunately, I can't. I have no idea who is going to win this Series. Both teams are hot. Both teams are talented. Both teams are well-managed. I prefer to take my pick on a couple of these games and see how it plays out.
Why will the Rays win Game 2? Because they own the pitching matchup. I know, James Shields gave up 9 hits in just 5 2/3 innings in Game 6 of the ALCS. I also realize that Game 6 was at home. But, I think when you look at Shields' season-long dominance at home in comparison with Myers' mediocrity on the road, the Rays come out with the clear advantage.
Shields was 9-2 at home this year and opposing batters only hit .234 against him at the Trop. In comparison, Myers was 3-8 with a 6.21 ERA and an opponent batting average of .301 on the road.
I realize I haven't discussed the bats at all. That's because after watching these two teams this postseason I've come to the conclusion that if you give them pitches to hit, they will hit them. That's why this World Series hangs on the pitching matchups. Both of these teams will crush pitchers that make mistakes.
Also, Joe Maddon has done a nice job keeping his young team on an even kilter. He allows exactly 30 minutes for either celebration after a win or depression after a loss. Haha, kind of strict but it seems to be working. Remember that the Rays lost Game 1 against the Sox too, before battling back with a vengeance in Game 2. Look for them to do the same thing tonight.
Hit or Miss?
By the way: Sorry this one isn't longer, but I am currently sleeping my way through a discussion of Natural Law in Civ Pro II.
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This is obviously a hit. To quote Earl Weaver, "Momentum is tomorrow's starting pitcher." As much as I hate Tim McCarver, constantly pray for his death and wish him nothing but eternal torment, he said a smart thing last night by pointing out that the Phillies HAD to win Game 1 (obviously not literally true, but certainly strongly correlated with true). There is just too big of a dropoff between Hole Camels and the rest of the Phillies' staff. Tonight is Myers, who had a strong 2nd half (3.06 ERA, only 5 HRs allowed in 88.1 innings, 1.17 WHIP), but has had a pretty below average postseason, W-L record notwithstanding. Mad props to his batting, however, although that will not be a factor tonight with Matt Stairs batting for him. Saturday is Jamie Moyer, almost as old as my Dad, who has pitched a grand total of 5.1 innings and allowed eight runs this postseason. And Sunday is Joe Blanton, who is fat. I'm sick of looking up stats, so I'll just point out that they face Shields, Matt Garza, and Andy Sonnanstine, who are all much better. If the Phillies sneak a win in one of the next 2 (and I agree that I don't think it'll be tonight - probably more likely at home) and start Hamels 1-4-7, they can win the Series in seven games. But the Rays have Earl Weaver momentum for the next three games with the current "Hamels only gets 2 starts" setup, and that puts them in a pretty pickle.
I totally agree with you about the hitters though - both hit the cover off the ball, although BJ Upton looked terrible last night. Could just be a one-game thing. I love Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria and Chase Utley and Pat Burrell. These are fun hitters to watch; I kind of hope game 4 does end up being Sonnanstine-Blanton, as it makes it more likely to make the game 13-11.
There you go. A lot of words with no real substance. I'm just too lazy to go back it up.
Hit. Starting pitcher matchup does favor the Rays, but I think the combination of the Trop w/ a young team that has gotten over the first team jitters is another strong one in favor of the Rays. They'll split the Trop games and the Phills will take 2 of three in Philly. Phillies in 7.
Phillies Got This!!!
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fresh trax
I don't know much about baseball. I do know that regular hot dogs suck compared to the link kind and they RULE baby! Apple Pie is'nt my favorite but It's ok. Apple crisp is out of this world, even Spock would have to agree! He would say "Such emotions are most illogical" but he is half human and in his mind he would be saying "OH yea baby this is better than that three letter word!" and sweat would be beading from the points of his Volcan ears as he would be gunning his hot rod chevrolet to the Rays and the Phillies game. "I wish this thing had warp factor"
Let me get serious here for the moment. In what seems forever and in more than our lifetimes baseball is a kick ass American heritage and we sure would'nt be the same without it. Screw keeping track of the Dow, it makes us forget the worlds troubles and our own for just a little while. Due to my lack of knowledge on baseball I will have to say this is a hit and miss. Ok, I hope I'm not out of line here, I'm being such a smart ass lolol take care all and maybe see you the next post.
Ok, I just seen on my msnbc.com that the Phillies won. that shows you how much I watch baseball. (Laughing My Ass Off)and it was last night evidently.
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