I must say that I don't spend as much time following sports as did a few years ago. I suppose its because I have other things that occupy my time, such as working or watching movies. It also could be because of the morass that sports has become. Between off-field violence, criminal prosecutions, and the whole steroids mess, I suppose I decided to tune out*.
I've always wanted to witness a sports moment somewhat like the one at the end of the first episode of Sports Night. In that episode, co-anchor Casey, pissed off at his rough divorce, seems to be completely disillusioned with sports. Just as his anger, only tangentially related to sports, someone breaks in and tells him to tune into a runner in the process of breaking the fastest mile record. It reaffirms his belief that sports can be damn entertaining and even inspiring, even if it also can be very disappointing.
As cliche as that ending may have been, I must admit that I had a similar experience today. As I sat working on some web developing work, I was not in a good mood. Not so much in response to the work I was doing, but at certain political events and the chickenshits that cause them **. I was this close to starting a diatribe on that subject, a post that would neither assuage my frustration at the situation or do a damn thing to change it.
When my brother turned the TV on, I wasn't too appreciative of it. Had I known why, i probably wouldn't have been so angry. Unaware of what was going on on the South Side of Chicago at the time, I thought he was just going to watch some show on the DVR. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but my state of mind at that time considered it a very annoying thing to do.
Shortly after he turned the channel to Comcast SportsNet, DeWayne Wise made one of the greatest catches I had ever seen. Despite the fact that it probably saved a home run, I thought the crowd was overly exhuberant at the time. Even if he hadn't caught the ball, the Rays would still need four runs to even tie the game. The atmosphere almost seemed like a playoff game, which should have tipped me off to what was happening.
After the second out, I finally became aware of the fact that Buerhle was one out away from a perfect game. I had never seen a no-hitter as it happened, let alone a perfect game, so I immediately became transfixed on what had been just five minutes earlier a typical July game. I wasn't thinking about the crap happening in Washington, or on any of the other minute details. The only thing I was worried about at that moment was if the Sox could get just one last out.
The pessimistic side in me said he would blow it, that players from the White Sox just don't accomplish these feats. I fully expected that the count would go from 2-1 to 4-1, completely ruining the perfect game. Of course the optimistic side in me said otherwise, believing that the improbable would happen. After all, it happened in back to back Bears games in 2001, and it happened in 2005 for the White Sox. Why couldn't it happen here?
I have experienced so few times where I have been truly and unequivocally happy. Most times I wonder if I am actually happy, or if I am constructing an artificial happiness because I should be happy. When Bartlett grounded to Ramirez, who then threw it to Fields for the out, I had one of those rare moments of joy. I had witnessed history, even if was just sports history. It was the first perfect game for a White Sox pitcher since 1922, and only the seventeenth regular season perfect game in MLB history.
Those few moments had added some fun to what was otherwise a fairly mediocre day. It may be the last time I will ever see a pitcher complete one of the biggest feats in his sport, but I don't care. It cut through all of the Michael Vicks, the Barry Bonds, and the Harry Reids of the world and showed that sometimes sports (and life) can be surprising in a good way.
Thank you, Mark Buehrle and DeWayne Wise. Now please don't be discovered to be serial puppy kickers.
*Except for the Bears. I still gotta watch the Bears screw up games.
**See Reid, Harry in the Encyclopedia of Pathetic Senate Leadership for more information.
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Long Drive to October
Now that the All-Star break is over with, its time for the better half of the baseball season to begin. I must admit that I have only been marginally paying attention to the MLB this year, and can't name more than two of the division leaders*. All I know is the Cubs are underperforming, and that the White Sox are consistently inconsistent. Of course, that tends to be the case every year, so what do I know?
A quick check of the standings reveals that the division and wild card races have yet to heat up. I suppose it is good news that not a single division leader has a larger lead than 6.5 games. However, none of the leads are less than 2 games either. Sure, one series (or two) can make a difference, but it doesn't appear to be a barnburner yet in any division. Maybe it will be in a week or so, I hope so.
Now that we are on the way to the trade deadline, and the subsequent end of the season two months later, It is time for me to start paying more attention. I'll likely add a daily check of the standings, paying closer attention to the status of the Chicago teams and a couple of other rooting interests (Milwaukee and Texas for now). I'd like to see the D-Rays or Blue Jays get their act together, but it looks like another annoying battle of the Northeastern Behemoths.
I know this probably doesn't make me a true "devotee" to baseball, but I don't really care. It makes a great thing to follow before football really heats up in late October and November. I figure by the end of this month baseball will resume its secondary role as Bears camp starts up. By then, it will just be time to see when the Cubs choke. My guess is they won't be making the playoffs.***
*For the record, I could have named the Red Sox and the Cardinals, who were leaders as of the day of this post.**
**This included in case the Red Sox and Cardinals eventually lose their leads.
***Look into your heart, Cubs fans. You know it to be true.
A quick check of the standings reveals that the division and wild card races have yet to heat up. I suppose it is good news that not a single division leader has a larger lead than 6.5 games. However, none of the leads are less than 2 games either. Sure, one series (or two) can make a difference, but it doesn't appear to be a barnburner yet in any division. Maybe it will be in a week or so, I hope so.
Now that we are on the way to the trade deadline, and the subsequent end of the season two months later, It is time for me to start paying more attention. I'll likely add a daily check of the standings, paying closer attention to the status of the Chicago teams and a couple of other rooting interests (Milwaukee and Texas for now). I'd like to see the D-Rays or Blue Jays get their act together, but it looks like another annoying battle of the Northeastern Behemoths.
I know this probably doesn't make me a true "devotee" to baseball, but I don't really care. It makes a great thing to follow before football really heats up in late October and November. I figure by the end of this month baseball will resume its secondary role as Bears camp starts up. By then, it will just be time to see when the Cubs choke. My guess is they won't be making the playoffs.***
*For the record, I could have named the Red Sox and the Cardinals, who were leaders as of the day of this post.**
**This included in case the Red Sox and Cardinals eventually lose their leads.
***Look into your heart, Cubs fans. You know it to be true.
Monday, October 6, 2008
A big fat bloody L flying over Wrigley Field
As a White Sox fan (and a casual one at that), I can't say I was too angry about the Cubs pathetic effort in the NLDS. However, my brother is a big Cubs fan. Needless to say he isn't very happy.
Gauging the reaction of the Cubs fans, this one almost feels different than 2003, the last big Cubs postseason let down.* That year they were still the loveable losers, the team who once every 15-20 years makes a run at ending their drought but loses it in a heartbreaking way. Name a year, and the Cubs have a cute little collapse to go with it (1945 and the goat, 1969 and the black cat, 2003 and Steve Bartman). They were cheerful, unlike the acerbic Philadelphia fans, or the bitter and pessimistic Red Sox fans.
This defeat is different. In fact, I think this is the step that moves the Cubs fans out of the realm of lovable losers, and into the realm of impatient and bitchy fans. Real Cubs fans, contrary to the stereotypes, are some of the smartest fans in the league. They know this was one of the best opportunities for the Cubs to end the streak in place since Teddy Roosevelt was in office. They could feel it, and they knew it was their year.
But it wasn't to be. The ideal narrative for the Cubs season would have ended in one of two ways, with either a wild victory celebration, or a bizarre event in game 7 of the world series to deny the Cubs their victory. Either way would have satisfied the Cubs fans in some way, even if it maybe wasn't the positive satisfaction. Even a loss in five tough fought games against the Dodgers would have been somewhat palatable.
But to get swept in this way was just too much. It was a series that shakes the confidence of their supporters, a disaster that makes them question why in the hell they even bother with this team. The vast majority of these fans will come to terms with it, and will be back and ready to go once pitchers and catchers report. But there will be an edge, an apprehension to put their faith into this team. They have moved into Philadelphia/Boston** territory here, and only a long-awaited world series title can get them out of that trough.
Still, there are some bright signs for the Cubs. They did win back to back division titles, a feat no Chicago baseball team has ever accomplished. They still have some great players, and management who is willing to do the right things to put together a winner. A few more players who don't crap the bed in the postseason, and that streak might end at 101.
Meanwhile, the Cubs fans will withdraw to the corner, and commence licking their wounds. The Bears are 3-2, first place in the NFC North. The Illini, Northwestern, and Notre Dame are poised to play in bowl games. Even the Bulls and Blackhawks have some potential. Hell, maybe a few spiteful fans will get some enjoyment out of watching the White Sox go down in flames.*** Hey, it's only five months or so until pitchers and catchers.
After all, there's always next year.
*I ignore 2007, as the Cubs fans were mostly just happy to be there.
**Pre 2004. I wish no Cubs fan the ignominious dishonor of becoming post 2004 Red Sox fans, even if they win a world series.
***Unless they don't go down in flames, and somehow come back and beat the Rays. That would make it feel worse.
Gauging the reaction of the Cubs fans, this one almost feels different than 2003, the last big Cubs postseason let down.* That year they were still the loveable losers, the team who once every 15-20 years makes a run at ending their drought but loses it in a heartbreaking way. Name a year, and the Cubs have a cute little collapse to go with it (1945 and the goat, 1969 and the black cat, 2003 and Steve Bartman). They were cheerful, unlike the acerbic Philadelphia fans, or the bitter and pessimistic Red Sox fans.
This defeat is different. In fact, I think this is the step that moves the Cubs fans out of the realm of lovable losers, and into the realm of impatient and bitchy fans. Real Cubs fans, contrary to the stereotypes, are some of the smartest fans in the league. They know this was one of the best opportunities for the Cubs to end the streak in place since Teddy Roosevelt was in office. They could feel it, and they knew it was their year.
But it wasn't to be. The ideal narrative for the Cubs season would have ended in one of two ways, with either a wild victory celebration, or a bizarre event in game 7 of the world series to deny the Cubs their victory. Either way would have satisfied the Cubs fans in some way, even if it maybe wasn't the positive satisfaction. Even a loss in five tough fought games against the Dodgers would have been somewhat palatable.
But to get swept in this way was just too much. It was a series that shakes the confidence of their supporters, a disaster that makes them question why in the hell they even bother with this team. The vast majority of these fans will come to terms with it, and will be back and ready to go once pitchers and catchers report. But there will be an edge, an apprehension to put their faith into this team. They have moved into Philadelphia/Boston** territory here, and only a long-awaited world series title can get them out of that trough.
Still, there are some bright signs for the Cubs. They did win back to back division titles, a feat no Chicago baseball team has ever accomplished. They still have some great players, and management who is willing to do the right things to put together a winner. A few more players who don't crap the bed in the postseason, and that streak might end at 101.
Meanwhile, the Cubs fans will withdraw to the corner, and commence licking their wounds. The Bears are 3-2, first place in the NFC North. The Illini, Northwestern, and Notre Dame are poised to play in bowl games. Even the Bulls and Blackhawks have some potential. Hell, maybe a few spiteful fans will get some enjoyment out of watching the White Sox go down in flames.*** Hey, it's only five months or so until pitchers and catchers.
After all, there's always next year.
*I ignore 2007, as the Cubs fans were mostly just happy to be there.
**Pre 2004. I wish no Cubs fan the ignominious dishonor of becoming post 2004 Red Sox fans, even if they win a world series.
***Unless they don't go down in flames, and somehow come back and beat the Rays. That would make it feel worse.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Start the Parade Now!
Fear not, you fans of the woebegone North Side Nine, your World Series Title drought will end in double digits. How do I know this? Jon Lieber is back in town!
/cue "Stars and Stripes Forever" and the dancing elephants
Better get the champagne on ice!
/cue "Stars and Stripes Forever" and the dancing elephants
Better get the champagne on ice!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Will you Just Get it Over With, Please?
Dear Mr. Bonds,
I am writing you today to ask you to stop messing around, and hit two home runs. Just get it over with, so we don't have to worry about you breaking Hank Aaron's record any more, and we can start watching with anticipation all of those (currently, just A-Rod) who may pass you a few years from now.
Just get it over with, so we can add another mark on the board proving this summer is quite possibly the worst sports summer ever. This story from The Onion may be a joke, but it really isn't that far from the truth. Dog fighting, dirty refs, and tragic deaths have certainly made this summer a season to forget.
Hopefully something will happen to even the score a bit. Who knows, maybe its just the set up to a run by the Cubs. I'm sure they would like to get that monkey off their backs before he hits triple digits.
I am writing you today to ask you to stop messing around, and hit two home runs. Just get it over with, so we don't have to worry about you breaking Hank Aaron's record any more, and we can start watching with anticipation all of those (currently, just A-Rod) who may pass you a few years from now.
Just get it over with, so we can add another mark on the board proving this summer is quite possibly the worst sports summer ever. This story from The Onion may be a joke, but it really isn't that far from the truth. Dog fighting, dirty refs, and tragic deaths have certainly made this summer a season to forget.
Hopefully something will happen to even the score a bit. Who knows, maybe its just the set up to a run by the Cubs. I'm sure they would like to get that monkey off their backs before he hits triple digits.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
A look back at my MLB predictions, Part II
Now that the All-Star break has come and gone, it is time to look back at my predictions and how they relate to reality. Today, I'll take a look back at the AL. Remember, all predictions correct, or your money back!
AL East
Boston Red Sox
Predicted: 1st, 97-65
Current: 1st, 56-37
New York Yankees
Predicted: 2nd (WC), 91-71
Current: 2nd, 47-44 8 GB ALE, 7 GB WC
Toronto Blue Jays
Predicted: 3rd, 87-75
Current: 3rd, 45-48 11 GB ALE, 10 GB WC
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Predicted: 4th, 75-87
Current: 5th, 36-56 19.5 GB ALE, 18.5 GB WC
Baltimore Orioles
Predicted: 5th, 69-93
Current: 4th, 42-51 14 GB ALE, 13 GB WC
Analysis:
Boston/New York is shaping up pretty much as I had expected, and Toronto was in the right position, if not nearly close to the record I had them at. Tampa Bay showed me once again that any optimism on their part is not realistic.
AL Central
Detroit Tigers
Predicted: 1st, 94-68
Current: 1st, 55-36
Chicago White Sox
Predicted: 2nd, 92-70
Current: 4th, 41-51 14.5 GB ALC, 13.5 GB WC
Minnesota Twins
Predicted: 3rd, 84-78
Current: 3rd, 49-44 7 GB ALC, 6 GB WC
Cleveland Indians
Predicted: 4th, 79-83
Current: 2nd, 55-38 1 GB ALC, WC
Kansas City Royals
Predicted: 5th, 60-102
Current: 5th, 40-53 16 GB ALC, 15 GB WC
Analysis:
Hey, I got the Tigers, Twins, and Royals in the right position, didn't I. Yeah, my prediction on the White Sox was terrible, and probably wouldn't have been so high if, you know, I actually did any research in making these predictions. Royals fans can take comfort that they should be able to do better than my 60-102 prediction.
AL West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Predicted: 1st, 90-72
Current: 1st, 55-37
Texas Rangers
Predicted: 2nd, 81-81
Current: 4th, 41-52 14.5 GB ALW, 14 GB WC
Oakland A's
Predicted: 3rd, 70-92
Current: 3rd, 44-50 12 GB ALW, 11.5 GB WC
Seattle Mariners
Predicted: 4th, 65-97
Current: 2nd, 52-39 2.5 GB ALW, 2 GB WC
Analysis:
Well, I picked the Angels to do well, and the A's are as mediocre as I predicted. The Mariners are a real surprise this year, and the Rangers are once again extending that World Series drought with an anemic 2007 performance.
With the three division leaders predicted correctly, that makes the NL Central the lone incorrect division leader. Here's hoping the Cubs will turn it around and make my prediction correct in that respect. As for the Wild Cards, the Phillies and (especially) the White Sox have some work to do.
Check back in October when these predictions actually mean something.
AL East
Boston Red Sox
Predicted: 1st, 97-65
Current: 1st, 56-37
New York Yankees
Predicted: 2nd (WC), 91-71
Current: 2nd, 47-44 8 GB ALE, 7 GB WC
Toronto Blue Jays
Predicted: 3rd, 87-75
Current: 3rd, 45-48 11 GB ALE, 10 GB WC
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Predicted: 4th, 75-87
Current: 5th, 36-56 19.5 GB ALE, 18.5 GB WC
Baltimore Orioles
Predicted: 5th, 69-93
Current: 4th, 42-51 14 GB ALE, 13 GB WC
Analysis:
Boston/New York is shaping up pretty much as I had expected, and Toronto was in the right position, if not nearly close to the record I had them at. Tampa Bay showed me once again that any optimism on their part is not realistic.
AL Central
Detroit Tigers
Predicted: 1st, 94-68
Current: 1st, 55-36
Chicago White Sox
Predicted: 2nd, 92-70
Current: 4th, 41-51 14.5 GB ALC, 13.5 GB WC
Minnesota Twins
Predicted: 3rd, 84-78
Current: 3rd, 49-44 7 GB ALC, 6 GB WC
Cleveland Indians
Predicted: 4th, 79-83
Current: 2nd, 55-38 1 GB ALC, WC
Kansas City Royals
Predicted: 5th, 60-102
Current: 5th, 40-53 16 GB ALC, 15 GB WC
Analysis:
Hey, I got the Tigers, Twins, and Royals in the right position, didn't I. Yeah, my prediction on the White Sox was terrible, and probably wouldn't have been so high if, you know, I actually did any research in making these predictions. Royals fans can take comfort that they should be able to do better than my 60-102 prediction.
AL West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Predicted: 1st, 90-72
Current: 1st, 55-37
Texas Rangers
Predicted: 2nd, 81-81
Current: 4th, 41-52 14.5 GB ALW, 14 GB WC
Oakland A's
Predicted: 3rd, 70-92
Current: 3rd, 44-50 12 GB ALW, 11.5 GB WC
Seattle Mariners
Predicted: 4th, 65-97
Current: 2nd, 52-39 2.5 GB ALW, 2 GB WC
Analysis:
Well, I picked the Angels to do well, and the A's are as mediocre as I predicted. The Mariners are a real surprise this year, and the Rangers are once again extending that World Series drought with an anemic 2007 performance.
With the three division leaders predicted correctly, that makes the NL Central the lone incorrect division leader. Here's hoping the Cubs will turn it around and make my prediction correct in that respect. As for the Wild Cards, the Phillies and (especially) the White Sox have some work to do.
Check back in October when these predictions actually mean something.
Monday, July 16, 2007
A look back at my MLB predictions, Part I.
Now that the All-Star break has come and gone, it is time to look back at my predictions and how they relate to reality. Part 1 is the NL, part 2 will be the AL. Remember, all predictions correct
NL East
New York Mets
Predicted: 1st, 94-68
Current: 1st, 51-40
Philadelphia Phillies
Predicted: 2nd (WC), 92-70
Current: 3rd, 46-45 5GB NLE, 4.5 GB WC
Florida Marlins
Predicted: 3rd, 81-81
Current: 4th, 44-48 7.5 GB NLE, 7 GB WC
Atlanta Braves
Predicted: 4th, 79-83
Current: 2nd, 50-42 1.5 GB NLE, 1 GB WC
Washington Nationals
Predicted: 5th, 63-99
Current: 5th, 37-54 14 GB NLE, 13.5 GB WC
Analysis:
Not too bad with the predictions here. Washington is about as bad as predicted, and the Phillies are definitely in the playoff race. NY is leading the division, so I'm 1 for 1 so far on division leaders. The only real problem was Atlanta, who is having a much better season than I predicted.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Predicted: 1st, 91-71
Current: 2nd, 47-43 3.5 GB NLC, 3 GB WC
Milwaukee Brewers
Predicted: 2nd, 89-73
Current: 1st, 51-40
St. Louis Cardinals
Predicted: 3rd, 84-78
Current: 3rd, 41-47 8.5 GB NLC, 8 GB WC
Houston Astros
Predicted: 4th, 80-82
Current: 5th, 39-53 12.5 GB NLC, 12 GB WC
Cincinnati Reds
Predicted: 5th, 73-89
Current: 6th, 37-55 14.5 GB NLC, 14 GB WC
Pittsburgh Pirates
Predicted: 6th, 65-97
Current: 4th, 40-51 11 GB NLC, 10.5 GB WC
Analysis:
I was right that the Cubs and the Brewers would be the class of the division. However, the rest of the division is rather wrong. Only one of the six teams are currently in the position I picked them to be. If the Cubs hadn't turned it around after the slow start, this prediction would have been really bad.
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers
Predicted: 1st, 87-75
Current: 1st, 52-40
San Diego Padres
Predicted: 2nd, 85-77
Current: 2nd, 50-40 1GB NLW, WC
Arizona Diamondbacks
Predicted: 3rd, 81-81
Current: 3rd, 49-44 3.5 GB NLW, 2.5 GB WC
Colorado Rockies
Predicted: 4th, 77-85
Current: 4th, 45-46 6.5 GB NLW, 5.5 GB WC
San Francisco Giants
Predicted: 5th, 75-87
Current: 5th, 38-51 12.5 GB NLW, 11.5 GB WC
Analysis:
The NL West has shaped up pretty much as I had predicted. The Giants are pretty bad, the Rockies are mediocre, and the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Padres are fighting for the top spot. The only real problem I had with this division was that they are over-performing my predictions.
All in all, it could have been worse. I predicted two of the three division winners, and got one division entirely correct. Naturally, this analysis is meaningless at this point, as the season is still going.
The A.L. will be coming shortly.
NL East
New York Mets
Predicted: 1st, 94-68
Current: 1st, 51-40
Philadelphia Phillies
Predicted: 2nd (WC), 92-70
Current: 3rd, 46-45 5GB NLE, 4.5 GB WC
Florida Marlins
Predicted: 3rd, 81-81
Current: 4th, 44-48 7.5 GB NLE, 7 GB WC
Atlanta Braves
Predicted: 4th, 79-83
Current: 2nd, 50-42 1.5 GB NLE, 1 GB WC
Washington Nationals
Predicted: 5th, 63-99
Current: 5th, 37-54 14 GB NLE, 13.5 GB WC
Analysis:
Not too bad with the predictions here. Washington is about as bad as predicted, and the Phillies are definitely in the playoff race. NY is leading the division, so I'm 1 for 1 so far on division leaders. The only real problem was Atlanta, who is having a much better season than I predicted.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Predicted: 1st, 91-71
Current: 2nd, 47-43 3.5 GB NLC, 3 GB WC
Milwaukee Brewers
Predicted: 2nd, 89-73
Current: 1st, 51-40
St. Louis Cardinals
Predicted: 3rd, 84-78
Current: 3rd, 41-47 8.5 GB NLC, 8 GB WC
Houston Astros
Predicted: 4th, 80-82
Current: 5th, 39-53 12.5 GB NLC, 12 GB WC
Cincinnati Reds
Predicted: 5th, 73-89
Current: 6th, 37-55 14.5 GB NLC, 14 GB WC
Pittsburgh Pirates
Predicted: 6th, 65-97
Current: 4th, 40-51 11 GB NLC, 10.5 GB WC
Analysis:
I was right that the Cubs and the Brewers would be the class of the division. However, the rest of the division is rather wrong. Only one of the six teams are currently in the position I picked them to be. If the Cubs hadn't turned it around after the slow start, this prediction would have been really bad.
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers
Predicted: 1st, 87-75
Current: 1st, 52-40
San Diego Padres
Predicted: 2nd, 85-77
Current: 2nd, 50-40 1GB NLW, WC
Arizona Diamondbacks
Predicted: 3rd, 81-81
Current: 3rd, 49-44 3.5 GB NLW, 2.5 GB WC
Colorado Rockies
Predicted: 4th, 77-85
Current: 4th, 45-46 6.5 GB NLW, 5.5 GB WC
San Francisco Giants
Predicted: 5th, 75-87
Current: 5th, 38-51 12.5 GB NLW, 11.5 GB WC
Analysis:
The NL West has shaped up pretty much as I had predicted. The Giants are pretty bad, the Rockies are mediocre, and the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Padres are fighting for the top spot. The only real problem I had with this division was that they are over-performing my predictions.
All in all, it could have been worse. I predicted two of the three division winners, and got one division entirely correct. Naturally, this analysis is meaningless at this point, as the season is still going.
The A.L. will be coming shortly.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Thanks a lot, Cubs
Dear Cubs,
Thanks a lot. You're really making my predictions look great. Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Amy
Monday, April 2, 2007
It's Opening Day
Although the Mets victory over the Cardinals last night was the official start of the 2007 baseball season, today is the traditional start of the season. And even though it isn't special enough these days to warrant a ceremonial pitch from the President, it still is one of the great days in sports.
Opening day is a day of hope. Fans of every team, from the perennial contenders to the Royals and Pirates, can feel optimistic on this day. And even though many of those hopes will be dashed (for the Royals and Pirates it will be on April 3), they can always look on this day as a day of boundless optimism. Yes even Cubs fans can give in to a sense of optimism, feeling that the drought has to end sometime...right?...RIGHT?
Anyway, now it is time for meaningless predictions. I am not a heavy follower of baseball, and even the best prepared prognosticator is wrong sometimes. Just remember that all predictions come with a money-back guarantee.
National League
East
x-New York Mets 94-68
y-Philadelphia Phillies 92-70
Florida Marlins 81-81
Atlanta Braves 79-83
Washington Nationals 63-99
Central
x-Chicago Cubs 91-71
Milwaukee Brewers 89-73
St. Louis Cardinals 84-78
Houston Astros 80-82
Cincinnati Reds 73-89
Pittsburgh Pirates 65-97
West
x-Los Angeles Dodgers 87-75
San Diego Padres 85-77
Arizona Diamondbacks 81-81
Colorado Rockies 77-85
San Francisco Giants 75-87
American League
East
x-Boston Red Sox 97-65
New York Yankees 91-61
Toronto Blue Jays 87-75
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 75-87
Baltimore Orioles 69-93
Central
x-Detroit Tigers 94-68
y-Chicago White Sox 92-70
Minnesota Twins 84-78
Cleveland Indians 79-83
Kansas City Royals 60-102
West
x-Los Angeles Angels of 90-72
Anaheim
Texas Rangers 81-81
Oakland A's 70-92
Seattle Mariners 65-97
Divisional Playoffs
NL
Dodgers over Mets 3-1
Cubs over Phillies 3-2
AL
Red Sox over White Sox 3-2
Angels over Tigers 3-0
LCS
Cubs over Dodgers 4-2
Angels over Red Sox 4-3
World Series
Angels over Cubs 4-3 (Wait til' next year...)
Opening day is a day of hope. Fans of every team, from the perennial contenders to the Royals and Pirates, can feel optimistic on this day. And even though many of those hopes will be dashed (for the Royals and Pirates it will be on April 3), they can always look on this day as a day of boundless optimism. Yes even Cubs fans can give in to a sense of optimism, feeling that the drought has to end sometime...right?...RIGHT?
Anyway, now it is time for meaningless predictions. I am not a heavy follower of baseball, and even the best prepared prognosticator is wrong sometimes. Just remember that all predictions come with a money-back guarantee.
National League
East
x-New York Mets 94-68
y-Philadelphia Phillies 92-70
Florida Marlins 81-81
Atlanta Braves 79-83
Washington Nationals 63-99
Central
x-Chicago Cubs 91-71
Milwaukee Brewers 89-73
St. Louis Cardinals 84-78
Houston Astros 80-82
Cincinnati Reds 73-89
Pittsburgh Pirates 65-97
West
x-Los Angeles Dodgers 87-75
San Diego Padres 85-77
Arizona Diamondbacks 81-81
Colorado Rockies 77-85
San Francisco Giants 75-87
American League
East
x-Boston Red Sox 97-65
New York Yankees 91-61
Toronto Blue Jays 87-75
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 75-87
Baltimore Orioles 69-93
Central
x-Detroit Tigers 94-68
y-Chicago White Sox 92-70
Minnesota Twins 84-78
Cleveland Indians 79-83
Kansas City Royals 60-102
West
x-Los Angeles Angels of 90-72
Anaheim
Texas Rangers 81-81
Oakland A's 70-92
Seattle Mariners 65-97
Divisional Playoffs
NL
Dodgers over Mets 3-1
Cubs over Phillies 3-2
AL
Red Sox over White Sox 3-2
Angels over Tigers 3-0
LCS
Cubs over Dodgers 4-2
Angels over Red Sox 4-3
World Series
Angels over Cubs 4-3 (Wait til' next year...)
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