Forty Posted October 4, 2007 Share Posted October 4, 2007 The Yankees failed to win their division for the first time since 1997, ending a ten year stranglehold on one of the scariest divisions in baseball. They made it interesting though, nearly toppling the Red Sox' season long dominance over their division rivals. The Yankees are more familiar with postseason success than any franchise in any sport in this country. They have one of the sickest lineups ever seen in baseball, and it has carried them to a lot of wins behind a weak, depleted pitching rotation. The Yanks straight up devour entire pitching staffs from city to city with their plethora of guys who work pitchers deep in counts and spray to all fields. What they lack in defensive prowess they make up for in sheer offense. However, one bad day in the lineup can cost the Yankees dearly in a loser-go-home format like October- as seen by their failure to make the World Series since 2003, and not winning since 2000. Their pitching lacks depth and their bullpen is shaky. I have doubts about their ability to pitch their way to victory over markedly impressive batting orders in Cleveland, LAA, and Boston. I think the aging Yankees' window is closing quickly, and that they've only made it here this year based on their offensive abilities. Joba Chamberlain is an ace in the making, but the rest of the bullpen leaves question marks, including ice man Mo Rivera. Cleveland was my early pick to go to the ALCS vs. Boston, and they haven't disappointed. They have managed to post one of the best records in baseball at the same time that their offensive workhorse Travis Hafner posted arguably his worst season as a professional. C.C. Sabathia heads a two-pronged pitching monster assisted by Fausto Carmona, who set up a mean bullpen anchored by stud closer Joe Nathan. They have speed scattered throughout the lineup around heavy hitters like Victor Martinez and the versatile Grady Sizemore. They play with energy and heart, and I consider them a sort of poor man's Red Sox. I think they have been craving an opportunity to prove themselves since way back in 1996 when they lost to the Braves in the World Series. I don't know about beating the Yankees, but they can make it interesting. Also, having home field advantage is a plus. I call it a toss-up, but I'm going to go with my heart (and not my gut) and say Cleveland takes it in five games. It could really go either way, but I am hoping for some postseason excitement for my beloved tribe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just another thug Posted October 4, 2007 Share Posted October 4, 2007 I'm really excited for this series to happen. I think the Indians have a good balance of youth and veterans, that is they have the young guys playing with heart and the veterans with experience. I think the pitching on the Indians will be the deciding factor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Posted October 5, 2007 Author Share Posted October 5, 2007 Sabathia has given up 3 through 5 innings, and Cleveland leads 4-3...but Sabathia's efficiency was the pits tonight. 115 pitches through 5 innings. I guess against the Yankees that isn't so bad, since everyone on their team can work the count deep. But I expected a little more solid of a start from the big lefty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attorney General Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Sabathia has given up 3 through 5 innings, and Cleveland leads 4-3...but Sabathia's efficiency was the pits tonight. 115 pitches through 5 innings. I guess against the Yankees that isn't so bad, since everyone on their team can work the count deep. But I expected a little more solid of a start from the big lefty. I think Sabathia should take the AL Cy Young this year...not Beckett. He did, uncharacteristically, walk a bunch of guys tonight. New York will make you work...that's for sure. But Victor Martinez just hit a two run bomb...Lofton knocked in his third RBI and all of a sudden it's 9-3, Tribe. Wang, Ohlendorf and the Yanks are imploding!! This is no good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthYENIK Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I have to be serious. I don't think the Yankees have a chance. Even if by some miracle they win this series, they'd never get past the Angels or Red Sox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Posted October 5, 2007 Author Share Posted October 5, 2007 Exactly. Their offense carried them through most of the season because their pitching is a total mess. Wang looked like sh*t last night, and I expect Pettitte to be a bit more on his game tonight. Still, the Yankees' chances don't look too good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digïtál £vîl Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I hate to be a pain, but why do we need mutliple topics about the post season? I really think this could have been done in the old topic. On topic with this topic: I'm watching the current game right now. I love the fact that TBS is hosting it because it is one of the main channels I get that broadcast in HD. I've never been able to watch my games in HD and now I get to enjoy the entire post season in it. It makes a huge difference. Honestly, the reason the yankees have such a great line-up is because of the amount of money they can spend on it. reading up on the economics of baseball is a very interesting thing. I recommend it to anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Posted October 5, 2007 Author Share Posted October 5, 2007 I hate to be a pain, but why do we need mutliple topics about the post season? I really think this could have been done in the old topic. On topic with this topic: I'm watching the current game right now. I love the fact that TBS is hosting it because it is one of the main channels I get that broadcast in HD. I've never been able to watch my games in HD and now I get to enjoy the entire post season in it. It makes a huge difference. Honestly, the reason the yankees have such a great line-up is because of the amount of money they can spend on it. reading up on the economics of baseball is a very interesting thing. I recommend it to anyone. Because I was trying to create a bit of diversity here rather than keeping everything in the same 5 topics all year long. It was just to try it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Rob Posted October 6, 2007 Share Posted October 6, 2007 My Indians are looking good right now. If they can get by Boston I don't think any of the NL teams can seriously challenge them in the World Series to be honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Posted October 6, 2007 Author Share Posted October 6, 2007 My Indians are looking good right now. If they can get by Boston I don't think any of the NL teams can seriously challenge them in the World Series to be honest. you always forget to do your picks for Pick Em Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Rob Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 Yeah, I know I always forget. Thanks for reminding me, and I got them in this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyanurag Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 <the whole first post> I've no business here, really. I've never been a big baseball fan, though I became really interested over the summer when I spent some time in the States. But I must say that your post somehow got me all excited - you should consider calling plays on TV or becoming a sports journalist. (Okay, maybe you've better things to do, but whatever.) Also, I think the Indians lost to the Marlins in the 1997 World Series. In 1996, they were knocked out in the Division Series by the Orioles, if I recall correctly. I'm cheering for the Indians because I like rooting for the underdogs. And since I don't like the Yankees. You'll Never Walk Alone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Posted October 8, 2007 Author Share Posted October 8, 2007 Thanks for the kind words. The Yankees put up a fight tonight, which makes it interesting for game 4. Cleveland had the lead through the first 5 innings until a 3-run blast from Johnny Damon stole the advantage. Philip Hughes is a stud in the making, and he was definitely clutch tonight. I just hope the Tribe can close em out . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runey Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 Woot! I see this coming down to the last game... This is the only Division series that isn't a sweep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over The Wall Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 As a Yankees fan my biggest concern for game 4 is the bullpen. I like Wang pitching at home (2.75 ERA at home vs 4.93 ERA on road during season), but I don't expect more than 5 innings out of him going out on short rest. Joba threw a lot of pitches, and I'm not sure what we can expect out of Hughes in relief considering it isn't what he's used to. Mussina is hit or miss and the thought of giving him the ball in a key situation scares me. I hope we can score enough to give the bullpen some cushion because I'm sure they'll need it. I can see a high scoring game with a chunk of it coming after the 5th inning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runey Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 OTW! Dang, its been a while, man...how's it going? I say Wang should pitch game 4 and if there is a game 5, put Mussina out there.... this is the time of the year to put your cards on the table and let whatever happens happen. I'm feeling confident for game 4 that the Yankees will win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthYENIK Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 Where did you guys go for the past week? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attorney General Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 I say Wang should pitch game 4 and if there is a game 5, put Mussina out there.... this is the time of the year to put your cards on the table and let whatever happens happen. I'm feeling confident for game 4 that the Yankees will win. Agreed that Wang needs to start in game four...but I'd lean on Pettite in the deciding game if they can make it. I'd keep Moose on ice for the time being. Hughes and Joba looked sharp tonight...as did Rivera. Nice to see they're coming on strong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digïtál £vîl Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 Where did you guys go for the past week? You could ask that about the Angel's entire team too. hahaha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthYENIK Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 Come on, we're supposed to not like the yankees together. It is in my opinion, that either if the Yankees or Indians win this series, they'll lose against the Red Sox. I'd really like to see the Indians in the World Series though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Posted October 9, 2007 Author Share Posted October 9, 2007 Looks like it's Mussina tonight, not Wang. He gave up 4 runs through the first 2 innings and now it's a 4-1 Cleveland advantage in the 3rd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Posted October 9, 2007 Author Share Posted October 9, 2007 F*CK YEAH GO TRIBE BABY!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTA3Rockstar Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 Who says you can double post int wo topics 40? Well, the Yankees are out. The Rockies are still in and I really believe they can make it to the world series. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just another thug Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 That was hot. I love how the tribe put the yanks in their place in yankee stadium. Thank god Borowski had a few runs to work with when he finished the night. Now it's time to prepare for the Sox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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